bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced piezoelectric properties of (Ba0.3Bi0.7)(Mg0.05Fe0.6Ti0.35)O3piezoelectric ceramics with high Curie temperature
Authors: Fujii Ichiro , Mitsui Ryuta , Nakashima Kouichi , Wada Satoshi
Published: April 2014

( Ba0.3Bi0.7)( Mg0.05Fe0.6Ti0.35) O3ceramics were either doped with vanadium or sintered in calcined powder with the same composition. Compared to an undoped ceramic sintered without the calcined powder, both ceramics showed reduced leakage current densities (lower than 1 × 10-7A/cm2) and absence of dielectric relaxation behaviors observed in frequency- and temperature-dependent dielectric measurements. The Curie temperatures of both samples were higher than 460°C. The maximum field-induced strain over the applied field, Smax/Emax, of 366 pm/V of the undoped ceramic sintered without the calcined powder increased to 455 and 799 pm/V for the V-doped ceramics and the ceramics sintered with the calcined powder, respectively. The increase was related to a reduced concentration of bismuth vacancy–oxygen vacancy defect dipoles.
Characterization of gas flow through low-permeability claystone: laboratory experiments and two-phase flow analyses
Authors: Senger Rainer , Romero Enrique , Ferrari Alessio , Marschall Paul
Published: April 2014

For the characterization of gas migration through a low-permeability clay host rock for deep underground repositories, a comprehensive understanding of the relevant phenomena of gas and fluid flow through low-permeability clay is required. The National Cooperative for the Disposal of Radioactive Waste (Nagra) in Switzerland has developed a comprehensive programme to characterize gas flow in low-permeability Opalinus Clay through laboratory tests and detailed numerical analyses for developing appropriate constitutive models.

Laboratory tests were performed on cores by two different laboratories, the Laboratory for Soil Mechanics at EPFL and the Department of Geotechnical Engineering and Geosciences at UPC. Loading tests were performed by both laboratories to study rock compressibility at different stress levels and water permeability dependence on void ratio. The water retention behaviour demonstrated by EPFL and UPC produced comparable results. Water permeability tests and fast controlled-volume air injection experiments were performed in a triaxial cell under isotropic stress conditions on two samples with flow parallel and normal to the bedding planes. A confining stress of 15 MPa was applied during gas testing, corresponding to a lithostatic pressure at a depth of
c.
600 m below ground.

For detailed analyses, the two-phase flow code TOUGH2 (

Pruess
et al.
1999

) was used. This considers fluid flow in both liquid and gas phases under the influence of pressure, viscous and gravity forces, according to Darcy's law. The standard analyses could not reproduce the measured pressure responses well, and the calibrated hydraulic and two-phase parameters were not consistent with the preceding water test and laboratory analyses. Implementing the non-linear behaviour in terms of the observed relationship between changes in void ratio and associated changes in permeability under different stress conditions significantly improved the simulated results, resulting in a conceptual model that well reproduced the observed injection pressure and outflow responses for both tests, parallel and normal to bedding, using a consistent parameter set.
Modulation of cell polarization by the Na+-K+-ATPase-associated protein FXYD5 (dysadherin)
Authors: Lubarski Irina , Asher Carol , Garty Haim
Published: April 2014

FXYD5 (dysadherin or also called a related to ion channel, RIC) is a transmembrane auxiliary subunit of the Na+-K+-ATPase shown to increase its maximal velocity ( Vmax). FXYD5 has also been identified as a cancer-associated protein whose expression in tumor-derived cell lines impairs cytoskeletal organization and increases cell motility. Previously, we have demonstrated that the expression of FXYD5 in M1 cells derived from mouse kidney collecting duct impairs the formation of tight and adherence junctions. The current study aimed to further explore effects of FXYD5 at a single cell level. It was found that in M1, as well as three other cell lines, FXYD5 inhibits transformation of adhered single cells from the initial radial shape to a flattened, elongated shape in the first stage of monolayer formation. This is also correlated to less ordered actin cables and fewer focal points. Structure-function analysis has demonstrated that the transmembrane domain of FXYD5, and not its unique extracellular segment, mediates the inhibition of change in cell shape. This domain has been shown before to be involved in the association of FXYD5 with the Na+-K+-ATPase, which leads to the increase in Vmax. Furthermore, specific transmembrane point mutations in FXYD5 that either increase or decrease its effect on cell elongation had a corresponding effect on the coimmunoprecipitation of FXYD5 with α Na+-K+-ATPase. These findings lend support to the possibility that FXYD5 affects cell polarization through its transmembrane domain interaction with the Na+-K+-ATPase. Yet interaction of FXYD5 with other proteins cannot be excluded.
Prostatic acid phosphatase is the main acid phosphatase with 5′-ectonucleotidase activity in the male mouse saliva and regulates salivation
Authors: Araujo César L. , Quintero Ileana B. , Kipar Anja , Herrala Annakaisa M. , Pulkka Anitta E. , Saarinen Lilli , Hautaniemi Sampsa , Vihko Pirkko
Published: April 2014

