bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amodiaquine-Artesunate versus Artemether-Lumefantrine against Uncomplicated Malaria in Children Less Than 14 Years in Ngaoundere, North Cameroon: Efficacy, Safety, and Baseline Drug Resistant Mutations in pfcrt, pfmdr1, and pfdhfr Genes
Authors: Ali Innocent M. , Netongo Palmer M. , Atogho-Tiedeu Barbara , Ngongang Eric-Olivier , Ajua Anthony , Achidi Eric A. , Mbacham Wilfred F.
Published: December 2013

Background. In Cameroon, both Artesunate-amodiaquine (AS/AQ) and artemether-lumefantrine (AL) are used as first-line treatment against uncomplicated malaria in line with the WHO recommendations. We compared the efficacy and safety of both therapeutic combinations and determined the prevalence of drug resistance conferring mutations in three parasite genes. Methods. One hundred and fifty acute malaria patients between six months and 14 years of age were randomized to receive standard doses of either AS/AQ (73) or AL (77) and followedup for 28 days. Outcome of treatment was according to the standard WHO classification. DNA samples from pretreatment parasite isolates were used to determine the prevalence of resistant mutations in the pfcrt, pfmdr1, and dhfr genes. Results. Both drug combinations induced rapid clearance of parasites and malaria symptoms. PCR-corrected cure rates were 100% and 96.4% for AL. The combinations were well tolerated. Major haplotypes included CVIET (71%), CVMNT (25%) for the pfcrt; SND (100%) for the pfmdr1; IRN (79, 8%), NCS (8.8%), and mixed haplotype (11, 8%) for the dhfr. Conclusion. Both AS/AQ and AL were highly effective and well tolerated for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Ngaoundere, Cameroon. High prevalence of mutant pfcrt alleles confirms earlier observations. Long-term monitoring of safety and efficacy and molecular markers is highly solicited.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling Three-Dimensional Unsteady Turbulent Flow and Excitation Force in Partial Admission Air Turbine
Authors: Xie Yonghui , Gao Keke , Lan Jibing , Xie Gongnan
Published: December 2013

Air turbines are widely used to convert kinetic energy into power output in power engineering. The unsteady performance of air turbines with partial admission not only influences the aerodynamic performance and thermodynamic efficiency of turbine but also generates strong excitation force on blades to impair the turbine safely operating. Based on three-dimensional viscous compressible Navier-stokes equations, the present study employs RNG (Renormalization group)k-εturbulence model with finite volume discretization on air turbine with partial admission. Numerical models of four different admission rates with full annulus are built and analyzed via CFD (computational fluid dynamics) modeling unsteady flows. Results indicate that the unsteady time-averaged isentropic efficiency is lower than the steady isentropic efficiency, and this difference rises as unsteady isentropic efficiency fluctuates stronger when the admission rate is reduced. The rotor axial and tangential forces with time are provided for all four admission rates. The low frequency excitation forces generated by partial admission are extraordinarily higher than the high frequency excitation forces by stator wakes.
Electrospun Nanomaterials: Biotechnology, Food, Water, Environment, and Energy
Authors: Doyle James J. , Choudhari Santosh , Ramakrishna Seeram , Babu Ramesh P.
Published: December 2013

Over the past decade, electrospinning and electrospraying techniques have become affordable platform techniques for growing numbers of students, researchers, academics, and businesses around the world, producing organic and inorganic nanofibres and nanoparticles for a range of purposes. This review illustrates various advances in the science and engineering of electrospun nanomaterials and their applicability in meeting the growing needs within five crucial sectors: clean water, environment, energy, healthcare, and food. Although most of these sectors are principally dominated by synthetic polymer systems, the emergence of natural polymer and hybrid natural-synthetic electrospun polymer systems offers particular advantages. Current scientific and materials engineering advancements have resulted in highly competitive nanofibre, electrospun products, offering credible solutions to real-world applications.
Anatomy of the Human Subthalamic Nucleus: A Combined Morphometric Study
Authors: Mavridis Ioannis , Boviatsis Efstathios , Anagnostopoulou Sophia
Published: December 2013

Purpose. Our purpose was to provide a combined clinically oriented study focused on the detailed anatomy of the human STN, with great respect to its targeting. Methods. For our imaging study, we used cerebral magnetic resonance images (MRIs) from 26 neurosurgical patients and for our anatomic study 32 cerebral hemispheres from 18 normal brains from cadaver donors. We measured and analyzed the STN dimensions (based on its stereotactic coordinates). Results. At stereotactic level Z=-4, the STN length was 7.7 mm on MRIs and 8.1 mm in anatomic specimens. Its width was 6 mm on MRIs and 6.3 mm in anatomic specimens. The STN was averagely visible in 3.2 transverse MRI slices and its maximum dimension was 8.5 mm. The intercommissural distance was 26.3 mm on MRIs and 27.3 mm in anatomic specimens. We found statistically significant difference of the STN width and length between individuals <60 and ≥60 years old. Conclusion. The identification of the STN limits was easier in anatomic specimens than on MRIs and easier on T2 compared to T1-weighted MRIs sections. STN dimensions appear slightly smaller on MRIs. Younger people have wider and longer STN.
Potential Protection ofCoeloglossum viridevar. Bracteatum Extract against Oxidative Stress in Rat Cortical Neurons
Authors: Guo Zhe , Pan Rui-Yuan , Qin Xiao-Yan
Published: December 2013

