bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A provider-side view of web search response time
Authors: Chen Yingying , Mahajan Ratul , Sridharan Baskar , Zhang Zhi-Li
Published: June 2016

Using a large Web search service as a case study, we highlight the challenges that modern Web services face in understanding and diagnosing the response time experienced by users. We show that search response time (SRT) varies widely over time and also exhibits counter-intuitive behavior. It is actually higher during off-peak hours, when the query load is lower, than during peak hours. To resolve this paradox and explain SRT variations in general, we develop an analysis framework that separates systemic variations due to periodic changes in service usage and anomalous variations due to unanticipated events such as failures and denial-of-service attacks. We find that systemic SRT variations are primarily caused by systemic changes in aggregate network characteristics, nature of user queries, and browser types. For instance, one reason for higher SRTs during off-peak hours is that during those hours a greater fraction of queries come from slower, mainly-residential networks. We also develop a technique that, by factoring out the impact of such variations, robustly detects and diagnoses performance anomalies in SRT. Deployment experience shows that our technique detects three times more true (operator-verified) anomalies than existing techniques.
PoiRoot
Authors: Javed Umar , Cunha Italo , Choffnes David , Katz-Bassett Ethan , Anderson Thomas , Krishnamurthy Arvind
Published: June 2016

Interdomain path changes occur frequently. Because routing protocols expose insufficient information to reason about all changes, the general problem of identifying the root cause remains unsolved. In this work, we design and evaluate
PoiRoot
, a real-time system that allows a provider to accurately isolate the root cause (the network responsible) of path changes affecting its prefixes. First, we develop a new model describing path changes and use it to provably identify the set of all potentially responsible networks. Next, we develop a recursive algorithm that accurately isolates the root cause of any path change. We observe that the algorithm requires monitoring paths that are generally not visible using standard measurement tools. To address this limitation, we combine existing measurement tools in new ways to acquire path information required for isolating the root cause of a path change. We evaluate
PoiRoot
on path changes obtained through controlled Internet experiments, simulations, and "in-the-wild" measurements. We demonstrate that
PoiRoot
is highly accurate, works well even with partial information, and generally narrows down the root cause to a single network or two neighboring ones. On controlled experiments
PoiRoot
is 100% accurate, as opposed to prior work which is accurate only 61.7% of the time.
An improved hop-by-hop interest shaper for congestion control in named data networking
Authors: Wang Yaogong , Rozhnova Natalya , Narayanan Ashok , Oran David , Rhee Injong
Published: June 2016

Hop-by-hop interest shaping has been proposed as a viable congestion control mechanism in Named Data Networking (NDN). Interest shaping exploits the strict receiver-driven traffic pattern and the symmetric bidirectional forwarding in NDN to control the returning data rate. In this paper, we point out that both interests and contents contribute to congestion and their interdependence must be considered in any interest shaping algorithm. We first analyze this issue mathematically by formulating it as an optimization problem to obtain the optimal shaping rate. Then a practical interest shaping algorithm is proposed to achieve high link utilization without congestive data loss. We further note that flow differentiation in NDN is complicated and design our scheme independently of traffic flows. We demonstrate our hop-by-hop interest shaper in conjunction with simple Additive-Increase-Multiplicative-Decrease (AIMD) clients using the ns3-based NDN simulator (ndnSIM). Our results show that the proposed shaping algorithm can effectively control congestion and achieve near-optimal throughput.
Locating using prior information
Authors: Chen Yuanfang , Crespi Noel , Lv Lin , Li Mingchu , Ortiz Antonio M. , Shu Lei
Published: June 2016

Most indoor localization algorithms are based on Received Signal Strength (RSS), in which RSS signatures of an interested area are annotated with their real recorded locations. However, according to our experiments, RSS signatures are not suitable as the unique annotations (like Fingerprints) of recorded locations. In this study, we investigate the characteristics of RSS (e.g., how the RSS values change as time goes on and between consecutive positions?). On this basis, we design LuPI (Locating using Prior Information) that exploits the characteristics of RSS: with user motion, LuPI uses novel sensors integrated in smartphones to construct the RSS variation space (like radio map) of a floor plan as prior information. The deployment of LuPI is easy and rapid since little human intervention is needed. In LuPI, the calibration of ``radio map'' is crowd-sourced, automatic and scheduled. Experimental results show that LuPI achieves comparable location accuracy to previous approaches, even without the statistical information of site survey.
Automatic configuration of routing control platforms in OpenFlow networks
Authors: Sharma Sachin , Staessens Dimitri , Colle Didier , Pickavet Mario , Demeester Piet
Published: June 2016

RouteFlow provides a way to run routing control platforms (e.g. Quagga) in OpenFlow networks. One of the issues of RouteFlow is that an administrator needs to devote a lot of time (typically 7 hours for 28 switches) in manual configurations. We propose and demonstrate a framework that can automatically configure RouteFlow. For this demonstration, we use an emulated pan-European topology of 28 switches. In the demonstration, we stream a video clip from a server to a remote client, and show that the video clip reaches at the remote client within 4 minutes (including the configuration time). In addition, we show automatic configuration of RouteFlow using a GUI (Graphical User Interface).
Named data networking on a router
Authors: So Won , Narayanan Ashok , Oran David , Stapp Mark
Published: June 2016

