bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indoor Mapping and Localization for a Smart Wheelchair Using Measurements of Ambient Magnetic Fields
Authors: Trezza Anthony T. , Virani Nurali N. , Wolkowicz Kelilah L. , Moore Jason Z. , Brennan Sean N.
Published: January 2016

Freedom of mobility is a crucial aspect of our daily lives. Consequently, engineering solutions for mobility, including smart wheelchairs, are becoming increasingly important for those with disabilities. However, the lack of a reliable solution for indoor localization has affected the pace of research in this direction. GPS signals cannot be measured indoors and environment modifications for wheelchair localization can be expensive and intrusive. This research explores the feasibility of using ambient magnetic fields for indoor localization by exploiting the spatial non-uniformity due to ferromagnetic objects in ordinary working environments. A non-parametric density estimation technique was developed to build magnetic field maps. This approach is compared to an existing regression technique. Two different approximate kinematic models for the wheelchair are presented and implemented in a particle-filtering framework. Finally, the efficacy of these mapping techniques and motion models, including and excluding odometry information, are compared via tracking experiments conducted with a smart wheelchair.
The Effects of Turbulence Length Scale on the Performance of Piezoelectric Harvesters
Authors: Andreopoulos Yiannis , Danesh-Yazdi Amir H. , Goushcha Oleg , Elvin Niell
Published: January 2016

Turbulent flows carry mechanical energy distributed over a range of temporal and spatial scales and their interaction with a thin immersed piezoelectric beam results in a strain field which generates electrical charge. This energy harvesting method can be used for developing self-powered electronic devices such as flow sensors. In the present experimental work, various energy harvesters were placed in a turbulent boundary layer or inside a decaying flow field of homogeneous and isotropic turbulence. The role of large instantaneous turbulent structures in this rather complex fluid-structure interaction is discussed in interpreting the electrical output results. The forces acting on the vibrating beams have been measured dynamically and a theory has been developed which incorporates the effects of mean local velocity, turbulence intensity, the relative size of the beam’s length to the integral length scale of turbulence, the structural properties of the beam and the electrical properties of the active piezoelectric layer to provide reasonable estimates of the mean electrical power output. Experiments have been carried out in which these fluidic harvesters are immersed first in inhomogeneous turbulence like that encountered in boundary layers developing over solid walls and homogeneous and isotopic turbulence for which a simplified analytical description exists. It was found that there is a non-linear effect of turbulence length scales on the power output of the fluidic harvesters.
Modeling and Control of Automated Pipe Hoisting in Oil and Gas Well Construction
Authors: Pournazari Parham , Ashok Pradeepkumar , van Oort Eric
Published: January 2016

This paper presents a robust control algorithm for automatic hoisting of a drill string in oil and gas drilling operations. We demonstrate an iterative scheme for trajectory design and present a lumped dynamic model of the hoisting system. The trajectory is used along with the dynamic model to design a hybrid sliding mode and gain scheduled PI controller to deal with the frictional nonlinearities of the system. The simulation results demonstrate the feasibility of this approach in optimally performing the pipe hoisting task.
A RISE Controller for an Electric Convoy
Authors: Feemster Matthew G.
Published: January 2016

In this paper, the robust integral of the sign of the error (RISE) control methodology is employed to promote interspacing distance regulation within a leader-follower convoy system by directly compensating for the preceding vehicle’s velocity behavior. The RISE technique was considered since it offers the advantage of requiring less restriction/knowledge on/of the preceding vehicle’s behavior (e.g., structure and/or frequency). Furthermore, the RISE algorithm is combined with a headway distancing method to aid in promoting convoy stability and as a result requires only measurement of the preceding vehicle’s position signal. Simulation results are provided for an electrically actuated convoy system that demonstrates the efficacy of the proposed method.
Expectation Maximization Method to Identify an Electrically Stimulated Musculoskeletal Model
Authors: Ravichandar Harish , Dani Ashwin , Khadijah-Hajdu Jacquelyn , Kirsch Nicholas , Zhong Qiang , Sharma Nitin
Published: January 2016

A system identification algorithm for a musculoskeletal system using an approximate expectation maximization (E-M) is presented. Effective control design for neuroprosthesis applications necessitates a well defined muscle model. A dynamic model of the lower leg with a fixed ankle is considered. The unknown parameters of the model are estimated using an approximate E-M algorithm based on knee angle measurements collected from an able-bodied subject during stimulated knee extension. The parameters estimated from the data are compared to reference values obtained by conducting experiments that separate the parameters in the dynamics from one another. The presented results demonstrate the capability of the proposed algorithm to identify the parameters of the dynamic model from knee angle measurements.
Diesel Engine Fuel Injection Control Using a Model-Guided Extremum-Seeking Method
Authors: Divekar Prasad , Tan Qingyuan , Chen Xiang , Zheng Ming , Tan Ying
Published: January 2016

