bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combustion Characteristics of Methane Direct Injection Engine Under Various Injection Timings and Injection Pressures
Authors: Song Jingeun , Choi Mingi , Kim Daesik , Park Sungwook
Published: January 2017

The performance of a methane direct injection engine was investigated under various fuel injection timings and injection pressures. A single-cylinder optical engine was used to acquire in-cylinder pressure data and flame images. An outward-opening injector was installed at the center of the cylinder head. Experimental results showed that the combustion characteristics were strongly influenced by the end of injection (EOI) timing rather than the start of injection (SOI) timing. Late injection enhanced the combustion speed because the short duration between the end of injection and the spark-induced strong turbulence. The flame propagation speeds under various injection timings were directly compared using crank-angle-resolved sequential flame images. The injection pressure was not an important factor in the combustion; the three injection pressure cases of 0.5, 0.8, and 1.1 MPa yielded similar combustion trends. In the cases of late injection, the injection timings of which were near the intake valve closing (IVC) timing, the volumetric efficiency was higher (by 4%) than in the earlier injection cases. This result implies that the methane direct injection engine can achieve higher torque by means of the late injection strategy.
New species of ptyctimous mites (Acari, Oribatida) from the Caribbean
Authors: Niedbala Wojciech , Ermilov Sergey G.
Published: January 2017

A list of identified oribatid ptyctimous mites from Lesser Antilles and Bahamas, including 18 species, six genera and three families, is provided. Of these, three species are new records for the Caribbean, and three species are new to science. Oribotritia grossa Niedbała sp. nov. differs from other neotropical Oribotritia by the presence of relatively short, thick, distally blunt sensilli. Arphthiracarus alienus Niedbała sp. nov. differs from other Arphthiracarus species by the presence of uniquely shaped sensilli, short spiniform setae, the median sigillar field long and narrow with an incision between the rostral setae, four pairs of notogastral lyrifissures and the location of vestigial setae f1 anterior to h1. Arphthiracarus strictus Niedbała sp. nov. differs from A. brasiliensis Niedbała, 1988, A. iubatus Niedbała, 2003, A. latebrosus (Niedbała, 1982) and A. pervalidus Niedbała, 2003 by the presence of a unique tight location of genital setae g4-6 and bifurcated setae d of femora I. In addition, descriptions of three tritonymphs are presented.
Concurrent pityriasis rosea and Bell's palsy
Authors: Voss Vanessa , Mattox Adam , Guo Mary
Published: January 2017

Pityriasis rosea is a dermatological disease with a well-documented clinical appearance, but less is known about causes and treatment. Bell's palsy is a neurological condition leading to acute idiopathic hemifacial paralysis. Recent studies indicate that human herpesvirus (HHV) 6–7 reactivation may be a contributing factor to both conditions. We report a case of the 2 concurrent diagnoses that supports a common contributing factor and suggests further awareness and research into the role HHV 6–7 may play in the aetiology of both conditions.
Residual terminal bowel fistulating into the alimentary tract: a hitherto unreported complication of surgery for anorectal malformation
Authors: Sen Sudipta , Arunachalam Pavai , Sam Cenita J , Bal Harshjeet Singh
Published: January 2017

The residual terminal bowel after pull-through surgery for anorectal malformation has been reported to cause urinary complications. We report two boys where residual bowel has fistulated postoperatively into the alimentary tract causing metabolic and septic complication in one and a large pelvic mass with urinary and rectal obstruction in the other.
The birth of the universe in a new G-theory approach
Authors: Sepehri Alireza , Pincak Richard
Published: January 2017

Recently, Padmanabhan has discussed that the expansion of the cosmic space is due to the difference between the number of degrees of freedom on the boundary surface and the number of degrees of freedom in a bulk region. Now, a natural question arises that how these degrees of freedom emerged from nothing? We try to address this issue in a new theory which is more complete than M-theory and reduces to it with some limitations. In M-theory, there is no stable object like stable M3-branes that our universe is formed on it and for this reason cannot help us to explain cosmological events. In this research, we propose a new theory, named G-theory which could be the mother of M-theory and superstring theory. In G-theory, at the beginning, two types of G0-branes, one with positive energy and one with negative energy are produced from nothing in 14 dimensions. Then, these branes are compactified on three circles via two different ways (symmetrically and anti-symmetrically), and two bosonic and fermionic parts of action for M0-branes are produced. By joining M0-branes, supersymmetric Mp-branes are created which contain the equal number of degrees of freedom for fermions and bosons. Our universe is constructed on one of Mp-branes and other Mp-brane and extra energy play the role of bulk. By dissolving extra energy which is produced by compacting actions of Gp-branes, into our universe, the number of degrees of freedom on it and also its scale factor increase and universe expands. We test G-theory with observations and find that the magnitude of the slow-roll parameters and the tensor-to-scalar ratio in this model are very much smaller than one which are in agreement with predictions of experimental data. Finally, we consider the origin of the extended theories of gravity in G-theory and show that these theories could be anomaly free.
A Nonmodel Dual-Tree Wavelet Thresholding for Image Denoising Through Noise Variance Optimization Based on Improved Chaotic Drosophila Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Lin , Zhou Xiaomou , Wang Zhongbin , Tan Chao , Liu Xinhua
Published: January 2017

