bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optical Design of a Solar Dish Concentrator Based on Triangular Membrane Facets
Authors: Ma Hongcai , Jin Guang , Zhong Xing , Xu Kai , Li Yanjie
Published: November 2012

The design of a solar dish concentrator is proposed based on triangular membrane facets for space power applications. The facet concentrator approximates a parabolic surface supported by a deployable perimeter truss structure, which originates from a large aperture space antenna. For optimizing the number of facets rows and focal-diameter ratio of the concentrator, Monte Carlo ray-tracing method is utilized to determine optical performance of the concentrator, and the system root-mean-square (RMS) deviation is considered in this design procedure. A 600-facet concentrator with focal-diameter ratio of 1.1 will achieve 83.63% of radiative collection efficiency over a 15 cm radius disk located in the focal plane, with a mean solar concentration ratio exceeding 300. The study in this paper is helpful for the development of the membrane facet concentrator.
Leiomyosarcoma of Pulmonary Vein Presenting as Left Atrial Mass: An Outline of Management Principles
Authors: Gukop Philemon , Frassetto Guido , Karapanagiotidis Georgios , Chandrasekaran Venkatachalam
Published: November 2012

Leiomyosarcoma of the pulmonary vein is rare and has poor prognosis. Its clinical features are nonspecific and mimic benign conditions. Early diagnosis is challenging. Most cases have been diagnosed only at autopsy or on postoperative histology specimens. Treatment is essentially palliative complete surgical excision. We outline the principles of management with the case of a 39-year-old man with leiomyosarcoma of the left pulmonary veins extending into the left atrium. Extensive investigation to achieve early diagnosis and determine extent of disease is essential. Frozen section guided adequate excision of all cardiac tumours and resection of involved lung tissue achieve local disease control. Adjuvant chemoradiotherapy has been shown to enhance survival.
Lie Group Classification of a Generalized Lane‐Emden Type System in Two Dimensions
Authors: Molati Motlatsi , Khalique Chaudry Masood
Published: November 2012

The aim of this work is to perform a complete Lie symmetry classification of a generalized Lane‐Emden type system in two dimensions which models many physical phenomena in biological and physical sciences. The classical approach of group classification is employed for classification. We show that several cases arise in classifying the arbitrary parameters, the forms of which include amongst others the power law nonlinearity, and exponential and quadratic forms.
Green Tea Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Downregulates the Expression of Angiotensin II AT1Receptor in Renal and Hepatic Tissues of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Thomson Martha , Al-Qattan Khaled , Mansour Mohamed H. , Ali Muslim
Published: November 2012

This study investigates the potential of green tea to modulate oxidative stress and angiotensin II AT1receptor expression in renal and hepatic tissues of diabetic rats. Three groups of rats were studied after 8 weeks following diabetes induction: normal, streptozotocin-induced diabetic (diabetic control), and green-tea-treated diabetic rats. Total antioxidant, catalase, and malondialdehyde levels were assayed by standard procedures. Levels of AT1receptor labeling, in renal and hepatic tissues of the three rat groups, were immunohistochemically investigated using an anti-AT1receptor antibody. Levels of total antioxidant and catalase were significantly reduced, whereas malondialdehyde levels and AT1receptor labeling were significantly increased in renal and hepatic tissues of diabetic control rats compared to normal rats. Compared to diabetic control rats, total antioxidant and catalase levels were significantly increased, whereas malondialdehyde levels and AT1receptor labeling in the green-tea-treated diabetic group were significantly reduced throughout hepatic lobules and renal cortical and medullary vascular and tubular segments to levels comparable to those observed in normal rats. The capacity of green tea to modulate diabetes-induced oxidative stress and AT1receptor upregulation may be beneficial in opposing the deleterious effects of excessive angiotensin II signaling, manifested by progressive renal and hepatic tissue damage.
DeWitt-Virasoro Construction in Tensor Representations
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Partha
Published: November 2012

We generalize the DeWitt-Virasoro (DWV) construction of arXiv:0912.3987 [hep-th] to tensor representations of higher ranks. A rank-ntensor state, which is by itself coordinate invariant, is expanded in terms of position eigenstates that transform as tensors of the same rank. The representation of the momentum operator in these basis states is then obtained by generalizing DeWitt's argument (1952). Such a representation is written in terms of certain bivector of parallel displacement and its covariant derivatives. With this machinery at hand we find tensor representations of the DWV generators defined in the previous work. The results differ from those in spin-zero representation by additional terms involving the spin connection. However, we show that the DWV algebra found earlier as a scalar expectation value remains the same, as required by consistency, as all the additional contributions conspire to cancel in various ways. In particular, vanishing of the anomaly term requires the same condition of Ricci-flatness for the background.
The Effect of Reducing Time on the Magnetoresistance of Manganite La0.67Sr0.20Cu0.10□0.03MnO3 at a Temperature of 30°C
Authors: Zhao Hongwei , Hu Lichun , Zhang Zhanxin
Published: November 2012

