bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CUSTOMER INTEGRATION IN MASS CUSTOMISATION: A KEY TO CORPORATE SUCCESS
Authors: THEILMANN CLAUDIA , HUKAUF MARTIN
Published: May 2014

The integration of customers in the process of mutual value addition (co-design process) is one of the most important aspects of mass customisation (MC). Their role as co-designers, enables customers to directly influence the development and configuration of their products. However, the necessary interaction with the provider during product development requires sufficient knowledge and expertise from customers. Customer integration capability (CIC) describes the skills a mass customiser's customers need to collaborate in interactive value adding processes in order to co-design them smoothly, effectively and to their own satisfaction. Taking these ideas into consideration, this paper analyses CIC and dependencies with other aspects of corporate value added in a causal model. The idea underlying this study is that, apart from classic tools of customer relationship management, mass customisers in particular have to foster CIC by systematic actions in order to remain internationally competitive in the long term.
TEXT MINING FOR TECHNOLOGY ROADMAPPING — THE STRATEGIC VALUE OF INFORMATION
Authors: KAYSER VICTORIA , GOLUCHOWICZ KERSTIN , BIERWISCH ANTJE
Published: May 2014

Technology roadmapping is a well-established method used in strategy development to map alternative future paths, while text mining offers untapped potentials concerning early detection and environmental scanning. In this paper, the roadmapping process is split into different steps in order to analyse which text mining methods could add further value within each. This leads to a two-layered process model, which includes text mining techniques to systematically integrate external information in ongoing roadmapping processes. Textual data can be used for a structured analysis and exploration of thematic fields and an objective, quantitative summary of actual developments. To demonstrate some of the benefits, the field of "cloud computing" is used to illustrate the procedure. As this article will show, the results provided by this approach extend the existing methodology, integrates an external view and complements expert opinion.
Higgs searches beyond the Standard Model
Authors: Mankel R. ,   (On behalf of the ATLAS, CMS, CDF and D0 collaborations)
Published: May 2014

While the existence of a Higgs boson with a mass near 125 GeV has been clearly established, the detailed structure of the entire Higgs sector is yet unclear. Besides the Standard Model interpretation, various possibilities for extended Higgs sectors are being considered. The minimal supersymmetric extension (MSSM) features two Higgs doublets resulting in five physical Higgs bosons, which are subject to direct searches. Alternatively, more generic Two-Higgs Doublet models (2HDM) are used for the interpretation of results. The Next-to-Minimal Supersymmetric Model (NMSSM) has a more complex Higgs sector with seven physical states. Also exotic Higgs bosons decaying to invisible final states are considered. This article summarizes recent findings based on results from collider experiments.
Hadron and quarkonium exotica
Authors: Choi Sookyung
Published: May 2014

A number of charmonium-(bottomonium-)like states have been observed in B-factory experiments. Recently the BESIII experiment has joined this search with a unique data sample collected at the different center of mass energies ranging from 3.9 GeV to 4.42 GeV in which they found new charmonium-like states with non-zero electric charge. We review the status of experimental searchs for quarkonium-like states and also other types of non-[Formula: see text] meson or non-qqq baryons that are predicted by QCD-motivated models. We mainly focus on results from the B-factories and BESIII.
Overview of the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO)
Authors: Li Yu-Feng
Published: May 2014

The medium baseline reactor antineutrino experiment, Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO), which is being planned to be built at Jiangmen in South China, can determine the neutrino mass hierarchy and improve the precision of three oscillation parameters by one order of magnitude. The sensitivity potential on these measurements is reviewed and design concepts of the central detector are illustrated. Finally, we emphasize on the technical challenges we meet and the corresponding R&D efforts.
Search for the Higgs Boson decaying into tau pairs
Authors: Salfeld-Nebgen Jakob
Published: May 2014

A search for the Standard Model Higgs Boson decaying into τ pairs is performed using events recorded by the CMS experiment at the LHC in 2011 and 2012. An excess of events is observed over a broad range of Higgs mass hypotheses, with a maximum local significance of 2.93 standard deviations at mH = 120 GeV. The excess is compatible with the presence of a standard-model Higgs boson of mass 125 GeV/c2.
Test of QCD at large Q2 with exclusive hadronic processes
Authors: Shen Chengping ,   (For the Belle Collaboration)
Published: May 2014

My report consists of two parts: (1). Using samples of 102 million ϒ(1S) and 158 million ϒ(2S) events at Belle, we study 17 exclusive hadronic decays of these two bottomonium resonances to some Vector-Pseudoscalar (VP), Vector-Tensor (VT) and Axial-vector-Pseudoscalar (AP) processes and their final states. Branching fractions are measured for all the processes. The ratios of the branching fractions of ϒ(2S) and ϒ(1S) decays into the same final state are used to test a perturbative QCD (pQCD) prediction for OZI-suppressed bottomonium decays. (2). Using data samples of 89 fb-1, 703 fb-1, and 121 fb-1 collected at center-of-mass (CMS) energies 10.52, 10.58, and 10.876 GeV, respectively, we measure the cross sections of e+e- → ωπ0, [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text]. The energy dependence of the cross sections is presented.
Opposing changes in thoracic and abdominal aortic biomechanical properties in rodent models of vascular calcification and hypertension
Authors: Ameer Omar Z. , Salman Ibrahim M. , Avolio Alberto P. , Phillips Jacqueline K. , Butlin Mark
Published: May 2014

