bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remarks on Residual Stress Measurement by Hole-Drilling and Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometry
Authors: Barile Claudia , Casavola Caterina , Pappalettera Giovanni , Pappalettere Carmine
Published: July 2014

Hole drilling is the most widespread method for measuring residual stress. It is based on the principle that drilling a hole in the material causes a local stress relaxation; the initial residual stress can be calculated by measuring strain in correspondence with each drill depth. Recently optical techniques were introduced to measure strain; in this case, the accuracy of the final results depends, among other factors, on the proper choice of the area of analysis. Deformations are in fact analyzed within an annulus determined by two parameters: the internal and the external radius. In this paper, the influence of the choice of the area of analysis was analysed. A known stress field was introduced on a Ti grade 5 sample and then the stress was measured in correspondence with different values of the internal and the external radius of analysis; results were finally compared with the expected theoretical value.
Loop Thermosyphon with Vapour Chamber: A Thermodynamic Study
Authors: Jengsooksawat S. , Rittidech S. , Booddachan K.
Published: July 2014

This research presents a case study of the rating heat transfer of a loop thermosyphon with a vapour chamber (LTVC). The dimensions of the evaporator chamber were 200 × 200 × 55, 200 × 200 × 65 and 200 × 200 × 75 mm ( W × L × H). The adiabatic and condenser section had an 8-loops thermosyphon. The length of the adiabatic and condenser section in each loop was 824 and 800 mm, respectively. The air velocity was 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 m/s with the heat input being 600, 900, and 1,200 W. The three working fluids were: water, ethanol, and R-11 with filling ratios of 20, 40, and 60% with respect to the chamber volume. The experimental data showed that the LTVC yielded the value of the relative thermal efficiency of about 1 at R-11, a filling ratio of 60%, a velocity of 0.5 m/s, and an aspect ratio of 2.5 in the study conditions. It was further found that the larger vapour chamber was superior in the rating of the heat transfer over other vapour chambers in all experimental conditions in this study.
A Study of Mixed Vegetable Dyes with Different Extraction Concentrations for Use as a Sensitizer for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Cho Kun-Ching , Chang Ho , Chen Chih-Hao , Kao Mu-Jung , Lai Xuan-Rong
Published: July 2014

Two vegetable dyes are used for the study: chlorophyll dye from sweet potato leaf extract and anthocyanin dye from extracts of blueberry, purple cabbage, and grape. The chlorophyll and anthocyanin dyes are blended in a cocktail in equal proportions, by volume. This study determines the effect of different extraction concentrations and different vegetable dyes on the photoelectric conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells. In order to make the electrode for the experiments, P25 TiO2powder was coated on the ITO conducting surface, using a medical blade, to form a thin film with a thickness of around 35 μm. The experimental results show that the cocktail dye blended using extracts of sweet potato leaf and blueberries, in the volumetric proportion 1 : 1, at a weight concentration of 40%, using an extraction temperature of50°Cand an extraction heating time of 10 min produces the greatest photoelectric conversion efficiency (η) of up to 1.57%, an open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 0.61 V, and a short-circuit current density (JSC) of 4.75 mA/cm2.
Topological Structure of Vague Soft Sets
Authors: Wang Chang , Li Yaya
Published: July 2014

We introduce vague soft topological spaces which are defined over an initial universe with a fixed set of parameters. The notions of vague soft open sets, vague soft closed sets, vague soft interior, vague soft closure, and vague soft boundary are introduced and their basic properties and relations are investigated. Furthermore, with the help of examples they established that some properties of topological spaces and soft topological spaces do not hold in vague soft topological spaces. Vague soft connectedness and vague soft compactness are also studied.
Guidance and Control of Position and Attitude for Rendezvous and Dock/Berthing with a Noncooperative/Target Spacecraft
Authors: Arantes Gilberto , Martins-Filho Luiz S.
Published: July 2014

Noncooperative target spacecrafts are those assets in orbit that cannot convey any information about their states (position, attitude, and velocities) or facilitate rendezvous and docking/berthing (RVD/B) process. Designing a guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) module for the chaser in a RVD/B mission with noncooperative target should be inevitably solved for on‐orbit servicing technologies. The proximity operations and the guidance for achieving rendezvous problems are addressed in this paper. The out‐of‐plane maneuvers of proximity operations are explored with distinct subphases, including a chaser far approach in the target’s orbit to the first hold point and a closer approach to the final berthing location. Accordingly, guidance solutions are chosen for each subphase from the standard Hill based Closhessy‐Willtshire (CW) solution, elliptical fly‐around, and Glideslope algorithms. The control is based on a linear quadratic regulator approach (LQR). At the final berthing location, attitude tracker based on a proportional derivative (PD) form is tested to synchronize the chaser and target attitudes. The paper analyzes the performance of both controllers in terms of the tracking ability and the robustness. Finally, it prescribes any restrictions that may be imposed on the guidance during any subphase which can help to improve the controllers tracking ability.
A Case Study of Anorexia Nervosa Driven by Religious Sacrifice
Authors: Davis Amelia A. , Nguyen Mathew
Published: July 2014

