bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Speed sensorless vector control of parallel-connected three-phase two-motor single-inverter drive system
Authors: Gunabalan R. , Sanjeevikumar P. , Blaabjerg Frede , Wheeler Patrick W. , Ojo Olorunfemi , Ertas Ahmet H.
Published: April 2016

This paper presents the characteristic behavior of direct vector control of two induction motors with sensorless speed feedback having the same rating parameters, paralleled combination, and supplied from a single current-controlled pulse-width-modulated voltage-source inverter drive. Natural observer design technique is known for its simple construction, which estimates the speed and rotor fluxes. Load torque is estimated by load torque adaptation and the average rotor flux was maintained constant by rotor flux feedback control. The technique’s convergence rate is very fast and is robust to noise and parameter uncertainty. The gain matrix is absent in the natural observer. The rotor speed is estimated from the load torque, stator current, and rotor flux. Under symmetrical load conditions, the difference in speed between two induction motors is reduced by considering the motor parameters as average and difference. Rotor flux is maintained constant by the rotor flux control scheme with feedback, and the estimation of rotor angle is carried out by the direct vector control technique. Both balanced and unbalanced load conditions are investigated for the proposed AC motor drive system. Experimental results presented in this paper show good agreement with the theoretical formulations.
Sparse Bayesian Learning for Obtaining Sparsity of EEG Frequency Bands Based Feature Vectors in Motor Imagery Classification
Authors: Zhang Yu , Wang Yu , Jin Jing , Wang Xingyu
Published: April 2016

Effective common spatial pattern (CSP) feature extraction for motor imagery (MI) electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings usually depends on the filter band selection to a large extent. Subband optimization has been suggested to enhance classification accuracy of MI. Accordingly, this study introduces a new method that implements sparse Bayesian learning of frequency bands (named SBLFB) from EEG for MI classification. CSP features are extracted on a set of signals that are generated by a filter bank with multiple overlapping subbands from raw EEG data. Sparse Bayesian learning is then exploited to implement selection of significant features with a linear discriminant criterion for classification. The effectiveness of SBLFB is demonstrated on the BCI Competition IV IIb dataset, in comparison with several other competing methods. Experimental results indicate that the SBLFB method is promising for development of an effective classifier to improve MI classification.
Enhanced Spoken Sentence Retrieval Using a Conventional Automatic Speech Recognizer in Smart Home
Authors: Ahn Hyeokju , Kim Harksoo
Published: April 2016

With the rapid evolution of smart home environment, the demand for spoken information retrieval (e.g., voice-activated FAQ retrieval) on information appliances is increasing. In spoken information retrieval, users’ spoken queries are converted into text queries using automatic speech recognition (ASR) engines. If top-1 results of the ASR engines are incorrect, the errors are propagated to information retrieval systems. If a document collection is a small set of sentences such as frequently asked questions (FAQs), the errors have additional effect on the performance of information retrieval systems. To improve the performance of such a sentence retrieval system, we propose a post-processing model of an ASR engine. The post-processing model consists of a re-ranking and a query term generation model. The re-ranking model rearranges top-n outputs of the ASR engines using the ranking support vector machine (Ranking SVM). The query term generation model extracts meaningful content words from the re-ranked queries based on term frequencies and query rankings. In the experiments, the re-ranking model improved the top-1 performance results of an underlying ASR engine with 4.4% higher precision and 6.4% higher recall rate. The query term generation model improved the performance results of an underlying information retrieval system with an accuracy 2.4% to 2.6% higher. Based on the experimental result, the proposed model revealed that it could improve the performance of a spoken sentence retrieval system in a restricted domain.
Occluded Face Recognition Based on Block-Label and Residual
Authors: Zhao Shu-Huan , Hu Zheng-Ping
Published: April 2016

We consider the problem of automatically human face recognition from frontal views with occlusion and disguise. Since the occlusion can make the query image deviated from the normal distribution, most prior block-based methods focus on reducing the occlusion influence on the global-based representation. Our method is also block-based, but the blocks are non-uniform. Each block contains a certain face component such as eyes, cheek, and forehead, which makes the block more physically meaningful. Recently, sparse representation-based classification (SRC) and Collaborative representation-based classification (CRC) are applied to image recognition successfully, so we classify each block by SRC or CRC respectively. Then the occlusion pixels can be estimated by residuals. Besides, based on the distribution of block labels and the corresponding residual, we propose a new rule for the selection of block and the coefficients for the reconstruction. The final identification is performed on the un-occluded part of each image. Experiments on the AR, extended Yale B and CMU-PIE database verify the robustness and effectiveness of our method.
The Information Content of ASX SPI 200 Implied Volatility
Authors: Tanha Hassan , Dempsey Michael
Published: April 2016

In Australia, the equivalent of a US VIX indicator has recently become available. In response, we consider whether the information captured in the implied volatility of options on the Australian SPI 200 Futures index is superior to the information content of a generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) approach to volatility prediction. We conclude that the implied volatility of at-the-money (ATM) call options on the SPI 200 Index futures is more powerful, dominating other modes of moneyness options as well as GARCH predictions.
Time Varying Behavior of Share Returns in Australia: 1988–2004
Authors: Lum Yew-Choe , Islam Sardar M. N.
Published: April 2016

