bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gamma Knife surgery for clival epidural-osseous dural arteriovenous fistulas
Authors: Lee Cheng-Chia , Chen Ching-Jen , Chen Shao-Ching , Yang Huai-Che , Lin Chung Jung , Wu Chih-Chun , Chung Wen-Yuh , Guo Wan-Yuo , Hung-Chi Pan David , Shiau Cheng-Ying , Wu Hsiu-Mei
Published: June 2017

OBJECTIVE

Clival epidural-osseous dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) is often associated with a large nidus, multiple arterial feeders, and complex venous drainage. In this study the authors report the outcomes of clival epidural-osseous DAVFs treated using Gamma Knife surgery (GKS).

METHODS

Thirteen patients with 13 clival epidural-osseous DAVFs were treated with GKS at the authors’ institution between 1993 and 2015. Patient age at the time of GKS ranged from 38 to 76 years (median 55 years). Eight DAVFs were classified as Cognard Type I, 4 as Type IIa, and 1 as Type IIa+b. The median treatment volume was 17.6 cm3 (range 6.2–40.3 cm3). The median prescribed margin dose was 16.5 Gy (range 15–18 Gy). Clinical and radiological follow-ups were performed at 6-month intervals. Patient outcomes after GKS were categorized as 1) complete improvement, 2) partial improvement, 3) stationary, and 4) progression.

RESULTS

All 13 patients demonstrated symptomatic improvement, and on catheter angiography 12 of the 13 patients had complete obliteration and 1 patient had partial obliteration. The median follow-up period was 26 months (range 14–186 months). The median latency period from GKS to obliteration was 21 months (range 8–186 months). There was no intracranial hemorrhage during the follow-up period, and no deaths occurred. Two adverse events were observed following treatment, and 2 patients required repeat GKS treatment with eventual complete obliteration.

CONCLUSIONS

Gamma Knife surgery offers a safe and effective primary or adjuvant treatment modality for complex clival epidural-osseous DAVFs. All patients in this case series demonstrated symptomatic improvement, and almost all patients attained complete obliteration.
Evaluation of surgical treatment for neuropathic pain from neuroma in patients with injured peripheral nerves
Authors: Decrouy-Duruz Valérie , Christen Thierry , Raffoul Wassim
Published: June 2017

OBJECTIVE

Chronic neuropathic pain after peripheral nerve injury is a major clinical problem. Its management is difficult, and therapeutic approaches vary and include oral medication, neurostimulation, and surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the adequacy of surgical nerve revision in a large series of patients with long-term follow-up.

METHODS

The authors reviewed the charts of 231 patients (335 nerve injuries) who experienced neuropathic pain after peripheral nerve injury and underwent surgery for nerve revision at the authors’ institution between 1997 and 2012. The following parameters were recorded for each patient: history, location, duration, and severity of the pain and details of nerve revision surgery. In addition, patients were invited to participate in a follow-up consultation and were asked to score their pain at that time. Current medications and examination findings were also documented.

RESULTS

Elective surgery was the source of nerve injury for 55.4% of the patients. The lower extremity was the most commonly involved anatomical region (54.3%), followed by the lower abdomen (16.4%) and the thoracic region (13%). The mean time between the onset of injury and revision surgery was 48 months. On average, 1.3 injured nerves per patient were explored, and surgery was performed 1.2 times per patient. Each nerve underwent revision 1.1 times on average. Neuromas-in-continuity and scar-tethered nerves were observed in 205 nerves (61%) and terminal neuromas were observed in 130 nerves (39%). The authors performed 186 (56%) neurolyses and 149 (44%) neuroma resections and translocations. The mean follow-up of the 127 (55%) patients who agreed to come back for a consultation was 68 months. These patients indicated an average pain decrease of 4 points in the visual analog scale (VAS) score. Pain relief greater than a 2-point decrease on the VAS, a criterion for a successful treatment according to the European Federation of Neurological Societies guidelines, was encountered in 80% of patients. Pain relief did not vary in a statistically significant way with regard to surgical technique, age and sex of the patient, affected nerve, or time between trauma and surgery. Before surgery, 76% of the patients were on a regimen of paracetamol and/or NSAIDs and 44% received opiates, while after nerve revision only 37% still required simple analgesia and 14% needed opiates.

CONCLUSIONS

Bearing in mind that medication achieves satisfying pain relief in only 30%–40% of patients with neuropathic pain, surgery must be considered as an effective alternative therapy. No objective criteria were shown to be factors of poor prognosis. Systematic preoperative clinical mapping of the injured nerves and diagnostic nerve blocks could improve the primary success rate of the surgery.
On the Ginzburg–Landau energy with a magnetic field vanishing along a curve
Authors: Kachmar Ayman , Nasrallah Marwa
Published: June 2017

The energy of a type II superconductor placed in a strong non-uniform, smooth and signed magnetic field is displayed via a universal reference function defined by means of a simplified two dimensional Ginzburg–Landau functional. We study the asymptotic behavior of this functional in a specific asymptotic regime, thereby linking it to a one dimensional functional, using methods developed by Almog–Helffer and Fournais–Helffer devoted to the analysis of surface superconductivity in the presence of a uniform magnetic field. As a result, we obtain an asymptotic formula reminiscent of the one for the surface superconductivity regime, where the zero set of the magnetic field plays the role of the superconductor’s surface.
Monitoring with Parametrized Extended Life Sequence Charts
Authors: Chai Ming , Schlingloff Bernd-Holger
Published: June 2017

