bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Quality Study of the OpenStreetMap Dataset for Tehran
Authors: Forghani Mohammad , Delavar Mahmoud
Published: May 2014

There has been enormous progress in geospatial data acquisition in the last decade. Centralized data collection, mainly by land surveying offices and local government agencies, has changed dramatically to voluntary data provision by citizens. Among a broad list of initiatives dealing with user generated geospatial information, OpenStreetMap (OSM) is one of the most famous crowd-sourced products. It is believed that the quality of collected information remains a valid concern. Therefore, qualitative assessment of OSM data as the most significant instance of volunteered geospatial information (VGI) is a considerable issue in the geospatial information community. One aspect of VGI quality assessment pertains to its comparison with institutionally referenced geospatial databases. This paper proposes a new quality metric for assessment of VGI accuracy and as well as for quality analysis of OSM dataset by evaluating its consistency with that of a reference map produced by Municipality of Tehran, Iran. A gridded map is employed and heuristic metrics such as Minimum Bounding Geometry area and directional distribution (Standard Deviational Ellipse), evaluated for both VGI and referenced data, are separately compared in each grid. Finally, in order to have a specific output as an integrated quality metric for VGI, its consistency with ground-truth data is evaluated using fuzzy logic. The results of this research verify that the quality of OSM maps in the study area is fairly good, although the spatial distribution of uncertainty in VGI varies throughout the dataset.
Aerobic Degradation of Trichloroethylene by Co-Metabolism Using Phenol and Gasoline as Growth Substrates
Authors: Li Yan , Li Bing , Wang Cui-Ping , Fan Jun-Zhao , Sun Hong-Wen
Published: May 2014

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a common groundwater contaminant of toxic and carcinogenic concern. Aerobic co-metabolic processes are the predominant pathways for TCE complete degradation. In this study, Pseudomonas fluorescens was studied as the active microorganism to degrade TCE under aerobic condition by co-metabolic degradation using phenol and gasoline as growth substrates. Operating conditions influencing TCE degradation efficiency were optimized. TCE co-metabolic degradation rate reached the maximum of 80% under the optimized conditions of degradation time of 3 days, initial OD600 of microorganism culture of 0.14 (1.26 × 107 cell/mL), initial phenol concentration of 100 mg/L, initial TCE concentration of 0.1 mg/L, pH of 6.0, and salinity of 0.1%. The modified transformation capacity and transformation yield were 20 μg (TCE)/mg (biomass) and 5.1 μg (TCE)/mg (phenol), respectively. Addition of nutrient broth promoted TCE degradation with phenol as growth substrate. It was revealed that catechol 1,2-dioxygenase played an important role in TCE co-metabolism. The dechlorination of TCE was complete, and less chlorinated products were not detected at the end of the experiment. TCE could also be co-metabolized in the presence of gasoline; however, the degradation rate was not high (28%). When phenol was introduced into the system of TCE and gasoline, TCE and gasoline could be removed at substantial rates (up to 59% and 69%, respectively). This study provides a promising approach for the removal of combined pollution of TCE and gasoline.
The Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR) α Agonist Fenofibrate Suppresses Chemically Induced Lung Alveolar Proliferative Lesions in Male Obese Hyperlipidemic Mice
Authors: Kuno Toshiya , Hata Kazuya , Takamatsu Manabu , Hara Akira , Hirose Yoshinobu , Takahashi Satoru , Imaida Katsumi , Tanaka Takuji
Published: May 2014

Activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) α disrupts growth-related activities in a variety of human cancers. This study was designed to determine whether fenofibrate, a PPARα agonist, can suppress 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4-NQO)-induced proliferative lesions in the lung of obese hyperlipidemic mice. Male Tsumura Suzuki Obese Diabetic mice were subcutaneously injected with 4-NQO to induce lung proliferative lesions, including adenocarcinomas. They were then fed a diet containing 0.01% or 0.05% fenofibrate for 29 weeks, starting 1 week after 4-NQO administration. At week 30, the incidence and multiplicity (number of lesions/mouse) of pulmonary proliferative lesions were lower in mice treated with 4-NQO and both doses of fenofibrate compared with those in mice treated with 4-NQO alone. The incidence and multiplicity of lesions were significantly lower in mice treated with 4-NQO and 0.05% fenofibrate compared with those in mice treated with 4-NQO alone (p < 0.05). Both doses of fenofibrate significantly reduced the proliferative activity of the lesions in 4-NQO-treated mice (p < 0.05). Fenofibrate also significantly reduced the serum insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 levels, and decreased the immunohistochemical expression of IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R), phosphorylated Akt, and phosphorylated Erk1/2 in lung adenocarcinomas. Our results indicate that fenofibrate can prevent the development of 4-NQO-induced proliferative lesions in the lung by modulating the insulin-IGF axis.
A Peristaltic Pump Integrated on a 100% Glass Microchip Using Computer Controlled Piezoelectric Actuators
Authors: Tanaka Yo
Published: May 2014

