bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The geometry of the curve graph of a right-angled Artin group
Authors: Kim Sang-Hyun , Koberda Thomas
Published: March 2014

We develop an analogy between right-angled Artin groups and mapping class groups through the geometry of their actions on the extension graph and the curve graph, respectively. The central result in this paper is the fact that each right-angled Artin group acts acylindrically on its extension graph. From this result, we are able to develop a Nielsen–Thurston classification for elements in the right-angled Artin group. Our analogy spans both the algebra regarding subgroups of right-angled Artin groups and mapping class groups, as well as the geometry of the extension graph and the curve graph. On the geometric side, we establish an analogue of Masur and Minsky's Bounded Geodesic Image Theorem and their distance formula.
The complexity of ascendant sequences in locally nilpotent groups
Authors: Conidis Chris J. , Shore Richard A.
Published: March 2014

We analyze the complexity of ascendant sequences in locally nilpotent groups, showing that if G is a computable locally nilpotent group and x0, x1, …, xN ∈ G, N ∈ ℕ, then one can always find a uniformly computably enumerable (i.e. uniformly [Formula: see text]) ascendant sequence of order type ω + 1 of subgroups in G beginning with 〈x0, x1, …, xN〉G, the subgroup generated by x0, x1, …, xN in G. This complexity is surprisingly low in light of the fact that the usual definition of ascendant sequence involves arbitrarily large ordinals that index sequences of subgroups defined via a transfinite recursion in which each step is incomputable. We produce this surprisingly low complexity sequence via the effective algebraic commutator collection process of P. Hall, and a related purely algebraic Normal Form Theorem of M. Hall for nilpotent groups.
A reliable analysis of oxygen diffusion in a spherical cell with nonlinear oxygen uptake kinetics
Authors: Rach Randolph , Wazwaz Abdul-Majid , Duan Jun-Sheng
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we investigate the diffusion of oxygen in a spherical cell including nonlinear uptake kinetics. The Lane–Emden boundary value problem with Michaelis–Menten kinetics is used to model the dimensionless oxygen concentration in our analysis. We first convert the Lane–Emden equation to the equivalent Volterra integral form that incorporates the boundary condition at the cell's center, but which still leaves one unknown constant of integration, as an intermediate step. Next we evaluate the Volterra integral form of the concentration and its flux at the cell membrane and substitute them into the remaining boundary condition to determine the unknown constant of integration by appropriate algebraic manipulations. Upon substitution we have converted the equivalent Volterra integral form to the equivalent Fredholm–Volterra integral form, and use the Duan–Rach modified recursion scheme to effectively decompose the unknown constant of integration by formula. The Adomian decomposition method is then applied to solve the equivalent nonlinear Fredholm–Volterra integral representation of the Lane–Emden model for the concentration of oxygen within the spherical cell. Our approach shows enhancements over existing techniques.
Convective heat transfer analysis for MHD peristaltic flow in an asymmetric channel
Authors: Awais M. , Farooq S. , Yasmin H. , Hayat T. , Alsaedi A.
Published: March 2014

Magnetohydrodynamic peristaltic flow of Jeffery fluid in an asymmetric channel is addressed. The channel walls satisfy the convective conditions. Asymmetry here is considered due to wave trains of different amplitudes and phases. Solutions for the velocity, temperature and pressure gradient are obtained using long wavelength approximation. Plots reflecting the impact of various parameters of interest are shown and examined.
Developing, testing and application of rodent population dynamics and capture models based on an adjusted Leslie matrix-based population approach
Authors: Fu Liyong , Tang Shouzheng , Liu Yingan , Sharma Ram P. , Zhang Huiru , Lei Yuancai , Wang Hong , Song Xinyu
Published: March 2014

Small rodents in general and the multimammate rat Apodemus agrarius in particular, damage crops and cause major economic losses in China. Therefore, accurate predictions of the population size of A. agrarius and an efficient control strategy are urgently needed. We developed a population dynamics model by applying a Leslie matrix method, and a capture model based on optimal harvesting theory for A. agrarius. Our models were parametrized using demographic estimates from a capture–mark–recapture (CMR) study conducted on the Qinshui Forest Farm in Northwestern China. The population dynamics model incorporated 12 equally balanced age groups and included immigration and emigration parameters. The model was evaluated by assessing the predictions for four years based on the known starting population in 2004 from the 2004–2007 CMR data. The capture model incorporated two functional age categories (juvenile and adult) and used density-dependent and density-independent factors. The models were used to assess the effect of rodent control measures between 2004 and 2023 on population dynamics and the resulting numbers of rats. Three control measures affecting survival rates were considered. We found that the predicted population dynamics of A. agrarius between 2004 and 2007 compared favorably with the observed population dynamics. The models predicted that the population sizes of A. agrarius in the period between 2004 and 2023 under the control measure applied in August 2004 were very similar to the optimal population sizes, and no significant difference was found between the two population sizes. We recommend using the population dynamics and capture models based on CMR-estimated demographic schedules for rodent, provided these data are available. The models that we have developed have the potential to play an important role in predicting the effects of rodent management and in evaluating different control strategies.
ATTENUATION OF SURFACE ACOUSTIC WAVES BY SPIN–WAVE EXCITATIONS IN Co60Fe20B20
Authors: SEEMANN K. M. , KRONAST F. , HÖRNER A. , VALENCIA S. , WIXFORTH A. , CHAPLIK A. V. , FISCHER P.
Published: March 2014

