bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is It a New Approach for Treating Senile Hypertension with Kidney‐Tonifying Chinese Herbal Formula? A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Wang Jie , Xiong Xingjiang , Yang Xiaochen
Published: February 2014

Objective. To assess the effect of kidney‐tonifying (KT) Chinese herbal formula for senile hypertension (SH). Methods. A total of five databases (CENTRAL, Pubmed, CBM, CNKI, and VIP) were searched for published and unpublished randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up to November 30th, 2013. We included RCTs that confoundedly addressed the effect of KT formula in the treatment of SH. Results. Six studies involving 527 people were included. There was no evidence that KT formula alone had superior effects to antihypertensive drugs in systolic blood pressure (MD: −3.70 (−11.47, 4.07); P = 0.35) and diastolic blood pressure (MD: −3.00 (−7.26, −1.26); P = 0.17). However, there was evidence that KT formula combined with antihypertensive drugs was a better treatment option than antihypertensive drugs alone in systolic blood pressure (WMD: −8.69 (−12.35, −5.02); P < 0.00001) but no significant difference in diastolic blood pressure (WMD: −1.32 (−7.93, −5.30); P = 0.7). In addition, after several weeks of treatment, the level of blood lipid, endothelin, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Compared with antihypertensive drugs alone, KT formula combined with antihypertensive drugs may provide more benefits for patients with SH. The large‐scale high‐quality trials are warranted in future.
Numerical Calculation of Effect of Elastic Deformation on Aerodynamic Characteristics of a Rocket
Authors: Abbas Laith K. , Chen Dongyang , Rui Xiaoting
Published: February 2014

The application and workflow of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)/Computational Structure Dynamics (CSD) on solving the static aeroelastic problem of a slender rocket are introduced. To predict static aeroelastic behavior accurately, two-way coupling and inertia relief methods are used to calculate the static deformations and aerodynamic characteristics of the deformed rocket. The aerodynamic coefficients of rigid rocket are computed firstly and compared with the experimental data, which verified the accuracy of CFD output. The results of the analysis for elastic rocket in the nonspinning and spinning states are compared with the rigid ones. The results highlight that the rocket deformation aspects are decided by the normal force distribution along the rocket length. Rocket deformation becomes larger with increasing the flight angle of attack. Drag and lift force coefficients decrease and pitching moment coefficients increase due to rocket deformations, center of pressure location forwards, and stability of the rockets decreases. Accordingly, the flight trajectory may be affected by the change of these aerodynamic coefficients and stability.
Weighted Least Squares Based Detail Enhanced Exposure Fusion
Authors: Singh Harbinder , Kumar Vinay , Bhooshan Sunil
Published: February 2014

Many recent computational photography techniques play a significant role to avoid limitation of standard digital cameras to handle wide dynamic range of the real-world scenes, containing brightly and poorly illuminated areas. In many of these techniques, it is often desirable to fuse details from images captured at different exposure settings, while avoiding visual artifacts. In this paper we propose a novel technique for exposure fusion in which Weighted Least Squares (WLS) optimization framework is utilized for weight map refinement. Computationally simple texture features (i.e., detail layer extracted with the help of edge preserving filter) and color saturation measure are preferred for quickly generating weight maps to control the contribution from an input set of multiexposure images. Instead of employing intermediate High Dynamic Range (HDR) reconstruction and tone mapping steps, well-exposed fused image is generated for displaying on conventional display devices. A further advantage of the present technique is that it is well suited for multifocus image fusion. Simulation results are compared with a number of existing single resolution and multiresolution techniques to show the benefits of the proposed scheme for variety of cases.
Reslip of a Previously Fixed Slipped Upper Femoral Epiphysis with an Associated Vitamin D Deficiency
Authors: Haque Aziz Ul , Bloch Benjamin , Abraham Alwyn
Published: February 2014

Slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE) is a relatively common adolescent hip disorder that represents a biomechanical instability of the proximal femoral growth plate. A link between vitamin D deficiency and SUFE has emerged in recent years; however, we present a unique case of a 10-year-old girl who presented with a reslip of a previously fixed SUFE with an associated vitamin D deficiency.
Insight into Gene Polymorphisms Involved in Toll-Like Receptor/Interferon Signalling Pathways for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in South East Asia
Authors: Chai Hwa Chia , Chua Kek Heng , Lim Soo Kun , Phipps Maude Elvira
Published: February 2014

Polymorphisms in genes involved in toll-like receptor/interferon signalling pathways have been reported previously to be associated with SLE in many populations. This study aimed to investigate the role of seven single nucleotide polymorphisms withinTNFAIP3,STAT4,andIRF5, which are involved in upstream and downstream pathways of type I interferon production, in SLE in the South East Asian populations. Genotyping of 360 Malaysian SLE patients and 430 normal healthy individuals revealed that minor alleles ofSTAT4rs7574865 and rs10168266 were associated with elevated risk of SLE in the Chinese and Malay patients, respectively (P=0.028, odds ratio(OR)=1.42;P=0.035,OR=1.80, respectively). Polymorphisms inTNFAIP3andIRF5did not show significant associations with SLE in any of the ethnicities. Combined analysis of the Malays, Chinese, and Indians for each SNP indicated thatSTAT4rs10168266 was significantly associated with the Malaysian SLE as a whole (P=0.014;OR=1.435). The meta-analysis ofSTAT4rs10168266, which combined the data of other studies and this study, further confirmed its importance as the risk factor for SLE by having pooled OR of 1.559 andPvalue of <0.001.
Fruit Morphology as Taxonomic Features in Five Varieties of Capsicum annuum L. Solanaceae
Authors: Zhigila Daniel Andrawus , AbdulRahaman Abdullahi Alanamu , Kolawole Opeyemi Saheed , Oladele Felix A.
Published: February 2014

