bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Railway Air Brake Model and Parallel Computing Scheme
Authors: Wu Qing , Cole Colin , Spiryagin Maksym , Wang Yucang , Ma Weihua , Wei Chongfeng
Published: April 2017

This paper developed a detailed fluid dynamics model and a parallel computing scheme for air brake systems on long freight trains. The model consists of subsystem models for pipes, locomotive brake valves, and wagon brake valves. A new efficient hose connection boundary condition that considers pressure loss across the connection was developed. Simulations with 150 sets of wagon brake systems were conducted and validated against experimental data; the simulated results and measured results reached an agreement with the maximum difference of 15%; all important air brake system features were well simulated. Computing time was compared for simulations with and without parallel computing. The computing time for the conventional sequential computing scheme was about 6.7 times slower than real-time. Parallel computing using four computing cores decreased the computing time by 70%. Real-time simulations were achieved by parallel computing using eight computer cores.
Computing the Global Visibility Map Using Slice Geometry for Setup Planning
Authors: Hou Guangyu , Frank Matthew C.
Published: April 2017

This paper introduces a new method that uses slice geometry to compute the global visibility map (GVM). Global visibility mapping is a fundamentally important process that extracts geometric information about an object, which can be used to solve hard problems, for example, setup and process planning in computer numerical control (CNC) machining. In this work, we present a method for creating the GVM from slice data of polyhedron models, and then show how it can help determine around which axis of rotation a part can be machined. There have been various methods of calculating the GVM to date, tracing back to the well-known seminal methods that use Gaussian mapping. Compared to the considerable amount of work in this field, the proposed method has an advantage of starting from feature-free models like stereolithography (STL) files and has adjustable resolution. Moreover, since it is built upon slicing the model, the method is embarrassingly parallelizable in nature, thus suitable for high-performance computing. Using the GVM obtained by this method, we generate an axis of rotation map to facilitate the setup planning for four-axis CNC milling machines as one implementation example.
A Low Profile Electromagnetic Actuator Design and Model for an Origami Parallel Platform
Authors: Salerno Marco , Firouzeh Amir , Paik Jamie
Published: April 2017

Thin foldable origami mechanisms allow reconfiguration of complex structures with large volumetric change, versatility, and at low cost; however, there is rarely a systematic way to make them autonomously actuated due to the lack of low profile actuators. Actuation should satisfy the design requirements of wide actuation range, high actuation speed, and backdrivability. This paper presents a novel approach toward fast and controllable folding mechanisms by embedding an electromagnetic actuation system into a nominally flat platform. The design, fabrication, and modeling of the electromagnetic actuation system are reported, and a 1.7 mm-thick single-degree-of-freedom (DoF) foldable parallel structure reaching an elevation of 13 mm is used as a proof of concept for the proposed methodology. We also report on the extensive test results that validate the mechanical model in terms of the loaded and unloaded speed, the blocked force, and the range of actuation.
Risk-Based Maintenance Planning for Deteriorating Pressure Vessels With Multiple Defects
Authors: Haladuick Shane , Dann Markus R.
Published: April 2017

Pressure vessels are subject to deterioration processes, such as corrosion and fatigue, which can lead to failure. Inspections and repairs are performed to mitigate this risk. Large industrial facilities (e.g., oil and gas refineries) often have regularly scheduled shutdown periods during which many components, including the pressure vessels, are disassembled, inspected, and repaired if necessary. This paper presents a decision analysis framework for the risk-based maintenance (RBM) planning of corroding pressure vessels. After a vessel has been inspected, this framework determines the optimal maintenance time of each defect, where the optimal time is the one that minimizes the total expected cost over the lifecycle of the vessel. The framework allows for multiple defects and two failure modes (leak and burst), and accounts for the dependent failure events. A stochastic gamma process is used to model the future deterioration growth to determine the probability of vessel failure. The novel growth model presents a simple method to predict both the depth and length of each corrosion defect to enable burst analysis. The decision analysis framework can aid decision makers in deciding when a repair or replacement should be performed. This method can be used to immediately inform the decision maker of the optimal decision postinspection. A numerical example of a corroding pressure vessel illustrates the method.
Minimizing Ionizing Radiation Exposure in Invasive Cardiology Safety Training for Medical Doctors
Authors: Katz Aric , Shtub Avraham , Roguin Ariel
Published: April 2017

Advanced imaging systems, such as C-Arm machines, greatly improve physicians' diagnostic abilities and provide greater precision. Yet, these benefits come with a price of ionizing radiation exposure to medical teams and patients. Supplying proper training and skill improvement to operators on how to use this technology safely can help minimize risk of exposure. Previous studies on radiation knowledge among physicians and radiologists presented disturbing results of underestimated risk of exposure. The following research is based on an innovation in simulation-based training (SBT), a simulator using the Wizard of Oz (WOZ) concept that incorporates an online human trainer and was used for training emergency room (ER) physicians and ultrasound medical personnel. This research integrated WOZ technology with a radiation exposure formula for training to minimize unnecessary radiation exposure. The exposure formula presents real-time and overall exposure levels to operators based on their technique. The simulator also incorporates 3D animation graphics, enabling trainees to simulate the control of various factors. Image quality and the operator's radiation exposure levels are also animated, assisting trainees to focus on their exposure based on their device settings. Contrary to most previous studies, we measured radiation dose to the operator and quantified image quality accordingly. Validation was done on different C-Arm machines. Validation of learning outcomes was done using knowledge exams. Results from our knowledge exams presented significant improvement. The average result of knowledge exams given prior to training was 54%, whereas the average result after training was 94% (p < 0.001). Additionally, after a gap of 2–3 months, high retention was also found.
Older people moving to residential care in Aotearoa New Zealand: Considerations for social work at practice and policy levels
Authors: McKenna Delia Margaret , Staniforth Barbara
Published: April 2017

