bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vibration Analysis of a Postbuckled Microscale FG Beam Based on Modified Couple Stress Theory
Authors: Ansari R. , Ashrafi M. A. , Pourashraf T. , Hemmatnezhad M.
Published: February 2014

On the basis of modified couple stress theory, the postbuckling behavior of the Euler-Bernoulli microscale FG beams is investigated by means of an exact solution method. The modified couple stress theory as a nonclassical continuum theory is capable of interpreting the size dependencies which become more significant at micro/nanoscales. The Von-Karman type nonlinear strain-displacement relationships are employed. The thermal effects are also incorporated into formulation. The governing equation of motion and the corresponding boundary conditions are derived using Hamilton’s principle. The material properties are assumed to be graded in the thickness direction according to the power-law distribution. A closed-form solution is obtained for the postbuckling deformation which is beyond the critical buckling load. To study the vibrations taking place in the vicinity of a buckled equilibrium position, the linear vibration problem is exactly solved around the first three buckled configurations. The natural frequencies of the lowest vibration modes around each of the first three buckled configurations are obtained. The influences of power-law exponent, boundary condition, length scale parameter, and thermal environment changes on the static deflection and free vibration frequencies are studied. A comparison is also made between the present results and those obtained via the classical beam theories.
Comparison of Therapeutic Effects of Laparoscopic and Open Operation for Congenital Choledochal Cysts in Adults
Authors: Liu Yuan , Yao Xu , Li Shuqiang , Liu Wenhan , Liu Lei , Liu Jingang
Published: February 2014

Background. Laparoscopic cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy for treating congenital choledochal cysts (CCCs) have proved to be efficacious in children. Its safety and efficacy in adult patients remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the laparoscopic procedure was feasible and safe in adult patients.Methods. We reviewed 35 patients who underwent laparoscopic operation (laparoscopic group) and 39 patients who underwent an open procedure (open group). The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, time until bowel motion recovery, duration of drainage, postoperative stay, time until resumption of diet, postoperative complications, and perioperative laboratory values were recorded and analyzed in both groups.Results. The operative time was longer in the laparoscopic group and decreased significantly with accumulating surgical experience (P<0.01). The mean intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in the laparoscopic group (P<0.01). The time until bowel peristalsis recovery, time until resumption of diet, abdominal drainage, and postoperative stay were significantly shorter in the laparoscopic group (P<0.01). The postoperative complication rate was not higher in the laparoscopic group than in the open group (P>0.05).Conclusions. Laparoscopic cyst excision and hepaticojejunostomy are a feasible, effective, and safe method for treating CCCs in adult patients.
Wernicke's Encephalopathy Mimicking Acute Onset Stroke Diagnosed by CT Perfusion
Authors: Bhan Alok , Advani Rajiv , Kurz Kathinka D. , Farbu Elisabeth , Kurz Martin W.
Published: February 2014

Background. Metabolic syndromes such as Wernicke’s encephalopathy may present with a sudden neurological deficit, thus mimicking acute onset stroke. Due to current emphasis on rapid admission and treatment of acute stroke patients, there is a significant risk that these stroke mimics may end up being treated with thrombolysis. Rigorous clinical and radiological skills are necessary to correctly identify such metabolic stroke mimics, in order to avoid doing any harm to these patients due to the unnecessary use of thrombolysis.Patient. A 51-year-old Caucasian male was admitted to our hospital with suspicion of an acute stroke due to sudden onset dysarthria and unilateral facial nerve paresis. Clinical examination revealed confusion and dysconjugate gaze. Computed tomography (CT) including a CT perfusion (CTP) scan revealed bilateral thalamic hyperperfusion. The use of both clinical and radiological findings led to correctly diagnosing Wernicke’s encephalopathy.Conclusion. The application of CTP as a standard diagnostic tool in acute stroke patients can improve the detection of stroke mimics caused by metabolic syndromes as shown in our case report.
Research on Vocabulary Sizes and Codebook Universality
Authors: Liu Wei-Xue , Hou Jian , Karimi Hamid Reza
Published: February 2014

Codebook is an effective image representation method. By clustering in local image descriptors, a codebook is shown to be a distinctive image feature and widely applied in object classification. In almost all existing works on codebooks, the building of the visual vocabulary follows a basic routine, that is, extracting local image descriptors and clustering with a user-designated number of clusters. The problem with this routine lies in that building a codebook for each single dataset is not efficient. In order to deal with this problem, we investigate the influence of vocabulary sizes on classification performance and vocabulary universality with the kNN classifier. Experimental results indicate that, under the condition that the vocabulary size is large enough, the vocabularies built from different datasets are exchangeable and universal.
Interaction Prediction Optimization in Multidisciplinary Design Optimization Problems
Authors: Meng Debiao , Zhang Xiaoling , Huang Hong-Zhong , Wang Zhonglai , Xu Huanwei
Published: February 2014