Variations in the fruit morphological features of Capsicum annuum varieties were studied. Varieties studied include var. abbreviatum, var. annuum, var. accuminatum, var. grossum, and var. glabriusculum. The fruit morphology revealed attenuated fruit shape with rounded surfaces in var. glabriusculum, and cordate fruit shape with flexuous surface in var. annuum, abbreviatum and accuminatum. The fruit is a berry and may be green, yellow, or red when ripe. The fruit epidermal cell-wall patterns are polygonal in shape with straight and curved anticlinal walls in all the five varieties. The fruit of var. abbreviatum and var. grossum is trilocular, while that of var. accuminatum and annuum is bilocular, and that of var. glabriusculum is tetralocular. Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum had the highest mean number of seeds (108.4) and var. annuum had the lowest number of seeds (41.3) per fruit. The fruit is conspicuously hollowed in var. glabriusculum, accuminatum, and annuum but inconspicuously hollowed in var. abbreviatum and var. grossum. These features are shown to be good taxonomic characters for delimiting the five varieties of Capsicum annuum.
Distal Tibial Metaphyseal Fractures: Does Blocking Screw Extend the Indication of Intramedullary Nailing?
Authors: Moongilpatti Sengodan Mugundhan , Vaidyanathan Singaravadivelu , Karunanandaganapathy Sankaralingam , Subbiah Subramanian Sukumaran , Rajamani Samuel Gnanam
Published: February 2014

Aim. To evaluate the clinical use of blocking screws as a supplement to stability in distal tibial metaphyseal fractures treated with statically locked intramedullary nail.Main Outcome Measurement. Alignment and reduction preoperatively, postoperatively, and at healing were the main outcome measured with an emphasis on maintenance of initial reduction on followup.Patients and Methods. This was a prospective study of 20 consecutive cases of distal tibial metaphyseal fractures treated with statically locked intramedullary nailing with supplementary blocking screw between August 2006 and September 2007 with a maximum followup of 3 years. Medullary canal diameter was measured at the levels of fracture and isthmus.Results. The mean diameter of tibia at the level of isthmus was 11.9 mm and at the fracture site was 22.9 mm. Mean length of distal fracture segment was 4.6 cm. Mean varus/valgus alignment was 10.3 degrees preoperatively and 1.7 degrees immediatly postoperatively and was maintained till union. Using Karlstrom-Olerud score the outcome was excellent to good in 90%.Conclusion. We conclude that the use of blocking screw as a supplement will aid in achieving and maintaining the reduction of distal tibial metaphyseal fractures when treated with intramedullary nailing thereby extending the indication of intramedullary nailing.
Procoagulant Phospholipids and Tissue Factor Activity in Cerebrospinal Fluid from Patients with Intracerebral Haemorrhage
Authors: Van Dreden Patrick , Hue Guy , Dreyfus Jean-François , Woodhams Barry , Vasse Marc
Published: February 2014

Brain contains large amounts of tissue factor, the major initiator of the coagulation cascade. Neuronal apoptosis after intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) leads to the shedding of procoagulant phospholipids (PPLs). The aim of this study was to investigate the generation of PPL, tissue factor activity (TFa), and D-Dimer (D-Di) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) at the acute phase of ICH in comparison with other brain diseases and to examine the relationship between these factors and the outcome of ICH. CSF was collected from 112 patients within 48 hours of hospital admission. Thirty-one patients with no neurological or biochemical abnormalities were used to establish reference range in the CSF (“controls”). Thirty had suffered an ICH, and 51 other neurological diagnoses [12: ventricular drainage following brain surgery, 13: viral meningitis, 15: bacterial meningitis, and 11 a neurodegenerative disease (NDD)]. PPL was measured using a factor Xa-based coagulation assay and TFa by one home test. PPL, D-Di, and TFa were significantly higher (P<0.001) in the CSF of patients with ICH than in controls. TFa levels were significantly (P<0.05) higher in ICH than in patients with meningitides or NDD. Higher levels (P<0.05) of TFa were observed in patients with ICH who died than in survivors. TFa measurement in the CSF of patients with ICH could constitute a new prognostic marker.
Kynurenines with Neuroactive and Redox Properties: Relevance to Aging and Brain Diseases
Authors: Reyes Ocampo Jazmin , Lugo Huitrón Rafael , González-Esquivel Dinora , Ugalde-Muñiz Perla , Jiménez-Anguiano Anabel , Pineda Benjamín , Pedraza-Chaverri José , Ríos Camilo , Pérez de la Cruz Verónica
Published: February 2014

