bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solving the Search for Source Code
Authors: Stolee Kathryn T. , Elbaum Sebastian , Dobos Daniel
Published: May 2014

Programmers frequently search for source code to reuse using keyword searches. The search effectiveness in facilitating reuse, however, depends on the programmer's ability to specify a query that captures how the desired code may have been implemented. Further, the results often include many irrelevant matches that must be filtered manually. More semantic search approaches could address these limitations, yet existing approaches are either not flexible enough to find approximate matches or require the programmer to define complex specifications as queries.

We propose a novel approach to semantic code search that addresses several of these limitations and is designed for queries that can be described using a concrete input/output example. In this approach, programmers write lightweight specifications as inputs and expected output examples. Unlike existing approaches to semantic search, we use an SMT solver to identify programs or program fragments in a repository, which have been automatically transformed into constraints using symbolic analysis, that match the programmer-provided specification.

We instantiated and evaluated this approach in subsets of three languages, the Java String library, Yahoo! Pipes mashup language, and SQL select statements, exploring its generality, utility, and trade-offs. The results indicate that this approach is effective at finding relevant code, can be used on its own or to filter results from keyword searches to increase search precision, and is adaptable to find
approximate
matches and then guide modifications to match the user specifications when
exact
matches do not already exist. These gains in precision and flexibility come at the cost of performance, for which underlying factors and mitigation strategies are identified.
Computing All Maps into a Sphere
Authors: Čadek Martin , Krčál Marek , Matoušek Jiří , Sergeraert Francis , Vokřínek Lukáš , Wagner Uli
Published: May 2014

Given topological spaces
X
,
Y
, a fundamental problem of algebraic topology is understanding the structure of all continuous maps
X
→
Y
. We consider a computational version, where
X
,
Y
are given as finite simplicial complexes, and the goal is to compute [
X
,
Y
], that is, all homotopy classes of such maps. We solve this problem in the
stable range
, where for some
d
≥ 2, we have dim
X
≤ 2
d
−2 and
Y
is (
d
-1)-
connected
; in particular,
Y
can be the
d
-dimensional sphere
S

d

. The algorithm combines classical tools and ideas from homotopy theory (obstruction theory, Postnikov systems, and simplicial sets) with algorithmic tools from effective algebraic topology (locally effective simplicial sets and objects with effective homology). In contrast, [
X
,
Y
] is known to be uncomputable for general
X
,
Y
, since for
X
=
S
1
it includes a well known undecidable problem: testing triviality of the fundamental group of
Y
.

In follow-up papers, the algorithm is shown to run in polynomial time for
d
fixed, and extended to other problems, such as the
extension problem
, where we are given a subspace
A
⊂
X
and a map
A
→
Y
and ask whether it extends to a map
X
→
Y
, or computing the ℤ
2
-
index
—everything in the stable range. Outside the stable range, the extension problem is undecidable.
Time for a change
Authors: Savage Neil
Published: May 2014

4D printing combines the dimension of time with the hope of building objects with new capabilities.
Design Options for Optical Ring Interconnect in Future Client Devices
Authors: Grani Paolo , Bartolini Sandro
Published: May 2014

Nanophotonic is a promising solution for on-chip interconnection due to its intrinsic low-latency and low-power features. Future tiled chip multiprocessors (CMPs) for rich
client
devices can receive energy benefits from this technology but we show that great care has to be put in the integration of the various involved facets to avoid queuing and serialization issues and obtain the rated potential advantages.

We evaluate different management strategies for accessing a simple, shared photonic path (ring), working in conjunctions with a standard electronic mesh or alone, in a tiled CMP. Our results highlight that a careful selection of the most latency-critical messages to be routed in photonics and the use of a conflict-free access scheme is crucial for obtaining performance/power advantages when the available bandwidth is limited.

We identify the design point where all the traffic can be routed on the photonic path and thus the electronic network can be suppressed. At this point, the ring achieves 20--25% speedup and 84% energy consumption improvement over the electronic baseline.

Then we investigate the same trade-offs when the number of rings is increased up to eight, allowing to raise performance benefits up to 40% or reaching up to 80% energy reduction. We finally explore the effects of deploying a given optical parallelism split between a higher number of waveguides for further improving energy savings.
The power of social media analytics
Authors: Fan Weiguo , Gordon Michael D.
Published: May 2014

How to use, and influence, consumer social communications to improve business performance, reputation, and profit.
Design exploration through code-generating DSLs
Authors: Svensson Bo Joel , Sheeran Mary , Newton Ryan R.
Published: May 2014

High-level DSLs for low-level programming.
Pricing a bestseller
Authors: Ifrach Bar , Johari Rameh
Published: May 2014

The growth of mobile applications on smartphones and tablets ("apps") ranks as one of the most astonishing technological developments in recent past. Over 700,000 apps are available for immediate download from app markets (e.g., App Store and Google Play). These marketplaces are a significant disruptive change in the way content is created and consumed. On the supply side, they provide content creators direct, instantaneous, and popular distribution systems where they can implement their own marketing and pricing policies, cutting out middlemen.