The distributed strategy of Collaborative Optimization (CO) is suitable for large-scale engineering systems. However, it is hard for CO to converge when there is a high level coupled dimension. Furthermore, the discipline objectives cannot be considered in each discipline optimization problem. In this paper, one large-scale systems control strategy, the interaction prediction method (IPM), is introduced to enhance CO. IPM is utilized for controlling subsystems and coordinating the produce process in large-scale systems originally. We combine the strategy of IPM with CO and propose the Interaction Prediction Optimization (IPO) method to solve MDO problems. As a hierarchical strategy, there are a system level and a subsystem level in IPO. The interaction design variables (including shared design variables and linking design variables) are operated at the system level and assigned to the subsystem level as design parameters. Each discipline objective is considered and optimized at the subsystem level simultaneously. The values of design variables are transported between system level and subsystem level. The compatibility constraints are replaced with the enhanced compatibility constraints to reduce the dimension of design variables in compatibility constraints. Two examples are presented to show the potential application of IPO for MDO.
Effect of Extracts of Terminalia chebula on Proliferation of Keratinocytes and Fibroblasts Cells: An Alternative Approach for Wound Healing
Authors: Singh Dolly , Singh Deepti , Choi Soon Mo , Zo Sun Mi , Painuli Rakesh Mohan , Kwon Sung Won , Han Sung Soo
Published: February 2014

Terminalia chebula is one of the traditional medicines used in the treatment of many diseases. In the present work, different concentrations of various organic and aqueous extracts (solvent‐free) of T. chebula were tested on fibroblast (L929) and keratinocytes cells to evaluate its biocompatible concentration by using MTT and live‐dead viability/cytotoxic assay. These extracts were found to be effective in decreasing the ammonia accumulation in the media, thereby reducing its toxic effect on cells. DPPH assay further confirmed the free‐radical scavenging ability of the extracts which increased with the increase in concentration of each extract. Cell proliferation/apoptosis, cytoskeletal structure, and ECM production were further evaluated by live‐dead assay and phalloidin/cytokeratin staining, respectively. The cytoskeletal structure and ECM secretion of the cells treated with extracts showed higher cellular activity in comparison to control. In conclusion, we have demonstrated the effect of these extracts of T. chebula on both types of skin cells and optimized concentration in which it could be used as a bioactive component for wound healing applications by increasing cell proliferation and decreasing free‐radical production without affecting the normal cellular matrix. It can also find applications in other therapeutics applications where ammonia toxicity is a limiting factor.
Applying a Hybrid MCDM Model for Six Sigma Project Selection
Authors: Wang Fu-Kwun , Hsu Chen-Hsoung , Tzeng Gwo-Hshiung
Published: February 2014

Six Sigma is a project‐driven methodology; the projects that provide the maximum financial benefits and other impacts to the organization must be prioritized. Project selection (PS) is a type of multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) problem. In this study, we present a hybrid MCDM model combining the decision‐making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) technique, analytic network process (ANP), and the VIKOR method to evaluate and improve Six Sigma projects for reducing performance gaps in each criterion and dimension. We consider the film printing industry of Taiwan as an empirical case. The results show that our study not only can use the best project selection, but can also be used to analyze the gaps between existing performance values and aspiration levels for improving the gaps in each dimension and criterion based on the influential network relation map.
Nonfunctional Metastatic Parathyroid Carcinoma in the Setting of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2A Syndrome
Authors: Posada-González María , Gómez-Ramírez Joaquín , Luque-Ramírez Manuel , Guijarro Mercedes , Martín-Pérez Elena , Rodríguez-Sánchez Ana , García-Sanz Iñigo , Larrañaga Eduardo
Published: February 2014

Parathyroid carcinoma is a very rare malignancy. It has been associated with hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumour syndrome, familial isolated primary hyperparathyroidism, and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1) and 2A (MEN-2A) syndromes. We report a 54-year-old man with a MEN-2A which presents with a nonfunctional metastatic parathyroid carcinoma and a pheochromocytoma in the absence of medullary thyroid carcinoma. Only a few cases of parathyroid carcinoma have been reported in the literature associated with this syndrome.
Subharmonic Resonance of Van Der Pol Oscillator with Fractional‐Order Derivative
Authors: Shen Yongjun , Wei Peng , Sui Chuanyi , Yang Shaopu
Published: February 2014

The subharmonic resonance of van der Pol (VDP) oscillator with fractional‐order derivative is studied by the averaging method. At first, the first‐order approximate solutions are obtained by the averaging method. Then the definitions of equivalent linear damping coefficient (ELDC) and equivalent linear stiffness coefficient (ELSC) for subharmonic resonance are established, and the effects of the fractional‐order parameters on the ELDC, the ELSC, and the dynamical characteristics of system are also analysed. Moreover, the amplitude‐frequency equation and phase‐frequency equation of steady‐state solution for subharmonic resonance are established. The corresponding stability condition is presented based on Lyapunov theory, and the existence condition for subharmonic resonance (ECSR) is also obtained. At last, the comparisons of the fractional‐order and the traditional integer‐order VDP oscillator are fulfilled by the numerical simulation. The effects of the parameters in fractional‐order derivative on the steady‐state amplitude, the amplitude‐frequency curves, and the system stability are also studied.
F-18 FDG-PET-CT in the Diagnostic of a Late Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma Recurrence in a Patient with Follicular-Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Piciu Doina , Piciu Andra
Published: February 2014

