bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CAVE Size Matters: Effects of Screen Distance and Parallax on Distance Estimation in Large Immersive Display Setups
Authors: Bruder Gerd , Argelaguet Ferran , Olivier Anne-Héléne , Lécuyer Anatole
Published: May 2016

When walking within a CAVE-like system, accommodation distance, parallax, and angular resolution vary according to the distance between the user and the projection walls, which can alter spatial perception. As these systems get bigger, there is a need to assess the main factors influencing spatial perception in order to better design immersive projection systems and virtual reality applications. In this paper, we present two experiments that analyze distance perception when considering the distance toward the projection screens and parallax as main factors. Both experiments were conducted in a large immersive projection system with up to 10-meter interaction space. The first experiment showed that both the screen distance and parallax have a strong asymmetric effect on distance judgments. We observed increased underestimation for positive parallax conditions and slight distance overestimation for negative and zero parallax conditions. The second experiment further analyzed the factors contributing to these effects and confirmed the observed effects of the first experiment with a high-resolution projection setup providing twice the angular resolution and improved accommodative stimuli. In conclusion, our results suggest that space is the most important characteristic for distance perception, optimally requiring about 6- to 7-meter distance around the user, and virtual objects with high demands on accurate spatial perception should be displayed at zero or negative parallax.
Introduction to ‘Britain versus France: How Many Sonderwegs?’
Authors: Pal Maïa
Published: May 2016

In memoriamof the late Ellen Meiksins Wood, this piece firstly remembers the main achievements of her forty years of work. Secondly, it introduces one of her contributions, ‘Britain versus France: How ManySonderwegs?’, until now unavailable in an anglophone publication and reprinted in the present issue. This contribution is a useful reformulation of her arguments concerning radical historicity, the concept of ‘bourgeois revolution’, and the specificity of French and British state formation and their political revolutions – in contrast to arguments for a GermanSonderwegas an explanation for the rise of fascism. Wood also provides a fruitful illustration of how to apply a social-property relations approach to the development of the rule of law in each of these states, and thus furthers opportunities for debates on the potential of Political Marxism for understanding contemporary class struggles over rights.
From Aḥmad ibn Muḥammad ibn Mūsa al-Rāzī to Mouro Rasis
Authors: Gomes Maria Joana
Published: May 2016

Medieval Iberia was one of the most important places of cultural interaction and transcultural encounters within the Mediterranean space, where an extensive translation movement from Arabic into Latin and from Arabic into the emerging vernacular languages took place. Considering translation as a form of cultural interaction, this paper will investigate the cultural and philological relationships between two historical works, namely an earlier Arabic work of history,Akhbār Mulūk al-Andalusby Aḥmad ibn Muḥammad ibn Mūsa al-Rāzī (887-955ad) and its 14th century Portuguese translation,Cronica do Mouro Razis. The aim is to highlight some of the problems of historiographical writing and try to understand both the limitations and interventions of the translators when dealing with an historical text pertaining to another linguistic and cultural tradition.
Travelling East, Writing in Italian
Authors: Tommasino Pier Mattia
Published: May 2016

The paper analyses the use of Italian as a literary language in the literature of European travel to the Ottoman Empire during the late Ranaissance. The choice of Italian will be explained as the link between its diffusion in Europe as a language of culture and its practical uses in the Mediterranean as a diplomatic and commercial code or as a tool of religious propaganda. During the late Renaissance, travels to the Ottoman Empire were the continuation of theperegrinatio academicaand theGrand Tourto Italy of high-educated European scholars. In light of this premises, I will present different versions, both manuscripts and in print, of the multilingualrelationeby the Pole Wojciech Bobowski (1610-1675), musician and dragoman in the Ottoman Empire, who wrote a description of the Topkapi Palace for European readers in Italian.
Connecting Microphysical Processes in Colorado Winter Storms with Vertical Profiles of Radar Observations
Authors: Schrom Robert S. , Kumjian Matthew R.
Published: May 2016

To better connect radar observations to microphysical processes, the authors analyze concurrent polarimetric radar observations at vertical incidence and roughly side incidence during the Front Range Orographic Storms (FROST) project. Data from three events show signatures of riming, aggregation, and dendritic growth. Riming and the growth of graupel are suggested by negative differential reflectivity ZDR and vertically pointing Doppler velocity magnitude |VR| > 2.0 m s−1; aggregation is indicated by maxima in the downward-relative gradient of radar reflectivity at horizontal polarization ZH below the −15°C isotherm and positive downward-relative gradients in |VR| when averaged over time. A signature of positive downward-relative gradients in ZH, negative downward-relative gradients in |VR|, and maxima in ZDR is observed near −15°C during all three events. This signature may be indicative of dendritic growth; preexisting, thick platelike crystals fall faster and grow slower than dendrites, allowing for |VR| to shift toward the slower-falling, rapidly growing dendrites. To test this hypothesis, simplified calculations of the ZH and |VR| gradients are performed for a range of terminal fall speeds of dendrites and isometric crystals. The authors prescribe linear profiles of ZH for the dendrites and isometric crystals, with the resulting profiles and gradients of |VR| determined from a range of particle fall speeds. Both the observed ZH and |VR| gradients are reproduced by the calculations for a large range of fall speeds. However, more observational data are needed to fully constrain these calculations and reject or support explanations for this signature.
An Analysis of Gravity Wave Spectral Characteristics in Moist Baroclinic Jet–Front Systems
Authors: Wei Junhong , Zhang Fuqing , Richter Jadwiga H.
Published: May 2016

