bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross-Efficiency Evaluation Method with Compete-Cooperate Matrix
Authors: Hou Qiang , Zhou Xue
Published: September 2015

Cross-efficiency evaluation method is an effective and widespread adopted data envelopment analysis (DEA) method with self-assessment and peer-assessment to evaluate and rank decision making units (DMUs). Extant aggressive, benevolent, and neutral cross-efficiency methods are used to evaluate DMUs with competitive, cooperative, and nontendentious relationships, respectively. In this paper, a symmetric (nonsymmetric) compete-cooperate matrix is introduced into aggressive and benevolent cross-efficiency methods and compete-cooperate cross-efficiency method is proposed to evaluate DMUs with diverse (relative) relationships. Deviation maximization method is applied to determine the final weights of cross-evaluation to enhance the differentiation ability of cross-efficiency evaluation method. Numerical demonstration is provided to illustrate the reasonability and practicability of the proposed method.
Numerical Simulation of Driven Convective Heat Transfer Based Lattice Boltzmann Method in a Porous Cavity
Authors: Xu You-Sheng , Wang Rui-Min , Li Guo-Neng , Zheng You-Qu
Published: September 2015

A lattice Boltzmann model of the uniform velocity, driven convective thermal conductivity in a porous cavity is studied. The Darcy, Richardson, and Reynolds numbers are shown to have a significant influence on the heat transfer behavior and the horizontal velocity of the flow field, while the porosity has little influence on either. The model is validated by the average Nusselt number at different Reynolds numbers, and the numerical results are in good agreement with available published data.
The Link between Fetal Programming, Inflammation, Muscular Strength, and Blood Pressure
Authors: Lopez-Lopez Jose , Lopez-Jaramillo Patricio , Camacho Paul A. , Gomez-Arbelaez Diego , Cohen Daniel D.
Published: September 2015

Hypertension affects one billion individuals worldwide and is considered the leading cause of cardiovascular death, stroke, and myocardial infarction. This increase in the burden of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is principally driven by lifestyle changes such as increased hypercaloric diets and reduced physical activity producing an increase of obesity, insulin resistance, and low‐grade inflammation. Visceral adipocytes are the principal source of proinflammatory cytokines and systemic inflammation participates in several steps in the development of CVD. However, maternal and infant malnutrition also persists as a major public health issue in low‐ to middle‐income regions such as Latin America (LA). We propose that the increased rates of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in these countries could be the result of the discrepancy between a restricted nutritional environment during fetal development and early life, and a nutritionally abundant environment during adulthood. Maternal undernutrition, which may manifest in lower birth weight offspring, appears to accentuate the relative risk of chronic disease at lower levels of adiposity. Therefore, LA populations may be more vulnerable to the pathogenic consequences of obesity than individuals with similar lifestyles in high‐income countries, which may be mediated by higher levels of proinflammatory markers and lower levels of muscle mass and strength observed in low birth weight individuals.
Map Matching Based on Conditional Random Fields and Route Preference Mining for Uncertain Trajectories
Authors: Xu Ming , Du Yiman , Wu Jianping , Zhou Yang
Published: September 2015

In order to improve offline map matching accuracy of uncertain GPS trajectories, a map matching algorithm based on conditional random fields (CRF) and route preference mining is proposed. In this algorithm, road offset distance and the temporal-spatial relationship between the sampling points are used as features of GPS trajectory in a CRF model, which integrates the temporal-spatial context information flexibly. The driver route preference is also used to bolster the temporal-spatial context when a low GPS sampling rate impairs the resolving power of temporal-spatial context in CRF, allowing the map matching accuracy of uncertain GPS trajectories to get improved significantly. The experimental results show that our proposed algorithm is more accurate than existing methods, especially in the case of a low-sampling-rate.
Sildenafil Induced Acute Interstitial Nephritis
Authors: Burkhart Ryan , Shah Nina , Lewin Matthew
Published: September 2015

Acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) is characterized by inflammation of the renal interstitium and usually occurs in a temporal relationship with the medication. We present a case of an Asian male who had nephrotic range proteinuria and presented with acute kidney injury. The patient reported an acute change in physical appearance and symptomatology after the ingestion of a single dose of sildenafil. Renal biopsy was notable for minimal change disease (MCD) with acute and chronic interstitial nephritis. Renal replacement and glucocorticoid therapy were initiated. Renal recovery within six weeks permitted discontinuation of dialysis. AIN superimposed on MCD is a known association of NSAID induced nephropathy. The temporal association and the absence of any new drugs suggest that the AIN was most likely due to the sildenafil. NSAIDs are less likely to have caused the AIN given their remote use. The ease of steroid responsiveness would also suggest another cause as NSAID induced AIN is often steroid resistant. The MCD was most likely idiopathic given the lack of temporal association with a secondary cause. As the number of sildenafil prescriptions increases, more cases of AIN may be identified and physician awareness for this potential drug disease association is necessary.
An Exploratory Research on Future ICT Convergence Research Design in Smart Sensor Environment
Authors: Sung Soyoung , Kim Yanghoon , Chang Hangbae
Published: September 2015

