bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MODELING OF BATCH AND CONTINUOUS ANAEROBIC DIGESTION OF PALM OIL MILL EFFLUENT: THE EFFECT OF WASTEWATER-SLUDGE RATIO
Authors: Thongpan Hathaikarn , Thongnan Rachadaporn , Rakmak Nirattisai , Siripatana Chairat
Published: May 2016

In this work, both models for batch and continuous anaerobic digestion of palm oil mill effluent were developed based on Monod’s kinetics. Then the authors attempt to understand the effect of wastewater-sludge (WW:S) ratio on the biogas production efficiency in batch digesters. The experiments were carried out at a controlled temperature of 35±0.5 °C. Two series of the experiment were conducted. In the first series, the wastewater-sludge ratios covered 1:1 (add sodium bi-carbonate), 1:1, 1:2 and 2:1. It was found that the ratio of 1:2 gave the highest biogas producing efficiency followed by the ratio 1:1 (add sodium bi-carbonate). At 1:1 ratio, sodium bi-carbonate addition was required to start anaerobic digestion at a workable pH range whereas at 1:2 ratio the initial pH is in the workable range without the need of its addition. However, at the ratio of 2:1 the starting pH was too low to adjust pH economically by adding sodium bi-carbonate. The second series was to confine experiments to a narrower ratio range, namely: 1:1 (add sodium bi-carbonate), 1:1.5, 1:2, 1:2.5. In both sets of experiment, the ratio 1:2 gave the best biogas production potential of 76.62 and 78.52 ml of biogas/g COD removed respectively. In all treatments, the process was able to remove more than 80% of wastewater initial COD. The modified Gompertz equation was used to estimate the maximum specific biogas production rate (MBPR or Rm/S0). It was also found that the ratio of 1:2 gave the best MBPR in both experimental series (26.87 ml biogas/g COD-day). A modified Monod-type Model was also developed to describe the microbial growth, substrate consumption and biogas production in continuous operation. In general, sludge recycle provided active biomass which can use the substrate in the wastewater instantly without significant lag phase or delay. Furthermore, continuous-flow model developed, with parameters estimated from batch experiments, predicted the experimental kinetics of the actual continuous experiments satisfactory.
The influence of acute physical effort on liver stiffness estimation using Virtual Touch Quantification (VTQ). Preliminary results.
Authors: Gersak Mariana M , Sorantin Erich , Windhaber Jana , Dudea Sorin M , Riccabona Michael
Published: May 2016

Aim: Food intake and acutely decompensated cardiac failure may impair liver stiffness estimations, mainly because these methods are influenced by liver blood flow variation encountered in these conditions. It is well known that also during physical effort liver blood flow changes, due to the redistribution of blood flow mainly to the skeletal muscles. The aim of this study is to assess the change of liver shear- wave velocities immediately after cessation of an acute physical effort. A secondary aim was to find the proper timing for accurate liver stiffness estimation after physical exhaustion. Material and methods: Liver shear-wave velocities were measured using virtual touch quantification (VTQ) in seven apparently healthy volunteers, in fasting conditions. All subjects underwent a complete abdominal ultrasound study, including the liver VTQ. Then, all subjects performed a spiroergometry and thereafter, another series of three liver shear-wave velocity measurements were performed: immediately after spiroergometry, five min, and ten min after spiroergometry, respectively. Results: Before spiroergoemetry, the mean liver shear-wave velocity was 1.05±0.12 m/sec. Immediately after spiroergometry, mean liver shear-wave velocities increased significantly, measuring 1.34±0.16 m/sec (p <0.01). The mean liver shear-wave velocities at five and ten minutes after exhausting were 1.23±0.14 m/sec and 1.05±0.11 m/sec respectively. Conclusions: Liver stiffness estimation using VTQ was influenced by acute physical exercise in our study group. Despite the small number of subjects, the preliminary results show that if patients had done physical effort before VTQ elastography, they should rest at least ten minutes before reliable liver stiffness estimations can be performed.
Assessment of the arterial stiffness in patients with acute ischemic stroke using longitudinal elasticity modulus measurements obtained with Shear Wave Elastography.
Authors: Li Zhaojun , Du Lianfang , Wang Feng , Luo Xianghong
Published: May 2016

