bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kissing-Y stenting for endovascular treatment of complex wide necked bifurcation aneurysms using Acandis Acclino stents: results and literature review
Authors: Brassel Friedhelm , Melber Katharina , Schlunz-Hendann Martin , Meila Dan
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Y-configured stent assisted coiling is a promising therapeutic option to ensure safe coil embolization and preserve the affected arteries in complex wide necked aneurysms. We present our experience with self-expanding Acandis Acclino stents for the treatment of complex aneurysms using the kissing-Y technique.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed seven patients with seven complex aneurysms (three anterior communicating artery (AcomA), two middle cerebral artery, one basilar artery/superior cerebellar artery, and one vertebral artery/posterior inferior cerebellar artery) who were treated with the kissing-Y technique by stent assisted coiling from June 2013 to July 2014, with follow-up until January 2015. DSA follow-up was up to 17 months, with a mean follow-up period of 10 months. Six patients were treated electively and one in the acute phase of a subarachnoid hemorrhage. In all cases, closed cell Acandis Acclino stents were used. We evaluated procedural complications, clinical outcomes, and mid term angiographic follow-up. Additionally, a literature review is provided.

Results

In all patients, stents were successfully placed and implanted. One patient developed a periprocedural thromboembolic complication not directly related to the stents. No other periprocedural or postprocedural complications were encountered. Follow-up examinations showed stable and total occlusion of all coiled aneurysms.

Conclusions

The results of our study show that the kissing-Y technique using closed cell Acandis Acclino stents followed by coil embolization is a feasible treatment option for selected complex bifurcation aneurysms.
Republished: Subarachnoid hemorrhage then thrombosis of posterior inferior cerebellar artery dissection: is early surgical exploration warranted?
Authors: Alexiades Nikita G , Ellis Jason A , Meyers Philip M , Connolly E Sander
Published: May 2015

The natural history of spontaneous cerebral artery dissection and thrombosis remains uncertain. Concurrent subarachnoid hemorrhage further complicates the therapeutic approach. Thus the best strategy for managing patients with acute vessel thrombosis in the setting of subarachnoid hemorrhage is unclear. Here we present a case of spontaneous posterior inferior cerebellar artery dissection presenting with subarachnoid hemorrhage and acute thrombosis. Although the patient was initially managed conservatively, angiographic follow-up demonstrated recanalization of the diseased vessel, necessitating definitive treatment. Thus we propose that angiographic follow-up is necessary in the management of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage in association with apparent vessel thrombosis.
Accountable Care Organizations: what they mean for the country and for neurointerventionalists
Authors: Meehan Timothy M , Harvey H Benjamin , Duszak Richard , Meyers Philip M , McGinty Geraldine , Nicola Gregory N , Hirsch Joshua A
Published: May 2015

The Affordable Care Act is celebrating its fifth anniversary and remains one of the most significant attempts to reform healthcare in US history. Prior to the federal legislation, Accountable Care Organizations had largely been part of an academic discussion about how to control rising healthcare costs, but have since become a fixture in our national healthcare landscape. A fundamental shift is underway in the relationship between healthcare delivery and payment models. Some elements of Accountable Care Organizations may remain unfamiliar to most healthcare providers, including neurointerventional specialists. In this paper we review the fundamental concepts behind and the current forms of Accountable Care Organizations, and discuss the challenges and opportunities they present for neurointerventionalists.
Serial assessment of the index of microcirculatory resistance during primary percutaneous coronary intervention comparing manual aspiration catheter thrombectomy with balloon angioplasty (IMPACT study): a randomised controlled pilot study
Authors: Hoole Stephen P , Jaworski Catherine , Brown Adam J , McCormick Liam M , Agrawal Bobby , Clarke Sarah C , West Nick E J
Published: May 2015

Objective

Utilising a novel study design, we evaluated serial measurements of the index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) to assess the impact of device therapy on microvascular function, and determine what proportion of microvascular injury is related to the PPCI procedure, and what is an inevitable consequence of STEMI.

Design

41 patients undergoing PPCI for STEMI were randomised to balloon angioplasty (BA, n=20) or manual thrombectomy (MT, n=21) prior to stenting. Serial IMR measurements, corrected for collaterals, were recorded at baseline and at each stage of the procedure. Microvascular obstruction (MVO) and infarct size at 24 h and 3 months were measured by troponin and cardiac MRI (CMR).

Results

IMR did not change significantly following PPCI, but patients with lower IMR values (<32, n=30) at baseline had a significant increase in IMR following PPCI (baseline: 21.2±7.9 vs post-stent: 33.0±23.7, p=0.01) attributable to prestent IRA instrumentation (baseline: 21.7±8.0 vs post-BA or MT: 36.9±25.9, p=0.006). Post-stent IMR correlated with early MVO on CMR (p=0.01). There was no significant difference in post-stent IMR, presence of early MVO or final infarct size between patients with BA and patients treated with MT.

