bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterizing Web Censorship Worldwide
Authors: Gill Phillipa , Crete-Nishihata Masashi , Dalek Jakub , Goldberg Sharon , Senft Adam , Wiseman Greg
Published: January 2015

In this study, we take another look at 5 years of web censorship data gathered by the OpenNet Initiative in 77 countries using user-based testing with locally relevant content. Prior to our work, this data had been analyzed with little automation, focusing on what content had been blocked, rather than how blocking was carried out. In this study, we use more rigorous automation to obtain a longitudinal, global view of the technical means used for web censorship. We also identify blocking that had been missed in prior analyses. Our results point to considerable variability in the technologies used for web censorship, across countries, time, and types of content, and even across ISPs in the same country. In addition to characterizing web censorship in countries that, thus far, have eluded technical analysis, we also discuss the implications of our observations on the design of future network measurement platforms and circumvention technologies.
From Repeatability to Reproducibility and Corroboration
Authors: Feitelson Dror G.
Published: January 2015

Being able to repeat experiments is considered a hallmark of the scientific method, used to confirm or refute hypotheses and previously obtained results. But this can take many forms, from precise repetition using the original experimental artifacts, to conceptual reproduction of the main experimental idea using new artifacts. Furthermore, the conclusions from previous work can also be corroborated using a different experimental methodology altogether. In order to promote a better understanding and use of such methodologies we propose precise definitions for different terms, and suggest when and why each should be used.
Automated Assessment of Secure Search Systems
Authors: Varia Mayank , Price Benjamin , Hwang Nicholas , Hamlin Ariel , Herzog Jonathan , Poland Jill , Reschly Michael , Yakoubov Sophia , Cunningham Robert K.
Published: January 2015

This work presents the results of a three-year project that assessed nine different privacy-preserving data search systems. We detail the design of a software assessment framework that focuses on low system footprint, repeatability, and reusability. A unique achievement of this project was the automation and integration of the entire test process, from the production and execution of tests to the generation of human-readable evaluation reports. We synthesize our experiences into a set of simple mantras that we recommend following in the design of any assessment framework.
Conducting Repeatable Experiments and Fair Comparisons using 802.11n MIMO Networks
Authors: Abedi Ali , Heard Andrew , Brecht Tim
Published: January 2015

A commonly used technique for evaluating and comparing the performance of systems using 802.11 (WiFi) networks is to conduct experiments. This approach is appealing and important because it inherently captures critical properties of wireless signal transmission that are difficult to analytically model and simulate. Unfortunately, obtaining consistent and statistically meaningful empirical results using 802.11 networks, even in well-controlled environments, can be quite challenging and time consuming because channel conditions can vary over time.

In this paper, we use 2.4 and 5 GHz 802.11n MIMO networks to study different methodologies that could be used to evaluate and compare the performance of different alternatives used in 802.11 systems (e.g., different systems, configurations or algorithms). We first illustrate that some of the more commonly used methods in existing research are flawed and explain why. We then describe a methodology called multiple interleaved trials that, to our knowledge, has not been used for, or studied on, 802.11 networks. We evaluate this methodology and find that it can be used to repeat experiments and to compare the performance of different alternatives. Finally, we discuss other possible applications of this approach for comparative performance evaluations.
The dataref versuchung
Authors: Dietrich Christian , Lohmann Daniel
Published: January 2015

Compared to more traditional disciplines, such as the natural sciences, computer science is said to have a somewhat sloppy relationship with the external repeatability of published results. However, from our experience the problem starts even earlier: In many cases, authors are not even able to replicate their own results a year later, or to explain how exactly that number on page three of the paper was ncomputed. Because of constant time pressure and strict submission deadlines, the successful researcher has to favor timely results over experiment documentation and data traceability.

We consider internal repeatability to be one of the most important prerequisites for external replicability and the scientific process. We describe our approach to foster internal repeatability in our own research projects with the help of dedicated tools for the automation of traceable experimental setups and for data presentation in scientific papers. By employing these tools, measures for ensuring internal repeatability no longer waste valuable working time and pay off quickly: They save time by eliminating recurring, and therefore error-prone, manual work steps, and at the same time increase confidence in experimental results.
An Effective Git And Org-Mode Based Workflow For Reproducible Research
Authors: Stanisic Luka , Legrand Arnaud , Danjean Vincent
Published: January 2015

In this paper we address the question of developing a lightweight and effective workflow for conducting experimental research on modern parallel computer systems in a reproducible way. Our approach builds on two well-known tools (Git and Org-mode) and enables to address, at least partially, issues such as running experiments, provenance tracking, experimental setup reconstruction or replicable analysis. We have been using such a methodology for two years now and it enabled us to recently publish a fully reproducible article [12]. To fully demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposal, we have opened our two year laboratory notebook with all the attached experimental data. This notebook and the underlying Git revision control system enable to illustrate and to better understand the workflow we used.
Towards Fast Invariant Preservation in Geo-replicated Systems
Authors: Balegas Valter , Duarte Sérgio , Ferreira Carla , Rodrigues Rodrigo , Preguiça Nuno , Najafzadeh Mahsa , Shapiro Marc
Published: January 2015

Today's global services and applications are expected to be highly available, scale to an unprecedented number of clients, and offer reliable, low-latency operations. This can be achieved through geo-replication, particularly when data consistency is relaxed. There are, however, applications whose data must obey global invariants at all times. Strong consistency protocols easily address this issue, but require global coordination among replicas and inevitably degrade application throughput and latency.

