bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sickness Absence and Local Benefit Cultures
Authors: Lindbeck Assar , Palme Mårten , Persson Mats
Published: October 2015

In many countries, sickness absence financed by generous insurance benefits is an important concern in the policy debate. There are strong variations in absence behavior among local geographical areas. Such variations are difficult to explain in terms of observable socioeconomic factors. In this paper, we investigate whether such variations are related to group effects in the form of social interaction among individuals within neighborhoods. Well‐known methodological problems arise when trying to answer this question. A special feature of our efforts to deal with these problems is that we adopt several alternative approaches to identify group effects. Our study is based on a rich set of Swedish panel data, and we find indications of group effects in each of our approaches.
The Long‐Run History of Income Inequality in Denmark
Authors: Atkinson Anthony B. , Søgaard Jakob Egholt
Published: October 2015

We use historical publications and micro data from tax returns to construct internationally comparable estimates of the development in income inequality in Denmark over the last 140 years. The study shows that income inequality and top income shares have declined during several distinct phases in between periods of stability. Furthermore, the quality of the Danish data allows us to analyse not only the development in top income shares but also broader inequality measures such as the Gini coefficient. These analyses show that top income shares are a good proxy for the underlying development in inequality.
Roughness based perceptual analysis towards digital skin imaging system with haptic feedback
Authors: Kim K.
Published: October 2015

Background/purpose

To examine psoriasis or atopic eczema, analyzing skin roughness by palpation is essential to precisely diagnose skin diseases. However, optical sensor based skin imaging systems do not allow dermatologists to touch skin images. To solve the problem, a new haptic rendering technology that can accurately display skin roughness must be developed. In addition, the rendering algorithm must be able to filter spatial noises created during 2D to 3D image conversion without losing the original roughness on the skin image. In this study, a perceptual way to design a noise filter that will remove spatial noises and in the meantime recover maximized roughness is introduced by understanding human sensitivity on surface roughness.

Methods

A visuohaptic rendering system that can provide a user with seeing and touching digital skin surface roughness has been developed including a geometric roughness estimation method from a meshed surface. In following, a psychophysical experiment was designed and conducted with 12 human subjects to measure human perception with the developed visual and haptic interfaces to examine surface roughness.

Results

From the psychophysical experiment, it was found that touch is more sensitive at lower surface roughness, and vice versa. Human perception with both senses, vision and touch, becomes less sensitive to surface distortions as roughness increases. When interact with both channels, visual and haptic interfaces, the performance to detect abnormalities on roughness is greatly improved by sensory integration with the developed visuohaptic rendering system.

Conclusion

The result can be used as a guideline to design a noise filter that can perceptually remove spatial noises while recover maximized roughness values from a digital skin image obtained by optical sensors. In addition, the result also confirms that the developed visuohaptic rendering system can help dermatologists or skin care professionals examine skin conditions by using vision and touch at the same time.
Clinical, ultrasound, and videodermatoscopy monitoring of psoriatic patients following biological treatment
Authors: Micali G. , Lacarrubba F. , Santagati C. , Egan C. G. , Nasca M. R. , Musumeci M. L.
Published: October 2015

Background and purpose

Effective non‐invasive techniques to monitor plaque psoriasis progression and treatment are desirable. The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in vascular pattern using videodermatoscopy (VD) and in skin thickness by ultrasound (US), along with clinical observation, during treatment with biologicals.

Methods

Forty‐two patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis treated with adalimumab, etanercept, or ustekinumab were evaluated. Following the identification of a ‘target’ plaque at baseline, lesion changes were monitored at 15, 30 and 60 days by clinical observation using a Target Lesion Score (TLS), and by VD and US.

Results

After 60 days, a significant improvement in all three parameters was observed. In adalimumab‐treated patients mean values of TLS, VD, and US were reduced by 83.9%, 73.5%, and 90%, respectively; in etanercept‐treated patients by 67.9%, 49.7%, and 79.3%; in ustekinumab‐treated patients by 80.9%, 66.4%, and 80.1%. Skin thickness was the first parameter to improve. Vascular improvement was slower compared to clinical and US responses.

Conclusion

VD and US may be useful to monitor psoriasis treatment. Further investigations are warranted to assess if the persistence of an altered vascular pattern despite clinical and US normalization, as observed in 22% of patients, may influence disease progression and/or correlate with rate and severity degree of relapse.
Quasi‐Static Single‐Component Hybrid Simulation of a Composite Structure with Multi‐Axis Control
Authors: Høgh J. , Waldbjørn J. , Wittrup‐Schmidt J. , Stang H. , Berggreen C.
Published: October 2015

This paper presents a quasi‐static hybrid simulation performed on a single component structure. Hybrid simulation is a substructural technique, where a structure is divided into two sections: a numerical section of the main structure and a physical experiment of the remainder. In previous cases, hybrid simulation has typically been applied to structures with a simple connection between the numerical model and physical test, e.g. civil engineering structures. In this paper, the method is applied to a composite structure, where the boundary is more complex i.e. 3 degrees of freedom. In order to evaluate the validity of the method, the results are compared to a test of the emulated structure – referred to here as the reference test. It was found that the error introduced by compliance in the load train was significant. Digital image correlation was for this reason implemented in the hybrid simulation communication loop to compensate for this source of error. Furthermore, the accuracy of the hybrid simulation was improved by compensating for communication delay. The test showed high correspondence between the hybrid simulation and the reference test in terms of overall deflection as well as displacements and rotation in the shared boundary.
In vitro evaluation of the hemostatic effectiveness of cryopreserved platelets
Authors: Cid Joan , Escolar Ginés , Galan Ana , López‐Vilchez Irene , Molina Patricia , Díaz‐Ricart Maribel , Lozano Miguel , Dumont Larry J.
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND

