bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solving the Fully Fuzzy Bilevel Linear Programming Problem through Deviation Degree Measures and a Ranking Function Method
Authors: Ren Aihong
Published: April 2016

This paper is concerned with a class of fully fuzzy bilevel linear programming problems where all the coefficients and decision variables of both objective functions and the constraints are fuzzy numbers. A new approach based on deviation degree measures and a ranking function method is proposed to solve these problems. We first introduce concepts of the feasible region and the fuzzy optimal solution of a fully fuzzy bilevel linear programming problem. In order to obtain a fuzzy optimal solution of the problem, we apply deviation degree measures to deal with the fuzzy constraints and use a ranking function method of fuzzy numbers to rank the upper and lower level fuzzy objective functions. Then the fully fuzzy bilevel linear programming problem can be transformed into a deterministic bilevel programming problem. Considering the overall balance between improving objective function values and decreasing allowed deviation degrees, the computational procedure for finding a fuzzy optimal solution is proposed. Finally, a numerical example is provided to illustrate the proposed approach. The results indicate that the proposed approach gives a better optimal solution in comparison with the existing method.
Identifying and Correcting Step Losses in Single-Ended Fiber-Optic Distributed Temperature Sensing Data
Authors: Hausner Mark B. , Kobs Scott
Published: April 2016

Fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing (DTS) makes it possible to observe temperatures on spatial scales as fine as centimeters and at frequencies up to 1 Hz. Over the past decade, fiber-optic DTS instruments have increasingly been employed to monitor environmental temperatures, from oceans to atmospheric monitoring. Because of the nature of environmental deployments, optical fibers deployed for research purposes often encounter step losses in the Raman spectra signal. Whether these phenomena occur due to cable damage or impingements, sharp bends in the deployed cable, or connections and splices, the step losses are usually not adequately addressed by the calibration routines provided by instrument manufacturers and can be overlooked in postprocessing calibration routines as well. Here we provide a method to identify and correct for the effects of step losses in raw Raman spectra data. The utility of the correction is demonstrated with case studies, including synthetic and laboratory data sets.
Intrastromal Injection of China Painting Ink in Corneas of Male Rabbits: Clinical and Histological Study
Authors: Alsmman Hassan Alahmady Hamad , Abd Elhaliem Soliman Nesreen Gamal-Eldeen
Published: April 2016

Background. Many patients with corneal opacity or complicated cataract in blind eye ask for cosmoses. In this study we tried to investigate the staining of corneas of male rabbits by Rotring China painting ink and to study the histological changes.Method. 10 eyes of 10 male Baladi Egyptian rabbits were injected (0.1 mL) intrastromally in the cornea by the use of China painting ink (Rotring Tinta China) through insulin syringe (27-gauge needle) by single injection; clinical follow-up is for 6 months and lastly the rabbits were scarified and the stained eyes were enucleated for histological analysis.Results. Clinically the stain was stable in color and distribution in corneas with no major complications. Histological results of the stained rabbit corneas showed blackish pigmentation in the corneal stroma without any inflammatory cellular infiltration. Some fibroblast cells had pigment granules in their cytoplasm in the adjacent layers.Conclusion. Corneal staining by China painting ink is effective and safe in staining of male rabbits cornea; however further study in human corneas with longer follow-up period is advisable.
Effects of a Moderately Lower Temperature on the Proliferation and Degranulation of Rat Mast Cells
Authors: Wang Ruoyu , Yin Xiaoqin , Zhang Hui , Wang Jiwei , Chen Lin , Chen Jingwen , Han Xiaodong , Xiang Zou , Li Dongmei
Published: April 2016

Mast cells are traditionally considered as key effector cells in IgE-mediated allergic diseases. However, the roles of mast cells have also been implicated in diverse physiological and pathological processes. Mast cells are distributed in various organs and tissues of various species. Some of the organs and tissues, such as testis, skin, and the upper part of the respiratory tract, have a temperature that is lower than the body’s core temperature. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of a lower temperature on the proliferation and degranulation of rat mast cells. Here, we demonstrate that cell growth was retarded at 35°C compared to 37°C for both rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC) and RBL-2H3, a rat mast cell line. Furthermore, RPMC became more susceptible to degranulation at 35°C compared to 37°C. In contrast, degranulation of RBL-2H3 was not as sensitive to temperature change as RPMC. The functionality of mast cells in unique organs with a lower temperature warrants further analysis.
Elemental Analysis and Natural Radioactivity Levels of Clay by Gamma Ray Spectrometer and Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis
Authors: Alharbi W. R. , El-Taher A.
Published: April 2016

