bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paratesticular liposarcoma and contralateral angiolipoma in a 60-year-old patient
Authors: Christodoulidou Michelle , Khetrapal Pramit , Edmunds Lilian , Muneer Asif
Published: October 2015

We present the case of a 60-year-old man who was referred with a 1-year history of a slow-growing right scrotal lump. Following surgical excision together with a radical orchidectomy, the histological diagnosis was of a paratesticular dedifferentiated liposarcoma. Radiological staging showed no metastatic disease. Six months later the patient presented with a new left scrotal lump, which was felt to be separate from the testis. Owing to the previous history of a liposarcoma and indeterminate ultrasound findings, this was surgically excised without orchidectomy. Histological analysis showed this to be an angiolipoma. The patient remained on clinical and radiological surveillance. Paratesticular tumours are rare neoplasms and liposarcomas of the spermatic cord only represent 7% of these lesions. Any link between lipomatous tumours and liposarcomas remains controversial and is still under investigation. This is the first case to report a paratesticular liposarcoma and a contralateral angiolipoma in the same patient.
A fatal case of primary cardiac chondrosarcoma presenting with amaurosis fugax
Authors: Sundbøll Jens , Hansson Nils Henrik Stubkjær , Baerentzen Steen , Pareek Manan
Published: October 2015

A 64-year-old previously healthy woman consulted her general practitioner because of recurrent episodes of right-sided monocular transient visual loss (ie, amaurosis fugax). At first, these symptoms were followed over time, but as the attacks worsened, and were accompanied by dizziness and general discomfort, the patient was admitted to the department of neurology for further investigations. CT of the brain was normal; however, during admission, the patient developed rapid atrial fibrillation and was transferred to the department of cardiology. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a massive tumour on the atrial side of the anterior mitral valve leaflet, partly obstructing the mitral valve inflow. The tumour was excised and a biological prosthetic mitral valve inserted. The tumour was histologically determined to be a highly malignant dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma. After 6 months, the tumour relapsed and expanded aggressively to completely obstruct the mitral valve inflow, ultimately leading to cardiac arrest and death.
Are brief interventions to increase physical activity cost-effective? A systematic review
Authors: GC Vijay , Wilson Edward CF , Suhrcke Marc , Hardeman Wendy , Sutton Stephen
Published: October 2015

Objective

To determine whether brief interventions promoting physical activity are cost-effective in primary care or community settings.

Design

Systematic review of economic evaluations.

Methods and data sources

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, EconLit, SPORTDiscus, PEDro, the Cochrane library, National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database and the Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Registry up to 20 August 2014. Web of Knowledge was used for cross-reference search. We included studies investigating the cost-effectiveness of brief interventions, as defined by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, promoting physical activity in primary care or the community. Methodological quality was assessed using Drummond's checklist for economic evaluations. Data were extracted from individual studies fulfilling selection criteria using a standardised pro forma. Comparisons of cost-effectiveness and cost-utility ratios were made between studies.

Results

Of 1840 identified publications, 13 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria describing 14 brief interventions. Studies varied widely in the methods used, such as the perspective of economic analysis, intervention effects and outcome measures. The incremental cost of moving an inactive person to an active state, estimated for eight studies, ranged from £96 to £986. The cost-utility was estimated in nine studies compared with usual care and varied from £57 to £14 002 per quality-adjusted life year; dominant to £6500 per disability-adjusted life year; and £15 873 per life years gained.

Conclusions

Brief interventions promoting physical activity in primary care and the community are likely to be inexpensive compared with usual care. Given the commonly accepted thresholds, they appear to be cost-effective on the whole, although there is notable variation between studies.
Studying the time trend of Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) in Norway by use of non-stationary γ-Poisson distributions
Authors: Moxnes John F , Moen Aina E Fossum , Leegaard Truls Michael
Published: October 2015

Objectives

Study the time development of methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) and forecast future behaviour. The major question: Is the number of MRSA isolates in Norway increasing and will it continue to increase?

Design

Time trend analysis using non-stationary γ-Poisson distributions.

Setting

Two data sets were analysed. The first data set (data set I) consists of all MRSA isolates collected in Oslo County from 1997 to 2010; the study area includes the Norwegian capital of Oslo and nearby surrounding areas, covering approximately 11% of the Norwegian population. The second data set (data set II) consists of all MRSA isolates collected in Health Region East from 2002 to 2011. Health Region East consists of Oslo County and four neighbouring counties, and is the most populated area of Norway.

Participants

Both data sets I and II consist of all persons in the area and time period described in the Settings, from whom MRSA have been isolated.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

MRSA infections have been mandatory notifiable in Norway since 1995, and MRSA colonisation since 2004. In the time period studied, all bacterial samples in Norway have been sent to a medical microbiological laboratory at the regional hospital for testing. In collaboration with the regional hospitals in five counties, we have collected all MRSA findings in the South-Eastern part of Norway over long time periods.

Results

On an average, a linear or exponential increase in MRSA numbers was observed in the data sets. A Poisson process with increasing intensity did not capture the dispersion of the time series, but a γ-Poisson process showed good agreement and captured the overdispersion. The numerical model showed numerical internal consistency.

