bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automaticity and the Processing of Artistic Photographs
Authors: Foytik L. R. , Mullennix J. W. , Chan C. H. , Dragun B. R. , Maloney M. , Polaski L.
Published: September 2013

Participants viewed black and white artistic photographs. They used a visual scale to indicate their preferences for the photographs while performing a concurrent digit preload memory recall task. They also rated the photographs using 27 semantic differential items in order to assess the attributes used to form their impressions of the photographs. The results showed that digit recall and preference ratings changed little when digit load increased, providing evidence that an automatic mode of cognitive processing was likely used when making preference judgments. The results from the rating task showed that participants preferred photographs that were pleasant, clear, interesting, and easy to process and understand. The results provide important evidence for the existence of dual mechanism processes in aesthetic appreciation.
The Role of Aesthetic Preferences Similarity in Attraction
Authors: Lundy Duane E. , Barker Barry C. , Glenn Arika J.
Published: September 2013

Similarity is a well-known contributor to attraction, but aesthetic preferences similarity in particular has not received much research attention. Study 1 was a correlational study with 54 couples from South Carolina and North Carolina. In these existing relationships, higher perceived relationship quality was found to be positively correlated with some measures of partner aesthetic preferences similarity. Study 2 was a “phantom other” experimental investigation of the effect of aesthetic preferences similarity on attraction to strangers involving 129 undergraduates at Indiana University East. It was found that manipulating music and movie rating similarity caused both platonic and romantic attraction to vary. Compared to a control condition, aesthetic preferences similarity enhanced attraction and dissimilarity decreased attraction, but the impact of dissimilarity was stronger. The results are discussed in terms of hypotheses about the relative importance of similarity and dissimilarity, and how aesthetic preferences similarity information could serve as a shortcut estimate of relationship compatibility and potential quality.
Right and Left in Art: The Annunciation
Authors: Altmann Simon
Published: September 2013

Since the early study by Wölfflin, the question of right and left in pictures has been exhaustively discussed. The early speculative studies and the more recent empirical evidence are reviewed here. The main thrust of the article concerns the Annunciation in the iconography that was standard roughly from the 13th to the 17th centuries. Three major effects have been discussed in the literature in order to understand the positioning of the Virgin on the right. They are the direction of motion and the agency effect, both concerning the archangel, and the presentation of the Virgin's left cheek. It is proposed here that a fourth effect, the power of the first diagonal, is worthy of consideration, largely because it is the only effect that may obtain for variant Annunciations, in which the Virgin is on the left. Preliminary evidence from actual examples, albeit in a reduced sample, is discussed both in standard and variant Annunciations. In the final section, a preliminary experiment is presented, the results of which are consistent with the use of this rule in composition.
Pre-ESRD Changes in Body Weight and Survival in Nursing Home Residents Starting Dialysis
Authors: Stack Shobha , Chertow Glenn M. , Johansen Kirsten L. , Si Yan , Tamura Manjula Kurella
Published: September 2013

Background and objectives

Among patients receiving maintenance dialysis, weight loss at any body mass index is associated with mortality. However, it is not known whether weight changes before dialysis initiation are associated with mortality and if so, what risks are associated with weight gain or loss.

Design, setting, participants, and measurements

Linking data from the US Renal Data System to a national registry of nursing home residents, this study identified 11,090 patients who started dialysis between January of 2000 and December of 2006. Patients were categorized according to weight measured between 3 and 6 months before dialysis initiation and the percentage change in body weight before dialysis initiation (divided into quintiles). The outcome was mortality within 1 year of starting dialysis.

Results

There were 361 patients (3.3%) who were underweight (Quételet’s [body mass] index<18.5 kg/m2) and 4046 patients (36.5%) who were obese (body mass index≥30 kg/m2) before dialysis initiation. The median percentage change in body weight before dialysis initiation was −6% (interquartile range=−13% to 1%). There were 6063 deaths (54.7%) over 1 year of follow-up. Compared with patients with minimal weight changes (−3% to 3%, quintile 4), patients with weight loss ≥15% (quintile 1) had 35% higher risk for mortality (95% confidence interval, 1.25 to 1.47), whereas those patients with weight gain≥4% (quintile 5) had a 24% higher risk for mortality (95% confidence interval, 1.14 to 1.35) adjusted for baseline body mass index and other confounders.

Conclusions

Among nursing home residents, changes in body weight in advance of dialysis initiation are associated with significantly higher 1-year mortality.
Treatment of Idiopathic FSGS with Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Gel
Authors: Hogan Jonathan , Bomback Andrew S. , Mehta Kshama , Canetta Pietro A. , Rao Maya K. , Appel Gerald B. , Radhakrishnan Jai , Lafayette Richard A.
Published: September 2013

Background and objectives

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) has shown efficacy as primary and secondary therapy for nephrotic syndrome due to membranous nephropathy. The data on using ACTH to treat idiopathic FSGS are limited. This report describes our experience using ACTH for nephrotic syndrome due to idiopathic FSGS in the United States.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Twenty-four patients with nephrotic syndrome from idiopathic FSGS were treated with ACTH gel at two academic medical centers between 2009 and 2012, either as part of investigator-initiated pilot studies (n=16) or by prescription for treatment-resistant FSGS (n=8). The primary outcome was remission of proteinuria. The median dose of ACTH was 80 units injected subcutaneously twice weekly. Treatment durations were not uniform.

