bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast and exact continuous collision detection with Bernstein sign classification
Authors: Tang Min , Tong Ruofeng , Wang Zhendong , Manocha Dinesh
Published: November 2014

We present fast algorithms to perform accurate CCD queries between triangulated models. Our formulation uses properties of the Bernstein basis and Bézier curves and reduces the problem to evaluating signs of polynomials. We present a geometrically exact CCD algorithm based on the exact geometric computation paradigm to perform reliable Boolean collision queries. Our algorithm is more than an order of magnitude faster than prior exact algorithms. We evaluate its performance for cloth and FEM simulations on CPUs and GPUs, and highlight the benefits.
Approximate pyramidal shape decomposition
Authors: Hu Ruizhen , Li Honghua , Zhang Hao , Cohen-Or Daniel
Published: November 2014

A shape is pyramidal if it has a flat base with the remaining boundary forming a height function over the base. Pyramidal shapes are optimal for molding, casting, and layered 3D printing. However, many common objects are not pyramidal. We introduce an algorithm for
approximate pyramidal shape decomposition
. The general exact pyramidal decomposition problem is NP-hard. We turn this problem into an NP-complete problem which admits a practical solution. Specifically, we link pyramidal decomposition to the
Exact Cover Problem
(ECP). Given an input shape
S
, we develop clustering schemes to derive a set of building blocks for approximate pyramidal parts of
S
. The building blocks are then combined to yield a set of candidate pyramidal parts. Finally, we employ Knuth's Algorithm X over the candidate parts to obtain solutions to ECP as pyramidal shape decompositions. Our solution is equally applicable to 2D or 3D shapes, and to shapes with polygonal or smooth boundaries, with or without holes. We demonstrate our algorithm on numerous shapes and evaluate its performance.
Toward BxDF display using multilayer diffraction
Authors: Ye Genzhi , Jolly Sundeep , Bove V. Michael , Dai Qionghai , Raskar Ramesh , Wetzstein Gordon
Published: November 2014

With a wide range of applications in product design and optical watermarking, computational BxDF display has become an emerging trend in the graphics community. In this paper, we analyze the design space of BxDF displays and show that existing approaches cannot reproduce arbitrary BxDFs. In particular, existing surface-based fabrication techniques are often limited to generating only specific angular frequencies, angle-shift-invariant radiance distributions, and sometimes only symmetric BxDFs. To overcome these limitations, we propose diffractive multilayer BxDF displays. We derive forward and inverse methods to synthesize patterns that are printed on stacked, high-resolution transparencies and reproduce prescribed BxDFs with unprecedented degrees of freedom within the limits of available fabrication techniques.
Autocomplete painting repetitions
Authors: Xing Jun , Chen Hsiang-Ting , Wei Li-Yi
Published: November 2014

Painting is a major form of content creation, offering unlimited control and freedom of expression. However, it can involve tedious manual repetitions, such as stippling large regions or hatching complex contours. Thus, a central goal in digital painting research is to automate tedious repetitions while allowing user control. Existing methods impose a sequential order, in which a small exemplar is prepared and then cloned through additional gestures. Such sequential mode may break the continuous, spontaneous flow of painting. Moreover, it is more suitable for homogeneous areas than nuanced variations common in real paintings.

We present an interactive digital painting system that auto-completes tedious repetitions while preserving nuanced variations and maintaining natural flows. Specifically, users paint as usual, while our system records and analyzes their workflows. When potential repetition is detected, our system predicts what the user might want to draw and offers auto-completes that adjust to the existing shape-color context. Our method eliminates the need for sequential creation-cloning and better adapts to the local painting contexts. Furthermore, users can choose to accept, ignore, or modify those predictions and thus maintain full control. Our method can be considered as the painting analogy of auto-completes in common typing and IDE systems. We demonstrate the quality and usability of our system through painting results and a pilot user study.
A framework for transient rendering
Authors: Jarabo Adrian , Marco Julio , Muñoz Adolfo , Buisan Raul , Jarosz Wojciech , Gutierrez Diego
Published: November 2014

Recent advances in ultra-fast imaging have triggered many promising applications in graphics and vision, such as capturing transparent objects, estimating hidden geometry and materials, or visualizing light in motion. There is, however, very little work regarding the
effective
simulation and analysis of transient light transport, where the speed of light can no longer be considered infinite. We first introduce the
transient path integral
framework, formally describing light transport in transient state. We then analyze the difficulties arising when considering the light's time-of-flight in the simulation (rendering) of images and videos. We propose a novel density estimation technique that allows reusing sampled paths to reconstruct time-resolved radiance, and devise new sampling strategies that take into account the distribution of radiance along time in participating media. We then efficiently simulate time-resolved phenomena (such as caustic propagation, fluorescence or temporal chromatic dispersion), which can help design future ultra-fast imaging devices using an analysis-by-synthesis approach, as well as to achieve a better understanding of the nature of light transport.
Strict minimizers for geometric optimization
Authors: Levi Zohar , Zorin Denis
Published: November 2014