We have previously shown that in addition to the well-known secreted isoform of prostatic acid phosphatase (sPAP), a transmembrane isoform exists (TMPAP) that interacts with snapin (a SNARE-associated protein) and regulates the endo-/exocytic pathways. We have also shown that PAP has 5′-ectonucleotidase and thiamine monophosphatase activity and elicits antinociceptive effects in mouse models of chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Therefore, to determine the physiological role of PAP in a typical exocrine organ, we studied the submandibular salivary gland (SMG) of PAP−/− and wild-type C57BL/6J mice by microarray analyses, microRNA sequencing, activity tests, immunohistochemistry, and biochemical and physiological analyses of saliva. We show that PAP is the main acid phosphatase in the wild-type male mouse saliva, accounting for 50% of the total acid phosphatase activity, and that it is expressed only in the granular convoluted tubules of the SMGs, where it is the only 5′-ectonucleotidase. The lack of PAP in male PAP−/− mice was associated with a significant increase in the salivation volume under secretagogue stimulation, overexpression of genes related to cell proliferation ( Mki67, Aurkb, Birc5) and immune response ( Irf7, Cxcl9, Ccl3, Fpr2), and upregulation of miR-146a in SMGs. An increased and sustained acinar cell proliferation was detected without signs of glandular hyperplasia. Our results indicate that in PAP−/− mice, SMG homeostasis is maintained by an innate immune response. Additionally, we suggest that in male mice, PAP via its 5′-ectonucleotidase activity and production of adenosine can elicit analgesic effects when animals lick their wounds.
Role of epigenetics in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Saco Tara V. , Parthasarathy Prasanna Tamarapu , Cho Young , Lockey Richard F. , Kolliputi Narasaiah
Published: April 2014

A significant amount of research has been conducted to examine the pathologic processes and epigenetic mechanisms contributing to peripheral hypertension. However, few studies have been carried out to understand the vascular remodeling behind pulmonary hypertension (PH), including peripheral artery muscularization, medial hypertrophy and neointima formation in proximal arteries, and plexiform lesion formation. Similarly, research examining some of the epigenetic principles that may contribute to this vascular remodeling, such as DNA methylation and histone modification, is minimal. The understanding of these principles may be the key to developing new and more effective treatments for PH. The purpose of this review is to summarize epigenetic research conducted in the field of hypertension that could possibly be used to understand the epigenetics of PH. Possible future therapies that could be pursued using information from these studies include selective histone deacetylase inhibitors and targeted DNA methyltransferases. Both of these could potentially be used to silence proproliferative or antiapoptotic genes that lead to decreased smooth muscle cell proliferation. Epigenetics may provide a glimmer of hope for the eventual improved treatment of this highly morbid and debilitating disease.
Tobacco smoke induces epithelial barrier dysfunction via receptor EphA2 signaling
Authors: Nasreen Najmunnisa , Khodayari Nazli , Sriram Peruvemba S. , Patel Jawaharlal , Mohammed Kamal A.
Published: April 2014

Erythropoietin-producing human hepatocellular carcinoma (Eph) receptors are the largest family of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) that mediate various cellular and developmental processes. The degrees of expression of these key molecules control the cell-cell interactions. Although the role of Eph receptors and their ligand Ephrins is well studied in developmental processes, their function in tobacco smoke (TS)-induced epithelial barrier dysfunction is unknown. We hypothesized that TS may induce permeability in bronchial airway epithelial cell (BAEpC) monolayer by modulating receptor EphA2 expression, actin cytoskeleton, adherens junction, and focal adhesion proteins. Here we report that in BAEpCs, acute TS exposure significantly upregulated EphA2 and EphrinA1 expression, disrupted the actin filaments, decreased E-cadherin expression, and increased protein permeability, whereas the focal adhesion protein paxillin was unaffected. Silencing the receptor EphA2 expression with silencing interference RNA (siRNA) significantly attenuated TS-induced hyperpermeability in BAEpCs. In addition, when BAEpC monolayer was transfected with EphA2-expressing plasmid and treated with recombinant EphrinA1, the transepithelial electrical resistance decreased significantly. Furthermore, TS downregulated E-cadherin expression and induced hyperpermeability across BAEpC monolayer in a Erk1/Erk2, p38, and JNK MAPK-dependent manner. TS induced hyperpermeability in BAEpC monolayer by targeting cell-cell adhesions, and interestingly cell-matrix adhesions were unaffected. The present data suggest that TS causes significant damage to the BAEpCs via induction of EphA2 and downregulation of E-cadherin. Induction of EphA2 in the BAEpCs exposed to TS may be an important signaling event in the pathogenesis of TS-induced epithelial injury.
Marinobufagenin regulates permeability and gene expression of brain endothelial cells
Authors: Ing Nancy H. , Berghman Luc , Abi-Ghanem Daad , Abbas Kamran , Kaushik Aditi , Riggs Penny K. , Puschett Jules B.
Published: April 2014

