bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy requirements and the use of predictive equations versus indirect calorimetry in critically ill patients
Authors: Wichansawakun Sanit , Meddings Liisa , Alberda Cathy , Robbins Sarah , Gramlich Leah
Published: October 2014

Nutrition support has been shown to have a positive impact on critically ill patients who meet their defined goals of nutrition therapy. However, inappropriate energy assessment can contribute to under- or overfeeding resulting in deleterious effects. Thus, assessment of energy expenditure in critically ill patients is crucial to prevent negative impacts from inappropriate feeding. Currently, the optimal energy requirement and appropriate energy assessment in these patients is controversial. Indirect calorimetry or predictive equations have been suggested to evaluate energy expenditure in critically ill patients. Indirect calorimetry is a gold standard for evaluating energy expenditure, but it is not always available and has some limitations. Many predictive equations, therefore, have been developed to predict energy expenditure in critically ill patients. However, these equations cannot be used generally in these patients since they were developed in a unique patient population. Many studies compared measured energy expenditure with predictive energy expenditure, but the data regarding accuracy is not robust. Therefore, clinicians should consider using these equations carefully based on the current supporting data. Indirect calorimetry is recommended for use in evaluating energy expenditure in critically ill patients if it is available.
Mitigation of climate change with biomass harvesting in Norway spruce stands: are harvesting practices carbon neutral?
Authors: Mäkipää Raisa , Linkosalo Tapio , Komarov Alexander , Mäkelä Annikki
Published: October 2014

Biomass combustion is considered to be carbon neutral, but intensive biomass harvesting may negatively impact carbon stocks in forest soil and vegetation, which can offset the benefits of substituting fossil fuels with biomass. Here we evaluated conventional stem-only harvesting, whole-tree harvesting (WTH), and WTH excluding needles in terms of timber yield, biomass harvests, and forest carbon sequestration. We simulated harvest scenarios in current and changed climates with a process-based growth model (PipeQual) that was integrated with models describing soil decomposition (ROMUL) and soil water dynamics. Furthermore, we compared gains and losses of forest carbon with reductions in fossil-fuel emissions that result from using harvested biomass for energy production. WTH negatively affected stand growth, biomass, and soil carbon stock; negative effects on growth and biomass can be reduced by leaving nitrogen-rich needles behind during WTH. In a changed climate, organic-matter decomposition and nitrogen mineralization accelerated and tree growth was enhanced, increasing the carbon stock of trees and slightly decreasing the soil carbon stock. In the changed climate, WTH had less influence on forest growth and a similar influence on soil carbon sequestration than in the current climate. In the current climate, the WTH decreased the forest carbon stock by, on average, 26.8 Mg C·ha−1over the rotation period. If harvested forest residues are used for energy production instead of fossil fuels, emissions decline by 19 Mg C·ha−1(when WTH is applied over a rotation period). Thus, our analysis suggests that using forest residues for energy production leads to a net increase in carbon emissions.
Reversal of P-glycoprotein-medicated multidrug resistance by LBM-A5 in vitro and a study of its pharmacokinetics in vivo
Authors: Zhao Tianxiao , Song Yun , Liu Baomin , Qiu Qianqian , Jiao Lei , Li Yunman , Huang Wenlong , Qian Hai
Published: October 2014

The overexpression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in tumors leads to multidrug resistance (MDR), which is a significant obstacle in clinical cancer chemotherapy. The co-administration of anticancer drugs and MDR modulators is a promising strategy for overcoming this problem. Our study aimed to explore the reversal mechanism and safety of the MDR modulator LBM-A5 in vitro, and evaluate its pharmacokinetics and effects on doxorubicin metabolism in vivo. We evaluated an MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay of anticancer agents mediated by LBM-A5, the effect of LBM-A5 on rhodamine123 intracellular accumulation, and the efflux in K562/DOX cells to investigate the reversal mechanisms of LBM-A5. The results showed that LBM-A5 inhibits rhodamine123 efflux and increases intracellular accumulation by inhibiting the efflux pump function of P-gp. Furthermore, the therapeutic index and CYP3A4 activity analysis in vitro suggested that LBM-A5 is reasonably safe to use. Also, LBM-A5 (10 mg/kg body mass) achieved the required plasma concentration in sufficient time to reverse MDR in vivo. Importantly, the LBM-A5 treatment group shared similar doxorubicin (DOX) pharmacokinetics with the free DOX group. Our results suggest that LBM-A5 effectively reverses MDR (EC50 = 483.6 ± 81.7 nmol·L−1) by inhibiting the function of P-gp, with relatively ideal pharmacokinetics and in a safe manner, and so may be a promising candidate for cancer chemotherapy research.
Mean first return time for random walks on weighted networks
Authors: Jing Xing-Li , Ling Xiang , Long Jiancheng , Shi Qing , Hu Mao-Bin
Published: October 2014

Random walks on complex networks are of great importance to understand various types of phenomena in real world. In this paper, two types of biased random walks on nonassortative weighted networks are studied: edge-weight-based random walks and node-strength-based random walks, both of which are extended from the normal random walk model. Exact expressions for stationary distribution and mean first return time (MFRT) are derived and examined by simulation. The results will be helpful for understanding the influences of weights on the behavior of random walks.
Chiral logarithmic sigma model at finite temperature and baryonic chemical potential
Authors: Abu-Shady M.
Published: October 2014