Mixed medullary and follicular or papillary carcinoma of thyroid is an extremely rare tumor, characterized by coexistence of morphological and immunohistochemical features of both medullary carcinoma and follicular (or papillary) carcinoma. This case report describes for the first time in the indexed database a late recurrence of a medullary thyroid carcinoma initially diagnosed as follicular-papillary form, treated and monitored accordingly. After 14 years, a superior mediastinum tumor was discovered incidentally at a thorax computer tomography. The whole-body I-131 scan was negative and F-18 FDG-PET-CT showed glucose avidity of the tumor. The patient was operated on and the histology revealed medullary thyroid carcinoma. If there are no possibilities to have routinely extensive immunohistologic profiles, it is recommended to check the serum calcitonin, at least in any patient with confirmed thyroid carcinoma.
Renegotiation Perfection in Infinite Games
Authors: Jamison Julian C.
Published: February 2014

We study the dynamic structure of equilibria in game theory. Allowing players in a game the opportunity to renegotiate, or switch to a feasible and Pareto superior equilibrium, can lead to welfare gains. However, in an extensive-form game this can also make it more difficult to enforce punishment strategies, leading to the question of which equilibria are feasible after all. This paper attempts to resolve that question by presenting the first definition of renegotiation-proofness in general games. This new concept, the renegotiation perfect set, satisfies five axioms. The first three axioms—namely Rationality, Consistency, and Internal Stability—characterize weakly renegotiation-proof sets. There is a natural generalized tournament defined on the class of all WRP sets, and the final two axioms—External Stability and Optimality—pick a unique “winner” from this tournament. The tournament solution concept employed, termed the catalog, is based on Dutta’s minimal covering set and can be applied to many settings other than renegotiation. It is shown that the renegotiation perfection concept is an extension of the standard renegotiation-proof definition for finite games, introduced by (Benoit and Krishna 1993), and that it captures the notion of a strongly renegotiation-proof equilibrium as defined by (Farrell and Maskin 1989).
Genetic Diversity Analysis of Genotype 2 Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Viruses Emerging in Recent Years in China
Authors: Zhou Lei , Yang Xiaorong , Tian Yuan , Yin Shuoyan , Geng Gang , Ge Xinna , Guo Xin , Yang Hanchun
Published: February 2014

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is characterized by its extensive genetic diversity. Here we analyzed 101 sequences of NSP2 hypervariable region, 123 ORF3 sequences, and 118 ORF5 sequences from 128 PRRSV-positive clinical samples collected in different areas of China during 2008–early 2012. The results indicated that the amino acid identities of the three genes among these sequences were 87.6%–100%, 92.5%–100%, and 77%–100%, respectively. Meanwhile, 4 novel patterns of deletion and insertion in NSP2 region or GP5 were first found. The phylogenetic analysis on these 3 genes revealed that the Chinese PRRSV strains could be divided into three subgroups; majority of genes analyzed here were clustered in subgroup 3 with multiple branches; the strains with 30-aa deletion in NSP2-coding region were still the dominant virus in the field. Further phylogenetic analysis on four obtained complete genomic sequences showed that they were clustered into different branches with the Chinese corresponding representative strains. Our analyses suggest that the genetic diversity of genotype 2 PRRSV in the field displays a tendency of increasing in recent years in China, and the 30-aa deletion in NSP2-coding region should be no longer defined as the molecular marker of the Chinese HP-PRRSV.
Omega-3 Fatty Acid Enriched Chevon (Goat Meat) Lowers Plasma Cholesterol Levels and Alters Gene Expressions in Rats
Authors: Ebrahimi Mahdi , Rajion Mohamed Ali , Meng Goh Yong , Soleimani Farjam Abdoreza
Published: February 2014

In this study, control chevon (goat meat) and omega-3 fatty acid enriched chevon were obtained from goats fed a 50% oil palm frond diet and commercial goat concentrate for 100 days, respectively. Goats fed the 50% oil palm frond diet contained high amounts ofα-linolenic acid (ALA) in their meat compared to goats fed the control diet. The chevon was then used to prepare two types of pellets (control or enriched chevon) that were then fed to twenty-male-four-month-oldSprague-Dawleyrats (n=10in each group) for 12 weeks to evaluate their effects on plasma cholesterol levels, tissue fatty acids, and gene expression. There was a significant increase in ALA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the muscle tissues and liver of the rats fed the enriched chevon compared with the control group. Plasma cholesterol also decreased (P<0.05) in rats fed the enriched chevon compared to the control group. The rat pellets containing enriched chevon significantly upregulated the key transcription factor PPAR-γand downregulated SREBP-1c expression relative to the control group. The results showed that the omega-3 fatty acid enriched chevon increased the omega-3 fatty acids in the rat tissues and altered PPAR-γand SREBP-1c genes expression.
A Quantitative Documentation of the Composition of Two Powdered Herbal Formulations (Antimalarial and Haematinic) Using Ethnomedicinal Information from Ogbomoso, Nigeria
Authors: Ogunkunle Adepoju Tunde Joseph , Oyelakin Tosin Mathew , Enitan Abosede Oluwaseyi , Oyewole Funmilayo Elizabeth
Published: February 2014

