bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SU‐E‐T‐498: Energy Minimization and Dose‐Volume Inverse Optimization in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Mihaylov I , Moros E
Published: July 2014

Purpose:

To compare dose‐volume (DVH) and energy minimization‐based (EM) optimization for prostate cancer cases.

Methods:

A dozen of prostate plans were retrospectively studied. For each case two IMRT plans were generated, one with DVH and the other with EM objective cost function. Those different objective functions were used only for the organs at risk (OARs), while target objectives were achieved through DVH cost functions. The plans used the same beam angles, maximum number of segments per plan, minimum segment area and MUs per segment. Both plans were normalized such that 95% of the PTV was covered by the same prescription dose. After prescription was achieved, doses to the OARs were iteratively lowered until the standard deviation of the dose across the PTV was ~3.5%. Plan quality was evaluated by several dose indices (DIs). A DI represents the dose delivered to certain volume of a structure. Tallied DIs were for rectum and bladder 10%, 40%, 60% volumes, and 1% volumes of the femoral heads as surrogate for maximum doses. Statistical significance in the differences among DIs was quantified with two‐tailed paired t‐tests.

Results:

On average EM plans performed better than DVH plans. Statistically significant dose reduction in rectum DI10, DI40, and DI60, were 2.6%, 25.7%, and 35.9%, respectively. For bladder DI10, DI40, and DI60 the differences were 1.1%, 20.8%, and 29.7%. Left and right femoral head DI1s were better by 33.8% and 27.8% in EM plans. The quoted dose reduction is with respect to EM absolute doses for the DIs.

Conclusion:

The performance of EM optimization with respect to DVH optimization is patient and DI dependent. While in some cases specific DIs were better with DVH optimization, on average the energy minimization allows better (ranging from 1% to ~40%) OAR sparing than DVH optimization.

NIH‐NCI
SU‐E‐T‐501: Normal Tissue Toxicities of Pulsed Low Dose Rate Radiotherapy and Conventional Radiotherapy: An in Vivo Total Body Irradiation Study
Authors: Cvetkovic D , Zhang P , Wang B , Chen L , Ma C
Published: July 2014

Purpose:

Pulsed low dose rate radiotherapy (PLDR) is a re‐irradiation technique for therapy of recurrent cancers. We have previously shown a significant difference in the weight and survival time between the mice treated with conventional radiotherapy (CRT) and PLDR using total body irradiation (TBI). The purpose of this study was to investigate the in vivo effects of PLDR on normal mouse tissues.Materials and

Methods:

Twenty two male BALB/c nude mice, 4 months of age, were randomly assigned into a PLDR group (n=10), a CRT group (n=10), and a non‐irradiated control group (n=2). The Siemens Artiste accelerator with 6 MV photon beams was used. The mice received a total of 18Gy in 3 fractions with a 20day interval. The CRT group received the 6Gy dose continuously at a dose rate of 300 MU/min. The PLDR group was irradiated with 0.2Gyx20 pulses with a 3min interval between the pulses. The mice were weighed thrice weekly and sacrificed 2 weeks after the last treatment. Brain, heart, lung, liver, spleen, gastrointestinal, urinary and reproductive organs, and sternal bone marrow were removed, formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded and stained with H&E. Morphological changes were observed under a microscope.

Results:

Histopathological examination revealed atrophy in several irradiated organs. The degree of atrophy was mild to moderate in the PLDR group, but severe in the CRT group. The most pronounced morphological abnormalities were in the immune and hematopoietic systems, namely spleen and bone marrow. Brain hemorrhage was seen in the CRT group, but not in the PLDR group.

Conclusions:

Our results showed that PLDR induced less toxicity in the normal mouse tissues than conventional radiotherapy for the same dose and regimen. Considering that PLDR produces equivalent tumor control as conventional radiotherapy, it would be a good modality for treatment of recurrent cancers.
SU‐E‐T‐513: Probabilistic Approach to Plan Evaluation in Linac‐Based Stereotactic Radiosurgery: A Patient Specific Uncertainty Analysis
Authors: Park P , Roper J , Fox T , Schreibmann E , Elder E , Tejani M , Curran W , Crocker I , Dhabaan A
Published: July 2014

Purpose:

Acoustic neuroma is treated using highly conformal, framed‐based radiosurgery. The gross target volume (GTV) is located near the radiosensitive brainstem. Currently, plan evaluation methods that consider GTV dose conformity and dose to organs at risk (OAR) do not account for setup uncertainty, thereby potentially giving a false sense of target coverage and OAR sparing. More realistic plan evaluations should consider delivery uncertainties. In this work, we introduce a new plan evaluation method based on probability and investigate the effect of translational and rotational setup errors.

Methods:

Clinically approved 18 acoustic neuroma treatment plans were studied retrospectively. For each treatment plan, 200 new dose distributions were re‐calculated while introducing both translational (in all cardinal directions) and rotational errors (in all 3 orthogonal rotation angles). The magnitude of errors for each simulation was randomly generated from the Gaussian distribution with one standard deviation of 0.5 mm and 0.5 degree respectively. From the simulated dose distributions, an approximated probability density function of dose objective for both GTV and brainstem were calculated. The probability density function was then used to compute the probability of delivering prescribed dose to 90% of GTV for each patient. For brainstem, the probability of limiting maximum dose to 11Gy was calculated. These probabilistic metrics were then analyzed with respect to GTV volume, conformity index, and min and max dose to the GTV and brainstem.

