bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On metric characterizations of the Radon–Nikodým and related properties of Banach spaces
Authors: Ostrovskii Mikhail I.
Published: June 2014

We find a class of metric structures which do not admit bilipschitz embeddings into Banach spaces with the Radon–Nikodým property. Our proof relies on Chatterji's (1968) martingale characterization of the RNP and does not use the Cheeger's (1999) metric differentiation theory. The class includes the infinite diamond and both Laakso (2000) spaces. We also show that for each of these structures there is a non-RNP Banach space which does not admit its bilipschitz embedding.

We prove that a dual Banach space does not have the RNP if and only if it admits a bilipschitz embedding of the infinite diamond.

The paper also contains related characterizations of reflexivity and the infinite tree property.
Performance analysis of lobed nozzle ejectors for high altitude simulation of rocket engines
Authors: Bruce Ralphin Rose J. , Veni Grace J.
Published: June 2014

Ejectors are used in high altitude testing of rocket engines to create vacuum for simulating the engine test in vacuum conditions. The performance of an ejector plays a vital role in creating vacuum at the exit of the engine nozzle and the nozzle design exit pressure at the time of ignition. Consequently, the performance of ejectors has to be improved to reduce the consumption of active fluid. In this investigation, the performance of an ejector has been improved by changing the exit shear plane of the nozzle. Conventionally, conical nozzles are used for creating the required momentum. Lobes of 4 no's, 6 no's and 8 numbers for an equivalent area ratio = 5.88 are used to increase the shear area. The influence of shear plane variation in the suction pressure is studied by a detailed CFD analysis.
High-fat, low-carbohydrate diet promotes arrhythmic death and increases myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats
Authors: Liu Jian , Wang Peipei , Zou Luyun , Qu Jing , Litovsky Silvio , Umeda Patrick , Zhou Lufang , Chatham John , Marsh Susan A. , Dell'Italia Louis J. , Lloyd Steven G.
Published: June 2014

High-fat, low-carbohydrate diets (HFLCD) are often eaten by humans for a variety of reasons, but the effects of such diets on the heart are incompletely understood. We evaluated the impact of HFLCD on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) using an in vivo model of left anterior descending coronary artery ligation. Sprague-Dawley rats (300 g) were fed HFLCD (60% calories fat, 30% protein, 10% carbohydrate) or control (CONT; 16% fat, 19% protein, 65% carbohydrate) diet for 2 wk and then underwent open chest I/R. At baseline (preischemia), diet did not affect left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function. Oil red O staining revealed presence of lipid in the heart with HFLCD but not in CONT. Following I/R, recovery of LV function was decreased in HFLCD. HFLCD hearts exhibited decreased ATP synthase and increased uncoupling protein-3 gene and protein expression. HFLCD downregulated mitochondrial fusion proteins and upregulated fission proteins and store-operated Ca2+ channel proteins. HFLCD led to increased death during I/R; 6 of 22 CONT rats and 16 of 26 HFLCD rats died due to ventricular arrhythmias and hemodynamic shock. In surviving rats, HFLCD led to larger infarct size. We concluded that in vivo HFLCD does not affect nonischemic LV function but leads to greater myocardial injury during I/R, with increased risk of death by pump failure and ventricular arrhythmias, which might be associated with altered cardiac energetics, mitochondrial fission/fusion dynamics, and store-operated Ca2+ channel expression.
Diversity of mitochondria-dependent dilator mechanisms in vascular smooth muscle of cerebral arteries from normal and insulin-resistant rats
Authors: Katakam Prasad V. G. , Gordon Angellica O. , Sure Venkata N. L. R. , Rutkai I. , Busija David W.
Published: June 2014

Mitochondrial depolarization following ATP-sensitive potassium (mitoKATP) channel activation has been shown to induce cerebral vasodilation by generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), which sequentially promotes frequency of calcium sparks and activation of large conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (BKCa) in vascular smooth muscle (VSM). We previously demonstrated that cerebrovascular insulin resistance accompanies aging and obesity. It is unclear whether mitochondrial depolarization without the ROS generation enhances calcium sparks and vasodilation in phenotypically normal [Sprague Dawley (SD); Zucker lean (ZL)] and insulin-resistant [Zucker obese (ZO)] rats. We compared the mechanisms underlying the vasodilation to ROS-dependent (diazoxide) and ROS-independent [BMS-191095 (BMS)] mitoKATP channel activators in normal and ZO rats. Arterial diameter studies from SD, ZL, and ZO rats showed that BMS as well as diazoxide induced vasodilation in endothelium-denuded cerebral arteries. In normal rats, BMS-induced vasodilation was mediated by mitochondrial depolarization and calcium sparks generation in VSM and was reduced by inhibition of BKCa channels. However, unlike diazoxide-induced vasodilation, scavenging of ROS had no effect on BMS-induced vasodilation. Electron spin resonance spectroscopy confirmed that diazoxide but not BMS promoted vascular ROS generation. BMS- as well as diazoxide-induced vasodilation, mitochondrial depolarization, and calcium spark generation were diminished in cerebral arteries from ZO rats. Thus pharmacological depolarization of VSM mitochondria by BMS promotes ROS-independent vasodilation via generation of calcium sparks and activation of BKCa channels. Diminished generation of calcium sparks and reduced vasodilation in ZO arteries in response to BMS and diazoxide provide new insights into mechanisms of cerebrovascular dysfunction in insulin resistance.
A Study on the Security Algorithm for Contexts in Smart Cities
Authors: Ko Hoon , Bae Kitae , Kim Sang Heon , An Kyung Jin
Published: June 2014

