bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling Wettability Variation during Long-Term Water Flooding
Authors: Cao Renyi , Sun Changwei , Ma Y. Zee
Published: September 2015

Surface property of rock affects oil recovery during water flooding. Oil-wet polar substances adsorbed on the surface of the rock will gradually be desorbed during water flooding, and original reservoir wettability will change towards water-wet, and the change will reduce the residual oil saturation and improve the oil displacement efficiency. However there is a lack of an accurate description of wettability alternation model during long-term water flooding and it will lead to difficulties in history match and unreliable forecasts using reservoir simulators. This paper summarizes the mechanism of wettability variation and characterizes the adsorption of polar substance during long-term water flooding from injecting water or aquifer and relates the residual oil saturation and relative permeability to the polar substance adsorbed on clay and pore volumes of flooding water. A mathematical model is presented to simulate the long-term water flooding and the model is validated with experimental results. The simulation results of long-term water flooding are also discussed.
A Mathematical Model for the Analysis of the Pressure Transient Response of Fluid Flow in Fractal Reservoir
Authors: Zhao Jin-Zhou , Sheng Cui-Cui , Li Yong-Ming , Li Shun-Chu
Published: September 2015

This study uses similar construction method of solution (SCMS) to solve mathematical models of fluid spherical flow in a fractal reservoir which can avoid the complicated mathematical deduction. The models are presented in three kinds of outer boundary conditions (infinite, constant pressure, and closed). The influence of wellbore storage effect, skin factor, and variable flow rate production is also involved in the inner boundary conditions. The analytical solutions are constructed in the Laplace space and presented in a pattern with one continued fraction—the similar structure of solution. The pattern can bring convenience to well test analysis programming. The mathematical beauty of fractal is that the infinite complexity is formed with relatively simple equations. So the relation of reservoir parameters (wellbore storage effect, the skin factor, fractal dimension, and conductivity index), the formation pressure, and the wellbore pressure can be learnt easily. Type curves of the wellbore pressure and pressure derivative are plotted and analyzed in real domain using the Stehfest numerical invention algorithm. The SCMS and type curves can interpret intuitively transient pressure response of fractal spherical flow reservoir. The results obtained in this study have both theoretical and practical significance in evaluating fluid flow in such a fractal reservoir and embody the convenience of the SCMS.
Compositional Modeling for Optimum Design of Water-Alternating CO2-LPG EOR under Complicated Wettability Conditions
Authors: Cho Jinhyung , Park Sung Soo , Jeong Moon Sik , Lee Kun Sang
Published: September 2015

The addition of LPG to the CO2stream leads to minimum miscible pressure (MMP) reduction that causes more oil swelling and interfacial tension reduction compared to CO2EOR, resulting in improved oil recovery. Numerical study based on compositional simulation has been performed to examine the injectivity efficiency and transport behavior of water-alternating CO2-LPG EOR. Based on oil, CO2, and LPG prices, optimum LPG concentration and composition were designed for different wettability conditions. Results from this study indicate how injected LPG mole fraction and butane content in LPG affect lowering of interfacial tension. Interfacial tension reduction by supplement of LPG components leads to miscible condition causing more enhanced oil recovery. The maximum enhancement of oil recovery for oil-wet reservoir is 50% which is greater than 22% for water-wet reservoir. According to the result of net present value (NPV) analysis at designated oil, CO2, propane, and butane prices, the optimal injected LPG mole fraction and composition exist for maximum NPV. At the case of maximum NPV for oil-wet reservoir, the LPG fraction is about 25% in which compositions of propane and butane are 37% and 63%, respectively. For water-wet reservoir, the LPG fraction is 20% and compositions of propane and butane are 0% and 100%.
A Role for Estrogen in Schizophrenia: Clinical and Preclinical Findings
Authors: Gogos Andrea , Sbisa Alyssa M. , Sun Jeehae , Gibbons Andrew , Udawela Madhara , Dean Brian
Published: September 2015

Gender differences in schizophrenia have been extensively researched and it is being increasingly accepted that gonadal steroids are strongly attributed to this phenomenon. Of the various hormones implicated, the estrogen hypothesis has been the most widely researched one and it postulates that estrogen exerts a protective effect by buffering females against the development and severity of the illness. In this review, we comprehensively analyse studies that have investigated the effects of estrogen, in particular 17β-estradiol, in clinical, animal, and molecular research with relevance to schizophrenia. Specifically, we discuss the current evidence on estrogen dysfunction in schizophrenia patients and review the clinical findings on the use of estradiol as an adjunctive treatment in schizophrenia patients. Preclinical research that has used animal models and molecular probes to investigate estradiol’s underlying protective mechanisms is also substantially discussed, with particular focus on estradiol’s impact on the major neurotransmitter systems implicated in schizophrenia, namely, the dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate systems.
Endothelial Progenitor Cell Fraction Contained in Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Populations Impairs Osteogenic Differentiation
Authors: Duttenhoefer Fabian , Lara de Freitas Rafael , Loibl Markus , Bittermann Gido , Geoff Richards R. , Alini Mauro , Verrier Sophie
Published: September 2015

