bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real-Time Load Reduction in Multimedia Big Data for Mobile Internet
Authors: Wang Kun , Mi Jun , Xu Chenhan , Zhu Qingquan , Shu Lei , Deng Der-Jiunn
Published: October 2016

In the age of multimedia big data, the popularity of mobile devices has been in an unprecedented growth, the speed of data increasing is faster than ever before, and Internet traffic is rapidly increasing, not only in volume but also in heterogeneity. Therefore, data processing and network overload have become two urgent problems. To address these problems, extensive papers have been published on image analysis using deep learning, but only a few works have exploited this approach for video analysis. In this article, a hybrid-stream model is proposed to solve these problems for video analysis. Functionality of this model covers Data Preprocessing, Data Classification, and Data-Load-Reduction Processing. Specifically, an improved Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) classification algorithm is designed to evaluate the importance of each video frame and video clip to enhance classification precision. Then, a reliable keyframe extraction mechanism will recognize the importance of each frame or clip, and decide whether to abandon it automatically by a series of correlation operations. The model will reduce data load to a dynamic threshold changed by σ, control the input size of the video in mobile Internet, and thus reduce network overload. Through experimental simulations, we find that the size of processed video has been effectively reduced and the quality of experience (QoE) has not been lowered due to a suitably selected parameter η. The simulation also shows that the model has a steady performance and is powerful enough for continuously growing multimedia big data.
On Selecting the Right Optimizations for Virtual Machine Migration
Authors: Nathan Senthil , Bellur Umesh , Kulkarni Purushottam
Published: October 2016

To reduce the migration time of a virtual machine and network traffic generated during migration, existing works have proposed a number of optimizations to pre-copy live migration. These optimizations are delta compression, page skip, deduplication, and data compression. The cost-benefit analysis of these optimizations may preclude the use of certain optimizations in specific scenarios. However, no study has compared the performance & cost of these optimizations, and identified the impact of application behaviour on performance gain. Hence, it is not clear for a given migration scenario and an application, what is the best optimization that one must employ?

In this paper, we present a comprehensive empirical study using a large number of workloads to provide recommendations on selection of optimizations for pre-copy live migration. The empirical study reveals that page skip is an important optimization as it reduces network traffic by 20% with negligible additional CPU cost. Data compression yields impressive gains in reducing network traffic (37%) but at the cost of a significant increase in CPU consumption (5×). De-duplication needs to be applied with utmost care as the increase in CPU utilization might outweigh the benefits considerably. The combination of page skip and data compression works the best across workloads and results in a significant reduction in network traffic (40%).
Exploiting FIFO Scheduler to Improve Parallel Garbage Collection Performance
Authors: Qian Junjie , Srisa-an Witawas , Seth Sharad , Jiang Hong , Li Du , Yi Pan
Published: October 2016

Recent studies have found that parallel garbage collection performs worse with more CPUs and more collector threads. As part of this work, we further investigate this enomenon and find that poor scalability is worst in highly scalable Java applications. Our investigation to find the causes clearly reveals that efficient multi-threading in an application can prolong the average object lifespan, which results in less effective garbage collection. We also find that prolonging lifespan is the direct result of Linux's Completely Fair Scheduler due to its round-robin like behavior that can increase the heap contention between the application threads. Instead, if we use pseudo first-in-first-out to schedule application threads in large multicore systems, the garbage collection scalability is significantly improved while the time spent in garbage collection is reduced by as much as 21%. The average execution time of the 24 Java applications used in our study is also reduced by 11%. Based on this observation, we propose two approaches to optimally select scheduling policies based on application scalability profile. Our first approach uses the profile information from one execution to tune the subsequent executions. Our second approach dynamically collects profile information and performs policy selection during execution.
Effect of Heat Stress on Reproduction in Dairy Cows: Insights into the Cellular and Molecular Responses of the Oocyte
Authors: Roth Zvi
Published: October 2016

Among the components of the female reproductive tract, the ovarian pool of follicles and their enclosed oocytes are highly sensitive to hyperthermia. Heat-induced alterations in small antral follicles can be expressed later as compromised maturation and developmental capacity of the ovulating oocyte. This review summarizes the most up-to-date information on the effects of heat stress on the oocyte with an emphasis on unclear points and open questions, some of which might involve new research directions, for instance, whether preantral follicles are heat resistant. The review focuses on the follicle-enclosed oocytes, provides new insights into the cellular and molecular responses of the oocyte to elevated temperature, points out the role of the follicle microenvironment, and discusses some mechanisms that might underlie oocyte impairment. Mechanisms include nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation, mitochondrial function, apoptotic pathways, and oxidative stress. Understanding the mechanism by which heat stress compromises fertility might enable development of new strategies to mitigate its effects.
Deciphering Combinatorial Genetics
Authors: Wong Alan S.L. , Choi Gigi C.G. , Lu Timothy K.
Published: October 2016