Diesel engine fuel injection control is presented as a feedback based online optimization problem. Extremum seeking (ES) approach is used to address the online optimization formulation. The cost function is synthesized from extensive experimental investigations such that the indicated thermal efficiency of the engine is maximized while minimizing the NOx emissions under external boundary conditions. Knowledge of the physical combustion and emission formation process based on a pre-calibrated non-linear engine model output is used to determine the ES initial control input to minimize the seeking time. The control is demonstrated on a hardware-in-the-loop engine simulator bench.
Objective Quantitative Assessment of Movement Disorders Through Analysis of Static Handwritten Characters
Authors: Zhi Naiqian , Jaeger Beverly K. , Gouldstone Andrew , Frank Samuel , Sipahi Rifat
Published: January 2016

Movement disorders associated with Essential Tremor (ET) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) can negatively impact use of the upper limb for many precision tasks, including handwriting. Both ET and PD can be assessed through clinical tests which are, however, relatively subjective. This assessment approach possesses inherent logistical and resolution limitations. To address this, here we present objective computerized metrics intended to assess and quantify the extent to which static writing samples display the effects of ET and PD. Specifically, these metrics are tested in their ability to measure tremor by comparing unaffected writing samples with those affected by artificially induced tremor on healthy subjects, and also by comparing healthy writing samples with symptomatic writing samples collected from PD patients reporting micrographia. Our findings indicate that the presented metrics can be utilized for assessment, leading to a toolset capable of objectively monitoring static handwriting changes associated with symptom variations in ET and/or PD patients.
River Crossings: Lessons Learned From Lowering Pipelines by Natural Flexion
Authors: Carnicero Martín , Ponce Manuel
Published: January 2016

When a buried pipeline is exposed in the middle of a river, the need of a mitigation action immediately arises. Lowering the pipeline by natural flexion is sometimes chosen after competing in magnitude, complexity and cost with other alternatives such as river bank and bed erosion control protections. Although simple in its conceptual design, its implementation requires taking into consideration several factors that can affect its successful outcome in terms of the final position of the pipeline and the remediation measures needed to restore the terrain and environment to its original situation. Five different field cases are presented: Río Colorado, Río Santa María, Río Negro and Río Suquía, all of them located at northern Argentina, and a fifth one placed at the Patagonian desert. For each of them references are made regarding the following issues: reasons for the selection of this option, in or out of service movement operation, depth of burial, design of the lowering curve based on pipe allowable tensions, topographic reference system, ditch design, drainage and stabilization, need for river diversion, lowering equipment, ditch interceptors design, ditch filling and soil compaction procedure, and ROW remediation. Finally, a set of recommendations are included as a way to share this experience and provide a guideline for future works.
Children’s Neuromotor and Muscle-Functional Attributes—Outstanding Issues
Authors: Dotan Raffy
Published: January 2016

The current understanding of child-adult differences in muscular and neuromotor function will be reviewed while highlighting the gaps in our knowledge and raising research questions that could be addressed in the immediate or near future. Topics include muscle activation, muscle composition, strength attributes, strength- and aerobic-training, neuromotor development, where neuromuscular differences originate from, and the possible interrelationships between motor and cognitive function. The various differences will be discussed on their specific merits, but also as possible manifestations of a common underlying factor which, if true, could provide a more holistic view of child-adult functional differences.
Organized Sports and Unstructured Active Play as Physical Activity Sources in Children From Low-Income Chicago Households
Authors: Appelhans Bradley M. , Li Hong
Published: January 2016

Purpose:

This study tested associations of organized sports participation and unstructured active play with overall moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in low-income children and examined factors associated with participation frequency.

Method:

Research staff visited 88 low-income Chicago households with children ages 6–13 years. MVPA was assessed through 7-day accelerometry. Researchers documented the home availability of physical activity equipment. Caregivers reported on child participation in organized sports and unstructured active play, family support for physical activity, perceived neighborhood safety, and access to neighborhood physical activity venues.

Results:

Despite similar participation in organized sports and unstructured active play, boys accumulated more MVPA than girls. MVPA was predicted by an interaction between gender and unstructured active play. Boys accumulated 23–45 additional minutes of weekday MVPA and 53–62 additional minutes of weekend MVPA through unstructured active play, with no such associations in girls. Higher reported neighborhood safety and family support for physical activity were associated with engagement in unstructured active play for both genders, and with participation in organized sports for girls.

Conclusion:

Physical activity interventions for low-income, urban children should emphasize unstructured active play, particularly in boys. Fostering family support for physical activity and safe play environments may be critical intervention components.
Analysis of Noncanonical Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinases in Toxoplasma gondii by Targeted Gene Deletion Using CRISPR/Cas9
Authors: Long Shaojun , Wang Qiuling , Sibley L. David
Published: January 2016

Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) are expanded in apicomplexan parasites, especially in
Toxoplasma gondii
where 14 separate genes encoding these enzymes are found. Although previous studies have shown that several CDPKs play a role in controlling invasion, egress, and cell division in
T. gondii
, the roles of most of these genes are unexplored. Here we developed a more efficient method for gene disruption using CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/Cas9 (CRISPR-associated protein 9) that was modified to completely delete large, multiexonic genes from the genome and to allow serial replacement by recycling of the selectable marker using Cre-loxP. Using this system, we generated a total of 24 mutants in type 1 and 2 genetic backgrounds to ascertain the functions of noncanonical CDPKs. Remarkably, although we were able to confirm the essentiality of CDPK1 and CDPK7, the majority of CDPKs had no discernible phenotype for growth
in vitro
or infection in the mouse model. The exception to this was CDPK6, loss of which leads to reduced plaquing, fitness defect in a competition assay, and reduced tissue cyst formation in chronically infected mice. Our findings highlight the utility of CRISPR/Cas9 for rapid serial gene deletion and also suggest that additional models are needed to reveal the functions of many genes in
T. gondii
.
Benign cylindroma: a rare differential diagnosis of external ear canal tumour
Authors: Schwarz David , Drebber Uta , Ortmann Monika , Anagiotos Andreas
Published: January 2016

