bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Load-Balancing Energy Consumption Minimization Scheme in 5G Heterogeneous Small Cell Wireless Networks Under Coverage Probability Analysis
Authors: Xiao Zhu , Li Shuangchun , Chen Xiaochun , Wang Dong , Chen Wenjie
Published: January 2017

Heterogeneous small cell networks (HSCN), as a promising paradigm to increase end-user data rates and improve the overall capacity, is expected to be a key cellular architecture in 5G wireless networks. However, energy consumed in HSCN is considerable due to the massive use of small cells. In this paper, we investigate the energy consumption issue which stems from the enormous number of running small cell base stations (SBSs) deploying in the HSCN. We first propose power consumption models so as to characterize the active state and the idle state of SBSs, respectively. Then two sleep modes for SBSs tier, i.e. random sleep mode and load-awareness dynamic sleep mode, are proposed. The random sleep is designed based on a binomial distribution of the SBS operation probability. Through the analysis on activeness of SBSs, we define the operation probability for the SBS applying the proposed dynamic sleep mode is associated to its traffic load level. The closed-form expressions of success probability for coverage, which is used to decide whether an active user can connect to a SBS successfully, are derived for the proposed sleep modes. Energy consumption minimizations are presented for the two proposed sleep modes under the success probability constraint. Simulation results prove the effectiveness of the proposed two sleep modes. Different energy saving gains can be achieved via using of the energy saving strategy. The superior of the dynamic sleep mode by comparing the random sleep is also verified in terms of energy consumption, success probability and power efficiency.
ADSORPTIVE STRIPPING DETERMINATION OF TRACE NICKEL USING BISMUTH MODIFIED MESOPOROUS CARBON COMPOSITE ELECTRODE
Authors: OUYANG RUIZHUO , FENG KAI , SU YONGFU , ZONG TIANYU , ZHOU XIA , LEI TIAN , JIA PENGPENG , CAO PENGHUI , ZHAO YUEFENG , GUO NING , CHANG HAIZHOU , MIAO YUQING , ZHOU SHUANG
Published: January 2017

Novel bismuth nanoparticle-modified mesoporous carbon (MPC) was successfully prepared on a glassy carbon electrode (Bi@MPC/GCE) for the adsorptive stripping voltammetric determination of nickel by complexing with dimethylglyoxime (DMG). The presence of MPC obviously improved the properties of Bi particles like the electron transfer ability, particle size and hydrophicility, important parameters to achieve preferable analytical performances of Bi@MPC/GCE toward Ni(II). The best electrochemical behaviors of Bi@MPC/GCE was obtained for the stripping determination of Ni(II), compared with electrodes individually modified with Bi and MPC. The synergic effect between metallic Bi and ordered MPC (forming a 3D array like Bi microelectrodes) made major contribution to such improved electrochemical properties of Bi@MPC/GCE for Ni(II) sensing. The good linear analytical curve was achieved in a Ni(II) concentration range from 0.1[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M to 5.0[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M with a correlation coefficient of 0.9995. The detection limit and sensitivity were calculated to be 1.2[Formula: see text]nM ([Formula: see text]) and 1410[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]A[Formula: see text]mM[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text], respectively. The new method was successfully applied to Ni(II) determination in soybean samples with recoveries higher than 99% and proved to be a simple, efficient alternative for Ni(II) monitoring in real samples.
Nonlinear Control of Flexural–Torsional Vibrations of a Rotating Thin-Walled Composite Beam
Authors: Warminski Jerzy , Latalski Jarosław
Published: January 2017

In this paper, the effectiveness of a saturation control strategy in suppressing vibration of a rotating composite thin walled beam is studied. The mathematical model of the flexible beam takes into account a shear deformation effect, a warping function, a centrifugal force and the Coriolis acceleration. To extend the generality of the proposed formulation an inertia of the hub is also considered. Adaptive capability of the beam is achieved through the implementation of the saturation control algorithm.

Within the performed tests, the discussed control strategy is applied for different magnitudes of flexural–torsional vibration modes resulting from different orientations of beam laminate-reinforcing fiber’s. The obtained results prove the applied nonlinear control to be the effective method for beam vibration suppression in near-by resonance zones for all studied cases. Parametric studies considered different rotating speeds of the system. It is shown that the vibration of the beam can be suppressed to similar levels independently of the transportation motion rotating speed. However, significant differences in the width of vibration suppression zones are observed.
Local homology, finiteness of Tor modules and cofiniteness
Authors: Divaani-Aazar K. , Faridian H. , Tousi M.
Published: January 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be an ideal of a commutative noetherian ring [Formula: see text] with unity and [Formula: see text] an [Formula: see text]-module supported at [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text] be the supermum of the integers [Formula: see text] for which [Formula: see text]. We show that [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-cofinite if and only if the [Formula: see text]-module [Formula: see text] is finitely generated for every [Formula: see text]. This provides a hands-on and computable finitely-many-steps criterion to examine [Formula: see text]-confiniteness. Our approach relies heavily on the theory of local homology which demonstrates the effectiveness and indispensability of this tool.
A Multi-Criteria Approach to Rank the Municipalities of the States of Mexico by its Marginalization Level: The Case of Jalisco
Authors: Lopez Juan Carlos Leyva , Noriega Jesus Jaime Solano , Chavira Diego Alonso Gastelum
Published: January 2017