La0.67Sr0.20Cu0.10□0.03MnO3 (“□” representing cation vacancy) polycrystalline manganite powder was synthesized by sol‐gel method, which we used as parent materials. After reduced in hydrogen atmosphere for 30 and 60 minutes at a temperature of 400°C, the series bulk samples were obtained by sintering in argon atmosphere for 12 hours at 1100°C. The structure, electrical and magnetic properties, and colossal magnetoresistance of samples were researched in detail. Experiment results indicate that under an applied magnetic field of 1.8 T, the two bulk samples sintered in Ar atmosphere for 12 hours at 1100°C, with the powder reduced for 30 and 60 minutes in 400°C hydrogen atmosphere for La0.67Sr0.20Cu0.10□0.03MnO3 parent powders, respectively, have the stable MR (11.0 ± 0.3)% and (10.0 ± 0.5)% in temperature region from 270 K to 330 K. this is important for the potential application of this kind of magnetoresistance materials.
Multimessengers from Core-Collapse Supernovae: Multidimensionality as a Key to Bridge Theory and Observation
Authors: Kotake Kei , Takiwaki Tomoya , Suwa Yudai , Iwakami Nakano Wakana , Kawagoe Shio , Masada Youhei , Fujimoto Shin-ichiro
Published: November 2012

Core-collapse supernovae are dramatic explosions marking the catastrophic end of massive stars. The only means to get direct information about the supernova engine is from observations of neutrinos emitted by the forming neutron star, and through gravitational waves which are produced when the hydrodynamic flow or the neutrino flux is not perfectly spherically symmetric. The multidimensionality of the supernova engine, which breaks the sphericity of the central core such as convection, rotation, magnetic fields, and hydrodynamic instabilities of the supernova shock, is attracting great attention as the most important ingredient to understand the long-veiled explosion mechanism. Based on our recent work, we summarize properties of gravitational waves, neutrinos, and explosive nucleosynthesis obtained in a series of our multidimensional hydrodynamic simulations and discuss how the mystery of the central engines can be unraveled by deciphering these multimessengers produced under the thick veils of massive stars.
Application of an Integrative Computational Framework in Trancriptomic Data of Atherosclerotic Mice Suggests Numerous Molecular Players
Authors: Papadodima Olga , Sirsjö Allan , Kolisis Fragiskos N. , Chatziioannou Aristotelis
Published: November 2012

Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial disease involving a lot of genes and proteins recruited throughout its manifestation. The present study aims to exploit bioinformatic tools in order to analyze microarray data of atherosclerotic aortic lesions of ApoE knockout mice, a model widely used in atherosclerosis research. In particular, a dynamic analysis was performed among young and aged animals, resulting in a list of 852 significantly altered genes. Pathway analysis indicated alterations in critical cellular processes related to cell communication and signal transduction, immune response, lipid transport, and metabolism. Cluster analysis partitioned the significantly differentiated genes in three major clusters of similar expression profile. Promoter analysis applied to functional related groups of the same cluster revealed shared putative cis-elements potentially contributing to a common regulatory mechanism. Finally, by reverse engineering the functional relevance of differentially expressed genes with specific cellular pathways, putative genes acting as hubs, were identified, linking functionally disparate cellular processes in the context of traditional molecular description.
Omentum in the Pediatric Umbilical Hernia: Is It a Potential Alarm for the Appearance of Complications?
Authors: Sinopidis Xenophon , Panagidis Antonios , Alexopoulos Vasileios , Karatza Ageliki , Mitropoulou Konstantina , Varvarigou Anastasia , Georgiou George
Published: November 2012

Umbilical hernia is a common benign condition which resolves spontaneously during the first five years of life. However, in certain cases there are some characteristics which may be indicative of a different prognostic approach, as they increase the possibility of complications. The two cases of umbilical hernia that we describe here were treated operatively and revealed the presence of strangulated and adhered omentum, respectively. Reflecting on the adhesive properties of the omentum, we hypothesized that this may occur more often than it is believed, especially in those cases that are described as recurrent symptomatic herniations. In such cases, there should be increased alert for the possibility of complications during the period of the conservative expectance for resolution.
Survivorship and Severe Complications Are Worse for Octogenarians and Elderly Patients with Pelvis Fractures as Compared to Adults: Data from the National Trauma Data Bank
Authors: Matityahu Amir , Elson Joshua , Morshed Saam , Marmor Meir
Published: November 2012

Purpose. This study examined whether octogenarians and elderly patients with pelvic fractures have a different risk of complication and mortality as compared to adults.Methods. Data was gathered from the National Trauma Data Bank from 2002 to 2006. There were 32,660 patients 18–65, 6,408 patients 65–79, and 5,647 patients ≥ 80 years old with pelvic fractures. Descriptive statistics and bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed with the adult population as a referent.Results. Multivariate analysis showed 4.7-fold higher odds of death and 4.57 odds of complications in the octogenarian group after a pelvic fracture compared to adults. The elderly had 1.81-fold higher odds of death and 2.18-fold higher odds of severe complications after sustaining a severe pelvic fracture relative to adults. An ISS ≥ 16 yielded 15.1-fold increased odds of mortality and 18.3-fold higher odds of severe complications. Hypovolemic shock had 7.65-fold increased odds of death and 6.31-fold higher odds of severe complications. Between the ages of 18 and 89 years, there is approximately a 1% decrease in survivorship every 10 years.Conclusions. This study illustrates that patients older than 80 years old with pelvis fractures have a higher mortality and complications rate than elderly or adult patients.
Analysis on the Light-Scattering Effect in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell according to the TiO2Structural Differences
Authors: Son Min-Kyu , Seo Hyunwoong , Kim Soo-Kyoung , Hong Na-Yeong , Kim Byung-Man , Park Songyi , Prabakar Kandasamy , Kim Hee-Je
Published: November 2012

