bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Severe Accident Analysis for BWR With Containment Outer Pool
Authors: Yoshimura Koki , Hisamochi Kohei
Published: October 2013

Newly designed plants, e.g., next-generation light water reactor or ESBWR, employ a passive containment cooling system and have an enhanced safety with RHRs (Residual Heat Removal system) including active components. Passive containment cooling systems have the advantage of a simple mechanism, while materials used for the systems are too large to employ these systems to existing plants. Combination of passive system and active system is considered to decrease amount of material for existing plants. In this study, alternatives of applying containment outer pool as a passive system have been developed for existing BWRs, and effects of outer pool on BDBA (Beyond Design Basis Accident) have been evaluated.

For the evaluation of containment outer pool, it is assumed that there would be no on-site power at the loss of off-site power event, so called “SBO (Station BlackOut)”. Then, the core of this plant would be uncovered, heated up, and damaged. Finally, the reactor pressure vessel would be breached. Containment gas temperature reached the containment failure temperature criteria without water injection. With water injection, containment pressure reached the failure pressure criteria. With this situation, using outer pool is one of the candidates to mitigate the accident. Several case studies for the outer pool have been carried out considering several parts of containment surface area, which are PCV (Pressure Containment vessel) head, W/W (Wet Well), and PCV shell.

As a result of these studies, the characteristics of each containment outer pool strategies have become clear. Cooling PCV head can protect it from over-temperature, although its effect is limited and W/W venting can not be delayed. Cooling suppression pool has an effect of pressure suppressing effect when RPV is intact. Cooling PCV shell has both effect of decreasing gas temperature and suppressing pressure.
The Sensitivity Analysis of Passive Containment Cooling System During Design Basis Accidents
Authors: Zhou Zhiwei , Zhang Yaoli , Yang Yanning
Published: October 2013

Containment is the ultimate barrier which protects the radioactive substance from spreading to the atmosphere. Sensitivity analysis on AP1000 containment during postulated design basis accidents (DBAs) was studied by a dedicated analysis code PCCSAP-3D. The code was a three-dimensional thermal-hydraulic program developed to analyze the transient response of the containment during DBAs; and it was validated at a certain extent. Peak pressure and temperature were the most important phenomena during DBAs. The parameters being studied for sensitivity analysis were break source mass flow rate, containment free space, surface area and volume of heat structures, heat capacity of the containment shell, film coverage, cooling water tank mass flow rate and initial conditions. The results showed that break mass flow rate as well as containment free space had the most significant impact on the peak pressure and temperature during DBAs.
A Resurgence of Torsional Vibration Concerns for Nuclear and Fossil Steam Turbine Generator Retrofits
Authors: Reid Stephen R. , Lewis James B.
Published: October 2013

Based on a recent assessment of nuclear generating stations in the US, Spain and Belgium, TG Advisers identified over 20 units with various levels of torsional vibration system concerns. This was a surprising result given the relatively long and successful power generation industry history in understanding and addressing this dangerous failure mechanism.
Proven Methods to Repair and Extend the Life of Low Pressure Turbine Rotors
Authors: Reid Stephen R. , Lewis James B.
Published: October 2013

Much of the world’s Steam Turbine Generator fleet was commissioned well over 40 years ago. These turbine generator sets have had many in-service issues leading to poor reliability and in some cases, requiring full turbine and generator replacements. On the turbine side, most issues, as documented by EPRI surveys, have been related to the low pressure turbines. Discovery of issues during planned shutdown inspections such as rotor shaft cracking, stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of dovetails, and blade reliability concerns can be addressed without the costly replacement of the full rotor/blade components. This paper will review and provide actual case studies of methods to repair and extend the life of these components.
Thermal-Hydraulics Design of Water-Cooled Pressure Tube Blanket for a Fusion Driven Subcritical Reactor
Authors: Gao Xinli , Zu Tiejun , Wu Hongchun , Qiu Suizheng , Su Guanghui , Tian Wenxi
Published: October 2013

A Water-cooled Pressure Tube Blanket (WPTB) for fusion driven subcritical reactor has been designed, the design goal of the blanket is to achieve 3000MW thermal power with self-sustaining tritium cycle. Pressurized water has a great advantage in the energy production; however the high pressure may cause some severe structure design issues. This paper proposed a brand new concept of water cooled blanket. As result of adopting pressure-tube, the thickness of the first wall can be significantly reduced. The numerically simulating and calculating of temperature, stress distribution and flow analyses were carried out and the feasibility of using water as coolant were discussed. The results demonstrated the engineering feasibility of the water-cooled fusion-fission hybrid reactor blanket module.
Effect of Void Fraction on Pressure Drop in Upward Vertical Two-Phase Gas-Liquid Pipe Flow
Authors: Tang Clement C. , Tiwari Sanjib , Ghajar Afshin J.
Published: October 2013

Experimental data for void fraction and two-phase frictional pressure drop from various sources has been compiled and analyzed. The experimental data revealed that at lower range of superficial gas velocity and void fraction, the variations of two-phase frictional pressure drop with superficial gas velocity and void fraction are relatively flat. However, as superficial gas velocity and void fraction increase to higher values, the frictional pressure drop became significantly sensitive to the two parameters. In a situation when two-phase pressure drop is sensitive to the variation of void fraction, it is then that proper and accurate characterization of void fraction becomes significant. From the experimental data, regions where pressure drop is sensitive to the variation of void fraction are identified and evaluated.
Dynamic Analysis of Elastic Structures on Spreadsheet
Authors: Rambach J.-M.
Published: October 2013

It is recalled the interest of modal analysis of heavy structures on stick model with reduced number of degrees-of-freedom (DOF), at every age of the structure: at the presizing stage, at the design stage, for assessing the results given by large tridimensional Finite Element (FE) models, and at every further seismic review (Seismic Margin Assessment studies, Seismic Probabilistic Safety Assessment studies).