INTRODUCTION: This exploratory study, undertaken in 2013, sought to examine how older people, living in Auckland New Zealand who did not have family living locally, experienced the move from living at home, through a hospital admission to living in residential care. METHOD: Nine qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants while in hospital and following discharge to a residential care facility.  Data were analysed thematically.RESULTS: For most, this move was a major, traumatic event in their lives. Participants identified both hindering and supportive factors through this process.CONCLUSION: The process of transition from hospital is helped by older people being involved in decision making, and having adequate time and prior information. An assisted living facility that enables autonomy, has flexibility, and services in place to meet on-going physical and psycho-social needs supports the settling-in process. Continuity of social work interventions, advocacy and reviews of policy may also be useful.
Electrical and optical characteristics of gamma-ray irradiated AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors
Authors: Khanal Min P. , Ozden Burcu , Kim Kyunghyuk , Uprety Sunil , Mirkhani Vahid , Yapabandara Kosala , Ahyi Ayayi C. , Park Minseo
Published: April 2017

A comparative study on the direct-current (dc) electrical performance and optical characteristics of unirradiated and 120 MRad 60Co-gamma-ray (γ-ray) irradiated AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) was performed. The devices fabricated on an irradiated HEMT epilayer structure show slight degradation/alteration in the dc characteristics such as source–drain current–voltage (IDS-VDS), transfer (IDS-VGS), transconductance, and gate current–voltage, indicating the presence of radiation-induced defects. Also, a shift in flat band voltage was observed from the capacitance-voltage measurements. Micro-Raman spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy were used to compare the crystal quality of the heterojunction. No shift in the Raman peak frequency position was observed in both the unirradiated and irradiated samples, which implies that the irradiation did not produce an additional strain to the HEMT layers. However, the full width at half maximum of the Raman and near-band-edge PL peaks has increased after irradiation, which suggests the degradation of crystal quality. The spectroscopic photocurrent–voltage study with sub-bandgap and above bandgap illumination confirmed the pre-existence of sub-bandgap defects in the heterostructure and revealed the possibility of their rearrangement or the introduction of new defects after the irradiation. It was concluded that AlGaN/GaN HEMTs are relatively resistant to high dose (120 MRad) gamma-ray irradiation, but they can introduce additional traps or reconfigure the pre-existing traps, influencing the electrical and optical characteristics of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs.
Bi-directional audiovisual influences on temporal modulation discrimination
Authors: Varghese Leonard , Mathias Samuel R. , Bensussen Seth , Chou Kenny , Goldberg Hannah R. , Sun Yile , Sekuler Robert , Shinn-Cunningham Barbara G.
Published: April 2017

Cross-modal interactions of auditory and visual temporal modulation were examined in a game-like experimental framework. Participants observed an audiovisual stimulus (an animated, sound-emitting fish) whose sound intensity and/or visual size oscillated sinusoidally at either 6 or 7 Hz. Participants made speeded judgments about the modulation rate in either the auditory or visual modality while doing their best to ignore information from the other modality. Modulation rate in the task-irrelevant modality matched the modulation rate in the task-relevant modality (congruent conditions), was at the other rate (incongruent conditions), or had no modulation (unmodulated conditions). Both performance accuracy and parameter estimates from drift-diffusion decision modeling indicated that (1) the presence of temporal modulation in both modalities, regardless of whether modulations were matched or mismatched in rate, resulted in audiovisual interactions; (2) congruence in audiovisual temporal modulation resulted in more reliable information processing; and (3) the effects of congruence appeared to be stronger when judging visual modulation rates (i.e., audition influencing vision), than when judging auditory modulation rates (i.e., vision influencing audition). The results demonstrate that audiovisual interactions from temporal modulations are bi-directional in nature, but with potential asymmetries in the size of the effect in each direction.
Extension and evaluation of a near-end listening enhancement algorithm for listeners with normal and impaired hearing
Authors: Rennies Jan , Drefs Jakob , Hülsmeier David , Schepker Henning , Doclo Simon
Published: April 2017