Conclusions

Patients with STEMI and less microcirculatory dysfunction may be susceptible to acute iatrogenic microcirculatory injury from prestent coronary devices. MT did not appear to be superior to BA in maintaining microcirculatory integrity when the guide wire partially restores IRA flow during PPCI.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN31767278.
Cross-talk between α7 nAChR-mediated cholinergic pathway and acylation stimulating protein signaling in 3T3-L1 adipocytes: role of NFκB and STAT3
Authors: Wu Jing , Jiao Zhou-yang , Zhang Zhe , Tang Zhi-hui , Zhang Hao-hao , Lu Hui-ling , Cianflone Katherine
Published: May 2015

Inflammation is a key feature in adipose tissue, especially in association with obesity comorbidies. The novel adipokine acylation stimulating protein (ASP) is one factor implicated in the inflammatory response. The disruption of the α7 nicotine acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR), an important component of the endogenous non-neural cholinergic defense system, may exacerbate sustained inflammatory phenotype. We examined cholinergic regulation of ASP-initiated inflammatory response in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Our results show that preincubation of 3T3-L1 cells with α7nAChR agonist GTS-21 significantly reduces ASP-mediated chemokine MCP-1 secretion, which is regulated though nuclear factor κB (NFκB) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Treatment of 3T3-L1 cells with GTS-21 significantly reduced NFκB activation by DNA binding and STAT3 activation by disturbing post-translational modification.
Sine-square deformation and its relevance to string theory
Authors: Tada Tsukasa
Published: May 2015

Sine-square deformation, a recently found modulation of the coupling strength in certain statistical models, is discussed in the context of two-dimensional (2D) conformal field theories (CFTs), with particular attention to open/closed string duality. This deformation is shown to be nontrivial and leads to a divergence in the worldsheet metric. The structure of the vacua of the deformed theory is also investigated. The approach advocated here may provide an understanding of string duality through the worldsheet dynamics.
Physical modeling of friction conditions on the wall thickness variation during sheet hydroforming
Authors: Li Feng , Xu Peng , Zhang Xinlong , Liu Qiang
Published: May 2015

In order to research the influence of friction conditions on the sheet metal deformation behavior under the fluid pressure, the experimental method that can test the relationship between fluid pressure and wall thickness was proposed in this paper. The theoretical model about the quantitative variation relationship between fluid pressure and wall thickness together with the theoretical model about the quantitative variation relationship between friction coefficient and wall thickness, was obtained by theoretical derivation. At the same time, it could be concluded that friction contact region close to the tensile end was easier to satisfy the plastic yield criterion. Therefore, the plastic deformation initially occurred at this area and fracture emerged on account of excessive reduction of the sheet thickness. Simulation analysis with 304 stainless steel was carried out. The result indicated that the capacity of sheet uniform deformation decreased with the increasing of the friction coefficient. When the friction coefficient increased from 0.08 to 0.20, the uniform elongation decreased by 32%. But when other conditions were kept unchanged, the greater the fluid pressure was, the thinner the sheet would be. Experiments indicated that the necking and fracture appeared in the gauge length near the tensile end with different lubricants. And these provided a theoretical basis for the process and device design of sheet metal hydroforming.
Situation analysis of relationship in social networks based on link entropy
Authors: Li Ke , Li Hui-Jia , Wang Hao
Published: May 2015

Since the existence of certain and uncertain characteristics of the relationships between nodes in social network, the study of social features is expanded by combining the set pair analysis and social computing. In this paper, a new method is created to describe nodes relationship situation in social network, i.e. set pair relationship situation, including generalized set pair relationship situation, generalized set pair close situation and generalized set pair loosen situation. In order to analyze the situation in social network, each kind of set pair relation situation are classified. Combining with the complexity of the social network system and the features of connection entropy, generalized connection entropy which used to express the complexity of social networks is proposed. It includes the generalized same entropy, the generalized difference entropy, and the generalized opposite entropy. These different types of entropies can be used to analyze the social network relationship stability from a more theoretical view. Then a situation analysis model and the corresponding algorithm is proposed. Finally the effectiveness of this method in analyzing the relationships in social networks is proved. Thus, our model can be used to reveal the relationship between social network and node state stability efficiently.
Human Resource Allocation in Software Project with Practical Considerations
Authors: Park Jihun , Seo Dongwon , Hong Gwangui , Shin Donghwan , Hwa Jimin , Bae Doo-Hwan
Published: May 2015

Software planning is very important for the success of a software project. Even if the same developers work on the same project, the time span of the project and the quality of software may change based on the project plan. When software managers plan a software project, they strive to allocate human resources in a more efficient way to produce a better software with less cost. The planning process is, however, time-consuming and complicated, especially when the size of the software project is large.

Many approaches have been proposed to help software project managers by providing optimal human resource allocations in terms of minimizing the cost. Previous approaches, however, only concentrated on minimizing the cost, and no existing works have considered the practical issues affecting project schedules in practice.

We elicited the practical considerations relating to the human resource allocation problem through discussions with a group of software project experts. The practical considerations can affect the project schedule in practice, but their importance has not been taken into consideration in previous approaches. Reflecting the practical considerations, we propose an approach for solving the human resource allocation problem using a genetic algorithm (GA).