Marinobufagenin (MBG) is a cardiotonic steroid that increases in the circulation in preeclampsia. Preeclampsia and eclampsia are associated with cerebral edema. Therefore, we examined the effects of MBG on human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC) in vitro. MBG enhanced the permeability of HBMEC monolayers at 1-, 10-, and 100-nM doses, but had no effect at 0.1 nM. Agilent Human Gene Expression microarrays were utilized in these studies. MBG treatment (10 nM for 12 h) downregulated concentrations of the soluble VEGFR transcript sFLT by 59% but did not alter those of FLTv3 mRNA (determined by quantitative PCR). When treated and control HBMEC transcriptomes were interrogated on microarrays, 1,069 genes appeared to be regulated by MBG. Quantitative RT-PCR confirmed that MBG treatment upregulated ENKUR mRNA concentrations by 57%. Its protein product interacts with calmodulin and calcium channel proteins. MBG treatment downregulated several genes whose protein products are involved in cell adhesion (ITGA2B, FERMT1, CLDN16, and TMEM207) and cell signaling (GRIN2C, SLC8A1, and ESR1). The level of downregulation ranged from 22 to 66%. Altogether, MBG actively enhanced the permeability of HBMEC monolayers while downregulating genes involved in adhesion. MBG treatment had variable effects on ENKUR, GRIN2C, and SLC8A1 genes, all associated with calcium transport. These studies provide the basis for future investigations of MBG actions in normal physiology and disease.
High-frequency oscillations are prominent in the extended amygdala
Authors: Haufler Darrell , Pare Denis
Published: April 2014

Previously, it was reported that various cortical and subcortical structures display high-frequency local field potential (LFP) oscillations in the 110- to 160-Hz range (HFOs), distinct from sharp-wave ripples. In the present study, we characterize HFOs in the extended amygdala. Rats were implanted with tetrode bundles in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), central amygdala (CeA), as well as adjacent regions (pallidum, caudate-putamen, and lateral septum). At all recorded sites, HFO power showed a systematic dependence on behavioral state: highest during quiet wakefulness, intermediate during paradoxical sleep, and lowest during active waking or slow-wave sleep. CO2 asphyxiation as well as anesthesia with isoflurane or urethane abolished HFOs. HFOs stood out relative to all other fast-frequency LFP components because they were highly coherent between distant sites of the extended amygdala, ipsi- and contralaterally. HFOs affected neuronal firing in two ways: firing rate could vary as a function of HFO power (rate modulation) or HFOs could entrain firing on a cycle-to-cycle basis (phase modulation). The incidence of phase-modulated neurons was about twice higher in BNST and CeA (20–40%) than in adjacent regions (≤8%). Among BNST and CeA neurons, many more were phase-modulated than rate-modulated, although about half of the latter were also phase-modulated. Overall, these results indicate that HFOs entrain the activity of a high proportion of neurons in the extended amygdala. A major challenge for future studies will be to identify the mechanisms supporting the high coherence of HFOs within and across hemispheres.
PKC-mediated GABAergic enhancement of dopaminergic responses: implication for short-term potentiation at a dual-transmitter synapse
Authors: Svensson Erik , Proekt Alex , Jing Jian , Weiss Klaudiusz R.
Published: April 2014

Transmitter-mediated homosynaptic potentiation is generally implemented by the same transmitter that mediates the excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs), e.g., glutamate. When a presynaptic neuron contains more than one transmitter, however, potentiation can in principle be implemented by a transmitter different from that which elicits the EPSPs. Neuron B20 in Aplysia contains both dopamine and GABA. Although only dopamine acts as the fast excitatory transmitter at the B20-to-B8 synapse, GABA increases the size of these dopaminergic EPSPs. We now provide evidence that repeated stimulation of B20 potentiates B20-evoked dopaminergic EPSPs in B8 apparently via a postsynaptic mechanism, and short-term potentiation of this synapse is critical for the establishment and maintenance of an egestive network state. We show that GABA can act postsynaptically to increase dopamine currents that are elicited by direct applications of dopamine to B8 and that dopamine is acting on a 5-HT3-like receptor. This potentiation is mediated by GABAB-like receptors as GABAB-receptor agonists and antagonists, respectively, mimicked and blocked the potentiating actions of GABA. The postsynaptic actions of GABA rely on a G protein-mediated activation of PKC. Our results suggest that the postsynaptic action of cotransmitter-mediated potentiation may contribute to the maintenance of the egestive state of Aplysia feeding network and, in more general terms, may participate in the plasticity of networks that mediate complex behaviors.
Disinhibitory recruitment of NMDA receptor pathways in retina
Authors: Sethuramanujam Santhosh , Slaughter Malcolm M.
Published: April 2014

Glutamate release at bipolar to ganglion cell synapses activates NMDA and AMPA/kainic acid (KA) ionotropic glutamate receptors. Their relative strength determines the output signals of the retina. We found that this balance is tightly regulated by presynaptic inhibition that preferentially suppresses NMDA receptor (NMDAR) activation. In transient ON-OFF neurons, block of GABA and glycine feedback enhanced total NMDAR charge by 35-fold in the ON response and 9-fold in the OFF compared with a 1.7-fold enhancement of AMPA/KA receptors. Blocking only glycine receptors enhanced the NMDAR excitatory postsynaptic current 10-fold in the ON and 2-fold in the OFF pathway. Blocking GABAA or GABAC receptors (GABACRs or GABAARs) produced small changes in total NMDAR charge. When both GABAARs and GABACRs were blocked, the total NMDAR charge increased ninefold in the ON and fivefold in the OFF pathway. This exposed a strong GABACR feedback to bipolar cells that was suppressed by serial amacrine cell synapses mediated by GABAARs. The results indicate that NMDAR currents are large but latent, held in check by dual GABA and glycine presynaptic inhibition. One example of this controlled NMDAR activation is the cross talk between ON and OFF pathways. Blocking the ON pathway increased NMDAR relative strength in the OFF pathway. Stimulus prolongation similarly increased the NMDAR relative strength in the OFF response. This NMDAR enhancement was produced by a diminution in GABA and glycine feedback. Thus the retinal network recruits NMDAR pathways through presynaptic disinhibition.
Function dictates the phase dependence of vision during human locomotion
Authors: Logan David , Ivanenko Yuri P. , Kiemel Tim , Cappellini Germana , Sylos-Labini Francesca , Lacquaniti Francesco , Jeka John J.
Published: April 2014

