bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
METEOR
Authors: Bahirat Shirish , Pasricha Sudeep
Published: March 2014

With increasing application complexity and improvements in process technology, Chip MultiProcessors (CMPs) with tens to hundreds of cores on a chip are becoming a reality. Networks-on-Chip (NoCs) have emerged as scalable communication fabrics that can support high bandwidths for these massively parallel multicore systems. However, traditional electrical NoC implementations still need to overcome the challenges of high data transfer latencies and large power consumption. On-chip photonic interconnects with high performance-per-watt characteristics have recently been proposed as an alternative to address these challenges for intra-chip communication. In this article, we explore using low-cost photonic interconnects on a chip to enhance traditional electrical NoCs. Our proposed hybrid photonic ring-mesh NoC (METEOR) utilizes a configurable photonic ring waveguide coupled to a traditional 2D electrical mesh NoC. Experimental results indicate a strong motivation to consider the proposed architecture for future CMPs, as it can provide about 5× reduction in power consumption and improved throughput and access latencies, compared to traditional electrical 2D mesh and torus NoC architectures. Compared to other previously proposed hybrid photonic NoC fabrics such as the hybrid photonic torus, Corona, and Firefly, our proposed fabric is also shown to have lower photonic area overhead, power consumption, and energy-delay product, while maintaining competitive throughput and latency.
The Epigenetic Landscape of Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Conway O’Brien Emma , Prideaux Steven , Chevassut Timothy
Published: March 2014

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a genetically heterogeneous disease. Certain cytogenetic and molecular genetic mutations are recognized to have an impact on prognosis, leading to their inclusion in some prognostic stratification systems. Recently, the advent of high-throughput whole genome or exome sequencing has led to the identification of several novel recurrent mutations in AML, a number of which have been found to involve genes concerned with epigenetic regulation. These genes include in particular DNMT3A, TET2, and IDH1/2, involved with regulation of DNA methylation, and EZH2 and ASXL-1, which are implicated in regulation of histones. However, the precise mechanisms linking these genes to AML pathogenesis have yet to be fully elucidated as has their respective prognostic relevance. As massively parallel DNA sequencing becomes increasingly accessible for patients, there is a need for clarification of the clinical implications of these mutations. This review examines the literature surrounding the biology of these epigenetic modifying genes with regard to leukemogenesis and their clinical and prognostic relevance in AML when mutated.
Use of the Mechanical Leech for Successful Zone I Replantation
Authors: Kim Sang Wha , Han Hyun Ho , Jung Sung-No
Published: March 2014

Replantation of zone I finger injuries remains a challenge, particularly if the fingertip was previously scarred or atrophied, which makes it difficult to secure a suitable vein at the amputation site. In cases of artery-only anastomosis, we propose using a mechanical leech technique to maintain sufficient venous outflow until the internal circulation regenerates. We applied this procedure to eight patients who had zone 1 amputations without veins that were suitable for anastomosis. Emergent surgery was performed and an artery-only anastomosis was created. As there were no veins available, we cut a branch of the central artery and anastomosed it with a 24-gauge angioneedle, which served as a conduit for venous drainage. The overall survival rate for zone I replantation using mechanical leech was 87.5% and the average time to maintain the mechanical leech was 5 days. The mechanical leech technique may serve as an alternative option for the management of venous congestion when no viable veins are available.
Group Synchronization of Nonlinear Complex Dynamics Networks with Sampled Data
Authors: Li Man , Liu Bo , Zhu Yuqing , Wang Lijun , Zhou Mei
Published: March 2014

Based on a nonlinear consensus protocol, this
paper considers the group synchronization of complex dynamical
networks with sampled data. Using the Lyapunov method, the
group synchronization of the nonlinear complex networks is
analyzed. All the nodes in each group can converge to their own
synchronous state asymptotically, if the sampled period satisfies
some matrix inequality conditions. Furthermore, the theoretical
results are verified by some simulations.
Treatment of Corneal Neovascularization Using Anti-VEGF Bevacizumab
Authors: Krizova Deli , Vokrojova Magdalena , Liehneova Katerina , Studeny Pavel
Published: March 2014

Purpose. To evaluate antiangiogenic effect of local use of bevacizumab (anti-VEGF antibody) in patients with corneal neovascularization.Methods. Patients were divided into two groups. All patients suffered from some form of corneal neovascularization (NV). Patients in group A received 0.2–0.5 mL of bevacizumab solution subconjunctivally (concentration 25 mg/mL) in a single dose. Group A included 28 eyes from 27. Patients in group B applied bevacizumab eye drops twice daily (concentration 2.5 mg/mL) for two weeks. Group B included 38 eyes from 35 patients. We evaluated the number of corneal segments affected by NV, CDVA, and the incidence of complications and subjective complaints related to the treatment. The minimum follow-up period was six months.Results. By the 6-month follow-up, in group A the percentage reduction of the affected peripheral segments was 21.6% and of the central segments was 9.6%; in group B the percentage reduction of the central segments was 22.7% and of the central segments was 38.04%. In both groups we noticed a statistically significant reduction in the extent of NV.Conclusion. The use of bevacizumab seems to be an effective and safe method in the treatment of corneal neovascularization, either in the subconjunctival or topical application form.
Effect of Monotherapy and Combination Therapy of Pantoprazole and Aprepitant in Gastric Esophageal Reflux Disease in Albino Rats
Authors: Shukla Kamleshwar , Raj Prince , Kumar Arun , Kumar Mukesh , Kaithwas Gaurav
Published: March 2014

