bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Very Compact and Efficient 32-Bit AES Core Design Using FPGAs for Small-Footprint Low-Power Embedded Applications
Authors: Bani-Hani Raed , Mhaidat Khaldoon , Harb Salah
Published: April 2016

In this paper, a very compact and efficient 32-bit FPGA design for the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm is presented. The design is very well suited for small foot-print low-power embedded applications. The design is validated and synthesized using the Xilinx ISE Design Suite. To the best of our knowledge, our design is the most efficient in terms of throughput to area ratio and requires the smallest number of lookup tables (LUTs), logic slices, and registers. It also achieves the highest throughput among designs that do not use DSPs. It is also very power-efficient; it can process more than 10 Gbps/W on Kintex-7 FPGA.
Buffering Carbon Nanotube Interconnects Considering Inductive Effects
Authors: Wang Jia , Liu Lin , Zhou Yuchen , Hu Shiyan
Published: April 2016

While copper interconnect scaling is approaching its fundamental physical limit, increasing wire resistivity and delay have greatly limited the circuit miniaturization. The emerging carbon nanotube (CNT) interconnects, especially single-walled CNTs (SWCNTs) bundle interconnects, have become a promising replacement material. Nevertheless, physical design optimization techniques are still needed to allow them achieving the desired performances. While the preliminary conference version of this work [L. Liu, Y. Zhou and S. Hu, Proc. IEEE Computer Society Annual Symp. on VLSI (ISVLSI), 2014] designs the first timing driven buffer insertion technique for SWCNT interconnects, it only considers resistive and capacitive effects but not inductive effects. Although inductance could be negligible for prevailing CNT-based circuit designs, it becomes important when designing ultra-high performance chips in the future. Thus, this paper considers buffering inductive bundled SWCNTs interconnects through developing a dynamic programming algorithm for buffer insertion using the RLC tree delay model. Our experiments demonstrate that bundled SWCNTs interconnect-based buffering can effectively reduce the delay by over [Formula: see text] when inductive effects are considered. With the same timing constraint, bundled SWCNTs interconnect-based buffering can save over 20% buffer area compared to copper interconnect based buffering, while still running about [Formula: see text] faster.
Using the Crab Nebula as a high precision calibrator for cosmic microwave background polarimeters
Authors: Kaufman Jonathan , Leon David , Keating Brian
Published: April 2016

The polarization of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) provides a plethora of information about the early universe. Most notably, gravitational waves from the Inflationary epoch (the leading explanation of the origin of the universe) create a unique CMB polarization [Formula: see text]-mode signal. An unambiguous detection of the Inflationary [Formula: see text]-mode signal would be a window into the physics of the universe as it was [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]s after the Big Bang, at energy scales many orders of magnitude larger than what the LHC can produce. However, there are several instrumental and astrophysical sources that can obfuscate the Inflationary [Formula: see text]-mode signal. One of the most difficult parameters to calibrate for CMB telescopes is the absolute orientation of the antenna’s polarization sensitive axis. A miscalibration of the polarization orientation rotates the much brighter [Formula: see text]-mode signal, producing a false [Formula: see text]-mode signal. The current best uncertainty on polarization orientation in the CMB community is [Formula: see text], set from extrapolating IRAM measurements of the Crab Nebula supernova remnant at 90 GHz to 150 GHz, where the CMB signals peak. This accuracy is not sufficient to convincingly detect [Formula: see text]-modes predicted by currently allowable models of Inflation. We suggest to precisely measure the Crab Nebula’s polarization, which can be calibrated absolutely to [Formula: see text] from measurements of the polarized emission of Mars, and use these data to calibrate current and upcoming CMB experiments. In addition to Inflationary [Formula: see text]-modes, more precise calibration will allow us to better constrain the sum of the neutrino masses and set limits on exotic physics such as parity violation through cosmic polarization rotation.
Breaking of Cooper pairs in 108Pd
Authors: Rahmatinejad A. , Kakavand T. , Razavi R.
Published: April 2016

In this paper, breaking of Cooper pairs in [Formula: see text]Pd is investigated within the canonical ensemble framework and the BCS model. Our results show an evidence of two phase transitions, which are related to neutron and proton systems. Also, with consideration of pairing interaction, the role of neutron and proton systems in entropy, spin cutoff parameter and as a result in the moment of inertia are investigated. The results show minor role for the proton system at low temperatures and approximately equal roles for both neutron and proton systems after the critical temperature. Good agreement was observed between obtained results and the experimental data.
HORTON LAW IN SELF-SIMILAR TREES
Authors: KOVCHEGOV YEVGENIY , ZALIAPIN ILYA
Published: April 2016