This study investigates gravity wave spectral characteristics based on high-resolution mesoscale simulations of idealized moist baroclinic jet–front systems with varying degrees of convective instability, with the intent of improving nonorographic gravity wave parameterizations. In all experiments, there is a clear dominance of negative vertical flux of zonal momentum. The westward momentum flux is distributed around the estimated ground-based baroclinic wave phase velocity along the zonal direction, while strong moist runs indicate a dipole structure pattern with stronger westward momentum flux centers at slower phase velocity and weaker eastward momentum flux centers at faster phase velocity. The spectral properties of short-scale wave components (50–200 km) generally differ from those of medium-scale ones (200–600 km). Compared to the medium-scale wave components, the momentum flux phase speed spectra for the short-scale ones appear to be more sensitive to the increasing initial moisture content. The spectral behavior in horizontal wavenumber space or phase velocity space is highly anisotropic, with a noticeable preference along the jet direction, except for the short-scale components in strong moist runs. It is confirmed that the dry gravity wave source (i.e., upper jet and/or surface front) generates a relatively narrow and less symmetrical power spectrum (dominated by negative momentum flux) centered around lower phase velocity and horizontal wavenumber, whereas the moist gravity wave source (i.e., moist convection) generates a broader and more symmetrical power spectrum, with a broader range of phase speeds and horizontal wavenumbers. This study also shows that the properties of gravity wave momentum flux depend on the location relative to the baroclinic jet.
Australasian Temperature Reconstructions Spanning the Last Millennium
Authors: Gergis Joëlle , Neukom Raphael , Gallant Ailie J. E. , Karoly David J.
Published: May 2016

Multiproxy warm season (September–February) temperature reconstructions are presented for the combined land–ocean region of Australasia (0°–50°S, 110°E–180°) covering 1000–2001. Using between 2 (R2) and 28 (R28) paleoclimate records, four 1000-member ensemble reconstructions of regional temperature are developed using four statistical methods: principal component regression (PCR), composite plus scale (CPS), Bayesian hierarchical models (LNA), and pairwise comparison (PaiCo). The reconstructions are then compared with a three-member ensemble of GISS-E2-R climate model simulations and independent paleoclimate records. Decadal fluctuations in Australasian temperatures are remarkably similar between the four reconstruction methods. There are, however, differences in the amplitude of temperature variations between the different statistical methods and proxy networks. When the R28 network is used, the warmest 30-yr periods occur after 1950 in 77% of ensemble members over all methods. However, reconstructions based on only the longest records (R2 and R3 networks) indicate that single 30- and 10-yr periods of similar or slightly higher temperatures than in the late twentieth century may have occurred during the first half of the millennium. Regardless, the most recent instrumental temperatures (1985–2014) are above the 90th percentile of all 12 reconstruction ensembles (four reconstruction methods based on three proxy networks—R28, R3, and R2). The reconstructed twentieth-century warming cannot be explained by natural variability alone using GISS-E2-R. In this climate model, anthropogenic forcing is required to produce the rate and magnitude of post-1950 warming observed in the Australasian region. These paleoclimate results are consistent with other studies that attribute the post-1950 warming in Australian temperature records to increases in atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations.
Can Australian Multiyear Droughts and Wet Spells Be Generated in the Absence of Oceanic Variability?
Authors: Taschetto Andréa S. , Gupta Alex Sen , Ummenhofer Caroline C. , England Matthew H.
Published: May 2016

Anomalous conditions in the tropical oceans, such as those related to El Niño–Southern Oscillation and the Indian Ocean dipole, have been previously blamed for extended droughts and wet periods in Australia. Yet the extent to which Australian wet and dry spells can be driven by internal atmospheric variability remains unclear. Natural variability experiments are examined to determine whether prolonged extreme wet and dry periods can arise from internal atmospheric and land variability alone. Results reveal that this is indeed the case; however, these dry and wet events are found to be less severe than in simulations incorporating coupled oceanic variability. Overall, ocean feedback processes increase the magnitude of Australian rainfall variability by about 30% and give rise to more spatially coherent rainfall impacts. Over mainland Australia, ocean interactions lead to more frequent extreme events, particularly during the rainy season. Over Tasmania, in contrast, ocean–atmosphere coupling increases mean rainfall throughout the year. While ocean variability makes Australian rainfall anomalies more severe, droughts and wet spells of duration longer than three years are equally likely to occur in both atmospheric- and ocean-driven simulations. Moreover, they are essentially indistinguishable from what one expects from a Gaussian white noise distribution. Internal atmosphere–land-driven megadroughts and megapluvials that last as long as ocean-driven events are also identified in the simulations. This suggests that oceanic variability may be less important than previously assumed for the long-term persistence of Australian rainfall anomalies. This poses a challenge to accurate prediction of long-term dry and wet spells for Australia.
Community Global Observing System Simulation Experiment (OSSE) Package (CGOP): Description and Usage
Authors: Boukabara Sid-Ahmed , Moradi Isaac , Atlas Robert , Casey Sean P. F. , Cucurull Lidia , Hoffman Ross N. , Ide Kayo , Krishna Kumar V. , Li Ruifang , Li Zhenglong , Masutani Michiko , Shahroudi Narges , Woollen Jack , Zhou Yan
Published: May 2016