The acousto-magnetic attenuation of surface acoustic waves (SAW) in an Co 60 Fe 20 B 20 exchange spring magnet is evidenced experimentally. By high-resolution magnetic imaging using photo-excitation electron microscopy (XPEEM) and magnetometry measurements, the deflection of the ferromagnet from its equilibrium state is visualized. Along a harmonic oscillator model with damping term, the experimental observation of SAW attenuation is attributed to low-frequency spin wave generation in a magnetic exchange spring. Measuring the SAW attenuation at four eigenfrequencies generated via on-chip higher-harmonic generation, we obtain a sub-GHz resonance at f0 = 538 MHz.
Complementing text entry evaluations with a composition task
Authors: Vertanen Keith , Kristensson Per Ola
Published: March 2014

A common methodology for evaluating text entry methods is to ask participants to transcribe a predefined set of memorable sentences or phrases. In this article, we explore if we can complement the conventional transcription task with a more externally valid composition task. In a series of large-scale crowdsourced experiments, we found that participants could consistently and rapidly invent high quality and creative compositions with only modest reductions in entry rates. Based on our series of experiments, we provide a best-practice procedure for using composition tasks in text entry evaluations. This includes a judging protocol which can be performed either by the experimenters or by crowdsourced workers on a microtask market. We evaluated our composition task procedure using a text entry method unfamiliar to participants. Our empirical results show that the composition task can serve as a valid complementary text entry evaluation method.
The case for depth in cybersecurity education
Authors: Manson Daniel , Pike Ronald
Published: March 2014

In his book
Outliers
, Malcom Gladwell describes the 10,000-Hour Rule, a key to success in any field, as simply a matter of practicing a specific task that can be accomplished with 20 hours of work a week for 10 years [10]. Ongoing changes in technology and national security needs require aspiring excellent cybersecurity professionals to set a goal of 10,000 hours of relevant, hands-on skill development. The education system today is ill prepared to meet the challenge of producing an adequate number of cybersecurity professionals, but programs that use competitions and learning environments that teach depth are filling this void.
Engaging learners in cybersecurity careers
Authors: Tobey David H. , Pusey Portia , Burley Diana L.
Published: March 2014

Educators and sponsors endorse competitions as a strong, positive influence on career choice. However, empirical studies of cybersecurity competitions are lacking, and evidence from computer science and mathematics competitions has been mixed. Here we report initial results from an ongoing study of the National Cyber League to provide a glimpse of the role of competitions in fostering cybersecurity career engagement. Preliminary results suggest that cyber competitions attract experienced individuals who will remain in the profession for the long-term, but future research is needed to understand how cyber competitions may engage women and those new to the field.
Where's the science in software engineering?
Authors: Tichy Walter F.
Published: March 2014

This article is a personal account of the methodological evolution of software engineering research from the 1970s to the present.
A blind-friendly photography application for smartphones
Authors: Adams Dustin , Kurniawan Sri
Published: March 2014

Photography is a visual way to capture a moment in time. Photos can be used for artistic expression, and to remember significant events. Because photo taking, organizing and sharing traditionally requires visual information, those with no or limited sight often have problems with these activities. Previous work has made photo capturing without sight easier, however, there is little work that makes photo browsing and sharing blind-accessible. My dissertation research aims at facilitating independence for blind persons to take, organize and share photos through user-centered development of a smartphone application that can be used without sight. The work starts with an investigation of current practices of blind persons in these activities, continued with a review of existing applications, and finally the design and long-term evaluation of the application.
Motion-based game interaction for older adults
Authors: Gerling Kathrin Maria
Published: March 2014

Decreased activity reduces life expectancy, yet many institutionalized older adults lead sedentary lifestyles: age-related changes and impairments limit the number accessible leisure activities, and nursing homes struggle to provide mental and physically stimulating activities for their residents. In this context, motion-based video games -- games that integrate physical user input -- are one opportunity of fostering physical activity, and research suggests that these games have a variety of positive effects on the well-being of older adults. However, currently available games are too demanding for this audience. My research will help foster the design of accessible and safe motion-based video games for older adults. In my PhD research, I explore motion-based game interaction design for older adults. By creating enjoyable video games for this audience, my research will help encourage cognitive and physical activity among nursing home residents, thereby increasing their quality of life.
Facilitating blind people to independently format their documents
Authors: Villaverde Lourdes M. Morales
Published: March 2014

