bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybrid Associative Flash Translation Layer for the Performance Optimization of Chip-Level Parallel Flash Memory
Authors: Kwon Se Jin , Cho Hyung-Ju , Chung Tae-Sun
Published: December 2013

Flash memory is used widely in the data storage market, particularly low-price MultiLevel Cell (MLC) flash memory, which has been adopted by large-scale storage systems despite its low performance. To overcome the poor performance of MLC flash memory, a system architecture has been designed to optimize chip-level parallelism. This design increases the size of the page unit and the block unit, thereby simultaneously executing operations on multiple chips. Unfortunately, its Flash Translation Layer (FTL) generates many unused sectors in each page, which leads to unnecessary write operations. Furthermore, it reuses an earlier log block scheme, although it generates many erase operations because of its low space utilization. To solve these problems, we propose a hybrid associative FTL (Hybrid-FTL) to enhance the performance of the chip-level parallel flash memory system. Hybrid-FTL reduces the number of write operations by utilizing all of the unused sectors. Furthermore, it reduces the overall number of erase operations by classifying data as hot, cold, or fragment data. Hybrid-FTL requires less mapping information in the DRAM and in the flash memory compared with previous FTL algorithms.
Power-aware dynamic memory management on many-core platforms utilizing DVFS
Authors: Anagnostopoulos Iraklis , Chabloz Jean-Michel , Koutras Ioannis , Bartzas Alexandros , Hemani Ahmed , Soudris Dimitrios
Published: December 2013

Today multicore platforms are already prevalent solutions for modern embedded systems. In the future, embedded platforms will have an even more increased processor core count, composing many-core platforms. In addition, applications are becoming more complex and dynamic and try to efficiently utilize the amount of available resources on the embedded platforms. Efficient memory utilization is a key challenge for application developers, especially since memory is a scarce resource and often becomes the system's bottleneck. To cope with this dynamism and achieve better memory footprint utilization (low memory fragmentation) application developers resort to the usage of dynamic memory (heap) management techniques, by allocating and deallocating data at runtime. Moreover, overall power consumption is another key challenge that needs to be taken into consideration. Towards this, designers employ the usage of Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling (DVFS) mechanisms, adapting to the application's computational demands at runtime. In this article, we propose the combination of dynamic memory management techniques with DVFS ones. This is performed by integrating, within the memory manager, runtime monitoring mechanisms that steer the DVFS mechanisms to adjust clock frequency and voltage supply based on heap performance. The proposed approach has been evaluated on a distributed shared-memory many-core platform composed of multiple LEON3 processors interconnected by a Network-on-Chip infrastructure, supporting DVFS. Experimental results show that by using the proposed method for monitoring and applying DVFS mechanisms the power consumption concerning dynamic memory management was reduced by approximately 37%. In addition we present the trade-offs the proposed approach. Last, by combining the developed method with heap fragmentation-aware dynamic memory managers, we achieve low heap fragmentation values combined with low power consumption.
Towards hinted collection
Authors: Reames Philip , Necula George
Published: December 2013

Garbage collection is widely used and has largely been a boon for programmer productivity. However, traditional garbage collection is approaching both practical and theoretical performance limits. In practice, the maximum heap size and heap structure of large applications are influenced as much by garbage collector behavior as by resource availability.

We present an alternate approach to garbage collection wherein the programmer provides untrusted deallocation hints. Usage of deallocation hints is similar to trusted manual deallocation, but the consequence of an inaccurate hint is lost performance not correctness. Our hinted collector algorithm uses these hints to identify a subset of unreachable objects with both better parallel asymptotic complexity and practical performance. On some benchmarks, our prototype collector implementation achieves 10-20% pause time reductions. We close with a discussion of the design trade-offs inherent in our approach and lessons to be learned from our collector.
Elephant tracks
Authors: Ricci Nathan P. , Guyer Samuel Z. , Moss J. Eliot B.
Published: December 2013

We present Elephant Tracks (ET), a dynamic program analysis tool for Java that produces detailed traces of garbage collection-related events, including object allocations, object deaths, and pointer updates. Like prior work, our tracing tool is based on the Merlin algorithm [6,7], but offers several substantial new capabilities. First, it is much more precise than previous tools: it traces method entries and exits and measures time in terms of them, allowing it to place events precisely in the context of the program structure. Second, it is implemented using a combination of JVM Tool Interface (JVMTI)[13] callbacks and bytecode rewriting, and works with any standard JVM. Finally, it produces complete traces, including weak references, events from the Java Native Interface and sun.misc.Unsafe, and VM start up objects. In this paper we also explore the general design space of tracing tools, and carefully define the execution model that the traces represent.
Gemifloxacin, a Fluoroquinolone Antimicrobial Drug, Inhibits Migration and Invasion of Human Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Kan Jung-Yu , Hsu Ya-Ling , Chen Yen-Hsu , Chen Tun-Chieh , Wang Jaw-Yuan , Kuo Po-Lin
Published: December 2013

