bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary Computation with Spatial Receding Horizon Control to Minimize Network Coding Resources
Authors: Hu Xiao-Bing , Leeson Mark S.
Published: April 2014

The minimization of network coding resources, such as coding nodes and links, is a challenging task, not only because it is a NP-hard problem, but also because the problem scale is huge; for example, networks in real world may have thousands or even millions of nodes and links. Genetic algorithms (GAs) have a good potential of resolving NP-hard problems like the network coding problem (NCP), but as a population-based algorithm, serious scalability and applicability problems are often confronted when GAs are applied to large- or huge-scale systems. Inspired by the temporal receding horizon control in control engineering, this paper proposes a novel spatial receding horizon control (SRHC) strategy as a network partitioning technology, and then designs an efficient GA to tackle the NCP. Traditional network partitioning methods can be viewed as a special case of the proposed SRHC, that is, one-step-wide SRHC, whilst the method in this paper is a generalizedN-step-wide SRHC, which can make a better use of global information of network topologies. Besides the SRHC strategy, some useful designs are also reported in this paper. The advantages of the proposed SRHC and GA for the NCP are illustrated by extensive experiments, and they have a good potential of being extended to other large-scale complex problems.
Application of EMD-Based SVD and SVM to Coal-Gangue Interface Detection
Authors: Liu Wei , He Kai , Gao Qun , Liu Cheng-yin
Published: April 2014

Coal-gangue interface detection during top-coal caving mining is a challenging problem. This paper proposes a new vibration signal analysis approach to detecting the coal-gangue interface based on singular value decomposition (SVD) techniques and support vector machines (SVMs). Due to the nonstationary characteristics in vibration signals of the tail boom support of the longwall mining machine in this complicated environment, the empirical mode decomposition (EMD) is used to decompose the raw vibration signals into a number of intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) by which the initial feature vector matrices can be formed automatically. By applying the SVD algorithm to the initial feature vector matrices, the singular values of matrices can be obtained and used as the input feature vectors of SVMs classifier. The analysis results of vibration signals from the tail boom support of a longwall mining machine show that the method based on EMD, SVD, and SVM is effective for coal-gangue interface detection even when the number of samples is small.
Modeling and Visualizing Cell Type Switching
Authors: Ghaffarizadeh Ahmadreza , Podgorski Gregory J. , Flann Nicholas S.
Published: April 2014

Understanding cellular differentiation is critical in explaining development and for taming diseases such as cancer. Differentiation is conventionally represented using bifurcating lineage trees. However, these lineage trees cannot readily capture or quantify all the types of transitions now known to occur between cell types, including transdifferentiation or differentiation off standard paths. This work introduces a new analysis and visualization technique that is capable of representing all possible transitions between cell states compactly, quantitatively, and intuitively. This method considers the regulatory network of transcription factors that control cell type determination and then performs an analysis of network dynamics to identify stable expression profiles and the potential cell types that they represent. A visualization tool calledCellDiff3Dcreates an intuitive three-dimensional graph that shows the overall direction and probability of transitions between all pairs of cell types within a lineage. In this study, the influence of gene expression noise and mutational changes during myeloid cell differentiation are presented as a demonstration of theCellDiff3Dtechnique, a new approach to quantify and envision all possible cell state transitions in any lineage network.
Catalytic Hydrolysis of Ammonia Borane by Cobalt Nickel Nanoparticles Supported on Reduced Graphene Oxide for Hydrogen Generation
Authors: Yang Yuwen , Zhang Fei , Wang Hualan , Yao Qilu , Chen Xiangshu , Lu Zhang-Hui
Published: April 2014

Well dispersed magnetically recyclable bimetallic CoNi nanoparticles (NPs) supported on the reduced graphene oxide (RGO) were synthesized by one‐step in situ coreduction of aqueous solution of cobalt(II) chloride, nickel (II) chloride, and graphite oxide (GO) with ammonia borane (AB) as the reducing agent under ambient condition. The CoNi/RGO NPs exhibits excellent catalytic activity with a total turnover frequency (TOF) value of 19.54 mol H2 mol catalyst−1 min−1 and a low activation energy value of 39.89 kJ mol−1 at room temperature. Additionally, the RGO supported CoNi NPs exhibit much higher catalytic activity than the monometallic and RGO‐free CoNi counterparts. Moreover, the as‐prepared catalysts exert satisfying durable stability and magnetically recyclability for the hydrolytic dehydrogenation of AB, which make the practical reusing application of the catalysts more convenient. The usage of the low‐cost, easy‐getting catalyst to realize the production of hydrogen under mild condition gives more confidence for the application of ammonia borane as a hydrogen storage material. Hence, this general method indicates that AB can be used as both a potential hydrogen storage material and an efficient reducing agent, and can be easily extended to facile preparation of other RGO‐based metallic systems.
A Novel 3D Indoor Localization Scheme Using Virtual Access Point
Authors: Kim Taekook , Kim Eui-Jik
Published: April 2014