Recently, a great number of smart devices associated with their users exist within Smart City. Users are constantly moving around within Smart City according to their plans and consequently receive various network services from hosting devices adjacent. Currently, there are numbers of different types of security algorithms related to those activities; moreover, under such complexity of digital environment including various network devices and users, selective and customised services need to be provided for suitable purposes. However, the provided services are to be secured and well protected. Each customised service usually keeps tailored security policy and algorithm. Conventionally, every service including different servers, network, and users employs the same security algorithm so that sensitive information could be traced and revealed by using counter tracing method. Therefore, this paper investigates tailored smart security algorithm, which is taking into account scenarios within smart cities. Consequently, users are able to be protected under tailored security modules based on circumstances of network, smart devices, and types of services.
Performance and Logistical Challenges of Alternative HIV-1 Virological Monitoring Options in a Clinical Setting of Harare, Zimbabwe
Authors: Ondoa Pascale , Shamu Tinei , Bronze Michelle , Wellington Maureen , Boender Tamara Sonia , Manting Corry , Steegen Kim , Luethy Rudi , Rinke de Wit Tobias
Published: June 2014

We evaluated a low-cost virological failure assay (VFA) on plasma and dried blood spot (DBS) specimens from HIV-1 infected patients attending an HIV clinic in Harare. The results were compared to the performance of the ultrasensitive heat-denatured p24 assay (p24). The COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan HIV-1 test, version 2.0, served as the gold standard. Using a cutoff of 5,000 copies/mL, the plasma VFA had a sensitivity of 94.5% and specificity of 92.7% and was largely superior to the VFA on DBS (sensitivity = 61.9%; specificity = 99.0%) or to the p24 (sensitivity = 54.3%; specificity = 82.3%) when tested on 302 HIV treated and untreated patients. However, among the 202 long-term ART-exposed patients, the sensitivity of the VFA decreased to 72.7% and to 35.7% using a threshold of 5,000 and 1,000 RNA copies/mL, respectively. We show that the VFA (either on plasma or on DBS) and the p24 are not reliable to monitor long-term treated, HIV-1 infected patients. Moreover, achieving acceptable assay sensitivity using DBS proved technically difficult in a less-experienced laboratory. Importantly, the high level of virological suppression (93%) indicated that quality care focused on treatment adherence limits virological failure even when PCR-based viral load monitoring is not available.
Increased Upper and Lower Tract Urothelial Carcinoma in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease: A Nationwide Cohort Study in Taiwan during 1997–2008
Authors: Wang Shuo-Meng , Lai Ming-Nan , Chen Pau-Chung , Pu Yeong-Shiau , Lai Ming-Kuen , Hwang Jing-Shiang , Wang Jung-Der
Published: June 2014

Background. Urothelial cancer (UC) is the leading cancer of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in Taiwan. The aims of this study were to explore the time trends of UC incidences and propose possible etiologic factors.Methods. Abstracting from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD), there were 90,477 newly diagnosed cases of ESRD between 1997 and 2008 covering the patients aged 40–85. Among them, 2,708 had developed UC after diagnosis of ESRD. The CIR40–85(cumulative incidence rate) of upper tract UC (UTUC) and lower tract UC (LTUC) were calculated for ESRD patients and general population, as well as SIR40–85(standardized incidence ratio) for comparison.Results. Female ESRD patients were found to have 9–18 times of elevated risks of UC, while those of males were increased up to 4–14 times. The time trends of CIR40–84and SIR40–84of UTUC in females appear to decline after calendar year 2000. These trends may be related to AA associated herbal products after 1998.Conclusions. Patients with ESRD are at increased risks for both LTUC and UTUC in Taiwan. We hypothesize that the time trends associate with the consumption of aristolochic acid in Chinese herbal products (female predominant).
An Investigation of Cigarettes Smoking Behavior and Nicotine Dependence among Chinese Methamphetamine Users in Two Provinces
Authors: Wang Ziyun , Bao Yanping , Yan Shiyan , Lian Zhi , Jia Zhenjun , Liu Zhimin
Published: June 2014

Objective. To survey cigarette behaviors and nicotine dependence among Chinese MA users, explore risk factors for high nicotine dependence, and analyze the relationship between nicotine dependence and MA-related euphoria and sexual impulse.Methods. A cross-sectional study, applying a self-designed questionnaire with the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS), was performed among 391 MA users in Beijing and Guangdong, China.Results. Most MA users were smokers, including 159 having high dependence on nicotine (HD users,FTND>5)and 197 low or medium dependent (LMD users,FTND≤5). Men or married users were more likely to be highly dependent than women or unmarried users. Higher MA dose and ever-use of ketamine or alcohol were associated with higher likelihood of high nicotine dependence. HD users reported significantly higher euphoria and stronger sexual impulse after using MA, indicated by higher VAS scores.Conclusions. Potential risk factors for high nicotine dependence among MA users may include male gender, being married, higher MA dosage, and ever-use of ketamine or alcohol, which should be taken into consideration in individualized health promotion on smoking cessation. Severe nicotine dependence was associated with stronger MA-related euphoria and sexual impulse and it should be confirmed by further studies.
The Effects of Dynamic Loading on Hysteretic Behavior of Frictional Dampers
Authors: Rahmani Samani Hamid , Mirtaheri Masoud , Zandi Amir Peyman , Bahai Hamid
Published: June 2014

