bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Equivalence of Dissipation from Gibbs’ Entropy Production with Phase-Volume Loss in Ergodic Heat-Conducting Oscillators
Authors: Patra Puneet Kumar , Hoover William Graham , Hoover Carol Griswold , Sprott Julien Clinton
Published: May 2016

Gibbs’ thermodynamic entropy is given by the logarithm of the phase volume, which itself responds to heat transfer to and from thermal reservoirs. We compare the thermodynamic dissipation described by (i) phase-volume loss with (ii) heat-transfer entropy production. Their equivalence is documented for computer simulations of the response of an ergodic harmonic oscillator to thermostated temperature gradients. In the simulations one or two thermostat variables control the kinetic energy or the kinetic energy and its fluctuation. All of the motion equations are time-reversible. We consider both strong and weak control variables. In every case, the time-averaged dissipative loss of phase-space volume coincides with the entropy produced by heat transfer. Linear-response theory nicely reproduces the small-gradient results obtained by computer simulation. The thermostats considered here are ergodic and provide simple dynamical models, some of them with as few as three ordinary differential equations, while remaining capable of reproducing Gibbs’ canonical phase-space distribution and are precisely consistent with irreversible thermodynamics.
When the extension property does not hold
Authors: Dyshko Serhii
Published: May 2016

A complete extension theorem for linear codes over a module alphabet, equipped with the symmetrized weight composition, is proven. It is also shown that the extension property with respect to a general weight function does not hold for module alphabets, that have a noncyclic socle.
Macaulay-like marked bases
Authors: Bertone Cristina , Cioffi Francesca , Roggero Margherita
Published: May 2016

We define marked sets and bases over a quasi-stable ideal [Formula: see text] in a polynomial ring on a Noetherian [Formula: see text]-algebra, with [Formula: see text] a field of any characteristic. The involved polynomials may be non-homogeneous, but their degree is bounded from above by the maximum among the degrees of the terms in the Pommaret basis of [Formula: see text] and a given integer [Formula: see text]. Due to the combinatorial properties of quasi-stable ideals, these bases behave well with respect to homogenization, similarly to Macaulay bases. We prove that the family of marked bases over a given quasi-stable ideal has an affine scheme structure, is flat and, for large enough [Formula: see text], is an open subset of a Hilbert scheme. Our main results lead to algorithms that explicitly construct such a family. We compare our method with similar ones and give some complexity results.
Algebraic study of vibrational spectra of the tetra-atomic molecules N15C12C12N15 and N14C13C13N14
Authors: Ziadi Kamal , Bouldjedri Abdelhamid
Published: May 2016

In this paper, an accurate and efficient algebraic technique is used to compute linear tetra-atomic molecules stretching and bending vibration modes. Namely, several collective energy levels of linear XYYX molecules N[Formula: see text]C[Formula: see text]C[Formula: see text]N[Formula: see text] and N[Formula: see text]C[Formula: see text]C[Formula: see text]N[Formula: see text] have been described in the framework of the algebraic approach based on U[Formula: see text] Lie algebra. The results are compared to experimental data, good agreement has been obtained. The potential energy function of the two molecules is analyzed and the dissociation energies are derived.
Two-Dimensional Simulations of Turbulent Flow Past a Row of Cylinders using Lattice Boltzmann Method
Authors: Wei Yi-Kun , Hu Xu-Qu
Published: May 2016

Two-dimensional simulations of channel flow past an array of cylinders are carried out at high Reynolds numbers. Considering the thickness fluctuating effect on the equation of motion, a modified lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) is proposed. Special attention is paid to investigate the thickness fluctuations and vortex shedding mechanisms between 11 cylinders. Results for the velocity and vorticity differences are provided, as well as for the energy density and enstrophy spectra. The numerical results coincide very well with some published experimental data that was obtained by turbulent soap films. The spectra extracted from the velocity and vorticity fields are displayed from simulations, along with the thickness fluctuation spectrum H(k). Our results show that the statistics of thickness fluctuations resemble closely those of a passive scalar in turbulent flows.
Salinity Pollution Control in the Presence of Farm Heterogeneity — An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Esteban Encarna , Albiac José
Published: May 2016

The expansion of intensive agriculture has created substantial pollution loads in many water basins worldwide. Irrigation generates percolation and leaching of salts and other damaging substances from soils into water bodies. These pollution emissions from irrigated agriculture are non-point, precluding the identification of the polluter, the location of the source, and the amount of the emission loads. There is a large body of literature analyzing different instruments to deal with non-point pollution problems. However, the implementation of the regulations is not an easy task due to the particular characteristics of this type of emissions. Most of the regulations are based on the assumption that emission damage functions are the same for all farms and receiving media; however, different pollution damage functions are the more likely scenario. In this paper, we empirically analyze the welfare losses from using a uniform instrument to control non-point salinity pollution loads coming from farms with different soils and related biophysical processes. The paper shows how, in the presence of differentiated pollution damage functions, a uniform economic instrument for all users can lead to sizable welfare losses. The results highlight that no regulation, in presence of farms heterogeneity and when differentiated instruments cannot be implemented, could be a better option in terms of social welfare compared with the implementation of a uniform instrument. This finding clearly calls for deeper knowledge of and better information about the related biophysical processes before implementing non-point pollution regulations.
Notice of New Genera of Carboniferous Glyptodipterines
Authors: Young John
Published: May 2016

Since the publication, in 1861, of Professor Huxley's memoir on the classification of Devonian Fishes, several new genera have been established, and the intervals between some of the families (tabulated at p. 24, Mem. Geol. Surv., Decade x.) thereby diminished.

