bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acoustic Characterization of Fluorinert FC-43 Liquid with Helium Gas Bubbles: Numerical Experiments
Authors: Vanhille Christian , Pantea Cristian , Sinha Dipen N.
Published: January 2017

In this work, we define the acoustic characteristics of a biphasic fluid consisting of static helium gas bubbles in liquid Fluorinert FC-43 and study the propagation of ultrasound of finite amplitudes in this medium. Very low sound speed and high sound attenuation are found, in addition to a particularly high acoustic nonlinear parameter. This result suggests the possibility of using this medium as a nonlinear enhancer in various applications. In particular, parametric generation of low ultrasonic frequencies is studied in a resonator cavity as a function of driving pressure showing high conversion efficiency. This work suggests that this medium could be used for applications such as parametric arrays, nondestructive testing, diagnostic medicine, sonochemistry, underwater acoustics, and ultrasonic imaging and to boost the shock formation in fluids.
Steady-State-Preserving Simulation of Genetic Regulatory Systems
Authors: Zhang Ruqiang , Ehigie Julius Osato , Hou Xilin , You Xiong , Yuan Chunlu
Published: January 2017

A novel family of exponential Runge-Kutta (expRK) methods are designed incorporating the stable steady-state structure of genetic regulatory systems. A natural and convenient approach to constructing new expRK methods on the base of traditional RK methods is provided. In the numerical integration of the one-gene, two-gene, and p53-mdm2 regulatory systems, the new expRK methods are shown to be more accurate than their prototype RK methods. Moreover, for nonstiff genetic regulatory systems, the expRK methods are more efficient than some traditional exponential RK integrators in the scientific literature.
Segmental Modification of the Mualem Model by Remolded Loess
Authors: Wang Le-fan , Weng Xing-zhong , Yao Zhi-hua , Zhang Ren-yi , Li Wan , Li Ye
Published: January 2017

The measured diffusion coefficient and soil‐water characteristic curve (SWCC) of remolded loess were used to modify the Mualem model for increasing its accuracy. The obtained results show that the goodness of fit between the Mualem model and the variable parameter‐modified Mualem method comparing with the test results was not high. The saturation of 0.65 was introduced as the boundary to divide the curve of the measured diffusion coefficient into two segments. When the segmentation method combined with the variable parameter method was used to modify the Mualem model, the fitting correlation coefficient was increased to 0.921–0.998. The modified parameters Ko and L corresponding to remolded loess were calculated for different dry densities. Based on the exponential function between Ko and dry density and the linear relation between L and dry density, the segmentally modified Mualem model was established for remolded loess by considering variation in dry density. The results of the study can be used for directly determining the unsaturated infiltration coefficient and for indirectly determining the SWCC through diffusion coefficient.
Effects of Combined Simultaneous and Sequential Endostar and Cisplatin Treatment in a Mice Model of Gastric Cancer Peritoneal Metastases
Authors: Jia Lin , Ren Shuguang , Li Tao , Wu Jianing , Zhou Xinliang , Zhang Yan , Wu Jianhua , Liu Wei
Published: January 2017

Objective. Aimed to study the effects of endostar and cisplatin using an in vivo imaging system (IVIS) in a model of peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer. Methods. NUGC-4 gastric cancer cells transfected with luciferase gene (NUGC-4-Luc) were injected i.p. into nude mice. One week later, mice were randomly injected i.p.: group 1, cisplatin (d1–3) + endostar (d4–7); group 2, endostar (d1–4) + cisplatin (d5–7); group 3, endostar + cisplatin d1, 4, and 7; group 4, saline for two weeks. One week after the final administration, mice were sacrificed. Bioluminescent data, microvessel density (MVD), and lymphatic vessel density (LVD) were analyzed. Results. Among the four groups, there were no significant differences in the weights and in the number of cancer cell photons on days 1 and 8 (P>0.05). On day 15, the numbers in groups 3 and 1 were less than that in group 2 (P<0.05). On day 21, group 3 was significantly less than group 2 (P<0.05). MVD of group 4 was less than that of groups 1 and 2 (P<0.01). There was no significant difference between groups 2 and 3 (P>0.05) or in LVD number among the four groups (P>0.05). Conclusions. IVIS® was more useful than weight, volume of ascites, and number of peritoneal nodules. The simultaneous group was superior to sequential groups in killing cancer cells and inhibiting vascular endothelium. Cisplatin-endostar was superior to endostar-cisplatin in killing cancer cells, while the latter in inhibiting peritoneal vascular endothelium.
Assessment of Influences of Stenoses in Right Carotid Artery on Left Carotid Artery Using Wall Stress Marker
Authors: Bit Arindam , Ghagare Dushali , Rizvanov Albert A. , Chattopadhyay Himadri
Published: January 2017