There is evidence that blind people's documents are treated dismissively when they do not match "expected" standards of document presentation. Many blind persons feel it is important to format their document and rely on sighted people to help them format their documents. Still, research on word processors for blind people generally focuses on supporting tasks associated with writing documents rather than document formatting. My thesis research aims to help blind people be more independent in producing word-processed documents that meet the presentation standards expected by sighted readers. This will be carried out over the next four years, supervised by Prof. Sri Kurniawan and in collaboration with sighted and blind persons, as an iterative design and evaluation of a Microsoft Office add-in whose functionalities will be informed by what sighted people expect in well-formatted documents and the problems blind persons have with independent formatting using current tools.
Extreme Procalcitonin Elevation without Proven Bacterial Infection Related to Amphetamine Abuse
Authors: Lovas András , Ágoston Zsuzsanna , Késmárky Klára , Hankovszky Péter , Molnár Zsolt
Published: March 2014

Systemic inflammatory response with rhabdomyolysis and consequent multiorgan failure is a known sequela of psychotropic drug abuse. However, in cases with uncertain past medical history the initial diagnosis can be challenging. Here we report the case of a 21-year-old male who was admitted to the intensive care unit with severe neurological impairment caused by amphetamine intoxication. First laboratory investigations revealed extremely high serum procalcitonin (PCT) levels reaching a maximum concentration of 1640 ng/mL on the second day of observation. Although PCT has high sensitivity and specificity in differentiating bacterial sepsis from nonbacterial inflammation, our case report shows for the first time that it can be extremely elevated following serious amphetamine intoxication without bacterial infection.
Regional Failures after Selective Neck Dissection in Previously Untreated Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Oral Cavity
Authors: Iqbal Hassan , Bhatti Abu Bakar Hafeez , Hussain Raza , Jamshed Arif
Published: March 2014

Aim. To share experience with regional failures after selective neck dissection in both node negative and positive previously untreated patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity.Patients and Methods. Data of 219 patients who underwent SND at Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital from 2003 to 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient characteristics, treatment modalities, and regional failures were assessed. Expected 5-year regional control was calculated and prognostic factors were determined.Results. Median follow-up was 29 (9–109) months. Common sites were anterior tongue in 159 and buccal mucosa in 22 patients. Pathological nodal stage was N0 in 114, N1 in 32, N2b in 67, and N2c in 5 patients. Fourteen (6%) patients failed in clinically node negative neck while 8 (4%) failed in clinically node positive patients. Out of 22 total regional failures, primary tumor origin was from tongue in 16 (73%) patients. Expected 5-year regional control was 95% and 81% for N0 and N+ disease, respectively (P<0.0001). Only 13% patients with well differentiated, T1 tumors in cN0 neck were pathologically node positive.Conclusions. Selective neck dissection yields acceptable results for regional management of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Wait and see policy may be effective in a selected subgroup of patients.
Data Cost Games as an Application of 1-Concavity in Cooperative Game Theory
Authors: Hou Dongshuang , Driessen Theo
Published: March 2014

The main goal is to reveal the 1-concavity property for a subclass of cost games called data cost games. The motivation for the study of the 1-concavity property is the appealing theoretical results for both the core and the nucleolus, in particular their geometrical characterization as well as their additivity property. The characteristic cost function of the original data cost game assigns to every coalition the additive cost of reproducing the data the coalition does not own. The underlying data and cost sharing situation is composed of three components, namely, the player set, the collection of data sets for individuals, and the additive cost function on the whole data set. The proof of 1-concavity is direct, but robust to a suitable generalization of the characteristic cost function. As an adjunct, the 1-concavity property is shown for the subclass of so-called “bicycle” cost games, inclusive of the data cost games in which the individual data sets are nested in a decreasing order.
Pott’s Disease in a 2-Year-Old Child Treated by Decompression and Anterior-Posterior Instrumented Fusion
Authors: Erdem Mehmet Nuri , Sever Cem , Korkmaz Mehmet Fatih , Karaca Sinan , Kirac Ferit , Tezer Mehmet
Published: March 2014

Introduction. Paraplegia and kyphotic deformity are two major disease-related problems of spinal tuberculosis, especially in the early age disease. In this study a 2-year-old boy who underwent surgical decompression, correction, and 360° instrumented fusion via simultaneous anterior-posterior technique for Pott’s disease was reported.Case Report. A 2-year-and-9-month-old boy presented with severe back pain and paraparesis of one-month duration. Thoracic magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated destruction with a large paraspinal abscess involving T5-T6-T7 levels, compressing the spinal cord. The paraspinal abscess drained and three-level corpectomy was performed at T5-6-7 with transthoracic approach. Anterior instrumentation and fusion was performed with structural 1 autogenous fibula and rib graft using screw-rod system. In prone position pedicle screws were inserted at T4 and T8 levels and rods were placed. Six months after surgery, there was no weakness or paraparesis and no correction loss at the end of follow-up period.Discussion. In cases of vertebral osteomyelitis with severe anterior column destruction in the very early child ages the use of anterior structural grafts and instrumentation in combination with posterior instrumentation is safe and effective in maintenance of the correction achieved and allows efficient stabilization and early mobilization.
Factors Associated with Acute Malnutrition among Children Admitted to a Diarrhoea Treatment Facility in Bangladesh
Authors: Fuchs Connor , Sultana Tania , Ahmed Tahmeed , Iqbal Hossain M.
Published: March 2014