This article indicates a practical means for a simple programing of a modal analysis based FE code on spreadsheet able to handle up to 50 DOF. The beams, of Timoshenko’s type, are supposed moving along a vertical plane, with 2 DOF per node: the horizontal translational DOF and the rotational DOF around the horizontal axis perpendicular to the vertical plane. The analysis follows the classical steps of any FE code.

The programing of such dynamic modal analysis on a spreadsheet is besides quite easy and provides a very convenient tool i) for the intimate understanding of the dynamic behavior of structures ii) for any accurate modal analysis and iii) for any sensitivity studies.
Parametric Study of MISTRA M5 Test Using Lumped Parameter COCOSYS Code
Authors: Povilaitis Mantas , Urbonavičius Egidijus , Rimkevičius Sigitas
Published: October 2013

Gas distribution in the containments of nuclear power plants in a case of severe accident currently is a high priority safety issue. One of the topics in this issue is a formation and break up of stratified conditions inside the containment. CEA (France) performed M5 test in their MISTRA test facility, to form a stratified atmosphere, which later was destroyed during MASP tests that followed. During M5 there was formed vertically stratified atmosphere using steam jet release. Application of lumped parameter codes for simulation of jet release is complicated due to limitations inherent in the lumped-parameter approach. However, measures exist which can be used to take these limitations into account when using lumped parameter approach.

This paper presents simulations and parametric study of M5 test, i.e. only formation of the stratified atmosphere. Presented simulations of the experiment were performed using lumped parameter code COCOSYS. The aim of the work is to investigate the capability of the code to simulate correctly jet release and formation of the stratified atmosphere in the M5 experiment and the impact of several parameters to the simulation results.
Performance Evaluation of a High Thermal Conductivity Fuel With Graphene Additives During the LBLOCA
Authors: Lee Seung Won , Kim Hyoung Tae , Bang In Cheol
Published: October 2013

The fuel rod performance of enhanced thermal conductivity UO2/graphene composites is investigated through a LBLOCA analysis. The benefits increased monotonically with increasing thermal conductivity in terms of reduced fuel center temperature and PCT. The performance of the UO2/graphene composite fuel is assessed in OPR-1000 (Optimized Power Reactor-1000) during a LBLOCA. Graphene can be a promising material for developing advanced nuclear fuel because of its property about the high thermal conductivity and low absorption cross section. The results confirm a LBLOCA performance related to PCT of the UO2/graphene composite fuel and its potential while maintaining large safety margins.
Validation and Benchmarking of Comprehensive Vibration Assessment Program for Prototype Reactor Internals
Authors: Yang Jianfeng , Yu Lixin , Choi Byounghoan
Published: October 2013

Reactor internals important to nuclear power plant safety shall be designed to accommodate steady-state and transient vibratory loads throughout the service life of the reactor. Operating experience has revealed failures of reactor internals in both pressurized water reactors (PWRs) and boiling water reactors (BWRs) due to flow-induced vibrations (FIVs). U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Regulatory Guide 1.20 presents a Comprehensive Vibration Assessment Program (CVAP) that the NRC staff considers acceptable for use in verifying the structural integrity of reactor internals for FIV prior to commercial operation. A CVAP supports the NRC reviews of applications for new nuclear reactor construction permits or operating licenses under 10 CFR Part 50, as well as design certifications and combined licenses that do not reference a standard design under 10 CFR Part 52. The overall CVAP should be implemented in conjunction with preoperational and initial startup testing. For prototype reactor internals, the comprehensive program should consist of a vibration and fatigue analysis, a vibration measurement program, an inspection program, and a correlation of their results. Validation and benchmarking processes should be integrated into the CVAP throughout each individual program. Based on the authors’ experiences in Advanced Boiling Water Reactor and AP1000® CVAPs and based on detailed reviews of the U.S. Evolutionary Power Reactor and the U.S. Advanced Pressurized Water Reactor CVAPs, this article summarizes the essential CVAP validation and benchmarking processes with proper consideration of bias errors and random uncertainties. This article provides guidance to a successful CVAP that satisfies the NRC requirements and ensures the reliability of the evaluation of potential adverse flow effects on nuclear power plant components.
Modeling and Experimental Study of Inorganic Crystal Response Function for Gamma Spectroscopy and Dosimetry
Authors: Ali Muhammad , Khan Nafisah , Hosny Ahmed , Machrafi Rachid
Published: October 2013

A gamma spectrometer based on LaBr3(Ce) crystal has been developed. The spectrometer uses a compact data acquisition system including a multi-channel analyzer and corresponding electronics components. The response function of the detector has been simulated using Monte Carlo Code (MCNPX 2.7E). It has been also tested, at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology radiation facilities, using a series of gamma radiation sources. The simulated data has been compared with experiments and a good agreement has been achieved. This paper presents the parameters of the developed spectrometer and the results of its testing along with a comparison with NaI(TI) crystal.
Reactor Cavity Cooling System Facility Shakedown and RELAP5-3D Model Validation
Authors: Vaghetto R. , Lee Saya , Hassan Y. A.
Published: October 2013