To remove image noise without considering the noise model, a dual-tree wavelet thresholding method (CDOA-DTDWT) is proposed through noise variance optimization. Instead of building a noise model, the proposed approach using the improved chaotic drosophila optimization algorithm (CDOA), to estimate the noise variance, and the estimated noise variance is utilized to modify wavelet coefficients in shrinkage function. To verify the optimization ability of the improved CDOA, the comparisons with basic DOA, GA, PSO and VCS are performed as well. The proposed method is tested to remove addictive noise and multiplicative noise, and denoising results are compared with other representative methods, e.g. Wiener filter, median filter, discrete wavelet transform-based thresholding (DWT), and nonoptimized dual-tree wavelet transform-based thresholding (DTDWT). Moreover, CDOA-DTDWT is applied as pre-processing utilization for tracking roller of mining machine as well. The experiment and application results prove the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method.
An Improved Algorithm for the Node-to-Set Disjoint Paths Problem on Bi-Rotator Graphs
Authors: HUANG YU-SHENG , PENG SHENG-LUNG , WU RO-YU
Published: January 2017

Given a source node and a node set, the node-to-set disjoint paths problem is to find disjoint paths from the source node to all nodes from the node set. In this paper, we propose an improved algorithm for the node-to-set disjoint paths problem on bi-rotator graphs. Our result improves the complexity of previous result from O(n5) to O(n3logn), where n is the dimension of the input graph.
A Note on the Pessimistic Diagnosability of Augmented Cubes
Authors: HAO RONG-XIA , GU MEI-MEI , LUO HUAN , YU AI-MEI
Published: January 2017

A system is t/t-diagnosable if, provided the number of faulty processor is bounded by t, all faulty processors can be isolated within a set of size at most t with at most one fault-free node mistake as a faulty one. The pessimistic diagnosability of a system G, denoted by tp(G), is the maximal number of faulty processors so that the system G is t/t-diagnosable. The augmented cube AQn, proposed by Choudum and Sunitha [Networks 40 (2) (2002) 71–84], has many attractive properties such as regularity, strong connectivity and symmetry. In this paper, we determine the pessimistic diagnosability of the n-dimensional augmented cube AQn and prove that tp(AQn)=4n−8 for n≥5.
NUMERICAL STUDY OF OXYGEN DIFFUSION FROM CAPILLARY TO TISSUES DURING HYPOXIA WITH EXTERNAL FORCE EFFECTS
Authors: SRIVASTAVA V. , TRIPATHI D. , ANWAR BÉG O.
Published: January 2017

A mathematical model to simulate oxygen delivery through a capillary to tissues under the influence of an external force field is presented. The multi-term general fractional diffusion equation containing force terms and a time dependent absorbent term is taken into account. Fractional calculus is applied to describe the phenomenon of sub-diffusion of oxygen in both transverse and longitudinal directions. A new computational algorithm, i.e., the new iterative method (NIM) is employed to solve the spatio-temporal fractional partial differential equation subject to appropriate physical boundary conditions. Validation of NIM solutions is achieved with a modified adomian decomposition method (MADM). A parametric study is conducted for three loading scenarios on the capillary-radial force alone, axial force alone and the combined case of both forces. The results demonstrate that the force terms markedly influence the oxygen diffusion process. For example, the radial force exerts a more profound effect than axial force on sub-diffusion of oxygen indicating that careful manipulation of these forces on capillary-tissues may assist in the effective reduction of hypoxia or other oxygen depletion phenomena.
Optimal open-loop strategies in a debt management problem
Authors: Bressan Alberto , Jiang Yilun
Published: January 2017

The paper studies optimal strategies for a borrower who needs to repay his debt, in an infinite time horizon. An instantaneous bankruptcy risk is present, which increases with the size of the debt. This induces a pool of risk-neutral lenders to charge a higher interest rate, to compensate for the possible loss of part of their investment. Solutions are interpreted as Stackelberg equilibria, where the borrower announces his repayment strategy [Formula: see text] at all future times, and lenders adjust the interest rate accordingly. This yields a highly non-standard problem of optimal control, where the instantaneous dynamics depend on the entire future evolution of the system. Our analysis shows the existence of optimal open-loop controls, deriving necessary conditions for optimality and characterizing possible asymptotic limits as [Formula: see text].
Dark energy models in LRS Bianchi type-II space-time in the new perspective of time-dependent deceleration parameter
Authors: Maurya Dinesh Chandra , Zia Rashid , Pradhan Anirudh
Published: January 2017

Before 1998, it was usually expected that the universe was expanding with a constant rate or the expansion was slowing down. In 1998, the surprising discovery based on type Ia supernovae, that the rate of expansion of the universe is increasing, forced the researchers to reconsider the various cosmological models proposed so far. The current study is also an effort to revisit the LRS Bianchi type-II, dark energy (DE) model by taking time-dependent deceleration parameter (DP) instead of constant DP. We have assumed the variable scale factor [Formula: see text], which gives the variable DP as [Formula: see text], with these considerations, the solutions of field equations are calculated. Various parameters of DE models are also calculated, and it is found that these are consistent with the recent observations.
Stability of HIV-1 infection with saturated virus-target and infected-target incidences and CTL immune response
Authors: Ełaiw A. M. , Raezah A. A. , Hattaf Khalid
Published: January 2017