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is considered a relatively “modern” disorder; however, a number of scholarly works have cited examples of voluntary self-starvation dating back to several centuries. In particular, there are many examples of female starvation for religious reasons during the medieval period, with many being elevated to sainthood. We present a case of an elderly woman with AN who began restricting her diet when she was 13-years old while studying to be a nun at a Catholic convent. She reports that, during the development of her disease, she had no mirrors and, rather than restricting her diet to be thin or attractive, she restricted her diet to be closer to God in hopes of becoming a Saint. This unique case presents an opportunity to deepen our understanding of AN and the cultural context that affects its development.
Temporal and Spatial Evolution Characteristics of Disturbance Wave in a Hypersonic Boundary Layer due to Single-Frequency Entropy Disturbance
Authors: Wang Zhenqing , Tang Xiaojun , Lv Hongqing , Shi Jianqiang
Published: July 2014

By using a high-order accurate finite difference scheme, direct numerical simulation of hypersonic flow over an 8° half-wedge-angle blunt wedge under freestream single-frequency entropy disturbance is conducted; the generation and the temporal and spatial nonlinear evolution of boundary layer disturbance waves are investigated. Results show that, under the freestream single-frequency entropy disturbance, the entropy state of boundary layer is changed sharply and the disturbance waves within a certain frequency range are induced in the boundary layer. Furthermore, the amplitudes of disturbance waves in the period phase are larger than that in the response phase and ablation phase and the frequency range in the boundary layer in the period phase is narrower than that in these two phases. In addition, the mode competition, dominant mode transformation, and disturbance energy transfer exist among different modes both in temporal and in spatial evolution. The mode competition changes the characteristics of nonlinear evolution of the unstable waves in the boundary layer. The development of the most unstable mode along streamwise relies more on the motivation of disturbance waves in the upstream than that of other modes on this motivation.
External Rotator Sparing with Posterior Acetabular Fracture Surgery: Does It Change Outcome?
Authors: Ceylan Halil , Selek Ozgur , Inanir Murat , Yonga Omer , Odabas Ozgur Bahar , Sarlak Ahmet Y.
Published: July 2014

This study analyses the results of the treatment with external rotator sparing approach in acetabular fractures to determine whether muscle sparing has a positive impact on functional outcome. 20 patients with a mean age of 45.9 years (range: 26–64) that had been treated for displaced acetabular fractures were included in this series. Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) questionnaire and hip muscle strength measurement were done at the 24-month of follow-up period. The radiographic results at the final followup were excellent in 9 hips (45%), good in 6 hips (30%), fair in 4 hips (20%), and poor in one hip (5%) according to the criteria developed by Matta. The average SMFA score for all of the patients was 18.3 (range: 0–55.4). The mean dysfunctional and bother indexes were 17.2 and 20.6, respectively. The overall muscle strength deficit was 11.8%. The greatest loss of strength was in internal rotation. In patients with better postoperative reduction quality of acetabular fracture, peak torque, and maximum work of hip flexion, extension and also internal rotation maximum work deficit were significantly lower(P<0.05). Accurate initial reduction and longer postoperative muscle strengthening exercise programs seem critical to decrease postoperative hip muscle weakness after acetabular fractures.
The MicroRNAs as Prognostic Biomarkers for Survival in Esophageal Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Fu Wenbo , Pang Lijuan , Chen Yunzhao , Yang Lan , Zhu Janbo , Wei Yutao
Published: July 2014

Objectives.We performed this meta-analysis to summarize all the results from available studies, aiming delineating the prognostic role of miRNA in esophageal cancer.Design and Methods. We searched the electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, and ISI Web of Science without time restrictions for the correlative literature to aggregate the survival results. Relevant data were extracted from studies investigating the relationship between miRNAs expression and survival in esophageal cancer patients. Pooled hazard ratios of miR-21and miR-375 for OS in ESCC were calculated.Results.A total of 25 studies involving 2,258 subjects analyzed the relationship between miRNA and prognosis of EC. In all, thirty-nine miRNAs associated with prognosis were reported in these studies. The pooled HR of higher miR-21 expression compared with lower miR-21 expression in ESCC was 1.84 (95% CI: 1.41–2.40,P<0.001), which could significantly predict poorer OS in ESCC. Besides, higher miR-375 was also a significant predictor for OS in ESCC, with a pooled HR of 0.55 (95% CI: 0.42–0.72,P<0.001).Conclusions.Our results support that miR-21 and miR-375 have a prognostic role in ESCC and may be useful therapeutic targets for the treatment of ESCC and meticulous follow-up for early detection of recurrence.
On Some Classes of Linear Volterra Integral Equations
Authors: Apartsyn Anatoly S.
Published: July 2014

The sufficient conditions are obtained for the existence and uniqueness of continuous solution to the linear nonclassical Volterra equation that appears in the integral models of developing systems. The Volterra integral equations of the first kind with piecewise smooth kernels are considered. Illustrative examples are presented.
Capsule Endoscopy for Obscure Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients with Comorbid Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Shahidi Neal , Ou George , Tong Jessica , Kwok Ricky , Galorport Cherry , Law Joanna K. , Enns Robert
Published: July 2014

