bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
InAs/GaSb Type-II Superlattice Detectors
Authors: Plis Elena A.
Published: April 2014

InAs/(In,Ga)Sb type-II strained layer superlattices (T2SLs) have made significant progress since they were first proposed as an infrared (IR) sensing material more than three decades ago. Numerous theoretically predicted advantages that T2SL offers over present-day detection technologies, heterojunction engineering capabilities, and technological preferences make T2SL technology promising candidate for the realization of high performance IR imagers. Despite concentrated efforts of many research groups, the T2SLs have not revealed full potential yet. This paper attempts to provide a comprehensive review of the current status of T2SL detectors and discusses origins of T2SL device performance degradation, in particular, surface and bulk dark-current components. Various approaches of dark current reduction with their pros and cons are presented.
Objective Estimation of Frequency-Specific Pure-Tone Hearing Thresholds following Bone-Conduction Hearing Aid Stimulation
Authors: Rahne Torsten , Ehelebe Thomas
Published: April 2014

Patients suffering from conductive or mixed hearing loss may benefit from bone-conduction hearing systems (BAHS). The amount of amplification provided by the hearing system is selected based on the individual’s sensorineural frequency-specific threshold. With patients who are not able to provide thresholds behaviorally, such as young children, objective methods are required to estimate the unaided and aided hearing threshold and thus the success of the hearing system fitting. In a prospective study with ten adult Baha softband users, aided and unaided frequency-specific thresholds were estimated. Aided thresholds to tone bursts via Baha stimulation were obtained behaviorally and electrophysiologically using cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs) and were compared to pure-tone thresholds using routine clinical audiometry. For all stimulation frequencies, the frequency-specific electrophysiological and behavioral hearing thresholds measured with Baha stimulation were highly correlated and not different. Increased thresholds were observed only with the 0.5 kHz Baha stimulation as compared to the pure-tone audiogram. Objective measurement of frequency-specific hearing thresholds with CAEPs is applicable to BAHS users.
Long Wavelength Plasmonic Absorption Enhancement in Silicon Using Optical Lithography Compatible Core-Shell-Type Nanowires
Authors: Sabuktagin Mohammed Shahriar , Hamdan Khairus Syifa , Sulaiman Khaulah , Zakaria Rozalina , Ahmad Harith
Published: April 2014

Plasmonic properties of rectangular core-shell type nanowires embedded in thin film silicon solar cell structure were characterized using FDTD simulations. Plasmon resonance of these nanowires showed tunability from  nm. However this absorption was significantly smaller than the Ohmic loss in the silver shell due to very low near-bandgap absorption properties of silicon. Prospect of improving enhanced absorption in silicon to Ohmic loss ratio by utilizing dual capability of these nanowires in boosting impurity photovoltaic effect and efficient extraction of the photogenerated carriers was discussed. Our results indicate that high volume fabrication capacity of optical lithography techniques can be utilized for plasmonic absorption enhancement in thin film silicon solar cells over the entire long wavelength range of solar radiation.
A Tandem Repeat in Decay Accelerating Factor 1 Is Associated with Severity of Murine Mercury-Induced Autoimmunity
Authors: Cauvi David M. , Gabriel Rodney , Kono Dwight H. , Hultman Per , Pollard K. Michael
Published: April 2014

Decay accelerating factor (DAF), a complement-regulatory protein, protects cells from bystander complement-mediated lysis and negatively regulates T cells. Reduced expression of DAF occurs in several systemic autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus, and DAF deficiency exacerbates disease in several autoimmune models, including murine mercury-induced autoimmunity (mHgIA).Daf1, located withinHmr1, a chromosome 1 locus associated in DBA/2 mice with resistance to mHgIA, could be a candidate. Here we show that reducedDaf1transcription in lupus-prone mice was not associated with a reduction in theDaf1transcription factor SP1. Studies of NZB mice congenic for the mHgIA-resistant DBA/2Hmr1locus suggested thatDaf1expression was controlled by the host genome and not theHmr1locus. A unique pentanucleotide repeat variant in the second intron ofDaf1in DBA/2 mice was identified and shown in F2 intercrosses to be associated with less severe disease; however, analysis ofHmr1congenics indicated that this most likely reflected the presence of autoimmunity-predisposing genetic variants within theHmr1locus or thatDaf1expression is mediated by the tandem repeat in epistasis with other genetic variants present in autoimmune-prone mice. These studies argue that the effect of DAF on autoimmunity is complex and may require multiple genetic elements.
Solubility Enhancement of Budesonide and Statistical Optimization of Coating Variables for Targeted Drug Delivery
Authors: Bhatt Himanshu , Naik Bhargavi , Dharamsi Abhay
Published: April 2014

The purpose of the research was to present Budesonide (BUD) as a novel formulation showing improved aqueous solubility, which may decrease variability in Cmax⁡ and Tmax⁡ found in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients, and drug targeting to colon. To improve aqueous solubility, solid dispersion (SD) of the BUD with poloxamer 188 was prepared by melting method. Physical characterization of solid dispersion was performed. The SD was used to prepare tablet equivalent to 9 mg of BUD. The tablet was coated with enteric polymers Eudragit S100 and Eudragit L100 to target colon. The ratio of polymers and percentage coating was optimized using statistical design. Variables studied in design were ratio of enteric polymers and the effect of percentage coating on in vitro drug release. Dissolution at different pH showed that drug release in colon could be modified by optimizing the ratio of polymers and percentage coating. The dissolution data showed that the percentage coating and ratio of polymers are very important to get lag time and optimum formulation. The optimized batch from statistical design was kept under accelerated condition for three months. After accelerated stability study, there was no significant change in the drug release.
Improved GSO Optimized ESN Soft-Sensor Model of Flotation Process Based on Multisource Heterogeneous Information Fusion
Authors: Wang Jie-sheng , Han Shuang , Shen Na-na
Published: April 2014