Marginalization studies of a population are tools that enable the Mexican government to understand and compare the socio-demographic situation of different regions of the country. The goal is to implement effectively various programs of social or economic development whose aims are to fight against the population’s lag, which has affected the quality of life of Mexican citizens. In this paper, a multi-criteria approach for ranking the municipalities of the states of Mexico by their levels of marginalization is proposed, and the case of Jalisco, Mexico, is presented. The approach uses the ELECTRE III method to construct a medium-sized valued outranking relation and then employs a new multi-objective evolutionary algorithm (MOEA) based on the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA) II to exploit the relation to obtain a recommendation. The results of this application can be useful for policymakers, planners, academics, investors, and business leaders. This study also contributes to an important, yet relatively new, body of application-based literature that investigates multi-criteria approaches to decision-making that use fuzzy theory and evolutionary multi-objective optimization methods. A comparison of the ranking obtained with the proposed methodology and the stratification created by the National Population Council of Mexico shows that the methodology presented is consistent and yields reliable results for this problem.
A DFT study on the geometry, tautomerism and noncovalent interactions of the Mepivacaine drug with the pristine SWCNT and –COOH functionalized SWCNT
Authors: Beyramabadi S. Ali , Khadivjam Tina , Gonabadi Atoosa , Morsali Ali , Gharib Azar , Khashi Maryam , Khorsandi-Chenarboo Mahdi
Published: January 2017

The Mepivacaine drug is used as a local anesthetic in dentistry, which could exist as three different tautomers. Herein, geometry, energy behavior as well as tautomerization of these tautomers have been investigated by employing density functional theory (DFT) and considering the solvent effects with the polarizable continuum model (PCM) model. The most stable tautomer of the Mepivacaine has a carbonyl and an –NH amine groups in its structure. The frontier orbitals and the energy gap of the molecule have been computed using the natural bond orbital analysis (NBO). Also, the armchair (5,5) single wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) was used for investigation of the noncovalent interactions of the Mepivacaine molecule with the pristine SWCNT and the –COOH functionalized SWCNT in several forms. Geometries of the possible forms have been optimized. The most stable form for noncovalent interactions of the drug with each of the pristine and functionalized SWCNTs have been determined. The intermolecular H-bonds have essential role in energy behavior of the noncovalent interactions between the Mepivacaine drug and the investigated SWCNTs.
Potentials and point symmetries of Klein–Gordon equations in space-time homogenous Gödel-type metrics
Authors: Jamal Sameerah
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we study the geometric properties of generators for the Klein–Gordon equation on classes of space-time homogeneous Gödel-type metrics. Our analysis complements the study involving the “Symmetries of geodesic motion in Gödel-type spacetimes” by U. Camci (J. Cosmol. Astropart. Phys., doi: 10.1088/1475-7516/2014/07/002 ). These symmetries or Killing vectors (KVs) are used to construct potential functions admitted by the Klein–Gordon equation. The criteria for the potential function originates from three primary sources, viz. through generators that are identically the Killing algebra, or with the KV fields that are recast into linear combinations and third, real subalgebras within the Killing algebra. This leads to a classification of the [Formula: see text] Klein–Gordon equation according to the catalogue of infinitesimal Lie and Noether point symmetries admitted. A comprehensive list of group invariant functions is provided and their application to analytic solutions is discussed.
Synthesis and Characterization of Pb@GaS Core–Shell Fullerene-Like Nanoparticles and Nanotubes
Authors: Brontvein Olga , Houben Lothar , Popovitz-Biro Ronit , Levy Moshe , Feuermann Daniel , Tenne Reshef , Gordon Jeffrey M.
Published: January 2017

New types of core–shell nanoparticles are reported: Pb@GaS fullerene-like and nanotubular structures, achieved via the continuously high reactor temperatures and ultra-hot strong-gradient annealing environments created by highly concentrated sunlight. Structural and chemical characterizations suggest a formation mechanism where vaporized Pb condenses into nanoparticles that are stabilized as they become covered by molten GaS, the ensuing crystallization of which creates the outer layers. Hollow-core GaS fullerene-like nanoparticles and nanotubes were also observed among the products, demonstrating that a single solar procedure can generate a variety of core–shell and hollow nanostructures. The proposed formation mechanisms can account for their relative abundance and the characterization data.
One-Pot Fast Synthesis of Leaf-Like CuO Nanostructures and CuO/Ag Microspheres with Photocatalytic Application
Authors: Zhou Ning , Yuan Meng , Li Dongsheng , Yang Deren
Published: January 2017

