bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Variant at the GLUL Locus Predicts All-Cause Mortality in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Prudente Sabrina , Shah Hetal , Bailetti Diego , Pezzolesi Marcus , Buranasupkajorn Patinut , Mercuri Luana , Mendonca Christine , De Cosmo Salvatore , Niewczas Monika , Trischitta Vincenzo , Doria Alessandro
Published: February 2015

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs10911021 at the glutamate-ammonia ligase (GLUL) locus has been associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease in individuals with type 2 diabetes. The effect of this SNP on mortality was investigated among 1,242 white subjects with type 2 diabetes from the Joslin Kidney Study (JKS) (n = 416) and the Gargano Mortality Study (GMS) (n = 826). During a mean follow-up of 12.8 ± 5.8 and 7.5 ± 2.2 years, respectively, a total of 215 and 164 deaths were observed in the two studies. In both cohorts, the all-cause mortality rate significantly increased with the number of rs10911021 risk alleles, with allelic hazard ratios (HRs) of 1.32 (95% CI 1.07–1.64, P = 0.01), 1.30 (1.10–1.69, P = 0.04), and 1.32 (1.12–1.55, P = 0.0011), respectively, in the JKS, the GMS, and the two studies combined. These associations were not affected by adjustment for possible confounders. In the JKS, for which data on causes of death were available, the HR for cardiovascular mortality was 1.51 (1.12–2.04, P = 0.0077) as opposed to 1.15 (0.84–1.55, P = 0.39) for mortality from noncardiovascular causes. These findings point to SNP rs10911021 as an independent modulator of mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes and, together with the previous observation, suggest that this results from an effect of this variant on cardiovascular risk.
Monitoring and Analysis of the Performance Data of a RO-PAX Ship in the Perspective of Energy Efficiency
Authors: Maria Galli Anna , Gualeni Paola , Stranieri Giuseppe , Qualich Stefano , Cusano Giovanni
Published: February 2015

The rising cost of fuel, the more and more severe international standards and a growing awareness of the environmental impact of pollutant emissions have led energy efficiency to become a theme of great interest in the marine sector. The strategy for increasing energy efficiency may refer both to the consumption reduction and to the increase of energy recovery systems. This need turns out in monitoring and control strategies for energy processes on board. Monitoring information is recorded and stocked in a database, that needs to be analyzed to find out patterns in large data sets. A huge amount of data, from a RO-PAX ship, has been analyzed in order to gain a further insight into ship performances. Improvements in ship energy performances could be reached with an intense study of the historical data of the vessel attitude.
Prediction of Tonal Underwater Noise Pattern from Cavitating Propellers with Special Attention to Ice Cover Effects
Authors: Streckwall Heinrich , Bretschneider Herbert
Published: February 2015

To predict underwater noise spectra associated to regular occurrence of propeller cavitation we have extended an existing method [1] (used for the prediction of fluctuating hull pressures) to become applicable for effects that are linked to a finite speed of sound. In [2] an intermediate approach was realized where (besides the hull) far field boundaries were introduced but the incompressible flow assumption was kept. However compressibility effects become noticeable in the far field, which may be judged to start at some 2-3 propeller-diameters distance from the centre of the cavitation events, if we confine to emissions at 1st-4th blade frequency. It was a logical continuation of our former efforts to realize a compressible flow model and integrate the propeller as a noise source. Having increased the functionality of our approach by referencing the speed of sound, the precision of the method was also somehow reduced. In our former approach, like in comparable approaches (see for instance [3] and [4]), the singularity system generating the near field propeller induced pressures involved various sources and vortices distributed on the propeller blades. With our current compressible approach this complexity was dropped, as a single point source substitutes the cavitating propeller. Such a simplification correlates with the assumption, that the monopole character of a noise source is decisive for the far field noise levels. In this contribution we outline the steps characterizing the procedure for predicting tonal underwater noise from cavitating propellers. In the first step a Vortex Lattice Method (VLM) is used to access the cavitation pattern on the propeller with special focus on the cavity volume attached to one blade. The second step accumulates the distributed cavities to establish a fluctuating point source of equivalent far field noise characteristic. As relevant limits the hull, the free surface, the sea bottom and an ice cover are introduced. Using finally a Boundary Element Method (BEM) approach the relevant noise characteristics are derived, accounting for external boundaries and for the finite speed of sound. The results provided here are focused on a comparative treatment of different scenarios, mainly addressing ice cover effects at finite the water depth.
Problems of Modelling Toxic Compounds Emitted by a Marine Internal Combustion Engine in Unsteady States
Authors: Rudnicki Jacek , Zadrąg Ryszard
Published: February 2015

Contemporary engine tests are performed based on the theory of experiment. The available versions of programmes used for analysing experimental data make frequent use of the multiple regression model, which enables examining effects and interactions between input model parameters and a single output variable. The use of multi-equation models provides more freedom in analysing the measured results, as those models enable simultaneous analysis of effects and interactions between many output variables. They can also be used as a tool in preparing experimental material for other advanced diagnostic tools, such as the models making use of neural networks which, when properly prepared, enable also analysing measurement results recorded during dynamic processes.

