bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CINDERELLA SESSIONS: CHALLENGES AND ISSUES IN TEACHING END OF LIFE CARE TOPICS AMONG HEALTHCARE LECTURES IN UNDERGRADUATE NURSING EDUCATION
Authors: Venkatasalu Munikumar Ramasamy , Jackson Susan , Walsh Anna
Published: February 2014

Background

In the UK, 4 out of 5 nurses lack basic pre-registration education and training in end of life care. Research shows an increased anxiety, lack of clinical skills, poor coping mechanisms among nursing students to deal with death and dying situations. Nevertheless, the reasons are unknown from the perspectives of healthcare lecturers about different end of life care teaching and learning strategies and its impact on clinical learning experiences on students.

Aim

To critically examine the experiences and attitudes of healthcare lecturers' on learning- teaching strategies on end of life care topics in pre-registration nursing programmes.

Methods

After ethical approval, 10 ‘think aloud’ semi structured interviews were conducted with health care lecturers who were involved in teaching end of life care topics in one University in England. Phenomenography informed framework method was used to analyse the data.

Findings

Data analysis revealed 3 themes. The theme on ‘hidden death’ relates to the lack of explicit curricular objectives around end of life care topics results in limited exposure to death and dying topics in pre-registration programmes. Second theme on ‘protecting emotions’ relates to how participants deliver end of life care teaching in a shared emotional space'. Final theme on ‘Cinderella sessions’ relates to lack of explicit support mechanisms for dealing emotional outcomes of end of life care teaching sessions for both teachers and students.

Conclusions

Health care lecturers remains ‘cautious and over conscious’ on managing emotive topics that often makes end of life care topics as hidden curriculum. Despite using traditional teaching methods often trusted as beneficial in teaching end of life care topics, technology enhanced end of life care teaching-learning strategies yet unproven. Further research is urgently needed to evaluate diverse end of life care teaching strategies and its impact on clinical care outcomes.
INTEGRATION OF PALLIATIVE CARE INTO UNDERGRADUATE HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE CURRICULA IN THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA
Authors: Downing Julia , Haraldsdottir Erna , Milicevic Natasa , Bosjnak Vesna , Firth Pam , Lukic Nina , Baskott Jo
Published: February 2014

Background

Palliative care remains a new discipline within Serbia, thus there is a need for a comprehensive programme of continuing education and formal higher education for palliative care (PC). Prior to 2011, there was no formal palliative care training incorporated into the undergraduate curriculum for health and social care professionals. Therefore the introduction of palliative care into the curriculum for doctors, nurses and social workers was a key component of the development of palliative care.

Aim

The aim was to integrate pc into the undergraduate curricula of medical, higher nursing and social work curriculum in Serbia.

Methods

A team of national and international experts led the process. For each discipline, contact was made with the appropriate Deans, meetings held with representatives from the different faculties, and a curriculum development process established. Existing curricula were reviewed, where they existed e.g. for the medical schools and curricula drafted based on international guidelines/experience.

Results

Comprehensive training materials have been developed, including facilitators guides, presentations and student handbooks, as there is no comprehensive Serbian PC book. The curriculum has been integrated into the undergraduate medical course in all five medical schools in Serbia i.e. the Universities of Belgrade, Novi Sad, Kragujevac, Nis, and the Military Medical Academy. The process of acceptance into the higher nursing schools is ongoing but it is anticipated that at least half of the schools will integrate palliative care as a mandatory course. For social workers, palliative care will be taught within the curriculum for the first time from October 2013.

Conclusion

Integration of pc into the undergraduate curriculum for health and social care professionals is vital in the development of pc. Working in collaboration with the different faculties is key to integration, along with development of comprehensive training materials in accordance with European and International standards.
Temporal changes in ERK phosphorylation are harmonious with 4E-BP1, but not p70S6K, during clenbuterol-induced hypertrophy in the rat gastrocnemius
Authors: Sumi Koichiro , Higashi Seiichiro , Natsume Midori , Kawahata Keiko , Nakazato Koichi
Published: February 2014

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) is required for clenbuterol (CB)-dependent fast-type myofibril enlargement; however, its contribution to translation control is unclear. ERK mediates translational regulation through mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) activation and (or) mTORC1-independent pathways. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of ERK in translational control during CB-induced muscular hypertrophy by measuring time-dependent changes in the phosphorylation statuses of ERK, p70 ribosomal S6 kinase (p70S6K; an indicator of mTORC1 activity), 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1), eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2), and other related signaling molecules in rat gastrocnemius muscles. Five-day administration of CB induced phenotypes associated with muscular hypertrophy (significant increases in wet weight and isometric ankle flexion torque in the gastrocnemius muscle), but was not accompanied by elevated ERK or p70S6K phosphorylation. One-day administration of CB caused significant increases in the phosphorylation of ERK, p70S6K, and 4E-BP1. In contrast, 3-day administration of CB caused significant increases in the phosphorylation of ERK and 4E-BP1, but not p70S6K. In addition, positive correlations were observed between ERK and 4E-BP1 on days 1 and 3, whereas a correlation between ERK and p70S6K was only observed on day 1. eEF2 phosphorylation was unchanged on both days 1 and 3. These findings suggest that ERK accelerates the initiation of translation, but does not support the involvement of ERK in translational elongation. Furthermore, ERK may play a major role in promoting translational initiation by mediating the phosphorylation of 4E-BP1, and may contribute to the initial activation of mTORC1 during CB administration.
Impact of the initial classic section during a simulated cross-country skiing skiathlon on the cardiopulmonary responses during the subsequent period of skate skiing
Authors: Mourot Laurent , Fabre Nicolas , Andersson Erik , Willis Sarah J. , Hébert-Losier Kim , Holmberg Hans-Christer
Published: February 2014

