bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managing patterns and proportions over time
Authors: Pourquie Olivier
Published: September 2014

Tissue patterning is specified relative to growth through differences between cell proliferation and the differentiation rates

[Also see Research Article by

Kicheva
et al.

]
Immune Responses to Pertussis Antigens in Infants and Toddlers after Immunization with Multicomponent Acellular Pertussis Vaccine
Authors: Fadugba Olajumoke O. , Wang Li , Chen Qingxia , Halasa Natasha B.
Published: September 2014

Given the resurgence of pertussis despite high rates of vaccination with the diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine, a better understanding of vaccine-induced immune responses toBordetella pertussisis needed. We investigated the antibody, cell-mediated, and cytokine responses toB. pertussisantigens in children who received the primary vaccination series (at 2, 4, and 6 months) and first booster vaccination (at 15 to 18 months) with 5-component acellular pertussis (aP) vaccine. The majority of subjects demonstrated a 4-fold increase in antibody titer to all four pertussis antigens (pertussis toxin [PT], pertactin [PRN], filamentous hemagglutinin [FHA], and fimbriae [FIM]) following the primary series and booster vaccination. Following the primary vaccine series, the majority of subjects (52 to 67%) mounted a positive T cell proliferative response (stimulation index of ≥3) to the PT and PRN antigens, while few subjects (7 to 12%) mounted positive proliferative responses to FHA and FIM. One month after booster vaccination (age 16 to 19 months), our study revealed significant increase in gamma interferon (IFN-γ) production in response to the PT and FIM antigens, a significant increase in IL-2 production with the PT, FHA, and PRN antigens, and a lack of significant interleukin-4 (IL-4) secretion with any of the antigens. While previous reports documented a mixed Th1/Th2 or Th2-skewed response to DTaP vaccine in children, our data suggest that following the first DTaP booster, children aged 16 to 19 months have a cytokine profile consistent with a Th1 response, which is known to be essential for clearance of pertussis infection. To better define aP-induced immune responses following the booster vaccine, further studies are needed to assess cytokine responses pre- and postbooster in DTaP recipients.
Clinical Laboratory Response to a Mock Outbreak of Invasive Bacterial Infections: a Preparedness Study
Authors: Olsen Randall J. , Fittipaldi Nahuel , Kachroo Priyanka , Sanson Misu A. , Long S. Wesley , Como-Sabetti Kathryn J. , Valson Chandni , Cantu Concepcion , Lynfield Ruth , Van Beneden Chris , Beres Stephen B. , Musser James M.
Published: September 2014

Large hospital-based clinical laboratories must be prepared to rapidly investigate potential infectious disease outbreaks. To challenge the ability of our
molecular diagnostics laboratory to use whole-genome sequencing in a potential outbreak scenario and identify impediments to these efforts, we studied 84 invasive serotype
emm59
group A streptococcus (GAS) strains collected in the United States. We performed a rapid-response exercise to the mock outbreak scenario using whole-genome sequencing, genome-wide transcript analysis, and mouse virulence studies. The protocol changes installed in response to the lessons learned were tested in a second iteration. The initial investigation was completed in 9 days. Whole-genome sequencing showed that the invasive infections were caused by multiple subclones of epidemic
emm59
GAS strains likely spread to the United States from Canada. The phylogenetic tree showed a strong temporal-spatial structure with diversity in mobile genetic element content, features that are useful for identifying closely related strains and possible transmission events. The genome data informed the epidemiology, identifying multiple patients who likely acquired the organisms through direct person-to-person transmission. Transcriptome analysis unexpectedly revealed significantly altered expression of genes encoding a two-component regulator and the hyaluronic acid capsule virulence factor. Mouse infection studies confirmed a high-virulence capacity of these
emm59
organisms. Whole-genome sequencing, coupled with transcriptome analysis and animal virulence studies, can be rapidly performed in a clinical environment to effectively contribute to patient care decisions and public health maneuvers.
The CD8
+
Memory Stem T Cell (T
SCM
) Subset Is Associated with Improved Prognosis in Chronic HIV-1 Infection
Authors: Ribeiro Susan P. , Milush Jeffrey M. , Cunha-Neto Edecio , Kallas Esper G. , Kalil Jorge , Somsouk Ma , Hunt Peter W. , Deeks Steven G. , Nixon Douglas F. , SenGupta Devi
Published: September 2014

Memory stem T cells (T
SCM
) constitute a long-lived, self-renewing lymphocyte population essential for the maintenance of functional immunity. The hallmarks of HIV-1 pathogenesis are CD4
+
T cell depletion and abnormal cellular activation. We investigated the impact of HIV-1 infection on the T
SCM
compartment, as well as any protective role these cells may have in disease progression, by characterizing this subset in a cohort of 113 subjects with various degrees of viral control on and off highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). We observed that the frequency of CD8
+
T
SCM
was decreased in all individuals with chronic, untreated HIV-1 infection and that HAART had a restorative effect on this subset. In contrast, natural controllers of HIV-1 had the highest absolute number of CD4
+
T
SCM
cells among all of the infected groups. The frequency of CD4
+
T
SCM
predicted higher CD8
+
T
SCM
frequencies, consistent with a role for the CD4
+
subset in helping to maintain CD8
+
memory T cells. In addition, T
SCM
appeared to be progenitors for effector T cells (T
EM
), as these two compartments were inversely correlated. Increased frequencies of CD8
+
T
SCM
predicted lower viral loads, higher CD4
+
counts, and less CD8
+
T cell activation. Finally, we found that T
SCM
express the mucosal homing integrin α4β7 and can be identified in gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). The frequency of mucosal CD4
+
T
SCM
was inversely correlated with that in the blood, potentially reflecting the ability of these self-renewing cells to migrate to a crucial site of ongoing viral replication and CD4
+
T cell depletion.