Results:

Across all cases, the average probability of delivering prescribed dose to the 90% of GTV volume was 85±14%. Four patients showed > 50% risk of exceeding 11Gy limit to the brainstem.

Conclusion:

In highly conformal, single fraction radiosurgery, a small setup error can be critical. We found that the probabilistic assessment of plan objectives can be used to quantitatively assess true target coverage better than the conventional plan assessment metrics.
SU‐E‐T‐521: Feasibility Study of a Rotational Step‐And‐Shoot IMRT Treatment Planning Approach
Authors: Zhu X , Chang S , Cullip T , Yuan L , Lian J , Zhang X , Tang X , Tracton G , Dooley J
Published: July 2014

Purpose:

Rotational step‐and‐shot IMRT (r‐IMRT) could improve delivery efficiency with good dose conformity, especially if it can leverage the burst mode of the accelerator where radiation is turned on/off momentarily while the gantry rotates continuously. The challenge for the r‐IMRT planning is to minimize the number of beams to achieve a fast and smooth rotational delivery.

Methods:

Treatment plans for r‐IMRT were created using an in‐house treatment planning system. To generate the plan using a very few beams, gantry angle was optimized by weighting the beam monitoring unit (MU), and beam shape optimization was a combination of column search with k‐means clustering. A prostate case and a head and neck case were planned using r‐IMRT. The dosimetry is compared to s‐IMRT planned with Varian Eclipse treatment planning system.

Results:

With the same PTV dose coverage D95=100%, the r‐IMRT plans shows comparable sparing as the s‐IMRT plans in the prostate for the rectum D10cc and the bladder Dmean, and in the head and neck for the spinal cord Dmax, the brain stem Dmax, the left/right parotid Dmean, the larynx Dmean, and the mandible Dmean. Both plans meet the established institutional clinical dosimetric criteria. The r‐IMRT plan uses 19 beam/405 MU for the prostate, and 68 beam/880 MU for the head and neck, while the s‐IMRT uses 7 beam/724 MU and 9 beam/1812 MU, respectively. Compared to the corresponding s‐IMRT, r‐IMRT has a reduction of MUs of 44% for the prostate case and 41% for the head and neck case.

Conclusions:

We have demonstrated the feasibility of a rotational step & shoot IMRT treatment planning approach that significantly shortens the conventional IMRT treatment beam‐on time without degrading the dose comformity.
SU‐E‐T‐528: Robustness Evaluation for Fiducial‐Based Accelerated Partial Breast Proton Therapy
Authors: Zhao L , Rana S , Zheng Y
Published: July 2014

Purpose:

To investigate the robustness of the proton treatment plans in the presence of rotational setup error when patient is aligned with implanted fiducials.

Methods:

Five Stage I invasive breast cancer patients treated with the APBP protocol (PCG BRE007‐12) were studied. The rotational setup errors were simulated by rotating the original CT images around the body center clockwise and counterclockwise 5 degrees (5CW and 5CCW). Manual translational registration was then performed to match the implanted fiducials on the rotated images to the original dataset. Patient contours were copied to the newly created CT set. The original treatment plan was applied to the new CT dataset with the beam isocenter placed at the geometrical center of PTV. The dose distribution was recalculated for dosimetric parameters comparison.

Results:

CTV and PTV (D95 and V95) coverages were not significantly different between the two simulated plans (5CW and 5CCW) and the original plan. PTV D95 and CTV D95 absolute difference among the three plans were relatively small, with maximum changes of 0.28 CGE and 0.15 CGE, respectively. PTV V95 and CTV V95 absolute differences were 0.79% and 0.48%. The dosage to the thyroid, heart, contralateral breast and lung remained zero for all three plans. The Dmax and Dmean to the volume of ipsilateral breast excluding CTV were compared, with maximum difference values of 1.02 CGE for Dmax and 3.56 CGE for Dmean. Ipsilateral lung Dmean maintained no significant changes through the three plan comparison, with the largest value 0.32 CGE. Ipsilateral lung Dmax was the most sensitive parameter to this simulation study, with a maximum difference at 20.2 CGE.

Conclusion:

Our study suggests that fiducial‐based Accelerated Partial Breast Proton Therapy is robust with respect to +/− 5 degree patient setup rotational errors, as long as the internal fiducial markers are used for patient alignment.
High-Protein, Low-Fat, Short-Term Diet Results in Less Stress and Fatigue Than Moderate-Protein, Moderate-Fat Diet During Weight Loss in Male Weightlifters: A Pilot Study
Authors: Helms Eric R. , Zinn Caryn , Rowlands David S. , Naidoo Ruth , Cronin John
Published: July 2014

Purpose:

Athletes risk performance and muscle loss when dieting. Strategies to prevent losses are unclear. This study examined the effects of two diets on anthropometrics, strength, and stress in athletes.

Methods:

This double-blind crossover pilot study began with 14 resistance-trained males (20-43 yr) and incurred one dropout. Participants followed carbohydrate-matched, high-protein low-fat (HPLF) or moderate-protein moderate-fat (MPMF) diets of 60% habitual calories for 2 weeks. Protein intakes were 2.8g/kg and 1.6g/kg and mean fat intakes were 15.4% and 36.5% of calories, respectively. Isometric midthigh pull (IMTP) and anthropometrics were measured at baseline and completion. The Daily Analysis of Life Demands of Athletes (DALdA) and Profile of Mood States (POMS) were completed daily. Outcomes were presented statistically as probability of clinical benefit, triviality, or harm with effect sizes (ES) and qualitative assessments.

