bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduced Hardware NOrec
Authors: Matveev Alexander , Shavit Nir
Published: June 2015

Because of hardware TM limitations, software fallbacks are the only way to make TM algorithms guarantee progress. Nevertheless, all known software fallbacks to date, from simple locks to sophisticated versions of the NOrec Hybrid TM algorithm, have either limited scalability or weakened semantics. We propose a novel reduced-hardware (RH) version of the NOrec HyTM algorithm. Instead of an all-software slow path, in our RH NOrec the slow-path is a "mix" of hardware and software: one short hardware transaction executes a maximal amount of initial reads in the hardware, and the second executes all of the writes. This novel combination of the RH approach and the NOrec algorithm delivers the first Hybrid TM that scales while fully preserving the hardware's original semantics of opacity and privatization.

Our GCC implementation of RH NOrec is promising in that it shows improved performance relative to all prior methods, at the concurrency levels we could test today.
It Seems Like Only Yesterday
Authors: Richardson Charles C.
Published: June 2015

I spent my childhood and adolescence in North and South Carolina, attended Duke University, and then entered Duke Medical School. One year in the laboratory of George Schwert in the biochemistry department kindled my interest in biochemistry. After one year of residency on the medical service of Duke Hospital, chaired by Eugene Stead, I joined the group of Arthur Kornberg at Stanford Medical School as a postdoctoral fellow. Two years later I accepted a faculty position at Harvard Medical School, where I remain today. During these 50 years, together with an outstanding group of students, postdoctoral fellows, and collaborators, I have pursued studies on DNA replication. I have experienced the excitement of discovering a number of important enzymes in DNA replication that, in turn, triggered an interest in the dynamics of a replisome. My associations with industry have been stimulating and fostered new friendships. I could not have chosen a better career.
The Balbiani Ring Story: Synthesis, Assembly, Processing, and Transport of Specific Messenger RNA–Protein Complexes
Authors: Björk Petra , Wieslander Lars
Published: June 2015

Eukaryotic gene expression is the result of the integrated action of multimolecular machineries. These machineries associate with gene transcripts, often already nascent precursor messenger RNAs (pre-mRNAs). They rebuild the transcript and convey properties allowing the processed transcript, the mRNA, to be exported to the cytoplasm, quality controlled, stored, translated, and degraded. To understand these integrated processes, one must understand the temporal and spatial aspects of the fate of the gene transcripts in relation to interacting molecular machineries. Improved methodology is necessary to study gene expression in vivo for endogenous genes. A complementary approach is to study biological systems that provide exceptional experimental possibilities. We describe such a system, the Balbiani ring (BR) genes in polytene cells in the dipteran Chironomus tentans. The BR genes, along with their pre-mRNA–protein complexes (pre-mRNPs) and mRNA–protein complexes (mRNPs), allow the visualization of intact cell nuclei and enable analyses of where and when different molecular machineries associate with and act on the BR pre-mRNAs and mRNAs.
Environment and Climate of Early Human Evolution
Authors: Levin Naomi E.
Published: June 2015

Evaluating the relationships between climate, the environment, and human traits is a key part of human origins research because changes in Earth's atmosphere, oceans, landscapes, and ecosystems over the past 10 Myr shaped the selection pressures experienced by early humans. In Africa, these relationships have been influenced by a combination of high-latitude ice distributions, sea surface temperatures, and low-latitude orbital forcing that resulted in large oscillations in vegetation and moisture availability that were modulated by local basin dynamics. The importance of both climate and tectonics in shaping African landscapes means that integrated views of the ecological, environmental, and tectonic histories of a region are necessary in order to understand the relationships between climate and human evolution.
The development and implementation of a new medical biology major including physiology
Authors: Goodman Barbara E. , Koster Karen L. , Swanson David L.
Published: June 2015

In response to the Howard Hughes Medical Institute/Association of American Medical Colleges Scientific Foundations for Future Physicians (SFFP) report and a concern for better preparing undergraduates for future doctoral programs in the health professions, the deans of the College of Arts and Sciences and Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences of Sanford School of Medicine of the University of South Dakota formed an ad hoc Premedical Curriculum Review Committee with representatives from the science departments and medical school. The Committee began by reviewing the university's suggested premedical curriculum and matching it to the proposed competencies from the SFFP to document duplications and deficiencies. The proposed changes in the Medical College Admission Test for 2015 were also evaluated. The Committee proposed a stronger premedical curriculum, with the development of some new courses, including an inquiry-based physiology course with team-based learning, to more fully address SFFP competencies. These analyses convinced the university that a new major would best help students achieve the competencies and prepare them for admission exams. Thus, a new Medical Biology major was proposed to the South Dakota Board of Regents and accepted for its initial offering in 2012. The new major has been broadly advertised to future students and is successful as a recruiting tool for the university. This article details the process of evaluating the curriculum and designing the new major, describes some of the difficulties in its implementation, and reviews outcomes from the new major to date.
Explorations in statistics: the analysis of change
Authors: Curran-Everett Douglas , Williams Calvin L.
Published: June 2015

