bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The HOM problem is decidable
Authors: Godoy Guillem , Giménez Omer
Published: September 2013

We close affirmatively a question that has been open for long time: decidability of the HOM problem. The HOM problem consists in determining, given a tree homomorphism
H
and a regular tree language
L
represented by a tree automaton, whether
H
(
L
) is regular. In order to decide the HOM problem, we develop new constructions and techniques that are interesting by themselves, and provide several significant intermediate results. For example, we prove that the universality problem is decidable for languages represented by tree automata with equality constraints, and that the equivalence and inclusion problems are decidable for images of regular languages through tree homomorphisms. Our contributions are based on the following new constructions. We describe a simple transformation for converting a tree automaton with equality constraints into a tree automaton with disequality constraints recognizing the complementary language. We also define a new class of tree automata with arbitrary disequality constraints and a particular kind of equality constraints. An automaton of this new class essentially recognizes the intersection of a tree automaton with disequality constraints and the image of a regular language through a tree homomorphism. We prove decidability of emptiness and finiteness for this class by a pumping mechanism. We combine the above constructions adequately to provide an algorithm deciding the HOM problem. This is the journal version of a paper presented in the 42nd ACM Symposium on Theory of Computing (STOC 2010). Here, we provide all proofs and examples. Moreover, we obtain better complexity results via the modification of some proofs and a careful complexity analysis. In particular, the obtained time complexity for the decision of HOM is a tower of three exponentials.
Data exchange beyond complete data
Authors: Arenas Marcelo , Pérez Jorge , Reutter Juan
Published: September 2013

In the traditional data exchange setting, source instances are restricted to be
complete
in the sense that every fact is either true or false in these instances. Although natural for a typical database translation scenario, this restriction is gradually becoming an impediment to the development of a wide range of applications that need to exchange objects that admit several interpretations. In particular, we are motivated by two specific applications that go beyond the usual data exchange scenario: exchanging
incomplete information
and exchanging
knowledge bases
.

In this article, we propose a general framework for data exchange that can deal with these two applications. More specifically, we address the problem of exchanging information given by
representation systems
, which are essentially finite descriptions of (possibly infinite) sets of complete instances. We make use of the classical semantics of mappings specified by sets of logical sentences to give a meaningful semantics to the notion of exchanging representatives, from which the standard notions of solution, space of solutions, and universal solution naturally arise. We also introduce the notion of
strong representation system for a class of mappings
, that resembles the concept of strong representation system for a query language. We show the robustness of our proposal by applying it to the two applications mentioned above: exchanging incomplete information and exchanging knowledge bases, which are both instantiations of the exchanging problem for representation systems. We study these two applications in detail, presenting results regarding expressiveness, query answering and complexity of computing solutions, and also algorithms to materialize solutions.
Matrix sparsification and nested dissection over arbitrary fields
Authors: Alon Noga , Yuster Raphael
Published: September 2013

The generalized nested dissection method, developed by Lipton et al. [1979], is a seminal method for solving a linear systemAx=bwhereAis a symmetric positive definite matrix. The method runs extremely fast wheneverAis a well-separable matrix (such as matrices whose underlying support is planar or avoids a fixed minor). In this work, we extend the nested dissection method to apply toanynonsingular well-separable matrix overanyfield. The running times we obtain essentially match those of the nested dissection method. An important tool is a novel method for matrix sparsification that preserves determinants and minors, and that guarantees that constant powers of the sparsified matrix remain sparse.
Demo hour
Authors: Quevedo-Fernández Javier , Martens J. B. O. S. , Hansen John Paulin , Wusheng Wang , Shklovski Irina , Varsaluoma Jari , Kentta Ville , Alapetite Alexandre , Hansen John Paulin , MacKenzie I. Scott
Published: September 2013

Demo Hour highlights new prototypes and projects that exemplify innovation and novel forms of interaction.

Audrey Desjardins, Editor
The fork-join real-time task model
Authors: Stigge Martin , Ekberg Pontus , Yi Wang
Published: September 2013

Hard real-time task models have evolved from periodic models to more sophisticated graph-based ones like the Digraph Real-Time Task Model (DRT) [1]. These models have in common that tasks are
sequential
in nature and do not allow for
forking
structures, modeling job releases that occur in parallel within the same task. To capture these, we present a task model that extends the DRT model with the possibility of forking and joining release paths. We are developing an exact schedulability test for EDF on uniprocessor systems with a pseudo-polynomial bound of its runtime.
High-confidence cyber-physical co-design
Authors: Broman David
Published: September 2013

Cyber-physical systems (CPS) [4] are characterized by combining computations, networks, and physical processes. Engineering cyber-physical systems is not new; high-end automobiles have for decades included complex embedded systems that interact with the physical environment. As an intellectual discipline, however, CPS design poses both new opportunities and challenges. The rapid development of a CPS with high-confidence of its functional correctness is a
co-design problem
---the design of the cyber part (embedded control systems and networks) and the physical part influence each other. For instance, when designing an industrial robot, the thickness of the robot arms changes the physical behavior of the system; thinner arms have less inertia and can move faster, but introduce more flexibility and spring behavior, making the control algorithm harder to design. As a consequence, to meet increasingly challenging systemlevel objectives, the cyber and physical parts need to be concurrently designed.
Automated model translations for vehicular real-time embedded systems with preserved semantics
Authors: Mubeen Saad , Sjödin Mikael , Mäki-Turja Jukka , Lundbäck Kurt-Lennart , Wallin Peter
Published: September 2013