The present study explored the neuroprotective effect ofCoeloglossum viridevar. bracteatum extract (CE) against oxidative stress in rat cortical neurons. The results demonstrated that administration of CE inhibited hydrogen peroxide-induced neurotoxicity tested by MTT, LDH release, and TUNEL assays. We further found that CE inhibited the activation of caspase-3 (Csp3) induced by hydrogen peroxide. Moreover, CE was found to reverse the hydrogen peroxide-induced downregulation of active AKT and Bcl-2. We then showed that the neuroprotective effect of CE was blocked by adding the AKT inhibitor, Ly294002. Thus, our data strongly indicated that CE played a neuroprotective role against oxidative stress-induced neurotoxicity.
On Two Projection Algorithms for the Multiple-Sets Split Feasibility Problem
Authors: Dong Qiao-Li , He Songnian
Published: December 2013

We present a projection algorithm which modifies the method proposed by Censor and Elfving (1994) and also introduce a self-adaptive algorithm for the multiple-sets split feasibility problem (MSFP). The global rates of convergence are firstly investigated and the sequences generated by two algorithms are proved to converge to a solution of the MSFP. The efficiency of the proposed algorithms is illustrated by some numerical tests.
A Multipopulation PSO Based Memetic Algorithm for Permutation Flow Shop Scheduling
Authors: Liu Ruochen , Ma Chenlin , Ma Wenping , Li Yangyang
Published: December 2013

The permutation flow shop scheduling problem (PFSSP) is part of production scheduling, which belongs to the hardest combinatorial optimization problem. In this paper, a multipopulation particle swarm optimization (PSO) based memetic algorithm (MPSOMA) is proposed in this paper. In the proposed algorithm, the whole particle swarm population is divided into three subpopulations in which each particle evolves itself by the standard PSO and then updates each subpopulation by using different local search schemes such as variable neighborhood search (VNS) and individual improvement scheme (IIS). Then, the best particle of each subpopulation is selected to construct a probabilistic model by using estimation of distribution algorithm (EDA) and three particles are sampled from the probabilistic model to update the worst individual in each subpopulation. The best particle in the entire particle swarm is used to update the global optimal solution. The proposed MPSOMA is compared with two recently proposed algorithms, namely, PSO based memetic algorithm (PSOMA) and hybrid particle swarm optimization with estimation of distribution algorithm (PSOEDA), on 29 well‐known PFFSPs taken from OR‐library, and the experimental results show that it is an effective approach for the PFFSP.
Factor Structure of Social Cognition in Schizophrenia: Is Empathy Preserved?
Authors: Corbera Silvia , Wexler Bruce E. , Ikezawa Satoru , Bell Morris D.
Published: December 2013

Social cognitive impairments are core features of schizophrenia and are closely associated with poor functional outcome. This study sought to identify specific aspects of social cognition and their relationships to measures of social function, quality of life, and neurocognition. Principal component analysis was performed using social cognitive measures in patients with schizophrenia and healthy matched controls and revealed three factors: Interpersonal Discomfort, Basic Social Cognition, and Empathy. Patients had higher scores on Interpersonal Discomfort and lower scores on Basic Social Cognition than controls, but the two groups were the same on Empathy. Lower social performance was significantly correlated with poor Basic Social Cognition in patients and with high Interpersonal Discomfort in controls. While neurocognition was significantly associated with Basic Social Cognition in both groups, it was not associated with Empathy. Social cognitive interventions should emphasize improving basic social cognitive processing deficits, managing Interpersonal Discomfort, and utilizing preserved capacity for empathy as a potential strength in social interactions.
Sufficient Condition on the Fractional Integral for the Convergence of a Function
Authors: Duarte-Mermoud Manuel A. , Aguila-Camacho Norelys , Gallegos Javier A.
Published: December 2013

A sufficient condition on the fractional integral of the absolute value of a function is given in this paper, which allows to assure the convergence of the function to zero. This result can be useful to assure the convergence of a function when it is hard to know its exact evolution, but conditions on
its fractional integral can be stated.
Assistance for the Prescription of Nutritional Support Must Be Required in Nonexperienced Nutritional Teams
Authors: Ouaïssi Mehdi , Grandval Philippe , Mege Diane , Nedelcu Anamaria , Hautefeuille Gaëlle , Vanhoeve Frédéric , Sastre Bernard , Sielezneff Igor , di Costanzo Jacques
Published: December 2013

The aim of the study was to determine the current practices of nutritional support among hospitalized patients in nonspecialized hospital departments.Materials and Methods. During an observation period of 2 months, a surgeon and a gastroenterologist designated in each of the two departments concerned, not “specialized” in nutritional assistance, have treated patients in which nutritional support seemed necessary. Assessing the degree of malnutrition of the patient, the therapeutic decision and the type of product prescribed by the doctors were secondarily compared to the proposals of a structured computer program according to the criteria and standards established by the institutions currently recognized.Results. The study included 120 patients bearing a surgical disease in 86.7% of cases and 10% of medical cases. 50% of the patients had cancer. Nutritional status was correctly evaluated in 38.3% by the initial doctors’ diagnosis—consistent with the software’s evaluation. The strategy of nutrition was concordant with the proposals of the software in 79.2% of cases.Conclusions. Despite an erroneous assessment of the nutritional status in more than two-thirds of cases the strategy of nutritional management was correct in 80% of cases. Malnutrition and its consequences can be prevented in nonexperienced nutritional teams by adequate nutritional support strategies coming from modern techniques including computerized programs.
Joint Estimation of 2D‐DOA and Frequency Based on Space‐Time Matrix and Conformal Array
Authors: Wan Liang-Tian , Liu Lu-Tao , Si Wei-Jian , Tian Zuo-Xi
Published: December 2013