Learning about statistics is a lot like learning about science: the learning is more meaningful if you can actively explore. This tenth installment of Explorations in Statistics explores the analysis of a potential change in some physiological response. As researchers, we often express absolute change as percent change so we can account for different initial values of the response. But this creates a problem: percent change is really just a ratio, and a ratio is infamous for its ability to mislead. This means we may fail to find a group difference that does exist, or we may find a group difference that does not exist. What kind of an approach to science is that? In contrast, analysis of covariance is versatile: it can accommodate an analysis of the relationship between absolute change and initial value when percent change is useless.
Eye Motility Alterations in Retinitis Pigmentosa
Authors: Migliorini Raffaele , Comberiati Anna Maria , Galeoto Giovanni , Fratipietro Manuela , Arrico Loredana
Published: June 2015

Purpose. We evaluated a sample of individuals with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) with the aim of assessing the presence or absence of ocular motility (OM) disorders.Materials and Methods. We included 23 out of the 25 individuals from the sample (9 females and 14 males) with an average visual acuity of 6/10.Results. The cover test about the vertical deviation in near distance showed an r/l in 3.45% and an l/r in 6.9%. The assessment of OM showed that 39.1% of the sample had a severe hyperfunction of the IO of the right eye and a severe hyperfunction (34.5%) of the SO of the left eye; 21.8% had a moderate hypofunction of right SO with a moderate percentage of hypofunction of 17.5% for the SO of the left eye; 30.5%, however, showed a serious hypofunction of the SR of both eyes; 21.7% of the sample showed a hyperfunction in both eyes of the IR.Conclusion. This alteration, however, is not attributable to either a high refractive defect (medium-low myopia: −1 diopter±3 SD) or to a severely impaired binocular vision (visual acuity, motor fusion, and stereopsis are normal or within a range of values commonly accepted). Therefore, the disorders of OM lead to a genetic origin.
Position, Energy, and Transit Time Distributions in a Hemispherical Deflector Analyzer with Position Sensitive Detector
Authors: Sise Omer , Zouros Theo J. M.
Published: June 2015

Practical analytic equations, for the ideal field, and numerical results from SIMION simulations, for the fringing field, are presented for the exit radiusrπand transit timetπof electrons in a hemispherical deflector analyzer (HDA) over a wide range of analyzer parameters. Results are presented for a typically dimensioned HDA with mean radiusR-=101.6 mm and interradial separationΔR=R2-R1=58.4 mm able to accommodate a 40 mm diameter position sensitive detector (PSD). Results for three different entry positionsR0are compared:R0=R-(the conventional central entry) and two displaced (paracentric) entries:R0=82.55 mm andR0=116 mm. Exit spreadsΔrπ,Δtπand base energy resolutionΔEBare computed for HDA pass energiesE0=10, 100, 500, and 1000 eV, entry aperture sizesΔr0≤1.5 mm, entry angular spreads|αmax|≤5°, and an electron beam with relative energy spreadδE/E0≤0.4%. Overall, under realistic conditions,bothparacentric entries demonstratenear idealfield behavior and clear superiority over the conventional entry atR0=R-. TheR0=82.55 mm entry has betterabsoluteenergy and time spread resolutions, while theR0=116 mm has betterrelativeenergy resolutions, both offering attractive alternatives for time-of-flight and coincidence applications where both energy and timing resolutions are important.
Bilateral Dome-Shaped Macula with Serous Macular Detachment in a Child
Authors: Cebeci Zafer , Kir Nur
Published: June 2015

Dome-shaped macula is a structural disorder and optical coherence tomography (OCT) helps us to confirm macular convexity. We describe the first case of bilateral dome-shaped macula in an 8-year-old boy with subretinal fluid. The patient was diagnosed using spectral-domain OCT and received indocyanine green angiography-guided half-fluence photodynamic therapy as treatment.
Self-Testing of Vision in Age-Related Macula Degeneration: A Longitudinal Pilot Study Using a Smartphone-Based Rarebit Test
Authors: Winther Christina , Frisén Lars
Published: June 2015

Purpose. There is a need for efficient self-tests of vision in patients with neovascular age-related macula degeneration. A new tablet/smartphone application aiming to meet this need is described and its performance is assessed in a longitudinal pilot study.Materials and Methods. The new MultiBit Test (MBT) employs segmented digits defined by rarebits, that is, receptive field-size bright dots briefly presented against a dark background. The number of rarebits per digit segment was varied in a cyclic fashion, in preset steps. There were no fixation demands. Twenty-eight patients with neovascular AMD of varying severity were monitored for an average of 30 weeks. Test scores were evaluated on an individual basis, by contrasting observed trends with the clinical status recorded at independently scheduled clinical examinations.Results. Serial plots of MBT results revealed gradual improvement after successful antineovascular treatment. Recurrences were signalled by gradual deteriorations of results. Test results remained stable during clinically stable time intervals. MBT results agreed well with clinical assessments whereas an acuity test performed at chance level. The MBT was well accepted by all subjects.Conclusions. The MBT appears to have a good potential for effective self-testing of vision in AMD and merits large-scale studies. Exploration of MBT performance with other forms of macula conditions may be worthwhile.
Endovascular Treatment of a Dissected Celiac Trunk Aneurysm Complicated with Consequent Pseudoaneurysm: Primary Treatment and Treatment Relapse after 5 Years
Authors: Giurazza Francesco , Silvestre Mattia , Cervo Amedeo , Maglione Franco
Published: June 2015