Named data networking (NDN) is a new networking paradigm using named data instead of named hosts for communication. Implementation of scalable NDN packet forwarding remains a challenge because NDN requires fast variable-length hierarchical name-based lookup, per-packet data plane state update, and large-scale forwarding tables. We have designed and implemented an NDN data plane with a software forwarding engine on an Intel Xeon-based line card in a Cisco ASR9000 router. In order to achieve high-speed forwarding, our design features (1) name lookup via hash tables with fast collision-resistant hash computation, (2) an efficient and secure FIB lookup algorithm that provides good average and bounded worst-case FIB lookup time, (3) PIT partitioning that enables linear multi-core speedup, and (4) an optimized data structure and software prefetching to maximize data cache utilization. In this demonstration, we showcase our NDN router implementation on the ASR9000 and demonstrate that it can forward real NDN traffic at 20Gbps or higher.
OMware
Authors: Xue Lei , Mok Ricky K.P. , Chang Rocky K.C.
Published: June 2016

A number of home-installed middleboxes, e.g., BISMark and SamKnows, and web-based tools, e.g., Netalyzr and Ookla's speedtest service, have been developed recently to enable residential broadband users to gauge their network service quality. One challenge to designing these systems is to provide stable network measurement. That is, the measurement results will not be fluctuated by sporadic overheads incurred inside the middlebox or web browser. In this poster, we propose a network measurement ware, OMware, to increase the stability of residential broadband measurement. The key feature is to implement the send and receive functions for measurement packets in the kernel. Our preliminary evaluation for an OpenWrt implementation shows that OMware provides very stable throughput and delay measurement, compared with typical socket-based measurement at the user level.
Exponential quantization
Authors: Yen Yu-Chuan , Chu Cing-Yu , Chen Chien-Nan , Yeh Su-Ling , Chu Hao-Hua , Huang Polly
Published: June 2016

As Skype has become popular and a profitable business, the long-standing problem of how to deliver Skype calls deserves a serious revisit from an economic viewpoint. This study proposes a rate control mechanism for Skype calls that satisfies
more users
and satisfies
users more
than the greedy-naïve mechanism, as well as the mechanism implemented in Skype.
Replication free rule grouping for packet classification
Authors: Wang Xiang , Chen Chang , Li Jun
Published: June 2016

Most recent works demonstrate that grouping methodology could bring significant reduction of memory usage to decision-tree packet classification algorithms, with insignificant impact on throughput. However, these grouping techniques can hardly eliminate rule-replication completely. This work proposes a novel rule grouping algorithm without any replication. At each space decomposition step, all rules projecting on the split dimension form the maximum number of non-overlapped ranges, which guarantees the modest memory usage and grouping speed. Evaluation shows that the proposed algorithm achieves comparable memory size with less pre-processing time.
Toward content-centric privacy in ICN
Authors: Ion Mihaela , Zhang Jianqing , Schooler Eve M.
Published: June 2016

We design a content-centric privacy scheme for Information-Centric Networking (ICN). We enhance ICN's ability to support data confidentiality by introducing attribute-based encryption into ICN and making it specific to the data attributes. Our approach is unusual in that it preserves ICN's goal to decouple publishers and subscribers for greater data accessibility, scalable multiparty communication and efficient data distribution. Inspired by application-layer publish-subscribe, we enable fine-grained access control with more expressive policies. Moreover, we propose an attribute-based routing scheme that offers interest confidentiality. A prototype system is implemented based on CCNx, a popular open source version of ICN, to showcase privacy preservation in Smart Neighborhood and Smart City applications.
Using DAIM as a reactive interpreter for openflow networks to enable autonomic functionality
Authors: Pupatwibul Pakawat , Banjar Ameen , Braun Robin
Published: June 2016

OpenFlow is the first standardization of Software Defined Networks. OpenFlow approach, however, has number of limitations: it restricts its use within a single-domain, it is not scalable, and it does not adapt well to changes in local environments. We evaluate the number of approaches to solve these limitations, and propose DAIM model (Distributed Active information Model) which can be integrated into the OpenFlow structure at the level of the switches to provide a reactive interpreter that will manage the flow tables autonomically.
The architecture and traffic management of wireless collaborated hybrid data center network
Authors: Huang He , Liao Xiangke , Li Shanshan , Peng Shaoliang , Liu Xiaodong , Lin Bin
Published: June 2016

This paper introduces a novel wireless collaborated hybrid data center architecture called RF-HYBRID that could optimize the effect of wireless transmission while reduce the complexity of wired network. RF-HYBRID improves throughput and packet delivery latency through flexible wireless detours and shortcuts, with a comprehensive routing and congestion control method.
M2cloud
Authors: Liu Zhongjin , Li Yong , Su Li , Jin Depeng , Zeng Lieguang
Published: June 2016

A significant concern for cloud operators is to provide global network performance isolation for concurrent tenants. To address this, we propose M2cloud, a software defined framework providing scalable network control for multi-site data centers (DCs). M2cloud employs two-level controllers with decoupled functions, providing each tenant with flexible virtualization support in both intra- and inter-DC networks.
OpenRAN
Authors: Yang Mao , Li Yong , Jin Depeng , Su Li , Ma Shaowu , Zeng Lieguang
Published: June 2016

