bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survival and prognostic factors in patients with connective tissue disease‐associated pulmonary hypertension diagnosed by echocardiography: results from a Korean nationwide registry
Authors: Kang Kwi Young , Jeon Chan Hong , Choi Sung Jae , Yoon Bo Young , Choi Chan‐Bum , Lee Chang Hoon , Suh Chang‐Hee , Lee Choong Won , Cho Chul Soo , Nam Eon Jeong , Koh Eun‐Mi , Kim Ho‐Youn , Choi Hyo Jin , Kim Hyoun‐Ah , Jun Jae‐Bum , Lee Jaejoon , Kim Jinseok , Ji Jong Dae , Min Jun Ki , Kim Ki Jo , Shin Kichul , So Min Wook , Kwon Seong Ryul , Kim Seong‐Kyu , Nah Seong‐Su , Kwok Seung‐Ki , Lee Soo‐Kon , Lee Sung Won , Park Sung‐Hwan , Park Won , Park Yong‐Beom , Lee Young Ho , Lee Shin‐Seok , Yoo Dae Hyun
Published: July 2015

Objectives

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a major cause of mortality in connective tissue disease (CTD). The survival rates and mortality‐predictive factors of a nationwide registry of Korean patients with CTD‐PH measured by echocardiography were determined.

Methods

Patients with CTD‐PH were enrolled between April 2008 and December 2012. Hemodynamic parameters and clinical data (WHO‐functional class [FC], organ involvement, laboratory tests and treatment agents) were recorded. Survival rates were calculated by using the Kaplan–Meier method. Mortality‐associated factors were examined by Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.

Results

In total, 174 incident PH cases (61 with systemic lupus erythematosus, 50 with systemic sclerosis, 10 with mixed CTD, 22 with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 31 with other CTDs) were diagnosed by Doppler echocardiography. Of these, 25 (14%) died during the 3.8 ± 2.7 year follow‐up period after PH diagnosis. The 1‐ and 3‐year survival rates were 90.7% and 87.3%, respectively. Compared to the other CTD‐PHs, RA‐PH had the lowest survival rates (56% 3 year survival; P = 0.022). Multiple regression analysis revealed that low diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO), pleural effusion and diabetes mellitus were poor prognostic factors (P = 0.008, 0.04 and 0.009, respectively). Anti‐UI‐RNP (ribonucleoprotein) antibody positivity was protective (P = 0.022). In patients with WHO‐FC III/IV, patients who received vasodilators had lower mortality than those who did not (P = 0.038).

Conclusions

In Korean patients with CTD‐PH, the 3‐year survival rate was 87%. Low diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO), pleural effusion and diabetes mellitus were independent poor prognostic factors. Anti‐UI‐RNP antibody was protective. Prompt PAH‐specific vasodilator therapy may improve the survival of patients with severe CTD‐PH.
Effect of stroke volume variation‐directed fluid management on blood loss during living‐donor right hepatectomy: a randomised controlled study
Authors: Choi S.‐S. , Jun I.‐G. , Cho S.‐S. , Kim S.‐K. , Hwang G.‐S. , Kim Y.‐K.
Published: July 2015

Reducing blood loss is beneficial in living liver donor hepatectomy. Although it has been suggested that maintaining a low central venous pressure is important, it is known that low stroke volume variation may be associated with increased blood loss. Therefore, we compared the effect on blood loss of 40 patients randomly assigned to a high stroke volume variation group (maintaining 10–20% of stroke volume variation) vs 38 patients in a control group (maintaining < 10% stroke volume variation) during living‐donor right hepatectomy. Mean (SD) blood loss during donor hepatectomy was significantly lower in the high stroke volume variation group than in the control group: 476 (131) ml vs 836 (341) ml, respectively (p < 0.001). Blood pressure and peri‐operative laboratory values did not differ between the two groups. However, in the high stroke volume variation group, central venous pressure values were also significantly lower. We were unable to disentangle the effects of stroke volume variation and central venous pressure, but our results confirm that the two together appear beneficial.
Unifying Color and Texture Transfer for Predictive Appearance Manipulation
Authors: Okura Fumio , Vanhoey Kenneth , Bousseau Adrien , Efros Alexei A. , Drettakis George
Published: July 2015

Recent color transfer methods use local information to learn the transformation from a source to an exemplar image, and then transfer this appearance change to a target image. These solutions achieve very successful results for general mood changes, e.g., changing the appearance of an image from “sunny” to “overcast”. However, such methods have a hard time creating new image content, such as leaves on a bare tree. Texture transfer, on the other hand, can synthesize such content but tends to destroy image structure. We propose the first algorithm that unifies color and texture transfer, outperforming both by leveraging their respective strengths. A key novelty in our approach resides in teasing apart appearance changes that can be modeled simply as changes in color versus those that require new image content to be generated. Our method starts with an analysis phase which evaluates the success of color transfer by comparing the exemplar with the source. This analysis then drives a selective, iterative texture transfer algorithm that simultaneously predicts the success of color transfer on the target and synthesizes new content where needed. We demonstrate our unified algorithm by transferring large temporal changes between photographs, such as change of season – e.g., leaves on bare trees or piles of snow on a street – and flooding.
Stepped‐up surveillance for early detection of Anoplophora chinensis in a nursery district
Authors: Ciampitti M. , Cavagna B. , Bianchi A. , Cappa V. , Asti S. , Fumagalli A.
Published: July 2015

