bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials Comparing Hypertonic Sodium Solutions and Mannitol for Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Burgess Sarah , Abu-Laban Riyad B. , Slavik Richard S. , Vu Erik N. , Zed Peter J.
Published: January 2016

Objective: To comparatively evaluate hypertonic sodium (HTS) and mannitol in patients following acute traumatic brain injury (TBI) on the outcomes of all-cause mortality, neurological disability, intracranial pressure (ICP) change from baseline, ICP treatment failure, and serious adverse events. Data Sources: PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, ClinicalTrials.gov, and WHO ICTRP (World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform) were searched (inception to November 2015) using hypertonic saline solutions, sodium chloride, mannitol, osmotic diuretic, traumatic brain injury, brain injuries, and head injury. Searches were limited to humans. Clinical practice guidelines and bibliographies were reviewed. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Prospective, randomized trials comparing HTS and mannitol in adults (≥16 years) with severe TBI (Glasgow Coma Scale score ≤8) and elevated ICP were included. ICP elevation, ICP reduction, and treatment failure were defined using study definitions. Data Synthesis: Of 326 articles screened, 7 trials enrolling a total of 191 patients met inclusion criteria. Studies were underpowered to detect a significant difference in mortality or neurological outcomes. Due to significant heterogeneity and differences in reporting ICP change from baseline, this outcome was not meta-analyzed. No difference between HTS and mannitol was observed for mean ICP reduction; however, risk of ICP treatment failure favored HTS (risk ratio [RR] = 0.39; 95% CI = 0.18-0.81). Serious adverse events were not reported. Conclusions: Based on limited data, clinically important differences in mortality, neurological outcomes, and ICP reduction were not observed between HTS or mannitol in the management of severe TBI. HTS appears to lead to fewer ICP treatment failures.
Dynamical responses and stabilities of axially moving nanoscale beams with time-dependent velocity using a nonlocal stress gradient theory
Authors: Liu Jinjian , Li Cheng , Yang Changjin , Shen Jiping , Xie Feng
Published: January 2016

A higher-order mechanical model of axially moving nanoscale beams with time-dependent velocity was developed in the framework of nonlocal stress gradient theory. Based on the correlation between effective and common nonlocal bending moments, a sixth-order partial differential equation of motion with respect to the transverse displacement was derived. Unlike some previous work which assumed the velocity of axially moving nanoscale beam to be a constant, a time-dependent axial velocity was considered for the nanoscale beams. The resonance vibration frequencies were obtained according to the governing equation of motion and corresponding boundary conditions. It was concluded a nonlocal nanoscale strengthening effect that the vibration frequencies of such axially moving nanostructure increase with stronger nonlocal effects, or a larger dimensionless nonlocal nanoscale parameter causes a higher vibration frequency. A jumping phenomenon in frequency field was observed, and the vibration frequency may decrease or increase with an increase in the axial average velocity. Critical speeds of the axially non-uniformly moving nanoscale beams were defined and determined, and the critical speed versus nonlocal nanoscale revealed step and strengthening effects. The theoretical results obtained were compared with some experimental data and good agreement was achieved. Subsequently, the steady-state and stability of such moving nanostructures including the principal parametric and combination resonances were analyzed using a multiple-scale method. Some beneficial analytical procedures and theoretical formulations at nanoscale were provided. Based on specific boundary conditions, the stability boundaries of the axially accelerating nanoscale beams were determined and the unstable regions were influenced by nonlocal nanoscale significantly.
Control of a thermoelastic beam using heat actuation
Authors: Tuzcu Ilhan , Moua Joshua K , Olivares Joe G
Published: January 2016

This paper explores the idea of using heat as an actuator to simultaneously control vibration and temperature of a thermoelastic beam. We first model the beam as a slender, uniform cantilever beam of rectangular cross-section subject to heat through heat patches on the lower and upper surfaces at some discrete spanwise locations. The governing equations of the model are two coupled partial differential equations: one governing the elastic bending displacement and one governing the two-dimensional heat conduction of the beam. Through a discretization, the partial differential equations are replaced by a set of ordinary differential equations in a compact state-space form. We show that the coupling is actually between elastic displacement and those components of temperature contributing to the thickness-wise gradient at the midplane. The linear quadratic regulator in conjunction with the Kalman–Bucy filter is used for the control design to simultaneously damp out the displacement and the gradient. In a numerical example, we show the presence of thermoelastic damping due to the coupling. We also show that the displacement and gradient can simultaneously be controlled by using displacement measurements only, and that for less control effort it is also necessary to include some temperature measurements in the feedback.
Antitrust and Accountable Care Organizations
Authors: Kleiner Samuel A. , Ludwinski Daniel , White William D.
Published: January 2016

