bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Scheme for the Polynomial Based Biometric Cryptosystems
Authors: Kumar Amioy , Hanmandlu M. , Gupta Hari M.
Published: April 2014

This paper presents a new scheme for the fuzzy vault based biometric cryptosystems which explore the feasibility of a polynomial based vault for the biometric traits like iris, palm, vein, and so forth. Gabor filter is used for the feature extraction from the biometric data and the extracted feature points are transformed into Eigen spaces using Karhunen Loeve (K-L) transform. A polynomial obtained from the secret key is used to generate projections from the transformed features and the randomly generated points, known as chaff points. The points and their corresponding projections form the ordered pairs. The union of the ordered pairs from the features and the chaff points creates a fuzzy vault. At the time of decoding, matching scores are computed by comparing the stored and the claimed biometric traits, which are further tested against a predefined threshold. The number of matched scores should be greater than a tolerance value for the successful decoding of the vault. The threshold and the tolerance value are learned from the transformed features at the encoding stage and chosen according to the tradeoff in the error rates. The proposed scheme is tested on a variety of biometric databases and error rates obtained from the experimental results confirm the utility of the new scheme.
Global Optimality Conditions for Nonlinear Programming Problems with Linear Equality Constraints
Authors: Li Guoquan , Wang Yan
Published: April 2014

Some necessary global optimality conditions and sufficient global optimality conditions for nonconvex minimization problems with a quadratic inequality constraint and a linear equality constraint are derived. In particular, global optimality conditions for nonconvex minimization over a quadratic inequality constraint which extend some known global optimality conditions in the existing literature are presented. Some numerical examples are also given to illustrate that a global minimizer satisfies the necessary global optimality conditions but a local minimizer which is not global may fail to satisfy them.
Obesity and the Odds of Weight Gain following Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Braunstein Lior Z. , Chen Ming-Hui , Loffredo Marian , Kantoff Philip W. , D'Amico Anthony V.
Published: April 2014

Background. Increasing body mass index (BMI) is associated with increased risk of mortality; however, quantifying weight gain in men undergoing androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer (PC) remains unexplored.Methods. Between 1995 and 2001, 206 men were enrolled in a randomized trial evaluating the survival difference of adding 6 months of ADT to radiation therapy (RT). BMI measurements were available in 171 men comprising the study cohort. The primary endpoint was weight gain of ≥10 lbs by 6-month followup. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess whether baseline BMI or treatment received was associated with this endpoint adjusting for known prognostic factors.Results. By the 6-month followup, 12 men gained ≥10 lbs, of which 10 (83%) received RT + ADT and, of these, 7 (70%) were obese at randomization. Men treated with RT as compared to RT + ADT were less likely to gain ≥10 lbs (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.18 [95% CI: 0.04–0.89];P=0.04), whereas this risk increased with increasing BMI (AOR: 1.15 [95% CI: 1.01–1.31];P=0.04).Conclusions. Consideration should be given to avoid ADT in obese men with low- or favorable-intermediate risk PC where improved cancer control has not been observed, but shortened life expectancy from weight gain is expected.
Serotypes and Antimicrobial Resistance of Human Nontyphoidal Isolates ofSalmonella entericafrom Crete, Greece
Authors: Maraki Sofia , Papadakis Ioannis S.
Published: April 2014

We report on the serotype distribution and the antimicrobial resistance patterns to 20 different antimicrobials of 150Salmonella entericastrains isolated from stools of diarrhoeal patients on the island of Crete over the period January 2011-December 2012. Among theS. entericaserotypes recovered, Enteritidis was the most prevalent (37.3%), followed by Typhimurium (28.7%) and Newport (8.7%). No resistance was detected to extended-spectrum cephalosporins and carbapenems. Rates of resistance to ampicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, and cotrimoxazole were 9.3%, 4%, 2%, 15.3%, and 8.7%, respectively. Resistance to ≥4 antibiotics was primarily observed for serotypes Typhimurium and Hadar. Enteritidis remains the predominant serotype in Crete. Although low resistance to most antimicrobials was detected, continued surveillance of susceptibility is needed due to the risk of resistance.
Investigation on Deformation of an Evaporating Droplet in Convective Transcritical Environments
Authors: Yang Shichun , Gao Yanfei , Cao Yaoguang , Gu Yue , Gong Zhuoran
Published: April 2014

An investigation of the dynamic deformation for an individual droplet under convective transcritical conditions is conducted with a developed deformation model. This model takes account of gas solubility in liquid phase, variable thermophysical properties, the effective conductivity accounting for convective heat and mass transfer and liquid phase internal circulation, and the disappearance of surface tension at the critical mixing point. The results show that (1) at higher ambient pressures, surface tension decreases more smoothly with the reduction of fuel mole fraction but more rapidly with the droplet surface temperature; (2) as time elapses, the drop is continuously oscillating, together with the decreasing oscillation amplitude; (3) at high ambient pressures and temperatures the maximum drop deformation occurs in the late stage of the evaporation process, while at low pressures and temperatures, it occurs in the initial stage. In addition, the drop deformation and Weber number are initially quite insensitive to the ambient temperature.
Global Finite-Time Stabilization for a Class of Uncertain High-Order Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Wang Jian , Xie Jing , Gao Fangzheng
Published: April 2014