This paper studies the dynamical behavior of an HIV-1 infection model with saturated virus-target and infected-target incidences with Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte (CTL) immune response. The model is incorporated by two types of intracellular distributed time delays. The model generalizes all the existing HIV-1 infection models with cell-to-cell transmission presented in the literature by considering saturated incidence rate and the effect of CTL immune response. The existence and global stability of all steady states of the model are determined by two parameters, the basic reproduction number ([Formula: see text]) and the CTL immune response activation number ([Formula: see text]). By using suitable Lyapunov functionals, we show that if [Formula: see text], then the infection-free steady state [Formula: see text] is globally asymptotically stable; if [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text], then the CTL-inactivated infection steady state [Formula: see text] is globally asymptotically stable; if [Formula: see text], then the CTL-activated infection steady state [Formula: see text] is globally asymptotically stable. Using MATLAB we conduct some numerical simulations to confirm our results. The effect of the saturated incidence of the HIV-1 dynamics is shown.
Latest Advances in Antibacterial Materials
Authors: Loh Xian Jun
Published: January 2017

This paper will update readers on the latest work in the area of antibacterial polymeric systems. There is extensive literature on existing systems. This complexity confines us to the latest antibacterial materials which possess (1) responsive antibacterial activity on their own; (2) anti-biofilm formation and (3) formation of antibacterial polymeric films. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of the antibacterial synthetic polymer field. In this paper, I will analyze the early promise of this technology as well as highlight potential challenges that adopters could face. The primary focus will be the application of materials to the medical industry and to show how these materials can be tailored to create responsive, customized bactericidal materials.
AI dangers
Authors: Dubhashi Devdatt , Lappin Shalom
Published: January 2017

Arguing against the arguments for the concept of the singularity.
Model learning
Authors: Vaandrager Frits
Published: January 2017

Model learning emerges as an effective method for black-box state machine models of hardware and software components.
Improving the Efficiency of an Online Marketplace by Incorporating Forgiveness Mechanism
Authors: Binmad Ruchdee , Li Mingchu
Published: January 2017

Reputation plays a key role in online marketplace communities improving trust among community members. Reputation works as a decision-making tool for understanding the behavior of the business partners. Success of any online business depends on the trust the business agents share with each other. However, untrustworthy agents have anno place in online marketplaces and are forced to leave the market even if they will potentially cooperate. In this study, we propose an exploration strategy based on a forgiveness mechanism for untrustworthy agents to recover their reputation. Furthermore, a number of experiments based on the NetLogo simulation are performed to validate the applicability of the proposed mechanism. The results show that the online marketplaces incorporating a forgiveness mechanism can be used with the existing reputation systems and improve the efficiency of online marketplaces.
Multiprocessor Scheduling of a Multi-Mode Dataflow Graph Considering Mode Transition Delay
Authors: Jung Hanwoong , Oh Hyunok , Ha Soonhoi
Published: January 2017

The Synchronous Data Flow (SDF) model is widely used for specifying signal processing or streaming applications. Since modern embedded applications become more complex with dynamic behavior changes at runtime, several extensions of the SDF model have been proposed to specify the dynamic behavior changes while preserving static analyzability of the SDF model. They assume that an application has a finite number of behaviors (or modes), and each behavior (mode) is represented by an SDF graph. They are classified as multi-mode dataflow models in this article. While there exist several scheduling techniques for multi-mode dataflow models, no one allows task migration between modes. By observing that the resource requirement can be additionally reduced if task migration is allowed, we propose a multiprocessor scheduling technique of a multi-mode dataflow graph considering task migration between modes. Based on a genetic algorithm, the proposed technique schedules all SDF graphs in all modes simultaneously to minimize the resource requirement. To satisfy the throughput constraint, the proposed technique calculates the actual throughput requirement of each mode and the output buffer size for tolerating throughput jitter. We compare the proposed technique with a method that analyzes SDF graphs in each execution mode separately, a method that does not allow task migration, and a method that does not allow mode-overlapped schedule for synthetic examples and five real applications: H.264 decoder, lane detection, vocoder, MP3 decoder, and printer pipeline.
BBR
Authors: Cardwell Neal , Cheng Yuchung , Gunn C. Stephen , Yeganeh Soheil Hassas , Van Jacobson
Published: January 2017

Measuring bottleneck bandwidth and round-trip propagation time.
It's not the algorithm, it's the data
Authors: Kirkpatrick Keith
Published: January 2017

In risk assessment and predictive policing, biased data can yield biased results.
Authentication using pulse-response biometrics
Authors: Martinovic Ivan , Rasmussen Kasper , Roeschlin Marc , Tsudik Gene
Published: January 2017

We propose a new biometric based on the human body's response to an electric square pulse signal, called
pulse-response.
We explore how this biometric can be used to enhance security in the context of two example applications: (1) an additional authentication mechanism in PIN entry systems, and (2) a means of continuous authentication on a secure terminal. The pulse-response biometric is effective because each human body exhibits a unique response to a signal pulse applied at the palm of one hand, and measured at the palm of the other. Using a prototype setup, we show that users can be correctly identified, with high probability, in a matter of seconds. This identification mechanism integrates well with other established methods and offers a reliable additional layer of security, either on a continuous basis or at login time. We build a proof-of-concept prototype and perform experiments to assess the feasibility of pulse-response as a practical biometric. The results are very encouraging, achieving accuracies of 100% over a static data set, and 88% over a data set with samples taken over several weeks.
Fatal guidance
Authors: Bainbridge William Sims
Published: January 2017

From the intersection of computational science and technological speculation, with boundaries limited only by our ability to imagine what could be.