A light-scattering layer is widely used in highly efficient dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) because it improves the light-harvesting ability of a DSC by reflecting the light passing through the transparent TiO2layer. Among many parameters affecting this light-scattering effect, the thickness of the TiO2photoelectrode is also a significant parameter. However, most studies regarding the influence of the TiO2photoelectrode thickness on the light-scattering effect have only focused on the thickness of the transparent TiO2layer and have ignored the light-scattering layer thickness itself. Therefore, in this study, we analyzed the light scattering effect according to the thickness of the light-scattering layer and the resulting photovoltaic performance of the DSC. Finally, it was confirmed that the light-scattering effect is enhanced to some degree with the increase of the light-scattering layer thickness, while it is weakened when the light-scattering layer thickness is further increased.
Thin Films Prepared from Nanometer Size TiO2Absorbs Millimeter Waves
Authors: Yesil Mehmet Ali , Yegin Korkut , Culha Mustafa , Efeoglu Esen
Published: November 2012

Absorption of average 10 nm size TiO2nanoparticles deposited on glass surfaces as a thin film using convective assembly technique and drop-casting is studied in the millimeter wave range from 26 GHz to 40 GHz. The millimeter wave responses of the fabricated samples were obtained using a vector network analyzer. Reflection properties of the prepared samples were also measured. Absorption and reflection of TiO2nanoparticles were more pronounced between 35 GHz and 40 GHz compared to glass-only sample.
Numerical Simulation of Solitary Wave Induced Flow Motion around a Permeable Submerged Breakwater
Authors: Zhang Jisheng , Zheng Jinhai , Jeng Dong-Sheng , Wang Gang
Published: November 2012

This paper presents a numerical model for the simulation of solitary wave transformation around a permeable submerged breakwater. The wave‐structure interaction is obtained by solving the Volume‐Averaged Reynolds‐Averaged Navier‐Stokes governing equations (VARANS) and volume of fluid (VOF) theory. This model is applied to understand the effects of porosity, equivalent mean diameter of porous media, structure height, and structure width on the propagation of a solitary wave in the vicinity of a permeable submerged structure. The results show that solitary wave propagation around a permeable breakwater is essentially different from that around impermeable one. It is also found that the structure porosity has more impact than equivalent mean diameter on the wave transformation and flow structure. After interacting with the higher structure, the wave has smaller wave height behind the structure with a lower travelling speed. When the wave propagates over the breakwater with longer width, the wave travelling speed is obviously reduced with more wave energy dissipated inside porous structure.
Intervention in Biological Phenomena via Feedback Linearization
Authors: Fnaiech Mohamed Amine , Nounou Hazem , Nounou Mohamed , Datta Aniruddha
Published: November 2012

The problems of modeling and intervention of biological phenomena have captured the interest of many researchers in the past few decades. The aim of the therapeutic intervention strategies is to move an undesirable state of a diseased network towards a more desirable one. Such an objective can be achieved by the application of drugs to act on some genes/metabolites that experience the undesirable behavior. For the purpose of design and analysis of intervention strategies, mathematical models that can capture the complex dynamics of the biological systems are needed. S-systems, which offer a good compromise between accuracy and mathematical flexibility, are a promising framework for modeling the dynamical behavior of biological phenomena. Due to the complex nonlinear dynamics of the biological phenomena represented by S-systems, nonlinear intervention schemes are needed to cope with the complexity of the nonlinear S-system models. Here, we present an intervention technique based on feedback linearization for biological phenomena modeled by S-systems. This technique is based on perfect knowledge of the S-system model. The proposed intervention technique is applied to the glycolytic-glycogenolytic pathway, and simulation results presented demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed technique.
Mechanism of Inflammation in Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Parmeggiani Francesco , Romano Mario R. , Costagliola Ciro , Semeraro Francesco , Incorvaia Carlo , D’Angelo Sergio , Perri Paolo , De Palma Paolo , De Nadai Katia , Sebastiani Adolfo
Published: November 2012

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a multifactorial disease that represents the most common cause of irreversible visual impairment among people over the age of 50 in Europe, the United States, and Australia, accounting for up to 50% of all cases of central blindness. Risk factors of AMD are heterogeneous, mainly including increasing age and different genetic predispositions, together with several environmental/epigenetic factors, that is, cigarette smoking, dietary habits, and phototoxic exposure. In the aging retina, free radicals and oxidized lipoproteins are considered to be major causes of tissue stress resulting in local triggers for parainflammation, a chronic status which contributes to initiation and/or progression of many human neurodegenerative diseases such as AMD. Experimental and clinical evidences strongly indicate the pathogenetic role of immunologic processes in AMD occurrence, consisting of production of inflammatory related molecules, recruitment of macrophages, complement activation, microglial activation and accumulation within those structures that compose an essential area of the retina known as macula lutea. This paper reviews some attractive aspects of the literature about the mechanisms of inflammation in AMD, especially focusing on those findings or arguments more directly translatable to improve the clinical management of patients with AMD and to prevent the severe vision loss caused by this disease.
Orthodontic Implants: Concepts for the Orthodontic Practitioner
Authors: Elias Carlos Nelson , Oliveira Ruellas Antônio Carlos de , Fernandes Daniel Jogaib
Published: November 2012

