bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Energy Characteristics of Rice and Coffee Husks Blends
Authors: Mhilu Cuthbert F.
Published: March 2014

Production of first generation biofuels using food crops is under criticism over sustainability issues on food security. Tanzania is showing active interest in developing second generation biofuels to deal with some of such issues, especially from the feedstock point of view. This paper reports work done to determine energy characteristics of rice and coffee husks. The results show that coffee husks have better energy quality than rice husks, while heating values of coffee are 18.34 MJ/kg and 13.24 MJ/kg for rice husk. Thermogravimetric analysis made for coffee husks blended rice husks at a ratio of 75 : 25% vol. show better material degradation characteristics yielding low residual mass of 23.65%, compared to 26.50% of char and ash remaining in pure rice husks. Derivative thermogravimetric analysis shows comparable hemicellulose degradation peak values of −11.5 and −11.2 and cellulose −3.20 and −2.90 in pure coffee and rice husks, respectively. In coffee and rice husks blends, substantial reductions of hemicellulose and cellulose peaks were observed. Use of coffee and rice husks blends applying high temperature gasification would reduce the latter’s flammability, while increasing its flame retention characteristics, hence offering opportunities for production of clean syngas in a sustainable manner.
A Novel Research on Rough Clustering Algorithm
Authors: Qu Tao , Lu Jinyu , Karimi Hamid Reza , Xu E
Published: March 2014

The aim of this study is focusing the issue of traditional clustering algorithm subjects to data space distribution influence, a novel clustering algortihm combined with rough set theory is employed to the normal clustering. The proposed rough clustering algorithm takes the condition attributes and decision attributes displayed in the information table as the consistency principle, meanwhile it takes the data supercubic and information entropy to realize data attribute shortcutting and discretizing. Based on above discussion, by applying assemble feature vector addition principle computiation only one scanning information table can realize clustering for the data subject. Experiments reveal that the proposed algorithm is efficient and feasible.
Effectiveness of Variable Message Signs on Driving Behavior Based on a Driving Simulation Experiment
Authors: Yan Xuedong , Wu Jiawei
Published: March 2014

Variable message signs (VMSs), as one of the important ITS devices, provide real-time traffic information of road network to drivers in order to improve route choice and relieve the traffic congestion. In this study, the effectiveness of VMS on driving behavior was tested based on a driving simulation experiment. A road network with three levels of VMS location to route-diverging intersection and three types of VMS information format was designed in a high fidelity driving simulator platform. Fifty-two subjects who were classified by driver age, gender, and vocation successfully completed this experiment. The experimental results showed that driver characteristics, VMS location, and information format profoundly influence driving behaviors. Based on the research findings, it is suggested that VMS would be positioned between 150 m and 200 m upstream of the diverging point to balance the VMS effects on traffic safety and operation and the graphic information VMS format is better than the format with text massage only.
Local and Nonlocal Regularization to Image Interpolation
Authors: Zhan Yi , Li Sheng Jie , Li Meng
Published: March 2014

This paper presents an image interpolation model with local and nonlocal regularization. A nonlocal bounded variation (BV) regularizer is formulated by an exponential function including gradient. It acts as the Perona‐Malik equation. Thus our nonlocal BV regularizer possesses the properties of the anisotropic diffusion equation and nonlocal functional. The local total variation (TV) regularizer dissipates image energy along the orthogonal direction to the gradient to avoid blurring image edges. The derived model efficiently reconstructs the real image, leading to a natural interpolation which reduces blurring and staircase artifacts. We present experimental results that prove the potential and efficacy of the method.
Revisiting the Molecular Mechanism of Neurological Manifestations in Antiphospholipid Syndrome: Beyond Vascular Damage
Authors: Carecchio M. , Cantello R. , Comi C.
Published: March 2014

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a multiorgan disease often affecting the central nervous system (CNS). Typically, neurological manifestations of APS include thrombosis of cerebral vessels leading to stroke and requiring prompt initiation of treatment with antiplatelet drugs or anticoagulant therapy. In these cases, alterations of the coagulation system at various levels caused by multiple effects of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) have been postulated to explain the vascular damage to the CNS in APS. However, several nonvascular neurological manifestations of APS have progressively emerged over the past years. Nonthrombotic, immune-mediated mechanisms altering physiological basal ganglia function have been recently suggested to play a central role in the pathogenesis of these manifestations that include, among others, movement disorders such as chorea and behavioral and cognitive alterations. Similar clinical manifestations have been described in other autoimmune CNS diseases such as anti-NMDAR and anti-VGCK encephalitis, suggesting that the spectrum of immune-mediated basal ganglia disorders is expanding, possibly sharing some pathophysiological mechanisms. In this review, we will focus on thrombotic and nonthrombotic neurological manifestations of APS with particular attention to immune-mediated actions of aPL on the vascular system and the basal ganglia.
Optimization of Damper Top Mount Characteristics to Improve Vehicle Ride Comfort and Harshness
Authors: Kaldas Mina M. S. , Çalışkan Kemal , Henze Roman , Küçükay Ferit
Published: March 2014