Cylindromas are rare adnexal skin tumours that usually occur in the head and neck area. This article reports a case of benign cylindroma arising in the external auditory canal. A 75-year-old man presented with a 3-month history of right aural fullness; no other symptoms were reported. Ear microscopy examination revealed a skin mass on the floor of the external ear canal. Α CT scan of the skull showed a well-circumscribed soft tissue mass, with no signs of underlying cortical bone erosion. Tumour resection through an endaural approach was performed. Histological examination revealed a benign cylindroma with margins free of tumour, so that no further treatment was necessary. 8 months after surgery the patient is asymptomatic with normal findings in the ear microscopy examination. Benign cylindroma has a high recurrence rate and can undergo malignant transformation. Therefore, complete surgical removal and close follow-up are of great importance.
Risk-adjusted survival for adults following in-hospital cardiac arrest by day of week and time of day: observational cohort study
Authors: Robinson Emily J , Smith Gary B , Power Geraldine S , Harrison David A , Nolan Jerry , Soar Jasmeet , Spearpoint Ken , Gwinnutt Carl , Rowan Kathryn M
Published: January 2016

Background

Internationally, hospital survival is lower for patients admitted at weekends and at night. Data from the UK National Cardiac Arrest Audit (NCAA) indicate that crude hospital survival was worse after in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) at night versus day, and at weekends versus weekdays, despite similar frequency of events.

Objective

To describe IHCA demographics during three day/time periods—weekday daytime (Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 19:59), weekend daytime (Saturday and Sunday, 08:00 to 19:59) and night-time (Monday to Sunday, 20:00 to 07:59)—and to compare the associated rates of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) for >20 min (ROSC>20 min) and survival to hospital discharge, adjusted for risk using previously developed NCAA risk models. To consider whether any observed difference could be attributed to differences in the case mix of patients resident in hospital and/or the administered care.

Methods

We performed a prospectively defined analysis of NCAA data from 27 700 patients aged ≥16 years receiving chest compressions and/or defibrillation and attended by a hospital-based resuscitation team in response to a resuscitation (2222) call in 146 UK acute hospitals.

Results

Risk-adjusted outcomes (OR (95% CI)) were worse (p<0.001) for both weekend daytime (ROSC>20 min 0.88 (0.81 to 0.95); hospital survival 0.72 (0.64 to 0.80)), and night-time (ROSC>20 min 0.72 (0.68 to 0.76); hospital survival 0.58 (0.54 to 0.63)) compared with weekday daytime. The effects were stronger for non-shockable than shockable rhythms, but there was no significant interaction between day/time of arrest and age, or day/time of arrest and arrest location. While many daytime IHCAs involved procedures, restricting the analyses to IHCAs in medical admissions with an arrest location of ward produced results that are broadly in line with the primary analyses.

Conclusions

IHCAs attended by the hospital-based resuscitation team during nights and weekends have substantially worse outcomes than during weekday daytimes. Organisational or care differences at night and weekends, rather than patient case mix, appear to be responsible.
From the closest observers of patient care: a thematic analysis of online narrative reviews of hospitals
Authors: Bardach Naomi S , Lyndon Audrey , Asteria-Peñaloza Renée , Goldman L Elizabeth , Lin Grace A , Dudley R Adams
Published: January 2016

Objective

Patient-centred care has become a priority in many countries. It is unknown whether current tools capture aspects of care patients and their surrogates consider important. We investigated whether online narrative reviews from patients and surrogates reflect domains in the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) and we described additional potential domains.

Design

We used thematic analysis to assess online narrative reviews for reference to HCAHPS domains and salient non-HCAHPS domains and compared results by reviewer type (patient vs surrogate).

Setting

We identified hospitals for review from the American Hospital Association database using a stratified random sampling approach. This approach ensured inclusion of reviews of a diverse set of hospitals. We searched online in February 2013 for narrative reviews from any source for each hospital.

Participants

We included up to two narrative reviews for each hospital. Exclusions: Outpatient or emergency department reviews, reviews from self-identified hospital employees, or reviews of <10 words.

Results

50.0% (n=122) of reviews (N=244) were from patients and 38.1% (n=93) from friends or family members. Only 57.0% (n=139) of reviews mentioned any HCAHPS domain. Additional salient domains were: Financing, including unexpected out-of-pocket costs and difficult interactions with billing departments; system-centred care; and perceptions of safety. These domains were mentioned in 51.2% (n=125) of reviews. Friends and family members commented on perceptions of safety more frequently than patients.

