bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of Ursodeoxycholic acid in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: a systematic review
Authors: Xiang Zun , Chen Yi-peng , Ma Kui-fen , Ye Yue-fang , Zheng Lin , Yang Yi-da , Li You-ming , Jin Xi
Published: September 2013

Background

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a condition that occurs during the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Effective therapy for NASH is still lacking. In this study, we investigated the effects of Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in the treatment of NASH.

Methods

Western and Chinese databases were searched by independent investigators using appropriate MESH headings to identify randomized, controlled Western and Chinese clinical trials, published between January 1990 and October 2012, testing the effects of UDCA in patients with NASH. Patient characteristics and trial endpoints were analyzed, with quality assessment according to widely acknowledged criteria. P < 0.05 was defined as statistically significant in all trials.

Results

Twelve qualified randomized clinical trials, including six from China and involving 1160 subjects, were selected. Seven of these trials assessed the effects of UDCA Monotherapy, with the other five testing combinations of UDCA with vitamin E, polyene phosphatidylcholine, silymarin, glycyrrhizin and tiopronin. The duration of therapy ranged from 3 to 24 months, with two studies using high doses of UDCA (23–35 mg/kg/d). The average quality point was 2.69, and was significantly lower in articles from China than in those from Western countries (2.2 ± 0.4 vs. 3.8 ± 1.1, respectively, p < 0.05). UDCA Monotherapy significantly improved liver function in five studies and improved steatosis and fibrosis in two studies. All five studies assessing UDCA combination therapy showed significant improvements liver function, while two studies also improved steatosis and inflammation. One study of high-dose UDCA showed significant improvements in ALT, γGT and liver fibrosis, whereas the other study showed no significant change in ALT and liver pathology.

Conclusions

UDCA therapy is effective in NASH, especially when combined with other drugs. However, the low quality of these studies and the heterogeneity of their results precluded further meta-analysis. Additional carefully designed clinical trials are needed, especially in China.
Heart dysfunction in patients with acute ischemic stroke or TIA does not predict all-cause mortality at long-term follow-up
Authors: Holmström Alexandra , Fu Michael LX , Hjalmarsson Clara , Bokemark Lena , Andersson Björn
Published: September 2013

Background

Despite heart failure being a substantial risk factor for stroke, few studies have evaluated the predictive value of heart dysfunction for all-cause mortality in patients with acute ischemic stroke, in particular in the elderly. The aim of this study was to investigate whether impaired heart function in elderly patients can predict all-cause mortality after acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Methods

A prospective long-term follow-up analysis was performed on a hospital cohort consisting of n = 132 patients with mean age 73 ± 9 years, presenting with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack, without atrial fibrillation. All patients were examined by echocardiography during the hospital stay. Data about all-cause mortality were collected at the end of the follow-up period. The mean follow-up period was 56 ± 22 months.

Results

In this cohort, 58% of patients with acute ischemic stroke or TIA had heart dysfunction. Survival analysis showed that heart dysfunction did not predict all-cause mortality in this cohort. Furthermore, in multivariate regression analysis age (HR 5.401, Cl 1.97-14.78, p < 0.01), smoking (HR 3.181, Cl 1.36-7.47, p < 0.01), myocardial infarction (HR 2.826, Cl 1.17-6.83, p < 0.05) were independent predictors of all-cause mortality.

Conclusion

In this population with acute ischemic stroke or TIA and without non-valvular atrial fibrillation, impaired heart function does not seem to be a significant predictor of all-cause mortality at long-term follow-up.
Selaginella tamariscina extract suppresses TPA-induced invasion and metastasis through inhibition of MMP-9 in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma HONE-1 cells
Authors: Hsin Chung-Han , Wu Buor-Chang , Chuang Chun-Yi , Yang Shun-Fa , Hsieh Yi-Hsien , Ho Hsin-Yu , Lin Huang-Pin , Chen Mu-Kuan , Lin Chiao-Wen
Published: September 2013

Background

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is known for its high incidence of neck lymph node metastasis, which represents poor prognosis. The present study aimed to examine the anti-metastatic properties ofSelaginella tamariscinaextract (STE) in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma HONE-1 cellsin vitro.

Methods

Cell viability was examined by MTT assay, whereas cell motility was measured by invasive, migration and would healing assays. Real-time PCR, and promoter assays confirmed the inhibitory effects of STE on matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) mRNA level in HONE-1 cells.

Results

The STE inhibits 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced HONE-1 cell migration and invasion in a concentration-dependent manner. By zymographic and Western blot analyses, STE was shown to inhibit the activities and expression of MMP-9. Treatment of STE on TPA-induced HONE-1 cells inhibited MMP-9 expression and ERK1/2 phosphorylation without affecting JNK and p38 phosphorylation.

Conclusions

STE inhibits MMP-9 expression and HONE-1 cell metastasis. Its inhibitory effects may involve the Src/FAK/ERK 1/2 pathway. STE may have the potential of being an anti-metastatic agent against NPC.
Development of adaptive pneumatic tourniquet systems based on minimal inflation pressure for upper limb surgeries
Authors: Liu Hong-yun , Guo Jun-yan , Zhang Zheng-bo , Li Kai-yuan , Wang Wei-dong
Published: September 2013

Background

Pneumatic tourniquets are medical devices that occlude blood flow to distal part of extremities and are commonly used in upper limb surgeries to provide a dry, clean and bloodless field. To decrease pressure-related injuries and potential risk of complications subjected to the high inflation pressure of pneumatic tourniquet, minimal inflation pressures are recommended.