The creation of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) under the Medicare Shared Savings Program has generated antitrust concerns. Utilizing a framework developed by the antitrust authorities for analyzing provider concentration for potential ACO participants, we examine the market for physician services, with a focus on the share of practices that could potentially be subject to antitrust scrutiny. Our findings suggest that while most physician practices would fall below the threshold that could raise anticompetitive concerns, this varies considerably by market and specialty. Furthermore, we find that the largest physician practice in most markets potentially remains at risk for antitrust review under the existing criteria.
The Role of Individual and Collective Mindfulness in Promoting Occupational Safety in Health Care
Authors: Dierynck Bart , Leroy Hannes , Savage Grant T. , Choi Ellen
Published: January 2016

Although the importance of safety regulations is highly emphasized in hospitals, nurses frequently work around, or intentionally bypass, safety regulations. We argue that work-arounds occur because adhering to safety regulations usually requires more time and work process design often lacks complementarity with safety regulations. Our main proposition is that mindfulness is associated with a decrease in occupational safety failures through a decrease in work-arounds. First, we propose that individual mindfulness may prevent the depletion of motivational resources caused by worrying about the consequences of time lost when adhering to safety regulations. Second, we argue that collective mindfulness may provide nursing teams with a cognitive infrastructure that facilitates the detection and adaptation of work processes. The results of a multilevel analysis of 580 survey responses from nurses are consistent with our propositions. Our multilevel analytic approach enables us to account for the unique variance in work-arounds that individual and collective mindfulness explain.
News Information Censorship and Changing Gatekeeping Roles
Authors: Cheung Meily M. F. , Wong Tin Chi
Published: January 2016

Journalists have faced increasing challenges as the result of police forces in different regions switching to digital radio communications. Drawing on gatekeeping theory and the journalistic practices literature, interviews with non-routine news journalists and a content analysis of news stories in newspapers were conducted to illustrate non-routine news coverage and understand how reporters’ routines have changed. The results suggest that police forces’ ability to control information technologically reduces the amount of non-routine news coverage and changes the ways in which news sources are used. Journalists have had to alter their reporting routines to retain journalistic independence.
Breaking the Silence at Spanish Universities
Authors: Valls Rosa , Puigvert Lídia , Melgar Patricia , Garcia-Yeste Carme
Published: January 2016

The first research conducted on violence against women in the university context in Spain reveals that 62% of the students know of or have experienced situations of this kind within the university institutions, but only 13% identify these situations in the first place. Two main interrelated aspects arise from the data analysis: not identifying and acknowledging violent situations, and the lack of reporting them. Policies and actions developed by Spanish universities need to be grounded in two goals: intransigence toward any kind of violence against women, and bystander intervention, support, and solidarity with the victims and with the people supporting the victims.
The Experience of Mothers Exposed to the Abuse of Their Daughters by an Intimate Partner
Authors: Peled Einat , Gueta Keren , Sander-Almoznino Nili
Published: January 2016

This qualitative study illuminates the experience of mothers exposed to the intimate partner violence (IPV) of their daughters. In-depth interviews with 11 exposed mothers were conducted. The findings reveal four semi-chronological phases in the participants’ experiences: pre-disclosure of the daughter’s abuse, the first definitive encounter with the daughter’s abuse, living with continued exposure to the daughter’s IPV, and the aftermath of the daughter’s IPV. A recurrent theme in the mothers’ experiences was their dual positioning as a forgotten victim of IPV and as a caregiver of their daughter shaped by prevalent motherhood ideologies. Possible implications for intervention are discussed.
Association of ADHD and Celiac Disease: What Is the Evidence? A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Ertürk Emine , Wouters Sara , Imeraj Lindita , Lampo Annik
Published: January 2016

Objective: This article tries to answer the question whether or not there is evidence for a relationship between celiac disease (CD) and ADHD. A review of the current literature on this topic is provided. Method: PUBMED/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Google scholar were searched to include all published trials on ADHD and CD (no date limitation, both noncontrolled and controlled trials). In addition, the reference list of included studies was screened to find other relevant articles. Results: Eight studies report a possible association between CD and ADHD; however, the results are inconsistent. Only three out of eight studies report a positive correlation between ADHD and CD. Conclusion: Up till now, there is no conclusive evidence for a relationship between ADHD and CD. Therefore, it is not advised to perform routine screening of CD when assessing ADHD (and vice versa) or to implement gluten-free diet as a standard treatment in ADHD.
Generalized Recalcitrant Pruritus as the Presenting Manifestation of Hypereosinophilic Syndrome
Authors: Schreiber Ariane , LeBlanc Martin , Thibeault Marie-Marthe , Mathieu Steve
Published: January 2016

Background and Objective:

Pruritus is a frequent occurrence in dermatology, and investigation is often unrevealing. The authors report the case of a 65-year-old man presenting with generalized recalcitrant pruritus as the presenting manifestation of hypereosinophilic syndrome.

