bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A single group, pretest-posttest clinical trial for the effects of dry needling on wrist flexors spasticity after stroke
Authors: Fakhari Zahra , Ansari Noureddin Nakhostin , Naghdi Soofia , Mansouri Korosh , Radinmehr Hojjat
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND: Spasticity is a common complication after stroke. Dry needling (DN) is suggested as a novel method for treatment of muscle spasticity.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of DN on wrist flexors spasticity poststroke.

METHODS: A single group, pretest-posttest clinical trial was used. Twenty nine patients with stroke (16 male; mean age 54.3 years) were tested at baseline (T0), immediately after DN (T1), and one hour after DN (T2). DN was applied for flexor carpi radialis (FCR) and flexor carpi ulnaris on the affected arm for single session, one minute per muscle. The Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS), passive resistance force, wrist active and passive range of motion, Box and Block Test, and FCR H-reflex were outcome measures.

RESULTS: Significant reductions in MMAS scores were seen both immediately after DN and at 1-hour follow-up (median 2 at T0 to 1 at T1 and T2). There were significant improvements in other measures between the baseline values at T0 and those recorded immediately after the DN at T1 or one hour later at T2.

CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that DN reduced wrist flexors spasticity and alpha motor neuron excitability in patients with stroke, and improvements persisted for one hour after DN.
Effects of scapulohumeral rehabilitation protocol on trunk control recovery in patients with subacute stroke: A pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Dell’Uomo Daniela , Morone Giovanni , Centrella Antonio , Paolucci Stefano , Caltagirone Carlo , Grasso Maria Grazia , Traballesi Marco , Iosa Marco
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND: Despite upper limb rehabilitation is widely investigated in patients with stroke, the effects of scapulohumeral rehabilitation on trunk stabillization are mainly unknown.

OBJECTIVE: To test the effects of scapulohumeral rehabilitation protocol on trunk control recovery in patients with subacute stroke.

METHODS: A pilot randomized controlled trial with two groups of 14 patients each one performing 20 minutes per day, 5 days a week, for 6 weeks in add on to standard therapy. Experimental group performed a specific scapulohumeral rehabilitation protocol aiming to improve trunk competencies whereas control group performed conventional arm rehabilitation. Clinical scale tests and accelerometric evaluations were performed pre- and post-treatment.

RESULTS: Experimental groups showed better scores at discharge at Trunk impairment Scale ( p < 0.001), Barthel Index ( p = 0.024), Trunk Control Test ( p = 0.002), Sitting Balance Scale ( p = 0.002), but neither at Fugl-Meyer Scale ( p = 0.194) nor Modified Ashworth Scale ( p = 0.114). Accelerometric analysis showed higher stability of trunk for experimental group especially during static and dynamic items.

CONCLUSIONS: The recovery of scapulohumeral functions also acts on trunk stabilization post-stroke.
Effects of gait training using the Hybrid Assistive Limb® in recovery-phase stroke patients: A 2-month follow-up, randomized, controlled study
Authors: Watanabe Hiroki , Goto Ryohei , Tanaka Naoki , Matsumura Akira , Yanagi Hisako
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND: Gait training using the Hybrid Assistive Limb® (HAL®) may have beneficial effects on post-stroke gait function and independent walking. However, the long-term and medium-term efficacies of gait training using HAL® in stroke patients remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the medium-term efficacy of gait training using a single-leg version of the Hybrid Assistive Limb® (HAL®) on the paretic side with conventional gait training (CGT) in recovery-phase stroke patients.

METHODS: Twenty-four post-stroke participants (HAL® group: n = 12, CGT group: n = 12) completed the trial. Over 4 weeks, all participants received twelve 20-min sessions of either HAL® (using the single-leg version of HAL® on the paretic side) or conventional (performed by skilled and experienced physical therapists) gait training. Outcome measures were evaluated prior to training, after 12 sessions, and at 8 and 12 weeks after intervention initiation. Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) was the primary outcome measure.

RESULTS: The HAL® group showed significant improvement in FAC after 12 sessions, and at 8 and 12 weeks compared to the conventional group ( P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that a gait training program based on HAL® may improve independent walking more efficiently than CGT at 1 and 2 months after intervention.
Impaired scaling of preparatory postural responses to repeated balance perturbations in Parkinsonian patients with comorbid white matter disease
Authors: Cioncoloni David , Martelli Lodovica , Rosignoli Deborah , Mazzocchio Riccardo
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND: Postural instability may result from altered sequencing of automatic motor programs for anticipatory postural corrections and/or impaired motor learning in Parkinson Disease (PD) patients. Comorbid white matter disease is a major determinant of axial motor impairment, leading to poorer stability than nigrostriatal dopaminergic denervation per se.

OBJECTIVE: To assess differences in anticipatory control of postural stability function between subjects affected by PD with comorbid leukoaraiosis (LPD), idiopathic Parkinson disease (IPD) and elderly healthy subjects (EHS) as control group.

METHODS: Eight patients with IPD, eight patients with LPD and eight age/weight matched elderly healthy subjects (EHS) were tested in standing position by measuring the Center of Pressure (CoP) along the anteroposterior axis (CoP-Y) while subjects were expecting three repeated backward surface translation.