High-order interactions among components of interconnected genetic networks regulate complex functions in biological systems, but deciphering these interactions is challenging. New strategies are emerging to decode these combinatorial genetic interactions across a wide range of organisms. Here, we review advances in multiplexed and combinatorial genetic perturbation technologies and high-throughput profiling platforms that are enabling the systematic dissection of complex genetic networks. These rapidly evolving technologies are being harnessed to probe combinatorial gene functions in functional genomics studies and have the potential to advance our understanding of how genetic networks regulate sophisticated biological phenotypes, to generate novel therapeutic strategies, and to enable the engineering of complex artificial gene networks.
Regulation and Role of Fungal Secondary Metabolites
Authors: Macheleidt Juliane , Mattern Derek J. , Fischer Juliane , Netzker Tina , Weber Jakob , Schroeckh Volker , Valiante Vito , Brakhage Axel A.
Published: October 2016

Fungi have the capability to produce a tremendous number of so-called secondary metabolites, which possess a multitude of functions, e.g., communication signals during coexistence with other microorganisms, virulence factors during pathogenic interactions with plants and animals, and in medical applications. Therefore, research on this topic has intensified significantly during the past 10 years and thus knowledge of regulatory mechanisms and the understanding of the role of secondary metabolites have drastically increased. This review aims to depict the complexity of all the regulatory elements involved in controlling the expression of secondary metabolite gene clusters, ranging from epigenetic control and signal transduction pathways to global and specific transcriptional regulators. Furthermore, we give a short overview on the role of secondary metabolites, focusing on the interaction with other microorganisms in the environment as well as on pathogenic relationships.
Noninvasive Prenatal DNA Testing: The Vanguard of Genomic Medicine
Authors: Hui Lisa , Bianchi Diana W.
Published: October 2016

Noninvasive prenatal DNA testing is the vanguard of genomic medicine. In only four years, this screening test has revolutionized prenatal care globally and opened up new prospects for personalized medicine for the fetus. There are widespread implications for increasing the scope of human genetic variation that can be detected before birth, and for discovering more about maternofetal and placental biology. These include an urgent need to develop pretest education for all pregnant women and consistent post-test management recommendations for those with discordant test results. The reduction in invasive testing has had downstream effects on specialist training and caused many countries to re-examine their national approaches to prenatal screening. Finally, the accumulating datasets of genomic information on pregnant women and their fetuses raise ethical issues regarding consent for future data mining and intellectual property.
Targeted Protein Degradation by Small Molecules
Authors: Bondeson Daniel P. , Crews Craig M.
Published: October 2016

Protein homeostasis networks are highly regulated systems responsible for maintaining the health and productivity of cells. Whereas therapeutics have been developed to disrupt protein homeostasis, more recently identified techniques have been used to repurpose homeostatic networks to effect degradation of disease-relevant proteins. Here, we review recent advances in the use of small molecules to degrade proteins in a selective manner. First, we highlight all-small-molecule techniques with direct clinical application. Second, we describe techniques that may find broader acceptance in the biomedical research community that require little or no synthetic chemistry. In addition to serving as innovative research tools, these new approaches to control intracellular protein levels offer the potential to develop novel therapeutics targeting proteins that are not currently pharmaceutically vulnerable.
Pharmacology of Antisense Drugs
Authors: Bennett C. Frank , Baker Brenda F. , Pham Nguyen , Swayze Eric , Geary Richard S.
Published: October 2016

Recent studies have led to a greater appreciation of the diverse roles RNAs play in maintaining normal cellular function and how they contribute to disease pathology, broadening the number of potential therapeutic targets. Antisense oligonucleotides are the most direct means to target RNA in a selective manner and have become an established platform technology for drug discovery. There are multiple molecular mechanisms by which antisense oligonucleotides can be used to modulate RNAs in cells, including promoting the degradation of the targeted RNA or modulating RNA function without degradation. Antisense drugs utilizing various antisense mechanisms are demonstrating therapeutic potential for the treatment of a broad variety of diseases. This review focuses on some of the advances that have taken place in translating antisense technology from the bench to the clinic.
Gene × Environment Interactions: From Molecular Mechanisms to Behavior
Authors: Halldorsdottir Thorhildur , Binder Elisabeth B.
Published: October 2016

Gene-by-environment interactions (G×Es) can provide important biological insights into psychiatric disorders and may consequently have direct clinical implications. In this review, we begin with an overview of the major challenges G×E studies have faced (e.g., difficulties replicating findings and high false discovery rates). In light of these challenges, this review focuses on describing examples in which we might begin to understand G×Es on the molecular, cellular, circuit, and behavioral level and link this interaction to altered risk for the development of psychiatric disorders. We also describe recent studies that utilize a polygenic approach to examine G×Es. Finally, we discuss how gaining a deeper understanding of G×Es may translate into a therapeutic practice with more targeted treatments.
Survival of the Friendliest:Homo sapiensEvolved via Selection for Prosociality
Authors: Hare Brian
Published: October 2016

