bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Topology Construct and Control Model with Small-World and Scale-Free Concepts for Heterogeneous Sensor Networks
Authors: Liu Lifang , Qi Xiaogang , Xue Jilong , Xie Mande
Published: March 2014

Topology construction and control is a vital technique in wireless sensor networks. In this paper, based on small-world and scale-free concepts of complex network theory and considering the characteristics of wireless sensor network, a topology model with small-world and scale-free concepts for heterogeneous sensor network is presented. This work is achieved by applying heterogeneous sensors and preferential attachment mechanism. Furthermore, the topology evolution algorithm is designed. Finally, we simulate the network characteristics, and simulation results are consistent with the theoretic analysis and show that topologies of wireless sensor network built by this model have small-world and scale-free feathers and can significantly improve energy efficiency as well as enhance network robustness, leading to a crucial improvement of network performance.
Development of Vision Based Multiview Gait Recognition System with MMUGait Database
Authors: Ng Hu , Tan Wooi-Haw , Abdullah Junaidi , Tong Hau-Lee
Published: March 2014

This paper describes the acquisition setup and development of a new gait database, MMUGait. This database consists of 82 subjects walking under normal condition and 19 subjects walking with 11 covariate factors, which were captured under two views. This paper also proposes a multiview model-based gait recognition system with joint detection approach that performs well under different walking trajectories and covariate factors, which include self-occluded or external occluded silhouettes. In the proposed system, the process begins by enhancing the human silhouette to remove the artifacts. Next, the width and height of the body are obtained. Subsequently, the joint angular trajectories are determined once the body joints are automatically detected. Lastly, crotch height and step-size of the walking subject are determined. The extracted features are smoothened by Gaussian filter to eliminate the effect of outliers. The extracted features are normalized with linear scaling, which is followed by feature selection prior to the classification process. The classification experiments carried out on MMUGait database were benchmarked against the SOTON Small DB from University of Southampton. Results showed correct classification rate above 90% for all the databases. The proposed approach is found to outperform other approaches on SOTON Small DB in most cases.
A Hybrid Feature Selection Method Based on Rough Conditional Mutual Information and Naive Bayesian Classifier
Authors: Zeng Zilin , Zhang Hongjun , Zhang Rui , Zhang Youliang
Published: March 2014

We introduced a novel hybrid feature selection method based on rough conditional mutual information and Naive Bayesian classifier. Conditional mutual information is an important metric in feature selection, but it is hard to compute. We introduce a new measure called rough conditional mutual information which is based on rough sets; it is shown that the new measure can substitute Shannon’s conditional mutual information. Thus rough conditional mutual information can also be used to filter the irrelevant and redundant features. Subsequently, to reduce the feature and improve classification accuracy, a wrapper approach based on naive Bayesian classifier is used to search the optimal feature subset in the space of a candidate feature subset which is selected by filter model. Finally, the proposed algorithms are tested on several UCI datasets compared with other classical feature selection methods. The results show that our approach obtains not only high classification accuracy, but also the least number of selected features.
Trusted Measurement Model Based on Multitenant Behaviors
Authors: Ning Zhen-Hu , Shen Chang-Xiang , Zhao Yong , Liang Peng
Published: March 2014

With a fast growing pervasive computing, especially cloud computing, the behaviour measurement is at the core and plays a vital role. A new behaviour measurement tailored for Multitenants in cloud computing is needed urgently to fundamentally establish trust relationship. Based on our previous research, we propose an improved trust relationship scheme which captures the world of cloud computing where multitenants share the same physical computing platform. Here, we first present the related work on multitenant behaviour; secondly, we give the scheme of behaviour measurement where decoupling of multitenants is taken into account; thirdly, we explicitly explain our decoupling algorithm for multitenants; fourthly, we introduce a new way of similarity calculation for deviation control, which fits the coupled multitenants under study well; lastly, we design the experiments to test our scheme.
The Nature of Lexical-Semantic Access in Bilingual Aphasia
Authors: Kiran Swathi , Balachandran Isabel , Lucas Jason
Published: March 2014

Background.Despite a growing clinical need, there are no clear guidelines on assessment of lexical access in the two languages in individuals with bilingual aphasia.Objective.In this study, we examined the influence of language proficiency on three tasks requiring lexical access in English and Spanish bilingual normal controls and in bilingual individuals with aphasia.Methods.12 neurologically healthy Spanish-English bilinguals and 10 Spanish-English bilinguals with aphasia participated in the study. All participants completed three lexical retrieval tasks: two picture-naming tasks (BNT, BPNT) and a category generation (CG) task.Results.This study found that across all tasks, the greatest predictors for performance were the effect of group and language ability rating (LAR). Bilingual controls had a greater score or produced more correct responses than participants with bilingual aphasia across all tasks. The results of our study also indicate that normal controls and bilinguals with aphasia make similar types of errors in both English and Spanish and develop similar clustering strategies despite significant performance differences between the groups.Conclusions.Differences between bilingual patients and controls demonstrate a fundamental lexical retrieval deficit in bilingual individuals with aphasia, but one that is further influenced by language proficiency in the two languages.
An Implementable First-Order Primal-Dual Algorithm for Structured Convex Optimization
Authors: Ma Feng , Ni Mingfang , Zhu Lei , Yu Zhanke
Published: March 2014