Taking a combined data-driven and structural analysis approach, this paper focuses on the relationship between pricing decisions and marketplace visibility. Our aim is to empower content creators by offering strategic guidance on how to leverage the marketplaces' exibility. Specifically, the market platforms feature "top-ranked" charts that list apps by number of downloads. A high position in these charts is followed by a remarkable boost in demand, according to industry sources. We call the effect of top-rank position on future sales an indirect effect. First, we postulate a reduced form model to estimate the magnitude of this indirect effect. Our results show that it is statistically significant and substantial. Second, we study app pricing decisions in a model that incorporates our earlier findings. Surprisingly, we find that accounting for the indirect effect may give rise to optimal price cycles, where the seller alternates between a high price to boost revenue and a low one to enhance visibility. We find evidence supporting this pricing behavior in practice.
Attack tolerant architecture for big data file systems
Authors: Madan Bharat B. , Banik Manoj
Published: May 2014

Data driven decisions derived from big data have become critical in many application domains, fueling the demand for collection, transportation, storage and processing of massive volumes of data. Such applications have made data a valuable resource that needs to be provided appropriate security. High value associated with big data sets has rendered big data storage systems attractive targets for cyber attackers, whose goal is to compromise the Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability of data and information. Common defense strategy for protecting cyber assets has been to first take preventive measures, and if these fail, detecting intrusions and finally recovery. Unfortunately, attackers have developed tremendous technical sophistication to defeat most defensive mechanisms. Alternative strategy is to design architectures which are intrinsically attack tolerant. This paper describes a technique that involves eliminating single point of security failures through fragmentation, coding, dispersion and reassembly. It is shown that this technique can be successfully applied to routing, networked storage systems, and big data file systems to make them attack tolerant.
Modeling and analytics for cyber-physical systems in the age of big data
Authors: Sharma Abhishek B. , Ivančić Franjo , Niculescu-Mizil Alexandru , Chen Haifeng , Jiang Guofei
Published: May 2014

In this position paper we argue that the availability of "big" monitoring data on Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) is challenging the traditional CPS modeling approaches by violating their fundamental assumptions. However, big data alsobrings unique opportunities in its wake by enabling new modeling and analytics approaches as well as facilitating novel applications. We highlight a few key challenges andopportunities, and outline research directions for addressing them. To provide a proper context, we also summarize CPS modeling approaches, and discuss how modeling and analytics for CPS differs from general purpose IT systems.
Conditioned Media from Human Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Efficiently Induced the Apoptosis and Differentiation in Human Glioma Cell Lines In Vitro
Authors: Yang Chao , Lei Deqiang , Ouyang Weixiang , Ren Jinghua , Li Huiyu , Hu Jingqiong , Huang Shiang
Published: May 2014

Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have an intrinsic property for homing towards tumor sites and can be used as tumor-tropic vectors for tumor therapy. But very limited studies investigated the antitumor properties of MSCs themselves. In this study we investigated the antiglioma properties of two easily accessible MSCs, namely, human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) and umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs). We found (1) MSC conditioned media can significantly inhibit the growth of human U251 glioma cell line; (2) MSC conditioned media can significantly induce apoptosis in human U251 cell line; (3) real-time PCR experiments showed significant upregulation of apoptotic genes of both caspase-3 and caspase-9 and significant downregulation of antiapoptotic genes such as survivin and XIAP after MSC conditioned media induction in U 251 cells; (4) furthermore, MSCs conditioned media culture induced rapid and complete differentiation in U251 cells. These results indicate MSCs can efficiently induce both apoptosis and differentiation in U251 human glioma cell line. Whereas UC-MSCs are more efficient for apoptosis induction than ASCs, their capability of differentiation induction is not distinguishable from each other. Our findings suggest MSCs themselves have favorable antitumor characteristics and should be further explored in future glioma therapy.
Commercial Bovine Proteoglycan Is Highly Arthritogenic and Can Be Used as an Alternative Antigen Source for PGIA Model
Authors: Ishikawa Larissa Lumi Watanabe , Colavite Priscila Maria , da Rosa Larissa Camargo , Balbino Bianca , França Thais Graziela Donegá , Zorzella-Pezavento Sofia Fernanda Gonçalves , Chiuso-Minicucci Fernanda , Sartori Alexandrina
Published: May 2014

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common systemic autoimmune disease. It affects mainly the joints, causing synovitis, cartilage destruction, and bone erosion. Many experimental models are used to study the mechanisms involved in immunopathogenesis and new therapies for this disease. Proteoglycan-induced arthritis (PGIA) is a widely used model based on the cross-reactivity of injected foreign (usually human) PG and mice self-PG. Considering the complexity of the extraction and purification of human PG, in this study we evaluated the arthritogenicity of bovine PG that is commercially available. Bovine PG was highly arthritogenic, triggering 100% incidence of arthritis in female BALB/c retired breeder mice. Animals immunized with bovine PG presented clinical symptoms and histopathological features similar to human RA and other experimental models. Moreover, bovine PG immunization determined higher levels of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in arthritic mice compared to healthy ones. As expected, only the arthritic group produced IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies against PG. Thus, commercial bovine PG can be used as an alternative antigenic source to PGIA for the study of many RA aspects, including the immunopathogenesis of the disease and also the development of new therapies.
Numerical Survey of Contaminant Transport and Self-Cleansing of Water in Nador Lagoon, Morocco
Authors: Chaabelasri E. M. , Amahmouj A. , Jeyar M. , Borthwick A. G. L. , Salhi N. , Elmahi I.
Published: May 2014

