bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond Bullying: Consideration of Additional Research for the Assessment and Prevention of Potential Rampage School Violence in the United States
Authors: Welton Evonn , Vakil Shernavaz , Ford Bridgie
Published: August 2014

For approximately 15 years there have been a number of episodes of rampage school violence in elementary/high school and higher education in the United States. Initial responses included implementation of antibullying programs, disciplinary measures, and increased law security measures. As the incidences have continued, it has become apparent that a more collaborative and interdisciplinary approach is needed for prevention. This paper offers a review of research literature as it applies to proposed innovative strategies for collaborative research, prevention, and intervention in the school setting.
Preparation of N-Doped TiO2-ZrO2Composite Films under Electric Field and Heat Treatment and Assessment of Their Removal of Methylene Blue from Solution
Authors: Mei Lefu , Zuo Ranfang , Xie Jing , Liao Libing , Ding Hao
Published: August 2014

TiO2-ZrO2composite film with the grain size of 50 nm was synthesized by electric field and heat (EF&H) treatments. Portions of O atoms in the TiO2network structure were replaced by N atoms as revealed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses, suggesting formation of a nonstoichiometric compoundTiO2-xNxon the composite film. The UV-Vis spectra of the film suggested that the visible light with wavelength of 550 nm could be absorbed for the N-doped composite film after EF&H treatment in comparison to a cutoff wavelength of 400 nm for the composite film without EF treatment. Photocatalytic experiments showed that the degradation rate of methylene blue by N-doped composite films increased significantly under visible light irradiation. The partial replacement of O by doped N played a very important role in narrowing the band gap and improving the visible light photocatalytic reactivity.
Adjusting Control Packet Transmission Intervals in Low Power Sensor Systems
Authors: Yi Gangman , Yu Daeun , Kim Namgi
Published: August 2014

In order to construct an efficient wireless sensor system, it is necessary to increase the lifetime of its battery-operated sensor nodes. To this end, a wireless body sensor system adopts a transmission power control (TPC) mechanism. However, existing TPC mechanisms adjust the transmission power level (TPL) according to the received signal strength indication (RSSI) value of the most recently received data packet. Therefore, they do not effectively cope with dynamically changing wireless body channel environments. In particular, when a wireless channel is unstable, changes in the TPL should be avoided to prevent energy consumption due to unnecessary transmission and reception of control packets. Accordingly, this paper proposes a new TPC mechanism that adaptively changes the control packet transmission interval on the basis of the current channel condition. Further, actual sensors are used to experimentally verify that the proposed mechanism (1) performs well in all channel environments and (2) facilitates the construction of an efficient wireless body sensor system.
Bridging Photonics and Optoelectronics Curriculum for the Solar Photovoltaic and LED Industries
Authors: Su Yu-Shan , Chang Han-Chao
Published: August 2014

The gap between learning courses and practical demands has existed in Taiwanese solar photovoltaic and LED industries; therefore, this study attempts to analyze the existing curriculum design of universities. This study collected the current 103 course programs from all optoelectronics-related departments in Taiwanese 36 colleges and universities and sorted these curriculums by three domains of education objectives theory. This theoretical framework was verified on the basis of samples from 150 Taiwanese industrial experts and 354 optoelectronics-related undergraduates and postgraduates. We found that the levels of correlation among the independent variables including cognitive, affective, and skill-based domains and the dependent variable employability are all positively related to each other. We also found the currently curriculum design in Taiwanese universities rarely fit into theory of education objectives from the results of multiple regression analysis. Industrial and student’s group also have few consistent ideas on courses within the curriculum. Finally in order to bridge the gap between learning and practical application, the study provides an idea on curriculum design and suggests that curriculum review should be executed by industrial experts to confirm the courses related to the employability.
Construction of Monitoring Model and Algorithm Design on Passenger Security during Shipping Based on Improved Bayesian Network
Authors: Wang Jiali , Zhang Qingnian , Ji Wenfeng
Published: August 2014

A large number of data is needed by the computation of the objective Bayesian network, but the data is hard to get in actual computation. The calculation method of Bayesian network was improved in this paper, and the fuzzy-precise Bayesian network was obtained. Then, the fuzzy-precise Bayesian network was used to reason Bayesian network model when the data is limited. The security of passengers during shipping is affected by various factors, and it is hard to predict and control. The index system that has the impact on the passenger safety during shipping was established on basis of the multifield coupling theory in this paper. Meanwhile, the fuzzy-precise Bayesian network was applied to monitor the security of passengers in the shipping process. The model was applied to monitor the passenger safety during shipping of a shipping company in Hainan, and the effectiveness of this model was examined. This research work provides guidance for guaranteeing security of passengers during shipping.
CpG Island Methylator Phenotype and Prognosis of Colorectal Cancer in Northeast China
Authors: Li Xia , Hu Fulan , Wang Yibaina , Yao Xiaoping , Zhang Zuoming , Wang Fan , Sun Guizhi , Cui Bin-Bin , Dong Xinshu , Zhao Yashuang
Published: August 2014

