bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis of myocardial infarction following hospitalisation for exacerbation of COPD
Authors: McAllister David A. , Maclay John D. , Mills Nicholas L. , Leitch Andrew , Reid Philip , Carruthers Ross , O’Connor Jennifer , McAlpine Lawrence , Chalmers George , Newby David E. , Clark Elaine , Macfarlane Peter W. , MacNee William
Published: February 2012

Cardiovascular disease is common in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and raised troponin is common in exacerbations. However, the prevalence of myocardial infarction following hospitalisation for exacerbation of COPD is unknown.

Patients aged ≥40 yrs hospitalised with acute exacerbation of COPD (n=242) with ≥10 pack-yrs of cigarette smoking were included in a prospective case series conducted in four hospitals. Patients whose primary presenting complaint was chest pain or who had an alternative diagnosis were excluded. Chest pain histories, serial ECGs and troponin levels were obtained.

The mean±sdage was 69±9 yrs; 108 (45%) patients were male and almost half were current smokers. 124 (51%; 95% CI 48–58%) patients had chest pain, which was exertional in 62 (26%). 24 (10%) had raised troponin, among whom, 20 (8.3%; 95% CI 5.1–12.5%) had chest pain and/or serial ECG changes, fulfilling the 2007 Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction. Neither chest pain (p=0.77) nor serial ECG changes (p=0.39) were associated with raised troponin.

Raised troponin, chest pain and serial ECG changes are common in patients admitted to hospital with exacerbation of COPD. Overall, one in 12 patients met the criteria for myocardial infarction. Whether these patients would benefit from further cardiac investigation is unknown.
Estimating the number of colorectal cancer patients treated with anti-tumour therapy in 2015: the analysis of the Czech National Cancer Registry
Authors: Pavlík Tomáš , Májek Ondřej , Mužík Jan , Koptíková Jana , Slavíček Lubomír , Fínek Jindřich , Feltl David , Vyzula Rostislav , Dušek Ladislav
Published: February 2012

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents a serious health care problem in the Czech Republic, introducing a need for a prospective modelling of the incidence and prevalence rates. The prevalence of patients requiring anti-tumour therapy is also of great importance, as it is directly associated with planning of health care resources.

Methods

This work proposes a population-based model for the estimation of stage-specific prevalence of CRC patients who will require active anti-tumour therapy in a given year. Its applicability is documented on records of the Czech National Cancer Registry (CNCR), which is used to estimate the number of patients potentially treated with anti-tumour therapy in the Czech Republic in 2015.

Results

Several scenarios are adopted to cover the plausible development of the incidence and survival rates, and the probability of an anti-tumour therapy initiation. Based on the scenarios, the model predicts an increase in CRC prevalence from 13% to 30% in comparison with the situation in 2008. Moreover, the model predicts that 10,074 to 11,440 CRC patients will be indicated for anti-tumour therapy in the Czech Republic in 2015. Considering all patients with terminal cancer recurrence and all patients primarily diagnosed in stage IV, it is predicted that 3,485 to 4,469 CRC patients will be treated for the metastatic disease in 2015, which accounts for more than one third (34-40%) of all CRC patients treated this year.

Conclusions

A new model for the estimation of the number of CRC patients requiring active anti-tumour therapy is proposed in this paper. The model respects the clinical stage as the primary stratification factor and utilizes solely the population-based cancer registry data. Thus, no specific hospital data records are needed in the proposed approach. Regarding the short-term prediction of the CRC burden in the Czech Republic, the model confirms a continuous increase in the burden that must be accounted for in the future planning of health care in the Czech Republic.
Primary clear cell adenocarcinoma of the bladder with recurrence: a case report and literature review
Authors: Lu Ji , Xu Zhihui , Jiang Fengming , Wang Yan , Hou Yuchuan , Wang Chunxi , Chen Qihui
Published: February 2012

Clear cell carcinoma of the bladder is a rare tumor of the bladder. There are few reports available on this rare disease, and no cases with recurrence were reported. Here we present a case of 68-year-old woman with primary clear cell carcinoma of the bladder, who underwent repeat TUR-BT and tumor recurrence. We also reviewed the previous treatments and prognoses in previous case reports and evaluate the proper treatment for this disease. Once the diagnosis is determined, the radical surgery should be recommended. The recurrence is not prevented based on post-TUR intravesical therapy.
P-wave fracture prediction algorithm using data with limited azimuthal distribution
Authors: Sun Sam Zandong , Xiao Xi , Chen Lei , Yang Pei , Yang Haijun , Luo Chunshu
Published: February 2012

Many carbonate reservoirs are present in China's Tarim Basin. The storage spaces are mostly secondary and about 99% of the porosity is from fractures and dissolution caves or holes. Fractures represent both the storage space and migration channels of hydrocarbon fluids. Therefore predicting fracture development is a challenge that confronts us in this area.
Perceptions of the Health System and Public Trust in Government in Low and Middle-Income Countries: Evidence from the World Health Surveys
Authors: Rockers Peter C. , Kruk Margaret E. , Laugesen Miriam J.
Published: February 2012

