bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanically Reconfigurable Microstrip Lines Loaded with Stepped Impedance Resonators and Potential Applications
Authors: Naqui J. , Martín F.
Published: February 2014

This paper is focused on exploring the possibilities and potential applications of microstrip transmission lines loaded with stepped impedance resonators (SIRs) etched on top of the signal strip, in a separated substrate. It is shown that if the symmetry plane of the line (a magnetic wall) is perfectly aligned with the electric wall of the SIR at the fundamental resonance, the line is transparent. However, if symmetry is somehow ruptured, a notch in the transmission coefficient appears. The notch frequency and depth can thus be mechanically controlled, and this property can be of interest for the implementation of sensors and barcodes, as it is discussed.
Accuracy and Repeatability of the Gait Analysis by the WalkinSense System
Authors: Castro Marcelo P. de , Meucci Marco , Soares Denise P. , Fonseca Pedro , Borgonovo-Santos Márcio , Sousa Filipa , Machado Leandro , Vilas-Boas João Paulo
Published: February 2014

WalkinSense is a new device designed to monitor walking. The aim of this study was to measure the accuracy and repeatability of the gait analysis performed by the WalkinSense system. Descriptions of values recorded by WalkinSense depicting typical gait in adults are also presented. A bench experiment using the Trublu calibration device was conducted to statically test the WalkinSense. Following this, a dynamic test was carried out overlapping the WalkinSense and the Pedar insoles in 40 healthy participants during walking. Pressure peak, pressure peak time, pressure-time integral, and mean pressure at eight-foot regions were calculated. In the bench experiments, the repeatability (i) among the WalkinSense sensors (within), (ii) between two WalkinSense devices, and (iii) between the WalkinSense and the Trublu devices was excellent. In the dynamic tests, the repeatability of the WalkinSense (i) between stances in the same trial (within-trial) and (ii) between trials was also excellent (ICC > 0.90). When the eight-foot regions were analyzed separately, the within-trial and between-trials repeatability was good-to-excellent in 88% (ICC > 0.80) of the data and fair in 11%. In short, the data suggest that the WalkinSense has good-to-excellent levels of accuracy and repeatability for plantar pressure variables.
Innovative Data Fusion Enabled Structural Health Monitoring Approach
Authors: Zhao Xiukuan , Wang Ruolin , Gu Haichang , Song Gangbing , Mo Y. L.
Published: February 2014

Piezoceramic‐based active sensing is a useful approach to structural health monitoring. This approach often involves a large number of distributed piezoceramic transducers. It may be confusing to incorporate each sensor data. It is desired to develop an automated health monitoring approach to obtain a comprehensive and accurate health monitoring result by simultaneously interpreting data from all sensors. In this paper, an innovative data fusion enabled structural health monitoring (SHM) approach based on the Dempster‐Shafer (D‐S) evidence theory is proposed to obtain comprehensive SHM results for a distributed sensor network in a civil infrastructure. Considering that evidence from multiple different information sources (sensor data) has different levels of significance, not all evidence is equivalently effective for the final decision. A weighted fusion damage index (WFDI) is proposed to perform damage identification based on the authors’ recently developed piezoceramic‐based smart aggregates. Experimental data of a two‐story concrete frame was used to study the effectiveness of the proposed weighted fusion damage index. Analyses show that the proposed weighted fusion damage index can reveal the damage status of different areas of the frame. The results are consistent with the visual inspection of the cracks on the concrete frame.
A Low Cost Carbon Nanofiber Based Spiral Inductor: Inference and Implementation
Authors: Wiselin John , Suseela Sreeja Balakrishnapillai , Jalaja Bycil Viswambaran , Ramani Sherin Dhas Sahayadas Padma , Prasad Rajesh , Devaraj Sheeba , Shahul Suhaila , Swaminathan Sowmya
Published: February 2014

This paper investigates the possibilities of using carbon fiber as an inductor material by analyzing its inductive properties. Various shapes such as rectangular, spiral, helical, and cylindrical line structures have been simulated under various constraints using simulation software. Hardware implementations were also tested and both simulation and hardware results show that carbon fibers have the potential to replace copper inductor lines. The implemented spiral inductor produced a quality factor of 40 while producing an inductance of 4 nH at 1.2 GHz frequency.
ANN Synthesis Model of Single-Feed Corner-Truncated Circularly Polarized Microstrip Antenna with an Air Gap for Wideband Applications
Authors: Wang Zhongbao , Fang Shaojun
Published: February 2014

A computer-aided design model based on the artificial neural network (ANN) is proposed to directly obtain patch physical dimensions of the single-feed corner-truncated circularly polarized microstrip antenna (CPMA) with an air gap for wideband applications. To take account of the effect of the air gap, an equivalent relative permittivity is introduced and adopted to calculate the resonant frequency andQ-factor of square microstrip antennas for obtaining the training data sets. ANN architectures using multilayered perceptrons (MLPs) and radial basis function networks (RBFNs) are compared. Also, six learning algorithms are used to train the MLPs for comparison. It is found that MLPs trained with the Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) algorithm are better than RBFNs for the synthesis of the CPMA. An accurate model is achieved by using an MLP with three hidden layers. The model is validated by the electromagnetic simulation and measurements. It is enormously useful to antenna engineers for facilitating the design of the single-feed CPMA with an air gap.
ELFN1-AS1: A Novel Primate Gene with Possible MicroRNA Function Expressed Predominantly in Human Tumors
Authors: Polev Dmitrii E. , Karnaukhova Iuliia K. , Krukovskaya Larisa L. , Kozlov Andrei P.
Published: February 2014