We introduce the idea ofstrict minimizersfor geometric distortion measures used in shape interpolation, deformation, parametrization, and other applications involving geometric mappings. TheL∞-norm ensures the tightest possible control on the worst-case distortion. Unfortunately, it does not yield a unique solution and does not distinguish between solutions with high or low distortion below the maximum. The strict minimizer is a minimalL∞-norm solution, which always prioritizes higher distortion reduction. We propose practical algorithms for computing strict minimizers. We also offer an efficient algorithm forL∞optimization based on the ARAP energy. This algorithm can be used on its own or as a building block for an ARAP strict minimizer. We demonstrate that these algorithms lead to significant improvements in quality.
A framework for the experimental comparison of solar and skydome illumination
Authors: Kider Joseph T. , Knowlton Daniel , Newlin Jeremy , Li Yining Karl , Greenberg Donald P.
Published: November 2014

The illumination and appearance of the solar/skydome is critical for many applications in computer graphics, computer vision, and daylighting studies. Unfortunately, physically accurate measurements of this rapidly changing illumination source are difficult to achieve, but necessary for the development of accurate physically-based sky illumination models and comparison studies of existing simulation models.

To obtain baseline data of this time-dependent anisotropic light source, we design a novel acquisition setup to simultaneously measure the comprehensive illumination properties. Our hardware design simultaneously acquires its spectral, spatial, and temporal information of the skydome. To achieve this goal, we use a custom built spectral radiance measurement scanner to measure the directional spectral radiance, a pyranometer to measure the irradiance of the entire hemisphere, and a camera to capture high-dynamic range imagery of the sky. The combination of these computer-controlled measurement devices provides a fast way to acquire accurate physical measurements of the solar/skydome. We use the results of our measurements to evaluate many of the strengths and weaknesses of several sun-sky simulation models. We also provide a measurement dataset of sky illumination data for various clear sky conditions and an interactive visualization tool for model comparison analysis available at http://www.graphics.cornell.edu/resources/clearsky/.
FlexISP
Authors: Heide Felix , Steinberger Markus , Tsai Yun-Ta , Rouf Mushfiqur , Pająk Dawid , Reddy Dikpal , Gallo Orazio , Liu Jing , Heidrich Wolfgang , Egiazarian Karen , Kautz Jan , Pulli Kari
Published: November 2014

Conventional pipelines for capturing, displaying, and storing images are usually defined as a series of cascaded modules, each responsible for addressing a particular problem. While this divide-and-conquer approach offers many benefits, it also introduces a cumulative error, as each step in the pipeline only considers the output of the previous step, not the original sensor data. We propose an end-to-end system that is aware of the camera and image model, enforces natural-image priors, while jointly accounting for common image processing steps like demosaicking, denoising, deconvolution, and so forth, all directly in a given output representation (e.g., YUV, DCT). Our system is flexible and we demonstrate it on regular Bayer images as well as images from custom sensors. In all cases, we achieve large improvements in image quality and signal reconstruction compared to state-of-the-art techniques. Finally, we show that our approach is capable of very efficiently handling high-resolution images, making even mobile implementations feasible.
Spatial-spectral encoded compressive hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Lin Xing , Liu Yebin , Wu Jiamin , Dai Qionghai
Published: November 2014

This paper proposes a novel compressive hyperspectral (HS) imaging approach that allows for high-resolution HS images to be captured in a single image. The proposed architecture comprises three key components: spatial-spectral encoded optical camera design, over-complete HS dictionary learning and sparse-constraint computational reconstruction. Our spatial-spectral encoded sampling scheme provides a higher degree of randomness in the measured projections than previous compressive HS imaging approaches; and a robust nonlinear sparse reconstruction method is employed to recover the HS images from the coded projection with higher performance. To exploit the sparsity constraint on the nature HS images for computational reconstruction, an over-complete HS dictionary is learned to represent the HS images in a sparser way than previous representations. We validate the proposed approach on both synthetic and real captured data, and show successful recovery of HS images for both indoor and outdoor scenes. In addition, we demonstrate other applications for the over-complete HS dictionary and sparse coding techniques, including 3D HS images compression and denoising.
Structure completion for facade layouts
Authors: Fan Lubin , Musialski Przemyslaw , Liu Ligang , Wonka Peter
Published: November 2014

We present a method to complete missing structures in facade layouts. Starting from an abstraction of the partially observed layout as a set of shapes, we can propose one or multiple possible completed layouts. Structure completion with large missing parts is an ill-posed problem. Therefore, we combine two sources of information to derive our solution: the observed shapes and a database of complete layouts. The problem is also very difficult, because shape positions and attributes have to be estimated jointly. Our proposed solution is to break the problem into two components: a statistical model to evaluate layouts and a planning algorithm to generate candidate layouts. This ensures that the completed result is consistent with the observation and the layouts in the database.
Appearance-mimicking surfaces
Authors: Schüller Christian , Panozzo Daniele , Sorkine-Hornung Olga
Published: November 2014

