bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tiled-MapReduce
Authors: Chen Rong , Chen Haibo
Published: April 2013

The prevalence of chip multiprocessors opens opportunities of running data-parallel applications originally in clusters on a single machine with many cores. MapReduce, a simple and elegant programming model to program large-scale clusters, has recently been shown a promising alternative to harness the multicore platform.

The differences such as memory hierarchy and communication patterns between clusters and multicore platforms raise new challenges to design and implement an efficient MapReduce system on multicore. This article argues that it is more efficient for MapReduce to iteratively process small chunks of data in turn than processing a large chunk of data at a time on shared memory multicore platforms. Based on the argument, we extend the general MapReduce programming model with a “tiling strategy”, called
Tiled
-
MapReduce
(TMR). TMR partitions a large MapReduce job into a number of small subjobs and iteratively processes one subjob at a time with efficient use of resources; TMR finally merges the results of all subjobs for output. Based on Tiled-MapReduce, we design and implement several optimizing techniques targeting multicore, including the reuse of the input buffer among subjobs, a NUCA/NUMA-aware scheduler, and pipelining a subjob’s reduce phase with the successive subjob’s map phase, to optimize the memory, cache, and CPU resources accordingly. Further, we demonstrate that Tiled-MapReduce supports fine-grained fault tolerance and enables several usage scenarios such as online and incremental computing on multicore machines.

Performance evaluation with our prototype system called Ostrich on a 48-core machine shows that Ostrich saves up to 87.6% memory, causes less cache misses, and makes more efficient use of CPU cores, resulting in a speedup ranging from 1.86x to 3.07x over Phoenix. Ostrich also efficiently supports fine-grained fault tolerance, online, and incremental computing with small performance penalty.
The McPAT Framework for Multicore and Manycore Architectures
Authors: Li Sheng , Ahn Jung Ho , Strong Richard D. , Brockman Jay B. , Tullsen Dean M. , Jouppi Norman P.
Published: April 2013

This article introduces McPAT, an integrated power, area, and timing modeling framework that supports comprehensive design space exploration for multicore and manycore processor configurations ranging from 90nm to 22nm and beyond. At microarchitectural level, McPAT includes models for the fundamental components of a complete chip multiprocessor, including in-order and out-of-order processor cores, networks-on-chip, shared caches, and integrated system components such as memory controllers and Ethernet controllers. At circuit level, McPAT supports detailed modeling of critical-path timing, area, and power. At technology level, McPAT models timing, area, and power for the device types forecast in the ITRS roadmap. McPAT has a flexible XML interface to facilitate its use with many performance simulators.

Combined with a performance simulator, McPAT enables architects to accurately quantify the cost of new ideas and assess trade-offs of different architectures using new metrics such as Energy-Delay-Area2 Product (EDA2P) and Energy-Delay-Area Product (EDAP). This article explores the interconnect options of future manycore processors by varying the degree of clustering over generations of process technologies. Clustering will bring interesting trade-offs between area and performance because the interconnects needed to group cores into clusters incur area overhead, but many applications can make good use of them due to synergies from cache sharing. Combining power, area, and timing results of McPAT with performance simulation of PARSEC benchmarks for manycore designs at the 22nm technology shows that 8-core clustering gives the best energy-delay product, whereas when die area is taken into account, 4-core clustering gives the best EDA2P and EDAP.
Roberts
Authors: Chau Thomas C.P. , Luk Wayne , Cheung Peter Y.K.
Published: April 2013

This paper presents Roberts, a Reconfigurable platfOrm for BEnchmarking Real-Time Systems. Roberts is the first platform which can be customised for a given system-under-test to support benchmarking of real-time properties and energy consumption. The benchmarking takes into account system workload and environmental events, with facilities for generating test vectors conforming to the specification of systemunder- test, and with support for on-line monitoring of the response time, output values and energy consumption. The proposed benchmarking platform has been implemented in the DE4 development system to provide cycle-accurate timing measurement at nano-second precision to analyse high performance applications. An evaluation of our approach shows that the platform can be used in analysing the performance of target applications and overheads of other timing facilities, such as the interval timer on processors.
An augmented reality system with a coarse-grained reconfigurable device
Authors: Kinoshita Kei , Takano Daisuke , Okamura Tomoyuki , Yao Tetsuhiko , Yamaguchi Yoshiki
Published: April 2013

Image recognition and motion tracking are widely utilized in the field of Augmented Reality (AR). Although their computational cost is huge, they enable to extend the practicality and the range of applications if all computation is processed within real time. Toward this goal, in this paper, we propose a handheld AR system optimized for direct hardware computation. It includes a subspace method for image recognition and a KLT tracking algorithm for motion tracking. The AR system is composed of one two-million-pixel-CCD-image sensor, one head-mounted display, one reconfigurable device called DAPDNA-2, and so on. DAPDNA-2 is a coarse-grained and dynamic-reconfigurable device which is produced by Tokyo Keiki Inc. The merit of DAPDNA-2 is its short-reconfiguration time and it is utilised to full for not only high performance but also the reduction of power consumption. The experimental result through a real Japanese-English translation system shows image recognition and motion tracking are computed within real-time; the computation time is less than 0.741 milliseconds per a VGA-resolution (640 x 480 pixels) frame. Thus, we are able to find a highly efficient computation using a coarse-grained architecture compared with general-purpose processors and embedded processors.
High performance phylogenetic analysis on CUDA-compatible GPUs
Authors: Ling Cheng , Benkrid Khaled , Hamada Tsuyoshi
Published: April 2013

