bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient Prediction of Contact Behavior in a 6-High Rolling Mill With Continuously Variable Crown Intermediate Rolls
Authors: Zhang Feng , Malik Arif S.
Published: July 2017

Continuously Variable Crown (CVC) shifting mechanisms represent a control technology with wide range of capability to influence the thickness profile and flatness (shape) of metal strip and sheet in rolling-type manufacturing processes. Further, because of the efficiency and extensive control capability to operate on thin-gauge, high-strength ferrous alloys, the 6-high mill with CVC profiles machined onto the intermediate rolls (IR) represents a popular mill configuration. This is because of the large control range for the strip thickness profile and flatness, which results from lateral shifting of the CVC intermediate rolls. However, together with this efficiency and capability comes very complex contact behaviors between the rolls and strip, including highly non-linear contact force distribution, loss of contact, asymmetric roll wear, unwanted strip wedge profiles, and the need to apply corrective roll tilting. Therefore, for most effective industry use of 6-high mills with intermediate roll CVC shifting, a rapid and accurate mathematical rolling model is needed to predict and account for these complex contact behaviors. This paper introduces an efficient roll-stack computational model capable of simulating such rolling mills under steady-state conditions. The model formulation applies the simplified mixed finite element method (SM-FEM), which is adapted to simulate asymmetric 6-high CVC mill contact behaviors. Results for a specific case study compare favorably to those obtained from a large-scale commercial finite element simulation, yet require a small fraction of the associated computational time and effort.
Dynamic Response of 3D-Printed Bi-Material Structure Using Drop Weight Impact Test
Authors: Amin Anish Ravindra , Kao Yi-Tang , Tai Bruce L. , Wang Jyhwen
Published: July 2017

Additive manufacturing has led to increasing number of applications that require complex geometries and multiple materials. This paper presented a bi-material structure (BMS) composed of a cushion matrix held by a 3D printed frame structure for an improved impact resistance. The study mainly focused on understanding the effects of structural topology and matrix material. Two matrix materials, silicone elastomer and polyurethane (PU) foam, were selected to impregnate into two different PLA frame structures. Drop weight impact test was carried out to measure the impact force and energy absorption. The results showed that the overall impact resistance was dominated by the frame, while the matrix reinforcement required proper structural interlocking mechanism and material matching. In the particular specimens of this study, PU foam led to more energy absorption and force bearing capacity of the structure than the silicone elastomer.
Bending-Additive-Machining Hybrid Manufacturing of Sheet Metal Structures
Authors: Li Ye , Rapthadu Ragha
Published: July 2017

The ever-increasing industry innovation demands a paradigm of manufacturing process that is capable of accomplishing multiple tasks on a single component. Majority of structural parts require bending of metal sheets with high degree of accuracy. In many applications bent parts with additional features are sought out for various special purposes. Clearly there is a need calling for the integration of different manufacturing processes to reach a synergistic effect [4, 5]. Traditionally a combination of additive manufacturing and machining is used to alleviate the constraints set forth by machining alone. However this hybrid approach is still constrained by both the limited cutter accessibility and gravity-imposed deposition direction. This paper presents a new Hybrid Manufacturing configuration by combining bending, deposition and machining processes. The major advantage of this new approach hinges on the deliberate use of bending process by providing additional accessibility that is not available on traditional additive – machining setup. Essentially the accessibility issue is overcome by introducing an intermediate bending step so that both metal deposition and removal can be conducted in the process-required orientation. As bending is part of this new hybrid process, springback is also inherent to this new hybrid manufacturing approach. This research incorporates the consideration of both springback compensation and cold hardening effect in the selection of intermediate bending step. Examples are also provided to show the efficacy of this new hybrid manufacturing approach.
Cutting Process Monitoring System Using Audible Sound Signals and Machine Learning Techniques: An Application to End Milling
Authors: Kothuru Achyuth , Nooka Sai Prasad , Liu Rui
Published: July 2017

In a fully automated manufacturing system, tool condition monitoring system is essential to detect the failure in advance and minimize the manufacturing loses with the increase in productivity. To look for a reliable, simple and cheap solution, this paper proposes a new tool wear monitoring model to detect the tool wear progression and early detection of tool failure in end milling using audible sound signals. In this study, cutting tools are classified into six classes based on different flank wear ranges. A series of end milling experiments are operated with a broad range of cutting conditions for each class to collect sound signals. A machine learning algorithm that incorporates support vector machine (SVM) approach coupled with the application of time and frequency domain analysis is developed to correlate observed sound signals’ signatures to tool wear conditions. The performance evaluation results of the proposed algorithm have shown accurate predictions in detecting tool wear conditions from the sound signals. In addition, the proposed machine learning approach has shown the fastest response rate, which provides the good solution for on-line cutting tool monitoring.
Tribological Properties of Textured Cemented Carbide Surfaces of Different Wettability Produced by Pulse Laser
Authors: Hao Xiuqing , Song Xiaolu , Li Liang , He Ning
Published: July 2017

