bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acoustic characteristics of clearly spoken English tense and lax vowels
Authors: Leung Keith K. W. , Jongman Allard , Wang Yue , Sereno Joan A.
Published: July 2016

Clearly produced vowels exhibit longer duration and more extreme spectral properties than plain, conversational vowels. These features also characterize tense relative to lax vowels. This study explored the interaction of clear-speech and tensity effects by comparing clear and plain productions of three English tense–lax vowel pairs (/i-ɪ/, /ɑ-ʌ/, /u-ʊ/ in /kVd/ words). Both temporal and spectral acoustic features were examined, including vowel duration, vowel-to-word duration ratio, formant frequency, and dynamic spectral characteristics. Results revealed that the tense−lax vowel difference was generally enhanced in clear relative to plain speech, but clear-speech modifications for tense and lax vowels showed a trade-off in the use of temporal and spectral cues. While plain-to-clear vowel lengthening was greater for tense than lax vowels, clear-speech modifications in spectral change were larger for lax than tense vowels. Moreover, peripheral tense vowels showed more consistent clear-speech modifications in the temporal than spectral domain. Presumably, articulatory constraints limit the spectral variation of these extreme vowels, so clear-speech modifications resort to temporal features and reserve the primary spectral features for tensity contrasts. These findings suggest that clear-speech and tensity interactions involve compensatory modifications in different acoustic domains.
Feasibility of coded vibration in a vibro-ultrasound system for tissue elasticity measurement
Authors: Zhao Jinxin , Wang Yuanyuan , Yu Jinhua , Li Tianjie , Zheng Yong-Ping
Published: July 2016

The ability of various methods for elasticity measurement and imaging is hampered by the vibration amplitude on biological tissues. Based on the inference that coded excitation will improve the performance of the cross-correlation function of the tissue displacement waves, the idea of exerting encoded external vibration on tested samples for measuring its elasticity is proposed. It was implemented by integrating a programmable vibration generation function into a customized vibro-ultrasound system to generate Barker coded vibration for elasticity measurement. Experiments were conducted on silicone phantoms and porcine muscles. The results showed that coded excitation of the vibration enhanced the accuracy and robustness of the elasticity measurement especially in low signal-to-noise ratio scenarios. In the phantom study, the measured shear modulus values with coded vibration had an R2 = 0.993 linear correlation to that of referenced indentation, while for single-cycle pulse the R2 decreased to 0.987. In porcine muscle study, the coded vibration also obtained a shear modulus value which is more accurate than the single-cycle pulse by 0.16 kPa and 0.33 kPa at two different depths. These results demonstrated the feasibility and potentiality of the coded vibration for enhancing the quality of elasticity measurement and imaging.
Particle roughness and rheology in noncolloidal suspensions
Authors: Tanner Roger I. , Dai Shaocong
Published: July 2016

We explore the effect of deliberately increased particle roughness on the rheology of noncolloidal suspensions of spheres, both in Newtonian (polydimethylsiloxane or silicone oil) and non-Newtonian (Boger fluid) matrices. The object of the experiment is to change only the roughness of the spheres, while leaving the density and the material of the particles unchanged, so as to isolate the effect of roughness on rheology. Two sphere materials, polystyrene (PS) and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) were used. The PS spheres were of 40 and 80 μm nominal diameters, and the PMMA spheres were 40 μm in diameter. Roughness ratios (average roughness/sphere radius) of 0.1%–5% were explored. With silicone matrices, there was up to 50% increase in viscosity with a 50% volume fraction suspension and an increase in the normal stress differences of a similar magnitude. Two polybutene-based Boger fluids were also used. The increases of viscosity with the polybutene matrices were somewhat larger than those with the Newtonian matrix; at 40% volume concentration, we saw approximately a 35% increase in viscosity with a roughness ratio of 5.3%. We compared the experimental results with computations for spheres in Newtonian matrices, and we found reasonable agreement with the computations of Mari et al. [J. Rheol. 58, 1693–1724 (2014)] if a friction coefficient of about 0.5 was assumed. We conclude that friction and roughness must be considered in computational work, or no agreement with experiment will be found. We suggest that the shear-thinning seen with Newtonian matrices is due to a lessening of friction with shear rate. We also show that the unexpected success of the Maron–Pierce formula for Newtonian suspensions is due to the fact that it mimics well a frictional suspension with a friction coefficient of ∼0.5.
Doctors' experiences and their perception of the most stressful aspects of complaints processes in the UK: an analysis of qualitative survey data
Authors: Bourne Tom , Vanderhaegen Joke , Vranken Renilt , Wynants Laure , De Cock Bavo , Peters Mike , Timmerman Dirk , Van Calster Ben , Jalmbrant Maria , Van Audenhove Chantal
Published: July 2016

Objectives

To examine doctors' experiences of complaints, including which aspects are most stressful. We also investigated how doctors felt complaints processes could be improved.

Design and methods

A qualitative study based on a cross-sectional survey of members of the British Medical Association (BMA). We asked the following: (1) Try to summarise as best as you can your experience of the complaints process and how it made you feel. (2) What were the most stressful aspects of the complaint? (3) What would you improve in the complaints system?