Human geneLOC100505644 uncharacterized LOC100505644 [Homo sapiens](Entrez Gene ID 100505644) is abundantly expressed in tumors but weakly expressed in few normal tissues. Till now the function of this gene remains unknown. Here we identified the chromosomal borders of the transcribed region and the major splice form of theLOC100505644-specific transcript. We characterised the major regulatory motifs of the gene and its splice sites. Analysis of the secondary structure of the major transcript variant revealed a hairpin-like structure characteristic for precursor microRNAs. Comparative genomic analysis of the locus showed that it originated in primatesde novo. Taken together, our data indicate that human geneLOC100505644encodes some non-protein coding RNA, likely a microRNA. It was assigned a gene symbolELFN1-AS1(ELFN1 antisense RNA 1 (non-protein coding)). This gene combines features of evolutionary novelty and predominant expression in tumors.
Characterization of Geotomographic Studies with the EMRE System
Authors: Korpisalo Arto
Published: February 2014

Posiva Oy carries out research and development on spent nuclear fuel disposal in Finland. The repository will be constructed deep in the crystalline bedrock of Olkiluoto island in Eurajoki. Posiva Oy and ANDRA (France) have cooperated actively in examining methods for revealing properties of granitic bedrock. One of the considered methods was an electromagnetic cross-borehole survey, and RIM measurements were conducted in 2009. Olkiluoto migmatitic bedrock has undergone polyphasic ductile-brittle deformation and resistivity in the bedrock varies strongly in range of tens to tens of thousands of Ωm. Field work was successfully performed in one borehole pair. The results are presented in this paper. The tomographic reconstruction of the borehole section is based on the far-field approximation of the electric field. The results prove that the method can be used between boreholes to delineate and follow sulphide-bearing horizons. The detected low and high resistivity zones and their apparent shapes and orientations are in fair agreement with geological and other geophysical results. The obtained information can be used, for example, in assessing the integrity of the rock mass, as the increased electrical conductivity is often associated with rock mass deformation (clay and water bearing fractures, sulphide and graphite bearing zones).
Supplementation with Sodium Selenite and Selenium-Enriched Microalgae Biomass Show Varying Effects on Blood Enzymes Activities, Antioxidant Response, and Accumulation in Common Barbel (Barbus barbus)
Authors: Kouba Antonín , Velíšek Josef , Stará Alžběta , Masojídek Jiří , Kozák Pavel
Published: February 2014

Yearling common barbel (Barbus barbusL.) were fed four purified casein-based diets for 6 weeks in outdoor cages. Besides control diet, these were supplemented with 0.3 mg kg−1dw selenium (Se) from sodium selenite, or 0.3 and 1.0 mg kg−1from Se-enriched microalgae biomass (Chlorella), a previously untested Se source for fish. Fish mortality, growth, Se accumulation in muscle and liver, and activity of selected enzymes in blood plasma, muscle, liver, and intestine were evaluated. There was no mortality, and no differences in fish growth, among groups. Se concentrations in muscle and liver, activity of alanine aminotransferase and creatine kinase in blood plasma, glutathione reductase (GR) in muscle, and GR and catalase in muscle and liver suggested that selenium from Se-enrichedChlorellais more readily accumulated and biologically active while being less toxic than sodium selenite.
Antibacterial Activities andIn VitroAnti-Inflammatory (Membrane Stability) Properties of Methanolic Extracts ofGardenia coronariaLeaves
Authors: Chowdhury Amin , Azam Shofiul , Jainul Mohammed Abdullah , Faruq Kazi Omar , Islam Atiqul
Published: February 2014

This work is carried out withGardenia coronarialeaves that belong to the family Rubiaceae, which is a small-to-medium-sized but tall, deciduous tree, 7.6–9 m high on an average. Leaves are used for the treatment of rheumatic pain and bronchitis. The leaf of the plant consists of coronalolide, coronalolic acid, coronalolide methyl ester, ethyl coronalolate acetate triterpenes (secocycloartanes), and so forth. Methanol extract from the leaves ofGardenia coronariawas completely screened for membrane stability and antibacterial activity. The lower concentrations of Methanolic leaf extract ofGardenia coronariagave good antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, but higher concentrations gave relatively more projecting antibacterial activityin vitroas compared with Kanamycin. The crude drug’s anti-inflammatory effects were compared with those of Aspirin as positive control. The Methanolic extracts ofGardenia coronarialeaves possessed a broad spectrum antibacterial activity against a variety of both Gram-negative and Gram-positive organisms likeStreptococcus agalactiae,Escherichia coli,Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Bacillus cereus,Shigella sonnei,Shigella boydii, andProteus mirabilis, with a zone of inhibition from 10 to 16 mm. The extract also showed good membrane stability to be considered as having significant anti-inflammatory action.
Comparison of Host Immune Responses to Homologous and Heterologous Type II Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) Challenge in Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Pigs
Authors: Li X. , Galliher-Beckley A. , Pappan L. , Trible B. , Kerrigan M. , Beck A. , Hesse R. , Blecha F. , Nietfeld J. C. , Rowland R. R. , Shi J.
Published: February 2014

