bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
U.S. Department of Energy Coal-Fueled Gas Turbine Program: A Status Report
Authors: Byam John W. , Rekos Nelson
Published: March 2015

Beginning in 1982, the Department of Energy (DOE), through the Morgantown Energy Technology Center (METC), has been conducting research for the purpose of verifying the feasibility of using coal fuels in heat engine applications. The heat engines of primary concern are the gas turbine and the diesel engine. The overall program objective is to develop the technology base for an environmentally sound, integrated heat engine system which will produce cost-competitive energy from coal. This paper will present the status of the gas turbine portion of this program.
Staged Combustor Evaluation of Low Rank Coal Fuels
Authors: Rosfjord T. J.
Published: March 2015

The combustion characteristics of fuels derived from low rank, coals have been evaluated at firing conditions representative of an industrial gas turbine engine. Data have been acquired for five fuels containing sub-bituminous coal and one using a lignite. The sub-bituminous fuels were coal-water mixtures differing in either the coal processing or coal loading. One slurry was based on minimally-processed coal which contained relatively high ash and internal moisture levels; the coal loading was limited to 42 pct to sustain acceptable handling. The other four slurries presented different loading of an improved-quality form of the same parent coal; slurry loadings up to 55 pct were achieved, providing nearly 50-pct greater heating value than the minimally-processed fuel. The lignite coal was also processed to produce an improved-quality slurry. Attempts to deliver and combust powdered, sub-bituminous coal were not successful. All tests were performed in a combustor configured to achieve geometrically separated zones of fuel-rich and fuel-lean combustion. Test results indicated a lower limit of fuel energy density as necessary to sustain stable combustion; efficiencies greater than 95 pct were only achieved for improved-quality fuels. The staged combustor approach again demonstrated its ability to control the conversion of fuel-bound nitrogen to NOx as concentrations down to 40 ppm (15 pct 02) were recorded.
Correlation of Tip Clearance Effects to Impeller Geometry and Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Engeda A. , Strate W. P. , Rautenberg M.
Published: March 2015

Results of a continious effort at such a correlation, involving the most important effects of tip clearance on overall efficiency deterioration, are presented. The term tip clearance refers to the clearance between the vane tips of a half shrouded impeller and the front casing. In an attempt to develop a simple and more universal approach for the estimation of tip clearance losses in centrifugal impellers, the possibility of correlation through specific speed is examined. A tip clearance loss sensitivity factor is introduced and its likely dependence on specific speed presented. The weakness and ambiguity of the correlcation are discussed.
Calculation of Complete Three-Dimensional Flow in a Centrifugal Rotor With Splitter Blades
Authors: Dian-Kui Liu , Le-Jian Ji
Published: March 2015

The flow within a centrifugal rotor has strong characteristics of three-dimensional effect. A procedure called “stream-surface coordinates iteration” for the calculation of complete three dimensional flow in turbo-machinery is first described. Splitter blade techniques have been used in many rotors, especially in centrifugal compressors and pumps with high flow capacity. The difficulty of the calculation of the flow field for this type of rotor lies on that the mass flow ratio between the two sub-channels is unknown for the given total flow capacity. In the second part of this paper, an assumption about how to determine this mass flow ratio and a procedure to calculate the complete three-dimensional flow are presented. Finally, some design criteria about the splitter blades are put forward. Experimental data from two centrifugal pump impellers equipped with different splitter blades are also given to demonstrate the availability of the present calculation method.
Experimental validation of a coprime linear microphone array for high-resolution direction-of-arrival measurements
Authors: Xiang Ning , Bush Dane , Summers Jason E.
Published: March 2015

Coprime linear microphone arrays allow for narrower beams with fewer sensors. A coprime microphone array consists of two staggered uniform linear subarrays with M and N microphones, where M and N are coprime with each other. By applying spatial filtering to both subarrays and combining their outputs, M+N−1 microphones yield M⋅N directional bands. In this work, the coprime sampling theory is implemented in the form of a linear microphone array of 16 elements with coprime numbers of 9 and 8. This coprime microphone array is experimentally tested to validate the coprime array theory. Both predicted and measured results are discussed. Experimental results confirm that narrow beampatterns as predicted by the coprime sampling theory can be obtained by the coprime microphone array.
Localization of low-frequency coherent sound sources with compressive beamforming-based passive synthetic aperture
Authors: Lei Zhixiong , Yang Kunde , Duan Rui , Xiao Peng
Published: March 2015

The localization of low-frequency coherent sources requires a proper aperture to ensure a high spatial resolution. Attaining a large aperture is difficult in practice when the conditions involved are limited. This letter investigated a compressive beamforming-based passive synthetic aperture approach with a reference sensor in a fixed position. Localization findings on acoustic sources in a semi-anechoic chamber were compared with conventional beamforming, compressive beamforming, passive synthetic aperture, and compressive beamforming-based passive synthetic aperture. Results suggest that the proposed method can produce a higher spatial resolution and higher detection ability than the others.
Extension of a spectral time-stepping domain decomposition method for dispersive and dissipative wave propagation
Authors: Botts Jonathan , Savioja Lauri
Published: March 2015

