bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Posture Training with Weighted Kypho-Orthosis (WKO) on Improving Balance in Women with Osteoporosis
Authors: Raeissadat Seyed Ahmad , Sedighipour Leyla , Pournajaf Safura , Vahab Kashani Reza , Sadeghi Shahram
Published: March 2014

Objectives.To determine the effect of weighted kypho-orthosis (WKO) on improving balance in women with osteoporosis. In this nonrandomized controlled clinical trial, 31 patients with osteoporosis were included. The patients were assigned to two groups: (1) control group who received 4-week home-based daily exercise program including weight bearing, back strengthening, and balance exercises and (2) intervention group (WKO) who performed aforementioned exercises and wore WKO for one hour twice a day. Patients were assessed using clinical balance tests (timed up and go test, functional reach test, and unilateral balance test) before and 4 weeks after start of treatment.Results.Functional reach and timed up and go test were improved significantly in both groups compared to baseline. The improvement in intervention group was more significant in comparison to control group (P<0.05).Discussion.Posture training with WKO together with exercise program improved two clinical balance tests in women with osteoporosis.Conclusion.Posture training support (PTS) applied as WKO together with back extension exercises can be prescribed as an intervention in elderly women in order to reduce the risk of falling.
Adsorption Studies for Arsenic Removal Using ActivatedMoringa oleifera
Authors: Sumathi T. , Alagumuthu G.
Published: March 2014

A new low cost adsorbent, activatedMoringa oleiferahas been developed for aqueous arsenic removal. Batch experiments were revealed that As removal was up to 71.3% using activatedMoringa oleifera. Kinetics studies revealed that Langmuir isotherm was followed with a better correlation than the Freundlich isotherm. The thermodynamic parameters such asΔH,ΔS, andΔGwere computed from the experimental data. These values show that the adsorption is endothermic and spontaneous in nature. Thus, this recently developed cost-effective novel biosorbent, activatedMoringa oleiferacan be used as household level to mitigate the arsenic problem.
Innovation in Active Vibration Control Strategy of Intelligent Structures
Authors: Moutsopoulou A. , Stavroulakis G. E. , Pouliezos A.
Published: March 2014

Large amplitudes and attenuating vibration periods result in fatigue, instability, and poor structural performance. In light of past approaches in this field, this paper intends to discuss some innovative approaches in vibration control of intelligent structures, particularly in the case of structures with embedded piezoelectric materials. Control strategies are presented, such as the linear quadratic control theory, as well as more advanced theories, such as robust control theory. The paper presents sufficiently a recognizable advance in knowledge of active vibration control in intelligent structures.
Workplace-Related Traumatic Injuries: Insights from a Rapidly Developing Middle Eastern Country
Authors: Al-Thani Hassan , El-Menyar Ayman , Abdelrahman Husham , Zarour Ahmad , Consunji Rafael , Peralta Ruben , Asim Mohammad , El-Hennawy Hany , Parchani Ashok , Latifi Rifat
Published: March 2014

Traumatic workplace-related injuries (WRIs) carry a substantial negative impact on the public health worldwide. We aimed to study the incidence and outcomes of WRIs in Qatar. We conducted occupational injury surveillance for all WRI patients between 2010 and 2012. A total of 5152 patients were admitted to the level 1 trauma unit in Qatar, of which 1496 (29%) sustained WRI with a mean age of34.3±10.3. Fall from height (FFH) (51%) followed by being struck by heavy objects (FHO) (18%) and motor vehicle crashes (MVC) (17%) was the commonest mechanism of injury (MOI). WRI patients were mainly laborers involved in industrial work (43%), transportation (18%), installation/repair (12%), carpentry (9%), and housekeeping (3%). Use of protective device was not observed in 64% of cases. The mean ISS was11.7±8.9, median ICU stay was 3 days (1–64), and total hospital stay was 6 days (1–192). The overall case fatality was 3.7%. Although the incidence of WRI in Qatar is quite substantial, its mortality rate is relatively low in comparison to other countries of similar socioeconomic status. Prolonged hospital stay and treatment exert a significant socioeconomic burden on the nation’s and families’ resources. Focused and efficient injury prevention strategies are mandatory to prevent future WRI.
Preparation of Cd‐Loaded In2O3 Hollow Nanofibers by Electrospinning and Improvement of Formaldehyde Sensing Performance
Authors: Hu Ruijin , Wang Jing , Chen Pengpeng , Hao Yuwen , Zhang Chunli , Li Xiaogan
Published: March 2014

Pure In2O3 and Cd‐loaded In2O3 hollow and porous nanofibers with different Cd/In molar ratios (1/20, 1/10, 1/1) were synthesized by electrospinning method. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE‐SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize the nanofibers. The porous nanofibers were composed of small grains. The average grain sizes and the diameters of Cd‐loaded In2O3 nanofibers increased with the increasing of Cd/In molar ratios. The formaldehyde sensing properties of the sensors based on pure In2O3 and Cd‐loaded In2O3 nanofibers were investigated in formaldehyde concentration range of 0.5∼100 ppm. Moreover, the selectivity of those sensors was studied by testing responses to methanol, toluene, ethanol, acetone, and ammonia. The result showed that Cd‐loaded In2O3 nanofibers with Cd/In molar ratio of 1/10 possessed the highest response value and good selectivity at operating temperature 280°C. In addition, the formaldehyde sensing mechanism of the sensors based on Cd‐loaded nanofibers was briefly analyzed.
Black Hole Atom as a Dark Matter Particle Candidate
Authors: Dokuchaev V. I. , Eroshenko Yu. N.
Published: March 2014