The article presents advantages of the use of the abovementioned analytical tools and a sample application of the neural model developed based on the results of examination carried out on the engine research rig.
Mathematical Model of Piston Ring Sealing in Combustion Engine
Authors: Koszałka Grzegorz , Guzik Mirosław
Published: February 2015

This paper presents a mathematical model of piston-rings-cylinder sealing (TPC) of a combustion engine. The developed model is an itegrated model of gas flow through gaps in TPC unit, displacements and twisting motions of piston rings in ring grooves as well as generation of oil film between ring face surfaces and cylinder liner. Thermal deformations and wear of TPC unit elements as well as heat exchange between flowing gas and surrounding walls, were taken into account in the model. The paper contains descriptions of: assumptions used for developing the model, the model itself, its numerical solution as well as its computer application for carrying out simulation tests.
Analysis of Deformations of the Skylight Construction at the Main Hall of the Warsaw University of Technology
Authors: Odziemczyk Waldemar
Published: February 2015

The paper presents technology and results of measurements of the steel construction of the skylight of the Main Hall of the Warsaw University of Technology. The new version of the automated measuring system has been used for measurements. This system is based on Leica TCRP1201+ total station and the TCcalc1200 software application, developed by the author, which operates on a laptop computer connected with the total station by the wire. Two test measurements were performed. Each of them consisted of cyclic measurement using the polar method, from one station; points located on the skylight construction, as well as control points located on concrete, bearing poles, were successively measured. Besides geometrical values (such as Hz, V angles and the slope distance D), the changes of temperature and atmospheric pressure, were also recorded. Processed results of measurements contained information concerning the behaviour of the skylight; asymmetry of horizontal displacements with respect to the X axis have been proved. Changes of parameters of the instrument telescope and changes of the instrument orientation were also stated; they were connected with changes of the temperature. The most important results of works have been presented in the form of diagrams.
Determination of Rectification Corrections for Semi Gantry Crane Rail Axes in the Local 3D Coordinate System
Authors: Filipiak Daria , Kamiński Waldemar
Published: February 2015

Electronic tacheometers are currently the standard instruments used in geodetic work, including also geodetic engineering measurements. The main advantage connected with this equipment is among others high accuracy of the measurement and thus high accuracy of the final determinations represented for example by the points’ coordinates. One of many applications of the tacheometers is the measurement of crane rail axes. This measurement is based on polar method and it allows to get the spatial coordinates of points in 3D local system. The standard technology of measurement of crane rail axes and development of its calculations’ results is well-known and widely presented in the subject literature. At the same time new methods of observations results evaluation are developing.

Some new proposals for the development of measurement results were already presented in (Kamiński, 2013).

This paper is a generalisation of the paper quoted above. The authors developed the concept which was presented there by a proposal for determining rectification corrections for semi gantry crane rail axes. To carried out the task, the parametric method with conditions on parameters was used. Moreover the practical tests on simulated measurement results were conducted. The results obtained from alignment confirmed the theoretical assumptions.

Despite the fact that analyses were carried out only on the simulated data, it is already possible to say that presented method for determination of rectification corrections for crane rail axes can be used for development of the observations from real measurement.
Development of Large Concrete Object Geometrical Model Based on Terrestrial Laser Scanning
Authors: Zaczek-Peplinska Janina , Popielski Paweł , Kasprzak Adam , Wójcik Paweł
Published: February 2015

The paper presents control periodic measurements of movements and survey of concrete dam on Dunajec River in Rożnów, Poland. Topographical survey was conducted using laser scanning technique. The goal of survey was data collection and creation of a geometrical model. Acquired cross- and horizontal sections were utilised to create a numerical model of object behaviour at various load depending of changing level of water in reservoir. Modelling was accomplished using finite elements technique. During the project an assessment was conducted to terrestrial laser scanning techniques for such type of research of large hydrotechnical objects such as gravitational water dams. Developed model can be used to define deformations and displacement prognosis.
The Effect of Elastic Therapeutic Taping on Back Extensor Muscle Endurance in Patients With Low Back Pain: A Randomized, Controlled, Crossover Trial
Authors: Hagen Lindsey , Hebert Jeffrey J. , Dekanich Joel , Koppenhaver Shane
Published: February 2015

Study Design

Randomized, controlled, crossover trial.

Objectives

To examine the effects of elastic therapeutic taping (ETT) applied to the lumbar paraspinal region on back muscle endurance (BME) compared to no tape or a rigid therapeutic taping (RTT) procedure in individuals with nonspecific low back pain.

Background

Elastic therapeutic taping is an increasingly popular intervention for clinicians who treat patients with low back pain. However, no studies have investigated the effect of ETT on back extensor muscle performance in a symptomatic population.

