bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study on the Far-Filed Sound Pressure Level of Rectangular Plate Based on Fourier Transform
Authors: Dai Ren Wen , Wang De Shi , Zhu Yong Yong
Published: August 2013

The far-filed approximation solution was derived in a closed formula by using Fourier transform method. Two kind of possible concentrated forces, a line force, a point force, were included in the analysis. Moreover, a parametric study was carried out to clarify the effect of the incentive loading position and the various physical characteristics parameters of the rectangular plate. Conclusion is drawn that, the far-filed pressure level decreased with external excitation approached to the edge. Through analysis on far-filed sound pressure level, that can give foundation of designing acoustical elements and active noise control.
The Effect of Delayed Feedback Control on Lateral Semi-Active Suspension System for High-Speed Train
Authors: Huang Xiao Wei , Zhao Yan Ying
Published: August 2013

In order to suppress the lateral vibration of high-speed train caused by track irregularity, the delayed feedback control is employed to suppress the vibration of the semi-active suspension system. The 1/4 vehicle mathematical model of semi-active suspension system is established. The amplitude of the bodys lateral vibration is large at some values of external excitation frequency for the passive suspension system, and it could be suppressed at some values of time delay, while the vibration of the bodys lateral vibration may be deteriorated at other values of time delay. The results show that the amplitude of the bodys lateral vibration could be suppressed about 50% when the suitable values of damping coefficient and time delay are chosen by comparing with the passive suspension system. The analytical results of this paper are in good agreement with the numerical simulation.
Integrated Modeling of Process Routes Planning and Scheduling Based on Network Diagram
Authors: Su Ying Ying , Liang Di , Dong Hai
Published: August 2013

Modeling method based on network diagram was proposed to realize integrated modeling of process routes planning and scheduling. A model of multiple process routes and resource (MPRR) network diagram was built, which applied the network diagram expression and represented the precedence constraint relationship among operations and resource conditions. In the model, the workpiece, operation and machine are joined together as a basic optimization cell to realize concurrent and holistic optimization for process routes planning and scheduling. An example was studied and the integrated model of process routes planning and scheduling was built.
Status of Domestic Enterprises Electromechanical Integration and Development Trend
Authors: Jia Qing Mei , Wang Wei Zhi , Wang Hui Jing
Published: August 2013

Electromechanical integration is the inevitable result of the development of modern science and technology, and the basic premise and the inevitable trend of modern enterprise development. The use of new technology enterprises of electromechanical integration determines the position and development prospect of the enterprise in the competition.
Exponential Mean-Square Stability for Network-Based Singular Control Systems
Authors: Yu Bao Qi , Wang Yan Feng
Published: August 2013

The problem of stability for network-based singular control systems with time-delay and data packet is studied. In the presence of time-delay and random packet dropout, sufficient conditions for the existence of a feedback controller are derived, such that the closed-loop network-based singular control systems are exponentially mean-square stable in the mean-square sense. Then a linear matrix inequality (LMI) approach for designing such a controller is presented. Finally, a simulation example is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Analysis of the Kinematics for the Polishing Robot on the Controllable Flexibility
Authors: An Xin , Yu Miao , Ji Jing
Published: August 2013

This paper aims to study the system of the compliant control for the polishing robot .Based on the mechanics model and dynamics equation that is established of the robot, the mechanical characteristics of the end of the grinding is analyzed. At the same time, the simulation of the movement for the robot is carried on by the ADAMS. By applying the constant load and the functional load on the polishing end, the force and torque diagram for each of the robot arm joint are obtained. At last, the conclusion that the force and the torque of the first joint is the largest can be obtained and the force of joint can keep the good constancy.
A New Readout Circuit for Pyroelectric Detector Based on Relaxor Ferroelectric Single Crystals
Authors: Wang Jiang , Jing Wei Ping , Li Yan Jin , Fang Jia Xiong
Published: August 2013

For the past few years, Pyroelectric detectors play an increasingly important role in the thermal imaging applications. Recently, scientists discovered that relaxorbased ferroelectric single crystals exhibit extrahigh pyroelectric responses. In this paper, the operation principle of the new Pyroelectric detector is described, the expression of the pyroelectric current is presented. As the pyroelectric detector has two directions of currents, we design a new sampleddata systems and output stage circuit, which provides a solution for uncooled large focal plane arrays devices based on relaxorbased single crystals.
Zigbee Technology in the Application of Remote Monitoring System of Tubular Furnace
Authors: Chen Zai Ping , Liu Feng , Sun Quan Sheng
Published: August 2013

In view of the problem about off-line monitoring lagging and the high cost of cable transfer with present traditional petrochemical enterprise, this article provides remote monitoring system design and implementation of the heating furnace based on the Zigbee wireless transmission technology. Specifically, configuration software can realized real-time monitoring of furnace combustion condition by sending detected smoke real-time data which goes through flue gas analyzer to Siemens PLC, and transferring it to the industrial computer by Zigbee wireless transmission technology. Simulation result shows that the system has well real-time performance and low power consumption advantages which can complete effective monitoring in the wireless environment of furnace combustion state.
Design of New Wireless Illuminant Keyboard Based on Three Source Composite Power Supply
Authors: Ma Yu Qi
Published: August 2013