RESULTS: LPD patients positioned the CoP-Y significantly backward while waiting for the second and third platform translations, with respect to their COP-Y position in preparation for the first translation. The IPD and EHS showed no significant differences in the COP-Y position among the repeated perturbation trials.

CONCLUSIONS: LPD patients show inability to rescale an effective preparatory postural pattern to known, repeated postural perturbations suggesting impaired sensory-motor strategies in anticipating perturbations. Anticipatory postural patterns remain effective in IPD patients.
Pilot study of the Sub-Symptom Threshold Exercise Program (SSTEP) for persistent concussion symptoms in youth
Authors: Chrisman Sara P.D. , Whitlock Kathryn B. , Somers Elissa , Burton Monique S. , Herring Stanley A. , Rowhani-Rahbar Ali , Rivara Frederick P.
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND: Prior studies suggest potential benefit using monitored aerobic exercise to treat youth with persistent concussion symptoms, but these studies have been small.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the safety and potential benefits of a rehabilitative exercise intervention, the Sub-symptom Threshold Exercise Program (SSTEP), for treating youth with persistent concussion symptoms >1 month.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 83 youth who participated in SSTEP, completing trajectory analysis of concussion symptoms using the symptom subscale of the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool, version 2 (SCAT-2).

RESULTS: The average age of patients was 14.9+/–2.3 years and 54% were female. Most concussions (76%) were due to sports, the majority from football and girls’ soccer, and 55% had a previous concussion. Comorbidity was not uncommon: 14% had history of ADHD and 16% history of depression and/or anxiety. Most patients improved following the intervention, and none reported worsening. Symptoms decreased exponentially following initiation of SSTEP, and trajectory did not differ by duration of symptoms at presentation (<6 weeks, 6–12 weeks, >12 weeks).

CONCLUSIONS: Monitored exercise programs appear to be safe and potentially beneficial for youth with persistent concussive symptoms. Large-scale controlled studies are needed to examine efficacy, ideal timing and duration.
Comparison of online awareness and error behaviour during occupational performance by two individuals with traumatic brain injury and matched controls
Authors: Doig Emmah , Fleming Jenny , Lin Bonnie
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND: Online awareness and error behaviour has largely been studied using computer-based tests or prescribed functional tasks in participants with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare online awareness and error behaviour of two participants with TBI with two matched controls during tasks of meaning and importance to the participants with TBI, using an occupation-based online awareness assessment.

METHODS: Participants were two males with TBI (aged 22 and 23) and two controls (aged 23 and 27). The participants with TBI identified personally meaningful occupations and performed each task on two consecutive occasions. Performances were video-recorded and assessed by two occupational therapists to measure the frequency of errors, the percent of errors that were self-corrected, and the types of error behaviours observed.

RESULTS: The participants with TBI demonstrated more frequent errors and poorer self-correction of errors compared to controls. Control participants made greater improvements in error frequency and self-correction with practice, and demonstrated a narrower range of error behaviours.

CONCLUSIONS: This study builds upon previous research, by utilising an individualised, occupation-based approach to assess error behaviour and online awareness.
Communication vulnerable in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A systematic review
Authors: Neto Lavoisier Leite , Constantini Ana Carolina , Chun Regina Yu Shon
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND: Individuals with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) exhibit speech disorders since the early stages that decrease the communication rate and interfere in social participation.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a literature review on communication vulnerable and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

METHOD: Descriptors of the Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS) were used: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Health Vulnerability, Communication Barriers, Nonverbal Communication, and Communication Aids for Disabled. Articles in Portuguese and English from 2010 to 2015, fully available in the Virtual Health Library, PubMed, and Scopus were used. Duplicate articles and those not related to communication/language were excluded.

RESULTS: Of the 94 articles found, 37 met the criteria. All of them were published in the USA and Europe, none was Brazilian; 27% of 2012 to 2014; 40.5% descriptive studies and 24.3% case studies; 45.9% addressed ALS and 24.3%, other serious motor alterations, including ALS. A large proportion (89.2%) addressed AAC, 70.3% Brain-Computer Interface (BCI).

CONCLUSION: The results show that the researches recurrently addressed communication vulnerable, although not necessarily in these terms. The device which was most employed was the BCI, mainly in advanced stages of the disease.
Vanishing bone tumor (Gorham-Stout syndrome): A case report
Authors: Jindal Mohit , Garg Keerty
Published: February 2017

Gorham-Stout syndrome/Vanishing bone tumor also known by a dozen other eponyms is an extremely rare disorder of the musculoskeletal system reported first in 1938 by Jackson and later detailed description was given by Gorham and Stout. Since then about 200 cases of this disorder have been reported. Gorham-Stout syndrome is a poorly understood disorder of abnormal lymphovascular proliferation resulting in a localized bone loss, usually painless unless complicated by a pathological fracture and usually involving the proximal humerus (most common),shoulder girdle, pelvis, skull and mandible.