We report on an asymptomatic 56-year-old male with incidental diagnosis of celiac trunk aneurysm, diagnosed during an ultrasound scan performed to control polycystic kidney disease. The CT scan revealed a 3.8 cm saccular aneurysm of the celiac artery dissected in the superior wall with a consequent 4.3 cm pseudoaneurysm; we adopted an endovascular approach to exclude the lesion by catheterizing the celiac trunk and positioning a vascular plug in the common hepatic artery and a covered stent in the splenic artery; finally we fulfilled the aneurysm sac with Onyx. 30-day control CT scan revealed procedural success. Five years later he came back to our department for an aneurysm relapse in the common hepatic artery. We performed a second endovascular approach with a superselective catheterization of the pancreaticoduodenal arcade in order to exclude the lesion with Onyx and microcoils. Nowadays the patient is in good clinical conditions. Endovascular approach is a valuable method to treat visceral aneurysms; however, long-term imaging follow-up is essential to monitor the risk of relapse.
Parameters Optimization and Application to Glutamate Fermentation Model Using SVM
Authors: Zhang Xiangsheng , Pan Feng
Published: June 2015

Aimed at the parameters optimization in support vector machine (SVM) for glutamate fermentation modelling, a new method is developed. It optimizes the SVM parameters via an improved particle swarm optimization (IPSO) algorithm which has better global searching ability. The algorithm includes detecting and handling the local convergence and exhibits strong ability to avoid being trapped in local minima. The material step of the method was shown. Simulation experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
A Case of Disseminated Cryptococcal Infection and Concurrent Lung Tuberculosis in a Patient under Steroid Therapy for Interstitial Pneumonia
Authors: Kuroda Aoi , Tasaka Sadatomo , Yagi Kazuma , Mochimaru Takao , Tani Tetsuo , Namkoong Ho , Tanaka Kyuto , Suzuki Yusuke , Hatano Mami , Hasegawa Naoki , Okada Yasunori , Betsuyaku Tomoko
Published: June 2015

Both disseminated cryptococcal infection and tuberculosis occur in hosts with impaired cell-mediated immunity, but there have been few reports about the concurrent infections in patients without human immunodeficiency virus infection. A 64-year-old man, who had been taking corticosteroids for interstitial pneumonia, was diagnosed with disseminated cryptococcal infection. While the patient was receiving anticryptococcal therapy, pulmonary tuberculosis also emerged. The patient developed acute exacerbation of interstitial pneumonia and passed away. Based on the patient’s clinical course, serial computed tomography images, and autopsy results, we believe that the preceding several months of corticosteroid treatment might have contributed to these coinfections in the lungs already vulnerable due to underlying fibrosis.
Integer and Fractional GeneralT-System and Its Application to Control Chaos and Synchronization
Authors: Neamţu Mihaela , Liţoiu Anamaria , Strain Petru C.
Published: June 2015

We propose a three-dimensional autonomous nonlinear system, called the generalTsystem, which has potential applications in secure communications and the electronic circuit. For the generalTsystem with delayed feedback, regarding the delay as bifurcation parameter, we investigate the effect of the time delay on its dynamics. We determine conditions for the existence of the Hopf bifurcations and analyze their direction and stability. Also, the fractional order generalT-system is proposed and analyzed. We provide some numerical simulations, where the chaos attractor and the dynamics of the Lyapunov coefficients are taken into consideration. The effectiveness of the chaotic control and synchronization on schemes for the new fractional order chaotic system are verified by numerical simulations.
Zirconia Implants in Esthetic Areas: 4-Year Follow-Up Evaluation Study
Authors: Borgonovo Andrea Enrico , Censi Rachele , Vavassori Virna , Arnaboldi Oscar , Maiorana Carlo , Re Dino
Published: June 2015

Objectives.The aim is to evaluate the survival and success rates, as well as the marginal bone loss (MBL) and periodontal indexes of zirconia implants positioned in the esthetic jaw areas.Materials and Method.13 patients were selected and 20 one-piece zirconia implants were used for the rehabilitation of single tooth or partially edentulous ridge in the esthetic jaw areas. Six months after surgery and then once a year, a clinical-radiographic evaluation was performed in order to estimate peri-implant tissue health and marginal bone loss.Results.The survival and success rates were 100%. The average marginal bone loss from baseline to 48 months after surgery was +2.1 mm. Four years after surgery, the median and the mode for visible Plaque Index and Bleeding On Probing resulted 1 whereas Probing Pocket Depth amounted to 3 mm (SD = ±0.49 mm).Conclusion.One-piece zirconia dental implants are characterized by high biocompatibility, low plaque adhesion, and absence of microgap that can be related to the clinical success of these implants even in the esthetic areas.
Epicardial Adipose Tissue Is Nonlinearly Related to Anthropometric Measures and Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue
Authors: Šram Miroslav , Vrselja Zvonimir , Lekšan Igor , Ćurić Goran , Selthofer-Relatić Kristina , Radić Radivoje
Published: June 2015

