bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Telemedicine, the effect of nurse‐initiated telephone follow up, on health status and health‐care utilization in COPD patients: A randomized trial
Authors: Berkhof Farida F. , van den Berg Jan W.K. , Uil Steven M. , Kerstjens Huib A.M.
Published: November 2014

Background and objective

Telemedicine, care provided by electronic communication, may serve as an alternative or extension to traditional outpatient visits. This pilot study determined the effects of telemedicine on health‐care utilization and health status of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients.

Methods

One hundred and one patients were randomized, 52 patients received telemedicine care and 49 had traditional outpatient visits. The primary outcome was COPD‐specific health status, measured with the Clinical COPD Questionnaire (CCQ). Secondary outcomes included St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and the Short Form‐36 (SF‐36) and resource use in primary and secondary care.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 68 ± 9 years and the mean per cent of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s was 40.4 ± 12.5. The CCQ total score deteriorated by 0.14 ± 0.13 in the telemedicine group, and improved by −0.03 ± 0.14 in the control group (difference 0.17 ± 0.19, 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.21–0.55, P = 0.38). The CCQ symptom domain showed a significant and clinically relevant difference in favour of the control group, 0.52 ± 0.24 (95% CI: 0.04–0.10, P = 0.03). Similar results were found for the SGRQ, whereas results for SF‐36 were inconsistent. Patients in the control group had significantly fewer visits to the pulmonologist in comparison to patients in the telemedicine group (P = 0.05). The same trend, although not significant, was found for exacerbations after 6 months.

Conclusions

This telemedicine model of initiated phone calls by a health‐care provider had a negative effect on health status and resource use in primary and secondary care, in comparison with usual care and therefore cannot be recommended in COPD patients in its current form.
Repeated inhalation of sevoflurane inhibits airway inflammation in an OVA‐induced mouse model of allergic airway inflammation
Authors: Shen Qi‐Ying , Fang Lei , Wu Hui‐Mei , He Fang , Ding Pei‐Shan , Liu Rong‐Yu
Published: November 2014

Background and objective

Repeated inhalation of sevoflurane (SVF) can benefit asthmatic patients by bronchodilation. However, the impact of repeated inhalation of SVF on allergic airway inflammation has not been clarified. This study was aimed at investigating the effects of repeated inhalation of SVF on airway inflammation in mice.

Methods

Female C57BL/6 mice were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) and treated by inhalation with SVF or vehicle daily for seven consecutive days, immediately followed by OVA challenge. Airway inflammation was evaluated by counting the numbers of different types of inflammatory infiltrates in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), histology, cytokine measurements and mucus production in individual mice.

Results

In comparison with the OVA group, repeated inhalation of SVF significantly reduced the numbers of total cells, eosinophils, lymphocytes, macrophages and neutrophils (P < 0.05 to P < 0.01), and the levels of BALF tumour necrosis factor‐α and lung high‐mobility group box 1 (P < 0.01), accompanied by elevated levels of BALF interleukin‐10 in allergic mice (P < 0.05). Repeat inhalation of SVF decreased the levels of serum OVA‐specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) and mitigated allergic airway epithelial goblet cell hyperplasia and mucus hypersecretion in allergic mice (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Repeated inhalation of SVF inhibits allergic airway inflammation by reducing inflammatory infiltrates, improving the imbalance of cytokine responses and mitigating allergen‐specific IgE responses and goblet cell hyperplasia in mice.
Point Pattern Analysis for Clusters Influenced by Linear Features: An Application for Mosquito Larval Sites
Authors: Li Li , Bian Ling , Rogerson Peter , Yan Guiyun
Published: November 2014

Although many statistical approaches have been developed to quantify and assess spatial point patterns, the challenge to analyze complicated patterns has yet to be met. Statistics that describe the level of clustering usually assume that point events are isotropic. Many point events are influenced by linear features and clusters of these point events often have an elongated shape. Existing statistical cluster detection approaches often ignore these types of processes. This study proposes a new method, termed an L‐function analysis for clusters influenced by linear features (L‐Function‐l) to test anisotropic point patterns with respect to the orientation of nearby linear features. To explicitly account for the influence of the underlying linear features on the point events, a number of ellipses with varying lengths, orientations and eccentricities are used to replace the circles that are drawn in the original L‐function analysis. A case study of testing anisotropically clustered patterns of mosquito larval sites is used to illustrate the application of this method. The results indicate that the proposed approach provides a more flexible and comprehensive description of point patterns than the original L‐function analysis.
Remote Sensing Image On‐Demand Computing Schema for theChinaZY‐3 Satellite Private Cloud‐Computing Platform
Authors: Guo Wei , She Bing , Zhu Xinyan
Published: November 2014