Results:

Differences of effect between diets on IMTP and anthropometrics were likely or almost certainly trivial, respectively. Worse than normal scores on DALDA part A, part B and the part A “diet” item were likely more harmful (ES 0.32, 0.4 and 0.65, respectively) during MPMF than HPLF. The POMS fatigue score was likely more harmful (ES 0.37) and the POMS total mood disturbance score (TMDS) was possibly more harmful (ES 0.29) during MPMF than HPLF.

Conclusions:

For the 2 weeks observed, strength and anthropometric differences were minimal while stress, fatigue, and diet-dissatisfaction were higher during MPMF. A HPLF diet during short-term weight loss may be more effective at mitigating mood disturbance, fatigue, diet dissatisfaction, and stress than a MPMF diet.
Sources of Self-Efficacy During Marathon Training: A Qualitative, Longitudinal Investigation
Authors: Samson Ashley
Published: July 2014

There is evidence that an individual with a higher level of self-efficacy will persist longer and be more robust in their efforts than an individual with a lower level of self-efficacy (Feltz et al., 2008). As such, it follows that a high level of self-efficacy would be essential in a strenuous activity such as distance running. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the evolution of efficacy beliefs over the course of a training program by following 26 participants training for a marathon. Participants completed individual interviews at three different time points throughout the training and that were analyzed for content relevant to the formation of efficacy beliefs for the marathon. Overall, the findings indicated that physiological/emotional states were the most frequently mentioned source of information throughout the duration of the experience. Further, the influence of past performance experiences gradually increased throughout the duration of the program.
Spatial and Temporal Variability of Precipitation in Haihe River Basin, China: Characterization and Management Implications
Authors: Luo Yuzhou , Wang Zhonggen , Liu Xiaomang , Zhang Minghua
Published: July 2014

Data analysis and characterization of precipitation in the Haihe River Basin (HRB) of China are required for management practices for the purpose of flood water control and utilization. In the companion paper, we presented precipitation data in the HRB during 1951–2010 and reported its basic statistics such as temporal trend and spatial variability. In this study, spatiotemporal variability on the precipitation was further investigated comprehensively for the underlying physics and the implication to water resource management. During the summer flood season of the study area, basin-wide precipitation was negatively correlated to average NINO3.4 index. Spatially, summer precipitation was correlated with gridded sea surface temperature (SST) observed in the eastern tropic Pacific Ocean and the western tropic Indian Ocean. SST in two representative areas was identified as potential predictors for precipitation in the HRB. No spatial or temporal correlations were confirmed between precipitation and soil moisture as annual averages in the study area. Copula analysis suggested about 40% possibility in a year with a potential for cross-watershed water diversion within HRB.
Formulation and Optimization of Polymeric Nanoparticles for Intranasal Delivery of Lorazepam Using Box-Behnken Design:In VitroandIn VivoEvaluation
Authors: Sharma Deepak , Maheshwari Dipika , Philip Gilphy , Rana Ravish , Bhatia Shanu , Singh Manisha , Gabrani Reema , Sharma Sanjeev K. , Ali Javed , Sharma Rakesh Kumar , Dang Shweta
Published: July 2014

The aim of the present study was to optimize lorazepam loaded PLGA nanoparticles (Lzp-PLGA-NPs) by investigating the effect of process variables on the response using Box-Behnken design. Effect of four independent factors, that is, polymer, surfactant, drug, and aqueous/organic ratio, was studied on two dependent responses, that is,z-average and % drug entrapment. Lzp-PLGA-NPs were successfully developed by nanoprecipitation method using PLGA as polymer, poloxamer as surfactant and acetone as organic phase. NPs were characterized for particle size, zeta potential, % drug entrapment, drug release behavior, TEM, and cell viability. Lzp-PLGA-NPs were characterized for drug polymer interaction using FTIR. The developed NPs showed nearly spherical shape withz-average 167–318 d·nm, PDI below 0.441, and −18.4 mV zeta potential with maximum % drug entrapment of 90.1%.In vitrodrug release behavior followed Korsmeyer-Peppas model and showed initial burst release of21.7±1.3%with prolonged drug release of69.5±0.8%from optimized NPs up to 24 h.In vitrodrug release data was found in agreement withex vivopermeation data through sheep nasal mucosa.In vitrocell viability study on Vero cell line confirmed the safety of optimized NPs. Optimized Lzp-PLGA-NPs were radiolabelled with Technitium-99m for scintigraphy imaging and biodistribution studies in Sprague-Dawley rats to establish nose-to-brain pathway.
Device Modeling of the Performance of Cu(In,Ga)Se2Solar Cells with V-Shaped Bandgap Profiles
Authors: Kuo Shou-Yi , Hsieh Ming-Yang , Hsieh Dan-Hua , Kuo Hao-Chung , Chen Chyong-Hua , Lai Fang-I
Published: July 2014

The effect of Cu(In,Ga)Se2(CIGS) with V-shaped bandgap on device performance is investigated in detail. A series of Ga/(In+Ga) ratio are set to study the influence of V-shaped bandgap profile on the electricity of CIGS thin film solar cells. The modeling of device current density-voltage (J-V) curve and bandgap grading profile corresponded well to measurement results. Detailed characteristic and modeling results show that an increased gradient of bandgap from valley to the buffer layer CdS will result in a barrier and lead to an enhanced recombination in the valley. This phenomenon can be modified by the back electric field resulting from a gradient bandgap from valley (bandgap minimum) to the Mo back contact. These results indicate CIGS-based solar cells can achieve higher performance by optimizing the V-shaped bandgap profile.
Global Hopf Bifurcation Analysis for an Avian Influenza Virus Propagation Model with Nonlinear Incidence Rate and Delay
Authors: Zhai Yanhui , Xiong Ying , Ma Xiaona , Bai Haiyun
Published: July 2014