In low- and middle-income countries, health care systems are an important means by which individuals interact with their government. As such, aspects of health systems in these countries may be associated with public trust in government. Greater trust in government may in turn improve governance and government effectiveness. We identify health system and non – health system factors hypothesized to be associated with trust in government and fit several multilevel regression models to cross-national data from 51,300 respondents in thirty-eight low- and middle-income countries participating in the World Health Surveys. We find that health system performance factors are associated with trust in government while controlling for a range of non – health system covariates. Taken together, higher technical quality of health services, more responsive service delivery, fair treatment, better health outcomes, and financial risk protection accounted for a 13 percentage point increase in the probability of having trust in government. Health system performance and good governance may be more inter-related than previously thought. This finding is particularly important for low-income and fragile states, where health systems and governments tend to be weakest. Future research efforts should focus on determining the causal mechanisms that underlie the observed associations between health system performance and trust in government.
The adult retinal stem cell is a rare cell in the ciliary epithelium whose progeny can differentiate into photoreceptors
Authors: Ballios Brian G. , Clarke Laura , Coles Brenda L. K. , Shoichet Molly S. , Van Der Kooy Derek
Published: February 2012

Self-renewing, multipotential retinal stem cells (RSCs) reside in the pigmented ciliary epithelium of the peripheral retina in adult mammals. RSCs can give rise to rhodopsin positive-cells, which can integrate into early postnatal retina, and represent a potentially useful option for cellular therapy. The ability to purify a stem cell population and direct the differentiation toward a particular cell lineage is a challenge facing the application of stem cells in regenerative medicine. Here we use cell sorting to prospectively enrich mouse RSCs based on size, granularity and low expression of P-cadherin and demonstrate that only rare cells with defined properties proliferate to form colonies. We show that clonally-derived mouse and human RSC progeny are multipotent and can differentiate into mature rhodopsin-positive cells with high efficiency using combinations of exogenous culture additives known to influence neural retinal development, including taurine and retinoic acid. This directed RSC differentiation follows the temporal sequence of photoreceptor differentiation in vivo, and the cells exhibit morphology, protein and gene expression consistent with primary cultures of rods in vitro. These results demonstrate that the RSC, an adult stem cell, can be enriched and directed to produce photoreceptors as a first step toward a targeted cell replacement strategy to treat retinal degenerative disease.
Thymic involution in pregnancy: a universal finding?
Authors: Swami Sunil , Tong Iris , Bilodeau Courtney Clark , Bourjeily Ghada
Published: February 2012

The thymus is a lymphatic organ that plays a vital role in the development of immunity in childhood. The thymus involutes during periods of stress and may acutely decrease in size but usually recovers to its normal size. The thymus also involutes during pregnancy, a process that is possibly hormonally mediated and thought to be necessary for fetal survival.

This report describes two pregnant patients with signs and symptoms suggestive of pulmonary embolism who were incidentally found to have thymic enlargement on computed tomography. Follow-up imaging postpartum in both cases demonstrates a significant reduction in thymus size, suggesting thymic hyperplasia. Both patients delivered healthy babies at term.

Thymic involution does not universally occur in pregnancy, challenging the theory of its necessity to fetal survival.
Determining Mechanical Properties of Escherichia Coli by Nanoindentation
Authors: Wright C. A. , Sullivan C.J. , Crawford B. , Britt L.D. , Mamun M.A. , Elmustafa A.A.
Published: February 2012

Escherichia coli, like other gram-negative bacteria, is protected from the surrounding harsh environment by a cell wall consisting of the peptidoglycan and outer membrane. Whereas the cytoplasmic membrane is the selective barrier, the cell wall provides mechanical strength for the cell. As bacteria navigate various environments, osmotic pressure can change dramatically due to changes in local solute concentration. The peptidoglycan together with the cellular proteins mitigates the osmotic stress that would otherwise cause lysis. The mechanical properties of E. coli cells and its individual layers have been largely indeterminable until the recent development of probe-based measurement tools. Since their invention, scientists have reported significant data measuring elasticity, modulus, and stiffness using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Fundamentally, in order to determine these mechanical properties through probe-based techniques, the contact area and load should be well defined. The load can be precisely calculated through the AFM cantilever spring constant. However, the silicon tip contact area can only be estimated, potentially leading to compounding uncertainties. Therefore, we developed a methodology to determine nanomechanical properties of E. coli using a nanoindenter.
Effect of van der Waals Interaction Strength and Nanocluster Size on the Dynamical and Mechanical Properties of 1,4-cis-polybutadiene Melts
Authors: Atilgan Canan , Inanc Ibrahim , Atilgan Ali Rana
Published: February 2012