R
hizodopsis
, Huxley. Fig. 8.

The specimens to which this generic name has been given are those whose scales Prof. Williamsen described and figured in the Phil. Trans. 1849, under the name of
Holoptychius sauroides
, a term which has also been applied to a tooth which it will appear is generically distinct from
Holoptychius
.

The body of this fish tapers to a .point posteriorly; its greatest depth is at the pectoral arch. Head depressed; orbits forward; gape wide, extending behind them. Maxilla in a single piece, furnished with fine, equal, conical teeth; premaxilla not preserved. Mandible straight, deepest posteriorly, expanded at the symphysis; contains teeth of two sizes; the larger, three or four in number, plicate at the base, strong, conical, slightly incurved; the smaller, one-fourth of the size of the preceding, like them strong, conical: the surface of all the teeth above the plicate base is smooth. Jugular plates in two pairs, principal and posterior. No trace of median or lateral plates. The occipital region is closed in by three bones, in froht of which are the parietals in close approximation. The facial bones are not determinable. Operculars large, subquadrate; suboperculars a half smaller, rounded anteriorly. The parietals, operculars, and jugulars are ornamented with fine, parallel or bifurcating ridges. The
Dyke emplacement in the Narmada rift zone and implications for the evolution of the Deccan Traps
Authors: Ju Wei , Hou Guiting , Hari K. R.
Published: May 2016

The Deccan Large Igneous Province of India is the product of fissure eruptions, and contains vast lava fields and dyke–sill networks. It is associated with several rift zones in peninsular India, which reflect pre-existing major weaknesses in the Indian lithosphere. In rift-zone eruptions, magma is normally transported to the surface through dykes. However, some injected dykes do not reach the surface but are arrested at depth in the rift zone due to mechanical heterogeneity and anisotropy, or insufficient magma pressure. In the present work, the effects of mechanical layering and regional tension on dyke emplacement in the Narmada rift zone are studied. The results indicate that the distribution of maximum principal tensile stresses was altered by mechanical layering and/or regional tension, which has led to variations in potential dyke propagation pathways. Studies on dyke evolution and emplacement in the Narmada rift zone indicate four evolutionary stages: stage I – arrival of a mantle plume and pre-volcanic extension; stage II – formation of shallow magma chambers; stage III – vertical dyke injection and fissure eruption; and stage IV – the ‘blanket effect’ and lateral dyke propagation.
Statistical Rare-Event Analysis and Parameter Guidance by Elite Learning Sample Selection
Authors: Zhao Yue , Kim Taeyoung , Shin Hosoon , Tan Sheldon X.-D. , Li Xin , Chen Haibao , Wang Hai
Published: May 2016

Accurately estimating the failure region of rare events for memory-cell and analog circuit blocks under process variations is a challenging task. In this article, we propose a new statistical method, called
EliteScope
, to estimate the circuit failure rates in rare-event regions and to provide conditions of parameters to achieve targeted performance. The new method is based on the iterative blockade framework to reduce the number of samples, but consists of two new techniques to improve existing methods. First, the new approach employs an elite-learning sample-selection scheme, which can consider the effectiveness of samples and well coverage for the parameter space. As a result, it can reduce additional simulation costs by pruning less effective samples while keeping the accuracy of failure estimation. Second, the
EliteScope
identifies the failure regions in terms of parameter spaces to provide a good design guidance to accomplish the performance target. It applies variance-based feature selection to find the dominant parameters and then determine the in-spec boundaries of those parameters. We demonstrate the advantage of our proposed method using several memory and analog circuits with different numbers of process parameters. Experiments on four circuit examples show that
EliteScope
achieves a significant improvement on failure-region estimation in terms of accuracy and simulation cost over traditional approaches. The 16b 6T-SRAM column example also demonstrates that the new method is scalable for handling large problems with large numbers of process variables.
Accurate Modeling of Nonideal Low-Power PWM DC-DC Converters Operating in CCM and DCM using Enhanced Circuit-Averaging Techniques
Authors: Tannir Dani , Wang Ya , Li Peng
Published: May 2016

The development of enhanced modeling techniques for the simulation of switched-mode Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) DC-DC power converters using circuit averaging is the main focus of this article. The circuit-averaging technique has traditionally been used to model the behavior of PWM DC-DC converters without considering important nonideal characteristics of the switching devices. As a result, most of these existing approaches present simplified models that are ideal or linearized, and do not accurately account for the performance characteristics of the converter. This is especially problematic for low-power applications. In this article, we present an enhanced nonideal behavioral circuit-averaged model that makes the simulation of DC-DC converters both computationally efficient and accurate, thereby presenting an important tool for circuit designers. Experimentally, we show that our Verilog-A-based new model allows for accurate simulation of both Buck- and Boost-type PWM converters operating in either CCM or DCM modes while providing more than one order of magnitude speedup over the transistor-level simulation.
Ensemble Reduction via Logic Minimization
Authors: Wang Hongfei , Blanton R. D. (Shawn)
Published: May 2016

