bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The frequency spectrum of the flutes
Authors: Quan Xue , Zhang Meng-Yuan , Wang Zhi-Guo
Published: May 2018

As one type of lip-driven wind instruments, although flutes have a very long history, the acoustics of flutes is still unclear. Here, using the admittance matching method, the resonance frequencies of different tones for a flute are calculated with the precise correction for geometrical sizes. The result shows that the given frequency spectra of the flute are almost the same as the designed values.
A comparative study on the breakup of Newtonian and viscoelastic liquid films
Authors: Qian Lijuan , Song Shaobo , Jiang Lisha , Li Xiaolu , Lin Jianzhong
Published: May 2018

The breakup of viscoelastic liquid films are investigated experimentally and analytically. The breakup phenomena of viscoelastic liquid film are recorded by the time resolved high speed camera. Video images reveal the difference behavior of liquid bubble breakup for Newtonian and viscoelastic liquid. For the Newtonian liquid, cylindrical ligaments are stretched into droplets with large distributions of drop size. For the viscoelastic liquid, the pinch-off point is located on the liquid connections to the nozzle and finally the main part of the ligament no longer elongates. Furthermore, a dispersion relation based on the stability analysis is involved to predict the ligament length and drop mean size after breakup for liquid film. The calculated ligament length is validated by the measured drop mean size at higher air-to-liquid mass flow ratio.
On the boundary flow using pulsed nanosecond DBD plasma actuators
Authors: Zhao Zi-Jie , Cui Y. D. , Li Jiun-Ming , Zheng Jian-Guo , Khoo B. C.
Published: May 2018

Our previous studies in quiescent air environment [Z. J. Zhao et al., AIAA J. 53(5) (2015) 1336; J. G. Zheng et al., Phys. Fluids 26(3) (2014) 036102] reveal experimentally and numerically that the shock wave generated by the nanosecond pulsed plasma is fundamentally a microblast wave. The shock-induced burst perturbations (overpressure and induced velocity) are found to be restricted to a very narrow region (about 1 mm) behind the shock front and last only for a few microseconds. These results indicate that the pulsed nanosecond dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma actuator has stronger local effects in time and spatial domain. In this paper, we further investigate the effects of pulsed plasma on the boundary layer flow over a flat plate. The present investigation reveals that the nanosecond pulsed plasma actuator generates intense perturbations and tends to promote the laminar boundary over a flat plate to turbulent flow. The heat effect after the pulsed plasma discharge was observed in the external flow, lasting a few milliseconds for a single pulse and reaching a quasi-stable state for multi-pulses.
Numerical study of underwater dispersion of dilute and dense sediment–water mixtures
Authors: Chan Ziying , Dao Ho-Minh , Tan Danielle S.
Published: May 2018

As part of the nodule-harvesting process, sediment tailings are released underwater. Due to the long period of clouding in the water during the settling process, this presents a significant environmental and ecological concern. One possible solution is to release a mixture of sediment tailings and seawater, with the aim of reducing the settling duration as well as the amount of spreading. In this paper, we present some results of numerical simulations using the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method to model the release of a fixed volume of pre-mixed sediment–water mixture into a larger body of quiescent water. Both the sediment–water mixture and the “clean” water are modeled as two different fluids, with concentration-dependent bulk properties of the sediment–water mixture adjusted according to the initial solids concentration. This numerical model was validated in a previous study, which indicated significant differences in the dispersion and settling process between dilute and dense mixtures, and that a dense mixture may be preferable. For this study, we investigate a wider range of volumetric concentration with the aim of determining the optimum volumetric concentration, as well as its overall effectiveness compared to the original process (100% sediment).
High order harmonics anomaly of jet screech
Authors: Chen Zhe , Wu Jiu Hui , Ren A-Dan , Chen Xin
Published: May 2018

Imperfectly expanded supersonic jets under strong screech could generate both fundamental screech tones and multiple tones at the harmonics of the fundamental frequency. The paper compares the fundamental frequency of jets from both AR = 3 (Aspect Ratio) and AR = 4 rectangular nozzles, and conducts analysis of harmonics on Sound Pressure Level (SPL) spectrums of jet noise. The research suggests that the fundamental frequency of the first two- or three-order harmonics increases when the Nozzle Pressure Ratio (NPR) decreases, whereas the highest order harmonic decreases when the NPR decreases. Besides, the paper also observes the differences between the highest order harmonics and other harmonics that have never been reported before. Further analysis on flow field schlieren of AR = 3 nozzle indicates that the highest order harmonic is the outcome of interaction between second shock-cell and nonlinear instable wave. The revolution of these high order harmonics can provide guidance for the prevention of small-scale structure fatigue damage. Moreover, the distribution test of the noises is also carried out to verify the high order harmonics anomaly, and indicate that the jet noise spreads mainly towards downstream while screech towards upstream. In addition, the broadband shock-associated noise spreads vertical to the jet flow and exhibits the feature of directivity.
Chern number distribution and quantum phase transition in three-band lattices
Authors: Yu H. L. , Zhai Z. Y.
Published: May 2018