In many applications in which speech is played back via a sound reinforcement system such as public address systems and mobile phones, speech intelligibility is degraded by additive environmental noise. A possible solution to maintain high intelligibility in noise is to pre-process the speech signal based on the estimated noise power at the position of the listener. The previously proposed AdaptDRC algorithm [Schepker, Rennies, and Doclo (2015). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 138, 2692–2706] applies both frequency shaping and dynamic range compression under an equal-power constraint, where the processing is adaptively controlled by short-term estimates of the speech intelligibility index. Previous evaluations of the algorithm have focused on normal-hearing listeners. In this study, the algorithm was extended with an adaptive gain stage under an equal-peak-power constraint, and evaluated with eleven normal-hearing and ten mildly to moderately hearing-impaired listeners. For normal-hearing listeners, average improvements in speech reception thresholds of about 4 and 8 dB compared to the unprocessed reference condition were measured for the original algorithm and its extension, respectively. For hearing-impaired listeners, the average improvements were about 2 and 6 dB, indicating that the relative improvement due to the proposed adaptive gain stage was larger for these listeners than the benefit of the original processing stages.
Chua Corsage Memristor: Phase Portraits, Basin of Attraction, and Coexisting Pinched Hysteresis Loops
Authors: Mannan Zubaer Ibna , Choi Hyuncheol , Rajamani Vetriveeran , Kim Hyongsuk , Chua Leon
Published: April 2017

The Chua Corsage Memristor is the simplest example of a passive but locally active memristor endowed with two asymptotically stable equilibrium points [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] when powered by an E-volt battery, where [Formula: see text]. The basin of attraction is defined by [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text]. By adding an inductor of appropriate value [Formula: see text] in series with the battery, the resulting circuit undergoes a supercritical Hopf bifurcation and becomes an oscillator for [Formula: see text]. Applying a sinusoidal voltage source [Formula: see text] across the Chua corsage memristor, one finds two distinct coexisting stable periodic responses, depicted by their associated pinched hysteresis loops, of the same frequency [Formula: see text] whose basin of attraction is defined by [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text], respectively, where [Formula: see text] depends on both amplitude A and frequency f.

An in-depth and comprehensive analysis of the above global nonlinear phenomena is presented using tools from nonlinear circuit theory, such as Chua’s dynamic route method, and from nonlinear dynamics, such as phase portrait analysis and bifurcation theory.
Counteracting Dynamical Degradation of Digital Chaotic Chebyshev Map via Perturbation
Authors: Liu Yunqi , Luo Yuling , Song Shuxiang , Cao Lvchen , Liu Junxiu , Harkin Jim
Published: April 2017

The chaotic map has complex dynamics under ideal conditions however it suffers from the problem of performance degradation in the case of finite computing precision. In order to prevent the dynamics degradation, in this paper the continuous Chen chaotic system is used to perturb both the inputs and parameters of Chebyshev map to minimize the chaotic degradation phenomenon under finite precision. Experimental evaluations and corresponding performance analysis demonstrate that the Chebyshev chaotic map has a good randomness and complex dynamic performance by using the proposed perturbation method, and some attributes of the proposed system are stronger than the original system (e.g. chaos attractor and approximate entropy). Finally, the corresponding pseudorandom number generator (PRNG) is constructed by this method and then its randomness is evaluated via NIST SP800-22 and TestU01 test suites, respectively. Statistical test results show that the proposed PRNG has high reliability of randomness, thus it can be used for cryptography and other potential applications.
A Generalist Predator and the Planar Zero-Hopf Bifurcation
Authors: Valenzuela Luis Miguel , Falconi Manuel , Blé Gamaliel
Published: April 2017

A typical approach for searching periodic orbits of planar dynamical systems is through the Hopf bifurcation. In this work we present a family of predator–prey models with a generalist predator which does not exhibit a Hopf bifurcation, but a planar zero-Hopf bifurcation; that means, in the whole bifurcation process the eigenvalues of the linear approximation around the equilibrium points remain as pure imaginary. Similar models with a nongeneralist predator always possess a Hopf bifurcation.
Are Perpetual Points Sufficient for Locating Hidden Attractors?
Authors: Nazarimehr Fahimeh , Saedi Batool , Jafari Sajad , Sprott J. C.
Published: April 2017

Perpetual Points (PPs) have been introduced as an interesting new topic in nonlinear dynamics, and there is a conjecture that these points can be used to find hidden attractors. This note demonstrates some examples where PPs cannot locate their hidden attractors.
Sharkovsky-Type Theorems on S1 Applicable to Differential Equations
Authors: Andres Jan , Fišer Jiří
Published: April 2017

“Period three implications” are investigated for a large class of multivalued maps on the circle. The obtained Sharkovsky–Block–Siegberg type theorem is then applied to differential equations and inclusions for the coexistence of infinitely many derivo–periodic solutions with various periods, sometimes called subharmonic solutions of the second kind. These deterministic results are also randomized. Several illustrative examples are supplied.
Multistable Phenomena Involving Equilibria and Periodic Motions in Predator–Prey Systems
Authors: Jiang Jiao , Yu Pei
Published: April 2017

In this paper, we consider a number of predator–prey systems with various types of functional responses. Detailed analysis on the dynamics and bifurcations of the systems are given. Particular attention is focused on the complex dynamics due to bifurcation of limit cycles, which may generate bistable or tristable phenomena involving equilibria and oscillating motions. It is shown that predator–prey systems can exhibit such bistable or tristable phenomena due to Hopf bifurcation, giving rise to the coexistence of stable equilibria and stable periodic solutions. Explicit conditions on the system parameters are derived which can be used to determine the number of Hopf bifurcations, the stability of bifurcating limit cycles, and the parameter regime where the bistable or tristable phenomenon occurs. The method developed in this paper can be applied to study certain interesting patterns of complex dynamical behaviors in biological or other physical systems.
Dynamics of Traveling Wave Solutions to a New Highly Nonlinear Shallow Water Wave Equation
Authors: Li Jibin , Kou Kit Ian
Published: April 2017

