bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AMS Radiocarbon Dating from the Neolithic of Eastern Ukraine Casts Doubts on Existing Chronologies
Authors: Motuzaite-Matuzeviciute Giedre , Lillie Malcolm , Telizhenko Sergey
Published: September 2015

The Seversky Donets River (Northern Donets) basin in eastern Ukraine and the Lower Don River valley in Russia were inhabited by populations that have been considered to be one of the earliest pottery-using cultures in Europe. The early pottery sites are all located on riverbanks and contain middens with many mollusk shells and fish bones. This suggests the intense exploitation of freshwater resources. The accuracy of radiocarbon dates obtained from these locations is of crucial importance for understanding the development of new technologies, diversification of the food consumed and its preparation strategies, as well as the degree of sedentism in this region, associated with the beginnings of pottery-making technology. The chronology of Neolithic sites in this region, however, was developed on the basis of 14C dates commonly obtained through the dating of freshwater mollusk shells, pottery with mollusk shell temper, or organic residue on pottery shards. Such samples are potentially affected by the freshwater reservoir effect, raising concerns about the accuracy of those dates. This paper presents accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) 14C dates from a small pilot study from sites in eastern Ukraine in order to test for the presence of the reservoir effect in this region. The AMS 14C dates presented in this paper challenge the 14C chronology based on mollusk shell or organic residue, which appears to generate much older dates than those on wood charcoal or terrestrial animal bone.
Highly Variable Freshwater Reservoir Offsets Found along the Upper Lena Watershed, Cis-Baikal, Southeast Siberia
Authors: Schulting Rick J , Bronk Ramsey Christopher , Bazaliiskii Vladimir I , Weber Andrzej
Published: September 2015

A program of paired dating of human and faunal remains on a sample of 11 prehistoric (Mesolithic/Neolithic to Early Bronze Age) graves in the Upper Lena basin, southeast Siberia, was initiated to investigate the freshwater reservoir effect (FRE). The results show the presence of a substantial but highly variable offset, ranging from 255 to 101014C yr. In contrast to previous studies centered on Lake Baikal and the Angara River, human stable nitrogen isotope values show little or no correlation with the radiocarbon offset, despite the clear trophic differences seen in δ15N between terrestrial and aquatic sources of protein in the region's isotope ecology. However, stable carbon isotope measurements show a moderate negative correlation of some predictive value (r= −0.70,p= 0.016,df= 10). Two different regression equations have been calculated, the first using human δ13C values for the entire data set (r2= 0.49) and the second, using both δ13C and δ15N values, limited to the Early Bronze Age of the southern Upper Lena (r2= 0.84,p= 0.030,df= 5). The source of the old carbon in the Upper Lena River system is not clear. While the river flows over carbonate bedrock and is moderately alkaline, we suggest that old terrestrial carbon entering the riverine foodweb through bank erosion and other processes is a more likely candidate for the majority of the14C offset.
Radiocarbon Dates and Stable Isotope Data from the Early Bronze Age Burials in Riigiküla I and Kivisaare Settlement Sites, Estonia
Authors: Tõrv Mari , Meadows John
Published: September 2015

Four inhumations from Kivisaare and Riigiküla I settlement and burial sites were dated in the course of a project about hunter-gatherer mortuary practices in Estonia, as they were believed to belong to the Stone Age. However, these burials appear to be Early Bronze Age inhumations instead, and thus are discussed separately in the present article. These burials are the first evidence in Estonia of a long-lasting tradition of inhumations without any visible aboveground structures. As the archaeology of the Early Bronze Age in Estonia is poorly known, these four inhumations contribute immensely to our understanding about this time period. Moreover, stable isotope values show that these people had a more terrestrial subsistence strategy than Stone Age hunter-gatherers. Nevertheless, aquatic resources were probably still significant components of their diet, particularly at Kivisaare, and the radiocarbon dates could therefore be subject to significant freshwater reservoir effects. This creates ambiguity in the chronological relationship of these four individuals to burials in stone-cist graves, which are attributed to the Late Bronze Age and which appear to be associated with fully agricultural communities.
Low–Frequency Noise Measurements Used For Quality Assessment Of GaSb Based Laser Diodes Prepared By Molecular Beam Epitaxy
Authors: Chobola Zdeněk , Luňák Miroslav , Vaněk Jiří , Hulicius Eduard , Kusák Ivo
Published: September 2015

The paper reports on a non-destructive method of reliability prediction for semiconductor lasers diodes GaSb based VCSE (vertical cavity surface emitting). Transport and noise characteristic of forward biased were measured in order to evaluate the new MBE (molecular beam epitaxy) technology. The results demonstrate that the lasers prepared by new MBE technology have higher quality than the samples prepared by using the classic MBE technology.
Development of directives in child language: A case study of Czech
Authors: Chejnová Pavla
Published: September 2015

