bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Routing Protocols for Wireless Multimedia Sensor Network: A Survey
Authors: Abazeed Mohammed , Faisal Norshiela , Zubair Suleiman , Ali Adel
Published: November 2013

Multimedia applications have become an essential part of our daily lives, and their use is flourishing day by day. The area of wireless sensor network is not an exception where the multimedia sensors are attracting the attention of the researchers increasingly, and it has shifted the focus from traditional scalar sensors to sensors equipped with multimedia devices. The multimedia sensors have the ability to capture video, image, audio, and scalar sensor data and deliver the multimedia content through sensors network. Due to the resource constraints nature of WSN introducing multimedia will add more challenges, so the protocols designed for multimedia wireless sensor network should be aware of the resource constraints nature of WSN and multimedia transmission requirement. This paper discusses the design challenges of routing protocols proposed for WMSN. A survey and comprehensive discussion are given for proposed protocols of WMSN followed by their limitations and features.
Modification of Neutron Kinetic Code for Plate Type Fuel Nuclear Reactor
Authors: Khan Salah Ud-Din , Khan Shahab Ud-Din , Zhifei Yang
Published: November 2013

The research is conducted on the modification of neutron kinetic code for the plate type fuel nuclear reactor. REMARK is a neutron kinetic code that works only for the cylindrical type fuel nuclear reactor. In this research, our main emphasis is on the modification of this code in order to be applicable for the plate type fuel nuclear reactor. For this purpose, detailed mathematical studies have been performed and are subjected to write the program in Fortran language. Since REMARK code is written in Fortran language, so we have developed the program in Fortran and then inserted it into the source library of the code. The main emphasis is on the modification of subroutine in the source library of the code for hexagonal fuel assemblies with plate type fuel elements in it. The number of steps involved in the modification of the code has been included in the paper. The verification studies were performed by considering the small modular reactor with hexagonal assemblies and plate type fuel in it to find out the power distribution of the reactor core. The purpose of the research is to make the code work for the hexagonal fuel assemblies with plate type fuel element.
Hydrodynamic Trapping of Particles in an Expansion-Contraction Microfluidic Device
Authors: Wang Ruijin
Published: November 2013

Manipulation and sorting of particles utilizing microfluidic phenomena have been a hot spot in recent years. Here, we present numerical investigations on particle trapping techniques by using intrinsic hydrodynamic effects in an expansion-contraction microfluidic device. One emphasis is on the underlying fluid dynamical mechanisms causing cross-streamlines migration of the particles in shear and vortical flows. The results show us that the expansion-contraction geometric structure is beneficial to particle trapping according to its size. Particle Reynolds number and aspect ratio of the channel will influence the trapping efficiency greatly because the force balance between inertial lift and vortex drag forces is the intrinsic reason. Especially, obvious inline particles contribution presented when the particle Reynolds number being unit. In addition, we selected three particle sizes (2, 7, and 15 μm) to examine the trapping efficiency.
An Efficient Approach for Identifying Constitutive Parameters of the Modified Oyane Ductile Fracture Criterion at High Temperature
Authors: Alexandrov Sergei , Mustafa Yusof , Yahya Mohd Yazid
Published: November 2013

The paper presents the theoretical part of a method for identifying constitutive parameters involved in the modified Oyane ductile fracture criterion at high temperature. Quite a general rigid viscoplastic model is adopted to describe material behavior. The ductile fracture criterion is in general path-dependent and involves stresses. Therefore, the identification of constitutive parameters of this criterion is a difficult task which usually includes experimental research and numerical simulation. The latter requires a precisely specified material model and boundary conditions. It is shown in the present paper that for a wide class of material models usually used to describe the behavior of materials at high temperatures, the criterion is significantly simplified when the site of fracture initiation is located on traction free surfaces. In particular, this reduced criterion does not involve stresses. Since there are well established experimental procedures to determine the input data for the reduced criterion, the result obtained can be considered as a theoretical basis for the efficient method for identifying constitutive parameters of the modified Oyane ductile fracture criterion at high temperature. The final expression can also be used in computational models to increase the accuracy of predictions.
Structural, Optical and Electrical Properties of Thin Films Using Nebulizer Spray Pyrolysis Technique
Authors: Mariappan R. , Ponnuswamy V. , Jayamurugan P. , Jayaprakash R. N. , Suresh R.
Published: November 2013

thin films have been deposited on glass substrates at substrate temperature 400°C through nebulizer spray pyrolysis technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis shows that the films structure is changed from hexagonal to tetragonal. The high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM) studies reveal that the substrate is well covered with a number of grains indicating compact morphology with an average grain size 50–79 nm. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) reveals the average ratio of the atomic percentage. Optical transmittance study shows the presence of direct transition. Band gap energy decreases from 3.33 to 2.87 eV with respect to the rise of Sn content. The electrical resistivity of the thin films was found to be 106 Ω-m.
Risk Factors for Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients: Two-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Sameiro-Faria Maria do , Ribeiro Sandra , Costa Elísio , Mendonça Denisa , Teixeira Laetitia , Rocha-Pereira Petronila , Fernandes João , Nascimento Henrique , Kohlova Michaela , Reis Flávio , Amado Leonilde , Bronze-da-Rocha Elsa , Miranda Vasco , Quintanilha Alexandre , Belo Luís , Santos-Silva Alice
Published: November 2013