The Plant Protection Service of Lombardy Region (Italy) has been working to control Anoplophora chinensis for many years. A specific plan was developed by the Plant Protection Service in 2011 to implement stepped‐up surveillance for early detection of this pest in the most important nursery area in the region. The Canneto sull'Oglio district area hosts the highest concentration of commercial nurseries in Lombardy. The nurseries specialize in the cultivation of full‐size deciduous ornamental trees. The reinforced surveillance plan includes the following steps: planning, inspection of the urban green spaces, surveillance in rural areas and surveillance of identified sources of risk. A new procedure was defined for the enhanced territorial surveillance, as there were no established guidelines to follow. Two buffer zones were delineated, with a 2 km radius and a 500 m radius around all the areas dedicated to nursery cultivation, and a grid of 500 × 500 m was superimposed on it. Between one and four inspection points were defined for each cell, depending on the risk to plant health, and more than 3450 inspection points were identified, corresponding to 11 233 potential host plants that were to be inspected. In addition, the fields of 16 nurseries classified as high risk sources were inspected as well as the potential hosts in the buffer zone of 100 m radius around them. The annual cost of the surveillance is 30 000 EUR, which corresponds to about 0.025% of the annual production value of the nurseries in this district.
Evaluation of evidence and its uncertainty in qualitative pest risk assessments: the North American perspective
Authors: Zlotina M.
Published: July 2015

Under the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement and IPPC risk management framework, measures should be based on evidence. There is however, no specific guidance about quality of evidence or treatment of uncertainty under these agreements. Uncertainty in qualitative Pest Risk Assessments (PRA) is largely dependent on the quality and reliability of information. USDA Guidelines for PRA of Imported Fruit and Vegetable Commodities (2012) and NAPPO Regional Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (RSPM) No. 40 include supplements on the evaluation of evidence. The supplements establish a framework for assessing the quality and reliability of scientific evidence. Reliability of evidence addresses the quality of information sources, the methodology used, and the degree of consensus regarding the data, rated from low to high depending on the publication sources. Applicability refers to pertinence of the information to a particular situation and is rated from low to high based on the degree of extrapolation of biological information and environmental conditions in the publication source in relation to the actual scenario in the PRA. The rating for uncertainty associated with the quality of evidence is found in a matrix that combines ratings for applicability and reliability.
Long‐term safety and efficacy of recombinant factor VIII Fc fusion protein (rFVIIIFc) in subjects with haemophilia A
Authors: Nolan B. , Mahlangu J. , Perry D. , Young G. , Liesner R. , Konkle B. , Rangarajan S. , Brown S. , Hanabusa H. , Pasi K. J. , Pabinger I. , Jackson S. , Cristiano L. M. , Li X. , Pierce G. F. , Allen G.
Published: July 2015

Introduction

The safety, efficacy and prolonged half‐life of recombinant factor VIII Fc fusion protein (rFVIIIFc) in previously treated patients with severe haemophilia A was demonstrated in the phase 3 A‐LONG and Kids A‐LONG studies. Here, we report interim safety and efficacy data from the rFVIIIFc extension study, ASPIRE (ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT01454739).

Methods

Eligible subjects could enrol in ASPIRE upon completing A‐LONG or Kids A‐LONG. There were four treatment groups: individualized prophylaxis; weekly prophylaxis; modified prophylaxis (for subjects in whom optimal treatment could not be achieved with individualized or weekly prophylaxis); and episodic treatment. The primary endpoint was development of inhibitors.

Results

A total of 150 A‐LONG subjects and 61 Kids A‐LONG subjects enrolled in ASPIRE. As of the interim data cut (6 January 2014), the median time on study was 80.9 (A‐LONG) and 23.9 (Kids A‐LONG) weeks. The majority of subjects (A‐LONG, 92.0%; Kids A‐LONG, 57.4%) had ≥100 cumulative rFVIIIFc exposure days. No inhibitors were observed. Adverse events were generally consistent with those expected in the general haemophilia A population. Median annualized bleeding rates (ABRs) were low with individualized [A‐LONG: 0.66; Kids A‐LONG: 0.00 (<6 years old), 1.54 (6 to <12 years old)], weekly (A‐LONG: 2.03) and modified (A‐LONG: 1.97) prophylaxis. There was no change in prophylactic infusion frequency or total weekly prophylactic dose in the majority of subjects from A‐LONG and Kids A‐LONG.

Conclusion

Interim data from ASPIRE confirm the long‐term safety of rFVIIIFc and the maintenance of a low ABR with extended‐interval prophylactic dosing in patients with severe haemophilia A.
Trends over 30 years in the prevalence and severity of alveolar bone loss and the influence of smoking and socio‐economic factors – based on epidemiological surveys in Sweden 1983–2013
Authors: Edman K , Öhrn K , Nordström B , Holmlund A , Hellberg D
Published: July 2015

Objective

Epidemiological studies of the prevalence of periodontitis over an extended time using the same methodology to investigate and classify periodontitis are sparse in the literature. Smoking and socio‐economic factors have been proven to increase the risk for periodontal disease. The objective of this study was to investigate 30‐year time trends, using the same methodology to classify the prevalence and severity in alveolar bone loss (ABL) and to investigate the influence of tobacco and socio‐economic factors.

