bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Model-Based Control Structure for Position Tracking in an Electro-Hydraulic Servo System With Acceleration Constraint
Authors: Rezayi Soheil , Arbabtafti Mohammadreza
Published: May 2017

A new variable structure control strategy consists of two separate sliding mode controllers (SMCs) with a switching mechanism designed to address position tracking problem of electro-hydraulic servo systems (EHS) with acceleration constraint, which can be found in numerous mechatronics and industrial control system applications. Examples include fatigue testing systems, plate hot rolling systems, injection molding machines, hydraulic elevators, and robotic arms. In this paper, first, a complete model of an electro-hydraulic system is proposed in which detailed mathematical descriptions for all elements are included. Not only is a more accurate model capable of providing a fertile ground for simulation studies but also it could contribute toward better results in the control approach. Furthermore, based on the variable dynamic behavior of EHS in forward and return motions, two separate SMCs synchronizing with a switching mechanism are applied. This novel approach calculates two separate control input in each instance for each dynamic behavior of the system and the switching mechanism decides which one should utilize. It is shown that the proposed control method, despite model uncertainties and external disturbances, tracks the reference position with error in scale of 10−3, and its remarkable accuracy in tracking trajectories with acceleration constraint, which has a great deal of importance in the sense of many industrial applications, is proved.
Enhancing Broadband Vibration Energy Suppression Using Local Buckling Modes in Constrained Metamaterials
Authors: Harne Ryan L. , Urbanek Daniel C.
Published: May 2017

Studies on dissipative metamaterials have uncovered means to suppress vibration and wave energy via resonant and bandgap phenomena through such engineered media, while global post-buckling of the infinitely periodic architectures is shown to tailor the attenuation properties and potentially magnify the effective damping effects. Yet, despite the promise suggested, the practical aspects of deploying metamaterials necessitates a focus on finite, periodic architectures, and the potential to therefore only trigger local buckling features when subjected to constraints. In addition, it is likely that metamaterials may be employed as devices within existing engineering systems, so as to motivate investigation on the usefulness of metamaterials when embedded within excited distributed or multidimensional structures. To illuminate these issues, this research undertakes complementary computational and experimental efforts. An elastomeric metamaterial, ideal for embedding into a practical engineering structure for vibration control, is introduced and studied for its relative change in broadband damping ability as constraint characteristics are modified. It is found that triggering a greater number of local buckling phenomena provides a valuable balance between stiffness reduction, corresponding to effective damping magnification, and demand for dynamic mass that may otherwise be diminished in globally post-buckled metamaterials. The concept of weakly constrained metamaterials is also shown to be uniformly more effective at broadband vibration suppression of the structure than solid elastomeric dampers of the same dimensions.
Complete Genome Sequence of Lytic Bacteriophage VPUSM 8 against O1 El Tor Inaba Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Al-Fendi Ali , Shueb Rafidah Hanim , Foo Phiaw Chong , Ravichandran Manickam , Yean Chan Yean
Published: May 2017

The complete genome sequence of bacteriophage VPUSM 8 against O1 El Tor Inaba
Vibrio cholerae
is reported here. The isolated VPUSM 8 has potential use in future phage therapy or as a biocontrol agent for the prevention and treatment of cholera.
Draft Genome Sequences of Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli O103 Strains Isolated from Feces of Feedlot Cattle
Authors: Noll Lance W. , Worley Jay N. , Yang Xun , Shridhar Pragathi B. , Bai Jianfa , Meng Jianghong , Caragea Doina , Nagaraja T. G.
Published: May 2017

Enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(EPEC) pathotype represents a minor proportion of
E. coli
O103 strains shed in the feces of feedlot cattle. The draft genome sequences of 13 strains of EPEC O103 are reported here. The availability of the genome sequences will help in the assessment of genetic diversity and virulence potential of bovine EPEC O103.
Genome Sequence of Acinetobacter lactucae OTEC-02, Isolated from Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Soil
Authors: Rogel-Hernandez Marco Antonio , Guerrero Gabriela , Rincón-Molina Clara Ivette , Ruiz-Valdiviezo Víctor Manuel , Cisneros-Pérez Crhistian , Castañón-Gonzalez José Humberto , López-López Aline , Martinez-Romero Esperanza , Rincón-Rosales Reiner
Published: May 2017

Acinetobacter lactucae
OTEC-02 was isolated from hydrocarbon-contaminated soils. Whole-genome sequence analysis was performed to learn more about the strain’s ability to degrade different types of recalcitrant toxic monoaromatic hydrocarbons. The genome of this bacterium revealed its genomic properties and versatile metabolic features, as well as a complete prophage.
Six-year outcomes of antivascular endothelial growth factor monotherapy for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy
Authors: Hikichi Taiichi
Published: May 2017

Objective

To evaluate the 6-year outcomes of anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) monotherapy for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).

Methods

The charts of 66 eyes of 66 patients with newly diagnosed, symptomatic, treatment-naive PCV were reviewed retrospectively. All patients were treated with 0.5 mg intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) injections for 3 months followed by as-needed reinjections based on monthly examinations until 3 years after the first IVR injection. Thereafter, anti-VEGF monotherapy was continued for another 3 years.