Conclusions

In the present study, we find that the number of MRSA isolates is increasing in the most populated area of Norway during the time period studied. We also forecast a continuous increase until the year 2017.
Assessment of mental health literacy using a multifaceted measure among a Chinese rural population
Authors: Yu Yu , Liu Zi-wei , Hu Mi , Liu Xi-guang , Liu Hui-ming , Yang Joyce P , Zhou Liang , Xiao Shui-yuan
Published: October 2015

Objectives

The present study aims to assess mental health literacy (MHL) using a standardised multifaceted 20-item instrument called Mental Health Knowledge Questionnaire (MHKQ) developed by the Chinese Ministry of Health, among a rural Chinese population.

Setting

Four villages in Liuyang county of Hunan province, China.

Participants

This was a cross-sectional study. A multistage cluster-sampling method was adopted, leading to a final sampling frame of 2377 residents aged 18–60 years from four villages of Liuyang county. Included in the study were residents aged 18–60 years living in their village for at least half a year; excluded were those not living in the areas during the research period, those with difficulty in communication due to serious physical or mental illness and those who were cognitively impaired or actively psychotic. Finally, 2052 participants completed the survey.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Primary outcome was correct response rate of the MHKQ; secondary outcome measures were association between sociodemographics and MHL, and association between MHL and health outcomes.

Results

Correct response rates for the 20 MHKQ items ranged from 19% to 94%, with a mean rate of 58%. Younger age (r=−0.02, p<0.01), higher education (r: 1.38–2.69, p<0.01) and higher income (r=0.41, p<0.01), were independently associated with higher MHL. MHL was independently associated with self-rated general health (r=2.31, p<0.01), depression (r=−0.09, p<0.01) and anxiety (r=−0.07, p<0.05).

Conclusions

MHL in the rural areas of Liuyang is lower than that reported in urban areas of China. There is much room for improvement with regard to MHL promotion in rural areas of China. Younger age, higher education and higher income are the three robust factors related to higher MHL, so cohort-specific educational intervention efforts may be indicated.
Finding the fifth intercostal space for chest drain insertion: guidelines and ultrasound
Authors: Bowness J S , Nicholls K , Kilgour P M , Ferris J , Whiten S , Parkin I , Mooney J , Driscoll P
Published: October 2015

Objectives

International guidelines exist for chest drain insertion and recommend identifying the fifth intercostal space or above, around the midaxillary line. In a recent study, applying these guidelines in cadavers risked insertion in the 6th intercostal space or below in 80% of cases. However, there are limitations of cadaveric studies and this investigation uses ultrasound to determine the intercostal space identified when applying these guidelines in healthy adult volunteers.

Methods

On each side of the chest wall in 31 volunteers, the position for drain insertion was identified using the European Trauma Course method, Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) method, British Thoracic Society's ‘safe triangle’ and the ‘traditional’ method of palpation. Ultrasound imaging was used to determine the relationship of the skin marks with the underlying intercostal spaces.

Results

Five methods were assessed on 60 sides. In contrast to the cadaveric study, 94% of skin marks lay over a safe intercostal space. However, the range of intercostal spaces found spanned the second to the seventh space. In 44% of women, the inferior boundary of the ‘safe triangle’ and the ATLS guidelines located the sixth intercostal space or below.

Conclusions

Current guidelines often identify a safe site for chest drain insertion, although the same site is not reproducibly found. In addition, women appear to be at risk of subdiaphragmatic drain insertion when the nipple is used to identify the fifth intercostal space. Real-time ultrasonography can be used to confirm the intercostal space during this procedure, although a safe guideline is still needed for circumstances in which ultrasound is not possible.
Exercise training at the intensity of maximal fat oxidation in obese boys
Authors: Tan Sijie , Wang Jianxiong , Cao Liquan
Published: October 2015

The objectives of this study were to explore the effects of 10 weeks of exercise training at the intensity of maximal fat oxidation rate (FATmax) on body composition, cardiovascular fitness, and functional capacity in 8- to 10-year-old obese boys. This is a school-based interventional study. Twenty-six obese boys and 20 lean boys were randomly allocated into the exercise and control groups. Measurements of body composition, FATmax through gas analyses, predicted maximal oxygen uptake, and functional capacity (run, jump, abdominal muscle function, and body flexibility) were conducted at baseline and at the end of experiments. Two exercise groups participated in 10 weeks of supervised exercise training at individualized FATmax intensities, for 1 h per day and 5 days per week. FATmax training decreased body mass (–1.0 kg, p < 0.05), body mass index (–1.2 kg/m2, p < 0.01), fat mass (–1.2 kg, p < 0.01), and abdominal fat (–0.13 kg, p < 0.01) of the trained obese boys. Their cardiovascular fitness (p < 0.05) and body flexibility (p < 0.05) were also improved after training. The lean boys showed improvements in cardiovascular fitness after training (p < 0.05). FATmax training increased the FATmax in obese boys from 0.35 ± 0.12 g/min to 0.38 ± 0.13 g/min, but this change was not statistically significant. In addition, there was no change in daily energy intake for all participants before and after the experimental period. Results of this study suggest that FATmax is an effective exercise training intensity for the treatment of childhood obesity.
Early Wisconsinan (MIS 4) glaciation on Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, and implications for biological refugia
Authors: Mathewes Rolf W. , Lian Olav B. , Clague John J. , Huntley Matthew J.W.
Published: October 2015