Runtime verification is a lightweight formal method that checks whether an execution of a system satisfies a given property. A challenge in building a runtime verification system is to define a suitable monitoring specification language, i.e., a language that is expressive, of reasonable complexity, and easy to understand. In this paper, we extend live sequence charts (LSCs, [1]) for the specification of properties in systems monitoring. We define Parametrized extended LSCs (PeLSCs) by introducing the notions of necessary prechart, concatenation, and condition- and assignment-structure. With these PeLSCs, necessary and sufficient conditions of certain observations, and parametric properties can be specified in an intuitive way. We prove some results about the expressiveness of extended LSCs. In particular, we show that LSCs with necessary precharts are strictly more expressive than standard LSCs, and that iteration-free extended LSCs have the same expressive power as linear temporal logic (LTL). To generate monitors, we develop translations of PeLSCs into hybrid logic. We show that the complexity of the word problem of PeLSCs is linear with respect to the length of input traces, thus our formalism is well-suited for online monitoring of communicating systems.
Low Distortion Embedding of the Hamming Space into a Sphere with Quadrance Metric and k-means Clustering of Nominal-continuous Data
Authors: Denisiuk Aleksander , Grabowski Michał
Published: June 2017

In this article we propose a new clustering algorithm for combinations of continuous and nominal data. The proposed algorithm is based on embedding of the nominal data into the unit sphere with a quadrance metrics, and adaptation of the general k-means clustering algorithm for the embedding data. It is also shown that the distortion of new embedding with respect to the Hamming metrics is less than that of other considered possibilities.

A series of numerical experiments on real and synthetic datasets show that the proposed algorithm provide a comparable alternative to other clustering algorithms for combinations of continuous and nominal data.
Neighborhood Systems and Variable Precision Generalized Rough Sets
Authors: Syau Yu-Ru , Lin En-Bing , Liau Churn-Jung
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we present the connection between the concepts of Variable Precision Generalized Rough Set model (VPGRS-model) and Neighborhood Systems through binary relations. We provide characterizations of lower and upper approximations for VPGRS-model by introducing minimal neighborhood systems. Furthermore, we explore generalizations by investigating variable parameters which are limited by variable precision. We also prove some properties of lower and upper approximations for VPGRS-model.
The state of the science of health literacy measurement
Authors: Nguyen Tam H. , Paasche-Orlow Michael K. , McCormack Lauren A.
Published: June 2017

Advancing health literacy (HL) research requires high-quality HL measures. This article provides an overview of the state of the science of HL measurement at the level of the individual: where the field started, currently is, and should be going. It is divided into eight key sections looking at (1) the history of HL measurement, (2) the relationship between HL definitions and measurement, (3) the HL conceptual domains most and least frequently measured, (4) the methods used to validate HL measures, (5) the characteristics of the participants in the measurement validation studies, (6) the practical considerations related to administering HL measures, (7) the advantages and disadvantages of using objective versus subjective HL measures, and (8) future directions for HL measurement.

Based on the material presented in this article, the following conclusions can be drawn. First, there is an enormous proliferation of HL measures and this growth presents both opportunities and challenges for the field. Second, to move the field forward, there is an urgent need to better align HL measurement with definitions of HL. Third, some HL domains, such as numeracy, are measured more often than others, such as speaking and listening. Consequently, it is important to think about novel mechanisms to measure HL domains that are rarely measured. Fourth, HL measures are most often developed, validated, and refined using classical measurement approaches. However, strong empirical and practical rationales suggest making an assertive shift toward using modern measurement approaches. Fifth, most HL measures are not well validated for use in minority populations; consequently, future validation studies should be mindful of validation samples. Sixth, HL measures can be administered using multiple modes, most frequently via paper-and-pencil surveys. Identifying which mode of administration is most suitable requires reflecting on the underlying measurement purpose and the characteristics of the participants being measured. These considerations should also be made when deciding between a subjective versus objective HL measure.

Cumulatively, this article provides tools to help readers select and use the most appropriate measures of HL for their needs. It also provides rationale and strategies for moving the science of HL measurement forward.
Data-driven maternal health literacy promotion and a postscript on its implications
Authors: Smith Sandra A. , Carroll Lauren N.
Published: June 2017

Scientific discovery and global health policy are moving health literacy promotion and maternal-child health from the fringes of research and public health to the forefront of healthcare reform [ Matern Child Health J. 18 ( 2014 ), 344–365]. In 2011 the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Shanghai Declaration [ Lancet 378 ( 2011 ), 566–567]. The Declaration highlights new understanding of the origins of health and disease in early development. It calls on all nations to apply this knowledge to reduce the burdens of chronic disease and related disparities worldwide. The Declaration recommends a specific intervention strategy: promote health literacy across the life course, particularly in parents and children, and empower women.