Results

Twenty-two patients had received immunosuppression (mean, 2.2 medications) before ACTH therapy. Six patients had steroid-dependent and 15 had steroid-resistant FSGS. At the time of ACTH initiation, the median serum creatinine (interquartile range) was 2.0 (1.1–2.7) mg/dl, estimated GFR was 36 (28–78) ml/min per 1.73 m2, and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio was 4595 (2200–8020) mg/g. At the end of ACTH therapy, 7 of 24 patients (29%) experienced remission (n=2 complete remissions, n=5 partial remissions). All remitters had steroid-resistant (n=5) or steroid-dependent (n=2) FSGS. Two responders relapsed during the follow-up period (mean ± SD, 70±31 weeks). Adverse events occurred in 21 of 24 patients, including one episode of new-onset diabetes that resolved after stopping ACTH and two episodes of AKI.

Conclusions

Response to ACTH treatment among steroid-resistant or steroid-dependent patients with FSGS is low, but ACTH gel may be a viable treatment option for some patients with resistant nephrotic syndrome due to idiopathic FSGS. Further research is necessary to determine which patients will respond to therapy.
Recovery from AKI Following Multiple Wasp Stings
Authors: Zhang Ling , Yang Yingying , Tang Yi , Zhao Yuliang , Cao Yu , Su Baihai , Fu Ping
Published: September 2013

Background and objective

To observe the outcomes of AKI following multiple wasp stings.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Eighty-one patients (mean age ± SD, 45.5±14.7 years; 55 men and 26 women; mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, 16.85±2.78) with AKI following multiple wasp stings between 1997 and 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. Data on their demographic characteristics, initial modalities of renal replacement therapy (RRT), urine output, serum creatinine, bilirubin, myoglobin, and other variables were collected. Renal outcomes included complete recovery of kidney function, CKD, and death. Subgroup analysis was performed according to initial modality of RRT in the first 48 hours, including continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH), intermittent hemodialysis (IHD), and CVVH plus plasma exchange (PE).

Results

Of the 75 patients available for follow-up, 7 (9.3%) died, and 8 (10.7%, all in the IHD group) developed CKD. The average RRT time was 18.2±8.4 days, and the average kidney function recovery time was 36.0 (29.0, 41.0) days. Subgroup analysis showed no difference in the mortality rates between the CVVH, CVVH + PE, and IHD groups (8.0%, 7.1%, and 11.1%, respectively; P>0.99). The recovery time for kidney function was significantly shorter in the CVVH and CVVH + PE groups than in the IHD group (31.9±8.5 days, 28.6±9.4 days, and 41.6±8.1 days, respectively; P<0.001).

Conclusions

This is a large case series report on the outcomes of patients with AKI following multiple wasp stings. Most patients survived with complete recovery of their kidney function. Despite the lack of difference in mortality rates, the patients who began RRT with CVVH and CVVH + PE experienced a better and more rapid recovery of kidney function than those initiated with IHD.
Genetic Disruption of SOD1 Gene Causes Glucose Intolerance and Impairs β-Cell Function
Authors: Muscogiuri Giovanna , Salmon Adam B. , Aguayo-Mazzucato Cristina , Li Mengyao , Balas Bogdan , Guardado-Mendoza Rodolfo , Giaccari Andrea , Reddick Robert L. , Reyna Sara M. , Weir Gordon , DeFronzo Ralph A. , Van Remmen Holly , Musi Nicolas
Published: September 2013

Oxidative stress has been associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. However, it is not clear whether oxidative damage is a cause or a consequence of the metabolic abnormalities present in diabetic subjects. The goal of this study was to determine whether inducing oxidative damage through genetic ablation of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) leads to abnormalities in glucose homeostasis. We studied SOD1-null mice and wild-type (WT) littermates. Glucose tolerance was evaluated with intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests. Peripheral and hepatic insulin sensitivity was quantitated with the euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp. β-Cell function was determined with the hyperglycemic clamp and morphometric analysis of pancreatic islets. Genetic ablation of SOD1 caused glucose intolerance, which was associated with reduced in vivo β-cell insulin secretion and decreased β-cell volume. Peripheral and hepatic insulin sensitivity were not significantly altered in SOD1-null mice. High-fat diet caused glucose intolerance in WT mice but did not further worsen the glucose intolerance observed in standard chow–fed SOD1-null mice. Our findings suggest that oxidative stress per se does not play a major role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and demonstrate that oxidative stress caused by SOD1 ablation leads to glucose intolerance secondary to β-cell dysfunction.
Osteocalcin Promotes β-Cell Proliferation During Development and Adulthood Through Gprc6a
Authors: Wei Jianwen , Hanna Timothy , Suda Nina , Karsenty Gerard , Ducy Patricia
Published: September 2013