IMPORTANCE
HIV-1 infection leads to profound impairment of the immune system. T
SCM
constitute a recently identified lymphocyte subset with stem cell-like qualities, including the ability to generate other memory T cell subtypes, and are therefore likely to play an important role in controlling viral infection. We investigated the relationship between the size of the CD8
+
T
SCM
compartment and HIV-1 disease progression in a cohort of chronically infected individuals. Our results suggest that HAART restores a normal frequency of CD8
+
T
SCM
and that the natural preservation of this subset in the setting of untreated HIV-1 infection is associated with improved viral control and immunity. Therefore, the CD8
+
T
SCM
population may represent a correlate of protection in chronic HIV-1 infection that is directly relevant to the design of T cell-based vaccines, adoptive immunotherapy approaches, or the pharmacologic induction of T
SCM
.
DnaJA1/Hsp40 Is Co-Opted by Influenza A Virus To Enhance Its Viral RNA Polymerase Activity
Authors: Cao Mengmeng , Wei Candong , Zhao Lili , Wang Jingfeng , Jia Qiannan , Wang Xue , Jin Qi , Deng Tao
Published: September 2014

The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of influenza A virus is a heterotrimeric complex composed of the PB1, PB2, and PA subunits. The interplay between host factors and the three subunits of the RdRp is critical to enable viral RNA synthesis to occur in the nuclei of infected cells. In this study, we newly identified host factor DnaJA1, a member of the type I DnaJ/Hsp40 family, acting as a positive regulator for influenza virus replication. We found that DnaJA1 associates with the bPB2 and PA subunits and enhances viral RNA synthesis both
in vivo
and
in vitro
. Moreover, DnaJA1 could be translocated from cytoplasm into the nucleus upon influenza virus infection. The translocation of DnaJA1 is specifically accompanied by PB1-PA nuclear import. Interestingly, we observed that the effect of DnaJA1 on viral RNA synthesis is mainly dependent on its C-terminal substrate-binding domain and not on its typical J domain, while the J domain normally mediates the Hsp70-DnaJ interaction required for regulating Hsp70 ATPase activity. Therefore, we propose that DnaJA1 is co-opted by the influenza A virus to enter the nucleus and to enhance its RNA polymerase activity in an Hsp70 cochaperone-independent manner.

IMPORTANCE
The interplay between host factors and influenza virus RNA polymerase plays a critical role in determining virus pathogenicity and host adaptation. In this study, we newly identified a host protein, DnaJA1/Hsp40, that is co-opted by influenza A virus RNA polymerase to enhance its viral RNA synthesis in the nuclei of infected cells. We found that DnaJA1 associates with both PB2 and PA subunits and translocates into the nucleus along with the nuclear import of the PB1-PA dimer during influenza virus replication. Interestingly, the effect of DnaJA1 is mainly dependent on its C-terminal substrate-binding domain and not on its typical J domain, which is required for its Hsp70 cochaperone function. To our knowledge, this is the first report on a member of the Hsp40s that is specifically involved in regulating influenza virus RNA polymerase. Targeting the interactions between polymerase subunits and DnaJA1 may provide a novel strategy to develop antiviral drugs.
Mechanosensitive unpaired innexin channels in C. elegans touch neurons
Authors: Sangaletti Rachele , Dahl Gerhard , Bianchi Laura
Published: September 2014

Invertebrate innexin proteins share sequence homology with vertebrate pannexins and general membrane topology with both pannexins and connexins. While connexins form gap junctions that mediate intercellular communication, pannexins are thought to function exclusively as plasma membrane channels permeable to both ions and small molecules. Undoubtedly, certain innexins function as gap junction proteins. However, due to sequence similarity to pannexins, it was postulated that innexins also function as plasma membrane channels. Indeed, some of the leech innexins were found to mediate ATP release as unpaired membrane channels with shared pharmacology to pannexin channels. We show here that Caenorhabditis elegans touch-sensing neurons express a mechanically gated innexin channel with a conductance of ∼1 nS and voltage-dependent and K+-selective subconductance state. We also show that C. elegans touch neurons take up ethidium bromide through a mechanism that is activated and blocked by innexin activating stimuli and inhibitors, respectively. Finally, we present evidence that touch neurons' innexins are required for cell death induced by chemical ischemia. Our work demonstrates that innexins function as plasma membrane channels in native C. elegans neurons, where they may play a role in pathological cell death.
Akt recruits Dab2 to albumin endocytosis in the proximal tubule
Authors: Koral Kelly , Li Hui , Ganesh Nandita , Birnbaum Morris J. , Hallows Kenneth R. , Erkan Elif
Published: September 2014