Methods

A new occlusion pressure mathematical model for the upper limb was established based on the correlation analysis between several possible influencing parameters and the minimal pneumatic tourniquet pressure at which the peripheral pulse disappeared was recorded using a digital plethysmograph. A prototype of an adaptive pneumatic tourniquet which automatically varies the pressure in the tourniquet cuff according to the above prediction model was developed for the upper limb which used the lowest possible inflation pressure to achieve occlusion. The prototype comprises a blood pressure monitoring module, an inflatable tourniquet cuff, and a pressure relief mechanism to maintain an optimal cuff inflation pressure. Simulation experiments were conducted to verify the function and stability of the designed adaptive pneumatic tourniquet and clinical experiments using volunteers were undertaken to evaluate the performance of the prototype design in achieving adequate haemostasis in the upper limb.

Results

Results demonstrated that the mean arterial occlusion pressure was 152.3 ± 16.7 mmHg, obviously below the 250 to 300 mmHg previously recommended (J Bone Joint Surg Br 68:625-628, 1986 and Arthroscopy 11:307–311, 1995).

Conclusions

In conclusion, this adaptive method and apparatus which can provide minimal inflation pressure may be a clinically practical alternative for upper limb surgery performed with pneumatic tourniquets.
K-Map: connecting kinases with therapeutics for drug repurposing and development
Authors: Kim Jihye , Yoo Minjae , Kang Jaewoo , Tan Aik Choon
Published: September 2013

Protein kinases play important roles in regulating signal transduction in eukaryoticcells. Due to evolutionary conserved binding sites in the catalytic domain of thekinases, most inhibitors that target these sites promiscuously inhibit multiplekinases. Quantitative analysis can reveal complex and unexpected interactions betweenprotein kinases and kinase inhibitors, providing opportunities for identifyingmulti-targeted inhibitors of specific diverse kinases for drug repurposing anddevelopment. We have developed K-Map—a novel and user-friendly web-basedprogram that systematically connects a set of query kinases to kinase inhibitorsbased on quantitative profiles of the kinase inhibitor activities. Users can useK-Map to find kinase inhibitors for a set of query kinases (obtained fromhigh-throughput ‘omics’ experiments) or to reveal new interactionsbetween kinases and kinase inhibitors for rational drug combination studies.

Availability and implementation

K-Map has been implemented in python scripting language and the website is freelyavailable at: http://tanlab.ucdenver.edu/kMap.
Spatial location priors for Gaussian model based reverberant audio source separation
Authors: Duong Ngoc Q K , Vincent Emmanuel , Gribonval Rémi
Published: September 2013

We consider the Gaussian framework for reverberant audio source separation, where the sources are modeled in the time-frequency domain by their short-term power spectra and their spatial covariance matrices. We propose two alternative probabilistic priors over the spatial covariance matrices which are consistent with the theory of statistical room acoustics and we derive expectation-maximization algorithms for maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimation. We argue that these algorithms provide a statistically principled solution to the permutation problem and to the risk of overfitting resulting from conventional maximum likelihood (ML) estimation. We show experimentally that in a semi-informed scenario where the source positions and certain room characteristics are known, the MAP algorithms outperform their ML counterparts. This opens the way to rigorous statistical treatment of this family of models in other scenarios in the future.
Measuring the incidence and reporting of violence against women and girls in liberia using the 'neighborhood method'
Authors: Stark Lindsay , Warner Ann , Lehmann Heidi , Boothby Neil , Ager Alastair
Published: September 2013

Background

This paper reports on the use of a “neighborhood method” to measure the nature and incidence of violence against women and girls in post-conflict Liberia.

Methods

The study population comprised females in Montserrado and Nimba counties. Study participants were randomly selected for interviews using multi-stage cluster sampling. 30 clusters of households were sampled in each county. Information on incidents of domestic violence and rape within the preceding 18 months was collected with regard to females of all ages in the respondent’s household, and those of her four closest neighbors to make up the full sample.

Findings

Households in the sample contained 7015 females (1687 girls, 4586 women, 742 age missing) in Montserrado and 6632 (2070 girls, 4167 women, 95 age missing) in Nimba. In the previous 18 months 54.1% (CI 53.1-55.1) and 55.8% (CI 54.8-56.8) of females in Montserrado and Nimba respectively were indicated to have experienced non-sexual domestic abuse; 19.4% (CI 18.6-20.2) and 26.0% (CI 25.1-26.9) of females in Montserrado and Nimba respectively to have been raped outside of marriage; and 72.3% (CI 70.7-73.9) and 73.8% (CI 72.0-75.7) of married or separated women in Montserrado and Nimba respectively to have experienced marital rape. Husbands and boyfriends were reported as the perpetrators of the vast majority of reported violence. Strangers were reported to account for less than 2% of the perpetrators of rape in either county. Incidents were most commonly disclosed to other family members or to friends and neighbors, and less often to formal authorities such as the police, court or community leaders. Incidents were approaching fifty times more likely to be reported to police if perpetrated by strangers rather than intimate partners.

