bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control Synthesis of Uncertain Roesser‐Type Discrete‐Time Two‐Dimensional Systems
Authors: Zhao Yan , Zhang Tieyan , Zhao Dan , Wang Cunxu , LI Miao
Published: March 2014

This paper is concerned with control synthesis of uncertain Roesser‐type discrete‐time two‐dimensional (2D) systems. The mathematical model of the 2D system’s parameter uncertainty, which may appear typically in many actual environment, is modeled as a convex bounded uncertain domain. By using the Lyapunov stability theory, stabilization conditions is proposed in with the purpose of ensuring the robust asymptotical stability of the underlying closed‐loop uncertain Roesser‐type discrete‐time 2D systems. Furthermore, the obtained result of this paper is formulated in the form of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), which can be easily solved via standard numerical software. Finally, a numerical example is also provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed result.
Optimization of Liquid Desiccant Dehumidifier Performance Using Taguchi Method
Authors: Seenivasan D. , Selladurai V. , Senthil P.
Published: March 2014

An attempt has been made to improve the performance of dehumidifier using liquid desiccant in this study. Experiments have been conducted based on L16 orthogonal array in order to experimentally investigate the influence of dehumidification process parameters like desiccant temperature, desiccant concentration, desiccant flow rate, air flow rate, and relative humidity on the effectiveness of dehumidifier. The optimum dehumidification condition has been found through Taguchi method. It has been confirmed that the optimum condition exhibited better effectiveness for the dehumidification process.
Simple-Random-Sampling-Based Multiclass Text Classification Algorithm
Authors: Liu Wuying , Wang Lin , Yi Mianzhu
Published: March 2014

Multiclass text classification (MTC) is a challenging issue and the corresponding MTC algorithms can be used in many applications. The space-time overhead of the algorithms must be concerned about the era of big data. Through the investigation of the token frequency distribution in a Chinese web document collection, this paper reexamines the power law and proposes a simple-random-sampling-based MTC (SRSMTC) algorithm. Supported by a token level memory to store labeled documents, the SRSMTC algorithm uses a text retrieval approach to solve text classification problems. The experimental results on the TanCorp data set show that SRSMTC algorithm can achieve the state-of-the-art performance at greatly reduced space-time requirements.
Stability Indicating Liquid Chromatographic Method for Estimation of Trihexyphenidyl Hydrochloride and Risperidone in Tablet Formulation: Development and Validation Consideration
Authors: Bhaumik Patel , Mehul Gopani , Kartik Vikani , Rashmin Patel , Mrunali Patel
Published: March 2014

This paper describes validated reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) method for simultaneous estimation of trihexyphenidyl hydrochloride (THP) and risperidone (RSP) in the pure powder form and in combined tablet dosage form. The HPLC separation was achieved on a core shell C18 (100 mm length × 4.6 mm, 2.6 μm particle size) using methanol : ammonium acetate buffer 1% (85 : 15 v/v; pH-6.5) as mobile phase and delivered at flow rate of 0.8 mL/min. The calibration plot showed good linear relationship with r2 = 0.997 ± 0.001 for THP and r2 = 0.998 ± 0.001 for RSP in concentration range of 50–175 μg/mL and 50–175 μg/mL, respectively. LOD and LOQ were found to be 0.40 and 1.29 μg/mL for THP and 1.24 and 3.92 μg/mL for RSP. Assay of THP and RSP was found to be 100.16 ± 0.03% and 99.83 ± 0.02%, respectively. THP and RSP were subjected to different stress conditions (acidic, basic, oxidative, thermal, and photolytic degradation). The degraded product peaks were well resolved from the pure drug peak. The method was successfully validated as per the ICH guidelines. The developed RP-HPLC method was successfully applied for the estimation of THP and RSP in tablet dosage form.
Choice Overload, Satisficing Behavior, and Price Distribution in a Time Allocation Model
Authors: Álvarez Francisco , Rey José-Manuel , Sanchis Raúl G.
Published: March 2014

Recent psychological research indicates that consumers that search exhaustively for the best option of a market product—known as maximizers—eventually feel worse than consumers who just look for something good enough—called satisficers. We formulate a time allocation model to explore the relationship between different distributions of prices of the product and the satisficing behavior and the related welfare of the consumer. We show numerically that, as the number of options becomes large, the maximizing behavior produces less and less welfare and eventually leads to choice paralysis—these are effects of choice overload—whereas satisficing conducts entail higher levels of satisfaction and do not end up in paralysis. For different price distributions, we provide consistent evidence that maximizers are better off for a low number of options, whereas satisficers are better off for a sufficiently large number of options. We also show how the optimal satisficing behavior is affected when the underlying price distribution varies. We provide evidence that the mean and the dispersion of a symmetric distribution of prices—but not the shape of the distribution—condition the satisficing behavior of consumers. We also show that this need not be the case for asymmetric distributions.
Existence and Multiplicity Results for the Scalar Curvature Problem on the Half-Sphere𝕊+3
Authors: Yacoub Ridha
Published: March 2014

