bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ADAPTIVE-SCALE DAMAGE DETECTION FOR FRAME STRUCTURES USING BEAM-TYPE WAVELET FINITE ELEMENT: EXPERIMENTAL VALIDATION
Authors: ZHU SONGYE , HE WEN-YU , REN WEI-XIN
Published: November 2013

The superior human vision system provides ingenious insight into an ideal damage detection strategy in which structural modeling scales are not only spatially varying but also dynamically changed according to actual needs. This paper experimentally examines the efficacy of a multi-scale damage detection method based on wavelet finite element model (WFEM). The beam-type wavelet finite element in this study utilizes the second-generation cubic Hermite multi-wavelets as interpolation functions. The dynamic testing results of a one-bay steel portal frame with multiple damages are employed in the experimental validation. Through a multi-stage updating of the WFEM, the multiple damages in the steel portal frame are detected in a progressive manner: the suspected region is first identified using a low-scale structural model, and the more accurate location and severity of the damage can be identified using a multi-scale model with local refinement. As the multi-scale WFEM considerably facilitates the adaptive change of modeling scales, the proposed multi-scale damage detection method can efficiently locate and quantify damage with minimal computation effort and a limited number of updating parameters and sensors, compared with conventional finite element methods.
MODELING OF A VAPOR-COMPRESSION CHILLER FOR PERFORMANCE STUDY
Authors: HUANG MENGWEI , YAO YE
Published: November 2013

A variable speed refrigeration system was designed to supply chilled liquid for cooling high-power electronic devices to maintain the temperature at an acceptable level. Fin-plate heat exchangers were adopted to save space. The paper presents the simulation of the refrigeration system to study its steady performance. The simulation model was developed by using a detailed thermodynamic model and containing a series of heat transfer correlations for specific parameters. The cooling capacity of the refrigeration system under different working conditions is investigated. The simulation results keep in agreement with experimental data. The cooling capacity increases with the rise of cooled oil inlet temperature. Besides, condenser cooling liquid inlet temperature affects the cooling capacity greatly. The cooling capacity and the coefficient of performance (COP) of the system under different motor speeds are studied subsequently. The simulation results have been validated by experiments. The mean relative error of the cooling capacity and the COP between simulation results and experimental data is 12.6% and 4.8%, respectively. The results can be used to develop control strategy for regulating refrigeration flow rate to offer adequate cooling capacity and supply cooled oil of constant temperature.
SPINTRONIC MEMORY-BASED RECONFIGURABLE COMPUTING
Authors: ZHAO WEISHENG , BRUM RAPHAEL MARTINS , TORRES LIONEL , KLEIN JACQUES-OLIVIER , SASSATELLI GILLES , RAVELOSONA DAFINÉ , CHAPPERT CLAUDE
Published: November 2013

Reconfigurable computing provides a number of advantages such as low Research and Development (R&D) cost and design flexibility when compared to application specific logic circuits (ASLC). However its low power efficiency greatly limits its applications. One of the major reasons of this shortcoming is that Static Random Access Memory (SRAM)-based configuration memory occupies a large die area and consumes high static power. The later is more severe due to the rapidly increasing leakage currents, which are intrinsic and become worse following the fabrication node shrinking. Spintronic memories (e.g., STT-MRAM and racetrack memory (RM)) are emerging nonvolatile memory technologies under intense investigation by both academics and industries. They promise ultra-high storage density, nonvolatility and low power. In this paper, we review the current status of spintronic memories for reconfigurable computing, the related device-circuit-system design requirements and present its perspectives. Mixed simulations based on spintronic device compact models show its high density and low power performance when compared to conventional SRAM-based reconfigurable computing.
MAGNETORESISTANCE OF NARROW GAP MAGNETIC SEMICONDUCTOR HETEROJUNCTIONS
Authors: WESSELS B. W.
Published: November 2013

Narrow gap III–V semiconductors have been investigated for semiconductor spintronics. By alloying these semiconductors with manganese magnetic semiconductors result. Large magnetoresistance (MR) effects have been observed in narrow gap magnetic semiconductor p–n heterojunctions. The MR which is positive is attributed to spin selective carrier scattering. For an InMnAs / InAs heterojunction a diode MR of 2680% is observed at room temperature and high magnetic fields. This work indicates that highly spin-polarized magnetic semiconductor heterojunctions can be realized that operate at room temperature. Devices based on the MR include spin diodes and bipolar magnetic junction transistors. We utilize the diode MR states to create a binary logic family.
Contracts for First-Class Classes
Authors: Strickland T. Stephen , Dimoulas Christos , Takikawa Asumu , Felleisen Matthias
Published: November 2013

First-class classes enable programmers to abstract over patterns in the class hierarchy and to experiment with new forms of object-oriented programming such as mixins and traits. This increase in expressive power calls for tools to control the complexity of the software architecture. A contract system is one possible tool that has seen much use in object-oriented programming languages, but existing contract systems cannot cope with first-class classes. On the one hand, the typical contract language deals only with plain values such as numbers, while classes are higher-order values. On the other hand, contract specifications are usually contained within class definitions, while classes as values call for a separate contract language.