Conclusions

Violence against women and girls is widespread in the areas studied. Programming needs to address the fact that this violence is primarily occurring in the household, where most incidents go unreported outside the immediate family or social circle. Police and hospital reports severely under-represent these known perpetrators. Inter-interviewer variance and differences in reports for self and neighbors for some outcomes caution the precision and validity of some estimates. However, the potential utility of the neighborhood method for estimating prevalence rates with an accuracy suitable for programmatic purposes in conflict-affected and post-conflict settings is noted.
Troponin I als Risikostratifikationsmarker bei akuter Lungenarterienembolie
Authors: Beule J. , Schulz A. , Dippold W. , Keller K.
Published: September 2013

Einleitung: Eine akute Lungenarterienembolie (LE) stellt einen kardiovaskulären Notfall mit hoher Mortalität dar. In Studien wurde ein Zusammenhang zwischen positivem Troponin und einer rechtsventrikulären Dysfunktion (RVD) einerseits und einer erhöhten Mortalitätsrate bei akuter LE andererseits nachgewiesen.

Das Ziel unserer Studie war, den Zusammen-hang zwischen Symptomen, Untersuchungsbefunden und insbesondere dem TroponinWert und einer RVD zu überprüfen.

Methoden: Wir haben retrospektiv die Krankengeschichten von 179 Patienten analysiert, die 2006–2011 wegen einer akuten LE behandelt wurden. Die Einteilung der Patienten erfolgte in die LE-Gruppe mit oder ohne RVD. Die Patientendaten wurden fokussiert auf die Troponin I-Werte und eine RVD analysiert und statistisch ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse: Die LE-Patienten mit RVD wiesen einen höheren Troponin-Wert als die Patienten ohne RVD auf (0,08 ng/ml vs. 0,01ng/ml, p<0,0001). Die Multivariablen-Regressions-analyse zeigte einen hochsignifikanten Zusammenhang zwischen erhöhten TroponinWerten und einer RVD (OR 3,98; 95%CI: 2,17–7,31, p<0,0001). Der errechnete optimale Grenzwert des Troponin I zum Erkennen einer RVD lag bei 0,01 ng/ml (ROC-Kurvenanalyse: AUC=0,806).

Schlussfolgerung: Es besteht ein enger Zusammenhang zwischen erhöhten Troponin I-Werten und einer RVD bei einer akuten LE. Troponin I-Werte über 0,01ng/ml weisen bei einer akuten LE auf eine RVD hin. Zudem sind D-Dimer-, systolischer PAP- und Herzfrequenzerhö-hung, Erniedrigung des systolischen Blutdruckes, Dyspnoe, Synkope, Kollaps, Hypotonie, Tachykardie, RSB und S1Q3-Typ häufiger bei einer RVD anzutreffen.
Amblyomma tapirellum (Acari: Ixodidae) collected from tropical forest canopy
Authors: Loaiza Jose R , Miller Matthew J , Bermingham Eldredge , Sanjur Oris I , Jansen Patrick A , Rovira Jose R , Alvarez Eric , Rodriguez Eric , Davis Philip , Dutari Larissa C , Pecor James , Foley Desmond , Radtke Meghan , Pongsiri Montira J
Published: September 2013

Free-ranging ticks are widely known to be restricted to the ground level of vegetation. Here, we document the capture of the tick species Amblyomma tapirellum in light traps placed in the forest canopy of Barro Colorado Island, central Panama. A total of forty eight adults and three nymphs were removed from carbon dioxide–octenol baited CDC light traps suspended 20 meters above the ground during surveys for forest canopy mosquitoes. To our knowledge, this represents the first report of questing ticks from the canopy of tropical forests. Our finding suggests a novel ecological relationship between A. tapirellum and arboreal mammals, perhaps monkeys that come to the ground to drink or to feed on fallen fruits.
Lifting in Frattini covers and a characterization of finite solvable groups
Authors: Guralnick Robert M. , Tiep Pham Huu
Published: September 2013

We prove a lifting theorem for odd Frattini covers
of finite groups. Using this, we generalize a result of J. G. Thompson and
characterize finite solvable groups as those finite groups which
do not contain nontrivial elements xi
, i = 1,2,3, with x
1
x
2
x
3 = 1 and
xi
a pi
-element for distinct primes pi
. We note some connections
with coverings of curves.
Modeling and Thermo-Fluid Dynamic Simulation of a Fresh Pasta Pasteurization Process
Authors: Bottani Eleonora , Ferretti Gino , Manfredi Michele , Vignali Giuseppe
Published: September 2013