A time- and energy- saving solution-based chemical precipitation method was developed to synthesize leaf-like CuO nanostructures. The morphology and size of the leaf-like CuO nanostructures could be simply manipulated by controlling the type and concentration of precursors, and the oriented attachment mechanism is responsible for the formation of leaf-like shape. With the concurrent reduction reaction and at appropriate concentration, CuO/Ag microspheres could be prepared and the growth mechanism is proposed. These two structures could serve as effective photocatalyst for the degradation of rhodamine B under visible light irradiation in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. Moreover, compared to pure CuO nanostructures, the photodecomposition activity of CuO/Ag microspheres increases by 42.9% due to plasmon-enhanced light absorption.
Dynamics of a diffusion-driven HBV infection model with capsids and time delay
Authors: Manna Kalyan
Published: January 2017

In this paper, a diffusive hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection model with a discrete time delay is presented and analyzed, where the spatial mobility of both intracellular capsid covered HBV DNA and HBV and the intracellular delay in the reproduction of infected hepatocytes are taken into account. We define the basic reproduction number [Formula: see text] that determines the dynamical behavior of the model. The local and global stability of the spatially homogeneous steady states are analyzed by using the linearization technique and the direct Lyapunov method, respectively. It is shown that the susceptible uninfected steady state is globally asymptotically stable whenever [Formula: see text] and is unstable whenever [Formula: see text]. Also, the infected steady state is globally asymptotically stable when [Formula: see text]. Finally, numerical simulations are carried out to illustrate the results obtained.
Mathematical analysis of an HIV infection model including quiescent cells and periodic antiviral therapy
Authors: Kouche Mahiéddine , Boulfoul Bilal , Ainseba Bedr’Eddine
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we revisit the model by Guedj et al. [J. Guedj, R. Thibaut and D. Commenges, Maximum likelihood estimation in dynamical models of HIV, Biometrics 63 (2007) 198–206; J. Guedj, R. Thibaut and D. Commenges, Practical identifiability of HIV dynamics models, Bull. Math. Biol. 69 (2007) 2493–2513] which describes the effect of treatment with reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitors and incorporates the class of quiescent cells. We prove that there is a threshold value [Formula: see text] of drug efficiency [Formula: see text] such that if [Formula: see text], the basic reproduction number [Formula: see text] and the infection is cleared and if [Formula: see text], the infectious equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable. When the drug efficiency function [Formula: see text] is periodic and of the bang–bang type we establish a threshold, in terms of spectral radius of some matrix, between the clearance and the persistence of the disease. As stated in related works [L. Rong, Z. Feng and A. Perelson, Emergence of HIV-1 drug resistance during antiretroviral treatment, Bull. Math. Biol. 69 (2007) 2027–2060; P. De Leenheer, Within-host virus models with periodic antiviral therapy, Bull. Math. Biol. 71 (2009) 189–210.], we prove that the increase of the drug efficiency or the active duration of drug must clear the infection more quickly. We illustrate our results by some numerical simulations.
On irrational Brun-type constants
Authors:   Dipl. Math. (FH) Klaus Lange
Published: January 2017

This paper is removed because it was found to be a plagiarism from another published journal paper.
Ni cluster formation in low temperature annealed Ni50.6Ti49.4
Authors: Pourbabak Saeid , Wang Xiebin , Van Dyck Dirk , Verlinden Bert , Schryvers Dominique
Published: January 2017

Various low temperature treatments of Ni[Formula: see text]Ti[Formula: see text] have shown an unexpected effect on the martensitic start temperature. Periodic diffuse intensity distributions in reciprocal space indicate the formation of short pure Ni strings along the [Formula: see text]111[Formula: see text] directions in the B2 ordered lattice, precursing the formation of Ni4Ti3 precipitates formed at higher annealing temperatures.
Frost Growth Investigation and Temperature Glide Refrigerants in a Fin-and-Tube Heat Exchanger
Authors: Keryakos Elie , Clodic Denis , Toubassy Joseph , Descombes Georges
Published: January 2017

Biomethane is produced by removing undesirable components such as water vapor, carbon dioxide and other pollutants in a biogas upgrading process. Frosting the water vapor contained in the biogas is one of the dehydration processes used in a biogas upgrading process. In order to simulate a frost layer on a cold plate, many models have been developed. These models are valid for a limited temperature range. In this study, heat and mass transfer equations were used in a numerical approach to model the frost growth and its densification on the external side of a fin-and-tube heat exchanger. The model used in this study is valid for low temperatures from 0[Formula: see text]C to [Formula: see text]C and lower. The evaporation process of temperature glide refrigerants is also modeled from [Formula: see text]C to [Formula: see text]C. The results show a decreased heat transfer rate during frost mass growth on fins and rows. During its growth, frost layer thermal conductivity is relatively low leading to decrease the heat exchanger performance. On the other hand, frost layer thickness increases the external surface blockage, leading to higher pressure drop on the external side. This model has been validated by comparing numerical and experimental results for the biogas outlet temperature.
Hurwitz and the origins of random matrix theory in mathematics
Authors: Diaconis Persi , Forrester Peter J.
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this paper is to put forward the claim that Hurwitz’s paper [Über die Erzeugung der invarianten durch integration, Nachr. Ges. Wiss. Göttingen 1897 (1897) 71–90.] should be regarded as the origin of random matrix theory in mathematics. Here Hurwitz introduced and developed the notion of an invariant measure for the matrix groups [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. He also specified a calculus from which the explicit form of these measures could be computed in terms of an appropriate parametrization — Hurwitz chose to use Euler angles. This enabled him to define and compute invariant group integrals over [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. His main result can be interpreted probabilistically: the Euler angles of a uniformly distributed matrix are independent with beta distributions (and conversely). We use this interpretation to give some new probability results. How Hurwitz’s ideas and methods show themselves in the subsequent work of Weyl, Dyson and others on foundational studies in random matrix theory is detailed.
Central limit theorems for the real eigenvalues of large Gaussian random matrices
Authors: Simm N. J.
Published: January 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be an [Formula: see text] real matrix whose entries are independent identically distributed standard normal random variables [Formula: see text]. The eigenvalues of such matrices are known to form a two-component system consisting of purely real and complex conjugated points. The purpose of this paper is to show that by appropriately adapting the methods of [E. Kanzieper, M. Poplavskyi, C. Timm, R. Tribe and O. Zaboronski, Annals of Applied Probability 26(5) (2016) 2733–2753], we can prove a central limit theorem of the following form: if [Formula: see text] are the real eigenvalues of [Formula: see text], then for any even polynomial function [Formula: see text] and even [Formula: see text], we have the convergence in distribution to a normal random variable [Formula: see text] as [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text].
On-Board Format-Independent Security of Functional Magnetic Resonance Images
Authors: Castiglione Arcangelo , Pizzolante Raffaele , Palmieri Francesco , Masucci Barbara , Carpentieri Bruno , Santis Alfredo De , Castiglione Aniello
Published: January 2017