The kynurenine pathway (KP) is the main route of tryptophan degradation whose final product is NAD+. The metabolism of tryptophan can be altered in ageing and with neurodegenerative process, leading to decreased biosynthesis of nicotinamide. This fact is very relevant considering that tryptophan is the major source of body stores of the nicotinamide-containing NAD+coenzymes, which is involved in almost all the bioenergetic and biosynthetic metabolism. Recently, it has been proposed that endogenous tryptophan and its metabolites can interact and/or produce reactive oxygen species in tissues and cells. This subject is of great importance due to the fact that oxidative stress, alterations in KP metabolites, energetic deficit, cell death, and inflammatory events may converge each other to enter into a feedback cycle where each one depends on the other to exert synergistic actions among them. It is worth mentioning that all these factors have been described in aging and in neurodegenerative processes; however, has so far no one established any direct link between alterations in KP and these factors. In this review, we describe each kynurenine remarking their redox properties, their effects in experimental models, their alterations in the aging process.
Controlled Release of Agrochemicals Intercalated into Montmorillonite Interlayer Space
Authors: Wanyika Harrison
Published: February 2014

Periodic application of agrochemicals has led to high cost of production and serious environmental pollution. In this study, the ability of montmorillonite (MMT) clay to act as a controlled release carrier for model agrochemical molecules has been investigated. Urea was loaded into MMT by a simple immersion technique while loading of metalaxyl was achieved by a rotary evaporation method. The successful incorporation of the agrochemicals into the interlayer space of MMT was confirmed by several techniques, such as, significant expansion of the interlayer space, reduction of Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) pore volumes and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface areas, and appearance of urea and metalaxyl characteristic bands on the Fourier-transform infrared spectra of the urea loaded montmorillonite (UMMT) and metalaxyl loaded montmorillonite (RMMT) complexes. Controlled release of the trapped molecules from the matrix was done in water and in the soil. The results reveal slow and sustained release behaviour for UMMT for a period of 10 days in soil. For a period of 30 days, MMT delayed the release of metalaxyl in soil by more than 6 times. It is evident that MMT could be used to improve the efficiency of urea and metalaxyl delivery in the soil.
An Investigation of the Significance of Residual Confounding Effect
Authors: Liang Wenbin , Zhao Yuejen , Lee Andy H.
Published: February 2014

Background. Observational studies are commonly conducted in health research. However, due to their lack of randomization, the estimated associations between the outcome and the exposure can be affected by unmeasured confounding factors. It is important to determine how likely a significant association observed between an outcome variable and a noncausally related exposure may be introduced by residual confounding factors.Methods. A simulation approach is developed based on the sufficient cause model to test the likelihood of significant associations observed between a noncausally related exposure and the outcome.Results. Based on the estimates from all 500 replicates, the association between the exposure and the outcome is found to be significant in 386 (77%) replicates when all confounders (component causes) are controlled for in the model. However, when a subset of real component causes and some noncausal factors are controlled for in the model, the association between exposure and the outcome becomes significant in 487 (97%) replicates.Conclusion. Even when all confounding factors are known and controlled for using conventional multivariate analysis, the observed association between exposure and outcome can still be dominated by residual confounding effects. Therefore, an observed significant association apparently provides limited evidence for a causal relationship.
Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer: The Addition of Systemic Chemotherapy to Radiotherapy Led to an Observed Improvement in Survival—A Single Centre Experience and Review of the Literature
Authors: Lowe Natalie M. , Loughran Sean , Slevin Nicholas J. , Yap Beng K.
Published: February 2014

Introduction. Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is rare yet accounts for up to 50% of all thyroid cancer deaths. This study reviews outcomes of patients with confirmed ATC referred to a tertiary oncology centre plus reviews the literature to explore how poor outcomes may be improved.Materials and Methods. The management and outcomes of 20 patients with ATC were reviewed.Results. Median age at diagnosis was 69.5 years. 19 patients died due to ATC, 40% of whom died from asphyxiation. Median survival for all cases was 59 days. Patients who had previous surgery prior to other treatment modalities had a longer median survival overall compared to those who had not had previous surgery (142 days compared to 59 days) and produced the one long-term survivor. Chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy (without previous surgery) was associated with longer median survival (220 days). Palliative radiotherapy alone did not decrease the rate of death by asphyxiation when compared to other single modality treatments.Conclusion. Multimodality treatment including surgery when feasible remains the best strategy to improve survival and prevent death from asphyxiation in the management of ATC. The addition of chemotherapy to our institutional protocol led to improved survival but prognosis remains very poor.
Diagnostic and Prognostic Role of Preoperative Circulating CA 15-3, CA 125, and Beta-2 Microglobulin in Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Lucarelli Giuseppe , Ditonno Pasquale , Bettocchi Carlo , Vavallo Antonio , Rutigliano Monica , Galleggiante Vanessa , Larocca Angela Maria Vittoria , Castellano Giuseppe , Gesualdo Loreto , Grandaliano Giuseppe , Selvaggi Francesco Paolo , Battaglia Michele
Published: February 2014

