bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early acute ischaemic stroke in two patients with acute type B aortic dissection: an unusual complication
Authors: AlGhamdi Abdullah , Alqahtani Saeed , Ricketti Meagan , Aziz Salim
Published: August 2015

Aortic thoracic dissection (AD) is a serious cardiovascular disease. According to the Stanford classification; type A involves the ascending aorta and type B the descending distal to the left subclavian artery. Neurological complications secondary to AD are devastating. Ischaemic stroke and hypoxic encephalopathy are early-recognised complications of type A as the arch vessels can be involved AD. Although, late ischaemic stroke had been reported in 1.4–5% of patients with type B dissection, early stroke is very unusual as it cannot be simply explained by AD anatomical pathogenesis. We report two patients who presented with type B AD complicated by early ischaemic strokes. Work-up revealed significant cardiomyopathies in both patients but with left ventricle thrombus in one. In both patients the strokes were felt to be of cardioembolic origin.
Treatment of juvenile hallux valgus interphalangeus with a double compression headless bone screw
Authors: Göksel Ferdi , Ermutlu Cenk , Gölge Umut Hatay , Kaymaz Burak
Published: August 2015

A 14-year-old girl presented with idiopathic valgus deformity of her left great toe at the interphalangeal joint (IPJ). The deformity, which had been present but asymptomatic for the past 4 years, began to enlarge and cause discomfort. The measured IPJ angle on anteroposterior standing X-ray was 26°. We treated the toe by medial closing wedge osteotomy and fixation with a double compression headless bone screw (DCHBS). Postoperative hallux valgus interphalangeus (HVI) angle was 14°.
Mesothelial derived adenomatoid tumour in a location devoid of mesothelium: adrenal adenomatoid tumour
Authors: Sağlıcan Yeşim , Kurtulmus Neslihan , Tunca Fatih , Süleyman Erdoğan
Published: August 2015

This is a case report of a 40-year-old man with an adrenal mass that was found incidentally on routine check-up examination. MRI showed a 30×51×57 mm cystic-semisolid heterogeneous mass; hormonal functions were within normal limits. Operative removal was planned because of the large size of the mass. Histopathological and immunohistochemical findings were consistent with adenomatoid tumour. The patient was disease-free at 1 year follow-up. We present this case with its radiological and histological characteristics under the review of the literature.
Pheochromocytoma: clinical review based on a rare case in adolescence
Authors: Alface Marisa Maibel , Moniz Patricia , Jesus Susana , Fonseca Cândida
Published: August 2015

Pheochromocytomas are rare tumours originating in chromaffin cells, representing 0.1–1% of all secondary hypertension (HT) cases. The majority are benign and unilateral, characterised by the production of catecholamines and other neuropeptides. Mainly located in the adrenal gland, they are more frequent between the 3rd and 5th decades of life; however, 10–25% can be associated with genetic familial syndromes (multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2), type 1 neurofibromatosis and Von-Hippel-Landau disease in younger ages. The authors present a rare case of secondary HT due to a pheochromocytoma in a 15-year-old patient, whose metanephrine assay confirmed the diagnosis, and abdominal ultrasound and CT localised the tumour in the adrenal gland. HT was controlled with α and β blockers, with posterior retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgical intervention and subsequent resolution of HT. Age and concomitant hyperparathyroidism compelled genetic testing for the exclusion of MEN 2, which was negative.
Intracerebral haemorrhage and hemiplegia with heterotopic ossification of the affected hip
Authors: O'Brien M M C , Murray T , Keeling F , Williams D
Published: August 2015

We present the case of a 72-year-old woman who developed right hemiparesis following a left frontal intraparenchymal haemorrhage. Three months following initial presentation, the patient noted poorly localised right lower quadrant pain. Following extensive investigations, a diagnosis of heterotopic ossification of the hip was made. We discuss the aetiology and pathogenesis of this uncommon entity, and discuss its relationship to ipsilateral neurological injury. The link with neurological injury can result in a delayed and atypical presentation. Early recognition and treatment are important for those caring for patients with acquired neurological deficits, and permit improved patient outcomes.
Protocol—the RAMESES II study: developing guidance and reporting standards for realist evaluation
Authors: Greenhalgh Trisha , Wong Geoff , Jagosh Justin , Greenhalgh Joanne , Manzano Ana , Westhorp Gill , Pawson Ray
Published: August 2015

Introduction

Realist evaluation is an increasingly popular methodology in health services research. For realist evaluations (RE) this project aims to: develop quality and reporting standards and training materials; build capacity for undertaking and critically evaluating them; produce resources and training materials for lay participants, and those seeking to involve them.

Methods

To achieve our aims, we will: (1) Establish management and governance infrastructure; (2) Recruit an interdisciplinary Delphi panel of 35 participants with diverse relevant experience of RE; (3) Summarise current literature and expert opinion on best practice in RE; (4) Run an online Delphi panel to generate and refine items for quality and reporting standards; (5) Capture ‘real world’ experiences and challenges of RE—for example, by providing ongoing support to realist evaluations, hosting the RAMESES JISCmail list on realist research, and feeding problems and insights from these into the deliberations of the Delphi panel; (6) Produce quality and reporting standards; (7) Collate examples of the learning and training needs of researchers, students, reviewers and lay members in relation to RE; (8) Develop, deliver and evaluate training materials for RE and deliver training workshops; and (9) Develop and evaluate information and resources for patients and other lay participants in RE (eg, draft template information sheets and model consent forms) and; (10) Disseminate training materials and other resources.