Due to increased global demand for clay, the present work involves the use of INAA for elemental analysis and pollutants concentration in clay. The samples were collected from Aswan in South Egypt. The samples were irradiated using the thermal neutrons “at the TRIGA Mainz research reactor” and at a neutron flux “of 7 × 10 n/cm s”. Twenty-six elements quantitatively and qualitatively were specified for the first time upon studying the samples. The elements determined are U, Th, Ta, Hf, Lu, Eu, Ce, Ba, Sn, Nb, Rb, Zn, Co, Fe, Cr, Sc, Sm, La, Yb, As, Ga, K, Mn, Na, Ti, and Mg. The concentrations of natural radionuclides232Th,226Ra, and40K were also calculated. Based on these concentrations, to estimate the exposure risk for using clay as raw materials in building materials, the radiation hazard indices such as radium equivalent activities, effective doses rate, and the external hazard indices have been computed. The obtained results were compared with analogous studies carried out in other countries and with the UNSCEAR reports.
Nanostructural Deformation Analysis of Calcium Silicate Hydrate in Portland Cement Paste by Atomic Pair Distribution Function
Authors: Suzuki Hiroshi , Bae Sungchul , Kanematsu Manabu
Published: April 2016

The deformation of nanostructure of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) in Portland cement (PC) paste under compression was characterized by the atomic pair distribution function (PDF), measured using synchrotron X-ray diffraction. The PDF of the PC paste exhibited a unique deformation behavior for a short-range order below 2.0 nm, close to the size of the C-S-H globule, while the deformation for a long-range order was similar to that of a calcium hydroxide phase measured by Bragg peak shift. The compressive deformation of the C-S-H nanostructure was comprised of three stages with different interactions between globules. This behavior would originate from the granular nature of C-S-H, which deforms with increasing packing density by slipping the interfaces between globules, rearranging the overall C-S-H nanostructure. This new approach will lead to increasing applications of the PDF technique to understand the deformation mechanism of C-S-H in PC-based materials.
Analyzing Network Protocols of Application Layer Using Hidden Semi-Markov Model
Authors: Cai Jun , Luo Jian-Zhen , Lei Fangyuan
Published: April 2016

With the rapid development of Internet, especially the mobile Internet, the new applications or network attacks emerge in a high rate in recent years. More and more traffic becomes unknown due to the lack of protocol specifications about the newly emerging applications. Automatic protocol reverse engineering is a promising solution for understanding this unknown traffic and recovering its protocol specification. One challenge of protocol reverse engineering is to determine the length of protocol keywords and message fields. Existing algorithms are designed to select the longest substrings as protocol keywords, which is an empirical way to decide the length of protocol keywords. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to determine the optimal length of protocol keywords and recover message formats of Internet protocols by maximizing the likelihood probability of message segmentation and keyword selection. A hidden semi-Markov model is presented to model the protocol message format. An affinity propagation mechanism based clustering technique is introduced to determine the message type. The proposed method is applied to identify network traffic and compare the results with existing algorithm.
Design and Verification of a High-Precision Wireless Strength Testing Node for Aircraft Structure
Authors: Wu Jian , Cui Xingmei , Sun Hongbing , Xu Yunpeng
Published: April 2016

Wireless sensor network provides a good solution for the state monitoring of large-scale structures. Compared to traditional approaches, it can greatly reduce the amount of devices wiring and the weight of the monitoring system. However, research of aviation structure monitoring application based wireless sensor networks is still in the initiation of the exploration stage. In particular, the developed wireless strain sensor node of WSN cannot be used in aviation structure because of low precision and other problems. In this paper, a high-precision and multichannel wireless strain sensor node of WSN is designed in detail. The wireless strain sensor node is composed of power module, multichannel strain sensing acquisition module, data-processing module, and wireless communication module. In addition, its special design of encapsulation makes it shock-proof and possess anti-interference property. To verify the functionality of the designed wireless sensor node for structural strength testing capability, several evaluation experiments are completed on a test piece of real aircraft. The experimental results show that the developed system has good performance in monitoring structural strain.
Splanchnic Vein Thrombosis - an Uncommon Complication after Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
Authors: Carli Tanja , Pintar Tadeja
Published: April 2016

Background: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is an innovative and relatively safe surgical approach for weight reduction in morbidly obese people. Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) is an extremely rare complication of LSG and, if not recognized, carries a high mortality rate. This paper highlights a potentially lethal condition of SVT after LSG. Case Report: A 37-year-old morbidly obese woman was referred to our institution for LSG. Three weeks after the intervention, she was readmitted with abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and fever with positive family anamnesis to viral disease. Abdominal X-ray as well as utrasonography were both normal, and no X-ray contrast medium leakage was observed. One week later, she was readmitted with septic condition. An abdominal computed tomography scan diagnosed lienal vein thrombosis along its whole length and partial thrombosis of the superior mesenteric vein. Conclusion: SVT presents very heterogeneously, which makes it extremely challenging to diagnose and to make an appropriate treatment decision. With regard to the high prevalence of obesity and the increasing frequency of LSG, prompt diagnosis and management are crucial.
Relative Brain Size and Its Relation with the Associative Pallium in Birds
Authors: Sayol Ferran , Lefebvre Louis , Sol Daniel
Published: April 2016