CA 15-3, CA 125 andβ-2 microglobulin are three common tumor markers currently used for diagnosis, prognosis, assessment of therapeutic response, and/or to evaluate recurrence in breast and ovarian cancer and malignant lymphoproliferative disorders, respectively. In the present prospective study we assessed the role of these three serum proteins as biomarkers for renal cell carcinoma (RCC), as well as any association between tumor marker levels and clinical-pathological parameters. CA 15-3, CA 125, andβ-2 microglobulin were preoperatively measured in 332 patients who underwent nephrectomy for RCC. Estimates of cancer-specific survival (CSS) was calculated according to the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify the most significant variables for predicting CSS. Preoperatively, 35.2% (n=117), 9.6% (n=32) and 30.4% (n=101) of the patients had abnormal levels of CA 15-3, CA 125 andβ-2 microglobulin, respectively. Statistically significant differences resulted between CA 15-3, CA 125 andβ-2 microglobulin values and tumor size, Fuhrman grade, presence of lymph node, and visceral metastases. CSS was significantly decreased for patients with high levels of CA 15-3, CA 125, andβ-2 microglobulin (P<0.0001,P<0.0001,andP=0.001, resp.). At multivariate analysis only age, the presence of visceral metastases, and high levels of CA 15-3 were independent adverse prognostic factors for CSS.
Dynamic Network Design Problem under Demand Uncertainty: An Adjustable Robust Optimization Approach
Authors: Sun Hua , Gao Ziyou , Zhao Fangxia
Published: February 2014

This paper develops an adjustable robust optimization approach for a network design problem explicitly incorporating traffic dynamics and demand uncertainty. In particular, a cell transmission model based network design problem of linear programming type is considered to describe dynamic traffic flows, and a polyhedral uncertainty set is used to characterize the demand uncertainty. The major contribution of this paper is to formulate such an adjustable robust network design problem as a tractable linear programming model and justify the model which is less conservative by comparing its solution performance with the robust solution from the usual robust model. The numerical results using one network from the literature demonstrate the modeling advantage of the adjustable robust optimization and provided strategic managerial insights for enacting capacity expansion policies under demand uncertainty.
Synthesis and Characterization ofLiNi0.7–xMgxCo0.3O2(0≤x≤0.1) Cathode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries Prepared by a Sol-Gel Method
Authors: Zhang Hailang
Published: February 2014

Prospective cathode materialsLiNi0.7–xMgxCo0.3O2(0≤x≤0.1) for a lithium-ion secondary battery were synthesized using a sol-gel method. The structural and electrochemical properties were examined by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cyclic voltammetry(CV), and charge-discharge tests. The results show that theLiNi0.7–xMgxCo0.3O2maintains theα-NaFeO2type layered structure regardless of the magnesium content in the rangex⩽0.1. On the other hand, Mg-doping improves the capacity retention well. Besides, the Mg-doping promotes the diffusion of Li+in LiNi0.7Co0.3O2. Moreover, Mg-doping suppresses the phase transitions that usually occur in LiNiO2during cycling and improves the charge-discharge reversibility of Li/LiNi0.7Co0.3O2. High temperature cycling performance of the cathode at 55.5°C is also improved by Mg-doping, which is possibly attributed to the total stronger metal-oxygen bonding and the enhanced structure stability of those delithiated Mg-doped cathodes during cycling.
Synthesis, Characterization, and X-Ray Crystal Structure of Bis(O-amyl dithiocarbonato-κ2S,S′)bis(4-cyanopyridine-κN)nickel(II)
Authors: Singh Kuldeep , Kapoor Sanjay , Sachar Renu , Gupta Vivek K. , Kant Rajni
Published: February 2014

The [Ni(S2CO-n-C5H11)2(C6H4N2)2] adduct of 4-cyanopyridine with [Ni(S2CO-n-C5H11)2] was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, magnetic susceptibility measurement, IR, electronic spectral data, and X-ray diffraction analysis. The Ni atom in the title complex is octahedrally coordinated within a trans-N2S4 donor set, with the Ni atom located on a centre of inversion. The title compound exhibits magnetic moment value (3.20 B.M) which is in agreement with magnetic moment values observed for paramagnetic octahedral complexes of nickel(II). The title complex crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca with unit cell parameters a = 11.455(5), b = 9.602(4), and c = 26.374(1) Å. Crystal structure was solved by direct methods and refined by full matrix least-squares procedures to a final R value of 0.0499 for 2004 observed reflections. The amyl chain is disordered over two sets of sites, with occupancy ratios of 0.595 : 0.405. Infinite long chains of molecules are formed with the help of C–H⋯N hydrogen bond.
Chemodynamical Simulations of Dwarf Galaxy Evolution
Authors: Recchi Simone
Published: February 2014

In this review I give a summary of the state of the art for what concerns the chemo-dynamical numerical modelling of galaxies in general and of dwarf galaxies in particular. In particular, I focus my attention on (i) initial conditions, (ii) the equations to solve; (iii) the star formation process in galaxies, (iv) the initial mass function, (v) the chemical feedback, (vi) the mechanical feedback, (vii) the environmental effects. Moreover, some key results concerning the development of galactic winds in galaxies and the fate of heavy elements, freshly synthesised after an episode of star formation, have been reported. At the end of this review, I summarise the topics and physical processes, relevant to the evolution of galaxies, that in my opinion are not properly treated in modern computer simulations of galaxies and that deserve more attention in the future.
Congestion Behavior under Uncertainty on Morning Commute with Preferred Arrival Time Interval
Authors: Xiao LingLing , Liu Ronghui , Huang HaiJun
Published: February 2014