For time-domain modeling based on the acoustic wave equation, spectral methods have recently demonstrated promise. This letter presents an extension of a spectral domain decomposition approach, previously used to solve the lossless linear wave equation, which accommodates frequency-dependent atmospheric attenuation and assignment of arbitrary dispersion relations. Frequency-dependence is straightforward to assign when time-stepping is done in the spectral domain, so combined losses from molecular relaxation, thermal conductivity, and viscosity can be approximated with little extra computation or storage. A mode update free from numerical dispersion is derived, and the model is confirmed with a numerical experiment.
Optimization of absorption placement using geometrical acoustic models and least squares
Authors: Saksela Kai , Botts Jonathan , Savioja Lauri
Published: March 2015

Given a geometrical model of a space, the problem of optimally placing absorption in a space to match a desired impulse response is in general nonlinear. This has led some to use costly optimization procedures. This letter reformulates absorption assignment as a constrained linear least-squares problem. Regularized solutions result in direct distribution of absorption in the room and can accommodate multiple frequency bands, multiple sources and receivers, and constraints on geometrical placement of absorption. The method is demonstrated using a beam tracing model, resulting in the optimal absorption placement on the walls and ceiling of a classroom.
Influences of Physical Fitness on Bone Mass in Women With Fibromyalgia
Authors: Gómez-Cabello Alba , Vicente-Rodríguez Germán , Navarro-Vera Isabel , Martinez-Redondo Diana , Díez-Sánchez Carmen , Casajús José Antonio
Published: March 2015

The aim of this study was to provide information about the relationship of bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) with some physical-fitness-related variables in a sample of women with fibromyalgia (FM) and age-matched women without FM. Twenty-eight women clinically diagnosed with FM (age 51.1 ± 8.4 yr, M ± SD) and 22 age-matched controls participated in the study. Whole-body BMC and BMD, lean mass, handgrip strength, quadriceps strength, and cardiovascular fitness were measured in all participants. The association between physical-fitness variables and bone-related variables was tested by linear regression controlling for body weight as a possible confounder. There were no differences in BMC or BMD between groups. Women with FM had lower values of handgrip strength, quadriceps strength, and VO2peak than the control group. Handgrip strength and aerobic capacity were associated with BMC and BMD and quadriceps strength was associated with BMD in women with FM; however, only VO2peak was associated with BMC in the group of women without FM. Bone mass of women with FM may be more susceptible to changes in physical fitness than that of the women without fibromyalgia.
Holographic superconductors in Hořava–Lifshitz gravity
Authors: Lin Kai , Abdalla E. , Wang Anzhong
Published: March 2015

We consider holographic superconductors related to the Schwarzschild black hole in the low energy limit of Hořava–Lifshitz spacetime. The nonrelativistic electromagnetic and scalar fields are introduced to construct a holographic superconductor model in Hořava–Lifshitz gravity and the results show that the α2 term plays an important role, modifying the conductivity curve line by means of an attenuation of the conductivity.
MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF BEHÇET'S DISEASE: A DYNAMICAL SYSTEMS APPROACH
Authors: ERDEM CEMAL , BOZKURT YASEMIN , ERMAN BURAK , GÜL AHMET , DEMIR ALPER
Published: March 2015

Behçet's Disease (BD) is a multi-systemic, auto-inflammatory disorder that is characterized by recurrent episodes of inflammatory manifestations affecting skin, mucosa, eyes, blood vessels, joints and several other organs. BD is classified as a multifactorial disease with an important contribution of genetics. Genetic studies suggest that there is a strong association of BD with a Class I major histocompatibility complex antigen, named HLA-B*51, along with several other weaker associations with genes encoding proteins involved in inflammation. However, pathogenic mechanisms associated with these genetic variations and their interactions with the environment have not been elucidated yet. In this paper, we present a mathematical model for BD based on a dynamical systems perspective that captures especially the relapsing nature of the disease. We propose a disease progression mechanism and construct a model, in the form of coupled ordinary differential equations (ODEs), which reveals the occurrence pattern of the disease in the population. According to our model, the disease has three distinct modes describing different phenotypes of people carrying HLA-B*51 tissue antigen, namely, the Healthy Carrier, the Potential Patient and the Active Patient. We herein present an exemplary mathematical model for BD, for the first time in the literature, that concisely captures the actions of many cell types together with genetic and environmental effects. The proposed model provides insight into this complex inflammatory disease which may lead to identification of new tools for its treatment and prevention.
A MODEL FOR THE TESTOSTERONE REGULATION TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE PRESENCE OF TWO TYPES OF TESTOSTERONE HORMONES
Authors: TANUTPANIT T. , PONGSUMPUN P. , TANG I. M.
Published: March 2015

The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) on the mathematical model of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) endocrine cycle which regulates the production of the male hormone testosterone. Large amounts of total circulating testosterone are bound to SHBG making them. Standard analytical techniques are used to analyze the modified mathematical model which includes a delay to account for the time required for luteinizing hormone emitted by the pituitary gland to reach the testis, to determine the steady state, its stability and the critical delay needed for the bifurcation. Numerical simulation of the solutions of the model is performed to illustrate the possible behaviors.
High performance reconciliation for continuous-variable quantum key distribution with LDPC code
Authors: Lin Dakai , Huang Duan , Huang Peng , Peng Jinye , Zeng Guihua
Published: March 2015