In this article, the longitudinal development of directives in first-language acquisition is described, and examples of the development of directive speech acts in one Czech child from the ages of 2.8 to 4.1 are included. The results show that the child acquires communicative strategies gradually and that he usually prefers one concrete strategy initially, which is later replaced by a new strategy corresponding with the acquisition of morphological categories. The child’s grammatical development is divided into two stages: the stage of protomorphology, when the child acquires basic morphological categories, and the stage of morphology proper / modular morphology, when the child uses a variety of grammatical means. In the stage of morphology proper, pragmatic factors become more influential as the child is no longer limited by a lack of grammatical competence.
Translating the representation of the tourist landscape: A corpus-based study
Authors: Gandin Stefania
Published: September 2015

This paper will present a corpus-based study on the translated language of tourism, focusing in particular on the stylistics of tourist landscapes. Through a comparative analysis of a specifically designed corpus of travel articles originally written in English (namely the TourEC-Tourism English Corpus) and a corpus of tourist texts translated from a variety of languages into English (namely the T-TourEC – Translational Tourism English Corpus), the study will investigate a selection of collocates, concordances and keywords related to the description and representation of tourist settings in both corpora. The aim will be that of identifying differences, aspects or practices to be potentially improved that characterize the translated language of tourism with respect to tourist texts originally written in English. Results will show that the discursive patterns of translated texts differ from the stylistic strategies typically employed in native English for the linguistic representation of landscape and settings due to phenomena of translation universals, and that these differences may affect the relating communicative functions, properties and persuasive effects of tourist promotional discourse.
Application of Extended Finite Element Method to Cracked Concrete Elements – Numerical Aspects
Authors: Bobiński J. , Tejchman J.
Published: September 2015

The paper deals with the application of the eXtended Finite Element Method (XFEM) to simulations of discrete macro-cracks in plain concrete specimens under tension, bending and shear. Fundamental relationships and basic discrete constitutive laws were described. The most important aspects of the numerical implementation were discussed. Advantages and disadvantages of the method were outlined
Design and Build Procurement System – Contractor Selection
Authors: Lesniak A. , Plebankiewicz E. , Zima K.
Published: September 2015

One of the contract awarding systems in public sector in Poland is the Design & Build system. In this system, a client concludes a contract agreement with only one company, a contractor, in order to carry out both design and construction of works. While deciding on this form of delivery of a public project, the client is obliged to conduct a single proceeding aiming to select the contractor. In this paper, public works contracts awarded in the D&B system in Poland are analysed, whilst attention was put on the contracting modes and assessment criteria. The results are assessed against the experience of other countries and recommended methods for selection of the Design and Build contractor.
Tendinopathy: Is Imaging Telling Us the Entire Story?
Authors: Docking Sean I. , Ooi Chin Chin , Connell David
Published: September 2015

Synopsis

Tendinopathy is frequently associated with structural disorganization within the tendon. As such, the clinical use of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging for tendinopathy has been the focus of numerous academic studies and clinical discussions. However, similar to other musculoskeletal conditions (osteoarthritis and intervertebral disc degeneration), there is no direct link between tendon structural disorganization and clinical symptoms, with findings on imaging potentially creating a confusing clinical picture. While imaging shows the presence and extent of structural changes within the tendon, the clinical interpretation of the images requires context in regard to the features of pain and the aggravating loads. This review will critically evaluate studies that have investigated the accuracy and sensitivity of imaging in the detection of clinical tendinopathy and the methodological issues associated with these studies (subject selection, lack of a robust gold standard, reliance on subjective measures). The advent of new imaging modalities allowing for the quantification of tendon structure or mechanical properties has allowed new critical insight into tendon pathology. A strength of these novel modalities is the ability to quantify properties of the tendon. Research utilizing ultrasound tissue characterization and sonoelastography will be discussed. This narrative review will also attempt to synthesize current research on whether imaging can predict the onset of pain or clinical outcome, the role of monitoring tendon structure during rehabilitation (ie, does tendon structure need to improve to get a positive clinical outcome?), and future directions for research, and to propose the clinical role of imaging in tendinopathy. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(11):842–852. Epub 21 Sep 2015. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.5880
Evidence of Nervous System Sensitization in Commonly Presenting and Persistent Painful Tendinopathies: A Systematic Review
Authors: Plinsinga Melanie L. , Brink Michel S. , Vicenzino Bill , van Wilgen C. Paul
Published: September 2015

Study Design

Systematic review.

Objectives

To elucidate if there is sensitization of the nervous system in those with persistent rotator cuff (shoulder), lateral elbow, patellar, and Achilles tendinopathies.

Background

Tendinopathy can be difficult to treat, and persistent intractable pain and dysfunction are frequent. It is hypothesized that induction or maintenance of persistent pain in tendinopathy may be, at least in part, based on changes in the nervous system.

Methods

The PRISMA guidelines were followed. Relevant articles were identified through a computerized search in Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science, followed by a manual search of reference lists of retained articles. To be eligible, studies had to include quantitative sensory testing and evaluate individuals diagnosed with a persistent tendinopathy of the rotator cuff (shoulder), lateral elbow, patella, or Achilles tendon. Methodological quality assessment was evaluated with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Results

In total, 16 full-text articles met the criteria for inclusion, of which the majority were case-control studies with heterogeneous methodological quality. No studies on Achilles tendinopathy were found. Mechanical algometry was the predominant quantitative sensory testing used. Lowered pressure pain threshold was observed across different tendinopathies at the site of tendinopathy, as well as at other sites, the latter being suggestive of central sensitization.

