bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Application of the Improved Autoregressive Method for Two Vessels Roll Motion Prediction
Authors: Gao He Cheng , Lin Zhuang , Yang Dong Mei , Li Ping , Guo Zhi Qun
Published: January 2014

It is of great significance and value to predict the roll of two ships, especially when one is replenishing for the other or in some other conditions. Autoregressive time series analysis method (AR) with Recursive least squares (RLS) theory is the mainstream currently and the effectiveness for the prediction of the motion attitudes have been fully validated. However, there are some differences between the prediction for the motion of two vessels and for that of one. The hydrodynamic interactions between two ships should be taken into consideration and be reflected in the application of the method. In order to solve this issue, this work firstly proposed a double ships autoregressive (DAR) method, which can determine the orders and the parameters of model in real-time with consideration of the interference between two ships and the DAR method was applied to forecast the roll motion between two ships. The simulative results of DAR method show the validity and veracity compared to real value and the advancement compared to the autoregressive (AR) method for single ship motion prediction.
Research on Image Azimuth Determination Based on Shadow Feature
Authors: Liu Zhao Hui , Sun Wen Bang , Li Ming , Wu Di
Published: January 2014

Nowadays, the image azimuth determination is an important content of image processing. At present, the image azimuth is determined by solar azimuth angle achieved by look-up table, but the method is imprecise and inconvenient. To overcome such drawbacks, a novel determination method was proposed in the paper. First, the solar declination at imaging time is calculated. Then, the shadow deflection is determined by comparing the solar declination with the latitude of imaging place. Finally, the solar azimuth angle is calculated to determine the image azimuth based on the relation between shadow feature and solar azimuth angle. The theoretical analysis shows that the proposed method is more effectual then traditional methods.
Research on Varying Duty Operation of Self-Circulation Evaporative Cooling System of Single Stator Collector Ring in Hydro-Generator
Authors: Dong Hai Hong , Ruan Lin , Cao Rui , Guo Shu Qin , Chen Jin Xiu
Published: January 2014

With the advantage of high-security, energy-saving and high efficiency, the self-circulation evaporative cooling technology provides an ideal solution for the cooling problem of stator collector ring in hydro-generator. In this paper, the operation characteristics of self-circulation evaporative cooling system of single stator collector ring under different work conditions were analyzed by experiments. The experimental results show that the cooling performance of this new cooling system is satisfactory. The temperature distribution of stator collector ring and system pressure distribution were discussed on the basis of experimental data and those variation tendencies were concluded. The research results in this paper provide the basis for further researches and practical application of this new cooling system.
State Evaluation for Transformer Based on Grey System Theory
Authors: Xue Min
Published: January 2014

This paper proposes the modle based on Grey system theory to evaluate conditions of transformer. The model of unequal-interval GM (1,1) and GM(1,1) model including buffer operator are established to predict the values of gas dissolved in oil of transformer. According to the results of prediction,state of power transformer will be divided into five categories in order to propose corresponding repair strategy.The method is effective on providing support for transformer condition maintenance.The proposed method has been verified by the experimental data.
Comparison of Three Methods for Weibull Distribution in Calculating Wind Energy Potential
Authors: Ihaddadene Razika , Ihaddadene Nabila , Mostefaoui Merouane
Published: January 2014

Three kinds of methods commonly used for estimating Weibull parameters were fitted to a collection of wind speed data at 10 m above ground level for the year of 2009 to determine the best distribution function which describes the wind speed variation at Msila, Algeria site for wind energy. Three methods used the coefficient of determination R2, root mean square error RMSE and Chi-Square χ2 were compared with failure analysis. According to the results of failure analysis the moment method has better results than graphic method and power density method. The wind power density calculated from moment method shows a good approximation to estimate the power density. So the Weibull distribution using the moment method adequately fit the data and it is suitable for modeling the wind speed distribution in Msila province of Algeria.
Experimental Study of Drag Reduction on Circular Cylinder and Reduction of Pressure Drop in Narrow Channels by Using a Cylinder Disturbance Body
Authors: Widodo Wawan Aries , Hidayat Nuzul
Published: January 2014

This paper present the results of drag reduction on circular cylinder and reduction of pressure drop in narrow rectangular channels by using circular disturbance body. This study focused on the phenomenon when the flow through the arrangement of the circular cylinder, separation will occur at a specific point on a circular cylinder resulting drag force. When the separation can be delayed so that the resulting drag force will be smaller. This can be done in various ways, one of which is by using a cylinder disturbance body on the upper and lower side near the bluff body. This study will be conducted in a wind tunnel experiments which have narrow channels with a square cross-sectional area of 125 mm x 125 mm and a blockage ratio of 26.4% and 36.4%. Specimens used circular cylinder with 25 mm diameter (d/D= 0.16) and 37.5 mm (d/D= 0.107) as well as the circular disturbance body with a diameter of 4 mm. cylinder disturbance body placed on the upper and lower side with the position α=200 to 600 and spacing (δ=0.4 mm) to the main circular cylinder. Reynolds number based on the hydraulic diameter of 5.21×104 to 15.6×104. The results of this research show the effect of using circular disturbance body on circular cylinder and the characteristics of fluid flow on a narrow channel square cross section. At a certain position of the circular disturbance body provide value pressure drop reduction on narrow channels and drag reduction when compared to a single circular cylinder. From the experimental data presented in this paper it is observed that the position angle of circular disturbance body to reduce drag force on a circular cylinder and reducing the pressure drop in the channel are at angle 200 and 300 for D=25 mm, and 200, 300 and 400, respectively, for D= 37.5 mm then the best reduction for both cylinders are at an angle of 300.
Neural Network-Based Engine Propeller Matching (NN-EPM) for Trimaran Patrol Ship
Authors: Koenhardono Eddy S. , Djatmiko Eko Budi , Soeprijanto Adi , Irawan Mohammad I.
Published: January 2014