With the rapid growth of the demands for mobile data, wireless network faces several challenges, such as lack of efficient interconnection among heterogeneous wireless networks, and shortage of customized QoS guarantees between services. The fundamental reason for these challenges is that the radio access network (RAN) is closed and ossified. We propose OpenRAN, an architecture for software-defined RAN via virtualization. It achieves complete virtualization and programmability vertically, and benefits the convergence of heterogeneous network horizontally. It provides open, controllable, flexible and evolvable wireless networks.
Characterizing correlated latency anomalies in broadband access networks
Authors: Roy Swati , Feamster Nick
Published: June 2016

The growing prevalence of broadband Internet access around the world has made understanding the performance and reliability of broadband access networks extremely important. To better understand the performance anomalies that arise in broadband access networks, we have deployed hundreds of routers in home broadband access networks around the world and are studying the performance of these networks. One of the performance pathologies that we have observed is correlated, sudden latency increases simultaneously and to multiple destinations. In this work, we provide an preliminary glimpse into these sudden latency increases and attempt to understand their causes. Although we do not isolate root cause in this study, observing the sets of destinations that experience correlated latency increases can provide important clues as to the locations in the network that may be inducing these pathologies. We present an algorithm to better identify the network locations that are likely responsible for these pathologies. We then analyze latency data from one month across our home router deployment to determine where in the network latency issues are arising, and how those pathologies differ across regions, ISPs, and countries. Our preliminary analysis suggests that most latency pathologies are to a single destination and a relatively small percentage of these pathologies are likely in the last mile, suggesting that peering within the network may be a more likely culprit for these pathologies than access link problems.
Soluble adenylyl cyclase is an acid-base sensor in epithelial base-secreting cells
Authors: Roa Jinae N. , Tresguerres Martin
Published: June 2016

Blood acid-base regulation by specialized epithelia, such as gills and kidney, requires the ability to sense blood acid-base status. Here, we developed primary cultures of ray ( Urolophus halleri) gill cells to study mechanisms for acid-base sensing without the interference of whole animal hormonal regulation. Ray gills have abundant base-secreting cells, identified by their noticeable expression of vacuolar-type H+-ATPase (VHA), and also express the evolutionarily conserved acid-base sensor soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC). Exposure of cultured cells to extracellular alkalosis (pH 8.0, 40 mM HCO3−) triggered VHA translocation to the cell membrane, similar to previous reports in live animals experiencing blood alkalosis. VHA translocation was dependent on sAC, as it was blocked by the sAC-specific inhibitor KH7. Ray gill base-secreting cells also express transmembrane adenylyl cyclases (tmACs); however, tmAC inhibition by 2′,5′-dideoxyadenosine did not prevent alkalosis-dependent VHA translocation, and tmAC activation by forskolin reduced the abundance of VHA at the cell membrane. This study demonstrates that sAC is a necessary and sufficient sensor of extracellular alkalosis in ray gill base-secreting cells. In addition, this study indicates that different sources of cAMP differentially modulate cell biology.
Active vacuolar H+ ATPase and functional cycle of Rab5 are required for the vacuolation defect triggered by PtdIns(3,5)P2 loss under PIKfyve or Vps34 deficiency
Authors: Compton Lauren M. , Ikonomov Ognian C. , Sbrissa Diego , Garg Puneet , Shisheva Assia
Published: June 2016

The two evolutionarily conserved mammalian lipid kinases Vps34 and PIKfyve are involved in an important physiological relationship, whereby the former produces phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) 3P that is used as a substrate for PtdIns(3,5)P2 synthesis by the latter. Reduced production of PtdIns(3,5)P2 in proliferating mammalian cells is phenotypically manifested by the formation of multiple translucent cytoplasmic vacuoles, readily rescued upon exogenous delivery of PtdIns(3,5)P2 or overproduction of PIKfyve. Although the aberrant vacuolation phenomenon has been frequently used as a sensitive functional measure of localized PtdIns(3,5)P2 reduction, cellular factors governing the appearance of cytoplasmic vacuoles under PtdIns3P-PtdIns(3,5)P2 loss remain elusive. To gain further mechanistic insight about the vacuolation process following PtdIns(3,5)P2 reduction, in this study we sought for cellular mechanisms required for manifestation of the aberrant endomembrane vacuoles triggered by PIKfyve or Vps34 dysfunction. The latter was achieved by various means such as pharmacological inhibition, gene disruption, or dominant-interference in several proliferating mammalian cell types. We report here that inhibition of V-ATPase with bafilomycin A1 as well as inactivation of the GTP-GDP cycle of Rab5a GTPase phenotypically rescued or completely precluded the cytoplasmic vacuolization despite the continued presence of inactivated PIKfyve or Vps34. Bafilomycin A1 also restored the aberrant EEA1-positive endosomes, enlarged upon short PIKfyve inhibition with YM201636. Together, our work identifies for the first time that factors such as active V-ATPase or functional Rab5a cycle are acting coincidentally with the PtdIns(3,5)P2 reduction in triggering formation of aberrant cytoplasmic vacuoles under PIKfyve or Vps34 dysfunction.
Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α is required for cell differentiation and homeostasis in the adult mouse gastric epithelium
Authors: Moore Benjamin D. , Khurana Shradha S. , Huh Won Jae , Mills Jason C.
Published: June 2016