Aim: Arterial wall elasticity including the circumferential and longitudinal modulus is a measure of sub-clinical cardiovascular disease; the circumferential modulus is increased in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). There are still no reports of non-invasive measurement of longitudinal elastic modulus of arterial wall and its prospect of clinical application. In this study, the longitudinal elastic modulus of the arterial wall was assessed using real-time shear wave elastography in patients with AIS. The technique’s feasibility and its related factors were studied initially. Materials and methods: In this study 179 patients with AIS and 168 age- and sex-matched controls were examined. The pulse wave velocity (PWV) of the bilateral carotid arteries was measured using radio frequency ultrasound technology. The 20 areas of superficial walls of bilateral carotid artery were analyzed by real-time shear wave elastography (SWE), and the average values of longitudinal average elastic modulus (MEmean), maximum elastic modulus (MEmax), minimum elastic modulus (MEmin), and elastic modulus standard deviation (MESD) were measured. Results: The PWV, MEmean, MEmax and MESD of the carotid artery in patients with AIS were greater than those in the control group. Age, systolic blood pressure, PWV, and low-density lipoprotein were positively related to MEmean and MEmax (r=0.221and r=0.248, r=0.174 and r=0.176, r=0.776 and r=0.716, r=0.173 and r=0.200, p<0.05) and were independent risk factors for MEmean and MEmax。ROC curves for detection of ischemic stroke as decided by PWV, MEmean and MEmax. The area under the curves were 0.55±0.03 (p≤0.05), 0.59±0.03 (p≤0.05) and 0.60±0.03 (p=0.023), respectively. The optimal PWV, MEmean and MEmax cutoff values for the detection of ischemic stroke were 9.66 m/s, 55.4 kPa and 65.4 kPa, with 69%, 73% and 73% sensitivity and 89%, 53% and 51% specificity, respectively. Conclusions: SWE could measure non-invasively the longitudinal elastic modulus of the arterial wall and evaluate the arterial stiffness. It was equivalent to the PWV which showed circular elastic modulus of arterial wall on evaluating AIS. Age, systolic blood pressure, pulse wave velocity, and low-density lipoprotein were independent risk factors for longitudinal elastic modulus. SWE may be effective in the assessment of arterial stiffness and offer a potential clinical benefit.
A clinically observed discrepancy between image‐based and log‐based MLC positions
Authors: Neal Brian , Ahmed Mahmoud , Kathuria Kunal , Watkins Tyler , Wijesooriya Krishni , Siebers Jeffrey
Published: May 2016

Purpose:

To present a clinical case in which real‐time intratreatment imaging identified an multileaf collimator (MLC) leaf to be consistently deviating from its programmed and logged position by >1 mm.

Methods:

An EPID‐based exit‐fluence dosimetry system designed to prevent gross delivery errors was used to capture cine during treatment images. The author serendipitously visually identified a suspected MLC leaf displacement that was not otherwise detected. The leaf position as recorded on the EPID images was measured and log‐files were analyzed for the treatment in question, the prior day's treatment, and for daily MLC test patterns acquired on those treatment days. Additional standard test patterns were used to quantify the leaf position.

Results:

Whereas the log‐file reported no difference between planned and recorded positions, image‐based measurements showed the leaf to be 1.3 ± 0.1 mm medial from the planned position. This offset was confirmed with the test pattern irradiations.

Conclusions:

It has been clinically observed that log‐file derived leaf positions can differ from their actual position by >1 mm, and therefore cannot be considered to be the actual leaf positions. This cautions the use of log‐based methods for MLC or patient quality assurance without independent confirmation of log integrity. Frequent verification of MLC positions through independent means is a necessary precondition to trust log‐file records. Intratreatment EPID imaging provides a method to capture departures from MLC planned positions.
In Vitro
Emergence of High Persistence upon Periodic Aminoglycoside Challenge in the ESKAPE Pathogens
Authors: Michiels Joran Elie , Van den Bergh Bram , Verstraeten Natalie , Fauvart Maarten , Michiels Jan
Published: May 2016

Health care-associated infections present a major threat to modern medical care. Six worrisome nosocomial pathogens—
Enterococcus faecium
,
Staphylococcus aureus
,
Klebsiella pneumoniae
,
Acinetobacter baumannii
,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, and
Enterobacter
spp.—are collectively referred to as the “ESKAPE bugs.” They are notorious for extensive multidrug resistance, yet persistence, or the phenotypic tolerance displayed by a variant subpopulation, remains underappreciated in these pathogens. Importantly, persistence can prevent eradication of antibiotic-sensitive bacterial populations and is thought to act as a catalyst for the development of genetic resistance. Concentration- and time-dependent aminoglycoside killing experiments were used to investigate persistence in the ESKAPE pathogens. Additionally, a recently developed method for the experimental evolution of persistence was employed to investigate adaptation to high-dose, extended-interval aminoglycoside therapy
in vitro
. We show that ESKAPE pathogens exhibit biphasic killing kinetics, indicative of persister formation.
In vitro
cycling between aminoglycoside killing and persister cell regrowth, evocative of clinical high-dose extended-interval therapy, caused a 37- to 213-fold increase in persistence without the emergence of resistance. Increased persistence also manifested in biofilms and provided cross-tolerance to different clinically important antibiotics. Together, our results highlight a possible drawback of intermittent, high-dose antibiotic therapy and suggest that clinical diagnostics might benefit from taking into account persistence.
Endothelial Cell Response to Fusobacterium nucleatum
Authors: Mendes Reila Tainá , Nguyen Daniel , Stephens Danielle , Pamuk Ferda , Fernandes Daniel , Van Dyke Thomas E. , Kantarci Alpdogan
Published: May 2016

Vascular response is an essential aspect of an effective immune response to periodontal disease pathogens, as new blood vessel formation contributes to wound healing and inflammation. Gaining a greater understanding of the factors that affect vascular response may then contribute to future breakthroughs in dental medicine. In this study, we have characterized the endothelial cell response to the common bacteriumFusobacterium nucleatum, an important bridging species that facilitates the activity of late colonizers of the dental biofilm. Endothelial cells were infected withFusobacterium nucleatum(strain 25586) for periods of 4, 12, 24, or 48 h. Cell proliferation and tube formation were analyzed, and expression of adhesion molecules (CD31 and CD34) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors 1 and 2 was measured by fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis. Data indicate thatF. nucleatumimpaired endothelial cell proliferation and tube formation. The findings suggest that the modified endothelial cell response acts as a mechanism promoting the pathogenic progression of periodontal diseases and may potentially suggest the involvement of periodontopathogens in systemic diseases associated with periodontal inflammation.
Successful vaginal delivery following spontaneous adrenal haemorrhage at term
Authors: Street Sally , Dekker Nitert Marloes , Callaway Leonie K
Published: May 2016

