bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apache Spark
Authors: Zaharia Matei , Xin Reynold S. , Wendell Patrick , Das Tathagata , Armbrust Michael , Dave Ankur , Meng Xiangrui , Rosen Josh , Venkataraman Shivaram , Franklin Michael J. , Ghodsi Ali , Gonzalez Joseph , Shenker Scott , Stoica Ion
Published: October 2016

This open source computing framework unifies streaming, batch, and interactive big data workloads to unlock new applications.
Scaling synchronization in multicore programs
Authors: Morrison Adam
Published: October 2016

Advanced synchronization methods can boost the performance of multicore software.
Farm automation gets smarter
Authors: Geller Tom
Published: October 2016

As fewer people work the land, robots pick up the slack.
The candidate
Authors: Clegg Brian
Published: October 2016

Seeking the programmer vote, an AI delivering a slogan like "make coding great again" could easily be seen as a threat.

From the intersection of computational science and technological speculation, with boundaries limited only by our ability to imagine what could be.
DianNao family
Authors: Chen Yunji , Chen Tianshi , Xu Zhiwei , Sun Ninghui , Temam Olivier
Published: October 2016

Machine Learning (ML) tasks are becoming pervasive in a broad range of applications, and in a broad range of systems (from embedded systems to data centers). As computer architectures evolve toward heterogeneous multi-cores composed of a mix of cores and hardware accelerators, designing hardware accelerators for ML techniques can simultaneously achieve high efficiency and broad application scope.

While efficient computational primitives are important for a hardware accelerator, inefficient memory transfers can potentially void the throughput, energy, or cost advantages of accelerators, that is, an Amdahl's law effect, and thus, they should become a first-order concern, just like in processors, rather than an element factored in accelerator design on a second step. In this article, we introduce a series of hardware accelerators (i.e., the DianNao family) designed for ML (especially neural networks), with a special emphasis on the impact of memory on accelerator design, performance, and energy. We show that, on a number of representative neural network layers, it is possible to achieve a speedup of 450.65x over a GPU, and reduce the energy by 150.31x on average for a 64-chip DaDianNao system (a member of the DianNao family).
A reconfigurable fabric for accelerating large-scale datacenter services
Authors: Putnam Andrew , Caulfield Adrian M. , Chung Eric S. , Chiou Derek , Constantinides Kypros , Demme John , Esmaeilzadeh Hadi , Fowers Jeremy , Gopal Gopi Prashanth , Gray Jan , Haselman Michael , Hauck Scott , Heil Stephen , Hormati Amir , Kim Joo-Young , Lanka Sitaram , Larus James , Peterson Eric , Pope Simon , Smith Aaron , Thong Jason , Xiao Phillip Yi , Burger Doug
Published: October 2016

Datacenter workloads demand high computational capabilities, flexibility, power efficiency, and low cost. It is challenging to improve all of these factors simultaneously. To advance datacenter capabilities beyond what commodity server designs can provide, we designed and built a composable, reconfigurable hardware fabric based on field programmable gate arrays (FPGA). Each server in the fabric contains one FPGA, and all FPGAs within a 48-server rack are interconnected over a low-latency, high-bandwidth network.

We describe a medium-scale deployment of this fabric on a bed of 1632 servers, and measure its effectiveness in accelerating the ranking component of the Bing web search engine. We describe the requirements and architecture of the system, detail the critical engineering challenges and solutions needed to make the system robust in the presence of failures, and measure the performance, power, and resilience of the system. Under high load, the large-scale reconfigurable fabric improves the ranking throughput of each server by 95% at a desirable latency distribution or reduces tail latency by 29% at a fixed throughput. In other words, the reconfigurable fabric enables the same throughput using only half the number of servers.
Fair use prevails in
Oracle v. Google
Authors: Samuelson Pamela
Published: October 2016

Two software giants continue with legal sparring after an initial judicial decision.
Peer-to-Peer Markets
Authors: Einav Liran , Farronato Chiara , Levin Jonathan
Published: October 2016

Peer-to-peer markets such as eBay, Uber, and Airbnb allow small suppliers to compete with traditional providers of goods or services. We view the primary function of these markets as making it easy for buyers to find sellers and engage in convenient, trustworthy transactions. We discuss elements of market design that make this possible, including search and matching algorithms, pricing, and reputation systems. We then develop a simple model of how these markets enable entry by small or flexible suppliers, and how they impact existing firms. Finally, we consider the regulation of peer-to-peer markets and the economic arguments for different approaches to licensing and certification, data, and employment regulation.
Forecasting in Economics and Finance
Authors: Elliott Graham , Timmermann Allan
Published: October 2016

Practices used to address economic forecasting problems have undergone substantial changes over recent years. We review how such changes have influenced the ways in which a range of forecasting questions are being addressed. We also discuss the promises and challenges arising from access to big data. Finally, we review empirical evidence and experience accumulated from the use of forecasting methods to a range of economic and financial variables.
Econometric Analysis of Large Factor Models
Authors: Bai Jushan , Wang Peng
Published: October 2016

