bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of two point‐of‐care ethylene glycol tests for dogs
Authors: Creighton Karina J. , Koenigshof Amy M. , Weder Christian D. , Jutkowitz L. Ari
Published: July 2014

Objective

To evaluate 2 point‐of‐care ethylene glycol (EG) tests in dogs.

Design

Prospective, randomized, blinded laboratory evaluation.

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Animals

Ten healthy adult dogs.

Interventions

Jugular venipuncture and in vitro evaluation for detection of EG in canine blood.

Measurements

Whole blood samples were centrifuged and separated, and the plasma was divided into 30 aliquots. The aliquots were mixed with EG to provide EG concentrations ranging from 0 to 100 mg/dL. The EG concentration of each sample was confirmed using gas chromatography. For the VetSpec EG Qualitative Reagent Test Kit, 100 μL of each sample was added to test vials and compared with 20 and 50 mg/dL reference vials. For the Kacey EG Test Strips, 20 μL of each sample was added to the test circle and compared with the color chart provided by the manufacturer. For each test, samples were prepared in groups of 5 and presented in randomized order to 2 readers who were blinded to the presumed EG concentration. Samples were scored as negative, 20–50 mg/dL, or greater than 50 mg/dL. For each test, the sensitivity and specificity for detecting EG was calculated. Cohen's unweighted kappa coefficient was calculated to determine the degree of agreement between readers.

Main Results

For detecting EG, the Kacey EG Test Strips had excellent sensitivity and specificity (both 100%) and good agreement between readers. The VetSpec EG Qualitative Reagent Test Kit was less sensitive and specific (65% and 70% for the first reader, 95% and 40% for the second) with less agreement.

Conclusions

Of the 2 systems evaluated, the Kacey EG Test Strips displayed greater accuracy and ease of use.
PREVALENCE OF EAR DISEASE IN DOGS UNDERGOING MULTIDETECTOR THIN‐SLICE COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY OF THE HEAD
Authors: Foster Allison , Morandi Federica , May Elizabeth
Published: July 2014

Previous reports describing the prevalence of ear diseases in dogs have primarily been based on dogs presenting with clinical signs of disease. The prevalence of subclinical ear disease remains unknown. The purpose of this cross‐sectional retrospective study was to describe the prevalence of lesions consistent with middle and external ear disease in dogs presented for multidetector computed tomography (CT) of the head and/or cranial cervical spine at our hospital during the period of July 2011 and August 2013. For each included dog, data recorded were signalment, CT findings, diagnosis, and treatment. A total of 199 dogs met inclusion criteria. Nineteen dogs (9.5%) were referred for evaluation of suspected ear disease and 27 dogs (13.5%) had histories or physical examination findings consistent with otitis externa. A total of 163 dogs (81.9%) had CT lesions consistent with external ear disease (i.e. ear canal mineralization, external canal thickening, and/or narrowing of the external canal). Thirty‐nine dogs (19.5%) had CT lesions consistent with middle ear disease (i.e. soft tissue attenuating/fluid material in the tympanic bullae, bulla wall thickening or lysis, and/or periosteal proliferation of the temporal bone). Findings from this study indicated that the prevalence of external and middle ear disease in dogs could be higher than that previously reported.
Effect of Fuel and Oxygen Carriers on the Hydrodynamics of Fuel Reactor in a Chemical Looping Combustion System
Authors: Harichandan Atal Bihari , Shamim Tariq
Published: July 2014

The hydrodynamics of a fuel reactor in a chemical looping combustion (CLC) system is analyzed by using a multiphase two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model that involves solid–gas interactions and chemical reactions. The study compares the fuel reactors of two CLC systems numerically by using hydrogen with calcium sulfide as an oxygen carrier, and methane with nickel as an oxygen carrier in similar conditions. Kinetic theory of granular flow has been adopted. The model considers the conservation equations of mass, momentum and species, and reaction kinetics of oxygen carriers. The results obtained are in good agreement with the experimental and numerical results available in open literature. The bubble hydrodynamics in both the fuel reactors are analyzed. The salient features of the bubble formation, rise, and burst are more prominent in the hydrogen-fueled reactor as compared to the methane-fueled reactor. The fuel conversion rate is found to be larger for the hydrogen-fueled reactor.
Onset of Oscillations in Traveling Wave Thermo-Acoustic-Piezo-Electric Harvesters Using Circuit Analogy and SPICE Modeling
Authors: Nouh M. , Aldraihem O. , Baz A.
Published: July 2014

