bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of Multi Agent Systems Under a New Communication Topology
Authors: Rastgoftar Hossein , Jayasuriya Suhada
Published: December 2014

In this paper, a multi agent system (MAS) is considered as particles of a continuum deforming under a specific class of homeomorphic mappings, called a homogenous transformation. We have recently showed how a desired homogenous mapping of the MAS in a n–D space can be prescribed by transient positions of n + 1 leaders placed at the vertices of a n–D polytope, called leading polytope [1–9]. In this article, we first minimize the acceleration norm with (i) initial and final positions of the leaders known and (ii) leaders (located at the vertices of the leading polytope) are constrained to move in such a way that the initial volume of the leading polytope is preserved during evolution. The followers learn the leader-determined homogenous map through local communication with each follower modeled as a double integrator. Proposed is a communication topology that requires every follower agent to update its position based on communication with n + 1 local agents. The weights of communication are uniquely specified by the initial positions of the agents. Simulation of a MAS moving in a plane validates the proposed communication topology.
Methodology to Evaluate the Fuel Economy of a Multimode Combustion Engine With Three-Way Catalytic Converter
Authors: Nüesch Sandro P. , Stefanopoulou Anna G. , Jiang Li , Sterniak Jeffrey
Published: December 2014

Highly diluted, low temperature homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) combustion leads to ultra-low levels of engine-out NOx emissions. A standard drive cycle, however, would require switches between HCCI and spark-ignited (SI) combustion modes. In this paper a methodology is introduced, investigating the fuel economy of such a multimode combustion concept in combination with a three-way catalytic converter (TWC). The TWC needs to exhibit unoccupied oxygen storage sites in order to show acceptable performance. But the lean exhaust gas during HCCI operation fills the oxygen storage and leads to a drop in NOx conversion efficiency. Eventually the levels of NOx become unacceptable and a mode switch to a fuel rich combustion mode is necessary in order to deplete the oxygen storage. The resulting lean-rich cycling leads to a penalty in fuel economy. In order to evaluate the impact of those penalties on fuel economy, a finite state model for combustion mode switches is combined with a longitudinal vehicle model and a phenomenological TWC model, focused on oxygen storage. The aftertreatment model is calibrated using combustion mode switch experiments from lean HCCI to rich spark-assisted HCCI and back. Fuel and emissions maps acquired in steady state experiments are used. Two depletion strategies are compared in terms of their influence on drive cycle fuel economy and NOx emissions.
Variable Fidelity Modeling in Closed Loop Dynamical Systems
Authors: Williams Matthew A. , Alleyne Andrew G.
Published: December 2014

In the early stages of control system development, designers often require multiple iterations for purposes of validating control designs in simulation. This has the potential to make high fidelity models undesirable due to increased computational complexity and time required for simulation. As a solution, lower fidelity or simplified models are used for initial designs before controllers are tested on higher fidelity models. In the event that unmodeled dynamics cause the controller to fail when applied on a higher fidelity model, an iterative approach involving designing and validating a controller’s performance may be required. In this paper, a switched-fidelity modeling formulation for closed loop dynamical systems is proposed to reduce computational effort while maintaining elevated accuracy levels of system outputs and control inputs. The effects on computational effort and accuracy are investigated by applying the formulation to a traditional vapor compression system with high and low fidelity models of the evaporator and condenser. This sample case showed the ability of the switched fidelity framework to closely match the outputs and inputs of the high fidelity model while decreasing computational cost by 32% from the high fidelity model. For contrast, the low fidelity model decreases computational cost by 48% relative to the high fidelity model.
Location Isolability of Intake and Exhaust Manifold Leaks in a Turbocharged Diesel Engine With Exhaust Gas Recirculation
Authors: Hand Michael J. , Stefanopoulou Anna
Published: December 2014

An investigation into the isolability of the location of intake and exhaust manifold leaks in heavy duty diesel engines is presented. In particular, established fault detection and isolation (FDI) methods are explored to assess their utility in successfully determining the location of a leak within the air path of an engine equipped with exhaust gas recirculation and an asymmetric twin-scroll turbine. It is further shown how consideration of the system’s variation across multiple operating points can lead to improved ability to isolate the location of leaks in the intake and exhaust manifolds.
Reduction of a Finite Volume Model for Control of the Solidification Front in a Remelting Process
Authors: Lopez Luis Felipe , Beaman Joseph J.
Published: December 2014

Remelting is used in the production of superalloy ingots. In these processes, stabilization of the solidification front is crucial in the prevention of segregation defects. However, models that account for solidification dynamics often are distributed-parameter multi-physics models that are not used in process control due to their complexity. This paper outlines model reduction for a remelting process based on a multi-physics finite volume model. A reduced-order model is constructed from a state-space realization where only transport phenomena are included. Balancing-free square-root singular perturbation approximation is used to construct a minimal reduced system, and then modal residualization is performed to remove modes that lie outside of the bandwidth of the actuators. The obtained reduced-order model was used to design an LQG controller. Simulation results verify that using the proposed reduced-order model for estimation and control can result in more accurate solidification control, when compared to a simplified model that accounts only for thermal processes.
An Experimental Study of a Novel Impact Damper in Free Vibration of Structures
Authors: Gharib Mohamed , Karkoub Mansour , Bin Yousaf Muhammad Tahir , AlGammal Mohammad
Published: December 2014