In this paper, the dynamics of traveling wave solutions in a shallow water wave model with a regime for large-amplitude is studied. The corresponding traveling wave system is a singular planar dynamical system with one or two singular straight lines. By using the method of dynamical systems, bifurcation diagrams are presented. The existence of solitary wave solutions, periodic wave solutions, quasi-peakon solution, periodic peakon solutions and compacton solutions under different parameter conditions are determined.
Heterogeneous Aerial Platform Adaptive Mission Planning Using Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Wilhelm Jay , Rojas Jonathan , Eberhart Gina , Perhinschi Mario
Published: April 2017

The focus of this study was to examine an automated mission planner that utilized a heterogeneous set of small aerial assets simultaneously surveying several Points of Interest (POI). The concept mission was to aerially search for an unknown Target of Interest (TOI) located amongst a set of POIs. In order to develop a planning system that is capable of meeting mission requirements, an adaptive mission planner, based on a Genetic Algorithm (GA), was investigated that seeks to task a heterogeneous set of unmanned aerial vehicles. Initially, a set of fixed wing UAVs were tasked to survey a set of POIs in search of a TOI, a POI that requires additional or long term surveillance. Once a TOI was located, a multi-rotor UAV was deployed to visit the TOI and additional POIs. Remaining POIs that were not tasked to the multi-rotor UAV were then re-tasked amongst the fixed wing aircraft set. The mission planner was implemented using a GA that planned initial and post TOI identification UAV paths. Mission simulations were conducted and the mission time increase was analyzed against different TOI locations and number of UAVs searching. Simulation results indicated that the deployment of a multi-rotor UAV not only provided additional surveillance of the TOI, but reduced overall mission times as well.
EkhoNet
Authors: Zhang Pengyu , Hu Pan , Pasikanti Vijay , Ganesan Deepak
Published: April 2017

A fundamental assumption that has driven the design of sensor networks for decades is that communication is the most powerhungry component of an individual sensor system. The powerconsumption gap between communication and other modules has driven a plethora of design choices in sensor networks, primarily by encouraging designers to reduce data at the source, thereby minimizing the amount of data that needs to be communicated.
Astrobiology App for Kids
Authors: Calderon Ana C. , Tryfona Catherine , Smith Cai
Published: April 2017

It is well-known that children have difficulty conceptualizing astronomical concepts, such as gravity (Schoultz et al., 2001). We argue that a solution to this is to create effective and efficient prosthetics for aiding in their thinking and visualization, and exemplify this with an app that introduces astrobiology to children. The app was designed to be a hybrid between a game-like learning app and an encyclopaedic app. Similar difficulties arise in teaching mathematics to children (see for instance, Trouche, 2003). We predict that our app might have usage not only in children's astronomical education, but could also be used by people of all ages wishing to familiarize themselves with astrobiology, in an introductory manner.
Smartphones
Authors: Gollakota Shyamnath , Kravets Robin
Published: April 2017

In this issue, we highlight four papers from Mobisys 2015 that push the limits of computation and sensing on smartphones.
suMMarY report for the First NSF Workshop on Mobile Community Measurement Infrastructure
Authors: Choffnes David , Mao Z. Morley
Published: April 2017

Flexible measurement infrastructure support for experimentation are critical for enabling and supporting research work with strong experimental components to help validate ideas and evaluate the design in practice. Mobile computing research work must be evaluated in as realistic network settings as possible to help researchers understand how various factors, such as signal strength, network load aff ect the performance and energy metrics of interest. Currently, there is no environment that enables network visibility from an end-to-end perspective of the cellular network protocol stack: from the end-device all the way to the network server traversing through various network elements. Th e lack of such an integrated measurement infrastructure greatly hinders the innovation in this important research field.
Battery-Free Connected Machine Vision with WISPCam
Authors: Naderiparizi Saman , Kapetanovic Zerina , Smith Joshua R.
Published: April 2017

Sustained exponential improvements in the energy efficiency of microelectronics has recently enabled us to build battery-free camera systems that are powered entirely by propagating radio waves. This paper describes primitive machine vision applications built using this highly constrained, battery-free camera system. After describing the WISPCam system and its constraints, we show how to use it to capture (relatively) high-resolution images of faces, without ever capturing a full frame at high resolution. This example application illustrates the issues that arise in partitioning a demanding vision application across mobile hardware that is highly constrained in power, storage, computation and communication.
A Critique of FCC'S TV White Space Regulations
Authors: Ramjee Ramachandran , Roy Sumit , Chintalapudi Krishna
Published: April 2017

