bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment with echinocandins during continuous renal replacement therapy
Authors: González de Molina Francisco Javier , Martínez-Alberici MariadeLosÁngeles , Ferrer Ricard
Published: March 2014

Echinocandins are indicated as first-line treatment for invasive candidiasis in moderate to severe illness. As sepsis is the main cause of acute kidney injury, the combination of echinocandin treatment and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is common. Optimizing antibiotic dosage in critically ill patients receiving CRRT is challenging. The pharmacokinetics of echinocandins have been studied under various clinical conditions; however, data for CRRT patients are scarce. Classically, drugs like echinocandins with high protein binding and predominantly non-renal elimination are not removed by CRRT, indicating that no dosage adjustment is required. However, recent studies report different proportions of echinocandins lost by filter adsorption. Nevertheless, the clinical significance of these findings remains unclear.
The mechanisms of up-regulation of dendritic cell activity by oxidative stress
Authors: Batal Ibrahim , Azzi Jamil , Mounayar Marwan , Abdoli Rozita , Moore Robert , Lee Jack Y , Rosetti Florencia , Wang Chang , Fiorina Paolo , Sackstein Robert , Ichimura Takaharu , Abdi Reza
Published: March 2014

Whereas DC have increasingly been recognized for their role in activating the inflammatory cascades during IRIs, the mechanisms by which oxidative stress enhances DC activation remain to be explored. We examined the role of oxidative stress on two important features of DC: T cell activation and trafficking. Bone marrow-derived OS-DC were compared with untreated DC. DC exposed to oxidative stress augmented allogeneic T cell proliferation and showed increased migration in a chemotaxis chamber. These results were confirmed by using hypoxanthine and xanthine oxidase as another inducer of oxidative stress. We used OT-II and OT-I mice to assess the effect of oxidative stress on DC activation of OVA-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, respectively. Oxidative stress increased DC capacity to promote OVA-specific CD4+ T cell activity, demonstrated by an increase in their proliferation and production of IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-2 proinflammatory cytokines. Whereas oxidative stress increased the DC ability to stimulate IFN-γ production by OVA-specific CD8+ T cells, cellular proliferation and cytotoxicity were not affected. Compared with untreated DC, oxidative stress significantly reduced the capacity of DC to generate Tregs, which were restored by using anti-IL-6. With regard to DC trafficking, whereas oxidative stress increased DC expression of p-Akt and p-NF-κB, targeting PI3Kγ and NF-κB pathways abrogated the observed increase in DC migration. Our data propose novel insights on the activation of DC by oxidative stress and provide rationales for targeted therapies, which can potentially attenuate IRI.
A fast and simple method of spectral enhancement
Authors: Sajid Muhammad , Ghosh Deva
Published: March 2014

The ability to resolve seismic thin beds is a function of the bed thickness and the frequency content of the seismic data. To achieve high resolution, the seismic data must have broad frequency bandwidth. We developed an algorithm that improved the bandwidth of the seismic data without greatly boosting high-frequency noise. The algorithm employed a set of three cascaded difference operators to boost high frequencies and combined with a simple smoothing operator to boost low frequencies. The output of these operators was balanced and added to the original signal to produce whitened data. The four convolutional operators were quite short, so the algorithm was highly efficient. Synthetic and real data examples demonstrated the effectiveness of this algorithm. Comparison with a conventional whitening algorithm showed the algorithm to be competitive.
A recipe for practical full-waveform inversion in anisotropic media: An analytical parameter resolution study
Authors: Alkhalifah Tariq , Plessix René-Édouard
Published: March 2014

In multiparameter full-waveform inversion (FWI) and specifically one describing the anisotropic behavior of the medium, it is essential that we have an understanding of the parameter resolution possibilities and limits. Because the imaging kernel is at the heart of the inversion engine (the model update), we drew our development and choice of parameters from what we have experienced in imaging seismic data in anisotropic media. In representing the most common (first-order influence and gravity induced) acoustic anisotropy, specifically, a transversely isotropic medium with a vertical symmetry direction (VTI), with the [Formula: see text]-wave normal moveout velocity, anisotropy parameters [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text], we obtained a perturbation radiation pattern that has limited trade-off between the parameters. Because [Formula: see text] is weakly resolvable from the kinematics of [Formula: see text]-wave propagation, we can use it to play the role that density plays in improving the data fit for an imperfect physical model that ignores the elastic nature of the earth. An FWI scheme that starts from diving waves would benefit from representing the acoustic VTI model with the [Formula: see text]-wave horizontal velocity, [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text]. In this representation, the diving waves will help us first resolve the horizontal velocity and then reflections, if the nonlinearity is properly handled, could help us resolve [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] could help improve the amplitude fit (instead of the density). The model update wavenumber for acoustic anisotropic FWI is very similar to that for the isotropic case, which is mainly dependent on the scattering angle and frequency.
Use of the swim bladder and lateral line in near-field sound source localization by fishes
Authors: Coffin Allison B. , Zeddies David G. , Fay Richard R. , Brown Andrew D. , Alderks Peter W. , Bhandiwad Ashwin A. , Mohr Robert A. , Gray Michael D. , Rogers Peter H. , Sisneros Joseph A.
Published: March 2014