In a series of interactive murder mysteries, I might not have done it, but, then again, maybe I did
New SIGCSE chapter
Authors: Rodger Susan
Published: January 2017

The SIGCSE Board is pleased to announce a fourth SIGCSE Chapter. The China ACM SIGCSE Chapter was approved in late 2016. Ming Zhang of Peking University is the current Chair of the chapter. On November 12, 2016, an Inauguration Ceremony was held along with an Academic Symposium of the China ACM SIGCSE Chapter at Linyi University. Over sixty members attended the ceremony. This group was already quite active before becoming a chapter. In March last year Ming organized a pre-workshop on March 9, the day before SIGCSE 2016 in Memphis, Tennessee, on Computing Principles and Computation in the First Course with Exemplars from China.
Revised ACM authorship policy
Authors: Settle Amber
Published: January 2017

In an attempt to address issues surrounding the enforcement of claims of plagiarism, the ACM revised its authorship policy in July 2016: http://www.acm.org/publications/policies/policy_on_authorship/
SIGCSE special projects grants
Authors: Fitzgerald Sue
Published: January 2017

Since 2003, SIGCSE has awarded grants to help SIGCSE members investigate and introduce new ideas in the learning and teaching of computing. Projects provide clear benefits to the wider disciplinary community in the form of new knowledge; developing or sharing of a resource; or good practice in learning, teaching, or assessment. The next deadline for submissions is May 15, 2017. See http://sigcse.org/sigcse/programs/special/ for additional information. Questions are welcome and should be sent to apply@sigcse.org. Proposers must be ACM/SIGCSE members.
Cognitive Pragmatic Rehabilitation Program in Schizophrenia: A Single Case fMRI Study
Authors: Gabbatore Ilaria , Bosco Francesca M. , Geda Elisabetta , Gastaldo Luigi , Duca Sergio , Costa Tommaso , Bara Bruno G. , Sacco Katiuscia
Published: January 2017

Introduction.The present study was intended to evaluate the effects of a rehabilitative training, the Cognitive Pragmatic Treatment (CPT), aimed at improving communicative-pragmatic abilities and the related cognitive components, on the cerebral modifications of a single case patient diagnosed with schizophrenia.Methods.The patient underwent two functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) sessions, before and after the treatment. In order to assess brain changes, we calculated the Amplitude of Low Frequency Fluctuation (ALFF) index of the resting-state fMRI signal, which is interpreted as reflecting the intensity of the spontaneous regional activity of the brain. Behavioural measures of the patient’s communicative performance were also gathered before and after training and at follow-up.Results.The patient improved his communicative performance in almost all tests. Posttraining stronger ALFF signal emerged in the superior, inferior, and medial frontal gyri, as well as the superior temporal gyri.Conclusions.Even if based on a single case study, these preliminary results show functional changes at the cerebral level that seem to support the patient’s behavioural improvements.
Current Management of Traumatic Macular Holes
Authors: Liu Wu , Grzybowski Andrzej
Published: January 2017

Traumatic macular hole (TMH) is not a rare clinical condition, especially in young population. Its prognosis is of complexity and uncertainty, with a relatively high rate of spontaneous closure in some cases. Modern vitrectomy surgery plays an important role in the treatment of TMH, although the functional outcomes may be compromised by the concomitant retinal pathologies. Decision-making about the time of vitrectomy, especially in pediatric patients, remains to be clarified further.
Structural and Quantitative Analysis of Three C-Glycosylflavones by Variable Temperature Proton Quantitative Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Liu Jing , Liu Yang , Dai Zhong , He Lan , Ma Shuangcheng
Published: January 2017

Quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance is a powerful tool in drug analysis because of its speed, precision, and efficiency. In present study, the application of variable temperature proton quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (VT-1H-qNMR) for the calibration of three C-glycosylflavones including orientin, isoorientin, and schaftoside as reference substances was reported. Since there was conformational equilibrium due to the restricted rotation around the C(sp3)-C(sp2) bond in C-glycosylflavones, the conformational behaviors were investigated by VT-NMR and verified by molecular mechanics (MM) calculation. The VT-1H-qNMR method was validated including the linearity, limit of quantification, precision, and stability. The results were consistent with those obtained from mass balance approach. VT-1H-qNMR can be deployed as an effective tool in analyzing C-glycosylflavones.
A Dual Case of Peritonitis and Central Nervous System Infection Caused by Nutritionally Variant Streptococcal Species
Authors: Vivar Sussi , Girotto Jennifer E. , Murray Thomas S.
Published: January 2017