We have previously shown that the sequential transcription factors Xbp1→Mist1 (Bhlha15) govern the ultrastructural maturation of the secretory apparatus in enzyme-secreting zymogenic chief cells (ZCs) in the gastric unit. Here we sought to identify transcriptional regulators upstream of X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) and MIST1. We used immunohistochemistry to characterize Hnf4α flox/flox adult mouse stomachs after tamoxifen-induced deletion of Hnf4α. We used qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and chromatin immunoprecipitation to define the molecular interaction between hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4α) and Xbp1 in mouse stomach and human gastric cells. We show that HNF4α protein is expressed in pit (foveolar) cells, mucous neck cells, and zymogenic chief cells (ZCs) of the corpus gastric unit. Loss of HNF4α in adult mouse stomach led to reduced ZC size and ER content, phenocopying previously characterized effects of Xbp1 deletion. However, HNF4αΔ/Δ stomachs also exhibited additional phenotypes including increased proliferation in the isthmal stem cell zone and altered mucous neck cell migration, indicating a role of HNF4α in progenitor cells as well as in ZCs. HNF4α directly occupies the Xbp1 promoter locus in mouse stomach, and forced HNF4α expression increased abundance of XBP1 mRNA in human gastric cancer cells. Finally, as expected, loss of HNF4α caused decreased Xbp1 and Mist1 expression in mouse stomachs. We show that HNF4α regulates homeostatic proliferation in the gastric epithelium and is both necessary and sufficient for the upstream regulation of the Xbp1→ Mist1 axis in maintenance of ZC secretory architecture.
Maintenance of vascular integrity by pericytes is essential for normal kidney function
Authors: Lemos Dario R. , Marsh Graham , Huang Angela , Campanholle Gabriela , Aburatani Takahide , Dang Lan , Gomez Ivan , Fisher Ken , Ligresti Giovanni , Peti-Peterdi Janos , Duffield Jeremy S.
Published: June 2016

Pericytes are tissue-resident mesenchymal progenitor cells anatomically associated with the vasculature that have been shown to participate in tissue regeneration. Here, we tested the hypothesis that kidney pericytes, derived from FoxD1+ mesodermal progenitors during embryogenesis, are necessary for postnatal kidney homeostasis. Diphtheria toxin delivery to FoxD1Cre::RsDTR transgenic mice resulted in selective ablation of >90% of kidney pericytes but not other cell lineages. Abrupt increases in plasma creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and albuminuria within 96 h indicated acute kidney injury in pericyte-ablated mice. Loss of pericytes led to a rapid accumulation of neutral lipid vacuoles, swollen mitochondria, and apoptosis in tubular epithelial cells. Pericyte ablation led to endothelial cell swelling, reduced expression of vascular homeostasis markers, and peritubular capillary loss. Despite the observed injury, no signs of the acute inflammatory response were observed. Pathway enrichment analysis of genes expressed in kidney pericytes in vivo identified basement membrane proteins, angiogenic factors, and factors regulating vascular tone as major regulators of vascular function. Using novel microphysiological devices, we recapitulated human kidney peritubular capillaries coated with pericytes and showed that pericytes regulate permeability, basement membrane deposition, and microvascular tone. These findings suggest that through the active support of the microvasculature, pericytes are essential to adult kidney homeostasis.
MICS, an easily ignored contributor to arterial calcification in CKD patients
Authors: Zhang Kun , Gao Jingwei , Chen Jie , Liu Xun , Cai Qingqing , Liu Pinming , Huang Hui
Published: June 2016

In chronic kidney disease (CKD), simultaneous mineral and skeleton changes are prevalent, known as CKD-mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD). Arterial calcification (AC) is a clinically important complication of CKD-MBD. It can increase arterial stiffness, which leads to severe cardiovascular events. However, current treatments have little effect on regression of AC, as its mechanisms are still unclear. There are multiple risk factors of AC, among which Malnutrition-Inflammation Complex Syndrome (MICS) is a new and crucial one. MICS, a combined syndrome of malnutrition and inflammation, generally begins at the early stage of CKD and becomes obvious in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It was linked to reverse epidemiology and associated with increased cardiovascular mortality in ESRD patients. Recent data suggest that MICS can trigger CKD-MBD and accelerate the course of AC. In this present review, we summarize the recent understanding about the aggravating effects of MICS on AC and discuss the possible underlying mechanisms. A series of findings indicate that targeting MICS will provide a potential strategy for treating AC in CKD.
Optimizing the translational value of animal models of glomerulonephritis: insights from recent murine prototypes
Authors: Foster Mary H.
Published: June 2016