Large factor models use a few latent factors to characterize the co-movement of economic variables in a high-dimensional data set. High dimensionality brings challenges as well as new insights into the advancement of econometric theory. Because of their ability to effectively summarize information in large data sets, factor models have been increasingly used in economics and finance. The factors, estimated from the high-dimensional data, can, for example, help improve forecasting, provide efficient instruments, control for nonlinear unobserved heterogeneity, and capture cross-sectional dependence. This article reviews the theory on estimation and statistical inference of large factor models. It also discusses important applications and highlights future directions.
Identity Recognition Using Biological Electroencephalogram Sensors
Authors: Liang Wei , Cheng Liang , Tang Mingdong
Published: October 2016

Brain wave signal is a bioelectric phenomenon reflecting activities in human brain. In this paper, we firstly introduce brain wave-based identity recognition techniques and the state-of-the-art work. We then analyze important features of brain wave and present challenges confronted by its applications. Further, we evaluate the security and practicality of using brain wave in identity recognition and anticounterfeiting authentication and describe use cases of several machine learning methods in brain wave signal processing. Afterwards, we survey the critical issues of characteristic extraction, classification, and selection involved in brain wave signal processing. Finally, we propose several brain wave-based identity recognition techniques for further studies and conclude this paper.
Analyzing Brain Functions by Subject Classification of Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Data Using Convolutional Neural Networks Analysis
Authors: Hiwa Satoru , Hanawa Kenya , Tamura Ryota , Hachisuka Keisuke , Hiroyasu Tomoyuki
Published: October 2016

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is suitable for noninvasive mapping of relative changes in regional cortical activity but is limited for quantitative comparisons among cortical sites, subjects, and populations. We have developed a convolutional neural network (CNN) analysis method that learns feature vectors for accurate identification of group differences in fNIRS responses. In this study, subject gender was classified using CNN analysis of fNIRS data. fNIRS data were acquired from male and female subjects during a visual number memory task performed in a white noise environment because previous studies had revealed that the pattern of cortical blood flow during the task differed between males and females. A learned classifier accurately distinguished males from females based on distinct fNIRS signals from regions of interest (ROI) including the inferior frontal gyrus and premotor areas that were identified by the learning algorithm. These cortical regions are associated with memory storage, attention, and task motor response. The accuracy of the classifier suggests stable gender-based differences in cerebral blood flow during this task. The proposed CNN analysis method can objectively identify ROIs using fNIRS time series data for machine learning to distinguish features between groups.
Recent Nanotechnology Approaches for Prevention and Treatment of Biofilm-Associated Infections on Medical Devices
Authors: Ramasamy Mohankandhasamy , Lee Jintae
Published: October 2016

Bacterial colonization in the form of biofilms on surfaces causes persistent infections and is an issue of considerable concern to healthcare providers. There is an urgent need for novel antimicrobial or antibiofilm surfaces and biomedical devices that provide protection against biofilm formation and planktonic pathogens, including antibiotic resistant strains. In this context, recent developments in the material science and engineering fields and steady progress in the nanotechnology field have created opportunities to design new biomaterials and surfaces with anti-infective, antifouling, bactericidal, and antibiofilm properties. Here we review a number of the recently developed nanotechnology-based biomaterials and explain underlying strategies used to make antibiofilm surfaces.
Upgrading Electrical, Mechanical, and Chemical Properties of CNTs/Polybond® Nanocomposites: Pursuit of Electroconductive Structural Polymer Nanocomplexes
Authors: Sarfraz Muhammad
Published: October 2016

Electroconductive structural polymer-based nanocomposites (NCs) were prepared by incorporating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into Polybond (PB) matrix via melt compounding technique. Chemical structure of NCs, investigated via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, corroborated successful grafting of CNTs functional groups onto PB chains. The morphology of NCs, as examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ensured their optimum state of dispersion. Electrical conductivity, melting transition temperatures, mechanical properties, and chemical resistance of NCs were improved by incorporating CNTs into PB as established by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), high resistance meter (HRM), Universal Testing Machine (UTM), and chemical resistivity measurements, respectively.
Factors Associated with PMTCT Cascade Completion in Four African Countries
Authors: Dionne-Odom Jodie , Welty Thomas K. , Westfall Andrew O. , Chi Benjamin H. , Ekouevi Didier Koumavi , Kasaro Margaret , Tih Pius M. , Tita Alan T. N.
Published: October 2016

Background. Many countries are working to reduce or eliminate mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV. Prevention efforts have been conceptualized as steps in a cascade but cascade completion rates during and after pregnancy are low. Methods. A cross-sectional survey was performed across 26 communities in Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, South Africa, and Zambia. Women who reported a pregnancy within two years were enrolled. Participant responses were used to construct the PMTCT cascade with all of the following steps required for completion: at least one antenatal visit, HIV testing performed, HIV testing result received, initiation of maternal prophylaxis, and initiation of infant prophylaxis. Factors associated with cascade completion were identified using multivariable logistic regression modeling. Results. Of 976 HIV-infected women, only 355 (36.4%) completed the PMTCT cascade. Although most women (69.2%) did not know their partner’s HIV status; awareness of partner HIV status was associated with cascade completion (aOR 1.4, 95% CI 1.01–2.0). Completion was also associated with receiving an HIV diagnosis prior to pregnancy compared with HIV diagnosis during or after pregnancy (aOR 14.1, 95% CI 5.2–38.6). Conclusions. Pregnant women with HIV infection in Africa who were aware of their partner’s HIV status and who were diagnosed with HIV before pregnancy were more likely to complete the PMTCT cascade.
Diagnostic Utility of ANG in Coronary Heart Disease Complicating Chronic Heart Failure: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Yu Peng , Liu Ming , Yang Xue , Yu Ying , Zhao Ji , Zhang Lei , Tong Rui , Jiang Hong , Zou Yunzeng , Ge Junbo
Published: October 2016