Self-similarity of random trees is related to the operation of pruning. Pruning [Formula: see text] cuts the leaves and their parental edges and removes the resulting chains of degree-two nodes from a finite tree. A Horton–Strahler order of a vertex [Formula: see text] and its parental edge is defined as the minimal number of prunings necessary to eliminate the subtree rooted at [Formula: see text]. A branch is a group of neighboring vertices and edges of the same order. The Horton numbers [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are defined as the expected number of branches of order [Formula: see text], and the expected number of order-[Formula: see text] branches that merged order-[Formula: see text] branches, [Formula: see text], respectively, in a finite tree of order [Formula: see text]. The Tokunaga coefficients are defined as [Formula: see text]. The pruning decreases the orders of tree vertices by unity. A rooted full binary tree is said to be mean-self-similar if its Tokunaga coefficients are invariant with respect to pruning: [Formula: see text]. We show that for self-similar trees, the condition [Formula: see text] is necessary and sufficient for the existence of the strong Horton law: [Formula: see text], as [Formula: see text] for some [Formula: see text] and every [Formula: see text]. This work is a step toward providing rigorous foundations for the Horton law that, being omnipresent in natural branching systems, has escaped so far a formal explanation.
THE VALUATION OF OPTIONS ON FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATE IN A TARGET ZONE
Authors: XU GUANGLI , SONG SHIYU , WANG YONGJIN
Published: April 2016

This paper derives a simple model to analyze foreign exchange rate behavior under a target zone regime. From the real market data of exchange rate of US Dollar (USD) to Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) (USD/HKD), somewhat surprisingly, we find that some of the observations fall outside the stated range. Consequently, a so-called skew CIR model for this exchange rate which has a probability of exceeding the stated boundary is developed. A spectral expansion approach is used to analyze the model. The valuation of the barrier and the one-touch options for the derivative written on the exchange rate is studied in the end.
OPTIMUM TREATMENT MODE APPLIED TO POST-OPERATIVE CERVICAL CANCER FOR 5F-IMRT PLAN BASED ON FOUR VARIABLES IN VARIAN ECLIPSE TPS
Authors: LI JUN , TANG XIAO-BIN , ZHANG XI-ZHI , GUI LONG-GANG , GE YUN , CHEN DA , CHAI LEI
Published: April 2016

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the dosimetric effect on the target volume, organs at risk (OARs) and normal tissues based on the different choice for four types of mechanical variables, i.e., treatment position, dose calculation algorithm, mulitleaf collimator (MLC) motion mode and X-ray energy; and to investigate the optimum treatment mode applied to post-operative cervical cancer for 5-field intensity-modulated radiation therapy (5F-IMRT) technique. Methods: The dosimetric difference on the target volume and OARs under the influence of four types of variables were initially compared by changing one variable at a time. Then, based on the above compared results, we compared the dosimetric difference on planning target volume (PTV) and OARs between group A composed of the superior four variables and group B composed of the relatively inferior four variables. The dosimetric parameters included dose distribution of the target volume, OARs and normal tissues, conformal index (CI), homogeneity index (HI), monitor units (MU) and beam-on time ([Formula: see text]. The independent and paired t-tests were used for statistical analysis, and the threshold for statistical significance was [Formula: see text]. Results: Compared with the supine position, the maximum dose of PTV ([Formula: see text]), the maximum dose of small intestine ([Formula: see text]) and [Formula: see text] of bladder ([Formula: see text] were all lower in prone position. In contrast with the pencil beam convolution (PBC), CI of PTV (CI[Formula: see text]) was larger while HI of PTV (HI[Formula: see text]) was lower, both [Formula: see text] and the maximum dose of rectum ([Formula: see text]) were lower using anisotropic analytical algorithm (AAA). Moreover, the same results were obtained using sliding window (SW) compared with multiple static segments (MSS). The mean dose of PTV ([Formula: see text] and CI[Formula: see text] was larger while the maximum dose of the spinal cord ([Formula: see text]), [Formula: see text] and the maximum dose of femoral heads were lower with 15 MV X-rays compared with 6 MV X-rays. In comparison with group B comprising the supine position, PBC, MSS and 6 MV X-rays, [Formula: see text] and HI[Formula: see text] decreased 1.4% and 53.4% respectively, CI[Formula: see text] increased 5.8% medially, while [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] all decreased in group A comprising of prone position, AAA, SW and 15 MV X-rays. Conclusion: The treatment mode composed of prone position, AAA algorithm, SW and 15 MV X-rays is chosen for the post-operative cervical cancer of 5F-IMRT technique, which is more capable of meeting the target volume constraints and maximal protection of OARs.
Belief Merging within Fragments of Propositional Logic
Authors: Creignou Nadia , Papini Odile , Rümmele Stefan , Woltran Stefan
Published: April 2016

Recently, belief change within the framework of fragments of propositional logic has gained increasing attention. Previous research focused on belief contraction and belief revision on the Horn fragment. However, the problem of belief merging within fragments of propositional logic has been mostly neglected so far. We present a general approach to defining new merging operators derived from existing ones such that the result of merging remains in the fragment under consideration. Our approach is not limited to the case of Horn fragment; it is applicable to any fragment of propositional logic characterized by a closure property on the sets of models of its formulæ. We study the logical properties of the proposed operators regarding satisfaction of merging postulates, considering, in particular, distance-based merging operators for Horn and Krom fragments.
Chapar: certified causally consistent distributed key-value stores
Authors: Lesani Mohsen , Bell Christian J. , Chlipala Adam
Published: April 2016