Purpose. Atherosclerosis is a diseased condition of blood vessel. It causes partial blockage in lumen of vessel and affects hemodynamic of localized flowing blood. Complex geometries like region of bifurcation also affects hemodynamic to a larger extent. Complexity further increases in presence of stenoses at region of bifurcation. Such morphological change in vessel largely affects parent as well as corresponding sister and daughter vessels. In this paper, complexity in hemodynamic of blood in pair of carotid arteries (left and right carotid arteries) is evaluated in presence of stenoses at basilar segment of right artery in three-dimensional domain using reconstructed tomographic images of patient.Methods. Transient information of blood flow is obtained using four-dimensional phase-contrast MRI technique. Haematocrit component of blood at diseased condition is considered using Power Law and Quemada model. Numerical techniques are used to solve pressure-coupled governing equations of flowing blood.Results. Dysfunctions of endothelial cells near the wall are characterised by evaluating shear stress markers. Wall shear stress and its gradient based and harmonic based descriptors are calculated over complete geometry during one cardiac cycle.Conclusion. Internal branch of left carotid artery and external branch of right carotid artery are found prone to secondary stenoses in presence of primary stenoses at basilar segment of right carotid artery.
The Traffic Congestion Charging Fee Management Model Based on the System Dynamics Approach
Authors: Jia Shuwei , Yang Kai , Zhao Jinjin , Yan Guangle
Published: January 2017

In recent years, the condition of urban traffic congestion in China has become more and more aggravated. Thus, from the social and environmental perspective, this paper has proposed a traffic congestion charging fee (TCCF) management model based on the system dynamics approach, taking Shanghai as a case study. The system dynamics approach applied in this paper focuses on the dynamic interrelations among some major variables in the TCCF management model. Hence, through a detailed discussion on these major variables, which are amount of car trips (ACT), growth of cars (GC), amount of NOx generation (ANG), attraction degree of car trips (ADCT), per vehicle area of roads (PVAR), and degree of traffic congestion (DTC), it is discovered that, when TCCF equals 45 yuan/day ⁎ vehicle, the DTC has declined by 67.84% and the ANG by 33.09%, which is a relatively satisfying solution to the traffic congestion problem.
The Effects ofPunica granatumFlower Extract on Skin Injuries Induced by Burn in Rats
Authors: Nasiri Ebrahim , Hosseinimehr Seyed Jalal , Akbari Jafar , Azadbakht Mohammad , Azizi Soheil
Published: January 2017

Background. We compared the efficacy ofP. granatum(P) flower extract with that of silver sulfadiazine (SSD) for treating thermal burn injuries in rats.Methods. Ten Wistar rats in each group were topically given base cream, normal saline, cream containing 1% SSD, or creams containing 5% or 10%Punica granatumflower extract. The treatments were administered once daily until complete wound healing was observed. The wound area and healing time were assessed. In addition, percentage wound contraction and histopathological characteristics such as neovascularization and collagen formation were determined. The tannin content inP. granatumextract was determined.Results. The decrease in the average size of wounds on day 15 of the treatment was higher in rats treated with creams containingP. granatumextract than in rats treated with cream containing SSD (2.8±0.9 cm2versus8.4±3.2 cm2). The wounds completely healed on day 25 of the treatment in rats treated with creams containingP. granatumflower extract compared with those in rats treated with the other agents.Conclusion. These results indicated thatP. granatumflower extract promoted wound healing in rats and could be used for managing burn injuries.
Investigating the Transferability of Calibrated Microsimulation Parameters for Operational Performance Analysis in Roundabouts
Authors: Gallelli Vincenzo , Iuele Teresa , Vaiana Rosolino , Vitale Alessandro
Published: January 2017

Microsimulation models are widespread for the analysis of roundabouts operational performance providing realistic modelling of vehicle movements. These models are based on many independent parameters to describe traffic and driver behaviour, which need to be calibrated in order to better match field data. In practice, despite the well-recognized importance of calibration and validation processes, simulation is conducted under default values because of difficulties in field data collection and deficiency in available guidelines. These issues can be faced by using transferability methodologies that allow applying the parameters calibrated for a case study to other similar locations. Therefore, this paper investigates the suitability of the transferability procedure adopting both the application-based and estimation-based approaches, by considering two roundabouts and a microsimulation tool. A Genetic Algorithm technique was used to determine the best estimates of these model parameters. After that, the authors compared field-measured with simulated queue lengths, considering four different scenarios. The results show that the application of Wiedemann 99 parameters calibrated for the first case study to the second one allows reducing the RMSNE more than 50%, thus confirming an acceptable level of transferability of these parameters between the two case studies.
Sirtuins Expression and Their Role in Retinal Diseases
Authors: Balaiya Sankarathi , Abu-Amero Khaled K. , Kondkar Altaf A. , Chalam Kakarla V.
Published: January 2017

Sirtuins have received considerable attention since the discovery that silent information regulator 2 (Sir2) extends the lifespan of yeast. Sir2, a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide‐ (NAD‐) dependent histone deacetylase, serves as both a transcriptional effector and energy sensor. Oxidative stress and apoptosis are implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative eye diseases. Sirtuins confer protection against oxidative stress and retinal degeneration. In mammals, the sirtuin (SIRT) family consists of seven proteins (SIRT1–SIRT7). These vary in tissue specificity, subcellular localization, and enzymatic activity and targets. In this review, we present the current knowledge of the sirtuin family and discuss their structure, cellular location, and biological function with a primary focus on their role in different neuroophthalmic diseases including glaucoma, optic neuritis, and age‐related macular degeneration. The potential role of certain therapeutic targets is also described.
Robust Visual Tracking Using the Bidirectional Scale Estimation
Authors: Zhiyong An , Hao Guan , Jinjiang Li
Published: January 2017