The operation of phylogenetic analysis aims to investigate the evolution and relationships among species. It is widely used in the fields of system biology and comparative genomics. However, phylogenetic analysis is also a computationally intensive operation as the number of tree topology grows in a factorial way with the number of species involved. Therefore, due to the large number of species in the real world, the computational burden has largely thwarted phylogenetic reconstruction. In this paper, we describe the detailed GPU-based multi-threaded design and implementation of a Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) maximum likelihood algorithm for phylogenetic analysis on a set of aligned nucleotide sequences. The implementation is based on the framework of the most widely used phylogenetic analysis tool, namely MrBayes. The proposed approach resulted in 6x-8x speed-up on an NVidia Geforce 460 GTX GPU compared to an optimized GPP-based software implementation running on a desktop computer with a single Intel Xeon 2.53 GHz CPU and 6.0 GB RAM.
0.18 μm CMOS proess high-sensitivity optially reonfgurable gatearray VLSI
Authors: Watanabe Takahiro , Watanabe Minoru
Published: April 2013

Currently, demand for high-speed dynamic reconfiguration of a programmable device is increasing for the purpose of increasing the performance of such devices. To support the high speed dynamic reconfiguration, optially reconfigurable gate arrays (ORGAs) have been developed up to now. An ORGA consists of a holographic memory, a laser array, and an optially reconfigurable gate array VLSI. The holographic memory can store many configuration contexts. In addition, its large bandwidth optical connection enables high speed reconfiguration. However, photodiode sensitivities of conventional ORGAs were not good. This paper therefore presents a newly fabriated 0.18πm CMOS process optially reconfigurable gate array VLSI chip with highly sensitive photociruits.
Discrimination in Online Ad Delivery
Authors: Sweeney Latanya
Published: April 2013

Do online ads suggestive of arrest records appear more often with searches of black-sounding names than white-sounding names? What is a black-sounding name or white-sounding name, anyway? How many more times would an ad have to appear adversely affecting one racial group for it to be considered discrimination? Is online activity so ubiquitous that computer scientists have to think about societal consequences such as structural racism in technology design? If so, how is this technology to be built? Let’s take a scientific dive into online ad delivery to find answers.
Overview on Multipattern and Multipolarization Antennas for Aerospace and Terrestrial Applications
Authors: Chen Aixin , Jiang Weiwei , Chen Zhizhang , Wang Jiaheng
Published: April 2013

In recent years, reconfigurable antennas, with the ability to radiate wave in more than one pattern and polarization, play a great role in modern telecommunication systems. Compared with conventional antennas, multipattern and multipolarization antennas have more advantages and better prospects. They can be used to improve system gain and security, satisfy system requirements, avoid noisy environment, and adapt to the environment flexibly. This paper discusses different patterns and polarizations of reconfigurable antennas according to current research work in this area. In the opinion of this paper, the radiation pattern states of antennas include beam direction, shape, and gain. The polarization states of antennas include horizontal/vertical linear, ±slant 45° linear, left-hand or right-hand circular polarized. Different multipattern and multipolarization antennas with various structures and working mechanisms are compared and discussed. Multipattern and multipolarization antennas have been well applied for aerospace and terrestrial applications, such as dynamic scenarios, adaptive beam scanning, and multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) systems.
The Effective Electrolytic Recovery of Dilute Copper from Industrial Wastewater
Authors: Chen Teng-Chien , Priambodo Ricky , Huang Ruo-Lin , Huang Yao-Hui
Published: April 2013

Electroplating copper industry was discharged huge amount wastewater and cause serious environmental and health damage in Taiwan. This research applied electrical copper recovery system to recover copper metal. In this work, electrotreatment of a industrial copper wastewater ([Cu] = 30000 mg L−1) was studied with titanium net coated with a thin layer of RuO2/IrO2 (DSA) reactor. The optimal result for simulated copper solution was 99.9% copper recovery efficiency in current density 0.585 A/dm2 and no iron ion. Due to high concentration of iron and chloride ions in real industrial wastewater, the copper recovery efficiency was down to 60%. Although, the copper recovery efficiency was not high as simulated copper solution, high environmental economic value was included in the technology. The possibility of pretreating the wastewater with iron is the necessary step, before the electrical recovery copper system.
Traveling Wave Solutions in a Reaction-Diffusion Epidemic Model
Authors: Wang Sheng , Liu Wenbin , Guo Zhengguang , Wang Weiming
Published: April 2013

We investigate the traveling wave solutions in a reaction-diffusion epidemic model. The existence of the wave solutions is derived through monotone iteration of a pair of classical upper and lower solutions. The traveling wave solutions are shown to be unique and strictly monotonic. Furthermore, we determine the critical minimal wave speed.
Influence of Activity of CaSO4·2H2O on Hydrothermal Formation of CaSO4·0.5H2O Whiskers
Authors: Hou S. C. , Xiang L.
Published: April 2013