The global positioning system (GPS) is a popular choice for accurate location sensing and is often used in navigation systems. However, GPS fails to operate inside buildings because satellite signals are blocked. Thus, GPS cannot be used for localization indoors. Moreover, it is difficult to distinguish between the different floors. Research to overcome this problem using the ultrawideband (UWB), radio frequency identification (RFID), and infrared ray (IR) has been conducted. These methods, however, have drawbacks, such as the need for an additional communication module and database. Wireless local area network (WLAN) access point (AP) is widely installed at various locations, and using these WLAN APs can be a viable alternative. The proposed system in this paper indicates the location information in the service set identifier (SSID) of virtual AP. Therefore, merely by scanning the WLAN signals, mobile users can detect their location indoors.
Soybean Seeds: A Practical Host for the Production of Functional Subunit Vaccines
Authors: Hudson Laura C. , Garg Renu , Bost Kenneth L. , Piller Kenneth J.
Published: April 2014

Soybean seeds possess several inherent qualities that make them an ideal host for the production of biopharmaceuticals when compared with other plant-based and non-plant-based recombinant expression systems (e.g., low cost of production, high protein to biomass ratio, long-term stability of seed proteins under ambient conditions, etc.). To demonstrate the practicality and feasibility of this platform for the production of subunit vaccines, we chose to express and characterize a nontoxic form ofS. aureusenterotoxin B (mSEB) as a model vaccine candidate. We show that soy-mSEB was produced at a high vaccine to biomass ratio and represented ~76 theoretical doses of human vaccine per single soybean seed. We localized the model vaccine candidate both intracellularly and extracellularly and found no difference in mSEB protein stability or accumulation relative to subcellular environment. We also show that the model vaccine was biochemically and immunologically similar to native and recombinant forms of the protein produced in a bacterial expression system. Immunization of mice with seed extracts containing mSEB mounted a significant immune response within 14 days of the first injection. Taken together, our results highlight the practicality of soybean seeds as a potential platform for the production of functional subunit vaccines.
Thermal Degradation Studies of Terpolymer Derived from 2-Aminothiophenol, Hexamethylenediamine, and Formaldehyde
Authors: Belsare P. U. , Zade A. B. , Kalbende P. P. , Dhore M. S.
Published: April 2014

Terpolymer (2-ATPHMDAF-I) has been synthesized by the condensation of 2-aminothiophenol and hexamethylenediamine with formaldehyde in the presence of 2 M hydrochloric acid as a catalyst with 1 : 1 : 2 molar proportion of reacting monomers. The structure of newly synthesized terpolymer has been elucidated and confirmed on the basis of elemental analysis and various spectral techniques, that is, UV-visible, FT-IR, and 1H-NMR spectroscopy. Number average molecular weight (Mn¯) has been determined by conductometric titration in nonaqueous medium. The viscosity measurements in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) have been carried out to ascertain the characteristic functions and constants. The studies have been further extended to nonisothermal thermogravimetric analysis for determination of their mode of decomposition and relative thermal stability. Activation energy Ea, order of reaction (n), and frequency factor (z) were calculated by Friedman, Chang, Sharp-Wentworth and Freeman-Carroll methods. Activation energy calculated by Friedman and Chang methods are in close agreement with each other while the results obtained from Freeman-Carroll and Sharp-Wentworth’s methods are found to be in a similar order.
Quantitative Analysis of Matrine in Liquid Crystalline Nanoparticles by HPLC
Authors: Peng Xinsheng , Li Baohong , Hu Min , Ling Yahao , Tian Yuan , Zhou Yanxing , Zhou Yanfang
Published: April 2014

A reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method has been developed to quantitatively determine matrine in liquid crystal nanoparticles. The chromatographic method is carried out using an isocratic system. The mobile phase was composed of methanol-PBS(pH6.8)-triethylamine (50 : 50 : 0.1%) with a flow rate of 1 mL/min with SPD-20A UV/vis detector and the detection wavelength was at 220 nm. The linearity of matrine is in the range of 1.6 to 200.0 μg/mL. The regression equation isy=10706x-2959(R2=1.0). The average recovery is 101.7%;RSD=2.22%  (n=9). This method provides a simple and accurate strategy to determine matrine in liquid crystalline nanoparticle.
Total Reconstruction of the Auricle: Our Experiences on Indications and Recent Techniques
Authors: Storck K. , Staudenmaier R. , Buchberger M. , Strenger T. , Kreutzer K. , von Bomhard A. , Stark T.
Published: April 2014

Introduction. Auricular reconstruction is a great challenge in facial plastic surgery. With the advances in surgical techniques and biotechnology, different options are available for consideration. The aim of this paper is to review the knowledge about the various techniques for total auricular reconstruction based on the literature and our experience.Methods. Approximately 179 articles published from 1980 to 2013 were identified, and 59 articles were included. We have focused on the current status of total auricular reconstruction based on our personal experience and on papers of particular interest, published within the period of review. We have also included a prospective view on the tissue engineering of cartilage.Results. Most surgeons still practice total auricular reconstruction by employing techniques developed by Brent, Nagata, and Firmin with autologous rib cartilage. Within the last years, alloplastic frameworks for reconstruction have become well established. Choosing the reconstruction techniques depends mainly on the surgeon’s preference and experience. Prosthetic reconstruction is still reserved for special conditions, even though the material is constantly improving. Tissue engineering has a growing potential for clinical applicability.Conclusion. Auricular reconstruction still receives attention of plastic/maxillofacial surgeons and otolaryngologists. Even though clinical applicability lags behind initial expectations, the development of tissue-engineered constructs continues its potential development.
Association of Auditory Steady State Responses with
Perception of Temporal Modulations and Speech in Noise
Authors: Manju Venugopal , Gopika Kizhakke Kodiyath , Arivudai Nambi Pitchai Muthu
Published: April 2014