With the rapid improvement of people's living standard,computer has become a necessity in daily life, followed by a huge amount of keyboard. The traditional wireless illuminant keyboard brings convenience to the life,however also consumes more energy and causes environmental pollution . Based on this situation, we plan to design a new type of energy-saving illuminant keyboard, on the one hand it can use the travel of keyboard to drive the generator; On the other hand it takes advantage of the magnetic flux changes when pressing to generate electricity. In addition, it can use extrusion of fingers on the keyboard to generate electricity by the plated PVDF film .Ultimately achieving the effect of energy saving and convenient.
Online Calculation Model of Rolling Force for Mg Alloy Rolling Process
Authors: Sun Jing Na , Xue Tao , Guo Zhi Yuan
Published: August 2013

Rolling force is critical to realize the industrialized production of the rolled mg alloy sheets especially more than 1500 mm width which affects the mill set-up schedule, the thickness of the rolled metal, and the final product profile. An online calculation model of rolling force with high precision and high speed has also been developed with the finite difference method (FDM) in this paper which can provides a good guidance for the enhancement of product precision and the development of new products.
DLL-Based Receiver for High Speed Data Transmission
Authors: Luo Pu
Published: August 2013

For modern high speed DAC, receiving data reliably from FPGA is a big challenge, data-independent skew is the major problem. usually system employ data clock while transmitting LVDS data from FPGA. then LVDS data is latched by delayed data clock which generated by DLL in chip. Because DLL has a negative feedback loop, system suffer small effect of PVT variations, robustness is guaranteed. The receiving circuits were implemented in a all-digital 0.18μm CMOS technology ,occupies 0.7 mm2 of area. It operates in the frequency range of 20 MHz~600 MHz.
A Portable ECG Monitor with High Resolution Based on Cortex-M3
Authors: Zhang Ai Qin , Liu Han Cheng , Hu Yi , Chen Hang , Xu Zhi
Published: August 2013

In this paper we designed a portable ECG monitoring system based on Cortex-M3. The system was composed of the microcontroller LPC1788 and the analog front-end ADS1298 which provided a low-noise, 8-channel, 24-bit delta-sigma analog-to-digital converter. The monitor used SD card for data storage and USB for data transmission, which was capable of monitoring both dynamic ECG and conventional ECG. The system could work up to 24 hours with a resolution of 24 bits and 1024Hz sampling rate. The designed system embodies several characteristics including portability, low power, large capacity, and high resolution, which are quite suitable for ECG monitoring.
Exploration of Intelligent Lighting System Based on Single Chip Microcomputer
Authors: Zhang Jun Xia , Chai Hua , Lai Chen Chen
Published: August 2013

Intelligent lighting technology is a positive meaning to energy saving. At the present design, control modes, design principle and implementation method on the intelligent lighting system were introduced from two aspects of both hardware and software. Based on single chip microcomputer of AT89C51, light sensitive transistor and human body heat releasing infrared sensor were used to collect signals of both light intensity and human body so as to open and close lamps or regulating the room brightness. The software of PROTEL-99-SE was adopted to design circuits of SCM minimum system, circuits of collecting human body and light sensitive signals, LCD display circuit. Moreover, the assembly language is used to write the control program, which is input into the software of Proteus to simulate functions of the intelligent lighting system. Results show that the intelligent lighting system effectively work, and hardware circuits is reasonable.
Design of Electric-Hydraulic Control System for Hydraulic Powered Support in Fully Mechanized Mining Face
Authors: Xu Zhi Peng , Zhang Kui , Ji Ri
Published: August 2013

The constraint relation of three-key-equipment, including coal cutter, scraper conveyor and hydraulic support, applied in the safe, high-producing and high-efficient fully mechanized mining face, was introduced; the composition principle of electro-hydraulic control system, embedded in the hydraulic support, was discussed, and the design scheme of the composition and hardware system about the electro-hydraulic control unit was presented in this paper. And finally the scheme achieved the target that we can control and monitor the working condition in near real-time, on the ground, in the crossheading and in front of the mining face.
Finite Element Analysis of Nozzle Position on Nozzle Array Fluidic Gyroscope Performance
Authors: Chen Jing Bo , Piao Lin Hua , Fan Zhi Wei
Published: August 2013