A modular extensible framework for conducting observing system simulation experiments (OSSEs) has been developed with the goals of 1) supporting decision-makers with quantitative assessments of proposed observing systems investments, 2) supporting readiness for new sensors, 3) enhancing collaboration across the community by making the most up-to-date OSSE components accessible, and 4) advancing the theory and practical application of OSSEs. This first implementation, the Community Global OSSE Package (CGOP), is for short- to medium-range global numerical weather prediction applications. The CGOP is based on a new mesoscale global nature run produced by NASA using the 7-km cubed sphere version of the Goddard Earth Observing System, version 5 (GEOS-5), atmospheric general circulation model and the January 2015 operational version of the NOAA global data assimilation (DA) system. CGOP includes procedures to simulate the full suite of observing systems used operationally in the global DA system, including conventional in situ, satellite-based radiance, and radio occultation observations. The methodology of adding a new proposed observation type is documented and illustrated with examples of current interest. The CGOP is designed to evolve, both to improve its realism and to keep pace with the advance of operational systems.
Forecast Uncertainty Dynamics in the THORPEX Interactive Grand Global Ensemble (TIGGE)
Authors: Herrera Michael A. , Szunyogh Istvan , Tribbia Joseph
Published: May 2016

This paper employs local linear, spatial spectral, and Lorenz curve–based diagnostics to investigate the dynamics of uncertainty in global numerical weather forecasts in the NH extratropics. The diagnostics are applied to ensembles in the THORPEX Interactive Grand Global Ensemble (TIGGE). The initial growth of uncertainty is found to be the fastest at the synoptic scales (zonal wavenumbers 7–9) most sensitive to baroclinic instability. At later forecast times, the saturation of uncertainties at the synoptic scales and the longer sustainable growth of uncertainty at the large scales lead to a gradual shift of the wavenumber of the dominant uncertainty toward zonal wavenumber 5. At the subsynoptic scales, errors saturate as predicted by Lorenz’s classic theory. While the ensembles capture the general characteristics of the uncertainty dynamics efficiently, there are locations where the predicted magnitude and structure of uncertainty have considerable time-mean errors. In addition, the magnitude of systematic errors in the prediction of the uncertainty increases with increasing forecast time. These growing systematic errors are dominated by errors in the prediction of low-frequency changes in the large-scale flow.
Extension and Application of High-Speed Digital Imaging Analysis Via Spatiotemporal Correlation and Eigenmode Analysis of Vocal Fold Vibration Before and After Polyp Excision
Authors: Wang Jun-Sheng , Olszewski Emily , Devine Erin E. , Hoffman Matthew R. , Zhang Yu , Shao Jun , Jiang Jack J.
Published: May 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To evaluate the spatiotemporal correlation of vocal fold vibration using eigenmode analysis before and after polyp removal and explore the potential clinical relevance of spatiotemporal analysis of correlation length and entropy as quantitative voice parameters. We hypothesized that increased order in the vibrating signal after surgical intervention would decrease the eigenmode-based entropy and increase correlation length.

Study Design:

Prospective case series.

Methods:

Forty subjects (23 males, 17 females) with unilateral (n = 24) or bilateral (n = 16) polyps underwent polyp removal. High-speed videoendoscopy was performed preoperatively and 2 weeks postoperatively. Spatiotemporal analysis was performed to determine entropy, quantification of signal disorder, correlation length, size, and spatially ordered structure of vocal fold vibration in comparison to full spatial consistency. The signal analyzed consists of the vibratory pattern in space and time derived from the high-speed video glottal area contour.

Results:

Entropy decreased (Z = −3.871, P < .001) and correlation length increased ( t = −8.913, P < .001) following polyp excision. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for correlation length and entropy were 0.84 and 0.93.

