bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SU8 Derived Glassy Carbon for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Sharma Swati , Khalajhedayati Amirhossein , Rupert Timothy J , Madou Marc J
Published: May 2014

Glassy carbon (GC) is an amorphous yet sp
2 rich allotrope of carbon that has received a lot of attention as an electrode material in Li ion batteries. In this contribution we explore the microstructural, thermal and mechanical properties of GC derived from the pyrolysis of lithographically patterned SU8, which is the most common precursor polymer in CMEMS (carbon micro-electromechanical systems). Microstructural characterization of CMEMS carbon in terms of interlayer separation of the characteristic turbostratic (randomly arranged) graphene layers, which influences the mechanism of lithiation and accompanying swelling and heating during battery operation, is carried out employing electron microscopy. Mechanical properties of the thus obtained GC are also investigated using nanoindentation for films, and microcompression tests for micropillars. Rapid heating/cooling of the miniaturized GC structures due to their relatively large surface area is demonstrated by Joule heating of a carbon nanowire (CNW) suspended onto CMEMS walls.
A Flexible and Reliable Traffic Control Protocol for Wireless Multimedia Sensor Networks
Authors: Wang Zhiqi , Yu Fengqi
Published: April 2014

Wireless multimedia sensor networks (WMSNs) are more and more wildly used for a variety of applications nowadays. The quality-of-service (QoS), as a measure of system performance, is very important and attracts many researchers. The limited bandwidth should be adjusted for the packets with different priorities precisely. Even more, when the WMSNs are used for environment monitoring, besides the real-time video playing, the monitoring systems also need to record and playback the video after some time. So the necessary and proper retransmission should be added to the real-time video transmission, without affecting the normal data streams. To emphasize the problem, the paper provides a flexible and reliable traffic control protocol. According to the packet priorities, sensor nodes in one collision area can adjust their sending states adaptively. Variable retransmission tactics are provided for the packets with different priorities. The simulations show that the bandwidth adjustment can protect the packets with high priority effectively, and the performance of the retransmission is well positioned to meet the requirement of the multimedia applications.
Controlling Dielectric and Magnetic Properties of PVdF/Magnetite Nanocomposite Fibre Webs
Authors: Venugopal A. P. , Cespedes O. , Russell S. J.
Published: April 2014

The ability of filtration and separation media containing fibres to remove impurities from oil, water, and blood can be enhanced using magnetic fields. The ability to regulate the dielectric and magnetic behaviour of fibrous webs in terms of superparamagnetic or ferromagnetic properties by adjusting material composition is fundamental to meeting end-use requirements. Electrospun fibres were produced from PVdF (polyvinylidene fluoride) and nanomagnetite (Fe3O4nanoparticles) from solutions of PVdF in dimethylacetamide containing Fe3O4nanoparticle contents ranging from 3 to 10 wt%. Fibre dimensions, morphology, and nanoparticle agglomeration were characterised by environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) and field emission gun transmission electron microscopy (FEGTEM). Dielectric behaviour of the fibre webs was influenced by web porosity and the Fe3O4nanoparticle content. Impedance analysis of the webs indicated an increase in dielectric constant of∼80% by the addition of 10 wt% Fe3O4nanoparticles compared to 100 wt% PVdF. The dielectric constants of the webs were compared with those obtained from the theoretical mixing models of Maxwell and Lichtenecker. Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) magnetisation measurements indicated a blocking temperature above 300 K suggesting ferrimagnetic rather than superparamagnetic behaviour as a result of Fe3O4nanoparticle agglomeration within fibres.
A Single Step Impression Technique of Flabby Ridges Using Monophase Polyvinylsiloxane Material: A Case Report
Authors: Pai Umesh Y. , Reddy Vikram Simha , Hosi Rushad Nariman
Published: April 2014

Complete denture fabrication in clinically compromised situations such as flabby ridges is a challenging task for the clinician. Accurate impressioning of these tissues plays a major role in ensuring a well-fitting prosthesis. In this paper, the authors have proposed a newer technique of impression making of the flabby tissues using a combination of readily available newer and older materials to ensure an accurate and easy impression of these tissues.
Study on Fatigue Crack of Supporting Plate on Sonic Vibration Head
Authors: Yu Wang , Yuru Lei , Bao-lin Liu , Zhi-jun Li
Published: April 2014

The supporting plate is one of the key parts of the sonic vibration head, and the regular fatigue and fracture make the support plate be one of the most venerably damaged units, resulting in huge loss in economy and security. After analyzing the loading states of the supporting plate on sonic vibration head, the mechanical stresses of three kinds of supporting plate under different operation load cases are simulated by the method of finite element method (FEM). The effects of stress of supporting plate are studied by means of fatigue testing on actual drilling processing. The results show that the steel structures fatigue failure is caused by stress concentration and unbalance. The optimal supporting plate structure is selected by the simulation and test.
Synthesis and Characterization of Star-Shaped Block Copolymer sPCL-b-PEG-GA
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zhao Qian , Shao Hewei , Zhang Shiyu , Han Xiaoyan
Published: April 2014