This work aims to analyze and predict the thermal pasteurization process for two types of fresh pasta, by means of computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulation. The types of pasta considered are “ravioli” filled of meat and “orecchiette”, without filling. Thanks to many studies on pasta properties, some parameters, such as thermal conductivity and heat capacity, are previously determined for both products. CFD simulations are, thus, performed using ANSYS CFX code version 14.5 in a transient state (after 150 s for ravioli and after 45 s for orecchiette), to evaluate the pasteurization temperature and the P-value reached on the surface of the orecchiette and at the core of the ravioli, as a function of the process time. The heat exchange takes place in a pasteurization tunnel by means of water vapor at ~371 K. Experimental tests are finally performed to validate the simulation model of heat exchange. Results show a good agreement between the simulated results and the real pasteurization process and confirm the potential usefulness of the simulation model to evaluate the process performance.
The impact of perinatal death on obstetrics nurses: a longitudinal and cross-sectional examination
Authors: Ben-Ezra Menachem , Palgi Yuval , Walker Reut , Many Ariel , Hamam-Raz Yaira
Published: September 2013

Mental health and well-being among obstetrics nurses after perinatal death are understudied. Beyond the normal strain imposed on obstetric nurses, exposure to perinatal death may add significant stress. Two studies were conducted on obstetrics nurses. In study 1, obstetrics nurses were measured longitudinally, at baseline (with no recent history of exposure to perinatal death in the past 3 months), and 3 months after (2 months after two consecutive events of perinatal death have occurred 1 month after baseline). In study 2, a cross-sectional study was conducted comparing obstetrics nurses with a history of perinatal death (nurses from study 1) to obstetrics nurses with no history of exposure to perinatal death in the past 6 months. The results of study 1 showed that obstetrics nurses showed a higher level of psychiatric symptoms [posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depressive, and psychosomatic symptoms] at time 2 (after exposure to perinatal death) in comparison to time 1. The results of study 2 showed a higher level of psychiatric symptoms (PTSD, depressive, and psychosomatic symptoms) in the exposed group in comparison to the non-exposed group. The effect of exposure to perinatal death is severe and needs to be addressed by developing intervention and preparation programs to help obstetric nurses cope with this critical incident.
Influence of antenatal magnesium sulfate application on cord blood levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in premature infants
Authors: Bachnas Muhammad Adrianes , Mose Johanes Cornelius , Effendi Jusuf Sulaeman , Andonotopo Wiku
Published: September 2013

Aim: To investigate the influence of antenatal magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) application on cord blood brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels – the first-line neuroprotection for preventing cerebral palsy in prematurely born infants.

Subjects and methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted by observing 72 pregnant women who were divided into three groups: group I (preterm pregnancy with MgSO4), group II (preterm pregnancy without MgSO4), and group III (full-term pregnancy as control group). Groups I and II were selected by block permutation randomization on subjects. Inclusion criteria consisted of preterm pregnancy at 34 weeks of gestation or less who were in labor or having planned terminations and receiving antenatal corticosteroids. Exclusion criteria consisted of previous complications caused by MgSO4, previous history of antenatal MgSO4 application in the current pregnancy infant was born before 4 h administration of MgSO4 or unborn more than 72 h after maximum course of antenatal MgSO4 of 24 h, prolonged antenatal MgSO4 treatment (>24 h), refusal to participate, and emergent adverse events during the study. Group I was given intravenous MgSO4; initial dose was 4 g, which was maintained at 1 g/h up to maximum of 24 h. Meanwhile, groups II and III were not given any special treatment. BDNF was examined by ELISA by taking 5 mL cord blood sample shortly after birth. The result was statistically measured by ANOVA.

Results: The cord blood BDNF levels in premature infants with antenatal MgSO4 was significantly higher than in premature infants without antenatal MgSO4 (11,568 vs. 5027 pg/mL, P=0.000). Moreover, the result was statistically comparable to full-term infants (11,568 vs. 13,300 pg/mL, P=0.085).

Conclusion: The application of antenatal MgSO4 in preterm delivery increased cord blood BDNF levels, which could have a potential role on fetal neuroprotection. Further investigation is needed.
“Double Reflection”: A Practical Approach to Teach Patient-Doctor Communication in Oncology
Authors: Mannhardt Ann-Kristine , Ogbonnaya Lucky , Gieseler Frank
Published: September 2013

An individual-focused approach is proposed to teach effective patient-doctor communication in oncology as a factor relevant to treatment decision making for advanced cancer. The “double reflection” method unveils the importance of empathetic elements and will help students improve their communication skills.
Extended Initiality for Typed Abstract Syntax
Authors: Ahrens Benedikt
Published: September 2013

Initial Semantics aims at interpreting the syntax associated to a signature
as the initial object of some category of 'models', yielding induction and
recursion principles for abstract syntax. Zsid\'o proves an initiality result
for simply-typed syntax: given a signature S, the abstract syntax associated to
S constitutes the initial object in a category of models of S in monads.
However, the iteration principle her theorem provides only accounts for
translations between two languages over a fixed set of object types. We
generalize Zsid\'o's notion of model such that object types may vary, yielding
a larger category, while preserving initiality of the syntax therein. Thus we
obtain an extended initiality theorem for typed abstract syntax, in which
translations between terms over different types can be specified via the
associated category-theoretic iteration operator as an initial morphism. Our
definitions ensure that translations specified via initiality are type-safe,
i.e. compatible with the typing in the source and target language in the
obvious sense. Our main example is given via the propositions-as-types
paradigm: we specify propositions and inference rules of classical and
intuitionistic propositional logics through their respective typed signatures.
Afterwards we use the category--theoretic iteration operator to specify a
double negation translation from the former to the latter. A second example is
given by the signature of PCF. For this particular case, we formalize the
theorem in the proof assistant Coq. Afterwards we specify, via the
category-theoretic iteration operator, translations from PCF to the untyped
lambda calculus.
Untyping Typed Algebras and Colouring Cyclic Linear Logic
Authors: Pous Damien
Published: September 2013