Time is a crucial factor for many remote sensing applications such as emergency response. The traditional approach requires users to spend a lot of time downloading, processing, and viewing satellite images with specialized software. Realizing interactive real‐time processing and visualization of satellite images online is our focus. This article presents an On‐Demand computing schema for remote sensing images. A processing chain model is proposed for satellite images on a private cloud computing platform designed for the China Centre for Resources Satellite Data and Application (CCRSDA). The architecture, processing flow, optimization method, fault tolerance, and user interface are described in detail. To test the efficiency and scalability of the platform, 11 processing chains were created and three load balance experiments were executed. The results from these experiments show the validity of the proposed methods and architecture.
Triangulating Social Multimedia Content for Event Localization using Flickr and Twitter
Authors: Panteras George , Wise Sarah , Lu Xu , Croitoru Arie , Crooks Andrew , Stefanidis Anthony
Published: November 2014

The analysis of social media content for the extraction of geospatial information and event‐related knowledge has recently received substantial attention. In this article we present an approach that leverages the complementary nature of social multimedia content by utilizing heterogeneous sources of social media feeds to assess the impact area of a natural disaster. More specifically, we introduce a novel social multimedia triangulation process that uses both Twitter and Flickr content in an integrated two‐step process: Twitter content is used to identify toponym references associated with a disaster; this information is then used to provide approximate orientation for the associated Flickr imagery, allowing us to delineate the impact area as the overlap of multiple view footprints. In this approach, we practically crowdsource approximate orientations from Twitter content and use this information to orient Flickr imagery accordingly and identify the impact area through viewshed analysis and viewpoint integration. This approach enables us to avoid computationally intensive image analysis tasks associated with traditional image orientation, while allowing us to triangulate numerous images by having them pointed towards the crowdsourced toponym location. The article presents our approach and demonstrates its performance using a real‐world wildfire event as a representative application case study.
Introduction: English in Southeast Asia
Authors: HASHIM AZIRAH , LOW EE‐LING
Published: November 2014

This special issue focuses on the challenges faced by different countries in Southeast Asia with regard to the English language and suggests possible future directions which can be taken from multiple perspectives: from broad theoretical perspectives, paradigms, research areas, language planning and policy issues to language teaching and language education.
English and the linguistic ecology of Malaysia
Authors: HASHIM AZIRAH
Published: November 2014

The Southeast Asian region is undergoing rapid social, economic and cultural change brought about by movements of capital, people and ideas within and beyond the region. The dynamics of independence, nation‐building and globalization have had an impact on most of the nation‐states in the region, many of which attained independence only in the second half of the 20th century. This paper focuses on the development of Malaysia's language ecology within the context of nation‐building, its embedding in the Southeast Asian region, and the global challenges it seeks to meet. Malaysia's languages are an essential component of the nation's ability to communicate internally in a multilingual country and externally to the region and the world. The interplay of English with Malay and other languages, and the tensions that arise and call for responses in education and other domains like the law in the wider multilingual situation are also discussed.
A characterization of diagonal Poisson structures
Authors: Lima Renan , Pereira Jorge Vitório
Published: November 2014

The degeneracy locus of a generically symplectic Poisson structure on a Fano manifold is always a singular hypersurface. We prove that there exists just one family of generically symplectic Poisson structures in Fano manifold with cyclic Picard group having a reduced simple normal crossing degeneracy locus.
Radó–Kneser–Choquet theorem
Authors: Iwaniec Tadeusz , Onninen Jani
Published: November 2014

We present a new approach to the celebrated theorem of Radó–Kneser–Choquet (RKC) on univalence of planar harmonic mappings. The novelty lies in establishing a continuous path (isotopy) from the given harmonic map to a conformal one. Along this path the mappings retain positive Jacobian determinant by virtue of so‐called Minimum Principle. These ideas extend to nonlinear uncoupled systems of partial differential equations, as in Iwaniec, Koski and Onninen [‘Isotropic ‐harmonic systems in 2D, Jacobian estimates and univalent solutions’, Rev. Mat. Iberoam, to appear]. Unfortunately, details of such digression would lead us too far afield. Nonetheless, one gains (in particular) the RKC‐Theorem for the isotropic ‐harmonic deformations.
A Review of State-of-the-Art Methods for Pressure Vessels Design Against Progressive Deformation
Authors: Rohart Philippe , Panier Stéphane , Simonet Yves , Hariri Saïd , Afzali Mansour
Published: November 2014

Progressive plastic deformation is one of the damage mechanisms which can occur in pressure vessels subjected to cyclic loading. For design applications, the main rule proposed by codes against this failure mode is the so-called 3f (or 3Sm) criterion. During the last decade, studies have shown that this condition can be unreliable, and its application should be restricted. In parallel, theoretical developments enabled shakedown analyses to be considered in design methodology, and to be incorporated in codes and standards (EN13445, CODAP) from the early 2000s. This paper gives a review of innovative methods based on shakedown theory, which can be used in the determination of elastic shakedown limits, ratchet limits, or cyclic steady state. These approaches are based on different concepts, such as elastic compensation linear matching method (LMM), Gokhfeld theory (uniform modified yield, load dependent yield modification (LDYM)), or the research of stabilized cycle direct cyclic analysis (DCA). Each method is presented and applied on a Benchmark example in abaqus, and results are compared. A final assessment focuses on computation time, and underlines the benefits that could be expected for industrial applications.
A Novel Transient Technique to Determine Recovery Temperature, Heat Transfer Coefficient, and Film Cooling Effectiveness Simultaneously in a Transonic Turbine Cascade
Authors: Xue Song , Roy Arnab , Ng Wing F. , Ekkad Srinath V.
Published: November 2014