To assess the risk factors for acute malnutrition (weight-for-heightz-score (WHZ) < −2), a case-control study was conducted during June–September 2012 in 449 children aged 6–59 months (178 with WHZ < −2 and 271 comparing children with WHZ ≥ −2 and no edema) admitted to the Dhaka Hospital of icddr,b in Bangladesh. The overall mean ± SD age was 12.0 ± 7.6 months, 38.5% (no difference between case and controls). The mean ± SD WHZ of cases and controls was −3.24 ± 1.01 versus −0.74 ± 0.95 (P<0.001), respectively. Logistic regression analysis revealed that children with acute malnutrition were more likely than controls to be older (age > 1 year) (adjusted OR (AOR): 3.1,P=0.004); have an undernourished mother (body mass index < 18.5), (AOR: 2.8,P=0.017); have a father with no or a low-paying job (AOR: 5.8,P<0.001); come from a family having a monthly income of <10,000 taka, (1 US$ = 80 taka) (AOR: 2.9,P=0.008); and often have stopped predominant breastfeeding before 4 months of age (AOR: 2.7,P=0.013). Improved understanding of these characteristics enables the design and targeting of preventive-intervention programs of childhood acute malnutrition.
Lyapunov Techniques for Stochastic Differential Equations Driven by Fractional Brownian Motion
Authors: Zeng Caibin , Yang Qigui , Chen YangQuan
Published: March 2014

Little seems to be known about evaluating the stochastic stability of stochastic differential equations (SDEs) driven by fractional Brownian motion (fBm) via stochastic Lyapunov technique. The objective of this paper is to work with stochastic stability criterions for such systems. By defining a new derivative operator and constructing some suitable stochastic Lyapunov function, we establish some sufficient conditions for two types of stability, that is, stability in probability and moment exponential stability of a class of nonlinear SDEs driven by fBm. We will also give an example to illustrate our theory. Specifically, the obtained results open a possible way to stochastic stabilization and destabilization problem associated with nonlinear SDEs driven by fBm.
An Optimal Operating Strategy for Battery Life Cycle Costs in Electric Vehicles
Authors: Han Yinghua , Wang Jinkuan , Zhao Qiang , Han Peng
Published: March 2014

Impact on petroleum based vehicles on the environment, cost, and availability of fuel has led to an increased interest in electric vehicle as a means of transportation. Battery is a major component in an electric vehicle. Economic viability of these vehicles depends on the availability of cost-effective batteries. This paper presents a generalized formulation for determining the optimal operating strategy and cost optimization for battery. Assume that the deterioration of the battery is stochastic. Under the assumptions, the proposed operating strategy for battery is formulated as a nonlinear optimization problem considering reliability and failure number. And an explicit expression of the average cost rate is derived for battery lifetime. Results show that the proposed operating strategy enhances the availability and reliability at a low cost.
Motion Adaptive Vertical Handoff in Cellular/WLAN Heterogeneous Wireless Network
Authors: Li Limin , Ma Lin , Xu Yubin , Fu Yunhai
Published: March 2014

In heterogeneous wireless network, vertical handoff plays an important role for guaranteeing quality of service and overall performance of network. Conventional vertical handoff trigger schemes are mostly developed from horizontal handoff in homogeneous cellular network. Basically, they can be summarized as hysteresis-based and dwelling-timer-based algorithms, which are reliable on avoiding unnecessary handoff caused by the terminals dwelling at the edge of WLAN coverage. However, the coverage of WLAN is much smaller compared with cellular network, while the motion types of terminals can be various in a typical outdoor scenario. As a result, traditional algorithms are less effective in avoiding unnecessary handoff triggered by vehicle-borne terminals with various speeds. Besides that, hysteresis and dwelling-timer thresholds usually need to be modified to satisfy different channel environments. For solving this problem, a vertical handoff algorithm based on Q-learning is proposed in this paper. Q-learning can provide the decider with self-adaptive ability for handling the terminals’ handoff requests with different motion types and channel conditions. Meanwhile, Neural Fuzzy Inference System (NFIS) is embedded to retain a continuous perception of the state space. Simulation results verify that the proposed algorithm can achieve lower unnecessary handoff probability compared with the other two conventional algorithms.
Effect of Analgesics on Monoclonal Antibody Ascites Production in Mice Administered Upon Recognition of Pain
Authors: Marko Shannon T. , Little Stephen F. , Benton Carrie G. , Kelly Richard , Field Amy E. , Laufer Rachel S.
Published: March 2014

Monoclonal antibody (mAb) ascites fluid production in mice is a well described method of antibody production, although ethical questions regarding the pain and distress of the animals utilized in this process have been raised. In this study, mice were injected with pristane to initiate granuloma formation, followed by an injection of murine hybridoma PA 2II 2F9-1-1 (2F9) to produce IgG1 subclass mAb directed against protective antigen (PA) protein of Bacillus anthracis. Upon the recognition of pain or distress, characterized by well accepted clinical signs, analgesics were administered by treatment group. The control group (A) received saline, group (B) received meloxicam, group (C) received buprenorphine, and group (D) received both meloxicam and buprenorphine. Analgesics were administered by group for a total of 36–48 hours prior to the second ascites fluid collection. There was no statistical difference in the antibody titer or functionality (P>0.05) between treatment groups at the first or the second collection time points. As reported here, analgesics may be administered upon recognition of pain in mice used for mAb ascites fluid production without affecting antibody concentration or quality and may warrant further evaluation as a refinement in other hybridoma cell lines.
Robust Tube-Based MPC with Piecewise Affine Control Laws
Authors: Zhao Meng , Tang Xiaoming
Published: March 2014