The present study was undertaken to elucidate the effect of pantoprazole and aprepitant on experimental esophagitis in albino rats. Groups of rats, fasted overnight, received normal saline (3 mL/kg, sham control) or toxic control (3 mL/kg) or pantoprazole (30 mg/kg) or aprepitant (10 mg/kg), or their combinations and were subjected to pylorus and forestomach ligation. Animals were sacrificed after 8 h and evaluated for the gastric pH, volume of gastric juices, total acidity, esophagitis index, and free acidity. Esophageal tissues were further subjected to estimations of TBARS, GSH, catalase, and SOD. Treatment with pantoprazole and aprepitant significantly inhibited the gastric secretion, total acidity, and esophagitis index. The treatment also helped to restore the altered levels oxidative stress parameters to normal.
The States of Pluripotency: Pluripotent Lineage Development in the Embryo and in the Dish
Authors: Rathjen Joy
Published: March 2014

The pluripotent cell lineage of the embryo comprises a series of temporally and functionally distinct intermediary cell states, the epiblast precursor cell of the newly formed blastocyst, the epiblast population of the inner cell mass, and the early and late epiblast of the postimplantation embryo, referred to here as early and late primitive ectoderm. Pluripotent cell populations representative of the embryonic populations can be formed in culture. Although multiple pluripotent cell states are now recognised, little is known about the signals and pathways that progress cells from the epiblast precursor cell to the late primitive ectoderm in the embryo or in culture. The characterisation of cell states is most advanced in mouse where conditions for culturing distinct pluripotent cell states are well established and embryonic material is accessible. This review will focus on the pluripotent cell states present during embryonic development in the mouse and what is known of the mechanisms that regulate the progression of the lineage from the epiblast precursor cell and the ground state of pluripotency to the late primitive ectoderm present immediately prior to cell differentiation.
Observation of Drilling Burr and Finding out the Condition for Minimum Burr Formation
Authors: Mondal Nripen , Sardar Biswajit Sing , Halder Ranendra Nath , Das Santanu
Published: March 2014

Suppression or elimination of burr formation at the exit edge of the workpiece during drilling is essential to make quality products. In this work, low alloy steel specimens have been drilled to observe burr height under different machining conditions. Taper shank, uncoated 14 mm diameter HSS twist drills are used in these experiments. Dry environment is maintained in experiment set I. Water is applied as cutting fluid in experiment set II. In the next four sets of experiments, the effect of providing back-up support material and exit edge bevel is observed on formation of burr at the exit edge of specimens under dry and wet conditions. It is revealed that an exit edge bevel of 31 degrees with water as the cutting fluid gives negligible burr at the exit edge of the drilled hole at certain machining conditions. Use of a back-up support can also reduce drill burr to a large extent. In this paper, artificial neural networks (ANN) are developed for modeling experimental results, and modeled values show close matching with the experimental results with small deviations.
A Rare and Serious Unforeseen Complication of Cutting Balloon Angioplasty
Authors: Vemula Praveen , Kalavakunta Jagadeesh K. , Abela George S. , Karve Milind
Published: March 2014

Cutting balloon angioplasty (CBA) is one of the adept ways of treating “in-stent restenosis.” Various complications related to cutting balloon angioplasty have been reported including arterial rupture, delayed perforation and fracture of microsurgical blades. Here we report a very unusual and inadvertent extraction of a stent previously deployed in the ramus intermedius coronary branch by a cutting balloon catheter. This required repeat stenting of the same site for an underlying dissection. Even though stent extraction is a rare complication it can be serious due to dissection, perforation, and closure of the artery. Physicians performing coronary artery interventions would need to be aware of this rare and serious complication especially if any difficulty is encountered while withdrawing the cutting balloon. Therefore, after removal, cutting balloon should be examined thoroughly for possible stent dislodgment or extraction when used for “in-stent restenosis.”
Skin Cancer Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors in Collegiate Athletes
Authors: Hobbs Courtney , Nahar Vinayak K. , Ford M. Allison , Bass Martha A. , Brodell Robert T.
Published: March 2014

Outdoor athletes represent an important group at risk for skin cancer because they are routinely exposed to high levels of ultraviolet radiation. The purpose of this study was to assess current skin cancer knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among collegiate athletes. A modified version of the Melanoma Risk Behavior Survey was completed by 343 athletes attending a Southern University in the USA, generating an 87% response rate. Survey results demonstrated that the majority of the athletes do not limit their sun exposure and reported low levels of sun protective behaviors. In addition, athletes lacked knowledge about skin cancer and sun protection. Eighty-three percent of the athletes stated that tanning beds improve one’s overall health. Race was significantly associated with skin cancer knowledge, whereas, gender was found to be significantly associated with knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors towards skin cancer. Additionally, there was a significant relationship between knowledge and behavior, but not between attitude and behavior. This study highlights the need to educate athletes about the hazards of tanning to minimize UV exposure and promote sun protection habits. Moreover, athletes should be educated on the dangers of indoor tanning facilities and encouraged to avoid these facilities.
Change of Muscle Architecture following Body Weight Support Treadmill Training for Persons after Subacute Stroke: Evidence from Ultrasonography
Authors: Liu Peng , Wang Yanjun , Hu Huijing , Mao Yurong , Huang Dongfeng , Li Le
Published: March 2014

