bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stay in NICU and infantile haemangioma development
Authors: Gey A. , Ezzedine K. , Diallo A. , Prey S. , Dreyfus I. , Maza A. , Mazereeuw‐Hautier J. , Taïeb A. , Léauté‐Labrèze C.
Published: August 2014

Background

Infantile haemangiomas (IHs) are more frequent in low birth weight babies, especially premature.

Objective

To compare the characteristics of infants with IHs who stayed in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) vs. those with IHs who did not.

Methods

Prospective observational multicentric study. Consecutive infants consulting for IHs in two departments of paediatric dermatology were included and a questionnaire specifically designed was filled for each patient. To identify factors associated with hospitalization in NICU vs. no hospitalization in NICU, we conducted univariate logistic regression analyses.

Results

A total of 210 infants with 323 IHs were included (56 boys, 154 girls, F/M sex ratio 2.75/1); 27 stayed in NICU, whereas 183 did not. Limbs involvement and multiple IHs were more frequent in NICU infants. Similarly, infants who had stayed in NICU had an earlier onset of their IH. Multiple IH was more frequent in infants with a history of congenital onset of IH.

Conclusion

Infants staying in NICU and those with congenital lesion are at risk for specific type and involvement of their IH and should be early addressed to a dermatologist in case of suspicion of IH to provide them an early diagnosis and to start a treatment if necessary as soon as possible.
Reticular erythematous mucinosis: histopathological and immunohistochemical features of 25 patients compared with 25 cases of lupus erythematosus tumidus
Authors: Cinotti E. , Merlo V. , Kempf W. , Carli C. , Kanitakis J. , Parodi A. , Rongioletti F.
Published: August 2014

Background and objectives

Reticular erythematous mucinosis (REM) and lupus erythematosus tumidus (LET) share similarities. However, to our knowledge no study extensively compared the histological features of these two conditions. The aim of this study is to compare the histological and immunohistochemical features of REM and LET.

Methods

We evaluated epidermal thickness, hyperkeratosis, dermo‐epidermal junction changes, interstitial mucin deposition, vessel dilatation and pattern, type and density of the inflammatory infiltrate in 25 cases of REM and LET. Anti‐CD3, anti‐CD20, anti‐CD68, anti‐CD4, anti‐CD8, anti‐CD123, anti‐CD2AP, anti‐IgG and anti‐C3 antibodies were tested in a subset of patients.

Results

Both diseases are characterized by perivascular dermal infiltrates of lymphocytes mainly CD4+ positive and increased dermal mucin. However, REM tended to show more scattered and more superficial lymphocytes with more superficial mucin and to have less frequent immunoglobulin and complement depositions along the dermo‐epidermal junction. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDCs) were less represented in REM, and were mainly found as single cells differently from LET.

Conclusions

REM and LET present some differences in the infiltrate, including PDCs, the mucin deposition and the immunoreactant deposition at the dermo‐epidermal junction that justify the distinction of the two diseases and suggest different pathogenetic mechanisms.
Identification of Chinese herbal medicines by fluorescence microscopy: fluorescent characteristics of medicinal bark
Authors: HUANG X. , LIANG Z. , CHEN H. , ZHAO Z. , LI P.
Published: August 2014

Medicinal bark refers to structures outside the vascular cambium of stems, branches and roots of gymnospermous and dicotyledonous plants that are used as medicinal materials; bark is an important type of Chinese herbal medicine. However, identification of the species from which the bark comes can be very difficult, especially when the bark is dried and sliced. In our previous studies, we have found that fluorescence microscopy is a powerful tool for the identification of easily confused Chinese herbal medicines, powdered Chinese herbal medicines and decoction dregs. To establish the fluorescent characteristics by which medicinal barks can be identified, for ensuring their safe and effective use, a systematic microscopic investigation by normal light and fluorescence microscope was carried out on transverse section samples of 11 medicinal barks commonly used in China. Specifically, the fluorescent characteristics of mechanical tissues, including stone cells and fibres as well as secretory tissues, have been observed. The microscopic features of medicinal bark are here systematically and comparatively described and illustrated. Under the fluorescence microscope, various tissues emitted fluorescence of different colours, and we found that both the colours and the intensity can be used to distinguish and identify these barks.
Why do they hook up? Attachment style and motives of college students
Authors: SNAPP SHANNON , LENTO RENÉ , RYU EHRI , ROSEN KAREN S.
Published: August 2014

Attachment style may be related to variations in hookup experiences; however, we do not know if attachment style is associated with hookup motives. College students (N = 266) completed questionnaires that assessed attachment style and hookup motives. Avoidant attachment was negatively associated with intimacy motives, while anxious attachment was positively related to intimacy. Insecure attachment styles were positively related to coping motives and self‐affirmation motives, but gender interacted with attachment style. Anxious attachment was positively associated with peer pressure motives in men only. The role of attachment style and hookup motives in understanding young adults' hookup experiences will be discussed.
Experience of 100 solid organ transplants over a five‐yr period from the first successful pediatric multi‐organ transplant program in India
Authors: Sibal Anupam , Malhotra Smita , Guru Faisal R. , Bhatia Vidyut , Kapoor Akshay , Seth Swati , Jerath Nameet , Jasuja Sanjeev , Rajkumari Vijaya , Wadhawan Manav , Aggarwal D. K. , Guleria Sandeep , Shrivastava R. N. , Gupta Subash
Published: August 2014