We consider the problem of reproducing the look and the details of a 3D object on a surface that is confined to a given volume. Classic examples of such "appearance-mimicking" surfaces are bas-reliefs: decorations and artwork depicting recognizable 3D scenes using only a thin volumetric space. The design of bas-reliefs has fascinated humankind for millennia and it is extensively used on coins, medals, pottery and other art forms. We propose a unified framework to create surfaces that depict certain shapes from prescribed viewpoints, as a generalization of bas-reliefs. Given target shapes, viewpoints and space restrictions, our method finds a globally optimal surface that delivers the desired appearance when observed from the designated viewpoints, while guaranteeing exact, per-vertex depth bounds. We use 3D printing to validate our approach and demonstrate our results in a variety of applications, ranging from standard bas-reliefs to optical illusions and carving of complex geometries.
Skinning cubic Bézier splines and Catmull-Clark subdivision surfaces
Authors: Liu Songrun , Jacobson Alec , Gingold Yotam
Published: November 2014

Smooth space deformation has become a vital tool for the animation and design of 2D and 3D shapes. Linear methods, under the umbrella term of "linear blend skinning", are the
de facto
standard for 3D animations. Unfortunately such approaches do not trivially extend to deforming
vector graphics
, such as the cubic Bézier splines prevalent in 2D or subdivision surfaces in 3D. We propose a variational approach to reposition the control points of cubic Bézier splines and Catmull-Clark subdivision surfaces---or any linear subdivision curves or surfaces---to produce curves or surfaces which match a linear blend skinning deformation as closely as possible. Exploiting the linearity of linear blend skinning, we show how this optimization collapses neatly into the repeated multiplication of a matrix per handle. We support
C
0
,
C
1
,
G
1
, and fixed-angle continuity constraints between adjacent Bézier curves in a spline. Complexity scales linearly with respect to the number of input curves and run-time performance is fast enough for real-time editing and animation of high-resolution shapes.
Massively-parallel vector graphics
Authors: Ganacim Francisco , Lima Rodolfo S. , de Figueiredo Luiz Henrique , Nehab Diego
Published: November 2014

We present a massively parallel vector graphics rendering pipeline that is divided into two components. The preprocessing component builds a novel adaptive acceleration data structure, the
shortcut tree
. Tree construction is efficient and parallel at the segment level, enabling dynamic vector graphics. The tree allows efficient random access to the color of individual samples, so the graphics can be warped for special effects. The rendering component processes all samples and pixels in parallel. It was optimized for wide antialiasing filters and a large number of samples per pixel to generate sharp, noise-free images. Our
sample scheduler
allows pixels with overlapping antialiasing filters to share samples. It groups together samples that can be computed with the same vector operations using little memory or bandwidth. The pipeline is feature-rich, supporting multiple layers of filled paths, each defined by curved outlines (with linear, rational quadratic, and integral cubic Bézier segments), clipped against other paths, and painted with semi-transparent colors, gradients, or textures. We demonstrate renderings of complex vector graphics in state-of-the-art quality and performance. Finally, we provide full source-code for our implementation as well as the input data used in the paper.
Creating works-like prototypes of mechanical objects
Authors: Koo Bongjin , Li Wilmot , Yao JiaXian , Agrawala Maneesh , Mitra Niloy J.
Published: November 2014

Designers often create physical
works-like
prototypes early in the product development cycle to explore possible mechanical architectures for a design. Yet, creating functional prototypes requires time and expertise, which discourages rapid design iterations. Designers must carefully specify part and joint parameters to ensure that parts move and fit and together in the intended manner. We present an interactive system that streamlines the process by allowing users to annotate rough 3D models with high-level functional relationships (e.g., part
A
fits inside part
B
). Based on these relationships, our system optimizes the model geometry to produce a working design. We demonstrate the versatility of our system by using it to design a variety of works-like prototypes.
Improved sampling for gradient-domain metropolis light transport
Authors: Manzi Marco , Rousselle Fabrice , Kettunen Markus , Lehtinen Jaakko , Zwicker Matthias
Published: November 2014

We present a generalized framework for gradient-domain Metropolis rendering, and introduce three techniques to reduce sampling artifacts and variance. The first one is a heuristic weighting strategy that combines several sampling techniques to avoid outliers. The second one is an improved mapping to generate offset paths required for computing gradients. Here we leverage the properties of manifold walks in path space to cancel out singularities. Finally, the third technique introduces generalized screen space gradient kernels. This approach aligns the gradient kernels with image structures such as texture edges and geometric discontinuities to obtain sparser gradients than with the conventional gradient kernel. We implement our framework on top of an existing Metropolis sampler, and we demonstrate significant improvements in visual and numerical quality of our results compared to previous work.
Cluster-Based Spatiotemporal Background Traffic Generation for Network Simulation
Authors: Li Ting , Liu Jason
Published: November 2014