During an earthquake excitation, a frictional damper may experience many cycles of dynamic loading. The effects of wear and heat induced by the cyclic loading result in the possible decay of the slippage load which subsequently reduce the energy absorption of the damper. In this paper, the effect of dynamic loading on hysteretic behavior of a special kind of frictional damper, namely, cylindrical frictional damper (CFD), is investigated by experimental means as well as numerical models which also account for coupled thermal-structural interaction. The damper is deemed to be more susceptible to thermal deformations due to the shrink-fit mechanism by which the device is assembled. The numerical models are validated experimentally and may be utilized for simulation of dynamic cyclic loading on frictional dampers. The results demonstrate that the slippage load is reduced gradually when subjected to consecutive cycles. This drift is attributed to thermal deformation. The verified numerical models are used to improve the geometry of the CFD. With the geometrical improvements implemented, the subsequent numerical studies confirmed that almost no degradation of the slippage load occurred. Furthermore, a dimensionless parameter is introduced by the authors which shows the effect of wear on the response of CFDs.
Classifying Cervical Spondylosis Based on Fuzzy Calculation
Authors: Yu Xinghu , Xiang Liangbi
Published: June 2014

Conventional evaluation of X-ray radiographs aiming at diagnosing cervical spondylosis (CS) often depends on the clinic experiences, visual reading of radiography, and analysis of certain regions of interest (ROIs) about clinician himself or herself. These steps are not only time consuming and subjective, but also prone to error for inexperienced clinicians due to low resolution of X-ray. This paper proposed an approach based on fuzzy calculation to classify CS. From the X-ray of CS manifestations, we extracted 10 effective ROIs to establish X-ray symptom-disease table of CS. Fuzzy calculation model based on the table can be carried out to classify CS and improve the diagnosis accuracy. The proposed model yields approximately 80.33% accuracy in classifying CS.
AcetylcholinesteraseInhibition by Biofumigant (Coumaran) from Leaves ofLantana camarain Stored Grain and Household Insect Pests
Authors: Rajashekar Yallappa , Raghavendra Anjanappa , Bakthavatsalam Nandagopal
Published: June 2014

Recent studies proved that the biofumigants could be an alternative to chemical fumigants against stored grain insect pests. For this reason, it is necessary to understand the mode of action of biofumigants. In the present study the prospectus of utilisingLantana camaraas a potent fumigant insecticide is being discussed. Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) by Coumaran, an active ingredient extracted from the plantL. camara, was studied. The biofumigant was used as an enzyme inhibitor and acetylthiocholine iodide as a substrate along with Ellman’s reagent to carry out the reactions. Thein vivoinhibition was observed in both dose dependent and time dependent in case of housefly, and the nervous tissue (ganglion) and the whole insect homogenate of stored grain insect exposed to Coumaran. The possible mode of action of Coumaran as anacetylcholinesteraseinhibitor is discussed.
Application of Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm to Portfolio Adjustment Problem with Transaction Costs
Authors: Chen Wei , Ma Hui , Yang Yiping , Sun Mengrong
Published: June 2014

Compared with the conventional probabilistic mean-variance methodology, fuzzy number can better describe an uncertain environment with vagueness and ambiguity. In this paper, we discuss a portfolio adjusting problem under the assumption that the returns of risky assets are fuzzy numbers and there exist general transaction costs in portfolio adjusting process. In the proposed model, we take the first possibilistic moment about zero of a portfolio as the investment return and the second possibilistic moment about the possibilistic mean value of the portfolio as the investment risk. To solve the proposed model, a modified artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm is developed for calculating the optimal portfolio adjusting strategy. Finally, a numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed model and approach.
Comparison of Two Assays to Determine Anti-Citrullinated Peptide Antibodies in Rheumatoid Arthritis in relation to Other Chronic Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases: Assaying Anti-Modified Citrullinated Vimentin Antibodies Adds Value to Second-Generation Anti-Citrullinated Cyclic Peptides Testing
Authors: Díaz-Toscano Miriam Lizette , Olivas-Flores Eva Maria , Zavaleta-Muñiz Soraya Amali , Gamez-Nava Jorge Ivan , Cardona-Muñoz Ernesto German , Ponce-Guarneros Manuel , Castro-Contreras Uriel , Nava Arnulfo , Salazar-Paramo Mario , Celis Alfredo , Fajardo-Robledo Nicte Selene , Corona-Sanchez Esther Guadalupe , Gonzalez-Lopez Laura
Published: June 2014

Determination of anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies (ACPA) plays a relevant role in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To date, it is still unclear if the use of several tests for these autoantibodies in the same patient offers additional value as compared to performing only one test. Therefore, we evaluated the performance of using two assays for ACPA: second-generation anti-citrullinated cyclic peptides antibodies (anti-CCP2) and anti-mutated citrullinated vimentin (anti-MCV) antibodies for the diagnosis of RA. We compared three groups: RA (n=142), chronic inflammatory disease (CIRD,n=86), and clinically healthy subjects (CHS,n=56) to evaluate sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and likelihood ratios (LR) of these two assays for the presence of RA. A lower frequency of positivity for anti-CCP2 was found in RA (66.2%) as compared with anti-MCV (81.0%). When comparing RA versus other CIRD, sensitivity increased when both assays were performed. This strategy of testing both assays had high specificity and LR+. We conclude that adding the assay of anti-MCV antibodies to the determination of anti-CCP2 increases the sensitivity for detecting seropositive RA. Therefore, we propose the use of both assays in the initial screening of RA in longitudinal studies, including early onset of undifferentiated arthritis.
Dipeptidyl Peptidase 10 (DPP10789): A Voltage Gated Potassium Channel Associated Protein Is Abnormally Expressed in Alzheimer’s and Other Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Chen Tong , Gai Wei-Ping , Abbott Catherine A.
Published: June 2014