This paper extends the bottleneck model to study congestion behavior of morning commute with flexible work schedule. The proposed model assumes a stochastic bottleneck capacity which follows a uniform distribution and homogeneous commuters who have the same preferred arrival time interval. The commuters are fully aware of the stochastic properties of travel time and schedule delay distributions at all departure times that emerge from day-to-day capacity variations. The commuters’ departure time choice follows user equilibrium (UE) principle in terms of the expected trip cost. Analytical and numerical solutions of this model are provided. The equilibrium departure time patterns are examined which show that the stochastic capacity increases the mean trip cost and lengthens the rush hour. The adoption of flexitime results in less congestion and more efficient use of bottleneck capacity than fixed-time work schedule. The longer the flexi-time interval is, the more uniformly distributed the departure times are.
Analysis of Parallel Multidimensional Wave Digital Filtering Network on IBM Cell Broadband Engine
Authors: Tseng Chien Hsun
Published: February 2014

As an alternative approach for the numerical integration of physical systems, the MDWDF technique has become of importance in the field of numerical analysis due to its attractive features, for example, massive parallelism and high accuracy both inherent in nature. In this study, speed-up efficiencies of a MDWDF network are studied for the linearized shallow water system, which plays an important role in fluid dynamics. To achieve the goal, the full parallelism of the MDWDF network is established in the first place based on the chained MD retiming technique. Following the implementation on the IBM Cell Broadband Engine (Cell/BE), excellent performance of the full parallel architecture is revealed. The IBM Cell/BE containing 1 power processor element (PPE) and 8 synergistic processor elements (SPEs) perfectly fits the architecture of the retimed MDWDF model. Empirical results have demonstrated that the full parallelized model with 8 processors (1PPE + 7SPEs) outperforms the other three models: partial right/left-loop retimed models and the full sequential model with 4× improvements for scheduled grids 51×51. In addition, for scheduled fine grids 201×201, the full parallel model is shown to possess significant performance over these models by up to 7× improvements.
Free Vibration Behavior of a Gradient Elastic Beam with Varying Cross Section
Authors: Yayli Mustafa Özgür
Published: February 2014

Based on strain gradient elasticity theory, a finite element procedure is proposed for computation of natural frequencies for the microbeams of constant width and linear varying depth. Weak form formulation of the equation of motion is obtained first as in common classical finite element procedure in terms of various kinds of boundary conditions. Gradient elastic shape functions are used for interpolating deflection inside a finite element. Stiffness and mass matrices are then calculated to solve the microbeam eigen value problem. A solution for natural frequencies is obtained using characteristic equation of microbeam in gradient elasticity. The results are given in a series of figures and compared with their classical counterparts. The effect of various slope values on the natural frequencies are examined in some numerical examples. Comparison with the classical elasticity theory is also performed to verify the present study.
Carbon Dioxide Separation from Flue Gases: A Technological Review Emphasizing Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Authors: Songolzadeh Mohammad , Soleimani Mansooreh , Takht Ravanchi Maryam , Songolzadeh Reza
Published: February 2014

Increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as CO2in the atmosphere is a global warming. Human activities are a major cause of increased CO2concentration in atmosphere, as in recent decade, two-third of greenhouse effect was caused by human activities. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a major strategy that can be used to reduce GHGs emission. There are three methods for CCS: pre-combustion capture, oxy-fuel process, and post-combustion capture. Among them, post-combustion capture is the most important one because it offers flexibility and it can be easily added to the operational units. Various technologies are used for CO2capture, some of them include: absorption, adsorption, cryogenic distillation, and membrane separation. In this paper, various technologies for post-combustion are compared and the best condition for using each technology is identified.
Statistically Matched Wavelet Based Texture Synthesis in a Compressive Sensing Framework
Authors: Jha Mithilesh Kumar , Lall Brejesh , Dutta Roy Sumantra
Published: February 2014

This paper proposes a statistically matched wavelet based textured image coding scheme for efficient representation of texture data in a compressive sensing (CS) frame work. Statistically matched wavelet based data representation causes most of the captured energy to be concentrated in the approximation subspace, while very little information remains in the detail subspace. We encode not the full-resolution statistically matched wavelet subband coefficients but only the approximation subband coefficients (LL) using standard image compression scheme like JPEG2000. The detail subband coefficients, that is, HL, LH, and HH, are jointly encoded in a compressive sensing framework. Compressive sensing technique has proved that it is possible to achieve a sampling rate lower than the Nyquist rate with acceptable reconstruction quality. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed scheme can provide better PSNR and MOS with a similar compression ratio than the conventional DWT-based image compression schemes in a CS framework and other wavelet based texture synthesis schemes like HMT-3S.
The Space Decomposition Theory for a Class of Semi-Infinite Maximum Eigenvalue Optimizations
Authors: Huang Ming , Pang Li-Ping , Liang Xi-Jun , Xia Zun-Quan
Published: February 2014