Orthodontic implants have become a reliable method in orthodontic practice for providing temporary additional anchorage. These devices are useful to control skeletal anchorage in less compliant patients or in cases where absolute anchorage is necessary. There are a great number of advantages in this new approach which include easy insertion, decreased patient discomfort, low price, immediate loading, reduced diameter, versatility in the forces to be used, ease of cleaning, and ease of removal. However, a proper management of the screws by the practitioner is necessary in order to increase the success rate of the technique. The purpose of this paper is to update practitioners on the current concepts of orthodontic implants and orthodontic mechanics.
Early Onset Multiple Sclerosis Has Worse Prognosis Than Adult Onset Multiple Sclerosis Based on Cognition and Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Ozakbas Serkan , Kaya Derya , Idiman Egemen
Published: November 2012

Objectives. In the present study, we aimed to compare the childhood and adult onset multiple sclerosis patients prospectively in their adulthood on the basis of clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and cognitive impairment, which have not been performed before.Patients and Methods. Forty-six patients in whom the disease onset occurred before 16 years of age were included in the present study. Study subjects were compared with 64 randomly included adult onset patients.Results. Mean disease duration, clinical course, and female to male ratio did not differ in the groups. Cerebellar/brainstem and spinal involvement at onset were significantly higher in EOMS than in AOMS. Difference in MSFC between baseline and at the end of the 5th year was significantly worse in EOMS population (). The most significant difference was found in Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) (). Differences between baseline and at the end of the 5th year on the basis of T1 hypointense lesions were significantly higher in early onset MS than in adult onset MS patients ().Conclusions. Early onset MS seems to have worse prognosis than that of adult onset MS on the basis of clinical manifestation, cognitive impairment, and MRI parameters.
Preparation and Characterization of Self‐Assembled Thin Film of MPS‐Capped ZnS Quantum Dots for Optical Applications
Authors: Koç Kenan , Tepehan Fatma Z. , Tepehan Galip G.
Published: November 2012

For this study, we prepared colloidal ZnS quantum dots using 3‐mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS) as the capping agent. Colloidal ZnS quantum dots were directly deposited on glass substrates by a spin coating process. Therefore, self‐assembled films made of ZnS quantum dots in a SiO2 network were obtained using only one production step. The films were heat‐treated at 100°, 125°, 150°, 175° and 200°C in an N2 atmosphere. The results showed that the dimension of quantum dots changed from 2.8 nm to 3.2 nm by heat treatment. The refractive index, extinction coefficient, thickness, and dielectric coefficient values of the films were calculated. The present study showed that size and the refractive indices of films can be controlled by the heat treatment. Therefore, such films can be a good candidate in optical filter applications.
Some Applications of the Spectral Theory for the Integral Transform Involving the Spectral Representation
Authors: Chung Hyun Soo , Chang Seung Jun
Published: November 2012

In many previous papers, an integral transformℱγ,βwas just considered as a transform on appropriate function spaces. In this paper we deal with the integral transform as an operator on a function space. We then apply various operator theories toℱγ,β. Finally we give an application for the spectral representation of a self-adjoint operator which plays a key role in quantum mechanics.
Parathyroid Adenoma Presenting as a Brown Tumour of the Mandible
Authors: Amin Kavit , Fu Bertram , Barbaccia Carmelo
Published: November 2012

Background. Parathyroid adenoma is the commonest cause of primary hypercalcaemia and usually presents with symptoms/signs of hypercalcaemia. This paper highlights an unusual presentation.Case Report. A 27-year-old female presented with a painful left mandibular swelling, suspicious of neoplasia. A computed tomography (CT) guided biopsy was performed. Based on the histology result, serum calcium was carried out, confirming hypercalcaemia. A left inferior parathyroid adenoma was subsequently removed. CT mandible showed extensive erosive lesions at the left 2nd/3rd inferior molar roots with protrusion to adjacent soft tissues. USS revealed a hypoechoic lesion on the left inferior parathyroid gland. Sestamibi scan showed a focus of MIBI uptake and retention at the inferior aspect of the left thyroid lobe.Conclusion. This case highlights the importance of a thorough history and examination. Clinicians should always bear in mind atypical presentations of parathyroid adenomas, with the need to exclude this differential in the presence of hypercalcaemia.
The Johnson Noise in Biological Matter
Authors: Scalia Massimo , Sperini Massimo , Guidi Fabrizio
Published: November 2012