Using molecular dynamics simulations, we have investigated the effect of embedding nanoclusters of radius 3-7 Å on the dynamical and mechanical properties of 1,4-cispolybutadiene melts. To see the effect of polymer-nanocluster interaction strength on the bulk modulus, the van der Waals interactions (vdW) between the polymer chain and nanocluster have been varied from weak to very stong while keeping polymer-polymer and nanoclusternanocluster interactions constant. The modulus depends on the interaction strength, but not on nanocluster size. Residence time of chains on the surface of the nanocluster (τr) has an increasing trend that reaches to a plateau as the vdW strength is increased. τr also doubles from 100 ps to 200 ps as the nanocluster size is increased from 3 to 7 Å. Our findings give clues on how the properties of polymeric materials may be controlled by nanoparticles of different chemistry and size.
Briefing: Non-iterative solution for positive surge waves
Authors: Vatankhah Ali R. , Easa Said M.
Published: February 2012

The propagation of positive surge waves in rectangular open channels is important in practice. For this phenomenon, the governing equations are derived using the continuity and momentum equations. The existing solutions of these equations are based on trial or graphical procedures. No direct analytical solution is available in the technical literature for this phenomenon even for the case of geometrically simple cross-sections. This paper presents such a solution.
Buying an automobile in China: How customer satisfaction is linked to perceived subjective well-being
Authors: Wang Xia , Chen Yung-Hsin
Published: February 2012

The objective in this study conducted in mainland China was to explore how an individual's satisfaction as a customer in the purchase and use of an automobile is linked with the social level indicator of that person's perceived subjective well-being (SWB). We found that having the ability
to afford major household assets like an automobile that fulfils their needs and gives them satisfaction, arouses a feeling of happiness and perceived SWB in the context of the society they live in, and determines their underlying satisfaction with national economic policy.
When and how employees learn: The effect of task conflict on learning behavior
Authors: Chen Zhenjiao , Zhao Ding-tao
Published: February 2012

In this paper the information perspective was adopted to explore how and when task conflict affects employees' learning behavior. A total of 170 employees in China completed a survey and it was found that task conflict increases learning behavior through information elaboration. More
interestingly, the positive relationship between task conflict and information elaboration is significant only when task reflexivity is high, and not when it is low. Furthermore, the positive and indirect effect of task conflict on learning behavior is significant only when task reflexivity
is high, and not when it is low. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Anxiety of university students in Taiwan about the General English Proficiency Test
Authors: Wang Ya-huei , Liao Hung-Chang
Published: February 2012

In this study we examined whether or not university students in Taiwan experience anxiety when taking the General English Proficiency Test (GEPT), and whether there are differences in GEPT anxiety levels among students according to gender and/or personality. We developed a GEPT test
anxiety scale (GEPT-TAS) to explore the anxiety levels of university students. The final questionnaire included 36 questions, covering the cognitive, emotional, and affective dimensions of test anxiety. Several conclusions can be drawn from the findings of this study. First, university students
do experience GEPT test anxiety. Second, females experience more emotional anxiety than do males. Third, students who are inclined to be introverted tend to experience more anxiety compared with students inclined to be extroverted.
Offshoring Tax and Audit Procedures: Implications for U.S.-Based Employee Education
Authors: Daugherty Brian E. , Dickins Denise , Fennema M. G.
Published: February 2012

Large accounting firms are increasingly performing audit and tax work for U.S.-based clients (and clients of other highly developed countries) in offshore locations, particularly India. Such arrangements are advantageous because of the availability of a skilled labor pool at a substantially lower cost than U.S. personnel, and the ability of the firms to operate nearly around the clock due to time differences between the U.S. and India. However, offshoring also creates substantial challenges in managing engagement teams comprised of individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds who rarely, if ever, communicate face to face. This paper identifies some of these challenges and their implications for the education of U.S.-based accountants.
Management of Early- and Late-Stage Rheumatoid Arthritis: Are Physiotherapy Students' Intended Behaviours Consistent with Canadian Best Practice Guidelines?
Authors: MacIntyre Norma J. , Lineker Sydney C. , Hallett Christina , Tumber Jake , Fernando Nalin , Hul Magdalena
Published: February 2012

Purpose: This study examined whether physiotherapy students in a problem-based learning (PBL) curriculum intend to implement best practices for management of clients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Method: Physiotherapy students (n=49) completed a subsection of the ACREU Primary Care Survey to evaluate the concordance between intended behaviours and Canadian best practices for early- and late-stage RA, before and after completing the relevant PBL content. Changes in scores were assessed using McNemar's test for dependent proportions. Results: Most students indicated that they would recommend treatments or referrals for physiotherapy/exercise, education, and occupational therapy or joint protection pre- and post-PBL (>83% and >95%, respectively). Post-PBL, more students recommended referral to a rheumatologist and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for both early and late RA; however, the increase was significant only for early RA (p=0.013 and 0.031 for referral to rheumatologist and DMARDs, respectively). More students recommended psychosocial support at both stages of RA post-PBL (early RA: p<0.001; late RA: p=0.031). Although more students recommended DMARDs post-PBL, only 8 students in total made this recommendation (16%), and fewer students considered use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Most students (94%) did not recommend referral to a surgeon for early or late RA. Conclusion: Intended behaviour of physiotherapy students was more consistent with Canadian best practice guidelines for managing clients with early- and late-stage RA following the PBL curriculum. Further study is required to determine whether the students were less aware of best practices related to pharmacologic interventions and timely referral to appropriate specialists, or whether they considered these issues to be outside their scope of practice.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of WC-Ni-Al based cemented carbides developed for engineering applications
Authors: Correa Edmilson O. , Santos Julio N. , Klein Aloísio N.
Published: February 2012