For predicting the key technology indicators (concentrate grade and tailings recovery rate) of flotation process, an echo state network (ESN) based fusion soft-sensor model optimized by the improved glowworm swarm optimization (GSO) algorithm is proposed. Firstly, the color feature (saturation and brightness) and texture features (angular second moment, sum entropy, inertia moment, etc.) based on grey-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) are adopted to describe the visual characteristics of the flotation froth image. Then the kernel principal component analysis (KPCA) method is used to reduce the dimensionality of the high-dimensional input vector composed by the flotation froth image characteristics and process datum and extracts the nonlinear principal components in order to reduce the ESN dimension and network complex. The ESN soft-sensor model of flotation process is optimized by the GSO algorithm with congestion factor. Simulation results show that the model has better generalization and prediction accuracy to meet the online soft-sensor requirements of the real-time control in the flotation process.
Research on High Speed Cutting Parameter Optimization and Fault Diagnosis Technology
Authors: Zhou Honggen , Jing Xuwen , Wang Lei , Dai Kaiyun , Yongpeng Jia
Published: April 2014

High speed cutting process is a very complicated process; cutting parameters have a significant effect on cutting process and play a key role in the process of product manufacturing. The overall scheme of high speed cutting parameter optimization and its fault diagnosis have been introduced. The mathematical model of the selected cutting parameters was established and the optimized parameters were obtained by combining the experimental design with the technology of data processing. The statistical description of high speed cutting process control was introduced and the fault diagnosis model of cutting parameter optimization by using the neural network was proposed. Finally, the mathematical model in the present study is validated with a numerical example. The results show that the present method solved the problem of poor universality of high speed cutting data effectively and avoided the inaccuracy of physical and chemical mechanism research. Meanwhile, the present study prevents the passive checks of the cutting and gets better diagnosis of the complicated cutting fault type.
Average Consensus in Multiagent Systems with the Problem of Packet Losses When Using the Second‐Order Neighbors’ Information
Authors: Yu Mei , Li Lijuan , Xie Guangming , Shi Hong
Published: April 2014

This paper mainly investigates the average consensus of multiagent systems with the problem of packet losses when both the first‐order neighbors’ information and the second‐order neighbors’ information are used. The problem is formulated under the sampled‐data framework by discretizing the first‐order agent dynamics with a zero‐order hold. The communication graph is undirected and the loss of data across each communication link occurs at certain probability, which is governed by a Bernoulli process. It is found that the distributed average consensus speeds up by using the second‐order neighbors’ information when packets are lost. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
About the Relation between Sunshine Duration and Cloudiness on the Basis of Data from Hamburg
Authors: Neske Stefanie
Published: April 2014

The aim of this paper is to relate the two meteorological parameters known as relative (bright) sunshine duration and cloudiness using the data from two stations of the city of Hamburg, Germany. We test the classic linear relationship, as well as newer polynomial extensions suggested in the literature. The results of regression are interpreted against a theoretical background recently put forward by Badescu. The suggested relations can be borne out, but we also point out difficulties due to data quality and insufficiency.
Particle Discrete Method Based on Manifold Cover for Crack Propagation of Jointed Rock Mass
Authors: Ping Yang , Li Shu-Chen , Li Shu-Cai , Kou Qiang , Zhang Lu-Chen , Ma Teng-Fei
Published: April 2014

The rock mass can be assumed to be homogeneous material from a macroscopic view; however, it is the heterogeneous material in mesoscopic scale and its physicomechanical properties are discontinuous in space. The failure of jointed rock mass was usually caused by the initiation, propagation, and coalescence of new wing cracks derived from primary joint. In order to further study the rock fracture instability, we need to study the expansion of rock cracks under external loads from the macro‐meso perspective. This paper, based on the manifold cover concept, proposes a new discrete element numerical method, manifold particle discrete (MPD), combined with the particle contact model and the introduced concept of stress boundary. The proposed method can easily simulate the crack generation, propagation, and coalescence of jointed rock mass from the macro‐meso perspective. The whole process of rock fragmentation is thereafter reproduced. By analyzing the manifold cover and sphere particle model, this paper constitutes the sphere unit cover function of three‐dimensional manifold cover, establishes tetrahedron units, and obtains the equilibrium equation and compatible equation of the MPD model. For rock‐like brittle material, crack propagation process can be simulated, and it also verifies the accuracy of the proposed numerical method.
Evaluation of Serum Fibrinogen, Plasminogen,α2-Anti-Plasmin, and Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor Levels (PAI) and Their Correlation with Presence of Retinopathy in Patients with Type 1 DM
Authors: Polat Sefika Burcak , Ugurlu Nagihan , Yulek Fatma , Simavli Huseyin , Ersoy Reyhan , Cakir Bekir , Erel Ozcan
Published: April 2014