Amplitude modulations in the speech convey important acoustic information for speech perception. Auditory steady state response (ASSR) is thought to be physiological correlate of amplitude modulation perception. Limited research is available exploring association between ASSR and modulation detection ability as well as speech perception. Correlation of modulation detection thresholds (MDT) and speech perception in noise with ASSR was investigated in twofold experiments. 30 normal hearing individuals and 11 normal hearing individuals within age range of 18–24 years participated in experiments 1 and 2, respectively. MDTs were measured using ASSR and behavioral method at 60 Hz, 80 Hz, and 120 Hz modulation frequencies in the first experiment. ASSR threshold was obtained by estimating the minimum modulation depth required to elicit ASSR (ASSR-MDT). There was a positive correlation between behavioral MDT and ASSR-MDT at all modulation frequencies. In the second experiment, ASSR for amplitude modulation (AM) sweeps at four different frequency ranges (30–40 Hz, 40–50 Hz, 50–60 Hz, and 60–70 Hz) was recorded. Speech recognition threshold in noise (SRTn) was estimated using staircase procedure. There was a positive correlation between amplitude of ASSR for AM sweep with frequency range of 30–40 Hz and SRTn. Results of the current study suggest that ASSR provides substantial information about temporal modulation and speech perception.
Near-Field Hot Spots in Gold Nanoplasmonic Templates and Their Use for Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering Sensing Application
Authors: Mandal Prasanta
Published: April 2014

Finite difference time domain (FDTD) method is adapted to investigate near-field enhancement effects on plasmonic structures (patterned in gold film) such as concentric rings with small separation, square, and rectangle. The near-fields effect on surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is typically studied on square and rectangular structures. These metal structures are fabricated by laser interference lithography. Raman active molecules (Rhodamine 6G in PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate)) are spread onto patterned structure by spin coating, and Renishaw inVia Raman spectrometer was used to study SERS. Typical SERS enhancement of the order of 105 is seen for square and rectangular structures. It is observed that the corner points and edges of square and rectangular structures are most sensitive to concentrate near fields. In the case of concentric rings, huge near fields are seen to exist at the gap between the metal rings. Concentric rings are proposed to be very effective structure for SERS sensing applications such as molecular identification and biological mapping.
Hypersurfaces with Two Distinct Para-Blaschke Eigenvalues inSn+1(1)
Authors: Chen Junfeng , Shu Shichang
Published: April 2014

Letx:M↦Sn+1(1)be ann  (n≥3)-dimensional immersed hypersurface without umbilical points and with vanishing Möbius form in a unit sphereSn+1(1), and letAandBbe the Blaschke tensor and the Möbius second fundamental form ofx, respectively. We define a symmetric(0,2)tensorD=A+λBwhich is called the para-Blaschke tensor ofx, whereλis a constant. An eigenvalue of the para-Blaschke tensor is calleda para-Blaschke eigenvalueofx. The aim of this paper is to classify the oriented hypersurfaces inSn+1(1)with two distinct para-Blaschke eigenvalues under some rigidity conditions.
Differential Expression of Long Noncoding RNA in Primary and Recurrent Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Gao Wei , Chan Jimmy Yu-Wai , Wong Thian-Sze
Published: April 2014

Background. Recent studies suggested that non-protein-coding genes are implicated in the tumorigenic process of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). In the present study, we aimed to identify the differentially expressed long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) using data available in the public domain.Methods. Microarray data set GSE12452 was reannotated with ncFANs. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to quantify and validate the identified lncRNAs in NPC.Results. In primary NPC, upregulation of lnc-C22orf32-1, lnc-AL355149.1-1, and lnc-ZNF674-1 was observed. High levels of lnc-C22orf32-1 and lnc-AL355149.1-1 were significantly associated with the male patients. In addition, increased expression of lnc-C22orf32-1 and lnc-ZNF674-1 was associated with advanced tumor stages. Recurrent NPC displayed a distinctive lncRNA expression pattern. lnc-BCL2L11-3 was significantly increased in the recurrent NPC tissues. In addition, significant reduction of lnc-AL355149.1-1 and lnc-ZNF674-1 was observed in the recurrent NPC tissues.Conclusions. Our results demonstrated that it is feasible to identify the differentially expressed lncRNA in the microarray dataset by functional reannotation. The association of lncRNA with gender and tumor size implicated that lncRNA possibly plays a part in the pathogenesis of primary NPC. Further, the distinctive lncRNA identified in the recurrent NPC may reveal a distinctive development mechanism underlying tumor recurrence.
Effect of Indoxyl Sulfate on Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis, and Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 in Leukocytes
Authors: Cruz Edgar Ferreira da , Cendoroglo Miguel , Manfredi Silvia Regina , Eugênia Canziani Maria , Quinto Beata Marie Redublo , Grabulosa Caren Cristina , Guimarães-Souza Nadia Karina , Peres Aline Trevisan , Carvalho José Tarcísio Giffoni de , Batista Marcelo Costa , Dalboni Maria Aparecida
Published: April 2014