Compared to linear polymers with the same molecular weight, star-shaped polymers have the superiority of drug loading and delivery. The glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) from licorice is remarkably characteristic of liver distribution and liver cells targetability. In this paper, four-armed star-shaped polycaprolactone was synthesized and amino polyethylene glycol was modified by glycyrrhetinic acid (NH2-PEG-GA). Then the condensation reaction between the two above polymers finally produced four-armed star-shaped poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(ε-caprolactone) block copolymer (sPCL-b-PEG-GA). The structures of the intermediates and product were characterized by1H NMR. The results indicated that the structure and molecular weight of sPCL-b-PEG-GA can be controlled by the varied ratios of pentaerythritol (PTOL) toε-caprolactone (ε-CL) in the presence of stannous octoate (Sn(Oct)2), and the amphiphilic copolymer sPCL-b-PEG-GA consists of PTOL as core, PCL as inner hydrophobic segments, PEG as external hydrophilic segments, and terminal glycyrrhetic acid as targeting ligand. The work explored a new synthesis route of star poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(ε-caprolactone) copolymer with liver targetability. The star-shaped polymer is expected to be an efficient drug carrier.
Punishment Effect of Prisoner Dilemma Game Based on a New Evolution Strategy Rule
Authors: Sun Dehui , Kou Xiaoliang
Published: April 2014

We discuss the effect of the punishment in the prisoner’s dilemma game. We propose a new evolution strategy rule which can reflect the external factor for both players in the evolution game. In general, if the punishment exists, the D (defection‐defection) structure (i.e., both of the two players choose D‐D strategy) which is the Nash equilibrium for the game can keep stable and never let the cooperation emerge. However, if a new evolution strategy rule is adopted, we can find that the D‐D structure can not keep stable and it will decrease during the game from the simulations. In fact, the punishment mainly affects the C‐D (cooperation‐defection) structure in the network. After the fraction of the C‐D structure achieved some levels, the punishment can keep the C‐D structure stable and prevent it from transforming into C‐C (cooperation‐cooperation) structure. Moreover, in light of the stability of structure and the payoff of the individual gains, it can be found that the probability which is related to the payoff can affect the result of the evolution game.
Aerogels as Promising Thermal Insulating Materials: An Overview
Authors: Thapliyal Prakash C. , Singh Kirti
Published: April 2014

Aerogels are solids with high porosity (<100 nm) and hence possess extremely low density (∼0.003 g/cm3) and very low conductivity (∼10 mW/mK). In recent years, aerogels have attracted more and more attention due to their surprising properties and their existing and potential applications in wide range of technological areas. An overview of aerogels and their applications as the building envelope components and respective improvements from an energy efficiency perspective including performance is given here. This overview covers thermal insulation properties of aerogels and studies regarding structural features which will be helpful in buildings envelope. The improvements of thermal insulation systems have future prospects of large savings in primary energy consumption. It can be concluded that aerogels have great potential in a wide range of applications as energy efficient insulation, windows, acoustics, and so forth.
Solutions ofk-Hypergeometric Differential Equations
Authors: Mubeen Shahid , Naz Mammona , Rehman Abdur , Rahman Gauhar
Published: April 2014

We solve the second-order linear differential equation called thek-hypergeometric differential equation by using Frobenius method around all its regular singularities. At each singularity, we find 8 solutions corresponding to the different cases for parameters and modified our solutions accordingly.
The Association among Antioxidant Enzymes, Autoantibodies, and Disease Severity Score in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Comparison of Neuropsychiatric and Nonneuropsychiatric Groups
Authors: Su Yu-Jih , Cheng Tien-Tsai , Chen Chung-Jen , Chiu Wen-Chan , Chang Wen-Neng , Tsai Nai-Wen , Kung Chia-Te , Lin Wei-Che , Huang Chih-Cheng , Chang Ya-Ting , Su Chih-Min , Chiang Yi-Fang , Cheng Ben-Chung , Lu Cheng-Hsien
Published: April 2014

Background. Antioxidative capacity plays an important role in the severity of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which is characterized by autoantibodies. This study aimed to determine the relationship among autoantibody titers, antioxidative stress reserve, and severity of SLE.Methods. The autoantibody titers, clinical markers, antioxidant enzyme levels, and disease activity index (SLEDAI-2k) of 32 SLE patients and 16 healthy controls were compared. We also compared both the neuropsychiatric (NPSLE) and nonneuropsychiatric (non-NPSLE) groups.Results. Superoxide dismutase in red blood cells was significantly lower in the SLE than in the control group. CRP levels are significant higher in SLE patients than in control group (P=0.034). Among the autoantibodies, anti-U1RNPP=0.008, a-SmP=0.027, and anti-ribosomal pP=0.028significantly negatively correlated with glutathione levels. There has no significant correlation between SLE disease activity indexes (SLEDAI) and levels of C3, C4, and antioxidant enzymes.Conclusions. Erythrocyte superoxide dismutase is significantly lower in both NPSLE and non-NPSLE groups. SLE patients have both higher CRP and autoantibodies level and decreased superoxide dismutase level than the healthy control group.
A Discrete Model for HIV Infection with Distributed Delay
Authors: EL Boukari Brahim , Hattaf Khalid , Yousfi Noura
Published: April 2014

We give a consistent discretization of a continuous model of HIV infection, with distributed time delays to express the lag between the times when the virus enters a cell and when the cell becomes infected. The global stability of the steady states of the model is determined and numerical simulations are presented to illustrate our theoretical results.
MEMS-Reconfigurable Metamaterials and Antenna Applications
Authors: Debogovic Tomislav , Perruisseau-Carrier Julien
Published: April 2014