While coordination is an inherent requirement for maintaining global application invariants, there are instances where coordination on a per operation basis can be avoided. In particular, it has been shown that either moving coordination outside the critical path for executing operations, or having one coordination round for multiple operations, are both effective ways to maintain global invariants and avoid most of the penalties of coordination. However, current georeplication protocols still have not taken advantage of these observations.

In this paper, we review the design space of current solutions for building geo-replicated applications and present our guiding vision towards a general technique for providing global application invariants under eventual consistency, as a much cheaper alternative to strong consistency.
Building a Secure and Privacy-Preserving Smart Grid
Authors: Birman Ken , Jelasity Márk , Kleinberg Robert , Tremel Edward
Published: January 2015

New technologies for computerized metering and data collection in the electrical power grid promise to create a more efficient, cost-effective, and adaptable smart grid. However, naive implementations of smart grid data collection could jeopardize the privacy of consumers, and concerns about privacy are a significant obstacle to the rollout of smart grid technology. Our work proposes a design for a smart metering system that will allow utilities to use the collected data effectively while preserving the privacy of individual consumers.
Supercloud
Authors: Jia Qin , Shen Zhiming , Song Weijia , van Renesse Robbert , Weatherspoon Hakim
Published: January 2015

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) clouds couple applications tightly with the underlying infrastructures and services. This vendor lock-in problem forces users to apply ad-hoc deployment strategies in order to tolerate cloud failures, and limits the ability of doing virtual machine (VM) migration and resource scaling across different clouds.

This paper presents the Supercloud, a cloud service comprising resources obtained from several diverse IaaS cloud providers, and discusses opportunities, limitations, and future research directions. Currently, the Supercloud has been deployed using resources from several major cloud providers, including Amazon EC2, Rackspace, HP Cloud, and some private clouds. VMs run in a virtual network and can be migrated seamlessly across different clouds, with different hypervisors and device models. Using case studies we demonstrate that, being able to deploy applications to more regions and granting more control to end-users, the Supercloud can reduce latency and cost compared to the underlying cloud providers.
Principles and Performance Characteristics of Algorithms for Live VM Migration
Authors: Svärd Petter , Hudzia Benoit , Walsh Steve , Tordsson Johan , Elmroth Erik
Published: January 2015

Since first demonstrated by Clark et al. in 2005, live migration of virtual machines has both become a standard feature of hypervisors and created an active field of research. However, the rich ongoing research in live migration focusmainly on performance improvements to well-known techniques, most of them being variations of the Clark approach. In order to advance live migration beyond incremental performance improvements, it is important to gain a deeper understanding of the live migration problem itself and its underlying principles.

To address this issue, this contribution takes a step back and investigates the essential characteristics of live migration. The paper identifies five fundamental properties of live migration and uses these to investigate, categorize, and compare three approaches to live migration: precopy, postcopy and hybrid. The evaluated algorithms include well-known techniques derived from that of Clark as well as novel RDMA in-kernel approaches. Our analysis of the fundamental properties of the algorithms is validated by a set of experiments. In these, we migrate virtual machines with large memory sizes hosting workloads with high page dirtying rates to expose differences and limitations of the different approaches. Finally, we provide guidelines for which approach to use in different scenarios.
Joint energy-and-bandwidth spectrum sensing with GNU radio and USRP
Authors: Zhao Yanxiao , Pradhan Jems , Huang Jun , Luo Yu , Pu Lina
Published: January 2015

This paper focuses on an experimental investigation of spectrum sensing using GNU radio and Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP) board. In the most related works, the method of energy detection is widely used for experiments on spectrum sensing, in which the energy amplitude of the received signal is the sole parameter to determine a channel's status. Specifically, if the amplitude of received energy exceeds a pre-defined threshold, the channel is detected as occupied, otherwise the channel is sensed as idle. By observing experimental results, we notice that the energy amplitudes of unwanted signals, which may be either interference or noise or both, are often at the same level as the desired signal. This will lead to a false alarm if the traditional energy detection is employed. However, the bandwidth of unwanted signals are usually narrow and around 10KHz in a lab environment, which is far less than a regular signal's bandwidth, e.g. 40MHz in 802.11n and 20MHz in 802.11a. Inspired by these observations, we propose a new approach termed Energy-and-Bandwidth Spectrum Sensing (EBSS), in which both the energy level and bandwidth of the received signal are taken into account. In addition, the sensing performance including false alarm and miss detection are theoretically analyzed for the proposed EBSS in comparison with the traditional energy detection. Analysis proves that the sensing performance, especially the false alarm probability of EBSS, is significantly improved. Extensive experiments are conducted and results verify that both false alarm and miss detection can be significantly reduced by selecting an appropriate threshold using EBSS.
Revisiting read-ahead efficiency for raw NAND flash storage in embedded Linux
Authors: Olivier Pierre , Boukhobza Jalil , Senn Eric
Published: January 2015