In bone tissue engineering (TE) endothelial cell-osteoblast cocultures are known to induce synergies of cell differentiation and activity. Bone marrow mononucleated cells (BMCs) are a rich source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) able to develop an osteogenic phenotype. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are also present within BMC. In this study we investigate the effect of EPCs present in the BMC population on MSCs osteogenic differentiation. Human BMCs were isolated and separated into two populations. The MSC population was selected through plastic adhesion capacity. EPCs (CD34+and CD133+) were removed from the BMC population and the resulting population was named depleted MSCs. Both populations were cultured over 28 days in osteogenic medium (Dex+) or medium containing platelet lysate (PL). MSC population grew faster than depleted MSCs in both media, and PL containing medium accelerated the proliferation for both populations. Cell differentiation was much higher in Dex+medium in both cases. Real-time RT-PCR revealed upregulation of osteogenic marker genes in depleted MSCs. Higher values of ALP activity and matrix mineralization analyses confirmed these results. Our study advocates that absence of EPCs in the MSC population enables higher osteogenic gene expression and matrix mineralization and therefore may lead to advanced bone neoformation necessary for TE constructs.
Urinary Incontinence due to Overactive Detrusor Muscle: A Rare Side Effect of Venlafaxine
Authors: Selvaraj Vithyalakshmi , Gunasekar Palanikumar , Kumar Suneel , Alsakaf Imad
Published: September 2015

We report a case of reemergence of urinary incontinence (UI) in a patient with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) after starting treatment with venlafaxine who was stabilized on tamsulosin and finasteride for about 6 years. A 66-year-old Caucasian male with prior history of major depressive disorder developed UI within a week of starting venlafaxine 75 mg per day. He described symptoms in the form of involuntary leakage of urine both during the day and at night. His symptoms of UI resolved after stopping the venlafaxine. To the best of our knowledge, there are only four case reports of venlafaxine induced urinary incontinence which have been published.
Study on Skin Factor and Productivity of Horizontal Well after Acidizing with Nonuniform Damage
Authors: Yuan Lin , Li Xiao-Ping , Tan Xiao-Hua , Zhang Lie-Hui
Published: September 2015

Horizontal well (HW) was divided into several elements after acidizing. In each element, there would exist a composite zone that was made up of damage zone (DZ) and acidizing zone (AZ). Local skin factor after acidizing was used to describe the resistance in each composite zone. The models for local skin factor and productivity of HW were created using the method of equivalent filtration resistance and displacement between two similar flow modes. According to the solution of the models, type curves of skin factor and production-increasing ratio after acidizing were illustrated, and the effect of different parameters in DZ and AZ on distribution of skin factor and production-increasing ratio after acidizing were discussed. The present model has a significant guide on the practice of acidizing technology.
Suppression ofIn VivoNeovascularization by the Loss of TRPV1 in Mouse Cornea
Authors: Tomoyose Katsuo , Okada Yuka , Sumioka Takayoshi , Miyajima Masayasu , Flanders Kathleen C. , Shirai Kumi , Morii Tomoya , Reinach Peter S. , Yamanaka Osamu , Saika Shizuya
Published: September 2015

To investigate the effects of loss of transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1) on the development of neovascularization in corneal stroma in mice. Blocking TRPV1 receptor did not affect VEGF-dependent neovascularization in cell culture. Lacking TRPV1 inhibited neovascularization in corneal stroma following cauterization. Immunohistochemistry showed that immunoreactivity for active form of TGFβ1 and VEGF was detected in subepithelial stroma at the site of cauterization in both genotypes of mice, but the immunoreactivity seemed less marked in mice lacking TRPV1. mRNA expression of VEGF and TGFβ1 in a mouse cornea was suppressed by the loss of TRPV1. TRPV1 gene ablation did not affect invasion of neutrophils and macrophage in a cauterized mouse cornea. Blocking TRPV1 signal does not affect angiogenic effects by HUVECsin vitro. TRPV1 signal is, however, involved in expression of angiogenic growth factors in a cauterized mouse cornea and is required for neovascularization in the corneal stromain vivo.
Alleviation of Carbon-Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Injury and Fibrosis by Betaine Supplementation in Chickens
Authors: Tsai Meng-Tsz , Chen Ching-Yi , Pan Yu-Hui , Wang Siou-Huei , Mersmann Harry J. , Ding Shih-Torng
Published: September 2015