Gemifloxacin (GMF) is an orally administered broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antimicrobial agent used to treat acute bacterial exacerbation of pneumonia and bronchitis. Although fluoroquinolone antibiotics have also been found to have anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects, studies on the effect of GMF on treating colon cancer have been relatively rare. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to describe the antimetastasis activities of GMF in colon cancer and the possible mechanisms involved. Results have shown that GMF inhibits the migration and invasion of colon cancer SW620 and LoVo cells and causes epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). In addition, GMF suppresses the activation of NF-κB and cell migration and invasion induced by TNF-αand inhibits the TAK1/TAB2 interaction, resulting in decreased IκB phosphorylation and NF-κB nuclear translocation in SW620 cells. Furthermore, Snail, a critical transcriptional factor of EMT, was downregulated after GMF treatment. Overexpression of Snail by cDNA transfection significantly decreases the inhibitory effect of GMF on EMT and cell migration and invasion. In conclusion, GMF may be a novel anticancer agent for the treatment of metastasis in colon cancer.
Traveled Distance Is a Sensitive and Accurate Marker of Motor Dysfunction in a Mouse Model of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Takemiya Takako , Takeuchi Chisen
Published: December 2013

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common central nervous system disease associated with progressive physical impairment. To study the mechanisms of the disease, we used experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS. EAE is induced by myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein35–55 peptide, and the severity of paralysis in the disease is generally measured using the EAE score. Here, we compared EAE scores and traveled distance using the open-field test for an assessment of EAE progression. EAE scores were obtained with a 6-step observational scoring system for paralysis, and the traveled distance was obtained by automatic trajectory analysis of natural exploratory behaviors detected by a computer. The traveled distance of the EAE mice started to decrease significantly at day 7 of the EAE process, when the EAE score still did not reflect a change. Moreover, in the relationship between the traveled distance and paralysis as measured by the EAE score after day 14, there was a high coefficient of determination between the distance and the score. The results suggest that traveled distance is a sensitive marker of motor dysfunction in the early phases of EAE progression and that it reflects the degree of motor dysfunction after the onset of paralysis in EAE.
Merit of Anisodamine Combined with Opioidδ-Receptor Activation in the Protection against Myocardial Injury during Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Hong Xuan , Fan Huimin , Lu Rong , Chan Paul , Liu Zhongmin
Published: December 2013

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MIR) injury easily occurrs during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery in elderly patients. In an attempt to develop an effective strategy, we employed a pig model of MIR injury to investigate the maximum rate of change of left ventricular pressure, left ventricular enddiastolic pressure, and left intraventricular pressure. Coronary sinus cardiac troponin T (TnT) and adenosine-triphosphate (ATP) content in myocardium were measured. The ultrastructures for MIR injury were visualized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The role ofδ-opioid receptor activation using D-Ala2, D-Leu5-enkephalin (DADLE) in both early (D1) and late (D2) phases of cardioprotection was identified. Also, the merit of cardioprotection by DADLE in combination with anisodamine, the muscarinic receptor antagonist (D+M), was evaluated. Glibenclamide was employed at the dose sufficient to block ATP-sensitive potassium channels. Significant higher cardiac indicators, reduced TnT and increased ATP contents, were observed in D1, D2, and D+M groups compared with the control group. DADLE induced protection was better in later phase of ischemia that was attenuated by glibenclamide. DADLE after the ischemia showed no benefit, but combined treatment with anisodamine showed a marked postischemic cardioprotection. Thus, anisodamine is helpful in combination with DADLE for postischemic cardioprotection.
Multiantenna Relay Beamforming Design for QoS Discrimination in Two‐Way Relay Networks
Authors: Xiong Ke , Zhang Yu , Li Dandan , Chang Chih-Yung , Zhong Zhangdui
Published: December 2013

This paper investigates the relay beamforming design for quality of service (QoS) discrimination in two‐way relay networks. The purpose is to keep legitimate two‐way relay users exchange their information via a helping multiantenna relay with QoS guarantee while avoiding the exchanged information overhearing by unauthorized receiver. To this end, we propose a physical layer method, where the relay beamforming is jointly designed with artificial noise (AN) which is used to interfere in the unauthorized user’s reception. We formulate the joint beamforming and AN (BFA) design into an optimization problem such that the received signal‐to‐interference‐ratio (SINR) at the two legitimate users is over a predefined QoS threshold while limiting the received SINR at the unauthorized user which is under a certain secure threshold. The objective of the optimization problem is to seek the optimal AN and beamforming vectors to minimize the total power consumed by the relay node. Since the optimization problem is nonconvex, we solve it by using semidefinite program (SDP) relaxation. For comparison, we also study the optimal relay beamforming without using AN (BFO) under the same QoS discrimination constraints. Simulation results show that both the proposed BFA and BFO can achieve the QoS discrimination of the two‐way transmission. However, the proposed BFA yields significant power savings and lower infeasible rates compared with the BFO method.
Optimal Ascent Guidance for Air-Breathing Launch Vehicle Based on Optimal Trajectory Correction
Authors: Lu Xuefang , Wang Yongji , Liu Lei
Published: December 2013