Purpose. To investigate the association between CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) and the overall survival of sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC) in Northeast China.Methods. 282 sporadic CRC patients were recruited in this study. We selectedMLH1,MGMT,p16,APC,MINT1,MINT31, andRUNX3as the CIMP panel markers. The promoter methylation was assessed by methylation sensitive high resolution melting (MS-HRM). Proportional hazards-regression models were fitted with computing hazard ratios (HR) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).Results. 12.77% (36/282) of patients were CIMP-0, 74.1% (209/282) of patients were CIMP-L, and 13.12% (37/282) of patients were CIMP-H. The five-year survival of the 282 CRC patients was 58%. There was significant association betweenAPCgene promoter methylation and CRC overall survival (HR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.05–2.46;P=0.03). CIMP-H was significantly associated with worse prognosis compared to CIMP-0 (HR = 3.06; 95% CI: 1.19–7.89;P=0.02) and CIMP-L (HR = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.11–3.48;P=0.02), respectively. While comparing with the combine of CIMP-L and CIMP-0 (CIMP-L/0), CIMP-H also presented a worse prognosis (HR = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.02–5.24;P=0.04).Conclusion. CIMP-H may be a predictor of a poor prognosis of CRC in Northeast China patients.
Research of Ant Colony Optimized Adaptive Control Strategy for Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Authors: Li Linhui , Huang Haiyang , Lian Jing , Yao Baozhen , Zhou Yafu , Chang Jing , Zheng Ning’an
Published: August 2014

Energy management control strategy of hybrid electric vehicle has a great influence on the vehicle fuel consumption with electric motors adding to the traditional vehicle power system. As vehicle real driving cycles seem to be uncertain, the dynamic driving cycles will have an impact on control strategy’s energy‐saving effect. In order to better adapt the dynamic driving cycles, control strategy should have the ability to recognize the real‐time driving cycle and adaptively adjust to the corresponding off‐line optimal control parameters. In this paper, four types of representative driving cycles are constructed based on the actual vehicle operating data, and a fuzzy driving cycle recognition algorithm is proposed for online recognizing the type of actual driving cycle. Then, based on the equivalent fuel consumption minimization strategy, an ant colony optimization algorithm is utilized to search the optimal control parameters “charge and discharge equivalent factors” for each type of representative driving cycle. At last, the simulation experiments are conducted to verify the accuracy of the proposed fuzzy recognition algorithm and the validity of the designed control strategy optimization method.
Method for Determining the Weight of Functional Objectives on Manufacturing System
Authors: Zhang Qingshan , Xu Wei , Zhang Jiekun
Published: August 2014

We propose a three-dimensional integrated weight determination to solve manufacturing system functional objectives, where consumers are weighted by triangular fuzzy numbers to determine the enterprises. The weights, subjective parts are determined by the expert scoring method, the objective parts are determined by the entropy method with the competitive advantage of determining. Based on the integration of three methods and comprehensive weight, we provide some suggestions for the manufacturing system. This paper provides the numerical example analysis to illustrate the feasibility of this method.
A Multianalyzer Machine Learning Model for Marine Heterogeneous Data Schema Mapping
Authors: Yan Wang , Jiajin Le , Yun Zhang
Published: August 2014

The main challenges that marine heterogeneous data integration faces are the problem of accurate schema mapping between heterogeneous data sources. In order to improve the schema mapping efficiency and get more accurate learning results, this paper proposes a heterogeneous data schema mapping method basing on multianalyzer machine learning model. The multianalyzer analysis the learning results comprehensively, and a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation system is introduced for output results’ evaluation and multi factor quantitative judging. Finally, the data mapping comparison experiment on the East China Sea observing data confirms the effectiveness of the model and shows multianalyzer’s obvious improvement of mapping error rate.
Clinical Features and Molecular Analysis of Hb H Disease in Taiwan
Authors: Chao Yu-Hua , Wu Kang-Hsi , Wu Han-Ping , Liu Su-Ching , Peng Ching-Tien , Lee Maw-Sheng
Published: August 2014

Thalassemia is highly prevalent in Taiwan, but limited data are available about the association between genotypes and clinical manifestations in Taiwanese patients with Hb H disease. Here, we studied α-globin gene abnormalities and clinical features in Taiwanese patients with Hb H disease. Of the 90 patients, sixty-four (71.1%) were deletional and twenty-six (28.9%) were nondeletional Hb H disease. The (- -SEA) type ofα0-thalassemia mutation was detected in the majority of patients (>95%). The most common genotype was (- -SEA/-α3.7), followed by (- -SEA/αcsα). After further investigation of the genotype-phenotype correlation in 68 patients, we found that patients with nondeletional Hb H disease had more severe clinical features than those with deletional Hb H disease, including younger age at diagnosis, more requirement of blood transfusions, and larger proportion of patients with splenomegaly, hepatomegaly or jaundice. This is probably a consequence of the lower hemoglobin levels and the higher Hb H levels. The clinical severity was highly variable even among patients with an identical genotype, and the diversity was much more profound among patients with (- -/αcsα) genotype. Therefore, predicting the phenotype directly from the genotype in Hb H disease remains relatively difficult in Taiwan.
Protective Effect of a Prime-Boost Strategy with the Ts87 Vaccine againstTrichinella spiralisInfection in Mice
Authors: Gu Yuan , Zhan Bin , Yang Yaping , Yang Xiaodi , Zhao Xi , Wang Lei , Yang Jing , Bi Kuo , Wang Yunyun , Zhu Xinping
Published: August 2014

