bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Image-space modal bases for plausible manipulation of objects in video
Authors: Davis Abe , Chen Justin G. , Durand Frédo
Published: October 2015

We present algorithms for extracting an image-space representation of object structure from video and using it to synthesize physically plausible animations of objects responding to new, previously unseen forces. Our representation of structure is derived from an image-space analysis of modal object deformation: projections of an object's resonant modes are recovered from the temporal spectra of optical flow in a video, and used as a basis for the image-space simulation of object dynamics. We describe how to extract this basis from video, and show that it can be used to create physically-plausible animations of objects without any knowledge of scene geometry or material properties.
Structure and appearance optimization for controllable shape design
Authors: Martínez Jonàs , Dumas Jérémie , Lefebvre Sylvain , Wei Li-Yi
Published: October 2015

The field of topology optimization seeks to optimize shapes under structural objectives, such as achieving the most rigid shape using a given quantity of material. Besides optimal shape design, these methods are increasingly popular as design tools, since they automatically produce structures having desirable physical properties, a task hard to perform by hand even for skilled designers. However, there is no simple way to control the appearance of the generated objects.

In this paper, we propose to optimize shapes for
both
their structural properties
and
their appearance, the latter being controlled by a user-provided pattern example. These two objectives are challenging to combine, as optimal structural properties fully define the shape, leaving no degrees of freedom for appearance. We propose a new formulation where appearance is optimized as an objective while structural properties serve as
constraints.
This produces shapes with sufficient rigidity while allowing enough freedom for the appearance of the final structure to resemble the input exemplar.

Our approach generates rigid shapes using a specified quantity of material while observing optional constraints such as voids, fills, attachment points, and external forces. The appearance is defined by examples, making our technique accessible to casual users. We demonstrate its use in the context of fabrication using a laser cutter to manufacture real objects from optimized shapes.
Blue noise sampling using an SPH-based method
Authors: Jiang Min , Zhou Yahan , Wang Rui , Southern Richard , Zhang Jian Jun
Published: October 2015

We propose a novel algorithm for blue noise sampling inspired by the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) method. SPH is a well-known method in fluid simulation -- it computes particle distributions to minimize the internal pressure variance. We found that this results in sample points (i.e., particles) with a high quality blue-noise spectrum. Inspired by this, we tailor the SPH method for blue noise sampling. Our method achieves fast sampling in general dimensions for both surfaces and volumes. By varying a single parameter our method can generate a variety of blue noise samples with different distribution properties, ranging from Lloyd's relaxation to Capacity Constrained Voronoi Tessellations (CCVT). Our method is fast and supports adaptive sampling and multi-class sampling. We have also performed experimental studies of the SPH kernel and its influence on the distribution properties of samples. We demonstrate with examples that our method can generate a variety of controllable blue noise sample patterns, suitable for applications such as image stippling and re-meshing.
Real-time pixel luminance optimization for dynamic multi-projection mapping
Authors: Siegl Christian , Colaianni Matteo , Thies Lucas , Thies Justus , Zollhöfer Michael , Izadi Shahram , Stamminger Marc , Bauer Frank
Published: October 2015

Using projection mapping enables us to bring virtual worlds into shared physical spaces. In this paper, we present a novel, adaptable and real-time projection mapping system, which supports multiple projectors and high quality rendering of dynamic content on surfaces of complex geometrical shape. Our system allows for smooth blending across multiple projectors using a new optimization framework that simulates the diffuse direct light transport of the physical world to continuously adapt the color output of each projector pixel. We present a real-time solution to this optimization problem using off-the-shelf graphics hardware, depth cameras and projectors. Our approach enables us to move projectors, depth camera or objects while maintaining the correct illumination, in realtime, without the need for markers on the object. It also allows for projectors to be removed or dynamically added, and provides compelling results with only commodity hardware.
A matrix sampling-and-recovery approach for many-lights rendering
Authors: Huo Yuchi , Wang Rui , Jin Shihao , Liu Xinguo , Bao Hujun
Published: October 2015

Instead of computing on a large number of virtual point lights (VPLs), scalable many-lights rendering methods effectively simulate various illumination effects only using hundreds or thousands of representative VPLs. However, gathering illuminations from these representative VPLs, especially computing the visibility, is still a tedious and time-consuming task. In this paper, we propose a new matrix sampling-and-recovery scheme to efficiently gather illuminations by only sampling a small number of visibilities between representative VPLs and surface points. Our approach is based on the observation that the lighting matrix used in manylights rendering is of low-rank, so that it is possible to sparsely sample a small number of entries, and then numerically complete the entire matrix. We propose a three-step algorithm to explore this observation. First, we design a new VPL clustering algorithm to slice the rows and group the columns of the full lighting matrix into a number of reduced matrices, which are sampled and recovered individually. Second, we propose a novel prediction method that predicts visibility of matrix entries from sparsely and randomly sampled entries. Finally, we adapt the matrix separation technique to recover the entire reduced matrix and compute final shadings. Experimental results show that our method heavily reduces the required visibility sampling in the final gathering and achieves 3--7 times speedup compared with the state-of-the-art methods on test scenes.
Push-recovery stability of biped locomotion
Authors: Lee Yoonsang , Lee Kyungho , Kwon Soon-Sun , Jeong Jiwon , O'Sullivan Carol , Park Moon Seok , Lee Jehee
Published: October 2015