To reduce the computational complexity of large-scale network simulation, one needs to distinguish foreground traffic generated by the target applications one intends to study from background traffic that represents the bulk of the network traffic generated by other applications. Background traffic competes with foreground traffic for network resources and consequently plays an important role in determining the behavior of network applications. Existing background traffic models either operate only at coarse time granularity or focus only on individual links. There is little insight on how to meaningfully apply realistic background traffic over the entire network. In this article, we propose a method for generating background traffic with spatial and temporal characteristics observed from real traffic traces. We apply data clustering techniques to describe the behavior of end hosts as a function of multidimensional attributes and group them into distinct classes, and then map the classes to simulated routers so that we can generate traffic in accordance with the cluster-level statistics. The proposed traffic generator makes no assumption on the target network topology. It is also capable of scaling the generated traffic so that the traffic intensity can be varied accordingly in order to test applications under different and yet realistic network conditions. Experiments show that our method is able to generate traffic that maintains the same spatial and temporal characteristics as in the observed traffic traces.
From MOOCs to Learning Analytics: Scratching the surface of the 'visual'
Authors: Knox Jeremy
Published: November 2014

The visualization of big MOOC data enables us to see trends in student behaviors and activities around the globe, but what is it that we are not seeing?
Tumour Calcification and Calciphylaxis in End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Di Jia , Jiang Zhenxing , Yang Min
Published: November 2014

Although soft tissue and vascular calcifications are common in CKD and progress as an independent risk factor of all-cause mortality, tumour calcification and calciphylaxis are uncommon in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Here, we discuss a rare case of a patient with tumour calcification complicated with calciphylaxis developed septic shock from infection. Our patient is a 57-year-old man in his late stage of renal disease who presented with a huge mass at the right hip and necrotic cutaneous ulcers on the lower legs followed by local and systemic infection and death due to septic shock.
An Analytical Model for Optimizing the Combination of Energy Sources in a Single Power Transmission Network
Authors: de Falco Massimo , Mastrandrea Nicola
Published: November 2014

The increasing amount of renewable energy currently being added to distribution networks presents new challenges and opportunities to system operators. This situation further complicates the operators’ tasks in dealing with changing net loads and balancing. The current work provides an analytical model to assist systems operators in stabilizing power generation and lowering total costs, through optimization of choices in the combination of programmable fossil sources and nonprogrammable renewable sources. The study first examines the various programmable and renewable energy sources that appear broadly suitable and economically appealing for combination. Next we identify the most important factors determining the potential integration of the sources in the system. Based on this introductory information we then develop the model for the selection of the appropriate mix of sources to achieve stable production. In developing the model we define indicators to evaluate and select the best configurations of the sources included in a particular combination. Next we apply the model to a specific case study and finally reexamine the interdependencies among all the variables of the model, to provide a better understanding of its dynamics and results.
A Comparison of Topical or Retrobulbar Anesthesia for 23-Gauge Posterior Vitrectomy
Authors: Celiker Hande , Karabas Levent , Sahin Ozlem
Published: November 2014

Background. To compare the efficacy and safety of topical anesthesia versus retrobulbar anesthesia in 23-gauge vitreoretinal surgery.Materials and Methods. A total of 63 patients scheduled for 23 G posterior vitrectomy without scleral buckling procedures were included in the study. The patients were randomly assigned to receive either topical (Group 1,n=31) or retrobulbar anesthesia (Group 2,n=32). Postoperatively, patients were shown a visual analogue pain scale (VAPS) from 1 (no pain or discomfort) to 4 (severe pain or discomfort) to rate the levels of pain.Results. There was more discomfort in patients in Group 2 while anesthetic was administered (Group 1:  1.0±0, Group 2:2.3±0.7,P=0.0001). Between the two groups the level of pain during surgery (Group 1:1.4±0.5, Group 2:1.5±0.5;P=0.85) was noted. There was also no significant difference between two groups postoperatively (Group 1:1.2±0.4, Group 2:1.3±0.4;P=0.28). There were no complications in either group related to the anesthetic technique. No patient needed sedation or anesthesia supplement during the surgery or postoperative period.Conclusion. Topical anesthesia in posterior vitrectomy procedures is an effective and safe method that is alternative to retrobulbar anesthesia.
Combining Hyaluronic Acid with Chitosan Enhances Gene Delivery
Authors: Oliveira Ana V. , Bitoque Diogo B. , Silva Gabriela A.
Published: November 2014

The low gene transfer efficiency of chitosan‐DNA polyplexes is a consequence of their high stability and consequent slow DNA release. The incorporation of an anionic polymer is believed to loosen chitosan interactions with DNA and thus promote higher transfection efficiencies. In this work, several formulations of chitosan‐DNA polyplexes incorporating hyaluronic acid were prepared and characterized for their gene transfection efficiency on both HEK293 and retinal pigment epithelial cells. The different polyplex formulations showed morphology, size, and charge compatible with a role in gene delivery. The incorporation of hyaluronic acid rendered the formulations less stable, as was the goal, but it did not affect the loading and protection of the DNA. Compared with chitosan alone, the transfection efficiency had a 4‐fold improvement, which was attributed to the presence of hyaluronic acid. Overall, our hybrid chitosan‐hyaluronic acid polyplexes showed a significant improvement of the efficiency of chitosan‐based nonviral vectors in vitro, suggesting that this strategy can further improve the transfection efficiency of nonviral vectors.
Establishment of Normal Reference Intervals for CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD4+to CD8+Ratio of T Lymphocytes in HIV Negative Adults from University of Gondar Hospital, North West Ethiopia
Authors: Gize Addisu , Mathewos Biniam , Moges Beyene , Workineh Meseret , Gedefaw Lealem
Published: November 2014