A logarithmic potential is suggested to study the chiral phase transition, the critical temperature, and the meson masses at finite temperature and baryonic chemical potential. The logarithmic potential is based on some aspects of quantum chromodynamics (QCD) theory. The model has been solved in the mean-field approximation. We found that the behavior of meson masses takes a similar behavior as in the original sigma model and the Nambu–Jona-Lasinio model. The critical temperature is reduced in comparison with the original sigma model and it is in good agreement with recent lattice QCD results. The chiral phase transition is crossover in the case of chiral explicit breaking symmetry. The Goldstone boson theorem is studied, in which the meson mass is massive and pion mass is massless at lower temperatures. Our conclusions indicate to the present model successfully predicts the phase transition as well as in the original quark sigma model and the Nambu–Jona–Lasinio model. A new advantage of the present model, the critical temperature is in good agreement with lattice QCD results at zero chemical potential. A condition of spontaneous breaking symmetry is necessary to satisfy the Goldstone theorem in the chiral limit.
The tilt of primordial gravitational waves spectra from BICEP2
Authors: Cheng Cheng , Huang Qing-Guo
Published: October 2014

In this paper we constrain the tilt of the spectrum of primordial gravitational waves from Background Imaging of Cosmic Extragalactic Polarization (BICEP2) data only. We find [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] (at 68% C.L.) which implies that a scale-invariant primordial gravitational waves spectra is consistent with BICEP2 nicely. Our results provide evidence for supporting inflation model, and the alternative models, for example the ekpyrotic model which predicts nt = 2, are ruled out at high significance level.
First-principles study on the electronic structure and optical properties of GaAs nanowires
Authors: Wei Xiang-Hai , Gao Tao , Wan Lei , Lu Peng-Fei
Published: October 2014

The electronic structure and optical properties of wurtzite gallium arsenide (GaAs) nanowires (NWs) are investigated within the first-principles plane-wave pseudo-potential method based on the density functional theory (DFT). The calculated results show that GaAs NWs are direct band gap semiconductor and demonstrate the achievement of p-type behavior. These NWs of the electronic behavior transitions from semiconductor to metal after hydrogen-passivated. The complex dielectric function, absorption coefficient and optical reflectivity are calculated and the peak position distributions of imaginary parts of the complex dielectric function have been explained. We may conclude GaAs NWs belongs to what crystal system through the dielectric tensors. Optical reflectivity is obtained and the peak position distributions of imaginary parts of the complex dielectric function have been explained, and their absorption spectra are sensitive to the large radius of GaAs NWs.
Co-Movements of US and Asian Equity Markets: Evidence from Asymmetric and Time-Varying Coefficients
Authors: Kolluri Bharat , Machuga Susan , Wahab Mahmoud
Published: October 2014

We examine co-movements of nine Asian equity markets with both the US and Japan with special interest in distinguishing co-movements during periods of positive returns from those during periods of negative returns. A discrete asymmetric piecewise linear conditional mean returns specification is adopted to generate asymmetric co-movement parameters for periods of positive and negative returns. Conditional heteroskedasticity is modeled using GARCH and EGARCH specifications. Predicted conditional volatilities are used to generate alternative estimates of asymmetric and time-varying co-movement parameters. Conditional mean returns from asymmetric and symmetric conditional mean return models along with GARCH and EGARCH volatilities are used to generate estimates of asymmetric and symmetric conditional (ex-ante) Sharpe ratios. Asian markets returns and volatilities show a clear tendency to move more with the US than with Japan; and their co-movements with negative US returns far exceed their co-movements with positive US returns, thereby suggesting that any diversification benefits into Asian equities are likely to manifest themselves more during periods of positive than negative US returns. Conditional asymmetric Sharpe ratios exceed conditional symmetric Sharpe ratios; however, and more importantly, performance-ranking differs depending on whether asymmetric versus symmetric conditional Sharpe ratios are used. Asymmetric conditional Sharpe ratios suggest that India (followed by Malaysia) offers the best return/risk tradeoff, with the least favorable market is South Korea (using GARCH) and Philippines (using EGARCH).
An upper bound for least solutions of the exponential Diophantine equation D1x2 - D2y2 = λkz
Authors: Yang Hai , Fu Ruiqin
Published: October 2014

Let D1, D2, D, k, λ be fixed integers such that D1 ≥ 1, D2 ≥ 1, gcd (D1, D2) = 1, D = D1D2 is not a square, ∣k∣ > 1, gcd (D, k) = 1 and λ = 1 or 4 according as 2 ∤ k or not. In this paper, we prove that every solution class S(l) of the equation D1x2-D2y2 = λkz, gcd (x, y) = 1, z > 0, has a unique positive integer solution [Formula: see text] satisfying [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], where z runs over all integer solutions (x,y,z) of S(l),(u1,v1) is the fundamental solution of Pell's equation u2 - Dv2 = 1. This result corrects and improves some previous results given by M. H. Le.
Elliptic curves with good reduction everywhere over cubic fields
Authors: Takeshi Nao
Published: October 2014

We give a criterion for cubic fields over which there exist no elliptic curves with good reduction everywhere, and we construct a certain infinite family of cubic fields over which there exist elliptic curves with good reduction everywhere.
Earthquake Catalogue of the Thailand Meteorological Department — A Commentary
Authors: Pailoplee Santi
Published: October 2014