A Linear Particle Chain (LPC) impact damper is a newly developed passive vibration control device. It is an extension for the commonly used conventional (single unit) impact damper. In this paper, experimental investigations are conducted to examine the efficacy of the LPC impact damper in attenuating the free vibrations of single degree of freedom structures. The experiments’ outcomes clearly indicate the significant effect of the LPC impact damper in suppressing the structure vibration compared to the conventional impact dampers.
Model Predictive Control for Compliant Pneumatic Systems
Authors: Daepp Hannes G. , Book Wayne J.
Published: December 2014

Pneumatic systems possess inherent compliance and potentially variable stiffness that make them an appealing actuator choice for tracking applications where contact and interaction are likely. However, good control of pneumatic systems is impeded by discontinuous and nonlinear dynamics, especially compliance and friction. The most successful previous solutions have either applied high-gain PD or sliding mode control. These achieve tracking control for compliant systems by transforming them into stiffer ones. Model predictive control can better balance precision tracking with compliance (low output impedance), so that the system is safer in case of collision disturbance. It can be coupled with a predictive observer that estimates friction as a known disturbance. The estimate is incorporated into the optimization, improving friction compensation for pneumatics, which has slow dynamics that do not react quickly enough with traditional feedforward compensation. Finally, predictive control enables constrained finite-time optimization, driving the system closer to its peak performance capability.
Broad-Band Pendulum Energy Harvester With Motion Regulation
Authors: Wu You , Zuo Lei , Zhou Wanlu , Sun Hui
Published: December 2014

A novel electromagnetic pendulum energy harvester with motion regulator is proposed and investigated in this paper. The motion regulator is a mechanical design which can mechanically rectify the irregular bidirectional swing motion of the pendulum into unidirectional rotational motion of the motor, so that no electrical rectifier is needed and voltage drops from diodes can be avoided. Therefore, the energy efficiency can be significantly improved. The working principle of this pendulum mechanical motion regulator is that when the input velocity of the motion regulator is smaller than the output velocity of the motion regulator, the output transmission shaft will disengage from the motion regulator. This disengage mechanism of the pendulum energy harvester will lead to a broad bandwidth frequency response because of the inclination of maximizing the velocity output from the system. The dynamic modeling of the switched linear system (either engaged or disengaged) is established. The simulation results illustrate the power generation performance of the pendulum energy harvester, and the comparison with the traditional energy harvester without motion regulator shows the broadband advantage of the proposed energy harvester. Experiment verification has also been carried out. The experiment results verified that at some frequencies over the natural frequency, the efficiency is increased.
Adaptive Repetitive Control Using a Modified Filtered-X LMS Algorithm
Authors: Shahsavari Behrooz , Keikha Ehsan , Zhang Fu , Horowitz Roberto
Published: December 2014

In this paper we employ a modified filtered-x least mean squares (MFX-LMS) method to synthesis an adaptive repetitive controller for rejecting periodic disturbances at selective frequencies. We show how a MFX-LMS algorithm can be utilized when the reference signal is deterministic and periodic. A new adaptive step size is proposed with the motivation to improve the convergence rate of the MFX-LMS algorithm and fade the steady state excess error caused by the variation of estimated parameters in a stochastic environment. A novel secondary path modeling scheme is proposed to compensate for the modeling mismatches online. We further discuss the application of this adaptive controller in hard disk drives that use Bit Patterned Media Recording. Finally we present the results of comprehensive realistic numerical simulations and experimental implementations of the algorithms on a hard disk drive servo mechanism that is subjected to periodic disturbances known as repeatable runout.
A Multi-Variable Newton-Based Extremum Seeking Control for a Chilled Water Plant With Variable Water and Air Flow
Authors: Mu Baojie , Li Yaoyu , Hu Bin , Seem John E.
Published: December 2014

The chilled water system, typically consisting of chiller and cooling tower, plays a major role in the ventilation and air-conditioning systems in commercial buildings. Due to the significant power consumption of such system, improvement of its efficiency would lead to significant benefit in energy saving. As the system characteristics and operational conditions can vary dramatically in practice, model-free self-optimizing control is of high interest in practice. In this study, the chilled-water plant being studied consists of one screw chiller and one counter-flow cooling tower. A multi-variable Newton-based extremum seeking control (ESC) scheme is applied to maximize the power efficiency in real time with the cooling load being satisfied. The feedback for the ESC controller is the total power of the chiller compressor, the cooling tower fan and the condenser water pump, while the inputs are cooling-tower fan speed and the condenser-loop water flow rate. The two-input Newton-based ESC controller is simulated with a Modelica based dynamic simulation model of the chiller-tower system. Two inner-loop PI controllers are used to regulate the temperatures of evaporator superheat and evaporator leaving water at their respective setpoints. Simulation results validate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy. Remarkable energy saving is observed for several testing conditions.
Dispersion curve recovery with orthogonal matching pursuit
Authors: Harley Joel B. , Moura José M. F.
Published: December 2014