We prove "untyping" theorems: in some typed theories (semirings, Kleene
algebras, residuated lattices, involutive residuated lattices), typed equations
can be derived from the underlying untyped equations. As a consequence, the
corresponding untyped decision procedures can be extended for free to the typed
settings. Some of these theorems are obtained via a detour through fragments of
cyclic linear logic, and give rise to a substantial optimisation of standard
proof search algorithms.
Modes of Convergence for Term Graph Rewriting
Authors: Bahr Patrick
Published: September 2013

Term graph rewriting provides a simple mechanism to finitely represent
restricted forms of infinitary term rewriting. The correspondence between
infinitary term rewriting and term graph rewriting has been studied to some
extent. However, this endeavour is impaired by the lack of an appropriate
counterpart of infinitary rewriting on the side of term graphs. We aim to fill
this gap by devising two modes of convergence based on a partial order
respectively a metric on term graphs. The thus obtained structures generalise
corresponding modes of convergence that are usually studied in infinitary term
rewriting. We argue that this yields a common framework in which both term
rewriting and term graph rewriting can be studied. In order to substantiate our
claim, we compare convergence on term graphs and on terms. In particular, we
show that the modes of convergence on term graphs are conservative extensions
of the corresponding modes of convergence on terms and are preserved under
unravelling term graphs to terms. Moreover, we show that many of the properties
known from infinitary term rewriting are preserved. This includes the intrinsic
completeness of both modes of convergence and the fact that convergence via the
partial order is a conservative extension of the metric convergence.
Width and size of regular resolution proofs
Authors: Urquhart Alasdair
Published: September 2013

This paper discusses the topic of the minimum width of a regular resolution
refutation of a set of clauses. The main result shows that there are examples
having small regular resolution refutations, for which any regular refutation
must contain a large clause. This forms a contrast with corresponding results
for general resolution refutations.
Knowledge of nursing students towards HIV/AIDS in Nepal
Authors: Parajulee Sita , Selvaraj Valarmathi
Published: September 2013

Aims First case of Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in Nepal was reported in the year 1988. Nurses are an integral part of the healthcare system and should be knowledgeable in providing care to AIDS patients. This study assessed the knowledge of nursing students towards HIV/AIDS, and the association (if any) between the knowledge scores of the nursing students with their selected demographic variables. Materials and methods A cross sectional study was conducted evaluating the nursing student knowledge using a self designed questionnaire. The correct answers were given a score of ‘1’ and wrong answers were given a score of ‘0’ (total possible maximum score ‘18’). Results Among the total 165 nursing students, 121 of them filled the questionnaire (response rate of 73.33%) and all of them were females. The mean ± SD age of the respondents was 18.3 ±1.75 years. The median (IQR) of the overall total scores was 13.0 (11.5-15.0). There was an association between the knowledge scores of the respondents with ‘age’ (p=000), ‘course of the study’ (p=0.001). However, there was no statistically significant association between the knowledge scores with the ‘year of study’ of the respondents (p=0.109), ‘mode of finance’ (0.611) and ‘native’ of the students (0.173). Conclusion The study suggested that nursing students have a poor overall knowledge on AIDS and especially areas such as post exposure prophylaxis.The findings also suggested the need for providing adequate knowledge to the students during their regular class room teaching and clinical postings. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2012, Vol-8, No-4, 27-33 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v8i4.8697
Angiofibroma, a rare cardiac tumour in children
Authors: Gayen G , Pan A , Dasbakshi K , Mukherjee P
Published: September 2013

Angiofibromas, located in any other sites than nasopharynx are unusual. Cardiac angiofibromas are a very rare cardiac tumours in comparison to rhabdomyomas which are the commonest in the children. We report a right ventricular tumour in a10 year old girl which was excised under cardiopulmonary bypass successfully and diagnosed as angiofibroma on histopathology. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2012, Vol-8, No-4, 51-54 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v8i4.8702
PERFORMANCE OF HEAT PIPE FOR DIFFERENT WORKING FLUIDS AND FILL RATIOS
Authors: Mozumder A. K. , Akon A. F. , Chowdhury M. S. H. , Banik S. C.
Published: September 2013

An attempt is made to design, fabricate and test a miniature heat pipe with 5 mm diameter and 150 mm length with a thermal capacity of 10 W. Experiments were conducted with and without working fluid for different thermal loads to assess the performance of heat pipe. The working fluids chosen for the study were same as those commonly used namely, water, methanol and acetone. The temperature distribution across the heat pipe was measured and recorded using thermocouples. The performance of the heat pipe was quantified in terms of thermal resistance and overall heat transfer coefficient. The amount of liquid filled was varied and the variation of the performance parameters for varying liquid inventory is observed. Finally, optimum liquid fill ratio is identified in terms of lower temperature difference and thermal resistance and higher heat transfer coefficient. The data reported in this study will serve as a good database for the researchers in this field. Overall heat transfer coefficient of the Miniature heat pipe is found to be the maximum for the Acetone as working fluid.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jme.v41i2.7473
TYPE ROLE OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Rahman Mustafizur
Published: September 2013