Background.Reference values for the CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD4+to CD8+ratio T lymphocyte subsets are adopted from textbooks. But for appropriate diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients, correct interpretations of the laboratory results from normal reference interval are mandatory. This study was, therefore, planned to establish normal reference interval for T lymphocytes subset count and CD4+to CD8+ratio.Methods.A cross-sectional study was conducted on apparently healthy adult individuals who visited voluntary counseling and HIV testing clinic Gondar University Hospital from April to May, 2013. Whole blood was analyzed using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (BD FACS, San Jose, CA) machine to enumerate the T-cell subpopulations.Results.Out of the total 320 study participants, 161 (50.3%) were men and 159 (49.7%) were women. The normal reference intervals were (655–2,823 cells/μL), (321–1,389 cells/μL), and (220–1,664 cells/μL) for CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+T lymphocyte subsets, respectively, and CD4+to CD8+ratio was 0.5–2.5.Conclusion.The overall CD3+T lymphocytes reference interval in the current study was wide; low CD4+T lymphocytes, CD4 to CD8 ratio, and high CD8+T lymphocytes values were observed.
Numerical Study on the Thermal Performance of a Shell and Tube Phase Change Heat Storage Unit during Melting Process
Authors: Li Wei , Kong Chengcheng
Published: November 2014

This work presents a numerical study of the thermal performance in a shell and tube phase change heat storage unit. Paraffin wax as phase change material (PCM) is filled in the shell space. The heat transfer fluids (HTFs: air and water) flow through the tube and transfer the heat to PCM. A mathematical model involving HTF and PCM is developed to analyze the thermal performance of the phase change heat storage unit and is validated with experimental data. Numerical investigation is conducted to evaluate the effect of HTF inlet velocity on the HTF outlet temperature, Nu, and melt fraction when air or water is used as HTF. Results indicate that the air inlet velocity has a great effect on the air outlet temperature and heat transfer rate, and the water inlet velocity has little effect on the water outlet temperature. The investigated results can provide a reference for designing phase change heat storage system.
The Exact Endoscopic Effect on the Peristaltic Flow of a Nanofluid
Authors: Khaled S. M. , Ebaid Abdelhalim , Al Mutairi Fahd
Published: November 2014

The problem of the peristaltic flow of a nanofluid under the effect of an endoscope is reinvestigated. The mathematical model is governed by a system of linear and nonlinear partial differential equations with prescribed boundary conditions. Really, the exact solution for any physical problem, if available, is of great importance which inevitably leads to a better understanding of the behaviour of the involved physical phenomena. An attempt for doing so has been done in the present paper, where the temperature equation is solved exactly by the help of Laplace transform and, accordingly, the exact expressions for the nanoparticle concentration, the axial velocity, the pressure gradient, and the pressure rise are established. Furthermore, it is showed in this paper that the physical interpretations of some involved phenomena are found totally different than those previously obtained by the approximate solutions using the homotopy perturbation method. In addition, several comparisons between the current results and the approximate ones have been displayed. Finally, the effect of various parameters on the temperature distribution, the nanoparticle concentration, the pressure gradient, and the pressure rise has been also discussed through graphs.
Recognizing Presentations of Pemphigoid Gestationis: A Case Study
Authors: Henry Sadie
Published: November 2014

Introduction. Pemphigoid gestationis (PG) is an autoimmune blistering disease that occurs in approximately 1 in 50,000 pregnancies. Failing to recognize PG may lead to inadequate maternal treatment and possible neonatal complications.Case Report. At 18 weeks of gestation, a 36-year-old otherwise healthy Caucasian G4P1 presented with pruritic papules on her anterior thighs, initially treated with topical steroids. At 31 weeks of gestation, she was switched to oral steroids after her rash and pruritus worsened. The patient had an uncomplicated SVD of a healthy female infant at 37 weeks of gestation and was immediately tapered off steroid treatment, resulting in a severe postpartum flare of her disease.Discussion. This case was similar to reported cases of pruritic urticarial papules followed by blisters; however, this patient had palm, sole, and mucous membrane involvement, which is rare. Biopsy for direct immunofluorescence or ELISA is the preferred test for diagnosis. Previous case reports describe severe postdelivery flares that require higher steroid doses. Obstetrical providers need to be familiar with this disease although it is rare, as this condition can be easily confused with other dermatoses of pregnancy. Adequate treatment is imperative for the physical and psychological well-being of the mother and infant.
Can Orthopedic Oncologists Predict Functional Outcome in Patients with Sarcoma after Limb Salvage Surgery in the Lower Limb? A Nationwide Study
Authors: Kolk Sjoerd , Cox Kevin , Weerdesteyn Vivian , Hannink Gerjon , Bramer Jos , Dijkstra Sander , Jutte Paul , Ploegmakers Joris , van de Sande Michiel , Schreuder Hendrik , Verdonschot Nico , van der Geest Ingrid
Published: November 2014