In this paper, research the influence on position of vice nozzle in the sensitive element of nozzle array fluidic gyroscope. Using ANSYS-FLOTRAN CFD software, the finite element simulation is conducted by a series of procedures, such as two-dimensional model building of fluidic gyroscope, meshing, loads applying and equation solving. The two dimensional airflow distributions of different distances between vice nozzle and main nozzle in sensitive element of nozzle array fluidic gyroscope are calculated. The results show that, the distance between vice nozzle and main nozzle l=1.1mm, velocity of airflow at the outlet VSUM=0.71455m/s, and it is 47.6% of the velocity at the inlet, which increases by 1.75% than the distance l=0.5mm. The larger distance between vice nozzle and main nozzle has better convergence trend, it reduces the decay which causes by the airflow propagation, promotes airflow movement and increases temperatures changes without any vortex increase in sensitive cavity, so it can improve the sensitive of fluidic gyroscope.
Analysis of Annular and Stratified Flows for Vapor Condensation Heat Transfer in Horizontal Tubes
Authors: Zhang Jun Xia , Wang Li , Wang Jian Wen
Published: August 2013

The greater part of the horizontal condenser tube is occupied by the stratified and annular flows, which play important roles in condensation heat transfer coefficients. Both a volume of fluid (VOF) interface tracking method and k-ε two equations model was applied to analyze the characteristics of the stratified and annular flows for horizontal tubes, obtaining distribution of velocity, contours of both temperature and local condensation heat transfer coefficients. The computation shows that an annular flow having thinner liquid film attached on the inner surface of tubes appears at the inlet of the horizontal condenser tube because vapor exerts a higher interfacial shear stress on the gas-liquid interface, therefore, there are a higher local condensation heat transfer coefficients there. Next, as vapor quality decreases and condensate gravity increases along the condenser tube length, the condensation flow pattern transforms from the annular flow into the stratified flow in which local condensation heat transfer coefficients decreases and distributes unevenly along the circumference as liquid film at the bottom of the condenser tube become thicker. In addition, in the stratified flow, a wave structure is formed in the middle of the condensate pool at the bottom of the condenser tube because condensate on the top of the condenser tube slides into the bottom of the condenser tube and collapse each other. The heat transfer rate calculated by the present method is compared to those predicted from a Shah correlation, the agreement is found to be good, and both errors is within 7%.
Research on the IAMM and IGMM Operators in Group Decision Making with Intuitionistic Preference Relations
Authors: Zhang Jun Ling , Wu Jian
Published: August 2013

Preference relations are the most common techniques to express decision makers preference information over alternatives or criteria. This paper focus on investigating effective operators for multiple attribute group decision making with intuitionistic fuzzy preference relations. Firstly, we extend arithmetic mean method operator and geometric mean method operator for accommodating intuitionistic fuzzy information to present the intuitionistic arithmetic mean method (IAMM) operator and the intuitionistic geometric mean method (IGMM) operator. Then the compatibility properties of intuitionistic preference relations obtained by IAMM and IGMM are analyzed, we found that aggregation of individual judgments and aggregation of individual priorities provide the same priorities of alternatives, and that if all the individual decision makers have acceptable consensus degree, then the collective preference relations obtained also are of acceptable consensus degree. Finally, the results are verified by an illustrative example carried out in the background of parts supplier selection.
Intercity Railway Passenger Station Location Selection Using Fuzzy Matter-Element Based on Fuzzy Entropy
Authors: Xi Jiang Yue , Zhu Xiao Ning
Published: August 2013

This paper analyses the influence factors of the intercity railway station location selection. According to the actual situation of railway station, establish the fuzzy matter-element model with the entropy method to evaluate the intercity railway station setting-up plan. Thus the deviation of evaluation results caused by the subjective factors can be avoided effectively. A numerical example and relative conclusions were given then to show that the intercity railway passenger station location problem can be solved by setting up the fuzzy matter-element model which was combined with the entropy method and to provide a scientific basis for the decision-making of the intercity railway station location selection.
Forecasting the Exchange Rate Based on BP Neural Network in Combination with Simulated Annealing Algorithm
Authors: Meng Li
Published: August 2013

In this study, the author focus on the exchange rate forecasting. Exchange rates fluctuation is extremely complex, not only contains the linear part but also includes non-linear elements, In this paper, Simulated Annealing Algorithm is introduced to overcome the neural network easy fall into local minimum defects in BP neural network basis, in order to optimize the network weights and thresholds, and thus improve the prediction accuracy. Through several forecast experiments about the major currencies against, the result show that compare to the single use of BP neural network, after introduced Simulated Annealing Algorithm, the prediction accuracy and stability has been further improved, meanwhile time-consuming less than genetic algorithms and other optimization algorithms.
Study on Motion Blur Image Restoration Algorithms
Authors: Fan Yu , Wu Xue Feng
Published: August 2013

The restore algorithm of the image blurred by motion is proposed, and a mathematical model based on motion blur system is eomtrueted£®The Point spread function of the motion blur is given£®According to the characteristics of blurred images£¬the parameters of point spread function are estimated ,and three methods are introduced for image restoration. The three methods are inverse filtering of image restoration,Lucy-Richardson image restoration and Wiener image restoration.The principles of the three image restoration methods are analyzed. The motion blurred image restoration experiment is made. The results show that the visibility of the image is improved ,and the image restoration is more stable.
An Action Classification Based on 2D2MSD
Authors: Zhong Ju , Sheng Ye Zi , Lin Chun Li , Cui Nai Dong
Published: August 2013