Lab-on-a-chip technology is promising for the miniaturization of chemistry, biochemistry, and/or biology researchers looking to exploit the advantages of a microspace. To manipulate fluid on a microchip, on-chip pumps are indispensable. To date, there have been several types of on-chip pumps including pneumatic, electroactive, and magnetically driven. However these pumps introduce polymers, metals, and/or silicon to the microchip, and these materials have several disadvantages, including chemical or physical instability, or an inherent optical detection limit. To overcome/avoid these issues, glass has been one of the most commonly utilized materials for the production of multi-purpose integrated chemical systems. However, glass is very rigid, and it is difficult to incorporate pumps onto glass microchips. This paper reports the use of a very flexible, ultra-thin glass sheet (minimum thickness of a few micrometers) to realize a pump installed on an entirely glass-based microchip. The pump is a peristaltic-type, composed of four serial valves sealing a cavity with two penetrate holes using ultra-thin glass sheet. By this pump, an on-chip circulating flow was demonstrated by directly observing fluid flow, visualized via polystyrene tracking particles. The flow rate was proportional to the pumping frequency, with a maximum flow rate of approximately 0.80 μL/min. This on-chip pump could likely be utilized in a wide range of applications which require the stability of a glass microchip.
Synthesis, Cytotoxicity and Mechanistic Evaluation of 4-Oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide Derivatives: Finding New Potential Anticancer Drugs
Authors: Forezi Luana , Tolentino Nathalia , De Souza Alessandra , Castro Helena , Montenegro Raquel , Dantas Rafael , Oliveira Maria , Silva, Jr. Floriano , Barreto Leilane , Burbano Rommel , Abrahim-Vieira Bárbara , De Oliveira Riethe , Ferreira Vitor , Cunha Anna , Boechat Fernanda , De Souza Maria
Published: May 2014

As part of a continuing search for new potential anticancer candidates, we describe the synthesis, cytotoxicity and mechanistic evaluation of a series of 4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide derivatives as novel anticancer agents. The inhibitory activity of compounds 10–18 was determined against three cancer cell lines using the MTT colorimetric assay. The screening revealed that derivatives 16b and 17b exhibited significant cytotoxic activity against the gastric cancer cell line but was not active against a normal cell line, in contrast to doxorubicin, a standard chemotherapeutic drug in clinical use. Interestingly, no hemolytical activity was observed when the toxicity of 16b and 17b was tested against blood cells. The in silico and in vitro mechanistic evaluation indicated the potential of 16b as a lead for the development of novel anticancer agents against gastric cancer cells.
Role of Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins Derived from an Extract of Persimmon Fruits in the Oxidative Stress-Related Aging Process
Authors: Yokozawa Takako , Park Chan , Noh Jeong , Roh Seong
Published: May 2014

Many researchers have focused on the oligomeric form of proanthocyanidins with a lower level of polymerization found in foodstuffs such as grape seeds and blackberries. The present study indicated that the oral administration of oligomers isolated from persimmon fruits extended the lifespan of senescence-accelerated mouse prone/8 (SAMP8), a murine model of accelerated senescence. On the other hand, oligomer-treated SAMP8 did not show stereotypical behavior. We also revealed that the oral administration of oligomers improved spatial and object recognition memory in SAMP8. The density of axons in the hippocampal CA1 was significantly increased by oligomer administration. Moreover, the administration of oligomers increased the phosphorylation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-2 in the hippocampal CA3, hypothalamus, and choroid plexus. We speculate that memory improvement accompanied by histological changes may be induced directly in the hippocampus and indirectly in the hypothalamus and choroid plexus through VEGFR-2 signaling. In the present study, we elucidated the protective effect of oligomers against memory impairment with aging. VEGFR-2 signaling may provide a new insight into ways to protect against memory deficit in the aging brain.
Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles by Green Method Stabilized to Synthetic Human Stomach Fluid
Authors: Atta Ayman , Al-Lohedan Hamad , Ezzat Abdelrahman
Published: May 2014

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NP) have been attracted much attention in recent years in biomedical applications due to their antimicrobial activity, but their drawbacks include toxicity and instability to aqueous hydrochloric acid solutions. Ag NPs have now been successfully prepared by a simple and “green” synthesis method by reducing Ag+ ions in the presence of modified poly(vinyl alcohol) thiol (PVA-SH) in aqueous acidic solution. In this respect, Ag NPs were stabilized by coating different types of citrate-reduced Ag NPs with different weight ratios (1–3 Wt. %) of PVSH derivatives. The as-prepared Ag NPs were characterized using UV-Visible, high resolution transmission electron microscopy/ energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (TEM/EDS), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) combined with Rietveld analysis. The changes in size, shape, and hydrodynamic diameter of Ag NPs after different duration exposure to synthetic stomach fluid (SSF) and1 M HCl were determined using TEM, XRD and UV-Visible analyses. The data indicated that these Ag NPs possessed high stability to SSF for more than 90 days, which was not previously reported in the literature.
Toxicity Mechanisms of the Food Contaminant Citrinin: Application of a Quantitative Yeast Model
Authors: Pascual-Ahuir Amparo , Vanacloig-Pedros Elena , Proft Markus
Published: May 2014