Methods

We measured BME in 16 patients (mean ± SD age, 44.8 ± 10.4 years; 44% female) with nonspecific low back pain. Back muscle endurance was measured using the Biering-Sørensen test under 3 different conditions: ETT, no tape, and RTT. For the ETT condition, the tape was applied over the paraspinal muscles according to the Kinesio Tex taping protocol. The RTT condition consisted of the same tape configuration but using nonelastic athletic tape. All participants received each testing condition in random order, with 1 to 3 days between each condition. Differences in BME between the 3 testing conditions were explored with repeated-measures analyses of variance.

Results

There were no differences in BME between ETT and RTT, or between the RTT and no-tape conditions. The difference in BME between the ETT and no-tape conditions was statistically significant (mean difference, 20.7 seconds; 95% confidence interval: 6.8, 34.5; P = .006) but within the threshold of measurement error.

Conclusion

Back muscle endurance was higher with ETT applied over the paraspinal musculature when compared to a no-tape condition. However, the magnitude of difference did not exceed measurement error. There was no difference in BME when using elastic or rigid therapeutic tape.

Level of Evidence

Therapy, level 2b-. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(3):215–219. Epub 13 Feb 2015. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.5177
The Politics of Fear, Mobility, and Media Discourses
Authors: Stjernborg Vanessa , Tesfahuney Mekonnen , Wretstrand Anders
Published: February 2015

This study focuses on Seved, a segregated and socioeconomically “poor” neighborhood in the city of Malmö in Sweden. It has attracted wide media coverage, a possible consequence of which is its increased stigmatization. The wide disparity between perceived or imagined fear and the actual incidence of, or exposure to, violence attests to the important role of the media in shaping mental maps and place images. Critical discourse analysis of daily newspaper articles shows that Seved is predominantly construed as unruly and a place of lawlessness. Mobility comprises an important aspect of the stigmatization of places, the politics of fear, and discourses of the “other.” In turn, place stigmatization, discourses of the other, and the politics of fear directly and indirectly affect mobility strategies of individuals and groups.
Early outcome of combined endoscopic third ventriculostomy and choroid plexus cauterization in childhood hydrocephalus
Authors: Bankole Olufemi B. , Ojo Omotayo A. , Nnadi Mathias N. , Kanu Okezie O. , Olatosi John O.
Published: February 2015

OBJECT

Although shunts have been the mainstay in treating hydrocephalus over the past 5 decades, the use of endoscopic techniques in addressing this disorder in children offers both the neurosurgeon and the patient a unique opportunity to avoid shunting and its attendant complications. The combination of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) with choroid plexus cauterization (CPC) remains uncommon in most centers despite its potential promise. The authors sought to investigate the efficacy of combining ETV and CPC (ETV+CPC) in treating childhood hydrocephalus in Nigeria. Infection and spina bifida contribute a high percentage of the cases of hydrocephalus in Nigeria.

METHODS

Over a 2-year period, all children 0–18 years of age who had endoscopic treatment for hydrocephalus were prospectively evaluated to determine the need for subsequent treatment. Children who had the combination of ETV+CPC were identified as a subcategory and form the basis of this retrospective study.

RESULTS

Twenty-two of 38 endoscopically treated children had undergone the combination of ETV+CPC for hydrocephalus of varied etiology. There was a male preponderance (2.5:1), and 90% of the patients were infants. The overall success rate was 75%, with the best outcome in children with spina bifida. One child required a repeat ETV.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of ETV+CPC is useful in treating children with hydrocephalus of varied etiology. The complication profile is acceptable, and the overall success rate is comparable to that associated with shunt insertion.
Tubercular meningitis with hydrocephalus with HIV co-infection: role of cerebrospinal fluid diversion procedures
Authors: Sharma Raman Mohan , Pruthi Nupur , Arimappamagan Arivazhagan , Somanna Sampath , Devi Bhagavathula Indira , Pandey Paritosh
Published: February 2015

OBJECT

Hydrocephalus is one of the commonest complications of tubercular meningitis (TBM), and its incidence is increasing with the HIV epidemic. Literature evaluating the role of ventriculoperitoneal shunts in HIV-positive patients with TBM and their long-term prognosis is scarce.

METHODS

Between June 2002 and October 2012, 30 HIV-positive patients with TBM and hydrocephalus underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement. Thirty age-, sex-, and grade-matched HIV-negative patients with TBM and hydrocephalus were randomly selected as the control group. Outcome was analyzed at discharge (short-term outcome) and at follow-up (long-term outcome). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to look for predictors of outcome; p < 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