We compare our approach to an approach that only considers minimization of the time span. Our evaluation shows that the proposed algorithm considers the practical considerations well, in terms of continuous allocation on relevant tasks, minimization of developer multitasking time, and balance of allocation. We also conducted a survey targeting software developers and managers, and the responses showed that practical considerations are as important as minimizing the cost, and our approach would be helpful to software managers. We also investigate the effect of weight factors and coefficient between sub-scores, and find that it is difficult to consider some practical considerations at the same time.
Clustering-Based Topical Web Crawling for Topic-Specific Information Retrieval Guided by Incremental Classifier
Authors: Peng Tao , Liu Lu
Published: May 2015

Today more and more information on the Web makes it difficult to get domain-specific information due to the huge amount of data sources and the keywords that have few features. Anchor texts, which contain a few features of a specific topic, play an important role in domain-specific information retrieval, especially in Web page classification. However, the features contained in anchor texts are not informative enough. This paper presents a novel incremental method for Web page classification enhanced by link-contexts and clustering. Directly applying the vector of anchor text to a classifier might not get a good result because of the limited amount of features. Link-context is used first to obtain the contextual information of the anchor text. Then, a hierarchical clustering method is introduced to cluster feature vectors and content unit, which increases the length of a feature vector belonging to one specific class. Finally, incremental SVM is proposed to get the final classifier and increase the accuracy and efficiency of a classifier. Experimental results show that the performance of our proposed method outperforms the conventional topical Web crawler in Harvest rate and Target recall.
U(6)-Phonon model of nuclear collective motion
Authors: Ganev H. G.
Published: May 2015

The U(6)-phonon model of nuclear collective motion with the semi-direct product structure [HW(21)]U(6) is obtained as a hydrodynamic (macroscopic) limit of the fully microscopic proton–neutron symplectic model (PNSM) with Sp(12, R) dynamical group. The phonon structure of the [HW(21)]U(6) model enables it to simultaneously include the giant monopole and quadrupole, as well as dipole resonances and their coupling to the low-lying collective states. The U(6) intrinsic structure of the [HW(21)]U(6) model, from the other side, gives a framework for the simultaneous shell-model interpretation of the ground state band and the other excited low-lying collective bands. It follows then that the states of the whole nuclear Hilbert space which can be put into one-to-one correspondence with those of a 21-dimensional oscillator with an intrinsic (base) U(6) structure. The latter can be determined in such a way that it is compatible with the proton–neutron structure of the nucleus. The macroscopic limit of the Sp(12, R) algebra, therefore, provides a rigorous mechanism for implementing the unified model ideas of coupling the valence particles to the core collective degrees of freedom within a fully microscopic framework without introducing redundant variables or violating the Pauli principle.
Exponential behavior in mean for cocycles
Authors: Barreira Luis , Valls Claudia
Published: May 2015

For cocycles with discrete time, we consider the notion of an exponential dichotomy in mean. This corresponds to replace the classical notion of an exponential dichotomy by the much weaker requirement that the same happens in mean with respect to some probability measure. We show that the exponential behavior in mean is robust, in the sense that it persists under sufficiently small linear perturbations.
Noether symmetry approach for teleparallel-curvature cosmology
Authors: Capozziello Salvatore , De Laurentis Mariafelicia , Myrzakulov Ratbay
Published: May 2015

We consider curvature-teleparallel F(R,T) gravity, where the gravitational Lagrangian density is given by an arbitrary function of the Ricci scalar R and the torsion scalar T. Using the Noether Symmetry Approach, we show that the functional form of the F(R,T) function can be determined by the presence of symmetries. Furthermore, we obtain exact solutions through the presence of conserved quantities and the reduction of cosmological dynamical system. Example of particular cosmological models are considered.
PROFITING FROM INVENTION: BUSINESS MODELS OF PATENT AGGREGATING COMPANIES
Authors: KRECH CAROL A. , RÜTHER FRAUKE , GASSMANN OLIVER
Published: May 2015

Patent aggregating companies are institutions that aggregate patents for different purposes. From a managerial perspective as well as a theoretical perspective, it is interesting to understand what value such novel business models provide to inventing companies. In this paper we focus on the question how patent holders can use patent aggregating companies as means to capture value from their inventions. Therefore the business models of patent aggregating companies need to be understood. Existing literature lacks a systematic and comprehensive analysis of the patent aggregating companies' business models. The empirical data presented and discussed in this article was collected over a five-year (2009–2014) period in semi-structured interviews with patent aggregating companies' incorporating personnel and in an extensive analysis of secondary data. We conclude our study by identifying four groups of patent aggregating companies based on the values provided to the original patent holders: the guarders, the shielders, the funders and the earners.
Embedding construction based on amalgamations of group relators
Authors: Olshanskii A. Yu.
Published: May 2015

An embedding construction [Formula: see text] for groups [Formula: see text] with length function was introduced by the author earlier. Here we obtain new properties of this embedding, answering some questions raised by M. V. Sapir. In particular, an analog of Tits’ alternative holds for the subgroups of [Formula: see text].
FAT-TAILED UNCERTAINTY, LEARNING, AND CLIMATE POLICY
Authors: BISTLINE JOHN E.
Published: May 2015