Many application problems of practical interest can be posed as structured convex optimization models. In this paper, we study a new first-order primaldual algorithm. The method can be easily implementable, provided that the resolvent operators of the component objective functions are simple to evaluate. We show that the proposed method can be interpreted as a proximal point algorithm with a customized metric proximal parameter. Convergence property is established under the analytic contraction framework. Finally, we verify the efficiency of the algorithm by solving the stable principal component pursuit problem.
A Multicriteria Framework to Evaluate Supplier’s Greenness
Authors: Falatoonitoosi Elham , Ahmed Shamsuddin , Sorooshian Shahryar
Published: March 2014

Environmental protection is becoming more and more important for enterprises because of stronger public awareness, competitors and communities, and government regulations. For this purpose, some programs have become more popular for raising environmental awareness including total quality environmental management and green supply chain management. Reducing the environmental pollution from upstream to downstream during procuring raw materials, producing, distribution, selling products, and products depreciation is the most important goal of Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM). The main contribution of this study is introducing the main factors in green supply chain management that are very important in environmental attributes by providing an evaluation framework to select the most eligible green suppliers by examining the influential and important criteria and subcriteria among ten elements of two main GSCM practices, namely, green logistics and environmental protection. First, these factors are divided into two groups, that is, green logistics and environmental protection, and then by applying DEMATEL technique, the complex causal relationship between all factors dependencies and feedbacks among them is examined. Finally, by drawing the impact relationship map the most important and influential factors are determined for improving green supply chain environmental aspects.
New Trends in Robotics for Agriculture: Integration and Assessment of a Real Fleet of Robots
Authors: Emmi Luis , Gonzalez-de-Soto Mariano , Pajares Gonzalo , Gonzalez-de-Santos Pablo
Published: March 2014

Computer-based sensors and actuators such as global positioning systems, machine vision, and laser-based sensors have progressively been incorporated into mobile robots with the aim of configuring autonomous systems capable of shifting operator activities in agricultural tasks. However, the incorporation of many electronic systems into a robot impairs its reliability and increases its cost. Hardware minimization, as well as software minimization and ease of integration, is essential to obtain feasible robotic systems. A step forward in the application of automatic equipment in agriculture is the use of fleets of robots, in which a number of specialized robots collaborate to accomplish one or several agricultural tasks. This paper strives to develop a system architecture for both individual robots and robots working in fleets to improve reliability, decrease complexity and costs, and permit the integration of software from different developers. Several solutions are studied, from a fully distributed to a whole integrated architecture in which a central computer runs all processes. This work also studies diverse topologies for controlling fleets of robots and advances other prospective topologies. The architecture presented in this paper is being successfully applied in the RHEA fleet, which comprises three ground mobile units based on a commercial tractor chassis.
Modulation of Carbon Nanotube Metal Contacts in Gaseous Hydrogen Environment
Authors: Usgaocar A. R. , Chong Harold M. H. , de Groot C. H.
Published: March 2014

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), contacted by electrodeposited Pd0.59Ni0.41 alloys, are characterised using electrical measurements and Raman spectroscopy. The high workfunctions of Nickel and Palladium form an ohmic contact with the CNT valence band, but the contact properties change on Hydrogen exposure due to a reduction in the PdNi workfunction and the realignment of the PdNi Fermi level with the CNT band structure. A PdNi contacted semiconducting CNT exhibited significantly lower currents after Hydrogen exposure while a metallic CNT exhibited a small current increase. The semiconducting and metallic natures of the CNTs are confirmed by their Raman spectra. This study demonstrates a technique for modulating the PdNi-CNT contact and differentiating between semiconducting and metallic CNTs via contact modulation. It also provides experimental evidence of the theoretical allocation of features in the CNT Raman spectra.
The Cauchy Problem for a Fifth-Order Dispersive Equation
Authors: Wang Hongjun , Liu Yongqi , Chen Yongqiang
Published: March 2014

This paper is devoted to studying the Cauchy problem for a fifth-order equation. We prove that it is locally well-posed for the initial data in the Sobolev spaceHs(R)withs≥1/4. We also establish the ill-posedness for the initial data inHs(R)withs<1/4. Thus, the regularity requirement for the fifth-order dispersive equationss≥1/4is sharp.
Antioxidants, Phytochemicals, and Cytotoxicity Studies onPhaleria macrocarpa(Scheff.) Boerl Seeds
Authors: Lay Ma Ma , Karsani Saiful Anuar , Banisalam Behrooz , Mohajer Sadegh , Abd Malek Sri Nurestri
Published: March 2014