Results

The mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved significantly (p=0.001) 3 months after the first IVR injection (0.24±0.30 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) VA; 20/35 Snellen VA) compared with the baseline BCVA (0.34±0.37 logMAR VA; 20/44 Snellen VA). However, the improved VA returned to 0.32±0.39 logMAR unit (20/42 Snellen VA), which was not significantly different at 3 years. This level was maintained to the end of 6 years (0.36±0.37 logMAR unit; 20/46 Snellen VA). The mean numbers of anti-VEGF injections administered annually during 6 years were 5.6±2.4 (including the initial three monthly injections), 3.3±2.2, 3.3±2.9, 3.6±3.2, 3.5±2.9 and 3.3±2.7, respectively. The mean total number of injections during 6 years was 21.5±10.1.

Conclusions

The results emphasised the efficacy of anti-VEGF therapy for preserving vision and the limitations of anti-VEGF therapy in that continuous treatment is required over an extended follow-up period.
Oblique ion acoustic excitations in an ultra-relativistic degenerate dense magnetoplasma
Authors: Rahman Ata-ur , Qamar A. , Naseer S. , Naeem S.N.
Published: May 2017

The linear and nonlinear propagation of ion acoustic waves is considered in a degenerate magnetoplasma, composed of relativistic degenerate electrons and an inertial ion fluid. A linear dispersion relation is derived in the linear approximation. The Sagdeev pseudopotential approach is used to investigate the properties of arbitrary amplitude, obliquely propagating ion acoustic solitary waves. The expression for the lower and upper Mach numbers for the existence of magnetized ion acoustic solitons has also been derived. The significant influence on the properties of soliton structures of relevant physical parameters, such as the plasma number density, the obliqueness (the angle between soliton propagation direction and magnetic field), and the soliton speed is also investigated. At the end, analytical results are supplemented through numerical analysis by using typical representative parameters consistent with degenerate and ultra-relativistic magnetoplasmas of astrophysical regimes.
Non-commutative algebraic geometry of semi-graded rings
Authors: Lezama Oswaldo , Latorre Edward
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we introduce the semi-graded rings, which extend graded rings and skew Poincaré–Birkhoff–Witt (PBW) extensions. For this new type of non-commutative rings, we will discuss some basic problems of non-commutative algebraic geometry. In particular, we will prove some elementary properties of the generalized Hilbert series, Hilbert polynomial and Gelfand–Kirillov dimension. We will extend the notion of non-commutative projective scheme to the case of semi-graded rings and we generalize the Serre–Artin–Zhang–Verevkin theorem. Some examples are included at the end of the paper.
A PREDATOR-PEST MODEL WITH ALLEE EFFECT AND PEST CULLING AND ADDITIONAL FOOD PROVISION TO THE PREDATOR — APPLICATION TO PEST CONTROL
Authors: SASMAL SOURAV KUMAR , MANDAL DIBYENDU SEKHAR , CHATTOPADHYAY JOYDEV
Published: May 2017

The harmful effects of insect pests on human health and agricultural output are a major global concern. Frequent use of chemical pesticides as a means of pest control can have detrimental effects on the environment, resulting in water and soil pollution, food toxicity, resistance to pesticides, etc. As a result, there is an urgent need to develop a biological pest-control approach that would mitigate these harmful effects. The main purpose of the present study is to explore the interaction between strong Allee effects in the pest with other biological control mechanisms, such as providing additional food to the predator and pest culling as a means of proposing an efficient pest-control policy. To achieve this goal, local stability analysis around the equilibria, possible bifurcation and some basic dynamical features of the system was performed. Our work focuses on the basin of stability in multiple stable regions of the model, which yields the probability of convergence of each equilibrium for a given set of different initial conditions. The system exhibits bi-stability and tri-stability of the equilibria. Our findings indicate that providing additional food to the predator can be an efficient stand-alone pest control strategy, which can, if needed, be combined with other methods.
FORMULAE FOR MAXIMUM ESCAPE DEPTH OF REDIFFUSED ELECTRONS AND BACKSCATTERING COEFFICIENT OF METAL FILMS
Authors: XIE A. G. , LIU H. Y. , YU Y. , XIA Y. Q. , WAN T. Y.
Published: May 2017

Based on the experimental maximum escape depth [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] of rediffused electrons from atomic number [Formula: see text] metal at incident energy of primary electron [Formula: see text], the relationship among [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in the energy range of 9.3[Formula: see text]keV[Formula: see text]40[Formula: see text]keV was obtained and proved to be true by experimental data. According to the experimental results of rediffused electrons, the characteristics of secondary electron emission, relationships among parameters of rediffused electrons and the main processes of rediffused electrons emission, the formula for [Formula: see text] backscattering coefficient [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] metal films with film thickness [Formula: see text] as a function of [Formula: see text], Z and was deduced, and the results were analyzed. It is concluded that the deduced formula for [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] can be used to calculate [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] in the energy range of 9.3[Formula: see text]keV[Formula: see text]40[Formula: see text]keV. The secondary electron yield [Formula: see text] from thin films are applied in more and more fields such as electronic information technology, accelerator and space flight, and [Formula: see text], Z, [Formula: see text] is an important parameter of [Formula: see text] from [Formula: see text] metal films. So deducing the formula for [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] in this study is necessary.
Modules and abelian groups with a bounded domain of injectivity
Authors: Demirci Yilmaz Mehmet
Published: May 2017