Sea cliffs at Cape Ball on Graham Island, British Columbia, expose a thick sequence of Pleistocene sediments deposited during at least two glaciations. In sequence, from the base of the section, the units are (1) stony mud, (2) till, (3) silt, sand, and peat, (4) stony mud, (5) laminated sand and silt, (6) cross-bedded sand, and (7) till. Of special interest is unit 4, a massive to weakly stratified mud containing scattered stones that was deposited during the penultimate Pleistocene glaciation (marine isotope stage (MIS) 4). This unit contains wood and marine shell fragments that have yielded non-finite radiocarbon ages. Sand and silt with thin stringers of peat (unit 3) directly underlie this stony mud, and returned an optical age of 57.3 ± 5.7 ka. The stony mud is unconformably overlain by ponded sediments (unit 5) and advance outwash (unit 6) and till (unit 7) deposited during the Fraser Glaciation (MIS 2). The optically dated unit and a correlative peat and silty sand unit at a nearby exposure have pollen spectra with almost 100% non-arboreal pollen. Very low values of tree pollen, coupled with high frequencies of sedges, grasses, composites, Ericales, and the arctic−alpine indicator Koenigia islandica, indicate tundra vegetation and a cold climate. Abundant coprophilous Sporormiella (69%–91%) and Sordaria type (14%–47%) fungal spores in the peat samples indicate the former presence of grazing mammals at Cape Ball during MIS 4. During the MIS 3 interstade, subalpine forest existed at low elevations on Graham Island, providing environments suitable for the development of genetically distinct bird and mammal populations that survived in lowland refugia during the Fraser Glaciation.
Underwater observations of seal–fishery interactions and the effectiveness of an exclusion device in reducing bycatch in a midwater trawl fishery
Authors: Lyle Jeremy M. , Willcox Simon T. , Hartmann Klaas
Published: October 2015

Interactions between seals and midwater trawl operations in the Australian Small Pelagic Fishery are common and can be lethal. The nature of interactions and effectiveness of a seal exclusion device (SED) in mitigating lethal interactions was assessed using underwater video. Recent fishing activity and the phase of the trawl operation significantly influenced interaction rates; interactions increased with the amount of recent trawl activity and were highest while the trawl was being set. Most seals accessed the trawl via the net entrance and exited via an escape opening located at the base of the SED. The size of the escape opening was the only operational factor that influenced mortality rates — simply enlarging the escape hole reduced lethal interactions by 79%. However, since all deceased seals dropped out of the net before they were brought on board, they would have gone unobserved without video monitoring. Limiting the concentration of fishing activity in space and time and refinement of the SED design, in particular to address dropouts, is recommended if mortality rates are to be reduced.
Self-absorption coefficients of sulfur emission lines
Authors: Habib A.A.M. , Aish M.M.
Published: October 2015

A theoretical approach is developed to calculate the mean probability of photon capture for the resonance lines emitted by a neutral sulfur atom in the vacuum ultraviolet spectral region in the case of a thermal plasma mixture. The calculations are to estimate the self-absorption effect in a quantitative way assuming a Voigt line profile. The variation of the probability of photon capture with the temperature, the SF6 proportions in SF6-N2 thermal plasma mixture, and the size of the plasma are considered. The results obtained may be of practical importance in plasma modeling and plasma diagnostics. They may also be applied to find out self-absorption-free emission lines appropriate for laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy experiments used for analytical purposes because of their simplicity. Influence of three parameters (temperature, plasma size, and SF6 proportion) on the probability of photon capture has been studied using a Voigt line profile.
Dynamics and transmissivity of optomechanical system in squeezed environment
Authors: Farooq K. , Khan M. A. , Wang L. C. , Yi X. X.
Published: October 2015

Cavity quantum optomechanics offers the potential to explore quantum nature and characteristics in microscopic and nanoquantum systems. In this area, various experimental setup trends to explore, while theoretical approaches seek to lead the concrete bases for these amazing characteristics. In this paper, we present the dynamic features, stabilization and the optical response (transmission) properties of an optomechanical system in the squeezed environment theoretically. Particularly, we calculate optical intensity transmission coefficient of the optomechanical system. The optomechanical system has driven coherently with the external laser field.
Thermal-Aware Task Scheduling for 3D-Network-on-Chip: A Bottom to Top Scheme
Authors: Cui Yingnan , Zhang Wei , Chaturvedi Vivek , Liu Weichen , He Bingsheng
Published: October 2015