The safety of many African traditional herbal remedies is doubtful due to lack of standardization.
This study therefore attempted to standardize two polyherbal formulations from Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria, with respect to the relative proportions
(weight‐for‐weight) of their botanical constituents. Information supplied by 41 local herbal practitioners was statistically screened for consistency and then used
to quantify the composition of antimalarial (Maloff‐HB) and haematinic (Haematol‐B) powdered herbal formulations with nine and ten herbs, respectively.
Maloff‐HB contained the stem bark of Enantia chlorantha Oliv. (30.0), Alstonia boonei De Wild (20.0), Mangifera indica L. (10.0), Okoubaka aubrevillei Phelleg & Nomand (8.0), Pterocarpus osun Craib (4.0), root bark of Calliandra haematocephala Hassk (10.0), Sarcocephalus latifolius (J. E. Smith) E. A. Bruce (8.0), Parquetina nigrescens (Afz.) Bullock (6.0), and the vines of Cassytha filiformis L. (4.0), while Haematol‐B was composed of the leaf sheath of Sorghum bicolor Moench (30.0), fruit calyx of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (20.0), stem bark of Theobroma cacao L. (10.0), Khaya senegalensis (Desr.) A. Juss (5.5), Mangifera indica (5.5), root of Aristolochia ringens Vahl. (7.0), root bark of Sarcocephalus latifolius (5.5), Uvaria chamae P. Beauv. (5.5), Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides (Lam.) Zepern & Timler (5.5), and seed of Garcinia kola Heckel (5.5). In pursuance of their general acceptability, the two herbal formulations are recommended for their pharmaceutical, phytochemical, and microbial qualities.
A Branch and Bound Algorithm for the Critical Grid Coverage Problem in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Rebai Maher , Le Berre Matthieu , Hnaien Faicel , Snoussi Hichem , Khoukhi Lyes
Published: February 2014

We aim to cover a grid fully by deploying the necessary wireless sensors while maintaining connectivity between the deployed sensors and a base station ( the sink). The problem is NP- Complete as it can be reduced to a 2- dimensional critical coverage problem, which is an NP- Complete problem. We develop a branch and bound (B&B) algorithm to solve the problem optimally. We verify by computational experiments that the proposed B&B algorithm is more efficient, in terms of computation time, than the integer linear programming model developed by Rebai et al. (2013), for the same problem.
An Odd Rearrangement ofL1(Rn)
Authors: Wang Zheng , Chen Jiecheng
Published: February 2014

We introduce an odd rearrangementf*defined byπ(f)(x)=f*(x)=sgn(x1)f*(νn|x|n),x∈Rn, wheref*is a decreasing rearrangement of the measurable functionf. With the help of this odd rearrangement, we show that for eachf∈L1(Rn), there exists ag∈H1(Rn)such thatdf=dg, wheredfis an distribution function off. Moreover, we study the boundedness of singular integral operators when they are restricted to odd rearrangement ofL1(Rn), and we give some results on Hilbert transform.
Compensatory Structural Adaptive Modifications of Vagina in Response to Functional Demand in Goat
Authors: Hussin Amer M. , Zaid Nazih W. , Hussain S. O.
Published: February 2014

Vaginal biopsies and smears were collected from ten adult local healthy goats. Routine histological methods were carried out on vaginal biopsies and then stained with PAS stain. The smears were stained with Methylene blue. All samples were inspected under light microscope. The present study found that many constituents of the wall of the vagina, which have an important functional role, were absent; among these were the vaginal glands, goblet cells, muscularis mucosa, and lymphatic nodules. On the other hand, vagina showed special compensatory histological mechanisms, namely, the deep epithelial folds, the well-developed germinated stratum basale, the apparent basement membrane, and the profuse defensive cells, such as neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes, plasma cells, and mast cells. The general stains of this study could not recognize dendritic cells although they play an important functional role. Moreover, the herein study declared also that the vaginal smears showing many adaptive cellular mechanisms among these were, the keratinization, the process of sheet formation that lines the vaginal lumen, the process of metachromasia which is related to the cellular activity in protein synthesis, keratin, and finally the presence of endogenous microorganisms. It was concluded that all the above cellular compensatory adaptive mechanisms may compensate the lacking vaginal constituents and act to raise the immune response of the vagina.
Australian Women’s Fertility Experiences prior to a Termination of Pregnancy
Authors: Abigail Wendy , de Lacey Sheryl
Published: February 2014

Objective. This research aimed to investigate the fertility management of women aged over 30 years prior to a termination of pregnancy (TOP) to inform primary health care service delivery providers and policy makers.Design. An ethically approved, two-phase sequential explanatory mixed methods design was used. This paper reports on part of that study.Setting. The study was conducted in five South Australian TOP clinics.Patients. Women aged over 30 years attending for a TOP in 2009 were invited to participate.Interventions. The Contraception Sexual Attitude Questionnaire (modified version) of women attending termination of pregnancy services was used.Main Outcomes Measures. Quantitative data analysis utilized SPSS V16 where simple descriptive statistics were described.Results. There were 101 questionnaire respondents where 70.5% were Australian women, predominantly married and with children. Women used contraception but experienced method failure, were beginning a new method, or were afraid of side effects. Risk-taking behaviours were reported such as putting the possibility of pregnancy out of their mind, getting carried away and not thinking of pregnancy risk, or frequently having unprotected intercourse.Conclusion. Service delivery needs to include age specific programs, and policy makers need to include policies which are adequately funded and evaluated. Further research is required to provide greater depth of knowledge in this area.
Antibiofilm Activity of Manuka Honey in Combination with Antibiotics
Authors: Campeau Michelle E. M. , Patel Robin
Published: February 2014