Despite growing interest in the evolution of enlarged brains, the biological significance of brain size variation remains controversial. Much of the controversy is over the extent to which brain structures have evolved independently of each other (mosaic evolution) or in a coordinated way (concerted evolution). If larger brains have evolved by the increase of different brain regions in different species, it follows that comparisons of the whole brain might be biologically meaningless. Such an argument has been used to criticize comparative attempts to explain the existing variation in whole-brain size among species. Here, we show that pallium areas associated with domain-general cognition represent a large fraction of the entire brain, are disproportionally larger in large-brained birds and accurately predict variation in the whole brain when allometric effects are appropriately accounted for. While this does not question the importance of mosaic evolution, it suggests that examining specialized, small areas of the brain is not very helpful for understanding why some birds have evolved such large brains. Instead, the size of the whole brain reflects consistent variation in associative pallium areas and hence is functionally meaningful for comparative analyses.
A Helminth Protease Inhibitor Modulates the Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Proinflammatory Phenotype of Microglia in vitro
Authors: Behrendt Peter , Arnold Philipp , Brueck Max , Rickert Uta , Lucius Richard , Hartmann Susanne , Klotz Christian , Lucius Ralph
Published: April 2016

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine whether the natural protease inhibitor Av-cystatin (rAv17) of the parasitic nematode Acanthocheilonema viteae exerts anti-inflammatory effects in an in vitro model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated microglia. Methods: Primary microglia were harvested from the brains of 2-day-old Wistar rats and cultured with or without rAv17 (250 nM). After 6 and 24 h the release of nitric oxide (Griess reagent) and TNF-α (ELISA) was measured in the supernatant. Real-time PCR was performed after 2, 6 and 24 h of culture to measure the mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, COX-2, iNOS and IL-10. To address the involved signaling pathways, nuclear NF-ĸB translocation was visualized by immunocytochemistry. Morphological changes of microglia were analyzed by Coomassie blue staining. Differences between groups were calculated using one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni's post hoc test. Results: Morphological analysis indicated that LPS-induced microglial transformation towards an amoeboid morphology is inhibited by rAv17. Av-cystatin caused a time-dependent downregulation of proinflammatory cytokines, iNOS and COX-2 mRNA expression, respectively. This was paralleled by an upregulated expression of IL-10 in resting as well as in LPS-stimulated microglia. Av-cystatin reduced the release of NO and TNF-α in the culture supernatant. Immunocytochemical staining demonstrated an attenuated translocation of NF-ĸB by Av-cystatin in response to LPS. In addition, Western blot analysis revealed a rAv17-dependent reduction of the LPS-induced ERK1/2-pathway activation. Conclusion: The parasite-derived secretion product Av-cystatin inhibits proinflammatory mechanisms of LPS-induced microglia with IL-10, a potential key mediator.
Volume Guarantee Ventilation: Effect on Preterm Infants with Frequent Hypoxemia Episodes
Authors: Jain Deepak , Claure Nelson , D'Ugard Carmen , Bello Jose , Bancalari Eduardo
Published: April 2016

Background: Preterm infants on mechanical ventilation have spontaneous hypoxemia episodes (HE) triggered by decreases in lung volume and tidal volume (VT). Volume guarantee (VG) is a mode where the ventilator peak pressure is adjusted to keep the exhaled VT at a target level. The effect of VG on HE under routine clinical conditions has not been fully evaluated. Objective: To evaluate the effect of VG on HE in preterm infants in comparison to pressure control (PC) ventilation under routine clinical conditions. Methods: Twenty-four mechanically ventilated preterm infants with ≥4 HE of arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) <75% over 8 h were enrolled. They were studied over 2 consecutive 24-hour periods of VG and PC, in random order. Results: While the frequency of HE (SpO2 <85% for ≥20 s) did not differ, their duration was reduced during VG. The frequency or duration of severe HE (SpO2 <75% for ≥20 s) did not differ between PC and VG. The proportion of time in severe hypoxemia (SpO2 <75%) during VG did not differ from PC [median: 4.4 (IQR 2.9-5.0) vs. 5.0% (IQR 3.9-6.9), p = 0.44]. The fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) was lower during VG compared to PC. Conclusion: The use of VG during routine clinical conditions resulted in a modest reduction in the duration of HE (SpO2 <85%) and FiO2 compared to PC. The use of VG did not reduce the more severe HE.
A Hemodynamically Significant Patent Ductus Arteriosus Does Not Affect Cerebral or Renal Tissue Oxygenation in Preterm Infants
Authors: van der Laan Michelle E. , Roofthooft Marcus T.R. , Fries Marian W.A. , Berger Rolf M.F. , Schat Trijntje E. , van Zoonen Anne G.J.F. , Tanis Jozien C. , Bos Arend F. , Kooi Elisabeth M.W.
Published: April 2016

Background: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is common in preterm infants and is associated with significant morbidity. To determine whether the PDA is hemodynamically significant (HSDA), several echocardiographic parameters have been suggested, including retrograde diastolic blood flow in the descending aorta (Dao). Objective: To assess the impact of an HSDA, including retrograde diastolic flow in the Dao, on regional tissue oxygen saturation (rSO2) and extraction measured by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Methods: This is a prospective observational cohort study in which we included preterm infants (GA <32 weeks) who underwent echocardiographic screening because of clinical signs of an HSDA within 2 weeks after birth. We measured cerebral and renal rSO2 on the day of echocardiography. HSDA was diagnosed if left-to-right shunting through the PDA was accompanied by left atrial-to-aortic root ratio >1.4 and/or left pulmonary artery end-diastolic flow velocity >0.2 m/s and/or retrograde diastolic blood flow in the Dao. Results: Forty-nine infants were included, with a median GA of 27.6 weeks (IQR: 26.1-29.0), birth weight of 980 g (IQR: 800-1,200), and postnatal age of 77 h (IQR: 70-107). Infants with a closed duct (n = 11), a non-HSDA (n = 18), and an HSDA (n = 20) had similar cerebral and renal NIRS measurements. Retrograde diastolic blood flow in the Dao, present in 11 infants with PDA, also did not affect cerebral and renal NIRS measurements. Conclusion: In preterm infants with clinical signs of an HSDA within 2 weeks after birth, cerebral and renal oxygen saturation and extraction are not affected by an HSDA or by retrograde diastolic blood flow in the Dao.
A New Case of an Extremely Rare 3p21.31 Interstitial Deletion
Authors: Lovrecic Luca , Bertok Sara , Žerjav Tanšek Mojca
Published: April 2016