In recent years efforts on reducing fuel consumption has become the greatest issue related to energy crisis and global warming. The reduction of fuel consumption can be obtained, if the ship propulsion could be operated in its best performance level. Generally this is done by an appropriate analysis of engine propeller matching (EPM). In this study an EPM based on neural-network method, or NN-EPM, is established to predict the best performance of main engines, leading at minimum fuel oil consumption. A trimaran patrol ship is selected as a case study. This patrol ship is equipped with two 2720 kW main engines each connected to a controllable pitch propeller (CPP) through a reduction gear. The input parameters are ship speed V and service margin SM, with the corresponding output parameters comprise of engine speed nE, engine break horse power PB, propeller pitch P/D, and the fuel consumption FC. An NN-EPM 2-20-15-4 configuration has been constructed out of 100 training data and then validated by 30 testing data. The maximum relative error between results from NN-EPM and EPM analysis is 2.1%, that is in term of the fuel consumption. For other parameters the errors are well below 1.0%. These facts indicate that the use of NN-EPM to predict the main engines's performance for trimaran patrol ship is satisfactory.
Effects of High Speed Tool Rotation in Micro Friction Stir Spot Welding of Aluminum A1100
Authors: Baskoro Ario Sunar , Suwarsono Suwarsono , Kiswanto Gandjar , Winarto Winarto
Published: January 2014

Technology of Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a relatively new technique for joining metal. In some cases on Aluminum joining, FSW gives better results compared with the arc welding processes, including the quality of welds and less distortion. The purpose of this study is to analyze the parameters effect of high speed tool rotation on micro Friction Stir Spot Welding (μFSSW) to the shear strength of welds. In this case, Aluminum material A1100, with thickness of 0.4 mm was used. Tool material of HSS material was shaped with micro grinding process. The spindle speed was fixed at 30000 rpm. Tool shoulder diameter was 3 mm, and a length of pin was 0.7 mm. The parameter variations used in this study were the variable of pin diameter (1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, and 2.5 mm), a variable of plunge speed (2 mm/min, 4 mm/min, 6 mm/min), and the variable of dwell time (2 seconds, 4 seconds, 6 seconds). Where the variation of these parameters will affect to the mechanical properties of welds (as response) was the shear strength. Response Surface Methods (RSM) was used to analyze μFSSW parameters with the shear strength of welds. From the result of experiment and analysis, it is shown that the important welding parameters in high speed μFSSW process are pin diameter and plunge speed.
Laser Technologies in Microsystems
Authors: Tomczyk Mariusz , Walczak Maria , Sęk Piotr
Published: January 2014

This article presents some results of laser processing of materials, used for the construction of microsystems and micro-sensors, e.g. Si, Al2O3 and zirconia ceramics. The necessity of faithful reproducing the geometry and dimensions in the micro-scale puts specific requirements for laser machining process. Laser micro-technologies must be conducted under conditions which ensure the perfect guidance of a well-focused laser beam, scanning at a suitable speed, and the laser pulse duration with proper repetition frequency. The amount of absorbed energy depends on wavelength of laser radiation and kind of material, which also influence on this process. All these conditions should take into account the need to maintain a small heat affected zone (HAZ). This guarantees keeping the true reproduction of micro-shapes and cutting edges with a different angle of lines even in micro-scale details. The present work confirms the possibility of using laser technology for such applications.
Application of Optical Fiber Sensors for Damage Accumulation Monitoring in Composite Structures
Authors: Blażejewski Wojciech , Gasior Pawel , Kaleta Jerzy , Rybczyński Radosław
Published: January 2014

In this paper a study of damage accumulation evaluation of highly stressed composite layer using acoustic emission method and local strain measurements by optical fiber based sensors in form of Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) is presented. The study was carried out using composite NOL-ring specimens. These kind of specimens can simulate behavior of the cylindrical part of the pressure vessel. Quasistatic and creep tests of CFRC made NOL specimens were performed. It has been shown that there is a correlation between changes in the strain field of composite material, detected by FBG optical sensors, and changes in acoustic emission signals. The possibility of a kind of calibration of composite material strain state monitoring system by AE measurements and at the same time evaluation of damage accumulation was confirmed.
Influence of the Mean Load Value in Fatigue Block Loading on Strains
Authors: Pawliczek Roland
Published: January 2014