This article explores findings and implications of the Life Skills Progression Maternal Health Literacy studies. These LSP-MHL studies evaluated implementations of an intervention designed to promote health literacy in parents and empower women in the U.S. First, the article reports findings of the most recent of five published LSP-MHL studies with discussion of its implications for future work in this line of inquiry. A postscript highlights two of many implications of the LSP-MHL intervention studies for health literacy research in the third era of modern healthcare.
Alle drey Ding vollkomen sind! On the Meaning of Naming the Church after Holy Trinity According to Josua Wegelin, Preacher in Pressburg, Anno 1640
Authors: Gruk Wojciech
Published: June 2017

Based on two erudite occasional prints from 1640, commemorating the consecration of the new Lutheran church in Bratislava, the article concerns the meaning of a church name in the mid-17th century Lutheran religious culture. The issue is set and discussed in the broader context of Lutheran theology regarding places of cult: what is a Lutheran place of cult, what is its sacredness, what is the relationship between church architecture and the worship space it determines. From the perspective of cultural studies, the article provides an insight into the process of imposing the architecture with symbolic meaning.
Experimental Investigation of Thin-walled Column-end Joints Encased in Ultra-lightweight Concrete
Authors: Hegyi Péter , Dunai László
Published: June 2017

A novel thin-walled structural system is under development which aims to utilise the beneficial effect of continuous bracing achieved by encasing CFS elements in ultra-lightweight-concrete. This paper deals with the experimental analysis of column-end joints. Altogether six types of end connection and four cross-sections were tested by 18 unbraced and 48 braced specimens. Based on the results four main zones of the load-displacement curves were defined which represent the behaviour of the different types. The failure modes and ultimate loads were identified and were found to be in close correlation with the results of previous tests on compression members. The experimental test helped to identify the main parameters of thin-walled column-end joints which affect the behaviour of the structural detail.
Radio Frequency Identification in Supporting Traffic Safety
Authors: Krausz Nikol , Lovas Tamás , Barsi Árpád
Published: June 2017

Due to the increased demands of traffic safety applicationsmany parameters of the traffic flow have to be measured bydifferent kind of techniques. The sensors of vehicle sensing anddetection are to be inexpensive, currently available and easy todeploy. Therefore, the state-of-the-art safety applications areusually based on mature technologies, such as video cameras,smart dust sensors, and wireless communication technologies.This paper discusses the application of RFID technology fortransportation applications. RFID is widely used for differentpurposes (e.g. cargo logistics, storage management), but isstill considered as new technology in the field of safety-relatedapplications.The paper gives an overview about the technology anddescribes scenarios of using RFID as infrastructure as well asvehicle sensor. The capabilities and limitations of RFID technologyis demonstrated through the ghost driver (wrong waydriving) detection, which is discussed in detail. In this particularapplication RFID is used as an infrastructure sensor, multiplereaders are connected in a network, thus able to monitorthe traffic flow directions in a particular road segment (e.g.in a motorway junction). Additional applications, such as flowclassification, road toll control and emergency monitoring arealso discussed in the paper.
Mixed Approaches to Handle Limitations and Execute Mutation in the Genetic Algorithm for Truss Size, Shape and Topology Optimization
Authors: Serpik Igor N. , Alekseytsev Anatoly V. , Balabin Pavel Y.
Published: June 2017

A high-performance genetic algorithm for the optimal synthesis of trusses in discrete search spaces is developed. The main feature of the proposed computational procedure is the possibility of obtaining effective solutions without the violation of any constraint. In general, a varying of cross-sectional areas of bars, coordinates of nodes and topology system is provided. A group of individuals in the population can be accepted for further consideration only if all specified limitations have been fulfilled. Penalties that significantly change an objective function are introduced for other individuals. This mechanism of handling limitations provides for correction of inaccuracies that can introduce penalty functions for satisfying the problem conditions. Both a random change to the entire set of admissible values and a random choice of values among adjacent elements in this set can be performed during the mutation stage. Standard test examples for benchmark mathematical functions and trusses show high efficiency of the considered iterative procedure in terms of solution accuracy.
Hydraulic Models and Finite Elements for Monitoring of an Earth Dam, by Using GNSS Techniques
Authors: Dardanelli Gino , Pipitone Claudia
Published: June 2017

This work gives a comparison between different mathematicalmodels for the evaluation of the movements of an earthendam situated between Bivona and Alessandria della Rocca, inthe province of Agrigento (AG), Italy. The models selected areof a hydraulic nature, already tested on concrete dams, andfinite elements models which, on the contrary, exploit geotechnicalparameters. The results obtained from the comparisonof the displacement planimetric components and the relativetime series of data over a period of two years appear to befully satisfactory, in fact using both models of a hydraulic andgeotechnical nature, we reach residues of just mm. To supportthis work, a monitoring procedure using GNSS techniques wastaken into consideration. After that time series of the movementsof some points at the top of the dam were attained inorder to support the data obtained using the models, and to findthe one that gives a better convergence.
Breakage Test of Railway Ballast Materials with New Laboratory Method
Authors: Fischer Szabolcs
Published: June 2017