Equations governing different physical fields such as mechanical, acoustical, and electrical are inherently similar. This enables mechanical, thermal, and acoustical networks to be fully described with analogous electric networks. For thermo-acoustic-piezo-electric (TAP) harvesters, such a modeling approach allows the whole system to be characterized in the electrical domain and facilitates the understanding of the underlying physics. In this paper, a traveling wave thermo-acoustic-piezoelectric (TWTAP) energy harvester is considered which converts thermal energy, such as solar or waste heat energy, directly into electrical energy without the need for any moving components. The input thermal energy generates a steep temperature gradient along a porous regenerator. At a critical threshold of the temperature gradient, self-sustained acoustic waves are developed inside an acoustic resonator. The associated pressure fluctuations impinge on a piezo-electric diaphragm, placed at the end of the resonator, to generate electricity. The acoustic pressure oscillations are amplified by a specially designed acoustic feedback loop that introduces appropriate phasing to make the pulsations take the form of traveling waves. The behavior of this TWTAP is modeled using electrical circuit analogy. The developed model combines the descriptions of the acoustic resonator, feedback loop, and the regenerator with the characteristics of the piezo-electric diaphragm. With the help of a simulation program with integrated circuit emphasis (SPICE) code, the developed electric circuit is used to analyze the system’s stability with regard to the input heat and hence predict the necessary temperature ratio required to establish the onset of self-sustained oscillations inside the harvester’s resonator. The predictions are compared with published results obtained using root locus and numerical methods and validated against experiments. This approach provides a very practical approach to the design of TAP energy harvesters both in the time and frequency domain. Such capabilities do not exist presently in the well-known design tool design environment for low-amplitude thermo-acoustic energy conversion (DeltaEC) developed at Los Almos National Laboratory which is limited to steady-state analysis. This is in contrast to the present approach which can be applicable to both steady as well as transient analysis.
Computation of Hemodynamics in Tortuous Left Coronary Artery: A Morphological Parametric Study
Authors: Xie Xinzhou , Wang Yuanyuan , Zhu Hongmin , Zhou Jingmin
Published: July 2014

Coronary tortuosity (CT) would alter the local wall shear stress (WSS) and may become a risk factor for atherosclerosis. Here we performed a systematic computational study to relate CT morphological parameters to abnormal WSS, which is a predisposing factor to the formation of atherosclerotic lesions. Several idealized left coronary artery (LCA) models were created to conduct a series of morphological parametric studies, in which we concentrate on three specific morphological parameters, the center line radius (CLR), the bend angle (BA), and the length between two adjust bends (LBB). The time averaged WSS (TAWSS), the oscillatory shear index (OSI), and the time averaged WSS gradient (WSSGnd) were explored by using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method, in order to determine susceptible sites for the onset of early atherosclerosis. In addition, two realistic LCA models were reconstructed to further validate the finding's credibility. The CLR and LBB had great impact on the distributions of WSS-derived parameters, while the BA had minor impact on the hemodynamic of the tortuous arteries. Abnormal regions with low TAWSS (TAWSS < 0.5 Pa), high OSI (OSI > 0.1) and high WSSGnd (WSSGnd > 8) were observed at the inner wall of bend sections in the models with small CLR or small LBB. These findings were also confirmed in the realistic models. Severe CT with small CLR or LBB would lead to the formation of abnormal WSS regions at the bend sections and providing these regions with favorable conditions for the onset and/or progression of atherosclerosis.
An Investigation of the Grinding-Hardening Induced by Traverse Cylindrical Grinding
Authors: Nguyen Thai , Liu Mei , Zhang Liangchi , Wu Qiong , Sun Dale
Published: July 2014

This study investigates the formation of the layer hardened on a cylindrical workpiece by grinding-hardening using the traverse grinding method. A finite element heat transfer model, that took into account the helical trajectory of the of the grinding heat source movement, was developed. The hardened layer was found featuring a wavy profile as a result of the heat conduction from an adiabatic plane crossing the middle of the trajectory pitch. The accumulation of the grinding heat within a small pitch can lead to the welding of the molten material with the base material. Enlarging the pitch by reducing the workpiece speed will increase the time of heating, allowing the heat to penetrate deeper and to expand wider in the workpiece, thus thickening the hardened layer.
Effects of subtracting sitting versus adding exercise on glycemic control and variability in sedentary office workers
Authors: Blankenship Jennifer M. , Granados Kirsten , Braun Barry
Published: July 2014

Recent evidence suggests that, like adding exercise, reducing sitting time may improve cardiometabolic health. There has not been a direct comparison of the 2 strategies with energy expenditure held constant. The purpose of this study was to compare fasting and postmeal glucose and insulin concentrations in response to a day with frequent breaks from sitting but no exercise versus considerable sitting plus moderate exercise. Ten sedentary overweight/obese office workers were tested in 3 conditions: (i) walking per activity guidelines (AGW): sitting for majority of workday with a 30 min pre-lunch walk; (ii) frequent long breaks (FLB): no structured exercise but frequent breaks from sitting during workday with energy expenditure matched to AGW; and (iii) frequent short breaks (FSB): number of breaks matched to FLB, but duration of breaks were shorter. Plasma glucose and insulin areas under the curve were measured in response to a meal tolerance test (MTT) at the end of the workday and interstitial glucose was evaluated throughout the day and overnight using continuous glucose monitoring. Using repeated-measures linear mixed models, area under the curve of plasma glucose or insulin after the MTT was not different between conditions. Glycemic variability was lower in FLB compared with AGW (p < 0.05), and nocturnal duration of elevated glucose (>7.8 mmol/L) was shorter after FLB (2.5 ± 2.5 min) than AGW (32.7 ± 16.4 min) or FSB (45.6 ± 29.6 min, p = 0.05). When energy expenditure was matched, breaks from sitting approximated the effects of moderate-intensity exercise on postmeal glucose and insulin responses and more effectively constrained glycemic variability.
Lattice Boltzmann simulation of rising bubble dynamics using an effective buoyancy method
Authors: Ngachin Merlin , Galdamez Rinaldo G. , Gokaltun Seckin , Sukop Michael C.
Published: July 2014