This paper addresses the problem of global finite-time stabilization by state feedback for a class of high-order nonlinear systems under weaker condition. By using the methods of adding a power integrator, a continuous state feedback controller is successfully constructed to guarantee the global finite-time stability of the resulting closed-loop system. A simulation example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Variable Optical Attenuator Based on Long‐Range Surface Plasmon Polariton Multimode Interference Coupler
Authors: Sun Xiaoqiang , Xie Ying , Liu Tong , Chen Changming , Wang Fei , Zhang Daming
Published: April 2014

The fabrication and characterization of a thermal variable optical attenuator based on long‐range surface plasmon polariton (LRSPP) waveguide with multimode interference architecture were investigated. The surface morphology and waveguide configuration of Au stripe were studied by atomic force microscopy. The fluctuation of refractive index of poly(methyl‐methacrylate‐glycidyl‐methacrylate) polymer cladding was confirmed to be less than 3 × 10−4 within 8 h curing at 120°C. The end‐fire excitation of LRSPP mode guiding at 1550 nm along Au stripe indicated that the extinction ratio of attenuator was about 12 dB at a driving power of 69 mW. The measured optical rise time and fall time are 0.57 and 0.87 ms, respectively. These favorable properties promise potentials of this plasmonic device in the application of optical interconnection.
Bifurcation and Feedback Control of an Exploited Prey-Predator System
Authors: Das Uttam
Published: April 2014

This paper makes an attempt to highlight a differential algebraic model in order to investigate the dynamical behavior of a prey-predator system due to the variation of economic interest of harvesting. In this regard, it is observed that the model exhibits a singularity induced bifurcation when economic profit is zero. For the purpose of stabilizing the proposed model at the positive equilibrium, a state feedback controller is therefore designed. Finally, some numerical simulations are carried out to show the consistency with theoretical analysis and to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller.
Fault Diagnosis of Batch Reactor Using Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Subramanian Sujatha , Ghouse Fathima , Natarajan Pappa
Published: April 2014

Fault diagnosis of a batch reactor gives the early detection of fault and minimizes the risk of thermal runaway. It provides superior performance and helps to improve safety and consistency. It has become more vital in this technical era. In this paper, support vector machine (SVM) is used to estimate the heat release (Qr) of the batch reactor both normal and faulty conditions. The signature of the residual, which is obtained from the difference between nominal and estimated faultyQrvalues, characterizes the different natures of faults occurring in the batch reactor. Appropriate statistical and geometric features are extracted from the residual signature and the total numbers of features are reduced using SVM attribute selection filter and principle component analysis (PCA) techniques. artificial neural network (ANN) classifiers like multilayer perceptron (MLP), radial basis function (RBF), and Bayes net are used to classify the different types of faults from the reduced features. It is observed from the result of the comparative study that the proposed method for fault diagnosis with limited number of features extracted from only one estimated parameter (Qr) shows that it is more efficient and fast for diagnosing the typical faults.
Experimental Measurements for the Effect of Dilution Procedure in Blood Esterases as Animals Biomarker for Exposure to OP Compounds
Authors: Abass Kasim Sakran
Published: April 2014

Organophosphate compounds can bind to carboxylesterase, which may lower the concentration of organophosphate pesticides at the target site enzyme, cholinesterase. It is unclear from the literature whether it is the carboxylesterase affinity for the organophosphate and/or the number of carboxylesterase molecules that is the dominant factor in determining the protective potential of carboxylesterase. The fundamental dilutions and kinetic effects of esterase enzyme are still poorly understood. This study aims to confirm and extend our current knowledge about the effects of dilutions on esterases activities in the blood for birds with respect to protecting the enzyme from organophosphate inhibition. There was significantly higher esterases activities in dilution 1 : 10 in the all blood samples from quail, duck, and chick compared to other dilutions (1 : 5, 1 : 15, 1 : 20, and 1 : 25) in all cases. Furthermore, our results also pointed to the importance of estimating different dilutions effects prior to using in birds as biomarker tools of environmental exposure. Concentration-inhibition curves were determined for the inhibitor in the presence of dilutions 1 : 5, 1 : 10, plus 1 : 15 (to stimulate carboxylesterase). Point estimates (concentrations calculated to produce 20, 50, and 80% inhibition) were compared across conditions and served as a measure of esterase-mediated detoxification. Results with well-known inhibitors (malathion) were in agreement with the literature, serving to support the use of this assay. Among the thiol-esters dilution 1 : 5 was observed to have the highest specificity constant (kcat/Km), and theKmandkcatvalues were 176 μM and 16,765 s-1, respectively, for S-phenyl thioacetate ester, while detected in dilution 1 : 15 was the lowest specificity constant (kcat/Km), and theKmandkcatvalues were 943 μM and 1154 s-1, respectively, for acetylthiocholine iodide ester.
Importance of Diversity in the Oral Microbiota includingCandidaSpecies Revealed by High-Throughput Technologies
Authors: Cho Tamaki , Nagao Jun-ichi , Imayoshi Rieko , Tanaka Yoshihiko
Published: April 2014