For development to be sustainable, it should be able to meet the needs of the present withoutcompromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Generally, development is consideredunsustainable when insufficient attention is paid to the economic, environmental and social consequences. Aprerequisite for development is growth and that is directly related to production or output of a country. Ifproduction is done via a sustainable path it can maintain the sustainability of development. Mechanical andManufacturing Engineers predominantly shoulder manufacturing. As mechanical engineering is somewhatconsidered the merging ground of all forms of engineering, the level of mechanical engineering can be areliable barometer for measuring the development in a country. Thus mechanical engineers play a vital role indevelopment in countries across the globe. This paper highlights the role, responsibilities and necessarycontributions required by mechanical engineers to achieve sustainable development in time.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jme.v42i1.15911
Notes sur quelques aspects de la vision de l'Amérique hispanique en France pendant la première moitié du XIXe siècle
Authors: Bénassy-Berling Marie-Cécile
Published: September 2013

Nous nous bornons ici à considérer deux exemples. Le premier est un ouvrage collectif estimé, la Biographie universelle de Michaud, première éd. 1811-1828, deuxième éd. 1843-1863, qui consacre à l'Amérique hispanique des notices assez fournies, mais de valeur très inégale. Justice est assez bien rendue à B. de Las Casas, mais l'on trouve ailleurs une accumulation d'erreurs indigne de la réputation dont peut jouir l'ouvrage dans d'autres domaines du savoir. Le deuxière exemple, ce sont les livres de l'abbé D. de Pradt, spécialement Des Colonies et de la révolution actuelle de l'Amérique paru en 1817 qui, par son immense succès, sert puissamment la propagande indépendantiste, tout en péchant par une vision typiquement européocentriste.
La « musique des Andes » en France : "l'Indianité" ou comment la récupérer
Authors: Borras Gérard
Published: September 2013

La musique dite « des Andes » ou de la « flûte indienne » a connu un important succès en Europe et en France en particulier. Grâce à une lecture d'ensemble des éléments offerts par la discographie (enregistrements, textes, photos) publiée en France entre 1960 et 1980 on peut montrer qu'ai s'agissait moins de proposer la véritable musique jouée par les Amérindiens que de diffuser une musique adaptée, propre à satisfaire le goût de l'exotisme du public local.
HR OUTSOURCING SUCCESS: DOES PARTNERSHIP QUALITY VARIABLES MATTER?
Authors: Ee Elaine , Halim Hasliza Abdul , Ramayah Thurasamy
Published: September 2013

Recently, increased attention has been paid to partnership quality in outsourcing strategy. However, research of partnership quality on the outsourcing of human resources (HR) is very limited. Therefore, this research aims at examining the relationship between partnership quality variables (business understanding, trust, commitment, communication and top management) and the success of HR outsourcing. The sample is obtained from a cross sectional survey and the sample studied are 96 manufacturing organizations in Penang, Malaysia. Results indicate that most of the organizations that outsourced HR functions were from electronic and electrical industry. The analyses also show that partnership quality variables such as trust, business understanding and communication have significant positive impact on HR outsourcing success. The study concluded that HR outsourcing as a competitive strategy in Malaysia is still relatively new and probably many of its potential benefits are not fully understood. Therefore, by understanding the relationship with the service providers, the organizations are able to achieve outsourcing success by identifying areas of expected benefits and improvements.
HOW IMPORTANT ARE CSR COMPANIES FOR NATIONS’ GROWTH?
Authors: Škare Marinko , Golja Tea
Published: September 2013

The paper provides new empirical evidence on the positive link between corporate social responsibility and income growth. Using available data for 26 countries over 2000–2008 we investigate cross-country growth differences by adding new variable (corporate social responsibility) to the standard growth regression model. We show that corporate social responsibility impact on growth is statistically significant but limited in size. Moreover, the inclusion of corporate social responsibility variable improves the fit of the regression. Countries with higher corporate social responsibility penetration as India achieve higher income growth rates. Evidence of the positive link between corporate social responsibility presented in this study encourage but further research on mechanism how socially responsible behavior affects growth is necessary.
Experimental Study on Impact Damage in CFRPs
Authors: Wang Tai Kun , Du Jun Min , Sun Juan Juan
Published: September 2013

With the weight-reduction requirement for transportation tools, more and more carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRPs) will be applied. It is known that the plastics will have a brittle fracture under impact loads, and therefore, their resistance capability on impact damage is a crucial factor which restricts the application of CFRPs. The present paper studies the impact damage and residual stiffness of the CFRPs through experiments. The identical specimens were impacted repeatedly by pendulum with a specified constant energy, and then, their residual bending stiffness and strength were measured by three-point-bending tests. Finally, the relationship between the residual stiffness and impact numbers were established. The results will be used in damage-based stiffness predition for CFRPs material and structures.
The Research of the Epicycloids Bevel Gear Cutting Based on the Common Six-Axis Machine
Authors: Wang Yong , Wang Tai Yong , Lin Fu Xun , Lu Zhi Li , Wang Dong
Published: September 2013