The study presented in this article provides detailed description about a newly developed experimental technique to determine three key convective heat transfer parameters simultaneously in hot gas path of a modern high pressure turbine–recovery temperature (Tr), heat transfer coefficient (HTC), and adiabatic film cooling effectiveness (Eta). The proposed technique, dual linear regression technique (DLRT), has been developed based on the 1D semi-infinite transient conduction theory, is applicable toward film cooled heat transfer experiments especially under realistic engine environment conditions (high Reynolds number along with high Mach numbers). It addresses the fundamental three temperature problem by a two-test strategy. The current popular technique, curve fitting method (CFM) (Ekkad and Han, 2000, “A Transient Liquid Crystal Thermography Technique for Turbine Heat Transfer Measurements,” Meas. Sci. Technol., 11(7), pp. 957–968), which is widely used in the low speed wind tunnel experiments, is not competent in the transonic transient wind tunnel. The CFM (including schemes for both film cooled and nonfilm cooled experiments) does not provide recovery temperature on the film cooled surface. Instead, it assumes the recovery temperature equal to the mainstream total temperature. Its basic physics model simplifies the initial unsteady flow development within the data reduction period by assuming a step jump in mainstream pressure and temperature, which results in significant under prediction of HTC due to the gradual ramping of the flow Mach/Reynolds number and varying temperature in a transient, cascade wind tunnel facility. The proposed technique is advantageous due to the elimination of these added assumptions and including the effects of compressible flow physics at high speed flow. The detailed discussion on theory and development of the DLRT is followed by validation with analytical calculation and comparisons with the traditional technique by reducing the same set of experimental data. Results indicate that the proposed technique stands out with a higher accuracy and reliability.
Numerical Simulation of Natural Convection in Solar Cavity Receivers
Authors: Yuan James K. , Ho Clifford K. , Christian Joshua M.
Published: November 2014

Cavity receivers used in solar power towers and dish concentrators may lose considerable energy by natural convection, which reduces the overall system efficiency. A validated numerical receiver model is desired to better understand convection processes and aid in heat loss minimization efforts. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate heat loss predictions using the commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software packages fluent 13.0 and solidworks flow simulation 2011 against experimentally measured heat losses for a heated cubical cavity receiver model (Kraabel, 1983, “An Experimental Investigation of the Natural Convection From a Side-Facing Cubical Cavity,” Proceedings of the ASME JSME Thermal Engineering Joint Conference, Vol. 1, pp. 299–306) and a cylindrical dish receiver model (Taumoefolau et al., 2004, “Experimental Investigation of Natural Convection Heat Loss From a Model Solar Concentrator Cavity Receiver,” ASME J. Sol. Energy Eng., 126(2), pp. 801–807). Simulated convective heat loss was underpredicted by 45% for the cubical cavity when experimental wall temperatures were implemented as isothermal boundary conditions and 32% when the experimental power was applied as a uniform heat flux from the cavity walls. Agreement between software packages was generally within 10%. Convective heat loss from the cylindrical dish receiver model was accurately predicted within experimental uncertainties by both simulation codes using both isothermal and constant heat flux wall boundary conditions except when the cavity was inclined at angles below 15 deg and above 75 deg, where losses were under- and overpredicted by fluent and solidworks, respectively. Comparison with empirical correlations for convective heat loss from heated cavities showed that correlations by Kraabel (1983, “An Experimental Investigation of the Natural Convection From a Side-Facing Cubical Cavity,” Proceedings of the ASME JSME Thermal Engineering Joint Conference, Vol. 1, pp. 299–306) and for individual heated flat plates oriented to the cavity geometry (Pitts and Sissom, 1998, Schaum's Outline of Heat Transfer, 2nd ed., McGraw Hill, New York, p. 227) predicted heat losses from the cubical cavity to within experimental uncertainties. Correlations by Clausing (1987, “Natural Convection From Isothermal Cubical Cavities With a Variety of Side-Facing Apertures,” ASME J. Heat Transfer, 109(2), pp. 407–412) and Paitoonsurikarn et al. (2011, “Numerical Investigation of Natural Convection Loss From Cavity Receivers in Solar Dish Applications,” ASME J. Sol. Energy Eng. 133(2), p. 021004) were able to do the same for the cylindrical dish receiver. No single correlation was valid for both experimental receivers. The effect of different turbulence and air-property models within fluent were also investigated and compared in this study. However, no model parameter was found to produce a change large enough to account for the deficient convective heat loss simulated for the cubical cavity receiver case.
Associations between visceral fat and liver fat with insulin sensitivity and metabolic risk in obese adolescents
Authors: Brown Ruth E. , Kuk Jennifer L. , Libman Ingrid , Rivera-Vega Michelle , Lee SoJung
Published: November 2014