Mycotoxins are important food contaminants and a serious threat for human nutrition. However, in many cases the mechanisms of toxicity for this diverse group of metabolites are poorly understood. Here we apply live cell gene expression reporters in yeast as a quantitative model to unravel the cellular defense mechanisms in response to the mycotoxin citrinin. We find that citrinin triggers a fast and dose dependent activation of stress responsive promoters such as GRE2 or SOD2. More specifically, oxidative stress responsive pathways via the transcription factors Yap1 and Skn7 are critically implied in the response to citrinin. Additionally, genes in various multidrug resistance transport systems are functionally involved in the resistance to citrinin. Our study identifies the antioxidant defense as a major physiological response in the case of citrinin. In general, our results show that the use of live cell gene expression reporters in yeast are a powerful tool to identify toxicity targets and detoxification mechanisms of a broad range of food contaminants relevant for human nutrition.
Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Is Associated with Components of the Metabolic Syndrome in Adolescents
Authors: Chan Te-Fu , Lin Wei-Ting , Huang Hsiao-Ling , Lee Chun-Ying , Wu Pei-Wen , Chiu Yu-Wen , Huang Chun-Chi , Tsai Sharon , Lin Chih-Lung , Lee Chien-Hung
Published: May 2014

Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are the principle source of added sugar in diets. Cardiometabolic disturbances can occur from early childhood to adulthood. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the gender-specific association of SSB intake with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components among adolescents in Taiwan. A total of 2727 adolescents aged 12 to 16 years randomly selected from three diverse economic areas in Southern Taiwan by using a multistage-sampling strategy participated in this study. Demographic, dietary, physical and anthropometric parameters were measured, and serum lipid profiles and glucose levels were determined. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) specifies that MetS requires abdominal obesity and ≥2 abnormal components, and Cook criteria for MetS require ≥3 abnormal components. We applied survey-data modules to data analyses, and used multiple regression and logistic models to adjust for covariates. An increased SSB intake was linked to a greater waist circumference in both sexes and to systolic blood pressure in boys (P for trend: ≤0.043). Male moderate and high consuming SSB drinkers exhibited triglyceride levels that were 8.0 and 8.2 mg/dL significantly higher, respectively, than those of nondrinkers. Compared with nondrinkers, boys who consumed >500 mL/day (high quantity) of SSBs exhibited 10.3-fold (95% confidence intervals (CIs): 1.2-90.2) and 5.1-fold (95% CIs: 1.01-25.5) risks of contracting MetS, as defined by the IDF and Cook criteria for MetS, respectively. In girls, the risk estimates for the same comparison were not significant by the IDF criteria (6.5-fold risk, 95% CIs: 0.9-∞) or Cook criteria (5.9-fold risk, 95% CIs: 0.8-43.8) for MetS. High SSB consumption was also linked to 1.9-fold (95% CIs: 1.1-3.1) and 2.7-fold (95% CIs: 1.3-5.7) higher risks of being at a greater overall metabolic risk in girls and boys, respectively. In conclusion, a high SSB intake is associated with adolescent MetS among boys but not girls in Taiwan.
“Addiction Pharmacy” and the Professionalization Process: Technology-Enhanced Assessment of Reflective Practice and Teamwork
Authors: Roche Cicely
Published: May 2014

Professionalization of pharmacy students requires that they both recognize the dynamic social contract between the public and the profession and demonstrate themselves competent in professional attributes. This pilot aims to demonstrate and assess the attributes of reflective practice and teamwork in a manner that also demonstrates student recognition of the profession’s responsibilities towards addiction to medicines. The assessment of a series of 8 weekly workshops on addiction pharmacy was adapted to include an online reflection, or journal entry, after each workshop. Groups of up to five students also collaboratively prepared a letter, in the format of an online wiki or editable website, to a choice of the Minister for Health, a national newspaper or a popular television chat-show. Groups aimed to influence decision-makers in a manner supportive of society’s management of drug addiction. Online activity, grading and results of a student survey indicate that this novel assessment strategy provides a means by which aspects of the professionalization of pharmacy students might be effectively demonstrated and assessed. The article shares the assessment design, indicates how it may facilitate the demonstration and assessment of professional attributes, highlights the link with elements of the professionalization process and concludes that further investigations are merited.
Photonic-Based RF Transceiver for UWB Multi-Carrier Wireless Systems
Authors: Scotti Filippo , Laghezza Francesco , Ghelfi Paolo , Pinna Sergio , Serafino Giovanni , Bogoni Antonella
Published: May 2014

In this paper an all-optical system exploitable as the core structure for a photonic-based RF transceiver is presented. The proposed scheme is able to simultaneously perform either up- or down-conversion of multiple frequency Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) RF signals, employing a single Mode-Locking Laser (MLL). The system has been experimentally demonstrated and tested by up- and down-converting orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signals over a bandwidth of about 4 GHz. The scheme’s performance has been validated by measuring the error vector magnitude (EVM) of the OFDM signals over the whole considered RF spectrum (from 5 GHz to 26.5 GHz), both in up-conversion and in down-conversion. The measurements show negligible power penalties, lower than 0.5 dB. Since the proposed scheme can act either as an up- or down-converter, and it is composed by easily integratable devices, two identical structures can be combined on a single integrated platform, sharing a single MLL, to build a compact and efficient UWB transceiver.
Displacement Parameter Inversion for a Novel Electromagnetic Underground Displacement Sensor
Authors: Shentu Nanying , Li Qing , Li Xiong , Tong Renyuan , Shentu Nankai , Jiang Guoqing , Qiu Guohua
Published: May 2014

