bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Topology Synthesis of a 1-Translational and 3-Rotational Parallel Manipulator With an Articulated Traveling Plate
Authors: Sun Tao , Song Yimin , Gao Hao , Qi Yang
Published: September 2014

Driven by the increasing demands of the aircraft assemblage for the pose-adjustment equipment in the large-scale component docking, this paper carries out the topology synthesis of a 1-translational and 3-rotational (1T3R) four degrees of freedom (DoF) parallel manipulator with an articulated traveling plate. First, the articulated traveling plate is defined as that includes more than one rigid body articulated by one or more kinematic joints. Then, the relationship among the DoFs of the parallel manipulator and the articulated traveling plate and the number of the in-parts are proposed. According to the agreement of the arrangement way between the open-loop limbs and the in-parts, the topology synthesis procedure of the 1T3R 4-DoF parallel manipulator with an articulated traveling plate is proposed. Finally, their topology structures are obtained by discussing those of four types in terms of 1D-H, 1D-V type with opposite layout and 1D-H, 1D-V type with adjacent layout, in which the topology structures exist only for 1D-H and 1D-V type with opposite layout
Analysis of Aeropropulsion Test Facility Aerodynamic and Structual Issues Using Compression System Numerical Simulations
Authors: Davis Milt W.
Published: September 2014

Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) is the most advanced and largest complex of flight simulation test facilities in the world. The center operates 43 aerodynamic and propulsion wind tunnels, rocket and turbine engine test cells, space environmental chambers, arc heaters, ballistic ranges and other specialized units.

Over the years since these facilities have been operational, there have been a series of operational issues that have arisen involving compression system performance or the effect of compressor operability on facility performance or structural integrity. This paper presents three cases[1] where ground test facilities have experienced some form of compression system performance issue or a test article’s abnormal operation such as surge cycles effect on facility structural or operational capability. In each case, the analysis engineer trying to figure out what might be the cause or the effect of these abnormal operations on facility operation is hampered by the lack of proper instrumentation that would provide insight into the issue. In these types of situation, it has been shown that some form of numerical simulation can provide great insight into possible causes and even suggest solutions to the observed anomaly. This paper highlights where a specific numerical simulation based upon one-dimensional physics and its application to parallel compressor theory has been applied to the analysis of three aerospace facility compression system issues.
Dissipative Equipment Thermal Integration in Powerplant Compartment: Experimental and Numerical Evaluation of Heat Transfer Coefficient
Authors: Sommerer Y. , Couton D. , Plourde F.
Published: September 2014

The proposed work corresponds to a comprehensive comparison of aerothermal flow field arising from the heat dissipation of aircraft equipment. Laboratory experiments based on real-scale geometry were conducted to fully depict heat transfer between the fluid and the equipment. In some particular regions of interest, temperature profiles in the sub-layer have been directly measured up to the wall in order to estimate convective heat transfer coefficient. This way of measurement is very challenging in such configuration representative of powerplant environment in terms of geometry, Reynolds number and temperature. In parallel, a Large Eddy Simulation coupled to a thermal solver were carried and compared to experimental data allowing a cross-validation of simulations and experiments. A simulation verification methodology based on the turbulent energy spectra decay is proposed in order to ensure result accuracy for such aerothermal problems.
Influence of the Casing Width and the Impeller Position on Centrifugal Fan Performance: A CFD-Based Study on Cause and Effect
Authors: Schönwald S. , Kameier F. , Böhle M.
Published: September 2014

A high-efficiency centrifugal fan with low noise emission is used to investigate the influence of the casing width on the flow performance. Common design concepts use a width ratio of casing to impeller outlet from 2.5 up to 3. This range of the width ratio results in a large casing depth, which is not the best approach with regard to the overall dimension and the material costs for large industrial machines. Furthermore, centrifugal fan designs with a width ratio above 3 are disadvantageous because of their lower overall efficiency. In addition to an optimized casing depth, the position of the impeller in the casing also influences the performance. Using the results of several CFD simulations, we show that by creating a very small gap between the impeller rear plate and the casing wall, smaller energy losses and higher–performance can be achieved.
Model Selection Made Easy Using Information Theoretics: An Aircraft Propulsion System Modeling Problem
Authors: Kidman David , Stevens Craig , Remund Todd , Kitto William
Published: September 2014

The United States Department of Defense (DoD) is continually looking for ways to improve test and evaluation techniques to ensure systems meet military requirements prior to acquisition. Recently, the DoD has been pursuing the use of statistical methods to improve test and evaluation. This paper highlights statistical methodologies used by the Air Force Test Center to improve aircraft propulsion system Modeling and Simulation (M&S) efforts.

The US Air Force has a long history of using M&S (more than 55 years) during aircraft test and evaluation. In the past, M&S usage was primarily in the aircraft performance and flying qualities areas. Now advancing technology and complex integration are resulting in increased M&S use across broader spectrum of technical disciplines, including propulsion. During propulsion testing, models are used to increase system knowledge in T&E areas which include: Test Planning, Execution, Data Analysis and Evaluation.