The model in this paper is similar to Brailsford and Faff (1997), using a conditional CAPM model with the GARCH-M framework, but with a significant additional dummy term (in the conditional mean of the share return) that will help explain the models better in both economic and statistical sense. The relatively simpler asymmetric model in this paper is compatible to other more complex asymmetric models and hence should be easier to model and explain for practical purposes. The model in this paper is also a more effective model, in both economical and statistical terms, as compared to some other models in the GARCH family as it captures the asymmetric effect in the modeling process in both the conditional first and second moments. The findings in this paper have contributed in re-evaluating the nature and process of time varying behavior of time series of stock returns and will provide researchers and practitioners additional options and incentives to explore for future research. We have also provided statistical and practical reasons to support these findings.
Trading Activities Around Ex-Dividend Days: Evidence from the Taiwan Stock Market
Authors: Cheng Ming-Chang , Lee Ching-Hwa
Published: April 2016

We investigate buy–sell imbalances (BSIs) around ex-dividend days on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE) and find that trading activities are not entirely correlated with investor tax status. We find that margin traders and short sellers engage in arbitrage by selling more stocks for those with high abnormal returns cum- and ex-dividend, respectively. Tax-neutral dealers engage in overnight trading while tax-disadvantaged foreigners refrain from selling stocks cum-dividend.
Size-Dependent Buckling and Postbuckling Analyses of First-Order Shear Deformable Magneto-Electro-Thermo Elastic Nanoplates Based on the Nonlocal Elasticity Theory
Authors: Ansari R. , Gholami R.
Published: April 2016

This paper presents a nonlocal nonlinear first-order shear deformable plate model for investigating the buckling and postbuckling of magneto-electro-thermo elastic (METE) nanoplates under magneto-electro-thermo-mechanical loadings. The nonlocal elasticity theory within the framework of the first-order shear deformation plate theory along with the von Kármán-type geometrical nonlinearity is used to derive the size-dependent nonlinear governing partial differential equations and associated boundary conditions, in which the effects of shear deformation, small scale parameter and thermo-electro-magneto-mechanical loadings are incorporated. The generalized differential quadrature (GDQ) method and pseudo arc-length continuation algorithm are used to determine the critical buckling loads and postbuckling equilibrium paths of the METE nanoplates with various boundary conditions. Finally, the influences of the nonlocal parameter, boundary conditions, temperature rise, external electric voltage and external magnetic potential on the critical buckling load and postbuckling response are studied.
UNDERSTANDING THE REGIONAL INNOVATION CAPACITY IN CHINA AFTER ECONOMIC REFORMS
Authors: ZHOU YING , SAWANG SUKANLAYA , YANG XIAOHUA
Published: April 2016

Our study aims to examine the drivers of China’s regional innovation capacity (RIC). Drawing from innovation system literatures, our study proposes that RIC can be determined by (a) innovation actors (higher education institutions, enterprises, and public research institutes); (b) innovation inputs (financial capital and human resource), and (c) international interactions. The main finding was the significant impact of higher education institutions demonstrating higher education institutions are crucial innovation actors. The interaction effect also found between foreign direct investment (FDI) and Science and Technology (S&T) investment suggests governments should pay more attention to the indirect impact of drivers in building RIC in China.
Global dynamics of a stochastic ratio-dependent predator–prey system
Authors: Fan Xiaolin , Teng Zhidong , Muhammadhaji Ahmadjan
Published: April 2016

The dynamical properties of a stochastic non-autonomous ratio-dependent predator–prey system are studied by applying the theory of stochastic differential equations, Itô’s formula and the method of Lyapunov functions. First, the existence, the uniqueness and the positivity of the solution are discussed. Second the boundedness of the moments and the upper bounds for growth rates of prey and predator are studied. Moreover, the global attractivity of the system under some a weaker sufficient conditions are investigated. Finally, the theoretical results are confirmed by the special examples and the numerical simulations.
Discrete duality for 3-valued Łukasiewicz–Moisil algebras
Authors: Pelaitay Gustavo
Published: April 2016

In 2011, Düntsch and Orłowska obtained a discrete duality for regular double Stone algebras. On the other hand, it is well known that regular double Stone algebras are polinominally equivalent to [Formula: see text]-valued Łukasiewicz–Moisil algebras (or LM3-algebras). In [R. Cignoli, Injective De Morgan and Kleene algebra, Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 47 (1975) 269–278], LM3-algebras are considered as a Kleene algebras [Formula: see text] endowed with a unary operation [Formula: see text], satisfying the properties: [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] Motivated by this result, in this paper, we determine another discrete duality for LM3-algebras, extending the discrete duality to De Morgan algebras described in [W. Dzik, E. Orłowska and C. van Alten, Relational representation theorems for general lattices with negations, in Relations and Kleene Algebra in Computer Science, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, Vol. 4136 (Springer, Berlin, 2006), pp. 162–176].
The H and D Polarized Target for Spin–Filtering Measurements at COSY
Authors: Ciullo Giuseppe , Statera Marco , Lenisa Paolo , Nass Alexander , Tagliente Giuseppe
Published: April 2016