Conclusion

Although more research on sensory abnormalities is warranted, it appears likely that there is an association between persistent tendon pain and sensitization of the nervous system. This evidence is primarily from studies of upper-limb tendinopathy, and caution should be exercised with inference to lower-limb tendinopathy. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(11):864–875. Epub 21 Sep 2015. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.5895
Cerebral Toxoplasmosis in HIV/ Aids Patient- A Case Report
Authors: Neki NS
Published: September 2015

Toxoplasmosis is caused by T. gondii infection in patients with AIDS accounting for 50  70% of all mass lesion in this population & is an important cause of focal lesion in this group. As HIV infection is becoming more prevalent, CNS complications of HIV are being encountered more and more in routine clinical practice. Toxoplasmosis associated with HIV infection is mainly caused by reactivation of a chronic infection and manifests as toxoplasmic encephalitis. Typically, toxoplasmic encephalitis has a subacute onset with focal neurological abnormalities characteristically accompanied by headache, altered mental status and fever. Rarely it can present as a rapidly fatal form of diffuse encephalitis. Extracerebral toxoplasmosis can also occur. The most commonly used serological tests detect the presence of anti T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies. Neuroimaging modalities especially computed tomography (CT) and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are also indispensable. The patient was started on Tab. Pyrimethamine 100mg daily and Sulphadiazine 1gm 6 hourly for 4 weeks with marked improvement at the end of 4 weeks.Bangladesh J Medicine Jul 2014; 25 (2) : 76-77
GC-MS analysis, evaluation of phytochemicals, anti-oxidant, thrombolytic and anti-inflammatory activities of Exacum bicolor
Authors: Ashwini Appaji Mahesh , Puttarudrappa Latha , Kumar Ravi , Majumdar Mala
Published: September 2015

The aim of the present study was to investigate the GC-MS analysis, phytochemical screening, anti-oxidant, thrombolytic and anti-inflammatory activities of methanol extract of leaves of Exacum bicolor. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of alcohol, phenols, alkanes, aromatic compounds, aldehyde and ethers. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of eight phyto-constituents. The total phenol, flavonoid and alkaloid contents were 18.0 ± 0.2 mg/GAE/g, 13.1 ± 0.4 mg QE/g and 108.0 ± 1.2 mg AE/g respectively. The DPPH assay exhibited potent anti-oxidant abilities with IC50 8.8 µg/mL. Significant thrombolytic activity was demonstrated by clot lysis method (45.1 ± 0.8%). The methanol extract showed significant membrane stabilization on human red blood cell with IC50 value of 37.4 µg/mL. There was a significant correlation (R2>0.98) with total phenolic content versus anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. The above results confirmed that E. bicolor could be a promising anti-oxidant, thrombolytic and anti-inflammatory agent.

 
Training General Aviation Pilots for Convective Weather Situations
Authors: Blickensderfer Elizabeth L. , Lanicci John M. , Vincent Michael J. , Thomas Robert L. , Smith MaryJo , Cruit Jessica K.
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUND: Over the past 10-15 yr, considerable research has occurred for the development, testing, and fielding of real-time Datalink weather products for general aviation (GA) pilots to use before and during flight. As is the case with the implementation of most new technologies,
work is needed to ensure that the users (in this case, the pilots) understand both the capabilities and limitations of the new technologies as well as how to use the new systems to improve their task performance. The purpose of this study was to replicate and extend a previous study on training
pilots how and when to use these new weather technologies.METHOD: This field study used a quasi-experimental design (pre- vs. post-test with a control group). There were 91 GA pilots from the Midwest, Northeastern, and Southeastern United States who participated in a 2-h short course
or a control activity. The lecture-based short course covered radar basics, Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD), NEXRAD specifics/limitations, thunderstorm basics, radar products, and decision making.RESULTS: The pilots who participated in the course earned higher knowledge test
scores, improved at applying the concepts in paper-based flight scenarios, had higher self-efficacy in post-training assessments as compared to pre-training assessments, and also performed better than did control subjects on post-test knowledge and skills assessments.DISCUSSION:
GA pilots lack knowledge about real-time Datalink weather technology. This study indicates that a relatively short training program was effective for fostering Datalink weather-related knowledge and skills in GA pilots.Blickensderfer EL, Lanicci JM, Vincent MJ, Thomas RL, Smith M, Cruit
JK. Training general aviation pilots for convective weather situations. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2015; 86(10):881–888.
On-Site 3D Printing of Functional Custom Mallet Splints for Mars Analogue Crewmembers
Authors: Wong Julielynn Y.
Published: September 2015

