bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Main coal regions of Mexico
Authors: Ojeda-Rivera Jesús
Published: April 2013

Most of the coal in Mexico is concentrated in three widely separated regions

Coahuila on the northeast, Sonora on the northwest, and Oaxaca on the south-southeast. In the Coahuila region, bituminous coking coals are present in Upper Cretaceous rocks. The Sonora region contains deposits of Upper Triassic anthracitic coal, altered by probable thermal metamorphism. The Oaxaca region contains anthracitic and some bituminous coking coal in Lower(?) to Middle Jurassic sequences.

Through 1973, only the coal deposits of the Coahuila region had been developed commercially. The coals of the Sonora and Oaxaca regions are undeveloped because of unfavorable geo-economic conditions and lack of exploration. Through 1973, the Coahuila region had yielded about 110 million metric tons of coal, most of which was used to produce coke. Present production is 4,250,000 metric tons per year. The largest mines include one underground mine (Sabinas no. 2) and one openpit mine (La Florida), which produce 40,000 metric tons per month.

Only reconnaissance-geologic investigations, complemented locally by a few limited drilling projects, have been made in the Sonora and Oaxaca regions. Exploration has been more extensive in the Coahuila region. There are many totally unexplored areas with potential coal resources.

The estimated resources in the Sabinas area of the Coahuila region total 1,781 million metric tons classed as reserves in situ, and 1,180 million metric tons classed as potential but not commercially important at present. North of the Sabinas area, in the Río Escondido basin, the estimated resources total 120 million metric tons classed as measured.

In the Sonora region the estimated resources total 11 million metric tons classed as reserves in situ for the Santa Clara coalfield and 4 million metric tons classed as measured, 9 million metric tons classed as inferred, and 18 million metric tons classed as possible for the San Marcial district.

In the Mixtepec and Tezoatlán coal fields of the Oaxaca region, the estimated resources total 24 million metric tons classed as inferred and 26 million metric tons classed as possible.
Utilization of lignite in the United States
Authors: Scollon T. Reed , Sheridan Eugene T.
Published: April 2013

The remote location of most United States lignite deposits with respect to major markets and the relatively low calorific value of lignite have prevented, until recently, any significant growth in demand. Unprecedented demands for electric power and recent innovations in its transmission now enable lignite to share with other coals in this growth market. This is particularly true as oil and natural gas resources in the United States decrease and become more difficult to find. Whereas the total reported shipments of lignite had fluctuated between 2.9 and 4.4 million short tons in the decade before 1968, shipments by 1975 had increased significantly to about 19.8 million short tons. The 1975 figure, however, reflects the production of Texas, which was not included in the data for 1956–1968.

In 1975, approximately 4.2 million short tons of U.S. lignite was consumed annually in markets other than electricity—for example, in residential, commercial, and industrial establishments and as a raw material for producing barbeque briquettes, montan wax, and activated char. Although not economically feasible at this time, processes have been developed in which lignite also can be used for the production of chemicals, high-Btu gases, liquid fuels, fertilizers, specialty carbons, and as a reductant for preparation of taconite pellets.

Reserves of lignite are adequate to meet substantial increases in demand, and the costs of recovering the reserves are among the lowest in the United States compared to the costs of recovering reserves of other types of energy. In the immediate future, additional demand for lignite will depend essentially on its increased use to generate electric power. In the long range, nuclear power may limit increases in demand for lignite for power generation. Growth in the utilization of lignite may then depend on the development of the new markets or new products from lignite, such as synthetic fuels. The present United States oil and natural gas shortage also will increase the demand for lignite.
Non-operative therapy for pilonidal sinus in adolescence: crystallised phenol application, ‘report of a case’
Authors: Gulpinar Kamil , Pampal Arzu , Ozis S Erpulat , Kuzu M Ayhan
Published: April 2013

Pilonidal sinus (PS) is an acquired disease at the sacrococcygeal region that can be treated by different surgical techniques. Crystallised phenol application seems to be an alternative therapy to surgery with higher success rates, lower costs, faster recovery and earlier return to work. We aimed to state the success of phenol application for PS in adolescence. A 14-year-old boy with recurrent PS, an 18-year-old girl with the history of pilonidal abscess and a 15-year-old girl with PS was hospitalised. All patients underwent phenol application in an outpatient setting. The patients were followed thereafter. The 14-year-old boy and 18-year-old girl did not face any problems and all sinuses healed completely. The 15-year-old girl was followed for 2 weeks because of intergluteal maceration and ongoing drainage. She underwent another phenol application and the course after intervention was uneventful with complete healing of the sinus. Crystallised phenol application seems to be a promising non-operative therapy for PS in adolescents.
Klebsiella pneumoniaeliver abscess and endophthalmitis
Authors: Abdul-Hamid Ayeshah , Bailey Sarah-Jane
Published: April 2013