This paper presents the results of the fatigue tests of the specimens made from S3555 steel and aluminum alloy AlCu4MgSi subjected to bending block loading with mean load value. The influence of the changes of the mean load conditions was investigated. During the tests strains were registered and relation between the load and the strains was analyzed. In the case of S355 steel it was observed, that additional hardening occurs when higher value of the mean load is applied at the beginning of the block loading. Other case, when the mean load was increased from zero to maximum, a creep effect of the material was registered. For the specimens made from aluminum alloy similar processes were not observed. The strain levels are almost the same apart from changes of the mean load in load sequence and the fatigue life of the specimens is the same.
Effect of the Exponent in the Description of Wöhler Fatigue Diagram on the Results of Calculations of Fatigue Life
Authors: Szala Grzegorz , Ligaj Bogdan
Published: January 2014

The paper presents issues concerning the calculation of fatigue life under programmable load. Aim of this study is to analyze the sensitivity of the calculation method based on the variation of the exponent m used in the description of Wöhler fatigue chart. Arbitrary adoption of the recommendations contained in the FITNET procedures in fatigue module (the path 2b for normal stress) for the value of the exponent m = 5 can lead to significant differences in the calculation of fatigue life. This is due to the fact that the value of the exponent m obtained by experimental test of constructional steels and alloy is in within wide limits of variation from 3 to 30 with mean value in excess of 5.
Based on the results of the fatigue life calculations for steel C45 and X5CrNi18-10 (1.4301) is noticeable a significant impact of exponent m on the fatigue life. This effect depends on the strain value in the load spectrum and increases with the increase of the maximum amplitude of stresses in the program Sa max.
The Use of Magnetostrictive Cores for the Vibrations Generation and Energy Harvesting from Vibration, in the Selected Frequencies of Work
Authors: Kaleta Jerzy , Kot Krzysztof , Mech Rafał , Wiewiorski Przemyslaw
Published: January 2014

The paper presents research on use of magnetostrictive cores for the recovery of energy from vibrations and its use to power low-power electronics. To achieve this goal a test stand was constructed to generate and to receive the vibrations in the measurement system at the same time. Selection of an appropriate magnetomechanical parameters of the system was an important element influencing end results. The most important were values of the prestress and magnetising field for actuators and harvesters. As a result of the investigation the device operating in a wide frequency range (up to 40 KHz) and a system for energy transportation through mechanical vibrations were developed. Moreover it was shown that the proposed solution allow information transfer in a short bursts over the same system as energy transfer.
Specifics Deformation Aluminium Alloy D16 in Conditions Additional Load Impulse
Authors: Kocańda Dorota , Hutsaylyuk Volodymyr , Czausow Mykola , Berezin Valentin , Sobchak Andriy
Published: January 2014

The technique of recording the changes in the dynamic deformation field of non-equilibrium processes in the alloys of aluminum. It was established experimentally that the structural changes are implemented in the propagation of elastic waves in the material deformation. Qualitatively be characterized distribution of high plasticity surface of the specimen and determined its size after realization of dynamic non-equilibrium processes.
Single-particle characterization of the High Arctic summertime aerosol
Authors: Sierau B. , Chang R. Y.-W. , Leck C. , Paatero J. , Lohmann U.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. Single-particle mass spectrometric measurements were carried out in the High Arctic north of 80° during summer 2008. The campaign took place onboard the icebreaker \\textit{Oden} and was part of the Arctic Summer Cloud Ocean Study (ASCOS). The instrument deployed was an Aerosol Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer (ATOFMS) that provides information on the chemical composition of individual particles and their mixing state in real-time. Aerosols were sampled in the marine boundary layer at stations in the open ocean, in the marginal ice zone, and in the pack ice region. The largest fraction of particles detected for subsequent analysis in the size range of the ATOFMS between approximately 200 nm to 3000 nm in diameter showed mass spectrometric patterns indicating an internal mixing state and a biomass burning and/or biofuel source. The majority of these particles were connected to an air mass layer of elevated particle concentration mixed into the surface mixed layer from the upper part of the marine boundary layer. The second largest fraction was represented by sea salt particles. The chemical analysis of the over-ice sea salt aerosol revealed tracer compounds that reflect chemical aging of the particles during their long-range advection from the marginal ice zone, or open waters south thereof prior to detection at the ship. From our findings we conclude that long-range transport of particles is one source of aerosols in the High Arctic. To assess the importance of long-range particle sources for aerosol–cloud interactions over the inner Arctic in comparison to local and regional biogenic primary aerosol sources, the chemical composition of the detected particles was analyzed for indicators of marine biological origin. Only a~minor fraction showed chemical signatures of potentially ocean-derived primary particles of that kind. However, a chemical bias in the ATOFMS's detection capabilities observed during ASCOS might suggest a presence of a particle type of unknown composition and source. In general, the study suffered from low counting statistics due to the overall small number of particles found in this pristine environment, the small sizes of the prevailing aerosol below the detection limit of the ATOFMS and its low hit rate. To our knowledge, this study reports on the first in-situ single-particle mass spectrometric measurements in the marine boundary layer of the High-Arctic pack-ice region.
Wildfire effects on biological properties of soils in forest-steppe ecosystems of Russia
Authors: Maksimova E. , Abakumov E.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. Soils affected by forest wildfires in 2010 in Russia were studied on postfire and mature plots near the Togljatty city, Samara region. Soil biological properties and ash composition dynamics were investigated under the forest fire affect: a place of local forest fire, riding forest fire and unaffected site by fire-control (mature) during 3 yr of restoration. Soil samples were collected at 0–15 cm. Soil biological properties was measured by the fumigation method. The analytical data obtained shows that wildfires lead to serious changes in a soil profile and soil chemistry of upper horizons. Wildfires change a chemical composition of soil horizons and increase their ash-content. Fires lead to accumulation of biogenic elements' content (P and K) in the solum fine earth. Calcium content is increased as a result of fires that leads to an alkaline pH of the solum. The values of nutrients decreased as a result of leaching out with an atmospheric precipitation during the second year of restoration. Thus, when the upper horizons are burning the ash arriving on a soil surface enrich it with nutrients. The mature (unaffected by fire) soils is characterized by the greatest values of soil microbial biomass in the top horizon and, respectively, the bigger values of basal respiration whereas declining of the both parameters was revealed on postfire soils. Nevertheless this influence does not extend on depth more than 10 cm. Thus, fire affect on the soil were recognized in decreasing of microbiological activity.
Sr2Au6Al3 and Eu2Au6Al3 – First Representatives of the Sr2Au6Zn3 Type with Aluminum Triangles
Authors: Gerke Birgit , Pöttgen Rainer
Published: January 2014