The micro/nano textured cemented carbide surface of different wettability was produced by laser scanning and fluorinated treatment. The tribological properties of the un-textured, oleophobic and oleophilic micro/nano textured surface were investigated experimentally including the effects of crank speed and contact pressure by a reciprocating friction and a wear tester. For all tested surfaces, the friction coefficient of the surface decreased as both the increasing crank speed and contact pressure increased. Compared to the un-textured surface, the friction coefficient of the micro/nano textured surface was significantly decreased, being sensitive to the wettability of the surface. Besides, the tribological properties of the oleophobic micro/nano textured surface were superior to the oleophilic micro/nano textured surface under the same experimental conditions. The improvement in tribological properties of the oleophobic micro/nano textured surface could be attributed to the low wettability, which was beneficial to rapid accumulation of the lubricating oil on the surface.
Investigation of the Correlation Between Micro-Scale Particle Distribution in 3D Printing and Macroscopic Composite Performance
Authors: Lu Lu , Joyee Erina Baynojir , Pan Yayue
Published: July 2017

To date, various multi-material and multi-functional Additive Manufacturing technologies have been developed for the production of multi-functional smart structures. Those technologies are capable of controlling the local distributions of materials, hence achieving gradient or heterogeneous properties and functions. Such multi-material and multi-functional manufacturing capability opens up new applications in many fields. However, it is still largely unknown that how to design the localized material distribution to achieve the desired product properties and functionalities. To address this challenge, the correlation between the micro-scale material distribution and the macroscopic composite performance needs to be established. In our previous work, a novel Magnetic-field-assisted Stereolithography (M-PSL) process has been developed, for fabricating magnetic particle-polymer composites. Hence, in this work, we focus on the study of magnetic-field-responsive particle-polymer composite design, with the aim of developing some guidelines for predicting the magnetic-field-responsive properties of the composite fabricated by M-PSL process. Micro-scale particle distribution parameters, including particle loading fraction, particle magnetization, and distribution patterns, are investigated. Their influences on the properties of particle-polymer liquid suspensions, and the properties of the 3D printed composites, are characterized. By utilizing the magnetic anisotropy properties of the printed composites, different motions of the printed parts could be triggered at different relative positions under the applied magnetic field. Physical models are established, to predict the particle-polymer liquid suspension properties and the trigger conditions of fabricated parts. Experiments are performed to verify the physical models. The predicted results agree well with the experimental measurements, indicating the effectiveness of predicting the macroscopic composite performance using micro-scale distribution data, and the feasibility of using the physical models for guiding the multi-material and multi-functional composite design.
Polarization Effect on Out of Plane Configured Nanoparticle Packing
Authors: Yuksel Anil , Cullinan Michael , Murthy Jayathi
Published: July 2017

Surface plasmon polaritons are associated with the light-nanoparticle interaction and results in high enhancement in the gap between the particles. Indeed, this is affected by particle size, spacing, interlayer distance and light source properties. Polarization effect on three-dimensional (3D) and out of plane nanoparticle packings are presented herein to understand the out of plane configuration effect by using 532 nm plane wave light. This analysis gives insight on the particle interactions between the adjacent layers for multilayer nanoparticle packings. It has been seen that the electric field enhancement is up to 400 folds for TM (Transverse magnetic) or X-polarized light and 26 folds for TE (Transverse electric) or Y-polarized light. Thermo-optical properties change nonlinearly between 0 and 10 nm gap spacing due to the strong and non-local near-field interaction between the particles for the TM polarized light; however, this is linear for TE polarized light. This will give insight on the micro/nano heat transport for the interlayer particles for 100 nm diameter of Cu nanoparticle packings under 532 nm light under different polarization for 3-D interconnect (IC) manufacturing.
Ablation of toll-like receptor 4 mitigates cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction in hyperhomocysteinemia
Authors: Jeremic Nevena , Weber Gregory J. , Tyagi Suresh C.
Published: July 2017

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is a risk factor for adverse cardiovascular events; however, the mechanism for development of this disease is still unknown. Toll-like receptor 4 (TRL4) is a molecule involved in the immune response pathway and is quickly becoming a receptor of interest in the field of hypertension. In this study, we hypothesized that ablation of TLR4 mitigates cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction in a model of HHcy. Five strains of mice (C57BL/6J, CBS+/−, C3H, CBS+/−/C3H, and C3H/HeOuJ) 10–12 weeks old were utilized. We found that HHcy causes heart hypertrophy and promotes oxidative stress while mice with HHcy and inactivated TLR4 showed significant improvement in examined parameters. A dominance of endothelial cell mitochondrial fission over mitochondrial fusion in HHcy and oxidative stress was observed, which may explain the endothelial cell loss and dysfunction that contributes to inward cardiac remodeling.
Risk stratification in patients with heart failure: the value of considering both global longitudinal left ventricular strain and mechanical dispersion
Authors: Mornoş Cristian , Muntean Danina , Mornoş Aniko , Crişan Simina , Petrescu Lucian , Ionac Adina , Sosdean Raluca , Cozma Dragoş
Published: July 2017