Accurate predictions of functional outcome after limb salvage surgery (LSS) in the lower limb are important for several reasons, including informing the patient preoperatively and, in some cases, deciding between amputation and LSS. This study aimed to elucidate the correlation between surgeon-predicted and patient-reported functional outcome of LSS in the Netherlands. Twenty-three patients (between six months and ten years after surgery) and five independent orthopedic oncologists completed the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) and the RAND-36 physical functioning subscale (RAND-36 PFS). The orthopedic oncologists made their predictions based on case descriptions (including MRI scans) that reflected the preoperative status. The correlation between patient-reported and surgeon-predicted functional outcome was “very poor” to “poor” on both scores (r2values ranged from 0.014 to 0.354). Patient-reported functional outcome was generally underestimated, by 8.7% on the TESS and 8.3% on the RAND-36 PFS. The most difficult and least difficult tasks on the RAND-36 PFS were also the most difficult and least difficult to predict, respectively. Most questions had a “poor” intersurgeon agreement. It was difficult to accurately predict the patient-reported functional outcome of LSS. Surgeons’ ability to predict functional scores can be improved the most by focusing on accurately predicting more demanding tasks.
A Novel Feature Extraction Technique Using Binarization of Bit Planes for Content Based Image Classification
Authors: Thepade Sudeep , Das Rik , Ghosh Saurav
Published: November 2014

A number of techniques have been proposed earlier for feature extraction using image binarization. Efficiency of the techniques was dependent on proper threshold selection for the binarization method. In this paper, a new feature extraction technique using image binarization has been proposed. The technique has binarized the significant bit planes of an image by selecting local thresholds. The proposed algorithm has been tested on a public dataset and has been compared with existing widely used techniques using binarization for extraction of features. It has been inferred that the proposed method has outclassed all the existing techniques and has shown consistent classification performance.
Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio as a Predictor of Response to Peginterferon plus Ribavirin Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: Kuo Ming-Te , Hu Tsung-Hui , Lu Sheng-Nan , Hung Chao Hung , Wang Jing-Houng , Chen Chien-Hung , Chiu Yi-Chun , Lee Chuan-Mo
Published: November 2014

We aimed to determine whether neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) could be a predictor of antiviral response in chronic hepatitis C patients. A total of 602 consecutive patients (genotype 1,n=263; genotype 2,n=297; others/unknown,n=42) receiving response-guided therapy with peginterferon plus ribavirin were recruited. NLR was related to clinical and virological features and to treatment outcome. Rapid virological response (RVR) and sustained virological response (SVR) were achieved in 436 (73%) and 458 (76%) of the patients, respectively. Higher NLR (≥1.42) was found to be associated with higher prevalence of DM (P=0.039) and higher hepatitis C viral load (P=0.002) and white cell count (P<0.001). NLR was significantly lower in patients with RVR and SVR compared to those without (P=0.032and 0.034, resp.). However, NLR was not an independent factor by multivariate analysis. In the subgroup analysis, higher NLR (≥1.42) (odds ratio, 0.494,P=0.038) was an independent poor predictor of SVR in genotype 2 patients but was not in genotype 1 patients. In conclusion, NLR is a simple and easily accessible marker to predict response to peginterferon plus ribavirin therapy for chronic hepatitis C genotype 2.
Existence Results for a Coupled System of Nonlinear Fractional Differential Equations in Banach Spaces
Authors: Cao Yuping , Bai Chuanzhi
Published: November 2014

We investigate boundary value problems for a coupled system of nonlinear fractional differential equations involving Caputo derivative in Banach spaces. A generalized singular type coupled Gronwall inequality system is given to obtain an important a priori bound. Existence results are obtained by using fixed point theorems and an example is given to illustrate the results.
Reliability Modeling and Assessment of Component with Multiple Weak Sites under Complex Loading
Authors: Qian Wenxue , Yin Xiaowei , Xie Liyang
Published: November 2014

A component with multiple weak sites is widely used in practical engineering and the existence of multiple weak sites can significantly decrease the component reliability. On the other hand, only a few components bear static loading and most components bear dynamic loading. In this paper, a reliability model of isomorphic component with multiple weak sites is built based on an order statistics model and the influences of strength decentrality and loading decentrality on isomorphic component with multiple weak sites are discussed. Furthermore the influence of loading times is studied in detail. The results show that unlike a component with only one weak site, not only does the failure of a component with multiple weak sites have a relationship with the safety margin, but there also exist relationships with the number of weak sites, the loading roughness, and loading times. The work in this paper is of some guiding significance in reliability design and assessment of a component with multiple weak sites under complex loading.
Fourth Primary Malignant Tumor in a Patient with Possible Li-Fraumeni Syndrome: Synchronous Diagnosis of Postirradiation Sarcoma, Cutaneous Relapse of a Previous Soft Tissue Sarcoma, and Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yumrukçal Feridun , Dirik Yalin , Çinar Arda , Eralp Levent
Published: November 2014