The neuropathological features associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) include the presence of extracellular amyloid-βpeptide-containing plaques and intracellular tau positive neurofibrillary tangles and the loss of synapses and neurons in defined regions of the brain. Dipeptidyl peptidase 10 (DPP10) is a protein that facilitates Kv4 channel surface expression and neuronal excitability. This study aims to explore DPP10789protein distribution in human brains and its contribution to the neurofibrillary pathology of AD and other tauopathies. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed predominant neuronal staining of DPP10789in control brains, and the CA1 region of the hippocampus contained strong reactivity in the distal dendrites of the pyramidal cells. In AD brains, robust DPP10789reactivity was detected in neurofibrillary tangles and plaque-associated dystrophic neurites, most of which colocalized with the doubly phosphorylated Ser-202/Thr-205 tau epitope. DPP10789positive neurofibrillary tangles and plaque-associated dystrophic neurites also appeared in other neurodegenerative diseases such as frontotemporal lobar degeneration, diffuse Lewy body disease, and progressive supranuclear palsy. Occasional DPP10789positive neurofibrillary tangles and neurites were seen in some aged control brains. Western blot analysis showed both full length and truncated DPP10789fragments with the later increasing significantly in AD brains compared to control brains. Our results suggest that DPP10789is involved in the pathology of AD and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Generalized Derivations on Power Values of Lie Ideals in Prime and Semiprime Rings
Authors: De Filippis Vincenzo , UR Rehman Nadeem , Ansari Abu Zaid
Published: June 2014

LetRbe a 2-torsion free ring and letLbe a noncentral Lie ideal ofR, and letF:R→RandG:R→Rbe two generalized derivations ofR. We will analyse the structure ofRin the following cases: (a)Ris prime andF(um)=G(un)for allu∈Land fixed positive integersm≠n; (b)Ris prime andF((upvq)m)=G((vrus)n)for allu,v∈Land fixed integersm,n,p,q,r,s≥1; (c)Ris semiprime andF((uv)n)=G((vu)n)for allu,v∈[R,R]and fixed integern≥1; and (d)Ris semiprime andF((uv)n)=G((vu)n)for allu,v∈Rand fixed integern≥1.
An Empirical Study of Different Approaches for Protein Classification
Authors: Nanni Loris , Lumini Alessandra , Brahnam Sheryl
Published: June 2014

Many domains would benefit from reliable and efficient systems for automatic protein classification. An area of particular interest in recent studies on automatic protein classification is the exploration of new methods for extracting features from a protein that work well for specific problems. These methods, however, are not generalizable and have proven useful in only a few domains. Our goal is to evaluate several feature extraction approaches for representing proteins by testing them across multiple datasets. Different types of protein representations are evaluated: those starting from the position specific scoring matrix of the proteins (PSSM), those derived from the amino-acid sequence, two matrix representations, and features taken from the 3D tertiary structure of the protein. We also test new variants of proteins descriptors. We develop our system experimentally by comparing and combining different descriptors taken from the protein representations. Each descriptor is used to train a separate support vector machine (SVM), and the results are combined by sum rule. Some stand-alone descriptors work well on some datasets but not on others. Through fusion, the different descriptors provide a performance that works well across all tested datasets, in some cases performing better than the state-of-the-art.
Retrospective Analysis of Corticosteroid Treatment in Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and/or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis over a Period of 10 Years in Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok
Authors: Roongpisuthipong Wanjarus , Prompongsa Sirikarn , Klangjareonchai Theerawut
Published: June 2014

Background. Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and/or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are uncommon and life-threatening drug reaction associated with a high morbidity and mortality.Objective. We studied SJS and/or TEN by conducting a retrospective analysis of 87 patients treated during a 10-year period.Methods. We conducted a retrospective review of the records of all patients with a diagnosis of SJS and/or TEN based on clinical features and histological confirmation of SJS and/or TEN was not available at the Department of Medicine, Vajira hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. The data were collected from two groups from 2003 to 2007 and 2008 to 2012.Results. A total of 87 cases of SJS and/or TEN were found, comprising 44 males and 43 females whose mean age was 46.5 years. The average length of stay was 17 days. Antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and allopurinol were the major culprit drugs in both groups. The mean SCORTEN on admission was 2.1 in first the group while 1.7 in second the group. From 2008 to 2012, thirty-nine patients (76.5%) were treated with corticosteroids while only eight patients (22.2%) were treated between 2003 and 2007. The mortality rate declined from 25% from the first group to 13.7% in the second group. Complications between first and second groups had no significant differences.Conclusions. Short-term corticosteroids may contribute to a reduced mortality rate in SJS and/or TEN without increasing secondary infection. Further well-designed studies are required to compare the effect of corticosteroids treatment for SJS and/or TEN.
Acute Oxalate Nephropathy following Ingestion ofAverrhoa bilimbiJuice
Authors: Nair Sreeja , George Jacob , Kumar Sajeev , Gracious Noble
Published: June 2014