Animal models are indispensable for the study of glomerulonephritis, a group of diseases that destroy kidneys but for which specific therapies do not yet exist. Novel interventions are urgently needed, but their rational design requires suitable in vivo platforms to identify and test new candidates. Animal models can recreate the complex immunologic microenvironments that foster human autoimmunity and nephritis and provide access to tissue compartments not readily examined in patients. Study of rat Heymann nephritis identified fundamental disease mechanisms that ultimately revolutionized our understanding of human membranous nephropathy. Significant species differences in expression of a major target antigen, however, and lack of spontaneous autoimmunity in animals remain roadblocks to full exploitation of preclinical models in this disease. For several glomerulonephritides, humanized models have been developed to circumvent cross-species barriers and to study the effects of human genetic risk variants. Herein we review humanized mouse prototypes that provide fresh insight into mediators of IgA nephropathy and origins of antiglomerular basement membrane nephritis and Goodpasture's disease, as well as a means to test novel therapies for ANCA vasculitis. Additional and refined model systems are needed to mirror the full spectrum of human disease in a genetically diverse population, to facilitate development of patient-specific interventions, to determine the origin of nephritogenic autoimmunity, and to define the role of environmental exposures in disease initiation and relapse.
The slow component of pulmonary O2 uptake accompanies peripheral muscle fatigue during high-intensity exercise
Authors: Keir Daniel A. , Copithorne David B. , Hodgson Michael D. , Pogliaghi Silvia , Rice Charles L. , Kowalchuk John M.
Published: June 2016

During constant-power output (PO) exercise above lactate threshold (LT), pulmonary O2 uptake (V̇o2p) features a developing slow component (V̇o2pSC). This progressive increase in O2 cost of exercise is suggested to be related to the effects of muscle fatigue development. We hypothesized that peripheral muscle fatigue as assessed by contractile impairment would be associated with the V̇o2pSC. Eleven healthy men were recruited to perform four constant-PO tests at an intensity corresponding to ∼Δ60 (very heavy, VH) where Δ is 60% of the difference between LT and peak V̇o2p. The VH exercise was completed for each of 3, 8, 13, and 18 min (i.e., VH3, VH8, VH13, VH18) with each preceded by 3 min of cycling at 20 W. Peripheral muscle fatigue was assessed via pre- vs. postexercise measurements of quadriceps torque in response to brief trains of electrical stimulation delivered at low (10 Hz) and high (50 Hz) frequencies. During exercise, breath-by-breath V̇o2p was measured by mass spectrometry and volume turbine. The magnitude of V̇o2pSC increased ( P < 0.05) from 224 ± 81 ml/min at VH3 to 520 ± 119, 625 ± 134, and 678 ± 156 ml/min at VH8, VH13, and VH18, respectively. The ratio of the low-to-high frequency (10/50 Hz) response was reduced ( P < 0.05) at VH3 (−12 ± 9%) and further reduced ( P < 0.05) at VH8 (−25 ± 11%), VH13 (−42 ± 19%), and VH18 (−46 ± 16%), mirroring the temporal pattern of V̇o2pSC development. The reduction in 10/50 Hz ratio was correlated ( P < 0.001, r2 = 0.69) with V̇o2pSC amplitude. The temporal and quantitative association of decrements in muscle torque production and V̇o2pSC suggest a common physiological mechanism between skeletal muscle fatigue and loss of muscle efficiency.
Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells as a Platform for Personalized and Precision Cardiovascular Medicine
Authors: Matsa Elena , Ahrens John H. , Wu Joseph C.
Published: June 2016

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) have revolutionized the field of human disease modeling, with an enormous potential to serve as paradigm shifting platforms for preclinical trials, personalized clinical diagnosis, and drug treatment. In this review, we describe how hiPSCs could transition cardiac healthcare away from simple disease diagnosis to prediction and prevention, bridging the gap between basic and clinical research to bring the best science to every patient.
An Experimental Study of Briquetting Process of Torrefied Rubber Seed Kernel and Palm Oil Shell
Authors: Hamid M. Fadzli , Idroas M. Yusof , Ishak M. Zulfikar , Zainal Alauddin Z. Alimuddin , Miskam M. Azman , Abdullah M. Khalil
Published: June 2016

Torrefaction process of biomass material is essential in converting them into biofuel with improved calorific value and physical strength. However, the production of torrefied biomass is loose, powdery, and nonuniform. One method of upgrading this material to improve their handling and combustion properties is by densification into briquettes of higher density than the original bulk density of the material. The effects of critical parameters of briquetting process that includes the type of biomass material used for torrefaction and briquetting, densification temperature, and composition of binder for torrefied biomass are studied and characterized. Starch is used as a binder in the study. The results showed that the briquette of torrefied rubber seed kernel (RSK) is better than torrefied palm oil shell (POS) in both calorific value and compressive strength. The best quality of briquettes is yielded from torrefied RSK at the ambient temperature of briquetting process with the composition of 60% water and 5% binder. The maximum compressive load for the briquettes of torrefied RSK is 141 N and the calorific value is 16 MJ/kg. Based on the economic evaluation analysis, the return of investment (ROI) for the mass production of both RSK and POS briquettes is estimated in 2-year period and the annual profit after payback was approximately 107,428.6 USD.
Autoantibodies in a Three-Year-Old Girl with Visceral Leishmaniasis: A Potential Diagnostic Pitfall
Authors: Pouladfar Gholamreza , Jafarpour Zahra , Babaei Amir Hossein , Pourabbas Bahman , Geramizadeh Bita , Dashti Anahita Sanaei
Published: June 2016