An ensemble of machine learning classifiers usually improves generalization performance and is useful for many applications. However, the extra memory storage and computational cost incurred from the combined models often limits their potential applications. In this article, we propose a new ensemble reduction method called
CANOPY
that significantly reduces memory storage and computations.
CANOPY
uses a technique from logic minimization for digital circuits to select and combine particular classification models from an initial pool in the form of a Boolean function, through which the reduced ensemble performs classification. Experiments on 20 UCI datasets demonstrate that
CANOPY
either outperforms or is very competitive with the initial ensemble and one state-of-the-art ensemble reduction method in terms of generalization error, and is superior to all existing reduction methods surveyed for identifying the smallest numbers of models in the reduced ensembles.
Using Audio Cues to Support Motion Gesture Interaction on Mobile Devices
Authors: Morrison-Smith Sarah , Hofmann Megan , Li Yang , Ruiz Jaime
Published: May 2016

Motion gestures are an underutilized input modality for mobile interaction despite numerous potential advantages. Negulescu et al. found that the lack of feedback on attempted motion gestures made it difficult for participants to diagnose and correct errors, resulting in poor recognition performance and user frustration. In this article, we describe and evaluate a training and feedback technique,
Glissando
, which uses audio characteristics to provide feedback on the system’s interpretation of user input. This technique enables feedback by verbally confirming correct gestures and notifying users of errors in addition to providing continuous feedback by manipulating the pitch of distinct musical notes mapped to each of three dimensional axes in order to provide both spatial and temporal information.
Efficient Security Monitoring with the Core Debug Interface in an Embedded Processor
Authors: Lee Jinyong , Heo Ingoo , Lee Yongje , Paek Yunheung
Published: May 2016

For decades, various concepts in security monitoring have been proposed. In principle, they all in common in regard to the monitoring of the execution behavior of a program (e.g., control-flow or dataflow) running on the machine to find symptoms of attacks. Among the proposed monitoring schemes, software-based ones are known for their adaptability on the commercial products, but there have been concerns that they may suffer from nonnegligible runtime overhead. On the other hand, hardware-based solutions are recognized for their high performance. However, most of them have an inherent problem in that they usually mandate drastic changes to the internal processor architecture. More recent ones have strived to minimize such modifications by employing external hardware security monitors in the system. However, these approaches intrinsically suffer from the overhead caused by communication between the host and the external monitor. Our solution also relies on external hardware for security monitoring, but unlike the others, ours tackles the communication overhead by using the core debug interface (CDI), which is readily available in most commercial processors for debugging. We build our system simply by plugging our monitoring hardware into the processor via CDI, precluding the need for altering the processor internals. To validate the effectiveness of our approach, we implement two well-known monitoring techniques on our proposed framework: dynamic information flow tracking and branch regulation. The experimental results on our FPGA prototype show that our external hardware monitors efficiently perform monitoring tasks with negligible performance overhead, mainly with thanks to the support of CDI, which helps us reduce communication costs substantially.
A Framework for Block Placement, Migration, and Fast Searching in Tiled-DNUCA Architecture
Authors: Das Shirshendu , Kapoor Hemangee K.
Published: May 2016

Multicore processors have proliferated several domains ranging from small-scale embedded systems to large data centers, making tiled CMPs (TCMPs) the essential next-generation scalable architecture. NUCA architectures help in managing the capacity and access time for such larger cache designs. It divides the last-level cache (LLC) into multiple banks connected through an on-chip network. Static NUCA (SNUCA) has a fixed address mapping policy, whereas dynamic NUCA (DNUCA) allows blocks to relocate nearer to the processing cores at runtime. To allow this, DNUCA divides the banks into multiple banksets and a block can be placed in any bank within a particular bankset. The entire bankset may need to be searched to access a block. Optimal bankset searching mechanisms are essential for getting the benefits from DNUCA.

This article proposes a DNUCA-based TCMP architecture called TLD-NUCA. It reduces the LLC access time of TCMP and also allows a heavily loaded bank to distribute its load among the underused banks. Instead of other DNUCA designs, TLD-NUCA considers larger banksets. Such relaxations result in more uniform load distribution than existing DNUCA-based TCMP (T-DNUCA). Considering larger banksets improves the utilization factor, but T-DNUCA cannot implement it because of its expensive searching mechanism. TLD-NUCA uses a centralized directory, called TLD, to search a block from all the banks. Also, the proposed block placement policy reduces the instances when the central TLD needs to be contacted. It does not require the expensive simultaneous search as needed by T-DNUCA. Better cache utilization and a reduction in LLC access time improve the miss rate as well as the average memory access time (AMAT). Improving the miss rate and AMAT results in improvements in cycles per instructions (CPI). Experimental analysis found that TLD-NUCA improves performance by 6.5% as compared to T-DNUCA. The improvement is 13% as compared to the SNUCA-based TCMP design.
Distinguishing between Abstract Art by Artists vs. Children and Animals
Authors: Shamir Lior , Nissel Jenny , Winner Ellen
Published: May 2016