Background.Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of blindness in the world. Retinopathy can still progress despite optimal metabolic control. The aim of the study was to determine whether different degrees of DR (proliferative or nonproliferative) were associated with abnormally modulated hemostatic parameters in patients with T1DM.Method.52 T1DM patients and 40 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Patients were subdivided into three categories. Group I was defined as those without retinopathy, group II with NPRP, and group III with PRP. We compared these subgroups with each other and the control group (Group IV) according to the serum fibrinogen, plasminogen, alpha2-anti-plasmin (α2-anti-plasmin), and PAI.Results. We detected that PAI-1, serum fibrinogen, and plasminogen levels were similar between the diabetic and control groups (P=0.209,P=0.224, andP=0.244, resp.), whereasα2-anti-plasmin was higher in Groups I, II, and III compared to the control group (P<0.01,P<0.05, andP<0.001, resp.). There was a positive correlation between serumα2-anti-plasmin and HbA1c levels (r=0,268,P=0.031).Conclusion. To our knowledge there is scarce data in the literature aboutα2-anti-plasmin levels in type 1 diabetes. A positive correlation betweenα2-anti-plasmin with HbA1c suggests that fibrinolytic markers may improve with disease regulation and better glycemic control.
Giant Prepyloric Ulcer Haemorrhage: Patient Characteristics, Treatment, and Outcome in 2003–2012
Authors: Peetsalu Margot , Kirsimägi Ülle , Peetsalu Ants
Published: April 2014

The aim of the study was to characterize patients with giant prepyloric ulcer haemorrhage, their treatment, and outcome. The data for 929 peptic ulcer haemorrhage (PUH) patients were divided into three groups according to ulcer location: group I: 165 prepyloric ulcer patients, group II: 353 gastric ulcer patients, and group III: 411 duodenal ulcer patients. Among these groups giant ulcer (ulcer diameter ≥ 2 cm) haemorrhage cases were selected for the study and the data for group I were compared with the data for groups II and III. The study shows that the proportion of giant ulcers in all prepyloric ulcers was significantly 2.2 times lower compared with the proportion of giant ulcers in all gastric ulcers and 1.5 times lower than the proportion of giant ulcers in all duodenal ulcers. The share of surgical therapy for haemorrhages from giant prepyloric ulcers did not differ from the share of surgical therapy in the case of giant gastric ulcers but was 3.5 times lower than in the case of giant duodenal ulcers. Generally, treatment for PUH from giant prepyloric ulcers was successful not involving inhospital mortality.
Effect of Peat on Physicomechanical Properties of Cemented Brick
Authors: Islam Syed Mofachirul , Hashim Roslan , Islam A. B. M. Saiful , Kurnia Ryan
Published: April 2014

The popularity of low cost, lightweight, and environmentally affable masonry unit in building industry carries the need to investigate more flexible and adaptable brick component as well as to retain the requirements confirmed in building standards. In this study, potential use of local materials used as lightweight building materials in solving the economic problems of housing has been investigated. Experimental studies on peat added bricks have been carried out. It demonstrates the physicomechanical properties of bricks and investigates the influence of peat, sand, and cement solid bricks to the role of various types of constructional applications. The achieved compressive strength, spitting strength, flexural strength, unit weight, and ultrasonic pulse velocity are significantly reduced and the water absorption is increased with percentage wise replacement of peat as aggregate in the samples. The maximum 20% of (% mass) peat content meets the requirements of relevant well-known international standards. The experimental values illustrate that, the 44% volumetric replacement with peat did not exhibit any sudden brittle fracture even beyond the ultimate loads and a comparatively smooth surface is found. The application of peat as efficient brick substance shows a potential to be used for wall and a viable solution in the economic buildings design.
Two Identification Methods for Dual‐Rate Sampled‐Data Nonlinear Output‐Error Systems
Authors: Chen Jing , Ding Ruifeng
Published: April 2014

This paper presents two methods for dual‐rate sampled‐data nonlinear output‐error systems. One
method is the missing output estimation based stochastic gradient identification algorithm and the other
method is the auxiliary model based stochastic gradient identification algorithm. Different from the
polynomial transformation based identification methods, the two methods in this paper can estimate
the unknown parameters directly. A numerical example is provided to confirm the effectiveness of the
proposed methods.
On the Conservation Laws and Exact Solutions of a Modified Hunter-Saxton Equation
Authors: San Sait , Yaşar Emrullah
Published: April 2014

We study the modified Hunter-Saxton equation which arises in modelling of nematic liquid crystals. We obtain local conservation laws using the nonlocal conservation method and multiplier approach. In addition, using the relationship between conservation laws and Lie-point symmetries, some reductions and exact solutions are obtained.
Optimal Policies for Deteriorating Items with Maximum Lifetime and Two-Level Trade Credits
Authors: Shah Nita H. , Patel Dushyantkumar G. , Shah Digeshkumar B.
Published: April 2014