Three-dimensional network-on-chip (3D-NoC) emerges as a potential multi-core architecture delivering high performance, high energy efficiency and great scalability. However, 3D-NoC suffers from severe thermal problems due to its high power density. To solve this problem, thermal-aware scheduling is an effective solution. However, the high complexity of the thermal model of 3D-NoC becomes a major hurdle for developing efficient thermal-aware scheduling algorithms for 3D-NoC. In this paper, we propose a novel thermal-aware task scheduling scheme named as the Bottom-to-Top (B2T) approach to address this challenge. This heuristic-based method performs task allocation on processing units to efficiently minimize the peak temperature and improve the execution time of the tasks with low complexity. The algorithm is first designed for two-layer 3D-NoC and then extended to 3D-NoC with an arbitrary number of layers. When compared to traditional thermal-aware scheduling algorithms designed for 2D-NoC, our B2T algorithm can achieve significant peak temperature reduction (up to 11.9[Formula: see text]C) and performance improvement (up to 4%) on two-layer 3D-NoC. The improvement becomes more significant as the number of layers in 3D-NoC increases. For four-layer 3D-NoC, the improvement is up to [Formula: see text]C peak temperature reduction.
An Asynchronous Summation Circuit for Noise Filtering in Single Photon Avalanche Diode Sensors
Authors: Yang Xiao , Zhu Hongbo , Nakura Toru , Iizuka Tetsuya , Asada Kunihiro
Published: October 2015

An asynchronous projection and summation circuit is proposed for single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) sensors. Thanks to the efficient interconnection by the asynchronous technique, the circuit can be easily implemented inside 2D SPAD arrays. As a result, the precise summation of the 1b data in one row can be parallel processed for all rows within the same cycle. A test-of-concept chip was fabricated in a 0.18[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m 1P5M CMOS process. By measurement results, the summation of a 15-pixel row can be achieved by the proposed circuit within 20.5[Formula: see text]ns. Such a speed is very important for SPAD-based sensors that need fast summation operations.
Theoretical study of neutron-rich 107,109,111,113Rh isotopes
Authors: Kumar Amit , Singh Suram , Khosa S. K. , Bharti Arun , Bhat G. H. , Sheikh J. A.
Published: October 2015

A theoretical study of the structure of some odd mass Rh nuclei in the A ~ 100 mass region is carried out by using the angular momentum projection technique implemented in the projected shell model (PSM). The influence of the high-j orbitals (h11/2 for neutrons and g9/2 for protons) on the structure of 107–113Rh isotopes is investigated in the present case by assuming an axial symmetry in the deformed basis. For these isotopes, the structure of multi-quasi-particle qp bands is studied along the yrast line in detail. Further, the phenomenon of back-bending is also studied theoretically and is found to be in agreement with the experimental data. The reduced transition probabilities, i.e., B(E2) and B(M1) for the yrast band are also obtained from the PSM wave functions for the first time, thereby providing an opportunity for the experimentalists to work for this data.
RICE RESEARCH TO BREAK YIELD BARRIERS
Authors: VERMA VIVEK , RAMAMOORTHY RENGASAMY , KOHLI AJAY , KUMAR PRAKASH P.
Published: October 2015

The world’s population continues to expand and it is expected to cross 9 billion by 2050. This would significantly amplify the demand for food, which will pose serious threats to global food security. Additional challenges are being imposed due to a gradual decrease in the total arable land and global environmental changes. Hence, it is of utmost importance to review and revise the existing food production strategies by incorporating novel biotechnological approaches that can help to break the crop yield barriers in the near future. In this review, we highlight some of the concerns hampering crop yield enhancements. The review also focuses on modern breeding techniques based on genomics as well as proven biotechnological approaches that enable identification and utilization of candidate genes. Another aspect of discussion is the important area of research, namely hormonal regulation of plant development, which is likely to yield valuable regulatory genes for such crop improvement efforts in the future. These strategies can serve as potential tools for developing elite crop varieties for feeding the growing billions.
Effectiveness of Stoppers and Shock Absorber Devices in Mitigating Earthquake Damage to Curved Viaducts with Steel Bearing Supports
Authors: Tian Qin , Hayashikawa Toshiro , Ren Wei-Xin , He Xing-Wen
Published: October 2015

Viaducts with steel bearings are subject to damage during earthquakes. Damage to conventional steel bearings could cause viaduct decks to collapse. This study attempts to prevent large displacements by installing steel stoppers at both sides of roller bearings. Shock absorber devices (SADs) are also installed between roller bearings and stoppers to reduce pounding forces. The study then explores the effectiveness of different stopper gaps and SADs installed between roller bearings and stoppers in mitigating viaduct damage. The effectiveness of stoppers without and with SADs is also investigated. The pounding forces between roller bearings and stoppers, the displacements on the tops of piers, the displacements of superstructures, and the bending moment–curvature relationship at pier bases are evaluated accordingly. Numerical results reveal that earthquake damage to viaducts with small stopper gaps is not significant. The application of SADs is also found to significantly mitigate viaduct damage.
Multi-Keyword Multi-Click Advertisement Option Contracts for Sponsored Search
Authors: Chen Bowei , Wang Jun , Cox Ingemar J. , Kankanhalli Mohan S.
Published: October 2015