The paper investigated an avian influenza virus propagation model with nonlinear incidence rate and delay based on SIR epidemic model. We regard delay as bifurcating parameter to study the dynamical behaviors. At first, local asymptotical stability and existence of Hopf bifurcation are studied; Hopf bifurcation occurs when time delay passes through a sequence of critical values. An explicit algorithm for determining the direction of the Hopf bifurcations and stability of the bifurcation periodic solutions is derived by applying the normal form theory and center manifold theorem. What is more, the global existence of periodic solutions is established by using a global Hopf bifurcation result.
An Approach on Fault Detection in Diesel Engine by Using Symmetrical Polar Coordinates and Image Recognition
Authors: Zeng Ruili , Zhang Lingling , Xiao Yunkui , Mei Jianmin , Zhou Bin , Zhao Huimin , Jia Jide
Published: July 2014

Vibration technique provides useful information in fault detection of diesel engine, bringing significant cost benefits to diesel engine condition monitoring. Usually, time-frequency calculation on vibration signal is so complex that it is difficult to achieve online fault detection. In this paper, a method of fault detection in diesel engine is developed based on symmetrical polar coordinates and image recognition. In this method, time-domain waveform of vibration signal is transformed into snowflake-shaped in mirror symmetry pattern without time-frequency analysis. By the comparison of the geometric features of the snowflake images from different wear conditions of crankshaft bearing in diesel engines, we use centroid position and direction angle of the petal in snowflake image as features to detect the fault. Then, fuzzy c-means (FCM) are used to detect the conditions of the engine according to these features. In order to validate the methods, some experiments have been performed, the experimental results show that the centroid position and direction angle of the petal in snowflake image can reflect the information of different wear conditions in crankshaft bearing, and the fault of crankshaft bearing can be detected accurately. Hence, the method can work as fault detection in diesel engine, which is simple and effective, compared with time-frequency calculation method.
Relationship between Early Inflammatory Response and Clinical Evolution of the Severe Multiorgan Failure in Mechanical Circulatory Support-Treated Patients
Authors: Caruso Raffaele , Campolo Jonica , Verde Alessandro , Botta Luca , Cozzi Lorena , Parolini Marina , Milazzo Filippo , Nonini Sandra , Martinelli Luigi , Paino Roberto , Marraccini Paolo , Frigerio Maria
Published: July 2014

Background. The mechanical circulatory support (MCS) is an effective treatment in critically ill patients with end-stage heart failure (ESHF) that, however, may cause a severe multiorgan failure syndrome (MOFS) in these subjects. The impact of altered inflammatory response, associated to MOFS, on clinical evolution of MCS postimplantation patients has not been yet clarified.Methods. Circulating cytokines, adhesion molecules, and a marker of monocyte activation (neopterin) were determined in 53 MCS-treated patients, at preimplant and until 2 weeks. MOFS was evaluated by total sequential organ failure assessment score (tSOFA).Results. During MCS treatment, 32 patients experienced moderate MOFS (tSOFA < 11; A group), while 21 patients experienced severe MOFS (tSOFA ≥ 11) with favorable (B group) or adverse (n=13, C group) outcomes. At preimplant, higher values of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were the only parameter independently associated with A group. In C group, during the first postoperative week, high levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and an increase of neopterin and adhesion molecules, precede tSOFA worsening and exitus.Conclusions. The MCS patients of C group show an excessive release to IL-8 and TNF-α, and monocyte-endothelial activation after surgery, that might contribute to the unfavourable evolution of severe MOFS.
Investigation of Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Activity of StandardizedCurcuma xanthorrhizaRhizome in Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatic Damaged Rats
Authors: Devaraj Sutha , Ismail Sabariah , Ramanathan Surash , Yam Mun Fei
Published: July 2014

Curcuma xanthorrhiza(CX) has been used for centuries in traditional system of medicine to treat several diseases such as hepatitis, liver complaints, and diabetes. It has been consumed as food supplement and “jamu” as a remedy for hepatitis. Hence, CX was further explored for its potential as a functional food for liver related diseases. As such, initiative was taken to evaluate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential of CX rhizome. Antioxidant activity of the standardized CX fractions was determined usingin vitroassays. Hepatoprotective assay was conducted against carbon tetrachloride- (CCl4-) induced hepatic damage in rats at doses of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg of hexane fraction. Highest antioxidant activity was found in hexane fraction. In the case of hepatoprotective activity, CX hexane fraction showed significant improvement in terms of a biochemical liver function, antioxidative liver enzymes, and lipid peroxidation activity. Good recovery was observed in the treated hepatic tissues histologically. Hence, the results concluded that CX hexane fraction possessed prominent hepatoprotective activities which might be due to itsin vitroantioxidant activity. These findings also support the use of CX as a functional food for hepatitis remedy in traditional medicinal system.
Active Vibration Control of Plate Partly Treated with ACLD Using Hybrid Control
Authors: Zhang Dongdong , Zheng Ling
Published: July 2014