This study showed that indoxyl sulfate, an uremic toxin present in the serum of patients with chronic kidney disease, increases oxidative stress and apoptosis in human neutrophils and reduces the production of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) by peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC). It is possible that these effects caused by this toxin contribute to vascular injury of the endothelium and decreased response to infectious insults, respectively.
Tissue Fractions of Cadmium in Two Hyperaccumulating Jerusalem Artichoke Genotypes
Authors: Long Xiaohua , Ni Ni , Liu Zhaopu , Rengel Zed , Jiang Xin , Shao Hongbo
Published: April 2014

In order to investigate the mechanisms in two Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosusL.) genotypes that hyperaccumulate Cd, a sand-culture experiment was carried out to characterize fractionation of Cd in tissue of Cd-hyperaccumulating genotypes NY2and NY5. The sequential extractants were: 80% v/v ethanol (FE), deionized water (FW), 1 M NaCl (FNaCl), 2% v/v acetic acid (FAcet), and 0.6 M HCl (FHCl). After 20 days of treatments, NY5had greater plant biomass and greater Cd accumulation in tissues than NY2. In both genotypes theFNaClfraction was the highest in roots and stems, whereas theFAcetandFHClfractions were the highest in leaves. With an increase in Cd concentration in the culture solution, the content of every Cd fraction also increased. TheFWandFNaClratios in roots were lower in NY5than in NY2, while the amount of other Cd forms was higher. It implied that, in high accumulator, namely, NY5, the complex of insoluble phosphate tends to be shaped more easily which was much better for Cd accumulation. Besides, translocation from plasma to vacuole after combination with protein may be one of the main mechanisms in Cd-accumulator Jerusalem artichoke genotypes.
Orbital Tumors Excision without Bony Marginotomy under Local and General Anesthesia
Authors: Goldberg Robert A. , Rootman Daniel B. , Nassiri Nariman , Samimi David B. , Shadpour Joseph M.
Published: April 2014

To present our experience of removing middle to deep orbital tumors using a combination of minimally invasive soft tissue approaches, sometimes under local anesthesia.Methods.In this retrospective case series, 30 patients (13 males and 17 females) underwent tumor removal through eyelid crease (17 eyes), conjunctival (nine eyes), lateral canthal (two eyes), and transcaruncular (two eyes) approaches. All tumors were located in the posterior half of the orbit. Six cases were removed under monitored anesthesia care with local block, and 24 were under general anesthesia.Results.The median (range) age and follow-up duration were 48.5 (31–87) years old and 24.5 (4–375) weeks, respectively. Visual acuity and ocular motility showed improvement or no significant change in all but one patient at the latest followup. Confirmed pathologies revealed cavernous hemangioma (15 cases), pleomorphic adenoma (5 cases), solitary fibrous tumor (4 cases), neurofibroma (2 cases), schwannoma (2 cases), and orbital varix (1 case). None of the patients experienced recurrence.Conclusions.Creating a bony marginotomy increases intraoperative exposure of the deep orbit but adds substantial time and morbidity. Benign orbital tumors can often be removed safely through small soft-tissue incisions, without bone removal and under local anesthesia.
Comparison of a New Gold Immunochromatographic Assay for the Rapid Diagnosis of the Novel Influenza A (H7N9) Virus with Cell Culture and a Real-Time Reverse-Transcription PCR Assay
Authors: Jin Changzhong , Wu Nanping , Peng Xiaorong , Yao Hangping , Lu Xiangyun , Chen Yu , Wu Haibo , Xie Tiansheng , Cheng Linfang , Liu Fumin , Kang Keren , Tang Shixing , Li Lanjuan
Published: April 2014

We assessed a colloidal gold immunochromatographic assay (GICA) for rapid detection of influenza A (H7N9) and compared it with reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and viral culture. Samples from 35 H7N9 infected patients were collected, including 45 throat swab samples, 56 sputum samples, and 39 feces samples. All samples were tested by GICA, viral culture, and RT-PCR. GICA specifically reacted with recombinant HA proteins, virus lysates, and clinical samples from H7 subtype viruses. Compared with RT-PCR, GICA demonstrated low sensitivity (33.33%) but high specificity (97.56%). The positive rate of GICA tests for samples collected in the period from 8 to 21 days after contact with poultry was much higher than those for samples collected before or after this period. Compared with viral culture, GICA showed sensitivity of 91.67% and specificity of 82.03%. Sputum specimens were more likely to test positive for H7N9 virus than samples from throat swabs and feces. The GICA-based H7 test is a reliable, rapid, and convenient method for the screening and diagnosis of influenza A (H7N9) disease, especially for the sputum specimens with high viral load. It may be helpful in managing H7N9 epidemics and preliminary diagnosis in early stages in resource-limited settings.
Urokinase Gene 3′-UTR T/C Polymorphism Is Associated with Malignancy and ESRD in Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy
Authors: Chen Cheng-Hsu , Chen Shih-Yin , Shu Kuo-Hsiung , Wen Mei-Chin , Cheng Chi-Hung , Wu Ming-Ju , Yu Tung-Min , Chuang Ya-Wen , Tsai Fuu-Jen
Published: April 2014