This paper highlights the 412 Test Wing at Edwards AFB first steps to improve aircraft propulsion system T&E through the implementation of statistically defensible model development techniques. Specifically, this paper will provide an example of typical engineer model development strategies based on past experience, system knowledge, relevant physics and subjective evaluations to determine variables used and structure of the model. This paper will also provide insight into a number of statistics-based approaches including stepwise regression, backwards elimination, the inadequacy of using R-squared and an examination into the effects of mulit-collinearity. However, the focus of this paper is on how Information Theory and Akaike’s Information Criteria (AIC) can be easily applied to compare a variety of models and determine the best model available. This paper presents an example of these model development methods applied during a development of a predictive model used for evaluating thrust response of an aircraft engine with a new digital engine control. A case will be made that statistical approaches provide a more mathematically rigorous approach for model selection as compared to traditional approaches based on engineering judgment.
Effect of Temperature on Microparticle Rebound Characteristics at Constant Impact Velocity
Authors: Delimont J. M. , Murdock M. K. , Ng W. F. , Ekkad S. V.
Published: September 2014

Many gas turbine engines operate in harsh environments where the engines ingest solid particles. Ingested particles accelerate the deterioration of engine components and reduce the engine’s service life. Understanding particle impacts on materials used in gas turbines at representative engine conditions leads to improved designs for turbomachinery operating in particle-laden environments. Coefficient of Restitution (COR) is a measure of particle/wall interaction and is used to study erosion and deposition. In the current study, the effect of temperature (independent of velocity) on COR was investigated. Arizona Road Dust (ARD) of 20–40/μm size was injected into a flow field to measure the effects of temperature and velocity on particle rebound. Target coupon materials used were 304 stainless steel and Hastelloy X. Tests were performed at three different temperatures, 300 K (ambient), 873 K, and 1073 K while the velocity of the flow field was held constant at 28 m/s. The impingement angle of the bulk sand on the coupon was varied from 30 ° to 80 ° for each temperature tested. The COR was found to decrease substantially from the ambient case to the 873 K and 1073 K cases. This decrease is believed to be due to the changes in the surface of both materials due to oxide layer formation which occurs as the target material is heated. The Hastelloy X material exhibits a larger decrease in COR than the stainless steel 304 material. The results are also compared to previously published literature.
Concerted Aerodynamic and Acoustic Diagnostics of an Axial Flow Industrial Fan, Involving the Phased Array Microphone Technique
Authors: Benedek Tamás , Vad János
Published: September 2014

The paper presents a methodology for on-site investigation of short-ducted industrial axial flow fans, as an easily realizable and effective means for concerted diagnostics on fan aerodynamics and acoustics along the rotor radius. The methodology relies on the accessibility of the fan from the upstream direction only. It involves experiments such as i) measurement of inlet axial velocity profile along the radius, combined with ii) beamforming studies using the Phased Array Microphone technique. The application of the methodology has been demonstrated in a case study of a ventilating fan. The semi-empirical data processing demonstrated significant changes of aerodynamic properties along the blade span. The acoustic studies regarded a frequency range being significant from the viewpoint of human audition. The phased array data have been processed and evaluated on the basis of two in-house developed beamforming codes, based on the Delay and Sum as well as the Rotating Source Identifier (ROSI) methods. The measurements revealed that the detected noise is dominated by rotating sources of broadband noise. By means of the ROSI code, pitchwise-resolved information has been obtained on the rotor noise. By such means, noise sources such as locally thickened suction side blade boundary layers and tip leakage flow have been identified. The spanwise variation of sound pressure has been compared with cascade loss indicators used in fan analysis and preliminary design, such as the total pressure loss coefficient and the Lieblein diffusion factor. The sound pressure has been found to increase locally with the total pressure loss and diffusion along the dominant portion of blade span, in the frequency bands being the most significant from the viewpoint of audibility of the noise generated by the fan.
GPGPU Based Aeroacoustic Optimization of a Contra-Rotating Fan
Authors: Stadler Michael , Schmitz Michael B. , Laufer Wolfgang
Published: September 2014

Contra-rotating fans have several advantages over single stage axial fans. If they are well designed, the exit flow field is almost irrotational. This helps to increase the aerodynamic efficiency by up to 16%, when compared to single stage fans. However, since the second stage interacts with the flow disturbances from the first stage, the associated noise generation is a disadvantage. This may be remedied by carefully tuning the design.

The optimization of a contra-rotating fan involves a large set of design parameters. These include the geometrical parameters of the fan blades, the winglets, the guide vane as well as the hub diameter. We demonstrate an evolutionary algorithm which helps to automate the optimization process. It is controlled by two objective functions: (1) aerodynamic efficiency and (2) the emitted tonal noise.

For the evaluation of the sound pressure, we implemented a new lattice-Boltzmann solver. Due to its algorithmic structure, this is ideally suited for massive parallelization. To leverage this potential, it is designed to run on general-purpose graphics processing units (GPGPUs). To further accelerate the optimization, it is supported by a meta-model based on a radial-basis function network.