This article presents the design and implementation of a contract system for first-class classes as well as a two-pronged evaluation. The first one states and proves a “blame correctness” theorem for a model of our language. The theorem shows that when the contract system assigns blame to a component for a contract violation, the component is indeed responsible for providing the nonconforming value. The second part, consisting of benchmarks and case studies, demonstrates the need for the rich contract language and validates that our implementation approach is performant with respect to time.
A short report on WikiSym + OpenSym 2013
Authors: RIEHLE DIRK
Published: November 2013

WikiSym + OpenSym 2013 is the
2013 Joint International Symposium on Open Collaboration
, a conference for and by researchers and practitioners of open collaboration, which took place in Hong Kong on Aug 5-7, 2013.
Criminal network investigation is all about hypertext
Authors: Petersen Rasmus Rosenqvist
Published: November 2013

Criminal network investigations in policing, intelligence, and journalism face a number of challenges that can impact their success or failure. Some challenges, like political decisions to increase or reduce investigation resources, or amendments to criminal law that provide investigators with more wide reaching options for survaillence and interrogation are primarily in uenced by jurisprudence researchers and social scientists. Other challenges, such as those related to information about a criminal network, network investigation processes, and human factors during investigations can be supported by software tools to assist criminal network investigators. Based on the information, process, and human factors challenges, we formulated a hypothesis for useful tool support, and analyzed problems related to each challenge. Our response to these problems was a list of requirements that guided the development of new processes, tools, and techniques with the aim of reducing the impact of the challenges and support the hypothesis. We propose hypertext as the key technology to bridge investigators and tools, to provide integrated support of information synhesis and sense-making, and to increase the capabilities of investigators by leveraging man-machine synergies.
"Mining events from the literature for bioinformatics applications" by S. Ananiadou, P. Thompson, and R. Nawaz; with Martin Vesely as coordinator
Authors: Ananiadou Sophia , Thompson Paul , Nawaz Raheel
Published: November 2013

The ever-increasing rate at which scientific articles are being published means that text mining (TM) is becoming a necessary technology to allow information relevant to a user's search to be isolated from the potential mountain of irrelevant information. Whilst the extraction of named entities, such as genes, proteins and phenotypes, is a well-studied topic, researchers are usually interested in discovering information about specific types of biomedical reactions in which these entities are involved. In order to facilitate efficient searching for such reactions, TM systems need to account for the fact that various types of relationships and links exist between entities in texts. In this article, we describe how the identification of such relationships, together with interpretative information from their textual contexts, can help to create structured representations of biomedical reactions (called events) from unstructured text. We detail the various challenges of extracting events from text, and explain how various tools, resources and infrastructures can help in the development of event extraction systems. Finally, we describe some concrete applications that make use of event extraction technology, i.e., semantic search systems and linking biological pathways with textual evidence.
Upcoming SIGWEB supported conferences
Authors: Samuel Hamman
Published: November 2013

The Special Interest Group on Hypertext and the Web, SIGWEB was created in 1989 to support the community participating in the annual ACM Hypertext Conference. Now in its third decade, SIGWEB has grown considerably and now sponsors five annual conferences of different sizes and covering a wide range of topics. SIGWEB supports several specialized conferences, short courses, and workshops, as well as the Annual Hypertext Conference. SIGWEB sponsored conferences focus on timely topics in applied and computational hypertext and Web disciplines and provide a place for members and the entire applied Hypermedia and Web community to exchange ideas and to meet with and expand their network of colleagues. In this article, we provide a brief overview of SIGWEB sponsored conferences, in addition to events that are in cooperation with SIGWEB.
Five Reasons to Download Adobe Presenter
Authors: Wiggins Craig
Published: November 2013

In this review, Craig Wiggins takes a look at Adobe Presenter 9 and weighs the values of its new features.
Designing mobile advertising
Authors: Asimakopoulos Stavros , Spillers Frank , Boretos George , Liu Zhengjie
Published: November 2013

As mobile-based applications and services are expanding, the need to take a human-centred approach in their design and adoption becomes ever more important. This study aims to provide an understanding of users from different countries and principles that support better design of user experience (UX) in the context of mobile advertising.
ACM HotMobile 2013 demo
Authors: Lindgren Anders , Ohlman Börje , Persson Karl-Åke , Eriksson Anders , Pöyhönen Petteri , Tuononen Janne , Kutscher Dirk
Published: November 2013

Large crowds at popular public events often create a high load on the cellular network infrastructure. Operators dimension their networks based on regular demand, and do not want to spend more than is needed for typical peak-loads in one location. The NetInf architecture for information-centric networks and its benefits over IP networks is apparent in this scenario. In this demo, the operation of NetInf and its benefits are shown through a NetInf service API and applications running on Android devices, combined with a backend NetInf infrastructure.
ACM HotMobile 2013 poster
Authors: Mefenza Michael , Yonga Franck , Bobda Christophe
Published: November 2013