The aim of this study was to assess potential changes in the performance and cardiorespiratory responses of elite cross-country skiers following transition from the classic (CL) to the skating (SK) technique during a simulated skiathlon. Eight elite male skiers performed two 6 km (2 × 3 km) roller-skiing time trials on a treadmill at racing speed: one starting with the classic and switching to the skating technique (CL1–SK2) and another employing the skating technique throughout (SK1–SK2), with continuous monitoring of gas exchanges, heart rates, and kinematics (video). The overall performance times in the CL1–SK2 (21:12 ± 1:24) and SK1–SK2 (20:48 ± 2:00) trials were similar, and during the second section of each performance times and overall cardiopulmonary responses were also comparable. However, in comparison with SK1–SK2, the CL1–SK2 trial involved significantly higher increases in minute ventilation (V̇E, 89.8 ± 26.8 vs. 106.8 ± 17.6 L·min−1) and oxygen uptake (V̇O2; 3.1 ± 0.8 vs 3.5 ± 0.5 L·min−1) 2 min after the transition as well as longer time constants for V̇E, V̇O2, and heart rate during the first 3 min after the transition. This higher cardiopulmonary exertion was associated with ∼3% faster cycle rates. In conclusion, overall performance during the 2 time trials did not differ. The similar performance times during the second sections were achieved with comparable mean cardiopulmonary responses. However, the observation that during the initial 3-min post-transition following classic skiing cardiopulmonary responses and cycle rates were slightly higher supports the conclusion that an initial section of classic skiing exerts an impact on performance during a subsequent section of skate skiing.
Diatomic molecule energies of the modified Rosen−Morse potential energy model
Authors: Tang Hong-Ming , Liang Guang-Chuan , Zhang Lie-Hui , Zhao Feng , Jia Chun-Sheng
Published: February 2014

We solve the Schrödinger equation with the modified Rosen−Morse empirical potential model to obtain rotation-vibrational energy spectra and unnormalized radial wave functions. The vibrational energy levels calculated with the modified Rosen−Morse potential model for the 61Πu state of the 7Li2 molecule and the X3Π state of the SiC radical are in better agreement with the Rydberg−Klein−Rees data than the predictions of the Morse potential model.
Seismic performance comparison between direct displacement-based and force-based design of a multi-span continuous reinforced concrete bridge with irregular column heights
Authors: Reza Samy M. , Alam M. Shahria , Tesfamariam Solomon
Published: February 2014

North American bridge design codes, e.g., Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code and AASHTO 2007, follow force-based design (FBD) method, which is focused at the target force resistance capacity of the structure. Displacement-based design (DBD) method, on the other hand, aims to ensure a target maximum displacement of the bridge during earthquakes in a specific zone. In this study, bridges with irregular column heights have been designed according to DBD and FBD (as per Canadian standards and AASHTO 2007) considering seismic loading. Subsequently, seismic performances of the bridges designed with the two different methods have been compared by conducting nonlinear dynamic analyses in the longitudinal direction. Maximum and residual displacements and energy dissipation capacity are used as performance indicators. This study outlines the necessity of possible modification in the current Canadian seismic design standards as well as DBD for bridges with irregular column heights.
Modeling of hydration reactions to predict the properties of slag blended concrete
Authors: Wang Xiao-Yong , Park Ki-Bong
Published: February 2014

The granulated blast furnace slag is commonly blended with Portland cement or clinker to produce slag blended cement after being ground to the fineness comparable to Portland cement. Hydration of slag-blended cement is much more complex than that of ordinary Portland cement because of the mutual interactions between the cement hydration and the slag reaction. In this paper, by considering the production of calcium hydroxide in cement hydration and its consumption in the reaction of slag, a numerical procedure is proposed to simulate the hydration of concrete containing slag. The numerical procedure includes two sub components, a cement hydration model and a slag reaction model. The heat evolution rate of slag concrete is determined from the contributions of the cement hydration and the slag reaction. Furthermore, the temperature history in hardening blended concrete is evaluated by combining the proposed numerical procedure with a finite element method. The proposed model is verified through experimental data on concrete with different water–cement ratios and mineral admixture substitution ratios.
SIMULATION OF CASSON FLUID FLOW AND HEAT TRANSPORT IN DIFFERENTLY SHAPED STENOSES
Authors: SARIFUDDIN
Published: February 2014