A 36-year-old man was referred to the general medical team with endophthalmitis. He was noted to have raised inflammatory markers and deranged liver function tests on admission. Subsequent abdominal ultrasound scan revealed a liver abscess requiring percutaneous drainage. A common human pathogen,Klebsiella pneumoniae, was cultured from multiple sites.K pneumoniaehas virulent serotypes (K1 and K2) that can cause primary liver abscess with metastatic infections. Cases have previously been predominantly reported in Southeast Asia but are increasing in prevalence in Europe and North America. The main known risk factor for the disease is diabetes mellitus. Swift antibiotic therapy, ophthalmology review and percutaneous drainage of any liver abscess are essential. Early recognition of the syndrome, despite potentially few initial symptoms, can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality. The authors report the first recorded case ofK pneumoniaeliver abscess with endophthalmitis in the UK.
Detection of Asian carp DNA as part of a Great Lakes basin-wide surveillance program
Authors: Jerde Christopher L. , Chadderton W. Lindsay , Mahon Andrew R. , Renshaw Mark A. , Corush Joel , Budny Michelle L. , Mysorekar Sagar , Lodge David M.
Published: April 2013

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is a sensitive technique for early detection of rare species, including bighead (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) and silver (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) carp, which are incipient invaders of the Great Lakes. Since 2009, 2822 samples have been collected from the Great Lakes basin to delimit the extent of Asian carp incursions. Samples collected in the Chicago Area Waterway System and in the western basin of Lake Erie indicate the presence of Asian carp DNA in the Great Lakes. These positive eDNA detections are within 6 and 4 km from where bighead carps were recovered in Lake Calumet, near Lake Michigan (2010), and from Sandusky Bay, Lake Erie (2000), respectively. To implement a Great Lakes surveillance plan for protecting imperiled species and reducing damages from invasive species, federal, state, and provincial agencies will need to cooperatively plan and implement a surveillance program that employs the unique strengths of multiple sampling tools, including eDNA methods.
PREDICTION OF FATIGUE LIFE FOR CFRP STRENGTHENED STEEL CONNECTIONS UNDER COMBINED LOADS
Authors: LIU HONGBO , ZHAO XIAO-LING
Published: April 2013

The girth welds of the steel connections in subsea pipelines are subjected to combined fatigue loading and static tensile loading in most of their service life. In this paper, both experimental and numerical studies are presented on the fatigue behavior of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) composites repaired steel connections under combined loads. In the experimental program, each specimen is designed to be formed by two steel plates joined together by single-sided girth welds as a simplification of subsea pipelines, and reinforced by CFRP sheets on one side. The applied loads include a constant amplitude tensile cyclic load combined with a tensile static load, which is perpendicular to the cyclic load. The experimental results reveal that the superimposition of the tensile static load leads to a prolonged fatigue life. The effect gets more noticeable with increased tensile load. To further this study, an analytical model is developed on the basis of the Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM) method. It can be used to predict the fatigue lives efficiently. The comparisons with experimental results reveal that the analytical method is able to reasonably predict the fatigue crack growth life. Parametric studies are therefore performed using the proposed analytical model. The influence of CFRP layers, stress range and tensile static stress on the fatigue life was evaluated.
A SIMPLE ANALYTICAL MODEL FOR EVALUATION OF PENETRATION DEPTH AND RESISTANT STRENGTH OF CONCRETE TARGETS
Authors: RAMACHANDRA MURTHY A. , PALANI G. S. , IYER NAGESH R.
Published: April 2013

This paper presents a simple analytical model for evaluation of penetration depth and resistant strength of concrete target. The model is based on the assumption that the deformation and failure of the projectile are negligible. Normal impact is assumed in the model. It is also assumed that the penetration is steady state within the time step, the momentum balance equation can be integrated, resulting in an explicit expression for the pressure at the target interface. The expressions for spherically symmetric cavity expansion for a material with locked hydrostatic stress and constant shear strength have been developed. The constants for failure criterion are derived based on Mohr–Coulomb and Tresca-limit yield line theories. Final depth of penetration has been derived using the results of spherically symmetric cavity expansion analysis, relating the radial stress at the cavity surface to cavity expansion velocity and Newton’s second law of motion. Target resistant strength parameter is expressed as a function of penetration depth, projectile velocity, nose performance coefficient, target density, mass of projectile, and radius of the projectile. The expressions for velocity, acceleration and displacement at any instant of time have been deduced based on total depth of penetration and target resistant strength. To validate the methodologies, numerical studies have been conducted and observed that the penetration depth and target resistant strength obtained in the present study are in good agreement with the corresponding experimental values reported in the literature. It is also observed that the time history of penetration depth and projectile velocity are in good agreement with the corresponding literature values.
CAPABILITY TO CAPTURE DYNAMIC LOADING IN LINEAR DYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF SINGLE DEGREE OF FREEDOM SYSTEMS
Authors: CHANG SHUENN-YIH
Published: April 2013

In this work, the importance of the capability to capture dynamic loading for an integration method is emphasized. In a step-by-step integration procedure, amplitude distortions in the transient and steady-state responses depend on the step discretization error of dynamic loading for each time step. Correlations between amplitude distortion and step discretization error for dynamic loadings are analytically established for a specified integration method. These correlations may be considered as the basic numerical properties in evaluating a step-by-step integration method. As a result, the superiority of the previously published algorithm (PPA) [S. Y. Chang, Int. J. Numer. Meth. Eng.77(8) (2009) 1100–1120] over its modified form and the member of Newmark family method (MNM) with β = γ = 1/2 in capturing dynamic loading is analytically verified (even though the three algorithms have exactly the same characteristic equation).
EFFECTS OF STRETCHED VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL CELLS AND SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS ON DIFFERENTIATION OF ENDOTHELIAL PROGENITOR CELLS
Authors: YAN ZHI-QIANG , LI YU-QING , CHENG BIN-BIN , YAO QING-PING , GAO LI-ZHI , GAO QUAN-CHAO , GONG XIAO-BO , QI YING-XIN , JIANG ZONG-LAI
Published: April 2013