In previous studies, mechanical dispersion (MD) predicted ventricular arrhythmias independently of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Moreover, the combination of MD and global longitudinal strain (GLS) increased the prediction of arrhythmic events. We investigated the prognostic value of a new 2-dimensional strain index, GLS/MD, in patients with heart failure (HF). We analyzed 340 consecutive HF outpatients in sinus rhythm. Echocardiography was performed at 1.6 ± 0.4 months after hospital discharge. The end point included sudden cardiac death, ventricular fibrillation, and sustained ventricular tachycardia (SCD/VA). During the follow-up period (36 ± 9 months), SCD/VA occurred in 48 patients (14.1%). A multivariate Cox regression analysis, which included LVEF, early diastolic transmitral / mitral annular velocity ratio (E/E′), GLS, MD, and GLS/MD in the model, revealed that GLS/MD was the best independent predictor of SCD/VA (HR = 3.22, 95% confidence interval = 1.72–6.15, p = 0.03). Separate inclusion of LVEF, systolic mitral annular velocity, E/E′, GLS, and MD together with GLS/MD showed that GLS/MD remained the best predictor of SCD/VA (each p < 0.05). The optimal GLS/MD cutoff value to predict SCA/VA was −0.20%/ms (80% sensitivity, 76% specificity). Irrespective of LVEF, free survival was significantly better in patients with GLS/MD ≤ −0.2%/ms (log-rank test, p < 0.001). In conclusion, GLS/MD may improve cardiovascular risk stratification in subjects with HF.
A local duplication of theMelanocortin receptor 1locus inAstyanax
Authors: Gross Joshua B. , Weagley James , Stahl Bethany A. , Ma Li , Espinasa Luis , McGaugh Suzanne E.
Published: July 2017

In this study, we report evidence of a novel duplication of Melanocortin receptor 1 (Mc1r) in the cavefish genome. This locus was discovered following the observation of excessive allelic diversity in a ∼820 bp fragment of Mc1r amplified via degenerate PCR from a natural population of Astyanax aeneus fish from Guerrero, Mexico. The cavefish genome reveals the presence of two closely related Mc1r open reading frames separated by a 1.46 kb intergenic region. One open reading frame corresponds to the previously reported Mc1r receptor, and the other open reading frame (duplicate copy) is 975 bp in length, encoding a receptor of 325 amino acids. Sequence similarity analyses position both copies in the syntenic region of the single Mc1r locus in 16 representative craniate genomes spanning bony fish (including Astyanax) to mammals, suggesting we discovered tandem duplicates of this important gene. The two Mc1r copies share ∼89% sequence similarity and, within Astyanax, are more similar to one another compared to other melanocortin family members. Future studies will inform the precise functional significance of the duplicated Mc1r locus and if this novel copy number variant may have adaptive significance for the Astyanax lineage.
Null tests of nonlocal gravity with multi-axis gravity gradiometers in elliptic orbits: A theoretical study
Authors: Bao Qianzong , Qiang Li-E
Published: July 2017

A theoretical study of testing nonlocal gravity in its Newtonian regime with gravity gradient measurements in space is given. For certain solutions of the modification to Newton’s law in nonlocal gravity, a null test and a lower bound on related parameters may be given with future high precision multi-axis gravity gradiometers along elliptic orbits.
Review on effects of long-lived negatively charged massive particles on Big Bang Nucleosynthesis
Authors: Kusakabe Motohiko , Mathews Grant J. , Kajino Toshitaka , Cheoun Myung-Ki
Published: July 2017

We review important reactions in the Big Bang Nucleosynthesis (BBN) model involving a long-lived negatively charged massive particle, [Formula: see text], which is much heavier than nucleons. This model can explain the observed 7Li abundances of metal-poor stars, and predicts a primordial 9Be abundance that is larger than the standard BBN prediction. In the BBN epoch, nuclei recombine with the [Formula: see text] particle. Because of the heavy [Formula: see text] mass, the atomic size of bound states [Formula: see text] is as small as the nuclear size. The nonresonant recombination rates are then dominated by the [Formula: see text]-wave [Formula: see text] transition for 7Li and [Formula: see text]Be. The 7Be destruction occurs via a recombination with the [Formula: see text] followed by a proton capture, and the primordial 7Li abundance is reduced. Also, the 9Be production occurs via the recombination of 7Li and [Formula: see text] followed by deuteron capture. The initial abundance and the lifetime of the [Formula: see text] particles are constrained from a BBN reaction network calculation. We derived parameter region for the 7Li reduction allowed in supersymmetric or Kaluza–Klein (KK) models. We find that either the selectron, smuon, KK electron or KK muon could be candidates for the [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] TeV, while the stau and KK tau cannot.
OXIDATIVE STRESS INCIDENCE ON THE SEVERITY OF KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS
Authors: Oikonomidis Stergios A. , Simos Yannis V. , Toliopoulos Ioannis K. , Verginadis Ioannis I. , Oikonomidis Alexandros S. , Ragos Vasilios N. , Karkabounas Spyridon Ch. , Evangelou Angelos M. , Peschos Dimitrios
Published: July 2017