Although the body weight support treadmill training (BWSTT) in rehabilitation therapy has been appreciated for a long time, the biomechanical effects of this training on muscular system remain unclear. Ultrasonography has been suggested to be a feasible method to measure muscle morphological changes after neurological diseases such as stroke, which may help to enhance the understanding of the mechanism underlying the impaired motor function. This study investigated the muscle architectural changes of tibialis anterior and medial gastrocnemius in patients after subacute stroke by ultrasound. As expected, we found the effect of BWSTT on the muscular system. Specifically, the results showed larger pennation angle and muscle thickness of tibialis anterior and longer fascicle length of medial gastrocnemius after the training. The findings of this study suggest that the early rehabilitation training of BWSTT in subacute stage of stroke provides positive changes of the muscle architecture, leading to the potential improvement of the force generation of the muscle. This may not only help us understand changes of subacute stroke in muscular system but also have clinical implications in the evaluation of rehabilitation training after neurological insults.
Sensor Mobility Control for Multitarget Tracking in Mobile Sensor Networks
Authors: Fu Yinfei , Yang Le
Published: March 2014

In emerging tracking systems using mobile wireless sensor networks, sensor mobility management is essential for balancing the tracking performance and costs under limited network resources and sensor movements. This paper considers the sensor mobility control problem for multitarget tracking (MTT), in which multiple mobile sensors are dynamically grouped and moved to track multiple targets and collaborate within each sensor group via track data fusion. A novel sensor mobility control framework for the mobile sensor network-based MTT is proposed. It is formulated as a constrained optimization problem that aims to maximize the overall tracking performance for all targets while conserving network energy and providing tracking coverage guarantee. The optimization problem is relaxed as a convex programming problem for computational tractability and its solution is implemented in a distributed manner. The newly proposed sensor mobility control scheme, implemented on the basis of iterative subgradient search, is shown via computer simulation to have better performance over the static sensor network-based MTT.
Administration Dependent Antioxidant Effect of Carica papaya Seeds Water Extract
Authors: Panzarini Elisa , Dwikat Majdi , Mariano Stefania , Vergallo Cristian , Dini Luciana
Published: March 2014

Carica papaya is widely used in folk medicine as herbal remedy to prevent, protect against, and cure several diseases. These curative properties are based on the presence in different parts of the plant of phytochemical nutrients with antioxidant effect. Seeds are the less exploited part; thus this study is aimed at assessing the antioxidant activities of the C. papaya seeds water extract against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) oxidative stress in human skin Detroit 550 fibroblasts. C. papaya seeds water extract is not toxic and acts as a potent free radical scavenger, providing protection to Detroit 550 fibroblasts that underwent H2O2 oxidative stress. Data show that (i) the maximum protective effect is achieved by the simultaneous administration of the extract with 1 mM H2O2; (ii) the extract in presence of an oxidative stress does not increase catalase activity and prevents the release of cytochrome C and the inner mitochondrial transmembrane potential (Δψm) loss; (iii) the extract is more efficient than vitamin C to hamper the oxidative damage; (iv) the purified subfractions of the seeds water extract exert the same antioxidant effect of whole extract. In conclusion, C. papaya seeds water extract is potentially useful for protection against oxidative stress.
New Advances of Preimplantation and Prenatal Genetic Screening and Noninvasive Testing as a Potential Predictor of Health Status of Babies
Authors: Milachich Tanya
Published: March 2014

The current morphologically based selection of human embryos for transfer cannot detect chromosome aneuploidies. So far, only biopsy techniques have been able to screen for chromosomal aneuploidies in the in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryos. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) or screening (PGS) involves the biopsy of oocyte polar bodies or embryonic cells and has become a routine clinical procedure in many IVF clinics worldwide, including recent development of comprehensive chromosome screening of all 23 pairs of chromosomes by microarrays for aneuploidy screening. The routine preimplantation and prenatal genetic diagnosis (PND) require testing in an aggressive manner. These procedures may be invasive to the growing embryo and fetus and potentially could compromise the clinical outcome. Therefore the aim of this review is to summarize not only the new knowledge on preimplantation and prenatal genetic diagnosis in humans, but also on the development of potential noninvasive embryo and fetal testing that might play an important role in the future.
Cryopreservation of Embryos and Oocytes in Human Assisted Reproduction
Authors: Konc János , Kanyó Katalin , Kriston Rita , Somoskői Bence , Cseh Sándor
Published: March 2014