Differentiation of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) plays important roles in endothelial repair after vessel injury. Endothelial cells (ECs), vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and mechanical forces, including cyclic strain and shear stress, synergistically form the microenvironment of EPCs. However, the synergistic effect of cyclic strain, ECs, and VSMCs on the differentiation of EPCs remains unclear. In the present study, EPCs were indirectly co-cultured with stretched ECs or VSMCs that were subjected to 5%, 1.25-Hz cyclic strain by using FX-4000T Strain Unit. Then, Western blot and real-time PCR were used to examine expressions of EC marker, i.e., vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM), CD31, von Willebrand factor (vWF); VSMC markers, i.e., α-actin, Calponin, and SM22α; and signaling molecules, i.e., p-Akt and p-ERK. In static, co-cultured ECs increased expression of VCAM and phosphorylation of Akt and ERK in EPCs compared to that in EPCs cultured alone. In EPCs, co-cultured VSMCs decreased expressions of CD31 and vWF, but increased expressions of Calponin and SM22α. Stretched ECs reduced expressions of CD31 and vWF, enhanced Calponin and SM22α, and repressed phosphorylations of Akt and ERK in EPCs. Stretched VSMCs decreased CD31, increased Calponin and SM22α expressions, and repressed phosphorylation of Akt and ERK in EPCs. Our results suggest that ECs promoted EPC differentiation into ECs in static. VSMCs in static, as well as stretched ECs and stretched VSMCs, promoted EPC differentiation into VSMCs. Phosphorylation of Akt and ERK might be involved in EPC differentiation, mediated by the stretched ECs and VSMCs.
VISION-BASED APPLICATION-ADAPTIVE HAND GESTURE RECOGNITION SYSTEM
Authors: RAUTARAY SIDDHARTH S. , AGRAWAL ANUPAM
Published: April 2013

With the increasing role of computing devices, facilitating natural human computer interaction (HCI) will have a positive impact on their usage and acceptance as a whole. For long time, research on HCI has been restricted to techniques based on the use of keyboard, mouse, etc. Recently, this paradigm has changed. Techniques such as vision, sound, speech recognition allow for much richer form of interaction between the user and machine. The emphasis is to provide a natural form of interface for interaction. Gestures are one of the natural forms of interaction between humans. As gesture commands are found to be natural for humans, the development of gesture control systems for controlling devices have become a popular research topic in recent years. Researchers have proposed different gesture recognition systems which act as an interface for controlling the applications. One of the drawbacks of present gesture recognition systems is application dependence which makes it difficult to transfer one gesture control interface into different applications. This paper focuses on designing a vision-based hand gesture recognition system which is adaptive to different applications thus making the gesture recognition systems to be application adaptive. The designed system comprises different processing steps like detection, segmentation, tracking, recognition, etc. For making the system as application-adaptive, different quantitative and qualitative parameters have been taken into consideration. The quantitative parameters include gesture recognition rate, features extracted and root mean square error of the system while the qualitative parameters include intuitiveness, accuracy, stress/comfort, computational efficiency, user's tolerance, and real-time performance related to the proposed system. These parameters have a vital impact on the performance of the proposed application adaptive hand gesture recognition system.
Distinct patterns of histone modifications at cardiac-specific gene promoters between cardiac stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Wang Meijing , Yu Qing , Wang Lina , Gu Hongmei
Published: April 2013

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and cardiac stem cells (CSCs) possess different potential to develop into cardiomyocytes. The mechanism underlying cardiomyogenic capacity of MSCs and CSCs remains elusive. It is well established that histone modifications correlate with gene expression and contribute to cell fate commitment. Here we hypothesize that specific histone modifications accompany cardiac-specific gene expression, thus determining the differentiation capacity of MSCs and CSCs toward heart cells. Our results indicate that, at the promoter regions of cardiac-specific genes ( Myh6, Myl2, Actc1, Tnni3, and Tnnt2), the levels of histone acetylation of H3 (acH3) and H4 (acH4), as a mark indicative of gene activation, were higher in CSCs (Sca-1+CD29+) than MSCs. Additionally, lower binding levels of histone deacetylase (HDAC) 1 and HDAC2 at promoter regions of cardiac-specific genes were noticed in CSCs than MSCs. Treatment with trichostatin A, an HDAC inhibitor, upregulated cardiac-specific gene expression in MSCs. Suppression of HDAC1 or HDAC2 expression by small interfering RNAs led to increased cardiac gene expression and was accompanied by enhanced acH3 and acH4 levels at gene loci. We conclude that greater levels of histone acetylation at cardiac-specific gene loci in CSCs than MSCs reflect a stronger potential for CSCs to develop into cardiomyocytes. These lineage-differential histone modifications are likely due to less HDAC recruitment at cardiac-specific gene promoters in CSCs than MSCs.
Therapeutic ketosis with ketone ester delays central nervous system oxygen toxicity seizures in rats
Authors: D'Agostino Dominic P. , Pilla Raffaele , Held Heather E. , Landon Carol S. , Puchowicz Michelle , Brunengraber Henri , Ari Csilla , Arnold Patrick , Dean Jay B.
Published: April 2013