Methods and Results:

A 65-year-old man developed intractable pruritus. Results of polymerase chain reaction clonal rearrangement were positive and led to the diagnosis and treatment. The patient also developed massive pulmonary embolism, which can be caused by chronic eosinophilia.

Conclusions:

This case highlights the importance of investigating patients with pruritus and unexplained persistent eosinophilia. Hypereosinophilic syndrome must be included in the differential diagnosis, which in this case presented initially as intractable pruritus. Polymerase chain reaction clonal rearrangement was key in reinforcing the diagnosis.
Type D personality: Application of DS14 French version in general and clinical populations
Authors: Batselé Elise , Denollet Johan , Lussier Axele , Loas Gwenolé , Vanden Eynde Sophie , Van de Borne Philippe , Fantini-Hauwel Carole
Published: January 2016

The aim of this study was to validate the French-language version of the Type D personality scale-14 among general and clinical populations (acute coronary syndrome and breast cancer patients). The two-factor structure of the Type D personality scale-14 was confirmed by factorial and confirmatory analyses. Internal consistency for both subdimensions of Type D personality scale-14 (negative affectivity and social inhibition) was very good with α = .87 for each. Contrary to our expectations, the Type D prevalence was much higher in the breast cancer group than in the acute coronary syndrome patients. In conclusion, the French-language Type D personality scale-14 showed good psychometric properties among general and clinical populations.
Qualities for early childhood care and education in an age of increasing superdiversity and decreasing biodiversity
Authors: Ritchie Jenny
Published: January 2016

In this article it is argued that notions of ‘quality’ in early childhood education have been captured by neo-liberal discourses. These discourses perpetuate the western, individualistic, normativising and exploitative attitudes and practices that are contributing to the climate crisis currently imperilling our planet. Educators may inadvertently perpetuate this situation, or they can instead consciously challenge this dominant culture, opening up spaces of divergence. Via a sequence of short scenarios or stories based within the early childhood care and education context of Aotearoa (New Zealand), readers are invited to consider alternative conceptualisations, drawing on post-humanist and Indigenous theorising, which focus on fostering dispositional qualit ies that holistically engage intra-actively with(in) children’s worlds.
‘Wasted precariat’: Migrant work in European societies
Authors: Pajnik Mojca
Published: January 2016

This article discusses migrants’ experiences of European migration-labour. It shows how precariousness is materialized in migrants’ work and lives. I show how the subordination of migrants to the demands of the (global) market shapes the work of ‘third country migrants’ as precarious in European economies. Specific migration policies as well as labour processes and their regulation construct migrants as ‘wasted precariat’, in line with Bauman’s (2004) notion of ‘wasted humans’. This process occurs at the intersection of migrant workers’ immigration status, the governance of immigration and labour relations as well as features of the industries that employ migrant workers.
Organizing across divides: Union challenges to precarious work in Vancouver’s privatized health care sector
Authors: Chun Jennifer Jihye
Published: January 2016

The outsourcing of housekeeping, laundry and food services in Vancouver’s health care sector has created a new tier of low-paid, precariously employed workers in the private sector, the majority of whom are immigrants and women of colour. Through an in-depth case study of the Hospital Employees Union (HEU), this article examines how movement-oriented union strategies, such as living wage campaigns (LWCs), enable unions to challenge the nexus between social and economic disadvantage. My findings show that alternative union models promote inclusive forms of class solidarity; however, unions must contend with internal conflicts that divide workers along racial–ethnic boundaries and employment status.
Becoming a student of English: Students’ experiences of transition into the first year
Authors: Alder Emily
Published: January 2016

This study explored the transition to university as experienced by first-year students of English studies. The first year has been identified by existing research as a critical time for new students in terms of their persistence and success on their degree programme. However, there is a need for further research in the current UK higher education climate, especially within subject disciplines. Attempts to account for successful transition have investigated students’ social integration, the institutional environment, and theories of approaches to learning. In particular, the study drew on research into academic socialisation and academic literacies to examine students’ accounts of joining first year and their development of student identities. While describing anxieties and concerns about adjusting to the new practices and discourses of English literature at university level, students’ identification with their chosen subject appeared closely implicated in their engagement with university study and their academic identity formation. The study adopted a phenomenographic methodology suited to suggesting interpretative narratives of the experiences of small groups of participants.
Optical design of a road lighting luminaire using a chip-on-board LED array
Authors: Ge A , Shu H , Chen D , Cai J , Chen J , Zhu L
Published: January 2016