For the purpose of overcoming economic crisis resulting from continuing growth and employment recession recently, various convergence policies and strategies are being established and implemented. However, there is a lack of consented concept on the definition and scope of ICT convergence in the existing studies. In the case of considering convergence as an “innovation activity” in particular, there is a limitation of not being able to quantify it. In spite of the social consent and consensus on its importance, basic data, particularly quantified base data, is relatively lacking. Accordingly, this study examined the concept of the existing convergence and summarized the concept of ICT convergence based on which a methodology for researching the ecosystem of ICT convergence was designed. The significance of this study is in the fact that it proposed systemized research design and methodology for all industries for quantitative estimation of ICT convergence market scale. In the future, there is a need to research areas that were not included in this study and for gradual improvement of elements that need further specified criteria.
Evaluation of Static Friction of Polycrystalline Ceramic Brackets after Conditioning with Different Powers of Er:YAG Laser
Authors: Arash Valiollah , Javanmard Saeed , Eftekhari Zeinab , Rahmati-Kamel Manouchehr , Bahadoram Mohammad
Published: September 2015

This research aimed to reduce the friction between the wire and brackets by Er:YAG laser. To measure the friction between the wires and brackets in 0° and 10° of wire angulations, 40 polycrystalline ceramic brackets (Hubit, South Korea) were divided into 8 study groups and irradiated by 100, 200, and 300 mj/s of Er:YAG laser power. Two groups of brackets were not irradiated. The friction between the wires and brackets was measured with universal testing machine (SANTAM) with a segment of .019 × .025 SS wire pulled out of the slot of bracket. ANOVA andt-test were used for analyzing the results. To evaluate the effect of the laser on surface morphology of the bracket, SEM evaluations were carried out. The mean frictional resistances between the brackets and wires with 0° of angulation by increasing the laser power decreased compared with control group, but, in 10° of angulation, the friction increased regardless of the laser power and was comparable to the friction of nonirradiated brackets. Furthermore, with each laser power, frictional resistance of brackets in 10° of angulation was significantly higher than 0° of angulation. These results were explained by SEM images too.
Biomaterial Approaches to Enhancing Neurorestoration after Spinal Cord Injury: Strategies for Overcoming Inherent Biological Obstacles
Authors: Siebert Justin R. , Eade Amber M. , Osterhout Donna J.
Published: September 2015

While advances in technology and medicine have improved both longevity and quality of life in patients living with a spinal cord injury, restoration of full motor function is not often achieved. This is due to the failure of repair and regeneration of neuronal connections in the spinal cord after injury. In this review, the complicated nature of spinal cord injury is described, noting the numerous cellular and molecular events that occur in the central nervous system following a traumatic lesion. In short, postinjury tissue changes create a complex and dynamic environment that is highly inhibitory to the process of neural regeneration. Strategies for repair are outlined with a particular focus on the important role of biomaterials in designing a therapeutic treatment that can overcome this inhibitory environment. The importance of considering the inherent biological response of the central nervous system to both injury and subsequent therapeutic interventions is highlighted as a key consideration for all attempts at improving functional recovery.
Effects of Caloric Intake on Learning and Memory Function in Juvenile C57BL/6J Mice
Authors: Xu Bao-Lei , Wang Rong , Ma Li-Na , Dong Wen , Zhao Zhi-Wei , Zhang Jing-Shuang , Wang Yu-Lan , Zhang Xu
Published: September 2015

Dietary composition may influence neuronal function as well as processes underlying synaptic plasticity. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of high and low caloric diets on a mouse model of learning and memory and to explore mechanisms underlying this process. Mice were divided into three different dietary groups: normal control(n=12), high-caloric (HC) diet(n=12), and low-caloric (LC) diet(n=12). After 6 months, mice were evaluated on the Morris water maze to assess spatial memory ability. We found that HC diet impaired learning and memory function relative to both control and LC diet. The levels of SIRT1 as well as its downstream effectors p53, p16, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγ(PPARγ) were decreased in brain tissues obtained from HC mice. LC upregulated SIRT1 but downregulated p53, p16, and PPARγ. The expressions of PI3K and Akt were not altered after HC or LC diet treatment, but both LC and HC elevated the levels of phosphorylated-cAMP response element-binding protein (p-CREB) and IGF-1 in hippocampal CA1 region. Therefore, HC diet-induced dysfunction in learning and memory may be prevented by caloric restriction via regulation of the SIRT1-p53 or IGF-1 signaling pathways and phosphorylation of CREB.
Application of Two-Phase Fuzzy Optimization Approach to Multiproduct Multistage Integrated Production Planning with Linguistic Preference under Uncertainty
Authors: Lu Shan , Su Hongye , Xiao Lian , Zhu Li
Published: September 2015