Planned outputs: (1) Quality and reporting standards and training materials for RE. (2) Methodological support for RE. (3) Increase in capacity to support and evaluate RE. (4) Accessible, plain-English resources for patients and the public participating in RE.

Discussion

The realist evaluation is a relatively new approach to evaluation and its overall place in the is not yet fully established. As with all primary research approaches, guidance on quality assurance and uniform reporting is an important step towards improving quality and consistency.
Does epigenetic dysregulation of pancreatic islets contribute to impaired insulin secretion and type 2 diabetes?
Authors: Dayeh Tasnim , Ling Charlotte
Published: August 2015

β cell dysfunction is central to the development and progression of type 2 diabetes (T2D). T2D develops when β cells are not able to compensate for the increasing demand for insulin caused by insulin resistance. Epigenetic modifications play an important role in establishing and maintaining β cell identity and function in physiological conditions. On the other hand, epigenetic dysregulation can cause a loss of β cell identity, which is characterized by reduced expression of genes that are important for β cell function, ectopic expression of genes that are not supposed to be expressed in β cells, and loss of genetic imprinting. Consequently, this may lead to β cell dysfunction and impaired insulin secretion. Risk factors that can cause epigenetic dysregulation include parental obesity, an adverse intrauterine environment, hyperglycemia, lipotoxicity, aging, physical inactivity, and mitochondrial dysfunction. These risk factors can affect the epigenome at different time points throughout the lifetime of an individual and even before an individual is conceived. The plasticity of the epigenome enables it to change in response to environmental factors such as diet and exercise, and also makes the epigenome a good target for epigenetic drugs that may be used to enhance insulin secretion and potentially treat diabetes.
Investigation and Fabrication of the Semiconductor Devices Based on Metamorphic InAlAs/InGaAs/InAlAs Nanoheterostructures for THz Applications
Authors: Lavrukhin D. V. , Yachmenev A. E. , Galiev R. R. , Bugaev A. S. , Fedorov Y. V. , Khabibullin R. A. , Ponomarev D. S. , Maltsev P. P.
Published: August 2015

A metamorphic high electron mobility transistor (MHEMT) with “zig–zag” –like gate of a length of 46 nm and cut-off frequencies for the current and power gain [Formula: see text] THz and [Formula: see text] THz respectively was fabricated on the base of InAlAs/InGaAs/InAlAs nanoheterostructure.
Quantum Dot Solar Cells with Nanoscale Barriers Around Dots: Experiment and Two-Diode Model Analysis
Authors: Li Yanshu , Sergeev Andrei , Vagidov Nizami , Mitin Vladimir , Sablon Kimberly
Published: August 2015

Incorporation of quantum dots into the p-n junction of the photovoltaic device provides numerous possibilities for nanoscale control of photoelectron processes via engineering the band structure and nanoscale potential profile. The band structure is determined by the size and shape of quantum dots and width of the wetting layer. The potential profile is formed by selective doping, which leads to the built-in dot charge. To study the effects of the band structure and nanoscale potential barriers on the photovoltaic performance we fabricated and investigated 3-μm base GaAs devices with various InAs quantum dot media and selective doping. All quantum dot devices show significant improvement in conversion efficiency in comparison with the reference cell. The data obtained have been analyzed in frame of the diode model. It was found that the two-diode model with the ideality factors of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] well describes the scope of data. The essential [Formula: see text] component evidences that the Shockley-Read-Hall recombination plays a substantial role in recombination losses. Further optimization of solar cells should be aimed at the formation of potential profile with large barriers that separate quantum dot areas from high mobility conducting channels.
Emergence and robustness of target waves in a neuronal network
Authors: Xu Ying , Jin Wuyin , Ma Jun
Published: August 2015

Target waves in excitable media such as neuronal network can regulate the spatial distribution and orderliness as a continuous pacemaker. Three different schemes are used to develop stable target wave in the network, and the potential mechanism for emergence of target waves in the excitable media is investigated. For example, a local pacing driven by external periodical forcing can generate stable target wave in the excitable media, furthermore, heterogeneity and local feedback under self-feedback coupling are also effective to generate continuous target wave as well. To discern the difference of these target waves, a statistical synchronization factor is defined by using mean field theory and artificial defects are introduced into the network to block the target wave, thus the robustness of these target waves could be detected. However, these target waves developed from the above mentioned schemes show different robustness to the blocking from artificial defects. A regular network of Hindmarsh–Rose neurons is designed in a two-dimensional square array, target waves are induced by using three different ways, and then some artificial defects, which are associated with anatomical defects, are set in the network to detect the effect of defects blocking on the travelling waves. It confirms that the robustness of target waves to defects blocking depends on the intrinsic properties (ways to generate target wave) of target waves.
Composite Characteristics of Memristor Series and Parallel Circuits
Authors: Hu Xiaofang , Feng Gang , Liu Lu , Duan Shukai
Published: August 2015