Each element in the conformal array has a different pattern, which leads to the performance deterioration of the conventional high resolution direction‐of‐arrival (DOA) algorithms. In this paper, a joint frequency and two‐dimension DOA (2D‐DOA) estimation algorithm for conformal array are proposed. The delay correlation function is used to suppress noise. Both spatial and time sampling are utilized to construct the spatial‐time matrix. The frequency and 2D‐DOA estimation are accomplished based on parallel factor (PARAFAC) analysis without spectral peak searching and parameter pairing. The proposed algorithm needs only four guiding elements with precise positions to estimate frequency and 2D‐DOA. Other instrumental elements can be arranged flexibly on the surface of the carrier. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Variational Approach to Impulsive Differential Equations with Singular Nonlinearities
Authors: Daoudi-Merzagui Naima , Boucherif Abdelkader
Published: December 2013

We discuss the existence of periodic solutions for nonautonomous second order differential equations with singular nonlinearities. Simple sufficient conditions that enable us to obtain many distinct periodic solutions are provided. Our approach is based on a variational method.
In VitroGlobal Gene Expression Analyses Support the Ethnopharmacological Use ofAchyranthes aspera
Authors: Subbarayan Pochi R. , Sarkar Malancha , Nathanson Lubov , Doshi Nikesh , Lokeshwar Balakrishna L. , Ardalan Bach
Published: December 2013

Achyranthes aspera(familyAmaranthaceae) is known for its anticancer properties. We have systematically validated thein vitroandin vivoanticancer properties of this plant. However, we do not know its mode of action. Global gene expression analyses may help decipher its mode of action. In the absence of identified active molecules, we believe this is the best approach to discover the mode of action of natural products with known medicinal properties. We exposed human pancreatic cancer cell line MiaPaCa-2 (CRL-1420) to 34 μg/mL of LE for 24, 48, and 72 hours. Gene expression analyses were performed using whole human genome microarrays (Agilent Technologies, USA). In our analyses, 82 (54/28) genes passed the quality control parameter, set at FDR ≤ 0.01 and FC of ≥±2. LE predominantly affected pathways of immune response, metabolism, development, gene expression regulation, cell adhesion, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulation (CFTR), and chemotaxis (MetaCore tool (Thomson Reuters, NY)). Disease biomarker enrichment analysis identified LE regulated genes involved in Vasculitis—inflammation of blood vessels. Arthritis and pancreatitis are two of many etiologies for vasculitis. The outcome of disease network analysis supports the medicinal use ofA. aspera, viz, to stop bleeding, as a cure for pancreatic cancer, as an antiarthritic medication, and so forth.
Adaptive L1/2 Shooting Regularization Method for Survival Analysis Using Gene Expression Data
Authors: Liu Xiao-Ying , Liang Yong , Xu Zong-Ben , Zhang Hai , Leung Kwong-Sak
Published: December 2013

A new adaptive L1/2 shooting regularization method for variable selection based on the Cox’s proportional hazards mode being proposed. This adaptive L1/2 shooting algorithm can be easily obtained by the optimization of a reweighed iterative series of L1 penalties and a shooting strategy of L1/2 penalty. Simulation results based on high dimensional artificial data show that the adaptive L1/2 shooting regularization method can be more accurate for variable selection than Lasso and adaptive Lasso methods. The results from real gene expression dataset (DLBCL) also indicate that the L1/2 regularization method performs competitively.
Model Predictive Control of Linear Systems over Networks with State and Input Quantizations
Authors: Tang Xiao-Ming , Qu Hong-Chun , Xie Hao-Fei , Wang Ping
Published: December 2013

Although there have been a lot of works about the synthesis and analysis of networked control systems (NCSs) with data quantization, most of the results are developed for the case of considering the quantizer only existing in one of the transmission links (either from the sensor to the controller link or from the controller to the actuator link). This paper investigates the synthesis approaches of model predictive control (MPC) for NCS subject to data quantizations in both links. Firstly, a novel model to describe the state and input quantizations of the NCS is addressed by extending the sector bound approach. Further, from the new model, two synthesis approaches of MPC are developed: one parameterizes the infinite horizon control moves into a single state feedback law and the other into a free control move followed by the single state feedback law. Finally, the stability results that explicitly consider the satisfaction of input and state constraints are presented. A numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed MPC.
Bridge Assessment and Health Monitoring with Distributed Long-Gauge FBG Sensors
Authors: Wan Chunfeng , Hong Wan , Liu Jianxun , Wu Zhishen , Xu Zhaodong , Li Shu
Published: December 2013