Compared to traditional street lighting technologies, light emitting diode (LED) luminaires have the potential advantages of increased energy efficiency, longer operating life and better light distribution. In this paper, we present a new high-quality LED road lighting luminaire. The luminaire shows high optical efficiency, high optical utilization factor and low glare, and illuminates the street with high uniformity. We verify its feasibility by Monte Carlo ray-tracing and test its real performance through a prototype model of the luminaire. The results show that it can achieve the expected performance.
Translating an Evidence-Based Injury Prevention Program for Implementation in a Home Visitation Setting
Authors: Nicks Shannon E. , Weaver Nancy L. , Recktenwald Angela , Jupka Keri A. , Elkana Maia , Tompkins Ron
Published: January 2016

Safe N’ Sound (SNS), a computer-based childhood injury prevention program, provides individually tailored information to parents about their child’s injury risks with specific behavioral recommendations. We translated SNS for implementation in a home visitation organization in order to increase its capacity to effectively address injury prevention and decrease the burden of injury experienced by high-need families. The aim of this study was to identify behavioral and organizational barriers and facilitators to translating and implementing SNS in a home visitation setting. Nurse home visitors (NHVs) participated in semistructured interviews that examined perceptions of program implementation, intervention characteristics, individual characteristics of NHVs, and recommendations for improving implementation. The utility of the program for promoting injury prevention systematically and its alignment with the organization’s mission were facilitators of successful implementation. Barriers included NHVs’ concerns about overburdening clients and missed educational opportunities related to injury risks not addressed by the program and delayed delivery of educational reports. Findings illustrate the dynamic interactions of intervention characteristics with organizational and individual factors and suggest that customizing implementation to organizational capacity and specific needs may better support successful program implementation in home visitation settings.
Information as Ritual: James Carey in the Digital Age
Authors: Sen Biswarup
Published: January 2016

The relationship between the online and offline self is one of the most interesting questions faced by new media researchers. This article argues that James Carey’s ritual view of communication can be of immense value in analyzing this complex phenomenon. The article revisits Carey’s famous “ritual view”—that saw mass communication and mass media as the primary ground for modern society—to elucidate how the notion of ritual can function as a theoretical category that is very useful for social and cultural analysis in the contemporary epoch. By discussing the nature of contemporary information processing, the article demonstrates how digital protocols and practices function in a highly ritualistic manner, thereby functioning as tools for the construction of individual and social reality. By applying Carey’s seminal insights to the “world” constructed by computer-mediated communication and social media, the article demonstrates how everyday digital rituals enable the modern subject to emerge in a paradoxical form—extensively networked and connected, yet deeply self-directed and solitary.
Featured Article: Inhibition of diabetic cataract by glucose tolerance factor extracted from yeast
Authors: Mirsky Nitsa , Cohen Revital , Eliaz Anat , Dovrat Ahuva
Published: January 2016

Diabetes leads to many complications; among them is the development of cataract. Hyperglycemia brings to increased polyol concentration in the lens, to glycation of lens proteins, and to elevated level of ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) causing oxidative stress. The glucose tolerance factor (GTF) was found by several groups to decrease hyperglycemia and oxidative stress both in diabetic animals and humans. The aim of our study was to explore the damages induced by high glucose to the eye lens and to assess the protective effects of GTF both in vivo and in vitro. The in vivo study included control healthy rats, streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic untreated rats, and STZ diabetic rats orally treated with 15 doses of GTF. The diabetic untreated rats developed cataracts, whereas the development of cataract was totally or partially prevented in GTF treated animals. In vitro studies were done on bovine lenses incubated for 14 days. Half of the lenses were incubated in normal glucose conditions, and half in high glucose conditions (450 mg%). To one group of the normal or high glucose condition GTF was added. The optical quality of all the lenses was measured daily by an automated scanning laser system. The control lenses, whether with or without GTF addition, did not show any reduction in their quality. High glucose conditions induced optical damage to the lenses. Addition of GTF to high glucose conditions prevented this damage. High glucose conditions affected the activity of aldose reductase and sodium potassium ATPase in lens epithelial cell. Addition of GTF decreased the destructive changes induced by high glucose conditions. The amount of soluble cortical lens proteins was decreased and structural changes were detected in lenses incubated in high glucose medium. These changes could be prevented when GTF was added to high glucose medium. Our findings demonstrate the anticataractogenic potential of GTF.
Labeling Human Melanoma Cells With SPIO
Authors: Spira Daniel , Bantleon Rüdiger , Wolburg Hartwig , Schick Fritz , Groezinger Gerd , Wiskirchen Jakub , Wiesinger Benjamin
Published: January 2016

Objectives:

To use the superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) contrast agent Resovist (±transfection agent) to label human melanoma cells and determine its effects on cellular viability, microstructure, iron quantity, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detectability.

Materials and Methods:

Human SK-Mel28 melanoma cells were incubated with Resovist (±liposomal transfection agent DOSPER). The cellular iron content was measured, and labeled cells were examined at 1.5 T and 3.0 T. The intracellular and extracellular distributions of the contrast agent were assessed by light and electron microscopy.