Background and Aim. We evaluated the association between patients with rheumatic diseases (RD) suffering from obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) and positive capsule endoscopy (CE) findings. Methods. All CE procedures performed on patients with RD and OGIB were assessed from a large database at St. Paul’s Hospital (Vancouver, BC, Canada) between December 2001 and April 2011. A positive finding on CE was defined as any pathology, including ulcers/erosions, vascular lesions, and mass lesions, perceived to be the source of bleeding. Results. Of the 1133 CEs performed, 41 (4%) complete CEs were for OGIB in patients with RD. Of these, 54% presented with overt bleeding. Mean age was 66 years. Positive findings were seen in 61% of patients. Ulcerations/erosions (36%) and vascular lesions (36%) were the most common findings. Significant differences between the RD versus non-RD populations included: inpatient status, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) use, oral steroid use, and mean Charlson index score (all P≤0.008). Similar nonsignificant trends were seen between positive and negative CEs among the RD population. Conclusions. The correlation between RD and positive CE findings is likely influenced by ongoing anti-inflammatory drug use, poorer health status, and a predisposition for angiodysplastic lesions.
Postural Hypotension Associated with Nonelastic Pantyhose during Lymphedema Treatment
Authors: Pereira de Godoy Jose Maria , Zucchi Libanore Daniel , Guerreiro Godoy Maria de Fatima
Published: July 2014

The case of a 72-year-old female patient with elephantiasis is reported. The patient was submitted to two surgeries to remove the edema. After surgery, the leg again evolved to elephantiasis and eventually she was referred to the Clinica Godoy for clinical treatment. Intensive treatment was carried out (6 to 8 hours per day) and the patient lost more than 70% of the limb volume within one week. After this loss, the volume was maintained using grosgrain compression pantyhose for 24 hours per day. During the return appointment, the patient suffered from systemic hypotension (a drop of more than 30 mmHg within three minutes) while she was standing after removing the stocking. A further investigation showed that the symptoms only appeared when the stocking was worn for 24 hours. Thus, the patient was advised to use the stocking only during the day thereby avoiding the symptoms of hypotension.
Digraph Spectral Clustering with Applications in Distributed Sensor Validation
Authors: Du Yue-Jin , Lu Hui , Zhai Li-Dong
Published: July 2014

In various sensor networks, the performances of sensors vary significantly over time, due to the changes of surrounding environment, device hardware, and so forth. Hence, monitoring the status is essential in sensor network maintenance. Spectral clustering has been employed as an enabling technique to solve this problem. However, the traditional spectral clustering is developed for undirected graph, and the naive generalization for directed graph by symmetrization of the adjacency matrix will lead to loss of network information, and thus cannot efficiently detect bad sensor nodes while applying it for sensor validation. In this paper, we develop a generalized digraph spectral clustering method. Instead of simply symmetrizing the adjacency matrix, our method takes into consideration the network circulation while clustering the sensors. The extensive simulation results demonstrate that our method outperforms the traditional spectral clustering method by increasing the bad detection ratio from 19% to 41%.
Isolated Gastric Myeloid Sarcoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Vachhani Pankit , Bose Prithviraj
Published: July 2014

Myeloid sarcoma represents the proliferation of myeloblasts of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) at extramedullary sites. While extramedullary involvement in AML is uncommon in itself, isolated myeloid sarcomas, that is, myeloid sarcomas without any bone marrow involvement, are extremely rare and pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Here, we present the case of a middle-aged woman with isolated myeloid sarcoma in the stomach—an organ seldom involved by this disease. Additionally, the literature on the epidemiology, diagnosis, pathology, prognosis, and therapeutic options in myeloid sarcomas has been reviewed.
A Comprehensive Review on Adaptability of Network Forensics Frameworks for Mobile Cloud Computing
Authors: Khan Suleman , Shiraz Muhammad , Abdul Wahab Ainuddin Wahid , Gani Abdullah , Han Qi , Bin Abdul Rahman Zulkanain
Published: July 2014

Network forensics enables investigation and identification of network attacks through the retrieved digital content. The proliferation of smartphones and the cost-effective universal data access through cloud has made Mobile Cloud Computing (MCC) a congenital target for network attacks. However, confines in carrying out forensics in MCC is interrelated with the autonomous cloud hosting companies and their policies for restricted access to the digital content in the back-end cloud platforms. It implies that existing Network Forensic Frameworks (NFFs) have limited impact in the MCC paradigm. To this end, we qualitatively analyze the adaptability of existing NFFs when applied to the MCC. Explicitly, the fundamental mechanisms of NFFs are highlighted and then analyzed using the most relevant parameters. A classification is proposed to help understand the anatomy of existing NFFs. Subsequently, a comparison is given that explores the functional similarities and deviations among NFFs. The paper concludes by discussing research challenges for progressive network forensics in MCC.
Complex Transmission Eigenvalues in One Dimension
Authors: Zhang Yalin , Wang Yanling , Shi Guoliang , Liao Shizhong
Published: July 2014

We consider all of the transmission eigenvalues for one-dimensional media. We give some conditions under which complex eigenvalues exist. In the case when the index of refraction is constant, it is shown that all the transmission eigenvalues are real if and only if the index of refraction is an odd number or reciprocal of an odd number.
Development of a GA-Fuzzy-Immune PID Controller with Incomplete Derivation for Robot Dexterous Hand
Authors: Liu Xin-hua , Chen Xiao-hu , Zheng Xian-hua , Li Sheng-peng , Wang Zhong-bin
Published: July 2014