Biped controller design pursues two fundamental goals; simulated walking should look human-like and robust against perturbation while maintaining its balance. Normal gait is a pattern of walking that humans normally adopt in undisturbed situations. It has previously been postulated that normal gait is more energy efficient than abnormal or impaired gaits. However, it is not clear whether normal gait is also superior to abnormal gait patterns with respect to other factors, such as stability. Understanding the correlation between gait and stability is an important aspect of biped controller design. We studied this issue in two sets of experiments with human participants and a simulated biped. The experiments evaluated the degree of resilience to external pushes for various gait patterns. We identified four gait factors that affect the balance-recovery capabilities of both human and simulated walking. We found that crouch gait is significantly more stable than normal gait against lateral push. Walking speed and the timing/magnitude of disturbance also affect gait stability. Our work would provide a potential way to compare the performance of biped controllers by normalizing their output gaits and improve their performance by adjusting these decisive factors.
Model-reduced variational fluid simulation
Authors: Liu Beibei , Mason Gemma , Hodgson Julian , Tong Yiying , Desbrun Mathieu
Published: October 2015

We present a model-reduced variational Eulerian integrator for incompressible fluids, which combines the efficiency gains of dimension reduction, the qualitative robustness of coarse spatial and temporal resolutions of geometric integrators, and the simplicity of sub-grid accurate boundary conditions on regular grids to deal with arbitrarily-shaped domains. At the core of our contributions is a functional map approach to fluid simulation for which scalar- and vector-valued eigenfunctions of the Laplacian operator can be easily used as reduced bases. Using a variational integrator in time to preserve liveliness and a simple, yet accurate embedding of the fluid domain onto a Cartesian grid, our model-reduced fluid simulator can achieve realistic animations in significantly less computational time than full-scale non-dissipative methods but without the numerical viscosity from which current reduced methods suffer. We also demonstrate the versatility of our approach by showing how it easily extends to magnetohydrodynamics and turbulence modeling in 2D, 3D and curved domains.
3D motion sensing of any object without prior knowledge
Authors: Miyashita Leo , Yonezawa Ryota , Watanabe Yoshihiro , Ishikawa Masatoshi
Published: October 2015

We propose a novel three-dimensional motion sensing method using lasers. Recently, object motion information is being used in various applications, and the types of targets that can be sensed continue to diversify. Nevertheless, conventional motion sensing systems have low universality because they require some devices to be mounted on the target, such as accelerometers and gyro sensors, or because they are based on cameras, which limits the types of targets that can be detected. Our method solves this problem and enables noncontact, high-speed, deterministic measurement of the velocity of a moving target without any prior knowledge about the target shape and texture, and can be applied to any unconstrained, unspecified target. These distinctive features are achieved by using a system consisting of a laser range finder, a laser Doppler velocimeter, and a beam controller, in addition to a robust 3D motion calculation method. The motion of the target is recovered from fragmentary physical information, such as the distance and speed of the target at the laser irradiation points. From the acquired laser information, our method can provide a numerically stable solution based on the generalized weighted Tikhonov regularization. Using this technique and a prototype system that we developed, we also demonstrated a number of applications, including motion capture, video game control, and 3D shape integration with everyday objects.
Topology-based catalogue exploration framework for identifying view-enhanced tower designs
Authors: Doraiswamy Harish , Ferreira Nivan , Lage Marcos , Vo Huy , Wilson Luc , Werner Heidi , Park Muchan , Silva Cláudio
Published: October 2015

There is a growing expectation for high performance design in architecture which negotiates between the requirements of the client and the physical constraints of a building site. Clients for building projects often challenge architects to maximize view quality since it can significantly increase real estate value. To pursue this challenge, architects typically move through several design revision cycles to identify a set of design options which satisfy these view quality expectations in coordination with other goals of the project. However, reviewing a large quantity of design options within the practical time constraints is challenging due to the limitations of existing tools for view performance evaluation. These challenges include flexibility in the definition of view quality and the ability to handle the expensive computation involved in assessing both the view quality and the exploration of a large number of possible design options. To address these challenges, we propose a catalogue-based framework that enables the interactive exploration of conceptual building design options based on adjustable view preferences. We achieve this by integrating a flexible mechanism to combine different view measures with an indexing scheme for view computation that achieves high performance and precision. Furthermore, the combined view measures are then used to model the building design space as a high dimensional scalar function. The topological features of this function are then used as candidate building designs. Finally, we propose an interactive design catalogue for the exploration of potential building designs based on the given view preferences. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach through two use case scenarios to assess view potential and explore conceptual building designs on sites with high development likelihood in Manhattan, New York City.
AA patterns for point sets with controlled spectral properties
Authors: Ahmed Abdalla G. M. , Huang Hui , Deussen Oliver
Published: October 2015