Idiopathic membranous nephropathy (MN) is one of the most common causes of nephrotic syndrome in adults, and 25% of MN patients proceed to ESRD. Urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) may play an important role in reducing renal fibrosis. This study was conducted to clarify the relationship between uPA gene polymorphisms and clinical manifestations of MN. We recruited 91 biopsy-diagnosed MN patients and 105 healthy subjects. Genotyping of uPA gene 3′-UTR T/C polymorphism was performed by polymerase chain reaction methods. The genotype distribution had no effect on the development of MN. Thirteen patients (15.9%;P=0.008) acquired malignancies and seventeen (20.7%;P=0.006) patients progressed to ESRD with the C/C genotype, but no patients with the T/C genotype did. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the presence of the uPA gene 3′-UTR C/C genotype was associated with ESRD as well as acquired malignancies in MN patients. These findings should prompt specific considerations for the treatment of MN patients to maintain a balance between treating disease entities and protecting the immune system from cancers.
An Intelligent Framework for Website Usability
Authors: Dingli Alexiei , Cassar Sarah
Published: April 2014

With the major advances of the Internet throughout the past couple of years, websites have come to play a central role in the modern marketing business program. However, simply owning a website is not enough for a business to prosper on the Web. Indeed, it is the level of usability of a website that determines if a user stays or abandons it for another competing one. It is therefore crucial to understand the importance of usability on the web, and consequently the need for its evaluation. Nonetheless, there exist a number of obstacles preventing software organizations from successfully applying sound website usability evaluation strategies in practice. From this point of view automation of the latter is extremely beneficial, which not only assists designers in creating more usable websites, but also enhances the Internet users’ experience on the Web and increases their level of satisfaction. As a means of addressing this problem, an Intelligent Usability Evaluation (IUE) tool is proposed that automates the usability evaluation process by employing a Heuristic Evaluation technique in an intelligent manner through the adoption of several research-based AI methods. Experimental results show there exists a high correlation between the tool and human annotators when identifying the considered usability violations.
On the Dynamics of Two-Dimensional Capillary-Gravity Solitary Waves with a Linear Shear Current
Authors: Guo Dali , Tao Bo , Zeng Xiaohui
Published: April 2014

The numerical study of the dynamics of two-dimensional capillary-gravity solitary waves on a linear shear current is presented in this paper. The numerical method is based on the time-dependent conformal mapping. The stability of different kinds of solitary waves is considered. Both depression wave and large amplitude elevation wave are found to be stable, while small amplitude elevation wave is unstable to the small perturbation, and it finally evolves to be a depression wave with tails, which is similar to the irrotational capillary-gravity waves.
ImpairedβCell Function in Chinese Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Hyperlipidemia
Authors: Ma Yuhang , Wang Yufan , Huang Qianfang , Ren Qian , Chen Su , Zhang Aifang , Zhao Li , Zhen Qin , Peng Yongde
Published: April 2014

The objective is to explore the effects of hyperlipidemia onβcell function in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). 208 patients were enrolled in the study and were divided into newly diagnosed T2DM with hyperlipidemia (132 patients) and without hyperlipidemia (76 patients). Demographic data, glucose levels, insulin levels, lipid profiles, homeostasis model assessment forβcell function index (HOMA-β), homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), and quantitative insulin-sensitivity check index (QUICKI) were compared between the two groups. We found that comparing with those of normal lipid levels, the subjects of newly diagnosed T2DM with hyperlipidemia were younger, and had declined HOMA-β. However, the levels of HOMA-βwere comparable regardless of different lipid profiles (combined hyperlipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypercholesterolemia). Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis showed that high fasting plasma glucose (FPG), decreased fasting insulin level (FINS), and high triglyceride (TG) were independent risk factors ofβcell dysfunction in newly diagnosed T2DM. Therefore, the management of dyslipidemia, together with glucose control, may be beneficial for T2DM with hyperlipidemia.
Stem Cells as New Agents for the Treatment of Infertility: Current and Future Perspectives and Challenges
Authors: Volarevic Vladislav , Bojic Sanja , Nurkovic Jasmin , Volarevic Ana , Ljujic Biljana , Arsenijevic Nebojsa , Lako Majlinda , Stojkovic Miodrag
Published: April 2014

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that are present in the embryonic, fetal, and adult stages of life and give rise to differentiated cells that make up the building blocks of tissue and organs. Due to their unlimited source and high differentiation potential, stem cells are considered as potentially new therapeutic agents for the treatment of infertility. Stem cells could be stimulatedin vitroto develop various numbers of specialized cells including male and female gametes suggesting their potential use in reproductive medicine. During past few years a considerable progress in the derivation of male germ cells from pluripotent stem cells has been made. In addition, stem cell-based strategies for ovarian regeneration and oocyte production have been proposed as future clinical therapies for treating infertility in women. In this review, we summarized current knowledge and present future perspectives and challenges regarding the use of stem cells in reproductive medicine.
Prospective Comparison of Nonnarcotic versus Narcotic Outpatient Oral Analgesic Use after Laparoscopic Appendectomy and Early Discharge
Authors: Alkhoury Fuad , Knight Colin , Stylianos Steven , Zerpa Jeannette , Pasaron Raquel , Mora JoAnne , Aserlind Alexandra , Malvezzi Leopoldo , Burnweit Cathy
Published: April 2014