We demonstrate the method for a small contra-rotating fan. Our numerical results are compared with physical tests. The new algorithmic arrangement has shown to drastically cut development costs and time.
A Comparative Analysis of Slip Factor on Impellers of Centrifugal Blower
Authors: Baloni Beena D. , Kumar Bhushan , Channiwala S. A.
Published: September 2014

The Slip phenomenon strongly influences the working conditions and performance of turbomachines. It is of interest to know accurately the parameters influencing the slip factor and its effect on the turbomachines. The present work incorporates an experimental analysis of the slip factor for different types of impellers. The main purpose is to provide an insight into the effect of different blade exit angle on the slip factor. Therefore, a single stage centrifugal blower with three types of impellers viz. backward curved, backward curved with radial tipped and forward curved was developed for experimentation. A total of 12 test locations, at an interval of 30°, were selected near the impeller outlet regions. The volute of the blower was kept the same for all types of impellers. To analyze a 3-dimensional flow near the impeller region, a five hole probe is used. Pressure measured by a 5-hole probe was recorded with the help of pressure transducers. Experimental results indicate that, the slip factor was not constant at a whole impeller width as well as the impeller outlet radial periphery. The value and nature of the curve for the slip factor was different at all angular positions, along the width of the impeller. This may be due to the effect of rotor-stator interaction. The effect of rotor-stator interaction increases as we move from the tongue to the exit of the volute. This affects the impeller outlet flow at different angular positions. From the experimental results, it was observed that, the impeller outlet blade angle also has a significant effect on the slip factor. For the present case the value of the slip factor was the highest with the backward curved impeller and the lowest with the forward curved impeller.
Performance Prediction of Axial Fans by CFD-Trained Meta-Models
Authors: Bamberger Konrad , Carolus Thomas
Published: September 2014

The work presented in this paper is concerned with a methodology for substituting time consuming CFD investigations of the operational characteristics of axial fans by CFD-trained meta-models. For that, the fan geometry is parameterized by 25 physically interpretable quantities allowing for a huge variety of potential fan designs. The parameters are varied by Design of Experiment (DoE) and characteristic curves of approximately 10,000 fan designs are produced using the Reynolds-averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) method. Pressure rise, efficiency, and circumferentially averaged flow profiles upstream and downstream of the rotor are extracted from the RANS results and used to train the meta-models which are Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) or, more specifically, Multilayer Perceptrons (MLP). Special care is taken to mitigate extrapolation weaknesses of the MLPs which could compromise their suitability to compute the target function in optimization algorithms. With these extra efforts, it is possible to aerodynamically optimize axial fans for arbitrary design points within the range typical for axial or even mixed-flow fans according to Cordier’s diagram of turbo machinery. On top of that, designs with good efficiency are also found outside the well known Cordier range. In particular, an extension of feasible operating points towards untypically high specific fan diameters is observed. These findings are relevant for designs aiming at high total-to-static efficiency and make optimized axial fans compete with other fan types, especially with mixed-flow fans.
Design Guidelines to Increase the Performance of a Rotor-Only Axial Fan With Constant-Swirl Blading
Authors: Masi Massimo , Piva Manuel , Lazzaretto Andrea
Published: September 2014

The controlled vortex design is a common criterion to distribute circulation along the blade span for high total pressure axial fan rotors when diameter and/or rotational speed limitations are imposed. In addition, industrial fans have to comply with Standards which impose high total efficiency.

Researchers involved in the field of fan blading fluid-dynamics showed that forward sweep of the profiles stacking line may give beneficial effects in controlled vortex design blading. However, the published literature is not always unanimous in quantifying these effects and still lacks of clearly outlined design criteria. The paper searches for design guidelines that increase the performance of a rotor-only tube axial fan featuring a constant swirl blade design without reduction in total efficiency. The original fan is experimentally tested and considered as base design for CFD models that were build to estimate the effect of design modifications. The study of the interaction between blade sweep angle, tip clearance and radial shift of the meridional flow across the rotor suggested a design procedure which increases fan total pressure of about 10% at design point and significantly extends the stable operation range while keeping similar values of total efficiency within the whole operation range.
Utilitarian Cycling in Belgium: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Sample of Regular Cyclists
Authors: de Geus Bas , Degraeuwe Bart , Vandenbulcke Grégory , Panis Luc Int , Thomas Isabelle , Aertsens Joris , De Weerdt Yves , Torfs Rudi , Meeusen Romain
Published: September 2014

Background:

For an accurate estimation of health benefits and hazards of utilitarian cycling, a prospective collection of bicycle usage data (exposure) is fundamental. Individual and environmental correlates are necessary to guide health promotion and traffic safety issues. Firstly, this study aims to report on utilitarian bicycle usage in Belgium, using a prospective data collection in regular adult commuter cyclists. Secondly, the association is explored between the individual variation in bicycle usage and individual and environmental correlates.