We describe a novel technique for the fast production of large point sets with different spectral properties. In contrast to tile-based methods we use so-called AA Patterns: ornamental point sets obtained from quantization errors. These patterns have a discrete and structured number-theoretic nature, can be produced at very low costs, and possess an inherent structural indexing mechanism equivalent to those used in recursive tiling techniques. This allows us to generate, manipulate and store point sets very efficiently. The technique outperforms existing methods in speed, memory footprint, quality, and flexibility. This is demonstrated by a number of measurements and comparisons to existing point generation algorithms.
Effects of Functional Limb Overloading on Symmetrical Weight Bearing, Walking Speed, Perceived Mobility, and Community Participation among Patients with Chronic Stroke
Authors: Alabdulwahab Sami S. , Ahmad Fuzail , Singh Harpreet
Published: October 2015

Background. Stroke is a leading cause for long-term disability that often compromises the sensorimotor and gait function accompanied by spasticity. Gait abnormalities persist through the chronic stages of the condition and only a small percentage of these persons are able to walk functionally in the community.Material and Method. Patients with chronic stroke were recruited from outpatient rehabilitation unit at Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, having a history of first stroke at least six months before recruitment, with unilateral motor deficits affecting gait. The patients were randomly assigned to either the functional limb overloading (FLO) or Limb Overloading Resistance Training (LORT) group and provided four weeks of training.Result. We found that there was an improvement in gait performance, weight bearing on affected limb, and perceived mobility and community participation.Conclusion. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that has evaluated the effects of functional limb overloading training on symmetric weight bearing, walking ability, and perceived mobility and participation in chronic hemiplegic population. The study demonstrated a beneficial effect of training on all the outcomes, suggesting that the functional limb overloading training can be a useful tool in the management of gait problems in chronic stroke patients.
Microbial and Heavy Metal Contaminant of Antidiabetic Herbal Preparations Formulated in Bangladesh
Authors: Zamir Rausan , Hosen Anowar , Ullah M. Obayed , Nahar Nilufar
Published: October 2015

The aim of the current study was to evaluate microbial contamination in terms of microbial load (total aerobic count and total coliform count) and specific pathogenic bacteria (Salmonellaspp.,Escherichia coli,particularly Escherichia coli0157) in thirteen antidiabetic herbal preparations (ADHPs) from Dhaka City. All the thirteen ADHPs had been found contaminated with fungi and different pathogenic bacteria. From the data, it is found that only two of these preparations (ADHP-1 and ADHP-12) complied with the safety limit (as stated in different Pharmacopoeias and WHO guidelines) evaluated by all different microbial counts. None of these herbal preparations could assure the safety as all of them were contaminated by fungi. The overall safety regarding heavy metal content (Zn, Cu, Mn, Cr, Cd, and Pb) was assured as none of them exceeded the safety limit of the daily intake. Microbial contaminants in these herbal preparations pose a potential risk for human health and care should be taken in every step involved in the preparation of these herbal preparations to assure safety.
Characterization on the Properties of Jute Fiber at Different Portions
Authors: Shahinur Sweety , Hasan Mahbub , Ahsan Qumrul , Saha Dilip Kumar , Islam Md. Saiful
Published: October 2015

Natural fibers are environment-friendly, biodegradable, nonabrasive, and less costly and exhibit high initial modulus and high moisture absorption. However, they have nonuniformity in their mechanical, physical, chemical, and thermal properties at different portions. For this reason, long jute fiber was cut into three different portions and subsequently characterized using single fiber tensile test, differential scanning calorimetric, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy according to top, middle, and cutting portions. The crystallinity and moisture content were measured by XRD data and moisture absorption test of the different portions of the raw jute fiber, respectively. The middle portion had better mechanical, thermal, chemical, and crystalline properties compared to the other two portions of the jute fiber. The diameter gradually became thinner from cutting to top portions. Thus the middle portion of jute fiber would be the better choice while being used as reinforcement in composites.
Measurement Research of Motorized Spindle Dynamic Stiffness under High Speed Rotating
Authors: Wang Xiaopeng , Guo Yuzhu , Chen Tianning
Published: October 2015

High speed motorized spindle has become a key functional unit of high speed machine tools and effectively promotes the development of machine tool technology. The development of higher speed and more power puts forward the stricter requirement for the performance of motorized spindle, especially the dynamic performance which affects the machining accuracy, reliability, and production efficiency. To overcome the problems of ineffective loading and dynamic performance measurement of motorized spindle, a noncontact electromagnetic loading device is developed. The cutting load can be simulated by using electromagnetic force. A new method of measuring force by force sensors is presented, and the steady and transient loading force could be measured exactly. After the high speed machine spindle is tested, the frequency response curves of the spindle relative to machine table are collected at 0~12000 rpm; then the relationships between stiffness and speeds as well as between damping ratio and speeds are obtained. The result shows that not only the static and dynamic stiffness but also the damping ratio declined with the increase of speed.
Robust Digital Speech Watermarking For Online Speaker Recognition
Authors: Nematollahi Mohammad Ali , Gamboa-Rosales Hamurabi , Akhaee Mohammad Ali , Al-Haddad S. A. R.
Published: October 2015

