bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Correlation of Heat Transfer Non-Uniformity in Rod Bundle and its Application to Sub-Channel Code
Authors: Yang Ting , Cheng Xu , Liu Xiaojing
Published: February 2014

A strong non-uniformity of the circumferential distribution of the wall temperature, heat flux and heat transfer coefficient around the rod surface is observed by previous CFD investigations, especially in the tight lattice. This phenomenon is important for core design of some Generation IV reactors such as supercritical water-cooled reactors (SCWR) and liquid metal fast reactors (LMFR). In this paper important dimensionless numbers that affect the non-uniformity of heat transfer are summarized and CFD calculations are carried out to study the local heat transfer behavior of central, corner and wall sub-channels respectively. An empirical correlation is proposed based on CFD data.

Using this correlation, a three-dimensional fuel model is being developed in the sub channel code MATRA to incorporate some of this effect into the thermal-hydraulic analysis of SCWR.
LOCA Break Spectrum Analysis of the Westinghouse Small Modular Reactor
Authors: Kucukboyaci Vefa N. , Liao Jun
Published: February 2014

The Westinghouse Small Modular Reactor (SMR) is an 800 MWt (> 225 MWe) integral pressurized water reactor with all primary components, including the steam generator and the pressurizer located inside the reactor vessel. The reactor core is based on a partial-height 17×17 fuel assembly design used in the AP1000® reactor core. The Westinghouse SMR utilizes passive safety systems and proven components from the AP1000 plant design with a compact containment that houses the integral reactor vessel and the passive safety systems. A break spectrum analysis on the Westinghouse SMR LOCA has been performed to investigate the performance of the SMR passive cooling. The break type includes both the double-ended guillotine (DEG) break and the split break with the break size ranging from 0.5 inch to the diameter of direct vessel injection (DVI) line. The break spectrum analysis was performed using the WCOBRA/TRAC-TF2 code, which is designed to simulate PWR LOCA events from the smallest break size to the largest break size. The break spectrum analysis demonstrates that excellent performance of the passive safety system of the Westinghouse SMR in variable LOCA conditions. The study is also a necessary step to develop an evaluation model for the analysis of design basis LOCA accident.
Design of Fluidic Diode for a High-Temperature DRACS Test Facility
Authors: Lv Qiuping , Chen Minghui , Sun Xiaodong , Christensen Richard , Blue Thomas , Yoder Graydon , Wilson Dane , Sabharwall Piyush
Published: February 2014

The Direct Reactor Auxiliary Cooling System (DRACS) is a passive heat removal system proposed for the Advanced High-Temperature Reactor (AHTR) that combines the coated particle fuel and graphite moderator with a liquid fluoride salt as the coolant. The DRACS features three coupled natural circulation/convection loops relying completely on buoyancy as the driving force. A fluidic diode has been proposed in the DRACS primary loop to maintain the passive feature. Fluidic diodes are passive flow control devices with low flow resistance in one direction and high flow resistance in the opposite direction. The fluidic diode is orientated such that during reactor normal operation the primary salt flow in the DRACS is restricted, thus preventing excessive heat loss from the reactor to the DRACS. However, when the DRACS is functioning during reactor accidents, the primary salt flow is in the forward flow direction of the diode that features low flow resistance.

To investigate the reliability and thermal performance of the DRACS, a high-temperature DRACS test facility (HTDF) is being designed and constructed at The Ohio State University (OSU). In this HTDF, a conventional vortex diode has been proposed. In this paper, a detailed design process of the vortex diode for the HTDF is presented. Design parameters, such as the desired flow rates in and pressure drops across the fluidic diode, were first determined for both the forward and reverse flow directions, following which was the parametric CFD study of multiple vortex diodes with variant nozzle size, chamber size, and inlet flow rates. Flow structures inside the diode, and the effects of the nozzle size, chamber size, and Reynolds number on the Euler number were examined for both flow directions. Correlations of the forward and reverse Euler numbers and the diodicity were developed and used to develop a vortex diode design that would be applicable to the HTDF.
Being Educated in a New Nuclear Engineering Program: A Graduate Student Perspective
Authors: Medina Hector
Published: February 2014

Due to the advent of a dramatic increase in the demand for nuclear professionals, a number of universities are either strengthening their existing nuclear engineering programs or starting them for the first time. Following this trend, Virginia Commonwealth University, in Richmond, Virginia, in 2009 began to offer a program in Nuclear Engineering within the Department of Mechanical Engineering. As a student within the PhD program, the author presents his perspective — as well as observations from some undergraduate students — of being educated in a new Nuclear Engineering program. From his perspective, the author presents some mechanisms that have made this new program evolve. Additionally, herein are included some ideas applied by the author in order to carry out successful research — while overcoming the limitations of a new program: spontaneous and embedded innovation, networking, and creativity. It is hoped that the present paper will provide positive feedback to faculty members and motivate students, in any new educational program, particularly, in this renaissance of education, in the nuclear engineering field.
Small Modular Reactors: Uranium Resource Requirements, Waste Generation and Proliferation Risk Assessment
Authors: Ramana M. V. , Glaser Alexander , Berzak Hopkins Laura
Published: February 2014