An optimal guidance algorithm for air-breathing launch vehicle is proposed based on optimal trajectory correction. The optimal trajectory correction problem is a nonlinear optimal feedback control problem with state inequality constraints which results in a nonlinear and nondifferentiable two-point boundary value problem (TPBVP). It is difficult to solve TPBVP on-board. To reduce the on-board calculation cost, the proposed guidance algorithm corrects the reference trajectory in every guidance cycle to satisfy the optimality condition of the optimal feedback control problem. By linearizing the optimality condition, the linear TPBVP is obtained for the optimal trajectory correction. The solution of the linear TPBVP is obtained by solving linear equations through the Simpson rule. Considering the solution of the linear TPBVP as the searching direction for the correction values, the updating step size is generated by linear search. Smooth approximation is applied to the inequality constraints for the nondifferentiable Hamiltonian. The sufficient condition for the global convergence of the algorithm is given in this paper. Finally, simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Solving Vertex Cover Problem Using DNA Tile Assembly Model
Authors: Chen Zhihua , Song Tao , Huang Yufang , Shi Xiaolong
Published: December 2013

DNA tile assembly models are a class of mathematically distributed and parallel biocomputing models in DNA tiles. In previous works, tile assembly models have been proved be Turing-universal; that is, the system can do what Turing machine can do. In this paper, we use tile systems to solve computational hard problem. Mathematically, we construct three tile subsystems, which can be combined together to solve vertex cover problem. As a result, each of the proposed tile subsystems consists ofΘ(1) types of tiles, and the assembly process is executed in a parallel way (like DNA’s biological function in cells); thus the systems can generate the solution of the problem in linear time with respect to the size of the graph.
Analysis of Numerical Measure and Numerical Integration Based on Measure
Authors: Wang Yinkun , Luo Jianshu , Chen Xiangling
Published: December 2013

We present a convergence analysis for a general numerical method to estimate measure function. By combining Lagrange interpolation, we propose a specific method for approximating the measure function and analyze the convergence order. Further, we analyze the error bound of numerical measure integration and prove that the numerical measure integration can decrease the singularity for singular integrals. Numerical examples are presented to confirm the theoretical results.
IL-33/ST2 Pathway and Classical Cytokines in End-Stage Heart Failure Patients Submitted to Left Ventricular Assist Device Support: A Paradoxic Role for Inflammatory Mediators?
Authors: Caselli C. , D'Amico A. , Ragusa R. , Caruso R. , Prescimone T. , Cabiati M. , Nonini S. , Marraccini P. , Del Ry S. , Trivella M. G. , Parodi O. , Giannessi D.
Published: December 2013

Background. Inflammation is a critical process contributing to heart failure (HF). We hypothesized that IL-33/ST2 pathway, a new mechanism regulated during cardiac stress, may be involved in the functional worsening of end-stage HF patients, candidates for left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation, and potentially responsible for their outcome.Methods. IL-33, ST2, and conventional cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) were determined in cardiac biopsies and plasma of 22 patients submitted to LVAD implantation (pre-LVAD) and compared with (1) control stable chronic HF patients on medical therapy at the moment of heart transplantation without prior circulatory support (HT); (2) patients supported by LVAD at the moment of LVAD weaning (post-LVAD).Results. Cardiac expression of ST2/IL-33 and cytokines was lower in the pre-LVAD than in the HT group. LVAD determined an increase of inflammatory mediators comparable to levels of the HT group. Only ST2 correlated with outcome indices after LVAD implantation.Conclusions. IL-33/ST2 and traditional cytokines were involved in decline of cardiac function of ESHF patients as well as in hemodynamic recovery induced by LVAD. IL-33/ST2 pathway was also associated to severity of clinical course. Thus, a better understanding of inflammation is the key to achieving more favorable outcome by new specific therapies.
Chaotic Control and Generalized Synchronization for a Hyperchaotic Lorenz-Stenflo System
Authors: Li Yin , Zhao Yulin , Yao Zheng-an
Published: December 2013

This paper is devoted to investigate the tracking control and generalized synchronization of the hyperchaotic Lorenz-Stenflo system using the tracking model and the feedback control scheme. We suppress the chaos to unstable equilibrium via three feedback methods, and we achieve three globally generalized synchronization controls. Novel tracking controllers with corresponding parameter update laws are designed such that the Lorenz-Stenflo systems can be synchronized asymptotically. Moreover, numerical simulations are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness, through the contrast between the orbits before being stabilized and the ones after being stabilized.
An Approach for Composing Services Based on Environment Ontology
Authors: Cai Guangjun , Zhao Bin
Published: December 2013

Service-oriented computing is revolutionizing the modern computing paradigms with its aim to boost software reuse and enable business agility. Under this paradigm, new services are fabricated by composing available services. The problem arises as how to effectively and efficiently compose heterogeneous services facing the high complexity of service composition. Based on environment ontology, this paper introduces a requirement-driven service composition approach. We propose the algorithms to decompose the requirement, the rules to deduct the relation between services, and the algorithm for composing service. The empirical results and the comparison with other services’ composition methodologies show that this approach is feasible and efficient.
Treadmill Exercise Preconditioning Attenuates Lung Damage Caused by Systemic Endotoxemia in Type 1 Diabetic Rats
Authors: Hung Ching-Hsia , Tzeng Jann-Inn , Chang Che-Ning , Chen Yu-Wen , Cho Chia-Ying , Wang Jhi-Joung
Published: December 2013