Taking advantage of high-throughput technologies, deep sequencing of the human microbiome has revealed commensal bacteria independent of the ability to culture them. The composition of the commensal microbiome is dependent on bacterial diversity and the state of the host regulated by the immune system.Candidaspecies are well known as components of the commensal oral microbiota.Candidaspecies frequently colonize and develop biofilms on medical devices like dentures and catheters. Therefore,Candidabiofilm on dentures leads to a decrease in the bacterial diversity and then to a change in the composition of the oral microbiota. A disturbance in the balance between commensal bacteria and the host immune system results in a switch from a healthy state to a diseased state even in the limited oral niche.
Soil Erosion Prediction Using Morgan-Morgan-Finney Model in a GIS Environment in Northern Ethiopia Catchment
Authors: Tesfahunegn Gebreyesus Brhane , Tamene Lulseged , Vlek Paul L. G.
Published: April 2014

Even though scientific information on spatial distribution of hydrophysical parameters is critical for understanding erosion processes and designing suitable technologies, little is known in Geographical Information System (GIS) application in developing spatial hydrophysical data inputs and their application in Morgan-Morgan-Finney (MMF) erosion model. This study was aimed to derive spatial distribution of hydrophysical parameters and apply them in the Morgan-Morgan-Finney (MMF) model for estimating soil erosion in the Mai-Negus catchment, northern Ethiopia. Major data input for the model include climate, topography, land use, and soil data. This study demonstrated using MMF model that the rate of soil detachment varied from <20 t ha−1y−1to >170 t ha−1y−1, whereas the soil transport capacity of overland flow (TC) ranged from 5 t ha−1y−1to >42 t ha−1y−1. The average soil loss estimated by TC using MMF model at catchment level was 26 t ha−1y−1. In most parts of the catchment (>80%), the model predicted soil loss rates higher than the maximum tolerable rate (18 t ha−1y−1) estimated for Ethiopia. Hence, introducing appropriate interventions based on the erosion severity predicted by MMF model in the catchment is crucial for sustainable natural resources management.
Reliability Analysis of a Cold Standby System with Imperfect Repair and under Poisson Shocks
Authors: Chen Yutian , Meng Xianyun , Chen Shengqiang
Published: April 2014

This paper considers the reliability analysis of a two‐component cold standby system with a repairman who may have vacation. The system may fail due to intrinsic factors like aging or deteriorating, or external factors such as Poisson shocks. The arrival time of the shocks follows a Poisson process with the intensity λ > 0. Whenever the magnitude of a shock is larger than the prespecified threshold of the operating component, the operating component will fail. The paper assumes that the intrinsic lifetime and the repair time on the component are an extended Poisson process, the magnitude of the shock and the threshold of the operating component are nonnegative random variables, and the vacation time of the repairman obeys the general continuous probability distribution. By using the vector Markov process theory, the supplementary variable method, Laplace transform, and Tauberian theory, the paper derives a number of reliability indices: system availability, system reliability, the rate of occurrence of the system failure, and the mean time to the first failure of the system. Finally, a numerical example is given to validate the derived indices.
Irradiation Effect on Stability of Plasticized Poly(Fluorostyrene) Isomers in Solution
Authors: Al Ani Khalid E. , Ramadhan Afrah Essa , Anabtawi Mai
Published: April 2014

The UV irradiation and blending effects on stability of Poly(Fluorostyrene) isomers in solution were studied at different intervals of irradiation time in presence of air. The increase in irradiation time of these isomers caused an increase in the intensity of the absorption band and an increase in the intensity of the absorption of new broad band at longer wavelength, thus indicating a possibility of photodegradation of polymeric chains. The influence of added dioctyl phthalate and dioctyl terephthalate plasticizers on photooxidative degradation was also investigated and was found to increase the photodegradation processes in polymeric chains. On the other hand, the intensity of excimer and monomer fluorescence bands maxima was also found to decrease with increase in irradiation times. These changes may be attributed to the formation of new photoproducts resulted from the photodegradation of irradiated polymeric chains. The decrease in polarity of used solvents caused a considerable enhancement to the intensity of the polymer fluorescence band and accelerated photodegradation. A proposed mechanism is suggested to account for the effects of added plasticizers, the increase in irradiation time, and polarity of solvents on photodegradation and photooxidation processes in polymeric chains.
Pseudorapidity Distribution of Charged Particles and Square Speed of Sound Parameter inp-porp-p-Collisions over an Energy Range from 0.053 to 7 TeV
Authors: Gao Ya-Qin , Tian Tian , Gao Li-Na , Liu Fu-Hu
Published: April 2014

Pseudorapidity distributions of charged particles produced in proton-proton (p-p) or proton-antiproton (p-p-) collisions over an energy range from 0.053 to 7 TeV are studied by using the four-component Landau hydrodynamic model. The results calculated by the model are in agreement with the experimental data of the UA5, PHOBOS, UA1, P238, CDF, ALICE, and CMS Collaborations which present orderly from low to high energies. According to the distribution widths of different components, the values and some features of square speed of sound parametercs2for “participant” and “spectator” quark components are obtained. It is shown that the speed of sound for “participant” quark components agrees approximately with that for “spectator” quark components in the error ranges. The present work is useful for studying nucleus-nucleus collisions in the related energy range.
ADAM Metallopeptidase Domain 33 (ADAM33): A Promising Target for Asthma
Authors: Tripathi Priya , Awasthi Shally , Gao Peisong
Published: April 2014