A robust and blind digital speech watermarking technique has been proposed for online speaker recognition systems based on Discrete Wavelet Packet Transform (DWPT) and multiplication to embed the watermark in the amplitudes of the wavelet’s subbands. In order to minimize the degradation effect of the watermark, these subbands are selected where less speaker-specific information was available (500 Hz–3500 Hz and 6000 Hz–7000 Hz). Experimental results on Texas Instruments Massachusetts Institute of Technology (TIMIT), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Mobile Biometry (MOBIO) show that the degradation for speaker verification and identification is 1.16% and 2.52%, respectively. Furthermore, the proposed watermark technique can provide enough robustness against different signal processing attacks.
Autism-Like Behavior and Epigenetic Changes Associated with Autism as Consequences ofIn UteroExposure to Environmental Pollutants in a Mouse Model
Authors: Hill Denise S. , Cabrera Robert , Wallis Schultz Deeann , Zhu Huiping , Lu Wei , Finnell Richard H. , Wlodarczyk Bogdan J.
Published: October 2015

We tested the hypothesis thatin uteroexposure to heavy metals increases autism-like behavioral phenotypes in adult animals and induces epigenetic changes in genes that have roles in the etiology of autism. Mouse dams were treated with cadmium, lead, arsenate, manganese, and mercury via drinking water from gestational days (E) 1–10. Valproic acid (VPA) injected intraperitoneally once on (E) 8.5 served as a positive control. Young male offspring were tested for behavioral deficits using four standardized behavioral assays. In this study,in uteroexposure to heavy metals resulted in multiple behavioral abnormalities that persisted into adulthood. VPA and manganese induced changes in perseverative/impulsive behavior and social dominance behavior, arsenic caused changes only in perseverative/impulsive behavior, and lead induced abnormalities in social interaction in comparison to the control animals. Brain samples from Mn, Pb, and VPA treated and control animals were evaluated for changes in CpG island methylation in promoter regions and associated changes in gene expression. The Chd7 gene, essential for neural crest cell migration and patterning, was found to be hypomethylated in each experimental animal tested compared to water-treated controls. Furthermore, distinct patterns of CpG island methylation yielded novel candidate genes for further investigation.
Posterolateral Corner Injury Associated with a Schatzker Type 2 Tibial Plateau Fracture
Authors: Zelle Boris A. , Heaberlin James R. , Murray Matthew C.
Published: October 2015

Isolated posterolateral corner (PLC) injuries are rarely seen with tibial plateau fractures and can be missed during the initial assessment. The objective of this paper is to present a case of a Schatzker type 2 tibial plateau fracture with associated isolated PLC injury and give a discussion on physical exam, diagnostic studies, and treatment options. A twenty-five-year-old female sustained a concomitant Schatzker type 2 fracture and PLC injury. Magnetic Resonance Imaging showed an isolated PLC disruption. Open reduction-internal fixation was performed with subsequent PLC repair. At sixteen months postoperatively, the patient had full range of motion and strength of her knee and no signs of laxity. This case emphasizes the importance of physical exam and appropriate imaging modalities in order to diagnose and treat this significant injury in a prompt fashion. In this case, surgical fracture fixation and subsequent repair of the PLC provided a good clinical outcome.
Long-TermIn VitroDegradation of a High-Strength Brushite Cement in Water, PBS, and Serum Solution
Authors: Ajaxon Ingrid , Öhman Caroline , Persson Cecilia
Published: October 2015

Bone loss and fractures may call for the use of bone substituting materials, such as calcium phosphate cements (CPCs). CPCs can be degradable, and, to determine their limitations in terms of applications, their mechanical as well as chemical properties need to be evaluated over longer periods of time, under physiological conditions. However, there is lack of data on how thein vitrodegradation affects high-strength brushite CPCs over longer periods of time, that is, longer than it takes for a bone fracture to heal. This study aimed at evaluating the long-termin vitrodegradation properties of a high-strength brushite CPC in three different solutions: water, phosphate buffered saline, and a serum solution. Microcomputed tomography was used to evaluate the degradation nondestructively, complemented with gravimetric analysis. The compressive strength, chemical composition, and microstructure were also evaluated. Major changes from 10 weeks onwards were seen, in terms of formation of a porous outer layer of octacalcium phosphate on the specimens with a concomitant change in phase composition, increased porosity, decrease in object volume, and mechanical properties. This study illustrates the importance of long-term evaluation of similar cement compositions to be able to predict the material’s physical changes over a relevant time frame.
A Case of Palytoxin Poisoning in a Home Aquarium Enthusiast and His Family
Authors: Hall Christine , Levy David , Sattler Steven
Published: October 2015