This paper summarizes the results of a R&D work in 2014. Fivedifferent types of andesite railway ballast material with differentLARB (%) (Los Angeles abrasion) as well as MDERB (%)(Micro-Deval abrasion) values were investigated in laboratorywith pulsating test which models the real condition muchbetter (the used parameters were determined accordance withinternational dynamic design method). Grain size distributionsrelated to the five several aggregates were defined beforeand after pulsating tests. Particle breakages were then calculatedby different method publicized in international literature.Relationships were searched between particle breakages dueto laboratory test and LARB (%) as well as MDERB (%) valuesof railway ballast samples. Time interval (cycle) of ballastcleaning work were attempted to compute with help of specialparameters used by Hungarian and other railway companiesunderlined the limits of calculation method. Finally recommendationswere formulated related to use of this new laboratorytest method for estimation of ballast particle breakage.
Comparison of Flexural Performance of Lightweight Fibre-reinforced Concrete and Normalweight Fibre-reinforced Concrete
Authors: Ali Ahsan , Iqbal Shahid , Holschemacher Klaus , Bier Thomas A.
Published: June 2017

Current study encompasses comparison of flexural tests results of Normalweight Fibre-reinforced Concrete (NWFC) and Lightweight Fibre-reinforced Concrete (LWFC) beam specimens. Fibres are known for their positive effect on crack control, better post-cracking behaviour under flexure and for enhancing toughness. These improvements, however, come at the expense of degraded workability. Using lightweight aggregates of regular shape instead of heavier, irregular and rough textured normalweight aggregates can address the issue of poor workability of concrete besides other advantages that it will bring along with. Replacing normalweight aggregate with lightweight aggregate also has its demerits and in most cases under similar testing environments lightweight concrete has lower strength results. This paper covers evaluation of flexural performance for both LWFC and NWFC having similar compressive strength class. For this purpose 24 beams 150 × 150 × 700 mm in dimensions were tested under flexure. For a fair comparison, it was made sure that both the concretes (LWFC and NWFC) at every fibre volume fraction (0, 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75%) fell under the same strength class.
Stabilization of Algerian Clayey Soils with Natural Pozzolana and Lime
Authors: Harichane Khelifa , Ghrici Mohamed , Kenai Said
Published: June 2017

Cohesive soils with a high plasticity index present difficulties in construction operations because they usually contain expansive clay minerals. However, the engineering properties of soils can be improved by different techniques. The aim of this paper is to study the effect of using lime, natural pozzolana or a combination of both lime and natural pozzolana on plasticity, compaction and shear strength of two clayey soils classified as CH and CL according to the unified soil classification system (USCS). The obtained results indicated that for CH class clay soil, the plasticity index decreased significantly for samples stabilized with lime. On the other hand, for the soil classified as CL class clay, a high decrease in the plasticity index value was observed for samples stabilized with natural pozzolana compared to those stabilized with lime. Also, both the cohesion and internal friction angle in lime added samples were demonstrated to increase with time. The combination of lime and natural pozzolana exhibits a significant effect on the enhancement of both the cohesion and  internal friction angle at later stages. The lime-natural pozzolana combination appears to produce higher shear strength parameters than lime or natural pozzolana used alone.
Effect of Rubber Tire Chips-Sand Mixtures on Performance of Geosynthetic Reinforced Earth Walls
Authors: Tajabadipour Mehrdad , Marandi Morteza
Published: June 2017

In recent years, lots of environmental problems have been created due to the advancement of technology and increasing the use of rubber material throughout the world as well as the lack of a correct and fundamental solution to rubber burial, recycling, and optimum use of it. In this paper, the performance of reinforced earth wall with geogrid and different percentages of crumb rubber–sand, as lightweight materials, have been evaluated and analyzed. In this regard, 20 types of embankment, formed by 4 layers of different material with a height of 2.5meters, have been used. The results indicate that the mixture, with the ratio of 30:70 by weight or 50:50 by volume under the condition of applying surcharge load or even without it, was found to be the most suitable filler material compared to the other mixing ratios.
Prediction of Critical Distance Between Two MDOF Systems Subjected to Seismic Excitation in Terms of Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Naderpour Hosein , Khatami Seyed Mohammad , Barros Rui Carneiro
Published: June 2017

This study focuses on preventing collisions between structuresduring seismic excitation based on gap size. Several approximatedequations in order to estimate separation distancebetween buildings are collected and evaluated to measure gapsize in order to avoid impact between them when large lateraldisplacements occurred due to earthquake. Artificial neuralnetworks are utilized to estimate the required distance betweenstructures. The majority of building codes suggest separationdistances based on maximum lateral displacements of eachbuilding or height of buildings in order to provide safety gapsize between them. Subsequently, researchers have proposedseveral equations to predict the critical distance. In currentstudy, some MDOF models are equivalently modelled and optimumgap size between buildings is approximately estimatedand finally a new equation for separation distance is suggestedand the accuracy of formula is numerically investigated.
Modified Dolphin Monitoring Operator for Weight Optimization of Frame Structures
Authors: Kaveh Ali , Hoseini Vaez S. R. , Hosseini Pedram
Published: June 2017