Background.End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients under hemodialysis (HD) have high mortality rate. Inflammation, dyslipidemia, disturbances in erythropoiesis, iron metabolism, endothelial function, and nutritional status have been reported in these patients. Our aim was to identify any significant association of death with these disturbances, by performing a two-year follow-up study.Methods and Results.A large set of data was obtained from 189 HD patients (55.0% male; 66.4 ± 13.9 years old), including hematological data, lipid profile, iron metabolism, nutritional, inflammatory, and endothelial (dys)function markers, and dialysis adequacy.Results.35 patients (18.5%) died along the follow-up period. Our data showed that the type of vascular access, C-reactive protein (CRP), and triglycerides (TG) are significant predictors of death. The risk of death was higher in patients using central venous catheter (CVC) (Hazard ratio [HR] =3.03, 95% CI = 1.49–6.13), with higher CRP levels (fourth quartile), compared with those with lower levels (first quartile) (HR = 17.3, 95% CI = 2.40–124.9). Patients with higher TG levels (fourth quartile) presented a lower risk of death, compared with those with the lower TG levels (first quartile) (HR = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.05–0.58).Conclusions.The use of CVC, high CRP, and low TG values seem to be independent risk factors for mortality in HD patients.
An Improved Pedestrian Detection Algorithm Integrating Haar-Like Features and HOG Descriptors
Authors: Wei Yun , Tian Qing , Guo Teng
Published: November 2013

Considering the importance of pedestrian detection in a variety of applications such as advanced robots and intelligent surveillance systems, this paper presents an improved pedestrian detection method through integrating Haar-like features, AdaBoost algorithm, histogram of oriented gradients (HOG) descriptor, and support vector machine (SVM) classifiers, in which the head and shoulder information is utilized especially. Due to the fast training speed of Haar-like features and the high detection efficiency of HOG features, the proposed method can classify pedestrians precisely with higher speed. Experimental results validated the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Impact of Temporomandibular Joint Pain in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Ahmed Neveen , Mustafa Hamid Masoud , Catrina Anca Irinel , Alstergren Per
Published: November 2013

To investigate the impact of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain on daily activities and quality of life in relation to systemic inflammatory activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), thirty-three consecutive outpatients with RA were included. TMJ pain intensity at rest, on maximum mouth opening, and on chewing was assessed on a 0–10 numerical rating scale. TMJ palpatory tenderness, degree of anterior open bite, the impact of TMJ pain on daily activities and quality of life were also assessed. The systemic inflammatory activity was estimated by the disease activity score 28 (DAS28), blood levels of inflammatory markers and number of painful musculoskeletal regions. TMJ pain at rest, on maximum mouth opening, and on chewing as well as DAS28 was correlated with the impact of the TMJ pain on daily activities and quality of life. Partial correlations showed a significant interaction between TMJ pain on movement and DAS28 that explained the TMJ pain impact on daily activities and quality of life to a significant degree. This study indicates that both current TMJ pain intensity and systemic inflammatory activity play roles in the impact of TMJ pain on daily living and quality of life in RA.
Routing Optimization in Vehicular Networks: A New Approach Based on Multiobjective Metrics and Minimum Spanning Tree
Authors: Fazio Peppino , De Rango Floriano , Sottile Cesare , Santamaria Amilcare Francesco
Published: November 2013

Recently, distributed mobile wireless computing is becoming a very important communications paradigm, due to its flexibility to adapt to different mobile applications. As many other distributed networks, routing operations assume a crucial importance in system optimization, especially when considering dense urban areas, where interference effects cannot be neglected. In this paper a new routing protocol for VANETs and a new scheme of multichannel management are proposed. In particular, an interference-aware routing scheme, for multiradio vehicular networks, wherein each node is equipped with a multichannel radio interface is investigated. NS-2 has been used to validate the proposed Multiobjective routing protocol (MO-RP) protocol in terms of packet delivery ratio, throughput, end-to-end delay, and overhead.
Relation of Serum Leptin and Adiponectin Level to Serum C-Reactive Protein: The INTERLIPID Study
Authors: Nakamura Yasuyuki , Ueshima Hirotsugu , Okuda Nagako , Miura Katsuyuki , Kita Yoshikuni , Okamura Tomonori , Okayama Akira , Choudhury Sohel R. , Rodriguez Beatriz , Masaki Kamal H. , Stamler Jeremiah
Published: November 2013