Today’s Internet services are often expected to stay available and render high responsiveness even in the face of site crashes and network partitions. Theoretical results state that causal consistency is one of the strongest consistency guarantees that is possible under these requirements, and many practical systems provide causally consistent key-value stores. In this paper, we present a framework called Chapar for modular verification of causal consistency for replicated key-value store implementations and their client programs. Specifically, we formulate separate correctness conditions for key-value store implementations and for their clients. The interface between the two is a novel operational semantics for causal consistency. We have verified the causal consistency of two key-value store implementations from the literature using a novel proof technique. We have also implemented a simple automatic model checker for the correctness of client programs. The two independently verified results for the implementations and clients can be composed to conclude the correctness of any of the programs when executed with any of the implementations. We have developed and checked our framework in Coq, extracted it to OCaml, and built executable stores.
Decidability of inferring inductive invariants
Authors: Padon Oded , Immerman Neil , Shoham Sharon , Karbyshev Aleksandr , Sagiv Mooly
Published: April 2016

Induction is a successful approach for verification of hardware and software systems. A common practice is to model a system using logical formulas, and then use a decision procedure to verify that some logical formula is an inductive safety invariant for the system. A key ingredient in this approach is coming up with the inductive invariant, which is known as invariant inference. This is a major difficulty, and it is often left for humans or addressed by sound but incomplete abstract interpretation. This paper is motivated by the problem of inductive invariants in shape analysis and in distributed protocols. This paper approaches the general problem of inferring first-order inductive invariants by restricting the language L of candidate invariants. Notice that the problem of invariant inference in a restricted language L differs from the safety problem, since a system may be safe and still not have any inductive invariant in L that proves safety. Clearly, if L is finite (and if testing an inductive invariant is decidable), then inferring invariants in L is decidable. This paper presents some interesting cases when inferring inductive invariants in L is decidable even when L is an infinite language of universal formulas. Decidability is obtained by restricting L and defining a suitable well-quasi-order on the state space. We also present some undecidability results that show that our restrictions are necessary. We further present a framework for systematically constructing infinite languages while keeping the invariant inference problem decidable. We illustrate our approach by showing the decidability of inferring invariants for programs manipulating linked-lists, and for distributed protocols.
Fabular: regression formulas as probabilistic programming
Authors: Borgström Johannes , Gordon Andrew D. , Ouyang Long , Russo Claudio , Ścibior Adam , Szymczak Marcin
Published: April 2016

Regression formulas are a domain-specific language adopted by several R packages for describing an important and useful class of statistical models: hierarchical linear regressions. Formulas are succinct, expressive, and clearly popular, so are they a useful addition to probabilistic programming languages? And what do they mean? We propose a core calculus of hierarchical linear regression, in which regression coefficients are themselves defined by nested regressions (unlike in R). We explain how our calculus captures the essence of the formula DSL found in R. We describe the design and implementation of Fabular, a version of the Tabular schema-driven probabilistic programming language, enriched with formulas based on our regression calculus. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first formal description of the core ideas of R's formula notation, the first development of a calculus of regression formulas, and the first demonstration of the benefits of composing regression formulas and latent variables in a probabilistic programming language.
Learning invariants using decision trees and implication counterexamples
Authors: Garg Pranav , Neider Daniel , Madhusudan P. , Roth Dan
Published: April 2016

Inductive invariants can be robustly synthesized using a learning model where the teacher is a program verifier who instructs the learner through concrete program configurations, classified as positive, negative, and implications. We propose the first learning algorithms in this model with implication counter-examples that are based on machine learning techniques. In particular, we extend classical decision-tree learning algorithms in machine learning to handle implication samples, building new scalable ways to construct small decision trees using statistical measures. We also develop a decision-tree learning algorithm in this model that is guaranteed to converge to the right concept (invariant) if one exists. We implement the learners and an appropriate teacher, and show that the resulting invariant synthesis is efficient and convergent for a large suite of programs.
Optimizing synthesis with metasketches
Authors: Bornholt James , Torlak Emina , Grossman Dan , Ceze Luis
Published: April 2016

Many advanced programming tools---for both end-users and expert developers---rely on program synthesis to automatically generate implementations from high-level specifications. These tools often need to employ tricky, custom-built synthesis algorithms because they require synthesized programs to be not only correct, but also optimal with respect to a desired cost metric, such as program size. Finding these optimal solutions efficiently requires domain-specific search strategies, but existing synthesizers hard-code the strategy, making them difficult to reuse. This paper presents metasketches, a general framework for specifying and solving optimal synthesis problems. metasketches make the search strategy a part of the problem definition by specifying a fragmentation of the search space into an ordered set of classic sketches. We provide two cooperating search algorithms to effectively solve metasketches. A global optimizing search coordinates the activities of local searches, informing them of the costs of potentially-optimal solutions as they explore different regions of the candidate space in parallel. The local searches execute an incremental form of counterexample-guided inductive synthesis to incorporate information sent from the global search. We present Synapse, an implementation of these algorithms, and show that it effectively solves optimal synthesis problems with a variety of different cost functions. In addition, metasketches can be used to accelerate classic (non-optimal) synthesis by explicitly controlling the search strategy, and we show that Synapse solves classic synthesis problems that state-of-the-art tools cannot.
Programming the world of uncertain things (keynote)
Authors: McKinley Kathryn S.
Published: April 2016