The aim of the study was to examine the incidence of oxidative stress on the severity of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Data were obtained from a previous pilot controlled trial among patients, diagnosed with OA in one or both knees, that were randomly assigned into two different treatment groups and were either supplemented with ascorbic acid and Vitamin E daily per os or treated with meloxicam. The following markers were estimated: A. Clinical markers: functionality of the knee (WOMAC index), pain (using a pain visual analogue scale) and severity of OA (Kellgren–Lawrence grading scale) B. Laboratory markers: total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malonyldialdehyde (MDA) levels in the synovial fluid. The TAC of the knees was moderately correlated with the severity of OA and the level of pain whilst MDA concentration was weekly correlated. An average change of 5[Formula: see text]mM of a-tocopherol in TAC (4.6–5.5[Formula: see text]mM of a-tocopherol) defines the shift among stages of OA and the level of pain experienced by the patients. Neither TAC nor MDA were correlated with the Kellgren–Lawrence grading scale. Alleviation of oxidative stress should be a key objective for the therapeutic interventions (pharmacological and nonpharmacological) in knee OA. Even small improvements in antioxidant capacity of the synovial fluid may contribute to the patient’s quality of life and to the deceleration of the disease progression.
PERIOPERATIVE USE OF PREGABALIN IN TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY: META-ANALYSIS OF RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIALS
Authors: Tayyem Mohammed , Elhadid Fadi , Haddad Ra’d , Samarah Omar , Ananzah Mohammed , Ahmad Mohammad , Hamdan Mohammad
Published: July 2017

Purpose: Pregabalin is a new neuropathic drug that gained recent popularity in treatment of acute postoperative pain. The purpose of this study is to study the effect of pregabalin in pain management in the first 24 h after total knee arthroplasty. Methods: PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, and Web of science were searched for randomized controlled trials that study the effect of pregabalin in the management of pain after total knee arthroplasty. Pain scores at rest and with movement and opioid consumption in the first 24 h and the occurrence of adverse events were the primary outcome measure. The statistical software RevMan 5.3 was used to analyze the statistical significance of the results. Results: A total of 5 randomized controlled trials with 608 were collected. There was no significant benefit from the use of pregabalin in the management of pain in the perioperative period in patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty. Pain score after 24[Formula: see text]h at rest using 150 mg/day was (MD [Formula: see text]0.53, P value 0.23). Pain score after 24 h with movement using doses less than 300 mg/day was (MD [Formula: see text]1.11, P value 0.79). Opioid intake was not significantly reduced in patient taking pregabalin using doses less than 300 mg/day or doses higher than 300 mg/day (SMD [Formula: see text]0.42, 0.59. P value 0.10, 0.42, respectively). Most of studies observed increased occurrence of adverse events with the use of pregabalin. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that pregabalin does not decrease pain scores in the first 24 h after total knee arthroplasty while it increases the occurrence of side effects.
BONE HEALING PATTERNS OF INTERLOCKED INTRAMEDULLARY NAIL-FIXATED FEMORAL SHAFT FRACTURES: AGE-MATCHED RADIOGRAPHIC PRESENTATION OF UNION PATTERN
Authors: Moon Myung-Sang , Kim Dong-Hyeon , Park Bong-Keun , Yoon Min-Geun
Published: July 2017

Design: Study on the union pattern of femoral shaft fractures after interlocked intramedullary fixation. Objective: To assess the fracture healing pattern — the so-called callus types — and its formation speed, and age influence. Setting: Orthopedic and traumatic services. Material and methods: Among all the healed femoral shaft fractures, 10 patients at least in each decade from late teens to eighth decade who were regularly followed radiographically with a certain interval upto complete fracture union were chosen. Results: All the fractures healed primarily with external periosteal callus which was followed sometimes later by intercortical uniting callus with disappearance of fracture line. Conclusion: All the nailed femoral shaft fractures healed primarily by periosteal bridging callus irrespective of age, fracture type, and use of interlocking screws, though some less external callus formation after sixth decade was observed.
Transformational and Transactional Leadership Behaviours and their Effect on Knowledge Workers' Propensity for Knowledge Management Processes
Authors: Atapattu Menike , Ranawake Gayani
Published: July 2017

This paper seeks to raise the question as to why knowledge management (KM) initiatives adopted by organisations fail to achieve the intended outcomes. Based on literature, it is argued, first, that internal leadership is the most critical antecedent which leads knowledge workers (KWs) propensity to engage in KM processes and second, that, transformational and transactional leader behaviours are the key predictors of KM propensity. Consequently, four types of transformational leader behaviours and two types of transactional leader behaviours are conceptualised as energisers of KWs propensity to KM processes and thus bring the KM success. Accordingly, the paper extends current understanding of the association between KM and leadership considering the specific leader behaviours in both transformational and transactional leadership theory where neither the KM nor the leadership field provides a detailed explanation of specific leader behaviours.
The Belt and Road Initiative and Global Governance in Transition
Authors: Chun Zhang
Published: July 2017

As protectionism and isolationism rise against globalization, China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) provides strong momentum for advancing the transformation of global governance. First, the BRI strengthens the awareness of building a community of common destiny for mankind and promotes the evolution of epistemology in global governance. Second, it offers more sustainable global public goods, thus improving ethical standards for global governance. Third, the BRI combines the top-down and bottom-up approaches to encourage voluntary actions in global governance. Fourth, the BRI draws on China’s own experience in integrating reform, development and stability, which helps balance the economic, social, ecological, and security dimensions of global governance, so as to foster common development among countries and regions along the routes and ultimately create a new equilibrium between South-South and North-South cooperation. Promoted through consultation to meet the interests of all, the BRI will make both tangible and intangible contributions to the transition of global governance by delivering public goods and enhancing the notion of compatible justice in a deglobalized world.
Data science
Authors: Cao Longbing
Published: July 2017