Dispersion curves characterize many propagation mediums. When known, many methods use these curves to analyze waves. Yet, in many scenarios, their exact values are unknown due to material and environmental uncertainty. This paper presents a fast implementation of sparse wavenumber analysis, a method for recovering dispersion curves from data. This approach, based on orthogonal matching pursuit, is compared with a prior implementation, based on basis pursuit denoising. In the results, orthogonal matching pursuit provides two to three orders of magnitude improvement in speed and a small average reduction in prediction capability. The analysis is demonstrated across multiple scenarios and parameters.
Overnight consolidation promotes generalization across talkers in the identification of nonnative speech sounds
Authors: Earle F. Sayako , Myers Emily B.
Published: December 2014

This investigation explored the generalization of phonetic learning across talkers following training on a nonnative (Hindi dental and retroflex) contrast. Participants were trained in two groups, either in the morning or in the evening. Discrimination and identification performance was assessed in the trained talker and an untrained talker three times over 24 h following training. Results suggest that overnight consolidation promotes generalization across talkers in identification, but not necessarily discrimination, of nonnative speech sounds.
Method for generating realistic sound stimuli with given characteristics by controlled combination of audio recordings
Authors: Accolti Ernesto , Miyara Federico
Published: December 2014

Audio recordings are often used to improve ecological validity of stimuli for laboratory research on effects of noise. In this paper a method is proposed for composing realistic environmental sound stimuli with (1) specified overall spectrum and (2) specified statistical distribution of sound event durations and semantic categories. The combination is addressed as a mixed integer linear programming problem. Objective measurements, for eight stimuli and a moderate-size database, validate the method. The mean error in octave bands exposure level is 2.6 dB and the statistical distribution of sound event durations and semantic categories is perfectly matched.
Fixing problems with cell lines
Authors: Lorsch Jon R. , Collins Francis S. , Lippincott-Schwartz Jennifer
Published: December 2014

Technologies and policies can improve authentication
Characterization of Human Papillomavirus Subtype 72b
Authors: Johansson Hanna , Kravtchenko Evgenia , Forslund Ola
Published: December 2014

We report the characterization of human papillomavirus (HPV) subtype 72b of the genus
Alphapapillomavirus
isolated from an oral rinse sample of a healthy woman. The HPV72b L1 open reading frame (ORF) was 90.2% identical to that of HPV72, indicating a subtype close to the border of a novel HPV type.
Treatment of ureterovaginal fistula using a Memokath stent
Authors: Mohammad Wael , Fode Mikkel Mejlgaard , Azawi Nessn Htum
Published: December 2014

Ureterovaginal fistula (UVF) is a challenging problem for patients and doctors, especially in patients who have been treated by radiation for malignancy. UVF may occur in conjunction with surgeries involving the uterus. A success rate of 70–100% has been reported for fistula repair with the best results in non-radiated patients. Meanwhile, conservative treatment using ureteral stents in selected patients has resulted in reported success rates of 71%. We present the case of a 24-year-old woman with UVF due to surgery and radiotherapy for cervix cancer. The patient has been successfully treated with the insertion of a Memokath 051 stent (PNN Medical A/S, Denmark), which is a thermoexpandable, nickel-titanium alloy stent. The patient has been totally continent during a follow-up period of 3 years. The Memokath stent has been changed twice within this period due to dysfunction.
Elasticity Solution of Free Vibration and Bending Behavior of Functionally Graded Carbon Nanotube-Reinforced Composite Beam with Thin Piezoelectric Layers Using Differential Quadrature Method
Authors: Alibeigloo A. , Liew K. M.
Published: December 2014

Based on the theory of elasticity, bending and free vibrational analyses of functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced composite (FG-CNTRC) beam embedded in piezoelectric layers are carried out, using the state-space differential quadrature method (DQM). Applying the DQM to the governing differential equations and boundary conditions along the longitudinal directions, new state equations about state variables at discrete points are derived. By using the state-space technique across the thickness direction, semi- analytical closed form solutions are derived. The method is validated by comparing numerical results for beams without piezoelectric layers. Both the direct and the inverse piezoelectric effects are investigated and the influence of piezoelectric layers on the mechanical behavior of beam is studied. Furthermore, the effects of CNT volume fraction, kind of CNT distribution, length to thickness ratio and edge boundary conditions on the mechanical behavior of the beams are examined.
A Novel High-Order Accurate Compact Stencil Poisson Solver: Application to Cavity Flows
Authors: San Omer
Published: December 2014

In this paper, a fourth-order compact stencil finite difference scheme is developed for solving elliptic Poisson equation. The scheme presented here is based on a modular approach using a linear combination of compact difference algorithms that results in different discrete formulation than the well-known Mehrstellen scheme. An adjoint optimal V-cycle multigrid (MG) iterative solver are developed, implemented, and tested. The robustness of the adjoint Poisson solver is illustrated by solving incompressible Navier–Stokes equations in vorticity-stream function formulation. Using a fully implicit factorized delta-scheme algorithm for the time integration, benchmark quality results of the cavity flow problem are presented and compared to existing literature for various Reynolds numbers.
Understanding the impact of open-framework conglomerates on water–oil displacements: the Victor interval of the Ivishak Reservoir, Prudhoe Bay Field, Alaska
Authors: Gershenzon Naum I. , Soltanian Mohamadreza , Ritzi Robert W. , Dominic David F.
Published: December 2014