The present investigation deals with a mathematical model representing the response of heat transfer to blood streaming through the arteries under stenotic condition. The flowing blood is represented as the suspension of all erythrocytes assumed to be Casson fluid and the arterial wall is considered to be rigid having differently shaped stenoses in its lumen arising from various types of abnormal growth or plaque formation. The governing equations of motion accompanied by the appropriate choice of the boundary conditions are solved numerically by Marker and Cell (MAC) method. The necessary checking for numerical stability has been incorporated into the algorithm for better precision of the results computed. The quantitative analysis carried out finally includes the respective profiles of the flow-field and the temperature along with their individual distributions over the entire arterial segment as well. The key factors like the pressure drop, wall shear stress, flow separation, Nusselt number and streamlines are examined for qualitative insight into the blood flow and heat transport phenomena through arterial stenosis. In conformity with other several existing findings the present simulation predicts that the pressure drop and Nusselt number diminishes with increasing yield stress values, and significant enhancement in values of Nusselt number is observed with increasing severity of the stenosis. However, the effect of the shapes of the stenoses on flow separation cannot be ruled out from the present investigation.
PREDICTION OF PROXIMAL FEMORAL FRACTURE IN SIDEWAYS FALLS USING NONLINEAR DYNAMIC FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
Authors: ZHANG RUI , GONG HE , FANG JUAN , GAO ZHENHAI , ZHU DONG
Published: February 2014

Hip fracture incidence caused by sideways falls is increasing year by year. The high morbidity and mortality not only cast a gloom over the life, but also increase the medical cost of the country. From a biomechanical perspective, hip fractures are related to different loading directions. The main purpose of this study is to investigate how different hip fracture types are affected by impact directions. The geometry of a proximal femur was obtained from the CT scan data of a 67-year-old Chinese male. Mimics and Ansys softwares were applied to establish the cortical bone and cancellous bone models. Six different loading cases, i.e., SW1 (α = 120°, β = 0°), SW2 (α = 90°, β = 0°), SW3 (α = 60°, β = 0°), SW4 (α = 20°, β = 0°), SW5 (α = 120°, β = 15°), SW6 (α = 120°, β = 45°) were defined as the angle α with reference to the long axis of the femur in the frontal plane, and β with reference to the femoral neck axis in the horizontal plane. They were established to simulate sideways falls by explicit dynamic nonlinear finite element analyses in ANSYS-LS-DYNA software. The impact speed was 3.17 m/s. Stress and strain analyses with time history of the fracture sites were taken to find the relationships between fracture types and impact directions. SW1–SW4 caused femoral neck fractures, and the maximum principal stresses were 4.5, 6, 5 and 4.8 MPa, respectively. SW5 caused compound fractures including neck fracture and trochanteric fracture, and the maximum principal stresses were 6.8 MPa and 6.5 MPa, respectively. SW6 caused trochanteric fracture, and the maximum principal stress was 4.2 MPa. The maximum principal strains of neck fracture (0.075, 0.135, 0.175, 0.092) and trochanteric fracture (0.045) increased to the maximum values in 10 ms after impact, and were much higher than the ultimate compressive strain of cancellous bone. These results were consistent with the clinical findings. This study showed that falling posture was an important factor leading to different types of fracture. Dynamic simulation was more effective in explaining the fracture mechanism and determining the load direction that caused hip fracture. The study also provided a theoretical basis for more targeted preventive measures for different types of hip fracture in clinics.
INFLUENCE OF MORPHOLOGY FOR DRAG REDUCTION EFFECT OF SHARKSKIN SURFACE
Authors: LUO YUEHAO , LIU YUFEI , ZHANG DEYUAN , NG E. Y. K.
Published: February 2014

Through millions of years' natural selection, creature has formed their own unique functional surfaces. Shark is one of the fastest animals in the ocean, which is well known for "sharkskin effect". Sharkskin surface is all covered by tiny and rigid scales with sophisticated morphology, which is one important factor to produce the high drag reducing efficiency. However, the drag reduction mechanism of sharkskin has not been understood thoroughly, which has developed into an urgent problem to be resolved. In this paper, the accurate 3D digital model of sharkskin surface is constructed based on the biological prototype and the micro flow field on the near wall is analyzed comprehensively and deeply. In addition, the drag reduction mechanism is explored from different aspects, especially which, the influences of the variation of attack angles of scales, the super-hydrophobic effect and nanochain of mucus on drag-reducing efficiency are taken into consideration, which has great significance on academic research and engineering application.
INVESTIGATION OF SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY SPRING ELASTIC COEFFICIENT BASED ON VARYING APPLIED CURRENTS IN A CARDIAC ASSIST DEVICE
Authors: ZHANG XUE , XIONG YANYAN , CHEN YING , SHAO YI , WU ZHONG , CHEN XIANGNING , GE YUN
Published: February 2014

This paper analyses the mechanical properties of shape memory alloy (SMA) springs based on different electric currents applied in a cardiac assist device (CAD). Experimental results show that when the input drive current is constant, the SMA spring is equivalent to a tension spring with determined elastic coefficient that increases with the current. Based on our experiments, the theoretical maximum recovery force produced by SMA can be obtained through this input current. The phase transformation of SMA from austenite to martensite is able to be controlled by the drive current instead of the surface temperature of SMA. In addition, this experiment designed a cardiac supporting device composed of eight SMA springs, and used a saline bag to simulate human heart. The peak pressure inside the saline bag produced by this device was 17.4% of the normal heart systolic pressure. Our results can provide further support for the research of advanced CAD.
FORCED VIBRATION OF TIP-MASSED CANTILEVER WITH NONLINEAR MAGNETIC INTERACTIONS
Authors: ZHANG GUO-CE , CHEN LI-QUN , DING HU
Published: February 2014