Spontaneous adrenal haemorrhage (SAH) is a rare event in the general population, estimated to be around 0.3–1.8%. The exact incidence in pregnancy is unknown but rare. Most cases of SAH at or near term have presented with massive haemorrhage and haemodynamic instability, requiring emergency caesarean delivery or intrauterine fetal death. This is the first reported case of a successful vaginal delivery after acute, spontaneous, left adrenal haemorrhage at term.
Management of a case of caesarean scar pregnancy and all its complications
Authors: Liu Shuling , Durai Shivani
Published: May 2016

Caesarean scar pregnancy is a rare form of an ectopic pregnancy that can lead to serious consequences like massive bleeding and uterine rupture. Although there is no consensus for treatment, many treatment options have been described. We present a female patient who had to undergo most of these available treatments due to unforeseen circumstances. These treatments include local injection of methotrexate and potassium chloride into the pregnancy, transcervical aspiration of the pregnancy under laparoscopic guidance, balloon occlusion of the internal iliac arteries and eventually a laparoscopic hysterectomy. She also developed a complication of vault dehiscence due to an abscess formation after her hysterectomy. Owing to the potential need for multiple interventions and admissions, adequate counselling is required for these patients to manage their expectations in what is usually a very difficult situation.
Carotid artery aneurysm: last among equals
Authors: Dhillon Ajit Kaur , Rowlands Timothy , McMahon Greg
Published: May 2016

A 66-year-old man presented initially with a swelling in the left side of the neck, which was confirmed to be a carotid artery aneurysm on ultrasonography. He was subsequently admitted reporting intermittent episodes of visual loss in the left eye and right arm weakness. Further imaging confirmed multiple, small acute infarcts in the left cerebral hemisphere. The patient underwent open repair of the aneurysm and made an uncomplicated recovery with no persisting neurological deficit.
Injury and illness surveillance at the International Sailing Federation Sailing World Championships 2014
Authors: Tan Benedict , Leong Darren , Vaz Pardal Carmen , Lin Cindy Y , Kam Jia Wen
Published: May 2016

Background/aim

The Sailing World Championships 2014 was contested by 1167 sailors in all 10 Olympic classes. Our objective was to characterise sailing-related injuries and illnesses in sailors participating in this regatta.

Methods

We conducted 2 surveys: (1) prior to the World Championships, sailors answered a 12-month recall questionnaire on sailing-related injuries and illnesses and (2) during the Championships, injuries and illnesses were documented.

Results

There were 760 respondents (65% of all participants) for the 12-month recall questionnaire (58% male, 42% female), of whom 244 participants reported 299 injuries (0.59 injuries per 1000 h of sailing). Injuries were most prevalent in the 49erFX (64%), RS:X Women (39%), 49er (37%) and Nacra 17 (36%). Lower back (29% of sailors), knee (13%), shoulder (12%) and ankle (10%) injuries were most prevalent; most (58% of all injuries) were overuse injuries; and 56% of sailors lost sailing time. Most illnesses (40%) were infections, primarily of the respiratory system (43%). During the Championships, there were 67 injuries (4 per 1000 days of sailing). The 49er (24% of all injuries), 470 Men and Women (24%), and 49erFX (19%) had the highest incidence. Injuries to the hand/fingers (22% of all injuries), back (18%), and foot (12%) were most common, as were contusions (37% of all injuries), cuts/lacerations (24%), and sprains (9%). Of the 29 illnesses (2 per 1000 days of sailing), 9 (31%) were gastrointestinal and 6 (21%) respiratory, while 2 (7%) were gout attacks.

Conclusions

The Olympic classes introduced since 2000 (49erFX, 49er, Nacra 17) have resulted in a rise in injuries.
Exercise increases mitochondrial glutamate oxidation in the mouse cerebral cortex
Authors: Herbst Eric A.F. , Holloway Graham P.
Published: May 2016

The present study investigated the impact of acute exercise on stimulating mitochondrial respiratory function in mouse cerebral cortex. Where pyruvate-stimulated respiration was not affected by acute exercise, glutamate respiration was enhanced following the exercise bout. Additional assessment revealed that this affect was dependent on the presence of malate and did not occur when substituting glutamine for glutamate. As such, our results suggest that glutamate oxidation is enhanced with acute exercise through activation of the malate–aspartate shuttle.
Latent Gaussian models to decide on spatial closures for bycatch management in the Barents Sea shrimp fishery
Authors: Breivik Olav Nikolai , Storvik Geir , Nedreaas Kjell
Published: May 2016