The influence of the activity of calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O) on the hydrothermal formation of CaSO4·0.5H2O whiskers was investigated in this paper, using commercial CaSO4·2H2O as the raw material. The experimental results indicated that the activity of CaSO4·2H2O was improved after calcination of the commercial CaSO4·2H2O at 150°C for 6.0 h followed by hydration at room temperature for 1.0 h, corresponding to the decrease of the agglomerated particle sizes from 29.7 μm to 15.1 μm, the increase of the specific surface areas (BET) from 4.75 m2 · g−1 to 19.12 m2 · g−1 and the grain sizes from 95 nm to 40 nm. The active CaSO4·2H2O produced by the calcination‐hydration treatment favored the hydrothermal dissolution of CaSO4·2H2O, promoting the formation of hemihydrate calcium sulfate (CaSO4·0.5H2O) whiskers with high aspect ratios.
A Novel Approach to the Surgical Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniations: Indications of Simple Discectomy and Posterior Transpedicular Dynamic Stabilization Based on Carragee Classification
Authors: Ozer A. F. , Keskin F. , Oktenoglu T. , Suzer T. , Ataker Y. , Gomleksiz C. , Sasani M.
Published: April 2013

Surgery of lumbar disc herniation is still a problem since Mixter and Barr. Main trouble is dissatisfaction after the operation. Today there is a debate on surgical or conservative treatment despite spending great effort to provide patients with satisfaction. The main problem is segmental instability, and the minimally invasive approach via microscope or endoscope is not necessarily appropriate solution for all cases. Microsurgery or endoscopy would be appropriate for the treatment of Carragee type I and type III herniations. On the other hand in Carragee type II and type IV herniations that are prone to develop recurrent disc herniation and segmental instability, the minimal invasive techniques might be insufficient to achieve satisfactory results. The posterior transpedicular dynamic stabilization method might be a good solution to prevent or diminish the recurrent disc herniation and development of segmental instability. In this study we present our experience in the surgical treatment of disc herniations.
Rhenium-188 Production in Hospitals, by W-188/Re-188 Generator, for Easy Use in Radionuclide Therapy
Authors: Argyrou Maria , Valassi Alexia , Andreou Maria , Lyra Maria
Published: April 2013

Rhenium-188 (Re-188) is a high energy -emitting radioisotope obtained from the tungsten-188/rhenium-188 (W-188/Re-188) generator, which has shown utility for a variety of therapeutic applications in nuclear medicine, oncology, and interventional radiology/cardiology. Re-188 decay is accompanied by a 155 keV predominant energy -emission, which could be detected by -cameras, for imaging, biodistribution, or absorbed radiation dose studies. Its attractive physical properties and its potential low cost associated with a long-lived parent make it an interesting option for clinical use. The setup and daily use of W-188/Re-188 generator in hospital nuclear medicine departments are discussed in detail. The clinical efficacy, for several therapeutic applications, of a variety of Re-188-labeled agents is demonstrated. The high energy of the -emission of Re-188 is particularly well suited for effective penetration in solid tumours. Its total radiation dose delivered to tissues is comparable to other radionuclides used in therapy. Furthermore, radiation safety and shielding requirements are an important subject of matter. In the case of bone metastases treatment, therapeutic ratios are presented in order to describe the efficacy of Re-188 usage.
Colon Mucosa Exhibits Loss of Ectopic MUC5AC Expression in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis Treated with Oral Tacrolimus
Authors: Mizoshita Tsutomu , Tanida Satoshi , Tsukamoto Hironobu , Ozeki Keiji , Katano Takahito , Ebi Masahide , Mori Yoshinori , Kataoka Hiromi , Kamiya Takeshi , Joh Takashi
Published: April 2013

Background. Tacrolimus (FK506) is effective for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). However, there are few reports on tacrolimus therapy (TT) with respect to the relationship with endoscopic and clinicopathologic findings. Methods. Thirty patients with moderate/severe active UC refractory to or dependent on corticosteroid were treated with oral tacrolimus. The expression of ectopic MUC5AC in the colon was pathologically analyzed before and at 12 weeks after TT, evaluating the Mayo score and steroid-sparing effects. Results. Both mean disease and endoscopic activity index scores were reduced at levels of statistical significance in 26 UC patients receiving more than one month of TT (). The dose of prednisolone was reduced by a statistically significant amount (), and 14 of the 26 patients (53.8%) had steroid-free status 12 weeks after TT. The decrease in ectopic MUC5AC expression in the mucous cells of the colon was significantly associated with endoscopic improvement of inflammation in the UC patients with TT (). Loss of ectopic MUC5AC expression was detected in all patients who had complete response. Conclusions. Tacrolimus appears to be effective for the treatment of moderate/severe UC patients. Loss of ectopic MUC5AC expression may be important for pathologic remission in the colon of UC patients.
An Algorithm to Determine the Optimum Tilt Angle of a Solar Panel from Global Horizontal Solar Radiation
Authors: Calabrò Emanuele
Published: April 2013