In human and animal locomotion, sensory input is thought to be processed in a phase-dependent manner. Here we use full-field transient visual scene motion toward or away from subjects walking on a treadmill. Perturbations were presented at three phases of walking to test 1) whether phase dependence is observed for visual input and 2) whether the nature of phase dependence differs across body segments. Results demonstrated that trunk responses to approaching perturbations were only weakly phase dependent and instead depended primarily on the delay from the perturbation. Recording of kinematic and muscle responses from both right and left lower limb allowed the analysis of six distinct phases of perturbation effects. In contrast to the trunk, leg responses were strongly phase dependent. Leg responses during the same gait cycle as the perturbation exhibited gating, occurring only when perturbations were applied in midstance. In contrast, during the postperturbation gait cycle, leg responses occurred at similar response phases of the gait cycle over a range of perturbation phases. These distinct responses reflect modulation of trunk orientation for upright equilibrium and modulation of leg segments for both hazard accommodation/avoidance and positional maintenance on the treadmill. Overall, these results support the idea that the phase dependence of responses to visual scene motion is determined by different functional tasks during walking.
An Artificial Intelligence Approach for Groutability Estimation Based on Autotuning Support Vector Machine
Authors: Tran Hong-Hai , Hoang Nhat-Duc
Published: April 2014

Permeation grouting is a commonly used approach for soil improvement in construction engineering. Thus, predicting the results of grouting activities is a crucial task that needs to be carried out in the planning phase of any grouting project. In this research, a novel artificial intelligence approach—autotuning support vector machine—is proposed to forecast the result of grouting activities that employ microfine cement grouts. In the new model, the support vector machine (SVM) algorithm is utilized to classify grouting activities into two classes: success and  failure. Meanwhile, the differential evolution (DE) optimization algorithm is employed to identify the optimal tuning parameters of the SVM algorithm, namely, the penalty parameter and the kernel function parameter. The integration of the SVM and DE algorithms allows the newly established method to operate automatically without human prior knowledge or tedious processes for parameter setting. An experiment using a set of in situ data samples demonstrates that the newly established method can produce an outstanding prediction performance.
Quenching Time Optimal Control for Some Ordinary Differential Equations
Authors: Lin Ping
Published: April 2014

This paper concerns time optimal control problems of three different ordinary differential equations inℝ2. Corresponding to certain initial data and controls, the solutions of the systems quench at finite time. The goal to control the systems is to minimize the quenching time. The purpose of this study is to obtain the existence and the Pontryagin maximum principle of optimal controls. The methods used in this paper adapt to more general and complex ordinary differential control systems with quenching property. We also wish that our results could be extended to the same issue for parabolic equations.
Estimating Rate of Insulin Resistance in Patients with Preeclampsia Using HOMA-IR Index and Comparison with Nonpreeclampsia Pregnant Women
Authors: Abhari Farideh Rezaei , Ghanbari Andarieh Maryam , Farokhfar Asadollah , Ahmady Soleiman
Published: April 2014

Women with preeclampsia, independent of obesity and glucose intolerance, exhibit insulin resistance during pregnancy. The purpose of the present study is to determine whether early diagnosis of insulin resistance during pregnancy can predict preeclampsia. Through a case-control study, 675 pregnant women were selected and their first trimester blood was taken. Their fasting blood glucose and insulin were also measured after diagnosis of preeclampsia by 20 weeks of pregnancy. Based on the experiments conducted on 675 women who were 20 weeks past their pregnancy, 375 cases with preeclampsia were selected and assigned to the case group. 35 other pregnant women were put in the control group. Diagnosis criteria for the participants included blood pressure above 140/90 and proteinuria above 300 mg or above +1. Both groups were matched according to age, parity, gestational age, and BMI. Homa-Irand rate of insulin resistance was calculated by HOMA-IR and patients were followed up. Homeostatic model assessments (HOMA-IR) revealed that the average insulin resistance increased during pregnancy among both the case and control groups. There was a significant difference between insulin resistance of these two groups in both first trimester and third trimester and after developing preeclampsia (P< 0.001,P= 0.021). Insulin-resistance of the group with preeclampsia was higher in first trimester prior to diagnosis as well as the third trimester after diagnosis compared to natural pregnancy under similar conditions. Measurement of insulin resistance in first trimester may be useful in predicting the risk of preeclampsia.
Suboptimal Filtering of Networked Discrete‐Time Systems with Random Observation Losses
Authors: Gao Shouwan , Chen Pengpeng
Published: April 2014