In the Barents Sea and adjacent water, fishing grounds are closed for shrimp fishing by the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries Monitoring and Surveillance Service (MSS) if the expected number of juvenile fish caught are predicted to exceed a certain limit per kilogram shrimp (Pandalus borealis). Today, a simple ratio estimator, which does not fully utilize all data available, is in use. In this paper, we construct a Bayesian hierarchical spatiotemporal model for improved prediction of the bycatch ratio in the Barents Sea shrimp fishery. More predictable bycatch will be an advantage for the MSS because of more correct decisions and better resource allocation and also for the fishermen because of more predictable fishing grounds. The model assumes that the occurrence of shrimp and juvenile Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) can be modeled by linked regression models containing several covariates (including 0-group abundance estimates) and random effects modeled as Gaussian fields. Integrated nested Laplace approximations is applied for fast calculation. The method is applied to prediction of the bycatch ratio for Atlantic cod.
Six cases during 2012–2015 and literature review ofChryseobacterium indologenesinfections in pediatric patients
Authors: Aykac Kubra , Ozsurekci Yasemin , Tuncer Ozlem , Sancak Banu , Cengiz Ali Bulent , Kara Ates , Ceyhan Mehmet
Published: May 2016

Chryseobacterium indologenes is a widespread bacteria in the environment, especially hospitals, and a rarely reported human pathogen. The lowest frequency has been reported in children under 5 years of age. Clinical manifestations of C. indologenes include nosocomial pneumoniae, biliary tract infection, peritonitis, surgical wound infection, intravascular catheter-related bacteremia, cellulitis, and primary bacteremia. There is a knowledge gap in the management of C. indologenes infections, especially pertaining children, because of multiple antibiotic resistance and limited data in the literature concerning effective empirical treatment. In the published literature, a total of 16 cases of C. indologenes infections were reported in the pediatric age group. Herein, we present our experience in 6 children with C. indologenes infections. Early and prompt management of C. indologenes infections, particularly in children with mechanic ventilation, with polymicrobial infections, and under the age of 2 years, is of major importance because these factors seem to have a negative effect on the prognosis of infections caused by C. indologenes. Ciprofloxacin and TPM–SMX may be the best therapeutic choices for a combined initial empirical treatment of the patients.
Identifying pelagic fish eggs in the southeast Yucatan Peninsula using DNA barcodes
Authors: Leyva-Cruz E. , Vásquez-Yeomans L. , Carrillo L. , Valdez-Moreno M.
Published: May 2016

In the waters surrounding Banco Chinchorro in the Mexican Caribbean are spawning and nursery areas for many types of fish. In this natural environment, as opposed to under controlled laboratory conditions, it is almost impossible to link an individual egg to the adult that laid it. This makes identifying the species of the eggs difficult. However, DNA barcodes have made this easier. In the present study, 300 eggs were processed for molecular analysis, from which 139 sequences were obtained. We identified 42 taxa (33 species with their binomial names), 35 genera, and 24 families. The identified eggs included those from Ariomma melanum, which is the first recording of this species in the Mexican Caribbean. Eggs from economically important fish species were also identified, including frigate tuna (Auxis thazard), crevalle jack (Caranx hippos), common dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus), sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus), white marlin (Kajikia albida), skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis), blackfin tuna (Thunnus atlanticus), and swordfish (Xiphias gladius). We have also described new morphological characteristics and captured photographs for 21 species, as well as obtained new information about spawning locality and time for 16 species. This valuable information will provide the basis to develop more effective conservation measures for sustainable fisheries and protection of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System.
Regular black holes and noncommutative geometry inspired fuzzy sources
Authors: Kobayashi Shinpei
Published: May 2016

We investigated regular black holes with fuzzy sources in three and four dimensions. The density distributions of such fuzzy sources are inspired by noncommutative geometry and given by Gaussian or generalized Gaussian functions. We utilized mass functions to give a physical interpretation of the horizon formation condition for the black holes. In particular, we investigated three-dimensional BTZ-like black holes and four-dimensional Schwarzschild-like black holes in detail, and found that the number of horizons is related to the space–time dimensions, and the existence of a void in the vicinity of the center of the space–time is significant, rather than noncommutativity. As an application, we considered a three-dimensional black hole with the fuzzy disc which is a disc-shaped region known in the context of noncommutative geometry as a source. We also analyzed a four-dimensional black hole with a source whose density distribution is an extension of the fuzzy disc, and investigated the horizon formation condition for it.
Numerical analysis on thermal characteristics and ice melting efficiency for microwave deicing vehicle
Authors: Wang Can , Yang Bo , Tan Gangfeng , Guo Xuexun , Zhou Li , Xiong Shengguang
Published: May 2016

In the high latitudes, the icy patches on the road are frequently generated and have a wide distribution, which are difficult to remove and obviously affect the normal usage of the highways, bridges and airport runways. Physical deicing, such as microwave (MW) deicing, help the ice melt completely through heating mode and then the ice layer can be swept away. Though it is no pollution and no damage to the ground, the low efficiency hinders the development of MW deicing vehicle equipped without sufficient speed. In this work, the standard evaluation of deicing is put forward firstly. The intensive MW deicing is simplified to ice melting process characterized by one-dimensional slab with uniform volumetric energy generation, which results in phase transformation and interface motion between ice and water. The heating process is split into the superposition of three parts — non-heterogeneous heating for ground without phase change, heat transfer with phase change and the heat convection between top surface of ice layer and flow air. Based on the transient heat conduction theory, a mathematical model, combining electromagnetic and two-phase thermal conduction, is proposed in this work, which is able to reveal the relationship between the deicing efficiency and ambient conditions, as well as energy generation and material parameters. Using finite difference time-domain, this comprehensive model is developed to solve the moving boundary heat transfer problem in a one-dimensional structured gird. As a result, the stimulation shows the longitudinal temperature distributions in all circumstances and quantitative validation is obtained by comparing simulated temperature distributions under different conditions. In view of the best economy and fast deicing, these analytic solutions referring to the complex influence factors of deicing efficiency demonstrate the optimal matching for the new deicing design.
Size-Dependent Nonlinear Vibrations of First-Order Shear Deformable Magneto-Electro-Thermo Elastic Nanoplates Based on the Nonlocal Elasticity Theory
Authors: Ansari Reza , Gholami Raheb
Published: May 2016