Trichinellosis is a widespread zoonosis primarily caused byTrichinella spiralis. Mucosal immunity is crucial for preventingTrichinella spiralisinfection. In our previous study, a DNA vaccine with theTrichinellaantigen Ts87 delivered by an attenuatedSalmonella typhimuriumelicited partial protection againstTrichinella spiralisinfection in mice. In the current study, to elicit a more robust immune response and develop a potent vaccination strategy against trichinellosis, a heterologous prime-boost vaccination regimen for Ts87 was used in mice and the protective efficacy was evaluated compared to the homologous DNA prime-boost or protein prime-boost immunization alone. The results revealed that the DNA-prime/protein-boost vaccination with Ts87 induced higher levels of both humoral and cellular immune responses. The challenge results showed that mice with the DNA-prime/protein-boost vaccination displayed higher muscle larval reduction than those immunized with DNA prime-boost or protein prime-boost. The results demonstrated that mice vaccinated with Ts87 in a DNA-prime/protein-boost strategy effectively elicited a local IgA response and mixed Th1/Th2 immune response that might be responsible for improved protection againstTrichinella spiralisinfection.
Preliminary Efficacy of Group Medical Nutrition Therapy and Motivational Interviewing among Obese African American Women with Type 2 Diabetes: A Pilot Study
Authors: Miller Stephania T. , Oates Veronica J. , Brooks Malinda A. , Shintani Ayumi , Gebretsadik Tebeb , Jenkins Darlene M.
Published: August 2014

Objective. To assess the efficacy and acceptability of a group medical nutritional therapy (MNT) intervention, using motivational interviewing (MI).Research Design & Method. African American (AA) women with type 2 diabetes (T2D) participated in five, certified diabetes educator/dietitian-facilitated intervention sessions targeting carbohydrate, fat, and fruit/vegetable intake and management. Motivation-based activities centered on exploration of dietary ambivalence and the relationships between diet and personal strengths. Repeated pre- and post-intervention, psychosocial, dietary self-care, and clinical outcomes were collected and analyzed using generalized least squares regression. An acceptability assessment was administered after intervention.Results. Participants (n= 24) were mostly of middle age (mean age 50.8 ± 6.3) with an average BMI of 39 ± 6.5. Compared to a gradual pre-intervention loss of HbA1c control and confidence in choosing restaurant foods, a significant post-intervention improvement in HbA1c (P= 0.03) and a near significant (P= 0.06) increase in confidence in choosing restaurant foods were observed with both returning to pre-intervention levels. 100% reported that they would recommend the study to other AA women with type 2 diabetes.Conclusion. The results support the potential efficacy of a group MNT/MI intervention in improving glycemic control and dietary self-care-related confidence in overweight/obese AA women with type 2 diabetes.
Color Image Authentication and Recovery via Adaptive Encoding
Authors: Chen Chun-Hung , Tang Yuan-Liang , Hsieh Wen-Shyong
Published: August 2014

We describe an authentication and recovery scheme for color image protection based on adaptive encoding. The image blocks are categorized based on their contents and different encoding schemes are applied according to their types. Such adaptive encoding results in better image quality and more robust image authentication. The approximations of the luminance and chromatic channels are carefully calculated, and for the purpose of reducing the data size, differential coding is used to encode the channels with variable size according to the characteristic of the block. The recovery data which represents the approximation and the detail of the image is embedded for data protection. The necessary data is well protected by using error correcting coding and duplication. The experimental results demonstrate that our technique is able to identify and localize image tampering, while preserving high quality for both watermarked and recovered images.
Synthesis and Preliminary Properties of Novel Poly(aryl ether)s Containingβ-Naphthalene Pendant Group
Authors: Wang L. , Tao D. , Xiang X. Z. , Zhu G. M.
Published: August 2014

Two novel poly(aryl ether)s containingβ-naphthalene pendant group were synthesized and the structures of these polymers were confirmed by1HNMR spectroscopy. The polymers exhibited good thermal stabilities with highTgof 256°C and 274°C, respectively. The polymers are soluble in common organic solvents, such as DMAc, DMSO, CH2Cl2, and CHCl3, and can be electrospun into microfiber (1–5 µm) with lots of nanopores (<100 nm) from CHCl3solution. These fibers showed high hydrophobicity, and the contact angle of fibers is above 120°.
Meticulous Overview on the Controlled Release Fertilizers
Authors: Sempeho Siafu Ibahati , Kim Hee Taik , Mubofu Egid , Hilonga Askwar
Published: August 2014