This paper presents a tube-based model predictive control (MPC) algorithm with piecewise affine control laws for discrete-time linear systems in the presence of bounded disturbances. By solving the standard multiparametric quadratic programming (mp-QP), the explicit piecewise affine control laws for tube-based MPC are obtained. Each control law is piecewise affine with respect to the corresponding region (one of the partitions of the feasible set). Due to the fact that the above-mentioned procedures are totally offline, the online computation time is short enough for stabilizing those systems with fast dynamics. In this paper, all the involved constraint sets are assumed to be polytopes. An illustrative example is utilized to verify the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed algorithm.
Plate on Plate Osteosynthesis for the Treatment of Nonhealed Periplate Fractures
Authors: Arealis Georgios , Nikolaou Vassilios S. , Lacon Andrew , Ashwood Neil , Hamlet Mark
Published: March 2014

Purpose.The purpose of this paper is to present our technique for the treatment of periplate fractures.Methods.From 2009 to 2012 we treated three patients. In all cases the existing plate was left and the new one placed over the existing. Locking screws were placed through both plates. The other screws in the new plate were used as best suited the fracture.Results.In all cases less than 6 months had passed between fractures. None of the original fractures had healed. Mean followup was 2 years. All fractures proceeded to union within 7 months. No complications were recorded. All the patients returned to their normal activities and were satisfied with the results of their treatment.Conclusion.Our plate on plate technique is effective for the treatment of periplate fractures. A solid fusion can be achieved at the new fracture site without disturbing the previous fixation.
Functional Recovery in Chronic Stage of Spinal Cord Injury by Neurorestorative Approach: A Case Report
Authors: Sharma Alok , Sane Hemangi , Khopkar Dipti , Gokulchandran Nandini , Jacob V. C. , Joseph Joji , Badhe Prerna
Published: March 2014

Spinal cord injury (SCI) at an early age can be debilitating for the child’s growth. Current treatments show a level of stagnancy, after which the recovery is minimal. Cellular therapy is an emerging area of research and has been found to possess many benefits in the previous studies. Transplantation of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) has demonstrated therapeutic potential for many neurological conditions, including spinal cord injury. Here we report a case of 6-year-old girl with traumatic SCI at the level of C7-D1 4 years back, who underwent 2 doses of cell transplantation with autologous BMMNCs with an interval of 6 months along with standard rehabilitation. The patient did not have any major or minor side effects. The patient showed clinical improvements throughout the 6 months after transplantation, which was assessed using Functional Independence Measure (before: 82, after: 101 out of 126). There were patchy areas of sensory gain in bilateral feet recorded, with improvements in the bladder sensation and control. Improved gait was seen as a result of better strength in abdominals and back extensors. The fact that there was functional improvement in the chronic plateau phase indicates the potential of cell therapy in chronic SCI. Further clinical studies are warranted.
Patterns and Determinants of Essential Newborn Care Practices in Rural Areas of Northern Ghana
Authors: Saaka Mahama , Iddrisu Mariam
Published: March 2014

Background. This study was designed to understand the patterns and determinants of three essential newborn care practices: safe cord care, optimal thermal care, and neonatal feeding practices. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out on a sample of 404 lactating mothers who have delivered a live baby at home within the past one year prior to the study. Results. Overall, the prevalence of essential newborn practices on safe cord care and optimal thermal care was exceptionally low. Of the 404 newborns, only 0.2% (1) had safe cord care, 5.2% (21) optimal thermal care, and 50.2% (203) were considered to have had adequate neonatal feeding.
In logistic regression analysis, the main predictors of good neonatal feeding were maternal age, timing of the first antenatal care (ANC), and maternal knowledge of newborn danger signs. Women who could mention at least 4 danger signs of the neonate were 4 times more likely to give good neonatal feeding to their babies (AOR = 4.7, Cl: 2.43–9.28), P<0.001. Conclusion. Evidence from this study strongly suggests that the expected essential newborn care practices are not available to a substantial number of the newborns. Efforts should therefore be made by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to expand essential newborn care interventions beyond institutional level into the communities.
Analyzing the Heat Transfer Property of Heat Pipe Influenced by Integrated Cooling Apparatus
Authors: Ting Chen-Ching , Chen Chien-Chih
Published: March 2014