Numerical simulations are presented of the flow hydrodynamics and hypothetical contaminant dispersion patterns in Nador Lagoon, a shallow lagoon with a barrier island situated on the coast of Morocco. It is found that the natural circulation forced by the tidal flow in the lagoon is greatly affected by the development of an artificial inlet in the barrier island. The case study demonstrates the potential use of modern computational hydraulics as a tool integrated in the decision support system designed to manage a lagoon ecosystem.
(E) and (Z)-1,4-Diphenyl-2-(2-phenyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-1-yl)but-2-ene-1,4-dione
Authors: Ahmed Sarfaraz , Mir Niyaz A. , Shah Tariq A. , Raza Waseem , Muneer M. , Rath Nigam P.
Published: May 2014

The title compound C29H20N2O2 adopts E and Z geometry about olefinic C14–C22 bond, where the benzoyl group at C22 and benzimidazole group at C14 lie on the opposite sides and on the same side across the olefinic bond, respectively. In E configuration the phenyl groups of both benzoyl moieties are almost perpendicular to benzimidazole ring while the phenyl of benzimidazole at C7 is oriented at an angle of 30.76 (5)° to the mean plane of the benzimidazole ring. On the other hand in Z configuration the phenyl group at C7 of benzimidazole ring is oriented at an angle of 38.44 (7)° to the mean plane of the benzimidazole ring while the phenyl rings of benzoyl moieties at C15 and C23 lie at an angle of 16.07 (9)° and 40.29 (6)°, respectively, to the mean plane of the benzimidazole ring. The observed bond distances and bond angles fall within the normal accepted range of values.
CD44 Gene Polymorphisms on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Susceptibility and Clinicopathologic Features
Authors: Chou Ying-Erh , Hsieh Ming-Ju , Chiou Hui-Ling , Lee Hsiang-Lin , Yang Shun-Fa , Chen Tzy-Yen
Published: May 2014

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in Taiwan. CD44, one of the well-known tumor markers, plays an essential role in tumor cell differentiation, invasion, and metastasis. We investigated the CD44 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with environmental risk factors related to HCC susceptibility and clinicopathological characteristics. Six SNPs of CD44 were analyzed using a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 203 patients with HCC and in 561 cancer-free controls. We determined that the individuals carrying at least one G allele at CD44 rs187115 has higher risk of developing HCC than did wild-type (AA) carriers. We further observed that the CD44 rs187115 polymorphisms with at least one G allele had a higher frequency of distribution in nonsmoking stage III/IV HCC patients, compared with wild-type carriers. Our results suggested that patients with CD44 rs187115 variant genotypes (AG+GG) were associated with a higher risk of HCC development and that these patients might possess chemoresistance, causing more likely progression to late-stage HCC than wild-type carriers without the overexpression of CD44 induced by heavy smoking. CD44 rs187115 might be involved in CD44 isoform expression of p53 stress response in HCC and provide a marker for predicting worst-case prognosis of HCC.
MultiRankSeq: Multiperspective Approach for RNAseq Differential Expression Analysis and Quality Control
Authors: Guo Yan , Zhao Shilin , Ye Fei , Sheng Quanhu , Shyr Yu
Published: May 2014

Background. After a decade of microarray technology dominating the field of high-throughput gene expression profiling, the introduction of RNAseq has revolutionized gene expression research. While RNAseq provides more abundant information than microarray, its analysis has proved considerably more complicated. To date, no consensus has been reached on the best approach for RNAseq-based differential expression analysis. Not surprisingly, different studies have drawn different conclusions as to the best approach to identify differentially expressed genes based upon their own criteria and scenarios considered. Furthermore, the lack of effective quality control may lead to misleading results interpretation and erroneous conclusions. To solve these aforementioned problems, we propose a simple yet safe and practical rank-sum approach for RNAseq-based differential gene expression analysis named MultiRankSeq. MultiRankSeq first performs quality control assessment. For data meeting the quality control criteria, MultiRankSeq compares the study groups using several of the most commonly applied analytical methods and combines their results to generate a new rank-sum interpretation. MultiRankSeq provides a unique analysis approach to RNAseq differential expression analysis. MultiRankSeq is written in R, and it is easily applicable. Detailed graphical and tabular analysis reports can be generated with a single command line.
HLA-G Expression Is an Independent Predictor for Improved Survival in High Grade Ovarian Carcinomas
Authors: Rutten M. J. , Dijk F. , Savci-Heijink C. D. , Buist M. R. , Kenter G. G. , Vijver M. J. van de , Jordanova E. S.
Published: May 2014