In order to improve the performance of robot dexterous hand, a controller based on GA-fuzzy-immune PID was designed. The control system of a robot dexterous hand and mathematical model of an index finger were presented. Moreover, immune mechanism was applied to the controller design and an improved approach through integration of GA and fuzzy inference was proposed to realize parameters’ optimization. Finally, a simulation example was provided and the designed controller was proved ideal.
Induction of Boosted Immune Response in Mice by Leptospiral Surface Proteins Expressed in Fusion with DnaK
Authors: Atzingen Marina V. , Rodriguez Dunia , Siqueira Gabriela Hase , Leite Luciana C. C. , Nascimento Ana L. T. O.
Published: July 2014

Leptospirosis is an important global disease of human and veterinary concern. Caused by pathogenicLeptospira, the illness was recently classified as an emerging infectious disease. Currently available veterinarian vaccines do not induce long-term protection against infection and do not provide cross-protective immunity. Several studies have suggested the use of DnaK as an antigen in vaccine formulation, due to an exceptional degree of immunogenicity. We focused on four surface proteins: rLIC10368 (Lsa21), rLIC10494, rLIC12690 (Lp95), and rLIC12730, previously shown to be involved in host-pathogen interactions. Our goal was to evaluate the immunogenicity of the proteins genetically fused with DnaK in animal model. The chosen genes were amplified by PCR methodology and cloned into pAE, anE. colivector. The recombinant proteins were expressed alone or in fusion with DnaK at the N-terminus. Our results demonstrate that leptospiral proteins fused with DnaK have elicited an enhanced immune response in mice when compared to the effect promoted by the individual proteins. The boosted immune effect was demonstrated by the production of total IgG, lymphocyte proliferation, and significant amounts of IL-10 in supernatant of splenocyte cell cultures. We believe that this approach could be employed in vaccines to enhance presentation of antigens ofLeptospirato professional immune cells.
The Development of Biomimetic Spherical Hydroxyapatite/Polyamide 66 Biocomposites as Bone Repair Materials
Authors: Zhang Xuesong , Lu Ming , Wang Yan , Su Xiaojing , Zhang Xuelian
Published: July 2014

A novel biomedical material composed of spherical hydroxyapatite (s-HA) and polyamide 66 (PA) biocomposite (s-HA/PA) was prepared, and its composition, mechanical properties, and cytocompatibility were characterized and evaluated. The results showed that HA distributed uniformly in the s-HA/PA matrix. Strong molecule interactions and chemical bonds were presented between the s-HA and PA in the composites confirmed by IR and XRD. The composite had excellent compressive strength in the range between 95 and 132 MPa, close to that of natural bone.In vitroexperiments showed the s-HA/PA composite could improve cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. Therefore, the developed s-HA/PA composites in this study might be used for tissue engineering and bone repair.
Pore Characteristics and Hydrothermal Stability of Mesoporous Silica: Role of Oleic Acid
Authors: Choi Junhyun , Han Yosep , Park Soyeon , Park Jayhyun , Kim Hyunjung
Published: July 2014

Silicate mesoporous materials were synthesized with nonionic surfactant and their surfaces were modified by oleic acid adsorption. Infrared spectrometer, nitrogen adsorption‐desorption isotherm, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analyses were used to investigate the structure of oleic acid modified mesoporous material. The effects of heat treatment at various temperatures on oleic acid modified materials were also studied. Oleic acids on silica surfaces were found to be bonded chemically and/or physically and be capable of enduring up to 180°C. The adsorbed oleic acid improved the hydrothermal stability of mesoporous silica and assisted mesopore structure to grow more in hydrothermal treatment process by preventing the approach of water.
Genetic Diversity of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. dianthi in Southern Spain
Authors: Castaño Raúl , Scherm Barbara , Avilés Manuel
Published: July 2014

The diversity of races and prevalence of pathogenic populations of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. dianthi (Fod) were surveyed in an area in southern Spain. From 54 farms, 132 isolates were collected from wilted carnation plants. Isolates were characterized by RAPD-PCR, DNA sequence analysis of the TEF1-α gene, and race-specific molecular markers. Selected isolates from RAPD groups were phenotypically evaluated by pathogenicity tests. Data analysis showed that Fod race 2 was the most frequent and prevalent race in the study area, followed by race 1/8. Moreover, phylogenetic analyses showed similar results, which were different to those of the race-specific PCR assays. It was concluded that (i) seven isolates were not classified in groups where Fod testers were clustered; even they showed different results when race-specific markers were used, (ii) ten isolates with retarded race 1 or race 8 specific band were characterized as F. proliferatum by TEF1-α gene sequencing and clustered into an outgroup, and (iii) six isolates failed to generate an amplification signal using race-specific markers. Furthermore, three of them were grouped close to race 2 tester according to the phylogenetic analyses, showing the same differential pathogenicity as race 2. This may indicate a Fod race 2 subgroup in this region.
Unilateral Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Caused by an Occult Ganglion in the Carpal Tunnel: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Yalcinkaya Merter , Akman Yunus Emre , Bagatur A. Erdem
Published: July 2014