Methods:

1187 regular adult cyclists filled out travel diaries prospectively. Multivariate linear regression with Stepwise selection (SMLR) models studied the association between exposure and individual and environmental correlates.

Results:

Higher age and availability of cycle paths have a positive association with bicycle usage to work. Women cycle significant less compared with men, and so do cyclists with ‘poor’ or ‘average’ health. Living in an urban crown (opposed to city center) and living in Flanders (opposed to Brussels or Wallonia) is associated with significantly more cycling.

Conclusions:

Utilitarian cycling is related to regional differences, level of urbanization of the place of residence, availability of bicycle paths, and gender. These findings are useful in estimating health benefits and hazards of utilitarian cycling among regular Belgian cyclists.
Epidemiology of Injury Among Handlers and Dogs Competing in the Sport of Agility
Authors: Kerr Zachary Y. , Fields Sarah , Comstock R. Dawn
Published: September 2014

Background:

Little is known about the epidemiology of dog sport–related injuries. This study examines injuries among handlers and dogs in the sport of dog agility.

Methods:

A cross-sectional pilot study captured data on demographics, exposures, and injury for a sample of agility handlers and dogs. Logistic regressions predicted odds of injury.

Results:

Survey of 217 handlers and 431 dogs identified 31 handler injuries (1.55 training injuries per 1000 hours, 2.14 competition injuries per 1000 runs) and 38 dog injuries (1.74 training injuries per 1000 hours, 1.72 competition injuries per 1000 runs). Handlers most commonly injured knees (48.4%) and lower trunk (29.0%). Most common diagnoses were strains (51.6%) and sprains (32.3%). Obese handlers had increased odds of injury compared with normal weight handlers (OR = 5.5, P < .001). Dogs most commonly injured front paws (23.7%) and shoulders (15.8%). Most common diagnoses were strains (44.7%) and cut/scrapes (21.1%). Injury was positively associated with dog’s age (P < .05). Handlers more commonly reported positive physical, emotional, and social motivations for participation than competitive.

Conclusions:

Despite many health benefits, dog agility poses a risk of injury to both handlers and dogs. Future research on specific mechanisms of injury should drive evidence-based injury prevention strategies.
Physical Activity Level and Lifestyle-Related Risk Factors From Catalan Physicians
Authors: Pardo Alba , McKenna Jim , Mitjans Anna , Camps Berenguer , Aranda-Garcia Silvia , Garcia-Gil Juanjo , Violan Mariona
Published: September 2014

Background:

Physicians’ own Physical Activity (PA) and other health-related habits influence PA promotion. The current study identifies the PA level, according to the current PA recommendations and other health-related habits of physicians from the Catalan Medical Council.

Methods:

2400 physicians (30–55 years) were randomly selected; each received a self-administered mailed questionnaire identifying medical specialization, work setting, health self-perception, body mass index (BMI), PA, and smoking habits.

Results:

762 physicians responded (52% female). Almost 1 in 2 (49.3%) exercised sufficiently, nearly all selfperceived good health, while 80.5% were nonsmokers. Almost 6 in 10 males reported overweight or obesity (56.9%) versus 18.2% of females. Active physicians dominated specific groups: (1) aged 45–55 years, (2) specializing either in primary care or surgery, (3) working in the private sector, (4) BMI < 25kg/m2, (5) perceiving themselves in good health, or (6) having free leisure time.

Conclusions:

Only half of Catalan physicians met current PA recommendations; male physicians were particularly at risk for overweight/obesity. Overweight and under-exercise were associated with private workplaces and positive health perceptions, meaning that it is it is now possible to target inactive and/or overweight Catalan physicians in future interventions.
Draft Genome Sequence of Brachybacterium phenoliresistens Strain W13A50, a Halotolerant Hydrocarbon-Degrading Bacterium
Authors: Wang Xinxin , Zhang Zhuo , Jin Decai , Zhou Lisha , Wu Liang , Li Chen , Zhao Libin , An Wei , Chen Yu
Published: September 2014

Brachybacterium phenoliresistens
strain W13A50 was isolated from a petroleum-contaminated saline site, which could degrade hydrocarbon under high salinity conditions. Here, we present 4.2-Mb draft genome sequence of this strain, which will provide insights into the diversity of
Brachybacterium
and the mechanism of hydrocarbon degradation in saline environments.
Genome Sequence of the Microsporidian Species
Nematocida
sp1 Strain ERTm6 (ATCC PRA-372)
Authors: Bakowski Malina A. , Priest Margaret , Young Sarah , Cuomo Christina A. , Troemel Emily R.
Published: September 2014

Microsporidia comprise a phylum of obligate intracellular pathogens related to fungi. Microsporidia
Nematocida
sp1 strain ERTm6 was isolated from wild-caught
Caenorhabditis briggsae
and causes a lethal intestinal infection in
Caenorhabditis
nematodes. We report the genome sequence of
N.
sp1 ERTm6, which will facilitate study of the
Nematocida
genus and other Microsporidia.
Whole-Genome Sequences of Two Clinical Isolates of Extensively Drug-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis from Zunyi, China
Authors: Chen Ling , Zhang Derek T. , Zhang Jianyong , Su Yan A. , Zhang Hong
Published: September 2014