Conclusion:

Correlation length and entropy are sensitive to mass lesions. These parameters could potentially be used to augment subjective visualization after polyp excision when evaluating procedural efficacy.
Stress Characterization of 4H-SiC Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MOSFET) using Raman Spectroscopy and the Finite Element Method
Authors: Yoshikawa Masanobu , Kosaka Kenichi , Seki Hirohumi , Kimoto Tsunenobu
Published: May 2016

We measured the depolarized and polarized Raman spectra of a 4H-SiC metal-oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) and found that compressive stress of approximately 20 MPa occurs under the source and gate electrodes and tensile stress of approximately 10 MPa occurs between the source and gate electrodes. The experimental result was in close agreement with the result obtained by calculation using the finite element method (FEM). A combination of Raman spectroscopy and FEM provides much data on the stresses in 4H-SiC MOSFET.
Near-Infrared Grating Spectrometer for Mobile Phone Applications
Authors: Pügner Tino , Knobbe Jens , Grüger Heinrich
Published: May 2016

Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is a well-established technique for the chemical analysis of organic and inorganic matter. Accordingly, spectroscopic instrumentation of different complexity has been developed and is currently commercially available. However, there are an increasing number of new mobile applications that have come into focus and that cannot be addressed by the existing technology due to size and cost. Therefore, a new miniaturized scanning grating spectrometer for NIR spectroscopy has been developed at Fraunhofer IPMS. It is based on micro–electro–mechanical systems (MEMS) technology, and has been designed to meet the requirements for mobile application, regarding spectral range, resolution, overall size, robustness, and cost. The MEMS spectrometer covers a spectral range from 950 nm to 1900 nm at a resolution of 10 nm. The instrument is extremely small and has a volume of only 2.1 cm3. Therefore, it is well suited for integration, even into a mobile phone. A first sample of the new spectrometer has been manufactured and put into operation. The results of a series of test measurements are in good agreement with the requirements and specifications.
Stability of serum high-density lipoprotein-microRNAs for preanalytical conditions
Authors: Ishikawa Hiroaki , Yamada Hiroya , Taromaru Nao , Kondo Kanako , Nagura Ayuri , Yamazaki Mirai , Ando Yoshitaka , Munetsuna Eiji , Suzuki Koji , Ohashi Koji , Teradaira Ryoji
Published: May 2016

Background

Recently, several studies have shown that microRNAs are present in high-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein-microRNA may be a promising disease biomarker. We investigated the stability of high-density lipoprotein-microRNAs in different storage conditions as this is an important issue for its application to the field of clinical research.

Methods

microRNAs were extracted from the high-density lipoprotein fraction that was purified from the serum. miR-135 a and miR-223, which are known to be present in high-density lipoprotein, were quantified by quantitative real-time PCR. The influence of preanalytical parameters on the analysis of high-density lipoprotein-miRNAs was examined by the effect of RNase, storage conditions, and freezing and thawing.

Results

The concentrations of microRNA in high-density lipoprotein were not altered by RNase A treatment (0–100 U/mL). No significant change in these microRNAs was observed after storing serum at room temperature or 4℃ for 0–24 h, and there was a similar result in the cryopreservation for up to two weeks. Also, high-density lipoprotein-microRNAs were stable for, at least, up to five freeze–thaw cycles.

Conclusions

These results demonstrated that high-density lipoprotein-microRNAs are relatively resistant to various storage conditions. This study provides new and important information on the stability of high-density lipoprotein-microRNAs.
Comparative analysis of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and other laboratory markers for lupus nephritis: a cross-sectional investigation
Authors: La’ulu Sonia L , Suh-Lailam Brenda B , Davis K Wayne , Straseski Joely A , Tebo Anne E
Published: May 2016

Background

Lupus nephritis is one of the most serious complications of systemic lupus erythematosus. This study evaluates the prevalence and correlation between neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and other biomarkers associated with renal involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Methods

Paired serum and urine specimens from 50 suspected systemic lupus erythematosus patients, characterized by antinuclear antibodies detected by indirect immunofluorescence assay and varying positive concentrations of anti-double stranded DNA antibodies by Crithidia luciliae immunofluorescence assay, were investigated. Of these 50 patients, 18 were identified with renal involvement based upon laboratory serology. Patients and healthy control serum samples ( n = 50) were also evaluated for high avidity double stranded DNA IgG antibodies, anti-C1q IgG antibodies, and serum creatinine. The prevalence and relationship between biomarkers were evaluated using statistical methods.

Results

Serum and urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin concentrations were significantly elevated in patients compared to controls, with a prevalence of 24% and 36%, respectively. These concentrations were also more markedly increased in systemic lupus erythematosus patients with renal involvement than those without. Spearman’s correlations between neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and other biomarkers tested ranged from 0.06 to 0.66 in all patients. Combined concordance as determined by Cronbach alpha coefficient between biomarkers was reduced from 0.71 to 0.58 (serum) and 0.62 (urine) when neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin was removed.

Conclusions

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin concentrations are elevated and demonstrate variable associated with other laboratory markers for renal involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus. Prospective longitudinal studies are needed to determine the optimal biomarker combinations for use in routine management of systemic lupus erythematosus patients at-risk for lupus nephritis.
Evaluation of Strategies for Integrated Classification of Visual-Manual and Cognitive Distractions in Driving
Authors: Zhang Yu , Kaber David
Published: May 2016

Background:

Prior studies have demonstrated unique driver behavior outcomes when visual and cognitive distraction occurs simultaneously as compared to the occurrence of one form of distraction alone. This situation implies additional complexity for the design of robust distraction detection systems and vehicle automation for hazard mitigation.