Underground displacement monitoring is an effective method to explore deep into rock and soil masses for execution of subsurface displacement measurements. It is not only an important means of geological hazards prediction and forecasting, but also a forefront, hot and sophisticated subject in current geological disaster monitoring. In previous research, the authors had designed a novel electromagnetic underground horizontal displacement sensor (called the H-type sensor) by combining basic electromagnetic induction principles with modern sensing techniques and established a mutual voltage measurement theoretical model called the Equation-based Equivalent Loop Approach (EELA). Based on that work, this paper presents an underground displacement inversion approach named “EELA forward modeling-approximate inversion method”. Combining the EELA forward simulation approach with the approximate optimization inversion theory, it can deduce the underground horizontal displacement through parameter inversion of the H-type sensor. Comprehensive and comparative studies have been conducted between the experimentally measured and theoretically inversed values of horizontal displacement under counterpart conditions. The results show when the measured horizontal displacements are in the 0–100 mm range, the horizontal displacement inversion discrepancy is generally tested to be less than 3 mm under varied tilt angles and initial axial distances conditions, which indicates that our proposed parameter inversion method can predict underground horizontal displacement measurements effectively and robustly for the H-type sensor and the technique is applicable for practical geo-engineering applications.
ATHENA: A Personalized Platform to Promote an Active Lifestyle and Wellbeing Based on Physical, Mental and Social Health Primitives
Authors: Fahim Muhammad , Idris Muhammad , Ali Rahman , Nugent Christopher , Kang Byeong , Huh Eui-Nam , Lee Sungyoung
Published: May 2014

Technology provides ample opportunities for the acquisition and processing of physical, mental and social health primitives. However, several challenges remain for researchers as how to define the relationship between reported physical activities, mood and social interaction to define an active lifestyle. We are conducting a project, ATHENA(activity-awareness for human-engaged wellness applications) to design and integrate the relationship between these basic health primitives to approximate the human lifestyle and real-time recommendations for wellbeing services. Our goal is to develop a system to promote an active lifestyle for individuals and to recommend to them valuable interventions by making comparisons to their past habits. The proposed system processes sensory data through our developed machine learning algorithms inside smart devices and utilizes cloud infrastructure to reduce the cost. We exploit big data infrastructure for massive sensory data storage and fast retrieval for recommendations. Our contributions include the development of a prototype system to promote an active lifestyle and a visual design capable of engaging users in the goal of increasing self-motivation. We believe that our study will impact the design of future ubiquitous wellness applications.
Crossing the Color Line: Black Professional Men’s Development of Interracial Social Networks
Authors: Wingfield Adia
Published: May 2014

Sociologists have established that social networks often play an important role in hiring, promotions, and occupational mobility. For black workers, however, social networks can be racialized in ways that work to their disadvantage. In this paper, I consider how black professional men develop and maintain interracial social networks with white men and women. I argue that these networks are shaped by intersections of race and gender and are intentionally constructed in response to black professional men’s perceptions of their positioning within male-dominated occupations. Specifically, this paper examines how black men establish social networks with white men, their perceptions of how diverging levels of social capital shape these networks compared to their white male peers, and their observations of ways that women are less advantaged than they are in constructing social networks.
Correction: Kanie, N., et al. Integration and Diffusion in Sustainable Development Goals: Learning from the Past, Looking into the Future. Sustainability 2014, 6, 1761–1775
Authors: Kanie Norichika , Abe Naoya , Iguchi Masahiko , Yang Jue , Kabiri Ngeta , Kitamura Yuto , Managi Shunsuke , Miyazawa Ikuho , Olsen Simon , Tasaki Tomohiro , Yamamoto Taro , Yoshida Tetsuro , Hayakawa Yuka
Published: May 2014

The authors wish to make the following correction, due to a typographical error, to this paper [1]. On page 1761, the author name “Shunsuke Mangagi” should be “Shunsuke Managi”. [...]
Regional Changes in the Sequence of Cotton Leaf Curl Multan Betasatellite
Authors: Akhtar Sohail , Tahir Muhammad , Baloch Ghulam , Javaid Shaista , Khan Ali , Amin Imran , Briddon Rob , Mansoor Shahid
Published: May 2014

Cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) in Pakistan and northwestern India is caused by monopartite begomoviruses in association with an essential, disease-specific satellite, Cotton leaf curl Multan betasatellite (CLCuMB). Following a recent upsurge in CLCuD problems in Sindh province (southern Pakistan), sequences of clones of CLCuMB were obtained from Sindh and Punjab province (central Pakistan), where CLCuD has been a problem since the mid-1980s. The sequences were compared to all sequences of CLCuMB available in the databases. Analysis of the sequences shows extensive sequence variation in CLCuMB, most likely resulting from recombination. The range of sequence variants differ between Sindh, the Punjab and northwestern India. The possible significance of the findings with respect to movement of the CLCuD between the three regions is discussed. Additionally, the lack of sequence variation within the only coding sequence of CLCuMB suggests that the betasatellite is not involved in resistance breaking which became a problem after 2001 in the Punjab and subsequently also in northwestern India.
Surface and Intramural Reentrant Patterns during Atrial Fibrillation in the Sheep
Authors: Yamazaki M. , Filgueiras-Rama D. , Kalifa J. , Berenfeld O.
Published: May 2014