Object tracking with robust scale estimation is a challenging task in computer vision. This paper presents a novel tracking algorithm that learns the translation and scale filters with a complementary scheme. The translation filter is constructed using the ridge regression and multidimensional features. A robust scale filter is constructed by the bidirectional scale estimation, including the forward scale and backward scale. Firstly, we learn the scale filter using the forward tracking information. Then the forward scale and backward scale can be estimated using the respective scale filter. Secondly, a conservative strategy is adopted to compromise the forward and backward scales. Finally, the scale filter is updated based on the final scale estimation. It is effective to update scale filter since the stable scale estimation can improve the performance of scale filter. To reveal the effectiveness of our tracker, experiments are performed on 32 sequences with significant scale variation and on the benchmark dataset with 50 challenging videos. Our results show that the proposed tracker outperforms several state‐of‐the‐art trackers in terms of robustness and accuracy.
Elite Opposition‐Based Water Wave Optimization Algorithm for Global Optimization
Authors: Wu Xiuli , Zhou Yongquan , Lu Yuting
Published: January 2017

Water wave optimization (WWO) is a novel metaheuristic method that is based on shallow water wave theory, which has simple structure, easy realization, and good performance even with a small population. To improve the convergence speed and calculation precision even further, this paper on elite opposition‐based strategy water wave optimization (EOBWWO) is proposed, and it has been applied for function optimization and structure engineering design problems. There are three major optimization strategies in the improvement: elite opposition‐based (EOB) learning strategy enhances the diversity of population, local neighborhood search strategy is introduced to enhance local search in breaking operation, and improved propagation operator provides the improved algorithm with a better balance between exploration and exploitation. EOBWWO algorithm is verified by using 20 benchmark functions and two structure engineering design problems and the performance of EOBWWO is compared against those of the state‐of‐the‐art algorithms. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm has faster convergence speed, higher calculation precision, with the exact solution being even obtained on some benchmark functions, and a higher degree of stability than other comparative algorithms.
Fabrication and Assessment of ZnO Modified Polyethersulfone Membranes for Fouling Reduction of Bovine Serum Albumin
Authors: Dipheko Tshepo Duncan , Matabola Kgabo Philemon , Kotlhao Kate , Moutloali Richard M. , Klink Michael
Published: January 2017

ZnO/PES composite membranes were fabricated by phase inversion method using DMAc as a solvent. The structure of ZnO was investigated using TEM, SEM, XRD, and TGA. TEM images of ZnO nanoparticles were well-defined, small, and spherically shaped with agglomerated nanoparticles particles of 50 nm. The SEM and XRD results were an indication that ZnO nanoparticles were present in the prepared ZnO/PES composites membranes. Contact angle measurements were used to investigate surface structures of the composite membranes. The amount of ZnO nanoparticles on PES membranes was varied to obtain the optimal performance of the composite membranes in terms of pure water flux, flux recovery, and fouling resistance using the protein bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model organic foulant. The results showed that addition of ZnO to PES membranes improved the hydrophilicity, permeation, and fouling resistance properties of the membranes. Pure water flux increased from a low of 250 L/m2h for the neat membrane to a high of 410 L/m2h for the composite membranes. A high flux recovery of 80–94% was obtained for the composite membranes. The optimal performance of the composite membranes was obtained at 1.5 wt% of ZnO.
Three-Class Mammogram Classification Based on Descriptive CNN Features
Authors: Jadoon M. Mohsin , Zhang Qianni , Haq Ihsan Ul , Butt Sharjeel , Jadoon Adeel
Published: January 2017

In this paper, a novel classification technique for large data set of mammograms using a deep learning method is proposed. The proposed model targets a three-class classification study (normal, malignant, and benign cases). In our model we have presented two methods, namely, convolutional neural network-discrete wavelet (CNN-DW) and convolutional neural network-curvelet transform (CNN-CT). An augmented data set is generated by using mammogram patches. To enhance the contrast of mammogram images, the data set is filtered by contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE). In the CNN-DW method, enhanced mammogram images are decomposed as its four subbands by means of two-dimensional discrete wavelet transform (2D-DWT), while in the second method discrete curvelet transform (DCT) is used. In both methods, dense scale invariant feature (DSIFT) for all subbands is extracted. Input data matrix containing these subband features of all the mammogram patches is created that is processed as input to convolutional neural network (CNN). Softmax layer and support vector machine (SVM) layer are used to train CNN for classification. Proposed methods have been compared with existing methods in terms of accuracy rate, error rate, and various validation assessment measures. CNN-DW and CNN-CT have achieved accuracy rate of 81.83% and 83.74%, respectively. Simulation results clearly validate the significance and impact of our proposed model as compared to other well-known existing techniques.
A Novel Video Sharing Solution Based on Demand-Aware Resource Caching Optimization in Wireless Mobile Networks
Authors: Jia Shijie , Zhang Ruiling , Jiang Shengli , Zhang Mingchuan
Published: January 2017