Proximal tubule epithelial cells have a highly sophisticated endocytic machinery to retrieve the albumin in the glomerular filtrate. The megalin-cubilin complex and the endocytic adaptor disabled-2 (Dab2) play a pivotal role in albumin endocytosis. We previously demonstrated that protein kinase B (Akt) regulates albumin endocytosis in the proximal tubule through an interaction with Dab2. Here, we examined the nature of Akt-Dab2 interaction. The pleckstrin homology (PH) and catalytic domains (CD) of Akt interacted with the proline-rich domain (PRD) of Dab2 based on yeast-two hybrid (Y2H) experiments. Pull-down experiments utilizing the truncated constructs of Dab2 demonstrated that the initial 11 amino acids of Dab2-PRD were sufficient to mediate the interaction between Akt and Dab2. Endocytosis experiments utilizing Akt1- and Akt2-silencing RNA revealed that both Akt1 and Akt2 mediate albumin endocytosis in proximal tubule epithelial cells; therefore, Akt1 and Akt2 may play a compensatory role in albumin endocytosis. Furthermore, both Akt isoforms phosphorylated Dab2 at Ser residues 448 and 449. Ser-to-Ala mutations of these Dab2 residues inhibited albumin endocytosis and resulted in a shift in location of Dab2 from the peripheral to the perinuclear area, suggesting the physiological relevance of these phosphorylation sites in albumin endocytosis. We conclude that both Akt1 and Akt2 are involved in albumin endocytosis, and phosphorylation of Dab2 by Akt induces albumin endocytosis in proximal tubule epithelial cells. Further delineation of how Akt affects expression/phosphorylation of endocytic adaptors and receptors will enhance our understanding of the molecular network triggered by albumin overload in the proximal tubule.
The neural basis of tactile motion perception
Authors: Pei Yu-Cheng , Bensmaia Sliman J.
Published: September 2014

The manipulation of objects commonly involves motion between object and skin. In this review, we discuss the neural basis of tactile motion perception and its similarities with its visual counterpart. First, much like in vision, the perception of tactile motion relies on the processing of spatiotemporal patterns of activation across populations of sensory receptors. Second, many neurons in primary somatosensory cortex are highly sensitive to motion direction, and the response properties of these neurons draw strong analogies to those of direction-selective neurons in visual cortex. Third, tactile speed may be encoded in the strength of the response of cutaneous mechanoreceptive afferents and of a subpopulation of speed-sensitive neurons in cortex. However, both afferent and cortical responses are strongly dependent on texture as well, so it is unclear how texture and speed signals are disambiguated. Fourth, motion signals from multiple fingers must often be integrated during the exploration of objects, but the way these signals are combined is complex and remains to be elucidated. Finally, visual and tactile motion perception interact powerfully, an integration process that is likely mediated by visual association cortex.
EEG-β/γ spectral power elevation in rat: a translatable biomarker elicited by GABAAα2/3-positive allosteric modulators at nonsedating anxiolytic doses
Authors: Christian Edward P. , Snyder Dean H. , Song Wei , Gurley David A. , Smolka Joanne , Maier Donna L. , Ding Min , Gharahdaghi Farzin , Liu Xiaodong F. , Chopra Maninder , Ribadeneira Maria , Chapdelaine Marc J. , Dudley Adam , Arriza Jeffrey L. , Maciag Carla , Quirk Michael C. , Doherty James J.
Published: September 2014

Benzodiazepine drugs, through interaction with GABAAα1, GABAAα2,3, and GABAAα5 subunits, modulate cortical network oscillations, as reflected by a complex signature in the EEG power spectrum. Recent drug discovery efforts have developed GABAAα2,3-subunit-selective partial modulators in an effort to dissociate the side effect liabilities from the efficacy imparted by benzodiazepines. Here, we evaluated rat EEG and behavioral end points during dosing of nine chemically distinct compounds that we confirmed statistically to selectively to enhance GABAAα2,3-mediated vs. GABAAα1 or GABAAα5 currents in voltage clamped oocytes transfected with those GABAA subunits. These compounds were shown with in vivo receptor occupancy techniques to competitively displace [3H]flumazenil in multiple brain regions following peripheral administration at increasing doses. Over the same dose range, the compounds all produced dose-dependent EEG spectral power increases in the β- and and γ-bands. Finally, the dose range that increased γ-power coincided with that eliciting punished over unpunished responding in a behavioral conflict model of anxiety, indicative of anxiolysis without sedation. EEG γ-band power increases showed a significant positive correlation to in vitro GABAAα2,3 modulatory intrinsic activity across the compound set, further supporting a hypothesis that this EEG signature was linked specifically to pharmacological modulation of GABAAα2,3 signaling. These findings encourage further evaluation of this EEG signature as a noninvasive clinical translational biomarker that could ultimately facilitate development of GABAAα2,3-subtype-selective drugs for anxiety and potentially other indications.
Parkinson's disease patients compensate for balance control asymmetry
Authors: Boonstra T. A. , Schouten A. C. , van Vugt J. P. P. , Bloem B. R. , van der Kooij H.
Published: September 2014