Introduction. Adipose tissue is the largest endocrine organ, composed of subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT), the latter being highly associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). Expansion of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is linked to CAD. One way of assessing the CAD risk is with low-cost anthropometric measures, although they are inaccurate and cannot discriminate between VAT and SAT. The aim of this study is to evaluate (1) the relationship between EAT thickness, SAT thickness and anthropometric measures in a cohort of patients assessed at the cardiology unit and (2) determine predictive power of anthropometric measures and EAT and SAT thickness in establishment of CAD.Methods. Anthropometric measures were obtained from 53 CAD and 42 non-CAD patients. Vascular and structural statuses were obtained with coronarography and echocardiography, as well as measurements of the EAT and SAT thickness.Results. Anthropometric measures showed moderate positive correlation with EAT and SAT thickness. Anthropometric measures and SAT follow nonlinearS curverelationship with EAT. Strong nonlinearpower curverelationship was observed between EAT and SAT thinner than 10 mm. Anthropometric measures and EAT and SAT were poor predictors of CAD.Conclusion. Anthropometric measures and SAT have nonlinear relationship with EAT. EAT thickness and anthropometric measures have similar CAD predictive value.
On the Birkhoff Quadrature Formulas Using Even and Odd Order of Derivatives
Authors: Hatami S. , Hashemiparast S. M. , Shateyi S.
Published: June 2015

We introduce some New Quadrature Formulas by using Jacoby polynomials and Laguerre polynomials. These formulas can be obtained for a finite and infinite interval and also separately for the even or odd order of derivatives. By using the properties of error functions of the above orthogonal polynomials we can obtain the error functions for these formulas. Application of the new approaches increases their precision degrees. Finally, some examples are given to illuminate the details.
Intelligent Transmission Power Allocation for Distributed Beamforming in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Chung Sungmoon , Joe Inwhee
Published: June 2015

Distributed beamforming can significantly improve the reliability of the link and the capacity and the coverage of wireless networks. Using a subset number of nodes from a network of sensors, they collectively transmit a common message to an intended destination. In distributed beamforming, the maximum channel capacity could be changed according to the number of cooperating source nodes and the distance (between the average source nodes and destination). Therefore, the scheme is necessary to guarantee the required channel capacity. However, it is difficult to adapt the practical environment due to signal fading, interference, and low quality of sensor nodes in WSNs. Therefore, we studied about the channel characteristic and required transmission power according to the number of cooperating nodes and the distance theoretically to overcome these problems. As a result, we propose an Intelligent Transmission Power Allocation (ITPA) algorithm to guarantee the required channel capacity considering dynamic channel statement, the number of cooperating source nodes, and the distance between the average source nodes and destination with simplicity computation. In addition, ITPA distinguishes noise data (using an exponential weighted received power average) from the estimated original data. From that the system can satisfy requirements of the user without wasting power by itself.
Reproducing Kernel Algorithm for the Analytical-Numerical Solutions of Nonlinear Systems of Singular Periodic Boundary Value Problems
Authors: Abu Arqub Omar
Published: June 2015

The reproducing kernel algorithm is described in order to obtain the efficient analytical-numerical solutions to nonlinear systems of two point, second-order periodic boundary value problems with finitely many singularities. The analytical-numerical solutions are obtained in the form of an infinite convergent series for appropriate periodic boundary conditions in the spaceW230,1, whilst two smooth reproducing kernel functions are used throughout the evolution of the algorithm to obtain the required nodal values. An efficient computational algorithm is provided to guarantee the procedure and to confirm the performance of the proposed approach. The main characteristic feature of the utilized algorithm is that the global approximation can be established on the whole solution domain, in contrast with other numerical methods like onestep and multistep methods, and the convergence is uniform. Two numerical experiments are carried out to verify the mathematical results, whereas the theoretical statements for the solutions are supported by the results of numerical experiments. Our results reveal that the present algorithm is a very effective and straightforward way of formulating the analytical-numerical solutions for such nonlinear periodic singular systems.
Workplace Exposure to Titanium Dioxide Nanopowder Released from a Bag Filter System
Authors: Ji Jun Ho , Kim Jong Bum , Lee Gwangjae , Noh Jung-Hun , Yook Se-Jin , Cho So-Hye , Bae Gwi-Nam
Published: June 2015

Many researchers who use laboratory-scale synthesis systems to manufacture nanomaterials could be easily exposed to airborne nanomaterials during the research and development stage. This study used various real-time aerosol detectors to investigate the presence of nanoaerosols in a laboratory used to manufacture titanium dioxide (TiO2). The TiO2nanopowders were produced via flame synthesis and collected by a bag filter system for subsequent harvesting. Highly concentrated nanopowders were released from the outlet of the bag filter system into the laboratory. The fractional particle collection efficiency of the bag filter system was only 20% at particle diameter of 100 nm, which is much lower than the performance of a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Furthermore, the laboratory hood system was inadequate to fully exhaust the air discharged from the bag filter system. Unbalanced air flow rates between bag filter and laboratory hood systems could result in high exposure to nanopowder in laboratory settings. Finally, we simulated behavior of nanopowders released in the laboratory using computational fluid dynamics (CFD).
Modulation of Dental Pulp Stem Cell Odontogenesis in a Tunable PEG-Fibrinogen Hydrogel System
Authors: Lu Qiqi , Pandya Mirali , Rufaihah Abdul Jalil , Rosa Vinicius , Tong Huei Jinn , Seliktar Dror , Toh Wei Seong
Published: June 2015