The Linux Read-Ahead mechanism has been designed to bridge the gap between the secondary storage low performance and I/O read-intensive applications for personal computers and servers. This paper revisits the efficiency of this mechanism for embedded Linux using flash memory as secondary storage, which is the case for most embedded systems. Indeed, Linux kernel uses the same read-ahead mechanism whatever the application domain. This paper evaluates the efficiency of read-ahead technique for the widely used flash specific file systems that are JFFS2 and YAFFS2, in terms of response time and energy consumption. We used micro-benchmarks to investigate read-ahead effect on those metrics at a fine (system call) granularity. Moreover, we also study this impact at a higher application level using a macro-benchmark evaluating read-ahead effect on the SQLite DBMS read performance and power consumption. As described in this paper, disabling this mechanism can improve the performance and energy consumption by up to 70% for sequential patterns and up to 60% for random patterns.
The Wi-STARK architecture for resilient real-time wireless communications
Authors: Souza Jeferson L. R. , Rufino José
Published: January 2015

Networking communications play an important role to secure a dependable and timely operation of distributed and real-time embedded system applications; however, an effective real-time support is not yet properly addressed in the wireless realm. This paper presents
Wi-STARK
, a novel architecture for resilient and real-time wireless communications within an one-hop communication domain. Low level reliable (frame) communications, node failure detection, membership management, and networking partition control are provided; since these low level services extend and build upon the exposed interface offered by networking technologies,
Wi-STARK
is in strict compliance with wireless communication standards, such as IEEE 802.15.4 and IEEE 802.11p. The
Wi-STARK
service interface is then offered as operating system primitives, helpful for building distributed control applications. The one-hop dependability and timeliness guarantees offered by
Wi-STARK
are a fundamental step towards an effective design of real-time wireless networks with multiple hops, including end-to-end schedulability analysis of networking operations.
Approximately optimal mechanism design
Authors: Roughgarden Tim
Published: January 2015

This survey describes the approximately optimal mechanism design paradigm and uses it to investigate two basic questions in auction theory. First, when is complexity --- in the sense of detailed distributional knowledge --- an essential feature of revenue-maximizing single-item auctions? Second, do combinatorial auctions require high-dimensional bid spaces to achieve good social welfare?
A simple and approximately optimal mechanism for an additive buyer
Authors: Babaioff Moshe , Immorlica Nicole , Lucier Brendan , Weinberg S. Matthew
Published: January 2015

In this letter we briefly survey our main result from [Babaioff el al. 2014]: a simple and approximately revenue-optimal mechanism for a monopolist who wants to sell a variety of items to a single buyer with an additive valuation.
MicroRNA-378 regulates oocyte maturation via the suppression of aromatase in porcine cumulus cells
Authors: Pan Bo , Toms Derek , Shen Wei , Li Julang
Published: January 2015

We sought to investigate whether miR-378 plays a role in cumulus cells and whether the manipulation of miRNA levels in cumulus cells influences oocyte maturation in vitro. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) from ovarian follicles had significantly lower levels of precursor and mature miR-378 in cumulus cells surrounding metaphase II (MII) oocytes than cumulus cells surrounding germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes, suggesting a possible role of miR-378 during COC maturation. Overexpression of miR-378 in cumulus cells impaired expansion and decreased expression of genes associated with expansion ( HAS2, PTGS2) and oocyte maturation ( CX43, ADAMTS1, PGR). Cumulus cell expression of miR-378 also suppressed oocyte progression from the GV to MII stage (from 54 ± 2.7 to 31 ± 5.1%), accompanied by a decrease of growth differentiation factor 9 ( GDF9), bone morphogenetic protein 15 ( BMP15), zona pellucida 3 ( ZP3), and CX37 in the oocytes. Subsequent in vitro fertilization resulted in fewer oocytes from COCs overexpressing miR-378 reaching the blastocyst stage (7.3 ± 0.7 vs. 16.6 ± 0.5%). miR-378 knockdown led to increased cumulus expansion and oocyte progression to MII, confirming a specific effect of miR-378 in suppressing COC maturation. Aromatase (CYP19A1) expression in cumulus cells was also inhibited by miR-378, leading to a significant decrease in estradiol production. The addition of estradiol to IVM culture medium reversed the effect of miR-378 on cumulus expansion and oocyte meiotic progression, suggesting that decreased estradiol production via suppression of aromatase may be one of the mechanisms by which miR-378 regulates the maturation of COCs. Our data suggest that miR-378 alters gene expression and function in cumulus cells and influences oocyte maturation, possibly via oocyte-cumulus interaction and paracrine regulation.
Fatty acid-binding protein 5 regulates diet-induced obesity via GIP secretion from enteroendocrine K cells in response to fat ingestion
Authors: Shibue Kimitaka , Yamane Shunsuke , Harada Norio , Hamasaki Akihiro , Suzuki Kazuyo , Joo Erina , Iwasaki Kanako , Nasteska Daniela , Harada Takanari , Hayashi Yoshitaka , Adachi Yasuhiro , Owada Yuji , Takayanagi Ryoichi , Inagaki Nobuya
Published: January 2015

Gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) is an incretin released from enteroendocrine K cells in response to nutrient intake, especially fat. GIP is one of the contributing factors inducing fat accumulation that results in obesity. A recent study shows that fatty acid-binding protein 5 (FABP5) is expressed in murine K cells and is involved in fat-induced GIP secretion. We investigated the mechanism of fat-induced GIP secretion and the impact of FABP5-related GIP response on diet-induced obesity (DIO). Single oral administration of glucose and fat resulted in a 40% reduction of GIP response to fat but not to glucose in whole body FABP5-knockout (FABP5−/−) mice, with no change in K cell count or GIP content in K cells. In an ex vivo experiment using isolated upper small intestine, oleic acid induced only a slight increase in GIP release, which was markedly enhanced by coadministration of bile and oleic acid together with attenuated GIP response in the FABP5−/−sample. FABP5−/−mice exhibited a 24% reduction in body weight gain and body fat mass under a high-fat diet compared with wild-type (FABP5+/+) mice; the difference was not observed between GIP-GFP homozygous knock-in (GIPgfp/gfp)-FABP5+/+mice and GIPgfp/gfp-FABP5−/−mice, in which GIP is genetically deleted. These results demonstrate that bile efficiently amplifies fat-induced GIP secretion and that FABP5 contributes to the development of DIO in a GIP-dependent manner.
Rapid Progression of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis Complicated with Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Pardak Piotr , Walczak Ewa , Filip Rafał S.
Published: January 2015

Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a cholestatic condition with unknown etiology and long-standing, progressive course, leading to cirrhosis and requiring orthotropic liver transplant. In approximately 80%, primary sclerosing cholangitis is accompanied by inflammatory bowel disease, and in most cases the recognition of bowel disease precedes the diagnosis of primary sclerosing cholangitis. We describe a case of 22-year-old male diagnosed simultaneously with primary sclerosing cholangitis and ulcerative colitis, with a medical history suggesting uncommon prior development of the liver disease. Five months after the initial diagnosis, we observed advanced lesions of bile tree due to progression of primary sclerosing cholangitis, which led to the unusually fast necessity for the orthotopic liver transplant.
Effect of Nanosized NiF2Addition on the Transport Critical Current Density of Ag-Sheathed (Bi1.6Pb0.4)Sr2Ca2Cu3O10Superconductor Tapes
Authors: Hafiz M. , Abd-Shukor R.
Published: January 2015

We report the effect of NiF2(10 nm) additions on the transport critical current density,Jcof (Bi1.6Pb0.4)Sr2Ca2Cu3O10/Ag sheathed superconductor tapes. Pellets of (Bi1.6Pb0.4)Sr2Ca2Cu3O10(NiF2)x(x=0–0.05 wt.%) superconductor were prepared using the acetate coprecipitation method. The sample with 0.04 wt.% addition of NiF2exhibited the highestJc. Ag-sheathed (Bi1.6Pb0.4)Sr2Ca2Cu3O10(NiF2)0.04superconductor tapes were fabricated using the powder-in-tube (PIT) method and sintered at 845°C for 50 and 100 h.Jcof nonadded tapes at 30 K sintered for 50 and 100 h was 6370 and 8280 A/cm2, respectively.Jcof (Bi1.6Pb0.4)Sr2Ca2Cu3O10(NiF2)0.04/Ag tape at 30 K sintered for 50 and 100 h was 14390 and 17270 A/cm2, respectively. In magnetic fields (0 to 0.7 T),Jcof the NiF2added tapes was also higher compared with the nonadded tape indicating that NiF2nanoparticles can act as effective flux pinning centers and longer sintering time improved the microstructure. A steeper increase inJcwas observed below 60 K in the NiF2added tapes which coincided with the Neel temperature,TNof nanosized NiF2(60 K). The pronounced enhancement ofJcwas attributed to the strong interaction between flux line network and the antiferromagnetic NiF2belowTN.
Epidermoid Cyst in the Floor of the Mouth of a 3-Year-Old
Authors: Pascual Dabán Rossana , García Díez Eloy , González Navarro Beatriz , López-López José
Published: January 2015

Epidermoid cysts are a rare entity in the oral cavity and are even less frequent in the floor of the mouth, representing less than 0.01% of all the cases. We present the case of a 3-year-old girl with a growth in the floor of the mouth with 2 months of evolution and without changes since it was discovered by her parents. The lesion was asymptomatic; it did not cause dysphagia, dyspnea, or any other alteration. A CT scan with contrast was done which revealed the location and exact size of the lesion, allowing an intraoral approach for its excision. The histological examination confirmed the clinical speculation of an epidermoid cyst.
CCAAT/Enhancer Binding Proteinβin relation to ER Stress, Inflammation, and Metabolic Disturbances
Authors: van der Krieken Sophie E. , Popeijus Herman E. , Mensink Ronald P. , Plat Jogchum
Published: January 2015