This paper proposes an algorithm to calculate the optimum tilt angle of solar panels by means of global horizontal solar radiation data, provided from Earth-based meteorological stations. This mathematical modeling is based on the maximization of the theoretical expression of the global solar irradiation impinging on an inclined surface, with respect to the slope and orientation of the panel and to the solar hour angle. A set of transcendent equations resulted, whose solutions give the optimum tilt and orientation of a solar panel. A simulation was carried out using global horizontal solar radiation data from the European Solar Radiation Atlas and some empirical models of diffuse solar radiation. The optimum tilt angle resulted was related to latitude by a linear regression with significant correlation coefficients. The standard error of the mean values resulted increased significantly with latitude, suggesting that unreliable values can be provided at high latitudes.
Study on the Application of the Kent Index Method on the Risk Assessment of Disastrous Accidents in Subway Engineering
Authors: Lu Hao , Wang Mingyang , Yang Baohuai , Rong Xiaoli
Published: April 2013

With the development of subway engineering, according to uncertain factors and serious accidents involved in the construction of subways, implementing risk assessment is necessary and may bring a number of benefits for construction safety. The Kent index method extensively used in pipeline construction is improved to make risk assessment much more practical for the risk assessment of disastrous accidents in subway engineering. In the improved method, the indexes are divided into four categories, namely, basic, design, construction, and consequence indexes. In this study, a risk assessment model containing four kinds of indexes is provided. Three kinds of risk occurrence modes are listed. The probability index model which considers the relativity of the indexes is established according to the risk occurrence modes. The model provides the risk assessment process through the fault tree method and has been applied in the risk assessment of Nanjing subway’s river‐crossing tunnel construction. Based on the assessment results, the builders were informed of what risks should be noticed and what they should do to avoid the risks. The need for further research is discussed. Overall, this method may provide a tool for the builders, and improve the safety of the construction.
Designing Insurance to Promote Use of Childhood Obesity Prevention Services
Authors: Rask Kimberly J. , Gazmararian Julie A. , Kohler Susan S. , Hawley Jonathan N. , Bogard Jenny , Brown Victoria A.
Published: April 2013

Childhood obesity is a recognized public health crisis. This paper reviews the lessons learned from a voluntary initiative to expand insurance coverage for childhood obesity prevention and treatment services in the United States. In-depth telephone interviews were conducted with key informants from 16 participating health plans and employers in 2010-11. Key informants reported difficulty ensuring that both providers and families were aware of the available services. Participating health plans and employers are beginning new tactics including removing enrollment requirements, piloting enhanced outreach to selected physician practices, and educating providers on effective care coordination and use of obesity-specific billing codes through professional organizations. The voluntary initiative successfully increased private health insurance coverage for obesity services, but the interviews described variability in implementation with both best practices and barriers identified. Increasing utilization of obesity-related health services in the long term will require both family- and provider-focused interventions in partnership with improved health insurance coverage.
Nanolayered Diamond Sintered Compact Obtained by Direct Conversion from Highly Oriented Graphite under High Pressure and High Temperature
Authors: Isobe Futoshi , Ohfuji Hiroaki , Sumiya Hitoshi , Irifune Tetsuo
Published: April 2013

A new type of polycrystalline sintered diamond has been successfully synthesized by direct conversion from highly oriented pyrolytic graphite at 15 GPa and 2300°C. It is optically transparent and consists entirely of layered nanocrystals (50–100 nm thick) of cubic diamond, which are tightly bound to each other and have strong [111] preferred orientation along the stacking direction. This nanolayered diamond has excellent indentation hardness (~114 GPa in Knoop scale) comparable to the highest values obtained from single crystalline diamond. Furthermore, it is expected to have significantly high wear resistance on both ends of cylindrical sintered compact, since the surfaces are terminated exclusively by the hardest {111} planes of the layered diamond nanocrystals.
An Integrative Platform of TCM Network Pharmacology and Its Application on a Herbal Formula,Qing-Luo-Yin
Authors: Zhang Bo , Wang Xu , Li Shao
Published: April 2013

The scientific understanding of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been hindered by the lack of methods that can explore the complex nature and combinatorial rules of herbal formulae. On the assumption that herbal ingredients mainly target a molecular network to adjust the imbalance of human body, here we present a-self-developed TCM network pharmacology platform for discovering herbal formulae in a systematic manner. This platform integrates a set of network-based methods that we established previously to catch the network regulation mechanism and to identify active ingredients as well as synergistic combinations for a given herbal formula. We then provided a case study on an antirheumatoid arthritis (RA) formula,Qing-Luo-Yin(QLY), to demonstrate the usability of the platform. We revealed the target network of QLY against RA-related key processes including angiogenesis, inflammatory response, and immune response, based on which we not only predicted active and synergistic ingredients from QLY but also interpreted the combinatorial rule of this formula. These findings are either verified by the literature evidence or have the potential to guide further experiments. Therefore, such a network pharmacology strategy and platform is expected to make the systematical study of herbal formulae achievable and to make the TCM drug discovery predictable.
Immune Recovery Uveitis Masked as an Endogenous Endophthalmitis in a Patient with Active CMV Retinitis
Authors: Figueiredo Ligia , Rothwell Renata , Bilhoto Miguel , Varandas Rosário , Fonseca Sofia
Published: April 2013