We propose the new dark matter particle candidate—the “black hole atom,” which is an atom with the charged black hole as an atomic nucleus and electrons in the bound internal quantum states. As a simplified model we consider the the central Reissner-Nordström black hole with the electric charge neutralized by the internal electrons in bound quantum states. For the external observers these objects would look like the electrically neutral Schwarzschild black holes. We suppose the prolific production of black hole atoms under specific conditions in the early universe.
Linear Sigma Model at Finite Temperature and Baryonic Chemical Potential Using the N-Midpoint Technique
Authors: Abu-Shady M.
Published: March 2014

A baryonic chemical potential (μb) is included in the linear sigma model at finite temperature. The effective mesonic potential is numerically calculated using the N-midpoint rule. The meson masses are investigated as functions of the temperature (T) at fixed value of baryonic chemical potential. The pressure and energy density are investigated as functions of temperature at fixed value of μb. The obtained results are in good agreement in comparison with other techniques. We conclude that the calculated effective potential successfully predicts the meson properties and thermodynamic properties at finite baryonic chemical potential.
Arsenic Species in Edible Seaweeds UsingIn VitroBiomimetic Digestion Determined by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Zhao Yan-Fang , Wu Ji-Fa , Shang De-Rong , Ning Jin-Song , Ding Hai-Yan , Zhai Yu-Xiu
Published: March 2014

Arsenite [As (III)], arsenate [As (V)], methylarsonate (MMA), and dimethylarsinate (DMA) in five edible seaweeds (the brown algaeLaminaria japonica, red algaePorphyra yezoensis, brown algaeUndaria pinnatifida, brown algaeHizikia fusiformis, and green algaeEnteromorpha prolifera) were analyzed usingin vitrodigestion method determined by high-performance liquid chromatography inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The results showed that DMA was found in the water extracts of all samples; As (III) were detected inL. japonicaandU. pinnatifidaand about 23.0 and 0.15 mg/kg of As (V) were found inH. fusiformisandE. proliferarespectively. However, after the gastrointestinal digestion, As (V) was not detected in any of the five seaweeds. About 0.19 and 1.47 mg/kg of As (III) was detected in the gastric extracts ofL. japonicaandH. fusiformis, respectively, and about 0.31 and 0.10 mg/kg of As (III) were extracted from the intestinal extracts ofPorphyra yezoensisandU. pinnatifida, respectively. The present results successfully reveal the differences of As species and levels in the water and biomimetic extracts of five edible seaweeds. The risk assessment of the inorganic arsenic in the five edible seaweeds based on present data showed almost no hazards to human health.
User-Centric Design for Mathematical Web Services
Authors: Sheeba Adlin , Arumugam Chandrasekar
Published: March 2014

A web service is a programmatically available application logic exposed over the internet and it has attracted much attention in recent years with the rapid development of e-commerce. Very few web services exist in the field of mathematics. The aim of this paper is to seamlessly provide user-centric mathematical web services to the service requester. In particular, this paper focuses on mathematical web services for prepositional logic and set theory which comes under discrete mathematics. A sophisticated user interface with virtual keyboard is created for accessing web services. Experimental results show that the web services and the created user interface are efficient and practical.
Agriculture Sensor-Cloud Infrastructure and Routing Protocol in the Physical Sensor Network Layer
Authors: Kim Kyuhyung , Lee Sungwon , Yoo Hongseok , Kim Dongkyun
Published: March 2014

Nowadays, wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are used in a variety of areas. However, it is difficult to efficiently manage a large number of sensor nodes and their sensing data owing to the limitations of WSNs. Particularly, in agricultural applications, a WSN installed in a specific region is used for multiple services (i.e., greenhouse environment monitoring and control). However, the network resources (i.e., channel, battery, etc.) are currently being utilized for redundant operations requested from multiple service users owing to the lack of an efficient system for managing large WSN data. In this paper, we propose an agriculture sensor-cloud infrastructure (ASCI) to effectively provide various agricultural services using WSNs. In addition, we propose hierarchical source routing (HSR), aggregation gradient routing (AGR), and a priority-based data transmission technique in order to allow packets to be delivered to the destination fast and reliably in large-scale WSNs.
Electro-Thermal and Semiconductivity Behaviour of Natural Sintered Complex Carbonate Ore for Thermo-Technological Applications
Authors: Madkour Loutfy H.
Published: March 2014