Central nervous system oxygen toxicity (CNS-OT) seizures occur with little or no warning, and no effective mitigation strategy has been identified. Ketogenic diets (KD) elevate blood ketones and have successfully treated drug-resistant epilepsy. We hypothesized that a ketone ester given orally as R, S-1,3-butanediol acetoacetate diester (BD-AcAc2) would delay CNS-OT seizures in rats breathing hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2). Adult male rats ( n = 60) were implanted with radiotelemetry units to measure electroencephalogram (EEG). One week postsurgery, rats were administered a single oral dose of BD-AcAc2, 1,3-butanediol (BD), or water 30 min before being placed into a hyperbaric chamber and pressurized to 5 atmospheres absolute (ATA) O2. Latency to seizure (LS) was measured from the time maximum pressure was reached until the onset of increased EEG activity and tonic-clonic contractions. Blood was drawn at room pressure from an arterial catheter in an additional 18 animals that were administered the same compounds, and levels of glucose, pH, Po2, Pco2, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), acetoacetate (AcAc), and acetone were analyzed. BD-AcAc2caused a rapid (30 min) and sustained (>4 h) elevation of BHB (>3 mM) and AcAc (>3 mM), which exceeded values reported with a KD or starvation. BD-AcAc2increased LS by 574 ± 116% compared with control (water) and was due to the effect of AcAc and acetone but not BHB. BD produced ketosis in rats by elevating BHB (>5 mM), but AcAc and acetone remained low or undetectable. BD did not increase LS. In conclusion, acute oral administration of BD-AcAc2produced sustained ketosis and significantly delayed CNS-OT seizures by elevating AcAc and acetone.
Protective effects of Rho kinase inhibitor fasudil on rats with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Kushiyama Taketoshi , Oda Takashi , Yamamoto Kojiro , Higashi Keishi , Watanabe Atsushi , Takechi Hanako , Uchida Takahiro , Oshima Naoki , Sakurai Yutaka , Miura Soichiro , Kumagai Hiroo
Published: April 2013

The protective effects of Rho kinase inhibitor fasudil against renal diseases have recently been reported. We compared the therapeutic effects of fasudil on the spontaneously hypercholesterolemic (SHC) rat, a model of chronic kidney disease (CKD) with proteinuria, with those of the angiotensin receptor blocker olmesartan (OL) by paying attention to the proteinuria and the macrophage phenotype. SHC rats were allocated to six treatment groups: a vehicle (Ve) group, a low-dose fasudil (FL) group, a high-dose fasudil (FH) group, an OL group, a combination of low-dose fasudil and OL (CL) group, and a combination of high-dose fasudil and OL (CH) group. Sprague-Dawley rats treated with vehicle served as a control ( n = 7/each). The rats were treated for 24 wk. Compared with the Ve group, proteinuria was significantly decreased in the FH, OL, and CL groups, and it completely disappeared in the CH group. Glomerular stainings of nephrin and F-actin were focally impaired in the Ve group but were restored in the CH group. Western blotting showed that the CH group had significantly increased renal nephrin expression compared with the Ve group. Interstitial infiltration of macrophages was significantly increased in the Ve group, which was significantly attenuated in all treatment groups. The ratio of CD206 (M2 macrophage marker) to CD68 mRNA was significantly greater in the CH group than in the Ve group. These results indicate that fasudil with OL reduces proteinuria by protecting podocyte integrity and alters the interstitial macrophage density/phenotype, thereby exerting renoprotective effects against CKD.
Differential regulation of synaptic transmission by pre- and postsynaptic SK channels in the spinal locomotor network
Authors: Nanou Evanthia , Alpert Michael H. , Alford Simon , El Manira Abdeljabbar
Published: April 2013

The generation of activity in the central nervous system requires precise tuning of cellular properties and synaptic transmission. Neural networks in the spinal cord produce coordinated locomotor movements. Synapses in these networks need to be equipped with multiple mechanisms that regulate their operation over varying regimes to produce locomotor activity at different frequencies. Using the in vitro lamprey spinal cord, we explored whether Ca2+ influx via different routes in postsynaptic soma and dendrites and in presynaptic terminals can activate apamin-sensitive Ca2+-activated K+ (SK) channels and thereby shape synaptic transmission. We show that postsynaptic SK channels are tightly coupled to Ca2+ influx via NMDA receptors. Activation of these channels by synaptically induced NMDA-dependent Ca2+ transients restrains the time course of the synaptic current and the amplitude of the synaptic potential. In addition, presynaptic SK channels are activated by Ca2+ influx via voltage-gated channels and control the waveform of the action potential and the resulting Ca2+ dynamics in the axon terminals. The coupling of SK channels to different Ca2+ sources, pre- and postsynaptically, acts as a negative feedback mechanism to shape synaptic transmission. Thus SK channels can play a pivotal role in setting the dynamic range of synapses and enabling short-term plasticity in the spinal locomotor network.
Treadmill training promotes spinal changes leading to locomotor recovery after partial spinal cord injury in cats
Authors: Martinez Marina , Delivet-Mongrain Hugo , Rossignol Serge
Published: April 2013