The Victor Unit of the Ivishak Formation in the Prudhoe Bay Oilfield is characterized by high net-to-gross fluvial sandstones and conglomerates. The highest permeability is found within sets of cross-strata of open-framework conglomerate (OFC). These cross-strata are preserved within unit-bar deposits and assemblages of unit-bar deposits within compound (braid)-bar deposits, and may form thief zones limiting enhanced oil recovery. We incorporate recent research that has quantified important attributes of preserved sedimentary architecture into high-resolution models. Waterflooding experiments using these models demonstrate the control that such architecture has on oil production rate, water breakthrough time, and spatial and temporal distribution of residual oil saturation. We found that when the pressure gradient is orientated perpendicular to the palaeoflow direction, the total oil production and the water breakthrough time are larger, and the remaining oil saturation is smaller, than when it is orientated parallel to palaeoflow. The pressure difference between production and injection wells does not affect sweep efficiency, although the spatial distribution of oil remaining in the reservoir critically depends on this value. Oil sweep efficiency decreases slightly with increase in the proportion of OFC cross-strata. Whether or not clusters of connected OFC span the domain does not visibly affect sweep efficiency.
IODetector
Authors: Li Mo , Zhou Pengfei , Zheng Yuanqing , Li Zhenjiang , Shen Guobin
Published: December 2014

The location and context switching, especially the indoor/outdoor switching, provides essential and primitive information for upper-layer mobile applications. In this article, we present IODetector: a lightweight sensing service that runs on the mobile phone and detects the indoor/outdoor environment in a fast, accurate, and efficient manner. Constrained by the energy budget, IODetector primarily leverages lightweight sensing resources, such as light sensors, magnetism sensors, and cell tower signals. For universal applicability, IODetector assumes no prior knowledge (e.g., fingerprints) of the environment and uses only on-board sensors common to mainstream mobile phones. Being a generic and lightweight service component, IODetector greatly benefits many location-based and context-aware applications. We prototype the IODetector on Android mobile phones and evaluate the system comprehensively with data collected from 34 traces that include 133 different places during a 6-week period, employing different phone models. We further perform a case study where we make use of IODetector to instantly infer the GPS availability and localization accuracy in different indoor/outdoor environments.
Heat and Mass Transfer in the Boundary Layer of Unsteady Viscous Nanofluid along a Vertical Stretching Sheet
Authors: Haile Eshetu , Shankar B.
Published: December 2014

Heat and mass transfer in the boundary-layer flow of unsteady viscous nanofluid along a vertical stretching sheet in the presence of magnetic field, thermal radiation, heat generation, and chemical reaction are presented in this paper. The sheet is situated in the xz-plane and y is normal to the surface directing towards the positive y-axis. The sheet is continuously stretching in the positive x-axis and the external magnetic field is applied to the system parallel to the positive y-axis. With the help of similarity transformations, the partial differential equations are transformed into a couple of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The new problem is then solved numerically by a finite-difference scheme known as the Keller-box method. Effects of the necessary parameters in the flow field are explicitly studied and briefly explained graphically and in tabular form. For the selected values of the pertinent parameters appearing in the governing equations, numerical results of velocity, temperature, concentration, skin friction coefficient, Nusselt number, and Sherwood number are obtained. The results are compared to the works of others (from previously published journals) and they are found in excellent agreement.
Use of Magnetic Fluid in Accelerometers
Authors: Qian Leping , Li Decai
Published: December 2014

Magnetic fluid accelerometer is designed based on the special physical properties of magnetic fluid. Compared with the conventional acceleration sensors, magnetic fluid accelerometer has stronger shock resistance capability, higher sensitivity, lower energy consumption, and better performance in low frequency response. It satisfies the growing requirements of acceleration sensors. In this paper, the dynamic model and the theory of magnetic fluid accelerometers were presented. The structure characteristics of typical magnetic fluid accelerometers were investigated, and the development trend of magnetic fluid accelerometers in the future was also predicted. Besides, a novel accelerometer with linearity better than 1.5% and sensitivity better than 75 mV/g was proposed.
Iron as the Key Modulator of Hepcidin Expression in Erythroid Antibody-Mediated Hypoplasia
Authors: Fernandes J. C. , Garrido P. , Ribeiro S. , Rocha-Pereira P. , Bronze-da-Rocha E. , Belo L. , Costa E. , Reis F. , Santos-Silva A.
Published: December 2014

Erythroid hypoplasia (EH) is a rare complication associated with recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) therapies, due to development of anti-rHuEPO antibodies; however, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly clarified. Our aim was to manage a rat model of antibody-mediated EH induced by rHuEPO and study the impact on iron metabolism and erythropoiesis. Wistar rats treated during 9 weeks with a high rHuEPO dose (200 IU) developed EH, as shown by anemia, reduced erythroblasts, reticulocytopenia, and plasmatic anti-rHuEPO antibodies. Serum iron was increased and associated with mRNA overexpression of hepatic hepcidin and other iron regulatory mediators and downregulation of matriptase-2; overexpression of divalent metal transporter 1 and ferroportin was observed in duodenum and liver. DecreasedEPOexpression was observed in kidney and liver, while EPO receptor was overexpressed in liver. Endogenous EPO levels were normal, suggesting that anti-rHuEPO antibodies blunted EPO function. Our results suggest that anti-rHuEPO antibodies inhibit erythropoiesis causing anemia. This leads to a serum iron increase, which seems to stimulate hepcidin expression despite no evidence of inflammation, thus suggesting iron as the key modulator of hepcidin synthesis. These findings might contribute to improving new therapeutic strategies against rHuEPO resistance and/or development of antibody-mediated EH in patients under rHuEPO therapy.
Variability Modeling of Rainfall, Deforestation, and Incidence of American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis in Orán, Argentina, 1985–2007
Authors: Rosales Juan Carlos , Yang Hyun Mo , Avila Blas Orlando José
Published: December 2014