In our case, a 50 year old female presentedwith a 2 year history of pain and restriction in movements involving the left shoulder for which a skiagram revealed marked bone loss. Further investigations including MRI and Tc 99 bone scan were also affirmative. Biopsy revealed lymphovascular ectasia. The patient, diagnosed as a case of Stout syndrome, was managed with removal of the involved portion of proximal humerus and shoulder hemiarthroplasty. Post operatively the patient was put on bisphosphonates and recovered remarkably well. A high index of suspicion is required while managing a case of osteolytic lesions of bone. However due to limited available literature regarding this entity the prognosis and treatment protocols are yet to be established.
Parametric Approach to Assessing Performance of High-Lift Device Active Flow Control Architectures
Authors: Cai Yu , Gao Zhenyu , Chakraborty Imon , Briceno Simon , Mavris Dimitri
Published: February 2017

Active Flow Control is at present an area of considerable research, with multiple potential aircraft applications. While the majority of research has focused on the performance of the actuators themselves, a system-level perspective is necessary to assess the viability of proposed solutions. This paper demonstrates such an approach, in which major system components are sized based on system flow and redundancy considerations, with the impacts linked directly to the mission performance of the aircraft. Considering the case of a large twin-aisle aircraft, four distinct active flow control architectures that facilitate the simplification of the high-lift mechanism are investigated using the demonstrated approach. The analysis indicates a very strong influence of system total mass flow requirement on architecture performance, both for a typical mission and also over the entire payload-range envelope of the aircraft.
Changes in the Polyphenolic Profile, Carotenoids and Antioxidant Potential of Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) Leaves during Maturation
Authors: Zeb Alam , Khadim Nadia , Ali Waqar
Published: February 2017

Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) leaves were studied to assess the potential of apricot leaves for future studies and their applications in nutraceutical and bioactive functional ingredients. The changes in the phenolic profile, carotenoids, pigments and antioxidant potential were studied at four maturation stages. Polyphenols and carotenoids were studied using reversed-phase HPLC-DAD. Pigments, total phenolic contents and radical scavenging activity were also measured. Results revealed twelve phenolic compounds in the apricot leaves. The major phenolic compounds were 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid (14.6–49.6 mg/g), 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid (0.56–7.5 mg/g), 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid (5.6–25.7 mg/g) and quercetin-3-O-glucosides (8.6–19.9 mg/g), while others include caffeic acid and derivatives of coumaric acid and kaempferol. Significant changes were observed in polyphenolic compounds during maturation. Lutein (56.7–65.7 µg/g), neoxanthin (0.66–4.79 µg/g), 5,6-epoxy-α-carotene (5.89–7.9 µg/g), and β-carotene (12.3–26.9 µg/g) were the major carotenoids. There were significant variations in the carotenoids, pigment contents, total phenolic contents and radical scavenging activity during maturation. In conclusion, significant variation occurred in the polyphenolic profile, carotenoids contents and antioxidant potential of apricot leaves under the studied conditions.
Influence of Irrigation Scheduling Using Thermometry on Peach Tree Water Status and Yield under Different Irrigation Systems
Authors: Zhang Huihui , Wang Dong , Gartung Jim
Published: February 2017

Remotely-sensed canopy temperature from infrared thermometer (IRT) sensors has long been shown to be effective for detecting plant water stress. A field study was conducted to investigate peach tree responses to deficit irrigation which was controlled using canopy to air temperature difference (ΔT) during the postharvest period at the USDA-ARS (U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service) San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center in Parlier, California, USA. The experimental site consisted of a 1.6 ha early maturing peach tree orchard. A total of 18 IRT sensors were used to control six irrigation treatments including furrow, micro-spray, and surface drip irrigation systems with and without postharvest deficit irrigation. During the postharvest period in the 2012–2013 and 2013–2014 growing seasons, ΔT threshold values at mid-day was tested to trigger irrigation in three irrigation systems. The results showed that mid-day stem water potentials (ψ) for well irrigated trees were maintained at a range of −0.5 to −1.2 MPa while ψ of deficit irrigated trees dropped to lower values. Soil water content in deficit surface drip irrigation treatment was higher compared to deficit furrow and micro-spray irrigation treatments in 2012. The number of fruits and fruit weight from peach trees under postharvest deficit irrigation treatment were less than those well-watered trees; however, no statistically significant (at the p < 0.05 level) reduction in fruit size or quality was found for trees irrigated by surface drip and micro-spray irrigation systems by deficit irrigation. Beside doubles, we found an increased number of fruits with deep sutures and dimples which may be a long-term (seven-year postharvest regulated deficit irrigation) impact of deficit irrigation on this peach tree variety. Overall, deployment of IRT sensors provided real-time measurement of canopy water status and the information is valuable for making irrigation management decisions.
Final Demonstration of the Co-Identity of Lipiarmycin A3 and Tiacumicin B (Fidaxomicin) through Single Crystal X-ray Analysis
Authors: Serra Stefano , Malpezzi Luciana , Bedeschi Angelo , Fuganti Claudio , Fonte Piera
Published: February 2017

Lipiarmycin A3 and tiacumicin B possess the same chemical structure and have been considered identical till recently, when some authors have suggested the possibility of a minor difference between the chemical structures of the two antibiotics. In this work we performed a comparative X-ray analysis of lipiarmycin A3 and tiacumicin B. Although the commercial samples of the aforementioned compounds crystallize into two different crystal systems—evidently due to the different crystallization conditions—their chemical structures are identical. These results confirmed the previous assigned chemical structure of lipiarmycin A3 and its absolute configuration as well as its co-identity with the chemical structure of tiacumicin B, providing the definitive proof that these pharmaceutical compounds are identical in all respects.
Light Trapping above the Light Cone in One-Dimensional Arrays of Dielectric Spheres
Authors: Bulgakov Evgeny , Sadreev Almas , Maksimov Dmitrii
Published: February 2017