To analyze the clinical profile and outcome of pediatric patients who had undergone a liver and/or RT at our center over a five yr period, case records of all the patients who had undergone a liver or RT were analyzed retrospectively. One hundred solid organ transplants were performed at our center between January 2007 and January 2012. These included 50 liver, 44 renal, one sequential liver and renal, and two CLKT. BA was the most common indication for an LT (38%). At a median follow‐up of two yr three months, the patient survival was 88%. The most common indication for an RT was chronic glomerulonephritis (54.5%). At a median follow‐up of three yr, the survival was 91%. The CLKT were performed for hyperoxaluria. Two yr post LT, a sequential RT was performed for ESRD resulting from transplant associated microangiopathy. All patients received a living related graft. The common post‐operative complications were infections, vascular complications, and graft dysfunction. Survival rates for liver and RT at our center are comparable to those in the established centers in the West.
Decision Bias in Capacity Allocation Games with Uncertain Demand
Authors: Chen Yefen , Zhao Xiaobo
Published: August 2014

Existing studies on capacity allocation games have demonstrated that the standard Nash theory exaggerates retailers' tendency of ordering more than they need in the situation of supply shortage. Adding to the results in the literature, our experimental study with consideration of demand uncertainty demonstrates that the standard Nash theory also exaggerates retailers' tendency of telling the truth in their ordering strategy. To account for these systematic biases, based on the quantal response equilibrium framework, we develop a behavioral model with different mental weights on the underage and overage costs to characterize a retailer's perception bias regarding a critical fractile. Based on the parameter estimates, we show that retailers perceive the critical fractile as being closer to 0.5 than it is, and the perceived critical fractile increases over time. Such empirical evidence of retailers' behavior in capacity allocation games can be valuable, for example, in the mechanism design of coordination and in improving supply chain performance.
A lock‐in thermal imaging setup for dermatological applications
Authors: Bonmarin M. , Le Gal F.‐A.
Published: August 2014

Background

Lock‐in thermal imaging is a thermographic method that is widely used in the nondestructive testing of materials. The technique allows detecting under the sample surface, small variations of the thermophysical properties in a noninvasive and noncontact manner. Surprisingly, this method has, to our knowledge, never been used in dermatology although it is particularly suited.

Methods

We present in this article the first lock‐in thermal imaging setup dedicated to dermatological applications. The apparatus uses a temperature‐modulated airflow to periodically stimulate the skin surface. The infrared images recorded by a high sensitive camera are demodulated according to the digital lock‐in principle to compute a phase and amplitude image.

Results

First results obtained on benign skin lesions are presented. The images allow to detect small variations of the tissue thermophysical properties like for example, perfusion variations. Lock‐in thermal imaging has the ability to reject disturbing thermal signals coming from subcutaneous tissues. The localization of the lesions is more accurate due the suppression of the lateral heat spreading.

Conclusion

Lock‐in thermal imaging is a promising method for the detection of lesions exhibiting modified thermophysical properties compared to the surrounding healthy skin.
Efficiency of Solar Electricity Production With Long-Term Storage
Authors: Shakeri Mostafa , Soltanzadeh Maryam , Eric Berson R. , Keith Sharp M.
Published: August 2014

Solar electric production systems with energy storage were simulated and compared, including an ammonia thermochemical cycle, compressed air energy storage (CAES), pumped hydroelectric energy storage (PHES), vanadium flow battery, and thermal energy storage (TES). All systems used the same parabolic concentrator to collect solar energy and Stirling engine to produce electricity. Efficiency and storage losses were modeled after existing experiments. At receiver and ammonia synthesis temperatures of 800 K, efficiencies of all systems except TES were initially similar at 17–19%, while TES provided ∼23%. Further, TES was most efficient for diurnal-scale storage. However, lower time-dependent storage losses caused the ammonia system to have the highest efficiency after one month of storage and to be increasingly favored as time of storage increased. Solar electric production with full capacity factor may be most efficient with a combination of systems including direct solar-electric production and systems with both diurnal and long-term storage.
Design Approach for the Development of the Flow Field of Bipolar Plates for a PEMFC Stack Prototype
Authors: Sala Paolo , Stampino Paola Gallo , Dotelli Giovanni
Published: August 2014