Computing has entered the era of uncertain data, in which hardware and software generate and reason about estimates. Applications use estimates from sensors, machine learning, big data, humans, and approximate hardware and software. Unfortunately, developers face pervasive correctness, programmability, and optimization problems due to estimates. Most programming languages unfortunately make these problems worse. We propose a new programming abstraction called Uncertain embedded into languages, such as C#, C++, Java, Python, and JavaScript. Applications that consume estimates use familiar discrete operations for their estimates; overloaded conditional operators specify hypothesis tests and applications use them control false positives and negatives; and new compositional operators express domain knowledge. By carefully restricting the expressiveness, the runtime automatically implements correct statistical reasoning at conditionals, relieving developers of the need to implement or deeply understand statistics. We demonstrate substantial programmability, correctness, and efficiency benefits of this programming model for GPS sensor navigation, approximate computing, machine learning, and xBox.
Physiological modulators of Kv3.1 channels adjust firing patterns of auditory brain stem neurons
Authors: Brown Maile R. , El-Hassar Lynda , Zhang Yalan , Alvaro Giuseppe , Large Charles H. , Kaczmarek Leonard K.
Published: April 2016

Many rapidly firing neurons, including those in the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) in the auditory brain stem, express “high threshold” voltage-gated Kv3.1 potassium channels that activate only at positive potentials and are required for stimuli to generate rapid trains of actions potentials. We now describe the actions of two imidazolidinedione derivatives, AUT1 and AUT2, which modulate Kv3.1 channels. Using Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing rat Kv3.1 channels, we found that lower concentrations of these compounds shift the voltage of activation of Kv3.1 currents toward negative potentials, increasing currents evoked by depolarization from typical neuronal resting potentials. Single-channel recordings also showed that AUT1 shifted the open probability of Kv3.1 to more negative potentials. Higher concentrations of AUT2 also shifted inactivation to negative potentials. The effects of lower and higher concentrations could be mimicked in numerical simulations by increasing rates of activation and inactivation respectively, with no change in intrinsic voltage dependence. In brain slice recordings of mouse MNTB neurons, both AUT1 and AUT2 modulated firing rate at high rates of stimulation, a result predicted by numerical simulations. Our results suggest that pharmaceutical modulation of Kv3.1 currents represents a novel avenue for manipulation of neuronal excitability and has the potential for therapeutic benefit in the treatment of hearing disorders.
High-resolution and cell-type-specific photostimulation mapping shows weak excitatory vs. strong inhibitory inputs in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis
Authors: Xu Xiangmin , Ikrar Taruna , Sun Yanjun , Santos Rommel , Holmes Todd C. , Francesconi Walter , Berton Fulvia
Published: April 2016

The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is a key component of the extended amygdala and has been implicated in anxiety and addiction. As individual neurons function within neural circuits, it is important to understand local microcircuits and larger network connections of identified neuronal types and understand how maladaptive changes in the BNST neural networks are induced by stress and drug abuse. However, due to limitations of classic anatomical and physiological methods, the local circuit organization of synaptic inputs to specific BNST neuron types is not well understood. In this study, we report on the application of high-resolution and cell-type-specific photostimulation methodology developed in our laboratory to local circuit mapping in the BNST. Under calibrated experimental conditions, laser photostimulation via glutamate uncaging or channelrhodopsin-2 photoactivation evokes spiking of BNST neurons perisomatically, without activating spikes from axons of passage or distal dendrites. Whole cell recordings, combined with spatially restricted photostimulation of presynaptic neurons at many different locations over a large region, allow high-resolution mapping of presynaptic input sources to single recorded neurons in the BNST. We constructed maps of synaptic inputs impinging onto corticotrophin-releasing hormone-expressing (CRH+) BNST neurons in the dorsolateral BNST and found that the CRH+ neurons receive predominant local inhibitory synaptic connections with very weak excitatory connections. Through cell-type-specific optogenetic stimulation mapping, we generated maps of somatostatin-expressing neuron-specific inhibitory inputs to BNST neurons. Taken together, the photostimulation-based techniques offer us powerful tools for determining the functional organization of local circuits of specific BNST neuron types.
Microstructure and Electromagnetic Properties of Ni-Zn-Co Ferrite up to 20 GHz
Authors: Stergiou Charalampos
Published: April 2016