Memristors have attracted considerable attention since their physical realization was reported by Hewlett-Packard (HP) Lab in 2008. Their distinctive properties like nonvolatility, re-configurability and analog processing capability have found promising potential in developing future neuromorphic computing systems, next-generation nonvolatile memories, etc. However, the device characteristics of memristors and their utilizations have not been fully studied. Particularly, predicting the composite behaviors in memristor series and parallel circuits is challenging because of the polarity- and state-dependent electric property of individual memristors. In this paper, the composite characteristics of multiple memristor circuits in series and parallel, respectively, are investigated comprehensively. Specifically, the transient behaviors are revealed in terms of the changes of charge or flux thresholds of the memristors and the conditions to achieve the steady state through transient state are also studied. Furthermore, their composite electric properties in the steady state are presented. Finally, the impact of unavoidable process variations of memristors on composite behaviors is analyzed based on massive Monte-Carlo simulations.
Analytical Study and Experimental Confirmation of SNA Through Poincaré Maps in a Quasiperiodically Forced Electronic Circuit
Authors: Arulgnanam A. , Prasad Awadesh , Thamilmaran K. , Daniel M.
Published: August 2015

Quasiperiodically forced series LCR circuit with simple nonlinear element is studied analytically and experimentally. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that strange nonchaotic attractors (SNAs) are studied analytically. From the explicit analytical solution, the bifurcation process is shown. With a single negative conduction region of the nonlinear element two routes namely, Heagy–Hammel and fractalization routes to the birth of SNA are identified. The analytical analysis are confirmed by laboratory hardware experiments. In addition, for the first time, a detailed stroboscopic Poincaré map is generated experimentally for two different frequencies, for the above two routes, which clearly confirm the presence of SNAs in these two routes. Also, from the experimental data of the corresponding attractors, we quantitatively confirm the presence of SNAs through singular-continuous spectrum analysis. The analytical results as well as experimental observations are characterized qualitatively in terms of phase portraits, Poincaré map, power spectrum, and sensitivity dependance on initial conditions.
Dynamical Bifurcation of the Generalized Swift–Hohenberg Equation
Authors: Choi Yuncherl , Han Jongmin , Park Jungho
Published: August 2015

In this paper, we prove that the generalized Swift–Hohenberg equation bifurcates from the trivial states to an attractor as the control parameter α passes through critical points. The bifurcation is divided into two groups according to the dimension of the center manifolds. We show that the bifurcated attractor is homeomorphic to S1 or S3 and it contains invariant circles of static solutions. We provide a criterion on the quadratic instability parameter μ which determines the bifurcation to be supercritical or subcritical.
Control of Multichaotic Systems Using the Extended OGY Method
Authors: Nobakhti Ensieh , Khaki-Sedigh Ali , Vasegh Nastaran
Published: August 2015

This paper considers the problem of controlling coupled chaotic maps. Coupled chaotic maps or multichaotic subsystems are complex dynamical systems that consist of several chaotic sub-systems with interactions. The OGY methodology is extended to deal with the control of such systems. It is shown that the decentralized control design scheme in which the individual controllers share no information is not generally able to control multichaotic systems. Simulation results are used to support the main conclusions of the paper.
Spatiotemporal Dynamics in a Reaction–Diffusion Epidemic Model with a Time-Delay in Transmission
Authors: Cai Yongli , Yan Shuling , Wang Hailing , Lian Xinze , Wang Weiming
Published: August 2015

In this paper, we investigate the effects of time-delay and diffusion on the disease dynamics in an epidemic model analytically and numerically. We give the conditions of Hopf and Turing bifurcations in a spatial domain. From the results of mathematical analysis and numerical simulations, we find that for unequal diffusive coefficients, time-delay and diffusion may induce that Turing instability results in stationary Turing patterns, Hopf instability results in spiral wave patterns, and Hopf–Turing instability results in chaotic wave patterns. Our results well extend the findings of spatiotemporal dynamics in the delayed reaction–diffusion epidemic model, and show that time-delay has a strong impact on the pattern formation of the reaction–diffusion epidemic model.
Experimental Evidence of Chaos from Memristors
Authors: Gambuzza Lucia Valentina , Fortuna Luigi , Frasca Mattia , Gale Ella
Published: August 2015

Until now, most memristor-based chaotic circuits proposed in the literature are based on mathematical models which assume ideal characteristics such as piecewise-linear or cubic nonlinearities. The idea, illustrated here and originating from the experimental approach for device characterization, is to realize a chaotic system exploiting the nonlinearity of only one memristor with a very simple experimental set-up using feedback. In this way, a simple circuit is obtained and chaos is experimentally observed and is confirmed by the calculation of the largest Lyapunov exponent. Numerical results using the Strukov model support the existence of robust chaos in our circuit. To our knowledge, this is the first experimental demonstration of chaos in a real memristor circuit and suggests that memristors are well placed for hardware encryption.
Stability and Bifurcation in a Diffusive Logistic Population Model with Multiple Delays
Authors: Chen Shanshan , Wei Junjie
Published: August 2015