Broadband access constitutes the "oxygen" for the Internet Era, to which end, the issue of spectrum management is foundational. In this position paper, we present an overview of FCC's pioneering work framing TV white space rules that allows unlicensed access by secondary users while protecting licensed primary users. The core contribution of this paper is an in-depth analysis of FCC's TV white space regulations (often treated as a global template). We argue that FCC's current white space regulations does not achieve the desired balance between effectively promoting unlicensed secondary access and providing adequate protection of the primary. As more countries around the world look at framing white space regulations, we argue for incorporating a more flexible design that can catalyze a white space device ecosystem to flourish, similar to Wi-Fi.
GLIMPSE
Authors: Chen Tiffany Yu-Han , Balakrishnan Hari , Ravindranath Lenin , Bahl Paramvir
Published: April 2017

Excerpted from "Glimpse: Continuous, Real-Time Object Recognition on Mobile Devices" from Proceedings of the 13th ACM Conference on Embedded Networked Sensor Systems with permission. http://dx.doi.org/10.1145/2809695.2809711 © ACM 2015.

Glimpse is a continuous, real-time object recognition system for camera-equipped mobile devices. Glimpse captures full-motion video, locates objects of interest, recognizes and labels them, and tracks them from frame to frame for the user. Because the algorithms for object recognition entail significant computation, Glimpse runs them on server machines. When the latency between the server and mobile device is higher than a frame-time, this approach lowers object recognition accuracy. To regain accuracy, Glimpse uses an active cache of video frames on the mobile device. A subset of the frames in the active cache are used to track objects on the mobile, using (stale) hints about objects that arrive from the server from time to time. To reduce network bandwidth usage, Glimpse computes trigger frames to send to the server for recognizing.
PowerForecaster
Authors: Min Chulhong , Lee Youngki , Yoo Chungkuk , Kang Seungwoo , Hwang Inseok , Song Junehwa
Published: April 2017

Excerpted from "PowerForecaster: Predicting Smartphone Power Impact of Continuous Sensing Applications at Pre-Installation Time" from Proceedings of the 13th ACM Conference on Embedded Networked Sensor Systems with permission. http://dx.doi.org/10.1145/2809695.2809728 © ACM 2015.
EMBEDDED DEVELOPMENT TOOLS REVISITED
Authors: Ramesh Rohit , Dutta Prabal
Published: April 2017

We envision a future where any programmer can automatically generate an embedded device from application code. A future in which a professional embedded engineer can "sketch" out a partial device design and automation can complete it, in which a hobbyist can write a program and, in a matter of days, receive a custom hardware in the mail. Building this future requires us to rethink the embedded development process and redesign the tools we use.
FROM OPPORTUNISTIC NETWORKS to 3GPP NETWORK-INDEPENDENT DEVICE-TO-DEVICE COMMUNICATION
Authors: Kouyoumdjieva Sylvia T. , Karlsson Gunnar
Published: April 2017

Broadband access constitutes the "oxygen" for the Internet Era, to which end, the issue of spectrum management is foundational. In this position paper, we present an overview of FCC's pioneering work framing TV white space rules that allows unlicensed access by secondary users while protecting licensed primary users. The core contribution of this paper is an in-depth analysis of FCC's TV white space regulations (often treated as a global template). We argue that FCC's current white space regulations does not achieve the desired balance between effectively promoting unlicensed secondary access and providing adequate protection of the primary. As more countries around the world look at framing white space regulations, we argue for incorporating a more flexible design that can catalyze a white space device ecosystem to flourish, similar to Wi-Fi.
piStream
Authors: Xie Xiufeng , Zhang Xinyu , Kumar Swarun , Li Li Erran
Published: April 2017

Excerpted from "piStream: Physical Layer Informed Adaptive Video Streaming over LTE," from Proceedings of the 21st Annual International Conference on Mobile Computing and Networking. http://dl.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=2790118 © ACM 2015.
EARP
Authors: Xu Yuanzhong , Hunt Tyler , Kwon Youngjin , Georgiev Martin , Shmatikov Vitaly , Witchel Emmett
Published: April 2017

Modern mobile apps communicate and exchange data with other apps almost as much as they communicate and exchange data with the operating system. Many popular apps now occupy essential places in the app "ecosystem" and provide other apps with services, such as storage, that have traditionally been the responsibility of the OS. For example, an app may rely on Facebook to authenticate users, Google Drive to store users' data, WhatsApp to send messages to other users, Twitter to publicly announce users' activities, etc.
Analytical Interference by Contrast Agents in Biochemical Assays
Authors: Otnes Sigrid , Fogh-Andersen Niels , Rømsing Janne , Thomsen Henrik S.
Published: April 2017