Participants

We sent the survey to 95 636 doctors, and received 10 930 (11.4%) responses. Of these, 6146 had a previous, recent or current complaint and 3417 (31.3%) of these respondents answered questions 1 and 2. We randomly selected 1000 answers for analysis, and included 100 using the saturation principle. Of this cohort, 93 responses for question 3 were available.

Main results

Doctors frequently reported feeling powerless, emotionally distressed, and experiencing negative feelings towards both those managing complaints and the complainants themselves. Many felt unsupported, fearful of the consequences and that the complaint was unfair. The most stressful aspects were the prolonged duration and unpredictability of procedures, managerial incompetence, poor communication and perceiving that processes are biased in favour of complainants. Many reported practising defensively or considering changing career after a complaint, and few found any positive outcomes from complaints investigations. Physicians suggested procedures should be more transparent, competently managed, time limited, and that there should be an open dialogue with complainants and policies for dealing with vexatious complaints. Some felt more support for doctors was needed.

Conclusions

Complaints seriously impact on doctors' psychological wellbeing, and are associated with defensive practise. This is not beneficial to patient care. To improve procedures, doctors propose they are simplified, time limited and more transparent.
Floor space covered by broiler chickens kept at stocking densities according to Council Directive 2007/43/EC
Authors: Giersberg M. F. , Hartung J. , Kemper N. , Spindler B.
Published: July 2016

It is controversially discussed whether the stocking densities set by the EU Directive 2007/43/EC allow a species‐appropriate housing of broiler chickens. To calculate the exact area broilers occupy due to their physical size and shape, planimetric measurements using a colour‐contrast method were carried out. In total, 1949 photographs of standing and 1482 of squatting chickens, taken from a top view, were analysed. A computer program counted the pixels representing the previously weighed animal in the photograph and calculated the animal area. The average area covered by chickens with 400 g live weight was 116.64±13.12 cm2 in a standing and 138.61±12.92 cm2 in a squatting position. These areas increased linearly as a function of live weight to 452.57±58.89 cm2 (R2 =0.90 standing) and 513.54±42.70 cm2 (R2 =0.82 squatting) at the end of the study (3200 g live weight). Squatting chickens occupied more space compared with a standing position in most of the tested weight classes (P<0.05). Depending on target weights, stocking densities and body positions, broilers occupied 48.5–77.7 per cent of 1 m2. Thus, from a physical point of view, simultaneous resting is possible at any stocking density provided by the EU Directive and at common target weights.
Spin-dependent electron transport through a Mn-phthalocyanine molecule — A steady-state density functional theory (SS-DFT) study
Authors: Liu Shuanglong , Xi Yongjie , Guo Na , Yam Kah Meng , Zhang Chun
Published: July 2016

We generalize the recently proposed steady-state density functional theory (SS-DFT) to spin-dependent cases and theoretically investigate the electronic and transport properties of a Mn-phthalocyanine molecule sandwiched between two graphene nanoribbon leads. The junction filters spin-up (minority spin) electrons while allowing spin-down (majority spin) electrons to pass with a filtering efficiency of about 99.5% at low biases. The spin-down electrons are found to tunnel through the junction via the HOMO orbital of the Mn-phthalocyanine molecule. Detailed analysis of the spin-dependent electron tunneling mechanism as well as the electronic/magnetic properties of the junction is presented.
Protective effects of kolaviron and gallic acid against cobalt-chloride-induced cardiorenal dysfunction via suppression of oxidative stress and activation of the ERK signaling pathway
Authors: Akinrinde Akinleye Stephen , Omobowale Olutayo , Oyagbemi Ademola , Asenuga Ebunoluwa , Ajibade Temitayo
Published: July 2016

Cobalt (Co) toxicity is a potential public health problem due to recent renewed use of Co in orthopedic implants, dietary supplements, and blood doping in athletes and horses. We investigated the protective roles of kolaviron (KV), a bi-flavonoid of Garcinia kola, and gallic acid (GA) on cobalt chloride (CoCl2)-induced cardiorenal damage in rats. CoCl2caused significant increases (p < 0.05) in serum creatine kinase–myocardial band (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate transaminase (AST), xanthine oxidase (XO), urea, creatinine, malondialdehyde, H2O2, nitric oxide, as well as C-reactive protein expression, along with significant (p < 0.05) reduction in cardiac and renal expression of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) and the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione S-transferase. KV and GA prevented the toxic effects of CoCl2by stimulating ERK expression and reversing Co-induced biochemical changes. Administration of CoCl2alone did not significantly alter ECG patterns in the rats, although co-treatment with KV (200 mg/kg) produced QT-segment prolongation and also appeared to potentiate Co hypotension. Histopathology of the heart and kidneys of rats treated with KV and GA confirmed the biochemical data. KV and GA thus protected against cardiac and renal damage in Co intoxication via antioxidant and (or) cell survival mechanisms, possibly involving ERK activation.
Ward and Nielsen identities for ABJM theory in 𝒩 = 1 superspace
Authors: Upadhyay Sudhaker
Published: July 2016

