bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Belief consensus–based distributed particle filters for fault diagnosis of non-linear distributed systems
Authors: Sadeghzadeh Nokhodberiz Nargess , Poshtan Javad
Published: December 2013

This article presents a study on distributed fault diagnosis of spatially distributed systems composed of physically interconnected subsystems. To handle the complexity of such complicated systems, the overall state space model is decomposed to its constituent subsystems. Moreover, hybrid modelling is considered for the fault diagnosis problem. In this case, each subsystem is modelled as a hybrid one. Two different modes (healthy and faulty) are considered as discrete modes of the hybrid sub systems. A particle filtering–based algorithm is then proposed for the purpose of fault diagnosis of generally non-linear and non-Gaussian systems. The proposed method is applicable to a large class of distributed systems that undergo autonomous transitions from healthy to faulty modes. To implement the algorithm in a decentralized architecture, we employ embedded systems, called agents. Agents cooperate in the process of fault diagnosis by fusing local information to make the result of the decentralized approach asymptotically equivalent to the corresponding centralized one. To this end, belief (conditional probability) consensus algorithm is exploited. Simulation results are applied to a strongly interconnected four-tank system (as a benchmark) to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method and how it improves the previous ones.
Robust and two-level (nonlinear) predictive control of switched dynamical systems with unknown references for optimal wet-clutch engagement
Authors: Dutta Abhishek , Ionescu Clara M , De Keyser Robin , Wyns Bart , Stoev Julian , Pinte Gregory , Symens Wim
Published: December 2013

Modeling and control of clutch engagement has been recognized as a challenging control problem, due to nonlinear and time-varying dynamics, that is, switching between two discontinuous dynamic phases: the fill and the slip. Furthermore, the reference trajectories for obtaining an optimal clutch engagement are not a priori known and may require adaptation to varying operating conditions. Two (nonlinear) model predictive control strategies are proposed based on the partial or full (non)linear identification of these two phases. First, a local linear model of the fill phase is identified and a robust model predictive control is designed to account for the consequent uncertainty in the slip phase. Second, (non)linear models of both the fill and the slip phases are identified and a two-level (nonlinear) model predictive control controller is proposed, where two (nonlinear) model predictive control controllers are designed for the two phases tracking references generated and continuously adapted by high-level iterative learning controllers. The robust and two-level (nonlinear) model predictive controls are validated on a real clutch. The results obtained from the real setup show that the proposed control strategies lead to an optimal engagement of the wet-clutch system.
Fault severity analysis of the time-dependent mechanical systems by the revised Time Petri net
Authors: Wu Jianing , Yan Shaoze , Gu Yongxia
Published: December 2013

This article presents a fault severity analysis model to assess the fault severity at different time intervals by the revised Time Petri net, which reveals the principle of the time-dependent failure and explores the weak links in the mechanical system. A revised Time Petri net is introduced in this article by extending the tuples of the ordinary Time Petri net. The basic functional units are defined by the revised Time Petri net logic symbols, and the time firing schedule as well as the state diagram which reflects the characteristics of the mechanical system is used to assist in modeling the fault propagation of the mechanical system in the early phase of design. A numerical example of the spacecraft solar array illustrates the revised Time Petri net–based modeling method, investigates the fault mechanism and realizes the weak links of the system. The proposed method is demonstrated by analyzing the failure history data of 100 spacecraft solar arrays to get proportion of the failures at the most dangerous time intervals. The results also reveal some special phenomena related to the time-dependent failure in the mechanical system of the solar array.
Jackknife empirical likelihood confidence regions for the evaluation of continuous-scale diagnostic tests with verification bias
Authors: Wang Binhuan , Qin Gengsheng
Published: December 2013