A diffusive logistic population model with multiple delays and Dirichlet boundary condition is considered in this paper. The stability/instability of the positive equilibrium and delay induced Hopf bifurcation are investigated. Moreover, we show which kind of delay could actually affect the dynamics.
Stripe and Spot Patterns in a Gierer–Meinhardt Activator–Inhibitor Model with Different Sources
Authors: Wang Jinliang , Hou Xiaojie , Jing Zhujun
Published: August 2015

In this paper, we study the Turing patterns in a Gierer–Meinhardt model of the activator–inhibitor type with different sources. First, we investigate the corresponding kinetic equations and derive the conditions for the stability of the equilibrium and then, we turn our attention to the Hopf bifurcation of the system. In certain parameter range, the equilibrium experiences a Hopf bifurcation; the bifurcation is supercritical and the bifurcated periodic solution is stable. With added diffusions, we show that both the equilibrium and the stable Hopf periodic solution experience Turing instability, if the diffusion coefficients of the two species are sufficiently different. Our numerical simulations show that the Turing patterns are either spot or stripe type. The results are new.
Forecast Performance of the Taiwan Weighted Stock Index
Authors: Ji Deng-Yuan , Lee Cheng-Few , Chen Hsiao-Yin
Published: August 2015

This research introduces the following to establish a Taiwan Weighted stock index (TAIEX) prediction model: intervention analysis integrated into the ARIMA–GARCH model, error correction model (ECM), intervention analysis integrated into the transfer function model, the simple average combination forecasting model, and the minimum error combination forecasting model. The results show that intervention analysis integrated into the transfer function model yields a more accurate prediction model than ECM and intervention analysis integrated into the ARIMA–GARCH model. The minimum error combination forecasting model can improve prediction accuracy much better than non-combination models and also maintain robustness. Intervention analysis integrated into the transfer function model shows that the TAIEX is affected by external factors, the INDU, the exchange rate, and the consumer price index; therefore, facing the different issues of the TAIEX, the government could pursue some macroeconomic policies to reach the goals of policies.
TOOTH REGENERATION WITH DENTAL STEM CELL RESEARCH IN MINIATURE PIG MODEL
Authors: Kuo Tzong-Fu , Sheu Shi-Yuan , Jiang Ching-Chuan , Chang Hao-Hueng , Chen Shuo-Tsung , Chen Rung-Shu , Hsieh Chin-Hsiung , Chen Min-Huey
Published: August 2015

To develop a cell-based approach to tooth regeneration, we isolated dental stem cells from tooth buds of mini pigs and culture-expanded them for about three weeks. Flow cytometry revealed that the majority of the proliferating cells were positive for stem cell surface markers, including CD105, CD29, CD44, CD71. These dental stem cells were then seeded in biodegradable agarose gel for autograft in various areas of the jaw bone. Mini pigs with tooth buds removed without transplantation of dental stem cells served as control. After one year, well differentiated tooth crown and root sheath were formed in mini pigs in the experimental group. The tooth formed by dental stem cells transplanted in alveolar bone was similar in size to original tooth crown (approximately 2 cm × 2 cm × 2 cm). The teeth formed by dental stem cells transplanted under the roots of the anterior teeth and in the cortical bone area were smaller. In the control group, the space where the tooth bud was extracted without cell transplantation was seen to be closed by forward movement of the posterior teeth. Histological analysis showed the structures of enamel, dentin and pulp in the regenerated tooth crown. Immunohistochemical analysis of amelogenin, type I collagen and bone sialoprotein confirmed enamel and dentin formation. Enamel and dentin structures on the regenerated tooth were also identified using scanning electron microscopy. These findings demonstrate a successful model of tooth regeneration from dental stem cells in mini pigs. In addition, local environment and available space also significantly affect the extent of tissue regeneration. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of using dental stem cells for tooth regeneration in clinical applications.
Fault-Tolerant Operations for Universal Blind Quantum Computation
Authors: Chien Chia-Hung , Meter Rodney Van , Kuo Sy-Yen
Published: August 2015

Blind quantum computation is an appealing use of quantum information technology because it can conceal both the client's data and the algorithm itself from the server. However, problems need to be solved in the practical use of blind quantum computation and fault-tolerance is a major challenge. Broadbent et al. proposed running error correction over blind quantum computation, and Morimae and Fujii proposed using fault-tolerant entangled qubits as the resource for blind quantum computation. Both approaches impose severe demands on the teleportation channel, the former requiring unrealistic data rates and the latter near-perfect fidelity. To extend the application range of blind quantum computation, we suggest that Alice send input qubits encoded with error correction code instead of single input qubits. Two fault-tolerant protocols are presented and we showed the trade-off of the computational overhead using the ten-bit quantum carry-lookahead adder as an example. Though these two fault-tolerant protocols require the client to have more quantum computing ability than using approaches from prior work, they provide better fault-tolerance when the client and the server are connected by realistic quantum repeater networks.
Multilayer Graphene Nanoribbon and Carbon Nanotube Based Floating Gate Transistor for Nonvolatile Flash Memory
Authors: Hossain Nahid M. , Chowdhury Masud H.
Published: August 2015

