bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Derailed Intraneuronal Signalling Drives Pathogenesis in Sporadic and Familial Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Van Dooren Tom , Princen Katrien , De Witte Koen , Griffioen Gerard
Published: August 2014

Although a wide variety of genetic and nongenetic Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk factors have been identified, their role in onset and/or progression of neuronal degeneration remains elusive. Systematic analysis of AD risk factors revealed that perturbations of intraneuronal signalling pathways comprise a common mechanistic denominator in both familial and sporadic AD and that such alterations lead to increases in Aβoligomers (Aβo) formation and phosphorylation of TAU. Conversely, Aβo and TAU impact intracellular signalling directly. This feature entails binding of Aβo to membrane receptors, whereas TAU functionally interacts with downstream transducers. Accordingly, we postulate a positive feedback mechanism in which AD risk factors or genes trigger perturbations of intraneuronal signalling leading to enhanced Aβo formation and TAU phosphorylation which in turn further derange signalling. Ultimately intraneuronal signalling becomes deregulated to the extent that neuronal function and survival cannot be sustained, whereas the resulting elevated levels of amyloidogenic Aβo and phosphorylated TAU species self-polymerizes into the AD plaques and tangles, respectively.
Numerical Investigation of Partial Blockage Effect on Film Cooling Effectiveness
Authors: Cheng-xiong Pan , Jing-zhou Zhang , Ke-nan Huang
Published: August 2014

Three‐dimensional numerical calculation was performed to investigate the effects of partial blockage inside cylindrical film holes on the film cooling effectiveness over a flat plate. Five blockage ratios ranged from 0.1 to 0.5 and a series of blockage positions were considered under the blowing ratios of 0.3–1.5. It is found that the blockage position has a significant influence on mainstream‐coolant jet interaction. The partial blockage located at the leading edge of coolant‐hole exit mitigates the primary vortices due to mainstream‐coolant jet interaction. The coolant jet penetration along vertical direction is suppressed and the peak velocity along streamwise direction is augmented under the action of partial blockage at the upstream side of film holes, providing an increment of film cooling effectiveness, especially under high blowing ratio. While the partial blockages located at the trailing or lateral edges of coolant‐hole exit weaken the film cooling effectiveness. In relation to the partial blockage located in the vicinity of coolant‐hole exit, the partial blockage located in the vicinity of coolant‐hole inlet or middle has less impaction on the film cooling effectiveness under low blowing ratio.
Finite Element Analysis of PMMA Stretch Blow Molding
Authors: Bougharriou Afef , Jeridi Mohieddine , Hdiji Mohamed , Boughrira Anoir , Saï Kacem
Published: August 2014

The electric bubbles are a useful product made of PMMA material. They are produced by the stretch blow molding process. Thickness, which reflects the quality of the electric bubble, is a crucial parameter that deserves special attention for the molding process. In this work, finite element simulations of the stretch blow molding process are performed aiming at the determination of the preform geometry to ensure homogeneous thickness of the finished product. The geometrical parameters of the preform are optimized allowing a better homogeneity thickness compared to existing data. The predicted parameters allow the improvement of the thickness distribution. The standard deviation of the thickness is reduced to about 95% compared to the existing bubble.
Size, Temperature, and Strain‐Rate Dependence on Tensile Mechanical Behaviors of Ni3Sn4 Intermetallic Compound Using Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Cheng Hsien-Chie , Yu Ching-Feng , Chen Wen-Hwa
Published: August 2014

This study focuses on exploring the mechanical properties and nonlinear stress‐strain behaviors of monoclinic Ni3Sn4 single crystals under uniaxial tensile test and also their size, temperature, and strain‐rate dependence through constant temperature molecular dynamics (MD) simulation using Berendsen thermostat. The deformation evolution of the Ni3Sn4 atomic nanostructure during the tensile test is observed. In addition, the tensile yield strains of various Ni3Sn4 single crystals at different strain rates and temperatures are characterized through unloading process. At last, by way of linear regression analysis, the corresponding normal elastic stiffness constants are approximated and then compared with the literature theoretical data. The radial distribution function analysis shows that Ni3Sn4 single crystal in a one‐dimensional nanowire configuration would become a highly disordered structure after thermal equilibration, thereby possessing amorphous‐like mechanical behaviors and properties. The initial elastic deformation of Ni3Sn4 single crystal is governed by the reconfiguration of surface atoms, and its deformation evolution after further uniaxial tensile straining is characterized by Ni=Sn bond straightening, bond breakage, inner atomic distortion, cross‐section shrinking, and rupture. The calculated normal elastic constants of Ni3Sn4 single crystal are found to be consistent with the literature theoretical data.
DS-ARP: A New Detection Scheme for ARP Spoofing Attacks Based on Routing Trace for Ubiquitous Environments
Authors: Song Min Su , Lee Jae Dong , Jeong Young-Sik , Jeong Hwa-Young , Park Jong Hyuk
Published: August 2014