We examined the joint and independent associations between VAT and LF with insulin sensitivity (IS) and lipids in seventy-one obese adolescents (BMI ≥ 95th, 14.9 ± 1.8 years). VAT was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging, and LF was quantified by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. IS was evaluated by a 3 -h hyperinsulinemic (80 mU·m−2·min−1) euglycemic clamp. Independent associations between VAT and LF on metabolic variables were assessed in mutually adjusted multivariate models. The joint association between VAT and LF on metabolic variables was assessed by categorizing participants into a low VAT + low LF group (n = 35), high VAT + low LF group (n = 26), or high VAT + high LF group (n = 10), based on a VAT median split (1.17 kg) and high (≥5%) and low (<5%) LF. Both VAT and LF were independently associated with fasting insulin, 2 h insulin, insulin AUC, IS, and triglycerides (P < 0.05). Adolescents with high VAT + high LF had higher 2 h glucose, glucose AUC, 2 h insulin, triglycerides, and lower insulin sensitivity compared to adolescents with high VAT only (P < 0.025 for all). In obese adolescents, VAT and LF were independently associated with insulin sensitivity and dyslipidemia, and the concomitant presence of VAT and LF is strongly associated with metabolic risk factors.
The nucleation of gas hydrates near silica surfaces
Authors: Liang Shuai , Kusalik Peter G.
Published: November 2014

Understanding the nucleation and crystal growth of gas hydrates near mineral surfaces and in confinement are critical to the methane recovery from gas hydrate reservoirs. In this work, through molecular dynamics simulation studies, we present an exploration of the nucleation behavior of methane hydrates near model hydroxylated silica surfaces. Our simulation results indicate that the nucleation of methane hydrates can initiate from the silica surfaces despite of the structural mismatch of the two solid phases. A layer of intermediate half-cage structures was observed between the gas hydrate and silica surfaces, apparently helping to minimize the free energy penalty. These results have important implications to our understanding of the effects of solid surfaces on hydrate nucleation processes.
Spatial analysis of black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) radial growth response to climate in northern Québec – Labrador Peninsula, Canada
Authors: Nicault A. , Boucher E. , Tapsoba D. , Arseneault D. , Berninger F. , Bégin C. , DesGranges J.L. , Guiot J. , Marion J. , Wicha S. , Bégin Y.
Published: November 2014

The aim of this study is to analyze the relationships between black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) growth and climate at a large spatial scale in North America’s northeastern boreal forest. The study area (approximately 700 000 km2) is located in the taiga zone of the Quebec – Labrador Peninsula. A network of tree-ring chronologies from 93 black spruce populations was developed. A hierarchical cluster analysis was conducted to analyze tree-ring series affinities, and response functions were calculated to analyze relationships between tree rings and climate. The cluster analysis results showed well-marked spatial affinities among the tree-ring series. These affinities were strongly linked with the spatial variability of the relationships between tree rings and climate. The interannual growth variations were governed mainly by the temperature variables that preceded the growing season (November (negative influence), December–January (positive influence), and April (positive influence)). The growing-season temperature (July temperature) mainly influenced the northernmost populations. Relationships between tree rings and climate in the northeastern boreal forest varied at a large spatial scale. This variability was expressed by a north–south contrast, which appears to be related to a temperature gradient, and an east–west contrast linked to a humidity gradient, which favors winter snow cover.
A NOVEL BLACKENING METHOD OF PREPARING ULTRA-BLACK Ni–P COATINGS: EFFECT OF PROCESS PARAMETERS ON MORPHOLOGY AND OPTICAL PROPERTY
Authors: JIN YONGZHONG , YANG KUI , ZENG XIANGUANG , FU QINGSHAN
Published: November 2014

Ni – P ultra-black coatings were prepared by a novel blackening method of anodic oxidation in nonoxidizing acid media. The effect of the applied voltage, concentration of H 3 PO 4 and anodization time on the microstructure and optical property of blackened coatings was investigated. The results show that the applied voltage plays the most important role during the formation of the ultra-black coatings. The concentration of H 3 PO 4 is the next-important factor, then anodization time. The optimum process parameter for obtaining ultra-black coatings is at 0.9 V in 3 mol/L for 40 min, in which the reflectance is only 0.14–0.21% in the visible region. The low reflectance is mainly attributable to the unique array structure of conical cavities ranging 1–3 μm in size, in which the innumerable tiny pits distribute on the cavity wall. In contrast, the black coatings etched by chemical etching method by strong oxidizing acid ( HNO 3) have larger conical cavities (10–20 μm) with smooth cavity wall, and thus lead to higher reflectance of 0.69–2.44%.
A Study on the Impact Coefficient of Traffic Flows on a Large Cable-Stayed Bridge in a Windy Environment
Authors: Ma L. , Zhou D. J. , Han W. S.
Published: November 2014