The structures and the associated gauge algebra of ABJM theory in [Formula: see text] superspace are reviewed. We derive the Ward identities of the theory in the class of Lorentz-type gauges at quantum level to justify the renormalizability of the model. We compute the Nielsen identities for the two-point functions of the theory with the help of enlarged BRST transformation. The identities are derived in ABJM theory to ensure the gauge independence of the physical poles of the Green’s functions.
How Insiders’ Personal Incentives and Timeliness of Information Revelation are Related to Their Sales Timing
Authors: Yeh Yin-Hua , Shu Pei-Gi , Yang Ya-Wei
Published: July 2016

In this paper, we investigate how insiders’ personal incentives and the timeliness of information revelation are related to the timing of their sales. We use a unique data set of 7,678 insider sales of listed firms in Taiwan, where insider sales exceeding 10,000 shares must be reported to the regulatory entity on an ex-ante basis so that the price pattern before announcement remains independent from insider sales and therefore closely captures insiders’ timing. We find evidence from insiders’ timing that the cumulative abnormal returns monotonically increase up to the announcement of insider sales, and decrease thereafter. Moreover, insiders’ timing and profitability are closely related to their personal incentives, as manifested in lower cash flow rights, a higher pledge ratio of holding shares for bank loans, higher control-cash flow deviation, and the condition that insiders simultaneously serve in managerial posts. Furthermore, the timeliness of information revelation affects insiders’ timing in the sense that optimistic news is revealed before the announcement whereas a decrease in earnings is revealed after the execution of insider sales. Finally, the interactions between the personal incentives of insiders and the timeliness of information revelation also have an effect on their timing and profitability.
Is There a Presidential Election Cycle in Firm Financials?
Authors: Sturm Ray R.
Published: July 2016

A presidential election cycle (PEC) in stock returns has been well-documented in the academic literature. Prior studies have pointed to economic policy as a cause of the phenomenon apparently overlooking the role of firm value. This study examines changes in firm valuation as the cause. Using firm-level data, this study finds a convincing cycle in firms’ book-to-market (BE/ME) ratios, earnings yield and most notable, in log-changes in annual revenue. In particular, log-changes in revenue during the election year appear to be instrumental in the previously document PEC in stock returns.
On some singular limits in damped radiation hydrodynamics
Authors: Blanc X. , Ducomet B. , Nečasová S.
Published: July 2016

We consider the Cauchy problem for the 3D Euler system with damping coupled to radiation through two singular limits. Assuming suitable smallness hypotheses for the data, we prove that each of these two problems admits a unique smooth solution.
Theory of damped wave models with integrable and decaying in time speed of propagation
Authors: Ebert Marcelo Rempel , Reissig Michael
Published: July 2016

We study the Cauchy problem for damped wave equations with a time-dependent propagation speed and dissipation. The model of interest is [Formula: see text] We assume [Formula: see text]. Then we propose a classification of dissipation terms in non-effective and effective. In each case we derive estimates for kinetic and elastic type energies by developing a suitable WKB analysis. Moreover, we show optimality of results by the aid of scale-invariant models. Finally, we explain by an example that in some estimates a loss of regularity appears.
Catching Synchronized Behaviors in Large Networks
Authors: Jiang Meng , Cui Peng , Beutel Alex , Faloutsos Christos , Yang Shiqiang
Published: July 2016

Given a directed graph of millions of nodes, how can we automatically spot anomalous, suspicious nodes judging only from their connectivity patterns? Suspicious graph patterns show up in many applications, from Twitter users who buy fake followers, manipulating the social network, to botnet members performing distributed denial of service attacks, disturbing the network traffic graph. We propose a fast and effective method, C
atch
S
ync
, which exploits two of the tell-tale signs left in graphs by fraudsters: (a)
synchronized
behavior: suspicious nodes have extremely similar behavior patterns because they are often required to perform some task together (such as follow the same user); and (b)
rare
behavior: their connectivity patterns are very different from the majority. We introduce novel measures to quantify both concepts (“synchronicity” and “normality”) and we propose a parameter-free algorithm that works on the resulting synchronicity-normality plots. Thanks to careful design, C
atch
S
ync
has the following desirable properties: (a) it is
scalable
to large datasets, being linear in the graph size; (b) it is
parameter free
; and (c) it is
side-information-oblivious
: it can operate using only the topology, without needing labeled data, nor timing information, and the like., while still capable of using side information if available. We applied C
atch
S
ync
on three large, real datasets,
1-billion-edge
Twitter social graph,
3-billion-edge,
and
12-billion-edge
Tencent Weibo social graphs, and several synthetic ones; C
atch
S
ync
consistently outperforms existing competitors, both in detection accuracy by 36% on Twitter and 20% on Tencent Weibo, as well as in speed.
Nonuniform Spatial Deformation of Light Fields by Locally Linear Transformations
Authors: Birklbauer Clemens , Schedl David C. , Bimber Oliver
Published: July 2016