The challenge of studying human cognitive evolution is identifying unique features of our intelligence while explaining the processes by which they arose. Comparisons with nonhuman apes point to our early-emerging cooperative-communicative abilities as crucial to the evolution of all forms of human cultural cognition, including language. The human self-domestication hypothesis proposes that these early-emerging social skills evolved when natural selection favored increased in-group prosociality over aggression in late human evolution. As a by-product of this selection, humans are predicted to show traits of the domestication syndrome observed in other domestic animals. In reviewing comparative, developmental, neurobiological, and paleoanthropological research, compelling evidence emerges for the predicted relationship between unique human mentalizing abilities, tolerance, and the domestication syndrome in humans. This synthesis includes a review of the first a priori test of the self-domestication hypothesis as well as predictions for future tests.
Development of All-Solid-State Structural Supercapacitor Using an Epoxy Based Adhesive Polymer Electrolyte
Authors: Wang Yuchen , Qiao Xiaoyao , Zhang Chen , Zhou Xiangyang
Published: October 2016

Epoxy based adhesive polymer electrolyte was prepared using polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate (LiTFS), and epoxy. The ionic conductivity can reach the magnitude of 10-2 S cm-1. All-solid-state structural supercapacitor with K3Fe(CN)6/K4Fe(CN)6 mediators was fabricated. Electrochemical tests and mechanical tests were conducted on the structural supercapacitor. The specific energy is 1-5 Wh kg-1 while the specific power is 9-0.03 kW kg-1. The stress-strain curves show typical mechanical behavior of fiber-reinforced polymer composite materials. The structural supercapacitor stacks fabricated using carbon cloth have higher toughness than the structural supercapacitor stacks fabricated using carbon paper.
Electronic Structure of Pt and Pt-Co Nanoparticles with O2 and O2/H2O Adsorption Revealed by In Situ XAFS and Hard X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy
Authors: Cui Yi-Tao , Harada Yoshihisa , Hatanaka Tatsuya , Nakamura Naoki , Ando Masaki , Yoshida Toshihiko , Ikenaga Eiji , Ishii Kenji , Matsumura Daiju , Li Rui , Oshima Masaharu
Published: October 2016

The electronic structures of Pt and Pt-Co nanoparticles with O2 adsorption and O2/H2O co-adsorption were investigated by in situ hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) and in situ high resolution fluorescence detection X-ray absorption spectroscopy (HERFD-XAS) to clarify the effects of water adsorption on fuel cell cathode catalysis surface. The experimental results suggest that under the pressure of 1 mbar, the adsorption of H2O hinders the successive O2 adsorption on Pt surface, while under the pressure of 1 bar, the adsorption of H2O enhances the adsorption of O2 on Pt surface. This water effect is found to be more significant on Pt surface than on Pt-Co surface. These results would be helpful to understand how the water affects the fuel cell performance and why Pt-Co nanoparticles show higher oxygen reduce reaction (ORR) activity than Pt nanoparticles.
One Step Synthesis of Me (Fe, Co, Ni) and Nitrogen co-doped Porous Graphene for ORR in Alkaline Electrolyte
Authors: Tang Sheng , Guo Jian , Ni Longfang , Hao Xuanyu , Fu Tieshan , Qiao Jinli , Sun Shuhui
Published: October 2016

This article reports the influence of different transition metals (Fe, Co, Ni) on improving electrochemical property of porous nitrogen-doped graphene and their electrocatalytic activity toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline media. The catalysts were prepared through a simple one step synthesis method along with the high-temperature pyrolysis process. The electrocatalystic activity of the obtained catalysts for ORR was performed with cyclic voltammetry (CV) and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) employing a rotating disk electrode (RDE). In addition, the rotating ring-disk electrode (RRDE) measurements were performed to survey the peroxide yield (H2O2%) and electron transfer number (n) on the Me (Fe, Co, Ni) and nitrogen co-doped graphene (ie., Me-PNG, Me = Fe, Co, Ni) catalyzed electrode to further study the ORR catalytic pathway of the catalysts. The electrochemical properties are found to depend strongly on the kinds of transition metals, where the Fe-PNG, with onset potential at 0.197 V and half-wave potential at 0.071 V, showed much better catalytic activity than Co-PNG and Ni-PNG.
Anodic Dissolution of Ti in Acidic Fluoride Media
Authors: Amrutha M S , Fasmin Fathima , Ilayaraja P , Chandran Sudakar , Srinivasan Ramanathan
Published: October 2016

Anodic dissolution kinetics of Ti in HF medium was investigated using potentiodynamic polarization experiments. The concentration of HF was varied and the effect of changing the H+ and F- ions independently by the addition H2SO4 and KF was also investigated. In all the cases, a clear active and passive regions were observed, and the peak current and potential exhibiting a systematic trend with increasing HF concentration. Scanning electron micrographs of electrodes held in the active and passive regions were acquired to characterize the surface morphology. Several mechanisms were evaluated to model the polarization data. A mechanism involving an chemical dissolution step in parallel with an electrochemical dissolution step was proposed to explain the results. The model captures all the major characteristics of the polarization curves. Based on the results, it is proposed that HF2
- is the key species which impacts the electrochemical dissolution and HF is the one which impacts the chemical dissolution process.
Study on the Polishing Performance of Silicon Carbonitride (SiCN)
Authors: Qin Liqiao , Gu Sipeng , Kim Hong Jin , Han Ja-Hyung , Koli Dinesh R
Published: October 2016

Chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) becomes a major process in IC integration as gate length shrinkage. Moreover, its usage becomes wider at sub-14nm device manufacturing due to new structure and new material introduction. Enabling new material for planarized structure, polishing performance is required. Silicon carbonitride (nitrogen-doped silicon carbide (SiC) or SiCN) thin film is one of the new materials for sub-14nm device fabrication. SiCN thin film becomes more and more attractive as capping dielectric layer and diffusion barrier in addition to etch stopping layer. We have developed a process to form SiCN with tunable carbon concentration (5-15%). And SiCN thin film is applied for poly opening CMP (POC) process scheme. In order to enable SiCN as POC, polishing performance with enough selectivity between SiCN and silicon dioxide (SiO2) need to be achieved. For this purpose, this paper provides experimental results of SiCN polishing performance with silica-based slurry. Effects of polishing variables and slurry chemistry on the removal rate are intensively explored and post CMP defect performance is investigated as well. The results suggest acidic silica slurry with optimized recipe would be suitable for SiCN polishing.
3-D Extension of Chemical Mechanical Polishing for Nano-Structuring Applications on Alternative Technologies
Authors: Ozdemir Zeynep , Basim G. Bahar
Published: October 2016

In this study we tune the chemical mechanical polishing process to a 3-D level to generate controlled nanostructures on functional metallic surfaces such as titanium implants and steel based heating elements. The chemical passivation action of the CMP process on metallic surfaces enables the formation of inert interfaces resistant to corrosion and degradation while the induced nanostructures help tune the surface attachment/detachment ability as these surfaces interact with alternative external elements.
Passive stimulation and behavioral training differentially transform temporal processing in the inferior colliculus and primary auditory cortex
Authors: Vollmer Maike , Beitel Ralph E. , Schreiner Christoph E. , Leake Patricia A.
Published: October 2016

In profoundly deaf cats, behavioral training with intracochlear electric stimulation (ICES) can improve temporal processing in the primary auditory cortex (AI). To investigate whether similar effects are manifest in the auditory midbrain, ICES was initiated in neonatally deafened cats either during development after short durations of deafness (8 wk of age) or in adulthood after long durations of deafness (≥3.5 yr). All of these animals received behaviorally meaningless, “passive” ICES. Some animals also received behavioral training with ICES. Two long-deaf cats received no ICES prior to acute electrophysiological recording. After several months of passive ICES and behavioral training, animals were anesthetized, and neuronal responses to pulse trains of increasing rates were recorded in the central (ICC) and external (ICX) nuclei of the inferior colliculus. Neuronal temporal response patterns (repetition rate coding, minimum latencies, response precision) were compared with results from recordings made in the AI of the same animals (Beitel RE, Vollmer M, Raggio MW, Schreiner CE. J Neurophysiol 106: 944–959, 2011; Vollmer M, Beitel RE. J Neurophysiol 106: 2423–2436, 2011). Passive ICES in long-deaf cats remediated severely degraded temporal processing in the ICC and had no effects in the ICX. In contrast to observations in the AI, behaviorally relevant ICES had no effects on temporal processing in the ICC or ICX, with the single exception of shorter latencies in the ICC in short-deaf cats. The results suggest that independent of deafness duration passive stimulation and behavioral training differentially transform temporal processing in auditory midbrain and cortex, and primary auditory cortex emerges as a pivotal site for behaviorally driven neuronal temporal plasticity in the deaf cat.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Behaviorally relevant vs. passive electric stimulation of the auditory nerve differentially affects neuronal temporal processing in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (ICC) and the primary auditory cortex (AI) in profoundly short-deaf and long-deaf cats. Temporal plasticity in the ICC depends on a critical amount of electric stimulation, independent of its behavioral relevance. In contrast, the AI emerges as a pivotal site for behaviorally driven neuronal temporal plasticity in the deaf auditory system.
A novel computational model to probe visual search deficits during motor performance
Authors: Singh Tarkeshwar , Fridriksson Julius , Perry Christopher M. , Tryon Sarah C. , Ross Angela , Fritz Stacy , Herter Troy M.
Published: October 2016