We investigated the roles of the swim bladder and the lateral line system in sound localization behavior by the plainfin midshipman fish (Porichthys notatus). Reproductive female midshipman underwent either surgical deflation of the swim bladder or cryoablation of the lateral line and were then tested in a monopolar sound source localization task. Fish with nominally "deflated" swim bladders performed similar to sham-deflated controls; however, post-experiment evaluation of swim bladder deflation revealed that a majority of "deflated" fish (88%, 7 of the 8 fish) that exhibited positive phonotaxis had partially inflated swim bladders. In total, 95% (21/22) of fish that localized the source had at least partially inflated swim-bladders, indicating that pressure reception is likely required for sound source localization. In lateral line experiments, no difference was observed in the proportion of females exhibiting positive phonotaxis with ablated- (37%) versus sham-ablated (47%) lateral line systems. These data suggest that the lateral line system is likely not required for sound source localization, although this system may be important for fine-tuning the approach to the sound source. We found that midshipman can solve the 180° ambiguity of source direction in the shallow water of our test tank, which is similar to their nesting environment. We also found that the potential directional cues (phase relationship between pressure and particle motion) in shallow water differs from a theoretical free-field. Therefore, the general question of how fish use acoustic pressure cues to solve the 180° ambiguity of source direction from the particle motion vector remains unresolved.
Trans-generational plasticity in physiological thermal tolerance is modulated by maternal pre-reproductive environment in the polychaeteOphryotrocha labronica
Authors: Massamba-N'Siala Gloria , Prevedelli Daniela , Simonini Roberto
Published: March 2014

Maternal temperature is known to affect many aspects of offspring phenotype, but its effect on offspring physiological thermal tolerance has received less attention, despite the importance of physiological traits in defining organismal ability to cope with temperature changes. To fill this gap, we used the marine polychaete, Ophryotrocha labronica, to investigate the influence of maternal temperature on offspring upper and lower thermal tolerance limits, and assess whether maternal influence changed according to the stage of offspring pre-zygotic development at which a thermal cue was provided. Measurements were taken on adult offspring acclimated to 18°C or 30°C, produced by mothers previously reared at 24°C and then exposed to 18°C or 30°C at an early and late stage of oogenesis. When the shift from 24°C was provided early during oogenesis, mothers produced offspring with greater cold and heat tolerance whenever mother-offspring temperatures did not match, respect to when they matched, suggesting the presence of an anticipatory maternal effect triggered by the thermal variation. Conversely, when the cue was provided later during oogenesis, more tolerant offspring were observed when temperatures persisted across generations. In this case, maternal exposure to 18°C or 30°C may have benefited offspring performance, while limitations in the transmission of the thermal cue may account for the lack of correlation between maternal experiences and offspring performance when mother-offspring environments did not match. Our results provided evidence for a trans-generational effect of temperature on physiological performance characterised by a high context-dependency, and were discussed in the light of maternal pre-reproductive experiences.
Growth hormone transgenesis and polyploidy increase metabolic rate, alter the cardiorespiratory response and influence HSP expression to acute hypoxia in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) yolk-sac alevins
Authors: Polymeropoulos Elias T. , Plouffe Debbie , LeBlanc Sacha , Currie Suzie , Elliott Nick G. , Frappell Peter B.
Published: March 2014

Growth hormone (GH) transgenic Atlantic salmon display accelerated growth rates compared to non-transgenics. GH-transgenic fish also display cardiorespiratory and metabolic modifications that accompany the increased growth rate. An elevated routine metabolism has been described for pre- and post-smolt GH-transgenic salmon that also display improvements in oxygen delivery to support the increased aerobic demand. The early ontogenic effects of GH-transgenesis on the respiratory and cellular physiology of fish, especially during adverse environmental conditions and the effect of polyploidy, are unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of GH-transgenesis and polyploidy on metabolic, heart and ventilation rates and heat shock protein (HSP) levels, after exposure to acute hypoxia in post-hatch Atlantic salmon yolk-sac alevins. Metabolic rate decreased with decreasing partial pressures of oxygen in all genotypes. In normoxia, triploid transgenics displayed the highest mass specific metabolic rates in comparison to diploid transgenics and non-transgenic triploids, which in contrast had higher rates than diploid non-transgenics. In hypoxia, we observed a lower mass-specific metabolic rate in diploid non-transgenics compared to all other genotypes. However, no evidence for improved O2 uptake through heart or ventilation rate was found. Heart rate decreased in diploid non-transgenics while ventilation rate decreased in both diploid non-transgenics and triploid transgenics in severe hypoxia. Regardless of genotype or treatment, inducible HSP70 was not expressed in alevins. Following hypoxia, the constitutive isoform of HSP70, HSC70 decreased in transgenics and HSP90 expression decreased in all genotypes. These data suggest that physiological changes through GH-transgenesis and polyploidy are manifested during early ontogeny in Atlantic salmon.
Inhibition of photosynthetic CO2 fixation in the coral Pocillopora damicornis and its relationship to thermal bleaching
Authors: Hill Ross , Szabó Milán , Rehman Ateeq ur , Vass Imre , Ralph Peter J. , Larkum Anthony W. D.
Published: March 2014