Angiogenin (ANG) has been shown to be elevated in several cardiovascular diseases. To detect its levels and diagnostic capacity in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients complicating chronic heart failure (CHF), we performed this cross-sectional study and enrolled 616 CHD patients and 53 healthy controls. According to complicating CHF or not, the patients were divided into CHF group (n=203) and CHD disease controls (n=413), in which the CHF group was subdivided as heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) group or heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) group on the basis of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), or as different NYHA class group. Their plasma ANG levels were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Plasma ANG was 342.8 (IQR [273.9,432.9]), 304.5 (IQR [254.0,370.5]), and 279.7 (IQR [214.4,344.0]) ng/mL in the CHF group, CHD disease controls, and healthy controls, respectively, significantly higher in the CHF group compared with the others. Furthermore, among CHF group, ANG is dramatically higher in the HFrEF patients compared with the HFpEF patients. As for the diagnostic capacity of ANG, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.71 (95% CI 0.63–0.78). We concluded that plasma ANG is elevated in CHD complicating CHF patients and may be a moderate discriminator of CHF from CHD or the healthy.
CXCR3, CCR5, and CRTH2 Chemokine Receptor Expression in Lymphocytes Infiltrating Thyroid Nodules with Coincident Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Obtained by Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy
Authors: Jiskra Jan , Antošová Marie , Krátký Jan , Vítková Hana , Límanová Zdeňka , Marečková Helena , Potluková Eliška
Published: October 2016

Objective. To determine the expression of chemokine receptors in lymphocytes from thyroid nodules and peripheral blood in patients with and without Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT). Patients and Methods. The study included 46 women with thyroid nodules and HT and 60 women with thyroid nodules without HT (controls) who underwent a fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). Expression of chemokine receptors CXCR3, CCR5, and CRTH2 was assessed by flow cytometry in lymphocytes from FNAB samples and from peripheral blood. Results. The percentage of CRTH2+ lymphocytes was higher in nodules with HT in comparison with controls, both in FNAB samples (13.95 versus 6.7%, p=0.008) and in peripheral blood (6.7 versus 5.13%, p=0.047), and positively correlated with serum antibodies to thyroid peroxidase (r=0.243; p=0.026) and negatively correlated with thyroid volume (r=-0.346; p=0.008). Lymphocytes from neoplastic nodules showed a higher expression of both CXCR3 and CCR5 than those from hyperplastic ones. Conclusion. Flow cytometry performed in FNAB samples may serve as a good tool in investigation of intrathyroidal expression of immunological parameters. In our study, the CRTH2 expression on thyroid-infiltrating lymphocytes as well as on lymphocytes from peripheral blood was increased in HT as compared to controls.
A 58-Year-Old Female with Progressive Cough and Right Shoulder Pain
Authors: Thakore Sanket R. , Khasawneh Faisal A.
Published: October 2016

Cavitary pneumonia in immunocompromised patients is a challenging entity. Establishing accurate diagnosis and starting effective antibiotics are essential steps towards improving outcome. A 58-year-old stem cell transplant patient was admitted to the hospital with necrotizing pneumonia caused by nocardia. The disease progressed despite of aggrieve antimicrobial therapy. Nocardiosis continues to be a difficult disease to diagnose and treat.
Automated Segmentation of Coronary Arteries Based on Statistical Region Growing and Heuristic Decision Method
Authors: Tian Yun , Pan Yutong , Duan Fuqing , Zhao Shifeng , Wang Qingjun , Wang Wei
Published: October 2016

The segmentation of coronary arteries is a vital process that helps cardiovascular radiologists detect and quantify stenosis. In this paper, we propose a fully automated coronary artery segmentation from cardiac data volume. The method is built on a statistics region growing together with a heuristic decision. First, the heart region is extracted using a multi-atlas-based approach. Second, the vessel structures are enhanced via a 3D multiscale line filter. Next, seed points are detected automatically through a threshold preprocessing and a subsequent morphological operation. Based on the set of detected seed points, a statistics-based region growing is applied. Finally, results are obtained by setting conservative parameters. A heuristic decision method is then used to obtain the desired result automatically because parameters in region growing vary in different patients, and the segmentation requires full automation. The experiments are carried out on a dataset that includes eight-patient multivendor cardiac computed tomography angiography (CTA) volume data. The DICE similarity index, mean distance, and Hausdorff distance metrics are employed to compare the proposed algorithm with two state-of-the-art methods. Experimental results indicate that the proposed algorithm is capable of performing complete, robust, and accurate extraction of coronary arteries.
Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Microextraction in the Analysis of Milk and Dairy Products: A Review
Authors: Quigley Andrew , Cummins Wayne , Connolly Damian
Published: October 2016

Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) is an extraction technique developed within the last decade, which involves the dispersion of fine droplets of extraction solvent in an aqueous sample. Partitioning of analytes into the extraction phase is instantaneous due to the very high collective surface area of the droplets. This leads to very high enrichment factors and very low solvent consumption, relative to other liquid or solid phase extraction methods. A comprehensive review of the various modes of DLLME in the analysis of organic and inorganic analytes in dairy products (milk, cheese, infant formula, yogurt, and breast milk) is presented here. Dairy products present a complex sample matrix and the removal of interfering matrix components can prove troublesome. This review focuses on sample pretreatment prior to the appropriate DLLME procedure, the extraction and dispersive solvents chosen, derivatisation methods, and analytical figures of merit. Where possible, a critical comparison of DLLME methods has been undertaken. The overall suitability, and limitations, of DLLME as a sample preparation technique for dairy products has been assessed.
Instance-Wise Denoising Autoencoder for High Dimensional Data
Authors: Chen Lin , Deng Wan-Yu
Published: October 2016

Denoising Autoencoder (DAE) is one of the most popular fashions that has reported significant success in recent neural network research. To be specific, DAE randomly corrupts some features of the data to zero as to utilize the cooccurrence information while avoiding overfitting. However, existing DAE approaches do not fare well on sparse and high dimensional data. In this paper, we present a Denoising Autoencoder labeled here as Instance-Wise Denoising Autoencoder (IDA), which is designed to work with high dimensional and sparse data by utilizing the instance-wise cooccurrence relation instead of the feature-wise one. IDA works ahead based on the following corruption rule: if an instance vector of nonzero feature is selected, it is forced to become a zero vector. To avoid serious information loss in the event that too many instances are discarded, an ensemble of multiple independent autoencoders built on different corrupted versions of the data is considered. Extensive experimental results on high dimensional and sparse text data show the superiority of IDA in efficiency and effectiveness. IDA is also experimented on the heterogenous transfer learning setting and cross-modal retrieval to study its generality on heterogeneous feature representation.
Effects of Microtubule Stabilization by Epothilone B Depend on the Type and Age of Neurons
Authors: Jang Eun-Hae , Sim Aeri , Im Sun-Kyoung , Hur Eun-Mi
Published: October 2016

Several studies have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of applying microtubule- (MT-) stabilizing agents (MSAs) that cross the blood-brain barrier to promote axon regeneration and prevent axonal dystrophy in rodent models of spinal cord injury and neurodegenerative diseases. Paradoxically, administration of MSAs, which have been widely prescribed to treat malignancies, is well known to cause debilitating peripheral neuropathy and axon degeneration. Despite the growing interest of applying MSAs to treat the injured or degenerating central nervous system (CNS), consequences of MSA exposure to neurons in the central and peripheral nervous system (PNS) have not been thoroughly investigated. Here, we have examined and compared the effects of a brain-penetrant MSA, epothilone B, on cortical and sensory neurons in culture and show that epothilone B exhibits both beneficial and detrimental effects, depending on not only the concentration of drug but also the type and age of a neuron, as seen in clinical settings. Therefore, to exploit MSAs to their full benefit and minimize unwanted side effects, it is important to understand the properties of neuronal MTs and strategies should be devised to deliver minimal effective concentration directly to the site where needed.
Genetic Regulation of Maternal Oxytocin Response and Its Influences on Maternal Behavior
Authors: Mehta Divya , Eapen Valsamma , Kohlhoff Jane , Mendoza Diaz Antonio , Barnett Bryanne , Silove Derrick , Dadds Mark R.
Published: October 2016

We interrogated the genetic modulation of maternal oxytocin response and its association with maternal behavior using genetic risk scores within the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene. We identified a novel SNP, rs968389, to be significantly associated with maternal oxytocin response after a challenging mother-infant interaction task (Still Face Paradigm) and maternal separation anxiety from the infant. Performing a multiallelic analysis across OXTR by calculating a cumulative genetic risk score revealed a significant gene-by-environment (G×E) interaction, with OXTR genetic risk score interacting with adult separation anxiety to modulate levels of maternal sensitivity. Mothers with higher OXTR genetic risk score and adult separation anxiety showed significantly reduced levels of maternal sensitivity during free play with the infant. The sameG×Einteraction was also observed for the extended OXTR cumulative genetic risk score that included rs968389. Moreover, the extended cumulative OXTR genetic risk score itself was found to be significantly associated with maternal separation anxiety as it specifically relates to the infant. Our results suggest a complex montage of individual and synergistic genetic mediators of maternal behavior. These findings add to specific knowledge about genetic regulation of maternal oxytocin response in relation to maternal adjustment and infant bonding through the first few months of life.
Bacteremia Caused by Kocuria kristinae from Egypt: Are There More? A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Hassan Reem M. , Bassiouny Dina M. , Matar Yomna
Published: October 2016

Kocuria kristinae is opportunistic Gram-positive cocci from the family Micrococcaceae. It is usually considered part of the normal flora that rarely is isolated from clinical specimens. Here, we report a case of Kocuria kristinae bacteremia; to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report from Egypt.
Estimation of Monetary Values of the Ecosystem Services Flow at the Tidal Elbe River
Authors: Mangi H. O.
Published: October 2016