Inhalational exposure to palytoxin is an extremely rare cause of respiratory distress. This little-known marine toxin has the potential to cause significant morbidity and mortality. Toxicity has been best documented in cases of ingestion but has also been seen in cases of dermal exposure and inhalation of vapors. Palytoxin has been found in several coral species, some of which are favored by home aquarium enthusiasts and are commercially available. We report a case of a family who were exposed to the aerosolized toxin following the cleaning of a coral in their home aquarium. It is important that clinicians be aware of this source of toxic exposure to provide necessary care to these patients.
Differential Associations between CDH13 Genotypes, Adiponectin Levels, and Circulating Levels of Cellular Adhesive Molecules
Authors: Teng Ming-Sheng , Wu Semon , Hsu Lung-An , Chou Hsin-Hua , Ko Yu-Lin
Published: October 2015

CDH13 gene variants with lower adiponectin levels are paradoxically associated with a more favorable metabolic profile. We investigated the statistical association between CDH13 locus variants and adiponectin levels by examining 12 circulating inflammation marker levels and adiposity status in 530 Han Chinese people in Taiwan. After adjustments for clinical covariates, adiponectin levels were positively associated with soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (sVCAM1) levels and negatively associated with adiposity status and levels of C‐reactive protein (CRP), soluble E‐selectin (sE‐selectin), and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (sICAM1). In addition, minor alleles of the CDH13 rs12051272 polymorphism were found to have lower adiponectin levels and higher CRP, sE‐selectin, sICAM1, and sVCAM1 levels as well as higher body mass indices and waist circumferences in participants (all P < 0.05). In a subgroup analysis stratified by sex, significant associations between CDH13 genotypes and sE‐selectin levels occurred only in men (P = 3.9 × 10−4 and interaction P = 0.005). CDH13 locus variants and adiponectin levels are associated with circulating levels of cellular adhesion molecules and adiposity status in a differential manner that interacts with sex. These results provide further evidence for the crucial role of adiponectin levels and CDH13 gene variants in immune‐mediated and inflammatory diseases.
Research on the Interaction between Innovation and Port-City Economic System: A Case from China
Authors: Chen Zhen
Published: October 2015

Port city is the node in global commodity flows. It is open to the outside world and often the primary test field of new economic development model. To reduce the negative impact of the global economic crisis since 2008, various developing patterns have been tested in the port city. And the most effective way should rely on the city’s operation mechanism. Here a System Dynamics model is established to analyze the interaction process of the elements in the port-city system. Then choose Shenzhen city as the empirical case. By changing the proportion of R&D and fixed-asset investment, the impact of different economic measures on the system could be confirmed. The result shows that, in order to stabilize the port city’s economic growth, it should change the traditional development pattern to the innovation driven one. The former focuses on facilities investment and capacity expansion. The latter aims at port efficiency promoting and port business value increases.
Cooperative Passenger Inflow Control in Urban Mass Transit Network with Constraint on Capacity of Station
Authors: Guo Jianyuan , Jia Limin , Qin Yong , Zhou Huijuan
Published: October 2015

In urban mass transit network, when passengers’ trip demands exceed capacity of transport, the numbers of passengers accumulating in the original or transfer stations always exceed the safety limitation of those stations. It is necessary to control passenger inflow of stations to assure the safety of stations and the efficiency of passengers. We define time of delay (TD) to evaluate inflow control solutions, which is the sum of waiting time outside of stations caused by inflow control and extra waiting time on platform waiting for next coming train because of insufficient capacity of first coming train. We build a model about cooperative passenger inflow control in the whole network (CPICN) with constraint on capacity of station. The objective of CPICN is to minimize the average time of delay (ATD) and maximum time of delay (MTD). Particle swarm optimization for constrained optimization problem is used to find the optimal solution. The numeral experiments are carried out to prove the feasibility and efficiency of the model proposed in this paper.
Results in Assisted Peritoneal Dialysis: A Ten-Year Experience
Authors: Querido Sara , Branco Patrícia Quadros , Costa Elisabete , Pereira Sara , Gaspar Maria Augusta , Barata José Diogo
Published: October 2015

Background/Aims. Peritoneal dialysis is a successful renal replacement therapy (RRT) for old and dependent patients. We evaluated the clinical outcomes of an assisted peritoneal dialysis (aPD) program developed in a Portuguese center.Methods. Retrospective study based on 200 adult incident patients admitted during ten years to a PD program. We included all 17 patients who were under aPD and analysed various parameters, including complications with the technique, hospitalizations, and patient and technique survival.Results. The global peritonitis rate was lower in helped than in nonhelped patients: 0.4 versus 0.59 episodes/patient/year. The global hospitalization rate was higher in helped than in nonhelped patients: 0.67 versus 0.45 episodes/patient/year (p=NS). Technique survival in helped patients versus nonhelped patients was 92.3%, 92.3%, 83.1%, and 72.7% versus 91.9%, 81.7%, and 72.1%, and 68.3%, at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years, respectively (p=NS), and patient survival in helped patients versus nonhelped patients was 93.3%, 93.3%, 93.3%, and 74.7% versus 95.9% 93.7%, 89%, and 82% at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years, respectively (p=NS).Conclusions. aPD offers an opportune, reliable, and effective home care alternative for patients with no other RRT options.
A Computer Simulation Study of Anatomy Induced Drift of Spiral Waves in the Human Atrium
Authors: Kharche Sanjay R. , Biktasheva Irina V. , Seemann Gunnar , Zhang Henggui , Biktashev Vadim N.
Published: October 2015