This study describes the behavior of bubbles rising under gravity using the Shan and Chen-type multicomponent multiphase lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) [X. Shan and H. Chen, Phys. Rev. E47, 1815 (1993)]. Two-dimensional (2D) single bubble motions were simulated, considering the buoyancy effect for which the topology of the bubble was characterized by the nondimensional Eötvös (Eo), and Morton (M) numbers. In this study, a new approach based on the "effective buoyancy" was adopted and proven to be consistent with the expected bubble shape deformation. This approach expands the range of effective density differences between the bubble and the liquid that can be simulated. Based on the balance of forces acting on the bubble, it can deform from spherical to ellipsoidal shape with skirts appearing at high Eo number. A benchmark computational case for qualitative and quantitative validation was performed using COMSOL Multiphysics based on the level set method. Simulations were conducted for 1 ≤ Eo ≤ 100 and 3 × 10-6≤ M ≤ 2.73 × 10-3. Interfacial tension was checked through simulations without gravity, where Laplace's law was satisfied. Finally, quantitative analyses based on the terminal rise velocity and the degree of circularity was performed for various Eo and M values. Our results were compared with both the theoretical shape regimes given in literature and available simulation results.
Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and electrical properties of fullerene-based poly (methylmethacrylate) polymers
Authors: Singh Supriya , Dwivedi Ashutosh , Shukla R. K. , Kamal Meet
Published: July 2014

Fullerene grafted poly (methylmethacrylate) polymers have been studied using X-ray diffraction and raman spectroscopy to analyze their polymeric structure. The electrical properties of prepared polymers have also been studied. The X-ray diffraction and raman spectroscopy pattern of pure buckminster fullerene ( C 60) has been compared with prepared polymeric samples. Raman spectroscopy indicates that a structural change occurs due to grafting. The vibrations in the relative intensity of peaks and shifts in energy are observed. The lower scattering efficiency of pure fullerene ( C 60) is observed at 1468 cm-1.The values for poly (methylmethacrylate) are observed at 3000 cm-1. The result show a large shift in the intense raman spectral region of fullerene-based poly (methylmethacrylate) which lies between 2500 cm-1 and 3000 cm-1. X-ray diffraction shows an unusual variation in crystallite size of polymeric samples. Generally it has been observed that polymers are insulators, but noticeably fullerene-based poly (methylmethacrylate) show conducting behavior.
On the virtual Alexander polynomial of periodic virtual knots
Authors: Kim Joonoh , Lee Sang Youl , Seo Myoungsoo
Published: July 2014

In this paper, we give a relationship between the virtual Alexander polynomial of a periodic virtual knot and that of its factor knot. As an application, we improve Im–Lee's table of possible periods of 117 virtual knots with classical crossings ≤ 4 in Jeremy Green's table. In particular, we prove that the virtual knots 4.1 and 4.77 have the actual period 2 and no others, and the virtual knot 4.99 has the actual period 2.
On quotient structure of Takasaki quandles II
Authors: Bae Yongju , Kim Seongjeong
Published: July 2014

A Takasaki quandle (T(G), *) is a quandle under the binary operation * defined by a*b = 2b-a for an abelian group (G, +). In this paper, we will show that if a subquandle X of a Takasaki quandle G is a image of subgroup of G under a quandle automorphism of T(G), then the set {X * g | g ∈ G} is a quandle under the binary operation *′ defined by (X * g) *′ (X * h) = X * (g * h). On the other hand, the quotient structure studied in [On quotients of quandles, J. Knot Theory Ramifications 19(9) (2010) 1145–1156] can be applied to the Takasaki quandles. In this paper, we will review the quotient structure studied in [On quotients of quandles, J. Knot Theory Ramifications 19(9) (2010) 1145–1156], and show that the quotient quandle coincides with the quotient quandle defined by Bunch, Lofgren, Rapp and Yetter in [On quotients of quandles, J. Knot Theory Ramifications 19(9) (2010) 1145–1156] for connected Takasaki quandles.
Vaidya solutions in general covariant Hořava–Lifshitz gravity without projectability: Infrared limit
Authors: Goldoni O. , da Silva M. F. A. , Pinheiro G. , Chan R.
Published: July 2014

In this paper, we have studied nonstationary radiative spherically symmetric spacetime, in general covariant theory (U(1) extension) of Hořava–Lifshitz (HL) gravity without the projectability condition and in the infrared (IR) limit. The Newtonian prepotential φ was assumed null. We have shown that there is not the analogue of the Vaidya's solution in the Hořava–Lifshitz Theory (HLT), as we know in the General Relativity Theory (GRT). Therefore, we conclude that the gauge field A should interact with the null radiation field of the Vaidya's spacetime in the HLT.
Synthesis of Sb2S3 films on conducting substrate and its application in hybrid solar cell devices
Authors: Zhang Yange , Li Pinjiang , Li Yanqiao , Wang Min , Fan Libo , Zheng Zhi
Published: July 2014