Two inhibitors of the Calvin-Benson cycle (glycolaldehyde, GA, and potassium cyanide, KCN) were used in cultured Symbiodinium cells and in nubbins of the coral Pocillopora damicornis to test the hypothesis that inhibition of the Calvin-Benson cycle triggers coral bleaching. Inhibitor concentration range-finding trials aimed to determine the appropriate concentration to generate inhibition of the Calvin-Benson cycle, but avoid other metabolic impacts to the symbiont and the animal host. Both 3 mM GA and 20 μM KCN caused minimal inhibition of host respiration, but did induce photosynthetic impairment, measured by a loss of photosystem II function and oxygen production. GA did not affect the severity of bleaching, nor induce bleaching in the absence of thermal stress, suggesting inhibition of the Calvin-Benson cycle by GA does not initiate bleaching in P. damicornis. In contrast, KCN did activate a bleaching response through symbiont expulsion, which occurred in the presence and absence of thermal stress. While KCN is an inhibitor of the Calvin-Benson cycle, it also promotes reactive oxygen species formation, and it is likely that this was the principal agent in the coral bleaching process. These findings do not support the hypothesis that temperature-induced inhibition of the Calvin-Benson cycle alone induces coral bleaching.
Synthesis and Characterization of Mobile Crystalline Material-41 Doped with Titanium and Iron
Authors: Lu Bao-Wang , Wang Zheng-Ming , Hirotsu Takahiro
Published: March 2014

Titanium-doped mobile crystalline material-41s (MCM-41s) and Fe- and Ti-doped MCM-41s were synthesized by direct thermal synthesis at moderate Ti and small Fe doping amounts, and their structural and porous properties were examined by X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption, and ultraviolet-visible absorption techniques. It was found that a moderate Ti addition condition is required to introduce Ti species into the framework of silica walls without losing the regular mesoporous structure. Further Fe incorporation into Ti-doped MCM-41 modifies the mixed phase–doped structure and shifts the absorption edge to the visible light range. By appropriately choosing synthesis conditions, it is possible to incorporate both Ti and Fe in MCM-41 without sacrificing the ordered mesoporosity and the high specific surface area while greatly improving the light absorption properties.
Application of Density Functional Theory for Determining Pore-Size Distributions of Microporous Activated Carbons
Authors: Figueroa-Gerstenmaier S. , Siperstein F. R. , Celzard A. , Fierro V.
Published: March 2014

We determined the pore-size distributions (PSDs) of 12 activated carbons (ACs) using a combination of density functional theory method from Kierlik and Rosinberg applied to slit-like pores and a regularization method. This combination of methods was applied to nitrogen adsorption isotherms at 77.35 K on the selected ACs, prepared by heat treatment of lignin impregnated with orthophosphoric acid. The effect of three variables, namely, activation temperature, orthophosphoric acid/lignin weight ratio and time of impregnation, was discussed with respect to the resultant PSDs.
A Comparative Study of CO2 and CH4 Adsorption on Silicalite-1 Fabricated by Sonication and Conventional Method
Authors: Razavian Marjan , Fatemi Shohreh , Masoudi-Nejad Mojtaba
Published: March 2014

Silicalite-1 is pure polymorph silica that is considered a member of zeolite family due to the similarity of its framework to the well-known ZSM-5. It is an organophilic and hydrophobic material with molecular sieving property that allows it to be widely used as an adsorbent. In this work, silicalite-1 is synthesized by conventional hydrothermal treatments at atmospheric (T = 80 °C) and high pressures (T = 150 °C), respectively. In addition, the procedure is repeated using ultrasound waves during the mixing and ageing steps to shorten the synthesis time. The high crystallinity and phase purity of high-temperature autoclaved and sonicated samples are confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscopy results. Moreover, adsorption equilibrium of CH4 and CO2 has been studied experimentally to investigate the influence of textural properties of the obtained products on their adsorption performance. The experiments were performed in a batch system on the basis of a volumetric measurement technique at various operating conditions. The sonicated silicalite-1 showed a higher CO2/CH4 selectivity at lower pressures, while the autoclaved sample possessed higher adsorption capacity for both CO2 and CH4. These results are explained on the basis of a difference between the inter-crystalline pore volumes, morphology and surface acidity of the fabricated adsorbents. The experimental isotherms were modelled based on the Toth equation by minimizing the mean relative difference between the model and experimental adsorption capacity.
Adsorption Properties of Vermiculite with In Situ—Immobilized Polyaniline with Respect to Cr(VI), Mo(VI), W(VI), V(V) and P(V) Anions
Authors: Ryabchenko K.V. , Yanovska E.S. , Tertykh V.A. , Kichkiruk O.Yu. , Sternik D.
Published: March 2014