Reconciliation is a significant procedure in a continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) system. It is employed to extract secure secret key from the resulted string through quantum channel between two users. However, the efficiency and the speed of previous reconciliation algorithms are low. These problems limit the secure communication distance and the secure key rate of CV-QKD systems. In this paper, we proposed a high-speed reconciliation algorithm through employing a well-structured decoding scheme based on low density parity-check (LDPC) code. The complexity of the proposed algorithm is reduced obviously. By using a graphics processing unit (GPU) device, our method may reach a reconciliation speed of 25 Mb/s for a CV-QKD system, which is currently the highest level and paves the way to high-speed CV-QKD.
Handing Over Objects to Human in a Friendly and Comfortable Manner
Authors: Xie Biyun , Zhao Jing
Published: March 2015

In this paper, a robotic motion planning scheme is proposed to generate hand-over motions in a friendly and comfortable manner. Two sub-problems are studied: The determination of the final target position (where the robot should hand over the object to) and the generation of human-like motion in the hand-over process (how the robot should hand over the object to the position). First, experiments of different subjects are conducted to explore the common characteristics in the optimal hand-over positions. The result shows that their joint angles are similar at the optimal hand-over position. Therefore, the optimal hand-over position can be determined by forward kinematics based on the measured average joint angles. Then, two methods are proposed to plan the human-like hand-over motions in an obstacle-free environment and in an obstacle-present environment, respectively. A series of experimental comparisons is conducted to prove the validity of the methods. A robotic arm is controlled to hand over a cube to humans in human-like way and nonhuman-like way. The subjects are asked to grade the hand-over motion of the robotic arm on a scale of 1 to 5. The results show that the hand-over motions planned by the methods proposed in this paper can make people feel safer and more comfortable.
A review of iron and cobalt porphyrins, phthalocyanines and related complexes for electrochemical and photochemical reduction of carbon dioxide
Authors: Manbeck Gerald F. , Fujita Etsuko
Published: March 2015

This review summarizes research on the electrochemical and photochemical reduction of CO 2 using a variety of iron and cobalt porphyrins, phthalocyanines and related complexes. Metalloporphyrins and metallophthalocyanines are visible light absorbers with extremely large extinction coefficients. However, yields of photochemically-generated active catalysts for CO 2 reduction are typically low owing to the requirement of a second photoinduced electron. This requirement is not relevant to the case of electrochemical CO 2 reduction. Recent progress on efficient and stable electrochemical systems includes the use of FeTPP catalysts that have prepositioned phenyl OH groups in their second coordination spheres. This has led to remarkable progress in carrying out coupled proton-electron transfer reactions for CO 2 reduction. Such ground-breaking research has to be continued in order to produce renewable fuels in an economically feasible manner.
Generalized ‘Useful’ Relative Information Measures of Type (α, β)
Authors: Kumar Satish , Choudhary Arun
Published: March 2015

In this paper we define some new generalized measures of ‘useful’ relative information and study their particular cases. We also obtain their relations with common entropy measures. Moreover, we define the quantum generalized Tsallis entropy and show that projective measurement does not decrease the quantum generalized Tsallis entropy of a quantum state. Finally, we define generalized quantum Tsallis and Renyi relative entropies and discuss their particular cases.
Maximizing the Divergence from a Hierarchical Model of Quantum States
Authors: Weis Stephan , Knauf Andreas , Ay Nihat , Zhao Ming-Jing
Published: March 2015

We study many-party correlations quantified in terms of the Umegaki relative entropy (divergence) from a Gibbs family known as a hierarchical model. We derive these quantities from the maximum-entropy principle which was used earlier to define the closely related irreducible correlation. We point out the differences between quantum states and probability vectors which exist in hierarchical models, in the divergence from a hierarchical model and in local maximizers of this divergence. The differences are, respectively, missing factorization, discontinuity and reduction of uncertainty. We discuss global maximizers of the mutual information of separable qubit states.
The maximum weight spanning star forest problem on cactus graphs
Authors: Nguyen Viet Hung
Published: March 2015

A star is a graph in which some node is incident with every edge of the graph, i.e., a graph of diameter at most 2. A star forest is a graph in which each connected component is a star. Given a connected graph G in which the edges may be weighted positively. A spanning star forest of G is a subgraph of G which is a star forest spanning the nodes of G. The size of a spanning star forest F of G is defined to be the number of edges of F if G is unweighted and the total weight of all edges of F if G is weighted. We are interested in the problem of finding a Maximum Weight spanning Star Forest (MWSFP) in G. In [C. T. Nguyen, J. Shen, M. Hou, L. Sheng, W. Miller and L. Zhang, Approximating the spanning star forest problem and its applications to genomic sequence alignment, SIAM J. Comput. 38(3) (2008) 946–962], the authors introduced the MWSFP and proved its NP-hardness. They also gave a polynomial time algorithm for the MWSF problem when G is a tree. In this paper, we present a linear time algorithm that solves the MSWF problem when G is a cactus.
A Novel Software Simulator Model Based on Active Hybrid Architecture
Authors: AbdElHamid Amr , Zong Peng
Published: March 2015