In this paper the influence of the Ni binder metal and Al as an additional alloying element on the microstructure and mechanical properties of WC-based cemented carbides processed by conventional powder metallurgy was studied. Microstructural examinations of the cemented carbides with 3 and 5 wt.% of Al in the binder metal indicated the presence of a very low and evenly distributed porosity as well as the presence of islands of metal binder in the microstructure. With the cemented carbide with 7 wt.% of Al in the metal binder, the presence of brittle needle-like regions was observed. The WC particles inside these regions were rounded and had a larger mean free path. Vickers hardness and flexural strength tests indicated that the cemented carbide WC-Ni-Al with addition of 5 wt.% of Al in the binder metal presented bulk hardness similar to the conventional WC-Co cemented carbides as well as superior flexure strength and fracture toughness.
Synthesis, characterization and dehydration–rehydration study of sol-gel derived hydroxide hydrogel of the MgO–ZrO2 system
Authors: Das Sukhen , Mukhopadhyay Jayanta , Das Sudip
Published: February 2012

A mixed hydroxide hydrogel of the MgO – ZrO2 system has been synthesized by wet interaction in the aqueous phase. Both the mole ratio of MgO: ZrO2 and the preparatory conditions strongly influence the particle morphology. This was also reflected in the dehydration – rehydration characteristics studied under equilibrium conditions. Both dehydration and rehydration followed a discontinuous path thereby indicating heterogeneity in the bonding of water to the gel structure.
Improvement of neurological recovery and stimulation of neural progenitor cell proliferation by intrathecal administration of Sonic hedgehog
Authors: Bambakidis Nicholas C. , Petrullis Mary , Xu Kui , Rothstein Brian , Karampelas Ioannis , Kuang Youzhi , Selman Warren R. , LaManna Joseph C. , Miller Robert H.
Published: February 2012

Object

Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is a glycoprotein molecule that has been shown to be associated with the proliferative capacity of endogenous neural precursor cells during embryonic development. It has also been shown to regulate the proliferative capacity of neural stem cells in the adult subventricular zone (SVZ), which are also upregulated in animal models of ischemic stroke. In the present study, the effects of exogenous administration of intrathecal Shh protein were examined in the setting of a rodent model of ischemic stroke, with particular attention given to endogenous neural stem cell proliferation and migration as well as inducible differences in behavioral recovery.

Methods

A rodent model of ischemic stroke was created using the intraluminal suture method of reversible middle cerebral artery occlusion. Animals were treated with intrathecal administration of Shh protein at 24 hours after the onset of the stroke. Behavioral testing was performed, and the animals were killed for measurements of infarct volume 7 days after stroke. Immunohistochemical staining was performed and measurements of cellular proliferation were obtained, with a focus on the proportion and distribution of neural progenitor cells in the SVZ. These values were compared across experimental groups.

Results

Treatment with intrathecal Shh protein resulted in significant improvement in behavioral function compared with the control group, with a significant reduction of ischemic tissue in the cerebral hemisphere. An increase of nestin immunoreactive cells was observed along the SVZ.

Conclusions

Intrathecal Shh agonist at doses that upregulate spinal cord GLI1 transcription increases the population of neural precursor cells after spinal cord injury in adult rats. Intrathecal administration of Shh protein appears to have a neuroprotective effect in animal models of ischemic stroke and is associated with improved behavioral recovery, which may be related to its effects on neurogenesis in the SVZ and could be associated with improved functional recovery.
Synthesis, Structure, Redox Properties and Reactivity of a Copper(II) Complex with a Bidentate (N,S) Chelate Ligand
Authors: Pattanayak Poulami , Patra Debprasad , Lin Chia-Her , Pratihar Jahar Lal
Published: February 2012

The complex [CuL2(OClO3)2] [L=2-(benzylthio)aniline] has been synthesised and its crystal structure determined. It displays a one-electron reductive response at −0.38 V versus SCE and its reactions with N3- and SCN- ions give [CuL2(N3)2] and [CuL2(SCN)2]. The copper atom in [CuL2(OClO3)2] assumes a tetragonally distorted, octahedral geometry with two semicoordinated perchlorate oxygens in the axial positions. Two perchlorate ions are also linked to the amino nitrogen of other molecules by intermolecular hydrogen bonding. A plausible description of redox orbitals is given on the basis of single point density functional theory calculations.
Synthesis and Antitumour Activity of a Novel Class of Flavanones: 1,4-diaryl-1,4-dihydrochromeno[4,3-c]pyrazoles
Authors: Chen Zhiwei , Wang Zhihua , Su Weike
Published: February 2012