In the main frame of the PAX (Polarized Antiproton eXperiments) collaboration, which engaged the challenging purpose of polarizing antiproton beams, the possibility to have H or D polarized targets requires a daily switchable source and its diagnostics: mainly change is a dual cavity tunable for H and D. The commissioning of PAX has been fullfilled, for the transverse case, on the COSY (COoler SYnchrotron) proton ring, achieving milestones on spin–dependent cross–section measurements. Now the longitudinal case could provide sensitive polarization results. An H or D source allows the exploration of the spin–filtering process with a deuterium polarized target, and opens new chances for testing Time Reversal Invariance at COSY (TRIC).
Advances in Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis
Authors: Haas Julian , Mizaikoff Boris
Published: April 2016

Infrared spectroscopy in the 3–20 μm spectral window has evolved from a routine laboratory technique into a state-of-the-art spectroscopy and sensing tool by benefitting from recent progress in increasingly sophisticated spectra acquisition techniques and advanced materials for generating, guiding, and detecting mid-infrared (MIR) radiation. Today, MIR spectroscopy provides molecular information with trace to ultratrace sensitivity, fast data acquisition rates, and high spectral resolution catering to demanding applications in bioanalytics, for example, and to improved routine analysis. In addition to advances in miniaturized device technology without sacrificing analytical performance, selected innovative applications for MIR spectroscopy ranging from process analysis to biotechnology and medical diagnostics are highlighted in this review.
Mass-Selective Chiral Analysis
Authors: Boesl Ulrich , Kartouzian Aras
Published: April 2016

Three ways of realizing mass-selective chiral analysis are reviewed. The first is based on the formation of diastereomers that are of homo- and hetero- type with respect to the enantiomers of involved chiral molecules. This way is quite well-established with numerous applications. The other two ways are more recent developments, both based on circular dichroism (CD). In one, conventional or nonlinear electronic CD is linked to mass spectrometry (MS) by resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization. The other is based on CD in the angular distribution of photoelectrons, which is measured in combination with MS via photoion photoelectron coincidence. Among the many important applications of mass-selective chiral analysis, this review focuses on its use as an analytical tool for the development of heterogeneous enantioselective chemical catalysis. There exist other approaches to combine chiral analysis and mass-selective detection, such as chiral chromatography MS, which are not discussed here.
The Coupled Chemical and Physical Dynamics Model of MALDI
Authors: Knochenmuss Richard
Published: April 2016

The coupled physical and chemical dynamics model of ultraviolet matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) has reproduced and explained a wide variety of MALDI phenomena. The rationale behind and elements of the model are reviewed, including the photophysics, kinetics, and thermodynamics of primary and secondary reaction steps. Experimental results are compared with model predictions to illustrate the foundations of the model, coupling of ablation and ionization, differences between and commonalities of matrices, secondary charge transfer reactions, ionization in both polarities, fluence and concentration dependencies, and suppression and enhancement effects.
Additive Manufacturing of Hybrid Circuits
Authors: Sarobol Pylin , Cook Adam , Clem Paul G. , Keicher David , Hirschfeld Deidre , Hall Aaron C. , Bell Nelson S.
Published: April 2016

There is a rising interest in developing functional electronics using additively manufactured components. Considerations in materials selection and pathways to forming hybrid circuits and devices must demonstrate useful electronic function; must enable integration; and must complement the complex shape, low cost, high volume, and high functionality of structural but generally electronically passive additively manufactured components. This article reviews several emerging technologies being used in industry and research/development to provide integration advantages of fabricating multilayer hybrid circuits or devices. First, we review a maskless, noncontact, direct write (DW) technology that excels in the deposition of metallic colloid inks for electrical interconnects. Second, we review a complementary technology, aerosol deposition (AD), which excels in the deposition of metallic and ceramic powder as consolidated, thick conformal coatings and is additionally patternable through masking. Finally, we show examples of hybrid circuits/devices integrated beyond 2-D planes, using combinations of DW or AD processes and conventional, established processes.
Next-Generation Force Fields from Symmetry-Adapted Perturbation Theory
Authors: McDaniel Jesse G. , Schmidt J.R.
Published: April 2016

Symmetry-adapted perturbation theory (SAPT) provides a unique set of advantages for parameterizing next-generation force fields from first principles. SAPT provides a direct, basis-set superposition error free estimate of molecular interaction energies, a physically intuitive energy decomposition, and a seamless transition to an asymptotic picture of intermolecular interactions. These properties have been exploited throughout the literature to develop next-generation force fields for a variety of applications, including classical molecular dynamics simulations, crystal structure prediction, and quantum dynamics/spectroscopy. This review provides a brief overview of the formalism and theory of SAPT, along with a practical discussion of the various methodologies utilized to parameterize force fields from SAPT calculations. It also highlights a number of applications of SAPT-based force fields for chemical systems of particular interest. Finally, the review ends with a brief outlook on the future opportunities and challenges that remain for next-generation force fields based on SAPT.
On the Nature of Bonding in Parallel Spins in Monovalent Metal Clusters
Authors: Danovich David , Shaik Sason
Published: April 2016