While it may not be possible to build a data brain identical to a human, data science can still aspire to imaginative machine thinking.
Algorithm 978
Authors: Anderson Edward
Published: July 2017

The square root of a sum of squares is well known to be prone to overflow and underflow. Ad hoc scaling of intermediate results, as has been done in numerical software such as the BLAS and LAPACK, mostly avoids the problem, but it can still occur at extreme values in the range of representable numbers. More careful scaling, as has been implemented in recent versions of the standard algorithms, may come at the expense of performance or clarity. This work reimplements the vector 2-norm and the generation of Givens rotations from the Level 1 BLAS to improve their performance and design. In addition, support for negative increments is extended to the Level 1 BLAS operations on a single vector, and a comprehensive test suite for all the Level 1 BLAS is included.
Spin-it
Authors: Bächer Moritz , Bickel Bernd , Whiting Emily , Sorkine-Hornung Olga
Published: July 2017

Spinning tops and yo-yos have long fascinated cultures around the world with their unexpected, graceful motions that seemingly elude gravity. Yet, due to the exceeding difficulty of creating stably spinning objects of asymmetric shape in a manual trial-and-error process, there has been little departure from rotationally symmetric designs. With modern 3D printing technologies, however, we can manufacture shapes of almost unbounded complexity at the press of a button, shifting this design complexity toward computation.

In this article, we describe an algorithm to generate designs for spinning objects by optimizing their mass distribution: as input, the user provides a solid 3D model and a desired axis of rotation. Our approach then modifies the interior mass distribution such that the principal directions of the moment of inertia align with the target rotation frame. To create voids inside the model, we represent its volume with an adaptive multiresolution voxelization and optimize the discrete voxel fill values using a continuous, nonlinear formulation. We further optimize for rotational stability by maximizing the dominant principal moment. Our method is well-suited for a variety of 3D printed models, ranging from characters to abstract shapes. We demonstrate tops and yo-yos that spin surprisingly stably despite their asymmetric appearance.
The scalable commutativity rule
Authors: Clements Austin T. , Kaashoek M. Frans , Kohler Eddie , Morris Robert T. , Zeldovich Nickolai
Published: July 2017

Developing software that scales on multicore processors is an inexact science dominated by guesswork, measurement, and expensive cycles of redesign and reimplementation. Current approaches are workload-driven and, hence, can reveal scalability bottlenecks only for known workloads and available software and hardware. This paper introduces an
interface-driven
approach to building scalable software. This approach is based on the
scalable commutativity rule
, which, informally stated, says that whenever interface operations commute, they can be implemented in a way that scales. We formalize this rule and prove it correct for any machine on which conflict-free operations scale, such as current cache-coherent multicore machines. The rule also enables a better design process for scalable software: programmers can now reason about scalability from the earliest stages of interface definition through software design, implementation, and evaluation.
The natural science of computing
Authors: Horsman Dominic , Kendon Vivien , Stepney Susan
Published: July 2017

As unconventional computing comes of age, we believe a revolution is needed in our view of computer science.
The observer effect
Authors: Neville-Neil George V.
Published: July 2017

Finding the balance between zero and maximum.
Improved Backtracking Search Algorithm Based on Population Control Factor and Optimal Learning Strategy
Authors: Zhao Lei , Jia Zhicheng , Chen Lei , Guo Yanju
Published: July 2017

Backtracking search algorithm (BSA) is a relatively new evolutionary algorithm, which has a good optimization performance just like other population‐based algorithms. However, there is also an insufficiency in BSA regarding its convergence speed and convergence precision. For solving the problem shown in BSA, this article proposes an improved BSA named COBSA. Enlightened by particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, population control factor is added to the variation equation aiming to improve the convergence speed of BSA, so as to make algorithm have a better ability of escaping the local optimum. In addition, enlightened by differential evolution (DE) algorithm, this article proposes a novel evolutionary equation based on the fact that the disadvantaged group will search just around the best individual chosen from previous iteration to enhance the ability of local search. Simulation experiments based on a set of 18 benchmark functions show that, in general, COBSA displays obvious superiority in convergence speed and convergence precision when compared with BSA and the comparison algorithms.
Statistical Similarity Based Change Detection for Multitemporal Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Aktar Mumu , Mamun Md. Al , Hossain Md. Ali
Published: July 2017

Change detection (CD) of any surface using multitemporal remote sensing images is an important research topic since up-to-date information about earth surface is of great value. Abrupt changes are occurring in different earth surfaces due to natural disasters or man-made activities which cause damage to that place. Therefore, it is necessary to observe the changes for taking necessary steps to recover the subsequent damage. This paper is concerned with this issue and analyzes statistical similarity measure to perform CD using remote sensing images of the same scene taken at two different dates. A variation of normalized mutual information (NMI) as a similarity measure has been developed here using sliding window of different sizes. In sliding window approach, pixels’ local neighborhood plays a significant role in computing the similarity compared to the whole image. Thus the insignificant global characteristics containing noise and sparse samples can be avoided when evaluating the probability density function. Therefore, NMI with different window sizes is proposed here to identify changes using multitemporal data. Experiments have been carried out using two separate multitemporal remote sensing images captured one year apart and one month apart, respectively. Experimental analysis reveals that the proposed technique can detect up to 97.71% of changes which outperforms the traditional approaches.
Is Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio a Predictor of Coronary Artery Disease in Western Indians?
Authors: Sharma Kamal , Patel Alap K. , Shah Komal H. , Konat Ashwati
Published: July 2017