Before 2013, 92 countries reported extensively drug-resistant
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
cases to the WHO. Here, we announce the genome sequences of two clinical isolates of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) from Zunyi, China. The genome sequences are composed of 4,411,507 bp and 4,411,515 bp with 2,210 and 2,071 variants, respectively, when compared to the H37Rv genome.
Draft Whole-Genome Sequence of Serratia marcescens Strain MCB, Associated with
Oscheius
sp. MCB (Nematoda: Rhabditidae) Isolated from South Africa
Authors: Serepa Mahloro H. , Gray Vincent M.
Published: September 2014

Here we report on the draft genome sequence of
Serratia marcescens
strain MCB associated with
Oscheius
sp. MCB (Nematoda: Rhabditidae) isolated from South African soil.
S. marcescens
strain MCB has 5,304,212-bp genome size with 4,877 genes and a G+C content of 59.1%.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Shellfish Bacterial Pathogen
Vibrio
sp. Strain B183
Authors: Schreier Harold J. , Schott Eric J.
Published: September 2014

We report the draft genome sequence of
Vibrio
sp. strain B183, a Gram-negative marine bacterium isolated from shellfish that causes mortality in larval mariculture. The availability of this genome sequence will facilitate the study of its virulence mechanisms and add to our knowledge of
Vibrio
sp. diversity and evolution.
Whole-Genome Sequences of 24
Brucella
Strains
Authors: Minogue T. D. , Daligault H. A. , Davenport K. W. , Bishop-Lilly K. A. , Broomall S. M. , Bruce D. C. , Chain P. S. , Chertkov O. , Coyne S. R. , Frey K. G. , Gibbons H. S. , Jaissle J. , Koroleva G. I. , Ladner J. T. , Lo C.-C. , Palacios G. F. , Redden C. L. , Rosenzweig C. N. , Scholz M. B. , Xu Y. , Johnson S. L.
Published: September 2014

Brucella
species are intracellular zoonotic pathogens which cause, among other pathologies, increased rates of abortion in ruminants. Human infections are generally associated with exposure to contaminated and unpasteurized dairy products; however Brucellae have been developed as bioweapons. Here we present 17 complete and 7 scaffolded genome assemblies of
Brucella
strains.
Draft Genome Assembly of Bordetella bronchiseptica ATCC 10580, a Historical Canine Clinical Isolate
Authors: Daligault H. E. , Davenport K. W. , Minogue T. D. , Bishop-Lilly K. A. , Bruce D. C. , Chain P. S. , Coyne S. R. , Frey K. G. , Jaissle J. , Koroleva G. I. , Ladner J. T. , Lo C.-C. , Meincke L. , Munk C. , Palacios G. F. , Redden C. L. , Johnson S. L.
Published: September 2014

We present the scaffolded genome of
Bordetella bronchiseptica
ATCC 10580, assembled into 98 contigs. This 5.1-Mb assembly (68.2% G+C content) contains 4,870 coding regions. The strain was originally isolated from canine lung tissue and is used in quality control testing.
Draft Genome Sequence of Serratia grimesii Strain A2
Authors: Mardanova Ayslu M. , Toymentseva Anna A. , Gilyazeva Adeliya G. , Kazakov Sergey V. , Shagimardanova Elena I. , Khaitlina Sofia Yu , Sharipova Margarita R.
Published: September 2014

We report the first draft genome assembly of
Serratia grimesii
strain A2, previously identified as
Escherichia coli
strain A2, which produces protease ECP32 with a high specificity toward actin.
S. grimesii
strain A2 has multidrug resistance associated with a number of efflux pump genes.
How the use of creatine supplements can elevate serum creatinine in the absence of underlying kidney pathology
Authors: Williamson Lydia , New David
Published: September 2014

Serum creatinine is a widely used marker in the assessment of renal function. Elevated creatinine levels suggest kidney dysfunction, prompting the need for further investigation. This report describes a case in which the consumption of the bodybuilding supplement creatine ethyl ester resulted in raised serum creatinine in the absence of true underlying kidney pathology. The abnormalities reversed after discontinuation of the supplement. A case of pseudo renal failure was recognised and kidney function was concluded to be normal. This report aims to address the mechanisms by which the ingestion of creatine ethyl ester can mimic the blood results expected in advanced renal failure, and confronts the problems faced when relying on serum creatinine as a diagnostic tool.
Nabilone therapy for cannabis withdrawal presenting as protracted nausea and vomiting
Authors: Lam Philip W , Frost David W
Published: September 2014