As we approach the Lewis model centennial, it may be timely to discuss novel bonding motifs. Accordingly, this review discusses no-pair ferromagnetic (NPFM) bonds that hold together monovalent metallic atoms using exclusively parallel spins. Thus, without any traditional electron-pair bonds, the bonding energy per atom in these clusters can reach 20 kcal mol−1. This review describes the origins of NPFM bonding using a valence bond (VB) analysis, which shows that this bonding motif arises from bound triplet electron pairs that are delocalized over all the close neighbors of a given atom in the cluster. The VB model accounts for the tendency of NPFM clusters to assume polyhedral shapes with rather high symmetry and for the very steep rise of the bonding energy per atom. The advent of NPFM clusters offers new horizons in chemistry of highly magnetic species sensitive to magnetic and electric fields.
There Is Individualized Treatment. Why Not Individualized Inference?
Authors: Liu Keli , Meng Xiao-Li
Published: April 2016

Doctors use statistics to advance medical knowledge; we use a medical analogy to build statistical inference “from scratch” and to highlight an improvement. A doctor, perhaps implicitly, predicts a treatment's effectiveness for an individual patient based on its performance in a clinical trial; the trial patients serve as controls for that particular patient. The same logic underpins statistical inference: To identify the best statistical procedure to use for a problem, we simulate a set of control problems and evaluate candidate procedures on the controls. Recent interest in personalized/individualized medicine stems from the recognition that some clinical trial patients are better controls for a particular patient than others. Therefore, an individual patient's treatment decisions should depend only on a subset of relevant patients. Individualized statistical inference implements this idea for control problems (rather than for patients). Its potential for improving data analysis matches that of personalized medicine for improving health care. The central issue—for both individualized medicine and individualized inference—is how to make the right relevance-robustness trade-off: If we exercise too much judgment in determining which controls are relevant, our inferences will not be robust. How much is too much? We argue that the unknown answer is the Holy Grail of statistical inference.
An active, collaborative approach to learning skills in flow cytometry
Authors: Fuller Kathryn , Linden Matthew D. , Lee-Pullen Tracey , Fragall Clayton , Erber Wendy N. , Röhrig Kimberley J.
Published: April 2016

Advances in science education research have the potential to improve the way students learn to perform scientific interpretations and understand science concepts. We developed active, collaborative activities to teach skills in manipulating flow cytometry data using FlowJo software. Undergraduate students were given compensated clinical flow cytometry listmode output (FCS) files and asked to design a gating strategy to diagnose patients with different hematological malignancies on the basis of their immunophenotype. A separate cohort of research trainees was given uncompensated data files on which they performed their own compensation, calculated the antibody staining index, designed a sequential gating strategy, and quantified rare immune cell subsets. Student engagement, confidence, and perceptions of flow cytometry were assessed using a survey. Competency against the learning outcomes was assessed by asking students to undertake tasks that required understanding of flow cytometry dot plot data and gating sequences. The active, collaborative approach allowed students to achieve learning outcomes not previously possible with traditional teaching formats, for example, having students design their own gating strategy, without forgoing essential outcomes such as the interpretation of dot plots. In undergraduate students, favorable perceptions of flow cytometry as a field and as a potential career choice were correlated with student confidence but not the ability to perform flow cytometry data analysis. We demonstrate that this new pedagogical approach to teaching flow cytometry is beneficial for student understanding and interpretation of complex concepts. It should be considered as a useful new method for incorporating complex data analysis tasks such as flow cytometry into curricula.
A weakly acidic solution containing deoxycholic acid induces esophageal epithelial apoptosis and impairs integrity in an in vivo perfusion rabbit model
Authors: Pardon Nicolas A. , Vicario Maria , Vanheel Hanne , Vanuytsel Tim , Ceulemans Laurens J. , Vieth Michael , Jimenez Marcel , Tack Jan , Farré Ricard
Published: April 2016

Impaired esophageal mucosal integrity may be an important contributor in the pathophysiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Nevertheless, the effect of potentially harmful agents on epithelial integrity is mainly evaluated in vitro for a short period of time and the possible induction of epithelial apoptosis has been neglected. Our objective was to assess the effect of an acidic and weakly acidic solution containing deoxycholic acid (DCA) on the esophageal epithelium in an in vivo rabbit model of esophageal perfusion and to evaluate the role of the epithelial apoptosis. The esophagus of 55 anesthetized rabbits was perfused for 30 min with different solutions at pH 7.2, pH 5.0, pH 1.0, and pH 5.0 containing 200 and 500 μM DCA. Thereafter, animals were euthanized immediately or at 24 or 48 h after the perfusion. Transepithelial electrical resistance, epithelial dilated intercellular spaces, and apoptosis were assessed in Ussing chambers, by transmission electron microscopy, and by TUNEL staining, respectively. No macroscopic or major microscopic alterations were observed after the esophageal perfusions. The acidic and weakly acidic solution containing DCA induced similar long-lasting functional impairment of the epithelial integrity but different ultrastructural morphological changes. Only the solution containing DCA induced epithelial apoptosis in vivo and in vitro in rabbit and human tissue. In contrast to acid, a weakly acidic solution containing DCA induces epithelial apoptosis and a long-lasting impaired mucosal integrity. The presence of apoptotic cells in the esophageal epithelium may be used as a marker of impaired integrity and/or bile reflux exposure.
Polar Metric-Weighted Norm-Based Scan Matching for Robot Pose Estimation
Authors: Huo Guanglei , Zhao Lijun , Wang Ke , Li Ruifeng , Li Jianqiang
Published: April 2016