The present paper examines the relation between different developed microstructures and the microwave electromagnetic properties in Ni-Zn-Co ferrite. To this end, the Ni0.25Zn0.25Co0.5Fe2O4composition has been prepared with the conventional ceramic process with varied prefiringTP(750°C, 1000°C) and sinteringTStop temperatures (1200°C, 1250°C). When lower temperatures are applied in these production stages, incomplete microstructures with low density, higher porosity, or finer grains are achieved. On account of these features, the contributions of domain wall motion and spin rotation to the complex permeabilityμ⁎(f)move to higher frequencies, whereas microwave dielectric permittivityε⁎(f)is decreased. In particular in conjunction with the high Co content, the wall relaxation and spin resonance are interestingly forced to occur at 850 MHz and 8.05 GHz, respectively. Regarding the electromagnetic wave attenuation, the ferrite annealed at lower temperatures exhibits strong return loss peaks at higher frequencies, but without other performance improvement. We should notice that the variations in sintering temperatureTSyield the maximum changes in the recorded parameters, including the coercive field,μ⁎(f),andε⁎(f), indicating the inferior role of prefiringTPin Ni-Zn ferrite.
Nuclear Power Plant Construction Scheduling Problem with Time Restrictions: A Particle Swarm Optimization Approach
Authors: Chen Shang-Kuan , Ti Yen-Wu , Tsai Kuo-Yu
Published: April 2016

In nuclear power plant construction scheduling, a project is generally defined by its dependent preparation time, the time required for construction, and its reactor installation time. The issues of multiple construction teams and multiple reactor installation teams are considered. In this paper, a hierarchical particle swarm optimization algorithm is proposed to solve the nuclear power plant construction scheduling problem and minimize the occurrence of projects failing to achieve deliverables within applicable due times and deadlines.
Widening and Elaboration of Consecutive Research into Therapeutic Antioxidant Enzyme Derivatives
Authors: Maksimenko Alexander V.
Published: April 2016

Undiminishing actuality of enzyme modification for therapeutic purposes has been confirmed by application of modified enzymes in clinical practice and numerous research data on them. Intravenous injection of the superoxide dismutase‐chondroitin sulfate‐catalase (SOD‐CHS‐CAT) conjugate in preventive and medicative regimes in rats with endotoxin shock induced with a lipopolysaccharide bolus has demonstrated that antioxidant agents not only effectively prevent damage caused by oxidative stress (as believed previously) but also can be used for antioxidative stress therapy. The results obtained emphasize the importance of investigation into the pathogenesis of vascular damage and the role of oxidative stress in it. The effects of intravenous medicative injection of SOD‐CHS‐CAT in a rat model of endotoxin shock have demonstrated a variety in the activity of this conjugate in addition to prevention of NO conversion in peroxynitrite upon interaction with superoxide radical. Together with the literature data, these findings offer a prospect for the study of NO‐independent therapeutic effects of SOD‐CHS‐CAT, implying the importance of a better insight into the mechanisms of the conjugate activity in modeled cardiovascular damage involving vasoactive agents other than NO.
Pulmonary Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis and Diabetes Insipidus in a Young Smoker
Authors: Earlam K. , Souza C. A. , Glikstein R. , Gomes M. M. , Pakhalé S.
Published: April 2016

Langerhans cell histiocytosis is characterized by the abnormal nodular proliferation of histiocytes in various organ systems. Pulmonary involvement seen in young adults is nearly always seen in the context of past or current cigarette smoking. Although it tends to be a single-system disease, extrapulmonary manifestations involving the skin, bone, and hypothalamic-pituitary-axis are possible. High resolution CT (HRCT) of the thorax findings includes centrilobular nodules and cysts that are bizarre in shape, variable in size, and thin-walled. Often the diagnosis can be made based on the appropriate clinical presentation and typical imaging findings. Treatment includes smoking cessation and the potential use of glucocorticoids or cytotoxic agents depending on the severity of disease and multisystem involvement.
A Hybrid Prognostic Approach for Remaining Useful Life Prediction of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Yang Wen-An , Xiao Maohua , Zhou Wei , Guo Yu , Liao Wenhe
Published: April 2016

Lithium-ion battery is a core component of many systems such as satellite, spacecraft, and electric vehicles and its failure can lead to reduced capability, downtime, and even catastrophic breakdowns. Remaining useful life (RUL) prediction of lithium-ion batteries before the future failure event is extremely crucial for proactive maintenance/safety actions. This study proposes a hybrid prognostic approach that can predict the RUL of degraded lithium-ion batteries using physical laws and data-driven modeling simultaneously. In this hybrid prognostic approach, the relevant vectors obtained with the selective kernel ensemble-based relevance vector machine (RVM) learning algorithm are fitted to the physical degradation model, which is then extrapolated to failure threshold for estimating the RUL of the lithium-ion battery of interest. The experimental results indicated that the proposed hybrid prognostic approach can accurately predict the RUL of degraded lithium-ion batteries. Empirical comparisons show that the proposed hybrid prognostic approach using the selective kernel ensemble-based RVM learning algorithm performs better than the hybrid prognostic approaches using the popular learning algorithms of feedforward artificial neural networks (ANNs) like the conventional backpropagation (BP) algorithm and support vector machines (SVMs). In addition, an investigation is also conducted to identify the effects of RVM learning algorithm on the proposed hybrid prognostic approach.
Breastfeeding and Postpartum Depression: An Overview and Methodological Recommendations for Future Research
Authors: Pope Carley J. , Mazmanian Dwight
Published: April 2016