In this work, impecunious modules are introduced as modules whose injectivity domains are contained in the class of all pure-split modules. This notion gives a generalization of both poor modules and pure-injectively poor modules. Properties involving impecunious modules as well as examples that show the relations between impecunious modules, poor modules and pure-injectively poor modules are given. Rings over which every module is impecunious are right pure-semisimple. A commutative ring over which there is a projective semisimple impecunious module is proved to be semisimple artinian. Moreover, the characterization of impecunious abelian groups is given. It states that an abelian group [Formula: see text] is impecunious if and only if for every prime integer [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] has a direct summand isomorphic to [Formula: see text] for some positive integer [Formula: see text]. Consequently, an example of an impecunious abelian group which is neither poor nor pure-injectively poor is given so that the generalization defined is proper.
Negative heat capacity for a Klein–Gordon oscillator in non-commutative complex phase space
Authors: Zaim Slimane , Guelmamene Hakim , Delenda Yazid
Published: May 2017

We obtain exact solutions to the two-dimensional (2D) Klein–Gordon oscillator in a non-commutative (NC) complex phase space to first order in the non-commutativity parameter. We derive the exact NC energy levels and show that the energy levels split to [Formula: see text] levels. We find that the non-commutativity plays the role of a magnetic field interacting automatically with the spin of a particle induced by the non-commutativity of complex phase space. The effect of the non-commutativity parameter on the thermal properties is discussed. It is found that the dependence of the heat capacity [Formula: see text] on the NC parameter gives rise to a negative quantity. Phenomenologically, this effectively confirms the presence of the effects of self-gravitation induced by the non-commutativity of complex phase space.
Cooling and Annealing Effect on Indentation Response of Lead-Free Solder
Authors: Long Xu , Feng Yihui , Yao Yao
Published: May 2017

With the development of lead-free solders in the electronic packing industry, Sn–Ag–Cu solders are one of the most promising lead-free alloys to be applied due to their outstanding mechanical property and wettability. By performing indentation experiments, the effect of cooling rate on the mechanical properties of Sn–3.0Ag–0.5Cu (SAC305) solder is investigated in typical cooling conditions (i.e., furnace cooled and water quenched) and compared with the as-machined samples of bulk solder bars from the industry. Based on continuous stiffness measurement technique, Young’s modulus and hardness are reduced by 2.3–3.9[Formula: see text]GPa and 0.053–0.085[Formula: see text]GPa, respectively, after annealing treatment for the indentation depth between 1000[Formula: see text]nm and 1100[Formula: see text]nm in samples after cooling, however, the value of hardness is independent of cooling condition. By defining the contact stiffness to represent residual stress in solder samples after cooling and annealing process, an exponential-based Oliver–Pharr model is employed to fit the unloading responses of indentation. It is found that the smaller cooling rate induces less contact stiffness and thus less residual stress. Despite different cooling conditions, the contact stiffness of unannealed and annealed solder samples are 711.8–842.5[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]N/nm and 655.2–673.4[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]N/nm, respectively. Thus, annealing treatment of 210[Formula: see text]C for 6[Formula: see text]h can effectively alleviate residual stress to a similar level for SAC305 solder samples with different cooling conditions. This conclusion is supported by the alleviation of pile-up deformation in the residual indentation after annealing treatment.
Multi-Pulse Chaotic Dynamics of Circular Mesh Antenna with 1:2 Internal Resonance
Authors: Sun Y. , Zhang W. , Yao M. H.
Published: May 2017

The multi-pulse homoclinic orbits and chaotic dynamics of an equivalent circular cylindrical shell for the circular mesh antenna are investigated in the case of 1:2 internal resonance in this paper for the first time. Applying the method of averaging, the four-dimensional averaged equation in the Cartesian form is obtained. The theory of normal form is used to reduce the averaged equation to a simpler form. Based on the simplified system, the energy phase method is employed to investigate the homoclinic bifurcations and the Shilnikov type multi-pulse chaotic dynamics. First, the energy difference function and the zeroes of the energy difference function are obtained. Then, the existence of the Shilnikov type multi-pulse orbits is determined. The homoclinic trees are depicted to describe the relationship among the layers diameter, the pulse numbers and the phase shift. Finally, we need to verify the condition which makes sure that any multi-pulse orbit departing from a slow sink comes back to the domain of attraction of one of the sinks. The results obtained here show the existence of the Shilnikov type multi-pulse chaotic motions of the circular mesh antenna. Numerical simulations are used to find multi-pulse chaotic motions. The results of the theoretical analysis are in qualitative agreement with the results obtained using numerical simulation.
Harmonic curvatures of the strip in Minkowski space
Authors: Ertem Kaya Filiz , Yavuz Ayşe
Published: May 2017

This study aimed to give definitions and relations between strip theory and harmonic curvatures of the strip in Minkowski space. Previously, the same was done in Euclidean Space (see [F. Ertem Kaya, Y. Yayli and H. H. Hacısalihoglu, A characterization of cylindrical helix strip, Commun. Fac. Sci. Univ. Ank. Ser. A1 59(2) (2010) 37–51]). The present paper gives for the first time a generic characterization of the harmonic curvatures of the strip, helix strip and inclined strip in Minkowski space.
ACM SIGSPATIAL 2016 students research competition report
Authors: Youssef Moustafa
Published: May 2017