Cryopreserved platelet (CPP) concentrates exhibit a variety of morphologic and functional alterations that may affect the action of CPP with accelerated platelet (PLT) response and clotting. The objective of this study was to compare the in vitro hemostatic effect of CPP with fresh whole blood (WB) and standard 5‐day PLT concentrates (PCs).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

WB collected from eight healthy donors was used to prepare fresh WB, PLT‐depleted WB (TPN), and PLT‐restored TPN using CPP (TPN‐CPP) or PC (TPN‐PC). Clot properties were evaluated with thromboelastometry (ROTEM); adhesion and aggregate formation under high shear (Impact‐R); and PLT adhesion, aggregate formation, fibrin formation, and prothrombin activation under medium shear in a perfusion system.

RESULTS

TPN‐CPP had faster clot initiation (ROTEM clot time—TPN‐CPP 115 sec, WB 194 sec, TPN‐PC 161 sec), and CPP contributes to a strong clot with PLT involvement (maximum clot firmness—TPN‐CPP 32 mm, WB 62 mm, TPN‐PC 59 mm). The Impact‐R PLT‐covered area with TPN‐CPP was less than those of WB and PCs, but aggregate size was the same as WB. PLT coverage in perfusion studies was observed with TPN‐CPP, although generally less than both WB and PC. Fibrin was deposited with CPP‐restored samples, but did not exceed the level of WB.

CONCLUSION

CPPs present a phenotype supporting a moderate increase in the rate of clot formation, form stable PLT clots, and do not present a hypercoagulable phenotype during in vitro functional tests.
Fiber-Reinforced Elastomeric Bearings for Vibration Isolation
Authors: Kelly James M. , Van Engelen Niel C.
Published: October 2015

Fiber-reinforced elastomeric bearings were originally proposed as an alternative to conventional steel-reinforced elastomeric bearings for seismic isolation applications. The flexible fiber reinforcement is a light-weight and potentially cost saving alternative to steel reinforcement which is assumed rigid in the design process. The variety of fiber materials available also serves as an additional parameter for designers to tailor the vertical stiffness of the bearing. In this paper, the analytical solution for the vertical compression modulus of a rectangular elastomeric pad including the effects of bulk compressibility and extensibility of the fiber reinforcement is used to investigate the achievable decrease in vertical frequency. It is shown by an example that the extensibility of the fiber reinforcement can be used to significantly reduce the vertical stiffness in comparison to an equivalent steel-reinforced elastomeric bearing. The resulting decrease in the vertical frequency means that fiber-reinforced elastomeric bearings may have an advantage over steel-reinforced bearings in the vibration isolation of buildings.
Evaluation of a real‐time BeO ceramic fiber‐coupled luminescence dosimetry system for dose verification of high dose rate brachytherapy
Authors: Santos Alexandre M. Caraça , Mohammadi Mohammad , Afshar V. Shahraam
Published: October 2015

Purpose:

The authors evaluate the capability of a beryllium oxide (BeO) ceramic fiber‐coupled luminescence dosimeter, named radioluminescence/optically stimulated luminescence (RL/OSL) BeO FOD, for dosimetric verification of high dose rate (HDR) treatments. The RL/OSL BeO FOD is capable of RL and OSL measurements.

Methods:

The RL/OSL BeO FOD is able to be inserted in 6F proguide needles, used in interstitial HDR treatments. Using a custom built Perspex phantom, 6F proguide needles could be submerged in a water tank at 1 cm separations from each other. A second background fiber was required to correct for the stem effect. The stem effect, dose linearity, reproducibility, depth‐dose curves, and angular and temperature dependency of the RL/OSL BeO FOD were characterised using an Ir‐192 source. The RL/OSL BeO FOD was also applied to the commissioning of a 10 mm horizontal Leipzig applicator.

Results:

Both the RL and OSL were found to be reproducible and their percentage depth‐dose curves to be in good agreement with those predicted via TG‐43. A combined uncertainty of 7.9% and 10.1% (k = 1) was estimated for the RL and OSL, respectively. For the 10 mm horizontal Leipzig applicator, measured percentage depth doses were within 5% agreement of the published reference calculations. The output at the 3 mm prescription depth for a 1 Gy delivery was verified to be 0.99 ± 0.08 Gy and 1.01 ± 0.10 Gy by the RL and OSL, respectively.

Conclusions:

The use of the second background fiber under the current setup means that the two fibers cannot fit into a single 6F needle. Hence, use of the RL is currently not adequate for the purpose of in vivo brachytherapy dosimetry. While not real‐time, the OSL is shown to be adequate for in vivo brachytherapy dosimetry.
Optimization of the fractionated irradiation scheme considering physical doses to tumor and organ at risk based on dose–volume histograms
Authors: Sugano Yasutaka , Mizuta Masahiro , Takao Seishin , Shirato Hiroki , Sutherland Kenneth L. , Date Hiroyuki
Published: October 2015

Purpose:

Radiotherapy of solid tumors has been performed with various fractionation regimens such as multi‐ and hypofractionations. However, the ability to optimize the fractionation regimen considering the physical dose distribution remains insufficient. This study aims to optimize the fractionation regimen, in which the authors propose a graphical method for selecting the optimal number of fractions (n) and dose per fraction (d) based on dose–volume histograms for tumor and normal tissues of organs around the tumor.