In this study, I investigated qualitatively the earthquake catalogue of the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), Thailand, with respect to the seismicity patterns of Thailand. The readymade relationships between the different magnitude scales were derived to allow their convenient interconversion. Earthquake declustering was performed in order to screen the main shocks from the foreshocks and aftershocks, reducing the 1998–2009 records from ~48,900 to 2,620 main events. Man-made changes in the seismicity rate were carefully checked for, but only some minor changes were found and these were not related to any network improvements. In order to assess the limit of the earthquake detection in the catalogue the criterion of the magnitude of completeness (Mc) was employed, revealing a high efficiency of earthquake detection at a low Mc (3.0–3.5 Mw), especially for the inland active fault zone that dominates in Southeast Asia. Thus, the TMD's catalogue is one of the alternative catalogues for seismicity investigation of inland earthquakes. Meanwhile for the area surrounding the Sumatra Island and Northern Myanmar, the TMD's network is sufficient only for earthquakes with a Mw> 5.4–6.0 Mw. Thus, some additional seismic recording stations are needed in the Southern and Northern parts of Thailand.
Development of Meter-Scale U-Shaped and O-Shaped Oscillating Heat Pipes for GAPS
Authors: Okazaki Shun , Fuke Hideyuki , Miyazaki Yoshiro , Ogawa Hiroyuki
Published: October 2014

A meter-scale Oscillating Heat Pipe (OHP) has been developed for the General Anti-Particle Spectrometer (GAPS) project. Two types of OHP routing, U-shaped and O-shaped, have been investigated. For the operation at low temperature, R410A was used as the working fluid. As the result of the investigation, we verified for the first time that both the meter-scale U-shaped and O-shaped OHPs can transfer heat under gravity in a wide temperature range between 20°C and -60°C. Generally, the O-shaped OHP showed better performance than the U-shaped OHP. Both OHP models showed good thermal conductance and a good amount of heat transport under the particular sets of conditions which meet the design requirements. In order to clarify the drive force to operate OHP to further improve the OHP design, the performance difference between the U-shaped and the O-shaped models has been interpreted in terms of the gravity effect and the pressure loss.
On Facebook, most ties are weak
Authors: De Meo Pasquale , Ferrara Emilio , Fiumara Giacomo , Provetti Alessandro
Published: October 2014

Strong ties connect individuals in the same community; weak ties connect individuals in different communities.
An embarrassment of riches
Authors: Klein Mark , Convertino Gregorio
Published: October 2014

A critical review of open innovation systems.
Teach the teachers, and contribute to humanity
Authors: Guzdial Mark , Fisher Lawrence M.
Published: October 2014

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Mark Guzdial suggests computer science education needs to be aimed at adults before teaching it to children; Lawrence M. Fisher finds the volunteer spirit behind ACM Special Interest Groups.
Keeping online reviews honest
Authors: Kugler Logan
Published: October 2014

As online reviews become increasingly important to e-commerce and social media sites, computer scientists work on ways to ensure their authenticity.
Big data's end run around procedural privacy protections
Authors: Barocas Solon , Nissenbaum Helen
Published: October 2014

Recognizing the inherent limitations of consent and anonymity.
Highlights from IWGS 2013: the 4th ACM SIGSPATIAL International Workshop on GeoStreaming
Authors: Banaei-Kashani Farnoush , Basalamah Anas , Zhang Chengyang
Published: October 2014

The ACM SIGSPATIAL International Workshop on Geostreaming (IWGS) was held for the third time in conjunction with the 21st ACM SIGSPATIAL International Conference on Advances in Geographic Information Systems (ACM GIS 2013). The workshop has been a successful event that attracted participants from both academia and industry. The workshop addressed topics that are at the intersection of data streaming and geospatial systems. The workshop fostered an environment where geospatial researchers can benefit from the advances in geosensing technologies and data streaming systems.
Highlights from ACM SIGSPATIAL China Chapter in 2013
Authors: Sun Guangzhong
Published: October 2014

In order to promote ACM SIGSPATIAL and corresponding research area in China, and encourage collaboration between SIGSPATIAL researchers in China and researchers worldwide, in Oct. 2009, we established ACM SIGSPATIAL China chapter, with the strong support of SIGSPATIAL executive committee.
Cognitive Inference Device for Activity Supervision in the Elderly
Authors: Mishra Nilamadhab , Lin Chung-Chih , Chang Hsien-Tsung
Published: October 2014

Human activity, life span, and quality of life are enhanced by innovations in science and technology. Aging individual needs to take advantage of these developments to lead a self-regulated life. However, maintaining a self-regulated life at old age involves a high degree of risk, and the elderly often fail at this goal. Thus, the objective of our study is to investigate the feasibility of implementing a cognitive inference device (CI-device) for effective activity supervision in the elderly. To frame the CI-device, we propose a device design framework along with an inference algorithm and implement the designs through an artificial neural model with different configurations, mapping the CI-device’s functions to minimise the device’s prediction error. An analysis and discussion are then provided to validate the feasibility of CI-device implementation for activity supervision in the elderly.
Prolonging the Lifetime of Wireless Sensor Networks Interconnected to Fixed Network Using Hierarchical Energy Tree Based Routing Algorithm
Authors: Kalpana M. , Dhanalakshmi R. , Parthiban P.
Published: October 2014