In recent years, the utilization of certain medicinal plants as therapeutic agents has drastically increased.Phaleria macrocarpa(Scheff.) Boerl is frequently used in traditional medicine. The present investigation was undertaken with the purpose of developing pharmacopoeial standards for this species. Nutritional values such as ash, fiber, protein, fat, and carbohydrate contents were investigated, and phytochemical screenings with different reagents showed the presence of flavonoids, glycosides, saponin glycosides, phenolic compounds, steroids, tannins, and terpenoids. Our results also revealed that the water fraction had the highest antioxidant activity compared to the methanol extract and other fractions. The methanol and the fractionated extracts (hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and water) ofP. macrocarpaseeds were also investigated for their cytotoxic effects on selected human cancer cells lines (MCF-7, HT-29, MDA-MB231, Ca Ski, and SKOV-3) and a normal human fibroblast lung cell line (MRC-5). Information from this study can be applied for future pharmacological and therapeutic evaluations of the species, and may assist in the standardization for quality, purity, and sample identification. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the phytochemical screening and cytotoxic effect of the crude and fractionated extracts ofP. macrocarpaseeds on selected cells lines.
A Comparison of Outcomes for Adults and Children Undergoing Resection for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Is There a Difference?
Authors: Mcmullin Christine M. , Morton Jonathan , Vickramarajah Saranya , Cameron Ewen , Parkes Miles , Torrente Franco , Heuschkel Robert , Carroll Nicholas , Davies R. Justin
Published: March 2014

Background. The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing in the paediatric population. Since 2007, a single surgeon whose main practice is in the treatment of adults has performed surgery for IBD in adults and children within two dedicated multidisciplinary teams. Our aim was to assess and compare outcomes for adults and children following surgery for IBD. Methods. Analysis of a prospectively collected database was carried out to include all patients who had undergone resectional surgery for IBD between 2007 and 2012. Results. 48 adults and 30 children were included in the study. Median age for children was 14 years (range 8–16) and for adults was 33.5 years (range 17–64). Median BMI was 23 (range 18–38) and 19 (range 13–29.5) in adults and children, respectively (P<0.001). Laparoscopic resection was performed in 27 (90%) children and 36 (75%) adults. Postoperative complication rates were comparable, 11 (23%) in adults versus 6 (20%) in children (P=1.00). Conclusion. Resectional surgery for IBD in children has outcomes that compare favourably with the adult population, with the majority of cases being performed by a laparoscopic approach.
Modeling Saturated Diagnosis and Vaccination in Reducing HIV/AIDS Infection
Authors: Chen Can , Xiao Yanni
Published: March 2014

A mathematical model is proposed to consider the effects of saturated diagnosis and vaccination on HIV/AIDS infection. By employing center manifold theory, we prove that there exists a backward bifurcation which suggests that the disease cannot be eradicated even if the basic reproduction number is less than unity. Global stability of the disease-free equilibrium is investigated for appropriate conditions. When the basic reproduction number is greater than unity, the system is uniformly persistent. The proposed model is applied to describe HIV infection among injecting drug users (IDUs) in Yunnan province, China. Numerical studies indicate that new cases and prevalence are sensitive to transmission rate, vaccination rate, and vaccine efficacy. The findings suggest that increasing vaccination rate and vaccine efficacy and enhancing interventions like reducing share injectors can greatly reduce the transmission of HIV among IDUs in Yunnan province, China.
Incisional Surgical Site Infection after Elective Open Surgery for Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Ishikawa Kosuke , Kusumi Takaya , Hosokawa Masao , Nishida Yasunori , Sumikawa Sosuke , Furukawa Hiroshi
Published: March 2014

Background.The purpose of this study was to clarify the incidence and risk factors for incisional surgical site infections (SSI) in patients undergoing elective open surgery for colorectal cancer.Methods.We conducted prospective surveillance of incisional SSI after elective colorectal resections performed by a single surgeon for a 1-year period. Variables associated with infection, as identified in the literature, were collected and statistically analyzed for their association with incisional SSI development.Results.A total of 224 patients were identified for evaluation. The mean patient age was 67 years, and 120 (55%) were male. Thirty-three (14.7%) patients were diagnosed with incisional SSI. Multivariate analysis suggested that incisional SSI was independently associated with TNM stages III and IV (odds ratio [OR], 2.4) and intraoperative hypotension (OR, 3.4).Conclusions.The incidence of incisional SSI in our cohort was well within values generally reported in the literature. Our data suggest the importance of the maintenance of intraoperative normotension to reduce the development of incisional SSI.
Finite Element Modelling of Electrical Overhead Line Cables under Turbulent Wind Load
Authors: Stengel Dominik , Mehdianpour Milad
Published: March 2014

This paper presents a finite element model of an overhead transmission line using so called cable elements which allow reproducing the cable’s nonlinear characteristics accurately employing only a few elements. Aerodynamic damping is considered in the equation of motion by taking into account the relative velocity between the flow of the wind and the moving structure. The wind flow itself is simulated by wave superposition making necessary assumptions on the lateral correlation between the wind velocities along the cable length. As result from the simulation, the following conclusions can be drawn. The first natural frequency of generally used wide spanning cables lies well below 1 Hz where also most of the energy content of the wind excitation is to be expected. Aerodynamic damping is significant for the moving cables holding very low structural damping which leads to a suppression of resonant amplification. This is particularly of interest regarding the support reaction which is dominated by the mean value and the so called background response. The latter is mostly influenced by the randomness of the wind flow, especially lateral to the main wind direction.
Influences of Vorticity to Vertical Motion of Two‐Dimensional Moonpool under Forced Heave Motion
Authors: Heo Jae-Kyung , Park Jong-Chun , Koo Weon-Cheol , Kim Moo-Hyun
Published: March 2014