Objective. Despite considerable study, the relevance of leptin and adiponectin for atherosclerosis development is still unsettled. We investigated relations of serum leptin and adiponectin to serum C-reactive protein (CRP), using the INTERLIPID dataset on Japanese emigrants living in Hawaii and Japanese in Japan.Design and Methods. Serum leptin, adiponectin, and CRP were measured by standardized methods in men and women of ages 40 to 59 years from two population samples, one Japanese-American in Hawaii (83 men, 89 women) and the other Japanese in central Japan (111 men, 104 women). Participants with CRP >10 mg/L were excluded.Results. Sex-specific multiple linear regression analyses, with log-transformed leptin and adiponectin (log-leptin, log-adipo), site (Hawaii = 1, Japan = 0), SBP, HbA1c, smoking (cigarettes/day), and physical activity index score of the Framingham Offspring Study as covariates, showed that log-leptin directly related and log-adipo inversely related to log-CRP for both sexes (Ps < 0.05 to <0.01). Addition to the model of BMI and interaction terms (BMI × log-leptin, BMI × log-adipo, SITE × log-leptin, SITE × log-adipo) resulted in disappearance of statistical significance except for direct relation of log-leptin to log-CRP in men (P=0.006).Conclusions. Leptin directly related to CRP independent of BMI and other confounding factors in men but not in women.
Matrix Theory, AdS/CFT, and Gauge/Gravity Correspondence
Authors: Hu Shan , Nanopoulos Dimitri
Published: November 2013

WithN→∞  being fixed,R→∞, the free energy of the Matrix theory on a supergravity backgroundFis a functional ofF,W=W(R,F). We try to relate this functional withSeff(R,F), the effective action ofF, whereFis translation invariant alongx-. The vertex function is then associated with the connected correlation function of the current densities. FromW(R,F), one can construct an effective actionΓ(Y)for the arbitrary matrix configurationY.Γ(Y)isR,and thusp+independent. IfW(R,F)=Seff(R,F),Γ(Y)will give the supergravity interactions amongMtheory objects with no light-cone momentum exchange. We then discuss the Matrix theory dual of the11dbackground generated by branes with the definitep+as well as the gauge theory dual of the10dbackground arising from thex-reduction. Finally, for SYM4with the4dbackground fieldF0, we give a possible way to induce the radial dependent5dfieldF(σ).
Release Mathematical Model of Active Agent from Packaging Material into Food
Authors: Huang Xiuling , Ye Heng , Yam Kit L.
Published: November 2013

Active packaging is an innovative packaging technology by which active compounds are released from the package to enhance the quality and microbial safety for a wide range of foods. The problem of active ingredient release through the bilayer packaging food system is studied from a theoretical viewpoint. A release model is built to provide predictions of concentration and amount of active ingredient. The equations are built based onFickiandiffusion, and numerical solutions are obtained through finite difference. Different diffusion coefficientsDPandDCof active ingredient in different packaging layers, partition coefficientkCPat the interface of outer layer and inner layer, partition coefficientkFCat the interface of inner layer and food, and mass transfer coefficienthmat the interface of inner layer and food are considered in the model. The effects ofkCP, thicknesses of outer layer and inner layer,CP0,DP,DC,kFC, andhmon the release are discussed. Corresponding conclusions and analysis are given.
Solar Spectral and Module Temperature Influence on the Outdoor Performance of Thin Film PV Modules Deployed on a Sunny Inland Site
Authors: Nofuentes G. , de la Casa J. , Torres-Ramírez M. , Alonso-Abella M.
Published: November 2013

This work aims at analysing the influence of both module temperature and solar spectrum distribution on the outdoor performance of the following thin film technologies: hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H), cadmium telluride (CdTe), copper indium gallium selenide sulfide (CIGS), and hydrogenated amorphous silicon/hydrogenated microcrystalline silicon hetero-junction (a-Si:H/μc-Si:H). A 12-month experimental campaign carried out in a sunny inland site in which a module of each one of these technologies was tested and measured outdoors has provided the necessary empirical data. Results show that module temperature exerts a limited influence on the performance of the tested a-Si:H, CdTe, and a-Si:H/μc-Si:H modules. In contrast, the outdoor behaviour of the CIGS module is the most affected by its temperature. Blue-rich spectra enhance the outdoor behaviour of the a-Si:H and a-Si:H/μc-Si:H modules while it is the other way round for the CIGS module. However, the CdTe specimen shows little sensitivity to the solar spectrum distribution. Anyway, spectral effects are scarcely relevant on an annual basis, ranging from gains for the CIGS module (1.5%) to losses for the a-Si:H module (1.0%). However, the seasonal impact of the spectrum shape is more noticeable in these two materials; indeed, spectral issues may cause performance gains or losses of up to some 4% when winter and summer periods are considered.
Implicit and Explicit Iterative Methods for Systems of Variational Inequalities and Zeros of Accretive Operators
Authors: Ceng Lu-Chuan , Al-Mezel Saleh Abdullah , Ansari Qamrul Hasan
Published: November 2013

Based on Korpelevich's extragradient method, hybrid steepest-descent method, and viscosity approximation method, we propose implicit and explicit iterative schemes for computing a common element of the solution set of a system of variational inequalities and the set of zeros of an accretive operator, which is also a unique solution of a variational inequality. Under suitable assumptions, we study the strong convergence of the sequences generated by the proposed algorithms. The results of this paper improve and extend several known results in the literature.
Iterative Scheme for Solving Optimal Transportation Problems Arising in Reflector Design
Authors: Glimm Tilmann , Henscheid Nick
Published: November 2013