Successful execution of many motor skills relies on well-organized visual search (voluntary eye movements that actively scan the environment for task-relevant information). Although impairments of visual search that result from brain injuries are linked to diminished motor performance, the neural processes that guide visual search within this context remain largely unknown. The first objective of this study was to examine how visual search in healthy adults and stroke survivors is used to guide hand movements during the Trail Making Test (TMT), a neuropsychological task that is a strong predictor of visuomotor and cognitive deficits. Our second objective was to develop a novel computational model to investigate combinatorial interactions between three underlying processes of visual search (spatial planning, working memory, and peripheral visual processing). We predicted that stroke survivors would exhibit deficits in integrating the three underlying processes, resulting in deteriorated overall task performance. We found that normal TMT performance is associated with patterns of visual search that primarily rely on spatial planning and/or working memory (but not peripheral visual processing). Our computational model suggested that abnormal TMT performance following stroke is associated with impairments of visual search that are characterized by deficits integrating spatial planning and working memory. This innovative methodology provides a novel framework for studying how the neural processes underlying visual search interact combinatorially to guide motor performance.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Visual search has traditionally been studied in cognitive and perceptual paradigms, but little is known about how it contributes to visuomotor performance. We have developed a novel computational model to examine how three underlying processes of visual search (spatial planning, working memory, and peripheral visual processing) contribute to visual search during a visuomotor task. We show that deficits integrating spatial planning and working memory underlie abnormal performance in stroke survivors with frontoparietal damage.
Overlap of movement planning and movement execution reduces reaction time
Authors: Orban de Xivry Jean-Jacques , Legrain Valéry , Lefèvre Philippe
Published: October 2016

Motor planning is the process of preparing the appropriate motor commands in order to achieve a goal. This process has largely been thought to occur before movement onset and traditionally has been associated with reaction time. However, in a virtual line bisection task we observed an overlap between movement planning and execution. In this task performed with a robotic manipulandum, we observed that participants ( n = 30) made straight movements when the line was in front of them (near target) but often made curved movements when the same target was moved sideways (far target, which had the same orientation) in such a way that they crossed the line perpendicular to its orientation. Unexpectedly, movements to the far targets had shorter reaction times than movements to the near targets (mean difference: 32 ms, SE: 5 ms, max: 104 ms). In addition, the curvature of the movement modulated reaction time. A larger increase in movement curvature from the near to the far target was associated with a larger reduction in reaction time. These highly curved movements started with a transport phase during which accuracy demands were not taken into account. We conclude that an accuracy demand imposes a reaction time penalty if processed before movement onset. This penalty is reduced if the start of the movement consists of a transport phase and if the movement plan can be refined with respect to accuracy demands later in the movement, hence demonstrating an overlap between movement planning and execution.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY In the planning of a movement, the brain has the opportunity to delay the incorporation of accuracy requirements of the motor plan in order to reduce the reaction time by up to 100 ms (average: 32 ms). Such shortening of reaction time is observed here when the first phase of the movement consists of a transport phase. This forces us to reconsider the hypothesis that motor plans are fully defined before movement onset.
Modeling Gene Regulation in Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Random Forests
Authors: Kazan Hilal
Published: October 2016

Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related death. Poor understanding of the mechanisms underlying HCC prevents early detection and leads to high mortality. We developed a random forest model that incorporates copy-number variation, DNA methylation, transcription factor, and microRNA binding information as features to predict gene expression in HCC. Our model achieved a highly significant correlation between predicted and measured expression of held-out genes. Furthermore, we identified potential regulators of gene expression in HCC. Many of these regulators have been previously found to be associated with cancer and are differentially expressed in HCC. We also evaluated our predicted target sets for these regulators by making comparison with experimental results. Lastly, we found that the transcription factor E2F6, one of the candidate regulators inferred by our model, is predictive of survival rate in HCC. Results of this study will provide directions for future prospective studies in HCC.
A 5 V-to-3.3 V CMOS Linear Regulator with Three-Output Temperature-Independent Reference Voltages
Authors: Wang San-Fu
Published: October 2016

This paper presents a 5 V-to-3.3 V linear regulator circuit, which uses 3.3 V CMOS transistors to replace the 5 V CMOS transistors. Thus, the complexity of the manufacturing semiconductor process can be improved. The proposed linear regulator is implemented by cascode architecture, which requires three different reference voltages as the bias voltages of its circuit. Thus, the three-output temperature-independent reference voltage circuit is proposed, which provides three accurate reference voltages simultaneously. The three-output temperature-independent reference voltages also can be used in other circuits of the chip. By using the proposed temperature-independent reference voltages, the proposed linear regulator can provide an accurate output voltage, and it is suitable for low cost, small size, and highly integrated system-on-chip (SoC) applications. Moreover, the proposed linear regulator uses the cascode technique, which improves both the gain performance and the isolation performance. Therefore, the proposed linear regulator has a good performance in reference voltage to output voltage isolation. The voltage variation of the linear regulator is less than 2.153% in the temperature range of −40°C–120°C, and the power supply rejection ratio (PSRR) is less than −42.8 dB at 60 Hz. The regulator can support 0~200 mA output current. The core area is less than 0.16 mm2.
Prophylactic Mesh Application during Colostomy to Prevent Parastomal Hernia: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhu JunJia , Pu YuWei , Yang XiaoDong , Zhang DeBao , Zhao Kui , Peng Wei , Xing ChunGen
Published: October 2016