There were no differences in the clinical, radiological, or biochemical parameters between the 2 groups. Short-term outcome was better in the HIV-negative group (76.7% improvement) than in the HIV-positive group (70%). However, the long-term outcome in HIV-positive patients was very poor (66.7% mortality and 76.2% poor outcome) compared with HIV-negative patients (30.8% mortality and 34.6% poor outcome). Seropositivity for HIV is an independent predictor of poor outcome both in univariate and multivariate analyses (p = 0.038). However, in contrast to previous reports, of 5 patients with TBM in good Palur grades among the HIV-positive patients, 4 (80%) had good outcome following shunt placement.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors recommend that shunt treatment should not be performed in HIV-positive patients in poor Palur grade with hydrocephalus. A trial of external ventricular drainage should be undertaken in such patients, and shunt treatment should be performed only if there is any improvement. However, HIV-positive patients in good Palur grades should undergo VP shunt placement, as these patients have better outcomes than previously reported.
Long-term efficacy and safety of internal neurolysis for trigeminal neuralgia without neurovascular compression
Authors: Ko Andrew L. , Ozpinar Alp , Lee Albert , Raslan Ahmed M. , McCartney Shirley , Burchiel Kim J.
Published: February 2015

OBJECT

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) occurs and recurs in the absence of neurovascular compression (NVC). While microvascular decompression (MVD) is the most effective treatment for TN, it is not possible when NVC is not present. Therefore, the authors sought to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and durability of internal neurolysis (IN), or “nerve combing,” as a treatment for TN without NVC.

METHODS

This was a retrospective review of all cases of Type 1 TN involving all patients 18 years of age or older who underwent evaluation (and surgery when appropriate) at Oregon Health & Science University between July 2006 and February 2013. Chart reviews and telephone interviews were conducted to assess patient outcomes. Pain intensity was evaluated with the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) Pain Intensity scale, and the Brief Pain Inventory–Facial (BPI-Facial) was used to assess general and face-specific activity. Pain-free survival and durability of successful pain relief (BNI pain scores of 1 or 2) were statistically evaluated with Kaplan-Meier analysis. Prognostic factors were identified and analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression.

RESULTS

A total of 177 patients with Type 1 TN were identified. A subgroup of 27 was found to have no NVC on high-resolution MRI/MR angiography or at surgery. These patients were significantly younger than patients with classic Type 1 TN. Long-term follow-up was available for 26 of 27 patients, and 23 responded to the telephone survey. The median follow-up duration was 43.4 months. Immediate postoperative results were comparable to MVD, with 85% of patients pain free and 96% of patients with successful pain relief. At 1 year and 5 years, the rate of pain-free survival was 58% and 47%, respectively. Successful pain relief at those intervals was maintained in 77% and 72% of patients. Almost all patients experienced some degree of numbness or hypesthesia (96%), but in patients with successful pain relief, this numbness did not significantly impact their quality of life. There was 1 patient with a CSF leak and 1 patient with anesthesia dolorosa. Previous treatment for TN was identified as a poor prognostic factor for successful outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report of IN with meaningful outcomes data. This study demonstrated that IN is a safe, effective, and durable treatment for TN in the absence of NVC. Pain-free outcomes with IN appeared to be more durable than radiofrequency gangliolysis, and IN appears to be more effective than stereotactic radiosurgery, 2 alternatives to posterior fossa exploration in cases of TN without NVC. Given the younger age distribution of patients in this group, consideration should be given to performing IN as an initial treatment. Accrual of further outcomes data is warranted.
Oncostatin M Modulation of Lipid Storage
Authors: Elks Carrie , Stephens Jacqueline
Published: February 2015

Oncostatin M (OSM) is a cytokine belonging to the gp130 family, whose members serve pleiotropic functions. However, several actions of OSM are unique from those of other gp130 cytokines, and these actions may have critical roles in inflammatory mechanisms influencing several metabolic and biological functions of insulin-sensitive tissues. In this review, the actions of OSM in adipose tissue and liver are discussed, with an emphasis on lipid metabolism.
Effects of Disruption Risks on Biorefinery Location Design
Authors: Bai Yun , Li Xiaopeng , Peng Fan , Wang Xin , Ouyang Yanfeng
Published: February 2015

While ever-growing bio-ethanol production poses considerable challenges to the bioenergy supply chain, the risk of refinery operation disruptions further compromises the efficiency and reliability of the energy supply system. This paper applies discrete and continuous reliable facility location models to the design of reliable bio-ethanol supply chains so that the system can hedge against potential operational disruptions. The discrete model is shown to be suitable for obtaining the exact optimality for small or moderate instances, while the continuous model has superior computational tractability for large-scale applications. The impacts of both site-independent and dependent disruptions (i.e., due to flooding) are analyzed in empirical case study for the State of Illinois (one of the main biomass supply states in the U.S.). The reliable solution is compared with a deterministic solution under the same setting. It is found that refinery disruptions, especially those site-dependent ones, affect both optimal refinery deployment and the supply chain cost. Sensitivity analysis is also conducted to show how refinery failure probability and fixed cost (for building biorefineries) affect optimal supply chain configuration and the total expected system cost.
How the Economic and Financial Situation of the Community Affects Sport Clubs’ Resources: Evidence from Multi-Level Models
Authors: Wicker Pamela , Breuer Christoph
Published: February 2015