Immobilization of a polyaniline (PANI) on a natural vermiculite surface immediately after polymer formation ( in situ immobilization) has been performed. The adsorption properties of the modified adsorbent with respect to Cr(VI), Mo(VI), W(VI), V(V) and P(V) anions were studied. We found differences in physicochemical properties of clay samples using isotherms of nitrogen adsorption, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The experiments showed intercalation of PANI molecules into the inter-layer space of vermiculite. Adsorption isotherms and kinetics of adsorption were measured for the anionic form of ‘d’ metals of Groups V and VI in the Periodic Table from aqueous solutions by the static method. The results indicated that the synthesized composite had a high adsorption capacity with respect to Cr(VI) and Mo(VI) anions in acidic medium through the formation of dichromate anions (Cr2O72–) and an equilibrium mixture of molybdate (MoO42–) and polymolybdates ([Mo6O21]6–

[Mo7O24]6–). The modified adsorbent effected the quantitative removal of W(VI) anions in the whole pH range (pH = 1–9). The kinetic data showed that the adsorbent quantitatively removes chromium and molybdenum ions from solution in 1 hour.
Shear Behavior of RC Beams Containing Corroded Stirrups
Authors: Xue X. , Seki H. , Song Y.
Published: March 2014

This paper carried out experimental and analytical investigation on the shear behavior of RC beams containing corroded stirrups. Test results indicate that if the percentage local maximum mass loss is below 35%, stirrup corrosion has little influence on the load-carrying mechanism. Analytical results showed that the number and locations of stirrups in corroded specimens sustaining shear load is as the same as that of the sound specimen. Taking into account the reduction in shear resistance by stirrups due to the cross-sectional loss, the shear strength can be predict accurately using “modified truss analogy”. Experimental and analytical results also showed that the anchorage conditions of the stirrups have a predominant influence on the shears of RC beams.
Shielding Effects of Surrounding Buildings on Wind Loads on Low-Rise Building Roofs
Authors: Quan Y. , Gu M. , Tamura Y. , Matsui M. , Cao S.Y. , Yoshida A. , Xu S. , Sun F.J.
Published: March 2014

Low-rise buildings are often built in groups, and their wind loads differ from those on isolated buildings. In this study, the wind pressures on flat roofs of low-rise buildings surrounded by similar buildings were measured with a series of wind tunnel tests. The general properties of the shielding effects of surrounding buildings were discussed. The effects of area density, relative height, and arrangement patterns of the surrounding buildings on the shielding factors of the smallest minimum negative extreme wind pressure coefficients and of the largest peak uplift force coefficients on the whole roof of the shielded building for all wind directions were analyzed. For practical purposes, both shielding factors were expressed as equations of the building area density and the relative height of the surrounding buildings based on the wind tunnel test data, which can cover most of the test results.
Stochastic Real-Time Optimal Control for Bearing-Only Trajectory Planning
Authors: Ross Steven M. , Cobb Richard G. , Baker William P.
Published: March 2014

A method is presented to simultaneously solve the optimal control problem and the optimal estimation problem for a bearing-only sensor. For bearing-only systems that require a minimum level of certainty in position relative to a source for mission accomplishment, some amount of maneuver is required to measure range. Traditional methods of trajectory optimization and optimal estimation minimize an information metric. This paper proposes constraining the final value of the information states with known time propagation dynamics relative to a given trajectory which allows for attainment of the required level of information with minimal deviation from a general performance index that can be tailored to a specific vehicle. The proposed method does not suffer from compression of the information metric into a scalar, and provides a route that will attain a particular target estimate quality while maneuvering to a desired relative point or set. An algorithm is created to apply the method in real-time, iteratively estimating target position with an Unscented Kalman Filter and updating the trajectory with an efficient pseudospectral method. Methods and tools required for hardware implementation are presented that apply to any real-time optimal control (RTOC) system. The algorithm is validated with both simulation and flight test, autonomously landing a quadrotor on a wire.
Optimization of Nano-Rotor Blade Airfoil Using Controlled Elitist NSGA-II
Authors: Liu Zhen , Dong Longlei , Moschetta Jean-Marc , Zhao Jianping , Yan Guirong
Published: March 2014

The aerodynamic performance of airfoil at ultra-low Reynolds number has a great impact on the propulsive performance of nano rotor. Therefore, the optimization of airfoil is necessary before the design of nano rotor. Nano rotor blade airfoil optimization is a multi-objective problem since the airfoil suffers a wide range of Reynolds number which increases the difficulty of optimization. In this paper, the airfoil of nano rotor was optimized based on the controlled elitist Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) coupling with the parameterization method of Class function/Shape function Transformation technique (CST) and the multi-objectives function processing method of statistical definition of stability. An airfoil was achieved with the thickness of 2% and the maximum camber of 5.6% at 2/3 of chord. Airfoil optimized exhibits a good aerodynamic performance at ultra-low Reynolds number according to the computational results. And comparisons were carried out between the performance of the rotor designed with airfoil optimized and that of the rotor designed with AG38 airfoil, which showed that the airfoil optimized was suitable for rotor design.
Experimental Investigation of Lift and Drag Characteristics of a Typical MAV under Propeller Induced Flow
Authors: Durai Arivoli
Published: March 2014