Design verification takes 80 % of times in the flow design of hardware/software applications. To reduce this duration, subsequent transformations are performed across different levels of abstraction until the final implementation. We propose a rapid prototyping camera system based on FPGAs, which allows designs to be explored and evaluated in realistic environments. Our focus is on the design of a generic embedded hardware/software architecture with a symbolic representation of the input application to allow a programmability at a very high abstraction level. The hardware/software partitioning is facilitated through the integration of OpenCV and SystemC in the same environment for rapid simulation and OpenCV and Linux in the run-time environment.
ACM HotMobile 2013 poster
Authors: Grassi Giulio , Pesavento Davide , Wang Lucas , Pau Giovanni , Vuyyuru Rama , Wakikawa Ryuji , Zhang Lixia
Published: November 2013

In this paper we apply the Named Data Networking, a newly proposed Internet architecture, to networking vehicles on the run. Our design, V-NDN , illustrates NDN's promising potential to providing a unifying architecture that enables networking among all computing devices independent from whether they are connected through wired infrastructure, ad hoc, or intermittent DTN.
ACM HotMobile 2013 poster
Authors: Yan Tingxin , Yang Jing
Published: November 2013

We proposes CPM, a participation management framework that enables cost-efficient task distribution in crowdsensing applications. The core enablers of CPM include participation pattern learning, incentive modeling, and cost-optimized task allocation. Our preliminary results demonstrate that CPM reduces the participation cost significantly while maintaining almost the same sensing quality compared with existing schemes.
ACM HotMobile 2013 Poster
Authors: Ryu Junhee , Ko Kwangjin , Shin Heonshik , Kang Kyungtae
Published: November 2013

This paper presents a novel prefetching technique to reduce application launch time for mobile devices. The proposed method traces disk access accurately during an application launch and prefetches them in efficient way at its subsequent launches. The key idea is to parallelize the use of processor and flash disk while exploiting multi-core and internal parallelism on flash disk. The proposed prefetcher implemented on a mobile Meego platform has achieved a 28.1% reduction of application launch time with 6 popular applications.
Evaluation of Different Wastewater Treatment Processes and Development of a Modified Attached Growth Bioreactor as a Decentralized Approach for Small Communities
Authors: Azizi Shohreh , Valipour Alireza , Sithebe Thami
Published: November 2013

This study was undertaken to evaluate the potential future use of three biological processes in order to designate the most desired solution for on‐site treatment of wastewater from residential complexes, that is, conventional activated sludge process (CASP), moving‐bed biofilm reactor (MBBR), and packed‐bed biofilm reactor (PBBR). Hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 6, 3, and 2 h can be achieved in CASP, MBBR, and PBBR, respectively. The PBBR dealt with a particular arrangement to prevent the restriction of oxygen transfer efficiency into the thick biofilms. The laboratory scale result revealed that the overall reduction of 87% COD, 92% BOD5, 82% TSS, 79% NH3‐N, 43% PO4‐P, 95% MPN, and 97% TVC at a HRT of 2 h was achieved in PBBR. The microflora present in the system was also estimated through the isolation, identification, and immobilization of the microorganisms with an index of COD elimination. The number of bacterial species examined on the nutrient agar medium was 22 and five bacterial species were documented to degrade the organic pollutants by reducing COD by more than 43%. This study illustrated that the present PBBR with a specific modified internal arrangement could be an ideal practice for promoting sustainable decentralization and therefore providing a low wastage sludge biomass concentration.
Pattern Recognition Receptors and Cytokines inMycobacterium tuberculosisInfection—The Double-Edged Sword?
Authors: Hossain Md. Murad , Norazmi Mohd-Nor
Published: November 2013

Tuberculosis, an infectious disease caused byMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb), remains a major cause of human death worldwide. Innate immunity provides host defense against Mtb. Phagocytosis, characterized by recognition of Mtb by macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs), is the first step of the innate immune defense mechanism. The recognition of Mtb is mediated by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), expressed on innate immune cells, including toll-like receptors (TLRs), complement receptors, nucleotide oligomerization domain like receptors, dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN), mannose receptors, CD14 receptors, scavenger receptors, and FCγreceptors. Interaction of mycobacterial ligands with PRRs leads macrophages and DCs to secrete selected cytokines, which in turn induce interferon-γ- (IFNγ-) dominated immunity. IFNγand other cytokines like tumor necrosis factor-α(TNFα) regulate mycobacterial growth, granuloma formation, and initiation of the adaptive immune response to Mtb and finally provide protection to the host. However, Mtb can evade destruction by antimicrobial defense mechanisms of the innate immune system as some components of the system may promote survival of the bacteria in these cells and facilitate pathogenesis. Thus, although innate immunity components generally play a protective role against Mtb, they may also facilitate Mtb survival. The involvement of selected PRRs and cytokines on these seemingly contradictory roles is discussed.
Assessment of the Kinematic Parameters of Distant Noncooperative Objects
Authors: Kuščer Lovro , Diaci Janez
Published: November 2013