Over the last few years, a significant progress has been made in understanding the role of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 33 (ADAM33) in asthma. The previous observations for the association with asthma have been replicated in over 33 different population samples worldwide. We and others have performed association analysis and meta-analysis and provided further evidence that several polymorphisms in the ADAM33 are risk factors for asthma, especially in the Asian population. Further, several studies have suggested that alterations in epigenetic marks alter the patterns of DNA methylation of ADAM33 and result in potentially adverse biological effects. Finally, while the biological activities of ADAM33 are as yet unknown, ADAM33 may play a possible role in airway remodeling because of its high expression in epithelium, myo/fibroblasts, and airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) and its role in promoting angiogenesis and stimulating cell proliferation and differentiation. Thus, ADAM33 represents a promising target for asthma. However, further investigations are clearly needed to discover functional ADAM33 gene polymorphisms and the role of genetic/epigenetic factors in conferring genetic susceptibility to environmental exposure induced asthma as well as biological function in asthma. This, in turn, will unlock the possibility of ADAM33 as a target for asthma therapy.
State Estimation and Model-Based Control of a Pilot Anaerobic Digestion Reactor
Authors: Haugen Finn , Bakke Rune , Lie Bernt
Published: April 2014

A state estimator and various model-based control systems have been designed for a real anaerobic digestion (AD) pilot reactor fed with dairy manure. The model used is a modified Hill model which is a relatively simple dynamical AD process model. The state estimator is an Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) which uses only methane gas flow measurement to update its states. The model and the state estimates are used in different control systems. One of the control systems aims at controlling the methane gas flow to a setpoint. Simulations indicate that the setpoint tracking performance of a predictive control system is considerably better comparing with PI control, while disturbance compensation is not much better. Consequently, assuming the setpoint is constant, the PI controller competes well with the predictive controller. A successful application of predictive control of the real reactor is presented. Also, three different control systems aiming at retaining the reactor at an operating point where the volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentration has a maximum, safe value are designed. A simulation study indicates that the best control solution among the three alternatives is PI control based on feedback from estimated VFA.
Rheumatic Fever Associated with Antiphospholipid Syndrome: Systematic Review
Authors: da Silva Felipe , de Carvalho Jozélio
Published: April 2014

Objective. To evaluate the clinical associations between rheumatic fever and antiphospholipid syndrome and the impact of coexistence of these two diseases in an individual.Methods. Systematic review in electronics databases, regarding the period from 1983 to 2012. The keywords: “Rheumatic Fever,” “Antiphospholipid Syndrome,” and “Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome” are used.Results. were identified 11 cases described in the literature about the association of rheumatic fever and antiphospholipid syndrome. Clinical presentation of rheumatic fever was characterized by the predominance of carditis (11/11) and chorea (7/11). Regarding the manifestations of APS, the stroke was observed in 7/11 (63.6%), with one of them having probable embolic origin.Conclusion. The present study brings the information that the association between APS and RF is quite rare, however, is of great clinical importance. Doctors who deal with the RF should include in their differential diagnosis the APS, especially in the presence of stroke in patients with RF and whose echocardiogram does not show intracavitary thrombi.
On the Tumura-Clunie Theorem and Its Application
Authors: Xue Gaixian , Huang Jinjin
Published: April 2014

We cast aside the restriction of the simple pole in the Tumura-Clunie type theorems for meromorphic functions and obtain a better result which improves the earlier results of Y. D. Ren. Furthermore, as an application, we improve a theorem given by B. Y. Su.
Prevalence of Coronal Pulp Stones and Its Relation with Systemic Disorders in Northern Indian Central Punjabi Population
Authors: Bains Sandeep Kumar , Bhatia Archana , Singh Harkanwal Preet , Biswal Swati Swagatika , Kanth Shashi , Nalla Srinivas
Published: April 2014

Aim. To estimate the prevalence of coronal pulp stones in the molar teeth of dental outpatients of Sunam, Sangrur district, Punjab, India, to report any association between occurrence of pulp stones with age, gender, dental arch, side, and dental status and to find out correlation between pulp stones with dental and systemic diseases. Materials and Methods. 500 routine dental outpatients within age group of 18–67 years were involved in the study. Molar bitewing of left and right side of each patient was taken with XCP bitewing instrument and size 2 film. The presence or absence of pulp stones was recorded. Chi-square analysis was used to record the prevalence of pulp stones and to compare it with demographic and systemic factors. Results. Overall prevalence of pulp stones was 41.8%. Pulp stones were significantly higher in maxilla (11.59%) than mandible (6.54%), left side than right side, and first molar than other molars. Higher numbers of pulp stones were recorded in patients with cardiovascular disease (38.89%) than with cholelithiasis and renal lithiasis. Conclusion. Pulp stones were higher in maxillary arch than mandibular arch and in females than males. Cardiovascular patients had higher number of pulp stones than other groups.
Selecting Single Model in Combination Forecasting Based on Cointegration Test and Encompassing Test
Authors: Jiang Chuanjin , Zhang Jing , Song Fugen
Published: April 2014