Endotoxemia induces a series of inflammatory responses that may result in lung injury. However, heat shock protein72 (HSP72) has the potential to protect the lungs from damage. The objective of this study was to determine whether prior exercise conditioning could increase the expression of HSP72 in the lungs and attenuate lung damage in diabetic rats receiving lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Streptozotocin was used to induce diabetes in adult male Wistar rats. Rats were randomly assigned to sedentary or exercise groups. Rats in the exercise condition ran on a treadmill 5 days/week, 30–60 min/day, with an intensity of 1.0 mile/hour over a 3-week period. Rats received an intravenous infusion of LPS after 24 hrs from the last training session. Elevated lavage tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) level in response to LPS was more marked in diabetic rats. HSP72 expression in lungs was significantly increased after exercise conditioning, but less pronounced in diabetic rats. After administration of LPS, exercised rats displayed higher survival rate as well as decreased lavage TNF-αlevel and lung edema in comparison to sedentary rats. Our findings suggest that exercise conditioning could attenuate the occurrence of inflammatory responses and lung damage, thereby reducing mortality rate in diabetic rats during endotoxemia.
Total Variation Filtered Demons for Improved Registration of Sliding Organs
Authors: Demirović Damir , Šerifović-Trbalić Amira , Prljača Naser , Cattin Philippe C.
Published: December 2013

We present a new approach to regularize the displacement field of the accelerated Demons registration algorithm. The accelerated Demons algorithm uses Gaussian smoothing to penalize oscillatory motion in the displacement fields during registration. This regularization approach is often applied and ensures a smooth deformation field. However, when registering images with discontinuities in their motion field such as from organs sliding along the chest wall, the assumption of a smooth deformation field is invalid. In this work, we propose using total variation based smoothing that is known to better retain the discontinuities in the deformation field. The proposed approach is a first step towards automatically recovering breathing induced organ motion with good accuracy.
Hippocampal Gene Expression of Deiodinases 2 and 3 and Effects of 3,5-Diiodo-L-Thyronine T2 in Mouse Depression Paradigms
Authors: Markova Natalyia , Chernopiatko Anton , Schroeter Careen A. , Malin Dmitry , Kubatiev Aslan , Bachurin Sergey , Costa-Nunes João , Steinbusch Harry M. W. , Strekalova Tatyana
Published: December 2013

Central thyroid hormone signaling is important in brain function/dysfunction, including affective disorders and depression. In contrast to 3,3′,5-triiodo-L-thyronine (T3), the role of 3,5-diiodo-L-thyronine (T2), which until recently was considered an inactive metabolite of T3, has not been studied in these pathologies. However, both T3 and T2 stimulate mitochondrial respiration, a factor counteracting the pathogenesis of depressive disorder, but the cellular origins in the CNS, mechanisms, and kinetics of the cellular action for these two hormones are distinct and independent of each other. Here, Illumina and RT PCR assays showed that hippocampal gene expression of deiodinases 2 and 3, enzymes involved in thyroid hormone regulation, is increased in resilience to stress-induced depressive syndrome and after antidepressant treatment in mice that might suggest elevated T2 and T3 turnover in these phenotypes. In a separate experiment, bolus administration of T2 at the doses 750 and 1500 mcg/kg but not 250 mcg/kg in naive mice reduced immobility in a two-day tail suspension test in various settings without changing locomotion or anxiety. This demonstrates an antidepressant-like effect of T2 that could be exploited clinically. In a wider context, the current study suggests important central functions of T2, whose biological role only lately is becoming to be elucidated.
Inhibitory Effect of r‐Hirudin Variant III on Streptozotocin‐Induced Diabetic Cataracts in Rats
Authors: Gong Xiaojian , Zhang Qiuyan , Tan Shuhua
Published: December 2013

The in vivo inhibitory effect of r‐hirudin variant III (rHV3) on streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic cataracts in rats was investigated. SD‐rats were firstly made diabetic by a single intraperitoneal injection of 2% (W/V) STZ (65 mg/kg). Two weeks later, cataract formation was examined by slit lamp microscope, and the cataracted animals were randomly grouped. The animals in the treated groups received rHV3 drops administration to the eyes with various doses. After 4 weeks treatment, the animals were sacrificed to evaluate the biochemical changes of aldose reductase (AR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the eye lens. Meanwhile, the cataract progression was monitored by slit lamp microscope. As a result, rHV3 drops treatment significantly increased the activities of SOD and GSH‐Px in the lens in a dose‐dependent manner, whereas AR activity and MDA level in the lens were dramatically decreased. Also, the morphological observation further confirmed the inhibition of the development of STZ‐induced diabetic cataracts by the rHV3 drops treatment. Thus, our data suggest that rHV3 drops are pharmacologically effective for the protection against STZ‐induced diabetic cataracts in rats.
Demographic Characteristics of World Class Jamaican Sprinters
Authors: Irving Rachael , Charlton Vilma , Morrison Errol , Facey Aldeam , Buchanan Oral
Published: December 2013