Antimony sulfide ( Sb 2 S 3) films on indium-doped tin oxide (ITO) glass substrates are easily synthesized by a solvothermal method from Sb ultrathin films and S powder as antimony and sulfur source, respectively. The crystalline Sb 2 S 3 films were characterized using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. The Sb 2 S 3 films are composed of micro-flakes of Sb 2 S 3. The composite of Sb 2 S 3 film and ITO substrate were used to fabricate the solar cell device ( ITO / Sb 2 S 3: P 3 HT / Au ), and I–V measurement of the device was performed. Under the optimized condition, the solar conversion efficiency is 0.0026% at 1 sun illumination.
An Alternative Approach for Improving Performance of Organic Photovoltaics by Light-Enhanced Annealing
Authors: Yao En-Ping , Ho Chiu-Sheng , Yu Chang , Huang E-Ling , Lai Ying-Nan , Hsu Wei-Chou
Published: July 2014

This work proposes an approach for improving the performance of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT-) based organic photovoltaics (OPVs). P3HT-based bulk heterojunction (BHJ) film can absorb the energy from 532 nm laser light and be transformed into favorable morphology. A combination of traditional thermal annealing and laser annealing improved device performance, with a slight increase in fill factor and a significant improvement in short-circuit current density. Better crystallization and a higher degree of molecular order in the thermal/laser coannealed P3HT-based BHJ film were observed through X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy.
Hot Melt Extruded Amorphous Solid Dispersion of Posaconazole with Improved Bioavailability: Investigating Drug-Polymer Miscibility with Advanced Characterisation
Authors: Fule Ritesh , Amin Purnima
Published: July 2014

Invasive antifungal infections are reasons for morbidity and mortality in immunogenic patients worldwide. Posaconazole is a most promising antifungal agent against all types of invasive infections with high % of cure rate. The marketed suspension formulation has low bioavailability and is needed to be taken with food. In this paper, PCZ hot melt extruded amorphous solid dispersion (SD) with immediate release and improved bioavailability was prepared using Soluplus (Sol) as primary carrier for solubilization. Surfactants such as PEG 400, Lutrol F27, Lutrol F68, and TPGS are also used in combination with Soluplus to improve the physicochemical performance of the formulation when it comes in contact with GI (gastrointestinal) fluid. Drug-polymer miscibility of SD was investigated using advanced techniques. In thein vivostudy, the AUC(0–72)andCmaxof PCZ/Soluplus were 11.5 and 11.74 time higher than those of pure PCZ. The formulation of the extrudate SD had an AUC(0–72)andCmaxhigher than those with the commercial capsule (Noxafil). Molecular dynamic (MD) simulation studies were carried out usingin silicomolecular modelling to understand the drug-polymer intermolecular behaviour. The results of this research ensure enhanced dissolution and bioavailability of the solid dispersion of PCZ prepared by HME compared with the PCZ suspension.
Decitabine and SAHA-Induced Apoptosis Is Accompanied by Survivin Downregulation and Potentiated by ATRA in p53-Deficient Cells
Authors: Brodská Barbora , Otevřelová Petra , Holoubek Aleš
Published: July 2014

While p53-dependent apoptosis is triggered by combination of methyltransferase inhibitor decitabine (DAC) and histone deacetylase inhibitor suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) in leukemic cell line CML-T1, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation as well as survivin and Bcl-2 deregulation participated in DAC + SAHA-induced apoptosis in p53-deficient HL-60 cell line. Moreover, decrease of survivin expression level is accompanied by its delocalization from centromere-related position in mitotic cells suggesting that both antiapoptotic and cell cycle regulation roles of survivin are affected by DAC + SAHA action. Addition of subtoxic concentration of all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) increases the efficiency of DAC + SAHA combination on viability, apoptosis induction, and ROS generation in HL-60 cells but has no effect in CML-T1 cell line. Peripheral blood lymphocytes from healthy donors showed no damage induced by DAC + SAHA + ATRA combination. Therefore, combination of ATRA with DAC and SAHA represents promising tool for therapy of leukemic disease with nonfunctional p53 signalization.
Alteration of Interictal Brain Activity in Patients with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy in the Left Dominant Hemisphere: A Resting-State MEG Study
Authors: Zhu Haitao , Zhu Jinlong , Zhao Tiezhu , Wu Yong , Liu Hongyi , Wu Ting , Yang Lu , Zou Yuanjie , Zhang Rui , Zheng Gang
Published: July 2014

Resting MEG activities were compared between patients with left temporal lobe epilepsy (LTLE) and normal controls. Using SAMg2, the activities of MEG data were reconstructed and normalized. Significantly elevated SAMg2 signals were found in LTLE patients in the left temporal lobe and medial structures. Marked decreases of SAMg2 signals were found in the wide extratemporal lobe regions, such as the bilateral visual cortex. The study also demonstrated a positive correlation between the seizure frequency and brain activities of the abnormal regions after the multiple linear regression analysis. These results suggested that the aberrant brain activities not only were related to the epileptogenic zones, but also existed in other extratemporal regions in patients with LTLE. The activities of the aberrant regions could be further damaged with the increase of the seizure frequency. Our findings indicated that LTLE could be a multifocal disease, including complex epileptic networks and brain dysfunction networks.
Tetraethyl Orthosilicate Coated Hydroxyapatite Powders for Lead Ions Removal from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Ghita Rodica V. , Iconaru Simona Liliana , Popa Cristina Liana , Costescu Adrian , Le Coustumer Philippe , Motelica-Heino Mikael , Ciobanu Carmen Steluta
Published: July 2014