We numerically study the integer quantum Hall effect on a three-band lattice. With modulating the hopping integral, the peculiar behaviors have been found: (1) Chern numbers of Landau subbands are redistributed; (2) the Hall plateau exhibits a direct transition; (3) there are critical states, where the neighboring two subbands merge together and the pseudogap leads to undefined Chern numbers. By contrast, in the presence of disorder, we find that the higher Hall plateau is sensitive to the disorder and it is always destroyed earlier than lower ones. We also find that the insulator–plateau transition becomes sharper with increasing the size of system. And the critical energy [Formula: see text] gradually shifts to the center of plateau while [Formula: see text] is unaffected with increasing the disorder strength.
Design and Implementation of a Dual-Band Rectifier Antenna for Efficient RF Energy Harvesting in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Rajawat Asmita , Singhal P. K.
Published: May 2018

Wireless sensor networks (WSN) have observed an exponential amount of growth in the recent past. The energy associated with the sensor nodes is limited which is a major bottleneck for the WSN technologies. The sensor nodes in WSN need to be continuously charged and thus an efficient RF energy harvesting needs to be explored. In the proposed design, a dual-band rectifier antenna for RF energy harvesting has been developed for 900 MHz and 2.45 GHz frequencies as RF energy is mainly available in the range of 900 MHz–2.45 GHz. The antenna proposed is microstrip U slot antenna with S11 parameter below −10 dB at 2.45 GHz and 0.8 GHz with a gain of 5.1 dBi and 10.1 dBi at 900 MHz and 2.45 GHz, respectively. The circuit for the rectifier uses Schottky Diode HSMS-285C for the purpose of rectification. The rectifier circuit used is a Greinacher Voltage Multiplier. Impedance Matching of the rectifier has been processed out to improve the performance of the circuit. Simulations of rectifier have been done on Advanced Design System (ADS) Software. The conversion efficiency at 900 MHz and 2.45 GHz is found to be 78.7% and 51.768%, respectively. The proposed design can find its uses in large number of energy harvesting applications under wireless power transmission such as powering of Wireless Sensor Nodes.
Hardness results for the subpower membership problem
Authors: Shriner Jeff
Published: May 2018

The main result of this paper shows that if [Formula: see text] is a consistent strong linear Maltsev condition which does not imply the existence of a cube term, then for any finite algebra [Formula: see text] there exists a new finite algebra [Formula: see text] which satisfies the Maltsev condition [Formula: see text], and whose subpower membership problem is at least as hard as the subpower membership problem for [Formula: see text]. We characterize consistent strong linear Maltsev conditions which do not imply the existence of a cube term, and show that there are finite algebras in varieties that are congruence distributive and congruence [Formula: see text]-permutable ([Formula: see text]) whose subpower membership problem is EXPTIME-complete.
Quotient and blow-up of automorphisms of graphs of groups
Authors: Ye Kaidi
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we study the quotient and “blow-up” of graph-of-groups [Formula: see text] and of their automorphisms [Formula: see text]. We show that the existence of such a blow-up of any [Formula: see text], relative to a given family of “local” graph-of-groups isomorphisms [Formula: see text] depends crucially on the [Formula: see text]-conjugacy class of the correction term [Formula: see text] for any edge [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text]-conjugacy is a new but natural concept introduced here.

As an application, we obtain a criterion as to whether a partial Dehn twist can be blown up relative to local Dehn twists, to give an actual Dehn twist. The results of this paper are also used crucially in the follow-up papers [Lustig and Ye, Normal form and parabolic dynamics for quadratically growing automorphisms of free groups, arXiv:1705.04110v2; Ye, Partial Dehn twists of free groups relative to local Dehn twists — A dichotomy, arXiv:1605.04479 ; When is a polynomially growing automorphism of [Formula: see text] geometric, arXiv:1605.07390 ].
Decay modes of superheavy nuclei Z = 124
Authors: Manjunatha H. C. , Sowmya N.
Published: May 2018

It is important to study the different decay modes of superheavy nuclei such as spontaneous fission, ternary fission and cluster decay. We studied the spontaneous fission, ternary fission and cluster decay of predicted isotopes of superheavy nuclei [Formula: see text] and compared with that of alpha decay. This enables us to study the competition between spontaneous fission, ternary fission, cluster decay and alpha decay in the superheavy nuclei [Formula: see text]. We have studied the half-lives and decay constants of different decay modes. We have also studied the branching ratio of alpha decay with respect to other decay modes. This study reveals that alpha decay is the most dominant decay mode for the superheavy nuclei [Formula: see text] and hence these nuclei can be detected through the alpha decay mode only.
Spontaneous fission of the end product in α-decay chain of recoiled superheavy nucleus: A theoretical study
Authors: Kaur Amandeep , Sawhney Gudveen , Sharma Manoj K. , Gupta Raj K.
Published: May 2018