The dominance of Jamaican sprinters in international meets remains largely unexplained. Proposed explanations include demographics and favorable physiological characteristics. The aim of this study was to analyze the demographic characteristics of world class Jamaican sprinters. Questionnaires administered to 120 members of the Jamaican national team and 125 controls elicited information on place of birth, language, ethnicity, and distance and method of travel to school. Athletes were divided into three groups based on athletic disciplines: sprint (s: 100–400 m; n = 80), jump and throw (j/t: jump and throw; n = 25) and, middle distance (md: 800–3000 m; n = 15). Frequency differences between groups were assessed using chi‐square tests. Regional or county distribution of sprint differed from that of middle distance (P < 0.001) but not from that of jump and throw athletes (P = 0.24) and that of controls (P = 0.59). Sprint athletes predominately originated from the Surrey county (s = 46%, j/t = 37%, md = 17, C = 53%), whilst middle distance athletes exhibited excess from the Middlesex county (md = 60%). The language distribution of all groups showed uniformity with a predominance of English. A higher proportion of middle distance and jump and throw athletes walked to school (md = 80%, j/t = 52%, s = 10%, and C = 12%) and travelled greater distances to school. In conclusion, Jamaica’s success in sprinting may be related to environmental and social factors.
Pediatric Tuberculosis in Young Children in India: A Prospective Study
Authors: Jain Sanjay K. , Ordonez Alvaro , Kinikar Aarti , Gupte Nikhil , Thakar Madhuri , Mave Vidya , Jubulis Jennifer , Dharmshale Sujata , Desai Shailaja , Hatolkar Swarupa , Kagal Anju , Lalvani Ajit , Gupta Amita , Bharadwaj Renu
Published: December 2013

Background. India has one of the highest tuberculosis (TB) burdens globally. However, few studies have focused on TB in young children, a vulnerable population, where lack of early diagnosis results in poor outcomes.Methods. Young children (≤5 years) with suspected TB were prospectively enrolled at a tertiary hospital in Pune, India. Detailed clinical evaluation, HIV testing, mycobacterial cultures, and drug susceptibility testing were performed.Results. 223 children with suspected TB were enrolled. The median age was 31 months, 46% were female, 86% had received BCG, 57% were malnourished, and 10% were HIV positive. 12% had TB disease (definite or probable), 35% did not have TB, while TB could not be ruled out in 53%. Extrapulmonary disease was noted in 46%, which was predominantly meningeal. Tuberculin skin test (TST) was positive in 20% of children with TB. Four of 7 (57%) children with culture-confirmed TB harbored drug-resistant (DR) strains of whom 2 (50%) were multi-DR (MDR). In adjusted analyses, HIV infection, positive TST, and exposure to household smoke were found to be significantly associated with children with TB (P≤0.04). Mortality (at 1 year) was 3 of 26 (12%) and 1 of 79 (1%), respectively, in children with TB and those without TB (P< 0.05).Conclusions. Diagnosis of TB is challenging in young children, with high rates of extra-pulmonary and meningeal disease. While the data on DR-TB are limited by the small sample size, they are however concerning, and additional studies are needed to more accurately define the prevalence of DR strains in this vulnerable population.
The Effect of H-Bonding on Radical Copolymerization of Maleic Anhydride with N-tert-Butylacrylamide and Its Characterization
Authors: Okudan Ahmet , Karasakal Ayşe
Published: December 2013

The copolymerization reaction between N-tert-butylacrylamide (NTBA) and maleic anhydride (MA) inp-dioxane solution at 65°C using 2,2′-azoisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as an initiator in nitrogen atmosphere was carried out. The chemical structure of the obtained copolymers from a wide range of monomer feeds was determined by elemental analysis (content of N for NTBA units), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and 1H-NMR spectroscopy. Also, the amounts of MA units in the copolymers were found using the chemical titration method. An observed tendency toward alternating copolymerization at ≤50 mol% NTBA concentration in monomer feed and relatively high activity of NTBA growing radical was explained by H-bond formation between C=O (anhydride) and NH (amide) fragments during chain growth reactions. Intrinsic viscosity and the molecular weights of the synthesized copolymers depend on the type of comonomer and the amount of NTBA units in the copolymers. The synthesized poly(NTBA-MA)s containing a functional amphiphilic group show both temperature and pH sensitivity and can be used for biological proposes as a physiologically active macromolecular system.
Predictors of Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy among HIV/AIDS Patients in the Upper West Region of Ghana
Authors: Obirikorang Christian , Selleh Peter Kuugemah , Abledu Jubilant Kwame , Fofie Chris Opoku
Published: December 2013