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a high-consequence animal disease with current vaccines providing limited protection from infection due to the high degree of genetic variation of field PRRS virus. Therefore, understanding host immune responses elicited by different PRRSV strains will facilitate the development of more effective vaccines. Using IngelVac modified live PRRSV vaccine (MLV), its parental strain VR-2332, and the heterologous KS-06-72109 strain (a Kansas isolate of PRRSV), we compared immune responses induced by vaccination and/or PRRSV infection. Our results showed that MLV can provide complete protection from homologous virus (VR-2332) and partial protection from heterologous (KS-06) challenge. The protection was associated with the levels of PRRSV neutralizing antibodies at the time of challenge, with vaccinated pigs having higher titers to VR-2332 compared to KS-06 strain. Challenge strain did not alter the cytokine expression profiles in the serum of vaccinated pigs or subpopulations of T cells. However, higher frequencies of IFN-γ-secreting PBMCs were generated from pigs challenged with heterologous PRRSV in a recall response when PBMCs were re-stimulated with PRRSV. Thus, this study indicates that serum neutralizing antibody titers are associated with PRRSV vaccination-induced protection against homologous and heterologous challenge.
Operator Ideal of Cesaro Type Sequence Spaces Involving Lacunary Sequence
Authors: Bakery Awad A.
Published: February 2014

The aim of this paper is to give the sufficient conditions on the sequence spaceCesθ,pdefined in Lim (1977) such that the class of all bounded linear operators between any arbitrary Banach spaces withnth approximation numbers of the bounded linear operators inCesθ,pform an operator ideal.
Early Stage Oropharyngeal Carcinomas: Comparing Quality of Life for Different Treatment Modalities
Authors: Ryzek Don-Felix , Mantsopoulos Konstantinos , Künzel Julian , Grundtner Philipp , Zenk Johannes , Iro Heinrich , Psychogios Georgios
Published: February 2014

Objective. To compare long-term quality of life outcomes after treating early stage oropharyngeal carcinoma either with surgery, surgery combined with radiotherapy, or surgery combined with chemoradiotherapy.Methods. Questionnaire based method: 111 eligible patients agreed to fill out a quality of life questionnaire.Results. Of the 32 scales contained in the EORTC’s combined QLQ-C30 and HN35, 11 scales show significantly better results for the surgery-only treatment group when compared to either surgery combined with radiotherapy or surgery combined with any type of adjuvant therapy. These eleven scales are role function (P=0.019/0.008), social function (P=0.01/0.034), nausea (P=0.017/0.025), pain (P=0.014/0.023), financial problems (P=0.030/0.012), speech (P=0.02/0.015), social eating (P=0.003/<0.001), mouth opening (P=0.033/0.016), sticky saliva (P=0.001/<0.001), swallowing (P<0.001/<0.001), and dry mouth (P<0.001/0.001).Conclusion. Treatment of early stage oropharyngeal carcinoma with surgery alone has definite advantages over treatments including any form of adjuvant therapy when considering quality of life. Advantages manifest themselves especially in functional aspects of the head and neck realm; however general health aspects as well as psychosocial aspects show improvements as well. This study does not show any indication of QOL-related drawbacks of surgery-only treatment approaches.
Interleukin-33 and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Lessons from Human Studies
Authors: Nunes Tiago , Bernardazzi Claudio , de Souza Heitor S.
Published: February 2014

Interleukin- (IL-) 33 is a widely expressed cytokine present in different cell types, such as epithelial, mesenchymal, and inflammatory cells, supporting a predominant role in innate immunity. IL-33 can function as a proinflammatory cytokine inducing Th2 type of immune response being involved with the defense against parasitic infections of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, it has been proposed that IL-33 can act as a signaling molecule alerting the immune system of danger or tissue damage. Recently, in the intestinal mucosa, overexpression of IL-33 has been reported in samples from patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). This review highlights the available data regarding IL-33 in human IBD and discusses emerging roles for IL-33 as a key modulator of intestinal inflammation.
A Tangible Programming Tool for Children to Cultivate Computational Thinking
Authors: Wang Danli , Wang Tingting , Liu Zhen
Published: February 2014

Game and creation are activities which have good potential for computational thinking skills. In this paper we present T-Maze, an economical tangible programming tool for children aged 5–9 to build computer programs in maze games by placing wooden blocks. Through the use of computer vision technology, T-Maze provides a live programming interface with real-time graphical and voice feedback. We conducted a user study with 7 children using T-Maze to play two levels of maze-escape games and create their own mazes. The results show that T-Maze is not only easy to use, but also has the potential to help children cultivate computational thinking like abstraction, problem decomposition, and creativity.
Evaluation of Facial Beauty Using Anthropometric Proportions
Authors: Milutinovic Jovana , Zelic Ksenija , Nedeljkovic Nenad
Published: February 2014