This paper deals with the size-dependent geometrically nonlinear free vibration of magneto-electro-thermo elastic (METE) nanoplates using the nonlocal elasticity theory. The mathematical formulation is developed based on the first-order shear deformation plate theory, von Kármán-type of kinematic nonlinearity and nonlocal elasticity theory. The influences of geometric nonlinearity, rotary inertia, transverse shear deformation, magneto-electro-thermal loading and nonlocal parameter are considered. First, the generalized differential quadrature (GDQ) method is utilized to reduce the nonlinear partial differential equations to a system of time-dependent nonlinear ordinary differential equations. Afterwards, the numerical Galerkin method, periodic time differential operators and pseudo-arc length continuation algorithm are employed to compute the nonlinear frequency versus the amplitude for the METE nanoplates. The presented methodology enables one to describe the large-amplitude vibration characteristics of METE nanoplates with various sets of boundary conditions. A detailed parametric study is carried out to analyze the important parameters such as the nondimensional nonlocal parameter, external electric potential, external magnetic potential, temperature change, length-to-thickness ratio, aspect ratio and various edge conditions on the nonlinear free vibration characteristics of METE nanoplates. The results demonstrate that considering the size effect on the vibration response of METE nanoplate results in decreasing the natural frequency, a remarkable increasing effect on the hardening behavior and subsequently increasing the nonlinear-to-linear frequency ratio.
Thermo-Elasto-Plastic Analysis of Thick-Walled Spherical Pressure Vessels Made of Functionally Graded Materials
Authors: Mazarei Zeinab , Nejad Mohammad Zamani , Hadi Amin
Published: May 2016

An exact closed-form analytical solution is presented to solve the thermo-elasto-plastic problem of thick-walled spherical vessels made of functionally graded materials (FGMs). Assuming that the inner surface is exposed to a uniform heat flux, and that the outer surface is exposed to an airstream. The heat conduction equation for the one-dimensional problem in spherical coordinates is used to obtain temperature distribution in the sphere. Material properties are graded in the thickness direction according to a power law distribution, whereas the Poisson’s ratio is kept constant. The Poisson’s ratio due to slight variations in engineering materials is assumed constant. The plastic model is based on von Mises yield criterion and its associated flow rules under the assumption of perfectly plastic material behavior. For various values of inhomogeneity constant, the so-obtained solution is then used to study the distribution of limit heat flux, displacement and stresses versus the radial direction. Moreover, the effect of increasing the heat flux and pressure on the propagation of the plastic zone are investigated. Furthermore, the effect of change in Poisson’s ratio on the value of the critical material parameter is demonstrated. The present study is also validated by comparing the numerical results for thick elasto-plastic spherical shells available in the literature. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, in previous studies, exact thermo-elasto-plastic behavior of FGM thick-walled sphrical pressure vessels has not investigated.
PARR
Authors: Xu Xiaoqing , Yu Bei , Gao Jhih-Rong , Hsu Che-Lun , Pan David Z.
Published: May 2016

Pin access has become one of the most difficult challenges for detailed routing in advanced technology nodes, for example, in 14nm and below, for which double-patterning lithography has to be used for manufacturing lower metal routing layers with tight pitches, such as M2 and M3. Self-aligned double patterning (SADP) provides better control on line edge roughness and overlay, but it has very restrictive design constraints and prefers regular layout patterns. This article presents a comprehensive pin-access planning and regular routing framework (PARR) for SADP friendliness. Our key techniques include precomputation of both intracell and intercell pin accessibility, as well as local and global pin-access planning to enable handshaking between standard cell-level pin access and detailed routing under SADP constraints. A pin access–driven rip-up and reroute scheme is proposed to improve the ultimate routability. Our experimental results demonstrate that PARR can achieve much better routability and overlay control compared with previous approaches.
A Survey of Techniques for Cache Locking
Authors: Mittal Sparsh
Published: May 2016

Cache memory, although important for boosting application performance, is also a source of execution time variability, and this makes its use difficult in systems requiring worst-case execution time (WCET) guarantees. Cache locking is a promising approach for simplifying WCET estimation and providing predictability, and hence, several commercial processors provide ability for locking cache. However, cache locking also has several disadvantages (e.g., extra misses for unlocked blocks, complex algorithms required for selection of locking contents) and hence, a careful management is required to realize the full potential of cache locking. In this article, we present a survey of techniques proposed for cache locking. We categorize the techniques into several groups to underscore their similarities and differences. We also discuss the opportunities and obstacles in using cache locking. We hope that this article will help researchers gain insight into cache locking schemes and will also stimulate further work in this area.
BOOK REVIEWLearner-centered design of computing education
Authors: Zingaro Daniel
Published: May 2016