This paper reviews some of our contributions to reconfigurable metamaterials, where dynamic control is enabled by microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology. First, we show reconfigurable composite right-/left-handed transmission lines (CRLH-TLs) having state of the art phase velocity variation and loss, thereby enabling efficient reconfigurable phase shifters and leaky-wave antennas (LWA). Second, we present very low loss metasurface designs with reconfigurable reflection properties, applicable in reflectarrays and partially reflective surface (PRS) antennas. All the presented devices have been fabricated and experimentally validated. They operate in X- and Ku-bands.
Directional Slack-Based Measure for the Inverse Data Envelopment Analysis
Authors: Mirsalehy Ali , Abu Bakar Mohd Rizam , Lee Lai Soon , Jaafar Azmi B. , Heydar Maryam
Published: April 2014

A novel technique has been introduced in this research which lends its basis to the Directional Slack-Based Measure for the inverse Data Envelopment Analysis. In practice, the current research endeavors to elucidate the inverse directional slack-based measure model within a new production possibility set. On one occasion, there is a modification imposed on the output (input) quantities of an efficient decision making unit. In detail, the efficient decision making unit in this method was omitted from the present production possibility set but substituted by the considered efficient decision making unit while its input and output quantities were subsequently modified. The efficiency score of the entire DMUs will be retained in this approach. Also, there would be an improvement in the efficiency score. The proposed approach was investigated in this study with reference to a resource allocation problem. It is possible to simultaneously consider any upsurges (declines) of certain outputs associated with the efficient decision making unit. The significance of the represented model is accentuated by presenting numerical examples.
Influence of Non-Structural Localized Inertia on Free Vibration Response of Thin-Walled Structures by Variable Kinematic Beam Formulations
Authors: Pagani Alfonso , Zangallo Francesco , Carrera Erasmo
Published: April 2014

Variable kinematic beam theories are used in this paper to carry out vibration analysis of isotropic thin-walled structures subjected to non-structural localized inertia. Arbitrarily enriched displacement fields for beams are hierarchically obtained by using the Carrera Unified Formulation (CUF). According to CUF, kinematic fields can be formulated either as truncated Taylor-like expansion series of the generalized unknowns or by using only pure translational variables by locally discretizing the beam cross-section through Lagrange polynomials. The resulting theories were, respectively, referred to as TE (Taylor Expansion) and LE (Lagrange Expansion) in recent works. If the finite element method is used, as in the case of the present work, stiffness and mass elemental matrices for both TE and LE beam models can be written in terms of the same fundamental nuclei. The fundamental nucleus of the mass matrix is opportunely modified in this paper in order to account for non-structural localized masses. Several beams are analysed and the results are compared to those from classical beam theories, 2D plate/shell, and 3D solid models from a commercial FEM code. The analyses demonstrate the ineffectiveness of classical theories in dealing with torsional, coupling, and local effects that may occur when localized inertia is considered. Thus the adoption of higher-order beam models is mandatory. The results highlight the efficiency of the proposed models and, in particular, the enhanced capabilities of LE modelling approach, which is able to reproduce solid-like analysis with very low computational costs.
Inflammation-Based Scores: A New Method for Patient-Targeted Strategies and Improved Perioperative Outcome in Cancer Patients
Authors: Bugada Dario , Allegri Massimo , Lavand'homme Patricia , De Kock Marc , Fanelli Guido
Published: April 2014

Systemic inflammatory response (SIR) has actually been shown as an important prognostic factor associated with lower postoperative survival in several types of cancer. Thus, the challenge for physicians is to find specific, low-cost, and highlyreliable inflammatory markers, clearly correlated with prognosis and able to preoperatively stratify patient’s risk. Inflammation is a promising target to improve perioperative outcome, and data show that anti-inflammation techniques have a great potential in the perioperative period of cancer surgery. Inflammation scores could be useful to stratify patients with a potential better response to anti-inflammation strategies. Furthermore, inflammation scores could prevent failure of clinical trials by a better definition of patients to be included in such trials; inflammation scoring could clarify the real role of different drugs and techniques on outcome after cancer surgery, defining if different therapies are required for different patients. The role of this review is to focus on the currently available scores, in order to clarify their rationale and to analyze the actual evidence and limits, providing physicians with an updated overview of the possible inflammation-based prognostic scores for cancer patients undergoing surgery.
Regulatory Lymphocytes Are Key Factors in MHC-Independent Resistance to EAE
Authors: Marín Nieves , Mecha Miriam , Espejo Carmen , Mestre Leyre , Eixarch Herena , Montalban Xavier , Álvarez-Cermeño José C. , Guaza Carmen , Villar Luisa M.
Published: April 2014