The paper presents a method and a system for assessing the kinematic parameters of distant noncooperative objects. An experimental measuring system was developed using a long distance laser rangefinder, a GPS receiver, an electronic inclinometer, and a CCD camera mounted on a motorized pan-tilt unit. During the measurement process, the system first establishes its position and orientation in a global coordinate system. Particle filtering approach based on adaptive template matching is used to track a moving object of interest in the acquired digital image sequence. The tracking and rangefinder data is employed to determine in real time the relative position of the object, thus obtaining its 3D trajectory and velocity. To enable repetitive range measurements, the tracking data is also used to actuate the pan-tilt unit directing the rangefinder towards the object. Experiments are presented which demonstrate the performance of the system for characterization of movement of vehicles and people at kilometer-range distances.
Enhanced Ca2+ Entry and Tyrosine Phosphorylation Mediate Nanostructure‐Induced Endothelial Proliferation
Authors: Schernthaner Michaela , Leitinger Gerd , Wolinski Heimo , Kohlwein Sepp D. , Reisinger Bettina , Barb Ruxandra-A. , Graier Wolfgang F. , Heitz Johannes , Groschner Klaus
Published: November 2013

Nanostructured substrates have been recognized to initiate transcriptional programs promoting cell proliferation. Specifically β‐catenin has been identified as transcriptional regulator, activated by adhesion to nanostructures. We set out to identify processes responsible for nanostructure‐induced endothelial β‐catenin signaling. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of cell contacts to differently sized polyethylene terephthalate (PET) surface structures (ripples with 250 to 300 nm and walls with 1.5 µm periodicity) revealed different patterns of cell‐substrate interactions. Cell adhesion to ripples occurred exclusively on ripple peaks, while cells were attached to walls continuously. The Src kinase inhibitor PP2 was active only in cells grown on ripples, while the Abl inhibitors dasatinib and imatinib suppressed β‐catenin translocation on both structures. Moreover, Gd3+ sensitive Ca2+ entry was observed in response to mechanical stimulation or Ca2+ store depletion exclusively in cells grown on ripples. Both PP2 and Gd3+ suppressed β‐catenin nuclear translocation along with proliferation in cells grown on ripples but not on walls. Our results suggest that adhesion of endothelial cells to ripple structured PET induces highly specific, interface topology‐dependent changes in cellular signalling, characterized by promotion of Gd3+‐sensitive Ca2+ entry and Src/Abl activation. We propose that these signaling events are crucially involved in nanostructure‐induced promotion of cell proliferation.
Perioperative Variables Contributing to the Rupture of Intracranial Aneurysm: An Update
Authors: Chowdhury Tumul , Cappellani Ronald B. , Sandu Nora , Schaller Bernhard , Daya Jayesh
Published: November 2013

Background. Perioperative aneurysm rupture (PAR) is one of the most dreaded complications of intracranial aneurysms, and approximately 80% of nontraumatic SAHs are related to such PAR aneurysms. The literature is currently scant and even controversial regarding the issues of various contributory factors on different phases of perioperative period. Thus this paper highlights the current understanding of various risk factors, variables, and outcomes in relation to PAR and try to summarize the current knowledge. Method. We have performed a PubMed search (1 January 1991–31 December 2012) using search terms including “cerebral aneurysm,” “intracranial aneurysm,” and “intraoperative/perioperative rupture.” Results. Various risk factors are summarized in relation to different phases of perioperative period and their relationship with outcome is also highlighted. There exist many well‐known preoperative variables which are responsible for the highest percentage of PAR. The role of other variables in the intraoperative/postoperative period is not well known; however, these factors may have important contributory roles in aneurysm rupture. Preoperative variables mainly include natural course (age, gender, and familial history) as well as the pathophysiological factors (size, type, location, comorbidities, and procedure). Previously ruptured aneurysm is associated with rupture in all the phases of perioperative period. On the other hand intraoperative/postoperative variables usually depend upon anesthesia and surgery related factors. Intraoperative rupture during predissection phase is associated with poor outcome while intraoperative rupture at any step during embolization procedure imposes poor outcome. Conclusion. We have tried to create such an initial categorization but know that we cannot scale according to its clinical importance. Thorough understanding of various risk factors and other variables associated with PAR will assist in better clinical management as well as patient care in this group and will give insight into the development and prevention of such a catastrophic complication in these patients.
Convolutional Neural Network Applied to Traversability Analysis of Vehicles
Authors: Linhui Li , Mengmeng Wang , Xinli Ding , Jing Lian , Yunpeng Zong
Published: November 2013

We focus on the need for traversability analysis of vehicles with convolutional neural networks. Most related approaches to traversability analysis of vehicles suffer from the limitations imposed by extracting explicit features, algorithm scalability, and environment adaptivity. In views of this, an approach based on the convolutional neural network (CNN) is presented to traversability analysis of vehicles, which can extract implicit features. Besides, in order to enhance the training speed and accuracy, preprocessing and normalization are adopted before training. The experimental results demonstrate that our method achieves high accuracy and strong robustness.
A Parallelization Scheme for New DPD-B Thermostats
Authors: Moga S. A. , Dragoi G. , Hadar A. , Goga N.
Published: November 2013

This paper presents the MPI parallelization of a new algorithm—DPD-B thermostat—for molecular dynamics simulations. The presented results are using Martini Coarse Grained Water System. It should be taken into account that molecular dynamics simulations are time consuming. In some cases the running time varies from days to weeks and even months. Therefore, parallelization is one solution for reducing the execution time. The paper describes the new algorithm, the main characteristics of the MPI parallelization of the new algorithm, and the simulation performances.
Weak Solutions for a Second Order Dirichlet Boundary Value Problem on Time Scale
Authors: Lou Wandong
Published: November 2013