This paper tackles the challenges for a production planning problem with linguistic preference on the objectives in an uncertain multiproduct multistage manufacturing environment. The uncertain sources are modelled by fuzzy sets and involve those induced by both the epistemic factors of process and external factors from customers and suppliers. A fuzzy multiobjective mixed integer programming model with different objective priorities is proposed to address the problem which attempts to simultaneously minimize the relevant operations cost and maximize the average safety stock holding level and the average service level. The epistemic and external uncertainty is simultaneously considered and formulated as flexible constraints. By defining the priority levels, a two-phase fuzzy optimization approach is used to manage the preference extent and convert the original model into an auxiliary crisp one. Then a novel interactive solution approach is proposed to solve this problem. An industrial case originating from a steel rolling plant is applied to implement the proposed approach. The numerical results demonstrate the efficiency and feasibility to handle the linguistic preference and provide a compromised solution in an uncertain environment.
A Real-Time Video Watermarking Algorithm for Authentication of Small-Business Wireless Surveillance Networks
Authors: Liu Shaohui , Bo-Wei Chen Daniel , Gong Long , Ji Wen , Seo Sanghyun
Published: September 2015

In some business applications, all kinds of cameras sensors are employed in a distributed way to capture videos for different tasks such as surveillance. Once some illegal actions happen, then somebody or some organization wants to forge or replace some surveillance video clips to destroy evidences or obtain illegal profits. How to authenticate the genuineness and integrity of the source video or trace the source of a video information leak becomes a growing requirement in these small businesses. Fortunately, video watermark just provides an effective technology to resolve this issue. This paper proposes a real-time video watermarking scheme for MPEG, where firstly exploits fast scenes segmentation to original video sequence and adaptively selects appropriate scenes to be embedded. Furthermore, visual model is utilized to modulate watermark strength. Watermarks are embedded by adjusting the number of bit1 in the bitstreams through changing level of run-level pairs. Experiment results show little loss of video quality and also exhibit excellent robustness against many attacks. As watermark is directly detected in bitstreams domain, real-time detection becomes a reality. In addition, the embedding strategy guarantees that the bit rate is not increased and the experiments also validate it.
Planning Tunnel Construction Using Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC)
Authors: Vargas Juan P. , Koppe Jair C. , Pérez Sebastián , Hurtado Juan P.
Published: September 2015

Tunnels, drifts, drives, and other types of underground excavation are very common in mining as well as in the construction of roads, railways, dams, and other civil engineering projects. Planning is essential to the success of tunnel excavation, and construction time is one of the most important factors to be taken into account. This paper proposes a simulation algorithm based on a stochastic numerical method, the Markov chain Monte Carlo method, that can provide the best estimate of the opening excavation times for the classic method of drilling and blasting. Taking account of technical considerations that affect the tunnel excavation cycle, the simulation is developed through a computational algorithm. Using the Markov chain Monte Carlo method, the unit operations involved in the underground excavation cycle are identified and assigned probability distributions that, with random number input, make it possible to simulate the total excavation time. The results obtained with this method are compared with a real case of tunneling excavation. By incorporating variability in the planning, it is possible to determine with greater certainty the ranges over which the execution times of the unit operations fluctuate. In addition, the financial risks associated with planning errors can be reduced and the exploitation of resources maximized.
Automated Verification Methodology of Security Events Based on Heuristic Analysis
Authors: Song Jungsuk , Lee Younsu , Kim Kyuil , Kim Seokhun , Kim SooKyun , Choi Sang-Soo
Published: September 2015

We present an automated verification methodology of the security events, that is, IDS alerts, based on heuristic analysis. The proposed verification methodology aims to automatically identify real cyberattacks from the security events and filter out false positive, so that the security analyst is able to conduct security monitoring and response more effectively. For the proposed verification methodology, we used the 1,528,730,667 security events that were obtained from Science and Technology Security Center (S&T-SEC). We then extracted the core security events that were caused by the real cyberattacks. Among the core security events, we selected the top 20 types of the security events in the number of the real attacks that they raised. By analyzing the top 20 types of the security events, we discovered essential elements and optional elements for using in the automated verification of the security events. The evaluation results showed that the proposed verification methodology could contribute to the reduction (about 67%) of the meaningless security events. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the proposed verification methodology contributed to the detection of 140 true negatives that were not identified by the security analyst and the total accuracy of the proposed verification methodology was 96.1%.
Naïve Bayesian Classifier for Selecting Good/Bad Projects during the Early Stage of International Construction Bidding Decisions
Authors: Jang Woosik , Lee Jung Ki , Lee Jaebum , Han Seung Heon
Published: September 2015