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), a life-threatening parasitic infection, is endemic in the Mediterranean region. Diagnosis of VL is based on epidemiologic, clinical, and laboratory findings. However, sometimes, clinical features and laboratory findings overlap with those of autoimmune diseases. In some cases, autoantibodies are detected in patients with VL and this could be a potential diagnostic pitfall. In this study, we have reported on a three-year-old girl from a VL-endemic area in Iran, who presented with prolonged fever and splenomegaly. Bone marrow examination, serologic tests, and the molecular PCR assay were performed; however, results were inconclusive. The levels of anti-double stranded DNA, cytoplasmic antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody, and perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody were elevated and, at the end, splenic biopsy was performed. The splenic tissue PCR test detected the DNA ofLeishmania infantum. The patient’s condition improved with anti-Leishmaniatherapy, and the autoantibodies disappeared within the following four months. Clinical presentations and laboratory findings of VL and autoimmune diseases may overlap in some patients.
Simultaneous Chronic Invasive Fungal Infection and Tracheal Fungus Ball Mimicking Cancer in an Immunocompetent Patient
Authors: Çetinkaya Erdoğan , Çörtük Mustafa , Gül Şule , Mert Ali , Boyacı Hilal , Çam Ertan , Dincer H. Erhan
Published: June 2016

Fungal infections of the lung are uncommon and mainly affect people with immune deficiency. There are crucial problems in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and candidiasis are the most common opportunistic fungal infections.Aspergillusspecies (spp.) are saprophytes molds that exist in nature as spores and rarely cause disease in immunocompetent individuals. In patients with immune deficiency or chronic lung disease, such as cavitary lung disease or bronchiectasis,Aspergillusmay cause a variety of aspergillosis infections. Here we present a case of a 57-year-old patient without immunodeficiency or chronic lung disease who was diagnosed with endotracheal fungus ball and chronic fungal infection, possibly due toAspergillus. Bronchoscopic examination showed a paralyzed right vocal cord and vegetating mass that was yellow in color, at the posterior wall of tracheal lumen. After 3 months, both the parenchymal and tracheal lesions were completely resolved.
Manganese Oxide on Carbon Fabric for Flexible Supercapacitors
Authors: Zhang Jianfeng , Chen Mujun , Ge Yunwang , Liu Qi
Published: June 2016

We report the fabrication of uniform large-area manganese oxide (MnO2) nanosheets on carbon fabric which oxidized using O2plasma treatment (MnO2/O2-carbon fabric) via electrodeposition process and their implementation as supercapacitor electrodes. Electrochemical measurements demonstrated that MnO2/O2-carbon fabric exhibited capacitance as high as 275 F/g at a scan rate of 5 mV/s; in addition, it showed an excellent cycling performance (less than 20% capacitance loss after 10,000 cycles). All the results suggest that MnO2/O2-carbon fabric is a promising electrode material which has great potential for application on flexible supercapacitors.
Deep Neural Networks Based Recognition of Plant Diseases by Leaf Image Classification
Authors: Sladojevic Srdjan , Arsenovic Marko , Anderla Andras , Culibrk Dubravko , Stefanovic Darko
Published: June 2016

The latest generation of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) has achieved impressive results in the field of image classification. This paper is concerned with a new approach to the development of plant disease recognition model, based on leaf image classification, by the use of deep convolutional networks. Novel way of training and the methodology used facilitate a quick and easy system implementation in practice. The developed model is able to recognize 13 different types of plant diseases out of healthy leaves, with the ability to distinguish plant leaves from their surroundings. According to our knowledge, this method for plant disease recognition has been proposed for the first time. All essential steps required for implementing this disease recognition model are fully described throughout the paper, starting from gathering images in order to create a database, assessed by agricultural experts. Caffe, a deep learning framework developed by Berkley Vision and Learning Centre, was used to perform the deep CNN training. The experimental results on the developed model achieved precision between 91% and 98%, for separate class tests, on average 96.3%.
Splenectomy versus Partial Splenic Embolization for Massive Splenomegaly Secondary to Hepatitis B-Related Liver Cirrhosis: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Jiao Shoufei , Chen Hongxing , Wang Youlong , Zhu Jiye , Tan Jingwang , Gao Jie
Published: June 2016

Background.Both splenectomy (SP) and partial splenic embolization (PSE) are used to treat massive splenomegaly (MSM) secondary to hepatitis B-related liver cirrhosis (HB-LC). This retrospective case-control study was conducted to compare the effects of SP and PSE on these patients.Methods.From July 2004 to January 2012, patients with MSM secondary to HB-LC who underwent SP or PSE were 1 : 1 : 1 matched with similar nonsurgery patients, respectively. Intraoperative situation, hematological indices, liver function, HBV DNA level, HBeAg seroconversion rate, morbidity, and mortality at 6 months postoperatively were compared.Results.Operative time, estimated blood loss, blood transfusion rate, severe pain, postoperative stay, and portal vein thrombosis (PVT) rate in the PSE group were significantly superior to the SP group, although SP and PSE were similar in liver function improvement, HBV suppression, morbidity, and mortality at 6 months postoperatively, and SP even improved WBC and PLT counts higher than PSE.Conclusion.Both SP and PSE are effective in improving liver function, increasing WBC and PLT counts, and suppressing replication of HBV for MSM secondary to HB-LC. Although postoperative improvement in WBC and PLT counts by SP can be higher than PSE, PSE is simple and minimally invasive and has a lower incidence of PVT.
Aeroelastic Analysis of Wings in the Transonic Regime: Planform’s Influence on the Dynamic Instability
Authors: Chiarelli Mario Rosario , Bonomo Salvatore
Published: June 2016