In Parkinson's disease (PD) subtle balance abnormalities can already be detected in early-stage patients. One feature of impaired balance control in PD is asymmetry: one leg produces more corrective joint torque than the other. We hypothesize that in mild to moderately affected PD patients, the least impaired leg compensates for the more impaired leg. Twenty PD patients and eleven healthy matched control subjects participated. Clinical asymmetry was determined by the difference between the left and right body side scores on the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale. Balance was perturbed with two independent continuous multisine perturbations in the forward-backward direction. Subsequently, we applied closed-loop system identification, which determined the spectral estimate of the stabilizing mechanisms, for each leg. Balance control behavior was similar in PD patients and control subjects at the ankle, but at the hip stiffness was increased. Control subjects exhibited symmetric balance control, but in PD patients the balance contribution of the leg of the clinically least affected body side was higher whereas the leg of the clinically most affected body side contributed less. The ratio between the legs helped to preserve a normal motor output at the ankle. Our results suggest that PD patients compensate for balance control asymmetries by increasing the relative contribution of the leg of their least affected body side. This compensation appears to be successful at the ankle but is accompanied by an increased stiffness at the hip. We discuss the possible implications of these findings for postural stability and fall risk in PD patients.
Pemphigus Vulgaris Presented with Cheilitis
Authors: Abbas Zaheer , Safaie Naraghi Zahra , Behrangi Elham
Published: September 2014

Background. Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune blistering disease affecting the mucous membrane and skin. In 50 to 70% of cases, the initial manifestations of pemphigus vulgaris are oral lesions which may be followed by skin lesions. But it is unusual for the disease to present with initial and solitary persistent lower lip lesions without progression to any other location.Main Observations. We report a 41-year-old woman with dry crusted lesions only on the lower lip, clinically resembling actinic cheilitis and erosive lichen planus, but histopathological evaluation showed unexpected results of suprabasal acantholysis and cleft compatible with pemphigus vulgaris. We treated her with intralesional triamcinolone 10 mg/mL for 2 sessions and 2 g cellcept daily. Patient showed excellent response and lesions resolved completely within 2 months. In one-year follow-up, there was no evidence of relapse or any additional lesion on the other sites.Conclusion. Cheilitis may be the initial and sole manifestation of pemphigus vulgaris. Localized and solitary lesions of pemphigus vulgaris can be treated and controlled without systemic corticosteroids.
Current State of Off-Site Manufacturing in Australian and Chinese Residential Construction
Authors: Khalfan Malik M. A. , Maqsood Tayyab
Published: September 2014

Many techniques have been implemented to make construction industry more productive. The key focus is on reduction of total duration, reduction in construction cost, improvements in the quality, achieving more sustainable development, and safer construction sites. One of the techniques, which is emerging in the last two decades, is the use of off-site manufacturing (OSM) within the construction industry. Several research projects and industry initiatives have reported the benefits and challenges of implementation of OSM. The focus of this paper is Australian and Chinese residential construction industry and the uptake of the OSM concepts. The paper presents a brief review of the current state of OSM in the last five to seven years with the context of the above-mentioned two countries. The paper concludes that the construction industry, both in Australia and China, needs to start walking the talk with regard to OSM adoption. The paper also highlights some of the research gaps in the OSM area, especially within the housing and residential sector.
A Case Study on Air Combat Decision Using Approximated Dynamic Programming
Authors: Ma Yaofei , Ma Xiaole , Song Xiao
Published: September 2014

As a continuous state space problem, air combat is difficult to be resolved by traditional dynamic programming (DP) with discretized state space. The approximated dynamic programming (ADP) approach is studied in this paper to build a high performance decision model for air combat in 1 versus 1 scenario, in which the iterative process for policy improvement is replaced by mass sampling from history trajectories and utility function approximating, leading to high efficiency on policy improvement eventually. A continuous reward function is also constructed to better guide the plane to find its way to “winner” state from any initial situation. According to our experiments, the plane is more offensive when following policy derived from ADP approach other than the baseline Min‐Max policy, in which the “time to win” is reduced greatly but the cumulated probability of being killed by enemy is higher. The reason is analyzed in this paper.
LDCR: A Novel Cloud Routing Mechanism for Increasing Network Throughput
Authors: YanJun Li , GuoQing Zhang
Published: September 2014

Aiming at the limitations of existing solutions for network bottleneck caused by the gap between the network transmission capacity and the processing capability of the current Internet architecture, this paper presents a novel cloud routing protocol named LD‐CR based on limited deflection mechanism. A router running this protocol logically separates data forwarding and processing, which could share cloud processing resources with other nodes by using extra bandwidth. This method could effectively alleviate single‐node congestion by leverage of the capability of electronic processing and optical transmission capacity at the same node. Analysis and simulation results show the simple LD‐CR protocol could improve network performance in packet loss rate and network throughput obviously compared with OSPF protocol. Meanwhile, this method could also avoid performance rapid deterioration under the condition of heavy traffic load by using traditional deflection routing technology.
PSO‐Based Robot Path Planning for Multisurvivor Rescue in Limited Survival Time
Authors: Geng N. , Gong D. W. , Zhang Y.
Published: September 2014