INTRODUCTION: The first off-Earth fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printer is investigating acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) thermoplastic manufacturing applications for long-duration space missions. This study assessed the feasibility of FDM 3D printing ABS thermoplastic
customized mallet splints on site for Mars analogue crewmembers.METHODS: Seven caliper measurements were taken of the right ring finger of 13 healthy Mars Desert Research Station mission crewmembers. These measurements were input into a free 3D modeling software program to create
customized digital splint models. These digital files were uploaded to a desktop FDM 3D printer and custom splints were printed on site with ABS thermoplastic. Splint fit was assessed via subject feedback. Joint active range of motion was recorded when the splint was worn briefly.RESULTS:
The time it took the software program to digitally render each splint model was less than 2 min and 30 s. The print duration for the splints ranged from 21 to 29 min. All 13 subjects reported that their 3D printed custom mallet splints fit securely and comfortably. All splints permitted full
active range of motion of the proximal interphalangeal joint (0–100°) while maintaining the distal interphalangeal joint in extension.DISCUSSION: It is feasible to 3D print functional ABS thermoplastic custom mallet splints on site for Mars analogue crewmembers. This technology
could be used clinically in the future when a custom mallet splint is required in a remote, resource-constrained setting.Wong JY. On-site 3D printing of functional custom mallet splints for Mars analogue crewmembers. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2015; 86(10):911–914.
Overactive Performance Monitoring Resulting from Chronic Exposure to High Altitude
Authors: Ma Hailin , Wang Yan , Wu Jianhui , Liu Hailan , Luo Ping , Han Buxin
Published: September 2015

INTRODUCTION: The neural mechanisms underlying the influence of chronic exposure to high altitude on performance monitoring are not clear. We investigated performance monitoring in the context of chronic exposure to high altitude.METHODS: A go/no-go task was used to
obtain event-related potentials (ERP). The error-related negativity (ERN), correct-related negativity (CRN), and error positivity (Pe) components were measured in high-altitude and low-altitude groups. The high-altitude group had lived at high altitude for 3 yr, but were born and raised at
low altitude, whereas the low-altitude group had lived at low altitude only.RESULTS: The ERN amplitudes were larger in the high-altitude group compared with the low-altitude group (−14.00 ± 8.34 μV vs. −7.82 ± 8.42 μV, respectively). Moreover, the
CRN amplitudes were larger in the high-altitude group (3.51 ± 4.50 μV vs. 8.65 ± 3.23 μV, respectively). Group differences were not significant for the Pe component.DISCUSSION: These results suggest that chronic exposure to high altitude can cause overactive
performance monitoring in the high-altitude group, but the later stage of error monitoring was not influenced.Ma H, Wang Y, Wu J, Liu H, Luo P, Han B. Overactive performance monitoring resulting from chronic exposure to high altitude. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2015; 86(10):860–864.
Conservative Management of Mechanical Neck Pain in a Helicopter Pilot
Authors: Alagha Babak
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUND: Acute and chronic spinal symptoms such as neck pain may limit flying performance significantly and disqualify the pilot from flight duty. Mechanical neck pain is very common among pilots because of their exposure to vibration, +GZ forces, helmet weight,
poor neck posture during air combat maneuvers, previous neck injuries, and poor treatment plans for such injuries. Successful treatment of such injuries requires appropriate therapeutic procedures as well as an aeromedical assessment. The aim of this case study was to demonstrate the benefits
of conservative procedures such as spinal manipulation and mobilization therapy (SMMT) and exercise therapy (ET) in treating chronic mechanical neck pain in an Iranian commercial helicopter pilot.CASE REPORT: A 36-yr-old male patient presented to the clinic with moderate, intermittent
nonradicular chronic neck pain and limited range of motion over a 2-yr period. The patient was treated with cervical and upper thoracic SMMT followed by home ET for 5 wk. After this period, the patient reported significant recovery and improvement in range of motion in his neck.DISCUSSION:
Mechanical neck pain is very common among helicopter pilots. Although Air Force and Navy waiver guides recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications as well as SMMT and ET, there are currently very few published studies that examine the benefits of manual and exercise therapy for treating
mechanical neck pain in commercial and military pilots. Based on the results of this study, it seems that SMMT and ET may be a safe and effective in treatment of uncomplicated mechanical neck pain in helicopter pilots.Alagha B. Conservative management of mechanical neck pain in a helicopter
pilot. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2015; 86(10):907–910.
Effects of Olive Mill Wastewater on Soil Microarthropods and Soil Chemistry in Two Different Cultivation Scenarios in Israel and Palestinian Territories
Authors: Kurtz Markus , Peikert Benjamin , Brühl Carsten , Dag Arnon , Zipori Isaac , Shoqeir Jawad , Schaumann Gabriele
Published: September 2015

Although olive mill wastewater (OMW) is often applied onto soil and is known to be phytotoxic, its impact on soil fauna is still unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate how OMW spreading in olive orchards affects Oribatida and Collembola communities, physicochemical soil properties and their interdependency. For this, we treated plots in two study sites (Gilat, Bait Reema) with OMW. Among others, the sites differed in irrigation practice, soil type and climate. We observed that soil acidity and water repellency developed to a lower extent in Gilat than in Bait Reema. This may be explained by irrigation-induced dilution and leaching of OMW compounds in Gilat. In Bait Reema, OMW application suppressed emergence of Oribatida and induced a community shift, but the abundance of Collembola increased in OMW and water-treated plots. In Gilat, Oribatida abundance increased after OMW application. The effects of OMW application on soil biota result from an interaction between stimulation of biological activity and suppression of sensitive species by toxic compounds. Environmental and management conditions are relevant for the degree and persistence of the effects. Moreover, this study underlines the need for detailed research on the ecotoxicological effects of OMW at different application rates.
Quantum Entanglement and Shannon Information Entropy for the Doubly Excited Resonance State in Positronium Negative Ion
Authors: Lin Chien-Hao , Ho Yew
Published: September 2015