The aluminides Sr2Au6Al3 and Eu2Au6Al3 were synthesized by melting the elements in sealed tantalum tubes in a muffle or induction furnace. The samples were characterized by powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction: Sr2Au6Zn3 type, R3̄c, a = 845.1(1), c = 2177.2(3) pm, wR2=0.0263, 520 F2 values, 20 variables for Sr2Au6.18(1)Al2.82(1), and a = 838.0(1), c = 2177.1(7) pm, wR2 = 0.0276, 510 F2 values, 19 variables for Eu2Au6Al3. The gold atoms build up diamond-related networks of slightly distorted tetrahedra in the stacking sequence of the 6R polytype (289 - 296 pm Au-Au in Eu2Au6Al3). The voids left by this network are filled in an ordered manner by strontium (europium) atoms and the rare motif of Al3 triangles (286 pm Al-Al in Eu2Au6Al3). The Al3 triangles in Sr2Au6.18(1)Al2.82(1) show a small degree of Al/Au mixing.
P3HT-fiber-based field-effect transistor: Effects of nanostructure and annealing temperature
Authors: Tiwari Shashi , Takashima Wataru , Balasubramanian Sirkazhi Krithivasan , Miyajima Shougo , Nagamatsu Shuichi , Pandey Shyam Sudhir , Prakash Rajiv
Published: January 2014

Poly(3-hexylthiophene) nanofibers were prepared under ambient conditions and applied in organic field-effect transistors (FETs). Top-contact FETs with spin-coated and nanofiber-based layers were fabricated to compare their transport performance. It was found that the nanofiber FET shows a higher performance than the spin-coated one. The effects of annealing on the device performance of the nanofiber FET were also investigated from room temperature to 120 °C. The key performance characteristics of the nanofiber FET, such as carrier mobility and ON/OFF ratio, were improved by low-temperature annealing up to 80 °C. However, they were degraded by high-temperature annealing at 120 °C. The modulation of the surface morphology observed by atomic force microscopy is consistent with the change in device performance. The results of the correlation analysis of the mobility, hysteresis, and OFF current indicate that the change in FET performance is due to the disappearance of nanofiber interspaces and the removal of adsorbed molecules by temperature-controlled annealing.
Optimal fingerprinting under multiple sources of uncertainty
Authors: Hannart Alexis , Ribes Aurélien , Naveau Philippe
Published: January 2014

Detection and attribution studies routinely use linear regression methods referred to as optimal fingerprinting. Within the latter methodological paradigm, it is usually recognized that multiple sources of uncertainty affect both the observations and the simulated climate responses used as regressors. These include for instance internal variability, climate model error, or observational error. When all errors share the same covariance, the statistical inference is usually performed with the so‐called total least squares procedure, but to date no inference procedure is readily available in the climate literature to treat the general case where this assumption does not hold. Here we address this deficiency. After a brief outlook on the error‐in‐variable models literature, we describe an inference procedure based on likelihood maximization, inspired by a recent article dealing with a similar situation in geodesy. We evaluate the performance of our approach via an idealized test bed. We find the procedure to outperform existing procedures when the latter wrongly neglect some sources of uncertainty.
Determination of folates by HPLC‐chemiluminescence using a ruthenium(II)–cerium(IV) system, and its application to pharmaceutical preparations and supplements
Authors: Ikeda Rie , Ichiyama Kosuke , Tabuchi Naoto , Wada Mitsuhiro , Kuroda Naotaka , Nakashima Kenichiro
Published: January 2014