Since the strength of a trapped person often declines with time in urgent and dangerous circumstances, adopting a robot to rescue as many survivors as possible in limited time is of considerable significance. However, as one key issue in robot navigation, how to plan an optimal rescue path of a robot has not yet been fully solved. This paper studies robot path planning for multisurvivor rescue in limited survival time using a representative heuristic, particle swarm optimization (PSO). First, the robot path planning problem including multiple survivors is formulated as a discrete optimization one with high constraint, where the number of rescued persons is taken as the unique objective function, and the strength of a trapped person is used to constrain the feasibility of a path. Then, a new integer PSO algorithm is presented to solve the mathematical model, and several new operations, such as the update of a particle, the insertion and inversion operators, and the rapidly local search method, are incorporated into the proposed algorithm to improve its effectiveness. Finally, the simulation results demonstrate the capacity of our method in generating optimal paths with high quality.
A Study of Ischiopubic Index Using X-Ray Films in Lagos State of Nigeria
Authors: Ekanem Theresa B. , Akpan Ekaette J. , Mesembe Otu E.
Published: September 2014

The ischiopubic index was studied in adult pelvic X-ray films of subjects aged eighteen to seventy years. A total of 120 X-ray films made of 60 males and 60 females were collected from LUTH, Lagos State. The ischiopubic index was calculated by dividing the pubic length by ischial length and by multiplying by 100. The mean ischiopubic index for males was 101.05 ± 16.65 and that of the females was 115.99 ± 18.5. Sex differences of these indices were statistically significant (P<0.001) for both sexes. The mean length of the females pubis was significantly longer than that for males (P<0.001), and similarly the mean length of ischium in males was significantly longer than that of the females (P<0.001). Using X-ray films, sex could be assigned using demarking points to 47% and 50% females in Lagos State. In conclusion, this research has provided evidence that the ischiopubic index and the demarking points are reliable in sexing the hip bones of Nigerians (using X-ray films). Thus the ischiopubic index may be of value in forensic and archaeological analyses and in solving medicolegal cases.
Using BDH for the Message Authentication in VANET
Authors: Huang Mei-Wen , Wu Hsin-Te , Horng Gwo-Jiun , Hsieh Wen-Shyong
Published: September 2014

The transport message security provided by vehicles in VANETs is quite important; vehicle message should be real‐time and it will be not complicated to validate message calculation. The method proposed in the essay is mainly to validate the identity by means of Bilinear Diffie‐Hellman method, and make vehicles validate the authenticity of RSU and TA’s identity and the effectiveness of key. RSU and TA only need to validate vehicle identity, without helping vehicles produce any key. When vehicle identity validation is completed, vehicles will produce public value and transmit it to other RSU and vehicles, while other vehicles could validate the identity through the message from the sender and public value from RSU.
The advantages of the method proposed in this essay are listed as follows. (1) Vehicles, RSU, and TA can validate mutual identities and the effectiveness of keys. (2) Vehicles can produce public value functions automatically, thus reducing key control risks. (3) Vehicles do not need to show certificates to validate their identities, preventing the certificates from attacking because of long‐term exposure. (4) Vehicles adopt a pseudonym ID challenge to validate their own identities during the process of handoff. (5) Vehicle messages can be validated using the Bilinear Diffie‐Hellman (BDH) method without waiting for the RSU to validate messages, thus improving the instantaneity of messaging. The method proposed in the essay can satisfy source authentication, message integrity, nonrepudiation, privacy, and conditional untraceability requirements.
Optimization for Cavitation Inception Performance of Pump‐Turbine in Pump Mode Based on Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Tao Ran , Xiao Ruofu , Yang Wei , Wang Fujun , Liu Weichao
Published: September 2014

Cavitation is a negative factor of hydraulic machinery because of its undesirable effects on the operation stability and safety. For reversible pump‐turbines, the improvement of cavitation inception performance in pump mode is very important due to the strict requirements. The geometry of blade leading edge is crucial for the local flow separation which affects the scale and position of pressure drop. Hence, the optimization of leading edge shape is helpful for the improvement of cavitation inception performance. Based on the genetic algorithm, optimization under multiple flow rate conditions was conducted by modifying the leading edge ellipse ratio and blade thickness on the front 20% meanline. By using CFD simulation, optimization was completed with obvious improvements on the cavitation inception performance. CFD results show that the pressure drop location had moved downstream with the increasement of the minimum pressure coefficient. Experimental verifications also got an obvious enhancement of cavitation inception performance. The stability and safety was improved by moving the cavitation inception curve out of the operating range. This optimization is proved applicable and effective for the engineering applications of reversible pump‐turbines.
Pinning‐Like Adaptive Consensus for Networked Mobile Agents with Heterogeneous Nonlinear Dynamics
Authors: Xu Chengjie , Wang Yanwei , Zhang Hong , Zhou Xiaoqi
Published: September 2014