The goal of this study was to synthetize and characterize a porous material based on tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) coated hydroxyapatite (HApTh) after removal experiments of Pb2+ ions from aqueous solutions. In order to study the morphology and composition, the samples obtained after removal experiments of Pb2+ ions from aqueous solution with the initial Pb2+ ion concentrations of the aqueous solutions were 0.1 g·L−1 (HApTh‐50) and 0.9 g·L−1 (HApTh‐450) have been investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometer (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Removal experiments of Pb2+ ions were carried out in aqueous solutions with controlled concentration of Pb2+. After the removal experiment of Pb2+ ions from solutions, porous hydroxyapatite nanoparticles were transformed into HApTh‐50 and HApTh‐450 due to the adsorption of Pb2+ ions followed by a cation exchange reaction. The obtained results show that the porous HApTh nanopowders could be used for Pb2+ ions removal from aqueous solutions.
Design of Dual-Band Bandpass Filter Using Dual-Mode Defected Stub Loaded Resonator
Authors: Huang Dechang , Huang Zhaodi
Published: July 2014

A novel approach for designing a dual-band bandpass filter (BPF) using defected stub loaded resonator (DSLR) is presented in this paper. The proposed DSLR consists of two fundamental resonant modes and some resonant characteristics have been investigated by EM software ofAnsoft HFSS. Then, based on two coupled DSLRs, a dual-band response BPF that operates at 2.4 GHz and 3.5 GHz is designed and implemented for WLAN and WIMAX application. The first passband is constructed by two lower frequencies of the coupled DSLRs and the second passband is produced by two higher ones; the coupling scheme of them is also given. Finally, the dual-band BPF is fabricated and measured; a good agreement between simulation and measurement is obtained, which verifies the validity of the design methodology.
The Property of the Solution about Cauchy Problem for Fourth-Order Schrödinger Equation with Critical Time-Oscillating Nonlinearity
Authors: Guo Cuihua , Ren Hongping , Sun Shulin
Published: July 2014

We study the property of the solution in Sobolev spaces for the Cauchy problem of the following fourth-order Schrödinger equation with critical time-oscillating nonlinearityiut+Δ2u+θ(ωt)|u|8/(n-4)u=0, whereω,t∈R,x∈Rn, andθis a periodic function. We obtain the asymptotic property of the solution for the above equation asω→∞under some conditions.
Structural Insight into the DNA-Binding Mode of the Primosomal Proteins PriA, PriB, and DnaT
Authors: Huang Yen-Hua , Huang Cheng-Yang
Published: July 2014

Replication restart primosome is a complex dynamic system that is essential for bacterial survival. This system uses various proteins to reinitiate chromosomal DNA replication to maintain genetic integrity after DNA damage. The replication restart primosome inEscherichia coliis composed of PriA helicase, PriB, PriC, DnaT, DnaC, DnaB helicase, and DnaG primase. The assembly of the protein complexes within the forked DNA responsible for reloading the replicative DnaB helicase anywhere on the chromosome for genome duplication requires the coordination of transient biomolecular interactions. Over the last decade, investigations on the structure and mechanism of these nucleoproteins have provided considerable insight into primosome assembly. In this review, we summarize and discuss our current knowledge and recent advances on the DNA-binding mode of the primosomal proteins PriA, PriB, and DnaT.
Stimulative Effects of Low Intensity He-Ne Laser Irradiation on the Proliferative Potential and Cell-Cycle Progression of Myoblasts in Culture
Authors: Zhang Cui-Ping , Li Shao-Dan , Chen Yan , Jiang Yan-Ming , Chen Peng , Wang Chang-Zhen , Fu Xiao-Bing , Kang Hong-Xiang , Shen Ben-Jian , Liang Jie
Published: July 2014

Low intensity laser irradiation (LILI) was found to promote the regeneration of skeletal musclein vivobut the cellular mechanisms are not fully understood. Myoblasts, normally quiescent and inactivated in adult skeletal muscle, are a type of myogenic progenitor cells and considered as the major candidates responsible for muscle regeneration. The aim of the present study was to study the effect of LILI on the growth potential and cell-cycle progression of the cultured myoblasts. Primary myoblasts isolated from rat hind legs were cultured in nutrient-deficient medium for 36 hours and then irradiated by helium-neon laser at a certain energy density. Immunohistochemical and flow cytometric analysis revealed that laser irradiation could increase the expression of cellular proliferation marker and the amount of cell subpopulations in the proliferative phase as compared with the nonirradiated control group. Meanwhile, the expressions of cell-cycle regulatory proteins in the laser-treated myoblasts were markedly upregulated as compared to the unirradiated cells, indicating that LILI could promote the reentry of quiescent myoblasts into the cell division cycle. These results suggest that LILI at certain fluences could promote their proliferation, thus contributing to the skeletal muscle regeneration following trauma and myopathic diseases.
The Dynamics and Synchronization of a Fractional-Order System with Complex Variables
Authors: Yang Xiaoya , Liu Xiaojun , Dang Honggang , He Wansheng
Published: July 2014