The improvement of a patient’s facial appearance is one of the main goals of contemporary orthodontic treatment. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the difference in facial proportions between attractive and anonymous females in order to establish objective facial features which are widely considered as beautiful. The study included two groups: first group consisted of 83 Caucasian female subjects between 22 and 28 years of age who were selected from the population of students at the University of Belgrade, and the second group included 24 attractive celebrity Caucasian females. The en face facial photographs were taken in natural head position (NHP). Numerous parameters were recorded on these photographs, in order to establish facial symmetry and correlation with the ideal set of proportions. This study showed significant difference between anonymous and attractive females. Attractive females showed smaller face in general and uniformity of the facial thirds and fifths, and most of the facial parameters meet the criteria of the ideal proportions.
Differential Host Cell Gene Expression and Regulation of Cell Cycle Progression by Nonstructural Protein 11 of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus
Authors: Sun Yan , Li Dong , Giri Sumanprava , Prasanth Supriya G. , Yoo Dongwan
Published: February 2014

Nonstructural protein 11 (nsp11) of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a viral endoribonuclease with an unknown function. The regulation of cellular gene expression by nsp11 was examined by RNA microarrays using MARC-nsp11 cells constitutively expressing nsp11. In these cells, the interferon-β, interferon regulatory factor 3, and nuclear factor-κB activities were suppressed compared to those of parental cells, suggesting that nsp11 might serve as a viral interferon antagonist. Differential cellular transcriptome was examined using Affymetrix exon chips representing 28,536 transcripts, and after statistical analyses 66 cellular genes were shown to be upregulated and 104 genes were downregulated by nsp11. These genes were grouped into 5 major signaling pathways according to their functional relations: histone-related, cell cycle and DNA replication, mitogen activated protein kinase signaling, complement, and ubiquitin-proteasome pathways. Of these, the modulation of cell cycle by nsp11 was further investigated since many of the regulated genes fell in this particular pathway. Flow cytometry showed that nsp11 caused the delay of cell cycle progression at the S phase and the BrdU staining confirmed the cell cycle arrest in nsp11-expressing cells. The study provides insights into the understanding of specific cellular responses to nsp11 during PRRSV infection.
Global Stability and Hopf Bifurcation of a Predator-Prey Model with Time Delay and Stage Structure
Authors: Wang Lingshu , Feng Guanghui
Published: February 2014

A delayed predator-prey system with Holling type II functional response and stage structure for both the predator and the prey is investigated. By analyzing the corresponding characteristic equations, the local stability of each of the feasible equilibria of the system is addressed and the existence of a Hopf bifurcation at the coexistence equilibrium is established. By means of persistence theory on infinite dimensional systems, it is proved that the system is permanent. By using Lyapunov functions and the LaSalle invariant principle, the global stability of each of the feasible equilibria of the model is discussed. Numerical simulations are carried out to illustrate the main theoretical results.
A Bilevel Programming Model to Optimize Train Operation Based on Satisfaction for an Intercity Rail Line
Authors: Huang Zhipeng , Niu Huimin
Published: February 2014

The passenger travel demands for intercity rail lines fluctuate obviously during different time periods, which makes the rail departments unable to establish an even train operation scheme. This paper considers an optimization problem for train operations which respond to passenger travel demands of different periods in intercity rail lines. A satisfactory function of passenger travelling is proposed by means of analyzing the passengers’ travel choice behavior and correlative influencing factors. On this basis, the paper formulates a bilevel programming model which maximizes interests of railway enterprises and travelling satisfaction of each passenger. The trains operation in different periods can be optimized through upper layer planning of the model, while considering the passenger flow distribution problem based on the Wardrop user equilibrium principle in the lower layer planning. Then, a genetic algorithm is designed according to model features for solving the upper laying. The Frank-Wolfe algorithm is used for solving the lower layer planning. Finally, a numerical example is provided to demonstrate the application of the method proposed in this paper.
Different Surfactants-Assisted Hydrothermal Fabrication and Photocatalytic Properties of Bi2MoO6for Methylene Blue Degradation under Simulated Sunlight Irradiation
Authors: Guo Wenfeng , Li Heping , Ma Haisheng , Teng Weixiu
Published: February 2014

Bi2MoO6single-crystallites were synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method in the presence of surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), or cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-vis DRS) techniques. The photocatalytic activities of the as-fabricated Bi2MoO6samples were measured for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under the Xe light illumination. It is shown that the introduction of surfactant have a crucial influence on the size and morphology of the Bi2MoO6product. Among the as-fabricated Bi2MoO6samples, the ones derived hydrothermally with CTAB showed outstanding photocatalytic activities for the addressed reaction under simulated sunlight irradiation, attributed to the ultrafine nanocrystals and the higher surface areas.
Bounds on Two-Phase Frictional Pressure Gradient and Void Fraction in Circular Pipes
Authors: Awad M. M. , Muzychka Y. S.
Published: February 2014