We consider the geometric optics problem of finding a system of two reflectors that transform a spherical wavefront into a beam of
parallel rays with prescribed intensity distribution. Using techniques from optimal transportation theory, it has been shown previously that this problem is equivalent to an infinite-dimensional linear programming (LP) problem. Here we investigate techniques for constructing the two reflectors numerically by considering the finite-dimensional LP problems which arise as approximations to the infinite-dimensional problem. A straightforward discretization has the disadvantage that the number of constraints increases rapidly with the mesh size, so only very coarse meshes are practical. To address this well-known issue we propose an iterative solution scheme. In each step, an LP
problem is solved, where information from the previous iteration step is used to reduce the number of necessary constraints. As an illustration, we apply our proposed scheme to solve a problem with synthetic data, demonstrating that the method allows for much finer meshes than a simple discretization. We also give evidence that the scheme converges. There exists a growing literature for the application of optimal transportation theory to other beam shaping problems, and our proposed scheme is easy to adapt for
these problems as well.
Curcumin and Diabetes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zhang Dong-wei , Fu Min , Gao Si-Hua , Liu Jun-Li
Published: November 2013

Turmeric (Curcuma longa), a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant of the ginger family, has been used for the treatment of diabetes in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. The active component of turmeric, curcumin, has caught attention as a potential treatment for diabetes and its complications primarily because it is a relatively safe and inexpensive drug that reduces glycemia and hyperlipidemia in rodent models of diabetes. Here, we review the recent literature on the applications of curcumin for glycemia and diabetes-related liver disorders, adipocyte dysfunction, neuropathy, nephropathy, vascular diseases, pancreatic disorders, and other complications, and we also discuss its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The applications of additional curcuminoid compounds for diabetes prevention and treatment are also included in this paper. Finally, we mention the approaches that are currently being sought to generate a “super curcumin” through improvement of the bioavailability to bring this promising natural product to the forefront of diabetes therapeutics.
Expression Sensitivity Analysis of Human Disease Related Genes
Authors: Ma Liang-Xiao , Wang Ya-Jun , Wang Jing-Fang , Li Xuan , Hao Pei
Published: November 2013

Background. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have shown its revolutionary power in seeking the influenced loci on complex diseases genetically. Thousands of replicated loci for common traits are helpful in diseases risk assessment. However it is still difficult to elucidate the variations in these loci that directly cause susceptibility to diseases by disrupting the expression or function of a protein currently.Results. We evaluate the expression features of disease related genes and find that different diseases related genes show different expression perturbation sensitivities in various conditions. It is worth noting that the expression of some robust disease-genes doesn’t show significant change in their corresponding diseases, these genes might be easily ignored in the expression profile analysis.Conclusion. Gene ontology enrichment analysis indicates that robust disease-genes execute essential function in comparison with sensitive disease-genes. The diseases associated with robust genes seem to be relatively lethal like cancer and aging. On the other hand, the diseases associated with sensitive genes are apparently nonlethal like psych and chemical dependency diseases.
Immunopathogenic Role of Herpes Simplex Virus in Behçet’s Disease
Authors: Kim Do Young , Cho Suhyun , Choi Min Ju , Sohn Seonghyang , Lee Eun-So , Bang Dongsik
Published: November 2013

The role of viral infections, such as herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, in the pathogenesis of Behçet’s disease (BD) has been investigated for many years. HSV has been detected in peripheral blood leukocytes, saliva, and genital ulcers of patients with BD. Various cell adhesion molecules on cultured endothelial cells have been induced by HSV in a TNF-α dependent manner. In addition, a BD-like animal model was developed by inoculating ICR mouse earlobes with HSV, and antiviral treatment was effective in improving BD-like symptoms in this model. Still, there are several incompletely characterized proteins that possess antiviral properties and are being investigated as mediators of viral infection-related chronic inflammatory reactions. Although the role of HSV in the pathogenesis of BD remains to be fully established, recent research findings regarding HSV in BD have expanded our understanding of the disease and will hopefully lead to the development of more effective therapeutic agents in the near future.
Multidrug Resistant Epididymitis Progressing to Testicular Infarct and Orchiectomy
Authors: Farber Nicholas J. , Slater Rick C. , Maranchie Jodi K.
Published: November 2013

Global testicular infarction is a rare sequela of infectious epididymitis, with few reports in the urologic literature since the introduction of fluoroquinolones in the late 1980s. Ischemia occurs secondary to inflammation and edema of the spermatic cord with compression of arterial flow. We report a case of multidrug resistant epididymitis following prostate biopsy that progressed to global testicular infarction requiring orchiectomy. This case highlights the fact that epididymitis does not always follow an indolent pathway to resolution. Progression of pain should prompt early imaging and intervention. It further highlights the potential urologic consequences of the rising prevalence of multidrug resistant bowel flora in the United States, which will increasingly influence the management of presumed uncomplicated epididymitis, whether being primary or postprocedural.
Restoration of Natural Frequency of Cracked Cantilever Beam Using CNT Composite Patch: A Finite Element Study
Authors: Nahas Mahmoud Nadim , Alzahrani Mahmoud Ali
Published: November 2013