The polymetal (Zn, Pb, Fe, Ca, Mg, Cd, Ba, Ni, Ti, and SiO2) complex Umm-Gheig carbonate ore is subjected to sintering treatment at 573, 773, 973 and 1273 K respectively for four hours. Chemical, spectral, X-ray and differential thermal analyses are applied for the native ore as well as for the samples preheated and sintered. The current versus applied DC voltage (I–V) characteristics, bulk density(Db), percent shrinkage (%S), activation energy(Ea)and energy gap(Eg)are established for the sintered ore. The electrical conductivityσ, thermal conductivity (K) and thermoelectric power coefficientαhave been investigated as a function of applied temperature for the sintered ore materials. The electrical conduction is mainly achieved by free electrons near or in conduction band or n-type. As the sintering temperature(Ts)increases the conduction of the ore is also increased due to the recombination process taking place between the electrons and holes. Electrons hopping between Fe2+and Fe3+are the main charge carriers. The formation of Fe3O4at high sintering temperature acts as an active mineralizer, thus inducing an increased degree of crystallinity and a more ordered crystal structure is produced.
Ruptured Splenic Artery Aneurysms and the Use of an Adapted Fast Protocol in Reproductive Age Women with Hemodynamic Collapse: Case Series
Authors: Jackson Hope T. , Diaconu Silviu C. , Maluso Patrick J. , Abell Bruce , Lee Juliet
Published: March 2014

Nontraumatic symptomatic hypotension in all patients requires prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment for optimum outcome. The female population specifically has an expanded differential diagnosis that should be considered when these patients present with hemodynamic collapse. While the most common causes of hypotension in pregnant patients are dehydration, ruptured ectopic pregnancy, and placental and uterine abnormalities, less common nonobstetrical etiologies such as hepatic rupture and ruptured abdominal and visceral artery aneurysms should also be considered. Splenic artery aneurysms are associated with high rates of mortality and in cases of pregnancy, maternal and fetal mortality. These high rates can be attributed to the asymptomatic nature of the aneurysm, rapid deterioration after rupture, and frequent misdiagnosis. In patients with hemodynamic collapse, the role of traditional imaging is limited mainly due to the critical condition of the patient. Bedside ultrasound has emerged as a diagnostic imaging resource in patients with undifferentiated hypotension and in patients with traumatic injuries. However, its use has not been studied specifically in the female population. We present two patients with ruptured splenic artery aneurysms, discuss the role of bedside ultrasound in their management, and introduce a new ultrasound protocol for use in reproductive age female patients with hemodynamic collapse.
A Multiplex Snapback Primer System for the Enrichment and Detection ofJAK2V617F andMPLW515L/K Mutations in Philadelphia-Negative Myeloproliferative Neoplasms
Authors: Wu Zhiyuan , Zhang Yunqing , Zhang Xinju , Xu Xiao , Kang Zhihua , Li Shibao , Zhang Chen , Su Bing , Guan Ming
Published: March 2014

A multiplex snapback primer system was developed for the simultaneous detection ofJAK2V617F andMPLW515L/K mutations in Philadelphia chromosome- (Ph-) negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). The multiplex system comprises two snapback versus limiting primer sets forJAK2andMPLmutation enrichment and detection, respectively. Linear-After exponential (LATE) PCR strategy was employed for the primer design to maximize the amplification efficiency of the system. Low ionic strength buffer and rapid PCR protocol allowed for selective amplification of the mutant alleles. Amplification products were analyzed by melting curve analysis for mutation identification. The multiplex system archived 0.1% mutation load sensitivity and <5% coefficient of variation inter-/intra-assay reproducibility. 120 clinical samples were tested by the multiplex snapback primer assay, and verified with amplification refractory system (ARMS), quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Sanger sequencing method. The multiplex system, with a favored versatility, provided the molecular diagnosis of Ph-negative MPNs with a suitable implement and simplified the genetic test process.
The Construction of Type-2 Fuzzy Reasoning Relations for Type-2 Fuzzy Logic Systems
Authors: Zhao Shan , Li Hongxing
Published: March 2014

Type-2 fuzzy reasoning relations are the type-2 fuzzy relations obtained from a group of type-2 fuzzy reasonings by using extended t-(co)norm, which are essential for implementing type-2 fuzzy logic systems. In this paper an algorithm is provided for constructing type-2 fuzzy reasoning relations of SISO type-2 fuzzy logic systems. First, we give some properties of extended t-(co)norm and simplify the expression of type-2 fuzzy reasoning relations in accordance with different input subdomains under certain conditions. And then different techniques are discussed to solve the simplified expressions on the input subdomains by using the related methods on solving fuzzy relation equations. Besides, it is pointed out that the computation amount level of the proposed algorithm is the same as that of polynomials and the possibility of applying the proposed algorithm in the construction of type-2 fuzzy reasoning relations is illustrated on several examples. Finally, the calculation of an arbitrary extended continuous t-norm can be obtained as the special case of the proposed algorithm.
On the Angular Density of Three Dimensional Scattering Resonances
Authors: Chen Lung-Hui
Published: March 2014

We apply Cartwright’s theory in integral function theory to describe the angular distribution of scattering resonances in mathematical physics. A quantitative description on the counting function along rays in complex plane is obtained.
Epigenetic Biomarkers: Potential Applications in Gastrointestinal Cancers
Authors: Li Jiaqiu , Jin Hongchuan , Wang Xian
Published: March 2014

Genetics and epigenetics coregulate the cancer initiation and progression. Epigenetic mechanisms include DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin remodeling, and noncoding RNAs. Aberrant epigenetic modifications play a fundamental role in the formation of gastrointestinal cancers. Advances in epigenetics offer a better understanding of the carcinogenesis and provide new insights into the discovery of biomarkers for diagnosis, and prognosis prediction of human cancers. This review aims to overview the epigenetic aberrance and the clinical applications as biomarkers in gastrointestinal cancers mainly gastric cancer and colorectal cancer.
Wolf Pack Algorithm for Unconstrained Global Optimization
Authors: Wu Hu-Sheng , Zhang Feng-Ming
Published: March 2014