Objective:

This study evaluated the effectiveness of two distraction classification strategies: (a) a “two-stage” classifier, first detecting visual-manual distraction and then identifying dual or cognitive distraction states, and (b) a “direct-mapping” classifier developed to identify all distraction states at the same time.

Method:

Driving performance data were collected on 20 participants under different known states of distraction (none, visual-manual, cognitive, and combined). A support vector machine (SVM) was used as a base algorithm for both classifiers and performance data as well as the level of driving control (tactical and operational), which served as inputs and modifiers to the classification process.

Results:

The two-stage strategy was found to be sensitive for identifying states of visual-manual distraction; however, the strategy also produced a higher false alarm rate than direct-mapping. Consideration of driving control levels during classification also improved classification accuracy. Future work needs to account for strategic levels of vehicle control.
A highly efficient strategy to determine genotypes of genetically-engineered mice using genomic DNA purified from hair roots
Authors: Otaño-Rivera Víctor , Boakye Amma , Grobe Nadja , Almutairi Mohammed M , Kursan Shams , Mattis Lesan K , Castrop Hayo , Gurley Susan B , Elased Khalid M , Boivin Gregory P , Di Fulvio Mauricio
Published: May 2016

Genotyping of genetically-engineered mice is necessary for the effective design of breeding strategies and identification of mutant mice. This process relies on the identification of DNA markers introduced into genomic sequences of mice, a task usually performed using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Clearly, the limiting step in genotyping is isolating pure genomic DNA. Isolation of mouse DNA for genotyping typically involves painful procedures such as tail snip, digit removal, or ear punch. Although the harvesting of hair has previously been proposed as a source of genomic DNA, there has been a perceived complication and reluctance to use this non-painful technique because of low DNA yields and fear of contamination. In this study we developed a simple, economic, and efficient strategy using Chelex® resins to purify genomic DNA from hair roots of mice which are suitable for genotyping. Upon comparison with standard DNA purification methods using a commercially available kit, we demonstrate that Chelex® efficiently and consistently purifies high-quality DNA from hair roots, minimizing pain, shortening time and reducing costs associated with the determination of accurate genotypes. Therefore, the use of hair roots combined with Chelex® is a reliable and more humane alternative for DNA genotyping.
Developing L2 Listening Fluency through Extended Listening-focused Activities in an Extensive Listening Programme
Authors: Chang Anna C-S , Millett Sonia
Published: May 2016

This study investigates the effects on developing L2 listening fluency through doing extended listening-focused activities after reading and listening to audio graded readers. Seventy-six EFL university students read and listened to a total of 15 graded readers in a 15-week extensive listening programme. They were divided into three groups (Group 5, n = 30; Group 10, n = 20; Group 15, n =26) according to the number of post-listening-focused activities they completed. Another group who did not receive extensive listening served as the control group (Group 0, n =39). All participants were given a pre-test containing teacher-developed tests and a full-length simulated Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) listening test. Similar tests were repeated at the end of the programme. The study addresses the effect size of improvement that students made from listening to audio graded readers and doing post-listening-focused activities, the degree to which students progressed on their TOEIC listening test, and the transferring effect from narrative-type input to conversational-type listening. Results show that the effect size was very small, medium, and very large on the listening improvement for Group 5, Group 10 and Group 15 respectively. On their post-TOEIC tests, Groups 5, 10 and 15 made approximately 2, 9 and 16 points out of 100 respectively. Finally, only Group 15 demonstrated some transfer effect from narrative to conversational input type of listening. This study also discussed the reasons low-level learners need to read many more texts to see more significant improvement.
Simulation–optimization approach for a continuous-review, base-stock inventory model with general compound demands, random lead times, and lost sales
Authors: Attar Ahmad , Raissi Sadigh , Khalili-Damghani Kaveh
Published: May 2016

A continuous-review, base-stock inventory model considering lost sales is proposed for general compound demands and random lead times. This model is a generalized form of the ( S, d) policy, which has already been shown to be the best modified base-stock policy (MBSP) for Poisson demand and fixed lead times. In this paper, customers’ inter-arrival times, demand sizes, and lead times are extended in a probabilistic situation with free distributions. Then, a hybrid simulation–optimization approach is developed to handle these generalized conditions. This approach uses design of experiments, a simulation model, and regression analysis to obtain the long-run cost function of the system under this extended MBSP. The optimal settings of this policy are achieved using a mathematical optimization model. Employing a simulation model, a cost function, and mathematical models makes this approach applicable for finding the optimal settings even in the presence of realistic restrictions and uncertainties. Moreover, a simulation-based procedure is introduced to find the optimal stock level for the traditional base-stock policy. The applicability of the proposed approach is illustrated through a real-world case study. Finally, a sensitivity analysis is applied using a series of benchmark instances, and some robustness properties are shown.
An FPGA implemented brain emotional learning intelligent admission controller for SaaS cloud servers
Authors: Iranpour Eiman , Sharifian Saeed
Published: May 2016