Cyclic loadings cause fatigue to the elements of machines leading to crack initiation and propagation. This phenomenon decreases the age of the elements. In particular, cracks decrease the stiffness of the parts and lower the parts natural frequency, leading to failure under normal working conditions. This paper introduces a new application to carbon nanotube (CNT) composites in the repairing process of a cracked specimen to restore the natural frequency of the specimen. Commonly, patches are made of high strength and high stiffness materials. This paper shows that even low stiffness materials, such as epoxy reinforced with CNT, can contribute to the repair of a cracked specimen. A 2D finite element (FE) simulation is used to study the effects of bonding CNT composite patches over the crack location to repair cracked metal specimens. The effects of the patch thickness, length, and CNTs weight concentration ratio are investigated. Results showed an increase in the natural frequency of 31% compared to the cracked specimen at a crack depth of 70% of the beam depth and at a distance of 20% of the total beam length from the support.
Low-Cost and Readily Available Tissue Carriers for the Boston Keratoprosthesis: A Review of Possibilities
Authors: Cruzat Andrea , Tauber Allyson , Shukla Anita , Paschalis Eleftherios I. , Pineda Roberto , Dohlman Claes H.
Published: November 2013

The Boston keratoprosthesis (B-KPro), currently the most commonly used artificial cornea worldwide, can provide rapid visual rehabilitation for eyes with severe corneal opacities not suitable for standard corneal transplantation. However, the B-KPro presently needs a corneal graft as a tissue carrier. Although corneal allograft tissue is readily available in the United States and other developed countries with established eye banks, the worldwide need vastly exceeds supply. Therefore, a simple, safe, and inexpensive alternative to corneal allografts is desirable for the developing world. We are currently exploring reasonable alternative options such as corneal autografts, xenografts, noncorneal autologous tissues, and laboratory-made tissue constructs, as well as modifications to corneal allografts, such as deep-freezing, glycerol-dehydration, gamma irradiation, and cross-linking. These alternative tissue carriers for the B-KPro are discussed with special regard to safety, practicality, and cost for the developing world.
Classification of Exact Solutions for Generalized Form of Equation
Authors: Bulut Hasan
Published: November 2013

The classification of exact solutions, including solitons and elliptic solutions, to the generalized equation by the complete discrimination system for polynomial method has been obtained. From here, we find some interesting results for nonlinear partial differential equations with generalized evolution.
Dietary Diversity and Meal Frequency Practices among Infant and Young Children Aged 6–23 Months in Ethiopia: A Secondary Analysis of Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey 2011
Authors: Aemro Melkam , Mesele Molla , Birhanu Zelalem , Atenafu Azeb
Published: November 2013

Background. Appropriate complementary feeding practice is essential for growth and development of children. This study aimed to assess dietary diversity and meal frequency practice of infants and young children in Ethiopia.Methods. Data collected in the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) from December 2010 to June 2011 were used for this study. Data collected were extracted, arranged, recoded, and analyzed by using SPSS version 17. A total of 2836 children aged 6–23 months were used for final analysis. Both bivariate and multivariate analysis were done to identify predictors of feeding practices.Result. Children with adequate dietary diversity score and meal frequency were 10.8% and 44.7%, respectively. Children born from the richest households showed better dietary diversity score (OR = 0.256). Number of children whose age less than five years was important predictor of dietary diversity (OR = 0.690). Mothers who had exposure to media were more likely to give adequate meal frequency to their children (OR = 0.707).Conclusion. Dietary diversity and meal frequency practices were inadequate in Ethiopia. Wealth quintile, exposure to media, and number of children were affecting feeding practices. Improving economic status, a habit of eating together, and exposure to media are important to improve infant feeding practices in Ethiopia.
Upper and Lower Solutions form-Point Impulsive BVP with One-Dimensionalp-Laplacian
Authors: Zhao Junfang , Zhao Jianfeng , Ge Weigao
Published: November 2013

Upper and lower solutions theories are established for a kind ofm-point impulsive boundary value problems withp-Laplacian. By using such techniques and the Schauder fixed point theorem, the existence of solutions and positive solutions is obtained. Nagumo conditions play an important role in the nonlinear term involved with the first-order derivatives.
Sparse Array Angle Estimation Using Reduced‐Dimension ESPRIT‐MUSIC in MIMO Radar
Authors: Zhang Chaozhu , Pang Yucai
Published: November 2013

Sparse linear arrays provide better performance than the filled linear arrays in terms of angle estimation and resolution with reduced size and low cost. However, they are subject to manifold ambiguity. In this paper, both the transmit array and receive array are sparse linear arrays in the bistatic MIMO radar. Firstly, we present an ESPRIT‐MUSIC method in which ESPRIT algorithm is used to obtain ambiguous angle estimates. The disambiguation algorithm uses MUSIC‐based procedure to identify the true direction cosine estimate from a set of ambiguous candidate estimates. The paired transmit angle and receive angle can be estimated and the manifold ambiguity can be solved. However, the proposed algorithm has high computational complexity due to the requirement of two‐dimension search. Further, the Reduced‐Dimension ESPRIT‐MUSIC (RD‐ESPRIT‐MUSIC) is proposed to reduce the complexity of the algorithm. And the RD‐ESPRIT‐MUSIC only demands one‐dimension search. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the method.
Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Thoracic Structures: Based on Chinese Visible Human
Authors: Wu Yi , Luo Na , Tan Liwen , Fang Binji , Li Ying , Xie Bing , Liu Kaijun , Chu Chun , Li Min , Zhang Shaoxiang
Published: November 2013