Most sensors for structural testing and health monitoring are “point” sensors which strongly limit the ability to correct damage detection and structural assessment. In this paper, long-gauge FBG sensor which can sense the whole area within the gauge length is introduced. Bridge assessment and health monitoring with the microstrain distribution acquired by the distributed long-gauge FBG sensor are also studied. Experiments were conducted and application to a real prestressed box bridge was also implemented. Static and dynamic testing results show that distributed long-gage FBG sensing technique can obtain not only the global information such as bridge deflection and natural frequency, but also the local parameters such as strain and modal macrostrain to detect damage of the bridge. It shows that structural assessment and health monitoring based on the proposed technique have great potential in maintenance of civil engineering infrastructures.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Barnase: Contribution of Noncovalent Intramolecular Interaction to Thermostability
Authors: Chen Zhiguo , Fu Yi , Xu Wenbo , Li Ming
Published: December 2013

Bacillus amyloliquefaciensribonuclease Barnase (RNase Ba) is a 12 kD (kilodalton) small extracellular ribonuclease. It has broad application prospects in agriculture, clinical medicine, pharmaceutical, and so forth. In this work, the thermal stability of Barnase has been studied using molecular dynamics simulation at different temperatures. The present study focuses on the contribution of noncovalent intramolecular interaction to protein stability and how they affect the thermal stability of the enzyme. Profiles of root mean square deviation and root mean square fluctuation identify thermostable and thermosensitive regions of Barnase. Analyses of trajectories in terms of secondary structure content, intramolecular hydrogen bonds and salt bridge interactions indicate distinct differences in different temperature simulations. In the simulations, Four three-member salt bridge networks (Asp8-Arg110-Asp12, Arg83-Asp75-Arg87, Lys66-Asp93-Arg69, and Asp54-Lys27-Glu73) have been identified as critical salt bridges for thermostability which are maintained stably at higher temperature enhancing stability of three hydrophobic cores. The study may help enlighten our knowledge of protein structural properties, noncovalent interactions which can stabilize secondary peptide structures or promote folding, and also help understand their actions better. Such an understanding is required for designing efficient enzymes with characteristics for particular applications at desired working temperatures.
Two Anonymous Cooperative Cache-Based Data Access Schemes in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Wang Chang-Ji , Xu Xi-Lei , Shi Dong-Yuan
Published: December 2013

Mobile ad hoc network has been extensively studied in recent years due to its potential applications in civilian and military environments. Cooperative caching, which allows the sharing and coordination of cached data among multiple nodes, could be employed to improve data accessibility and reduce data access cost in mobile ad hoc networks. In this paper, we give anonymity requirements for cooperative cache-based data access in mobile ad hoc networks and present two efficient anonymous data access schemes based on onion message and pseudonym-based encryption, respectively. The proposed schemes can not only protect confidentiality of sensitive cache data but can also protect privacy of nodes and routes.
Triterpenoid Saponins Isolated fromPlatycodon grandiflorumInhibit Hepatitis C Virus Replication
Authors: Kim Jong-Woo , Park Sang Jin , Lim Jong Hwan , Yang Jae Won , Shin Jung Cheul , Lee Sang Wook , Suh Joo Won , Hwang Soon B.
Published: December 2013

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of liver disease, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Due to significant adverse effects and emergence of resistant strains of currently developed anti-HCV agents, plant extracts have been considered to be potential sources of new bioactive compounds against HCV. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional effects of triterpenoid saponins contained in the root extract ofPlatycodon grandiflorum(PG) on viral enzyme activities and replication in both HCV replicon cells and cell culture grown HCV- (HCVcc-) infected cells. Inhibitory activities of triterpenoid saponins from PG were verified by NS5B RNA-dependent RNA polymerase assay and were further confirmed in the context of HCV replication. Six triterpenoid saponins (platycodin D, platycodin D2, platycodin D3, deapioplatycodin D, deapioplatycodin D2, and platyconic acid A), PG saponin mixture (PGSM), were identified as active components exerting anti-HCV activity. Importantly, PGSM exerted synergistic anti-HCV activity in combination with either interferon-αor NS5A inhibitors. We demonstrated that combinatorial treatment of PGSM and IFN-αefficiently suppressed colony formation with significant reduction in drug resistant variant of HCV. These data suggest that triterpenoid saponin may represent a novel anti-HCV therapeutic agent.
The Effects of Cytokines in Adipose Stem Cell-Conditioned Medium on the Migration and Proliferation of Skin FibroblastsIn Vitro
Authors: Zhao Jiajia , Hu Li , Liu Jiarong , Gong Niya , Chen Lili
Published: December 2013

Although adipose stem cell-conditioned medium (ASC-CM) has demonstrated the effect of promoting the cutaneous wound healing, the mechanism for this response on the effector cells (e.g., dermal fibroblasts) during the process remains to be determined. In this study, we aim to investigate the types and contents of cytokines in ASC-CM and the effects of some kinds of common cytokines in ASC-CM, such as EGF, PDGF-AA, VEGF, and bFGF, on dermal fibroblasts proliferation and migration in wound healing process. Results showed that these four cytokines had high concentrations in ASC-CM. The migration of skin fibroblasts could be significantly stimulated by VEGF, bFGF, and PDGF-AA, and the proliferation could be significantly stimulated by bFGF and EGF in ASC-CM. Additionally, ASC-CM had more obvious promoting effect on fibroblasts proliferation and migration than single cytokine. These observations suggested that ASC-CM played an important role in the cutaneous injury partly by the synergistic actions of several cytokines in promoting dermal fibroblasts proliferation and migration, and ASC-CM was more adaptive than each single cytokine to be applied in promoting the wound healing.
Prediction of Missing Flow Records Using Multilayer Perceptron and Coactive Neurofuzzy Inference System
Authors: Tfwala Samkele S. , Wang Yu-Min , Lin Yu-Chieh
Published: December 2013