Floating gate transistor is the fundamental building block of nonvolatile flash memory, which is one of the most widely used memory gadgets in modern micro and nano electronic applications. Recently there has been a surge of interest to introduce a new generation of memory devices using graphene nanotechnology. In this article, we present a new floating gate transistor (FGT) design based on multilayer graphene nanoribbon (MLGNR) and carbon nanotube (CNT). In the proposed FGT, a MLGNR structure would be used as the channel of the field effect transistor (FET) and a layer of CNTs would be used as the floating gate. We have performed an analysis of the programming and erasing mechanism in the floating gate and its dependence on the applied control gate voltages. Based on our analysis we have observed that proposed graphene based floating gate transistor could be operated at a low voltage compared to conventional silicon based floating gate devices. We have presented detail analysis of the operation and the programming and erasing processes of the proposed FGT; the dependency of the programming and erasing current density on different parameters; and the impact of scaling the thicknesses of the control and tunneling oxides. To perform these analyses we have developed equivalent models for device capacitances.
A Low-Power Variation-Aware Adaptive Write Scheme for Access-Transistor-Free Memristive Memory
Authors: Ghofrani Amirali , lastras-montaño Miguel-angel , Gaba Siddharth , Payvand Melika , Lu Wei , Theogarajan Luke , Cheng Kwang-Ting
Published: August 2015

Recent advances in access-transistor-free memristive crossbars have demonstrated the potential of memristor arrays as high-density and ultra-low-power memory. However, with considerable variations in the write-time characteristics of individual memristors, conventional fixed-pulse write schemes cannot guarantee reliable completion of the write operations and waste significant amount of energy.

We propose an adaptive write scheme that adaptively adjusts the write pulses to address such variations in memristive arrays, resulting in 7×--11× average energy saving in our case studies. Our scheme embeds an online monitor to detect the completion of a write operation and takes into account the parasitic effect of line-shared devices in access-transistor-free crossbars. This feature also helps shorten the test time of memory march algorithms by eliminating the need of a verifying read right after a write, which is commonly employed in the test sequences of march algorithms.
Restoring Pure Equilibria to Weighted Congestion Games
Authors: Kollias Konstantinos , Roughgarden Tim
Published: August 2015

Congestion games model several interesting applications, including routing and network formation games, and also possess attractive theoretical properties, including the existence of and convergence of natural dynamics to a pure Nash equilibrium. Weighted variants of congestion games that rely on sharing costs proportional to players' weights do not generally have pure-strategy Nash equilibria. We propose a new way of assigning costs to players with weights in congestion games that recovers the important properties of the unweighted model. This method is derived from the Shapley value, and it always induces a game with a (weighted) potential function. For the special cases of weighted network cost-sharing and weighted routing games with Shapley value-based cost shares, we prove tight bounds on the worst-case inefficiency of equilibria. For weighted network cost-sharing games, we precisely calculate the price of stability for any given player weight vector, while for weighted routing games, we precisely calculate the price of anarchy, as a parameter of the set of allowable cost functions.
Socially-Optimal Design of Service Exchange Platforms with Imperfect Monitoring
Authors: Xiao Yuanzhang , Schaar Mihaela Van Der
Published: August 2015

We study the design of service exchange platforms in which long-lived anonymous users exchange services with each other. The users are randomly and repeatedly matched into pairs of clients and servers, and each server can choose to provide high-quality or low-quality services to the client with whom it is matched. Since the users are anonymous and incur high costs (e.g., exert high effort) in providing high-quality services, it is crucial that the platform incentivizes users to provide high-quality services. Rating mechanisms have been shown to work effectively as incentive schemes in such platforms. A rating mechanism labels each user by a rating, which summarizes the user's past behaviors, recommends a desirable behavior to each server (e.g., provide higher-quality services for clients with higher ratings), and updates each server's rating based on the recommendation and its client's report on the service quality. Based on this recommendation, a low-rating user is less likely to obtain high-quality services, thereby providing users with incentives to obtain high ratings by providing high-quality services.

However, if monitoring or reporting is imperfect—clients do not perfectly assess the quality or the reports are lost—a user's rating may not be updated correctly. In the presence of such errors, existing rating mechanisms cannot achieve the social optimum. In this article, we propose the first rating mechanism that does achieve the social optimum, even in the presence of monitoring or reporting errors. On one hand, the socially-optimal rating mechanism needs to be complicated enough, because the optimal recommended behavior depends not only on the current rating distribution, but also (necessarily) on the history of past rating distributions in the platform. On the other hand, we prove that the social optimum can be achieved by “simple” rating mechanisms that use binary rating labels and a small set of (three) recommended behaviors. We provide design guidelines of socially-optimal rating mechanisms and a low-complexity online algorithm for the rating mechanism to determine the optimal recommended behavior.
Query Complexity of Correlated Equilibrium
Authors: Babichenko Yakov , Barman Siddharth
Published: August 2015

We study lower bounds on the query complexity of determining correlated equilibrium. In particular, we consider a query model in which an
n
-player game is specified via a black box that returns players' utilities at pure action profiles. In this model, we establish that in order to compute a correlated equilibrium, any
deterministic
algorithm must query the black box an exponential (in
n
) number of times.
Impact of prolonged leucine supplementation on protein synthesis and lean growth in neonatal pigs
Authors: Columbus Daniel A. , Steinhoff-Wagner Julia , Suryawan Agus , Nguyen Hanh V. , Hernandez-Garcia Adriana , Fiorotto Marta L. , Davis Teresa A.
Published: August 2015