This study investigated the effects of hypertension on regional aortic biomechanical and structural properties in three rat models of vascular calcification: the hypertensive Lewis polycystic kidney (LPK; n = 13) model of chronic kidney disease, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs; n = 12), and calcification in normotensive Lewis rats induced by vitamin D3 and nicotine (VDN; n = 8). Lewis and Wistar-Kyoto rats were controls. Thoracic and abdominal aortic stiffness parameters were assessed by tensile testing. In models where aortic stiffness differences compared with controls existed in both thoracic and abdominal segments, an additional cohort was quantified by histology for thoracic and abdominal aortic elastin, collagen, and calcification. LPK and VDN animals had higher thoracic breaking strain than control animals ( P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively) and lower energy absorption within the tensile curve of the abdominal aorta ( P < 0.05). SHRs had a lower abdominal breaking stress than Wistar-Kyoto rats. LPK and VDN rats had more elastic lamellae fractures than control rats ( P < 0.001), which were associated with calcium deposition (thoracic R = 0.37, P = 0.048; abdominal: R = 0.40, P = 0.046). LPK rats had higher nuclear density than control rats ( P < 0.01), which was also evident in the thoracic but not abdominal aorta of VDN rats ( P < 0.01). In LPK and VDN rats, but not in control rats, media thickness and cross-sectional area were at least 1.5-fold greater in thoracic than abdominal regions. The calcification models chronic kidney disease and induced calcification in normotension caused differences in regional aortic stiffness not seen in a genetic form of hypertension. Detrimental abdominal aortic remodeling but lower stiffness in the thoracic aorta with disease indicates possible compensatory mechanisms in the proximal aorta.
Nicotine alters mucin rheological properties
Authors: Chen Eric Y. , Sun Albert , Chen Chi-Shuo , Mintz Alexander J. , Chin Wei-Chun
Published: May 2014

Tobacco smoke exposure, the major cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), instigates a dysfunctional clearance of thick obstructive mucus. However, the mechanism underlying the formation of abnormally viscous mucus remains elusive. We investigated whether nicotine can directly alter the rheological properties of mucin by examining its physicochemical interactions with human airway mucin gels secreted from A549 lung epithelial cells. Swelling kinetics and multiple particle tracking were utilized to assess mucin gel viscosity change when exposed to nicotine. Herein we show that nicotine (≤50 nM) significantly hindered postexocytotic swelling and hydration of released mucins, leading to higher viscosity, possibly by electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. Moreover, the close association of nicotine and mucins allows airway mucus to function as a reservoir for prolonged nicotine release, leading to correlated pathogenic effects. Our results provide a novel explanation for the maltransport of poorly hydrated mucus in smokers. More importantly, this study further indicates that even low-concentration nicotine can profoundly increase mucus viscosity and thus highlights the health risks of secondhand smoke exposure.
Explicit Design of Innovation Performance Metrics by Using Analytic Hierarchy Process Expansion
Authors: Kim Song-Kyoo
Published: May 2014

The paper presents the explicit and objective measurement method for innovation performances by using the extensive version of Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). A hierarchical framework is constructed for the innovation performance criteria and giving the guideline for innovation performance of companies. By applying AHP Expansion framework, the innovation performance measurement factors can be prioritized and descending-order rank list of the performance factors can be made in order to select the best strategies to improve the innovativeness of companies. This new framework of innovation measurement is targeted for implementation at the actual analysis for innovation competitiveness of companies and expected to provide the milestones of measuring the innovation more effectively.
Toxicity Evaluation following Intratracheal Instillation of Iron Oxide in a Silica Matrix in Rats
Authors: Prodan Alina Mihaela , Ciobanu Carmen Steluta , Popa Cristina Liana , Iconaru Simona Liliana , Predoi Daniela
Published: May 2014

Iron oxide-silica nanoparticles (IOSi-NPs) were prepared from a mixture of ferrous chloride tetrahydrate and ferric chloride hexahydrate dropped into a silica xerogel composite. The structure and morphology of the synthesized maghemite nanoparticles into the silica xerogel were analysed by X-ray diffraction measurements, scanning electron microscopy equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer, and transmission electron microscopy. The results of the EDAX analysis indicated that the embedded particles were iron oxide nanoparticles. The particle size of IOSi-NPs calculated from the XRD analysis was estimated at around 12.5 nm. The average size deduced from the particle size distribution is 13.7 ± 0.6 nm, which is in good agreement with XRD analysis. The biocompatibility of IOSi-NPs was assessed by cell viability and cytoskeleton analysis. Histopathology analysis was performed after 24 hours and 7 days, respectively, from the intratracheal instillation of a solution containing 0.5, 2.5, or 5 mg/kg IOSi-NPs. The pathological micrographs of lungs derived from rats collected after the intratracheal instillation with a solution containing 0.5 mg/kg and 2.5 mg/kg IOSi-NPs show that the lung has preserved the architecture of the control specimen with no significant differences. However, even at concentrations of 5 mg/kg, the effect of IOSi-NPS on the lungs was markedly reduced at 7 days posttreatment.
Persistent Salmon Patch on the Forehead and Glabellum in a Chinese Adult
Authors: Leung Alexander K. C. , Barankin Benjamin , Hon Kam Lun
Published: May 2014