Potential (inviscid‐irrotational) and Navier‐Stokes equation‐based (viscous) flows were numerically simulated around a 2D floating rectangular body with a moonpool; particular emphasis was placed on the piston mode through the use of finite volume method (FVM) and boundary element method (BEM) solvers. The resultant wave height and phase shift inside and outside the moonpool were compared with experimental results by Faltinsen et al. (2007) for various heaving frequencies. Hydrodynamic coefficients were compared for the viscous and potential solvers and sway and heave forces were discussed. The effects of the viscosity and vortex shedding were investigated by changing the gap size, corner shape, and viscosity. The viscous flow fields were thoroughly discussed to better understand the relevant physics and shed light on the detail flow structure at resonant frequency. Vortex shedding was found to account for the most of the damping. The viscous flow simulations agreed well with the experimental results, showing the actual role and contribution of viscosity compared to potential flow simulations.
Adipokines as Potential Biomarkers in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Del Prete Annalisa , Salvi Valentina , Sozzani Silvano
Published: March 2014

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by severe joint injury. Recently, research has been focusing on the possible identification of predictor markers of disease onset and/or progression, of joint damage, and of therapeutic response. Recent findings have uncovered the role of white adipose tissue as a pleiotropic organ not only specialized in endocrine functions but also able to control multiple physiopathological processes, including inflammation. Adipokines are a family of soluble mediators secreted by white adipose tissue endowed with a wide spectrum of actions. This review will focus on the recent advances on the role of the adipokine network in the pathogenesis of RA. A particular attention will be devoted to the action of these proteins on RA effector cells, and on the possibility to use circulating levels of adipokines as potential biomarkers of disease activity and therapeutic response.
Direction Finding with Gain/Phase Errors and Mutual Coupling Errors in the Presence of Auxiliary Sensors
Authors: Si Weijian , Wu Di , Liu Lutao , Qu Xinggen
Published: March 2014

Many classical direction of arrival (DOA) estimation algorithms suffer from sensitivity to array errors. A simple but efficient method is presented for direction finding in the presence of gain and phase errors as well as mutual coupling errors. By applying a group of auxiliary sensors, DOAs and gain and phase coefficients can be simultaneously estimated, and mutual coupling coefficients can also be estimated by utilizing a novel decoupling method. The proposed algorithm does not require iterative operation or any calibration sources or spectral peak searching. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
An Adaptive Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm Based on Directed Weighted Complex Network
Authors: Li Ming , Du Wenqiang , Nian Fuzhong
Published: April 2014

The disadvantages of particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm are that it is easy to fall into local optimum in high‐dimensional space and has a low convergence rate in the iterative process. To deal with these problems, an adaptive particle swarm optimization algorithm based on directed weighted complex network (DWCNPSO) is proposed. Particles can be scattered uniformly over the search space by using the topology of small‐world network to initialize the particles position. At the same time, an evolutionary mechanism of the directed dynamic network is employed to make the particles evolve into the scale‐free network when the in‐degree obeys power‐law distribution. In the proposed method, not only the diversity of the algorithm was improved, but also particles’ falling into local optimum was avoided. The simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithm can effectively avoid the premature convergence problem. Compared with other algorithms, the convergence rate is faster.
A Pareto Optimal Auction Mechanism for Carbon Emission Rights
Authors: Wang Mingxi , Wang Mingrong , Dang Chuangyin , Wang Shouyang
Published: March 2014

The carbon emission rights do not fit well into the framework of existing multi‐item auction mechanisms because of their own unique features. This paper proposes a new auction mechanism which converges to a unique Pareto optimal equilibrium in a finite number of periods. In the proposed auction mechanism, the assignment outcome is Pareto efficient and the carbon emission rights’ resources are efficiently used. For commercial application and theoretical completeness, both discrete and continuous markets—represented by discrete and continuous bid prices, respectively—are examined, and the results show the existence of a Pareto optimal equilibrium under the constraint of individual rationality. With no ties, the Pareto optimal equilibrium can be further proven to be unique.
A Noncellulosomal Mannanase26E Contains a CBM59 inClostridium cellulovorans
Authors: Yamamoto Kosuke , Tamaru Yutaka
Published: March 2014

A multicomponent enzyme-complex prevents efficient degradation of the plant cell wall for biorefinery. In this study, the method of identifying glycoside hydrolases (GHs) to degrade hemicelluloses was demonstrated. The competence ofC. cellulovorans, which changes to be suitable for degradation of each carbon source, was used for the method.C. cellulovoranswas cultivated into locust bean gum (LBG) that is composed of galactomannan. The proteins produced byC. cellulovoranswere separated into either fractions binding to crystalline cellulose or not. Proteins obtained from each fraction were further separated by SDS-PAGE and were stained with Coomassie Brilliant Blue and were detected for mannanase activity. The proteins having the enzymatic activity for LBG were cut out and were identified by mass spectrometry. As a result, four protein bands were classified into glycosyl hydrolase family 26 (GH26) mannanases. One of the identified mannanases, Man26E, contains a carbohydrate-binding module (CBM) family 59, which binds to xylan, mannan, and Avicel. Although mannose and galactose are the same as a hexose, the expression patterns of the proteins fromC. cellulovoranswere quite different. More interestingly, zymogram for mannanase activity showed that Man26E was detected in only LBG medium.
Intercluster Ant Colony Optimization Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Network in Dense Environment
Authors: Kim Jung-Yoon , Sharma Tripti , Kumar Brijesh , Tomar G. S. , Berry Karan , Lee Won-Hyung
Published: April 2014