In sponsored search, advertisement (abbreviated ad) slots are usually sold by a search engine to an advertiser through an auction mechanism in which advertisers bid on keywords. In theory, auction mechanisms have many desirable economic properties. However, keyword auctions have a number of limitations including: the uncertainty in payment prices for advertisers; the volatility in the search engine’s revenue; and the weak loyalty between advertiser and search engine. In this article, we propose a special ad option that alleviates these problems. In our proposal, an advertiser can purchase an option from a search engine in advance by paying an upfront fee, known as the option price. The advertiser then has the right, but no obligation, to purchase among the prespecified set of keywords at the fixed cost-per-clicks (CPCs) for a specified number of clicks in a specified period of time. The proposed option is closely related to a special exotic option in finance that contains multiple underlying assets (multi-keyword) and is also multi-exercisable (multi-click). This novel structure has many benefits: advertisers can have reduced uncertainty in advertising; the search engine can improve the advertisers’ loyalty as well as obtain a stable and increased expected revenue over time. Since the proposed ad option can be implemented in conjunction with the existing keyword auctions, the option price and corresponding fixed CPCs must be set such that there is no arbitrage between the two markets. Option pricing methods are discussed and our experimental results validate the development. Compared to keyword auctions, a search engine can have an increased expected revenue by selling an ad option.
Metastrategies in Large-Scale Bargaining Settings
Authors: Hennes Daniel , Jong Steven De , Tuyls Karl , Gal Ya’akov (Kobi)
Published: October 2015

This article presents novel methods for representing and analyzing a special class of multiagent bargaining settings that feature multiple players, large action spaces, and a relationship among players’ goals, tasks, and resources. We show how to reduce these interactions to a set of bilateral normal-form games in which the strategy space is significantly smaller than the original settings while still preserving much of their structural relationship. The method is demonstrated using the Colored Trails (CT) framework, which encompasses a broad family of games and has been used in many past studies. We define a set of heuristics (metastrategies) in multiplayer CT games that make varying assumptions about players’ strategies, such as boundedly rational play and social preferences. We show how these CT settings can be decomposed into canonical bilateral games such as the Prisoners’ Dilemma, Stag Hunt, and Ultimatum games in a way that significantly facilitates their analysis. We demonstrate the feasibility of this approach in separate CT settings involving one-shot and repeated bargaining scenarios, which are subsequently analyzed using evolutionary game-theoretic techniques. We provide a set of necessary conditions for CT games for allowing this decomposition. Our results have significance for multiagent systems researchers in mapping large multiplayer CT task settings to smaller, well-known bilateral normal-form games while preserving some of the structure of the original setting.
Mechanism and Regulation of Cytoplasmic Dynein
Authors: Cianfrocco Michael A. , DeSantis Morgan E. , Leschziner Andres E. , Reck-Peterson Samara L.
Published: October 2015

Until recently, dynein was the least understood of the cytoskeletal motors. However, a wealth of new structural, mechanistic, and cell biological data is shedding light on how this complicated minus-end-directed, microtubule-based motor works. Cytoplasmic dynein-1 performs a wide array of functions in most eukaryotes, both in interphase, in which it transports organelles, proteins, mRNAs, and viruses, and in mitosis and meiosis. Mutations in dynein or its regulators are linked to neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we begin by providing a synthesis of recent data to describe the current model of dynein's mechanochemical cycle. Next, we discuss regulators of dynein, with particular focus on those that directly interact with the motor to modulate its recruitment to microtubules, initiate cargo transport, or activate minus-end-directed motility.
Modulation of Host Cell Biology by Plant Pathogenic Microbes
Authors: Le Fevre Ruth , Evangelisti Edouard , Rey Thomas , Schornack Sebastian
Published: October 2015

Plant-pathogen interactions can result in dramatic visual changes in the host, such as galls, phyllody, pseudoflowers, and altered root-system architecture, indicating that the invading microbe has perturbed normal plant growth and development. These effects occur on a cellular level but range up to the organ scale, and they commonly involve attenuation of hormone homeostasis and deployment of effector proteins with varying activities to modify host cell processes. This review focuses on the cellular-reprogramming mechanisms of filamentous and bacterial plant pathogens that exhibit a biotrophic lifestyle for part, if not all, of their lifecycle in association with the host. We also highlight strategies for exploiting our growing knowledge of microbial host reprogramming to study plant processes other than immunity and to explore alternative strategies for durable plant resistance.
A Decision-Aided Situation Awareness Mechanism Based on Multiscale Dynamic Trust
Authors: Li Fangwei , Nie Yifang , Zhu Jiang , Zhang Haibo , Liu Fan
Published: October 2015