Purpose. To compare narcotic versus nonnarcotic outpatient oral pain management after pediatric laparoscopic appendectomy.Methods. In a prospective study from July 1, 2010, to March 30, 2011, children undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy on a rapid discharge protocol were treated with either nonnarcotic or narcotic postoperative oral analgesia. Two surgeons in a four-person faculty group employed the nonnarcotic regimen, while the other two used narcotics. Days of medication use, time needed for return to normal activity, and satisfaction rate with the pain control method were collected. Student’st-test was used for statistical analysis.Results. A total of 207 consecutive children underwent appendectomy for acute, nonperforated appendicitis or planned interval appendectomy. The age and time to discharge were equivalent between the nonnarcotic (n=104) and narcotic (n=103) groups. Both had an equivalent number of medication days and similar times of return to normal activity. Ninety-seven percent of the parents of children in the nonnarcotic group stated that the pain was controlled by the prescribed medication, compared to 90 percent in the narcotic group (P=0.049).Conclusion. This study indicates that after non-complicated pediatric laparoscopic appendectomy, nonnarcotic is equivalent to narcoticbased therapy for outpatient oral analgesia, with higher parental satisfaction.
Development of a Colloidal Gold Kit for the Diagnosis of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus Infection
Authors: Wang Xianguo , Zhang Quanfu , Hao Fen , Gao Xunian , Wu Wei , Liang Minyao , Liao Zhihua , Luo Shuhong , Xu Weiwen , Li Dexin , Wang Shiwen
Published: April 2014

It is critical to develop a cost-effective detection kit for rapid diagnosis and on-site detection of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) infection. Here, an immunochromatographic assay (ICA) to detect SFTSV infection is described. The ICA uses gold nanoparticles coated with recombinant SFTSV for the simultaneous detection of IgG and IgM antibodies to SFTSV. The ICA was developed and evaluated by using positive sera samples of SFTSV infection(n=245)collected from the CDC of China. The reference laboratory diagnosis of SFTSV infection was based on the “gold standard”. The results demonstrated that the positive coincidence rate and negative coincidence rate were determined to be 98.4% and 100% for IgM and 96.7% and 98.6% for IgG, respectively. The kit showed good selectivity for detection of SFTSV-specific IgG and IgM with no interference from positive sera samples of Japanese encephalitis virus infection, Dengue virus infection, Hantavirus infection, HIV infection, HBV surface antigen, HCV antibody,Mycobacterium tuberculosisantibody, or RF. Based on these results, the ICS test developed may be a suitable tool for rapid on-site testing for SFTSV infections.
How Good is the Governance Status in Community Forestry? A Case Study from Midhills in Nepal
Authors: Lamichhane Dhananjaya , Parajuli Rajan
Published: April 2014

Five representative community forest user groups (CFUGs) from Gorkha district in Nepal were studied in order to evaluate the status of good governance in community forestry (CF). Eight criteria and their local indicators were employed to quantify the governance status in CF using simple mathematical procedures. Results show that overall governance level ranges from 70.7% to 79.8%. Among the eight criteria, “consensus-oriented” received the highest score (90.72%), and “accountability” acquired the lowest score (65.34%). Lack of accountability was the striking factor in all CFUGs. Crafting CFUGs and their executive committees more accountable and responsive to all CFUG users including poor, women, and disadvantaged groups, was one of the major challenges. However, the practice of regular auditing of CFUG funds, maintenance of records and other documents, and inclusion of women and poor in the executive committee were some striking opportunities. Because of the inequitable distribution system of forest products, the gap between the rich and poor users is widening and the involvement of poor and marginalized members in CFUG activities has been decreasing.
Common Fixed Point Theorems Satisfying Contractive Type Conditions in Complex Valued Metric Spaces
Authors: Öztürk Mahpeyker
Published: April 2014

Some common fixed point theorems satisfying contractive conditions involving rational expressions and product for four mappings that satisfy property (E.A) along with weak compatibility of pairs are proved and further some results using (CLR)-property are obtained in complex valued metric spaces which generalize various results of ordinary metric spaces.
A Grey Interval Relational Degree‐Based Dynamic Multiattribute Decision Making Method and Its Application in Investment Decision Making
Authors: Wang Yuhong , Shi Xiaojuan , Sun Jihong , Qian Wuyong
Published: April 2014

The purpose of this paper is to propose a three‐dimensional grey interval relational degree model for dynamic Multiattribute decision making. In the model, the observed values are interval grey numbers. Elements are selected in the system as the points in an m‐dimensional linear space. Then observation data of each element to different time and objects are as the coordinates of point. An optimization model is employed to obtain each scheme’s affiliate degree for the positive and negative ideal schemes. And a three‐dimensional grey interval relational degree model based on time, index, and scheme is constructed in the paper. The result shows that the three‐dimensional grey relational degree simplifies the traditional dynamic multiattribute decision making method and can better resolve the dynamic multiattribute decision making problem of interval numbers. The example illustrates that the method presented in the paper can be used to deal with problems of uncertainty such as dynamic multiattribute decision making.
Stochastic Principal Parametric Resonances of Composite Laminated Beams
Authors: Lan Xiangjun , Feng Zhihua , Lv Fan
Published: April 2014