We assessed the in vitro activity of Manuka honey against biofilm bacteria in combination with antibiotics and visualized the effect of Manuka honey on bacterial biofilms using scanning electron microscopy. The fractional biofilm eradication concentration (∑FBEC ) index for vancomycin plus Manuka honey against S. aureus IDRL-4284 biofilms was 0.34, indicating a synergistic interaction. The ∑FBEC  index for gentamicin plus Manuka honey against P. aeruginosa PAO1 biofilms was 0.78–0.82, indicating an additive interaction. Scanning electron microscopy of S. aureus IDRL-4284 and P. aeruginosa PAO1 biofilms exposed to Manuka honey and artificial honey containing the same sugar composition as Manuka honey showed that the former had more pronounced effects than the latter on both S. aureus and P. aeruginosa biofilms. Visualized effects included distorted cell morphologies for both bacteria and a decrease in P. aeruginosa extracellular matrix. In conclusion, Manuka honey has a synergistic interaction with vancomycin against S. aureus biofilms and an additive interaction with gentamicin against P. aeruginosa biofilms.
Improved Particle Swarm Optimization with a Collective Local Unimodal Search for Continuous Optimization Problems
Authors: Arasomwan Martins Akugbe , Adewumi Aderemi Oluyinka
Published: February 2014

A new local search technique is proposed and used to improve the performance of particle swarm optimization algorithms by addressing the problem of premature convergence. In the proposed local search technique, a potential particle position in the solution search space is collectively constructed by a number of randomly selected particles in the swarm. The number of times the selection is made varies with the dimension of the optimization problem and each selected particle donates the value in the location of its randomly selected dimension from its personal best. After constructing the potential particle position, some local search is done around its neighbourhood in comparison with the current swarm global best position. It is then used to replace the global best particle position if it is found to be better; otherwise no replacement is made. Using some well-studied benchmark problems with low and high dimensions, numerical simulations were used to validate the performance of the improved algorithms. Comparisons were made with four different PSO variants, two of the variants implement different local search technique while the other two do not. Results show that the improved algorithms could obtain better quality solution while demonstrating better convergence velocity and precision, stability, robustness, and global-local search ability than the competing variants.
Process Parameters Optimization of Silica Sand Nanoparticles Production Using Low Speed Ball Milling Method
Authors: Rizlan Zulkhairi , Mamat Othman
Published: February 2014

Experiments are designed using Taguchi method to find the optimum parameters for silica sand nanoparticles production using low speed ball milling. Orthogonal array and signal-to-noise ratio are applied to study performance characteristics of machining parameters which are the ball to powder weight ratio, volume of milling jar, and rotation speed. Results obtained from signal-to-noise ratio analysis showed that ball to powder weight ratio is the most influential parameter.
Effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine Shuxuetong Injection on Random Skin Flap Survival in Rats
Authors: Cai Leyi , Huang Wenfang , Lin Dingsheng
Published: February 2014

Background. A Shuxuetong injection is traditionally used in Chinese medicine to treat “blood stasis and stagnation” (yu xue yu zhi). We investigated the effect of such injection on the survival of random skin flaps.Methods. McFarlane flaps were established in 60 rats divided into two groups. Postoperative celiac injections were given to both groups for 7 days. Shuxuetong was injected into the test group, and saline was injected into controls. On day 7, tissues were stained with H&E (hematoxylin-eosin) stain, immunohistochemically evaluated, and the expression levels of xanthine oxidase were determined.Result. The mean area of flap survival in the test group was significantly higher than in controls. Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and superoxide dismutase, and microvessel development, were markedly increased in the test group, and the malondialdehyde level was reduced.Conclusion. Shuxuetong promotes random skin flap survival.
A Roller Bearing Fault Diagnosis Method Based on LCD Energy Entropy and ACROA-SVM
Authors: Ao HungLinh , Cheng Junsheng , Li Kenli , Truong Tung Khac
Published: February 2014

This study investigates a novel method for roller bearing fault diagnosis based on local characteristic-scale decomposition (LCD) energy entropy, together with a support vector machine designed using an Artificial Chemical Reaction Optimisation Algorithm, referred to as an ACROA-SVM. First, the original acceleration vibration signals are decomposed into intrinsic scale components (ISCs). Second, the concept of LCD energy entropy is introduced. Third, the energy features extracted from a number of ISCs that contain the most dominant fault information serve as input vectors for the support vector machine classifier. Finally, the ACROA-SVM classifier is proposed to recognize the faulty roller bearing pattern. The analysis of roller bearing signals with inner-race and outer-race faults shows that the diagnostic approach based on the ACROA-SVM and using LCD to extract the energy levels of the various frequency bands as features can identify roller bearing fault patterns accurately and effectively. The proposed method is superior to approaches based on Empirical Mode Decomposition method and requires less time.
On Growth of Meromorphic Solutions of Complex Functional Difference Equations
Authors: Li Jing , Zhang Jianjun , Liao Liangwen
Published: February 2014