Double-direction two-dimensional Maximum Scatter Difference (2D2MSD) based on Maximum Scatter Difference (MSD) was proposed,which overcame the small sample size problem of LDA, and data were more concise. In the Weizmann human action database, experimental results showed the algorithm was fast, the average recognition rate reached 92% and the highest recognition rate reached 100%.
Service Discovery Algorithm Based on Service Popularity in Wireless Community Network
Authors: Zheng Zheng
Published: August 2013

In this paper, we propose an algorithm for cluster generating and service discovery based on service popularity in wireless community network,which makes full use of the imbalance of the service request in the network, leading to that the requests could be replied quickly in shorter time. At the same time, the algorithm could adapt well to the wireless environment and incur less update information when the topology is changed. According to the simulation in the OMNET++, our algorithm performs better than the flooding and CRP in several aspects.
Application of the Basic Object in the Teaching Process of Engineering Drawing
Authors: Wang Ri Guang , Zhang Zheng Bin , Chen Xue Hui
Published: August 2013

Analysis on the learning situation of the engineering drawing course in our college is carried out. The teaching method that basic object is applied to the course when students study the content of point, line, surface is proposed, and the course content is adjusted correspondently. The concrete implementation of new method is also introduced, and the teaching practice shows that the new teaching method is more conducive to improve the teaching quality.
Mechanical Characterization of AA2024-T3 FSWed Butt Joints
Authors: Carlone Pierpaolo , Palazzo Gaetano S.
Published: August 2013

In recent years friction stir welding process has received a great deal of attention from the transport industry. During the process, heat generation and material stirring induce significant microstructural alteration in the base material, affecting the properties of the welded assembly. In this paper the influence of process parameters, namely rotating speed and welding speed, on mechanical properties of AA2024-T3 friction stir butt welds is experimentally investigated. An increase of the yield stress has been found decreasing the heat input, while an opposite variation was measured for the elongation.
Mechanical Properties of Rebar HRB400 after Corrosion
Authors: Wang Ying , Wang Ying
Published: August 2013

The corrosion behavior of rebar HRB400 in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution was investigated, and the tensile mechanical properties after corrosion were tested. The results showed that, with the increase of corrosion time, the corrosion rate of rebar HRB400 increases and the corrosion becomes heavier. Meanwhile, the yield strength and tensile strength decrease, but the elongation increases at first and then decreases.
Effective use Model of Low Permeability Oil Reservoir
Authors: Yan Liang Dong , Gao Zhi Juan , Dai Feng Gang
Published: August 2013

The throat of low permeability oil reservoir is narrow and small, the reservoir fluid flow resistance is big, and with the start-up pressure gradient, compare with medium and high permeability reservoir fluid flow, the characteristics are obviously different in performance for non-darcy flow at low speed. This kind of oil field reservoir started in the process of mining scope is small, the degree of use and the development effect is low. To solve these problems, this paper established considering start-up pressure gradient of the new unstable seepage flow mathematical model of non-darcy radial flow which the analytical solution and the productivity equation is deduced, established the effective radius of the use of low permeability reservoirs, and systemicly researched the calculation method of area well pattern of different types of non-darcy seepage.
Reasons and Prevention Measures of Chalking at the Concrete Surface
Authors: Wang Chun Mei , Yang Li Rong , Wang Jing , Cao Guang Dong , Dong Dan Yang
Published: August 2013

The reasons of the chalking on concrete pavement were discussed according to the project case. The effects of water to cementitious material ratios (W/C ratios), mineral powder contents and construction curing conditions on the concrete chalking were investigated. The technical measures were proposed to prevent or reduce chalking at the concrete surface. The results indicate that the major compositions of chalking material are mineral powder, quartz and part of hydration products of cement. The bleeding of concrete, which mainly caused by lower cement amount, higher surface water to cementitious material ratio and excessive vibration during the construction, is the main cause of concrete chalking. The concrete chalking can be prevented or reduced under the conditions of lower W/C ratios (<0.45), longer wet curing ages (at least 14 d) and good supervisions of construction.
Thermodynamic Interpretation of Carbonation Process of Portland Cement Hydration Products
Authors: Liu Yan Jun , Chen Bo Tian , Zheng Yong Chao
Published: August 2013