A novel optimization technique for optimizing the damper top mount characteristics to improve vehicle ride comfort and harshness is developed. The proposed optimization technique employs a new combined objective function based on ride comfort, harshness, and impact harshness evaluation. A detailed and accurate damper top mount mathematical model is implemented inside a validated quarter vehicle model to provide a realistic simulation environment for the optimization study. The ride comfort and harshness of the quarter vehicle are evaluated by analyzing the body acceleration in different frequency ranges. In addition, the top mount deformation is considered as a penalty factor for the system performance. The influence of the ride comfort and harshness weighting parameters of the proposed objective function on the optimal damper top mount characteristics is studied. The dynamic stiffness of the damper top mount is used to describe the optimum damper top mount characteristics for different optimization case studies. The proposed optimization routine is able to find the optimum characteristics of the damper top mount which improve the ride comfort and the harshness performances together.
Low Protein Diet Inhibits Uric Acid Synthesis and Attenuates Renal Damage in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Ran Jianmin , Ma Jing , Liu Yan , Tan Rongshao , Liu Houqiang , Lao Gancheng
Published: March 2014

Aim.Several studies indicated that hyperuricemia may link to the worsening of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Meanwhile, low protein diet (LPD) retards exacerbation of renal damage in chronic kidney disease. We then assessed whether LPD influences uric acid metabolism and benefits the progression of DN in streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced diabetic rats.Methods.STZ-induced and control rats were both fed with LPD (5%) and normal protein diet (18%), respectively, for 12 weeks. Vital signs, blood and urinary samples for UA metabolism were taken and analyzed every 3 weeks. Kidneys were removed at the end of the experiment.Results.Diabetic rats developed into constantly high levels of serum UA (SUA), creatinine (SCr) and 24 h amounts of urinary albumin excretion (UAE), creatintine (UCr), urea nitrogen (UUN), and uric acid (UUA). LPD significantly decreased SUA, UAE, and blood glucose, yet left SCr, UCr, and UUN unchanged. A stepwise regression showed that high UUA is an independent risk factor for DN. LPD remarkably ameliorated degrees of enlarged glomeruli, proliferated mesangial cells, and hyaline-degenerated tubular epithelial cells in diabetic rats. Expression of TNF-αin tubulointerstitium significantly decreased in LPD-fed diabetic rats.Conclusion.LPD inhibits endogenous uric acid synthesis and might accordingly attenuate renal damage in STZ-induced diabetic rats.
A Quest to Identify Prostate Cancer Circulating Biomarkers with a Bench-to-Bedside Potential
Authors: Batra Jaspreet Singh , Girdhani Swati , Hlatky Lynn
Published: March 2014

Prostate cancer (PCA) is a major health concern in current times. Ever since prostate specific antigen (PSA) was introduced in clinical practice almost three decades ago, the diagnosis and management of PCA have been revolutionized. With time, concerns arose as to the inherent shortcomings of this biomarker and alternatives were actively sought. Over the past decade new PCA biomarkers have been identified in tissue, blood, urine, and other body fluids that offer improved specificity and supplement our knowledge of disease progression. This review focuses on superiority of circulating biomarkers over tissue biomarkers due to the advantages of being more readily accessible, minimally invasive (blood) or noninvasive (urine), accessible for sampling on regular intervals, and easily utilized for follow-up after surgery or other treatment modalities. Some of the circulating biomarkers like PCA3, IL-6, and TMPRSS2-ERG are now detectable by commercially available kits while others like microRNAs (miR-21, -221, -141) and exosomes hold potential to become available as multiplexed assays. In this paper, we will review some of these potential candidate circulating biomarkers that either individually or in combination, once validated with large-scale trials, may eventually get utilized clinically for improved diagnosis, risk stratification, and treatment.
Optimal Algorithms and the BFGS Updating Techniques for Solving Unconstrained Nonlinear Minimization Problems
Authors: Liu Chein-Shan
Published: March 2014

To solve an unconstrained nonlinear minimization problem, we propose an optimal algorithm (OA) as well as a globally optimal algorithm (GOA), by deflecting the gradient direction to the best descent direction at each iteration step, and with an optimal parameter being derived explicitly. An invariant manifold defined for the model problem in terms of a locally quadratic function is used to derive a purely iterative algorithm and the convergence is proven. Then, the rank-two updating techniques of BFGS are employed, which result in several novel algorithms as being faster than the steepest descent method (SDM) and the variable metric method (DFP). Six numerical examples are examined and compared with exact solutions, revealing that the new algorithms of OA, GOA, and the updated ones have superior computational efficiency and accuracy.
Analysis of Tribological Behavior of Carbon Nanotube Based Industrial Mineral Gear Oil 250 cSt Viscosity
Authors: Bhaumik Shubrajit , Prabhu S. , Singh Kingsly Jeba
Published: March 2014

The paper investigates the exceptional antiwear and extreme pressure properties of multiwalled carbon nanotube based mineral oil. Different samples of oil containing varying proportions of MWNT (MWNT) and graphite were prepared. The samples were tested for their antiwear and load bearing capacity according to ASTM G99 and ASTM D-2783 standards. After pass load test in four ball tester the rubbed surfaces were investigated with Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images. The wear test results show a decrease wear by 70–75% in case of multiwalled nanotube based mineral oil as compared with pure mineral oil. Furthermore, it has been observed that the load bearing capacity in case of multiwalled carbon nanotube based mineral oil increases by 20% as compared to pure mineral oil. A comparison in the antiwear and load bearing capacity properties of graphite and nanotube based mineral oil was studied which showed the inefficiency of graphite based lubricant over MWNT based oil. Thus, the finding would be helpful in developing new nanoparticle based lubricants.
Exposing Image Forgery by Detecting Consistency of Shadow
Authors: Ke Yongzhen , Qin Fan , Min Weidong , Zhang Guiling
Published: March 2014