Objective.To provide a clinically relevant overview of the analytical interference by contrast agents (CA) in laboratory blood test measurements.Materials and Methods.The effects of five CAs, gadobutrol, gadoterate meglumine, gadoxetate disodium, iodixanol, and iomeprol, were studied on the 29 most frequently performed biochemical assays. One-day-old plasma, serum, and whole blood were spiked with doses of each agent such that the gadolinium agents and the iodine agents reached concentrations of 0.5 mM and 12 mg iodine/mL, respectively. Subsequently, 12 assays were reexamined using1/2and1/4of these CA concentrations. The results were assessed statistically by a paired Student’st-test.Results.Iodixanol produced a negative interference on the bicarbonate (p=0.011), lactate dehydrogenase (p<0.0001), and zinc (p=0.0034) assays and a positive interference on the albumin (p=0.0062), calcium (p<0.0001), ionized calcium (p=0.0086), iron (p<0.0001), and potassium (p=0.0003) assays. Iomeprol produced a negative interference on the bicarbonate (p=0.0057) and magnesium (p=0.0001) assays and a positive interference on the calcium (p<0.0001) and potassium (p=0.0012) assays. Gadoxetate disodium produced a negative interference on the iron (p<0.0001) and zinc (p<0.0001) assays and a positive interference on the sodium (p=0.032) assay.Conclusion.CAs cause analytical interference. Attention should be given to the above-mentioned analyte-CA combinations when assessing laboratory blood test results obtained after CA administration.
Privacy-Preserving Billing Scheme against Free-Riders for Wireless Charging Electric Vehicles
Authors: Zhao Xingwen , Lin Jiaping , Li Hui
Published: April 2017

Recently, scientists in South Korea developed on-line electric vehicle (OLEV), which is a kind of electric vehicle that can be charged wirelessly while it is moving on the road. The battery in the vehicle can absorb electric energy from the power transmitters buried under the road without any contact with them. Several billing schemes have been presented to offer privacy-preserving billing for OLEV owners. However, they did not consider the existence of free-riders. When some vehicles are being charged after showing the tokens, vehicles that are running ahead or behind can switch on their systems and drive closely for a free charging. We describe a billing scheme against free-riders by using several cryptographic tools. Each vehicle should authenticate with a compensation-prepaid token before it can drive on the wireless-charging-enabled road. The service provider can obtain compensation if it can prove that certain vehicle is a free-rider. Our scheme is privacy-preserving so the charging will not disclose the locations and routine routes of each vehicle. In fact, our scheme is a fast authentication scheme that anonymously authenticates each user on accessing a sequence of services. Thus, it can be applied to sequential data delivering services in future 5G systems.
A Comparative Study of Raw and Metal Oxide Impregnated Carbon Nanotubes for the Adsorption of Hexavalent Chromium from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Qureshi Muhammad I. , Patel Faheemuddin , Al-Baghli Nadhir , Abussaud Basim , Tawabini Bassam S. , Laoui Tahar
Published: April 2017

The present study reports the use of raw, iron oxide, and aluminum oxide impregnated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for the adsorption of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) ions from aqueous solution. The raw CNTs were impregnated with 1% and 10% loadings (weight %) of iron oxide and aluminum oxide nanoparticles using wet impregnation technique. The synthesized materials were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Batch adsorption experiments were performed to assess the removal efficiency of Cr(VI) ions from water and the effects of pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage, and initial concentration of the Cr(VI) ions were investigated. Results of the study revealed that impregnated CNTs achieved significant increase in the removal efficiency of Cr(VI) ions compared to raw CNTs. In fact, both CNTs impregnated with 10% loading of iron and aluminum oxides were able to remove up to 100% of Cr(VI) ions from aqueous solution. Isotherm studies were carried out using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. Adsorption kinetics of Cr(VI) ions from water was found to be well described by the pseudo-second-order model. The results suggest that metallic oxide impregnated CNTs have very good potential application in the removal of Cr(VI) ions from water resulting in better environmental protection.
Protection against Blast-Induced Traumatic Brain Injury by Increase in Brain Volume
Authors: Gu Ming , Kawoos Usmah , McCarron Richard , Chavko Mikulas
Published: April 2017

Blast-induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI) is a leading cause of injuries in recent military conflicts and it is responsible for an increased number of civilian casualties by terrorist attacks. bTBI includes a variety of neuropathological changes depending on the intensity of blast overpressure (BOP) such as brain edema, neuronal degeneration, diffuse axonal damage, and vascular dysfunction with neurological manifestations of psychological and cognitive abnormalities. Internal jugular vein (IJV) compression is known to reduce intracranial compliance by causing an increase in brain volume and was shown to reduce brain damage during closed impact-induced TBI. We investigated whether IJV compression can attenuate signs of TBI in rats after exposure to BOP. Animals were exposed to three 110 ± 5 kPa BOPs separated by 30 min intervals. Exposure to BOP resulted in a significant decrease of neuronal nuclei (NeuN) together with upregulation of aquaporin-4 (AQP-4), 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), and endothelin 1 receptor A (ETRA) expression in frontal cortex and hippocampus one day following exposures. IJV compression attenuated this BOP-induced increase in 3-NT in cortex and ameliorated the upregulation of AQP-4 in hippocampus. These results suggest that elevated intracranial pressure and intracerebral volume have neuroprotective potential in blast-induced TBI.
Development of an Integrated Cooling System Controller for Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Authors: Wang Chong , Sun Qun , Xu Limin
Published: April 2017

A hybrid electrical bus employs both a turbo diesel engine and an electric motor to drive the vehicle in different speed-torque scenarios. The cooling system for such a vehicle is particularly power costing because it needs to dissipate heat from not only the engine, but also the intercooler and the motor. An electronic control unit (ECU) has been designed with a single chip computer, temperature sensors, DC motor drive circuit, and optimized control algorithm to manage the speeds of several fans for efficient cooling using a nonlinear fan speed adjustment strategy. Experiments suggested that the continuous operating performance of the ECU is robust and capable of saving 15% of the total electricity comparing with ordinary fan speed control method.
Port Placement via the Anterior Jugular Venous System: Case Report, Anatomic Considerations, and Literature Review
Authors: Rott Gernot , Boecker Frieder
Published: April 2017