Introduction: This article is part of the Focus Theme of Methods of Information in Medicine on “Biosignal Interpretation: Advanced Methods for Studying Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems”.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia in humans and is predicted to dramatically increase its prevalence in the future. High-resolution mapping data and Fourier power spectral analysis with its dominant frequency support the hypothesis that AF in the structurally normal sheep heart and in some patients often presents organized drivers in the form of periodic surface re-entries or breakthroughs. Nevertheless, the dynamics of those surface patterns of activity, as well as their intramural components are still poorly understood.

Objective: To present data on AF waves from the surface of isolated sheep hearts and discuss the interpretation of their intramural patterns.

Methods: We used a combination of endocardial-epicardial optical mapping with phase and spectral analysis as well as computer simulation of the re-entrant activity in the myocardial wall.

Results: Analysis of the surfaces’ optical mapping data in the phase domain reveals that activation of the posterior left atrium (PLA) consisted of alternating patterns of breakthroughs and reentries. The patterns on the endocardial and epicardial PLA surface at any given moment of time of the AF could be either identical or not identical, and the activity in the thickness of the PLA wall is hypothesized to conform to either ectopic discharge or reentrant scroll waves, but a definite evidence for the presence of such mechanisms is currently lacking. A universal minimal-principle theory is shown in a computer model to result in a tendency of the axis of the scroll waves to align with the myocardial fibers inside the wall.

Conclusion: The tendency of filaments of scroll waves to align with myocardial fibers may contribute to the variety and intermittency of surface rotors seen in AF.
Synthesis of ethoxy dibenzooxaphosphorin oxides through palladium-catalyzed C(sp2)–H activation/C–O formation
Authors: Shin Seohyun , Kang Dongjin , Jeon Woo Hyung , Lee Phil Ho
Published: May 2014

We report an efficient Pd-catalyzed C(sp2)–H activation/C–O bond formation for the synthesis of ethoxy dibenzooxaphosphorin oxides from 2-(aryl)arylphosphonic acid monoethyl esters under aerobic conditions.
Childhood Poisoning-An Endless Concern
Authors: Levine Milton I
Published: May 2014

A Pediatrician's View
Surgical Approach to Lamellar Sclerouvectomy for Posterior Uveal Melanomas: The 1986 Schoenberg Lecture
Authors: Shields Jerry A , Shields Carol L
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT

We describe a technique of surgically removing melanomas that involve the ciliary body and/or the choroid, while leaving intact the outer portion of the sclera and the overlying sensory retina. This procedure, called a partial lamellar sclerouvectomy, can be subclassified as a partial lamellar scie· rocyclochoroidectomy in the case of ciliochoroidal melanomas, and as a partial lamellar sclerochoroidectomy in the case of pure choroidal melanomas.
Grid Laser Photocoagulation for Atypical Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
Authors: Roseman Robert L , Olk R Joseph
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT

A 30-year-old man had symptoms and signs consistent with bilateral classic central serous chorioretinopathy. Conventional single-session laser treatments to both eyes stabilized the condition for 9 years. The patient then developed atypical central serous chorioretinopathy consisting of tracts of fluid emanating from the posterior pole and bilateral inferior exudative retinal detachments. Diffuse retinal pigment epithelial disease with recurrent leakage in both maculas was treated with grid laser photocoagulation, which was effective in stabilizing the patient's condition.
Bilateral Lacrimal Duct Cyst
Authors: Conway Stephen T
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT

Reports of lacrimal gland cysts have been rare, and mostly of small, unilateral cysts of the palpebral lobes. An unusual case of bilateral, large acquired cysts of the orbital lobe of the lacrimal glands is presented. Pathologic examination showed chronic inflammation and fibrosis of the lacrimal gland structures. We suggest that prolapse of the lacrimal glands with obstruction of the lacrimal ducts, combined with chronic dacryoadenftis, led to cyst formation.
A Pediatrician's View
Authors: Hoekelman Robert A
Published: May 2014

Day Care, Day Care: Mayday! Mayday!
Fostering Person-Centered Care Among Nursing Students: Creative Pedagogical Approaches to Developing Personal Knowing
Authors: Schwind Jasna K. , Beanlands Heather , Lapum Jennifer , Romaniuk Daria , Fredericks Suzanne , LeGrow Karen , Edwards Susanna , McCay Elizabeth , Crosby Jamie
Published: May 2014

Person-centered care (PCC) is grounded in principles of respect, autonomy, and empowerment and requires the development of interpersonal relationships. For nursing students to engage in PCC, they need to intentionally develop personal knowing, which is an essential attribute of therapeutic relationships. Developing personal knowing, as well as professional knowledge, positions students to enact PCC in their practice. Faculty members play a vital role in fostering the development of personal knowing by creating opportunities for students in which genuine and respectful dialogue, reflection, self-awareness, and critical thinking can take place. This article explores several creative approaches faculty have used to actualize these qualities in their teaching–learning encounters with nursing students at various stages of their students’ professional development. These approaches offer experiential teaching–learning opportunities that foster the development of personal knowing, as well as constructive and respectful relationships between faculty and students, therefore laying the groundwork for PCC in practice settings. [
J Nurs Educ
. 2014;53(6):343–347.]
High belite cement from alternative raw materials
Authors: Ghorab H. Y. , Rizk M. , Ibrahim B. , Allam M. M.
Published: May 2014