We adopt the Leray-Schauder degree theory and critical point theory to consider a second order Dirichlet boundary value problem on time scales and obtain some existence theorems of weak solutions for the previous problem.
Deformation Properties and Fatigue of Bituminous Mixtures
Authors: Schlosser Frantisek , Mikolaj Jan , Zatkalikova Viera , Sramek Juraj , Durekova Dominika , Remek Lubos
Published: November 2013

Deformation properties and fatigue performance are important characteristics of asphalt bound materials which are used for construction of pavement layers. Viscoelastic asphalt mixtures are better characterized via dynamic tests. This type of tests allows us to collate materials with regard to axle vibrations which lie usually in the range of 6 Hz–25 Hz for standard conditions. Asphalt modified for heat sensitivity in the range from −20°C to +60°C has significant impact on the overall characteristics of the mixture. Deformation properties are used as inputs for empirical mixture design, and fatigue performance of asphalt mixtures reflects the parameters of functional tests. Master curves convey properties of asphalt mixtures for various conditions and allow us to evaluate them without the need of time expensive testing.
Potential Roles ofStevia rebaudianaBertoni in Abrogating Insulin Resistance and Diabetes: A Review
Authors: Mohd-Radzman Nabilatul Hani , Ismail W. I. W. , Adam Zainah , Jaapar Siti Safura , Adam Aishah
Published: November 2013

Insulin resistance is a key factor in metabolic disorders like hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, which are promoted by obesity and may later lead to Type II diabetes mellitus. In recent years, researchers have identified links between insulin resistance and many noncommunicable illnesses other than diabetes. Hence, studying insulin resistance is of particular importance in unravelling the pathways employed by such diseases. In this review, mechanisms involving free fatty acids, adipocytokines such as TNFαand PPARγand serine kinases like JNK and IKKβ, asserted to be responsible in the development of insulin resistance, will be discussed. Suggested mechanisms for actions in normal and disrupted states were also visualised in several manually constructed diagrams to capture an overall view of the insulin-signalling pathway and its related components. The underlying constituents of medicinal significance found in theStevia rebaudianaBertoni plant (among other plants that potentiate antihyperglycemic activities) were explored in further depth. Understanding these factors and their mechanisms may be essential for comprehending the progression of insulin resistance towards the development of diabetes mellitus.
Sinus Fungus Ball in the Japanese Population: Clinical and Imaging Characteristics of 104 Cases
Authors: Nomura Kazuhiro , Asaka Daiya , Nakayama Tsuguhisa , Okushi Tetsushi , Matsuwaki Yoshinori , Yoshimura Tsuyoshi , Yoshikawa Mamoru , Otori Nobuyoshi , Kobayashi Toshimitsu , Moriyama Hiroshi
Published: November 2013

Sinus fungus ball is defined as noninvasive chronic fungal rhinosinusitis occurring in immunocompetent patients with regional characteristics. The clinical and imaging characteristics of paranasal sinus fungus ball were retrospectively investigated in 104 Japanese patients. All patients underwent endoscopic sinus surgery. Preoperative computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, age, sex, chief complaint, causative fungus, and clinical outcome were analyzed. Patients were aged from 25 to 79 years (mean 58.8 years). Female predominance was noted (58.7%). Most common symptoms were nasal discharge and facial pain. CT showed high density area in 82.0% of the cases (82/100), whereas T2-weighted MR imaging showed low intensity area in 100% of the cases (32/32). Histological examination showed that most causative agents wereAspergillusspecies (94.2% (98/104)). Culture test was positive for 16.7% (11/66). Recurrence was found in 3.2% (3/94). Older age and female predominance were consistent with previous reports. MR imaging is recommended to confirm the diagnosis.
On the 2-MRS Problem in a Tree with Unreliable Edges
Authors: Ding Wei , Zhou Yu , Chen Guangting , Wang Hongfa , Wang Guangming
Published: November 2013

This paper extends the well-known most reliable source (1-MRS) problem in unreliable graphs to the 2-most reliable source (2-MRS) problem. Two kinds of reachable probability models of node pair in unreliable graphs are considered, that is, the superior probability and united probability. The 2-MRS problem aims to find a node pair in the graph from which the expected number of reachable nodes or the minimum reachability is maximized. It has many important applications in large-scale unreliable computer or communication networks. The #P-hardness of the 2-MRS problem in general graphs follows directly from that of the 1-MRS problem. This paper deals with four models of the 2-MRS problem in unreliable trees where every edge has an independent working probability and devises a cubic-time and quadratic-space dynamic programming algorithm, respectively, for each model.
A Discrete-TimeGeo/G/1Retrial Queue withJVacations and Two Types of Breakdowns
Authors: Zhang Feng , Zhu Zhifeng
Published: November 2013