We report on a patient who was referred for port implantation with a two-chamber pacemaker aggregate on the right and total occlusion of the central veins on the left side. Venous access for port implantation was performed via left side puncture of the horizontal segment of the anterior jugular vein system (AJVS) and insertion of the port catheter using a crossover technique from the left to the right venous system via the jugular venous arch (JVA). The clinical significance of the AJVS and the JVA for central venous access and port implantation is emphasised and the corresponding literature is reviewed.
The Effect of Different Pollination on the Expression of Dangshan Su Pear MicroRNA
Authors: Cheng Xi , Yan Chongchong , Zhang Jinyun , Ma Chenhui , Li Shumei , Jin Qing , Zhang Nan , Cao Yunpeng , Lin Yi , Cai Yongping
Published: April 2017

The high-throughput sequencing of pear “Dangshan Su” × “Yali” (whose fruits lignin and stone cell content are high and quality is poor) and pear “Dangshan Su” × “Wonhwang” (whose fruits with low content of lignin and stone cell and the quality are better ) found that the expressions of these two miRNAs (pyr-1809 and pyr-novel-miR-144-3p) were significantly different; their corresponding target genes encode two kinds of laccase (Pbr018935.1 and Pbr003857.1). qRT-PCR results showed that these two enzymes are involved in the formation of lignin and stone cells and the existence of these two miRNAs has a negative effect on them. It was concluded that the effect of pollination on the development of stone cells may affect the synthesis of lignin, through the regulation of laccase controlled by miRNAs, and ultimately affect the formation of stone cell and fruit quality.
Laplace Transform Collocation Method for Solving Hyperbolic Telegraph Equation
Authors: Adewumi Adebayo O. , Akindeinde Saheed O. , Aderogba Adebayo A. , Ogundare Babatunde S.
Published: April 2017

This article presents a new numerical scheme to approximate the solution of one-dimensional telegraph equations. With the use of Laplace transform technique, a new form of trial function from the original equation is obtained. The unknown coefficients in the trial functions are determined using collocation method. The efficiency of the new scheme is demonstrated with examples and the approximations are in excellent agreement with the analytical solutions. This method produced better approximations than the ones produced with the standard weighted residual methods.
Characteristics of Herbal Medicine Users and Adverse Events Experienced in South Korea: A Survey Study
Authors: Jang Soobin , Kim Kyeong Han , Sun Seung-Ho , Go Ho-Yeon , Lee Eun-Kyung , Jang Bo-Hyoung , Shin Yong-Cheol , Ko Seong-Gyu
Published: April 2017

Background. This survey aimed to investigate the characteristics of users and nonusers of herbal medicine and the adverse events experienced due to herbal medicines in South Korea. Methods. The questionnaire consisted of safety, using experience, using type, usage and nonusage reason, purchase location, and adverse events of herbal medicine. The survey was administered by online. Results. Of the total 1,134 respondents, 726 (64.0%) considered herbal medicine safe, and 693 (61.1%) answered that they have taken herbal medicines within the past year. Most common place to purchase them was “TKM hospital or clinic” (63.6%), and most participants (72.2%) took a decoction from a TKM institution. The biggest reason for taking them was for “health improvement” (57.3%), and the reasons for not using them was “medication not necessary” (63.7%). Among those who took herbal medicines, 46 experienced adverse events, and the most frequently reported symptoms were digestive disorders (52.2%). Of the 46 participants who experienced adverse events, 20 (43.5%) were treated by TKM doctors. Conclusions. This study suggests that regulation of herbal medicines is needed in order to resolve problems related to the safety of herbal medicines.
Primary Meningococcal Type C Arthritis: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Barahona Maximiliano , Catalan Jaime , Sato Yoshiro , Hinzpeter Jaime
Published: April 2017

Acute septic arthritis is a common clinical problem in emergency departments. Primary meningococcal arthritis (PMA) is very rare and few cases are reported in literature. D. B. M. consulted the emergency department for knee pain and fever; analysis showed that the cause was a Neisseria meningitidis type C infection. He received a treatment consisting of 2 arthroscopies and 5 weeks of antibiotics. At five weeks he returned to work and at 2 months he resumed sports (jogging and soccer) without complaints. Primary arthritis of the knee caused by Neisseria meningitidis is very rare. It has a very good response to antibiotics and arthroscopy procedure. Short-term follow-up and functional results are often good or excellent.
EBV-Negative Monomorphic B-Cell Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder with Marked Morphologic Pleomorphism and Pathogenic Mutations in ASXL1, BCOR, CDKN2A, NF1, and TP53
Authors: Bogusz Agata M.
Published: April 2017