This research work proposes a mathematical model for the lifetime of wireless sensor networks (WSN). It also proposes an energy efficient routing algorithm for WSN called hierarchical energy tree based routing algorithm (HETRA) based on hierarchical energy tree constructed using the available energy in each node. The energy efficiency is further augmented by reducing the packet drops using exponential congestion control algorithm (TCP/EXP). The algorithms are evaluated in WSNs interconnected to fixed network with seven distribution patterns, simulated in ns2 and compared with the existing algorithms based on the parameters such as number of data packets, throughput, network lifetime, and data packets average network lifetime product. Evaluation and simulation results show that the combination of HETRA and TCP/EXP maximizes longer network lifetime in all the patterns. The lifetime of the network with HETRA algorithm has increased approximately 3.2 times that of the network implemented with AODV.
Numerical Analysis of Dynamic Response of Corrugated Core Sandwich Panels Subjected to Near-Field Air Blast Loading
Authors: Zhang Pan , Cheng Yuansheng , Liu Jun
Published: October 2014

Three-dimensional fully coupled simulation is conducted to analyze the dynamic response of sandwich panels comprising equal thicknesses face sheets sandwiching a corrugated core when subjected to localized impulse created by the detonation of cylindrical explosive. A large number of computational cases have been calculated to comprehensively investigate the performance of sandwich panels under near-field air blast loading. Results show that the deformation/failure modes of panels depend strongly on stand-off distance. The beneficial FSI effect can be enhanced by decreasing the thickness of front face sheet. The core configuration has a negligible influence on the peak reflected pressure, but it has an effect on the deflection of a panel. It is found that the benefits of a sandwich panel over an equivalent weight solid plate to withstand near-field air blast loading are more evident at lower stand-off distance.
Multimedia Fusion for Public Security in Heterogeneous Sensor Networks
Authors: Feng Jiangfan , Zhou Wenwen , Sun Kaixin
Published: October 2014

Public security is a widespread disastrous phenomenon that constitutes a grave threat. Although information fusion of video sensor networks for public security has been studied extensively, multimedia fusion in heterogeneous sensor networks or its application in public security remains a challenge and central goal in the field of information fusion. In this study, to realize the detection, monitoring, and intelligent alarm of such hazards, we develop a graph-based real-time schema for studying the dynamic structure of heterogeneous sensors for public security. In the proposed schema, data fusion algorithms based on data-driven aspects of fusion are explored to locate the optimal sensing ranges of sensor nodes in a network with heterogeneous targets. In addition, we propose a framework incorporating useful contextual and temporal cues for public security alarm, explore its conceptualizations, benefits, and challenges, and analyze the correlations of the target motion elements in the multimedia sensor stream. The experimental results show that the new method offers a better way of intelligent alarm that cannot be achieved by existing schemes.
Statistical Analysis of a Weibull Extension with Bathtub-Shaped Failure Rate Function
Authors: Wang Ronghua , Sha Naijun , Gu Beiqing , Xu Xiaoling
Published: October 2014

We consider the parameter inference for a two-parameter life distribution with bathtub-shaped or increasing failure rate function. We present the point and interval estimations for the parameter of interest based on type-II censored samples. Through intensive Monte-Carlo simulations, we assess the performance of the proposed estimation methods by a comparison of precision. Example applications are demonstrated for the efficiency of the methods.
Effects of Corporate Social Responsibility and Governance on Its Credit Ratings
Authors: Kim Dong-young , Kim JeongYeon
Published: October 2014

This study reviews the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate governance on its credit rating. The result of regression analysis to credit ratings with relevant primary independent variables shows that both factors have significant effects on it. As we have predicted, the signs of both regression coefficients have a positive sign (+) proving that corporates with excellent CSR and governance index (CGI) scores have higher credit ratings and vice versa. The results show nonfinancial information also may have effects on corporate credit rating. The investment on personal data protection could be an example of CSR/CGI activities which have positive effects on corporate credit ratings.
Realization of DVCCTA Based Versatile Modulator
Authors: Pandey Neeta , Pandey Rajeshwari , Sayal Aseem , Tripathi Manan
Published: October 2014

A Differential Voltage Current Conveyor Transconductance Amplifier (DVCCTA) based versatile modulator is proposed which can work as an amplitude modulator, frequency modulator, delta modulator, and sigma delta modulator. The modulator operational scheme uses pulse generator as a core and its output is used as carrier signal. A DVCCTA based pulse generator is proposed first and subsequently configured as different modulators. Compact realization is the key feature of the proposed circuit as it uses two DVCCTA; a grounded resistor and a grounded capacitor hence are appropriate for IC realization. The functionality of the proposed circuit is verified through SPICE simulations using TSMC 0.25 μm CMOS process model parameters. The performance parameters such as power dissipation and noise for various modulator schemes are also obtained.
Preparation and Characterization of Novel PBAE/PLGA Polymer Blend Microparticles for DNA Vaccine Delivery
Authors: Balashanmugam Meenashi Vanathi , Nagarethinam Sivagurunathan , Jagani Hitesh , Josyula Venkata Rao , Alrohaimi Abdulmohsen , Udupa Nayanabhirama
Published: October 2014