A small scale water-cooled experimental facility was built in order to study the complex thermohydraulic phenomena taking place in the Reactor Cavity Cooling System (RCCS) during the normal operation (steady-state case) an during accident scenario when forced convection is lost. The facility represents a portion of the reactor vessel with nine stainless steel coolant risers. The pipes are connected via cold and hot manifolds to a water tank located on top of the cavity. Due to the complexity of the expected thermal hydraulic phenomena, a RELAP5-3D input deck was prepared in order to predict the main thermohydraulic parameters, mainly coolant flow rate and temperatures. During the facility shakedown, the coolant flow was constantly monitored in order to observe the natural circulation startup phase and some interesting features of the coolant behavior were observed. The comparison of the preliminary experimental results from a test run with the prediction of the RELAP5-3D simulations helped validating the assumptions and simplifications adopted in the model for future simulations of steady-state and transients, and confirmed the potentiality of the system code for analysis of such systems. In the present paperwork, a detailed description of the experimental facility and the RELAP5-3D model are provided. Preliminary experimental results from different test runs are described and compared with the RELAP5-3D simulation results.
Adhesion testing of atomic layer deposited TiO2 on glass substrate by the use of embedded SiO2 microspheres
Authors: Lyytinen Jussi , Berdova Maria , Franssila Sami , Koskinen Jari
Published: October 2013

In this paper, the authors present a new adhesion test method, which is under development, to study the interfacial mechanical parameters of atomic layer deposited (ALD) thin films. A highly sensitive lateral force adhesion testing tool was used to measure the lateral detaching force of 8 μm diameter SiO2 microspheres embedded in 100 nm ALD TiO2 thin film grown in 200 °C. The resulting holes in the coating were characterized with scanning electron microscope plus energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and the delaminated areas were measured with image analysis software. The corresponding detaching force (F) was compared to the delaminated area (A) to calculate the critical stress value (σ), which relates to the mechanical adhesion of the coating and also includes the effect of other influencing factors such as the film cohesion. The measured critical stress (σ) of the ALD TiO2 coating on a glass substrate was 36 ± 12 MPa based on the measurement of 43 microspheres.
A Genomics-Based Classification of Human Lung Tumors
Authors:   The Clinical Lung Cancer Genome Project (CLCGP) and Network Genomic Medicine (NGM),
Published: October 2013

The pattern of mutations in human lung cancer differs by tumor subtype and is a useful addition to histology for selecting targeted therapy and improving patient survival.
Spherical Nucleic Acid Nanoparticle Conjugates as an RNAi-Based Therapy for Glioblastoma
Authors: Jensen Samuel A. , Day Emily S. , Ko Caroline H. , Hurley Lisa A. , Luciano Janina P. , Kouri Fotini M. , Merkel Timothy J. , Luthi Andrea J. , Patel Pinal C. , Cutler Joshua I. , Daniel Weston L. , Scott Alexander W. , Rotz Matthew W. , Meade Thomas J. , Giljohann David A. , Mirkin Chad A. , Stegh Alexander H.
Published: October 2013

siRNA-based spherical nucleic acid (SNA) nanoparticle conjugates silence antiapoptosis signaling and impair GBM progression.
Immune-Mediated Pore-Forming Pathways Induce Cellular Hypercitrullination and Generate Citrullinated Autoantigens in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Romero Violeta , Fert-Bober Justyna , Nigrovic Peter A. , Darrah Erika , Haque Uzma J. , Lee David M. , van Eyk Jennifer , Rosen Antony , Andrade Felipe
Published: October 2013

RA-associated hypercitrullination is specifically induced by immune-mediated membrane pore-forming pathways.
Poking Holes in Rheumatoid Joints
Authors: Elkon Keith B.
Published: October 2013

Rheumatoid joints form potentially immunogenic citrullinated proteins through calcium influx and peptidyl arginine deiminase activation.
Differentiation of oncocytoma from chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (RCC): can novel molecular biomarkers help solve an old problem?
Authors: Ng Keng Lim , Rajandram Retnagowri , Morais Christudas , Yap Ning Yi , Samaratunga Hema , Gobe Glenda C , Wood Simon T
Published: October 2013

Standard treatment of renal neoplasms remains surgical resection, and nephrectomy for localised renal cell carcinoma (RCC) still has the best chance of cure with excellent long-term results. For smaller renal masses, especially stage T1a tumours less than 4 cm, nephron-sparing surgery is often employed. However, small incidentally detected renal masses pose an important diagnostic dilemma as a proportion of them may be benign and could be managed conservatively. Renal oncocytoma is one such lesion that may pose little risk to a patient if managed with routine surveillance rather than surgery. Additionally, lower-risk RCC, such as small chromophobe RCC, may be managed in a similar way, although with more caution than the renal oncocytomas (RO). The ability to differentiate ROs from chromophobe RCCs, and from other RCCs with a greater chance of metastasis, would guide the physician and patient towards the most appropriate management, whether nephron-sparing surgical resection or conservative surveillance. Consistent accurate diagnosis of ROs is likely to remain elusive until modern molecular biomarkers are identified and applied routinely. This review focuses on the differentiation of renal oncocytomas and chromophobe RCCs. It summarises the history, epidemiology and clinical presentation of the renal neoplasms, explains the diagnostic dilemma, and describes the value, or not, of current molecular markers that are in development to assist in diagnosis of the renal neoplasms.
AXION-ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES
Authors: VISINELLI LUCA
Published: October 2013