We study optimization problems involving eigenvalues of symmetric matrices. We present a nonsmooth optimization technique for a class of nonsmooth functions which are semi-infinite maxima of eigenvalue functions. Our strategy uses generalized gradients and𝒰𝒱space decomposition techniques suited for the norm and other nonsmooth performance criteria. For the class of max-functions, which possesses the so-called primal-dual gradient structure, we compute smooth trajectories along which certain second-order expansions can be obtained. We also give the first- and second-order derivatives of primal-dual function in the space of decision variablesRmunder some assumptions.
Tablet-Based Screening of Depressive Symptoms in Quito, Ecuador: Efficiency in Primary Care
Authors: Grunauer Michelle , Schrock David , Fabara Eric , Jimenez Gabriela , Miller Aimee , Lai Zongshan , Kilbourne Amy , McInnis Melvin G.
Published: February 2014

Depression is a frequent yet overlooked occurrence in primary health care clinics worldwide. Depression and related health screening instruments are available but are rarely used consistently. The availability of technologically based instruments in the assessments offers novel approaches for gathering, storing, and assessing data that includes self-reported symptom severity from the patients themselves as well as clinician recorded information. In a suburban primary health care clinic in Quito, Ecuador, we tested the feasibility and utility of computer tablet-based assessments to evaluate clinic attendees for depression symptoms with the goal of developing effective screening and monitoring tools in the primary care clinics. We assessed individuals using the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire, the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms-Self-Report, the 12-item General Health Questionnaire, the Clinical Global Impression Severity, and a DSM-IV checklist of symptoms. We found that 20% of individuals had a PHQ9 of 8 or greater. There was good correlation between the symptom severity assessments. We conclude that the tablet-based PHQ9 is an excellent and efficient method of screening for depression in attendees at primary health care clinics and that one in five people should be assessed further for depressive illness and possible intervention.
Assessment and Validation of i-Skyradiometer Retrievals Using Broadband Flux and MODIS Data
Authors: Dipu S. , Pandithurai G. , Panicker A. S. , Takamura T. , Lee Dong-In , Kim Dongchul
Published: February 2014

Ground-based network of cloud measurements is presently limited and there exists uncertainty in the cloud microphysical parameters derived from ground-based measurements. Bias in the i-skyradiometer derived cloud optical depth (τc) and droplet effective radius (Reff) and the importance of these parameters in the parameterization of clouds in climate models have made us intend to develop a possible method for improving these parameters. A new combination method, which uses zenith sky transmittance and surface radiation measurements, has been proposed in the present study to improve the retrievals. The i-skyradiometer derived parametersτcandReffhave been provided as a first guess to a radiative transfer model (SBDART) and a new retrieval algorithm has been implemented to obtain the best combination ofτcandReffhaving minimum bias (−0.09 and −2.5) between the simulated global and diffuse fluxes at the surface with the collocated surface radiation measurements. The new retrieval method has improvedτcandReffvalues compared to those derived using the transmittance only method and are in good agreement with the MODIS satellite retrievals. The study therefore suggests a possible improvement of the i-skyradiometer derived cloud parameters using observed radiation fluxes and a radiative transfer model.
Linear Processes in Stochastic Population Dynamics: Theory and Application to Insect Development
Authors: Solari Hernán G. , Natiello Mario A.
Published: February 2014

We consider stochastic population processes (Markov jump processes) that develop as a consequence of the occurrence of random events at random time intervals. The population is divided into subpopulations or compartments. The events occur at rates that depend linearly on the number of individuals in the different described compartments. The dynamics is presented in terms of Kolmogorov Forward Equation in the space of events and projected onto the space of populations when needed. The general properties of the problem are discussed. Solutions are obtained using a revised version of the Method of Characteristics. After a few examples of exact solutions we systematically develop short-time approximations to the problem. While the lowest order approximation matches the Poisson and multinomial heuristics previously proposed, higher-order approximations are completely new. Further, we analyse a model for insect development as a sequence ofEdevelopmental stages regulated by rates that are linear in the implied subpopulations. Transition to the next stage competes with death at all times. The process ends at a predetermined stage, for example, pupation or adult emergence. In its simpler version all the stages are distributed with the same characteristic time.
A Novel Technique for Proximal Hamstring Tendon Repair: High Reoperation Rate in a Series of 56 Patients
Authors: Blakeney William , Zilko Simon , Chiri Wael , Annear Peter
Published: February 2014

This investigation looked at functional outcomes, following a novel technique of surgical repair using table staples. Patients underwent surgery for proximal hamstring rupture with table staples used to hold the tendon reapproximated to the ischial tuberosity. Functional outcomes following surgery were assessed. We also used a combined outcome assessment measure: the Perth Hamstring Assessment Tool (PHAT). A total of 56 patients with a mean age of 51 (range 15–71) underwent surgery. The mean follow-up duration was 26 months (range 8–59 months). A large proportion of patients (21/56, 37.5%) required reoperation for removal of the staple. Patients that did not require removal of the table staple did well postoperatively, with low pain scores (0.8–2 out of 10) and good levels of return to sport or running (75.8%). Those that required removal of the staple had a significantly lower PHAT score prior to removal, 47.8, but this improved markedly once the staple was removed, with a mean of 77.2 (P<0.001). Although our patients achieved similar outcomes in terms of pain and function, we thought the reoperation rate was unacceptably high. We would not recommend proximal hamstring tendon repair using this technique.
Power Transmission of UHF Passive Embedded RFID in Tires
Authors: Hu Shengbo , Si Bing , Shu Heng , Mo Jinrong
Published: February 2014