Context. Poly(beta-amino ester) (PBAE) with its pH sensitiveness and Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) with huge DNA cargo capacity in combination prove to be highly efficient as DNA delivery system.Objective. To study the effectiveness of novel synthesized PBAE polymer with PLGA blend at different ratios in DNA vaccine delivery.Methods. In the present study, multifunctional polymer blend microparticles using a combination of PLGA and novel PBAE polymers A1 (bis(3-(propionyloxy)propyl)3,3′-(propane-1,3-diyl-bis(methylazanediyl))dipropanoate) and A2 (bis(4-(propionyloxy)butyl)3,3′-(ethane-1,2-diyl-bis(isopropylazanediyl))dipropanoate) at different ratios (85 : 15, 75 : 25, and 50 : 50) were prepared by double emulsion solvent removal method. The microparticles were characterized for cytotoxicity, transfection efficiency, and DNA encapsulation efficiency.Result. It was evident from results that among the microparticles prepared with PLGA/PBAE blend the PLGA : PBAE at 85 : 15 ratio was found to be more effective combination than the microparticles prepared with PLGA alone in terms of transfection efficiency and better DNA integrity. Microparticles made of PLGA and PBAE A1 at 85 : 15 ratio, respectively, were found to be less toxic when compared with microparticles prepared with A2 polymer.Conclusion. The results encourage the use of the synthesized PBAE polymer in combination with PLGA as an effective gene delivery system.
Some Properties of Multiplicative Hv-Rings of Polynomials over Multiplicative Hyperrings
Authors: Dasgupta Utpal
Published: October 2014

The set of all polynomials Rx, over a multiplicative hyperring R, +, ·, form a commutative group with respect to the component-wise addition (+) of the polynomials. For polynomials f, g in Rx, f*g is a set of polynomials whose k+1th components k∈N∪0 are chosen from the set ∑i+j=kai·bj, where ai and bj are the i+1th and the j+1th components of f and g, respectively. A multiplicative hyperring is polynomially structured if the hyperstructure Rx, +, * is a multiplicative Hv-ring. The purpose of the paper is to study the properties of the multiplicative Hv-ring Rx, +, *, corresponding to those of a polynomially structured multiplicative hyperring R.
Early Second-Trimester Serum MicroRNAs as Potential Biomarker for Nondiabetic Macrosomia
Authors: Hu Lingmin , Han Jing , Zheng Fangxiu , Ma Hongxia , Chen Jiaping , Jiang Yue , Jiang Hua
Published: October 2014

Background. Macrosomia has become a worldwide problem with the rapid economic growth in the past few years. However, the detailed mechanism of how the macrosomia happened remains unknown. Growing evidence indicates that miRNAs are involved in maintaining metabolic homeostasis. We hypothesized that serum miRNAs are potential biomarkers for macrosomia.Methods. We performed miRNAs profiling using TLDA chips in the discovery phase in two pooled samples from 30 cases and 30 controls, respectively. Individual qRT-PCR was conducted for the discovery phase samples. To confirm the results, we detected the miRNAs which were differentially expressed in the microarray assays and individual qRT-PCR in external validation phase with another 30 cases and 30 controls.Results. In the discovery stage, miR-194 and miR-376a expression levels were significantly different between macrosomia group and controls (P=0.048for miR-194 andP=0.018for miR-376a, resp.). Further evaluation of the two miRNAs on a total of 120 serum samples showed that the miR-376a remains significantly lower in macrosomia (P=0.032). Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses showed that the area under curve for miR-376a was 67.8% (sensitivity = 96.7% and specificity = 40.0%).Conclusions. Serum miR-376a may serve as a potential noninvasive biomarker in detecting macrosomia.
Analysis of the Properties of Adjoint Equations and Accuracy Verification of Adjoint Model Based on FVM
Authors: Chen Yaodeng , Zhang Ruizhi , Gao Yufang , Lu Changna
Published: October 2014

There are two different approaches on how to formulate adjoint numerical model (ANM). Aiming at the disputes arising from the construction methods of ANM, the differences between nonlinear shallow water equation and its adjoint equation are analyzed; the hyperbolicity and homogeneity of the adjoint equation are discussed. Then, based on unstructured meshes and finite volume method, a new adjoint model was advanced by getting numerical model of the adjoint equations directly. Using a gradient check, the correctness of the adjoint model was verified. The results of twin experiments to invert the bottom friction coefficient (Manning’s roughness coefficient) indicate that the adjoint model can extract the observation information and produce good quality inversion. The reason of disputes about construction methods of ANM is also discussed in the paper.
CCR7 Regulates Cell Migration and Invasion through JAK2/STAT3 in Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
Authors: Liu Fa-Yu , Safdar Jawad , Li Zhen-Ning , Fang Qi-Gen , Zhang Xu , Xu Zhong-Fei , Sun Chang-Fu
Published: October 2014

Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) frequently involves metastasis at diagnosis. Our previous research has demonstrated that CCR7 plays a key role in regulating SCCHN metastasis, and this process involves several molecules, such as PI3K/cdc42, pyk2, and Src. In this study, the goals are to identify whether JAK2/STAT3 also participates in CCR7’s signal network, its relationship with other signal pathways, and its role in SCCHN cell invasion and migration. The results showed that stimulation of CCL19 could induce JAK2/STAT3 phosphorylation, which can be blocked by Src and pyk2 inhibitors. After activation, STAT3 was able to promote low expression of E-cadherin and had no effect on vimentin. This JAk2/STAT3 pathway not only mediated CCR7-induced cell migration but also mediated invasion speed. The immunohistochemistry results also showed that the phosphorylation of STAT3 was correlated with CCR7 expression in SCCHN, and CCR7 and STAT3 phosphorylation were all associated with lymph node metastasis. In conclusion, JAk2/STAT3 plays a key role in CCR7 regulating SCCHN metastasis.
Breast Cancer Risk in Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Update Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tian Guo , Liang Jia-Ning , Wang Zhuo-Yun , Zhou Dian
Published: October 2014