Background. Parastomal hernia is a common complication after stoma formation, especially in permanent colostomy. The present meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of prophylactic mesh application during permanent colostomy for preventing parastomal hernia. Methods. Randomized controlled trials comparing outcomes in patients who underwent colostomy with or without prophylactic mesh application were identified from PubMed, EMBASE, Science Citation Index, and the Cochrane Libraries. Results. This meta-analysis included 8 randomized controlled trials with 522 participants. Our pooled results showed that prophylactic mesh application (mesh group) reduced the incidence of clinically detected parastomal hernia (risk ratio [RR]: 0.22; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.13–0.38; P<0.00001), radiologically detected parastomal hernia (RR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.47–0.82; P=0.0008), and surgical repair for herniation (RR: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.14–0.83; P=0.02) when compared with conventional permanent colostomy formation (control group). The incidence of complications, including wound infection, peristomal infection, mesh infection, stomal necrosis and stenosis, stoma site pain, and fistula, was not higher in the mesh group than in the control group. Conclusions. Our meta-analysis demonstrated that prophylactic mesh application at the time of primary colostomy formation is a promising method for the prevention of parastomal herniation.
Progression of Hepatic Adenoma to Carcinoma in the Setting of Hepatoportal Sclerosis in HIV Patient: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Montenovo M. I. , Jalikis F. G. , Yeh M. , Reyes J. D.
Published: October 2016

We report a case of hepatic adenoma progression to carcinoma in the setting of hepatoportal sclerosis in an HIV+ patient and provide a review of the scarce literature regarding hepatoportal sclerosis in HIV patients. We describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and management. This is the first case report in the literature of progression of hepatic adenoma to carcinoma in hepatoportal sclerosis in an HIV patient. This case also highlights the broad differential diagnosis that should always be included in the study of any liver disease in this patient population, including the performance of invasive and aggressive tests to arrive at the final diagnosis.
Dynamic Recognition of Driver’s Propensity Based on GPS Mobile Sensing Data and Privacy Protection
Authors: Wang Xiaoyuan , Wang Jianqiang , Zhang Jinglei , Wang Jingheng
Published: October 2016

Driver’s propensity is a dynamic measurement of driver’s emotional preference characteristics in driving process. It is a core parameter to compute driver’s intention and consciousness in safety driving assist system, especially in vehicle collision warning system. It is also an important influence factor to achieve the Driver-Vehicle-Environment Collaborative Wisdom and Control macroscopically. In this paper, dynamic recognition model of driver’s propensity based on support vector machine is established taking the vehicle safety controlled technology and respecting and protecting the driver’s privacy as precondition. The experiment roads travel time obtained through GPS is taken as the characteristic parameter. The sensing information of Driver-Vehicle-Environment was obtained through psychological questionnaire tests, real vehicle experiments, and virtual driving experiments, and the information is used for parameter calibration and validation of the model. Results show that the established recognition model of driver’s propensity is reasonable and feasible, which can achieve the dynamic recognition of driver’s propensity to some extent. The recognition model provides reference and theoretical basis for personalized vehicle active safety systems taking people as center especially for the vehicle safety technology based on the networking.
Identifying Risk Factors Associated with Inappropriate Use of Acid Suppressive Therapy at a Community Hospital
Authors: Singh Amandeep , Bodukam Vijay , Saigal Kirit , Bahl Jaya , Wang Yvette , Hanlon Alexandra , Lu Yinghui , Davis Michael
Published: October 2016

Purpose. By examining the prescribing patterns and inappropriate use of acid suppressive therapy (AST) during hospitalization and at discharge we sought to identify the risk factors associated with such practices.Methods. In this retrospective observational study, inpatient records were reviewed from January 2011 to December 2013. Treatment with AST was considered appropriate if the patient had a known specific indication or met criteria for stress ulcer prophylaxis.Results. In 2011, out of 58 patients who were on AST on admission, 32 were newly started on it and 23 (72%) were inappropriate cases. In 2012, out of 97 patients on AST, 61 were newly started on it and 51 (84%) were inappropriate cases. In 2013, 99 patients were on AST, of which 48 were newly started on it and 36 (75%) were inappropriate cases. 19% of the patients inappropriately started on AST were discharged on it in three years. Younger age, female sex, and 1 or more handoffs between services were significantly associated with increased risk of inappropriate AST.Conclusion. Our findings reflect inappropriate prescription of AST which leads to increase in costs of care and unnecessarily puts the patient at risk for potential adverse events. The results of this study emphasize the importance of examining the patient’s need for AST at each level of care especially when the identified risk factors are present.
Height and Risk of Hip Fracture: A Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies
Authors: Xiao Zhihong , Ren Dong , Feng Wei , Chen Yan , Kan Wusheng , Xing Danmou
Published: October 2016