The video services in wireless mobile networks attract massive mobile video users, which triggers the demand for huge network traffic. In order to reduce network load and ensure user quality of experience (QoE), the MP2P-based video systems need to implement high-efficiency management and scheduling of video resources to optimize distribution and promote sharing with offloading traffic in underlaying networks. The traditional solutions do not efficiently address the problems caused by demand variation and node mobility for distribution optimization and resource sharing, so that promotion of video sharing performance in wireless mobile networks for user QoE and reduction of network load still is a significant challenge. This paper proposes a novel video sharing solution based on Demand-aware Resource Caching Optimization in wireless mobile networks (VDRCO). VDRCO models the process of video dissemination in overlay networks in terms of the epidemic model and discusses the main influence factors for video dissemination. By estimation for user demand and video distribution variation, VDRCO makes use of clustering nodes with similar video demand and movement behaviors to achieve distribution optimization and efficient video sharing. Extensive tests show how VDRCO achieves much better performance results in comparison with a state-of-the-art solution.
Combined Effects of Curing Temperatures and Alkaline Concrete on Tensile Properties of GFRP Bars
Authors: Yang Wen-rui , He Xiong-jun , Zhang Kai , Yang Yang , Dai Li
Published: January 2017

A significant number of studies have been conducted on the tensile properties of GFRP bars embedded in concrete under different environments. However, most of these studies have been experimentally based on the environmental immersion test after standard-curing and the lack of influence on the tensile properties of GFRP bars embedded in concrete during the curing process of concrete. This paper presents the results of the microscopic structures through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and tensile properties of GFRP bars, which were employed to investigate the combined effects of curing temperatures and alkaline concrete on tensile properties of GFRP bars. The results showed that the higher curing temperature aggravated the influence of the alkaline concrete environment on GFRP bars but did not change the mechanisms of mechanical degradation of the GFRP bars. The influence of different curing temperatures on the tensile strength of GFRP bars was different between the bare bar and bars in concrete. Finally, the exponential correlation equation of two different test methods was established, and the attenuation ratio of the tensile strength of GFRP bars embedded in concrete under different curing temperatures was predicted by the bare test.
Study on Water Storage Change and Its Consideration in Water Balance in the Mountain Regions over Arid Northwest China
Authors: Xu Min
Published: January 2017

Changes in permafrost and glaciers influence water balance in mountain regions of arid northwest China. Terrestrial water storage change (TWSC) is an important factor in the water cycle. In this study, we used Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites data to retrieve the TWSC in Tien Shan and Qi Lian Mountains. Variation of seasonal TWSC was obvious. However, the seasonal and annual differences reflected the imbalance of water resource distribution in two mountains. The TWSC decreased in the Tien Shan Mountains but increased in the Qi Lian Mountains during 2003 to 2010. Permafrost and glaciers play an important role in the water cycle in arid mountain regions. Demands for water for agriculture need more groundwater extraction for irrigation and glacial melt feeding the rivers which leads to the state of loss of TWSC in Tien Shan Mountains. Increase and thickening of the active layer of permafrost could lead to more infiltration of surface water into the groundwater, which result in increasing water storage and changes in the regional water balance. According to water balance, precipitation and evaporation changed little in short time, and TWSC changed obviously, whereas runoff showed an increasing trend in the Tien Shan Mountains and a decreasing trend in the Qi Lian Mountains.
Difference in Antibody Responses toMycobacterium tuberculosisAntigens in Japanese Tuberculosis Patients Infected with the Beijing/Non-Beijing Genotype
Authors: Zhao Jingge , Shiratori Beata , Okumura Masao , Yanai Hideki , Matsumoto Makoto , Nakajima Chie , Mizuno Kazue , Ono Kenji , Oda Tetsuya , Chagan-Yasutan Haorile , Ashino Yugo , Matsuba Takashi , Yoshiyama Takashi , Suzuki Yasuhiko , Hattori Toshio
Published: January 2017

The Beijing genotypeMycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB), notorious for its virulence and predisposition to relapse, could be identified by spoligotyping based on genetic heterogeneity. The plasma samples from 20 cases of Beijing and 16 cases of non-Beijing MTB infected individuals and 24 healthy controls (HCs) were collected, and antibodies against 11 antigens (Rv0679c142Asn, Rv0679c142Lys, Ag85B, Ag85A, ARC, TDM-M, TDM-K, HBHA, MDP-1, LAM, and TBGL) were measured by ELISA. Compared to the HCs, the MTB infected subjects showed higher titers of anti-Ag85B IgG (positivity 58.2%) and anti-ACR IgG (positivity 48.2%). Of note, anti-ACR IgG showed higher titer in Beijing MTB infected tuberculosis (TB) patients than in HC (Kruskal–Wallis test,p<0.05), while the levels of anti-Ag85B, anti-TBGL, anti-TDM-K, and anti-TDM-M IgG were higher in non-Beijing TB patients than in HC. Moreover, anti-Ag85B IgG showed higher response in non-Beijing TB patients than in Beijing TB patients (p<0.05; sensitivity, 76.9% versus 44.4%). The sensitivity and specificity analysis showed that 78.8% Beijing infected individuals were negative in anti-TBGL-IgG or/and anti-Ag85B-IgG, while 75.0% of those were positive in anti-TBGL-IgA or/and anti-ACR-IgG tests. These results indicate the possibility of developing antibody-based test to identify Beijing MTB.
Musical Auditory Stimulation Influences Heart Rate Autonomic Responses to Endodontic Treatment
Authors: Santana Milana Drumond Ramos , Martiniano Eli Carlos , Monteiro Larissa Raylane Lucas , Valenti Vitor E. , Garner David M. , Sorpreso Isabel Cristina Esposito , Abreu Luiz Carlos de
Published: January 2017