Since the 1970s, revenues generated by Korean contractors in international construction have increased rapidly, exceeding USD 70 billion per year in recent years. However, Korean contractors face significant risks from market uncertainty and sensitivity to economic volatility and technical difficulties. As the volatility of these risks threatens project profitability, approximately 15% of bad projects were found to account for 74% of losses from the same international construction sector. Anticipating bad projects via preemptive risk management can better prevent losses so that contractors can enhance the efficiency of bidding decisions during the early stages of a project cycle. In line with these objectives, this paper examines the effect of such factors on the degree of project profitability. The Naïve Bayesian classifier is applied to identify a good project screening tool, which increases practical applicability using binomial variables with limited information that is obtainable in the early stages. The proposed model produced superior classification results that adequately reflect contractor views of risk. It is anticipated that when users apply the proposed model based on their own knowledge and expertise, overall firm profit rates will increase as a result of early abandonment of bad projects as well as the prioritization of good projects before final bidding decisions are made.
Development of Cyber-Attack Scenarios for Nuclear Power Plants Using Scenario Graphs
Authors: Ahn Woogeun , Chung Manhyun , Min Byung-Gil , Seo Jungtaek
Published: September 2015

Modern nuclear power plants (NPPs) use a variety of digital technologies, with new technologies such as wireless sensor networks also under active consideration. Consequently, like other critical infrastructure at increasing risk of cyber-attacks, cyber security for NPPs has become an issue of growing concern. The development of cyber-attack scenarios is therefore a crucial part of cyber security plans for NPPs. However, regulatory guidelines for NPPs only mention the necessity for cyber-attack scenarios, their application methods, and simple examples, without outlining any systematic method to actually develop comprehensive cyber-attack scenarios. This paper proposes a method for developing NPP cyber-attack scenarios that reflect the inherent characteristics and architecture of NPPs using scenario graphs, a type of attack model. Further, the process of modeling scenario graphs using the proposed method and a process for developing new attack scenarios by combining several scenario graphs are discussed. In the scenario graphs, large and complicated system structures are conceptually divided, facilitating identification of components of cyber-attacks. Attack scenarios developed using these scenario graphs can be used extensively to develop design basis threats (DBTs), risk assessments, and penetration tests. Thus, they are important for establishing cyber security plans and programs.
A Hybrid Prediction Model for Monitoring of River Water Quality in the USN System
Authors: Kim Hoontae , Kim Minsoo
Published: September 2015

River water quality is directly related to the wellness of its neighbors. Because the West Nakdong River has long suffered both from the infiltration of sea water and from the inflow of turbid wastewater, inconsiderate use of this water can cause disastrous result to nearby agricultural areas and neighbors. Busan city in Korea had deployed a pilot USN (ubiquitous sensor network) system that monitors this river and nearby tube wells to properly react to those situations. In this paper, we have designed a system that predicts salinity level of groundwater while monitoring the electrical conductivity (EC) values of sensors in that USN. We use a hybrid method that combines pattern-based approach together with statistical regression model to analyze sensor data. After classifying past sensor outputs into several characteristic patterns, we trace each day's change to identify base pattern of that day and thus predict the next value of sensor output. Since the detection of each day's pattern takes some time, we need to incorporate statistical regression model as an interim prediction method. Through an experiment that compares the hybrid model to previous statistical regression model, we have shown that our hybrid model is more accurate to predict the sensor's movement.
Macrophage Heterogeneity and Plasticity: Impact of Macrophage Biomarkers on Atherosclerosis
Authors: Rojas Joselyn , Salazar Juan , Martínez María Sofía , Palmar Jim , Bautista Jordan , Chávez-Castillo Mervin , Gómez Alexis , Bermúdez Valmore
Published: September 2015

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a global epidemic, currently representing the worldwide leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Atherosclerosis is the fundamental pathophysiologic component of CVD, where the immune system plays an essential role. Monocytes and macrophages are key mediators in this aspect: due to their heterogeneity and plasticity, these cells may act as either pro- or anti-inflammatory mediators. Indeed, monocytes may develop heterogeneous functional phenotypes depending on the predominating pro- or anti-inflammatory microenvironment within the lesion, resulting in classic, intermediate, and non-classic monocytes, each with strikingly differing features. Similarly, macrophages may also adopt heterogeneous profiles being mainly M1 and M2, the former showing a proinflammatory profile while the latter demonstrates anti-inflammatory traits; they are further subdivided in several subtypes with more specialized functions. Furthermore, macrophages may display plasticity by dynamically shifting between phenotypes in response to specific signals. Each of these distinct cell profiles is associated with diverse biomarkers which may be exploited for therapeutic intervention, including IL-10, IL-13, PPAR-γ, LXR, NLRP3 inflammasomes, and microRNAs. Direct modulation of the molecular pathways concerning these potential macrophage-related targets represents a promising field for new therapeutic alternatives in atherosclerosis and CVD.
QFD Based Benchmarking Logic Using TOPSIS and Suitability Index
Authors: Cho Jaeho , Chun Jaeyoul , Kim Inhan , Choi Jungsik
Published: September 2015