Both sperm and embryo cryopreservation have become routine procedures in human assisted reproduction and oocyte cryopreservation is being introduced into clinical practice and is getting more and more widely used. Embryo cryopreservation has decreased the number of fresh embryo transfers and maximized the effectiveness of the IVF cycle. The data shows that women who had transfers of fresh and frozen embryos obtained 8% additional births by using their cryopreserved embryos. Oocyte cryopreservation offers more advantages compared to embryo freezing, such as fertility preservation in women at risk of losing fertility due to oncological treatment or chronic disease, egg donation, and postponing childbirth, and eliminates religious and/or other ethical, legal, and moral concerns of embryo freezing. In this review, the basic principles, methodology, and practical experiences as well as safety and other aspects concerning slow cooling and ultrarapid cooling (vitrification) of human embryos and oocytes are summarized.
Equilibrium Customer Strategies in the Geo/Geo/1 Queue with Single Working Vacation
Authors: Wang Fang , Wang Jinting , Zhang Feng
Published: March 2014

This paper is concerned with the equilibrium balking strategies of customers in a Geo/Geo/1 queue with single working vacation. Instead of completely stopping service, the server works with a small probability during the working vacation period. As soon as no customers exist in the system, the server takes a single vacation. The customers decide for themselves whether to enter the system or balk based on a natural reward-cost structure, the information available about the status of the server, and the queue length on hand upon arrival. We obtain the equilibrium balking strategies in two cases: fully observable and fully unobservable cases, which depend on whether the customers know both the queue length and the state of the server or none of them. Finally, we present several numerical experiments that demonstrate the effect of some parameters on the equilibrium behavior.
Can Tongue Acupuncture Enhance Body Acupuncture? First Results from Heart Rate Variability and Clinical Scores in Patients with Depression
Authors: Shi Xian , Wang Huan , Wang Lu , Zhao Zengkai , Litscher Daniela , Tao Jingqiao , Gaischek Ingrid , Sheng Zemin , Litscher Gerhard
Published: March 2014

Tongue acupuncture (TA) is a method which is not used in western medicine and even in China it is applied very rarely in clinical practice. This study aimed at investigating whether additional TA can improve the efficacy of body acupuncture (BA) in patients with depression. Twenty patients with a mean age of ± SD of 42.9 ± 11.2 years were randomly divided into two groups (n = 10 patients each), one group receiving BA (Zusanli, Sanyinjiao, Neiguan, Shenting, Yintang, and Baihui) and the other receiving BA and TA (Liver, Heart, and Brain). The quantitative and qualitative outcome measures were heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), and different clinical scores. We found that in both groups all scores and HR improved significantly, whereas HRV increased partly significantly. It seems that TA can enhance acute and treatment effects of BA in patients with depression. The investigation of de qi sensation in TA needs further attention.
Dynamic Stability of Euler Beams under Axial Unsteady Wind Force
Authors: Huang You-Qin , Lu Han-Wen , Fu Ji-Yang , Liu Ai-Rong , Gu Ming
Published: March 2014

Dynamic instability of beams in complex structures caused by unsteady wind load has occurred more frequently. However, studies on the parametric resonance of beams are generally limited to harmonic loads, while arbitrary dynamic load is rarely involved. The critical frequency equation for simply supported Euler beams with uniform section under arbitrary axial dynamic forces is firstly derived in this paper based on the Mathieu‐Hill equation. Dynamic instability regions with high precision are then calculated by a presented eigenvalue method. Further, the dynamically unstable state of beams under the wind force with any mean or fluctuating component is determined by load normalization, and the wind‐induced parametric resonant response is computed by the Runge‐Kutta approach. Finally, a measured wind load time‐history is input into the dynamic system to indicate that the proposed methods are effective. This study presents a new method to determine the wind‐induced dynamic stability of Euler beams. The beam would become dynamically unstable provided that the parametric point, denoting the relation between load properties and structural frequency, is located in the instability region, no matter whether the wind load component is large or not.
Synergistic Effect between Cryptotanshinone and Antibiotics against Clinic Methicillin and Vancomycin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Cha Jeong-Dan , Lee Jeong-Ho , Choi Kyung Min , Choi Sung-Mi , Park Jeong Hye
Published: March 2014

Cryptotanshinone (CT), a major tanshinone of medicinal plant Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, demonstrated strong antibacterial activity against clinic isolated methicillin and vancomycin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA and VRSA) in this experiment. The CT was determined against clinic isolated MRSA 1–16 with MIC and MBC values ranging from 4 to 32 and 8 to 128 μg/mL; for MSSA 1‐2 from 16 to 32 μg/mL and 64 to 128 μg/mL; for VRSA 1‐2 from 2 to 4 μg/mL and 4 to 16 μg/mL, respectively. The range of MIC50 and MIC90 of CT was 0.5–8 μg/mL and 4–64 μg/mL, respectively. The combination effects of CT with antibiotics were synergistic (FIC index <0.5) against most of tested clinic isolated MRSA, MSSA, and VRSA except additive, MRSA 4 and 16 in oxacillin, MRSA 6, 12, and 15 in ampicillin, and MRSA 6, 11, and 15 in vancomycin (FIC index < 0.75–1.0). Furthermore, a time‐kill study showed that the growth of the tested bacteria was completely attenuated after 2–6 h of treatment with the 1/2 MIC of CT, regardless of whether it was administered alone or with ampicillin, oxacillin, or vancomycin. The results suggest that CT could be employed as a natural antibacterial agent against multidrug‐resistant pathogens infection.
Changes in Renal Function in Elderly Patients Following Intravenous Iodinated Contrast Administration: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Alsafi Ali , Alsafi Zaid , Lakhani Amish , Strickland Nicola H.
Published: March 2014