Can a very low intensity signal overcome a disturbance, the power density of which is much higher than the signal one, and yield some observable effects?
The Johnson noise seems to be a disturbance so high as to cause a negative answer to that question, when one studies the effects on the cell level due to the external ELF fields generated by electric power lines (Adair, 1990, 1991). About this subject, we show that the masking effect due to the Johnson noise, known as “Adair’s constraint” and still present in the scientific debate, can be significantly weakened.
The values provided by the Johnson noise formula, that is an approximate expression, can be affected by a significant deviation with respect to the correct ones, depending on the frequency and the kind of the cells, human or not human, that one is dealing with. We will give some examples. Eventually, we remark that the so‐called Zhadin effect, although born and studied in a different context, could be viewed as an experimental test that gives an affirmative answer to the initial question, when the signal is an extremely weak electromagnetic field and the disturbance is a Johnson noise.
Effects of Gait and Cognitive Task Difficulty on Cognitive-Motor Interference in Aging
Authors: Plummer-D'Amato Prudence , Brancato Briana , Dantowitz Mallory , Birken Stephanie , Bonke Christina , Furey Erin
Published: November 2012

Although gait-related dual-task interference in aging is well established, the effect of gait and cognitive task difficulty on dual-task interference is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of gait and cognitive task difficulty on cognitive-motor interference in aging. Fifteen older adults (72.1 years, SD 5.2) and 20 young adults (21.7 years, SD 1.6) performed three walking tasks of varying difficulty (self-selected speed, fast speed, and fast speed with obstacle crossing) under single- and dual-task conditions. The cognitive tasks were the auditory Stroop task and the clock task. There was a significant Group×Gait Task×Cognitive Task interaction for the dual-task effect on gait speed. After adjusting for education, there were no significant effects of gait or cognitive task difficulty on the dual-task effects on cognitive task performance. The results of this study provide evidence that gait task difficulty influences dual-task effects on gait speed, especially in older adults. Moreover, the effects of gait task difficulty on dual-task interference appear to be influenced by the difficulty of the cognitive task. Education is an important factor influencing cognitive-motor interference effects on cognition, but not gait.
Progesterone Downregulates Oestrogen-Induced Expression of CFTR and SLC26A6 Proteins and mRNA in Rats’ Uteri
Authors: Gholami K. , Muniandy S. , Salleh N.
Published: November 2012

Under progesterone (P) dominance, fluid loss assists uterine closure which is associated with pH reduction. We hypothesize that P inhibits uterine fluid secretion andHCO3-transport.Aim. to investigate the expression of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Regulator (CFTR) and Cl−/HCO3-exchanger (SLC26A6) under P effect.Method. Uteri from ovariectomized steroid replaced and intact rats at different stages of oestrous cycle were analyzed for changes in protein and mRNA expressions.Results. P inhibits CFTR and SLC26A6 proteins and mRNA expression while oestrogen (E) causesvice versa. E treatment followed by P causes a reduction in these transporters’ mRNA and protein. Similar changes occur throughout the oestrous cycle; that is, CFTR mRNA expression was high at proestrus while SLC26A6 mRNA and protein expressions were increased at proestrus and estrus. At diestrus, however, the expression of these transporters’ protein and mRNA was reduced.Conclusion. Inhibition of CFTR and SLC26A6 expressions may explain the reduced fluid volume and pH under P-mediated effect.
A Hybrid Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO)‐Simplex Algorithm for Damage Identification of Delaminated Beams
Authors: Qian Xiangdong , Cao Maosen , Su Zhongqing , Chen Jiangang
Published: November 2012

Delamination is a type of representative damage in composite structures, severely degrading structural integrity and reliability. The identification of delamination is commonly treated as an issue of nondestructive testing. Differing from existing studies, a hybrid optimization algorithm (HOA), combining particle swarm optimization (PSO) with simplex method (SM), is proposed to identify delamination in laminated beams. The objective function of the optimization problem is created using delamination variables (optimization parameters) together with actually measured modal frequencies. The HOA adopts a hierarchical and cooperative regime of global search and local search to optimize the objective function. The PSO performs global search for objective function space to achieve a preliminary solution specifying a local potential space. Initialized by this preliminary solution, the SM executes local search for the local potential space to explore the optimal solution. The HOA is validated by a series of simulated delamination scenarios, and the results show that it can identify delamination in laminated beams with decent accuracy, reliability and efficiency. The method proposed holds promise for establishing online damage detection system beneficial for health monitoring of laminated composite structures.
Mindsight: Diagnostics in Disorders of Consciousness
Authors: Guldenmund P. , Stender J. , Heine L. , Laureys S.
Published: November 2012

Diagnosis of patients with disorders of consciousness (comprising coma, vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome, and minimally conscious state) has long been dependent on unstandardized behavioral tests. The arrival of standardized behavioral tools, and especially the Coma Recovery Scale revised, uncovered a high rate of misdiagnosis. Ancillary techniques, such as brain imaging and electrophysiological examinations, are ever more often being deployed to aid in the search for remaining consciousness. They are used to look for brain activity patterns similar to those found in healthy controls. The development of portable and cheaper devices will make these techniques more widely available.
Condensation Dripping Water Detection and Its Control Method from Exhaust Pipe of Gasohol Vehicle under Low Environmental Temperature Conditions: A Case Study in Harbin, China
Authors: Tian Guangdong , Qiang Tiangang , Chu Jiangwei , Qiao Guangming
Published: November 2012