In this paper we deal with the scalar curvature problem under minimal boundary mean curvature condition on the standard 3-dimensional half-sphere. Using tools related to the theory of critical points at infinity, we give existence results under perturbative and nonperturbative hypothesis, and with the help of some “Morse inequalities at infinity”, we provide multiplicity results for our problem.
Modelling and Simulation of Fuel Cell Dynamics for Electrical Energy Usage of Hercules Airplanes
Authors: Radmanesh Hamid , Heidari Yazdi Seyed Saeid , Gharehpetian G. B. , Fathi S. H.
Published: March 2014

Dynamics of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) with hydrogen storage system for generating part of Hercules airplanes electrical energy is presented. Feasibility of using fuel cell (FC) for this airplane is evaluated by means of simulations. Temperature change and dual layer capacity effect are considered in all simulations. Using a three-level 3-phase inverter, FC’s output voltage is connected to the essential bus of the airplane. Moreover, it is possible to connect FC’s output voltage to airplane DC bus alternatively. PID controller is presented to control flow of hydrogen and oxygen to FC and improve transient and steady state responses of the output voltage to load disturbances. FC’s output voltage is regulated via an ultracapacitor. Simulations are carried out via MATLAB/SIMULINK and results show that the load tracking and output voltage regulation are acceptable. The proposed system utilizes an electrolyser to generate hydrogen and a tank for storage. Therefore, there is no need for batteries. Moreover, the generated oxygen could be used in other applications in airplane.
Bregmanf-Projection Operator with Applications to Variational Inequalities in Banach Spaces
Authors: Pang Chin-Tzong , Naraghirad Eskandar , Wen Ching-Feng
Published: March 2014

Using Bregman functions, we introduce the new concept of Bregman generalizedf-projection operatorProjCf, g:E*→C, whereEis a reflexive Banach space with dual spaceE*; f: E→ℝ∪+∞is a proper, convex, lower semicontinuous and bounded from below function;g: E→ℝis a strictly convex and Gâteaux differentiable function; andCis a nonempty, closed, and convex subset ofE. The existence of a solution for a class of variational inequalities in Banach spaces is presented.
Seroprevalence of Bluetongue Virus in Dairy Herds with Reproductive Problems in Sudan
Authors: Elhassan Amira Mohamed , Fadol Mohamed Abdalla , El Hussein Abdel Rahim Mohamed
Published: March 2014

The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to determine the seroprevalence of blue tongue virus (BTV) and assess potential risk factors associated with BTV infection in dairy cattle with reproductive problems in Sudan. Serum samples were collected from a total of 784 animals from 37 herds and tested for antibodies against BTV using cELISA. A total of 663 out of 784 (84.57%) sera tested proved positive for BTV antibodies in all farms tested in Khartoum and Gazira States. The prevalence of antibodies was high in both areas being 94.32% in Gazira State and 76.62% in Khartoum State. BTV antibodies prevalence were significantly higher (P<0.000) in older animals than in younger ones. These rates were also significantly higher in the rainy season (P<0.000) and in Gazira State compared to Khartoum State. Sex also showed significant (P<0.000) differences in the seroprevalence, whereby females (74.7%) had higher level than males (9.8%). However, no significant (P>0.09) variations for BTV seroprevalence were observed between breeds. The BTV antibodies prevalence in infertility cases (86.6%) was not significantly different from that found in abortion (74.3%) or neonatal death (66.7%) cases. The high seroprevalence of BTV recorded herein calls for control strategy to be implemented.
Shannon Wavelet Precision Integration Method for Pathologic Onion Image Segmentation Based on Homotopy Perturbation Technology
Authors: Wang Haihua , Mei Shu-Li
Published: March 2014

Image segmentation variational method is good at processing the images with blurry and complicated contours, which is useful in quality identification of pathologic picture of onion. An adaptive Shannon wavelet precise integration method (WPIM) on digital image segmentation was proposed based on the image processing variational model to improve the processing speed and eliminate the artifacts of the images. First, taking full advantage of the interpolation property of the Shannon wavelet function, a multiscale Shannon wavelet interpolation scheme was constructed based on the homotopy perturbation method (HPM). The image pixels of the Burkholderia cepacia (ex‐Burkholder) infected onions were taken as the collocation points of the WPIM. Then, with this scheme, the image segmentation model (C‐V model) can be discretized into a system of nonlinear ODEs and solved by the half‐analytical scheme combining the HPM and the precision integration method. At last, the numerical precision and efficiency of WPIM were discussed and compared with other common segmentation methods such as OSTU method and Sobel operator. The results show that the contour curve of the segmentation object obtained by the new method has many excellent properties such as closed and clear topological structure and the artifacts can be eliminated.
Role of Theories in the Design of Web-Based Person-Centered Support: A Critical Analysis
Authors: Ranerup Agneta , Sparud-Lundin Carina , Koinberg Ingalill , Skärsäter Ingela , Jenholt-Nolbris Margaretha , Berg Marie
Published: March 2014