By developing a wind-vehicle-bridge coupling dynamic analysis system, the impact coefficient of traffic flows on a cable-stayed bridge and its probabilistic distribution are studied in the paper. Some important influence factors of the impact coefficient, such as the vehicle-bridge coupling effect, traveling velocity, and traffic density, are analyzed. The influence of the coupling effect between a bridge deck’s buffeting and vehicles’ vibration on the impact coefficient of traffic flows on a cable-stayed bridge is paid due attention to. The results show that vehicle-bridge coupling effect and surface roughness exert important influence on the impact effect of a cable-stayed bridge. Considering that impact coefficient of traffic flows on a bridge bears the characteristics of randomness, the paper, on the basis of a large number of samples, interprets the influence of traveling velocity and traffic density in view of its probabilistic distribution. In view of results derived from the coupling dynamic analysis, it is suggested that the impact coefficient be 25% for all spans of a long cable-stayed bridge like the Sutong Yangtze Bridge.
Damage Identification of Piles Based on Vibration Characteristics
Authors: Zhang Xiaozhong , Yao Wenjuan , Chen Bo , Liu Dewen
Published: November 2014

A method of damage identification of piles was established by using vibration characteristics. The approach focused on the application of the element strain energy and sensitive modals. A damage identification equation of piles was deduced using the structural vibration equation. The equation contained three major factors: change rate of element modal strain energy, damage factor of pile, and sensitivity factor of modal damage. The sensitive modals of damage identification were selected by using sensitivity factor of modal damage firstly. Subsequently, the indexes for early-warning of pile damage were established by applying the change rate of strain energy. Then the technology of computational analysis of wavelet transform was used to damage identification for pile. The identification of small damage of pile was completely achieved, including the location of damage and the extent of damage. In the process of identifying the extent of damage of pile, the equation of damage identification was used in many times. Finally, a stadium project was used as an example to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method of damage identification for piles. The correctness and practicability of the proposed method were verified by comparing the results of damage identification with that of low strain test. The research provided a new way for damage identification of piles.
Sex Hormones and Immune Dimorphism
Authors: Bhatia Aruna , Sekhon Harmandeep Kaur , Kaur Gurpreet
Published: November 2014

The functioning of the immune system of the body is regulated by many factors. The abnormal regulation of the immune system may result in some pathological conditions. Sex hormones of reproductive system are one of the major factors that regulate immune system due to the presence of hormone receptors on immune cells. The interaction of sex hormones and immune cells through the receptors on these cells effect the release of cytokines which determines the proliferation, differentiation, and maturation of different types of immunocytes and as a result the outcome of inflammatory or autoimmune diseases. The different regulations of sex hormones in both sexes result in immune dimorphism. In this review article the mechanism of regulation of immune system in different sexes and its impact are discussed.
Enhancing Speech Recognition Using Improved Particle Swarm Optimization Based Hidden Markov Model
Authors: Selvaraj Lokesh , Ganesan Balakrishnan
Published: November 2014

Enhancing speech recognition is the primary intention of this work. In this paper a novel speech recognition method based on vector quantization and improved particle swarm optimization (IPSO) is suggested. The suggested methodology contains four stages, namely, (i) denoising, (ii) feature mining (iii), vector quantization, and (iv) IPSO based hidden Markov model (HMM) technique (IP-HMM). At first, the speech signals are denoised using median filter. Next, characteristics such as peak, pitch spectrum, Mel frequency Cepstral coefficients (MFCC), mean, standard deviation, and minimum and maximum of the signal are extorted from the denoised signal. Following that, to accomplish the training process, the extracted characteristics are given to genetic algorithm based codebook generation in vector quantization. The initial populations are created by selecting random code vectors from the training set for the codebooks for the genetic algorithm process and IP-HMM helps in doing the recognition. At this point the creativeness will be done in terms of one of the genetic operation crossovers. The proposed speech recognition technique offers 97.14% accuracy.
Correlation between Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy and Structural Properties of Amorphous Tunisian Metanacrite Synthetic Material
Authors: Jaafar Nouha , Ben Rhaiem Hafsia , Ben Haj Amara Abdessalem
Published: November 2014

In the present work, we report the structural and electrochemical properties of metanacrite. Metanacrite is a synthetic material originated by heating (550°C) of a clay mineral (Tunisian nacrite) belonging to the kaolin group. The structure of the amorphous synthetic product was corroborated by X-ray diffraction (disappearing of nacrite peaks) and infrared spectroscopy (disappearing of Al–OH and water bands). The decomposition of the silicate framework was confirmed by transmission electron microscope (TEM). The obtained metanacrite synthetic material was also examined by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Accordingly, the electronic conduction is followed by the correlated barrier hopping (C.B.H.) model. Therefore, by combining ac and dc electrical conductivity, a semiconductor behavior is evidenced. The dependence of the dielectric constant (ε′) and dielectric loss (ε″) on both temperature and frequency is also discussed.
DCEEMR: A Delay-Constrained Energy Efficient Multicast Routing Algorithm in Cognitive Radio Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Miao Xuna , Deng Miaolei
Published: November 2014