Most low-birth weight infants experience extrauterine growth failure due to reduced nutrient intake as a result of feeding intolerance. The objective of this study was to determine whether prolonged enteral leucine supplementation improves lean growth in neonatal pigs fed a restricted protein diet. Neonatal pigs ( n = 14–16/diet, 5 days old, 1.8 ± 0.3 kg) were fed by gastric catheter a whey-based milk replacement diet with either a high protein (HP) or restricted protein (RP) content or RP supplemented with leucine to the same level as in the HP diet (RPL). Pigs were fed 40 ml·kg body wt−1·meal−1 every 4 h for 21 days. Feeding the HP diet resulted in greater total body weight and lean body mass compared with RP-fed pigs ( P < 0.05). Masses of the longissimus dorsi muscle, heart, and kidneys were greater in the HP- than RP-fed pigs ( P < 0.05). Body weight, lean body mass, and masses of the longissimus dorsi, heart, and kidneys in pigs fed the RPL diet were intermediate to RP- and HP-fed pigs. Protein synthesis and mTOR signaling were increased in all muscles with feeding ( P < 0.05); leucine supplementation increased mTOR signaling and protein synthesis rate in the longissimus dorsi ( P < 0.05). There was no effect of diet on indices of protein degradation signaling in any tissue ( P > 0.05). Thus, when protein intake is chronically restricted, the capacity for leucine supplementation to enhance muscle protein accretion in neonatal pigs that are meal-fed milk protein-based diets is limited.
Environmental Impact on DNA Methylation in the Germline: State of the Art and Gaps of Knowledge
Authors: Pacchierotti Francesca , Spanò Marcello
Published: August 2015

The epigenome consists of chemical changes in DNA and chromatin that without modifying the DNA sequence modulate gene expression and cellular phenotype. The epigenome is highly plastic and reacts to changing external conditions with modifications that can be inherited to daughter cells and across generations. Whereas this innate plasticity allows for adaptation to a changing environment, it also implies the potential of epigenetic derailment leading to so-called epimutations. DNA methylation is the most studied epigenetic mark. DNA methylation changes have been associated with cancer, infertility, cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, immunologic, and neurodegenerative pathologies. Experiments in rodents demonstrate that exposure to a variety of chemical stressors, occurring during the prenatal or the adult life, may induce DNA methylation changes in germ cells, which may be transmitted across generations with phenotypic consequences. An increasing number of human biomonitoring studies show environmentally related DNA methylation changes mainly in blood leukocytes, whereas very few data have been so far collected on possible epigenetic changes induced in the germline, even by the analysis of easily accessible sperm. In this paper, we review the state of the art on factors impinging on DNA methylation in the germline, highlight gaps of knowledge, and propose priorities for future studies.
Nephrotic Syndrome in a Child Suffering from Tetralogy of Fallot: A Rare Association
Authors: Ekulu Pépé Mfutu , Kazadi-wa-Kazadi Orly , Lumbala Paul Kabuyi , Aloni Michel Ntetani
Published: August 2015

Nephrotic syndrome is an uncommon complication of tetralogy of Fallot and has been rarely reported in pediatric population. We describe a 4-year-old female Congolese child who was referred for investigation for persistent dyspnea, edema, and cyanosis and nephrotic range proteinuria. Our patient presented with a tetralogy of Fallot and nephrotic syndrome.Conclusion. This case reminds us that children with tetralogy of Fallot may develop nephrotic proteinuria.
Design and Testing of a Shell-Encapsulated Solar Collector with the Compound Surface Concentrators
Authors: Zheng Hongfei , Wu Gang , Dai Jing , Ma Yanyan
Published: August 2015

This paper presents design and testing of a shell-encapsulated solar collector which can be used in north area of China for wall-amounting installation. The designed solar collector is based on the combination of a novel compound curved surface concentrator and an aluminum concentric solar receiver, which is contained in a glass evacuated-tube. As there is no perforative joint between the double-skin glass evacuated-tube and the aluminum concentric solar receiver, the difficulty of vacuum keeping for a glass-metal joint is avoided. The cavity shell provides an additional thermal insulation to reduce heat loss of the designed solar collector. The working principle of the compound curved surface concentrator is described. The ray-tracing results are given to show the effect of deviation angle of the concentrator on its optical efficiency, hence determining its maximum acceptance angle. A prototype of the designed solar collector has been constructed and tested under the sunny winter weather condition. The experimental results indicate that the hot water temperature higher than 80°C with a daily average efficiency of about 45~50% has been achieved at the average ambient temperature below 0°C, so the designed solar collector can produce hot water at a useful temperature in winter.
A Systematic Review of Rhubarb (a Traditional Chinese Medicine) Used for the Treatment of Experimental Sepsis
Authors: Lai Fang , Zhang Yan , Xie Dong-ping , Mai Shu-tao , Weng Yan-na , Du Jiong-dong , Wu Guang-ping , Zheng Jing-xia , Han Yun
Published: August 2015