The wolf pack unites and cooperates closely to hunt for the prey in the Tibetan Plateau, which shows wonderful skills and amazing strategies. Inspired by their prey hunting behaviors and distribution mode, we abstracted three intelligent behaviors, scouting, calling, and besieging, and two intelligent rules, winner‐take‐all generation rule of lead wolf and stronger‐survive renewing rule of wolf pack. Then we proposed a new heuristic swarm intelligent method, named wolf pack algorithm (WPA). Experiments are conducted on a suit of benchmark functions with different characteristics, unimodal/multimodal, separable/nonseparable, and the impact of several distance measurements and parameters on WPA is discussed. What is more, the compared simulation experiments with other five typical intelligent algorithms, genetic algorithm, particle swarm optimization algorithm, artificial fish swarm algorithm, artificial bee colony algorithm, and firefly algorithm, show that WPA has better convergence and robustness, especially for high‐dimensional functions.
Stability and Hopf Bifurcation of ann-Neuron Cohen-Grossberg Neural Network with Time Delays
Authors: Liu Qiming , Yang Sumin
Published: March 2014

A Cohen-Grossberg neural network with discrete delays is investigated in this paper. Sufficient conditions for the existence of local Hopf bifurcation are obtained by analyzing the distribution of roots of characteristic equation. Moreover, the direction and stability of Hopf bifurcation are obtained by applying the normal form theory and the center manifold theorem. Numerical simulations are given to illustrate the obtained results.
Prevalence, Clinical Features, and Outcome of Pseudomonas Bacteremia in Under-Five Diarrheal Children in Bangladesh
Authors: Akram Farhana , Pietroni Mark A.C. , Bardhan Pradip Kumar , Bibi Samira , Chisti Mohammod Jobayer
Published: March 2014

We sought to evaluate the prevalence, associated factors, and outcome of under-five diarrheal children with either sex having Pseudomonas bacteremia. A retrospective chart review of under-five diarrheal children admitted to the Dhaka Hospital of the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), from January 2011 to December 2011 was performed using an online hospital management system. Children with Pseudomonas bacteremia constituted the cases (n = 31), and the controls (n = 124), without Pseudomonas bacteremia, were randomly selected. The prevalence of Pseudomonas bacteremia was 1% (31/5,179). The Pseudomonas was multidrug resistant but was 84% sensitive to ceftazidime and 100% to imipenem. The case-fatality rate was significantly higher among the cases than the controls (26% versus 5%; P = 0.003). In logistic regression analysis, after adjusting for potential confounders such as severe wasting, severe underweight, severe pneumonia, and young age (11.71 (4.0, 18.0) months), the cases more often presented with absent peripheral pulses in absence of dehydration (95% CI = 2.31–24.45) on admission. This finding underscores the importance of early identification of this simple clinical sign to ensure prompt management including fluid resuscitation and broad spectrum antibiotics to help reduce morbidity and mortality in such children, especially in resource-poor settings.
The Effect of Blowing Ratio on Film Cooling Effectiveness Using Cylindrical and Row Trenched Cooling Holes with Alignment Angle of 90 Degrees
Authors: Azwadi Nor , Kianpour Ehsan
Published: March 2014

This paper presents the effects of blowing ratio on film cooling performance adjacent to the combustor endwall using cylindrical and row trenched cooling holes with alignment angle of 90 degrees. A three‐dimensional representation of a Pratt and Whitney gas turbine engine was simulated and analysed using a commercial finite volume package FLUENT 6.2.26. The combustor simulator was designed to combine the interaction of two rows of dilution jets, which were staggered in the streamwise direction and aligned in the spanwise direction. As a result, the combustor with row trenched holes gave almost doubled cooling performance compared to the baseline case. In addition, the film cooling layer was increased at high blowing ratio, and thus it enhanced the cooling performance.
Self-Adjoint Extension and Spectral Theory of a Linear Relation in a Hilbert Space
Authors: Acharya Keshav Raj
Published: March 2014

The aim of this paper is to develop the conditions for a symmetric
relation in a Hilbert space ℋ to have self-adjoint extensions in terms of defect
indices and discuss some spectral theory of such linear relation.
An Entropy Testing Model Research on the Quality of Internal Control and Accounting Conservatism: Empirical Evidence from the Financial Companies of China from 2007 to 2011
Authors: Wang Zongrun , Chen Yan , Zhou Yanju , Jin Yanbo
Published: March 2014

We set information disclosure of internal control as a starting point to explore the relationship between the quality of internal control and accounting conservatism, and then adopt the entropy testing model to calculate the index of the internal control quality with the sample data of Chinese listed companies in financial industry from 2007–2011. Regression results show that earnings conservatism exists. The stronger the internal control is, the higher the accounting conservatism can be. Companies which have enhanced their internal control are more conservative, and these results make no difference with other industries.
General Formulation of Inverse Substructuring Method for Multicoordinate Coupled System
Authors: Wang Jun , Sun Guo-hua , Lu Li-xin , Wang Qi-li
Published: March 2014