The association between height and risk of hip fracture has been investigated in several studies, but the evidence is inconclusive. We therefore conducted this meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies to explore whether an association exists between height and risk of hip fracture. We searched PubMed and EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for studies of height and risk of hip fracture up to February 16, 2016. The random-effects model was used to combine results from individual studies. Seven prospective cohort studies, with 7,478 incident hip fracture cases and 907,913 participants, were included for analysis. The pooled relative risk (RR) was 1.65 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.26–2.16) comparing the highest with the lowest category of height. Result from dose-response analysis suggested a linear association between height and hip fracture risk (P-nonlinearity = 0.0378). The present evidence suggests that height is positively associated with increased risk of hip fracture. Further well-designed cohort studies are needed to confirm the present findings in other ethnicities.
Efficacy and Safety of a Natural Remedy for the Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux: A Double‐Blinded Randomized‐Controlled Study
Authors: Alecci Umberto , Bonina Francesco , Bonina Andrea , Rizza Luisa , Inferrera Santi , Mannucci Carmen , Calapai Gioacchino
Published: October 2016

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a common, chronic, relapsing symptom. Often people self‐diagnose and self‐treat it even though health‐related quality of life is significantly impaired. In the lack of a valid alternative approach, current treatments focus on suppression of gastric acid secretion by the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), but people with GER have a significantly lower response rate to therapy. We designed a randomized double‐blinded controlled clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and the safety of a formulation based on sodium alginate/bicarbonate in combination with extracts obtained from Opuntia ficus-indica and Olea europaea associated with polyphenols (Mucosave®; verum), on GER‐related symptoms. Male/female 118 (intention to treat) subjects with moderate GER and having at least 2 to 6 days of GER episodes/week were treated with verum (6 g/day) or placebo for two months. The questionnaires Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease‐Health‐Related Quality of Life (GERD‐HRQoL) and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptom Assessment Scale (GSAS) were self‐administered by participants before the treatment and at the end of the treatment. Verum produced statistically significant reduction of GERD‐HRQoL and GSAS scores, −56.5% and −59.1%, respectively, in comparison to placebo. Heartburn and acid regurgitation episodes for week were significantly reduced by verum (p < 0.01). Results indicate that Mucosave formulation provides an effective and well‐tolerated treatment for reducing the frequency and intensity of symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux.
Effects of Separation Strategy on Deployment of Multitethered Chain-Type Satellite System
Authors: Zhang Jinxiu , Zhang Zhigang
Published: October 2016

This paper investigates the effects of separation strategy and parameters related to deployment on the dynamic behavior of multitethered chain-type satellite system. The system, including several satellites connected by tethers which are considered as massless and straight, is modeled as an extension of a two-body dumbbell tethered system. The dynamic equations of system in absence of perturbations and external disturbances are derived using Newtonian Method. To observe the effect of deployment rate on the motion of system, a parametric analysis of the deployment of a three-body tethered system with different deployment rates is carried out. Moreover, a four-body tethered system is used to investigate the effect of separation strategies on the dynamic behavior of system during the deployment phase. The numerical results suggest that the system with simultaneous separation costs less time to complete the deployment. If the ratio of deployment rates is in consistence with that of their desired lengths, the tethers deployed simultaneously would have a synchronous motion. It is also observed that the system employing separation bolt has a better performance than the system separated by spring mechanism since the larger separation velocity which is not along local vertical may cause a rotation.
Inhibition of HSP90 Promotes Neural Stem Cell Survival from Oxidative Stress through Attenuating NF‐κB/p65 Activation
Authors: Liu Qian , Li Yun , Jiang Wenkai , Li Yunzi , Zhou Lin , Song Bing , Liu Xinfeng
Published: October 2016

Stem cell survival after transplantation determines the efficiency of stem cell treatment, which develops as a novel potential therapy for several central nervous system (CNS) diseases in recent decades. The engrafted stem cells face the damage of oxidative stress, inflammation, and immune response at the lesion point in host. Among the damaging pathologies, oxidative stress directs stem cells to apoptosis and even death through several signalling pathways and DNA damage. However, the in‐detail mechanism of stem cell survival from oxidative stress has not been revealed clearly. Here, in this study, we used hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to induce the oxidative damage on neural stem cells (NSCs). The damage was in consequence demonstrated involving the activation of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) and NF‐κB/p65 signalling pathways. Further application of the pharmacological inhibitors, respectively, targeting at each signalling indicated an upper‐stream role of HSP90 upon NF‐κB/p65 on NSCs survival. Preinhibition of HSP90 with the specific inhibitor displayed a significant protection on NSCs against oxidative stress. In conclusion, inhibition of HSP90 would attenuate NF‐κB/p65 activation by oxidative induction and promote NSCs survival from oxidative damage. The HSP90/NF‐κB mechanism provides a new evidence on rescuing NSCs from oxidative stress and also promotes the stem cell application on CNS pathologies.
Robust Fuzzy Control for Fractional-Order Uncertain Hydroturbine Regulating System with Random Disturbances
Authors: Wu Fengjiao , Zhang Guitao , Wang Zhengzhong
Published: October 2016