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs) are a diverse group of lymphoid or plasmacytic proliferations frequently driven by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). EBV-negative PTLDs appear to represent a distinct entity. This report describes an unusual case of a 33-year-old woman that developed a monomorphic EBV-negative PTLD consistent with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) 13 years after heart-lung transplant. Histological examination revealed marked pleomorphism of the malignant cells including nodular areas reminiscent of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) with abundant large, bizarre Hodgkin-like cells. By immunostaining, the malignant cells were immunoreactive for CD45, CD20, CD79a, PAX5, BCL6, MUM1, and p53 and negative for CD15, CD30, latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1), and EBV-encoded RNA (EBER). Flow cytometry demonstrated lambda light chain restricted CD5 and CD10 negative B-cells. Fluorescence in situ hybridization studies (FISH) were negative for cMYC, BCL2, and BCL6 rearrangements but showed deletion of TP53 and monosomy of chromosome 17. Next-generation sequencing studies (NGS) revealed numerous genetic alterations including 6 pathogenic mutations in ASXL1, BCOR, CDKN2A, NF1, and TP53(x2) genes and 30 variants of unknown significance (VOUS) in ABL1, ASXL1, ATM, BCOR, BCORL1, BRNIP3, CDH2, CDKN2A, DNMT3A, ETV6, EZH2, FBXW7, KIT, NF1, RUNX1, SETPB1, SF1, SMC1A, STAG2, TET2, TP53, and U2AF2.
Regeneration and Regrowth Potentials of Digit Tips in Amphibians and Mammals
Authors: Choi Yohan , Meng Fanwei , Cox Charles S. , Lally Kevin P. , Huard Johnny , Li Yong
Published: April 2017

Tissue regeneration and repair have received much attention in the medical field over the years. The study of amphibians, such as newts and salamanders, has uncovered many of the processes that occur in these animals during full-limb/digit regeneration, a process that is highly limited in mammals. Understanding these processes in amphibians could shed light on how to develop and improve this process in mammals. Amputation injuries in mammals usually result in the formation of scar tissue with limited regrowth of the limb/digit; however, it has been observed that the very tips of digits (fingers and toes) can partially regrow in humans and mice under certain conditions. This review will summarize and compare the processes involved in salamander limb regeneration, mammalian wound healing, and digit regeneration in mice and humans.
Effects of Diode Laser, Gaseous Ozone, and Medical Dressings onEnterococcus faecalisBiofilms in the Root Canal Ex Vivo
Authors: Bitter Kerstin , Vlassakidis Alexander , Niepel Mediha , Hoedke Daniela , Schulze Julia , Neumann Konrad , Moter Annette , Noetzel Jörn
Published: April 2017

The objective was to compare the antibacterial effects of adjunctive disinfection using diode laser and gaseous ozone compared to the medical dressings calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) and chlorhexidine gel (CHX-Gel) onEnterococcus faecalisbiofilms in human root canals ex vivo. Root canals of 180 human extracted teeth were infected byE. faecalisand divided into 3 main groups (G): G1, control; G2, instrumentation and irrigation using 0.9% NaCl; G3, instrumentation and irrigation using 1% NaOCl. In each main group, the following treatments were applied: gaseous ozone, diode laser, and medical dressings of Ca(OH)2or CHX-Gel for 7 days (n=15). Reduction of colony forming units (CFUs) inside the root canal of planktons and frequencies of adherent bacteria after treatment were calculated. Bacterial reduction was significantly affected by the irrigation protocol (p<0.0005) and the disinfection method (p<0.0005), and a significant interaction between both factors could be observed (p<0.0005; ANOVA). In G3 (instrumentation using 1% NaOCl), no significant effect of disinfection methods could be demonstrated on planktonic bacteria (p=0.062; ANOVA) and frequencies of adherent bacteria (p>0.05; chi-square test). Instrumentation and irrigation using NaOCl combined with ozone or laser application resulted in comparable bacterial reduction onE. faecalisto the application of medical dressings.
miR-195 Regulates Proliferation and Apoptosis through Inhibiting the mTOR/p70s6k Signaling Pathway by Targeting HMGA2 in Esophageal Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Li Yong , Wu Dapeng , Wang Pei , Li Xiaohui , Shi Gongning
Published: April 2017

miR-195 is related to tumorigenesis and frequently inhibits cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis in various cancers, including esophageal carcinoma (EC). The mTOR/p70s6k signaling pathway, which is the major target pathway for HMGA2, regulates the survival and cell proliferation of many tumors and is commonly active in EC. The relationships of miR-195, HMGA2, and the mTOR/p70s6k signaling pathway in EC, however, remain unknown. In the present study, we found that the miR-195 level was significantly downregulated in EC tissues, while the mRNA expressions of HMGA2 were significantly upregulated. Dual-luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that HMGA2 is a target of miR-195. MTT assay and flow cytometry revealed that miR-195 overexpression inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis by targeting HMGA2. We also found that HMGA2 restored the inhibitory effect of miR-195 on phosphorylation of mTOR and p70S6K. Furthermore, rapamycin, a specific inhibitor of the mTOR/p70S6K signaling pathway, decreased the levels of Ki-67 and Bcl-2/Bax ratio, inhibited cell proliferation, and promoted apoptosis in EC cells. In conclusion, upregulation of miR-195 significantly suppressed cell growth and induced apoptosis of EC cells via suppressing the mTOR/p70s6k signaling pathway by targeting HMGA2.