Combination forecasting takes all characters of each single forecasting method into consideration, and combines them to form a composite, which increases forecasting accuracy. The existing researches on combination forecasting select single model randomly, neglecting the internal characters of the forecasting object. After discussing the function of cointegration test and encompassing test in the selection of single model, supplemented by empirical analysis, the paper gives the single model selection guidance: no more than five suitable single models can be selected from many alternative single models for a certain forecasting target, which increases accuracy and stability.
Seismic Behavior and Force-Displacement Characterization of Neotype Column-Slab High Piers
Authors: Zhou YanQun , Zhang YeZhi , Ye MeiXin , Zhan MengSi
Published: April 2014

The seismic behavior and plasticity spreading of a neotype column-slab high pier are researched in this paper. Four scale model tests of a web slab with two boundary columns are carried out under cyclic inelastic lateral displacements simulating seismic response. The test results show that the neotype column-slab high pier has strong and stable bearing capacity, good ductility, and energy dissipation capacity. The experimental values pertaining to the spread of plasticity are derived. An approach for deriving the spread of plasticity analytically is deduced and applied to the four tests. This method accurately assesses a pier’s spread of plasticity for most ductility levels. At nearly all ductility levels, the mean difference between analytical assessments of the spread of plasticity and results from 4 large-scale tests is 12% with a 9% coefficient of variation.
Robust D‐Stability Controller Design for a Ducted Fan Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Authors: Ren Xiao-lu , Wang Chang-hong , Yi Guo-xing
Published: April 2014

This paper deals with the aerodynamic modeling of a small ducted fan UAV and the problem of attitude stabilization when the parameter of the vehicle is varied. The main aerodynamic model of the hovering flight UAV is first presented. Then, an attitude control is designed from a linearization of the dynamic model around the hovering flight, which is based on the H∞ output feedback control theory with D‐stability. Simulation results show that such method has good robustness to the attitude system. They can meet the requirements of attitude control and verify further the feasibility of such a control strategy.
Secure and Efficient User Authentication Scheme in Ubiquitous Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Kim Jun-Sub , Kwak Jin
Published: April 2014

The user authentication scheme in ubiquitous wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is an important security mechanism that allows users to access sensors through wireless networks. Therefore, many user authentication schemes in ubiquitous WSNs have been proposed. However, many user authentication schemes are vulnerable to impersonation attacks, parallel session attacks, password guessing attacks, stolen smart card attacks, and so forth. In this paper, we propose a secure and efficient user authentication scheme for use in ubiquitous WSNs. Our proposed scheme is secure against various attacks and provides mutual authentication and session key establishment. Furthermore, our proposed scheme is efficient at using the hash function and exclusive-OR operation.
Assessing and Enhancing Health Care Providers’ Response to Domestic Violence
Authors: Leppäkoski Tuija , Flinck Aune , Paavilainen Eija
Published: April 2014

This study aimed to examine possible changes from 2008 to 2012 in the skills of health care staff in identifying and intervening in domestic violence (DV). A longitudinal descriptive study design with volunteer samples (baseline;n=68, follow-up;n=100) was used to acquire information regarding the present state and needs of the staff in practices related to DV. The results of the baseline survey were used as a basis for planning two interventions: staff training and drafting practical guidelines. Information was collected by questionnaires from nurses, physicians, and social workers and supplemented by responses from the interviews. The data were analysed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. A chi-square test was used to test the statistical significance of the data sets. In addition, participants’ quotes are used to describe specific phenomena or issues. The comparison showed that overall a small positive change had taken place between the study periods. However, the participants were aware of their own shortcomings in identifying and intervening in DV. Changes happen slowly, and administrative support is needed to sustain such changes. Therefore, this paper offers recommendations to improve health care providers’ response to DV. Moreover, there is a great need for evaluating the training programme used.
What Are the Precursor and Early Lesions of Peripheral Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma?
Authors: Nakanuma Yasuni , Tsutsui Akemi , Ren Xiang Shan , Harada Kenichi , Sato Yasunori , Sasaki Motoko
Published: April 2014

Cholangiocarcinoma (CC) is divided into distal, perihilar, and intrahepatic CCs (ICCS), and are further subdivided into large bile duct ICC and peripheral ICC. In distal and perihilar CC and large duct ICC, biliary intraepithelial neoplasm (BilIN) and intraductal papillary neoplasm (IPN) have been proposed as precursor lesions. Peripheral ICC, bile duct adenoma (BDA), biliary adenofibroma (BAF), and von Meyenburg complexes (VMCs) are reportedly followed by development of ICCs. Herein, we surveyed these candidate precursor lesions in the background liver of 37 cases of peripheral ICC and controls (perihilar CC, 34 cases; hepatocellular carcinoma, 34 cases and combined hepatocellular cholangiocarcinoma, 25 cases). In the background liver of peripheral ICC, BDA and BAF were not found, but there were not infrequently foci of BDA-like lesions and atypical bile duct lesions involving small bile ducts (32.4% and 10.8%, resp.). VMCs were equally found in peripheral CCs and also control CCs. In conclusion, BDA, BAF, and VMCs are a possible precursor lesion of a minority of peripheral CCs, and BDA-like lesions and atypical bile duct lesions involving small bile ducts may also be related to the development of peripheral ICC. Further pathologic studies on these lesions are warranted for analysis of development of peripheral ICCs.
A Modified SPH Method for Dynamic Failure Simulation of Heterogeneous Material
Authors: Ma G. W. , Wang Q. S. , Yi X. W. , Wang X. J.
Published: April 2014