Hydrological data are often missing due to natural disasters, improper operation, limited equipment life, and other factors, which limit hydrological analysis. Therefore, missing data recovery is an essential process in hydrology. This paper investigates the accuracy of artificial neural networks (ANN) in estimating missing flow records. The purpose is to develop and apply neural networks models to estimate missing flow records in a station when data from adjacent stations is available. Multilayer perceptron neural networks model (MLP) and coactive neurofuzzy inference system model (CANFISM) are used to estimate daily flow records for Li‐Lin station using daily flow data for the period 1997 to 2009 from three adjacent stations (Nan‐Feng, Lao‐Nung and San‐Lin) in southern Taiwan. The performance of MLP is slightly better than CANFISM, having R2 of 0.98 and 0.97, respectively. We conclude that accurate estimations of missing flow records under the complex hydrological conditions of Taiwan could be attained by intelligent methods such as MLP and CANFISM.
Delay-Dependent Finite-Time andL2-Gain Analysis for Switched Systems with Time-Varying Delay
Authors: Yang Qiongfen
Published: December 2013

For the switched systems, switching behavior always affects the finite-time stability (FTS) property, which was neglected by most previous studies. This paper is mainly concerned with the problem of delay-dependent finite-time andL2-gain analysis for switched systems with time-varying delay. Several less conservative sufficient conditions related to finite-time stability and boundness of switched system with time-varying delays are proposed; the system trajectory stays within a special bound with the information of switching signal. At last, a numerical example is also given to illustrate the efficiency of the developed method.
Electronic Structures and Optical Properties of Phenyl C71 Butyric Acid Methyl Esters
Authors: Zhang Cai-Rong , Han Li-Heng , Zhe Jian-Wu , Jin Neng-Zhi , Shen Yu-Lin , Yuan Li-Hua , Wu You-Zhi , Liu Zi-Jiang
Published: December 2013

Phenyl C71 butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) has been adopted as electron acceptor materials in bulk heterojunction solar cells with relatively higher power conversion efficiency. The understanding of the mechanism and performance for the devices based upon PC71BM requires the information of conformations, electronic structures, optical properties, and so forth. Here, the geometries, IR and Raman, electronic structures, polarizabilities, and hyperpolarizabilities of PC71BM isomers are studied by using density functional theory (DFT); the absorption and excitation properties are investigated via time‐dependent DFT with B3LYP, PBE0, and CAM‐B3LYP functionals. The calculated results show that [6,6]PC71BM is more stable than [5,6]PC71BM due to the lower total energy. The vibrational modes of the isomers at IR and Raman peaks are quite similar. As to absorption properties, CAM‐B3LYP functional is the suitable functional for describing the excitations of PC71BM because the calculated results with CAM‐B3LYP functional agree well with that of the experiment. The analysis of transition configurations and molecular orbitals demonstrated that the transitions at the absorption maxima in UV/Vis region are localized π‐π* transitions in fullerenes cages. Furthermore, the larger isotropic polarizability of PC71BM indicates that the response of PC71BM to applied external electric field is stronger than that of PC61BM, and therefore resulting into better nonlinear optical properties.
Are the Effects of Homeopathy Attributable to a Statistical Artefact? A Reanalysis of an Observational Study
Authors: Lüdtke Rainer , Willich Stefan N. , Ostermann Thomas
Published: December 2013

Background. Cohort studies have reported that patients improve considerably after individualised homeopathic treatment. However, these results may be biased by regression to the mean (RTM).Objective. To evaluate whether the observed changes in previous cohort studies are due to RTM and to estimate RTM adjusted effects.Methods. SF-36 quality-of-life (QoL) data from a German cohort of 2827 chronically diseased adults treated by a homeopath were reanalysed by Mee and Chua’s modifiedt-test.Results. RTM adjusted effects, standardized by the respective standard deviation at baseline, were 0.12 (95% CI: 0.06–0.19,P<0.001) in the mental and 0.25 (0.22–0.28,P<0.001) in the physical summary score. Small-to-moderate effects were confirmed for the most individual diagnoses in physical, but not in mental component scores. Under the assumption that the true population mean equals the mean of all actually diseased patients, RTM adjusted effects were confirmed for both scores in most diagnoses.Conclusions. Changes in QoL after treatment by a homeopath are small but cannot be explained by RTM alone. As all analyses made conservative assumptions, true RTM adjusted effects are probably larger than presented.
Obesity, Insulin Resistance, and Metabolic Syndrome: A Study in WNIN/Ob Rats from a Pancreatic Perspective
Authors: Venkatesan Vijayalakshmi , Madhira Soundarya L. , Malakapalli Venkata M. , Chalasani Maniprabha , Shaik Sarfaraz N. , Seshadri Vasudevan , Kodavalla Venkaiah , Bhonde Ramesh R. , Nappanveettil Giridharan
Published: December 2013