Users’ satisfaction on quality is a key that leads successful completion of the project in relation to decision-making issues in building design solutions. This study proposed QFD (quality function deployment) based benchmarking logic of market products for building envelope solutions. Benchmarking logic is composed of QFD-TOPSIS and QFD-SI. QFD-TOPSIS assessment model is able to evaluate users’ preferences on building envelope solutions that are distributed in the market and may allow quick achievement of knowledge. TOPSIS (Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) provides performance improvement criteria that help defining users’ target performance criteria. SI (Suitability Index) allows analysis on suitability of the building envelope solution based on users’ required performance criteria. In Stage 1 of the case study, QFD-TOPSIS was used to benchmark the performance criteria of market envelope products. In Stage 2, a QFD-SI assessment was performed after setting user performance targets. The results of this study contribute to confirming the feasibility of QFD based benchmarking in the field of Building Envelope Performance Assessment (BEPA).
Role of Sex Hormones in the Development and Progression of Hepatitis B Virus-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Montella Maurizio , D’Arena Giovanni , Crispo Anna , Capunzo Mario , Nocerino Flavia , Grimaldi Maria , Barbieri Antonio , D’Ursi Anna Maria , Tecce Mario Felice , Amore Alfonso , Galdiero Massimiliano , Ciliberto Gennaro , Giudice Aldo
Published: September 2015

Infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in developed countries. Epidemiological reports indicate that the incidence of HBV-related HCC is higher in males and postmenopausal females than other females. Increasing evidence suggests that sex hormones such as androgens and estrogens play an important role in the progression of an HBV infection and in the development of HBV-related HCC. While androgen is supposed to stimulate the androgen signaling pathway and cooperate to the increased transcription and replication of HBV genes, estrogen may play a protecting role against the progression of HBV infections and in the development of HBV-related HCC through decreasing HBV RNA transcription and inflammatory cytokines levels. Additionally, sex hormones can also affect HBV-related hepatocarcinogenesis by inducing epigenetic changes such as the regulation of mRNA levels by microRNAs (miRNAs), DNA methylation, and histone modification in liver tissue. This review describes the molecular mechanisms underlying the gender disparity in HBV-related HCC with the aim of improving the understanding of key factors underneath the sex disparity often observed in HBV infections. Furthermore, the review will propose more effective prevention strategies and treatments of HBV-derived diseases.
An Integral Mean Value Theorem concerning Two Continuous Functions and Its Stability
Authors: Mihai Monea
Published: September 2015

The aim of this paper is to investigate an integral mean value theorem proposed by one of the references of this paper. Unfortunately, the proof contains a gap. First, we present a counterexample which shows that this theorem fails in this form. Then, we present two improved versions of this theorem. The stability of the mean point arising from the second result concludes this paper.
Effects of Acute Lithium Treatment on Brain Levels of Inflammatory Mediators in Poststroke Rats
Authors: Boyko Matthew , Nassar Ahmad , Kaplanski Jacob , Zlotnik Alexander , Sharon-Granit Yael , Azab Abed N.
Published: September 2015

Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Few therapeutic options with proven efficacy are available for the treatment of this disabling disease. Lithium is the gold standard treatment for bipolar disorder. Moreover, lithium has been shown to exhibit neuroprotective effects and therapeutic efficacy as a treatment of other neurological disorders. This study was undertaken to examine the effects of lithium on brain inflammatory mediators levels, fever, and mortality in postischemic stroke rats. Ischemic stroke was induced by occlusion of the mid cerebral artery (MCAO). Pretreatment with a single dose of lithium at 2 hours before MCAO induction significantly reduced the elevation in interleukin- (IL-) 6 and prostaglandin E2levels in brain of post-MCAO rats, as compared to vehicle-treated animals. On the other hand, lithium did not affect the elevation in IL-1α, IL-10, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor-αlevels in brain of post-MCAO rats. Moreover, pretreatment with lithium did not alter post-MCAO fever and mortality. These results suggest that acute pretreatment with a single dose of lithium did not markedly affect post-MCAO morbidity and mortality in rats.
Survey for Sensor-Cloud System from Business Process Outsourcing Perspective
Authors: Kim JeongYeon
Published: September 2015

Cloud computing is a new IT trend to meet the new business requirements such as business agility and operational efficiency with business process outsourcing (BPO). Sensor-Cloud infrastructure is the extended form of cloud computing to manage the sensors which are scattered throughout the network. Several benefits of adopting cloud computing including cost saving, high scalability, and business risk reductions also can be applied to sensor data collection. As a first investment for new technology, we analyze IT managers' feedbacks to identify the most important factors of decision making for cloud platform adoption and IT outsourcing. Even though the technological motivation is persuasive in Korean IT market, survey results show that the cost efficiency is the most important for cloud platform adoption. Also surveys reveal that IT service consumers have difficulties understanding complicated service contracts and data sharing issues with infrastructure providers, which serve as main blockers of adopting cloud computing.
Repair of Cranial Bone Defects Using rhBMP2 and Submicron Particle of Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Ceramics with Through-Hole
Authors: Jeong Byung-Chul , Choi Hyuck , Hur Sung-Woong , Kim Jung-Woo , Oh Sin-Hye , Kim Hyun-Seung , Song Soo-Chang , Lee Keun-Bae , Park Kwang-Bum , Koh Jeong-Tae
Published: September 2015