For the first time, the ACM SIGSPATIAL 201 hosted the SIGSPATIAL ACM Student Research Competition (SRC) this year. SRC allows undergraduate and graduate students to share their research results and exchange ideas with other students, judges, and conference attendees; understand the practical applications of their research; perfect their communication skills; and receive prizes and gain recognition from ACM and the greater computing community.
Accelerating the calculation of minimum set of viewpoints for maximum coverage over digital elevation model data by hybrid computer architecture and systems
Authors: Lai Chenggang , Huang Miaoqing , Shi Xuan
Published: May 2017

This paper introduces how to accelerate the calculation of the minimum set of viewpoints for the maximum coverage over digital elevation model data using Intel's Xeon Phi and a computer cluster equipped with Intel's Many-Integrated-Core (MIC) coprocessors. This data and computation intensive process consists of a series of geocomputation tasks, including 1) the automatic generation of control viewpoints through map algebra calculation and hydrological modeling approaches; 2) the creation of the joint viewshed derived from the viewshed of all viewpoints to establish the maximum viewshed coverage of the given digital elevation model (DEM) data; and 3) the identification of a minimum set of viewpoints that cover the maximum terrain area of the joint viewshed. The parallel implementation on the hybrid computer cluster was able to achieve more than 100× performance speedup in comparison to the sequential implementation. The outcome of the computation has broad societal impacts since the research questions and solutions can be applied to real-world applications and decision-making practice.
City-scale mapping of pets using georeferenced images
Authors: Jose Aaron San , Hernandez Eduardo
Published: May 2017

We investigate the mapping of pet activity using social media. Specifically, we perform cat and dog detection in a large collection of georeferenced images in San Francisco. We compare detection based on keyword search in user-supplied tags to detection based on image content using state-of-the-art deep-learning classification methods. The resulting city-scale spatial distribution of cat and dog activity makes sense based on our knowledge of the region. Our approach represents a general framework for mapping phenomena that are difficult to observe through traditional means.
MobiGIS 2016 workshop report: The Fifth ACM SIGSPATIAL International Workshop on Mobile Geographic Information Systems
Authors: Shekhar Shashi , Damiani Maria Luisa , Chow Chi-Yin , Nourjou Reza
Published: May 2017

Combining the functionality of mobile devices (smartphones and tablets), wireless communication (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 3/4G), and positioning technologies (GPS, Assisted GPS and GLONASS) results in a new era of mobile geographic information systems (GIS) that aim at providing various invaluable services, including location-based services, intelligent transportation systems, logistics management, security and safety, etc. Many mobile GIS applications have been developed to solve challenging real-world problems and improve our quality of life.
Anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of vagal nerve stimulation combined with electroacupuncture in a rodent model of TNBS-induced colitis
Authors: Jin Haifeng , Guo Jie , Liu Jiemin , Lyu Bin , Foreman Robert D. , Yin Jieyun , Shi Zhaohong , Chen Jiande D. Z.
Published: May 2017

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects and mechanisms of vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) and additive effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on colonic inflammation in a rodent model of IBD. Chronic inflammation in rats was induced by intrarectal TNBS (2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid). The rats were then treated with sham ES (electrical stimulation), VNS, or VNS + EA for 3 wk. Inflammatory responses were assessed by disease activity index (DAI), macroscopic scores and histological scores of colonic tissues, plasma levels of TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-6, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity of colonic tissues. The autonomic function was assessed by the spectral analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) derived from the electrocardiogram. It was found that 1) the area under curve (AUC) of DAI was substantially decreased with VNS + EA and VNS, with VNS + EA being more effective than VNS ( P < 0.001); 2) the macroscopic score was 6.43 ± 0.61 in the sham ES group and reduced to 1.86 ± 0.26 with VNS ( P < 0.001) and 1.29 ± 0.18 with VNS + EA ( P < 0.001); 3) the histological score was 4.05 ± 0.58 in the sham ES group and reduced to 1.93 ± 0.37 with VNS ( P < 0.001) and 1.36 ± 0.20 with VNS + EA ( P < 0.001); 4) the plasma levels of TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6, and MPO were all significantly decreased with VNS and VNS + EA compared with the sham ES group; and 5) autonomically, both VNS + EA and VNS substantially increased vagal activity and decreased sympathetic activity compared with sham EA ( P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). In conclusion, chronic VNS improves inflammation in TNBS-treated rats by inhibiting proinflammatory cytokines via the autonomic mechanism. Addition of noninvasive EA to VNS may enhance the anti-inflammatory effect of VNS.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study to address and compare the effects of vagal nerve stimulation (VNS), electrical acupuncture (EA) and VNS + EA on TNBS (2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid)-induced colitis in rats. The proposed chronic VNS + EA, VNS, and EA were shown to decrease DAI and ameliorate macroscopic and microscopic damages in rats with TNBS-induced colitis via the autonomic pathway. The addition of EA to VNS provided a significant effect on the behavioral assessment of inflammation (DAI, CMDI, and histological score) but not on cytokines or mechanistic measurements, suggesting an overall systemic effect of EA.