Methods

Four cross‐sectional epidemiological studies in an adult population were performed in the county of Dalarna, Sweden, in 1983, 2003, 2008 and 2013. Random samples of 787–1133 individuals aged 35–85 who answered a questionnaire about tobacco use and socio‐economic factors were radiographically and clinically examined. A number of teeth, ABL and calculus visible on radiographs were registered. The severity of ABL as detected on radiographs was classified into no bone loss, moderate or severe.

Results

The prevalence of moderate ABL decreased from 45% in 1983 to 16% in 2008, but increased to 33% in 2013 (P < 0.05). The prevalence of severe ABL remained the same from 1983 (7%) to 2013 (6%). Calculus visible on radiographs increased from 22% in 2008 to 32% in 2013 (P < 0.05). Socio‐economic factors had limited impact on the severity of ABL.

Conclusion

Moderate ABL and calculus visible on radiographs significantly increased between 2008 and 2013. Smoking was the strongest factor associated with ABL overall.
The dynamic changes of ascorbic acid, tocopherols and antioxidant activity during germination of soya bean (Glycine max)
Authors: Wang Linzhen , Wang Hong , Lai Qinrun , Li Tong , Fu Xiong , Guo Xinbo , Liu Rui Hai
Published: July 2015

The objective of this investigation was to study the dynamic changes of ascorbic acid, tocopherols and their antioxidant activity of soya bean sprouts during germination. Results showed that the expression levels of genes related to biosynthesis of ascorbic acid and tocopherols dramatically increased during germination. The expression levels of most genes were up to the peak at day 3 and kept constantly until the end of germination. The contents of ascorbic acid, α‐tocopherol, γ‐tocopherol, δ‐tocopherol and total tocopherols increased during soya bean sprouts germination and reached peak levels on day 5, of 74.42 ± 1.64 mg/100 g DW, 7.64 ± 0.13 mg/100 g DW, 15.84 ± 1.85 mg/100 g DW, 12.37 ± 1.06 mg/100 g DW, 35.85 ± 2.81 mg/100 g DW, respectively. The antioxidant activity of soya bean sprouts increased during germination and reached peak level on day 5 to 311.01 ± 49.01 μmol ASA equiv./100 g DW. Therefore, germination significantly increased the biosynthesis of ascorbic acid, tocopherols and antioxidant activity of soya bean sprouts.
Transplanted microvascular endothelial cells promote oligodendrocyte precursor cell survival in ischemic demyelinating lesions
Authors: Iijima Keiya , Kurachi Masashi , Shibasaki Koji , Naruse Masae , Puentes Sandra , Imai Hideaki , Yoshimoto Yuhei , Mikuni Masahiko , Ishizaki Yasuki
Published: July 2015

We previously showed that transplantation of brain microvascular endothelial cells (MVECs) greatly stimulated remyelination in the white matter infarct of the internal capsule (IC) induced by endothelin‐1 injection and improved the behavioral outcome. In the present study, we examined the effect of MVEC transplantation on the infarct volume using intermittent magnetic resonance image and on the behavior of oligodendrocyte lineage cells histochemically. Our results in vivo show that MVEC transplantation reduced the infarct volume in IC and apoptotic death of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). These results indicate that MVECs have a survival effect on OPCs, and this effect might contribute to the recovery of the white matter infarct. The conditioned‐medium from cultured MVECs reduced apoptosis of cultured OPCs, while the conditioned medium from cultured fibroblasts did not show such effect. These results suggest a possibility that transplanted MVECs increased the number of OPCs through the release of humoral factors that prevent their apoptotic death. Identification of such humoral factors may lead to the new therapeutic strategy against ischemic demyelinating diseases.

image

Transplanted microvascular endothelial cells (MVECs) release humoral factors which increase the number of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) by inhibiting their apoptotic death. The resultant increase in OPCs promotes remyelination by existing (intrinsic) mature oligodendrocytes in the ischemic infarct region. Identification of such humoral factors may lead to the new therapeutic strategy against ischemic demyelinating diseases.
Targeting Adenosine Monophosphate‐Activated Protein Kinase by Metformin Adjusts Post‐Ischemic Hyperemia and Extracellular Neuronal Discharge in Transient Global Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Farbood Yaghoob , Sarkaki Alireza , Khalaj Leila , Khodagholi Fariba , Badavi Mohammad , Ashabi Ghorbangol
Published: July 2015

Objective

I/R and its subsequent reactive hyperemia results in different adverse effects such as brain edema and BBB disruption. AMPK activation has been perceived as one of the target factors for I/R treatment. We investigated the effect of Met (an AMPK activator) on some physiological parameters including vascular responses, hyperemia, BBB disruption, and electrophysiological activity following tGCI.

Methods

Rats were pretreated with Met for two weeks and CC was administered half an hour before tGCI. Brain vascular responses, hyperemia, BBB disruption, and electrophysiological activity were evaluated following the ischemia.