This paper presents a study of transonic wings whose planform shape is curved. Using fluid structure interaction analyses, the dynamic instability conditions were investigated by including the effects of the transonic flow field around oscillating wings. To compare the dynamic aeroelastic characteristics of the curved wing configuration, numerical analyses were carried out on a conventional swept wing and on a curved planform wing. The results confirm that, for a curved planform wing, the dynamic instability condition occurs at higher flight speed if compared to a traditional swept wing with similar profiles, aspect ratio, angle of sweep at root, similar structural layout, and similar mass. A curved wing lifting system could thus improve the performances of future aircrafts.
Multidrug-ResistantBacteroides fragilisBacteremia in a US Resident: An Emerging Challenge
Authors: Merchan Cristian , Parajuli Sunita , Siegfried Justin , Scipione Marco R. , Dubrovskaya Yanina , Rahimian Joseph
Published: June 2016

We describe a case ofBacteroides fragilisbacteremia associated with paraspinal and psoas abscesses in the United States. Resistance to b-lactam/b-lactamase inhibitors, carbapenems, and metronidazole was encountered despite having a recent travel history to India as the only possible risk factor for multidrug resistance. Microbiological cure was achieved with linezolid, moxifloxacin, and cefoxitin.
Analysis of Public Bus Transportation of a Brazilian City Based on the Theory of Complex Networks Using the P-Space
Authors: De Bona A. A. , Fonseca K. V. O. , Rosa M. O. , Lüders R. , Delgado M. R. B. S.
Published: June 2016

The city of Curitiba, located at Southern Brazil, is recognized by its urban planning structured on three pillars: land use, collective transportation, and traffic. With 3.8 million people in its metropolitan area, the public transport system deals with approximately 2.5 million passengers daily. The structure and properties of such a transportation system have substantial implications for the urban planning and public politics for sustainable development of Curitiba. Therefore, this paper analyzes the structure of the public transportation system of Curitiba through the theory of complex networks in a static approach of network topology and presents a comparative analysis of the results from Curitiba, three cities from China (Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou), and three cities from Poland (GOP, Warszawa, and Łódź). The transportation network was modeled as a complex network with exact geographical coordinates of its bus stops. In all bus lines, the method used was the P-Space. The results show that this bus network has characteristics of both small-world and scale-free networks.
Different Nodules Identified during Liver Explant Gross Examination: Relevance and Need for Sectioning—Experience from India
Authors: Bansal Nalini , Vij Vivek , Rastogi Mukul
Published: June 2016

Objective. The goal of this study was to determine the etiopathological association of various hepatic nodules identified during gross examination of liver explants specimen and the grossing aspects of these abnormal nodules especially those smaller than 1 cm in diameter. Our aim was to analyze whether there is any association of macroregenerative and dysplastic nodule with hepatocellular carcinoma.Materials and Methods. Fifty consecutive liver explants specimens were analyzed for the presence of any abnormal nodule (abnormal nodule defined as any nodule different in color, texture, and appearance from adjacent liver tissue).Results. Of the total 40 abnormal nodules identified in 50 liver explant specimens, there were 12 (30%) HCC [including 5 small HCC (41% of total HCC) and 1 steatohepatitic HCC (8% of total HCC)], 11 (27%) MRNs, 8 (20%) dysplastic nodules, and 9 (22%) necrotic nodules. Most cases (72%) of MRN are seen in hepatitis C virus related cirrhosis with only 2 cases having associated HCC. Most cases of HCC were seen in cases of HBV associated cirrhosis (60%). The association of MRN was not found to be significantly associated with HCC with apvalue of 1.0. Dysplastic nodules were found to be significantly associated with HCC with apvalue of 0.02.Conclusion. In hepatic carcinogenesis, the role of MRN does not appear to be significant. However, the presence of dysplastic nodules is significantly associated with HCC. The study identified another variant of cirrhotic nodules herein called necrotic nodules that are mostly tan greenish in color and <0.5 cm in diameter. No dysplastic changes were identified in any of these nodules disqualifying the need of sectioning in such nodules.
Parametric Analysis of a High Temperature PEM Fuel Cell Based Microcogeneration System
Authors: Nomnqa Myalelo , Ikhu-Omoregbe Daniel , Rabiu Ademola
Published: June 2016

This study focuses on performance analysis of a 1 kWemicrocogeneration system based on a high temperature proton exchange membrane (HT-PEM) fuel cell by means of parametric investigation. A mathematical model for a system consisting of a fuel processor (steam reforming reactor and water-gas shift reactor), a HT-PEM fuel cell stack, and the balance-of-plant components was developed. Firstly, the fuel processor performance at different fuel ratios and equivalence ratio was examined. It is shown that high fuel ratios of 0.9–0.95 and equivalence ratios of less than 0.56 are suitable for acceptable carbon monoxide content in the synthetic gas produced. Secondly, a parametric study of the system performance at different fuel and equivalence ratios using key system operating parameters was conducted. Steam-to-carbon ratio, stack operating temperature, and anode stoichiometry were varied to observe the changes in the microcogeneration system. The analysis shows that the system can reach electrical and cogeneration efficiencies of 30% and 84%, respectively.
A Semi-Supervised Framework for MMMs-Induced Fuzzy Co-Clustering with Virtual Samples
Authors: Tanaka Daiji , Honda Katsuhiro , Ubukata Seiki , Notsu Akira
Published: June 2016