We aimed to evaluate the acute effect of musical auditory stimulation on heart rate autonomic regulation during endodontic treatment. The study included 50 subjects from either gender between 18 and 40 years old, diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis or pulp necrosis of the upper front teeth and endodontic treatment indication. HRV was recorded 10 minutes before (T1), during (T2), and immediately (T3 and T4) after endodontic treatment. The volunteers were randomly divided into two equal groups: exposed to music (during T2, T3, and T4) or not. We found no difference regarding salivary cortisol and anxiety score. In the group with musical stimulation heart rate decreased in T3 compared to T1 and mean RR interval increased in T2 and T3 compared to T1. SDNN and TINN indices decreased in T3 compared to T4, the RMSSD and SD1 increased in T4 compared to T1, the SD2 increased compared to T3, and LF (low frequency band) increased in T4 compared to T1 and T3. In the control group, only RMSSD and SD1 increased in T3 compared to T1. Musical auditory stimulation enhanced heart rate autonomic modulation during endodontic treatment.
Index Decomposition Analysis on Factors Affecting Energy‐Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Residential Consumption in Beijing
Authors: Fan Fengyan , Lei Yalin
Published: January 2017

Beijing’s residential CO2 emissions have become the main growth point of CO2 emissions. However, the impact factors of the direct energy‐related CO2 emissions from residents in Beijing have not been previously evaluated. This paper accessed the key factors that affect the residents’ CO2 emissions in Beijing from 1995 to 2015, using a newly built decomposition model with generalized Fisher index (GFI) and M‐P model. The results were compared between urban and rural areas. Urban residential CO2 emissions did not change during 1995–1999 but then grew rapidly after 1999, while rural residential CO2 emissions fluctuated during the studied period. Increased per capita income is the most important pulling factor for the growth of residential CO2 emissions, while energy consumption intensity is a decisive factor in inhibiting residential CO2 emissions. Population size plays a pulling role in the growth of residential CO2 emissions. Energy structure exerts a role in inhibiting residential CO2 emissions, and its inhibition effect is stronger for urban residents. Average consumption propensity inhibits urban residential CO2 emissions but has little effect on rural residential CO2 emissions. The population migration from rural to urban areas in the urbanization process increases residential CO2 emissions. To reduce residential CO2 emissions, several recommendations have been proposed.
Bionic Vision-Based Intelligent Power Line Inspection System
Authors: Li Qingwu , Ma Yunpeng , He Feijia , Xi Shuya , Xu Jinxin
Published: January 2017

Detecting the threats of the external obstacles to the power lines can ensure the stability of the power system. Inspired by the attention mechanism and binocular vision of human visual system, an intelligent power line inspection system is presented in this paper. Human visual attention mechanism in this intelligent inspection system is used to detect and track power lines in image sequences according to the shape information of power lines, and the binocular visual model is used to calculate the 3D coordinate information of obstacles and power lines. In order to improve the real time and accuracy of the system, we propose a new matching strategy based on the traditional SURF algorithm. The experimental results show that the system is able to accurately locate the position of the obstacles around power lines automatically, and the designed power line inspection system is effective in complex backgrounds, and there are no missing detection instances under different conditions.
Level Set Based Hippocampus Segmentation in MR Images with Improved Initialization Using Region Growing
Authors: Jiang Xiaoliang , Zhou Zhaozhong , Ding Xiaokang , Deng Xiaolei , Zou Ling , Li Bailin
Published: January 2017

The hippocampus has been known as one of the most important structures referred to as Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological disorders. However, segmentation of the hippocampus from MR images is still a challenging task due to its small size, complex shape, low contrast, and discontinuous boundaries. For the accurate and efficient detection of the hippocampus, a new image segmentation method based on adaptive region growing and level set algorithm is proposed. Firstly, adaptive region growing and morphological operations are performed in the target regions and its output is used for the initial contour of level set evolution method. Then, an improved edge-based level set method utilizing global Gaussian distributions with different means and variances is developed to implement the accurate segmentation. Finally, gradient descent method is adopted to get the minimization of the energy equation. As proved by experiment results, the proposed method can ideally extract the contours of the hippocampus that are very close to manual segmentation drawn by specialists.
Dysgenetic Polycystic Disease of Minor Salivary Gland: A Rare Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Srikant N. , Yellapurkar Shweta , Boaz Karen , Baliga Mohan , Manaktala Nidhi , Sharma Ankita , Dorai Shakthi , Pai Prajwal
Published: January 2017

Polycystic (dysgenetic) disease of the salivary glands is a rare entity that has only recently been described in the literature. The disease is more commonly seen in females and majority of the cases have presented as bilateral parotid gland swellings. This case presenting in a 21-year-old male is the first of this unusual entity involving solely the minor salivary gland on the lower lip. This case report highlights the importance for the clinician to be aware of this differential diagnosis, when treating an innocuous lesion like a mucocele.
Periductal Mastitis: An Inflammatory Disease Related to Bacterial Infection and Consequent Immune Responses?
Authors: Liu Lu , Zhou Fei , Wang Pin , Yu Lixiang , Ma Zhongbing , Li Yuyang , Gao Dezong , Zhang Qiang , Li Liang , Yu Zhigang
Published: January 2017