Light-field cameras offer new imaging possibilities compared to conventional digital cameras. However, the additional angular domain of light fields prohibits direct application of frequently used image processing algorithms, such as warping, retargeting, or stitching. We present a general and efficient framework for nonuniform light-field warping, which forms the basis for extending many of these image processing techniques to light fields. It propagates arbitrary spatial deformations defined in one light-field perspective consistently to all other perspectives by means of 4D patch matching instead of relying on explicit depth reconstruction. This allows processing light-field recordings of complex scenes with non-Lambertian properties such as transparency and refraction. We show application examples of our framework in panorama light-field imaging, light-field retargeting, and artistic manipulation of light fields.
Heap Abstractions for Static Analysis
Authors: Kanvar Vini , Khedker Uday P.
Published: July 2016

Heap data is potentially unbounded and seemingly arbitrary. Hence, unlike stack and static data, heap data cannot be abstracted in terms of a fixed set of program variables. This makes it an interesting topic of study and there is an abundance of literature employing heap abstractions. Although most studies have addressed similar concerns, insights gained in one description of heap abstraction may not directly carry over to some other description.

In our search of a unified theme, we view
heap abstraction
as consisting of two steps: (a)
heap modelling
, which is the process of representing a heap memory (i.e., an unbounded set of concrete locations) as a heap model (i.e., an unbounded set of abstract locations), and (b)
summarization
, which is the process of bounding the heap model by merging multiple abstract locations into summary locations. We classify the heap models as storeless, store based, and hybrid. We describe various summarization techniques based on
k
-limiting, allocation sites, patterns, variables, other generic instrumentation predicates, and higher-order logics. This approach allows us to compare the insights of a large number of seemingly dissimilar heap abstractions and also paves the way for creating new abstractions by mix and match of models and summarization techniques.
Biometric Recognition in Automated Border Control
Authors: Labati Ruggero Donida , Genovese Angelo , Muñoz Enrique , Piuri Vincenzo , Scotti Fabio , Sforza Gianluca
Published: July 2016

The increasing demand for traveler clearance at international border crossing points (BCPs) has motivated research for finding more efficient solutions. Automated border control (ABC) is emerging as a solution to enhance the convenience of travelers, the throughput of BCPs, and national security. This is the first comprehensive survey on the biometric techniques and systems that enable automatic identity verification in ABC. We survey the biometric literature relevant to identity verification and summarize the best practices and biometric techniques applicable to ABC, relying on real experience collected in the field. Furthermore, we select some of the major biometric issues raised and highlight the open research areas.
Noisy Bloom Filters for Multi-Set Membership Testing
Authors: Dai Haipeng , Zhong Yuankun , Liu Alex X. , Wang Wei , Li Meng
Published: July 2016

This paper is on designing a compact data structure for multi-set membership testing allowing fast set querying. Multi-set membership testing is a fundamental operation for computing systems and networking applications. Most existing schemes for multi-set membership testing are built upon Bloom filter, and fall short in either storage space cost or query speed. To address this issue, in this paper we propose Noisy Bloom Filter (NBF) and Error Corrected Noisy Bloom Filter (NBF-E) for multi-set membership testing. For theoretical analysis, we optimize their classification failure rate and false positive rate, and present criteria for selection between NBF and NBF-E. The key novelty of NBF and NBF-E is to store set ID information in a compact but noisy way that allows fast recording and querying, and use denoising method for querying. Especially, NBF-E incorporates asymmetric error-correcting coding technique into NBF to enhance the resilience of query results to noise by revealing and leveraging the asymmetric error nature of query results. To evaluate NBF and NBF-E in comparison with prior art, we conducted experiments using real-world network traces. The results show that NBF and NBF-E significantly advance the state-of-the-art on multi-set membership testing.
Adaptive Caching Networks with Optimality Guarantees
Authors: Ioannidis Stratis , Yeh Edmund
Published: July 2016

We study the problem of optimal content placement over a network of caches, a problem naturally arising in several networking applications, including ICNs, CDNs, and P2P systems. Given a demand of content request rates and paths followed, we wish to determine the content placement that maximizes the expected caching gain, i.e., the reduction of routing costs due to intermediate caching. The offline version of this problem is NP-hard and, in general, the demand and topology may be a priori unknown. Hence, a distributed, adaptive, constant approximation content placement algorithm is desired. We show that path replication, a simple algorithm frequently encountered in literature, can be arbitrarily suboptimal when combined with traditional eviction policies, like LRU, LFU, or FIFO. We propose a distributed, adaptive algorithm that performs stochastic gradient ascent on a concave relaxation of the expected caching gain, and constructs a probabilistic content placement within 1-1/e factor from the optimal, in expectation. Motivated by our analysis, we also propose a novel greedy eviction policy to be used with path replication, and show through numerical evaluations that both algorithms significantly outperform path replication with traditional eviction policies over a broad array of network topologies.
Transiently Secure Network Updates
Authors: Ludwig Arne , Dudycz Szymon , Rost Matthias , Schmid Stefan
Published: July 2016

Computer networks have become a critical infrastructure. Especially in shared environments such as datacenters it is important that a correct, consistent and secure network operation is guaranteed at any time, even during routing policy updates. In particular, at no point in time should it be possible for packets to bypass security critical waypoints~(such as a firewall or IDS) or to be forwarded along loops.