A finite element model of plate partly treated with ACLD treatments is developed based on the constitutive equations of elastic, piezoelectric, viscoelastic materials and Hamilton’s principle. The Golla-Hughes-Mctavish (GHM) method is employed to describe the frequency-dependent characteristics of viscoelastic material (VEM). A model reduction is completed by using iterative dynamic condensation and balance model reduction method to design an effective control system. The emphasis is concerned on hybrid (combined feedback/feedforward) control system to attenuate the vibration of plates with ACLD treatments. The optimal linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) controller is considered as a feedback channel and the adaptive filtered-reference LMS (FxLMS) controller is used as a feedforward channel. They can be utilized individually or in a hybrid way to suppress the vibration of plate/ACLD system. The results show that the hybrid controller which combines feedback/feedforward together can reduce the displacement amplitude of plate/ACLD system subjected to a complicated disturbance substantially without requiring more control effort. Furthermore, the hybrid controller has more rapid and stable convergence rate than the adaptive feedforward FxLMS controller. Meanwhile, perfect robustness to phase error of the cancellation path in feedforward controller and the weight matrices in feedback LQG controller is demonstrated in proposed hybrid controller. Therefore, its application in structural engineering can be highly appreciated.
Effect of Electrodeposition Potential on Composition of CuIn1−xGaxSe2Absorber Layer for Solar Cell by One-Step Electrodeposition
Authors: You Rui-Wei , Lew Kar-Kit , Fu Yen-Pei
Published: July 2014

CIGS polycrystalline thin films were successfully fabricated by one-step cathodic electrodeposition on Mo-coated glass. In this study, we applied a galvanometry mode with three-electrode potentiostatic systems to produce a constant concentration electroplating solution, which were composed of CuCl2, InCl3, GaCl3, and SeO2. Then these as-electrodeposited films were annealed in argon atmosphere and characterized by X-ray diffraction. The results revealed that annealing treatment significantly improved the crystallinity of electrodeposited films and formed CIGS chalcopyrite structure, but at low applied deposition voltage (−950 mV versus SCE) there appeared second phase. The cross-section morphology revealed that applied voltage at −1350 mV versus SCE has uniform deposition, and higher applied voltage made grain more unobvious. The deposition rate and current density are proportional to deposition potential, and hydrogen was generated apparently when applying potential beyond −1750 mV versus SCE. It was found that the CIGS compound did not match exact stoichiometry ofCu : In : Ga : Se =1 : x : 1-x : 2. This result suggests the possibility of controlling the property of thin films by varying the applied potential during electrodeposition.
Failure Analysis of Large‐Scale Wind Power Structure under Simulated Typhoon
Authors: Zhang Zihua , Li Junhua , Zhuge Ping
Published: July 2014

Recently, a number of wind power structures in tropical cyclone zones are damaged by typhoon. In order to study the failure mechanics and failure modes of wind power structure subjected to typhoon, the typhoon wind field in Dongtai wind farm is simulated based on the classical autoregressive (AR) model and a regional power‐spectrum‐density (PSD) model, and the simulated spectrum is verified to be in good agreement with the target spectrum. An integrated finite element (FE) model of wind power structure, composed of rotor, nacelle, tower, pile cap, and PHC piles, is established. Modal analysis reveals that pile stiffness decreases the structure’s natural frequencies, especially for high order frequencies. Structural responses under the simulated typhoon are calculated by dynamic analysis. Results show that tower buckling is the most prone failure mode of the structure. The horizontal displacement of the hub and the axial force of the most unfavorable piles are both under the limit. This study provides a way to the antityphoon design of large‐scale wind power structures.
Effects of Dimethylaminoethanol and Compound Amino Acid on D-Galactose Induced Skin Aging Model of Rat
Authors: Liu Su , Chen Zhenyu , Cai Xia , Sun Ying , Zhao Cailing , Liu Fangjun , Liu Dalie
Published: July 2014

A lasting dream of human beings is to reverse or postpone aging. In this study, dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) and compound amino acid (AA) in Mesotherapy were investigated for their potential antiaging effects on D-galactose induced aging skin. At 18 days after D-gal induction, each rat was treated with intradermal microinjection of saline, AA, 0.1% DMAE, 0.2% DMAE, 0.1% DMAE + AA, or 0.2% DMAE + AA, respectively. At 42 days after treatment, the skin wound was harvested and assayed. Measurement of epidermal and dermal thickness in 0.1% DMAE + AA and 0.2% DMAE + AA groups appeared significantly thicker than aging control rats. No differences were found in tissue water content among groups. Hydroxyproline in 0.1% DMAE + AA, 0.2% DMAE + AA, and sham control groups was much higher than all other groups. Collagen type I, type III, and MMP-1 expression was highly upregulated in both 0.1% DMAE + AA and 0.2% DMAE + AA groups compared with aging control. In contrast, TIMP-1 expression levels of various aging groups were significantly reduced when compared to sham control. Coinjection of DMAE and AA into target tissue has marked antiaging effects on D-galactose induced skin aging model of rat.
Stability of Nonlinear Fractional Neutral Differential Difference Systems
Authors: Liu Kewei , Jiang Wei
Published: July 2014

We study the stability of a class of nonlinear fractional neutral differential difference systems equipped with the Caputo derivative. We extend Lyapunov-Krasovskii theorem for the nonlinear fractional neutral systems. Conditions of stability and instability are obtained for the nonlinear fractional neutral systems.
Rotating Turbulent Flow Simulation with LES and Vreman Subgrid-Scale Models in Complex Geometries
Authors: Guo Tao , Zhang Lixiang , Wang Wenquan , Luo Zhumei
Published: July 2014