Owing to the high demand for fertilizer formulations that will exhaust the possibilities of nutrient use efficiency (NUE), regulate fertilizer consumption, and lessen agrophysicochemical properties and environmental adverse effects instigated by conventional nutrient supply to crops, this review recapitulates controlled release fertilizers (CRFs) as a cutting-edge and safe way to supply crops’ nutrients over the conventional ways. Essentially, CRFs entail fertilizer particles intercalated within excipients aiming at reducing the frequency of fertilizer application thereby abating potential adverse effects linked with conventional fertilizer use. Application of nanotechnology and materials engineering in agriculture particularly in the design of CRFs, the distinctions and classification of CRFs, and the economical, agronomical, and environmental aspects of CRFs has been revised putting into account the development and synthesis of CRFs, laboratory CRFs syntheses and testing, and both linear and sigmoid release features of CRF formulations. Methodical account on the mechanism of nutrient release centring on the empirical and mechanistic approaches of predicting nutrient release is given in view of selected mathematical models. Compositions and laboratory preparations of CRFs basing onin situand graft polymerization are provided alongside the physical methods used in CRFs encapsulation, with an emphasis on the natural polymers, modified clays, and superabsorbent nanocomposite excipients.
Dictionary‐Based Image Denoising by Fused‐Lasso Atom Selection
Authors: Li Ao , Shouno Hayaru
Published: August 2014

We proposed an efficient image denoising scheme by fused lasso with dictionary learning. The scheme has two important contributions. The first one is that we learned the patch‐based adaptive dictionary by principal component analysis (PCA) with clustering the image into many subsets, which can better preserve the local geometric structure. The second one is that we coded the patches in each subset by fused lasso with the clustering learned dictionary and proposed an iterative Split Bregman to solve it rapidly. We present the capabilities with several experiments. The results show that the proposed scheme is competitive to some excellent denoising algorithms.
Video Superresolution via Parameter‐Optimized Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Yan Yunyi , He Yujie , Hu Yingying , Guo Baolong
Published: August 2014

Video superresolution (VSR) aims to reconstruct a high‐resolution video sequence from a low‐resolution sequence. We propose a novel particle swarm optimization algorithm named as parameter‐optimized multiple swarms PSO (POMS‐PSO). We assessed the optimization performance of POMS‐PSO by four standard benchmark functions. To reconstruct high‐resolution video, we build an imaging degradation model. In view of optimization, VSR is converted to an optimization computation problem. And we take POMS‐PSO as an optimization method to solve the VSR problem, which overcomes the poor effect, low accuracy, and large calculation cost in other VSR algorithms. The proposed VSR method does not require exact movement estimation and does not need the computation of movement vectors. In terms of peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR), sharpness, and entropy, the proposed VSR method based POMS‐PSO showed better objective performance. Besides objective standard, experimental results also proved the proposed method could reconstruct high‐resolution video sequence with better subjective quality.
Developing Mobile BIM/2D Barcode-Based Automated Facility Management System
Authors: Lin Yu-Cheng , Su Yu-Chih , Chen Yen-Pei
Published: August 2014

Facility management (FM) has become an important topic in research on the operation and maintenance phase. Managing the work of FM effectively is extremely difficult owing to the variety of environments. One of the difficulties is the performance of two-dimensional (2D) graphics when depicting facilities. Building information modeling (BIM) uses precise geometry and relevant data to support the facilities depicted in three-dimensional (3D) object-oriented computer-aided design (CAD). This paper proposes a new and practical methodology with application to FM that uses an integrated 2D barcode and the BIM approach. Using 2D barcode and BIM technologies, this study proposes a mobile automated BIM-based facility management (BIMFM) system for FM staff in the operation and maintenance phase. The mobile automated BIMFM system is then applied in a selected case study of a commercial building project in Taiwan to verify the proposed methodology and demonstrate its effectiveness in FM practice. The combined results demonstrate that a BIMFM-like system can be an effective mobile automated FM tool. The advantage of the mobile automated BIMFM system lies not only in improving FM work efficiency for the FM staff but also in facilitating FM updates and transfers in the BIM environment.
Traumatic Penile Injury: From Circumcision Injury to Penile Amputation
Authors: Kim Jae Heon , Park Jae Young , Song Yun Seob
Published: August 2014

The treatment of external genitalia trauma is diverse according to the nature of trauma and injured anatomic site. The classification of trauma is important to establish a strategy of treatment; however, to date there has been less effort to make a classification for trauma of external genitalia. The classification of external trauma in male could be established by the nature of injury mechanism or anatomic site: accidental versus self-mutilation injury and penis versus penis plus scrotum or perineum. Accidental injury covers large portion of external genitalia trauma because of high prevalence and severity of this disease. The aim of this study is to summarize the mechanism and treatment of the traumatic injury of penis. This study is the first review describing the issue.
Shift Performance Test and Analysis of Multipurpose Vehicle
Authors: Yang Can , Hua Lin , Wang Zhou , He Yaohua
Published: August 2014