We propose two tampered image detection methods based on consistency of shadow. The first method is based on texture consistency of shadow for the first kind of splicing image, in which the shadow as well as main body is copied and pasted from another image. The suspicious region including shadow and nonshadow is first selected. Then texture features of the shadow region and the nonshadow region are extracted. Last, correlation function is used to measure the similarity of the two texture features. By comparing the similarity, we can judge whether the image is tampered. Due to the failure in detecting the second kind of splicing image, in which main body, its shadow, and surrounding regions are copied and pasted from another image, another method based on strength of light source of shadows is proposed. The two suspicious shadow regions are first selected. Then an efficient method is used to estimate the strength of light source of shadow. Last, the similarity of strength of light source of two shadows is measured by correlation function. By combining the two methods, we can detect forged image with shadows. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed methods are effective despite using simplified model compared with the existing methods.
Pushing CT and MR Imaging to the Molecular Level for Studying the “Omics”: Current Challenges and Advancements
Authors: Huang Hsuan-Ming , Shih Yi-Yu
Published: March 2014

During the past decade, medical imaging has made the transition from anatomical imaging to functional and even molecular imaging. Such transition provides a great opportunity to begin the integration of imaging data and various levels of biological data. In particular, the integration of imaging data and multiomics data such as genomics, metabolomics, proteomics, and pharmacogenomics may open new avenues for predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine. However, to promote imaging-omics integration, the practical challenge of imaging techniques should be addressed. In this paper, we describe key challenges in two imaging techniques: computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and then review existing technological advancements. Despite the fact that CT and MRI have different principles of image formation, both imaging techniques can provide high-resolution anatomical images while playing a more and more important role in providing molecular information. Such imaging techniques that enable single modality to image both the detailed anatomy and function of tissues and organs of the body will be beneficial in the imaging-omics field.
Anti-Nuclear Antibodies in Daily Clinical Practice: Prevalence in Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Care
Authors: Avery Thomas Y. , van de Cruys Mart , Austen Jos , Stals Frans , Damoiseaux Jan G. M. C.
Published: March 2014

For the diagnosis of systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARD), patients are screened for anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA). ANA, as assessed by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF), have a poor specificity. This hampers interpretation of positive results in clinical settings with low pretest probability of SARD. We hypothesized that the utility of positive ANA IIF results increases from primary to tertiary care. We retrospectively determined ANA, anti-ENA, and anti-dsDNA antibody prevalence in patient cohorts from primary (n=1453), secondary (n=1621), and tertiary (n=1168) care settings. Results reveal that from primary care to tertiary care, ANA prevalence increases (6.2, 10.8, and 16.0%, resp.). Moreover, in primary care low titres (70% versus 51% and 52% in secondary and tertiary care, resp.) are more frequent and anti-ENA/dsDNA reactivities are less prevalent (21% versus 39% in secondary care). Typically, in tertiary care the prevalence of anti-ENA/dsDNA reactivities (21%) is lower than expected. From this descriptive study we conclude that positive ANA IIF results are more prone to false interpretation in clinical settings with low pretest probabilities for SARD, as in primary care. Whether alternative approaches, that is, immunoadsorption of anti-DFS70 antibodies or implementation of anti-ENA screen assays, perform better, needs to be determined.
Video-Assisted Minithoracotomy for Pulmonary Laceration with a Massive Hemothorax
Authors: Ota Hideki , Kawai Hideki , Togashi Shuntaro , Matsuo Tsubasa
Published: March 2014

Severe intrathoracic hemorrhage from pulmonary parenchyma is the most serious complication of pulmonary laceration after blunt trauma requiring immediate surgical hemostasis through open thoracotomy. The safety and efficacy of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) techniques for this life-threatening condition have not been fully evaluated yet. We report a case of pulmonary laceration with a massive hemothorax after blunt trauma successfully treated using a combination of muscle-sparing minithoracotomy with VATS techniques (video-assisted minithoracotomy). A 22-year-old man was transferred to our department after a falling accident. A diagnosis of right-sided pneumothorax was made on physical examination and urgent chest decompression was performed with a tube thoracostomy. Chest computed tomographic scan revealed pulmonary laceration with hematoma in the right lung. The pulmonary hematoma extending along segmental pulmonary artery in the helium of the middle lobe ruptured suddenly into the thoracic cavity, resulting in hemorrhagic shock on the fourth day after admission. Emergency right middle lobectomy was performed through video-assisted minithoracotomy. We used two cotton dissectors as a chopstick for achieving compression hemostasis during surgery. The patient recovered satisfactorily. Video-assisted minithoracotomy can be an alternative approach for the treatment of pulmonary lacerations with a massive hemothorax in hemodynamically unstable patients.
Path Following Control of an AUV under the Current Using the SVR-ADRC
Authors: Yan Zheping , Liu Yibo , Zhou Jiajia , Wu Di
Published: March 2014