Experiments were conducted on a micro air vehicle (MAV) model in a low speed wind tunnel to study the actual lift and drag experienced by the model under propeller induced flow by separating out the thrust force generated by the propeller by decoupling the motor-propeller from the model and mounting it on a second arrangement with minimal flow interference. Tests were conducted on the model at actual flight conditions – at a freestream velocity of 9 m/s (Re = 135000 based on root chord) with the propeller running at speeds ranging from 8000 to 10000 rpm. The lift and drag coefficients obtained from the model with decoupled motor-propeller arrangement are compared to those obtained from the model with attached motor-propeller for the same test conditions and justification is made in favor of the former method. Effects of propeller induced flow with respect to an increase in propeller rpm on the lift and drag characteristics of the model were also studied. Higher CL at higher angle of attack and increased CD were observed for the model under propeller induced flow. With an increase in propeller rpm, the effects seen in CL and CD are increased further.
The Negative Phase of the Blast Load
Authors: Rigby Sam E. , Tyas Andrew , Bennett Terry , Clarke Sam D. , Fay Stephen D.
Published: March 2014

Following the positive phase of a blast comes a period where the pressure falls below atmospheric pressure known as the negative phase. Whilst the positive phase of the blast is well understood, validation of the negative phase is rare in the literature, and as such it is often incorrectly treated or neglected altogether. Herein, existing methods of approximating the negative phase are summarised and recommendations of which form to use are made based on experimental validation. Also, through numerical simulations, the impact of incorrectly modelling the negative phase has been shown and its implications discussed.
High Velocity Penetration of Concrete Targets with Eroding Long- Rod Projectiles; An Experiment and Analysis
Authors: Nia Ali Alavi , Zolfaghari Mojtaba , Khodarahmi Hossein , Nili Mahmoud , Gorbankhani Amir Hossein
Published: March 2014

This paper describes the design, analysis and experiments done to test eroding long-rod (9 ≤ L/d ≤ 11) penetration into semi-infinite concrete targets at high impact velocities (650 (m/s) < v0 < 1150 (m/s)). Furthermore, it studies the mechanical behavior of the projectile and semi-infinite concrete target at high velocity penetration. Test results showed similar qualities of eroding penetration in metal and concrete targets; therefore, it is possible to introduce models for studying eroding penetration in a semi-infinite concrete target using the basic equations used for evaluating penetration into metal targets. The experimental data on depths of penetration showed that the Forrestal model is inappropriate for studying eroding penetration in concrete targets; however these data are in good agreement with the results obtained from hydrodynamic theory. Therefore, it is recommended, that analytical study of eroding penetration in concrete targets takes account of necessary corrections relating to the special behavior of concrete when analytical models of penetration into metallic targets are used.
Numerical Study of the Wake Separation and Reattachment Effect on the Trajectory of a Hard Projectile
Authors: Kong Xiangzhen , Fang Qin , Hong Jian , Wu Hao
Published: March 2014

The projectile may detach from the target during penetration, while the reattachment may or may not occur after the separation. This phenomenon is termed as the wake separation and reattachment. Firstly, a general framework of rigid projectile penetration with both the free-surface and the wake separation and reattachment effects is presented and implemented into ABAQUS. This methodology eliminates the need for discretizing the target as well as the need for a complex contact algorithm. Secondly, the framework is verified by comparison between the experimental data and simulation results in terms of depth of penetration, residual velocity and projectile trajectory. It is found that the influence of the wake separation and reattachment on the trajectory of a hard projectile is obvious. Furthermore, the location of the centroid, length-diameter ratio of the projectile and attack angle have a great effect on the trajectory stability. The projectile trajectory becomes more instable with the increase of Lc/ L and decrease of L/ D. A small attack angle can cause large direction change of the trajectory, making the trajectory greatly instable.
Estimation of Choice-Based Models Using Sales Data from a Single Firm
Authors: Newman Jeffrey P. , Ferguson Mark E. , Garrow Laurie A. , Jacobs Timothy L.
Published: March 2014

We develop a parameter estimation routine for multinomial logit discrete choice models in which one alternative is completely censored, i.e., when one alternative is never observed to have been chosen in the estimation data set. Our method is based on decomposing the log-likelihood function into marginal and conditional components. Our method is computationally efficient, provides consistent parameter estimates, and can easily incorporate price and other product attributes. Simulations based on industry hotel data demonstrate the superior computational performance of our method over alternative estimation methods that are capable of estimating price effects. Because most existing revenue management choice-based optimization algorithms do not include price as a decision variable, our estimation procedure provides the inputs needed for more advanced product portfolio availability and price optimization models.
The Afterlife of a Dream and the Ritual System of the Epidaurian Asklepieion
Authors: Ahearne-Kroll Stephen P.
Published: March 2014