Results:

The incubation of melanoma cells with SPIO does not interfere with cell viability or proliferation. The iron is located both intracellularly and extracellularly as iron clusters associated with the exterior of the cell membrane. Despite thorough washing, the extracellular SPIO remained associated with the cell membrane. The liposomal transfection agent does not change the maximum achievable cellular iron content but promotes a faster iron uptake. The MRI detectability persists for at least 7 days.

Conclusion:

The transfection agent DOSPER facilitates the efficient labeling of human metastatic melanoma cells with Resovist. Our findings raise the possibility that other Resovist-labeled cells may collect associated extracellular nanoparticles. The SPIO may be available to other iron-handling cells and not completely compartmentalized during the labeling procedure.
Ten years of experience in endovascular treatment of ruptured aneurysms of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery
Authors: Juszkat Robert , Kram Paweł , Stanisławska Katarzyna , Jankowski Roman , Stachowska-Tomczak Bogumiła , Nowak Stanisław , Liebert Włodzimierz
Published: January 2016

Background

The aim of this study is to present our 10 years of experience in endovascular treatment of ruptured posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) saccular aneurysms and to compare clinical presentation and outcome after endovascular treatment between patients with PICA aneurysms and patients with aneurysms in different locations.

Methods and findings

Out of 932 patients with a ruptured intracranial aneurysm treated endovascularly in our institution, 38 aneurysms were located at the posterior inferior cerebellar artery. Clinical presentation, mean aneurysm diameter and outcome of the therapy in this group were compared with the same for ruptured aneurysms in other locations. Patients discharged with favourable outcomes were checked angiographically in the follow-up period. Thirty-four patients with ruptured PICA aneurysms were treated by selective endovascular coiling. Two patients with wide-necked aneurysms had endovascular stents implanted. In two cases, the parent vessel was occluded due to failure to catheterise the target aneurysm. The evaluated variables did not differ significantly between two groups, but significantly more ruptured aneurysms in the PICA group were under 6 mm in diameter. 29.4% of controlled aneurysms needed additional reembolisation in the follow-up period.

Conclusions

Clinical presentation, extension of subarachnoid haemorrhage and outcome after endovascular treatment did not differ significantly between patients with ruptured aneurysms located on the PICA and patients with aneurysms located elsewhere intracranially. Endovascular treatment is an effective method of therapy in patients with ruptured PICA aneurysms. In our experience, even when sacrificing of the PICA is required, the results of treatment are favourable.
Analysis of under-frequency load shedding considering renewable energy for isolated systems
Authors: Chang Hong-Chan , Hsueh Yu-Min , Kuo Cheng-Chien , Chen Chih-Hung
Published: January 2016

This article focuses on the effect of under-frequency load shedding with renewable energy for isolated systems. Therefore, this article will apply PSS/E software to simulate the operating characteristics of an off-island system connected to battery energy storage in parallel in order to determine energy storage capacity. Wind energy operation and case analysis are used to integrate the systems that can improve under-frequency influence, in order to determine appropriate storage and AC–DC inverter capacities. First, the wind power generation data of isolated systems of 2011, 2012, and 2013 are used to estimate the storage and inverter capacities for 1, 2, 6, 12, and 24 h daily. With the above data of about 900 days, Gaussian distribution is applied to analyze the frequencies, sizes, accumulated probabilities, and other factors. Second, the annual electricity sales of isolated systems are used to determine more economic capacities for the battery storage energy and inverter. Finally, the economic analysis of the four cases is conducted, according to PSS/E software analysis, in order to determine the optimal capacity for battery energy storage devices and inverter.
Electric vehicles: A review of network modelling and future research needs
Authors: Jing Wentao , Yan Yadan , Kim Inhi , Sarvi Majid
Published: January 2016

Electric vehicles are believed to be an effective solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Despite extensive study on the attributes and characteristics of electric vehicles and their charging infrastructure design, the development and network modelling of electric vehicles are still evolving and limited. This article provides a comprehensive review of electric vehicle studies and identifies existing research gaps in the aspects of theories, modelling approaches, solution algorithms and applications. This article first describes the electric vehicles’ concepts, market share, characteristics and charging infrastructures. Then, the studies on traffic assignment problem with electric vehicles in the network and limited charging facilities are particularly discussed. We conclude that it is of great importance to take into account electric vehicles’ special characteristics (e.g. range limit) in predicting their routing behaviour and charging infrastructure design networks.
Development of a lower limb rehabilitation exoskeleton based on real-time gait detection and gait tracking
Authors: Zhang Chao , Liu Gangfeng , Li Changle , Zhao Jie , Yu Hongying , Zhu Yanhe
Published: January 2016