A frequency response function- (FRF-) based direct decoupling method is proposed and applied to inverse analysis of a multicoordinate coupled system. The general formulation of inverse substructuring method for multicoordinate coupled multisubstructure system is derived. The proposed method is validated by a lumped mass-spring-damper model; the predicted FRFs of substructures are compared with the direct computations, showing exact agreement. The developed method offers an approach to back out the unknown substructure-level FRFs from purely system-level FRFs.
Importins and Exportins Regulating Allergic Immune Responses
Authors: Aggarwal Ankita , Agrawal Devendra K.
Published: March 2014

Nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of macromolecules is a well-controlled process involving importins and exportins. These karyopherins recognize and bind to receptor-mediated intracellular signals through specific signal sequences that are present on cargo proteins and transport into and out of the nucleus through nuclear pore complexes. Nuclear localization signals (NLS) present on cargo molecules to be imported while nuclear export signals (NES) on the molecules to be exported are recognized by importins and exportins, respectively. The classical NLS are found on many transcription factors and molecules that are involved in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. In addition, several immune modulators, including corticosteroids and vitamin D, elicit their cellular responses by regulating the expression and activity of importin molecules. In this review article, we provide a comprehensive list of importin and exportin molecules and their specific cargo that shuttled between cytoplasm and the nucleus. We also critically review the role and regulation of specific importin and exportin involved in the transport of activated transcription factors in allergic diseases, the underlying molecular mechanisms, and the potential target sites for developing better therapeutic approaches.
Three-Dimensional Exact Free Vibration Analysis of Spherical, Cylindrical, and Flat One-Layered Panels
Authors: Brischetto Salvatore
Published: March 2014

The paper proposes a three-dimensional elastic analysis of the free vibration problem of one-layered spherical, cylindrical, and flat panels. The exact solution is developed for the differential equations of equilibrium written in orthogonal curvilinear coordinates for the free vibrations of simply supported structures. These equations consider an exact geometry for shells without simplifications. The main novelty is the possibility of a general formulation for different geometries. The equations written in general orthogonal curvilinear coordinates allow the analysis of spherical shell panels and they automatically degenerate into cylindrical shell panel, cylindrical closed shell, and plate cases. Results are proposed for isotropic and orthotropic structures. An exhaustive overview is given of the vibration modes for a number of thickness ratios, imposed wave numbers, geometries, embedded materials, and angles of orthotropy. These results can also be used as reference solutions to validate two-dimensional models for plates and shells in both analytical and numerical form (e.g., closed solutions, finite element method, differential quadrature method, and global collocation method).
Second Order Ideal-Ward Continuity
Authors: Hazarika Bipan
Published: March 2014

The main aim of the paper is to introduce a concept of second order ideal-ward continuity in the sense that a function f is second order ideal-ward continuous if I-limn→∞Δ2f(xn)=0 whenever I-limn→∞Δ2xn=0 and a concept of second order ideal-ward compactness in the sense that a subset E of R is second order ideal-ward compact if any sequence x=(xn) of points in E has a subsequence z=(zk)=(xnk) of the sequence x such that I-limk→∞Δ2zk=0 where Δ2zk=zk+2-2zk+1+zk. We investigate the impact of changing the definition of convergence of sequences on the structure of ideal-ward continuity in the sense of second order ideal-ward continuity and compactness of sets in the sense of second order ideal-ward compactness and prove related theorems.
Pegylated G-CSF Inhibits Blood Cell Depletion, Increases Platelets, Blocks Splenomegaly, and Improves Survival after Whole-Body Ionizing Irradiation but Not after Irradiation Combined with Burn
Authors: Kiang Juliann G. , Zhai Min , Liao Pei-Jyun , Bolduc David L. , Elliott Thomas B. , Gorbunov Nikolai V.
Published: March 2014

Exposure to ionizing radiation alone (radiation injury, RI) or combined with traumatic tissue injury (radiation combined injury, CI) is a crucial life-threatening factor in nuclear and radiological accidents. As demonstrated in animal models, CI results in greater mortality than RI. In our laboratory, we found that B6D2F1/J female mice exposed to60Co-γ-photon radiation followed by 15% total-body-surface-area skin burns experienced an increment of 18% higher mortality over a 30-day observation period compared to irradiation alone; that was accompanied by severe cytopenia, thrombopenia, erythropenia, and anemia. At the 30th day after injury, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and platelets still remained very low in surviving RI and CI mice. In contrast, their RBC, hemoglobin, and hematocrit were similar to basal levels. Comparing CI and RI mice, only RI induced splenomegaly. Both RI and CI resulted in bone marrow cell depletion. It was observed that only the RI mice treated with pegylated G-CSF after RI resulted in 100% survival over the 30-day period, and pegylated G-CSF mitigated RI-induced body-weight loss and depletion of WBC and platelets. Peg-G-CSF treatment sustained RBC balance, hemoglobin levels, and hematocrits and inhibited splenomegaly after RI. The results suggest that pegylated G-CSF effectively sustained animal survival by mitigating radiation-induced cytopenia, thrombopenia, erythropenia, and anemia.
Cubic Spline Method for a Generalized Black‐Scholes Equation
Authors: Huang Jian , Cen Zhongdi
Published: March 2014