We present a 46-year-old female patient who is diagnosed with synchronous postirradiation sarcoma, cutaneous relapse of a previous soft tissue sarcoma, and lung adenocarcinoma. More than one malignant tumor at the same time with an accompanying relapse of a previous malignant tumor is a rare entity. A relatively young patient diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the urethra before age 40, which is an unusual tumor for that age, later three more different malignant tumors being diagnosed, two of which are synchronous, causes the suspicion of Li-Fraumeni syndrome.
Delayed Recurrence of Atypical Pulmonary Carcinoid Cluster: A Rare Occurrence
Authors: Surani Salim , Tan Jennifer , Ahumada Alexandra , Surani Saherish S. , Sudhakaran Sivakumar , Varon Joseph
Published: November 2014

Carcinoid is one of the most common tumors of the gastrointestinal tract followed by the tracheobronchial tree. Bronchial carcinoid compromises 20% of total carcinoid and accounts for 1–5% of pulmonary malignancies. Carcinoid can be typical or atypical, with atypical carcinoid compromises 10% of the carcinoid tumors. Carcinoid usually presents as peripheral lung lesion or solitary endobronchial abnormality. Rarely it can present as multiple endobronchial lesion. We hereby present a rare case of an elderly gentleman who had undergone resection of right middle and lower lobe of lung for atypical carcinoid. Seven years later he presented with cough. CT scan of chest revealed right hilar mass. Flexible bronchoscopy revealed numerous endobronchial polypoid lesions in the tracheobronchial tree. Recurrent atypical carcinoid was then confirmed on biopsy.
Effect of Fiber Geometry and Representative Volume Element on Elastic and Thermal Properties of Unidirectional Fiber-Reinforced Composites
Authors: Devireddy Siva Bhaskara Rao , Biswas Sandhyarani
Published: November 2014

The aim of present work is focused on the evaluation of elastic and thermal properties of unidirectional fiber-reinforced polymer composites with different volume fractions of fiber up to 0.7 using micromechanical approach. Two ways for calculating the material properties, that is, analytical and numerical approaches, were presented. In numerical approach, finite element analysis was used to evaluate the elastic modulus and thermal conductivity of composite from the constituent material properties. The finite element model based on three-dimensional micromechanical representative volume element (RVE) with a square and hexagonal packing geometry was implemented by using finite element code ANSYS. Circular cross section of fiber and square cross section of fiber were considered to develop RVE. The periodic boundary conditions are applied to the RVE to calculate elastic modulus of composite. The steady state heat transfer simulations were performed in thermal analysis to calculate thermal conductivity of composite. In analytical approach, the elastic modulus is calculated by rule of mixture, Halpin-Tsai model, and periodic microstructure. Thermal conductivity is calculated analytically by using rule of mixture, the Chawla model, and the Hashin model. The material properties obtained using finite element techniques were compared with different analytical methods and good agreement was achieved. The results are affected by a number of parameters such as volume fraction of the fibers, geometry of fiber, and RVE.
Correlation between Plasma Interleukin-3, theα/βGlobin Ratio, and Globin mRNA Stability
Authors: Rouhi Dehnabeh S. , Mahdian R. , Ajdary S. , Mostafavi E. , Khatami S.
Published: November 2014

Background. Globin chain synthesis (GCS) analysis is used in the diagnosis of thalassemia. However, the wide reference range limits its use as a decisive diagnostic tool. It has been shown thatαandβ  globin mRNAincrease through stimulation of cells by interleukin-3 (IL-3). Therefore, this study investigates the relationship between plasma IL-3 and theβ/α  globinratio.Methods. Blood samples were collected from 32 healthy participants on two occasions one month apart. GCS analysis, real-time PCR, and ELISA tests were conducted to determine theβ/α  globinratio,globin mRNAexpression and stability rate, and IL-3 levels.Results. On the basis of IL-3 levels, the participants were divided in two groups. One group included participants who showed a significant increase in IL-3 as indicated by a significant rise in mean values ofα,β, andγ  globin mRNA,αandβ  globin, RBC, and hemoglobin. The other group included participants who showed no difference in IL-3 levels with no significant variations in the above-mentioned parameters.Conclusion. The results of this study indicate that IL-3 has an equivalent positive effect onαandβ  globinchain synthesis. Therefore, IL-3 levels do not explain the wide reference range of theα/β  globinratio.
Biliary Cystadenoma: An Unusual Cause of Acute Pancreatitis and Indication for Mesohepatectomy
Authors: Munir Bilal , Meschino Michael , Mercado Ashley , Hernandez-Alejandro Roberto
Published: November 2014

The classic presentation of cystic hepatobiliary lesions is usually nonspecific and often identified incidentally. Here we describe the case of a patient presenting with acute pancreatitis resulting from a large centrally located biliary cystadenoma compressing the pancreas. Determination of the origin of the cystic lesion was difficult on imaging studies. Due to the difficult location of the lesion, a complete surgical resection was achieved with mesohepatectomy and the suspected diagnosis confirmed by pathology. The patient continues to do well 2 years post-op with no signs of recurrence.
Assessing Net Coverage for Young Children in the 2010 U.S. Decennial Census
Authors: O’Hare William P.
Published: November 2014