This paper studies the problem of how to change routing policies in a transiently consistent manner. Transiently consistent network updates have been proposed as a fast and resource efficient alternative to per-packet consistent updates.

Our main result is a negative one: we show that there are settings where the two basic properties waypoint enforcement and loop-freedom cannot be satisfied simultaneously. Even worse, we rigorously prove that deciding whether a waypoint enforcing, loop-free network update schedule exists is NP-hard. These results hold for both kinds of loop-freedom used in the literature: strong and relaxed loop-freedom. This paper also presents optimized, exact mixed integer programs to compute optimal update schedules. We report on extensive simulation results and initiate the discussion of scenarios where multiple waypoints need to be ensured (also known as service chains).
Costly Circuits, Submodular Schedules and Approximate Carathéodory Theorems
Authors: Bojja Venkatakrishnan Shaileshh , Alizadeh Mohammad , Viswanath Pramod
Published: July 2016

Hybrid switching -- in which a high bandwidth circuit switch (optical or wireless) is used in conjunction with a low bandwidth packet switch -- is a promising alternative to interconnect servers in today's large scale data centers. Circuit switches offer a very high link rate, but incur a non-trivial reconfiguration delay which makes their scheduling challenging. In this paper, we demonstrate a lightweight, simple and nearly-optimal scheduling algorithm that trades-off reconfiguration costs with the benefits of reconfiguration that match the traffic demands. Seen alternatively, the algorithm provides a fast and approximate solution towards a constructive version of Caratheodory's Theorem for the Birkhoff polytope. The algorithm also has strong connections to submodular optimization, achieves a performance at least half that of the optimal schedule and strictly outperforms state of the art in a variety of traffic demand settings. These ideas naturally generalize: we see that indirect routing leads to exponential connectivity; this is another phenomenon of the power of multi-hop routing, distinct from the well-known load balancing effects.
Safe Randomized Load-Balanced Switching by Diffusing Extra Loads
Authors: Yang Sen , Lin Bill , Xu Jun
Published: July 2016

Load-balanced switch architectures are known to be scalable in both size and speed, which is of interest due to the continued exponential growth in Internet traffic. However, the main drawback of load-balanced switches is that packets can depart out of order from the switch. Randomized load-balancing of application flows by means of hashing on the packet header is a well-known simple solution to this packet reordering problem in which all packets belonging to the same application flow are routed through the same intermediate port and hence the same path through the switch. Unfortunately, this method of load-balancing can lead to instability, depending on the mix of flow sizes and durations in the group of flows that gets randomly assigned to route through the same intermediate port. In this paper, we show that the randomized load-balancing of application flows can be enhanced to provably guarantee both stability and packet ordering by extending the approach with
safety
mechanisms that can
uniformly diffuse
packets across the switch whenever there is a build-up of packets waiting to route through the some intermediate port. Although simple and intuitive, our experimental results show that our extended randomized load-balancing approach significantly outperforms existing load-balanced switch architectures.
Multipath Streaming
Authors: Combes Richard , Sidi Habib , Elayoubi Salah
Published: July 2016

We investigate streaming over multiple links. We provide lower bounds on the starvation probability of any policy and simple, order-optimal policies with matching and tractable upper bounds.
Network Calculus Analysis of a Feedback System with Random Service
Authors: Shekaramiz Alireza , Liebeherr Jorg , Burchard Almut
Published: July 2016

Feedback mechanisms are integral components of network protocols and traffic control algorithms. Their performance evaluation is hard due to intricate time correlations introduced by feedback. Network calculus has been successfully applied for the analysis of feedback mechanisms in deterministic systems. However, an extension to random systems has remained an open problem for more than a decade. We present a stochastic network calculus analysis of a random system with feedback, specifically, a window flow control system with random service and fixed feedback delay. We quantify the service impediment due to the feedback mechanism by deriving statistical lower bounds on the available service, and obtain complementary upper bounds. We also discover special cases where an exact description of the service is feasible.
The Power of d Choices for Redundancy
Authors: Gardner Kristen , Zbarsky Samuel , Harchol-Balter Mor , Scheller-Wolf Alan
Published: July 2016

An increasingly prevalent technique for improving response time in queueing systems is the use of redundancy. In a system with redundant requests, each job that arrives to the system is copied and dispatched to multiple servers. As soon as the first copy completes service, the job is considered complete, and all remaining copies are deleted. A great deal of empirical work has demonstrated that redundancy can significantly reduce response time in systems ranging from Google's BigTable service to kidney transplant waitlists. We propose a theoretical model of redundancy, the Redundancy-d system, in which each job sends redundant copies to d servers chosen uniformly at random. We derive the first exact expressions for mean response time in Redundancy-d systems with any finite number of servers. We also find asymptotically exact expressions for the distribution of response time as the number of servers approaches infinity.
Nondestructive Inspection of Thin Basalt Fiber Reinforced Composites Using Combined Terahertz Imaging and Infrared Thermography
Authors: Lopato Przemyslaw , Psuj Grzegorz , Szymanik Barbara
Published: July 2016