American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) is a disease transmitted to humans by the female sandflies of the genusLutzomyia. Several factors are involved in the disease transmission cycle. In this work only rainfall and deforestation were considered to assess the variability in the incidence of ATL. In order to reach this goal, monthly recorded data of the incidence of ATL in Orán, Salta, Argentina, were used, in the period 1985–2007. The square root of the relative incidence of ATL and the corresponding variance were formulated as time series, and these data were smoothed by moving averages of 12 and 24 months, respectively. The same procedure was applied to the rainfall data. Typical months, which are April, August, and December, were found and allowed us to describe the dynamical behavior of ATL outbreaks. These results were tested at 95% confidence level. We concluded that the variability of rainfall would not be enough to justify the epidemic outbreaks of ATL in the period 1997–2000, but it consistently explains the situation observed in the years 2002 and 2004. Deforestation activities occurred in this region could explain epidemic peaks observed in both years and also during the entire time of observation except in 2005–2007.
Investigation of a Superscalar Operand Stack Using FO4 and ASIC Wire-Delay Metrics
Authors: Bailey Christopher , Mullane Brendan
Published: December 2014

Complexity in processor microarchitecture and the related issues of power density, hot spots and wire delay, are seen to be a major concern for design migration into low nanometer technologies of the future. This paper evaluates the hardware cost of an alternative to register-file organization, the superscalar stack issue array (SSIA). We believe this is the first such reported study using discrete stack elements. Several possible implementations are evaluated, using a 90 nm standard cell library as a reference model, yielding delay data and FO4 metrics. The evaluation, including reference to ASIC layout, RC extraction, and timing simulation, suggests a 4-wide issue rate of at least four Giga-ops/sec at 90 nm and opportunities for twofold future improvement by using more advanced design approaches.
Outcomes of Geriatric Hip Fractures Treated with AFFIXUS Hip Fracture Nail
Authors: Mabrouk Ahmed , Madhusudan Mysore , Waseem Mohammed , Kershaw Steven , Fischer Jochen
Published: December 2014

Geriatric hip fractures are one of the commonest fractures worldwide. The purpose of this study was to report the outcomes of a series of unstable geriatric hip fractures treated with AFFIXUS hip fracture nail. A retrospective study of 100 unstable geriatric hip fractures treated with AFFIXUS hip fracture nail is presented. The mean follow-up duration was 8 months (range 3–32). Of the patients 83% were female. The average age was 85 years. The fracture was treated by closed reduction and intramedullary fixation. The mean acute hospital stay was 17.6 days. Systemic complications occurred in 29 patients (29%) and local complications in 3 patients (3%) including lag screw cutout in one patient (1%), lag screw backout in one patient (1%), and deep infection in one patient (1%). Mechanical failures and periprosthetic fractures were not observed in our series. Fractures united in all patients. Preinjury activity level was recovered in 78% of the patients. The results of AFFIXUS hip fracture nail were satisfactory in most elderly patients. The unique design of the lag screw and its thread spacing had effectively reduced cut-out rate.
Prospect ofPongamia pinnata(Karanja) in Bangladesh: A Sustainable Source of Liquid Fuel
Authors: Halder P. K. , Paul N. , Beg M. R. A.
Published: December 2014

Energy is the basic requirement for the existence of human being in today’s digital world. Indigenous energy of Bangladesh (especially natural gas and diesel) is basically used in power generation and depleting hastily to meet the increasing power demand. Therefore, special emphasis has been given to produce alternative liquid fuel worldwide to overcome the crisis of diesel.Pongamia pinnata(karanja) may be an emerging option for providing biooil for biodiesel production. Although karanja biooil has been used as a source of traditional medicines in Bangladesh, it can also be used for rural illumination. This paper outlines the medical and energy aspects ofPongamia pinnata. It has been assessed that Bangladesh can utilize about 128.95 PJ through Pongamia cultivation in unused lands. The paper reviews the potentiality ofPongamia pinnataas a source of biodiesel and its benefits in Bangladesh. The paper also revives that, about 0.52 million tons of biodiesel can be produced only utilizing the unused lands per year in sustainable basis as it reduces CO2, CO, HC, and NOxemission compared to pure diesel.
Evidence Supporting Product Standards for Carcinogens in Smokeless Tobacco Products
Authors: Hatsukami Dorothy K. , Stepanov Irina , Severson Herb , Jensen Joni A. , Lindgren Bruce R. , Horn Kimberly , Khariwala Samir S. , Martin Julia , Carmella Steven G. , Murphy Sharon E. , Hecht Stephen S.
Published: December 2014