The large eddy simulation (LES) method based on Vreman subgrid-scale model and SIMPIEC algorithm were applied to accurately capture the flowing character in Francis turbine passage under the small opening condition. The methodology proposed is effective to understand the flow structure well. It overcomes the limitation of eddy-viscosity model which is excessive, dissipative. Distributions of pressure, velocity, and vorticity as well as some special flow structure in guide vane near-wall zones and blade passage were gained. The results show that the tangential velocity component of fluid has absolute superiority under small opening condition. This situation aggravates the impact between the wake vortices that shed from guide vanes. The critical influence on the balance of unit by spiral vortex in blade passage and the nonuniform flow around guide vane, combined with the transmitting of stress wave, has been confirmed.
Preparation and Electrical Properties of Ba2TiOSi2−xGexO7 (x=0.0 and 0.2) Ferroelectric Ceramics
Authors: Barbar S. K. , Roy M.
Published: July 2014

Polycrystalline ceramic samples of pure and germanium (Ge4+) doped fresnoite of general formula Ba2TiOSi2−xGexO7 (x=0.0 and 0.2) have been prepared by solid state reaction technique. The formation of the single phase compound was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and the structural parameters were refined by the Rietveld refinement technique. The dc conductivity of both the materials has been measured as a function of temperature from room temperature to 753 K and activation energy was calculated using the relation σ = σoexp(-Ea/kt). The activation energy 4.74 eV obtained for the pure compound is very high in comparison with 1.47 eV of Ge4+-substituted compound. The frequency and temperature dependent dielectric behavior of both the compounds have been studied. The real and imaginary parts of the dielectric constant increase with the increase of temperature.
Neurotrophic Signaling Factors in Brain Ischemia/Reperfusion Rats: Differential Modulation Pattern between Single‐Time and Multiple Electroacupuncture Stimulation
Authors: Wang Changpeng , Yang Fan , Liu Xiaoyan , Liu Ming , Zheng Yun , Guo Jingchun
Published: July 2014

Electroacupuncture (EA) treatment has been widely used for stroke‐like disorders in traditional Chinese medicine. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Our previous studies showed that single‐time EA stimulation at “Baihui” (GV 20) and “Shuigou” (GV 26) after the onset of ischemia can protect the brain against ischemic injury in rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Here, we further investigated the differential effects between multiple EA and single‐time EA stimulation on ischemic injury. In the present study, we found that both single‐time EA and multiple EA stimulation significantly reduced MCAO‐induced ischemic infarction, while only multiple EA attenuated sensorimotor dysfunctions. Also, with PCR array screening and ingenuity gene analysis, we revealed that multiple EA and single‐time EA stimulation could differentially induce expression changes in neurotrophic signaling related genes. Meanwhile, with western blotting, we demonstrated that the level of glia maturation factor β (GMFβ) increased in the early stage (day 1) of reperfusion, and this upregulation was suppressed only by single‐time EA stimulation. These findings suggest that the short‐term effect of single‐time EA stimulation differs from the cumulative effect of multiple EA, which possibly depends on their differential modulation on neurotrophic signaling molecules expression.
Automatic Blastomere Recognition from a Single Embryo Image
Authors: Tian Yun , Yin Ya-bo , Duan Fu-qing , Wang Wei-zhou , Wang Wei , Zhou Ming-quan
Published: July 2014

The number of blastomeres of human day 3 embryos is one of the most important criteria for evaluating embryo viability. However, due to the transparency and overlap of blastomeres, it is a challenge to recognize blastomeres automatically using a single embryo image. This study proposes an approach based on least square curve fitting (LSCF) for automatic blastomere recognition from a single image. First, combining edge detection, deletion of multiple connected points, and dilation and erosion, an effective preprocessing method was designed to obtain part of blastomere edges that were singly connected. Next, an automatic recognition method for blastomeres was proposed using least square circle fitting. This algorithm was tested on 381 embryo microscopic images obtained from the eight-cell period, and the results were compared with those provided by experts. Embryos were recognized with a 0 error rate occupancy of 21.59%, and the ratio of embryos in which the false recognition number was less than or equal to 2 was 83.16%. This experiment demonstrated that our method could efficiently and rapidly recognize the number of blastomeres from a single embryo image without the need to reconstruct the three-dimensional model of the blastomeres first; this method is simple and efficient.
Structural Health Monitoring of Civil Infrastructure Using Optical Fiber Sensing Technology: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Ye X. W. , Su Y. H. , Han J. P.
Published: July 2014

In the last two decades, a significant number of innovative sensing systems based on optical fiber sensors have been exploited in the engineering community due to their inherent distinctive advantages such as small size, light weight, immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and corrosion, and embedding capability. A lot of optical fiber sensor-based monitoring systems have been developed for continuous measurement and real-time assessment of diversified engineering structures such as bridges, buildings, tunnels, pipelines, wind turbines, railway infrastructure, and geotechnical structures. The purpose of this review article is devoted to presenting a summary of the basic principles of various optical fiber sensors, innovation in sensing and computational methodologies, development of novel optical fiber sensors, and the practical application status of the optical fiber sensing technology in structural health monitoring (SHM) of civil infrastructure.
LMI-Based Model Predictive Control for Underactuated Surface Vessels with Input Constraints
Authors: Liu Lutao , Liu Zhilin , Zhang Jun
Published: July 2014