The inspection of thin basalt fiber reinforced composite materials was carried out using two nondestructive methods: terahertz time domain imaging and infrared thermography. In order to combine the information about the defects arising in examined materials the inspection results were parametrized. In order to acquire more information content, new approximation based features are proposed. Then, a knowledge extraction based multivariate analysis of preselected features’ vector was carried out. Finally, in order to integrate features distributions of representing different dynamic level of information, a multiresolution wavelet based data fusion algorithm was applied. The results are presented and discussed.
Treating Chronic Pain with SSRIs: What Do We Know?
Authors: Patetsos Elias , Horjales-Araujo Emilia
Published: July 2016

Serotonin is a monoamine neurotransmitter that plays a major role in both nociception and mood regulation. Alterations in the 5-hydroxytryptophan (5HT) system have been reported in chronic pain patients. In recent years, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) have been suggested as an alternative treatment for chronic pain due to the fact that they are better tolerated presenting less secondary effects than other antidepressants such as tricyclic antidepressants. Although several clinical trials have been published, the effectiveness of SSRI as treatment for pain conditions is inconclusive. This review aims to summarise what is known, regarding the effectiveness of SSRI as a treatment for chronic pain conditions in adults. A total of 36 studies involving a total of 1898 participants were included in this review. Of the 36 trials included in the review, 2 used zimelidine as treatment, 3 used escitalopram, 4 used fluvoxamine, 4 used sertraline, 6 used citalopram, 8 used paroxetine, 9 used fluoxetine, and one used both citalopram and paroxetine. Because the trials included in this review are quite heterogeneous, only qualitative analyses were performed. SSRI seems to have an effect on most of chronic pain conditions; however, further clinical trials with good methodology leading to low risk of bias are needed in order to conclude once and for all the effect of this drug class as treatment for chronic pain conditions.
Software Defined Resource Orchestration System for Multitask Application in Heterogeneous Mobile Cloud Computing
Authors: Qi Qi , Liao Jianxin , Wang Jingyu , Li Qi , Cao Yufei
Published: July 2016

The mobile cloud computing (MCC) that combines mobile computing and cloud concept takes wireless access network as the transmission medium and uses mobile devices as the client. When offloading the complicated multitask application to the MCC environment, each task executes individually in terms of its own computation, storage, and bandwidth requirement. Due to user’s mobility, the provided resources contain different performance metrics that may affect the destination choice. Nevertheless, these heterogeneous MCC resources lack integrated management and can hardly cooperate with each other. Thus, how to choose the appropriate offload destination and orchestrate the resources for multitask is a challenge problem. This paper realizes a programming resource provision for heterogeneous energy-constrained computing environments, where a software defined controller is responsible for resource orchestration, offload, and migration. The resource orchestration is formulated as multiobjective optimal problem that contains the metrics of energy consumption, cost, and availability. Finally, a particle swarm algorithm is used to obtain the approximate optimal solutions. Simulation results show that the solutions for all of our studied cases almost can hit Pareto optimum and surpass the comparative algorithm in approximation, coverage, and execution time.
Reaction of Acyl Chlorides withIn SituFormed Zinc Selenolates: Synthesis of SelenoestersversusRing-Opening Reaction of Tetrahydrofuran
Authors: Bellino Gemma , Scisciani Marialaura , Vargas Jaqueline Pinto , Sancineto Luca , Bagnoli Luana , Marini Francesca , Lüdtke Diogo Seibert , Lenardao Eder Joao , Santi Claudio
Published: July 2016

Attempting to apply thein situproduction of PhSeZnSePh to the synthesis of selenoesters, an unexpected reaction involving the solvent (tetrahydrofuran) was observed and studied. We reported here some evidences about the mechanism and the possibility to control the chemoselectivity of this new reaction that afforded the formation of interesting selenoderivatives in which the selenium moiety and the carboxylic one are spaced by four carbon units.
Clinicopathological Characteristics, Treatment, and Prognosis of 21 Patients with Primary Gastric Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Yang , Zhu Hong , Xu Feng , Cao Yidan , Gu Xingting , Wan Yuming , Gou Hongfeng
Published: July 2016

We performed a retrospective analysis of 21 patients with primary gastric squamous cell carcinoma (PGSCC) who were admitted to our hospital from October 2008 to October 2014. The median age was 67 years and male predominance was observed, the most common tumor locations were the upper third of the stomach, most of the clinical manifestations were identical to those of other types of gastric tumors, and the tumor cells had positive immunoreactivity for p63 and CK5/6. In terms of treatments, surgery (R0 resection) is the main treatment; the effect of other treatments is unclear. The median survival time for the surgery group and nonsurgery group was 46 and 4.5 months, respectively. Probably due to limited number of cases, no significant difference in median survival time was observed between the surgery alone group and the surgery plus adjuvant therapy group (46 versus 51 months,P=0.310). A standard chemotherapy regimen for this disease has not yet been established; the choice of its chemotherapy regimens tends to follow the principle of the treatment of gastric adenocarcinoma or esophageal cancer. PGSCC generally had a poor prognosis, and early detection, early diagnosis, and early surgical treatment are beneficial to patients.
Asymptotic Stability Analysis of Binary Heterogeneous Traffic Based on Car-Following Model
Authors: Wang Hao , Wan Qian , Wang Wei
Published: July 2016