We demonstrate bound states in the radiation continuum (BSC) in a linear periodic array of dielectric spheres in air above the light cone. We classify the BSCs by orbital angular momentum m = 0,±1,±2 according to the rotational symmetry of the array, Bloch wave vector ꞵ directed along the array according to the translational symmetry, and polarization. The most simple symmetry protectedBSCshavem = 0,ꞵ = 0 and occur in a wide range of the radius of the spheres and dielectric constant. More sophisticated BSCs with m 6= 0,ꞵ = 0 exist only for a selected radius of spheres at ﬁxed dielectric constant. We also ﬁnd robust Bloch BSCs with ꞵ 6= 0,m = 0. All BSCs reside within the ﬁrst but below the other diffraction continua. We show that the BSCs can be easily detected by bright features in scattering of different plane waves by the array as dependent on type of the BSC. The symmetry protected TE/TMBSCs can be traced by collapsing Fano resonance in cross-sections of normally incident TE/TM plane waves. When plane wave with circular polarization with frequency tuned to the bound states with OAM illuminates the array the spin angular momentum of the incident wave transfers into the orbital angular momentum of the BSC.This ,inturn, gives rise to giant vortical power currents rotating around the array. Incident wave with linear polarization with frequency tuned to the Bloch bound state in the continuum induces giant laminar power currents. At last, the plane wave with linear polarization incident under tilt relative to the axis of array excites Poynting currents spiralling around the array. It is demonstrated numerically that quasi-bound leaky modes of the array can propagate both stationary waves and light pulses to a distance of 60 wavelengths at the frequencies close to the bound states in the radiation continuum. A semi-analytical estimate for decay rates of the guided waves is found to match the numerical data to a good accuracy.
Effects of a Nano-Silica Additive on the Rock Erosion Characteristics of a SC-CO2 Jet under Various Operating Conditions
Authors: Huang Man , Kang Yong , Long Xinping , Wang Xiaochuan , Hu Yi , Li Deng , Zhang Mingxing
Published: February 2017

In order to improve the erosion capacity of a supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) jet, the influence of a nano-silica additive on the rock erosion characteristics was experimentally investigated. By impinging the SC-CO2 jets with nano-silica mass fractions of 0 wt % (pure SC-CO2 jet), 3 wt %, 6 wt %, 9 wt %, 12 wt %, 15 wt %, and 18 wt % on specimens of red sandstone, the erosion volumes under various operating conditions were measured and analyzed. Results show that an appropriate amount of nano-silica additive can greatly enhance the erosion ability of a SC-CO2 jet. The effect on the erosion ability largely depends on the operating conditions. For instance, when the other conditions are fixed, 6 wt %, 9 wt %, 12 wt %, and 15 wt % were the optimum mass fractions, successively, with the inlet pressure increasing from 30 MPa to 60 MPa. With the increase in ambient pressure, the optimum mass fraction is unchanged under the constant inlet pressure, while it increases under the constant pressure drop. Additionally, the optimum mass fraction decreases when the fluid temperature increases. In addition, the optimal standoff distances are about five times the nozzle diameter of the nano-silica SC-CO2 jet, and three times for the pure jet. This research provides a new method for effectively enhancing the rock erosion performance of a SC-CO2 jet.
A Scalable Parallel Architecture Based on Many-Core Processors for Generating HTTP Traffic
Authors: Wang Xinheng , Xu Chuan , Jin Wenqiang , Wang Jiajie , Wang Qianyun , Zhao Guofeng
Published: February 2017

The past years have witnessed the significant development of the Internet. Numerous emerging network architectures and protocols have triggered the demand for traffic generators which stand in stark contrast to previous schemes. Namely, fixed test content is inefficient in the presence of such a dynamic and realistic demand. Moreover, the requirement of high-performance has raised the stakes on developing a new concurrent system. In this paper, we present a hierarchical parallel design for a Web traffic generator on a TILERAGX36 processor, called TGMP. We discuss the challenges in developing its hierarchical architectural design, and elaborate on its implementation details. Specifically, in order to generate a realistic network workload over a long and large time scale, we propose a user-control scheme based on cubic spline interpolation. To better improve the scalability of the system and satisfy the required flow rate, we adopt techniques, including optimization of parameters under the Linux kernel, event-driven concurrency, and parallel architectures of a TILERAGX36 processor. The experimental results demonstrate that TGMP is able to create real traffic and simulate 50,000 users accessing the Web server simultaneously.
Adhesion Evaluation of Asphalt-Aggregate Interface Using Surface Free Energy Method
Authors: Ji Jie , Yao Hui , Liu Luhou , Suo Zhi , Zhai Peng , Yang Xu , You Zhanping
Published: February 2017