In many Western countries, local community sport clubs are important providers of leisure, sport, and social programs. These sport clubs are nonprofit organizations, which operate in an increasingly challenging environment. This study considers a club’s direct local environment, i.e., the community the club is located in. The open systems model and the resource dependence represent the theoretical framework. The purpose of this research is to examine the effect of the financial and economic environment in the community on the resource situation of sport clubs (human, infrastructure, and financial resources). The empirical evaluation is undertaken using data from a nationwide survey of non-profit sport clubs in Germany (organizational level; n = 19,345), which are combined with secondary data on community characteristics (community level; n = 3153). Given the hierarchical data structure, multi-level analyses are applied. The results show that volunteer problems are smaller among clubs in communities with high unemployment. Facility and financial problems are greater in large communities. Sport clubs located in communities that could break even were also more likely to break even themselves. The findings show that resource problems are not necessarily due to poor club management, since higher-level (community) factors significantly affect the resource situation of sport clubs too.
Marine Bromophenol Bis (2,3-Dibromo-4,5-dihydroxy-phenyl)-methane Inhibits the Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells via Modulating β1-Integrin/FAK Signaling
Authors: Wu Ning , Luo Jiao , Jiang Bo , Wang Lijun , Wang Shuaiyu , Wang Changhui , Fu Changqing , Li Jian , Shi Dayong
Published: February 2015

Bis (2,3-dibromo-4,5-dihydroxy-phenyl)-methane (BDDPM) is a natural bromophenol compound derived from marine algae. Previous reports have shown that BDDPM possesses antimicrobial activity. In the present study, we found that BDDPM has cytotoxic activity on a wide range of tumor cells, including BEL-7402 cells (IC50 = 8.7 μg/mL). Further studies have shown that prior to the onset of apoptosis, the BDDPM induces BEL-7402 cell detachment by decreasing the adherence of cells to the extracellular matrix (ECM). Detachment experiments have shown that the treatment of BEL-7402 cells with low concentrations of BDDPM (5.0 μg/mL) significantly inhibits cell adhesion to fibronectin and collagen IV as well as cell migration and invasion. High doses of BDDPM (10.0 μg/mL) completely inhibit the migration of BEL-7402 cells, and the expression level of MMPs (MMP-2 and MMP-9) is significantly decreased. Moreover, the expression of β1-integrin and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is found to be down-regulated by BDDPM. This study suggests that BDDPM has a potential to be developed as a novel anticancer therapeutic agent due to its anti-metastatic activity and also indicates that BDDPM, which has a unique chemical structure, could serve as a lead compound for rational drug design and for future development of anticancer agents.
Spectroscopic (FT-IR, FT-Raman, 1H- and 13C-NMR), Theoretical and Microbiological Study of trans o-Coumaric Acid and Alkali Metal o-Coumarates
Authors: Kowczyk-Sadowy Małgorzata , Świsłocka Renata , Lewandowska Hanna , Piekut Jolanta , Lewandowski Włodzimierz
Published: February 2015

This work is a continuation of research on a correlation between the molecular structure and electronic charge distribution of phenolic compounds and their biological activity. The influence of lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium and cesium cations on the electronic system of trans o-coumaric (2-hydroxy-cinnamic) acid was studied. We investigated the relationship between the molecular structure of the tested compounds and their antimicrobial activity. Complementary molecular spectroscopic techniques such as infrared (FT-IR), Raman (FT-Raman), ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (1H- and 13C-NMR) were applied. Structures of the molecules were optimized and their structural characteristics were calculated by the density functional theory (DFT) using the B3LYP method with 6-311++G** as a basis set. Geometric and magnetic aromaticity indices, atomic charges, dipole moments and energies were also calculated. Theoretical parameters were compared to the experimental characteristics of investigated compounds. Correlations between certain vibrational bands and some metal parameters, such as electronegativity, ionization energy, atomic and ionic radius, were found. The microbial activity of studied compounds was tested against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus vulgaris and Candida albicans.
Welcome to the New Open-Access Journal—Recycling
Authors: Rosano Michele
Published: February 2015

The potential to convert a waste or previously unutilised material as a reusable material will be of increasing importance in the 21st century as we see burgeoning population growth put further pressure on the world’s finite resources and waste management options. This proposition alone will see increasing economic and environmental benefits gained from recycling activities. The essential decoupling of economic growth and the depletion of non-renewable resources is one of the most significant challenges for sustainable development over the next century. This challenge involves reducing the total consumption of raw materials as well as developing further impetus for recycling and reuse activities to meet the increasing demand for materials.[...]
A Stationary North-Finding Scheme for an Azimuth Rotational IMU Utilizing a Linear State Equality Constraint
Authors: Yu Huapeng , Zhu Hai , Gao Dayuan , Yu Meng , Wu Wenqi
Published: February 2015