Injectable hydrogels have the great potential for clinical translation of dental pulp regeneration. A recently developed PEG-fibrinogen (PF) hydrogel, which comprises a bioactive fibrinogen backbone conjugated to polyethylene glycol (PEG) side chains, can be cross-linked after injection by photopolymerization. The objective of this study was to investigate the use of this hydrogel, which allows tuning of its mechanical properties, as a scaffold for dental pulp tissue engineering. The cross-linking degree of PF hydrogels could be controlled by varying the amounts of PEG-diacrylate (PEG-DA) cross-linker. PF hydrogels are generally cytocompatible with the encapsulated dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), yielding >85% cell viability in all hydrogels. It was found that the cell morphology of encapsulated DPSCs, odontogenic gene expression, and mineralization were strongly modulated by the hydrogel cross-linking degree and matrix stiffness. Notably, DPSCs cultured within the highest cross-linked hydrogel remained mostly rounded in aggregates and demonstrated the greatest enhancement in odontogenic gene expression. Consistently, the highest degree of mineralization was observed in the highest cross-linked hydrogel. Collectively, our results indicate that PF hydrogels can be used as a scaffold for DPSCs and offers the possibility of influencing DPSCs in ways that may be beneficial for applications in regenerative endodontics.
A Novel Study on Natural Robotic Rehabilitation Exergames Using the Unaffected Arm of Stroke Patients
Authors: Hoda Mohamad , Hoda Yehya , Alamri Atif , Hafidh Basim , Saddik Abdulmotaleb El
Published: June 2015

We design and implement a low-cost rehabilitation glove to meet the needs of those patients who have paralysis in their affected hand. The novelty of this glove is that it is to be worn on the unaffected hand which acts as a natural robotic arm during the rehabilitation session. The glove is equipped with FSR sensors that measure the forces exerted by the affected hand on the unaffected hand. A virtual reality rehabilitation game is developed using Microsoft Kinect to facilitate the exercises and motivate the patients. The system is tested on three patients for six weeks. Objective measurements showed that patients have significantly improved over the study period. Moreover, the patients themselves gave positive feedback on the whole system; wearing the glove on the unaffected hand made their life easier and let them enjoy the rehabilitation sessions.
Nanoflake Manganese Oxide and Nickel‐Manganese Oxide Synthesized by Electrodeposition for Electrochemical Capacitor
Authors: Tran Man Van , Ha An The , Le Phung My Loan
Published: June 2015

Nanoflake structures of electrochemical manganese oxide (EMD) and nickel mixed manganese oxide (NiMD) were directly deposited on a stainless steel by using Chronoamperometry and Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) techniques. The structure, morphology, and capacitive behavior of EMD or NIMD nanoflake were affected by the electrodeposition modes and deposition time. The highest specific capacitance (Csp) was obtained for only two‐minute deposition by both methods. EMD nanoflakes electrodeposited by CV technique show higher specific capacitance values than those prepared by Chronoamperometry owing to its homogenous and highly porous surface. All EMD samples exhibited excellent cycle behavior, less than 5% capacitance loss after 1000 cycles. Ni mixed MnO2 was prepared at different Mn2+/Ni2+ ratios for 2 minutes of electrodeposition. The presence of Ni2+ ion enhanced the Csp value at high charge‐discharge rate due to the decrease of the charge transfer resistance. The supercapacitor prototype of 2 cm × 2 cm was assembled using EMD and NiMD as electrode material and tested at 1 A·g−1.
Multiferroic Properties of Nanopowder‐Synthesized Ferroelectric‐Ferromagnetic 0.6BaTiO3‐0.4NiFe2O4 Ceramic
Authors: Xu Xinye , Wu Zheng , Jia Yanmin , Li Weijian , Liu Yongsheng , Zhang Yihe , Xue A’Xi
Published: June 2015

Multiferroic 0.6BaTiO3‐0.4NiFe2O4 dense nanoceramic composites were synthesized via a powder‐in‐sol precursor hybrid chemical synthesis route and a ceramic sintering process. At the measured frequency range (1 kHz~1 MHz), the relative dielectric constant is 150~1670 and the dielectric loss is 0.05~0.70. The composite ceramic showed obvious coexistence of ferroelectric and ferromagnetic phases. With the increase of temperature, the saturation ferromagnetic magnetization decreases, while the ferroelectric polarization increases.
Dropped Gallstones Causing a Perihepatic Abscess and Empyema
Authors: Robinson J. R. , Wright J. K. , Geevarghese S. K.
Published: June 2015