Plant toxins are known to cause acute kidney injury in tropical countries. We report two cases of acute kidney injury with tubular oxalate deposition following ingestion ofAverrhoa bilimbifruit juice. Both patients had complete renal recovery though one required dialytic support.
Employing RFID for an Equipment Management System via Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Chen Jui-Ho , Sung Wen-Tsai , Wang Hsi-Chun
Published: June 2014

This paper is mainly in combination with RFID to construct a set of power system equipment remote control, used first on the reader tags received after the use of Visual Basic in order to determine the signal and then transmits the signal via the RS232 cable to control circuit 8051 to control the instrument power switch. The topic is written in the Visual Basic RFID and uses features, such as personnel control systems, and access control systems, which are derived from the time of access control systems, several instrument control systems, and uses records stored in the form of functions, where the other circuit transmits signals to Visual Basic 8051, and then, by 8051, controls the instrument power switch.
Doubly Fed Induction Generator Wind Turbines with Fuzzy Controller: A Survey
Authors: Sathiyanarayanan J. S. , Senthil Kumar A.
Published: June 2014

Wind energy is one of the extraordinary sources of renewable energy due to its clean character and free availability. With the increasing wind power penetration, the wind farms are directly influencing the power systems. The majority of wind farms are using variable speed wind turbines equipped with doubly fed induction generators (DFIG) due to their advantages over other wind turbine generators (WTGs). Therefore, the analysis of wind power dynamics with the DFIG wind turbines has become a very important research issue, especially during transient faults. This paper presents fuzzy logic control of doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) wind turbine in a sample power system. Fuzzy logic controller is applied to rotor side converter for active power control and voltage regulation of wind turbine.
Linear Independent Solutions and Operational Representations for Hypergeometric Functions of Four Variables
Authors: Bin-Saad Maged G. , Hasanov Anvar
Published: June 2014

In investigation of boundary-value problems for certain partial differential equations arising in applied mathematics, we often need to study the solution of system of partial
differential equations satisfied by hypergeometric functions and find explicit linearly independent solutions for the system. Here we choose the Exton function K2 among his 21 functions to show how to find the linearly independent solutions of partial differential equations satisfied by this function K2. Based upon the classical derivative and integral operators, we introduce a new operational images for hypergeometric function K2. By means of these operational images, a number of finite series and decomposition formulas are then found.
The Kirchhoff Index of Toroidal Meshes and Variant Networks
Authors: Liu Jia-Bao , Pan Xiang-Feng , Cao Jinde , Huang Xia
Published: June 2014

The resistance distance is a novel distance function on electrical network theory proposed by Klein and Randić. The Kirchhoff index Kf(G) is the sum of resistance distances between all pairs of vertices in G. In this paper, we established the relationships between the toroidal meshes network Tm×n and its variant networks in terms of the Kirchhoff index via spectral graph theory. Moreover, the explicit formulae for the Kirchhoff indexes of L(Tm×n), S(Tm×n), T(Tm×n), and C(Tm×n) were proposed, respectively. Finally, the asymptotic behavior of Kirchhoff indexes in those networks is obtained by utilizing the applications of analysis approach.
Fuzzy Logic and Its Application in Football Team Ranking
Authors: Zeng Wenyi , Li Junhong
Published: June 2014

Fuzzy set theory and fuzzy logic are a highly suitable and applicable basis for developing knowledge-based systems in physical education for tasks such as the selection for athletes, the evaluation for different training approaches, the team ranking, and the real-time monitoring of sports data. In this paper, we use fuzzy set theory and apply fuzzy clustering analysis in football team ranking. Based on some certain rules, we propose four parameters to calculate fuzzy similar matrix, obtain fuzzy equivalence matrix and the ranking result for our numerical example,T7,T3,T1,T9,T10,T8,T11,T12,T2,T6,T5,T4, and investigate four parameters sensitivity analysis. The study shows that our fuzzy logic method is reliable and stable when the parameters change in certain range.
The Effect of Scalp Point Cluster‐Needling on Learning and Memory Function and Neurotransmitter Levels in Rats with Vascular Dementia
Authors: Yang Junli , Litscher Gerhard , Li Haitao , Guo Wenhai , Liang Zhang , Zhang Ting , Wang Weihua , Li Xiaoyan , Zhou Yao , Zhao Bing , Rong Qi , Sheng Zemin , Gaischek Ingrid , Litscher Daniela , Wang Lu
Published: June 2014

We observed the effect of scalp point cluster‐needling treatment on learning and memory function and neurotransmitter levels in rats with vascular dementia (VD). Permanent ligation of the bilateral carotid arteries was used to create the VD rat model. A Morris water maze was used to measure the rats’ learning and memory function, and the changes in neurotransmitter levels in the rats’ hippocampus were analyzed. The results show that scalp point cluster‐needling can increase the VD rat model’s learning and memory score. The VD rat model’s learning and memory score was significantly different when compared with that of the sham operation group (P < 0.05). Hippocampal acetylcholine (ACh), dopamine (DA), and 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) concentrations significantly decreased in the rat model. Compared with the model group, the scalp point cluster‐needling group’s ACh concentration markedly increased and DA and 5‐HT levels increased as well. In conclusion, scalp point cluster‐needling can improve learning and memory function in VD rats, and its function may be related to an increase in neurotransmitter release.
Comparative Plasma Protein Profiling of Hemoglobin H Disease
Authors: Leecharoenkiat Kamonlak , Sornjai Wannapa , Khungwanmaythawee Kornpat , Paemanee Atchara , Chaichana Chartchai , Roytrakul Sittiruk , Fucharoen Suthat , Svasti Saovaros , Smith Duncan R.
Published: June 2014