This work is part of a project whose final aim is the realization of an auxiliary power fuel cell generator. It was necessary to design and develop bipolar plates that would be suitable for this application. Bipolar plates have a relevant influence on the final performances of the entire device. A gas leakage or a bad management of the water produced during the reaction could be determinant during operations and would cause the failure of the stack. The development of the bipolar plates was performed in different steps. First, the necessity to make an esteem of the dynamics that happen inside the feeding channels led to perform analytical calculations. The values found were cross-checked performing a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation; finally, it was defined the best pattern for the feeding channels, so that to enhance mass transport and achieve the best velocity profile. The bipolar plates designed were machined and assembled in a laboratory scale two cells prototype stack. Influences of the temperature and of the humidity were evaluated performing experiments at 60 deg and 70 deg and between 60% and 100% of humidity of the reactant gasses. The best operating point achieved in one of these conditions was improved by modifying the flow rates of the reactant, in order to obtain the highest output power, and it evaluated the reliability of the plates in experiments performed for longer times, at fixed voltages.
On the History of Lateral Ground Vehicle Motions From a Multibody Dynamics View
Authors: Schiehlen Werner
Published: August 2014

The lateral motion of ground vehicles is characterized by the rolling contact between wheels and guideway. Railway vehicles feature passive lateral guidance by wheelsets while road vehicles handling is operated by steering devices. Lateral dynamics is an extremely complex problem but the fundamental behavior can already understood by simplified mechanical models. In this paper the historical development of modeling approaches for lateral vehicle dynamics is reviewed and presented by multibody dynamics techniques. It is shown that simplified models are very useful as benchmarks for checking more complex systems. Applying the same assumptions for modeling and simulation, the fundamental results have to tally with each other.
Adaptive Control of a Nonlinear Fuel Cell-Gas Turbine Balance of Plant Simulation Facility
Authors: Tsai Alex , Tucker David , Emami Tooran
Published: August 2014

A 300 kW solid oxide fuel cell gas turbine (SOFC-GT) power plant simulator is evaluated with the use of a model reference adaptive control (MRAC) scheme, implemented for a set of nonlinear empirical transfer functions. The SOFC-GT simulator allows testing of various fuel cell models under a hardware-in-the-loop configuration that incorporates a 120 kW auxiliary power unit and balance-of-plant components in hardware, and a fuel cell model in software. The adaptation technique is beneficial to plants having a wide range of operation, and strong coupling interaction. The practical implementation of the adaptive methodology is presented through simulation in the Matlab/Simulink environment.
Fuel Composition Transients in Fuel Cell Turbine Hybrid for Polygeneration Applications
Authors: Farida Harun Nor , Tucker David , Adams Thomas A.
Published: August 2014

Transient impacts on the performance of solid oxide fuel cell/gas turbine (SOFC/GT) hybrid systems were investigated using hardware-in-the-loop simulations (HiLSs) at a test facility located at the U.S. Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory. The work focused on applications relevant to polygeneration systems, which require significant fuel flexibility. Specifically, the dynamic response of implementing a sudden change in fuel composition from syngas to methane was examined. The maximum range of possible fuel composition allowable within the constraints of carbon deposition in the SOFC and stalling/surging of the turbine compressor system was determined. It was demonstrated that the transient response was significantly impact the fuel cell dynamic performance, which mainly drives the entire transient in SOFC/GT hybrid systems. This resulted in severe limitations on the allowable methane concentrations that could be used in the final fuel composition when switching from syngas to methane. Several system performance parameters were analyzed to characterize the transient impact over the course of 2 h from the composition change.
A Direct Method on the Evaluation of Cyclic Steady State of Structures With Creep Effect
Authors: Chen Haofeng , Chen Weihang , Ure James
Published: August 2014

This paper describes a new extension of the linear matching method (LMM) for the direct evaluation of cyclic behavior with creep effects of structures subjected to a general load condition in the steady cyclic state, with the new implementation of the cyclic hardening model and time hardening creep constitutive model. A benchmark example of a Bree cylinder and a more complicated three-dimensional (3D) plate with a center hole subjected to cyclic thermal load and constant mechanical load are analyzed to verify the applicability of the new LMM to deal with the creep fatigue damage. For both examples, the stabilized cyclic responses for different loading conditions and dwell time periods are obtained and validated. The effects of creep behavior on the cyclic responses are investigated. The new LMM procedure provides a general purpose technique, which is able to generate both the closed and nonclosed hysteresis loops depending upon the applied load condition, providing details of creep strain and plastic strain range for creep and fatigue damage assessments with creep fatigue interaction.
Can the structural robustness of complex networks be enhanced by interconnection?
Authors: Ye Bin , Jia Jia-Jia , Zuo Kang-Wei , Ma Xiao-Ping
Published: August 2014

To improve the structural robustness of a large complex network, we propose to interconnect it with a smaller but more robust network. We demonstrate the validity of our method by employing the metric of natural connectivity. By this approach, one can enhance the robustness of a network without modifying its inner structure or reshuffling the original links. Our method will lead to build more robust distributed power grids.
Critical phenomena in one dimension from a Bethe ansatz perspective
Authors: Guan Xiwen
Published: August 2014