A novel active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) controller is proposed based on support vector regression (SVR). The SVR-ADRC is designed to force an underactuated autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) to follow a path in the horizontal plane with the ocean current disturbance. It is derived using SVR algorithm to adjust the coefficients of the nonlinear state error feedback (ELSEF) part in ADRC to deal with nonlinear variations at different operating points. The trend of change about ELSEF coefficients in the simulation proves that the designed SVR algorithm maintains the characteristics of astringency and stability. Furthermore, the path following errors under current in simulation has proved the high accuracy, strong robustness, and stability of the proposed SVR-ADRC. The contributions of the proposed controller are to improve the characteristics of ADRC considering the changing parameters in operating environment which make the controller more adaptive for the situation.
A Cross-Sectional Study Examining Youth Smoking Rates and Correlates in Tbilisi, Georgia
Authors: Berg Carla J. , Aslanikashvili Ana , Djibuti Mamuka
Published: March 2014

Georgia has high smoking rates; however, little is known about the prevalence and correlates of youth smoking. We conducted a secondary data analysis of a 2010 cross-sectional survey of 1,879 secondary and postsecondary school students aged 15 to 24 years in Tbilisi, Georgia, examining substance use, perceived risk, and recreational activities in relation to lifetime and current (past 30 days) smoking. Lifetime and current smoking prevalence was 46.1% and 22.6%, respectively. In secondary schools, lifetime smoking correlates included being male, consuming alcohol, lifetime marijuana use, and lower perceived risk (P’s ≤ .001). Correlates of current smoking among lifetime smokers included being male, consuming alcohol, lifetime marijuana use, lower perceived risk, less frequently exercise, and more often going out (P’s < .05). In postsecondary schools, lifetime smoking correlates included being male, consuming alcohol, lifetime marijuana use, lower perceived risk, more often going out, and recreational internet use (P’s < .0). Correlates of current smoking among lifetime smokers included being male (P’s = .04), consuming alcohol, marijuana use, lower perceived risk, and more often going out (P’s < .05). Tobacco control interventions might target these correlates to reduce smoking prevalence in Georgian youth.
Fekete-Szegö Type Coefficient Inequalities for Certain Subclass of Analytic Functions and Their Applications Involving the Owa-Srivastava Fractional Operator
Authors: Bulut Serap
Published: March 2014

A new subclass of analytic functions is introduced. For this class, firstly the Fekete-Szegö type coefficient inequalities are derived. Various known or new special cases of our results are also pointed out. Secondly some applications of our main results involving the Owa-Srivastava fractional operator are considered. Thus, as one of these applications of our result, we obtain the Fekete-Szegö type inequality for a class of normalized analytic functions, which is defined here by means of the Hadamard product (or convolution) and the Owa-Srivastava fractional operator.
Modeling the Joint Choice Decisions on Urban Shopping Destination and Travel-to-Shop Mode: A Comparative Study of Different Structures
Authors: Ding Chuan , Xie Binglei , Wang Yaowu , Lin Yaoyu
Published: March 2014

The joint choice of shopping destination and travel-to-shop mode in downtown area is described by making use of the cross-nested logit (CNL) model structure that allows for potential interalternative correlation along the both choice dimensions. Meanwhile, the traditional multinomial logit (MNL) model and nested logit (NL) model are also formulated, respectively. This study uses the data collected in the downtown areas of Maryland-Washington, D.C. region, for shopping trips, considering household, individual, land use, and travel related characteristics. The results of the model reveal the significant influencing factors on joint choice travel behavior between shopping destination and travel mode. A comparison of the different models shows that the proposed CNL model structure offers significant improvements in capturing unobserved correlations between alternatives over MNL model and NL model. Moreover, a Monte Carlo simulation for a group of scenarios assuming that there is an increase in parking fees in downtown area is undertaken to examine the impact of a change in car travel cost on the joint choice of shopping destination and travel mode switching. The results are expected to give a better understanding on the shopping travel behavior.
Mechanisms of Maggot‐Induced Wound Healing: What Do We Know, and Where Do We Go from Here?
Authors: Sherman Ronald A.
Published: March 2014

Medicinal maggots are believed to have three major mechanisms of action on wounds, brought about chemically and through physical contact: debridement (cleaning of debris), disinfection, and hastened wound healing. Until recently, most of the evidence for these claims was anecdotal; but the past 25 years have seen an increase in the use and study of maggot therapy. Controlled clinical studies are now available, along with laboratory investigations that examine the interaction of maggot and host on a cellular and molecular level. This review was undertaken to extract the salient data, make sense, where possible, of seemingly conflicting evidence, and reexamine our paradigm for maggot‐induced wound healing. Clinical and laboratory data strongly support claims of effective and efficient debridement. Clinical evidence for hastened wound healing is meager, but laboratory studies and some small, replicated clinical studies strongly suggest that maggots do promote tissue growth and wound healing, though it is likely only during and shortly after the period when they are present on the wound. The best way to evaluate—and indeed realize—maggot‐induced wound healing may be to use medicinal maggots as a “maintenance debridement” modality, applying them beyond the point of gross debridement.
Endothelial Dysfunction in Experimental Models of Arterial Hypertension: Cause or Consequence?
Authors: Bernatova Iveta
Published: March 2014