Heat pipe with discrete heat transfer property is often called thermal superconductor because it has extremely large thermal conductivity. This special heat transfer property is destroyed by integrating cooling apparatus and further reducing the cooling power of a heat pipe cooler. This paper experimentally studied the heat transfer property of heat pipe influenced by integrated cooling apparatus. To simplify the investigating process, a home-made square heat pipe with the dimensions of L×W×H=10×10×100 mm3 was built with two pieces of copper plates and two pieces of glass plates face to face, respectively. The two pieces of copper plates were constructed with inside walls of capillary structure and the two pieces of glasses were with antifog inside walls for observing the inner phenomenon. Moreover, isothermal circulating cooling water was applied outside the heat pipe instead of cooling fin. The results show that heat vapor in the heat pipe is condensed earlier and cannot reach the remote section of condenser. In other words, the heat transfer property of heat pipe is destroyed by integrating cooling water. This phenomenon causes the unfavorable cooling power of the heat pipe cooler.
Ammonia Volatilization Losses from Paddy Fields under Controlled Irrigation with Different Drainage Treatments
Authors: He Yupu , Yang Shihong , Xu Junzeng , Wang Yijiang , Peng Shizhang
Published: March 2014

The effect of controlled drainage (CD) on ammonia volatilization (AV) losses from paddy fields under controlled irrigation (CI) was investigated by managing water table control levels using a lysimeter. Three drainage treatments were implemented, namely, controlled water table depth 1 (CWT1), controlled water table depth 2 (CWT2), and controlled water table depth 3 (CWT3). As the water table control levels increased, irrigation water volumes in the CI paddy fields decreased. AV losses from paddy fields reduced due to the increases in water table control levels. Seasonal AV losses from CWT1, CWT2, and CWT3 were 59.8, 56.7, and 53.0 kg N ha−1, respectively. AV losses from CWT3 were 13.1% and 8.4% lower than those from CWT1 and CWT2, respectively. A significant difference in the seasonal AV losses was confirmed between CWT1 and CWT3. Less weekly AV losses followed by TF and PF were also observed as the water table control levels increased. The application of CD by increasing water table control levels to a suitable level could effectively reduce irrigation water volumes and AV losses from CI paddy fields. The combination of CI and CD may be a feasible water management method of reducing AV losses from paddy fields.
Stability Control of Vehicle Emergency Braking with Tire Blowout
Authors: Chen Qingzhang , Liu Youhua , Li Xuezhi
Published: March 2014

For the stability control and slowing down the vehicle to a safe speed after tire failure, an emergency automatic braking system with independent intellectual property is developed. After the system has received a signal of tire blowout, the automatic braking mode of the vehicle is determined according to the position of the failure tire and the motion state of vehicle, and a control strategy for resisting tire blowout additional yaw torque and deceleration is designed to slow down vehicle to a safe speed in an expected trajectory. The simulating test system is also designed, and the testing results show that the vehicle can be quickly stabilized and kept in the original track after tire blowout with the emergency braking system described in the paper.
The Effects of Resource Limitation on a Predator‐Prey Model with Control Measures as Nonlinear Pulses
Authors: Qin Wenjie , Tang Sanyi , Cheke Robert A.
Published: March 2014

The dynamical behavior of a Holling II predator‐prey model with control measures as nonlinear pulses is proposed and analyzed theoretically and numerically to understand how resource limitation affects pest population outbreaks. The threshold conditions for the stability of the pest‐free periodic solution are given. Latin hypercube sampling/partial rank correlation coefficients are used to perform sensitivity analysis for the threshold concerning pest extinction to determine the significance of each parameter. Comparing this threshold value with that without resource limitation, our results indicate that it is essential to increase the pesticide’s efficacy against the pest and reduce its effectiveness against the natural enemy, while enhancing the efficiency of the natural enemies. Once the threshold value exceeds a critical level, both pest and its natural enemies populations can oscillate periodically. Further‐more, when the pulse period and constant stocking number as a bifurcation parameter, the predator‐prey model reveals complex dynamics. In addition, numerical results are presented to illustrate the feasibility of our main results.
Influence of Hydroxypropyl-β-Cyclodextrin on the Photostability of Fungicide Pyrimethanil
Authors: Fernandes Carlos , Encarnação Igor , Gaspar Alexandra , Garrido Jorge , Borges Fernanda , Garrido E. Manuela
Published: March 2014

Pesticides continue to play an important role in pest management. However, the intensive pesticide application has triggered several environment negative effects that cannot be disregarded. In this study, the inclusion complex of pyrimethanil with HP-β-CD has been prepared and characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The formation of the pyrimethanil/HP-β-CD inclusion complex increased the aqueous solubility of this fungicide around five times. To assess the influence of microencapsulation on the environmental photostability of the fungicide, the photochemical degradation of pyrimethanil and pyrimethanil/HP-β-CD inclusion complex has been investigated in different aqueous media such as ultrapure and river water under simulated solar irradiation. The studies allow concluding that pyrimethanil/HP-β-CD inclusion complex increases significantly the photostability of the fungicide in aqueous solutions, especially in natural water. Actually, the half-life of pyrimethanil/HP-β-CD inclusion complex was increased approximately by a factor of four when compared to the free fungicide. The overall results point out that pyrimethanil can be successfully encapsulated by HP-β-CD, a process that can improve its solubility and photostability properties.
Vascular Closure Devices after Endovascular Procedures in Swine: A Reliable Method?
Authors: Isfort P. , Tanaka T. , Penzkofer T. , Bruners P. , Tolba R. , Kuhl C. K. , Mahnken A. H.
Published: March 2014