Smokeless tobacco products sold in the United States vary significantly in yields of nicotine and tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNA). With the passage of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, the Food and Drug Administration now has the authority to establish product standards. However, limited data exist determining the relative roles of pattern of smokeless tobacco use versus constituent levels in the smokeless tobacco product in exposure of users to carcinogens. In this study, smokeless tobacco users of brands varying in nicotine and TSNA content were recruited from three different regions in the U.S. Participants underwent two assessment sessions. During these sessions, demographic and smokeless tobacco use history information along with urine samples to assess biomarkers of exposure and effect were collected. During the time between data collection, smokeless tobacco users recorded the amount and duration of smokeless tobacco use on a daily basis using their diary cards. Results showed that independent of pattern of smokeless tobacco use and nicotine yields, levels of TSNA in smokeless tobacco products played a significant role in carcinogen exposure levels. Product standards for reducing levels of TSNA in smokeless tobacco products are necessary to decrease exposure to these toxicants and potentially to reduce risk for cancer. Cancer Prev Res; 8(1); 20–26. ©2014 AACR.
PPARγ Agonist-Induced Fluid Retention Depends on αENaC Expression in Connecting Tubules
Authors: Fu Yiling , Gerasimova Maria , Batz Falk , Kuczkowski Alexander , Alam Yasaman , Sanders Paul W. , Ronzaud Caroline , Hummler Edith , Vallon Volker
Published: December 2014

Background/Aims: Thiazolidinediones (TZDs, like rosiglitazone (RGZ)) are peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonists used to treat type 2 diabetes. Clinical limitations include TZD-induced fluid retention and body weight (BW) increase, which are inhibited by amiloride, an epithelial-sodium channel (ENaC) blocker. RGZ-induced fluid retention is maintained in mice with αENaC knockdown in the collecting duct (CD). Since ENaC in the connecting tubule (CNT) rather than in CD appears to be critical for normal NaCl retention, we aimed to further explore the role of ENaC in CNT in RGZ-induced fluid retention. Methods: Mice with conditional inactivation of αENaC in both CNT and CD were used (αENaC lox/lox AQP2-Cre; ‘αENaC-CNT/CD-KO') and compared with littermate controls (αENaC lox/lox mice; ‘WT'). BW was monitored and total body water (TBW) and extracellular fluid volume (ECF) were determined by bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (BIS) before and after RGZ (320 mg/kg diet for 10 days). Results: On regular NaCl diet, αENaC-CNT/CD-KO had normal BW, TBW, ECF, hematocrit, and plasma Na+, K+, and creatinine, associated with an increase in plasma aldosterone compared with WT. Challenging αENaC-CNT/CD-KO with a low NaCl diet unmasked impaired NaCl and K homeostasis, consistent with effective knockdown of αENaC. In WT, RGZ increased BW (+6.1%), TBW (+8.4%) and ECF (+10%), consistent with fluid retention. These changes were significantly attenuated in αENaC-CNT/CD-KO (+3.4, 1.3, and 4.3%). Conclusion: Together with the previous studies, the current results are consistent with a role of αENaC in CNT in RGZ-induced fluid retention, which dovetails with the physiological relevance of ENaC in this segment.
Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome iPS cells produce megakaryocytes with defects in cytoskeletal rearrangement and proplatelet formation
Authors: Ingrungruanglert Praewphan , Amarinthnukrowh Pramuk , Rungsiwiwut Ruttachuk , Maneesri-le Grand Supang , Sosothikul Darintr , Shotelersuk Vorasuk , Suphapeetiporn Kanya , Israsena Nipan
Published: December 2014

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) is an X-linked recessive disorder characterised by microthrombocytopenia, complex immunodeficiency, autoimmunity, and haematologic malignancies. It is caused by mutations in the gene encoding WAS protein (WASP), a regulator of actin cytoskeleton and chromatin structure in various blood cell lineages. The molecular mechanisms underlying microthrombocytopenia caused by WASP mutations remain elusive. Murine models of WASP deficiency exhibited only mild thrombocytopenia with normal-sized platelets. Here we report on the successful generation of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines from two patients with different mutations in WASP (c.1507T>A and c.55C>T). When differentiated into early CD34+ haematopoietic and megakaryocyte progenitors, the WAS-iPSC lines were indistinguishable from the wild-type iPSCs. However, all WAS-iPSC lines exhibited defects in platelet production in vitro. WAS-iPSCs produced platelets with more irregular shapes and smaller sizes. Immunofluorescence and electron micrograph showed defects in cytoskeletal rearrangement, F-actin distribution, and proplatelet formation. Proplatelet defects were more pronounced when using culture systems with stromal feeders comparing to feeder-free culture condition. Overexpression of WASP in the WAS-iPSCs using a lentiviral vector improved proplatelet structures and increased the platelet size. Our findings substantiate the use of iPSC technology to elucidate the disease mechanisms of WAS in thrombopoiesis.
Long-term quality of VKA treatment and clinical outcome after extreme overanticoagulation in 14,777 AF and VTE patients
Authors: Veeger Nic J. G. M. , Khorsand Nakisa , Kluin-Nelemans Hanneke C. , Kooistra Hilde A. M. , Meijer Karina , Piersma-Wichers Margriet
Published: December 2014

Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) are widely used in atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism (VTE). Their efficacy and safety depend on individual time in the therapeutic range (iTTR). Due to the variable dose-response relationship within patients, also patients with initially stable VKA treatment may develop extreme overanticoagulation (EO). EO is associated with an immediate bleeding risk, but it is unknown whether VKA treatment will subsequently restabilise. We evaluated long-term quality of VKA treatment and clinical outcome after EO. EO was defined as international normalized ratio (INR) ≥ 8.0 and/or unscheduled vitamin K supplementation. We included a consecutive cohort of initially stable atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism patients. In EO patients, the 90 days pre- and post-period were compared. In addition, patients with EO were compared with patients without EO using a matched 1:2 cohort. Of 14,777 initially stable patients, 800 patients developed EO. The pre-period was characterised by frequent overanticoagulation, and half of EO patients had an inadequate iTTR (< 65 %). After EO, underanticoagulation became more prevalent. Although the mean time between INR-measurements decreased from 18.6 to 13.2 days, after EO inadequate iTTR became more frequent (62 %), p-value < 0.001. A 2.3 times (95 % confidence interval [CI] 2.0–2.5) higher risk for iTTR< 65 % after EO, was accompanied by increased risk of bleeding (hazard ratio [HR] 2.1;CI 1.4–3.2), VKA-related death 17.0 (HR 17.0;CI 2.1–138) and thrombosis (HR 5.7;CI 1.5–22.2), compared to the 1600 controls. In conclusion, patients continuing VKA after EO have long-lasting inferior quality of VKA treatment despite intensified INR-monitoring, and an increased risk of bleeding, thrombosis and VKA-related death.

Note: There have been no previous presentations, reports or publications of the complete data that appear in the article. Parts of the data in this article have been presented as a poster at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) congress 2013, New Orleans, United States.
Performance and economic analysis of broilers fed diets containing acerola meal in replacement of corn
Authors: Zanetti Leonardo Henrique , Polycarpo Gustavo do Valle , Brichi André Luís Coneglian , Barbieri Adriano , Sabbag Omar Jorge , Cooke Reinaldo Fernandes , Cruz-Polycarpo Valquíria Cação , Oliveira Raphael Fortes de
Published: December 2014

Objetivou-se com a pesquisa avaliar o desempenho de frangos de corte alimentados com dietas contendo níveis crescentes de inclusão de farelo de acerola em substituição ao milho e analisar a viabilidade econômica desse sistema de produção. Foram utilizados 980 pintos de corte com um dia de idade, machos, da linhagem Cobb, distribuídos num delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos - níveis de inclusão (0, 5, 10 e 15%) de farelo de acerola em substituição ao milho - e sete repetições com 35 aves por unidade experimental. Aos 21 e 42 dias de idade as aves foram pesadas para a mensuração dos dados de desempenho. No período de 1 a 21 dias de idade, foram observadas diferenças somente no consumo de ração e na conversão alimentar, onde a inclusão de farelo de acerola diminuiu linearmente o consumo de ração e melhorou a conversão alimentar até o nível de 10,25%. No período total de criação o tratamento controle apresentou maior peso corporal. A conversão alimentar apresentou efeito linear, piorando os resultados com o aumento da quantidade de farelo de acerola nas dietas. Nesse mesmo período, não houve diferença significativa no consumo de ração e no fator de produção. Quanto à análise econômica, verificou-se que o menor custo final por frango foi observado nas dietas com 10% de inclusão de farelo de acerola em substituição ao milho.
17β-Estradiol Attenuates Hematoma Expansion Through Estrogen Receptor α/Silent Information Regulator 1/Nuclear Factor-kappa B Pathway in Hyperglycemic Intracerebral Hemorrhage Mice
Authors: Zheng Yun , Hu Qin , Manaenko Anatol , Zhang Yang , Peng Yan , Xu Liang , Tang Junjia , Tang Jiping , Zhang John H.
Published: December 2014

Background and Purpose—

17β-estradiol (E2) has been reported to reduce bleeding and brain injury in experimental intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) model. However, it is not clear if E2 can prevent early hematoma expansion (HE) induced by hyperglycemia in acute ICH. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of E2 on HE and its potential mechanisms in hyperglycemic ICH mice.

Methods—

Two hundred, 8-week-old male CD1 mice were used. ICH was performed by collagenase injection. 50% dextrose (8 mL/kg) was injected intraperitoneally 3 hours after ICH to induce acute HE (normal saline was used as control). The time course of HE was measured 6, 24, and 72 hours after ICH. Two dosages (100 and 300 μg/kg) of E2 were administrated 1 hour after ICH intraperitoneally. Neurobehavioral deficits, hemorrhage volume, blood glucose level, and blood–brain barrier disruption were measured. To study the mechanisms of E2, estrogen receptor α (ERα) inhibitor methyl-piperidino-pyrazole, silent information regulator 1 (Sirt1) siRNA was administered, respectively. Protein expression of ERα, Sirt1, and acetylated nuclear factor-kappa B, and activity of matrix metalloproteinases-9 were detected.