The retailer’s optimal policies are developed when the product has fixed lifetime and also the units in inventory are subject to deterioration at a constant rate. This study will be mainly applicable to pharmaceuticals, drugs, beverages, and dairy products, and so forth. To boost the demand, offering a credit period is considered as the promotional tool. The retailer passes credit period to the buyers which is received from the supplier. The objective is to maximize the total profit per unit time of the retailer with respect to optimal retail price of an item and purchase quantity during the optimal cycle time. The concavity of the total profit per unit time is exhibited using inventory parametric values. The sensitivity analysis is carried out to advise the decision maker to keep an eye on critical inventory parameters.
Cloning and Characterization of Low-Molecular-Weight Glutenin Subunit Alleles from Chinese Wheat Landraces (Triticum aestivumL.)
Authors: Si Hongqi , Zhao Manli , Zhang Xin , Yao Guoliang , Sun Genlou , Ma Chuanxi
Published: April 2014

Low-molecular-weight glutenin subunits (LMW-GS) are of great importance in processing quality and participate in the formation of polymers in wheat. In this study, eight new LMW-GS alleles were isolated from Chinese wheat landraces (Triticum aestivumL.) and designated asGlu-A3-1a,Glu-A3-1b,Glu-B3-1a,Glu-B3-1b,Glu-B3-1c,Glu-D3-1a,Glu-D3-1b, andGlu-D3-1c, which were located at theGlu-A3,Glu-B3, andGlu-D3loci, respectively. Based on the proteins encoded, the number of deduced amino acids ofGlu-B3alleles was approximately 50 more than those ofGlu-A3andGlu-D3alleles. The first cysteine ofGlu-A3andGlu-D3alleles was located at the N-terminal domain, while that ofGlu-B3alleles was found in the repetitive domain, which may lead to the different functioning in forming disulfide bonds. All the eight genes were LMW-m types and the new allele ofGlu-B3-1awhich had nine cysteine residues may be the desirable LMW-GS gene for improving bread-making quality.
Three‐Dimensional Finite Element Modeling of Thermomechanical Problems in Functionally Graded Hydroxyapatite/Titanium Plate
Authors: Jamaludin S. N. S. , Basri S. , Hussain Ahmad , Al-Othmany Dheya Shujaa , Mustapha F. , Nuruzzaman D. M.
Published: April 2014

The composition of hydroxyapatite (HA) as the ceramic phase and titanium (Ti) as the metallic phase in HA/Ti functionally graded materials (FGMs) shows an excellent combination of high biocompatibility and high mechanical properties in a structure. Because the gradation of these properties is one of the factors that affects the response of the functionally graded (FG) plates, this paper is presented to show the domination of the grading parameter on the displacement and stress distribution of the plates. A three‐dimensional (3D) thermomechanical model of a 20‐node brick quadratic element is used in the simulation of the thermoelastic behaviors of HA/Ti FG plates subjected to constant and functional thermal, mechanical, and thermomechanical loadings. The convergence properties of the present results are examined thoroughly in order to assess the accuracy of the theory applied and to compare them with the established research results. Instead of the grading parameter, this study reveals that the loading field distribution can be another factor that reflects the thermoelastic properties of the HA/Ti FG plates. The FG structure is found to be able to withstand the thermal stresses while preserving the high toughness properties and thus shows its ability to operate at high temperature.
Unusual Dermoid Cyst in Oral Cavity
Authors: Vieira Evanice Menezes Marçal , Borges Alvaro Henrique , Volpato Luis Evaristo Ricci , Porto Alessandra Nogueira , Carvalhosa Artur Aburad , Botelho Gilberto de Almeida , Bandeca Matheus Coelho
Published: April 2014

Dermoid cysts in oral cavity are unusual lesions. Their etiology is not yet clear and can be associated with trapped cells as a result of the inclusion error resulting in the development into the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm tissues. The aim of this case report is to evidence the presence of a dermoid cyst in the floor of mouth surgically removed. In the present case, the lesion showed soft consistency, floating, regular borders, smooth surface, and the same color as the adjacent mucosa, asymptomatic and measuring 4.5 × 5.5 cm in its greatest diameter. The initial diagnostic was ranula in consequence of the similarity with clinical characteristics and localization. After surgical removal lesion, a fibrotic capsule was identified with a friable material with intensive yellow color. The microscopic exam showed cystic lesion with cavity lined by squamous stratified epithelium hyperorthokeratinized. Cutaneous attachments, such as sebaceous glands and hair follicles, were present in connective adjacent tissue. Surgical intervention is elective in these situations. All dentists must have a thorough knowledge of this unusual lesion.
Analysis of a Compact Wideband Slotted Antenna for Ku Band Applications
Authors: Ahsan M. R. , Habib Ullah M. , Mansor F. , Misran N. , Islam T.
Published: April 2014

The design procedure and physical module of a compact wideband patch antenna for Ku band application are presented in this paper. Finite element method based on 3D electromagnetic field solver has been utilized for the designing and analyzing process of proposed microstrip line fed modifiedE-Hshaped electrically small patch antenna. After successful completion of the design process through various simulations, the proposed antenna has been fabricated on printed circuit board (PCB) and its characteristics have been studied. The parameters of the proposed antenna prototype have been measured in standard far-field rectangular shape anechoic measurement compartment. It is apparent from the measured antenna parameters that the proposed antenna achieved almost stable variation of radiation pattern over the entire operational band with 1380 MHz of-10 dB return loss bandwidth. The maximum gain of 7.8 dBi and 89.97% average efficiency within the operating band from 17.15 GHz to 18.53 GHz ensure the suitability of the proposed antenna for Ku band applications.
An Improved Mixture-of-Gaussians Background Model with Frame Difference and Blob Tracking in Video Stream
Authors: Yao Li , Ling Miaogen
Published: April 2014