Interstitial 3p21.31 deletions have been very rarely reported. We describe a 7-year-old boy with global developmental delay, specific facial characteristics, hydronephrosis, and hypothyreosis with a de novo deletion of 3p21.31, encompassing 29 OMIM genes. Despite the wide use of microarrays, no similar case has been reported in the literature so far. Five overlapping cases are deposited in the DECIPHER database, 2 of which have significant overlapping chromosomal aberrations. They both share some phenotypic characteristics with our case, e.g. developmental delay, intellectual disability and facial dysmorphism (arched eyebrows, hypertelorism, low-set ears, and a large nose tip). In addition, loss-of-function mutations in the SETD2 gene (OMIM 612778) of the deleted region have been described in 3 patients, presenting with some similar clinical features, namely overgrowth, intellectual disability, speech delay, hypotonia, autism, and epilepsy. Therefore, SETD2 may explain part of the phenotype in our case. We focused on 3 other genes in the deleted region, based on their known functions, namely CSPG5 (OMIM 606775), PTH1R (OMIM 168468) and SMARCC1 (OMIM 601732), and assessed their potentially important role in describing the patient's phenotype. Additional cases with haploinsufficiency of this region are needed to elucidate further genotype-phenotype correlations.
A Questionnaire Study to Assess the Value of the Vulnerable Elders Survey, G8, and Predictors of Toxicity as Screening Tools for Frailty and Toxicity in Geriatric Cancer Patients
Authors: Hentschel Leopold , Rentsch Anke , Lenz Felicitas , Hornemann Beate , Schmitt Jochen , Baumann Michael , Ehninger Gerhard , Schuler Markus
Published: April 2016

Background: The aim of this study was to identify an appropriate screening instrument for the identification of frail elderly patients in a tertiary cancer center. In order to improve cancer care for older patients, the use of a geriatric assessment (GA) has been proposed to identify frail patients or those who are at a higher risk for chemotherapy-related toxicities. In busy clinical routine, an appropriate screening instrument could be used to spare time- and resource-consuming application of GA. Patients and Methods: We administered the Vulnerable Elders Survey (VES-13), G8 questionnaire, and Predictors of Toxicity (POT) as well as a GA at the first visit of 84 consecutive patients at a single Comprehensive Cancer Center. Analysis for patients' characteristics as well as sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value (npv) was conducted. Results: The median age of the patients was 73 years (range 63-93 years), 61.9% were male, most (63%) suffered from gastrointestinal tumors, 39.3% had a multiple cancer diagnosis, and 53.6% had metastasis. 30 (35.7%) individuals were classified as ‘frail' by the GA. Sensitivity of G8 was 38.3%, and the npv was 63.8%. Sensitivity for VES-13 was 57.1%, and npv was 76.3%. Sensitivity of POT was 72.7%, and the npv was 80.6%. Conclusion: For the first time, the VES-13, G8, and POT are compared in a sample of older German patients. The POT seems to be a sufficient screening tool to identify frail patients in a tertiary referral cancer center and helps to save time and resources compared with a complete GA.
Comparative Chromosome Map and Heterochromatin Features of the Gray Whale Karyotype (Cetacea)
Authors: Kulemzina Anastasia I. , Proskuryakova Anastasia A. , Beklemisheva Violetta R. , Lemskaya Natalia A. , Perelman Polina L. , Graphodatsky Alexander S.
Published: April 2016

Cetacean karyotypes possess exceptionally stable diploid numbers and highly conserved chromosomes. To date, only toothed whales (Odontoceti) have been analyzed by comparative chromosome painting. Here, we studied the karyotype of a representative of baleen whales, the gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus, Mysticeti), by Zoo-FISH with dromedary camel and human chromosome-specific probes. We confirmed a high degree of karyotype conservation and found an identical order of syntenic segments in both branches of cetaceans. Yet, whale chromosomes harbor variable heterochromatic regions constituting up to a third of the genome due to the presence of several types of repeats. To investigate the cause of this variability, several classes of repeated DNA sequences were mapped onto chromosomes of whale species from both Mysticeti and Odontoceti. We uncovered extensive intrapopulation variability in the size of heterochromatic blocks present in homologous chromosomes among 3 individuals of the gray whale by 2-step differential chromosome staining. We show that some of the heteromorphisms observed in the gray whale karyotype are due to distinct amplification of a complex of common cetacean repeat and heavy satellite repeat on homologous autosomes. Furthermore, we demonstrate localization of the telomeric repeat in the heterochromatin of both gray and pilot whale (Globicephala melas, Odontoceti). Heterochromatic blocks in the pilot whale represent a composite of telomeric and common repeats, while heavy satellite repeat is lacking in the toothed whale consistent with previous studies.
A Rare Case of Testicular Disorder of Sex Development in a Dog (78,XX; SRY-Negative) with Male External Genitalia and Detection of Copy Number Variation in the Region Upstream of the SOX9 Gene
Authors: Szczerbal Izabela , Nowacka-Woszuk Joanna , Dzimira Stanislaw , Atamaniuk Wojciech , Nizanski Wojciech , Switonski Marek
Published: April 2016