Low-probability, high-impact risks are critical features of climate change economics; however, there are many unanswered policy and modeling questions about the implications of fat-tailed uncertainty. This paper examines the impact of fat-tailed uncertainty about the climate sensitivity on abatement decisions using a sequential decision-making framework. The results demonstrate how policy prescriptions from integrated assessment models are sensitive to the specifications of uncertainty, learning, and damages. Fat tails alone do not merit immediate and stringent mitigation but require strongly convex damages and slow learning. The analysis illustrates the potential value of midcourse corrections on reducing consumption risks imposed by uncertain damages from climate change and focuses attention on the dynamics of learning.
Gear Crack Level Classification Based on EMD and EDT
Authors: Li Haiping , Zhao Jianmin , Zhang Xinghui , Teng Hongzhi
Published: May 2015

Gears are the most essential parts in rotating machinery. Crack fault is one of damage modes most frequently occurring in gears. So, this paper deals with the problem of different crack levels classification. The proposed method is mainly based on empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and Euclidean distance technique (EDT). First, vibration signal acquired by accelerometer is processed by EMD and intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) are obtained. Then, a correlation coefficient based method is proposed to select the sensitive IMFs which contain main gear fault information. And energy of these IMFs is chosen as the fault feature by comparing with kurtosis and skewness. Finally, Euclidean distances between test sample and four classes trained samples are calculated, and on this basis, fault level classification of the test sample can be made. The proposed approach is tested and validated through a gearbox experiment, in which four crack levels and three kinds of loads are utilized. The results show that the proposed method has high accuracy rates in classifying different crack levels and may be adaptive to different conditions.
3D Gradual Material Degradation Model for Progressive Damage Analyses of Unidirectional Composite Materials
Authors: Zhao Libin , Qin Tianliang , Zhang Jianyu , Chen Yuli
Published: May 2015

A new 3D constitutive model for progressive damage analyses of unidirectional composite materials is presented, in which several important damage phenomena for the composite materials, such as the interfiber crack orientation, coupling of fiber failure and interfiber failure under longitudinal loads, closure effect for interfiber cracks, and longitudinal compressive behaviors under transversal constraints, have been considered comprehensively. A modified maximum stress failure criterion has been used for the damage onset prediction and a linear damage model has been adopted to establish the evolution rules of different damage. Numerical analyses with the model proposed have been implemented by using the subroutine UMAT in commercial software ABAQUS. Progressive damage analyses and static tensile experiments of a group of double-lap composite bolted joints have been carried out to validate the model proposed. Good agreements between the numerical and experimental results have been obtained.
In VitroandIn VivoAntitumor Effects of n-Butanol Extracts ofPterocephalus hookerion Hep3B Cancer Cell
Authors: Guo Chenxu , Wu Yingchun , Zhu Yuanzhang , Wang Yanchun , Tian Lili , Lu Yi , Han Cong , Zhu Guofu
Published: May 2015

Pterocephalus hookeriis a widely applied Tibetan medicinal prescription for treatment of diseases such as flu, rheumatoid arthritis, and enteritis in China. It has been reported thatPterocephalus hookerihas anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions. However, the antitumor activity ofPterocephalus hookeriremains unknown. In the present study, we demonstrate that n-butanol extracts ofPterocephalus hookeri(YSC-ZDC) has a strong antitumor activity against hepatoma carcinoma cellin vitroandin vivo. YSC-ZDC inhibited proliferation of all cancer cell lines and significantly inhibited Hep3B cells proliferation in a dose- and time-dependant manner. Transmission electron microscopy, hoechst 33258 staining, and flow cytometry analysis revealed that YSC-ZDC induced apoptosis in Hep3B cells. YSC-ZDC treatment dramatically inhibited PDK1 and Akt phosphorylation in Hep3B cells. Moreover, YSC-ZDC increased Bax expression and inhibited Bcl-2 expression. In addition, YSC-ZDC inhibited growth hepatoma xenograftsin vivowith no effect on body weight and spleen index. Consistent with resultsin vitro, YSC-ZDC increased Bax expression and inhibited Bcl-2 expression in tumor tissue. Taken together, this study shows YSC-ZDC with an antitumor activity bothin vitroandin vivo. Its mechanism underlying is related to blocking of the Akt pathway and regulation of Bcl-2 family proteins expression.
Effect of Clinoptilolite and Sepiolite Nanoclays on Human and Parasitic Highly Phagocytic Cells
Authors: Toledano-Magaña Yanis , Flores-Santos Leticia , Montes de Oca Georgina , González-Montiel Alfonso , Laclette Juan-Pedro , Carrero Julio-César
Published: May 2015