The simulated training is an important issue for any type of missions such as aerial, ground, sea, or even space missions. In this paper, a new flexible aerial simulator based on active hybrid architecture is introduced. The simulator infrastructure is applicable to any type of training missions and research activities. This software-based simulator is tested on aerial missions to prove its applicability within time critical systems. The proposed active hybrid architecture is introduced via using the VB.NET and MATLAB in the same simulation loop. It exploits the remarkable computational power of MATLAB as a backbone aircraft model, and such mathematical model provides realistic dynamics to the trainee. Meanwhile, the Human-Machine Interface (HMI), the mission planning, the hardware interfacing, data logging, and MATLAB interfacing are developed using VB.NET. The proposed simulator is flexible enough to perform navigation and obstacle avoidance training missions. The active hybrid architecture is used during the simulated training, and also through postmission activities (like the generation of signals playback reports for evaluation purposes). The results show the ability of the proposed architecture to fulfill the aerial simulator demands and to provide a flexible infrastructure for different simulated mission requirements. Finally, a comparison with some existing simulators is introduced.
Mucus Containing Cystic Lesions “Mucocele” of the Appendix: The Unresolved Issues
Authors: Rabie Mohammad Ezzedien , Al Shraim Mubarak , Al Skaini Mohammad Saad , Alqahtani Saad , El Hakeem Ismail , Al Qahtani Abdulla Saad , Malatani Tarek , Hummadi Abduelah
Published: March 2015

Background. Mucocele of the appendix is a rare condition, the pathological classification and management strategy of which have not been standardized yet.Aim. To report on our management of appendiceal mucocele, highlighting the pitfalls and possible means for avoiding them.Materials and Methods. Our registries were reviewed to retrieve cases of appendiceal mucocele, encountered in the period from July 2008 to May 2013.Results. We had 9 cases, three males and sex females, with a median age of 62 years. Abdominal ultrasound (US) and computerized axial tomography scan (CT) suspected the diagnosis in only one case each. Open appendectomy was done in two cases of mucinous cystadenoma with no further surgery performed, despite the positive margin in one. Laparoscopic appendectomy was done in three cases: mucinous cystadenoma in one case which needed no further surgery, mucinous cystadenocarcinoma with pseudomyxoma peritonei in another, and low grade mucinous tumour in a third case, and all needed subsequent right hemicolectomy. Exploratory laparotomy was done in three cases: of these, synchronous right hemicolectomy was done in one case of mucinous cystadenoma/?mucinous tumour of uncertain malignant potential; in the other two cases, appendectomy only was done for mucinous hyperplasia with carcinoid tumour of the appendix in one case and mucinous cystadenoma/?mucinous tumour of uncertain malignant potential in another. The 9th case was discovered upon laparoscopy for cholecystectomy; when pseudomyxoma peritonei arising from an appendiceal mucocele was found, laparoscopic appendectomy with peritoneal biopsy was then performed instead. Histopathologic diagnostic uncertainty was present in two cases of mucinous cystadenoma where mucinous tumour of uncertain malignant potential was an alternative possibility. Perioperative colonoscopy was performed in only one case and our follow-up programme was defective, with the longest period being 180 days.Conclusion. Mucocele of the appendix should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic lesions in the right lower abdomen. Owing to its rarity, it continues to intrigue the surgeon as well as the radiologist and pathologist alike. For mucinous cystadenocarcinoma, right hemicolectomy is usually needed, whereas for hyperplasia and cystadenoma, appendectomy usually suffices if the resection margins are free. For mucinous tumours of uncertain malignant potential and low grade mucinous tumours as well as pseudomyxoma peritonei, the decision is not as simple. As for laparoscopic surgery, no solid proof exists with or against its safety. Although not yet standardized, perioperative colonoscopy and regular follow-up to detect early recurrences should probably be part of the management plan.
Route Choice in Subway Station during Morning Peak Hours: A Case of Guangzhou Subway
Authors: Xu Jie , Ning Yao , Wei Heng , Xie Wei , Guo Jianyuan , Jia Limin , Qin Yong
Published: March 2015

This paper is aimed at crowding phenomenon in the subway. As passengers are inclined to choose the route with minimum disutility, we put forward a route choice model which is constructed to achieve minimum objective function of feasibility for the optimal solution. Meanwhile we set passenger volume threshold values according to capacity of facilities. In the case of actual capacity exceeding the threshold, the decision node of constrained route will be selected; computing procedure about searching decision points will be presented. Then we should set rational restrictions at the decision node of the minimum utility function route to prevent too many passengers’ access to platform. Through certification, this series of methods can effectively ensure the safety of the station efficient operation.
Binding Cellulose and Chitosan via Intermolecular Inclusion Interaction: Synthesis and Characterisation of Gel
Authors: Duan Jiufang , Han Chunrui , Liu Liujun , Jiang Jianxin , Li Jianzhang , Li Yiqiang , Guan Chao
Published: March 2015