Attacks are always seeking ways of exploiting any existing weakness in wireless network. The purpose of security situation awareness is to recognize, analyze, forecast, and handle the misbehaviors, assisting network management. Nevertheless, the appearance of ubiquitous network and the network convergence technology has made a challenge to realize network security and adaptation. Aiming at these research problems, this paper proposes a decision-aided situation awareness mechanism based on multiscale dynamic trust from the perspective of time and space, which can recognize misbehaviors and regard social network as the research object. We build trust and satisfaction based on Ebbinghaus forgetting regular and spatial correlations. This mechanism carries out decision making assessment through trust authenticity test, logicality test, and feedback parameters. In addition, load balance is used to avoid resource congestion. Simulation analysis demonstrates that compared with other trust mechanisms, this mechanism proposed in this paper can recognize and handle entity attacks more effectively, which is relatively eclectic and realistic in aspect of trust mensuration.
Impact Safety Control Strategy for the Battery System of an Example Electric Bus
Authors: Wang Zhen-po , Liu Jia , Li Hai-tao , Zhang Lei
Published: October 2015

This paper proposes a side impact safety control strategy for the battery system, aiming at defusing the hazards of unacceptable behaviors of the battery system such as high-voltage hazards. Based on some collision identification metrics, a side impact discrimination algorithm and a side impact severity algorithm are developed for electric buses. Based on the study on the time to break for power battery, the side impact discrimination algorithm response time is about 20 ms posing a great challenge to the side impact discrimination algorithm. At the same time, the reliability of the impact safety control strategy developed in this paper is evaluated for other plausible side impact signals generated by finite element analysis. The results verify that the impact safety control strategy exhibits robust performance and is able to trigger a breaking signal for power battery system promptly and accurately.
Atypical Presentation of Disseminated Zoster in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Patel Nirav , Singh Davinder , Patel Krunal , Ahmed Shadab , Anand Prachi
Published: October 2015

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have 2-fold increased risk of herpes zoster. In literature, limited information exists about disseminated cutaneous zoster in RA patients. An 83-year-old African-American female with RA presented with generalized and widespread vesicular rash covering her entire body. Comorbidities include hypertension, type II diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Patient was on methotrexate 12.5 mg and was not receiving any corticosteroids, anti-TNF therapy, or other biological agents. The patient was afebrile (98 F) with no SIRS criteria. Multiple vesicular lesions were present covering patient’s entire body including face. Lesions were in different stages, some umbilicated with diameter of 2–7 cm. Many lesions have a rim of erythema with no discharge. On admission, patient was also pancytopenic with leukocyte count of 1.70 k/mm3. Biopsies of lesions were performed, which were positive for Varicella antigen. Subsequently, patient was started on Acyclovir. The patient’s clinical status improved and rash resolved. Our patient presented with “atypical” clinical picture of disseminated cutaneous zoster with no obvious dermatome involvement. Disseminated zoster is a potentially serious infection that can have an atypical presentation in patients with immunocompromised status. High index of suspicion is needed to make the diagnosis promptly and to initiate therapy to decrease mortality and morbidity.
Detecting Genetic Associations betweenATG5and Lupus Nephritis bytrans-eQTL
Authors: Zhang Yue-miao , Cheng Fa-juan , Zhou Xu-jie , Qi Yuan-yuan , Hou Ping , Zhao Ming-hui , Zhang Hong
Published: October 2015

Objectives. Numerous loci were identified to perturb gene expression intrans. As elevatedATG5expression was observed in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the study was conducted to analyze the genome-wide genetic regulatory mechanisms associated withATG5expression in a Chinese population with lupus nephritis (LN).Methods. The online expression quantitative trait loci database was searched fortrans-expression single nucleotide polymorphisms (trans-eSNPs) ofATG5. Taggingtrans-eSNPs were genotyped by a custom-made genotyping chip in 280 patients and 199 controls. For positive findings, clinical information and bioinformation analyses were performed.Results. Fourtrans-eSNPs were observed to be associated with susceptibility to LN (P< 0.05), including ANKRD50 rs17008504, AGA rs2271100, PAK7 rs6056923, and TET2 rs1391441, while seven othertrans-eSNPs showed marginal significant associations (0.05 <P< 0.1). Correlations between thetrans-eSNPs andATG5expression and different expression levels ofATG5in SLE patients and controls were validated, and their regulatory effects were annotated. However, no significant associations were observed between different genotypes oftrans-eSNPs and severity or outcome of the patients.Conclusion. Using the new systemic genetics approach, we identified 10 loci associated with susceptibility to LN potentially, which may be complementary to future pathway based genetic studies.
Fabrication of Zirconia-Reinforced Lithium Silicate Ceramic Restorations Using a Complete Digital Workflow
Authors: Rinke Sven , Rödiger Matthias , Ziebolz Dirk , Schmidt Anne-Kathrin
Published: October 2015

This case report describes the fabrication of monolithic all-ceramic restorations using zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS) ceramics. The use of powder-free intraoral scanner, generative fabrication technology of the working model, and CAD/CAM of the restorations in the dental laboratory allows a completely digitized workflow. The newly introduced ZLS ceramics offer a unique combination of fracture strength (>420 MPa), excellent optical properties, and optimum polishing characteristics, thus making them an interesting material option for monolithic restorations in the digital workflow.
Hybrid RGSA and Support Vector Machine Framework for Three‐Dimensional Magnetic Resonance Brain Tumor Classification
Authors: Rajesh Sharma R. , Marikkannu P.
Published: October 2015