View this article’s corresponding video summary at https://youtu.be/-rEz6HMkErM .
Influence of maximal fat oxidation on long-term weight loss maintenance in humans
Authors: Dandanell Sune , Husted Karina , Amdisen Signe , Vigelsø Andreas , Dela Flemming , Larsen Steen , Helge Jørn Wulff
Published: May 2017

Impaired maximal fat oxidation has been linked to obesity and weight regain after weight loss. The aim was to investigate the relationship between maximal fat oxidation (MFO) and long-term weight loss maintenance. Eighty subjects [means (SD): age, 36(13) yrs; BMI, 38(1) kg/m2] were recruited from a total of 2,420 former participants of an 11- to 12-wk lifestyle intervention. Three groups were established based on percent weight loss at follow-up [5.3(3.3) yr]: clinical weight loss maintenance (CWL), >10% weight loss; moderate weight loss (MWL), 1–10% weight loss; and weight regain (WR). Body composition (dual X-ray absorptiometry) and fat oxidation (indirect calorimetry) during incremental exercise were measured at follow-up. Blood and a muscle biopsy were sampled. At follow-up, a U-shaped parabolic relationship between MFO and percent weight loss was observed ( r = 0.448; P < 0.001). Overall differences between CWL, MWL, and WR were observed in MFO (mean [95% confidence interval], in g/min, respectively: 0.46 [0.41–0.52]; 0.32 [0.27–0.38]; 0.45 [0.38–0.51]; P = 0.002), maximal oxygen uptake (V̇o2max, in ml·min−1·FFM−1, respectively; 49 [46–51]; 43 [40–47]; 41 [39–44]; P = 0.007), HAD-activity (in µmol·g−1·min−1, respectively: 123 [113–133]; 104 [91–118]; 97 [88–105]; P < 0.001), muscle protein content of CD36 (in AU, respectively: 1.1 [1.0–1.2]; 0.9 [0.8–1.0]; 0.9 [0.8–0.9]; P = 0.008) and FABPpm (in AU, respectively, 1.0 [0.8–1.2]; 0.7 [0.5–0.8]; 0.7 [0.5–0.9]; P = 0.008), body fat (in %, respectively: 33 [29–38]; 42 [38–46]; 52 [49–55]; P < 0.001), and plasma triglycerides (in mM, respectively: 0.8 [0.7–1.0]; 1.3 [0.9–1.7]; 1.6 [1.0–2.1]; P = 0.013). CWL and WR both had higher MFO compared with MWL, but based on different mechanisms. CWL displayed higher V̇o2maxand intramuscular capacity for fat oxidation, whereas abundance of lipids at whole-body level and in plasma was higher in WR.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Impaired maximal fat oxidation has been linked to obesity and weight regain after weight loss. Noteworthy, maximal fat oxidation was equally high after clinical weight loss maintenance and weight regain compared with moderate weight loss. A high maximal fat oxidation after clinical weight loss maintenance was related to higher maximal oxygen updake, content of key proteins involved in transport of lipids across the plasma membrane and β-oxidation. In contrast, a high maximal fat oxidation after weight regain was related to higher availability of lipids, i.e., general adiposity and plasma concentration of triglycerides.
ADAMTS5 Deficiency in Calcified Aortic Valves Is Associated With Elevated Pro-Osteogenic Activity in Valvular Interstitial Cells
Authors: Li Fei , Song Rui , Ao Lihua , Reece T. Brett , Cleveland Joseph C. , Dong Nianguo , Fullerton David A. , Meng Xianzhong
Published: May 2017

Objective—

Extracellular matrix proteinases are implicated in the pathogenesis of calcific aortic valve disease. The ADAMTS5 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5) enzyme is secreted, matrix-associated metalloendopeptidase, capable of degrading extracellular matrix proteins, particularly matrilin 2. We sought to determine the role of the ADAMTS5/matrilin 2 axis in mediating the phenotype transition of valvular interstitial cells (VICs) associated with calcific aortic valve disease.

Approach and Results—

Levels of ADAMTS5, matrilin 2, and α-SMA (α-smooth muscle actin) were evaluated in calcified and normal human aortic valve tissues and VICs. Calcified aortic valves have reduced levels of ADAMTS5 and higher levels of matrilin 2 and α-SMA. Treatment of normal VICs with soluble matrilin 2 caused an increase in α-SMA level through Toll-like receptors 2 and 4, which was accompanied by upregulation of runt-related transcription factor 2 and alkaline phosphatase. In addition, ADAMTS5 knockdown in normal VICs enhanced the effect of matrilin 2. Matrilin 2 activated nuclear factor (NF) κB and NF of activated T cells complex 1 and induced the interaction of these 2 NFs. Inhibition of either NF-κB or NF of activated T cells complex 1 suppressed matrilin 2’s effect on VIC phenotype change. Knockdown of α-SMA reduced and overexpression of α-SMA enhanced the expression of pro-osteogenic factors and calcium deposit formation in human VICs.