Iatrogenic perforation of the gallbladder during laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a well-known occurrence; however, the consequences of spillage of gallstones in the peritoneum and particularly intrathoracic complications are less defined. We describe the delayed development of a perihepatic abscess and empyema in a patient five years following laparoscopic cholecystectomy secondary to dropped gallstones. A 53-year-old man with medical history significant for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy five years prior to acute cholecystitis presented with purulent cough, hemoptysis, night sweats, and right-upper quadrant (RUQ) pain. Computed tomography (CT) scan revealed 5.4 cm right-sided subpulmonic and 5.9 cm perihepatic fluid collections with an 8 mm focal radiopaque density within the perihepatic fluid collection. Open intra-abdominal exploration resulted in retrieval of a 1 cm intraperitoneal gallstone. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a common surgical operation during which gallstone spillage can occur, causing both intra-abdominal and intrathoracic complications, presenting even years after surgery. This necessitates an attempt to retrieve all free intra-abdominal gallstones during the initial operation.
Cardiopulmonary Failure Requiring ECMO Bypass Resulting from Leukemia Cell Lysis in a Patient with Childhood Acute Myelomonocytic Leukemia
Authors: Huang Michael , Owen Erin , Myers Scott , Raj Ashok
Published: June 2015

Background. Childhood AML patients are at increased risk for early fatal pulmonary complications. Pulmonary leukostasis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) following leukemia cell lysis are the likely etiologies.Observation. Soon after initiation of AML chemotherapy, an 18-month-old female who met SIRS criteria sustained cardiopulmonary failure requiring ECMO support. Upon recovery, the patient went on to complete therapy and remains in remission without permanent neurologic or cardiac sequelae.Conclusion. Cytokine release syndrome from rapid cell lysis was the likely cause as infectious workup failed to reveal a definitive etiology and drug hypersensitivity testing to the chemotherapy agents was negative.
A Cluster-Based Fuzzy Fusion Algorithm for Event Detection in Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Hao ZiQi , Zhang ZhenJiang , Chao Han-Chieh
Published: June 2015

As limited energy is one of the tough challenges in wireless sensor networks (WSN), energy saving becomes important in increasing the lifecycle of the network. Data fusion enables combining information from several sources thus to provide a unified scenario, which can significantly save sensor energy and enhance sensing data accuracy. In this paper, we propose a cluster-based data fusion algorithm for event detection. We usek-means algorithm to form the nodes into clusters, which can significantly reduce the energy consumption of intracluster communication. Distances between cluster heads and event and energy of clusters are fuzzified, thus to use a fuzzy logic to select the clusters that will participate in data uploading and fusion. Fuzzy logic method is also used by cluster heads for local decision, and then the local decision results are sent to the base station. Decision-level fusion for final decision of event is performed by base station according to the uploaded local decisions and fusion support degree of clusters calculated by fuzzy logic method. The effectiveness of this algorithm is demonstrated by simulation results.
Characteristics of the Differential Quadrature Method and Its Improvement
Authors: Fangzong Wang , Xiaobing Liao , Xiong Xie
Published: June 2015

The differential quadrature method has been widely used in scientific and engineering computation. However, for the basic characteristics of time domain differential quadrature method, such as numerical stability and calculation accuracy or order, it is still lack of systematic analysis conclusions. In this paper, according to the principle of differential quadrature method, it has been derived and proved that the weighting coefficients matrix of differential quadrature method meets the importantV-transformation feature. Through the equivalence of the differential quadrature method and the implicit Runge-Kutta method, it has been proved that the differential quadrature method is A-stable ands-stages-order method. On this basis, in order to further improve the accuracy of the time domain differential quadrature method, a class of improved differential quadrature method ofs-stage 2s-order have been proposed by using undetermined coefficients method and Padé approximations. The numerical results show that the improved differential quadrature method is more precise than the traditional differential quadrature method.
A Novel Approach to Detect Malware Based on API Call Sequence Analysis
Authors: Ki Youngjoon , Kim Eunjin , Kim Huy Kang
Published: June 2015

In the era of ubiquitous sensors and smart devices, detecting malware is becoming an endless battle between ever-evolving malware and antivirus programs that need to process ever-increasing security related data. For malware detection, various approaches have been proposed. Among them, dynamic analysis is known to be effective in terms of providing behavioral information. As malware authors increasingly use obfuscation techniques, it becomes more important to monitor how malware behaves for its detection. In this paper, we propose a novel approach for dynamic analysis of malware. We adopt DNA sequence alignment algorithms and extract common API call sequence patterns of malicious function from malware in different categories. We find that certain malicious functions are commonly included in malware even in different categories. From checking the existence of certain functions or API call sequence patterns matched, we can even detect new unknown malware. The result of our experiment shows high enough F-measure and accuracy. API call sequence can be extracted from most of the modern devices; therefore, we believe that our method can detect the malware for all types of the ubiquitous devices.
Synthesis of Carbon Nanotube/Graphene Composites by One‐Step Chemical Vapor Deposition for Electrodes of Electrochemical Capacitors
Authors: Lin Chuen-Chang , Lin Yi-Wei
Published: June 2015