The temperature-dependent preformed cluster model [PCM[Formula: see text]] is employed to extend our recent work [Niyti, G. Sawhney, M. K. Sharma and R. K. Gupta, Phys. Rev. C 91 (2015) 054606] on [Formula: see text]-decay chains of various isotopes of [Formula: see text]–118 superheavy nuclei (SHN), to spontaneous fissioning nuclei [Formula: see text]Lr, [Formula: see text]Rf, [Formula: see text]Db, [Formula: see text]Rg, and [Formula: see text]Cn occurring as end products of these [Formula: see text]-decay chains. The behavior of fragment mass distribution and competitive emergence of the dominant decay mode, i.e., the [Formula: see text]-emission versus spontaneous fission (SF), are studied for identifying the most probable heavy fission fragments, along with the estimation of SF half-life times T[Formula: see text] and total kinetic energy (TKE) of the above noted isotopes of [Formula: see text]–112 nuclei decaying via the SF process. The mass distributions of chosen nuclei are clearly symmetric, independent of mass and temperature. The most preferred decay fragment is found to lie in the neighborhood of doubly magic shell closures of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], with largest preformation factor [Formula: see text]. In addition, a comparative study of the “hot compact” and “cold elongated” configurations of [Formula: see text]-deformed and [Formula: see text]-oriented nuclei indicates significantly different behaviors of the two mass fragmentation yields, favoring “hot compact” configuration.
A Higher Order Shear Deformation Approach to the Local Buckling Behavior of Moderately Thick Composite Laminated Beams
Authors: Herrmann Johannes , Kühn Torsten , Müllenstedt Tjorven , Mittelstedt Siham , Mittelstedt Christian
Published: May 2018

This paper presents a novel closed-form analytical approximate solution for the local buckling behavior of composite laminated beams under uniform axial compression. The laminates that constitute the segments of the beam cross-sections (i.e. webs and flanges) are assumed to be moderately thick so that the current analysis approach is based on Reddy’s third-order shear deformation theory? (TSDT). The idealization relies on the discrete plate approach, meaning that the individual segments are separated from the beam cross-section, and the local buckling behavior is analyzed by performing a TSDT-based plate buckling analysis by assuming adequate boundary conditions for webs and flanges. At those edges where the segment under consideration has been separated from the cross-section, elastic restraints are applied to the stiffness values of which depend on the geometric and material properties of the adjacent segments. The analysis approach uses the principle of minimum elastic potential of the considered discrete plate in the buckled state and relies on rather simple shape functions for the buckling modes, thus eventually enabling a closed-form analytical approximate solution that does not necessitate any numerical means of evaluation. Results are generated for a number of I-beam configurations and are compared to results generated in the framework of classical laminated plate theory (CLPT) and first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT). It is shown that the present new approach delivers reliable results without any significant computational effort and thus can be recommended for all engineering analysis tasks where computational time and effort are deciding factors in day-to-day engineering work, such as systematic optimizations or extensive parametric studies.
Response Control of a High-Rise Television Tower under Seismic Excitations by Friction Dampers
Authors: Chen Bo , Yang Deng , Zheng Yue , Feng Ke , Ouyang Yiqin
Published: May 2018

High-rise television towers are prone to external wind and earthquake-induced oscillations in severe environments. To avoid excessive vibration under strong earthquakes, a large television tower requires certain measures to abate its dynamic responses. Friction dampers are simple and low-cost solutions for realizing the response control of television towers. In this study, response mitigation and performance assessment are conducted on a large-scale television tower with friction dampers under strong earthquakes. A 3D finite element static model of the high-rise television tower is first established, and then a 2D lumped mass dynamic model is developed. The mechanical model for the friction dampers is presented with the axial stiffness considered. The equations of motion of the damper–tower system under seismic excitations are then determined. The control force transformation, displacement increment transformation, and numerical integration of the coupled damper–tower system’s equations of motion are defined on the basis of the two aforementioned models. Finally, the seismic responses of a high-rise television tower system constructed in China are taken as an example to investigate the validity of the proposed control approach using the friction dampers. The results demonstrate that the implementation of friction dampers with optimal parameters in a large truss tower can substantially suppress the structural seismic responses in terms of peak responses and vibrant energy.
Differentially Graded Junctionless Transistor
Authors: Surana Neelam , Ghosh Bahniman , Akram M. W. , Tripathi Ball Mukund Mani
Published: May 2018

In this work, we propose a differentially graded double-gate junctionless transistor (DGJLT) and compare it with a uniformly doped DGJLT in respect of on-current, off-current and [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text] ratio. In our investigation, we found that the differentially graded DGJLT shows significant improvement in device performance and hence it may prove to be a better switching device when compared to uniformly doped DGJLT. In this paper, we also show the electron concentration in off and on state for both the devices and find that differentially graded DGJLT has better control over the channel.
Inflation in terms of a viscous van der Waals coupled fluid
Authors: Brevik I. , Obukhov V. V. , Timoshkin A. V.
Published: May 2018