This paper predicts the nonlinear relative motion of a cantilever with a tip mass and magnets based on a distributed-parameter model. The Kelvin viscoelastic model is used to account for the damping in the cantilever. Under the harmonic base excitation, the governing equation is deduced via a coordinate transformation linked to its static equilibrium. To qualitatively validate those results captured from the approximate methods, the finite difference method and the multi-scale method are respectively employed to determine the natural frequency and the steady-state response of forced vibration. It is analytically demonstrated that those modes uninvolved in a certain resonance actually have no effect on the response amplitude of the stable steady-state motion. The effects of forcing amplitude, viscoelastic damping, and tip mass on the steady-state response are detailed via the amplitude–frequency response curves. For the first time, the current works theoretically illustrated the conversion from the hardening-type behavior to the softening-type versus the augmenting magnetic force, as well as the opposing effect of different tip masses on the first mode and the higher modes.
THERMO-MECHANICAL ANALYSES OF COMPOSITE STRUCTURES USING FACE-BASED SMOOTHED FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
Authors: FENG SHIZHE , CUI XIANGYANG , LI GUANGYAO
Published: February 2014

A face-based smoothed finite element method (FS-FEM) is extended to deal with the transient thermal mechanical analyses of composite structures. For this method, the problem domain is first discretized into a set of tetrahedral elements, and the face-based smoothing domains are further formed along the faces of the tetrahedral meshes. The smoothed Galerkin weak form is employed to obtain discretized system equations, and the face-based smoothing domains are used to perform the smoothing operation. After applying these approaches, the numerical integration becomes a simple summation over each smoothing domain. Several composite structures with different kinds of boundary conditions are studied in this paper. Compared with the 4-node tetrahedral FEM, the FS-FEM can achieve much better accuracy and higher convergence when using the same tetrahedral mesh.
Superconducting Hadron Linacs
Authors: Ostroumov Peter , Gerigk Frank
Published: February 2014

This article discusses the main building blocks of a superconducting (SC) linac, the choice of SC resonators, their frequencies, accelerating gradients and apertures, focusing structures, practical aspects of cryomodule design, and concepts to minimize the heat load into the cryogenic system. It starts with an overview of design concepts for all types of hadron linacs differentiated by duty cycle (pulsed or continuous wave) or by the type of ion species (protons, H -, and ions) being accelerated. Design concepts are detailed for SC linacs in application to both light ion (proton, deuteron) and heavy ion linacs. The physics design of SC linacs, including transverse and longitudinal lattice designs, matching between different accelerating–focusing lattices, and transition from NC to SC sections, is detailed. Design of high-intensity SC linacs for light ions, methods for the reduction of beam losses, preventing beam halo formation, and the effect of HOMs and errors on beam quality are discussed. Examples are taken from existing designs of continuous wave (CW) heavy ion linacs and high-intensity pulsed or CW proton linacs. Finally, we review ongoing R&D work toward high-power SC linacs for various applications.
Beam–Materials Interactions
Authors: Mokhov Nikolai V.
Published: February 2014

Challenging applications related to high-intensity beam–materials interactions are described along with consequences of controlled and uncontrolled impacts of intense beams on components of medium- and high-energy accelerators, beamlines, target stations, beam collimators and absorbers, detectors, shielding, and the environment. Requirements on simulation code capabilities for such applications are derived. The principal classes of deleterious effects in materials under irradiation are described with real-life examples, modeling techniques, and analyses of uncertainties in simulations.
Impact of multiscale modelling on predicted porosity and permeability distributions in the fluvial deposits of the Upper Lunde Member (Snorre Field, Norwegian Continental Shelf)
Authors: Nordahl Kjetil , Messina Carlo , Berland Håvard , Rustad Alf B. , Rimstad Eivind
Published: February 2014

Models of hydrocarbon reservoirs are often used to support management decisions about field development and redevelopment. Typical modelling workflows result in a reservoir and simulation model with a property distribution generally comparable to the well data, and this is often considered sufficient. The current study tests this assumption on the fluvial reservoir in the Upper Lunde Member of the Snorre Field where sedimentary heterogeneities at multiple scales influence reservoir properties such as porosity and permeability. This work shows that, by describing and modelling the sedimentary heterogeneities at several length scales in the reservoir, and by using a flow-based local upscaling method, the resulting porosity and permeability distribution at the scale of the reservoir and simulation model are significantly different from porosity and permeability distribution at the well data scale; the variance tends to reduce and, for permeability, the distribution type is changed from log–normal to normal. Reservoir property distributions based on multiscale modelling, sensitive to the representative elementary volumes for permeability, and upscaled in a realistic sedimentological framework, give a better representation of the effective permeability architecture.
Exploration and appraisal of a 120 km
2
four-way dip closure: what could possibly go wrong?
Authors: Fielding K. D. , Burnett D. , Crabtree N. J. , Ladegaard H. , Lawton L. C.
Published: February 2014