Hemiplegia, apoplexia, or traffic accidents often lead to unilateral lower limb movement disorders. Traditional lower limb rehabilitation equipments usually execute walk training based on fixed gait trajectory; however, this type is unsuitable for unilateral lower limb disorders because they still have athletic ability and initiative walking intention on the healthy side. This article describes a wearable lower limb rehabilitation exoskeleton with a walk-assisting platform for safety and anti-gravity support. The exoskeleton detects and tracks the motion of the healthy leg, which is then used as the control input of the dyskinetic leg with half a gate-cycle delay. The patient can undergo walk training on his own intention, including individual walking habit, stride length, and stride frequency, which likely contribute to the training initiative. The series elastic actuator is chosen for the exoskeleton because the torque output can be accurately detected and used to calculate the assisted torque on the dyskinetic leg. This parameter corresponds to the recovery level of a patient’s muscle force. Finally, the walk-assisting experiments reveal that the rehabilitation exoskeleton in this article can provide the necessary assisting torques on the dyskinetic leg, which can be accurately monitored in real time to evaluate a patient’s rehabilitation status.
Compressor performance prediction using a novel feed-forward neural network based on Gaussian kernel function
Authors: Fei Jingzhou , Zhao Ningbo , Shi Yong , Feng Yongming , Wang Zhongwei
Published: January 2016

In this article, a novel artificial neural network integrating feed-forward back-propagation neural network with Gaussian kernel function is proposed for the prediction of compressor performance map. To demonstrate the potential capability of the proposed approach for the typical interpolated and extrapolated predictions, other two classical data-driven modeling methods including feed-forward back-propagation neural network and support vector machine are compared. An assessment is performed and discussed on the sensitivity of different models to the number of training samples (48 training samples, 32 training samples, and 18 training samples). All the results indicate that the proposed neural network in this article has superior prediction performance to the existing feed-forward back-propagation neural network and support vector machine, especially for the extrapolation with small samples. Furthermore, this study can be utilized in refining the existing performance-based modeling for improved simulation analysis, condition monitoring, and fault diagnosis of gas turbine compressor.
Long-term forecasting oriented to urban expressway traffic situation
Authors: Su Fei , Dong Honghui , Jia Limin , Qin Yong , Tian Zhao
Published: January 2016

Long-term traffic forecasting has become a basic and critical work in the research on road traffic congestion. It plays an important role in alleviating road traffic congestion and improving traffic management quality. According to the problem that long-term traffic forecasting is short of systematic and effective methods, a long-term traffic situation forecasting model is proposed in this article based on functional nonparametric regression. In the functional nonparametric regression framework, autocorrelation analysis (ACF) is introduced to analyze the autocorrelation coefficient of traffic flow for selecting the state vector, and the functional principal component analysis is also used as distance function for computing proximities between different traffic flow time series. The experiments based on the traffic flow data in Beijing expressway prove that the functional nonparametric regression model outperforms forecast methods in accuracy and effectiveness.
Quality characteristic association analysis of computer numerical control machine tool based on meta-action assembly unit
Authors: Ran Yan , Zhang Genbao , Zhang Lian
Published: January 2016

As everyone knows, assembly quality plays a very important role in final product quality. Since computer numerical control machine tool is a large system with complicated structure and function, and there are complex association relationships among quality characteristics in assembly process, then it is difficult and inaccurate to analyze the whole computer numerical control machine tool quality characteristic association at one time. In this article, meta-action assembly unit is proposed as the basic analysis unit, of which quality characteristic association is studied to guarantee the whole computer numerical control machine tool assembly quality. First, based on “Function-Motion-Action” decomposition structure, the definitions of meta-action and meta-action assembly unit are introduced. Second, manufacturing process association and meta-action assembly unit quality characteristic association are discussed. Third, after understanding the definitions of information entropy and relative entropy, the concrete meta-action assembly unit quality characteristic association analysis steps based on relative entropy are described in detail. And finally, the lifting piston translation assembly unit of automatic pallet changer is taken as an example, the association degree between internal leakage and the influence factors of part quality characteristics and mate-relationships among them are calculated to figure out the most influential factors, showing the correctness and feasibility of this method.
Fault diagnosis of rotating machines for rail vehicles based on local mean decomposition—energy moment—directed acyclic graph support vector machine
Authors: Du Yanping , Zhang Wenjiao , Zhang Yuan , Gao Zhenqing , Wang Xiaohui
Published: January 2016

In order to accurately perform fault diagnosis of key rotating machines of rail vehicles, a new method for diagnosis was proposed, based on local mean decomposition—energy moment—directed acyclic graph support vector machine. The vibration signals of rotating machines were decomposed by local mean decomposition to obtain the signal components, and then energy moment is calculated for each state feature component for feature extraction. For state identification, the directed acyclic graph support vector machine is established, multiple classical support vector machine were trained, and then multi-state identification was completed using directed acyclic graph support vector machine. The proposed method was tested on a train rolling bearing. Experimental results show that the method has nearly 95% identification accuracy and verified the feasibility and advantages of this method.
Study on creep damage and life prediction of threaded connections at high temperature
Authors: Yu Qingmin , Zhou Honglei
Published: January 2016