This study looks at the ways that the healing inscriptions at the Epidauran Asklepieion transfer the private experience of a supplicant into the public realm of the life of the sanctuary. This process imbues the individual dream with a potential for influence that can honor the god in unforeseen ways well into the future. The study then examines the role of one god, Mnēmosyne, in the afterlife of the dream in order to gain an appreciation of the overall ritual system at the Asklepieion. It will be argued that Mnēmosyne plays a key role ritually not just in preserving the memory of the dream for the individual, but also in intellectually ordering the mind for the dreamer to articulate the dream to the sanctuary officials, in enabling the construction and inscription of the account for public display, and in creating opportunities for others to honor Asklepios well into the future and well beyond Epidaurus. Mnēmosyne’s involvement at the Epidauran Asklepieion attests to a complex ritual system of human action within a perceived divine group-effort to benefit the divine and human worlds.
Dreams in Cicero’s De Divinatione
Authors: Berge Bram ten
Published: March 2014

This paper proposes an explanation for the surprisingly extensive treatment of dreams in Cicero’s De divinatione. It suggests that Cicero saw an opportunity to become the first Roman author to write extensively on dreams. The paper rejects the notion that Cicero voices his personal opinion about (dream) divination, and suggests, rather, that he wished to provide for his readers a comprehensive debate of Stoic and Academic views on dreams. Finally, Cicero points to the value of this discussion when he implies that dreams have become a source of anxiety and that his account may relieve the reader of such apprehension.
Circulating and adipose tissue matrix metalloproteinases in cardiometabolic risk environments: pathophysiological aspects
Authors: Berg Gabriela , Schreier Laura , Miksztowicz Veronica
Published: March 2014

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an important role during physiological tissue remodeling in embryonic development and angiogenesis, as well as in pathophysiological conditions such as obesity and development and vulnerability of atherosclerotic plaque. Moreover, MMP circulating levels have emerged as potential biomarkers of cardiovascular disease. MMP expression and activity are regulated by different factors such as insulin resistance and obesity. Expanded fat tissue has been demonstrated to be an active organ, where MMPs also exert a role in adipogenesis, angiogenesis, and proliferation of extracellular matrix (ECM). However, the lack of association between adipose tissue and plasma levels of some MMPs, specifically MMP-2 and MMP-9, suggests that this tissue is not a major contributor to circulating gelatinases. MMPs are also co-expressed or co-repressed in response to inflammatory adipocytokines, like adiponectin and leptin. Adiponectin may also play a protective role in plaque rupture through selectively increasing the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) expression. Leptin induces the expression of MMP-2 activators as well as the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 in different human cells. Furthermore, sex hormones also participate in MMP regulation. In postmenopausal women, hormone replacement therapy produces an increase in MMP activity, leading to a breakdown in ECM homeostasis and accelerated progression of vascular pathologies. Besides, in men, an inverse relationship between testosterone levels and MMP-2 activity has been described. It is still necessary to go forward in the study of MMPs in different metabolic situations to corroborate their role as vulnerable plaque biomarkers.
Synthesis and site-selective photoluminescence property of Ca8La2(PO4)6O2: Ce3+
Authors: Zhu Ge , Shi Yurong , Mikami Masayoshi , Shimomura Yasuo , Wang Yuhua
Published: March 2014

A series of Ce3+ doped Ca8La2(PO4)6O2 phosphors with tunable emission were successfully synthesized by traditional solid state reaction. The crystal structure and photoluminescence properties were studied through X-ray diffraction, photoluminescence excitation and emission spectra. The results indicated that Ca8La2(PO4)6O2:Ce3+ exhibited color-tunable emission due to the 5d-4f transitions of Ce3+ ions under different wavelength excitation. The optimal doping content of Ce3+ ions in Ca8La2(PO4)6O2 was found to be 5 mol%. The site-selective photoluminescence property and the reason for red-shift of the emission band along with Ce3+ content and the excitation wavelength were also studied in detail.
Postgraduate research methodological flaws detected at final examination stage: Who is to blame?
Authors: Nyika Aceme
Published: March 2014

In the wake of globalisation, most universities are intensifying efforts to improve their overall performance in

order to attract students and enhance chances of securing competitive funding from various sources. As part

of these efforts, universities are striving to ensure that their postgraduate programmes meet nationally and

internationally acceptable standards. Research projects conducted by students form a critical component

of most postgraduate programmes and universities have put in place procedures meant to ensure that

postgraduate research meets acceptable minimum standards. The procedures include setting minimum

entry educational qualifications, supervision by qualified members of university academic staff, institutional

evaluation of research proposals before the proposed research is embarked on, submission of progress

reports by postgraduate students during the course of their programmes, and final examination of students’

theses, dissertations or research reports by internal as well as external examiners. In some instances, the

examiners recommend outright rejection of the student’s write-up if they consider the methodology used

to be inappropriate to answer research questions of the project conducted. The implications of research

methodological shortcomings which are identified at the final examination stage, even if the research

proposals were evaluated and approved by appropriate university structures before commencement of the

research projects, are discussed. As postgraduate programmes are meant to nurture a competent and

resourceful workforce and future researchers, universities need to pay attention to the issue of research

methodology and internal evaluation systems in order to minimise chances of compromising the quality of

their postgraduate degree programmes.
Bayesian paradigm to assess rock compression damage models
Authors: Arson Chloé , Medina-Cetina Zenon
Published: March 2014