Results

Met attenuated BBB disruption and reactive hyperemia in tGCI rats compared with the untreated I/R rats (p < 0.001). Met administration along with CC in the ischemic rats reversed the beneficial effects of Met on BBB disruption and reactive hyperemia (p < 0.001). Electrophysiological records indicated that Met increased spike rates in the ischemic rats comparing with I/R rats (p < 0.001), whereas, CC administration blocked the beneficial effects of Met on the neuronal discharges (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

We established a regulatory role for AMPK in vascular and electrophysiological responses to tGCI. Studies are ongoing to determine if activation of AMPK in the reperfusion period would offer similar protection.
Mark‐recapture abundance estimate of tucuxi dolphins (Sotalia fluviatilis) in a lake system of the Central Amazon
Authors: Coimbra Zulmira H. , Assis Carlos A. , da Silva Vera M. F. , dos Santos Manuel E.
Published: July 2015

The tucuxi (Sotalia fluviatilis) is a small dolphin endemic to the Amazon River basin. Because the abundance and trends are currently unknown for the species, this study aimed to estimate its abundance in a lake system of the Central Amazon. A total of 10 two‐day sampling periods were carried out from March to June of 2013 throughout a 13.5 km2 area in the Mamirauá Reserve. In the 104 encounters with the species, a minimum number of 389 dolphins were sighted and photographed, which allowed the positive identification of 49 individuals. Mark‐recapture models were used to estimate an abundance of 119 individuals (95% CI = 105–150) (corrected for the proportion of identifiable individuals). This is the first estimation of S. fluviatilis abundance using mark‐recapture analyses and, together with the photo‐id catalog made available, provides a useful reference for future studies regarding tucuxi dolphins.
Intragroup Conflict and Conflict Management Approaches as Determinants of Team Performance and Satisfaction: Two Field Studies
Authors: Dimas Isabel Dórdio , Lourenço Paulo Renato
Published: July 2015

The effects of intragroup conflict and conflict management on team outcomes were analyzed in two empirical studies with a multilevel approach. In the first study, 68 production teams from eight industrial companies were surveyed. In the second study, we analyzed 77 workgroups from 14 companies. Hierarchical regression analysis was computed to test the hypotheses at the team level, and hierarchical linear modeling was conducted to test the hypotheses at the individual level. The results revealed a negative impact of task conflict on team effectiveness and a positive effect of integrating. No moderator effects were found. Our results, being similar in both studies, come out against the importance of the type of task on the relationship between conflict and team outcomes. Furthermore, our findings suggest that reducing intragroup conflict and providing team members with the abilities to manage conflict cooperatively is a way to increase group performance and team members’ satisfaction.
Tragopogon turcicus sp. nov. (Asteraceae) from Turkey and its phylogenetic position
Authors: Gültepe Mutlu , Coşkunçelebi Kamil , Makbul Serdar , Sağlam Coşkun
Published: July 2015

Tragopogon turcicus Coşkunç., M.Gultepe & Makbul, a new diploid species (2n = 2x = 12), is described and illustrated from Kızıldağ National Park (Isparta), southwest Anatolia. It is morphologically similar to T. oligolepis Hartvig & Strid which is also endemic to Turkey. Diagnostic characters, description, conservation status together with micro‐ and macro‐morphological properties of achenes and pollen grains are given. A phylogenetic analysis based on nrDNA ITS sequence data indicated that T. oligolepis is the sister species of the new taxon.
The DYT1‐interacting proteins bHLH010, bHLH089 and bHLH091 are redundantly required for Arabidopsis anther development and transcriptome
Authors: Zhu Engao , You Chenjiang , Wang Shuangshuang , Cui Jie , Niu Baixiao , Wang Yingxiang , Qi Ji , Ma Hong , Chang Fang
Published: July 2015

The anther is the male reproductive organ of flowering plants, and the Arabidopsis bHLH transcription factors encoded by DYSFUNCTIONAL TAPETUM1 (DYT1) and ABORTED MICROSPORE (AMS) are required for control of the complex transcriptional networks regulating anther development. Knowledge of the mechanisms by which the bHLH proteins affect this diverse gene expression is quite limited. We examine here three recently duplicated Arabidopsis bHLH genes, bHLH010, bHLH089 and bHLH091, using evolutionary, genetic, morphological and transcriptomic approaches, and uncover their redundant functions in anther development. These three genes are relatively highly expressed in the tapetum of the Arabidopsis anther; single mutants at each of the bHLH010, bHLH089 and bHLH091 loci are developmentally normal, but the various double and triple combinations progressively exhibit increasingly defective anther phenotypes (abnormal tapetum morphology, delayed callose degeneration, and aborted pollen development), indicating their redundant functions in male fertility. Further transcriptomic and molecular analyses suggest that these three proteins act slightly later than DYT1, and also form protein complexes with DYT1, subsequently affecting the correct expression of many DYT1 target genes in the anther development transcriptional network. This study demonstrated that bHLH010, bHLH089 and bHLH091 together are important for the normal transcriptome of the developing Arabidopsis anther, possibly by forming a feed‐forward loop with DYT1.
Bilateral microphthalmos with cyst in a neonatal foal
Authors: Greenberg Shari M. , Plummer Caryn E. , Sledge Dodd , Komine Misa , Craft Serena L. , Conway Julia A.
Published: July 2015

A 1‐day–old miniature horse filly was presented to the University of Florida Veterinary Ophthalmology service for evaluation of multiple ocular anomalies which were present from birth. Protruding from the right orbit was a large, fluctuant, red, dry and variably ulcerated mass. A globe could not be appreciated clinically in the left orbit. Ocular ultrasound of both orbits was performed. This revealed a lobular, hypo‐echoic structure filling the right orbit, with multiple hyperechoic septations; normal ocular structures were not identified. Ultrasound of the left orbit revealed a microphthalmic eye, with a well‐defined, hyperechoic structure in the vitreous that was thought to be the lens. Due to irreversible blindness, the foal was humanely euthanized. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry of the orbital contents revealed bilateral microphthalmos with cyst, a congenital defect rarely reported in the veterinary literature.
Respiratory and Muscular Perceived Exertion During Official Games in Professional Soccer Players
Authors: Arcos Asier Los , Méndez-Villanueva Alberto , Yanci Javier , Martínez-Santos Raúl
Published: July 2015

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to assess the respiratory and muscular session ratings of perceived exertion (PE) after official soccer matches over an extended period of time (ie, 2 competition seasons) in relation to playing time (>20, 20–45, 45–70, and >70 min) and to determine the between-matches variability of both scores in young professional soccer players.