Background.Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a recognised complication of intravascular administration of iodinated contrast media (ICM). Previous studies suggest a higher incidence in the elderly, but no large study has assessed this to date. We set out to assess changes in creatinine in elderly inpatients following computed tomography (CT) examination and compare those who received intravenous contrast to those who did not.Methods.Using the Radiology Information System in two teaching hospitals, inpatients over the age of seventy who had a CT examination and a baseline creatinine were identified and their follow-up creatinine levels were analysed. Elderly inpatients who underwent a noncontrast CT over the same period were used as controls.Results.677 elderly inpatients who received ICM were compared with 487 controls. 9.2% of patients who received ICM developed acute kidney injury (AKI) compared to 3.5% of inpatient controls (P<0.0001). Patients with higher baseline eGFR had a higher incidence of post-CT AKI.Conclusions.The incidence of post-CT AKI is higher in patients who received IV ICM compared to those who did not; the difference may be partly attributable to contrast-induced nephropathy. This suggests that the incidence of CIN in the elderly may not be as high as previously thought.
Genetic Analysis of Diversity within a Chinese Local Sugarcane Germplasm Based on Start Codon Targeted Polymorphism
Authors: Que Youxiong , Pan Yongbao , Lu Yunhai , Yang Cui , Yang Yuting , Huang Ning , Xu Liping
Published: March 2014

In-depth information on sugarcane germplasm is the basis for its conservation and utilization. Data on sugarcane molecular markers are limited for the Chinese sugarcane germplasm collections. In the present study, 20 start codon targeted (SCoT) marker primers were designed to assess the genetic diversity among 107 sugarcane accessions within a local sugarcane germplasm collection. These primers amplified 176 DNA fragments, of which 163 were polymorphic (92.85%). Polymorphic information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.783 to 0.907 with a mean of 0.861. Unweighted pair group method of arithmetic averages (UPGMA) cluster analysis of the SCoT marker data divided the 107 sugarcane accessions into six clusters at 0.674 genetic similarity coefficient level. Relatively abundant genetic diversity was observed among ROC22, ROC16, and ROC10, which occupied about 80% of the total sugarcane acreage in China, indicating their potential breeding value on Mainland China. Principal component analysis (PCA) partitioned the 107 sugarcane accessions into two major groups, the Domestic Group and the Foreign Introduction Group. Each group was further divided based on institutions, where the sugarcane accessions were originally developed. The knowledge of genetic diversity among the local sugarcane germplasm provided foundation data for managing sugarcane germplasm, including construction of a core collection and regional variety distribution and subrogation.
Role of Density Profiles for the Nonlinear Propagation of Intense Laser Beam through Plasma Channel
Authors: Sen Sonu , Varshney Meenu Asthana , Varshney Dinesh
Published: March 2014

In this work role of density profiles for the nonlinear propagation of intense laser beam through plasma channel is analyzed. By employing the expression for the dielectric function of different density profile plasma, a differential equation for beamwidth parameter is derived under WKB and paraxial approximation. The laser induces modifications of the dielectric function through nonlinearities. It is found that density profiles play vital role in laser-plasma interaction studies. To have numerical appreciation of the results the propagation equation for plasma is solved using the fourth order Runge-Kutta method for the initial plane wave front of the beam, using boundary conditions. The spot size of the laser beam decreases as the beam penetrates into the plasma and significantly adds self-focusing in plasma. This causes the laser beam to become more focused by reduction of diffraction effect, which is an important phenomenon in inertial confinement fusion and also for the understanding of self-focusing of laser pulses. Numerical computations are presented and discussed in the form of graphs for typical parameters of laser-plasma interaction.
A Collaboratively Hidden Location Privacy Scheme for VANETs
Authors: Mei Ying , Jiang Guozhou , Zhang Wei , Cui Yongquan
Published: March 2014

Communication messages in vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) can be used to locate and track vehicles, and this can lead to threats on location privacy of vehicle users. In this paper, we address the problem of privacy and liability in VANETs. We propose a scheme that provides location privacy by utilizing a variant of ring signature. It allows a vehicle to form a ring arbitrarily with nearby vehicles and sign its messages anonymously, so that it can hide itself in the surrounding vehicles. When solving a dispute, the real signer will be responsible for what it has signed as the anonymity is revocable by the authority.
Homogenous Chaotic Network Serving as a Rate/Population Code to Temporal Code Converter
Authors: Kiselev Mikhail V.
Published: March 2014

At present, it is obvious that different sections of nervous system utilize different methods for information coding. Primary afferent signals in most cases are represented in form of spike trains using a combination of rate coding and population coding while there are clear evidences that temporal coding is used in various regions of cortex. In the present paper, it is shown that conversion between these two coding schemes can be performed under certain conditions by a homogenous chaotic neural network. Interestingly, this effect can be achieved without network training and synaptic plasticity.
A Fast and Robust Ellipse-Detection Method Based on Sorted Merging
Authors: Wang Gangyi , Ren Guanghui , Wu Zhilu , Zhao Yaqin , Jiang Lihui
Published: March 2014