Alterations in pancreatic milieu to adapt to physiological shifts occurring in conditions of obesity and metabolic syndrome (MS) have been documented, though mechanisms leading to such a state have remained elusive so far. The data presented here tries to look at the gravity of metabolic insult during the early and prolonged phases of obesity/insulin resistance (IR) depicted in WNIN/Ob strain of rats—an obese euglycemic mutant rat model developed indigenously at our institute which is highly vulnerable for a variety of degenerative diseases. The present resultsin situshow the participation of several confounding factors in the pancreatic milieu that collectively coprecipitates for a state of profound inflammation in the pancreas (among Mutant compared to Lean/Control) which gets worsened with age. These include hypertrophy, macrophage infiltration (CD11b/TNFα/IL6), apoptosis,β-cell vacuolation, hyperinsulinemia (HI), and stress markers (RL-77/HSP104/TBARS) all of which correlated well with indices for obesity (2-3 fold), IR (1.5-3 fold), and HI (2-3 fold). Further, supportive data was also obtained fromin vitrostudies using islet cell cultures amongst phenotypes. Taken together, these results advocate that inflammation was the major precipitating factor to cause islet cell dysfunctions (in situandin vitro) in these Mutant rats compared to their Lean littermates and parental Control.
Simultaneous Adsorption and Degradation of Cr(VI) and Cd(II) Ions from Aqueous Solution by Silica-Coated Fe0Nanoparticles
Authors: Li Yongchao , Ma Hongpu , Ren Bozhi , Li Tielong
Published: December 2013

Core-shell silica-coated Fe0nanoparticles (Fe@SiO2) were prepared in one-step synthesis by aqueous reduction combined with modified Stöber method. The as-prepared Fe@SiO2were then used for simultaneous removal of Cr(VI) and Cd(II) from aqueous solution. Batch tests indicated that Fe@SiO2exhibited high removal capacity toward Cr(VI) and Cd(II). Cr(VI) was removed by Fe@SiO2through reduction rather than adsorption, while Cd(II) removal was mainly through adsorption. The removal rate increased with increasing initial Fe NPs dose and decreased with increasing initial Cr(VI) and Cd(II) concentrations. Cd(II) adsorption was also strengthened by Cr(VI) reduction with the release of OH−. The removals of Cr(VI) and Cd(II) were weakened in the presence of cations or humic acid, as a result of aggregation and less active site of Fe@SiO2. Overall, the simply prepared Fe@SiO2were potential material for the heavy metals removed from water.
Load Distribution of Evolutionary Algorithm for Complex-Process Optimization Based on Differential Evolutionary Strategy in Hot Rolling Process
Authors: Yang Xu , Hu Chang-bin , Peng Kai-xiang , Tong Chao-nan
Published: December 2013

Based on the hot rolling process, a load distribution optimization model is established, which includes rolling force model, thickness distribution model, and temperature model. The rolling force ratio distribution and good strip shape are integrated as two indicators of objective function in the optimization model. Then, the evolutionary algorithm for complex-process optimization (EACOP) is introduced in the following optimization algorithm. Due to its flexible framework structure on search mechanism, the EACOP is improved within differential evolutionary strategy, for better coverage speed and search efficiency. At last, the experimental and simulation result shows that evolutionary algorithm for complex-process optimization based on differential evolutionary strategy (DEACOP) is the organism including local search and global search. The comparison with experience distribution and EACOP shows that DEACOP is able to use fewer adjustable parameters and more efficient population differential strategy during solution searching; meanwhile it still can get feasible mathematical solution for actual load distribution problems in hot rolling process.
Channel Estimation for Relay-Based M2M Two-Way Communications Using Expectation-Maximization
Authors: Xu Xiaoyan , Wu Jianjun , Chen Chen , Guan Wenyang , Xiang Haige
Published: December 2013

The growing popularity of machine-to-machine (M2M) communications in wireless networks is driving the need to update the corresponding receiver technology based on the characteristics of M2M. In this paper, an expectation-maximization-based maximum likelihood cascaded channel estimation method is developed for relay-based M2M two-way communications. As the closed-form solution of maximum likelihood channel estimation does not exist, and the superimposed signal structure at the receiver is conducive to the expectation-maximization application, the expectation-maximization algorithm is utilized to provide the maximum likelihood solution in the presence of unobserved data through stable iterations. Even in the absence of the training sequence, the cascaded channel estimates are obtained through the expectation-maximization iterations. The Bayesian Cramér-Rao lower bounds are derived under random parameters for the channel estimation, and the simulation demonstrates the validity of the proposed studies.
On the Existence of Positive Solutions of Resonant and Nonresonant Multipoint Boundary Value Problems for Third-Order Nonlinear Differential Equations
Authors: Yang Liu , Shen Chunfang , Xie Dapeng , Liu Xiping
Published: December 2013

Positive solutions for a kind of third-order multipoint boundary value problem under the non-resonant conditions and the resonant conditions are considered. In the nonresonant case, by using Leggett-Williams fixed-point theorem, the existence of at least three positive solutions is obtained. In the resonant case, by using Leggett-Williams norm-type theorem due to O’Regan and Zima, existence result of at least one positive solution is established. The results obtained are valid and new for the problem discussed. Two examples are given to illustrate the main results.
Hydrogen Storage and Release Properties of a Cu‐Added Fe/YSZ Redox System
Authors: Kim Hyo-Sub , Lee Dong-Hee , Kim Hong-Soon , Park Chu-Sik , Kim Young-Ho
Published: December 2013