Background and Objectives. Resistant and susceptible mouse strains to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an inducible demyelinating experimental disease serving as animal model for multiple sclerosis, have been described. We aimed to explore MHC-independent mechanisms inducing resistance to EAE.Methods. For EAE induction, female C57BL/6 (susceptible strain) and CD1 (resistant outbred strain showing heterogeneous MHC antigens) mice were immunized with the 35–55 peptide of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG35−55). We studied T cell proliferation, regulatory and effector cell subpopulations, intracellular and serum cytokine patterns, and titers of anti-MOG serum antibodies.Results. Upon immunization with MOG35−55, T lymphocytes from susceptible mice but not that of resistant strain were capable of proliferating when stimulated with MOG35−55. Accordingly, resistant mice experienced a rise in regulatory B cells (P=0.001) and, to a lower extent, in regulatory T cells (P=0.02) compared with C57BL/6 susceptible mice. As a consequence, MOG35−55-immunized C57BL/6 mice showed higher percentages of CD4+ T cells producing both IFN-gamma (P=0.02) and IL-17 (P=0.009) and higher serum levels of IL-17 (P=0.04) than resistant mice.Conclusions. Expansion of regulatory B and T cells contributes to the induction of resistance to EAE by an MHC-independent mechanism.
Effects of a New Patient Safety-Driven Oxytocin Dosing Protocol on Postpartum Hemorrhage
Authors: McKenna David S. , Rudinsky Kari , Sonek Jiri
Published: April 2014

Objective.To determine if there was an increase in postpartum (PP) hemorrhage after decreasing the PP oxytocin dose from 40 to 30 units.Study Design.Retrospective cohort study comparing 8 months before to 8 months after the change. PP day 1 hemoglobin was subtracted from admission hemoglobin. Mean change was compared by Student’st-test. The best fit polynomial was analyzed for trends between the two time frames. Women who received blood transfusions were excluded.Results.73/3564 (2.0%) women received blood transfusions in the pre group and 64/3295 (1.9%) women in the post group,P=0.8. Mean hemoglobin change ± standard deviation was1.53±0.03 g/dL for pre versus1.52±0.05 g/dL for post,P=0.68. 1003/3114 (32.2%) in the pre group had a hemoglobin decrease of ≥2 g/dL compared to 918/2895 (31.7%) in the post group,P=0.7. 261/3114 (8.4%) in the pre group had a hemoglobin decrease of ≥3 g/dL compared to 252/2895 (8.7%),P=0.7. There were no significant trends between the two time frames.Conclusion.The change in the dose of PP oxytocin did not result in an increase in postpartum hemorrhage or an increase in the need for blood transfusion.
Gain Enhancement of a Multiband Resonator Using Defected Ground Surface on Epoxy Woven Glass Material
Authors: Alam Md. Shahidul , Islam Mohammad Tariqul , Arshad Haslina
Published: April 2014

A multiband microstrip resonator is proposed in this study which is realized through a rectangular radiator with embedded symmetrical rectangular slots in it and a defected ground surface. The study is presented with detailed parametric analyses to understand the effect of various design parameters. The design and analyses are performed using the FIT based full-wave electromagnetic simulator CST microwave studio suite. With selected parameter values, the resonator showed a peak gain of 5.85 dBi at 5.2 GHz, 6.2 dBi at 8.3 GHz, 3.9 dBi at 9.5 GHz, 5.9 dBi at 12.2 GHz, and 4.7 dBi at 14.6 GHz. Meanwhile, the main lobe magnitude and the 3 dB angular beam width are 6.2 dBi and 86°, 5.9 dBi and 53.7°, 8.5 dBi and 43.9°, 8.6 dBi and 42.1°, and 4.7 dBi and 30.1°, respectively, at the resonant frequencies. The overall resonator has a compact dimension of 0.52λ  × 0.52λ  × 0.027λat the lower resonant frequency. For practical validation, a lab prototype was built on a 1.6 mm thick epoxide woven glass fabric dielectric material which is measured using a vector network analyzer and within an anechoic chamber. The comparison between the simulated and measured results showed a very good understanding, which implies the practical suitability of the proposed multiband resonator design.
Age Stage Two-Sex Life Table Reveals Sublethal Effects of Some Herbal and Chemical Insecticides on Adults ofBemisia tabaci(Hem.: Aleyrodidae)
Authors: Jafarbeigi Fatemeh , Samih Mohammad Amin , Zarabi Mehdi , Esmaeily Saeideh
Published: April 2014

The sweetpotato whitefly,Bemisia tabaci(Genn.) (Hem.: Aleyrodidae), is an important pest of agriculture in subtropical and tropical areas. In this study, we used the age-stage two-sex life table to evaluate the sublethal effects of the herbal extracts taken fromFumaria parvifloraLam. (Fumariaceae),Teucrium poliumL. (Lamiaceae),Calotropis procera(Willd.) R. Br. (Asclepiadaceae), andThymus vulgarisL. (Lamiaceae) as well as the two commercial synthetic insecticides, pymetrozin and neemarin. The whiteflies were exposed to each insecticide using leaf-dip method. Analysis of life table parameters revealed significant differences (P≤0.05) in the net reproductive rate (R0,NRR), intrinsic rate of increase (rm), and finite rate of increase (λ) among different insecticides. The lowest values of the three population parameters,R0,r, andλ, were observed on whiteflies treated with pymetrozin (2.455, 0.036, and 1.036),T. polium(2.828, 0.044, and 1.045), and neemarin (2.998, 0.046, and 1.047), respectively. Results of this study highlights the satisfactory insecticidal effects of the extract taken fromT. poliumonB. tabaci, which is comparable to the two commonly used synthetic insecticides.
Screening for Psychiatric Disorders in Bariatric Surgery Candidates with the German Version of the Patient Health Questionnaire
Authors: Palm Ulrich , Thasler Wolfgang E. , Rittler Peter , Epple Ann Natascha , Lieb Martin , Mokhtari-Nejad Rabee , Rospleszcz Susanne , de la Fontaine Larissa , Segmiller Felix M. , Eser-Valeri Daniela
Published: April 2014