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) provides an effective and noninvasive tool for researchers to understand cerebral functions and correlate them with brain activities. In addition, with the ever-increasing diffusion of the Internet, such images may be exchanged in several ways, allowing new research and medical services. On the other hand, ensuring the security of exchanged fMRI data becomes a main concern due to their special characteristics arising from strict ethics and legislative and diagnostic implications. Again, the risks increase when dealing with open environments like the Internet. For this reason, security mechanisms that ensure protection of such data are strongly required. However, we remark that the mechanisms commonly employed for data protection are doomed to fail when dealing with imaging data. In this article, we propose a novel watermarking scheme explicitly addressed for this type of imaging. Such a scheme can be used for several purposes, particularly to ensure authenticity and integrity. Moreover, we show how to integrate our scheme within commercial off-the-shelf fMRI system. Finally, the validity and the efficiency of our scheme has been assessed through testing.
Machine Improvisation with Variable Markov Oracle
Authors: Wang Cheng-I , Hsu Jennifer , Dubnov Shlomo
Published: January 2017

In this article, we describe the Variable Markov Oracle and how it can be used in stylistic machine music improvisation scenarios. A Variable Markov Oracle is a data structure capable of identifying repeated subsequences within a multivariate time series. A Variable Markov Oracle symbolizes a time series by maximizing an information theoretic measure. After symbolizing the time series, repetitive structures can be extracted and used for music improvisation. We present a machine improvisation framework, using a Variable Markov Oracle, that is capable of generating novel audio content for either real-time or stored audio input. This work focuses on guided improvisation and structured improvisation.
An Introduction to Musical Metacreation
Authors: Pasquier Philippe , Eigenfeldt Arne , Bown Oliver , Dubnov Shlomo
Published: January 2017

Musical metacreation (MuMe), also known as musical computational creativity, is a subfield of computational creativity that focuses on endowing machines with the ability to achieve creative musical tasks, such as composition, interpretation, improvisation, accompaniment, mixing, etc. It covers all dimensions of the theory and practice of computational generative music systems, ranging from purely artistic approaches to purely scientific ones, inclusive of discourses relevant to this topic from the humanities. MuMe systems range from purely generative ones to a variety of interactive systems, such as those for computer-assisted composition and computer-assisted sound design. In order to better appreciate the many dimensions of this interdisciplinary domain and see how it overlaps and differs from research in computer music, this introduction provides a general entry point. After defining and introducing the domain, its context, and some of its terminology, we reflect on some challenges and opportunities for the field as a whole.
A Principled Approach to Secure Multi-core Processor Design with ReWire
Authors: Procter Adam , Harrison William L. , Graves Ian , Becchi Michela , Allwein Gerard
Published: January 2017

There is no such thing as high assurance without high assurance hardware. High assurance hardware is essential because any and all high assurance systems ultimately depend on hardware that conforms to, and does not undermine, critical system properties and invariants. And yet, high assurance hardware development is stymied by the conceptual gap between formal methods and hardware description languages used by engineers. This article advocates a semantics-directed approach to bridge this conceptual gap. We present a case study in the design of secure processors, which are formally derived via principled techniques grounded in functional programming and equational reasoning. The case study comprises the development of secure single- and dual-core variants of a single processor, both based on a common semantic specification of the ISA. We demonstrate via formal equational reasoning that the dual-core processor respects a “no-write-down” information flow policy. The semantics-directed approach enables a modular and extensible style of system design and verification. The secure processors require only a very small amount of additional code to specify and implement, and their security verification arguments are concise and readable. Our approach rests critically on ReWire, a functional programming language providing a suitable foundation for formal verification of hardware designs. This case study demonstrates both ReWire’s expressiveness as a programming language and its power as a framework for formal, high-level reasoning about hardware systems.
Dynamic Dependence Summaries
Authors: Palepu Vijay Krishna , Xu Guoqing , Jones James A.
Published: January 2017