We extend the duality symmetry between the electric and the magnetic fields to the case in which an additional axion-like term is present, and we derive the set of Maxwell equations that preserves this symmetry. This new set of equations allows for a gauge symmetry extending the ordinary symmetry in the classical electrodynamics. We obtain explicit solutions for the new set of equations in the absence of external sources, and we discuss the implications of a new internal symmetry between the axion field and the electromagnetic gauge potential.
THEORETICAL STUDY OF UNIPOLAR INTERSUBBAND IMPACT IONIZATION IN QUANTUM DOT BASED PHOTODETECTORS
Authors: YUSEFLI AMIR , ZAVVARI MAHDI , ABEDI KAMBIZ
Published: October 2013

In this paper, we study the intersubband impact ionization through conduction band states of quantum dot (QD) layers of an infrared photodetector. For this purpose, a photogenerated electron moving in high field active region of a p-i-n diode is assumed which can excite an electron from ground state of a QD by carrier–carrier scattering. The generated electron can escape the QD by tunneling and contribute in photocurrent giving avalanche gain to photodetector. The ionization rate and responsivity of detector are calculated from an analytical approach of intersubband transition rate equations. Results show increased responsivity in the order of several A/W.
DETERMINANT REPRESENTATION OF N-TIMES DARBOUX TRANSFORMATION FOR THE DEFOCUSING NONLINEAR SCHRÖDINGER EQUATION
Authors: HAN JINGWEI , YU JING , HE JINGSONG
Published: October 2013

The determinant expression T[N] of a new Darboux transformation (DT) for the Ablowitz–Kaup–Newell–Segur equation are given in this paper. By making use of this DT under the reduction r = q*, we construct determinant expressions of dark N-soliton solution for the defocusing NLS equation. Except known one-soliton, we provide smooth two-soliton and smooth N-soliton on a certain domain of parameter for the defocusing NLS equation.
ON THE COMPOSITION OF SECRET SHARING SCHEMES RELATED TO CODES
Authors: MÁRQUEZ-CORBELLA I. , MARTÍNEZ-MORO E. , SUÁREZ-CANEDO E.
Published: October 2013

In this paper, we construct a subclass of the composite access structure based on schemes realizing the structure given by the set of codewords of minimal support of linear codes. This class enlarges the iterated threshold class studied in the same paper and allow us to show a Brickell-like distribution scheme realizing those access structures.
Epinephrine depletion exacerbates the fasting-induced protein breakdown in fast-twitch skeletal muscles
Authors: Graça Flávia A. , Gonçalves Dawit A. P. , Silveira Wilian A. , Lira Eduardo C. , Chaves Valéria Ernestânia , Zanon Neusa M. , Garófalo Maria Antonieta R. , Kettelhut Isis C. , Navegantes Luiz C. C.
Published: October 2013

The physiological role of epinephrine in the regulation of skeletal muscle protein metabolism under fasting is unknown. We examined the effects of plasma epinephrine depletion, induced by adrenodemedullation (ADMX), on muscle protein metabolism in fed and 2-day-fasted rats. In fed rats, ADMX for 10 days reduced muscle mass, the cross-sectional area of extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle fibers, and the phosphorylation levels of Akt. In addition, ADMX led to a compensatory increase in muscle sympathetic activity, as estimated by the rate of norepinephrine turnover; this increase was accompanied by high rates of muscle protein synthesis. In fasted rats, ADMX exacerbated fasting-induced proteolysis in EDL but did not affect the low rates of protein synthesis. Accordingly, ADMX activated lysosomal proteolysis and further increased the activity of the ubiquitin (Ub)-proteasome system (UPS). Moreover, expression of the atrophy-related Ub ligases atrogin-1 and MuRF1 and the autophagy-related genes LC3b and GABARAPl1 were upregulated in EDL muscles from ADMX-fasted rats compared with sham-fasted rats, and ADMX reduced cAMP levels and increased fasting-induced Akt dephosphorylation. Unlike that observed for EDL muscles, soleus muscle proteolysis and Akt phosphorylation levels were not affected by ADMX. In isolated EDL, epinephrine reduced the basal UPS activity and suppressed overall proteolysis and atrogin-1 and MuRF1 induction following fasting. These data suggest that epinephrine released from the adrenal medulla inhibits fasting-induced protein breakdown in fast-twitch skeletal muscles, and these antiproteolytic effects on the UPS and lysosomal system are apparently mediated through a cAMP-Akt-dependent pathway, which suppresses ubiquitination and autophagy.
Interpolation and Best Approximation for Spherical Radial Basis Function Networks
Authors: Lin Shaobo , Zeng Jinshan , Xu Zongben
Published: October 2013