We propose to describe the acceleration of the universe by introducing a model of two coupled fluids. We focus on the accelerated expansion at the early stages. The inflationary expansion is described in terms of a van der Waals equation of state for the cosmic fluid, when account is taken of bulk viscosity. We assume that there is a weak interaction between the van der Waals fluid and the second component (matter). The gravitational equations for the energy densities of the two components are solved for a homogeneous and isotropic Friedmann–Robertson–Walker (FRW) universe, and analytic expressions for the Hubble parameter are obtained. The slow-roll parameters, the spectral index, and the tensor-to-scalar ratio are calculated and compared with the most recent astronomical data from the Planck satellite. Given reasonable restriction on the parameters, the agreement with observations is favorable.
Structural research of activated carbon fibers during a novel phosphoric acid reactivation process assisted by sonication
Authors: Yu Junwei , Qiao Kun , Zhu Bo , Cai Xun , Liu Dongwei , Li Manjia , Yuan Xiaomin
Published: May 2018

Crystal structure and amorphous carbon of viscose-based activated carbon fiber (VACF) also have a close correlation with the formation of pore structure, thereafter dominating sorption capacities and mechanisms. In this paper, a novel phosphoric acid reactivation process assisted by sonication is proposed to modify VACF. Analysis results indicate that the application of sonication in phosphoric acid reactivation process can significantly improve the activation effect. After treating by the novel reactivation process, its micropore volume increased by 38.93%, mesopore volume increased by 676.56% and specific surface area increased by 53.45%. Moreover, the effect of the novel reactivation process on its crystal structure is to promote microcrystal growth and increase the disorder degree of crystal structure. Moreover, the simultaneous increase of micropore and mesopore is related to the decrease of amorphous carbon and the densifying of microcrystal structure.
Cubic set structure applied inUP-algebras
Authors: Senapati Tapan , Jun Young Bae , Shum K. P.
Published: May 2018

The concept and properties of cubic sets were first introduced and investigated by Jun et al. in 2011. In this paper, we first introduce the concept of cubic sets in UP-subalgebras and consider the UP-ideals of a UP-algebra. Relationships between the cubic UP-subalgebras and the cubic UP-ideals of a UP-algebra are investigated. In addition, the homomorphic images and the inverse images of the cubic UP-subalgebras and the cubic UP-ideals are also studied. Related properties of UP -algebras and their UP-ideals are explored and discussed. Finally, the Cartesian product of cubic UP-algebras are investigated.
Self-adaptive multi-purpose Grey Wolf optimization for efficient routing of wireless ad hoc networks
Authors: Raskar Sandeep , Iyer Kamatchi
Published: May 2018

One of the well-known issues in the field of network routing is the Shortest Path Routing (SPR). The objective is to find the least-cost path with minimum delay and link breaks. Even though there are many algorithms to solve SPR, the cost, as well as link breaks, are indeed more thought-provoking in the real-time application. This paper intends to develop a routing approach that solves the challenges like route establishment and route recovery. The selection of the optimal route is done by adopting a generalized multi-purpose optimization algorithm named Grey Wolf Optimizer. Along with this, this paper adopts Neural Network (NN) to predict the node movements in the ad hoc network. The proposed routing algorithm is compared to the conventional approaches, and the significance of the approach is described clearly.
Enhanced dielectric and ferroelectric properties of surface hydroxylated Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 (NBT)-poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) composites
Authors: Moharana Srikanta , Sai Shraddhakara , Mahaling Ram Naresh
Published: May 2018

The surface hydroxylation treatment has been carried out by using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to modify the surface of Na[Formula: see text]Bi[Formula: see text]TiO3 (NBT) particles in a ferroelectric polymer (PVDF) via solution casting technique. The FTIR study confirms the presence of hydroxyl groups on the surface of NBT. The FE-SEM analysis reveals that h-NBT particles are dispersed homogeneously within the polymer matrix. The surface hydroxylation treatment plays an important role in high dielectric constant and also reduced loss by conducting the material surface with [Formula: see text]OH functional groups. The prepared composite with 40[Formula: see text]wt.% of h-NBT showed enhanced dielectric constant ([Formula: see text]114), negligible loss (0.22) and high AC conductivity as compared to that of the unmodified NBT. Such significant enhancement in dielectric properties may be due to the strong interaction between h-NBT particles and PVDF matrix at the interface. The percolation theory is used to explain the dielectric properties of h-NBT-PVDF composite. Furthermore, the remnant polarization of the un-poled h-NBT-PVDF composites (2[Formula: see text]Pr–1.19[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]C/cm2 for 40[Formula: see text]wt.% of h-NBT) is also improved. The present findings give an idea of high dielectric constant and relatively low loss composite materials as a promising candidate for electronic and energy storage devices.
Oberlin’s Transfer: Long Term Outcomes
Authors: Verdins Karlis , Kapickis Martins
Published: May 2018

Background: Brachial plexus injury is very commonly associated with road traffic accidents, and frequently affects young adults, causing significant disability and impact on quality of life. The successful treatment of upper plexus injury with the Oberlin technique to restore elbow flexion with good functional results.