A nonlinear model predictive control (MPC) is proposed for underactuated surface vessel (USV) with constrained inputs. Aimed at the special structure of USV, a state-dependent coefficient (SDC) under the given USV is constructed in terms of diffeomorphism and state-dependent Riccati equation (SDRE) theory. Based on linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), the states of the USV are steered into an operating region around zero. When the states reach the region, the control law is switched to stabilize the system. And the constrained control input of the considered system is solved by convex optimization based on MPC involving LMIs. The simulation results verified the effectiveness of the proposed method. It is shown that, based on LMIs, it is easy to get the MPC for the USV with input constraints.
Mass Spectrometry Based Proteomic Analysis of Salivary Glands of Urban Malaria VectorAnopheles stephensi
Authors: Vijay Sonam , Rawat Manmeet , Sharma Arun
Published: July 2014

Salivary gland proteins ofAnophelesmosquitoes offer attractive targets to understand interactions with sporozoites, blood feeding behavior, homeostasis, and immunological evaluation of malaria vectors and parasite interactions. To date limited studies have been carried out to elucidate salivary proteins ofAn. stephensisalivary glands. The aim of the present study was to provide detailed analytical attributives of functional salivary gland proteins of urban malaria vectorAn. stephensi. A proteomic approach combining one-dimensional electrophoresis (1DE), ion trap liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), and computational bioinformatic analysis was adopted to provide the first direct insight into identification and functional characterization of known salivary proteins and novel salivary proteins ofAn. stephensi. Computational studies by online servers, namely, MASCOT and OMSSA algorithms, identified a total of 36 known salivary proteins and 123 novel proteins analysed by LC/MS/MS. This first report describes a baseline proteomic catalogue of 159 salivary proteins belonging to various categories of signal transduction, regulation of blood coagulation cascade, and various immune and energy pathways ofAn. stephensisialotranscriptome by mass spectrometry. Our results may serve as basis to provide a putative functional role of proteins in concept of blood feeding, biting behavior, and other aspects of vector-parasite host interactions for parasite development in anopheline mosquitoes.
Cellular Factors Targeting APCs to Modulate Adaptive T Cell Immunity
Authors: Visperas Anabelle , Do Jeongsu , Min Booki
Published: July 2014

The fate of adaptive T cell immunity is determined by multiple cellular and molecular factors, among which the cytokine milieu plays the most important role in this process. Depending on the cytokines present during the initial T cell activation, T cells become effector cells that produce different effector molecules and execute adaptive immune functions. Studies thus far have primarily focused on defining how these factors control T cell differentiation by targeting T cells themselves. However, other non-T cells, particularly APCs, also express receptors for the factors and are capable of responding to them. In this review, we will discuss how APCs, by responding to those cytokines, influence T cell differentiation and adaptive immunity.
On Nonuniform Polynomial Trichotomy of Linear Discrete-Time Systems in Banach Spaces
Authors: Li Zhi-gang , Song Xiao-qiu , Yang Xiu-li
Published: July 2014

We study two nonuniform polynomial trichotomy concepts for linear discrete-time systems in Banach spaces. Our main objective is to give summation property for nonuniform polynomial trichotomies. As for applications we obtain characterization of these concepts in terms of Lyapunov functions.
Synthesis of New Imidazolidine and Tetrahydropyrimidine Derivatives
Authors: Beyzaei Hamid , Aryan Reza , Keshtegar Zahra
Published: July 2014

Synthesis of new imidazolidine and tetrahydropyrimidine derivatives 3a, b and 4a–c as cyclic 1,3-diamines under two reaction conditions (A and B) is described. Under reaction conditions-A, a suspension of (E)-2-cyano-2-(oxazolidin-2-ylidene)ethanethioamide 1 (1 eq.) and diaminoalkanes 2a–e (2 eq.) in absolute ethanol is heated under reflux for 16–22 h to afford 3a, b and 4a–c. Alternatively, under reaction conditions-B, a solution of thioamide 1 (1 eq.) in diaminoalkanes 2a–e (3 eq.) is stirred under solvent-free conditions at room temperature for 3 days to give desired products. Reaction conditions-A for having higher yields, shorter reaction times, and required less diamines is more effective than reaction conditions-B. Oxazolidine ring opening is observed by reacting compound 1 with all of the diamines 2a–e, but the thioamide group only reacts with nonbulky diamines 2a, b. The chemical structures of novel compounds were confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, elemental analysis, and FT-IR spectrometry.
Trends in Tree Diversity and Stand Structure during Restoration: A Case Study in Fragmented Moist Deciduous Forest Ecosystems of Northeast India
Authors: Majumdar Koushik , Shankar Uma , Datta Badal Kumar
Published: July 2014