Conclusions—

Matrilin 2 induces myofibroblastic transition and elevates pro-osteogenic activity in human VICs via activation of NF-κB and NF of activated T cells complex 1. Myofibroblastic transition in human VICs is an important mechanism of elevating the pro-osteogenic activity. Matrilin 2 accumulation associated with relative ADAMTS5 deficiency may contribute to the mechanism underlying calcific aortic valve disease progression.
Risk Factors for Pregnancy-Associated Stroke in Women With Preeclampsia
Authors: Miller Eliza C. , Gatollari Hajere J. , Too Gloria , Boehme Amelia K. , Leffert Lisa , Marshall Randolph S. , Elkind Mitchell S.V. , Willey Joshua Z.
Published: May 2017

Background and Purpose—

Preeclampsia affects 3% to 8% of pregnancies and increases risk of pregnancy-associated stroke (PAS). Data are limited on which women with preeclampsia are at highest risk for PAS.

Methods—

Using billing data from the 2003 to 2012 New York State Department of Health inpatient database, we matched women with preeclampsia and PAS 1:3 to preeclamptic controls based on age and race/ethnicity. Pre-defined PAS risk factors included pregnancy complications, infection present on admission, vascular risk factors, prothrombotic states, and coagulopathies. We constructed multivariable conditional logistic regression models to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for independent risk factors for PAS.

Results—

Among women aged 12 to 55 years admitted to New York State hospitals for any reason during the study period (n=3 373 114), 88 857 had preeclampsia, and 197 of whom (0.2%) had PAS. In multivariable analysis, women with preeclampsia and stroke were more likely than controls to have severe preeclampsia or eclampsia (OR, 7.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.6–11.3), infections present on admission (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.6–5.8), prothrombotic states (OR, 3.5; 95% CI, 1.3–9.2), coagulopathies (OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.3–7.1), or chronic hypertension (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.8–5.5). Additional analyses matched and stratified by severity of preeclampsia confirmed these results.

Conclusions—

Infections, chronic hypertension, coagulopathies, and underlying prothrombotic conditions increase PAS risk in women with preeclampsia. These women may warrant closer monitoring.
Type specimens and names assigned to Coprophanaeus (Megaphanaeus) d’Olsoufieff, 1924, the largest New World dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Phanaeini)
Authors: MALDANER MARIA E. , CUPELLO MARIO , FERREIRA DANIELA C. , VAZ-DE-MELLO FERNANDO Z.
Published: May 2017

Currently 13 species-group names assigned to the subgenus Megaphanaeus of Coprophanaeus are deemed available (or 'potentially available'), four of which denote valid species. In the present work we review the nomenclatural history of those names and conclude that two of them, Scarabaeus satelles Lichtenstein, 1796 and Copris ajax Sturm, 1826, are unavailable. For the other 11 names, we found type specimens of five, Scarabaeus bellicosus Olivier, 1789, Copris ensifer Germar, 1821, Phanaeus septentrionalis Pêssoa, 1934, P. vicinus Martínez, 1944, and P. vicinus var. argentinus Martínez, 1944. Two lectotypes are designated, one for Copris ensifer and other for Phanaeus septentrionalis. We were unable to locate the type series of the four names described by Castelnau (1840), i.e. Phanaeus ducalis, P. sylvanus, P. heros and P. miles, and of P. bonariensis Gory, 1844 and Scarabaeus lancifer Linné, 1767. For the latter, based on some iconotypes, we found that its type series was composite, including specimens of two different Megaphanaeus species, and, in addition, it was mixed with Copris ensifer type series. In order to fix the name to a sole species, a neotype is designated for Scarabaeus lancifer. The history of the names are presented in detail, and the application of these names to species is briefly re-discussed.
Improving Flexible Manifold Embedding Method for Better Recognition of Face Images
Authors: Wang Xuansheng , Lin Zheqi , Chen Zhen , Teng Zhongming
Published: May 2017

Flexible Manifold Embedding (FME) is a semi-supervised manifold learning framework with good applicability. FME can effectively exploit label information from labeled data as well as a manifold structure from both labeled and unlabeled data to reduce the dimension of data. FME employs
a simple but effective linear regression function to map new data points and it aims to find optimal prediction labels F for all training samples X, the linear regression h(X) and the regression residue F0 = F− h(X). In this
paper, we proposed a novel idea to improve the accuracy of FME. We produce the mirror image of the face and then integrate the original face image and its mirror image to extend training samples X. The mirror image shares the same class label with the original face image, so to simultaneously
use the mirror image and original face image can partially eliminate the side-effect on face recognition of the variation of poses and illuminations of original face images of the same person. The proposed method combines the advantages of the FME and extended training samples for face recognition.
Moreover, the mirror image used in the proposed method can also enhance the robustness of the method. Experiments carried out on public face databases show that the proposed method can obtain notable accuracy improvement.
Study on the Law of Concurrent Heating of Blast Furnace Slag by Taking Iron Tailings as Conditioning Agents
Authors: Jie Li , Weixing Liu , Yuzhu Zhang , Yunhua Qu , Aimin Yang , Chuangchuang Han , Zicheng Xin
Published: May 2017

Based on the heat balance principle, and by using thermodynamic software FactSage6.4 simulation software, the study analyzed the impact of the ratio of iron tailings on the thermodynamic parameters of slag system, and explored the blast furnace slag and iron tailings and the change
rule of heat transfer between the blast furnace slag and iron tailings and the influence law of the ratio of iron tailings on the temperature and concurrent heating quantity of the slag system; the study further adopted the least squares method, multiple regression analysis method to establish
the mathematical model of the temperature drop ΔT and concurrent heating quantity of the slag system; Based on the above research, the study constructed the coordinated control chart of the ratio of iron tailings, the temperature of slag fluidity, and concurrent heating quantity
so that the law of concurrent heating of the slag system by taking the iron tailings as conditioning agent was obtained.
Implementation of Chebyshev Pseudo-Spectral Method for Obtaining the Approximate Solutions of Delay Differential Equations in Fractional-Order
Authors: Babatin Mohammed M
Published: May 2017