Based on the traditional cradle-type epicycloids bevel gear machining theory, the mathematical model of the epicycloids spiral bevel gear machining is created. Then, by applying coordinate transformation from the cradle-type machine to a CNC one, a six-axis virtual CNC machine model is established. At the same time, the gear cutting simulation is carried out under VERICUT according the properties of the general six-axis CNC and the relevant configuration parameters. By means of this method, the accuracy of the epicycloids bevel gear cutting system based on a general six-axis CNC can be well verified. Finally, a cutting experiment is conducted.
The Vibration Isolation Effect Research of the Floating Raft Isolation System Based on the Adjustable Flexibility of Foundation
Authors: Wang Hui , Weng Ze Yu , Xiang Gan , Lu Bo , Ding Hong Gang , You Hong Wu
Published: September 2013

The floating raft isolation system is widely used in the field of marine engineering for its vibration isolation effect. Along with the application of light thinning structure of the ship, the flexibility of foundation of floating raft isolation system makes the vibration isolation effect vary widely between the practical floating raft isolation system and its theoretical results. In order to research the vibration isolation effect of the floating raft isolation system on different flexibility of foundation, the floating raft isolation system with flexible foundation is designed in this paper, and the adjustable flexibility of foundation is achieved by using elastic beams. With simulation and analysis of test system in ADAMS, the results of the relationship between flexibility and vibration isolation effect are obtained.
Track Smoothness of Moving Axis Considering Kinematical Characteristics of Machine Tool
Authors: Cai Yong Lin , Yang Zhi Min , Li Jian Yong , Huang Chao
Published: September 2013

In multi-axis NC (Numerical Control) machining for a complex part, high feed rate may bring shock to moving axes and influence the machining quality of the part. Firstly, velocity, acceleration and jerk kinematical characteristics are worked out according to the displacement curve of a moving axis. Secondly, the acceleration curve segments which need to be smoothed are found out according to the value of jerk, and these segments are smoothed with B-spline method. Then the smoothed velocity and displacement can be calculated through numerical integration method to get the new displacement curve of the moving axis. Finally, a test example is given to demonstrate the promising use of the proposed solution. The method presented by this paper can effectively decrease the acceleration shock of machine tool and improve the machining quality of part surface.
Numerical Simulation of Hydro-Forming Process of Shaped Tube
Authors: Chen Jie
Published: September 2013

in the forming process of section tube using hydro forming, distributed regulation of the strain, loading rate and destabilization have a large influence to forming. The forming process is simulated by means of FEM in this paper. Simulation results shows that strain are maximal at the convexity and concave of die. And with pressure increasing, the phenomenon of destabilization would occur on some side of its convexity randomly, the forming process of section tub can be divided into two obvious stages. Besides, critical pressure of two stages is pointed out. The simulation results are compared with the experiment results, and the correctness of the simulation is verified.
Improved Local Mean Decomposition and its Application to Fault Diagnosis of Train Bearing
Authors: Wang Peng , Ma Huai Xiang
Published: September 2013

Fault diagnosis of train bearing is an important method to ensure the security of railway. The key to the fault diagnosis is the method of vibration signal demodulation. The local mean decomposition (LMD) is a self-adapted signal processing method which has a good performance in nonlinear nonstationary signal demodulation. The improved LMD method based on kurtosis criterion can prevent errors in the process of calculating the product functions. With the verification of simulation and wheel set experiment, the improvement method has been certified usefully in practical application.
Research on Feature Extraction of Acoustic Emission Signals in Time-Domain
Authors: Wang Wei , Li Qiang
Published: September 2013

Acoustic emission detecting has been widely used in the diagnosis of bearing fault, but nearly all of these implements require that the transducer placed close to the source of acoustic emission. However, in actual industrial environment, the transducer couldnt be mounted very close to the bearings. In this paper, the time-domain wave and time-domain features based methods were analyzed and compared among four channels at different rotating speeds. And partial analysis and some conclusions drawn from the analysis were listed below.
Study on a Type of Pneumatic Force Servo System
Authors: Nie Meng , Li Jian Yong , Shen Hai Kuo , Sun Hua Min
Published: September 2013

A type of pneumatic force servo system is discussed in this paper. In this system, output pressure depends on pressure difference between two chambers of cylinder; by controlling pilot-operated reducing valve will get different cylinder chamber pressure. Dynamic mathematical model and control Strategy of this system is founded in this paper. By mathematical model and control Strategy, the digital simulation results show how system performance with different gas source pressure and rodless cavity size..
The Feature Extraction Method of Gear Magnetic Memory Signal
Authors: Xu Yong Gang , Xie Zhi Cong , Cui Lin Li , Wang Jing
Published: September 2013