In the present work, we report an investigation on quantum entanglement in the doubly excited 2s2 1Se resonance state of the positronium negative ion by using highly correlated Hylleraas type wave functions, determined by calculation of the density of resonance states with the stabilization method. Once the resonance wave function is obtained, the spatial (electron-electron orbital) entanglement entropies (von Neumann and linear) can be quantified using the Schmidt decomposition method. Furthermore, Shannon entropy in position space, a measure for localization (or delocalization) for such a doubly excited state, is also calculated.
Some Aspects of Extended Kinetic Equation
Authors: Kumar Dilip
Published: September 2015

Motivated by the pathway model of Mathai introduced in 2005 [Linear Algebra and Its Applications, 396, 317–328] we extend the standard kinetic equations. Connection of the extended kinetic equation with fractional calculus operator is established. The solution of the general form of the fractional kinetic equation is obtained through Laplace transform. The results for the standard kinetic equation are obtained as the limiting case.
Investigation of Room Temperature Synthesis of Titanium Dioxide Nanoclusters Dispersed on Cubic MCM-48 Mesoporous Materials
Authors: Budhi Sridhar , Wu Chia-Ming , Zhao Dan , Koodali Ranjit
Published: September 2015

Titania containing cubic MCM-48 mesoporous materials were synthesized successfully at room temperature by a modified Stöber method. The integrity of the cubic mesoporous phase was retained even at relatively high loadings of titania. The TiO2-MCM-48 materials were extensively characterized by a variety of physico-chemical techniques. The physico-chemical characterization indicate that Ti4+ ions can be substituted in framework tetrahedral positions. The relative amount of Ti4+ ions in tetrahedral position was dependent on the order of addition of the precursor. Even at relatively high loadings of titania, no distinct bulk phase of titania could be observed indicating that the titania nanoclusters are well dispersed on the high surface area mesoporous material and probably exist as amorphous nanoclusters. The TiO2-MCM-48 materials were found to exhibit 100% selectivity in the cyclohexene oxidation at room temperature in the presence of tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BHP) as the oxidant. The results suggest that room temperature synthesis is an attractive option for the preparation of TiO2-MCM-48 materials with interesting catalytic properties.
Applicability of URANS and DES Simulations of Flow Past Rectangular Cylinders and Bridge Sections
Authors: Mannini Claudio
Published: September 2015

This paper discusses the results of computational fluid dynamics simulations carried out for rectangular cylinders with various side ratios of interest for many civil engineering structures. A bridge deck of common cross-section geometry was also considered. Unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) equations were solved in conjunction with either an eddy viscosity or a linearized explicit algebraic Reynolds stress model. The analysis showed that for the case studies considered, the 2D URANS approach was able to give reasonable results if coupled with an advanced turbulence model and a suitable computational mesh. The simulations even reproduced, at least qualitatively, complex phenomena observed in the wind tunnel, such as Reynolds number effects for a sharp-edged geometry. The study focused both on stationary and harmonically oscillating bodies. For the latter, self-excited forces and flutter derivatives were calculated and compared to experimental data. In the particular case of a benchmark rectangular 5:1 cylinder, 3D detached eddy simulations were also carried out, highlighting the improvement in the accuracy of the results with respect to both 2D and 3D URANS calculations. All of the computations were performed with the Tau code, a non-commercial unstructured solver developed by the German Aerospace Center.
Dynamical Systems Induced on Networks Constructed from Time Series
Authors: Hou Lvlin , Small Michael , Lao Songyang
Published: September 2015

Several methods exist to construct complex networks from time series. In general, these methods claim to construct complex networks that preserve certain properties of the underlying dynamical system, and hence, they mark new ways of accessing quantitative indicators based on that dynamics. In this paper, we test this assertion by developing an algorithm to realize dynamical systems from these complex networks in such a way that trajectories of these dynamical systems produce time series that preserve certain statistical properties of the original time series (and hence, also the underlying true dynamical system). Trajectories from these networks are constructed from only the information in the network and are shown to be statistically equivalent to the original time series. In the context of this algorithm, we are able to demonstrate that the so-called adaptive k-nearest neighbour algorithm for generating networks out-performs methods based on ε-ball recurrence plots. For such networks, and with a suitable choice of parameter values, which we provide, the time series generated by this method function as a new kind of nonlinear surrogate generation algorithm. With this approach, we are able to test whether the simulation dynamics built from a complex network capture the underlying structure of the original system; whether the complex network is an adequate model of the dynamics.
Rolling Bearing Fault Diagnosis Based on Wavelet Packet Decomposition and Multi-Scale Permutation Entropy
Authors: Zhao Li-Ye , Wang Lei , Yan Ru-Qiang
Published: September 2015