Betaine is a food component with well-reported hepatoprotection effects. However, the effects and mechanisms of betaine on liver fibrosis development are still insufficient. Because metabolic functions of chicken and human liver is similar, we established a chicken model with carbon Tetrachloride- (CCl4-) induced fibrosis for studying antifibrotic effect of betainein vivoandin vitro. Two-week-old male chicks were supplemented with betaine (1%, w/v) in drinking water for 2 weeks prior to the initiation of CCl4treatment (i.p.) until sacrifice. Primary chicken hepatocytes were treated with CCl4and betaine to mimic thein vivosupplementation. The supplementation of betaine significantly alleviated liver fibrosis development along with the inhibition of lipid peroxidation, hepatic inflammation cytokine, and transforming growth factor-β1 expression levels. These inhibitive effects were also accompanied with the attenuation of hepatic stellate cell activation. Furthermore, ourin vitrostudies confirmed that betaine provides antioxidant capacity for attenuating the hepatocyte necrosis by CCl4. Altogether, our results highlight the antioxidant ability of betaine, which alleviates CCl4-induced fibrogenesis process along with the suppression of hepatic stellate cells activation. Since betaine is a natural compound without toxicity, we suggest betaine can be used as a potent nutritional or therapeutic factor for reducing liver fibrosis.
Aqueous Levels of Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor and Macular Choroidal Thickness in High Myopia
Authors: Chen Wei , Guan Yubo , He Guanghui , Li Zhiwei , Song Hui , Xie Shiyong , Han Quanhong
Published: September 2015

Purpose. To investigate the correlation between aqueous and serum levels of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) and macular choroidal thickness in high myopia patients, both with and without choroidal neovascularization (CNV).Methods. Serum and aqueous levels of PEDF were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 36 high myopia patients (36 eyes) with no CNV (non-CNV group), 14 high myopia patients (14 eyes) with CNV (CNV group), and 42 nonmyopia patients (42 eyes) (control group). Macular choroidal thickness was measured by enhanced-depth imaging optical coherence tomography.Results. Aqueous levels of PEDF were significantly higher in CNV group compared with non-CNV (P<0.001) and control (P<0.001) groups. Macular choroidal thicknesses were significantly decreased in the non-CNV and CNV groups compared with the control (P<0.001) group. A statistically significant difference (P=0.012) was found between the CNV and non-CNV groups. There was a positive correlation between aqueous PEDF and macular choroidal thickness in the non-CNV group (P=0.005), but no correlation with the CNV group. No correlation between serum PEDF and macular choroidal thickness was detected in the three groups.Conclusion. Variations in aqueous PEDF levels coincide with changes in macular choroidal thickness in high myopia patients with no CNV, while no such relationship exists in high myopia patients with CNV.
The Information Filtering of Gene Network for Chronic Diseases: Social Network Perspective
Authors: Choi Jaewon , Kwon Hyuk-Jun
Published: September 2015

Web and mobile platforms have provided an environment of technical cooperation through technical development and the diffusion of related devices. Large-scale data sets have been available to analyze web interaction and data analysis. Particularly, large-scale data make us learn new patterns and insight into several research fields. For healthcare field, most chronic diseases are caused by environmental and genetic factors (Van der Laan et al., 2003). The relationship between environmental exposure and gene factors is crucial regarding disease etiology (Swift et al., 2004). For example, Tobacco is considered one of the biggest environmental factors responsible for many diseases each year. Schwartz and Collins (2007) discussed the importance of gene and environment factor correlation in human diseases. Thomas (2010) published a review of different approaches on gene-environment association studies attempting to explain some of the most complex diseases. Although previous studies have studied chronicle diseases with their causes one by one, those studies do not show integrated relationships between various diseases and their related human genes. Therefore, this study investigates the gene-disease relationships which are affected by tobacco and is able to find new association links with social network analysis and other mining techniques.
An RSA-Like Scheme for Multiuser Broadcast Authentication in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Cheng Chen-Yang , Lin Iuon-Chang , Huang Shu-Yan
Published: September 2015

For network users roaming in a wireless sensor network (WSN), they can broadcast queries to WSNs to obtain the latest sensed data from sensor nodes using their mobile devices. In such a scenario, each sensor node has to verify the validity of every query sent from users. In this paper, RSA-like public key cryptography is employed to design a mechanism for multiuser broadcast authentication in WSNs. Within the proposed scheme, the use of certificates becomes optional. When users broadcast queries to WSNs, each sensor node can verify every query immediately without buffering any one. As a result, the energy cost for verifying a query by a sensor node is very small. Furthermore, our scheme provides enough scalability and security. The quantitative analyses show that our scheme is efficient in terms of storage and computational overheads.
A Study on Social Issue Solutions Using the “Internet of Things” (Focusing on a Crime Prevention Camera System)
Authors: Lee Hong Joo
Published: September 2015

Many researchers in various fields are seeking solutions to such problems through political and administrative measures. However, concrete solutions have yet to be presented. Researches that seek solutions to the said problems using new technologies are increasing. In this study, a solution for changing and improving society was proposed by investigating social issue solutions and technologies centered on social organizations and systems. To do that, the types of social issues were analyzed by defining them through the analysis in the preceding studies and using a metaresearch technique. I suggested a crime prevention security system to prevent crimes in deteriorated areas. The system is integrated with the IOT, which differs from the existing manual camera.
Measuring the Uncertainty of RFID Location Streams Based on Optimal Estimation Particle Filter
Authors: Liu Yaozong , Han Fawang , Xu Xuesong , Zhang Hong
Published: September 2015