The interaction of spiral waves of excitation with atrial anatomy remains unclear. This simulation study isolates the role of atrial anatomical structures on spiral wave spontaneous drift in the human atrium. We implemented realistic and idealised 3D human atria models to investigate the functional impact of anatomical structures on the long-term (∼40 s) behaviour of spiral waves. The drift of a spiral wave was quantified by tracing its tip trajectory, which was correlated to atrial anatomical features. The interaction of spiral waves with the following idealised geometries was investigated: (a) a wedge-like structure with a continuously varying atrial wall thickness; (b) a ridge-like structure with a sudden change in atrial wall thickness; (c) multiple bridge-like structures consisting of a bridge connected to the atrial wall. Spiral waves drifted from thicker to thinner regions and along ridge-like structures. Breakthrough patterns caused by pectinate muscles (PM) bridges were also observed, albeit infrequently. Apparent anchoring close to PM-atrial wall junctions was observed. These observations were similar in both the realistic and the idealised models. We conclude that spatially altering atrial wall thickness is a significant cause of drift of spiral waves. PM bridges cause breakthrough patterns and induce transient anchoring of spiral waves.
Graph-Analytical Method of Determining Impedance in Electrical Transformers
Authors: Bogicevic Zorica , Bjelić Slobodan , Spalević Petar , Mišić Milan
Published: October 2015

This paper presents a graph-analytical method for determining the electrical impedance of alternate energy sources, especially small power transformers and current transformers in electric networks. Unlike conventional short-circuit and idle tests, according to proposed method, in this paper, transformer parameters are determined in a new way, which is based on measurement of voltages and currents on the active and reactive load (inductive or capacitive). The effectiveness of the proposed model was verified using an adapted simulation in the software package MATLAB Simulink. The simulation was performed for three types of ABB transformers with a 100% load. Simulation results were obtained for power transformers:Sn1=1 [MVA],Sn2=2 [MVA],Sn3=3.15 [MVA]. If we compare measurement result values ofRT,XT, which are contained in a brochure for ABB transformers and those obtained through simulation, different tolerances are obtained. For reactance results, deviations are up to 20% for all three tested transformers. For results of active resistance tolerances are up to 5% for all three tested transformers. This method can be used not only to determine the active and inductive AC power source parameters but also to determine and analyze the impendence of electrical sources with high frequencies.
The Plasticity of Brain Gray Matter and White Matter following Lower Limb Amputation
Authors: Jiang Guangyao , Yin Xuntao , Li Chuanming , Li Lei , Zhao Lu , Evans Alan C. , Jiang Tianzi , Wu Jixiang , Wang Jian
Published: October 2015

Accumulating evidence has indicated that amputation induces functional reorganization in the sensory and motor cortices. However, the extent of structural changes after lower limb amputation in patients without phantom pain remains uncertain. We studied 17 adult patients with right lower limb amputation and 18 healthy control subjects using T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging. Cortical thickness and fractional anisotropy (FA) of white matter (WM) were investigated. In amputees, a thinning trend was seen in the left premotor cortex (PMC). Smaller clusters were also noted in the visual-to-motor regions. In addition, the amputees also exhibited a decreased FA in the right superior corona radiata and WM regions underlying the right temporal lobe and left PMC. Fiber tractography from these WM regions showed microstructural changes in the commissural fibers connecting the bilateral premotor cortices, compatible with the hypothesis that amputation can lead to a change in interhemispheric interactions. Finally, the lower limb amputees also displayed significant FA reduction in the right inferior frontooccipital fasciculus, which is negatively correlated with the time since amputation. In conclusion, our findings indicate that the amputation of lower limb could induce changes in the cortical representation of the missing limb and the underlying WM connections.
Nutritional Composition,α-Glucosidase Inhibitory and Antioxidant Activities ofOphiopogon japonicusTubers
Authors: Wang Yancui , Liu Feng , Liang Zongsuo
Published: October 2015