Three high belite laboratory clinkers were prepared from traditional and alternative raw materials. Reference clinker was obtained from 77% limestone, 11% sandy clays, 11% fatty clays and 1% iron scales. The fatty clays were replaced by red brick powder in the raw meal of the second clinker and were lowered to 2% with the replacement of 10% of the limestone by egg shells in the third clinker. The SEM examination revealed clear presence of crossed striae and twinning in the rounded belite grains of the reference clinker caused by the transformation of the α´-belite to the β polymorph. Striae were weaker in the second and third clinkers indicating a probable stabilization of the α ‘-belite polymorph.
Compressive strength of the respective cements were attained first after 28 days and the early strength did not improve with increasing fineness. Higher compressive strength values were found for the cement prepared from second clinker.
A Numerical Solution Based on the Fokker-Planck Equation for Dilute Polymer Solutions Using High Order RBF Methods
Authors: Nguyen H.Q. , Tran C.D. , Pham-Sy N. , Tran-Cong T.
Published: May 2014

This paper presents a numerical method for the Fokker-Planck Equation (FPE) based on mesoscopic modelling of dilute polymer solutions using Radial Basis Function (RBF) approaches. The stress is determined by the solution of a FPE while the velocity field is locally calculated via the solution of conservation Differential Equations (DEs) [1,2]. The FPE and PDEs are approximated separately by two different Integrated RBF methods. The time implicit discretisation of both FPE and PDEs is carried out using collocation methods where the high order RBF approximants improve significantly the accuracy of the numerical solutions and the convergence rate. As an illustration of the method, the time evolution of a start-up flow is studied for the Finitely Extensible Nonlinear Elastic (FENE) dumbbell model.
Computational Fluid Dynamics of Liquid and Foam Sclerosant Injection in a Vein Model
Authors: Wong Kai Chung , Chen Tony , Connor David E. , Behnia Masud , Parsi Kurosh
Published: May 2014

The aim of this study was to develop a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model to simulate the injection of liquid and foam sclerosants into a varicose vein. The CFD model results were compared with sclerosant flow in an experimental model of a straight or a branched vein. The effects of injection angle, injection velocity and tubing contents (blood, saline) on sclerosant spreading were assessed by CFD. The simulation of liquid sclerosants injection was able to provide a good representation of forward flow, but underrepresented sclerosant backflow. Due to the complex nature of computational modelling of foams, CFD modelling of foam sclerosants injection was less accurate and provided only limited information on foam spreading. CFD modelling can be used as a representation of liquid and foam sclerosant injection, but further research is required to provide a more accurate analysis.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Based Finite Element Modeling for Analyzing the Influence of Material Properties on Menisci Responses
Authors: Zheng Ke Ke , Chen Jun Ning , Scholes Corey , Li Qing
Published: May 2014

To investigate the importance of the meniscal non-linear behaviour on knee joint finite element analysis (FEA) study, the aim of this study was to compare linear elastic and nonlinear hyperelastic material models on the pressure distribution of meniscus. For this purpose, a 3D finite element (FE) knee model of a healthy living subject was constructed from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to simulate contact pressure under axial compressive loading. Differences in meniscal contact pressures were observed between linear elastic and nonlinear hyperelastic models. These findings emphasize the importance of accounting the nonlinear material behaviour of the menisci in knee joint FEA studies.
A Nearest Neighbor Finite Element Method (NNFEM) for Validating Left-Ventricular Regional Strain from Displacement Encoding with Stimulated Echoes (DENSE) MRI, Compared to Tagged MRI
Authors: Kar Julia , Knutsen Andrew K. , Cupps Brian P. , Pasque Michael K.
Published: May 2014

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique that is considered the most viable noninvasive technology for quantifying and visualizing regional myocardial function. CMR is expensive but characterized by higher spatial resolution and functional observations. The attribute of high spatial resolution allows quantitative assessment of cardiac wall motion and computation of transmural strains, allowing phenotyping cardiovascular physiopathologies [1-9]. Currently two CMR techniques are accepted as standard research practice which are 1. MRI tissue tagging (TMRI) [1-3] and 2. Stimulated echoes [6-9]. The first of the two, TMRI, is a method for tracking myocardial motion which places noninvasive markers (tags) within the tissue by locally induced perturbations of the magnetization. The altered magnetization shows as dark lines in the tagged region in successive images and myocardial deformation during the cardiac cycle is tracked [2,3]. However the intrinsic problem with tag lines is their fading after several cardiac phases. Hence, in addition to improvements toward longer tag persistence, parallel advancements in non-TMRI quantitative gradient technologies have also been made. One such technique is displacement encoding with stimulated echoes (DENSE) which directly encodes displacements into MRI phase data in three orthogonal phase encoding directions and facilitates rapid quantification of myocardial displacement through the cardiac cycle [6-9]. It is noted that while DENSE uses high displacement encoding frequencies resulting in phase wrapping, accurate measurements of displacements can be obtained using quality-guided spatio-temporal phase unwrapping algorithms [9].
Optimization of CFD Meshing for Stented Vessel Geometries
Authors: Lotfi Azadeh , Barber Tracie J.
Published: May 2014