Aberrant expression of human leukocyte antigens (HLA) class I has prognostic importance in various cancers. Here, we evaluated the prognostic value of classical (A/B/C) and nonclassical (G/E) HLA expression in 169 high grade epithelial ovarian cancer samples and linked that to clinicopathological characteristics and survival. Expression of HLA-A, -B/C, or -E was not correlated with survival. Survival was prolonged when tumours expressed HLA-G(P=0.008)and HLA-G was an independent predictor for better survival(P=0.011). In addition, HLA-G expression was associated with longer progression-free survival(P=0.036)and response to chemotherapy(P=0.014). Accordingly, high expression of HLA-G mRNA was associated with prolonged disease-free survival(P=0.037)in 65 corresponding samples. Elevated serum-soluble HLA-G levels as measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 50 matched patients were not correlated to HLA-G protein expression or gene expression nor with survival. During treatment, sHLA-G levels declined(P=0.038). In conclusion, expression of HLA-G is an independent prognostic factor for improved survival in high grade epithelial ovarian cancer and a predictor for platinum sensitivity.
The Semidirect Sum of Lie Algebras and Its Applications to C-KdV Hierarchy
Authors: Dong Xia , Xia Tiecheng , Li Desheng
Published: May 2014

By use of the loop algebraG-~, integrable coupling of C-KdV hierarchy and its bi-Hamiltonian structures are obtained by Tu scheme and the quadratic-form identity. The method can be used to produce the integrable coupling and its Hamiltonian structures to the other integrable systems.
Workspace Classification and Quantification Calculations of Cable-Driven Parallel Robots
Authors: Duan Q. J. , Duan Xuechao
Published: May 2014

Large workspace is one of the promising advantages possessed by the cable-driven parallel robots (CDPR) over the conventional rigid-link robots. This paper focuses on the dynamic analysis and workspace classification based on the general motion equation of cable robot and the unilateral property of cables. The combinations of different types of two conditions lead to several different types of workspace, including static equilibrium workspace, wrench closure workspace, wrench feasible workspace, dynamic workspace, and collision-free workspace. A qualitative comparison of different types of workspaces is performed. The simulation results verify the relationship between the several types of workspaces.
Uniform versus Nonuniform Axial Power Distribution in Rod Bundle CHF Experiments
Authors: Yang Baowen , Shan Jianqiang , Gou Junli , Zhang Hui , Liu Aiguo , Mao Hu
Published: May 2014

Rod bundle experiments with axially uniform and nonuniform heat fluxes are examined to explore the potential limitations of using uniform rod bundle CHF data for CHF correlation development of light water reactors with nonuniform axial power distribution (APD). The case of upstream burnout is presented as an example of unique phenomena associated with nonuniform rod bundle CHF experiments. It is a result from combined effect of axial nonuniform power shape and different interchannel mixing mechanisms. In addition, several key parameters are investigated with respect to their potential impacts on the thermal-hydraulic behaviors between rod bundles with uniform and nonuniform APDs. This type of misrepresentation cannot be amended or compensated through the use of correction factors due to the lack of critical information in the uniform rod bundle CHF testing as well as the fundamental difference in the underlining driving mechanisms. Other potential issues involved with the use of uniform rod bundle CHF data for nonuniform APD system applications also present strong evidence concerning the limitations and inadequacy of using uniform rod bundle CHF data for the correlation, prediction, and design limit calculation for safety analysis.
Conference Room Reverberation Time Correction Using Helmholtz Resonators Lined with Absorbers
Authors: Namvar Arefi Hossein , Ghiasi Seyyed Mohammad Amin , Ghaffari Seyyede Mahshid , Ramezanghorbani Farhad , Sharifpour Shiva , Irajizad Peyman , Ghoreishi Langroudi Seyede Delaram , Amjadi Ahmad
Published: May 2014

Echo and sound resonance in a conference room cause obscure speech and make listeners tired. Thus, the acoustical properties of a conference room are vitally important. The conference room 412 at Sharif University Physics Department failed to meet basic acoustical standards. The aim of this research is to improve reverberation time (RT) of the conference room using Helmholtz resonators with defined dimensions, diffusers, and sound absorbers. Helmholtz resonators are widely used to absorb sound noise especially at low frequencies. They are particularly useful when noise has a narrow-frequency band. One of the advantages of using Helmholtz resonators is their capacity to be tuned on different frequencies. We enhanced acoustical properties of Helmholtz resonators using proper absorbers and diffusers. In order to decrease the RT, a large number of Helmholtz resonators have been made and installed in proper positions in the conference room. The RT was measured before and after installation. The measurements indicate that the acoustical characteristics of the conference room have been significantly improved.
RNA-Seq Identifies Key Reproductive Gene Expression Alterations in Response to Cadmium Exposure
Authors: Hu Hanyang , Lu Xing , Cen Xiang , Chen Xiaohua , Li Feng , Zhong Shan
Published: May 2014