In this article, a modified dolphin monitoring (MDM) operatoris introduced and used to improve the performance of the collidingbodies optimization (CBO) algorithm for optimal designof steel structures (CBO-MDM). The performance of the CBO,enhanced colliding bodies optimization (ECBO) and CBOMDMare compared through three well-established structuralbenchmarks. The optimized designs obtained by thesealgorithms are compared, and the results show that the performanceof CBO-MDM is superior to those of the other twoalgorithms. The MDM is found to be a suitable tool to enhancethe performance of the CBO algorithm.
Stress Analysis of Segmental Tunnel Lining Using Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Rastbood Armin , Gholipour Yaghoob , Majdi Abbas
Published: June 2017

The paper describes an artificial neural network method(ANNM) to predict the stresses executed on segmental tunnellining. An ANN using multi-layer perceptron (MLP) is developed.At first, database resulted from numerical analyses wasprepared. This includes; depth of cover (H), horizontal to verticalstress ratio (K), thickness of segment (t), Young modulus ofsegment (E) and key segment position in each ring (θ) on thetunnel perimeter as input variables. Different types of stressesand extreme values of displacement have been considered asoutput parameters. Sensitivity analysis showed that the coverof the tunnel and key position are the most and less effectiveinput variables on output parameters, respectively. Resultsfor coefficient of determination (R2), variance accounted for(VAF), coefficient of efficiency (CE) and root mean squarederror (RMSE) illustrates a high accuracy of the presented ANNmodel to predict the stress types and displacements of segmentaltunnel lining.
Integrated Approach for Post-fire Reinforced Concrete Structures Assessment
Authors: Stochino Flavio , Mistretta Fausto , Meloni Paola , Carcangiu Gianfranco
Published: June 2017

In order to assess decay in the mechanical characteristics offire-exposed Reinforced Concrete (RC), it is crucial to reconstructthe temperature time history and the evolution of strainand stress fields. In this paper, the state of the art of assessmentmethods is presented and applied to a real structure damagedby fire. It is a prestressed RC industrial warehouse located inthe outskirts of the city of Cagliari (Italy). The collected data ofseveral assessment methods are presented in order to producethe flowchart of an integrated approach for post-fire investigation.Among the various techniques, the authors highlight athorough laser scanner geometric survey and destructive andnon-destructive testing. In addition, the temperature distributionand its time history has been reconstructed by means ofoptical and Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-ray diffractometry,Thermogravimetric Differential Thermo-Analysis andcalibrated Colorimetry.Actually, refurbishment is needed, but the structure withstoodthe fire very well. Central columns displayed the most importantdamage, and several beams presented important deflectionshaving lost the prestressing actions of the tendons.
Design, Construction and Performance Study of a Solar Assisted Tri-cycle
Authors: Masud Mahadi Hasan , Akhter Md. Shamim , Islam Sadequl , Parvej Abdul Mojid , Mahmud Sazzad
Published: June 2017

Solar energy is one of the important sources of renewable energy which can be a feasible alternative to fossil fuels. There are many works has been done in order to incorporate solar energy to everyday transportation including tricycle. However, most of the tricycle develops are expensive and not feasible for developing countries. In this study, a cheaper solar tricycle with more capability of utilizing the solar energy is designed for developing countries. The main content of the tricycle is Solar PV panel, Brushless PMDC motor, controller, and battery. The power transmission of the solar tricycle is also simple. It is found that tricycle serves 24% back up for running, by the solar panel. Also, the total construction cost of the tricycle is only 240$ with near about zero impact on the environment. This paper highlights the advantages of the dual mode of charging, including the economic and environmental feasibility of the tricycle.
The Investigation of the Mixed Convection from a Confined Rotating Circular Cylinder
Authors: Yahiaoui Kamel , Nehari Driss , Draoui Belkacem
Published: June 2017

In this paper, a numerical study on the two-dimensional laminar mixed convective flow and heat transfer from an rotating circular horizontal and isothermal cylinder confined in a horizontal channel. The blockage ratio and the Prandtl number are fixed at 0.05 and 0.7 respectively. The continuity, momentum and energy equations are solved via the finite-volume method. Our results are in very good agreement with those resulting from preceding studies to Ri=0 and a=0, which makes it possible to validate on important extension of present work. The mixed convective flow and heat transfer is simulated by the Reynolds number is studied in the range 1 <Re <40, the Richardson number (Ri) demonstrating the influence of thermal buoyancy ranges from 0 to 1 and for rotational rate from α=0 to α=4. Major emphasis is given to the effect of rotating a circular cylinder on the mixed convection and also on the measurements of the local and average Nusselt numbers are also obtained. Furthermore, the representative streamlines and isotherm patterns are presented and discussed.
Application of Matched-Filter Concepts to Unbiased Selection of Data in Pump-Probe Experiments with Free Electron Lasers
Authors: Callegari Carlo , Takanashi Tsukasa , Fukuzawa Hironobu , Motomura Koji , Iablonskyi Denys , Kumagai Yoshiaki , Mondal Subhendu , Tachibana Tetsuya , Nagaya Kiyonobu , Nishiyama Toshiyuki , Matsunami Kenji , Johnsson Per , Piseri Paolo , Sansone Giuseppe , Dubrouil Antoine , Reduzzi Maurizio , Carpeggiani Paolo , Vozzi Caterina , Devetta Michele , Faccialà Davide , Calegari Francesca , Castrovilli Mattea , Coreno Marcello , Alagia Michele , Schütte Bernd , Berrah Nora , Plekan Oksana , Finetti Paola , Ferrari Eugenio , Prince Kevin , Ueda Kiyoshi
Published: June 2017