Conclusions

A substantial proportion of consumer reviews do not mention HCAHPS domains. Surrogates appear to observe care differently than patients, particularly around safety.
A ‘paperless’ wall-mounted surgical safety checklist with migrated leadership can improve compliance and team engagement
Authors: Ong Aaron Pin Chien , Devcich Daniel A , Hannam Jacqueline , Lee Tracey , Merry Alan F , Mitchell Simon J
Published: January 2016

Background

Outcome benefits of using the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist rely on compliance with checklist administration.

Objective

To evaluate engagement of operating room (OR) subteams (anaesthesia, surgery and nursing), and compliance with administering checklist domains (Sign In, Time Out and Sign Out) and checklist items, after introducing a wall-mounted paperless checklist with migration of process leadership (Sign In, Time Out and Sign Out led by anaesthesia, surgery and nursing, respectively).

Methods

This was a pre-post observational study in which 261 checklist domains in 111 operations were observed 2 months after changing the checklist administration paradigm. Compliance with administration of the checklist domains and individual checklist items was recorded, as was the number of OR subteams engaged. Comparison was made with 2013 data from the same OR suite prior to the paradigm change.

Results

Data are presented as 2013 versus the present study. The Sign In, Time Out and Sign Out domains were administered in 96% vs 98% (p=0.69), 99% vs 99% (p=1.00) and 22% vs 84% (p<0.001) of cases, respectively. The percentage of relevant checklist items administered in each domain was 60% vs 92%, 84 vs 93% and 80% vs 99%, respectively (p<0.001 for all comparisons). Two-subteam (or better) engagement at Sign In (surgeons usually absent) was 40% vs 94% of cases. Three-subteam (or all staff present) engagement at Time Out and Sign Out was 15% vs 92% and 9% vs 25% of cases, respectively (p<0.001 for all comparisons).

Conclusions

Improvements in team engagement and compliance with administering checklist items followed introduction of migrated leadership of checklist administration and a wall-mounted checklist. This paradigm change was relatively simple and inexpensive.
The ‘pit-crew’ model for improving door-to-needle times in endovascular stroke therapy: a Six-Sigma project
Authors: Rai Ansaar T , Smith Matthew S , Boo SoHyun , Tarabishy Abdul R , Hobbs Gerald R , Carpenter Jeffrey S
Published: January 2016

Background

Delays in delivering endovascular stroke therapy adversely affect outcomes. Time-sensitive treatments such as stroke interventions benefit from methodically developed protocols. Clearly defined roles in these protocols allow for parallel processing of tasks, resulting in consistent delivery of care.

Objective

To present the outcomes of a quality-improvement (QI) process directed at reducing stroke treatment times in a tertiary level academic medical center.

Methods

A Six-Sigma-based QI process was developed over a 3-month period. After an initial analysis, procedures were implemented and fine-tuned to identify and address rate-limiting steps in the endovascular care pathway. Prospectively recorded treatment times were then compared in two groups of patients who were treated ‘before’ (n=64) or ‘after’ (n=30) the QI process. Three time intervals were measured: emergency room (ER) to arrival for CT scan (ER–CT), CT scan to interventional laboratory arrival (CT–Lab), and interventional laboratory arrival to groin puncture (Lab–puncture).

Results

The ER–CT time was 40 (±29) min in the ‘before’ and 26 (±15) min in the ‘after’ group (p=0.008). The CT–Lab time was 87 (±47) min in the ‘before’ and 51 (±33) min in the ‘after’ group (p=0.0002). The Lab–puncture time was 24 (±11) min in the ‘before’ and 15 (±4) min in the ‘after’ group (p<0.0001). The overall ER–arrival to groin-puncture time was reduced from 2 h, 31 min (±51) min in the ‘before’ to 1 h, 33 min (±37) min in the ‘after’ group, (p<0.0001). The improved times were seen for both working hours and off-hours interventions.

Conclusions

A protocol-driven process can significantly improve efficiency of care in time-sensitive stroke interventions.
Epileptic Seizure Detection with Log-Euclidean Gaussian Kernel-Based Sparse Representation
Authors: Yuan Shasha , Zhou Weidong , Wu Qi , Zhang Yanli
Published: January 2016

Epileptic seizure detection plays an important role in the diagnosis of epilepsy and reducing the massive workload of reviewing electroencephalography (EEG) recordings. In this work, a novel algorithm is developed to detect seizures employing log-Euclidean Gaussian kernel-based sparse representation (SR) in long-term EEG recordings. Unlike the traditional SR for vector data in Euclidean space, the log-Euclidean Gaussian kernel-based SR framework is proposed for seizure detection in the space of the symmetric positive definite (SPD) matrices, which form a Riemannian manifold. Since the Riemannian manifold is nonlinear, the log-Euclidean Gaussian kernel function is applied to embed it into a reproducing kernel Hilbert space (RKHS) for performing SR. The EEG signals of all channels are divided into epochs and the SPD matrices representing EEG epochs are generated by covariance descriptors. Then, the testing samples are sparsely coded over the dictionary composed by training samples utilizing log-Euclidean Gaussian kernel-based SR. The classification of testing samples is achieved by computing the minimal reconstructed residuals. The proposed method is evaluated on the Freiburg EEG dataset of 21 patients and shows its notable performance on both epoch-based and event-based assessments. Moreover, this method handles multiple channels of EEG recordings synchronously which is more speedy and efficient than traditional seizure detection methods.
Lifespan of rotating black hole in the frame of generalized uncertainty principle
Authors: He Tangmei , Zhang Jingyi , Yang Jinbo , Tan Hongwei
Published: January 2016