Objective. Obesity has been linked to psychiatric disorders in several studies. Prevalence and severity of psychiatric disorders are high in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Thus, psychiatric assessment of bariatric surgery candidates has become a standard procedure. However, socially desirable responding leads to biased results in self-reported questionnaires. Here, bariatric surgery candidates were screened with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-D) additionally to the psychiatric examination.Method. 355 bariatric surgery candidates filled in the PHQ-D before the psychiatric examination as a part of the surgery assessment procedure. PHQ-D results were compared to psychiatric diagnoses and body mass index (BMI).Results. Gender ratio, mean BMI, and age were comparable to earlier studies. Depressive and somatization symptoms did not correlate to BMI. However, females showed higher prevalence of psychiatric disorders with elevated syndrome severity in depressive and somatization disorders, as well as more frequent antidepressant intake. Eating disorders and addiction disorders were rarely reported.Conclusion. The findings suggest a socially desirable responding when filling in the PHQ-D before bariatric surgery. The use of the PHQ-D in this patient sample could be augmented by psychometric tests with internal correction and validation scales. Furthermore, psychiatric examination should be separated from the surgery evaluation process.
FT-IR Analysis of Urinary Stones: A Helpful Tool for Clinician Comparison with the Chemical Spot Test
Authors: Primiano Aniello , Persichilli Silvia , Gambaro Giovanni , Ferraro Pietro Manuel , D’Addessi Alessandro , Cocci Andrea , Schiattarella Arcangelo , Zuppi Cecilia , Gervasoni Jacopo
Published: April 2014

Background.Kidney stones are a common illness with multifactorial etiopathogenesis. The determination of crystalline and molecular composition and the quantification of all stone components are important to establish the etiology of stones disease but it is often laborious to obtain using the chemical method. The aim of this paper is to compare chemical spot test with FT-IR spectroscopy, for a possible introduction in our laboratory.Methods.We analyzed 48 calculi using Urinary Calculi Analysis kit in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The same samples were analyzed by FT-IR using the Perkin Elmer Spectrum One FT-IR Spectrometer. All FT-IR spectra of kidney stones were then computer matched against a library of spectra to generate a report on the various components.Results.On the basis of FT-IR analysis, the 48 calculi were divided into three groups: pure stone, mixed stone, and pure stone with substances in trace. Results of each group were compared with those obtained with chemical spot test. A general disagreement between methods was observed.Conclusions.According to our data, the introduction of the FT-IR technique in clinical chemistry laboratory may be more responsive to clinician expectations.
New Methods with Capped Options for Pricing American Options
Authors: Deng Dongya , Peng Cuiye
Published: April 2014

We propose two new methods: improved binomial methods and improved least square MonteCarlo methods (LSM), for pricing American options. These two methods are developed using the nice capped options which have closed-form formulas. Numerical examples are provided to verify that these two new methods are pretty efficient.
Prevalence and Cognitive Bases of Subjective Memory Complaints in Older Adults: Evidence from a Community Sample
Authors: Fritsch Thomas , McClendon McKee J. , Wallendal Maggie S. , Hyde Trevor F. , Larsen Janet D.
Published: April 2014

Objectives. To estimate the prevalence of subjective memory complaints (SMCs) in a sample of community-dwelling, older adults and to examine cognitive bases of these complaints. Participants. 499 community-dwelling adults, 65 and older. Measurements. A telephone survey consisting of cognitive tests and clinical and sociodemographic variables. SMCs were based on subjects' evaluations and subjects' perceptions of others' evaluations. Analysis. Logistic regression was used to model the risk for SMCs as a function of the cognitive, clinical, and sociodemographic variables. We tested for interactions of the cognitive variables with age, education, and gender. Results. 27.1% reported memory complaints. Among the younger age, better objective memory performance predicted lower risk for SMCs, while among the older age, better memory had no effect on risk. Among the better-educated people, better global cognitive functioning predicted lower risk for SMCs, while among the less-educated people, better global cognitive functioning had no effect on SMC risk. When predicting others' perceptions, better objective memory was associated with lower risk for SMCs. Conclusion. Objective memory performance and global cognitive functioning are associated with lower risk for SMCs, but these relationships are the strongest for the younger age and those with more education, respectively. Age and education may affect the ability to accurately appraise cognitive functioning.
Nanoparticle Imaging with Polarization Interferometric Nonlinear Confocal Microscope
Authors: Fujita Kohei , Egami Chikara
Published: April 2014

Polarization interferometric nonlinear confocal microscope has been developed for single nanoparticle analysis of drug delivery system (DDS). The microscope is a system based on a low cost and low power continuous wave (CW) laser light source. Also, the microscope observed shape anisotropy of the 200 nm diameter nanoparticle. According to nanoparticle imaging and CTF (contrast transfer function) curve observation of the microscope, three-dimensional resolution of the microscope measured up to 10 nm.
Bortezomib Treatment Produces Nocifensive Behavior and Changes in the Expression of TRPV1, CGRP, and Substance P in the Rat DRG, Spinal Cord, and Sciatic Nerve
Authors: Quartu M. , Carozzi V. A. , Dorsey S. G. , Serra M. P. , Poddighe L. , Picci C. , Boi M. , Melis T. , Del Fiacco M. , Meregalli C. , Chiorazzi A. , Renn C. L. , Cavaletti G. , Marmiroli P.
Published: April 2014