This paper presents a rolling bearing fault diagnosis approach by integrating wavelet packet decomposition (WPD) with multi-scale permutation entropy (MPE). The approach uses MPE values of the sub-frequency band signals to identify faults appearing in rolling bearings. Specifically, vibration signals measured from a rolling bearing test system with different defect conditions are decomposed into a set of sub-frequency band signals by means of the WPD method. Then, each sub-frequency band signal is divided into a series of subsequences, and MPEs of all subsequences in corresponding sub-frequency band signal are calculated. After that, the average MPE value of all subsequences about each sub-frequency band is calculated, and is considered as the fault feature of the corresponding sub-frequency band. Subsequently, MPE values of all sub-frequency bands are considered as input feature vectors, and the hidden Markov model (HMM) is used to identify the fault pattern of the rolling bearing. Experimental study on a data set from the Case Western Reserve University bearing data center has shown that the presented approach can accurately identify faults in rolling bearings.
A Bayesian Predictive Discriminant Analysis with Screened Data
Authors: Kim Hea-Jung
Published: September 2015

In the application of discriminant analysis, a situation sometimes arises where individual measurements are screened by a multidimensional screening scheme. For this situation, a discriminant analysis with screened populations is considered from a Bayesian viewpoint, and an optimal predictive rule for the analysis is proposed. In order to establish a flexible method to incorporate the prior information of the screening mechanism, we propose a hierarchical screened scale mixture of normal (HSSMN) model, which makes provision for flexible modeling of the screened observations. An Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method using the Gibbs sampler and the Metropolis–Hastings algorithm within the Gibbs sampler is used to perform a Bayesian inference on the HSSMN models and to approximate the optimal predictive rule. A simulation study is given to demonstrate the performance of the proposed predictive discrimination procedure.
Inductive-Based Wireless Power Recharging System for an Innovative Endoscopic Capsule
Authors: Tortora Giuseppe , Mulana Francesca , Ciuti Gastone , Dario Paolo , Menciassi Arianna
Published: September 2015

Wireless capsule endoscopic devices are adopted for painless diagnosis of cancer and other diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract as an alternative to traditional endoscopy. Although much work has been done to improve capsule performance in terms of active navigation, a major drawback is the limited available energy on board the capsule, usually provided by a battery. Another key shortcoming of active capsules is their limitation in terms of active functionalities and related costs. An inductive-based wireless recharging system for the development of an innovative capsule for colonoscopy is proposed in this paper; the aim is to provide fast off-line battery recovery for improving capsule lifecycle and thus reducing the cost of a single endoscopic procedure. The wireless recharging system has been properly designed to fit the dimensions of a capsule for colonoscopy but it can be applied to any biomedical devices to increase the number of times it can be used after proper sterilization. The current system is able to provide about 1 W power and is able to recharge the battery capsule in 20 min which is a reasonable time considering capsule operation time (10–15 min).
Assessment of the Wave Energy in the Black Sea Based on a 15-Year Hindcast with Data Assimilation
Authors: Rusu Liliana
Published: September 2015

The principal target of the present work is to assess the wave energy potential in the Black Sea, identifying also some relevant energetic features and possible patterns. A wave prediction system based on the Simulating Waves Nearshore model (SWAN) has been implemented and intensively tested in the entire sea basin. Moreover, considering an optimal interpolation technique, an assimilation scheme of the satellite data has been developed, leading to a visible improvement of the wave model predictions in terms of significant wave heights and, consequently, also in terms of wave power. Using this wave prediction system with data assimilation, simulations have been performed for a 15-year period (1999–2013). Considering the results of this 15-year wave hindcast, an analysis of the wave energy conditions in the basin of the Black Sea has been carried out. This provided a more comprehensive picture concerning the wave energy patterns in the coastal environment of the Black Sea focused on the average wave conditions that might be expected in this sea. Following the results presented, it can be concluded that the wave energy extraction in the Black Sea can become an issue of interest, especially from the perspective of the hybrid solutions.
Real-Time Control of Active and Reactive Power for Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG)-Based Wind Energy Conversion System
Authors: Tanvir Aman , Merabet Adel , Beguenane Rachid
Published: September 2015

This paper presents the modeling, rapid control prototyping, and hardware-in-the-loop testing for real-time simulation and control of a grid-connected doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) in a laboratory-size wind turbine emulator for wind energy conversation systems. The generator is modeled using the direct-quadrature rotating reference frame circuit along with the aligned stator flux, and the field-oriented control approach is applied for independent control of the active and reactive power and the DC-link voltage at the grid side. The control of the active, reactive power and the DC-link voltage are performed using a back-to-back converter at sub- and super-synchronous as well as at variable speeds. The control strategy is experimentally validated on an emulated wind turbine driven by the Opal-RT real-time simulator (OP5600) for simultaneous control of the DC-link voltage, active and reactive power.
Association of TCF7L2 Genetic Polymorphisms with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Uygur Population of China
Authors: Yao Hua , Wang Zhiqiang , Wang Tingting , Ma Yan , Su Yinxia , Ma Qi , Wang Li , Zhu Jun
Published: September 2015