In this paper, the lifespan under the generalized uncertainty principle (GUP) of rotating black hole is derived through the corrected radiation energy flux and the first law of the thermodynamics of black hole. The radiation energy flux indicates that there exist the highest temperature and the minimum mass both of which are relevant to the initial mass of the black hole in the final stage of the radiation. The lifespan of rotating black hole includes three terms: the dominant term is just the lifespan in the flat spacetime; the other two terms are individually induced by the rotation and the GUP.
Nongauge bright soliton of the nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equation and a family of generalized NLS equations
Authors: Reyes M. A. , Gutiérrez-Ruiz D. , Mancas S. C. , Rosu H. C.
Published: January 2016

We present an approach to the bright soliton solution of the nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equation from the standpoint of introducing a constant potential term in the equation. We discuss a “nongauge” bright soliton for which both the envelope and the phase depend only on the traveling variable. We also construct a family of generalized NLS equations with solitonic [Formula: see text] solutions in the traveling variable and find an exact equivalence with other nonlinear equations, such as the Korteveg–de Vries (KdV) and Benjamin–Bona–Mahony (BBM) equations when [Formula: see text].
Real weights, bound states and duality orbits
Authors: Marrani Alessio , Riccioni Fabio , Romano Luca
Published: January 2016

We show that the duality orbits of extremal black holes in supergravity theories with symmetric scalar manifolds can be derived by studying the stabilizing subalgebras of suitable representatives, realized as bound states of specific weight vectors of the corresponding representation of the duality symmetry group. The weight vectors always correspond to weights that are real, where the reality properties are derived from the Tits–Satake diagram that identifies the real form of the Lie algebra of the duality symmetry group. Both [Formula: see text] magic Maxwell–Einstein supergravities and the semisimple infinite sequences of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] theories in [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are considered, and various results, obtained over the years in the literature using different methods, are retrieved. In particular, we show that the stratification of the orbits of these theories occurs because of very specific properties of the representations: in the case of the theory based on the real numbers, whose symmetry group is maximally noncompact and therefore all the weights are real, the stratification is due to the presence of weights of different lengths, while in the other cases it is due to the presence of complex weights.
Scenario for the renormalization in the 4D Yang–Mills theory
Authors: Faddeev L. D.
Published: January 2016

The renormalizability of the Yang–Mills quantum field theory in four-dimensional space–time is discussed in the background field formalism.
Small infrared target detection based on image patch ordering
Authors: Wei Yantao , You Xinge , Deng He
Published: January 2016

Small infrared (IR) target detection is an important and challenging issue in IR target tracking system. In this paper, a patch ordering-based method is proposed for small IR target detection in an image with complicated background. Inspired by the contrast mechanism of human vision system, a patch ordering-based contrast measure (POCM) is designed to deal with the input image, which cannot only suppress the background noise and clutter but also enhance the targets significantly. In this way, POCM can increase the contrast ratio between target and background. This leads to higher Signal Clutter Ratio (SCR). Then the true target can be detected by applying simple adaptive thresholding method. The experimental results on two sequences show that the proposed method can efficiently detect small IR target from heavy clutter.
Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis of FRP-Strengthened Reinforced Concrete Panels Under Blast Loads
Authors: Lin Xiaoshan , Zhang Y. X.
Published: January 2016

A finite element model is developed in this paper for numerical modeling of the structural responses of FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete panels under blast loading. Strain rate effects for concrete in tension and compression, steel reinforcements and FRP sheets are taken into account in the finite element model. The commercial explicit hydrocode LS-DYNA is employed to carry out the numerical analysis. The proposed finite element model is validated by comparing the computed results of a conventional reinforced concrete panel and FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete panels under blast loading with the test data from the literature. In addition, the effects of FRP thickness, retrofitted surface, standoff distance and the charge mass on the blast resistance of FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete panels are investigated in this paper.
Density-Scaled Balanced Continuum Surface Force Model with a Level Set Based Curvature Interpolation Technique
Authors: Yokoi Kensuke , Onishi Ryo , Deng Xiao-Long , Sussman Mark
Published: January 2016

We examine the recently-proposed density-scaled balanced continuum surface force (CSF) model with a level set-based curvature interpolation technique. The density-scaled balanced CSF model is combined with a numerical framework which is based on the coupled level set and volume-of-fluid (CLSVOF) method, the tangent of hyperbola for interface capturing/weighted line interface calculation (THINC/WLIC) scheme, the constrained interpolation profile conservative semi-Langrangian with rational function (CIP-CSLR) and the volume/surface integrated average-based multi-moment method (VSIAM3). The present CSF model is examined for various bench mark problems such as drop–drop collisions and drop splashing. Comparisons of the present model results with experimental observations and those from the other CSF models show that the present CSF model can minimize spurious current and capture complicated fluid phenomena with minimizing floatsam.
The 2(2S + 1)-formalism and its connection with other descriptions
Authors: Dvoeglazov Valeriy V.
Published: January 2016