Salmon patches are present in approximately 44% of all neonates. The lesions tend to fade with time and those on the glabellum, eyelids, nose, and upper lip are rarely detected after the age of 6. We report a 33-year-old Chinese female with a salmon patch on the forehead and glabellum. To our knowledge, the occurrence of a salmon patch on the forehead and glabellum in adulthood has not been reported. The persistent salmon patch on the face of an adult is benign and not associated with any neurocutaneous syndrome or underlying vascular abnormality. The color of the lesion can be ameliorated with laser therapy if cosmesis is a concern.
Subspace Clustering Mutation Operator for Developing Convergent Differential Evolution Algorithm
Authors: Hu Zhongbo , Xiong Shengwu , Wang Xiuhua , Su Qinghua , Liu Mianfang , Chen Zhong
Published: May 2014

Many researches have identified that differential evolution algorithm (DE) is one of the most powerful stochastic real‐parameter algorithms for global optimization problems. However, a stagnation problem still exists in DE variants. In order to overcome the disadvantage, two improvement ideas have gradually appeared recently. One is to combine multiple mutation operators for balancing the exploration and exploitation ability. The other is to develop convergent DE variants in theory for decreasing the occurrence probability of the stagnation. Given that, this paper proposes a subspace clustering mutation operator, called SC_qrtop. Five DE variants, which hold global convergence in probability, are then developed by combining the proposed operator and five mutation operators of DE, respectively. The SC_qrtop randomly selects an elite individual as a perturbation’s center and employs the difference between two randomly generated boundary individuals as a perturbation’s step. Theoretical analyses and numerical simulations demonstrate that SC_qrtop prefers to search in the orthogonal subspace centering on the elite individual. Experimental results on CEC2005 benchmark functions indicate that all five convergent DE variants with SC_qrtop mutation outperform the corresponding DE algorithms.
Distributed Face Recognition in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Lin Qiaomin , Yang Jinwen , Zhang Bin , Wang Ruchuan , Ye Ning , Yan Mengkui
Published: May 2014

As one of the most successful applications of image analysis and understanding, face recognition has recently received significant attention, especially during the past few years. In order to construct an autonomous and robust biometric security system, this paper explores the application of face recognition technique in wireless sensor networks. Given the limited technological resources of sensor nodes, new challenges remain to be met. In this work, a facial component-based recognition mechanism is firstly applied to ensure the recognition accuracy. Secondly, in order to address the problem of resource constraints, a distributed scheme based on K-d trees is deployed for both the face image transmission and retrieval. According to the simulation results, the proposed method is capable of achieving considerable energy efficiency, while assuring the recognition accuracy.
Study on Nuclear Accident Precursors Using AHP and BBN
Authors: Park Sujin , Yang Huichang , Heo Gyunyoung , Zubair Muhammad , Khalil Ur Rahman
Published: May 2014

Most of the nuclear accident reports used to indicate the implicit precursors which are not easily quantified as underlying factors. The current Probabilistic Safety Assessment (PSA) is capable of quantifying the importance of accident causes in limited scope. It was, therefore, difficult to achieve quantifiable decision-making for resource allocation. In this study, the methodology which facilitates quantifying these precursors and a case study were presented. First, four implicit precursors have been obtained by evaluating the causality and hierarchy structure of various accident factors. Eventually, it turned out that they represent the lack of knowledge. After four precursors are selected, subprecursors were investigated and their cause-consequence relationship was implemented by Bayesian Belief Network (BBN). To prioritize the precursors, the prior probability is initially estimated by expert judgment and updated upon observations. The pair-wise importance between precursors is calculated by Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the results are converted into node probability tables of the BBN model. Using this method, the sensitivity and the posterior probability of each precursor can be analyzed so that it enables making prioritization for the factors. We tried to prioritize the lessons learned from Fukushima accident to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed methodology.
Cloud Model Bat Algorithm
Authors: Zhou Yongquan , Xie Jian , Li Liangliang , Ma Mingzhi
Published: May 2014

Bat algorithm (BA) is a novel stochastic global optimization algorithm. Cloud model is an effective tool in transforming between qualitative concepts and their quantitative representation. Based on the bat echolocation mechanism and excellent characteristics of cloud model on uncertainty knowledge representation, a new cloud model bat algorithm (CBA) is proposed. This paper focuses on remodeling echolocation model based on living and preying characteristics of bats, utilizing the transformation theory of cloud model to depict the qualitative concept: “bats approach their prey.” Furthermore, Lévy flight mode and population information communication mechanism of bats are introduced to balance the advantage between exploration and exploitation. The simulation results show that the cloud model bat algorithm has good performance on functions optimization.
On Hermite-Hadamard Type Inequalities fors-Convex Functions on the Coordinates via Riemann-Liouville Fractional Integrals
Authors: Chen Feixiang
Published: May 2014

We obtain some Hermite-Hadamard type inequalities fors-convex functions on the coordinates via Riemann-Liouville integrals. Some integral inequalities with the right-hand side of the fractional Hermite-Hadamard type inequality are also established.
Variables Affecting the Accuracy of Implant Master Casts: An In Vitro Pilot Study
Authors: Karl Matthias , Palarie Victor
Published: May 2014