Within the conventional framework of a native space structure, a smooth kernel generates a small native space, and radial basis functions stemming from the smooth kernel are intended to approximate only functions from this small native space. In this paper, we embed the smooth radial basis functions in a larger native space generated by a less smooth kernel and use them to interpolate the samples. Our result shows that there exists a linear combination of spherical radial basis functions that can both exactly interpolate samples generated by functions in the larger native space and near best approximate the target function.
Normal Families of Meromorphic Functions Concerning Higher Derivative and Shared Values
Authors: Chen Wei , Yuan Wenjun , Tian Honggen
Published: October 2013

We study the normal families related to a Hayman conjecture of higher derivative and concerning shared values and get two normal criteria. Our results improve the related theorems which were obtained independently, respectively by Fang and Yuan (2001), Yuan et al. ((2011) and (2012)), Wang et al. (2011), and Qiu et al. (2012). Meanwhile, some examples are given to show the sharpness of our results.
Efficiencies of Inhomogeneity-Detection Algorithms: Comparison of Different Detection Methods and Efficiency Measures
Authors: Domonkos Peter
Published: October 2013

Efficiency evaluations for change point Detection methods used in nine major Objective Homogenization Methods (DOHMs) are presented. The evaluations are conducted using ten different simulated datasets and four efficiency measures: detection skill, skill of linear trend estimation, sum of squared error, and a combined efficiency measure. Test datasets applied have a diverse set of inhomogeneity (IH) characteristics and include one dataset that is similar to the monthly benchmark temperature dataset of the European benchmarking effort known by the acronym COST HOME. The performance of DOHMs is highly dependent on the characteristics of test datasets and efficiency measures. Measures of skills differ markedly according to the frequency and mean duration of inhomogeneities and vary with the ratio of IH-magnitudes and background noise. The study focuses on cases when high quality relative time series (i.e., the difference between a candidate and reference series) can be created, but the frequency and intensity of inhomogeneities are high. Results show that in these cases the Caussinus-Mestre method is the most effective, although appreciably good results can also be achieved by the use of several other DOHMs, such as the Multiple Analysis of Series for Homogenisation, Bayes method, Multiple Linear Regression, and the Standard Normal Homogeneity Test.
Volatility Degree Forecasting of Stock Market by Stochastic Time Strength Neural Network
Authors: Mo Haiyan , Wang Jun
Published: October 2013

In view of the applications of artificial neural networks in economic and financial forecasting, a stochastic time strength function is introduced in the backpropagation neural network model to predict the fluctuations of stock price changes. In this model, stochastic time strength function gives a weight for each historical datum and makes the model have the effect of random movement, and then we investigate and forecast the behavior of volatility degrees of returns for the Chinese stock market indexes and some global market indexes. The empirical research is performed in testing the prediction effect of SSE, SZSE, HSI, DJIA, IXIC, and S&P 500 with different selected volatility degrees in the established model.
An Adaptive FEM for Buckling Analysis of Nonuniform Bernoulli-Euler Members via the Element Energy Projection Technique
Authors: Yuan Si , Wang Yongliang , Ye Kangsheng
Published: October 2013

This paper presents a new adaptive finite element (FE) procedure for accurate, efficient, and reliable computation of the critical buckling loads and the associated modes of nonuniform Bernoulli-Euler members. After the conventional FE solution on a given mesh has been obtained, a novel conceptual and practical strategy is introduced, in which the FE solution of the eigenproblem is equivalently viewed as the FE solution of an associated linear problem. This strategy allows the recently developed element energy projection (EEP) technique to be readily used to calculate super-convergent FE solutions for buckling modes, which are subsequently used to estimate the FE solution errors and to further guide mesh refinements, until the accuracy of the FE solution matches the user-preset error tolerance. Numerical examples are given to show the effectiveness, efficiency, accuracy, and reliability of the proposed method, which also paves the way for development of an adaptive FE solver for more general and complicated eigenproblems.
Station Keeping of Constellations Using Multiobjective Strategies
Authors: Rocco Evandro Marconi , e Souza Marcelo Lopes de Oliveira , de Almeida Prado Antonio Fernando Bertachini
Published: October 2013

The goal of the present paper is to study the problem of station keeping maneuvers of satellites that belong to a constellation. The objective is to perform those maneuvers with low fuel consumption and but also including a time constraint. This type of problem has several aspects to be considered, like fuel consumption, duration of the maneuvers. These aspects are applied to all the satellites of the constellation, so a strategy has to be found to consider the global optimization of those variables that can control the geometry of the constellation. So, this is a multiobjective problem. To find a solution, strategies are formulated that minimize the fuel consumption considering all the satellites and also considering the duration of the maneuver. Numerical examples are shown.
Generalized Kalman-Yakubovich-Popov Lemma Based I-PD Controller Design for Ball and Plate System
Authors: Mochizuki Shuichi , Ichihara Hiroyuki
Published: October 2013

The ball-on-plate balancing system has a camera that captures the ball position and a plate whose inclination angles are limited. This paper proposes a PID controller design method for the ball and plate system based on the generalized Kalman-Yakubovich-Popov lemma. The design method has two features: first, the structure of the controller called I-PD prevents large input signals against major changes in the reference signal; second, a low-pass filter is introduced into the feedback loop to reduce the influence of the measurement noise produced by the camera. Both simulations and experiments are used to evaluate the effectiveness of the design method.
Diet and Nutrition in Cancer Survivorship and Palliative Care
Authors: Bazzan Anthony J. , Newberg Andrew B. , Cho William C. , Monti Daniel A.
Published: October 2013