Nanoclays have potential applications in biomedicine raising the need to evaluate their toxicity inin vitromodels as a first approach to its biocompatibility. In this study,in vitrotoxicity of clinoptilolite and sepiolite nanoclays (NC) was analyzed in highly phagocytic cultures of amoebas and human and mice macrophages. While amebic viability was significantly affected only by sepiolite NC at concentrations higher than 0.1 mg/mL, the effect on macrophage cultures was dependent on the origin of the cells. Macrophages derived from human peripheral blood monocytes were less affected in viability (25% decrease at 48 h), followed by the RAW 264.7 cell line (40%), and finally, macrophages derived from mice bone marrow monocytes (98%). Moreover, the cell line and mice macrophages die mainly by necrosis, whereas human macrophages exhibit increased apoptosis. Cytokine expression analysis in media of sepiolite NC treated cultures showed a proinflammatory profile (INFγ, IL-1α, IL-8, and IL-6), in contrast with clinoptilolite NC that induced lees cytokines with concomitant production of IL-10. The results show that sepiolite NC is more toxic to amoebas and macrophages than clinoptilolite NC, mostly in a time and dose-dependent manner. However, the effect of sepiolite NC was comparable with talc powder suggesting that both NC have low cytotoxicityin vitro.
Direct Data Domain Sparsity-Based STAP Utilizing Subaperture Smoothing Techniques
Authors: Yang Zhaocheng , Fa Rui , Qin Yuliang , Li Xiang , Wang Hongqiang
Published: May 2015

We propose a novel direct data domain (D3) sparsity-based space-time adaptive processing (STAP) algorithm utilizing subaperture smoothing techniques for airborne radar applications. Different from either normal sparsity-based STAP or D3 sparsity-based STAP, the proposed algorithm firstly uses only the snapshot in the cell under test (CUT) to generate multiple subsnapshots by exploiting the space-time structure of the steering vector and the uncorrelated nature of the components of the interference covariance matrix. Since the interference spectrum is sparse in the whole angle-Doppler plane, by employing a sparse regularization, the generated multiple subsnapshots are jointly used to recover the interference spectrum. The interference covariance matrix is then estimated from the interference spectrum, followed by the space-time filtering and the target detection. Simulation results illustrate that the proposed algorithm outperforms the generalized forward/backward method, the conventional D3 least squares STAP algorithm, and the existing D3 sparsity-based STAP algorithm. Furthermore, compared with the normal sparsity-based STAP algorithm using multiple snapshots, the proposed algorithm can also avoid the performance degradation caused by discrete interferers merely appearing in the CUT.
Primary Fallopian Tube Clear Cell Adenocarcinoma in Pregnancy: Case Presentation and Review of the Literature
Authors: Malak Mohammed , Klam Stephanie
Published: May 2015

Primary fallopian tube cancer in pregnancy is rare and is even more so for the clear cell variant. Our case is the third case of primary fallopian tube cancer in pregnancy and the first case of clear cell adenocarcinoma of the fallopian tube in pregnancy. The patient presented with increasing pelvic pain starting in the second trimester. Serial ultrasound evaluations were performed and revealed a rapidly growing complex adnexal mass adjacent to the uterus. Her pregnancy was further complicated by spontaneous preterm labor and she delivered prematurely per vaginam at 31 weeks. She underwent an urgent laparotomy in the immediate postpartum period for acute aggravation of her right pelvic pain and fever. The diagnosis of tubal clear cell adenocarcinoma was subsequently made on histopathology examination.
Actuator Fault Diagnosis with Application to a Diesel Engine Testbed
Authors: Boulkroune Boulaïd , Aitouche Abdel , Cocquempot Vincent , Cheng Li , Peng Zhijun
Published: May 2015

This work addresses the issues of actuator fault detection and isolation for diesel engines. We are particularly interested in faults affecting the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and the variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) actuator valves. A bank of observer-based residuals is designed using a nonlinear mean value model of diesel engines. Each residual on the proposed scheme is based on a nonlinear unknown input observer and designed to be insensitive to only one fault. By using this scheme, each actuator fault can be easily isolated since only one residual goes to zero while the others do not. A decision algorithm based on multi-CUSUM is used. The performances of the proposed approach are shown through a real application to a Caterpillar 3126b engine.
Accurate, Efficient, and Robust Q4-Like Membrane Elements Formulated in Cartesian Coordinates Using the Quasi-Conforming Element Technique
Authors: Shi G. , Liu Y. , Wang X.
Published: May 2015

By using the quasi-conforming element technique, two four-node quadrilateral membrane elements with 2 degrees of freedom at each node (Q4-like membrane element) are formulated in rectangular Cartesian coordinates. One of the four-node quadrilateral membrane elements is based on the assumed strain field with only five independent strain parameters and accounting for the Poisson effect explicitly. There are no independent internal parameters and numerical integration involved in the evaluation of the strain parameters in these four-node quadrilateral membrane elements, and their element stiffness matrices are computed explicitly in Cartesian coordinates. Consequently, the formulation of these four-node quadrilateral membrane elements is extremely simple, and the resulting elements are very computationally efficient. These two quasi-conforming quadrilateral membrane elements pass the patch test and are free from shear locking and insensitive to the element distortion in the range of practical application. The numerical result comparison with other four-node quadrilateral membrane elements, including Q4-like plane elements with drilling degrees of freedom and the Q6-type isoparametric elements with very complicated nonconforming modes, shows that the present quasi-conforming quadrilateral membrane elements are not only reliable and robust, but also very accurate in both displacement and stress evaluations in the analysis of practical plane elasticity problems.
Numerical Limit Load Analysis of 3D Pressure Vessel with Volume Defect Considering Creep Damage Behavior
Authors: Du Xianhe , Liu Donghuan , Liu Yinghua
Published: May 2015