Methods: We retrieved the records of all patients with upper plexus injury who underwent Oberlin transfer operation between March 2007 and July 2012. Outcomes were assessed using the Medical Research Council (MRC) power grading system for biceps muscle, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (DASH) for patient functional outcomes and the Visual Analogue Scale for daily disability (VAS where 0- no restrictions; 10- significant limitations) for overall patient satisfaction. Follow-up was performed for at least 12 months post-operatively.

Results: The average follow up period was 43.6 months. Six cases gained effective elbow flexion, improving to MRC grade 5/5 and four cases improved to MRC grade 4/5 for biceps function. The average DASH score was 27.25. One patient had serious disability with no changes after Oberlin’s transfer operation. No permanent impairment of ulnar nerve function was observed. Seven out of 10 patients had begun daily work, with no discomfort and no functional impact on activities of daily living.

Conclusions: We found The Oberlin transfer is a useful salvage procedure and most effective results are for young patients with short interval between injury and operation.
The Role of Selective Peripheral Neurectomy in the Treatment of Upper Limb Spasticity
Authors: Yong Li Yenn , Wong Charis H.L. , Gaston Mark , Lam Wee Leon
Published: May 2018

Background: Management of upper limb spasticity remains challenging. Selective peripheral neurectomy (SPN) is a relatively recent intervention for cases refractory to medical therapy. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review looking at the efficacy and outcomes of SPN, in order to clarify the patient selection criteria and surgical technique.

Methods: A search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science Core Collection, Open Grey and CINAHL was conducted. Inclusion criteria included studies comparing pre- and post-operative outcomes for SPN, neurectomy, fasciculotomy and upper limb spasticity.

Results: Only case series were reported with no randomised controlled trials found. 7 studies met the inclusion criteria with a total of 174 patients. A meta-analysis was not possible due to the degree of baseline heterogeneity. All studies had no control arm for comparison of outcomes, with a high risk of bias due to poor internal and external validity, as well as design and performance bias. Surgical techniques differ vastly between studies, with percentage of fascicles ablated between 30–80% and length of neurectomy between 5–10 mm. Some advocated removing end branches while others performed fascicular SPN proximally. 13 patients underwent orthopaedic or neurosurgical procedures, which are both confounding factors. All studies reported an improvement in spasticity although functional outcomes were reported with non-standardized measures. Recurrence rates were reported to be 0–16.1% (mean 3.72%).

Conclusions: From this systematic review, SPN appeared to be a useful technique in selected cases, but overall no firm conclusions can be drawn regarding the best surgical technique, or the extent of functional improvement.
Incidental Metastatic Meningioma Presenting as a Large Liver Mass
Authors: Obiorah Ifeyinwa E. , Ozdemirli Metin
Published: May 2018

Meningiomas are slow growing neoplasms of the central nervous system (CNS). Most of the tumors are benign and distant metastasis from a benign meningioma is rare. Metastasis to the liver, although rare, usually presents with hypoglycemia or occurs in conjunction with a clinical history of an intracranial meningioma or following the resection of a prior CNS meningioma, thus making clinical diagnosis relatively easy. Here we present an unusual case of metastatic meningioma to the liver in a 54-year-old female who presented with an incidental liver mass by ultrasound. Her clinical history and physical examination were unremarkable. A partial hepatectomy revealed a meningioma on histology. Further investigation by imaging studies showed a frontal parasagittal dural mass which was confirmed to be a World Health Organization (WHO) grade 1 meningioma. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a clinically silent metastatic meningioma to the liver without either a concurrent or a previous history of meningioma. Precise diagnosis of this challenging case requires high clinical suspicion, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry.
Effect of Flexible 3D Multipoint Stretch Bending Dies on the Shape Accuracy and the Optimal Design
Authors: Lin Xiangfeng , Li Yi , Cai Zhongyi , Liang Jicai , Liang Ce , Yu Kaifeng , Li Xiaoming , Wang Aicheng , Liao Yanfei
Published: May 2018

Aiming at the flexible 3D stretch bending with multipoint dies for the aluminum profile, the numerical simulation analysis of the bending process was carried out by ABAQUS finite element software. In the multipoint stretch bending (MPSB) process, the influence of the number of die units on the springback for the complex section profile was studied. The shape error between the forming parts and the target parts was reduced through the method of die surface modification. The results showed that the springback of the aluminum profile could reach a minimum when the number of die units was 25 under the precondition of saving cost and ensuring the quality of forming parts. In the numerical simulation, the maximum shape error of the forming parts reduced from 18.824 mm to 2.456 mm; in the test, the maximum shape error reduced from 27.26 mm to 6.03 mm through the method of die surface modification.
Supply Chain Coordination under Trade Credit and Quantity Discount with Sales Effort Effects
Authors: Wang Zhihong , Liu Shaofeng
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of trade credit and quantity discount in supply chain coordination when the sales effort effect on market demand is considered. In this paper, we consider a two-echelon supply chain consisting of a single retailer ordering a single product from a single manufacturer. Market demand is stochastic and is influenced by retailer sales effort. We formulate an analytical model based on a single trade credit and find that the single trade credit cannot achieve the perfect coordination of the supply chain. Then, we develop a hybrid quantitative analytical model for supply chain coordination by coherently integrating incentives of trade credit and quantity discount with sales effort effects. The results demonstrate that, providing that the discount rate satisfies certain conditions, the proposed hybrid model combining trade credit and quantity discount will be able to effectively coordinate the supply chain by motivating retailers to exert their sales effort and increase product order quantity. Furthermore, the hybrid quantitative analytical model can provide great flexibility in coordinating the supply chain to achieve an optimal situation through the adjustment of relevant parameters to resolve conflict of interests from different supply chain members. Numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the hybrid model.
MicroRNA Expression Profiling in Behçet’s Disease
Authors: Puccetti Antonio , Pelosi Andrea , Fiore Piera Filomena , Patuzzo Giuseppe , Lunardi Claudio , Dolcino Marzia
Published: May 2018