We managed to establish three-dimensional digitized visible model of human thoracic structures and to provide morphological data for imaging diagnosis and thoracic and cardiovascular surgery. With Photoshop software, the contour line of lungs and mediastinal structures including heart, aorta and its ramus, azygos vein, superior vena cava, inferior vena cava, thymus, esophagus, diaphragm, phrenic nerve, vagus nerve, sympathetic trunk, thoracic vertebrae, sternum, thoracic duct, and so forth were segmented from the Chinese Visible Human (CVH)-1 data set. The contour data set of segmented thoracic structures was imported to Amira software and 3D thorax models were reconstructed via surface rendering and volume rendering. With Amira software, surface rendering reconstructed model of thoracic organs and its volume rendering reconstructed model were 3D reconstructed and can be displayed together clearly and accurately. It provides a learning tool of interpreting human thoracic anatomy and virtual thoracic and cardiovascular surgery for medical students and junior surgeons.
Foundations of the Theory of Semilinear Stochastic Partial Differential Equations
Authors: Tappe Stefan
Published: November 2013

The goal of this review article is to provide a survey about the
foundations of semilinear stochastic partial differential equations. In particular,
we provide a detailed study of the concepts of strong, weak, and mild solutions,
establish their connections, and review a standard existence and uniqueness result.
The proof of the existence result is based on a slightly extended version
of the Banach fixed point theorem.
Fecal Collection and Stabilization Methods for Improved Fecal DNA Test for Colorectal Cancer in a Screening Setting
Authors: Carozzi Francesca Maria , Sani Cristina
Published: November 2013

Early detection of CRC and adenomas reduces CRC-related mortality. The optimal screening test for CRC is still a subject of debate, and molecular stool sample analysis could provide a valid alternative to conventional methods in terms of compliance and practicability. Seven fecal DNA storage systems were evaluated in two successive phases. In the first phase of the study was selected the preservative buffer able to ensure the best human DNA recovery. In the second phase was evaluated human DNA stability, amplificability and integrity in DNA extracted from selected buffer. Results showed that the best performance was obtained in samples stored in 100 mM EDTA buffer and Genefec buffer. Likewise buffer addition yielded a significant increase in DNA stability and integrity without PCR inhibition, compared to the matched aliquots with no buffer added. Our study shows that samples collected in stabilization solution stabilize DNA so that intact nucleic acids, are more effectively detectable in the molecular assay. DNA buffer preservation and storage conditions could be useful to guarantee the most consistent yield in human DNA. Stabilization buffer addition to stool samples prior to transport presents an easily implemented solution that appears to be highly effective. Overall DNA extracted from faeces preserved in preservative buffer can feasibility been used for molecular analysis leading to an increase of assay sensitivity.
Anti-HLA and Anti-MICA Antibodies in Liver Transplant Recipients: Effect on Long-Term Graft Survival
Authors: Ciszek Michał , Foroncewicz Bartosz , Mucha Krzysztof , Żochowska Dorota , Ziarkiewicz-Wróblewska Bogna , Krawczyk Marek , Pączek Leszek
Published: November 2013

Objective. Presence of anti-HLA antibodies has a well-known impact on kidney grafts survival; however their role in liver transplantation has not been fully elucidated. We conducted a 7-year prospective study to show correlation between presence of anti-HLA and anti-MICA antibodies and liver graft survival.Methods. Blood samples from 123 liver transplant recipients were collected during patients routine visits. Time from transplantation to blood sample collection was different for each patient. Blood samples were tested for anti-HLA (separately class I and II) and MICA antibodies using Luminex assays.Results. There were 32 (26%) patients with positive anti-HLA and 37 (30%) with positive anti-MICA antibodies. Graft loss occurred in 7 cases (23%) in anti-HLA positive group compared to 20 (22%) in anti-HLA negative group (P=ns) and in 8 cases (22%) in anti-MICA positive group but 19 (23%) in anti-MICA negative group (P=ns). No correlations were detected between presence of antibodies and acute graft rejection (AGR). Presence of any antibodies (anti-HLA or anti-MICA antibodies) correlated with late graft rejection (P=0.04).Conclusion. Presence of anti-HLA or anti-MICA had no impact on long-term liver graft survival; however, detection of any antibodies was correlated with episodes of late graft rejection.
Existence and Multiplicity of Nonnegative Solutions for Quasilinear Elliptic Exterior Problems with Nonlinear Boundary Conditions
Authors: Huang Jincheng
Published: November 2013

Existence and multiplicity results are established for quasilinear elliptic problems with nonlinear boundary conditions in an exterior domain. The proofs combine variational methods with a fibering map, due to the competition between the different growths of the nonlinearity and nonlinear boundary term.
Obstacle Avoidance for Unmanned Undersea Vehicle in Unknown Unstructured Environment
Authors: Yan Zheping , Zhao Yufei , Hou Shuping , Zhang Honghan , Zheng Yalin
Published: November 2013