Background. The incidence of breast cancer in RA patients remains controversial. Thus we performed a meta-analysis to investigate the impact of RA on breast cancer.Methods. Published literature was available from PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Pooled standardized incidence rate (SIR) was computed by random-effect model analysis.Results. We identified 16 separate studies in the present study, in which the number of patients ranged from 458 to 84,475. We did not find the increased cancer risk in RA patients (SIR=0.86, 95%CI=0.72–1.02). However, subgroup analysis showed that breast cancer risk in RA patients was positively different in Caucasians (SIR=0.82, 95%CI=0.73–0.93) and non-Caucasians (SIR=1.21, 95%CI=1.19–1.23), respectively. In subgroup analysis by style, a reduced incidence was found in hospital-based case subjects (SIR=0.82, 95%CI=0.69–0.97). Similarly, subgroup analysis for adjusted factors indicated that in A3 (age and sex) and A4 (age, sex, and race/ethnicity) the risk was decreased (SIR=0.87, 95%CI=0.76–0.99;SIR=0.63, 95%CI=0.59–0.67).Conclusions. The meta-analysis revealed no increased breast cancer risk in RA patients. However, in the subgroup analysis, the risk of breast cancer is increased in non-Caucasians patients with RA while it decreased in Caucasian population, hospital-based case subjects, and A3 group. Such relationship may provide preference for risk of breast cancer in different population.
An Improved FastSLAM System Based on Distributed Structure for Autonomous Robot Navigation
Authors: Pei Fu-jun , Li Hao-yang , Cheng Yu-hang
Published: October 2014

Fast simultaneous localization and mapping (FastSLAM) is an efficient algorithm for autonomous navigation of mobile vehicle. However, FastSLAM must reconfigure the entire vehicle state equation when the feature points change, which causes an exponential growth in quantities of computation and difficulties in isolating potential faults. In order to overcome these limitations, an improved FastSLAM, based on the distributed structure, is developed in this paper. There are two state estimation parts designed in this improved FastSLAM. Firstly, a distributed unscented particle filter is used to avoid reconfiguring the entire system equation in the vehicle state estimation part. Secondly, in the landmarks estimation part, the observation model is designed as a linear one to update the landmarks states by using the linear observation errors. Then, the convergence of the proposed and improved FastSLAM algorithm is given in the sense of mean square. Finally, the simulation results show that the proposed distributed algorithm could reduce the computational complexity with high accuracy and high fault-tolerance performance.
Secrecy Throughput in Inhomogeneous Wireless Networks with Nonuniform Traffic
Authors: Liu Qiuming , Yu Li , Yang Peng , Liu Zuhao
Published: October 2014

We investigate the secrecy throughput of inhomogeneous wireless network, especially in cases of independent and uniform eavesdropper with single antenna and multiple antennas. Towards the inhomogeneous distribution of legitimate nodes, we novelly construct a circular percolation model under the idea of transforming “inhomogeneous” to “homogeneous.” Correspondingly, the information is transmitted by two ways: intracluster transmission and intercluster transmission. For intracluster transmission, a per-node secrecy throughput of [Formula: see text] is derived by circular percolation model, where n and [Formula: see text] represent the number of nodes and clusters in the network, respectively. As for intercluster case, a connection called “information pipelines” is built. Then the per-node secrecy throughput of [Formula: see text] can be obtained, where [Formula: see text] denotes the minimum node density in the network. Moreover, when the eavesdropper is equipped with [Formula: see text] antennas, the per-node secrecy throughput of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is achieved for intracluster and intercluster transmission, respectively.
Log‐Aesthetic Magnetic Curves and Their Application for CAD Systems
Authors: Wo Mei Seen , Gobithaasan R. U. , Miura Kenjiro T.
Published: October 2014

Curves are the building blocks of shapes and designs in computer aided geometric design (CAGD). It is important to ensure these curves are both visually and geometrically aesthetic to meet the high aesthetic need for successful product marketing. Recently, magnetic curves that have been proposed for computer graphics purposes are a particle tracing technique that generates a wide variety of curves and spirals under the influence of a magnetic field. The contributions of this paper are threefold, where the first part reformulates magnetic curves in the form of log‐aesthetic curve (LAC) denoting it as log‐aesthetic magnetic curves (LMC) and log‐aesthetic magnetic space curves (LMSC), the second part elucidates vital properties of LMCs, and the final part proposes G2 LMC design for CAD applications. The final section shows two examples of LMC surface generation along with its zebra maps. LMC holds great potential in overcoming the weaknesses found in current interactive LAC mechanism where matching a single segment with G2 Hermite data is still a cumbersome task.
Rapid Hip Osteoarthritis Development in a Patient with Anterior Acetabular Cyst with Sagittal Alignment Change
Authors: Homma Yasuhiro , Baba Tomonori , Sumiyoshi Nobuhiko , Ochi Hironori , Kobayashi Hideo , Matsumoto Mikio , Yuasa Takahito , Kaneko Kazuo
Published: October 2014