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is widely used in object tracking and tracing, especially in real-time locating system (RTLS). Due to the external and internal influence of RFID systems, a lot of redundant and uncertain location streams could be generated in RFID-based RTLS applications, which could seriously affect the accuracy of estimation for RFID mobile object position and cause great difficulties in RFID-based RTLS applications. In this paper, we systematically analyzed the characteristics of RFID location streams. We then derived the optimal weight for the attributes of RFID location streams by applying information entropy based methods and used probability matrix to optimize weight attributes in location streams. We also proposed an optimal estimation particle filter algorithm (OEPF) based on traditional particle filter, which greatly reduced the data redundancy and realized online measurement for the uncertainty of RFID location streams. Finally, the experimental results showed that, compared to the existing algorithms, our algorithm effectively improved the accuracy of location estimation in ensuring the premise of real-time.
Design and Implementation of the Natural Light Reproduction System Based on Context Awareness in WSN
Authors: Kim Yun-Joo , Kwon Sook-Youn , Lim Jae-Hyun
Published: September 2015

Changes in natural light in the daily cycle and monthly cycle and its seasonal changes create rhythms in bodies of living creatures including humans. The circadian rhythm connected to natural light stimulates psychological states and hormonal changes. As such, natural light is a major environmental factor that affects humans' psychological and physiological conditions. To create healthy and comfortable lighting environments in windowless space such as a basement where no natural light can enter, the daily, monthly, and seasonal cycles of natural light need to be represented by means of artificial lightings. Upon certain situations related to purposes of space and user behaviors, lighting control technology is required for appropriate lighting environments. To this end, this study designs and implements a natural light reproduction system based on context awareness in wireless sensor networks to restructure lighting environments in adaptation to the changing situation of the occupant. As the object space in the experiment, a clothing shop to occupy the largest portion of underground space was selected. The scenarios were selected for each time period in connection with the behaviors of the seller who resided there for a long time. The suggested system's performance was evaluated in terms of conformity with natural light, comfort, and energy-saving effect.
Finite Element Method Using a Characteristic-Based Split for Numerical Simulation of a Carbonate Fracture-Cave Reservoir
Authors: Zhang Liehui , Zhou Yuhui , Zhao Lei , Zhang Deliang
Published: September 2015

Fracture-cave carbonate reservoirs occur widely in source rocks and are prospects for exploitation worldwide. However, the presence of massive caves and multiscale fracture systems results in extremely complex fluid flow patterns. Therefore, in this paper, a discrete network model for fracture-cave reservoirs was established to study fluid flow characteristics and pressure distributions in complex flow regimes. In this study, the cave system was treated as a free-flow region, and the fluid flow in fracture systems followed the Navier-Stokes and Darcy equations, respectively. After discrete modeling, the Galerkin finite element method was used for numerical calculation of the single-phase free flow; the method maintains a high-precision result with low grid orientations during the simulation. In addition, because only one linear equation requires solving at each step, the solution is obtained quickly. Moreover, based on the proposed discrete media network model of fracture-cave reservoirs and the finite element numerical calculation method, a corresponding simulator was also developed. The finite element numerical simulation method based on the characteristic-based split (CBS) algorithm has proven to be applicable to complex flow problems in fracture-cave reservoirs.
Long-Term Visual Outcome in Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration Patients Depending on the Number of Ranibizumab Injections
Authors: Calvo Pilar , Abadia Beatriz , Ferreras Antonio , Ruiz-Moreno Oscar , Leciñena Jesús , Torrón Clemencia
Published: September 2015

Purpose. To analyse the visual outcome in wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients depending on the number of ranibizumab injections.Methods. 51 naïve wet AMD patients were retrospectively recorded. Visual acuity (VA), central retinal thickness (CRT) measured with spectral domain (SD) optical coherence tomography (OCT), and number of intravitreal injections were compared at 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 months of follow-up. Kaplan-Meier survival rates (SRs) based on VA outcomes were calculated depending on the number of ranibizumab injections performed.Results. VA improved compared with baseline at 6 and 12 months (P<0.005). No differences were found at 18, 24, 30, and 36 months (P>0.05). CRT measured with Cirrus OCT decreased (P<0.001) at all time points analysed. The mean number of injections received was6.98±3.69. At 36 months, Kaplan-Meier SR was 76.5% (the proportion of patients without a decrease in vision of more than 0.3 logMAR units). VA remained stable (≤0.01 logMAR units) or improved in 62.7%. Within this group, SR was 92.9% in those who received 7 or more injections versus 51.4% receiving <7 treatments (P=0.008; log-rank test).Conclusion. Better VA outcomes were found in stable wet AMD patients after 3 years of follow-up if they received ≥7 ranibizumab injections.
CBDAC: Context-Based Dynamic Access Control Model Using Intuitive 5W1H for Ubiquitous Sensor Network
Authors: Son Jiseong , Kim Jeong-Dong , Na Hong-Seok , Baik Doo-Kwon
Published: September 2015