Objective. The aim of this study was to provide a critical understanding of the role of theories and their compatibility with a person-centered approach in the design and evaluation of web-based support for the management of chronic illness.Methods. Exploration of web-based support research projects focusing on four cases: (1) preschool children aged 4–6 with bladder dysfunction and urogenital malformation; (2) young adults aged 16–25 living with mental illness; (3) women with type 1 diabetes who are pregnant or in early motherhood; and (4) women who have undergone surgery for breast cancer. Data comprised interviews with research leaders and documented plans. Analysis was performed by means of a cross-case methodology.Results. The used theories concerned design, learning, health and well-being, or transition. All web support products had been developed using a participatory design (PD). Fundamental to the technology design and evaluation of outcomes were theories focusing on learning and on health and well-being. All theories were compatible with a person-centered approach. However, a notable exception was the relatively collective character of PD and Communities of Practice.Conclusion. Our results illustrate multifaceted ways for theories to be used in the design and evaluation of web-based support.
Correlation between Structure and Dielectric Breakdown in LDPE/HDPE/Clay Nanocomposites
Authors: Zazoum B. , David E. , Ngô A. D.
Published: March 2014

Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) is commonly used in medium/high voltage insulation due to its excellent dielectric properties and acceptable thermomechanical properties. To improve both electrical and thermal properties to a point that would possibly avoid the need for crosslinking, nanoclay fillers can be added to polymer matrix to form nanocomposites materials. In this paper, PE/clay nanocomposites were processed by mixing a commercially available premixed polyethylene/O-MMT masterbatch into a polyethylene blend matrix containing 80 wt% low density polyethylene LDPE and 20 wt% high density polyethylene HDPE with and without compatibilizer using a corotating twin-screw extruder. Various characterization techniques were employed in this paper, including optical microscopy, AFM, TEM, TGA, DMTA, and dielectric breakdown measurements in order to understand the correlation between structure and short-term dielectric breakdown strength.
The Number of Spanning Trees in the Composition Graphs
Authors: Li Feng
Published: March 2014

Using the composition of some existing smaller graphs to construct some large graphs, the number of spanning trees and the Laplacian eigenvalues of such large graphs are also closely related to those of the corresponding smaller ones. By using tools from linear algebra and matrix theory, we establish closed formulae for the number of spanning trees of the composition of two graphs with one of them being an arbitrary complete 3‐partite graph and the other being an arbitrary graph. Our results extend some of the previous work, which depend on the structural parameters such as the number of vertices and eigenvalues of the small graphs only.
Evaluation of GABAergic Transmission Modulation as a Novel Functional Target for Management of Multiple Sclerosis: Exploring Inhibitory Effect of GABA on Glutamate-Mediated Excitotoxicity
Authors: Gilani Ankit A. , Dash Ranjeet Prasad , Jivrajani Mehul N. , Thakur Sandeep Kumar , Nivsarkar Manish
Published: March 2014

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) where the communication ability of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord with each other gets impaired. Some current findings suggest the role of glutamate excitotoxicity in the development and progression of MS. An excess release of glutamate leads to the activation of ionotropic and metabotropic receptors, thus resulting in accumulation of toxic cytoplasmic Ca2+and cell death. However, it has been observed that gamma-aminobutyric acid-A (GABAA) receptors located in the nerve terminals activate presynaptic Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent signaling to inhibit depolarization-evoked Ca2+influx and glutamate release from isolated nerve terminals, which suggest a potential implication of GABAAreceptor in management of MS. With this proof of concept, we tried to explore the potential of selective GABAAreceptor agonists or positive allosteric modulators (diazepam and phenobarbitone sodium) and GABAAlevel enhancer (sodium valproate) for management of MS by screening them for their activity in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model in rats and cuprizone-induced demyelination model in mice. In this study, sodium valproate was found to show the best activity in the animal models whereas phenobarbitone sodium showed moderate activity. However, diazepam was found to be ineffective.
The Quadrotor Dynamic Modeling and Indoor Target Tracking Control Method
Authors: Zhang Dewei , Qi Hui , Wu Xiande , Xie Yaen , Xu Jiangtao
Published: March 2014

A reliable nonlinear dynamic model of the quadrotor is presented. The nonlinear dynamic model includes actuator dynamic and aerodynamic effect. Since the rotors run near a constant hovering speed, the dynamic model is simplified at hovering operating point. Based on the simplified nonlinear dynamic model, the PID controllers with feedback linearization and feedforward control are proposed using the backstepping method. These controllers are used to control both the attitude and position of the quadrotor. A fully custom quadrotor is developed to verify the correctness of the dynamic model and control algorithms. The attitude of the quadrotor is measured by inertia measurement unit (IMU). The position of the quadrotor in a GPS‐denied environment, especially indoor environment, is estimated from the downward camera and ultrasonic sensor measurements. The validity and effectiveness of the proposed dynamic model and control algorithms are demonstrated by experimental results. It is shown that the vehicle achieves robust vision‐based hovering and moving target tracking control.
A Completely Discrete Heterogeneous Multiscale Finite Element Method for Multiscale Richards’ Equation of van Genuchten-Mualem Model
Authors: Cao Haitao , Yu Tao , Yue Xingye
Published: March 2014