Impression and master cast accuracy have been identified as being the major determinants of superstructure fit in implant-supported restorations. The goal of this in vitro investigation was to determine the effects of different transfer components, impression materials, disinfection, storage time, and stone type on master cast accuracy. Following impression making from a reference model with two internal-hex bone-level implants and master cast fabrication (eight experimental groups; n = 5), a bar-type measurement device equipped with a strain gauge was fixed on all master casts while strain development was recorded. Statistical analysis was performed applying ANOVA and paired t-tests with the level of significance set at α = 0.05. The transfer components with plastic sleeves caused maximum misfit strain which was significantly greater as compared to click (P = 0.02) and open tray transfer components (P = 0.00). No significant effect on master cast accuracy was recorded for the parameters impression material, impression disinfection, and storage of impressions or casts. Lower strain development was observed in casts poured in type 3 stone as compared to casts poured in type 4 stone (P = 0.01). For the bone-level implant system considered here, the great
levels of accuracy could be achieved using pick-up impressions with either click or open tray impression components.
The Existence and Uniqueness of Coupled Best Proximity Point for Proximally Coupled Contraction in a Complete Ordered Metric Space
Authors: Pragadeeswarar V. , Marudai M. , Kumam P. , Sitthithakerngkiet K.
Published: May 2014

We prove the existence and uniqueness of coupled best proximity point for mappings satisfying the proximally coupled contraction in a complete ordered metric space. Further, our result provides an extension of a result due to Bhaskar and Lakshmikantham.
Dynamics Analysis of Game and Chaotic Control in the Chinese Fixed Broadband Telecom Market
Authors: Liu Jia , Liu Guoliang , Li Na , Xu Hongliang
Published: May 2014

This paper considers a dynamic duopoly Cournot model based on nonlinear cost functions. The model with heterogeneous players and the spillover effect is applied to the Chinese fixed broadband telecom market. We have studied its dynamic game process. The existence and stability of the Nash equilibrium of the system have been discussed. Simulations are used to show the complex dynamical behaviors of the system. The results illustrate that altering the relevant parameters of system can affect the stability of the Nash equilibrium point and cause chaos to occur. With the use of the delay feedback control method, the chaotic behavior of the model has been stabilized at the Nash equilibrium point. The analysis and results will be of great importance for the Chinese fixed broadband telecom market.
There Is No Elevation of Immunoglobulin E Levels in Albanian Patients with Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases
Authors: Latifi-Pupovci Hatixhe , Gacaferri-Lumezi Besa , Lokaj-Berisha Violeta
Published: May 2014

Background. Studies in several ethnic groups reported high incidence of elevated levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) in patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases (ATD), especially in patients with Graves’ disease.Objective. To study association between serum levels of IgE and thyroid stimulating hormone receptor antibodies (TRAb) in Albanian patients with ATD.Material and Methods. Study was performed in 40 patients with Graves’ disease, 15 patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and 14 subjects in the control group. The IgE levels were measured by immunoradiometric assay, whereas the TRAb levels were measured by radioreceptor assay.Results. In all groups of subjects the IgE levels were within reference values (<200 kIU/L). Significant difference in mean concentration of IgE was found between two groups of Graves’ disease patients, and those with normal and elevated TRAb levels (22.57 versus 45.03,P<0.05). Positive correlation was found between TRAb and IgE only in Graves’ disease patients (r=0.43,P=0.006).Conclusion. In Albanian patients with ATD there is no elevation of IgE levels. This could be the result of low prevalence of allergic diseases in Albanian population determined by genetic and environmental factors.
Research on Deterioration Mechanism of Concrete Materials in an Actual Structure
Authors: Zhang Shiping , Dong Xiang , Zhang Houxian , Deng Min
Published: May 2014

The cause for deterioration of the concrete structure located in severe environment has been explored both in field and in laboratory. Serious cracking and spalling appeared upon surface of the concrete structure soon after the structure was put into service. Both alkali-aggregate reaction and freeze-thaw cycles may result in similar macro visible cracking and spalling. The possibility of alkali-aggregate reaction was excluded by both field survey and lab examination such as chemical analysis, petrographic analysis, and determination of alkali reactivity of aggregates. According to results of freeze-thaw cycles, impermeability testing, and microstructure analysis, it is deduced that the severe environmental conditions plus the relatively inferior frost resistance cause the deterioration of concrete. Usage of air entraining admixture can improve frost resistance and impermeability. Furthermore, new approaches to mitigate the deterioration of concrete used in severe environmental condition are discussed.
A Diagnostic System for Speed‐Varying Motor Rotary Faults
Authors: Tseng Chwan-Lu , Wang Shun-Yuan , Lin Shou-Chuang , Chou Jen-Hsiang , Chen Ke-Fan
Published: May 2014