Abstract expressionism is a school of art characterized by nonrepresentational paintings where color, composition, and brush strokes are used to express emotion. These works are often misunderstood by the public who see them as requiring no skill and as images that even a child could have created. However, a recent series of studies has shown that ordinary adults untrained in art or art history, as well as young children, can differentiate paintings by abstract expressionists and superficially similar works by preschool children and even animals (monkeys, apes, elephants). Adults perform this distinction with an accuracy rate of ∼64%, significantly higher than chance. Here we ask whether machine perception can do as well. Using the same paintings, we show that in ∼68% of the cases the computer algorithm can discriminate between abstract paintings and the work of children and animals. We also applied a method that computes the correlation between the degree of artisticity deduced from human perception of the paintings and the visual content of the images, and we show significant correlation between perceived artisticity and visual content. The image content descriptor that was the strongest predictor of correct identification was the fractality of the painting. We also show that the computer algorithm predicts the perceived intentionality of the paintings by humans. These results confirm perceptible differences between works by abstract expressionists and superficially similar ones by the untrained and show that people see more than they think they see when looking at abstract expressionism.
Particle Swarm Optimization-Based Direct Inverse Control for Controlling the Power Level of the Indonesian Multipurpose Reactor
Authors: Pambudi Yoyok Dwi Setyo , Wahab Wahidin , Kusumoputro Benyamin
Published: May 2016

A neural network-direct inverse control (NN-DIC) has been simulated to automatically control the power level of nuclear reactors. This method has been tested on an Indonesian pool type multipurpose reactor, namely, Reaktor Serba Guna-GA Siwabessy (RSG-GAS). The result confirmed that this method still cannot minimize errors and shorten the learning process time. A new method is therefore needed which will improve the performance of the DIC. The objective of this study is to develop a particle swarm optimization-based direct inverse control (PSO-DIC) to overcome the weaknesses of the NN-DIC. In the proposed PSO-DIC, the PSO algorithm is integrated into the DIC technique to train the weights of the DIC controller. This integration is able to accelerate the learning process. To improve the performance of the system identification, a backpropagation (BP) algorithm is introduced into the PSO algorithm. To show the feasibility and effectiveness of this proposed PSO-DIC technique, a case study on power level control of RSG-GAS is performed. The simulation results confirm that the PSO-DIC has better performance than NN-DIC. The new developed PSO-DIC has smaller steady-state error and less overshoot and oscillation.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of C1-Symmetric 3,3′-Bi(1,1′-dinaphthyl-camphopyrazole)
Authors: Barrera Jannis , Smolenski Victoria A. , Jasinski Jerry P. , Pastrán Jesús
Published: May 2016

The compound 3,3′-bi(1,1′-dinaphthyl-camphopyrazole) 1, C42H42O4, was obtained in good yield and structurally characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and X-ray diffraction. It consists of a 3,3′-bipyrazole group with each pyrazole ring containing a fused camphor group and a naphthalene ring bonded to the adjacent nitrogen atom in the ring. Both of the trimethyl, 5-membered rings of the fused camphor group form an envelope with the apex carbon atom as the flap in each case. In the crystal, weak π–π stacking interactions are observed between nearby 6-carbon rings of the two naphthalene rings linking the molecules into extended chains. Weak π–ring intermolecular interactions are also observed between naphthalene atoms and pyrazole rings from each of the groups helping to stabilize the crystal packing. No classical hydrogen interactions are formed.
Facial Atrophy in Oral Submucous Fibrosis: An Association or a Coincidence
Authors: Shetty Sameep S. , Shetty Premalatha , Chougule Amruta Ramgonda
Published: May 2016

The anecdotal clinical presentation of OSMF that includes vesicle formation, burning sensation, intolerance to hot and spicy food, and trismus due to circumoral fibrous bands has been ringing in our ears for decades but the current paper flags novelty by portraying a rare presentation of an advanced stage of OSMF.
Alkaline Water and Longevity: A Murine Study
Authors: Magro Massimiliano , Corain Livio , Ferro Silvia , Baratella Davide , Bonaiuto Emanuela , Terzo Milo , Corraducci Vittorino , Salmaso Luigi , Vianello Fabio
Published: May 2016

The biological effect of alkaline water consumption is object of controversy. The present paper presents a 3‐year survival study on a population of 150 mice, and the data were analyzed with accelerated failure time (AFT) model. Starting from the second year of life, nonparametric survival plots suggest that mice watered with alkaline water showed a better survival than control mice. Interestingly, statistical analysis revealed that alkaline water provides higher longevity in terms of “deceleration aging factor” as it increases the survival functions when compared with control group; namely, animals belonging to the population treated with alkaline water resulted in a longer lifespan. Histological examination of mice kidneys, intestine, heart, liver, and brain revealed that no significant differences emerged among the three groups indicating that no specific pathology resulted correlated with the consumption of alkaline water. These results provide an informative and quantitative summary of survival data as a function of watering with alkaline water of long‐lived mouse models.
Fecal Colonization with Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase and AmpC-ProducingEscherichia coli
Authors: Al-Agamy Mohamed H. , El Mahdy Taghrid S. , Shibl Atef M.
Published: May 2016