UHF passive RFID tags embedded in tires have a deep impact on tire life cycle management and tire monitoring. In this work, we present the power transmission of UHF passive embedded RFID in tires. In UHF passive embedded RFID systems in tires, the bidirectional radio link between reader and tags goes through air and tires. The total path loss contains reflection loss at tire-air boundaries and attenuation loss in the tires. The power transmission is based on the permittivity of tires and tire-air boundary conditions. We give an OCP method for measuring the permittivity of tires. By analyzing the radio link for UHF passive RFID, we establish a model of wave propagation of UHF embedded RFID in tires and make numerical analyses. Numerical analyses show that the error of the OCP methods for measuring the permittivity of tires is small, the parallel polarization and normal incidence of wave are chosen for improving the performance of the UHF embedded RFID in tires, and distance is chosen to keep power transmission function from locating valley.
Influences of Climate Change on Water Resources Availability in Jinjiang Basin, China
Authors: Sun Wenchao , Wang Jie , Li Zhanjie , Yao Xiaolei , Yu Jingshan
Published: February 2014

The influences of climate change on water resources availability in Jinjiang Basin, China, were assessed using the Block-wise use of the TOPmodel with the Muskingum-Cunge routing method (BTOPMC) distributed hydrological model. The ensemble average of downscaled output from sixteen GCMs (General Circulation Models) for A1B emission scenario (medium CO2emission) in the 2050s was adopted to build regional climate change scenario. The projected precipitation and temperature data were used to drive BTOPMC for predicting hydrological changes in the 2050s. Results show that evapotranspiration will increase in most time of a year. Runoff in summer to early autumn exhibits an increasing trend, while in the rest period of a year it shows a decreasing trend, especially in spring season. From the viewpoint of water resource availability, it is indicated that it has the possibility that water resources may not be sufficient to fulfill irrigation water demand in the spring season and one possible solution is to store more water in the reservoir in previous summer.
The Representations and Continuity of the Metric Projections on Two Classes of Half-Spaces in Banach Spaces
Authors: Zhang Zihou , Liu Chunyan
Published: February 2014

We show a necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of metric projection on a class of half-spaceKx0*,c={x∈X:x*(x)≤c}in Banach space. Two representations of metric projectionsPKx0*,candPKx0,care given, respectively, whereKx0,cstands for dual half-space ofKx0*,cin dual spaceX*. By these representations, a series of continuity results of the metric projectionsPKx0*,candPKx0,care given. We also provide the characterization that a metric projection is a linear bounded operator.
FC-98 Regulates TLR9-Mediated of CXCL-10 Expression in Dendritic Cells via MAPK and STAT1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Yang Yonghong , Dou Huan , Li Xiaoqin , Song Yuxian , Gong Wei , Tan Renxiang , Hou Yayi
Published: February 2014

Dendritic cells (DCs), as the most potent professional antigen presenting cells, play a crucial role in both innate and adaptive immune systems. Genomic bacterial DNA mimicked by unmethylated CpG motifs is discovered to possess immunostimulatory effects. CpG-DNA recognized by Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) on DCs arouses many immune diseases (such as cancer, viral infection, and autoimmune disorders). In this study we investigated the effects of FC-98 on CpG-induced bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs). The results showed that FC-98 significantly inhibited the CpG-induced BMDCs maturation and function by suppressing the expression of surface markers (CD40, CD80, CD86, and MHCII). Moreover, FC-98 downregulated the expression of C-X-C motif chemokine 10 (CXCL-10) both at the mRNA and protein level after CpG induction. Meanwhile, FC-98 markedly affected the migration of BMDCs to T cells without affecting their endocytosis capacity. Furthermore, FC-98 was confirmed to decrease CXCL-10 expression by inhibiting CpG-induced activation of MAPKs (ERK, JNK, and p38) and STAT1 signaling. Overall, these results suggested that FC-98 was a potential molecule in the treatment of CXCL-10-mediated immune diseases.
A Semi-Analytical Solution for Elastic Analysis of Rotating Thick Cylindrical Shells with Variable Thickness Using Disk Form Multilayers
Authors: Zamani Nejad Mohammad , Jabbari Mehdi , Ghannad Mehdi
Published: February 2014

Using disk form multilayers, a semi-analytical solution has been derived for determination of displacements and stresses in a rotating cylindrical shell with variable thickness under uniform pressure. The thick cylinder is divided into disk form layers form with their thickness corresponding to the thickness of the cylinder. Due to the existence of shear stress in the thick cylindrical shell with variable thickness, the equations governing disk layers are obtained based on first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT). These equations are in the form of a set of general differential equations. Given that the cylinder is divided intondisks,nsets of differential equations are obtained. The solution of this set of equations, applying the boundary conditions and continuity conditions between the layers, yields displacements and stresses. A numerical solution using finite element method (FEM) is also presented and good agreement was found.
The Simplified Acute Physiology Score III Is Superior to the Simplified Acute Physiology Score II and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II in Predicting Surgical and ICU Mortality in the “Oldest Old”
Authors: Haq Aftab , Patil Sachin , Parcells Alexis Lanteri , Chamberlain Ronald S.
Published: February 2014