Introduction. The current study was designed to evaluate the association of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) with coronary artery disease (CAD) presence. We also aimed to propose a suitable cut-off of NLR for diagnosis of CAD in Western Indians. Methods. Total 324 patients undergoing coronary angiography were enrolled and were subdivided into two groups: group 1 (n=99; population without CAD) and group 2 (n=225; population with CAD). Results. The results indicated significant (p<0.05) positive association between elevated levels of WBC, neutrophil, monocyte, NLR, hs-CRP, CPK-MB, and troponin I and disease presence. According to subgroup analysis, the association was more profound in male and older population. Among all the markers NLR showed the strongest predictive potential for CAD with highest odds ratio (1.495; 95% CI: 0.942–2.371; p<0.048). Optimum cut-off of NLR for diagnosis of CAD was 2.13 (AUC-0.823; p<0.001; sensitivity: 83.64%; specificity: 63.46%). Association of NLR with other biochemical markers such as hs-CRP, CPK-MB, and troponin I was also observed in quartile analysis. Conclusion. NLR is a simple indicator that could be effectively used for the diagnosis of CAD with a cut-off of 2.13 in Western Indian population.
Development of a Prototype Robotic System for Radiosurgery with Upper Hemispherical Workspace
Authors: Noh Sun Young , Jeong Kyungmin , Seo Yong-chil , Kim Chang-hoi , Park Jongwon , Choi Yoo Rark , Lee Sung Uk , Bae Yeong-Geol , Kim Seungho
Published: July 2017

This paper introduces a specialized robotic system under development for radiosurgery using a small-sized linear accelerator. The robotic system is a 5-DOF manipulator that can be installed above a patient to make an upper hemispherical workspace centered in a target point. In order to determine the optimal lengths of the link, we consider the requirements for the workspace of a linear accelerator for radiosurgery. A more suitable kinematic structure than conventional industrial manipulators is proposed, and the kinematic analysis is also provided. A graphic simulator is implemented and used for dynamic analysis. Based on those results, a prototype manipulator and its control system are under development.
Divorce and Severity of Coronary Artery Disease: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Daoulah Amin , Al-Murayeh Mushabab , Al-kaabi Salem , Lotfi Amir , Elkhateeb Osama E. , Al-Faifi Salem M. , Alqahtani Saleh , Stewart James , Heavey Jon , Hurley William T. , Alama Mohamed N. , Faden Mazen , Al-Shehri Mohamed , Youssef Ali , Alsheikh-Ali Alawi A.
Published: July 2017

The association between marital status and coronary artery disease (CAD) is supported by numerous epidemiological studies. While divorce may have an adverse effect on cardiac outcomes, the relationship between divorce and severe CAD is unclear. We conducted a multicenter, observational study of consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography during the period between April 1, 2013, and March 30, 2014. Of 1,068 patients, 124 (12%) were divorced. Divorce was more frequent among women (27%) compared to men (6%). Most divorced patients had been divorced only once (49%), but a subset had been divorced 2 (38%) or ≥3 (12%) times. After adjusting for baseline differences, there was no significant association between divorce and severe CAD in men. In women, there was a significant adjusted association between divorce and severe MVD (OR 2.31 [1.16, 4.59]) or LMD (OR 5.91 [2.19, 15.99]). The modification of the association between divorce and severe CAD by gender was statistically significant for severe LMD (Pinteraction 0.0008) and marginally significant for CAD (Pinteraction 0.05). Among women, there was a significant adjusted association between number of divorces and severe CAD (OR 2.4 [95% CI 1.2, 4.5]), MVD (OR 2.0 [95% CI 1.4, 3.0]), and LMD (OR 3.4 [95% CI 1.9, 5.9]). In conclusion, divorce, particularly multiple divorces, is associated with severe CAD, MVD, and LMD in women but not in men.
Identification of Four Oxidative Stress‐Responsive MicroRNAs, miR‐34a‐5p, miR‐1915‐3p, miR‐638, and miR‐150‐3p, in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wan Yong , Cui Ruixia , Gu Jingxian , Zhang Xing , Xiang Xiaohong , Liu Chang , Qu Kai , Lin Ting
Published: July 2017

Increasing evidence suggests that oxidative stress plays an essential role during carcinogenesis. However, the underlying mechanism between oxidative stress and carcinogenesis remains unknown. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) are revealed to be involved in oxidative stress response and carcinogenesis. This study aims to identify miRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells which might involve in oxidative stress response. An integrated analysis of miRNA expression signature was performed by employing robust rank aggregation (RRA) method, and four miRNAs (miR‐34a‐5p, miR‐1915‐3p, miR‐638, and miR‐150‐3p) were identified as the oxidative stress‐responsive miRNAs. Pathway enrichment analysis suggested that these four miRNAs played an important role in antiapoptosis process. Our data also revealed miR‐34a‐5p and miR‐1915‐3p, but not miR‐150‐3p and miR‐638, were regulated by p53 in HCC cell lines under oxidative stress. In addition, clinical investigation revealed that these four miRNAs might be involved in oxidative stress response by targeting oxidative stress‐related genes in HCC tissues. Kaplan‐Meier analysis showed that these four miRNAs were associated with patients’ overall survival. In conclusion, we identified four oxidative stress‐responsive miRNAs, which were regulated by p53‐dependent (miR‐34a‐5p and miR‐1915‐3p) and p53‐independent pathway (miR‐150‐3p and miR‐638). These four miRNAs may offer new strategy for HCC diagnosis and prognosis.
Real-Life Management of Patients with Retinal Vein Occlusion Using I-Macula Web Platform
Authors: Nicolò Massimo , Bonetto Monica , Rosa Raffaella , Musetti Donatella , Musolino Maria , Traverso Carlo Enrico , Giacomini Mauro
Published: July 2017