Software engineers construct modern-day software applications by building on existing software libraries and components that they necessarily do not author themselves. Thus, contemporary software applications rely heavily on existing standard and third-party libraries for their execution and behavior. As such, effective runtime analysis of such a software application’s behavior is met with new challenges. To perform dynamic analysis of a software application, all transitively dependent external libraries must also be monitored and analyzed at each layer of the software application’s call stack. However, monitoring and analyzing large and often numerous external libraries may prove to be prohibitively expensive. Moreover, an overabundance of library-level analyses may obfuscate the details of the actual software application’s dynamic behavior. In other words, the extensive use of existing libraries by a software application renders the results of its dynamic analysis both expensive to compute and difficult to understand. We model software component behavior as dynamically observed data- and control dependencies between inputs and outputs of a software component. Such data- and control dependencies are monitored at a fine-grain instruction-level and are collected as dynamic execution traces for software runs. As an approach to address the complexities and expenses associated with analyzing dynamically observable behavior of software components, we summarize and reuse the data- and control dependencies between the inputs and outputs of software components. Dynamically monitored data- and control dependencies, between the inputs and outputs of software components, upon summarization are called
dynamic dependence summaries
. Software components, equipped with dynamic dependence summaries, afford the omission of their exhaustive runtime analysis. Nonetheless, the reuse of dependence summaries would necessitate the abstraction of any concrete runtime information enclosed within the summary, thus potentially causing a loss in the information modeled by the dependence summary. Therefore, benefits to the efficiency of dynamic analyses that use such summarization may be afforded with losses of accuracy. As such, we evaluate the potential accuracy loss and the potential performance gain with the use of dynamic dependence summaries. Our results show, on average, a 13× speedup with the use of dynamic dependence summaries, with an accuracy of 90% in a real-world software engineering task.
Computational Fact Checking through Query Perturbations
Authors: Wu You , Agarwal Pankaj K. , Li Chengkai , Yang Jun , Yu Cong
Published: January 2017

Our media is saturated with claims of “facts” made from data. Database research has in the past focused on how to answer queries, but has not devoted much attention to discerning more subtle qualities of the resulting claims, for example, is a claim “cherry-picking”? This article proposes a framework that models claims based on structured data as parameterized queries. Intuitively, with its choice of the parameter setting, a claim presents a particular (and potentially biased) view of the underlying data. A key insight is that we can learn a lot about a claim by “perturbing” its parameters and seeing how its conclusion changes. For example, a claim is not robust if small perturbations to its parameters can change its conclusions significantly. This framework allows us to formulate practical fact-checking tasks—reverse-engineering vague claims, and countering questionable claims—as computational problems. Along with the modeling framework, we develop an algorithmic framework that enables efficient instantiations of “meta” algorithms by supplying appropriate algorithmic building blocks. We present real-world examples and experiments that demonstrate the power of our model, efficiency of our algorithms, and usefulness of their results.
Algorithm 971
Authors: Li Huamin , Linderman George C. , Szlam Arthur , Stanton Kelly P. , Kluger Yuval , Tygert Mark
Published: January 2017

Recent years have witnessed intense development of randomized methods for low-rank approximation. These methods target principal component analysis and the calculation of truncated singular value decompositions. The present article presents an essentially black-box, foolproof implementation for Mathworks’ MATLAB, a popular software platform for numerical computation. As illustrated via several tests, the randomized algorithms for low-rank approximation outperform or at least match the classical deterministic techniques (such as Lanczos iterations run to convergence) in basically all respects: accuracy, computational efficiency (both speed and memory usage), ease-of-use, parallelizability, and reliability. However, the classical procedures remain the methods of choice for estimating spectral norms and are far superior for calculating the least singular values and corresponding singular vectors (or singular subspaces).
Algorithm 972
Authors: Pérez Juan F. , Silva Daniel F. , Góez Julio C. , Sarmiento Andrés , Sarmiento-Romero Andrés , Akhavan-Tabatabaei Raha , Riaño Germán
Published: January 2017

Markov chains (MC) are a powerful tool for modeling complex stochastic systems. Whereas a number of tools exist for
solving
different types of MC models, the first step in MC modeling is to define the model parameters. This step is, however, error prone and far from trivial when modeling complex systems. In this article, we introduce jMarkov, a framework for MC modeling that provides the user with the ability to define MC models from the basic rules underlying the system dynamics. From these rules, jMarkov automatically obtains the MC parameters and solves the model to determine steady-state and transient performance measures. The jMarkov framework is composed of four modules: (i) the main module supports MC models with a finite state space; (ii) the jQBD module enables the modeling of Quasi-Birth-and-Death processes, a class of MCs with infinite state space; (iii) the jMDP module offers the capabilities to determine optimal decision rules based on Markov Decision Processes; and (iv) the jPhase module supports the manipulation and inclusion of phase-type variables to represent more general behaviors than that of the standard exponential distribution. In addition, jMarkov is highly extensible, allowing the users to introduce new modeling abstractions and solvers.
Evaluating the Strength of Genomic Privacy Metrics
Authors: Wagner Isabel
Published: January 2017