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) usually presents bilaterally and a secondary nature should be suspected in patients with unilateral symptoms, especially those with a long-standing history, and when the symptomatic hand shows severe neurophysiologic impairment, while the contralateral hand is neurophysiologically intact. Space-occupying lesions are known to cause CTS and the incidence of space-occupying lesions in unilateral CTS is higher than that of bilateral CTS. It is easy to detect a mass when it is palpable; however, occult lesions are usually overlooked. Whenever a patient presents with unilateral symptoms and unilateral neurophysiologic impairment, the possibility of a space-occupying lesion compressing the median nerve should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis. This study presents two cases with an occult ganglion in the carpal tunnel compressing the median nerve and causing unilateral symptoms of CTS. We stress on the importance of imaging studies in patients with unilateral symptoms that are usually not used in CTS. The reported patients were evaluated and magnetic resonance images revealed an intratunnel space-occupying lesion.
Potential Use of Halophytes to Remediate Saline Soils
Authors: Hasanuzzaman Mirza , Nahar Kamrun , Alam Md. Mahabub , Bhowmik Prasanta C. , Hossain Md. Amzad , Rahman Motior M. , Prasad Majeti Narasimha Vara , Ozturk Munir , Fujita Masayuki
Published: July 2014

Salinity is one of the rising problems causing tremendous yield losses in many regions of the world especially in arid and semiarid regions. To maximize crop productivity, these areas should be brought under utilization where there are options for removing salinity or using the salt-tolerant crops. Use of salt-tolerant crops does not remove the salt and hence halophytes that have capacity to accumulate and exclude the salt can be an effective way. Methods for salt removal include agronomic practices or phytoremediation. The first is cost- and labor-intensive and needs some developmental strategies for implication; on the contrary, the phytoremediation by halophyte is more suitable as it can be executed very easily without those problems. Several halophyte species including grasses, shrubs, and trees can remove the salt from different kinds of salt-affected problematic soils through salt excluding, excreting, or accumulating by their morphological, anatomical, physiological adaptation in their organelle level and cellular level. Exploiting halophytes for reducing salinity can be good sources for meeting the basic needs of people in salt-affected areas as well. This review focuses on the special adaptive features of halophytic plants under saline condition and the possible ways to utilize these plants to remediate salinity.
A New Auto-Bäcklund Transformation of the KdV Equation with General Variable Coefficients and Its Application
Authors: Liu Chunping
Published: July 2014

First, by improving some key steps in the homogeneous balance method, a new auto-Bäcklund transformation (BT) to the KdV equation with general variable coefficients is derived. The new auto-BT in this paper does not require the coefficients of the equation to be linearly dependent. Then, based on the new auto-BT in which there is only one quadratic homogeneity equation to be solved, an exact soliton-like solution containing 2-solitary wave is given.
A Modified Iterative Alternating Direction Minimization Algorithm for Impulse Noise Removal in Images
Authors: Guo Di , Qu Xiaobo , Wu Meng , Wu Keshou
Published: July 2014

Images are often corrupted by impulse noise. In this paper, an alternating direction minimization with continuation algorithm is modified and iteratively used to remove the impulse noise in images by exploring its self-similarity. A patch-based nonlocal operator and sparse representation are married in thel1-l1optimization model to be solved. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm outperforms typical denoising methods in terms of preserving edges and textures for both salt-and-pepper noise and random-valued impulse noise. It can be also applied to suppress impulse noise-like artifacts in real mural images.
Evaluation Standard for Safety Coefficient of Roller Compacted Concrete Dam Based on Finite Element Method
Authors: Li Bo , Zhang Zhijun , Liu Yan , Yang Shengmei
Published: July 2014

The lack of evaluation standard for safety coefficient based on finite element method (FEM) limits the wide application of FEM in roller compacted concrete dam (RCCD). In this paper, the strength reserve factor (SRF) method is adopted to simulate gradual failure and possible unstable modes of RCCD system. The entropy theory and catastrophe theory are used to obtain the ultimate bearing resistance and failure criterion of the RCCD. The most dangerous sliding plane for RCCD failure is found using the Latin hypercube sampling (LHS) and auxiliary analysis of partial least squares regression (PLSR). Finally a method for determining the evaluation standard of RCCD safety coefficient based on FEM is put forward using least squares support vector machines (LSSVM) and particle swarm optimization (PSO). The proposed method is applied to safety coefficient analysis of the Longtan RCCD in China. The calculation shows that RCCD failure is closely related to RCCD interface strength, and the Longtan RCCD is safe in the design condition. Considering RCCD failure characteristic and combining the advantages of several excellent algorithms, the proposed method determines the evaluation standard for safety coefficient of RCCD based on FEM for the first time and can be popularized to any RCCD.
Study on the Detectability of the Sky-Surface Wave Hybrid Radar
Authors: Chengyu Hou , Guo Ke , Tiange Shi , Yuxin Wang
Published: July 2014

Working in the HF (high-frequency) band and the transmitter and receiver locating separately, the sky-surface wave hybrid radar both has the capabilities of the OTHR (over-the-horizon radar) and the advantage of the bistatic radar. As the electromagnetic wave will be disturbed by the ionosphere, interfered by the sea clutter and attenuated by the sea surface, the detectability of this radar system is more complex. So, in this paper, we will discuss the problem detailedly. First of all, the radar equation is deduced based on the propagation of the electromagnetic wave. Then, how to calculate the effect of the ionosphere and the propagation loss is discussed. And an example based on the radar equation is given. At last, the ambiguity function is used to analyze the range and velocity resolution. From the result, we find that the resolution has relation with the location of the target and the height of reflection point of the ionosphere. But compared with the location, the effect of the ionospheric height can be ignored.
The Enigma of the Tinnitus-Free Dream State in a Bayesian World
Authors: De Ridder Dirk , Joos Kathleen , Vanneste Sven
Published: July 2014