A novel cellulose-chitosan gel was successfully prepared in three steps: (1) ferrocene- (Fc-) cellulose with degrees of substitution (DS) of 0.5 wt% was synthesised by ferrocenecarboxylic acid and cellulose within dimethylacetamide/lithium chloride (DMAc/LiCl); (2) theβ-cyclodextrin (β-CD) groups were introduced onto the chitosan chains by reacting chitosan with epichlorohydrin in dimethyl sulphoxide and a DS of 0.35 wt%; (3) thus, the cellulose-chitosan gel was obtained via an intermolecular inclusion interaction of Fc-cellulose andβ-CD-chitosan in DMA/LiCl, that is, by an intermolecular inclusion interaction, between the Fc groups of cellulose and theβ-CD groups on the chitosan backbone at room temperature. The successful synthesis of Fc-cellulose andβ-CD-chitosan was characterised by13C-NMR spectroscopy. The gel based onβ-CD-chitosan and Fc-cellulose was formed under mild conditions which can engender autonomous healing between cut surfaces after 24 hours: the gel cannot self-heal while the cut surfaces were coated with a solution of a competitive guest (adamantane acid). The cellulose-chitosan complex made by this method underwent self-healing. Therefore, this study provided a novel method of expanding the application of chitosan by binding it with another polymer.
Triaxial Test and Mechanical Analysis of Rock-Soil Aggregate Sampled from Natural Sliding Mass
Authors: Huang Shuling , Ding Xiuli , Zhang Yuting , Cheng Wei
Published: March 2015

Rock-soil aggregate, as a specific geomaterial, exhibits complicated mechanical behavior. The rock-soil aggregate sampled from the deep layer of sliding mass at Jinpingzi area of Wudongde hydropower plant on Yangtze River is investigated to understand its mechanical behavior. Large-scale laboratory triaxial tests are conducted considering different gradations, stone contents and confining pressures. The results show that variation of stone content and gradation considerably affects the mechanical characteristics of rock-soil aggregate. Further, the influences of stone content, and gradation variation on stress-strain curve, Mohr-Coulomb criterion based shear strength parameters, Duncan-Chang model based deformation parameters, and internal friction angle are analyzed. A modified Rowe’s stress-dilatancy equation describing the mechanical response of rock-soil aggregate is then suggested.
Intuitionistic Fuzzy Possibilistic C Means Clustering Algorithms
Authors: Chaudhuri Arindam
Published: March 2015

Intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IFSs) provide mathematical framework based on fuzzy sets to describe vagueness in data. It finds interesting and promising applications in different domains. Here, we develop an intuitionistic fuzzy possibilistic C means (IFPCM) algorithm to cluster IFSs by hybridizing concepts of FPCM, IFSs, and distance measures. IFPCM resolves inherent problems encountered with information regarding membership values of objects to each cluster by generalizing membership and nonmembership with hesitancy degree. The algorithm is extended for clustering interval valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IVIFSs) leading to interval valued intuitionistic fuzzy possibilistic C means (IVIFPCM). The clustering algorithm has membership and nonmembership degrees as intervals. Information regarding membership and typicality degrees of samples to all clusters is given by algorithm. The experiments are performed on both real and simulated datasets. It generates valuable information and produces overlapped clusters with different membership degrees. It takes into account inherent uncertainty in information captured by IFSs. Some advantages of algorithms are simplicity, flexibility, and low computational complexity. The algorithm is evaluated through cluster validity measures. The clustering accuracy of algorithm is investigated by classification datasets with labeled patterns. The algorithm maintains appreciable performance compared to other methods in terms of pureness ratio.
The Application of Mechanical-Chemical Corrosion Theory in Downhole Tubing CO2Corrosion Research
Authors: Zhu Peike , Yan Wei , Deng Liyu , Deng Jingen
Published: March 2015

Indoor simulating experiment is a main method for oil field CO2corrosion research. Experimental parameters are very important for an accurate simulation. Based on the mechanical-chemical corrosion theory, the external load may be possible to accelerate the corrosion rate. However, the influence of N2pressure on CO2corrosion during the simulating experiment is negligible. Because the coupon stress induced by additional N2pressure is very low, therefore, the N2adding procedure can be cancelled and a more safety working space for researchers will be created. However, it does not mean that mechanical-chemical corrosion influence can be ignored. For downhole tubing, the hoop stress generated from the formation compress or liquid column internal pressure is remarkable; stress effect on corrosion has to be taken into consideration. When pit cavity especially occurred on the internal tubing surface, the stress concentration effect will induce a much higher local stress. Mechanical-chemical corrosion will become significant and more study should be performed on this topic.
A Network Flow Approach to Predict Protein Targets and Flavonoid Backbones to Treat Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Authors: Vargas José Eduardo , Puga Renato , Poloni Joice de Faria , Saraiva Macedo Timmers Luis Fernando , Porto Barbara Nery , Norberto de Souza Osmar , Bonatto Diego , Condessa Pitrez Paulo Márcio , Tetelbom Stein Renato
Published: March 2015