Simple rules are developed for obtaining rational bounds for two-phase frictional pressure gradient and void fraction in circular pipes. The bounds are based on turbulent-turbulent flow assumption. Both the lower and upper bounds for frictional pressure gradient are based on the separate cylinders formulation. For frictional pressure gradient, the lower bound is based on the separate cylinders formulation that uses the Blasius equation to represent the Fanning friction factor while the upper bound is based on the separate cylinders equation that represents well the Lockhart-Martinelli correlation for turbulent-turbulent flow. For void fraction, the lower bound is based on the separate cylinders formulation that uses the Blasius equation to predict the Fanning friction factor while the upper bound is based on the Butterworth relationship that represents well the Lockhart-Martinelli correlation. These two bounds are reversed in the case of liquid fraction (1-α). For frictional pressure gradient, the model is verified using published experimental data of two-phase frictional pressure gradient versus mass flux at constant mass quality. The published data include different working fluids such as R-12, R-22, and Argon at different mass qualities, different pipe diameters, and different saturation temperatures. The bounds models are also presented in a dimensionless form as two-phase frictional multiplier (ϕland ϕg) versus Lockhart-Martinelli parameter ( X) for different working fluids such as R-12, R-22, and air-water and steam mixtures. For void fraction, the bounds models are verified using published experimental data of void fraction versus mass quality at constant mass flow rate. The published data include different working fluids such as steam, R-12, R-22, and R-410A at different pipe diameters, different pressures, and different mass flow rates. It is shown that the published data can be well bounded for a wide range of mass fluxes, mass qualities, pipe diameters, and saturation temperatures.
Comparison of Heavy Labeled (SIL) Peptide versus SILAC Protein Internal Standards for LC-MS/MS Quantification of Hepatic Drug Transporters
Authors: Prasad Bhagwat , Unadkat Jashvant D.
Published: February 2014

We studied the precision of quantification of organic anion-transporting polypeptide 1B1 (OATP1B1), OATP1B3, OATP2B1, and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in human livers by surrogate peptide based LC-MS/MS approach using two different internal standards: stable isotope labeled peptide (SIL) versus stable isotope labeled protein (SILAC). The SIL peptides were procured commercially and the SILAC proteins were generated in-house by labeling arginine and/or lysine residues in cells expressing these transporters. Liver tissue n=20 was homogenized and the membrane fraction was isolated. The membranes were trypsin digested and the peptides were analyzed using LC-MS/MS under optimized conditions. The precision in the quantification of proteins in three independently trypsin digested samples from each liver was calculated as the standard deviation of the log transformed protein concentration. The precision of the SIL internal standard method was either slightly (P<0.05, paired t-test) better than that of the SILAC method (OATP1B1, OATP1B3, and P-gp) or not different (OATP2B1). Trypsin digestion, as measured by the response of the labeled peptide derived from the SILAC protein, was consistent across liver samples. These results indicate that when maximum trypsin digestion is ensured, the SIL internal standard method can be used with confidence for quantification of drug transporters.
A Clinical and Pathological Overview of Vulvar Condyloma Acuminatum, Intraepithelial Neoplasia, and Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Léonard Boris , Kridelka Frederic , Delbecque Katty , Goffin Frederic , Demoulin Stéphanie , Doyen Jean , Delvenne Philippe
Published: February 2014

Condyloma acuminatum, intraepithelial neoplasia, and squamous cell carcinoma are three relatively frequent vulvar lesions. Condyloma acuminatum is induced by low risk genotypes of human papillomavirus (HPV). Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) and squamous cell carcinoma have different etiopathogenic pathways and are related or not with high risk HPV types. The goal of this paper is to review the main pathological and clinical features of these lesions. A special attention has been paid also to epidemiological data, pathological classification, and clinical implications of these diseases.
Dementia Care: Intersecting Informal Family Care and Formal Care Systems
Authors: Singh Prabhjot , Hussain Rafat , Khan Adeel , Irwin Lyn , Foskey Roslyn
Published: February 2014

Dementia is one of the major causes of disability and dependence amongst older people and previous research has highlighted how the well-being of people with dementia is inherently connected to the quality of their relationships with their informal carers. In turn, these carers can experience significant levels of emotional stress and physical burden from the demands of caring for a family member with dementia, yet their uptake of formal services tends to be lower than in other conditions related to ageing. This paper is based on a qualitative study undertaken in the Australian state of Queensland and explores issues of access to and use of formal services in dementia care from the perspective of the informal family carers. It identifies three critical points at which changes in policy and practice in the formal care system could improve the capability of informal carers to continue to care for their family member with dementia: when symptoms first become apparent and a diagnosis is sought; when the condition of the person with dementia changes resulting in a change to their support needs; and when the burden of informal care being experienced by the carer is so great that some form of transition appears to be immanent in the care arrangement.
The Identification of Nonlinear Systems Using C(t)‐K(t) Plane Coordinates
Authors: Chen Ming-Fei , Chen Dyi-Cheng , Yang Chung-Heng , Tseng Shih-Feng
Published: February 2014

In order to instantaneously distinguish the C(t) (coefficient of viscous damping) and K(t) (coefficient of stiffness), which are both functions of time in an M.C.K. nonlinear system, a new identification method is proposed in this paper. The graphs of the C(t)‐K(t) are analyzed and the dynamic behavior of M.C.K. systems in a C(t)‐K(t) coordinate plane is discussed. This method calculates two adjacent sampling data, the displacement, velocity, and acceleration (which are obtained from the responses of a pulse response experiment) and then distinguishes C(t) and K(t) of an instantaneous system. Finally, this method is used to identify the aerostatic bearing dynamic parameters, C and K.
The Endothelial ADMA/NO Pathway in Hypoxia-Related Chronic Respiratory Diseases
Authors: Lüneburg Nicole , Harbaum Lars , Hennigs Jan K.
Published: February 2014