We discuss the delay-constrained energy efficient multicast routing problem in cognitive radio ad hoc networks. A cognitive radio ad hoc network is a wireless multihop network established by secondary users on varying available spectrum bands. The research on routing is a hot topic in the field of cognitive radio ad hoc networks. However, multicast routing algorithm study of cognitive radio ad hoc networks is still at its start stage. In this paper, we proposed a novel delay-constrained energy efficient multicast routing algorithm (DCEEMR) in cognitive radio ad hoc networks. The DCEEMR guarantees that the multicast tree can be found if it exists, and the multicast tree satisfies the delay bound and has low energy consumption. The algorithm uses delay-energy function to construct the multicast tree based on the spectrum selection. Through an example with random network topology, we demonstrate that our algorithm is better in terms of energy cost of multicast tree as compared to the existing algorithm QoS dependent multicast routing (QDMR). Moreover, the algorithm does not suffer from high complexity common to the algorithm QDMR. Experiment results by NS-2 show that the delay and cost of tree are lower than well-known multicast ad hoc on-demand distance vector (MAODV) protocol.
Design and Evaluation of a Novel Self-Locking Quick Release Mechanism Featured by Heavy Load, Fast Response, and High Security
Authors: Xu Bing , Dong Pengpeng , Zhang Junhui , Liu Maoke , Yao Jinjin
Published: November 2014

A novel self-locking quick release mechanism featured by heavy load, fast response, and high security is proposed, designed, and evaluated. This new mechanism consists of two release arms, two compression linkages, one control rod, and some revolute joints. The load capability of this mechanism is high up to 15 tons. The characteristics of fast response and high security attributed to structural parameters and the butting-shaped self-locking, respectively, are the essential issues of the mechanism. A 3D model of the proposed mechanism is elaborated for design, evaluation, and simulation purposes. The research also includes the kinematic equations and force analysis to gain insights into the mechanical behavior of the mechanism. The principle of the butting-shaped self-locking is illustrated with the method of virtual work to obtain the critical equilibrium condition while this novel mechanism is not in the ideal position. Finite element method is employed to implement the stress and deformation analysis when the mechanism grasps an object of 15 tons tightly. By fabrication and evaluation of the self-locking quick release mechanism, the validity of the proposed mechanism is proved.
Functional Performance Testing and Patient Reported Outcomes following ACL Reconstruction: A Systematic Scoping Review
Authors: Almangoush Adel , Herrington Lee
Published: November 2014

Objective. A systematic scoping review of the literature to identify functional performance tests and patient reported outcomes for patients who undergo anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and rehabilitation that are used in clinical practice and research during the last decade.Methods. A literature search was conducted. Electronic databases used included Medline, PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, PEDro, and AMED. The inclusion criteria were English language, publication between April 2004 and April 2014, and primary ACL reconstruction with objective and/or subjective outcomes used. Two authors screened the selected papers for title, abstract, and full-text in accordance with predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The methodological quality of all papers was assessed by a checklist of the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP).Results. A total of 16 papers were included with full-text. Different authors used different study designs for functional performance testing which led to different outcomes that could not be compared. All papers used a measurement for quantity of functional performance except one study which used both quantity and quality outcomes. Several functional performance tests and patient reported outcomes were identified in this review.Conclusion. No extensive research has been carried out over the past 10 years to measure the quality of functional performance testing and control stability of patients following ACL reconstruction. However this study found that the measurement of functional performance following ACL reconstruction consisting of a one-leg hop for a set distance or a combination of different hops using limb symmetry index (LSI) was a main outcome parameter of several studies. A more extensive series of tests is suggested to measure both the quantitative and qualitative aspects of functional performance after the ACL reconstruction. The KOOS and the IKDC questionnaires are both measures that are increasingly being used for ACL reconstruction throughout the last decade.
Latex Hypersensitivity among Allergic Egyptian Children: Relation to Parental/Self Reports
Authors: El-Sayed Zeinab A. , El-Sayed Shereen S. , Zaki Rehab M. , Salama Mervat A.
Published: November 2014

Background. Latex allergy is one of the major health concerns and allergic reactions to latex may be serious and fatal.Purpose. In this study, we sought to determine the frequency of latex hypersensitivity in a group of allergic Egyptian infants and children and its relation to the history provided by the patients or caregivers.Methods. We consecutively enrolled 400 patients with physician diagnosed allergic diseases. The study measurements included clinical evaluation for the site and duration of allergy, history suggestive of latex allergy, family history of allergy, and skin prick testing (SPT) using a commercial latex extract.Results. The study revealed that 16/400 (4%) patients had positive SPT; 11 of them only had positive history of sensitivity to latex. Positive latex SPT was reported in 3.4% (11/326) of patients with bronchial asthma, 5.9% (7/118) of patients with skin allergy, and 4.5% (2/44) of patients with allergic rhinitis. SPT was positive in 7.4% (4/54) of patients with concomitant respiratory and skin allergy. Latex SPT was more specific than sensitive (97.69% and 77.77%, resp.) with a negative predictive value of 99.47%.Conclusion. Although underrecognized, latex is an important allergen in the pediatric age group with a sensitization frequency of 4% among allergic children. It was observed to be especially associated with multiple allergic diseases coexisting in the same patient. Pediatric allergologists should educate their patients on latex allergy and encourage the use of latex-free products.
Does Motor Training of the Nonparetic Side Influences Balance and Function in Chronic Stroke? A Pilot RCT
Authors: Pandian Shanta , Arya Kamal Narayan , Kumar Dharmendra
Published: November 2014