Background: Genetic polymorphisms of the transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) gene have been reported to be strongly associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Icelandic, Danish and American populations and further replicated in other European populations, African Americans, Mexican Americans, and Asian populations. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of TCF7L2 gene polymorphisms with T2DM in a Uygur population of China. Methods: 877 T2DM patients and 871 controls were selected for the present study. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs12255372 and rs7901695) were genotyped by using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. The associations of SNPs and haplotypes with T2DM and linkage disequilibrium (LD) structure of the TCF7L2 gene were analyzed. Results: For total participants and male, the distribution of rs12255372 alleles and the dominant model (Guanine Guanine (GG) genotype vs. Guanine Thymine (GT) genotype + Thymine Thymine (TT) genotype) showed significant difference between T2DM and control subjects (for allele: p = 0.013 and p = 0.002, respectively; for dominant model: p = 0.028 and p = 0.008, respectively). The distribution of rs7901695 alleles and the dominant model (TT genotype vs. Thymine Cytosine (TC) genotype + Cytosine Cytosine (CC) genotype) for total participants and male showed significant difference between T2DM and control subjects (for allele: both p = 0.001; for dominant model: p = 0.006 and p = 0.008, respectively). Conclusions: Our data suggested that the genetic polymorphisms of the TCF7L2 gene were associated with T2DM in the Uygur population of China.
Temporal Trends in Overweight and Obesity, Physical Activity and Screen Time among Czech Adolescents from 2002 to 2014: A National Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children Study
Authors: Sigmund Erik , Sigmundová Dagmar , Badura Petr , Kalman Michal , Hamrik Zdenek , Pavelka Jan
Published: September 2015

This study examines trends in overweight and obesity, physical activity (PA) and screen time (ST) among Czech adolescents over a recent 12-year study period. Nationally representative samples consisted of 19,940 adolescents (9760 boys and 10,180 girls) aged 10.5–16.5 years from the Czech Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) questionnaire-based surveys conducted in 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014. Trends in the prevalence of overweight/obesity, meeting the recommendations for moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) (≥60 min per day of MVPA) and excessive ST (>2 h per day) were estimated using logistic regression. Significant increases (p < 0.001) in the prevalence of overweight/obesity between the years 2002 and 2014 were evident for both adolescent boys (18.3%2002–24.8%2014) and girls (8.3%2002–11.9%2014). Compared to 2002, in 2014 significant decreases (p < 0.001) in meeting MVPA recommendations were observed among boys (32.2%2002–25.6%2014) and girls (23.2%2002–19.2%2014). Moreover, in boys we observed significant increases (p < 0.001) in excessive ST on weekdays (75.1%2002–88.8%2014), as well as on weekends (78.3%2002–91.9%2014) between the years 2002 and 2014. Increases in overweight/obesity with concomitant decreases in PA provide evidence in support of the current and upcoming efforts of government and commercial organizations in implementing interventions aimed at reducing excessive body weight among Czech adolescents.
ω-3 Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Diseases: Effects, Mechanisms and Dietary Relevance
Authors: Maehre Hanne , Jensen Ida-Johanne , Elvevoll Edel , Eilertsen Karl-Erik
Published: September 2015

ω-3 fatty acids (n-3 FA) have, since the 1970s, been associated with beneficial health effects. They are, however, prone to lipid peroxidation due to their many double bonds. Lipid peroxidation is a process that may lead to increased oxidative stress, a condition associated with adverse health effects. Recently, conflicting evidence regarding the health benefits of intake of n-3 from seafood or n-3 supplements has emerged. The aim of this review was thus to examine recent literature regarding health aspects of n-3 FA intake from fish or n-3 supplements, and to discuss possible reasons for the conflicting findings. There is a broad consensus that fish and seafood are the optimal sources of n-3 FA and consumption of approximately 2–3 servings per week is recommended. The scientific evidence of benefits from n-3 supplementation has diminished over time, probably due to a general increase in seafood consumption and better pharmacological intervention and acute treatment of patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
Transcriptome Analysis Revealed the Embryo-Induced Gene Expression Patterns in the Endometrium from Meishan and Yorkshire Pigs
Authors: Huang Jiangnan , Liu Ruize , Su Lijie , Xiao Qian , Yu Mei
Published: September 2015

The expression patterns in Meishan- and Yorkshire-derived endometrium during early (gestational day 15) and mid-gestation (gestational days 26 and 50) were investigated, respectively. Totally, 689 and 1649 annotated genes were identified to be differentially expressed in Meishan and Yorkshire endometrium during the three gestational stages, respectively. Hierarchical clustering analysis identified that, of the annotated differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 73 DEGs were unique to Meishan endometrium, 536 DEGs were unique to Yorkshire endometrium, and 228 DEGs were common in Meishan and Yorkshire endometriums. Subsequently, DEGs in each of the three types of expression patterns were grouped into four distinct categories according to the similarities in their temporal expression patterns. The expression patterns identified from the microarray analysis were validated by quantitative RT-PCR. The functional enrichment analysis revealed that the common DEGs were enriched in pathways of steroid metabolic process and regulation of retinoic acid receptor signaling. These unique DEGs in Meishan endometrium were involved in cell cycle and adherens junction. The DEGs unique to Yorkshire endometrium were associated with regulation of Rho protein signal transduction, maternal placenta development and cell proliferation. This study revealed the different gene expression patterns or pathways related to the endometrium remodeling in Meishan and Yorkshire pigs, respectively. These unique DEGs in either Meishan or Yorkshire endometriums may contribute to the divergence of the endometrium environment in the two pig breeds.
Effects of Non-Natural Amino Acid Incorporation into the Enzyme Core Region on Enzyme Structure and Function
Authors: Wong H. , Kwon Inchan
Published: September 2015