We propose a fully discrete method for the multiscale Richards’ equation of van Genuchten-Mualem model which describes the flow transport in unsaturated heterogenous porous media. Under the framework of heterogeneous multiscale method (HMM), a fully discrete scheme combined with a regularized procedure is proposed. Including the numerical integration, the discretization is given byC0piecewise finite element in space and an implicit scheme in time. Error estimates between the numerical solution and the solution of homogenized problem are derived under the assumption that the permeability is periodic. Numerical experiments with periodic and random permeability are carried out for the van Genuchten-Mualem model of Richards’ equation to show the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method.
Involvement of Thalamus in Initiation of Epileptic Seizures Induced by Pilocarpine in Mice
Authors: Li Yong-Hua , Li Jia-Jia , Lu Qin-Chi , Gong Hai-Qing , Liang Pei-Ji , Zhang Pu-Ming
Published: March 2014

Studies have suggested that thalamus is involved in temporal lobe epilepsy, but the role of thalamus is still unclear. We obtained local filed potentials (LFPs) and single-unit activities from CA1 of hippocampus and parafascicular nucleus of thalamus during the development of epileptic seizures induced by pilocarpine in mice. Two measures, redundancy and directionality index, were used to analyze the electrophysiological characters of neuronal activities and the information flow between thalamus and hippocampus. We found that LFPs became more regular during the seizure in both hippocampus and thalamus, and in some cases LFPs showed a transient disorder at seizure onset. The variation tendency of the peak values of cross-correlation function between neurons matched the variation tendency of the redundancy of LFPs. The information tended to flow from thalamus to hippocampus during seizure initiation period no matter what the information flow direction was before the seizure. In some cases the information flow was symmetrically bidirectional, but none was found in which the information flowed from hippocampus to thalamus during the seizure initiation period. In addition, inactivation of thalamus by tetrodotoxin (TTX) resulted in a suppression of seizures. These results suggest that thalamus may play an important role in the initiation of epileptic seizures.
A Parameter‐Dependent Approach to Observer‐Based H∞ Control for Networked Control LPV Systems
Authors: Li Yanhui , Zhou Xiujie , Zhang Chang , Karimi Hamid Reza
Published: March 2014

We address the observer‐based H∞ controller design problem for networked control LPV (NC LPV) systems, which are network‐based systems that depend on unknown but measurable time‐varying parameters. According to the analysis of the special issues brought by introducing network into LPV systems and the state reconstruction based on the observer, a new augmented model is established with two independent time‐varying delays, which can carry out the controller and observer collaborative design effectively. Based on the parameter‐dependent Lyapunov stability theory, a sufficient condition is proposed to ensure that the closed‐loop system is asymptotically stable with a guaranteed H∞ performance level γ, in which the coupling between Lyapunov function matrices and the system matrices existed. By using the Projection Lemma and introducing a slack matrix, the decoupling is achieved successfully, which refers to reducing conservatism. In the present study, the condition for stability analysis and control synthesis is formulated in terms of the parameterized linear matrix inequality (PLMI), which is infinite‐dimensional and can be transformed into finite by using the basis function method and gridding technique. A numerical example is given to demonstrate the high validity and merit of the proposed approach.
Optimal Control of a PEM Fuel Cell for the Inputs Minimization
Authors: Rubio José de Jesús , Bravo Adrian Gustavo
Published: March 2014

The trajectory tracking problem of a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell is considered. To solve this problem, an optimal controller is proposed. The optimal technique has the objective that the system states should reach the desired trajectories while the inputs are minimized. The proposed controller uses the Hamilton‐Jacobi‐Bellman method where its Riccati equation is considered as an adaptive function. The effectiveness of the proposed technique is verified by two simulations.
Impulse Noise: Can Hitting a Softball Harm Your Hearing?
Authors: Cook Korrine , Atcherson Samuel R.
Published: March 2014

The purpose of this study is to identify whether or not different materials of softball bats (wooden, aluminum, and composite) are a potential risk harm to hearing when batting players strike a 12′′ core .40 softball during slow, underhand pitch typical of recreational games. Peak sound pressure level measurements and spectral analyses were conducted for three controlled softball pitches to a batting participant using each of the different bat materials in an unused outdoor playing field with regulation distances between the pitcher’s mound and batter’s box. The results revealed that highest recorded peak sound pressure level was recorded from the aluminum (124.6 dBC) bat followed by the composite (121.2 dBC) and wooden (120.0 dBC) bats. Spectral analysis revealed composite and wooden bats with similar broadly distributed amplitude-frequency response. The aluminum bat also produced a broadly distributed amplitude-frequency response, but there were also two very distinct peaks at around 1700 Hz and 2260 Hz above the noise floor that produced its ringing (or ping) sound after being struck. Impulse (transient) sounds less than 140 dBC may permit multiple exposures, and softball bats used in a recreational slow pitch may pose little to no risk to hearing.
Pomaglumetad Methionil (LY2140023 Monohydrate) and Aripiprazole in Patients with Schizophrenia: A Phase 3, Multicenter, Double-Blind Comparison
Authors: Adams David H. , Zhang Lu , Millen Brian A. , Kinon Bruce J. , Gomez Juan-Carlos
Published: March 2014