A fractional-order system with complex variables is proposed. Firstly, the dynamics of the system including symmetry, equilibrium points, chaotic attractors, and bifurcations with variation of system parameters and derivative order are studied. The routes leading to chaos including the period-doubling and tangent bifurcations are obtained. Then, based on the stability theory of fractional-order systems, the scheme of synchronization for the fractional-order complex system is presented. By designing appropriate controllers, the synchronization for the system is realized. Numerical simulations are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Low-Energy Plasma Focus Device as an Electron Beam Source
Authors: Khan Muhammad Zubair , Seong Ling Yap , Yaqoob Ibrar , Naresh Kumar Nitturi , Lian Kuang Lim , Chiow San Wong
Published: July 2014

A low-energy plasma focus device was used as an electron beam source. A technique was developed to simultaneously measure the electron beam intensity and energy. The system was operated in Argon filling at an optimum pressure of 1.7 mbar. A Faraday cup was used together with an array of filtered PIN diodes. The beam-target X-rays were registered through X-ray spectrometry. Copper and lead line radiations were registered upon usage as targets. The maximum electron beam charge and density were estimated to be 0.31 μC and13.5×1016/m3, respectively. The average energy of the electron beam was 500 keV. The high flux of the electron beam can be potentially applicable in material sciences.
Improved Stability Criteria for Markovian Jump Systems with Time-Varying Delays
Authors: Ding Yu-cai , Liu Hui , Tian Baodan
Published: July 2014

The delay-dependent stochastic stability problem of Markovian jump systems with time-varying delays is investigated in this paper. Though the Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional is general and simple, less conservative results are derived by using the convex combination method, improved Wirtinger’s integral inequality, and a slack condition on Lyapunov matrix. The obtained results are formulated in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Numerical examples are provided to verify the effectiveness and superiority of the presented results.
Recognition of 27-Class Protein Folds by Adding the Interaction of Segments and Motif Information
Authors: Feng Zhenxing , Hu Xiuzhen
Published: July 2014

The recognition of protein folds is an important step for the prediction of protein structure and function. After the recognition of 27-class protein folds in 2001 by Ding and Dubchak, prediction algorithms, prediction parameters, and new datasets for the prediction of protein folds have been improved. However, the influences of interactions from predicted secondary structure segments and motif information on protein folding have not been considered. Therefore, the recognition of 27-class protein folds with the interaction of segments and motif information is very important. Based on the 27-class folds dataset built by Liu et al., amino acid composition, the interactions of secondary structure segments, motif frequency, and predicted secondary structure information were extracted. Using the Random Forest algorithm and the ensemble classification strategy, 27-class protein folds and corresponding structural classification were identified by independent test. The overall accuracy of the testing set and structural classification measured up to 78.38% and 92.55%, respectively. When the training set and testing set were combined, the overall accuracy by 5-fold cross validation was 81.16%. In order to compare with the results of previous researchers, the method above was tested on Ding and Dubchak’s dataset which has been widely used by many previous researchers, and an improved overall accuracy 70.24% was obtained.
Parallel Batch Scheduling of Deteriorating Jobs with Release Dates and Rejection
Authors: Zou Juan , Miao Cuixia
Published: July 2014

We consider the unbounded parallel batch scheduling with deterioration, release dates, and rejection. Each job is either accepted and processed on a single batching machine, or rejected by paying penalties. The processing time of a job is a simple linear increasing function of its starting time. The objective is to minimize the sum of the makespan of the accepted jobs and the total penalty of the rejected jobs. First, we show that the problem is NP-hard in the ordinary sense. Then, we present two pseudopolynomial time algorithms and a fully polynomial-time approximation scheme to solve this problem. Furthermore, we provide an optimalO(nlog⁡n)time algorithm for the case where jobs have identical release dates.
Locally Advanced and Unresectable Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Outcomes of Concurrent Cetuximab and Radiotherapy
Authors: Samstein Robert M. , Ho Alan L. , Lee Nancy Y. , Barker Christopher A.
Published: July 2014

Background.Advanced age and immune dysfunction are risk factors for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) and often render patients with locally-advanced disease medically inoperable or surgically unresectable, but potentially curable with radiotherapy. Concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy may not be well tolerated in this population, but another systemic therapy may improve disease control.Objective.Determine the tolerance and efficacy of concurrent cetuximab and radiotherapy (CRT) for patients with locally advanced and unresectable cSCC.Methods.Retrospective analysis of 12 patients treated with CRT for locally advanced and unresectable cSCC.Results.Patients were elderly and 75% had moderate-to-severe comorbidities, while 42% had immune dysfunction. Grades 3-4 adverse events were noted in 83% of patients; 67% required hospital admission for adverse events. Complete and partial response was noted in 36% and 27% (response rate, 64%). Stable and progressive disease was noted in 3 and 1 patients, respectively (disease control rate, 91%). Median progression-free and overall survival were 6.4 and 8.0 months, respectively.Limitations.Retrospective small-cohort, single-institution analysis.Conclusion.Patients selected for CRT were elderly, with comorbidities and immune dysfunction, but treatment responses were observed. Patients selected for this treatment approach have a poor prognosis with limited capacity for therapy; more effective treatment is needed.
A Novel Deployment Method for Communication-Intensive Applications in Service Clouds
Authors: Liu Chuanchang , Yang Jingqi
Published: July 2014