Most ecosystem services are regarded as free goods (i.e., priceless). This paper estimates monetary value of the ecosystem services after renaturalizing the navigation channel in the Kreetsand’s area along the tidal section of the Elbe River. The river channel is basically reconnected to its floodplain which is currently grassland. The paper used benefit transfer method whereby values from previous studies are adopted to estimate total economic value of the ecosystem services provided by the study area. The results show that total economic value of the ecosystem services flow at the Kreetsand’s shallow water area is €0.83 million/year. Nevertheless, the value seems to be underestimated due to errors inherited during valuation. After 44 years, the value will accumulate to €36.5 million, which is equal to the project investment cost estimated to be around €36.6 million. Based on the cost-benefit analysis results for the project, it is concluded that river renaturalization is the best option because it increases ecosystem services flow. The paper recommends that a similar study should be conducted to include more ecosystem services and ecosystem goods such as fish and water used for industrial purposes.
Kinematic Analysis of Continuum Robot Consisted of Driven Flexible Rods
Authors: Tian Yingzhong , Luan Mingxuan , Gao Xu , Wang Wenbin , Li Long
Published: October 2016

This paper presents the kinematic analysis of a continuum bionic robot with three flexible actuation rods. Since the motion of the end-effector is actuated by the deformation of the rods, the robot structure is with high elasticity and good compliance and the kinematic analysis of the robot requires special treatment. We propose a kinematic model based on the geometry with constant curvature. The analysis consists of two independent mappings: a general mapping for the kinematics of all robots and a specific mapping for this kind of robots. Both of those mappings are developed for the single section and for the multisections. We aim at providing a guide for kinematic analysis of the similar manipulators through this paper.
Anisotropic Elastoplastic Damage Mechanics Method to Predict Fatigue Life of the Structure
Authors: Wan Hualiang , Wang Qizhi , Zhang Zheng
Published: October 2016

New damage mechanics method is proposed to predict the low-cycle fatigue life of metallic structures under multiaxial loading. The microstructure mechanical model is proposed to simulate anisotropic elastoplastic damage evolution. As the micromodel depends on few material parameters, the present method is very concise and suitable for engineering application. The material parameters in damage evolution equation are determined by fatigue experimental data of standard specimens. By employing further development on the ANSYS platform, the anisotropic elastoplastic damage mechanics-finite element method is developed. The fatigue crack propagation life of satellite structure is predicted using the present method and the computational results comply with the experimental data very well.
Design and Experimental Verification of Robust Motion Synchronization Control with Integral Action
Authors: Peng Chen , Zhu Bo , Wei Keqi
Published: October 2016

A robust attitude motion synchronization problem is investigated for multiple 3-degrees-of-freedom (3-DOF) helicopters with input disturbances. The communication topology among the helicopters is modeled by a directed graph, and each helicopter can only access the angular position measurements of itself and its neighbors. The desired trajectories are generated online and not accessible to all helicopters. The problem is solved by embedding in each helicopter some finite-time convergent (FTC) estimators and a distributed controller with integral action. The FTC estimators generate the estimates of desired angular acceleration and the derivative of the local neighborhood synchronization errors. The distributed controller stabilizes the tracking errors and attenuates the effects of input disturbances. The conditions under which the tracking error of each helicopter converges asymptotically to zero are identified, and, for the cases with nonzero tracking errors, some inequalities are derived to show the relationship between the ultimate bounds of tracking errors and the design parameters. Simulation and experimental results are presented to demonstrate the performance of the controllers.
Carbon Nanotubes in Cementitious Composites: Dispersion, Implementation, and Influence on Mechanical Characteristics
Authors: Jarolim Tomas , Labaj Martin , Hela Rudolf , Michnova Kamila
Published: October 2016

For effective utilization of nanoparticles in cementitious composite materials, their perfect dispersion is necessary. Appropriate quantity of ultrasonic energy (US energy), as well as usage of proper and compatible surfactant, is a prerequisite for carbon nanotubes’ (CNT) suitable deagglomeration. US energy was supplied by Bandelin Sonopuls HD 3200 ultrasonic homogenizer. Influence of US energy’s amount on CNT’s dispersion in aqueous medium was monitored in two steps: at first roughly by an optical microscope and in the next step precisely by the measurement of absorbance via UV/Vis spectrophotometry. After the appropriate amount of US energy was found, cement mortars with CNT were prepared and tested. Their physical and mechanical properties were examined and compared to the reference specimens.
XPS Analysis of AuGeNi/Cleaved GaAs(110) Interface
Authors: Negrila Constantin-Catalin , Lazarescu Mihail Florin , Logofatu Constantin , Cotirlan Costel , Ghita Rodica V. , Frumosu Florica , Trupina Lucian
Published: October 2016

The depth composition of the thin layer alloy, AuGeNi, devoted to acting as an ohmic contact on n-GaAs(110) has been investigated by in situ XPS combined with Argon ion sputtering techniques. The fresh cleaved surfaces, supposed to be free of oxygen, were usually deposited with a 200 nm metallic layer in high vacuum conditions (better than 10−7 torr), by thermal evaporation, and annealed at a 430–450° Celsius temperature for 5 minutes. About 18 sessions of ion Ar surfaces etching and intermediate XPS measurements were performed in order to reveal the border of the metal/semiconductor interface. The atomic concentrations of the chemical elements have been approximated. Au4f, Ga3d, Ga2p, As3d, As2p, Ni2p3/2, Ge3d, O1s, and C1s spectral lines were recorded. The Au, Ge, and Ni have a homogenous distribution while Ga and As tend to diffuse to the surface. Oxygen is present in the first layers of the surface while carbon completely disappears after the second etching step. The existence of an Au-Ga alloy was detected and XPS spectra show only metal Ni and Ge within the layer and at the interface. We tried to perform a study about the depth chemical composition profile analysis of AuGeNi layer on cleaved n-GaAs(110) by X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) technique.
Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage Associated with Edoxaban Therapy
Authors: Nitta Kenichi , Imamura Hiroshi , Yashio Akihiro , Kashima Satoko , Mochizuki Katsunori
Published: October 2016