Despite the convenience, ubiquitous computing suffers from many threats and security risks. Security considerations in the ubiquitous network are required to create enriched and more secure ubiquitous environments. The address resolution protocol (ARP) is a protocol used to identify the IP address and the physical address of the associated network card. ARP is designed to work without problems in general environments. However, since it does not include security measures against malicious attacks, in its design, an attacker can impersonate another host using ARP spoofing or access important information. In this paper, we propose a new detection scheme for ARP spoofing attacks using a routing trace, which can be used to protect the internal network. Tracing routing can find the change of network movement path. The proposed scheme provides high constancy and compatibility because it does not alter the ARP protocol. In addition, it is simple and stable, as it does not use a complex algorithm or impose extra load on the computer system.
Analysis Method Research on the Importance of the Factors Influencing the Flow Safety of Heated Crude Pipelines
Authors: Duan Zhigang , Xiao Qiao , He Guoxi , Liang Yongtu , Tan Zhe
Published: August 2014

Analyzing the importance of the factors which influence the flow safety of the heated oil pipeline is an important part of the whole assessment process, which is of great significance on the results analysis, phenomenon explanation, and risk control after the assessment. Focusing on the problems in the influencing factors' importance analysis on crude oil pipeline flow assurance assessment, a new method to analyze the importance of the influencing factors is proposed which considers the factors' fluctuations. Based on the actual probability distribution of the influencing factors during the stable operation of the pipeline, a new measure standard of the factors' importance is defined which can measure different factors importance and realize the importance sorting of each factor. The influence of different factors on the inlet temperature is taken as an example. The importance analysis and sensitivity analysis of the influencing factors on the actual pipeline have been done, the results of which are also compared. The results show that this method can combine the pipeline actual operating conditions and the influencing factors' actual fluctuation, reflecting the effect on the results' importance in different values of each factor and different fluctuation. This method can make comprehensive analysis on the importance of the influencing factors effectively.
Thrombosis of the External Jugular Vein: A Rare Complication of a Proximal Humerus Fracture Treated with Collar and Cuff Immobilisation
Authors: Gale Michael , Craxford Simon , Taylor Leia , Montgomery Helen , Pickering Simon
Published: August 2014

We report the case of an 87-year-old woman who developed a thrombosis of her external jugular vein after sustaining a proximal humerus fracture managed nonoperatively with a collar and cuff. At review in fracture clinic she was found to have an enlarged external jugular vein which was subsequently found to be thrombosed. Her collar and cuff had been applied very tightly and it was felt by the ENT team to be the cause of the thrombosis of her external jugular vein. She was fully anticoagulated with warfarin after subsequently developing a deep vein thrombosis in the subclavian and axillary veins. She made a full recovery following anticoagulation. In this case, we review the potential causes of this rare and underdiagnosed condition, as well as the usual investigations and treatments. We also review the common complications of this fracture and the alternative treatment options available.
Transendothelial Transport and Its Role in Therapeutics
Authors: Upadhyay Ravi Kant
Published: August 2014

Present review paper highlights role of BBB in endothelial transport of various substances into the brain. More specifically, permeability functions of BBB in transendothelial transport of various substances such as metabolic fuels, ethanol, amino acids, proteins, peptides, lipids, vitamins, neurotransmitters, monocarbxylic acids, gases, water, and minerals in the peripheral circulation and into the brain have been widely explained. In addition, roles of various receptors, ATP powered pumps, channels, and transporters in transport of vital molecules in maintenance of homeostasis and normal body functions have been described in detail. Major role of integral membrane proteins, carriers, or transporters in drug transport is highlighted. Both diffusion and carrier mediated transport mechanisms which facilitate molecular trafficking through transcellular route to maintain influx and outflux of important nutrients and metabolic substances are elucidated. Present review paper aims to emphasize role of important transport systems with their recent advancements in CNS protection mainly for providing a rapid clinical aid to patients. This review also suggests requirement of new well-designed therapeutic strategies mainly potential techniques, appropriate drug formulations, and new transport systems for quick, easy, and safe delivery of drugs across blood brain barrier to save the life of tumor and virus infected patients.
Stabilized Discretization in Spline Element Method for Solution of Two-Dimensional Navier-Stokes Problems
Authors: Wan Neng , Du Ke , Chen Tao , Zhang Sentang , Xie Gongnan
Published: August 2014

In terms of the poor geometric adaptability of spline element method, a geometric precision spline method, which uses the rational Bezier patches to indicate the solution domain, is proposed for two-dimensional viscous uncompressed Navier-Stokes equation. Besides fewer pending unknowns, higher accuracy, and computation efficiency, it possesses such advantages as accurate representation of isogeometric analysis for object boundary and the unity of geometry and analysis modeling. Meanwhile, the selection of B-spline basis functions and the grid definition is studied and a stable discretization format satisfying inf-sup conditions is proposed. The degree of spline functions approaching the velocity field is one order higher than that approaching pressure field, and these functions are defined on one-time refined grid. The Dirichlet boundary conditions are imposed through the Nitsche variational principle in weak form due to the lack of interpolation properties of the B-splines functions. Finally, the validity of the proposed method is verified with some examples.
Time‐Evolution Contrast of Target MRI Using High‐Stability Antibody Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles: An Animal Model
Authors: Huang K. W. , Yang S. Y. , Horng H. E. , Chieh J. J. , Chen H. H. , Wu C. C. , Chen J. H. , Lin I.T. , Yang C. C. , Yang H. C.
Published: August 2014