This paper presents a detailed study on the stochastic stability, jump, and bifurcation of the motion of the composite laminated beams subject to axial load. The largest Lyapunov exponent which determines the almost sure stability of the trivial solution is quantificationally resolved and the results show that the increase of the bandwidth facilitates the almost sure stability of the trivial response. The stochastic jump and bifurcation of the response are numerically calculated through the stationary joint probability and the results reveal that (a) the higher the excitation frequency is, the more probable the jump from the stable stationary nontrivial solution to the stable stationary trivial one is; (b) the most probable motion is around the nontrivial solution when the bandwidth is smaller; (c) the outer flabellate peak decreases, while the central volcano peak increases as the value of the excitation load decreases; and (d) the overall tendency of the response is that the probable motion jumps from the stable stationary nontrivial branch to the stable stationary trivial one as the fiber orientation angle of the first lamina with respect to thex-axis of the beam increases from zero to a smaller angle.
Adaptive Phase Rolling for Opportunistic Beamforming in OFDMA Systems with a Small Number of Users
Authors: Rim Minjoong
Published: April 2014

The performance of opportunistic beamforming might be degraded if the number of users is small. This paper proposes an adaptive opportunistic beamforming technique for orthogonal frequency division multiple access systems, which can produce good results even with a small number of users. This paper also proposes a modified proportional fairness scheduling algorithm, which can further improve the performance of the proposed opportunistic beamforming technique.
Gabapentin in Acute Postoperative Pain Management
Authors: Chang Connie Y. , Challa Chaitanya K. , Shah Janki , Eloy Jean Daniel
Published: April 2014

Gabapentin (1-aminomethyl-cyclohexaneacetic acid) is an amino acid that has the structure of the neurotransmitterγ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It is a novel drug used for the treatment of postoperative pain with antihyperalgesic properties and a unique mechanism of action. Gabapentin and the related, more potent compound pregabalin have been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of neuropathic pain as well as postoperative pain following spinal surgery and hysterectomy. This study reviews five aspects of gabapentin: (1) chemical and structural characteristics; (2) pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics; (3) application in acute pain management; (4) adverse effects; and (5) drug safety. Overall, gabapentin has been reported to be a safe and efficacious drug for the treatment of postoperative pain.
A Hidden Semi‐Markov Model with Duration‐Dependent State Transition Probabilities for Prognostics
Authors: Wang Ning , Sun Shu-dong , Cai Zhi-qiang , Zhang Shuai , Saygin Can
Published: April 2014

Realistic prognostic tools are essential for effective condition‐based maintenance systems. In this paper, a Duration‐Dependent Hidden Semi‐Markov Model (DD‐HSMM) is proposed, which overcomes the shortcomings of traditional Hidden Markov Models (HMM), including the Hidden Semi‐Markov Model (HSMM): (1) it allows explicit modeling of state transition probabilities between the states; (2) it relaxes observations’ independence assumption by accommodating a connection between consecutive observations; and (3) it does not follow the unrealistic Markov chain’s memoryless assumption and therefore it provides a more powerful modeling and analysis capability for real world problems. To facilitate the computation of the proposed DD‐HSMM methodology, new forward‐backward algorithm is developed. The demonstration and evaluation of the proposed methodology is carried out through a case study. The experimental results show that the DD‐HSMM methodology is effective for equipment health monitoring and management.
Improved Synthesis of Reduced Graphene Oxide-Titanium Dioxide Composite with Highly Exposed{001}Facets and Its Photoelectrochemical Response
Authors: Thien Gregory S. H. , Omar Fatin Saiha , Blya Nur Ily Syuhada Ahmad , Chiu Wee Siong , Lim Hong Ngee , Yousefi Ramin , Sheini Farid-Jamali , Huang Nay Ming
Published: April 2014

Crystal facet engineering has attracted worldwide attention, particularly in facet manipulation of titanium dioxide (TiO2) surface properties. An improved synthesis by solvothermal route has been employed for the formation of TiO2with highly exposed001facets decorated on reduced graphene oxide (RGO) sheets. The RGO-TiO2composite could be produced with high yield by following a stringently methodical yet simple approach. Field emission scanning electron microscope and high resolution transmission electron microscope imaging reveal that the structure consists of TiO2nanoparticles covered with TiO2nanosheets of exposed001facets on a RGO sheet. The photocurrent response of the RGO-TiO2composite was discovered to outperform that of pure TiO2, as a ~10-fold increase in photocurrent density was observed for the RGO-TiO2electrodes. This may be attributed to rapid electron transport and the delayed recombination of electron-hole pairs due to improved ionic interaction between titanium and carbon.
Methoxy-Poly(ethylene glycol) Modified Poly(L-lactide) Enhanced Cell Affinity of Human Bone Marrow Stromal Cells by the Upregulation of 1-Cadherin and Delta-2-catenin
Authors: Mao Xueli , Chen Zetao , Ling Junqi , Quan Jingjing , Peng Hui , Xiao Yin
Published: April 2014

Poly(l-lactide) (PLLA), a versatile biodegradable polymer, is one of the most commonly-used materials for tissue engineering applications. To improve cell affinity for PLLA, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) was used to develop diblock copolymers. Human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs) were cultured on MPEG-b-PLLA copolymer films to determine the effects of modification on the attachment and proliferation of hBMSC. The mRNA expression of 84 human extracellular matrix (ECM) and adhesion molecules was analyzed using RT-qPCR to understand the underlying mechanisms. It was found that MPEG-b-PLLA copolymer films significantly improved cell adhesion, extension, and proliferation. This was found to be related to the significant upregulation of two adhesion genes, CDH1 and CTNND2, which encode 1-cadherin and delta-2-catenin, respectively, two key components for the cadherin-catenin complex. In summary, MPEG-b-PLLA copolymer surfaces improved initial cell adhesion by stimulation of adhesion molecule gene expression.
Introduction to the History and Current Status of Evidence‐Based Korean Medicine: A Unique Integrated System of Allopathic and Holistic Medicine
Authors: Yin Chang Shik , Ko Seong-Gyu
Published: April 2014