The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the growth order of the meromorphic solutions of complex functional difference equation of the form(∑λ∈I‍αλ(z)(∏ν=1n‍f(z+cν)lλ,ν))/(∑μ∈J‍βμ(z)(∏ν=1n‍f(z+cν)mμ,ν))=Q(z,f(p(z))), whereI={λ=(lλ,1,lλ,2,…,lλ,n)∣lλ,ν∈ℕ⋃‍{0},  ν=1,2,…,n}andJ={μ=(mμ,1,mμ,2,…,mμ,n)∣mμ,ν∈ℕ⋃‍{0},  ν=1,2,…,n}are two finite index sets,cν (ν=1,2,…,n)are distinct complex numbers,αλ(z)(λ∈I)andβμ(z)(μ∈J)are small functions relative tof(z),andQ(z,u)is a rational function inuwith coefficients which are small functions off(z),p(z)=pkzk+pk-1zk-1+⋯+p0∈ℂ[z]of degreek≥1. We also give some examples to show that our results are sharp.
Development of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells with Sputtered N-DopedTiO2Thin Films: From Modeling the Growth Mechanism of the Films to Fabrication of the Solar Cells
Authors: Duarte D. A. , Massi M. , da Silva Sobrinho A. S.
Published: February 2014

In this paper, nitrogen-doped TiO2thin films were deposited by DC reactive sputtering at different doping levels for the development of dye-sensitized solar cells. The mechanism of film growth during the sputtering process and the effect of the nitrogen doping on the structural, optical, morphological, chemical, and electronic properties of the TiO2were investigated by numerical modeling and experimental methods. The influence of the nitrogen doping on the working principle of the prototypes was investigated by current-voltage relations measured under illuminated and dark conditions. The results indicate that, during the film deposition, the control of the oxidation processes of the nitride layers plays a fundamental role for an effective incorporation of substitutional nitrogen in the film structure and cells built with nitrogen-doped TiO2have higher short-circuit photocurrent in relation to that obtained with conventional DSSCs. On the other hand, DSSCs built with nondoped TiO2have higher open-circuit voltage. These experimental observations indicate that the incorporation of nitrogen in the TiO2lattice increases simultaneously the processes of generation and destruction of electric current.
Studies on the Survival and Growth of Fry ofCatla catla(Hamilton, 1922) Using Live Feed
Authors: Kadhar Abdul , Kumar Arun , Ali Jawahar , John Akbar
Published: February 2014

Effect of live feed on the survival and growth of fry ofCatla catlausing three different live feeds namely, Cyclopoid (Thermocyclops decipiens), Cladoceran (Moina micrura), and mixed diet (Cyclopoid and Cladoceran) were studied. Commercial feed (Sunder’s feed) was used as control. Feeding experiments were carried out in 100 L tanks for 40 days. Fish fry fed with the mixed diet showed significantly better survival rate (54.80 ± 2.43%) than those fed with other food types(P<0.001). Fish fry fed with Cyclopoid had significantly(P<0.001)better growth (26.03 ± 1.88 mm, weight 61.07 ± 3.53 mg) than those fed with other food types. Biochemical studies showed higher level of protein, carbohydrate, and lipid content inCatlafry fed with Cyclopoid diet. The results are discussed in the light of the literature available. It could be suggested that the Cyclopoid diet can be used as live feed for effective production ofCatlafry.
Gradient Elasticity Formulations for Micro/Nanoshells
Authors: Sun Bohua , Aifantis E. C.
Published: February 2014

The focus of this paper is on illustrating how to extend the second author’s gradient theory of elasticity to shells. Three formulations are presented based on the implicit gradient elasticity constitutive relation and its two approximations and .
Secure and Efficient Authentication Scheme for Mobile Sink in WSNs Based on Bilinear Pairings
Authors: Zhang Junsong , Li Xiong , Ma Jian , Wang Wendong
Published: February 2014

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have been widely deployed in different application domains ranging between environment monitoring, transportation, target tracking, and health care. However, due to the limited power supply of the sensors, the researchers introduce mobile sinks in WSNs to prolong its lifetime. When introducing the mobile sinks in WSNs, the authentication issue between the mobile sink and the sensors appears. However, there are few studies on the authentication issue when using mobile sinks in WSNs. In this paper, we present a bilinear pairing based authentication and key agreement scheme for the authentication between mobile sinks and cluster head in WSNs. The proposed scheme can solve the problems of mobile sink authentication and provide data confidentiality and integrity. Security and performance analysis demonstrate that the proposed scheme can resist against various attacks and meet the requirements of computational complexity in the environment of WSNs.
Calcium Phosphate Based Three-Dimensional Cold Plotted Bone Scaffolds for Critical Size Bone Defects
Authors: Bergmann Christian J. D. , Odekerken Jim C. E. , Welting Tim J. M. , Jungwirth Franz , Devine Declan , Bouré Ludovic , Zeiter Stephan , van Rhijn Lodewijk W. , Telle Rainer , Fischer Horst , Emans Pieter J.
Published: February 2014

Bone substitutes, like calcium phosphate, are implemented more frequently in orthopaedic surgery to reconstruct critical size defects, since autograft often results in donor site morbidity and allograft can transmit diseases. A novel bone cement, based onβ-tricalcium phosphate, polyethylene glycol, and trisodium citrate, was developed to allow the rapid manufacturing of scaffolds, by extrusion freeform fabrication, at room temperature. The cement composition exhibits good resorption properties and serves as a basis for customised (e.g., drug or growth factor loaded) scaffolds for critical size bone defects.In vitrotoxicity tests confirmed proliferation and differentiation of ATDC5 cells in scaffold-conditioned culture medium. Implantation of scaffolds in the iliac wing of sheep showed bone remodelling throughout the defects, outperforming the empty defects on both mineral volume and density present in the defect after 12 weeks. Both scaffolds outperformed the autograft filled defects on mineral density, while the mineral volume present in the scaffold treated defects was at least equal to the mineral volume present in the autograft treated defects. We conclude that the formulated bone cement composition is suitable for scaffold production at room temperature and that the established scaffold material can serve as a basis for future bone substitutes to enhancede novobone formation in critical size defects.
Pharmacokinetic and Tissue Distribution Study of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles of Zidovudine in Rats
Authors: Purvin Shah , Vuddanda Parameswara Rao , Singh Sanjay Kumar , Jain Achint , Singh Sanjay
Published: February 2014