Currently, access control is facing many issues for information protection in the ubiquitous sensor network (USN) environment. In particular, dynamic access control is a central problem where context always changes because of volatile ubiquitous sensors. The use of context is important in USN. In this paper, we focus on the context-driven privacy protection model. In context-based access control research, the access permission technique that uses context is being intensely investigated because of the ease with which various dynamic access permissions can be assigned in accordance with the various changes in context. A key feature of this approach is dynamic access control. Therefore, we propose a model for privacy preservation that is context-based dynamic access control that uses intuitive 5W1H for USN. According to this model, the access control strategy can be determined dynamically based on context elements and subject attributes, in addition to objects and operations, using access control entities; therefore, it is relatively easy to infer the dynamic access control of context expressivity both accurately and efficiently.
A Novel Model of Set Pair Analysis Coupled with Extenics for Evaluation of Surrounding Rock Stability
Authors: Wang Mingwu , Xu Xinyu , Li Jian , Jin Juliang , Shen Fengqiang
Published: September 2015

The evaluation of surrounding rock stability is a complex problem involving numerous uncertainty factors. Here, based on set pair analysis (SPA) coupled with extenics, a novel model, considering incompatibility, certainty, and uncertainty of evaluation indicators, was presented to analyze the surrounding rock stability. In this model, extension set was first utilized to describe the actual problem of surrounding rock stability. Then, the connectional membership degree of the set pair was introduced to compare the measured values with classification standards from three aspects embracing identity, discrepancy, and contrary. Also, according to identity-discrepancy-contrary (IDC) analysis in the universe of the extension set, the connection numbers were proposed to specify the connectional membership degree of an evaluation indicator to each class. Combined with the weights of evaluation indicators, integrated connectional membership degrees were calculated to determine their classes of rock stability. Finally, a case study and comparison with variable fuzzy set method, triangular fuzzy number method, and basic quality (BQ) grading method were performed to confirm the validity and reliability of the proposed model. The results show that this model can effectively and quantitatively express the differences within a group, transformation of different groups, and uncertainty of complex indicators as a whole.
Mathematical and Finite Element Modeling of Micro-Modification for Marine Gear
Authors: Wu Xiongxi , Gao Qifeng , Li Zesong
Published: September 2015

Based on the computer simulation technique, this paper used the professional gear design software MASTA and finite element software ANSYS combined with the method of gear micro-modification to redesign the gear profile and eventually realized the optimization design of gear micro-modification. Then the gear transmission model of one-level reducer was established to simulate and analyze the contact equivalent stress, transmission error, and meshing impact before and after gear modification. By comparing the simulations results it is found that gear micro-modification can lower meshing impact load, reduce the vibration strength, make gear transmission steady, and improve the gear bearing capacity. By comparing the transmission error curves and meshing impact load curves before and after gear micro-modification, this helps to understand the effects of gear micro-modification on the gear transmission and provides basis references for the future redesign of the marine gears with high strength and long service life.
Effect of High Temperature Sodium Hydroxide Immersion on Fusion Bond Epoxy Coating
Authors: Al-Borno Amal , Chen Xianyi , Kewaldas Dhoke Shailesh
Published: September 2015

Fusion Bond Epoxy (FBE) coating system was exposed to 5% sodium hydroxide at elevated temperature for 30 days. The result of exposure showed formation of adhere deposit layer, a discolored zone underneath and remaining un-affected bulk of the coating. The deterioration of the coating was characterized using analytical techniques like scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDAX) spectroscopy, attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), pull-off adhesion, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Results obtained indicated chemical deterioration of the coating in the discolored zone and leaching of low molecular weight coating component forming deposit layer. Although the adhesion strength and barrier property were not affected, the polymer matrix in the affected zone undergoes severe changes in its surface microstructure, primary chemical structure, and glass transition temperature. This may inflict serious impairment of the coating functional properties and premature failure of the coating in long term exposure.
Allopurinol Protects against Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Injury in Rat Urinary Bladders
Authors: Shin Ju-Hyun , Chun Kwang Sik , Na Yong-Gil , Song Ki-Hak , Kim Seung Il , Lim Jae-Sung , Kim Gun-Hwa
Published: September 2015

Bladder ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury results in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and markedly elevates the risk of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Allopurinol is an inhibitor of xanthine oxidase (XO) and thus can serve as an antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress. Here, a rat model was used to assess the ability of allopurinol treatment to ameliorate the deleterious effects of urinary bladder I/R injury. I/R injury reduced thein vitrocontractile responses of longitudinal bladder strips, elevated XO activity in the plasma and bladder tissue, increased the bladder levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, reduced the bladder levels of extracellular regulated kinase (ERK), and decreased and increased the bladder levels of Bcl-2 and Bax, respectively. I/R injury also elevated lipid peroxidation in the bladder. Allopurinol treatment in the I/R injury was generated significantly ameliorating all I/R-induced changes. Moreover, anin situfluorohistological approach also showed that allopurinol reduces the generation of intracellular superoxides enlarged by I/R injury. Together, the beneficial effects of allopurinol reducing ROS production may be mediated by normalizing the activity of the ERK, JNK, and Bax/Bcl-2 pathways and by controlling TNF-αexpression.
Demand Forecasting Models for Medicines through Wireless Sensor Networks Data and Topic Trend Analysis
Authors: Kim Wooju , Won Jung Hoon , Park Sangun , Kang Juyoung
Published: September 2015