The service platforms are migrating to clouds for reasonably solving long construction periods, low resource utilizations, and isolated constructions of service platforms. However, when the migration is conducted in service clouds, there is a little focus of deploying communication-intensive applications in previous deployment methods. To address this problem, this paper proposed the combination of the online deployment and the offline deployment for deploying communication-intensive applications in service clouds. Firstly, the system architecture was designed for implementing the communication-aware deployment method for communication-intensive applications in service clouds. Secondly, in the online-deployment algorithm and the offline-deployment algorithm, service instances were deployed in an optimal cloud node based on the communication overhead which is determined by the communication traffic between services, as well as the communication performance between cloud nodes. Finally, the experimental results demonstrated that the proposed methods deployed communication-intensive applications effectively with lower latency and lower load compared with existing algorithms.
Analysis on the Impact of the Fluctuation of the International Gold Prices on the Chinese Gold Stocks
Authors: Jin Jiankang , Jie Chen , Zhang Quanda
Published: July 2014

Five gold stocks in Chinese Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share and Comex gold futures are chosen to form the sample, for the purpose of analysing the impact of the fluctuation of the international gold prices on the gold stocks in Chinese Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share. Using the methods of unit root test, Granger causality test, VAR model, and impulse response function, this paper has analysed the relationship between the price change of the international gold futures and the price fluctuation of gold stocks in Chinese Shanghai and Shenzhen comprehensively. The results suggest the fluctuation of the international gold futures has a strong influence on the domestic futures.
A Review of Subsequence Time Series Clustering
Authors: Zolhavarieh Seyedjamal , Aghabozorgi Saeed , Teh Ying Wah
Published: July 2014

Clustering of subsequence time series remains an open issue in time series clustering. Subsequence time series clustering is used in different fields, such as e-commerce, outlier detection, speech recognition, biological systems, DNA recognition, and text mining. One of the useful fields in the domain of subsequence time series clustering is pattern recognition. To improve this field, a sequence of time series data is used. This paper reviews some definitions and backgrounds related to subsequence time series clustering. The categorization of the literature reviews is divided into three groups: preproof, interproof, and postproof period. Moreover, various state-of-the-art approaches in performing subsequence time series clustering are discussed under each of the following categories. The strengths and weaknesses of the employed methods are evaluated as potential issues for future studies.
Successful Pregnancy after Treatment with Ulipristal Acetate for Uterine Fibroids
Authors: Monleón Javier , Martínez-Varea Alicia , Galliano Daniela , Pellicer Antonio
Published: July 2014

This case report presents a clinical pregnancy after ulipristal acetate (UA) to decrease uterine fibroid size. A 37-year-old patient, gravida 1, abortus 1, with uterine fibroids was treated with 5 mg of UA daily for 13 weeks starting eight months after a multiple laparotomic myomectomy. Fibroid shrinkage and restoration of the morphology of endometrial cavity were evaluated in order to allow a subsequent pregnancy. A decrease of the uterine fibroids and a normal morphology of the endometrial cavity were noted by transvaginal ultrasound after treatment. An endometrial biopsy excluded histologic endometrial changes. Three months after the end of UA the patient reported amenorrhea for 5 weeks and a clinical pregnancy was confirmed with transvaginal ultrasound. She underwent a subsequent uneventful pregnancy. Thus, the spontaneous pregnancy after UA to reduce fibroid size may support the potential clinical utility of this selective progesterone receptor modulator in the management of women with pregnancy desire and uterine fibroids after a prior myomectomy. Patients who refuse a new surgical procedure and/or those who are going to undergo assisted reproductive techniques would benefit from UA. It effectively shrinks fibroids, avoids risks of a new surgical procedure, and allows an immediate attempt at conception after the end of treatment.
Comprehensive Aspectual UML Approach to Support AspectJ
Authors: Magableh Aws , Shukur Zarina , Mohd. Ali Noorazean
Published: July 2014

Unified Modeling Language is the most popular and widely used Object-Oriented modelling language in the IT industry. This study focuses on investigating the ability to expand UML to some extent to model crosscutting concerns (Aspects) to support AspectJ. Through a comprehensive literature review, we identify and extensively examine all the available Aspect-Oriented UML modelling approaches and find that the existing Aspect-Oriented Design Modelling approaches using UML cannot be considered to provide a framework for a comprehensive Aspectual UML modelling approach and also that there is a lack of adequate Aspect-Oriented tool support. This study also proposes a set of Aspectual UML semantic rules and attempts to generate AspectJ pseudocode from UML diagrams. The proposed Aspectual UML modelling approach is formally evaluated using a focus group to test six hypotheses regarding performance; a “good design” criteria-based evaluation to assess the quality of the design; and an AspectJ-based evaluation as a reference measurement-based evaluation. The results of the focus group evaluation confirm all the hypotheses put forward regarding the proposed approach. The proposed approach provides a comprehensive set of Aspectual UML structural and behavioral diagrams, which are designed and implemented based on a comprehensive and detailed set of AspectJ programming constructs.
Advanced Approach to Information Security Management System Model for Industrial Control System
Authors: Park Sanghyun , Lee Kyungho
Published: July 2014