In the framework of the Joos–Weinberg [Formula: see text]-theory for massless particles, the dynamical invariants have been derived from the Lagrangian density which is considered to be a 4-vector. A la Majorana interpretation of the 6-component “spinors”, the field operators of [Formula: see text] particles, as the left- and right-circularly polarized radiation, leads us to the conserved quantities which are analogous to those obtained by Lipkin and Sudbery. The scalar Lagrangian of the Joos–Weinberg theory is shown to be equivalent to the Lagrangian of a free massless field, introduced by Hayashi. As a consequence of a new “gauge” invariance this skew-symmetric field describes physical particles with the longitudinal components only. The interaction of the spinor field with the Weinberg’s [Formula: see text]-component massless field is considered. New interpretation of the Weinberg field function is proposed.
Geometric constrained variational calculus. III: The second variation (Part II)
Authors: Massa Enrico , Luria Gianvittorio , Pagani Enrico
Published: January 2016

The problem of minimality for constrained variational calculus is analyzed within the class of piecewise differentiable extremaloids. A fully covariant representation of the second variation of the action functional based on a family of local gauge transformations of the original Lagrangian is proposed. The necessity of pursuing a local adaptation process, rather than the global one described in [1] is seen to depend on the value of certain scalar attributes of the extremaloid, here called the corners’ strengths. On this basis, both the necessary and the sufficient conditions for minimality are worked out. In the discussion, a crucial role is played by an analysis of the prolongability of the Jacobi fields across the corners. Eventually, in the appendix, an alternative approach to the concept of strength of a corner, more closely related to Pontryagin’s maximum principle, is presented.
Construction of Hierarchical Ni(OH)2@CoMoO4 Nanoflake Composite for High-Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Li Xueqing , Lin Shuang-Yan , Zhang Mingyi , Jiang Ge , Gao Hong
Published: January 2016

Hierarchical Ni(OH)2@CoMoO4 nanoflake composite on Ni foam was successfully constructed by electrodepositing Ni(OH)2 onto CoMoO4 nanoflake and investigated as binder-free electrodes for supercapacitor. The composite shows a large areal capacitance of 5.23[Formula: see text]F[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text] at current density of 8[Formula: see text]mA[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text], and a capacitance retention of 82.5% after 1000 cycles. The high electrochemical performances can be attributed to the hierarchical nanoflakes structure and the synergetic effect between Ni(OH)2 nanosheets and CoMoO4 nanoflakes. This work demonstrates that Ni(OH)2@CoMoO4 nanoflake composite is highly desirable for application as advanced electrochemical electrode material.
Welcome to AI Matters, volume 2, issue 2
Authors: Eaton Eric , McGovern Amy
Published: January 2016

Welcome to another issue of
AI Matters
! And this is a particularly special one, with a focus on the recent debate on "Who Speaks for AI?" During the International Joint Conference on Artificial Intelligence (IJCAI) 2015, Michael Wooldridge chaired a panel discussion on this topic, during which six well-established AI researchers presented diverse viewpoints on the role of AI professional organizations, how to address questions concerning AI from the public and the media, our role as researchers in shaping public policy, and more. In this issue, we're furthering this debate. We've invited responses on this topic from the original panelists and several other leaders in the AI community, and assembled them into a single article on
Who Speaks for AI?
This is a hot one---you don't want to miss it!
The 7th Workshop on Active Internet Measurements (AIMS7) Report
Authors: claffy kc
Published: January 2016

On 31 March - 2 April 2015, CAIDA hosted the seventh Workshop on Active Internet Measurements (AIMS-7) as part of our series of Internet Statistics vand Metrics Analysis (ISMA) workshops. As with previous AIMS workshops, the goals were to further our understanding of the potential and limitations of active measurement research and infrastructure in the wide-area Internet, and to promote cooperative solutions and coordinated strategies between academics, industry, policymakers, and funding agencies. This report describes topics discussed at the workshop, including current state of Ark and related infrastructure, current and proposed experiments using these infrastructures, and participants' views of challenges and priorities. Materials related to the workshop are at http://www.caida.org/workshops/aims/1503/.
The Best of CES 2016: Transforming education with technology
Authors: Carr-Chellman Alison
Published: January 2016

CES 2016 was rife with opportunities to consider the future of e-learning. Many new products will make their way into households in the near future, and the e-learn practitioner can be on the cutting edge by starting to think about how to add practices for those inevitable changes in household electronics.
Diagnosing Parkinson’s Diseases Using Fuzzy Neural System
Authors: Abiyev Rahib H. , Abizade Sanan
Published: January 2016

This study presents the design of the recognition system that will discriminate between healthy people and people with Parkinson’s disease. A diagnosing of Parkinson’s diseases is performed using fusion of the fuzzy system and neural networks. The structure and learning algorithms of the proposed fuzzy neural system (FNS) are presented. The approach described in this paper allows enhancing the capability of the designed system and efficiently distinguishing healthy individuals. It was proved through simulation of the system that has been performed using data obtained from UCI machine learning repository. A comparative study was carried out and the simulation results demonstrated that the proposed fuzzy neural system improves the recognition rate of the designed system.
JNK1 Deficient Insulin-Producing Cells Are Protected against Interleukin-1β-Induced Apoptosis Associated with Abrogated Myc Expression
Authors: Prause Michala , Mayer Christopher Michael , Brorsson Caroline , Frederiksen Klaus Stensgaard , Billestrup Nils , Størling Joachim , Mandrup-Poulsen Thomas
Published: January 2016