We study the asymptotic stability of Chandler Model for a heterogeneous traffic by using numerical simulations. A simple binary platoon is considered which consists of two types of vehicles. Platoon stabilities under various kinds of combinations of parameters are investigated. It is found that the stability of the binary platoon cannot be determined by the mean values of individual vehicle’s parameters. Some combinations of parameters that benefit to the platoon stability are found. Several interesting properties of binary platoon’s stability are summarized. The analytic stability criterion of heterogeneous traffic reported in the historical literature is studied. The result indicates the analytic criterion is not rigorous, which is apt to overestimate the stability of heterogeneous platoon.
Finite-Time Synchronization for Uncertain Master-Slave Chaotic System via Adaptive Super Twisting Algorithm
Authors: Siricharuanun P. , Pukdeboon C.
Published: July 2016

A second-order sliding mode control for chaotic synchronization with bounded disturbance is studied. A robust finite-time controller is designed based on super twisting algorithm which is a popular second-order sliding mode control technique. The proposed controller is designed by combining an adaptive law with super twisting algorithm. New results based on adaptive super twisting control for the synchronization of identical Qi three-dimensional four-wing chaotic system are presented. The finite-time convergence of synchronization is ensured by using Lyapunov stability theory. The simulations results show the usefulness of the developed control method.
The Therapeutic Effect of Berberine in the Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Wei Xiaoyun , Wang Chunyan , Hao Shijun , Song Haiyan , Yang Lili
Published: July 2016

Aim. To assess the efficacy of berberine in the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease through meta‐analysis. Method. We searched Embase, Pubmed, Cochrane Library, and so forth, until March 2016 for randomized controlled trials using berberine to treat NAFLD. Result. Six randomized controlled trials involving 501 patients were included in this study. The results showed that the efficacy of reducing TC, LDL, ALT, 2hPG, and HbA1c in NAFLD patients of the berberine group were significantly higher than that of control group. The subgroup analyses on TG, AST, and FBG indicated that treatment combined with berberine decreased TG level in NAFLD patients significantly. Compared with other drugs, berberine alone decreased TG level in NAFLD patients significantly. We also conducted a descriptive analysis on insulin resistance and radiography results that berberine can improve NAFLD patients’ insulin resistance and fatty liver. Conclusion. According to analysis result, berberine has positive efficacy on blood lipids, blood glucose, liver function, insulin resistance, and fatty liver condition of NAFLD patients. However, due to the limitation of number and quality of trials included, more clinical randomized controlled trials with high quality are needed for further verification of the efficacy of berberine on NAFLD patients.
Assessment of a Colonoscopy Triage Sheet for Use in a Province-Wide Population-Based Colorectal Screening Program
Authors: Sharara Nour , Nolan Sabrina , Sewitch Maida , Martel Myriam , Dias Maria , Barkun Alan N.
Published: July 2016

Background and Aims. A colonoscopy triage sheet (CTS) integrating 6 hierarchical scheduling priorities based on indications for screening, surveillance, or symptoms was designed for colonoscopy referral. We compared CTS priority ratings by referring physicians and endoscopists, assessing yields.Methods. Retrospective study of consecutive patients. Data were collected on demographics, CTS and endoscopist priority ratings, and endoscopic findings. Weighted kappa values measured interrater agreement on priority assignment. Predictors of agreement and lesions were identified using multivariable analysis.Results. Among 1230 patients (60.3 years, 52.5% female), clinically significant lesions included tumors (1.1%), polyps per patient ≥ 10 mm (7.6%), and ileocolitis (4.6%). Moderate agreement was found between referring physician and endoscopist on all 6 priorities (weighted kappa 0.55 (0.51; 0.59)). P4 and P5 ratings predicted increased agreement (range of OR for P4: 2.47–4.57; P5: 1.58–2.93). Predictors of clinically significant findings were male gender (OR 1.44, 1.03–2.03) and P1/P2 priorities that were significantly superior to P3 (OR = 2.14; 1.04–4.43), P4 (OR = 2.90; 1.35–6.23), and P5 (OR = 4.30; 2.08–8.88).Conclusion. Priority-assignment agreement is moderate and highest for less urgent ratings. Predictors of clinically significant findings validate the hierarchal priority scheme. Broader validation and physician education are needed.
Effects of Superabsorbent Polymers on the Hydraulic Parameters and Water Retention Properties of Soil
Authors: Liao Renkuan , Wu Wenyong , Ren Shumei , Yang Peiling
Published: July 2016

Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are widely applied in dryland agriculture. However, their functional property of repeated absorption and release of soil water exerts periodic effects on the hydraulic parameters and water-retention properties of soil, and as this property gradually diminishes with time, its effects tend to be unstable. During the 120-day continuous soil cultivation experiment described in this paper, horizontal soil column infiltration and high-speed centrifugation tests were conducted on SAP-treated soil to measure unsaturated diffusivityDand soil water characteristic curves. The experimental results suggest that the SAP increased the water retaining capacity of soil sections where the suction pressure was between 0 and 3,000 cm. The SAP significantly obstructed water diffusion in the soil in the early days of the experiment, but the effect gradually decreased in the later period. The average decrease in water diffusivity in the treatment groups fell from 76.6% at 0 days to 1.2% at 120 days. This research also provided parameters of time-varying functions that describe the unsaturated diffusivityDand unsaturated hydraulic conductivityKof soils under the effects of SAPs; in future research, these functions can be used to construct water movement models applicable to SAP-treated soil.
Association of Polymorphisms in STRA6 and RARRES2 Genes with Type 2 Diabetes in Southern Han Chinese
Authors: Huang Han-Wei , Liang Bi-Yu , Li Yun-Xi
Published: July 2016

Stimulated by retinoic acid gene homolog 6 (STRA6) and retinoic acid receptor responder 2 (RARRES2) are candidate genes involved in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Three tag-SNPs in STRA6 and one in RARRES2 gene were selected and genotyped with TaqMan or PCR-RFLP method in 603 populations (571 patients with T2D versus 632 control subjects) in Southern Han Chinese. We estimated the interactions between T2DM risk and genetic variants in the STRA6 and RARRES2 genes using polymerase chain reaction. Rs736118 in STRA6 gene were significantly associated with T2DM occurrence in the recessive genetic model. The genotype of rs974456 was significantly associated with T2DM in the dominant genetic model correlated to sex, MBI, and triglyceride. However, the association of other SNPs with T2DM was not found. Furthermore, smoking history and other factors may be independent risk factors for the incidence of T2DM. This study suggested that a role of STRA6 polymorphism could also be of value in predicting the risk of T2DM while RARRES2 polymorphism could not predict the risk of T2DM.
Experiences of Rehabilitation Professionals with the Implementation of a Back School for Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Peters Stefan , Faller Hermann , Pfeifer Klaus , Meng Karin
Published: July 2016

A standardized curriculum back school (CBS) has been recommended for further dissemination in medical rehabilitation in Germany. However, implementation of self-management education programs into practice is challenging. In low back pain care, individual factors of professionals could be decisive regarding implementation fidelity. The study aim was to explore attitudes and experiences of professionals who conducted the back school. Qualitative interviews were led with 45 rehabilitation professionals. The data were examined using thematic analysis. Three central themes were identified: (a) “back school as a common thread,” (b) “theory versus practice,” and (c) “participation and patient-centeredness.” The CBS and its manual were frequently described positively because they provide structure. However, specified time was mentioned critically and there were heterogeneous perceptions regarding flexibility in conducting the CBS. Theory and practice in the CBS were discussed concerning amount, distribution, and conjunction. Participation and patient-centeredness were mainly mentioned in terms of amount and heterogeneity of participation as well as the demand for competences of professionals. Factors were detected that may either positively or negatively influence the implementation fidelity of self-management education programs. The results are explorative and provide potential explanatory mechanisms for behavior and acceptance of rehabilitation professionals regarding the implementation of biopsychosocial back schools.
A Rule Based Energy Management System of Experimental Battery/Supercapacitor Hybrid Energy Storage System for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Zhang Qiao , Deng Weiwen , Zhang Sumin , Wu Jian
Published: July 2016

In this paper, a simple and efficient rule based energy management system for battery and supercapacitor hybrid energy storage system (HESS) used in electric vehicles is presented. The objective of the proposed energy management system is to focus on exploiting the supercapacitor characteristics and on increasing the battery lifetime and system efficiency. The role of the energy management system is to yield battery reference current, which is subsequently used by the controller of the DC/DC converter. First, a current controller is designed to realize load current distribution between battery and supercapacitor. Then a voltage controller is designed to ensure the supercapacitor SOC to fluctuate within a preset reasonable variation range. Finally, a commercial experimental platform is developed to verify the proposed control strategy. In addition, the energy efficiency and the cost analysis of the hybrid system are carried out based on the experimental results to explore the most cost-effective tradeoff.
Advanced Concrete Model in Hydrocode to Simulate Concrete Structures under Blast Loading
Authors: Hu Guo , Wu Jun , Li Liang
Published: July 2016

The formulations of the advanced concrete RHT model adopted in AUTODYN are investigated and numerical studies are conducted to study the RHT model’s actual performances under various loading conditions. It is found that using of default values in the RHT model is not able to simulate the realistic behavior of concrete under various loading conditions. Thus modified parameters in the RHT model are proposed to better capture the realistic behavior of concrete under such loading conditions. Furthermore, numerical simulation of normal concrete slabs and multilayer concrete slabs subjected to blast loading is conducted using AUTODYN with both the default and modified RHT parameters. Experimental readings from field blast tests are used to validate the numerical model developed. It is shown that the results from numerical simulations using the modified RHT parameters and the measurements from the field blast test agree well in terms of damage pattern, crater diameter, and acceleration. Hence, it can be concluded that the RHT model with modified parameters can capture the mechanical behavior of concrete structures well. The validated model can be further used to conduct a parametric study on the influence of key parameters (i.e., compressive strength, fracture energy, and thickness) on blast resistance of concrete structure.