Hypertension is a risk factor for other cardiovascular diseases and endothelial dysfunction was found in humans as well as in various commonly employed animal experimental models of arterial hypertension. Data from the literature indicate that, in general, endothelial dysfunction would not be the cause of experimental hypertension and may rather be secondary, that is, resulting from high blood pressure (BP). The initial mechanism of endothelial dysfunction itself may be associated with a lack of endothelium-derived relaxing factors (mainly nitric oxide) and/or accentuation of various endothelium-derived constricting factors. The involvement and role of endothelium-derived factors in the development of endothelial dysfunction in individual experimental models of hypertension may vary, depending on the triggering stimulus, strain, age, and vascular bed investigated. This brief review was focused on the participation of endothelial dysfunction, individual endothelium-derived factors, and their mechanisms of action in the development of high BP in the most frequently used rodent experimental models of arterial hypertension, including nitric oxide deficient models, spontaneous (pre)hypertension, stress-induced hypertension, and selected pharmacological and diet-induced models.
Chaos for Cosine Operator Functions on Groups
Authors: Chen Chung-Chuan
Published: March 2014

Let1≤p<∞andGbe a locally compact group. We characterize chaotic cosine operator functions, generated by weighted translations on the Lebesgue spaceLp(G), in terms of the weight condition. In particular, chaotic cosine operator functions and chaotic weighted translations can only occur simultaneously. We also give a necessary and sufficient condition for the direct sum of a sequence of cosine operator functions to be chaotic.
n-Tupled Coincidence Point Theorems in Partially Ordered Metric Spaces for Compatible Mappings
Authors: Dalal Sumitra , Khan Muhammad Alamgir , Chauhan Sunny
Published: March 2014

The intent of this paper is to introduce the notion of compatible mappings forn-tupled coincidence points due to (Imdad et al. (2013)). Related examples are also given to support our main results. Our results are the generalizations of the results of (Gnana Bhaskar and Lakshmikantham (2006), Lakshmikantham and Ćirić (2009), Choudhury and Kundu (2010), and Choudhary et al. (2013)).
Performance Evaluation of Portfolios with Margin Requirements
Authors: Ding Hui , Zhou Zhongbao , Xiao Helu , Ma Chaoqun , Liu Wenbin
Published: March 2014

In financial markets, short sellers will be required to post margin to cover possible losses in case the prices of the risky assets go up. Only a few studies focus on the optimization and performance evaluation of portfolios in the presence of margin requirements. In this paper, we investigate the theoretical foundation of DEA (data envelopment analysis) approach to evaluate the performance of portfolios with margin requirements from a different perspective. Under the mean‐variance framework, we construct the optimization model and portfolio possibility set on considering margin requirements. The convexity of the portfolio possibility set is proved and the concept of efficiency in classical economics is extended to the portfolio case. The DEA models are then developed to evaluate the performance of portfolios with margin requirements. Through the simulations carried out in the end, we show that, with adequate portfolios, DEA can be used as an effective tool in computing the efficiencies of portfolios with margin requirements for the performance evaluation purpose. This study can be viewed as a justification of DEA into performance evaluation of portfolios with margin requirements.
The Effect of UDMA/TEGDMA Mixtures and Bioglass Incorporation on the Mechanical and Physical Properties of Resin and Resin-Based Composite Materials
Authors: Nicolae Laura C. , Shelton Richard M. , Cooper Paul R. , Martin Richard A. , Palin William M.
Published: March 2014

Incorporating Bioglass into dental composites may improve biocompatibility and aid tooth and bone tissue remineralisation. This study aimed to determine the impact of Bioglass and silica filler on the mechanical and physical properties of cured photopolymers. Hardness (Vickers microhardness test), flexural strength (FS), and flexural modulus (FM) (three-point bend test) of resins containing various urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA)/triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) and bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate (bisGMA)/TEGDMA concentrations (20–80 mass%) were tested. Degree of conversion (DC), FS, and FM of resin composites containing nonsilanised irregular 45S5-Bioglass (50 μm; 5–40 mass%) and/or silanised silicate glass filler particulates (0.7 μm; 30–70 mass%) were tested. Data was analysed using one-way ANOVA. UDMA/TEGDMA resins exhibited increased hardness and FM compared with bisGMA/TEGDMA resins. Addition of Bioglass particles to 60/40 wt% UDMA/TEGDMA or bisGMA/TEGDMA resins may enable the development of new materials that exhibit higher or at least equivalent values of DC, FS, and FM compared with conventional resin composites.
Adaptive Control for Modified Projective Synchronization-Based Approach for Estimating All Parameters of a Class of Uncertain Systems: Case of Modified Colpitts Oscillators
Authors: Kammogne Soup Tewa , Fotsin Hilaire Bertrand
Published: March 2014