Cement hydration products carbonation is not only blamed for the carbonation-induced hardened cement paste or concrete cracking, also attributed to the pore water PH-value decrease, which causes the reinforcement corrosion under the existence of water and oxygen due to removal of oxide film passivating rebar surface, in hardened cement paste and concrete. Based on chemical thermodynamics, this paper presents the susceptibility of different cement hydration products to carbonation through calculating their Standard Gibbs Free Energy respectively, Gibbs free energy under temperature variation and the minimum equilibrium pressure of carbon dioxide triggering the carbonation process. The calculated results show that, under standard state (25°C, 100kpa), the minimum equilibrium pressure of carbon dioxide triggering carbonation process is significantly variable for different types of cement hydration products. For example, mono-sulfate sulfoferrite hydrates (3CaOFe2O3CaSO412H2O) is the most susceptible to carbonation, followed by mono-sulfate aluminate hydrates (3CaOAl2O3CaSO412H2O), while multi-sulfate sulfoaluminate hydrates (3CaOAl2O33CaSO432H2O) is the least vulnerable to carbonation, followed by silicate hydrates (5CaO6SiO25.5H2O). The findings in this paper are significant in understanding thermodynamic mechanism of cement hydrates carbonation and seeking the solution to prevent cement hydrates from carbonation-induced deterioration.
Updating Satisfaction Curve of Concrete Material by Bayesian Method
Authors: Zhao Ling , Zhang Guang Jun , Zhang Bai Sui , Wang Wan Wen
Published: August 2013

Performance Based Design (PBD) is being developed as a more reasonable and flexible design method for a next generation of design method. To implement PBD, this paper presents a systematic approach (Bayesian method) for developing concrete material mixture design to satisfaction criterion level relationship. Satisfaction curves describe the probability of concrete reaching or exceeding different criterion level at specified levels of concrete material.
Influence of Moisture of Light-Weight Concrete Containing Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate on Test Results Obtained by Means of Impact Hammer
Authors: Brožovský Jiří
Published: August 2013

Properties of light-weight concrete congaing lightweight expanded clay aggregate differ from the ones of normal-weight concrete containing natural normal-weight aggregate. Particularly, when compared with natural normal-weight aggregate, these differences are due to lightweight aggregate being characterized by significantly lower strength and bulk weight as well as higher absorptivity. Properties of expanded clay lightweight aggregate influence the ones of light-weight concrete, too. Parameters obtained by means of Schmidt impact hammer non-destructive testing are influenced by series of factors, among others also concrete moisture. Moisture of light-weight concrete containing lightweight aggregate influences rebound number of Schmidt impact hammer. As to Schmidt impact hammer type N (2.25 Nm impact energy), rebound number on dry concrete exceeds the one on waterlogged concrete by 21 %. Correction coefficients for rebound number correction were defined taking into account moisture of light-weight concrete under testing.
Numerical Simulation of the Car Oil Pump Support Die Casting
Authors: Wei Ran , Su Yong , Zhang Yun Ji
Published: August 2013

In this paper, the die-casting processing of aluminum alloy was simulated by casting simulation software. The mould filling and solidification process of aluminum alloy die-casting in different cast temperature and shot velocity were investigated. Aiming at achieving the best casting process, this research gave emphasis on analysis the influence of cast temperature and shot velocity to the process of mould filling, temperature field of casting part during filling and solidification, shrinkage and porosity. To improve the process, increase ingate area, carry on the simulation, and analyze the optimal casting parameters.
Expression of Leukotriene B4 Receptor-1 on CD8+ T Cells Is Required for Their Migration into Tumors To Elicit Effective Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Sharma Rajesh Kumar , Chheda Zinal , Jala Venkatakrishna Rao , Haribabu Bodduluri
Published: August 2013

Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) receptor (BLT)1 is expressed on variety of immune cells and has been implicated as a mediator of diverse inflammatory diseases. However, whether biological responses initiated via this receptor generate tumor-promoting inflammation or antitumor immunity remains unexplored. In this study, we investigated the role of BLT1 in antitumor immunity using syngeneic TC-1 cervical cancer model, and observed accelerated tumor growth and reduced survival in BLT1−/− mice compared with BLT1+/+ mice. Analysis of the tumor infiltrates by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy revealed a significant decrease in effector immune cells, most notably, CD8+ T cells and NK cells in the tumors of the BLT1−/− mice. Gene expression profiling confirmed the dramatic decrease of IFN-γ, granzyme B, and IL-2 in tumors growing in BLT1−/− mice. Furthermore, depletion of CD8+ T cells enhanced the tumor growth in BLT1+/+ but not in BLT1−/− mice. However, similar levels of Ag-dependent CD8+ T cell–mediated killing activity were observed in spleens of BLT1+/+ and BLT1−/− mice. Adoptive transfer of CD8+ T cells from tumor-bearing BLT1+/+ but not BLT1−/− mice significantly reduced tumor growth and increased the survival of Rag2−/− mice. Although the homeostatic proliferation and expression profiles of other chemokine receptors of adoptively transferred BLT1+/+ and BLT1−/− CD8+ T cells appears to be similar, BLT1+/+ T lymphocytes entered the tumors in greater numbers. These results suggest that BLT1 expression on CD8+ T cells plays an important role in their trafficking to tumors.
The relationship between nutrition and the reading performance of Grade 4 learners in South Africa: Findings of prePIRLS 2011
Authors: Van Staden Surette
Published: August 2013