To investigate neurochemical changes associated with bortezomib-induced painful peripheral neuropathy (PN), we examined the effects of a single-dose intravenous administration of bortezomib and a well-established “chronic” schedule in a rat model of bortezomib-induced PN. The TRPV1 channel and sensory neuropeptides CGRP and substance P (SP) were studied in L4-L5 dorsal root ganglia (DRGs), spinal cord, and sciatic nerve. Behavioral measures, performed at the end of the chronic bortezomib treatment, confirmed a reduction of mechanical nociceptive threshold, whereas no difference occurred in thermal withdrawal latency. Western blot analysis showed a relative increase of TRPV1 in DRG and spinal cord after both acute and chronic bortezomib administration. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction revealed a decrease of TRPV1 and CGRP mRNA relative levels after chronic treatment. Immunohistochemistry showed that in the DRGs, TRPV1-, CGRP-, and SP-immunoreactive neurons were mostly small- and medium-sized and the proportion of TRPV1- and CGRP-labeled neurons increased after treatment. A bortezomib-induced increase in density of TRPV1- and CGRP-immunoreactive innervation in the dorsal horn was also observed. Our findings show that bortezomib-treatment selectively affects subsets of DRG neurons likely involved in the processing of nociceptive stimuli and that neurochemical changes may contribute to development and persistence of pain in bortezomib-induced PN.
Interval‐Valued Hesitant Fuzzy Hamacher Synergetic Weighted Aggregation Operators and Their Application to Shale Gas Areas Selection
Authors: Li Liang-Guo , Peng Ding-Hong
Published: April 2014

We investigate the multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) problem concerns on the selection of shale gas areas with interval‐valued hesitant fuzzy information. First, some Hamacher operations of interval‐valued hesitant fuzzy information are introduced, which generalize and extend the existing ones. Then some interval‐valued hesitant fuzzy Hamacher weighted aggregation operators, especially, the interval‐valued hesitant fuzzy Hamacher synergetic weighted averaging (IVHFHSWA) operators and their geometric version (IVHFHSWG) operators that weight simultaneously the argument variables themselves and their position orders and thus generalize the ideas of the weighted averaging and the ordered weighted averaging, are proposed. The distinct advantages of these operators are that they can provide more choices for the decision makers and considerably enhance or deteriorate the performance of aggregation. The essential properties of these operators are studied and their specific cases are discussed. Based on the IVHFHSWA operator, we propose a practical approach to shale gas areas selection with interval‐valued hesitant fuzzy information. Finally, an illustrative example for selecting the shale gas areas is used to demonstrate the practicality and effectiveness of the proposed approach and a comparative analysis is performed with other approaches to highlight the distinctive advantages of the proposed operators.
Dynamical Behavior and Stability Analysis in a Stage-Structured Prey Predator Model with Discrete Delay and Distributed Delay
Authors: Liu Chao , Zhang Qingling
Published: April 2014

We propose a prey predator model with stage structure for prey. A discrete delay and a distributed delay for predator described by an integral with a strong delay kernel are also considered. Existence of two feasible boundary equilibria and a unique interior equilibrium are analytically investigated. By analyzing associated characteristic equation, local stability analysis of boundary equilibrium and interior equilibrium is discussed, respectively. It reveals that interior equilibrium is locally stable when discrete delay is less than a critical value. According to Hopf bifurcation theorem for functional differential equations, it can be found that model undergoes Hopf bifurcation around the interior equilibrium when local stability switch occurs and corresponding stable limit cycle is observed. Furthermore, directions of Hopf bifurcation and stability of the bifurcating periodic solutions are studied based on normal form theory and center manifold theorem. Numerical simulations are carried out to show consistency with theoretical analysis.
Floyd‐A∗ Algorithm Solving the Least‐Time Itinerary Planning Problem in Urban Scheduled Public Transport Network
Authors: Zhang Yu , Tang Jiafu , Lv Shimeng , Luo Xinggang
Published: April 2014

We consider an ad hoc Floyd‐A∗ algorithm to determine the a priori least‐time itinerary from an origin to a destination given an initial time in an urban scheduled public transport (USPT) network. The network is bimodal (i.e., USPT lines and walking) and time dependent. The modified USPT network model results in more reasonable itinerary results. An itinerary is connected through a sequence of time‐label arcs. The proposed Floyd‐A∗ algorithm is composed of two procedures designated as Itinerary Finder and Cost Estimator. The A∗‐based Itinerary Finder determines the time‐dependent, least‐time itinerary in real time, aided by the heuristic information precomputed by the Floyd‐based Cost Estimator, where a strategy is formed to preestimate the time‐dependent arc travel time as an associated static lower bound. The Floyd‐A∗ algorithm is proven to guarantee optimality in theory and, demonstrated through a real‐world example in Shenyang City USPT network to be more efficient than previous procedures. The computational experiments also reveal the time‐dependent nature of the least‐time itinerary. In the premise that lines run punctually, “just boarding” and “just missing” cases are identified.
Response Time, Visual Search Strategy, and Anticipatory Skills in Volleyball Players
Authors: Piras Alessandro , Lobietti Roberto , Squatrito Salvatore
Published: April 2014