A modified smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method is applied to simulate the failure process of heterogeneous materials. An elastoplastic damage model based on an extension form of the unified twin shear strength (UTSS) criterion is adopted. Polycrystalline modeling is introduced to generate the artificial microstructure of specimen for the dynamic simulation of Brazilian splitting test and uniaxial compression test. The strain rate effect on the predicted dynamic tensile and compressive strength is discussed. The final failure patterns and the dynamic strength increments demonstrate good agreements with experimental results. It is illustrated that the polycrystalline modeling approach combined with the SPH method is promising to simulate more complex failure process of heterogeneous materials.
Study on the Mechanism of the Packing Process and Sink Mark in External Gas-Assisted Injection Molding
Authors: Jiang Shaofei , Tao Jinlong , Li Jiquan
Published: April 2014

External gas-assisted injection molding (EGAIM) technology can be applied to effectively reduce the sink marks generated from the shrinkage of plastic parts. In this paper, the interaction mechanism of gas and melting during the EGAIM stage was discussed. The causes of the sink marks on plastic parts as well as the influence of gas-melting interaction on the sink marks were analyzed. A corresponding physical model was established. Using plastic plate parts with stiffeners, for example, the EGAIM process was one-parameter simulated using Fluent software. The sink marks on the stiffeners, the interface morphology between the condensate layer and the gas, and other parameters were obtained. The effectiveness of the model, as well as the simulation process, was confirmed by experiment.
Robust Stability for Nonlinear Systems with Time-Varying Delay and Uncertainties via theH∞Quasi-Sliding Mode Control
Authors: Hou Yi-You , Wan Zhang-Lin
Published: April 2014

This paper considers the problem of the robust stability for the nonlinear system with time-varying delay and parameters uncertainties. Based on theH∞theorem, Lyapunov-Krasovskii theory, and linear matrix inequality (LMI) optimization technique, theH∞quasi-sliding mode controller and switching function are developed such that the nonlinear system is asymptotically stable in the quasi-sliding mode and satisfies the disturbance attenuation (H∞-norm performance). The effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed methods are shown in numerical simulations.
Quantitative Fractal Evaluation of Herbicide Effects on the Water‐Absorbing Capacity of Superabsorbent Polymers
Authors: Liao Renkuan , Ren Shumei , Yang Peiling
Published: April 2014

The water absorption capacity of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) is important for agricultural drought resistance. However, herbicides may leach into the soil and affect water absorption by damaging the SAP three‐dimensional membrane structures. We used 100‐mesh sieves, electron microscopy, and fractal theory to study swelling and water absorption in SAPs in the presence of three common herbicides (atrazine, alachlor, and tribenuron‐methyl) at concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/L. In the sieve experiments it was found that 2.0 mg/L atrazine reduces the capacity by 9.64–23.3% at different swelling points; no significant diminution was observed for the other herbicides or for lower atrazine concentrations. We found that the hydrogel membrane pore distributions have fractal characteristics in both deionized water and atrazine solution. The 2.0 mg/L atrazine destroyed the water‐retaining polymer membrane pores and reduced the water‐absorbing mass by modifying its three‐dimensional membrane structure. A linear correlation was observed between the fractal analysis and the water‐absorbing mass. Multifractal analysis characterized the membrane pore distribution by using the range of singularity indexes Δα (relative distinguishing range of 16.54–23.44%), which is superior to single‐fractal analysis that uses the fractal dimension D (relative distinguishing range of 2.5–4.0%).
Computational Dynamics of Arterial Blood Flow in the Presence of Magnetic Field and Thermal Radiation Therapy
Authors: Chinyoka T. , Makinde O. D.
Published: April 2014

We conduct a numerical study to determine the influence of magnetic field and thermal radiation on both velocity and temperature distributions in a single blood vessel. The model here assumes that blood is a Newtonian incompressible conducting fluid with radially varying viscosity due to hematocrit variation. The transient equations of momentum and energy transport governing the flow in an axisymmetric configuration are solved numerically using a semi-implicit finite difference method. Results are presented graphically and discussed both qualitatively and quantitatively from the physiological point of view. The results of this work may enhance current understanding of the factors that determine the effects of hyperthermia treatment on tumor tissues.
“En-Face” Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Findings in Multiple Evanescent White Dot Syndrome
Authors: De bats Flore , Wolff Benjamin , Vasseur Vivien , Affortit Aude , Kodjikian Laurent , Sahel José-Alain , Mauget-faÿsse Martine
Published: April 2014