The influence of organic additives (Sasobit and RH) and water on the adhesion of the asphalt-aggregate interface was studied according to the surface free energy theory. Two asphalt binders (SK-70 and SK-90), and two aggregate types (limestone and basalt) were used in this study. The sessile drop method was employed to test surface free energy components of asphalt, organic additives and aggregates. The adhesion models of the asphalt-aggregate interface in dry and wet conditions were established, and the adhesion work was calculated subsequently. The energy ratios were built to evaluate the effect of organic additives and water on the adhesiveness of the asphalt-aggregate interface. The results indicate that the addition of organic additives can enhance the adhesion of the asphalt-aggregate interface in dry conditions, because organic additives reduced the surface free energy of asphalt. However, the organic additives have hydrophobic characteristics and are sensitive to water. As a result, the adhesiveness of the asphalt-aggregate interface of the asphalt containing organic additives in wet conditions sharply decreased due to water damage to asphalt and organic additives. Furthermore, the compatibility of asphalt, aggregate with organic additive was noted and discussed.
Analysis of the Hazard, Vulnerability, and Exposure to the Risk of Flooding (Alba de Yeltes, Salamanca, Spain)
Authors: Veleda Sergio , Martínez-Graña Antonio , Santos-Francés Fernando , Sánchez-SanRoman Javier , Criado Marco
Published: February 2017

The present work has developed a method using GIS technology to evaluate the danger, vulnerability, and exposure to the risk of flooding in the Alba de Yeltes area (Salamanca, Spain). It is a non-structural measure for the prevention and mitigation of the risk of extraordinary flooding. After completing a full analysis of the physical environment (climate, geology, geomorphology, hydrology, hydrogeology, and land use), hydrological-hydraulic modeling was carried out using the GeoHecRas river analysis software. The results obtained from the analysis and the models have generated a danger map that facilitates the efficient evaluation of the spatial distribution of the different severity parameters (depth of the watersheet, current flow rate, and flood-prone areas). Also, map algebra and the databases associated with GIS tools, together with the vulnerability and exposure cartography, have allowed the risk to be analyzed in an integrate manner and the production of an environmental diagnostic map. The results of this study propose that there are inhabited areas close to the Yeltes-Morasverdes riverbed that have a high risk of flooding, indicating the need for proper land planning and the implementation of a series of measures that will help to reduce the risk of flooding and its impact.
A Hybrid Model Algorithm for Hypersonic Glide Vehicle Maneuver Tracking Based on the Aerodynamic Model
Authors: Fan Yu , Lu Fang , Zhu Wuxuan , Bai Guangzhou , Yan Liang
Published: February 2017

In order to solve the problem of an uncertain initial state and big errors for hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) tracking, a hybrid model algorithm is proposed by combining a single model algorithm with a multiple model algorithm. To develop the tracking algorithm with the Cubature Kalman filter, in every model filter the process equation is established based on the HGV aerodynamic model and the measurement equation is established based on the radar measurement principle. The proposed hybrid model algorithm is developed by using the multiple model algorithm in the initial tracking stage and using the single model algorithm in the stable tracking stage, and they are divided by a proposed parameter. The former can avoid divergence and reduce the errors caused by the uncertain initial state. The latter can track the HGV at higher accuracy. The simulation indicates that the proposed hybrid model has high speed accuracy in the whole tracking stage and high position accuracy in the stable tracking stage. The average position root mean square error (RMSE) using the hybrid model algorithm is almost the same as that using the single model algorithm but the average speed RMSE using the single model algorithm is about 30% greater than that using the hybrid model algorithm. In a system for defending the HGV, the speed accuracy has more effect on the trajectory prediction as time goes on. Thus, the hybrid model algorithm is an engineering algorithm for HGVs with high accuracy. In future research, the hybrid model algorithm will be studied for general maneuvering target tracking.
Structural Performance of Composite Shear Walls under Compression
Authors: Hao Tingyue , Cao Wanlin , Qiao Qiyun , Liu Yan , Zheng Wenbin
Published: February 2017

In order to research the effect of different layout forms of steel plate on the axial compression behavior of a steel plate-concrete composite shear wall, this paper presents the experimental results and analysis of the axial compression behavior of a composite shear wall, with different layout forms of steel plate. A total of three tests were carried out, composed of two composite walls with built-in steel plate, and one composite wall with two skins of steel plate. The gross dimensions of the three specimens were 1206 mm × 2006 mm × 300 mm. Experimental results show that the composite wall with two skins of steel plate has an optimal ability of elastic-plastic deformation, and the maximum axial compressive bearing capacity among the three specimens. Using the energy method, the critical local buckling stresses of steel plate were calculated, and compared with the yield stresses. According to different confined actions of concrete, concrete constitutive models were proposed, and the axial compressive strengths of confined concrete were calculated. Considering the local buckling of steel plate and confined concrete, the calculation formula of the axial compression of the composite wall was put forward, and the calculated results were in good agreement with the test results. Therefore, the different layout forms of steel plate have a great influence on its buckling, and on the concrete inhibition effect, which can affect the axial compressive bearing capacity of the composite wall.
Vibration-Based Signal Analysis for Shearer Cutting Status Recognition Based on Local Mean Decomposition and Fuzzy C-Means Clustering
Authors: Si Lei , Wang Zhongbin , Tan Chao , Liu Xinhua
Published: February 2017