Modeling background and segmenting moving objects are significant techniques for computer vision applications. Mixture-of-Gaussians (MoG) background model is commonly used in foreground extraction in video steam. However considering the case that the objects enter the scenery and stay for a while, the foreground extraction would fail as the objects stay still and gradually merge into the background. In this paper, we adopt a blob tracking method to cope with this situation. To construct the MoG model more quickly, we add frame difference method to the foreground extracted from MoG for very crowded situations. What is more, a new shadow removal method based on RGB color space is proposed.
The Role of Clitoral Anatomy in Female to Male Sex Reassignment Surgery
Authors: Vukadinovic Vojkan , Stojanovic Borko , Majstorovic Marko , Milosevic Aleksandar
Published: April 2014

Introduction. Controversies on clitoral anatomy and its role in female sexual function still make clitoral reconstructive surgery very challenging. We evaluated the role of clitoral anatomic features in female to male sex reassignment surgery.Material and Methods. The study included 97 female transsexuals, aged from 18 to 41 years, who underwent single stage metoidioplasty between March 2008 and January 2013. The operative technique involved vaginectomy, the release of clitoral ligaments and urethral plate, urethroplasty by combining buccal mucosa graft and genital flaps, and scrotoplasty with insertion of testicle prostheses. Postoperative questionnaire was used to evaluate aesthetic, functional, and sexual outcome.Results. The mean followup was 30 months. The mean length of the neophallus was 7 cm, compared to mean preoperative length of the hypertrophied clitoris of 3.3 cm. Complications occurred in 27.84% of all patients, related mostly to urethroplasty. Voiding while standing was achieved in all cases. None of the patients had problems in sexual arousal, masturbation, or orgasms.Conclusion. Accurate knowledge of the clitoral anatomy, physiology, and neurovascular supply is crucial for a successful outcome of female to male sex reassignment surgery. Our approach appears to ensure overall satisfaction and high quality of sexual life.
Evaluation of the Usefulness of the MRI Jelly Method for Diagnosing Complete Cul-de-Sac Obliteration
Authors: Kikuchi Iwaho , Kuwatsuru Ryohei , Yamazaki Kana , Kumakiri Jun , Aoki Yoichi , Takeda Satoru
Published: April 2014

Objective.We conducted a single-center study to evaluate the usefulness of the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging jelly method for diagnosing endometriosis-associated adhesions in the Pouch of Douglas.Methods.Thirty women with menstrual pain, dyspareunia, and chronic pelvic pain were enrolled in the study. All had been scheduled for laparoscopic surgery on the basis of pelvic and/or ultrasonographic (US) evaluation. All underwent MR imaging both with and without application of US jelly to the vagina and rectum. The images were compared and analyzed postsurgically in a random and blinded fashion by a radiology specialist and a radiology fellow. The radiologists’ interpretations of the images were compared to the surgical findings recorded on DVDs.Results.Adhesions in the Pouch of Douglas were found in 21 patients. The sensitivity and specificity of MR imaging without jelly administration were 85.7% and 55.6%, respectively, for the specialist and 81.0% and 55.6%, respectively, for the fellow; with jelly administration, values were 95.2% and 88.9% for the specialist and 90.5% and 66.7% for the fellow. Opacity produced by the jelly increased the sensitivity and specificity for both radiologists.Conclusion.The MRI jelly method is a potentially useful, beneficial, and simple approach for diagnosing Pouch of Douglas adhesions.
A Dynamic Ensemble Framework for Mining Textual Streams with Class Imbalance
Authors: Song Ge , Ye Yunming
Published: April 2014

Textual stream classification has become a realistic and challenging issue since large-scale, high-dimensional, and non-stationary streams with class imbalance have been widely used in various real-life applications. According to the characters of textual streams, it is technically difficult to deal with the classification of textual stream, especially in imbalanced environment. In this paper, we propose a new ensemble framework, clustering forest, for learning from the textual imbalanced stream with concept drift (CFIM). The CFIM is based on ensemble learning by integrating a set of clustering trees (CTs). An adaptive selection method, which flexibly chooses the useful CTs by the property of the stream, is presented in CFIM. In particular, to deal with the problem of class imbalance, we collect and reuse both rare-class instances and misclassified instances from the historical chunks. Compared to most existing approaches, it is worth pointing out that our approach assumes that both majority class and rareclass may suffer from concept drift. Thus the distribution of resampled instances is similar to the current concept. The effectiveness of CFIM is examined in five real-world textual streams under an imbalanced nonstationary environment. Experimental results demonstrate that CFIM achieves better performance than four state-of-the-art ensemble models.
Targeting Hepatic Glycerolipid Synthesis and Turnover to Treat Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Schweitzer George G. , Finck Brian N.
Published: April 2014