Dynamic resource allocation in a cloud environment has become possible using virtualization technologies in cloud computing. One of the applications of these technologies is offering various applications by Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) infrastructures. Unfortunately, due to request rate increments in cloud rush hours, the related server cannot serve all the requests according to the service level agreement. Hence, the cloud provider’s quality of service will decrease. Thus a mechanism is required to control the admission rate of requests for cloud servers. In this study, an intelligent controller is designed and implemented on a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) in order to control the admission rate of requests for a SaaS server in the cloud. The controller is based on a brain emotional learning-based intelligent controller (BELBIC). First, an analytical model of a server is proposed and simulated, which shows the behavioural characteristics of a real server. Next, the BELBIC is designed to control the admission rate of the server. Finally, the system is implemented on FPGA hardware and simulated by a synthetic cloud workload in a hardware-in-the-loop manner. In order to compare the performance of the BELBIC, an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) controller in addition to the popular PID controller is provided. The controllers’ efficiencies are compared in terms of server utilization, admission rate, drop rate of requests and the agility of the controllers. The results proved that the BELBIC offers faster rise time compared with the PID controller, which leads to better cloud utilization and a smaller number of dropped requests.
Stochastic boundedness filter design for Markovian jump linear systems with guaranteed H∞ filtering performance
Authors: Wang Yuchao , Fu Huixuan , Liu Sheng
Published: May 2016

This paper concerns the filtering problem for a class of continuous-time Markovian jump linear systems, where the Markovian jump is supposed to frequently occur in some short time intervals. For this class of Markovian jump system, the boundedness of estimation error deserves our investigation. By introducing the concepts of stochastic boundedness with respect to a finite-time interval, an observer ensuring the estimation error bounded in a prescribed boundary is constructed and the result is extended to the [Formula: see text] filtering problem with norm bounded disturbances. By formulating an optimization algorithm, we derive the optimal [Formula: see text] stochastic boundedness filter with an an optimized convex combination of estimation error boundary and [Formula: see text] performance index. We propose a design algorithm for when parameter optimization is involved. Numerical design examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of our results.
Control of the bridge crane by constructing a Lyapunov function: theoretical design and experimental verification
Authors: Wu Xianqing , He Xiongxiong
Published: May 2016

For the control problem of bridge cranes, it is challenging to realize fast transportation and efficient swing suppression simultaneously. Motivated by this observation, in this paper, we aim to propose a nonlinear controller achieving these objectives by constructing a desired Lyapunov function. In particular, a constructive Lyapunov function is introduced in a segmented manner. Based on that, a nonlinear control method rendering the dissipation inequality with respect to the constructed Lyapunov function is proposed straightforwardly, which achieves precise trolley positioning along with efficient payload swing elimination. The corresponding stability and convergence analysis is guaranteed by Lyapunov techniques and LaSalle’s invariance principle. Simulation and experimental results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method.
Retrofit solutions for solid wall dwellings in England: The impact of uncertainty upon the energy performance gap
Authors: Loucari Constantinos , Taylor Jonathon , Raslan Rokia , Oikonomou Eleni , Mavrogianni Anna
Published: May 2016

This study seeks to evaluate the impact of uncertainty in the pre-retrofit thermal performance of solid walls of English dwellings on post-retrofit energy use. Five dwelling archetypes, broadly representative of English solid wall properties, were modelled pre- and post-retrofit, under different wall insulation scenarios, using dynamic thermal simulation. Findings indicate that whilst solid wall insulation could result in a significant reduction of space heating demand, uncertainties in the pre-retrofit solid wall U-value could lead to a gap between the anticipated and actual energy performance. Specifically, results show that if the current U-value assumption of 2.1 W/m2K is indeed an overestimation of the in-situ U-value of solid walls, then the anticipated carbon savings could be significantly reduced by up to 65%.

Practical application: The performance gap observed in this study revealed that the actual carbon savings arising from the retrofit of solid wall properties could be significantly lower than predicted. This will not only affect UK Government carbon reduction targets but it can also result in a lack of confidence amongst stakeholders who may consequently doubt the effectiveness of energy retrofit measures, thus reducing their uptake. Uncertainties regarding solid wall U-values may necessitate the re-examination of the carbon targets set for the retrofit of solid wall dwellings and the exploration of alternative ways to further reduce their carbon emissions, e.g. by specifying higher insulation thicknesses.
A design and assessment of solar chimney of bioclimatic house wall and roof for construction in the housing market of Thailand
Authors: Ratanachotinun Jaran , Kasayapanand Nat , Hirunlabh Jongjit , Visitsak Sopa , Teekasap Sombat , Khedari Joseph
Published: May 2016

This research is a design and assessment of a bioclimatic house wall and roof to be constructed in Thailand’s housing market in order to provide information for potential builders as well as the peace of mind of the owner. The research found that a bioclimatic house with a double-layered solar chimney is appropriate for use in Thailand throughout the year. It lowers the average internal temperature of the house by approximately 1–2℃ when compared to the energy-saving material used in a normal building. Bioclimatic construction also creates natural ventilation, heat removal, and can reduce indoor temperature. It also comes with an easy-to-build design to facilitate construction and can save house energy consumption.