This study proposed an intelligent rotary fault diagnostic system for motors. A sensorless rotational speed detection method and an improved dynamic structural neural network are used. Moreover, to increase the convergence speed of training, a terminal attractor method and a hybrid discriminant analysis are also adopted. The proposed method can be employed to detect the rotary frequencies of motors with varying speeds and can enhance the discrimination of motor faults. To conduct the experiments, this study used wireless sensor nodes to transmit vibration data and employed MATLAB to write codes for functional modules, including the signal processing, sensorless rotational speed estimation, neural network, and stochastic process control chart. Additionally, Visual Basic software was used to create an integrated human‐machine interface. The experimental results regarding the test of equipment faults indicated that the proposed novel diagnostic system can effectively estimate rotational speeds and provide superior ability of motor fault discrimination with fast training convergence.
Analysis of the Time and Location of the Silicone Oil Emulsification by Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography after Silicone Oil Tamponade
Authors: Odrobina Dominik , Laudańska-Olszewska Iwona
Published: May 2014

Purpose. To estimate localization and the period up to the appearance of small hyperreflective round-shaped droplets using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) after pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade.Methods. A retrospective observational study included 24 patients who had undergone pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade for proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) retinal detachment. SD-OCT analysis was performed 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. We characterized the emulsified silicone oil in the SD-OCT as the small hyperreflective round-shaped droplets.Results. In SD-OCT examination, none of the patients had hyperreflective round-shaped droplets visible one month after vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade. The hyperreflective droplets were found three months after surgery—in one patient above the optic nerve and in five patients intraretinally (in the cystoid spaces). Six months after vitrectomy, the hyperreflective round-shaped droplets were still present in the aforementioned patients' eyes and additionally in 3 eyes above the optic disc.Conclusions. Hyperreflective round-shaped droplets were found in a SD-OCT examination 3 months after silicone oil tamponade. The authors suggest that they are most likely the emulsified silicone oil droplets. The authors hypothesize that emulsification and migration of silicone oil begin within 3 months after surgery.
Pravastatin Improves Glucose Regulation and Biocompatibility of Agarose Encapsulated Porcine Islets following Transplantation into Pancreatectomized Dogs
Authors: Gazda Lawrence S. , Vinerean Horatiu V. , Laramore Melissa A. , Hall Richard D. , Carraway Joseph W. , Smith Barry H.
Published: May 2014

The encapsulation of porcine islets is an attractive methodology for the treatment of Type I diabetes. In the current study, the use of pravastatin as a mild anti-inflammatory agent was investigated in pancreatectomized diabetic canines transplanted with porcine islets encapsulated in agarose-agarose macrobeads and given 80 mg/day of pravastatin (n=3) while control animals did not receive pravastatin (n=3). Control animals reached preimplant insulin requirements on days 18, 19, and 32. Pravastatin-treated animals reached preimplant insulin requirements on days 22, 27, and 50. Two animals from each group received a second macrobead implant: control animals remained insulin-free for 15 and 21 days (AUC = 3003 and 5078 mg/dL/24 hr days 1 to 15) and reached preimplant insulin requirements on days 62 and 131. Pravastatin treated animals remained insulin-free for 21 and 34 days (AUC = 1559 and 1903 mg/dL/24 hr days 1 to 15) and reached preimplant insulin requirements on days 38 and 192. Total incidence (83.3% versus 64.3%) and total severity (22.7 versus 18.3) of inflammation on tissue surfaces were higher in the control group at necropsy. These findings support pravastatin therapy in conjunction with the transplantation of encapsulated xenogeneic islets for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.
The Safety and Efficiency of Surgery with Colonic Stents in Left-Sided Malignant Colonic Obstruction: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhao Xiang , Liu Bo , Zhao Ende , Wang Jiliang , Cai Ming , Xia Zefeng , Xia Qinghua , Shuai Xiaoming , Tao Kaixiong , Wang Guobin , Cai Kailin
Published: May 2014

Objective.This meta-analysis is aimed at assessing the safety and efficiency of colonic self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) used as a bridge to surgery in the management of left-sided malignant colonic obstruction (LMCO).Methods.A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Knowledge, OVID, Google Scholar, CNKI, and WANGFANG for relevant randomized trials comparing colonic stenting used as a bridge in semielective surgery versus emergency surgery from January 2001 to September 2013.Result.Five published studies were included in this systematic review, including 273 patients (140 male/133 female). 136 patients received semielective surgery after SEMS installation while 137 patients underwent emergency surgery without SEMS. SEMS intervention resulted in significantly lower overall colostomy rate (41.9% versus 56.2%,P=0.02), surgical site infection rate (10.2% versus 19.7%,P=0.03), and overall complication rate (29.2% versus 60.5%,P=0.05). There was no statistic difference for the rate of primary anastomosis, anastomotic leak and operation-related mortality between two groups.Conclusions.semielective surgery with SEMS as a bridge for proper patients of LMCO can lower the overall rate for colostomy, surgical site infection, and complications.
Kimura’s Disease in a Caucasian Female: A Very Rare Cause of Lymphadenopathy
Authors: Osuch-Wójcikiewicz Ewa , Bruzgielewicz Antoni , Lachowska Magdalena , Wasilewska Agata , Niemczyk Kazimierz
Published: May 2014

Introduction. Kimura’s disease is a rare chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by the head and neck lymphadenopathy often accompanied by eosinophilia and elevated serum IgE. It is benign condition with unknown etiology usually affecting young men of Asian race. Affected Caucasians are very rare.Case Presentation. We report a clinically and histopathologically typical case of this disease in a 40-year-old Caucasian female. In differential diagnosis particular attention has been paid to angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia and neoplasms.Conclusion. The diagnosis of Kimura’s disease can be very difficult and misleading; it is important not to ignore histopathological features. The presented patient has been under follow-up with no more symptoms of the disease for the last 1.5 years.
Two-Factor User Authentication with Key Agreement Scheme Based on Elliptic Curve Cryptosystem
Authors: Qu Juan , Tan Xiao-Ling
Published: May 2014