Expanding β-cell mass through β-cell proliferation is considered a potential therapeutic approach to treat β-cell failure in diabetic patients. A necessary step toward achieving this goal is to identify signaling pathways that regulate β-cell proliferation in vivo. Here we show that osteocalcin, a bone-derived hormone, regulates β-cell replication in a cyclin D1–dependent manner by signaling through the Gprc6a receptor expressed in these cells. Accordingly, mice lacking Gprc6a in the β-cell lineage only are glucose intolerant due to an impaired ability to produce insulin. Remarkably, this regulation occurs during both the perinatal peak of β-cell proliferation and in adulthood. Hence, the loss of osteocalcin/Gprc6a signaling has a profound effect on β-cell mass accrual during late pancreas morphogenesis. This study extends the endocrine role of osteocalcin to the developmental period and establishes osteocalcin/Gprc6a signaling as a major regulator of β-cell endowment that can become a potential target for β-cell proliferative therapies.
Nitrite Anion Therapy Protects Against Chronic Ischemic Tissue Injury in db/db Diabetic Mice in a NO/VEGF-Dependent Manner
Authors: Bir Shyamal C. , Pattillo Christopher B. , Pardue Sibile , Kolluru Gopi K. , Shen Xinggui , Giordano Tony , Kevil Christopher G.
Published: September 2013

Nitrite anion has been demonstrated to be a prodrug of nitric oxide (NO) with positive effects on tissue ischemia/reperfusion injury, cytoprotection, and vasodilation. However, effects of nitrite anion therapy for ischemic tissue vascular remodeling during diabetes remain unknown. We examined whether sodium nitrite therapy altered ischemic revascularization in BKS-Leprdb/db mice subjected to permanent unilateral femoral artery ligation. Sodium nitrite therapy completely restored ischemic hind limb blood flow compared with nitrate or PBS therapy. Importantly, delayed nitrite therapy 5 days after ischemia restored ischemic limb blood flow in aged diabetic mice. Restoration of blood flow was associated with increases in ischemic tissue angiogenesis activity and cell proliferation. Moreover, nitrite but not nitrate therapy significantly prevented ischemia-mediated tissue necrosis in aged mice. Nitrite therapy significantly increased ischemic tissue vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein expression that was essential for nitrite-mediated reperfusion of ischemic hind limbs. Nitrite significantly increased ischemic tissue NO bioavailability along with concomitant reduction of superoxide formation. Lastly, nitrite treatment also significantly stimulated hypoxic endothelial cell proliferation and migration in the presence of high glucose in an NO/VEGF-dependent manner. These results demonstrate that nitrite therapy effectively stimulates ischemic tissue vascular remodeling in the setting of metabolic dysfunction that may be clinically useful.
Time Lag of Glucose From Intravascular to Interstitial Compartment in Humans
Authors: Basu Ananda , Dube Simmi , Slama Michael , Errazuriz Isabel , Amezcua Jose Carlos , Kudva Yogish C. , Peyser Thomas , Carter Rickey E. , Cobelli Claudio , Basu Rita
Published: September 2013

The accuracy of continuous interstitial fluid (ISF) glucose sensing is an essential component of current and emerging open- and closed-loop systems for type 1 diabetes. An important determinant of sensor accuracy is the physiological time lag of glucose transport from the vascular to the interstitial space. We performed the first direct measurement of this phenomenon to our knowledge in eight healthy subjects under an overnight fasted condition. Microdialysis catheters were inserted into the abdominal subcutaneous space. After intravenous bolus administrations of glucose tracers, timed samples of plasma and ISF were collected sequentially and analyzed for tracer enrichments. After accounting for catheter dead space and assay noise, the mean time lag of tracer appearance in the interstitial space was 5.3–6.2 min. We conclude that in the overnight fasted state in healthy adults, the physiological delay of glucose transport from the vascular to the interstitial space is 5–6 min. Physiological delay between blood glucose and ISF glucose, therefore, should not be an obstacle to sensor accuracy in overnight or fasting-state closed-loop systems of insulin delivery or open-loop therapy assessment for type 1 diabetes.
Association of Subclinical Inflammation With Polyneuropathy in the Older Population
Authors: Herder Christian , Bongaerts Brenda W.C. , Rathmann Wolfgang , Heier Margit , Kowall Bernd , Koenig Wolfgang , Thorand Barbara , Roden Michael , Meisinger Christa , Ziegler Dan
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE

Inflammatory processes have been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic distal sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN), but their possible relationship has not been assessed at the population level.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We determined serum concentrations of mediators of subclinical inflammation among 1,047 participants 61–82 years of age from the population-based Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg (KORA) F4 study (Germany). Logistic and linear regression models were fitted to assess associations between immune mediators (log-transformed) and the presence of clinical DSPN (dichotomous variable) or Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) examination score (continuous variable), respectively.