A novel hybrid approach for the identification of brain regions using magnetic resonance images accountable for brain tumor is presented in this paper. Classification of medical images is substantial in both clinical and research areas. Magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) modality outperforms towards diagnosing brain abnormalities like brain tumor, multiple sclerosis, hemorrhage, and many more. The primary objective of this work is to propose a three‐dimensional (3D) novel brain tumor classification model using MRI images with both micro‐ and macroscale textures designed to differentiate the MRI of brain under two classes of lesion, benign and malignant. The design approach was initially preprocessed using 3D Gaussian filter. Based on VOI (volume of interest) of the image, features were extracted using 3D volumetric Square Centroid Lines Gray Level Distribution Method (SCLGM) along with 3D run length and cooccurrence matrix. The optimal features are selected using the proposed refined gravitational search
algorithm (RGSA). Support vector machines, over backpropagation network, and k‐nearest neighbor are used to evaluate the goodness of classifier approach. The preliminary evaluation of the system is performed using 320 real‐time brain MRI images. The system is trained and tested by using a leave‐one‐case‐out method. The performance of the classifier is tested using the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.986 (±002). The experimental results demonstrate the systematic and efficient feature extraction and feature selection algorithm to the performance of state‐of‐the‐art feature classification methods.
Study of Subtropical Forestry Index Retrieval Using Terrestrial Laser Scanning and Hemispherical Photography
Authors: Yun Ting , Li Weizheng , Sun Yuan , Xue Lianfeng
Published: October 2015

In order to retrieve gap fraction, leaf inclination angle, and leaf area index (LAI) of subtropical forestry canopy, here we acquired forestry detailed information by means of hemispherical photography, terrestrial laser scanning, and LAI-2200 plant canopy analyzer. Meanwhile, we presented a series of image processing and computer graphics algorithms that include image and point cloud data (PCD) segmentation methods for branch and leaf classification and PCD features, such as normal vector, tangent plane extraction, and hemispherical projection method for PCD coordinate transformation. In addition, various forestry mathematical models were proposed to deduce forestry canopy indexes based on the radiation transfer model of Beer-Lambert law. Through the comparison of the experimental results on many plot samples, the terrestrial laser scanner- (TLS-) based index estimation method obtains results similar to digital hemispherical photograph (HP) and LAI-2200 plant canopy analyzer taken of the same stands and used for validation. It indicates that the TLS-based algorithm is able to capture the variability in LAI of forest stands with a range of densities, and there is a high chance to enhance TLS as a calibration tool for other devices.
Comparison of Stabilization Ability of Models for Hydrological Time Series with a Deterministic Trend
Authors: Xie Huantian , Xu Min , Li Dingfang
Published: October 2015

Under influence of climate change and human activities, deterministic trend has been detected and reported in various hydrometeorological observation records. In order to correctly model the stochastic properties, the time series has to be stabilized by removing the trend. Both detrending and differencing have been proposed to fulfill such a task. But the influence of the two stabilizing approaches on the residual series is distinguishing. In this study, ARMA models are constructed based on the above two stabilization approaches for an annual minimum daily discharge series with a deterministic trend. Comparisons are made with respect to stabilization ability, model simulation, and forecasting. Results indicate that the model based on detrending is superior to the one based on differencing in almost all the selected comparison criteria. So detrending is suggested to remove the deterministic trend before using ARMA model to fit the observed data.
Leprosy Reaction in Thai Population: A 20-Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Suchonwanit Poonkiat , Triamchaisri Siripich , Wittayakornrerk Sanchawan , Rattanakaemakorn Ploysyne
Published: October 2015

Background. Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease that presents with varying dermatological and neurological symptoms. The leprosy reactions occur over the chronic course of the disease and lead to extensive disability and morbidity.Objective. To analyze and identify the risk factors which contribute to leprosy reactions.Methods. In a retrospective study, we reviewed the medical records of leprosy patients registered at the leprosy clinic, Ramathibodi Hospital, Thailand, between March 1995 and April 2015. One hundred and eight patients were included; descriptive analysis was used for baseline characteristics and a binary logistic regression model was applied for identifying risk factors correlated with leprosy reactions.Results. Of the 108 cases analyzed, 51 were male and 57 were female. The mean age of presentation was 45 years. The borderline tuberculoid type was the most common clinical form. Leprosy reactions were documented in 61 cases (56.5%). The average time to reaction was 8.9 months. From multivariate analysis, risk factors for leprosy reactions were being female, positive bacillary index status, and MB treatment regimen.Conclusions. Leprosy reactions are common complications in leprosy patients. Being female, positive bacillary index status, and multibacillary treatment regimen are significantly associated with the reactions. Early detection in cases with risk factors followed by appropriate treatment could prevent the morbidity of leprosy patients.
An Ontology-Based Semantic Similarity Measure Considering Multi-Inheritance in Biomedicine
Authors: Yang Fengqin , Xing Yuanyuan , Sun Hongguang , Sun Tieli , Chen Siya
Published: October 2015