Methods:

Forty players belonging to the same reserve team of a Spanish La Liga club participated in this study. Respiratory and muscular PE were collected 10 min after every game. A total of 841 individual PE ratings were undertaken on outfield players.

Results:

The differences between match respiratory and muscular load differ depending on the playing time, the respiratory PE being greater for the players that competed less than 45 min (effect size = –0.45 ± 0.45 for the 20- to 45-min group) and the muscular PE greater for players that played more than 45 min (effect size = 0.23 ± 0.30, for the 45- to 70-min group). Match-to-match PE variability was considerable (CV = 14–54%) for all levels of participation, but it was lower the longer the players participated.

Conclusions:

Playing time influenced the relative exertion that players’ respiratory and leg musculature were exposed to during a game, suggesting that differential PE scores might provide a more accurate evaluation of match-imposed internal load. However, the small-magnitude differences between respiratory and muscular session ratings of PE observed in the current study might question the practical relevance of assessing both scores.
Vision-Based Semantic Unscented FastSLAM for Indoor Service Robot
Authors: Zhu Xiaorui , Deng Fucheng , Ou Yongsheng , Liu Letian , Wang Ermeng
Published: July 2015

This paper proposes a vision-based Semantic Unscented FastSLAM (UFastSLAM) algorithm for mobile service robot combining the semantic relationship and the Unscented FastSLAM. The landmark positions and the semantic relationships among landmarks are detected by a binocular vision. Then the semantic observation model can be created by transforming the semantic relationships into the semantic metric map. Semantic Unscented FastSLAM can be used to update the locations of the landmarks and robot pose even when the encoder inherits large cumulative errors that may not be corrected by the loop closure detection of the vision system. Experiments have been carried out to demonstrate that the Semantic Unscented FastSLAM algorithm can achieve much better performance in indoor autonomous surveillance than Unscented FastSLAM.
Blind Source Separation Model of Earth-Rock Junctions in Dike Engineering Based on Distributed Optical Fiber Sensing Technology
Authors: Su Huaizhi , Yang Meng , Zhao Kunpeng , Wen Zhiping
Published: July 2015

Distributed temperature sensing (DTS) provides an important technology support for the earth-rock junctions of dike projects (ERJD), which are binding sites between culvert, gates, and pipes and dike body and dike foundation. In this study, a blind source separation model is used for the identification of leakages based on the temperature data of DTS in leakage monitoring of ERJD. First, a denoising method is established based on the temperature monitoring data of distributed optical fiber in ERJD by a wavelet packet signal decomposition technique. The temperature monitoring messages of fibers are combined response for leakages and other factors. Its character of unclear responding mechanism is very obvious. Thus, a blind source separation technology is finally selected. Then, the rule of temperature measurement data for optical fiber is analyzed and its temporal and spatial change process is also discussed. The realization method of the blind source separation model is explored by combining independent component analysis (ICA) with principal component analysis (PCA). The practical test result in an example shows that the method could efficiently locate and identify the leakage location of ERJD. This paper is expected to be useful for further scientific research and efficient applications of distributed optical fiber sensing technology.
MIMO Antenna with High Isolation for WBAN Applications
Authors: Kang Do-Gu , Tak Jinpil , Choi Jaehoon
Published: July 2015

A multi-input multi-output (MIMO) antenna with high isolation is proposed for 2.4 GHz ISM band (2.4–2.485 GHz) WBAN applications. The proposed MIMO antenna consists of two PIFA elements and utilizes an isolator composed of a shorted strip and two slits in the ground plane. Although the separation between the two PIFAs is minimized to 8 mm (0.06 λ∘), isolation performance is improved by virtue of an isolator. To analyze the antenna’s performance on a human body, the proposed antenna is placed on a human muscle-equivalent flat phantom and is investigated through simulations. The measured −10 dB reflection coefficient bandwidth of the antenna ranges from 2.11 GHz to 2.6 GHz, and the isolation is lower than −38 dB over the 2.4 GHz ISM band.
Application ofR/SMethod for Dynamic Analysis of Additional Strain and Fracture Warning in Shaft Lining
Authors: Zhao Guangsi , Zhou Guoqing , Wang Jianzhou
Published: July 2015