Nutritional variant streptococci (NVS) are difficult to identify bacteria that can cause invasive infections such as endocarditis and meningitis. NVS as a cause of peritonitis has not been routinely described. This case of NVS as the etiology of peritonitis associated with previous neurosurgery and ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt revision demonstrates its potential role as a significant pathogen in patients with peritonitis and VP shunts. Therapy consists of vancomycin plus a second agent but since there are no standards for susceptibility testing, clinical response remains the standard for determining the efficacy of treatment. When there is central nervous system (CNS) involvement it is important to include drugs with appropriate CNS penetration.
Clinical Application of Liquid Biopsy in Targeted Therapy of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Trojan Jörg , Klein-Scory Susanne , Koch Christine , Schmiegel Wolff , Baraniskin Alexander
Published: January 2017

Background. Colorectal cancers (CRC) shed DNA into blood circulation. There is growing evidence that the analysis of circulating tumor DNA can be effectively used for monitoring of disease, to track tumor heterogeneity and to evaluate response to treatment. Case Presentation. Here, we describe two cases of patients with advanced CRC. The first case is about a patient with no available tissue for analysis of RAS mutation status. Liquid biopsy revealed RAS-wild-type and the therapy with anti-EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) monoclonal antibody cetuximab could be initiated. In the second case, the mutational profile of a patient with initial wild-type RAS-status was continually tracked during the course of treatment. An acquired KRAS exon 3 mutation was detected. The number of KRAS mutated fragments decreased continuously after the discontinuation of the therapy with EGFR-specific antibodies. Conclusion. Liquid biopsy provides a rapid genotype result, which accurately reproduces the current mutation status of tumor tissue. Furthermore, liquid biopsy enables close monitoring of the onset of secondary resistance to anti-EGFR therapy.
Global Stability of Nonlinear Stochastic SEI Epidemic Model with Fluctuations in Transmission Rate of Disease
Authors: Otunuga Olusegun Michael
Published: January 2017

We derive and analyze the dynamic of a stochastic SEI epidemic model for disease spread. Fluctuations in the transmission rate of the disease bring about stochasticity in model. We discuss the asymptotic stability of the infection-free equilibrium by first deriving the closed form deterministic (R0) and stochastic (R0) basic reproductive number. Contrary to some author’s remark that different diffusion rates have no effect on the stability of the disease-free equilibrium, we showed that even if no epidemic invasion occurs with respect to the deterministic version of the SEI model (i.e., R0<1), epidemic can still grow initially (if R0>1) because of the presence of noise in the stochastic version of the model. That is, diffusion rates can have effect on the stability by causing a transient epidemic advance. A threshold criterion for epidemic invasion was derived in the presence of external noise.
Coexisting Oscillation and Extreme Multistability for a Memcapacitor‐Based Circuit
Authors: Wang Guangyi , Shi Chuanbao , Wang Xiaowei , Yuan Fang
Published: January 2017

The coexisting oscillations are observed with a memcapacitor‐based circuit that consists of two linear inductors, two linear resistors, and an active nonlinear charge‐controlled memcapacitor. We analyze the dynamics of this circuit and find that it owns an infinite number of equilibrium points and coexisting attractors, which means extreme multistability arises. Furthermore, we also show the stability of the infinite many equilibria and analyze the coexistence of fix point, limit cycle, and chaotic attractor in detail. Finally, an experimental result of the proposed oscillator via an analog electronic circuit is given.
Bond Strength between Hybrid Fiber-Reinforced Lightweight Aggregate Concrete Substrate and Self-Compacting Concrete as Topping Layer
Authors: Widodo Slamet
Published: January 2017

Structural performance evaluation of composite concrete slabs that were constructed using partially precast concreting system which utilized Hybrid Fiber-Reinforced Lightweight Aggregate Concrete (HyFRLWAC) as stay in-place formwork and self-compacting concrete (SCC) as topping layer was conducted in this research. This paper focused on determining the appropriate strength limit criteria of interface between two different concrete layers. The tensile strength was tested using pull-off test, while concrete cohesion was investigated based on modified bisurface shear test, and dual L-shaped shear test was used to determine the effect of normal force on the shear strength of concrete interface. Sample variants were designed based on the substrate surface conditions, compressive strength of the topping layer, and magnitude of perpendicular normal force acting on interface area. The substrate surfaces were prepared in as-placed and grooved conditions for tensile test, cohesion, and shear strength test. Test results indicate that tensile strength, cohesion, and shear strength of the concrete interface are affected by surface condition of the substrate, compressive strength of the topping layer, and the normal force acting perpendicularly on the concrete interface area. Proposed formulation for bond strength prediction between HyFRLWAC as substrate and SCC as topping layer is also presented in this paper.
Characteristics of Rainfall in Wind Field of a Downburst and Its Effects on Motion of High-Voltage Transmission Line
Authors: Zhou Chao , Li Li , Liu Yibing
Published: January 2017