Testicular or ovotesticular disorder of sex development (DSD) in genetic females (78,XX; SRY-negative) has been reported quite frequently in numerous dog breeds and is usually diagnosed due to the presence of female external genitalia with an enlarged clitoris. The molecular background of this disorder, diagnosed also in human and other mammals, is not fully understood. However, it has recently been proposed that a copy number variation (CNV) in the region upstream of the SOX9 gene is associated with it. We described a rare case of this disorder in a French Bulldog with abdominal testes and male external genitalia (a slightly malformed penis). FISH studies showed a female karyotype, lack of a translocation involving the Y chromosome, and a distinct size variation in the CNV region (CNVR) upstream of the SOX9 gene, located on chromosome 9 (CFA9). A large FISH variant on a single CFA9 and a lack of the variant on its homologue was observed. Surprisingly, in the mother of this DSD dog, 2 normal-sized variants were identified which means that the CNV in the DSD dog was de novo. Our observations are in agreement with earlier suggestions that a high number of copies at the CNVR upstream of SOX9 may be associated with this type of DSD.
Simultaneous Spinal and Intracranial Chronic Subdural Hematoma Cured by Craniotomy and Laminectomy: A Video Case Report
Authors: Kanamaru Hideki , Kanamaru Kenji , Araki Tomohiro , Hamada Kazuhide
Published: April 2016

Simultaneous spinal and intracranial chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a rare entity. A 67-year-old man visited our hospital due to headache after diving into a river 2 weeks before. Non-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed bilateral intracranial CSDH. The bilateral CSDH was evacuated and his symptoms improved. Three days after craniotomy, he complained of sensory disturbance on his buttocks. Lumbar MRI showed a space-occupying lesion behind the thecal sac at L5. CT with myelography showed a subdural mass lesion; there was no communication with the subarachnoid space. Fourteen days after craniotomy, L5 laminectomy was performed and the dura mater was incised carefully. The video shows that a liquid hematoma similar to the intracranial CSDH flowed out, followed by cerebrospinal fluid. His symptoms improved after the operation and the hematoma did not recur. This is a rare condition of spinal CSDH demonstrated by neuroimaging and intraoperative video.
Optimal Power Flow using the Moth Flam Optimizer: A Case Study of the Algerian Power System
Authors: Bentouati Bachir , Chaib Lakhdar , Chettih Saliha
Published: April 2016

In this paper, a new technique of optimization known as Moth-Flam Optimizer (MFO) has been proposed to solve the problem of the Optimal Power Flow (OPF) in the interconnected power system, taking into account the set of equality and inequality constraints. The proposed algorithm has been presented to the Algerian power system network for a variety of objectives. The obtained results are compared with recently published algorithms such as; as the Artificial Bee Colony (ABC), and other meta-heuristics. Simulation results clearly reveal the effectiveness and the robustness of the proposed algorithm for solving the OPF problem. 
Power System Design using Firefly Algorithm for Dynamic Stability Enhancement
Authors: Setiadi Herlambang , O Jones Karl
Published: April 2016

Utilising additional devices in power systems have been developed by industry. Devices such as a Power System Stabilizer (PSS) and a Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) are commonly employed in industry. This work investigated the coordination of a PSS and SMES applied to a power system to enhance dynamic stability. To obtain optimal coordination, the parameters of the PSS and SMES are tuned using the Firefly Algorithm (FA). The simulation of the power system, PSS, and SMES has been performed using MATLAB and Simulink, and the FA run in Matlab. For testing the small signal stability, the eigenvalue of the system will be investigated, while for dynamic stability the system will be given an external disturbance. The rotor angle and frequency deviation of the power system are compared without a controller, with a PSS and SMES included, and with the PSS and SMES tuned by FA. The simulation results show that the proposed system can improve not only small signal stability (steady state stability) but also dynamic stability.
Distance Relay Impedance Measuring Problems in Presence of Wind Farms
Authors: Namdari Farhad , Soleimani Fatemeh , Rokrok Esmaeel
Published: April 2016

Environmental concerns along with the increasing demand on electrical power, have led to power generation of renewable sources like wind. Connecting wind turbines in large scale powers with transmission network makes new challenges like the impact of these renewable sources on power system protection. This paper studies the impact of fault resistance and its location on voltage and current fundamental frequencies of faulted lines connected to DFIG based wind farms and it will be demonstrated that because of the large differences between these frequencies, impedance measuring of distance relays is inefficient. Hence in these power systems using conventional impedance measurements is not suitable anymore and new impedance measuring approaches are required in distance relays.
Analysis of AC-AC Converter Based Dynamic Voltage Restorer for Maintaining Power Quality in the Transmission Line
Authors: G. Tamilvanan , S. Mahendran
Published: April 2016