After a spinal hemisection at thoracic level in cats, the paretic hindlimb progressively recovers locomotion without treadmill training but asymmetries between hindlimbs persist for several weeks and can be seen even after a further complete spinal transection at T13. To promote optimal locomotor recovery after hemisection, such asymmetrical changes need to be corrected. In the present study we determined if the locomotor deficits induced by a spinal hemisection can be corrected by locomotor training and, if so, whether the spinal stepping after the complete spinal cord transection is also more symmetrical. This would indicate that locomotor training in the hemisected period induces efficient changes in the spinal cord itself. Sixteen adult cats were first submitted to a spinal hemisection at T10. One group received 3 wk of treadmill training, whereas the second group did not. Detailed kinematic and electromyographic analyses showed that a 3-wk period of locomotor training was sufficient to improve the quality and symmetry of walking of the hindlimbs. Moreover, after the complete spinal lesion was performed, all the trained cats reexpressed bilateral and symmetrical hindlimb locomotion within 24 h. By contrast, the locomotor pattern of the untrained cats remained asymmetrical, and the hindlimb on the side of the hemisection was still deficient. This study highlights the beneficial role of locomotor training in facilitating bilateral and symmetrical functional plastic changes within the spinal circuitry and in promoting locomotor recovery after an incomplete spinal cord injury.
Mixed Boundary-Value Analysis of Rocking Vibrations of an Elastic Strip Foundation on Elastic Soil with Saturated Substrata
Authors: Ma Xiaohua , Wang Zhenyu , Cai Yuanqiang , Xu Changjie
Published: April 2013

The dynamic response of an elastic strip foundation lying on elastic soil with saturated substrata is greatly affected by pore pressure induced by a rocking moment. In this paper, we explore the mixed boundary-value problem of the rocking vibration of an elastic strip foundation on elastic soil with saturated substrata via Biot dynamic equations. First, the wave equations concerning both the single-phase elastic layer and the saturated half-space are solved using a Fourier integral transform technique. The dual integral equations of the rocking vibration of an elastic strip foundation are established according to the mixed boundary conditions. Finally, the relationship of the dynamic compliance coefficient with the dimensionless frequency is obtained by applying Simpson’s rule to conduct numerical calculation. We also analyse the influences of the elastic layer’s thickness and elastic characteristic parameters of the foundation on the rocking vibration.
Sarcoidosis Presenting as Löfgren’s Syndrome with Myopathy
Authors: Kobak Şenol , Yalçin Murat , Sever Fidan , Oncel Guray
Published: April 2013

A 34-year-old female patient, who had proximal muscle weakness for 8 months, presented with erythema nodosum lesions on the pretibial region in addition to pain, swelling, and movement restriction in both ankles for the last one month. Thoracic CT demonstrated hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. She underwent mediastinoscopic lymph node biopsy; biopsy result was consistent with noncaseating granuloma. Serum angiotensin converting enzyme level and muscle enzymes have been elevated. Muscular MRI and EMG findings were consistent with myositis. Muscle biopsy was done, and myopathy was found. The patient was diagnosed with sarcoidosis, Löfgren's syndrome, and sarcoid myopathy. The patient displayed remarkable clinical and radiological regression after 6-month corticosteroid and MTX therapy.
Semi Implicit Hybrid Methods with Higher Order Dispersion for Solving Oscillatory Problems
Authors: Ahmad S. Z. , Ismail F. , Senu N. , Suleiman M.
Published: April 2013

We constructed three two-step semi-implicit hybrid methods (SIHMs) for solving oscillatory second order ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The first two methods are three-stage fourth-order and three-stage fifth-order with dispersion order six and zero dissipation. The third is a four-stage fifth-order method with dispersion order eight and dissipation order five. Numerical results show that SIHMs are more accurate as compared to the existing hybrid methods, Runge-Kutta Nyström (RKN) and Runge-Kutta (RK) methods of the same order and Diagonally Implicit Runge-Kutta Nyström (DIRKN) method of the same stage. The intervals of absolute stability or periodicity of SIHM for ODE are also presented.
Exact Asymptotic Stability Analysis and Region-of-Attraction Estimation for Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Wu Min , Yang Zhengfeng , Lin Wang
Published: April 2013

We address the problem of asymptotic stability and region-of-attraction analysis of nonlinear dynamical systems. A hybrid symbolic-numeric method is presented to compute exact Lyapunov functions and exact estimates of regions of attraction of nonlinear systems efficiently. A numerical Lyapunov function and an estimate of region of attraction can be obtained by solving an (bilinear) SOS programming via BMI solver, then the modified Newton refinement and rational vector recovery techniques are applied to obtain exact Lyapunov functions and verified estimates of regions of attraction with rational coefficients. Experiments on some benchmarks are given to illustrate the efficiency of our algorithm.
Persistence Property and Asymptotic Description for DGH Equation with Strong Dissipation
Authors: Wang Ke-chuang
Published: April 2013