Zidovudine-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (AZT-SLNs) and zidovudine in solution were prepared and administered in rats. The aim of this research was to study whether the bioavailability of zidovudine can be improved by AZT-SLNs perorally to rats as compared to oral administration of zidovudine. Zidovudine was determined in plasma and tissues by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography. The pharmacokinetic parameters of zidovudine were determined after peroral administration: area under curve of concentration versus time (AUC) for AZT-SLNs was 31.25% greater than AZT solution; meanwhile mean resident time (MRT) was found to be 1.83 times higher for AZT-SLNs than AZT solution. Elimination half life of zidovudine was also increased for SLN formulation. Tissue distribution pattern of zidovudine was changed in case of AZT-SLNs. AUC of zidovudine in brain and liver was found to be approximately 2.73 and 1.77 times higher in AZT-SLNs than AZT solution, respectively, indicating that AZT-SLNs could cross blood brain barrier. Distribution of zidovudine was approximately 0.95 and 0.86 times lesser in heart and kidney, respectively. It can be concluded from the study that oral administration of AZT-SLNs modifies the plasma pharmacokinetic parameters and biodistribution of zidovudine.
Oxidative Stress Induced in Nurses by Exposure to Preparation and Handling of Antineoplastic Drugs in Mexican Hospitals: A Multicentric Study
Authors: Gómez-Oliván Leobardo Manuel , Miranda-Mendoza Gerardo Daniel , Cabrera-Galeana Paula Anel , Galar-Martínez Marcela , Islas-Flores Hariz , SanJuan-Reyes Nely , Neri-Cruz Nadia , García-Medina Sandra
Published: February 2014

The impact of involuntary exposure to antineoplastic drugs (AD) was studied in a group of nurses in diverse hospitals in Mexico. The results were compared with a group of unexposed nurses. Anthropometric characteristics and the biochemical analysis were analyzed in both groups. Also, lipid peroxidation level (LPX), protein carbonyl content (PCC), and activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were evaluated in blood of study participants as oxidative stress (OS) biomarkers. The group of occupationally exposed (OE) nurses consisted of 30 individuals ranging in age from 25 to 35 years. The control group included 30 nurses who were not occupationally exposed to the preparation and handling of AD and whose anthropometric and biochemical characteristics were similar to those of the OE group. All biomarkers evaluated were significantly increased (P<0.5) in OE nurses compared to the control group. Results show that the assessment of OS biomarkers is advisable in order to evaluate exposure to AD in nurses.
Electroacupuncture Promotes Proliferation of Amplifying Neural Progenitors and Preserves Quiescent Neural Progenitors from Apoptosis to Alleviate Depressive‐Like and Anxiety‐Like Behaviours
Authors: Yang Liu , Yue Na , Zhu Xiaocang , Han Qiuqin , Li Bin , Liu Qiong , Wu Gencheng , Yu Jin
Published: February 2014

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on depressive‐like and anxiety‐like behaviours and neural progenitors in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) in a chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) rat model of depression. After being exposed to a CUS procedure for 2 weeks, rats were subjected to EA treatment, which was performed on acupoints Du‐20 (Bai‐Hui) and GB‐34 (Yang‐Ling‐Quan), once every other day for 15 consecutive days (including 8 treatments), with each treatment lasting for 30 min. The behavioural tests (i.e., forced swimming test, elevated plus‐maze test, and open‐field entries test) revealed that EA alleviated the depressive‐like and anxiety‐like behaviours of the stressed rats. Immunohistochemical results showed that proliferative cells (BrdU‐positive) in the EA group were significantly larger in number compared with the Model group. Further, the results showed that EA significantly promoted the proliferation of amplifying neural progenitors (ANPs) and simultaneously inhibited the apoptosis of quiescent neural progenitors (QNPs). In a word, the mechanism underlying the antidepressant‐like effects of EA is associated with enhancement of ANPs proliferation and preserving QNPs from apoptosis.
Star-Delta Switches Evaluation for Use in Grid-Connected Wind Farm Installations
Authors: Fokianou Panagiota , Samarakou Maria , Kandris Dionisis , Fylladitakis Emmanouil D.
Published: February 2014

Electrical generators are designed to perform best under permanent rotation velocity and fixed loads conditions. However, such ideal conditions are not practically feasible during the operation of real wind turbines. Generally, the voltage output of electrical generators can be regulated without redesigning the electrical or/and mechanical parts constituting such a system, by simply changing the connection of the generator to the grid from Star to Delta or by using combined windings. The present work attempts to investigate the behavior of grid-connected wind turbines with Star-Delta, Delta, and Star connection switches in a variety of simulation scenarios, by taking into consideration the influence of both internal and external factors such as the inertia factor and the wind speed.
Primary Cervical Leiomyoma with Remarkable Calcification and Ossification
Authors: Yamanishi Takahiro , Sakamoto Kaname , Watanabe Hiroyuki , Yonaga Takaaki , Oishi Naoki , Katoh Ryohei , Masuyama Keisuke
Published: February 2014