We tested the hypothesis that long-term treatment with pomaglumetad methionil would demonstrate significantly less weight gain than aripiprazole in patients with schizophrenia. In this 24-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, Phase 3 study, 678 schizophrenia patients were randomized to either pomaglumetad methionil (n=516) or aripiprazole (n=162). Treatment groups were also compared on efficacy and various safety measures, including serious adverse events (SAEs), discontinuation due to adverse events (AEs), treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), and suicide-related thoughts and behaviors. The pomaglumetad methionil group showed significantly greater weight loss at Week 24 (Visit 12) compared with the aripiprazole group (−2.8 ± 0.4 versus 0.4 ± 0.6;P<0.001). However, change in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total scores for aripiprazole was significantly greater than for pomaglumetad methionil (−15.58 ± 1.58 versus −12.03 ± 0.99;P=0.045). The incidences of SAEs (8.2% versus 3.1%;P=0.032) and discontinuation due to AEs (16.2% versus 8.7%;P=0.020) were significantly higher for pomaglumetad methionil compared with aripiprazole. No statistically significant differences in the incidence of TEAEs, EPS, or suicidal ideation or behavior were noted between treatment groups. In conclusion, long-term treatment with pomaglumetad methionil resulted in significantly less weight gain than aripiprazole. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.govNCT01328093.
CD80 and CD86 Costimulatory Molecules Differentially Regulate OT-II CD4+T Lymphocyte Proliferation and Cytokine Response in Cocultures with Antigen-Presenting Cells Derived from Pregnant and Pseudopregnant Mice
Authors: Maj Tomasz , Slawek Anna , Chelmonska-Soyta Anna
Published: March 2014

Immune phenomena during the preimplantation period of pregnancy are poorly understood. The aim of our study was to assess the capacity for antigen presentation of splenic antigen-presenting cells (APCs) derived from pregnant and pseudopregnant mice inin vitroconditions. Therefore, sorted CD11c+dendritic cells and macrophages F4/80+and CD11b+presenting ovalbumin (OVA) were cocultured with CD4+T cells derived from OT-II mice’s (C57BL6/J-Tg(TcraTcrb)1100Mjb/J) spleen. After 132 hours of cell culture, proliferation of lymphocytes (ELISA-BrdU), activation of these cells (flow cytometry), cytokine profile (ELISA), and influence of costimulatory molecules blocking on these parameters were measured. We did not detect any differences in regulation of Th1/Th2 cytokine balance. CD86 seems to be the main costimulatory molecule involved in the proliferation response but CD80 is the main costimulatory molecule influencing cytokine secretion in pregnant mice. In conclusion, this study showed that CD80 and CD86 costimulatory molecules regulate OT-II CD4+T lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine response in cocultures with antigen-presenting cells derived from pregnant and pseudopregnant mice. The implications of these changes still remain unclear.
Dynamic Nonlinear Pricing Model Based on Adaptive and Sophisticated Learning
Authors: Bi Wenjie , Sun Yinghui , Liu Haiying , Chen Xiaohong
Published: March 2014

Existing dynamic pricing models which take consumers’ learning behavior into account generally assume that consumers learn on the basis of reinforcement learning and belief‐based learning. Nevertheless, abundant empirical evidence of behavior game indicates that consumers’ learning is normally described as a process of mixed learning. Particularly, for experience goods, a consumer’s purchase decision is not only based on his previous purchase behavior (adaptive learning), but also affected by that of other consumers (sophisticated learning). With the assumption that consumers are both adaptive and sophisticated learners, we study a dynamic pricing model dealing with repeated decision problems in a duopoly market. Specifically, we build a dynamic game model based on sophisticated experience‐weighted attraction learning model (SEWA) and analyze the existence of the equilibrium. Finally, we show the characteristics and differences of the steady‐state solutions between models considering adaptive consumers and models considering sophistical consumers by numerical results.
Practical Damping Identification of FAST Cable Suspension
Authors: Sun Jinghai , Li Hui , Zhu Wenbai
Published: March 2014

FAST focus cabin is suspended and driven by 6 parallel large span cables. Low stiffness of cables makes the cabin sensitive to disturbance and difficult to control. Structural damping then becomes a key factor that can improve control ability. Therefore, a reasonable damping estimation is important for system design. In this paper, a practical damping identification method is developed based on Ibrahim-time-domain algorithm. The method shows satisfied performance on accuracy and reliability in simulation test and is utilized in vibration experiments to identify damping ratios of both single cable model and FAST 3 m scale cable suspension model. Finally, a preliminary analysis of the damping properties is given out based on the results of identification.
Accelerating Content-Based Image Retrieval via GPU-Adaptive Index Structure
Authors: Zhu Lei
Published: March 2014