Coronary stent implantation is the most widely used technique currently employed to treat atherosclerosis in coronary artery. Although the optimal technique for bifurcation stenting in terms of clinical outcome is still open to controversy, most previous studies have focused on the single-stenting techniques due to its simpler geometry and easier clinical implantation. While the biomedical environment in a stented coronary bifurcation is extremely challenging to model, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) investigations have been used to study the effect of stent on blood flow patterns, however, in CFD simulation of double-stenting techniques, the presence of two or more stents accentuates the complexity of the geometry and the associated meshes especially in the region where two or multiple stent layers come together. Hence, in this study, complex three-dimensional geometric CFD simulations of a stented vessel have been performed in order to adopt an efficient and optimal meshing method to reduce the high computational cost. In doing so, several meshing strategies were chosen and applied.
Interaction between Upheaval/Lateral and Propagation Buckling in Subsea Pipelines
Authors: Karampour Hassan , Albermani Faris
Published: May 2014

Due to high service temperatures and internal pressures in oil and gas pipelines, axial compression forces are induced in the pipe due to seabed friction. Slender trenched pipelines can experience global buckling in the vertical plane (upheaval buckling) while untrenched pipelines buckle in the horizontal plane (lateral buckling). Furthermore, deep subsea pipelines subjected to high external hydrostatics pressures can undergo catastrophic propagation buckling.
In this study, the possible interaction between upheaval/lateral buckling and propagation buckling is numerically investigated using finite element analysis. A new concept is proposed for subsea pipelines design that gives higher capacity than conventional pipelines.
Distinct Element Modeling of the Effect of Joint Persistence on Dynamic Fracturing of Jointed Rock Masses
Authors: Aliabadian Zeinab , Sharafisafa Mansour
Published: May 2014

Rock masses consist of intact rock and discontinuities such as faults, joints and bedding planes. The presence of such discontinuities in rock masses dominates the response of jointed rock masses to static and dynamic loading. These structural weak planes seriously hinder and affect the propagation of stress waves in rock mass. The joints parameters such as persistence, orientation, distribution patterns, spacing and filling material have a significant effect on the response of rock masses against wave propagation. In most studies of blast induced wave propagation in jointed rock mass, it is assumed that joints are continuous. In many situations the rock mass consists of non-continuous joints and rock bridges. Rock bridges and discontinuous joints have a different effect on wave and fracture propagation in a blasting operation. With regard to complexities associated with rock blasting in particular in jointed media, numerical tools are viable alternatives for rock blasting analysis. In this study the DEM methods was employed to investigate the effects of rock bridges on the wave propagation process. A plain strain 2D scenario was assumed and a single blasthole explosion was simulated. Three models with different jointing orientation patterns including jointing pattern parallel to free face, perpendicular to free face and orientated at 45 degree with respect to free face were analyzed numerically to investigate rock mass fracturing while blast wave propagation. The discontinuous joints were considered to be filled with weak materials (open joints) and rock bridges are composed of intact rock. In order to allow material plastic failure, a Mohr-Coulomb material model was used. The analysis results show that the stress concentration at the rock bridge location leads to excessive fracturing. This effect is more visible at the free face where the stress wave reflection occurs. Moreover, the obtained results show that the pattern and orientation of non-continuous joint system has a pronounced effect on rock fragmentation.
A Further Study on the Mechanism of Pre-Splitting in Mining Engineering
Authors: Salmi Ebrahim Fathi , Hosseinzadeh Saeed
Published: May 2014

In this paper, the mechanism of pre-splitting was analysed using both theoretical and numerical methods. An analytical approach was derived based on the thick-wall cylinder theory. Numerical simulation of pre-split blasting of a two adjacent blast-hole bench was conducted using FLAC3Dsoftware. The sequential loading stages of explosive and stress wave were simplified to a triangular shape pulse and applied to the inner wall of blast-holes. Blast wave fronts and plastic zones were monitored in different elapsed times after detonation. Numerical findings show that collision between the two adjacent stress waves induces a tensile wave, playing the key role in pre-splitting.
A Theoretical Study on Bending Behaviour of Conducting Polymer Actuator
Authors: Burke Erin , Yang Chun Hui
Published: May 2014