This paper studies the remote filtering problem over a packet‐dropping network. A general multiple‐input‐multiple‐output (MIMO) discrete‐time system is considered. The multiple measurements are sent over different communication channels every time step, and the packet loss phenomenon in every communication channel is described by an independent and identically distributed (i.i.d) Bernoulli process. A suboptimal filter is obtained which can minimize the mean squared estimation error. The convergence properties of the estimation error covariance are studied, and mean square stability of the suboptimal filter is proved under standard assumptions. A simulation example is exploited to demonstrate the effectiveness of the results.
Development of an Open-Heart Intraoperative Risk Scoring Model for Predicting a Prolonged Intensive Care Unit Stay
Authors: Tribuddharat Sirirat , Sathitkarnmanee Thepakorn , Ngamsangsirisup Kriangsak , Charuluxananan Somrat , Hurst Cameron P. , Silarat Suparit , Lertmemongkolchai Ganjana
Published: April 2014

Background. Based on a pilot study with 34 patients, applying the modified sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score intraoperatively could predict a prolonged ICU stay, albeit with only 4 risk factors. Our objective was to develop a practicable intraoperative model for predicting prolonged ICU stay which included more relevant risk factors.Methods. An extensive literature review identified 6 other intraoperative risk factors affecting prolonged ICU stay. Another 168 patients were then recruited for whom all 10 risk factors were extracted and analyzed by logistic regression to form the new prognostic model.Results. The multivariate logistic regression analysis retained only 6 significant risk factors in the model: age ≥ 60 years, PaO2/FiO2ratio ≤ 200 mmHg, platelet count ≤ 120,000/mm3, requirement for inotrope/vasopressor ≥ 2 drugs, serum potassium ≤ 3.2 mEq/L, and atrial fibrillation grading ≥2. This model was then simplified into the Open-Heart Intraoperative Risk (OHIR) score, comprising the same 6 risk factors for a total score of 7—a score of ≥3 indicating a likely prolonged ICU stay (AUC for ROC of 0.746).Conclusions. We developed a new, easy to calculate OHIR scoring system for predicting prolonged ICU stay as early as 3 hours after CPB. It comprises 6 risk factors, 5 of which can be manipulated intraoperatively.
Heavy Metals Pollution and Pb Isotopic Signatures in Surface Sediments Collected from Bohai Bay, North China
Authors: Gao Bo , Lu Jin , Hao Hong , Yin Shuhua , Yu Xiao , Wang Qiwen , Sun Ke
Published: April 2014

To investigate the characteristics and potential sources of heavy metals pollution, surface sediments collected from Bohai Bay, North China, were analyzed for the selected metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn). The Geoaccumulation Index was used to assess the level of heavy metal pollution. Pb isotopic compositions in sediments were also measured to effectively identify the potential Pb sources. The results showed that the average concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn were 0.15, 79.73, 28.70, 36.56, 25.63, and 72.83 mg/kg, respectively. The mean concentrations of the studied metals were slightly higher than the background values. However, the heavy metals concentrations in surface sediments in Bohai Bay were below the other important bays or estuaries in China. The assessment by Geoaccumulation Index indicated that Cr, Zn, and Cd were classified as “the unpolluted” level, while Ni, Cu, and Pb were ranked as “unpolluted to moderately polluted” level. The order of pollution level of heavy metals was:Pb>Ni>Cu>Cr>Zn>Cd. The Pb isotopic ratios in surface sediments varied from 1.159 to 1.185 for206Pb/207Pb and from 2.456 to 2.482 for208Pb/207Pb. Compared with Pb isotopic radios in other sources, Pb contaminations in the surface sediments of Bohai Bay may be controlled by the mix process of coal combustion, aerosol particles deposition, and natural sources.
Consensus Tracking of Multiagent Systems with Time‐Varying Reference State and Exogenous Disturbances
Authors: Yang Hong-yong , Zou Hai-lin , Liu Hui-xia , Liu Fei , Zhao Mei , Han Fujun
Published: April 2014

The tracking control of multiagent dynamical systems with exogenous disturbances is studied. A path following algorithm with a time‐varying reference state is proposed, and the path tracking of multiagent systems with exogenous disturbance is analyzed. Under the influence of the disturbances, a disturbance observer is developed to estimate the exogenous disturbances. Asymptotical consensus of the multiagent systems with time‐varying reference state and exogenous disturbances under the disturbance observers‐based control (DOBC) can be achieved for fixed and switching topologies. Finally, by applying an example of multiagent systems with switching topologies and exogenous disturbances, the consensus tracking of multiagent systems with time‐varying reference state is reached under the DOBC with the designed parameters.
Research on the Structural Characteristics of Transmission Grid Based on Complex Network Theory
Authors: Zhao Jinli , Zhou Hongshan , Chen Bo , Li Peng
Published: April 2014