There are pathophysiological, clinical, and treatment analogies between phantom limb pain and phantom sound (i.e., tinnitus). Phantom limb pain commonly is absent in dreams, and the question arises whether this is also the case for tinnitus. A questionnaire was given to 78 consecutive tinnitus patients seen at a specialized tinnitus clinic. Seventy-six patients remembered their dreams and of these 74 claim not to perceive tinnitus during their dreams (97%). This can be most easily explained by a predictive Bayesian brain model. That is, during the awake state the brain constantly makes predictions about the environment. Tinnitus is hypothesized to be the result of a prediction error due to deafferentation, and missing input is filled in by the brain. The heuristic explanation then is that in the dream state there is no interaction with the environment and therefore no updating of the prediction error, resulting in the absence of tinnitus.
Effects of Pristane Alone or Combined with Chloroquine on Macrophage Activation, Oxidative Stress, and Th1/Th2 Skewness
Authors: Ouyang Qiufang , Huang Ziyang , Wang Zhenhua , Chen Xiaoqing , Ni Jingqin , Lin Ling
Published: July 2014

We investigated the protective role of chloroquine against pristane-induced macrophage activation, oxidative stress, and Th1/Th2 skewness in C57BL/6J mice. Those mice were treated with pristane alone or combined with chloroquine. Hematological and biochemical parameters, macrophage phagocytic function, the oxidant/antioxidant index, cytokine for IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-4, and IL-6, and the isotypes of IgG2a and IgG1 were determined. And the expression of T-bet/GATA-3 and IL-12/IL-10 mRNA in spleen were analyzed by real-time PCR. We found that pristane treatment for a period of 12 or 24 weeks triggered macrophage activation syndrome, characterized by hemophagocytosis in spleen and peripheral blood, enhanced lipid phagocytosis by peritoneal macrophages in vitro, erythropenia and leucopenia, increased anti-Smith, lactic dehydrogenase, triglyceride, and ferritin, as well as hypercytokinemia of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-4, and IL-6. In parallel, a significant increase in lipid peroxidation and a decrease in superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and catalase activity, as well as a skewed Th1/Th2 balance in spleen, were observed. However, chloroquine supplementation showed a remarkable amelioration of these abnormalities. Our data indicate that pristane administration induces macrophage activation, oxidative stress, and Th1/Th2 skewness, which can be attenuated by chloroquine.
Analysis and Monitoring Results of a Building Integrated Photovoltaic Façade Using PV Ceramic Tiles in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Yen-Chieh , Chan Chi-Chang , Kuan Szu-Chi , Wang Shui-Jinn , Lee Shin-Ku
Published: July 2014

Single-crystal silicon-based solar cells laminated with tempered-glass and ceramic tiles for use in a building’s façade have been developed. The optical, thermal, and electrical properties of the proposed PV module are first evaluated, and then a wind-resistance test is carried out to evaluate the feasibility of installing it in Taiwan. The electrical and deflection characteristics of the proposed PV module did not change significantly after a 50 thermal cycling test and a 200-hour humidity-freeze test, based on IEC 61215 and a wind-resistance test. Finally, the electrical power generation ability of the proposed BIPV system with 1 kWp electrical power capacity was examined. Building information modeling software tools were used to simulate the BIPV system and carry out the energy analysis. The simulation results show a very consistent trend with regard to the actual monthly electricity production of the BIPV system designed in this work. The BIPV system was able to produce an accumulative electrical power of 185 kWh during the 6-month experimental period. In addition, the exterior temperature of the demonstration house was about 10°C lower than the surface of the BIPV system, which could reduce indoor temperature.
Bleomycin Sclerotherapy for Severe Symptomatic and Persistent Pelvic Lymphocele
Authors: Fernandes Ana Sofia , Costa Antónia , Mota Raquel , Paiva Vera
Published: July 2014

Background.Pelvic lymphoceles are frequently described as a complication of pelvic lymphadenectomy performed for surgical staging of gynaecologic malignancies.Case Report.A 72-year-old woman presented with severe symptomatic and refractory lymphocele associated with persistent lower limb lymphedema and recurrent erysipelas. After four CT fluoroscopy scan guided percutaneous catheter drainages, the lymphocele complicated with infection finally resolved with two sessions of bleomycin sclerotherapy.Conclusion.Symptomatic persistent lymphoceles require treatment and nowadays the first option is interventional radiologic procedures. Bleomycin is a safe and effective sclerosing agent and therefore should be regarded as a first-line treatment choice.
A Model Based Security Testing Method for Protocol Implementation
Authors: Fu Yu Long , Xin Xiao Long
Published: July 2014

The security of protocol implementation is important and hard to be verified. Since the penetration testing is usually based on the experience of the security tester and the specific protocol specifications, a formal and automatic verification method is always required. In this paper, we propose an extended model of IOLTS to describe the legal roles and intruders of security protocol implementations, and then combine them together to generate the suitable test cases to verify the security of protocol implementation.
Numerical Solutions of a Class of Nonlinear Volterra Integral Equations
Authors: Malindzisa H. S. , Khumalo M.
Published: July 2014