In the power system the major issue is to maintain the power quality .The term of power quality is to maintain the disturbance less voltage to the power system. The voltage disturbance mainly caused by voltage sag, voltage swell and harmonics presented in the system. If the system voltage is going below to the nominal voltage, then it is called as voltage sag. These power quality (PQ) events typically last for less than one second. If the system voltage is going above the nominal voltage, there it is called as voltage swell. The AC-AC converter based DVR is proposed. It can properly compensate for unlimited time duration, balanced, and as well as unbalanced voltage sag by observing the power from the grid. The pulse width modulation technique is used to triggering the switches. Only by the simple Bidirectional switches were used for generate the compensation voltage.
EXPERIÊNCIA E PARAMETRIZAÇÃO NO PROCESSO DE PROJETO DE APLICAÇÕES DIGITAIS INTERATIVAS
Authors: Ellwanger Cristiane , Souza Vinicius Nunes Rocha e , Roque Alexandre Dos Santos , Bruscato Underléa Miotto , Silva Regio Régio Pierre da
Published: April 2016

Experiências de projetistas se retratam nos protótipos por eles desenvolvidos, os quais são de suma importância para a formação de conceitos, principalmente na fase de projeto e de concepção de sistemas computacionais. Diante disso, o presente artigo tem como objetivo demonstrar como a prototipação pode se beneficiar da parametrização na concepção destes sistemas. Para isso, o processo projetual, exposto neste artigo, é estabelecido metodologicamente pelo entendimento de conceitos que permeiam os contextos experienciais e interacionais (imersão); na estruturação de ideias (ideação) que delineiam uma solução passível de implementação (prototipação) e na sua posterior validação. Como resultado, é proposta uma solução computacional constituída por um sistema embarcado e validada por testes funcionais que retratam que a modelagem paramétrica favorece o estabelecimento de relações e correlações entre os componentes utilizados na prototipação, e demonstram que a parametrização auxilia tanto na criação quanto no redesenho de sistemas computacionais interativos.
Trends in Enrollment, Clinical Characteristics, Treatment, and Outcomes According to Age in Non–ST-Segment–Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes Clinical Trials
Authors: Kragholm Kristian , Goldstein Sarah A. , Yang Qinghong , Lopes Renato D. , Schulte Phillip J. , Bernacki Gwen M. , White Harvey D. , Mahaffey Kenneth W. , Giugliano Robert P. , Armstrong Paul W. , Harrington Robert A. , Tricoci Pierluigi , Van de Werf Frans , Alexander John H. , Alexander Karen P. , Newby L. Kristin
Published: April 2016

Background—

Representation by age ensures appropriate translation of clinical trial results to practice, but, historically, older patients have been underrepresented in clinical trial populations. As the general population has aged, it is unknown whether clinical trial enrollment has changed in parallel.

Methods and Results—

We studied time trends in enrollment, clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcomes by age among 76 141 patients with non–ST-segment–elevation acute coronary syndrome enrolled in 11 phase III clinical trials over 17 years (1994–2010). Overall, 19.7% of patients were ≥75 years; this proportion increased from 16% during 1994 to 1997 to 21% during 1998 to 2001 and 23.2% during 2002 to 2005, but declined to 20.2% in 2006 to 2010. The number of comorbidities increased with successive time periods irrespective of age. There were substantial increases in the use of evidence-based medication in-hospital and at discharge regardless of age. Although predicted 6-month mortality increased slightly over time, observed 6-month mortality declined significantly in all age strata (1994–1997 versus 2006–2010: <65 years: 3.0% versus 1.9%; 65–74 years: 7.5% versus 3.4%; 75–79 years: 13.0% versus 6.5%; 80–84 years: 17.6% versus 8.2%; and ≥85 years: 24.8% versus 12.6%).

Conclusions—

The distribution of enrollment by age in phase III non–ST-segment–elevation acute coronary syndrome trials was unchanged over time. Irrespective of age, post–myocardial infarction mortality decreased significantly over time, concurrent with increased evidence-based care and despite increasing comorbidities.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00089895.
China and the International Non-Proliferation Regime
Authors: Mesbahi Mohiaddin , Homayounvash Mohammad
Published: April 2016

There are three broad factors that help explain China’s policy towards Iran’s nuclear program, especially since escalation to a full-fledged proliferation concern since the 2000s. First, there are a set of strategic dynamics and characteristics that define and shape the environment within which policy towards Iran has been formulated by Beijing since the inception of the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1979. These dynamics could be analyzed as Iran’s strategic signification. Secondly, one could point at China’s global and regional preferences and policies and their implications for the prc’s Iran policy. Finally, the previous two sets of dynamics and preferences need to be contextualized within China’s nuclear proliferation culture and its impact in informing Beijing’s policies toward Iran’s nuclear crisis. Placing them in a historical geostrategic background context, the present paper will unpack these factors.
The Impact of Two Coupled Cirrus Microphysics–Radiation Parameterizations on the Temperature and Specific Humidity Biases in the Tropical Tropopause Layer in a Climate Model
Authors: Baran Anthony J. , Hill Peter , Walters David , Hardiman Steven C. , Furtado Kalli , Field Paul R. , Manners James
Published: April 2016