Magnetic memory test technology is a new nondestructive testing technique, which is able to detect of the stress concentration area and potential fault of low speed and heavy load gear. Because the magnetic memory signals are easy to be disturbed by various sources of noises, a new method based on the intrinsic time-scale decomposition (ITD) is proposed to achieve the extraction of magnetic memory signal. Firstly, the magnetic memory signals are decomposed into several proper rotation components (PRC) and a trend component by ITD. Then reconstruct the first four order PRCs to eliminate the low frequency cyclic composition of magnetic memory signal and magnetic noise. Finally, the magnetic signal strengths of each gear tooth root are extracted using cycle average and local statistic method. The results of Experiments show that the method is suitable to pick up effective ingredients of signal to extract signal feature and has important application value in potential fault diagnosis of low speed and heavy load gearbox.
Remote Monitoring and Intelligent Fault Diagnosis Technology Research Based on Open CNC System
Authors: Lu Zhi Li , Hu Shi Guang , Wang Tai Yong , Chen Dong Xiang , Liu Qing Jian
Published: September 2013

In modem manufacturing,the various and complex requirement of industry makes the CNC machine tools more and more automatic and networking.While a remote monitoring and intelligent fault diagnosis system is the basic and indispensable unit for automatic and networking machine tools.This paper is focused on open CNC system,the condition monitoring, and fault diagnosis technology are researched of open CNC system. Integration achieved the CNCmachine tools' status remote monitoring and intelligent fault diagnosis, and detailed analysis of the key technologies for the components of the system. Through effectively integration of the computer technology, Fault Tree Analysis method, or other technologies to enhance the automation, networking and intelligent level of the open CNC system. Keywords: open CNC system; remote monitoring; intelligent fault diagnosis ;Fault Tree Analysis Method;
Dynamic Characteristics Analysis of Gantry Machining Center Structure
Authors: Tang Yan Yun , Weng Ze Yu , Fang Li Ka , Gao Xiang , Hu Jian De , Tang Xue Zhe , Zhen Yan Qing
Published: September 2013

The dynamic performance of modern machine tools is more and more highly emphasized. The research purpose of this paper is to research dynamic performance of gantry machining center through modal experiment. In this paper, the theory of relative excitation test on the machine tool is expounded, and relative excitation test is carried on gantry machining center and then the modal parameters of this machine tool are obtained through experimental modal analysis. Analyze the weak link of this gantry machining center, show that the stiffness of Z direction of Z to feed component of this machine tool is insufficient and the stiffness of X, Y direction of ram is insufficient.
Systematical Signal Unified Model and Intelligent Unit of MEMS Sensor
Authors: Zhou Chuan De , He Gao Fa , Li Ze Lun , Deng Xian Lin , Lai Li
Published: September 2013

Based on the studying of IEEE145 international standard and achievement of hardware and software of TEDS intelligent sensor, it suggested designing an intelligent unit that wont change the input / output interface of the sensor but enables device plug-and-play. The system still can operate normally when the intelligent unit was removed. The intelligent unit includes various modules or functions, such as the logo of IEEE1415 standard device, humiture measurement, nonlinear data table, unified model as well as MCU achievement, normalized treatment and synthesis of signals, aiming to realize the normalization of sensors output signals and achieve the quick connection of test system as well as plug-and-play.
Longitudinal Control for AUV with Self-Adaptive Learning Law
Authors: Sun Xiu Jun , Yang Yan
Published: September 2013

A mini AUV (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle) with cross shaped rudders and one single thruster is presented, which features high maneuverability due to the intelligent control algorithm. A single variable PID neural network controller is also proposed, which is utilized to maintain attitude for the vehicle. In order to testify feasibility of the control methodology, a spatial motion mathematic model is constructed and linear equations that indicate the relation between attitude angles of vehicle and deflection angles of rudders is deduced firstly. Subsequently, the neural network PID controller is developed according to the deduced equations and the attitude control simulation of the vehicle with this controller is conducted. Taking actual and desired attitude angles of the vehicle as input and deflection angles of the rudders as output, this controller performs self-adaptive update for 9 synaptic weights through back-propagation algorithm and employs the converged weights to calculate the appropriate deflection angle of each rudder.
The Delayed Correlation Envelope Analysis Technique Based on Sparse Signal Decomposition Method and its Application to Bearing early Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Mo Dai Yi , Cui Ling Li , Wang Jin , Xu Yong Gang
Published: September 2013

In order to extract the early weak fault information submerged in strong background noise of the bearing vibration signal, a delayed correlation envelope technique based on sparse signal decomposition method is proposed. This method can improve the signal to noise and extract the fault information efficiently. For the strong noise problem in the early fault, based on D-value of adjacent residual energy as the termination condition of the iterative method, reducing the noise effectively, and combine it with delayed correlation to enhance the denoising effect. The analysis results of roller bearing experimental data confirm the feasibility and validity of this method.
After Grinding NC Grinding of Large Curved Surface
Authors: Han Hong Yu , Fu Lu , Yu Ying Liang
Published: September 2013

Additional power head with common milling machine.Two and a half axis CNC system are used for CNC grinding circular surface curve trajectory. The advantages of this processing method are: We can avoid the influence on processing of lead screw clearance because of changing the parts clamping position,effectively ensure the integrity of the great circle arc curve trajectory. Because of using digital control technology in grinding process is instantaneous automatic compensation of grinding wheel wear, the machining accuracy of parts in outline is improved, the machining error is decreased. it will effectively ensure the consistency of the large circle curve precision.This method has the effect of infer other things from one fact for CNC grinding of large circular arc curve parts. Broaden the scope of application of CNC technology and practical.