This paper is concerned with a discrete-timeGeo/G/1retrial queueing model withJvacations and two types of breakdowns. If the orbit is empty, the server takes at mostJvacations repeatedly until at least one customer appears in the orbit upon returning from a vacation. It is assumed that the server is subject to two types of different breakdowns and is sent immediately for repair. We analyze the Markov chain underlying the considered queueing system and derive the system state distribution as well as the orbit size and the system size distributions in terms of their generating functions. Then, we obtain some performance measures through the generating functions. Moreover, the stochastic decomposition property and the corresponding continuous-time queueing system are investigated. Finally, some numerical examples are provided to illustrate the effect of vacations and breakdowns on several performance measures of the system.
Radiological Control of the Floating Mass Transducer Attached to the Round Window
Authors: Todt Ingo , Rademacher G. , Wagner J. , Mittmann P. , Basta Dietmar , Ernst Arne
Published: November 2013

The surgical rehabilitation of mixed hearing losses can be performed by coupling the floating mass transducer of the Vibrant Soundbridge to the round window. The quality of coupling the floating mass transducer to the round window is crucial for the audiological outcome. It was the aim of this study to further observe the different patterns of floating mass transducer position at the round window. We compared twenty patients with mixed hearing loss implanted with a floating mass transducer attached to the round window and 24 surgeries between 5/2007 and 6/2010. An evaluation of the chronological observation of the flat panel angiography‐controlled position of the floating mass transducer at the round window with relation to the surgical report and the audiological outcome was done. We observed no changes in the mean pre‐ and postbone conduction thresholds. The floating mass transducer position was variable and could be radiologically classified and correlated with the audiologically outcome. A learning curve was observed from the earlier to later implantations. Postoperative, radiological evaluation of the location and angle of the floating mass transducer by means of flat panel tomography allowed us to classify the floating mass transducer position at the round window into 4 groups.
Investigating the Properties of CIS Absorber Layer by Using the Spray Coating Method
Authors: Diao Chien-Chen , Yang Cheng-Fu , Wu Chia-Ching , Lan Wen-How , Chen Yen-Lin
Published: November 2013

The CuInSe2absorber layers were deposited on Mo/glass substrates by using the spray coating method (SCM). At first, the CIS powder was ground into nanoscale particles; then the 6 wt% CIS particles were dispersed into isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to get the solution for SCM. 0.05 mL CIS solution was sprayed on the 2 cm × 1 cm Mo/glass substrates, and then the CIS solution films were annealed in a selenization furnace under different parameters. At first, the extra 0.2 g Se was put in the furnace, the selenization time was 5 min, and the selenization temperature was changed from 450°C to 600°C. After finding the better selenization temperature of 550°C and setting the selenization time at 5 min, the selenization process was set at 550°C and the extra Se content was changed from 0 g to 0.6 g. The influences of the selenization temperature and extra Se content on the surface and cross-section morphologies, crystallization, hall mobility, and carrier concentration and resistivity of the CIS absorber layers were well investigated in this study.
N-n-Butyl Haloperidol Iodide Ameliorates Cardiomyocytes Hypoxia/Reoxygenation Injury by Extracellular Calcium-Dependent and -Independent Mechanisms
Authors: Zhang Yanmei , Chen Gaoyong , Zhong Shuping , Zheng Fuchun , Gao Fenfei , Chen Yicun , Huang Zhanqin , Cai Wenfeng , Li Weiqiu , Liu Xingping , Zheng Yanshan , Xu Han , Shi Ganggang
Published: November 2013

N-n-butyl haloperidol iodide (F2) has been shown to antagonize myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury by blocking calcium channels. This study explores the biological functions of ERK pathway in cardiomyocytes hypoxia/reoxygenation injury and clarifies the mechanisms by which F2ameliorates cardiomyocytes hypoxia/reoxygenation injury through the extracellular-calcium-dependent and -independent ERK1/2-related pathways. In extracellularcalcium-containing hypoxia/reoxygenation cardiomyocytes, PKCαand ERK1/2 were activated, Egr-1 protein level and cTnI leakage increased, and cell viability decreased. The ERK1/2 inhibitors suppressed extracellular-calcium-containing-hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced Egr-1 overexpression and cardiomyocytes injury. PKCαinhibitor downregulated extracellularcalcium-containing-hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced increase in p-ERK1/2 and Egr-1 expression. F2downregulated hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced elevation of p-PKCα, p-ERK1/2, and Egr-1 expression and inhibited cardiomyocytes damage. The ERK1/2 and PKCαactivators antagonized F2’s effects. In extracellular-calcium-free-hypoxia/reoxygenation cardiomyocytes, ERK1/2 was activated, LDH and cTnI leakage increased, and cell viability decreased. F2and ERK1/2 inhibitors antagonized extracellular-calcium-free-hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced ERK1/2 activation and suppressed cardiomyocytes damage. The ERK1/2 activator antagonized F2’s above effects. F2had no effect on cardiomyocyte cAMP content or PKA and Egr-1 expression. Altogether, ERK activation in extracellular-calcium-containing and extracellular-calcium-free hypoxia/reoxygenation leads to cardiomyocytes damage. F2may ameliorate cardiomyocytes hypoxia/reoxygenation injury by regulating the extracellular-calcium-dependent PKCα/ERK1/2/Egr-1 pathway and through the extracellular-calcium-independent ERK1/2 activation independently of the cAMP/PKA pathway or Egr-1 overexpression.
Railroad Track Deterioration Characteristics Based Track Measurement Data Mining
Authors: Xu Peng , Liu Reng-Kui , Wang Feng , Wang Fu-Tian , Sun Quan-Xin
Published: November 2013