The genome is a unique identifier for human individuals. The genome also contains highly sensitive information, creating a high potential for misuse of genomic data (for example, genetic discrimination). In this article, we investigate how genomic privacy can be measured in scenarios where an adversary aims to infer a person’s genomic markers by constructing probability distributions on the values of genetic variations. We measured the strength of privacy metrics by requiring that metrics are monotonic with increasing adversary strength and uncovered serious problems with several existing metrics currently used to measure genomic privacy. We provide suggestions on metric selection, interpretation, and visualization and illustrate the work flow using case studies for three real-world diseases.
Nonpharmacological Interventions Targeted at Delirium Risk Factors, Delivered by Trained Volunteers (Medical and Psychology Students), Reduced Need for Antipsychotic Medications and the Length of Hospital Stay in Aged Patients Admitted to an Acute Internal Medicine Ward: Pilot Study
Authors: Gorski Stanislaw , Piotrowicz Karolina , Rewiuk Krzysztof , Halicka Monika , Kalwak Weronika , Rybak Paulina , Grodzicki Tomasz
Published: January 2017

Purpose. Effectiveness of nonpharmacological multicomponent prevention delivered by trained volunteers (medical and psychology students), targeted at delirium risk factors in geriatric inpatients, was assessed at an internal medicine ward in Poland.Patients and Methods. Participants were recruited to intervention and control groups at the internal medicine ward (inclusion criteria: age ≥ 75, acute medical condition, basic orientation, and logical contact on admission; exclusion criteria: life expectancy < 24 hours, surgical hospitalization, isolation due to infectious disease, and discharge to other medical wards). Every day trained volunteers delivered a multicomponent standardized intervention targeted at risk factors of in-hospital complications to the intervention group. The control group, selected using a retrospective individual matching strategy (1 : 1 ratio, regarding age, gender, and time of hospitalization), received standard care.Outcome Measures.Hospitalization time, deaths, falls, delirium episodes, and antipsychotic prescriptions were assessed retrospectively from medical documentation.Results. 130 patients (38.4% males) participated in the study, with 65 in the intervention group. Antipsychotic medications were initiated less frequently in the intervention group compared to the control group. There was a trend towards a shorter hospitalization time and a not statistically significant decrease in deaths in the intervention group.Conclusion. Nonpharmacological multicomponent intervention targeted at delirium risk factors effectively reduced length of hospitalization and need for initiating antipsychotic treatment in elderly patients at the internal medicine ward.
Successful Treatment of Plasma Cell-Rich Acute Rejection Using Pulse Steroid Therapy Alone: A Case Report
Authors: Komatsuzaki Yo , Nakada Yasuyuki , Yamamoto Izumi , Kawabe Mayuko , Yamakawa Takafumi , Katsuma Ai , Katsumata Haruki , Mafune Aki , Kobayashi Akimitsu , Koike Yusuke , Yamada Hiroki , Miki Jun , Tanno Yudo , Ohkido Ichiro , Tsuboi Nobuo , Yokoyama Keitaro , Yamamoto Hiroyasu , Yokoo Takashi
Published: January 2017

Despite the recent development of immunosuppressive agents, plasma cell-rich acute rejection (PCAR) has remained refractory to treatment. Herein, we report an unusual case of PCAR that responded well to pulse steroid therapy alone. A 47-year-old man was admitted for a protocol biopsy three months after kidney transplantation, with a stable serum creatinine level of 1.6 mg/dL. Histological examination showed focal aggressive tubulointerstitial inflammatory cell infiltration of predominantly polyclonal mature plasma cells, leading to our diagnosis of PCAR. Three months following three consecutive days of high-dose methylprednisolone (mPSL) therapy, an allograft biopsy performed for therapy evaluation showed persistent PCAR. We readministered mPSL therapy and successfully resolved the PCAR. Although PCAR generally develops more than six months after transplantation, we diagnosed this case early, at three months after transplantation, with focally infiltrated PCAR. This case demonstrates the importance of early diagnosis and prompt treatment of PCAR to manage the development and severity of allograft rejection.
Modeling Beta-Traces for Beta-Barrels from Cryo-EM Density Maps
Authors: Si Dong , He Jing
Published: January 2017

Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has produced density maps of various resolutions. Althoughα-helices can be detected from density maps at 5–8 Å resolutions,β-strands are challenging to detect at such density maps due to close-spacing ofβ-strands. The variety of shapes ofβ-sheets adds the complexity ofβ-strands detection from density maps. We propose a new approach to model traces ofβ-strands forβ-barrel density regions that are extracted from cryo-EM density maps. In the test containing eightβ-barrels extracted from experimental cryo-EM density maps at 5.5 Å–8.25 Å resolution,StrandRollerdetected about 74.26% of the amino acids in theβ-strands with an overall 2.05 Å 2-way distance between the detectedβ-traces and the observed ones, if the best of the fifteen detection cases is considered.
Inferior Vena Cava and Renal Vein Thrombosis Associated with Thymic Carcinoma
Authors: Berbecar Vlad Teodor , Jurubita Roxana , Paraschiv Marina , Obrisca Bogdan , Sorohan Bogdan , Ismail Gener
Published: January 2017