Cadmium is a common toxicant that is detrimental to many tissues. Although a number of transcriptional signatures have been revealed in different tissues after cadmium treatment, the genes involved in the cadmium caused male reproductive toxicity, and the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. Here we observed that the mice treated with different amount of cadmium in their rodent chow for six months exhibited reduced serum testosterone. We then performed RNA-seq to comprehensively investigate the mice testicular transcriptome to further elucidate the mechanism. Our results showed that hundreds of genes expression altered significantly in response to cadmium treatment. In particular, we found several transcriptional signatures closely related to the biological processes of regulation of hormone, gamete generation, and sexual reproduction, respectively. The expression of several testosterone synthetic key enzyme genes, such as Star, Cyp11a1, and Cyp17a1, were inhibited by the cadmium exposure. For better understanding of the cadmium-mediated transcriptional regulatory mechanism of the genes, we computationally analyzed the transcription factors binding sites and the mircoRNAs targets of the differentially expressed genes. Our findings suggest that the reproductive toxicity by cadmium exposure is implicated in multiple layers of deregulation of several biological processes and transcriptional regulation in mice.
Implementation of 2D Discrete Wavelet Transform by Number Theoretic Transform and 2D Overlap‐Save Method
Authors: Yang Lina , Tang Yuan Yan , Sun Qi
Published: May 2014

To reduce the computation complexity of wavelet transform, this paper presents a novel approach to be implemented. It consists of two key techniques: (1) fast number theoretic transform(FNTT) In the FNTT, linear convolution is replaced by the circular one. It can speed up the computation of 2D discrete wavelet transform. (2) In two‐dimensional overlap‐save method directly calculating the FNTT to the whole input sequence may meet two difficulties; namely, a big modulo obstructs the effective implementation of the FNTT and a long input sequence slows the computation of the FNTT down. To fight with such deficiencies, a new technique which is referred to as 2D overlap‐save method is developed. Experiments have been conducted. The fast number theoretic transform and 2D overlap‐method have been used to implement the dyadic wavelet transform and applied to contour extraction in pattern recognition.
Resin Composites Reinforced by Nanoscaled Fibers or Tubes for Dental Regeneration
Authors: Li Xiaoming , Liu Wei , Sun Lianwen , Aifantis Katerina E. , Yu Bo , Fan Yubo , Feng Qingling , Cui Fuzhai , Watari Fumio
Published: May 2014

It has been stated clearly that nanofillers could make an enhancement on the mechanical performances of dental composites. In order to address current shortage of traditional dental composites, fillers in forms of nanofibers or nanotubes are broadly regarded as ideal candidates to greatly increase mechanical performances of dental composites with low content of fillers. In this review, the efforts using nanofibers and nanotubes to reinforce mechanical performances of dental composites, including polymeric nanofibers, metallic nanofibers or nanotubes, and inorganic nanofibers or nanotubes, as well as their researches related, are demonstrated in sequence. The first purpose of current paper was to confirm the enhancement of nanofibers or nanotubes’ reinforcement on the mechanical performances of dental restorative composite. The second purpose was to make a general description about the reinforcement mechanism of nanofibers and nanotubes, especially, the impact of formation of interphase boundary interaction and nanofibers themselves on the advanced mechanical behaviors of the dental composites. By means of the formation of interface interaction and poststretching nanofibers, reinforced effect of dental composites by sorts of nanofibers/nanotubes has been successfully obtained.
Higher‐Order Sliding Mode Observer for Speed and Position Estimation in PMSM
Authors: Kommuri Suneel K. , Veluvolu Kalyana C. , Defoort M. , Soh Yeng C.
Published: May 2014

This paper presents a speed and position estimation method for the permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) based on higher‐order sliding mode (HOSM) observer. The back electromotive forces (EMFs) in the PMSM are treated as unknown inputs and are estimated with the HOSM observer without the need of low‐pass filter and phase compensation modules. With the estimation of back EMFs, an accurate estimation of speed and rotor position can be obtained. Further, the proposed method completely eliminates chattering. Experimental results with a 26 W three‐phase PMSM demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Dynamic Pricing Based on Strategic Consumers and Substitutes in a Duopoly Setting
Authors: Bi Gongbing , Li Lechi , Yang Feng , Liang Liang
Published: May 2014

Based on the rational strategic consumers, we construct a dynamic game to build a two-period dynamic pricing model for two brands of substitutes which are sold by duopoly. The solution concept of the dynamic game is Nash equilibrium. In our model, consumers have been clearly segmented into several consumption classes, according to their expected value of the products. The two competing firms enter a pricing game and finally reach the state of Nash equilibrium. In addition, decision-making process with only myopic consumers existing in the market is analyzed. To make the paper more practical and realistic, the condition, in which the myopic and strategic consumers both exist in the market, is also considered and studied. In order to help the readers understand better and make it intuitively more clearly, a numerical example is given to describe the influence of the main parameters to the optimal prices. The result indicates that, to maintain the firms’ respective optimal profits, the prices of the products should be adjusted appropriately with the changes of product differentiation coefficient.
Considering Angle Selection When Using Ultrasound Electrode Displacement Elastography to Evaluate Radiofrequency Ablation of Tissues
Authors: Xia Jingjing , Li Qiang , Chen Pin-Yu , Zhou Zhuhuang , Wang Chiao-Yin , Liu Hao-Li , Teng Jianfu , Tsui Po-Hsiang
Published: May 2014

Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive treatment to thermally destroy tumors. Ultrasound-based electrode-displacement elastography is an emerging technique for evaluating the region of RFA-induced lesions. The angle between the imaging probe and the RFA electrode can influence electrode-displacement elastography when visualizing the ablation zone. We explored the angle effect on electrode-displacement elastography to measure the ablation zone. Phantoms embedded with meatballs were fabricated and then ablated using an RFA system to simulate RFA-induced lesions. For each phantom, a commercial ultrasound scanner with a 7.5 MHz linear probe was used to acquire raw image data at different angles, ranging from 30° to 90° at increments of 10°, to construct electrode-displacement images and facilitate comparisons with tissue section images. The results revealed that the ablation regions detected using electrode-displacement elastography were highly correlated with those from tissue section images when the angle was between 30° and 60°. However, the boundaries of lesions were difficult to distinguish, when the angle was larger than 60°. The experimental findings suggest that angle selection should be considered to achieve reliable electrode-displacement elastography to describe ablation zones.
Cognitive Spare Capacity and Speech Communication: A Narrative Overview
Authors: Rudner Mary , Lunner Thomas
Published: May 2014

Background noise can make speech communication tiring and cognitively taxing, especially for individuals with hearing impairment. It is now well established that better working memory capacity is associated with better ability to understand speech under adverse conditions as well as better ability to benefit from the advanced signal processing in modern hearing aids. Recent work has shown that although such processing cannot overcome hearing handicap, it can increase cognitive spare capacity, that is, the ability to engage in higher level processing of speech. This paper surveys recent work on cognitive spare capacity and suggests new avenues of investigation.
New Sensiava species (Copepoda: Calanoida: Diaixidae) from the deep South Atlantic and first description of the female
Authors: MARKHASEVA ELENA L.
Published: May 2014

Females are described for the first time in the genus Sensiava Markhaseva & Schulz, 2006, that was known previously only from males. Four species of this genus are identified from samples collected in the vicinity of the abyssal sea bed. Two species, Sensiava secunda sp. nov. and S. peculiaris sp. nov. are named, and two species are not given names due to a poor condition of the examined specimens and their incomplete descriptions. Sensiava males have also been found in the samples. They share with their male congener Sensiava longiseta Markhaseva & Schulz, 2006 a geniculate right antennule, which is a plesiomorphy observed only in the benthopelagic Clausocalanoidea Giesbrecht, 1893. A differential diagnosis for the genus is given, based on both sexes. Sensiava was previously known only from the Antarctic waters between 63–64ºS, but its distributional range now can be extended significantly further to the north, up to the Equator in the South Atlantic.
Revision of Trichiscus Benoît, 1956 (Hymenoptera, Bethylidae)
Authors: AZEVEDO CELSO O.
Published: May 2014

The species of the Afrotropical genus Trichiscus are revised. Fourteen species are recognized, two previously described species, T. wittei Benoît and T. suzannae Benoît, and twelve new: T. noorti sp. nov., T. denisi sp. nov., T. briani sp. nov., T. copelandi sp. nov., T. mourei sp. nov., T. lynnae sp. nov., T. normani sp. nov., T. luboi sp. nov., T. zuparkoi sp. nov., T. ohli sp. nov., T. camargoi sp. nov. and T. jimi sp. nov.. A key to species is proposed.
A new species of the sandperch genus Parapercis from the western Indian Ocean (Perciformes: Pinguipedidae)
Authors: HO HSUAN-CHING , HEEMSTRA PHILLIP C. , IMAMURA HISASHI
Published: May 2014

Parapercis albiventer sp. nov., a new species of sandperch is described based on 12 specimens collected from the western Indian Ocean. It can be distinguished from congeners by having a bright white ventral surface, without color markings on lower fourth of body; dorsal surface of head and body densely covered by small brown spots; a row of 10 faint reddish blotches on a paler background, along body axis; row of 10 deep reddish blotches, the lower part of each blotch with a solid black bar ventrally, below mid-lateral body axis; and combination of following characters: no palatine teeth; snout long; eye small; interorbital space broad; dorsal-fin rays V, 21; anal-fin rays I, 17; pectoral-fin rays 16–17; pored lateral-line scales 55–59; predorsal scales 9 or 10; scales on transverse row 6/17–21; 3 pairs of canine teeth at front of lower jaw; and vertebrae 10 + 20 = 30.
Two new species of Ochthebius Leach (Coleoptera: Hydraenidae) from Turkey
Authors: ERTORUN NESİL , JÄCH MANFRED A.
Published: May 2014