RESULTS

Serum concentrations of the anti-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) were positively associated with the presence of DSPN and higher MNSI scores in age-adjusted and sex-adjusted analyses, whereas IL-6, IL-18, and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 were positively associated with only MNSI scores. No associations were observed for adiponectin, C-reactive protein, or tumor necrosis factor-α. Associations for IL-1RA and IL-6 with the MNSI score remained statistically significant after additional adjustment for waist circumference, height, hypertension, cholesterol, smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity, history of myocardial infarction or stroke, presence of neurological conditions, and use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that DSPN is linked to proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory, possibly compensatory, processes in the older general population. Future studies should clarify the temporal sequence and causality of these associations.
Association of Glomerular Filtration Rate With Outcomes of Acute Stroke in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: Results From the China National Stroke Registry
Authors: Luo Yang , Wang Xianwei , Wang Yilong , Wang Chunxue , Wang Haichen , Wang David , Liu Liping , Jia Qian , Liu Gaifen , Zhao Xingquan , Wang Yongjun ,   on behalf of the CNSR Investigators
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE

We aim to explore whether a link exists between different levels of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and poor outcomes of acute stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Between 2007 and 2009, 6,261 patients with cerebrovascular events and diabetes were included in the final analysis from the China National Stroke Registry (CNSR) and substudy of CNSR (Abnormal Glucose Regulation in Patients with Acute Stroke Across China [ACROSS]).The period of follow-up was 1 year after stroke onset. eGFR was calculated with the Chinese modification of Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation. The association between eGFR and poor stroke outcomes, including all-cause death, recurrent stroke, combined end point (stroke or death), and stroke disability, was evaluated by multivariate analysis with the adjustment for demographic and clinical features.

RESULTS

Of 4,836 patients with stroke, low eGFR (<45 mL/min/1.73 m2) occurred in 268 (5.5%) and high eGFR (≥120 mL/min/1.73 m2) in 387 (8.0%). The median value for eGFR in all patients was 92.6 mL/min/1.73 m2. Low eGFR was independently associated with risks of all clinical outcomes in stroke/transient ischemic attack patients or patients with ischemic events, but not in patients with hemorrhagic stroke. Additionally, high eGFR was positively associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes in all stroke subtypes, including hemorrhagic stroke.

CONCLUSIONS

Low and high eGFRs (<45 or ≥120 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively) are independent predictors of all-cause mortality and other poor outcomes after acute stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Impact of Baseline Terms on the Course of Critical Paths and Time Buffers in the Modified Goldratt’s Method
Authors: Połoński M. , Pruszyński K.
Published: September 2013

The introduction of a baseline term to the dependency network most often results in a change, break and/or generation of a new sequence of critical path, depending on the type of such a baseline term and the exact date selected. Each of those situations has an impact on the location or need to include new time buffers in the modified Goldratt’s method. The purpose of this article was to identify possible effects brought by declaration of each type of baseline term and to point out actions to be taken in each case. It must be noted that guidelines provided should in each individual case be adapted to the specific character of schedule changes caused by implementation of the relevant baseline term. The example presented herein exemplifies one of such solutions to be implemented as a result of break of the critical path and need to introduce new time buffers.
Synergistic Interaction of Polypropylene Fibres in Latex Modified High Strength Concrete
Authors: Thirumurugan S. , Sivakumar A.
Published: September 2013

Synthetic polymer latexes, such as styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) latex addition in Portland cement has gained wider acceptance in many applications in the construction industry. Polymer-modified cementitious systems seals the pores and micro cracks developed during hardening of the cement matrix, by dispersing a film of polymer phase throughout the concrete. A comprehensive set of experimental test were conducted for studying the compressive properties of SBR latex polymer with crimped polypropylene fibres at relative volume fractions of 0.1 and 0.3%. The results indicated that the addition of polypropylene fibre has little effect on the reduction in the workability of concrete composite containing fly ash and SBR Latex. Increase in polypropylene fibres upto 0.3% Vf showed increase in compressive strength upto 57.5MPa. The SBR concrete without fibre showed an increase in strength upto 20 % compared to plain concrete. Test results also indicated that the compressive strength was increased in SBR fibre concrete by means of an ordinary dry curing process than wet curing because of their excellent water retention due to polymer film formation around the cement grains. On the contrary the compressive strength reduces for SBR fibre concretes under wet curing compared to dry curing
Application of Prefabricated Panels for the Energy Retrofit of Portuguese Residential Buildings Facades: A Case Study
Authors: Sousa J.
Published: September 2013

This article aims to evaluate the potential application of prefabricated panels in energy retrofit of facades in the Portuguese building stock. The fundamentals of this study were part of Annex 50, which was an international ECBCS IEA project, with the purpose of developing an innovative concept of building renovation for the most representative buildings based on prefabricated systems. To analyze the potential application of energy retrofit using prefabricated panels, was important to know the reality of the existing building stock and its morphology. To know the reality of the building stock, an analysis was done based on the existing statistical data and to find the most representative residential buildings, target of the study, three criteria were defined: buildings built before 1990, with 2 to 6 floors and with renovation needs in the exterior envelope.