A password authentication scheme using smart card is called two-factor authentication scheme. Two-factor authentication scheme is the most accepted and commonly used mechanism that provides the authorized users a secure and efficient method for accessing resources over insecure communication channel. Up to now, various two-factor user authentication schemes have been proposed. However, most of them are vulnerable to smart card loss attack, offline password guessing attack, impersonation attack, and so on. In this paper, we design a password remote user authentication with key agreement scheme using elliptic curve cryptosystem. Security analysis shows that the proposed scheme has high level of security. Moreover, the proposed scheme is more practical and secure in contrast to some related schemes.
A Distributed Weighted Possibilistic c-Means Algorithm for Clustering Incomplete Big Sensor Data
Authors: Zhang Qingchen , Chen Zhikui
Published: May 2014

Possibilistic c-means clustering algorithm (PCM) has emerged as an important technique for pattern recognition and data analysis. Owning to the existence of many missing values, PCM is difficult to produce a good clustering result in real time. The paper proposes a distributed weighted possibillistic c-means clustering algorithm (DWPCM), which works in three steps. First the paper applies the partial distance strategy to PCM (PDPCM) for calculating the distance between any two objects in the incomplete data set. Further, a weighted PDPCM algorithm (WPCM) is designed to reduce the corruption of missing values by assigning low weight values to incomplete data objects. Finally, to improve the cluster speed of WPCM, the cloud computing technology is used to optimize the WPCM algorithm by designing the distributed weighted possibilistic c-means clustering algorithm (DWPCM) based on MapReduce. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithms can produce an appropriate partition efficiently for incomplete big sensor data.
Secure and Privacy Enhanced Gait Authentication on Smart Phone
Authors: Hoang Thang , Choi Deokjai
Published: May 2014

Smart environments established by the development of mobile technology have brought vast benefits to human being. However, authentication mechanisms on portable smart devices, particularly conventional biometric based approaches, still remain security and privacy concerns. These traditional systems are mostly based on pattern recognition and machine learning algorithms, wherein original biometric templates or extracted features are stored under unconcealed form for performing matching with a new biometric sample in the authentication phase. In this paper, we propose a novel gait based authentication using biometric cryptosystem to enhance the system security and user privacy on the smart phone. Extracted gait features are merely used to biometrically encrypt a cryptographic key which is acted as the authentication factor. Gait signals are acquired by using an inertial sensor named accelerometer in the mobile device and error correcting codes are adopted to deal with the natural variation of gait measurements. We evaluate our proposed system on a dataset consisting of gait samples of 34 volunteers. We achieved the lowest false acceptance rate (FAR) and false rejection rate (FRR) of 3.92% and 11.76%, respectively, in terms of key length of 50 bits.
Simultaneous Removal of MTBE and Benzene from Contaminated Groundwater Using Ultraviolet-Based Ozone and Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Tawabini Bassam S.
Published: May 2014

Efficiency of ultraviolet-ozone (UV/O3) and ultraviolet-hydrogen peroxide (UV/H2O2) processes was investigated for simultaneous removal of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) and benzene from contaminated ground water. The photoreactor employed housed 15-watt low pressure (LP) and 150-watt medium pressure (MP) mercury UV lamps. Oxidation of contaminants was studied at two different levels of ozone and hydrogen peroxide. Brackish groundwater samples were spiked with MTBE and benzene up to a concentration of 500 μg L−1. Removal potential was evaluated at different parameters such as UV type and intensity and peroxide and ozone dosages, as well as contact time. Results indicated that no removal of the contaminants was attained when treated with hydrogen peroxide or ozone alone. However, about 50% and 30% removal of MTBE were achieved in 30 minutes when irradiated with MP-UV and LP-UV lamps, respectively. On the other hand, UV/H2O2process was found to be superior in removal of MTBE (90% in 10 min.) and benzene (95% in 5 min.) compared to UV/O3process. Furthermore, removal of benzene was comparatively easier than MTBE in both approaches. It is hence concluded that higher UV intensities and elevated doses of H2O2accelerate simultaneous removal of MTBE and benzene from water.
A Provably Secure Proxy Signcryption Scheme Using Bilinear Pairings
Authors: Lo Nai-Wei , Tsai Jia-Lun
Published: May 2014

As people in modern societies are busier than any human era and computer network has profound impact on how people work and live through fast and convenient information exchange, people need more help from each other to accomplish more work via network connections in limited period of time. Therefore, privilege delegation mechanism has become a necessary service in modern enterprises and organizations. Proxy signcryption scheme provides a secure privilege delegation mechanism for a person to delegate his privilege to his proxy agent to accomplish things. In 2010, Lin et al. had proposed an efficient signcryption scheme using bilinear pairings. However, we found that the proxy signcryption scheme of Lin et al. is vulnerable to the chosen warrant attack. A provably secure proxy signcryption scheme using bilinear pairings is introduced accordingly. In terms of performance efficiency, the proposed scheme is superior to other existing schemes. In addition, a new security model is proposed to describe proxy signcryption scheme; based on the security model we show that the proposed scheme is provably secure in terms of indistinguishability under adaptive chosen ciphertext attack (IND-CCA2), unforgeability under adaptive chosen message attack (EF-CMA), and unforgeability under adaptive chosen warrant attack (EF-CWA).
Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay for Detection of Generic and Verocytotoxin-ProducingEscherichia coliamong Indigenous Individuals in Malaysia
Authors: Teh Cindy Shuan Ju , Chua Kek Heng , Lim Yvonne Ai Lian , Lee Soo Ching , Thong Kwai Lin
Published: May 2014