Since its discovery, many adhere to the view that asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), as an inhibitor of the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO), contributes to the pathogenesis of various diseases. Particularly, this is evident in disease of the cardiovascular system, in which endothelial dysfunction results in an imbalance between vasoconstriction and vasodilatation. Even if increased ADMA concentrations are closely related to an endothelial dysfunction, several studies pointed to a potential beneficial effect of ADMA, mainly in the context of angioproliferative disease such as cancer and fibrosis. Antiproliferative properties of ADMA independent of NO have been identified in this context. In particular, the regulation of ADMA by its degrading enzyme dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH) is the object of many studies. DDAH is discussed as a promising therapeutic target for the indirect regulation of NO. In hypoxia-related chronic respiratory diseases, this controversy discussion of ADMA and DDAH is particularly evident and is therefore subject of this review.
Utilizing Fast Spin Echo MRI to Reduce Image Artifacts and Improve Implant/Tissue Interface Detection in Refractory Parkinson’s Patients with Deep Brain Stimulators
Authors: Sarkar Subhendra N. , Sarkar Pooja R. , Papavassiliou Efstathios , Rojas Rafael R.
Published: February 2014

Introduction. In medically refractory Parkinson’s disease (PD) deep-brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective therapeutic tool. Postimplantation MRI is important in assessing tissue damage and DBS lead placement accuracy. We wanted to identify which MRI sequence can detect DBS leads with smallest artifactual signal void, allowing better tissue/electrode edge conspicuity.Methods. Using an IRB approved protocol 8 advanced PD patients were imaged within MR conditional safety guidelines at low RF power (SAR ≤ 0.1 W/kg) in coronal plane at 1.5T by various sequences. The image slices were subjectively evaluated for diagnostic quality and the lead contact diameters were compared to identify a sequence least affected by metallic leads.Results and Discussion. Spin echo and fast spin echo based low SAR sequences provided acceptable image quality with comparable image blooming (enlargement) of stimulator leads. The mean lead diameters were2.2±0.1 mm for 2D,2.1±0.1 mm for 3D, and4.0±0.2 mm for 3D MPRAGE sequence.Conclusion. Low RF power spin echo and fast spin echo based 2D and 3D FSE sequences provide acceptable image quality adjacent to DBS leads. The smallest artifactual blooming of stimulator leads is present on 3D FSE while the largest signal void appears in the 3D MPRAGE sequence.
MIP Models and Hybrid Algorithms for Simultaneous Job Splitting and Scheduling on Unrelated Parallel Machines
Authors: Yilmaz Eroglu Duygu , Ozmutlu H. Cenk
Published: February 2014

We developed mixed integer programming (MIP) models and hybrid genetic-local search algorithms for the scheduling problem of unrelated parallel machines with job sequence and machine-dependent setup times and with job splitting property. The first contribution of this paper is to introduce novel algorithms which make splitting and scheduling simultaneously with variable number of subjobs. We proposed simple chromosome structure which is constituted by random key numbers in hybrid genetic-local search algorithm (GAspLA). Random key numbers are used frequently in genetic algorithms, but it creates additional difficulty when hybrid factors in local search are implemented. We developed algorithms that satisfy the adaptation of results of local search into the genetic algorithms with minimum relocation operation of genes’ random key numbers. This is the second contribution of the paper. The third contribution of this paper is three developed new MIP models which are making splitting and scheduling simultaneously. The fourth contribution of this paper is implementation of the GAspLAMIP. This implementation let us verify the optimality of GAspLA for the studied combinations. The proposed methods are tested on a set of problems taken from the literature and the results validate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.
Risks and Crises for Healthcare Providers: The Impact of Cloud Computing
Authors: Glasberg Ronald , Hartmann Michael , Draheim Michael , Tamm Gerrit , Hessel Franz
Published: February 2014

We analyze risks and crises for healthcare providers and discuss the impact of cloud computing in such scenarios. The analysis is conducted in a holistic way, taking into account organizational and human aspects, clinical, IT-related, and utilities-related risks as well as incorporating the view of the overall risk management.
Dynamics of Dissolved Oxygen in Relation to Saturation and Health of an Aquatic Body: A Case for Chilka Lagoon, India
Authors: Prasad B. S. R. V. , Srinivasu P. D. N. , Varma P. Sarada , Raman A. V. , Ray Santanu
Published: February 2014

Dissolved oxygen (DO) is essential for an aquatic ecosystem since it controls the biological productivity. Here, we propose a unidimensional dynamic model for DO by incorporating biological (photosynthesis, respiration, and mineralization), physical (atmospheric reaeration) and chemical (nitrification) processes so characteristic of shallow coastal water bodies. The analytical study of the proposed model is focussed on supersaturation and undersaturation of oxygen in the water body. The controllability of the ecosystem health has also been investigated. Model results indicate that, while undersaturation of oxygen is largely governed by nitrification and Net Ecosystem Metabolism (NEM), the supersaturation is controlled by photosynthetic activity. The model results are corroborated with observed data collected from Chilka lagoon, India. Subsequently, a biogeochemical model to study the DO variations in Chilka lagoon has been constructed. The model is properly calibrated and validated with observed data. Two independent sets of data (2004-2005 and 2005-2006) were used for model calibration and validation and Chi-square tests supported its robustness (R2=0.982 and 0.987; P<0.05). The model was used to evaluate independently the influence of individual taxa (diatoms, microphytobenthos, and cyanophyceans) on DO variations. Simulations indicate the vital role of microphytobenthos in lagoon DO dynamics and the overall wellbeing.
Chronic Fluoxetine Treatment Suppresses Plasticity (Long-Term Potentiation) in the Mature Rodent Primary Auditory CortexIn Vivo
Authors: Dringenberg Hans C. , Branfield Day Leora R. , Choi Deanna H.
Published: February 2014