Background. The effectiveness of ART interventions is only realized in maximal levels of adherence. A near perfect adherence level of >95%
is required for the effective suppression of HIV/AIDS virus. The main objective of this study was to identify the sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors that facilitate adherence to antiretroviral therapy among HIV/AIDS patients. Methods. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between March and May 2013 at the Upper West Regional Hospital, Wa. A total of 201 confirmed HIV 1 seropositive subjects (mean age 36.6±9.9 years) receiving antiretroviral therapy were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed using GraphPad Prism version 5. A P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant for all statistical analyses. Results. Overall lifetime adherence was found to be 62.2% while medication adherence in the last six months, last three months, last month, and last week were 73.6%, 87.1%, 91.0%, and 86.0%, respectively. The study revealed a positive association between adherence to ART and immunological success, with nonadherence increasing the risk (OR (95% CI): 9.2 (3.2–26.9)) of immunological failure. Univariate logistic regression analysis of the data showed that other ailments and side effects of drug were negatively associated with adherence to ART whereas self-perceived wellness, family support, and regular followup were positively associated with adherence to ART. Conclusion. Regular attendance at followup and family support are vital factors for 100% lifetime medication adherence. Effective counseling sessions on adherence for patients on antiretroviral therapy are paramount for the realization of the purpose of antiretroviral therapy programmes in Ghana.
H∞Control of Pairwise Distributable Large-Scale TS Fuzzy Systems
Authors: Filasová Anna , Krokavec Dušan
Published: December 2013

The paper presents new conditions suitable in design of the stabilizing state controller for a class of continuous-time nonlinear systems, which are representable by pairwise distributable Takagi-Sugeno models. Taking into account the affine properties of the TS model structure and applying the pairwise subsystems fuzzy control scheme relating to the parallel distributed output compensators, the extended bounded real lemma form and the sufficient design conditions for pairwise decentralized control are outlined in terms of linear matrix inequalities. The proposed procedure decouples the Lyapunov matrix and the system parameter matrices in the LMIs and, using free tuning parameter, provides the way to obtain global stability of such large-scale TS systems and optimizes subsystems interactionH∞norm bounds.
No Association between Depression and Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Older People in Taiwan
Authors: Lai Shih-Wei , Lin Cheng-Li , Liao Kuan-Fu , Chen Wen-Chi
Published: December 2013

Objectives. The objective of this study was to determine whether there is a relationship between depression and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in older people in Taiwan. Methods. A case-control study was conducted to analyze the database from the Taiwan National Health Insurance program. We selected 1815 subjects aged 65 years or older with newly diagnosed HCC as the case group and 7260 subjects without HCC as the comparison group, from 2000 to 2010. Both groups were compared to measure the risk of HCC. Results. After controlling for confounders, the odds ratio of HCC was 0.81 in subjects with depression (95% confidence interval = 0.59, 1.11), as compared with nondepressed subjects. Conclusions. We conclude that no association is detected between depression and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in older people in Taiwan.
Sufficient Conditions of Asymptotic Stability of the Time-Varying Descriptor Systems
Authors: Su Xiaoming , Zhi Yali
Published: December 2013

We discuss the time-varying descriptor systems. Firstly, a sufficient condition of asymptotic stability and impulse-free is derived based on Riccati equation. Secondly, we design a state feedback controller to make the close-loop system asymptotically stable and impulse-free. Finally, a numerical example demonstrates the proposed results.
An Extensive QFD and Evaluation Procedure for Innovative Design
Authors: Wu Chang-Tzuoh , Pan Tien-Szu , Shao Ming-Hui , Wu Chang-Shiann
Published: December 2013

In this paper, a systematic innovation procedure has been developed based on quality function deployment and extension method. Besides, the evaluation method for design decision making has also been discussed and developed. The major procedure of QFD is to identify the customers’ needs for the product and then convert into appropriate technical measures to fulfill the needs based on the company’s competitive priorities. The priorities of product characteristics can be obtained by translating important technical measures. According to their characteristics, the prior engineering parameters will be identified and selected as the key requirements to redesign. This paper will focus on the integration of QFD and extension method. With the help of “matter element theory and extension method,” customer requirements (CRs) can be transferred into product design attributes more comprehensively and deeply. According to the idea of loss function of Taguchi quality design method, the criteria for design decision making have also been developed in this paper. An innovative design case, bicycle, successfully demonstrates that the proposed design process is feasible and efficient.
Impact of Mannose-Binding Lectin Deficiency on Radiocontrast-Induced Renal Dysfunction
Authors: Osthoff Michael , Trendelenburg Marten
Published: December 2013