Recently a submicron particle of biphasic calcium phosphate ceramic (BCP) with through-hole (donut-shaped BCP (d-BCP)) was developed for improving the osteoconductivity. This study was performed to examine the usefulness of d-BCP for the delivery of osteoinductive rhBMP2 and the effectiveness on cranial bone regeneration. The d-BCP was soaked in rhBMP2 solution and then freeze-dried. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and Raman spectroscopy analyses confirmed that rhBMP2 was well delivered onto the d-BCP surface and the through-hole. The bioactivity of the rhBMP2/d-BCP composite was validated in MC3T3-E1 cells as anin vitromodel and in critical-sized cranial defects in C57BL/6 mice. When freeze-dried d-BCPs with rhBMP2 were placed in transwell inserts and suspended above MC3T3-E1, alkaline phosphatase activity and osteoblast-specific gene expression were increased compared to non-rhBMP2-containing d-BCPs. For evaluatingin vivoeffectiveness, freeze-dried d-BCPs with or without rhBMP2 were implanted into critical-sized cranial defects. Microcomputed tomography and histologic analysis showed that rhBMP2-containing d-BCPs significantly enhanced cranial bone regeneration compared to non-rhBMP2-containing control. These results suggest that a combination of d-BCP and rhBMP2 can accelerate bone regeneration, and this could be used to develop therapeutic strategies in hard tissue healing.
Reverse Pseudohyperkalemia: An Important Clinical Entity in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Mansoor Sahar , Holtzman Noa G. , Emadi Ashkan
Published: September 2015

Hyperkalemia is a potentially lethal electrolyte derangement commonly seen in patients with hematologic neoplasms with or without renal failure. Pseudohyperkalemia and reverse pseudohyperkalemia also can be seen in this patient population and early recognition and diagnosis of these conditions are vital. Here, we report a case of reverse pseudohyperkalemia in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and provide recommendations regarding diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for management of such patients. Further, we discuss the pathogenesis of this condition and its potential role as a surrogate of favorable prognostic features in patients with CLL.
Antiproliferative, Apoptotic, and Autophagic Activity of Ranibizumab, Bevacizumab, Pegaptanib, and Aflibercept on Fibroblasts: Implication for Choroidal Neovascularization
Authors: Lytvynchuk Lyubomyr , Sergienko Andrii , Lavrenchuk Galina , Petrovski Goran
Published: September 2015

Purpose. Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is one of the most common complications of retinal diseases accompanied by elevated secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Intravitreal anti-VEGFs (ranibizumab, bevacizumab, pegaptanib, and aflibercept) can suppress neovascularization, decrease vascular permeability and CNV size, and, thereby, improve visual function. The antiproliferative, apoptotic, and autophagic effect of anti-VEGF drugs on fibroblasts found in CNVs has not been yet explored.Methods. Concentration-dependent cellular effects of the four anti-VEGFs were examined in L929 fibroblasts over a 5-day period. The cell survival, mitotic and polykaryocytic indices, the level of apoptosis and autophagy, and the cellular growth kinetics were all assessed.Results. The anti-VEGFs could inhibit the survival, mitotic activity, and proliferation as well as increase the cellular heterogeneity, apoptosis, and autophagy of the fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner. Cellular growth kinetics showed ranibizumab to be less aggressive, but three other anti-VEGFs showed higher antiproliferative and apoptotic activity and expressed negative cellular growth kinetics.Conclusions. The antiproliferative, apoptotic, and autophagic activity of anti-VEGFs upon fibroblasts may explain the cellular response and the etiology of CNV involutionin vivoand serve as a good study model for CNVin vitro.
A Study on Industrial Security Experts Demanding Forecasting in Intelligent Sensor Network
Authors: Yang Hyungwook , Kim Hyeri , Chang Hangbae
Published: September 2015

There have been efforts made to come up with a solution through advancement based on developing technological solution. However, it has come to the point where various forms of the leakage centering on people that are the subject of core asset leakage cannot be solved through technological method. At present time in which the limitation of information security that seeks technological security has been clearly revealed, there is an increasing interest in industrial security for establishing convergence security system upon understanding technological/physical/managerial security measures and establishing security strategies. Accordingly, this paper conducted an analysis on the characteristics of industrial security manpower to present a vision and systematically cultivate industrial security experts manpower for protecting core technologies of companies in intelligent sensor network. In particular, occupational cluster of industrial security experts manpower was classified, which was verified by conducting case analysis. In addition, it estimated the demand for industrial security experts manpower by substituting it to the present condition of manpower of Korea. It is expected that the result of this study will be able to be used as basic information for cultivating industrial security experts manpower in intelligent sensor network.
A Force Sensorless Method for CFRP/Ti Stack Interface Detection during Robotic Orbital Drilling Operations
Authors: Fang Qiang , Pan Ze-Min , Han Bing , Fei Shao-Hua , Xu Guan-Hua , Ke Ying-Lin
Published: September 2015