We have successfully developed a Loop-mediated isothermal amplification(LAMP) assay that could specifically detect genericEscherichia coli(E. coli). This assay was tested on 85 bacterial strains and successfully identified 54E. colistrains (average threshold time, Tt = 21.26). The sensitivity of this assay was evaluated on serial dilutions of bacterial cultures and spiked faeces. The assay could detect 102 CFU/mL for bacterial culture with Tt = 33.30 while the detection limit for spiked faeces was 103 CFU/mL (Tt = 31.12). We have also detected 46 genericE. colifrom 50 faecal samples obtained from indigenous individuals with 16% of the positive samples being verocytotoxin-producingE. coli(VTEC) positive. VT1/VT2 allele was present in one faecal sample while the ratio of VT1 to VT2 was 6 : 1. Overall, our study had demonstrated high risk of VTEC infection among the indigenous community and most of the asymptomatic infection occurred among those aged below 15 years. The role of asymptomatic human carriers as a source of dissemination should not be underestimated. Large scale screening of the VTEC infection among indigenous populations and the potential contamination sources will be possible and easy with the aid of this newly developed rapid and simple LAMP assay.
Breast Cancer Prognosis Risk Estimation Using Integrated Gene Expression and Clinical Data
Authors: Saini Ashish , Hou Jingyu , Zhou Wanlei
Published: May 2014

Background. Novel prognostic markers are needed so newly diagnosed breast cancer patients do not undergo any unnecessary therapy. Various microarray gene expression datasets based studies have generated gene signatures to predict the prognosis outcomes, while ignoring the large amount of information contained in established clinical markers. Nevertheless, small sample sizes in individual microarray datasets remain a bottleneck in generating robust gene signatures that show limited predictive power. The aim of this study is to achieve high classification accuracy for the good prognosis group and then achieve high classification accuracy for the poor prognosis group.Methods. We propose a novel algorithm called the IPRE (integrated prognosis risk estimation) algorithm. We used integrated microarray datasets from multiple studies to increase the sample sizes (∼2,700 samples). The IPRE algorithm consists of a virtual chromosome for the extraction of the prognostic gene signature that has 79 genes, and a multivariate logistic regression model that incorporates clinical data along with expression data to generate the risk score formula that accurately categorizes breast cancer patients into two prognosis groups.Results. The evaluation on two testing datasets showed that the IPRE algorithm achieved high classification accuracies of 82% and 87%, which was far greater than any existing algorithms.
Model forB1Imaging in MRI Using the Rotating RF Field
Authors: Trakic Adnan , Jin Jin , Weber Ewald , Crozier Stuart
Published: May 2014

Conventionally, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is performed by pulsing gradient coils, which invariably leads to strong acoustic noise, patient safety concerns due to induced currents, and costly power/space requirements. This modeling study investigates a new silent, gradient coil-free MR imaging method, in which a radiofrequency (RF) coil and its nonuniform field (B1+) are mechanically rotated about the patient. The advantage of the rotatingB1+field is that, for the first time, it provides a large number of degrees of freedom to aid a successfulB1+image encoding process. The mathematical modeling was performed using flip angle modulation as part of a finite-difference-based Bloch equation solver. Preliminary results suggest that representative MR images with intensity deviations of <5% from the original image can be obtained using rotating RF field approach. This method may open up new avenues towards anatomical and functional imaging in medicine.
Ensemble Hydrometeorological Forecasts Using WRF Hourly QPF and TopModel for a Middle Watershed
Authors: Calvetti Leonardo , Pereira Filho Augusto José
Published: May 2014

Quantitative precipitation forecasts (QPFs) were obtained from ensembles of the weather and research forecasting (WRF) model for the Iguaçu river watershed (IRW) in southern Brazil. Thirty-two rainfall events between 2005 and 2010 were simulated with ten configurations of WRF. These rainfall events range from local to synoptic scale convection and caused a significant increase in the level of the Iguaçu river. In the average, the ensembles yielded up to 20% better skill than single WRF forecasts for the events analyzed. WRF ensembles also allow estimating the predictability through the dispersion of the forecasts providing relevant information for decision-making. Phase errors of ensemble forecasts are larger than amplitude errors. More complex microphysics parameterizations yielded better QPFs with smaller phase errors. QPFs were fed to IRW hydrological model with similar phase and amplitude errors. It is suggested that lagged QPFs might reduce phase errors.
Idiopathic Acquired Hemophilia A with Undetectable Factor VIII Inhibitor
Authors: Abt Nicholas B. , Streiff Michael B. , Gocke Christian B. , Kickler Thomas S. , Lanzkron Sophie M.
Published: May 2014