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is the third leading cause of acute renal failure in hospitalized patients. Endothelial dysfunction, renal medullary ischemia, and tubular toxicity are regarded as the most important factors in the pathogenesis of CIN. Mannose-binding lectin (MBL), a pattern recognition protein of the lectin pathway of complement, has been found to aggravate and mediate tissue damage during experimental renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury which was alleviated by inhibition with C1 inhibitor, a potent MBL, and lectin pathway inhibitor. In this paper, we highlight the potential role of MBL in the pathogenesis of human CIN. In experimental I/R models, MBL was previously found to induce tubular cell death independent of the complement system. In addition, after binding to vascular endothelial cells, MBL and its associated serine proteases were able to trigger a proinflammatory reaction and contribute to endothelial dysfunction. In humans, urinary MBL was increased after administration of contrast media and in individuals with CIN. Moreover, individuals with normal/high MBL levels were at increased risk to develop radiocontrast-induced renal dysfunction. Hence, MBL and the lectin pathway seem to be a promising target given that a licensed, powerful, human recombinant inhibitor exits to be added to the scarce armamentarium currently available for prophylaxis of CIN.
Correlation Discrepancies between High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions and High-Grade Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia: A Cytological/Histological Correlation Study from a Single-Institution Experience
Authors: Zhang Ming , Carrozza Michael , Huang Yajue
Published: December 2013

Objective: Previous studies have demonstrated diagnostic discrepancies for the detection of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN 2/3) from previously confirmed cytological high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs). The goal of this study is to investigate the possible factors which may be responsible for this diagnostic discrepancy. Study Design: The study included all the cytological specimens diagnosed with a HSIL by the Papanicolaou (Pap) test at Temple University Hospital (2000-2010) as well as timely follow-up cervical biopsies. The biopsy tissue types and diagnoses were subsequently categorized and analyzed. Results: Of the total 842 Pap tests with HSIL diagnosis, 96 cases (11.4%) showed non-CIN 2/3 in follow-up cervical biopsies. Among those cases, the most common biopsy diagnoses were cervicitis (27.9%) and CIN 1 (25%). Endocervical curettage (ECC) samples showed a high percentage of inadequacy for diagnosis (43.7%). Thirty-seven cases had subsequent follow-up biopsy, and CIN 2/3 was found in 15 cases. However, none of the CIN 2/3 cases was detected by ECC sampling. Conclusions: Our study indicated that the discrepant correlation between HSIL and CIN 2/3 was most likely due to tissue sampling issues during colposcopic examination. The diagnostic value of ECC remains poor for the detection and grading of cervical intraepithelial dysplasia.
Mesodiverticular Band of Meckel's Diverticulum as a Rare Cause of Small Bowel Obstruction: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Kuru Serdar , Bulus Hakan , Kismet Kemal , Aydin Altan , Yavuz Alper , Tantoglu Utku , Boztas Arzu , Çoskun Ali
Published: December 2013

Background: Meckel's diverticulum, which was first described by Johann Friedrich Meckel, is a congenital anomaly. It results from incomplete obliteration of the most proximal portion of the vitelline or omphalomesenteric duct. Its prevalence is ranging from 1 to 4% of the population. The lifetime risk of complications is estimated at 4-6%. One of them is intestinal obstruction which is a more common presentation among adults. Mesodiverticular band, as presented in this case report, is a rare cause of small bowel obstruction in Meckel's diverticulum. Case Report: We report the case of a 17-year-old male who had intestinal obstruction caused by a mesodiverticular band of Meckel's diverticulum. He presented with severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. The established diagnosis was mechanical intestinal obstruction. Laparotomy revealed an internal herniation and obstruction caused by a mesodiverticular band of Meckel's diverticulum. There was no evidence of necrosis or ischemia. The mesodiverticular band was released from the ileal mesentery and the Meckel's diverticulum was resected. The postoperative period was uneventful and the patient was discharged after 6 days. Conclusion: The incidence of an internal hernia caused by a mesodiverticular band of Meckel's diverticulum is rare. It may be overlooked in the case of intestinal obstruction because of nonspecific symptoms. Delay in the diagnosis can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. In the case of small bowel obstruction, Meckel's diverticulum should therefore be kept in mind.
Efficacy and Safety of Dabigatran Compared With Warfarin in Relation to Baseline Renal Function in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Hijazi Ziad , Hohnloser Stefan H. , Oldgren Jonas , Andersson Ulrika , Connolly Stuart J. , Eikelboom John W. , Ezekowitz Michael D. , Reilly Paul A. , Siegbahn Agneta , Yusuf Salim , Wallentin Lars
Published: December 2013

Background—

Renal impairment increases the risk of stroke and bleeding in patients with atrial fibrillation. In the Randomized Evaluation of Long-Term Anticoagulant Therapy (RELY) trial, dabigatran, with ≈80% renal elimination, displayed superiority over warfarin for prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in the 150-mg dose and significantly less major bleeding in the 110-mg dose in 18 113 patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. This prespecified study investigated these outcomes in relation to renal function.

Methods and Results—

Glomerular filtration rate was estimated with the Cockcroft-Gault, Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI), and Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equations in all randomized patients with available creatinine at baseline (n=17 951), and cystatin C–based glomerular filtration rate was estimated in a subpopulation with measurements available (n=6190). A glomerular filtration rate ≥80, 50 to <80, and <50 mL/min was estimated in 32.6%, 47.6%, and 19.8% and in 21.6%, 59.6%, and 18.8% of patients based on Cockcroft-Gault and CKD-EPI, respectively. Rates of stroke or systemic embolism, major bleeding, and all-cause mortality increased as renal function decreased. The rates of stroke or systemic embolism were lower with dabigatran 150 mg and similar with 110 mg twice daily compared with warfarin, without significant heterogeneity in subgroups defined by renal function (interaction
P
>0.1 for all). For the outcome of major bleeding, there were significant interactions between treatment and renal function according to CKD-EPI and MDRD equations, respectively (
P
<0.05). The relative reduction in major bleeding with either dabigatran dose compared with warfarin was greater in patients with glomerular filtration rate ≥80 mL/min.