Drilling carbon fiber reinforced plastics and titanium (CFRP/Ti) stacks is one of the most important activities in aircraft assembly. It is favorable to use different drilling parameters for each layer due to their dissimilar machining properties. However, large aircraft parts with changing profiles lead to variation of thickness along the profiles, which makes it challenging to adapt the cutting parameters for different materials being drilled. This paper proposes a force sensorless method based on cutting force observer for monitoring the thrust force and identifying the drilling material during the drilling process. The cutting force observer, which is the combination of an adaptive disturbance observer and friction force model, is used to estimate the thrust force. An in-process algorithm is developed to monitor the variation of the thrust force for detecting the stack interface between the CFRP and titanium materials. Robotic orbital drilling experiments have been conducted on CFRP/Ti stacks. The estimate error of the cutting force observer was less than 13%, and the stack interface was detected in 0.25 s (or 0.05 mm) before or after the tool transited it. The results show that the proposed method can successfully detect the CFRP/Ti stack interface for the cutting parameters adaptation.
Floristic Composition, Vegetation Structure, and Regeneration Status of Woody Plant Species of Oda Forest of Humbo Carbon Project, Wolaita, Ethiopia
Authors: Kuma Markos , Shibru Simon
Published: September 2015

Our current study was conducted in Oda forest to explore floristic composition, vegetation structure, and regeneration of woody species in a newly established Humbo Carbon Project. In the project, the above information for sufficient conservation and management of the forest is not well documented. Data were collected in October and December 2014. Thirty-two quadrats (20 m × 20 m) lying 100 m far apart were used for shrub and tree data. In each major plot, subplots (1 m2) were established at the center and corner for seedlings and saplings data. Altitude, slope, and aspect were measured using GPS and clinometers. DBH, basal area, and IVI were used for vegetation structure. Among 62 species confined in 32 families and 54 genera, Dodonaea angustifolia and Combretum molle were the densest and the most dominant and frequent species with higher IVI. Altitude and slope had significant effect (p<0.0001) on basal area and dominance. Bell and inverted J shaped patterns of selected woody species were identified. The seedling, sapling, and matured tree had 2.3%, 23.7%, and 74% density ha−1 of individuals, respectively. Generally, the study confirmed that very few species had dominance and abundance, influence of altitude and slope on species distribution, and fair regeneration of the forest.
A Novel Rotor Profile Error Tracing and Compensation Strategy for High Precision Machining of Screw Rotor Based on Trial Cutting of Limited Samples
Authors: Shen ZhiHuang , Yao Bin , Chen BinQiang , Feng Wei , Zhang XiangLei
Published: September 2015

The machining precision plays an important role in the operation reliability and service life of screw rotors. However, the actual machined rotor profile of screw rotors is different from its theoretical profile due to the errors of the machine tool. This paper proposes a novel method of error tracing and compensation to reduce the machined errors of rotor profile on the basis of the limited sample trials, and the method is based on a matrix of error compensation. The errors of rotor profile are obtained based on limited sample trials machining of screw rotors,and fitted into piecewise smooth data. A matrix of error compensation is established to compute the errors of rotor profile to generate a compensated rotor profile. The compensated rotor profile is then used to regenerate forming tool and a new rotor product is processed on the same machine tool. And the errors of new rotor profile are smaller and can be reduced within (−0.01 mm, 0.01 mm) after compensations. Finally, the actual machining examples illustrate that the method of error compensation can not only satisfy the machining requirement of high-precision rotors, but also has the characteristics of good stability and applicability.
Stability of Fluorosurfactant Adsorption on Mineral Surface for Water Removal in Tight Gas Reservoirs
Authors: You Lijun , Zhang Wanchun , Kang Yili , Chen Zhangxin , Liu Xuefen
Published: September 2015

Long-term effectiveness of rock wettability alteration for water removal during gas production from tight reservoir depends on the surfactant adsorption on the pore surface of a reservoir. This paper selected typical cationic fluorosurfactant FW-134 as an example and took advantage of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and atomic force microscope (AFM) to investigate its adsorption stability on the rock mineral surface under the oscillation condition at high temperature for a long time. The experimental results indicate that the F element content on the sample surface increases obviously, the surface structure of fluorine-carbonization also undergoes a significant change, and the fluorine surfactant exhibits a good interfacial modification and wettability alteration ability due to its adsorption on the pore surface transforming the chemical structure of the original surface. The adsorption increases indistinctly with the concentration of over 0.05% due to a single layer adsorption structure and is mainly electrostatic adsorption because the chemical bonding between the fluorosurfactant and the rock mineral surface, the hydrogen bonding, is weak and inconspicuous.
Born fi dead? Special collections and born digital heritage, Jamaica
Authors: Smart Cherry-Ann
Published: September 2015