A novel point-to-point scan matching approach is proposed to address pose estimation and map building issues of mobile robots. Polar Scan Matching (PSM) and Metric-Based Iterative Closest Point (Mb-ICP) are usually employed for point-to-point scan matching tasks. However, due to the facts that PSM considers the distribution similarity of polar radii in irrelevant region of reference and current scans and Mb-ICP assumes a constant weight in the norm about rotation angle, they may lead to a mismatching of the reference and current scan in real-world scenarios. In order to obtain better match results and accurate estimation of the robot pose, we introduce a new metric rule, Polar Metric-Weighted Norm (PMWN), which takes both rotation and translation into account to match the reference and current scan. For robot pose estimation, the heading rotation angle is estimated by correspondences establishing results and further corrected by an absolute-value function, and then the geometric property of PMWN called projected circle is used to estimate the robot translation. The extensive experiments are conducted to evaluate the performance of PMWN-based approach. The results show that the proposed approach outperforms PSM and Mb-ICP in terms of accuracy, efficiency, and loop closure error of mapping.
Walker 256 Tumor Growth Suppression by Crotoxin Involves Formyl Peptide Receptors and Lipoxin A4
Authors: Brigatte Patrícia , Faiad Odair Jorge , Ferreira Nocelli Roberta Cornélio , Landgraf Richardt G. , Palma Mario Sergio , Cury Yara , Curi Rui , Sampaio Sandra Coccuzzo
Published: April 2016

We investigated the effects of Crotoxin (CTX), the main toxin of South American rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus terrificus) venom, on Walker 256 tumor growth, the pain symptoms associated (hyperalgesia and allodynia), and participation of endogenous lipoxin A4. Treatment with CTX (s.c.), daily, for 5 days reduced tumor growth at the 5th day after injection of Walker 256 carcinoma cells into the plantar surface of adult rat hind paw. This observation was associated with inhibition of new blood vessel formation and decrease in blood vessel diameter. The treatment with CTX raised plasma concentrations of lipoxin A4and its natural analogue 15-epi-LXA4, an effect mediated by formyl peptide receptors (FPRs). In fact, the treatment with Boc-2, an inhibitor of FPRs, abolished the increase in plasma levels of these mediators triggered by CTX. The blockage of these receptors also abolished the inhibitory action of CTX on tumor growth and blood vessel formation and the decrease in blood vessel diameter. Together, the results herein presented demonstrate that CTX increases plasma concentrations of lipoxin A4and 15-epi-LXA4, which might inhibit both tumor growth and formation of new vessels via FPRs.
Influence of Nanosized Silicon Oxide on the Luminescent Properties of ZnO Nanoparticles
Authors: Shvalagin Vitaliy , Grodziuk Galyna , Sarapulova Olha , Kurmach Misha , Granchak Vasyl , Sherstiuk Valentyn
Published: April 2016

For practical use of nanosized zinc oxide as the phosphor its luminescence quantum yields should be maximized. The aim of this work was to enhance luminescent properties of ZnO nanoparticles and obtain high-luminescent ZnO/SiO2composites using simpler approaches to colloidal synthesis. The luminescence intensity of zinc oxide nanoparticles was increased about 3 times by addition of silica nanocrystals to the source solutions during the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles. Then the quantum yield of luminescence of the obtained ZnO/SiO2composites is more than 30%. Such an impact of silica is suggested to be caused by the distribution of ZnO nanocrystals on the surface of silica, which reduces the probability of separation of photogenerated charges between the zinc oxide nanoparticles of different sizes, and as a consequence, there is a significant increase of the luminescence intensity of ZnO nanoparticles. This way of increasing nano-ZnO luminescence intensity facilitates its use in a variety of devices, including optical ultraviolet and visible screens, luminescent markers, antibacterial coatings, luminescent solar concentrators, luminescent inks for security printing, and food packaging with abilities of informing consumers about the quality and safety of the packaged product.
Exact Boundary Controllability for Free Traffic Flow with Lipschitz Continuous State
Authors: Gugat Martin
Published: April 2016