A chemiluminescence (CL) reaction of folic acid (FA) with ruthenium (II) and cerium (IV) was applied to quantify FA‐related compounds such as FA, dihydrofolic acid, tetrahydrofolic acid, 5‐methyltetrahydrofolic acid, 5‐formyltetrahydrofolic acid and methotrexate (MTX). Among the FAs, 5‐methyltetrahydrofolic acid provided the highest CL intensity. HPLC‐CL detection of FA was applied to quantify FA in pharmaceutical preparations and supplements. Analytical samples were separated on a semi‐micro ODS column with a mixture of 20 mM phosphate buffer (pH 5.7) and acetonitrile (94 : 6, v/v %). The separated samples were mixed with a post‐column CL reagent consisting of 1.5 mM Ru(bipy)32+and 1.0 mM Ce(SO4)2, then the generated CL was monitored. The calibration range for FA was 10–100 μM and the limit of detection was 1.34 μM (signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3). Repeatabilities were 4.2, 4.6 and 5.0 RSD% (10, 25, 50 μM), and the recoveries for FA supplement, vitamin B complex supplement and FA‐containing medication (tablet) were 102.4 ± 10.5, 103.3 ± 13.3 and 100.3 ± 8.5%, respectively. The described method is robust against changes in the chromatographic parameters of ± 3.3 or ± 1.5%. The measured FA content corresponded well to the labeled content of FA‐containing products (100.6–104.9%), demonstrating the precision and accuracy of this method for the evaluation of FA pharmaceutical preparations. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effective endovascular treatment of calcified femoropopliteal disease with directional atherectomy and distal embolic protection: Final results of the DEFINITIVE Ca++ trial
Authors: Roberts David , Niazi Khusrow , Miller William , Krishnan Prakash , Gammon Roger , Schreiber Theodore , Shammas Nicolas W. , Clair Daniel ,   on behalf of the DEFINITIVE Ca Investigators
Published: January 2014

Objectives

The purpose of the DEFINITIVE Ca++ study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of directional atherectomy and distal embolic protection, used together to treat moderate to severely calcified femoropopliteal lesions.

Background

Despite advances in endovascular treatment modalities, treatment of calcified lesions remains a challenge.

Methods

A total of 133 subjects with 168 moderate to severely calcified lesions were enrolled. Lesions were treated with directional atherectomy devices, coupled with distal embolic protection.

Results

The 30‐day freedom from MAE rate was 93.1%. Per angiographic core laboratory assessment, the primary effectiveness endpoint (≤50% residual diameter stenosis) was achieved in 92.0% (lower confidence bound of 87.6%) of lesions. By core lab analysis, these results did not achieve the success criteria (90%) for the primary effectiveness objective. Per site assessment, the objective was met with the endpoint being achieved in 97.0% (lower confidence bound 93.8%). A mean residual diameter stenosis of 33.3% was achieved with the directional atherectomy device. This was further decreased to 24.1% with the use of adjunctive therapy. The proportion of asymptomatic subjects [Rutherford Clinical Category (RCC) = 0] increased from 0% at baseline to 52.3% at the 30‐day follow‐up visit. In total, 88.5% of subjects experienced an improvement of one or more Rutherford categories.

Conclusions

The results of the DEFINITIVE Ca++ study demonstrate that the SilverHawk™ and TurboHawk™ atherectomy devices are safe and effective in the endovascular treatment of moderate to severely calcified lesions in the superficial femoral and/or popliteal arteries when used with the SpiderFX™ distal embolic protection device. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Integration of MDCT and fluoroscopy using C‐arm computed tomography to guide structural cardiac interventions in the cardiac catheterization laboratory
Authors: Krishnaswamy Amar , Tuzcu E. Murat , Kapadia Samir R.
Published: January 2014

Objectives

Our study was aimed at evaluation of three‐dimensional (3D)‐CT overlay onto the catheterization laboratory fluoroscopy to guide structural cardiac interventions. Background: Current imaging for structural cardiac interventions (fluoroscopy, echocardiography) may not provide adequate guidance. The ability to integrate intracardiac 3D‐CT imaging data in the cardiac catheterization laboratory may be beneficial, but has not yet been systematically studied.

Methods

Thirty‐two patients undergoing various catheterization laboratory procedures (transcatheter aortic valve replacement, paravalvular leak (PVL) closure, pulmonary vein (PV) stenting, etc.) were prospectively enrolled. The goal was to evaluate the feasibility and benefit of overlaying pre‐procedural CT data onto the real‐time procedural fluoroscopic image using the Syngo DynaCT Cardiac C‐arm CT system (Siemens Healthcare, Forcheim, Germany).

Results

The overlay was considered most helpful for patients undergoing PVL closure and PV stenting. The additional radiation exposure of the C‐arm CT was a fraction of the total procedural dose (3.5% of total skin dose and 9.1% of total DAP).

Conclusions

Overlay of 3D‐CT data onto the real‐time procedural fluoroscopy in the cardiac catheterization laboratory is feasible to aide procedural guidance. The overlay was considered most helpful for patients undergoing PVL closure and PV stenting. The additional radiation dose is a small fraction of the total dose. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Humidity Measurements in Organic Solvents Using Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Burrichter Bernd , Pasel Christoph , Luckas Michael , Bathen Dieter
Published: January 2014

Eine kontinuierliche Überwachung des Wassergehalts in einer Vielzahl polarer, organischer Lösungsmittel kann aktuell von keiner am Markt verfügbaren Messtechnik geleistet werden. Aus diesem Grund wird die Machbarkeit von Feuchtemessungen in verdampften Kohlenwasserstoffen mittels tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy erforscht, um Online‐Messungen im Spurenfeuchtebereich auch in Flüssigkeiten zu realisieren. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass reproduzierbare Messungen in unpolaren Lösungsmitteln durchgeführt werden können, wohingegen bei der Messung des Wassergehaltes in polaren Alkoholen erhebliche Probleme auftreten.
EMBO Molecular Medicine: Fast Forward
Authors: Dimmeler Stefanie , Carret Céline , Buccione Roberto
Published: January 2014