Results—

Hyperglycemia enhanced HE and deteriorated neurological deficits after ICH from 6 hours after ICH. E2 treatment prevented blood–brain barrier disruption and improved neurological deficits 24 and 72 hours after ICH. E2 reduced HE by activating its receptor ERα, decreasing the expression of Sirt1, deacelylation of nuclear factor-kappa B, and inhibiting the activity of matrix metalloproteinases-9. ERα inhibitor methyl-piperidino-pyrazole and Sirt1 siRNA removed these effects of E2.

Conclusions—

E2 treatment prevented hyperglycemia-enhanced HE and improved neurological deficits in ICH mice mediated by ERα/Sirt1/nuclear factor-kappa B pathway. E2 may serve as an alternative treatment to decrease early HE after ICH.
Wage Differentials between Foreign Multinationals and Local Plants and Worker Quality in Malaysian Manufacturing
Authors: Ramstetter Eric D.
Published: December 2014

Using industrial census data for 2000, and smaller sets of survey data for 2001–2004, this paper examines the extent of wage differentials between medium-large (20 or more workers) foreign multinational enterprises (MNEs) and local plants in Malaysia's manufacturing industries. On average, wages in sample MNEs were higher than in local plants by two-fifths or more. In addition to being more capital-intensive and relatively large, MNEs also hired higher shares of workers in highly paid occupations and with moderate or high education. Results from large samples of 17 manufacturing industries combined suggest that statistically significant MNE–local differentials of 5%–9% persisted even after accounting for differences in worker occupation, education, and sex, plant capital intensity and size, as well as the influences of yearly fluctuations, industry affiliation, and plant location on the constants estimated. When MNE–local differentials and all slopes are allowed to vary among the 17 industries, positive and significant differentials were observed in all estimates for six industries: food and beverages, chemicals, rubber, general machinery, electrical machinery, and furniture. Positive and significant differentials were also observed in most estimates for another five industries. However, the size and significance of these differentials often varied depending on the industry and sample examined, as well as the estimation technique used.
Satyrichthys kikingeri Pogoreutz, Vitecek & Ahnelt, 2013, a junior synonym of Satyrichthys laticeps (Schlegel, 1852) (Actinopterygii: Teleostei: Peristediidae)
Authors: KAWAI TOSHIO
Published: December 2014

Satyrichthys kikingeri Pogoreutz, Vitecek & Ahnelt, 2013 was described as a new species based on a single dried specimen from the Maldives, Indian Ocean. Although this species was considered to differ from the most similar species of the genus, S. laticeps (Schlegel, 1852), by numbers of barbels and anal fin rays, and several morphometric characters, it is clear that both species are inseparable as these characters were misinterpreted in the holotype in the original description of S. kikingeri. Therefore, S. kikingeri is a junior synonym of S. laticeps.
Bouncing Forward
Authors: Houston J. Brian
Published: December 2014

Initial interest in community resilience by the U.S. federal government has been followed by waves of community resilience theory building and of community resilience assessment and intervention development and testing. This special issue of American Behavioral Scientist includes reviews of recent work to conceptualize, measure, and foster community resilience. These reviews identify common community resilience principles and considerations that cut across individual community resilience projects. These insights can inform next steps in community resilience practice and research.
“Canada’s Peace Corps”? CUSO’s evolving relationship with its US cousin, 1961–1971
Authors: Brouwer Ruth Compton
Published: December 2014

Canadian University Service Overseas (CUSO), a non-governmental organization with a mandate to send young Canadian volunteers to developing countries, was established in 1961, the same year that President John F. Kennedy launched the Peace Corps. Initially self-identifying and described in the media as “Canada’s Peace Corps,” CUSO later rejected the label. This article argues that a heady Canadian nationalism, together with CUSO’s experiences in countries where its volunteers were serving, accounted for the organization’s attempts to distance itself from its much larger US cousin, even as it continued to benefit from that cousin’s friendship and resources.
When a New Tool Is Introduced in Different Cultural Contexts
Authors: Na Jinkyung , Kosinski Michal , Stillwell David J.
Published: December 2014

What will happen if a new tool is introduced to different cultures? What if the tool can potentially bridge those cultures? Will it be used in the same way across cultures and contribute to a decrease in cultural differences? Or will it be used in culturally appropriate ways and eventually integrated into preexisting cultural practices? To answer these questions, we predicted and examined cultural differences in the use of Facebook focusing on social networks. In support of the prediction, the present work found that users in individualistic cultures had more ego-centric networks (i.e., members of networks were connected via the self) than users in collectivistic cultures. The results were consistent across a two-culture comparison and a multicultural analysis across 49 nations. Additional findings suggest that (a) living in individualistic/collectivistic cultures are closely linked to these differences in social networks and (b) the individualism–collectivism may have stronger influences than ecological factors that gave rise to it.
Leave Your Job at Work
Authors: Lambert Eric G. , Minor Kevin I. , Wells James B. , Hogan Nancy L.
Published: December 2014

Even though work–family conflict has been linked to negative outcomes for both correctional facilities and staff, little research has been conducted on how workplace factors may be related to it. This study tested nine hypotheses based on the job demand–resource model. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis of survey data from 160 staff revealed that while most job demand variables (i.e., the role stressors of role conflict, role overload, and perceived dangerousness) predicted work–family conflict, the same did not hold for job resource variables (i.e., the workplace factors of job autonomy, supervision, job variety, instrumental communication, and integration).