Objectives. Korean medicine, an integrated allopathic and traditional medicine, has developed unique characteristics and has been active in contributing to evidence‐based medicine. Recent developments in Korean medicine have not been as well disseminated as traditional Chinese medicine. This introduction to recent developments in Korean medicine will draw attention to, and facilitate, the advancement of evidence‐based complementary alternative medicine (CAM). Methods and Results. The history of and recent developments in Korean medicine as evidence‐based medicine are explored through discussions on the development of a national standard classification of diseases and study reports, ranging from basic research to newly developed clinical therapies. A national standard classification of diseases has been developed and revised serially into an integrated classification of Western allopathic and traditional holistic medicine disease entities. Standard disease classifications offer a starting point for the reliable gathering of evidence and provide a representative example of the unique status of evidence‐based Korean medicine as an integration of Western allopathic medicine and traditional holistic medicine. Conclusions. Recent developments in evidence‐based Korean medicine show a unique development in evidence‐based medicine, adopting both Western allopathic and holistic traditional medicine. It is expected that Korean medicine will continue to be an important contributor to evidence‐based medicine, encompassing conventional and complementary approaches.
On the Study of Global Solutions for a Nonlinear Equation
Authors: Yan Haibo , Yong Ls
Published: April 2014

The well-posedness of global strong solutions for a nonlinear partial differential equation including the Novikov equation is established provided that its initial valuev0(x)satisfies a sign condition andv0(x)∈Hs(R)withs>3/2. If the initial valuev0(x)∈Hs(R)  (1≤s≤3/2)and the mean function of(1-∂x2)v0(x)satisfies the sign condition, it is proved that there exists at least one global weak solution to the equation in the spacev(t,x)∈L2([0,+∞),Hs(R))in the sense of distribution andvx∈L∞([0,+∞)×R).
Improving the Performance of the Prony Method Using a Wavelet Domain Filter for MRI Denoising
Authors: Jaramillo Rodney , Lentini Marianela , Paluszny Marco
Published: April 2014

The Prony methods are used for exponential fitting. We use a variant of the Prony method for abnormal brain tissue detection in sequences ofT2weighted magnetic resonance images. Here, MR images are considered to be affected only by Rician noise, and a new wavelet domain bilateral filtering process is implemented to reduce the noise in the images. This filter is a modification of Kazubek’s algorithm and we use synthetic images to show the ability of the new procedure to suppress noise and compare its performance with respect to the original filter, using quantitative and qualitative criteria. The tissue classification process is illustrated using a real sequence ofT2MR images, and the filter is applied to each image before using the variant of the Prony method.
Chaos and Intermittency in the DNLS Equation Describing the Parallel Alfvén Wave Propagation
Authors: Krause Gustavo , Elaskar Sergio , Costa Andrea
Published: April 2014

When the Hall effect is included in the magnetohydrodynamics equations (Hall-MHD model) the wave propagation modes become coupled, but for propagation parallel to the ambient magnetic field the Alfvén mode decouples from the magnetosonic ones, resulting in circularly polarized waves that are described by the derivative nonlinear Schrödinger (DNLS) equation. In this paper, the DNLS equation is numerically solved using spectral methods for the spatial derivatives and a fourth order Runge-Kutta scheme for time integration. Firstly, the nondiffusive DNLS equation is considered to test the validity of the method by verifying the analytical condition of modulational stability. Later, diffusive and excitatory effects are incorporated to compare the numerical results with those obtained by a three-wave truncation model. The results show that different types of attractors can exist depending on the diffusion level: for relatively large damping, there are fixed points for which the truncation model is a good approximation; for low damping, chaotic solutions appear and the three-wave truncation model fails due to the emergence of new nonnegligible modes.
P2Y Receptor Modulation of ATP Release in the Urothelium
Authors: Mansfield Kylie J. , Hughes Jessica R.
Published: April 2014

The release of ATP from the urothelium in response to stretch during filling demonstrates the importance of the purinergic system for the physiological functioning of the bladder. This study examined the effect of P2 receptor agonists on ATP release from two urothelial cell lines (RT4 and UROtsa cells). Hypotonic Krebs was used as a stretch stimulus. Incubation of urothelial cells with high concentrations of the P2Y agonist ADP induced ATP release to a level that was 40-fold greater than hypotonic-stimulated ATP release (P< 0.0011, ADP EC50 1.8 µM). Similarly, an increase in ATP release was also observed with the P2Y agonist, UTP, up to a maximum of 70% of the hypotonic response (EC50 0.62 µM). Selective P2 receptor agonists,αβ-methylene-ATP, ATP-γ-S, and 2-methylthio-ADP had minimal effects on ATP release. ADP-stimulated ATP release was significantly inhibited by suramin (100 µM,P= 0.002). RT4 urothelial cells break down nucleotides (100 µM) including ATP, ADP, and UTP to liberate phosphate. Phosphate liberation was also demonstrated from endogenous nucleotides with approximately 10% of the released ATP broken down during the incubation. These studies demonstrate a role for P2Y receptor activation in stimulation of ATP release and emphasize the complexity of urothelial P2 receptor signalling.