Fractional differential equations have recently been applied in various areas of engineering, science, finance, applied mathematics, bio-engineering and others. However, many researchers remain unaware of this field. In this paper, an efficient numerical method for solving the fractional
delay differential equations (FDDEs) is considered. The method is based upon Chebyshev approximations and introduce a new approximate formula for the fractional derivative. The fractional derivative is described in the Caputo sense. Special attention is given to study the convergence analysis
and estimate the upper bound of the error of the proposed formula. The properties of Chebyshev polynomials are utilized to reduce FDDEs to linear or nonlinear system of algebraic equations. Numerical simulation and the exact solutions of FDDEs are presented.
Lithium Ion Battery Including BN Doped Graphene Electrodes
Authors: Monajjemi Majid , Ahmadin Hashem , Ahadi Maryam , Imanzadeh Mehdi , Attarikhasraghi Naime , Gholamhosseinzadeh Mohammad Reza , Malakian Fariba , Rajabzadeh Mostafa , Ilkhani Ali R
Published: May 2017

We have found the structure of (Cx-BN//(h-BN)n//Cx-BN) can be to improve the capacity and electrical transport in C-B-N sheets-based LIBs. Therefore, the modification of BN-G sheet and design of (Cx-BN//(h-BN)n//Cx-BN)
structures provide strategies for improving the performance of material based anodes in LIBs. (Cx-BN//(h-BN)n//Cx-BN) could also be assembled into free-standing electrodes without any binder or current collector, which will lead to increased
specific energy density for the overall battery design.
An Efficient Regression Testing Test Suite Optimization System with Quality Metrics
Authors: Venkatraman Prakash , Sethumadhavan Goplakrishnan
Published: May 2017

To make certain the software Quality, Software testing is one of the most significant processes in Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). Software systems develop regularly to offer the necessary functionalities and to acclimatize to ever-changing customer necessitates. Regression
testing points out to the portion of the test cycle in which a syllabus is experimented to make certain that alters do not influence characteristics such as adding novel characteristics or adapting presented characteristics that are not supposed to be influenced. The Regression testing is
used to modified versions of the software to make certain that the modified characteristics perform equally and that the changes did not generate unexpected faults, moreover known as deterioration errors. As a result, in order to spot such errors, Software regression testing is necessary.
The most important plan of the suggested system is to execute the software regression testing with a reduced amount of time and cost devoid of changing the quality. For this, we will promise the quality of the software tool in terms of quality metrics such as dependability and maintainability,
etc after optimizing the test suite. By using Improved Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm (IPSO), the test suite optimization will be prepared. With different devices such as JDepend and Rayleigh’s model, the quality metrics will be computed.
Research on Embedded Data Acquisition and Processing Based on ARM
Authors: Geng Wenbo , Zhu Xinying
Published: May 2017

With the rapid development of the computer computing, the embedded system has been widely used in industrial control, home appliances, mobile communications and other industries. This paper mainly studies the data acquisition and processing of embedded data. First, it introduces the
integrated development environment of ARM, and analyzes the operation process of LINUX on ARM. Then, it studies the data processing of the embedded system based on the principles of embedded system and presents the butterfly algorithm according to discrete Fourier transform (DFT) Principle,
which is realized on the basis of S3C2410X microprocessor. Finally, the decimation-in-time radix-2 FFT computation block diagram is established, which lays a foundation for the future programming.
Research into Dynamic Lag Effect of R&D Input on Economic Growth Based on the Vector Auto-Regression Model
Authors: You Daming , Jiang Ke
Published: May 2017

According to the panel VAR model and analysis of the dynamic relationship between China’s R&D input and economic growth based on panel data from 1995 to 2013. In this paper, co-integration test and granger causality test are used to analyze the effect of three types of R&D
investment on the performance of economic growth in China, including basic research, applied research and test experiment research. The impulse response function and variance decomposition are also used to analyze the time-lag effect of R&D Investment. The findings suggest that: the test
development research has a significantly positive effect on the growth of per capita GDP. While there is a certain lag in the function of basic research and applied research, and the basic research lag period is longer; From the perspective of influence degree, the utility of basic research
is greater than that of applied research, and the test development research has a certain effect on economic growth. Therefore, considering from the perspective of long-term development of scientific and technological strategies, the central government in China should not only maintain the
total investment of R&D funds, but also pay more attention to the coordinated development of different research funding.
Effect of Blending on the Enhancement of Electronic Properties of Biopolymers
Authors: Alghunaim Naziha Suliman
Published: May 2017