A method of estimation of all parameters of a class of nonlinear uncertain dynamical systems is considered, based on the modified projective synchronization (MPS). The case of modified Colpitts oscillators is investigated. Through a suitable transformation of the dynamical system, sufficient conditions for achieving synchronization are derived based on Lyapunov stability theory. Global stability and asymptotic robust synchronization of the considered system are investigated. The proposed approach offers a systematic design procedure for robust adaptive synchronization of a large class of chaotic systems. The combined effect of both an additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) and an artificial perturbation is numerically investigated. Results of numerical simulations confirm the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
The Effectiveness of Preemptive Thoracic Epidural Analgesia in Thoracic Surgery
Authors: Erturk Engin , Aydogdu Kaya Ferdane , Kutanis Dilek , Besir Ahmet , Akdogan Ali , Geze Sükran , Tugcugil Ersagun
Published: March 2014

Background. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of preemptive thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) comparing conventional postoperative epidural analgesia on thoracotomy.Material and Methods. Forty-four patients were randomized in to two groups (preemptive: Group P, control: Group C). Epidural catheter was inserted in all patients preoperatively. In Group P, epidural analgesic solution was administered as a bolus before the surgical incision and was continued until the end of the surgery. Postoperative patient controlled epidural analgesia infusion pumps were prepared for all patients. Respiratory rates (RR) were recorded. Patient’s analgesia was evaluated with visual analog scale at rest (VASr) and coughing (VASc). Number of patient’s demands from the pump, pump’s delivery, and additional analgesic requirement were also recorded.Results. RR in Group C was higher than in Group P at postoperative 1st and 2nd hours. Both VASr and VASc scores in Group P were lower than in Group C at postoperative 1st, 2nd, and 4th hours. Patient’s demand and pump’s delivery count for bolus dose in Group P were lower than in Group C in all measurement times. Total analgesic requirements on postoperative 1st and 24th hours in Group P were lower than in Group C.Conclusion. We consider that preemptive TEA may offer better analgesia after thoracotomy.
A Systematic Follow-Up ofMycobacterium tuberculosisDrug-Resistance and Associated Genotypic Lineages in the French Departments of the Americas over a Seventeen-Year Period
Authors: Millet Julie , Streit Elisabeth , Berchel Mylène , Bomer Anne-Gaël , Schuster Franziska , Paasch Delaina , Vanhomwegen Jessica , Cadelis Gilbert , Rastogi Nalin
Published: March 2014

The population of the French Departments of the Americas (FDA) is highly influenced by the intense migratory flows with mainland France and surrounding countries of the Caribbean and Latin America, some of which have high incidence rates of tuberculosis (Haiti: 230/100,000; Guyana: 111/100,000; and Suriname: 145/100,000) and drug resistance. Since the development of drug resistance to conventional antituberculous drugs has a major impact on the treatment success of tuberculosis, we therefore decided to review carefullyMycobacterium tuberculosisdrug resistance and associated genotypic lineages in the FDA over a seventeen-year period (January 1995–December 2011). A total of 1239 cases were studied, including 153 drug-resistant and 26 multidrug-resistant- (MDR-) TB cases, representing 12.3% and 2.1% of the TB cases in our study setting. A significantly higher proportion ofM. tuberculosisisolates among relapse cases showed drug resistance to isoniazid (22.5%,P=0.002), rifampicin (20.0%,P<0.001), or both (MDR-TB, 17.5%;P<0.001). Determination of spoligotyping based phylogenetic clades showed that among the five major lineages observed—T family (30.1%); Latin-American and Mediterranean (LAM, 23.7%); Haarlem (H, 22.2%); East-African Indian (EAI, 7.2%); and X family (6.5%)—two lineages, X and LAM, were overrepresented in drug-resistant and MDR-TB cases, respectively. Finally, 19 predominant spoligotypes were identified for the 1239 isolates ofM. tuberculosisin our study among which 4 were significantly associated with drug resistance corresponding to SIT20/LAM1, SIT64/LAM6, SIT45/H1, and SIT46/undefined lineage.
Transcriptional and Posttranscriptional Regulations of theHLA-GGene
Authors: Castelli Erick C. , Veiga-Castelli Luciana C. , Yaghi Layale , Moreau Philippe , Donadi Eduardo A.
Published: March 2014

HLA-Ghas a relevant role in immune response regulation. The overall structure of theHLA-Gcoding region has been maintained during the evolution process, in which most of its variable sites are synonymous mutations or coincide with introns, preserving major functionalHLA-Gproperties. TheHLA-Gpromoter region is different from the classical class I promoters, mainly because (i) it lacks regulatory responsive elements for IFN-γand NF-κB, (ii) the proximal promoter region (within 200 bases from the first translated ATG) does not mediate transactivation by the principal HLA class I transactivation mechanisms, and (iii) the presence of identified alternative regulatory elements (heat shock, progesterone and hypoxia-responsive elements) and unidentified responsive elements for IL-10, glucocorticoids, and other transcription factors is evident. At least three variable sites in the 3′ untranslated region have been studied that may influenceHLA-Gexpression by modifying mRNA stability or microRNA binding sites, including the 14-base pair insertion/deletion, +3142C/G and +3187A/G polymorphisms. Other polymorphic sites have been described, but there are no functional studies on them. TheHLA-Gcoding region polymorphisms might influence isoform production and at least two null alleles with premature stop codons have been described. We reviewed the structure of theHLA-Gpromoter region and its implication in transcriptional gene control, the structure of theHLA-G3′UTR and the major actors of the posttranscriptional gene control, and, finally, the presence of regulatory elements in the coding region.
A Fast Overlapping Community Detection Algorithm with Self-Correcting Ability
Authors: Cui Laizhong , Qin Lei , Lu Nan
Published: March 2014