Demand forecasting in the biomedical area is becoming more important because of radical changes in the macroeconomic environment and consumption trends. Moreover, the need for big data analysis on data from wireless sensor networks and social media is increasing because it shows not only the rapidly changing environmental data such as fine dust concentration but also the responses of potential customers that are expected to affect the demand for a medicine. Therefore, demand forecasting models based on data analysis in wireless sensor networks and topic modeling of buzzwords in blog documents were suggested in this study. First, we analyzed topics of documents from blogs that describe the symptoms of certain diseases related to selected medicines. Thereafter, we extracted topic trends for a selected period and constructed demand forecasting models that consist of topic trends, environmental data from wireless sensor networks, and time-series sales data. The experiment results show that topic trends about medicines significantly affect the performance of demand forecasting for these medicines.
An Exact Method for the Analysis of a Two-Machine Manufacturing System with a Finite Buffer Subject to Time-Dependent Failure
Authors: Xia Beixin , Chen Jianping , Zhang Zaifang
Published: September 2015

This paper presents an efficient exact analytical method for evaluating the performance of a two-machine manufacturing system with a finite buffer. Unlike existing work, it is assumed that the buffer is prone to time-dependent failure, that is, failure that can occur even when the buffer is not working. First, Markov model is established for the system. Then transition equations are derived based on the system state analysis. After that, a solution technique is provided to obtain the results. Finally, numerical cases are carried out to explore the internal laws of the system. The relationships between system parameters and system performance are investigated. Furthermore, the difference between buffer subject to time-dependent failure and buffer subject to operation-dependent failure is discussed. The proposed method is the building block of approximate analytical methods which can greatly improve the accuracy when analyzing long systems.
Regulation of Estrogen ReceptorαExpression in the Hypothalamus by Sex Steroids: Implication in the Regulation of Energy Homeostasis
Authors: Liu Xian , Shi Haifei
Published: September 2015

Sex differences exist in the complex regulation of energy homeostasis that utilizes central and peripheral systems. It is widely accepted that sex steroids, especially estrogens, are important physiological and pathological components in this sex-specific regulation. Estrogens exert their biological functions via estrogen receptors (ERs). ERα, a classic nuclear receptor, contributes to metabolic regulation and sexual behavior more than other ER subtypes. Physiological and molecular studies have identified multiple ERα-rich nuclei in the hypothalamus of the central nervous system (CNS) as sites of actions that mediate effects of estrogens. Much of our understanding of ERαregulation has been obtained using transgenic models such as ERαglobal or nuclei-specific knockout mice. A fundamental question concerning how ERαis regulated in wild-type animals, including humans, in response to alterations in steroid hormone levels, due to experimental manipulation (i.e., castration and hormone replacement) or physiological stages (i.e., puberty, pregnancy, and menopause), lacks consistent answers. This review discusses how different sex hormones affect ERαexpression in the hypothalamus. This information will contribute to the knowledge of estrogen action in the CNS, further our understanding of discrepancies in correlation of altered sex hormone levels with metabolic disturbances when comparing both sexes, and improve health issues in postmenopausal women.
An Efficient Approximation Method for Calculating Confidence Level of Negative Survey
Authors: Liu Ran , Peng Jinghui , Tang Shanyu
Published: September 2015

The confidence level of negative survey is one of the key scientific problems. The present work uses generation function to analyse the confidence level and uses a greedy algorithm to calculate that, which is used to evaluate the dependable level of negative survey. However, the present method is of low efficiency and complex. This study focuses on an efficient approximation method for calculating the confidence level of negative survey. This approximation method based on central limit theorem and Bayesian method can get the results efficiently.
Numerical Study of the Influence of Cavity on Immiscible Liquid Transport in Varied-Wettability Fractures
Authors: Dou Zhi , Zhou Zhifang , Tan Yefei , Zhou Yanzhang
Published: September 2015

Field evidence indicates that cavities often occur in fractured rocks, especially in a Karst region. Once the immiscible liquid flows into the cavity, the cavity has the immiscible liquid entrapped and results in a low recovery ratio. In this paper, the immiscible liquid transport in cavity-fractures was simulated by Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM). The interfacial and surface tensions were incorporated by Multicomponent Shan-Chen (MCSC) model. Three various fracture positions were generated to investigate the influence on the irreducible nonwetting phase saturation and displacement time. The influences of fracture aperture and wettability on the immiscible liquid transport were discussed and analyzed. It was found that the cavity resulted in a long displacement time. Increasing the fracture aperture with the corresponding decrease in displacement pressure led to the long displacement time. This consequently decreased the irreducible nonwetting phase saturation. The fracture positions had a significant effect on the displacement time and irreducible saturation. The distribution of the irreducible nonwetting phase was strongly dependent on wettability and fracture position. Furthermore, this study demonstrated that the LBM was very effective in simulating the immiscible two-phase flow in the cavity-fracture.
Resource Efficient Handover Strategy for LTE Femtocells
Authors: Youm Sungkwan , Jung Jai-Jin , Ko Youngwoong , Kim Eui-Jik
Published: September 2015

Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks that are composed of macrocells and femtocells can provide an efficient solution to not only extend coverage of macrocells but also deal with the growth of traffic within macrocells. LTE is now being considered to be a vital connectivity solution for the success of the Internet of Things (IoT) because it can provide broadband connectivity to the growing number of sensing and monitoring devices and even the wireless sensor networks (WSNs). However, it is still challenging to properly allocate radio frequency resources in the handover procedure between a macrocell and a femtocell. In this paper, we propose a new handover algorithm that increases the efficient utilization of a radio frequency resource and thereby maximizes the capacity of the overall LTE network, including the femtocells within network. The handover decision criteria take into account the strength of the received signal, the radio resource reuse, and the overall capacity of the network throughput. The performance of the proposed algorithm is verified through a simulation, and the simulation results indicate that the proposed handover algorithm improves the reusability of the cell bandwidth and increases the overall capacity of the network.
A Straight-Line Method for Analyzing Residual Drawdowns at an Observation Well
Authors: Çimen Mesut
Published: September 2015

Determination of the hydraulic parameters (transmissivity and storage coefficients) of a confined aquifer is important for effective groundwater resources. For this purpose, the residual drawdowns have been in use to estimate the aquifer parameters by the classical Theis recovery method. The proposed method of this paper depends on a straight-line through the field data and it helps to calculate the parameters quickly without any need for long-term pumping data. It is based on the expansion series of the Theis well function by consideration of three terms, and this approach is valid for the dimensionless time factoru′=S′r2/4Tt′≤0.2. The method can be applied reliably to extensive and homogeneous confined aquifers resulting in different storage coefficients during the pumping and recovery periodsS≠S′. It presents a strength methodology for the parameters decision making from the residual data in the groundwater field of civil engineering.
Predicted Thermal Sensation Index for the Hot Environment in the Spinning Workshop
Authors: Yang Rui-Liang , Liu Lei , Zhou Yi-De
Published: September 2015

The spinning workshop is the most typical cotton textile workshop in the textile mill and is characterized by the feature of high temperature all the year. To effectively evaluate the general thermal sensation of the textile worker exposed to the hot environment in the spinning workshop, a new heat index named predicted thermal sensation (PTS) index was proposed in this paper. The PTS index based on the heat balance equation can be derived by the empirical equations of air temperature and heat imbalance. A one-month-long continuous research was carried out to investigate the actual thermal condition and judge the validity of the PTS index. Actual workshop temperatures in the spinning workshop during the measuring period were all above 32°C, belonging to extreme hot environment. The calculated thermal sensation by the PTS index is very close to the actual thermal sensation, which means that the PTS index can accurately estimate the actual thermal sensation of the textile workers exposed to the hot environment in the spinning workshop. Compared to other indices, the PTS index can more effectively predict the mean thermal response of a large group of textile workers exposed to the hot environment in the spinning workshop.
Investigation of Precipitation Variations over Wet and Dry Areas from Observation and Model
Authors: Trammell James H. , Jiang Xun , Li Liming , Liang Maochang , Li Mao , Zhou Jing , Fetzer Eric , Yung Yuk
Published: September 2015

Our observational study revealed that the precipitation increased over the wet area and decreased over the dry area during the past two decades. Here, we further investigate whether the current atmospheric models can quantitatively capture the characteristics of precipitation from the observation. The NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) model is used to examine the historic simulation of the precipitation, in which the historic greenhouse gases and aerosols are included in the radiative forcing. The consistency between the historic GISS simulation and the Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) precipitation suggests that the model can qualitatively capture the temporal trends of precipitation over the wet and dry areas. However, the precipitation trends are weaker in the model than in the observation. The observed trends of precipitation do not appear in the control simulation with the fixed concentrations of greenhouse gases and aerosols, which suggests that the global warming due to anthropogenic forcing can influence the temporal variations of precipitation over the wet and dry areas. Diagnostic studies of other variables from the model further suggest that enhanced rising air can increase the precipitation over the wet area.
Genomic Characterization of Brain Metastases Reveals Branched Evolution and Potential Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Brastianos Priscilla K. , Carter Scott L. , Santagata Sandro , Cahill Daniel P. , Taylor-Weiner Amaro , Jones Robert T. , Van Allen Eliezer M. , Lawrence Michael S. , Horowitz Peleg M. , Cibulskis Kristian , Ligon Keith L. , Tabernero Josep , Seoane Joan , Martinez-Saez Elena , Curry William T. , Dunn Ian F. , Paek Sun Ha , Park Sung-Hye , McKenna Aaron , Chevalier Aaron , Rosenberg Mara , Barker Frederick G. , Gill Corey M. , Van Hummelen Paul , Thorner Aaron R. , Johnson Bruce E. , Hoang Mai P. , Choueiri Toni K. , Signoretti Sabina , Sougnez Carrie , Rabin Michael S. , Lin Nancy U. , Winer Eric P. , Stemmer-Rachamimov Anat , Meyerson Matthew , Garraway Levi , Gabriel Stacey , Lander Eric S. , Beroukhim Rameen , Batchelor Tracy T. , Baselga José , Louis David N. , Getz Gad , Hahn William C.
Published: September 2015