Background. Extended-spectrumβ-lactamases (ESβLs) and AmpCβ-lactamases causeβ-lactam resistance inEscherichia coli. Fecal colonization by ESβL- and/or AmpC-positiveE. coliis a source of nosocomial infections.Methods. In order to investigate inpatient fecal colonization by ESβLs and AmpC, antibiotic sensitivity tests were conducted and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined using the disk diffusion method andE-test, respectively. Characterization of ESβL and AmpC was performed usingE-test strips, and a set of PCRs and DNA sequence analyses were used to characterize the ESβL and AmpC genes.Results. The whole collection ofE. coliisolates (n=50) was sensitive to imipenem, tigecycline, colistin, and fosfomycin, while 26% of the isolates showed reduced susceptibility to ceftazidime (MIC ≥ 4 μg/mL). ESβL was phenotypically identified in 26% (13/50) of cases, while AmpC activity was detected in two ESβL-producingE. coliisolates. All ESβL-producingE. coliwere positive for the CTX-M gene, eleven isolates carriedblaCTX-M-15, and two isolates carriedblaCTX-M-14gene. Two CTX-M-positiveE. coliisolates carriedblaCMY-2.Conclusions. The alimentary tract is a significant reservoir for ESβL- and/or AmpC-producingE. coli, which may lead to nosocomial infection.
A Novel Peptide Binding Prediction Approach for HLA-DR Molecule Based on Sequence and Structural Information
Authors: Li Zhao , Zhao Yilei , Pan Gaofeng , Tang Jijun , Guo Fei
Published: May 2016

MHC molecule plays a key role in immunology, and the molecule binding reaction with peptide is an important prerequisite for T cell immunity induced. MHC II molecules do not have conserved residues, so they appear as open grooves. As a consequence, this will increase the difficulty in predicting MHC II molecules binding peptides. In this paper, we aim to propose a novel prediction method for MHC II molecules binding peptides. First, we calculate sequence similarity and structural similarity between different MHC II molecules. Then, we reorder pseudosequences according to descending similarity values and use a weight calculation formula to calculate new pocket profiles. Finally, we use three scoring functions to predict binding cores and evaluate the accuracy of prediction to judge performance of each scoring function. In the experiment, we set a parameterαin the weight formula. By changingαvalue, we can observe different performances of each scoring function. We compare our method with the best function to some popular prediction methods and ultimately find that our method outperforms them in identifying binding cores of HLA-DR molecules.
Abdominal Wall Endometrioma after Laparoscopic Operation of Uterine Endometriosis
Authors: Vukšić Tihomir , Rastović Pejana , Dragišić Vedran
Published: May 2016

Endometriosis is presence of functional endometrium outside of uterine cavum. As a pluripotent tissue, endometrium has the possibility of implanting itself almost everywhere; even implantation in abdominal wall was described, but it is not common site. This case report presents implantation of functional endometrium in abdominal wall, inside scar tissue, and after insertion of a laparoscopic trocar port. Final diagnosis was confirmed by pathohistological examination.
Oxidative Stress Relevance in the Pathogenesis of the Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Quiñonez-Flores Celia María , González-Chávez Susana Aideé , Del Río Nájera Danyella , Pacheco-Tena César
Published: May 2016

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease whose pathogenic mechanisms remain to be elucidated. The oxidative stress and antioxidants play an important role in the disease process of RA. The study of oxidants and antioxidants biomarkers in RA patients could improve our understanding of disease pathogenesis; likely determining the oxidative stress levels in these patients could prove helpful in assessing disease activity and might also have prognostic implications. To date, the usefulness of oxidative stress biomarkers in RA patients is unclear and the evidence supporting them is heterogeneous. In order to resume and update the information in the status of oxidants and antioxidants and their connection as biomarkers in RA, we performed a systematic literature search in the PubMed database, including clinical trials published in the last five years using the word combination “rheumatoid arthritis oxidative stress”. In conclusion, this review supports the fact that the oxidative stress is an active process in RA pathogenesis interrelated to other better known pathogenic elements. However, some controversial results preclude a definite conclusion.
Verification of Forecast Weather Surface Variables over Vietnam Using the National Numerical Weather Prediction System
Authors: Du Duc Tien , Hole Lars Robert , Tran Anh Duc , Hoang Duc Cuong , Nguyen Ba Thuy
Published: May 2016

The national numerical weather prediction system of Vietnam is presented and evaluated. The system is based on three main models, namely, the Japanese Global Spectral Model, the US Global Forecast System, and the US Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. The global forecast products have been received at 0.25- and 0.5-degree horizontal resolution, respectively, and the WRF model has been run locally with 16 km horizontal resolution at the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting using lateral conditions from GSM and GFS. The model performance is evaluated by comparing model output against observations of precipitation, wind speed, and temperature at 168 weather stations, with daily data from 2010 to 2014. In general, the global models provide more accurate forecasts than the regional models, probably due to the low horizontal resolution in the regional model. Also, the model performance is poorer for stations with altitudes greater than 500 meters above sea level (masl). For tropical cyclone performance validations, the maximum wind surface forecast from global and regional models is also verified against the best track of Joint Typhoon Warning Center. Finally, the model forecast skill during a recent extreme rain event in northeast Vietnam is evaluated.
Large Eddy Simulation of a Swirl-Stabilized Pilot Combustor from Conventional to Flameless Mode
Authors: Fooladgar Ehsan , Chan C. K.
Published: May 2016