In this work, high‐quality antibody functionalized Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles are synthesized. Such physical characterizations as particle morphology, particle size, stability, and relaxivity of magnetic particles are investigated. The immunoreactivity of biofunctionalized magnetic nanoparticles is examined by utilizing immunomagnetic reduction. The results show that the mean diameter of antibody functionalized magnetic nanoparticles is around 50 nm, and the relaxivity of the magnetic particles is 145 (mM·s)−1. In addition to characterizing the magnetic nanoparticles, the feasibility of using the antibody functionalized magnetic nanoparticles for the contrast medium of target magnetic resonance imaging is investigated. These antibody functionalized magnetic nanoparticles are injected into mice bearing with tumor. The tumor magnetic‐resonance image becomes darker after the injection and then recovers 50 hours after the injection. The tumor magnetic‐resonance image becomes the darkest at around 20 hours after the injection. Thus, the observing time window for the specific labeling of tumors with antibody functionalized magnetic nanoparticles was found to be 20 hours after injecting biofunctionalized magnetic nanoparticles into mice. The biopsy of tumor is stained after the injection to prove that the long‐term darkness of tumor magnetic‐resonance image is due to the specific anchoring of antibody functionalized magnetic nanoparticles at tumor.
Early Detection of Pathological Gambling: Betting on GPs’ Beliefs and Attitudes
Authors: Achab Sophia , Chatton Anne , Khan Riaz , Thorens Gabriel , Penzenstadler Louise , Zullino Daniele , Khazaal Yasser
Published: August 2014

Pathological gambling (PG) is an addictive disorder with harm related to the high psychiatric comorbidity and increased suicidal risk. Prevalence rates in general population range from 0.2% to 2.1%. Problem gamblers are hard to attract to treatment programs for several proper reasons and for obstacles (e.g., accessibility). To address these obstacles, primary care (where the problem gambling (PrG) prevalence seems to be 6.2%) has a crucial role to play (i.e., identifying and referring patients to specialized treatment programs and treating at first line when needed and possible) in the era of online gambling offer expansion. The present work aimed to collect data on resources in the field from GPs themselves, using a 24-item online questionnaire. Swiss French-speaking participants were asked about their screening practice and knowledge. The results state that the vast majority of them are aware of the existence and the potential impact of PrG on their patients. However, PrG screening is not systematic and their knowledge of adequate treatments or referral methods is scarce. GPs being central to health screening in general, targeted advice and training on short screening tools and better knowledge of referral pathways should be promoted and continued to empower the GP’s management skills in a public health approach.
A New Similarity Measure between Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets and Its Application to Pattern Recognition
Authors: Song Yafei , Wang Xiaodan , Lei Lei , Xue Aijun
Published: August 2014

As a generation of ordinary fuzzy set, the concept of intuitionistic fuzzy set (IFS), characterized both by a membership degree and by a nonmembership degree, is a more flexible way to cope with the uncertainty. Similarity measures of intuitionistic fuzzy sets are used to indicate the similarity degree between intuitionistic fuzzy sets. Although many similarity measures for intuitionistic fuzzy sets have been proposed in previous studies, some of those cannot satisfy the axioms of similarity or provide counterintuitive cases. In this paper, a new similarity measure and weighted similarity measure between IFSs are proposed. It proves that the proposed similarity measures satisfy the properties of the axiomatic definition for similarity measures. Comparison between the previous similarity measures and the proposed similarity measure indicates that the proposed similarity measure does not provide any counterintuitive cases. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the proposed similarity measure is capable of discriminating difference between patterns.
Comparison of Hemostatic Efficacy of Argon Plasma Coagulation with and without Distilled Water Injection in Treating High-Risk Bleeding Ulcers
Authors: Li Yuan-Rung , Hsu Ping-I , Wang Huay-Min , Chan Hoi-Hung , Wang Kai-Ming , Tsai Wei-Lun , Yu Hsien-Chung , Tsay Feng-Woei
Published: August 2014

Background. Argon plasma coagulation (APC) is useful to treat upper gastrointestinal bleeding, but its hemostatic efficacy has received little attention.Aims. This investigation attempted to determine whether additional endoscopic injection before APC could improve hemostatic efficacy in treating high-risk bleeding ulcers.Methods. From January 2007 to April 2011, adult patients with high-risk bleeding ulcers were included. This investigation compared APC plus distilled water injection (combined group) to APC alone for treating high-risk bleeding ulcers. Outcomes were assessed based on initial hemostasis, surgery, blood transfusion, hospital stay, rebleeding, and mortality at 30 days posttreatment.Results. Totally 120 selected patients were analyzed. Initial hemostasis was accomplished in 59 patients treated with combined therapy and 57 patients treated with APC alone. No significant differences were noted between these groups in recurred bleeding, emergency surgery, 30-day mortality, hospital stay, or transfusion requirements. Comparing the combined end point of mortality plus the failure of initial hemostasis, rebleeding, and the need for surgery revealed an advantage for the combined group(P=0.040).Conclusions. Endoscopic therapy with APC plus distilled water injection was no more effective than APC alone in treating high-risk bleeding ulcers, whereas combined therapy was potentially superior for patients with poor overall outcomes.
Anticancer Activity of Marine SpongeHyrtiossp. Extract in Human Colorectal Carcinoma RKO Cells with Different p53 Status
Authors: Lim Hyun Kyung , Bae Woori , Lee Hyi-Seung , Jung Joohee
Published: August 2014