We consider traffic flow governed by the LWR model. We show that a Lipschitz continuous initial density with free-flow and sufficiently small Lipschitz constant can be controlled exactly to an arbitrary constant free-flow density in finite time by a piecewise linear boundary control function that controls the density at the inflow boundary if the outflow boundary is absorbing. Moreover, this can be done in such a way that the generated state is Lipschitz continuous. Since the target states need not be close to the initial state, our result is a global exact controllability result. The Lipschitz constant of the generated state can be made arbitrarily small if the Lipschitz constant of the initial density is sufficiently small and the control time is sufficiently long. This is motivated by the idea that finite or even small Lipschitz constants are desirable in traffic flow since they might help to decrease the speed variation and lead to safer traffic.
Evaluation of Medicinal Categorization of Atractylodes japonica Koidz. by Using Internal Transcribed Spacer Sequencing Analysis and HPLC Fingerprinting Combined with Statistical Tools
Authors: Kim Jung-Hoon , Doh Eui-Jeong , Lee Guemsan
Published: April 2016

Atractylodes rhizomes have been used as the herbal medicine “Changchul” or “Baekchul,” according to their clinical purpose, in Korea, China, and Japan. Among the Atractylodes species, the medicinal use of Atractylodes japonica has been controversial, as it is categorized as both Changchul and Baekchul in those countries, and, moreover, parts of the rhizome have been differently used, depending on age of the plant, in Korea. Chromatographic fingerprinting by using HPLC combined with chemometric analyses and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing analysis were conducted to classify and identify 34 crude drugs derived from Atractylodes rhizomes. The identification of the samples, authenticated by their morphological features as A. japonica Koidz. (Changchul and Baekchul), A. chinensis Koidz., and A. macrocephala Koidz., was confirmed as A. japonica, A. chinensis, and A. macrocephala by ITS sequencing. The results from chemometric analyses showed that the chemical components of the crude drugs from A. japonica were significantly different from those from A. macrocephala but were similar to those from A. chinensis. The analyses also suggested that the categorization by age of A. japonica as Changchul or Baekchul is not recommended. The results indicate that A. japonica should be categorized as “Changchul” and should not be further categorized by age.
Clinical Experiences of Korean Medicine Treatment against Urinary Bladder Cancer in General Practice
Authors: Park Taeyeol , Lee Sanghun
Published: April 2016

Urinary bladder cancer (UBC) is one of the most common cancers, with 1 out of every 26 men and 1 out of every 80 women worldwide developing the disease during their lifetime. Moreover, it is a disease that predominantly affects the elderly and is becoming a major health problem as the elderly population continues to rapidly increase. In spite of the rapid development of medical science, the 5‐year survival rate has remained around 75% since the 1990s, and the FDA has approved no new drugs for UBC over the last 10 years. In addition, most patients experience frequent recurrence and poor quality of life after diagnosis. Therefore, in order to solve unmet needs by alternative methods, we present our clinical cases of UBC where we observed outstanding results including regression and recurrence prevention exclusively through Traditional Korean Medicine such as (1) herbal therapy, (2) acupuncture, (3) pharmacopuncture and needle‐embedding therapy, (4) moxibustion, and (5) cupping therapy. From our experience, it appears that multimodal strategies for synergistic efficiency are more effective than single Korean Medicine treatment. We hope this will encourage investigation of the efficacy of Korean Medicine treatment in clinical trials for UBC patients.
CMV Colitis in Immunocompetent Patients: 2 Cases of a Diagnostic Challenge
Authors: Paparoupa Maria , Schmidt Viola , Weckauf Helgard , Ho Huy , Schuppert Frank
Published: April 2016

CMV infections are generally thought to be opportunistic by immunosuppression. Many literature cases though indicate that CMV infections can be also observed in immunocompetent patients. We present an unusual case of an extensive concentric benign stenosis due to CMV colitis and a case of coexistence with Crohn’s Disease, both observed in nonimmunosuppressed individuals. The right diagnosis was set after implementation of multiple unsuccessful treatment strategies. Our purpose is therefore to familiarize clinicians involved with the diagnosis and treatment of gastroenterological diseases with this entity.
Gas Concentration Prediction Based on the Measured Data of a Coal Mine Rescue Robot
Authors: Ma Xiliang , Zhu Hua
Published: April 2016

The coal mine environment is complex and dangerous after gas accident; then a timely and effective rescue and relief work is necessary. Hence prediction of gas concentration in front of coal mine rescue robot is an important significance to ensure that the coal mine rescue robot carries out the exploration and search and rescue mission. In this paper, a gray neural network is proposed to predict the gas concentration 10 meters in front of the coal mine rescue robot based on the gas concentration, temperature, and wind speed of the current position and 1 meter in front. Subsequently the quantum genetic algorithm optimization gray neural network parameters of the gas concentration prediction method are proposed to get more accurate prediction of the gas concentration in the roadway. Experimental results show that a gray neural network optimized by the quantum genetic algorithm is more accurate for predicting the gas concentration. The overall prediction error is 9.12%, and the largest forecasting error is 11.36%; compared with gray neural network, the gas concentration prediction error increases by 55.23%. This means that the proposed method can better allow the coal mine rescue robot to accurately predict the gas concentration in the coal mine roadway.
Comparison of the Efficacy of Intravitreal Aflibercept and Bevacizumab for Macular Edema Secondary to Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Wang Jia-Kang , Su Pei-Yuan , Hsu Yung-Ray , Chen Yun-Ju , Chen Fang-Ting , Tseng Ying-Yu
Published: April 2016