This paper investigates flame and flow structure of a swirl-stabilized pilot combustor in conventional, high temperature, and flameless modes by means of a partially stirred reactor combustion model to provide a better insight into designing lean premixed combustion devices with preheating system. Finite rate chemistry combustion model with one step tuned mechanism and large eddy simulation is used to numerically simulate six cases in these modes. Results show that moving towards high temperature mode by increasing the preheating level, the combustor is prone to formation of thermalNOxwith higher risks of flashback. In addition, the flame becomes shorter and thinner with higher turbulent kinetic energies. On the other hand, towards the flameless mode, leaning the preheated mixture leads to almost thermalNOx-free combustion with lower risk of flashback and thicker and longer flames. Simulations also show qualitative agreements with available experiments, indicating that the current combustion model with one step tuned mechanisms is capable of capturing main features of the turbulent flame in a wide range of mixture temperature and equivalence ratios.
Clinical Significance of Serum Interleukin-31 and Interleukin-33 Levels in Patients of Endometrial Cancer: A Case Control Study
Authors: Zeng Xi , Zhang Zhu , Gao Qian-Qian , Wang Yan-Yun , Yu Xiu-Zhang , Zhou Bin , Xi Ming-Rong
Published: May 2016

Aims. Previous evidence has proved that interleukin-31 (IL-31) and interleukin-33 (IL-33) can be potential markers in some cancers’ formulation. We aimed to determine the potential role of IL-31 and IL-33 in prognosis of endometrial cancer patients.Methods. Serum samples were collected from 160 patients with endometrial cancer and 160 healthy controls. The ELISA kits (Raybio® Systems) specific for human IL-31 and human IL-33 were used. Serum levels of tumor markers (CEA, CA-125, and CA19-9) were measured by chemiluminescence immunoassay. A two-sidePvalue < 0.05 was indicated to be significant.Results. Serum levels of IL-31 and IL-33 in patients were significantly elevated compared to those of healthy controls. The interleukin levels were also related to clinical characteristics, including tumor stages, depth of invasion, and existence of node metastases and distant metastases. The sensitivity and specificity of IL-31 and IL-33 were higher than the counterparts of tumor markers, both separately and in combination of IL-31, IL-33, and the clinical markers.Conclusions. This report is the first one mentioning the possible association between serum IL-31 and IL-33 and endometrial cancer. With their sensitivity and specificity, the interleukins may be useful biomarkers for endometrial cancer’s prognosis.
Lecithin-Bound Iodine Prevents Disruption of Tight Junctions of Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells under Hypoxic Stress
Authors: Sugimoto Masahiko , Kondo Mineo
Published: May 2016

Aim. We investigated whether lecithin-bound iodine (LBI) can protect the integrity of tight junctions of retinal pigment epithelial cells from hypoxia.Method. Cultured human retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE-19) cells were pretreated with LBI. To mimic hypoxic conditions, cells were incubated with CoCl2. We compared the integrity of the tight junctions (TJs) of control to cells with either LBI alone, CoCl2alone, or LBI + CoCl2. The levels of cytokines in the conditioned media were also determined.Results. Significant decrease in the zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) intensity in the CoCl2group compared to the control (5787.7 ± 4126.4 in CoCl2group versus 29244.6 ± 2981.2 in control; average ± standard deviation). But the decrease was not significant in the LBI + CoCl2(27189.0 ± 11231.1). The levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and Chemokine (C-C Motif) Ligand 11 (CCL-11) were significantly higher in the CoCl2than in the control (340.8 ± 43.3 versus 279.7 ± 68.3 pg/mL for MCP-1, and 15.2 ± 12.9 versus 12.5 ± 6.1 pg/mL for CCL-11. With LBI pretreatment, the levels of both cytokines were decreased to 182.6 ± 23.8 (MCP-1) and 5.46 ± 1.9 pg/mL for CCL-11). Blockade of MCP-1 or CCL-11 also shows similar result representing TJ protection from hypoxic stress.Conclusions. LBI results in a protective action from hypoxia.
Sublingual Immunotherapy: A Useful Tool for the Allergist in Private Practice
Authors: Saporta Diego
Published: May 2016

This is a review of the author’s experience with Sublingual Immunotherapy in a private office setting. Sublingual Immunotherapy should be considered by any allergy practitioner as a useful tool. Sublingual Immunotherapy is safe while at the same time it is effective. It enables the practitioner to treat asthmatics and young children without the concerns implicit with allergy injections.
Photodegradation of 2,4-Dichlorophenol in Aqueous Systems under Simulated and Natural Sunlight
Authors: Gryglik Dorota , Gmurek Marta , Foszpańczyk Magdalena , Ledakowicz Stanisław
Published: May 2016

The work presents results of studies on 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) degradation in aqueous solutions using photochemically initiated processes by simulated and natural sunlight. A number of possible substrate photodegradation routes were investigated, by both direct photolysis and photosensitized oxidation process. The major role of singlet oxygen in 2,4-DCP photodegradation was proved. Rose Bengal and derivatives of porphine and phthalocyanine were used as sensitizers. The influences of various process parameters on the reaction rate were investigated. On the basis of experimental data reaction rate constants of 2,4-DCP photosensitized oxidation were determined. The possibility of using natural sunlight to degrade 2,4-DCP in water in the middle latitudes was stated. The acute toxicity bioassay was conducted with the marine bacteriumVibrio fischerias a bioluminescent indicator. The obtained results encourage further research on this process.
The Efficacy and Immunomodulatory Effects of Ulinastatin and Thymosinα1 for Sepsis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Feng Yun , Fang Bin , Qiang Xin Hua , Yu Tie Ou , Zhong Jia Rong , Cao Jun , Zhou Li Xin
Published: May 2016