Large four-way dip closures were obvious on multi-client 3D seismic data acquired during 1996–1998 over the unlicenced ‘White Zone’ between the Faroe and Shetland Islands. Cambo, located at the junction between the Westray and Corona ridges, is the largest of these features and covers an area of between 50 and 150 km
2
. As of October 2011, Hess and its co-venturers had drilled four wells on the Cambo structure. This paper represents a brief summary of the results of these wells as an Exploration Case study. Key conclusions from this case study include: (1) it is the subsurface setting and not the drilling environment that controls uncertainty level in recoverable oil and requirement for appraisal; drilling in an environment where wells are expensive does not imply you will need fewer of them prior to making a development decision; (2) a volumetrically small oil field requires at least as much delineation as a large one of equal complexity and lateral extent; indeed, more data may be required in order to mitigate risk of commercial failure; and (3) crestal locations for wildcat exploration wells are often not optimal; this is especially the case if reservoir presence or column retention is the key risk of the play type being tested. Efforts at Cambo now focus on constraining the remaining subsurface uncertainties to an acceptable level and moving the project forward towards development sanction. Despite the knowledge acquired from the extensive exploration and appraisal campaign completed to date by the Cambo co-venturers, at the time of writing the timing of development and preferred development solution at Cambo remains unclear.
The late Variscan HT/LP metamorphic event in NW and Central Iberia: relationships to crustal thickening, extension, orocline development and crustal evolution
Authors: Martínez Catalán José R. , Rubio Pascual Francisco J. , Montes Alejandro Díez , Fernández Rubén Díez , Barreiro Juan Gómez , Dias Da Silva Ícaro , Clavijo Emilio González , Ayarza Puy , Alcock James E.
Published: February 2014

The Variscan metamorphic evolution of the autochthonous domain of NW and Central Iberia is characterized by a Barrovian gradient followed by a high-temperature–low-pressure (HT/LP) event associated with voluminous granite magmatism. The structural, metamorphic and magmatic histories of the region are described briefly and the relations between them are explained. A coherent model for evolution of the continental crust is proposed using published radiometric ages, thermal models and seismic reflection profiles. The metamorphic evolution, including the high-temperature event, is explained by crustal thickening resulting from the Gondwana–Laurussia collision followed by a period of thermal relaxation and a long-lasting extensional stage. The fact that the highest temperatures were reached in the core of the Central Iberian arc, partly occupied by remnants of a huge allochthonous nappe stack, is discussed in relation to both the emplacement of the allochthon and subsequent oroclinal bending. The overburden provided by the allochthonous pile was decisive in triggering the high-temperature event. Orocline development mostly occurred later and had no significant effect on the metamorphic evolution, although it was important for the present localization of gneiss domes and granitoids. The possible role of the mantle in supplying additional heat to explain the HT/LP event is also discussed. It would seem that little mantle contribution was needed and there are no strong arguments for mantle delamination, although some kind of mantle–crust interaction is expected beneath the hot regions presently occupying the core of the Central Iberian arc.
TaintDroid
Authors: Enck William , Gilbert Peter , Chun Byung-Gon , Cox Landon P. , Jung Jaeyeon , McDaniel Patrick , Sheth Anmol N.
Published: February 2014

Today's smartphone operating systems frequently fail to provide users with adequate control over and visibility into how third-party applications use their privacy-sensitive data. We address these shortcomings with TaintDroid, an efficient, systemwide dynamic taint tracking and analysis system capable of simultaneously tracking multiple sources of sensitive data. TaintDroid provides real-time analysis by leveraging Android's virtualized execution environment. Using TaintDroid to monitor the behavior of 30 popular third-party Android applications, we found 68 instances of misappropriation of users' location and device identification information across 20 applications. Monitoring sensitive data with TaintDroid provides informed use of third-party applications for phone users and valuable input for smartphone security service firms seeking to identify misbehaving applications.
Big-data applications in the government sector
Authors: Kim Gang-Hoon , Trimi Silvana , Chung Ji-Hyong
Published: February 2014

In the same way businesses use big data to pursue profits, governments use it to promote the public good.
Fast Design Exploration for Performance, Power and Accuracy Tradeoffs in FPGA-Based Accelerators
Authors: Ulusel Onur , Nepal Kumud , Bahar R. Iris , Reda Sherief
Published: February 2014

The ease-of-use and reconfigurability of FPGAs makes them an attractive platform for accelerating algorithms. However, accelerating becomes a challenging task as the large number of possible design parameters lead to different accelerator variants. In this article, we propose techniques for fast design exploration and multi-objective optimization to quickly identify both algorithmic and hardware parameters that optimize these accelerators. This information is used to run regression analysis and train mathematical models within a nonlinear optimization framework to identify the optimal algorithm and design parameters under various objectives and constraints. To automate and improve the model generation process, we propose the use of
L
1
-regularized least squares regression techniques.We implement two real-time image processing accelerators as test cases: one for image deblurring and one for block matching. For these designs, we demonstrate that by sampling only a small fraction of the design space (0.42% and 1.1%), our modeling techniques are accurate within 2%--4% for area and throughput, 8%--9% for power, and 5%--6% for arithmetic accuracy. We show speedups of 340× and 90× in time for the test cases compared to brute-force enumeration. We also identify the optimal set of parameters for a number of scenarios (e.g., minimizing power under arithmetic inaccuracy bounds).
Gastrodia elata Ameliorates High‐Fructose Diet‐Induced Lipid Metabolism and Endothelial Dysfunction
Authors: Kho Min Chul , Lee Yun Jung , Cha Jeong Dan , Choi Kyung Min , Kang Dae Gill , Lee Ho Sub
Published: February 2014