The relative contributions of the JNK subtypes in inflammatoryβ-cell failure and apoptosis are unclear. The JNK protein family consists of JNK1, JNK2, and JNK3 subtypes, encompassing many different isoforms. INS-1 cells express JNK1α1, JNK1α2, JNK1β1, JNK1β2, JNK2α1, JNK2α2, JNK3α1, and JNK3α2 mRNA isoform transcripts translating into 46 and 54 kDa isoform JNK proteins. Utilizing Lentiviral mediated expression of shRNAs against JNK1, JNK2, or JNK3 in insulin-producing INS-1 cells, we investigated the role of individual JNK subtypes in IL-1β-inducedβ-cell apoptosis. JNK1 knockdown prevented IL-1β-induced INS-1 cell apoptosis associated with decreased 46 kDa isoform JNK protein phosphorylation and attenuated Myc expression. Transient knockdown of Myc also prevented IL-1β-induced apoptosis as well as caspase 3 cleavage. JNK2 shRNA potentiated IL-1β-induced apoptosis and caspase 3 cleavage, whereas JNK3 shRNA did not affect IL-1β-inducedβ-cell death compared to nonsense shRNA expressing INS-1 cells. In conclusion, JNK1 mediates INS-1 cell death associated with increased Myc expression. These findings underline the importance of differentiated targeting of JNK subtypes in the development of inflammatoryβ-cell failure and destruction.
Extraction of Oleic Acid from Moroccan Olive Mill Wastewater
Authors: Elkacmi Reda , Kamil Noureddine , Bennajah Mounir , Kitane Said
Published: January 2016

The production of olive oil in Morocco has recently grown considerably for its economic and nutritional importance favored by the country’s climate. After the extraction of olive oil by pressing or centrifuging, the obtained liquid contains oil and vegetation water which is subsequently separated by decanting or centrifugation. Despite its treatment throughout the extraction process, this olive mill wastewater, OMW, still contains a very important oily residue, always regarded as a rejection. The separated oil from OMW can not be intended for food because of its high acidity of 3.397% which exceeds the international standard for human consumption defined by the standard of the Codex Alimentarius, proving its poor quality. This work gives value addition to what would normally be regarded as waste by the extraction of oleic acid as a high value product, using the technique of inclusion with urea for the elimination of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids through four successive crystallizations at 4°C and 20°C to have a final phase with oleic acid purity of 95.49%, as a biodegradable soap and a high quality glycerin will be produced by the reaction of saponification and transesterification.
Cox-2 Plays a Vital Role in the Impaired Anxiety Like Behavior in Colchicine Induced Rat Model of Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Sil Susmita , Ghosh Tusharkanti
Published: January 2016

The anxiety status is changed along with memory impairments in intracerebroventricular colchicine injected rat model of Alzheimer Disease (cAD) due to neurodegeneration, which has been indicated to be mediated by inflammation. Inducible cox-2, involved in inflammation, may have important role in the colchicine induced alteration of anxiety status. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the role of cox-2 on the anxiety behavior (response to novelty in an elevated open field space) of cAD by inhibiting it with three different doses (10, 20, and 30 mg) of etoricoxib (a cox-2 blocker) in two time points (14 and 21 days). The results showed anxiolytic behavior in cAD along with lower serum corticosterone level, both of which were recovered at all the doses of etoricoxib on day 21. On day 14 all of the anxiety parameters showed similar results to that of day 21 at high doses but not at 10 mg/kg body weight. Results indicate that the parameters of anxiety were dependent on neuronal circuitries that were probably sensitive to etoricoxib induced blocking of neurodegeneration. The present study showed that anxiolytic behavior in cADr is predominantly due to cox-2 mediated neuroinflammation induced neurodegeneration in the brain.
Solving the Traveling Salesman’s Problem Using the African Buffalo Optimization
Authors: Odili Julius Beneoluchi , Mohmad Kahar Mohd Nizam
Published: January 2016

This paper proposes the African Buffalo Optimization (ABO) which is a new metaheuristic algorithm that is derived from careful observation of the African buffalos, a species of wild cows, in the African forests and savannahs. This animal displays uncommon intelligence, strategic organizational skills, and exceptional navigational ingenuity in its traversal of the African landscape in search for food. The African Buffalo Optimization builds a mathematical model from the behavior of this animal and uses the model to solve 33 benchmark symmetric Traveling Salesman’s Problem and six difficult asymmetric instances from the TSPLIB. This study shows that buffalos are able to ensure excellent exploration and exploitation of the search space through regular communication, cooperation, and good memory of its previous personal exploits as well as tapping from the herd’s collective exploits. The results obtained by using the ABO to solve these TSP cases were benchmarked against the results obtained by using other popular algorithms. The results obtained using the African Buffalo Optimization algorithm are very competitive.
Hypochlorite‐Modified Albumin Upregulates ICAM‐1 Expression via a MAPK–NF‐κB Signaling Cascade: Protective Effects of Apocynin
Authors: Tang Dong-dong , Niu Hong-xin , Peng Fen-fen , Long Hai-bo , Liu Zong-rui , Zhao Hao , Chen Yi-hua
Published: January 2016