Objective. To systematically review the efficacy and potential immunomodulatory effect of ulinastatin combined with thymosinα1 (UTI) for sepsis.Design. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).Data Sources. The following databases: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central were searched to identify related clinical trials. The search terms were “ulinastatin”, “thymosin”, and “sepsis”.Results. Six RCTs, 944 septic patients in total, were included in this meta-analysis. The result shows UTI increased the 28-day survival rate of septic patients, odds ratio (OR) = 2.01, 95% CI [1.53, 2.64]. After the treatment with UTI, the APACHE II score (four studies) dropped 4.72 further, mean = −4.72, 95% CI [−6.54, −2.91] (p<0.00001). The mean time of ICU stay (four studies) in UTI group decreased 3.03 days further, mean = −3.03 [−6.99, 0.95] (p=0.14), and mechanical ventilation time (four studies) decreased 2.05 days, mean = −1.81 [−2.96, −0.66] (p=0.002). With the treatment of UTI, CD4+T cells raised 5.13%, mean = 5.13, 95% CI [2.75, 7.50] (p<0.0001); there was no significant change in CD8+T cells, mean = −0.74 [−2.93, 1.45] (p=0.51).Conclusion. According to this meta-analysis, with the treatment of UTI, the short-term survival rate of septic patients was increased and the illness severity was alleviated. ICU stay and mechanical ventilation time were effectively shortened. The beneficial effect of UTI might be due to the potential immunomodulatory effects of these two drugs.
Antiatherogenic Effect of Camellia japonica Fruit Extract in High Fat Diet‐Fed Rats
Authors: Lee Hyun-Ho , Paudel Keshav Raj , Jeong Jieun , Wi An-Jin , Park Whoa-Shig , Kim Dong-Wook , Oak Min-Ho
Published: May 2016

Hypercholesterolemia is a well‐known etiological factor for cardiovascular disease and a common symptom of most types of metabolic disorders. Camellia japonica is a traditional garden plant, and its flower and seed have been used as a base oil of traditional cosmetics in East Asia. The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of C. japonica fruit extracts (CJF) in a high fat diet‐ (HFD‐) induced hypercholesterolemic rat model. CJF was administered orally at three different doses: 100, 400, and 800 mg·kg−1·day−1 (CJF 100, 400, and 800, resp.). Our results showed that CJF possessed strong cholesterol‐lowering potency as indicated by the decrease in serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), accompanied by an increase in serum high‐density lipoprotein (HDL). Furthermore, CJF reduced serum lipid peroxidation by suppressing the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance. In addition, oil red O (ORO) staining of rat arteries showed decreased lipid‐positive staining in the CJF‐treated groups compared to the control HFD group. Taken together, these results suggest that CJF could be a potent herbal therapeutic option and source of a functional food for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis and other diseases associated with hypercholesterolemia.
HER2-Targeted Polyinosine/Polycytosine Therapy Inhibits Tumor Growth and Modulates the Tumor Immune Microenvironment
Authors: Zigler Maya , Shir Alexei , Joubran Salim , Sagalov Anna , Klein Shoshana , Edinger Nufar , Lau Jeffrey , Yu Shang-Fan , Mizraji Gabriel , Globerson Levin Anat , Sliwkowski Mark X. , Levitzki Alexander
Published: May 2016

The development of targeted therapies that affect multiple signaling pathways and stimulate antitumor immunity is greatly needed. About 20% of patients with breast cancer overexpress HER2. Small molecules and antibodies targeting HER2 convey some survival benefits; however, patients with advanced disease succumb to the disease under these treatment regimens, possibly because HER2 is not completely necessary for the survival of the targeted cancer cells. In the present study, we show that a polyinosine/polycytosine (pIC) HER2-homing chemical vector induced the demise of HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells, including trastuzumab-resistant cells. Targeting pIC to the tumor evoked a number of cell-killing mechanisms, as well as strong bystander effects. These bystander mechanisms included type I IFN induction, immune cell recruitment, and activation. The HER2-targeted pIC strongly inhibited the growth of HER2-overexpressing tumors in immunocompetent mice. The data presented here could open additional avenues in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. Cancer Immunol Res; 4(8); 688–97. ©2016 AACR.
The Rate of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Deep Brain Stimulation
Authors: Falowski Steven , Safriel Yair , Ryan Michael P. , Hargens Liesl
Published: May 2016

Background: For Parkinson's disease (PD), essential tremor (ET), and dystonia patients with deep brain stimulation (DBS) implants, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) requires additional safety considerations due to potentially hazardous interactions. Objective: A propensity-matched cohort of DBS-implanted patients was analyzed to determine the likelihood of needing MRI. Methods: Patients with new DBS full-system implants (n = 576) were identified in the Truven Health MarketScan® Commercial Claims and Medicare Supplemental Databases (2009-2012). Patients diagnosed with PD, ET, or dystonia and no DBS implant were identified (DBS-indicated patients: n = 11,216). The DBS-indicated patients were continuously enrolled for 4 years and matched for age, gender, and propensity score based on comorbid conditions to DBS-implanted patients (n = 4,878 and 543, respectively). A Kaplan-Meier survival curve of time to first MRI was extrapolated to 10 years. Results: An estimated 56-57% of DBS-indicated patients need an MRI within 5 years and 66-75% within 10 years after implantation. While 92% of DBS-implanted patients' MRI after implantation was of the head, for DBS-indicated patients, 62% of MRIs were of the body, potentially unrelated to the primary diagnosis. Conclusions: This analysis highlights the projected utilization of MRI in the DBS population for head and full-body images.
Isolation and Characterization of Rat Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor-Mobilized Peripheral Blood
Authors: Fu Qiang , Zhang Qian , Jia Lin Ying , Fang Ning , Chen Long , Yu Li Mei , Liu Jin Wei , Zhang Tao
Published: May 2016