This paper presented an analysis of the gear shifting performances of a multipurpose vehicle transmission in driving condition by Ricardo's Gear Shift Quality Assessment (GSQA) system. The performances of the transmission included the travel and effort of the gear shift lever and synchronizing time. The mathematic models of the transmission including the gear shift mechanism and synchronizer were developed in MATLAB. The model of the gear shift mechanism was developed to analyze the travel map of the gear shift lever and the model of the synchronizer was developed to obtain the force-time curve of the synchronizer during the slipping time. The model of the synchronizer was used to investigate the relationship between the performances of the transmission and the variation of parameters during gear shifting. The mathematic models of the gear shift mechanism and the synchronizer provided a rapid design and verification method for the transmission with ring spring.
Low Complexity Mode Decision for 3D-HEVC
Authors: Zhang Qiuwen , Li Nana , Gan Yong
Published: August 2014

High efficiency video coding- (HEVC-) based 3D video coding (3D-HEVC) developed by joint collaborative team on 3D video coding (JCT-3V) for multiview video and depth map is an extension of HEVC standard. In the test model of 3D-HEVC, variable coding unit (CU) size decision and disparity estimation (DE) are introduced to achieve the highest coding efficiency with the cost of very high computational complexity. In this paper, a fast mode decision algorithm based on variable size CU and DE is proposed to reduce 3D-HEVC computational complexity. The basic idea of the method is to utilize the correlations between depth map and motion activity in prediction mode where variable size CU and DE are needed, and only in these regions variable size CU and DE are enabled. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can save about 43% average computational complexity of 3D-HEVC while maintaining almost the same rate-distortion (RD) performance.
Study on Load-Bearing Characteristics of a New Pile Group Foundation for an Offshore Wind Turbine
Authors: Lang Ruiqing , Liu Run , Lian Jijian , Ding Hongyan
Published: August 2014

Because offshore wind turbines are high-rise structures, they transfer large horizontal loads and moments to their foundations. One of the keys to designing a foundation is determining the sensitivities and laws affecting its load-bearing capacity. In this study, this procedure was carried out for a new high-rise cap pile group foundation adapted to the loading characteristics of offshore wind turbines. The sensitivities of influential factors affecting the bearing properties were determined using an orthogonal test. Through a combination of numerical simulations and model tests, the effects of the inclination angle, length, diameter, and number of side piles on the vertical bearing capacity, horizontal bearing capacity, and bending bearing capacity were determined. The results indicate that an increase in the inclination angle of the side piles will increase the vertical bearing capacity, horizontal bearing capacity, and bending bearing capacity. An increase in the length of the side piles will increase the vertical bearing capacity and bending bearing capacity. When the length of the side piles is close to the central pile, the increase is more apparent. Finally, increasing the number of piles will increase the horizontal bearing capacity; however, the growth rate is small because of the pile group effect.
Growth and Properties of ZnO:Al on Textured Glass for Thin Film Solar Cells
Authors: Lluscà Marta , Antony Aldrin , Bertomeu Joan
Published: August 2014

Aluminium induced texturing (AIT) method has been used to texture glass substrates in order to enhance the photon absorption in thin film solar cells. The resultant glass roughness has been analyzed by varying the AIT process parameters and it has been found that the deposition method of Al is a decisive factor in tuning the texture. Two types of textures, a soft (texture E) and a rough texture (texture S), were achieved from the thermally evaporated and sputtered Al layers through AIT process. Aluminium-doped zinc oxide (AZO) layers of different thickness were deposited over both textures and over smooth glass. Haze values above 30% were obtained for texture S + AZO and above 10% for texture E + AZO. The resultant morphologies were free from sharp edges or deep valleys and the transparency and the resistivity values were also good enough to be used as front contact for thin film solar cells. In order to demonstrate the light absorption enhancement in a solar cell device, 200 nm of a-Si:H followed by 300 nm of Ag were grown over the textured and smooth substrates with AZO, and an optical absorption enhancement of 35% for texture E and 53% for texture S was obtained in comparison to the smooth substrate.
The Influence of Simulated Microgravity on Purinergic Signaling Is Different between Individual Culture and Endothelial and Smooth Muscle Cell Coculture
Authors: Zhang Yu , Lau Patrick , Pansky Andreas , Kassack Matthias , Hemmersbach Ruth , Tobiasch Edda
Published: August 2014

Exposure to microgravity conditions causes cardiovascular deconditioning in astronauts during spaceflight. Until now, no specific drugs are available for countermeasure, since the underlying mechanism is largely unknown. Endothelial cells (ECs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) play key roles in various vascular functions, many of which are regulated by purinergic 2 (P2) receptors. However, their function in ECs and SMCs under microgravity conditions is still unclear. In this study, primary ECs and SMCs were isolated from bovine aorta and verified with specific markers. We show for the first time that the P2 receptor expression pattern is altered in ECs and SMCs after 24 h exposure to simulated microgravity using a clinostat. However, conditioned medium compensates this change in specific P2 receptors, for example, P2X7. Notably, P2 receptors such as P2X7 might be the important players during the paracrine interaction. Additionally, ECs and SMCs secreted different cytokines under simulated microgravity, leading into a pathogenic proliferation and migration. In conclusion, our data indicate P2 receptors might be important players responding to gravity changes in ECs and SMCs. Since some artificial P2 receptor ligands are applied as drugs, it is reasonable to assume that they might be promising candidates against cardiovascular deconditioning in the future.
A QoS Aware Resource Allocation Strategy for 3D A/V Streaming in OFDMA Based Wireless Systems
Authors: Chung Young-uk , Choi Yong-Hoon , Park Suwon , Lee Hyukjoon
Published: August 2014