Gasohol is one of renewable clean alternative energies, which is widely used around the world. Gasohol had been raised to be used in 9 provinces of China since 2001. However, its closed use was merely promoted in Heilongjiang province since November 1, 2004. Moreover, this issue aroused extensive discussions and controversies. One of them is the condensation dripping water issue from exhaust pipe in cold winter. Does the ethanol cause the road freezing in cold winter? To deal with this issue, taking the Harbin city as a case study, this work designs detection experiments of the condensation dripping water from exhaust pipe. Moreover, the amount of the condensation dripping water from exhaust pipe for gasohol and gasoline vehicles with the same working condition is obtained and measured, and their results are compared and analyzed. Simultaneously, the method of reducing the condensation dripping water is proposed. The results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Omental Lymphangioma in Adults—Rare Presentation Report of a Case
Authors: Rao T. Narayana , Parvathi T. , Suvarchala A.
Published: November 2012

Lymphangioma is an uncommon benign lesion that usually occurs during childhood. Its occurrence in adults is rare. Its presentation in the abdomen is even rare. This case report describes a case of omental lymphangioma presented as retroperitoneal lump. Subsequent imaging, operative, and histological findings revealed omental lymphangioma. Laparotomy done under general anesthesia, a 10 × 12 cm cystic swelling arising from omentum, identified complete excision of the cyst done and send the specimen for histopathological examination. Biopsy report came as omental lymphangioma. Complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice. Prognosis is excellent and recurrence rate is very low if resection is complete. During two years of followup no recurrence was detected. Omental lymphangioma is very rare presentation among abdominal lymphangiomas specifically in adults. Complete excision is the treatment of choice. Long-term followup is required to detect recurrence.
Application of Nontraditional Optimization Techniques for Airfoil Shape Optimization
Authors: Mukesh R. , Lingadurai K. , Selvakumar U.
Published: November 2012

The method of optimization algorithms is one of the most important parameters which will strongly influence the fidelity of the solution during an aerodynamic shape optimization problem. Nowadays, various optimization methods, such as genetic algorithm (GA), simulated annealing (SA), and particle swarm optimization (PSO), are more widely employed to solve the aerodynamic shape optimization problems. In addition to the optimization method, the geometry parameterization becomes an important factor to be considered during the aerodynamic shape optimization process. The objective of this work is to introduce the knowledge of describing general airfoil geometry using twelve parameters by representing its shape as a polynomial function and coupling this approach with flow solution and optimization algorithms. An aerodynamic shape optimization problem is formulated for NACA 0012 airfoil and solved using the methods of simulated annealing and genetic algorithm for 5.0 deg angle of attack. The results show that the simulated annealing optimization scheme is more effective in finding the optimum solution among the various possible solutions. It is also found that the SA shows more exploitation characteristics as compared to the GA which is considered to be more effective explorer.
Acid Treatment of Titania Pastes to Create Scattering Layers in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Watson Trystan , Charbonneau Cecile , Bryant Daniel , Worsley David
Published: November 2012

In dye-sensitized solar cells (DSC) scattering layers are used to increase the path length of light incident on the TiO2film. This is typically achieved by the deposition of an additional TiO2layer on top of an existing transparent film and designed to trap light. In this work we show that a simple acid pretreatment can lead to the formation of a scattering “skin” on the surface of a single TiO2film performing a similar function to a scattering layer without any additional depositions. This is important in increasing manufacturing throughput for DSCs as further TiO2depositions require additional materials and heat treatment. The pretreatment leads to self-assembly of a scattering layer of TiO2which covers the surface on short-term immersion (<30 min) and penetrates the bulk layer upon longer immersion. The method has been shown to increase the efficiency of the device by 20%.
Assessment of Visual Acuity, Refraction Changes, and Proptosis in Different Ages of Patients with Thyroid Diseases
Authors: Jankauskiene J. , Jarusaitiene D.
Published: November 2012

Objective. The aim of the study was to assess visual acuity, refractive status, and eye proptosis in children and young adults with Graves’ disease.Material and Methods. We have done investigations of visual acuity, refraction, and eye proptosis in 16 children, 14 teenagers, and 49 adults with Graves’ disease at Eye Clinic of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Medical Academy. Data were compared with 14 children, 14 teenagers, and 35 adults of similar age without the same diseases (control group).Results. In the present study we observed a significant decrease of visual acuity in teenagers (0.73±0.18,P=0.001) and adults (0.7±0.16,P=0.001) with Graves’ disease. Myopia was ascertained more frequent in teenagers (42.8 percent) and adults (44.9 percent) with Graves’ disease. In our study exophthalmometer values were higher in children (15.94±1.98 mm,P=0.003), teenagers (17.28±2.99 mm,P=0.01), and adults (18.05±2.91 mm,P=0.001) in comparison with the controls.Conclusions. The data we have found suggest that Graves’ disease in children, teenagers, and adults has influence on vision acuity, refraction, and eye proptosis.
A Stochastic Decision Support System for Economic Order Quantity Problem
Authors: Yousefli Amir , Ghazanfari Mehdi
Published: November 2012