Drug development using marine bioresources is limited even though the ocean occupies about 70% of the earth and contains a large number of biological materials. From the screening test of the marine sponge extracts, we foundHyrtiossp. sponge collected from Chuuk island, Micronesia. In this study, theHyrtiossp. extract was examined for anticancer activity against human colorectal carcinoma RKO cells that are wildtype for p53 and RKO-E6 that are p53 defective. TheHyrtiossp. extract dose-dependently inhibited viability in both cell lines. Multinucleation as an indication of mitotic catastrophe was also observed. Cytotoxicity tests gave significantly different results for RKO and RKO-E6 cells after 48 h exposure toHyrtiossp. extract. In RKO cells treated withHyrtiossp. extract, cell death occurred by induction of p53 and p21 proteins. In p53-defective RKO-E6 cells,Hyrtiossp. extract decreased expression of JNK protein and increased p21 protein. These results indicate thatHyrtiossp. extract induced apoptosisviadifferent pathways depending on p53 status and could be a good natural product for developing new anticancer drugs.
A Hierarchy of Discrete Integrable Coupling System with Self-Consistent Sources
Authors: Li Yuqing , Dong Huanhe , Yin Baoshu
Published: August 2014

Integrable coupling system of a lattice soliton equation hierarchy is deduced. The Hamiltonian structure of the integrable coupling is constructed by using the discrete quadratic-form identity. The Liouville integrability of the integrable coupling is demonstrated. Finally, the discrete integrable coupling system with self-consistent sources is deduced.
Establishment and Application of the Wind and Structural Health Monitoring System for the Runyang Yangtze River Bridge
Authors: Wang Hao , Li Aiqun , Guo Tong , Tao Tianyou
Published: August 2014

Structural health monitoring can provide a practical platform for detecting the evolution of structural damage or performance deterioration of engineering structures. The final objective is to provide reasonable suggestions for structural maintenance and management and therefore ensure the structural safety according to the real-time recorded data. In this paper, the establishment of the wind and structural health monitoring system (WSHMS) implemented on the Runyang Yangtze River Bridge (RYRB) in China is introduced. The composition and functions of the WSHMS are presented. Thereinto, the sensory subsystem utilized to measure the input actions and structural output responses is introduced. And the core functions of the data management and analysis subsystem (DMAS) including model updating, structural condition identification, and structural condition assessment are illustrated in detail. A three-stage strategy is applied into the FE model updating of RYRB, and a two-phase strategy is proposed to adapt to structural health diagnosis and damage identification. Considering the structural integral security and the fatigue characteristic of steel material, the condition assessment of RYRB is divided into structural reliability assessment and structural fatigue assessment, which are equipped with specific and elaborate module for effective operation. This research can provide references for the establishment of the similar structural health monitoring systems on other cable-supported bridges.
Research on the Trajectory Model for ZY-3
Authors: Chen Yifu , Xie Zhong
Published: August 2014

The new generation Chinese high-resolution three-line stereo-mapping satellite Ziyuan 3 (ZY-3) is equipped with three sensors (nadir, backward, and forward views). Its objective is to manufacture the 1 : 50000 topographic map and revise and update the 1 : 25000 topographic map. For the push-broom satellite, the interpolation accuracy of orbit and attitude determines directly the satellite’s stereo-mapping accuracy and the position accuracy without ground control point. In this study, a new trajectory model is proposed for ZY-3 in this paper, according to researching and analyzing the orbit and attitude of ZY-3. Using the trajectory data set, the correction and accuracy of the new proposed trajectory are validated and compared with the other models, polynomial model (LPM), piecewise polynomial model (PPM), and Lagrange cubic polynomial model (LCPM). Meanwhile, the differential equation is derivate for the bundle block adjustment. Finally, the correction and practicability of piece-point with weight polynomial model for ZY-3 satellite are validated according to the experiment of geometric correction using the ZY-3 image and orbit and attitude data.
Surface Evaluation by Estimation of Fractal Dimension and Statistical Tools
Authors: Hotar Vlastimil , Salac Petr
Published: August 2014

Structured and complex data can be found in many applications in research and development, and also in industrial practice. We developed a methodology for describing the structured data complexity and applied it in development and industrial practice. The methodology uses fractal dimension together with statistical tools and with software modification is able to analyse data in a form of sequence (signals, surface roughness), 2D images, and dividing lines. The methodology had not been tested for a relatively large collection of data. For this reason, samples with structured surfaces produced with different technologies and properties were measured and evaluated with many types of parameters. The paper intends to analyse data measured by a surface roughness tester. The methodology shown compares standard and nonstandard parameters, searches the optimal parameters for a complete analysis, and specifies the sensitivity to directionality of samples for these types of surfaces. The text presents application of fractal geometry (fractal dimension) for complex surface analysis in combination with standard roughness parameters (statistical tool).
On the Effects of Modeling As-Manufactured Geometry: Toward Digital Twin
Authors: Cerrone Albert , Hochhalter Jacob , Heber Gerd , Ingraffea Anthony
Published: August 2014