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) with power levels of below 300 MW(e) appear to have several favorable characteristics and their deployment might help bring about a big change in how nuclear power fares in the future. Numerous SMR designs with distinct characteristics are under development in several countries. To capture the impacts of these different designs, we have developed notional models for two leading SMR types and performed neutronics calculations on these to estimate uranium resource requirements. These are then used to explore the resulting waste generation and potential proliferation risks.
Genome Sequence of Serratia plymuthica RVH1, Isolated from a Raw Vegetable-Processing Line
Authors: Van Houdt Rob , Van der Lelie Daniel , Izquierdo Javier A. , Aertsen Abram , Masschelein Joleen , Lavigne Rob , Michiels Chris W. , Taghavi Safiyh
Published: February 2014

We announce the genome sequence of
Serratia plymuthica
strain RVH1, a psychroloterant strain that was isolated from a raw vegetable-processing line and that regulates the production of primary metabolites (acetoin and butanediol), antibiotics, and extracellular enzymes through quorum sensing.
Genome Sequences of Four Acinetobacter baumannii-A. calcoaceticus Complex Isolates from Combat-Related Infections Sustained in the Middle East
Authors: Ketter Patrick , Guentzel M. Neal , Chambers James P. , Jorgensen James , Murray Clinton K. , Cap Andrew P. , Yu Jieh-Juen , Eppinger Mark , Arulanandam Bernard P.
Published: February 2014

Acinetobacter baumannii
is among the most prevalent bacterial causes of combat-related infections on the battlefield. Antibiotic resistance and a poor understanding of the protective host immune responses make treatment difficult. Here, we report the genome sequences of four clinical
Acinetobacter baumannii
-
A. calcoaceticus
complex isolates exhibiting significant differences in virulence in a mouse sepsis model.
Genome Sequences of Three Species D Adenoviruses Isolated from AIDS Patients
Authors: Alissa Alkhalaf Moustafa , Al Qurashi Yasir Mohammed A. , Guiver Malcolm , Cooper Robert J.
Published: February 2014

HAdVD23 and two novel adenoviruses, HAdVD60a and HAdVD62, isolated from feces of AIDS patients in Manchester, United Kingdom, have been sequenced. The HAdVD60a genome lacks the penton arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) motif and differs from HAdVD60 by a recombinant E3 region. HAdVD62 has penton, hexon, and fiber regions not previously found in other adenoviruses.
A modified prebind engagement process reduces biomechanical loading on front row players during scrummaging: a cross-sectional study of 11 elite teams
Authors: Cazzola Dario , Preatoni Ezio , Stokes Keith A , England Michael E , Trewartha Grant
Published: February 2014

Aim

Biomechanical studies of the rugby union scrum have typically been conducted using instrumented scrum machines, but a large-scale biomechanical analysis of live contested scrummaging is lacking. We investigated whether the biomechanical loading experienced by professional front row players during the engagement phase of live contested rugby scrums could be reduced using a modified engagement procedure.

Methods

Eleven professional teams (22 forward packs) performed repeated scrum trials for each of the three engagement techniques, outdoors, on natural turf. The engagement processes were the 2011/2012 (referee calls crouch-touch-pause-engage), 2012/2013 (referee calls crouch-touch-set) and 2013/2014 (props prebind with the opposition prior to the ‘Set’ command; PreBind) variants. Forces were estimated by pressure sensors on the shoulders of the front row players of one forward pack. Inertial Measurement Units were placed on an upper spine cervical landmark (C7) of the six front row players to record accelerations. Players’ motion was captured by multiple video cameras from three viewing perspectives and analysed in transverse and sagittal planes of motion.

Results

The PreBind technique reduced biomechanical loading in comparison with the other engagement techniques, with engagement speed, peak forces and peak accelerations of upper spine landmarks reduced by approximately 20%. There were no significant differences between techniques in terms of body kinematics and average force during the sustained push phase.

Conclusions

Using a scrum engagement process which involves binding with the opposition prior to the engagement reduces the stresses acting on players and therefore may represent a possible improvement for players’ safety.
Artificial insemination in dogs and cats 1. Collection and preservation of canine semen
Authors: England Gary C. W. , Russo Marco , Freeman Sarah L.
Published: February 2014

Artificial insemination (AI) is an important reproductive technology that is increasingly used in cats and dogs to facilitate management of breeding colonies and individual animals. The basic technique of transferring semen from a dog to a bitch was first described in the 1770s. Since then, there have been significant developments in knowledge of reproductive anatomy and physiology, as well as substantial technological advances that make the technique, in many cases, suitable for use in general clinical practice. This article is the first of a series of three that aim to provide a comprehensive, but practical review of the purpose, techniques and likely outcomes of AI in cats and dogs.
STRUCTURE EVOLUTION AND ELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF TaN FILMS DEPOSITED ON Al2O3-BASED CERAMIC AND GLASS SUBSTRATES BY MAGNETRON REACTIVE SPUTTERING
Authors: ZHOU YAN MING , MA YANG ZHAO , XIE ZHONG , HE MING ZHI
Published: February 2014