Organizations make use of important information in day-to-day business. Protecting sensitive information is imperative and must be managed. Companies in many parts of the world protect sensitive information using the international standard known as the information security management system (ISMS). ISO 27000 series is the international standard ISMS used to protect confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive information. While an ISMS based on ISO 27000 series has no particular flaws for general information systems, it is unfit to manage sensitive information for industrial control systems (ICSs) because the first priority of industrial control is safety of the system. Therefore, a new information security management system based on confidentiality, integrity, and availability as well as safety is required for ICSs. This new ISMS must be mutually exclusive of an ICS. This paper provides a new paradigm of ISMS for ICSs, which will be shown to be more suitable than the existing ISMS.
Peritoneal Inclusion Cysts in Female Children: Pathogenesis, Treatment, and Multimodality Imaging Review
Authors: Goldfisher Rachelle , Awal Divya , Amodio John
Published: July 2014

We report the multimodality imaging findings of peritoneal inclusion cysts in two adolescent females each with a prior history of abdominal surgery. The few reports of peritoneal inclusion cysts in the pediatric population have largely focused on the clinical and pathological features of this entity. We wish to emphasize the imaging findings of peritoneal inclusion cysts on multiple modalities, the advantage of MRI in confirming the diagnosis, and the need to keep considering this diagnosis in patients who present with a pelvic cystic mass, with a history of surgery, even if remote. Additionally, we review the pathology, pathophysiology, differential diagnosis, and treatment options of peritoneal inclusion cysts.
Development of Delta Wing Aerodynamics Research in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Low Speed Wind Tunnel
Authors: Mat Shabudin , Ishak I. S. , Mat Lazim Tholudin , Mansor Shuhaimi , Said Mazuriah , Abdul Rahman Abdul Basid , Kamaludim Ahmad Shukeri Mohd. , Brossay Romain
Published: July 2014

This paper presents wind tunnel experiment on two delta wing configurations which are differentiated by their leading edge profiles: sharp and round-edged wings. The experiments were performed as a part of the delta wing aerodynamics research development in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, low speed tunnel (UTM-LST). Steady load balance and flow visualization tests were conducted at Reynolds numbers of 0.5, 1, and 1.5 × 106, respectively. The flow measurement at low Reynolds number was also performed at as low as speed of 5 m/s. During the experiments, laser with smoke flow visualizations test was performed on both wings. The study has identified interesting features of the interrelationship between the conventional leading edge primary vortex and the occurrence and development of the vortex breakdown above the delta wings. The results conclude the vortex characteristics are largely dependent on the Reynolds number, angle of attack, and leading-edge radii of the wing.
Lyapunov Functions for a Class of Discrete SIRS Epidemic Models with Nonlinear Incidence Rate and Varying Population Sizes
Authors: Wang Ying , Teng Zhidong , Rehim Mehbuba
Published: July 2014

We investigate the dynamical behaviors of a class of discrete SIRS epidemic models with nonlinear incidence rate and varying population sizes. The model is required to possess different death rates for the susceptible, infectious, recovered, and constant recruitment into the susceptible class, infectious class, and recovered class, respectively. By using the inductive method, the positivity and boundedness of all solutions are obtained. Furthermore, by constructing new discrete type Lyapunov functions, the sufficient and necessary conditions on the global asymptotic stability of the disease-free equilibrium and endemic equilibrium are established.
Optimization Design of a Double-Channel Pump by Means of Orthogonal Test, CFD, and Experimental Analysis
Authors: Zhao Binjuan , Hou Douhua , Chen Huilong , Wang Yu , Qiu Jing
Published: July 2014

A new approach to optimizing a double-channel pump was presented, based on combined use of orthogonal test, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and experimental analysis. First, a preliminary pump was designed according to design specifications, implementing the traditional design method. Later, a standard L9 (34) orthogonal table including 9 representative design schemes was implemented to find the best parameter combination for the impeller of the pump. Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equations accompanied by Smith modified k-ε turbulence model were solved to obtain the inner flow fields of the pump as well as its hydraulic performance for each design scheme. The optimized design scheme was obtained after range analysis. Finally, CFD analyses and experiments were carried out to evaluate the optimized design. The results show that the characteristics of the optimized pump were obviously improved, and the simulated pump head and efficiency increased by 3.622% and 9.379%, respectively. This research not only provides an effective way to improve the hydraulic design of double-channel pumps, but also has certain reference value in multiobjectiveoptimization design of other pumps.
Test Anxiety Levels of Board Exam Going Students in Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Ann Mary Revina , Marslin Gregory , Franklin Gregory , Sheeba Caroline J.
Published: July 2014

The latest report by the National Crime Records Bureau has positioned Tamil Nadu as the Indian state with highest suicide rate. At least in part, this is happening due to exam pressure among adolescents, emphasizing the imperative need to understand the pattern of anxiety and various factors contributing to it among students. The present study was conducted to analyze the level of state anxiety among board exam attending school students in Tamil Nadu, India. A group of 100 students containing 50 boys and 50 girls from 10th and 12th grades participated in the study and their state anxiety before board exams was measured by Westside Test Anxiety Scale. We found that all board exam going students had increased level of anxiety, which was particularly higher among boys and 12th standard board exam going students. Analysis of various demographic variables showed that students from nuclear families presented higher anxiety levels compared to their desired competitive group. Overall, our results showing the prevalence of state anxiety among board exam going students in Tamil Nadu, India, support the recent attempt taken by Tamil Nadu government to improve student’s academic performance in a healthier manner by appointing psychologists in all government schools.