A fast and robust ellipse-detection method based on sorted merging is proposed in this paper. This method first represents the edge bitmap approximately with a set of line segments and then gradually merges the line segments into elliptical arcs and ellipses. To achieve high accuracy, a sorted merging strategy is proposed: the merging degrees of line segments/elliptical arcs are estimated, and line segments/elliptical arcs are merged in descending order of the merging degrees, which significantly improves the merging accuracy. During the merging process, multiple properties of ellipses are utilized to filter line segment/elliptical arc pairs, making the method very efficient. In addition, an ellipse-fitting method is proposed that restricts the maximum ratio of the semimajor axis and the semiminor axis, further improving the merging accuracy. Experimental results indicate that the proposed method is robust to outliers, noise, and partial occlusion and is fast enough for real-time applications.
Experimental Investigation on the Characteristics of Hydrodynamic Stabilities in Francis Hydroturbine Models
Authors: Su Wen-Tao , Li Xiao-Bin , Li Feng-Chen , Wei Xian-Zhu , Han Wen-Fu , Liu Shu-Hong
Published: March 2014

This paper presents an experimental investigation of flow phenomena related to the characteristic frequencies of pressure fluctuation in Francis hydroturbine models. The experiments were carried out on two test rigs with two model runners having hydraulic similarities. Flow field around the guide vanes was measured with a particle image velocimetry (PIV) on the first PIV test rig. Flow structures at the inlet region of runner and in draft tube at different operating conditions were visualized on another hydrodynamic test rig. Analyses of dominant frequency of unsteady hydraulic behaviors in the tested hydroturbines were performed. It was observed that the main frequency of flow over the guide vanes and the dominant frequency of channel vortex equal the blade passing frequency; the dominant frequency of flow separation at the suction side of blade inlet equals the vane passing frequency; the vortex rope in the draft tube displays a low-frequency nature. The flow instabilities and fluctuations directly influence the running of hydroturbine, thus these experimental results could provide important evidence for the stability study of a real hydroturbine.
Hopf Bifurcation in a Delayed SEIQRS Model for the Transmission of Malicious Objects in Computer Network
Authors: Liu Juan
Published: March 2014

A delayed SEIQRS model for the transmission of malicious objects in computer network is considered in this paper. Local stability of the positive equilibrium of the model and existence of local Hopf bifurcation are investigated by regarding the time delay due to the temporary immunity period after which a recovered computer may be infected again. Further, the properties of the Hopf bifurcation are studied by using the normal form method and center manifold theorem. Numerical simulations are also presented to support the theoretical results.
Does Postevacuation β-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Level Predict the Persistent Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia?
Authors: Mousavi Azam Sadat , Karimi Samieh , Modarres Gilani Mitra , Akhavan Setareh , Rezayof Elahe
Published: March 2014

β-human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) level is not a reliable marker for early identification of persistent gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) after evacuation of hydatidiform mole. Thus, this study was conducted to evaluate β-HCG regression after evacuation as a predictive factor of malignant GTN in complete molar pregnancy. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated a total of 260 patients with complete molar pregnancy. Sixteen of the 260 patients were excluded. Serum levels of HCG were measured in all patients before treatment and after evacuation. HCG level was measured weekly until it reached a level lower than 5 mIU/mL. Results. The only predictors of persistent GTN are HCG levels one and two weeks after evacuation. The cut-off point for the preevacuation HCG level was 6000 mIU/mL (area under the curve, AUC, 0.58; sensitivity, 38.53%; specificity, 77.4%), whereas cut-off points for HCG levels one and two weeks after evacuation were 6288 mIU/mL (AUC, 0.63; sensitivity, 50.46%; specificity, 77.0%) and 801 mIU/mL (AUC, 0.80; sensitivity, 79.82%; specificity, 71.64%), respectively. Conclusion. The rate of decrease of HCG level at two weeks after surgical evacuation is the most reliable and strongest predictive factor for the progression of molar pregnancies to persistent GTN.
An Efficient Algorithm for EM Scattering from Anatomically Realistic Human Head Model Using Parallel CG-FFT Method
Authors: Zhao Lei , Chen Gen
Published: March 2014

An efficient algorithm is proposed to analyze the electromagnetic scattering problem from a high resolution head model with pixel data format. The algorithm is based on parallel technique and the conjugate gradient (CG) method combined with the fast Fourier transform (FFT). Using the parallel CG-FFT method, the proposed algorithm is very efficient and can solve very electrically large-scale problems which cannot be solved using the conventional CG-FFT method in a personal computer. The accuracy of the proposed algorithm is verified by comparing numerical results with analytical Mie-series solutions for dielectric spheres. Numerical experiments have demonstrated that the proposed method has good performance on parallel efficiency.
The (G′/G, 1/G)‐Expansion Method and Its Applications to Find the Exact Solutions of Nonlinear PDEs for Nanobiosciences
Authors: Zayed E. M. E. , Alurrfi K. A. E.
Published: March 2014