Mark Guzdial
(Morgan & Claypool Publishers, copyright ©2016 Morgan & Claypool) ISBN: 978-1627053518 (paperback); ISBN: 978-1627053525 (ebook) DOI: 10.2200/S00684ED1V01Y201511HCI033
BMP signaling is essential in neonatal surfactant production during respiratory adaptation
Authors: Luo Yongfeng , Chen Hui , Ren Siying , Li Nan , Mishina Yuji , Shi Wei
Published: May 2016

Deficiency in pulmonary surfactant results in neonatal respiratory distress, and the known genetic mutations in key components of surfactant only account for a small number of cases. Therefore, determining the regulatory mechanisms of surfactant production and secretion, particularly during the transition from prenatal to neonatal stages, is essential for better understanding of the pathogenesis of human neonatal respiratory distress. We have observed significant increase of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling in neonatal mouse lungs immediately after birth. Using genetically manipulated mice, we then studied the relationship between BMP signaling and surfactant production in neonates. Blockade of endogenous BMP signaling by deleting Bmpr1a ( Alk3) or Smad1 in embryonic day 18.5 in perinatal lung epithelial cells resulted in severe neonatal respiratory distress and death, accompanied by atelectasis in histopathology and significant reductions of surfactant protein B and C, as well as Abca3, whereas prenatal lung development was not significantly affected. We then identified a new BMP-Smad1 downstream target, Nfatc3, which is known as an important transcription activator for surfactant proteins and Abca3. Furthermore, activation of BMP signaling in cultured lung epithelial cells was able to promote endogenous Nfatc3 expression and also stimulate the activity of an Nfatc3 promoter that contains a Smad1-binding site. Therefore, our study suggests that the BMP-Alk3-Smad1-Nfatc3 regulatory loop plays an important role in enhancing surfactant production in neonates, possibly helping neonatal respiratory adaptation from prenatal amniotic fluid environment to neonatal air breathing.
Renal Dysfunction in Liver Transplantation: The Problem and Preventive Strategies
Authors: Cantarovich Marcelo
Published: May 2016

Ongoing improvements in survival following liver transplantation have necessitated a re-evaluation of immunosuppression protocols. Corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) are the most frequently used immunosuppressive drugs for liver transplantation but are associated with a wide range of adverse effects, such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia and nephrotoxicity. The need for hemodialysis after liver transplantation is associated with poor outcomes. Renal dysfunction in this setting may be caused by pre-existing renal disease, hepatorenal syndrome and/or post-transplant factors, including the use of nephrotoxic drugs, most notably CNIs such as cyclosporine and tacrolimus. The methods that address this problem include the diligent control of metabolic factors (eg, hypertension and hyperlipidemia), therapeutic monitoring of CNIs and withdrawal or reduction of the dosage of CNIs, combined with the use of newer non-nephrotoxic agents. Although there is no clear consensus about the most effective strategy, the optimal long-term immunosuppressive regimen would prevent rejection without causing nephrotoxicity or other significant adverse effects. Recent evidence suggests that the liver is a tolerogenic organ and that some patients may need little, if any, long-term immunosuppression.
System Review about Function Role of ESCC Driver Gene KDM6A by Network Biology Approach
Authors: Ran Jihua , Li Hui , Li Huiwu
Published: May 2016

Background.KDM6A (Lysine (K)-Specific Demethylase 6A) is the driver gene related to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). In order to provide more biological insights into KDM6A, in this paper, we treat PPI (protein-protein interaction) network derived from KDM6A as a conceptual framework and follow it to review its biological function.Method.We constructed a PPI network with Cytoscape software and performed clustering of network with Clust&See. Then, we evaluate the pathways, which are statistically involved in the network derived from KDM6A. Lastly, gene ontology analysis of clusters of genes in the network was conducted.Result.The network includes three clusters that consist of 74 nodes connected via 453 edges. Fifty-five pathways are statistically involved in the network and most of them are functionally related to the processes of cell cycle, gene expression, and carcinogenesis. The biology themes of clusters 1, 2, and 3 are chromatin modification, regulation of gene expression by transcription factor complex, and control of cell cycle, respectively.Conclusion.The PPI network presents a panoramic view which can facilitate for us to understand the function role of KDM6A. It is a helpful way by network approach to perform system review on a certain gene.
Nutrients Release from a Novel Gel-Based Slow/Controlled Release Fertilizer
Authors: Ding H. , Zhang Y. S. , Li W. H. , Zheng X. Z. , Wang M. K. , Tang L. N. , Chen D. L.
Published: May 2016

A novel gel-based slow/controlled release fertilizer (G-CRF) was developed, which was produced by combining various natural, seminatural, and/or synthetic organic macromolecule materials and natural inorganic mineral with conventional NPK fertilizers. Its nutrient release characteristics were studied to compare with conventional fertilizers through the soil column leaching method. The influences of soil factors, including temperature, pH, water, and nutrient contents in the G-CRF on nutrient release, were also investigated through soil-water incubation method. These results indicated that the G-CRF had better effect on controlling release of N, P, and K nutrients, and the effect was more efficient when soil-water content was lower than 45% (w/w), temperature was below 35°C, and soil pH was in the range from weak acid to neutral. In addition, considering the effect of controlling nutrient release and cost of the materials in the G-CRF, it is recommended that the most feasible NPK nutrient contents in the G-CRF ranged from 30 to 35%.
Rannasangpei Is a Therapeutic Agent in the Treatment of Vascular Dementia
Authors: Wu Peng , Luo Yuandai , Zhen Lifang , Hu Xianda , Shang Ying , Liao Yinuo , Xue Huiyuan , Huang Fukai , Xiao Wei
Published: May 2016