Brain metastases are associated with a dismal prognosis. Whether brain metastases harbor distinct genetic alterations beyond those observed in primary tumors is unknown. We performed whole-exome sequencing of 86 matched brain metastases, primary tumors, and normal tissue. In all clonally related cancer samples, we observed branched evolution, where all metastatic and primary sites shared a common ancestor yet continued to evolve independently. In 53% of cases, we found potentially clinically informative alterations in the brain metastases not detected in the matched primary-tumor sample. In contrast, spatially and temporally separated brain metastasis sites were genetically homogenous. Distal extracranial and regional lymph node metastases were highly divergent from brain metastases. We detected alterations associated with sensitivity to PI3K/AKT/mTOR, CDK, and HER2/EGFR inhibitors in the brain metastases. Genomic analysis of brain metastases provides an opportunity to identify potentially clinically informative alterations not detected in clinically sampled primary tumors, regional lymph nodes, or extracranial metastases.

Significance: Decisions for individualized therapies in patients with brain metastasis are often made from primary-tumor biopsies. We demonstrate that clinically actionable alterations present in brain metastases are frequently not detected in primary biopsies, suggesting that sequencing of primary biopsies alone may miss a substantial number of opportunities for targeted therapy. Cancer Discov; 5(11); 1164–77. ©2015 AACR.

See related commentary by Stricker and Arteaga, p. 1124.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1111
Semantic Map Borrowing – Case Representation in Northeastern Romani Dialects
Authors: Tenser Anton
Published: September 2015

Recent studies in contact linguistics have emphasized the aspect of language-internal grammaticalization that is triggered by accommodation to an external (contact-language) model (e.g. Heine and Kuteva, 2005). This is based on the notion that speakers make use of the available resources in order to match them to those of the target language. A problematic issue is contact-induced change in the domain of case representation. Synthetic case markers are usually thought of as fully grammaticalized morphemes. If contact-induced grammaticalization is, as Heine and Kuteva suggest, much like monolingual grammaticalization, unidirectional, how do we treat instances of rearrangement of the semantic meaning and scope of case markers? I will discuss this problem by examining a sample of Romani dialects, belonging to the so-called Northeastern dialect group (see Matras, 2002). Relying on specific constructions, like Subject of Negative Existence, External Possession, Privative, Partitive etc., I will compare and contrast the Northeastern dialects with their respective contact languages (Russian and Polish). Using semantic maps, I will demonstrate how the Romani dialects in question restructure their case representation system to accommodate to the systems of the model languages, and will discuss what it is exactly that gets equated when two languages come into contact.
Two New Post-Verbal Particles in Romanian: A Case of Contact-Induced Grammaticalization
Authors: Papahagi Cristiana
Published: September 2015

The paper analyses a hitherto ignored case of contact-induced grammaticalization, which consists in the creation of new verb particles expressing the path of motion in a regional variant of Romanian, under the influence of neighbour language Hungarian. The grammaticalization of two particles out of nouns meaning ‘wheel’ and ‘thread’ challenges previous theories concerning the classes of lexical sources for grams, and raises the question of contact reinforcing latent unproductive categories.
Improved cognitive, affective and anxiety measures in patients with chronic systemic disorders following structured physical activity
Authors: Teixeira Robson Bonoto , Marins João Carlos Bouzas , de Sá Junior Antonio Reis , de Carvalho Cristiane Junqueira , da Silva Moura Tiago Augusto , Lade Carlos Gabriel , Rizvanov Albert A , Kiyasov Andrey P , Mukhamedyarov Marat A , Zefirov Andrey L , Palotás András , Lima Luciana Moreira
Published: September 2015

Mental illnesses are frequent co-morbid conditions in chronic systemic diseases. High incidences of depression, anxiety and cognitive impairment complicate cardiovascular and metabolic disorders such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Lifestyle changes including regular exercise have been advocated to reduce blood pressure and improve glycaemic control. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effect of physical training on the most prevalent corollary psychiatric problems in patients with chronic organic ailments. This longitudinal study assessed the mental health of hypertensive (age: 57 ± 8 years) and/or diabetic (age: 53 ± 8 years) patients using mini-mental state examination, Beck’s depression inventory, Beck’s anxiety inventory and self-reporting questionnaire-20 before and after a 3-month supervised resistance and aerobic exercise programme comprising structured physical activity three times a week. Clinically relevant improvement was observed in the Beck’s depression inventory and Beck’s anxiety inventory scores following the 12-week training (61%, p = 0.001, and 53%, p = 0.02, respectively). Even though statistically not significant ( p = 0.398), the cognitive performance of this relatively young patient population also benefited from the programme. These results demonstrate positive effects of active lifestyle on non-psychotic mental disorders in patients with chronic systemic diseases, recommending exercise as an alternative treatment option.