Model-based development of software architecture for real-time embedded systems in modern vehicles has had a surge in the last few years. While the introduction of models into the development of real-time embedded systems has increased efficiency in some parts of the engineering process, the models are also cause of novel concerns. In particular, mismatch between structural and semantic assumptions in modeling languages used in different parts of the design process of such systems cause large problems when design artifacts are transformed between modeling languages.
Predictable, system-level fault tolerance in composite
Authors: Song Jiguo , Parmer Gabriel
Published: September 2013

Intermittent faults are an increasingly challenging difficulty in embedded and real-time systems. As process technologies shrink circuitry, it becomes increasingly susceptible to transient faults from radiation sources such as cosmic rays. Additionally, as software complexity increases, intermittent faults such as race conditions challenge software reliability. Given these motivations, research has approached the paired problems of recovering from a fault, and doing so predictably. However, most past research has been limited in focus to the predictable recovery of faults at the
application-level
. Examples include systems infrastructures [2] enabling application fault recovery, and scheduling theory [3] that considers periodic faults, and the impact on schedulability for recovery and re-execution of failed applications.
Resource sharing under server-based multiprocessor scheduling
Authors: Afshar Sara , Behnam Moris
Published: September 2013

In this paper, we investigate a mechanism for handling resource sharing among tasks under a server-based scheduling technique in multiprocessor platforms, which combines partitioned and global scheduling to benefit a better scheduling method compared to conventional techniques.
Using NPS-F for mixed-criticality multicore systems
Authors: Bletsas Konstantinos , Petters Stefan M.
Published: September 2013

Hard real-time multiprocessors scheduling has recently seen the flourishing of semi-partitioned scheduling algorithms -- a category of scheduling schemes that combine elements of partitioned and migrative scheduling to allow more efficient processor usage, while providing improved schedulability guarantees at the same time. Yet, so far, semi-partitioning has not made any inroads into mixed-criticality scheduling. We aim to address this by proposing a way of combining mixed-criticality scheduling with semi-partitioning. Specifically, we adapt the NPS-F scheduling algorithm [1] for this purpose. The timeslot-based dispatching of NPS-F allows for fairness and responsiveness for lower-criticality workloads with no detriment to the schedulability guarantees of high-criticality tasks.
A Possible Role of HMGB1 in DNA Demethylation in CD4+T Cells from Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Li Yaping , Huang Chenghui , Zhao Ming , Liang Gongping , Xiao Rong , Yung Susan , Chan Tak Mao , Lu Qianjin
Published: September 2013

The aberrant activity of CD4+T cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with DNA hypomethylation of the regulatory regions in CD11a and CD70 genes. Our previous studies demonstrated that Gadd45a contributes to the development of SLE by promoting DNA demethylation in CD4+T cells. In this study, we identified proteins that bind to Gadd45a in CD4+T cells during SLE flare by using the method of co-immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry, High mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) is one of identified proteins. Furthermore, gene and protein expression of HMGB1 was significantly increased in SLE CD4+T cells compared to controls, and HMGB1 mRNA was correlated with CD11a and CD70 mRNA. A significant, positive correlation was found between HMGB1 mRNA and SLEDAI for SLE patients. Our data demonstrate that HMGB1 binds to Gadd45a and may be involved in DNA demethylation in CD4+T cells during lupus flare.
Effectiveness of Traditional Japanese Herbal (Kampo) Medicine, Daiobotanpito, in Combination with Antibiotic Therapy in the Treatment of Acute Diverticulitis: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Ogawa Keiko , Nishijima Koji , Futagami Fumio , Nakamura Takashi , Nishimura Genichi
Published: September 2013

In traditional Japanese herbal (Kampo) medicine, daiobotanpito (DBT) or Da Huang Mu Dan Tang in Chinese has been used in medical treatment of acute diverticulitis for many years based on the experience. Our aim was to investigate whether the treatment of acute diverticulitis can be treated with intravenous antibiotics plus orally administrated DBT than intravenous antibiotics alone. A retrospective nonrandomized open-label trial was established to compare patients with acute diverticulitis who received oral DBT associated with intravenous antibiotics with those who received intravenous antibiotic alone. We included 34 patients, eleven patients in group 1 with DBT and 23 patients in group 2 without DBT. Both groups were comparable in patient demographics and clinical characteristics. There was a significantly better outcome in the group treated with DBT than in the group without DBT when comparing duration of fever, abdominal pain, and antibiotics administration. A trend toward a day shorter mean hospital stay and fasting was seen in group 1, although this did not reach statistical significance. In conclusion, most patients with acute diverticulitis can be managed safely with oral DBT. Although randomized, double-blind study must be done, we could show the possibility to use daiobotanpito as an additional option in treating acute diverticulitis.
Regulatory Interactions between Androgens, Hoxb5, and TGFβSignaling in Murine Lung Development
Authors: Volpe MaryAnn V. , Ramadurai Sujatha M. , Mujahid Sana , Vong Thanhxuan , Brandao Marcia , Wang Karen T. , Pham Lucia D. , Nielsen Heber C.
Published: September 2013