The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and underlying metabolic disturbances increase rapidly in developed countries. Various molecular targets are currently under investigation to unravel the molecular mechanisms that cause these disturbances. This is done in attempt to counter or prevent the negative health consequences of the metabolic disturbances. Here, we reviewed the current knowledge on the role of C/EBP-βin these metabolic disturbances. C/EBP-βdeletion in mice resulted in downregulation of hepatic lipogenic genes and increased expression ofβ-oxidation genes in brown adipose tissue. Furthermore, C/EBP-βis important in the differentiation and maturation of adipocytes and is increased during ER stress and proinflammatory conditions. So far, studies were only conducted in animals and in cell systems. The results found that C/EBP-βis an important transcription factor within the metabolic disturbances of the metabolic system. Therefore, it is interesting to examine the potential role of C/EBP-βat molecular and physiological level in humans.
Applications of Multivalued Contractions on Graphs to Graph-Directed Iterated Function Systems
Authors: Dinevari T. , Frigon M.
Published: January 2015

We apply a fixed point result for multivalued contractions on complete metric spaces endowed with a graph to graph-directed iterated function systems. More precisely, we construct a suitable metric space endowed with a graphGand a suitableG-contraction such that its fixed points permit us to obtain more information on the attractor of a graph-directed iterated function system.
Improving Shape Retrieval by Integrating AIR and Modified MutualkNN Graph
Authors: Qadeer Nouman , Hu Dongting , Liu Xiabi , Anwar Shahzad , Sultan Malik Saad
Published: January 2015

In computer vision, image retrieval remained a significant problem and recent resurgent of image retrieval also relies on other postprocessing methods to improve the accuracy instead of solely relying on good feature representation. Our method addressed the shape retrieval of binary images. This paper proposes a new integration scheme to best utilize feature representation along with contextual information. For feature representation we used articulation invariant representation; dynamic programming is then utilized for better shape matching followed by manifold learning based postprocessing modified mutualkNN graph to further improve the similarity score. We conducted extensive experiments on widely used MPEG-7 database of shape images by so-called bulls-eye score with and without normalization of modified mutualkNN graph which clearly indicates the importance of normalization. Finally, our method demonstrated better results compared to other methods. We also computed the computational time with another graph transduction method which clearly shows that our method is computationally very fast. Furthermore, to show consistency of postprocessing method, we also performed experiments on challenging ORL and YALE face datasets and improved baseline results.
Feasibility and Efficacy of Percutaneous Lateral Lumbar Discectomy in the Treatment of Patients with Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Preliminary Experience
Authors: Jiang Wenjin , Sun Bolin , Sheng Qirui , Song Xuepeng , Zheng Yanbo , Wang Ligang
Published: January 2015

Objective. This study was aimed at evaluating the effectiveness and safety of percutaneous lateral lumbar discectomy (PLLD) in treating patients with lumber disc herniation.Methods. A total of 183 patients with lumbar disc herniation were recruited to receive PLLD surgery from April 2006 to October 2011. All the adverse effects were recorded during the follow-up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after PLLD. The clinical outcomes were determined by visual analog scale and Japanese Orthopaedic Association score.Results. The surgery was performed successfully in all patients (102 males and 81 females aged from 21 to 66 years) with a mean 16.6-month follow-up (range from 26 to 65 months). No postoperative complications, including intestinal and vascular complications, nerve injuries, and postoperative infections, were associated with PLLD. At one month after surgery, visual analog scale (3.12±1.44versus6.76±2.31,P<0.05) was significantly lower than the baseline and was sustained until 24 months after surgery (3.25±1.78versus6.76±2.31,P<0.05). Besides that, Japanese Orthopaedic Association score (25.25±3.21versus11.78±2.38,P<0.05) was increased when compared to the baseline.Conclusions. PLLD was a promising, mini-invasive, and effective treatment for lumber disc herniation.
Wavelet Network Model Based on Multiple Criteria Decision Making for Forecasting Temperature Time Series
Authors: Zhang Jian , Yang Xiao-hua , Chen Xiao-juan
Published: January 2015

Due to nonlinear and multiscale characteristics of temperature time series, a new model called wavelet network model based on multiple criteria decision making (WNMCDM) has been proposed, which combines the advantage of wavelet analysis, multiple criteria decision making, and artificial neural network. One case for forecasting extreme monthly maximum temperature of Miyun Reservoir has been conducted to examine the performance of WNMCDM model. Compared with nearest neighbor bootstrapping regression (NNBR), the probability of relative error smaller than 10% increases from 65.79% to 84.21% (forecast periodT=1) and from 51.35% to 91.89%(T=2)by WNMCDM model. Similarly, the probability of relative error smaller than 20% increases from 84.21% to 97.37%(T=1)and from 81.08% to 91.89%(T=2)by WNMCDM model. Therefore, WNMCDM model is superior to NNBR model in forecasting temperature time series.
Different Short-Term Mild Exercise Modalities Lead to Differential Effects on Body Composition in Healthy Prepubertal Male Rats
Authors: Sontam D. M. , Vickers M. H. , O’Sullivan J. M. , Watson M. , Firth E. C.
Published: January 2015