In the past few decades, enormous losses have been induced by hundreds of vertical shafts collapse. This study is based on long-term in situ monitoring data of several mines with overburden soil layers in East China in the past six years.R/Smodeling based on fractal theory was used to analyze the development of additional strains in shafts by using Hurst exponent. It can be found that from the monitoring results the Hurst effect is significant ranging from 0.5 to 1.0. Its trend also is in good agreement with forward-biased random distribution. Hence,R/Smethod can be used to predict the additional strain along the shaft lining. In this paper, Hurst exponent shows an irregular phenomenon before cracking. It is proved that Hurst exponent can be used to predicate the progressive failure of shaft lining from abnormal state to normal state. This paper presents the prediction of shaft lining failures using strains measured by embedded strain gauges in the thick overburden soil layers in east China.
Study of Three-Component FBG Vibration Sensor for Simultaneous Measurement of Vibration, Temperature, and Verticality
Authors: Shan-chao Jiang , Jing Wang , Qing-mei Sui , Qing-lin Ye , Li-jun Wang
Published: July 2015

To achieve simultaneous measurement of measurand vibration, temperature, and verticality, a three-component fiber Brag grating (TVFBG) vibration sensor is proposed in this paper. Polymer and metal diaphragm sensitization methods are utilized to improve this sensor measurement sensitivity. Project matrix theory is adopted to analyze this sensor. Theoretically,9×9nonsingular measuring coefficient matrix of this TVFBG sensor made up by three3×3measurand coefficient matrixes is established. In order to effectively extract measurand, Hilbert-Huang transform (HHT) is accepted to process this sensor’s center wavelength signals. Calibration experiments are carried out to verify the performance of this TVFBG sensor. Experiment data confirm that this sensor has excellent frequency response and show good linearity at temperature and verticality measurement. Wrist rotation angle measurement experiment is also implemented to further identify this sensor practical value. Through analyzing by HHT, experiment results show that the angle measurement sensitivities of three fiber Brag gratings which are included in this sensor are separately 25.2 pm/°, 38.2 pm/°, and 38.3 pm/°.
Au‐Ag Core‐Shell Nanospheres for Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering Detection of Sudan I and Sudan II in Chili Powder
Authors: Pei Lu , Ou Yiming , Yu Wansong , Fan Yuxia , Huang Yiqun , Lai Keqiang
Published: July 2015

Au‐Ag core‐shell (Au@Ag) bimetallic nanospheres synthesized by a facile seed‐growth method are proposed as a substrate for surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to detect azo‐group dyes including Sudan I and Sudan II. Au@Ag nanospheres with a series of particle sizes (diameter: 30–120 nm) and silver shell thicknesses (6–51 nm) were synthesized and compared for their morphological and optical properties to obtain optimum enhancement effect. Normal Raman, SERS, infrared, and ultraviolet‐visible were used to investigate the optical absorption properties of Sudan I and Sudan II as well as the enhancement mechanism of Au@Ag substrates. The nanospheres with particle size of 73 ± 6 nm in diameter and silver layer of 27 ± 2 nm resulted in the highest enhancement effect and could be used to detect Sudan I and Sudan II standard solutions at levels as low as 0.4 and 0.1 mg/L, respectively. Moreover, Sudan I and Sudan II in chili powder could be detected at 0.6 and 0.4 mg/kg, respectively. Sudan I and Sudan II with similar structures in complicated food matrices could be distinguished through applying principal component analysis, indicating good selectivity of the SERS method for detection of banned additives in food stuffs at trace levels.
Deformation Monitoring of Geomechanical Model Test and Its Application in Overall Stability Analysis of a High Arch Dam
Authors: Yang Baoquan , Zhang Lin , Liu Enlong , Dong Jianhua , Zhu Honghu , Chen Yuan
Published: July 2015

Geomechanical model testing is an important method for studying the overall stability of high arch dams. The main task of a geomechanical model test is deformation monitoring. Currently, many types of deformation instruments are used for deformation monitoring of dam models, which provide valuable information on the deformation characteristics of the prototype dams. However, further investigation is required for assessing the overall stability of high arch dams through analyzing deformation monitoring data. First, a relationship for assessing the stability of dams is established based on the comprehensive model test method. Second, a stability evaluation system is presented based on the deformation monitoring data, together with the relationships between the deformation and overloading coefficient. Finally, the comprehensive model test method is applied to study the overall stability of the Jinping-I high arch dam. A three-dimensional destructive test of the geomechanical model dam is conducted under reinforced foundation conditions. The deformation characteristics and failure mechanisms of the dam abutments and foundation were investigated. The test results indicate that the stability safety factors of the dam abutments and foundation range from 5.2 to 6.0. These research results provide an important scientific insight into the design, construction, and operation stages of this project.
A Study on Distribution Measurement and Mechanism of Deformation due to Water Loss of Overburden Layer in Vertical Shaft
Authors: Piao Chunde , Yuan Jun , Wang Dangliang , Li Pengtao
Published: July 2015

Based on FBG fiber Bragg grating technology and BOTDA distributed optical fiber sensing technology, this study uses fine sand to simulate overburden layer in vertical shaft model equipment. It studies the placing technique and test method for optical fiber sensors in the overburden layer, combined with MODFLOW software to simulate the change of the water head value when the overburden layer is losing water, and obtains the deformation features of overburden layer. The results show, at the beginning of water loss, the vertical deformation increases due to larger hydraulic pressure drop, while the deformation decreases gradually and tends to be stable with the hydraulic pressure drop reducing. The circumferential deformation is closely related to such factors as the distance between each drainage outlet, the variations of water head value, and the method of drainage. The monitoring result based on optical fiber sensing technology is consistent with the characteristics of water loss in overburden layer simulated by MODFLOW software, which shows that the optical fiber sensing technology applied to monitor shaft overburden layer is feasible.
A Comparative Study on Frequency Sensitivity of a Transmission Tower
Authors: Li Peng-yun , Chen Bo , Xie Wen-ping , Xiao Xiang
Published: July 2015