Techniques to incorporate non-natural amino acids (NNAAs) have enabled biosynthesis of proteins containing new building blocks with unique structures, chemistry, and reactivity that are not found in natural amino acids. It is crucial to understand how incorporation of NNAAs affects protein function because NNAA incorporation may perturb critical function of a target protein. This study investigates how the site-specific incorporation of NNAAs affects catalytic properties of an enzyme. A NNAA with a hydrophobic and bulky sidechain, 3-(2-naphthyl)-alanine (2Nal), was site-specifically incorporated at six different positions in the hydrophobic core of a model enzyme, murine dihydrofolate reductase (mDHFR). The mDHFR variants with a greater change in van der Waals volume upon 2Nal incorporation exhibited a greater reduction in the catalytic efficiency. Similarly, the steric incompatibility calculated using RosettaDesign, a protein stability calculation program, correlated with the changes in the catalytic efficiency.
Enantioselective Pharmacokinetics of α-Lipoic Acid in Rats
Authors: Uchida Ryota , Okamoto Hinako , Ikuta Naoko , Terao Keiji , Hirota Takashi
Published: September 2015

α-Lipoic acid (LA) is widely used for nutritional supplements as a racemic mixture, even though the R enantiomer is biologically active. After oral administration of the racemic mixture (R-α-lipoic acid (RLA) and S-α-lipoic acid (SLA) mixed at the ratio of 50:50) to rats, RLA showed higher plasma concentration than SLA, and its area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to the last (AUC) was significantly about 1.26 times higher than that of SLA. However, after intravenous administration of the racemic mixture, the pharmacokinetic profiles, initial concentration (C0), AUC, and half-life (T1/2) of the enantiomers were not significantly different. After oral and intraduodenal administration of the racemic mixture to pyrolus-ligated rats, the AUCs of RLA were significantly about 1.24 and 1.32 times higher than that of SLA, respectively. In addition, after intraportal administration the AUC of RLA was significantly 1.16 times higher than that of SLA. In conclusion, the enantioselective pharmacokinetics of LA in rats arose from the fraction absorbed multiplied by gastrointestinal availability (FaFg) and hepatic availability (Fh), and not from the total clearance.
Nanocrystalline BaSnO3 as an Alternative Gas Sensor Material: Surface Reactivity and High Sensitivity to SO2
Authors: Marikutsa Artem , Rumyantseva Marina , Baranchikov Alexander , Gaskov Alexander
Published: September 2015

Nanocrystalline perovskite-type BaSnO3 was obtained via microwave-assisted hydrothermal route followed by annealing at variable temperature. The samples composition and microstructure were characterized. Particle size of 18–23 nm was unaffected by heat treatment at 275–700 °C. Materials DC-conduction was measured at variable temperature and oxygen concentration. Barium stannate exhibited n-type semiconductor behavior at 150–450 °C with activation energy being dependent on the materials annealing temperature. Predominant ionosorbed oxygen species types were estimated. They were shown to change from molecular to atomic species on increasing temperature. Comparative test of sensor response to various inorganic target gases was performed using nanocrystalline SnO2-based sensors as reference ones. Despite one order of magnitude smaller surface area, BaSnO3 displayed higher sensitivity to SO2 in comparison with SnO2. DRIFT spectroscopy revealed distinct interaction routes of the oxides surfaces with SO2. Barium-promoted sulfate formation favoring target molecules oxidation was found responsible for the increased BaSnO3 sensitivity to ppm-range concentrations of SO2 in air.
Electrochemical Behavior of Al-B4C Metal Matrix Composites in NaCl Solution
Authors: Han Yu-Mei , Chen X.-Grant
Published: September 2015

Aluminum based metal matrix composites (MMCs) have received considerable attention in the automotive, aerospace and nuclear industries. One of the main challenges using Al-based MMCs is the influence of the reinforcement particles on the corrosion resistance. In the present study, the corrosion behavior of Al-B4C MMCs in a 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution were investigated using potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. Results indicated that the corrosion resistance of the composites decreased when increasing the B4C volume fraction. Al-B4C composite was susceptible to pitting corrosion and two types of pits were observed on the composite surface. The corrosion mechanism of the composite in the NaCl solution was primarily controlled by oxygen diffusion in the solution. In addition, the galvanic couples that formed between Al matrix and B4C particles could also be responsible for the lower corrosion resistance of the composites.