A simple, nonstandardized material test specimen, which fails along one of two different likely crack paths, is considered herein. The result of deviations in geometry on the order of tenths of a millimeter, this ambiguity in crack path motivates the consideration of as-manufactured component geometry in the design, assessment, and certification of structural systems. Herein, finite element models of as-manufactured specimens are generated and subsequently analyzed to resolve the crack-path ambiguity. The consequence and benefit of such a “personalized” methodology is the prediction of a crack path for each specimen based on its as-manufactured geometry, rather than a distribution of possible specimen geometries or nominal geometry. The consideration of as-manufactured characteristics is central to the Digital Twin concept. Therefore, this work is also intended to motivate its development.
Spanning Trees of Lattices Embedded on the Klein Bottle
Authors: Lu Fuliang
Published: August 2014

The problem of enumerating spanning trees in lattices with Klein bottle boundary condition is considered here. The exact closed-form expressions of the numbers of spanning trees for 4.8.8 lattice, hexagonal lattice, and 33·42lattice on the Klein bottle are presented.
Robust Moving Horizon H∞ Control of Discrete Time‐Delayed Systems with Interval Time‐Varying Delays
Authors: Tascikaraoglu F. Yıldız , Kucukdemiral I. B. , Imura J.
Published: August 2014

In this study, design of a delay‐dependent type moving horizon state‐feedback control (MHHC) is considered for a class of linear discrete‐time system subject to time‐varying state delays, norm‐bounded uncertainties, and disturbances with bounded energies. The closed‐loop robust stability and robust performance problems are considered to overcome the instability and poor disturbance rejection performance due to the existence of parametric uncertainties and time‐delay appeared in the system dynamics. Utilizing a discrete‐time Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional, some delay‐dependent linear matrix inequality (LMI) based conditions are provided. It is shown that if one can find a feasible solution set for these LMI conditions iteratively at each step of run‐time, then we can construct a control law which guarantees the closed‐loop asymptotic stability, maximum disturbance rejection performance, and closed‐loop dissipativity in view of the actuator limitations. Two numerical examples with simulations on a nominal and uncertain discrete‐time, time‐delayed systems, are presented at the end, in order to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method.
Multiparametric MRI in the PSA Screening Era
Authors: George Arvin K. , Pinto Peter A. , Rais-Bahrami Soroush
Published: August 2014

Prostate cancer remains significant public health concern amid growing controversies regarding prostate specific antigen (PSA) based screening. The utility of PSA has been brought into question, and alternative measures are investigated to remedy the overdetection of indolent disease and safeguard patients from the potential harms resulting from an elevated PSA. Multiparametric MRI of the prostate has shown promise in identifying patients at risk for clinically significant disease but its role within the current diagnostic and treatment paradigm remains in question. The current review focuses on recent applications of MRI in this pathway.
Effect of Concentration on Isomerization of Rhodanine Derivatives of Merocyanine Dyes in Polar Solvents
Authors: Dimitriev O. P. , Grytsenko K. P. , Tolmachev O. I. , Slominskii Yu. L. , Kudinova M. A. , Schrader S.
Published: August 2014

Rhodanine derivatives of merocyanine dyes with residues of 1,3,3-trimethyl-3H-indole and 3-ethylbenzothiazoline have been found to possess two molecular forms in diluted solutions of polar solvents such as dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, and N-methylpyrrolidinone. The first molecular form was observed to prevail at low concentrations of the dyes, normally up to 10−5 M. The second one prevails at higher concentrations and is displayed through a new band in the electronic absorption spectrum, which is red-shifted with respect to the absorption band of the first form. No similar effect was found for these dyes by use of nonpolar solvents or upon alkyl-substitution of the molecules at nitrogen atom in the rhodanine moiety. We assign the above two forms to different molecular isomers and the analogous spectral changes were shown to take place by light or heat influence which correspond to a typical isomerization effect for the related merocyanine dyes. It is discussed that the isomer transformation is facilitated by the increased mobility of the proton bonded to the nitrogen atom of the rhodanine moiety in the polar environment and the increased amount of dye-dye collisions.
A Novel Error Detection due to Joint CRC Aided Denoise-and-Forward Network Coding for Two-Way Relay Channels
Authors: Cheng Yulun , Yang Longxiang
Published: August 2014

In wireless two-way (TW) relay channels, denoise-and-forward (DNF) network coding (NC) is a promising technique to achieve spectral efficiency. However, unsuccessful detection at relay severely deteriorates the diversity gain, as well as end-to-end pairwise error probability (PEP). To handle this issue, a novel joint cyclic redundancy code (CRC) check method (JCRC) is proposed in this paper by exploiting the property of two NC combined CRC codewords. Firstly, the detection probability bounds of the proposed method are derived to prove its efficiency in evaluating the reliability of NC signals. On the basis of that, three JCRC aided TW DNF NC schemes are proposed, and the corresponding PEP performances are also derived. Numerical results reveal that JCRC aided TW DNF NC has similar PEP comparing with the separate CRC one, while the complexity is reduced to half. Besides, it demonstrates that the proposed schemes outperform the conventional one with log-likelihood ratio threshold.
Efficient Micropropagation of Highly Economic, Medicinal and Ornamental PlantLallemantia iberica(Bieb.) Fisch. and C. A. Mey
Authors: Ozdemir Fethi Ahmet , Yildirim Mehmet Ugur , Pourali Kahriz Mahsa
Published: August 2014