Methods:

Modified linear‐quadratic models were employed to estimate the radiation effects on the tumor and an organ at risk (OAR), where the repopulation of the tumor cells and the linearity of the dose‐response curve in the high dose range of the surviving fraction were considered. The minimization problem for the damage effect on the OAR was solved under the constraint that the radiation effect on the tumor is fixed by a graphical method. Here, the damage effect on the OAR was estimated based on the dose–volume histogram.

Results:

It was found that the optimization of fractionation scheme incorporating the dose–volume histogram is possible by employing appropriate cell surviving models. The graphical method considering the repopulation of tumor cells and a rectilinear response in the high dose range enables them to derive the optimal number of fractions and dose per fraction. For example, in the treatment of prostate cancer, the optimal fractionation was suggested to lie in the range of 8–32 fractions with a daily dose of 2.2–6.3 Gy.

Conclusions:

It is possible to optimize the number of fractions and dose per fraction based on the physical dose distribution (i.e., dose–volume histogram) by the graphical method considering the effects on tumor and OARs around the tumor. This method may stipulate a new guideline to optimize the fractionation regimen for physics‐guided fractionation.
Optimized extraction of coherent arrivals from ambient noise correlations in a rapidly fluctuating medium
Authors: Woolfe Katherine F. , Sabra Karim G. , Kuperman W. A.
Published: October 2015

Ambient noise correlations can be used to estimate Green's functions for passive monitoring purposes. However, this method traditionally relies on sufficient time-averaging of the noise-correlations to extract coherent arrivals (i.e., Green's function estimates), and is thus limited by rapid environmental fluctuations occurring on short time scales while the averaging takes place. This letter demonstrates with simulation and data that the use of a stochastic search algorithm to correct and track these rapid environmental fluctuations can significantly reduce the required averaging time to extract coherent arrivals from noise correlations in a fluctuating medium.
Complete Genome Sequence of Salmonella enterica Serovar Enteritidis Bacteriophage f18SE, Isolated in Chile
Authors: Segovia Cristopher , Vasquez Ignacio , Maracaja-Coutinho Vinicius , Robeson James , Santander Javier
Published: October 2015

Bacteriophage f18SE was isolated from poultry sewage in Olmue, Chile, and lytic activity was demonstrated against
Salmonella enterica
serovar Enteritidis and serovar Pullorum strains. This bacteriophage has a 41,868-bp double-stranded DNA (ds-DNA) genome encoding 53 coding sequences (CDSs) and belongs to the family
Siphoviridae
, subfamily
Jerseyvirinae
.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Anaerolineae
Strain TC1, a Novel Isolate from a Methanogenic Wastewater Treatment System
Authors: Matsuura Norihisa , Tourlousse Dieter M. , Sun Liwei , Toyonaga Mayu , Kuroda Kyohei , Ohashi Akiko , Cruz Rodrigo , Yamaguchi Takashi , Sekiguchi Yuji
Published: October 2015

We report the draft genome sequence of
Anaerolineae
bacterium strain TC1, newly isolated from a methanogenic wastewater treatment system. The assembly contains 16 contigs in 3 scaffolds representing 3,510,630 bp in total with a G+C content of 41.35%. The genome is predicted to contain 2,793 protein-coding genes and 56 RNAs.
Draft Genome Sequence of Mariprofundus ferrooxydans Strain JV-1, Isolated from Loihi Seamount, Hawaii
Authors: Fullerton Heather , Hager Kevin W. , Moyer Craig L.
Published: October 2015

Mariprofundus ferrooxydans
strain JV-1 was isolated in 1998 from Loihi Seamount, Hawaii. Here, we present the draft genome of strain JV-1, which shows similarity to other sequenced
Mariprofundus
isolates, strains PV-1 and M34.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Streptomyces ahygroscopicus
subsp.
wuyiensis
CK-15, Isolated from Soil in Fujian Province, China
Authors: Ge Beibei , Liu Yan , Liu Binghua , Zhang Kecheng
Published: October 2015

We report the first high-quality draft genome sequence of an antibiotic (wuyiencin)-producing strain,
Streptomyces ahygroscopicus
subsp.
wuyiensis
CK-15, isolated from soil samples collected from Fujian Province, China. The 9.41-Mb genome comprises 8,311 protein-coding sequences, encodes 89 structural RNAs, and shows a G+C content of 72.25%.
Complete Genome Sequence of Bacillus megaterium Siphophage Silence
Authors: Solis Jonathan A. , Farmer Nicholas G. , Cahill Jesse L. , Rasche Eric S. , Kuty Everett Gabriel F.
Published: October 2015

Silence is a newly isolated siphophage that infects
Bacillus megaterium
, a soil bacterium that is used readily in research and commercial applications. A study of
B. megaterium
phage Silence will enhance our knowledge of the diversity of
Bacillus
phages. Here, we describe the complete genome sequence and annotated features of Silence.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Coriobacteriaceae
Strain 68-1-3, a Novel Mucus-Degrading Isolate from the Swine Intestinal Tract
Authors: Looft T. , Bayles D. O. , Alt D. P. , Stanton T. B.
Published: October 2015