Two new species of Ochthebius Leach (Coleoptera: Hydraenidae) are described from Turkey: O. (s.str.) halophilus (Kırıkkale Province) and O. (Asiobates) arator (Kütahya and Uşak Provinces). The former is the first member of the Ochthebius (s.str.) notabilis species group from Turkey, and the latter belongs to the O. (Asiobates) bicolon group. Both of the new species are characterized by a remarkable aedeagus and are very probably endemic to Turkey.
Simulation of Summer Diurnal Circulations over the Northwest United States
Authors: Brewer Matthew C. , Mass Clifford F.
Published: May 2014

During the summer, strong surface heating combines with the terrain and land–water contrasts of the northwest United States to create a complex array of diurnal circulations. Though observational and modeling studies have described some of these circulations, advances in high-resolution numerical modeling allow for a more comprehensive and three-dimensional examination. To simulate typical summer conditions over the Pacific Northwest, 3-hourly Global Forecast System (GFS) model output for July and August 2009–11 was used to initialize and provide boundary conditions for a high-resolution Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model run. To ensure the realism of the simulation, it was compared to observations from a collection of days representing typical summer conditions. Generally, it was found that the simulated diurnal wind, relative humidity, and temperature were close to the observations. It is shown that regional diurnal circulations over the Pacific Northwest occur on a number of interacting scales, ranging from upslope/downslope winds on local terrain features to larger-scale circulations such as between the Pacific Ocean and the western Oregon and Washington interiors. Such multiscale diurnal circulations occur concurrently, with the interactions producing complex structures, several of which are described in this paper. Wind speeds in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and downstream of the major Cascade Mountain gaps reach maxima between 2100 and 2400 local daylight time (LDT), while most other areas have peak winds earlier in the day. Localized nocturnal low-level wind maxima are described, including one over the northern Willamette Valley and another over the high plateau of eastern Oregon.
Simulation and gaming to promote health education: Results of a usability test
Authors: Albu Mihai , Atack Lynda , Srivastava Ishaan
Published: May 2014

Objective:

Motivating clients to change the health behaviour, and maintaining an interest in exercise programmes, is an ongoing challenge for health educators. With new developments in technology, simulation and gaming are increasingly being considered as ways to motivate users, support learning and promote positive health behaviours. The purpose of the present study was to develop an exercise simulation called BringItOn, which is targeted towards individuals who need to increase their physical activity for health, recovery or rehabilitation. BringItOn is a video-based simulation in which individuals use a Kinect system to capture their movements as they exercise.

Design:

A usability study was conducted to examine software ease of use and perceived usefulness. An expert heuristic evaluation was completed by a software engineer, and user testing was conducted using the think-aloud method, observation, survey and interviews.

Results:

The majority of participants were very enthusiastic about the exercise simulation’s potential to encourage exercise and activity. Three major benefits of the simulation were identified: (1) it promotes proper exercise technique; (2) individualised feedback similar to that received from a personal trainer was viewed as very motivating; (3) the software was ‘game like’, and made exercising fun.

Conclusion:

The simulation system has considerable potential as a component in an integrated rehabilitation programme for patients or as a health promotion activity for individuals. The results shed light on key components that health educators should look for in simulations if they hope to maximise user motivation and encourage a positive changes in health behaviour.
Logistic regression for dichotomized counts
Authors: Preisser John S , Das Kalyan , Benecha Habtamu , Stamm John W
Published: May 2014

Sometimes there is interest in a dichotomized outcome indicating whether a count variable is positive or zero. Under this scenario, the application of ordinary logistic regression may result in efficiency loss, which is quantifiable under an assumed model for the counts. In such situations, a shared-parameter hurdle model is investigated for more efficient estimation of regression parameters relating to overall effects of covariates on the dichotomous outcome, while handling count data with many zeroes. One model part provides a logistic regression containing marginal log odds ratio effects of primary interest, while an ancillary model part describes the mean count of a Poisson or negative binomial process in terms of nuisance regression parameters. Asymptotic efficiency of the logistic model parameter estimators of the two-part models is evaluated with respect to ordinary logistic regression. Simulations are used to assess the properties of the models with respect to power and Type I error, the latter investigated under both misspecified and correctly specified models. The methods are applied to data from a randomized clinical trial of three toothpaste formulations to prevent incident dental caries in a large population of Scottish schoolchildren.
A Balancing Act
Authors: McAndrew Natalie S. , Leske Jane S.
Published: May 2014

The purpose of this qualitative, descriptive study was to describe end-of-life decision-making experiences as understood by critical care nurses and physicians in intensive care units (ICUs). A purposive sample of seven nurses and four physicians from a large teaching hospital were interviewed. Grounded theory analysis revealed the core category of “end-of-life decision making as a balancing act.” Three interacting subthemes were identified: emotional responsiveness, professional roles and responsibilities, and intentional communication and collaboration. Balancing factors included a team approach, shared goals, understanding the perspectives of those involved, and knowing your own beliefs. In contrast, feeling powerless, difficult family dynamics, and recognition of suffering caused an imbalance. When balance was achieved during end-of-life decision making, nurses and physicians described positive end-of-life experiences. The consequence of an imbalance during an end-of-life decision-making experience was moral distress. Practice recommendations include development of support interventions for nurses and physicians involved in end-of-life decision making and further research to test interventions aimed at improving communication and collaboration.
Patients’ Experiences of Sexual Activity Following Myocardial Ischemia
Authors: López-Medina Isabel M. , Gil-García Eugenia , Sánchez-Criado Vicente , Pancorbo-Hidalgo Pedro L.
Published: May 2014