Structure evolution and electric properties of tantalum nitride ( TaN ) films deposited on Al 2 O 3-based ceramic and glass substrates by magnetron reactive sputtering were carried out as a function of the N 2-to- Ar flow ratio. The TaN thin films on Al 2 O 3-based ceramic substrates grow with micronclusters composed of numerous nanocrystallites, contains from single-phase of Ta 2 N grains to TaN , and exhibits high defect density, sheet resistance and negative TCR as the N 2-to- Ar flow ratio continuously increases. However, the films on the glass substrates grow in the way of sandwich close-stack, contains from single-phase of Ta 2 N grains to TaN and Ta 3 N 5 phases with the increase of N 2-to- Ar flow ratio. These results indicate that the N 2-to- Ar flow ratio and surface characteristic difference of substrates play a dominant effect on the structure and composition of the TaN films, resulting in different electrical properties for the films on Al 2 O 3-based ceramic and the samples on glass substrates.
Instantaneous frequency estimation and representation of the audio signal through Complex Wavelet Additive Synthesis
Authors: Ponce de León Jesús , Beltrán José Ramón , Beltrán Fernando
Published: February 2014

In this work, an improvement of the Complex Wavelet Additive Synthesis (CWAS) algorithm is presented. This algorithm is based on a discrete version of the Complex Continuous Wavelet Transform (CCWT) which analyzes the input signal in a frame-to-frame approach and under variable frequency resolution per octave. After summarizing several Time-Frequency Distributions (TFD), concretely the standard Short Time Fourier Transform (STFT), the Pseudo Wigner–Ville Distribution (PWVD), reassignment and complex wavelets, a comparative study of the accuracy in the instantaneous frequency (IF) estimation is shown. The comparative study includes three different signal processing tools (based on the summarized TFD): the Time-Frequency Toolbox (TFTB) of François Auger, the High Resolution Spectrographic Routines (HRSR) of Sean Fulop and the proposed CWAS algorithm. A set of eight synthetic signals have been analyzed using six different methods: the regular STFT spectrogram, the PWVD, their corresponding reassigned versions, the Nelson crossed spectrum method and finally the Complex Continuous Wavelet Transform (CCWT). Finally, two- and three-dimensional Time-Frequency representations of the IF provided by the CWAS algorithm are presented.
Practical design of perfect-translation-invariant real-valued discrete wavelet transform
Authors: Toda Hiroshi , Zhang Zhong , Imamura Takashi
Published: February 2014

The real-valued tight wavelet frame having perfect translation invariance (PTI) has already proposed. However, due to the irrational-number distances between wavelets, its calculation amount is very large. In this paper, based on the real-valued tight wavelet frame, a practical design of a real-valued discrete wavelet transform (DWT) having PTI is proposed. In this transform, all the distances between wavelets are multiples of 1/4, and its transform and inverse transform are calculated fast by decomposition and reconstruction algorithms at the sacrifice of a tight wavelet frame. However, the real-valued DWT achieves an approximate tight wavelet frame.
Conformal holomorphically projective mappings of almost Hermitian manifolds with a certain initial condition
Authors: Mikeš Josef , Chudá Hana , Hinterleitner Irena
Published: February 2014

In this paper, we study holomorphically projective and conformal holomorphically projective mappings between almost Hermitian manifolds Hn = (M, g, F) and [Formula: see text], i.e. diffeomorphism [Formula: see text] satisfying f = f1 ◦ f2 ◦ f3, where f1, f3 are conformal mappings and f2 is a holomorphically projective mapping between almost Hermitian manifolds. We obtain fundamental equations of Cauchy type for holomorphically projective mappings between almost Hermitian manifolds and for above-mentioned mappings a new result for the initial condition [Formula: see text].
A certain eta-quotient and the class number of an imaginary quadratic field
Authors: Ogasawara Takeshi
Published: February 2014

We prove that the dimension of the Hecke module generated by a certain eta-quotient is equal to the class number of an imaginary quadratic field. To do this, we relate the eta-quotient to the Hecke theta series attached to a ray class character of the imaginary quadratic field.
Dynamic programming for graphs on surfaces
Authors: Rué Juanjo , Sau Ignasi , Thilikos Dimitrios M.
Published: February 2014

We provide a framework for the design and analysis of dynamic programming algorithms for surface-embedded graphs onnvertices and branchwidth at mostk. Our technique applies to general families of problems where standard dynamic programming runs in 2O(k⋅logk)⋅nsteps. Our approach combines tools from topological graph theory and analytic combinatorics. In particular, we introduce a new type of branch decomposition calledsurface cut decomposition, generalizing sphere cut decompositions of planar graphs, which has nice combinatorial properties. Namely, the number of partial solutions that can be arranged on a surface cut decomposition can be upper-bounded by the number of noncrossing partitions on surfaces with boundary. It follows that partial solutions can be represented by a single-exponential (in the branchwidthk) number of configurations. This proves that, when applied on surface cut decompositions, dynamic programming runs in 2O(k)⋅nsteps. That way, we considerably extend the class of problems that can be solved in running times with asingle-exponential dependenceon branchwidth and unify/improve most previous results in this direction.
Role of aromatase in sex-specific cerebrovascular endothelial function in mice
Authors: Zuloaga Kristen L. , Davis Catherine M. , Zhang Wenri , Alkayed Nabil J.
Published: February 2014