To control the packing density of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and the number of graphene layers, carbon nanotube/graphene composites are directly grown on cobalt (Co) catalysts‐coated nickel foam by one‐step ambient pressure chemical vapor deposition (CVD) at different temperatures and times. The carbon nanotube/graphene composites grown by one‐step CVD at 850°C for 10 min possess the highest specific capacitance. Furthermore, a lower growing temperature leads to a higher packing density of CNTs and
a smaller number of layers of graphene. A shorter growing time also leads to a smaller number of layers of graphene.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Device Time to Procurement in a Disadvantaged Population
Authors: DelRosso Lourdes M. , Hoque Romy , Chesson Andrew L.
Published: June 2015

Introduction.The management of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients who cannot afford a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device is challenging. In this study we compare time to CPAP procurement in three groups of patients diagnosed with OSA: uninsured subsidized by a humanitarian grant (Group 1), uninsured unsubsidized (Group 2), and those with Medicare or Medicaid (Group 3). We evaluate follow-up and adherence in Group 1. We hypothesize that additional factors, rather than just the ability to obtain CPAP, may uniquely affect follow-up and adherence in uninsured patients.Methods.30 patients were in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. 12 patients were in Group 3. Time of CPAP procurement from OSA diagnosis to CPAP initiation was assessed in all groups. CPAP adherence data was collected for Group 1 patients at 1, 3, 6, and 9 months.Results.There were no significant differences between groups in gender, age, body mass index, or apnea hypopnea index. The mean time to procurement in Group 1 was shorter compared to Group 2 but not significant. Compared to both Group 1 and Group 2, Group 3 patients had significantly shorter times to device procurement.Conclusion.Time to procurement of CPAP was significantly shorter in those with Medicaid/Medicare insurance compared to the uninsured.
Modulating Mesenchymal Stem Cell Behavior Using Human Hair Keratin-Coated Surfaces
Authors: Hartrianti Pietradewi , Ling Ling , Goh Lyn Mei Ming , Ow Kok Seng Amos , Samsonraj Rebekah Margaret , Sow Wan Ting , Wang Shuai , Nurcombe Victor , Cool Simon M. , Ng Kee Woei
Published: June 2015

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) have shown great potential for therapeutic purposes. However, the low frequencies of hMSCs in the body and difficulties in expanding their numbersin vitrohave limited their clinical use. In order to develop an alternative strategy for the expansion of hMSCsin vitro, we coated tissue culture polystyrene with keratins extracted from human hair and studied the behavior of cells from 2 donors on these surfaces. The coating resulted in a homogeneous distribution of nanosized keratin globules possessing significant hydrophilicity. Results from cell attachment assays demonstrated that keratin-coated surfaces were able to moderate donor-to-donor variability when compared with noncoated tissue culture polystyrene. STRO-1 expression was either sustained or enhanced on hMSCs cultured on keratin-coated surfaces. This translated into significant increases in the colony-forming efficiencies of both hMSC populations, when the cells were serially passaged. Human hair keratins are abundant and might constitute a feasible replacement for other biomaterials that are of animal origin. In addition, our results suggest that hair keratins may be effective in moderating the microenvironment sufficiently to enrich hMSCs with high colony-forming efficiencyex vivo, for clinical applications.
Mathematical Approach in Rheological Characterizing of Asphalt Emulsion Residues
Authors: Cho Seong Hwan , Im Jeong Hyuk
Published: June 2015

Three different emulsion residues, such as SS1HP, HFE90, and SS-1VH (trackless), and a base asphalt binder (PG 64-22) are compared to characterize rheological properties by using DSR test. In order to capture the emulsion properties, different frequencies (from 1 to 100 rad/sec at a 10% constant shear rate) and temperatures (from −45°C to 75°C with 15°C increments) were applied. Then, a master curve for shear modulus was plotted for each emulsion. The transition of the HFE90 emulsion from viscous to elastic behavior occurs at lower temperatures, compared to the other materials. This emulsion is known for performing in a wider temperature range as shown in the results. The trackless emulsion presents an elastic behavior at intermediate temperatures. This product is known as having very fast setting and high resistance to shear stresses. The trackless emulsion presents the highest viscous and elastic modulus, followed by the PG 64-22 binder, SS1HP, and HFE90 emulsion. Shear strength test results show a behavior between trackless emulsion and SS1HP similar to the frequency sweep test results performed by DSR.
Sensory Feedback Training for Improvement of Finger Perception in Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Blumenstein Tobias , Alves-Pinto Ana , Turova Varvara , Aschmann Simon , Lützow Ines , Lampe Renée
Published: June 2015

Purpose. To develop and to test a feedback training system for improvement of tactile perception and coordination of fingers in children and youth with cerebral palsy.Methods. The fingers of 7 probands with cerebral palsy of different types and severity were stimulated using small vibration motors integrated in the fingers of a hand glove. The vibration motors were connected through a microcontroller to a computer and to a response 5-button keyboard. By pressing an appropriate keyboard button, the proband must indicate in which finger the vibration was felt. The number of incorrect responses and the reaction time were measured for every finger. The perception and coordination of fingers were estimated before and after two-week training using both clinical tests and the measurements.Results. Proper functioning of the developed system in persons with cerebral palsy was confirmed. The tactile sensation of fingers was improved in five of seven subjects after two weeks of training. There was no clear tendency towards improvement of selective use of fingers.Conclusion. The designed feedback system could be used to train tactile perception of fingers in children and youth with cerebral palsy. An extensive study is required to confirm these findings.
A Proposed Neurological Interpretation of Language Evolution
Authors: Ardila Alfredo
Published: June 2015