Androgens enhance airway branching but delay alveolar maturation contributing to increased respiratory morbidity in prematurely born male infants. Hoxb5 protein positively regulates airway branching in developing lung. In other organs, androgen regulation intersects with Hox proteins and TGFβ-SMAD signaling, but these interactions have not been studied in the lung. We hypothesized that androgen alteration of airway branching early in lung development requires Hoxb5 expression and that these androgen-Hoxb5 interactions occur partially through regional changes in TGFβsignaling. To evaluate acute effects of androgen and TGFβon Hoxb5, E11 whole fetal mouse lungs were cultured with dihydrotestosterone (DHT) with/without Hoxb5 siRNA or TGFβinhibitory antibody. Chronicin uteroDHT exposure was accomplished by exposing pregnant mice to DHT (subcutaneous pellet) from E11 to E18. DHT’s ability to enhance airway branching and alter phosphorylated SMAD2 cellular localization was partially dependent on Hoxb5. Hoxb5 inhibition also changed the cellular distribution of SMAD7 protein. Chronicin uteroDHT increased Hoxb5 and altered SMAD7 mesenchymal localization. TGFβinhibition enhanced airway branching, and Hoxb5 protein cellular localization was more diffuse. We conclude that DHT controls lung airway development partially through modulation of Hoxb5 protein expression and that this level of regulation involves interactions with TGFβsignaling.
The Effects of Acupuncture Treatment on Sleep Quality and on Emotional Measures among Individuals Living with Schizophrenia: A Pilot Study
Authors: Reshef Alon , Bloch Boaz , Vadas Limor , Ravid Shai , Kremer Ilana , Haimov Iris
Published: September 2013

Purpose. To examine the effects of acupuncture on sleep quality and on emotional measures among patients with schizophrenia.Methods. Twenty patients with schizophrenia participated in the study. The study comprised a seven-day running-in no-treatment period, followed by an eight-week experimental period. During the experimental period, participants were treated with acupuncture twice a week. During the first week (no-treatment period) and the last week of the experimental period, participants filled out a broad spectrum of questionnaires and their sleep was continuously monitored by wrist actigraph.Results. A paired-samplet-test was conducted comparing objective and subjective sleep parameters manifested by participants before and after sequential acupuncture treatment. A significant effect of acupuncture treatment was observed for seven objective sleep variables: sleep onset latency, sleep percentage, mean activity level, wake time after sleep onset, mean number of wake episodes, mean wake episode and longest wake episode. However, no significant effects of acupuncture treatment were found for subjective sleep measures. Likewise, the results indicate that acupuncture treatment improved psychopathology levels and emotional measures, that is, depression level and anxiety level.Conclusions. Overall, the findings of this pilot study suggest that acupuncture has beneficial effects as a treatment for insomnia and psychopathology symptoms among patients with schizophrenia.
Ultrasonication Technique: A Method for Dispersing Nanoclay in Wood Adhesives
Authors: Kaboorani Alireza , Riedl Bernard , Blanchet Pierre
Published: September 2013

The efficiency of ultrasonication technique to disperse nanoclay in polyvinyl acetate (PVA) was examined. A hydrophilic nanoclay was added to PVA, and its effects on bond strength of wood joints were determined. The results of bond strength measured on block shear tests showed that nanoclay increased the bond strength of wood joints, especially in humid conditions. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) proved that it can be used to examine the quality of nanoclay dispersion in a matrix very precisely. The results of this study showed that ultrasonication technique is efficient in mixing nanoclay with the PVA matrix.
Evaluation and Injection Parameter Optimization for Polymer Flooding with Different Kinds of Profile Control Agents
Authors: Liu Yikun , Deng Qingjun , Chen Gang , Liang Shuang , Chen Lingyun
Published: September 2013

Injecting profile control agent (PCA) into deep reservoir can decrease the inefficient circulation of injected water effectively, which is critical to improve polymer flooding in heterogeneous reservoir. Polymer flooding contrast experiments were carried out with three PCAs, respectively; the influence of different injection times on recovery is analyzed, and the best injection rate of PCA is determined.
The result shows that the effect of compound ion PCA, anionic delay‐action cross‐linking PCA, and luminum citrate cross‐linking PCA gets worse in turn. The effect of injecting PCA before polymer flooding is better than that of injecting it during and after the procedure. As the PCA rate increases, the recovery increment raises, but the increasing ranges decrease. The best rate of PCA is 0.10PV, considering technical and economic effects.
Holographic Aspects of a Relativistic Nonconformal Theory
Authors: Park Chanyong
Published: September 2013

We study a generalD-dimensional Schwarzschild-type black brane solution of the Einstein-dilaton theory and derive, by using the holographic renormalization, its thermodynamics consistent with the geometric results. Using the membrane paradigm, we calculate the several hydrodynamic transport coefficients and compare them with the results obtained by the Kubo formula, which shows the self-consistency of the gauge/gravity duality in the relativistic nonconformal theory. In order to understand more about the relativistic non-conformal theory, we further investigate the binding energy, drag force, and holographic entanglement entropy of the relativistic non-conformal theory.
Wind Tunnel Tests for Wind Pressure Distribution on Gable Roof Buildings
Authors: Jing Xiao-kun , Li Yuan-qi
Published: September 2013