Stroke risk and outcome are strongly modified by estrogen. In addition to ovaries, estrogen is produced locally in peripheral tissue by the enzyme aromatase, and extragonadal synthesis becomes the major source of estrogen after menopause. Aromatase gene deletion in female mice exacerbates ischemic brain damage after stroke. However, it is not clear which cell type is responsible for this effect, since aromatase is expressed in multiple cell types, including cerebrovascular endothelium. We tested the hypothesis that cerebrovascular aromatase contributes to sex differences in cerebrovascular endothelial function. Cerebrocortical microvascular responses to the endothelium-dependent vasodilator ACh were compared between male and female wild-type (WT) and aromatase knockout (ArKO) mice by measuring laser-Doppler perfusion in vivo through a closed cranial window. Additional studies were performed in WT mice treated with the aromatase inhibitor fadrozole or vehicle. WT female mice had significantly greater responses to ACh compared with WT males ( P < 0.001), which was associated with higher aromatase expression in female compared with male cerebral vessels ( P < 0.05). ACh responses were significantly lower in ArKO compared with WT females ( P < 0.05) and in WT females treated with fadrozole versus vehicle ( P < 0.001). Conversely, ACh responses were significantly higher in ArKO versus WT males ( P < 0.05). Levels of phosphorylated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) were lower in ArKO versus WT female brains, but were not altered by aromatase deletion in males. We conclude that cerebrovascular endothelial aromatase plays an important and sexually dimorphic role in cerebrovascular function and that aromatase inhibitors in clinical use may have cardiovascular consequences in both males and females.
Growth and Etch Rate Study of Low Temperature Anodic Silicon Dioxide Thin Films
Authors: Ashok Akarapu , Pal Prem
Published: February 2014

Silicon dioxide (SiO2) thin films are most commonly used insulating films in the fabrication of silicon-based integrated circuits (ICs) and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Several techniques with different processing environments have been investigated to deposit silicon dioxide films at temperatures down to room temperature. Anodic oxidation of silicon is one of the low temperature processes to grow oxide films even below room temperature. In the present work, uniform silicon dioxide thin films are grown at room temperature by using anodic oxidation technique. Oxide films are synthesized in potentiostatic and potentiodynamic regimes at large applied voltages in order to investigate the effect of voltage, mechanical stirring of electrolyte, current density and the water percentage on growth rate, and the different properties of as-grown oxide films. Ellipsometry, FTIR, and SEM are employed to investigate various properties of the oxide films. A 5.25 Å/V growth rate is achieved in potentiostatic mode. In the case of potentiodynamic mode, 160 nm thickness is attained at 300 V. The oxide films developed in both modes are slightly silicon rich, uniform, and less porous. The present study is intended to inspect various properties which are considered for applications in MEMS and Microelectronics.
Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy and Potentiodynamic Polarization Analysis on Anticorrosive Activity of Thiophene-2-Carbaldehyde Derivative in Acid Medium
Authors: Kuriakose Nimmy , Kakkassery Joby Thomas , Raphael Vinod P. , Shanmughan Shaju K.
Published: February 2014

The corrosion inhibition efficiency of thiophene-2-carbaldehyde tryptophan (T2CTRY) on mild steel (MS) in 1 M HCl solution has been investigated and compared using weight loss measurements, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and potentiodynamic polarization analysis. The Schiff base exhibited very good corrosion inhibition on mild steel in HCl medium and the inhibition efficiency increased with the increase in concentration of the inhibitor. The adsorption of the inhibitor on the surface of the corroding metal obeys Freundlich isotherm. Thermodynamic parameters (Kads, ΔG ads0) were calculated using adsorption isotherm. Polarization studies revealed that T2CTRY acts as a mixed type inhibitor. A maximum of 96.2% inhibition efficiency was achieved by EIS studies at a concentration of 1 mM.
A Role for T-Lymphocytes in Human Breast Cancer and in Canine Mammary Tumors
Authors: Carvalho Maria Isabel , Pires Isabel , Prada Justina , Queiroga Felisbina L.
Published: February 2014

Chronic inflammation in the tumor microenvironment has a prominent role in carcinogenesis and benefits the proliferation and survival of malignant cells, promoting angiogenesis and metastasis. Mammary tumors are frequently infiltrated by a heterogeneous population of immune cells where T-lymphocytes have a great importance. Interestingly, similar inflammatory cell infiltrates, cytokine and chemokine expression in humans and canine mammary tumors were recently described. However, in both species, despite all the scientific evidences that appoint for a significant role of T-lymphocytes, a definitive conclusion concerning the effectiveness of T-cell dependent immune mechanisms has not been achieved yet. In the present review, we describe similarities between human breast cancer and canine mammary tumors regarding tumor T-lymphocyte infiltration, such as relationship of TILs and mammary tumors malignancy, association of ratio CD4+/ CD8+ T-cells with low survival rates, promotion of tumor progression by Th2 cells actions, and association of great amounts of Treg cells with poor prognostic factors. This apparent parallelism together with the fact that dogs develop spontaneous tumors in the context of a natural immune system highlight the dog as a possible useful biological model for studies in human breast cancer immunology.
Classification of the Group Invariant Solutions for Contaminant Transport in Saturated Soils under Radial Uniform Water Flows
Authors: Potsane M. M. , Moitsheki R. J.
Published: February 2014