Cannabis is one of the most commonly used recreational drugs worldwide. Psychoactive properties of the principal compound, δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol include euphoria, a sense of relaxation and increased appetite. Chronic cannabis use has been associated with the development of a withdrawal syndrome on abrupt discontinuation. Withdrawal symptoms typically begin within 24 h of abstinence and manifest as irritability, nervousness, sleep disturbances and decreased appetite. There is growing evidence that supports the use of plant-derived and synthetic cannabinoids for the treatment of cannabis withdrawal. In this case report, we present 20-year-old woman who developed protracted nausea and vomiting secondary to cannabis withdrawal and was successfully treated with nabilone. Nausea and vomiting is not listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-5 diagnostic criteria for cannabis withdrawal syndrome and is an uncommon symptom presentation.
HHV-6 encephalitis presenting as status epilepticus in an immunocompetent patient
Authors: Shahani Lokesh
Published: September 2014

Human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6) infections are frequently detected in patients with immunosuppressed transplant; however, reactivation in an immunocompetent patient is rarely reported. The author reports the case of a 65-year-old woman presenting with status epilepticus with foci in the temporal and occipital lobe and MRI suggestive of encephalitis in the parietal, occipital and temporal regions. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed normal cell counts, protein and glucose levels and hence viral aetiologies were considered. The patient's workup returned positive for HHV-6 in serum as well as CSF. The patient responded well to a 21-day course of antivirals with complete resolution of her symptoms. This case highlights the importance of considering HHV-6 encephalitis even among immunocompetent patients presenting with encephalitis and having signs of temporal lobe involvement.
Gay fathers’ reproductive journeys and parenting experiences: a review of research
Authors: Riggs Damien W , Due Clemence
Published: September 2014

Over the past decade growing numbers of gay men have sought and found ways to become parents, including through surrogacy, giving birth, adoption and fostering. These modes of family formation are situated alongside pre-existing modes of family formation available to gay men, specifically in heterosexual relationships and through donating sperm to lesbian recipients. This review article summarises the literature related to each of these modes of family formation. It highlights the discrimination that gay men may face as parents and the positive outcomes both for gay fathers and for the children they parent.
Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of the GenusPedicularisUsed in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Li Mao-Xing , He Xi-Rui , Tao Rui , Cao Xinyuan
Published: September 2014

In the present review, the literature data on the chemical constituents and biological investigations of the genus Pedicularis are summarized. Some species of Pedicularis have been widely applied in traditional Chinese medicine. A wide range of chemical components including iridoid glycosides, phenylpropanoid glycosides (PhGs), lignans glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids and other compounds have been isolated and identified from the genus Pedicularis. In vitro and in vivo studies indicated some monomer compounds and extracts from the genus Pedicularis have been found to possess antitumor, hepatoprotective, anti-oxidative, antihaemolysis, antibacterial activity, fatigue relief of skeletal muscle, nootropic effect and other activities.
Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Potentiates the Effect of Curcumin in Inducing Growth Inhibition and Apoptosis of Resistant Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Wang Shengpeng , Chen Ruie , Zhong Zhangfeng , Shi Zhi , Chen Meiwan , Wang Yitao
Published: September 2014

Drug resistance remains an on-going challenge in breast cancer chemotherapy. Combination of two or more drugs is an effective strategy to access context-specific multiple targets and overcome undesirable toxicity that is almost inevitable in single-drug chemotherapy. Many plant food-derived polyphenolic compounds have been proven to modulate many key factors responsible for cancer drug resistance, which makes them a promising group of low toxicity candidates for reversing cancer resistance. In this study, we analyzed the combination effect of two chemopreventive polyphenols, curcumin (Cur) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), in combating resistant breast cancer. Our present results showed that EGCG significantly enhanced the growth inhibition and apoptosis in both doxorubicin (DOX)-sensitive and resistant MCF-7 cells induced by Cur. The mechanism may be related to the further activation of caspase-dependent apoptotic signaling pathways and the enhanced cellular incorporation of Cur by inhibiting P-glycoprotein (P-gp) pump function. Moreover, Cur and EGCG in combination could enhance the toxicity of DOX and increase the intracellular level of DOX in resistant MCF-7 cells. Our findings with this practical combination of Cur and EGCG encourage us to move on to a promising strategy for successful treatment of human breast cancer resistance by combining two low-toxic chemotherapeutic agents from diet.
A Constraint Satisfaction Coordination Approach for Distributed Supply Chain Production Planning
Authors: Juan Yeh-Chun , Peng Yi-Rui
Published: September 2014

Currently, distributed supply chain production planning (SCPP) is a practical problem affecting global supply chain production. Distributed SCPP is a complex constraint satisfaction problem (CSP) comprising a series of constraints intra- and inter-production members on orders, capacity, and materials. Previous studies have proposed various advanced planning and scheduling (APS) algorithms for companies to solve internal CSPs related to production planning. Distributed SCPP problems additionally require a coordination approach to resolve conflicts among the production plans of individual production members. Several distributed CSP (DCSP) algorithms have been proposed to guide the coordination for various DCSP conditions and objectives. Based on these techniques, we propose a coordination approach for achieving consistency among individual production plans to develop an integral supply chain production plan. First, we employed an APS system to resolve the internal production planning constraints and to develop a feasible production plan for each production member. Next, we developed a hybrid DCSP coordination algorithm based on agent-ordering asynchronous weak-commitment search (AWS) algorithm and asynchronous incremental relaxation (IR) algorithm concepts to facilitate production planning coordination and resolve constraint conflicts among individual production plans. Finally, a thin-film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) supply chain was used to illustrate and verify the proposed coordination approach.
Landau problem on the ellipsoid, hyperboloid and paraboloid of revolution
Authors: Gevorgyan Eva , Nersessian Armen , Ohanyan Vadim , Tolkachev Evgeny
Published: September 2014