Thymic tumors are rare mediastinal tumors that can present with a wide variety of symptoms. They can cause distant manifestations and are frequently associated with paraneoplastic syndromes. In our case, we describe the evolution of a 68-year-old male whose first manifestation was thrombosis of the inferior vena cava and renal veins. Thrombosis of large abdominal veins is rare, especially without being associated with any other comorbidity or risk factors.
Treatment Challenges of a Primary Vertebral Artery Aneurysm Causing Recurrent Ischemic Strokes
Authors: Strambo Davide , Peruzzotti-Jametti Luca , Semerano Aurora , Fanelli Giovanna , Simionato Franco , Chiesa Roberto , Rinaldi Enrico , Martinelli Vittorio , Comi Giancarlo , Bacigaluppi Marco , Sessa Maria
Published: January 2017

Background. Extracranial vertebral artery aneurysms are a rare cause of embolic stroke; surgical and endovascular therapy options are debated and long-term complication may occur. Case Report. A 53-year-old man affected by neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) came to our attention for recurrent vertebrobasilar embolic strokes, caused by a primary giant, partially thrombosed, fusiform aneurysm of the left extracranial vertebral artery. The aneurysm was treated by endovascular approach through deposition of Guglielmi Detachable Coils in the proximal segment of the left vertebral artery. Six years later the patient presented stroke recurrence. Cerebral angiography and Color Doppler Ultrasound well characterized the unique hemodynamic condition developed over the years responsible for the new embolic event: the aneurysm had been revascularized from its distal portion by reverse blood flow coming from the patent vertebrobasilar axis. A biphasic Doppler signal in the left vertebral artery revealed a peculiar behavior of the blood flow, alternately directed to the aneurysm and backwards to the basilar artery. Surgical ligation of the distal left vertebral artery and excision of the aneurysm were thus performed. Conclusion. This is the first described case of NF1-associated extracranial vertebral artery aneurysm presenting with recurrent embolic stroke. Complete exclusion of the aneurysm from the blood circulation is advisable to achieve full resolution of the embolic source.
Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment to Evaluate People with Addictions
Authors: Rojo-Mota Gloria , Pedrero-Pérez Eduardo J. , Ruiz-Sánchez de León José M. , León-Frade Irene , Aldea-Poyo Patricia , Alonso-Rodríguez Marina , Pedrero-Aguilar Jara , Morales-Alonso Sara
Published: January 2017

Background. The LOTCA (Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment) battery is a cognitive screening test which is widely used in occupational health. However, no work has been found that explores its use in addiction treatment.Objectives of Study. To explore the convergent validity of LOTCA with neuropsychological tests that assess related cerebral functional areas.Methods. The LOTCA, along with a battery of neuropsychological tests, was administered to a sample of 48 subjects who start a treatment by substance or gambling addictions.Findings. A correlational pattern was observed of a considerable magnitude between the effects of the LOTCA scales and those of some neuropsychological tests, but not with others. There is barely any convergence in measures with memory and executive function tests.Relevance to Clinical Practice. There is a lack of research applying test of occupational assessment to populations of patients treated by addictive behaviors. The LOTCA seems to be a reliable and valid test for preliminary screening of function in certain cognitive areas, easy, and quick to use (around 30 minutes). However, it must be supplemented with other tests for a full and ecological assessment of patients.Limitations. An incident, small-size sample.Recommendations for Further Research. New studies are needed to explore the applicability, diagnostic validity, and whole psychometric quality of the test in addiction-related treatment.
Undilatable Stent Neoatherosclerosis Treated with Ad Hoc Rotational Atherectomy
Authors: Koutouzis Michael , Agelaki Maria , Maniotis Christos , Tsiafoutis Ioannis , Patris Vasileios , Argyriou Mihalis
Published: January 2017

A middle age woman with known ischemic heart disease and old stents in proximal left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) was admitted to Coronary Care Unit with acute coronary syndrome. The coronary angiography showed one vessel disease with significant restenosis within the previously implanted stents. The lesion was tough and remained undilatable despite high pressure balloon inflation. Eventually, the balloon ruptured creating a massive dissection of the LAD beginning immediately after the distal part of the undilatable lesion. We proceeded with a challenging ad hoc rotational atherectomy of the lesion and finally stenting of the lesion. In-stent restenosis many years after stent implantation is considered to be mainly due to neoatheromatosis compared to intimal hyperplasia, making lesion treatment more difficult and unpredictable.
Semifragile Speech Watermarking Based on Least Significant Bit Replacement of Line Spectral Frequencies
Authors: Nematollahi Mohammad Ali , Vorakulpipat Chalee , Gamboa Rosales Hamurabi
Published: January 2017