Hydrogen storage and release by the redox reaction of an iron oxide with yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) were investigated. YSZ was introduced to the samples to improve the thermal stability of the iron oxide. The average size of the samples synthesized using urea was 40–50 nm, whereas those synthesized using Na2CO3 as a precipitant were 150–200 nm. The sample prepared via coprecipitation using urea exhibited better stability than the other samples. We prepared the Cu‐added Fe/YSZ sample to enhance the low‐temperature reactivity. The water‐splitting reaction was initiated at approximately 200°C, and the maximum rate of hydrogen evolution was observed at approximately 350°C. In the isothermal redox test over 35 cycles, the degree of hydrogen storage and release was almost maintained over 1.8 wt% based on the total amount of the sample.
A Note on the Gaps in the Support of Discretely Infinitely Divisible Laws
Authors: Pakes Anthony G. , Satheesh S.
Published: December 2013

We discuss the nature of gaps in the support of a discretely infinitely divisible distribution from the angle of compound Poisson laws/processes. The discussion is extended to infinitely divisible distributions on the nonnegative real line.
Multiple‐Feature Extracting Modules Based Leak Mining System Design
Authors: Cho Ying-Chiang , Pan Jen-Yi
Published: December 2013

Over the years, human dependence on the Internet has increased dramatically. A large amount of information is placed on the Internet and retrieved from it daily, which makes web security in terms of online information a major concern. In recent years, the most problematic issues in web security have been e‐mail address leakage and SQL injection attacks. There are many possible causes of information leakage, such as inadequate precautions during the programming process, which lead to the leakage of e‐mail addresses entered online or insufficient protection of database information, a loophole that enables malicious users to steal online content. In this paper, we implement a crawler
mining system that is equipped with SQL injection vulnerability detection, by means of an algorithm developed for the web crawler. In addition, we analyze portal sites of the governments of various countries or regions in order to investigate the information leaking status of each site. Subsequently, we analyze the database structure and content of each site, using the data collected. Thus, we make use of practical verification in order to focus on information security and privacy through black‐box testing.
Structure and Thermal Stability of Copper Nitride Thin Films
Authors: Zhang Guangan , Lu Zhibin , Pu Jibin , Wu Guizhi , Wang Kaiyuan
Published: December 2013

Copper nitride (Cu3N) thin films were deposited on glass via DC reactive magnetron sputtering at various N2 flow rates and partial pressures with 150°C substrate temperature. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the microstructure and morphology. The results show that the films are composed of Cu3N crystallites with anti-ReO3 structure. The microstructure and morphology of the Cu3N film strongly depend on the N2 flow rate and partial pressure. The cross-sectional micrograph of the film shows typical columnar, compact structure. The thermal stabilities of the films were investigated using vacuum annealing under different temperature. The results show that the introducing of argon in the sputtering process decreases the thermal stability of the films.
A Physically Based Spatial Expansion Algorithm for Surface Air Temperature and Humidity
Authors: Su Hongbo , Tian Jing , Zhang Renhua , Chen Shaohui , Yang Yongmin , Rong Yuan , Mi Sujuan , Qi Jianwei
Published: December 2013

An algorithm was developed to expand the surface air temperature and air humidity to a larger spatial domain, based on the fact that the variation of surface air temperature and air humidity is controlled jointly by the local turbulence and the horizontal advection. This study proposed an algorithm which considers the advective driving force outside the thermal balance system and the turbulent driving force and radiant driving force inside the thermal balance system. The surface air temperature is determined by a combination of the surface observations and the regional land surface temperature observed from a satellite. The average absolute difference of the algorithm is 0.65 degree and 0.31 mb, respectively, for surface air temperature and humidity expansion, which provides a promising approach to downscale the two surface meteorological variables.
Cyclin B1 Destruction Box-Mediated Protein Instability: The Enhanced Sensitivity of Fluorescent-Protein-Based Reporter Gene System
Authors: Yang Chao-Hsun , Kuo Wan-Ting , Chuang Yun-Ting , Chen Cheng-Yu , Lin Chih-Chien
Published: December 2013

The periodic expression and destruction of several cyclins are the most important steps for the exact regulation of cell cycle. Cyclins are degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasome system during cell cycle. Besides, a short sequence near the N-terminal of cyclin B called the destruction box (D-box; CDB) is also required. Fluorescent-protein-based reporter gene system is insensitive to analysis because of the overly stable fluorescent proteins. Therefore, in this study, we use human CDB fused with both enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) at C-terminus and red fluorescent protein (RFP, DsRed) at N-terminus in the transfected human melanoma cells to examine the effects of CDB on different fluorescent proteins. Our results indicated that CDB-fused fluorescent protein can be used to examine the slight gene regulations in the reporter gene system and have the potential to be the system for screening of functional compounds in the future.
Design and Implementation of a Fault-Tolerant Magnetic Bearing System for MSCMG
Authors: Tang Enqiong , Han Bangcheng
Published: December 2013

The magnetically suspended control moment gyros (MSCMGs) are complex system with multivariable, nonlinear, and strongly gyroscopic coupling. Therefore, its reliability is a key factor to determine whether it can be widely used in spacecraft. Fault-tolerant magnetic bearing systems have been proposed so that the system can operate normally in spite of some faults in the system. However, the conventional magnetic bearing and fault-tolerant control strategies are not suitable for the MSCMGs because of the moving-gimbal effects and requirement of the maximum load capacity after failure. A novel fault-tolerant magnetic bearing system which has low power loss and good robust performances to reject the moving-gimbal effects is presented in this paper. Moreover, its maximum load capacity is unchanged before and after failure. In addition, the compensation filters are designed to improve the bandwidth of the amplifiers so that the nutation stability of the high-speed rotor cannot be affected by the increasing of the coil currents. The experimental results show the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed fault-tolerant system.
Squamous Upper Tract Carcinoma Presenting as a Perinephric Abscess
Authors: Lopes M. , Rauber D. , Carvalho F. , Nicodem M. , Noronha J. A. , Carvalhal G. F.
Published: December 2013