This article briefly reviews recent theoretical developments in quantum critical phenomena in one-dimensional (1D) integrable quantum gases of cold atoms. We present a discussion on quantum phase transitions, universal thermodynamics, scaling functions and correlations for a few prototypical exactly solved models, such as the Lieb–Liniger Bose gas, the spin-1 Bose gas with antiferromagnetic spin-spin interaction, the two-component interacting Fermi gas as well as spin-3/2 Fermi gases. We demonstrate that their corresponding Bethe ansatz solutions provide a precise way to understand quantum many-body physics, such as quantum criticality, Luttinger liquids (LLs), the Wilson ratio, Tan's Contact, etc. These theoretical developments give rise to a physical perspective using integrability for uncovering experimentally testable phenomena in systems of interacting bosonic and fermonic ultracold atoms confined to 1D.
OBJECT RECOGNITION BASED ON BAG OF FEATURES AND A NEW LOCAL PATTERN DESCRIPTOR
Authors: FERRAZ CAROLINA TOLEDO , PEREIRA OSMANDO , ROSA MARCOS VERDINI , GONZAGA ADILSON
Published: August 2014

Bag of Features (BoF) has gained a lot of interest in computer vision. Visual codebook based on robust appearance descriptors extracted from local image patches is an effective means of texture analysis and scene classification. This paper presents a new method for local feature description based on gray-level difference mapping called Mean Local Mapped Pattern (M-LMP). The proposed descriptor is robust to image scaling, rotation, illumination and partial viewpoint changes. The training set is composed of rotated and scaled images, with changes in illumination and view points. The test set is composed of rotated and scaled images. The proposed descriptor more effectively captures smaller differences of the image pixels than similar ones. In our experiments, we implemented an object recognition system based on the M-LMP and compared our results to the Center-Symmetric Local Binary Pattern (CS-LBP) and the Scale-Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT). The results for object classification were analyzed in a BoF methodology and show that our descriptor performs better compared to these two previously published methods.
Non-hyperbolic automatic groups and groups acting on CAT(0) cube complexes
Authors: Nakagawa Yoshiyuki , Tamura Makoto , Yamashita Yasushi
Published: August 2014

We discuss a problem posed by Gersten: Is every automatic group which does not contain ℤ × ℤ subgroup, hyperbolic? To study this question, we define the notion of "n-track of length n", which is a structure like ℤ × ℤ, and prove its existence in the non-hyperbolic automatic groups with mild conditions. As an application, we show that if a group acts freely, cellularly, properly discontinuously and cocompactly on a CAT(0) cube complex and its quotient is "weakly special", then the above question is answered affirmatively.
Linear scaling Coulomb interaction in the multiwavelet basis, a parallel implementation
Authors: Jensen Stig Rune , Jusélius Jonas , Durdek Antoine , Flå Tor , Wind Peter , Frediani Luca
Published: August 2014

We present a parallel and linear scaling implementation of the calculation of the electrostatic potential arising from an arbitrary charge distribution. Our approach is making use of the multi-resolution basis of multiwavelets. The potential is obtained as the direct solution of the Poisson equation in its Green's function integral form. In the multiwavelet basis, the formally non local integral operator decays rapidly to negligible values away from the main diagonal, yielding an effectively banded structure where the bandwidth is only dictated by the requested accuracy. This sparse operator structure has been exploited to achieve linear scaling and parallel algorithms. Parallelization has been achieved both through the shared memory (OpenMP) and the message passing interface (MPI) paradigm. Our implementation has been tested by computing the electrostatic potential of the electronic density of long-chain alkanes and diamond fragments showing (sub)linear scaling with the system size and efficent parallelization.
The PACTUM model: Product analysis of cost and time using mathematics
Authors: Easters Daniel J.
Published: August 2014

Establishing a mathematical supply-chain model is a proposition that has received attention due to its inherent benefits of evolving global supply-chain efficiencies. This paper discusses the prevailing relationships found within apparel supply-chain environments, and contemplates the complex issues indicated for constituting a mathematical model. Principal results identified within the data suggest, that the multifarious nature of global supply-chain activities require a degree of simplification in order to fully dilate the necessary factors which affect, each subsection of the chain. Subsequently, the research findings allowed the division of supply-chain components into subsections, which amassed a coherent method of product development activity. Concurrently, the supply-chain model was found to allow systematic mathematical formulae analysis, of cost and time, within the multiple contexts of each subsection encountered. The paper indicates the supply-chain model structure, the mathematics, and considers how product analysis of cost and time can improve the comprehension of product lifecycle management.
REVIEW ON EJECTOR OF VAPOR JET REFRIGERATION SYSTEM
Authors: JIAUTHEEN PARVEEN BANU , ANNAMALAI MANI
Published: August 2014