Gable roof buildings are widely used in industrial buildings. Based on wind tunnel tests with rigid models, wind pressure distributions on gable roof buildings with different aspect ratios were measured simultaneously. Some characteristics of the measured wind pressure field on the surfaces of the models were analyzed, including mean wind pressure, fluctuating wind pressure, peak negative wind pressure, and characteristics of proper orthogonal decomposition results of the measured wind pressure field. The results show that extremely high local suctions often occur in the leading edges of longitudinal wall and windward roof, roof corner, and roof ridge which are the severe damaged locations under strong wind. The aspect ratio of building has a certain effect on the mean wind pressure coefficients, and the effect relates to wind attack angle. Compared with experimental results, the region division of roof corner and roof ridge from AIJ2004 is more reasonable than those from CECS102:2002 and MBMA2006.The contributions of the first several eigenvectors to the overall wind pressure distributions become much bigger. The investigation can offer some basic understanding for estimating wind load distribution on gable roof buildings and facilitate wind‐resistant design of cladding components and their connections considering wind load path.
Dynamic Hydrogen Production from Methanol/Water Photo-Splitting Using Core@Shell-Structured CuS@TiO2Catalyst Wrapped by High Concentrated TiO2Particles
Authors: Im Younghwan , Kang Sora , Kim Kang Min , Ju Taeil , Han Gi Bo , Park No-Kuk , Lee Tae Jin , Kang Misook
Published: September 2013

This study focused on the dynamic hydrogen production ability of a core@shell-structured CuS@TiO2photocatalyst coated with a high concentration of TiO2particles. The rectangular-shaped CuS particles, 100 nm in length and 60 nm in width, were surrounded by a high concentration of anatase TiO2particles (>4~5 mol). The synthesized core@shell-structured CuS@TiO2particles absorbed a long wavelength (a short band gap) above 700 nm compared to that pure TiO2, which at approximately 300 nm, leading to easier electronic transitions, even at low energy. Hydrogen evolution from methanol/water photo-splitting over the core@shell-structured CuS@TiO2photocatalyst increased approximately 10-fold compared to that over pure CuS. In particular, 1.9 mmol of hydrogen gas was produced after 10 hours when 0.5 g of 1CuS@4TiO2was used at pH = 7. This level of production was increased to more than 4-fold at higher pH. Cyclic voltammetry and UV-visible absorption spectroscopy confirmed that the CuS in CuS@TiO2strongly withdraws the excited electrons from the valence band in TiO2because of the higher reduction potential than TiO2, resulting in a slower recombination rate between the electrons and holes and higher photoactivity.
Norm of a Volterra Integral Operator on Some Analytic Function Spaces
Authors: Li Hao , Li Songxiao
Published: September 2013

Let f be an analytic function in the unit disc 𝔻. The Volterra integral operator If is defined as follows: If(h)(z)=∫0zf(w)h'(w)dw,h∈H(𝔻),z∈𝔻. In this paper, we compute the norm of If on some analytic function spaces.
Midkine Mediates Intercellular Crosstalk between Drug-Resistant and Drug-Sensitive Neuroblastoma CellsIn VitroandIn Vivo
Authors: Chu Fei , Naiditch Jessica A. , Clark Sandra , Qiu Yi-Yong , Zheng Xin , Lautz Timothy B. , Holub Janette L. , Chou Pauline M. , Czurylo Michael , Madonna Mary Beth
Published: September 2013

Resistance to cytotoxic agents has long been known to be a major limitation in the treatment of human cancers. Although many mechanisms of drug resistance have been identified, chemotherapies targeting known mechanisms have failed to lead to effective reversal of drug resistance, suggesting that alternative mechanisms remain undiscovered. Previous work identified midkine (MK) as a novel putative survival molecule responsible for cytoprotective signaling between drug-resistant and drug-sensitive neuroblastoma, osteosarcoma and breast carcinoma cellsin vitro. In the present study, we provide furtherin vitroandin vivostudies supporting the role of MK in neuroblastoma cytoprotection. MK overexpressing wild type neuroblastoma cells exhibit a cytoprotective effect on wild type cells when grown in a co-culture system, similar to that seen with doxorubicin resistant cells. siRNA knockdown of MK expression in doxorubicin resistant neuroblastoma and osteosarcoma cells ameliorates this protective effect. Overexpression of MK in wild type neuroblastoma cells leads to acquired drug resistance to doxorubicin and to the related drug etoposide. Mouse studies injecting various ratios of doxorubicin resistant or MK transfected cells with GFP transfected wild type cells confirm this cytoprotective effectin vivo. These findings provide additional evidence for the existence of intercellular cytoprotective signals mediated by MK which contribute to chemotherapy resistance in neuroblastoma.
DFT Description of Intermolecular Forces between 9-Aminoacridines and DNA Base Pairs
Authors: Cotes Oyaga Sandra , Cotuá Valdés José , Borja Paez Sigrid , Hurtado Marquez Keylin
Published: September 2013