The purpose of this article is to describe patients’ experiences of sexual activity after suffering myocardial ischemia. We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with people who had suffered myocardial ischemia in the last 6 to 24 months before the interview. We used maximum variation sampling method. After reaching theoretical saturation, a 19-informants sample was formed. Data were analyzed using the Giorgi method. Four themes were identified: “sexual activity becomes different,” “determinants of the return to sexual activity,” “how sexual activity ought to be,” and “sexual information received.” Patients showed a decrease both in frequency and desire for sexual activity influenced by fear of sexual activity and health care professionals’ recommendations. These recommendations were about “avoiding sexuality at the beginning” and conducting “sexual activity without overdoing it.” Health care professionals should educate patients about the right time to resume sexual activity. Nurses can help patients to deal with fears related to sexual activity.
Homonormative dynamics and the subversion of culture
Authors: Croce Mariano
Published: May 2014

Queer critics talk more and more about a normalization process whereby early lesbian and gay struggles against traditional values and institutions are being replaced by the pursuit of inclusion within mainstream society. The ‘assimilation’ of same-sex practices, critics contend, lowers the critical potential of homosexuals’ claims and marginalizes other less acceptable forms of sexualities. The present article contributes to this literature by tracing the roots and dynamics of normalization. It makes the claim that heteronormative categories infiltrated homosexual culture well before the spread of neoconservative gay movements and produced inner distinctions intended to exclude those who did not fit intergroup classifications. It then maintains that this analysis casts some interesting light on the current quest for gay rights, and in particular for same-sex marriage. By doing so, this article aims to tackle the broader question of how to produce societal changes able to circumvent rearguard reactions from the dominant culture.
Integrated exposure for risk assessment in indoor environments based on a review of concentration data on airborne chemical pollutants in domestic environments in Europe
Authors: Karakitsios S. , Asikainen A. , Garden C. , Semple S. , Brouwere K. De , Galea K. S. , Sánchez-Jiménez A. , Gotti A. , Jantunen M. , Sarigiannis D.
Published: May 2014

This review set out to identify data sets for airborne chemical pollutants measured in domestic dwellings within European Union (EU) countries from the literature published during 1995–2010. A total of 74 papers satisfied inclusion criteria, and from those papers data on country location, population sampled, sampling period, number of samples and summary statistics of concentrations measured were gathered. The chemical substances identified and included were grouped to aldehydes, radon, carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), nicotine, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds and brominated flame retardants. The review showed that the availability of data between the EU countries is varying and more measured data are available for countries in northern Europe than in the southern parts. This review is part of the Integrated Exposure for Risk Assessment in Indoor Environments project which developed a full-chain modelling platform, incorporating tools and databases for indoor chemical source release, exposure and risk assessment with the ultimate aim of estimating the health impact of chemical exposures in the indoor environment.
Impact of fire on Dendrocalamus strictus – a natural green composite building material
Authors: Sharma Naresh Kr. , Chariar Vijayaraghavan M. , Prasad Rajendra
Published: May 2014

In the face of ever increasing demand for energy and the rapid denudation of the environment, composites based on natural materials provide potentially viable alternatives to high embodied energy building materials. Scientists and grassroots organizations are exploring naturally available woody materials to ensure adequate, affordable and appropriate structural components especially for construction needs. Bamboo is one such material that has a great potential, but its behaviour when subjected to fire remains unknown. In order for bamboo ( Dendrocalamus Strictus) to prove itself a viable option, bamboo constructions need to be dimensionally stable and strong enough against fire and biological detrimental agents. This paper presents research on the behaviour of bamboo in a fire and the consequent treatment methods to be adopted for its inclusion in structural components.
Angiogenic Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cells as a Therapeutic Target for Enhancing Diabetic Wound Healing
Authors: Gu Chengwei , Huang Sha , Gao Dongyun , Wu Yan , Li Jiwei , Ma Kui , Wu Xu , Fu Xiaobing
Published: May 2014

Impaired wound-healing activity in diabetes could result from several factors, including severely damaged angiogenic responses, which can affect wound healing process to cause delayed wound repair. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been shown to enhance wound healing via multiple effects, including promoting angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo; however, the mechanisms involved in enhancing diabetic wound healing are barely understood. This article reviews the recent literatures on MSCs treatment for promoting angiogenesis or vascularization in diabetic wounds and the potential mechanisms involved, with an emphasis on the role of paracrine soluble factors. Meanwhile, the potential benefits and related risks associated with the therapeutic use of MSCs have been presented and may lead to better understanding of the influence of MSCs without increasing potential risks. Further investigation will be required to determine the molecular basis of paracrine mechanisms and regulated angiogenesis of MSCs for its rational manipulation for impaired angiogenesis repair and diabetic wound healing.