Lallemantia iberica(Bieb.) Fisch. and C. A. Mey is high valued annual ornamental and medicinal plant from Lamiaceae family that prefers dry sunny hillsides, roadsides, slopes, and fallow fields over an altitude of 500–2150 m. It bears beautiful white flowers and bloom from April to June each year. This study reportsL. ibericamicropropagation using cotyledon node explants isolated from 15-day-oldin vitroregenerated plantlets. The cotyledon node explants were cultured on MS medium containing 0.50, 1.00 plus 2.00 mg/L BAP, 0.00, 0.01, and 0.02 mg/L NAA. Maximum shoot regeneration was noted on MS medium containing 0.50 mg/L BAP. Well-developed micropropagated shoots were rooted on MS medium containing 1.00 mg/L IBA. The rooted plants were easily hardened in the growth chamber and acclimatised in greenhouse.
Oil Coking Prevention Using Electric Water Pump for Turbo‐Charge Spark‐Ignition Engines
Authors: Lin Han-Ching , Chang Yen-Tso , Tsai Go-Long , Wang Dao-Ming , Hsieh Feng-Chi , Jiang Jinn-Feng
Published: August 2014

Turbocharger has been widely implemented for internal combustion engine to increase an engine′s power output and reduce fuel consumption. However, its operating temperature would rise to 340°C when engine stalls. This higher temperature may results in bearing wear, run‐out, and stick, due to oil coking and insufficient lubrication. In order to overcome these problems, this paper employs Electric Water Pump (EWP) to supply cool liquid to turbocharger actively when the engine stalls. The system layout, operating timing, and duration of EWP are investigated for obtaining optimal performance. The primarily experimental results show that the proposed layout and control strategy have a lower temperature of 100°C than the conventional temperature 225°C.
Hormone and Metabolite Profiles in Nesting Green and Flatback Turtles: Turtle Species with Different Life Histories
Authors: Ikonomopoulou Maria P. , Bradley Adrian J. , Ibrahim Kammarudin , Limpus Colin J. , Fernandez-Rojo Manuel A. , Vagenas Dimitrios , Whittier Joan M.
Published: August 2014

Herbivorous turtle, Chelonia mydas, inhabiting the south China Sea and breeding in Peninsular Malaysia, and Natator depressus, a carnivorous turtle inhabiting the Great Barrier Reef and breeding at Curtis Island in Queensland, Australia, differ both in diet and life history. Analysis of plasma metabolites levels and six sex steroid hormones during the peak of their nesting season in both species showed hormonal and metabolite variations. When compared with results from other studies progesterone levels were the highest whereas dihydrotestosterone was the plasma steroid hormone present at the lowest concentration in both C. mydas and N. depressus plasma. Interestingly, oestrone was observed at relatively high concentrations in comparison to oestradiol levels recorded in previous studies suggesting that it plays a significant role in nesting turtles. Also, hormonal correlations between the studied species indicate unique physiological interactions during nesting. Pearson correlation analysis showed that in N. depressus the time of oviposition was associated with elevations in both plasma corticosterone and oestrone levels. Therefore, we conclude that corticosterone and oestrone may influence nesting behaviour and physiology in N. depressus. To summarise, these two nesting turtle species can be distinguished based on the hormonal profile of oestrone, progesterone, and testosterone using discriminant analysis.
Aerodynamic Optimal Shape Design Based on Body‐Fitted Grid Generation
Authors: Mohebbi Farzad , Sellier Mathieu
Published: August 2014

This paper is concerned with an optimal shape design problem in aerodynamics. The inverse problem in question consists in finding the optimal shape an airfoil placed in a potential flow at a given angle of attack should have such that the pressure distribution on its surface matches a desired one. The numerical method to achieve this aim is based on a body‐fitted grid generation technique (elliptic, O‐type) to generate a mesh over the airfoil surface and solve for the flow equation. The O‐type scheme is used due to its ability to generate a high quality (fine and orthogonal) grid around the airfoil surface. This paper describes a novel and very efficient sensitivity analysis scheme to compute the sensitivity of the pressure distribution to variation of grid node positions and both the conjugate gradient method (CGM) and a version of the quasi‐Newton method (i.e., BFGS) are used as optimization algorithms to minimize the difference between the computed pressure distribution on the airfoil surface and desired one. The elliptic grid generation technique allows us to map the physical domain (body) onto a fixed computational domain and to discretize the flow equation using the finite difference method (FDM).
Modifications in Lipid Levels Are Independent of Serum TNF-α in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Results of an Observational 24-Week Cohort Study Comparing Patients Receiving Etanercept Plus Methotrexate or Methotrexate as Monotherapy
Authors: Rodriguez-Jimenez Norma Alejandra , Garcia-Gonzalez Carlos E. , Ayala-Lopez Karina Patricia , Trujillo-Hernandez Benjamin , Aguilar-Chavez Erika Anita , Rocha-Muñoz Alberto Daniel , Vasquez-Jimenez Jose Clemente , Olivas-Flores Eva , Salazar-Paramo Mario , Corona-Sanchez Esther Guadalupe , Vazquez-Del Mercado Monica , Varon-Villalpando Evangelina , Cota-Sanchez Adolfo , Cardona-Muñoz Ernesto German , Gamez-Nava Jorge I. , Gonzalez-Lopez Laura
Published: August 2014