The B3LYP method with 6-31G* basis set was used to predict the geometries of five 9-aminoacridines (9-AA 1(a–e)), DNA base pairs, and respective complexes. Polarizabilities, charge distribution, frontier molecular orbital (FMO), and dipole moments were used to analyze the nature of interactions that allow reasonable drug diffusion levels. The results showed that charge delocalization, high polarizabilities, and high dipole moments play an important role in intermolecular interactions with DNA. The interactions of 9-AA 1(a–e) with GC are the strongest. 9-AA 1(d) displayed the strongest interaction and 9-AA 1(b) the weakest.
Regulation of the Ras-MAPK and PI3K-mTOR Signalling Pathways by Alternative Splicing in Cancer
Authors: Siegfried Zahava , Bonomi Serena , Ghigna Claudia , Karni Rotem
Published: September 2013

Alternative splicing is a fundamental step in regulation of gene expression of many tumor suppressors and oncogenes in cancer. Signalling through the Ras-MAPK and PI3K-mTOR pathways is misregulated and hyperactivated in most types of cancer. However, the regulation of the Ras-MAPK and PI3K-mTOR signalling pathways by alternative splicing is less well established. Recent studies have shown the contribution of alternative splicing regulation of these signalling pathways which can lead to cellular transformation, cancer development, and tumor maintenance. This review will discuss findings in the literature which describe new modes of regulation of components of the Ras-MAPK and PI3K-mTOR signalling pathways by alternative splicing. We will also describe the mechanisms by which signals from extracellular stimuli can be communicated to the splicing machinery and to specific RNA-binding proteins that ultimately control exon definition events.
Preliminary Evidence for Feasibility, Use, and Acceptability of Individualized Texting for Adherence Building for Antiretroviral Adherence and Substance Use Assessment among HIV-Infected Methamphetamine Users
Authors: Moore David J. , Montoya Jessica L. , Blackstone Kaitlin , Rooney Alexandra , Gouaux Ben , Georges Shereen , Depp Colin A. , Atkinson J. Hampton , TMARC Group The
Published: September 2013

The feasibility, use, and acceptability of text messages to track methamphetamine use and promote antiretroviral treatment (ART) adherence among HIV-infected methamphetamine users was examined. From an ongoing randomized controlled trial, 30-day text response rates of participants assigned to the intervention (individualized texting for adherence building (iTAB),n= 20) were compared to those in the active comparison condition (n= 9). Both groups received daily texts assessing methamphetamine use, and the iTAB group additionally received personalized daily ART adherence reminder texts. Response rate for methamphetamine use texts was 72.9% with methamphetamine use endorsed 14.7% of the time. Text-derived methamphetamine use data was correlated with data from a structured substance use interview covering the same time period (P<0.05). The iTAB group responded to 69.0% of adherence reminder texts; among those responses, 81.8% endorsed taking ART medication. Standardized feedback questionnaire responses indicated little difficulty with the texts, satisfaction with the study, and beliefs that future text-based interventions would be helpful. Moreover, most participants believed the intervention reduced methamphetamine use and improved adherence. Qualitative feedback regarding the intervention was positive. Future studies will refine and improve iTAB for optimal acceptability and efficacy. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.govNCT01317277.
The Utility of Digital Linear Tomosynthesis Imaging of Total Hip Joint Arthroplasty with Suspicion of Loosening: A Prospective Study in 40 Patients
Authors: Göthlin Jan H. , Geijer Mats
Published: September 2013

Aim. The clinical utility of digital linear tomosynthesis in musculoskeletal applications has been validated in only a few reports. Technical performance and utility in hip prosthesis imaging have been discussed in technical reports, but no clinical evaluation has been reported. The purpose of the current study was to assess the added clinical utility of digital linear tomosynthesis compared to radiography in loosening of total hip joint arthroplasty.Materials and Methods. In a prospective study, radiography and digital tomosynthesis were performed in 40 consecutive patients with total hip arthroplasty referred for suspect prosthesis loosening. Tomosynthesis images were compared to anterior-posterior (AP) and cross-table lateral radiographs regarding demarcation and extent of demineralization and osteolysis. Further noted were skeletal fractures, cement fractures, fragmentation, and artifacts interfering with the diagnosis.Results. Tomosynthesis was superior to radiography with sharper delineation of demineralization and osteolysis in the AP projection. A limitation was the inability to generate lateral tomosynthesis images, with inferior assessment of the area anterior and posterior to the acetabular cup compared to cross-table radiographs. Artifacts interfering with diagnosis were found in one hip.Conclusion. Tomosynthesis improved evaluation of total hip arthroplasty in the AP projection but was limited by the lack of lateral projections.
Cooperative Spectrum Sensing and Localization in Cognitive Radio Systems Using Compressed Sensing
Authors: Guibène Wael , Slock Dirk
Published: September 2013