In order to accurately acquire shearer cutting status, this paper proposed a pattern recognition method, based on the local mean decomposition (LMD), time-frequency statistical analysis, improved Laplacian score (LS), and fuzzy C-means (FCM) clustering algorithm. The LMD was employed to preprocess the vibration signals of shear cutting coal seam, and several product functions (PFs) were obtained. Following this, 14 time-frequency statistical parameters of the original signal and optimal PF were extracted. Additionally, the improved LS algorithm was designed to ensure the accurate estimation of features, and a new feature vector could be selected. Subsequently, the obtained eigenvector matrix was fed into a FCM to be clustered, for optimal clustering performance. The experimental examples were provided to verify the effectiveness of the methodology and the results indicated that the proposed algorithm could be applied to recognize the different categories of shearer cutting status.
Job-Sorting Assignment to Assess Cream Liqueur Brand Image
Authors: Gámbaro Adriana , Ivankovich Carmen , Roascio Antonella , Amarillo Miguel , Miraballes Marcelo , Araya-Quesada Yorleny
Published: February 2017

Projective techniques rely on a stimulus to elicit from respondents projections of their beliefs onto other people or objects, thus reflecting their own perceptions, feelings and motivations. In this work, the job-sorting technique, in combination with Aaker’s personality scale, was applied to the study of cream liqueur brand image in Uruguay and Costa Rica. Eight jobs with different levels of intellectual complexity, salary and physical demands were selected. In each of the two countries, three (two imported and one locally made) liqueurs were presented to 90 consumers with similar socio-demographic characteristics. Respondents were told to select the job, profession or occupation (JPO) that best fitted each brand. After JPO selection, respondents were asked to select from a list of 88 personality traits all the words that they considered applicable to each JPO selected. The JPOs associated with the different brands showed no similarity between Uruguayan and Costa Rican respondents, but the personality traits associated with the two imported brands were similar in both countries, supporting the use of JPOs as metaphors in the study of brand images. The brand image of locally made liqueurs was associated with traits that differed clearly from those of the imported brands. These results provide relevant information for the design of marketing strategies.
The Glutamate Dehydrogenase Pathway and Its Roles in Cell and Tissue Biology in Health and Disease
Authors: Plaitakis Andreas , Kalef-Ezra Ester , Kotzamani Dimitra , Zaganas Ioannis , Spanaki Cleanthe
Published: February 2017

Glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) is a hexameric enzyme that catalyzes the reversible conversion of glutamate to α-ketoglutarate and ammonia while reducing NAD(P)+ to NAD(P)H. It is found in all living organisms serving both catabolic and anabolic reactions. In mammalian tissues, oxidative deamination of glutamate via GDH generates α-ketoglutarate, which is metabolized by the Krebs cycle, leading to the synthesis of ATP. In addition, the GDH pathway is linked to diverse cellular processes, including ammonia metabolism, acid-base equilibrium, redox homeostasis (via formation of fumarate), lipid biosynthesis (via oxidative generation of citrate), and lactate production. While most mammals possess a single GDH1 protein (hGDH1 in the human) that is highly expressed in the liver, humans and other primates have acquired, via duplication, an hGDH2 isoenzyme with distinct functional properties and tissue expression profile. The novel hGDH2 underwent rapid evolutionary adaptation, acquiring unique properties that enable enhanced enzyme function under conditions inhibitory to its ancestor hGDH1. These are thought to provide a biological advantage to humans with hGDH2 evolution occurring concomitantly with human brain development. hGDH2 is co-expressed with hGDH1 in human brain, kidney, testis and steroidogenic organs, but not in the liver. In human cerebral cortex, hGDH1 and hGDH2 are expressed in astrocytes, the cells responsible for removing and metabolizing transmitter glutamate, and for supplying neurons with glutamine and lactate. In human testis, hGDH2 (but not hGDH1) is densely expressed in the Sertoli cells, known to provide the spermatids with lactate and other nutrients. In steroid producing cells, hGDH1/2 is thought to generate reducing equivalents (NADPH) in the mitochondria for the biosynthesis of steroidal hormones. Lastly, up-regulation of hGDH1/2 expression occurs in cancer, permitting neoplastic cells to utilize glutamine/glutamate for their growth. In addition, deregulation of hGDH1/2 is implicated in the pathogenesis of several human disorders.
The Escherichia coli COG1738 Member YhhQ Is Involved in 7-Cyanodeazaguanine (preQ0) Transport
Authors: Zallot Rémi , Yuan Yifeng , De Crécy-Lagard Valérie
Published: February 2017