Energy extraction and waste storage in geological formations raise interest in developing systematic and reliable calibration methods to assess performance of rock models. A methodology is proposed to improve damage prediction in sandstone, based on finite element simulations coupled with the Bayesian paradigm. To illustrate this methodology, we defined parameters of a continuum damage mechanics model as random variables. (1) Probability density functions are formulated for each parameter (expert’s judgement) and sampled later independently to simulate likely random sandstone responses during a triaxial compression test (forward problem). (2) Experimental data are introduced (new evidence available), which allow updating the probability distributions depicting the model parameters (inverse problem). Results show that it is possible to quantify the impact of experimental evidence into the rock characterisation and that correlations between all rock damage parameters can be retrieved. Mechanically speaking, this means that (a) similar accuracy in the prediction of damage might be achievable with less model parameters, (b) and the input of energy released to initiate crack propagation is contingent on conditions external to the model (e.g., initial texture of the rock). Results from this investigation provide promising applications of the probabilistic calibration approach to damage models in multiphase porous medium.
Stress from NaCl crystallisation by carbon dioxide injection in aquifers
Authors: Osselin Florian , Fabbri Antonin , Fen-Chong Teddy , Dangla Patrick , Pereira Jean-Michel , Lassin Arnault
Published: March 2014

The goal of this paper is to identify the mechanical impact of water evaporation and salt crystallisation during supercritical carbon dioxide injection (drying-out process) in aquifer rocks. The precipitation of salt and the resulting crystallisation pressure are inferred from the chemical equilibrium of the carbon dioxide-rich gas phase, the in-pore brine and the crystal. The induced rock strain and equivalent tensile stress are then estimated within the framework of isotropic linear poroelasticity. A one-dimensional numerical simulation is conducted to illustrate the ability of the model to estimate the poromechanical behaviour of a structure submitted to a constant flow of nearly dry supercritical carbon dioxide.
Problem-Solving Skills Employed by Gifted Children and Their Peers in Public Primary Schools in Turkey
Authors: Saygili Gizem
Published: March 2014

In this study I explored whether or not the high intellectual potential of gifted children helps them cope more easily than other children do with problems, and also examined the children's own assessments of the problem-solving approaches that are thought to affect their social and
emotional development. Results showed that children's problem-solving skills are not dependent solely on how academically gifted they are. Therefore, even if the ability to utilize intellectual capacity differs, the development of effective problem-solving skills and consequent productive-thinking
skills will contribute to individuals making better decisions during their lifetime and to developing more positive interpersonal relationships. These are issues that merit special attention and further research.
Incretin Effect and Glucagon Responses to Oral and Intravenous Glucose in Patients With Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young—Type 2 and Type 3
Authors: Østoft Signe H. , Bagger Jonatan I. , Hansen Torben , Pedersen Oluf , Holst Jens J. , Knop Filip K. , Vilsbøll Tina
Published: March 2014

Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous subgroup of nonautoimmune diabetes, constituting 1–2% of all diabetes. Because little is known about incretin function in patients with MODY, we studied the incretin effect and hormone responses to oral and intravenous glucose loads in patients with glucokinase (GCK)-diabetes (MODY2) and hepatocyte nuclear factor 1α (HNF1A)-diabetes (MODY3), respectively, and in matched healthy control subjects. Both MODY groups exhibited glucose intolerance after oral glucose (most pronounced in patients with HNF1A-diabetes), but only patients with HNF1A-diabetes had impaired incretin effect and inappropriate glucagon responses to OGTT. Both groups of patients with diabetes showed normal suppression of glucagon in response to intravenous glucose. Thus, HNF1A-diabetes, similar to type 2 diabetes, is characterized by an impaired incretin effect and inappropriate glucagon responses, whereas incretin effect and glucagon response to oral glucose remain unaffected in GCK-diabetes, reflecting important pathogenetic differences between the two MODY forms.
Umbilical Cord Shortening: Quantification Postdelivery and Postfixation
Authors: Downey Andrew , Hore Kevin , McAuliffe Fionnuala M. , Mooney Eoghan E.
Published: March 2014

The length of the umbilical cord is an important data item, and little is known about the effects of time and fixation on measurement. Such a change has implications for the diagnosis of a long and short cord. This study was conducted to examine the effects of time and formalin fixation on cord length in a routine practice setting. We measured 90 cords from singleton term pregnancies within 5 minutes of delivery, again in the fresh state at 1 to 2 hours, and again after 24 to 48 hours of formalin fixation. The mean cord length was 536.7 mm at delivery. Mean cord shortening was 17.6 mm (3% reduction in length) between delivery and measurement at 1 to 2 hours, and 62.2 mm (12% reduction) between delivery and measurement after 24 to 48 hours fixation. Both values were statistically significant ( P < 0.001). Studies on cord length should include data on time of measurement and fixation status.
To trust or not to trust? Interpretations in qualitative research
Authors: Neusar Aleš
Published: March 2014