Objective.To compare the modifications in lipids between patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receiving etanercept plus methotrexate (ETA + MTX) versus methotrexate (MTX) and their relationship with serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α).Methods.In an observational cohort study, we compared changes in lipid levels in patients receiving ETA + MTX versus MTX in RA. These groups were assessed at baseline and at 4 and 24 weeks, measuring clinical outcomes, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and TNF-α.Results.Baseline values for lipid levels were similar in both groups. HDL-C levels increased significantly only in the ETA + MTX group (from 45.5 to 50.0 mg/dL at 4 weeks, a 10.2% increase,P<0.001, and to 56.0 mg/dL at 24 weeks, a 25.1% increase,P<0.001), while other lipids underwent no significant changes. ETA + MTX also exhibited a significant increase in TNF-α (44.8 pg/mL at baseline versus 281.4 pg/mL at 24 weeks,P<0.001). The MTX group had no significant changes in lipids or TNF-α. Significant differences in HDL-C between groups were observed at 24 weeks(P=0.04)and also in TNF-α  (P=0.01).Conclusion.HDL-C levels increased significantly following treatment with ETA + MTX, without a relationship with decrease of TNF-α.
In VitroDemonstration of Focused Ultrasound Thrombolysis Using Bifrequency Excitation
Authors: Saletes Izella , Gilles Bruno , Auboiroux Vincent , Bendridi Nadia , Salomir Rares , Béra Jean-Christophe
Published: August 2014

Focused ultrasound involving inertial cavitation has been shown to be an efficient method to induce thrombolysis without any pharmacological agent. However, further investigation of the mechanisms involved and further optimization of the process are still required. The present work aims at studying the relevance of a bifrequency excitation compared to a classical monofrequency excitation to achieve thrombolysis without any pharmacological agent.In vitrohuman blood clots were placed at the focus of a piezoelectric transducer. Efficiency of the thrombolysis was assessed by weighing each clot before and after sonication. The efficiencies of mono- (550 kHz) and bifrequency (535 and 565 kHz) excitations were compared for peak power ranging from 70 W to 220 W. The thrombolysis efficiency appears to be correlated to the inertial cavitation activity quantified by passive acoustic listening. In the conditions of the experiment, the power needed to achieve 80% of thrombolysis with a monofrequency excitation is reduced by the half with a bifrequency excitation. The thermal effects of bifrequency and monofrequency excitations, studied using MR thermometry measurements in turkey muscle samples where no cavitation occurred, did not show any difference between both types of excitations when using the same power level.
A Numerical Method for Computing the Principal Square Root of a Matrix
Authors: Soleymani F. , Shateyi S. , Khaksar Haghani F.
Published: August 2014

It is shown how the mid-point iterative method with cubical rate of convergence can be applied for finding the principal matrix square root. Using an identity between matrix sign function and matrix square root, we construct a variant of mid-point method which is asymptotically stable in the neighborhood of the solution. Finally, application of the presented approach is illustrated in solving a matrix differential equation.
Development of a Remote Handling Robot for the Maintenance of an ITER-Like D-Shaped Vessel
Authors: Chen Peihua , Cao Qixin
Published: August 2014

Robotic operation is one of the major challenges in the remote maintenance of ITER vacuum vessel (VV) and future fusion reactors as inner operations of Tokamak have to be done by robots due to the internal adverse conditions. This paper introduces a novel remote handling robot (RHR) for the maintenance of ITER-like D-shaped vessel. The modular designed RHR, which is an important part of the remote handling system for ITER, consists of three parts: an omnidirectional transfer vehicle (OTV), a planar articulated arm (PAA), and an articulated teleoperated manipulator (ATM). The task of RHR is to carry processing tools, such as the viewing system, leakage detector, and electric screwdriver, to inspect and maintain the components installed inside the D-shaped vessel. The kinematics of the OTV, as well as the kinematic analyses of the PAA and ATM, is studied in this paper. Because of its special length and heavy payload, the dynamics of the PAA is also investigated through a dynamic simulation system based on robot technology middleware (RTM). The results of the path planning, workspace simulations, and dynamic simulation indicate that the RHR has good mobility together with satisfying kinematic and dynamic performances and can well accomplish its maintenance tasks in the ITER-like D-shaped vessel.
Improved Power Control Using Optimal Adjustable Coefficients for Three-Phase Photovoltaic Inverter under Unbalanced Grid Voltage
Authors: Wang Qianggang , Zhou Niancheng , Lou Xiaoxuan , Chen Xu
Published: August 2014