We define the Landau problem on two-dimensional ellipsoid, hyperboloid and paraboloid of revolution. Starting from the two-center McIntosh–Cisneros–Zwanziger (MICZ)–Kepler system and making the reduction into these two-dimensional surfaces, we obtain the Hamiltonians of the charged particle moving on the corresponding surface of revolution in the magnetic field conserving the symmetry of the two-dimensional surface (Landau problem). For each case we figure out the values of parameter for which the qualitative character of the motion coincides with that of a free particle moving on the same two-dimensional surface. For the case of finite trajectories we construct the action-angle variables.
Recent results from lattice QCD
Authors: Liu Chuan
Published: September 2014

Recent lattice QCD results are reviewed with an emphasis on spectroscopic results concerning the charm quark. It is demonstrated that, with accurate computations from lattice QCD in recent years that can be compared with the existing or upcoming experiments, stringent test of the Standard Model can be performed which will greatly sharpen our knowledge on the strong interaction.
Modified Chaplygin gas cosmology with bulk viscosity
Authors: Benaoum H. B.
Published: September 2014

In this paper, we investigate the viscous modified Chaplygin gas cosmological model. Solutions for different values of the viscosity parameter are obtained using both analytical and numerical methods. We have calculated the deceleration and defined newly statefinder {r, s} pair in D dimensions. It is shown that when D = 4, the usual statefinder parameters are recovered. Furthermore, we apply the statefinder diagnostic to the MCG model with and without viscosity in D dimensions and explore these parameters graphically.
Stochastic Vehicle Routing Problem: A Literature Survey
Authors: Berhan Eshetie , Beshah Birhanu , Kitaw Daniel , Abraham Ajith
Published: September 2014

The purpose of this paper is to develop structural classification of Stochastic Vehicle Routing Problem (SVRP) by different domains and attributes. This research used a systematic review and meta-analysis on SVRP literatures. This includes browsing relevant researches and publications, screening related articles, identifying domains, attributes and categorising the articles based on the identified domains and attributes. The findings of the study show clear differences on the number of studies under each domain and attribute. Most studied attributes are stochastic customer demand, capacitated vehicle, synthesis data and objective function with cost minimization. Whereas the least studied are maximisation objective function, stochastic service time, and an applied model using stochastic with recurs. The research helps to summarise and map a comprehensive survey on SVRP literatures so that various contributions in the field are organised in a manner that provide a clear view for the readers and identify future research directions. This paper is the first of its kind in the field of SVRP that develop a classification scheme for articles published since 1993 to enhances the development of this newly emerging discipline.
Future progress in artificial intelligence
Authors: Müller Vincent C. , Bostrom Nick
Published: September 2014

In some quarters, there is intense concern about high--level machine intelligence and superintelligent AI coming up in a few decades, bringing with it significant risks for humanity; in other quarters, these issues are ignored or considered science fiction. We wanted to clarify what the distribution of opinions actually is, what probability the best experts currently assign to high--level machine intelligence coming up within a particular time--frame, which risks they see with that development and how fast they see these developing. We thus designed a brief questionnaire and distributed it to four groups of experts. Overall, the results show an agreement among experts that AI systems will probably reach overall human ability around 2040--2050 and move on to superintelligence in less than 30 years thereafter. The experts say the probability is about one in three that this development turns out to be 'bad' or 'extremely bad' for humanity.
A new approach for disruption management in airline operations control
Authors: Castro Antonio J. M. , Rocha Ana Paula , Oliveira Eugénio
Published: September 2014

As a sequel of a recent Ph.D. thesis at the University of Porto and LIACC research lab, a new book appeared at Springer, Series: Studies in Computational Intelligence, Vol. 562, 2014, XII, 242 p., entitled
A New Approach for Disruption Management in Airline Operations Control
by Antonio J. M. Castro, Ana Paula Rocha, and Eugénio Oliveira.
Towards assessment of software reliability and its characteristics in safety systems of nuclear reactors
Authors: Babu P. Arun , Kumar C. Senthil , Murali N. , Jayakumar T.
Published: September 2014

As software failures in critical systems could be life threatening and catastrophic, the increase in software-based controls for safety operations demand a systematic evaluation of software reliability. To understand the dynamics behind building reliable software, not only is it important to estimate software reliability with high confidence, it is necessary to study the factors that are likely to affect software reliability. This is especially important for systems that are yet to be certified to be used in the field, i.e. have no operational history. Such systems are often difficult to analyze as no or little operational information is available.