This paper aimed at comparing expert and novice volleyball players in a visuomotor task using realistic stimuli. Videos of a volleyball setter performing offensive action were presented to participants, while their eye movements were recorded by a head-mounted video based eye tracker. Participants were asked to foresee the direction (forward or backward) of the setter’s toss by pressing one of two keys. Key-press response time, response accuracy, and gaze behaviour were measured from the first frame showing the setter’s hand-ball contact to the button pressed by the participants. Experts were faster and more accurate in predicting the direction of the setting than novices, showing accurate predictions when they used a search strategy involving fewer fixations of longer duration, as well as spending less time in fixating all display areas from which they extract critical information for the judgment. These results are consistent with the view that superior performance in experts is due to their ability to efficiently encode domain-specific information that is relevant to the task.
Mining Seasonal Marine Microbial Pattern with Greedy Heuristic Clustering and Symmetrical Nonnegative Matrix Factorization
Authors: Liu Fei , Zhang Shao-Wu , Wei Ze-Gang , Chen Wei , Zhou Chen
Published: April 2014

With the development of high-throughput and low-cost sequencing technology, a large number of marine microbial sequences were generated. The association patterns between marine microbial species and environment factors are hidden in these large amount sequences. Mining these association patterns is beneficial to exploit the marine resources. However, very few marine microbial association patterns are well investigated in this field. The present study reports the development of a novel method called HC-sNMF to detect the marine microbial association patterns. The results show that the four seasonal marine microbial association networks have characters of complex networks, the same environmental factor influences different species in the four seasons, and the correlative relationships are stronger between OTUs (taxa) than with environmental factors in the four seasons detecting community.
On the Structure of Cooperative and Competitive Solutions for a Generalized Assignment Game
Authors: Arribillaga R. Pablo , Massó Jordi , Neme Alejandro
Published: April 2014

We study cooperative and competitive solutions for a many-to-many generalization of Shapley and Shubik’s (1971) assignment game. We consider the Core, three other notions of group stability, and two alternative definitions of competitive equilibrium. We show that (i) each group stable set is closely related to the Core of certain games defined using a proper notion of blocking and (ii) each group stable set contains the set of payoff vectors associated with the two definitions of competitive equilibrium. We also show that all six solutions maintain a strictly nested structure. Moreover, each solution can be identified with a set of matrices of (discriminated) prices which indicate how gains from trade are distributed among buyers and sellers. In all cases such matrices arise as solutions of a system of linear inequalities. Hence, all six solutions have the same properties from a structural and computational point of view.
Platelet Consumption and Filter Clotting Using Two Different Membrane Sizes during Continuous Venovenous Haemodiafiltration in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Bonassin Tempesta Francesca , Rudiger Alain , Previsdomini Marco , Maggiorini Marco
Published: April 2014

Background. The aim of this study was to investigate whether different haemofilter surface areas affect clotting and platelet consumption in critically ill patients undergoing continuous venovenous haemodiafiltration (CVVHDF).Methods. CVVHDF was performed in postdilution technique using a capillary haemofilter with two different membrane sizes, Ultraflux AV 1000S (n=17, surface 1.8 m2, volume 130 mL), and the smaller AV 600S (n=16, surface 1.4 m2, volume 100 mL), respectively. Anticoagulation was performed with heparin.Results. No significant differences were found when the two filters were compared. CVVHDF was performed for 33 (7–128) hours with the filter AV 1000S and 39 (7–97) hours with AV 600S (P=0.68). Two (1–4) filters were utilised in both groups over this observation period (P=0.94). Platelets dropped by 52,000 (0–212,000) in AV 1000S group and by 89,500 (0–258,000) in AV 600S group (P=0.64). Haemoglobin decreased by 1.2 (0–2.8) g/dL in AV 1000S group and by 1.65 (0–3.9) g/dL in AV 600S group (P=0.51), leading to the transfusion of 1 (0–4) unit of blood in 19 patients (10 patients with AV 1000S and 9 with AV 600S). Filter observation was abandoned due to death (12.1%), need for systemic anticoagulation (12.1%), repeated clotting (36.4%), and recovery of renal function (39.4%).Conclusion. Our study showed that a larger filter surface area did neither reduce the severity of thrombocytopenia and anaemia, nor decrease the frequency of clotting events.
Evaluation of the DDSolver Software Applications
Authors: Zuo Jieyu , Gao Yuan , Bou-Chacra Nadia , Löbenberg Raimar
Published: April 2014

When a new oral dosage form is developed, its dissolution behavior must be quantitatively analyzed. Dissolution analysis involves a comparison of the dissolution profiles and the application of mathematical models to describe the drug release pattern. This report aims to assess the application of the DDSolver, an Excel add-in software package, which is designed to analyze data obtained from dissolution experiments. The data used in this report were chosen from two dissolution studies. The results of the DDSolver analysis were compared with those obtained using an Excel worksheet. The comparisons among three different products obtained similarity factors(f2)of 23.21, 46.66, and 17.91 using both DDSolver and the Excel worksheet. The results differed when DDSolver and Excel were used to calculate the release exponent “n” in the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. Performing routine quantitative analysis proved to be much easier using the DDSolver program than an Excel spreadsheet. The use of the DDSolver program reduced the calculation time and has the potential to omit calculation errors, thus making this software package a convenient tool for dissolution comparison.
Existence Theory forq-Antiperiodic Boundary Value Problems of Sequentialq-Fractional Integrodifferential Equations
Authors: Agarwal Ravi P. , Ahmad Bashir , Alsaedi Ahmed , Al-Hutami Hana
Published: April 2014