Periductal mastitis (PDM) is a prolonged inflammatory disease, but the cause of PDM is poorly understood. In the present case control study, 87 PDM and 87 healthy controls were enrolled and the results were evaluated to identify the significant risk factors for PDM. To investigate the roles of bacterial infection and critical cytokines expression, 16S rRNA gene sequencing and bacterial culturing were conducted. We also measured the levels of interferon-γ, interleukin-12A, and interleukin-17A by semiquantitative immunohistochemistry method. In a multivariable logistic regression model, we identified overweight/obesity and late onset of menarche as independent risk factors for PDM. In contrast, age of first birth >27 years had a protective effect. With 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we confirmed bacterial infections were found in all PDM patients, but none of the control patients was positive on the gene expression of 16S rRNA. Our results also demonstrated significant increases of the IFN-γand IL-12A expression in PDM, but there was no difference in IL-17A expression in these two groups. Taken together, this study suggests that reproductive factors and overweight/obesity are possible predisposing risk factors for PDM. Bacterial infection and the increased expression of some proinflammatory cytokines are associated with the pathogenesis of this disease.
Risk Balancing of Cold Ischemic Time against Night Shift Surgery Possibly Reduces Rates of Reoperation and Perioperative Graft Loss
Authors: Emmanouilidis Nikos , Boeckler Julius , Ringe Bastian P. , Kaltenborn Alexander , Lehner Frank , Koch Hans Friedrich , Klempnauer Jürgen , Schrem Harald
Published: January 2017

Background.This retrospective cohort study evaluates the advantages of risk balancing between prolonged cold ischemic time (CIT) and late night surgery.Methods.1262 deceased donor kidney transplantations were analyzed. Multivariable regression was used to determine odds ratios (ORs) for reoperation, graft loss, delayed graft function (DGF), and discharge on dialysis. CIT was categorized according to a forward stepwise pattern ≤1h/>1h, ≤2h/>2h, ≤3h/>3h,…, ≤nh/>nh. ORs for DGF were plotted against CIT and a nonlinear regression function with bestR2was identified. First and second derivative were then implemented into the curvature formulak(x)=f′′(x)/(1+f′x2)3/2to determine the point of highest CIT-mediated risk acceleration.Results.Surgery between 3 AM and 6 AM is an independent risk factor for reoperation and graft loss, whereas prolonged CIT is only relevant for DGF. CIT-mediated risk for DGF follows an exponential patternfx=A·(1+k·eI·x)with a cut-off for the highest risk increment at 23.5 hours.Conclusions.The risk of surgery at 3 AM–6 AM outweighs prolonged CIT when confined within 23.5 hours as determined by a new mathematical approach to calculate turning points of nonlinear time related risks. CIT is only relevant for the endpoint of DGF but had no impact on discharge on dialysis, reoperation, or graft loss.
Therapeutic Effects of Fermented Flax Seed Oil on NC/Nga Mice with Atopic Dermatitis‐Like Skin Lesions
Authors: Yang Joonhyoung , Min Sangyeon , Hong Seungug
Published: January 2017

Background. Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases. Objective. This experiment aimed to study the effects of Fermented Flax Seed Oil (FFSO) on symptoms such as redness, eczema, and pruritus induced by AD. Materials and Methods. AD‐induced NC/Nga mice were used to observe the immunological and therapeutic effects of FFSO on skin in vivo. Raw 264.7 cells were used to investigate the effects of FFSO in cells. Fc receptor expression and concentration of beta‐hexosaminidase were measured. Nitric oxide assay, Western blotting, real‐time PCR, image analysis, and statistical analysis were performed in vitro. Results. In the immunohistochemical results, p‐ERK 1/2 expression decreased, fibrogenesis strongly increased, and distribution reduction is observed. Distribution of IL‐4‐positive cells in the corium near the basal portion of the epithelium in the AT group was reduced. FFSO treatment reduced the number of cells showing NF‐κB p65 and iNOS expression. The level of LXR in the AT group was higher than that in the AE group, and elevation of PKC expression was significantly reduced by FFSO treatment. Conclusion. FFSO could alleviate symptoms of AD such as epithelial damage, redness, swelling, and pruritus.
A Rare Case of Angina Pectoris with the Longest Ectopic Left Main Coronary Artery Arising from Right Sinus of Valsalva and a Prepulmonic Course
Authors: Sinha Santosh Kumar , Mishra Vikas , Abdali Nasar , Singh Karandeep , Jha Mukesh Jitendra , Kumar Ashutosh
Published: January 2017

Knowledge of the morphoanatomical characteristics of the main trunk of the left coronary artery as well as its variations is cornerstone of hemodynamic, correct interpretation of coronary angiogram and for revascularization purpose. The left main coronary artery (LMCA) ranges from 3 to 6 mm in diameter and may be up to 10 to 15 mm in length in humans. We here report a case of the longest anomalous LMCA (56 mm) reported so far in a 35-year-old man with chronic stable angina arising from right sinus of valsalva as seen on conventional angiogram and multidetector computerized tomogram (MDCT).
Institutional and Policy Assessment of Renewable Energy Sector in Afghanistan
Authors: Ershad Ahmad Murtaza
Published: January 2017