The effect of nutrition on learner achievement has been the subject of many studies. Inconclusive evidence of the effect of nutrition on achievement and more specifically the causal relationship between nutrition and achievement exists, thereby emphasising the complex nature of the relationship. At national level, the Department of Basic Education invests time, effort and monetary resources in a National School Nutrition Programme in efforts to safeguard the health of South Africa’s poorest learners in attempts to make a contribution to their education. Against this background, this paper explores patterns in Grade 4 reading literacy achievement that is associated with teacher reports of learner nutrition by making use of the preProgress in International Reading Literacy Study (prePIRLS) 2011 South African data. Comprehensive teacher reports on the extent to which teaching is affected by learners’ lack of basic nutrition are presented, while teacher reports according to language group are also presented in attempts to gain better insights in patterns of achievement at a disaggregated level. Results for the current study support existing literature, namely that a causal link between nutrition and reading literacy achievement cannot be confirmed beyond doubt. National school feeding schemes should neither be discredited nor stopped despite the lack of such causal evidence. Such programmes could in fact be of value if realistic targets are set with a view to improved support for learners.
Decreased Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) and Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) in Individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Authors: Russo Anthony J. , Pietsch Stefanie C.
Published: August 2013

Introduction

There is support for the role of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the etiology of mood disorders. Recent research has shown that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) modulates GABAergic inhibition and seizure susceptibility. This study was designed to determine and correlate plasma levels of HGF and GABA as well as symptom severity in individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Subjects and Methods

Plasma from 15 individuals with OCD (9 males, 6 females;, mean age 38.7 years) and 17 neurotypical controls (10 males, 7 females; mean age 35.2 years) was assessed for HGF, GABA, urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), and urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) concentration using enzyme-linked immunosorbest assays ELISAs. Symptom severity was assessed in these OCD individuals and compared with HGF and GABA concentrations.

Results

In this preliminary study, individuals with OCD had significantly decreased HGF levels, decreased plasma levels of GABA and decreased uPA. We found that both uPA and uPAR levels correlate with HGF. Both low uPA and low uPAR levels correlate with high symptom severity in individuals with OCD. Low GABA levels in OCD individuals also correlate with high symptom severity.

Discussion

These results demonstrate a preliminary association between HGF, GABA, uPA levels, and OCD and suggest that plasma GABA and uPA levels are related to symptom severity in individuals with OCD.
Spinal Osteosarcoma
Authors: Katonis P. , Datsis G. , Karantanas A. , Kampouroglou A. , Lianoudakis S. , Licoudis S. , Papoutsopoulou E. , Alpantaki K.
Published: August 2013

Although osteosarcoma represents the second most common primary bone tumor, spinal involvement is rare, accounting for 3%–5% of all osteosarcomas. The most frequent symptom of osteosarcoma is pain, which appears in almost all patients, whereas more than 70% exhibit neurologic deficit. At a molecular level, it is a tumor of great genetic complexity and several genetic disorders have been associated with its appearance. Early diagnosis and careful surgical staging are the most important factors in accomplishing sufficient management. Even though overall prognosis remains poor, en-block tumor removal combined with adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy is currently the treatment of choice. This paper outlines histopathological classification, epidemiology, diagnostic procedures, and current concepts of management of spinal osteosarcoma.
Analysis of Protein Thermostability Enhancing Factors in Industrially Important Thermus Bacteria Species
Authors: Kumwenda Benjamin , Litthauer Derek , Bishop Özlem Tastan , Reva Oleg
Published: August 2013

Elucidation of evolutionary factors that enhance protein thermostability is a critical problem and was the focus of this work on Thermus species. Pairs of orthologous sequences of T. scotoductus SA-01 and T. thermophilus HB27, with the largest negative minimum folding energy (MFE) as predicted by the UNAFold algorithm, were statistically analyzed. Favored substitutions of amino acids residues and their properties were determined. Substitutions were analyzed in modeled protein structures to determine their locations and contribution to energy differences using PyMOL and FoldX programs respectively. Dominant trends in amino acid substitutions consistent with differences in thermostability between orthologous sequences were observed. T. thermophilus thermophilic proteins showed an increase in non-polar, tiny, and charged amino acids. An abundance of alanine substituted by serine and threonine, as well as arginine substituted by glutamine and lysine was observed in T. thermophilus HB27. Structural comparison showed that stabilizing mutations occurred on surfaces and loops in protein structures.
Comparative Genomics of Bacillus species and its Relevance in Industrial Microbiology
Authors: Sharma Archana , Satyanarayana T.
Published: August 2013

With the advent of high throughput sequencing platforms and relevant analytical tools, the rate of microbial genome sequencing has accelerated which has in turn led to better understanding of microbial molecular biology and genetics. The complete genome sequences of important industrial organisms provide opportunities for human health, industry, and the environment. Bacillus species are the dominant workhorses in industrial fermentations. Today, genome sequences of several Bacillus species are available, and comparative genomics of this genus helps in understanding their physiology, biochemistry, and genetics. The genomes of these bacterial species are the sources of many industrially important enzymes and antibiotics and, therefore, provide an opportunity to tailor enzymes with desired properties to suit a wide range of applications. A comparative account of strengths and weaknesses of the different sequencing platforms are also highlighted in the review.
Crosstalk between Apoptosis and Autophagy: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies in Cancer
Authors: El-Khattouti Abdelouahid , Selimovic Denis , Haikel Youssef , Hassan Mohamed
Published: August 2013