We develop a numerical method based on cubic polynomial spline approximations to solve a a generalized Black‐Scholes equation.
We apply the implicit Euler method for the time discretization and a cubic polynomial spline method for the spatial discretization. We show that the matrix associated with the discrete operator is an M‐matrix, which ensures that the scheme is maximum‐norm stable. It is proved that the scheme is second‐order convergent with respect to the spatial variable. Numerical examples demonstrate the stability, convergence, and robustness of the scheme.
Effect of Multipath Laser Shock Processing on Microhardness, Surface Roughness, and Wear Resistance of 2024-T3 Al Alloy
Authors: Kadhim Abdulhadi , Salim Evan T. , Fayadh Saeed M. , Al-Amiery Ahmed A. , Kadhum Abdul Amir H. , Mohamad Abu Bakar
Published: March 2014

Laser shock processing (LSP) is an innovative surface treatment technique with high peak power, short pulse, and cold hardening for strengthening metal materials. LSP is based on the application of a high intensity pulsed laser beam(I>1 GW/cm2;  t<50 ns)at the interface between the metallic target and the surrounding medium (a transparent confining material, normally water) forcing a sudden vaporization of the metallic surface into a high temperature and density plasma that immediately develops inducing a shock wave propagating into the material. The shock wave induces plastic deformation and a residual stress distribution in the target material. In this paper we study the increase of microhardness and surface roughness with the increase of laser pulse energy in 2024-T3 Al alloy. The influence of the thickness of the confining layer (water) on microhardness and surface roughness is also studied. In addition, the effect of LSP treatment with best conditions on wear behaviors of the alloy was investigated.
The Value of Admission Serum IL-8 Monitoring and the Correlation with IL-8 (-251A/T) Polymorphism in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Yousef Ayman Abd Al-Maksoud , Suliman Ghada Abdulmomen , Mabrouk Maaly Mohamed
Published: March 2014

Background. The clinical management of sepsis is a highly complicated process. Disruption of the immune system explains in part the major variation in sepsis outcome. IL-8 is a proinflammatory cytokine, genetic polymorphism of this cytokine could explain the outcome of sepsis. The present study was conducted to determine the value of serum IL-8 monitoring and its (-251A/T) genetic polymorphism in critically ill patients. Patients and Methods. 180 critically ill patients were allocated into two groups, 90 septic patients (sepsis group) and 90 nonseptic patients (SIRS group). Admission serum IL-8 and its (-251A/T) mutant allele were detected. Results. The admission mean value of serum IL-8 was significantly elevated in sepsis group. In both groups, the mean value of serum IL-8 in nonsurvived patients and patients with IL-8 (-251A/T) mutant allele was significantly higher. A positive correlation of survival and IL-8 (-251A/T) mutant allele was detected in both groups. The serum IL-8 distinguished wild from IL-8 (-251A/T) mutant allele at a cut-off value of 600 pg/mL. Conclusion. The admission mean value of serum IL-8 was significantly elevated in septic, nonsurvived, and patients with IL-8 (-251A/T) mutant alleles. A positive correlation of survival and IL-8 (-251A/T) mutant allele patients was detected.
Application of Potential Theory to Steady Flow Past Two Cylinders in Tandem Arrangement
Authors: Gao Yangyang , Tan Danielle S. , Hao Zhiyong , Wang Xikun , Tan Soon Keat
Published: March 2014

The wake flow patterns associated with flow past a cylinder and a cylinder‐pair in tandem configuration are revisited, compared, and evaluated with respect to the streamline patterns generated based on potential flow theory and superposition of various potential flow elements. The wakes, which are vortex shedding in the lee of the cylinder(s), are reproduced by placing pairs of equal but opposite circulation elements in the potential flow field. The strength of the circulation elements determines the size of the vortices produced. The streamline patterns of flow past a pair of unequal cylinders in tandem configuration provide an indirect means to establish the threshold condition for the wake transition from that of a single bluff body to alternating reattachment behavior. This threshold condition is found to be a function of the diameter ratio, d/D (diameters d and D, d ≤ D ), spacing ratio, L/D (centre‐to‐centre distance, L, to cylinder diameter, D), and equivalent incident flow speed, U. A unique functional relationship f (L/D, d/D, U) of this threshold condition is established.
Necrostatin-1 Reduces Neurovascular Injury after Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: King Melanie D. , Whitaker-Lea Wittstatt A. , Campbell James M. , Alleyne Cargill H. , Dhandapani Krishnan M.
Published: March 2014

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the most common form of hemorrhagic stroke, accounting for 15% of all strokes. ICH has the highest acute mortality and the worst long-term prognosis of all stroke subtypes. Unfortunately, the dearth of clinically effective treatment options makes ICH the least treatable form of stroke, emphasizing the need for novel therapeutic targets. Recent work by our laboratory identified a novel role for the necroptosis inhibitor, necrostatin-1, in limiting neurovascular injury in tissue culture models of hemorrhagic injury. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that necrostatin-1 reduces neurovascular injury after collagenase-induced ICH in mice. Necrostatin-1 significantly reduced hematoma volume by 54% at 72 h after-ICH, as compared to either sham-injured mice or mice administered an inactive, structural analogue of necrostatin-1. Necrostatin-1 also limited cell death by 48%, reduced blood-brain barrier opening by 51%, attenuated edema development to sham levels, and improved neurobehavioral outcomes after ICH. These data suggest a potential clinical utility for necrostatin-1 and/or novel necroptosis inhibitors as an adjunct therapy to reduce neurological injury and improve patient outcomes after ICH.
Investigating the Physical Properties of Sintered Alumina in the Presence of MgO Nanopowder
Authors: Dadkhah Mehran , Saboori Abdollah , Jafari Majid
Published: March 2014