The Kalman filter (KF) has always been used to improve north-finding performance under practical conditions. By analyzing the characteristics of the azimuth rotational inertial measurement unit (ARIMU) on a stationary base, a linear state equality constraint for the conventional KF used in the fine north-finding filtering phase is derived. Then, a constrained KF using the state equality constraint is proposed and studied in depth. Estimation behaviors of the concerned navigation errors when implementing the conventional KF scheme and the constrained KF scheme during stationary north-finding are investigated analytically by the stochastic observability approach, which can provide explicit formulations of the navigation errors with influencing variables. Finally, multiple practical experimental tests at a fixed position are done on a postulate system to compare the stationary north-finding performance of the two filtering schemes. In conclusion, this study has successfully extended the utilization of the stochastic observability approach for analytic descriptions of estimation behaviors of the concerned navigation errors, and the constrained KF scheme has demonstrated its superiority over the conventional KF scheme for ARIMU stationary north-finding both theoretically and practically.
A High Resolution On-Chip Delay Sensor with Low Supply-Voltage Sensitivity for High-Performance Electronic Systems
Authors: Sheng Duo , Lai Hsiu-Fan , Chan Sheng-Min , Hong Min-Rong
Published: February 2015

An all-digital on-chip delay sensor (OCDS) circuit with high delay-measurement resolution and low supply-voltage sensitivity for efficient detection and diagnosis in high-performance electronic system applications is presented. Based on the proposed delay measurement scheme, the quantization resolution of the proposed OCDS can be reduced to several picoseconds. Additionally, the proposed cascade-stage delay measurement circuit can enhance immunity to supply-voltage variations of the delay measurement resolution without extra self-biasing or calibration circuits. Simulation results show that the delay measurement resolution can be improved to 1.2 ps; the average delay resolution variation is 0.55% with supply-voltage variations of ±10%. Moreover, the proposed delay sensor can be implemented in an all-digital manner, making it very suitable for high-performance electronic system applications as well as system-level integration.
Correction: Tang, C. Y. and Chen, X.Y. A Class of Coning Algorithms Based on a Half-Compressed Structure. Sensors 2014, 14, 14289–14301
Authors: Tang Chuanye , Chen Xiyuan
Published: February 2015

Due to an oversight by MDPI and the authors, the following numerical corrections were not made in the originally published article [1]. MDPI-Sensors and the authors would like to apologize for any inconvenience brought to the readers.[...]
Urologist Referral Delay and Its Impact on Survival after Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer
Authors: Santos F. , Dragomir A. , Kassouf W. , Franco E. , Aprikian A.
Published: February 2015

Background: Evidence shows that wait times before bladder cancer surgery have been increasing, and wait time can negatively affect survival. We aimed to determine if a long delay caused by an indirect referral before a first urologist visit affects the survival of patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. Methods: We analyzed data from 1271 patients who underwent surgery for bladder cancer during the decade 2000–2009. The cohort was obtained by linking two administrative databases in the province of Quebec. Patients were considered to have been directly referred to a urologist if they had 5 or fewer visits with a general practitioner before their first urologist visit; otherwise, they were considered to have been indirectly referred. The effect on survival after surgery of a longer delay before a first urologist visit was assessed using Cox regression models. Results: Median referral delay for the study population was 30 days (56 days for women, 23 days for men; p < 0.0001). Indirect referral was observed for 49% of women and 33% of men. Compared with patients who were directly referred, those who were indirectly referred after first symptoms of bladder cancer experienced poorer survival (hazard ratio: 1.29; 95% confidence interval: 1.10 to 1.52). Women who were indirectly referred had a significant 47% greater risk of death after radical cystectomy. Men who were indirectly referred also experienced decreased survival (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.25; 95% confidence interval: 1.03 to 1.51). Conclusions: Patients indirectly referred to a urologist had an increased risk of mortality after surgery. Compared with men, women had longer wait times and poorer survival.
Overdiagnosis in Breast Cancer Chemoprevention Trials
Authors: Sopik V. , Narod S.A.
Published: February 2015

Several randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that the preventive use of an antiestrogen agent such as tamoxifen, raloxifene, anastrozole, or exemestane will reduce the incidence of estrogen receptor (er)–positive breast cancers by 50% or more. The reduction in risk becomes apparent shortly after tamoxifen initiation. However, no mortality benefit has yet been demonstrated with tamoxifen or any other agent, an effect that might be statistical: that is, the statistical power to detect a difference in mortality could be lacking because deaths from breast cancer are far fewer in number than cases of breast cancer, and because the average time to cancer is much shorter than the time to death. In other words, it could be too early to see an effect. However, the lack of an observed survival benefit might also be a result of chemoprevention agents preferentially preventing cancers that would rarely lead to death. That paradigm extends the (controversial) concepts of overdiagnosis and of the potential for spontaneous regression of some lowgrade breast cancers [...]
Novel Agents and Associated Toxicities of Inhibitors of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway for the Treatment of Breast Cancer
Authors: Chia S. , Gandhi S. , Joy A.A. , Edwards S. , Gorr M. , Hopkins S. , Kondejewski J. , Ayoub J.P. , Califaretti N. , Rayson D. , Dent S.F.
Published: February 2015