Improving decisions efficiency is one of the major concerns of the decision support systems. Specially in the uncertain environment, decision support systems could be implemented efficiently to simplify decision making process. In this paper stochastic economic order quantity (EOQ) problem is investigated in which decision variables and objective function are uncertain in nature and optimum probability distribution functions of them are calculated through a geometric programming model. Obtained probability distribution functions of the decision variables and the objective function are used as optimum knowledge to design a new probabilistic rule base (PRB) as a decision support system for EOQ model. The developed PRB is a new type of the stochastic rule bases that can be used to infer optimum or near optimum values of the decision variables and the objective function of the EOQ model without solving the geometric programming problem directly. Comparison between the results of the developed PRB and the optimum solutions which is provided in the numerical example illustrates the efficiency of the developed PRB.
Automated Indirect Immunofluorescence Evaluation of Antinuclear Autoantibodies on HEp-2 Cells
Authors: Voigt Jörn , Krause Christopher , Rohwäder Edda , Saschenbrecker Sandra , Hahn Melanie , Danckwardt Maick , Feirer Christian , Ens Konstantin , Fechner Kai , Barth Erhardt , Martinetz Thomas , Stöcker Winfried
Published: November 2012

Indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) on human epithelial (HEp-2) cells is considered as the gold standard screening method for the detection of antinuclear autoantibodies (ANA). However, in terms of automation and standardization, it has not been able to keep pace with most other analytical techniques used in diagnostic laboratories. Although there are already some automation solutions for IIF incubation in the market, the automation of result evaluation is still in its infancy. Therefore, the EUROPattern Suite has been developed as a comprehensive automated processing and interpretation system for standardized and efficient ANA detection by HEp-2 cell-based IIF. In this study, the automated pattern recognition was compared to conventional visual interpretation in a total of 351 sera. In the discrimination of positive from negative samples, concordant results between visual and automated evaluation were obtained for 349 sera (99.4%, kappa = 0.984). The system missed out none of the 272 antibody-positive samples and identified 77 out of 79 visually negative samples (analytical sensitivity/specificity: 100%/97.5%). Moreover, 94.0% of all main antibody patterns were recognized correctly by the software. Owing to its performance characteristics, EUROPattern enables fast, objective, and economic IIF ANA analysis and has the potential to reduce intra- and interlaboratory variability.
Plant MicroRNA Prediction by Supervised Machine Learning Using C5.0 Decision Trees
Authors: Williams Philip H. , Eyles Rod , Weiller Georg
Published: November 2012

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are nonprotein coding RNAs between 20 and 22 nucleotides long that attenuate protein production. Different types of sequence data are being investigated for novel miRNAs, including genomic and transcriptomic sequences. A variety of machine learning methods have successfully predicted miRNA precursors, mature miRNAs, and other nonprotein coding sequences. MirTools, mirDeep2, and miRanalyzer require “read count” to be included with the input sequences, which restricts their use to deep-sequencing data. Our aim was to train a predictor using a cross-section of different species to accurately predict miRNAs outside the training set. We wanted a system that did not require read-count for prediction and could therefore be applied to short sequences extracted from genomic, EST, or RNA-seq sources. A miRNA-predictive decision-tree model has been developed by supervised machine learning. It only requires that the corresponding genome or transcriptome is available within a sequence window that includes the precursor candidate so that the required sequence features can be collected. Some of the most critical features for training the predictor are the miRNA:miRNA∗duplex energy and the number of mismatches in the duplex. We present a cross-species plant miRNA predictor with 84.08% sensitivity and 98.53% specificity based on rigorous testing by leave-one-out validation.
Risk Assessment Method for Offshore Structure Based on Global Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Tao Zou , Huajun Li , Defu Liu
Published: November 2012

Based on global sensitivity analysis (GSA), this paper proposes a new risk assessment method for an offshore structure design. This method quantifies all the significances among random variables and their parameters at first. And by comparing the degree of importance, all minor factors would be negligible. Then, the global uncertainty analysis work would be simplified. Global uncertainty analysis (GUA) is an effective way to study the complexity and randomness of natural events. Since field measured data and statistical results often have inevitable errors and uncertainties which lead to inaccurate prediction and analysis, the risk in the design stage of offshore structures caused by uncertainties in environmental loads, sea level, and marine corrosion must be taken into account. In this paper, the multivariate compound extreme value distribution model (MCEVD) is applied to predict the extreme sea state of wave, current, and wind. The maximum structural stress and deformation of a Jacket platform are analyzed and compared with different design standards. The calculation result sufficiently demonstrates the new risk assessment method’s rationality and security.
Role of Structure-Based Changes due to Somatic Mutation in Highly Homologous DNA-Binding and DNA-Hydrolyzing Autoantibodies Exemplified by A23P Substitution in the VH Domain
Authors: Kozyr A. V. , Kolesnikov A. V. , Khlyntseva A. E. , Bogun A. G. , Savchenko G. A. , Shemyakin I. G. , Gabibov A. G.
Published: November 2012