Both apoptosis and autophagy are highly conserved processes that besides their role in the maintenance of the organismal and cellular homeostasis serve as a main target of tumor therapeutics. Although their important roles in the modulation of tumor therapeutic strategies have been widely reported, the molecular actions of both apoptosis and autophagy are counteracted by cancer protective mechanisms. While apoptosis is a tightly regulated process that is implicated in the removal of damaged or unwanted cells, autophagy is a cellular catabolic pathway that is involved in lysosomal degradation and recycling of proteins and organelles, and thereby is considered an important survival/protective mechanism for cancer cells in response to metabolic stress or chemotherapy. Although the relationship between autophagy and cell death is very complicated and has not been characterized in detail, the molecular mechanisms that control this relationship are considered to be a relevant target for the development of a therapeutic strategy for tumor treatment. In this review, we focus on the molecular mechanisms of apoptosis, autophagy, and those of the crosstalk between apoptosis and autophagy in order to provide insight into the molecular mechanisms that may be essential for the balance between cell survival and death as well as their role as targets for the development of novel therapeutic approaches.
The displaced Male-Image in Kaine Agary's Yellow-Yellow
Authors: Chukwumah Ignatius
Published: August 2013

It has been commonly asserted that Kaine Agary’s Yellow-Yellow (2006) presents a sordid account of the deprivation of the protagonist’s subsistence livelihood by oil despoilment. This assertion is made without much regard to the repressed and manifest anxieties and desires profoundly induced in the novel’s central character by a male who is present, onto whom the absent malefigure is displaced. This article, therefore, investigates the provocations, corollaries, and correlations of the displaced male-image through its absence and presence and examines how the various offshoots of this image, whether as a father, lover, friend, autocrat or deliverer, are posited by the work’s major characters. The manifestation of the varied shades of the male-image is vital for the destiny of the main character and a few others, accounting for their sexual behaviours, consequent torture and the work’s tragic form. Also closely examined, through the coalescing and the application of Freudian and Jungian theories, are the anxieties stimulated by the absence or presence of the male-image, how they come about, are made manifest in the Nigerian literary tradition and repressed at the same time. From here, works that display the repressed are analysed and aligned to Yellow-Yellow. Besides the main characters’ heeding of some kind of pleasure code, the super-structural image of the male person hangs, like an unseen shadow, over and above Yellow-Yellow’s major character, motivating her actions
Carta del Director Mayo 2013
Authors: Martínez Ventura Jaime Edwin
Published: August 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/rpsp.v2i0.1189Revista Policía y Seguridad Pública 2(0) 2013: 15-17
El narcotráfico en la cultura cosmopolita: Una mirada desde la experiencia de Colombia
Authors: Baracaldo Méndez María Stella
Published: August 2013

El narcotráfico es un delito omnipresente en el continente americano desde los años ochenta y su tratamiento ha convocado a la política internacional por encima de las fronteras físicas de los Estados nación, desde cualquiera que sea su rol: como productor, puente para la comercialización o consumidor. Las manifestaciones del narcotráfico son criminales, múltiples e incalculables. Su comportamiento como mercancía, sujeta a la oferta y demanda, fue beneficiado por el proceso de globalización, especialmente con la disposición de tecnologías e informática que ésta ha puesto a la orden de la sociedad local y regional. Según Ulrich Beck, Eduardo Pastrana, Irvin Waller, Antanas Mockus y Ariel Français, principalmente, el narcotráfico es un producto globalizado, un negocio exitoso, un riesgo cosmopolita y un componente cultural difícil de erradicar con políticas guerreristas porque, en Colombia, la violencia no es producto accidental; es un asunto multicausal. Ante el fenómeno, los únicos reguladores universales son los derechos humanos y la ética civil. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/rpsp.v2i0.1193
Cine: Paraísos Fiscales: La Gran Evasión
Authors: Editor El
Published: August 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/rpsp.v2i0.1202Revista Policía y Seguridad Pública 2(0) 2013: 305-306
Nontumbling Gait for Multilegged Robots and Its Directional Normalized Energy Stability Margin
Authors: Lazarenko Evgeny , Kitano Satoshi , Hirose Shigeo , Endo Gen
Published: August 2013

This paper discusses the importance of a nontumbling gait, a gait that allows preventing complete tumbling of the robot. Nontumbling gait is made possible by the effect of the swing leg which may contact the ground even when the robot is affected by an external disturbance. Such an effect is present in both static walking and dynamic walking. Stability criterion required to maintain the nontumbling gait is then considered and proposed through generalized directional normalized energy stability margin. The validity of the introduced criterion is evaluated by a tumbling experiment with a simplified walking robot model. The concept is also applied to the gait control of the newly developed walking robot TITAN-XIII.
Body Weight Perception and Weight Control Practices among Teenagers
Authors: Bhurtun Darshini Devi , Jeewon Rajesh
Published: August 2013