The PI3K/Akt/mTOR (phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/ Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin) signalling pathway is an established driver of oncogenic activity in human malignancies. Therapeutic targeting of this pathway holds significant promise as a treatment strategy. Everolimus, an mtor inhibitor, is the first of this class of agents approved for the treatment of hormone receptor–positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative advanced breast cancer. Everolimus has been associated with significant improvements in progression-free survival; however, it is also associated with increased toxicity related to its specific mechanism of action. Methods: A comprehensive review of the literature conducted using a focused medline search was combined with a search of current trials at http://ClinicalTrials.gov/. Summary tables of the toxicities of the various classes of PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors were created. A broad group of Canadian health care professionals was assembled to review the data and to produce expert opinion and summary recommendations for possible best practices in managing the adverse events associated with these pathway inhibitors. Results: Differing toxicities are associated with the various classes of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway inhibitors. The most common unique adverse events observed in everolimus clinical trials in breast cancer include stomatitis (all grades: approximately 60%), noninfectious pneumonitis (15%), rash (40%), hyperglycemia (15%), and immunosuppression (40%). To minimize grades 3 and 4 toxicities and to attempt to attain optimal outcomes, effective management of those adverse events is critical. Management should be interdisciplinary and should use approaches that include education, early recognition, active intervention, and potentially prophylactic strategies. Discussion: Everolimus likely represents the first of many complex oral targeted therapies for the treatment of breast cancer. Using this agent as a template, it is essential to establish best practices involving and integrating multiple disciplines for the management of future PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway inhibitors.
Étalonnage des blocs de Corsi sur une population d'enfants scolarisés du CP à la 6 e
Authors: Fournier Maryline , Albaret Jean-Michel
Published: February 2015

L’épreuve des blocs de Corsi mesure la composante visuo-spatiale de la mémoire de travail, mais fait appel à des processus cognitifs variés. Elle consiste à reproduire, dans le même ordre ou en ordre inverse, une séquence de mouvements de pointage de différents cubes montrée par l’observateur. La présente étude donne les résultats d’un étalonnage réalisé sur une population française de 456 enfants scolarisés du CP à la 6 e pour les conditions de rappel endroit et envers.
La recherche sur le dessin : quelles questions se pose-t-on actuellement en psychologie ?
Authors: Picard Delphine
Published: February 2015

Le dessin est une activité grapho-motrice typique de l’enfance qui a régulièrement été l’objet de recherches dans le domaine de la psychologie. Dans cet article, nous nous attachons à dégager les principales questions de recherche qui sont actuellement posées en psychologie sur le dessin. Pour cela, notre méthodologie consiste (i) à rassembler les articles scientifiques publiés en langue anglaise dans des revues internationales à comité de lecture de 2011 à 2013 (inclus) qui comportent le mot « dessin » dans leur titre, puis (ii) à catégoriser ce corpus en un ensemble limité de thématiques récurrentes afin de dégager les principaux axes de recherche actuels sur le dessin. Enfin, (iii) nous procédons à une analyse qualitative et quantitative de ce corpus et illustrons chaque axe de recherche identifié par la présentation d’études représentatives de leur catégorie.
« There is no such thing as philosophic logic » : Le problème de l'exception wittgensteinienne
Authors: Roy Jean-Michel
Published: February 2015

Loin d’avoir conduit à son abandon, la révolution mathématique de la logique du tournant du siècle a donné une nouvelle impulsion à l’idée de logique philosophique. Au point que cette dernière est devenue l’une des aires les plus actives de la philosophie. La logique philosophique contemporaine n’en demeure pas moins parcourue par des incertitudes fondamentales quant à son objet et sa problématique. L’une des voies à emprunter pour les surmonter est de faire retour sur ses origines, et d’analyser beaucoup plus précisément qu’on ne l’a fait jusqu’ici l’opposition entre logique philosophique et logique scientifique qui se trouve en fait au cœur du développement de la logique mathématique. C’est dans cet esprit que le présent article s’interroge sur la notable exception que représente à cet égard le Wittgenstein du Tractatus qui, en dépit d’être l’héritier direct des pères de cette opposition (Gottlob Frege, Bertrand Russell), a en réalité prononcé à son endroit une condamnation lapidaire et radicale en 1922. Son ambition se limite principalement à poser dans toute son ampleur le problème que soulève ce rejet largement négligé et en fait éminemment paradoxal, et à mettre en pleine lumière l’importance et la profondeur de ses implications pour la compréhension de la genèse de la logique philosophique contemporaine et, partant, de celle des difficultés qui l’entourent aujourd’hui.
State and Parametric Estimation of Nonlinear Systems Described by Wiener Sate-Space Mathematical Models
Authors: Salhi Houda , Kamoun Samira
Published: February 2015