Since the very beginning of the aphasia history it has been well established that there are two major aphasic syndromes (Wernicke’s-type and Broca’s-type aphasia); each one of them is related to the disturbance at a specific linguistic level (lexical/semantic and grammatical) and associated with a particular brain damage localization (temporal and frontal-subcortical). It is proposed that three stages in language evolution could be distinguished: (a) primitive communication systems similar to those observed in other animals, including nonhuman primates; (b) initial communication systems using sound combinations (lexicon) but without relationships among the elements (grammar); and (c) advanced communication systems including word-combinations (grammar). It is proposed that grammar probably originated from the internal representation of actions, resulting in the creation of verbs; this is an ability that depends on the so-called Broca’s area and related brain networks. It is suggested that grammar is the basic ability for the development of so-called metacognitive executive functions. It is concluded that while the lexical/semantic language system (vocabulary) probably appeared during human evolution long before the contemporary man (Homo sapiens sapiens), the grammatical language historically represents a recent acquisition and is correlated with the development of complex cognition (metacognitive executive functions).
Aquatic Toxicity Comparison of Silver Nanoparticles and Silver Nanowires
Authors: Sohn Eun Kyung , Johari Seyed Ali , Kim Tae Gyu , Kim Jin Kwon , Kim Ellen , Lee Ji Hyun , Chung Young Shin , Yu Il Je
Published: June 2015

To better understand the potential ecotoxicological impact of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and silver nanowires (AgNWs) released into freshwater environments, the toxicities of these nanomaterials were assessed and compared using Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) test guidelines, including a “Daphniasp., acute immobilization test,” “Fish, acute toxicity test,” and “freshwater alga and cyanobacteria, growth inhibition test.” Based on the estimated median lethal/effective concentrations of AgNPs and AgNWs, the susceptibility to the nanomaterials was different among test organisms (daphnia > algae > fish), suggesting that the AgNPs are classified as “category acute 1” forDaphnia magna, “category acute 2” forOryzias latipes, and “category acute 1” forRaphidocelis subcapitata, while the AgNWs are classified as “category acute 1” forDaphnia magna, “category acute 2” forOryzias latipes, and “category acute 2” forRaphidocelis subcapitata, according to the GHS (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals). In conclusion, the present results suggest that more attention should be paid to prevent the accidental or intentional release of silver nanomaterials into freshwater aquatic environments.
iTRAQ-Based Proteomic Analysis of Visual Cycle-Associated Proteins in RPE ofrd12Mice before and afterRPE65Gene Delivery
Authors: Zheng Qinxiang , Ren Yueping , Tzekov Radouil , Hua Shanshan , Li Minghan , Pang Jijing , Qu Jia , Li Wensheng
Published: June 2015

Purpose.To investigate the iTRAQ-based proteomic changes of visual cycle-associated proteins in RPE ofrd12mice before and afterRPE65gene delivery.Mehtods. The right eyes ofrd12mice underwentRPE65gene delivery by subretinal injection at P14, leaving the left eyes as control. C57BL/6J mice were served as a wide-type control group. ERGs were recorded at P42, and RPE-choroid-sclera complex was collected to evaluate the proteomic changes in visual cycle-associated proteins by iTRAQ-based analysis. Western blot was used to confirm the changes in the differentially expressed proteins of interest.Results. ERG parameters improved dramatically at P42 afterRPE65delivery. The proteomics analysis identified a total 536 proteins with a global false discovery rate of 0.21%, out of which 7 were visual cycle-associated proteins. RALBP-1, RBP-1, and IRBP were reduced in the untreatedrd12eyes and the former two were improved after gene therapy, confirmed by Western blot analysis.Conclusions.RPE65gene delivery restored retinal function at P42 and modified the expression of other functional proteins implicated in the visual cycle. The level of RALBP-1 was still below the normal level after gene therapy inrd12mice, which may explain the delayed dark adaption in LCA patients undergoing similar therapy.
Optimizing Bone Health in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Buckner Jason L. , Bowden Sasigarn A. , Mahan John D.
Published: June 2015

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness, with eventual loss of ambulation and premature death. The approved therapy with corticosteroids improves muscle strength, prolongs ambulation, and maintains pulmonary function. However, the osteoporotic impact of chronic corticosteroid use further impairs the underlying reduced bone mass seen in DMD, leading to increased fragility fractures of long bones and vertebrae. These serious sequelae adversely affect quality of life and can impact survival. The current clinical issues relating to bone health and bone health screening methods in DMD are presented in this review. Diagnostic studies, including biochemical markers of bone turnover and bone mineral density by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), as well as spinal imaging using densitometric lateral spinal imaging, and treatment to optimize bone health in patients with DMD are discussed. Treatment with bisphosphonates offers a method to increase bone mass in these children; oral and intravenous bisphosphonates have been used successfully although treatment is typically reserved for children with fractures and/or bone pain with low bone mass by DXA.