Due to the defects of all kinds of modularity, this paper defines a weighted modularity based on the density and cohesion as the new evaluation measurement. Since the proportion of the overlapping nodes in network is very low, the number of the nodes’ repeat visits can be reduced by signing the vertices with the overlapping attributes. In this paper, we propose three test conditions for overlapping nodes and present a fast overlapping community detection algorithm with self-correcting ability, which is decomposed into two processes. Under the control of overlapping properties, the complexity of the algorithm tends to be approximate linear. And we also give a new understanding on membership vector. Moreover, we improve the bridgeness function which evaluates the extent of overlapping nodes. Finally, we conduct the experiments on three networks with well known community structures and the results verify the feasibility and effectiveness of our algorithm.
MicroRNAs in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Novel Biomarkers and Prognostic Tools during the Transition from Steatosis to Hepatocarcinoma
Authors: Gori Manuele , Arciello Mario , Balsano Clara
Published: March 2014

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolic-related disorder ranging from steatosis to steatohepatitis, which may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The influence of NAFLD on HCC development has drawn attention in recent years. HCC is one of the most common malignant tumors and the third highest cause of cancer-related death. HCC is frequently diagnosed late in the disease course, and patient’s prognosis is usually poor. Early diagnosis and identification of the correct stage of liver damage during NAFLD progression can contribute to more effective therapeutic interventions, improving patient outcomes. Therefore, scientists are always searching for new sensitive and reliable markers that could be analysed through minimally invasive tests. MicroRNAs are short noncoding RNAs that act as posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression. Several studies identified specific miRNA expression profiles associated to different histological features of NAFLD. Thus, miRNAs are receiving growing attention as useful noninvasive diagnostic markers to follow the progression of NAFLD and to identify novel therapeutic targets. This review focuses on the current knowledge of the miRNAs involved in NAFLD and related HCC development, highlighting their diagnostic and prognostic value for the screening of NAFLD patients.
Fahr’s Disease Presenting with Dementia at Onset: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Calabrò Rocco Salvatore , Spadaro Letteria , Marra Angela , Bramanti Placido
Published: March 2014

Fahr’s disease (FD) is characterized by sporadic or familiar idiopathic calcification of the basal ganglia, dentate nuclei of the cerebellum, and centrum semiovale, mainly presenting with movement disorder, dementia, and behavioral abnormalities. We described a rare case of Fahr’s disease presenting at onset only with behavioral and neuropsychological alterations, whose diagnosis was supposed only after a brain CT, which showed extensive bilateral calcifications in the dentate nuclei of the cerebellum and basal ganglia. Since the onset of Fahr’s disease may be a dysexecutive syndrome with behavioral abnormalities, the clinical and radiological features are really important to do the appropriate diagnosis.
A Game‐Theoretic Model to Analyze Value Creation with Simultaneous Cooperation and Competition of Supply Chain Partners
Authors: Kafi F. , Fatemi Ghomi S. M. T.
Published: March 2014

There is a rising trend in supplying chain management to employ simultaneous cooperation and competition (coopetition) among supply chain partners as an efficient strategy to create value. There exist, however, few models which analyze coopetitive situations mathematically. Cooperative game theory is the common tool in analyzing cooperative situations. However, the term “cooperative” in “cooperative game theory” is absolutely misleading since it ultimately leads to competition analysis and ignores the internal structure of the cooperation. Coopetition, however, results in structural transformations in players. Therefore, we require a mathematical modeling approach which takes into account the internal structural changes due to cooperation among competitors. In so doing, in this paper we propose, we assume that those parameters of each firm’s profit function are subject to transformation by cooperation as a function of cooperation level so as to determine the right level of cooperation and production of firms while considering technical cooperation between them. Furthermore, we demonstrate the results of applying the idea to a supply chain situation where two similar suppliers participate. We conclude that under intuitive conditions coopetition strategy is superior to the pure competitive relationship between the suppliers in terms of profitability which validates the previous empirical results mathematically.
A Time Scheduling Model of Logistics Service Supply Chain Based on the Customer Order Decoupling Point: A Perspective from the Constant Service Operation Time
Authors: Liu Weihua , Yang Yi , Xu Haitao , Liu Xiaoyan , Wang Yijia , Liang Zhicheng
Published: March 2014