These are exciting times for translational medicine as the convergence between fundamental and clinical research comes of age. The new EMBO Press publishing platform reinforces the standing of EMBO Molecular Medicine as the journal that matches high quality, novel research with rigorous editorial and ethical standards. It will also cement the journal's global reach and relevance ‐ whether in highly active fields or explorative forays into emerging areas.
THE IMPACT OF IRRIGATION TECHNOLOGY ON THE FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF SMALLHOLDER IRRIGATION IN ZIMBABWE
Authors: Mupaso Norman , Manzungu Emmanuel , Mutambara Jackqueline , Hanyani‐Mlambo Benjamin
Published: January 2014

The study assessed the impact of irrigation technology on the financial and economic performance of smallholder irrigation in Zimbabwe. The study was conducted in 2011 in the Hamamavhaire and Mhende irrigation schemes in Chirumanzu District (south‐central Zimbabwe). A questionnaire survey was administered to 79 respondents drawn from farmers using sprinkler (n = 32), flood (n = 39) and drip (n = 8) systems. Gross margin analysis, in conjunction with cost–benefit analysis, was used to evaluate the financial and economic performance of farmers. Farmers using the sprinkler system obtained the highest total gross margin per hectare (US$2762), followed by the flood system with returns that were 21% lower (US$2191), while the drip system recorded 50% lower returns (US$1387). Economic analysis indicated the superiority of the flood system (NPV = US$36 699; IRR = 42% and BCR = 4) compared to sprinkler irrigation (NPV = US$27 813; IRR = 38%; BCR = 2) and the drip system (NPV = US$25 393; IRR = 23%; BCR = 2). While the flood system was the most desirable from the financial and economic points of view, because of low operational costs, this could be offset by negative environmental impacts. The study concluded that the choice of one particular irrigation technology over another is a fine balance between efficiencies that can be achieved and the development and operational costs. Irrigation technology alone does not determine financial and economic viability. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
LncRNAs: New Players in Gliomas, With Special Emphasis on the Interaction of lncRNAs With EZH2
Authors: Bian Er‐Bao , Li Jia , Xie Yong‐Sheng , Zong Gang , Li Jun , Zhao Bing
Published: January 2014

Gliomas are the most common primary malignancy in the brain, accounting for 50–60%. Despite all the efforts of cytoreductive surgery in combination with intense chemoradiotherapy, glioma remains an incurable disease. Recent studies have shown that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the pathology of gliomas. LncRNAs are involved in many cellular processes, such as angiogenesis, invasion, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. In this review we focus on the dysregulation of lncRNAs in gliomas. We also address that epigenetic modification such as DNA methylation and microRNAs interact with lncRNAs in gliomas. In addition, the interaction of lncRNAs with signaling pathways in gliomas is discussed systematically, with particular emphasis on the interaction of lncRNAs with EZH2. Such approaches provide valuable insights into the potential future applications of lncRNAs in the treatment of gliomas. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 496–503, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., A Wiley Company
Spent coffee ground mass solubilisation by steam explosion and enzymatic hydrolysis
Authors: Chiyanzy Idan , Brienzo Michel , García‐Aparicio Maria , Agudelo Roberto , Görgens Johann
Published: January 2014

BACKGROUND

Instant coffee production generates large amounts of a waste known as spent coffee ground (SCG), which is rich in carbohydrate (∼50%), oil and aromatic compounds.

RESULTS

Steam pretreatment by itself solubilised up to 10.7% of the SCG mass, which was recovered as soluble solids in the liquor from pretreatment. The highest extent of soluble solid recovery from pretreatment itself (10.7%) was obtained at 210°C/15 min, while milder conditions (150–190°C/10–12 min) recovered 2.6% soluble solids. Mannanase (recombinant strain of Yarrowia lipolytica) and cellulase (Acremonium, Bioshigen Co.Ltd, Japan) had an additive effect, with no indication of synergism observed. The best combinations of mannanase/cellulase cocktail for enzymatic hydrolysis were 0.5/0.82% and 0.01/0.91% (w/w), releasing 20.6% (g per 100 g raw SCG) and 22.6% (g per 100 g pretreated SCG) of soluble solids from untreated and pretreated SCG, respectively. By combining soluble solids recovered from steam pretreatment with the soluble products from subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis, a yield of 27.65% (g per 100 g SCG) was achieved.