A novel
Coriobacteriaceae
bacterium (strain 68-1-3) was isolated from the ileum of the swine intestinal tract using a selective mucus-based medium. Here we present the finished genome sequence for the swine commensal, totaling 1.97 Mb in size.
Whole-Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas putida Strain UASWS0946, a Highly Ammonia-Tolerant Nitrifying Bacterium Isolated from Sewage Sludge Aerobic Granules
Authors: Crovadore Julien , Calmin Gautier , Cochard Bastien , Chablais Romain , Grizard Damien , Berthon Jean-Yves , Lefort François
Published: October 2015

We report here the genome of
Pseudomonas putida
strain UASWS0946, a highly ammonia-tolerant nitrifying strain isolated from sewage sludge aerobic granules, which displays adequate genetic equipment for soil depollution, sludge treatment, and biological fertilization in agriculture.
Draft Genome Sequences of Nine Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strains, Including Eight Clinical Isolates
Authors: Jeraldo Patricio , Cunningham Scott A. , Quest Daniel , Sikkink Robert A. , O’Brien Daniel , Eckloff Bruce W. , Patel Robin , Chia Nicholas
Published: October 2015

We report on nine draft genomes of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolates, assembled using a hybrid paired-end and Nextera mate-pair library approach. Eight are of clinical origin, and one is the ATCC 27853 strain. We also report their multilocus sequence types.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Ralstonia
sp. MD27, a Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate)-Degrading Bacterium, Isolated from Compost
Authors: Zhu Morgan , McCully Lucy M. , Silby Mark W. , Charles-Ogan Tamunonengiyeofori I. , Huang Jean , Brigham Christopher J.
Published: October 2015

Ralstonia
sp. strain MD27, a novel biopolymer-degrading betaproteobacterium, was isolated from compost samples. This organism has been shown to utilize the biopolymer poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB)] as a carbon source for growth. We report the draft genome sequence of MD27 with an estimated total sequence length of 5.9 Mb.
Pradaxa-induced esophageal ulcer
Authors: Wood Michele , Shaw Paul
Published: October 2015

Pradaxa (dabigatran) is a direct thrombin inhibitor approved for prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. We describe a case of esophageal ulceration associated with Pradaxa administration in a 75-year-old man. The patient reported difficulty swallowing and a burning sensation after taking his first dose of Pradaxa. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) revealed linear ulcerations in the mid-esophagus. Pradaxa was held beginning the day before the EGD. The patient reported that his pain and difficulty swallowing resolved on stopping Pradaxa. Pradaxa is formulated with a tartaric acid excipient to reduce variability in absorption. We hypothesise that the capsule lodged in the patient's esophagus and the tartaric acid may have caused local damage resulting in an esophageal ulcer. It is important to educate patients on proper administration of Pradaxa, to decrease the risk of this rare, but potentially serious adverse event.
Pulmonary Kaposi sarcoma and disseminatedMycobacterium genavenseinfection in an HIV-infected patient
Authors: Tribuna Cindy , Ângela Cristina , Eira Isabel , Carvalho Alexandre
Published: October 2015

We report a case of Kaposi sarcoma (KS) and disseminated infection byMycobacterium genavensein a 40-year-old HIV-positive man with CD4+ T-cell count 5/µL. He presented with anorexia, diarrhoea, cachexia and multiple firm violaceous nodules distributed over the face, neck and upper and lower extremities. Biopsy of a skin nodule was performed, confirming KS. Immunoperoxidase staining for human herpesvirus 8 was strongly positive. Endoscopic examination revealed erosive duodenopathy. Multiple biopsy samples showed numerous acid-fast bacilli at direct microscopic examination. Real-time PCR (RT-PCR) identifiedM. genavense. A CT scan showed diffuse pulmonary inﬁltrates with a ‘tree-in-bud’ appearance, striking splenomegaly and abdominal lymphadenopathy. A bronchoscopy was performed, revealing typical Kaposi's lesions in the upper respiratory tract. RT-PCR of bronchial aspirate identifiedM. genavenseandPneumocystis jirovecii.Despite treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy, antimycobacterial therapy and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, the outcome was fatal.
Soldier use of dietary supplements, including protein and body building supplements, in a combat zone is different than use in garrison
Authors: Austin Krista G. , McLellan Tom M. , Farina Emily K. , McGraw Susan M. , Lieberman Harris R.
Published: October 2015

United States Army personnel in garrison who are not deployed to combat theater report using dietary supplements (DSs) to promote health, increase physical and mental strength, and improve energy levels. Given the substantial physical and cognitive demands of combat, DS use may increase during deployment. This study compared DS use by garrison soldiers with DS use by personnel deployed to a combat theater in Afghanistan. Prevalence and patterns of DS use, demographic factors, and health behaviors were assessed by survey (deployed n = 221; garrison n = 1001). Eighty-two percent of deployed and 74% of garrison soldiers used DSs ≥1 time·week–1. Logistic regression analyses, adjusted for significant demographic and health predictors of DS use, showed deployed personnel were more likely than garrison soldiers to use protein, amino acids, and combination products. Deployed females were more likely to use protein supplements and deployed males were more likely to use multivitamins, combination products, protein, and body building supplements than garrison respondents. Significantly more deployed (17%) than garrison (10%) personnel spent more than $50∙month–1on DSs. Higher protein supplement use among deployed personnel was associated with higher frequency of strength training and lower amounts of aerobic exercise for males but similar amounts of strength training and aerobic exercise for females. Protein supplements and combination products are used more frequently by deployed than garrison soldiers with the intent of enhancing strength and energy.
Increasing N200 Potentials Via Visual Stimulus Depicting Humanoid Robot Behavior
Authors: Li Mengfan , Li Wei , Zhou Huihui
Published: October 2015