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a spectrum of metabolic abnormalities ranging from simple hepatic steatosis (accumulation of neutral lipid) to development of steatotic lesions, steatohepatitis, and cirrhosis. NAFLD is extremely prevalent in obese individuals and with the epidemic of obesity; nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has become the most common cause of liver disease in the developed world. NASH is rapidly emerging as a prominent cause of liver failure and transplantation. Moreover, hepatic steatosis is tightly linked to risk of developing insulin resistance, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Abnormalities in hepatic lipid metabolism are part and parcel of the development of NAFLD and human genetic studies and work conducted in experimentally tractable systems have identified a number of enzymes involved in fat synthesis and degradation that are linked to NAFLD susceptibility as well as progression to NASH. The goal of this review is to summarize the current state of our knowledge on these pathways and focus on how they contribute to etiology of NAFLD and related metabolic diseases.
Small-Size Wearable High-Efficiency TAG Antenna for UHF RFID of People
Authors: Svanda Milan , Polivka Milan
Published: April 2014

This paper introduces a small-size, low-profile wearable radiator based on the coupled patches and vertically folded patches techniques for application as a tag antenna for identification of people in the European UHF RFID band. The electric field distribution comes out dominantly from the central coupling slot, and thus the electric properties of the radiator are almost unaffected by the human body to which the antenna is intended to be attached. Accordingly, with the relative size0.14×0.12×0.009 λ0at 866 MHz(50×40×3.04 mm3), the antenna exhibits total efficiency better than 50%, even if it is attached directly to a person.
Design and Implementation of File Deduplication Framework on HDFS
Authors: Sheu Ruey-Kai , Yuan Shyan-Ming , Lo Win-Tsung , Ku Chan-I
Published: April 2014

File systems are designed to control how files are stored and retrieved. Without knowing the context and semantics of file contents, file systems often contain duplicate copies and result in redundant consumptions of storage space and network bandwidth. It has been a complex and challenging issue for enterprises to seek deduplication technologies to reduce cost and increase the storage efficiency. To solve such problem, researchers proposed in-line or offline solutions for primary storages or backup systems at the subfile or whole-file level. Some of the technologies are used for file servers and database systems. Fewer studies focus on the cloud file system deduplication technologies at the application level, especially for the Hadoop distributed file system. It is the goal of this paper to design a file deduplication framework on Hadoop distributed file system for cloud application developers. The architecture, interface, and implementation experiences are also shared in this paper.
Correlated Relation between Quantum Discord and Entanglement of Two-Atom in Thermal Reservoirs
Authors: Yan Xue-Qun , Yue Zhuan-Lin
Published: April 2014

We study the time evolution of quantum discord and entanglement of a two-qubit system in thermal reservoirs. We find that there are no simple ordering relations between entanglement and quantum discord for the dynamical evolution behavior; that is, quantum discord may be smaller or larger than entanglement in the evolution process. However, a strong correlation between changes of the ordering relations and the mean photon number is found. In addition, it also shows that entanglement is not the strongest form of nonclassicality.
Time‐Course of the Effects of QSYQ in Promoting Heart Function in Ameroid Constrictor‐Induced Myocardial Ischemia Pigs
Authors: Qiu Qi , Lin Yang , Xiao Cheng , Li Chun , Wang Yong , Yang Kexu , Suo Wei , Li Yu , Chuo Wenjing , Wei Yongxiang , Wang Wei
Published: April 2014

We aim to investigate the therapeutic effects of QSYQ on a pig myocardial ischemia (MI) model and to determine its mechanism of action. The MI model was induced by Ameroid constriction of the left anterior descending coronary (LAD) in Ba‐Ma miniature pigs. Four groups were created: model group, digoxin group, QSYQ group, and sham‐operated group. Heart function, Ang II, CGMP, TXB2, BNP, and cTnT were evaluated before (3 weeks after operation: 0 weeks) and at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after drug administration. After 8 weeks of administration, the pigs were sacrificed for cardiac injury measurements. Pigs with MI showed obvious histological changes, including BNP, cTnT, Ang II, CGRP, TXB2, and ET, deregulated heart function, and increased levels of apoptotic cells in myocardial tissue. Treatment with QSYQ improved cardiac remodeling by counteracting those events. The administration of QSYQ was accompanied by a restoration of heart function and of the levels of Ang II, CGRP, TXB2, ET BNP, and cTnT. In addition, QSYQ attenuated administration, reduced the apoptosis, and decreased the level of TNF‐α and active caspase‐3. In conclusion, administration of QSYQ could attenuate Ameroid constrictor induced myocardial ischemia, and TNF‐α and active caspase‐3 seemed to be the critical potential target of QSYQ.
Identification and Characterization of TEX101 in Bovine Epididymal Spermatozoa
Authors: Nagdas Subir K. , McLean Eric L. , Richardson Leeá P. , Raychoudhury Samir
Published: April 2014