To avoid obstacle in the unknown environment for unmanned undersea vehicle (UUV), an obstacle avoiding system based on improved vector field histogram (VFH) is designed. Forward looking sonar is used to detect the environment, and the divisional sonar modal is applied to deal with the measure uncertainty. To adapt to the VFH, rolling occupancy grids are used for the map building, and high accuracy details of local environment are obtained. The threshold is adaptively adjusted by the statistic of obstacles to solve the problem that VFH is sensitive to threshold. To improve the environment adaptability, the hybrid-behaviors strategy is proposed, which selects the optimal avoidance command according to the motion status and environment character. The simulation shows that UUV could avoid the obstacles fast and escape from the U shape obstacles.
Outcome of Late Second Trimester Emergency Cerclage in Patients with Advanced Cervical Dilatation with Bulging Amniotic Membranes: A Report of Six Cases Managed at the Douala General Hospital, Cameroon
Authors: Egbe Thomas Obinchemti , Nana Njamen Theophile , Halle Ekane Gregory , Tsingaing Jacques Kamgaing , Tchente Charlotte Nguefack , Beyiha Gerard , Barla Esther , Nyemb Ernest
Published: November 2013

Purpose. To show the feasibility of emergency late second trimester cerclage with advanced cervical dilatation and bulging of amniotic membranes. Setting. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Douala General Hospital. Method. This is a retrospective study of case files of patients who underwent emergency late second trimester cerclage with advanced cervical dilatation, some with bulging of fetal membranes between June 2003 and June 2010. The modified Shirodkar technique was employed in all the cases. Results. Altogether, six patients (100%) underwent late second trimester cervical cerclage between 24 and 26 weeks of gestational age. Four cases (66.7%) carried on their pregnancies to term that resulted in healthy live-born babies all delivered vaginally. The other two cases (33.3%) presented with preterm premature rupture of fetal membranes (PPROM) which led us to undo the stitch with eventual delivery of live-born premature fetuses which died in the neonatal intensive care unit because of complications of prematurity and neonatal infection. Conclusion. In experienced hands and in the absence of other risk factors like infection, the success rates of this procedure are encouraging with improved prognosis. Finally, the modified Shirodkar technique yielded excellent results in our series.
Treatment of Chagas Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Botoni Fernando A. , Ribeiro Antonio Luiz P. , Marinho Carolina Coimbra , Lima Marcia Maria Oliveira , Nunes Maria do Carmo Pereira , Rocha Manoel Otávio C.
Published: November 2013

Chagas' disease (ChD), caused by the protozoaTrypanosoma cruzi(T. cruzi), was discovered and described by the Brazilian physician Carlos Chagas in 1909. After a century of original description, trypanosomiasis still brings much misery to humanity and is classified as a neglected tropical disease prevalent in underdeveloped countries, particularly in South America. It is an increasing worldwide problem due to the number of cases in endemic areas and the migration of infected subjects to more developed regions, mainly North America and Europe. Despite its importance, chronic chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC) pathophysiology is yet poorly understood, and independently of its social, clinical, and epidemiological importance, the therapeutic approach of CCC is still transposed from the knowledge acquired from other cardiomyopathies. Therefore, the objective of this review is to describe the treatment of Chagas cardiomyopathy with emphasis on its peculiarities.
A New Collaborative Recommendation Approach Based on Users Clustering Using Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm
Authors: Ju Chunhua , Xu Chonghuan
Published: November 2013

Although there are many good collaborative recommendation methods, it is still a challenge to increase the accuracy and diversity of these methods to fulfill users’ preferences. In this paper, we propose a novel collaborative filtering recommendation approach based on K‐means clustering algorithm. In the process of clustering, we use artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm to overcome the local optimal problem caused by K‐means. After that we adopt the modified cosine similarity to compute the similarity between users in the same clusters. Finally, we generate recommendation results for the corresponding target users. Detailed numerical analysis on a benchmark dataset MovieLens and a real‐world dataset indicates that our new collaborative filtering approach based on users clustering algorithm outperforms many other recommendation methods.
HMG‐CoA Reductase Inhibitors from Monascus‐Fermented Rice
Authors: Li Xuemei , Liu Chunli , Duan Zhenwen , Guo Shuren
Published: November 2013

Seven compounds were isolated from Monascus‐fermented rice by column chromatography with silica gel and semiprep HPLC. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods. All compounds displayed HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitory potential, among them compound 7 exhibited strong inhibition with IC50 value comparable with lovastatin. In this study, two compounds (1 and 2) were obtained from natural source for the first time.
Application of Fuzzy Set Theory to Quantitative Analysis of Correctness of the Mathematical Model Based on the ADI Method during Solidification
Authors: Niu Xiaofeng , Wang Guanqian , Liang Wei , Hou Hua , Wang Hongxia , Zhang Jinshan
Published: November 2013