Overconsumption of fructose results in dyslipidemia, hypertension, and impaired glucose tolerance, which have documented correlation with metabolic syndrome. Gastrodia elata, a widely used traditional herbal medicine, was reported with anti‐inflammatory and antidiabetes activities. Thus, this study examined whether ethanol extract of Gastrodia elata Blume (EGB) attenuate lipid metabolism and endothelial dysfunction in a high‐fructose (HF) diet animal model. Rats were fed the 65% HF diet with/without EGB 100 mg/kg/day for 8 weeks. Treatment with EGB significantly suppressed the increments of epididymal fat weight, blood pressure, plasma triglyceride, total cholesterol levels, and oral glucose tolerance, respectively. In addition, EGB markedly prevented increase of adipocyte size and hepatic accumulation of triglycerides. EGB ameliorated endothelial dysfunction by downregulation of endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) and adhesion molecules in the aorta. Moreover, EGB significantly recovered the impairment of vasorelaxation to acetylcholine and levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression and induced markedly upregulation of phosphorylation AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK)α in the liver, muscle, and fat. These results indicate that EGB ameliorates dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance as well as impaired vascular endothelial function in HF diet rats. Taken together, EGB may be a beneficial therapeutic approach for metabolic syndrome.
5-Lipoxygenase-Dependent Recruitment of Neutrophils and Macrophages by Eotaxin-Stimulated Murine Eosinophils
Authors: Luz Ricardo Alves , Xavier-Elsas Pedro , de Luca Bianca , Masid-de-Brito Daniela , Cauduro Priscila Soares , Gondar Arcanjo Luiz Carlos , Cordeiro Faria dos Santos Ana Carolina , de Oliveira Ivi Cristina Maria , Gaspar-Elsas Maria Ignez Capella
Published: February 2014

The roles of eosinophils in antimicrobial defense remain incompletely understood. In ovalbumin-sensitized mice, eosinophils are selectively recruited to the peritoneal cavity by antigen, eotaxin, or leukotriene(LT)B4, a 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) metabolite. 5-LO blockade prevents responses to both antigen and eotaxin. We examined responses to eotaxin in the absence of sensitization and their dependence on 5-LO. BALB/c or PAS mice and their mutants (5-LO-deficient ALOX; eosinophil-deficient GATA-1) were injected i.p. with eotaxin, eosinophils, or both, and leukocyte accumulation was quantified up to 24 h. Significant recruitment of eosinophils by eotaxin in BALB/c, up to 24 h, was accompanied by much larger numbers of recruited neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages. These effects were abolished by eotaxin neutralization and 5-LO-activating protein inhibitor MK886. In ALOX (but not PAS) mice, eotaxin recruitment was abolished for eosinophils and halved for neutrophils. In GATA-1 mutants, eotaxin recruited neither neutrophils nor macrophages. Transfer of eosinophils cultured from bone-marrow of BALB/c donors, or from ALOX donors, into GATA-1 mutant recipients, i.p., restored eotaxin recruitment of neutrophils and showed that the critical step dependent on 5-LO is the initial recruitment of eosinophils by eotaxin, not the secondary neutrophil accumulation. Eosinophil-dependent recruitment of neutrophils in naive BALB/c mice was associated with increased binding of bacteria.
Direct Numerical Simulation and Visualization of Subcooled Pool Boiling
Authors: Kunugi Tomoaki , Ose Yasuo
Published: February 2014

A direct numerical simulation of the boiling phenomena is one of the promising approaches in order to clarify their heat transfer characteristics and discuss the mechanism. During these decades, many DNS procedures have been developed according to the recent high performance computers and computational technologies. In this paper, the state of the art of direct numerical simulation of the pool boiling phenomena during mostly two decades is briefly summarized at first, and then the nonempirical boiling and condensation model proposed by the authors is introduced into the MARS (MultiInterface Advection and Reconstruction Solver developed by the authors). On the other hand, in order to clarify the boiling bubble behaviors under the subcooled conditions, the subcooled pool boiling experiments are also performed by using a high speed and high spatial resolution camera with a highly magnified telescope. Resulting from the numerical simulations of the subcooled pool boiling phenomena, the numerical results obtained by the MARS are validated by being compared to the experimental ones and the existing analytical solutions. The numerical results regarding the time evolution of the boiling bubble departure process under the subcooled conditions show a very good agreement with the experimental results. In conclusion, it can be said that the proposed nonempirical boiling and condensation model combined with the MARS has been validated.
Emergence of a Snake-Like Structure in Mobile Distributed Agents: An Exploratory Agent-Based Modeling Approach
Authors: Niazi Muaz A.
Published: February 2014