Fifty-two eyes of 52 patients with treatment-naïve macular edema associated with perfused branch retinal vein occlusion were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty-seven cases received PRN intravitreal bevacizumab, and 25 cases were treated by PRN intravitreal aflibercept with monthly follow-ups for 12 months. Both aflibercept and bevacizumab were effective in reduction of macular thickness and improvement of visual acuity for the participants. Both antivascular endothelial growth factor agents had similar efficacy and duration of treatment for these eyes with macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion during a 12-month period. No serious systemic or ocular adverse events were reported.
The Detailed Evolution of Carbon Spheres by Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Mwenya Trevor , Fan Huiyang , Dai Han , Li Meicheng
Published: April 2016

Carbon spheres (CSs) can be synthesized easily by hydrothermal method using various solutions and a lot of mechanisms have been employed to explain their formation. In our work, some special phenomena such as the uniform size and surface corruption have been found as the reaction time increased. However, less attention has been focused on the detailed evolution phenomena of CSs. In order to understand these special phenomena well, classical nucleation theory was employed to study the reaction dynamics of CSs during the evolution processes. This work not only deeply reveals the evolution mechanism of CSs, but also opens a possible way for the control of size and morphologies of CSs through hydrothermal methods.
Emergency Peripartum Hysterectomies at a District General Hospital in United Kingdom: 10-Year Review of Practice
Authors: Chester J. , Sidhu P. , Sharma S. , Israfil-Bayli F.
Published: April 2016

Peripartum haemorrhage is an obstetric emergency which requires effective and timely management. A retrospective analysis was conducted at a single centre district hospital, over a 10-year period to describe factors that would lead to a peripartum hysterectomy. We sought to establish intraoperative and postoperative risks and review outcomes and complications associated with the procedure. A total of 29 cases (incidence 0.8 per 1000) were reviewed over 2001–2011. The mean parity was 1.8 and the mean maternal age was 33 years. Uterine atony was the most common indication for hysterectomy (12/29) followed by placenta praevia and accreta (4/29 and 5/29 cases, resp.). The commonest postoperative complications were sepsis and paralytic ileus. EPH most commonly occurs due to uterine atony but remains difficult to predict. Hospitals should continue to have robust systems and the necessary resources available to perform EPH where clinically indicated.
Efficacy of Two Combinations of Blood Purification Techniques for the Treatment of Multiple Organ Failure Induced by Wasp Stings
Authors: Yuan Hai , Chen Shuangqin , Hu Fengqi , Zhang Qi
Published: April 2016

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to explore the clinical efficacy of 2 combinations of blood purification techniques in patients with sting venom-induced multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Methods: A total of 23 patients received 35 sessions of hemoperfusion (HP) + continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) treatment and 22 sessions of plasma exchange (PE) + CVVHDF treatment, respectively. Results: Both HP + CVVHDF and PE + CVVHDF reduced the levels of inflammation, thus improving our patients' health condition. Moreover, PE + CVVHDF was found to be significantly more effective in reducing the levels of specific liver function markers and inflammatory mediators, as well as shortening prothrombin time and increasing the levels of serum albumin. Conclusion: Both combinations of blood purification techniques were capable of improving MODS. However, the PE + CVVHDF approach was more efficient for the removal of wasp venom and inflammatory mediators from the blood.
Impact of Soy Foods on the Development of Breast Cancer and the Prognosis of Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Messina Mark
Published: April 2016

The relationship between soy food intake and breast cancer has been rigorously investigated for more than 25 years. The identification of isoflavones as possible chemopreventive agents helped fuel this line of investigation. These diphenolic compounds, which are found in uniquely-rich amounts in soy beans, possess both estrogen-dependent and -independent properties that potentially inhibit the development of breast cancer. Observational studies show that among Asian women higher soy consumption is associated with an approximate 30% reduction in risk of developing breast cancer. However, evidence suggests that for soy to reduce breast cancer risk consumption must occur early in life, that is during childhood and/or adolescence. Despite the interest in the role of soy in reducing breast cancer risk concerns have arisen that soy foods, because they contain isoflavones, may increase the likelihood of high-risk women developing breast cancer and worsen the prognosis of breast cancer patients. However, extensive clinical and epidemiologic data show these concerns to be unfounded. Clinical trials consistently show that isoflavone intake does not adversely affect markers of breast cancer risk, including mammographic density and cell proliferation. Furthermore, prospective epidemiologic studies involving over 11,000 women from the USA and China show that postdiagnosis soy intake statistically significantly reduces recurrence and improves survival.
A Review of Genome-Wide Association Studies of Stimulant and Opioid Use Disorders
Authors: Jensen Kevin P.
Published: April 2016