The present work is mainly concerned with the Dullin-Gottwald-Holm (DGH) equation with strong dissipation. We establish a sufficient condition to guarantee global-in-time solutions, then present persistence property for the Cauchy problem, and describe the asymptotic behavior of solutions for compactly supported initial data.
Effectiveness of Alkali-Acid Treatment in Enhancement the Adsorption Capacity for Rice Straw: The Removal of Methylene Blue Dye
Authors: Fathy Nady A. , El-Shafey Ola I. , Khalil Laila B.
Published: April 2013

The effectiveness of alkali-acid modification in enhancement the adsorption capacity of rice straw (RS) for removing a basic dye was studied. The obtained adsorbents were characterized by slurry pH, pHPZC, iodine number, methylene blue number, FTIR, and SEM analyses. Adsorption of methylene blue (MB) was described by the Langmuir, Freundlich, Tempkin, and Redlich-Peterson isotherm models. Effects of contact time, initial concentration of MB dye, pH of solution, adsorbent dose, salt concentration of NaCl, and desorbing agents on the removal of MB were reported. Kinetic studies were analyzed using the pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and the intraparticle diffusion models and were found to follow closely the pseudo-second-order model. Equilibrium data were best represented by the Langmuir and Redlich-Peterson isotherms. The adsorption capacities were varied between 32.6 and 131.5 mg/g for untreated and treated RS samples with NaOH-1M citric acid (ARS-1C), respectively. Adsorption behavior of the ARS-1C sample was experimented in a binary mixture containing methylene blue (basic) and reactive blue 19 (acidic) dyes which showed its ability to remove MB higher than RB19. Overall, the results indicate that the alkali-acid treatment proved to be potential modification for producing effective low-cost adsorbents for the removal of the basic dyes from wastewater.
Malpractice in Radiology: What Should You Worry About?
Authors: Cannavale Alessandro , Santoni Mariangela , Mancarella Paola , Passariello Roberto , Arbarello Paolo
Published: April 2013

Over recent years the professional role of the radiologist has been evolved due to the increasing involvement in the clinical management of the patient. Radiologists have thus been increasingly charged by new duties and liabilities, exposing them to higher risks of legal claims made against them. Malpractice lawsuits in radiology are commonly related to inappropriate medical care or to the poor physician-patient relationship. In the present paper, we provide overview of the basic principles of the medical malpractice law and the main legal issues and causes of legal actions against diagnostic and interventional radiologists. We also address some issues to help radiologists to reduce risks and consequences of malpractice lawsuits. These include (1) following the standard of care to the best of their ability, (2) cautious use of off-label devices, (3) better communication skills among healthcare workers and with the patient, and (4) ensuring being covered by adequate malpractice insurance. Lastly, we described definitions of some medicolegal terms and concepts that are thought to be useful for radiologists to know.
Role of Neuroinflammation in Adult Neurogenesis and Alzheimer Disease: Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Fuster-Matanzo Almudena , Llorens-Martín María , Hernández Félix , Avila Jesús
Published: April 2013

Neuroinflammation, a specialized immune response that takes place in the central nervous system, has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases, and specially, it has been considered as a hallmark of Alzheimer disease, the most common cause of dementia in the elderly nowadays. Furthermore, neuroinflammation has been demonstrated to affect important processes in the brain, such as the formation of new neurons, commonly known as adult neurogenesis. For this, many therapeutic approaches have been developed in order to avoid or mitigate the deleterious effects caused by the chronic activation of the immune response. Considering this, in this paper we revise the relationships between neuroinflammation, Alzheimer disease, and adult neurogenesis, as well as the current therapeutic approaches that have been developed in the field.
A Case Report and Genetic Characterization of a Massive Acinic Cell Carcinoma of the Parotid with Delayed Distant Metastases
Authors: Nichols Anthony C. , Chan-Seng-Yue Michelle , Yoo John , Agrawal Sumit K. , Starmans Maud H. W. , Waggott Daryl , Harding Nicholas J. , Dowthwaite Samuel A. , Palma David A. , Fung Kevin , Wehrli Bret , MacNeil S. Danielle , Lambin Philippe , Winquist Eric , Koropatnick James , Mymryk Joe S. , Boutros Paul C. , Barrett John W.
Published: April 2013

We describe the presentation, management, and clinical outcome of a massive acinic cell carcinoma of the parotid gland. The primary tumor and blood underwent exome sequencing which revealed deletions in CDKN2A as well as PPP1R13B, which induces p53. A damaging nonsynonymous mutation was noted in EP300, a histone acetylase which plays a role in cellular proliferation. This study provides the first insights into the genetic underpinnings of this cancer. Future large-scale efforts will be necessary to define the mutational landscape of salivary gland malignancies to identify therapeutic targets and biomarkers of treatment failure.
Parallel Variable Distribution Algorithm for Constrained Optimization with Nonmonotone Technique
Authors: Han Congying , Feng Tingting , He Guoping , Guo Tiande
Published: April 2013

A modified parallel variable distribution (PVD) algorithm for solving large-scale constrained optimization problems is developed, which modifies quadratic subproblemQPlat each iteration instead of theQPl0of the SQP-type PVD algorithm proposed by C. A. Sagastizábal and M. V. Solodov in 2002. The algorithm can circumvent the difficulties associated with the possible inconsistency ofQPl0subproblem of the original SQP method. Moreover, we introduce a nonmonotone technique instead of the penalty function to carry out the line search procedure with more flexibly. Under appropriate conditions, the global convergence of the method is established. In the final part, parallel numerical experiments are implemented on CUDA based on GPU (Graphics Processing unit).
Evaluation of Artificial Caudal Fin for Fish Robot with Two Joints by Using Three-Dimensional Fluid-Structure Simulation
Authors: Takada Yogo , Fukuzaki Noboru , Ochiai Toshinori , Tajiri Tomoki , Wakisaka Tomoyuki
Published: April 2013