The body structure of snakes is composed of numerous natural components thereby making it resilient, flexible, adaptive, and dynamic. In contrast, current computer animations as well as physical implementations of snake-like autonomous structures are typically designed to use either a single or a relatively smaller number of components. As a result, not only these artificial structures are constrained by the dimensions of the constituent components but often also require relatively more computationally intensive algorithms to model and animate. Still, these animations often lack life-like resilience and adaptation. This paper presents a solution to the problem of modeling snake-like structures by proposing an agent-based, self-organizing algorithm resulting in an emergent and surprisingly resilient dynamic structure involving a minimal of interagent communication. Extensive simulation experiments demonstrate the effectiveness as well as resilience of the proposed approach. The ideas originating from the proposed algorithm can not only be used for developing self-organizing animations but can also have practical applications such as in the form of complex, autonomous, evolvable robots with self-organizing, mobile components with minimal individual computational capabilities. The work also demonstrates the utility of exploratory agent-based modeling (EABM) in the engineering of artificial life-like complex adaptive systems.
A Variational Level Set Model Combined with FCMS for Image Clustering Segmentation
Authors: Tang Liming
Published: February 2014

The fuzzy C means clustering algorithm with spatial constraint (FCMS) is effective for image segmentation. However, it lacks essential smoothing constraints to the cluster boundaries and enough robustness to the noise. Samson et al. proposed a variational level set model for image clustering segmentation, which can get the smooth cluster boundaries and closed cluster regions due to the use of level set scheme. However it is very sensitive to the noise since it is actually a hard C means clustering model. In this paper, based on Samson’s work, we propose a new variational level set model combined with FCMS for image clustering segmentation. Compared with FCMS clustering, the proposed model can get smooth cluster boundaries and closed cluster regions due to the use of level set scheme. In addition, a block‐based energy is incorporated into the energy functional, which enables the proposed model to be more robust to the noise than FCMS clustering and Samson’s model. Some experiments on the synthetic and real images are performed to assess the performance of the proposed model. Compared with some classical image segmentation models, the proposed model has a better performance for the images contaminated by different noise levels.
Urinary Catheterization May Not Adversely Impact Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Authors: James Rebecca , Frasure Heidi E. , Mahajan Sangeeta T.
Published: February 2014

Background. Multiple sclerosis (MS) healthcare providers (HCP) have undergone considerable educational efforts regarding the importance of evaluating and treating pelvic floor disorders, specifically, urinary dysfunction. However, limited data are available to determine the impact of catheterization on patient quality of life (QoL). Objectives. To describe the use of urinary catheterization among MS patients and determine the differences between those who report positive versus negative impact of this treatment on QoL. Methods. Patients were queried as part of the 2010 North American Research Committee On Multiple Sclerosis survey; topics included 1) urinary/bladder, bowel, or sexual problems; 2) current urine leakage; 3) current catheter use; 4) catheterizing and QoL. Results. Respondents with current urine leakage were 5143 (54.7%), of which 1201 reported current catheter use (12.8%). The types of catheters (intermittent self-catheterization and Foley catheter (indwelling and suprapubic)) did not differ significantly. Of the current catheter users, 304 (25.35%) respondents reported catheterization negatively impacting QoL, 629 (52.4%) reported a positive impact on QoL, and 223 (18.6%) reported neutral QoL. Conclusions. A large proportion of catheterized MS patients report negative or positive changes in QoL associated with urinary catheterization. Urinary catheterization does not appear to have a universally negative impact on patient QoL.
Anti-Inflammatory and Antinociceptive Activities of Bufalin in Rodents
Authors: Wen Lili , Huang Yang , Xie Xianbiao , Huang Wan , Yin Junqiang , Lin Wenqian , Jia Qiang , Zeng Weian
Published: February 2014

The aims of this study were to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of bufalin, a major component of “Chan-su.” We used a carrageenan-induced paw edema model to assess the anti-inflammatory activity of this compound, and Western blot analysis detected NF-κB signaling during this effect. The antinociceptive activities were evaluated by acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin, and hot-plate tests; open-field test investigated effects on the central nervous system. Our data showed that bufalin (0.3 and 0.6 mg/kg, i.p.) potently decreased carrageenan-induced paw edema. Bufalin down regulated the expression levels of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) during these treatments. Further studies demonstrated that bufalin significantly inhibited the activation of NF-κB signaling. Bufalin also reduced acetic acid-induced writhing and the licking time in the formalin test and increased hot-plate reaction latencies. Naloxone pretreatment (2 mg/kg, i.p.) in the early phases of the formalin test and hot-plate test significantly attenuated the bufalin-induced antinociception effects, which suggests the involvement of the opioid system. A reduction in locomotion was not observed in the open-field test after bufalin administration. Taken together, bufalin treatment resulted in in vivo anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, and bufalin may be a novel, potential drug for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Black Carbon and Elemental Carbon from Postharvest Agricultural-Waste Burning Emissions in the Indo-Gangetic Plain
Authors: Singh Atinderpal , Rajput Prashant , Sharma Deepti , Sarin M. M. , Singh Darshan
Published: February 2014