Accurate information on future railroad track condition is essential to optimally schedule track Maintenance & Renewal activities in order to minimize influences of the activities on rail traffic under constraints of limited budgets and maintaining allowable condition tracks. In this paper, a track measurement data mining method is presented to this aim. It is developed on the basis of track deterioration characteristics. Actual track measurement data is used to analyze errors in track condition predictions by the method. The analysis results show that the proposed method can mine accurate track deterioration rates from historical track measurement data and thus accurately provides future track condition two or three months in advance.
A Collagen-Remodeling Gene Signature Regulated by TGF-β Signaling Is Associated with Metastasis and Poor Survival in Serous Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Cheon Dong-Joo , Tong Yunguang , Sim Myung-Shin , Dering Judy , Berel Dror , Cui Xiaojiang , Lester Jenny , Beach Jessica A. , Tighiouart Mourad , Walts Ann E. , Karlan Beth Y. , Orsulic Sandra
Published: November 2013

Purpose: To elucidate molecular pathways contributing to metastatic cancer progression and poor clinical outcome in serous ovarian cancer.

Experimental Design: Poor survival signatures from three different serous ovarian cancer datasets were compared and a common set of genes was identified. The predictive value of this gene signature was validated in independent datasets. The expression of the signature genes was evaluated in primary, metastatic, and/or recurrent cancers using quantitative PCR and in situ hybridization. Alterations in gene expression by TGF-β1 and functional consequences of loss of COL11A1 were evaluated using pharmacologic and knockdown approaches, respectively.

Results: We identified and validated a 10-gene signature (AEBP1, COL11A1, COL5A1, COL6A2, LOX, POSTN, SNAI2, THBS2, TIMP3, and VCAN) that is associated with poor overall survival (OS) in patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer. The signature genes encode extracellular matrix proteins involved in collagen remodeling. Expression of the signature genes is regulated by TGF-β1 signaling and is enriched in metastases in comparison with primary ovarian tumors. We demonstrate that levels of COL11A1, one of the signature genes, continuously increase during ovarian cancer disease progression, with the highest expression in recurrent metastases. Knockdown of COL11A1 decreases in vitro cell migration, invasion, and tumor progression in mice.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that collagen-remodeling genes regulated by TGF-β1 signaling promote metastasis and contribute to poor OS in patients with serous ovarian cancer. Our 10-gene signature has both predictive value and biologic relevance and thus may be useful as a therapeutic target. Clin Cancer Res; 20(3); 711–23. ©2013 AACR.
A Case of Pigmented Fungiform Papillae of the Tongue in a Middle Eastern Woman
Authors: Al-Fagaan Fajer , Joseph Bobby
Published: November 2013

Objective: To report a case of pigmented fungiform papillae on the tongue. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A 29-year-old female presented with patchy pigmented areas on her tongue of 2 years' duration. Examination of the tongue showed pigmentation confined to the fungiform papillae on the dorsum of the tongue. She was healthy and was not taking any medications and hence a diagnosis of pigmented fungiform papillae was considered. The patient was reassured of the benign nature of this condition and no treatment was given. However, a 6-month follow-up was suggested. Conclusion: Clinicians should be aware of this benign variant of lingual pigmentation to avoid confusion with pathological conditions and also to avoid unnecessary investigative procedures.
Population-Based Assessment of the Number of Lymph Nodes Removed in the Treatment of Penile Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Yao , Gu Cheng-Yuan , Ye Ding-Wei
Published: November 2013

Purpose: To evaluate the number of lymph nodes (LNs) removed, as a performance measure of lymph node dissection (LND), in a population-based database. Materials and Methods: Data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (1988-2009) were used to identify 393 patients who underwent regional LND for penile cancer. The study cohort was divided into two groups: limited LND (<8 LNs removed) and extensive LND (≥8 LNs removed). Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess factors associated with extensive LND. Log-rank tests were used to evaluate the associations between LN evaluation and survival outcomes. Results: The median number of removed LNs was 15, and 28% of patients underwent limited LND. The prevalence of extensive LND decreased gradually with increasing age: from 81% in men younger than 50 years to 65% in men aged 70 years or older. In multivariate analysis, only age retained an independent association with extensive LND (odds ratio = 0.98, p = 0.01). Log-rank test showed better cause-specific survival in patients receiving extensive LND (p = 0.006). The difference in survival was statistically significant in the subgroup of node-positive penile cancer patients (p = 0.01). Conclusions: An inadequate number of LN retrieval was observed in a considerable proportion of penile cancer patients, especially in the elderly population.
Contemporary Management of Diabetic Retinopathy in Canada: From Guidelines to Algorithm Guidance
Authors: Hooper Philip , Boucher Marie-Carole , Colleaux Kevin , Cruess Alan , Greve Mark , Lam Wai-Ching , Shortt Stanley , Tourville Eric
Published: November 2013