Background. Behçet’s disease (BD) is a chronic inflammatory multisystem disease characterized by oral and genital ulcers, uveitis, and skin lesions. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of immune responses. Differential expression of miRNAs has been reported in several inflammatory autoimmune diseases; however, their role in BD is not fully elucidated. We aimed to identify miRNA expression signatures associated with BD and to investigate their potential implication in the disease pathogenesis. Methods. miRNA microarray analysis was performed in blood cells of BD patients and healthy controls. miRNA expression profiles were analyzed using Affymetrix arrays with a comprehensive coverage of miRNA sequences. Pathway analyses were performed, and the global miRNA profiling was combined with transcriptoma data in BD. Deregulation of selected miRNAs was validated by real-time PCR. Results. We identified specific miRNA signatures associated with BD patients with active disease. These miRNAs target pathways relevant in BD, such as TNF, IFN gamma, and VEGF-VEGFR signaling cascades. Network analysis revealed several miRNAs regulating highly connected genes within the BD transcriptoma. Conclusions. The combined analysis of deregulated miRNAs and BD transcriptome sheds light on some epigenetic aspects of BD identifying specific miRNAs, which may represent promising candidates as biomarkers and/or for the design of novel therapeutic strategies in BD.
Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block for the Treatment of Acute Migraine Headache
Authors: Binfalah Mohamed , Alghawi Eman , Shosha Eslam , Alhilly Ali , Bakhiet Moiz
Published: May 2018

Transnasal sphenopalatine ganglion block is emerging as is an attractive and effective treatment modality for acute migraine headaches, cluster headache, trigeminal neuralgia, and several other conditions. We assessed the efficacy and safety of this treatment using the Sphenocath® device. 55 patients with acute migraine headaches underwent this procedure, receiving 2 ml of 2% lidocaine in each nostril. Pain numeric rating scale (baseline, 15 minutes, 2 hours, and 24 hours) and patient global impression of change (2 hours and 24 hours after treatment) were recorded. The majority of patients became headache-free at 15 minutes, 2 hours, and 24 hours after procedure (70.9%, 78.2%, and 70.4%, resp.). The rate of headache relief (50% or more reduction in headache intensity) was 27.3% at 15 minutes, 20% at 2 hours, and 22.2% at 24 hours. The mean pain numeric rating scale decreased significantly at 15 minutes, 2 hours, and 24 hours, respectively. Most patients rated the results as very good or good. The procedure was well-tolerated with few adverse events. This treatment is emerging as an effective and safe option for management of acute migraine attacks.
Reconstruction of the Time-Dependent Volatility Function Using the Black–Scholes Model
Authors: Jin Yuzi , Wang Jian , Kim Sangkwon , Heo Youngjin , Yoo Changwoo , Kim Youngrock , Kim Junseok , Jeong Darae
Published: May 2018

We propose a simple and robust numerical algorithm to estimate a time-dependent volatility function from a set of market observations, using the Black–Scholes (BS) model. We employ a fully implicit finite difference method to solve the BS equation numerically. To define the time-dependent volatility function, we define a cost function that is the sum of the squared errors between the market values and the theoretical values obtained by the BS model using the time-dependent volatility function. To minimize the cost function, we employ the steepest descent method. However, in general, volatility functions for minimizing the cost function are nonunique. To resolve this problem, we propose a predictor-corrector technique. As the first step, we construct the volatility function as a constant. Then, in the next step, our algorithm follows the prediction step and correction step at half-backward time level. The constructed volatility function is continuous and piecewise linear with respect to the time variable. We demonstrate the ability of the proposed algorithm to reconstruct time-dependent volatility functions using manufactured volatility functions. We also present some numerical results for real market data using the proposed volatility function reconstruction algorithm.
Cross Layer Optimization and Simulation of Smart Grid Home Area Network
Authors: Chhaya Lipi K. , Sharma Paawan , Kumar Adesh , Bhagwatikar Govind
Published: May 2018