A new series of 1,4-diaryl-1,4-dihydrochromeno[4,3- c]pyrazoles have been synthesised. The target compounds and their analogues (2,4-diaryl-2,4-dihydrochromeno[4,3- c]pyrazoles) were tested for their antitumour activities in vitro against MCF-7 and HL-60 cells using the MTT method. Among these compounds, 1,4-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1,4-dihydrochromeno[4,3- c]pyrazole was found to have potent antitumour activity in vitro with minimum IC50 of 25.31 μg mL−1 and 13.86 μg mL−1 against MCF-7 and HL-60 cells respectively.
Research on Improving the Accuracy of AD Conversion in DSP
Authors: Hou Jing Chao , Zhu Chao Fu
Published: February 2012

In the industrial field we need to know working conditions of equipments comprehensively and accurately. The operating parameters are generally obtained through the data acquisition system. With the development of technology, people demand higher accuracy of the data acquisition system. Besides, some data acquisition systems often fail to achieve the nominal accuracy. In this paper, a self-developed data acquisition system is chosen as the experimental equipment, and its accuracy of AD is assessed by the actual data. On this basis, we analysis the types of the errors，which mainly include random error and system error. And finally the accuracy of the data acquisition system is improved through operating software compensation. The system then can be used in the real workplace.
Propagation Behaviors of SH Waves in Piezoelectric Layer/Elastic Cylinder with an Imperfect Interface
Authors: Wang Yan Hong , Wang Mei Li , Liu Jin Xi
Published: February 2012

The dispersion behaviors of SH waves are investigated propagating in a layered structure consisting of a piezoelectric layer and an elastic cylinder. The interface between the piezoelectric layer and the elastic cylinder is assumed to be imperfect bonding. The surface of the piezoelectric layer is assumed to be mechanically free and electrically shorted. The dispersion equation is derived by the basic equations, the boundary and the interface conditions. The numerical examples are provided to show the influences of the imperfect interface, the thickness ratios and the material properties of the piezoelectric on the dispersive characteristics.
Study on the Influence of Processing Condition on Impact Property of Injection-Molded Polycarbonate
Authors: Shang Ying Hui , Wang Bo , Wang Fang Fang , Wang Zhi Xin , Liu Chun Tai
Published: February 2012

The impact property of injection-molded plastic components is an important factor to judge their quality. The aim of this paper is to study the effects of processing conition on impact property of injection-molded polycarbonate (PC). By changing the processing conitions such as injection molding parameters and thermal treatment, different impact samples were acquired. Then, Izod and Charpy notch impact tests were carried out to research the relation between the impact strength and the prcessing conditions. The results imply that different processing conitions will lead to different changes of impact property.
Research on Pressure Sensor Temperature Compensation by WNN Based on FA
Authors: Sun Yan Mei , Liu Shu Dong , Miao Feng Juan , Tao Bai Rui
Published: February 2012

For the sake of eliminating the temperature influence on the output of sensor, wavelet neural network(WNN) based on factor analysis is proposed, and the validity of the method is tested.It realizes screening and dimensionality reduction for primitive data through factor analysis(FA), decreases data redundancy regardless of related data, we make use of the nonlinear reflection ability and association learning ability of wavelet neural network, and proposes a model of pressure sensor temperature compensation. The result shows that the method is fficient for the problem of temperature drift，the stability of the pressure sensor is improved.
Pass Design of Finishing Mill Group of Angle Iron and Finite Element Simulation of Rolling Process
Authors: Liu Tian Xiang , Zhang Ji Jun , Jia Xin Yu
Published: February 2012

In this paper, the passes of 25 # equilateral edge angle iron finishing mill group were designed, which included finished product pass K1, and the intermediate passes K2、K3、K4, also the finite element software ANSYS / LS-DYNA was applied for three passes rolling process simulation to verify the rationality of passes design, and the rolling force curve was simulated. It offers a reference for of 25 # angle iron processing.
Preparing and Ferroelectrical Properties of PZT Nanoparticle Modified PZT Thick Film by Alternately Spinning Technique
Authors: Yang Xiu Ying , Zhao Quan Liang , Zhang De Qing , Lu Ran , Liu Hong Mei , Cao Mao Sheng
Published: February 2012

The present work focused on the study of preparing processes and the ferroelectric properties of a crack-free and PZT nanoparticle modified PZT thick film by alternately spinning technique. With the increase of the annealing temperature, Pr increased and Ec changed inconspicuously. When the thickness of PZT thick film increased, Ec decreased but Pr increased. For the 4μm-thick film, Ec and Pr were 23 kV/cm and 60 μC/cm2，respectively. The results also confirmed that the alternately spinning technique not only improved the film thickness, but also solved the membrane surface roughness problem of the thick film prepared by PZT 0-3 composite sol method.
Efficient Photovoltaic Devices Using Zinc Oxide Nanowires Overlaid with Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Zhang Xiao Zhou , Jian Xi Gao , Zu Li Wu
Published: February 2012