Introduction. The main adverse effect of anticoagulant therapy is bleeding, and major bleeding, including intracranial, gastrointestinal, and retroperitoneal bleeding, has been reported as an adverse effect of edoxaban, a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC). Bleeding during systemic anticoagulation with edoxaban presents a therapeutic conundrum, because there is currently no safe or efficacious reversal agent to stop major bleeding. Case Report. A 51-year-old woman had multiple traumatic injuries, including lower limb fractures. On day 8, she developed deep venous thrombosis, and edoxaban was administered orally. On day 38, she developed fungemia, which was treated with an antifungal drug. On day 43, she presented with dyspnea. Chest computed tomography scan showed bilateral diffuse ground-glass opacities in the whole lung fields. The results of the subsequent workup (i.e., serum levels of the antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody, antinuclear antibody, and antiglomerular basement membrane antibody) and microbiological study were unremarkable. Based on these findings, her condition was diagnosed as diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) associated with edoxaban therapy. The lung opacities disappeared spontaneously after edoxaban therapy was discontinued. Conclusion. DAH is a dangerous complication associated with edoxaban therapy. DOACs, including edoxaban, should be prescribed with caution, especially for patients in a critical condition.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Reproductive Tract Infections in Gongolia Village, Rupandehi District, Nepal
Authors: Kafle Pravina , Bhattarai Shiva Shankar
Published: October 2016

Objective. To determine the prevalence of reproductive tract infection (RTI) and its associated factors among married women of reproductive age group (15–49 yrs). Method. A cross sectional approach was employed. The study collected data of symptoms suggestive of RTI experienced in the previous six months according to World Health Organization (WHO) syndromic approach guideline. A structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data and data were entered into EPI data and transferred into SPSS (16 version) for further analysis. Chi square was used for statistical analysis. Result. Among 258 married women the prevalence of symptoms suggestive of RTI was found to be 39.9%. Low back pain, vaginal discharge, and low abdominal pains were common symptoms reported in study. Irregular menstrual cycle, sexual contact during menstruation, marriage below 19 yrs, pregnancy below 20 yrs, high parity, delivery at home, and use of temporary family planning device were significant risk factors for prevalence of RTI symptoms. Conclusion. RTI still remains neglected by married women. Training and education session needs to be carried out to identify the early symptoms of RTI. Awareness about marriage and pregnancy after 19 yrs of age, sex education, delivery at health institution by health personnel, menstrual and personnel hygiene, and use of the condom are needed for prevention of RTI.
Two-Dimensional Kinetic Shape Dynamics: Verification and Application
Authors: Handzic Ismet , Muratagic Haris , Reed Kyle B.
Published: October 2016

A kinetic shape (KS) is a smooth two- or three-dimensional shape that is defined by its predicted ground reaction forces as it is pressed onto a flat surface. A KS can be applied in any mechanical situation where position-dependent force redirection is required. Although previous work on KSs can predict static force reaction behavior, it does not describe the kinematic behavior of these shapes. In this article, we derive the equations of motion for a rolling two-dimensional KS (or any other smooth curve) and validate the model with physical experiments. The results of the physical experiments showed good agreement with the predicted dynamic KS model. In addition, we have modified these equations of motion to develop and verify the theory of a novel transportation device, the kinetic board, that is powered by an individual shifting their weight on top of a set of KSs.
Euler-Bernoulli Nanobeam Welded to a Compressible Semi-Infinite Substrate
Authors: Di Maida Pietro , Falope Federico Oyedeji
Published: October 2016

The contact problem of an Euler-Bernoulli nanobeam of finite length bonded to a homogeneous elastic half plane is studied in the present work. Both the beam and the half plane are assumed to display a linear elastic behaviour under infinitesimal strains. The analysis is performed under plane strain condition. Owing to the bending stiffness of the beam, shear and peeling stresses arise at the interface between the beam and the substrate within the contact region. The investigation allows evaluating the role played by the Poisson ratio of the half plane (and, in turn, its compressibility) on the beam-substrate mechanical interaction. Different symmetric and skew-symmetric loading conditions for the beam are considered, with particular emphasis to concentrated transversal and horizontal forces and couples acting at its edges. It is found that the Poisson ratio of the half plane affects the behaviour of the interfacial stress field, particularly at the beam edges, where the shear and peel stresses are singular.
Minor Antigen Disparities Impede Induction of Long Lasting Chimerism and Tolerance through Bone Marrow Transplantation with Costimulation Blockade
Authors: Bigenzahn Sinda , Pree Ines , Klaus Christoph , Pilat Nina , Mahr Benedikt , Schwaiger Elisabeth , Nierlich Patrick , Wrba Friedrich , Wekerle Thomas
Published: October 2016