Anti-DNA autoantibodies are responsible for tissue injury in lupus. A subset of DNA-specific antibodies capable of DNA cleavage can be even more harmful after entering the living cells by destroying nuclear DNA. Origins of anti-DNA autoantibodies are not fully understood, and the mechanism of induction of DNA-cleaving activity remains speculative. The autoantibody BV04-01 derived from lupus-prone mouse is the only DNA-hydrolyzing immunoglobulin with known 3D structure. Identification and analysis of antibodies homologous to BV04-01 may help to understand molecular bases and origins of DNA-cleaving activity of autoantibodies. BLAST search identified murine anti-DNA autoantibody MRL-4 with sequences of variable region genes highly homologous to those of autoantibody BV04-01. Despite significant homology to BV04-01, not only MRL-4 had no DNA-cleaving activity, but also reversion of its unusual P23 mutation to the germline alanine resulted in a dramatic loss of affinity to DNA. Contrary to this effect, transfer of the P23 mutation to the BV04-01 has resulted in a significant drop in DNA binding and almost complete loss of catalytic activity. In the present paper we analyzed the properties of two homologous autoantibodies and mutants thereof and discussed the implications of unusual somatic mutations for the development of autoantibodies with DNA-binding and DNA-hydrolyzing activity.
Physical Inactivity and Related Barriers: A Study in a Community Dwelling of Older Brazilians
Authors: Gobbi Sebastião , Sebastião Emerson , Papini Camila Bosquiero , Nakamura Priscila Missaki , Valdanha Netto Américo , Gobbi Lilian Teresa Bucken , Kokubun Eduardo
Published: November 2012

This study sought to investigate the prevalence of physical inactivity and related barriers in older Brazilian adults. A cross-sectional, population-based study was conducted, and a stratified random sampling procedure was used. A total of 359 older adults were interviewed. The long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the Questionnaire of Barriers to Physical Activity Practice were used to assess physical activity level and barriers, respectively. No statistically significant difference was observed on the prevalence of physical inactivity in either gender or age groups. Regarding barriers, the proportion of 9 out of 22 barriers was statistically significant between men and women. Self-reported physical inactivity/activity in older Brazilian adults continues to be a concern. Uncommonly, older males reported a higher prevalence of physical inactivity compared to their counterparts. Additionally, physical inactivity prevalence continued to increase with the aging process. Yet, personal barriers such as lack of time and poor health were strongly associated with physical inactivity. The results of this study may help health professionals and public policy makers to better address the issues related to a healthy lifestyle among older adults and promote physical activity among Brazilian older adults and in other countries with similar characteristics.
A Case of Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma with Synchronous Bilateral Adenocarcinoma of Ovary
Authors: Caramelo Olga , Marinho Carol , Rebelo Teresa , Amaral Natália , Mota Fernando , Xavier da Cunha Fernanda , Torgal Isabel
Published: November 2012

Endometrial stromal tumor is a rare mesenchymal uterine tumor. We report the case of a patient with endometrial stromal sarcoma and concomitant bilateral endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the ovary in the context of pelvic endometriosis. The patient underwent a complete cytoreduction including total hysterectomy and bilateral adnexectomy, pelvic lymphadenectomy, appendicectomy, infracolic omentectomy, and pelvic peritonectomy. This is the first report to our knowledge that describes a synchronous endometrial stromal sarcoma and bilateral endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the ovary.
Nonstandard Finite Difference Variational Integrators for Multisymplectic PDEs
Authors: Liao Cuicui , Ding Xiaohua
Published: November 2012

We use the idea of nonstandard finite difference methods to derive the discrete variational integrators for multisymplectic PDEs. We obtain a nonstandard finite difference variational integrator for linear wave equation with a triangle discretization and two nonstandard finite difference variational integrators for the nonlinear Klein‐Gordon equation with a triangle
discretization and a square discretization, respectively. These methods are naturally multisymplectic. Their discrete multisymplectic structures are presented by the multisymplectic form formulas. The convergence of the discretization schemes is discussed. The effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed methods are verified by the numerical experiments.
Test‐Sheet Composition Using Analytic Hierarchy Process and Hybrid Metaheuristic Algorithm TS/BBO
Authors: Duan Hong , Zhao Wei , Wang Gaige , Feng Xuehua
Published: November 2012

Due to the shortcomings in the traditional methods which dissatisfy the examination requirements in composing test sheet, a new method based on tabu search (TS) and biogeography‐based optimization (BBO) is proposed. Firstly, according to the requirements of the test‐sheet composition such as the total score, test time, chapter score, knowledge point score, question type score, cognitive level score, difficulty degree, and discrimination degree, a multi constrained multiobjective model of test‐sheet composition is constructed. Secondly, analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is used to work out the weights of all the test objectives, and then the multiobjective model is turned into the single objective model by the linear weighted sum. Finally, an improved biogeography‐based optimization—TS/BBO is proposed to solve test‐sheet composition problem. To prove the performance of TS/BBO, TS/BBO is compared with BBO and other population‐based optimization methods such as ACO, DE, ES, GA, PBIL, PSO, and SGA. The experiment illustrates that the proposed approach can effectively improve composition speed and success rate.