Sensitivity analysis can take structural parameters as variable and achieve the relationship only with one time analysis, which will dramatically reduce the analytical work especially for large scale structures. The comparative study on frequency sensitivity of a transmission tower is actively carried out in this study. The three-dimensional analytical model of a transmission tower is established by using the finite element (FE) method. The sensitivity coefficients to natural frequencies are deduced based on the equation of motion of the tower. In addition, the expression of the frequency sensitivity to Young’s modulus, density of material, the cross area of members, torsional stiffness, and bending moment inertia is proposed. A real transmission tower constructed in China is taken as an example to examine the feasibility and reliability of the proposed sensitivity computation approach. An intensive parametric study is conducted in detail in order to compare the sensitivity coefficients of different physical parameters. The work on an example structure indicated that the magnitudes of the sensitivity coefficients of Young’s modulus, the density, and the cross area are much larger than those of the torsional stiffness and the bending moment inertia.
Application of Distributed Optical Fiber Sensing Technology in the Anomaly Detection of Shaft Lining in Grouting
Authors: Piao Chunde , Yuan Jun , Shi Bin , Lu Haijun , Wei Guangqing , Gu Chunsheng
Published: July 2015

The rupture of the shaft lining caused by grouting has seriously undermined the safety in coal mining. Based on BOTDR distributed optical fiber sensing technology, this paper studied the layout method of optical fiber sensors and the anomaly detection method of the deformation and obtained the evolution law of shaft deformation triggered by grouting. The research results showed that the bonding problem of optical fiber sensors in damp environment could be effectively solved, by applying the binder consisting of sodium silicate and cement. Through BOTDR-based deformation detection, the real-time deformation of the shaft lining caused by grouting was immediately spotted. By comparing the respective strain of shaft lining deformation and concrete deformation, the risk range of shaft lining grouting was identified. With the additional strain increment of the shaft lining triggered by each process of grouting, the saturated condition of grouting volume in strata was analyzed, providing an important technical insight into the field construction and the safety of the shaft lining.
Energy-Efficient User Association Strategy for Hyperdense Heterogeneous Networking in the Fifth Generation Systems
Authors: Li Lei , Jin Hao , Yan Zhipeng , Yang Changqing , Wu Yong
Published: July 2015

Redesigning user association strategies to improve energy efficiency (EE) has been viewed as one of the promising shifting paradigms for the fifth generation (5G) cellular networks. In this paper, we investigate how to optimize users’ association to enhance EE for hyper dense heterogeneous networking in the 5G cellular networks, where the low-power node (LPN) much outnumbers the high-power node (HPN). To characterize that densely deployed LPNs would undertake a majority of high-rate services, while HPNs mainly support coverage; the EE metric is defined as average weighted EE of access nodes with the unit of bit per joule. Then, the EE optimization objective function is formulated and proved to be nonconvex. Two mathematical transformation techniques are presented to solve the nonconvex problem. In the first case, the original problem is reformulated as an equivalent problem involving the maximization of a biconcave function. In the second case, it is equivalent to a concave minimization problem. We focus on the solution of the biconcave framework, and, by exploiting the biconcave structure, a novel iterative algorithm based on dual theory is proposed, where a partially optimal solution can be achieved. Simulation results have verified the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Spatial Rotation of the Fractional Derivative in Two-Dimensional Space
Authors: Malkawi Ehab
Published: July 2015

The transformations of the partial fractional derivatives under spatial rotation inR2are derived for the Riemann-Liouville and Caputo definitions. These transformation properties link the observation of physical quantities, expressed through fractional derivatives, with respect to different coordinate systems (observers). It is the hope that such understanding could shed light on the physical interpretation of fractional derivatives. Also it is necessary to be able to construct interaction terms that are invariant with respect to equivalent observers.
Sum-of-Processing-Times-Based Two-Agent Single-Machine Scheduling with Aging Effects and Tardiness
Authors: Kim Do Gyun , Choi Jin Young
Published: July 2015

We consider a two-agent single-machine scheduling problem that minimizes the total weighted tardiness of one agent under the restriction that the second agent is prohibited from having tardy jobs. The actual processing times of all jobs are affected by a sum-of-processing-times-based aging effect. After showing the NP-hardness of the problem, we design a branch-and-bound (B&B) algorithm to find an optimal solution by developing dominance properties and a lower bound for the total weighted tardiness to increase search efficiency. Because B&B takes a long time to find an optimal solution, we propose a genetic algorithm as an efficient, near optimal solution approach. Four methods for generating initial populations are considered, and edge recombination crossover is adopted as a genetic operator. Through numerical experiments, we verify the outstanding performance of the proposed genetic algorithm.
Adaptable Bandwidth for Harmonic Step-Frequency Radar
Authors: Martone Anthony F. , Gallagher Kyle A. , Sherbondy Kelly D. , Ranney Kenneth I. , Dogaru Traian V. , Mazzaro Gregory J. , Narayanan Ram M.
Published: July 2015