Several studies exhibit the presence ofRicinus Communis Agglutinin I(RCA) binding glycocalyx in mammalian spermatozoa. However, the molecular characterization of RCA binding glycocalyx in sperm membranes and its mechanism of action are poorly understood. The objective of the study was to identify and to characterize RCA binding glycoprotein of the bovine sperm plasma membranes (PM). Lectin blots of caput and cauda sperm PM revealed a 38 kDa polypeptide exhibiting the highest affinity to RCA among the several major RCA binding polypeptides. The 38 kDa RCA binding polypeptide of cauda sperm PM was purified and exhibited a charge train of three distinct spots with isoelectric points (pH 5.3 and 5.8). Proteomic identification yielded ten peptides that matched the sequence of Testis Expressed 101 protein (TEX101). Western blots data revealed that bovine sperm TEX101 is present in both testicular and epididymal sperm PM fractions. The native TEX101 polypeptide contains~17 kDa N-linked oligosaccharides and the polypeptide is anchored to sperm membrane via a glycosylphosphatidylinositol lipid linkage. Immunofluorescence staining of sperm with anti-TEX101 demonstrated that the polypeptide is localized at the head of cauda sperm. Our biochemical results provide evidence on the presence of TEX101 in bovine epididymal sperm plasma membranes and may have a potential role in sperm-egg interaction.
Hematological Indices for Differential Diagnosis of Beta Thalassemia Trait and Iron Deficiency Anemia
Authors: Vehapoglu Aysel , Ozgurhan Gamze , Demir Ayşegul Dogan , Uzuner Selcuk , Nursoy Mustafa Atilla , Turkmen Serdar , Kacan Arzu
Published: April 2014

Background. The two most frequent types of microcytic anemia are beta thalassemia trait (β-TT) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA). We retrospectively evaluated the reliability of various indices for differential diagnosis of microcytosis andβ-TT in the same patient groups.Methods. A total of 290 carefully selected children aged 1.1–16 years were evaluated. We calculated 12 discrimination indices in all patients with hemoglobin (Hb) values of 8.7–11.4 g/dL. None of the subjects had a combined case of IDA andβ-TT. All children with IDA received oral iron for 16 weeks, and HbA2 screening was performed after iron therapy. The patient groups were evaluated according to red blood cell (RBC) count; red blood distribution width index; the Mentzer, Shine and Lal, England and Fraser, Srivastava and Bevington, Green and King, Ricerca, Sirdah, and Ehsani indices; mean density of hemoglobin/liter of blood; and mean cell density of hemoglobin.Results. The Mentzer index was the most reliable index, as it had the highest sensitivity (98.7%), specificity (82.3%), and Youden’s index (81%) for detectingβ-TT; this was followed by the Ehsani index (94.8%, 73.5%, and 68.3%, resp.) and RBC count (94.8%, 70.5%, and 65.3%).Conclusion. The Mentzer index provided the highest reliabilities for differentiatingβ-TT from IDA.
Xanthoma Disseminatum with Tumor-Like Lesion on Face
Authors: Ansarin Habib , Berenji Ardestani Hoda , Tabaie Seyed Mehdi , Shayanfar Nasrin
Published: April 2014

Xanthoma disseminatum (XD) is a rare benign mucocutaneous xanthomatosis that is classified as a benign non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis. We report a 62-year-old man who presented with widespread yellow-brown papulonodular and tumoral lesions on face, flexors, and trunk. Histopathological features of the cutaneous lesions were typical of XD.
A Hierarchical Probabilistic Framework for Recognizing Learners’ Interaction Experience Trends and Emotions
Authors: Jraidi Imène , Chaouachi Maher , Frasson Claude
Published: April 2014

We seek to model the users’ experience within an interactive learning environment. More precisely, we are interested in assessing the relationship between learners’ emotional reactions and three trends in the interaction experience, namely,flow: the optimal interaction (a perfect immersion within the task),stuck: the nonoptimal interaction (a difficulty to maintain focused attention), andoff-task: the noninteraction (a dropout from the task). We propose a hierarchical probabilistic framework using a dynamic Bayesian network to model this relationship and to simultaneously recognize the probability of experiencing each trend as well as the emotional responses occurring subsequently. The framework combines three modalitydiagnostic variablesthat sense the learner’s experience including physiology, behavior, and performance,predictive variablesthat represent the current context and the learner’s profile, and adynamic structurethat tracks the evolution of the learner’s experience. An experimental study, with a specifically designed protocol for eliciting the targeted experiences, was conducted to validate our approach. Results revealed that multiple concurrent emotions can be associated with the experiences of flow, stuck, and off-task and that the same trend can be expressed differently from one individual to another. The evaluation of the framework showed promising results in predicting learners’ experience trends and emotional responses.
Fractional Calculus of Fractal Interpolation Function on[0,b](b>0)
Authors: Pan XueZai
Published: April 2014

The paper researches the continuity of fractal interpolation function’s fractional order integral on[0,+∞)and judges whether fractional order integral of fractal interpolation function is still a fractal interpolation function on[0,b](b>0)or not. Relevant theorems of iterated function system and Riemann-Liouville fractional order calculus are used to prove the above researched content. The conclusion indicates that fractional order integral of fractal interpolation function is a continuous function on[0,+∞)and fractional order integral of fractal interpolation is still a fractal interpolation function on the interval[0,b].
Cinnamon: A Multifaceted Medicinal Plant
Authors: Rao Pasupuleti Visweswara , Gan Siew Hua
Published: April 2014

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum, and Cinnamon cassia), the eternal tree of tropical medicine, belongs to the Lauraceae family. Cinnamon is one of the most important spices used daily by people all over the world. Cinnamon primarily contains vital oils and other derivatives, such as cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, and cinnamate. In addition to being an antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anticancer, lipid‐lowering, and cardiovascular‐disease‐lowering compound, cinnamon has also been reported to have activities against neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. This review illustrates the pharmacological prospective of cinnamon and its use in daily life.
Metastases to the Thyroid Presenting as a Metabolically Inactive Incidental Thyroid Nodule with Stable Size in 15 Months
Authors: Yaturu Subhashini , Patel Raina A.
Published: April 2014