HbH and HbH-constant spring (HbH-CS) are the most common forms ofα-thalassemia detected in the Thai population. The accumulation of excessβglobin chains in these diseases results in increased red cell hemolysis, and patients with HbH-CS normally have a more severe clinical presentation than patients with HbH disease. This study aimed to detect alterations in the expression of plasma proteins of HbH and HbH-CS patients as compared to normal plasma. Platelet poor plasma was separated from HbH and HbH-CS and normal subjects and differential plasma proteins were detected using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and identified using LC/MS/MS. A total of 14 differentially expressed proteins were detected of which 5 proteins were upregulated and 9 were downregulated. Most of the differentially expressed proteins are liver secreted proteins involved in hemolysis, oxidative stress response, and hemoglobin degradation. Seven proteins were found to be differentially expressed between HbH and HbH-CS. Levels of haptoglobin, a hemoglobin scavenging protein, were significantly increased in HbH patients as compared to HbH-CS patients. The identification of differentially expressed proteins may lead to a better understanding of the biological events underlying the clinical presentation of HbH and HbH-CS patients and can have application as hemolytic markers or severity predictors.
Multiple Roles of Myd88 in the Immune Response to the Plague F1-V Vaccine and in Protection against an Aerosol Challenge ofYersinia pestisCO92 in Mice
Authors: Dankmeyer Jennifer L. , Fast Randy L. , Cote Christopher K. , Worsham Patricia L. , Fritz David , Fisher Diana , Kern Steven J. , Merkel Tod , Kirschning Carsten J. , Amemiya Kei
Published: June 2014

The current candidate vaccine againstYersinia pestisinfection consists of two subunit proteins: the capsule protein or F1 protein and the low calcium response V protein or V-antigen. Little is known of the recognition of the vaccine by the host’s innate immune system and how it affects the acquired immune response to the vaccine. Thus, we vaccinated Toll-like receptor (Tlr)2,4, and2/4-double deficient, as well as signal adaptor proteinMyd88-deficient mice. We found that Tlr4 and Myd88 appeared to be required for an optimal immune response to the F1-V vaccine but not Tlr2 when compared to wild-type mice. However, there was a difference between the requirement for Tlr4 and MyD88 in vaccinated animals. When F1-V vaccinatedTlr4mutant (lipopolysaccharide tolerant) andMyd88-deficient mice were challenged by aerosol withY. pestisCO92, all but oneTlr4mutant mice survived the challenge, but no vaccinatedMyd88-deficient mice survived the challenge. Spleens from these latter nonsurviving mice showed thatY. pestiswas not cleared from the infected mice. Our results suggest that MyD88 appears to be important for both an optimal immune response to F1-V and in protection against a lethal challenge ofY. pestisCO92 in F1-V vaccinated mice.
Bifurcation Analysis of a Chemostat Model of Plasmid-Bearing and Plasmid-Free Competition with Pulsed Input
Authors: Zhao Zhong , Wang Baozhen , Pang Liuyong , Chen Ying
Published: June 2014

A chemostat model of plasmid-bearing and plasmid-free competition with pulsed input is proposed. The invasion threshold of the plasmid-bearing and plasmid-free organisms is obtained according to the stability of the boundary periodic solution. By use of standard techniques of bifurcation theory, the periodic oscillations in substrate, plasmid-bearing, and plasmid-free organisms are shown when some conditions are satisfied. Our results can be applied to control bioreactor aimed at producing commercial producers through genetically altered organisms.
A 55-Year-Old Man with Stage IV Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Right Groin after External Beam Radiation for Testicular Cancer
Authors: Ibilibor Christine , Wells Jeremy , Kavuri Sravan , Moses Kelvin A.
Published: June 2014

Treating testicular cancer with adjuvant radiation has been associated with a number of second malignancies affecting the genitourinary tract and retroperitoneal structures; however, there have been few reported cases of cutaneous second malignancies. We report the case of a man who developed stage IV squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of a condyloma after orchiectomy and adjuvant radiation for testicular cancer. We also review relevant literature available to date. A 55-year-old Caucasian man presented to the hospital with a large growth at the right groin which had grown into his right thigh preventing ambulation. His past medical history was significant for right testicular cancer of unknown pathology treated with orchiectomy and adjuvant radiation twenty years ago. Punch biopsy of the lesion revealed superficially invasive squamous cell carcinoma. He underwent excision of the growth with subsequent Cisplatin, radiation boost, and Paclitaxel regimens. Despite an aggressive treatment regimen and an initial good response, the patient’s cancer progressed requiring palliative care. It is unclear whether or not therapeutic radiation in this case promoted the conversion of the patient’s condyloma to a malignant lesion. Further studies are required at this time to clarify the clinical implications of these findings.
Characterizations of Cuprous Oxide Thin Films Prepared by Sol-Gel Spin Coating Technique with Different Additives for the Photoelectrochemical Solar Cell
Authors: Halin D. S. C. , Talib I. A. , Daud A. R. , Hamid M. A. A.
Published: June 2014