In this study, Kachanov–Rabotnov model and stress relaxation damage constitutive equations deduced from Kachanov–Rabotnov model were applied to analyze the creep damage and to predict life for threaded connection structure at high temperature with finite element method. The parameters of Kachanov–Rabotnov model were obtained by fitting the results of creep experiments for titanium alloy at 650°C. Based on the experimental and finite element analysis results for standard specimen, a creep failure criterion was established. Then the influences of the external tensile load on the creep damage and life, as well as the stress relaxation on the initial preload, were studied. The analysis of stress relaxation for bolt shows that the stress relaxation has a remarkable effect on the bolt preload. The preloads decrease to a determined value with creep time and remain almost unchanged later. When the determined value is less than the required preload acting on the bolt, the structure will fail due to insufficient preload caused by stress relaxation.
The attitude adjustment algorithm in drilling end-effector for aviation
Authors: Yuan Peijiang , Lai Ting , Li Yong , Han Wei , Lin Minqing , Zhu Qiancheng , Liu Yuanwei , Shi Zhenyun
Published: January 2016

To ensure the perpendicularity of drilling holes in aircraft manufacturing, the attitude of spindle axis must be adjusted to coincide with the normal vector of drilling point before drilling. The double eccentric discs-spherical pair structure was used as attitude adjustment mechanism in drilling end-effector. Therefore, the attitude adjustment algorithm of spindle axis is proposed in this article. There were two attitudes for current and target position, respectively, and the rotation sequence of each eccentric disc would affect the attitude adjustment efficiency. This article presents the path planning and optimal solution choosing from multiple solutions. Finally, the effectiveness and accuracy of the algorithm are verified in simulation and drilling experiment, resulting in a normality tolerance of ±0.5° and precision of H9.
Research on the aerodynamic characteristics of a lift drag hybrid vertical axis wind turbine
Authors: Sun Xiaojing , Chen Yajun , Cao Yang , Wu Guoqing , Zheng Zhongquan , Huang Diangui
Published: January 2016

Compared with a drag-type vertical axis wind turbines, one of the greatest advantages for a lift-type vertical axis wind turbines is its higher power coefficient ( Cp). However, the lift-type vertical axis wind turbines is not a self-starting turbine as its starting torque is very low. In order to combine the advantage of both the drag-type and the lift-type vertical axis wind turbines, a lift drag hybrid vertical axis wind turbines was designed in this article and its aerodynamics and starting performance was studied in detail with the aid of computational fluid dynamics simulations. Numerical results indicate that the power coefficient of this lift drag hybrid vertical axis wind turbines declines when the distance between its drag-type blades and the center of rotation of the turbine rotor increases, whereas its starting torque can be significantly improved. Studies also show that unlike the lift-type vertical axis wind turbines, this lift drag hybrid-type vertical axis wind turbines could be able to solve the problem of low start-up torque. However, the installation position of the drag blade is very important. If the drag blade is mounted very close to the spindle, the starting torque of the lift drag hybrid-type vertical axis wind turbines may not be improved at all. In addition, it has been found that the power coefficient of the studied vertical axis wind turbines is not as good as expected and possible reasons have been provided in this article after the pressure distribution along the surfaces of the airfoil-shaped blades of the hybrid turbine was analyzed.
Television sports rights beyond the West: The cases of India and South Africa
Authors: Smith Paul
Published: January 2016

The main objective of this article is to highlight the important role played by television sports rights in two significant non-Western media markets, India and South Africa. Specifically, this article highlights how key trends commonly identified in Western countries have also been apparent in India and South Africa, namely, the use of exclusive sports rights as a ‘battering ram’ to open up pay-TV markets and the resulting escalation in the value of premium rights. Just as significantly, the cases of India and South Africa also demonstrate the importance of sports broadcasting regulation in two main areas: first, major events legislation, designed to guarantee that certain major sporting events remain available on free-to-air television, and, second, the application of competition law in order to limit the use of sports rights as a source of market power within pay TV.
Early recurrence of atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation with left atrial fibrosis identified at cardiac magnetic resonance by late gadolinium enhancement
Authors: Totaro Antonio , Casavecchia Graziapia , Gravina Matteo , Ieva Riccardo , Santoro Francesco , Grimaldi Massimo , Pellegrino Pier Luigi , Macarini Luca , Di Biase Matteo , Brunetti Natale Daniele
Published: January 2016

In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), extensive atrial tissue fibrosis identified by delayed enhancement magnetic resonance imaging has been associated with early recurrence of AF after catheter ablation. We present a case of a patient with extensive atrial fibrosis and AF recurrence.