Though the thyroid gland has a rich vascular supply, incidence of metastatic disease from distant organs is rare. Here we present an unusual case of metastases to the thyroid with several interesting features. A 63-year-old male with history of adenocarcinoma of the right lobe lung (5 years prior to presentation), treated with surgery and chemotherapy, followed by new adenosquamous lung cancer in the left lobe of the lung (one year prior to presentation), treated surgically followed by adjuvant chemotherapy, was referred to Endocrinology section for evaluation of an incidental thyroid nodule on CT chest. Ultrasound (US) of the thyroid revealed a complex, predominantly hypoechoic lesion measuring 1.8 cm within the lower pole of the right thyroid lobe and a subcentimeter lesion in the left lobe of the thyroid. Review of prior CT chests showed that the lesion in the right lobe was stable for 15 months, with no evidence of a hypermetabolic lesion on PET scan. The subcentimeter lesion was not seen on prior CT scans. US guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) and pathology of the lobectomy of the thyroid confirmed adenosquamous carcinoma. Interesting features in this case are that the thyroid metastases occurred without any evidence of synchronous lesions elsewhere, the size was stable over 15 months, and the lesions were metabolically inactive.
Adrenal Incidentalomas: Should We Operate on Small Tumors in the Era of Laparoscopy?
Authors: Pędziwiatr Michał , Natkaniec Michał , Kisialeuski Mikhail , Major Piotr , Matłok Maciej , Kołodziej Damian , Zub-Pokrowiecka Anna , Budzyński Piotr , Budzyński Andrzej
Published: April 2014

Tumor size smaller than 4 cm as an indication for surgical treatment of incidentaloma is still a subject of discussion. Our aim was the estimation of the incidence of malignancy and analysis of treatment outcomes in patients with incidentaloma smaller than 4 cm in comparison to bigger lesions. 132 patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy for nonsecreting tumors were divided into two groups: group 1 (55 pts., size < = 40 mm) and group 2 (77 pts., size > 40 mm). Operation parameters and histopathological results were analyzed. No differences in group characteristics, mean operation time, and estimated blood loss were noted. Complications in groups 1 and 2 occurred in 3.6% and 5.2% of patients, respectively (P=0.67). Malignancy in groups 1 and 2 was present in 1 and 6 patients, respectively (P=0.13). Potentially malignant lesions were identified in 4 patients in group 1 and 4 patients in group 2 (P=0.39). The results do not allow for straightforward recommendations for surgical treatment of smaller adrenal tumors. The safety of laparoscopy and minimal, but impossible to omit, risk of malignancy support decisions for surgery. On the other hand, the risk of malignancy in smaller adrenal tumors is lower than surgical complications, which provides an important argument against surgery.
Simple and Efficient Computational Method to Analyze Cylindrical Plasmonic Nanoantennas
Authors: Costa Karlo , Dmitriev Victor
Published: April 2014

We present in this work a simple and efficient technique to analyze cylindrical plasmonic nanoantennas. In this method, we take into account only longitudinal current inside cylindrical structures and use 1D integral equation for the electric field with a given surface impedance of metal. The solution of this integral equation is obtained by the Method of Moments with sinusoidal basis functions. Some examples of calculations of nanoantennas with different geometries and sources are presented and compared with the commercial software Comsol 3D simulations. The results show that the proposed technique provides a good precision in the near-infrared and lower optical frequencies 100–400 THz.
Histological Characterization of Biliary Intraepithelial Neoplasia with respect to Pancreatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia
Authors: Sato Yasunori , Harada Kenichi , Sasaki Motoko , Nakanuma Yasuni
Published: April 2014

Biliary intraepithelial neoplasia (BilIN) is a precursor lesion of hilar/perihilar and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. BilIN represents the process of multistep cholangiocarcinogenesis and is the biliary counterpart of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN). This study was performed to clarify the histological characteristics of BilIN in relation to PanIN. Using paraffin-embedded tissue sections of surgically resected specimens of cholangiocarcinoma associated with BilIN and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma associated with PanIN, immunohistochemical staining was performed using primary antibodies against MUC1, MUC2, MUC5AC, cyclin D1, p21, p53, and S100P. For mucin staining, Alcian blue pH 2.5 was used. Most of the molecules examined here showed similar expression patterns in BilIN and PanIN, in which their expression tended to increase along with the increase in atypia of the epithelial lesions. Significant differences were observed in the increase in mucin production and the expression of S100P in PanIN-1 and the expression of p53 in PanIN-3, when compared with those in BilIN of a corresponding grade. These results suggest that cholangiocarcinoma and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma share, at least in part, a common carcinogenic process and further confirm that BilIN can be regarded as the biliary counterpart of PanIN.
Coefficient Estimate of Biunivalent Functions of Complex Order Associated with the Hohlov Operator
Authors: Peng Z. , Murugusundaramoorthy G. , Janani T.
Published: April 2014

We introduce and investigate a new subclass of the function class Σ of biunivalent functions of complex order defined in the open unit disk, which are associated with the Hohlov operator, satisfying subordinate conditions. Furthermore, we find estimates on the Taylor-Maclaurin coefficients |a2| and |a3| for functions in this new subclass. Several, known or new, consequences of the results are also pointed out.