In the absence of statistical information about buildings morphology, a research work was done in the field. During the collection of data a methodology was developed in which each opening was classified according to a code with three parameters. In the end of the classification, 29 final codes were achieved and was verified that three types of panels have a higher probability of being applied.
Laboratory Experimental Analysis on Encapsulated Stone Column
Authors: Tandel Y.K. , Solanki C.H. , Desai A.K.
Published: September 2013

The application of stone column technique for improvement of soft soils has attracted a considerable attention during the last decade. However, in a very soft soil, the stone columns undergo excessive bulging, because of very low lateral confinement pressure provided by the surrounding soil. The performance of stone column can be improved by the encapsulation of stone column by geosynthetic, which acts to provide additional confinement to columns, preventing excessive bulging and column failure. In the present study, a detailed experimental study on behavior of single column is carried out by varying parameters like diameter of the stone column, length of stone column, length of geosynthetic encapsulation and stiffness of encapsulation material. In addition, finite-element analyses have been performed to access the radial deformation of stone column. The results indicate a remarkable increase in load carrying capacity due to encapsulation. The load carrying capacity of column depends very much upon the diameter of the stone column and stiffness of encapsulation material. The results show that partial encapsulation over top half of the column and fully encapsulated floating column of half the length of clay bed thickness give lower load carrying capacity than fully encapsulated end bearing column. In addition, radial deformation of stone column decreases with increasing stiffness of encapsulation material.
Repairing and Strengthening of Elliptical Paraboloid Reinforced Concrete Shells with Openings
Authors: Meleka N.N. , Safan M.A. , Bashandy A.A. , Abd-Elrazek A.S.
Published: September 2013

This investigation is carried out to evaluate the repair and strengthening the techniques of elliptical paraboloid reinforced concrete shells with openings. An experimental program of several different techniques in repair and strengthening is executed. The materials, which are considered for strengthening, are; Glass fiber reinforced polymers GFRP at different position of the shell bottom surface, steel strip and external tie. They loaded by four concentrated loads affected on the corners of the opening. The initial and failure loads as well as the crack propagation for the tested shells at different loading stages, deflections and failure load for repaired and shells are recorded. A non-linear computer program based on finite element techniques is used to study the behavior of these types of shells. Geometric and materials nonlinearities are considered in the analysis. The efficiency and accuracy of computer program are verified by comparing the program results with those obtained experimentally for the control shell with opening and strengthened shells.
Rule of the Fluoride Stymulators in to the Carbo-N-Ox Method During Aluminium Bronze Melting Process
Authors: Bydałek A.W. , Schlafka P.
Published: September 2013

During the slag refining process, in the real systems, the complex processes of mass exchange appear. Some relations between the stimulators in the environment - slag - metal system allow to initiate mass exchange reactions in the process of slag refining. Due to this kind of influences there is a possibility of direction and control of melting copper and it’s alloys.
Effect of the Carbides and Matrix on the Wear Resistance of Nodular Cast Iron
Authors: Gumienny G.
Published: September 2013

This paper presents the results of the abrasive wear resistance of selected types of nodular cast iron, including ADI, cooperating with quartz sand and 100 grit abrasive paper. It has been shown that carbides in nodular cast iron cause an increase in wear resistance of 6 to 12% depending on the surface fraction of the carbides and type of the matrix. For the same unit pressure the mass loss of the cast iron cooperating with quartz sand is many times larger than the cast iron cooperating with abrasive paper. For both abrasives the highest wear resistance showed nodular cast iron with upper and lower bainite and carbides.
Synergy of Practical Knowledge of Molding Sands Reclamation in Heavy Casting Foundry of Iron Alloys
Authors: Ignaszak Z. , Prunier J-B.
Published: September 2013

The paper summarizes research realized by the author in laboratory and industrial conditions (foundries of cast steel and cast iron, castings up to 50 tons) on the effects of the chemically hardened molding sands regeneration using hard/soft rubbing in the dry reclamation. A reference was simultaneously made to advisability of application of the thermal regeneration in conditions, where chromite amount in the circulating (reclaimed) molding sand goes as high as above ten percent. An advisability of connecting standard and specialized methods of examination of the reclaimed sands and molding sands made using it was pointed out. A way of application of studies with the Hot Distortion Plus® method modified by the author for validation of modeling of the thermo-dynamic phenomena in the mold was shown.
The Influence of Small Amounts of Aluminium on the Effectiveness of Cast Iron Spheroidization with Magnesium
Authors: Soiński M. S. , Jakubus A.
Published: September 2013