We consider numerical solutions of a class of nonlinear (nonstandard) Volterra integral equations. We first prove the existence and uniqueness of the solution of the Volterra integral equation in the context of the space of continuous functions over a closed interval. We then use one-point collocation methods with a uniform mesh to construct solutions of the nonlinear (nonstandard) VIE and quadrature rules. We conclude that the repeated Simpson's rule gives better solutions when a reasonably large value of the stepsize is used.
Agent-Based Modeling and Simulation for the Bus-Corridor Problem in a Many-to-One Mass Transit System
Authors: Xie Qinmu , Ma Shoufeng , Jia Ning , Gao Yang
Published: July 2014

With the growing problem of urban traffic congestion, departure time choice is becoming a more important factor to commuters. By using multiagent modeling and the Bush-Mosteller reinforcement learning model, we simulated the day-to-day evolution of commuters’ departure time choice on a many-to-one mass transit system during the morning peak period. To start with, we verified the model by comparison with traditional analytical methods. Then the formation process of departure time equilibrium is investigated additionally. Seeing the validity of the model, some initial assumptions were relaxed and two groups of experiments were carried out considering commuters’ heterogeneity and memory limitations. The results showed that heterogeneous commuters’ departure time distribution is broader and has a lower peak at equilibrium and different people behave in different pattern. When each commuter has a limited memory, some fluctuations exist in the evolutionary dynamics of the system, and hence an ideal equilibrium can hardly be reached. This research is helpful in acquiring a better understanding of commuter’s departure time choice and commuting equilibrium of the peak period; the approach also provides an effective way to explore the formation and evolution of complicated traffic phenomena.
LPI Optimization Framework for Target Tracking in Radar Network Architectures Using Information-Theoretic Criteria
Authors: Shi Chenguang , Wang Fei , Sellathurai Mathini , Zhou Jianjiang
Published: July 2014

Widely distributed radar network architectures can provide significant performance improvement for target detection and localization. For a fixed radar network, the achievable target detection performance may go beyond a predetermined threshold with full transmitted power allocation, which is extremely vulnerable in modern electronic warfare. In this paper, we study the problem of low probability of intercept (LPI) design for radar network and propose two novel LPI optimization schemes based on information-theoretic criteria. For a predefined threshold of target detection, Schleher intercept factor is minimized by optimizing transmission power allocation among netted radars in the network. Due to the lack of analytical closed-form expression for receiver operation characteristics (ROC), we employ two information-theoretic criteria, namely, Bhattacharyya distance and J-divergence as the metrics for target detection performance. The resulting nonconvex and nonlinear LPI optimization problems associated with different information-theoretic criteria are cast under a unified framework, and the nonlinear programming based genetic algorithm (NPGA) is used to tackle the optimization problems in the framework. Numerical simulations demonstrate that our proposed LPI strategies are effective in enhancing the LPI performance for radar network.
A Measure of Uncertainty regarding the Interval Constraint of Normal Mean Elicited by Two Stages of a Prior Hierarchy
Authors: Kim Hea-Jung
Published: July 2014

This paper considers ahierarchical screened Gaussian model(HSGM) for Bayesian inference of normal models when an interval constraint in the mean parameter space needs to be incorporated in the modeling but when such a restriction is uncertain. An objective measure of the uncertainty, regarding the interval constraint, accounted for by using the HSGM is proposed for the Bayesian inference. For this purpose, we drive a maximum entropy prior of the normal mean, eliciting the uncertainty regarding the interval constraint, and then obtain the uncertainty measure by considering the relationship between the maximum entropy prior and the marginal prior of the normal mean in HSGM. Bayesian estimation procedure of HSGM is developed and two numerical illustrations pertaining to the properties of the uncertainty measure are provided.
Dehydroabietic Acid Derivative QC2 Induces Oncosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Zhang Guang , Jiang Chunping , Wang Zhongxia , Chen Weibo , Gu Wen , Ding Yitao
Published: July 2014

Aim.Rosin, the traditional Chinese medicine, is reported to be able to inhibit skin cancer cell lines. In this report, we investigate the inhibitory effect against HCC cells of QC2, the derivative of rosin’s main components dehydroabietic acid.Methods.MTT assay was used to determine the cytotoxicity of QC2. Morphological changes were observed by time-lapse microscopy and transmission electron microscopy and the cytoskeleton changes were observed by laser-scanning confocal microscopy. Cytomembrane integrity and organelles damage were confirmed by detection of the reactive oxygen (ROS), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm). The underlying mechanism was manifested by Western blotting. The oncotic cell death was further confirmed by detection of oncosis related protein calpain.Results.Swelling cell type and destroyed cytoskeleton were observed in QC2-treated HCC cells. Organelle damage was visualized by transmission electron microscopy. The detection of ROS accumulation, increased LDH release, and decreased ATP and Δψm confirmed the cell death. The oncotic related protein calpain was found to increase time-dependently in QC2-treated HCC cells, while its inhibitor PD150606 attenuated the cytotoxicity.Conclusions.Dehydroabietic acid derivative QC2 activated oncosis related protein calpain to induce the damage of cytomembrane and organelles which finally lead to oncosis in HCC cells.
Characteristics and Prediction of RNA Structure
Authors: Li Hengwu , Zhu Daming , Zhang Caiming , Han Huijian , Crandall Keith A.
Published: July 2014