Reasonable and strong structure is an important foundation for the smart transmission grid. For vigorously promoting construction of the smart grid, it is of great significance to have a thorough understanding of the complex structural characteristics of the power grid. The structural characteristics of several actual large-scale power grids of China are studied in this paper based on the complex network theory. Firstly, the topology-based network model of power grid is recalled for analyzing the statistical characteristic parameters. The result demonstrated that although some statistical characteristic parameters could reflect the topological characteristics of power grid from different ways, they have certain limitation in representing the electrical characteristics of power grid. Subsequently, the network model based on the electrical distance is established considering the limitation of topology-based model, which reflects that current and voltage distribution in the power grid are subject to Ohm's Law and Kirchhoff's Law. Comparing with the topology-based model, the electrical distance-based model performs better in reflecting the natural electrical characteristic structure of power grid, especially intuitive and effective in analyzing clustering characteristics and agglomeration characteristics of power grid. These two models could complement each other.
Smooth and Accurate Trajectory Planning for Industrial Robots
Authors: Chen Youdong , Li Ling , Ji Xudong
Published: April 2014

This paper proposes a smooth and accurate trajectory planning for industrial robots using geodesics. The workspace of a robot is split into positional and orientational parts. A Riemannian metric is given on each space such that the desired motion is a geodesic for the given metric. By regarding joint variables as local coordinates of the position space and the orientation space, Cartesian trajectories are represented by joint trajectories. A smooth and accurate motion of the robot end-effector and smooth joint trajectories corresponding to the motion can be obtained by calculating geodesics on the position space and the orientation space. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, simulation experiments are conducted using the PUMA 560 robot.
Rett Syndrome: Coming to Terms with Treatment
Authors: Percy Alan
Published: April 2014

Rett syndrome (RTT) has experienced remarkable progress over the past three decades since emerging as a disorder of worldwide proportions, particularly with discovery of the linkage of RTT toMECP2mutations. The advances in clinical research and the increasing pace of basic science investigations have accelerated the pattern of discovery and understanding. Clinical trials are ongoing and others are planned. A review of these events and the prospects for continued success are highlighted below. The girls and women encountered today with RTT are, overall, in better general, neurologic, and behavioral health than those encountered earlier. This represents important progress worldwide from the concerted efforts of a broadly based and diverse clinical and basic research consortium as well as the efforts of parents, family, and friends.
A Novel Algorithm for Detecting Protein Complexes with the Breadth First Search
Authors: Tang Xiwei , Wang Jianxin , Li Min , He Yiming , Pan Yi
Published: April 2014

Most biological processes are carried out by protein complexes. A substantial number of false positives of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) data can compromise the utility of the datasets for complexes reconstruction. In order to reduce the impact of such discrepancies, a number of data integration and affinity scoring schemes have been devised. The methods encode the reliabilities (confidence) of physical interactions between pairs of proteins. The challenge now is to identify novel and meaningful protein complexes from the weighted PPI network. To address this problem, a novel protein complex mining algorithm ClusterBFS (Cluster with Breadth-First Search) is proposed. Based on the weighted density, ClusterBFS detects protein complexes of the weighted network by the breadth first search algorithm, which originates from a given seed protein used as starting-point. The experimental results show that ClusterBFS performs significantly better than the other computational approaches in terms of the identification of protein complexes.
Application of Nondimensional Dynamic Influence Function Method for Eigenmode Analysis of Two-Dimensional Acoustic Cavities
Authors: Kang S. W. , Atluri S. N.
Published: April 2014

This paper establishes an improved NDIF method for the eigenvalue extraction of two-dimensional acoustic cavities with arbitrary shapes. The NDIF method, which was introduced by the authors in 1999, gives highly accurate eigenvalues despite employing a small number of nodes. However, it needs the inefficient procedure of calculating the singularity of a system matrix in the frequency range of interest for extracting eigenvalues and mode shapes. The paper proposes a practical approach for overcoming the inefficient procedure by making the final system matrix equation of the NDIF method into a form of algebraic eigenvalue problem. The solution quality of the proposed method is investigated by obtaining the eigenvalues and mode shapes of a circular, a rectangular, and an arbitrarily shaped cavity.
Sexual Dimorphism in Blood Pressure and Hypertension among Adult Parengi Porjas of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Rao I. Arjun , Chandrasekhar Adimoolam , Pulamaghatta Venugopal N. , Das Subal , Bose Kaushik
Published: April 2014

The present study investigated blood pressure levels as well as the prevalence of hypertension among adult Parengi Porja tribals of village Munchingput Mandalam, Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh, India. A cross-sectional study was used to collect data on systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and pulse rate. A total of 137 adults (100 males and 37 females) were measured and classified into three age groups, that is, Gr-I: 23 to 32 years, Gr-II: 33 to 42 years, and Gr-III: ≥ 43 years. Negative significant sex difference in SBP among age group I (t=-2.409; P<0.05) was observed. Positive significant sex difference in DBP among age group I (t=2.545; P<0.05) was also observed. Significant age group difference was noticed for SBP (F=4.332; P<0.01) among males. Based on SBP, the prevalence of prehypertension and stage I hypertension in males was 25.0% and 5.0%, respectively. Similarly, in females the prevalence of prehypertension and stage I hypertension based on SBP was 32.4% and 5.4%, respectively. On the basis of DBP, the prevalence of stage I hypertension in males was 5.0%. Similarly, in females, the prevalence of stage I hypertension based on DBP was 5.4%. Our results suggest that females of this ethnic group were more prone to have prehypertension and stage I hypertension than males.
Concurrent Hepatic Artery and Portal Vein Thrombosis after Orthotopic Liver Transplantation with Preserved Allografts
Authors: Khan Arshad , Park P. , Oberholzer Jose , Tzvetanov Ivo , Garcia Roca Raquel , Gaba Ron C. , Benedetti Enrico , Jeon Hoonbae
Published: April 2014