Purpose. The recent use of “en-face” enhanced-depth imaging spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (EDI SD-OCT) helps distinguish the retinal layers involved in the physiopathology of multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS).Methods. Four patients presenting with MEWDS underwent a comprehensive ocular examination including C-scan (“en-face”) EDI SD-OCT at the initial visit and during follow-up.Results. C-scans combined with the other multimodal imaging enabled the visualization of retinal damage. Acute lesions appeared as diffuse and focal disruptions occurring in the ellipsoid and interdigitation zones. The match between autofluorescence imaging, indocyanine green angiography, and “en-face” OCT helped identify the acute microstructural damages in the outer retina further than the choroid. Follow-up using “en-face” EDI-OCT revealed progressive and complete recovery of the central outer retinal layers.Conclusion. “En-face” EDI SD-OCT identified the site of initial damage in MEWDS as the photoreceptors and the interdigitation layers rather than the choroid. Moreover, “en-face” OCT is helpful in the follow-up of these lesions by being able to show the recovery of the outer retinal layers.
Dimensionality Reduction by Weighted Connections between Neighborhoods
Authors: Xie Fuding , Fan Yutao , Zhou Ming
Published: April 2014

Dimensionality reduction is the transformation of high-dimensional data into a meaningful representation of reduced dimensionality. This paper introduces a dimensionality reduction technique by weighted connections between neighborhoods to improveK-Isomap method, attempting to preserve perfectly the relationships between neighborhoods in the process of dimensionality reduction. The validity of the proposal is tested by three typical examples which are widely employed in the algorithms based on manifold. The experimental results show that the local topology nature of dataset is preserved well while transforming dataset in high-dimensional space into a new dataset in low-dimensionality by the proposed method.
Oscillatory Free Convection about a Horizontal Circular Cylinder in the Presence of Heat Generation
Authors: Zainuddin Najahulfazliah , Ismoen Muhaimin , Roslan Rozaini , Hashim Ishak
Published: April 2014

The oscillatory free convection about a horizontal circular cylinder in a Newtonian fluid in the presence of heat generation is investigated numerically by using the finite difference method. The surface temperature of the cylinder oscillates harmonically about the temperature of the surrounding medium. Heat is generated internally within the Newtonian fluid at a rate proportional to a power of the temperature difference. It is found that the presence of heat generation significantly increases the temperature and velocity distribution. The effects of the heat generation parameter and the Prandtl number on the surface rate of heat transfer, in terms of the local Nusselt number, and the surface shear stress, in terms of the local skin friction, are shown graphically from the stagnation point of the circular cylinder.
How to Take Autophagy and Endocytosis Up a Notch
Authors: Barth Julia M. I. , Köhler Katja
Published: April 2014

The interconnection of the endocytic and autophagosomal trafficking routes has been recognized more than two decades ago with both pathways using a set of identical effector proteins and sharing the same ultimate lysosomal destination. More recent data sheds light onto how other pathways are intertwined into this network, and how degradation via the endosomal/autophagosomal system may affect signaling pathways in multicellular organisms. Here, we briefly review the common features of autophagy and endocytosis and discuss how other players enter this mix with particular respect to the Notch signaling pathway.
Development of Educational Platform for Experiments of Electric Machines
Authors: Chin Yuan-Chieh
Published: April 2014

An educational platform to improve the test and the evaluation of the experimental data in electric machine laboratory is developed. The system is complement to the course taught of electric machines to undergraduate students. The proposed system can automatically acquire the experimental data from data acquisition device on the personal computer and transfer the data through interface card to the host server. The host sever performs the essential calculations of the obtained parameters. After the students enter their computational value through system interface, the host server could record, compare, estimate, and chart the result in real time. The system not only improves the efficiency of the experimental data evaluation but also provides the online comments including experimental purposes, principles, necessary instrument equipment, special notes, operation procedures, and results recording.
Oncolytic Viruses Targeting Tumor Stem Cells
Authors: Chiocca E. Antonio , Blair Donald , Mufson R. Allan
Published: April 2014

A workshop “Targeting Oncolytic Viruses to Tumor Stem Cells,” organized by the Division of Cancer Biology, NCI, NIH, was held on September 6, 2013 in Rockville, MD. Seventeen invited experts presented an overview of their current research in this area and discussed the state of current research on the use of oncolytic viruses targeted to stem cells as a potential cancer therapy. The goal was to evaluate the evidence that this approach might increase the efficacy of oncolytic virus therapy and to identify gaps in knowledge that have retarded progress in this area. Cancer Res; 74(13); 3396–8. ©2014 AACR.
CD1d-Restricted Antigen Presentation by Vγ9Vδ2-T Cells Requires Trogocytosis
Authors: Schneiders Famke L. , Prodöhl Jan , Ruben Jurjen M. , O'Toole Tom , Scheper Rik J. , Bonneville Marc , Scotet Emmanuel , Verheul Henk M.W. , de Gruijl Tanja D. , van der Vliet Hans J.
Published: April 2014