A tremendous amount of work has been conducted in content-based image retrieval (CBIR) on designing effective index structure to accelerate the retrieval process. Most of them improve the retrieval efficiency via complex index structures, and few take into account the parallel implementation of them on underlying hardware, making the existing index structures suffer from low-degree of parallelism. In this paper, a novel graphics processing unit (GPU) adaptive index structure, termed as plane semantic ball (PSB), is proposed to simultaneously reduce the work of retrieval process and exploit the parallel acceleration of underlying hardware. In PSB, semantics are embedded into the generation of representative pivots and multiple balls are selected to cover more informative reference features. With PSB, the online retrieval of CBIR is factorized into independent components that are implemented on GPU efficiently. Comparative experiments with GPU-based brute force approach demonstrate that the proposed approach can achieve high speedup with little information loss. Furthermore, PSB is compared with the state-of-the-art approach, random ball cover (RBC), on two standard image datasets, Corel 10 K and GIST 1 M. Experimental results show that our approach achieves higher speedup than RBC on the same accuracy level.
Photocatalysis and Photoelectrochemical Properties of Tungsten Trioxide Nanostructured Films
Authors: Lai Chin Wei
Published: March 2014

Tungsten trioxide (WO3) possesses a small band gap energy of 2.4–2.8 eV and is responsive to both ultraviolet and visible light irradiation including strong absorption of the solar spectrum and stable physicochemical properties. Thus, controlled growth of one-dimensional (1D) WO3nanotubular structures with desired length, diameter, and wall thickness has gained significant interest. In the present study, 1D WO3nanotubes were successfully synthesized via electrochemical anodization of tungsten (W) foil in an electrolyte composed of 1 M of sodium sulphate (Na2SO4) and ammonium fluoride (NH4F). The influence of NH4F content on the formation mechanism of anodic WO3nanotubular structure was investigated in detail. An optimization of fluoride ions played a critical role in controlling the chemical dissolution reaction in the interface of W/WO3. Based on the results obtained, a minimum of 0.7 wt% of NH4F content was required for completing transformation from W foil to WO3nanotubular structure with an average diameter of 85 nm and length of 250 nm within 15 min of anodization time. In this case, high aspect ratio of WO3nanotubular structure is preferred because larger active surface area will be provided for better photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical (PEC) reactions.
Pathology of Experimental Encephalitozoon cuniculi Infection in Immunocompetent and Immunosuppressed Mice in Iraq
Authors: Al-Sadi Hafidh I. , Al-Mahmood Saevan S.
Published: March 2014

This study was performed to evaluate pathology of experimental Encephalitozoon cuniculi (Iraqi isolate) infection in normal and immunosuppressed mice. Pathological changes were not seen in negative control mice while secondary bacterial infections were noted in the lungs, kidneys, and heart of mice given dexamethasone. Typical E. cuniculi infection lesions were found in brain, livers, lungs, and kidneys of mice given 107  E. cuniculi spores/mouse orally. These lesions were in the form of nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis with vasculitis in brain, interstitial inflammation with infiltration of both lymphocytes and plasma cells in lung tissue, and nonsuppurative interstitial (focal and diffuse) nephritis, presence of vacuole containing mature and immature spores in enterocytes within the tips of villi, and lymphoiod hyperplasia of the white pulp and vasculitis of the intratrabecular vessels. Mice that were given 107  E. cuniculi spores/mouse orally showed lesions similar to those observed in the previous group (vasculitis and granulomas) but the lesions were more severe and widespread. In conclusion, this is the first report of experimental E. cuniculi infection induced by E. cuniculi isolated from a naturally infected rabbit in Iraq and that infection became more severe and widespread upon the administration of dexaethasone.
Renewal and Renewal-Intensity Functions with Minimal Repair
Authors: Maghsoodloo Saeed , Helvaci Dilcu
Published: March 2014

The renewal and renewal-intensity functions with minimal repair are explored for the Normal, Gamma, Uniform, and Weibull underlying lifetime distributions. The Normal, Gamma, and Uniform renewal, and renewal-intensity functions are derived by the convolution method. Unlike these last three failure distributions, the Weibull except at shape β=1 does not have a closed-form function for the n-fold convolution. Since the Weibull is the most important failure distribution in reliability analyses, the approximate renewal and renewal-intensity functions of Weibull were obtained by the time-discretizing method using the Mean-Value Theorem for Integrals. A Matlab program outputs all reliability and renewal measures.
Dynamics from Multivariable Longitudinal Data
Authors: Visaya Maria Vivien , Sherwell David
Published: March 2014

We introduce a method of analysing longitudinal data in n≥1 variables and a population of K≥1 observations. Longitudinal data of each observation is exactly coded to an orbit in a two-dimensional state space Sn. At each time, information of each observation is coded to a point (x,y)∈Sn, where x is the physical condition of the observation and y is an ordering of variables. Orbit of each observation in Sn is described by a map that dynamically rearranges order of variables at each time step, eventually placing the most stable, least frequently changing variable to the left and the most frequently changing variable to the right. By this operation, we are able to extract dynamics from data and visualise the orbit of each observation. In addition, clustering of data in the stable variables is revealed. All possible paths that any observation can take in Sn are given by a subshift of finite type (SFT). We discuss mathematical properties of the transition matrix associated to this SFT. Dynamics of the population is a nonautonomous multivalued map equivalent to a nonstationary SFT. We illustrate the method using a longitudinal data of a population of households from Agincourt, South Africa.
Aspirin for Prevention of Preeclampsia in Lupus Pregnancy
Authors: Schramm Amelie M. , Clowse Megan E. B.
Published: March 2014