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis may occur in profoundly immunocompromised patients and be the initial AIDS-defining infection. The incidence and prevalence of CMV retinitis has declined substantially in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART); nevertheless, it remains a leading cause of ocular morbility. We report the case of a 40-year-old man with blurred vision and pain in the right eye, three weeks after the initiation of effective HAART treatment. Ocular examination revealed a panuveitis causing an anterior chamber reaction with hypopyon and a dense vitreous haze. An endogenous endophthalmitis was suspected and treatment was ensued, without improvement. A vitreous tap was performed, and a positive polymerase chain reaction for CMV was found. A diagnosis of immune recovery uveitis (IRU) was made, and the patient responded to treatment with valganciclovir and dexamethasone. IRU is an intraocular inflammation that develops in patients with HAART-induced immune recovery and inactive CMV retinitis, although cases of active CMV retinitis have been described. Presentation with panuveitis and hypopion is rare and may be misleading regarding diagnosis and management.
A Possible Molecular Mechanism of Immunomodulatory Activity of Bilirubin
Authors: Isogai Hideto , Hirayama Noriaki
Published: April 2013

Bilirubin is an endogenous product of heme degradation in mammals. Bilirubin has long been considered as a cytotoxic waste product that needs to be excreted. However, increasing evidence suggests that bilirubin possesses multiple biological activities. In particular, recent studies have shown that bilirubin should be a protective factor for several autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Since these autoimmune diseases are closely associated with specific types of human leukocyte antigens (HLAs), we have hypothesized that bilirubin might bind to the antigenic peptide-binding groove of the HLA molecules and exert its immunosuppressive actions. In order to evaluate the hypothesis, theoretical docking studies between bilirubin and the relevant HLA molecules have been undertaken. The in silico studies have clearly shown that bilirubin may bind to the antigenic peptide-binding groove of the HLA molecules relevant to the autoimmune diseases with significant affinity. The bound bilirubin may block the binding of antigenic peptides to be presented to T cell receptors and lead to suppression of the autoimmune responses. Based on this hypothesis new drug discovery research for autoimmune diseases will be conducted.
The Effect of Magnetic Field and Initial Stress on Fractional Order Generalized Thermoelastic Half-Space
Authors: Deswal Sunita , Sheoran Sandeep Singh , Kalkal Kapil Kumar
Published: April 2013

The aim of this paper is to study magneto-thermoelastic interactions in an initially stressed isotropic homogeneous half-space in the context of fractional order theory of generalized thermoelasticity. State space formulation with the Laplace transform technique is used to obtain the general solution, and the resulting formulation is applied to the ramp type increase in thermal load and zero stress. Solutions of the problem in the physical domain are obtained by using a numerical method of the Laplace inverse transform based on the Fourier expansion technique, and the expressions for the displacement, temperature, and stress inside the half-space are obtained. Numerical computations are carried out for a particular material for illustrating the results. Results obtained for the field variables are displayed graphically. Some comparisons have been shown in figures to present the effect of fractional parameter, ramp parameter, magnetic field, and initial stress on the field variables. Some particular cases of special interest have been deduced from the present investigation.
Three-Dimensional Virtual Bone Bank System Workflow for Structural Bone Allograft Selection: A Technical Report
Authors: Ritacco Lucas Eduardo , Farfalli German Luis , Milano Federico Edgardo , Ayerza Miguel Angel , Muscolo Domingo Luis , Aponte-Tinao Luis
Published: April 2013

Structural bone allograft has been used in bone defect reconstruction during the last fifty years with acceptable results. However, allograft selection methods were based on 2-dimensional templates using X-rays. Thanks to preoperative planning platforms, three-dimensional (3D) CT-derived bone models were used to define size and shape comparison between host and donor. The purpose of this study was to describe the workflow of this virtual technique in order to explain how to choose the best allograft using a virtual bone bank system. We measured all bones in a 3D virtual environment determining the best match. The use of a virtual bone bank system has allowed optimizing the allograft selection in a bone bank, providing more information to the surgeons before surgery. In conclusion, 3D preoperative planning in a virtual environment for allograft selection is an important and helpful tool in order to achieve a good match between host and donor.
Energy-Efficiency of Cooperative Communication with Guaranteed E2E Reliability in WSNs
Authors: Zhang Deyu , Chen Zhigang
Published: April 2013

This paper addresses the energy efficiency of cooperative communication in WSN. We first establish the energy model of single-hop WSN. It is found that the cooperative communication is more suitable for harsh transmission environment with long-haul distance. The energy consumption per bit is numerically minimized by finding the optimal broadcasting BER and the number of cooperative nodes. Then, we expand the conclusion to the multihop scenario where “energy hole” dominates the longevity of WSN. To mitigate the energy consumption in the hotspots, as well as to keep the promised reliability, we adjust the transmission BER of the clusters according to the hops between the sink and cluster. On one hand, the statistical reliability is met. On the other hand, the energy consumed is converted from the nearer cluster (from the sink) to the farther ones. The network lifetime is thus optimized.
Synthesis of Octahedral‐Shaped NiO and Approaches to an Anode Material of Manufactured Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Using the Decalcomania Method
Authors: Cho Haeran , Lee Huryul , Park Sun-Min , Choi Byung-Hyun , Kang Misook
Published: April 2013