RNA secondary structures with pseudoknots are often predicted by minimizing free energy, which is NP-hard. Most RNAs fold during transcription from DNA into RNA through a hierarchical pathway wherein secondary structures form prior to tertiary structures. Real RNA secondary structures often have local instead of global optimization because of kinetic reasons. The performance of RNA structure prediction may be improved by considering dynamic and hierarchical folding mechanisms. This study is a novel report on RNA folding that accords with the golden mean characteristic based on the statistical analysis of the real RNA secondary structures of all 480 sequences from RNA STRAND, which are validated by NMR or X-ray. The length ratios of domains in these sequences are approximately 0.382L, 0.5L, 0.618L, andL, whereLis the sequence length. These points are just the important golden sections of sequence. With this characteristic, an algorithm is designed to predict RNA hierarchical structures and simulate RNA folding by dynamically folding RNA structures according to the above golden section points. The sensitivity and number of predicted pseudoknots of our algorithm are better than those of the Mfold, HotKnots, McQfold, ProbKnot, and Lhw-Zhu algorithms. Experimental results reflect the folding rules of RNA from a new angle that is close to natural folding.
Study of the Effect of Distance and Misalignment between Magnetically Coupled Coils for Wireless Power Transfer in Intraocular Pressure Measurement
Authors: Rendon-Nava Adrian E. , Díaz-Méndez J. Alejandro , Nino-de-Rivera Luis , Calleja-Arriaga Wilfrido , Gil-Carrasco Felix , Díaz-Alonso Daniela
Published: July 2014

An analysis of the effect of distance and alignment between two magnetically coupled coils for wireless power transfer in intraocular pressure measurement is presented. For measurement purposes, a system was fabricated consisting of an external device, which is a Maxwell-Wien bridge circuit variation, in charge of transferring energy to a biomedical implant and reading data from it. The biomedical implant is an RLC tank circuit, encapsulated by a polyimide coating. Power transfer was done by magnetic induction coupling method, by placing one of the inductors of the Maxwell-Wien bridge circuit and the inductor of the implant in close proximity. The Maxwell-Wien bridge circuit was biased with a 10 MHz sinusoidal signal. The analysis presented in this paper proves that wireless transmission of power for intraocular pressure measurement is feasible with the measurement system proposed. In order to have a proper inductive coupling link, special care must be taken when placing the two coils in proximity to avoid misalignment between them.
Hypertension and Cardiovascular Remodelling in Rats Exposed to Continuous Light: Protection by ACE-Inhibition and Melatonin
Authors: Simko Fedor , Pechanova Olga , Repova Bednarova Kristina , Krajcirovicova Kristina , Celec Peter , Kamodyova Natalia , Zorad Stefan , Kucharska Jarmila , Gvozdjakova Anna , Adamcova Michaela , Paulis Ludovit
Published: July 2014

Exposure of rats to continuous light attenuates melatonin production and results in hypertension development. This study investigated whether hypertension induced by continuous light (24 hours/day) exposure induces heart and aorta remodelling and if these alterations are prevented by melatonin or angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor captopril. Four groups of 3-month-old male Wistar rats (10 per group) were treated as follows for six weeks: untreated controls, exposed to continuous light, light-exposed, and treated with either captopril (100 mg/kg/day) or melatonin (10 mg/kg/day). Exposure to continuous light led to hypertension, left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and fibrosis, and enhancement of the oxidative load in the LV and aorta. Increase in systolic blood pressure by continuous light exposure was prevented completely by captopril and partially by melatonin. Both captopril and melatonin reduced the wall thickness and cross-sectional area of the aorta and reduced the level of oxidative stress. However, only captopril reduced LV hypertrophy development and only melatonin reduced LV hydroxyproline concentration in insoluble and total collagen in rats exposed to continuous light. In conclusion, captopril prevented LV hypertrophy development in the continuous light-induced hypertension model, while only melatonin significantly reduced fibrosis. This antifibrotic action of melatonin may be protective in hypertensive heart disease.
Robust Deep Network with Maximum Correntropy Criterion for Seizure Detection
Authors: Qi Yu , Wang Yueming , Zhang Jianmin , Zhu Junming , Zheng Xiaoxiang
Published: July 2014

Effective seizure detection from long-term EEG is highly important for seizure diagnosis. Existing methods usually design the feature and classifier individually, while little work has been done for the simultaneous optimization of the two parts. This work proposes a deep network to jointly learn a feature and a classifier so that they could help each other to make the whole system optimal. To deal with the challenge of the impulsive noises and outliers caused by EMG artifacts in EEG signals, we formulate a robust stacked autoencoder (R-SAE) as a part of the network to learn an effective feature. In R-SAE, the maximum correntropy criterion (MCC) is proposed to reduce the effect of noise/outliers. Unlike the mean square error (MSE), the output of the new kernel MCC increases more slowly than that of MSE when the input goes away from the center. Thus, the effect of those noises/outliers positioned far away from the center can be suppressed. The proposed method is evaluated on six patients of 33.6 hours of scalp EEG data. Our method achieves a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 99%, which is promising for clinical applications.