This paper investigates the adaptive consensus for networked mobile agents with heterogeneous nonlinear dynamics. Using tools from matrix, graph, and Lyapunov stability theories, sufficient consensus conditions are obtained under adaptive control protocols for both first‐order and second‐order cases. We design an adaptive strategy on the coupling strengths, which can guarantee that the consensus conditions do not require any global information except a connection assumption. The obtained results are also extended to networked mobile agents with identical nonlinear dynamics via adaptive pinning control. Finally, numerical simulations are presented to illustrate the theoretical findings.
Evaluation of the Use of Auricular Composite Graft for Secondary Unilateral Cleft Lip Nasal Alar Deformity Repair
Authors: Rossell-Perry Percy , Romero-Narvaez Carolina
Published: September 2014

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the surgical outcome after using composite grafts for secondary cleft lip nasal deformities. A retrospective cohort study of one surgeon’s outcome of 35 consecutive performed secondary cleft lip nasal deformity repair. Thirty-five patients with secondary nose deformity related to unsatisfactory cleft lip repair were operated using the proposed surgical technique since 2008. All these patients met the study criterion of having anthropometric measurements performed at least one year postoperatively. Measurement of nostril size was performed at the right and left side of the nose, preoperatively and at least one year postoperatively. The study found statistically significant differences between the preoperatory and postoperatory nose measurements. In addition, we have not found statistically significant differences between the cleft and noncleft nostril sizes measured at least one year postoperatively. The findings suggest that the proposed technique is a good alternative to address secondary nose deformity related to cleft lip primary repair.
A Lattice‐Based Identity‐Based Proxy Blind Signature Scheme in the Standard Model
Authors: Zhang Lili , Ma Yanqin
Published: September 2014

A proxy blind signature scheme is a special form of blind signature which allowed a designated person called proxy signer to sign on behalf of original signers without knowing the content of the message. It combines the advantages of proxy signature and blind signature. Up to date, most proxy blind signature schemes rely on hard number theory problems, discrete logarithm, and bilinear pairings. Unfortunately, the above underlying number theory problems will be solvable in the postquantum era. Lattice‐based cryptography is enjoying great interest these days, due to implementation simplicity and provable security reductions. Moreover, lattice‐based cryptography is believed to be hard even for quantum computers. In this paper, we present a new identity‐based proxy blind signature scheme from lattices without random oracles. The new scheme is proven to be strongly unforgeable under the standard hardness assumption of the short integer solution problem (SIS) and the inhomogeneous small integer solution problem (ISIS). Furthermore, the secret key size and the signature length of our scheme are invariant and much shorter than those of the previous lattice‐based proxy blind signature schemes. To the best of our knowledge, our construction is the first short lattice‐based identity‐based proxy blind signature scheme in the standard model.
Sensorless Speed Control of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors by Neural Network Algorithm
Authors: Wang Ming-Shyan , Syamsiana Ika Noer , Lin Feng-Chi
Published: September 2014

The sliding mode control has the merits with respect to the variation of the disturbance and robustness. In this paper, the sensorless sliding‐mode observer with least mean squared error approach for permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) to detect the rotor position by counter electromotive force and then compute motor speed is designed and implemented. In addition, the neural network control is also used to compensate the PI gain tuning to increase the speed accuracy without regarding the errors of the current measurement and motor noise. In this paper, a digital signal processor TMS320F2812 utilizes its high‐speed ADC module to get current feedback information and thus to estimate the rotor position and takes advantage of the built‐in modules to achieve SVPWM current control so that the senseless speed control will be accomplished. The correctness and effectiveness of the proposed control system will be verified from the experimental results.
Adult Neuroblastoma Complicated by Increased Intracranial Pressure: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Stevens Patrick L. , Johnson Douglas B. , Thompson Mary Ann , Keedy Vicki L. , Frangoul Haydar A. , Snyder Kristen M.
Published: September 2014

Neuroblastoma is the third most commonly occurring malignancy of the pediatric population, although it is extremely rare in the adult population. In adults, neuroblastoma is often metastatic and portends an extremely poor overall survival. Our case report documents metastatic neuroblastoma occurring in a healthy 29-year-old woman whose course was complicated by an unusual presentation of elevated intracranial pressures. The patient was treated with systemic chemotherapy, I131metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) radiotherapy, and autologous stem cell transplant (SCT). Unfortunately the patient’s response to therapy was limited and she subsequently died. We aim to review neuroblastoma in the context of increased intracranial pressure and the limited data of neuroblastoma occurring in the adult population, along with proposed treatment options.
3D Numerical Simulation of Heat Transfer of a Heated Plate under the Electric Field Generated by a Needle Electrode
Authors: Zhang Jianfei , Zhao Chu , Li Hongyan , Tao Wenquan
Published: September 2014