Achieving recognizable visual event-related potentials plays an important role in improving the success rate in telepresence control of a humanoid robot via N200 or P300 potentials. The aim of this research is to intensively investigate ways to induce N200 potentials with obvious features by flashing robot images (images with meaningful information) and by flashing pictures containing only solid color squares (pictures with incomprehensible information). Comparative studies have shown that robot images evoke N200 potentials with recognizable negative peaks at approximately 260[Formula: see text]ms in the frontal and central areas. The negative peak amplitudes increase, on average, from [Formula: see text]V, induced by flashing the squares, to [Formula: see text]V, induced by flashing the robot images. The data analyses support that the N200 potentials induced by the robot image stimuli exhibit recognizable features. Compared with the square stimuli, the robot image stimuli increase the average accuracy rate by 9.92%, from 83.33% to 93.25%, and the average information transfer rate by 24.56[Formula: see text]bits/min, from 72.18[Formula: see text]bits/min to 96.74 bits/min, in a single repetition. This finding implies that the robot images might provide the subjects with more information to understand the visual stimuli meanings and help them more effectively concentrate on their mental activities.
Combining EEG Microstates with fMRI Structural Features for Modeling Brain Activity
Authors: Michalopoulos Kostas , Bourbakis Nikolaos
Published: October 2015

Combining information from Electroencephalography (EEG) and Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) has been a topic of increased interest recently. The main advantage of the EEG is its high temporal resolution, in the scale of milliseconds, while the main advantage of fMRI is the detection of functional activity with good spatial resolution. The advantages of each modality seem to complement each other, providing better insight in the neuronal activity of the brain. The main goal of combining information from both modalities is to increase the spatial and the temporal localization of the underlying neuronal activity captured by each modality. This paper presents a novel technique based on the combination of these two modalities (EEG, fMRI) that allow a better representation and understanding of brain activities in time. EEG is modeled as a sequence of topographies, based on the notion of microstates. Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) were used to model the temporal evolution of the topography of the average Event Related Potential (ERP). For each model the Fisher score of the sequence is calculated by taking the gradient of the trained model parameters. The Fisher score describes how this sequence deviates from the learned HMM. Canonical Partial Least Squares (CPLS) were used to decompose the two datasets and fuse the EEG and fMRI features. In order to test the effectiveness of this method, the results of this methodology were compared with the results of CPLS using the average ERP signal of a single channel. The presented methodology was able to derive components that co-vary between EEG and fMRI and present significant differences between the two tasks.
Complex balanced spaces
Authors: Fu Jixiang , Meng Lingxu , Xia Wei
Published: October 2015

In this paper, the concept of balanced manifolds is generalized to reduced complex spaces: the class [Formula: see text] and balanced spaces. Compared with the case of Kählerian, the class [Formula: see text] is similar to the Fujiki class [Formula: see text] and the balanced space is similar to the Kähler space. Some properties about these complex spaces are obtained, and the relations between the balanced spaces and the class [Formula: see text] are studied.
Fully Differential Difference Amplifier for Low-Noise and Low-Distortion Applications
Authors: Arbet Daniel , Nagy Gabriel , Kováč Martin , Stopjaková Viera
Published: October 2015

In this paper, a fully differential difference amplifier (FDDA) designed in 0.35[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m CMOS technology is presented. The proposed amplifier reaches high dynamic range (DR) and low input referred noise. Comparison of noise performance of the proposed FDDA to an ordinary differential amplifier has been performed. Achieved results prove that the developed amplifier circuit can be advantageously used in applications that require a fully differential signal. Then, simulation results have been verified by the measurement of prototyped chips. In our work, the proposed amplifier was experimentally employed in the analog frontend of the readout interface (RI) for a Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems (MEMS) capacitive microphone.
A New Array Multiplier Using an Optimized Carry Network and Dynamic CMOS Technology
Authors: Asadi Pouya
Published: October 2015

In this paper, a new multiplier using array architecture and a fast carry network tree is presented which uses dynamic CMOS technology. Different reforms are performed in multiplier architecture. In the first step of multiplier operator, a novel radix-16 modified Booth encoder is presented which reduces the number of partial products efficiently. In this research, we present a new algorithm for partial product reduction in multiplication operations. The algorithm is based on the implementation of compressor elements by means of carry network. The structure of these compressors into reduction trees takes advantage of the modified Wallace tree for integration of adder cells and provides an alternative to conventional operator methods. We show several reduction techniques that illustrate the proposed method and describe carry-skip examples that combine dynamic CMOS with classic conventional compressors in order to modify each scheme. In network multiplier, a novel low power high-speed adder cell is presented which uses 14 transistors in its structure. Critical path is minimized to reduce latency in whole operator architecture. Final adder of multiplier uses an optimized carry hybrid adder. The presented final adder network uses dynamic CMOS technology. It sums two final operands in a very efficient way, which has significant effect in operator structure. Presented multiplier reduces latency by 12%, decreases transistor count by 8% and modifies noise problem in an efficient way in comparison with other structures.
Timing Skew Calibration Method for TIADC-Based 20 GSPS Digital Storage Oscilloscope
Authors: Yang Kuojun , Shi Jiali , Tian Shulin , Huang Wuhuang , Ye Peng
Published: October 2015