Cuprous oxide (Cu2O) thin films were deposited onto indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass substrate by sol-gel spin coating technique using different additives, namely, polyethylene glycol and ethylene glycol. It was found that the organic additives added had a significant influence on the formation of Cu2O films and lead to different microstructures and optical properties. The films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis). Based on the FESEM micrographs, the grain size of film prepared using polyethylene glycol additive has smaller grains of about 83 nm with irregular shapes. The highest optical absorbance film was obtained by the addition of polyethylene glycol. The Cu2O thin films were used as a working electrode in the application of photoelectrochemical solar cell (PESC).
An Improved Pearson’s Correlation Proximity-Based Hierarchical Clustering for Mining Biological Association between Genes
Authors: Booma P. M. , Prabhakaran S. , Dhanalakshmi R.
Published: June 2014

Microarray gene expression datasets has concerned great awareness among molecular biologist, statisticians, and computer scientists. Data mining that extracts the hidden and usual information from datasets fails to identify the most significant biological associations between genes. A search made with heuristic for standard biological process measures only the gene expression level, threshold, and response time. Heuristic search identifies and mines the best biological solution, but the association process was not efficiently addressed. To monitor higher rate of expression levels between genes, a hierarchical clustering model was proposed, where the biological association between genes is measured simultaneously using proximity measure of improved Pearson's correlation (PCPHC). Additionally, the Seed Augment algorithm adopts average linkage methods on rows and columns in order to expand a seed PCPHC model into a maximal global PCPHC (GL-PCPHC) model and to identify association between the clusters. Moreover, a GL-PCPHC applies pattern growing method to mine the PCPHC patterns. Compared to existing gene expression analysis, the PCPHC model achieves better performance. Experimental evaluations are conducted for GL-PCPHC model with standard benchmark gene expression datasets extracted from UCI repository and GenBank database in terms of execution time, size of pattern, significance level, biological association efficiency, and pattern quality.
A Case of Transient, Isolated Cranial Nerve VI Palsy due to Skull Base Osteomyelitis
Authors: Patel Brijesh , Souqiyyeh Anas , Ali Ammar
Published: June 2014

Otitis externa affects both children and adults. It is often treated with topical antibiotics, with good clinical outcomes. When a patient fails to respond to the treatment, otitis externa can progress to malignant otitis externa. The common symptoms of skull bone osteomyelitis include ear ache, facial pain, and cranial nerve palsies. However, an isolated cranial nerve is rare. Herein, we report a case of 54-year-old female who presented with left cranial nerve VI palsy due to skull base osteomyelitis which responded to antibiotic therapy.
A Short Bowel (Small Intestine = 40 cm), No Ileocecal Valve, and Colonic Inertia Patient Works Well with Oral Intake Alone without Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Liu Ming-Yi , Tang Hsiu-Chih , Yang Hui-Lan , Chang Sue-Joan
Published: June 2014

We present a 50-year-old male who suffered from ischemic bowel disease, having undergone massive resection of small intestine and ileocecal valve. He had to cope with 40 cm proximal jejunum and 70 cm distal colon remaining. In the postoperative period parenteral nutrition (PN) was used immediately for nutrition support and electrolyte imbalance correction. We gave him home PN as regular recommendation for the short bowel status after discharge from hospital. This patient has tolerated regular oral intake 2 months later and did not develop significant short bowel syndrome. There were several episodes of venous access infection which troubled this patient and admitted him for treatment during home PN. Therefore, we changed home PN to cyclic tapering pattern. The patient could maintain his nutrition and hydration with oral intake alone after tapering home PN 15 months later. He has survived more than one year without PN support and still maintained 80% ideal body weight with average albumin of 3.5 ± 0.2 mg/dL. Although patient was hospitalized every two months to supplement nutrients, however, this has greatly improved the quality of life.
Integration over an Infinite-Dimensional Banach Space and Probabilistic Applications
Authors: Asci Claudio
Published: June 2014

We study, for some subsets I of N*, the Banach space E of bounded real sequences {xn}n∈I. For any integer k, we introduce a measure over (E,B(E)) that generalizes the k-dimensional Lebesgue measure; consequently, also a theory of integration is defined. The main result of our paper is a change of variables' formula for the integration.
Fuzzy Approximating Spaces
Authors: Qin Bin
Published: June 2014

Relationships between fuzzy relations and fuzzy topologies are deeply researched. The concept of fuzzy approximating spaces is introduced and decision conditions that a fuzzy topological space is a fuzzy approximating space are obtained.
Treatment of Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Update on Newer Pharmacologic and Interventional Strategies
Authors: Pelliccia Francesco , Schiariti Michele , Terzano Claudio , Keylani Abdul M. , D'Agostino Darrin C. , Speziale Giuseppe , Greco Cesare , Gaudio Carlo
Published: June 2014

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common complication in hospitalized patients, spanning multiple patient populations and crossing various therapeutic disciplines. Current treatment paradigm in patients with massive PE mandates prompt risk stratification with aggressive therapeutic strategies. With the advent of endovascular technologies, various catheter-based thrombectomy and thrombolytic devices are available to treat patients with massive or submassive PE. In this paper, a variety of newer treatment strategies for PE are analyzed, with special emphasis on various interventional treatment strategies. Clinical evidence for utilizing endovascular treatment modalities, based on our institutional experience as well as a literature review, is provided.
Characterization of Corrosion Products on Carbon Steel Exposed to Natural Weathering and to Accelerated Corrosion Tests
Authors: Antunes Renato Altobelli , Ichikawa Rodrigo Uchida , Martinez Luis Gallego , Costa Isolda
Published: June 2014