A three‐dimensional numerical model that couples the electric field, velocity field, and temperature field is developed based on the commercial code COMSOL Multiphysics. The influences of several factors on convective heat transfer on a heated plate in the electric field generated by a needle electrode are observed. The factors are the applied voltage, the distance between the two electrodes, and the size of the ground plate. The results show that applied voltage is one of the most important factors for the convection heat transfer. The convection heat transfer efficiency significantly increases with the improvement of the applied voltage. From the perspective of the model size, the decrease of the distance between two electrodes and the size of the plate could improve the average convection heat transfer coefficient. Smaller ionic wind device needs lower applied voltage and less electric energy to obtain the same average convection heat transfer coefficient as the bigger one, which provides the theoretical basis for the potential of miniaturizing the ionic wind cooling device.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Preventive Practices among Prison Inmates in Ogbomoso Prison at Oyo State, South West Nigeria
Authors: Saliu Abdulsalam , Akintunde Babatunde
Published: September 2014

Prisoners are at special risk for infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) because of overcrowded prisons, unprotected sex and sexual assault, occurrence of sexual practices that are risky to health, unsafe injecting practices, and inadequate HIV prevention, care, and support services. This study aimed to describe the knowledge, attitude, and preventive practices towards HIV/AIDS by male inmates in Ogbomoso Prison at Oyo State, South West Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional study. A simple random sampling method was employed to select 167 male participants and data were collected using pretested structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. The data were collated and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 17. Fifty (29.9%) were in the age group 20–24 years with mean age of30.99±11.41. About half (50.3%) had been married before incarceration. Family and friends (30%), health care workers (25%), prison staff (20%), and mass media (25%) were the commonest sources of information on HIV/AIDS. Knowledge about HIV was found to be high (94.6%). About 68.9% believed that people with the disease should be avoided. The knowledge about HIV/AIDS among inmates was high, but misconceptions about HIV/AIDS are still rife among the prisoners and educational programs would be required to correct this.
Almost Phase Retrieval with Few Intensity Measurements
Authors: Zhong Wei
Published: September 2014

In signal processing, the phases of the measurements are often unknown. To recover a signal of length N, Balan, Casazza, and Edidin showed that it suffices to know at least 2N − 1 intensity measurements. We give another characterization of frames which give phase retrieval for almost all signals with only N + 1 intensity measurements. We provide a method to test if a frame has this property or not. With our method, we can construct tight frames or modify any frames such that they give almost phase retrieval. Numerical results show that frames with this property can recover signals with high probability.
Antigenotoxic Effect of Curcumin and Carvacrol against Parathion Induced DNA Damage in Cultured Human Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes and Its Relation to GSTM1 and GSTT1 Polymorphism
Authors: Kumar Neeraj , Yadav Anita , Gulati Sachin , Kanupriya  , Aggarwal Neeraj , Gupta Ranjan
Published: September 2014

In recent years, the use of organophosphorus pesticides has been extensively increased and these compounds signify a major class of agricultural pesticides today. We studied antigenotoxic potential of curcumin and carvacrol against the parathion induced DNA damage in cultured peripheral blood lymphocytes using sister chromatid exchanges as a biomarker of genotoxicity. Heparinised fresh blood from healthy individuals was treated with 2.5 μg/mL concentration of parathion in presence of curcumin and carvacrol in order to observe the antigenotoxic potential of both curcumin and carvacrol. Significant reduction(P<0.05)was observed in the frequencies of SCEs in presence of 10 μg/mL and 15 μg/mL concentrations of curcumin as compared to parathion exposed sample. Similarly carvacrol had significant(P<0.05)antigenotoxic effect at the concentrations of 2.5 μg/mL and 5.0 μg/mL against the parathion. We also studied the effect of GSTT1 and GSTM1 on genotoxicity of parathion and antigenotoxic potential of curcumin and carvacrol. We did not observe any significant effect(P>0.05)of GSTT1 and GSTM1 polymorphism on genotoxicity of parathion and antigenotoxic potential of curcumin and carvacrol.
Sensitivity Analysis for Iceberg Geometry Shape in Ship‐Iceberg Collision in View of Different Material Models
Authors: Gao Yan , Hu Zhiqiang , Wang Jin
Published: September 2014

The increasing marine activities in Arctic area have brought growing interest in ship‐iceberg collision study. The purpose of this paper is to study the iceberg geometry shape effect on the collision process. In order to estimate the sensitivity parameter, five different geometry iceberg models and two iceberg material models are adopted in the analysis. The FEM numerical simulation is used to predict the scenario and the related responses. The simulation results including energy dissipation and impact force are investigated and compared. It is shown that the collision process and energy dissipation are more sensitive to iceberg local shape than other factors when the elastic‐plastic iceberg material model is applied. The blunt iceberg models act rigidly while the sharp ones crush easily during the simulation process. With respect to the crushable foam iceberg material model, the iceberg geometry has relatively small influence on the collision process. The spherical iceberg model shows the most rigidity for both iceberg material models and should be paid the most attention for ice‐resist design for ships.
Short-Run Control Chart for Multiproducts with Multi-Items Based on Unequal Means and Variances
Authors: Avakh Darestani Soroush , Aminpour Neda
Published: September 2014