The limit load of 3D 2.25Cr-1Mo steel pressure vessel structures with volume defect at 873 K is numerically investigated in the present paper, and limit load under high temperature is defined as the load-carrying capacity after the structure serviced for a certain time. The Norton creep behavior with Kachanov-Robotnov damage law is implemented in ABAQUS with CREEP subroutine and USDFLD subroutine. Effect of dwell time to the material degradation of 2.25Cr-1Mo steel has been considered in this paper. 190 examples for the different sizes of volume defects of pressure vessels have been calculated. Numerical results showed the feasibility of the present numerical approach. It is found that the failure mode of the pressure vessel depends on the size of the volume defect and the service life of the pressure vessel structure at high temperature depends on the defect ratio seriously.
Characterization of the Hypercitrullination Reaction in Human Neutrophils and Other Leukocytes
Authors: Zhou Yebin , Di Pucchio Tiziana , Sims Gary P. , Mittereder Nanette , Mustelin Tomas
Published: May 2015

Autoantibodies against citrullinated proteins are diagnostic for rheumatoid arthritis. However, the molecular mechanisms driving protein citrullination in patients with rheumatoid arthritis remain poorly understood. Using two independent western blotting methods, we report that agents that trigger a sufficiently large influx of extracellular calcium ions induced a marked citrullination of multiple proteins in human neutrophils, monocytes, and, to a lesser extent, T lymphocytes and natural killer cells, but not B lymphocytes or dendritic cells. This response required 250–1,000 μM extracellular calcium and was prevented by EDTA. Other neutrophil activating stimuli, such as formyl‐peptides, GM‐CSF, IL‐6, IL8, TNFα, or phorbol ester, did not induce any detectable increase in protein citrullination, suggesting that receptor‐induced calcium mobilization is insufficient to trigger hypercitrullination. We conclude that loss of membrane integrity and subsequent influx of high levels of calcium, which can be triggered by perforin released from cytotoxic cells or complement mediated formation of membrane attack complexes in the joints of rheumatoid arthritis patients, are sufficient to induce extensive protein citrullination in immune cells, notably neutrophils. This mechanism may provide the citrullinated autoantigens that drive autoimmunity in this devastating disease.
System Architecture for Real-Time Face Detection on Analog Video Camera
Authors: Kim Mooseop , Lee Deokgyu , Kim Ki-Young
Published: May 2015

This paper proposes a novel hardware architecture for real-time face detection, which is efficient and suitable for embedded systems. The proposed architecture is based on AdaBoost learning algorithm with Haar-like features and it aims to apply face detection to a low-cost FPGA that can be applied to a legacy analog video camera as a target platform. We propose an efficient method to calculate the integral image using the cumulative line sum. We also suggest an alternative method to avoid division, which requires many operations to calculate the standard deviation. A detailed structure of system elements for image scale, integral image generator, and pipelined classifier that purposed to optimize the efficiency between the processing speed and the hardware resources is presented. The performance of the proposed architecture is described in comparison with the detection results of OpenCV using the same input images. For verification of the actual face detection on analog cameras, we designed an emulation platform using a low-cost Spartan-3 FPGA and then experimented the proposed architecture. The experimental results show that the processing time for face detection on analog video camera is 42 frames per second, which is about 3 times faster than previous works for low-cost face detection.
Treatment Compliance with Fixed-Dose Combination of Vildagliptin/Metformin in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Inadequately Controlled with Metformin Monotherapy: A 24-Week Observational Study
Authors: Rombopoulos Grigorios , Hatzikou Magdalini , Athanasiadis Athanasios , Elisaf Moyses
Published: May 2015

Objective. To evaluate the differences in treatment compliance with vildagliptin/metformin fixed-dose versus free-dose combination therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Greece.Design. Adult patients with T2DM, inadequately controlled with metformin monotherapy, (850 mg bid), participated in this 24-week, multicenter, observational study. Patients were enrolled in two cohorts: vildagliptin/metformin fixed-dose combination (group A) and vildagliptin metformin free-dose combination (group B).Results. 659 patients were enrolled, 360 were male, with mean BMI 30.1, mean T2DM duration 59.6 months, and mean HbA1c at baseline 8%; 366 patients were assigned to group A and 293 to group B; data for 3 patients was missing. In group A, 98.9% of patients were compliant with their treatment compared to 84.6% of group B. The odds ratio for compliance in group A versus B was (OR) 18.9 (95% CI: 6.2, 57.7;P<0.001). In group A mean HbA1c decreased from 8.1% at baseline to 6.9% (P<0.001) at the study end and from 7.9% to 6.8% (P<0.001) in group B.Conclusions. Patients in group A were more compliant than patients in group B. These results are in accordance with international literature suggesting that fixed-dose combination therapies lead to increased compliance to treatment.
Food Particle Aspiration Associated with Hemorrhagic Shock: A Diagnostic Dilemma
Authors: Tashtoush Basheer , Schroeder Jonathan , Memarpour Roya , Oliveira Eduardo , Medina Michael , Hadeh Anas , Ramirez Jose , Smolley Laurence
Published: May 2015