Physical activity has a vital role in regulating and improving bone strength. Responsiveness of bone mass to exercise is age dependent with the prepubertal period suggested to be the most effective stage for interventions. There is a paucity of data on the effects of exercise on bone architecture and body composition when studied within the prepubertal period. We examined the effect of two forms of low-impact exercise on prepubertal changes in body composition and bone architecture. Weanling male rats were assigned to control (CON), bipedal stance (BPS), or wheel exercise (WEX) groups for 15 days until the onset of puberty. Distance travelled via WEX was recorded, food intake measured, and body composition quantified. Trabecular and cortical microarchitecture of the femur were determined by microcomputed tomography. WEX led to a higher lean mass and reduced fat mass compared to CON. WEX animals had greater femoral cortical cross-sectional thickness and closed porosity compared to CON. The different exercise modalities had no effect on body weight or food intake, but WEX significantly altered body composition and femoral microarchitecture. These data suggest that short-term mild voluntary exercise in normal prepubertal rats can alter body composition dependent upon the exercise modality.
Influence of Malnutrition on Adverse Outcome in Children with Confirmed or Probable Viral Encephalitis: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Singh Priyanka , Bhatt Girish C. , Singh Vijay , Kushwaha K. P. , Mittal Mahima , Mehta Anita , Sharma Bhoopendra , Pakhare Abhijit P. , Kumar Abhishek
Published: January 2015

A prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital from August 2008 to August 2009 to explore the independent predictors of adverse outcome in the patients with confirmed/probable viral encephalitis. The primary outcome variable was the incidence ofadverse outcomesdefined as death or severe neurological deficit such as loss of speech, motor deficits, behavioural problems, blindness, and cognitive impairment. Patients with confirmed or probable viral encephalitis were classified into two groups based on theirZ-score of weight-for-age as per WHO growth charts.Group I.Patients with confirmed or probable viral encephalitis with weight-for-age (W/A)Z-scores below −2SD were classified as undernourished.Group II.Patients with confirmed or probable viral encephalitis were classified as having normal nutritional status (weight-for-ageZ-score >−2SD). A total of 114 patients were classified as confirmed or probable viral encephalitis based on detailed investigations. On multivariate logistic regression, undernutrition (adjusted OR: 5.05; 95% CI: 1.92 to 13.44) and requirement of ventilation (adjusted OR: 6.75; 95% CI: 3.63 to 77.34) were independent predictors of adverse outcomes in these patients. Thus, the results from our study highlight that the association between undernutrition and adverse outcome could be extended to the patients with confirmed/probable viral encephalitis.
Correlation between Serum Levels of High Mobility Group Box-1 Protein and Pancreatitis: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lin Yan , Lin Lian-Jie , Jin Yu , Cao Yong , Zhang Ying , Zheng Chang-Qing , Liu Jia-Li , Yang Sheng-Li
Published: January 2015

Background. Aberrant expression of high mobility group box-1 protein (HMGB1) contributes to the progression of various inflammatory diseases. This meta-analysis focused on the clinical significance of serum HMGB1 levels in pancreatitis patients, with the goal of building a novel diagnostic score model.Method. We conducted a meta-analysis by searching in the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CISCOM, CINAHL, Google Scholar, China BioMedicine (CBM), and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases without any language restrictions. Studies were pooled and standard mean difference (SMD) and its corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated. Version 12.0 STATA software was used for statistical analysis.Results. We performed a final analysis of 841 subjects from 12 clinical case-control studies. The meta-analysis results showed a positive association between serum HMGB1 levels and the progression of pancreatitis. In the subgroup analysis by country, high serum level of HMGB1 may be related to pancreatitis progression in China, Korea, Hungary, and Japan populations (allP<0.05).Conclusion. The present meta-analysis indicated that serum HMGB1 level was statistically elevated in patients with pancreatitis, and thus serum levels of HMGB1 could be determined to be a useful biomarker for pancreatitis patients.
Oxygen Transport in a Three-Dimensional Microvascular Network Incorporated with Early Tumour Growth and Preexisting Vessel Cooption: Numerical Simulation Study
Authors: Cai Yan , Zhang Jie , Wu Jie , Li Zhi-yong
Published: January 2015

We propose a dynamic mathematical model of tissue oxygen transport by a preexisting three-dimensional microvascular network which provides nutrients for an in situ cancer at the very early stage of primary microtumour growth. The expanding tumour consumes oxygen during its invasion to the surrounding tissues and cooption of host vessels. The preexisting vessel cooption, remodelling and collapse are modelled by the changes of haemodynamic conditions due to the growing tumour. A detailed computational model of oxygen transport in tumour tissue is developed by considering (a) the time-varying oxygen advection diffusion equation within the microvessel segments, (b) the oxygen flux across the vessel walls, and (c) the oxygen diffusion and consumption within the tumour and surrounding healthy tissue. The results show the oxygen concentration distribution at different time points of early tumour growth. In addition, the influence of preexisting vessel density on the oxygen transport has been discussed. The proposed model not only provides a quantitative approach for investigating the interactions between tumour growth and oxygen delivery, but also is extendable to model other molecules or chemotherapeutic drug transport in the future study.
Sustained Macrophage Infiltration upon Multiple Intra-Articular Injections: An Improved Rat Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis for PET Guided Therapy Evaluation
Authors: Chandrupatla Durga M. S. H. , Weijers Karin , Gent Yoony Y. J. , de Greeuw Inge , Lammertsma Adriaan A. , Jansen Gerrit , van der Laken Conny J. , Molthoff Carla F. M.
Published: January 2015