A fish robot with image sensors is useful to research for underwater creatures such as fish. However, the propulsion velocity of a fish robot is very slow compared with live fish. It is necessary to swim at a speed several times faster than the speed of the current robots for various usages. Therefore, we are searching for the method of making the robot swim fast. The simulation before making the robot is important. We have made the computational simulation program of three-dimensional fluid-structure analysis. The flow around the caudal fin can be examined by analyzing the fin as an elastic body. We compared the results of numerical analysis with the results of PIV measurement. Both were agreed well. Because the performance of a fish robot with two joints is better than that of a fish robot with one joint, we searched for an excellent fin for the fish robot with two joints by using CFD. We confirmed that the swimming performance of a fish robot becomes very good when the caudal fin is rigid except for the root of the fin which is comparatively flexible.
Auricular Acupressure Combined with an Internet-Based Intervention or Alone for Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Control Study
Authors: Yeh Mei-Ling , Hung Yu-Ling , Chen Hsing-Hsia , Lin Jaung-Geng , Wang Yu-Jen
Published: April 2013

Background. Primary dysmenorrhea is prevalent in adolescents and young women. Menstrual pain and distress causes poor school performance and physiological damage. Auricular acupressure can be used to treat these symptoms, and Internet-based systems are a flexible way of communicating and delivering the relevant information.Objective. This study investigates the effects of auricular acupressure (AA) alone and combined with an interactive Internet-based (II) intervention for the management of menstrual pain and self-care of adolescents with primary dysmenorrhea.Design. This study adopts a pretest/posttest control research design with a convenience sample of 107 participants.Results. The outcomes were measured using the short-form McGill pain questionnaire (SF-MPQ), visual analogue scale (VAS), menstrual distress questionnaire (MDQ), and adolescent dysmenorrheic self-care scale (ADSCS). Significant differences were found in ADSCS scores between the groups, and in SF-MPQ, VAS, MDQ, and ADSCS scores for each group.Conclusion. Auricular acupressure alone and a combination of auricular acupressure and interactive Internet both reduced menstrual pain and distress for primary dysmenorrhea. Auricular acupressure combined with interactive Internet instruction is better than auricular acupuncture alone in improving self-care behaviors.
An Algorithm for Discretization of Real Value Attributes Based on Interval Similarity
Authors: Zou Li , Yan Deqin , Karimi Hamid Reza , Shi Peng
Published: April 2013

Discretization algorithm for real value attributes is of very important uses in many areas such as intelligence and machine learning. The algorithms related to Chi2 algorithm (includes modified Chi2 algorithm and extended Chi2 algorithm) are famous discretization algorithm exploiting the technique of probability and statistics. In this paper the algorithms are analyzed, and their drawback is pointed. Based on the analysis a new modified algorithm based on interval similarity is proposed. The new algorithm defines an interval similarity function which is regarded as a new merging standard in the process of discretization. At the same time, two important parameters (condition parameterαand tiny move parameterc) in the process of discretization and discrepancy extent of a number of adjacent two intervals are given in the form of function. The related theory analysis and the experiment results show that the presented algorithm is effective.
Further Insight into the Depth-Dependent Microstructural Response of Cartilage to Compression Using a Channel Indentation Technique
Authors: Thambyah Ashvin , Broom Neil D.
Published: April 2013

Stress relaxation and structural analysis were used to investigate the zonally differentiated microstructural response to compression of the integrated cartilage-on-bone tissue system. Fifteen cartilage-on-bone samples were divided into three equal groups and their stress relaxation responses obtained at three different levels of axial compressive strain defined as low (~20%), medium (~40%) and high (~60%). All tests were performed using a channel indenter which included a central relief space designed to capture the response of the matrix adjacent to the directly loaded regions. On completion of each stress relaxation test and while maintaining the imposed axial strain, the samples were formalin fixed, decalcified, and then sectioned for microstructural analysis. Chondron aspect ratios were used to determine the extent of relative strain at different zonal depths. The stress relaxation response of cartilage to all three defined levels of axial strain displayed an initial highly viscous response followed by a significant elastic response. Chondron aspect ratio measurements showed that at the lowest level of compression, axial deformation was confined to the superficial cartilage layer, while in the medium and high axial strain samples the deformation extended into the midzone. The cells in the deep zone remained undeformed for all compression levels.
The Effect of Sputtering Parameters on the Film Properties of Molybdenum Back Contact for CIGS Solar Cells
Authors: Huang Peng-cheng , Huang Chia-ho , Lin Mao-yong , Chou Chia-ying , Hsu Chun-yao , Kuo Chin-guo
Published: April 2013