The two‐variable (G′/G, 1/G)‐expansion method is employed to construct exact traveling wave solutions with parameters of nanobiosciences partial differential equation. When the parameters are replaced by special values, the solitary wave solutions and the periodic wave solutions of this equation have been obtained from the traveling waves. This method can be thought of as the generalization of well‐known original (G′/G)‐expansion method proposed by M. Wang et al. It is shown that the two‐variable (G′/G, 1/G)‐expansion method provides a more powerful mathematical tool for solving many other nonlinear PDEs in mathematical physics. Comparison between our results and the well‐known results is given.
PPARGin Human Adipogenesis: Differential Contribution of Canonical Transcripts and Dominant Negative Isoforms
Authors: Aprile M. , Ambrosio M. R. , D'Esposito V. , Beguinot F. , Formisano P. , Costa V. , Ciccodicola A.
Published: March 2014

The nuclear receptor PPARγis a key regulator of adipogenesis, and alterations of its function are associated with different pathological processes related to metabolic syndrome. We recently identified twoPPARGtranscripts encoding dominant negative PPARγisoforms. The existence of differentPPARGvariants suggests that alternative splicing is crucial to modulate PPARγfunction, underlying some underestimated aspects of its regulation. Here we investigatePPARGexpression in different tissues and cells affected in metabolic syndrome and, in particular, during adipocyte differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells. We defined the transcript-specific expression pattern ofPPARGvariants encoding both canonical and dominant negative isoforms and identified a novelPPARGtranscript,γ1ORF4. Our analysis indicated that, during adipogenesis, the transcription of alternativePPARGvariants is regulated in a time-specific manner through differential usage of distinct promoters. In addition, our analysis describes—for the first time—the differential contribution of three ORF4 variants to this process, suggesting a still unexplored role for these dominant negative isoforms during adipogenesis. Therefore, our results highlight crucial aspects ofPPARGregulation, suggesting the need of further investigation to rule out the differential impact of allPPARGtranscripts in both physiologic and pathologic conditions, such as metabolism-related disorders.
“Dancing Eye Syndrome” Secondary to Opsoclonus-Myoclonus Syndrome in Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Laroumagne S. , Elharrar Xavier , Coiffard B. , Plojoux J. , Dutau H. , Breen D. , Astoul P.
Published: March 2014

Among paraneoplastic neurologic disorders (PND), opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome, so-called “dancing eye syndrome,” is a rare disorder combining multivectorial eye movements, involuntary multifocal myoclonus, and cerebellar ataxia. Although several paraneoplastic antibodies against postsynaptic or cell-surface antigens have been reported, usually most patients are serum antibody negative. We report a 65-year-old patient with opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome revealing a small-cell lung carcinoma. If serologic antineuronal anti-body screening was negative, autoantibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase (anti-GAD) were positive. Despite the specific anticancer treatment and high dose corticosteroids, the patient developed a severe and progressive encephalopathy and died 10 days later.
A Mobile, Dynamic, and Privacy‐Preserving Matching System for Car and Taxi Pools
Authors: Chiou Shin-Yan , Chen Yi-Cheng
Published: March 2014

Recently, rates of vehicle ownership have risen globally, exacerbating problems including air pollution, lack of parking, and traffic congestion. While many solutions to these problems have been proposed, carpooling remains one of the most effective approaches. Recently, several carpooling platforms have been built on cloud computing systems, with originators posting online list of departure/arrival points and schedules from which participants can search for rides that match their needs. However, it can be difficult to make matches quickly and the systems are subject to privacy concerns in that they may disclose private information such as names, registration data, and departure/arrival schedules. This paper proposes a dynamic matching method for car/taxi pools for use in mobile devices via ad hoc Wi‐Fi networks. The proposed method also preserves user privacy including names and departure/arrival schedules. Moreover, the system does not require the user to register any personal data, so such data cannot be leaked. The system was implemented on the Android mobile platform, allowing users to immediately and securely access the system via their smart phones.
The Association between a History of Parental Addictions and Arthritis in Adulthood: Findings from a Representative Community Survey
Authors: Fuller-Thomson Esme , Liddycoat Jessica P. , Stefanyk Maria
Published: March 2014

Aims. To examine the relationship between a history of parental addictions and the cumulative lifetime incidence of arthritis while controlling for age, sex, race, and four clusters of risk factors: (1) other adverse childhood experiences, (2) adult health behaviors (i.e., smoking, obesity, inactivity, and alcohol consumption), (3) adult socioeconomic status and (4) mental health. Materials and Methods. Secondary analysis of 13,036 Manitoba and Saskatchewan respondents of the population-based 2005 Canadian Community Health Survey. Sequential logistic regression analyses were conducted. Findings. After controlling for demographic characteristics, including age, gender, and race, respondents who reported a history of parental addictions had significantly higher odds of arthritis in comparison to individuals without (OR=1.58; 95% CI 1.38–1.80). Adjustment for socioeconomic status, adult health behaviors, and mental health conditions had little impact on the parental addictions and arthritis relationship. The association between parental addictions and arthritis was substantially reduced when adverse childhood experiences (OR=1.33; 95% CI 1.15–1.53) and all four groups of risk factors collectively (OR=1.30; 95% CI = 1.12–1.51) were included in the analyses; however, the relationship remained statistically significant. Conclusions. A robust association was found between parental addictions and cumulative lifetime incidence of arthritis. This link remained even when controlling for four groups of potential risk factors.
Research of Dosimetry Parameters in Small Electron Beams
Authors: Donmez Kesen Nazmiye , Cakir Aydin , Okutan Murat , Bilge Hatice
Published: March 2014