Cultural heritage print items in special collections hold distinct positions in libraries. Yet their potential for pedagogy and learning may often be under-explored due to issues related to preservation management. These challenges underpin their exclusivity, a perception which may impact donor relations and unconsciously impede research access. Conversely, electronic publishing has enhanced access to born digital cultural heritage products of scholars and creative expressionists. Without the hassle of intermediaries, these born digital producers represent a “new world order” for libraries charged with dual responsibility for access and posterity. Some challenges are infrastructural, such as Internet penetration, others are human related arising from the need for capacity building in areas such as publishing and effective preservation strategies. These skills are essential to fully conceptualize potential for loss of cultural heritage products and the need for viable mechanisms to manage content; anything less would suggest cultural heritage products are literally “born fi dead”.
Factors Associated With the Perception of Family Nursing Practice Among Mental Health Nurses in Taiwan
Authors: Hsiao Chiu-Yueh , Tsai Yun-Fang
Published: September 2015

The aim of this study was to examine factors that influenced the perceptions of mental health nurses about involving families in their nursing practice. A sample of 175 Taiwanese mental health nurses who are employed in both inpatient and community settings completed structured questionnaires designed to measure empathy, attitudes about involving families in care, and perceptions of family nursing practice. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s product-moment correlation, t test, one-way ANOVA, and a hierarchical multiple regression analysis. Positive perceptions of family nursing practice were correlated with more years of clinical experience in mental health, empathy, supportive attitudes toward the importance of family nursing care, and personal experiences with family members with serious illness in need of professional care. These findings may assist in the development of effective educational programs designed to help nurses integrate family nursing knowledge and skills in the care of patients and families experiencing mental illness.
Tribbles 3: A potential player in diabetic aortic remodelling
Authors: Ti Yun , Xie Guo-lu , Wang Zhi-hao , Ding Wen-yuan , Zhang Yun , Zhong Ming , Zhang Wei
Published: September 2015

Tribbles 3, whose expression is up-regulated by insulin resistance, was confirmed to be involved in diabetic cardiomyopathy in our previous study. However, it is not known whether Tribbles 3 has a role on conduit arteries such as the aorta in diabetes. Type 2 diabetic rat model was induced by high-fat diet and low-dose streptozotocin. We evaluated the characteristics of diabetic rats by serial ultrasonography and histopathologic analyses of aortic wall architecture. Diabetic rats displayed increased aortic medial thickness, excessive collagen deposition, diminished elastic fibres and reduced vascular compliance together with Tribbles 3 overexpression. To further investigate the role of Tribbles 3 in aortic remodelling, we used Tribbles 3 gene silencing in vivo 12 weeks after onset of diabetes. Silence of Tribbles 3 significantly reversed pathological aortic remodelling without blood pressure modification. In Tribbles 3-small interfering RNA group, medial thickness and perivascular fibrosis were markedly decreased; moreover, there were prominent reductions in collagen content and collagen/elastin ratio, resulting in an improved arterial compliance. Additionally, with Tribbles 3 silencing, the diminished phosphorylation of PI3K/Akt was restored, and increased activation of MKK4/JNK was decreased. Silence of Tribbles 3 is potent in mediating reversal of aortic remodelling, implicating that Tribbles 3 is proposed to be a potential therapeutic target for vascular complication in diabetes.
The role of IL‐33 and mast cells in allergy and inflammation
Authors: Saluja Rohit , Khan Mahejibin , Church Martin K. , Maurer Marcus
Published: September 2015

Interleukin‐33 (IL‐33) is a member of the interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) cytokine family. It is preferentially and constitutively expressed in different structural cells such as epithelial cells, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells. During necrosis of these cells (after tissue injury or cell damage), the IL‐33 that is released may be recognized by different types of immune cells, such as eosinophils, basophils and, especially, mast cells. IL‐33 needs the specific receptor ST2 (membrane‐bound receptor) and Interleukin‐1 receptor accessory protein heterodimer for its binding, which instigates the production of different types of cytokines and chemokines that have crucial roles in the exacerbation of allergic diseases and inflammation. IL‐33 and mast cells have been influentially associated to the pathophysiology of allergic diseases and inflammation. IL‐33 is a crucial regulator of mast cell functions and might be an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of allergic and inflammatory diseases. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the roles of IL‐33 and mast cells in the pathogenesis of allergies and inflammation.
Comparison of different approaches on example-based learning for novice and proficient learners
Authors: Huang Yi-Hung , Lin Kuan-Cheng , Yu Xiang , Hung Jason C.
Published: September 2015

This study examined the effectiveness of two example-based instructional procedures. One procedure examines the effect of example-problem pairs when they are simultaneously presented to a participant. The other procedure involved studying an example and then removing it and having the participant solve a similar problem. Participants were assigned randomly to two above procedures. Cognitive load
effects and learning outcomes were assessed. The results indicate that in the low prior knowledge group, learners who were simultaneously given examples and problems performed more effectively and efficiently, and reported significantly lower cognitive load than those who learned from example-problem pairs. In the high prior knowledge group, no significant difference was observed between the two procedures. This study provides empirical support for the process of learning from examples and problems simultaneously. It suggests that the effectiveness of certain instructional procedures in example-based learning depends upon the level of a learner’s prior knowledge.