Time-interleaved technique is widely used to increase the sampling rate of analog-to-digital converter (ADC). However, the channel mismatches degrade the performance of time-interleaved ADC (TIADC). When input signal frequency is very high, timing skews have significant effect on distortion. Therefore, a new timing skew calibration method is proposed in this paper. This method is based on the truth that timing skews are related to the product of the outputs of sub-ADCs. After timing skews are estimated, the digital controlled delay elements (DCDE) in ADC and phase locked loop (PLL) are utilized to calibrate timing skews. No auxiliary circuit and digital filter are needed for this calibration method. Simulation results show that the proposed method can estimate timing skew accurately. It is also proved that an accurate estimation can be obtained even the signal to noise ratio (SNR) of input signal is 20[Formula: see text]dB. The proposed method is employed to calibrate timing skews in a 16-channel TIADC-based 20[Formula: see text]GSPS digital storage oscilloscope (DSO). The experiment results demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed method. We can see that after timing skews are calibrated, the spectrum spurs have been effectively eliminated.
Nucleon spin structure
Authors: Zhu Wei , Ruan Jianhong
Published: October 2015

This paper contains three parts relating to the nucleon spin structure in a simple picture of the nucleon: (i) The polarized gluon distribution in the proton is dynamically predicted starting from a low scale by using a nonlinear quantum chromodynamics (QCD) evolution equation — the Dokshitzer–Gribov–Lipatov–Altarelli–Paris (DGLAP) equation with the parton recombination corrections, where the nucleon is almost consisted only of valence quarks. We find that the contribution of the gluon polarization to the nucleon spin structure is much larger than the predictions of most other theories. This result suggests that a significant orbital angular momentum of the gluons is required to balance the gluon spin momentum. (ii) The spin structure function [Formula: see text] of the proton is studied, where the perturbative evolution of parton distributions and nonperturbative vector meson dominance (VMD) model are used. We predict [Formula: see text] asymptotic behavior at small x from lower Q2to higher Q2. The results are compatible with the data including the early HERA estimations and COMPASS new results. (iii) The generalized Gerasimov–Drell–Hearn (GDH) sum rule is understood based on the polarized parton distributions of the proton with the higher twist contributions. A simple parameterized formula is proposed to clearly present the contributions of different components in the proton to [Formula: see text]. The results suggest a possible extended objects with size 0.2–0.3 fm inside the proton.
ControlIt! — A Software Framework for Whole-Body Operational Space Control
Authors: Fok Chien-Liang , Johnson Gwendolyn , Yamokoski John D. , Mok Aloysius , Sentis Luis
Published: October 2015

Whole Body Operational Space Control (WBOSC) enables floating-base highly redundant robots to achieve unified motion/force control of one or more operational space objectives while adhering to physical constraints. It is a pioneering algorithm in the field of human-centered Whole-Body Control (WBC). Although there are extensive studies on the algorithms and theory behind WBOSC, limited studies exist on the software architecture and APIs that enable WBOSC to perform and be integrated into a larger system. In this paper, we address this by presenting ControlIt!, a new open-source software framework for WBOSC. Unlike previous implementations, ControlIt! is multi-threaded to increase maximum servo frequencies using standard PC hardware. A new parameter binding mechanism enables tight integration between ControlIt! and external processes via an extensible set of transport protocols. To support a new robot, only two plugins and a URDF model is needed — the rest of ControlIt! remains unchanged. New WBC primitives can be added by writing Task or Constraint plugins. ControlIt!’s capabilities are demonstrated on Dreamer, a 16-DOF torque controlled humanoid upper body robot containing both series elastic and co-actuated joints, and using it to perform a product disassembly task. Using this testbed, we show that ControlIt! can achieve average servo latencies of about 0.5[Formula: see text]ms when configured with two Cartesian position tasks, two orientation tasks, and a lower priority posture task. This is 10 times faster than the 5[Formula: see text]ms that was achieved using UTA-WBC, the prototype implementation of WBOSC that is both application and platform-specific. Variations in the product’s position is handled by updating the goal of the Cartesian position task. ControlIt!’s source code is released under LGPL and we hope it will be adopted and maintained by the WBC community for the long term as a platform for WBC development and integration.
A general Kastler–Kalau–Walze type theorem for manifolds with boundary
Authors: Wang Jian , Wang Yong
Published: October 2015

In this paper, we establish a general Kastler–Kalau–Walze type theorem for any dimensional manifolds with boundary which generalizes the results in [Y. Wang, Lower-dimensional volumes and Kastler–Kalau–Walze type theorem for manifolds with boundary, Commun. Theor. Phys. 54 (2010) 38–42]. This solves a problem of the referee of [J. Wang and Y. Wang, A Kastler–Kalau–Walze type theorem for five-dimensional manifolds with boundary, Int. J. Geom. Meth. Mod. Phys. 12(5) (2015), Article ID: 1550064, 34 pp.], which is a general expression of the lower dimensional volumes in terms of the geometric data on the manifold.
CHANCE NON-CONTROL AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Authors: ANTONCIC BOSTJAN , ANTONCIC JASNA AUER , GANTAR MATJAZ , LI ZHAOYANG , KAKKONEN MARJA-LIISA
Published: October 2015