In this study, dose distributions and outputs of circular fields with dimensions of 5 cm and smaller, for 6 and 9 MeV nominal energies from the Siemens ONCOR Linac, were measured and compared with data from a treatment planning system using the pencil beam algorithm in electron beam calculations. All dose distribution measurements were performed using the GafChromic EBT film; these measurements were compared with data that were obtained from the Computerized Medical Systems (CMS) XiO treatment planning system (TPS). Output measurements were performed using GafChromic EBT film, an Advanced Markus ion chamber, and thermoluminescent dosimetry (TLD). Although it is used in many clinics, there is not a substantial amount of detailed information in the literature about use of the pencil beam algorithm to model electron beams. Output factors were consistent; differences from the values obtained from the TPS were at maximum. When the dose distributions from the TPS were compared with the measurements from the ion chamber and GafChromic EBT films, it was observed that the results were consistent with 2 cm diameter fields and larger, but the outputs for 1 cm diameter fields and smaller were not consistent.
A Confusing Coincidence: Neonatal Hypoglycemic Seizures and Hyperekplexia
Authors: Demir Nihat , Doğan Murat , Yılmaz Sanem , Peker Erdal , Bulan Keziban , Tuncer Oğuz
Published: March 2014

Hyperekplexia is a rare, nonepileptic, genetic, or sporadic neurologic disorder characterized by startle responses to acoustic, optic, or tactile stimuli. Genetic defects in glycine receptors as well as encephalitis, tumors, inflammation, and disgenesis are among the etiologic causes of the disease. The main problem in hyperekplexia is the incomplete development of inhibitory mechanisms or exaggerated stimulation of excitatory mediators. Hyperekplexia is often confused with epileptic seizures. Here we present a case with hypoglycemic convulsions coexisting with hyperekplexia, causing diagnostic difficulty.
Periodontitis as a Risk Factor of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Bartova Jirina , Sommerova Pavla , Lyuya-Mi Yelena , Mysak Jaroslav , Prochazkova Jarmila , Duskova Jana , Janatova Tatjana , Podzimek Stepan
Published: March 2014

Over the last two decades, the amount of evidence corroborating an association between dental plaque bacteria and coronary diseases that develop as a result of atherosclerosis has increased. These findings have brought a new aspect to the etiology of the disease. There are several mechanisms by which dental plaque bacteria may initiate or worsen atherosclerotic processes: activation of innate immunity, bacteremia related to dental treatment, and direct involvement of mediators activated by dental plaque and involvement of cytokines and heat shock proteins from dental plaque bacteria. There are common predisposing factors which influence both periodontitis and atherosclerosis. Both diseases can be initiated in early childhood, although the first symptoms may not appear until adulthood. The formation of lipid stripes has been reported in 10-year-old children and the increased prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents is a risk factor contributing to lipid stripes development. Endothelium damage caused by the formation of lipid stripes in early childhood may lead to bacteria penetrating into blood circulation after oral cavity procedures for children as well as for patients with aggressive and chronic periodontitis.
Effects of Chaihu‐Shugan‐San and Shen‐Ling‐Bai‐Zhu‐San on p38 MAPK Pathway in Kupffer Cells of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Yang Qin-He , Xu Yong-Jian , Liu Yi-Zhen , Liang Yin-Ji , Feng Gao-Fei , Zhang Yu-Pei , Xing Hui-Jie , Yan Hai-Zhen , Li Yuan-Yuan
Published: March 2014

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Chaihu‐Shugan‐San (CSS), Shen‐Ling‐Bai‐Zhu‐San (SLBZS), and integrated recipe of the above two recipes on inflammatory markers and proteins involved in p38 MAPK pathway in Kupffer cells of NASH rats induced by high fat diet (HFD). Rats were administered at low or high dose of CSS, SLBZS, and integrated recipe except normal group and model group for 16 weeks. The levels of hepatic lipid, TNF‐α, IL‐1, and IL‐6 in liver tissues were measured. Kupffer cells were isolated from livers to evaluate expressions of TLR4, p‐p38 MAPK, and p38 MAPK by Western blotting. The results showed that the NASH model rats successfully reproduced typical pathogenetic and histopathological features. Levels of hepatic lipid and liver tissues inflammatory factors in high‐dose SLBZS group and integrated recipe group were all lower than that of model group decreased observably. Expressions of TLR4, p‐p38 MAPK, and p38 MAPK in Kupffer cells were decreased in all treatment groups, but there was no significant difference between treatment groups. The high‐dose SLBZS group had the lowest expression levels of TLR4, and the most visible downtrend in the expression levels of p‐p38 MAPK and p38 MAPK was found in the high‐dose integrated recipe group. The ratio of p‐p38 MAPK to total p38 MAPK protein was obviously increased in all treatment groups. Therefore, our study showed that the activation of p38 MAPK pathway in Kupffer cells might be related to the release of inflammatory factors such as TNF‐α, IL‐1, and IL‐6 in NASH rats. High dose of SLBZS and integrated recipe might work as a significant anti‐inflammatory effect in Kupffer cells of NASH rats induced by HFD through suppression of p38 MAPK pathway. It indicated that p38 MAPK pathway may be the possible effective target for the recipes.