Wireless sensor networks have grown rapidly with the innovation in Information Technology. Sensor nodes are distributed and deployed over the area for gathering requisite information. Sensor nodes possess a negative characteristic of limited energy which pulls back the network from exploiting its peak capabilities. Hence, it is necessary to gather and transfer the information in an optimized way which reduces the energy dissipation. Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) is being widely used in optimizing the network routing protocols. Ant Based Routing can play a significant role in the enhancement of network life time. In this paper, Intercluster Ant Colony Optimization algorithm (IC-ACO) has been proposed that relies upon ACO algorithm for routing of data packets in the network and an attempt has been made to minimize the efforts wasted in transferring the redundant data sent by the sensors which lie in the close proximity of each other in a densely deployed network. The IC-ACO algorithm was studied by simulation for various network scenarios. The results depict the lead of IC-ACO as compared to LEACH protocol by indicating higher energy efficiency, prolonged network lifetime, enhanced stability period, and the elevated amount of data packets in a densely deployed wireless sensor network.
Poor Reporting of Outcomes Beyond Accuracy in Point-of-Care Tests for Syphilis: A Call for a Framework
Authors: Jafari Yalda , Johri Mira , Joseph Lawrence , Vadnais Caroline , Pant Pai Nitika
Published: March 2014

Background. Point-of-care (POC) diagnostics for syphilis can contribute to epidemic control by offering a timely knowledge of serostatus. Although accuracy data on POC syphilis tests have been widely published, few studies have evaluated broader outcomes beyond accuracy that impact patients and health systems. We comprehensively reviewed evidence and reporting of these implementation research outcomes (IROs), and proposed a framework to improve their quality.Methods. Three reviewers systematically searched 6 electronic databases from 1980 to 2014 for syphilis POC studies reporting IROs. Data were abstracted and findings synthesised narratively.Results. Of 71 studies identified, 38 documented IROs. IROs were subclassified into preference (7), acceptability (15), feasibility (15), barriers and challenges (15), impact (13), and prevalence (23). Using our framework and definitions, a pattern of incomplete documentation, inconsistent definitions, and lack of clarity was identified across all IROs.Conclusion. Although POC screening tests for syphilis were generally favourably evaluated across a range of outcomes, the quality of evidence was compromised by inconsistent definitions, poor methodology, and documentation of outcomes. A framework for standardized reporting of outcomes beyond accuracy was proposed and considered a necessary first step towards an effective implementation of these metrics in POC diagnostics research.
Relaxed Extragradient Algorithms for the Split Feasibility Problem
Authors: Yu Youli , Kang Shin Min , Kwun Young Chel
Published: March 2014

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new relaxed extragradient algorithms for the split feasibility problem. Our relaxed extragradient algorithm is new and it generalized some results for solving the split feasibility problem.
Fixed Points of Contractive Mappings inb-Metric-Like Spaces
Authors: Hussain Nawab , Roshan Jamal Rezaei , Parvaneh Vahid , Kadelburg Zoran
Published: March 2014

We discuss topological structure ofb-metric-like spaces and demonstrate a fundamental lemma for the convergence of sequences. As an application we prove certain fixed point results in the setup of such spaces for different types of contractive mappings. Finally, some periodic point results inb-metric-like spaces are obtained. Two examples are presented in order to verify the effectiveness and applicability of our main results.
Mesenteric Lipoblastoma and Cervical Lipoblastomatosis: Ultrasound, Elastosonography, and Computed Tomography Findings in Two Children
Authors: Capasso Raffaella , Rossi Eugenio , Castelli Luisa , Basilicata Antonio , Zeccolini Raffaele , Zeccolini Massimo , Rotondo Antonio
Published: March 2014

Lipoblastomas are benign tumors of the embryonic lipoid cells mainly occurring in infancy and early childhood. They are clinicopathologically distinguished in two forms: the well-circumscribed and localized type and the diffuse, irregularly confined type with infiltrative growth pattern, also called lipoblastomatosis. We report two pediatric cases of a mesentery localized and cervical diffuse lipoblastomas investigated both with ultrasound and computed tomography examinations.
Existence of Square-Mean Almost Automorphic Solutions to Stochastic Functional Integrodifferential Equations in Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Li Lijie
Published: March 2014

The existence and uniqueness of square-mean almost automorphic mild solution to a stochastic functional integrodifferential equation is studied. Under some appropriate assumptions, the existence and uniqueness of square-mean almost automorphic mild solution is obtained by Banach’s fixed point theorem. Particularly, based on Schauder’s fixed point theorem, the existence of square-mean almost automorphic mild solution is obtained by using the condition which is weaker than Lipschitz conditions. Finally, an example illustrating our main result is given.
Effect of Soil Flexibility on Seismic Force Evaluation of RC Framed Buildings with Shear Wall: A Comparative Study of IS 1893 and EUROCODE8
Authors: Jayalekshmi B. R. , Chinmayi H. K.
Published: March 2014