CD1d-restricted invariant natural killer T cells (iNKT) constitute an important immunoregulatory T-cell subset that can be activated by the synthetic glycolipid α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) and play a dominant role in antitumor immunity. Clinical trials with α-GalCer–pulsed monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDC) have shown anecdotal antitumor activity in advanced cancer. It was reported that phosphoantigen (pAg)-activated Vγ9Vδ2-T cells can acquire characteristics of professional antigen-presenting cells (APC). Considering the clinical immunotherapeutic applications, Vγ9Vδ2-T APC can offer important advantages over moDC, potentially constituting an attractive novel APC platform. Here, we demonstrate that Vγ9Vδ2-T APC can present antigens to iNKT. However, this does not result from de novo synthesis of CD1d by Vγ9Vδ2-T, but critically depends on trogocytosis of CD1d-containing membrane fragments from pAg-expressing cells. CD1d-expressing Vγ9Vδ2-T cells were able to activate iNKT in a CD1d-restricted and α-GalCer–dependent fashion. Although α-GalCer–loaded moDC outperformed Vγ9Vδ2-T APC on a per cell basis, Vγ9Vδ2-T APC possess unique features with respect to clinical immunotherapeutic application that make them an interesting platform for consideration in future clinical trials. Cancer Immunol Res; 2(8); 732–40. ©2014 AACR.
Microtubule-Depolymerizing Agents Used in Antibody–Drug Conjugates Induce Antitumor Immunity by Stimulation of Dendritic Cells
Authors: Müller Philipp , Martin Kea , Theurich Sebastian , Schreiner Jens , Savic Spasenija , Terszowski Grzegorz , Lardinois Didier , Heinzelmann-Schwarz Viola A. , Schlaak Max , Kvasnicka Hans-Michael , Spagnoli Giulio , Dirnhofer Stephan , Speiser Daniel E. , von Bergwelt-Baildon Michael , Zippelius Alfred
Published: April 2014

Antibody–drug conjugates (ADC) are emerging as powerful treatment strategies with outstanding target-specificity and high therapeutic activity in patients with cancer. Brentuximab vedotin represents a first-in-class ADC directed against CD30+ malignancies. We hypothesized that its sustained clinical responses could be related to the stimulation of an anticancer immune response. In this study, we demonstrate that the dolastatin family of microtubule inhibitors, from which the cytotoxic component of brentuximab vedotin is derived, comprises potent inducers of phenotypic and functional dendritic cell (DC) maturation. In addition to the direct cytotoxic effect on tumor cells, dolastatins efficiently promoted antigen uptake and migration of tumor-resident DCs to the tumor-draining lymph nodes. Exposure of murine and human DCs to dolastatins significantly increased their capacity to prime T cells. Underlining the requirement of an intact host immune system for the full therapeutic benefit of dolastatins, the antitumor effect was far less pronounced in immunocompromised mice. We observed substantial therapeutic synergies when combining dolastatins with tumor antigen–specific vaccination or blockade of the PD-1–PD-L1 and CTLA-4 coinhibitory pathways. Ultimately, treatment with ADCs using dolastatins induces DC homing and activates cellular antitumor immune responses in patients. Our data reveal a novel mechanism of action for dolastatins and provide a strong rationale for clinical treatment regimens combining dolastatin-based therapies, such as brentuximab vedotin, with immune-based therapies. Cancer Immunol Res; 2(8); 741–55. ©2014 AACR.
Sono e plasticidade neural
Authors: Figuerola Wilfredo Blanco , Ribeiro Sidarta
Published: April 2014

O sono é um comportamento filogeneticamente antigo que compreende várias fases sequenciais com distintas características neurofisiológicas. Embora a ciência reconheça há várias décadas o papel crucial do sono na consolidação e reestruturação de memórias, os mecanismos subjacentes ainda são objeto de teorias divergentes e intensa atividade de pesquisa. O presente artigo revê as principais evidências do papel mnemônico do sono, discutindo os possíveis mecanismos moleculares e eletrofisiológicos capazes de explicar tal papel tanto em vertebrados quanto em invertebrados.
Memória, individualidade e inconsciente como expressões do funcionamento de redes nervosas: uma breve especulação
Authors: Xavier Gilberto Fernando
Published: April 2014

O presente estudo parte de uma breve explanação sobre como a estrutura e o funcionamento do sistema nervoso facultam a formação de memórias ao longo da história de interação do organismo com o ambiente, e sobre como as alterações na conectividade nervosa em função dessas experiências levam à construção de uma complexa rede associativa cuja estrutura é inteiramente dependente da história individual. Discute-se ainda como a atividade dessa rede nervosa representa experiências vividas, como se gera a imaginação do ponto de vista nervoso, e especula-se sobre como a atividade da rede geraria o inconsciente psicanalítico. Por fim, especula-se brevemente sobre como o funcionamento da rede nervosa permite explicar alguns conceitos centrais da teoria psicanalítica, além de seu principal método de abordagem.
Pensamento como margem, lacuna e falta: memória, trauma, luto e esquecimento
Authors: Endo Paulo
Published: April 2014

Este artigo examina alguns conceitos fundamentais nos estudos sobre a memória social; destaca a importância de contextualizar o desenvolvimento desses conceitos tanto na produção intelectual sobre o tema quanto em seus usos no interior das chamadas “lutas pela memória”. O artigo privilegia a discussão das experiências-conceito de luto, trauma e esquecimento e propõe aos estudos sobre a memória que levem em conta a abundante produção de conceitos e tensões continuamente produzidos nesse campo.