The primary goal of palliative cancer care is typically to relieve suffering and improve quality of life. Most approaches to diet in this setting have focused only on eating as many calories as possible to avoid cachexia. However, as the concept of palliative care has evolved to include all aspects of cancer survivorship and not just end of life care, there is an increasing need to thoughtfully consider diet and nutrition approaches that can impact not only quality of life but overall health outcomes and perhaps even positively affect cancer recurrence and progression. In this regard, there has been a recent emphasis in the literature on nutrition and cancer as an important factor in both quality of life and in the pathophysiology of cancer. Hence, the primary purpose of this paper is to review the current data on diet and nutrition as it pertains to a wide range of cancer patients in the palliative care setting.
Erlotinib, Gefitinib, and Vandetanib Inhibit Human Nucleoside Transporters and Protect Cancer Cells from Gemcitabine Cytotoxicity
Authors: Damaraju Vijaya L. , Scriver Tara , Mowles Delores , Kuzma Michelle , Ryan Anderson J. , Cass Carol E. , Sawyer Michael B.
Published: October 2013

Purpose: Combinations of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) with gemcitabine have been attempted with little added benefit to patients. We hypothesized that TKIs designed to bind to ATP-binding pockets of growth factor receptors also bind to transporter proteins that recognize nucleosides.

Experimental Design: TKI inhibition of uridine transport was studied with recombinant human (h) equilibrative (E) and concentrative (C) nucleoside transporters (hENT, hCNT) produced individually in yeast. TKIs effects on uridine transport, gemcitabine accumulation, regulation of hENT1 activity, and cell viability in the presence or absence of gemcitabine were evaluated in human pancreatic and lung cancer cell lines.

Results: Erlotinib, gefitinib and vandetanib inhibited [3H]uridine transport in yeast and [3H]uridine and [3H]gemcitabine uptake in the four cell lines. Treatment of cell lines with erlotinib, gefitinib, or vandetanib for 24 hours reduced hENT1 activity which was reversed by subsequent incubation in drug-free media for 24 hours. Greater cytotoxicity was observed when gemcitabine was administered before erlotinib, gefitinib, or vandetanib than when administered together and synergy, evaluated using the CalcuSyn Software, was observed in three cell lines resulting in combination indices under 0.6 at 50% reduction of cell growth.

Conclusions: Vandetanib inhibited hENT1, hENT2, hCNT1, hCNT2, and hCNT3, whereas erlotinib inhibited hENT1 and hCNT3 and gefitinib inhibited hENT1 and hCNT1. The potential for reduced accumulation of nucleoside chemotherapy drugs in tumor tissues due to inhibition of hENTs and/or hCNTs by TKIs indicates that pharmacokinetic properties of these agents must be considered when scheduling TKIs and nucleoside chemotherapy in combination. Clin Cancer Res; 20(1); 176–86. ©2013 AACR.
Risk Factors and Correlates of Neonatal Growth Velocity in Extremely Low Gestational Age Newborns. The ELGAN Study
Authors: Bartholomew Julie , Martin Camilia R. , Allred Elizabeth , Chen Minghua L. , Ehrenkranz Richard A. , Dammann Olaf , Leviton Alan
Published: October 2013

Objectives: To identify maternal and infant characteristics associated with reduced growth velocity (GV) in extremely premature newborns. Methods: We evaluated 1,187 infants born between 23 and 27 weeks' gestation at 14 institutions between 2002 and 2004 who survived until day 28 to identify the maternal and infant characteristics associated with a GV and caloric intake in the lowest quartile. Results: Newborns in the lowest gestational age and low birth weight categories, as well as those with intrauterine growth restriction, or high SNAP-II received relatively fewer kcal/kg/day than their peers without these risk factors, but were not at increased risk of being in the lowest GV quartile. Newborns with bacteremia, patent ductus arteriosus, retinopathy of prematurity stage 3-5, or pulmonary illness received fewer calories, as did those who received medications or blood transfusions. However, in a multivariable model adjusting for confounders, only ventilator dependence on day 7 (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.5-3.2), early persistent pulmonary dysfunction (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.3-2.5), and postnatal exposure to dexamethasone (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.2-6.5) were associated with an increased risk of being in the lowest GV quartile. In this model, low caloric intake was not associated with low GV (OR 1.3, 95% CI 0.9-1.9). Conclusion: Variables associated with severe pulmonary disease convey more information about the risk of reduced GV during the first 28 postnatal days than does low caloric intake.
The ROCK Inhibitor Y-26732 Enhances the Survival and Proliferation of Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Neural Progenitor Cells upon Dissociation
Authors: Rungsiwiwut Ruttachuk , Manolertthewan Chirawattana , Numchaisrika Pranee , Ahnonkitpanit Vichuda , Virutamasen Pramuan , Techakumphu Mongkol , Pruksananonda Kamthorn
Published: October 2013