The explicit finite difference (EFD) method is used to calculate the casting temperature field during the solidification process. Because of its limited time step, the computational efficiency of the EFD method is lower than that of the alternating direction implicit (ADI) method. A model based on the equivalent specific heat method and the ADI method that improves computational efficiency is established. The error of temperature field simulation comes from model simplification, the acceptable hypotheses and calculation errors caused by different time steps, and the different mesh numbers that are involved in the process of numerical simulation. This paper quantitatively analyzes the degree of similarity between simulated and experimental results by the hamming distance (HD). For a thick-walled position, the time step influences the simulation results of the temperature field and the number of casting meshes has little influence on the simulation results of temperature field. For a thin-walled position, the time step has minimal influence on the simulation results of the temperature field and the number of casting meshes has a larger influence on the simulation results of temperature field.
Improved Outcome of Biliary Atresia with Postoperative High-Dose Steroid
Authors: Dong Rui , Song Zai , Chen Gong , Zheng Shan , Xiao Xian-min
Published: November 2013

Objective. The dosage, duration, and the benefits of high-dose steroid treatment and outcome in biliary atresia (BA) remain controversial. In this study, we evaluated the impact of high-dose steroid therapy on the outcome of BA after the Kasai procedure.Methods.Intravenous prednisolone administration was started 1 week after surgery, followed by 8 to 12 weeks of oral prednisolone. Total bilirubin (TB) levels (3, 6, and 12 months after surgery), early onset of cholangitis, and two-year native liver survival were evaluated.Results.53.4%, 56.9%, and 58.1% of the patients in the high-dose steroid group were jaundice-free 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery, respectively; these values were significantly higher than the 38.7%, 39.4%, and 43.3% of the low-dose steroid group. One year after surgery, the incidence of cholangitis in the high-dose group (32.0%) was lower than that in the low-dose group (48.0%). Infants with native liver in the high-dose group had a better two-year survival compared to those in the low-dose steroid group (53.7% versus 42.6%).Conclusions.The high-dose steroid protocol can reduce the incidence of cholangitis, increase the jaundice-free rate, and improve two-year survival with native liver after the Kasai operation.
Nuclear Effects in Neutrino Interactions and Their Impact on the Determination of Oscillation Parameters
Authors: Benhar Omar , Rocco Noemi
Published: November 2013

The quantitative description of the effects of nuclear dynamics on the measured neutrino-nucleus cross sections—needed to reduce the systematic uncertainty of long baseline neutrino oscillation experiments—involves severe difficulties. Owing to the uncertainty on the incoming neutrino energy, different reaction mechanisms contribute to the cross section measured at fixed energy and scattering angle of the outgoing lepton, and must therefore be consistently taken into account within a unified model. We research the theoretical approach based on the impulse approximation and the use of realistic nucleon spectral functions, allowing one to describe a variety of reaction mechanisms active in the broad kinematical range covered by neutrino experiments. The extension of this scheme to include more complex mechanisms involving the two-nucleon currents, which are believed to be important, is also outlined. The impact of nuclear effects on the determination of neutrino oscillation parameters is illustrated by analyzing the problem of neutrino energy reconstruction.
Cryptogenic Multifocal Ulcerous Stenosing Enteritis: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Kohoutová Darina , Bártová Jolana , Tachecí Ilja , Rejchrt Stanislav , Repák Rudolf , Kopáčová Marcela , Bureš Jan
Published: November 2013

Cryptogenic multifocal ulcerous stenosing enteritis (CMUSE) is an extremely rare illness characterised by chronic or relapsing subileus status resulting from multiple small intestinal fibrous strictures and multiple shallow ulcers of the small bowel. The etiology is unknown and pathogenesis is not fully understood. Therapy with systemic glucocorticosteroids is the treatment of choice. However, most patients develop corticosteroid dependence. Deep enteroscopy enables precise diagnostic work, possible endoscopic treatment of stenoses; may obviate the need for surgery and prevent excessive small bowel resections.
Endoscopic Transmural Drainage of Pancreatic Pseudocysts: Technical Challenges in the Resource Poor Setting
Authors: Cawich Shamir O. , Murphy Trevor , Shah Sundeep , Barrow Phillip , Arthurs Milton , Ramdass Michael J. , Johnson Peter B.
Published: November 2013

Although surgical drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts has been superseded by less invasive options, the requirement for specialized equipment, technical expertise, and consumables limits the options available in low resource settings. We describe the challenges experienced during endoscopic transmural drainage in a low resource setting and the methods used to overcome these barriers. Despite operating in a low resource environment, endoscopic drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts can be incorporated into our armamentarium with minimal change to the existing hardware. Careful patient selection by a dedicated multidisciplinary team should be observed in order to achieve good outcomes.
Synchronization of Fractional-Order Chaotic Systems with Gaussian Fluctuation by Sliding Mode Control
Authors: Xu Yong , Wang Hua
Published: November 2013

Chaotic systems are always influenced by some uncertainties and external disturbances. This paper investigates the problem of practical synchronization of fractional-order chaotic systems with Gaussian fluctuation. A fractional integral (FI) sliding surface is proposed for synchronizing the uncertain fractional-order system, and then the sliding mode control technique is carried out to realize the synchronization of the given systems. One theorem about sliding mode controller is presented to prove that the proposed controller can make the system achieve synchronization. As a case study, the presented method is applied to the fractional-order Chen-Lü system, and simulation results show that the proposed control approach is capable to go against Gaussian noise well.