Practical application: This research provides helpful information of solar chimney wall and roof for both the owners and developers in adopting an energy-efficient house for sustainable energy conservation. A solar chimney of a bioclimatic house is a highly interesting alternative for saving energy in the long term. When properly promoted, it will help save a huge amount of energy throughout Thailand and tropical area, and serve to promote the cause of global environmental conservation into the future.
Persons With Advanced Alzheimer’s Disease Engage in Mild Leg Exercise Supported by Technology-Aided Stimulation and Prompts
Authors: Lancioni Giulio E. , Singh Nirbhay N. , O’Reilly Mark F. , Sigafoos Jeff , D’Amico Fiora , Addante Luigi M. , Pinto Katia
Published: May 2016

This study assessed whether nine persons with advanced Alzheimer’s disease would learn to engage in leg responses (exercise) with the support of a technology-aided program, which provided (a) preferred stimulation contingent on the leg responses and (b) verbal reminders/prompts in case of no responding. The study was conducted according to a non-concurrent multiple baseline design across participants and involved sessions of 5 min. During the baseline, the participants’ mean frequencies of leg responses ranged from zero to slightly above two per session. During the intervention, those frequencies ranged from nearly 10 to nearly 17 per session. The mean frequencies of prompts varied across participants from about two to more than seven per session. In addition to the increase in leg responses, participants showed an increase in signs of positive personal involvement (e.g., smiles and positive verbalizations) during the intervention sessions as compared with the baseline sessions. The applicability and potential benefits of the program in daily contexts are discussed.
Pathologic Changes of the Peripheral Vestibular System Secondary to Chronic Otitis Media
Authors: da Costa Monsanto Rafael , Erdil Mehmet , Pauna Henrique F. , Kwon Geeyoun , Schachern Patricia A. , Tsuprun Vladimir , Paparella Michael M. , Cureoglu Sebahattin
Published: May 2016

Objective

To evaluate the histopathologic changes of dark, transitional, and hair cells of the vestibular system in human temporal bones from patients with chronic otitis media.

Study Design

Comparative human temporal bone study.

Setting

Otopathology laboratory.

Subjects and Methods

To compare the density of vestibular dark, transitional, and hair cells in temporal bones with and without chronic otitis media, we used differential interference contrast microscopy.

Results

In the chronic otitis media group (as compared with the age‐matched control group), the density of type I and type II hair cells was significantly decreased in the lateral semicircular canal, saccule, and utricle (P <. 05). The density of type I cells was also significantly decreased in the chronic otitis media group in the posterior semicircular canal (P =. 005), but that of type II cells was not (P =. 168). The mean number of dark cells was significantly decreased in the chronic otitis media group in the lateral semicircular canal (P =. 014) and in the posterior semicircular canal (P =. 002). We observed no statistically significant difference in the density of transitional cells between the 2 groups (P >. 1).

Conclusion

The findings of our study suggest that the decrease in the number of vestibular sensory cells and dark cells could be the cause of the clinical symptoms of imbalance of some patients with chronic otitis media.
Endoscopic Resection of Sinonasal Malignancy
Authors: Rawal Rounak B. , Farzal Zainab , Federspiel Jerome J. , Sreenath Satyan B. , Thorp Brian D. , Zanation Adam M.
Published: May 2016

Objectives

The use of endoscopic approaches for sinonasal malignancy resection has increased, but survival data are limited secondary to disease rarity and new surgical technique. Here we present a systematic review and meta‐analysis of endoscopic endonasal resection of sinonasal malignancy.

Data Sources

MEDLINE, PubMed Central, NCBI Bookshelf, Cochrane Library, clinicaltrials.gov, National Guideline Clearinghouse.

Review Methods

PRISMA/MOOSE guidelines were followed. MeSH terms were “endoscopic” AND (“esthesioneuroblastoma” OR “sinonasal adenocarcinoma” OR “squamous cell carcinoma” OR “sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma”). For studies in which individual‐level data were available, results were obtained by direct pooling. For studies in which only summary Kaplan‐Meier curves were available, numerical data were extracted, traced, and aggregated by fitting a Weibull model.

Results

Of 320 studies identified, 35 case series were included (n = 952 patients), with 15 studies analyzed via aggregate modeling and 20 studies analyzed via direct pooling. Two‐ and 5‐year survival rates for patients in aggregate modeling were 87.5% and 72.3%, respectively (mean follow‐up: 32.9 months). Two‐ and 5‐year survival for patients in direct pooling were 85.8% and 83.5%, respectively (mean follow‐up: 43.0 ± 19.5 months). Significant overall survival difference was found between low‐ and high‐grade cancers (P =. 015) but not between low‐ and high‐stage cancers (P =. 79).