Vapor Jet Refrigeration (VJR) system is attractive among various heat operated refrigeration systems, because it has the potential of utilizing low grade thermal energy with source temperature as low as 60°C, which could be harnessed from renewable energy, waste heat, automobile-exhaust, etc. Also absence of moving parts in this system resulted in lesser maintenance costs. In addition to that this system causes very low environmental pollution due to almost negligible consumption of high grade energy from fossil fuels for running a small liquid pump of the system. Although VJR was invented very long back, still performance improvement to compete with vapor compression refrigeration system is in progress. Plenty of research has been carried out in different aspects for enhancing the efficiency of this technology. The present work/paper gives an overview of VJR system and its progression in the aspect of performance improvement. The developmental progress of the VJR technology presented in this paper has been categorized into the following groups, namely (a) general performance of an ejector, (b) numerical analysis, viz., classical one-dimensional analysis and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis, (c) experimental studies, (d) flow visualization studies, (e) performance enhancement techniques, and (f) two-phase ejector. And also presented a glimpse of some of the review papers from literature on VJR system.
Applications of Random Set Theory in Econometrics
Authors: Molchanov Ilya , Molinari Francesca
Published: August 2014

In recent years, the econometrics literature has shown a growing interest in the study of partially identified models, in which the object of economic and statistical interest is a set rather than a point. The characterization of this set and the development of consistent estimators and inference procedures for it with desirable properties are the main goals of partial identification analysis. This review introduces the fundamental tools of the theory of random sets, which brings together elements of topology, convex geometry, and probability theory to develop a coherent mathematical framework to analyze random elements whose realizations are sets. It then elucidates how these tools have been fruitfully applied in econometrics to reach the goals of partial identification analysis.
Concepts and Methodologies for Measuring the Sustainability of Cities
Authors: Yetano Roche María , Lechtenböhmer Stefan , Fischedick Manfred , Gröne Marie-Christine , Xia Chun , Dienst Carmen
Published: August 2014

In recent decades, better data and methods have become available for understanding the complex functioning of cities and their impacts on sustainability. This review synthesizes the recent developments in concepts and methods being used to measure the impacts of cities on environmental sustainability. It differentiates between a dominant trend in research literature that concentrates on the accounting and allocation of greenhouse gas emissions and energy use to cities and a reemergence of studies that focus on the direct and indirect material and resource flows in cities. The methodological approaches reviewed may consider cities as either producers or consumers, and all recognize that urban environmental impacts can be local, regional, or global. As well as giving an overview of the methodological debates, we examine the implications of the different approaches for policy and the challenges these approaches face in their application in the field.
Hard-Scattering Results in Heavy-Ion Collisions at the LHC
Authors: Norbeck Edwin , Šafařík Karel , Steinberg Peter A.
Published: August 2014

We present the first LHC results on hard-probe observables in heavy-ion collisions. During the first 3 years of operation, the ALICE, ATLAS, and CMS experiments each collected Pb + Pb interaction data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity above 100 μb−1at [Formula: see text] TeV. Fresh insights into the properties of QCD matter under extreme conditions are emerging. Although the basic picture established at RHIC—that of a hot, dense medium that (a) flows with a viscosity-to-entropy ratio close to the conjectured lower bound and (b) quenches the energy of hard probes, such as jets, heavy flavor, and quarkonia—has been confirmed at the LHC, the higher-energy data indicate new ways to extract its properties in more detail. These include the first observations of a different strength for the suppression of charm and beauty quarks, reduced low-pTsuppression for J/ψ, and detailed measurements of high-ETjet suppression and jet-fragmentation modifications.
Horizontal Gene Transfer in Eukaryotic Plant Pathogens
Authors: Soanes Darren , Richards Thomas A.
Published: August 2014

Gene transfer has been identified as a prevalent and pervasive phenomenon and an important source of genomic innovation in bacteria. The role of gene transfer in microbial eukaryotes seems to be of a reduced magnitude but in some cases can drive important evolutionary innovations, such as new functions that underpin the colonization of different niches. The aim of this review is to summarize published cases that support the hypothesis that horizontal gene transfer (HGT) has played a role in the evolution of phytopathogenic traits in fungi and oomycetes. Our survey of the literature identifies 46 proposed cases of transfer of genes that have a putative or experimentally demonstrable phytopathogenic function. When considering the life-cycle steps through which a pathogen must progress, the majority of the HGTs identified are associated with invading, degrading, and manipulating the host. Taken together, these data suggest HGT has played a role in shaping how fungi and oomycetes colonize plant hosts.
Forty Years with Emerging Viruses
Authors: Peters C.J.
Published: August 2014

I was raised in a middle-class family in West Texas and was lucky in my preparation through high school faculty, short government programs arising from the politics of Sputnik, inspiring high school mentors, and university training at a first-rate institution. My educational background led me to apply to medical school. With some financial aid, I managed to graduate and then obtain a first-class internal medicine residency at Parkland Hospital, where I acquired skills in discerning evaluation and treatment of patients with complicated diseases. In spite of a liking for and ability in clinical medicine, I entered the Public Health Service and worked for 5 years at the National Institutes of Health laboratory in Panama; there, I began to see the fascination of ecological impacts on virus transmission in nature and its spillover into human populations. I shifted my interests to these themes and their interaction with viral pathogenesis. At each stage of my career, I picked an institution to work where there were strong leaders and other inspiring scientists. I think the young scientist should choose the best available institution and one that offers a career direction that leads to a life where he or she awakens and cannot wait to arrive at his or her job—regardless of the details of each choice, the outcome will be a satisfied person who will contribute greatly to his or her chosen field.
Interactions between E-Cadherin and MicroRNA Deregulation in Head and Neck Cancers: The Potential Interplay
Authors: Wong Thian-Sze , Gao Wei , Chan Jimmy Yu-Wai
Published: August 2014