Background. Balance and functional abilities are controlled by both sides of the body. The role of nonparetic side has never been explored for such skills.Objective. The objective of the present study was to examine the effect of a motor therapy program primarily involving the nonparetic side on balance and function in chronic stroke.Method. A randomized controlled, double blinded trial was conducted on 39 poststroke hemiparetic subjects (21, men; mean age, 42 years; mean poststroke duration, 13 months). They were randomly divided into the experimental group(n=20)and control group(n=19). The participants received either motor therapy focusing on the nonparetic side along with the conventional program or conventional program alone for 8 weeks (3 session/week, 60 minutes each). The balance ability was assessed using Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Functional Reach Test (FRT) while the functional performance was measured by Barthel Index (BI).Result. After intervention, the experimental group exhibited significant(P<0.05)change on BBS (5.65 versus 2.52) and BI (12.75 versus 2.16) scores in comparison to the control group.Conclusion. The motor therapy program incorporating the nonparetic side along with the affected side was found to be effective in enhancing balance and function in stroke.
Dynamic Traffic Network Model and Time-Dependent Braess’ Paradox
Authors: Zhao Chunxue
Published: November 2014

We propose a dynamic traffic network model and give the equilibrium condition and the equivalent variational inequality of the network. In this model, instead of the influence of inflow rate and output rate on the link congestion, the influence of the adjacent links at the same paths is considered; in this case, the equivalence between the equilibrium condition and the variational inequality is proved. Then we take an example about the paradox using the variational inequality and find that the probability and the severity that Braess’ paradox occurs change with the influence of other links changing. Subsequently, we discuss the influence of other links on whether the adding link works under the dynamic system optimal. At last, we give the relationship between the total congestion under dynamic user equilibrium and that under dynamic system optimal. The results imply that we should take some methods and adjust the interaction between links rationally with the dynamic change of traffic situations.
Using Continued Fractions to Compute Iwasawa Lambda Invariants of Imaginary Quadratic Number Fields
Authors: Schettler Jordan
Published: November 2014

Let l>3 be a prime such that l≡3 (mod 4) and Q(l) has class number 1. Then Hirzebruch and Zagier noticed that the class number of Q(-l) can be expressed as h(-l)=(1/3)(b1+b2+⋯+bm)-m where the bi are partial quotients in the “minus” continued fraction expansion l=[[b0;b1,b2,…,bm¯]]. For an odd prime p≠l, we prove an analogous formula using these bi which computes the sum of Iwasawa lambda invariants λp(-l)+λp(-4) of Q(-l) and Q(-1). In the case that p is inert in Q(-l), the formula pleasantly simplifies under some additional technical assumptions.
On the General Erdős-Turán Conjecture
Authors: Grekos Georges , Haddad Labib , Helou Charles , Pihko Jukka
Published: November 2014

The general Erdős-Turán conjecture states that if A is an infinite, strictly increasing sequence of natural numbers whose general term satisfies an≤cn2, for some constant c>0 and for all n, then the number of representations functions of A is unbounded. Here, we introduce the function ψ(n), giving the minimum of the maximal number of representations of a finite sequence A={ak:1≤k≤n} of n natural numbers satisfying ak≤k2 for all k. We show that ψ(n) is an increasing function of n and that the general Erdős-Turán conjecture is equivalent to limn→∞ψ(n)=∞. We also compute some values of ψ(n). We further introduce and study the notion of capacity, which is related to the ψ function by the fact that limn→∞ψ(n) is the capacity of the set of squares of positive integers, but which is also of intrinsic interest.
What Does Healthy Sex Look Like among Youth? Towards a Skills-Based Model for Promoting Adolescent Sexuality Development
Authors: Arbeit Miriam R.
Published: November 2014

Sexuality is central in human life, perhaps especially in adolescence when multiple dimensions of change constitute physical, psychological, and social challenges and opportunities for the developing young person. Understanding this constellation of challenges and opportunities and formulating constructive, supportive interventions would be greatly facilitated by a skills-based model for promoting sexuality development in adolescence. Moving beyond the deficit, sex-negative approach, I propose a model that identifies three key elements of skillful adolescent sexuality development: sexual selfhood, sexual negotiation, and sexual empowerment. I link these components through the processes of personal agency, interpersonal intimacy, and social advocacy. I consider limitations of the model as well as the next steps for applying this theoretical framework to future empirical studies that seek to describe, explain, and optimize sexuality development throughout the adolescent years.
Allogeneic Umbilical Cord Blood Red Cell Concentrates: An Innovative Blood Product for Transfusion Therapy of Preterm Infants
Authors: Bianchi Maria , Giannantonio Carmen , Spartano Serena , Fioretti Maria , Landini Alessandra , Molisso Anna , Tesfagabir Ghennet Mikael , Tornesello Assunta , Barbagallo Ombretta , Valentini Caterina Giovanna , Vento Giovanni , Zini Gina , Romagnoli Costantino , Papacci Patrizia , Teofili Luciana
Published: November 2014