Elderly patients in the USA account for 26–50% of all intensive care unit (ICU) admissions. The applicability of validated ICU scoring systems to predict outcomes in the “Oldest Old” is poorly documented. We evaluated the utility of three commonly used ICU scoring systems (SAPS II, SAPS III, and APACHE II) to predict clinical outcomes in patients > 90 years. 1,189 surgical procedures performed upon 951 patients > 90 years (between 2000 and 2010) were analyzed. SAPS II, SAPS III, and Acute APACHE II were calculated for all patients admitted to the SICU. Differences between survivors and nonsurvivors were analyzed using the Student’st-test and binary logistic regression analysis. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed for each scoring system studied. The area under the ROC curve (aROC) for the SAPS III was 0.81 at a cut-off value of 57, whereas the aROC for SAPS II was 0.75 at a cut-off score of 44 and the aROC for APACHE II was 0.74 at a cut-off score of 13. The SAPS III ROC curve for prediction of hospital mortality exhibited the greatest sensitivity (84%) and specificity (66%) with a score of 57 for the “Oldest Old” population.
Hybrid Viscosity Approaches to General Systems of Variational Inequalities with Hierarchical Fixed Point Problem Constraints in Banach Spaces
Authors: Ceng Lu-Chuan , Al-Mezel Saleh A. , Latif Abdul
Published: February 2014

The purpose of this paper is to introduce and analyze hybrid viscosity methods for a general system of variational inequalities (GSVI) with hierarchical fixed point problem constraint in the setting of real uniformly convex and 2-uniformly smooth Banach spaces. Here, the hybrid viscosity methods are based on Korpelevich’s extragradient method, viscosity approximation method, and hybrid steepest-descent method. We propose and consider hybrid implicit and explicit viscosity iterative algorithms for solving the GSVI with hierarchical fixed point problem constraint not only for a nonexpansive mapping but also for a countable family of nonexpansive mappings inX, respectively. We derive some strong convergence theorems under appropriate conditions. Our results extend, improve, supplement, and develop the recent results announced by many authors.
The Negative Effect of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome on Sleep Quality
Authors: Patel Ashish , Culbertson Maya Deza , Patel Archit , Hashem Jenifer , Jacob Jinny , Edelstein David , Choueka Jack
Published: February 2014

Objective. Sleep disturbances are common in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This study investigates the impact of CTS on sleep quality and clarifies the magnitude of this relationship.Methods. This is a prospective investigation of patients with CTS. Patients responded to the Levine-Katz Carpal Tunnel and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaires to assess symptom severity and quality, respectively. Descriptive and bivariate analyses summarized the findings and assessed the correlations between CTS severity and sleep quality parameters.Results. 66 patients (53F, 13M) were enrolled. Patients reported a sleep latency of 30.0 (±22.5) minutes, with a total sleep time of 5.5 (±1.8) hours nightly. Global PSQI score was 9.0 (±3.8); 80% of patients demonstrated a significant reduction in sleep quality (global PSQI score>5). Increased CTS symptom and functional severity both resulted in a significant reduction in quality and time asleep. Both significantly correlated with subjective sleep latency, sleep disturbance, use of sleep promoting medications, daytime dysfunction, and overall global PSQI score.Conclusions. The findings confirm the correlation of sleep disturbances to CTS, that is, significant reduction of sleep duration and a correlation to sleep quality. Patients sleep 2.5 hours less than recommended and are at risk for comorbid conditions.
Existence of Mild Solutions for Impulsive Fractional Stochastic Differential Inclusions with State-Dependent Delay
Authors: Guendouzi Toufik , Benzatout Ouahiba
Published: February 2014

We study the existence of mild solutions for a class of impulsive fractional stochastic differential inclusions with state-dependent delay. Sufficient conditions for the existence of solutions are derived by using the nonlinear alternative of Leray-Schauder type for multivalued maps due to O’Regan. An example is given to illustrate the theory.
Essential Oil Constituents and Yields from Leaves ofBlepharocalyx salicifolius(Kunt) O. Berg andMyracrodruon urundeuva(Allemão) Collected during Daytime
Authors: Costa Olívia Bueno da , Del Menezzi Cláudio Henrique Soares , Benedito Luiz Eduardo Celino , Resck Inês Sabioni , Vieira Roberto Fontes , Ribeiro Bizzo Humberto
Published: February 2014

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the essential oil composition and yield from leaves of two Brazilian species (Myracrodruon urundeuvaandBlepharocalyx salicifolius) harvested during daytime. Essential oils were obtained by steam distillation and had their yield determined.Blepharocalyx salicifoliuspresented yields of 0.049% (9 a.m.), 0.045% (1 p.m.), and 0.069% (5 p.m.). ForMyracrodruon urundeuva, we found 0.13% (9 a.m.), 0.11% (1 p.m.), and 0.08% (5 p.m.). Finally, compound identification and quantification were carried out by GC-MS and GC-FID techniques, respectively. Thirteen major compounds were identified forBlepharocalyx salicifolius, representing 91.6% of the EOs, of whichp-cymene (25.9%) was detected as amajor component. Nine major compounds were identified forMyracrodruon urundeuva, representing 90.3% of the EOs, whereasβ-myrcene showed the greatest concentration (66.4%).