Background.Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is the major cause of respiratory disease in lower respiratory tract in infants and young children. Attempts to develop effective vaccines or pharmacological treatments to inhibit RSV infection without undesired effects on human health have been unsuccessful. However, RSV infection has been reported to be affected by flavonoids. The mechanisms underlying viral inhibition induced by these compounds are largely unknown, making the development of new drugs difficult.Methods.To understand the mechanisms induced by flavonoids to inhibit RSV infection, a systems pharmacology-based study was performed using microarray data from primary culture of human bronchial cells infected by RSV, together with compound-proteomic interaction data available forHomo sapiens.Results.After an initial evaluation of 26 flavonoids, 5 compounds (resveratrol, quercetin, myricetin, apigenin, and tricetin) were identified through topological analysis of a major chemical-protein (CP) and protein-protein interacting (PPI) network. In a nonclustered form, these flavonoids regulate directly the activity of two protein bottlenecks involved in inflammation and apoptosis.Conclusions.Our findings may potentially help uncovering mechanisms of action of early RSV infection and provide chemical backbones and their protein targets in the difficult quest to develop new effective drugs.
Structure Optimization Design of the Electronically Controlled Fuel Control Rod System in a Diesel Engine
Authors: Jin Hui , Wang Haosen
Published: March 2015

Poor ride comfort and shorter clutch life span are the key factors restricting the commercialization of automated manual transmission (AMT). For nonelectrically controlled engines or AMT where cooperative control between the engine and the transmission is not realizable, applying electronically controlled fuel control rod systems (ECFCRS) is an effective way to solve these problems. By applying design software such as CATIA, Matlab and Simulink, and MSC Adams, a suite of optimization design methods for ECFCRS drive mechanisms are developed here. Based on these new methods, design requirements can be analyzed comprehensively and the design scheme can be modified easily, thus greatly shortening the design cycle. The bench tests and real vehicle tests indicate that the system developed achieves preferable engine speed following-up performance and engine speed regulating performance. The method developed has significance as a reference for developing other vehicle systems.
Modified Cenospheres as an Adsorbent for the Removal of Disperse Dyes
Authors: Tiwari Markandeya , Shukla S. P. , Mohan D. , Bhargava D. S. , Kisku G. C.
Published: March 2015

The main objective of this investigation was to use modified cenospheres for the removal of disperse blue 79:1 (DB) and disperse orange 25 (DO) dyes from aqueous solution by batch adsorption process under different conditions (pH, adsorbent dose, adsorbate concentration, agitation speed, contact time, and temperature). Modified cenosphere was capable of removing up to 78% of DB and 81% of DO dyes from aqueous solutions of 40 mg/L dyes concentration. The investigated data was explained by the Langmuir isotherm. The experimental data were found to follow the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The results of this study suggested that modified cenospheres could be used as a low-cost alternative to expensive adsorbents like activated carbon in wastewater treatment for the removal of disperse dyes.
Study on Evacuation Evaluation in Subway Fire Based on Pedestrian Simulation Technology
Authors: Chen Yanyan , Cai Yiwen , Li Pingpu , Zhang Guanghou
Published: March 2015

In order to improve the ability to evacuate from subway fire in subway’s planning, design, operation, and maintenance stages, a simulation model of pedestrians’ evacuation process in subway fire was established based on Legion and FDS software. It can truly reflect the dynamic effects of the fire environment on subway station evacuation. Then dynamic evaluation indicators systems were established from the point of survival index, security risk index, effectiveness index, and orderliness index. In order to help decision makers to identify the most appropriate plan, matter-element analysis (MEA) was used to rate different plans. At last a case study of Songjiazhuang (SJZ) station was provided to test the effectiveness and practicability of the evaluation method.
An Optimal Allocation Model of Public Transit Mode Proportion for the Low-Carbon Transportation
Authors: Lu Linjun , Wang Chen , Deng Weiping , Bing Xue
Published: March 2015

Public transit has been widely recognized as a potential way to develop low-carbon transportation. In this paper, an optimal allocation model of public transit mode proportion (MPMP) has been built to achieve the low-carbon public transit. Optimal ratios of passenger traffic for rail, bus, and taxi are derived by running the model using typical data. With different values of traffic demand, construction cost, travel time, and accessibilities, MPMP can generate corresponding optimal ratios, benefiting decision impacts analysis and decision makers. Instead of considering public transit as a united system, it is separated into units in this paper. And Shanghai is used to test model validity and practicality.
Adaptive Global Sliding Mode Control for MEMS Gyroscope Using RBF Neural Network
Authors: Chu Yundi , Fei Juntao
Published: March 2015

An adaptive global sliding mode control (AGSMC) using RBF neural network (RBFNN) is proposed for the system identification and tracking control of micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) gyroscope. Firstly, a new kind of adaptive identification method based on the global sliding mode controller is designed to update and estimate angular velocity and other system parameters of MEMS gyroscope online. Moreover, the output of adaptive neural network control is used to adjust the switch gain of sliding mode control dynamically to approach the upper bound of unknown disturbances. In this way, the switch item of sliding mode control can be converted to the output of continuous neural network which can weaken the chattering in the sliding mode control in contrast to the conventional fixed gain sliding mode control. Simulation results show that the designed control system can get satisfactory tracking performance and effective estimation of unknown parameters of MEMS gyroscope.
Quantitative Assessment of Cervical Vertebral Maturation Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography in Korean Girls
Authors: Byun Bo-Ram , Kim Yong-Il , Yamaguchi Tetsutaro , Maki Koutaro , Son Woo-Sung
Published: March 2015