Sepsis is a global major health problem in great need for more effective therapy. For thousands of years, Rhubarb had been used for various diseases including severe infection. Pharmacological studies and trials reported that Rhubarb may be effective in treating sepsis, but the efficacy and the quality of evidence remain unclear since there is no systematic review on Rhubarb for sepsis. The present study is the first systematic review of Rhubarb used for the treatment of experimental sepsis in both English and Chinese literatures by identifying 27 studies from 7 databases. It showed that Rhubarb might be effective in reducing injuries in gastrointestinal tract, lung, and liver induced by sepsis, and its potential mechanisms might include reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, ameliorating microcirculatory disturbance, and maintaining immune balance. Yet the positive findings should be interpreted with caution due to poor methodological quality. In a word, Rhubarb might be a promising candidate that is worth further clinical and experimental trials for sepsis therapy.
A Review on Sensor Network Issues and Robotics
Authors: Ryu Ji Hyoung , Irfan Muhammad , Reyaz Aamir
Published: August 2015

The interaction of distributed robotics and wireless sensor networks has led to the creation of mobile sensor networks. There has been an increasing interest in building mobile sensor networks and they are the favored class of WSNs in which mobility plays a key role in the execution of an application. More and more researches focus on development of mobile wireless sensor networks (MWSNs) due to its favorable advantages and applications. In WSNs robotics can play a crucial role, and integrating static nodes with mobile robots enhances the capabilities of both types of devices and enables new applications. In this paper we present an overview on mobile sensor networks in robotics and vice versa and robotic sensor network applications.
Application of Boosting Regression Trees to Preliminary Cost Estimation in Building Construction Projects
Authors: Shin Yoonseok
Published: August 2015

Among the recent data mining techniques available, the boosting approach has attracted a great deal of attention because of its effective learning algorithm and strong boundaries in terms of its generalization performance. However, the boosting approach has yet to be used in regression problems within the construction domain, including cost estimations, but has been actively utilized in other domains. Therefore, a boosting regression tree (BRT) is applied to cost estimations at the early stage of a construction project to examine the applicability of the boosting approach to a regression problem within the construction domain. To evaluate the performance of the BRT model, its performance was compared with that of a neural network (NN) model, which has been proven to have a high performance in cost estimation domains. The BRT model has shown results similar to those of NN model using 234 actual cost datasets of a building construction project. In addition, the BRT model can provide additional information such as the importance plot and structure model, which can support estimators in comprehending the decision making process. Consequently, the boosting approach has potential applicability in preliminary cost estimations in a building construction project.
Bioconcentration and Acute Intoxication of Brazilian Freshwater Fishes by the Methyl Parathion Organophosphate Pesticide
Authors: Bosco de Salles João , Matos Lopes Renato , de Salles Cristiane M. C. , Cassano Vicente P. F. , de Oliveira Manildo Marcião , Cunha Bastos Vera L. F. , Bastos Jayme Cunha
Published: August 2015

Three species of freshwater Brazilian fishes (pacu,Piaractus mesopotamicus; piavussu,Leporinus macrocephalus, and curimbatá,Prochilodus lineatus) were exposed to an acute dose of 5 ppm methyl parathion organophosphate pesticide. Three to five individuals per species were exposed, one at a time, to 40 liters tap water spiked with Folidol 600. Pesticide concentrations and cholinesterase (ChE) activities were evaluated in serum, liver, brain, heart, and muscle. The bioconcentration of methyl parathion was similar for all studied fishes. Brain tissue showed the highest pesticide concentration, reaching 80 ppm after exposure for 30 min to methyl parathion. Three to 5 hours of 5 ppm methyl parathion exposure provoked the death of allP. lineatusat 92% brain AChE inhibition, whereas fish from the other two species survived for up to 78 hours with less than 80% brain AChE inhibition. Our results indicate that acute toxic effects of methyl parathion to fish are correlated with brain AChE sensitivity to methyl paraoxon.
Recycler Reaction for the Government Behavior in Closed-Loop Supply Chain Distribution Network: Based on the System Dynamics
Authors: Yuan Xi gang , Zhang Xiao qing
Published: August 2015

With system dynamics, we establish three-closed-loop supply chain distribution network system model which consists of supplier, manufacturer, two retailers, and products (parts) recycler. We proposed that recycler make reflect for the government policy by adjusting the recycling ratio and recycling delay. We use vensim software to simulate this model and investigate how the products (parts) recyclers behavior influences the loop supply chain distribution system. The result shows that (1) when recyclers respond positively to government policies, recycling will increase the proportion of recyclers. When recyclers respond negatively to government policy making, recycling will reduce the proportion of recyclers. (2) When the recovery percentage of recyclers improves, manufacturers, Retailer 1, and Retailer 2 quantity fluctuations will reduce and the bullwhip effect will diminish. (3) When the proportion of recycled parts recyclers is lowered, manufacturers, Retailer 1, and Retailer 2 inventory fluctuation will increase and the bullwhip effect will be enhanced. (4) When recyclers recycling product delays increased, volatility manufacturers order quantity will rise, but there is little change in the amount of fluctuation of orders of the two retailers. (5) When recycling parts recyclers delay increases, fluctuations in the supplier order quantity will rise, but there is little change in the amount of fluctuation of orders of the two retailers.
Experimental Investigation of Injection Strategies on Low Temperature Combustion Fuelled with Gasoline in a Compression Ignition Engine
Authors: Yang Binbin , Yao Mingfa , Zheng Zunqing , Yue Lang
Published: August 2015