Recent advances in the therapeutic options and approaches for diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME) have resulted in improved visual outcomes for many patients with diabetes. Yet, they have also created many clinical dilemmas for treating ophthalmologists and retina specialists, including treatment selection, initiation, frequency and duration. With this in mind, a panel of Canadian retina specialists met and discussed the current clinical evidence as well as specific situations and scenarios commonly encountered in daily practice. They also shared their experiences and therapeutic approaches. This document, containing a consensus on treatment algorithms for various clinical scenarios, is the result of their lengthy and in-depth discussions and considerations. The intent is to provide a step-by-step approach to the treatment of DR and DME. Although clinicians are encouraged to use and refer to these algorithms as a guide for various situations, they are not meant to be a replacement for sound clinical judgment.
The Prevalence of Systemic Diseases Associated with Dermatoses and Stroke in the United States: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kupetsky Erine A. , Rincon Fred
Published: November 2013

Aims: To evaluate the prevalence of systemic diseases associated with dermatoses and conventional risk factors in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We hypothesized that conventional risk factors would not be overrepresented in AIS admissions of patients with dermatoses. Methods: Cross-sectional study. We ascertained admissions of AIS with and without the following: systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), psoriasis (PSO), scleroderma (SSc), dermatomyositis (D-MS), bullous pemphigoid (BP), and Behçet's disease. Results: 6,454,877 admissions had a primary diagnosis of AIS of whom 34,345 had dermatoses. The prevalence of dermatoses within AIS was 0.5% (95% CI 0.32-0.55). Prevalent dermatoses at the time of AIS admission were SLE (63%), PSO (18%), SSc (12%), D-MS (4%), and BP (2%). There were no significant differences in the prevalence of traditional risk factors among dermatoses; however, these patients tended to be younger women. Hospital days of care (median 4, IQR 3-8, vs. 5, IQR 3-9, p = 0.005) and in-hospital mortality were lower (5 vs.7%, p = 0.05) for those admissions of AIS patients with dermatoses. Conclusions: The prevalence of systemic diseases associated with dermatoses is rare in admissions of patients with AIS. Traditional risk factors were not overrepresented in AIS admissions with dermatoses. In-hospital mortality and length of stay were significantly lower in admissions of patients with AIS and dermatoses.
Use of a Silk Fibroin-Chitosan Scaffold to Construct a Tissue-Engineered Corneal Stroma
Authors: Guan Linan , Ge Hongyan , Tang Xianling , Su Sheng , Tian Pei , Xiao Nan , Zhang Hong , Zhang Lu , Liu Ping
Published: November 2013

Purpose: To construct a scaffold using silk fibroin (SF) and chitosan (CS) that could replace the corneal stroma with the biological characteristics of the scaffold materials still intact. Methods: To develop an organotypic corneal stroma, SF and CS were chosen to synthesise the tissue-engineered bioscaffold. We cultured primary rabbit corneal epithelial cells and corneal stromal cells in vitro. Keratocytes were used to assess cytotoxicity on SF-CS (SFCS) blends, which was determined by a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. The corneal lamellar scaffolds were developed with sequential culture techniques to form cell-scaffold constructs. Implantation was tested in 15 New Zealand White rabbits. The corneal substitutes were analysed by light and electron microscopy. Results: The reconstructed lamellar cornea was comparable to native tissue, with high levels of K3/12 expression in the corneal epithelial cells and vimentin in the stromal cells; moreover, the morphology and the position of the cells could be distinguished by histological methods. There was no sign of any immune reaction in or around the transplanted discs 12 weeks after implantation. Conclusion: A SFCS scaffold might be a suitable blend for corneal tissue engineering.
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Parameters in Office Normotensive Obese and Non-Obese Children: Relationship with Insulin Resistance and Atherosclerotic Markers
Authors: Tekın Nese , Ersoy Betul , Coskun Senol , Tekın Gokhan , Polat Muzaffer
Published: November 2013

Objectives: To determine differences in ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) parameters between office normotensive obese and non-obese children and to evaluate correlations of ABP parameters with insulin resistance and the lipid profile. Subjects and Methods: Thirty-eight obese [body mass index (BMI) above the 95th percentile] and 38 non-obese children aged 9-17 years were recruited. All subjects who were normotensive during office visits and who underwent 24-hour ABP monitoring were evaluated. Insulin resistance and the lipid profile were also evaluated. Results: The mean daytime, night-time and 24-hour systolic blood pressure (SBP) and the daytime and 24-hour diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in normotensive obese children were significantly higher compared to the values in non-obese children (p < 0.05). There was no difference in the frequency of nocturnal non-dippers and nocturnal hypertension (night-time SBP at or above the 95th percentile) between the two groups (p > 0.05). Children with night-time SBP at or above the 95th percentile and non-dippers had higher atherosclerotic markers than children with night-time SBP below the 95th percentile and dippers (p < 0.05). In logistic regression analysis, the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C):high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio and night-time SBP had significantly positive associations with being obese in adolescents (OR 6.54, 95% CI 1.15-37.07, p = 0.03, and OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.01-1.19, p = 0.02, respectively). Conclusion: Normotensive obese children had higher ABP parameters. A high LDL-C:HDL-C ratio and night-time SBP were associated with an increased risk of being obese. High LDL-C:HDL-C ratios and total cholesterol:HDL-C levels in children and adolescents may be risk factors for night-time hypertension.