To widen the therapeutic window for PET guided evaluation of novel anti-RA agents, modifications were made in a rat model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Arthritis was induced in the right knee of Wistar rats with repeated boosting to prolong articular inflammation. The contralateral knee served as control. After immunization with methylated bovine serum albumin (mBSA) in complete Freund’s adjuvant and custom Bordetella pertussis antigen, one or more intra-articular (i.a.) mBSA injections were given over time in the right knee. Serum anti-mBSA antibodies, DTH response, knee thickness, motion, and synovial macrophages were analyzed and [18F]FDG(-general inflammation) and (R)-[11C]PK11195 (macrophages-)PET was performed followed byex vivotissue distribution. Significant anti-mBSA levels, DTH, swelling of arthritic knee, and sustained and prolonged macrophage infiltration in synovial tissue were found, especially using multiple i.a. injections. Increased [18F]FDG and (R)-[11C]PK11195 accumulation was demonstrated in arthritic knees as compared to contralateral knees, which was confirmed inex vivotissue distribution studies. Boosting proved advantageous for achieving a chronic model without remission. The model will offer excellent opportunities for repeated PET studies to monitor progression of disease and efficacy of novel therapeutic agents for RA in the same animal.
Simple Model for Simulating Characteristics of River Flow Velocity in Large Scale
Authors: Alatas Husin , Prayuda Dyo D. , Syafiuddin Achmad , Parlindungan May , Suhendra Nurjaman O. , Pawitan Hidayat
Published: January 2015

We propose a simple computer based phenomenological model to simulate the characteristics of river flow velocity in large scale. We use shuttle radar tomography mission based digital elevation model in grid form to define the terrain of catchment area. The model relies on mass-momentum conservation law and modified equation of motion of falling body in inclined plane. We assume inelastic collision occurs at every junction of two river branches to describe the dynamics of merged flow velocity.
Changes in Central Macular Thickness following Single Session Multispot Panretinal Photocoagulation
Authors: Watanachai Nawat , Choovuthayakorn Janejit , Patikulsila Direk , Ittipunkul Nimitr
Published: January 2015

Purpose. To determine changes in central subfield (CSF) macular thickness and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) following single session, multispot panretinal photocoagulation (PRP).Methods. Forty eyes of 33 patients with newly diagnosed proliferative diabetic retinopathy were treated with single session, 20-millisecond, multispot PRP. Changes in central macular thickness and BCVA at 4- and 12-week follow-up were compared to baseline measurements.Results. Each eye received a mean (SD) of 2,750 (686.7) laser spots. At 4-week follow-up, there was a statistically significant 24.0 μm increase in mean CSF thickness (P=0.001), with a 17.4 μm increase from baseline at 12-week follow-up (P=0.002). Mean logMAR BCVA increased by 0.05 logMAR units (P=0.03) at 4-week follow-up. At 12-week follow-up, BCVA had almost returned to normal with only an increase of 0.02 logMAR units compared to baseline (P=0.39). Macular edema occurred in 2 eyes (5%) at 12-week follow-up.Conclusions. Macular thickening occurs following single session, 20-millisecond, multispot PRP, with a corresponding, mild change in BCVA. However, the incidence of macular edema appears to be low in these patients. Single session, 20-millisecond, multispot PRP appears to be a safe treatment for patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
Global Dynamics and Applications of an Epidemiological Model for Hepatitis C Virus Transmission in China
Authors: Shen Mingwang , Xiao Yanni , Zhou Weike , Li Zhen
Published: January 2015

An epidemiological model is proposed and studied to understand the transmission dynamics and prevalence of HCV infection in China. Theoretical analysis indicates that the basic reproduction numberR0provides a threshold value determining whether the disease dies out or not. Two Lyapunov functions are constructed to prove the global asymptotic stability of the disease-free and the endemic equilibria, respectively. Based on data reported by the National Health and Family Planning Commission of China, the basic reproduction number is estimated as approximatelyR0=1.9897, which is much less than that for the model when a treatment strategy is not considered. An ever-increasing HCV infection is predicted in the near future. Numerical simulations, performed to investigate the potential effect of antiviral treatment, show that increasing the treatment cure rate and enlarging the treatment rate for patients at the chronic stage remain effective in reducing the number of new infections and the equilibrium prevalence. The finding suggests that treatment measures are significantly beneficial for disease control in terms of reducing new infections and, in particular, more attention should be paid to treatment for patients at the chronic stage.
Regulation of the Human Ghrelin Promoter Activity by Transcription Factors, NF-κB and Nkx2.2
Authors: Shiimura Yuki , Ohgusu Hideko , Sato Takahiro , Kojima Masayasu
Published: January 2015

To examine the gene expression of ghrelin, a growth hormone releasing and appetite stimulating hormone from stomach, we constructed human ghrelin promoter-reporter vectors and analyzed the promoter activity. The ghrelin promoter activity was high when cultured cells that express ghrelin mRNA endogenously like TT or ECC10 cells were used, indicating that these cells contain factors necessary for full expression of the human ghrelin gene. The human ghrelin promoter contains both positive and negative regulatory regions. A transient decrease of the promoter activity was found when the reporter vector with the −1600 fragment of the human ghrelin promoter was transfected into cultured cells. We then examined the effect of several transcription factors on the ghrelin promoter activity and found that NF-κB suppressed and that Nkx2.2, a homeodomain-containing transcription factor that is important for ghrelin cell development in pancreas, activates the promoter activity. These transcription factors may be possible targets for the control of ghrelin gene expression.
Insight into Bone-Derived Biological Apatite: Ultrastructure and Effect of Thermal Treatment
Authors: Liu Quan , Pan Haobo , Chen Zhuofan , Matinlinna Jukka Pekka
Published: January 2015