We discuss the existence and uniqueness of solutions for a new class of sequentialq-fractional integrodifferential equations withq-antiperiodic boundary conditions. Our results rely on the standard tools of fixed-point theory such as Krasnoselskii's fixed-point theorem, Leray-Schauder nonlinear alternative, and Banach's contraction principle. An illustrative example is also presented.
Dufour and Soret Effects on Square Porous Annulus
Authors: Nik-Ghazali N. , Badruddin Irfan Anjum , Badarudin A. , Tabatabaeikia S.
Published: April 2014

A study on heat and mass transfer behaviour on porous medium embedded in a square annulus is conducted. The inner surface wall is considered to have a cool temperature T c while the outer surface is exposed to a hot temperature T h. Finite element method (FEM) is used to solve the governing partial differential equations. The results present the influences of the Dufour and Soret effects on the heat and mass transfer of a square annulus. The effects of various physical parameters on the temperature and concentration profiles together with the local Nusselt and Sherwood numbers are presented graphically. It is found that when Dufour parameter is increased, Nusselt number increases. Dufour effect has more influences on velocity profile, while it has no significant effect on the concentration and can be deemed negligible. It is observed that the local Nusselt number is highest at the bottom wall for low values of Dufour parameter; however, the top wall Nusselt number is highest for higher values of Dufour parameter. Soret effect tends to make more significant contribution to the concentration profile than Dufour effect.
Oxidation of 4-Chlorophenol by Mesoporous Titania: Effect of Surface Morphological Characteristics
Authors: Avilés-García Osmín , Espino-Valencia Jaime , Romero Rubí , Rico-Cerda José Luis , Natividad Reyna
Published: April 2014

Mesoporous nanocrystalline anatase was prepared via EISA employing CTAB as structure directing agent. The drying rate was used as a key synthesis parameter to increase the average pore diameter. The resultant mesoporous crystalline phases exhibited specific surface areas between 55 and 150 m2 g−1, average unimodal pore sizes of about 3.4 to 5.6 nm, and average crystallite size of around 7 to 13 nm. These mesophases were used as photocatalysts for the degradation of 4-chlorophenol (4CP) with UV light. Under the studied conditions, the mesoporous anatase degraded 100% 4CP. This was twice faster than Degussa P-25. 57% reduction of chemical oxygen demand (COD) value was achieved.
Data Mining for Identifying Novel Associations and Temporal Relationships with Charcot Foot
Authors: Munson Michael E. , Wrobel James S. , Holmes Crystal M. , Hanauer David A.
Published: April 2014

Introduction. Charcot foot is a rare and devastating complication of diabetes. While some risk factors are known, debate continues regarding etiology. Elucidating other associated disorders and their temporal occurrence could lead to a better understanding of its pathogenesis. We applied a large data mining approach to Charcot foot for elucidating novel associations.Methods. We conducted an association analysis using ICD-9 diagnosis codes for every patient in our health system (n=1.6million with 41.2 million time-stamped ICD-9 codes). For the current analysis, we focused on the 388 patients with Charcot foot (ICD-9 713.5).Results. We found 710 associations, 676 (95.2%) of which had aPvalue for the association less than1.0×10−5and 603 (84.9%) of which had an odds ratio > 5.0. There were 111 (15.6%) associations with a significant temporal relationshipP<1.0×10−3. The three novel associations with the strongest temporal component were cardiac dysrhythmia, pulmonary eosinophilia, and volume depletion disorder.Conclusion. We identified novel associations with Charcot foot in the context of pathogenesis models that include neurotrophic, neurovascular, and microtraumatic factors mediated through inflammatory cytokines. Future work should focus on confirmatory analyses. These novel areas of investigation could lead to prevention or earlier diagnosis.
A Rare Case of Acute Renal Failure Secondary to Rhabdomyolysis Probably Induced by Donepezil
Authors: Sahin Osman Zikrullah , Ayaz Teslime , Yuce Suleyman , Sumer Fatih , Sahin Serap Baydur
Published: April 2014

Introduction. Acute renal failure (ARF) develops in 33% of the patients with rhabdomyolysis. The main etiologic factors are alcoholism, trauma, exercise overexertion, and drugs. In this report we present a rare case of ARF secondary to probably donepezil-induced rhabdomyolysis.Case Presentation. An 84-year-old male patient was admitted to the emergency department with a complaint of generalized weakness and reduced consciousness for two days. He had a history of Alzheimer’s disease for one year and he had taken donepezil 5 mg daily for two months. The patient’s physical examination revealed apathy, loss of cooperation, and decreased muscle strength. Laboratory studies revealed the following: urea: 128 mg/dL; Creatinine 6.06 mg/dL; creatine kinase: 3613 mg/dL. Donepezil was discontinued and the patient’s renal function tests improved gradually.Conclusion. Rhabdomyolysis-induced acute renal failure may develop secondary to donepezil therapy.