Aim.Real-lifeevaluation in the management of patients affected by macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion.Material and Methods. A retrospective, observational study using theI-Macula Webplatform.Results. Thirty-five patients (37 eyes; 15 females and 20 male) affected by RVO were analysed. At 12 months, there was a statistically significant improvement of best-corrected visual acuity (p=0.0235) and central macular thickness (p<0.0001). The mean change in visual acuity was 8.9 letters. Twenty-seven eyes underwent DEX implant (n=62; mean: 2.29) only. Of these, 8, 4, 14, and 1 eyes underwent 1, 2, 3, and 4 DEX implants, respectively. The remaining 10 eyes were also injected with ranibizumab (n=49; mean: 4.9). At 12 months, 12 eyes (32.5%) presented a dry macula, whereas the remaining 25 eyes (67.5%) still had macular edema. Mean interval between the first and second treatment (T1) and between the second and third treatment (T2) were 5.15 and (T2) 3.7 months, respectively. Where only DEX implants were received, T1 and T2 was 5.1 and 4.9 months, respectively.Conclusions. This study confirms that DEX implants and/or anti-VEGF drugs improve visual acuity and central macular thickness in patients affected by RVO.
An Analysis of ZnS:Cu Phosphor Layer Thickness Influence on Electroluminescence Device Performances
Authors: Chansri Pakpoom , Arunrungrusmi Somchai , Yuji Toshifumi , Mungkung Narong
Published: July 2017

Electroluminescence (EL) device is a new technology; its thickness is within micrometer range which can bend more easily and emit light. However, the thickness of ZnS:Cu phosphor layer may affect the light intensity, so we have analyzed the thickness of ZnS:Cu phosphor layer on EL device. The EL devices consist of ITO:PET/ZnS:Cu phosphor/insulator (BaTiO3)/Ag electrode. The EL devices were fabricated in changing thickness 10 μm, 30 μm, and 50 μm. At 100 V 400 Hz, the luminance of EL devices was 51.22 cd/m2 for thickness 30 μm more than that of 45.78 cd/m2 (thickness: 10 μm) and 42.58 cd/m2 (thickness: 50 μm). However, the peak light intensity was achieved at wavelength of 507 nm which was not influenced by the thickness of the ZnS:Cu phosphor. The use of the ZnS:Cu phosphor layer at thickness 30 μm in the EL device significantly improves the luminescence performance.
Prediction of Frost‐Heaving Behavior of Saline Soil in Western Jilin Province, China, by Neural Network Methods
Authors: Zhang Xudong , Wang Qing , Huo Zhensheng , Yu Tianwen , Wang Gang , Liu Tianbao , Wang Wenhua
Published: July 2017

In this study, backpropagation neural network (BPNN) and generalized regression neural network (GRNN) approaches are used to predict the frost‐heaving ratio (FR) of the saline soil specimen collected from Nong’an, Western Jilin, China. Four variables, namely, water content (WC), compactness, temperature, and content of soluble salts (CSS), are considered in predicting FR. A total of 360 pieces of data, collected from the experimental results, in which 30 pieces of data were selected randomly as the testing set data and the rest of the data were treated as the training set data, are applied to develop the prediction models. The predicted data from the models are compared with the experimental data. Then, the results of the two approaches are compared to obtain a relatively reliable model. Results indicate that the prediction model for the FR of saline soil in Nong’an can be successfully established using the GRNN method. Four new GRNN models are constructed for sensitivity analysis to assess the influence degree of the influencing factors, and the results indicate that water content is the most influential variable in the FR of the saline soil specimen, whereas content of soluble salts is the least influential variable.
Anopheles gambiae: Metabolomic Profiles in Sugar‐Fed, Blood‐Fed, and Plasmodium falciparum‐Infected Midgut
Authors: Champion Cody J. , Kukutla Phanidhar , Glennon Elizabeth K. K. , Wang Bo , Luckhart Shirley , Xu Jiannong
Published: July 2017