Rapidly destructive coxarthrosis (RDC) is rare and develops unusual clinical course. Recent studies suggest multiple possible mechanisms of the development of RDC. However the exact mechanism of RDC is still not clear. The difficulty of the study on RDC is attributed to its rareness and the fact that the data before the onset of RDC is normally unavailable. In this report, we presented the patient having the radiographic data before the onset who had rapid osteoarthritis (OA) development after contralateral THA, which meets the current criteria of RDC. We thought that the increased posterior tilt of the pelvis after THA reinforced the stress concentration at pre-existed anterior acetabular cyst, thereby the destruction of the cyst was occurred. As a result the rapid OA was developed. We think that there is the case of rapid osteoarthritis developing due to alternating load concentration by posterior pelvic tilt on preexisting anterior acetabular cyst such as our patient among the cases diagnosed as RDC without any identifiable etiology. The recognition of sagittal alignment changes and anterior acetabular cyst may play important role in prediction and prevention of the rapid hip osteoarthritis development similar to RDC.
Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Submandibular Gland, Locoregional Recurrence, and a Solitary Liver Metastasis More Than 30 Years Since Primary Diagnosis
Authors: Coupland A. , Sewpaul A. , Darne A. , White S.
Published: October 2014

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a relatively rare tumour of the salivary glands, accounting for approximately 5%–10% of all salivary gland tumours. An important feature of ACCs is the long clinical course with a high rate of distant metastases. The preferential sites of metastases are the lung and bone, followed by the brain and liver. Most liver metastases are derived from nonparotid ACCs, and the presentation is often related to local recurrence or metastases to other organs. Solitary metastases to the liver are rare and optimal management is unknown. We present the case of a metastatic ACC to the liver with primary disease presentation at a young age. We discuss our management and other potential treatment modalities.
The StochasticΘ-Method for Nonlinear Stochastic Volterra Integro-Differential Equations
Authors: Hu Peng , Huang Chengming
Published: October 2014

The stochasticΘ-method is extended to solve nonlinear stochastic Volterra integro-differential equations. The mean-square convergence and asymptotic stability of the method are studied. First, we prove that the stochasticΘ-method is convergent of order1/2in mean-square sense for such equations. Then, a sufficient condition for mean-square exponential stability of the true solution is given. Under this condition, it is shown that the stochasticΘ-method is mean-square asymptotically stable for every stepsize if1/2≤θ≤1and when0≤θ<1/2, the stochasticΘ-method is mean-square asymptotically stable for some small stepsizes. Finally, we validate our conclusions by numerical experiments.
More on Generalizations and Modifications of Iterative Methods for Solving Large Sparse Indefinite Linear Systems
Authors: Chen Jen-Yuan , Kincaid David R. , Li Yu-Chien
Published: October 2014

Continuing from the works of Li et al. (2014), Li (2007), and Kincaid et al. (2000), we present more generalizations and modifications of iterative methods for solving large sparse symmetric and nonsymmetric indefinite systems of linear equations. We discuss a variety of iterative methods such as GMRES, MGMRES, MINRES, LQ-MINRES, QR MINRES, MMINRES, MGRES, and others.
Asparaginase-Induced Hypertriglyceridemia Presenting as Pseudohyponatremia during Leukemia Treatment
Authors: Hinson Ashley , Newbern Dorothee , Linardic Corinne M.
Published: October 2014

Asparaginase is a chemotherapeutic agent used to induce disease remission in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We describe the cases of two females with ALL who developed pseudohyponatremia as a presentation of hypertriglyceridemia following asparaginase treatment. Nine similar published cases of asparaginase-induced hypertriglyceridemia and its complications are also discussed. Possible mechanisms of action include inhibition of lipoprotein lipase, decreased hepatic synthesis of lipoprotein, and increased synthesis of VLDL. Effects of asparaginase-induced hypertriglyceridemia range from asymptomatic to transaminasemia, pancreatitis, and life-threatening thrombosis or hyperviscosity syndrome. All cases of hypertriglyceridemia described resolved following cessation of asparaginase treatment ± further treatments.
Analytical Model of Rain-Wind Induced Vibration of High-Voltage Transmission Line
Authors: Zhou Chao , Liu Yibing
Published: October 2014

Under rainfall conditions, rain-wind induced vibration occurs on high-voltage transmission line occasionally. This phenomenon is caused by raindrops hitting the high-voltage conductor with a certain velocity and suspends to the bottom surface of the high-voltage conductor. By action of wind velocity and high-voltage conductor's motion, some suspended raindrops will be blown away or shaken off. The remaining water may be reformed as upper rivulet and lower rivulet. Like the effect of icing galloping, this type of vibration can cause metal fatigue on fittings and towers, while its mechanism remains unknown. The objective of this paper is to validate an analytical model of rain-wind induced vibration of the high-voltage transmission line and to investigate the effect of wind velocity, rivulet motion, raindrop velocity, and time varying mass on the vibration amplitude. Taking Tuo-chang transmission line as an example, the analytical model is solved by Galerkin weighted residual method and central difference method. The numerical results are in agreement with the experimental data available in the literature. The analytical model enables more comprehensive understanding of the rain-wind induced vibration mechanism.
Nonsingular Fast Terminal Sliding Mode Control with Extended State Observer and Tracking Differentiator for Uncertain Nonlinear Systems
Authors: He Zhenxin , Liu Chuntong , Zhan Ying , Li Hongcai , Huang Xianxiang , Zhang Zhili
Published: October 2014