Despite most weather-related failures of high-voltage transmission lines (HVTLs) being attributed to the downbursts accompanied by heavy rainfall, research works mainly focused on the behaviors of the high-voltage transmission tower-line structures under dry downburst winds. This paper thus presents a preliminary study to discuss the characteristics of rainfall in the downbursts and their effects on responses of HVTLs. Based on Vicroy model, the velocities of raindrops and their loads and pressure ratios of downburst wind-driven rain and only downburst wind on the surface of HVTLs per unit length are obtained. A downburst wind-rain induced vibration model is established to calculate the effects of the rainfall intensity and wind velocities on the motions of HVTLs. To verify the feasibility and accuracy of the model, the model is applied to evaluate responses of HVTLs with measured aerodynamic coefficients. The responses of HVTLs from the evaluated (the model) and the field observation results are compared. The results indicated that the model is feasible and can capture main features of the rainfall acting on HVTLs in the downbursts. Furthermore, the effects of rainfall cannot be neglected, and more attention should be paid to the wet downbursts and their effects on aerodynamic property of HVTLs.
Queuing Game Theory Based Optimal Routing Scheme for Heterogeneous Users over Space Information Networks
Authors: Guo Chao , Gong Cheng , Xu Haitao , Yao Zhiyong
Published: January 2017

An optimal routing scheme in space information networks was presented to balance network loads for heterogeneous users. According to the competition among the nodes, the model was built based on queuing game theory. The virtual routing platform was in charge of resources allocation and route selection. It got user’s gain to decide which node the user joined in. Owning to the existing of heterogeneous users, an optimal admission fee needed to be obtained to avoid congestion. In our model, firstly, the whole welfare of the system was formulated. Then the optimal admission fee was calculated through maximizing the whole welfare. Meanwhile, the average maximum queue length was generated to set the buffer space of the node. At last, a routing factor was introduced into the route algorithm in order that the optimal routing could be selected by heterogeneous users. As a result, the system welfare reaches the maximum.
Performance ofClarias gariepinusFed Dried Brewer’s Yeast(Saccharomyces cerevisiae)Slurry in Replacement for Soybean Meal
Authors: Solomon Shola Gabriel , Ataguba Gabriel Arome , Itodo Gabriel Enemona
Published: January 2017

Following disparity of earlier results, this study tested the performance of African catfishClarias gariepinusfed dried brewer’s yeast slurry meal (DBYM) based diets. Fingerlings ofC. gariepinuswith pooled mean initial weight of1.58±0.01 g were stocked in hapas (1 m × 1 m × 1 m) immersed in an earthen pond at a density of 15 fish per cage. Five diets with increasing substitution of soybean meal with 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of dried brewer’s yeast and a control without dried brewer’s yeast (0% substitution) were evaluated for 8 weeks. Palatability of diets reduced with increasing levels of DBYM. Growth and utilization parameters such as weight gain, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio, and specific growth rate differed significantly (p<0.05) among treated groups. Specific growth rate decreased with increasing substitution while the best feed conversion ratio was obtained in the diet devoid of DBYM. Protein efficiency and utilization decreased with increasing levels of DBYM. Body composition was also affected by inclusion of DBYM with significant differences (p<0.05) being observed across the diets. The trend in body composition follows the utilization of the diets. We conclude that the optimal range of inclusion and substitution of soybean meal with DBYM inC. gariepinusfeed is between 1% and 14% of dry matter.
Preparation of Metal-Containing Diamond-Like Carbon Films by Magnetron Sputtering and Plasma Source Ion Implantation and Their Properties
Authors: Flege Stefan , Hatada Ruriko , Hanauer Andreas , Ensinger Wolfgang , Morimura Takao , Baba Koumei
Published: January 2017

Metal-containing diamond-like carbon (Me-DLC) films were prepared by a combination of plasma source ion implantation (PSII) and reactive magnetron sputtering. Two metals were used that differ in their tendency to form carbide and possess a different sputter yield, that is, Cu with a relatively high sputter yield and Ti with a comparatively low one. The DLC film preparation was based on the hydrocarbon gas ethylene (C2H4). The preparation technique is described and the parameters influencing the metal content within the film are discussed. Film properties that are changed by the metal addition, such as structure, electrical resistivity, and friction coefficient, were evaluated and compared with those of pure DLC films as well as with literature values for Me-DLC films prepared with a different hydrocarbon gas or containing other metals.
Bifurcation Analysis and Chaos Control in a Discrete-Time Parasite-Host Model
Authors: Chen Xueli , Ren Lishun
Published: January 2017

A discrete-time parasite-host system with bifurcation is investigated in detail in this paper. The existence and stability of nonnegative fixed points are explored and the conditions for the existence of flip bifurcation and Neimark-Sacker bifurcation are derived by using the center manifold theorem and bifurcation theory. And we also prove the chaos in the sense of Marotto. The numerical simulations not only illustrate the consistence with the theoretical analysis, but also exhibit other complex dynamical behaviors, such as bifurcation diagrams, Maximum Lyapunov exponents, and phase portraits. More specifically, when the integral step size is chosen as a bifurcation parameter, this paper presents the finding of period orbits, attracting invariant cycles and chaotic attractors of the discrete-time parasite-host system. Specifically, we have stabilized the chaotic orbits at an unstable fixed point by using the feedback control method.
Calculations on Lie Algebra of the Group of Affine Symplectomorphisms
Authors: Altawallbeh Zuhier
Published: January 2017

We find the image of the affine symplectic Lie algebra gn from the Leibniz homology HL⁎(gn) to the Lie algebra homology H⁎Lie(gn). The result shows that the image is the exterior algebra ∧⁎(wn) generated by the forms wn=∑i=1n(∂/∂xi∧∂/∂yi). Given the relevance of Hochschild homology to string topology and to get more interesting applications, we show that such a map is of potential interest in string topology and homological algebra by taking into account that the Hochschild homology HH⁎-1(U(gn)) is isomorphic to H⁎-1Lie(gn,U(gn)ad). Explicitly, we use the alternation of multilinear map, in our elements, to do certain calculations.
Electrolyte and Acid-Base Disorders in Chronic Kidney Disease and End-Stage Kidney Failure
Authors: Dhondup Tsering , Qian Qi
Published: January 2017