The mosquito midgut is a physiological organ essential for nutrient acquisition
as well as an interface that encounters various mosquito‐borne pathogens.
Metabolomic characterization would reveal biochemical fingerprints that are
generated by various cellular processes. The metabolite profiles of the mosquito
midgut will provide an overview of the biochemical events in both physiological
states and the dynamic responses to pathogen infections. In this study, the
midgut metabolic profiles of Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes
following feeding with sugar, human blood, mouse blood, and Plasmodium falciparum-infected human blood were examined. A mass spectrometry
system coupled to liquid and gas chromatography produced a time series of
metabolites in the midgut at discrete conditions (sugar feeding, 24 h and
48 h post‐normal blood and P. falciparum-infected blood
feeding). Triplicates were included to ensure system validity. A total of 512
individual compounds were identified; 511 were assigned to 8 superpathways and
75 subpathways. The dataset can be used for further inquiry into the metabolic
dynamics of sugar and blood digestion and of malaria parasite infection. The
dataset is accessible at the repository Dryad.
Modulation of Glutathione Hemostasis by Inhibition of 12/15‐Lipoxygenase Prevents ROS‐Mediated Cell Death after Hepatic Ischemia and Reperfusion
Authors: Drefs Moritz , Thomas Michael N. , Guba Markus , Angele Martin K. , Werner Jens , Conrad Marcus , Steib Christian J. , Holdt Lesca M. , Andrassy Joachim , Khandoga Andrej , Rentsch Markus
Published: July 2017

Background. Reactive oxygen species‐ (ROS‐) mediated ischemia‐reperfusion injury (IRI) detrimentally impacts liver transplantation and resection. 12/15‐Lipoxygenase (12/15‐LOX), an antagonistic protein of the glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) signaling cascade, was proven to mediate cell death in postischemic cerebral and myocardial tissue. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of 12/15‐LOX inhibition on hepatic IRI. Methods. Livers of C57BL/6 mice were exposed to 60 minutes of partial warm ischemia and 90 minutes of reperfusion after previous Baicalein administration, an inhibitor of 12/15‐LOX. Tissue samples were analyzed by TUNEL assay, Western blot, and spectral photometry. Results. TUNEL labeling showed a significant reduction of hepatic cell death following baicalein pretreatment. Western Blot analysis revealed a significant downregulation of Jun‐amino‐terminal‐kinase (JNK), caspase‐3, and poly‐ADP‐ribose‐polymerase (PARP), besides considerably lowered p44/42‐MAP‐kinase (ERK1/2) expression after Baicalein administration. A significant elevation of glutathione oxidation was measured in Baicalein pretreated livers. Conclusion. Our data show that inhibition of 12/15‐lipoxygenase causes significant cell death reduction after hepatic ischemia and reperfusion by enhancing glutathione metabolism. We conclude that GPX4‐dependent cell death signaling cascade might play a major role in development of hepatic IRI, in which the investigated proteins JNK, caspase‐3, ERK1/2, and PARP might contribute to tissue damage.
Selective Adsorption and Photocatalytic Degradation of Dyes Using Polyoxometalate Hybrid Supported on Magnetic Activated Carbon Nanoparticles under Sunlight, Visible, and UV Irradiation
Authors: Taghdiri Mehdi
Published: July 2017

In this study, magnetic activated carbon (MAC) nanoparticles were coated with an organic hybrid of silicotungstic acid that makes MAC suitable for adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of dyes. The prepared composite was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, thermal analyses, scanning electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer, and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms. Dye adsorption and photocatalytic properties of composite were examined by studying the decolorization of model dyes methylene blue (MB), methyl orange (MO), rhodamine B (RhB), and their mixture solutions. The results show that the composite can selectively adsorb MB molecules from binary mixtures of MB/MO or MB/RhB, and its adsorption capacity is enhanced as compared with the MAC. The composite is also, unlike MAC, a good photocatalyst in the degradation of dyes under sunlight, visible, and UV irradiation and can be separated by magnet, recovered and reused. Removal is via combination of adsorption and then photocatalytic degradation through direct oxidation by composite or indirect oxidation by •OH radicals. While the sunlight is not able to degrade alone MO and RhB solution in the presence of composite, it degrades the MO and RhB mixed with MB solution.
Colistin Resistance in KPC-2- and SHV-5-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Clinical Isolates in Bulgaria
Authors: Savov Encho , Todorova Iva , Politi Lida , Trifonova Angelina , Borisova Maja , Kioseva Elena , Tsakris Athanassios
Published: July 2017

Background/Aims: Colistin resistance is increasingly recognized among carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates in several European regions. The current study documents the appearance of colistin resistance among KPC-2 and SHV-5-produning K. pneumoniae strains in Bulgaria. Methods: Four colistin-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates were recovered from 2 patients hospitalized in the anesthesiology and resuscitation clinic of a tertiary care university hospital in Sofia, Bulgaria. Microbial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by Vitek 2 (Biomerieux, France). β-Lactamase genes were amplified using a panel of primers for detection of all MBL-types, KPCs, plasmid-mediated AmpCs in single PCR reactions, OXA-type carbapenemases, extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and TEM enzymes. The colistin-resistant mcr-1 gene was also investigated using previously described primers and conditions. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) were used to investigate clonality. Results: The 4 K. pneumoniae isolates exhibited colistin MICs >16 mg/L and showed multidrug-resistant phenotypes, remaining intermediately susceptible only to gentamicin. They were clustered into a single PFGE clonal type and MLST assigned them to sequence type 258. All isolates possessed KPC-2 carbapenemase and SHV-5 ESBL. They were negative for the plasmid-mediated colistin-resistant mcr-1 gene, possibly implying an intrinsic mechanism of resistance. Conclusions: Although colistin use in Bulgaria only started moderately during 2014, the findings of the current study notify the appearance of colistin resistance among carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella species in another European region.