Human neural progenitor cells (hNPCs) are the starting material required for neuronal subtype differentiation. Proliferation of hNPCs allows researchers to study the mechanistic complexities and microenvironments present during neural differentiation and to explore potential applications for hNPCs in cell therapies. The use of enzymatic dissociation during hNPC proliferation causes dissociation-induced apoptosis; therefore, in the present study, we examined the effect of the p-160-Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase (ROCK) inhibitor Y-26732 on dissociation-induced apoptosis of hNPCs. We generated hNPCs via embryoid body formation using serum-free culture medium supplemented with noggin. The established hNPCs were characterized and the effect of the ROCK inhibitor on hNPC dissociation was studied. We demonstrated that supplementation of the culture media with 10 μM Y-26732 efficiently reduced apoptosis of dissociated hNPCs; this supplementation was effective when the inhibitor was applied either at (i) 24 h before dissociation of the cells and at 24 h after plating the cells or (ii) at 24 h after plating of the cells only. In addition to reducing apoptosis, both supplementation conditions with Y-26732 enhanced the proliferation of dissociated hNPCs. Our findings provide the optimal time window for ROCK treatment of hNPC dissociation in respect to apoptosis and cell proliferation.
Acute Exacerbations of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Antoniou Katerina M. , Wells Athol U.
Published: October 2013

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive and ultimately fatal disease, with a highly variable course in individual patients. Episodes of rapid deterioration are not uncommon, often following a period of stability. In cases of uncertain etiology, with typical clinical and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) features, the term ‘acute exacerbation of IPF' (AE-IPF) has been coined to describe a combination of diffuse alveolar damage and preexisting usual interstitial pneumonia. In 2007, a consensus definition and diagnostic criteria were proposed. Although the presence of overt infection is currently an exclusion criterion, it appears likely that occult infection, reflux and thoracic surgical procedures are all trigger factors for AE-IPF. The development of new, usually bilateral infiltrates (ground-glass attenuation with variable admixed consolidation) is a defining HRCT feature. The outcome is poor with a short-term mortality in excess of 50% despite therapy. A number of pathophysiologic pathways are activated, with immunologic dysregulation, epithelial damage and circulating fibrocytes all believed to play a pathogenetic role. Acute exacerbations are less prevalent in other fibrotic lung diseases than in IPF and may have a better outcome, with the exception of acute exacerbations of rheumatoid lung. In AE-IPF, the exclusion of alternative causes of rapid deterioration, including heart failure and infection, is the main goal of investigation. Empirical high-dose corticosteroid steroid therapy is generally used in AE-IPF, without proven benefit.
Effect of Donepezil in Alzheimer Disease Can Be Measured by a Computerized Human Analog of the Morris Water Maze
Authors: Hort J. , Andel R. , Mokrisova I. , Gazova I. , Amlerova J. , Valis M. , Coulson E.J. , Harrison J. , Windisch M. , Laczó J.
Published: October 2013

Background: Drug development for Alzheimer disease (AD) is challenged by the success in animal models tested in the Morris water maze (MWM) and the subsequent failures to meet primary outcome measures in phase II or III clinical trials in patients. The human variant of MWM (hMWM) enables us to examine allocentric and egocentric navigation as in the MWM. Objective: It was the aim of this study to examine the utility of a computerized hMWM to assess the effects of donepezil in mild AD. Methods: Donepezil 5 mg/day was started after initial hMWM testing in the treated group (n = 12), and after 28 days, the dose was increased to 10 mg/day. The performance after 3 months was compared to that of a non-treated group (n = 12). Results: Donepezil stabilized or improved the spatial navigation performance after 3 months, especially in the allocentric delayed recall subtask (p = 0.014). Conclusions: The computerized hMWM has the potential to measure the effects of donepezil in mild AD. It is a sensitive cognitive outcome measure in AD clinical trials.
First Offenders With Psychosis
Authors: van Dongen Josanne D. M. , Buck Nicole M. L. , van Marle Hjalmar J. C.
Published: October 2013

Within the early/late start typology of offenders with schizophrenia, a third type, first offenders (FO), has been proposed. The aim of this study was to examine the justification of this first offender type. Retrospective file study consisted of 97 early starters (ES), 100 late starters, and 26 FO. Variables in different domains were scored. There were significant differences between the groups within the domains life functioning, abuse and family-related problems, psychiatric functioning, substance misuse, antisocial personality, and offense characteristics. Most differences were between the ES and FO. The existence of the first offender type is justified by the present findings. These findings underscore the importance of offender subtyping for better offender treatment interventions.
Standardization and Safety of Alveolar Bone–derived Stem Cell Isolation
Authors: Mason S. , Tarle S.A. , Osibin W. , Kinfu Y. , Kaigler D.
Published: October 2013

Cell therapies utilizing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could overcome limitations of traditional treatments for reconstructing craniofacial tissues. This large-scale study explored a standardized methodology for the isolation and clinical-scale expansion of alveolar bone marrow–derived MSCs (aBMSCs). We harvested 103 alveolar bone marrow samples from 45 patients using 1 of 3 standardized methodologies. Following aBMSC isolation, cells were characterized through cell-surface marker expression and lineage-specific differentiation. Long-term cultures (> 50 population doublings [PDs]) were evaluated for transformational changes through senescence, gene expression, and karyotyping. Finally, aBMSC bone-forming potential was determined in vivo. More than 0.5 cc of bone marrow was needed to predictably isolate aBMSCs, and, regardless of methodology for harvest, cell-surface marker expression of CD73, CD90, CD105, and Stro-1 was similar for aBMSCs, being 89.8%, 98.8%, 93.8%, and 3.2%, respectively; all cells were negative for CD11b, CD19, and CD45. aBMSCs exhibited multipotency, and karyotypes were normal up to 30 PDs, with significant cell senescence beginning following 35 PDs. Additionally, aBMSCs induced ectopic bone formation following subcutaneous transplantation into mice. These findings demonstrate a predictable approach for the isolation and safe clinical-scale expansion of aBMSCs, and thus, their clinical use could be considered for craniofacial regenerative therapies.
C-reactive protein after stroke in arterial hypertension
Authors: Berezin Alexander E , Lisovaya Oxana A
Published: October 2013

Objective

To evaluate the relationship between plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level and the risk of recurrent coronary and cerebral ischemic events after ischemic stroke in patients with arterial hypertension.