Queuosine (Q) is a complex modification of the wobble base in tRNAs with GUN anticodons. The full Q biosynthesis pathway has been elucidated in Escherichia coli. FolE, QueD, QueE and QueC are involved in the conversion of guanosine triphosphate (GTP) to 7-cyano-7-deazaguanine (preQ0), an intermediate of increasing interest for its central role in tRNA and DNA modification and secondary metabolism. QueF then reduces preQ0 to 7-aminomethyl-7-deazaguanine (preQ1). PreQ1 is inserted into tRNAs by tRNA guanine(34) transglycosylase (TGT). The inserted base preQ1 is finally matured to Q by two additional steps involving QueA and QueG or QueH. Most Eubacteria harbor the full set of Q synthesis genes and are predicted to synthesize Q de novo. However, some bacteria only encode enzymes involved in the second half of the pathway downstream of preQ0 synthesis, including the signature enzyme TGT. Different patterns of distribution of the queF, tgt, queA and queG or queH genes are observed, suggesting preQ0, preQ1 or even the queuine base being salvaged in specific organisms. Such salvage pathways require the existence of specific 7-deazapurine transporters that have yet to be identified. The COG1738 family was identified as a candidate for a missing preQ0/preQ1 transporter in prokaryotes, by comparative genomics analyses. The existence of Q precursor salvage was confirmed for the first time in bacteria, in vivo, through an indirect assay. The involvement of the COG1738 in salvage of a Q precursor was experimentally validated in Escherichia coli, where it was shown that the COG1738 family member YhhQ is essential for preQ0 transport.
Correlation of Crystalline Structure with Magnetic and Transport Properties of Glass-Coated Microwires
Authors: Zhukov Arcady , Ipatov Mihail , Talaat Ahmed , Blanco Juan , Hernando Blanca , Gonzalez-Legarreta Lorena , Suñol Joan , Zhukova Valentina
Published: February 2017

We overviewed the correlation between the structure, magnetic and transport properties of magnetic microwires prepared by the Taylor-Ulitovsky method involving rapid quenching from the melt and drawing of the composite (metallic core, glass coated) wire. We showed that this method can be useful for the preparation of different families of magnetic microwires: soft magnetic microwires displaying Giant magnetoimpedance (GMI) effect, semi-hard magnetic microwires, microwires with granular structure exhibiting Giant Magnetoresistance (GMR) effect and Heusler-type microwires. Magnetic and transport properties of magnetic microwires depend on the chemical composition of metallic nucleus and on the structural features (grain size, precipitating phases) of prepared microwires. In all families of crystalline microwires, their structure, magnetic and transport properties are affected by internal stresses induced by the glass coating, depending on the quenching rate. Therefore, properties of glass-coated microwires are considerably different from conventional bulk crystalline alloys.
Response Surface Methodology Control Rod Position Optimization of a Pressurized Water Reactor Core Considering Both High Safety and Low Energy Dissipation
Authors: Zhang Yi-Ning , Zhang Hao-Chun , Yu Hai-Yan , Ma Chao
Published: February 2017

Response Surface Methodology (RSM) is introduced to optimize the control rod positions in a pressurized water reactor (PWR) core. The widely used 3D-IAEA benchmark problem is selected as the typical PWR core and the neutron flux field is solved. Besides, some additional thermal parameters are assumed to obtain the temperature distribution. Then the total and local entropy production is calculated to evaluate the energy dissipation. Using RSM, three directions of optimization are taken, which aim to determine the minimum of power peak factor Pmax, peak temperature Tmax and total entropy production Stot. These parameters reflect the safety and energy dissipation in the core. Finally, an optimization scheme was obtained, which reduced Pmax, Tmax and Stot by 23%, 8.7% and 16%, respectively. The optimization results are satisfactory.
Sàng khôn as A Theorizing Tool in Mobility Education
Authors: Doan Ngoc
Published: February 2017

The current virtual and physical mobility of humans, ideas, knowledge and epistemologies has major implications for education, especially in settings where English is seen as the default medium of instruction. While diversity is inherent in mobility, English-only pedagogy is a denial of the richness and potential of diverse resources learners bring with them through their mobility. This paper reports a philosophical stance and pedagogical practices employed by a lecturer in English language education at an Australian university. It argues that students’ full linguistic resources and epistemologies, known as sàng khôn, contribute to their agency and can be used as tools to theorise new knowledge in the context of their mobility education.
Sudoku Inspired Designs for Radar Waveforms and Antenna Arrays
Authors: Bufler Travis , Narayanan Ram , Sherbondy Kelly
Published: February 2017

Sudoku puzzles, often seen in magazines and newspapers, are logic-based challenges where each entry within the puzzle is comprised of symbols adhering to row, column and box constraints. Previously, we had investigated their potential in frequency-hopped waveforms to achieve desirable radar ambiguity functions and compared them with random, as well as the more familiar Costas sequences. This paper further examines the properties of Sudoku codes in more detail through computational search and analysis. We examine the co-hit and cross-hit arrays, defined as the correlation between two sequences, to quickly and efficiently evaluate numerous Sudoku puzzles. Additionally, we investigate the use of Sudoku puzzles for antenna applications, including array interleaving, array thinning and random element spacing.
k-Nearest Neighbor Neural Network Models for Very Short-Term Global Solar Irradiance Forecasting Based on Meteorological Data
Authors: Chen Chao-Rong , Kartini Unit
Published: February 2017