Ophiopogon japonicustubers have been widely used as food and traditional Chinese medicine in China. However, their nutritional composition has not been fully reported yet. This study aimed to analyze the nutritional composition ofO. japonicustubers. Theα-glucosidase inhibitory and antioxidant activities of the extracts obtained fromO. japonicustubers were also evaluated byin vitroassays. The results indicated thatO. japonicustubers are rich in carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, and amino acids. Among four extracts, the n-butanol fraction (nBF) and chloroform/methanol extract (CME) ofO. japonicustubers had high amounts of total phenolic and flavonoid contents and exhibited goodα-glucosidase inhibitory and antioxidant activities. Theα-glucosidase inhibition of nBF was higher than acarbose. Overall,O. japonicustubers are full of nutritional compounds and have goodα-glucosidase inhibitory and antioxidant activities.
The Prognostic Role and Relationship between E2F1 and SV40 in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma of Egyptian Patients
Authors: Samaka Rehab M. , Aiad Hayam A. , Kandil Mona A. , Asaad Nancy Y. , Holah Nanes S.
Published: October 2015

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of lymphomas worldwide. The pathogenesis of lymphomas is not yet well understood. SV40 induces malignant transformation by the large T-antigen (L-TAG) and promotes transformation by binding and inactivating p53 and pRb. L-TAG can bind pRb promoting the activation of the E2F1 transcription factor, thus inducing the expression of genes required for the entry to the S phase and leading to cell transformation. This immunohistochemical study was conducted to assess the prognostic role and relationship of SV40 L-TAG and E2F1 in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) of Egyptian patients. This retrospective study was conducted on 105 tissue specimens including 20 follicular hyperplasia and 85 DLBCL cases. SV40 L-TAG was identified in 3/85 (4%) of DLBCL. High Ki-67 labeling index (Ki-67 LI) and apoptotic count were associated with high E2F1 expression (p<0.001for all). No significant association was reached between E2F1 and SV40. E2F1 expression proved to be the most and first independent prognostic factor on overall survival of DLBCL patients (HR = 5.79, 95% CI = 2.3–14.6, andp<0.001). Upregulation of E2F1 has been implicated in oncogenesis, prognosis, and prediction of therapeutic response but is not seemingly to have a relationship with the accused SV40.
Epilepsy in Punjab (India): A Population-Based Epidemiologic Study
Authors: Hara Harbag S. , Gupta Ajay , Singh Mukhtiar , Raj Rajnish , Singh Harminder , Pawar Gaurav , Hara Pritam K. , Singh Jaswinder
Published: October 2015

Aims: To assess the prevalence of epilepsy in a rural area adjoining a city. Methods: A door-to-door, cross-sectional epidemiological survey was carried out covering an entire rural population of 103,693 people. Results: Crude period and point prevalence rates for active epilepsy were 7.67 and 7.44 per 1,000 respectively. Crude incidence rate was 60.76 per 100,000 during the year 2007. Mean, SD, median and variance were 17.2, 16, 13 and 257.6 years respectively for age at onset of active epilepsy patients. The overall prevalence patterns among males and females were not significantly different. Active epilepsy cases (n = 795) included electro-clinical syndromes and constellations (n = 117, 14.7%), symptomatic epilepsy (n = 153, 19.2%), epilepsy due to unknown cause (n = 513, 64.5%) and dual diagnosis (n = 12, 1.5%). Conclusions: The present study showed that the prevalence rate, in the rural area adjoining a city, was comparable to that of the urban area and significantly less than that of the remote rural area as described by another study. Age- and sex-specific prevalence and incidence rates were similar to the rates reported by other studies. The reason for a lower number of symptomatic cases to be reported, per this study, may be due to lack of neuroimaging.
Evaluation of a Self-Administered Computerized Cognitive Battery in an Older Population
Authors: Koyama Alain K. , Hagan Kaitlin A. , Okereke Olivia I. , Weisskopf Marc G. , Rosner Bernard , Grodstein Francine
Published: October 2015

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the utility of the Cogstate self-administered computerized neuropsychological battery in a large population of older men. Methods: We invited 7,167 men (mean age of 75 years) from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, a prospective cohort of male health professionals. We considered individual Cogstate scores and composite scores measuring psychomotor speed and attention, learning and working memory and overall cognition. Multivariate linear regression was used to assess the association between risk factors measured 4 and 28 years prior to cognitive testing and each outcome. Results: The 1,866 men who agreed to complete Cogstate testing were similar to the 5,301 non-responders. Many expected risk factors were associated with Cogstate scores in multivariate adjusted models. Increasing age was significantly associated with worse performance on all outcomes (p < 0.001). For risk factors measured 4 years prior to testing and overall cognition, a history of hypertension was significantly associated with worse performance (mean difference of -0.08 standard units (95% CI -0.16, 0.00)) and higher consumption of nuts was significantly associated with better performance (>2 servings/week vs. <1 serving/month: 0.15 (0.03, 0.27)). Conclusions: The self-administered Cogstate battery showed significant associations with several risk factors known to be associated with cognitive function. Future studies of cognitive aging may benefit from the numerous advantages of self-administered computerized testing.
O Que É uma Exposição de Matemática?
Authors: Colli Eduardo , Raphael Deborah
Published: October 2015