Bulk heterojunction photovolataic devices based on blends of conjugated polymer poly (2- methoxyl-5- dodecoxyl p-phenyl vinylene) (PMODOPV) as electron donor and crystalline ZnO nanowires as electron acceptor have been studied. We show that photovoltaic devices using zinc oxide nanowires overlaid with conjugated polymers give improved performance compared with devices made only from polymer. The improvement is consistent with improved electron transport perpendicular to the plane of the film. Solar power conversion efficiency of 1.37% were achieved under AM1.5 illumination .
Lifetime Prediction of Steam Turbine Components under Multiaxial Thermo-Mechanical Fatigue Loading
Authors: Cui Lu , Wang Peng
Published: February 2012

Lifetime prediction of steam turbine components under biaxial thermo-mechanical fatigue (TMF) loading of modern high chromium steel is prerequisite for design optimization. In this paper a phenomenological method which envelopes the synthesis of stress strain hysteresis loops and damage assessment under considering creep fatigue interaction is extended to multiaxial loadings. It is proposed as a post processing step depending on the results of a preceding finite element analysis based on a constitutive material model. Recalculation of biaxial service-type experiments on cruciform specimen of modern high chromium rotor steel 10CrMoWVNbN shows satisfactory results for lifetime estimation.
The Synthesis and Characterization of Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 Film Fabricated by Micro Arc Oxidation
Authors: Wang Ming , Guo Hui Yong , Huang Wen Bo , Li Wen Fang
Published: February 2012

Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3film was successfully fabricated by micro arc oxidation of titanium plate in aqueous solution containing Sr(OH)2and Ba(OH)2for 25 minutes. X-ray diffraction , energy dispersive spectrometer and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the crystalline structure, elements composition and surface morphology and HP4284 capacitance prober was used to analyze the dielectric properties of the film. The micro arc oxidation film is mainly composed of tetragonal Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 phases and possesses both high dielectric constant of 454.2 and low dielectric loss of 0.052 at the frequency of 100Hz.The surface morphology appeares smooth and homogeneous except that some holes are uniformly distributed outwardly.
Structural Stability Analysis of High-Rise Building Transfer Beam High-Formwork Supporting System
Authors: Cui Jian Hua , Liu Ping
Published: February 2012

Based on the construction of the transfer floor of Yunding project in Chengdu, to solve the issues from the integral stability and safety of the transfer beam high-formwork supporting system, the method of the theoretical calculation, the method of the numerical simulation and real-time monitoring were applied in order to make some conclusions. The conclusions will be significance to apply in the future similar projects for reference and guidance.
Microstructure Properties of Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-BaZrO3 Piezoelectric Ceramics
Authors: Lin Jenn Sen , Yu Teng Chin , Hsu Cheng Hsing , Huang Ci Jie , Yang His Wen
Published: February 2012

The microstructure properties of the perovskite Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-BaZrO3 ceramics were prepared with the conventional solid-state route have been investigated. The resultant microstructure properties were analyzed based upon the densification, the X-ray diffraction patterns and scanning electron microscopy. The correlation between the microstructures and the sintering temperature was also examined.
Topology Optimization of Truss-Like Continuum under Stress Constraints by Sequence Linear Program
Authors: Zhou Ke Min , Li Xia
Published: February 2012

A method to minimize material volume of truss-like continuum with stress constraint under multi-loads cases by sequence linear program was presented. It is assumed that there were infinite numbers of members with infinitesimal spaces along two orthotropic orientations at any position. A truss-like material model was employed to simulate the topological optimal structures. Members were assumed as distributed continuously in design domain. Structure was analyzed by finite element method. The densities and orientations of members at nodes were taken as designed variables. Their values in elements vary continuously. An iterative procedure was suggested to optimize the distributed field of members. The sensitivities of stresses constraints were derived. Truss-like continuum was built by the method in this paper.
Effect of Zirconia, Zirconite and Zircon Mullite Additives on the Properties of Alumina Castable
Authors: Li Bing Qiang , Shu Yao , Dai Wen Bin , Yu Jing Kun
Published: February 2012

The effect of the zirconia, zirconite, and zircon mullite additives on the properties of alumina-spinel castable has been investigated in present work. Results showed that the density of castables calcined at 110oC with the addition of zirconia and zirconite was higher than that of zircon mullite. With the increasing amount of additives, the densities of castables added with zirconia and zirconite were increased and that added with zircon mullite had not obviously difference. The apparent porosities of castables heated at 1600oC for 1h were about twice of those calcined at 110oC. The bulk densities of castables heated at 1600oC were lower than those calcined at 110oC. All the samples were expanded and the increasing amount of additives led to higher expansion rate. Though the densities of castables heated at 1600oC were lower than those calcined at 110oC, the cold crushing strength were much higher. When the amount of zirconia was less than 4maa%, the addition of zirconia was beneficial to improve the bending strength, and the addition of 4mass% zirconia led to the 18.2% improvemnt at the strength.
Optimization Design of a Hyperbolic Flexure Hinge Based on its Closed-Form Equations
Authors: Hu Jun Feng , Cui Xiang Fu , Li Pei
Published: February 2012