Objectives. This study aims at examining the ultrastructure of bone-derived biological apatite (BAp) from a series of small vertebrates and the effect of thermal treatment on its physiochemical properties.Materials and Methods. Femurs/fin rays and vertebral bodies of 5 kinds of small vertebrates were firstly analyzed with X-ray microtomography. Subsequently, BAp was obtained with thermal treatment and low power plasma ashing, respectively. The properties of BAp, including morphology, functional groups, and crystal characteristics were then analyzed.Results. The bones of grouper and hairtail were mainly composed of condensed bone. Spongy bone showed different distribution in the bones from frog, rat, and pigeon. No significant difference was found in bone mineral density of condensed bone and trabecular thickness of spongy bone. Only platelet-like crystals were observed for BAp obtained by plasma ashing, while rod-like and irregular crystals were both harvested from the bones treated by sintering. A much higher degree of crystallinity and larger crystal size but a lower content of carbonate were detected in the latter.Conclusion. Platelet-like BAp is the common inorganic component of vertebrate bones. BAp distributing in condensed and spongy bone may exhibit differing thermal reactivity. Thermal treatment may alter BAp’sin vivostructure and composition.
Investigating the Effect of Thermal Annealing Process on the Photovoltaic Performance of the Graphene-Silicon Solar Cell
Authors: Yang Lifei , Wu Xiaolei , Shen Xin , Yu Xuegong , Yang Deren
Published: January 2015

Graphene-silicon (Gr-Si) Schottky solar cell has attracted much attention recently as promising candidate for low-cost photovoltaic application. For the fabrication of Gr-Si solar cell, the Gr film is usually transferred onto the Si substrate by wet transfer process. However, the impurities induced by this process at the graphene/silicon (Gr/Si) interface, such as H2O and O2, degrade the photovoltaic performance of the Gr-Si solar cell. We found that the thermal annealing process can effectively improve the photovoltaic performance of the Gr-Si solar cell by removing these impurities at the Gr/Si interface. More interestingly, the photovoltaic performance of the Gr-Si solar cell can be improved, furthermore, when exposed to air environment after the thermal annealing process. Through investigating the characteristics of the Gr-Si solar cell and the properties of the Gr film (carrier density and sheet resistance), we point out that this phenomenon is caused by the natural doping effect of the Gr film.
Gastric Band Port Site Fixation: Which Method Is Best?
Authors: Owers Corinne E. , Barkley Sarah M. , Ackroyd Roger
Published: January 2015

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is a popular and successful bariatric surgical technique. Although short-term complications are few in number, long-term complications are more common. One such complication is flippage of the gastric band port. This study compares three popular methods of port fixation and demonstrates that fixation with nonabsorbable mesh helps to prevent port flippage when compared to other techniques, reducing the need for repositioning operations.
Change of Mandibular Position during Two‐Phase Orthodontic Treatment of Skeletal Class II in the Chinese Population
Authors: Cheung Rhonda Nga Yi , Hägg Urban , Wong Ricky Wing Kit , Liao Chongshan , Yang Yanqi
Published: January 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the change in mandibular position during a two‐phase orthodontic treatment of skeletal Class II malocclusion. Thirty consecutively treated Chinese male adolescents who had undergone two‐phase treatment with Herbst appliance and fixed appliance and fulfilled the specific selection criteria were sampled. Cephalograms taken at T0 (before treatment), T1 (at the end of functional appliance treatment), and T2 (at the end of fixed appliance treatment) were analyzed. The change in sagittal positioning of the mandible was 6.8  ±  3.44 mm in phase I (T0‐T1), 0.4  ±  2.79 mm in phase II (T1‐T2), and 7.2  ±  4.61 mm in total. The mandible came forward in 100% of the patients at T1. In phase II, it came forward in one‐third (positive group) remained unchanged in one‐third (stable group) and went backward in one‐third (negative group) of the patients. At T2, it came forward twice as much in the positive group compared to the negative group. Mandibular length was significantly increased in 100% of the patients in both phases. In conclusion, during the treatment with functional appliance, the mandibular prognathism increases in all patients, whereas during the treatment with fixed appliance there is no significant change in mandibular prognathism.
A Bullet in the Supraspinatus Compartment Successfully Removed by Arthroscopy: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Galland Alexandre , Lunebourg Alexandre , Airaudi Stéphane , Gravier Renaud
Published: January 2015

Arthroscopic removal of bullet from intra-articular compartment has been described for several joints. Only few reports dealing with this condition in the shoulder have been reported especially for the glenohumeral and the subacromial compartments. We report the story of a fifty-seven-year-old man presenting a bullet in the supraspinatus compartment of his left shoulder successfully removed by arthroscopy.