The transport of chemicals through soils to the groundwater or precipitation at the soils surfaces leads to degradation of these resources. Serious consequences may be suffered in the long run. In this paper, we consider macroscopic deterministic models describing contaminant transport in saturated soils under uniform radial water flow backgrounds. The arising convection-dispersion equation given in terms of the stream functions is analyzed using classical Lie point symmetries. A number of exotic Lie point symmetries are admitted. Group invariant solutions are classified according to the elements of the one-dimensional optimal systems. We analyzed the group invariant solutions which satisfy the physical boundary conditions.
Convolution Properties of a Subclass of Analytic Univalent Functions
Authors: Porwal Saurabh
Published: February 2014

The main objective of the present paper is to investigate some interesting properties on convolution and generalized convolution of functions for the classes R(n,α) and R¯(n,α). Our results improve the results of previous authors.
Susac's Syndrome in a Patient Diagnosed with MS for 20 Years: A Case Report
Authors: Nazliel Bijen , Akyol Asli , Zeynep Batur Caglayan Hale , Yildirim-Capraz Irem , Irkec Ceyla
Published: February 2014

Susac’s syndrome is an uncommon neurologic disorder of unknown cause. It has been described as a clinical triad of encephalopathy, hearing loss, and branch retinal artery occlusions. Clinically the diagnosis is difficult when the patient presents only a portion of a triad. We present a case with vision loss and sensorineural deafness and who had been diagnosed with MS for 20 years. Susac’s syndrome is presumed to be an autoimmune endotheliopathy. Neurologic symptoms and signs are diffuse and multifocal, acute or subacute in onset, and progress during the active phase of the disease. In some patients the onset was stroke like and in others that of subacute dementia. Headache, often with migrainous features, was a prominent feature initially in more than one half of the patients. A high index of suspicion leading to correct diagnosis and early appropriate therapy may reduce the permanent sequel seen with this disease. Misdiagnosis is common. In patients in whom diagnosis and treatment are delayed permanent morbidity is higher in terms of visual loss, hearing loss, and neurologic debility. In patients in whom rapid diagnosis has led to early administration of immunosuppressive therapy, recovery can be almost complete.
Preparation and Crystal Structures of SomeAIVB2IIO4Compounds: Powder X-Ray Diffraction and Rietveld Analysis
Authors: Jeyadheepan K. , Sanjeeviraja C.
Published: February 2014

TheAIVB2IIO4compounds such as cadmium tin oxide (Cd2SnO4or CTO) and zinc tin oxide (Zn2SnO4or ZTO) are synthesized by solid state reaction of the subsequent binary oxides. The synthesized powders were analyzed through the powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). Cell search done on the PXRD patterns shows that the Cd2SnO4crystallizes in orthorhombic structure with space groupPbamand the cell parameters asa=5.568(2) Å,b=9.894(3) Å, andc=3.193(1) Å and the Zn2SnO4crystallizes as cubic with the space groupFd3 -mand with the cell parametera=8.660(2) Å. Rietveld refinement was done on the PXRD patterns to get the crystal structure of the Cd2SnO4and Zn2SnO4and to define the site deficiency of atoms which causes the electrical properties of the materials.
Preparation of Chitosan Coated Magnetic Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles and Application for Adsorption of Reactive Blue 19 and Ni2+Ions
Authors: Nguyen Van Cuong , Pho Quoc Hue
Published: February 2014

An adsorbent called chitosan coated magnetic hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (CS-MHAP) was prepared with the purpose of improvement for the removal of Ni2+ions and textile dye by coprecipitation. Structure and properties of CS-MHAP were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Weight percent of chitosan was investigated by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The prepared CS-MHAP presents a significant improvement on the removal efficiency of Ni2+ions and reactive blue 19 dye (RB19) in comparison with chitosan and magnetic hydroxyapatite nanoparticles. Moreover, the adsorption capacities were affected by several parameters such as contact time, initial concentration, adsorbent dosage, and initial pH. Interestingly, the prepared adsorbent could be easily recycled from an aqueous solution by an external magnet and reused for adsorption with high removal efficiency.
Swarm Robot Control for Human Services and Moving Rehabilitation by Sensor Fusion
Authors: Dewi Tresna , Uchiyama Naoki , Sano Shigenori , Takahashi Hiroki
Published: February 2014

A current trend in robotics is fusing different types of sensors having different characteristics to improve the performance of a robot system and also benefit from the reduced cost of sensors. One type of robot that requires sensor fusion for its application is the service robot. To achieve better performance, several service robots are preferred to work together, and, hence, this paper concentrates on swarm service robots. Swarm service mobile robots operating within a fixed area need to cope with dynamic changes in the environment, and they must also be capable of avoiding dynamic and static obstacles. This study applies sensor fusion and swarm concept for service mobile robots in human services and rehabilitation environment. The swarm robots follow the human moving trajectory to provide support to human moving and perform several tasks required in their living environment. This study applies a reference control and proportional-integral (PI) control for the obstacle avoidance function. Various computer simulations are performed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Chitosan Feasibility to Retain Retinal Stem Cell Phenotype and Slow Proliferation for Retinal Transplantation
Authors: Srivastava Girish K. , Rodriguez-Crespo David , Singh Amar K. , Casado-Coterillo Clara , Fernandez-Bueno Ivan , Garcia-Gutierrez Maria T. , Coronas Joaquin , Pastor J. Carlos
Published: February 2014