Emerging research suggests that a relationship exists between breastfeeding and postpartum depression; however, the direction and precise nature of this relationship are not yet clear. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the relationship between breastfeeding and postpartum depression as it has been examined in the empirical literature. Also, the potential mechanisms of action that have been implicated in this relationship are also explored. PubMed and PsycINFO were searched using the keywords:breastfeedingwithpostpartum depression, perinatal depression, postnatal depression. Results of this search showed that researchers have examined this relationship in diverse ways using diverse methodology. In particular, researchers have examined the relationships between postpartum depression and breastfeeding intention, initiation, duration, and dose. Due to a number of methodological differences among past studies we make some recommendations for future research that will better facilitate an integration of findings. Future research should (1) use standardized assessment protocols; (2) confirm diagnosis through established clinical interview when possible; (3) provide a clear operationalized definition for breastfeeding variables; (4) clearly define the postpartum period interval assessed and time frame for onset of symptoms; (5) be prospective or longitudinal in nature; and (6) take into consideration other potential risk factors identified in the empirical literature.
Oxidative Stress in the Developing Rat Brain due to Production of Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species
Authors: Wilhelm Jiří , Vytášek Richard , Uhlík Jiří , Vajner Luděk
Published: April 2016

Oxidative stress after birth led us to localize reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) production in the developing rat brain. Brains were assessed a day prenatally and on postnatal days 1, 2, 4, 8, 14, 30, and 60. Oxidation of dihydroethidium detected superoxide; 6‐carboxy‐2′,7′‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate revealed hydrogen peroxide; immunohistochemical proof of nitrotyrosine and carboxyethyllysine detected peroxynitrite formation and lipid peroxidation, respectively. Blue autofluorescence detected protein oxidation. The foetuses showed moderate RONS production, which changed cyclically during further development. The periods and sites of peak production of individual RONS differed, suggesting independent generation. On day 1, neuronal/glial RONS production decreased indicating that increased oxygen concentration after birth did not cause oxidative stress. Dramatic changes in the amount and the sites of RONS production occurred on day 4. Nitrotyrosine detection reached its maximum. Day 14 represented other vast alterations in RONS generation. Superoxide production in arachnoidal membrane reached its peak. From this day on, the internal elastic laminae of blood vessels revealed the blue autofluorescence. The adult animals produced moderate levels of superoxide; all other markers reached their minimum. There was a strong correlation between detection of nitrotyrosine and carboxyethyllysine probably caused by lipid peroxidation initiated with RONS.
The Whole Genome Assembly and Comparative Genomic Research ofThellungiella parvula(Extremophile Crucifer) Mitochondrion
Authors: Wang Xuelin , Bi Changwei , Xu Yiqing , Wei Suyun , Dai Xiaogang , Yin Tongming , Ye Ning
Published: April 2016

The complete nucleotide sequences of the mitochondrial (mt) genome of an extremophile speciesThellungiella parvula(T. parvula) have been determined with the lengths of 255,773 bp.T. parvulamt genome is a circular sequence and contains 32 protein-coding genes, 19 tRNA genes, and three ribosomal RNA genes with a 11.5% coding sequence. The base composition of 27.5% A, 27.5% T, 22.7% C, and 22.3% G in descending order shows a slight bias of 55% AT. Fifty-three repeats were identified in the mitochondrial genome ofT. parvula, including 24 direct repeats, 28 tandem repeats (TRs), and one palindromic repeat. Furthermore, a total of 199 perfect microsatellites have been mined with a high A/T content (83.1%) through simple sequence repeat (SSR) analysis and they were distributed unevenly within this mitochondrial genome. We also analyzed other plant mitochondrial genomes’ evolution in general, providing clues for the understanding of the evolution of organelles genomes in plants. Comparing with other Brassicaceae species,T. parvulais related toArabidopsis thalianawhose characters of low temperature resistance have been well documented. This study will provide important genetic tools for other Brassicaceae species research and improve yields of economically important plants.
Towards Tailored Patient’s Management Approach: Integrating the Modified 2010 ACR Criteria for Fibromyalgia in Multidimensional Patient Reported Outcome Measures Questionnaire
Authors: El Miedany Yasser , El Gaafary Maha , Youssef Sally , Ahmed Ihab
Published: April 2016

Objectives. To assess the validity, reliability, and responsiveness to change of a patient self-reported questionnaire combining the Widespread Pain Index and the Symptom Severity Score as well as construct outcome measures and comorbidities assessment in fibromyalgia patients. Methods. The PROMs-FM was conceptualized based on frameworks used by the WHO Quality of Life tool and the PROMIS. Initially, cognitive interviews were conducted to identify item pool of questions. Item selection and reduction were achieved based on patients as well as an interdisciplinary group of specialists. Rasch and internal consistency reliability analyses were implemented. The questionnaire included the modified ACR criteria main items (Symptom Severity Score and Widespread Pain Index), in addition to assessment of functional disability, quality of life (QoL), review of the systems, and comorbidities. Every patient completed HAQ and EQ-5D questionnaires. Results. A total of 146 fibromyalgia patients completed the questionnaire. The PROMs-FM questionnaire was reliable as demonstrated by a high standardized alpha (0.886–0.982). Content construct assessment of the functional disability and QoL revealed significant correlation (p<0.01) with both HAQ and EQ-5D. Changes in functional disability and QoL showed significant (p<0.01) variation with diseases activity status in response to therapy. There was higher prevalence of autonomic symptoms, CVS risk, sexual dysfunction, and falling. Conclusions. The developed PROMs-FM questionnaire is a reliable and valid instrument for assessment of fibromyalgia patients. A phased treatment regimen depending on the severity of FMS as well as preferences and comorbidities of the patient is the best approach to tailored patient management.
Adaptive Resource Scheduling for Dual Connectivity in Heterogeneous IoT Cellular Networks
Authors: Kim Wooseong
Published: April 2016