Although the goal of clustering is to reveal structural information from unlabeled datasets, in cases with partial structural supervisions, semi-supervised clustering is expected to improve partition quality. However, in many real applications, it may cause additional costs to provide an enough amount of supervised objects with class labels. A virtual sample approach is a practical technique for improving classification quality in semi-supervised learning, in which additional virtual samples are generated from supervised objects. In this research, the virtual sample approach is adopted in semi-supervised fuzzy co-clustering, where the goal is to reveal object-item pairwise cluster structures from cooccurrence information among them. Several experimental results demonstrate the characteristics of the proposed approach.
Cloning and Expression Analysis of One Gamma-Glutamylcysteine Synthetase Gene (Hbγ-ECS1) in Latex Production inHevea brasiliensis
Authors: Fang Wei , Qiao Luo Shi , Ming Wu , Jian Qiu , Feng Yang Wen , Hua Gao Hong , Zhou Xiao Xian
Published: June 2016

Rubber tree is a major commercial source of natural rubber. Latex coagulation is delayed by thiols, which belong to the important type of antioxidants in laticifer submembrane, and is composed of glutathione (GSH), cysteine, and methionine. The rate-limiting enzyme,γ-ECS, plays an important role in regulating the biosynthesis of glutathione under any environment conditions. To understand the relation betweenγ-ECS and thiols and to correlate latex flow with one-time tapping and continuous tapping, we cloned and derived the full length of oneγ-ECS from rubber tree latex (Hbγ-ECS1). According to qPCR analysis, the expression levels ofHbγ-ECS1were induced by tapping and Ethrel stimulation, and the expression was related to thiols content in the latex. Continuous tapping induced injury, and the expression ofHbγECS1increased with routine tapping and Ethrel-stimulation tapping (more intensive tapping). According to expression in long-term flowing latex, the gene was related to the duration of latex flow.HbγECS1was expressed inE. coliRosetta using pET-sumo as an expression vector and the recombinant enzyme was purified; then we achieved 0.827 U/mg specific activity and about 66 kDa molecular weight. The present study can help us understand the complex role ofHbγ-ECSin thiols biosynthesis, which is influenced by tapping.
Identification of Torsionally Coupled Shear Buildings Models Using a Vector Parameterization
Authors: Concha Antonio , Alvarez-Icaza Luis
Published: June 2016

A methodology to estimate the shear model of seismically excited, torsionally coupled buildings using acceleration measurements of the ground and floors is presented. A vector parameterization that considers Rayleigh damping for the building is introduced that allows identifying the stiffness/mass and damping/mass ratios of the structure, as well as their eccentricities and radii of gyration. This parameterization has the advantage that its number of parameters is smaller than that obtained with matrix parameterizations or when Rayleigh damping is not used. Thus, the number of spectral components of the excitation signal required to identity the structural parameters is reduced. To deal with constant disturbances and measurement noise that corrupt acceleration measurements, Linear Integral Filters are used that guarantee elimination of constant disturbances and attenuation of noise.
Midcourse Guidance Law Based on High Target Acquisition Probability Considering Angular Constraint and Line-of-Sight Angle Rate Control
Authors: Liu Xiao , Tang Shengjing , Guo Jie , Yun Yuhang , Chen Zhe
Published: June 2016

Random disturbance factors would lead to the variation of target acquisition point during the long distance flight. To acquire a high target acquisition probability and improve the impact precision, missiles should be guided to an appropriate target acquisition position with certain attitude angles and line-of-sight (LOS) angle rate. This paper has presented a new midcourse guidance law considering the influences of random disturbances, detection distance restraint, and target acquisition probability with Monte Carlo simulation. Detailed analyses of the impact points on the ground and the random distribution of the target acquisition position in the 3D space are given to get the appropriate attitude angles and the end position for the midcourse guidance. Then, a new formulation biased proportional navigation (BPN) guidance law with angular constraint and LOS angle rate control has been derived to ensure the tracking ability when attacking the maneuvering target. Numerical simulations demonstrates that, compared with the proportional navigation guidance (PNG) law and the near-optimal spatial midcourse guidance (NSMG) law, BPN guidance law demonstrates satisfactory performances and can meet both the midcourse terminal angular constraint and the LOS angle rate requirement.
Hemoptysis as the Presenting Clinical Sign of a T8-T9 Spine Fracture with Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis Changes
Authors: Siasios Ioannis , Pollina John , Dimopoulos Vassilios G.
Published: June 2016

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a noninflammatory degenerative disease that affects multiple spine levels and, in combination with osteoporosis, makes vertebrae more prone to fractures, especially in elderly people. We describe a rare case of thoracic fracture in an ankylosed spine in which hemoptysis was the only clinical sign. The patient (age in the early 80s) presented with chest pain and a cough associated with hemoptysis. The patient had no complaints of back pain and no neurological symptoms. Computed tomography (CT) angiography of the chest revealed changes consistent with DISH, with fractures at the T8 and T9 vertebra as well as lung hemorrhage or contusion in the right lung base. CT and magnetic resonance imaging of the thoracic spine showed similar findings, with a recent T8-T9 fracture and DISH changes. The patient underwent percutaneous pedicle screw fixation from T7 to T11 and remained neurologically intact with an uneventful postoperative course.