Retinal stem cells (RSCs) are promising in cell replacement strategies for retinal diseases. RSCs can migrate, differentiate, and integrate into retina. However, RSCs transplantation needs an adequate support; chitosan membrane (ChM) could be one, which can carry RSCs with high feasibility to support their integration into retina. RSCs were isolated, evaluated for phenotype, and subsequently grown on sterilized ChM and polystyrene surface for 8 hours, 1, 4, and 11 days for analysing cell adhesion, proliferation, viability, and phenotype. Isolated RSCs expressed GFAP, PKC, isolectin, recoverin, RPE65, PAX-6, cytokeratin 8/18, and nestin proteins. They adhered (28 ± 16%, 8 hours) and proliferated (40 ± 20 cells/field, day 1 and 244 ± 100 cells/field, day 4) significantly low(P<0.05)on ChM. However, they maintained similar viability (>95%) and phenotype (cytokeratin 8/18, PAX6, and nestin proteins expression, day 11) on both surfaces (ChM and polystyrene). RSCs did not express alpha-SMA protein on both surfaces. RSCs express proteins belonging to epithelial, glial, and neural cells, confirming that they need further stimulus to reach a final destination of differentiation that could be provided inin vivocondition. ChM does not alternate RSCs behaviour and therefore can be used as a cell carrier so that slow proliferating RSCs can migrate and integrate into retina.
Studies on Biosorption of Methylene Blue from Aqueous Solutions by Powdered Palm Tree Flower (Borassus flabellifer)
Authors: Kini M. Srinivas , Saidutta M. B. , Murty V. Ramachandra
Published: February 2014

Biosorption experiments were carried out for the removal of methylene blue (MB) using palm tree male flower (PTMF) as the biosorbent at various pH, temperature, biosorbent, and adsorbate concentration. The optimum pH was found to be 6.0. The kinetic data were fitted in pseudofirst-order and second-order models. The equilibrium data were well-fitted in Langmuir isotherm and the maximum equilibrium capacities of the biosorbent were found to be 143.6, 153,9, 157.3 mg/g at 303, 313, and 323 K, respectively. Thermodynamic data for the adsorption system indicated spontaneous and endothermic process. The enthalpy and entropy values for adsorption were obtained as 15.06 KJ/mol and 0.129 KJ/mol K, respectively, in the temperature range of 303–323 K. A mathematical model for MB transported by molecular diffusion from the bulk of the solution to the surface of PTMF was derived and the values of liquid phase diffusivity and external mass transfer coefficient were estimated.
Heisenberg Algebra in the Bargmann-Fock Space with Natural Cutoffs
Authors: Roushan Maryam , Nozari Kourosh
Published: February 2014

We construct a Heisenberg algebra in Bargmann-Fock space in the presence of natural cutoffs encoded as minimal length, minimal momentum, and maximal momentum through a generalized uncertainty principle.
Shedding Light on the Controversy Surrounding the Temporal Decline in Human Sperm Counts: A Systematic Review
Authors: Cocuzza Marcello , Esteves Sandro C.
Published: February 2014

We systematically examined the evidence of declining sperm counts and the hypothesis that an increased exposure to environmental pollutants is responsible for such decline. Search engines, including PUBMED, MEDLINE, EMBASE, BIOSIS, and Cochrane library, were used to identify epidemiologic studies published from 1985 to 2013. We concluded that there is no enough evidence to confirm a worldwide decline in sperm counts. Also, there seems to be no scientific truth of a causative role for endocrine disruptors in the temporal decline of sperm production. Such assumptions are based on few meta-analyses and retrospective studies, while other well-conducted researches could not confirm these findings. We acknowledge that difficult-to-control confounding factors in the highly variable nature of semen, selection criteria, and comparability of populations from different time periods in secular-trend studies, the quality of laboratory methods for counting sperm, and apparently geographic variations in semen quality are the main issues that complicate the interpretation of the available evidence. Owing to the importance of this subject and the uncertainties still prevailing, there is a need not only for continuing monitoring of semen quality, reproductive hormones, and xenobiotics, but also for a better definition of fecundity.
Characterization of Toxic Metals in Tobacco, Tobacco Smoke, and Cigarette Ash from Selected Imported and Local Brands in Pakistan
Authors: Ajab Huma , Yaqub Asim , Malik Salman Akbar , Junaid Muhammad , Yasmeen Sadia , Abdullah Mohd Azmuddin
Published: February 2014

In this study, concentrations of Cd, Ni, Pb, and Cr were determined in tobacco, tobacco smoke-condensate, and cigarette ash for selected brands used in Pakistan. Smoking apparatus was designed for metal extraction from cigarette smoke. Samples were digested through microwave digester and then analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (FAAS). Higher concentration of Ni was detected in imported brands than the counterparts in the local brands. Pb levels were however higher in local brands while significant concentration of Cd was observed in both brands. For Cr, the level in tobacco of local brands was higher than their emitted smoke, whereas imported brands showed higher level in smoke than in tobacco. The cigarette ash retained 65 to 75% of the metal and about 25 to 30% went into the body. While this study revealed the serious requirement to standardize the manufacturing of tobacco products, more importantly is the urgent need for stronger enforcements to put in place to alert the general population about the hazardous effects of cigarettes and the health risks associated with these toxic metals.
Apathy in Alzheimer’s Disease: Any Effective Treatment?
Authors: Rea Raffaele , Carotenuto Anna , Fasanaro Angiola M. , Traini Enea , Amenta Francesco
Published: February 2014