A spectrum sensing technique is described which is used to enhance the performance of harmonic step-frequency radar in the presence of harmful radio frequency (RF) interference (RFI). This technique passively monitors the RF spectrum for subbands of high signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) within a constrained bandwidth of interest. An optimal subband is selected for the harmonic radar that maximizes SINR and minimizes the range resolution cell size, two conflicting objectives. The approach is tested using an experimental setup that injects high power RFI into a harmonic step-frequency radar, which significantly degrades radar performance. It is shown that the proposed spectrum sensing technique significantly improves the SINR and the peak-to-average sidelobe power level of the harmonic radar at the sacrifice of range resolution.
Dual Zeroth-Order Resonant USB Dongle Antennas for 4G MIMO Wireless Communications
Authors: Shi Yan , Zhang Lu , Liang Chang-Hong
Published: July 2015

A multiband multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna system consisting of two antenna elements has been proposed for 4G USB dongle application. The designed MIMO antenna system with a compact volume of 25 mm × 30 mm × 3.5 mm operates in two zeroth-order resonance (ZOR) modes to cover the LTE band 13 (746–787 MHz), GSM850/900 (824–960 MHz), and LTE band 7 (2500–2690 MHz) simultaneously. A pair of L-shaped parasitic strips and an etching slot on the ground are employed to achieve good isolation between two elements. Measurement results show that proposed MIMO antenna system has total efficiency over 40% across the operation band and isolation less than −8 dB at the lower band and −16 dB at the upper band, respectively.
The Communication Solution for LTE System under Radar Interference Circumstance
Authors: Zheng Hang , Li Yunjie , Zhu Yunpeng
Published: July 2015

The interferences of radar and communication system coexistent environment are analyzed in this paper, and an attractive detection mechanism of the radar video signal and proportional fair scheduling algorithm based on channel sensing are proposed to realize the communication by using radar radiant intermissions. And the simulation is designed based on the proposed model to test this plan. The simulated results show that the packet scheduling algorithm is an excellent candidate for the communication solution for LTE system under radar radiant intermissions.
Performance Evaluation of DDS-Based Middleware over Wireless Channel for Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems
Authors: Almadani Basem , Bajwa Muhammad Naseer , Yang Shuang-Hua , Saif Abdul-Wahid A.
Published: July 2015

Reconfigurable manufacturing systems (RMS) are rapidly becoming choice of production and manufacturing industry due to their quick adaptability to the ever-changing market demands while maintaining the quality and cost of the products. Such systems are usually decentralized in their monitoring and control and consist of heterogeneous components. Therefore, need arises for an interface that can mask the heterogeneity and provide smooth communication among these dissimilar components. Data Distribution Service (DDS) is a data-centric middleware standard based on Real-Time Publish/Subscribe (RTPS) protocol that fulfills the job of such interface in distributed systems. In this work, we present the idea of using DDS-based middleware over commonly used wireless channels like Bluetooth and Industrial WiFi to facilitate data communication in distributed control systems. A simulation model is developed to quantify various performance measures like latency, jitter, and throughput and to examine the suitability of aforementioned wireless channels in distributed monitoring and control environments. The model explores various communication scenarios based upon a practical case study. Obtained results serve as an empirical proof of concept that DDS can ensure reliable and timely data communication in firm real-time distributed control systems using common wireless channels and offer extensive control over various aspects of data transmission through its rich set of QoS policies.
Design of Wireless Automatic Synchronization for the Low-Frequency Coded Ground Penetrating Radar
Authors: Xia Zhenghuan , Zhang Qunying , Ye Shengbo , Xu Zhiwu , Chen Jie , Fang Guangyou , Yin Hejun
Published: July 2015

Low-frequency coded ground penetrating radar (GPR) with a pair of wire dipole antennas has some advantages for deep detection. Due to the large distance between the two antennas, the synchronization design is a major challenge of implementing the GPR system. This paper proposes a simple and stable wireless automatic synchronization method based on our developed GPR system, which does not need any synchronization chips or modules and reduces the cost of the hardware system. The transmitter omits the synchronization preamble and pseudorandom binary sequence (PRBS) at an appropriate time interval, while receiver automatically estimates the synchronization time and receives the returned signal from the underground targets. All the processes are performed in a single FPGA. The performance of the proposed synchronization method is validated with experiment.
Failure Mechanism of Rock Bridge Based on Acoustic Emission Technique
Authors: Chen Guoqing , Zhang Yan , Huang Runqiu , Guo Fan , Zhang Guofeng
Published: July 2015

Acoustic emission (AE) technique is widely used in various fields as a reliable nondestructive examination technology. Two experimental tests were carried out in a rock mechanics laboratory, which include (1) small scale direct shear tests of rock bridge with different lengths and (2) large scale landslide model with locked section. The relationship of AE event count and record time was analyzed during the tests. The AE source location technology and comparative analysis with its actual failure model were done. It can be found that whether it is small scale test or large scale landslide model test, AE technique accurately located the AE source point, which reflected the failure generation and expansion of internal cracks in rock samples. Large scale landslide model with locked section test showed that rock bridge in rocky slope has typical brittle failure behavior. The two tests based on AE technique well revealed the rock failure mechanism in rocky slope and clarified the cause of high speed and long distance sliding of rocky slope.
Accounts Auditing’s Institutional Essence
Authors: Итыгилова  , Itygilova E.
Published: July 2015

In this paper have been revealed new provisions in justification of audit’s institutional essence, auditor activity’s

institutional structure and its elements; a model of institutional relations for implementation of accounting information

quality assessment has been presented as well.