The personality of entrepreneurs can have a large influence on entrepreneurial startups. The general locus of control, which is an element of the personality of entrepreneurs, is considered to be critical for the creation of entrepreneurial startups. Despite the generally acknowledged importance of one’s locus of control for entrepreneurial intentions and new firm startups, a research gap exists because less emphasis has been given to external locus of control, in particular chance control. Chance non-control can be defined as a person’s disbelief in chance- or luck-based outcomes. In this study, a country-moderated hypothesis about the relationship between a person’s chance non-control and his or her entrepreneurship (activities or intentions) was developed and empirically tested by using data collected through a structured questionnaire from 645 students in three countries (China, Finland and Slovenia). Regression analysis was used to test the hypothesis. Based on the findings, which are partially in support of the moderated hypothesis, recommendations for research and practice are proposed. The key contribution of the study is the explanation of the role of chance non-control in entrepreneurship and the notion the relationship between chance non-control and entrepreneurship tends to be moderated depending on uncertainty avoidance.
UNDERSTANDING CONSUMERS' PREDISPOSITIONS TOWARD NEW TECHNOLOGICAL PRODUCTS: TAXONOMY AND IMPLICATIONS FOR ADOPTION BEHAVIOUR
Authors: STOCK RUTH MARIA , SCHULZ CHRISTIAN
Published: October 2015

Consumers' rapid adoption of new products is a key factor in firms' market success. To adequately address consumer requirements and thereby increase their adoption of technological products, firms need knowledge about consumers' predispositions toward those products. Some consumers are simply more ready to adopt new products than others, which leaves firms puzzled as to how they should optimally market their new products. This study proposes a taxonomy, based on consumers' predispositions toward technological products. Relying on trait theory and data from 738 consumers, it identifies four consumer patterns that differ in their adoption behaviour. More intrinsically oriented consumers (i.e., technology all-rounders and hedonic technology users), driven by fun and their interest in technological products, express relatively high speed of adoption. In contrast, consumers who are directed by an extrinsic orientation (i.e., utilitarian technology users) or who score low on both intrinsic and extrinsic orientation (i.e., technology stragglers) exhibit the strongest reluctance to adopt new products.
A note on arithmetical functions with absolutely convergent Ramanujan expansions
Authors: Saha Biswajyoti
Published: October 2015

Arithmetical functions with absolutely convergent Ramanujan expansions have been recently studied in certain contexts, by the present author, Murty and many others. In this article, we aim to weaken some of their hypotheses and derive asymptotic formulas with an explicit error term for sums of the form [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are two arithmetical functions with absolutely convergent Ramanujan expansion.
Certain subclasses of meromorphic p-valent functions involving the El-Ashwah operator
Authors: Panigrahi Trailokya , Goyal Som Prakash
Published: October 2015

In this paper, we introduce and investigate some inclusion theorems, convolution theorems and class preserving transforms for subclasses of the meromorphic multivalent function associated with the El-Ashwah operator. Some interesting corollaries and consequences of the main results are pointed out.
Thermoelectric properties of InxPbxCo4Sb12 prepared by HPHT
Authors: Deng Le , Wang Li Bin , Qin Jie Ming , Jia Xiao Peng , Ma Hong An
Published: October 2015

We prepared InxPbxCo4Sb[Formula: see text] by high-pressure and high-temperature (HPHT) method. Samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron microprobe analysis and thermoelectric properties measurements. The Seebeck coefficient, electrical resistivity and thermal conductivity of InxPbxCo4Sb[Formula: see text] samples were all performed in the temperature range of 323–723[Formula: see text]K. With the increasing synthetic pressure, the Seebeck coefficient of In[Formula: see text]Pb[Formula: see text]Co4Sb[Formula: see text] samples, which synthesized between 1.5 GPa–2.3 GPa, showed an obvious increase while the thermal conductivity exhibited a substantial reduction.
Study on mathematical model of cutting force in micromachining
Authors: Yu Zhen , Gao Quan-Jie , Chen Ding-Fang
Published: October 2015

With the development of micromachining technology, it is very important to study the mechanism of micromachining, determine the micromachining parameters and ensure the products’ quality during the micromachining process. Combined with the micro-mechanism between tool and workpiece during micromachining process, the sources of the micro-cutting force were analyzed, the micro-cutting physical model was constructed, and the microstress model interacted between the cutting arc edge of the tool and the material of the workpiece was analyzed. Combined with the surface friction and elastic extrusion mechanism between the cutting tool and workpiece, the micro-cutting force model was constructed from two aspects. The micro-cutting depth is deeper than the minimum cutting depth and the micro-cutting depth is shallower than the minimum cutting depth, then the minimum cutting depth value was calculated. Combined with the dislocation properties and microcrystal structure of workpiece’s material, the internal stress of the micromachining force model based on the gradient plasticity theory was calculated, and the force model of the micro-cutting process was studied too. It is significant to control the precision of micromachining process during the micromachining process by constructing the micromachining process force model through studying the small deformation of the material and the mechanism of micromachining.
Middle-Income Traps: A Conceptual and Empirical Survey
Authors: Im Fernando Gabriel , Rosenblatt David
Published: October 2015