Preeclampsia, the onset of hypertension and proteinuria during pregnancy, is a common medical disorder with high maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. The underlying pathology remains poorly understood and includes inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and an unbalanced thromboxane A2/prostacyclin ratio. For women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), particularly those with preexisting renal disease or with active lupus, the risk of developing preeclampsia is up to 14% higher than it is among healthy individuals. The mechanism is still unknown and the data for preventing preeclampsia in lupus pregnancies are rare. Modulating the impaired thromboxane A2/prostacyclin ratio by administration of low-dose aspirin appears to be the current best option for the prevention of preeclampsia. After providing an overview of the pathogenesis of preeclampsia, preeclampsia in lupus pregnancies, and previous trials for prevention of preeclampsia with aspirin treatment, we recommend low-dose aspirin administration for all lupus patients starting prior to 16 weeks of gestation. Patients with SLE and antiphospholipid syndrome should receive treatment with heparin and low-dose aspirin during pregnancy.
Risk‐Optimized Design of Production Systems by Use of GRAMOSA
Authors: Lütjen Michael , Ait Alla Abderrahim
Published: March 2014

Today production and logistic systems are getting more complex. This is a problem which the planning and design of such systems have to deal with. One main issue of production system development in series production is the planning of production processes and systems under uncertainty. New and existing production technologies are often not fully adoptable to new products. This is why some of the main characteristics, like, for example, cost, time, or quality, are not definable at the beginning. Only value ranges and probabilities can be estimated. However, the adaptation process is controllable, which means that the adaptation results are depending on the existing development budget and its resources. This paper presents an approach for the optimized allocation of development resources regarding the adaptation risks of production technologies and processes. The modeling concept GRAMOSA is used for integrated modeling and discrete event‐based simulation of the aspired production system. To this end a domain‐specific modeling language (DSML) is applied. The further risk‐based analysis of the simulation results and the optimized allocation of the development budget are done by use of mathematical optimization.
MicroRNAs: New Regulators of Toll-Like Receptor Signalling Pathways
Authors: He Xiaobing , Jing Zhizhong , Cheng Guofeng
Published: March 2014

Toll-like receptors (TLRs), a critical family of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), are responsible for the innate immune responses via signalling pathways to provide effective host defence against pathogen infections. However, TLR-signalling pathways are also likely to stringently regulate tissue maintenance and homeostasis by elaborate modulatory mechanisms. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key regulators and as an essential part of the networks involved in regulating TLR-signalling pathways. In this review, we highlight our understanding of the regulation of miRNA expression profiles by TLR-signalling pathways and the regulation of TLR-signalling pathways by miRNAs. We focus on the roles of miRNAs in regulating TLR-signalling pathways by targeting multiple molecules, including TLRs themselves, their associated signalling proteins and regulatory molecules, and transcription factors and functional cytokines induced by them, at multiple levels.
Differential Effects of RUNX2 on the Androgen Receptor in Prostate Cancer: Synergistic Stimulation of a Gene Set Exemplified by SNAI2 and Subsequent Invasiveness
Authors: Little Gillian H. , Baniwal Sanjeev K. , Adisetiyo Helty , Groshen Susan , Chimge Nyam-Osor , Kim Sun Young , Khalid Omar , Hawes Debra , Jones Jeremy O. , Pinski Jacek , Schones Dustin E. , Frenkel Baruch
Published: March 2014

Changes to androgen signaling during prostate carcinogenesis are associated with both inhibition of cellular differentiation and promotion of malignant phenotypes. The androgen receptor (AR)–binding transcription factor RUNX2 has been linked to prostate cancer progression but the underlying mechanisms have not been fully defined. In this study, we investigated the genome-wide influence of RUNX2 on androgen-induced gene expression and AR DNA binding in prostate cancer cells. RUNX2 inhibited the androgen response partly by promoting the dissociation of AR from its target genes such as the tumor suppressor NKX3-1. However, AR activity persists in the presence of RUNX2 at other AR target genes, some of which are cooperatively stimulated by androgen and RUNX2 signaling. These genes are associated with putative enhancers co-occupied by AR and RUNX2. One such gene, the invasion-promoting Snail family transcription factor SNAI2, was co-activated by AR and RUNX2. Indeed, these two transcription factors together, but neither alone stimulated prostate cancer cell invasiveness, which could be abolished by SNAI2 silencing. Furthermore, an immunohistochemical analysis of SNAI2 in archived primary prostate cancer specimens revealed a correlation with the RUNX2 histoscore, and simultaneous strong staining for SNAI2, RUNX2, and AR (but not any pair alone) was associated with disease recurrence. Overall, our findings suggest cooperation between AR and RUNX in the stimulation of oncogenes such as SNAI2, which might be targeted for individualized prostate cancer therapy. Cancer Res; 74(10); 2857–68. ©2014 AACR.
Future Directions for Intra-Arterial Therapy for Acute Ischaemic Stroke: Is There Life after Three Negative Randomized Controlled Studies
Authors: Maingard Julian , Yan Bernard
Published: March 2014