This paper attempts to generalize the following relationships in safety-critical software: (i) software reliability versus number of faults in software, (ii) software reliability versus results of static and dynamic analysis, and (iii) software reliability versus safety. The present study reports and discusses results observed in safety- critical software in nuclear reactors using mutation-based testing.

The results observed in the case studies indicate that (i) reliability estimates based on number of bugs present in software are likely to be inaccurate for safety-critical software, (ii) the relationship between reliability and errors observed during dynamic analysis indicates that the average warnings and errors decrease exponentially as the reliability increases. No conclusive relationship was found between software reliability and warnings observed during static analysis; and (iii) for safety-critical software, the required safety can be achieved by improving the reliability, however the converse is not always true.
Understanding the community culture in open-source software projects
Authors: Saini Munish , Kaur Kuljit
Published: September 2014

Open-source software now holds a dominant position in the software industry. Open-source software projects follow a community-based software development approach unlike that of the traditional software paradigm. Software developers voluntarily participate and contribute to an open-source project. It is important to understand the motivations for this volunteerism and the communication means they use to collaborate with each other. It is important to understand how people work together to develop complex systems in the open-source movement. This paper attempts to understand the contributions of several research studies undertaken in this regard.
Inferring memory map instructions
Authors: Scheid Paul T. , Spilo Ari J. , Cytron Ron K.
Published: September 2014

We describe the problem of inferring a set of memory map instructions from a reference trace, with the goal of minimizing the number of such instructions as well as the number of unreferenced but mapped storage locations. We prove the related decision problem NP-complete. We then present and compare the results of two heuristic approaches on some actual traces.
Distinct populations of label-retaining cells in the adult kidney are defined temporally and exhibit divergent regional distributions
Authors: Rangarajan Sunil , Sunil Bhuvana , Fan Chunlan , Wang Pei-Xuan , Cutter Gary , Sanders Paul W. , Curtis Lisa M.
Published: September 2014

DNA label-retention, or retention of a thymidine analog, is a characteristic of slow cycling cells and has been used to identify stem cells in several organ systems. Recent findings have demonstrated inconsistent localization of label-retaining cells (LRCs) in the kidney. Differences in the dose and timing of administration of deoxyuridine, the length of the chase period, and the species of animal used have made understanding the distinctions between these findings difficult. In the present studies, we utilized a dual loading scheme in the same animal to demonstrate that the cells labeled at different ages identified independent populations of LRC that distributed globally in an anti-parallel manner in the kidney. Loading with a DNA label in neonates identified LRC more often in the papilla, while administering the DNA label in adult mice identified LRC prominently in the cortex and the outer medulla. Furthermore, the tissue compartment distribution (epithelial-endothelial-interstitial) as well as the specific distribution within the nephron epithelia differed for these populations. These findings highlighted the complexity of the dynamics of cell proliferation in the kidney throughout the postnatal and adult period and call attention to the confusion associated with the term “label-retaining cells” for different timings of the loading and chase periods. This study indicated that the results of previous studies should be viewed as nonoverlapping and that further studies are needed to ascertain the role of each of these populations in the steady-state maintenance and injury recovery of the kidney.
Endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress in polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Klawitter Jelena , Reed-Gitomer Berenice Y. , McFann Kim , Pennington Alexander , Klawitter Jost , Abebe Kaleab Z. , Klepacki Jacek , Cadnapaphornchai Melissa A. , Brosnahan Godela , Chonchol Michel , Christians Uwe , Schrier Robert W.
Published: September 2014

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of premature mortality in ADPKD patients. The aim was to identify potential serum biomarkers associated with the severity of ADPKD. Serum samples from a homogenous group of 61 HALT study A ADPKD patients [early disease group with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) >60 ml·min−1·1.73 m−2] were compared with samples from 49 patients from the HALT study B group with moderately advanced disease (eGFR 25–60 ml·min−1·1.73 m−2). Targeted tandem-mass spectrometry analysis of markers of endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress was performed and correlated with eGFR and total kidney volume normalized to the body surface area (TKV/BSA). ADPKD patients with eGFR >60 ml·min−1·1.73 m−2showed higher levels of CVD risk markers asymmetric and symmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA and SDMA), homocysteine, and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) compared with the healthy controls. Upon adjustments for age, sex, systolic blood pressure, and creatinine, SDMA, homocysteine, and SAH remained negatively correlated with eGFR. Resulting cellular methylation power [ S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)/SAH ratio] correlated with the reduction of renal function and increase in TKV. Concentrations of prostaglandins (PGs), including oxidative stress marker 8-isoprostane, as well as PGF2α, PGD2, and PGE2, were markedly elevated in patients with ADPKD compared with healthy controls. Upon adjustments for age, sex, systolic blood pressure, and creatinine, increased PGD2and PGF2αwere associated with reduced eGFR, whereas 8-isoprostane and again PGF2αwere associated with an increase in TKV/BSA. Endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress are evident early in ADPKD patients, even in those with preserved kidney function. The identified pathways may provide potential therapeutic targets for slowing down the disease progression.