An electrical “Grid” is a network that carries electricity from power plants to customer premises. Smart Grid is an assimilation of electrical and communication infrastructure. Smart Grid is characterized by bidirectional flow of electricity and information. Smart Grid is a complex network with hierarchical architecture. Realization of complete Smart Grid architecture necessitates diverse set of communication standards and protocols. Communication network protocols are engineered and established on the basis of layered approach. Each layer is designed to produce an explicit functionality in association with other layers. Layered approach can be modified with cross layer approach for performance enhancement. Complex and heterogeneous architecture of Smart Grid demands a deviation from primitive approach and reworking of an innovative approach. This paper describes a joint or cross layer optimization of Smart Grid home/building area network based on IEEE 802.11 standard using RIVERBED OPNET network design and simulation tool. The network performance can be improved by selecting various parameters pertaining to different layers. Simulation results are obtained for various parameters such as WLAN throughput, delay, media access delay, and retransmission attempts. The graphical results show that various parameters have divergent effects on network performance. For example, frame aggregation decreases overall delay but the network throughput is also reduced. To prevail over this effect, frame aggregation is used in combination with RTS and fragmentation mechanisms. The results show that this combination notably improves network performance. Higher value of buffer size considerably increases throughput but the delay is also greater and thus the choice of optimum value of buffer size is inevitable for network performance optimization. Parameter optimization significantly enhances the performance of a designed network. This paper is expected to serve as a comprehensive analysis and performance enhancement of communication standard suitable for Smart Grid HAN applications.
On the Secrecy Capacity of 5G New Radio Networks
Authors: Xiao Ke , Zhang Shaowei , He Yunhua
Published: May 2018

The new radio technology for the fifth‐generation wireless system has been extensively studied all over the world. Specifically, the air interface protocols for 5G radio access network will be standardized by the 3GPP in the coming years. In the next‐generation 5G new radio (NR) networks, millimeter wave (mmWave) communications will definitely play a critical role, as new NR air interface (AI) is up to 100 GHz just like mmWave. The rapid growth of mmWave systems poses a variety of challenges in physical layer (PHY) security. This paper investigates those challenges in the context of several 5G new radio communication technologies, including multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) and nonorthogonal multiple access (NOMA). In particular, we introduce a ray‐tracing (RT) based 5G NR network channel model and reveal that the secrecy capacity in mmWave band widely depends on the richness of radio frequency (RF) environment through numerical experiments.
Anabolic Steroid Use for Weight and Strength Gain in Critically Ill Patients: A Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Anstey Matthew , Desai Shilpa , Torre Luke , Wibrow Bradley , Seet Jason , Osnain Emma
Published: May 2018

Background. An important long-term complication of critical illness is significant weakness and its resulting functional impairment. Recent advances have aimed to prevent critical illness weakness via early mobilisation of patients, minimising sedation, and optimising nutrition. One other potential treatment may be to provide anabolic support in the recovery phase, especially as patients have decreased levels of anabolic hormones. Case Presentation. We describe a case series of 4 patients who had either (1) profound critical illness myopathy and (2) profound weight loss. All patients were already receiving appropriate nutritional support and physiotherapy. All patients had functional improvements in their muscle strength. Conclusions. For patients in the recovery phase of critical illness, we provide examples of when anabolic steroid supplementation may assist the treating clinicians in rehabilitating their patients who are still in the Intensive Care Unit. We discuss patient selection and the current supporting literature for anabolic supplementation in critically ill patients.
Effect of a Lifestyle-Based Intervention on Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Adults with Hypertension
Authors: Chen Mei-Lan , Hu Jie , McCoy Thomas P. , Letvak Susan , Ivanov Luba
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a six-month lifestyle-based intervention on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in older adults with hypertension. A secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial was conducted to test the differences between the intervention and control groups on HRQOL (N=196). The results indicated that there were no statistically significant differences between the intervention and control groups on change in HRQOL, but the final regression models were statistically significant. SF-36 mental component summary (MCS) score at baseline, stress at baseline, and change in stress were significant predictors for predicting change in the SF-36 MCS. SF-36 physical component summary (PCS) at baseline and change in stress were significant predictors for predicting change in the SF-36 PCS. The findings suggest that the development of an effective intervention in improving HRQOL should be considered within individual, interpersonal, societal, and cultural factors for future research and clinical practice.
Fog Computing: An Overview of Big IoT Data Analytics
Authors: Anawar Muhammad Rizwan , Wang Shangguang , Azam Zia Muhammad , Jadoon Ahmer Khan , Akram Umair , Raza Salman
Published: May 2018