There are various techniques for speech watermarking based on modifying the linear prediction coefficients (LPCs); however, the estimated and modified LPCs vary from each other even without attacks. Because line spectral frequency (LSF) has less sensitivity to watermarking than LPC, watermark bits are embedded into the maximum number of LSFs by applying the least significant bit replacement (LSBR) method. To reduce the differences between estimated and modified LPCs, a checking loop is added to minimize the watermark extraction error. Experimental results show that the proposed semifragile speech watermarking method can provide high imperceptibility and that any manipulation of the watermark signal destroys the watermark bits since manipulation changes it to a random stream of bits.
The Role of CYP2E1 in the Drug Metabolism or Bioactivation in the Brain
Authors: García-Suástegui W. A. , Ramos-Chávez L. A. , Rubio-Osornio M. , Calvillo-Velasco M. , Atzin-Méndez J. A. , Guevara J. , Silva-Adaya D.
Published: January 2017

Organisms have metabolic pathways that are responsible for removing toxic agents. We always associate the liver as the major organ responsible for detoxification of the body; however this process occurs in many tissues. In the same way, as in the liver, the brain expresses metabolic pathways associated with the elimination of xenobiotics. Besides the detoxifying role of CYP2E1 for compounds such as electrophilic agents, reactive oxygen species, free radical products, and the bioactivation of xenobiotics, CYP2E1 is also related in several diseases and pathophysiological conditions. In this review, we describe the presence of phase I monooxygenase CYP2E1 in regions of the brain. We also explore the conditions where protein, mRNA, and the activity of CYP2E1 are induced. Finally, we describe the relation of CYP2E1 in brain disorders, including the behavioral relations for alcohol consumption via CYP2E1 metabolism.
Characteristics of Hemorrhagic Stroke following Spine and Joint Surgeries
Authors: Yang Fei , Zhao Jianning , Xu Haidong
Published: January 2017

Hemorrhagic stroke can occur after spine and joint surgeries such as laminectomy, lumbar spinal fusion, tumor resection, and total joint arthroplasty. Although this kind of stroke rarely happens, it may cause severe consequences and high mortality rates. Typical clinical symptoms of hemorrhagic stroke after spine and joint surgeries include headache, vomiting, consciousness disturbance, and mental disorders. It can happen several hours after surgeries. Most bleeding sites are located in cerebellar hemisphere and temporal lobe. A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage caused by surgeries may be the key to intracranial hemorrhages happening. Early diagnosis and treatments are very important for patients to prevent the further progression of intracranial hemorrhages. Several patients need a hematoma evacuation and their prognosis is not optimistic.
Chronic Subdural Hematoma Associated with Thrombocytopenia in a Patient with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in Cameroon
Authors: Nkoke Clovis , Luchuo Engelbert Bain , Teuwafeu Denis , Nepetsoun Ines , Nkouonlack Cyrille
Published: January 2017

Hematological abnormalities including thrombocytopenia are common in patients living with HIV infection. Patients with HIV infection related thrombocytopenia present generally with only minor bleeding problems. But cases of subdural hematoma are very rare. A 61-year-old female with a history of HIV infection of 9 years’ duration presented with a 3-month history of generalized headache associated with visual blurring and anterograde amnesia. There was no history of trauma or fever. She was treated empirically for cerebral toxoplasmosis for 6 weeks without any improvement of the symptoms. One week prior to admission, she developed weakness of the left side of the body. Clinical examination revealed left-sided hemiparesis. Computed tomography scan of the brain showed a 25 mm chronic right frontoparietotemporal subdural hematoma compressing the lateral ventricle with midline shift. There was no appreciable cerebral atrophy. A complete blood count showed leucopenia and thrombocytopenia at 92,000 cells/mm3. Her CD4-positive cell count was 48 cells/mm3 despite receiving combination antiretroviral therapy for 9 years. A complete blood count analysis suggestive of thrombocytopenia should raise suspicion of possibilities of noninfectious focal brain lesions like subdural hematoma amongst HIV infected patients presenting with nonspecific neurological symptoms. This will enable prompt diagnosis and allow early appropriate intervention.
A Novel Nonpedicular Screw-Based Fixation in Lumbar Spondylolisthesis
Authors: Chen Ming-Hong , Chen Jen-Yuh
Published: January 2017

Objective. The authors present the clinical results obtained in patients who underwent interspinous fusion device (IFD) implantation following posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF). The purpose of this study is investigating the feasibility of IFD with PLIF in the treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis. Methods. Between September 2013 and November 2014, 39 patients underwent PLIF and subsequent IFD (Romeo®2 PAD, Spineart, Geneva, Switzerland) implantation. Medical records of these patients were retrospectively reviewed to collect relevant data such as blood loss, operative time, and length of hospital stay. Radiographs and clinical outcome were evaluated 6 weeks and 12 months after surgery. Results. All 39 patients were followed up for more than one year. There were no major complications such as dura tear, nerve injuries, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, or deep infection. Both interbody and interspinous fusion could be observed on radiographs one year after surgery. However, there were 5 patients having early retropulsion of interbody fusion devices. Conclusion. The interspinous fusion device appears to achieve posterior fixation and facilitate lumbar fusion in selected patients. However, further study is mandatory for proposing a novel anatomic and radiological scoring system to identify patients suitable for this treatment modality and prevent postoperative complications.