Several recent studies have provided evidence that chronic treatment with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluoxetine can facilitate synaptic plasticity (e.g., ocular dominance shifts) in the adult central nervous system. Here, we assessed whether fluoxetine enhances long-term potentiation (LTP) in the thalamocortical auditory system of mature rats, a developmentally regulated form of plasticity that shows a characteristic decline during postnatal life. Adult rats were chronically treated with fluoxetine (administered in the drinking water, 0.2 mg/mL, four weeks of treatment). Electrophysiological assessments were conducted using an anesthetized (urethane)in vivopreparation, with LTP of field potentials in the primary auditory cortex (A1) induced by theta-burst stimulation of the medial geniculate nucleus. We find that, compared to water-treated control animals, fluoxetine-treated rats did not express higher levels of LTP and, in fact, exhibited reduced levels of potentiation at presumed intracortical A1 synapses. Bioactivity of fluoxetine was confirmed by a reduction of weight gain and fluid intake during the four-week treatment period. We conclude that chronic fluoxetine treatment fails to enhance LTP in the mature rodent thalamocortical auditory system, results that bring into question the notion that SSRIs act as general facilitators of synaptic plasticity in the mammalian forebrain.
Impact of Core-Forming Segment Structure on Drug Loading in Biodegradable Polymeric Micelles Using PEG-b-Poly(lactide-co-depsipeptide) Block Copolymers
Authors: Takahashi Akihiro , Ozaki Yuta , Kuzuya Akinori , Ohya Yuichi
Published: February 2014

We synthesized series of amphiphilic AB-type block copolymers having systematic variation in the core-forming segments using poly(lactide-co-depsipeptide)s as a hydrophobic segment and prepared polymeric micelles using the block copolymers, PEG-b-poly(lactide-co-depsipeptide). We then discussed the relationship between the core-forming segment structure and drug loading efficiency for the polymeric micelles. PEG-b-poly(lactide-co-depsipeptide)s, PEG-b-PLGL containingl-leucine (Leu), and PEG-b-PLGF containingl-phenylalanine (Phe), with similar molecular weights and various mole fractions of depsipeptide units, were synthesized. Polymeric micelles entrapping model drug (fluorescein, FL) were prepared using these copolymers. As a result, PEG-b-poly(lactide-co-depsipeptide) micelles showed higher drug loading compared with PEG-b-PLLA and PEG-b-PDLLA as controls. The drug loading increased with increase in the mole fraction of depsipeptide unit in the hydrophobic segments. The introduction of aliphatic and aromatic depsipeptide units was effective to achieve higher FL loading into the micelles. PEG-b-PLGL micelle showed higher drug loading than PEG-b-PLGF micelle when the amount of FL in feed was high. These results obtained in this study should be useful for strategic design of polymeric micelle-type drug delivery carrier with high drug loading efficiency.
Molecular Epidemiology and Genotyping ofMycobacterium tuberculosisIsolated in Baghdad
Authors: Mustafa Ali Ruqaya , Trovato Alberto , Couvin David , Al-Thwani Amina N. , Borroni Emanuele , Dhaer Fahim H. , Rastogi Nalin , Cirillo Daniela M.
Published: February 2014

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major health problem in Iraq but the strains responsible for the epidemic have been poorly characterized. Our aim was to characterize the TB strains circulating in Bagdad (Iraq). A total of 270Mycobacterium tuberculosiscomplex (MTBC) strains isolated between 2010 and 2011 from TB patients attending the Center of Chest and Respiratory diseases in Baghdad were analyzed by Spoligotyping. The analysis indicated that 94.1% of the isolates belong to known genotype clades: CAS 39.6%, ill-defined T clade 29.6%, Manu 7.4%, Haarlem 7%, Ural 4.1%, LAM 3.3%, X 0.7%, LAM7-TUR 0.7%, EAI 0.7%, S 0.7%, and unknown 5.9%. Comparison with the international multimarker database SITVIT2 showed that SIT 309 (CAS1-Delhi) and SIT1144 (T1) were the most common types. In addition, 44 strains were included in SITVIT2 database under 16 new Spoligotype International Types (SITs); of these, 6 SITs (SIT3346, SIT3497, SIT3708, SIT3790, SIT3791, and SIT3800) (n= 32 strains) were created within the present study and 10 were created after a match with an orphan in the database. By using 24-loci MIRU-VNTR-typing on a subset of 110 samples we found a high recent transmission index (RTI) of 33.6%. In conclusion, we present the first unifying framework for both epidemiology and evolutionary analysis ofM. tuberculosisin Iraq.
Some New Type Sigma Convergent Sequence Spaces and Some New Inequalities
Authors: Kayaduman Kuddusi , Şengönül Mehmet
Published: February 2014