The kidneys play a pivotal role in the regulation of electrolyte and acid-base balance. With progressive loss of kidney function, derangements in electrolytes and acid-base inevitably occur and contribute to poor patient outcomes. As chronic kidney disease (CKD) has become a worldwide epidemic, medical providers are increasingly confronted with such problems. Adequate diagnosis and treatment will minimize complications and can potentially be lifesaving. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of the disease process, clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment strategies, integrating up-to-date knowledge in the field. Although electrolyte and acid-base derangements are significant causes of morbidity and mortality in CKD and end-stage renal disease patients, they can be effectively managed through a timely institution of combined preventive measures and pharmacological therapy. Exciting advances and several upcoming outcome trials will provide further information to guide treatment and improve patient outcomes.
Plasma Gelsolin and Its Association with Mortality and Hospitalization in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Flores Gama Cesar , Rosales Laura M. , Ouellet Georges , Dou Yanna , Thijssen Stephan , Usvyat Len , Zhang Hanjie , Kuntsevich Viktoriya , Levin Nathan W. , Kotanko Peter
Published: January 2017

Background: Human plasma gelsolin (pGSN) is an actin-binding protein that is secreted into the extracellular fluid, with the skeletal muscle and myocardial tissues being its major source. Depletion of pGSN has been shown to be related to a variety of inflammatory and clinical conditions. Methods: pGSN levels were prospectively determined in prevalent maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients from 3 U.S. dialysis centers. Demographics (age, time since dialysis initiation, race, gender, body height and weight, comorbidities), inflammatory markers (C reactive protein, CRP; interleukin 6, IL-6), free triiodothyronine (fT3), and routine laboratory parameters were obtained. We performed Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard survival analysis for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, and recurrent event survival analysis for hospitalization. Results: We studied 153 patients; mean age was 60.5 ± 14.7; 52% were males. The mean pGSN level was 6,617 ± 1,789 mU/ml. In univariate analysis, pGSN was positively correlated with body mass index (r = 0.2, p = 0.01), pre-HD serum albumin (r = 0.247, p = 0.002), and pre-HD serum creatinine (r = 0.381, p < 0.001), and inversely with age (r = -0.286, p < 0.001), CRP (r = -0.311, p < 0.001), and IL-6 (r = -0.317, p < 0.001). In the adjusted analysis, the associations with CRP and creatinine were retained. pGSN levels tended to be lower in patients who died (p = 0.08). There was no association with all-cause or cardiovascular mortality, or all-cause hospitalization. Of note, fT3 was lower in patients who died (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Even though pGSN was inversely correlated with age, CRP and IL-6, suggesting that inflammation may influence pGSN, lower pGSN levels were not associated with hospitalization, all-cause and cardio-vascular mortality in this patient population.
Physical Activity and Sleep Patterns in Hemodialysis Patients in a Suburban Environment
Authors: Williams Schantel , Han Maggie , Ye Xiaoling , Zhang Hanjie , Meyring-Wösten Anna , Bonner Marcee , Young Candace , Thijssen Stephan , Marsh Daniel , Kotanko Peter
Published: January 2017

Background/Aims: Hemodialysis (HD) patients are less active than their healthy counterparts. They are often plagued with sleep disorders that affect the quality of their sleep. Our aim was to objectively quantify activity and sleep quality among HD patients in a suburban HD population. Methods: Activity and sleep parameters were measured using a commercially available activity tracker in 29 HD patients from Baton Rouge, LA, USA. Patients in the feedback group received their activity and sleep data at each dialysis treatment. In addition, questionnaires were administered at the beginning and end of the study period. Patients were stratified based on activity levels and sleep quality. Results: Patients walked an average of 5,281 steps/day and slept 370.5 min/night. Informing patients about their daily number of steps taken, did not increase activity. Only 3% of the population followed were active, defined as walking more than 10,000 steps per day. Patients walked significantly less on dialysis days compared to the other days of the week. Many of the patients experienced poor sleep quality, with patients in the first shift experiencing the greatest disturbance to their sleep/wake cycle. Conclusion: Patients in a suburban environment walked much less than those in a previously studied urban population. They rarely met the recommended goal of 10,000 steps/day, even on non-dialysis days. Interventions to increase physical activity may target any day of the week, particularly HD days. Prospective, long-term studies are needed to evaluate the use of activity trackers in dialysis patients and their impact on physical activity.
Lung Function in Women with Idiopathic Central Precocious Puberty: A Pilot Study
Authors: Murri Virginia , Antoniazzi Franco , Piazza Michele , Cavarzere Paolo , Banzato Claudia , Boner Attilio , Gaudino Rossella
Published: January 2017