E-cadherin expression in the head and neck epithelium is essential for the morphogenesis and homeostasis of epithelial tissues. The cadherin-mediated cell-cell contacts are required for the anchorage-dependent growth of epithelial cells. Further, survival and proliferation require physical tethering created by proper cell-cell adhesion. Otherwise, the squamous epithelial cells will undergo programmed cell death. Head and neck cancers can escape from anoikis and enter into the epithelial-mesenchymal transition stages via the modulation of E-cadherin expression with epigenetic mechanisms. At epigenetic level, gene expression control is not dependent on the DNA sequence. In the context of E-cadherin regulation in head and neck cancers, 2 major mechanisms includingde novopromoter hypermethylation and microRNA dysregulation are most extensively studied. Both of them control E-cadherin expression at transcription level and subsequently hinder the overall E-cadherin protein level in the head and neck cancer cells. Increasing evidence suggested that microRNA mediated E-cadherin expression in the head and neck cancers by directly/indirectly targeting the transcription suppressors of E-cadherin, ZEB1 and ZEB2.
3 DOF Spherical Pendulum Oscillations with a Uniform Slewing Pivot Center and a Small Angle Assumption
Authors: Perig Alexander V. , Stadnik Alexander N. , Deriglazov Alexander I. , Podlesny Sergey V.
Published: August 2014

The present paper addresses the derivation of a 3 DOF mathematical model of a spherical pendulum attached to a crane boom tip for uniform slewing motion of the crane. The governing nonlinear DAE-based system for crane boom uniform slewing has been proposed, numerically solved, and experimentally verified. The proposed nonlinear and linearized models have been derived with an introduction of Cartesian coordinates. The linearized model with small angle assumption has an analytical solution. The relative and absolute payload trajectories have been derived. The amplitudes of load oscillations, which depend on computed initial conditions, have been estimated. The dependence of natural frequencies on the transport inertia forces and gravity forces has been computed. The conservative system, which contains first time derivatives of coordinates without oscillation damping, has been derived. The dynamic analogy between crane boom-driven payload swaying motion and Foucault’s pendulum motion has been grounded and outlined. For a small swaying angle, good agreement between theoretical and averaged experimental results was obtained.
Inherent Complexity Research on the Bullwhip Effect in Supply Chains with Two Retailers: The Impact of Three Forecasting Methods Considering Market Share
Authors: Ma Junhai , Bao Binshuo , Ma Xiaogang
Published: August 2014

An important phenomenon in supply chain management which is known as the bullwhip effect suggests that demand variability increases as one moves up a supply chain. This paper contrasts the bullwhip effect for a two-stage supply chain consisting of one supplier and two retailers under three forecasting methods based on the market share. We can quantify the correlation coefficient between the two retailers clearly, in consideration of market share. The two retailers both employ the order-up-to inventory policy for replenishments. The bullwhip effect is measured, respectively, under the minimum mean squared error (MMSE), moving average (MA), and exponential smoothing (ES) forecasting methods. The effect of autoregressive coefficient, lead time, and the market share on a bullwhip effect measure is investigated by using algebraic analysis and numerical simulation. And the comparison of the bullwhip effect under three forecasting methods is conducted. The conclusion suggests that different forecasting methods and various parameters lead to different bullwhip effects. Hence, the corresponding forecasting method should be chosen by the managers under different parameters in practice.
Application of Base Force Element Method to Mesomechanics Analysis for Concrete
Authors: Peng Yijiang , Wang Yao , Guo Qing , Ni Junhua
Published: August 2014

The base force element method (BFEM) on damage mechanics is used to analyze the compressive strength, the size effects of compressive strength, and fracture process of concrete at mesolevel. The concrete is taken as three‐phase composites consisting of coarse aggregate, hardened cement mortar, and interfacial transition zone (ITZ) on mesolevel. The random aggregate model is used to simulate the mesostructure of concrete. The mechanical properties and fracture process of concrete under uniaxial compression loading are simulated using the BFEM on damage mechanics. The simulation results agree with the test results. This analysis method is the new way for investigating fracture mechanism and numerical simulation of mechanical properties for concrete.
Accurate Parameter Estimation for Unbalanced Three-Phase System
Authors: Chen Yuan , So Hing Cheung
Published: August 2014