The influence of aluminium added in amounts of about 1.6%, 2.1%, or 2.8% on the effectiveness of cast iron spheroidization with magnesium was determined. The cast iron was melted and treated with FeSiMg7 master alloy under industrial conditions. The metallographic examinations were performed for the separately cast rods of 20 mm diameter. They included the assessment of the shape of graphite precipitates and of the matrix structure. The results allowed to state that the despheroidizing influence of aluminium (introduced in the above mentioned quantities) is the stronger, the higher is the aluminium content in the alloy. The results of examinations carried out by means of a computer image analyser enabled the quantitative assessment of the considered aluminium addition influence. It was found that the despheroidizing influence of aluminium (up to about 2.8%) yields the crystallization of either the deformed nodular graphite precipitates or vermicular graphite precipitates. None of the examined specimens, however, contained the flake graphite precipitates. The results of examinations confirmed the already known opinion that aluminium widens the range of ferrite crystallization.
Optimising a Model of Minimum Stock Level Control and a Model of Standing Order Cycle in Selected Foundry Plant
Authors: Szymszal J. , Lis T. , Przondziono J. , Nowacki K. , Kliś J.
Published: September 2013

It has been found that the area where one can look for significant reserves in the procurement logistics is a rational management of the stock of raw materials. Currently, the main purpose of projects which increase the efficiency of inventory management is to rationalise all the activities in this area, taking into account and minimising at the same time the total inventory costs. The paper presents a method for optimising the inventory level of raw materials under a foundry plant conditions using two different control models. The first model is based on the estimate of an optimal level of the minimum emergency stock of raw materials, giving information about the need for an order to be placed immediately and about the optimal size of consignments ordered after the minimum emergency level has occurred. The second model is based on the estimate of a maximum inventory level of raw materials and an optimal order cycle. Optimisation of the presented models has been based on the previously done selection and use of rational methods for forecasting the time series of the delivery of a chosen auxiliary material (ceramic filters) to a casting plant, including forecasting a mean size of the delivered batch of products and its standard deviation.
Directional Solidification of Ledeburite
Authors: Trepczyńska-Łent M.
Published: September 2013

Directional solidification of ledeburite was realised out using a Bridgman’s device. The growth rate for movement sample v=83.3 μm/s was used. In one sample the solidification front was freezing. The value of temperature gradient in liquid at the solidification front was determined. Interfacial distance λ on the samples was measured with NIS-Elements application for image analysis.
Radiation Effects on Oscillating Vertical Plate with Uniform Heat and Mass Flux
Authors: Chandrakala P. , Bhaskar P. Narayana
Published: September 2013

Thermal radiation effects on flow past an impulsively started infinite vertical oscillating plate with uniform heat and mass flux is studied. The fluid considered here is a gray, absorbing-emitting radiation but a nonscattering medium. The dimensionless governing equations are solved using the Laplace-transform technique. The velocity, temperature and concentration are studied for different physical parameters such as the radiation parameter, phase angle, Schmidt number and time. The variation of the skin-friction for different values of the parameters is also shown in a table
Pattern of Stress-Strain Accumulation due to a Long Dipslip Fault Movement in a Viscoelastic Layered Model of The Lithosphere–Asthenosphere System
Authors: Debnath S.K. , Sen S.
Published: September 2013

The process of stress accumulation near earthquake faults during the aseismic period in between two major seismic events in seismically active regions has become a subject of research during the last few decades. In the present paper a long dip -slip fault is taken to be situated in a viscoelastic layer over a viscoelastic half space representing the lithosphere-asthenosphere system. A movement of the dip-slip nature across the fault occurs when the accumulated stress due to various tectonic reasons, e.g., mantle convection etc., exceeds the local friction and cohesive forces across the fault. The movement is assumed to be slipping in nature, expressions for displacements, stresses and strains are obtained by solving the associated boundary value problem with the help of integral transformation and Green's function method. A detailed study of these expressions may give some ideas about the nature of stress accumulation in the system, which in turn will be helpful in formulating an earthquake prediction programme
Reflection of Waves in Initially Stressed Transversely Isotropic Fibre-Reinforced Thermoelastic Medium
Authors: Gupta R.R.
Published: September 2013

The present investigation deals with the reflection of plane periodic waves incident at the surface of a homogeneous initially stressed transversely isotropic fibrereinforced thermoelastic medium. The wave equations are solved by imposing proper conditions on displacements, stresses and temperature distribution. Numerically simulated results have been depicted graphically for different angles of incidence with respect to frequency. Some special cases of interest have also been deduced from the present investigation
Unsteady Two-Layered Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer of Conducting Fluids in a Channel Between Parallel Porous Plates Under Transverse Magnetic Field
Authors: Raju T. Linga , Nagavalli M.
Published: September 2013

The unsteady magnetohydrodynamic flow of two immiscible fluids in a horizontal channel bounded by two parallel porous isothermal plates in the presence of an applied magnetic and electric field is investigated. The flow is driven by a constant uniform pressure gradient in the channel bounded by two parallel insulating plates, one being stationary and the other oscillating, when both fluids are considered as electrically conducting. Also, both fluids are assumed to be incompressible with variable properties, viz. different viscosities, thermal and electrical conductivities. The transport properties of the two fluids are taken to be constant and the bounding plates are maintained at constant and equal temperatures. The governing equations are partial in nature, which are then reduced to the ordinary linear differential equations using two-term series. Closed form solutions for velocity and temperature distributions are obtained in both fluid regions of the channel. Profiles of these solutions are plotted to discuss the effect on the flow and heat transfer characteristics, and their dependence on the governing parameters involved, such as the Hartmann number, porous parameter, ratios of the viscosities, heights, electrical and thermal conductivities
Chemical Reaction Effects on MHD Flow Past a Linearly Accelerated Vertical Plate with Variable Temperature and Mass Diffusion in the Presence of Thermal Radiation
Authors: Muthucumaraswamy R. , Geetha E.
Published: September 2013