The impact of two different coupled cirrus microphysics–radiation parameterizations on the zonally averaged temperature and humidity biases in the tropical tropopause layer (TTL) of a Met Office climate model configuration is assessed. One parameterization is based on a linear coupling between a model prognostic variable, the ice mass mixing ratio qi, and the integral optical properties. The second is based on the integral optical properties being parameterized as functions of qi and temperature, Tc, where the mass coefficients (i.e., scattering and extinction) are parameterized as nonlinear functions of the ratio between qi and Tc. The cirrus microphysics parameterization is based on a moment estimation parameterization of the particle size distribution (PSD), which relates the mass moment (i.e., second moment if mass is proportional to size raised to the power of 2) of the PSD to all other PSD moments through the magnitude of the second moment and Tc. This same microphysics PSD parameterization is applied to calculate the integral optical properties used in both radiation parameterizations and, thus, ensures PSD and mass consistency between the cirrus microphysics and radiation schemes. In this paper, the temperature-non-dependent and temperature-dependent parameterizations are shown to increase and decrease the zonally averaged temperature biases in the TTL by about 1 K, respectively. The temperature-dependent radiation parameterization is further demonstrated to have a positive impact on the specific humidity biases in the TTL, as well as decreasing the shortwave and longwave biases in the cloudy radiative effect. The temperature-dependent radiation parameterization is shown to be more consistent with TTL and global radiation observations.
The Use of Ship-Launched Fixed-Wing UAVs for Measuring the Marine Atmospheric Boundary Layer and Ocean Surface Processes
Authors: Reineman Benjamin D. , Lenain Luc , Melville W. Kendall
Published: April 2016

The deployment and recovery of autonomous or remotely piloted platforms from research vessels have become a way of significantly extending the capabilities and reach of the research fleet. This paper describes the use of ship-launched and ship-recovered Boeing–Insitu ScanEagle unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The UAVs were instrumented to characterize the marine atmospheric boundary layer (MABL) structure and dynamics, and to measure ocean surface processes during the October 2012 Equatorial Mixing (EquatorMix) experiment in the central Pacific and during the July 2013 Trident Warrior experiment off the Virginia coast. The UAV measurements, including atmospheric momentum and radiative, sensible, and latent heat fluxes, are complemented by measurements from ship-based instrumentation, including a foremast MABL eddy-covariance system, lidar altimeters, and a digitized X-band radar system. During EquatorMix, UAV measurements reveal longitudinal atmospheric roll structures not sampled by ship measurements, which contribute significantly to vertical fluxes of heat and momentum. With the nadir-looking UAV lidar, surface signatures of internal waves are observed, consistent and coherent with measurements from ship-based X-band radar, a Hydrographic Doppler Sonar System, and a theoretical model. In the Trident Warrior experiment, the instrumented UAVs were used to demonstrate real-time data assimilation of meteorological data from UAVs into regional coupled ocean–atmosphere models. The instrumented UAVs have provided unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution in atmospheric and oceanographic measurements in remote ocean locations, demonstrating the capabilities of these platforms to extend the range and capabilities of the research fleet for oceanographic and atmospheric studies.
A Four-Dimensional Incremental Analysis Update for the Ensemble Kalman Filter
Authors: Lei Lili , Whitaker Jeffrey S.
Published: April 2016

The analysis produced by the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) may be dynamically inconsistent and contain unbalanced gravity waves that are absent in the real atmosphere. These imbalances can be exacerbated by covariance localization and inflation. One strategy to combat the imbalance in the analyses is the incremental analysis update (IAU), which uses the dynamic model to distribute the analyses increments over a time window. The IAU has been widely used in atmospheric and oceanic applications. However, the analysis increment that is gradually introduced during a model integration is often computed once and assumed to be constant for an assimilation window, which can be seen as a three-dimensional IAU (3DIAU). Thus, the propagation of the analysis increment in the assimilation window is neglected, yet this propagation may be important, especially for moving weather systems.

To take into account the propagation of the analysis increment during an assimilation window, a four-dimensional IAU (4DIAU) used with the EnKF is presented. It constructs time-varying analysis increments by applying all observations in an assimilation window to state variables at different times during the assimilation window. It then gradually applies these time-varying analysis increments through the assimilation window. Results from a dry two-layer primitive equation model and the NCEP GFS show that EnKF with 4DIAU (EnKF-4DIAU) and 3DIAU (EnKF-3DIAU) reduce imbalances in the analysis compared to EnKF without initialization (EnKF-RAW). EnKF-4DIAU retains the time-varying information in the analysis increments better than EnKF-3DIAU, and produces better analysis and forecast than either EnKF-RAW or EnKF-3DIAU.
High-Speed Multiplexed Spatiotemporally Resolved Measurements of Exhaust Gas Recirculation Dynamics in a Multi-Cylinder Engine Using Laser Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Yoo Jihyung , Prikhodko Vitaly , Parks James E. , Perfetto Anthony , Geckler Sam , Partridge William P.
Published: April 2016