Mixed chimerism and tolerance can be successfully induced in rodents through allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) with costimulation blockade (CB), but varying success rates have been reported with distinct models and protocols. We therefore investigated the impact of minor antigen disparities on the induction of mixed chimerism and tolerance. C57BL/6 (H2b) mice received nonmyeloablative total body irradiation (3 Gy), costimulation blockade (anti-CD40L mAb and CTLA4Ig), and 2×107 bone marrow cells (BMC) from either of three donor strains: Balb/c (H2d) (MHC plus multiple minor histocompatibility antigen (mHAg) mismatched), B10.D2 (H2d) or B10.A (H2a) (both MHC mismatched, but mHAg matched). Macrochimerism was followed over time by flow cytometry and tolerance was tested by skin grafting. 20 of 21 recipients of B10.D2 BMC but only 13 of 18 of Balb/c BMC and 13 of 20 of B10.A BMC developed stable long-term multilineage chimerism (p<0.05 for each donor strain versus B10.D2). Significantly superior donor skin graft survival was observed in successfully established long-term chimeras after mHAg matched BMT compared to mHAg mismatched BMT (p<0.05). Both minor and major antigen disparities pose a substantial barrier for the induction of chimerism while the maintenance of tolerance after nonmyeloablative BMT and costimulation blockade is negatively influenced by minor antigen disparities.
New Phase Space Calculations for β-Decay Half-Lives
Authors: Stoica Sabin , Mirea Mihail , Niţescu Ovidiu , Nabi Jameel-Un , Ishfaq Mavra
Published: October 2016

We revisit the computation of the phase space factors (PSF) involved in the positron decay and EC processes for a large number of nuclei of experimental interest. To obtain the electron/positron wave functions, we develop a code for solving accurately the Dirac equation with a nuclear potential derived from a realistic proton density distribution in the nucleus. The finite nuclear size (FNS) and screening effects are included through recipes which differ from those used in previous calculations. Comparing our results with previous calculations, performed with the same Q-values, we find a close agreement for positron decays, while, for the EC process, there are relevant differences. For the EC process, we also find that the screening effect has a notable influence on the computed PSF values especially for light nuclei. Further, we recomputed the same PSF values but using the most recent Q-values reported in literature. In several cases, the new Q-values differ significantly from the older ones, leading to large differences in the PSF values as compared with previous results. Our new PSF values can contribute to more reliable calculations of the beta-decay rates, used in the study of nuclei far from the stability line and stellar evolution.
Automatic Optimization for Large-Scale Real-Time Coastal Water Simulation
Authors: Wang Shunli , Kang Fengju
Published: October 2016

We introduce an automatic optimization approach for the simulation of large-scale coastal water. To solve the singular problem of water waves obtained with the traditional model, a hybrid deep-shallow-water model is estimated by using an automatic coupling algorithm. It can handle arbitrary water depth and different underwater terrain. As a certain feature of coastal terrain, coastline is detected with the collision detection technology. Then, unnecessary water grid cells are simplified by the automatic simplification algorithm according to the depth. Finally, the model is calculated on Central Processing Unit (CPU) and the simulation is implemented on Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). We show the effectiveness of our method with various results which achieve real-time rendering on consumer-level computer.
Mapping QTLs for Fertility Restoration of Different Cytoplasmic Male Sterility Types in Rice Using Two Oryza sativa ×O. rufipogon Backcross Inbred Line Populations
Authors: Hu Biao-lin , Xie Jian-kun , Wan Yong , Zhang Jin-wei , Zhang Fan-tao , Li Xia
Published: October 2016

Hybrid rice breeding using cytoplasmic male sterility/fertility restoration (CMS/Rf) systems plays an important role in ensuring global food security. Two backcross inbred line (BIL) populations derived from either Xieqingzao B (XB)//XB/Dongxiang wild rice (DWR) (XXD) or XB//DWR/XB (XDX) were used to detect quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for fertility restoration of Dwarf wild abortive- (DA-), Indonesia Paddy- (ID-), and DWR-type CMS in rice. Lines with ID- and DA-type CMS were testcrossed with both the XXD- and XDX-BILs, while the line with DWR-type CMS was testcrossed with the XDX-BILs only. A total of 16 QTLs for fertility restoration of CMS systems were identified, including three for DWR-type CMS, six for DA-type CMS, and seven for ID-type CMS. All of the additive alleles in the QTLs were derived from Oryza rufipogon. Eleven QTLs were clustered in five chromosomal regions, indicating that common Rf loci restored different CMS systems, and the favorable O. rufipogon alleles could be used to develop restorer lines for various CMS types by marker-assisted selection.
Infrarenal Aorta Thrombosis Associated with H1N1 Influenza A Virus Infection
Authors: Hüzmeli Can , Saglam Mustafa , Arıkan Ali , Doner Barıs , Akıncı Gulay , Candan Ferhan
Published: October 2016

Influenza viruses are members of the Orthomyxoviridae family, of which influenza A, B, and C viruses constitute three separate genera. Arterial thrombosis associated with H1N1 influenza A virus infection has rarely been reported. A Turkish man aged 28 years was admitted to our emergency department with dyspnea, bilateral lower extremity insensitivity, and cold. He reported symptoms of fever, myalgia, and cough, which he had had for fifteen days before being admitted to our hospital. The patient was tested for pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, which were positive. Abdominal computerized tomography with contrast revealed a large occlusive thrombus within the infrarenal aorta.
Event Patterns Extracted from Transverse Momentum and Rapidity Spectra ofZBosons and Quarkonium States Produced in pp and Pb-Pb Collisions at LHC
Authors: Chen Ya-Hui , Liu Fu-Hu , Lacey Roy A.
Published: October 2016