An exact solution of first order chemical reaction effects on a radiative flow past a linearly accelerated infinite isothermal vertical plate with variable mass diffusion, under the action of a transversely applied magnetic field has been presented. The plate temperature is raised linearly with time and the concentration level near the plate is also raised to C'w linearly with time. The dimensionless governing equations are tackled using the Laplace-transform technique. The velocity, temperature and concentration fields are studied for different physical parameters such as the magnetic field parameter, radiation parameter, chemical reaction parameter, thermal Grashof number, mass Grashof number, Schmidt number, Prandtl number and time. It is observed that velocity increases with decreasing magnetic field parameter or radiation parameter. But the trend is just reversed with respect to the chemical reaction parameter
Effect of Vertical Vibrations on the Onset of Binary Convection
Authors: Swamy M.S.
Published: September 2013

In the present work the linear stability analysis of double diffusive convection in a binary fluid layer is performed. The major intention of this study is to investigate the influence of time-periodic vertical vibrations on the onset threshold. A regular perturbation method is used to compute the critical Rayleigh number and wave number. A closed form expression for the shift in the critical Rayleigh number is calculated as a function of frequency of modulation, the solute Rayleigh number, Lewis number, and Prandtl number. These parameters are found to have a significant influence on the onset criterion; therefore the effective control of convection is achieved by proper tuning of these parameters. Vertical vibrations are found to enhance the stability of a binary fluid layer heated and salted from below. The results of this study are useful in the areas of crystal growth in micro-gravity conditions and also in material processing industries where vertical vibrations are involved
Identification of Steady and Non-Steady Gait of Humanexoskeleton Walking System
Authors: Żur K.K
Published: September 2013

In this paper a method of analysis of exoskeleton multistep locomotion was presented by using a computer with the preinstalled DChC program. The paper also presents a way to analytically calculate the “,motion indicator”, as well as the algorithm calculating its two derivatives. The algorithm developed by the author processes data collected from the investigation and then a program presents the obtained final results. Research into steady and non-steady multistep locomotion can be used to design two-legged robots of DAR type and exoskeleton control system
A New Analytical Procedure for Solving the Non-Linear Differential Equation Arising in the Stretching Sheet Problem
Authors: Siddheshwar P.G. , Mahabaleswar U.S. , Andersson H.I.
Published: September 2013

The paper discusses a new analytical procedure for solving the non-linear boundary layer equation arising in a linear stretching sheet problem involving a Newtonian/non-Newtonian liquid. On using a technique akin to perturbation the problem gives rise to a system of non-linear governing differential equations that are solved exactly. An analytical expression is obtained for the stream function and velocity as a function of the stretching parameters. The Clairaut equation is obtained on consideration of consistency and its solution is shown to be that of the stretching sheet boundary layer equation. The present study throws light on the analytical solution of a class of boundary layer equations arising in the stretching sheet problem
Improved Contrast in Ultra-Low-Field MRI with Time-Dependent Bipolar Prepolarizing Fields: Theory and NMR Demonstrations
Authors: Nieminen Jaakko O. , Voigt Jens , Hartwig Stefan , Scheer Hans Jürgen , Burghoff Martin , Trahms Lutz , Ilmoniemi Risto J.
Published: September 2013

The spin-lattice (T1) relaxation rates of materials depend on the strength of the external magnetic field in which the relaxation occurs. This T1 dispersion has been suggested to offer a means to discriminate between healthy and cancerous tissue by performing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at low magnetic fields. In prepolarized ultra-low-field (ULF) MRI, spin precession is detected in fields of the order of 10-100 μT. To increase the signal strength, the sample is first magnetized with a relatively strong polarizing field. Typically, the polarizing field is kept constant during the polarization period. However, in ULF MRI, the polarizing-field strength can be easily varied to produce a desired time course. This paper describes how a novel variation of the polarizing-field strength and duration can optimize the contrast between two types of tissue having different T1 relaxation dispersions. In addition, NMR experiments showing that the principle works in practice are presented. The described procedure may become a key component for a promising new approach of MRI at ultra-low fields
Near Perfect Reconstruction Filter Banks for Power Quality Analysis
Authors: Taskovski Dimitar , Koleva Ljubica , Milchevski Aleksandar , Dimcev Vladimir
Published: September 2013