Rannasangpei (RSNP) is used as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, and neurodegeneration in China; however, its potential use in the treatment of vascular dementia (VD) was unclear. In this study, our aim was to examine the neuroprotective effect of RSNP in a VD rat model, which was induced by permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (2VO). Four‐week administration with two doses of RSNP was investigated in our study. Severe cognitive deficit in the VD model, which was confirmed in Morris water maze (MWM) test, was significantly restored by the administration of RSNP. ELISA revealed that the treatments with both doses of RSNP could reinstate the cholinergic activity in the VD animals by elevating the production of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and reducing the acetylcholinesterase (AChE); the treatment of RSNP could also reboot the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and decrease malondialdehyde (MDA). Moreover, Western blot and quantitative PCR (Q‐PCR) results indicated that the RSNP could suppress the apoptosis in the hippocampus of the VD animals by increasing the expression ratio of B‐cell lymphoma‐2 (Bcl‐2) to Bcl‐2‐associated X protein (Bax). These results suggested that RSNP might be a therapeutic agent in the treatment of vascular dementia in the future.
Acceleration Characteristics of a Rock Slide Using the Particle Image Velocimetry Technique
Authors: Chen Guoqing , Li Le , Zhao Cong , Huang Runqiu , Guo Fan
Published: May 2016

The Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) technique with high precision and spatial resolution is a suitable sensor for flow field experiments. In this paper, the PIV technology was used to monitor the development of a displacement field, velocity field and acceleration field of a rock slide. It was found that the peak acceleration of the sliding surface appeared earlier than the peak acceleration of the sliding body. The characteristics of the rock slide including the short failure time, high velocities, and large accelerations indicate that the sliding forces and energy release rate of the slope are high. The deformation field showed that the sliding body was sliding outwards along the sliding surface while the sliding bed moved in an opposite direction. Moving upwards at the top of the sliding bed can be one of the warning signs for rock slide failure.
Treatment of Huge Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using Cinobufacini Injection in Transarterial Chemoembolization: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Dong Jun , Zhai Xiaofeng , Chen Zhe , Liu Qun , Ye Hua , Chen Wei , Ling Changquan
Published: May 2016

The aim of this study is to examine the safety and efficacy of Cinobufacini injection in transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for treatment of huge hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Clinical data of 56 consecutive patients with HCC larger than 10 cm who had been treated with TACE between December 2010 and August 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Among these patients, 31 belonged to the Cinobufacini group and 25 belonged to the epirubicin group. The clinical efficacy, survival time, and adverse events in patients in the two groups were compared. The objective response rate in the Cinobufacini group was significantly higher than that in the epirubicin group (53.6% versus 23.1%, P = 0.022). The median survival time (10.6 versus 14.1 months, χ2 = 0.092, P = 0.762) and the median time to progression (4.9 versus 5.7 months, χ2 = 0.097, P = 0.756) were similar between the groups. The incidence rate of adverse events was lower in the Cinobufacini group than in the epirubicin group (P < 0.05). The short‐term clinical efficacy of Cinobufacini is better than that of epirubicin in TACE for treating huge HCC, while their long‐term clinical efficacy is similar. However, lower incidence of adverse events was noted in TACE using Cinobufacini rather than epirubicin.
Diffuse Neuroendocrine Cell Hyperplasia: Report of Two Cases
Authors: Cansız Ersöz Cevriye , Cangır Ayten Kayı , Dizbay Sak Serpil
Published: May 2016

Diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia (DIPNECH) is a rare pulmonary disorder characterised by a proliferation of neuroendocrine cells within the lung. It is believed that a minority of the patients with DIPNECH can develop carcinoid tumors. Here, we report two new cases of DIPNECH with coexisting carcinoid tumors.
Facet-Dependent Activity of Pt Nanoparticles as Cocatalyst on TiO2Photocatalyst for Dye-Sensitized Visible-Light Hydrogen Generation
Authors: Cui Entian , Hou Guihua , Shao Rong , Guan Rongfeng
Published: May 2016

The photocatalytic activities of polyoriented and preferential Pt(111) nanoparticles supported on TiO2(Pt(poly)/TiO2and Pt(111)/TiO2) were investigated by the photocatalytic hydrogen generation from water under visible-light irradiation. The photocatalytic hydrogen production rate of Pt(111)/TiO2was 1.6 times higher than that of Pt(poly)/TiO2. The corresponding apparent activation energy on Pt(111)/TiO2was about 2.39 KJ/mol, while on Pt(poly)/TiO2, it was about 4.83 KJ/mol. The difference in the apparent activation energies was probably due to the diversity in the number of surface atoms at corners and edges between the Pt(poly) and Pt(111) nanoparticles. The photocurrent of Pt(111)/TiO2was also bigger than that of Pt(poly)/TiO2, implying that the surface structure of Pt(111) nanoparticles can improve the transfer efficiency of photo-induced electrons from the conduction band of TiO2to Pt nanoparticles. As a result, the surface structure of Pt nanoparticles played an important role in the reactivity and kinetics performance of hydrogen evolution. Therefore, the photocatalytic properties of Pt/TiO2strongly depended on the surface structure of Pt nanoparticles.
Fabrication of Nickel Nanotube Using Anodic Oxidation and Electrochemical Deposition Technologies and Its Hydrogen Storage Property
Authors: Lv Yan
Published: May 2016