Substance use disorders (SUD) are a major contributor to disability and disease burden worldwide. Risk for developing SUDs is influenced by variation in the genome. Identifying the genetic variants that influence SUD risk may help us to understand the biological mechanisms for the disorders and improve treatments. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been successful in identifying many regions of the genome associated with common human disorders. Here, findings from recent GWAS of SUDs that involve illicit substances will be reviewed. Several GWAS have been reported, including studies on opioid and stimulant use disorder (cocaine and methamphetamine). Several of these GWAS report associations that are biologically interesting and statistically robust. Replication of the associations in independent samples and functional studies to understand the basis for the statistical associations will be important next steps.
Nutrition in Patients with Gastric Cancer: An Update
Authors: Rosania Rosa , Chiapponi Costanza , Malfertheiner Peter , Venerito Marino
Published: April 2016

Background: Nutritional management of patients with gastric cancer (GC) represents a challenge. Summary: This review provides an overview of the present evidence on nutritional support in patients with GC undergoing surgery as well as in those with advanced disease. Key Message: For patients undergoing surgery, the preoperative nutritional condition directly affects postoperative prognosis, overall survival and disease-specific survival. Perioperative nutritional support enriched with immune-stimulating nutrients reduces overall complications and hospital stay but not mortality after major elective gastrointestinal surgery. Early enteral nutrition after surgery improves early and long-term postoperative nutritional status and reduces the length of hospitalization as well. Vitamin B12 and iron deficiency are common metabolic sequelae after gastrectomy and warrant appropriate replacement. In malnourished patients with advanced GC, short-term home complementary parenteral nutrition improves the quality of life, nutritional status and functional status. Total home parenteral nutrition represents the only modality of caloric intake for patients with advanced GC who are unable to take oral or enteral nutrition. Practical Implications: Early evaluations of nutritional status and nutritional support represent key aspects in the management of GC patients with both operable and advanced disease.
Visceral Fat Is an Independent Predictor of Cerebral Microbleeds in Neurologically Healthy People
Authors: Kwon Hyung-Min , Park Jong-Ho , Park Jin Ho , Jeong Han-Yeong , Lim Jae-Sung , Jeong Han-Gil , Shin Dong Wook , Yun Jae Moon , Lee Hyejin
Published: April 2016

Background: Obesity has a significant contribution to the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, little is known about the association between central obesity and the presence of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), a precursor of ICH. We sought to assess whether visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) are associated with the presence of CMB. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 1,737 neurologically healthy people (mean age 55.9 ± 9.1; 790 men), who underwent brain MRI and abdominal CT. Risk factors, anthropometric parameters and clinical information were obtained. CMBs were evaluated through T2*-weighted gradient-recalled echo MRI. The cross-sectional surface areas of the abdominal fat compartments were calculated. Study subjects were stratified into quartiles according to the distribution of VAT/SAT ratio. Results: A total of 75 (4.3%) subjects were found to have CMBs. Subjects with a greater quartile of VAT/SAT ratio were more likely to have higher numbers of CMBs (0 to ≥2; p = 0.001). In multivariable analysis, age and history of hypertension were associated with the presence of CMB (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.06-1.13, p < 0.001; OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.01-2.84, p = 0.046, respectively). A dose-response relationship was observed between the extent of VAT/SAT quartile and CMB: compared to the lowest VAT/SAT quartile, OR 2.14 (95% CI 0.86-5.35) for second VAT/SAT quartile; OR 2.26 (95% CI 0.86-5.92) for third VAT/SAT quartile; and OR 2.91 (95% CI 1.04-8.12) for the highest VAT/SAT quartile (p for trend 0.03). Conclusion: In our study, higher VAT/SAT ratios were found to be independent predictors of CMBs in neurologically healthy people. This finding strengthens previous data, suggesting that visceral fat distribution is an important contributor to cerebral small vessel disease.
Uso do corante azul de metileno a 2% na localização do linfonodo axilar em cadelas (Canis familiaris – Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Maués Tábata , Israel Carolina Bistritschan , Ferreira Maria de Lourdes Gonçalves , Ferreira Ana Maria Reis
Published: April 2016

A biopsia de linfonodo sentinela (LS) é cada vez mais utilizada para a determinação do estadiamento clínico tumoral. O acometimento de linfonodos em animais com doença oncológica possui forte valor prognóstico no tumor da glândula mamária. Em medicina veterinária faltam diretrizes bem estabelecidas para a avaliação do LS. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia do corante azul de metileno a 2% na identificação do linfonodo axilar em cadelas com lesões mamárias. Para tanto, foram utilizadas 101 cadelas, portadoras de lesões mamárias, submetidas à mastectomia radical unilateral ou bilateral. Antes do início da cirurgia, aplicou-se, por via intradérmica, na área ao redor da mama torácica cranial, solução de azul de metileno a 2% estéril. O corante foi eficaz na identificação do linfonodo axilar em 76,27% das cadeias mamárias. Obtiveram-se estruturas coradas em azul, semelhantes a linfonodos em 78,81% dos casos. Dessas estruturas, 96,77% foram confirmadas ao exame histopatológico como linfonodos. Dada a importância prognóstica do comprometimento de linfonodos em alguns tumores, a avaliação do LS deve ser incorporada à rotina clínica, de modo a permitir um estadiamento mais preciso das cadelas com neoplasia mamária.