Smart grid is an intelligent power generation and control console in modern electricity networks, where the unbalanced three-phase power system is the commonly used model. Here, parameter estimation for this system is addressed. After converting the three-phase waveforms into a pair of orthogonal signals via theαβ-transformation, the nonlinear least squares (NLS) estimator is developed for accurately finding the frequency, phase, and voltage parameters. The estimator is realized by the Newton-Raphson scheme, whose global convergence is studied in this paper. Computer simulations show that the mean square error performance of NLS method can attain the Cramér-Rao lower bound. Moreover, our proposal provides more accurate frequency estimation when compared with the complex least mean square (CLMS) and augmented CLMS.
The Adomian Decomposition Method for Solving a Moving Boundary Problem Arising from the Diffusion of Oxygen in Absorbing Tissue
Authors: Bougoffa Lazhar
Published: August 2014

This paper begins by giving the results obtained by the Crank-Gupta method and Gupta-Banik method for the oxygen diffusion problem in absorbing tissue, and then we propose a new resolution method for this problem by the Adomian decomposition method. An approximate analytical solution is obtained, which is demonstrated to be quite accurate by comparison with the numerical and approximate solutions obtained by Crank and Gupta. The study confirms the accuracy and efficiency of the algorithm for analytic approximate solutions of this problem.
Synthesis and In Vitro Inhibition Effect of New Pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine Derivatives on Erythrocyte Carbonic Anhydrase I and II
Authors: Kuday Hilal , Sonmez Fatih , Bilen Cigdem , Yavuz Emre , Gençer Nahit , Kucukislamoglu Mustafa
Published: August 2014

In vitro inhibition effects of indolylchalcones and new pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives on purified human carbonic anhydrase I and II (hCA I and II) were investigated by using CO2as a substrate. The results showed that all compounds inhibited the hCA I and hCA II enzyme activities. Among all the synthesized compounds,7e(IC50=6.79 µM) was found to be the most active compound for hCA I inhibitory activity and5g(IC50=7.22 µM) showed the highest hCA II inhibitory activity. Structure-activity relationships study showed that indolylchalcone derivatives have higher inhibitory activities than pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives on hCA I and hCA II. Additionally, methyl group bonded to uracil ring increases inhibitory activities on both hCA I and hCA II.
Decision Making in the PICU: An Examination of Factors Influencing Participation Decisions in Phase III Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Slosky Laura E. , Stern Marilyn , Burke Natasha L. , Siminoff Laura A.
Published: August 2014

Background. In stressful situations, decision making processes related to informed consent may be compromised. Given the profound levels of distress that surrogates of children in pediatric intensive care units (PICU) experience, it is important to understand what factors may be influencing the decision making process beyond the informed consent. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of clinician influence and other factors on decision making regarding participation in a randomized clinical trial (RCT).Method. Participants were 76 children under sedation in a PICU and their surrogate decision makers. Measures included the Post Decision Clinician Survey, observer checklist, and post-decision interview.Results. Age of the pediatric patient was related to participation decisions in the RCT such that older children were more likely to be enrolled. Mentioning the sponsoring institution was associated with declining to participate in the RCT. Type of health care provider and overt recommendations to participate were not related to enrollment.Conclusion. Decisions to participate in research by surrogates of children in the PICU appear to relate to child demographics and subtleties in communication; however, no modifiable characteristics were related to increased participation, indicating that the informed consent process may not be compromised in this population.
A Comprehensive Review of Serious Games in Health Professions
Authors: Ricciardi Francesco , De Paolis Lucio Tommaso
Published: August 2014

Education of healthcare professionals is of primary importance for patient safety. In some health related professions, education and training have to be practiced during the entire working period and not only limited to school years. The use of new technology such as virtual reality and e-learning brings new possibilities with significant improvement in learning outcomes. Serious gaming describes a technology that can educate and train while entertaining users. This type of training can be very useful for health professions because it improves learning outcomes creating a learner oriented approach and providing a stealth mode of teaching. In some fields it represents an ideal instrument for continuous health professions education also in terms of costs because it is cheaper than traditional training methods that use cadavers or mannequins. In this paper we make a scoping review of serious games developed for health professions and health related fields in order to understand if they are useful tools for health related fields training. Many papers confirmed that serious gaming is a useful technology that improves learning and skills development for health professionals.
Inflammatory Pseudotumor Complicated by Recurrent Dislocations after Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Quinn John Ryan , Lee Jason , Schwarzkopf Ran
Published: August 2014

A 71-year-old female with a history of right total hip arthroplasty presented with an enlarging pseudotumor. Pseudotumor is a known complication following metal-on-metal and metal-on-conventional polyethylene and metal-on-highly cross-linked polyethylene implants. Revision total hip arthroplasty following resection of pseudotumor has resulted in an increase in incidence of postoperative complications. Despite stable implants, these complications arise from the amount of soft tissue damage combined with the loss of tissue support around the resected hip. Our case is a clear example of a major complication, recurrent dislocation, following resection and revision surgery.
Finite-Time Stabilization Control for a Rigid Spacecraft under Parameter Uncertainties
Authors: Zhang Aihua , Ni Jianfei , Huo Xing
Published: August 2014