The study of late gadolinium enhancement with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in patients with AF could be a valuable noninvasive tool for the selection of patients suitable for successful catheter ablation.
What difference can it make: Why write books on global justice in the first place?
Authors: Risse Mathias
Published: January 2016

This article looks at different conceptions of what political philosophy is as a vocation, with an eye on the question of what is the point of writing books specifically on global justice. The occasion for reflecting on this question is a particular line of criticism that has been advanced against my 2012 book On Global Justice. I introduce a Platonic conception of political philosophy and then turn to two contemporary conceptions: one due to Habermas and one due to Rawls. The Rawlsian approach strikes me as most plausible. I develop that approach some more by defending it against different versions of realism and bring it to bear on the title question.
Internal carotid artery stenosis with persistent primitive hypoglossal artery treated with carotid artery stenting: A case report and literature review
Authors: Ryu Bikei , Ishikawa Tatsuya , Hashimoto Koji , Shimizu Masahiro , Yagi Shinichi , Shimizu Tsuneo , Kawamata Takakazu
Published: January 2016

Persistent primitive hypoglossal artery (PPHA) is a persistent carotid-basilar anastomosis. It rarely remains at birth. It occasionally may be a risk for ischemia and embolic infarction to the posterior cerebral circulation, especially in patients with carotid stenosis proximal to the origin of persistent primitive arteries. We describe a case of a 60-year-old woman with asymptomatic internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis and ipsilateral PPHA successfully treated by carotid artery stenting (CAS). A few cases of CAS for ICA stenosis with PPHA have been reported, but the strategy and methods in each case were different because of its unique anatomy and hemodynamics. It is essential to prevent distal embolisms and preserve blood flow at the territory of both the ICA and PPHA. The protection method should be selected carefully. We review the literature and discuss appropriate treatment strategies.
Intra-arterial nimodipine for cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid haemorrhage: Influence on clinical course and predictors of clinical outcome
Authors: Bashir Asma , Andresen Morten , Bartek Jiri , Cortsen Marie , Eskesen Vagn , Wagner Aase
Published: January 2016

Intra-arterial nimodipine (IAN) has shown a promising effect on cerebral vasospasm (CV) after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage. At our institution, Rigshospitalet, IAN treatment has been used since 2009, but the short- and long-term clinical efficacy of IAN has not yet been assessed. The purpose was to evaluate the efficacy and clinical outcome of IAN treatment of symptomatic CV, and to assess the predictors of clinical outcome. Medical records of 25 patients undergoing a total of 41 IAN treatment sessions were retrospectively reviewed. Data on angiographic results, blood-flow velocities and the clinical condition before and after the IAN treatment were recorded. Predictors of the clinical outcome were assessed with a linear regression model. Positive angiographic response was achieved in 95.1% of 41 IAN treatment sessions. Flow-velocity measurements showed no relationship with angiographic responses of IAN. The immediate clinical improvement was observed in three patients (12%). Five patients (20%) had a favourable outcome at discharge and at three-month follow-up; 10 patients (40%) had a moderate to poor outcome; and the rest (40%) died. Increased number of affected vessels and number of procedures carried out per patient, and a trend toward an increased delay time from symptomatic CV to confirming angiographic CV and thus instituting IAN treatment predicted the poor clinical outcome. IAN treatment appears to be effective in reversing angiographic CV. However, it is not always effective in reversing clinical deterioration, as several other factors including treatment delay affect the clinical course.
Compressive hematoma and deep arteriovenous malformation: Emergency endovascular occlusion via a venous approach with surgical evacuation of the hematoma
Authors: Sedat Jacques , Chau Yves , Sachet Marina , Cattet Florian , Lonjon Michel
Published: January 2016

Compressive hematoma associated with deep arterio-venous malformation is a difficult surgery. Arterial presurgical embolization is often indicated but rarely effective. Endovascular occlusion via a venous approach is a technique that has recently been undertaken successfully to treat certain types of sub-pial vascular malformation.

The venous endovascular approach has succeeded in a 20-year-old man of who presented with a compressive hematoma due to rupture of a deep arteriovenous malformation. By fully endovascular occlusion, the surgery consisted of surgical removal of the hematoma, with reduced cortical damage.
Creating spaces of empathy in the face of regimes of control
Authors: Ritchie Jenny
Published: January 2016

This article focuses on the context of early childhood education in Aotearoa (New Zealand). It argues that greater consideration be given to the recognition of the ongoing intergenerational trauma resulting from histories of colonisation, particularly with regard to early childhood care and education pedagogies. It critiques the introduction of the US programme, the ‘Incredible Years’, since the behaviourist stance of its strategies lack empathy, and contradict the philosophy of the relationally based New Zealand early childhood curriculum, Te Whāriki.