This study was aimed to examine the correlation between skeletal maturation status and parameters from the odontoid process/body of the second vertebra and the bodies of third and fourth cervical vertebrae and simultaneously build multiple regression models to be able to estimate skeletal maturation status in Korean girls. Hand-wrist radiographs and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were obtained from 74 Korean girls (6–18 years of age). CBCT-generated cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) was used to demarcate the odontoid process and the body of the second cervical vertebra, based on the dentocentral synchondrosis. Correlation coefficient analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used for each parameter of the cervical vertebrae (P<0.05). Forty-seven of 64 parameters from CBCT-generated CVM (independent variables) exhibited statistically significant correlations (P<0.05). The multiple regression model with the greatest R2 had six parameters (PH2/W2, UW2/W2, (OH+AH2)/LW2, UW3/LW3, D3, and H4/W4) as independent variables with a variance inflation factor (VIF) of <2. CBCT-generated CVM was able to include parameters from the second cervical vertebral body and odontoid process, respectively, for the multiple regression models. This suggests that quantitative analysis might be used to estimate skeletal maturation status.
The Polynomial Pivots as Initial Values for a New Root-Finding Iterative Method
Authors: Lázaro Mario , Martín Pedro , Agüero Antonio , Ferrer Ignacio
Published: March 2015

A new iterative method for polynomial root-finding based on the development of two novel recursive functions is proposed. In addition, the concept ofpolynomial pivotsassociated with these functions is introduced. The pivots present the property of lying close to some of the roots under certain conditions; this closeness leads us to propose them as efficient starting points for the proposed iterative sequences. Conditions for local convergence are studied demonstrating that the new recursive sequences converge with linear velocity. Furthermore, an aprioricheckable global convergence test inside pivots-centered balls is proposed. In order to accelerate the convergence from linear to quadratic velocity, new recursive functions together with their associated sequences are constructed. Both the recursive functions (linear) and the corrected (quadratic convergence) are validated with two nontrivial numerical examples. In them, the efficiency of the pivots as starting points, the quadratic convergence of the proposed functions, and the validity of the theoretical results are visualized.
Characteristics, Phytochemical Analysis and Biological Activities of Extracts from Tunisian ChetouiOlea europaeaVariety
Authors: Khlif Ines , Jellali Karim , Michel Thomas , Halabalaki Maria , Skaltsounis Alexios Leandros , Allouche Noureddine
Published: March 2015

This study selected 10 extracts from Tunisian chetouiO. europaeavariety for their total phenolics, flavonoids, and phytochemical analyses as well as for their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities determination. Thein vitroantioxidant property was investigated using DPPH, ferric reducing antioxidant capacity (FRAP), oxygen reducing antioxidant capacity (ORAC), andβ-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching assays while antimicrobial activity was evaluated using macrodilutions method. For all organs of chetouiO. europaeavariety, the investigated activities were found to be higher in the polar extracts (ethyl acetate, methanol, and methanol/water). These activities were correlated with the presence of phenolic compounds. Phytochemical analyses revealed that the crude extracts contain triterpenoids, quinones, and flavonoids. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) confirmed the presence of phenolic compounds in the studied extracts.
DMA and Conductivity Studies in PVA:NH4SCN:DMSO:MWNT Nanocomposite Polymer Dried Gel Electrolytes
Authors: Agrawal S. L. , Rai Neelesh
Published: March 2015

This paper deals with findings on dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and ion‐conduction behavior of MWNTs (multiwall carbon nanotubes) doped PVA:NH4SCN:DMSO dried gel electrolyte system prepared for four filler concentrations (2, 4, 6 & 8 wt%) by solution cast technique. XRD measurements reveal enhancement in amorphous behavior of composite gel electrolyte upon incorporation of filler particles. Better mechanical stability is noticed in the composite system upon dispersal of MWNT along with presence of dynamic Tg during DMA measurements. Enhancement in ionic conductivity has been noticed with an optimum value of 4.5 × 10−3 Scm−1 for 6 wt% MWNTs filled composite electrolyte. Composite system exhibits combination of Arrhenius and Vogel‐Tammam‐Fulcher (VTF) behavior in temperature dependent conductivity study. The a.c. conductivity response seems to follow universal power law.
Ocular Complications of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Mady Rana , Grover Will , Butrus Salim
Published: March 2015