The need for more environmentally friendly and efficient energy conversion is of paramount importance in developing and designing next-generation internal combustion (IC) engines for transportation applications. One effective solution to reducing emissions of mono-nitrogen oxides (NOx) is exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), which has been widely implemented in modern vehicles. However, cylinder-to-cylinder and cycle-to-cycle variations in the charge-gas uniformity can be a major barrier to optimum EGR implementation on multi-cylinder engines, and can limit performance, stability, and efficiency. Precise knowledge and fine control over the EGR system is therefore crucial, particularly for optimizing advanced engine concepts such as reactivity controlled compression ignition (RCCI). An absorption-based laser diagnostic was developed to study spatiotemporal charge-gas distributions in an IC engine intake manifold in real-time. The laser was tuned to an absorption band of carbon dioxide (CO2), a standard exhaust-gas marker, near 2.7 µm. The sensor was capable of probing four separate measurement locations simultaneously, and independently analyzing EGR fraction at speeds of 5 kHz (1.2 crank-angle degree (CAD) at 1 k RPM) or faster with high accuracy. The probes were used to study spatiotemporal EGR non-uniformities in the intake manifold and ultimately promote the development of more efficient and higher performance engines.
Marriage, family, the Bible and the gospel
Authors: Barton Stephen C.
Published: April 2016

The Christian quest for wisdom in relation to marriage and family is necessarily ongoing, not least in response to significant changes in human patterns of intimacy in modern and postmodern times. This article offers, in a personal way, conclusions I have come to as a biblical scholar about the significance of historical-contextual reasoning for interpreting what the Bible says about marriage and family. My principal constructive suggestion is that responsible appropriation of what the Bible says requires the exercise in community of the evangelical imagination.
New directions in Mariology within theology
Authors: McKenna Mary
Published: April 2016

In the extraordinary historical event of the incarnation of God’s Word, Mary plays a unique role for humanity in its relationship with God and, this role affects every aspect of Christian faith and theology. To fully express this role, a new phase of Marian research that builds upon the Church’s tradition is proposed. The emphasis of this new phase would be to explore the role, meaning and the full implications and potential of Mary within the central tenets of Christian faith and theology with the purpose of deepening the Church’s comprehension of Christianity itself and not simply of Mary.
Discipleship and Christian character
Authors: Cherry Stephen
Published: April 2016

This essay considers an aspect of the recent and welcome introduction into the mainstream of the Church’s life of the concept of ‘discipleship’ as something to help guide the lives of Christian people. It suggests that the notion that discipleship is something that can be taught and learnt, especially in courses and programmes, potentially obscures the reality that discipleship is grounded in a mode of living that is open to learning from all observations and experiences. It proposes that a modified form of the virtue of humility – passionate humility – might be understood to be at the heart of genuine Christian character. The consequence of prioritizing such humility in the hierarchy of Christian values is to relocate our ambitions for discipleship in a practical and childlike attitude of limitless learning. This in turn inclines the disciple to discover that the whole of life can teach the him or her of both the presence of God and the absence of God’s kingdom.
Difficult Texts – Mark 10.46–52
Authors: Smith G. , Francis L. J.
Published: April 2016

Accounts of healings like the one reported concerning Bartimaeus present a challenge for preachers on Disability Awareness Sunday. This study illustrates how among experienced preachers sensing types and intuitive types approach the problem in different ways.
The “Mad Genius” Controversy: Implications for Gifted Education
Authors: Yewchuk Carolyn R.
Published: April 2016

Eminent individuals are those who have made a great and lasting contribution to their society. The idea that “genius is akin to madness” has dominated in conceptions of eminence throughout the ages. However, contemporary views of the relationship between eminence and emotional stability based on studies of distinguished individuals assume that mental instability is incompatible with the prolonged and goal-directed effort required in achievement of great social value. The divergence of perspective has arisen from differences in the professional biases of the medical and nonmedical professions, the difficulty of distinguishing between normal and abnormal behaviors, and the diversity of effects on individual functioning that may accrue from mental illness. The issue of emotional stability is examined from the perspective of childhood giftedness as a precursor to development of eminence, and implications are drawn for the education of gifted and talented children.
Social Adjustment of Female Early College Entrants in a Residential Program
Authors: Ingersoll Karen S. , Cornell Dewey G.
Published: April 2016

Previous studies of the general emotional adjustment of early college entrants have not investigated the social adjustment of adolescents who leave home to attend a residential program. This study assessed the social adjustment of female early college entrants using standard measures of adjustment and two comparison groups (traditional college students and boarding school students). Social adjustment was assessed in the areas of social activities, social skills, social confidence, social conformity, and social support. Although all groups evidenced good overall adjustment, there were noteworthy group differences. Early entrants evidenced higher social conformity and solitary activity than boarding students, who had more social activity. Early entrants and college students evidenced similar social adjustment, but early entrants reported a high level of dissatisfaction with their social lives. Overall, female early college entrants in a single-gender residential program are socially well-adjusted, although there are specific areas in which their social adjustment could be improved.