In contrast to early HAT, late HAT has an insidious clinical presentation. Nevertheless, biliary and vascular reconstructions in this late setting are unlikely to improve outcome. Patent portal flow makes an important contribution to the viability of liver in case of late HAT while the allograft reconstitutes intrahepatic arterial flow through neovascularization. Concurrent HAT with PVT without immediate graft necrosis is extremely rare, and allograft and patient survival are seemingly impossible without retransplantation. In fact, hepatopetal arterial and portal venous neovascularization are known albeit obscure phenomena that can preserve posttransplant hepatic function under the extenuating circumstances of complete interruption of blood flow to the graft. We describe two such cases that developed combined HAT and PVT more than six months after OLT with perfect preservation of graft function. The survival of allografts in our cases was due to extensive hepatopetal arterial and portal venous collateralization. Simultaneous HAT and PVT after OLT are rare events and almost uniformly fatal, if they occur early. Due to paucity of such cases, however, underlying mechanisms and etiology remain elusive, and despite radiological diagnosis of these complications, there is no way to predict these events in the wake of stable graft function.
In-Band Asymmetry Compensation for Accurate Time/Phase Transport over Optical Transport Network
Authors: Siu Sammy , Tseng Wen-Hung , Hu Hsiu-fang , Lin Shinn-Yan , Liao Chia-Shu , Lai Yi-Liang
Published: April 2014

The demands of precise time/phase synchronization have been increasing recently due to the next generation of telecommunication synchronization. This paper studies the issues that are relevant to distributing accurate time/phase over optical transport network (OTN). Each node and link can introduce asymmetry, which affects the adequate time/phase accuracy over the networks. In order to achieve better accuracy, protocol level full timing support is used (e.g., Telecom-Boundary clock). Due to chromatic dispersion, the use of different wavelengths consequently causes fiber link delay asymmetry. The analytical result indicates that it introduces significant time error (i.e., phase offset) within 0.3397 ns/km inC-band or 0.3943 ns/km inL-band depending on the wavelength spacing. With the proposed scheme in this paper, the fiber link delay asymmetry can be compensated relying on the estimated mean fiber link delay by the Telecom-Boundary clock, while the OTN control plane is responsible for processing the fiber link delay asymmetry to determine the asymmetry compensation in the timing chain.
CFD Method for Predicting Annular Pressure Losses and Cuttings Concentration in Eccentric Horizontal Wells
Authors: Ofei Titus N. , Irawan Sonny , Pao William
Published: April 2014

In oil and gas drilling operations, predictions of pressure losses and cuttings concentration in the annulus are very complex due to the combination of interacting drilling parameters. Past studies have proposed many empirical correlations to estimate pressure losses and cuttings concentration. However, these developed correlations are limited to their experimental data range and setup, and hence, they cannot be applicable to all cases. CFD methods have the advantages of handling complex multiphase flow problems, as well as, an unlimited number of physical and operational conditions. The present study employs the inhomogeneous (Eulerian-Eulerian) model to simulate a two-phase solid-fluid flow and predict pressure losses and cuttings concentration in eccentric horizontal annuli as a function of varying drilling parameters: fluid velocity, diameter ratio (ratio of inner pipe diameter to outer pipe diameter), inner pipe rotation speed, and fluid type. Experimental data for pressure losses and cuttings concentration from previous literature compared very well with simulation data, confirming the validity of the current model. The study shows how reliable CFD methods can replicate the actual, yet complex oil and gas drilling operations.
A Comparison Theorem for Oscillation of the Even-Order Nonlinear Neutral Difference Equation
Authors: Zhang Quanxin
Published: April 2014

A comparison theorem on oscillation behavior is firstly established for a class of even-order nonlinear neutral delay difference equations. By using the obtained comparison theorem, two oscillation criteria are derived for the class of even-order nonlinear neutral delay difference equations. Two examples are given to show the effectiveness of the obtained results.
Geometric Range-Free Localization Algorithm Based on Optimal Anchor Node Selection in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Woo Hyunjae , Lee Chaewoo
Published: April 2014

In range-free localization scheme of wireless sensor networks, estimating the distance to the anchor nodes having the actual location is common to compute the position of unknown node. Since the range-free scheme is based on the topology information, the accuracy of distance estimation is considerably affected by node density or node deployment. In this paper, we propose a geometric range-free localization algorithm which estimates the unknown positions geometrically by topological information without considering the distance estimation. To achieve this, we propose an optimal anchor node selection algorithm which selects the anchor nodes connected topologically well for the geometrical location estimation. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm offers considerably an improved performance compared to the other existing studies.
Etiopathogenesis of Sheehan’s Syndrome: Roles of Coagulation Factors and TNF-Alpha
Authors: Diri Halit , Sener Elif Funda , Bayram Fahri , Tascioglu Nazife , Simsek Yasin , Dundar Munis
Published: April 2014