We have discussed some important problems about the spacesV~σandV~0σof Cesàro sigma convergent and Cesàro null sequence.
Isolation and Biochemical Characterization of a New Thrombin-Like Serine Protease fromBothrops pirajaiSnake Venom
Authors: Zaqueo Kayena D. , Kayano Anderson M. , Simões-Silva Rodrigo , Moreira-Dill Leandro S. , Fernandes Carla F. C. , Fuly André L. , Maltarollo Vinícius G. , Honório Kathia M. , da Silva Saulo L. , Acosta Gerardo , Caballol Maria Antonia O. , de Oliveira Eliandre , Albericio Fernando , Calderon Leonardo A. , Soares Andreimar M. , Stábeli Rodrigo G.
Published: February 2014

This paper presents a novel serine protease (SP) isolated fromBothrops pirajai, a venomous snake found solely in Brazil that belongs to the Viperidae family. The identified SP, named BpirSP-39, was isolated by three chromatographic steps (size exclusion, bioaffinity, and reverse phase chromatographies). The molecular mass of BpirSP-39 was estimated by SDS-PAGE and confirmed by mass spectrometry (39,408.32 Da). The protein was able to form fibrin networks, which was not observed in the presence of serine protease inhibitors, such as phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF). Furthermore, BpirSP-39 presented considerable thermal stability and was apparently able to activate factor XIII of the blood coagulation cascade, unlike most serine proteases. BpirSP-39 was capable of hydrolyzing different chromogenic substrates tested (S-2222, S-2302, and S-2238) while Cu2+significantly diminished BspirSP-39 activity on the three tested substrates. The enzyme promoted platelet aggregation and also exhibited fibrinogenolytic, fibrinolytic, gelatinolytic, and amidolytic activities. The multiple alignment showed high sequence similarity to other thrombin-like enzymes from snake venoms. These results allow us to conclude that a new SP was isolated fromBothrops pirajaisnake venom.
Efficient UAV Path Planning with Multiconstraints in a 3D Large Battlefield Environment
Authors: Zhan Weiwei , Wang Wei , Chen Nengcheng , Wang Chao
Published: February 2014

This study introduces an improved A* algorithm for the real‐time path planning of Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs) in a 3D large‐scale battlefield environment to solve the problem that UAVs require high survival rates and low fuel consumption. The algorithm is able to find the optimal path between two waypoints in the target space and comprehensively takes factors such as altitude, detection probability, and path length into account. It considers the maneuverability constraints of the UAV, including the safety altitude, climb rate, and turning radius, to obtain the final flyable path. Finally, the authors test the algorithm in an approximately 2,500,000 square meter area containing radars, no‐fly zones, and extreme weather conditions to measure its feasibility, stability, and efficiency.
Effects of Dietary Cholesterol and Its Oxidation Products on Pathological Lesions and Cholesterol and Lipid Oxidation in the Rabbit Liver
Authors: Hur Sun Jin , Nam Ki Chang , Min Byungrok , Du Min , Seo Kwon Il , Ahn Dong Uk
Published: February 2014

This study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary cholesterol (CHO) and cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) on the induction of pathological lesions in rabbit liver tissues. Liver lesions were induced only when the levels of CHO and COPs in the diet were very high. The amount of CHO measured in the liver increased when dietary CHO was increased; by comparison, dietary COPs affected liver CHO amounts to a lesser extent. The TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) value measured for the liver samples also increased when dietary CHO and COP levels were elevated, and the TBARS value was more strongly affected by the amount of COPs in the diet than by the amount of CHO. At 6 and 12 weeks, COP levels were the highest in the group that received 1.2 g CHO + 0.8 g COPs, followed by the 0.5 g CHO + 0.5 g COPs and 1.6 g CHO + 0.4 g COPs groups; the control (0 g) group showed the lowest COP levels among all groups. In this study, we found that not only dietary CHO but also COPs were involved in hypercholesterolemia induced liver lesions when the amount of CHO and COPs was high.
Characterization of Developmental- and Stress-Mediated Expression of Cinnamoyl-CoA Reductase in Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinusL.)
Authors: Ghosh Ritesh , Choi Bosung , Cho Byoung-Kwan , Lim Hyoun-Sub , Park Sang-Un , Bae Hyeun-Jong , Natarajan Savithiry , Bae Hanhong
Published: February 2014

Cinnamoyl-CoA reductase (CCR) is an important enzyme for lignin biosynthesis as it catalyzes the first specific committed step in monolignol biosynthesis. We have cloned a full length coding sequence ofCCRfrom kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinusL.), which contains a 1,020-bp open reading frame (ORF), encoding 339 amino acids of 37.37 kDa, with an isoelectric point (pI) of 6.27 (JX524276,HcCCR2). BLAST result found that it has high homology with other plant CCR orthologs. Multiple alignment with other plant CCR sequences showed that it contains two highly conserved motifs: NAD(P) binding domain (VTGAGGFIASWMVKLLLEKGY) at N-terminal and probable catalytic domain (NWYCYGK). According to phylogenetic analysis, it was closely related to CCR sequences ofGossypium hirsutum(ACQ59094) andPopulus trichocarpa(CAC07424).HcCCR2showed ubiquitous expression in various kenaf tissues and the highest expression was detected in mature flower.HcCCR2was expressed differentially in response to various stresses, and the highest expression was observed by drought and NaCl treatments.