Background: The three randomised controlled trials, Interventional Management of Stroke III (IMS3), Mechanical Retrieval and Revascularization of Stroke Clots Using Embolectomy (MR RESCUE) and Synthesis Expanasion: A Randomized Controlled Trial on Intra-Arterial Versus Intravenous Thrombolysis in Acute Ischaemic Stroke (SYNTHESIS EXP) showed no significant difference in clinical outcomes comparing intra-arterial (IA) therapy with intravenous thrombolysis. This article will explore the reasons for failure to show superiority of IA therapy. Summary: There are many reasons for the disappointing results of the three randomised controlled trials. Opposing views on IA therapy exist. Critics argue that only a small percentage of patients will be eligible for IA therapy and that it will never be cost-effective. Additionally, current trials have failed to address superior recanalization rates of new generation devices and lack of patient selection by advanced imaging. Time-to-treatment is longer in these randomised controlled trials and stroke outcomes were worse than anticipated. The current randomised controlled trials also took long periods to complete. There is emerging evidence that general anesthetic negatively influences outcome. Next generation trials will attempt to address these issues. Key Messages: There are disparate explanations for the disappointing results from the three IA therapy randomized controlled studies. Poor recanalisation rates with first generation endovascular devices, lack of advanced neuroimaging to aid in patient selection, lack of data surrounding the use of general anaesthesia, and prolonged time-to-treatment are potential contributors to negative results. The new generation of trials has the potential of addressing these pressing issues.
Severe Pretreatment Cerebral Edema in Newly Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Warncke Katharina , Dressel Petra , Ziegler Anette-G. , Steinborn Marc , Bonfig Walter , Burdach Stefan , Engelsberger Ilse
Published: March 2014

Introduction: Cerebral edema (CE) is a rare and dangerous complication of diabetic ketoacidosis. In typical cases, it may develop during several hours after the beginning of ketoacidosis therapy. Nevertheless, CE sometimes occurs before the start of any therapy - as for the patient in this report here. Case Report: We describe a 12-year-old girl with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes, presenting with severe headache and disorientation. Diabetes-related symptoms were not reported by the family. Clinical investigation revealed signs of meningeal irritation and Kussmaul breathing. In the laboratory, severe ketoacidosis (pH 6.95) and hyperglycemia (blood glucose 20.9 mmmol/l) were found. Cranial computed tomography showed CE. The patient was treated with a very cautious fluid and insulin therapy and recovered within 3 days. MRI after recovery showed normal findings without residuals of CE. Conclusion: CE before any treatment of ketoacidosis is a very rare complication of type 1 diabetes. Early diagnosis and effective treatment are extremely important for the patient's outcome and prognosis.
Calcinosis Cutis Confined to the Dermis after Intravenous Administration of a Calcium Preparation: A Case Report and Review of the Japanese Literature
Authors: Watanabe Soko , Shioda Takeaki , Kobayashi Ken , Ishizaki Sumiko , Ito Fumio , Fujibayashi Mariko , Tanaka Masaru
Published: March 2014

A 61-year-old female received intravenous injection of calcium chloride after common iliac artery bypass surgery. A red flare appeared at the site of the intravenous infusion on the left forearm and gradually progressed to induration. Seven weeks later, she was referred to the Department of Dermatology for management. Physical examination showed an indurated plaque measuring 13 × 65 mm in size, with linearly distributed ulcers covered by yellowish-white substance, surrounded by reddish skin. Laboratory tests showed no significant abnormalities including serum calcium, phosphate and thyroid hormones. Cultures were negative for microorganisms. Histopathological examination showed calcium deposition confined to the dermis. The lesion healed spontaneously within 2 months with scar formation. A review of the Japanese literature showed confinement of calcium deposits to the dermis in most of the reported cases. We speculate that the pathomechanism of dermal calcinosis includes needle-induced tissue injury with capillary destruction, leading to release of excess calcium between collagen fibers, and its binding to phosphate in the dermis and deposition as calcium phosphate crystals.
Successful Colectomy for Hemorrhagic Colitis with Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome and Acute Encephalopathy due to Escherichia coli O157 Infection
Authors: Tominaga Tetsuro , Oikawa Masahiro , Takeshita Hiroaki , Kunizaki Masaki , Tou Kazuo , Abo Takafumi , Hidaka Shigekazu , Nanashima Atsushi , Sawai Terumitsu , Nagayasu Takeshi
Published: March 2014

An 81-year-old man was admitted to a primary care hospital due to bloody diarrhea. The findings of abdominal computed tomography indicated ischemic colitis, so conservative therapy was started. On the 4th hospital day, the patient was transferred to our hospital because of renal dysfunction. Physical examination showed clouding of consciousness and abdominal distention. Abdominal computed tomography revealed massive ascites and thickening of the whole colonic wall. With a diagnosis of acute abdomen, an emergent laparotomy was performed. Extended right hemicolectomy was performed because of severe ischemic change and necrosis of the right side of the colon. In the stool culture before the operation, Escherichia coli O157 and verotoxin were found, so this case was diagnosed as hemorrhagic colitis with hemolytic uremic syndrome and acute encephalopathy due to Escherichia coli O157 infection. Postoperatively, the hemolytic uremic syndrome and acute encephalopathy were prolonged. However, with intensive care, the patient recovered and was discharged on the 33rd postoperative day.