Purpose. To investigate the safety and feasibility of the use of a vascular closure device (VCD) after endovascular procedures in swine.Material and Methods. In a study on endovascular therapy, VCD (StarClose, Abbott Vascular, Il, USA) was used in 20 female swines to achieve immediate hemostasis after percutaneous right femoral artery (FA) access. 10 animals were sacrificed immediately after the study and 10 animals were sacrificed 28 days after the initial study. To ensure complete hemostasis and patency of the femoral artery, a CT-angiography of the puncture site was performed on day 1 (acute and chronic group) and day 28 (chronic group). After the sacrifice, the femoral artery was explanted and examined macroscopically for signs of VCD dysfunction.Results. Technical success rate was 100% with immediate hemostasis being achieved in all animals. No animals showed evidence of hematoma. During explantation, only small traces of coagulated blood were found in the acute group, while there were no signs of hematoma in the chronic group. CT-angiography immediately after VCD application as well as before sacrifice (chronic group) showed patency of the FA in all cases.Conclusion. The use of VCD to achieve hemostasis after endovascular studies in swine is feasible and safe.
Optimization of Rear Local Al‐Contacts on High Efficiency Commercial PERC Solar Cells with Dot and Line Openings
Authors: Liu Peisheng , Zhang Xiaolong , Sun Ling , Dai Shanshan , Yu Chenhui , Luo Xiangdong
Published: March 2014

Crystalline silicon PERCs with dot or line openings on rear surface were studied here. By measuring the minor carrier lifetimes of the PERCs with dot and line openings, passivation effects of rear surface with dot and line openings were discussed. The performance affected by dot and line openings was analyzed in detail by testing the open‐circuit voltages, short‐circuit current densities, fill factors, and conversion efficiencies of the PERCs. The results show that the wider space resulted in better minor carrier lifetimes on the rear surface. And the cells with a line opening space of 0.5 mm had an average of 0.22% improvement of conversion efficiency, compared with the cells with full‐area Al‐BSF. On the other hand, the dot opening PERCs exhibited only a conversion efficiency of 17.4%, although there had been good rear surface reflectivity. The bad Al‐Si alloy layer and large hollow densities in dot Al‐contacts resulted in bad performance of the PERCs with dot openings.
An Iterative Approach for the Optimization of Pavement Maintenance Management at the Network Level
Authors: Torres-Machí Cristina , Chamorro Alondra , Videla Carlos , Pellicer Eugenio , Yepes Víctor
Published: March 2014

Pavement maintenance is one of the major issues of public agencies. Insufficient investment or inefficient maintenance strategies lead to high economic expenses in the long term. Under budgetary restrictions, the optimal allocation of resources becomes a crucial aspect. Two traditional approaches (sequential and holistic) and four classes of optimization methods (selection based on ranking, mathematical optimization, near optimization, and other methods) have been applied to solve this problem. They vary in the number of alternatives considered and how the selection process is performed. Therefore, a previous understanding of the problem is mandatory to identify the most suitable approach and method for a particular network. This study aims to assist highway agencies, researchers, and practitioners on when and how to apply available methods based on a comparative analysis of the current state of the practice. Holistic approach tackles the problem considering the overall network condition, while the sequential approach is easier to implement and understand, but may lead to solutions far from optimal. Scenarios defining the suitability of these approaches are defined. Finally, an iterative approach gathering the advantages of traditional approaches is proposed and applied in a case study. The proposed approach considers the overall network condition in a simpler and more intuitive manner than the holistic approach.
Capsule Endoscopy in the Small Bowel Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Argüelles-Arias Federico , Rodríguez-Oballe Juan , Duarte-Chang Calixto , Castro-Laria Luisa , García-Montes Josefa María , Caunedo-Álvarez Ángel , Herrerías-Gutiérrez Juan Manuel
Published: March 2014

CD is a chronic inflammatory disorder associated to mucosal and transmural inflammation of the bowel wall. It is well known that CD can affect the entire gastrointestinal. Therefore, ileocolonoscopy and biopsies of the terminal ileum as well as of each colonic segment to look for microscopic evidence of CD are the first-line procedures to establish the diagnosis. However, it has been observed that up to 30% of the patients have only small bowel involvement. Evaluation of the small bowel has been made with radiological procedures, barium radiography, and abdominal computed tomography or by ileocolonoscopy or enteroscopy, but they have many recognized limitations. CE is undoubtedly a very useful diagnostic tool proposed to observe small-bowel lesions undetectable by conventional endoscopy or radiologic studies. We review different studies that have been published reporting the use of CE in suspected and evaluation of the extension or the recurrence in CD and also its use in pediatric population and its complications.
An Improved Experimental Model of Hemorrhoids in Rats: Evaluation of Antihemorrhoidal Activity of an Herbal Formulation
Authors: Azeemuddin Mohammed , Viswanatha Gollapalle Lakshminarayanashastry , Rafiq Mohamed , Thippeswamy Agadi HireMath , Baig Mirza Rizwan , Kavya Kethaganahalli Jayaramaiah , Patki Pralhad Sadashiv , Shyam Ramakrishnan
Published: March 2014