As massive distributed sensor devices are integrated into Internet for Internet of things (IoT) and generate tremendous data from simple measurement to rich multimedia information, wireless cellular networks like LTE are enforced to deploy more small cells to accommodate data from the countless IoT devices. In 3GPP Rel-12 specification, dual connectivity helps deploying the small cell eNBs by separating a control and data plane to a macro and small cell, respectively. The dual connectivity also improves per-user throughput and mobility robustness. Meanwhile, dynamic TDD configuration in the Rel-12 can enhance radio resource utilization of TDD-based small cells even though intercell interference can be worse than legacy static configuration within a small cell cluster. In this paper, we propose a heterogeneous cellular IoT network architecture using the aforementioned two small cell features, as well as scheduling algorithms for load balancing in the dual connectivity and for dynamic TDD configuration to mitigate interference in the small cell cluster. We evaluate proposed algorithms using LTE system level simulator and show that our approach improves network throughput.
Endogenous L‐Carnosine Level in Diabetes Rat Cardiac Muscle
Authors: Liu Yali , Su Dan , Zhang Ling , Wei Shaofeng , Liu Kuangyi , Peng Mi , Li Hanyun , Song Yonggui
Published: April 2016

A novel method for quantitation of cardiac muscle carnosine levels using HPLC‐UV is described. In this simple and reliable method, carnosine from the rat cardiac muscle and the internal standard, thymopentin, were extracted by protein precipitation with acetonitrile. The method was linear up to 60.96 μg·mL−1 for L‐carnosine. The calibration curve was linear in concentration ranges from 0.5 to 60.96 μg·mL−1. The relative standard deviations obtained for intra‐ and interday precision were lower than 12% and the recoveries were higher than 90% for both carnosine and internal standard. We successfully applied this method to the analysis of endogenous carnosine in cardiac muscle of the diabetes rats and healthy control rats. The concentration of carnosine was significantly lower in the diabetes rats group, compared to that in the healthy control rats. These results support the usefulness of this method as a means of quantitating carnosine and illustrate the important role of L‐carnosine in cardiac muscle.
The Characteristics of Treated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Patients in Ontario
Authors: Vaid Haris M. , Camacho Ximena , Granton John T. , Mamdani Muhammad M. , Yao Zhan , Singh Samantha , Juurlink David N. , Gomes Tara
Published: April 2016

Background. There are no Canadian prevalence studies on pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) to date. We described the characteristics of treated PAH patients and the healthcare utilization and costs associated with PAH in a population of public drug plan beneficiaries in Ontario, Canada.Methods. A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted between April 2010 and March 2011 to identify treated PAH patients using population-based health administrative databases. We investigated demographic and clinical characteristics of treated PAH patients and conducted a cohort study to determine treatment patterns, healthcare utilization, and associated costs, over a one-year follow-up period (March 2012).Results. We identified 326 treated PAH cases in Ontario’s publicly funded drug plan. Overall mean age was 59.4 years (±20.3 years) and over 77% of cases were women (n=251). Combination therapy was used to treat 22.9% (n=69) of cases, costing an average of $4,569 (SD $1,544) per month. Median monthly healthcare costs were $264 (IQR $96–$747) for those who survived and $2,021 (IQR $993–$6,399) for those who died over a one-year period, respectively (p<0.01).Conclusions. PAH care in Ontario is complex and has high healthcare costs. This data may help guide towards improved patient management.
Evaluation of Various Nuclear Cytological Changes in Normal Buccal Mucosa and Peritumoural Area in Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Receiving Concomitant Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Minhas Sadia , Kashif Muhammad , Nagi A. H.
Published: April 2016