The hemodynamic compromise caused by a large aspirated food particle in the airway can become the focus of medical attention and a distraction from rare but fatal Heimlich maneuver related injuries after an incident of food aspiration. We herein present a case of an 84-year-old man who was brought to the emergency department after an episode of choking at a restaurant followed by several failed Heimlich maneuver attempts. Despite relieving the airway obstruction by extracting a large piece of steak from the airway, the patient remained hypotensive and required continued hemodynamic support. Repeated laboratory tests within 24 hrs of aspiration showed a significant decline in the hemoglobin level. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis showed a lacerated liver with a large subcapsular hematoma draining into the pelvis.Conclusion. Hepatic rupture is a rare complication of Heimlich maneuver; this paper represents the second case report in the literature. It emphasizes the necessity of early identification and surveillance of fatal Heimlich maneuver complications in a high risk population.
Guidelines for Perioperative Management of the Diabetic Patient
Authors: Sudhakaran Sivakumar , Surani Salim R.
Published: May 2015

Management of glycemic levels in the perioperative setting is critical, especially in diabetic patients. The effects of surgical stress and anesthesia have unique effects on blood glucose levels, which should be taken into consideration to maintain optimum glycemic control. Each stage of surgery presents unique challenges in keeping glucose levels within target range. Additionally, there are special operative conditions that require distinctive glucose management protocols. Interestingly, the literature still does not report a consensus perioperative glucose management strategy for diabetic patients. We hope to outline the most important factors required in formulating a perioperative diabetic regimen, while still allowing for specific adjustments using prudent clinical judgment. Overall, through careful glycemic management in perioperative patients, we may reduce morbidity and mortality and improve surgical outcomes.
A Comparative Study on the Positive Lightning Return Stroke Electric Fields in Different Meteorological Conditions
Authors: Wooi Chin-Leong , Abdul-Malek Zulkurnain , Salimi Behnam , Ahmad Noor Azlinda , Mehranzamir Kamyar , Vahabi-Mashak Saeed
Published: May 2015

Positive cloud-ground lightning is considerably more complex and less studied compared to the negative lightning. This paper aims to measure and characterize the significant parameters of positive return strokes electric field, namely, the zero-to-peak rise time, 10–90% rise time, slow front duration, fast transition rise time (10–90%), zero-crossing time, and opposite polarity overshoot relative to peak. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time such detailed characteristics of positive lightning in Malaysia are thoroughly analyzed. A total of 41 positive lightning flashes containing 48 return strokes were analyzed. The average multiplicity is 1.2 strokes per flash. The majority of positive lightning was initiated from the primary positive charge rather than as a byproduct of in-cloud discharges. The cumulative probability distribution of rise time parameters, opposite polarity overshoot relative to peak, and slow front amplitude relative to peak are presented. A comparison between studies in four countries representing tropic, subtropic, and temperate regions was also carried out. Measured parameters in Florida, Sweden, and Japan are generally lower than those in Malaysia. Positive lightning occurrences in tropical regions should be further studied and analyzed to improve our current understanding on positive return strokes.
A Generalized Oblique Projection Filter with Flexible Parameter for Interference Suppression
Authors: Wang Yi-ming , Mao Xing-peng , Hong Hong , Zhang Jie , Cui Yu-mei
Published: May 2015

A generalized oblique projection (GOP) with an adjustable parameter defined as interference suppression cost (ISC) is proposed. Therefore, an optional optimized signal to interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) and user controlled actions on the interference filtering are presented in this GOP framework. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulation demonstrate that when the ISC is derived from minimum variance distortionless response (MVDR) algorithm, the SINR performance of GOP filter is better than both MVDR and oblique projection (OP) filters. Further, an application of GOP filter in ionospheric clutter cancellation in a high frequency surface wave radar (HFSWR) system is given. The ISC is designed specifically to introduce an extra coherent loss to the clutters and a satisfying clutter suppression result is achieved. Besides the examples given, more designs of GOP filter can be inspired by the flexibility of ISC. As a generalized form of OP filter, GOP filter expands the connotation of oblique projection based technique and could be used in spatial filtering, polarization filtering, and other array signal processing applications.
Study on Similarity among Indian Languages Using Language Verification Framework
Authors: Sengupta Debapriya , Saha Goutam
Published: May 2015

Majority of Indian languages have originated from two language families, namely, Indo-European
and Dravidian. Therefore, certain kind of similarity among languages of a particular family can
be expected to exist. Also, languages spoken in neighboring regions show certain similarity
since there happens to be a lot of intermingling between population of neighboring regions. This
paper develops a technique to measure similarity among Indian languages in a novel way, using
language verification framework. Four verification systems are designed for each language.
Acceptance of one language as another, which relates to false acceptance in language verification
framework, is used as a measure of similarity. If language A shows false acceptance more than a
predefined threshold with language B, in at least three out of the four systems, then languages A and B are considered to be similar in this work. It is expected that the languages belonging to the same family should manifest their similarity in experimental results. Also, similarity
between neighboring languages should be detected through experiments. Any deviation from
such fact should be due to specific linguistic or historical reasons. This work analyzes any such
scenario.
The Novel PKCθfrom Benchtop to Clinic
Authors: Hage-Sleiman Rouba , Hamze Asmaa B. , Reslan Lina , Kobeissy Hadile , Dbaibo Ghassan
Published: May 2015