Unbalanced grid faults will lead to several drawbacks in the output power quality of photovoltaic generation (PV) converters, such as power fluctuation, current amplitude swell, and a large quantity of harmonics. The aim of this paper is to propose a flexible AC current generation method by selecting coefficients to overcome these problems in an optimal way. Three coefficients are brought in to tune the output current reference within the required limits of the power quality (the current harmonic distortion, the AC current peak, the power fluctuation, and the DC voltage fluctuation). Through the optimization algorithm, the coefficients can be determined aiming to generate the minimum integrated amplitudes of the active and reactive power references with the constraints of the inverter current and DC voltage fluctuation. Dead-beat controller is utilized to track the optimal current reference in a short period. The method has been verified in PSCAD/EMTDC software.
Study of the Polycarbonate-Urethane/Metal Contact in Different Positions during Gait Cycle
Authors: Gabarre Sergio , Herrera Antonio , Mateo Jesús , Ibarz Elena , Lobo-Escolar Antonio , Gracia Luis
Published: August 2014

Nowadays, a growing number of young and more active patients receive hip replacement. More strenuous activities in such patients involve higher friction and wear rates, with friction on the bearing surface being crucial to ensure arthroplasty survival in the long term. Over the last years, the polycarbonate-urethane has offered a feasible alternative to conventional bearings. A finite element model of a healthy hip joint was developed and adjusted to three gait phases (heel strike, mid-stance, and toe-off), serving as a benchmark for the assessment of the results of joint replacement model. Three equivalent models were made with the polycarbonate-urethane Tribofit system implanted, one for each of the three gait phases, after reproducing a virtual surgery over the respective healthy models. Standard body-weight loads were considered: 230% body-weight toe-off, 275% body-weight mid-stance, and 350% body-weight heel strike. Contact pressures were obtained for the different models. When comparing the results corresponding to the healthy model to polycarbonate-urethane joint, contact areas are similar and so contact pressures are within a narrower value range. In conclusion, polycarbonate-urethane characteristics are similar to those of the joint cartilage. So, it is a favorable alternative to traditional bearing surfaces in total hip arthroplasty, especially in young patients.
A Bivariate Chebyshev Spectral Collocation Quasilinearization Method for Nonlinear Evolution Parabolic Equations
Authors: Motsa S. S. , Magagula V. M. , Sibanda P.
Published: August 2014

This paper presents a new method for solving higher order nonlinear evolution partial differential equations (NPDEs). The method combines quasilinearisation, the Chebyshev spectral collocation method, and bivariate Lagrange interpolation. In this paper, we use the method to solve several nonlinear evolution equations, such as the modified KdV-Burgers equation, highly nonlinear modified KdV equation, Fisher's equation, Burgers-Fisher equation, Burgers-Huxley equation, and the Fitzhugh-Nagumo equation. The results are compared with known exact analytical solutions from literature to confirm accuracy, convergence, and effectiveness of the method. There is congruence between the numerical results and the exact solutions to a high order of accuracy. Tables were generated to present the order of accuracy of the method; convergence graphs to verify convergence of the method and error graphs are presented to show the excellent agreement between the results from this study and the known results from literature.
Different Clinical Utility of Oropharyngeal Bacterial Screening prior to Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy in Oncological and Neurological Patients
Authors: Kroupa Radek , Jurankova Jana , Dastych Milan , Senkyrik Michal , Pavlik Tomas , Prokesova Jitka , Jecmenova Marketa , Dolina Jiri , Hep Ales
Published: August 2014

Background. The aim of this study was to monitor oropharyngeal bacterial colonization in patients indicated for percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy (PEG).Methods. Oropharyngeal swabs were obtained from patients prior to PEG placement. A development of peristomal infection was evaluated. The analysis of oropharyngeal and peristomal site pathogens was done.Results. Consecutive 274 patients referred for PEG due to neurological disorder or cancer completed the study. Oropharyngeal colonization with pathogens was observed in 69% (190/274), dominantly in the neurologic subgroup of patients (P< 0.001). Peristomal infection occurred in 30 (10.9%) of patients and in 57% of them the correlation between oropharyngeal and peristomal agents was present. The presence of oropharyngeal pathogens was assessed as an important risk factor for the development of peristomal infection only in oncological patients (OR = 8.33, 95% CI: 1.66–41.76). Despite a high prevalence of pathogens in neurological patients, it did not influence the risk of peristomal infection with the exception for methicillin resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) carriers (OR 4.5, 95% CI: 1.08–18.76).Conclusion. During oropharyngeal microbial screening prior to the PEG insertion, the detection of pathogens may be a marker of the increased risk of peristomal infection in cancer patients only. In neurological patients the benefit of the screening is limited to the detection of MRSA carriers.
Classes of Int-Soft Filters in Residuated Lattices
Authors: Jun Young Bae , Ahn Sun Shin , Lee Kyoung Ja
Published: August 2014

The notions of int-soft filters, int-softG-filters, regular int-soft filters, andMV-int-soft filters in residuated lattices are introduced, and their relations, properties, and characterizations are investigated. Conditions for an int-soft filter to be an int-softG-filter, a regular int-soft filter, or anMV-int-soft filter are provided. The extension property for an int-softG-filter is discussed. Finally, it is shown that the notion of anMV-int-soft filter coincides with the notion of a regular int-soft filter inBL-algebras.