This paper proposes a novel methodology for very short term forecasting of hourly global solar irradiance (GSI). The proposed methodology is based on meteorology data, especially for optimizing the operation of power generating electricity from photovoltaic (PV) energy. This methodology is a combination of k-nearest neighbor (k-NN) algorithm modelling and artificial neural network (ANN) model. The k-NN-ANN method is designed to forecast GSI for 60 min ahead based on meteorology data for the target PV station which position is surrounded by eight other adjacent PV stations. The novelty of this method is taking into account the meteorology data. A set of GSI measurement samples was available from the PV station in Taiwan which is used as test data. The first method implements k-NN as a preprocessing technique prior to ANN method. The error statistical indicators of k-NN-ANN model the mean absolute bias error (MABE) is 42 W/m2 and the root-mean-square error (RMSE) is 242 W/m2. The models forecasts are then compared to measured data and simulation results indicate that the k-NN-ANN-based model presented in this research can calculate hourly GSI with satisfactory accuracy.
Assessment of an Adaptive Load Forecasting Methodology in a Smart Grid Demonstration Project
Authors: Vazquez Ricardo , Amaris Hortensia , Alonso Monica , Lopez Gregorio , Moreno Jose , Olmeda Daniel , Coca Javier
Published: February 2017

This paper presents the implementation of an adaptive load forecasting methodology in two different power networks from a smart grid demonstration project deployed in the region of Madrid, Spain. The paper contains an exhaustive comparative study of different short-term load forecast methodologies, addressing the methods and variables that are more relevant to be applied for the smart grid deployment. The evaluation followed in this paper suggests that the performance of the different methods depends on the conditions of the site in which the smart grid is implemented. It is shown that some non-linear methods, such as support vector machine with a radial basis function kernel and extremely randomized forest offer good performance using only 24 lagged load hourly values, which could be useful when the amount of data available is limited due to communication problems in the smart grid monitoring system. However, it has to be highlighted that, in general, the behavior of different short-term load forecast methodologies is not stable when they are applied to different power networks and that when there is a considerable variability throughout the whole testing period, some methods offer good performance in some situations, but they fail in others. In this paper, an adaptive load forecasting methodology is proposed to address this issue improving the forecasting performance through iterative optimization: in each specific situation, the best short-term load forecast methodology is chosen, resulting in minimum prediction errors.
Energy Performance and Flow Patterns of a Mixed-Flow Pump with Different Tip Clearance Sizes
Authors: Liu Yabin , Tan Lei , Hao Yue , Xu Yun
Published: February 2017

Tip clearance between blade end and shroud is inevitable in pump operation and of great importance on pump energy performance and pressure fluctuation. As the tip clearance size increases, the head and efficiency of the mixed flow pump drop accordingly. The simulation results show that the development of a leakage vortex is observed as the tip clearance increases, and the trajectory of this leakage vortex remains in the same direction along the blade suction side for different tip clearances. With the increase in tip clearance size, the intensity of the leakage vortex is enhanced, and the separation between the main leakage vortex and the secondary leakage vortex is also strengthened. The leakage separation angle near the blade tip remains at the same value of 10° for different tip clearance sizes. As for the spectrum analysis, the maximum amplitudes of pressure fluctuations dramatically increase in the impeller when the tip clearance increases from 0.0 mm to 1.0 mm, and the dominant frequencies go from 145 Hz to 184 Hz due to the considerable leakage flow.
Used Cooking Oils in the Biogas Chain: A Technical and Economic Assessment
Authors: Carnevale Erika , Molari Giovanni , Vittuari Matteo
Published: February 2017

The current concerns on global energy security, climate change, and environmental pollution represent some of the major elements of the growing interest on renewable energy. In this framework agro-food energy systems are at the center of a twofold debate: on the one hand they represent a key option for energy production while on the other their sustainability is threatened by the expansion of the bioenergy market that could lead to negative social and environmental consequences. The aim of this work is to evaluate—through a case study—the technical and economic feasibility of the replacement of energy crops (ECs) with used cooking oil (UCO) in an anaerobic digestion (AD) full-scale plant. At this purpose, a full-scale plant performing AD was monitored for two years. Three scenarios were developed and compared to evaluate the impacts and the potential benefits in terms of land saving in case of a substitution of ECs with UCO. Results highlighted a reduction of land use of over 50% if UCO is introduced in co-digestion with ECs. The lack of an appropriate legislative framework limits the utilization of used cooking oils (UCOs) in AD with a consequently missed opportunity for biogas owners that could find an important alternative in UCO.
Integration of Electric Springs and Multi-Port Transformers—A New Solution for AC Microgrids with Renewable Energy Sources
Authors: Wang Qingsong , Cheng Ming , Buja Giuseppe
Published: February 2017

The new concept of integrating electric springs (ESs) and multi-port transformers (MTPs) as an active solution for energy management in alternating current (AC) microgrids is proposed. With an ES located at the port where storage devices previously were, the so-called critical flux is regulated to a constant value within the core of the transformer. The voltage on each winding is then clamped so that critical load (CL) voltage is regulated to a predefined value. The integration of ESs and MPTs can ensure a safer environment for ES utilization. Thus, the power generated by renewable energy sources can be safely used at residential locations with no need to worry about voltage fluctuations across CLs. Moreover, users can sell electricity to the power companies considered as CLs when the electricity generation of the AC microgrids or the home-installed renewable energy resources exceeds the personal consumption. In the paper, isolated topologies for ESs with three- and four-port transformers are examined, and a theoretical analysis of the ES operation is carried out. Then, equivalent circuits of the isolated ES topologies have been derived. Analysis of the ES operation and effectiveness of the isolated ES topologies are validated by both simulations and experiments.