Computation of semantic similarity between words for text understanding is a vital issue in many applications such as word sense disambiguation, document categorization, and information retrieval. In recent years, different paradigms have been proposed to compute semantic similarity based on different ontologies and knowledge resources. In this paper, we propose a new similarity measure combining both superconcepts of the evaluated concepts and their common specificity feature. The common specificity feature considers the depth of the Least Common Subsumer (LCS) of two concepts and the depth of the ontology to obtain more semantic evidence. The multiple inheritance phenomenon in a large and complex taxonomy is taken into account by all superconcepts of the evaluated concepts. We evaluate and compare the correlation obtained by our measure with human scores against other existing measures exploiting SNOMED CT as the input ontology. The experimental evaluations show the applicability of the measure on different datasets and confirm the efficiency and simplicity of our proposed measure.
ACE Reduces Metabolic Abnormalities in a High-Fat Diet Mouse Model
Authors: Lee Seong-Jong , Han Jong-Min , Lee Jin-Seok , Son Chang-Gue , Im Hwi-Jin , Jo Hyun-Kyung , Yoo Ho-Ryong , Kim Yoon-Sik , Seol In-Chan
Published: October 2015

The medicinal plantsArtemisia iwayomogi(A. iwayomogi) andCurcuma longa(C. longa) radix have been used to treat metabolic abnormalities in traditional Korean medicine and traditional Chinese medicine (TKM and TCM). In this study we evaluated the effect of the water extract of a mixture ofA. iwayomogiandC. longa(ACE) on high-fat diet-induced metabolic syndrome in a mouse model. Four groups of C57BL/6N male mice (except for the naive group) were fed a high-fat diet freely for 10 weeks. Among these, three groups (except the control group) were administered a high-fat diet supplemented with ACE (100 or 200 mg/kg) or curcumin (50 mg/kg). Body weight, accumulation of adipose tissues in abdomen and size of adipocytes, serum lipid profiles, hepatic steatosis, and oxidative stress markers were analyzed. ACE significantly reduced the body and peritoneal adipose tissue weights, serum lipid profiles (total cholesterol and triglycerides), glucose levels, hepatic lipid accumulation, and oxidative stress markers. ACE normalized lipid synthesis-associated gene expressions (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, PPARγ; fatty acid synthase, FAS; sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor-1c, SREBP-1c; and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha, PPARα). The results from this study suggest that ACE has the pharmaceutical potential reducing the metabolic abnormalities in an animal model.
Snowdrift Game on Topologically Alterable Complex Networks
Authors: Wang Zhe , Yao Hong , Du Jun , Peng Xingzhao , Ding Chao
Published: October 2015

In order to study the influence of network’s structure on cooperation level of repeated snowdrift game, in the frame of two kinds of topologically alterable network models, the relation between the cooperation density and the topological parameters was researched. The results show that the network’s cooperation density is correlated reciprocally with power-law exponent and positively with average clustering coefficient; in other words, the more homogenous and less clustered a network, the lower the network’s cooperation level; and the relation between average degree and cooperation density is nonmonotonic; when the average degree deviates from the optimal value, the cooperation density drops.
Recognition of Mixture Control Chart Pattern Using Multiclass Support Vector Machine and Genetic Algorithm Based on Statistical and Shape Features
Authors: Zhang Min , Cheng Wenming
Published: October 2015

Control charts have been widely utilized for monitoring process variation in numerous applications. Abnormal patterns exhibited by control charts imply certain potentially assignable causes that may deteriorate the process performance. Most of the previous studies are concerned with the recognition of single abnormal control chart patterns (CCPs). This paper introduces an intelligent hybrid model for recognizing the mixture CCPs that includes three main aspects: feature extraction, classifier, and parameters optimization. In the feature extraction, statistical and shape features of observation data are used in the data input to get the effective data for the classifier. A multiclass support vector machine (MSVM) applies for recognizing the mixture CCPs. Finally, genetic algorithm (GA) is utilized to optimize the MSVM classifier by searching the best values of the parameters of MSVM and kernel function. The performance of the hybrid approach is evaluated by simulation experiments, and simulation results demonstrate that the proposed approach is able to effectively recognize mixture CCPs.
Custom-Made Antibiotic Cement Nails in Orthopaedic Trauma: Review of Outcomes, New Approaches, and Perspectives
Authors: Wasko Marcin K. , Kaminski Rafal
Published: October 2015

Since the first description in 2002 by Paley and Herzenberg, antibiotic bone cement nails (ACNs) have become an effective tool in the orthopaedic trauma surgeons’ hands. They simultaneously elute high amounts of antibiotics into medullary canal dead space and provide limited stability to the debrided long bone. In this paper, we perform a systematic review of current evidence on ACNs in orthopaedic trauma and provide an up-to-date review of the indications, operative technique, failure mechanisms, complications, outcomes, and outlooks for the ACNs use in long bone infection.