In mass customization logistics service, reasonable scheduling of the logistics service supply chain (LSSC), especially time scheduling, is benefit to increase its competitiveness. Therefore, the effect of a customer order decoupling point (CODP) on the time scheduling performance should be considered. To minimize the total order operation cost of the LSSC, minimize the difference between the expected and actual time of completing the service orders, and maximize the satisfaction of functional logistics service providers, this study establishes an LSSC time scheduling model based on the CODP. Matlab 7.8 software is used in the numerical analysis for a specific example. Results show that the order completion time of the LSSC can be delayed or be ahead of schedule but cannot be infinitely advanced or infinitely delayed. Obtaining the optimal comprehensive performance can be effective if the expected order completion time is appropriately delayed. The increase in supply chain comprehensive performance caused by the increase in the relationship coefficient of logistics service integrator (LSI) is limited. The relative concern degree of LSI on cost and service delivery punctuality leads to not only changes in CODP but also to those in the scheduling performance of the LSSC.
Using the Doubly Charged Selected Ion Coupled with MS/MS Fragments Monitoring (DCSI-MS/MS) Mode for the Identification of Gelatin Species
Authors: Cheng Xian-Long , Wei Feng , Chen Jia , Li Ming-hua , Zhang Lei , Zhao Ying-Yong , Xiao Xin-Yue , Ma Shuang-cheng , Lin Rui-Chao
Published: March 2014

In electrospray ionization (ESI) mode, peptides and proteins can be multiply charged ions; in this situation a doubly charged selected ion (DCSI) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS/MS) fragments monitoring (DCSI-MS/MS) method is the most suitable scanning mode to detect known peptides in complex samples when an ion-trap mass spectrometer is the instrument used for the analysis. In this mode, the MS detector is programmed to only select a doubly charged ion as a precursor and to perform continuous MS/MS on one or more of the selected precursors, either during a specific time interval or along the whole chromatographic run. Gelatin is a mixture of high molecular weight polypeptides from the hydrolysis of collagen. In this study, the DCSI-MS/MS monitoring mode was applied to the detection of previously characterized species-specific peptides from different gelatins. The proposed methodology makes use of tryptic digestion for sample preparation and peptide separation and identification by rapid resolution liquid chromatography coupled to an ion trap working in the DCSI-MS/MS mode for the analysis. This methodology was applied to the differential classification of five commercial, homological species of gelatins and proved to be an excellent tool for gelatin product authentication.
The Security Weakness of Block Cipher Piccolo against Fault Analysis
Authors: Song Junghwan , Lee Kwanhyung , Jung Younghoon
Published: March 2014

Piccolo is a 64-bit lightweight block cipher which is able to be implemented in constrained hardware environments such as a wireless sensor network. Fault analysis is a type of side channel attack and cube attack is an algebraic attack finding sufficiently low-degree polynomials in a cipher. In this paper, we show a fault analysis on the Piccolo by using cube attack. We find 16 linear equations corresponding to a round function F by cube attack, which are used to fault analysis. Our attack has the complexity of 28.49 and 29.21 encryptions with fault injections of target bit positions into Piccolo-80 and Piccolo-128, respectively. And our attack needs 220.86 and 221.60 encryptions with random 4-bit fault injections for Piccolo-80 and Piccolo-128, respectively.
Multicystic Benign Cystic Mesothelioma Presenting as a Pelvic Mass
Authors: Momeni Mazdak , Pereira Elena , Grigoryan Gennadiy , Zakashansky Konstantin
Published: March 2014

Background.Benign cystic mesothelioma (BCM) is a rare tumor that arises from the abdominal peritoneum with a predilection to the pelvic peritoneum. For this reason, it can often mimic gynecologic malignancies.Case.A 47-year-old perimenopausal female presented reporting several weeks of abdominal distention associated with abdominal tenderness and constipation. Computed tomography revealed a 24 cm multiloculated pelvic mass, and tumor markers were notable for an elevated CA-125. The patient was taken to the operating room for an exploratory laparotomy, total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingoophorectomy, and removal of pelvic mass. Final pathologic evaluation revealed a benign cystic mesothelioma.Conclusion.Classically these tumors present as large multicystic masses with thin-walled septations and on preoperative evaluation BCM can mimic many different disease entities including ovarian malignancies and cystic lymphangioma. Often diagnosis can only be made at time of surgery.
Moderate Intra-Abdominal Hypertension Leads to Anaerobic Metabolism in the Rectus Abdominis Muscle Tissue of Critically Ill Patients: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Maddison Liivi , Karjagin Juri , Tenhunen Jyrki , Kirsimägi Ülle , Starkopf Joel
Published: March 2014

Purpose. We hypothesize that intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) is associated with the presence of anaerobic metabolism in the abdominal rectus muscle (RAM) tissue of critically ill patients.Methods. We included 10 adult, critically ill patients with intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) above 12 mmHg. Microdialysis catheters (CMA 60) were inserted into the RAM tissue. The samples were collected up to 72 hours after enrollment.Results. The patients’ median (IQR) APACHE II at inclusion was 29 (21–37); 7 patients were in shock. IAP was 14.5 (12.5–17.8) mmHg at baseline and decreased significantly over time, concomitantly with arterial lactate and vasopressors requirements. The tissue lactate-to-pyruvate (L/P) ratio was 49 (36–54) at the beginning of the study and decreased significantly throughout the study. Additionally, the tissue lactate, lactate-to-glucose (L/G) ratio, and glutamate concentrations changed significantly during the study. The correlation analysis showed that lower levels of pyruvate and glycerol were associated with higher MAP and abdominal perfusion pressures (APP) and that higher levels of glutamate were correlated to elevated IAP.Conclusions. Moderate IAH leads to RAM tissue anaerobic metabolism suggestive for hypoperfusion in critically ill patients. Correlation analysis supports the concept of using APP as the primary endpoint of resuscitation in addition to MAP and IAP.