Micrometer‐sized and octahedral‐shaped NiO particles were synthesized by microwave thermal treatment at 300 watt power for 15 min in a microwave chamber to be used as an anode material in solid oxide fuel cells. SEM image and particle size distribution revealed near‐perfect octahedral NiO microparticle with sizes ranging from 4.0~11.0 μm. The anode functional layer (AFL, 60 wt% NiO synthesized: commercial 40 wt% YSZ), electrolyte (commercial Yttria‐stabilized zirconia, YSZ), and cathode (commercial La0.8Sr0.2MnO3, LSM) layers were manufactured using the decalcomania method on a porous anode support, sequentially. The sintered electrolyte at 1450°C for 2 h using the decalcomania method was dense and had a thickness of about 10 μm. The cathode was sintered at 1250°C for 2 h, and it was porous. Using humidified hydrogen as a fuel, a coin cell with a 15 μm thick anode functional layer exhibited maximum power densities of 0.28, 0.38, and 0.65 W/cm2 at 700, 750, and 800°C, respectively. Otherwise, when a commercial YSZ anode functional layer was used, the maximum power density was 0.55 W/cm2 at 800°C.
Solution to Singular Optimal Control by Backward Differential Flow
Authors: Zhu Jinghao , Zhao Shangrui , Liu Guohua
Published: April 2013

This paper presents a backward differential flow for solving singular optimal control problems. By using Krotov equivalent transformation, the cost functional is converted to a class of global optimization problems. Some properties of the flow are given to reveal the significant relationship between the dynamic of the flow and the geometry of the feasible set. The proposed method is also used in solving a class of variational problems. Some examples are illustrated.
Existence Results for Solutions of Integral Boundary Value Problems on Time Scales
Authors: Cetin Erbil , Topal F. Serap
Published: April 2013

This paper deals with the existence of solutions for integral boundary value problems (IBVPs) on time scales. We provide sufficient conditions for the existence of solutions by using Schauder fixed point theorem in a cone. Existence result for this problem is also given by the method of upper and lower solutions.
Boundedness of Sublinear Operators with Rough Kernels on Weighted Morrey Spaces
Authors: Shi Shaoguang , Fu Zunwei
Published: April 2013

The aim of this paper is to get the boundedness of a class of sublinear operators with rough kernels on weighted Morrey spaces under generic size conditions, which are satisfied by most of the operators in classical harmonic analysis. Applications to the corresponding commutators formed by certain operators and BMO functions are also obtained.
Iodine-Induced Hyperthyroidism—An Old Clinical Entity That Is Still Relevant to Daily ICU Practice: A Case Report
Authors: Brotfain E. , Koyfman L. , Frenkel A. , Smolikov A. , Zlotnik A. , Klein M.
Published: April 2013

Objective. Hyperthyroidism has been described as elevated serum free T3 and/or free T4 levels with decreased thyrotropin (TSH) concentrations. The main causes are related to autoimmune and neoplastic pathology. However, it might be caused due to a long-term topical exposure (iodine solution dressing) or by intravenous administration of iodine-containing substances. Both clinical and laboratory features might be presented. The main management is based on interruption of all exposures with iodine solutions and also antithyroid medicine in case of severe laboratory and clinical disturbances.Data Sources. We present a case of iodine-induced hyperthyroidism in a critically ill ICU patient caused by excessive iodine containing antiseptic solution washes and contrast agent administration. The patient was successfully treated by discontinuing iodine exposure and beta-blocker administration.Conclusions. In patients with underlying thyroid gland pathology, thyroid-function tests and clinical observation in the ICU are of critical importance.
An Improved MMSE Amplitude Estimator under Generalized Gamma Distribution Based on Auditory Perception
Authors: Boubakir Chabane , Berkani Daoud
Published: April 2013

This paper describes a new speech enhancement approach which employs the minimum mean square error (MMSE) estimator based on the generalized gamma distribution of the short-time spectral amplitude (STSA) of a speech signal. In the proposed approach, the human perceptual auditory masking effect is incorporated into the speech enhancement system. The algorithm is based on a criterion by which the audible noise may be masked rather than being attenuated, thereby reducing the chance of speech distortion. Performance assessment is given to show that our proposal can achieve a more significant noise reduction as compared to the perceptual modification of Wiener filtering and the gamma based MMSE estimator.
Assessment of Feasibility to Use Computer Aided Texture Analysis Based Tool for Parametric Images of Suspicious Lesions in DCE-MR Mammography
Authors: Kale Mehmet Cemil , Fleig John David , İmal Nazım
Published: April 2013