We encountered a patient with primary cervical leiomyoma with remarkable calcification and ossification. A 68-year-old man presenting with induration and swelling of the left submandibular region was found to have nodular lesions with calcifications in the left submandibular region and the upper mediastinum on CT. Fine needle aspiration biopsies (FNAB) of the left submandibular lesion revealed no malignancy. Resection was performed for definitive diagnosis and treatment. The resected specimen contained a solid tumor, which was markedly calcified and ossified on the cut surface. Histopathological examination showed proliferating spindle cells in a tangled and crossed arrangement. Immunohistochemically, the spindle cells were stained intensely withα-SMA and h-caldesmon, consistent with smooth muscle cells. These findings led to a definitive diagnosis of leiomyoma with calcification and ossification. This is extremely rare and the preoperative differentiation from other tumors of the head and neck was very difficult. By resection of the submandibular tumor, both definitive diagnosis of leiomyoma by histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses and treatment could be carried out. However, as the tumor in the upper mediastinum was most likely to be leiomyoma with calcification, he did not wish to undergo its biopsy and resection immediately. We have continued the follow-up.
Comparison of Performance Measurements of Photovoltaic Modules during Winter Months in Taxila, Pakistan
Authors: Bashir Muhammad Anser , Ali Hafiz Muhammad , Khalil Shahid , Ali Muzaffar , Siddiqui Aysha Maryam
Published: February 2014

This paper presents the comparative performance evaluation of three commercially available photovoltaic modules (monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and single junction amorphous silicon) in Taxila, Pakistan. The experimentation was carried out at outdoor conditions for winter months. Power output, module efficiency, and performance ratio were calculated for each module and the effect of module temperature and solar irradiance on these parameters was investigated. Module parameters showed strong dependence on the solar irradiance and module temperature. Monocrystalline and polycrystalline modules showed better performance in high irradiance condition whereas it decreased suddenly with decrease in irradiance. Amorphous solar module also showed good performance in low irradiance due to its better light absorbing characteristics and thus showed higher average performance ratio. Monocrystalline photovoltaic module showed higher monthly average module efficiency and was found to be more efficient at this site. Module efficiency and performance ratio showed a decreasing trend with increase of irradiance and photovoltaic module back surface temperature.
Stress Distribution on the Fe Based Amorphous Toroidal Transducer Core
Authors: Göktepe Mustafa
Published: February 2014

The basic principles of sensors are the transmission of energy from one system to another. In general, an electrical signal is produced by the change of a physical property induced by the applied change of a second parameter. In the case of magnetic transducers either the property or the parameter would have a magnetic context. For example, in magnetoelastic toroidal transducers, the induced changes of a physical property, that is, the variation of permeability caused by the applied external force are used to produce a variation in output signal. The linearity, magnitude, sensitivity, and repeatability of the relationship between the output signal of the transducer and the physical property define the quality of the transducer.
Assessment of Corneal Biomechanical Properties and Intraocular Pressure in Myopic Spanish Healthy Population
Authors: del Buey María A. , Lavilla Laura , Ascaso Francisco J. , Lanchares Elena , Huerva Valentín , Cristóbal José A.
Published: February 2014

Purpose. To examine biomechanical parameters of the cornea in myopic eyes and their relationship with the degree of myopia in a western healthy population.Methods. Corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), Goldmann correlated intraocular pressure (IOP), and corneal compensated IOP (IOPcc) were measured using the ocular response analyzer (ORA) in 312 eyes of 177 Spanish subjects aged between 20 and 56 years. Refraction was expressed as spherical equivalent (SE), which ranged from 0 to −16.50 diopters (D) (mean:−3.88±2.90 D). Subjects were divided into four groups according to their refractive status: group 1 or control group: emmetropia (-0.50≤SE<0.50); group 2: low myopia (-0.75≤SE<3.00 D); group 3: moderate myopia (-3.00≤SE≤-6.00 D); and group 3: high myopia (SE greater than −6.00 D). We analyzed the relationship between corneal biomechanics measured with ORA and SE.Results. CH in the emmetropia, low myopia, moderate myopia, and high myopia groups was11.13±0.98,11.49±1.25,10.52±1.54, and10.35±1.33 mmHg, respectively. CH in the highly myopic group was significantly lower than that in the emmetropic group (P=0.07) and low myopic group (P=0.035); however, there were no differences with the moderate myopic group (P=0.872). There were no statistically significant differences regarding IOP among the four groups (P>0.05); nevertheless, IOPcc was significantly higher in the moderately myopic (15.47±2.47 mmHg) and highly myopic (16.14±2.59 mmHg) groups than in the emmetropia (15.15±2.06 mmHg) and low myopia groups (14.53±2.37 mmHg). No correlation between age and the measured parameters was found. CH and IOPcc were weakly but significantly correlated with SE (r=0.171,P=0.002andr=-0.131,P=0.021, resp.).Conclusions. Present study showed only a very weak, but significant, correlation between CH and refractive error, with CH being lower in both moderately and highly myopic eyes than that in the emmetropic and low myopic eyes. These changes in biomechanical properties of the cornea may have an impact on IOP measurement, increasing the risk of glaucoma.