Renewable energy resources could play a vital role in the sustainable economic, social, and environmental development of Afghanistan. Heavy reliance of rural households on firewood, rising costs of fossil fuels, outdoor and indoor air pollution, and climate change are some of the challenges that can be addressed by diversifying our power production fuel inputs and adopting renewable energy technologies. In order to deploy and scale up renewable energy technologies and improve access to sustainable energy, clear policies and targets and dedicated institutions are crucial. Fortunately, Afghan government with the support of international community is setting ambitious targets for the renewable energy sector and is encouraging national and international investors to take part in the generation, transmission, and distribution of renewable energy especially electricity through Power Purchase Agreements or very cheap land leases. Thus, the objectives of this report are (I) to review the existing institutions in the field of renewable energy, (II) to review renewable energy policies and targets in Afghanistan, and (III) to identify institutional and policy gaps and recommend solutions.
A Novel Procedure for Measuring Semantic Synergy
Authors: Neuman Yair , Neuman Yiftach , Cohen Yochai
Published: January 2017

One interesting characteristic of some complex systems is the formation of macro level constructions perceived as having features that cannot be reduced to their micro level constituents. This characteristic is considered to be the expression of synergy where the joint action of the constituents produces unique features that are irreducible to the constituents isolated behavior or their simple composition. The synergy, characterizing complex systems, has been well acknowledged but difficult to conceptualize and quantify in the context of computing the emerging meaning of various linguistic and conceptual constructs. In this paper, we propose a novel measure/procedure for quantifying semantic synergy. This measure draws on a general idea of synergy as has been proposed in biology. We validate this measure by providing evidence for its ability to predict the semantic transparency of linguistic compounds (Experiment1) and the abstractness rating of nouns (Experiment2).
Methanolic Extract of Dill Leaves Inhibits AGEs Formation and Shows Potential Hepatoprotective Effects in CCl4 Induced Liver Toxicity in Rat
Authors: Oshaghi Ebrahim Abbasi , Khodadadi Iraj , Mirzaei Fatemeh , Khazaei Mozafar , Tavilani Heidar , Goodarzi Mohammad Taghi
Published: January 2017

The research was aimed at evaluating the antiglycation, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective properties of methanolic extract of Anethum graveolens (dill). The antioxidant properties, photochemical characteristics, and antiglycation effects of dill extract were measured. Carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxic rats were used to show the hepatoprotective activity of dill leaves. Different concentration of dill extract (0.032, 0.065, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/mL) showed potential antioxidant ability. The extract of dill leaves significantly reduced AGEs formation and also fructosamine and protein carbonyl levels in rats’ liver. Thiol groups’ oxidation, amyloid cross-β, and protein fragmentation (P<0.001) significantly reduced in treated rats. Liver damage markers significantly reduced in dill-treated animals (P<0.05). Dill with potential antioxidant, antiglycation, and hepatoprotective effects can be suggested for treatment of diabetes complications.
A Gyrostatic Low-Order Model for the El Ñino-Southern Oscillation
Authors: Gluhovsky Alexander
Published: January 2017

The paper demonstrates that, similar to other important models of atmospheric phenomena, beginning with the celebrated Lorenz model of the Rayleigh-Bénard convection, the Vallis low-order model (LOM) of the El Ñino-Southern Oscillation admits a gyrostatic form and discusses how gyrostatic LOMs may offer a general framework for deriving effective physically sound models for atmospheric dynamics and time series analysis. Any such model has a quadratic integral of motion (interpreted as some form of energy), which eliminates unphysical behaviors that have often plagued atmospheric LOMs and paves way for developing Hamiltonian LOMs. Restricting LOMs to a gyrostatic form also helps to design LOMs of optimum size and provides a modular construction of LOMs using gyrostats as elementary building blocks.
Wi-Fi Coexistence with Duty Cycled LTE-U
Authors: Pang Yimin , Babaei Alireza , Andreoli-Fang Jennifer , Hamzeh Belal
Published: January 2017

Coexistence of Wi-Fi and LTE-Unlicensed (LTE-U) technologies has drawn significant concern in industry. In this paper, we investigate the Wi-Fi performance in the presence of duty cycle based LTE-U transmission on the same channel. More specifically, one LTE-U cell and one Wi-Fi basic service set (BSS) coexist by allowing LTE-U devices to transmit their signals only in predetermined duty cycles. Wi-Fi stations, on the other hand, simply contend the shared channel using the distributed coordination function (DCF) protocol without cooperation with the LTE-U system or prior knowledge about the duty cycle period or duty cycle of LTE-U transmission. We define the fairness of the above scheme as the difference between Wi-Fi performance loss ratio (considering a defined reference performance) and the LTE-U duty cycle (or function of LTE-U duty cycle). Depending on the interference to noise ratio (INR) being above or below −62 dbm, we classify the LTE-U interference as strong or weak and establish mathematical models accordingly. The average throughput and average service time of Wi-Fi are both formulated as functions of Wi-Fi and LTE-U system parameters using probability theory. Lastly, we use the Monte Carlo analysis to demonstrate the fairness of Wi-Fi and LTE-U air time sharing.
Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus Resembling Clinical Absence with Atypical EEG Pattern
Authors: Mysore Channaiah Srikanth , Murr Najib , Zabad Rana , Bertoni John
Published: January 2017