Background: Preterm infants often receive blood transfusions early in life. In this setting, umbilical cord blood (UCB) might be safer than adult blood (A) with respect to infectious and immunologic threats. Objectives: To evaluate, as a first objective, the feasibility of fulfilling transfusion needs of preterm infants with allogeneic UCB red blood cell (RBC) concentrates and, as a secondary objective, to assess the safety of allogeneic cord blood transfusions. Methods: At the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and the UNICATT Cord Blood Bank of ‘A. Gemelli' Hospital in Rome, a prospective study was carried out over a 1-year period, enrolling newborns with gestational age ≤30 weeks and/or birth weight ≤1,500 g requiring RBC transfusions within the first 28 days of life. At first transfusion, patients were assigned to receive UCB-RBCs or A-RBCs depending on the availability of ABO-Rh(D)-matched UCB-RBC units. The same regimen (UCB-RBC or A-RBC units) was thereafter maintained, unless ABO-Rh(D)-matched UCB-RBC units were not available. Results: Overall, 23 UCB-RBC units were transfused to 9 patients; the requests for UCB-RBC units were met in 45% of patients at the first transfusion and in 78% at the subsequent transfusions. At a median follow-up of 57 days (range 6-219), no acute or delayed transfusion-related adverse events occurred. Hematocrit gain after transfusion and time intervals between transfusions were similar in the UCB-RBC and A-RBC group, as well. Conclusions: Transfusing allogeneic UCB-RBC units in preterm infants appears a feasible and safe approach, although the transfusion needs of our study population were not completely covered. More data are necessary to validate this novel transfusion practice. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Does the Aberrant Expression of CD2 and CD25 by Skin Mast Cells Truly Correlate with Systemic Involvement in Patients Presenting with Mastocytosis in the Skin?
Authors: Lange Magdalena , yawrocki Anton , Nedoszytko Bogus"aw , Wasag Bartosz , Niedoszytko Marek , Jassem Ewa , Nowicki Roman , ymijewski Micha" A. , Biernat Wojciech
Published: November 2014

Background: Neoplastic mast cells involving the bone marrow (BMMCs) of patients with mastocytosis display an aberrant expression of CD25 and/or CD2 antigens. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of CD2 and CD25 expression on skin mast cells (sMCs) of patients with mastocytosis in the skin at the early stage of the disease. Furthermore, the usefulness of the phenotypic profile of sMCs for the diagnosis of systemic mastocytosis (SM) was evaluated. Methods: The 52 adults included in the study were diagnosed with mastocytosis strictly according to the criteria of the World Health Organization. CD117, CD2 and CD25 antigen expression on sMCs was detected by immunohistochemistry. The presence of the KIT D816V mutation in the BM was analyzed using allele-specific PCR. Results: The presence of CD2- or CD25-positive sMCs was detected in 57.1% of cutaneous mastocytosis (CM) and 90.3% of SM cases (p = 0.008). In all mastocytosis patients, CD2 expression on sMCs was more frequent than CD25 expression (67.3 and 38.5%, respectively). Moreover, CD2 expression on sMCs was more frequent in SM than in CM cases (p = 0.02). The presence of one of the aberrant sMC antigens was detected in 84.2% of patients with the KIT D816V mutation in the BM. A positive correlation between densities of CD25- and CD117-positive sMCs was found in SM patients (r = 0.46, p = 0.009). Conclusions: Although sMCs displayed immunoreactivity for one of the neoplastic antigens in the majority of SM patients, the aberrant CD2 and/or CD25 expression on sMCs is not as indicative of SM as the BMMC immunophenotype. i 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
The Influence of Clinical and Biological Factors on Transfusion-Associated Non-ABO Antigen Alloimmunization: Responders, Hyper-Responders, and Non-Responders
Authors: Gehrie Eric A. , Tormey Christopher A.
Published: November 2014

In the context of transfusion medicine, alloimmunization most often refers to the development of antibodies to non-ABO red blood cell (RBC) antigens following pregnancy, transfusion, or transplantation. The development of RBC alloantibodies can have important clinical consequences, particularly in patients who require chronic transfusions. It has been suggested that alloimmunization is more common in some clinical circumstances and patient populations than in others. As such, individuals that develop alloantibodies are frequently referred to as ‘responders' in the medical literature. In contrast, individuals that do not develop alloantibodies despite repeated exposures to non-self blood group antigens have been referred to as ‘non-responders'. The purpose of this article is to review the phenomenon of RBC alloimmunization in the context of responders and non-responders to: i) establish a basic framework for alloimmunization as reported across several diverse patient populations; ii) more fully explore literature reports which support the concept of responders/non-responders regarding blood group antigen alloimmunization; iii) summarize the mechanisms that have been shown to predispose an individual to alloimmunization to determine how these factors may differentiate ‘responders' from ‘non-responders'; and iv) briefly discuss some practical approaches to prevent alloimmunization in patients who may be prone to alloantibody development.