The U.S. Census Bureau’s Demographic Analysis shows that the population aged 0 to 4 experienced a net undercount rate of 4.6 percent in the 2010 Decennial Census. This is more than twice as high as any other age group. Despite the fact that the relatively high net undercount of young children was uncovered more than fifty years ago, this problem has received little systematic attention from demographers. To help fill that gap in the literature, this study examines the accuracy of the count of children in the 2010 Decennial Census. The initial focus on all children shifts to a focus on young children (aged 0 to 4) where the net undercount rate is the highest. Discussion highlights some of the potential explanations for the findings.
Perforation of the Pregnant Uterus during Laparoscopy for Suspected Internal Herniation after Gastric Bypass
Authors: Mala T. , Harsem N. K. , Røstad S. , Mathisen L. C. , Jacobsen A. F.
Published: November 2014

We report perforations of a pregnant uterus during laparoscopy for suspected internal herniation after gastric bypass at 24 weeks of gestation. Abdominal access and gas insufflation were achieved by the use of a 12 mm optic trocar. An additional 5 mm trocar was positioned. The perforations were handled by suturing following laparotomy and mobilisation of the high located uterus. The uterine fundus was located in the subcostal area. Internal herniation was not verified. A cesarean section was made 6 weeks later due to acute low abdominal pain. During delivery the uterus was found normal. At 5 months of age the child has developed normal and seems healthy. Optical trocars should be used with caution for abdominal access during laparoscopy in pregnancy. Open access should probably be preferred in most cases. Accidental perforations of the uterine cavity may be handled in selected cases with simple closure even following the use of large trocars under close postoperative surveillance throughout the pregnancy.
Robust Fuzzy Control for Doubly Fed Wind Power Systems with Variable Speed Based on Variable Structure Control Technique
Authors: Zhang Xizheng , Wang Yaonan
Published: November 2014

The design of a variable structure sliding‐mode controller (SMC) for a variable speed wind turbine with double‐fed induction‐generator, based on the fuzzy logic, is described in this paper. The purpose of this controller is to maximize the energy capture by operating the turbine at the optimal rotational speed as well as fast and stable generator response. The dynamics of both the turbine and the generator are modeled to exhibit their mechanical/electrical characteristics. Two global sliding‐mode controllers, which eliminate the reaching phase of SMC and the sliding‐mode motion starts from the beginning, are designed to guarantee the robust tracking of both the optimal blade‐rotor speed and the reference generator torque/flux in the whole process, despite the parametric uncertainty and external disturbance. To reduce the adverse chattering effect of the conventional SMC, the adaptive fuzzy inference strategy is adopted to deduce the adjustable switch gain, instead of the fixed gains. Simulation results show that the proposed controller achieves global asymptotic tracking, satisfied torque/flux responses, and has better performance and higher utilization ratio of wind energy than the conventional feedback‐linearization method.
A Scatter Search Approach for Multiobjective Selective Disassembly Sequence Problem
Authors: Guo Xiwang , Liu Shixin
Published: November 2014

Disassembly sequence has received much attention in recent years. This work proposes a multiobjective optimization of model for selective disassembly sequences and maximizing disassembly profit and minimizing disassembly time. An improved scatter search (ISS) is adapted to solve proposed multiobjective optimization model, which embodies diversification generation of initial solutions, crossover combination operator, the local search strategy to improve the quality of new solutions, and reference set update method. To analyze the effect on the performance of ISS, simulation experiments are conducted on different products. The validity of ISS is verified by comparing the optimization effects of ISS and nondominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II).
Eating Disorders in Schizophrenia: Implications for Research and Management
Authors: Kouidrat Youssef , Amad Ali , Lalau Jean-Daniel , Loas Gwenole
Published: November 2014

Objective.Despite evidence from case series, the comorbidity of eating disorders (EDs) with schizophrenia is poorly understood. This review aimed to assess the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of EDs in schizophrenia patients and to examine whether the management of EDs can be improved.Methods.A qualitative review of the published literature was performed using the following terms: “schizophrenia” in association with “eating disorders,” “anorexia nervosa,” “bulimia nervosa,” “binge eating disorder,” or “night eating syndrome.”Results.According to our literature review, there is a high prevalence of comorbidity between schizophrenia and EDs. EDs may occur together with or independent of psychotic symptoms in these patients. Binge eating disorders and night eating syndromes are frequently found in patients with schizophrenia, with a prevalence of approximately 10%. Anorexia nervosa seems to affect between 1 and 4% of schizophrenia patients. Psychopathological and neurobiological mechanisms, including effects of antipsychotic drugs, should be more extensively explored.Conclusions.The comorbidity of EDs in schizophrenia remains relatively unexplored. The clearest message of this review is the importance of screening for and assessment of comorbid EDs in schizophrenia patients. The management of EDs in schizophrenia requires a multidisciplinary approach to attain maximized health outcomes. For clinical practice, we propose some recommendations regarding patient-centered care.