Conclusion

Overall 2‐ and 5‐year survival rates are comparable and sometimes greater than those from open craniofacial resection. Survival rates significantly differ by cancer grade but not stage. Journals and investigators should be encouraged to publish retrospective and prospective case series with staged survival updates based on established guidelines.
Surgical Timing of the Orbital “Blowout” Fracture
Authors: Damgaard Olaf Ehlers , Larsen Christian Grønhøj , Felding Ulrik Ascanius , Toft Peter Bjerre , von Buchwald Christian
Published: May 2016

Objective

The orbital blowout fracture is a common facial injury, carrying with it a risk of visual impairment and undesirable cosmetic results unless treated properly. Optimal timing of the surgical treatment is still a matter of debate. We set out to determine whether a meta‐analysis would bring us closer to an answer to this question.

Data Sources

PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched from January 1980 to August 2014. We applied the following inclusion criteria: isolated blowout fractures, presenting early and late surgery groups (<14 and >14 days). Patients were evaluated for diplopia and enophthalmos.

Review Methods

We followed the statements of PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses). Pooled odds ratios were estimated with the fixed effects method of Mantel‐Haenszel.

Results

We identified 5 studies with available outcome data (N = 442). Patients in the late group showed an odds ratio of 3.3 (P =. 027) for persistent postoperative diplopia as compared with the early group. We found no significant difference between the groups when assessing postoperative enophthalmos as an isolated symptom.

Conclusion

We found a significantly increased risk of persistent diplopia in patients who were operated >14 days after the trauma.
Slow subcutaneous infusion of flumazenil for the treatment of long-term, high-dose benzodiazepine users: a review of 214 cases
Authors: Faccini Marco , Leone Roberto , Opri Sibilla , Casari Rebecca , Resentera Chiara , Morbioli Laura , Conforti Anita , Lugoboni Fabio
Published: May 2016

Despite the first reports concerning benzodiazepine dependence being published in the early 1960s literature, the risk of benzodiazepine addiction is still greatly debated. The severe discomfort and life threatening complications usually experienced by long-term benzodiazepine users who suddenly interrupt benzodiazepine intake have led to the development of several detoxification protocols. A successful strategy used by our Addiction Unit is abrupt benzodiazepine cessation by administering flumazenil slow subcutaneous infusion (FLU-SSI) with an elastomeric pump. Although some studies proved the efficacy of flumazenil infusion more than 20 years ago, only a few centres in the world offer this method to their patients. This paper reports the data related to 214 subjects addicted to high doses of benzodiazepine and treated with the FLU-SSI method between 2012 and 2014. This technique is less invasive and requires less nursing intervention than intravenous infusion. Our data support FLU-SSI as a possible efficient strategy for the treatment of patients with long-term, high-dose benzodiazepine addiction, and could become a routine therapy as long as the necessary further studies on dose, duration of infusion and safety issues are carried out.
Pharmacological inhibition of mannose-binding lectin ameliorates neurobehavioral dysfunction following experimental traumatic brain injury
Authors: De Blasio Daiana , Fumagalli Stefano , Longhi Luca , Orsini Franca , Palmioli Alessandro , Stravalaci Matteo , Vegliante Gloria , Zanier Elisa R , Bernardi Anna , Gobbi Marco , De Simoni Maria-Grazia
Published: May 2016

Mannose-binding lectin is present in the contusion area of traumatic brain-injured patients and in that of traumatic brain-injured mice, where mannose-binding lectin-C exceeds mannose-binding lectin-A. The reduced susceptibility to traumatic brain injury of mannose-binding lectin double knock-out mice (mannose-binding lectin−/−) when compared to wild type mice suggests that mannose-binding lectin may be a therapeutic target following traumatic brain injury. Here, we evaluated the effects of a multivalent glycomimetic mannose-binding lectin ligand, Polyman9, following traumatic brain injury in mice. In vitro surface plasmon resonance assay indicated that Polyman9 dose-dependently inhibits the binding to immobilized mannose residues of plasma mannose-binding lectin-C selectively over that of mannose-binding lectin-A. Male C57Bl/6 mice underwent sham/controlled cortical impact traumatic brain injury and intravenous treatment with Polyman9/saline. Ex-vivo surface plasmon resonance studies confirmed that Polyman9 effectively reduces the binding of plasma mannose-binding lectin-C to immobilized mannose residues. In vivo studies up to four weeks post injury, showed that Polyman9 induces significant improvement in sensorimotor deficits (by neuroscore and beam walk), promotes neurogenesis (73% increase in doublecortin immunoreactivity), and astrogliosis (28% increase in glial fibrillary acid protein). Polyman9 administration in brain-injured mannose-binding lectin−/− mice had no effect on post-traumatic brain-injured functional deficits, suggestive of the specificity of its neuroprotective effects. The neurobehavioral efficacy of Polyman9 implicates mannose-binding lectin-C as a novel therapeutic target for traumatic brain injury.