Molybdenum (Mo) thin films are widely used as a back contact for CIGS-based solar cells. This paper determines the optimal settings for the sputtering parameters for an Mo thin film prepared on soda lime glass substrates, using direct current (dc) magnetron sputtering, with a metal Mo target, in an argon gas environment. A Taguchi method with an L9orthogonal array, the signal-to-noise ratio, and an analysis of variances is used to determine the performance characteristics of the coating operation. The main sputtering parameters, such as working pressure (mTorr), dc power (W), and substrate temperature (°C), are optimized with respect to the structural features, surface morphology, and electrical properties of the Mo films. An adhesive tape test is performed on each film to determine the adhesion strength of the films. The experimental results show that the working pressure has the dominant effect on electrical resistivity and reflectance. The intensity of the main peak (110) for the Mo film increases and the full width at half maximum decreases gradually as the sputtering power is increased. Additionally, the application of an Mo bilayer demonstrates good adherence and low resistivity.
Femoral Pathological Fracture as the First Clinical Manifestation of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma in a Primigravida
Authors: Abu-Zaid Ahmed , Azzam Ayman , Al-Hindi Hindi , Amin Tarek
Published: April 2013

Papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most common differentiated type of thyroid malignancy. It is largely a loco-regional disease with a high tendency to metastasize to regional cervical lymph nodes. Distant hematogenous metastases are very rare and primarily include lungs and bones. Distant bone metastases are present in approximately 1.7% of patients with differentiated thyroid malignancy. Sternum, ribs, and spine are the most frequent sites of osseous metastases. Up to our knowledge, we report the first occurrence of an extra nodal metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma to a femoral bone presenting as a pathological fracture in a 21-year-old 37-week primigravida. We report this case because of its unusual site of metastasis and atypical presentation during pregnancy. Moreover, we briefly elaborate on the management of such uncommon cases.
Research on the Fresh Agricultural Product Supply Chain Coordination with Supply Disruptions
Authors: Guohua Sun
Published: April 2013

This paper develops a dynamic model in a one-supplier-one-retailer fresh agricultural product supply chain that experiences supply disruptions during the planning horizon. The optimal solutions in the centralized and decentralized supply chains are studied. It is found that the retailer’s optimal order quantity and the maximum total supply chain profit in the decentralized supply chain with wholesale price contract are less than that in the centralized supply chain. A two-part tariff contract is proposed to coordinate the decentralized supply chain with which the maximum profit can be achieved. It is found that the optimal wholesale price should be a decreasing piecewise function of the final output. To ensure that the supplier and the retailer both have incentives to accept the coordination contract, a lump-sum fee is offered. The interval of lump-sum fee is given leaving both the supplier and the retailer better off with the two-part tariff contract.
Platelet Aggregation Pathway Network-Based Approach for Evaluating Compounds Efficacy
Authors: Gu Jiangyong , Li Qian , Chen Lirong , Li Youyong , Hou Tingjun , Yuan Gu , Xu Xiaojie
Published: April 2013

Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) contain a large quantity of compounds with multiple biological activities. By using multitargets docking and network analysis in the context of pathway network of platelet aggregation, we proposed network efficiency and network flux model to screen molecules which can be used as drugs for antiplatelet aggregation. Compared with traditional single-target screening methods, network efficiency and network flux take into account the influences which compounds exert on the whole pathway network. The activities of antiplatelet aggregation of 19 active ingredients separated from TCM and 14 nonglycoside compounds predicated from network efficiency and network flux model show good agreement with experimental results (correlation coefficient = 0.73 and 0.90, resp.). This model can be used to evaluate the potential bioactive compounds and thus bridges the gap between computation and clinical indicator.
Planning for Serious Illness amongst Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Goodridge Donna
Published: April 2013

Older adults have long been encouraged to maintain their autonomy by expressing their wishes for health care before they become too ill to meaningfully participate in decision making. This study explored the manner in which community-dwelling adults aged 55 and older plan for serious illness. An online survey was conducted within the province of Saskatchewan, Canada, with 283 adults ranging in age from 55 to 88 years. Planning for future medical care was important for the majority (78.4%) of respondents, although only 25.4% possessed a written advance care plan and 41.5% had designated a substitute decision maker. Sixty percent of respondents reported conversations about their treatment wishes; nearly half had discussed unacceptable states of health. Associations between key predictor variables and planning behaviors (discussions about treatment wishes or unacceptable states of health; designation of a substitute decision maker; preparation of a written advance care plan) were assessed using binary logistic regression. After controlling for all predictor variables, self-reported knowledge about advance care planning was the key variable significantly associated with all four planning behaviors. The efforts of nurses to educate older adults regarding the process of advance care planning can play an important role in enhancing autonomy.
Design of PI Controllers for Hydraulic Control Systems
Authors: Dubonjić LJubiša , Nedić Novak , Filipović Vojislav , Pršić Dragan
Published: April 2013

The paper proposes a procedure for design of PI controllers for hydraulic systems with long transmission lines which are described by models of high order. Design is based on the combination of the IE criterion and engineering specifications (settling time and relative stability) as well as on the application ofD-decomposition. In comparison with some known results, the method is of graphical character, and it is very simple (solving nonlinear algebraic equations is eliminated). The paper presents the algorithm of software procedure for design of the controller. The method is compared with other methods at the level of simulation, and its superiority is shown. By applying the Nyquist criterion, it is shown that the method possesses robustness in relation to non modelled dynamics.