Interpretations of data in qualitative research may be biased for many reasons. This paper explores three commonly overlooked problems from a rather positivist point of view and deals with them mainly through the lens of cognitive psychology and survey methodology. The first problem is that researchers and readers of the research tend to trust retrospective data too much even though it is known that our memory is highly reconstructive. The second problem is that we often create interpretations too quickly and do not ground them in data well. The third problem is inappropriately generalising our findings because we underrate the variability of the phenomena studied. The aim is not to employ quantitative criteria in qualitative research but to show that especially in cases where we seek more objectivity (e.g., factual information about events) and less about the subjective phenomenal world (e.g., how people perceive these events from today’s perspective), cognitive psychology or survey methodology can offer valuable insights. Recommendations about what researchers should be careful of and how to increase the objectivity of the interpretations are offered.
Struggle of a description: Peirce and his late semiotics
Authors: Švantner Martin
Published: March 2014

The paper deals with the problem of Peirce’s theory of signs, placing it within the context of modern semiotics (comparing it with Saussurean semiology, in particular), and considers Peirce’s semiotics from the point of view of his theory of categories (phaneroscopy) and in the terms of his classification of signs. The article emphasizes the complicated system of Peirce’s late, “mature”, semeiotic and his theory (classification) of Interpretant.
ICA-Based EEG denoising: a comparative analysis of fifteen methods
Authors: Albera L. , Kachenoura A. , Comon P. , Karfoul A. , Wendling F. , Senhadji L. , Merlet I.
Published: March 2014

Independent Component Analysis (ICA) plays an important role in biomedical engineering. Indeed, the complexity of processes involved in biomedicine and the lack of reference signals make this blind approach a powerful tool to extract sources of interest. However, in practice, only few ICA algorithms such as SOBI, (extended) InfoMax and FastICA are used nowadays to process biomedical signals. In this paper we raise the question whether other ICA methods could be better suited in terms of performance and computational complexity. We focus on ElectroEncephaloGraphy (EEG) data denoising, and more particularly on removal of muscle artifacts from interictal epileptiform activity. Assumptions required by ICA are discussed in such a context. Then fifteen ICA algorithms, namely JADE, CoM2, SOBI, SOBIrob, (extended) InfoMax, PICA, two different implementations of FastICA, ERICA, SIMBEC, FOBIUMJAD, TFBSS, ICAR3, FOOBI1 and 4- CANDHAPc are briefly described. Next they are studied in terms of performance and numerical complexity. Quantitative results are obtained on simulated epileptic data generated with a physiologically-plausible model. These results are also illustrated on real epileptic recordings.
Dynamical complexity of human responses: a multivariate data-adaptive framework
Authors: Ahmed M.U. , Rehman N. , Looney D. , Rutkowski T.M. , Mandic D.P.
Published: March 2014

Established complexity measures typically operate at a single scale and thus fail to quantify inherent long-range correlations in real-world data, a key feature of complex systems. The recently introduced multiscale entropy (MSE) method has the ability to detect fractal correlations and has been used successfully to assess the complexity of univariate data. However, multivariate observations are common in many real-world scenarios and a simultaneous analysis of their structural complexity is a prerequisite for the understanding of the underlying signal-generating mechanism. For this purpose, based on the notion of multivariate sample entropy, the standard MSE method is extended to the multivariate case, whereby for rigor, the intrinsic multivariate scales of the input data are generated adaptively via the multivariate empirical mode decomposition (MEMD) algorithm. This allows us to gain better understanding of the complexity of the underlying multivariate real-world process, together with more degrees of freedom and physical interpretation in the analysis. Simulations on both synthetic and real-world biological multivariate data sets support the analysis.
Particle swarm optimization of artificial-neural-network-based on-line trained speed controller for battery electric vehicle
Authors: Ufnalski B. , Grzesiak L.M.
Published: March 2014

The paper presents implementation of PSO (Particle Swarm Optimization) to ANN-based speed controller tuning. Selected learning parameters are optimized according to the control objective function. A battery electric vehicle is considered as a potential plant for an adaptive speed controller. The need for adaptivity in the control algorithm is justified by variations of a total weight of the vehicle. A sizable section of the paper deals with selection of a combined objective function able to effectively evaluate the quality of a solution.
Hyper-heuristics for cross-domain search
Authors: Cichowicz T. , Drozdowski M. , Frankiewicz M. , Pawlak G. , Rytwinski F. , Wasilewski J.
Published: March 2014

In this paper we present two hyper-heuristics developed for the Cross-Domain Heuristic Search Challenge. Hyper-heuristics solve hard combinatorial problems by guiding low level heuristics, rather than by manipulating problem solutions directly. Two hyper-heuristics are presented: Five Phase Approach and Genetic Hive. Development paths of the algorithms and testing methods are outlined. Performance of both methods is studied. Useful and interesting experience gained in construction of the hyper-heuristics are presented. Conclusions and recommendations for the future advancement of hyper-heuristic methodologies are discussed.
Guidance impulse algorithms for air bomb control
Authors: Głębocki R.
Published: March 2014

In this paper, some results of research concerning the development of guidance of bombs were presented. The paper presents conceptions of an impulse (gasodynamic) control system, the measurement unit based on IMU/GPS signals and control algorithms based on predicted trajectories. The presented results of simulation research are based on the numerical model of the bomb and real signals from measurement devices.