This chapter deals with the description, the parametric estimation, the state estimation, and the parametric and state estimation conjointly of nonlinear systems. The focus is on the class of nonlinear systems, which are described by Wiener state-space discrete-time mathematical models. Thus, the authors develop a new recursive parametric estimation algorithm, which is based on least squares techniques. The stability conditions of the developed parametric estimation scheme are analyzed using the Lyapunov method. The state estimation problem of the considered nonlinear systems is formulated. Thus, the authors propose a recursive state estimation algorithm, which is based on Kalman Filter. A new recursive algorithm is proposed, which permits one to estimate conjointly the parameters and the state variables of nonlinear systems described by Wiener mathematical models, with unknown parameters and state variables. The efficiency and performance of the proposed recursive estimation algorithms are tested on numerical simulation examples.
Chaotic Attractor in a Novel Time-Delayed System with a Saturation Function
Authors: Pham Viet-Thanh , Volos Christos , Vaidyanathan Sundarapandian
Published: February 2015

From the viewpoint of engineering applications, time delay is useful for constructing a chaotic signal generator, which is the major part of diverse potential applications. Although different mathematical models of time-delay systems have been known, few models can exhibit chaotic behaviors. Motivated by attractive features and potential applications of time-delay models, a new chaotic system with a single scalar time delay and a nonlinearity described by a saturation function is proposed in this chapter. Nonlinear behavior of the system is discovered through bifurcation diagrams and the maximum Lyapunov exponent with the variance of system parameters. Interestingly, the system shows double-scroll chaotic attractors for some suitable chosen system parameters. In order to confirm the correction and feasibility of the theoretical model, the system is also implemented with analog electronic circuit. Finally, a practical application of such circuit is discussed at the end of this chapter.
Further Investigation of the Period-Three Route to Chaos in the Passive Compass-Gait Biped Model
Authors: Gritli Hassène , Khraief Nahla , Belghith Safya
Published: February 2015

This chapter presents further investigations into the period-three route to chaos exhibited in the passive dynamic walking of the compass-gait biped robot as it goes down an inclined surface. This discovered kind of route in the passive bipedal locomotion was found to coexist with the conventional period-one passive hybrid limit cycle. The further analysis on the period-three route chaos is realized by means of the Lyapunov exponents and the fractal Lyapunov dimension. Numerical computation method of these two tools is presented. The first return Poincaré map of the chaotic attractor and its basin of attraction are presented. Furthermore, the further study of the period-three passive gait is realized. The analysis of the period-three hybrid limit cycle is given. The balance between the potential energy and the kinetic energy of the biped robot is illustrated. In addition, the basin of attraction of the period-three passive gait is also presented.
Gesture-Driven System for Intelligent Building Control
Authors: Denkowski Marcin , Sadkowski Łukasz
Published: February 2015

In recent years, intelligent building systems have become standard in residential buildings as well as commercial buildings. This chapter presents a novel system for controlling such buildings using natural user interfaces. Due to advanced logic, it is capable of identifying people occupying defined areas and recognizing their gestures. The system cooperates with a Domatiq System – Intelligent Building Management System, to provide an overall control of the building. This allows the user to control particular building components in a more natural way. Results shows that for the elderly or disabled people a more natural method of controlling some appliances is more convenient than, for example, by remote controllers. This system can also be used to control and monitor such people, giving them a sense of comfort and safety in their homes while respecting their privacy.
Distributed Coordination Architecture for Cooperative Task Planning and Execution of Intelligent Multi-Robot Systems
Authors: Yasuda Gen'ichi
Published: February 2015

This chapter provides a practical and intuitive way of cooperative task planning and execution for complex robotic systems using multiple robots in automated manufacturing applications. In large-scale complex robotic systems, because individual robots can autonomously execute their tasks, robotic activities are viewed as discrete event-driven asynchronous, concurrent processes. Further, since robotic activities are hierarchically defined, place/transition Petri nets can be properly used as specification tools on different levels of control abstraction. Net models representing inter-robot cooperation with synchronized interaction are presented to achieve distributed autonomous coordinated activities. An implementation of control software on hierarchical and distributed architecture is presented in an example multi-robot cell, where the higher level controller executes an activity-based global net model of task plan representing cooperative behaviors performed by the robots, and the parallel activities of the associated robots are synchronized without the coordinator through the transmission of requests and the reception of status.
Robust Iterative Learning Control for Linear Discrete-Time Switched Systems
Authors: Eddine Ouerfelli Houssem , Jamel Dridi , Selma Ben Attia , Salah Salhi
Published: February 2015

This chapter aims to study the problem of stability analysis, and robust exponential stabilization for a class of switched linear systems with polytopic uncertainties is reviewed. A sufficient condition based on the average dwell time that guarantees the exponential stability of uncertain switched linear systems is given. First, the iterative learning control is presented to build a formulation ensuring the exponential stability of the given system. The integrated design of this ILC scheme is transformed into a robust control problem of an uncertain 2D Roesser system. The results are obtained through original connection with the notion of stability along the pass for 2D repetitive systems. An overview of the stabilization methods of switched discrete systems found in the literature is outlined. All the given formulations are presented in terms of LMIs. A numerical simulation example is established, showing the effectiveness of the proposed method.