Three-dimensional (3D) video is expected to be a “killer app” for OFDMA-based broadband wireless systems. The main limitation of 3D video streaming over a wireless system is the shortage of radio resources due to the large size of the 3D traffic. This paper presents a novel resource allocation strategy to address this problem. In the paper, the video-plus-depth 3D traffic type is considered. The proposed resource allocation strategy focuses on the relationship between 2D video and the depth map, handling them with different priorities. It is formulated as an optimization problem and is solved using a suboptimal heuristic algorithm. Numerical results show that the proposed scheme provides a better quality of service compared to conventional schemes.
Differences in Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase ProducingEscherichia coliVirulence Factor Genes in the Baltic Sea Region
Authors: Lillo Jana , Pai Kristiine , Balode Arta , Makarova Mariia , Huik Kristi , Kõljalg Siiri , Ivanova Marina , Kaftyreva Lidia , Miciuleviciene Jolanta , Naaber Paul , Parv Kristel , Pavelkovich Anastasia , Rööp Tiiu , Toompere Karolin , Suzhaeva Ludmila , Sepp Epp
Published: August 2014

The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of different virulence factor (VF) genes in extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producingEscherichia colistrains isolated from the Baltic Sea region. A total of 432 strains of phenotypically ESBL positiveE. coliwere collected from 20 institutions located in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and the region of St. Petersburg in Russia from January to May 2012 and analyzed for phylogenetic group and prevalence of 23 VF genes. The strains were collected from clinical material (urine, blood, wound, and respiratory tract). Bacterial isolates were compared according to phylogenetic group, clinical material, and geographical origin. Most of the VF genes were concentrated within phylogenetic group B2 and/or D. When comparing strains isolated from different countries, it was found that strains originating from Estonia and Latvia belonged mainly to group B2 and strains from Lithuania and Russia mainly to groups B2 and D. The P-fimbrial adhesin genepapEFwas more prevalent in Russian strains, colicin genecvaCin Lithuanian strains, and capsular genekpsMTIIin Latvian strains; serum resistant genetraTwas less prevalent in Estonian strains. The regional differences of VF genes remained statistically significant after taking into account the phylogenetic distribution in the countries.
Comparisons of Hydraulic Performance in Permanent Maglev Pump for Water-Jet Propulsion
Authors: Cao Puyu , Wang Yang , Qian K. X. , Li Guidong
Published: August 2014

The operation of water-jet propulsion can generate nonuniform inflow that may be detrimental to the performance of the water-jets. To reduce disadvantages of the nonuniform inflow, a rim-driven water-jet propulsion was designed depending on the technology of passive magnetic levitation. Insufficient understanding of large performance deviations between the normal water-jets (shaft) and permanent maglev water-jets (shaftless) is a major problem in this paper. CFD was directly adopted in the feasibility and superiority of permanent maglev water-jets. Comparison and discussion of the hydraulic performance were carried out. The shaftless duct firstly has a drop in hydraulic losses ( K1), since it effectively avoids the formation and evolution of the instability secondary vortex by the normalized helicity analysis. Then, the shaftless intake duct improves the inflow field of the water-jet pump, with consequencing the drop in the backflow and blocking on the blade shroud. So that the shaftless water-jet pump delivers higher flow rate and head to the propulsion than the shaft. Eventually, not only can the shaftless model increase the thrust and efficiency, but it has the ability to extend the working range and broaden the high efficiency region as well.
Self-Adaptive Trust Based ABR Protocol for MANETs UsingQ-Learning
Authors: Vijaya Kumar Anitha , Jeyapal Akilandeswari
Published: August 2014

Mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) are a collection of mobile nodes with a dynamic topology. MANETs work under scalable conditions for many applications and pose different security challenges. Due to the nomadic nature of nodes, detecting misbehaviour is a complex problem. Nodes also share routing information among the neighbours in order to find the route to the destination. This requires nodes to trust each other. Thus we can state that trust is a key concept in secure routing mechanisms. A number of cryptographic protection techniques based on trust have been proposed.Q-learning is a recently used technique, to achieve adaptive trust in MANETs. In comparison to other machine learning computational intelligence techniques,Q-learning achieves optimal results. Our work focuses on computing a score usingQ-learning to weigh the trust of a particular node over associativity based routing (ABR) protocol. Thus secure and stable route is calculated as a weighted average of the trust value of the nodes in the route and associativity ticks ensure the stability of the route. Simulation results show thatQ-learning based trust ABR protocol improves packet delivery ratio by 27% and reduces the route selection time by 40% over ABR protocol without trust calculation.
Preparation, Characterization, and Photocatalytic Applications of MWCNTs/TiO2Composite
Authors: Kamil Ahmed M. , Hussein Falah H. , Halbus Ahmed F. , Bahnemann Detlef W.
Published: August 2014

The multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/titanium dioxide (P25) composite in different ratios was prepared using simple evaporation and drying process. The composite was characterized by Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The photocatalytic activity of this composite was investigated using degradation of the Bismarck brown R dye (BBR). An optimal MWCNTs/TiO2ratio of 0.5% (w/w) was found to achieve the maximum rate of BBR degradation. It was observed that the composite exhibits enhanced photocatalytic activity compared with TiO2. The enhancement in photocatalytic activity performance of the MWCNTs/P25 composite is explained in terms of recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. In addition, MWCNTs act as a dispersing support to control the morphology of TiO2particles in the MWCNTs/TiO2composite.
Amino Acid Sequence and Structural Comparison of BACE1 and BACE2 Using Evolutionary Trace Method
Authors: Mirsafian Hoda , Mat Ripen Adiratna , Merican Amir Feisal , Mohamad Saharuddin Bin
Published: August 2014

Beta-amyloid precursor protein cleavage enzyme 1 (BACE1) and beta-amyloid precursor protein cleavage enzyme 2 (BACE2), members of aspartyl protease family, are close homologues and have high similarity in their protein crystal structures. However, their enzymatic properties differ leading to disparate clinical consequences. In order to identify the residues that are responsible for such differences, we used evolutionary trace (ET) method to compare the amino acid conservation patterns of BACE1 and BACE2 in several mammalian species. We found that, in BACE1 and BACE2 structures, most of the ligand binding sites are conserved which indicate their enzymatic property of aspartyl protease family members. The other conserved residues are more or less randomly localized in other parts of the structures. Four group-specific residues were identified at the ligand binding site of BACE1 and BACE2. We postulated that these residues would be essential for selectivity of BACE1 and BACE2 biological functions and could be sites of interest for the design of selective inhibitors targeting either BACE1 or BACE2.
On Local Convergence Analysis of Inexact Newton Method for Singular Systems of Equations under Majorant Condition
Authors: Zhou Fangqin
Published: August 2014

We present a local convergence analysis of inexact Newton method for solving singular systems of equations. Under the hypothesis that the derivative of the function associated with the singular systems satisfies a majorant condition, we obtain that the method is well defined and converges. Our analysis provides a clear relationship between the majorant function and the function associated with the singular systems. It also allows us to obtain an estimate of convergence ball for inexact Newton method and some important special cases.
Studying the Recent Improvements in Holograms for Three-Dimensional Display
Authors: Abbasi Hamed , Zarei Talie , Jalali Farahani Neda , Granmayeh Rad Adeleh
Published: August 2014

Displayers tend to become three-dimensional. The most advantage of holographic 3D displays is the possibility to observe 3D images without using glasses. The quality of created images by this method has surprised everyone. In this paper, the experimental steps of making a transmission hologram have been mentioned. In what follows, current advances of this science-art will be discussed. The aim of this paper is to study the recent improvements in creating three-dimensional images and videos by means of holographic techniques. In the last section we discuss the potentials of holography to be applied in future.
Cortical Source Multivariate EEG Synchronization Analysis on Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Cui Dong , Liu Jing , Bian Zhijie , Li Qiuli , Wang Lei , Li Xiaoli
Published: August 2014

Is synchronization altered in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and normal cognitive functions subjects in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)? Resting eye-closed EEG data were recorded in 8 aMCI subjects and 11 age-matched controls in T2DM. Three multivariate synchronization algorithms (S-estimator (S), synchronization index (SI), and global synchronization index (GSI)) were used to measure the synchronization in five ROIs of sLORETA sources for seven bands. Results showed that aMCI group had lower synchronization values than control groups in parietal delta and beta2 bands, temporal delta and beta2 bands, and occipital theta and beta2 bands significantly. Temporal (r=0.629;P=0.004) and occipital (r=0.648;P=0.003) thetaSvalues were significantly positive correlated with Boston Name Testing. In sum, each of methods reflected that the cortical source synchronization was significantly different between aMCI and control group, and these difference correlated with cognitive functions.
A Chaotic Cryptosystem for Images Based on Henon and Arnold Cat Map
Authors: Soleymani Ali , Nordin Md Jan , Sundararajan Elankovan
Published: August 2014

The rapid evolution of imaging and communication technologies has transformed images into a widespread data type. Different types of data, such as personal medical information, official correspondence, or governmental and military documents, are saved and transmitted in the form of images over public networks. Hence, a fast and secure cryptosystem is needed for high-resolution images. In this paper, a novel encryption scheme is presented for securing images based on Arnold cat and Henon chaotic maps. The scheme uses Arnold cat map for bit- and pixel-level permutations on plain and secret images, while Henon map creates secret images and specific parameters for the permutations. Both the encryption and decryption processes are explained, formulated, and graphically presented. The results of security analysis of five different images demonstrate the strength of the proposed cryptosystem against statistical, brute force and differential attacks. The evaluated running time for both encryption and decryption processes guarantee that the cryptosystem can work effectively in real-time applications.
Thermodynamic and Spectroscopic Investigation of Interactions between Reactive Red 223 and Reactive Orange 122 Anionic Dyes and Cetyltrimethyl Ammonium Bromide (CTAB) Cationic Surfactant in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Irfan Muhammad , Usman Muhammad , Mansha Asim , Rasool Nasir , Ibrahim Muhammad , Rana Usman Ali , Siddiq Mohammad , Zia-Ul-Haq Muhammad , Jaafar Hawa Z. E. , Khan Salah Ud-Din
Published: August 2014