Hypochlorite‐modified albumin (HOCl‐alb) has been linked to endothelial dysfunction, which plays an important role in the development of hypertension, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. However, whether HOCl‐alb induces endothelial dysfunction via vascular inflammation and whether a signaling pathway is involved are unknown and have not been investigated. HOCl‐alb was found to upregulate ICAM‐1 expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. HOCl‐alb time‐dependently phosphorylated ERK1/2 and p38MAPK. HOCl‐alb also activated NF‐κB. ICAM‐1 expression was dose‐dependently inhibited by U0126 (a specific inhibitor of MEK1/2, a signal upstream from ERK1/2), SB203580 (a specific inhibitor of p38MAPK), and SN50 (a specific inhibitor of NF‐κB). U0126 and SB203580 both counteracted the activation of NF‐κB, whereas the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38MAPK was not blocked by SN50. ERK1/2 phosphorylation was blocked by U0126 but not by SB203580, and p38MAPK activity was reduced by SB203580 but not by U0126. Apocynin, a specific NADPH oxidase (NOX) inhibitor, inhibited ICAM‐1 expression and the activity of ERK1/2, p38MAPK, and NF‐κB. These results indicate that HOCl‐alb‐induced ICAM‐1 expression is caused by the activation of a redox‐sensitive intracellular signal cascade involving ERK1/2 and p38MAPK, culminating in the activation of NF‐κB and involving NOXs among the upstream signals.
Vascular Wall‐Resident Multipotent Stem Cells of Mesenchymal Nature within the Process of Vascular Remodeling: Cellular Basis, Clinical Relevance, and Implications for Stem Cell Therapy
Authors: Klein Diana
Published: January 2016

Until some years ago, the bone marrow and the endothelial cell compartment lining the vessel lumen (subendothelial space) were thought to be the only sources providing vascular progenitor cells. Now, the vessel wall, in particular, the vascular adventitia, has been established as a niche for different types of stem and progenitor cells with the capacity to differentiate into both vascular and nonvascular cells. Herein, vascular wall‐resident multipotent stem cells of mesenchymal nature (VW‐MPSCs) have gained importance because of their large range of differentiation in combination with their distribution throughout the postnatal organism which is related to their existence in the adventitial niche, respectively. In general, mesenchymal stem cells, also designated as mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), contribute to the maintenance of organ integrity by their ability to replace defunct cells or secrete cytokines locally and thus support repair and healing processes of the affected tissues. This review will focus on the central role of VW‐MPSCs within vascular reconstructing processes (vascular remodeling) which are absolute prerequisite to preserve the sensitive relationship between resilience and stability of the vessel wall. Further, a particular advantage for the therapeutic application of VW‐MPSCs for improving vascular function or preventing vascular damage will be discussed.
Osteogenesis from Dental Pulp Derived Stem Cells: A Novel Conditioned Medium Including Melatonin within a Mixture of Hyaluronic, Butyric, and Retinoic Acids
Authors: Maioli Margherita , Basoli Valentina , Santaniello Sara , Cruciani Sara , Delitala Alessandro Palmerio , Pinna Roberto , Milia Egle , Grillari-Voglauer Regina , Fontani Vania , Rinaldi Salvatore , Muggironi Roberta , Pigliaru Gianfranco , Ventura Carlo
Published: January 2016

Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) have shown relevant potential for cell therapy in the orthopedic and odontoiatric fields. The optimization of their osteogenic potential is currently a major challenge. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF A) has been recently reported to act as a major conductor of osteogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Here, we attempted to prime endogenous VEGF A expression without the need for viral vector mediated gene transfer technologies. We show that hDPSCs exposure to a mixture of hyaluronic, butyric, and retinoic acids (HA + BU + RA) induced the transcription of a gene program of osteogenesis and the acquirement of an osteogenic lineage. Such response was also elicited by cell exposure to melatonin, a pleiotropic agent that recently emerged as a remarkable osteogenic inducer. Interestingly, the commitment to the osteogenic fate was synergistically enhanced by the combinatorial exposure to a conditioned medium containing both melatonin and HA + BU + RA. These in vitro results suggest that in vivo osteogenesis might be improved and further studies are needed.
Neural Hyperactivity of the Central Auditory System in Response to Peripheral Damage
Authors: Zhao Yi , Song Qiang , Li Xinyi , Li Chunyan
Published: January 2016

It is increasingly appreciated that cochlear pathology is accompanied by adaptive responses in the central auditory system. The cause of cochlear pathology varies widely, and it seems that few commonalities can be drawn. In fact, despite intricate internal neuroplasticity and diverse external symptoms, several classical injury models provide a feasible path to locate responses to different peripheral cochlear lesions. In these cases, hair cell damage may lead to considerable hyperactivity in the central auditory pathways, mediated by a reduction in inhibition, which may underlie some clinical symptoms associated with hearing loss, such as tinnitus. Homeostatic plasticity, the most discussed and acknowledged mechanism in recent years, is most likely responsible for excited central activity following cochlear damage.