Conducting polymer actuators are of vital importance to the future of many engineering developments in a range of different fields especially micro applications. To allow for the use of conducting polymer actuators in practical applications a reliable and accurate model to predict the applied voltage, output force and bending motion relationship must be established. In current research, we are aiming to contribute to the fundamental understanding of the mechanical behaviour of such conducting polymer actuators under a range of different conditions and material properties. To achieve this goal it is vital to formulate a model that accurately represents the relationship between the applied voltage, output force and the resulting bending displacement of the conducting polymer actuator. Two different theoretical models have been developed and compared; one consisting of an analytical solution and the other involving a range of different finite element models solved using a commercial finite element analysis package–Abaqus. A new modelling method involving the meshing of a multilayered rectangular cross section that can be used for the analysis of a beam-like model is presented with satisfactory results. This numerical method allows for the complex structure of the conducting polymer actuator to be analysed using three dimensional beam elements available in Abaqus/Standard and allowing for the principles of classic beam theory to be implemented.
Investigation of Bond Strength of FRP-to-Concrete Interface
Authors: Yu Yu Guo , Zhang Yi Xia , Huang Yan Sheng
Published: May 2014

The study of bonding strength of FRP-to-concrete interface is a fundamental issue in analysis of fiber reinforce polymer (FRP) externally strengthened reinforced concrete structures. In this paper, a modified shear retention model for cracked concrete element is introduced and the meso-scale finite element method is used to analyze the bonding strength of the interface. A new semi-theoretical and semi-experiential constitutive model for FRP-to-concrete interface is developed to model the mechanical behavior of FRP-to-concrete interface based on meso-scale finite element outcomes and direct pullout test results. The proposed constitutive model is demonstrated to be accurate and effective and possess excellent computational stability by comparing with the experimental results and results from other literatures.Keywords: Bonding strength; Constitutive model; Finite element analysis; FRP; Interface
Vibration Analysis of Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Composite Plates
Authors: Lin Feng , Xiang Yang
Published: May 2014

This paper presents an investigation on the free vibration of rectangular nanocomposite plates reinforced by aligned single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). The CNT reinforcement may be uniformly distributed (UD) or functionally graded (FG) over the thickness direction of a plate. The material properties of the CNT composite are determined through a micromechanical model. The eigenvalue equation governing the plate vibration problem is derived by the p-Ritz method through minimizing the virtual strain and kinetic energies of a CNT composite plate. The influences of CNT distribution and reinforcing angle, plate thickness ratio, aspect ratio and support conditions on the vibration behaviour of the plates are discussed.
Effective Models of PZT Actuators for Numerical Simulation of Elastic Wave Propagation
Authors: Wang Tian Wei , Yang Chun Hui
Published: May 2014

In this study, to accurately identify the functions of piezoelectric actuators and sensors for the generation and collection of elastic waves in typical engineering structures, several effective models of surface-bounded flat PZT disks are further developed and validated for numerical modelling of elastic wave propagations. Based on these models, a series of finite element models of elastic waves in plates are devised using both implicit and explicit dynamics analysis techniques and those numerical simulations are conducted and verified one another. The results flowed from the present research is being used to study the elastic wave propagation in pipes and develop an online structural health monitoring (SHM) system with an integrated piezoelectric actuator-sensor network.
An Enriched Constitutive Model for Fracture Propagation Analysis Using the Material Point Method
Authors: Nguyen Giang Dinh
Published: May 2014

We develop a novel constitutive modeling approach for the analysis of fracture propagation in quasi-brittle materials using the Material Point Method. The kinematics of constitutive models is enriched with an additional mode of localized deformation to take into account the strain discontinuity once cracking has occurred. The crack details therefore can be stored at material point level and there is no need to enrich the kinematics of finite elements to capture the localization caused by fracturing processes. This enhancement also removes the drawback of classical smeared crack approach in producing unphysical snapping back constitutive responses when the spatial resolution is not fine enough. All these facilitate the implementation of the new approach in the Material Point Method for analysis of large scale problems. Numerical examples of fracture propagation are used to demonstrate the effectiveness and potentials of the new approach.
Comparative Study of Ring Spinning and Compact Spinning
Authors: Lu Jin Ming
Published: May 2014

Technical characteristics of RX240 - EST compact spinning frame agglomeration device are discussed. The tensile properties,hairiness and evenness CV and defects of the same specifications ring spinning and compact spinning yarn are tested and analyzed. Through comparison, the test shows that yarn quality of compact spinning is enhanced evidently than that of ring spinning.
Analysis of Y Type Branch Pipe Exhaust Ventilation Flow Characteristics
Authors: Song Sheng Wei , Wang Zi Peng , Yang Chen Sheng
Published: May 2014

In order to study the internal gas flow of Y type branch pipes in the exhaust ventilation conditions, the branch pipe is simulated by using FLUENT software. Combined with experimental results, comparatively analyze exhaust ventilation pressure, velocity and vortex flow of the branch pipe. The results show that simulation and experimental data consistent overall trend, the difference is less than 8%, the main entrance pressure of the branch pipeline decreases with the width of the leakage increasing, leakage width of 0 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm cases, there is vortex tube, and valve and the main ventilation pipe case gas exchange occurs when no leakage, this study provides a theoretical and practical basis for further analysis of branch pipe exhaust ventilation.
Simulation Study of the Electric Vehicle Charger
Authors: Zhao Gang , Zhou Xiao Ming , Sun Hao Sai
Published: May 2014

For the low power factor and poor control accuracy of the conventional vehicle chargers, this paper designed a current-mode switching power supply which was improved by adding a boost-mode APFC circuit. This system was tested and simulated in MATLAB/Simulink and the results showed that it could effectively reduce the harmonics, improve the power factor and control precision.