The present study describes the conductometric and spectroscopic study of the interaction of reactive anionic dyes, namely, reactive red 223 and reactive orange 122 with the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). In a systematic investigation, the electrical conductivity data was used to calculate various thermodynamic parameters such as free energy(ΔG), enthalpy(ΔH), and the entropy(ΔS)of solubilization. The trend of change in these thermodynamic quantities indicates toward the entropy driven solubilization process. Moreover, the results from spectroscopic data reveal high degree of solubilization, with strong interactions observed in the cases of both dyes and the CTAB. The spontaneous nature of solubilization and binding was evident from the observed negative values of free energies (ΔGpandΔGb).
Human Locomotion under Reduced Gravity Conditions: Biomechanical and Neurophysiological Considerations
Authors: Sylos-Labini Francesca , Lacquaniti Francesco , Ivanenko Yuri P.
Published: August 2014

Reduced gravity offers unique opportunities to study motor behavior. This paper aims at providing a review on current issues of the known tools and techniques used for hypogravity simulation and their effects on human locomotion. Walking and running rely on the limb oscillatory mechanics, and one way to change its dynamic properties is to modify the level of gravity. Gravity has a strong effect on the optimal rate of limb oscillations, optimal walking speed, and muscle activity patterns, and gait transitions occur smoothly and at slower speeds at lower gravity levels. Altered center of mass movements and interplay between stance and swing leg dynamics may challenge new forms of locomotion in a heterogravity environment. Furthermore, observations in the lack of gravity effects help to reveal the intrinsic properties of locomotor pattern generators and make evident facilitation of nonvoluntary limb stepping. In view of that, space neurosciences research has participated in the development of new technologies that can be used as an effective tool for gait rehabilitation.
Continuous Femoral Nerve Block versus Intravenous Patient Controlled Analgesia for Knee Mobility and Long‐Term Pain in Patients Receiving Total Knee Replacement: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Peng Lihua , Ren Li , Qin Peipei , Chen Jing , Feng Ping , Lin Haidan , Su Min
Published: August 2014

Objectives. To evaluate the comparative analgesia effectiveness and safety of postoperative continuous femoral nerve block (CFNB) with patient controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) and their impact on knee function and chronic postoperative pain. Methods. Participants were randomly allocated to receive postoperative continuous femoral nerve block (group CFNB) or intravenous patient controlled analgesia (group PCIA). Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores for knee and incidence of chronic postoperative pain at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively were compared. postoperative pain and salvage medication at rest or during mobilization 24 hours, 48 hours, and 7 days postoperatively were also recorded. Results. After discharge from the hospital and rehabilitation of joint function, patients in group CFNB reported significantly improved knee flexion and less incidence of chronic postoperative pain at 3 months and 6 months postoperatively (P < 0.05). Analgesic rescue medications were significantly reduced in patients receiving CFNB (P < 0.001 and P = 0.031, resp.). Conclusion. With standardized rehabilitation therapy, continuous femoral nerve block analgesia reduced the incidence of chronic postoperative pain, improved motility of replaced joints, and reduced the dosages of rescue analgesic medications, suggesting a recovery‐enhancing effect of peripheral nerve block analgesia.
Water Extract of Fructus Hordei Germinatus Shows Antihyperprolactinemia Activity via Dopamine D2 Receptor
Authors: Wang Xiong , Ma Li , Zhang En-jing , Zou Ji-li , Guo Hao , Peng Si-wei , Wu Jin-hu
Published: August 2014

Objective. Fructus Hordei Germinatus is widely used in treating hyperprolactinemia (hyperPRL) as a kind of Chinese traditional herb in China. In this study, we investigated the anti‐hyperPRL activity of water extract of Fructus Hordei Germinatus (WEFHG) and mechanism of action. Methods. Effect of WEFHG on serum prolactin (PRL), estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and hypothalamus protein kinase A (PKA) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels of hyperPRL rats were investigated. And effect of WEFHG on PRL secretion, D2 receptors, and dopamine transporters (DAT) was studied in MMQ, GH3, and PC12 cells, respectively. Results. WEFHG reduced the secretion of PRL in hyperPRL rats effectively. In MMQ cell, treatment with WEFHG at 1–5 mg/mL significantly suppressed PRL secretion and synthesis. Consistent with a D2‐action, WEFHG did not affect PRL in rat pituitary lactotropic tumor‐derived GH3 cells that lack the D2 receptor expression but significantly increased the expression of D2 receptors and DAT in PC12 cells. In addition, WEFHG reduced the cAMP and PKA levels of hypothalamus in hyperPRL rats significantly. Conclusions. WEFHG showed anti‐hyperPRL activity via dopamine D2 receptor, which was related to the second messenger cAMP and PKA.