Our aim was to analyze the feasibility of computer aided malignant tumor detection using the traditional texture analysis applied on two-compartment-based parameter pseudoimages of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (DCE-MR) breast image data. A major contribution of this research will be the through-plane assessment capability. Texture analysis was performed on two-compartment-based pseudo images of DCE-MRI datasets of breast data of eight subjects. The resulting texture parameter pseudo images were inputted to a feedforward neural network classification system which uses the manual segmentations of a primary radiologist as a gold standard, and each voxel was assigned as malignant or nonmalignant. The classification results were compared with the lesions manually segmented by a second radiologist. Results show that the mean true positive fraction (TPF) and false positive fraction (FPF) performance of the classifier vs. primary radiologist is statistically as good as the mean TPF and FPF performance of the second radiologist vs. primary radiologist with a confidence interval of 95% using a one-sample -test with . In the experiment implemented on all of the eight subjects, all malignant tumors marked by the primary radiologist were classified to be malignant by the computer classifier. Our results have shown that neural network classification using the textural parameters for automated screening of two-compartment-based parameter pseudo images of DCE-MRI as input data can be a supportive tool for the radiologists in the preassessment stage to show the possible cancerous regions and in the postassessment stage to review the segmentations especially in analyzing complex DCE-MRI cases.
Spatial Cluster Analysis by the Bin-Packing Problem and DNA Computing Technique
Authors: Liu Xiyu , Xue Jie
Published: April 2013

Spatial cluster analysis is an important data mining task. Typical techniques include CLARANS, density- and gravity-based clustering, and other algorithms based on traditional von Neumann's computing architecture. The purpose of this paper is to propose a technique for spatial cluster analysis based on sticker systems of DNA computing. We will adopt the Bin-Packing Problem idea and then design algorithms of sticker programming. The proposed technique has a better time complexity. In the case when only the intracluster dissimilarity is taken into account, this time complexity is polynomial in the amount of data points, which reduces the NP-completeness nature of spatial cluster analysis. The new technique provides an alternative method for traditional cluster analysis.
An Observing System Simulation Experiment for the Impact of MTG Candidate Infrared Sounding Mission on Regional Forecasts: System Development and Preliminary Results
Authors: Wang Hongli , Huang Xiang-Yu , Chen Yongsheng
Published: April 2013

An Observing System Simulation Experiment (OSSE) was designed and developed to assess the potential benefit of the Infrared Sounding on the Meteosat Third Generation (MTG-IRS) geostationary meteorological satellite system to regional forecasts. In the proposed OSSE framework, two different models, namely, the MM5 and WRF models, were used in a nature run and data assimilation experiments, respectively, to reduce the identical twin problem. The 5-day nature run, which included three convective storms that occurred during the period from 11 to 16 June 2002 over US Great Plains, was generated using MM5 with a 4 km. The simulated “conventional” observations and MTG-IRS retrieved temperature and humidity profiles, produced from the nature run, were then assimilated into the WRF model. Calibration experiments showed that assimilating real or simulated “conventional” observations yielded similar error statistics in analyses and forecasts, indicating that the developed OSSE system worked well. On average, the MTG-IRS retrieved profiles had positive impact on the analyses and forecasts. The analyses reduced the errors not only in the temperature and the humidity fields but in the horizontal wind fields as well. The forecast skills of these variables were improved up to 12 hours. The 18 h precipitation forecast accuracy was also increased.
Pneumodissection: An Alternative Protective Technique for the Percutaneous Cryoablation of Small Renal Masses
Authors: Maurice Matthew J. , Haaga John R. , Nakamoto Dean A. , Ponsky Lee E.
Published: April 2013

Introduction: Percutaneous cryoablation is an emerging treatment option for the small renal mass. It poses a risk of thermal injury to adjacent tissues, limiting its application. We describe pneumodissection, a novel technique for preventing thermal injury during percutaneous cryoablation. Materials and Methods: The cases of 4 patients who underwent percutaneous renal cryoablation and pneumodissection were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Pneumodissection mechanically separated four tumors from overlying bowel segments (mean distance 1.2 ± 0.4 cm), permitting successful cryoablation. There were no complications or recurrences with 7.5 months of follow-up. Conclusions: Pneumodissection is a feasible displacement technique that facilitates percutaneous cryoablation in at-risk patients. Further study is warranted.
Prevalence and Determinants of Micronutrient Deficiencies among Rural Children of Eight States in India
Authors: Laxmaiah Avula , Arlappa Nimmathota , Balakrishna Nagalla , Mallikarjuna Rao Kodavanti , Galreddy Chitty , Kumar Sharad , Ravindranath Manachala , Brahmam Ginnela N.V.
Published: April 2013

Background/Aims: Micronutrient deficiencies continue to be a major public health problem in India. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and determinants of micronutrient deficiencies among rural children. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out by adopting a multistage stratified random sampling procedure. A total of 71,591 preschool children were included for ocular signs, 3,291 preschool children and 6,616 adolescents for hemoglobin, and 28,437 school-age children for iodine deficiency disorders. Results: The prevalence of Bitot's spots was 0.8% (CI = 0.6-0.9) and anemia among preschool children and adolescents was 67% (CI = 64.4-69.5) and 69% (CI = 67.0-71.4), respectively. The prevalence of total goiter was 3.9% (CI = 3.4-4.6). The risk of Bitot's spots was 2.4 times higher among preschool children of Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribes (ST) than others and risk of anemia was twice as high (CI = 1.5-2.6) among adolescents of SC and ST. The micronutrient deficiencies were significantly lower in children who used sanitary latrines. Conclusions: Micronutrient malnutrition is a public health problem among rural children, and it was higher among children of SC/ST, illiterate parents and those not possessing a sanitary latrine. Thus, there is a need to improve environmental sanitation; fortification of foods could also help in mitigating the problem.
The Impact of Integrating Nephrologists into the Postoperative Cardiac Intensive Care Unit: A Cohort Study
Authors: Flores-Gama Cesar , Merino Maribel , Baranda Francisco , Cruz Dinna N. , Ronco Claudio , Vazquez-Rangel Armando
Published: April 2013