The present study focuses on the experimental investigation on the effect of fuel injection strategies on LTC with gasoline on a single-cylinder CI engine. Firstly, the engine performance and emissions have been explored by sweeping SOI1 and split percentage for the load of 0.9 MPa IMEP at an engine speed of 1500 rpm. Then, the double-injection strategy has been tested for load expansion compared with single-injection. The results indicate that, with the fixed CA50, the peak HRR is reduced by advancing SOI1 and increasing split percentage gradually. Higher indicated thermal efficiency, as well as lower MPRR and COV, can be achieved simultaneously with later SOI1 and higher split percentage. As split percentage increases,NOXemission decreases but soot emission increases. CO and THC emissions are increased by earlier SOI1, resulting in a slight decrease in combustion efficiency. Compared with single-injection, the double-injection strategy enables successful expansion of high-efficiency and clean combustion region, with increasing soot, CO, and THC emissions at high loads and slightly declining combustion efficiency and indicated thermal efficiency, however. MPRR and soot emission are considered to be the predominant constraints to the load expansion of gasoline LTC, and they are related to their trade-off relationship.
Improved Optimization Study of Integration Strategies in Solar Aided Coal-Fired Power Generation System
Authors: Zhai Rongrong , Zhao Miaomiao , Li Chao , Peng Pan , Yang Yongping
Published: August 2015

Solar aided coal-fired power generation system (SACFPGS) combines solar energy and traditional coal-fired units in a particular way. This study mainly improves the solar thermal storage system. Genetic algorithm is used to optimize the SACFPGS. The best integration approach of the system, the collector area, and the corresponding thermal storage capacity to replace each high-pressure extraction are obtained when the amount of coal saving in unit solar investment per hour is at its largest. System performance before and after the improvement is compared. Results show that the improvement of the thermal storage system effectively increases the economic benefit of the integrated system.
Effect of 50 Hz Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields on the DNA Methylation and DNA Methyltransferases in Mouse Spermatocyte-Derived Cell Line GC-2
Authors: Liu Yong , Liu Wen-bin , Liu Kai-jun , Ao Lin , Zhong Julia Li , Cao Jia , Liu Jin-yi
Published: August 2015

Previous studies have shown that the male reproductive system is one of the most sensitive organs to electromagnetic radiation. However, the biological effects and molecular mechanism are largely unclear. Our study was designed to elucidate the epigenetic effects of 50 Hz ELF-EMFin vitro. Mouse spermatocyte-derived GC-2 cell line was exposed to 50 Hz ELF-EMF (5 min on and 10 min off) at magnetic field intensity of 1 mT, 2 mT, and 3 mT with an intermittent exposure for 72 h. We found that 50 Hz ELF-EMF exposure decreased genome-wide methylation at 1 mT, but global methylation was higher at 3 mT compared with the controls. The expression of DNMT1 and DNMT3b was decreased at 1 mT, and 50 Hz ELF-EMF can increase the expression of DNMT1 and DNMT3b of GC-2 cells at 3 mT. However, 50 Hz ELF-EMF had little influence on the expression of DNMT3a. Then, we established DNA methylation and gene expression profiling and validated some genes with aberrant DNA methylation and expression at different intensity of 50 Hz ELF-EMF. These results suggest that the alterations of genome-wide methylation and DNMTs expression may play an important role in the biological effects of 50 Hz ELF-EMF exposure.
Electrodeposition and Characterization of CuTe and Cu2Te Thin Films
Authors: He Wenya , Zhang Hanzhi , Zhang Ye , Liu Mengdi , Zhang Xin , Yang Fengchun
Published: August 2015

An electrodeposition method for fabrication of CuTe and Cu2Te thin films is presented. The films’ growth is based on the epitaxial electrodeposition of Cu and Te alternately with different electrochemical parameter, respectively. The deposited thin films were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electronic microscopy (FE‐SEM) with an energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analyzer, and FTIR studies. The results suggest that the epitaxial electrodeposition is an ideal method for deposition of compound semiconductor films for photoelectric applications.
LPA Promotes T Cell Recruitment through Synthesis of CXCL13
Authors: Hui Weili , Zhao Chenqi , Bourgoin Sylvain G.
Published: August 2015

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive phospholipid playing an important role in various inflammatory diseases by inducing expression and secretion of many inflammatory cytokines/chemokines. Here we report in a murine air pouch model of inflammation that LPA induced CXCL13 secretion in a time‐dependent manner and with exacerbation of the response when LPA was administered after a pretreatment with TNF‐α, a key inflammatory cytokine. LPA mediates recruitment of leukocytes, including that of CD3+ cells into unprimed and TNF‐α‐primed air pouches. CXCL13 neutralization using a blocking antibody injected into air pouches prior to administration of LPA into TNF‐α‐primed air pouches decreased CD3+ cell influx. Our data highlight that LPA‐mediated CXCL13 secretion plays a role in T cell recruitment and participates in regulation of the inflammatory response.