Statistical process control (SPC) is one of the most important statistical tools for monitoring production processes. It can be effectively designed and implemented when the process or product specifications are consecutively observed from a mass production condition. Normally, short-cycle productions do not have sufficient data to implement SPC. This research introduced how to design and implement short-run control chart for batch production conditions. Monitoring critical specifications of supplied parts to automotive industry was proposed. The results revealed that unequal variables followed normal distribution and can be fluctuated over time for the purpose of monitoring multiple products for each product including multidimensions with unequal means and variances from the central line to control the chart. Out-of-control signals and nonrandom patterns can be recognized on the developed short-run control chart accordingly.
A Case of Fetal Parvovirus B19 Myocarditis That Caused Terminal Heart Failure
Authors: Hichijo Atsuko , Morine Mikio
Published: September 2014

Parvovirus B19 is a well-established cause of fetal anemia and nonimmune fetal hydrops in pregnancy. Fetal parvovirus infection can cause severe destruction of erythroid progenitor cells, resulting in fetal anemia, hydrops, and intrauterine death. However, viral myocarditis with subsequent heart failure is another possible mechanism for hydrops formation as viral infection of fetal myocardial cells has been reported in postmortem examinations. We herein report a case of fetal cardiomegaly and massive pericardial effusion secondary to myocarditis as a result of parvovirus B19 infection. The case developed hydrops as consequence of severe anemia and experienced terminal heart failure, which led to the fetus dying an intrauterine death at 22 weeks of gestation. This case demonstrates that there may be an association between myocarditis caused by intrauterine parvovirus B19 infection and a poor outcome. The presence of viral myocarditis may be the determining prognostic factor in that situation.
Nonlinear PI Control with Adaptive Interaction Algorithm for Multivariable Wastewater Treatment Process
Authors: Samsudin S. I. , Rahmat M. F. , Abdul Wahab Norhaliza
Published: September 2014

The wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) is highly known with the nonlinearity of the control parameters, thus it is difficult to be controlled. In this paper, the enhancement of nonlinear PI controller (ENon‐PI) to compensate the nonlinearity of the activated sludge WWTP is proposed. The ENon‐PI controller is designed by cascading a sector‐bounded nonlinear gain to linear PI controller. The rate variation of the nonlinear gain kn is automatically updated based on adaptive interaction algorithm. Initiative to simplify the ENon‐PI control structure by adapting kn has been proved by significant improvement under various dynamic influents. More than 30% of integral square error and 14% of integral absolute error are reduced compared to benchmark PI for DO control and nitrate in nitrogen removal control. Better average effluent qualities, less number of effluent violations, and lower aeration energy consumption resulted.
Preinterventional Cystatin C: A Highly Prognostic Marker for All-Cause Mortality after Coronarography
Authors: Lüders Florian , Malyar Nasser , Meyborg Matthias , Reinecke Holger
Published: September 2014

Purpose. Glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 is associated with increased all-cause mortality. Multiple studies have shown that serum cystatin C is more accurate than serum creatinine for detection of mild to moderate chronic kidney dysfunction. We examined the predictive value of the preinterventional cystatin C for all-cause mortality after contrast media exposition. Methods. The prognostic value of preinterventional cystatin C for all-cause mortality was retrospectively analysed in the prospective single-centre “Dialysis-versus-Diuresis” Trial (January 2001–July 2004). Associations during up to 1316 days of followup for all-cause mortality were assessed. The study population consisted of 373 patients (aged 35–89, mean 67 years, 16.4% female). Results. During followup, 65 deaths occurred. Multivariate cox regression confirmed the preinterventional CyC level to be an independent predictor of all-cause mortality (odds ratio 2.061, 95% confidence interval 1.054–4.031, P=0.035). Hazard rate ratio for all-cause mortality was increased in the third cystatin C quartile (>1.4 mg/L) compared with the lowest quartile (<1.1 mg/L), 4.12, 95% confidence interval 1.747–9.694 (P=0.001), in the fourth cystatin C quartile (>1.6 mg/L) compared with the lowest quartile, 5.38, 95% confidence interval 2.329–12.427 (P<0.001). Conclusions. Cystatin C is significantly associated with all-cause mortality after coronarography, regardless of the age, gender, and glomerular filtration rate.
Development of a Flat Type Six‐Axis Stage Based on Piezoelectric Actuators
Authors: Lee Hau-Wei , Hsieh Tsung-Ting , Liu Chin-Chia , Liu Chien-Hung
Published: September 2014

This study presents and investigates a six‐DOF (degrees of freedom) piezoelectric based stage for positioning error compensation. The relationship between the displacement of the piezoelectric actuators and the stage can be computed according to the geometric relationships of the actuators installed. In this study, a feedforward compensator based on the hysteresis model has been designed for compensation and a PI controller was used for positioning. The combination of a feedforward compensator and PI controller gives the stage good positioning and tracking performance. Stage position information is feedback from a six‐DOF optical measurement system comprised of three modular two‐dimensional measurement devices. Each module employs a quadrant photodiode (QPD), a laser diode, and a lens. The measurement signal is acquired and processed using an FPGA based processor for real time control. The linear and angular positioning resolution is 0.02 μm and 0.1 arcsec, respectively. When the stage is controlled in a closed loop, the positioning errors are in the range of ±0.1 μm and ±0.5 arcsec. The stage is controlled to track a sinusoidal wave with an amplitude of 2.5 μm and a frequency of 5 Hz; tracking errors were within ±0.1 μm and ±0.2 arcsec.