We propose to fuse two main enabling features in cognitive radio systems (CRS): spectrum sensing and location awareness in a single compressed sensing based formalism. In this way, we exploit sparse characteristics of primary units to be detected, both in terms of spectrum used and location occupied. The compressed sensing approach also allows to overcome hardware limitations, in terms of the incapacity to acquire measurements and signals at the Nyquist rate when the spectrum to be scanned is large. Simulation results for realistic network topologies and different compressed sensing reconstruction algorithms testify to the performance and the feasibility of the proposed technique to enable in a single formalism the two main features of cognitive sensor networks.
Clinical Study of Graft Selection in Malaysian Rhinoplasty Patients
Authors: Gendeh Balwant Singh
Published: September 2013

Graft selection remains the greatest challenge for surgeons performing rhinoplasty. The preferred choice thus far for nasal reconstruction would be autograft compared to allograft due to its lower rate of infection and extrusion as it does not induce an immune response. We have evaluated 26 patients who underwent open structured rhinoplasty at our center and compared our experience regarding the operative technique, graft availability, indications, and limitations. The racial distribution was 18 Indians, 5 Chinese, and 3 Malays with a mean age, hospitalization, and followup of 30.5 years, 16.9 months, and 4.4 days, respectively. Majority of the patients (57.6%) presented with twisted nose and 30.7% of the patients presented with history of nasal trauma. All the patients had deviated septum of varying severity. The most common graft used was quadrangular cartilage graft and the common complications noted were ala deformity and tip anaesthesia in 7.6% patients respectively.
Mutations in MC1R Gene Determine Black Coat Color Phenotype in Chinese Sheep
Authors: Yang Guang-Li , Fu Dong-Li , Lang Xia , Wang Yu-Tao , Cheng Shu-Ru , Fang Su-Li , Luo Yu-Zhu
Published: September 2013

The melanocortin receptor 1 (MC1R) plays a central role in regulation of animal coat color formation. In this study, we sequenced the complete coding region
and parts of the 5′‐ and 3′‐untranslated regions of the MC1R gene in Chinese sheep with completely
white (Large‐tailed Han sheep), black (Minxian Black‐fur sheep), and brown coat colors (Kazakh Fat‐Rumped sheep). The results showed five single nucleotide
polymorphisms (SNPs): two non‐synonymous mutations previously associated with coat color (c.218 T>A, p.73 Met>Lys. c.361 G>A, p.121 Asp>Asn)
and three synonymous mutations (c.429 C>T, p.143 Tyr>Tyr; c.600 T>G, p.200 Leu>Leu. c.735 C>T, p.245 Ile>Ile). Meanwhile, all mutations
were detected in Minxian Black‐fur sheep. However, the two nonsynonymous mutation sites were not in all studied breeds (Large‐tailed Han, Small‐tailed Han, Gansu Alpine Merino,
and China Merino breeds), all of which are in white coat. A single haplotype AATGT (haplotype3) was uniquely associated with black coat color in Minxian Black‐fur breed (P = 9.72E − 72, chi‐square test). The first and second A alleles in this haplotype 3 represent location at 218 and 361 positions, respectively. Our results suggest that the mutations
of MC1R gene are associated with black coat color phenotype in Chinese sheep.
Serum Interleukin-6 Expression Level and Its Clinical Significance in Patients with Dermatomyositis
Authors: Yang Min , Cen Xiaomin , Xie Qibing , Zuo Chuan , Shi Guixiu , Yin Geng
Published: September 2013

Objective. To analyze serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression level and its clinical significance in patients with dermatomyositis.Methods. Blood samples from 23 adult patients with dermatomyositis (DM), 22 with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 22 with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 16 with Sjögren's syndrome (SS), and 20 healthy controls were collected. The IL-6 concentration was detected by chemiluminescence immunoassay. Correlations between IL-6 expression levels and clinical features or laboratory findings in patients with DM were investigated.Results. IL-6 expression level of DM patients was significantly higher than that of normal controls, significantly lower than that of RA patients, and slightly lower than that of SLE or SS patients with no significant differences. The incidence of fever was significantly higher in the IL-6 elevated group. Serum ferritin (SF) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were positively correlated with IL-6.Conclusions. IL-6 plays a less important role in DM than in RA. IL-6 monoclonal antibodies may have poor effect in patients with DM.
Determining Optimal Link Capacity Expansions in Road Networks Using Cuckoo Search Algorithm with Lévy Flights
Authors: Baskan Ozgur
Published: September 2013

During the last two decades, Continuous Network Design Problem (CNDP) has received much more attention because of increasing trend of traffic congestion in road networks. In the CNDP, the problem is to find optimal link capacity expansions by minimizing the sum of total travel time and investment cost of capacity expansions in a road network. Considering both increasing traffic congestion and limited budgets of local authorities, the CNDP deserves to receive more attention in order to use available budget economically and to mitigate traffic congestion. The CNDP can generally be formulated as bilevel programming model in which the upper level deals with finding optimal link capacity expansions, whereas at the lower level, User Equilibrium (UE) link flows are determined by Wardrop’s first principle. In this paper, cuckoo search (CS) algorithm with Lévy flights is introduced for finding optimal link capacity expansions because of its recent successful applications in solving such complex problems. CS is applied to the 16-link and Sioux Falls networks and compared with available methods in the literature. Results show the potential of CS for finding optimal or near optimal link capacity expansions in a given road network.
Global Harmonic Current Rejection of Nonlinear Backstepping Control with Multivariable Adaptive Internal Model Principle for Grid-Connected Inverter under Distorted Grid Voltage
Authors: Yu Yang , Mi Zengqiang , Che Yiming , Zhao Tong , Xu Yikun
Published: September 2013