Objective. We are reporting two cases: a patient with steroid responsive encephalopathy associated with autoimmune thyroiditis (SREAT) and another patient with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS), both presenting with altered mental status (AMS) and later diagnosed with nonconvulsive atypical absence status epilepticus (AS), with atypical EEG changes. Methods. A report of two cases. Results. A patient with history of SREAT and the other with SPMS had multiple admissions due to AMS. For both, EEG revealed the presence of a high voltage generalized sharply contoured theta activity. A diagnosis of NCSE with clinical features of AS was made based on both clinical and EEG features. There was significant clinical and electrographic improvement with administration of levetiracetam for both patients in addition to sodium valproate and Solumedrol for the SREAT patient. Both patients continued to be seizure free on follow-up few months later. Conclusions. This is a report of two cases of atypical AS, with atypical EEG, in patients with different neurological conditions. Prompt clinical and EEG recovery occurred following appropriate medical treatment. We think that this condition might be underreported and could significantly benefit from prompt treatment when appropriately diagnosed.
Cascade-Driven Series with Narrower Multifractal Spectra Than Their Surrogates: Standard Deviation of Multipliers Changes Interactions across Scales
Authors: Lee Jun Taek , Kelty-Stephen Damian G.
Published: January 2017

Multifractal (or singularity) spectra widths w allow diagnosing cascade structure through comparing original series’ widths wOrig to surrogate series’ widths wSurr. However, interpretations of 0<wOrig<wSurr have been ambiguous. Stochastic multipliers generate cascades with 0<wOrig<wSurr by diversifying cross-scale interactions using white-noise multipliers. Multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MF-DFA) and Chhabra and Jensen’s method provided two estimates of wOrig for 200 simulated series at each value 0.1≤σ≤1.1 incrementing by 0.05. Increasing σ draws wOrig away from wSurr<wOrig and towards 0<wOrig<wSurr for both methods but more for MF-DFA. 0<wOrig<wSurr indicates cascades with cross-scale interactions more diverse than in cascades with wSurr<wOrig.
State of the Art and Recent Research Advances in Software Defined Networking
Authors: Bakhshi Taimur
Published: January 2017

Emerging network services and subsequent growth in the networking infrastructure have gained tremendous momentum in recent years. Application performance requiring rapid real-time network provisioning, optimized traffic management, and virtualization of shared resources has induced the conceptualization and adoption of new networking models. Software defined networking (SDN), one of the predominant and relatively new networking paradigms, seeks to simplify network management by decoupling network control logic from the underlying hardware and introduces real-time network programmability enabling innovation. The present work reviews the state of the art in software defined networking providing a historical perspective on complementary technologies in network programmability and the inherent shortcomings which paved the way for SDN. The SDN architecture is discussed along with popular protocols, platforms, and existing simulation and debugging solutions. Furthermore, a detailed analysis is presented around recent SDN development and deployment avenues ranging from mobile communications and data centers to campus networks and residential environments. The review concludes by highlighting implementation challenges and subsequent research directions being pursued in academia and industry to address issues related to application performance, control plane scalability and design, security, and interdomain connectivity in the context of SDN.
Fire-Side Corrosion: A Case Study of Failed Tubes of a Fossil Fuel Boiler
Authors: Asnavandi Majid , Kahram Mohaddeseh , Rezaei Milad , Rezakhani Davar
Published: January 2017

The failures of superheater and reheater boiler tubes operating in a power plant utilizing natural gas or mazut as a fuel have been analysed and the fire-side corrosion has been suggested as the main reason for the failure in boiler tubes. The tubes have been provided by a fossil fuel power plant in Iran and optical and electron microscopy investigations have been performed on the tubes as well as the corrosion products on their surfaces. The results showed that the thickness of the failed tubes is not uniform which suggests that fire-side corrosion has happened on the tubes. Fire-side corrosion is caused by the reaction of combustion products with oxide layers on the tube surface resulting in metal loss and consequently tubes fracture. However, the tubes corrosion behaviour did not follow the conventional models of the fire-side corrosion. Given that, using the corrosion monitoring techniques for these boiler tubes seems essential. As a result, the thickness of the boiler tubes in different parts of the boiler has been recorded and critical points are selected accordingly. Such critical points are selected for installation of corrosion monitoring probes.
The Relative Weight of Temporal Envelope Cues in Different Frequency Regions for Mandarin Sentence Recognition
Authors: Guo Yang , Sun Yuanyuan , Feng Yanmei , Zhang Yujun , Yin Shankai
Published: January 2017

Acoustic temporal envelope (E) cues containing speech information are distributed across the frequency spectrum. To investigate the relative weight of E cues in different frequency regions for Mandarin sentence recognition, E information was extracted from 30 contiguous bands across the range of 80–7,562 Hz using Hilbert decomposition and then allocated to five frequency regions. Recognition scores were obtained with acoustic E cues from 1 or 2 random regions from 40 normal-hearing listeners. While the recognition scores ranged from 8.2% to 16.3% when E information from only one region was available, the scores ranged from 57.9% to 87.7% when E information from two frequency regions was presented, suggesting a synergistic effect among the temporal E cues in different frequency regions. Next, the relative contributions of the E information from the five frequency regions to sentence perception were computed using a least-squares approach. The results demonstrated that, for Mandarin Chinese, a tonal language, the temporal E cues of Frequency Region 1 (80–502 Hz) and Region 3 (1,022–1,913 Hz) contributed more to the intelligence of sentence recognition than other regions, particularly the region of 80–502 Hz, which contained fundamental frequency (F0) information.