A novel finite-time control scheme is investigated for a rigid spacecraft in present of parameter uncertainties and external disturbances. Firstly, the spacecraft mathematical model is transformed into a cascading system by introducing an adaptive variable. Then a novel finite-time attitude stabilization control scheme for a rigid spacecraft is proposed based on the homogeneous method. Lyapunov stability analysis shows that the resulting closed-loop attitude system is proven to be stable in finite time without parameter uncertainties and asymptotically stable with parameter uncertainties. Finally, numerical simulation examples are also presented to demonstrate that the control strategy developed is feasible and effective for spacecraft attitude stabilization mission.
Solar Water Heating as a Potential Source for Inland Norway Energy Mix
Authors: Hagos Dejene Assefa , Gebremedhin Alemayehu , Zethraeus Björn
Published: August 2014

The aim of this paper is to assess solar potential and investigate the possibility of using solar water heating for residential application in Inland Norway. Solar potential based on observation and satellite-derived data for four typical populous locations has been assessed and used to estimate energy yield using two types of solar collectors for a technoeconomic performance comparison. Based on the results, solar energy use for water heating is competitive and viable even in low solar potential areas. In this study it was shown that a typical tubular collector in Inland Norway could supply 62% of annual water heating energy demand for a single residential household, while glazed flat plates of the same size were able to supply 48%. For a given energy demand in Inland Norway, tubular collectors are preferred to flat plate collectors for performance and cost reasons. This was shown by break-even capital cost for a series of collector specifications. Deployment of solar water heating in all detached dwellings in Inland could have the potential to save 182 GWh of electrical energy, equivalent to a reduction of 15,690 tonnes of oil energy and 48.6 ktCO2emissions, and contributes greatly to Norway 67.5% renewable share target by 2020.
A Variational Art Algorithm for Image Generation
Authors: Kim Yoon Young , Ryu Jae Chun , Kim Eunil , Kim Hyoungkee , Ahn Byungseong
Published: August 2014

The authors propose a variational art algorithm: a virtual system-based optimization algorithm developed for generating images. Observing that the topology optimization method used for multiphysics system design can produce two- or three-dimensional layouts without baselines, the authors propose to expand it beyond engineering applications for generating images. They have devised a virtual physical system—a heat-path system—that “interprets” the optimization-based process of image generation as the simultaneous drawing of multiple strokes in a painting.
Modelling Multi-Party Interactions among Virtual Characters, Robots, and Humans
Authors: Yumak Zerrin , Ren Jianfeng , Thalmann Nadia Magnenat , Yuan Junsong
Published: August 2014

3D virtual humans and physical human-like robots can be used to interact with people in a remote location in order to increase the feeling of presence. In a telepresence setup, their behaviors are driven by real participants. We envision that in the absence of the real users, when they have to leave or they do not want to do a repetitive task, the control of the robots can be handed to an artificial intelligence component to sustain the ongoing interaction. At the point when human-mediated interaction is required again, control can be returned to the real users. One of the main challenges in telepresence research is the adaptation of 3D position and orientation of the remote participants to the actual physical environment to have appropriate eye contact and gesture awareness in a group conversation. In case the human behind the robot and/or virtual human leaves, multi-party interaction should be handed to an artificial intelligence component. In this paper, we discuss the challenges in autonomous multi-party interaction among virtual characters, human-like robots, and real participants, and describe a prototype system to study these challenges.
Utilisation of Natural Resources in Nigeria: Human Right Considerations
Authors: Abe Oyeniyi O.
Published: August 2014

Environmental justice continues to be a concept that seemingly eludes our human capability; yet, the economic benefits derivable from exploration and utilisation of the environment are unquantifiable. A brief attempt on environmental rights and its applicability in practice in Nigeria has been carried out in this article. The article analyses the nature of the socio-political impulses at work in ensuring that environmental justice is either hindered or realised. While examining the right to clean environment, this article discusses the culpability of transnational corporations for their acts in environmental degradation. It argues for the enforceability of environmental justice under the constitution and indeed under customary international law. It also examines the implications of several international human right treaties which Nigeria has assented to. The article calls for more punitive measures in environmental statues. Nigeria must adopt international principles aimed at safeguarding the rights and interest of peoples on earth. Not only must there be the means to implement these rights, but also there must be adequate and responsible enforcement mechanisms in place. Government must not only be serious but must also be manifestly seen to be so.
Book Review: Paranjpe, Shrikant, 2013. India’s Strategic Culture: The Making of National Security Policy
Authors: Pukhrem Shristi
Published: August 2014

Paranjpe, Shrikant, India’s Strategic Culture: The Making of National Security Policy (New Delhi: Routledge, 2013). Pp. 184, Price: ₹ 695.
Book Review: Mishra, Pankaj, 2013. A Great Clamour: Encounters with China and its Neighbours
Authors: Thakur Atul K.
Published: August 2014

Mishra, Pankaj, A Great Clamour: Encounters with China and its Neighbours (New Delhi: Penguin, 2013). Pp. 325, Price ₹ 499.