The aim of this work was to compare the corrosion products formed on carbon steel plates submitted to atmospheric corrosion in urban and industrial atmospheres with those formed after accelerated corrosion tests. The corrosion products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The specimens were exposed to natural weathering in both atmospheres for nine months. The morphologies of the corrosion products were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. The main product found was lepidocrocite. Goethite and magnetite were also found on the corroded specimens but in lower concentrations. The results showed that the accelerated test based on the ASTM B117 procedure presented poor correlation with the atmospheric corrosion tests whereas an alternated fog/dry cycle combined with UV radiation exposure provided better correlation.
Using Coloured Petri Nets for Evaluating the Power Consumption of Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Dâmaso Antônio , Rosa Nelson , Maciel Paulo
Published: June 2014

Several strategies to evaluate the power consumption of of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have been proposed. The limited amount of energy and the difficulty of recharging them have demanded the emerging of these strategies. However, to evaluate the lifetime of a WSN is not a trivial task due to the complexity of reproducing the environment, inherent dynamism, and complexity and size of WSNs. In this context, we present an approach for evaluating the WSN lifetime by simulating its power consumption using models. This approach consists of a fully automated process for evaluating the WSN lifetime, a set of reusable Coloured Petri Net (CPN) models that express the power consumption of WSN communication protocols, and a strategy for composing CPN models of WSN applications and protocols. In order to assess our power consumption models, we carried out an experimental evaluation that compares the results obtained by simulation against ones existing in the literature.
Simple, Fast, and Cost‐Effective Fabrication of Wafer‐Scale Nanohole Arrays on Silicon for Antireflection
Authors: Di Di , Wu Xuezhong , Dong Peitao , Wang Chaoguang , Chen Jian , Wang Haoxu , Wang Junfeng , Li Shengyi
Published: June 2014

A simple, fast, and cost‐effective method was developed in this paper for the high‐throughput fabrication of nanohole arrays on silicon (Si), which is utilized for antireflection. Wafer‐scale polystyrene (PS) monolayer colloidal crystal was developed as templates by spin‐coating method. Metallic shadow mask was prepared by lifting off the oxygen etched PS beads from the deposited chromium film. Nanohole arrays were fabricated by Si dry etching. A series of nanohole arrays were fabricated with the similar diameter but with different depth. It is found that the maximum depth of the Si‐hole was determined by the diameter of the Cr‐mask. The antireflection ability of these Si‐hole arrays was investigated. The results show that the reflection decreases with the depth of the Si‐hole. The deepest Si‐hole arrays show the best antireflection ability (reflection < 9%) at long wavelengths (>600 nm), which was about 28 percent of the nonpatterned silicon wafer’s reflection. The proposed method has the potential for high‐throughput fabrication of patterned Si wafer, and the low reflectivity allows the application of these wafers in crystalline silicon solar cells.
Grafting of Gold Nanoparticles on Glass Using Sputtered Gold Interlayers
Authors: Kvítek Ondřej , Hendrych Robin , Kolská Zdeňka , Švorčík Václav
Published: June 2014

Three-step preparation of nanostructured Au layer on glass substrate is described. The procedure starts with sputtered gold interlayer, followed by grafting with dithiols and final coverage with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Successful binding of dithiols on the sputtered Au film was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurement. AuNPs bound to the surface were observed using atomic force microscopy. Both single nanoparticles and their aggregates were observed. UV-Vis spectra show broadening of surface plasmon resonance peak after AuNPs binding caused by aggregation of AuNPs on the sample surface. Zeta potential measurements suggest that a large part of the dithiol molecules are preferentially bound to the gold interlayer via both –SH groups.
Characterization and Potential Use of Cuttlefish Skin Gelatin Hydrolysates Prepared by Different Microbial Proteases
Authors: Jridi Mourad , Lassoued Imen , Nasri Rim , Ayadi Mohamed Ali , Nasri Moncef , Souissi Nabil
Published: June 2014

Composition, functional properties, andin vitroantioxidant activities of gelatin hydrolysates prepared from cuttlefish skin were investigated. Cuttlefish skin gelatin hydrolysates (CSGHs) were obtained by treatment with crude enzyme preparations fromBacillus licheniformisNH1,Bacillus mojavensisA21,Bacillus subtilisA26, and commercial alcalase. All CSGHs had high protein contents, 74.3–78.3%, and showed excellent solubility (over 90%). CSGH obtained by alcalase demonstrated high antioxidant activities monitored byβ-carotene bleaching, DPPH radical scavenging, lipid peroxidation inhibition, and reducing power activity. Its antioxidant activity remained stable or increased in a wide range of pH (1–9), during heating treatment (100°C for 240 min) and after gastrointestinal digestion simulation. In addition, alcalase-CSGH was incorporated into turkey meat sausage to determine its effect on lipid oxidation during 35 days of storage period. At 0.5 mg/g, alcalase-CSGH delayed lipid oxidation monitored by TBARS and conjugated diene up to 10 days compared to vitamin C. The results reveal that CSGHs could be used as food additives possessing both antioxidant activity and functional properties.