An optimization design method of a hyperbolic flexible hinge is presented in this paper. According to the structure feature and force exerted on the flexible hinge, the closed-form equations are formulated for compliances to characterize both the active rotation and all other in- and out-of-plane parasitic motions by using the Castigliano’s second theorem. Meanwhile, the accuracy equations of the hyperbolic flexure hinge are obtained using the Castigliano’s second theorem. The in-plane rotation angle of flexure hinge is optimization objective, and the constraints of optimization model are out-of-plane displacements and one described the accuracy of hinge, such that the optimization model can be established to meet performance requirements of flexure hinge. Based on the optimization model, the optimization designs of hyperbolic flexure hinge are performed to acquire its optimized structural parameters. And the optimization results have showed the optimization process can meet the design requirement.
Design of the Several Pneumatic Tendon Piston
Authors: Wang Yu Qing , Cai You Jie
Published: February 2012

With the rapid development of hydraulic technology, pressure-driven piston pump, the output pressure, simple structure, in the field of mechanical engineering and field engineering work has been widely used. For existing pneumatic piston existence of a functional insufficiency, poor technical performance, the irrational structure, and high-pressure areas, especially in high pressure areas occupy an irreplaceable position in the axial and radial piston pumps, there are also complex, expensive, traffic pulse rate not ideal and other indicators of disadvantage. In this paper, the normal replacement method for flexible-rigid pneumatic cylinder replacement tendons, structural design, light weight, is able to adapt to harsh environments tendon type pneumatic piston. Practical results shows that the design of the pneumatic piston in the wild-type tendon in applied engineering work obtains good results.
A Task of Miniature Mobile Robot Learning for Obstacle Avoidance through Neural Networks
Authors: Zhang Jin Xue , Pan Hai Zhu
Published: February 2012

This paper is concerned with Q-learning , a very popular algorithm for reinforcement learning ,for obstacle avoidance through neural networks. The principle tells that the focus always must be on both ecological nice tasks and behaviours when designing on robot. Many robot systems have used behavior-based systems since the 1980’s.In this paper, the Khepera robot is trained through the proposed algorithm of Q-learning using the neural networks for the task of obstacle avoidance. In experiments with real and simulated robots, the neural networks approach can be used to make it possible for Q-learning to handle changes in the environment.
Research on the Control Method of Penetration Depth Based on the Acceleration Data
Authors: Cao Hong Song , Ma Bao Cheng , Zhang Ya , Zhang Hui Suo , Shi Yun Bo
Published: February 2012

In order to gain the maximum destroy when the concrete facilities are penetrated by projectile, the best detonation position must be controlled. So a signal processor system was designed to record the penetration acceleration. The acceleration character and the control algorithm of penetration depth were studied by simulation. The displacement integrated by acceleration was verified to be effective, which could control the detonation of projectile in the right position.
Application of Neural Network on Acoustic Signal Identification
Authors: Zhang Li Xia , Feng Fu Zhou , Jiang Peng Cheng , Wang Xu Chang
Published: February 2012

The application based on Backpropagation (BP) Algorithm network is conducted on identifying the categories and numbers of mechanical equipments by acoustic signal in battlefield targets. Collected signal was pre-processed and extracted the power spectrum feature of acoustic signal as input vectors of neural networks, then classified by neural networks and pattern recognition theorem. We employ the acoustic signals of six kinds of normal equipments as training samples to train the network. The experiment shows that the ratio of recognition of the acoustic signal processing system based on neural networks proposed is better than the conventional methods.
Research on Storage Automation Rebuilding of Traditional Warehouse
Authors: Hu Qing Ming , Li Dong Sheng , Li Xi Bing , Guo Jian Hua , Wang Shi Gang
Published: February 2012

A storage automation rebuilding scheme was proposed to enhance the space utilization and operational efficiency based on the analysis of the existing problem on traditional warehouse. The warehouse’s re-designing & re-planning scheme was determined, and the computer management & control system based on barcode and Radio Frequency (RP) technology was introduced with the fully utilization of traditional warehouse and original equipment. The hardware and software of the system were also expounded. Finally according to the requirement of host computer management & control system, operational control technology is integrated with information management, and the operation-oriented warehouse dynamic information management system was elaborated. The research results show that the rebuilding schemes have important theoretical and realistic significance on the improvement of changing the traditional warehouses into logistics centers.
Preparation of Fluorocarbon Acrylic Emulsion with Core-Shell Structure Modified by Versatate Carbon
Authors: Li Yu Feng , Yu Zhou Mao , Zhu Jing Jing , Gao Xiao Hui
Published: February 2012