Objectives. To evaluate the role of serial cytological assay in calculating the nuclear response of contralateral normal buccal mucosa and peritumoural area of squamous cell carcinoma of oral cavity in patients receiving fractionated radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy. Materials and Methods. This prospective, nonrandomized study was comprised of 76 histologically confirmed cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma on cyclical chemoradiation treatment. Chemoradiosensitivity was evaluated using serial scrape smears taken before and after immediate exposure to CCRT, at 17th day of CCRT (mid of treatment), and at the end of treatment. The nuclear changes, such as multinucleation, micronucleation, karyorrhexis, karyolysis, nuclear budding, prominent nucleoli, and binucleation occurring in both irradiated cancer cells and contralateral normal buccal mucosa, had a statistically significant dose related increase with concomitant chemoradiotherapy (p<0.05). Conclusion. We recommend regular use of serial cytological assay during CCRT as it may prove to be a valuable tool for assessment of chemoradiosensitivity and persistence of tumour/dysplastic cells after radiotherapy.
Effects of Zusanli and Ashi Acupoint Electroacupuncture on Repair of Skeletal Muscle and Neuromuscular Junction in a Rabbit Gastrocnemius Contusion Model
Authors: Yu Zhan-ge , Wang Rong-guo , Xiao Cheng , Zhao Jun-yun , Shen Qian , Liu Shou-yao , Xu Qian-wei , Zhang Qing-xi , Wang Yun-ting
Published: April 2016

Objective. To explore the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at ST36 (EA‐ST36) and at Ashi acupoints (EA‐Ashi) on skeletal muscle repair. Methods. Seventy‐five rabbits were randomly divided into five groups: normal, contusion, EA‐Ashi, EA‐ST36, and EA at Ashi acupoints and ST36 (EA‐AS). EA (0.4 mA, 2 Hz, 15 min) was applied after an acute gastrocnemius contusion. The morphology of myofibers and neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) and expressions of growth differentiation factor‐8 (GDF‐8), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), Neuregulin 1 (NGR1), and muscle‐specific kinase (MuSK) were assessed 7, 14, and 28 days after contusion. Results. Compared with that in contusion group, there was an increase in the following respective parameters in treatment groups: the number and diameter of myofibers, the mean staining area, and continuities of NMJs. A comparison of EA‐Ashi and EA‐ST36 groups indicated that average myofiber diameter, mean staining area of NMJs, and expressions of AChE and NRG1 were higher in EA‐Ashi group, whereas expression of GDF‐8 decreased on day 7. However, increases in myofiber numbers, expressions of MuSK and AChE, as well as decreases in GDF‐8 expression, and the discontinuities were observed in EA‐ST36 group on the 28th day. Conclusion. Both EA‐ST36 and EA‐Ashi promoted myofiber regeneration and restoration of NMJs. EA‐Ashi was more effective at earlier stages, whereas EA‐ST36 played a more important role at later stages.
The Relieving Effects of BrainPower Advanced, a Dietary Supplement, in Older Adults with Subjective Memory Complaints: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Trial
Authors: Zhu Jingfen , Shi Rong , Chen Su , Dai Lihua , Shen Tian , Feng Yi , Gu Pingping , Shariff Mina , Nguyen Tuong , Ye Yeats , Rao Jianyu , Xing Guoqiang
Published: April 2016

Subjective memory complaints (SMCs) are common in older adults that can often predict further cognitive impairment. No proven effective agents are available for SMCs. The effect of BrainPower Advanced, a dietary supplement consisting of herbal extracts, nutrients, and vitamins, was evaluated in 98 volunteers with SMCs, averaging 67 years of age (47–88), in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial. Subjective hypomnesis/memory loss (SML) and attention/concentration deficits (SAD) were evaluated before and after 12‐week supplementation of BrainPower Advanced capsules (n = 47) or placebo (n = 51), using a 5‐point memory questionnaire (1 = no/slight, 5 = severe). Objective memory function was evaluated using 3 subtests of visual/audio memory, abstraction, and memory recall that gave a combined total score. The BrainPower Advanced group had more cases of severe SML (severity ⩾ 3) (44/47) and severe SAD (43/47) than the placebo group (39/51 and 37/51, < 0.05, < 0.05, resp.) before the treatment. BrainPower Advanced intervention, however, improved a greater proportion of the severe SML (29.5%)(13/44) (P < 0.01) and SAD (34.9%)(15/43)(P < 0.01) than placebo (5.1% (2/39) and 13.5% (5/37), resp.). Thus, 3‐month BrainPower Advanced supplementation appears to be beneficial to older adults with SMCs.
Research on Submarine Straight-Line Track Control Underwater Based on Nonlinear Proportion Differential
Authors: Gong Chenggang , Zhu Xia , Wang Fei , Jiang Pan , Yu Wei
Published: April 2016

With the development of deep submergence technology, submarine is widely used in many aspects as marine analysis and detection of marine resources. For the reason of strong nonlinearity and coupling in submarine exercise, it is difficult to get satisfactory control effect by conventional control method. In order to control objective of stable straight-line suspension underwater, how to control the change of rudder angle to stabilize attitude and improve the control performance is researched from feature analysis to submarine. Aiming at improving the global stability, kinetic character of straight-line suspension movement underwater is analyzed and modeled firstly, and model of nonlinear relationship about change of rudder angle and attitude is built then. Based on the conditions of global stability asymptotically of submarine tracking control underwater and the physical significance of tracking control by nonlinear proportion differential, a controller is designed for controlling horizontal rudder angle and vertical rudder angle by dynamic feedback, which achieve the balance of tracking controlling both in local and global and guarantee global stable convergence asymptotically. At last, the stability, effectiveness, and global convergence of controller are proved by the simulation experiment.