Objective. To improve the existing experimental model of croton oil-induced hemorrhoids in rats by using Evans Blue (EB) dye extravasation technique. Further, an herbal formulation (Pilex) was evaluated for its antihemorrhoidal activity in this model. Methods. Two sets of experiments were carried out: first to improve the experimental model and to validate the same using Pilex and second to evaluate the effect of Pilex on cytoarchitecture of rectoanal tissue in croton oil-induced hemorrhoids. In both sets, hemorrhoids were induced to all the animals, except normal controls, by applying croton oil via rectoanal region and the effect of Pilex ointment (PO), Pilex granules (PG), and combination of PG and PO was evaluated. In the first set, extravasation of EB dye, TNF-α, IL-6, and rectoanal coefficient (RAC) was determined. In the second set, severity of score, RAC, and histopathology were evaluated. Results. The elevated levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and extravasations of EB dye were decreased with the Pilex treatment. The cytoarchitecture of rectoanal portion of the animals treated with Pilex was near to normal. Conclusion. The improved experimental model of hemorrhoid is useful in quantifying the inflammatory exudates and extent of inflammation. In this improved experimental model Pilex showed antihemorrhoidal activity, which further validates its clinical usage.
Robust Fault Detection of Wind Energy Conversion Systems Based on Dynamic Neural Networks
Authors: Talebi Nasser , Sadrnia Mohammad Ali , Darabi Ahmad
Published: March 2014

Occurrence of faults in wind energy conversion systems (WECSs) is inevitable. In order to detect the occurred faults at the appropriate time, avoid heavy economic losses, ensure safe system operation, prevent damage to adjacent relevant systems, and facilitate timely repair of failed components; a fault detection system (FDS) is required. Recurrent neural networks (RNNs) have gained a noticeable position in FDSs and they have been widely used for modeling of complex dynamical systems. One method for designing an FDS is to prepare a dynamic neural model emulating the normal system behavior. By comparing the outputs of the real system and neural model, incidence of the faults can be identified. In this paper, by utilizing a comprehensive dynamic model which contains both mechanical and electrical components of the WECS, an FDS is suggested using dynamic RNNs. The presented FDS detects faults of the generator's angular velocity sensor, pitch angle sensors, and pitch actuators. Robustness of the FDS is achieved by employing an adaptive threshold. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme is capable to detect the faults shortly and it has very low false and missed alarms rate.
Effect and Mechanism of 808 nm Light Pretreatment of Hypoxic Primary Neurons
Authors: Chen Xin , Wang Qiang-Li , Li Shuang , Mi Xian-qiang
Published: March 2014

This study investigated the effect of low intensity 808 nm light pretreatment of hypoxic primary neurons. Cobalt chloride (CoCl2) has been used to induce hypoxic injury in primary mouse cortical neurons. Low intensity 808 nm light was from light-emitting diode (LED). Cells were randomly divided into 4 groups: normal control group, CoCl2-induced group, CoCl2-induced group with 808 nm light irradiation pretreatment, and normal group with 808 nm light irradiation pretreatment. Effect of low intensity 808 nm light on neuronal morphology has been observed by microscope. MTT colorimetric assay has been used to detect the effect of low intensity 808 nm light on neuronal activity. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentration and cytochrome C oxidase (COX) activity has been detected to study the effect of low intensity 808 nm light on neuronal mitochondria function. The results indicated that low intensity 808 nm light pretreatment alone did not affect cell viability, COX activity, and ATP content of neurons and low intensity 808 nm light pretreatment promoted the cell viability, COX activity, and ATP content of neurons with CoCl2exposure; however, low intensity 808 nm light pretreatment did not completely recover COX activity and cellular ATP content of primary neurons with CoCl2exposure to the level of the normal neurons.
The Occurrence of Laryngeal Penetration and Aspiration in Patients with Glottal Closure Insufficiency
Authors: Rajaei Ali , Barzegar Bafrooei Ebrahim , Mojiri Fariba , Nilforoush Mohammad Hussein
Published: March 2014

Glottal closure during the pharyngeal phase of swallowing is one of the important steps in protecting the airway. Generally, it is believed that any deficiency in this process can lead to laryngeal penetration and aspiration. This study investigated the incidence of laryngeal penetration and aspiration among 44 patients with glottal closure insufficiencies that were referred for voice and swallowing evaluation to our institution. The videostroboscopy and 3 oz water swallow test were performed for all of the patients and dysphagic patients were screened and referred for videofluoroscopy. Overall, 15.90% of patients demonstrated signs of laryngeal penetration (13.63%) and aspiration (2.27%). The patients with the pattern of incomplete closure illustrated the highest percentage of penetration-aspiration (21.73%, 4.34%) among other GCI patterns. Thus, early interventions for these
patients’ swallowing condition seem necessary.