Fluorocarbon acrylic emulsion with core-shell structure modified by versatate carbon were prepared with acrylic acid, versatate carbon monomer(VC), fluoride carbon monomer(FC) and methyl methacrylate as raw materials. The influence of the amount of FC and VC, the core/shell mass ratio on emulsion polymerization were discussed. The structure and properties were characterized by fouriertransform infrared spectrum(FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy(TEM), particle size analysis. The results showed that the emulsion had good properties while w(FC)=8%, w(VC)=6%, the ratio of the soft to hard monomer is 1:3 in core and the soft to hard monomer is 2:1 in shell, the mass ratio of the monomer in core to in shell is 1:1. The conversion of polymerization is 96.5%, the size of latex particle is 100nm, water contact angle of the emulsion film is 100.5°, water-absorption ration of the film is 6.5%. The versatate improved the property of fluorocarbon acrylic emulsion.
An Efficient Algorithm for Mining Frequent Closed Itemsets over Data Stream
Authors: Li Guo Dong , Xia Ke Wen
Published: February 2012

Aiming at the problem of NewMoment algorithm frequently do leftcheck operation in the data mining process, which leads to the low efficiency of algorithm. In this paper, a new method, called LevelMoment, is proposed to improve the NewMoment algorithm which mines frequent closed itemsets over data streams. In this process, a new data structure that added in level node, called LevelCET, is proposed. On this structure, using level checking strategy and optimum frequent closed items checking strategy can quickly tap all the frequent closed itemsets over data streams. The experiments and analysis show that the algorithm has good performance.
A Fast Orthoimage Mosaic Method for Application of Grid
Authors: Li Zheng Guo , Wang Bo , Zhang Yong Sheng , Tong Xiao Chong , Meng Wei Can , Bao Quan Fu
Published: February 2012

Traditional orthoimage mosaic methods do not perform well in computational speed and geometric precision. This paper proposed a fast orthoimage mosaic method for the application of grid. First of all, down-sample the original images and extracts feature, and adopt SANSAC to estimate the relative initial homography; second, refine homography matrix by Levenberg-Marquardt method and use the sparse bundle adjustment method to estimate the precise homography matrix; Third, passed the homography matrix to the original level of image by the homography relationship of the down-sampling and original image. Finally, synthesize the mosaic image. Our experiments showed that the method combined the down-sampling homography relationship of original image with sparse bundle adjustment organically, which effectively improved the speed and obtained geometric seamless mosaic.
Selecting Problem from Design Contradiction Set Found in QFD
Authors: Liu Shang , Shi Dong Yan
Published: February 2012

To optimize the solution concept towards high value of customer satisfaction, the research on the combination of quality function deployment (QFD) and TRIZ (QFD/TRIZ) has been undertaken in the last decades. And TRIZ is introduced to eliminate the contradictions found in the QFD/TRIZ. However, solution concept is a unity of opposites. It is impossible to eliminate all contradictions. Therefore, it is significant to select and eliminate the contradictions which are mainly encumbrance for solution concept to get high value of customer satisfaction. Through this article, we proposed an approach to help designer analyze, rank and select the contradictions from contradiction set found in QFD. Contradiction model is identified to present the problem of TRIZ and link to QFD. Two computable ways are introduced to express the importance and extensive extent of a contradiction in the contradiction set. And the method to rank and select contradictions in the contradictions set is expatiated. Finally, a case is used to shown the validity of the proposed approach.
Implementation of Bar Chart Plotting Based on IDL Object Graphics
Authors: Tao Rong Hua , Chen Biao , Chen Xiao Lu
Published: February 2012

Bar chart is the most common graph when we need to process some data counting, analysis and comparing. But there is no inner bar chart object in IDL object graphics. According to the outlook demands and the functional requirements of bar char object, a visual expression method of bar char object was implemented based on the inner basic graphics objects in IDL. The implementation method was presented in detail. The results show it can meet the requirements of bar char displaying of common information, and it is effective and extendable.
Product Lifecycle Oriented Domain Specific Model for Knowledge Resource Allocation Service
Authors: Cao Lei , Deng Hui Jun , Xu Yi
Published: February 2012

Product lifecycle management (PLM) is a valuable concept for the implementation of advanced manufacturing method. Based on the principle of PLM, the involved manufacturing sessions were integrated, and scientifically managed in order to improve the cooperation and innovation ability of a modern enterprise. The knowledge resource allocation service is one of key technologies for the successfully implementation of product lifecycle management. Aim at the knowledge resource allocation service, an product lifecycle oriented domain specific model (p-DSM) was proposed in the paper, which will help to guide the knowledge resource modeling and resource allocation, and provide a system framework for knowledge based enterprise management system.
Groove Optimization and Finite Element Analysis for Different Groove Milling Insert
Authors: Cheng Yao Nan , Wang Li Quan , Li Zhen Jia , Gao Jun , Ao Xiao Chun
Published: February 2012

Based on the experiments on milling the 45 steel with several types of different grooves milling inserts, this article has groove optimization and finite element analysis for different groove milling inserts. With the milling force testing system and orthogonal experimental design method, we have experiments with five types of different groove milling inserts for machining the 45 steel and compare their cutting capability, and the different grooves milling inserts are optimized. Based on the experiments, we have stress field analysis for different grooves milling inserts with finite element analysis method. The finite element analysis results are consistent with the experiment results well. All these studies provide the theoretic and experimental bases for groove development and groove optimization technology.