Objective. This review has evaluated the effectiveness of pharmacological treatment of apathy in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD).Methods. A systematic literature search was conducted on published clinical trials assessing the effects of pharmacological treatment on apathy in AD over the last 10 years.Results. Fourteen studies considered of good quality were included in the analysis (4 randomized controlled trials, 9 open-label studies, and 1 retrospective analysis). Cholinesterase inhibitors were investigated in 9 studies, monoaminergic compounds such as methylphenidate and modafinil in two trials and one trial, respectively, andGinkgo biloba(EGb 761 extract) and citalopram in one study each. Cholinesterase inhibitors did not show statistical significant effect in 1 RCT study but were associated to improvement in 3 open-label studies. Methylphenidate elicited a small but significant activity accompanied by relevant side effects such as high blood pressure, cough, and osteoarticular pain. EGb 761 was well tolerated and countered apathy. Other treatments induced modest improvements or were ineffective.Conclusions. Apathy treatment remains a challenge and there is no evident advantage of any specific pharmacotherapy tested so far. The development of controlled studies according to updated guidelines for the diagnosis of apathy in patients with AD is desirable.
Automated Identification of Dementia Using FDG-PET Imaging
Authors: Xia Yong , Lu Shen , Wen Lingfeng , Eberl Stefan , Fulham Michael , Feng David Dagan
Published: February 2014

Parametric FDG-PET images offer the potential for automated identification of the different dementia syndromes. However, various existing image features and classifiers have their limitations in characterizing and differentiating the patterns of this disease. We reported a hybrid feature extraction, selection, and classification approach, namely, the GA-MKL algorithm, for separating patients with suspected Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia from normal controls. In this approach, we extracted three groups of features to describe the average level, spatial variation, and asymmetry of glucose metabolic rates in 116 cortical volumes. An optimal combination of features, that is, capable of classifying dementia cases was identified by a genetic algorithm- (GA-) based method. The condition of each FDG-PET study was predicted by applying the selected features to a multikernel learning (MKL) machine, in which the weighting parameter of each kernel function can be automatically estimated. We compared our approach to two state-of-the-art dementia identification algorithms on a set of 129 clinical cases and improved the performance in separating the dementia types, achieving accuracy of 94.62%. There is a very good agreement between the proposed automated technique and the diagnosis made by clinicians.
Photosensitizers from Spirulina for Solar Cell
Authors: Wang Liqiu , Tian Liang , Deng Xinxin , Zhang Mengyi , Sun Shuping , Zhang Wei , Zhao Lin
Published: February 2014

Spirulina is a kind of blue-green algae with good photosynthetic efficiency and might be used for photovoltaic power generation. So this paper used living spirulina as novel photosensitizer to construct spirulina biosolar cell. The results showed that spirulina had the photoelectric conversion effect, and could let the spirulina biosolar cell have 70 μA photocurrent. Meanwhile, adding glucose sucrose or chitosan in the spirulina anode chamber, they could make the maxima current density of the cell greatly increased by 80 μA, 100 μA, and 84 μA, respectively, and the sucrose could improve the maximum power density of the cell to 63 mW/m−2. Phycobiliprotein played an important role in the photosynthesis of spirulina. So in this paper phycobiliprotein was extracted from spirulina to composite with squaraine dye to sensitize nanocrystalline TiO2photoanode for building dye sensitized solar cell, and the photoelectric properties of the cell also were investigated.
Analytical Evaluation of the Neutrino-Nucleon Interaction Cross-Sections at Ultrahigh Energy
Authors: Dhar Pijush Kanti , Choudhury D. K.
Published: February 2014

The ultrahigh energy (UHE) neutrino-nucleon interaction cross-sections are evaluated analytically in one loop by using the solutions of Dokshitzer-Gribov-Lipatov-Altarelli-Parisi (DGLAP) equations. Since the genesis of the UHE neutrinos is various sources which have energy more than 105 GeV, so parton distributions are extrapolated at ultralow x to determine the charged current and the neutral current cross-sections. We then compare our analytically obtained extrapolated results with the next-to-leading order (NLO) results of various other authors. A good agreement between the two reflects the veracity of our approach of extrapolation at ultralow x.
Orthostatic Hypotension in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease and Atypical Parkinsonism
Authors: Fereshtehnejad Seyed-Mohammad , Lökk Johan
Published: February 2014