Transverse momentum (pT) and rapidity (y) spectra ofZbosons and quarkonium states (some charmoniumcc¯mesons such asJ/ψandψ(2S)and some bottomoniumbb¯mesons such asΥ(1S),Υ(2S), andΥ(3S)) produced in proton-proton (pp) and lead-lead (Pb-Pb) collisions at the large hadron collider (LHC) are uniformly described by a hybrid model of two-component Erlang distribution forpTspectrum and two-component Gaussian distribution foryspectrum. The former distribution results from a multisource thermal model, and the latter one results from the revised Landau hydrodynamic model. The modelling results are in agreement with the experimental data measured in pp collisions at center-of-mass energiess=2.76and 7 TeV and in Pb-Pb collisions at center-of-mass energy per nucleon pairsNN=2.76 TeV. Based on the parameter values extracted frompTandyspectra, the event patterns (particle scatter plots) in two-dimensionalpT-yspace and in three-dimensional velocity space are obtained.
Lignans Extracted from Eucommia Ulmoides Oliv. Protects Against AGEs-Induced Retinal Endothelial Cell Injury
Authors: Liu Ban , Li Chao-Peng , Wang Wen-Qi , Song Shu-Guang , Liu Xiu-Ming
Published: October 2016

Background/Aims: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) could elicit oxidative stress, trigger and aggravate endothelium damage in several ischemic retinopathies including diabetic retinopathy (DR). The leaves of Eucommia ulmoides O., also referred to as Tu-chung or Du-zhong, have been used for the treatment of hypertension and diabetes, showing great antioxidant activity and anti-glycation activity. Lignans is one of the main bioactive components of Eucommia ulmoides. This study mainly investigated the effect of lignans treatment on AGEs-induced endothelium damage. Methods: MTT assay, Hoechst staining, and calcein-AM/ propidium iodide (PI) staining was conducted to determine the effect of lignans treatment on endothelial cell function in vitro. Retinal trypsin digestion, Evans blue assay, isolectin staining, and western blots were conducted to determine the effect of lignans treatment on retinal microvascular function in vivo. Western blot, protein immunoprecipitation (IP), MTT assays, and enzyme activity assay was conducted to detect the effect of ligans treatment on oxidative stress response. Results: Lignans protected retinal endothelial cell against AGEs-induced injury in vitro and diabetes-induced vascular dysfunction in vivo. Lignans treatment could regulate oxidative stress response in retinal endothelial cell line, retina, and liver. Moreover, we showed that NRF2/HO-1 signaling was critical for lignans-mediated oxidative stress regulation. Conclusion: Lignans treatment could protect against endothelial dysfunction in vivo and in vitro via regulating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling. Lignans might be developed as a promising drug for the treatment of diabetes-induced microvascular dysfunction.
The Effects of Ivabradine on Cardiac Function after Myocardial Infarction are Weaker in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Cao Xue , Sun Zhijun , Zhang Boya , Li Xueqi , Xia Hongyuan
Published: October 2016

Background/Aims: Plasma norepinephrine (NE) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP, termed BNP-45 in rats) are considered as essential neurohormones indicating heart failure progression. The purposes of this study were to examine the effects of ivabradine (IBD) on cardiac function and plasma NE and BNP-45 after chronic ischemic heart failure (CHF) in non-diabetic rats and diabetic rats. We further determined if sympathetic NE uptake-1 (a major pathway to metabolize NE) mechanism is responsible for the role played by IBD. Methods: We ligated rat's coronary artery to induce CHF; and injected streptozotocin (STZ) to induce diabetic hyperglycemia. Echocardiography was employed to determine cardiac function. We used ELISA to examine plasma NE and BNP-45; and Western Blot analysis to examine the protein levels of NE uptake-1 in sympathetic nerves. Results: CHF increased the levels of NE and BNP-45 in non-STZ rats and STZ rats. Systemic injection of IBD significantly attenuated the augmented NE and BNP-45 and impaired left ventricular function induced by CHF in those rats. This effect appeared to be less in STZ rats. A liner relation was observed between the NE/BNP-45 levels and left ventricular function after administration of IBD. Also, IBD was observed to have a recovery effect on the downregulated NE uptake-1 evoked by CHF, but to a smaller degree in STZ rats. Conclusion: Our data revealed specific signaling mechanisms by which IBD improves the cardiac function as IBD alleviates impaired NE uptake-1and thereby decreases heightened NE and BNP-45 induced by CHF. Our data also demonstrated that the effects of IBD are weakened after diabetic hyperglycemia likely due to worsen NE uptake-1 pathway. Thus, targeting sympathetic NE uptake-1 signaling molecules has clinical implications for treatment and management of CHF in diabetes. Our data were also to shed light on strategies for application of this drug because NE and BNP play an important role in regulation of progression and prognosis of CHF, and in particular, because IBD affects NE uptake-1 pathway in hyperglycemic animals to a less degree.