Based on a brief review on current harmonics generation mechanism for grid-connected inverter under distorted grid voltage, the harmonic disturbances and uncertain items are immersed into the original state-space differential equation of grid-connected inverter. A new algorithm of global current harmonic rejection based on nonlinear backstepping control with multivariable internal model principle is proposed for grid-connected inverter with exogenous disturbances and uncertainties. A type of multivariable internal model for a class of nonlinear harmonic disturbances is constructed. Based on application of backstepping control law of the nominal system, a multivariable adaptive state feedback controller combined with multivariable internal model and adaptive control law is designed to guarantee the closed-loop system globally uniformly bounded, which is proved by a constructed Lyapunov function. The presented algorithm extends rejection of nonlinear single-input systems to multivariable globally defined normal form, the correctness and effectiveness of which are verified by the simulation results.
Microbial Diversity in Soil under Potato Cultivation from Cold Desert Himalaya, India
Authors: Sati Priyanka , Dhakar Kusum , Pandey Anita
Published: September 2013

Mana village (Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, India), situated in high altitudes (3,238 m above mean sea level) of Indian Himalayan region, represents cold desert climatic conditions. At Mana, potato is grown from May to September, while the site remains snow clad for approximately six months (from October to April). Soil samples, collected from Mana potato fields, were analyzed for cultivable microbial diversity along with the chemical and enzymatic properties. The analysis revealed colonization of soil by microflora in moderate numbers (up to 107 CFU/g soil) with limited species level. 25 morphologically distinct microbial isolates belonging to Gram +ve and Gram −ve bacteria, actinomycetes, and fungi including yeast were isolated. The bacteria were tentatively identified as species of Bacillus and Pseudomonas, while the majority of the fungal isolates belonged to the species of Penicillium. These microbial isolates possessed plant growth promotion and biocontrol properties assessed mainly in terms of production of indole acetic acid and hydrolytic enzymes and phosphate solubilization. The soil, when used as “inoculum” in plant based bioassays, exhibited positive influence on plant growth related parameters. The limited diversity of cold tolerant microbial species also extends opportunity to understand the resilience possessed by these organisms under low temperature environment.
The Antioxidant Status and Concentrations of Coenzyme Q10 and Vitamin E in Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Yen Chi-Hua , Yang Nae-Cherng , Lee Bor-Jen , Lin Jui-Yuan , Hsia Simon , Lin Ping-Ting
Published: September 2013

The purpose of this study was to investigate the levels of coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E and the antioxidant status in subjects with metabolic syndrome (MS). Subjects with MS (n = 72) were included according to the criteria for MS. The non‐MS group (n = 105) was comprised of healthy individuals with normal blood biochemical values. The plasma coenzyme Q10, vitamin E concentrations, lipid profiles, and antioxidant enzymes levels (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase) were measured. The subjects with MS had significantly higher concentrations of plasma coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E than those in the non‐MS group, but these differences were not significant after being normalized for triglyceride level. The levels of antioxidant enzymes were significantly lower in the MS group than in the non‐MS group. The subjects with the higher antioxidant enzymes activities had significant reductions in the risk of MS (P < 0.01) after being adjusted for coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E. In conclusion, the subjects with MS might be under higher oxidative stress resulting in low levels of antioxidant enzyme activities. A higher level of antioxidant enzymes activities was significantly associated with a reduction in the risk of MS independent of the levels of coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E.
Ulam-Hyers Stability Results for Fixed Point Problems via --Contractive Mapping in ()-Metric Space
Authors: Bota Monica-Felicia , Karapınar Erdal , Mleşniţe Oana
Published: September 2013

We will investigate some existence, uniqueness, and Ulam-Hyers stability results for fixed point problems via --contractive mapping of type-() in the framework of -metric spaces. The presented theorems extend, generalize, and unify several results in the literature, involving the results of Samet et al. (2012).
Evaluation of Packed-Bed Reactor and Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor for the Production of Colchicine Derivatives
Authors: Dubey Kashyap Kumar , Kumar Dhirendra , Kumar Punit , Haque Shafiul , Jawed Arshad
Published: September 2013

Bioconversion of colchicine into its pharmacologically active derivative 3-demethylated colchicine (3-DMC) mediated by P450BM3 enzyme is an economic and promising strategy for the production of this inexpensive and potent anticancer drug. Continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) and packed-bed reactor (PBR) of 3 L and 2 L total volumes were compared for the production of 3-demethylated colchicine (3-DMC) a colchicine derivative using Bacillus megaterium MTCC*420 under aerobic conditions. Statistical optimization technique was utilized with the most significant variables, that is, dissolved oxygen (DO), colchicine concentration, and process time for optimization. The validation of the model was performed by experiments on the predicted values in an individual run, and the optimum parameters were DO (~50%), colchicine concentration (7.5 g/L), and process time (39 h) resulted in a maximum bioconversion of 3-DMC 3.36 g/L. The PBR reactor achieved much higher productivity (6.58 g/L/h) as reported by earlier researchers. This is the first report on the use of PBR for bioconversion of colchicine.
Efficacy of the Radiotherapy on Darier’s Disease: An Indirect Evidence
Authors: Podgornii Ala , Ciammella Patrizia , Ramundo Dafne , Iotti Cinzia
Published: September 2013