Chitosan (Cs), gelatin (Gel) and starch (Str) are blended together to investigate the effect of blending upon the electronic properties of biopolymers. Three blends namely 25%, 50% and 75% of (Cs/Gel) and (Cs/Str) respectively. FTIR were utilized to ensure the occurrence of the proposed
blend. The FTIR spectra show the occurrence of hydrogen bonding which indicated that the assigned blend is formed as a result of hydrogen bonding of NH2 and COOH terminals. Electronic properties are indicated with molecular modeling technique at PM6 semiemperical level. Modeling
results indicate that, as far as starch and gelatin ratios increased in chitosan blends, the band gap energy is decreased in one hand while the total dipole moment is increased on the other hand.
Study on Factors Influencing Physical Health Based on the SOM Network
Authors: Yang Ye , Zhang Xiaoling , Li Shihong
Published: May 2017

This paper builds a students’ physical health influencing factors analysis model based on the SOM network. First, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is adopted to confirm the weighted value of various indexes of students’ physical health influencing factors. One fourth of
the weighted value of various indexes is adopted as the gradient to divide students’ physical health grades and periods, and as the input training samples for the SOM network. Following that, the SOM network after training is analyzed for its sensitivity towards factors influencing physical
health. Results suggest that: (1) Duration and intensity of physical exercise is a deciding factor. According to the simulated results, a student with disqualified physical health can recover to a sound state by ensuring the index value of the above deciding factor to be above 0.6. (2) In
terms of a student with good physical health, when duration and intensity of his physical exercise is “0”, his physical health will be disqualified. In order to maintain the sound physical health, the index value of duration and intensity of his physical exercise must be above
0.3.
Autonomous Mission Replanning Method for Imaging Satellites Considering Real-Time Weather Conditions
Authors: He Yongming , He Lei , Wang Yuan , Xiao Yu , Chen Yingwu , Xing Lining
Published: May 2017

During the observations made by imaging satellites, meteorological factors are likely to change frequently. The vagaries of weather conditions and significant effects on the actual observation results mean that there is an urgent need to apply more intelligence to satellite mission
planning. Thus, this paper describes an autonomous replanning method for imaging satellites that considers the real-time weather conditions. Considering the characteristics of different input data, this method replans the low-yield task set and fine-tunes others to improve profitability. Moreover,
the proposed method can heuristically select the appropriate adjustment rule to achieve autonomous satellite mission planning. A series of simulations with various task quantities and in different environments shows that the proposed method can respond effectively to real-time weather changes,
and can steadily improve the total profits in a variety of weather conditions during Earth observation activities.
Synthesis and Morphological Characterization of NiO Nanoparticles Through Thermal Decomposition Method of New Solid Ni(II) Schiff Base Complex
Authors: Majthoub Moh′d Mamoun Al
Published: May 2017

New of Ni(II) Schiff base complex, [Ni(Benzthio)2], was prepared and discussed by microanalytical, magnetic susceptibility and infrared spectroscopic measurements. The thermal decomposition of nickel(II) Schiff base complex at 600 °C for 3 hrs till constant weight yielded
to NiO pure oxide in nano scale range. FT-IR spectra checked and approved the structures of Schiff base chelate, Ni(II) complex and NiO. The surface morphology of crystalline structure of NiO in nanosize was investigated using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM),
transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX).
Computation of the Removal Function for Ion Beam Figuring Curved Surface
Authors: Tang Wa , Deng Weijie , Yin Xiaolin , Xue Donglin , Zheng Ligong , Zhang Xuejun
Published: May 2017

Ion beam figuring (IBF) is a deterministic method for final figuring process of optical surface. The removal functions of IBF should be measured and calibrated strictly to guarantee the accuracy of the figuring results. The incident parameters of ion, surface profile and ion density
distribution on the surface are the main factors which affect the material removal rate within the removal function. For the curved surfaces these factors vary from point to point so that the removal functions keeps changing when figuring curved surface especially for steep surface. Unlike
the first two factors, the ion density distribution can’t be described by mathematic expression directly. Moreover, the ion is not in Gaussian distribution on the curved surface any more, which will result in variation of removal functions. Faraday cup is used to get the ion space distribution.
So that the ion density on an arbitrary point can be obtained exactly. Based on the material removal features, revision method is proposed to fix the difference of the removal functions between the curved surface and the flat surface. Through experiments and theoretical analysis, the removal
functions changes distinctly and not in Gaussian distribution. The computation method can fit the variety of the removal function effectively.
Preparation of Flower-Like ZnO Nanoparticles by High-Gravity Assisted Ammonia Decomposition Method and Their Photoluminescence Properties
Authors: Liu Zhi-Wei , Song Xiang-Dang , Liu You-Zhi , Jiao Wei-Zhou
Published: May 2017

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles with tunable particle size and photoluminescence (PL) properties were successfully prepared by a facile ammonia decomposition method in a rotating packed bed (RPB) reactor. The zinc-ammonia complex, generated from chemical process of zinc mineral, reacted
with steam to precipitate the precursor of ZnO. It was found that both the particle size of ZnO and the precipitation rates of Zn strongly depended on the steam flow rate, high-gravity level, calcination temperature. The flower-like ZnO with primary particle size of ~45 nm had improved PL
performance, which further confirmed the intensification of RPB reactor. Moreover, the results showed that the precipitation rate of Zn could reach up to 98% under the optimized conditions. It was believed that RPB reactors with well mass transfer and mixing performances, short preparation
time and low energy consumption would be a promising device for the continuous preparation of nano-ZnO materials.