Conclusions—

The efficacy of both dosages of dabigatran was consistent with the overall trial irrespective of renal function. However, with the CKD-EPI and MDRD equations, both dabigatran dosages displayed significantly lower rates of major bleeding in patients with glomerular filtration rate ≥80 mL/min.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00262600.
Diagnosing the English Speaking Ability of College Students in China – Validation of the Diagnostic College English Speaking Test
Authors: Zhao Zhongbao
Published: December 2013

This study investigates the validity of the Diagnostic College English Speaking Test (DCEST) in the context of EFL teaching and learning in China. The experiment was conducted in three stages over the course of eight weeks at a national key university in China. By means of test administration and questionnaire survey, the researcher gathered various types of data from the control and the experiment group. The results demonstrated that the DCEST had achieved satisfactory reliability and validity. The DCEST displayed a high intra-rater reliability (r = .966) and inter-rater reliability (r = .884). The construct validity of the DCEST was evidenced by the means of factor analysis, which showed that three factors loaded heavily on each of the three test tasks and accounted for a total of 78.69% of the score variance. The analysis of the questionnaire data provided supportive evidence to the face validity of the DCEST. The paper concludes with suggestions for further research into the impact of the DCEST on oral English teaching.
New Directions In Vocabulary Testing
Authors: Webb Stuart A. , Sasao Yosuke
Published: December 2013

There have been great strides made in research on vocabulary in the last 30 years. However, there has been relatively little progress in the development of new vocabulary tests. This may be due in some degree to the impressive contributions made by tests such as the Vocabulary Levels Test (Nation, 1983; Schmitt et al., 2001) and the Word Associates Test (Read, 1993, 1998). In this report, an argument is made that there is a need for the development of new vocabulary tests. The justification for the development of new tests will be discussed and four new tests that are in different stages of development will be briefly introduced. The first two expand on the contributions of the Vocabulary Levels Test. One is a new version of the Vocabulary Levels Test and the other measures knowledge of the different sublists of Coxhead’s (2000) Academic Word List. The second two tests measure a different aspect of vocabulary knowledge, vocabulary learning proficiency. The Guessing from Context Test was designed to measure the ability to guess words in context and the Word Part Levels Test measures knowledge of affixes.
Illustrating Students’ Perceptions of English Language Assessment: Voices from China
Authors: Xiao Yangyu , Carless David Robert
Published: December 2013

Whilst there are studies exploring students’ perspectives of assessment, relatively little is known about how Chinese high school students’ respond to assessment. Students’ perspectives are particularly important because the power of assessment directly impacts on their motivation and attitudes towards schooling. This article explores students’ views of English language assessment in a Chinese high school in Hubei province through ‘draw-a-picture technique’ and subsequent interviews. The main findings show that assessment could invoke both positive and negative feelings; and that tests carried both summative and formative messages. The paper contributes to the understanding of how assessment impacts on students’ lives and discusses the use of draw-a-picture technique as a means of documenting students’ perceptions.
Tourist Perceived Value, Relationship to Satisfaction, and Behavioral Intentions
Authors: Pandža Bajs Irena
Published: December 2013

Perceived value, satisfaction, and loyalty are essential concepts for running a successful and profitable modern company, and therefore defining a model of perceived value and value dimensions is a primary goal of marketing management. The theoretical propositions in this article are tested in relation to the tourist destination of Dubrovnik, Croatia. The author has defined a model of tourist perceived value, satisfaction, and behavior intentions. The model was tested using the structural equation modeling. The results show a significant effect of perceived value on the satisfaction and intended future behavior of tourists. In addition, tourists’ perceived value associated with Dubrovnik was affected primarily by destination appearance, followed by the emotional experience, while the impact of cost was significantly lower.
The Influence of Tourism Innovativeness on Online Consumer Behavior
Authors: Couture Annie , Arcand Manon , Sénécal Sylvain , Ouellet Jean-François
Published: December 2013

The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of tourism-specific consumer innovativeness (i.e., domain-specific innovativeness) on their information search, purchasing, and communication behaviors on tourism websites. The methodology employed is based on a combination of data from website log files and questionnaires ( n = 207). The results show that tourism innovativeness is positively related to the frequency and density of site visits, downloading of information brochures, use of the online purchasing mode, and the volume of online purchases. Tourism innovativeness is also positively associated with consumer chatting and e-mailing. The study reveals that consumers high on tourism innovativeness maintain active and cooperative communications with the firm. In summary, the behaviors of innovative consumers that have been documented in traditional offline settings are also exhibited in the online environment. The theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.