Este artigo começa por discutir o que se espera de uma exposição sobre matemática e descreve o percurso da Matemateca, do Instituto de Matemática e Estatística da USP, na formação de um acervo de objetos matemáticos ao longo de aproximadamente dez anos, bem como a evolução da concepção de uma exposição voltada para o público em geral, mas com foco nos estudantes de todos os níveis. São dados vários exemplos de peças e mostradas possíveis abordagens para atrair o visitante, inclusive pensando no leitor deste artigo que não tenha familiaridade com esse tipo de exposição. Além disso, é dada uma visão do panorama internacional no que tange a exposições de matemática, de forma a permitir ao leitor inserir a Matemateca nesse contexto. Finalmente, são considerados alguns caminhos a serem seguidos na continuidade e aprimoramento desse trabalho.
The Flow of African Spirituality into World Christianity
Authors: Nnamani Amuluche-Greg
Published: October 2015

Much of the spirituality peculiar to African Christians bears traces of the influence of African Traditional Religions (atr). Prayer traditions like incantations, melodious choruses and appeal to spirits, typical of atr, have infiltrated the religious life of African Christians both at home and in Diaspora, amongst Christians in the mainline churches as well as in the African Independent Churches. Though the flow of African spiritual heritage into Christianity happened in the early history of Christianity, it accelerated in the lives of slaves in diaspora in the West Indies, the Americas and Europe. Today, the process continues amongst African migrants fleeing the unbearable political and economic strangulations in Africa; they migrate with their culture and spirituality and impact on Christianity worldwide. It is the intent of this paper therefore to explore how the African mystic sentiment, frenzied excitement and spirit-laden spirituality, which combine the sacred and the secular in practical life, influenced Christian worship and thought down the ages and, in recent times, contributed to the emergence of the Pentecostal and charismatic spirituality.
Missional Theology’s Missing Ingredient
Authors: Sexton Jason S.
Published: October 2015

Features of the “missional” conversation revolve around discussions of the ecclesial and divine mission. Largely an intra-Evangelical debate, with relevance to other traditions, this conversation has lacked representation from systematic theology. This article argues that the aim for diversity and listening to other voices that missiology excels at often stops short of seeing things as systematic theology might render them. The integrity of systematic theology’s voice as an exposition of the church’s confession renders structures that mark the manner of how gospel-exposition and mission really work insofar as the gospel defines things as they really are. As Christian theology claims Jesus’ lordship over all created realities, then, it functions to co-labor with the God of the Bible who is missionary and brings his people to participate in his action. Systematic theology then is missional in form, content, and aim, suggesting that mission is entirely what systematic theology is about.
Modernizing the Dutch Diplomatic Service: A Work in Progress
Authors: Collet Steven
Published: October 2015

A small country with a big international footprint, the Netherlands depends on the world around it for its future security, prosperity and well-being. Its wide diplomatic network is managed by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is responsible for policy in the areas of foreign relations and trade, European cooperation, development cooperation and consular services provided to Dutch nationals abroad. Responsibility for foreign trade was added to the ministry’s core tasks when the present Dutch government was formed in 2012. This article looks at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ major programme of reforms and spending cuts—‘Modernizing the Diplomatic Service’—which was started three years ago to ensure that the diplomatic service remains well placed to fulfil its roles. The article discusses the rationale behind the programme, the approach taken, and discusses the reforms that have been introduced and the lessons learned. Finally, the article considers elements for future reform.
Introduction: Extraterritorial Scope of Human Rights
Authors: Karska Elżbieta , Karski Karol
Published: October 2015

Human rights hold a common general meaning, as the legal understanding of them, both as regards their principles and their specific wording, may be traced to universal values, including inalienable human dignity. It is regarded as a fundamental human right, and at the same time the source of all of the remaining ones. In such a situation we are dealing with a striving towards their extraterritorial application. Said extraterritoriality has many aspects. National courts regard themselves competent to examine cases connected with violations of human rights beyond the borders of the given country. Human rights treaties are applied outside the territories of the states which are parties thereto. Reservations to treaties dealing with these issues, which are to limit their territorial application, give rise to numerous legal controversies. We are also dealing with competition between the responsibility of the territorial state and the state which exercised effective control in the territory of that state or with joint responsibility. In this context, it would seem that the word “effectiveness” is the appropriate key to alleviating doubts as regards the arising of state responsibility.
Problems and Challenges of the echr’s Extraterritorial Application to Law-Enforcement Operations at Sea
Authors: Szuniewicz Marta
Published: October 2015

Recently the European Court of Human Rights has been challenged with questions concerning the scope of the State’s responsibility for violations of human rights that occurred on international waters. The complaints concern the international fight on illicit drug trafficking, piracy and illegal immigration. The analysed case law provides that occurrences on international waters constitute cases of extraterritorial jurisdiction and may engage responsibility of the State under the echr in the events that take place on board a vessel flying its flag (jurisdiction de iure) and in case of occurrences that happen on board foreign vessels, if the State exercises an effective control over a ship or its crew (jurisdiction de facto). Unfortunately, the Court’s findings prove difficult to follow in a few points as the judges applied the Strasboaurg standard too strictly, irrespective of the practical challenges of maritime law-enforcement operations and existing institutions of the law of the sea.