Background. Weight-loss behaviours are highly prevalent among adolescents, and body weight perception motivates weight control practices. However, little is known about the association of body weight perception, and weight control practices among teenagers in Mauritius. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationships between actual body weight, body weight perception, and weight control practices among teenagers. Methods. A questionnaire-based survey was used to collect data on anthropometric measurements, weight perception and weight control practices from a sample of 180 male and female students (90 boys and 90 girls) aged between 13 and 18 years old. Results. Based on BMI, 11.7% of students were overweight. Overall, 43.3% of respondents reported trying to lose weight (61.1% girls and 25.6% boys). Weight-loss behaviours were more prevalent among girls. Among the weight-loss teens, 88.5% students perceived themselves as overweight even though only 19.2% were overweight. Reducing fat intake (84.6%), exercising (80.8%), and increasing intake of fruits and vegetables (73.1%) and decreasing intake of sugar (66.7%) were the most commonly reported methods to lose weight. Conclusion. Body weight perception was poorly associated with actual weight status. Gender difference was observed in body weight perception.
The effects of text, audio, video, and in-person communication on bonding between friends
Authors: Sherman Lauren E. , Michikyan Minas , Greenfield Patricia M.
Published: August 2013

Considerable research on computer-mediated communication has examined online communication between strangers, but little is known about the emotional experience of connectedness between friends in digital environments. However, adolescents and emerging adults use digital communication primarily to communicate with existing friends rather than to make new connections. We compared feelings of emotional connectedness as they occurred in person and through digital communication among pairs of close friends in emerging adulthood. Fifty-eight young women, recruited in pairs of close friends, engaged in four conversations each: in-person, video chat, audio chat, and instant messaging (IM). Bonding in each condition was measured through both self-report and affiliation cues (i.e., nonverbal behaviors associated with the emotional experience of bonding). Participants reported feeling connected in all conditions. However, bonding, as measured by both self-report and affiliation cues, differed significantly across conditions, with the greatest bonding during in-person interaction, followed by video chat, audio chat, and IM in that order. Compared with other participants, those who used video chat more frequently reported greater bonding with friends through video chat in our study. Compared with other participants, those who spoke on the phone more frequently with their participating friend reported greater bonding during audio chat. Use of textual affiliation cues like emoticons, typed laughter, and excessive letter capitalization during IM related to increased bonding experience during IM. Nonetheless, a significantly lower level of bonding was experienced in IM compared with in-person communication. Because adolescent and emerging adults’ digital communication is primarily text-based, this finding has significant real-world implications.
Uso pedagógico de celulares: pesquisa e desenvolvimento de recursos
Authors: Mamari Alex Botelho , Batista Silvia Cristina Freitas , Behar Patricia Alejandra
Published: August 2013

Mobile learning (m-learning) é a área de pesquisa que investiga como a utilização de dispositivos móveis pode contribuir para a aprendizagem. Em particular, considera-se que os celulares, pela popularização e avanços tecnológicos relacionados, podem colaborar para esse fim. Nesse contexto, este artigo visa apresentar e analisar ferramentas para desenvolvimento de recursos pedagógicos para celulares. Para tanto, após a abordagem de alguns aspectos relacionados à m-learning, são descritas e analisadas ferramentas do MLE-Moodle, um plugin que estende, para celulares, as funcionalidades do ambiente virtual Moodle. Além disso, são apresentadas as ferramentas MyMLE e Mobile Study, que possibilitam criar materiais para celular.
Planning a Global Array of Broadband Seismic Arrays
Authors: Koper Keith D. , Ammon Charles J.
Published: August 2013

A diverse group of more than 70 seismologists met for 2 days in Raleigh, N.C., to report on recent innovations in seismic array methods and to discuss the future of seismic arrays in global seismology. The workshop was sponsored by the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS), with U.S. National Science Foundation funding. Participants included representatives of existing array research groups in Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, Norway, and the United States, with individuals from academia, government, and industry. The workshop was organized by the authors of this meeting report, Pablo Ampeuro (California Institute of Technology), and Colleen Dalton (Boston University), along with IRIS staff support.
Atmospheric rivers linked to severe precipitation in Europe
Authors: Balcerak Ernie
Published: August 2013

Atmospheric rivers, narrow bands of enhanced water vapor transport in the atmosphere, have been associated with extreme rainfall and flooding in some areas, especially western North America. Lavers and Villarini now show that atmospheric rivers are also responsible for a significant number of days of high precipitation in western Europe.
Carbon fertilization increased arid region leaf cover over past 20 years
Authors: Schultz Colin
Published: August 2013

Satellite observations made from 1982 to 2010 have shown that warm, arid regions—such as the U.S. Southwest and Mexico, the deserts of Argentina, the Middle East, central and western Australia, and the regions that ring the Sahara—are getting greener.