The wavelet transform has been successfully used in the area of power quality analysis. There are many published papers with methods for power quality disturbance classification or harmonics measurement, which use wavelet transform. However, the properties of the wavelet transform can drastically vary from the choice of the wavelet. In this paper we analyze the influence of the choice of the wavelet to the accuracy of the power quality classification method and to high frequency harmonics measurements. Additionally to the well known wavelet filters we introduce near perfect reconstruction filter banks. The simulation results indicate that these filter banks are a good choice for classification of power quality disturbances, especially in the presence of noise and for high frequency harmonics measurements
A System for 256-Channel in Vitro Recording of the Electrophysiological Activity of Brain Tissue
Authors: Zoladz Miroslaw
Published: September 2013

A measurement system for 256-channel in vitro recordings of brain tissue electrophysiological activity is presented in the paper. The system consists of the brain tissue life support system, Microelectrode Array (MEA), conditioning Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC’s) for signals conditioning, Digitizer and PC application for measurement data presentation and storage. The life support system keeps brain tissue samples in appropriately saturated artificial cerebrospinal fluid at a very stable temperature. The MEA consists of two hundred and fifty-six 40 μm diameter tip-shaped electrodes. The ASIC’s performs amplification and filtering of the 256-field and action potential signals. The Digitizer performs simultaneous data acquisition from 256 channels 14 kS/s sample rate and 12-bit resolution. The resulting byte stream is transmitted to the PC via USB (Universal Serial Bus). Preliminary tests confirm that the system is capable of keeping the extracted brain tissue active (hippocampal formation slices) and simultaneously to record action potentials, as well as local theta field potentials with very small amplitudes from multiple neurons
Ageing of Cadmium Telluride Radiation Detectors and its Diagnostics with Low Frequency Noise
Authors: Andreev Alexey , Sik Ondrej , Grmela Lubomir , Sikula Josef
Published: September 2013

Samples of CdTe single crystals which are used as radiation detectors were periodically measured during a long time interval with different values of an applied voltage. The samples were also periodically exposed during long time periods to high temperatures of 390 K and to rapid changes of temperature from 300 K to 390 K. After 1.5 years of measurements we observed ageing of the samples which resulted in deterioration of their transport characteristics. The resistance of the samples increased significantly and current-voltage characteristics were unstable in time. Noise spectroscopy showed that low frequency noise can be used for detection of CdTe sample ageing as its spectral density increases significantly comparing to the 1/f noise of a high quality sample
Measurement of Agglomerates Shape Parameters with Threedimensional Reconstruction Based on a Laser Displacement Sensor
Authors: De Paz J. P. Zavala , Castañeda E. Castillo , Herrera J. Soto , Turchiuli C.
Published: September 2013

The agglomeration of particles is a process that modifies the physical properties of a product originally manufactured as a powder. During milk powder agglomeration of fluidized bed, resulting agglomerates are sufficiently porous to improve the solubility of the final product but, at the same time, their rigidity decreases and agglomerates can be destroyed during packing. The porosity and rigidity properties depend on both the volume and shape characteristics of the agglomerates. This paper presents a three-dimensional reconstruction technique based on a laser displacement sensor (LDS) applied to characterize milk agglomerates. This technique allows three-dimensional scanning to estimate particle volume and extract shape parameters such as: sphericity, elongation and flatness ratio, shape factor and aspect ratio. This technique was implemented using a mechatronic device with two degrees of freedom. The device is composed of an angular positioning system to rotate the agglomerate and a linear positioning system to displace the LDS. Experimental result allows agglomerates classification according to shape parameters
Measurement System Based on Multi-Wavelength Interferometry for Long Gauge Block Calibration
Authors: Wengierow Michal , Salbut Leszek , Ramotowski Zbigniew , Szumski Robert , Szykiedans Ksawery
Published: September 2013

This paper shows the result of work of the Institute of Micromechanics and Photonics at Warsaw University of Technology and the Length and Angle Division of Central Office of Measures (GUM) [1] in building an automatic multiwavelength interferometric system with extended measurement range for calibration of long (up to 1 m) gauge blocks. The design of a full working setup with environmental condition control and monitoring systems, as well as image analysis software, is presented. For length deviation determination the phase fraction approach is proposed and described. To confirm that the system is capable of calibrating gauge blocks with assumed accuracy, a comparison between the results of 300 mm length gauge block measurement obtained by using other systems from the Central Office of Measures is made. Statistical analysis proved that the system can be used for high precision measurements with assumed standard uncertainty (125 nm for a length of 1 m). Finally the comparison between our results obtained for a long gauge block set (600 mm to 1000 mm long) and previous calibrations made by the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) [2] is shown
Characterization of Material Defects Using Active Thermography and an Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Dudzik Sebastian
Published: September 2013

In the paper a method using active thermography and a neural algorithm for material defect characterization is presented. Experimental investigations are conducted with the stepped heating method, so-called time-resolved infrared radiometry, for the test specimen made of a material with low thermal diffusivity. The results of the experimental investigations were used in simulations of artificial neural networks. Simulations are performed for three datasets representing three stages of the heating process occurring in the investigated sample. In this work, the simulation research aimed to determine the accuracy of defect depth estimation with the use of the mentioned algorithm is descibed