CONCLUSION

The pretreatment was effective in generating a material more amenable to enzyme action, thus requiring reduced enzyme dosages for subsequent hydrolysis compared with untreated SCG. The combined process showed significant technical feasibility for re‐use SCG and may be considered to produce additional instant coffee product. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Identification of ZDHHC14 as a novel human tumour suppressor gene
Authors: Yeste‐Velasco Marc , Mao Xueying , Grose Richard , Kudahetti Sakunthala C , Lin Dongmei , Marzec Jacek , Vasiljević Natasa , Chaplin Tracy , Xue Liyan , Xu Maojia , Foster Julie M , Karnam Santi S , James Sharon Y , Chioni Athina‐Myrto , Gould David , Lorincz Attila T , Oliver R Tim D , Chelala Claude , Thomas Gareth M , Shipley Janet M , Mather Stephen J , Berney Daniel M , Young Bryan D , Lu Yong‐Jie
Published: January 2014

Genomic changes affecting tumour suppressor genes are fundamental to cancer. We applied SNP array analysis to a panel of testicular germ cell tumours to search for novel tumour suppressor genes and identified a frequent small deletion on 6q25.3 affecting just one gene, ZDHHC14. The expression of ZDHHC14, a putative protein palmitoyltransferase with unknown cellular function, was decreased at both RNA and protein levels in testicular germ cell tumours. ZDHHC14 expression was also significantly decreased in a panel of prostate cancer samples and cell lines. In addition to our findings of genetic and protein expression changes in clinical samples, inducible overexpression of ZDHHC14 led to reduced cell viability and increased apoptosis through the classic caspase‐dependent apoptotic pathway and heterozygous knockout of ZDHHC14 decreased cell colony formation ability. Finally, we confirmed our in vitro findings of the tumour suppressor role of ZDHHC14 in a mouse xenograft model, showing that overexpression of ZDHHC14 inhibits tumourigenesis. Thus, we have identified a novel tumour suppressor gene that is commonly down‐regulated in testicular germ cell tumours and prostate cancer, as well as given insight into the cellular functional role of ZDHHC14, a potential protein palmitoyltransferase that may play a key protective role in cancer. © 2014 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Development of a multivariable online monitoring system for the thermoforming process
Authors: Martin Peter J. , Keaney Tony , McCool Raurí
Published: January 2014

The thermoforming industry has been relatively slow to embrace modern measurement technologies. As a result researchers have struggled to develop accurate thermoforming simulations as some of the key aspects of the process remain poorly understood. For the first time, this work reports the development of a prototype multivariable instrumentation system for use in thermoforming. The system contains sensors for plug force, plug displacement, air pressure and temperature, plug temperature, and sheet temperature. Initially, it was developed to fit the tooling on a laboratory thermoforming machine, but later its performance was validated by installing it on a similar industrial tool. Throughout its development, providing access for the various sensors and their cabling was the most challenging task. In testing, all of the sensors performed well and the data collected has given a powerful insight into the operation of the process. In particular, it has shown that both the air and plug temperatures stabilize at more than 80°C during the continuous thermoforming of amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (aPET) sheet at 110°C. The work also highlighted significant differences in the timing and magnitude of the cavity pressures reached in the two thermoforming machines. The prototype system has considerable potential for further development. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:2815–2823, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Dynamic covalent side‐chain cross‐links via intermolecular oxime or hydrazone formation from bifunctional peptides and simple organic linkers
Authors: Haney Conor M. , Horne W. Seth
Published: January 2014

Peptide cyclization via chemoselective reactions between side chains has proven a useful strategy to control folded structure. We report here a method for the synthesis of side‐chain to side‐chain cyclic peptides based on the intermolecular reaction between a linear peptide functionalized with two aminooxy or hydrazide side chains and an organic dialdehyde linker. A family of oxime‐based and hydrazone‐based cyclic products is prepared in a modular and convergent fashion by combination of unprotected linear peptide precursors and various small molecule linkers in neutral aqueous buffer. The side‐chain to side‐chain linkages that result can alter peptide folding behavior. The dynamic covalent nature of the Schiff bases in the cyclic products can be utilized to create mixtures where product composition changes in response to experimental conditions. Thus, a linear peptide precursor can select one organic linker from a mixture, and a cyclic product can dynamically exchange the small molecule component of the macrocycle. Copyright © 2014 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Progress in the understanding of Ni silicide formation for advancedMOSstructures
Authors: Mangelinck D. , Hoummada K. , Panciera F. , El Kousseifi M. , Blum I. , Descoins M. , Bertoglio M. , Portavoce A. , Perrin C. , Putero M.
Published: January 2014

Metallic silicides have been used as contact materials on source/drain and gate in metal‐oxide semiconductor (MOS) structure for 40 years. Since the 65 nm technology node, NiSi is the preferred material for contact in microelectronic due to low resistivity, low thermal budget, and low Si consumption. Ni(Pt)Si with 10 at.% Pt is currently employed in recent technologies since Pt allows to stabilize NiSi at high temperature. The presence of Pt and the very low thickness (<10 nm) needed for the device contacts bring new concerns for actual devices. In this work,in situtechniques [X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray reflectivity (XRR), sheet resistance, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)] were combined with atom probe tomography (APT) to study the formation mechanisms as well as the redistribution of dopants and alloy elements (Pt, Pd…) during the silicide formation. Phenomena like nucleation, lateral growth, interfacial reaction, diffusion, precipitation, and transient phase formation are investigated. The effect of alloy elements (Pt, Pd…) and dopants (As, B…) as well as stress and defects induced by the confinement in devices on the silicide formation mechanism and alloying element redistribution is examined. In particular APT has been performed for the three‐dimensional (3D) analysis of MOSFET at the atomic scale. The advances in the understanding of the mechanisms of formation and redistribution are discussed.
Inference of bioequivalence for log‐normal distributed data with unspecified variances
Authors: Xu Siyan , Hua Steven Y. , Menton Ronald , Barker Kerry , Menon Sandeep , D'Agostino Ralph B.
Published: January 2014