The robust fuzzy control for fractional-order hydroturbine regulating system is studied in this paper. First, the more practical fractional-order hydroturbine regulating system with uncertain parameters and random disturbances is presented. Then, on the basis of interval matrix theory and fractional-order stability theorem, a fuzzy control method is proposed for fractional-order hydroturbine regulating system, and the stability condition is expressed as a group of linear matrix inequalities. Furthermore, the proposed method has good robustness which can process external random disturbances and uncertain parameters. Finally, the validity and superiority are proved by the numerical simulations.
A Quantitative Risk Evaluation Model for Network Security Based on Body Temperature
Authors: Jiang Y. P. , Cao C. C. , Mei X. , Guo H.
Published: October 2016

These days, in allusion to the traditional network security risk evaluation model, which have certain limitations for real-time, accuracy, characterization. This paper proposed a quantitative risk evaluation model for network security based on body temperature (QREM-BT), which refers to the mechanism of biological immune system and the imbalance of immune system which can result in body temperature changes, firstly, through ther-contiguous bits nonconstant matching rate algorithm to improve the detection quality of detector and reduce missing rate or false detection rate. Then the dynamic evolution process of the detector was described in detail. And the mechanism of increased antibody concentration, which is made up of activating mature detector and cloning memory detector, is mainly used to assess network risk caused by various species of attacks. Based on these reasons, this paper not only established the equation of antibody concentration increase factor but also put forward the antibody concentration quantitative calculation model. Finally, because the mechanism of antibody concentration change is reasonable and effective, which can effectively reflect the network risk, thus body temperature evaluation model was established in this paper. The simulation results showed that, according to body temperature value, the proposed model has more effective, real time to assess network security risk.
Type and Quantity of Shipborne Garbage at Selected Tropical Beaches
Authors: Mobilik Julyus-Melvin , Ling Teck-Yee , Husain Mohd-Lokman , Hassan Ruhana
Published: October 2016

Marine debris is widely distributed at the coastal area of the global oceans; however, shipborne garbage source studies are still lacking to document the pollution in Malaysia Territorial Water. Thus, this study has adopted a standard method of beach marine debris survey at five beaches and inspected 115 vessels to assess the type and amount of debris from shipping source stranded on the beach. This study found that vessel visiting Malaysian ports observed the MARPOL 73/78 Annex V requirements; however, identified objects from shipping activity (1.3%; 2 items/km) found on the beaches indicate that there are vessels disposing of garbage illegally at sea. Therefore, there is a need to promote the use of biodegradable material and introduce environmental education to increase awareness on the vessel.
A Synthetic Approach to Pyrazolopyranopyrimidinones and Pyrazolopyranooxazinones as Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Elziaty A. K. , Bassioni G. , Hassan A. M. A. , Derbala H. A. , Abdel-Aziz M. S.
Published: October 2016

The hitherto unknown 6-amino-4-(2-chloro-5-nitrophenyl)-3-methyl-1,4-dihydropyrano[2,3-c] pyrazole-5-carbonitrile1awas synthesized. Both1aand its 2,4 dichlorophenyl derivative1bwere utilized as building blocks for the preparation of novel class of pyrazolopyrano-[oxazines2a–dand pyrimidinones3a–d]. Synthesis of these compounds was achieved by two alternative acylation steps followed by ammonolysis. The structures of the synthesized compounds were elucidated by spectral data and elemental analysis. Screening and evaluation of these products as antimicrobial agents showed that the derivatives1b,2s,3b, and3dpossess a potent activity.
Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Manifesting asLactococcusEndocarditis: A Case Report and Review of the Association ofLactococcuswith Underlying Gastrointestinal Disease
Authors: Bazemore Taylor C. , Maskarinec Stacey A. , Zietlow Kahli , Hendershot Edward F. , Perfect John R.
Published: October 2016

A 45-year-old male with a prosthetic aortic valve presented to the hospital with several months of generalized malaise. On admission, he was noted to have anemia of unclear etiology and subsequently became febrile with multiple blood cultures growingLactococcus garvieae. Inpatient workup was concerning for infectious endocarditis (IE) secondary toLactococcus. The patient was discharged home with appropriate antimicrobial therapy; however, he was readmitted for persistent, symptomatic anemia and underwent colonoscopy, which revealed innumerable colonic polyps consistent with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) that was later confirmed with genetic testing. Surveillance computed tomography (CT) imaging of the aortic repair later demonstrated valve dehiscence with surrounding fluid collection; he underwent redo surgery and was found to have destruction of the aortic annulus and a large pseudoaneurysm. Histopathology of the valve prosthesis confirmed IE. It is suspected that the patient developedLactococcusIE from enteric translocation. Review of the literature provides several reports ofLactococcusinfections in association with underlying gastrointestinal disease, including colorectal cancer. Given this association, we raise the question of whether the diagnosis ofLactococcusIE should evoke suspicion and encourage evaluation for gastrointestinal pathology, as occurs withStreptococcus bovis.