Conventional analyses of structures are generally carried out by assuming the base of structures to be fixed. However, the soil below foundation alters the earthquake loading and varies the lateral forces acting on structure. Therefore, it is unrealistic to analyse the structure by considering it to be fixed at base. Multistorey reinforced concrete framed buildings of different heights with and without shear wall supported on raft foundation incorporating the effect of soil flexibility are considered in present study to investigate the differences in spectral acceleration coefficient (Sa/g), base shear, and storey shear obtained following the seismic provisions of Indian standard code and European code. Study shows that the value of base shear obtained for symmetric plan building is lowest in buildings with shear wall at all the four corners.
Overexpression of Testes-Specific Protease 50 (TSP50) Predicts Poor Prognosis in Patients with Gastric Cancer
Authors: Liu Fang , Cao Qinghua , Liu Ni , Li Changzhao , You Changxuan , Liu Chuanxin , Xue Ling , Luo Rongcheng
Published: March 2014

Purpose. To investigate the expression of TSP50 protein in human gastric cancers and its correlation with clinical/prognostic significance.Methods. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis of TSP50 was performed on a tissue microarray (TMA) containing 334 primary gastric cancers. Western blot was carried out to confirm the expression of TSP50 in gastric cancers.Results. IHC analysis revealed high expression of TSP50 in 57.2% human gastric cancer samples (191 out of 334). However, it was poorly expressed in all of the 20 adjacent nontumor tissues. This was confirmed by western blot, which showed significantly higher levels of TSP50 expression in gastric cancer tissues than adjacent nontumor tissues. A significant association was found between high levels of TSP50 and clinicopathological characteristics including junior age at surgery (P=0.001), later TNM stage (P=0.000), and present lymph node metastases (P=0.003). The survival of gastric cancer patients with high expression of TSP50 was significantly shorter than that of the patients with low levels of TSP50 (P=0.021). Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that TSP50 overexpression was an independent prognostic factor for gastric cancer patients (P=0.017).Conclusions. Our data demonstrate that elevated TSP50 protein expression could be a potential predictor of poor prognosis in gastric cancer patients.
Risk Factors for HIV/Syphilis Infection and Male Circumcision Practices and Preferences among Men Who Have Sex with Men in China
Authors: Zeng Yali , Zhang Linglin , Li Tian , Lai Wenhong , Jia Yujiang , Aliyu Muktar H. , Do Mai , Wang Xiaodong , Han Delin , Huang Wanli , Du Shuping , Xu Jie , Zhou Jiushun , Liang Shu , Yu Fei , Zhang Yanqing
Published: March 2014

Objective. To investigate factors associated with HIV infection and the frequency and willingness of male circumcision among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Chengdu city, China.Methods. A cross-sectional survey provided information on participants' demographics, risk behaviors, circumcision, and uptake of HIV prevention services.Results. Of 570 participants, 13.3% were infected with HIV and 15.9% with syphilis. An estimated 43.0% of respondents reported having unprotected receptive anal intercourse, and 58.9% reported having ≥2 male sexual partners in the past 6 months. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that syphilis, more male sex partners, predominantly receptive anal intercourse, and exclusively receptive male sex were associated with HIV infection. Higher level of education and peer education service were inversely associated with HIV infection. Nearly a fifth (18.0%) of participants were circumcised. More than half of uncircumcised participants expressed willingness to be circumcised.Conclusion. This study reveals a high prevalence of HIV and syphilis among MSM in Chengdu province of China. The frequency of unprotected receptive anal intercourse and multiple male sexual partnerships highlight the urgency for an effective comprehensive HIV prevention strategy. Although the willingness to accept male circumcision (MC) is high, further research is needed to assess the protective effective of MC among MSM.
A Simple Three-Dimensional Matrix Method for Global Constellation Intrasatellite Link Topological Design
Authors: Wang Xiaoliang , Meng Yansong , Su Zhe , Wang Gang , Zhang Lixin , Gong Deren
Published: March 2014

A three-dimensional matrix method is proposed in this paper for Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) constellation Intrasatellite Link (ISL) topological design. The rows and columns of proposed matrix contain the information of both constellation orbit planes and satellites in each orbit plane. The third dimension of proposed matrix represents the time sequences during constellation movement. The proposed method has virtues of better advantage of conceptual clarity and computational efficiency, meanwhile, some properties of ISLs in the constellation can be proved easily. At the second part of this paper, a link assignment and optimal routing problem is proposed using three-dimensional topology matrixes, which aimed to minimize the relay hops during the process of data uploading to whole constellation network. Moreover, some practical constrains as antenna beam coverage and relative velocity are considered and analyzed in detail. Finally, some numerical simulations are provided, and the results demonstrated the promising performance of proposed topological method in reduction of computation burden, clear ISL conception, and so forth; the efficiency of provided optimal ISL routing problem is also proved.
The Long-Term Prognostic Significance of 6-Minute Walk Test Distance in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Ingle Lee , Cleland John G. , Clark Andrew L.
Published: March 2014