Two drugs are bioequivalent if the ratio of a pharmacokinetic (PK) parameter of two products falls within equivalence margins. The distribution of PK parameters is often assumed to be log‐normal, therefore bioequivalence (BE) is usually assessed on the difference of logarithmically transformed PK parameters (δ). In the presence of unspecified variances, test procedures such as two one‐sided tests (TOST) use sample estimates for those variances; Bayesian models integrate them out in the posterior distribution. These methods limit our knowledge on the extent that inference about BE is affected by the variability of PK parameters. In this paper, we propose a likelihood approach that retains the unspecified variances in the model and partitions the entire likelihood function into two components:F‐statistic function for variances andt‐statistic function forδ. Demonstrated with published real‐life data, the proposed method not only produces results that are same as TOST and comparable with Bayesian method but also helps identify ranges of variances, which could make the determination of BE more achievable. Our findings manifest the advantages of the proposed method in making inference about the extent that BE is affected by the unspecified variances, which cannot be accomplished either by TOST or Bayesian method. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
AN ASSOCIATION BETWEEN NEIGHBOURHOOD WEALTH INEQUALITY AND HIV PREVALENCE IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
Authors: BRODISH PAUL HENRY
Published: January 2014

This paper investigates whether community-level wealth inequality predicts HIV serostatus using DHS household survey and HIV biomarker data for men and women ages 15–59 pooled from six sub-Saharan African countries with HIV prevalence rates exceeding 5%. The analysis relates the binary dependent variable HIV-positive serostatus and two weighted aggregate predictors generated from the DHS Wealth Index: the Gini coefficient, and the ratio of the wealth of households in the top 20% wealth quintile to that of those in the bottom 20%. In separate multilevel logistic regression models, wealth inequality is used to predict HIV prevalence within each statistical enumeration area, controlling for known individual-level demographic predictors of HIV serostatus. Potential individual-level sexual behaviour mediating variables are added to assess attenuation, and ordered logit models investigate whether the effect is mediated through extramarital sexual partnerships. Both the cluster-level wealth Gini coefficient and wealth ratio significantly predict positive HIV serostatus: a 1 point increase in the cluster-level Gini coefficient and in the cluster-level wealth ratio is associated with a 2.35 and 1.3 times increased likelihood of being HIV positive, respectively, controlling for individual-level demographic predictors, and associations are stronger in models including only males. Adding sexual behaviour variables attenuates the effects of both inequality measures. Reporting eleven plus lifetime sexual partners increases the odds of being HIV positive over five-fold. The likelihood of having more extramarital partners is significantly higher in clusters with greater wealth inequality measured by the wealth ratio. Disaggregating logit models by sex indicates important risk behaviour differences. Household wealth inequality within DHS clusters predicts HIV serostatus, and the relationship is partially mediated by more extramarital partners. These results emphasize the importance of incorporating higher-level contextual factors, investigating behavioural mediators, and disaggregating by sex in assessing HIV risk in order to uncover potential mechanisms of action and points of preventive intervention.
Notoparmelia, a new genus ofParmeliaceae(Ascomycota) based on overlooked reproductive anatomical features, phylogeny and distribution pattern
Authors: FERENCOVA Zuzana , CUBAS Paloma , DIVAKAR Pradeep Kumar , MOLINA M. Carmen , CRESPO Ana
Published: January 2014

The importance of the anatomy and fine morphology of reproductive structures for the systematics of the familyParmeliaceaeis highlighted by the new genusNotoparmelia, described here for Australasian species ofParmelia. These species were known to form a monophyletic lineage but correlated characters for its delimitation were lacking. A major characteristic used here for the circumscription of this genus is the overlooked apothecial anatomy. The proper exciple is reduced to one layer formed exclusively by large hyphae without any clear branching pattern and embedded in an abundant polysaccharide matrix. This feature differs from the rest ofParmeliaceaewhich have a stratified three-layered proper exciple composed of a thin hyaline layer, intermediate layer and basal cortex-like structure. The anatomy of proper exciple, together with the thickness of spore walls and other morphological characters such as lobe morphology, pseudocyphellae and rhizine type, allow a precise diagnosis of the new genus. The area of distribution is also useful for characterizing this genus. Sixteen new combinations are proposed.
Older-age care politics, policy and institutional reforms in Lithuania
Authors: JUSKA ARUNAS , CICIURKAITE GABRIELE
Published: January 2014

This study investigates the dynamics of policy reforms pertaining to care for older adults in post-socialist Lithuania. In the Soviet era social services in Lithuania were in a rudimentary stage of development. By the early 1990s a combination of long-term demographic trends such as ageing, a decline in fertility rates and an increase in divorce rates, and the impact of radical neo-liberal reforms significantly increased the number of older individuals living alone and in poverty. In response, a number of measures were undertaken to reform older-age care, resulting in decentralisation, institutional layering and institutional recalibration of social services. It is argued that the historical legacy has proved to be especially significant in the institutional development of social services by reproducing a State-centred system, although with a growing trend towards the privatisation and marketisation of social care. The role of various organised interests and civic groups, policy makers and international organisations, as well as ideologies and broader sets of cultural values in shaping social services pertaining to the care of older adults are discussed.