The term "middle-income trap" has entered common parlance in the development policy community, despite the lack of a precise definition. This paper discusses in more detail the definitional issues associated with the term. It also provides evidence on whether the growth performance of middle-income countries (MICs) has been different from other income categories, including historical transition phases in the inter-country distribution of income. A transition matrix analysis and an exploration of cross-country growth patterns provide little support for the existence of a middle-income trap.
Performance Test of Desiccant Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning System by Using Multiple Tracer Gas Dilution Method
Authors: Enteria Napoleon , Yoshino Hiroshi , Mochida Akashi , Takaki Rie , Satake Akira , Baba Seizo , Tanaka Yasumitsu
Published: October 2015

The desiccant-based air-conditioning system consists of many heat and mass transfer components operating together with air fans. The performance test using the multiple tracer gas dilution method is important for knowing the internal and external flow rates, including the air leakages. The results of the test show the actual internal air flow rates and the sources of air leakage, and also show the interaction of air in the air-conditioned lecture room and in the mechanical room. The performance test using the multiple tracer gas dilution method in air flow and air leakages is important for a detailed evaluation of any air-conditioning system such as this desiccant-based one.
Report on the special track in AI Education at FLAIRS 28
Authors: Imberman Susan P.
Published: October 2015

This report highlights recent work in AI Education and Pedagogy that was presented at FLAIRS 28.
Ischemia reperfusion of the hepatic artery induces the functional damage of large bile ducts by changes in the expression of angiogenic factors
Authors: Mancinelli Romina , Glaser Shannon , Francis Heather , Carpino Guido , Franchitto Antonio , Vetuschi Antonella , Sferra Roberta , Pannarale Luigi , Venter Julie , Meng Fanyin , Alpini Gianfranco , Onori Paolo , Gaudio Eugenio
Published: October 2015

Liver transplantation and cholangiocarcinoma induce biliary dysfunction following ischemia reperfusion (IR). The function of the intrahepatic biliary tree is regulated by both autocrine and paracrine factors. The aim of the study was to demonstrate that IR-induced damage of cholangiocytes is associated with altered expression of biliary angiogenic factors. Normal and bile duct ligation rats underwent 24-h sham or hepatic reperfusion after 30 min of transient occlusion of the hepatic artery (HAIR) or portal vein (PVIR) before collecting liver blocks and cholangiocyte RNA or protein. We evaluated liver histology, biliary apoptosis, proliferation and expression of VEGF-A/C, VEGFR-2/3, Ang-1/2, and Tie-1/2 in liver sections and isolated small and large cholangiocytes. Normal rat intrahepatic cholangiocyte cultures (NRICC) were maintained under standard conditions in normoxic or under a hypoxic atmosphere for 4 h and then transferred to normal conditions for selected times. Subsequently, we measured changes in biliary proliferation and apoptosis and the expression of VEGF-A/C and VEGFR-2/3. In vivo, HAIR (but not PVIR) induced damage of large bile ducts and decreased proliferation and secretin-stimulated cAMP levels. HAIR-induced damage of large bile ducts was associated with increased expression of VEGF-A/C, VEGFR-2/3, Ang-1/2, and Tie-1/2. In vitro, under hypoxic conditions, there was increased apoptosis and reduced proliferation of NRICC concomitant with enhanced expression of VEGF-A/C and VEGFR-2/3. The functional damage of large bile ducts by HAIR and hypoxia is associated with increased expression of angiogenic factors in small cholangiocytes, presumably due to a compensatory mechanism in response to biliary damage.
Unitary TRPV3 channel Ca2+ influx events elicit endothelium-dependent dilation of cerebral parenchymal arterioles
Authors: Pires Paulo W. , Sullivan Michelle N. , Pritchard Harry A. T. , Robinson Jennifer J. , Earley Scott
Published: October 2015

Cerebral parenchymal arterioles (PA) regulate blood flow between pial arteries on the surface of the brain and the deeper microcirculation. Regulation of PA contractility differs from that of pial arteries and is not completely understood. Here, we investigated the hypothesis that the Ca2+ permeable vanilloid transient receptor potential (TRPV) channel TRPV3 can mediate endothelium-dependent dilation of cerebral PA. Using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM), we found that carvacrol, a monoterpenoid compound derived from oregano, increased the frequency of unitary Ca2+ influx events through TRPV3 channels (TRPV3 sparklets) in endothelial cells from pial arteries and PAs. Carvacrol-induced TRPV3 sparklets were inhibited by the selective TRPV3 blocker isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP). TRPV3 sparklets have a greater unitary amplitude (ΔF/F0 = 0.20) than previously characterized TRPV4 (ΔF/F0 = 0.06) or TRPA1 (ΔF/F0 = 0.13) sparklets, suggesting that TRPV3-mediated Ca2+ influx could have a robust influence on cerebrovascular tone. In pressure myography experiments, carvacrol caused dilation of cerebral PA that was blocked by IPP. Carvacrol-induced dilation was nearly abolished by removal of the endothelium and block of intermediate (IK) and small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (SK) channels. Together, these data suggest that TRPV3 sparklets cause dilation of cerebral parenchymal arterioles by activating IK and SK channels in the endothelium.