Background. The 6-minute walk test (6-MWT) is used to assess patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). The prognostic significance of the 6-MWT distance during long-term followup (>5 years) is unclear.Methods. 1,667 patients (median [inter-quartile range, IQR]) (age 72 [65–77]; 75% males) with heart failure due to left ventricular systolic impairment undertook a 6-MWT as part of their baseline assessment and were followed up for 5 years.Results. At 5 years’ followup, those patients who died (n= 959) were older at baseline and had a higher log NT pro-BNP than those who survived to 5 years (n= 708). 6-MWT distance was lower in those who died [163 (153) m versus 269 (160) m;P< 0.0001]. Median 6-MWT distance was 300 (150–376) m, and quartile ranges were <46 m, 46–240 m, 241–360 m, and >360 m. 6-MWT distance was a predictor of all-cause mortality (HR 0.97; 95% CI 0.96-0.97; Chi-square = 184.1;P< 0.0001). Independent predictors of all-cause mortality were decreasing 6-MWT distance, increasing age, increasing NYHA classification, increasing log NT pro-BNP, decreasing diastolic blood pressure, decreasing sodium, and increasing urea.Conclusion. The 6-MWT is an important independent predictor of all-cause mortality following long-term followup in patients with CHF.
NMC and the Fine-Tuning Problem on the Brane
Authors: Safsafi A. , Bennai M.
Published: March 2014

We propose a new solution to the fine-tuning problem related to coupling constantλof the potential. We study a quartic potential of the formλϕ4in the framework of the Randall-Sundrum type II braneworld model in the presence of a Higgs field which interacts nonminimally with gravity via a possible interaction term of the form-(ξ/2)ϕ2R. Using the conformal transformation techniques, the slow-roll parameters in high energy limit are reformulated in the case of a nonminimally coupled scalar field. We show that, for some value of a coupling parameterξand brane tensionT, we can eliminate the fine-tuning problem. Finally, we present graphically the solutions of several values of the free parameters of the model.
European Option Pricing with Transaction Costs in Lévy Jump Environment
Authors: Li Jiayin , Shu Huisheng , Kan Xiu
Published: March 2014

The European option pricing problem with transaction costs is investigated for a risky asset price model with Lévy jump. By the aid of arbitrage pricing theory and the generalized Itô formula (which includes Poisson jump), the explicit solution to the risk asset price model is given. According to arbitrage-free principle, we first discretize the continuous-time model. Then, in each small time interval, the transaction costs are introduced. By using theΔ-hedging strategy, the explicit solutions of the European options pricing formula with transaction costs are given for the risky asset price model with Lévy jump.
Development and Evaluation of Mouth Dissolving Films of Amlodipine Besylate for Enhanced Therapeutic Efficacy
Authors: Maheswari K. M. , Devineni Pavan Kumar , Deekonda Sravanthi , Shaik Salma , Uppala Naga Pravallika , Nalluri Buchi N.
Published: March 2014

The present investigation was undertaken with an objective of formulating mouth dissolving films (MDFs) of Amlodipine Besylate (AMLO) to enhance convenience and compliance of the elderly and pediatric patients for better therapeutic efficacy. Film formers like hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) and methyl cellulose (MC) along with film modifiers like poly vinyl pyrrolidone K30 (PVP K30), and sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) as solubilizing agents were evaluated. The prepared MDFs were evaluated for in vitro dissolution characteristics, in vitro disintegration time, and their physicomechanical properties. All the prepared MDFs showed good mechanical properties like tensile strength, folding endurance, and % elongation. MDFs were evaluated by means of FTIR, SEM, and X-RD studies. MDFs with 7.5% (w/w) of HPMC E3 gave better dissolution properties when compared to HPMC E5, HPMC E15, and MC. MDFs with PVP K30 and SLS gave superior dissolution properties when compared to MDFs without PVP K30 and SLS. The dissolution properties of MDFs with PVP K30 were superior when compared to MDFs with SLS. In the case of F3 containing 7.5% of HPMC E3 and 0.04% of PVP K30, complete and faster release was observed within 60 sec when compared to other formulations. Release kinetics data reveals diffusion is the release mechanism.
Biclique Cryptanalysis on the Full Crypton-256 and mCrypton-128
Authors: Song Junghwan , Lee Kwanhyung , Lee Hwanjin
Published: March 2014

Biclique cryptanalysis is an attack which reduces the computational complexity by finding a biclique which is a kind of bipartite graph. We show a single-key full-round attack of the Crypton-256 and mCrypton-128 by using biclique cryptanalysis. In this paper, 4-round bicliques are constructed for Crypton-256 and mCrypton-128. And these bicliques are used to recover master key for the full rounds of Crypton-256 and mCrypton-128 with the computational complexities of 2253.78and 2126.5, respectively. This is the first known single-key full-round attack on the Crypton-256. And our result on the mCrypton-128 has superiority over known result of biclique cryptanalysis on the mCrypton-128 which constructs 3-round bicliques in terms of computational time complexity.
NMR-Based Metabolomic Profiling of Overweight Adolescents: An Elucidation of the Effects of Inter-/Intraindividual Differences, Gender, and Pubertal Development
Authors: Zheng Hong , Yde Christian C. , Arnberg Karina , Mølgaard Christian , Michaelsen Kim F. , Larnkjær Anni , Bertram Hanne C.
Published: March 2014