Magnesium oxide nanopowder is synthesized using magnesium nitrate hexahydrate and oxalic acid as precursors via the sol-gel method. In order to investigate the effect of magnesia nanopowders on the physical properties of sintered alumina, 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 wt% of MgO are added to alumina. The prepared specimens were sintered at 1570°C for 4 hours under an inert atmosphere. The morphology and size of nanopowders were characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Structural analysis was investigated by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Outcomes show that by increasing the percentage of MgO, spinel phase (MgAl2O4) has been formed in the structure of alumina. During the sintering process, spinel phase diffused through the grain boundaries and pinned the grain boundaries which led to decrease in grain sizes. So, by decreasing the grain size, the physical properties of sintered alumina have improved.
Significance of Maternal and Cord Blood Nucleated Red Blood Cell Count in Pregnancies Complicated by Preeclampsia
Authors: Hebbar Shripad , Misha Mehak , Rai Lavanya
Published: March 2014

Objectives.To evaluate the effect of preeclampsia on the cord blood and maternal NRBC count and to correlate NRBC count and neonatal outcome in preeclampsia and control groups.Study Design.This is a prospective case control observational study.Patients and Methods.Maternal and cord blood NRBC counts were studied in 50 preeclamptic women and 50 healthy pregnant women. Using automated cell counter total leucocyte count was obtained and peripheral smear was prepared to obtain NRBC count. Corrected WBC count and NRBC count/100 leucocytes in maternal venous blood and in cord blood were compared between the 2 groups.Results.No significant differences were found in corrected WBC count in maternal and cord blood in cases and controls. Significant differences were found in mean cord blood NRBC count in preeclampsia and control groups (40.0±85.1and5.9±6.3,P=0.006). The mean maternal NRBC count in two groups was2.4±9.0and0.8±1.5, respectively (P=0.214). Cord blood NRBC count cut off value ≤13 could rule out adverse neonatal outcome with a sensitivity of 63% and specificity of 89%.Conclusion.Cord blood NRBC are significantly raised in preeclampsia. Neonates with elevated cord blood NRBC counts are more likely to have IUGR, low birth weight, neonatal ICU admission, respiratory distress syndrome, and assisted ventilation. Below the count of 13/100 leucocytes, adverse neonatal outcome is quite less likely.
Design Pattern Retrieval and Style Analysis for Content Creation of Comic Figures
Authors: Lin Bor-Shen , Tsai Shang-Te
Published: March 2014

Placement of objects within a constrained space is a common challenge for designers; it is associated with decisions regarding the furnishing of a space with furniture, collocation of dressings, flower arrangement, and design of comic figures. Though many design elements can be shared on the Internet in the current age of technology, it is still not easy to compare or search for design patterns based on these elements. Thus, it is difficult for designers to efficiently retrieve similar patterns designed by others, to compare them, or to learn from them. This paper proposes the architecture of representing, comparing, retrieving, and analyzing the design patterns of digital contents for design support. This scheme can help the designers to explore the huge space of design patterns efficiently, to analyze and summarize the design styles quickly, and to improve design skills and stimulate imaginations effectively during the process of learning or creating. The proposed scheme has been verified with a design support system for the content creation of comic figures. It is generally applicable to the creation of digital contents and shows potential for applications in the fields of design and education.
Study on Dicarboxylic Acids in Aerosol Samples with Capillary Electrophoresis
Authors: Adler Heidi , Sirén Heli
Published: March 2014

The research was performed to study the simultaneous detection of a homologous series ofα,ω-dicarboxylic acids (C2–C10), oxalic, malonic, succinic, glutaric, adipic, pimelic, suberic, azelaic, and sebacic acids, with capillary electrophoresis using indirect UV detection. Good separation efficiency in 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid as background electrolyte modified with myristyl trimethyl ammonium bromide was obtained. The dicarboxylic acids were ionised and separated within five minutes. For the study, authentic samples were collected onto dry cellulose membrane filters of a cascade impactor (12 stages) from outdoor spring aerosols in an urban area. Hot water and ultrasonication extraction methods were used to isolate the acids from membrane filters. Due to the low concentrations of acids in the aerosols, the extracts were concentrated with solid-phase extraction (SPE) before determination. The enrichment of the carboxylic acids was between 86 and 134% with sample pretreatment followed by 100-time increase by preparation of the sample to 50 μL. Inaccuracy was optimised for all the sample processing steps. The aerosols contained dicarboxylic acids C2–C10. Then, mostly they contained C2, C5, and C10. Only one sample contained succinic acid. In the study, the concentrations of the acids in aerosols were lower than 10 ng/m3.
Effect of Ambient Temperature on Performance of Grid-Connected Inverter Installed in Thailand
Authors: Chumpolrat Kamonpan , Sangsuwan Vichit , Udomdachanut Nuttakarn , Kittisontirak Songkiate , Songtrai Sasiwimon , Chinnavornrungsee Perawut , Limmanee Amornrat , Sritharathikhun Jaran , Sriprapha Kobsak
Published: March 2014