A continuous nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode (NFTSM) control scheme with the extended state observer (ESO) and the tracking differentiator (TD) is proposed for second‐order uncertain SISO nonlinear systems. The system’s disturbances and states can be estimated by introducing the ESO, then the disturbances are compensated effectively, and the ideal transient process of the system can be arranged based on TD to provide the target tracking signal and its high‐order derivatives. The proposed controller obtains finite‐time convergence property and keeps good robustness of sliding mode control (SMC) for disturbances. Moreover, compared with conventional SMC, the proposed control law is continuous and no chattering phenomenon exists. The property of system stability is guaranteed by Lyapunov stability theory. The simulation results show that the proposed method can be employed to shorten the system reaching time, improve the system tracking precision, and suppress the system chattering and the input noise. The proposed control method is finally applied for the rotating control problem of theodolite servo system.
On the Expected Number of Limited Length Binary Strings Derived by Certain Urn Models
Authors: Makri Frosso S. , Psillakis Zaharias M.
Published: October 2014

The expected number of 0-1 strings of a limited length is a potentially useful index of the behavior of stochastic processes describing the occurrence of critical events (e.g., records, extremes, and exceedances). Such model sequences might be derived by a Hoppe-Polya or a Polya-Eggenberger urn model interpreting the drawings of white balls as occurrences of critical events. Numerical results, concerning average numbers of constrained length interruptions of records as well as how on the average subsequent exceedances are separated, demonstrate further certain urn models.
Inequalities for Convex Functions on Simplexes and Their Cones
Authors: Pavić Zlatko , Wu Shanhe
Published: October 2014

The aim of this paper is to present the fundamental inequalities for convex functions on Euclidean spaces. The work is based on the geometry of the simplest convex sets and properties of convex functions. Some obtained inequalities are applied to demonstrate a natural way of generalizing the Hermite-Hadamard inequality.
Operator Fractional Brownian Motion and Martingale Differences
Authors: Dai Hongshuai , Hu Tien-Chung , Lee June-Yung
Published: October 2014

It is well known that martingale difference sequences are very useful in applications and theory. On the other hand, the operator fractional Brownian motion as an extension of the well-known fractional Brownian motion also plays an important role in both applications and theory. In this paper, we study the relation between them. We construct an approximation sequence of operator fractional Brownian motion based on a martingale difference sequence.
Metastatic Malignant Ectomesenchymoma Initially Presenting as a Pelvic Mass: Report of a Case and Review of Literature
Authors: Nael A. , Siaghani P. , Wu W. W. , Nael K. , Shane Lisa , Romansky S. G.
Published: October 2014

Pediatric soft tissue sarcomas account for approximately 10% of all pediatric malignancies. Malignant ectomesenchymoma is rare biphasic sarcomas consisting of both mesenchymal and neuroectodermal elements. Approximately 64 cases have been reported in the literature and are believed to arise from pluripotent embryologic migratory neural crest cells. We report a 4-year-old boy who initially presented with a pelvic mass and inguinal lymphadenopathy at 6 months of age. Inguinal lymph node biopsy revealed a distinct biphasic tumor with microscopic and immunophenotypic characteristics diagnostic for both alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma and poorly differentiated neuroblastoma. The patient received national protocol chemotherapy against rhabdomyosarcoma with good response and presented with a cerebellar mass 21 months later. The metastatic tumor revealed sheets of primitive tumor cells and diagnostic areas of rhabdomyosarcoma and neuroblastoma were identified only by immunohistochemistry. Cytogenetic analysis of metastatic tumor demonstrated complex karyotype with multiple chromosomal deletions and duplications. The patient received national protocol chemotherapy against neuroblastoma and adjuvant radiotherapy after surgical resection of the cerebellar tumor with good response. He is currently off from any treatment for 18 months with no evidence of tumor recurrence or metastasis.
Tolerogenic Splenic IDO+Dendritic Cells from the Mice Treated with Induced-Treg Cells Suppress Collagen-Induced Arthritis
Authors: Yang Jie , Yang Yiming , Fan Huahua , Zou Hejian
Published: October 2014

TGF-β-induced regulatory T cells (iTregs) retain Foxp3 expression and immune-suppressive activity in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). However, the mechanisms whereby transferred iTregs suppress immune responses, particularly the interplay between iTregs and dendritic cells (DCs)in vivo, remain incompletely understood. In this study, we found that after treatment with iTregs, splenic CD11c+DCs, termed “DCiTreg,” expressed tolerogenic phenotypes, secreted high levels of IL-10, TGF-β, and IDO, and showed potent immunosuppressive activityin vitro. After reinfusion with DCiTreg, marked antiarthritic activity improved clinical scores and histological end-points were observed. The serological levels of inflammatory cytokines and anti-CII antibodies were low and TGF-βproduction was high in the DCiTreg-treated group. DCiTregalso induced new iTregsin vivo. Moreover, the inhibitory activity of DCiTregon CIA was lost following pretreatment with the inhibitor of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). Collectively, these findings suggest that transferred iTregs could induce tolerogenic characteristics in splenic DCs and these cells could effectively dampen CIA in an IDO-dependent manner. Thus, the potential therapeutic effects of iTregs in CIA are likely maintained through the generation of tolerogenic DCsin vivo.