The plasma and urine metabolome of 192 overweight 12–15-year-old adolescents (BMI of 25.4 ± 2.3 kg/m2) were examined in order to elucidate gender, pubertal development measured as Tanner stage, physical activity measured as number of steps taken daily, and intra-/interindividual differences affecting the metabolome detected by proton NMR spectroscopy. Higher urinary excretion of citrate, creatinine, hippurate, and phenylacetylglutamine and higher plasma level of phosphatidylcholine and unsaturated lipid were found for girls compared with boys. The results suggest that gender differences in the metabolome are being commenced already in childhood. The relationship between Tanner stage and the metabolome showed that pubertal development stage was positively related to urinary creatinine excretion and negatively related to urinary citrate content. No relations between physical activity and the metabolome could be identified. The present study for the first time provides comprehensive information about associations between the metabolome and gender, pubertal development, and physical activity in overweight adolescents, which is an important subject group to approach in the prevention of obesity and life-style related diseases. While this study is preliminary, these results may have the potential to translate into clinical applicability upon further investigations; if biomarkers for Tanner stage can be established, these might be used for identification of individuals susceptible to an early pubertal development.
Stability and Hopf Bifurcation Analysis on a Bazykin Model with Delay
Authors: Zhang Jianming , Zhang Lijun , Khalique Chaudry Masood
Published: March 2014

The dynamics of a prey-predator system with a finite delay is investigated. We show that a sequence of Hopf bifurcations occurs at the positive equilibrium as the delay increases. By using the theory of normal form and center manifold, explicit expressions for determining the direction of the Hopf bifurcations and the stability of the bifurcating periodic solutions are derived.
Design and Optimization of Fresnel Lens for High Concentration Photovoltaic System
Authors: Jing Lei , Liu Hua , Wang Yao , Xu Wenbin , Zhang Hongxin , Lu Zhenwu
Published: March 2014

A practical optimization design is proposed, in which the solar direct light spectrum and multijunction cell response range are taken into account in combination, particularly for the Fresnel concentrators with a high concentration and a small aspect ratio. In addition, the change of refractive index due to temperature variation in outdoor operation conditions is also considered in the design stage. The calculation results show that this novel Fresnel lens achieves an enhancement of energy efficiency of about 10% compared with conventional Fresnel lens for a given solar spectrum, solar cell response, and corrected sunshine hours of different ambient temperature intervals.
Biomarkers for Sepsis
Authors: Henriquez-Camacho Cesar , Losa Juan
Published: March 2014

Bloodstream infections are a major concern because of high levels of antibiotic consumption and of the increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance. Bacteraemia is identified in a small percentage of patients with signs and symptoms of sepsis. Biomarkers are widely used in clinical practice and they are useful for monitoring the infectious process. Procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) have been most widely used, but even these have limited abilities to distinguish sepsis from other inflammatory conditions or to predict outcome. PCT has been used to guide empirical antibacterial therapy in patients with respiratory infections and help to determine if antibacterial therapy can be stopped. New biomarkers such as those in this review will discuss the major types of biomarkers of bloodstream infections/sepsis, including soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1), soluble urokinase-type plasminogen receptor (suPAR), proadrenomedullin (ProADM), and presepsin.
Existence Results for a Perturbed Problem Involving Fractional Laplacians
Authors: Hu Yan
Published: March 2014

We extend the results of Cabre and Sire (2011) to show the existence of layer solutions of fractional Laplacians with perturbed nonlinearity(-Δ)su=b(x)f(u)inℝwiths∈(0,1). Herebis a positive periodic perturbation forf, and-fis the derivative of a balanced well potentialG. That is,G∈C2,γsatisfiesG(1)=G(-1)<G(τ)  ∀τ∈(-1,1),  G'(1)=G'(-1)=0.First, for odd nonlinearityfand for everys∈(0,1), we prove that there exists a layer solution via the monotone iteration method. Besides, existence results are obtained by variational methods fors∈(1/2,1)and for more general nonlinearities. While the cases≤1/2remains open.
Assessment of Municipal Solid Waste Management System in a Developing Country
Authors: Ahsan A. , Alamgir M. , El-Sergany M. M. , Shams S. , Rowshon M. K. , Daud N. N. Nik
Published: March 2014

This study represents a few basic steps of municipal solid waste management practiced in the six major cities of Bangladesh, namely, Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna, Rajshahi, Barisal, and Sylhet. A six-month field study was conducted to identify the solid wastes management steps such as storage at source, separation, on-site storage, collection, transportation, treatment, reuse, recycling, and ultimate disposal. This study addresses the role of the city authority to meet the demand of the city dwellers in solving this emerging socioenvironmental issue and the initiatives taken by some nongovernmental organizations and community based organizations. The problems and constraints of the solid wastes management system are also identified to find a sustainable management concept for the urban areas of Bangladesh.