Background/Aims: We evaluated the potential preventive effect of Nephrology On-Site (i.e. nephrologists integrated into the postoperative cardiac intensive care unit, ICU, team) versus Nephrology On-Demand (i.e. nephrology consultation depending on intensivist criteria) in the ICU on in-hospital outcomes. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study comparing outcomes during 2 consecutive time periods: from March 1, 2009 to February 28, 2010 with Nephrology On-Demand, and from March 1, 2010 to February 28, 2011 with Nephrology On-Site. Adult patients admitted to the postoperative cardiac ICU in an academic hospital in Mexico City were eligible. Patients with chronic kidney disease stage 5 or minimally invasive procedures were excluded. Results: We analyzed 1,096 patients, 558 and 538 in the respective periods. The patients were 52.4 ± 16.2 years old, 56.1% were males, 17.2% had diabetes and 37.6% had hypertension. Further, the patients' median Euroscore was 5 (3-5) and their median Thakar score was 3 (2-4). With Nephrology On-Site, we observed a lower incidence of acute kidney injury [AKI; 25.7 vs. 31.9%, p = 0.02; adjusted OR 0.71 (0.53-0.95), p = 0.02], lower in-hospital mortality among patients with severe AKI [34.1 vs. 55.9%, p = 0.06; adjusted OR 0.33 (0.12-0.95), p = 0.04] and higher renal recovery [61.0 vs. 35.3%, p = 0.03; adjusted OR 3.57 (1.27-10.11), p = 0.02]. No differences were found in the length of stay at the ICU and mechanical ventilation. Conclusion: Integrating nephrologists into the postoperative cardiac ICU team was associated with a lower incidence of AKI. Patients who developed severe AKI had lower in-hospital mortality and higher renal recovery.
Long-Term Survival of Patients Undergoing Mitral Valve Repair and Replacement
Authors: Vassileva Christina M. , Mishkel Gregory , McNeely Christian , Boley Theresa , Markwell Stephen , Scaife Steven , Hazelrigg Stephen
Published: April 2013

Background—

Despite the established superiority of mitral repair over replacement, its adoption in the treatment of elderly patients has not been uniform, partly because of a lack of robust long-term survival data. We present the long-term survival of Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries undergoing mitral valve repair and replacement over a 10-year period.

Methods and Results—

We used the Medicare database to identify 47 279 fee-for-service beneficiaries ≥65 years of age undergoing primary isolated mitral valve repair or replacement from 2000 to 2009. Operative mortality and long-term survival are presented for repair and replacement. Operative mortality was 3.9% for patients undergoing repair and 8.9% for patients undergoing replacement. The 1-, 5-, and 10-year Kaplan-Meier survival estimates for patients undergoing repair were 90.9%, 77.1%, and 53.6%. The 1-, 5-, and 10-year Kaplan-Meier survival estimates for patients undergoing replacement were 82.6%, 64.7%, and 37.2%. Important predictors of mitral repair included younger age (odds ratio, 1.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.05–1.14), elective admission status (odds ratio, 1.34; 95% confidence interval, 1.27–1.41), and annual mitral procedure volume >40 cases per year (odds ratio, 1.57; 95% confidence interval, 1.36–1.81). Female sex and the presence of comorbidities were associated with a lower likelihood of repair.

Conclusions—

Mitral valve surgery in the Medicare population carries less risk than previously reported. Given the favorable outcomes of elderly patients undergoing mitral valve surgery, especially mitral valve repair, an approach of earlier identification and surgical referral appears justified regardless of age.
Three new species of the genus Suctobelbella (Acari: Oribatida: Suctobelbidae) from Sanjiang Plain, Northeast China
Authors: LIU DONG , WU DONGHUI
Published: April 2013

Three new species of the genus Suctobelbella from Sanjiang Plain in Northeast China are described: S. triangulata sp. nov., S. obtusa sp. nov., S. sanjiangensis sp. nov., and a key to all known species of China is provided.
A new species of Agrilozodes Théry, 1927, new record for A. pygmaeus (Kerremans, 1897) and a key for the genus (Coleoptera, Buprestidae)
Authors: PORTELA CLAYTON , MERMUDES JOSÉ RICARDO M.
Published: April 2013

Agrilozodes bellamyi sp. nov. from the Caatinga Biome (type locality: Juazeirinho, Paraíba, Brazil) is described and illus-trated. It differs from the other five known species mainly by the moderate longitudinal elevation between the eyes, pos-terolateral angles of pronotum acute and oblique, mesoepisternum excavated, elytral color pattern and elevation of interestriae 2 and 4. The distribution of A. pygmaeus is extended to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Photographs of six species as well as a key to the six species of the genus are provided.