Pump-probe experiments are commonly used at Free Electron Lasers (FEL) to elucidate the femtosecond dynamics of atoms, molecules, clusters, liquids and solids. Maximizing the signal-to-noise ratio of the measurements is often a primary need of the experiment, and the aggregation of repeated, rapid, scans of the pump-probe delay is preferable to a single long-lasting scan. The limited availability of beamtime makes it impractical to repeat measurements indiscriminately, and the large, rapid flow of single-shot data that need to be processed and aggregated into a dataset, makes it difficult to assess the quality of a measurement in real time. In post-analysis it is then necessary to devise unbiased criteria to select or reject datasets, and to assign the weight with which they enter the analysis. One such case was the measurement of the lifetime of Intermolecular Coulombic Decay in the weakly-bound neon dimer. We report on the method we used to accomplish this goal for the pump-probe delay scans that constitute the core of the measurement; namely we report on the use of simple auto- and cross-correlation techniques based on the general concept of “matched filter”. We are able to unambiguously assess the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of each scan, which then becomes the weight with which a scan enters the average of multiple scans. We also observe a clear gap in the values of SNR, and we discard all the scans below a SNR of 0.45. We are able to generate an average delay scan profile, suitable for further analysis: in our previous work we used it for comparison with theory. Here we argue that the method is sufficiently simple and devoid of human action to be applicable not only in post-analysis, but also for the real-time assessment of the quality of a dataset.
A Wireless Sensor Network Using GNSS Receivers for a Short-Term Assessment of the Modal Properties of the Neckartal Bridge
Authors: Kumberg Timo , Schneid Sascha , Reindl Leonhard
Published: June 2017

In this article, we present a novel structural health monitoring system based on a wireless sensor network for GNSS (global navigation satellite system) receivers. The GNSS network presented here consists of three GNSS rover stations and one base station that are deployed at the Neckartal bridge on the Autobahn A81 in southwest Germany. The newly-developed GNSS sensor nodes support satellite data logging up to a sampling rate of 20 Hz. Due to the ultra-low-power consumption achieved by the wake-up receiver during inactive periods, the nodes offer a lifetime from 20 to almost 200 days, without energy harvesting and depending on the satellite data logging period. By performing differential post-processing, precise positioning information in the millimeter range could be achieved. Using the GNSS sensors, we determined resonant frequencies at 0.33 Hz and 1.31 Hz, mainly in the lateral direction of the bridge. To verify the GNSS results, we placed an accelerometer on the bridge. The frequencies detected by the acceleration sensor correspond well to the frequencies found by the GNSS sensors, although the accelerometer measured further higher frequencies as it is probably more sensitive to small amplitudes.
Spatial Audio for Soundscape Design: Recording and Reproduction
Authors: Hong Joo , He Jianjun , Lam Bhan , Gupta Rishabh , Gan Woon-Seng
Published: June 2017

With the advancement of spatial audio technologies, in both recording and reproduction, we are seeing more applications that incorporate 3D sound to create an immersive aural experience. Soundscape design and evaluation for urban planning can now tap into the extensive spatial audio tools for sound capture and 3D sound rendering over headphones and speaker arrays. In this paper, we outline a list of available state-of-the-art spatial audio recording techniques and devices, spatial audio physical and perceptual reproduction techniques, emerging spatial audio techniques for virtual and augmented reality, followed by a discussion on the degree of perceptual accuracy of recording and reproduction techniques in representing the acoustic environment.
Indigenous Probiotic Lactobacillus Isolates Presenting Antibiotic like Activity against Human Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Halder Debashis , Mandal Manisha , Chatterjee Shiv , Pal Nishith , Mandal Shyamapada
Published: June 2017

Background: Indigenous lactic acid bacteria are well known probiotics having antibacterial activity against potentially pathogenic bacteria. This study aims to characterize the curd lactobacilli for their probiotic potentiality and antagonistic activity against clinical bacteria. Methods: Four curd samples were processed microbiologically for the isolation of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). The LAB strains obtained were identified by conventional methods: cultural aspect, gram-staining, biochemical and sugar fermentation tests. The probiotic properties were justified with tolerance to low-pH, bile salt and sodium chloride, and the antagonistic activity of the lactobacilli against human pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Acinetobacter baumannii and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi) was assessed. Hemolytic activity and antibiotic susceptibility were determined for the lactobacilli isolates, and the cumulative probiotic potential (CPP) values were recorded. Result: Four lactobacilli isolates, L. animalis LMEM6, L. plantarum LMEM7, L. acidophilus LMEM8 and L. rhamnosus LMEM9, procured from the curd samples, survived in low-pH and high bile salt conditions, and showed growth inhibitory activity against the indicator bacteria by agar-well (zone diameter of inhibition; ZDIs: 13.67 ± 0.58–29.50 ± 2.10 mm) and agar overlay (ZDIs: 11.33 ± 0.58–35.67 ± 2.52 mm) methods; the average growth inhibitory activity of lactobacilli ranged 233.34 ± 45.54–280.56 ± 83.67 AU/mL, against the test bacterial pathogens. All the lactobacilli were non-hemolytic and sensitive to most of the test antibiotics. The CPP values of the isolated LAB were recorded as 80–100%. Conclusion: The curd lactobacilli procured might be used as the valid candidates of probiotics, and bio-therapeutics against bacterial infection to humans.
Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as a Potential Biomarker for Parkinson’s Disease (PD)
Authors: Tuite Paul
Published: June 2017