Ecological implications for the conservation of fragmented forests to managed local plant diversity have recently drawn much attention of most conservationists. Present study investigates the importance of fragmented forests using different quantitative measures of species diversity and stand structure as indicators of natural restoration from past disturbances. Eleven independent 500 m × 10 m belt transects (5.5 ha) were established within fragmented low land moist deciduous forests of Tripura. All woody plants ≥10 cm girth at breast height (GBH) were measured. A total of 7,134 individuals with mean density of 648.55 stems ha−1and 16.36 m2 ha−1of basal area were recorded, which represented 134 species, 93 genera, and 43 families of woody plants. Diversity-dominance curve showed that maximum number of species were ranked >10 due to low abundance value. Maximum distributions of stems (>50%) were recorded at lowest girth class (10–30 cm) as an indication of advanced regeneration and significantly declined towards upper girth (radj2=0.93;P<0.0001) and height (radj2=0.95;P<0.0001) classes, which also indicated that some plants were adopted with ongoing disturbances through both seeded and nonseeded regeneration. Species richness (radj2=0.49;P=0.05), dominance (radj2=0.68;P=0.009), and density (radj2=0.62;P=0.02) were significantly increased at different disturbance intensities. Disturbances strongly influenced typical community association and structure by increasing diversity and population at certain magnitude and thereby showed declining trend towards maturation. Fragmented moist deciduous forests seek immediate attention as they represent spatial habitat for many economical or ecological important species, thus sustaining local biodiversity for livelihoods.
A Comparison Study of Extreme Learning Machine and Least Squares Support Vector Machine for Structural Impact Localization
Authors: Xu Qingsong
Published: July 2014

Extreme learning machine (ELM) is a learning algorithm for single‐hidden layer feedforward neural network dedicated to an extremely fast learning. However, the performance of ELM in structural impact localization is unknown yet. In this paper, a comparison study of ELM with least squares support vector machine (LSSVM) is presented for the application on impact localization of a plate structure with surface‐mounted piezoelectric sensors. Both basic and kernel‐based ELM regression models have been developed for the location prediction. Comparative studies of the basic ELM, kernel‐based ELM, and LSSVM models are carried out. Results show that the kernel‐based ELM requires the shortest learning time and it is capable of producing suboptimal localization accuracy among the three models. Hence, ELM paves a promising way in structural impact detection.
Yersinia enterocoliticaInfection Simulating Lymphoproliferative Disease, after Liver Transplant
Authors: Jakobovich E. , Koplewitz B. , Marva E. , Granot E.
Published: July 2014

We describe a 14-year-old girl, who was 13 y after liver transplantation for biliary atresia with an unremarkable postoperative course. She presented with fever of up to 40°C, extreme fatigue, malaise, anorexia, and occasional vomiting. On physical examination the only finding was splenomegaly. Lab results showed hyperglobulinemia and an elevated sedimentation rate. Liver function tests were normal except for mild elevation ofγGTP. Abdominal U/S and CT demonstrated an enlarged spleen with retroperitoneal and mesenteric lymph nodes enlargement. An exhaustive evaluation for infectious causes, autoimmune conditions, and malignancy was negative. A full recovery after 5 months prompted testing for self-limited infectious etiologies.Yersinia enterocoliticainfection was diagnosed.
Ethical and Legal Implications of Elective Ventilation and Organ Transplantation: “Medicalization” of Dying versus Medical Mission
Authors: Frati Paola , Fineschi Vittorio , Gulino Matteo , Montanari Vergallo Gianluca , Di Luca Natale Mario , Turillazzi Emanuela
Published: July 2014

A critical controversy surrounds the type of allowable interventions to be carried out in patients who are potential organ donors, in an attempt to improve organ perfusion and successful transplantation. The main goal is to transplant an organ in conditions as close as possible to its physiological live state. “Elective ventilation” (EV), that is, the use of ventilation for the sole purpose of retrieving the organs of patients close to death, is an option which offsets the shortage of organ donation. We have analyzed the legal context of the dying process of the organ donor and the feasibility of EV in the Italian context. There is no legal framework regulating the practice of EV, neither is any real information given to the general public. A public debate has yet to be initiated. In the Italian cultural and legislative scenario, we believe that, under some circumstances (i.e., the expressed wishes of the patient, even in the form of advance directives), the use of EV does not violate the principle of beneficence. We believe that the crux of the matter lies in the need to explore the real determination and will of the patient and his/her orientation towards the specific aim of organ donation.
Validity and Reliability of the Munsell Soil Color Charts for Assessing Human Skin Color
Authors: Reeder Anthony I. , Iosua Ella , Gray Andrew R. , Hammond Vanessa A.
Published: July 2014

Background: Skin pigmentation is a key factor for ultraviolet radiation exposure–related cancers and can make a significant contribution to the patterns of other diseases. For surveys, and to appropriately target cancer control activities, valid and reliable measures of skin color are required.

Methods: Validity and reliability of the Munsell Soil Color Charts were investigated for skin color assessment. The unexposed skin color of 280 university students was measured by spectrophotometer to calculate an Individual Typology Angle (ITA) value, and categorized by two independent raters according to the Munsell system (the latter was repeated after a 7-day interval).

Results: Interrater and intrarater reliability for the Munsell charts was found to be acceptable [intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) of 0.85 and 0.86, respectively]. When ITA values were converted to the six Del Bino skin color categories, weighted κ for agreement between raters, within rater, and between Munsell chip and spectrophotometer were 0.63, 0.60, and 0.61, respectively. A tendency toward overestimation of the extremes of skin pigmentation was evident, particularly for the “brown” and “dark” skin types.

Conclusions: Study findings suggest that the Munsell Soil Color Charts represent a reliable and valid measurement strategy when assessing skin type.

Impact: The Munsell Year 2000 Soil Color Charts may provide a useful instrument for fieldwork contexts. Subsequent classification of individuals into skin cancer risk categories, rather than the use of precise ITA values, may be sufficient for targeting public health messages for skin cancer prevention and other health risks. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(10); 2041–7. ©2014 AACR.