Electrochemical deposition technique was utilized to fabricate nickel nanotubes with the assistance of AAO templates. The topography and element component of the nickel nanotubes were characterized by TEM and EDS. Furthermore, the nickel nanotube was made into microelectrode and its electrochemical hydrogen storage property was studied using cyclic voltammetry. The results showed that the diameter of nickel nanotubes fabricated was around 20–100 mm, and the length of the nanotube could reach micron grade. The nickel nanotubes had hydrogen storage property, and the hydrogen storage performance was higher than that of nickel powder.
The Effects of Real-Time Interactive Multimedia Teleradiology System
Authors: Al-Safadi Lilac
Published: May 2016

This study describes the design of a real-time interactive multimedia teleradiology system and assesses how the system is used by referring physicians in point-of-care situations and supports or hinders aspects of physician-radiologist interaction. We developed a real-time multimedia teleradiology management system that automates the transfer of images and radiologists’ reports and surveyed physicians to triangulate the findings and to verify the realism and results of the experiment. The web-based survey was delivered to 150 physicians from a range of specialties. The survey was completed by 72% of physicians. Data showed a correlation between rich interactivity, satisfaction, and effectiveness. The results of our experiments suggest that real-time multimedia teleradiology systems are valued by referring physicians and may have the potential for enhancing their practice and improving patient care and highlight the critical role of multimedia technologies to provide real-time multimode interactivity in current medical care.
A Novel Medical Freehand Sketch 3D Model Retrieval Method by Dimensionality Reduction and Feature Vector Transformation
Authors: Jing Zhang , Sheng Kang Bao
Published: May 2016

To assist physicians to quickly find the required 3D model from the mass medical model, we propose a novel retrieval method, called DRFVT, which combines the characteristics of dimensionality reduction (DR) and feature vector transformation (FVT) method. The DR method reduces the dimensionality of feature vector; only the topMlow frequency Discrete Fourier Transform coefficients are retained. The FVT method does the transformation of the original feature vector and generates a new feature vector to solve the problem of noise sensitivity. The experiment results demonstrate that the DRFVT method achieves more effective and efficient retrieval results than other proposed methods.
Comparative Study of Circulating MMP-7, CCL18, KL-6, SP-A, and SP-D as Disease Markers of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Hamai Kosuke , Iwamoto Hiroshi , Ishikawa Nobuhisa , Horimasu Yasushi , Masuda Takeshi , Miyamoto Shintaro , Nakashima Taku , Ohshimo Shinichiro , Fujitaka Kazunori , Hamada Hironobu , Hattori Noboru , Kohno Nobuoki
Published: May 2016

Background.Recent reports indicate that matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) and CC-chemokine ligand 18 (CCL18) are potential disease markers of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The objective of this study was to perform direct comparisons of these two biomarkers with three well-investigated serum markers of IPF, Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6), surfactant protein-A (SP-A), and SP-D.Methods.The serum levels of MMP-7, CCL18, KL-6, SP-A, and SP-D were evaluated in 65 patients with IPF, 31 patients with bacterial pneumonia, and 101 healthy controls. The prognostic performance of these five biomarkers was evaluated in patients with IPF.Results.The serum levels of MMP-7, KL-6, and SP-D in patients with IPF were significantly elevated compared to those in patients with bacterial pneumonia and in the healthy controls. Multivariate survival analysis showed that serum MMP-7 and KL-6 levels were independent predictors in IPF patients. Moreover, elevated levels of both KL-6 and MMP-7 were associated with poorer survival rates in IPF patients, and the combination of both markers provided the best risk discrimination using the C statistic.Conclusions.The present results indicated that MMP-7 and KL-6 were promising prognostic markers of IPF, and the combination of the two markers might improve survival prediction in patients with IPF.
Wind Turbine Performance in Controlled Conditions: BEM Modeling and Comparison with Experimental Results
Authors: Johnson David A. , Gu Mingyao , Gaunt Brian
Published: May 2016

Predictions of the performance of operating wind turbines are challenging for many reasons including the unsteadiness of the wind and uncertainties in blade aerodynamic behaviour. In the current study an extended blade element momentum (BEM) program was developed to compute the rotor power of an existing 4.3 m diameter turbine and compare predictions with reported controlled experimental measurements. Beginning with basic blade geometry and the iterative computation of aerodynamic properties, the method integrated the BEM analysis into the program workflow ensuring that the power production by a blade element agreed with its lift and drag data at the same Reynolds number. The parametric study using the extended BEM algorithm revealed the close association of the power curve behaviour with the aerodynamic characteristics of the blade elements, the discretization of the aerodynamic span, and the dependence on Reynolds number when the blades were stalled. Transition prediction also affected overall performance, albeit to a lesser degree. Finally, to capture blade finite area effects, the tip loss model was adjusted depending on stall conditions. The experimental power curve for the HAWT of the current study was closely matched by the extended BEM simulation.