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has the potential to serve as a biomarker for Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the type or types of biomarker it could provide remain to be determined. At this time there is not sufficient sensitivity or specificity for MRI to serve as an early diagnostic biomarker, i.e., it is unproven in its ability to determine if a single individual is normal, has mild PD, or has some other forms of degenerative parkinsonism. However there is accumulating evidence that MRI may be useful in staging and monitoring disease progression (staging biomarker), and also possibly as a means to monitor pathophysiological aspects of disease and associated response to treatments, i.e., theranostic marker. As there are increasing numbers of manuscripts that are dedicated to diffusion- and neuromelanin-based imaging methods, this review will focus on these topics cursorily and will delve into pharmacodynamic imaging as a means to get at theranostic aspects of PD.
Economic Valuation of Ground Mounted Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Salvo Francesca , Ciuna Marina , De Ruggiero Manuela , Marchianò Samuele
Published: June 2017

The appraisal of ground mounted photovoltaic systems is an important question, due to increasing investments in renewable energies. The costs related to installation and maintenance, and the economic benefits related to the energy saving, suggests the use of an income approach, in order to consider the financial aspects of the photovoltaic systems. This paper proposes the use of the Discounted Cash Flow Analysis (DCFA). The DCFA allows to simulate the entire life cycle of the photovoltaic system, from the acquisition date to the end of its life cycle, to evaluate the most probable market value by discounting the annual cash flows generated by the system. In particular, the paper proposes a procedure to determine the discount rate in an innovative manner through the combination of a conventional financial method (the Build up Approach) and the analytical method which makes recourse to the use of the ascending and descending influences that act, each with positive or negative sign, on the specific risk factors related to the photovoltaic investment. To obtain an objective appraisal of the discount rate, the theory of the ascending and descending influences has been applied in this specific case for the calculation of the risk premium. The percentage incidences of the ascending and descending influences, which influence the formation of the risks to which they refer, are determined through this study for all the intrinsic factors, which are part of the photovoltaic investment risks.
Correntropy-Based Pulse Rate Variability Analysis in Children with Sleep Disordered Breathing
Authors: Garde Ainara , Dehkordi Parastoo , Ansermino John , Dumont Guy
Published: June 2017

Pulse rate variability (PRV), an alternative measure of heart rate variability (HRV), is altered during obstructive sleep apnea. Correntropy spectral density (CSD) is a novel spectral analysis that includes nonlinear information. We recruited 160 children and recorded SpO2 and photoplethysmography (PPG), alongside standard polysomnography. PPG signals were divided into 1-min epochs and apnea/hypoapnea (A/H) epochs labeled. CSD was applied to the pulse-to-pulse interval time series (PPIs) and five features extracted: the total spectral power (TP: 0.01–0.6 Hz), the power in the very low frequency band (VLF: 0.01–0.04 Hz), the normalized power in the low and high frequency bands (LFn: 0.04–0.15 Hz, HFn: 0.15–0.6 Hz), and the LF/HF ratio. Nonlinearity was assessed with the surrogate data technique. Multivariate logistic regression models were developed for CSD and power spectral density (PSD) analysis to detect epochs with A/H events. The CSD-based features and model identified epochs with and without A/H events more accurately relative to PSD-based analysis (area under the curve (AUC) 0.72 vs. 0.67) due to the nonlinearity of the data. In conclusion, CSD-based PRV analysis provided enhanced performance in detecting A/H epochs, however, a combination with overnight SpO2 analysis is suggested for optimal results.
Performance Analysis of Conjugate Gradient Algorithms Applied to the Neuro-Fuzzy Feedback Linearization-Based Adaptive Control Paradigm for Multiple HVDC Links in AC/DC Power System
Authors: Ahmad Saghir , Khan Laiq
Published: June 2017

The existing literature predominantly concentrates on the utilization of the gradient descent algorithm for control systems’ design in power systems for stability enhancement. In this paper, various flavors of the Conjugate Gradient (CG) algorithm have been employed to design the online neuro-fuzzy linearization-based adaptive control strategy for Line Commutated Converters’ (LCC) High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) links embedded in a multi-machine test power system. The conjugate gradient algorithms are evaluated based on the damping of electro-mechanical oscillatory modes using MATLAB/Simulink. The results validate that all of the conjugate gradient algorithms have outperformed the gradient descent optimization scheme and other conventional and non-conventional control schemes.
Carbon and Nitrogen Accumulation and Decomposition from Coarse Woody Debris in a Naturally Regenerated Korean Red Pine (Pinus densiflora S. et Z.) Forest
Authors: Noh Nam , Yoon Tae , Kim Rae-Hyun , Bolton Nicholas , Kim Choonsig , Son Yowhan
Published: June 2017