Objective. We present the case of a 73-year-old female, with no family or personal history of a bleeding disorder, who had a classic presentation for acquired hemophilia A. Factor VIII activity was low but detectable and a factor VIII inhibitor was undetectable.Methods. The patient’s plasma was comprehensively studied to determine the cause of the acquired coagulopathy. Using the Nijmegen modification of the Bethesda assay, no factor VIII autoantibody was measureable despite varying the incubation time from 1 to 3 hours.Results. The aPTT was prolonged at 46.8 seconds, which did not correct in the 4 : 1 mix but did with 1 : 1 mix. Using a one stage factor VIII activity assay, the FVIII activity was 16% and chromogenic FVIII activity was also 16%. The patient was treated with recombinant FVII and transfusion, significantly reducing bleeding. Long-term therapy was initiated with cyclophosphamide and prednisone with normalization of FVIII activity.Conclusions. Physicians can be presented with the challenging clinical picture of an acquired factor VIII inhibitor without a detectable inhibitor by the Bethesda assay. Standard therapy for an acquired hemophilia A should be considered.
Fabrication of Aligned Carbon Nanotube/Polycaprolactone/Gelatin Nanofibrous Matrices for Schwann Cell Immobilization
Authors: Tsai Shiao-Wen , Huang Chun-Chiang , Rau Lih-Rou , Hsu Fu-Yin
Published: May 2014

In this study, we utilized a mandrel rotating collector consisting of two parallel, electrically conductive pieces of tape to fabricate aligned electrospun polycaprolactone/gelatin (PG) and carbon nanotube/polycaprolactone/gelatin (PGC) nanofibrous matrices. Furthermore, we examined the biological performance of the PGC nanofibrous and film matrices using an in vitro culture of RT4‐D6P2T rat Schwann cells. Using cell adhesion tests, we found that carbon nanotube inhibited Schwann cell attachment on PGC nanofibrous and film matrices. However, the proliferation rates of Schwann cells were higher when they were immobilized on PGC nanofibrous matrices compared to PGC film matrices. Using western blot analysis, we found that NRG1 and P0 protein expression levels were higher for cells immobilized on PGC nanofibrous matrices compared to PG nanofibrous matrices. However, the carbon nanotube inhibited NRG1 and P0 protein expression in cells immobilized on PGC film matrices. Moreover, the NRG1 and P0 protein expression levels were higher for cells immobilized on PGC nanofibrous matrices compared to PGC film matrices. We found that the matrix topography and composition influenced Schwann cell behavior.
Quantitative Gait Analysis Detects Significant Differences in Movement between Osteoarthritic and Nonosteoarthritic Guinea Pig Strains before and after Treatment with Flunixin Meglumine
Authors: Santangelo K. S. , Kaeding A. C. , Baker S. A. , Bertone A. L.
Published: May 2014

A computer-aided gait analysis system was used to contrast two guinea pig strains with differing propensity for osteoarthritis (OA), with/without administration of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Walking speed and static/dynamic gait parameters were determined at baseline. Flunixin meglumine was given and animals were evaluated 4, 24, and 72 hours after treatment. Body weight was compared using unpaired t-tests. Knee joints were histologically evaluated using species-specific criteria; indices were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by Dunn’s multiple comparisons. A generalized linear model followed by Tukey’s posttests juxtaposed gait parameters; walking speed was a covariate for other outcome measures. Body weight was not different between strains; OA-prone animals demonstrated more progressive chondropathy. At baseline, OA-prone animals had slower walking speeds, narrower hind limb bases of support, shorter stride lengths, and slower limb swing speeds relative to OA-resistant animals. These differences were not detected 4 or 24 hours after treatment. By 72 hours, OA-prone animals had returned to baseline values. These findings indicate a distinct voluntary gait pattern in a rodent model of bilateral primary OA, modification of which may allow rapid screening of novel therapies. Flunixin meglumine temporarily permitted OA-prone animals to move in a manner that was analogous to OA-resistant animals.
ERI-MAC: An Energy-Harvested Receiver-Initiated MAC Protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Nguyen Kien , Nguyen Vu-Hoang , Le Duy-Dinh , Ji Yusheng , Duong Duc Anh , Yamada Shigeki
Published: May 2014

Energy harvesting technology potentially solves the problem of energy efficiency, which is the biggest challenge in wireless sensor networks. The sensor node, which has a capability of harvesting energy from the surrounding environment, is able to achieve infinitive lifetime. The technology promisingly changes the fundamental principle of communication protocols in wireless sensor networks. Instead of saving energy as much as possible, the protocols should guarantee that the harvested energy is equal to or bigger than the consumed energy. At the same time, the protocols are designed to have the efficient operation and maximum network performance. In this paper, we propose ERI-MAC, a new receiver-initiated MAC protocol for energy harvesting sensor networks. ERI-MAC leverages the benefit of receiver-initiated and packet concatenation to achieve good performance both in latency and in energy efficiency. Moreover, ERI-MAC employs a queueing mechanism to adjust the operation of a sensor node following the energy harvesting rate from the surrounding environment. We have extensively evaluated ERI-MAC in a large scale network with a realistic traffic model using the network simulator ns-2. The simulation results show that ERI-MAC achieves good network performance, as well as enabling infinitive lifetime of sensor networks.