Darier’s disease (DD) is an autosomal dominant dermatosis characterized by hyperkeratotic papules that are mainly located in the seborrheic areas and pushups, handheld wells, and nails. The disease often appears at a young age, typically by the third decade, with no sex predilection. There is currently no standard therapy and there are usually topical palliative therapies. We present the case of an affected 42-year-old woman treated with radiation therapy for early breast cancer. Before the radiotherapy, the patient showed hyperkeratotic, brownish papules extending in a linear pattern for the neck to the abdomen, especially on both breasts and inframammary area. During the radiation, she developed grade 1 to 2 dermatitis in the irradiated area. At a followup of 6 months, the patient has no skin lesions in the irradiated zone. This report suggests that the radiotherapy is not contraindicated and may indeed be effective in local control of skin lesions in DD.
Cutaneous Epithelioid Clear Cells Angiosarcoma in a Young Woman with Congenital Lymphedema
Authors: Tabareau-Delalande Flore , de Muret Anne , Miquelestorena-Standley Elodie , Decouvelaere Anne-Valérie , de Pinieux Gonzague
Published: September 2013

Angiosarcomas are rare aggressive neoplasms that can occur secondary to chronic lymphedema (Stewart-Treves syndrome). Although secondary angiosarcomas are commonly described after-mastectomy and/or after-radiotherapy, few cases have been reported in association with chronic lymphedema of congenital origin. We report the clinical, pathological, and cytogenetic findings in a case of cutaneous epithelioid clear cells angiosarcoma that occurred in a 21-year-old woman with hemibody congenital lymphedema. Surgical biopsies of the tumor mass revealed diffuse epithelioid proliferation of clear atypical cells, for which immunophenotyping highlighted the vascular differentiation. Despiteen blocresection of the tumor, the patient died of metastatic disease three months after diagnosis. This case illustrates the clinical and pathology characteristics of angiosarcoma that is a rare entity secondary to chronic lymphedema. It is the first reported case for which thec-MYCamplification status was assessed. The diagnostic value of this amplification should be further evaluated in this specific context.
Perturbation Solution for Radiating Viscoelastic Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer with Convective Boundary Condition in Nonuniform Channel with Hall Current and Chemical Reaction
Authors: Gireesha B. J. , Mahanthesh B.
Published: September 2013

A mathematical analysis has been performed for heat and mass transfer
of a time-dependent MHD flow of an electrically conducting viscoelastic fluid in nonuniform
vertical channel with convective boundary condition. The fluid flow is considered between
a vertical long wavy wall and a parallel flat wall saturated with the porous medium. The
effects of thermal radiation, heat absorption, chemical reaction, and Hall current are taken
into account. The prevailing nonlinear partial differential equations are derived by considering
Boussinesq approximation, and the same equations are solved analytically using perturbation
technique. Further the expressions for skin friction, Nusselt number, and Sherwood number
are presented. The effects of various pertinent parameters on different flow fields are analyzed
graphically and tabularly. It is found that effects of Hall parameter and Biot number are
unfavorable on velocity profiles, but this trend is reverse for the effect of thermal and solutal
Grashof numbers. The expressions of different flow fields satisfy the imposed boundary
conditions, which is shown in all graphs; this implies accuracy of the solution.
Antioxidative and Anti-inflammatory Effect of Thymoquinone in an Acute Pseudomonas Prostatitis Rat Model
Authors: Rifaioglu Murat Mehmet , Nacar Ahmet , Yuksel Rana , Yonden Zafer , Karcioglu Murat , Zorba O. Unal , Davarci Isil , Sefil Nebiat K.
Published: September 2013

Introduction: The aim of this study is to investigate the potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of thymoquinone (TQ) to improve acute bacterial prostatitis (ABP) induced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Material and Methods: A total of 42 male Wistar albino rats were divided into 7 groups as follows: control, ABP (24, 48, and 72 h), and TQ-ABP (24, 48, and 72 h). The prostate tissue samples were assayed for prostate tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels, and catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities. Sections were examined for characteristic histological changes, and a histological scoring system was used. Results: When the ABP groups given TQ (24, 48, and 72 h) were compared to the ABP groups not given TQ, the levels of MDA and NO and the GPX activity were found to be significantly lower in the groups given TQ. Concerning SOD values, the TQ-ABP-72 group was lower in comparison with the ABP-72 and control groups, but statistically higher than the TQ-ABP-48 group (p < 0.05). Concerning CAT activity, only the TQ-ABP-72 and ABP-72 groups had a significant difference with the control group. TQ improved prostate histology significantly only in the TQ-ABP-24 group compared to the ABP-24 group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our study demonstrated for the first time that ABP induced by P. aeruginosa had an oxidative effect on prostate tissue and could regress following TQ administration as shown with the biochemical and histological findings.