We compare the mass concentrations of black carbon (BC) and elemental carbon (EC) from different emissions in the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP), using optical (Aethalometer; 880 nm) and thermooptical technique (EC-OC analyzer; 678 nm), respectively. The fractional contribution of BC mass concentration measured at two different channels (370 and 880 nm), OC/EC ratio, and non-sea-salt K+/EC ratios have been systematically monitored for representing the source characteristics of BC and EC in this study. The mass concentrations of BC varied from 8.5 to 19.6, 2.4 to 18.2, and 2.2 to 9.4 μg m−3during October-November (paddy-residue burning emission), December–March (emission from bio- and fossil-fuel combustion) and April-May (wheat-residue burning emission), respectively. In contrast, the mass concentrations of EC varied from 3.8 to 17.5, 2.3 to 8.9, and 2.0 to 8.8 μg m−3during these emissions, respectively. The BC/EC ratios conspicuously greater than 1.0 have been observed during paddy-residue burning emissions associated with high mass concentrations of EC, OC, and OC/EC ratio. The Ångström exponent (α) derived from Aethalometer data is approximately 1.5 for the postharvest agricultural-waste burning emissions, hitherto unknown for the IGP. The mass absorption efficiency (MAE) of BC and EC centers at ~1–4 m2 g−1and 2-3 m2 g−1during the entire study period in the IGP.
Characterization of the Casein/Keratin Self‐Assembly Nanomicelles
Authors: Xiao-Zhou Su , Hong-Ru Wang , Mian Huang
Published: February 2014

Complex nanomicelles were made from casein and keratin through electrostatic self‐assembly and transglutaminase fixation that was proved to be harmless and green. The complex nanomicelles were characterized by dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and steady‐state florescence. The results show that the complex nanomcelles acquired at the neutral pH in the mass ratio of casein to keratin 4 : 1 exhibit an anomalous sphere shape with uniform size which the diameter is about 40–70 nm. The complex nanomicelles in solution possess excellent dilution and storage stability due to the fixation and their high ζ‐potential (22.8 mV). The complex nanomicelles are relatively hydrophilic and have a good potential for industrial application.
Stego on FPGA: An IWT Approach
Authors: Ramalingam Balakrishnan , Amirtharajan Rengarajan , Rayappan John Bosco Balaguru
Published: February 2014

A reconfigurable hardware architecture for the implementation of integer wavelet transform (IWT) based adaptive random image steganography algorithm is proposed. The Haar-IWT was used to separate the subbands namely, LL, LH, HL, and HH, from8×8pixel blocks and the encrypted secret data is hidden in the LH, HL, and HH blocks using Moore and Hilbert space filling curve (SFC) scan patterns. Either Moore or Hilbert SFC was chosen for hiding the encrypted data in LH, HL, and HH coefficients, whichever produces the lowest mean square error (MSE) and the highest peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR). The fixated random walk’s verdict of all blocks is registered which is nothing but the furtive key. Our system took 1.6 µs for embedding the data in coefficient blocks and consumed 34% of the logic elements, 22% of the dedicated logic register, and 2% of the embedded multiplier on Cyclone II field programmable gate array (FPGA).
Nanopigmented Acrylic Resin Cured Indistinctively by Water Bath or Microwave Energy for Dentures
Authors: Acosta-Torres L. S. , Arenas M. C. , Nuñez­-Anita R. E. , Barceló-Santana F. H. , Álvarez-Gayosso C. A. , Palacios-Alquisira J. , de la Fuente-Hernández J. , Cajero-Juárez Marcos , Castaño V. M.
Published: February 2014

The highlight of this study was the synthesis of nanopigmented poly(methyl methacrylate) nanoparticles that were further processed using a water bath and/or microwave energy for dentures. The experimental acrylic resins were physicochemically characterized, and the adherence of Candida albicans and biocompatibility were assessed. A nanopigmented acrylic resin cured by a water bath or by microwave energy was obtained. The acrylic specimens possess similar properties to commercial acrylic resins, but the transverse strength and porosity were slightly improved. The acrylic resins cured with microwave energy exhibited reduced C. albicans adherence. These results demonstrate an improved noncytotoxic material for the manufacturing of denture bases in dentistry.
Changes of Peripheral Blood Lymphocyte Subtypes in Patients with End Stage Cancer Administered Localized Radiotherapy and Bojungikki‐Tang
Authors: Lee A-Jin , Lee Ho Jun , Kim Jong-Dae , Jung Hyun-Jung , Bae Sung Hwa , Ryoo Hun Mo , Kim Sang-Gyung
Published: February 2014

Localized radiotherapy (RT) can cause immune dysfunction. Bojungikki‐tang is known to restore immune function. We investigated the absolute counts and percentages of peripheral blood (PB) lymphocyte subtypes in end stage cancer patients before and after RT and after oral administration of Bojungikki‐tang water extract (BJITE) and to evaluate the changes mediated by RT and BJITE. Absolute counts and percentages of lymphocyte and lymphocyte subsets were determined in whole blood using the TetraONE System (Beckman Coulter, USA). Flow cytometry results were compared before and after RT and after administration of BJITE. Absolute numbers of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells and CD19+ B cells decreased significantly after RT (P < 0.05). Absolute numbers of CD3‐CD56+ cells did not change in both groups. No significant differences were observed in the absolute counts of lymphocyte subtypes before and after administration of BJITE or vitamin group. When BJITE group was compared with vitamin group, absolute numbers of CD19+ B cells increased. RT‐induced decrease in T cells and B cells in PB suggests that immune deterioration occurs after RT. Administration of BJITE might be effective in the restoration of number of B cells.