Methods

102 patients with mild-to-moderate arterial hypertension (67 male, aged 56–68 years) were enrolled in the study. Serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein was determined on study entry only. Clinical interviews were performed every 3 months during 1 year after blood sampling. Clinical events included confirmed ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack, coronary ischemic events, sudden death, diabetes mellitus, and all cardiovascular events including chronic heart failure and hospitalization.

Results

Patients in the highest quartile of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels had a significantly higher adjusted odds ratio for clinical events compared to those in the first quartile (odds ratio = 7.46, 95% confidence interval: 1.55–19.6, p = 0.001). A receiver operating characteristic curve detected a plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein cutoff level of 5.58 mg·L−1 (76.7% sensitivity, 80.3% specificity). A Cox regression model identified high-sensitivity C-reactive protein >5.58 mg·L−1 as an independent predictor of further cardiovascular events (hazard ratio = 7.14, 95% confidence interval: 1.15–12.6, p = 0.009).

Conclusion

We suggest that high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels >5.58 mg·L−1 strongly predict increased risk of cumulative cardiovascular events after ischemic stroke in hypertensive patients.
Delayed surgery for type A aortic dissection caused by blunt trauma
Authors: Takahashi Shinya , Uchida Naomichi , Takasaki Taiichi , Sueda Taijiro
Published: October 2013

We describe a rare case of delayed surgery for blunt ascending aortic injury. A 77-year-old man was injured in a traffic accident. He lost consciousness and suffered severe blunt trauma to the chest. Computed tomography showed multiple head and chest injuries and acute Stanford type A aortic dissection. The operation was postponed because he was hemodynamically stable and his risk of surgical death was increased due to his other injuries. Serial computed tomography showed growth of the aortic lesion, and aortic surgery was successfully performed 11 months after admission to the hospital. The postoperative course was uneventful.
Managing Cancer And Living Meaningfully (CALM): Phase 2 trial of a brief individual psychotherapy for patients with advanced cancer
Authors: Lo Chris , Hales Sarah , Jung Judy , Chiu Aubrey , Panday Tania , Rydall Anne , Nissim Rinat , Malfitano Carmine , Petricone-Westwood Danielle , Zimmermann Camilla , Rodin Gary
Published: October 2013

Background:

Advanced cancer brings substantial physical and psychosocial challenges that may contribute to emotional distress and diminish well-being. In this study, we present preliminary data concerning the effectiveness of a new brief individual psychotherapy, Managing Cancer And Living Meaningfully (CALM), designed to help individuals cope with this circumstance.

Aim:

To test the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of CALM to reduce emotional distress and promote psychological well-being and growth.

Design:

CALM is a brief, manualized, semi-structured individual psychotherapy for patients with advanced cancer. This study employed a phase 2 intervention-only design. The primary outcome was depressive symptoms and the secondary outcomes were death anxiety, attachment security, spiritual well-being and psychological growth. These were assessed at 3 months (t1) and 6 months (t2). Multilevel regression was used to model change over time.

Setting/participants:

A total of 50 patients with advanced or metastatic cancer were recruited from the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada.

Results:

A total of 39 patients (78%) were assessed at baseline, 24 (48%) at t1, and 16 (32%) at t2. Analyses revealed reductions over time in depressive symptoms: beta = −0.13, confidence interval (CI.95) = (−0.23, −0.022) and death anxiety: beta = −0.23, CI.95 (−0.40, −0.061); and an increase in spiritual well-being: beta = 0.14, CI.95 (0.026, 0.26).

Conclusions:

CALM may be a feasible intervention to benefit patients with advanced cancer. The results are encouraging, despite attrition and small effect sizes, and support further study.
Decentralized path planning for coverage tasks using gradient descent adaptive control
Authors: Soltero Daniel E. , Schwager Mac , Rus Daniela
Published: October 2013

In this paper we propose a new path planning algorithm for coverage tasks in unknown environments that does not rely on recursive search optimization. Given a sensory function that captures the interesting locations in the environment and can be learned, the goal is to compute a set of closed paths that allows a single robot or a multi-robot system to sense/cover the environment according to this function. We present an online adaptive distributed controller, based on gradient descent of a Voronoi-based cost function, that generates these closed paths, which the robots can travel for any coverage task, such as environmental mapping or surveillance. The controller uses local information only, and drives the robots to simultaneously identify the regions of interest and shape their paths online to sense these regions. Lyapunov theory is used to show asymptotic convergence of the system based on a Voronoi-based coverage criterion. Simulated and experimental results, that support the proposed approach, are presented for the single-robot and multi-robot cases in known and unknown environments.