The effects of temperature on performance of a grid-connected inverter, and also on a photovoltaic (PV) system installed in Thailand have been investigated. It was found that the maximum efficiency of the inverter showed 2.5% drop when ambient temperature was above 37°C. The inverter performed efficiently in November and December, the months of high irradiance, and monthly average ambient temperature of lower than 35°C, allowing relatively high system performance ratio in this period. Our results show that high temperature provides negative impacts not only on the PV modules, but also on the performance of the inverter. Thus, the effect of temperature on the inverter efficiency should be taken into account when predicting energy yield or analyzing losses of the PV systems—especially in high temperature regions.
Extension of Weighted Sum of Gray Gas Data to Mathematical Simulation of Radiative Heat Transfer in a Boiler with Gas-Soot Media
Authors: Gharehkhani Samira , Nouri-Borujerdi Ali , Kazi Salim Newaz , Yarmand Hooman
Published: March 2014

In this study an expression for soot absorption coefficient is introduced to extend the weighted-sum-of-gray gases data to the furnace medium containing gas-soot mixture in a utility boiler 150 MWe. Heat transfer and temperature distribution of walls and within the furnace space are predicted by zone method technique. Analyses have been done considering both cases of presence and absence of soot particles at 100% load. To validate the proposed soot absorption coefficient, the expression is coupled with the Taylor and Foster's data as well as Truelove's data for CO2-H2O mixture and the total emissivities are calculated and compared with the Truelove's parameters for 3-term and 4-term gray gases plus two soot absorption coefficients. In addition, some experiments were conducted at 100% and 75% loads to measure furnace exit gas temperature as well as the rate of steam production. The predicted results show good agreement with the measured data at the power plant site.
Exponential Synchronization for Stochastic Neural Networks with Mixed Time Delays and Markovian Jump Parameters via Sampled Data
Authors: Li Yingwei , Guo Xueqing
Published: March 2014

The exponential synchronization issue for stochastic neural networks (SNNs) with mixed time delays and Markovian jump parameters using sampled-data controller is investigated. Based on a novel Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional, stochastic analysis theory, and linear matrix inequality (LMI) approach, we derived some novel sufficient conditions that guarantee that the master systems exponentially synchronize with the slave systems. The design method of the desired sampled-data controller is also proposed. To reflect the most dynamical behaviors of the system, both Markovian jump parameters and stochastic disturbance are considered, where stochastic disturbances are given in the form of a Brownian motion. The results obtained in this paper are a little conservative comparing the previous results in the literature. Finally, two numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Necrotizing Fasciitis Complicating Pregnancy: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Nikolaou Marinos , Zampakis Petros , Vervita Vasiliki , Almaloglou Konstantinos , Adonakis Georgios , Marangos Markos , Decavalas Georgios
Published: March 2014

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare, life-threatening surgical infection in pregnancy with high rates of morbidity and mortality. A 15-year-old primigravid woman, at 28 weeks of gestation with no significant previous medical history, was admitted to our hospital complaining of severe left lower extremity pain and high fever the last 72 hours. During clinical examination, she had a swollen, erythematous and tender to palpation inflamed skin over the medial aspect of the upper thigh without any evidence of injury. Incision drainage was performed immediately and she received broad spectrum antibiotics. During initial laboratory examinations, diabetes mellitus was diagnosed. There was no clinical improvement over the following days. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed subcutaneous tissue inflammation and edema of infected tissues confirming the disease entity. Multidisciplinary therapy with immediate aggressive surgical debridement of necrotic tissues, multiple antibiotics, and intensive care monitoring was performed successfully. The patient’s postoperative course was uncomplicated and skin defect was closed with split thickness skin grafting. Our case emphasized the potential immunosuppressive role of pregnancy state in conjunction with diabetes mellitus in the development of severe necrotizing soft tissue infections.
Semantic Dementia Shows both Storage and Access Disorders of Semantic Memory
Authors: Takahashi Yumi , Meguro Kenichi , Nakatsuka Masahiro , Kasai Mari , Akanuma Kyoko , Yamaguchi Satoshi
Published: March 2014

Objective. Previous studies have shown that some patients with semantic dementia (SD) have memory storage disorders, while others have access disorders. Here, we report three SD cases with both disorders.Methods. Ten pictures and ten words were prepared as visual stimuli to determine if the patients could correctly answer names and select pictures after hearing the names of items (Card Presentation Task, assessing memory storage disorder). In a second task, the viewing time was set at 20 or 300 msec (Momentary Presentation Task, evaluating memory access disorder) using items for which correct answers were given in the first task. The results were compared with those for 6 patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD).Results. The SD patients had lower scores than the AD group for both tasks, suggesting both storage and access disorders. The AD group had almost perfect scores on the Card Presentation Task but showed impairment on the Momentary Presentation Task, although to a lesser extent than the SD cases.Conclusions. These results suggest that SD patients have both storage and access disorders and have more severe access disorder than patients with AD.