The protein kinases C (PKCs) are a family of serine/threonine kinases involved in regulating multiple essential cellular processes such as survival, proliferation, and differentiation. Of particular interest is the novel, calcium-independent PKCθwhich plays a central role in immune responses. PKCθshares structural similarities with other PKC family members, mainly consisting of an N-terminal regulatory domain and a C-terminal catalytic domain tethered by a hinge region. This isozyme, however, is unique in that it translocates to the immunological synapse between a T cell and an antigen-presenting cell (APC) upon T cell receptor-peptide MHC recognition. Thereafter, PKCθinteracts physically and functionally with downstream effectors to mediate T cell activation and differentiation, subsequently leading to inflammation. PKCθ-specific perturbations have been identified in several diseases, most notably autoimmune disorders, and hence the modulation of its activity presents an attractive therapeutic intervention. To that end, many inhibitors of PKCs and PKCθhave been developed and tested in preclinical and clinical studies. And although selectivity remains a challenge, results are promising for the future development of effective PKCθinhibitors that would greatly advance the treatment of several T-cell mediated diseases.
Determining the Effects of High Intensity Ultrasound on the Reduction of Microbes in Milk and Orange Juice Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Ganesan Balasubramanian , Martini Silvana , Solorio Jonathan , Walsh Marie K.
Published: May 2015

This study investigated the effects of high intensity ultrasound (temperature, amplitude, and time) on the inactivation of indigenous bacteria in pasteurized milk,Bacillus atrophaeusspores inoculated into sterile milk, andSaccharomyces cerevisiaeinoculated into sterile orange juice using response surface methodology. The variables investigated were sonication temperature (range from 0 to 84°C), amplitude (range from 0 to 216 μm), and time (range from 0.17 to 5 min) on the response, log microbe reduction. Data were analyzed by statistical analysis system software and three models were developed, each for bacteria, spore, and yeast reduction. Regression analysis identified sonication temperature and amplitude to be significant variables on microbe reduction. Optimization of the inactivation of microbes was found to be at 84.8°C, 216 μm amplitude, and 5.8 min. In addition, the predicted log reductions of microbes at common processing conditions (72°C for 20 sec) using 216 μm amplitude were computed. The experimental responses for bacteria, spore, and yeast reductions fell within the predicted levels, confirming the accuracy of the models.
Metabolomics for Biomarker Discovery: Moving to the Clinic
Authors: Zhang Aihua , Sun Hui , Yan Guangli , Wang Ping , Wang Xijun
Published: May 2015

To improve the clinical course of diseases, more accurate diagnostic and assessment methods are required as early as possible. In order to achieve this, metabolomics offers new opportunities for biomarker discovery in complex diseases and may provide pathological understanding of diseases beyond traditional technologies. It is the systematic analysis of low-molecular-weight metabolites in biological samples and has become an important tool in clinical research and the diagnosis of human disease and has been applied to discovery and identification of the perturbed pathways. It provides a powerful approach to discover biomarkers in biological systems and offers a holistic approach with the promise to clinically enhance diagnostics. When carried out properly, it could provide insight into the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of diseases, help to identify patients at risk of disease, and predict the response to specific treatments. Currently, metabolomics has become an important tool in clinical research and the diagnosis of human disease and becomes a hot topic. This review will highlight the importance and benefit of metabolomics for identifying biomarkers that accurately screen potential biomarkers of diseases.
Oxidative Transformation of Controlled Substances by Manganese Dioxide
Authors: Lai Webber Wei-Po , Lin Angela Yu-Chen , Yang Sheng-Yao , Huang Ching-Hua
Published: May 2015

This study investigated the oxidative transformation of four controlled substances (ketamine, methamphetamine, morphine, and codeine) by synthesized MnO2 (δ‐MnO2) in aqueous environments. The results indicated that ketamine and methamphetamine were negligibly oxidized by MnO2 and, thus, may be persistent in the aqueous environment. However, morphine and codeine were able to be oxidized by MnO2, which indicated that they are likely naturally attenuated in aqueous environments. Overall, lower solution pH values, lower initial compound concentrations, and higher MnO2 loading resulted in a faster reaction rate. The oxidation of morphine was inhibited in the presence of metal ions (Mn2+, Fe3+, Ca2+, and Mg2+) and fulvic acid. However, the addition of Fe3+ and fulvic acid enhanced codeine oxidation. A second‐order kinetics model described the oxidation of morphine and codeine by MnO2; it suggested that the formation of a surface precursor complex between the target compound and the MnO2 surface was the rate‐limiting step. Although the target compounds were degraded, the slow TOC removal indicated that several byproducts were formed and persist against further MnO2 oxidation.