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is one of the commonly occurring nonmotor symptoms in patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (IPD) and atypical parkinsonism (AP). We aimed to review current evidences on epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of OH in patients with IPD and AP. Major electronic medical databases were assessed including PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase up to February 2013. English-written original or review articles with keywords such as “Parkinson’s disease,” “atypical parkinsonism,” and “orthostatic hypotension” were searched for relevant evidences. We addressed different issues such as OH definition, epidemiologic characteristics, pathophysiology, testing and diagnosis, risk factors for symptomatic OH, OH as an early sign of IPD, prognosis, and treatment options of OH in parkinsonian syndromes. Symptomatic OH is present in up to 30% of IPD, 80% of multiple system atrophy (MSA), and 27% of other AP patients. OH may herald the onset of PD before cardinal motor symptoms and our review emphasises the importance of its timely diagnosis (even as one preclinical marker) and multifactorial treatment, starting with patient education and lifestyle approach. Advancing age, male sex, disease severity, and duration and subtype of motor symptoms are predisposing factors. OH increases the risk of falls, which affects the quality of life in PD patients.
Sliding Mode Variable Structure Control and Real‐Time Optimization of Dry Dual Clutch Transmission during the Vehicle’s Launch
Authors: Zhao Zhiguo , Chen Haijun , Wang Qi
Published: February 2014

In order to reflect driving intention adequately and improve the launch performance of vehicle equipped with five‐speed dry dual clutch transmission (DCT), the issue of coordinating control between engine and clutch is researched, which is based on the DCT and prototype car developed independently. Four‐degree‐of‐freedom (DOF) launch dynamics equations are established. Taking advantage of predictive control and genetic algorithm, target tracing curves of engine speed and vehicle velocity are optimally specified. Sliding mode variable structure (SMVS) control strategy is designed to track these curves. The rapid prototyping experiment and test are, respectively, conducted on the DCT test bench and in the chassis dynamometer. Results show that the designed SMVS control strategy not only effectively embodies the driver’s intention but also has strong robustness to the vehicle parameter’s variations.
Animal Model of Acid-Reflux Esophagitis: Pathogenic Roles of Acid/Pepsin, Prostaglandins, and Amino Acids
Authors: Takeuchi Koji , Nagahama Kenji
Published: February 2014

Esophagitis was induced in rats within 3 h by ligating both the pylorus and transitional region between the forestomach and glandular portion under ether anesthesia. This esophageal injury was prevented by the administration of acid suppressants and antipepsin drug and aggravated by exogenous pepsin. Damage was also aggravated by pretreatment with indomethacin and the selective COX-1 but not COX-2 inhibitor, whereas PGE2showed a biphasic effect depending on the dose; a protection at low doses, and an aggravation at high doses, with both being mediated by EP1 receptors. Various amino acids also affected this esophagitis in different ways; L-alanine and L-glutamine had a deleterious effect, while L-arginine and glycine were highly protective, both due to yet unidentified mechanisms. It is assumed that acid/pepsin plays a major pathogenic role in this model of esophagitis; PGs derived from COX-1 are involved in mucosal defense of the esophagus; and some amino acids are protective against esophagitis. These findings also suggest a novel therapeutic approach in the treatment of esophagitis, in addition to acid suppressant therapy. The model introduced may be useful to test the protective effects of drugs on esophagitis and investigate the mucosal defense mechanism in the esophagus.
Effects of Water Models on Binding Affinity: Evidence from All-Atom Simulation of Binding of Tamiflu to A/H5N1 Neuraminidase
Authors: Nguyen Trang Truc , Viet Man Hoang , Li Mai Suan
Published: February 2014

The influence of water models SPC, SPC/E, TIP3P, and TIP4P on ligand binding affinity is examined by calculating the binding free energyΔGbindof oseltamivir carboxylate (Tamiflu) to the wild type of glycoprotein neuraminidase from the pandemic A/H5N1 virus.ΔGbindis estimated by the Molecular Mechanic-Poisson Boltzmann Surface Area method and all-atom simulations with different combinations of these aqueous models and four force fields AMBER99SB, CHARMM27, GROMOS96 43a1, and OPLS-AA/L. It is shown that there is no correlation between the binding free energy and the water density in the binding pocket in CHARMM. However, for three remaining force fieldsΔGbinddecays with increase of water density. SPC/E provides the lowest binding free energy for any force field, while the water effect is the most pronounced in CHARMM. In agreement with the popular GROMACS recommendation, the binding score obtained by combinations of AMBER-TIP3P, OPLS-TIP4P, and GROMOS-SPC is the most relevant to the experiments. For wild-type neuraminidase we have found that SPC is more suitable for CHARMM than TIP3P recommended by GROMACS for studying ligand binding. However, our study for three of its mutants reveals that TIP3P is presumably the best choice for CHARMM.
Efficacy of Intraoperative Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography during Descemet's Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty
Authors: Miyakoshi Akio , Ozaki Hironori , Otsuka Mitsuya , Hayashi Atsushi
Published: February 2014

Purpose. To examine the graft-host interface during Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) surgery with optical coherence tomography (OCT).Design. Prospective, interventional case series.Patients and Methods. Eight patients who underwent a DSAEK were included. A handheld OCT was used intraoperatively to examine the presence of interface fluid between the host cornea and the graft.Results. In 3 patients, no interface fluid was detected between the host cornea and the graft after the graft was attached by air injection. In 4 patients, interface fluid was detected after the graft was attached by air injection. The remaining interface fluid was drained through corneal stab incisions. One patient required a second surgery because the first surgery failed due to persistence of the interface fluid. All patients showed a complete attachment of the graft at one month after the DSAEK surgery.Conclusion. A handheld OCT is useful to detect the interface fluid between the host cornea and the graft during a DSAEK.