The contribution of coarse woody debris (CWD) to forest carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) dynamics is poorly quantified. This study quantified total C and N content in CWD and estimated the decomposition rates of CWD at different decay stages in a 70-year-old naturally regenerated Korean red pine forest (Pinus densiflora S. et Z.). The N concentration in CWD varied among species and decay classes (from 0.15% to 0.82%), and exhibited a decreasing pattern in C:N ratios with increasing decay class. Total CWD amounts of 4.84 Mg C ha−1, dominated by pine logs (45.4%) and decay class III (40.0%), contained total N of 20.48 kg N ha−1, which was approximately nine times the N input from annual tree mortality. In addition, this study demonstrated that the decay constant rate k was 0.2497 for needle litter, whereas k values were 0.0438, 0.0693, 0.1054, and 0.1947 for red pine CWD of decay class I, II, III, and IV, respectively. The decay rates were significantly related to wood density, N concentration, and C:N ratio across the decay classes of CWD. The results suggest that the C:N ratio of CWD is a key factor affecting its decomposition.
Syngas Fermentation: A Microbial Conversion Process of Gaseous Substrates to Various Products
Authors: Phillips John , Huhnke Raymond , Atiyeh Hasan
Published: June 2017

Biomass and other carbonaceous materials can be gasified to produce syngas with high concentrations of CO and H2. Feedstock materials include wood, dedicated energy crops, grain wastes, manufacturing or municipal wastes, natural gas, petroleum and chemical wastes, lignin, coal and tires. Syngas fermentation converts CO and H2 to alcohols and organic acids and uses concepts applicable in fermentation of gas phase substrates. The growth of chemoautotrophic microbes produces a wide range of chemicals from the enzyme platform of native organisms. In this review paper, the Wood–Ljungdahl biochemical pathway used by chemoautotrophs is described including balanced reactions, reaction sites physically located within the cell and cell mechanisms for energy conservation that govern production. Important concepts discussed include gas solubility, mass transfer, thermodynamics of enzyme-catalyzed reactions, electrochemistry and cellular electron carriers and fermentation kinetics. Potential applications of these concepts include acid and alcohol production, hydrogen generation and conversion of methane to liquids or hydrogen.
Comparative Analysis of Genome Wide DNA Methylation Profiles for the Genic Male Sterile Cabbage Line 01-20S and Its Maintainer Line
Authors: Han Fengqing , Zhang Xiaoli , Liu Xing , Su Henan , Kong Congcong , Fang Zhiyuan , Yang Limei , Zhuang Mu , Zhang Yangyong , Liu Yumei , Li Zhansheng , Lv Honghao
Published: June 2017

Methylation modifications play an important role in multiple biological processes. Several studies have reported altered methylation patterns in male sterile plants such as rice and wheat, but little is known about the global methylation profiles and their possible roles in the cabbage (Brassica oleracea) male sterile line. In this study, single-base-resolution bisulfite sequencing (BS-Seq) was adopted to identify the pattern and degree of cytosine methylation in the male sterile line 01-20S and its near-isogenic fertile line 01-20F. Similar methylation patterns were profiled, with some changes observed in local positions. In total, 505 differentially methylated genomic regions (DMRs) and 106 DMR-associated genes were detected. Nine genes related to pollen development were discovered and further validated by a quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Among these, four were downregulated in 01-20S. In particular, Bol039180 (an invertase/pectin methylesterase inhibitor family protein) is likely involved in pectin degradation, and might play an important role in the pollen separation defects of 01-20S. This study facilitates a better understanding of DNA methylation alterations and their possible roles in genic male sterility in cabbages.
Using Small RNA-seq Data to Detect siRNA Duplexes Induced by Plant Viruses
Authors: Niu Xiaoran , Sun Yu , Chen Ze , Li Rugang , Padmanabhan Chellappan , Ruan Jishou , Kreuze Jan , Ling KaiShu , Fei ZhangJun , Gao Shan
Published: June 2017

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) duplexes are short (usually 21 to 24 bp) double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) with several overhanging nucleotides at both 5′- and 3′-ends. It has been found that siRNA duplexes bind the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) and cleave the sense strands with endonucleases. In this study, for the first time, we detected siRNA duplexes induced by plant viruses on a large scale using next-generation sequencing (NGS) data. In addition, we used the detected 21 nucleotide (nt) siRNA duplexes with 2 nt overhangs to construct a dataset for future data mining. The analytical results of the features in the detected siRNA duplexes were consistent with those from previous studies. The investigation of siRNA duplexes is useful for a better understanding of the RNA interference (RNAi) mechanism. It can also help to improve the virus detection based on the small RNA sequencing (sRNA-seq) technologies and to rationally design siRNAs for RNAi experiments.
Poetry’s Execution: Contemporary Writings on the Poetics of Computation
Authors: Klobucar Andrew
Published: June 2017

Introduction to Special Issue "Poetics of Computation". This editorial is intended to serve as the introductory text to the entire issue. It attempts to tie several of the featured articles together thematically and critically together, while illustrating several common arguments that continue to inform studies in language, coding and the literary arts.