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been isolated from many tissues and organs. However, there is much dispute as to whether MSCs exist in peripheral blood. This may be due to the limited identification methods of MSCs, especially the lack of detection markers for phenotypic characteristics. In this study, as many as 10 surface markers of MSCs derived from rat peripheral blood (rPBMSCs) were analyzed after granulocyte colony-stimulating factor mobilization. Our results suggest that mobilized rPBMSCs overexpress mesenchymal markers, including CD90, CD44, CD29, CD73 and CD105, but do not express CD45, CD11b, CD79a, CD34 or HLA-DR. This is in conformity with the standard definition of MSCs by the International Society for Cellular Therapy. In addition, the colony-forming efficiency of the mobilized rat peripheral blood was 15.83 ± 1.61/106, significantly outnumbering that of the nonmobilized group, which was 0.28 ± 0.1/106 (p < 0.01). Combining the growth characteristics with the differential capacities of mobilized rPBMSCs towards forming osteocytes, chondrocytes and adipocytes, we further confirmed the existence of rPBMSCs. Additionally, this treatment could improve locomotive function after spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. Due to their convenient collection, fewer complications, cost effectiveness and suitability for autograft, PBMSCs might be a substitute for MSCs derived from bone marrow and provide promising prospects for the cell-based therapy of SCI.
Karyotype Evolution in Harvestmen of the Suborder Cyphophthalmi (Opiliones)
Authors: Svojanovská Hana , Nguyen Petr , Hiřman Matyáš , Tuf Ivan H. , Wahab Rodzay Abdul , Haddad Charles R. , Šťáhlavský František
Published: May 2016

The morphologically uniform suborder Cyphophthalmi represents a basal group of harvestmen (Opiliones). As such, it plays an important role in the reconstruction of the karyotype evolution within this arachnid order. The cytogenetic analysis of 6 representatives of the suborder Cyphophthalmi, namely Miopsalis sp. (2n = 30; Stylocellidae), Austropurcellia arcticosa (Cantrell, 1980) (2n = 30; Pettalidae), Parapurcellia amatola de Bivort & Giribet, 2010 (2n = 32; Pettalidae), Paramiopsalis aff. ramulosus Juberthie, 1962 (2n = 28; Sironidae), Cyphophthalmus duricorius Joseph, 1868 (2n = 24; Sironidae), and Siro carpaticus Rafalski, 1956 (2n = 52; Sironidae) was performed. Fluorescence in situ hybridization with 18S rDNA probe was used to analyze the distribution of major ribosomal RNA genes in harvestmen. We confront the obtained cytogenetic data with current hypotheses on cyphophthalmid phylogeny to reconstruct their karyotype evolution. We conclude that the ancestral karyotype of harvestmen consisted of 2n = 30 elements with 1 chromosome pair bearing terminal rDNA clusters. The rDNA locus was multiplicated in the evolution of Cyphophthalmi. However, decreases as well as increases in the number of chromosomes have been detected in the karyotype evolution of Cyphophthalmi. Our data thus reveal unexpected diversity in cyphophthalmid karyotypes.
Clinical Trial Data as Public Goods: Fair Trade and the Virtual Knowledge Bank as a Solution to the Free Rider Problem - A Framework for the Promotion of Innovation by Facilitation of Clinical Trial Data Sharing among Biopharmaceutical Companies in the Era of Omics and Big Data
Authors: Evangelatos Nikolaos , Reumann Matthias , Lehrach Hans , Brand Angela
Published: May 2016

Background: Knowledge in the era of Omics and Big Data has been increasingly conceptualized as a public good. Sharing of de-identified patient data has been advocated as a means to increase confidence and public trust in the results of clinical trials. On the other hand, research has shown that the current research and development model of the biopharmaceutical industry has reached its innovation capacity. In response to that, the biopharmaceutical industry has adopted open innovation practices, with sharing of clinical trial data being among the most interesting ones. However, due to the free rider problem, clinical trial data sharing among biopharmaceutical companies could undermine their innovativeness. Method: Based on the theory of public goods, we have developed a commons arrangement and devised a model, which enables secure and fair clinical trial data sharing over a Virtual Knowledge Bank based on a web platform. Our model uses data as a virtual currency and treats knowledge as a club good. Results: Fair sharing of clinical trial data over the Virtual Knowledge Bank has positive effects on the innovation capacity of the biopharmaceutical industry without compromising the intellectual rights, proprietary interests and competitiveness of the latter. Conclusion: The Virtual Knowledge Bank is a sustainable and self-expanding model for secure and fair clinical trial data sharing that allows for sharing of clinical trial data, while at the same time it increases the innovation capacity of the biopharmaceutical industry.