A huge amount of data, generated by Internet of Things (IoT), is growing up exponentially based on nonstop operational states. Those IoT devices are generating an avalanche of information that is disruptive for predictable data processing and analytics functionality, which is perfectly handled by the cloud before explosion growth of IoT. Fog computing structure confronts those disruptions, with powerful complement functionality of cloud framework, based on deployment of micro clouds (fog nodes) at proximity edge of data sources. Particularly big IoT data analytics by fog computing structure is on emerging phase and requires extensive research to produce more proficient knowledge and smart decisions. This survey summarizes the fog challenges and opportunities in the context of big IoT data analytics on fog networking. In addition, it emphasizes that the key characteristics in some proposed research works make the fog computing a suitable platform for new proliferating IoT devices, services, and applications. Most significant fog applications (e.g., health care monitoring, smart cities, connected vehicles, and smart grid) will be discussed here to create a well‐organized green computing paradigm to support the next generation of IoT applications.
Wearable Sensors for Measuring Movement in Short Sessions of Mindfulness Sitting Meditation: A Pilot Study
Authors: Rodriguez Victor H. , Medrano Carlos T. , Plaza Inmaculada
Published: May 2018

Mindfulness techniques are useful tools in health and well-being. To improve and facilitate formal training, beginners need to know if they are in a stable sitting posture and if they can hold it. Previous monitoring studies did not consider stability during sitting meditation or were specific for longer traditional practices. In this paper, we have extended and adapted previous studies to modern mindfulness practices and posed two questions: (a) Which is the best meditation seat for short sessions? In this way, the applications of stability measures are expanded to meditation activities, in which the sitting posture favors stability, and (b) Which is the most sensitive location of an accelerometer to measure body motion during short meditation sessions? A pilot study involving 31 volunteers was conducted using inertial sensors. The results suggest that thumb, head, or infraclavicular locations can be chosen to measure stability despite the habitual lumbar or sacral region found in the literature. Another important finding of this study is that zafus, chairs, and meditation benches are suitable for short meditation sessions in a sitting posture, although the zafu seems to allow for fewer postural changes. This finding opens new opportunities to design very simple and comfortable measuring systems.
CD11c-Specific Deletion Reveals CREB as a Critical Regulator of DC Function during the Germinal Center Response
Authors: Ohl Kim , Schippers Anastasia , Tenbrock Klaus
Published: May 2018

Dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial for the balance between immune response and tolerance, but the molecular mechanism regulating development, differentiation, and homeostasis are poorly understood. The transcriptional activator CREB is involved in regulating different cells of the innate and adaptive immune system and is a transcriptional regulator of development, survival, activation, or proliferation in macrophages, dendritic cells, B cells, and T cells. To directly examine the role of CREB in the regulation of DCs, the CREB gene was targeted for deletion with a CD11c-cre transgene. The deletion of CREB in CD11c+ cells did not involve any developmental or systemic defects within DC populations. However, CREB deficiency in CD11c+ cells reduced germinal center (GC) B cells in steady state, and immunization with NP-CGG resulted in a reduced formation of GCs, paralleled by the reduced production of IgGs in sera of immunized mice. In conclusion, we demonstrate that CREB expression in CD11c+ cells enhances germinal center responses, most likely by altering DC function, which might have implications for autoimmune diseases that are associated with dysregulated GC responses.
Evaluation of Vitrectomy with Planned Foveal Detachment as Surgical Treatment for Refractory Diabetic Macular Edema with or without Vitreomacular Interface Abnormality
Authors: Abdel Hadi Ahmed M.
Published: May 2018

Purpose. To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of subretinal BSS injections done during vitrectomy for refractory diabetic macular edema (DME) resistant to other modes of treatment including previous vitrectomy. Materials and Methods. A prospective, interventional noncomparative case series in which cases had refractory DME with a central macular thickness (CMT) ≥ 300 μm, despite previous anti-VEGF therapy (ranibizumab or bevacizumab with shifting to aflibercept). Some cases even received intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection, before attempting this solution. The study included group 1, surgically naïve eyes, and group 2, cases with persistent edema despite a previous vitrectomy (7 eyes (25%)). The cases were also divided into group a, eyes with normal vitreomacular interface, and group b, with abnormal vitreomacular attachment (VMA) (6 (21.4%)). The 1ry endpoint for this study was the change in CMT after 9–12 months from surgery. The 2ry endpoints were change in BCVA, recurrence of DME, and surgical complications. Results. The study included 28 eyes, 6 (21.4%) of which suffered from edema recurrence. The mean recorded CMT was 496 ± 88.7 μm and 274.1 ± 31.6 μm preoperatively and postoperatively, respectively. In all eyes, the preoperative mean BCVA in decimal form was 0.2 ± 0.11, which improved significantly to 0.45 ± 0.2. In the end, the CMT of groups 1 and 2 measured 239 μm and 170.8 μm, respectively (p=0.019). The preoperative BCVA in groups 1 and 2 was 0.16 ± 0.07 and 0.37 ± 0.14, respectively, which improved to a mean of 0.34 ± 0.09 and 0.7 ± 0.16 postoperatively, respectively (p=0.185). Conclusion. Vitrectomy with a planned foveal detachment technique was shown to be a promising solution for refractory DME cases with rapid edema resolution. CMT was shown to improve more in eyes where conventional vitrectomy was not attempted. Moreover, cases with VMA resistant to pharmacotherapy was shown to respond well to this technique. The study has been registered in Contact ClinicalTrials.gov PRS Identifier: NCT03345056.