Sheehan’s Syndrome (SS) is defined as pituitary hormone deficiency due to ischemic infarction of the pituitary gland as a result of massive postpartum uterine hemorrhage. Herein, we aimed to investigate the roles ofFactor II(G20210A),Factor V(G1691A),MTHFR(C677T and A1298C),PAI-14G/5G, andTNF-α(-308  G>A) gene polymorphisms in the etiopathogenesis of SS. Venous blood samples were obtained from 53 cases with SS and 43 healthy women. Standard methods were used to extract the genomic DNAs.Factor II(G20210A),Factor V(G1691A), andMTHFR(C677T and A1298C) polymorphisms were identified by real-time PCR.PAI-14G/5G andTNF-α(-308  G>A) gene polymorphisms were detected with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) methods. According to statistical analysis, none of the polymorphisms were found to be significantly higher in the SS group compared to the control group. Hence, we suggest that genetic factors other thanFactor II, Factor V, MTHFR, PAI-1, andTNF-αgene polymorphisms should be researched in the etiopathogenesis of SS.
Peristaltic Motion of Non-Newtonian Fluid with Heat and Mass Transfer through a Porous Medium in Channel under Uniform Magnetic Field
Authors: Eldabe Nabil T. M. , Agoor Bothaina M. , Alame Heba
Published: April 2014

This paper is devoted to the study of the peristaltic motion of non-Newtonian fluid with heat and mass transfer through a porous medium in the channel under the effect of magnetic field. A modified Casson non-Newtonian constitutive model is employed for the transport fluid. A perturbation series’ method of solution of the stream function is discussed. The effects of various parameters of interest such as the magnetic parameter, Casson parameter, and permeability parameter on the velocity, pressure rise, temperature, and concentration are discussed and illustrated graphically through a set of figures.
Hepatitis C among Egyptian Patients Referred for
Bone Marrow Examination: Seroprevalence and Analysis of Hematological Findings
Authors: Mousa Somaia Mohammed
Published: April 2014

Hepatitis C is a significant public health problem in Egypt where the highest prevalence (14.7%) of hepatitis C virus (HCV) exists. HCV prevalence is even higher among clinical populations and groups at risk of exposure to infection. Chronic HCV infection is associated with several hematological complications that may necessitate bone marrow (BM) examination. The aim of this study is to estimate HCV prevalence among patients referred for BM examination and to explore hematological and BM findings among HCV positive patients. One hundred adult patients referred for BM examination were included in the study and screened for HCV antibodies. Patients’ clinical, hematological, and BM findings were recorded. The seroprevalence of HCV among patients referred for BM examination was 42%. The most common indication for BM examination among HCV positive patients was peripheral cytopenias (88.1%). The most common cytopenia detected was thrombocytopenia (85.7%). The most common diagnosis among HCV positive patients was hypersplenism (52.4%) followed by B-lymphoproliferative disorders (19%) and then immune thrombocytopenic purpura (11.9%). In conclusion, HCV prevalence among patients referred for BM examination is higher than that estimated in the general population. Patients with unexplained peripheral cytopenias should be tested for HCV.
Analysis on the Spatial‐Temporal Dynamics of Financial Agglomeration with Markov Chain Approach in China
Authors: Chen Weimin , Zeng Huifang , Liu Youjin
Published: April 2014

The standard approach to studying financial industrial agglomeration is to construct measures of the degree of agglomeration within financial industry. But such measures often fail to exploit the convergence or divergence of financial agglomeration. In this paper, we apply Markov chain approach to diagnose the convergence of financial agglomeration in China based on the location quotient coefficients across the provincial regions over 1993–2011. The estimation of Markov transition probability matrix offers more detailed insights into the mechanics of financial agglomeration evolution process in China during the research period. The results show that the spatial evolution of financial agglomeration changes faster in the period of 2003–2011 than that in the period of 1993–2002. Furthermore, there exists a very uneven financial development patterns, but there is regional convergence for financial agglomeration in China.
Knowledge of Signs and Symptoms of Heart Attack and Stroke among Singapore Residents
Authors: Quah Joy Li Juan , Yap Susan , Cheah Si Oon , Ng Yih Yng , Goh E. Shaun , Doctor Nausheen , Leong Benjamin Sieu-Hon , Tiah Ling , Chia Michael Yih Chong , Ong Marcus Eng Hock
Published: April 2014

Aim. To determine the level of knowledge of signs and symptoms of heart attack and stroke in Singapore resident population, in comparison to the global community.Methods. A population based, random sample of 7,840 household addresses was selected from a validated national sampling frame. Each participant was asked eight questions on signs and symptoms of heart attack and 10 questions on stroke.Results.The response rate was 65.2% with 4,192 respondents. The level of knowledge for preselected, common signs and symptoms of heart attack and stroke was 57.8% and 57.1%, respectively. The respondents scored a mean of 5.0 (SD 2.4) out of 8 for heart attack, while they scored a mean of 6.8 (SD 2.9) out of 10 for stroke. Respondents who were ≥50 years, with lower educational level, and unemployed/retired had the least knowledge about both conditions. The level of knowledge of signs and symptoms of heart attack and stroke in Singapore is comparable to USA and Canada.Conclusion. We found a comparable knowledge of stroke and heart attack signs and symptoms in the community to countries within the same economic, educational, and healthcare strata. However older persons, those with lower educational level and those who are unemployed/retired, require more public health education efforts.