Background: Studies have reported that women with early menarche (≤10 years) have lower lung function. Aim: To investigate lung function in women with a history of idio pathic central precocious puberty (ICPP) treated during childhood with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa). Methods: ICPP women (n = 23) were compared with healthy age-matched controls (n = 23). Subjects were clinically evaluated by means of a questionnaire, baseline and post-β2 agonist spirometry, impulse oscillometry (a measure of airway resistance), and measurement of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). Results: Patients had lower lung function values than controls: forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (median 97.90 vs. 109.45; p = 0.011), FEV1 after β2 agonist (100.80 vs. 114.10; p = 0.013), peak expiratory flow (92.90 vs. 97.95; p = 0.031), and maximum mid-expiratory flow (MMEF) (80.80 vs. 106.30; p = 0.008). FeNO was significantly lower in the patients (p < 0.001). Significant reversibility of FEV1 after β2 agonist was observed in 8.7% of the patients. FEV1/forced vital capacity and MMEF after β2 agonist correlated negatively with hysterometry at diagnosis (p = 0.009 and p = 0.03, respectively). There was a negative correlation between age at diagnosis and airway resistance. Conclusions: Women with ICPP seem to have lower lung function despite treatment with GnRHa. Further research on the effects of sex hormones on the airways should take into account potential interplay with factors affecting the start of puberty.
Identifying Cardiovascular Risk in Survivors of Childhood Leukaemia Treated with Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and Total Body Irradiation
Authors: Wei Christina , Hunt Linda , Cox Rachel , Bradley Karin , Elson Ruth , Shield Julian , Stevens Michael , Crowne Elizabeth
Published: January 2017

Background: Survivors of childhood with haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and total body irradiation (HSCT/TBI) have an increased cardiometabolic risk without overt obesity. Aim: To describe cardiometabolic risk in HSCT/TBI survivors and identify anthropometric measurements of adiposity representative of cardiometabolic risks in HSCT/TBI survivors. Method: Childhood leukaemia survivors treated with HSCT/TBI (n = 21, 11 males) were compared with chemotherapy-only (n = 31) and obese non-leukaemic controls (n = 30). All subjects (16–26 years) had blood pressure and auxological measurements (body mass index, waist and hip circumferences) and blood tests (triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein [HDL], and oral glucose tolerance tests). Central adiposity was defined as either increased waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) (>0.5), or waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (males >0.9, females >0.85). Results: HSCT/TBI survivors showed higher prevalence of hypertriglyceridaemia than both comparison groups and higher prevalence of reduced HDL compared to the chemotherapy-only group. The WHR reported a higher prevalence of increased adiposity in HSCT/TBI survivors compared with WC and WHtR, but such differences were not observed in the other groups. In the HSCT survivors, WHR had the highest number of significant associations with metabolic risk factors, and metabolic risks worsen with time elapsed since primary treatment. Conclusions: HSCT/TBI survivors have high cardiometabolic risk that is not sufficiently reflected by WC alone. WHR is a useful surrogate marker for increased cardiometabolic risk in HSCT/TBI survivors.
Diffuse Myocardial Fibrosis Reduces Electrocardiographic Voltage Measures of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy Independent of Left Ventricular Mass
Authors: Maanja Maren , Wieslander Björn , Schlegel Todd T. , Bacharova Ljuba , Abu Daya Hussein , Fridman Yaron , Wong Timothy C. , Schelbert Erik B. , Ugander Martin
Published: January 2017

Background

Myocardial fibrosis quantified by myocardial extracellular volume fraction (
ECV
) and left ventricular mass (LVM) index (
LVMI
) measured by cardiovascular magnetic resonance might represent independent and opposing contributors to ECG voltage measures of left ventricular hypertrophy (
LVH
). Diffuse myocardial fibrosis can occur in
LVH
and interfere with
ECG
voltage measures. This phenomenon could explain the decreased sensitivity of
LVH
detectable by
ECG
, a fundamental diagnostic tool in cardiology.

Methods and Results

We identified 77 patients (median age, 53 [interquartile range, 26–60] years; 49% female) referred for contrast‐enhanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance with
ECV
measures and 12‐lead
ECG
. Exclusion criteria included clinical confounders that might influence
ECG
measures of
LVH
. We evaluated
ECG
voltage‐based
LVH
measures, including Sokolow‐Lyon index, Cornell voltage, 12‐lead voltage, and the vectorcardiogram spatial
QRS
voltage, with respect to
LVMI
and
ECV
.
ECV
and
LVMI
were not correlated (
R
2
=0.02;
P
=0.25). For all voltage‐related parameters, higher
LVMI
resulted in greater voltage (
r
=0.33–0.49;
P
<0.05 for all), whereas increased
ECV
resulted in lower voltage (
r
=−0.32 to −0.57;
P
<0.05 for all). When accounting for body fat,
LV
end‐diastolic volume, and mass‐to‐volume ratio, both
LVMI
(β=0.58,
P
=0.03) and
ECV
(β=−0.46,
P
<0.001) were independent predictors of
QRS
voltage (multivariate adjusted
R
2
=0.39;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

Myocardial mass and diffuse myocardial fibrosis have independent and opposing effects upon
ECG
voltage measures of
LVH
. Diffuse myocardial fibrosis quantified by
ECV
can obscure the
ECG
manifestations of increased
LVM
. This provides mechanistic insight, which can explain the limited sensitivity of the
ECG
for detecting increased
LVM
.