Perinephric abscesses are life-threatening conditions, which are rarely associated with neoplasms of the kidney or upper tract collecting system. We report, to our knowledge, the first case of squamous carcinoma of the upper tract presenting as a perinephric abscess, diagnosed after radical nephrectomy.
Solving the Balanced Academic Curriculum Problem Using the ACO Metaheuristic
Authors: Rubio José-Miguel , Palma Wenceslao , Rodriguez Nibaldo , Soto Ricardo , Crawford Broderick , Paredes Fernando , Cabrera Guillermo
Published: December 2013

The balanced academic curriculum problem consists in the assignation of courses to academic periods satisfying all the load limits and prerequisite constraints. In this paper, we present the design of a solution to the balanced academic curriculum problem based on the ACO metaheuristic, in particular via the Best-Worst Ant System. We provide an experimental evaluation which illustrates the effectiveness of the proposed approach on a set of classic benchmarks as well as on real instances.
A Novel Method for Preparation of Zn‐Doped CuInS2 Solar Cells and Their Photovoltaic Performance
Authors: Peng Cheng-Hsiung , Hwang Chyi-Ching
Published: December 2013

In this study, a novel method was proposed to synthesize high quality Zn‐doped CuInS2 nanocrystals under high frequency magnetic field at ambient conditions. The magnetic Zn‐doping gave superparamagnetic heating of the resulting nanocrystals via magnetic induction, causing an accelerating growth rate of the doped CuInS2 under ambient conditions faster than conventional autoclave synthesis. Shape evolution of the Zn‐doped CuInS2 nanocrystals from initially spherical to pyramidal, to cubic, and finally to a bar geometry was detected as a function of time of exposure to magnetic induction. These colloidal solvents with different shaped nanocrystals were further used as “nanoink” to fabricate a simple thin film solar device; the best efficiency we obtained of these crystals was 1.01% with a 1.012 μm thickness absorber layer (bar geometry). The efficiency could be promoted to 1.44% after the absorber was thickened to 2.132 μm.
Cysticercosis Involving Muscle of Mastication: A Review and Report of Two Cases
Authors: Singh Sarbjeet , Sreenivasan V. , Garg Kanika , Wazir Nikhel Dev , Rajput Jaspal Singh , Sandhu Virk Pawandeep
Published: December 2013

Cysticercosis is a parasitic infection caused by the larval stages of the parasitic cestode,Taenia solium. It is a common disease in developing countries where it is also endemic. The central nervous system (CNS) is the most important primary site of infection and the disease can present with solitary or multiple space occupying lesions. Cases of cysticercosis presenting as isolated muscle mass (pseudotumours) without involvement of the CNS have also been recently described in the literature. We present two cases who presented to us with pain, swelling, and tenderness involving the temporalis muscle along with trismus. Ultrasonography and MRI findings were suggestive of cysticercosis involving the temporalis muscle which resolved after the albendazole therapy.
A Hopf Bifurcation in a Three-Component Reaction-Diffusion System with a Chemoattraction
Authors: Ham YoonMee , Lee Sang-Gu , Vu Quoc Phong
Published: December 2013

We consider a three-component reaction-diffusion system with a chemoattraction. The purpose of this work is to analyze the chemotactic effects due to the gradient of the chemotactic sensitivity and the shape of the interface. Conditions for existence of stationary solutions and the Hopf bifurcation in the interfacial problem as the bifurcation parameters vary are obtained analytically.
Ulcerative Lichen Planus in Childhood
Authors: Padmini Chiyadu , Bai K. Yellamma , Chaitanya Vinil , Reddy M. Shilpa
Published: December 2013

Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous condition which is relatively common in adults but rarely affects children. The present study is a report on an unusual case of ulcerative oral LP involving the dorsum of tongue in a 12-year-old boy. Patient complained of painful oral lesion on the tongue which was burning in nature and obstructing talking and eating spicy foods. On intraoral examination, a white ulcerative lesion on the dorsum of tongue was observed. Diagnosis was made based on clinical examination and histopathological features. We instituted local treatment and patient responded well to the treatment. Although rarely reported in childhood, lichen planus should be considered in a differential diagnosis of hyperkeratotic, reticular, and ulcerative lesions of the oral mucosa in children.
Effective and Robust Generalized Predictive Speed Control of Induction Motor
Authors: Alkorta Patxi , Barambones Oscar , Zubizarreta Asier , Cortajarena José Antonio
Published: December 2013

This paper presents and validates a new proposal for effective speed vector control of induction motors based on linear Generalized Predictive Control (GPC) law. The presented GPC-PI cascade configuration simplifies the design with regard to GPC-GPC cascade configuration, maintaining the advantages of the predictive control algorithm. The robust stability of the closed loop system is demonstrated by the poles placement method for several typical cases of uncertainties in induction motors. The controller has been tested using several simulations and experiments and has been compared with Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) and Sliding Mode (SM) control schemes, obtaining outstanding results in speed tracking even in the presence of parameter uncertainties, unknown load disturbance, and measurement noise in the loop signals, suggesting its use in industrial applications.