Though inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has a specific predilection for the intestinal tract, it is a systemic inflammatory disorder affecting multiple organs, including the eye. Ocular complications directly related to IBD are categorized as primary and secondary. Primary complications are usually temporally associated with IBD exacerbations and tend to resolve with systemic treatment of the intestinal inflammation. These include keratopathy, episcleritis, and scleritis. Secondary complications arise from primary complications. Examples include cataract formation due to treatment with corticosteroids, scleromalacia due to scleritis, and dry eye due to hypovitaminosis A following gut resection. Some ocular manifestations of IBD can lead to significant visual morbidity and temporally associated complications can also be a herald of disease control. Furthermore, ocular manifestations of IBD can occasionally manifest before
the usual intestinal manifestations, leading to an earlier diagnosis. Thus, it is important to understand the clinical presentation of possible ocular manifestations in order to initiate appropriate treatment and to help prevent significant visual morbidity.
Participatory Epidemiology of Ethnoveterinary Practices Fulani Pastoralists Used to Manage Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia and Other Cattle Ailments in Niger State, Nigeria
Authors: Alhaji N. B. , Babalobi O. O.
Published: March 2015

Ethnoveterinary practices are locally available and affordable to Fulani pastoralists in Niger State, Nigeria, to whom conventional veterinary services are often not readily available and are relatively expensive. This study was designed to identify and document medicinal plant and nonplant materials used by this group in the management of cattle diseases. Participatory rural appraisal tools of checklist, semistructured interview, probing, transect, and triangulations were used to assess Fulani pastoralists existing knowledge on traditional veterinary practices in nine pastoral communities spread across the state. Fifty medicinal materials and seven traditional preventive practices are in use against CBPP and other cattle disease conditions. Of these, 38 (76.0%) are medicinal plants and 12 (24.0%) are nonplant materials (edible earth materials and minerals). Family Fabaceae was most commonly mentioned while leaves were the most common parts used. Most of these materials are administered by drenching with few others mixed with feed. Proportions of plant parts used include leaves (47.4%), barks (31.6%), roots (10.6%), and 2.6% of each of rhizomes, fruits, seeds, and whole plants. Of recently used ingredients are kerosene and spent engine oil. Further research into the active ingredients of ethnoveterinary materials and dosages is necessary to guide their usage.
Negative Correlation Learning for Customer Churn Prediction: A Comparison Study
Authors: Rodan Ali , Fayyoumi Ayham , Faris Hossam , Alsakran Jamal , Al-Kadi Omar
Published: March 2015

Recently, telecommunication companies have been paying more attention toward the problem of identification of customer churn behavior. In business, it is well known for service providers that attracting new customers is much more expensive than retaining existing ones. Therefore, adopting accurate models that are able to predict customer churn can effectively help in customer retention campaigns and maximizing the profit. In this paper we will utilize an ensemble of Multilayer perceptrons
(MLP) whose training is obtained using negative correlation learning
(NCL) for predicting customer churn in a telecommunication company.
Experiments results confirm that NCL based MLP ensemble can achieve
better generalization performance (high churn rate) compared with ensemble
of MLP without NCL (flat ensemble) and other common data
mining techniques used for churn analysis.
Oxidative Stress and Adipocyte Biology: Focus on the Role of AGEs
Authors: Boyer Florence , Vidot Jennifer Baraka , Dubourg Alexis Guerin , Rondeau Philippe , Essop M. Faadiel , Bourdon Emmanuel
Published: March 2015

Diabetes is a major health problem that is usually associated with obesity, together with hyperglycemia and increased advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) formation. Elevated AGEs elicit severe downstream consequences via their binding to receptors of AGEs (RAGE). This includes oxidative stress and oxidative modifications of biological compounds together with heightened inflammation. For example, albumin (major circulating protein) undergoes increased glycoxidation with diabetes and may represent an important biomarker for monitoring diabetic pathophysiology. Despite the central role of adipose tissue in many physiologic/pathologic processes, recognition of the effects of greater AGEs formation in this tissue is quite recent within the obesity/diabetes context. This review provides a brief background of AGEs formation and adipose tissue biology and thereafter discusses the impact of AGEs-adipocyte interactions in pathology progression. Novel data are included showing how AGEs (especially glycated albumin) may be involved in hyperglycemia-induced oxidative damage in adipocytes and its potential links to diabetes progression.
LSMR Iterative Method for General Coupled Matrix Equations
Authors: Toutounian F. , Khojasteh Salkuyeh D. , Mojarrab M.
Published: March 2015

By extending the idea of LSMR method, we present an iterative method to solve the general coupled matrix equations∑k=1qAikXkBik=Ci,i=1,2,…,p, (including the generalized (coupled) Lyapunov and Sylvester matrix equations as special cases) over some constrained matrix groups(X1,X2,…,Xq), such as symmetric, generalized bisymmetric, and(R,S)-symmetric matrix groups. By this iterative method, for any initial matrix group(X1(0),X2(0),…,Xq(0)), a solution group(X1*,X2*,…,Xq*)can be obtained within finite iteration steps in absence of round-off errors, and the minimum Frobenius norm solution or the minimum Frobenius norm least-squares solution group can be derived when an appropriate initial iterative matrix group is chosen. In addition, the optimal approximation solution group to a given matrix group(X¯1,X¯2,…,X¯q)in the Frobenius norm can be obtained by finding the least Frobenius norm solution group of new general coupled matrix equations. Finally, numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the presented method.