Recently, Wang and Qin proposed various bias-corrected empirical likelihood confidence regions for any two of the three parameters, sensitivity, specificity, and cut-off value, with the remaining parameter fixed at a given value in the evaluation of a continuous-scale diagnostic test with verification bias. In order to apply those methods, quantiles of the limiting weighted chi-squared distributions of the empirical log-likelihood ratio statistics should be estimated. In order to facilitate application and reduce computation burden, in this paper, jackknife empirical likelihood-based methods are proposed for any pairs of sensitivity, specificity and cut-off value, and asymptotic results can be derived accordingly. The proposed methods can be easily implemented to construct confidence regions for the evaluation of continuous-scale diagnostic tests with verification bias. Simulation studies are conducted to evaluate the finite sample performance and robustness of the proposed jackknife empirical likelihood-based confidence regions in terms of coverage probabilities. Finally, a real case analysis is provided to illustrate the application of new methods.
Spatial generalised linear mixed models based on distances
Authors: Melo Oscar O , Mateu Jorge , Melo Carlos E
Published: December 2013

Risk models derived from environmental data have been widely shown to be effective in delineating geographical areas of risk because they are intuitively easy to understand. We present a new method based on distances, which allows the modelling of continuous and non-continuous random variables through distance-based spatial generalised linear mixed models. The parameters are estimated using Markov chain Monte Carlo maximum likelihood, which is a feasible and a useful technique. The proposed method depends on a detrending step built from continuous or categorical explanatory variables, or a mixture among them, by using an appropriate Euclidean distance. The method is illustrated through the analysis of the variation in the prevalence of Loa loa among a sample of village residents in Cameroon, where the explanatory variables included elevation, together with maximum normalised-difference vegetation index and the standard deviation of normalised-difference vegetation index calculated from repeated satellite scans over time.
A Qualitative Exploration of Contraceptive Practice and Decision Making of Malaysian Women Who Had Induced Abortion
Authors: Tong Wen Ting , Low Wah Yun , Wong Yut Lin , Choong Sim Poey , Jegasothy Ravindran
Published: December 2013

This study explores contraceptive practice and decision making of women who have experienced abortion in Malaysia. In-depth interviews were carried out with 31 women who had abortions. Women in this study did adopt some method of modern contraception prior their abortion episodes. However, challenges to use a method consistently were experiences and fear of side effects, contraceptive failure, partner’s influence, lack of confidence, and cost. The decision to adopt contraception was theirs but the types of contraceptive methods to adopt were influenced by their spouses/partners. The women wanted to use modern contraception but were faced with challenges that hampered its use. More proactive contraceptive promotion is needed to educate people on the array of contraceptive methods available and made accessible to them, to correct misconceptions on safety of modern contraception, to increase men’s involvement in contraceptive choices, and to encourage consistent contraceptive use to prevent unintended pregnancies.
Experience Assessment and Design in the Analysis of Gameplay
Authors: Cowley Benjamin , Kosunen Ilkka , Lankoski Petri , Kivikangas J. Matias , Järvelä Simo , Ekman Inger , Kemppainen Jaakko , Ravaja Niklas
Published: December 2013

We report research on player modeling using psychophysiology and machine learning, conducted through interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers of computer science, psychology, and game design at Aalto University, Helsinki. First, we propose the Play Patterns And eXperience (PPAX) framework to connect three levels of game experience that previously had remained largely unconnected: game design patterns, the interplay of game context with player personality or tendencies, and state-of-the-art measures of experience (both subjective and non-subjective). Second, we describe our methodology for using machine learning to categorize game events to reveal corresponding patterns, culminating in an example experiment. We discuss the relation between automatically detected event clusters and game design patterns, and provide indications on how to incorporate personality profiles of players in the analysis. This novel interdisciplinary collaboration combines basic psychophysiology research with game design patterns and machine learning, and generates new knowledge about the interplay between game experience and design.
The dynamic relationship between asylum applications and recognition rates in Europe (1987–2010)
Authors: Toshkov Dimiter Doychinov
Published: December 2013

The intensity of asylum flows over the last 20 years represents a significant challenge to national and European policy making. This article studies the dynamic reciprocal effects between asylum applications and recognition rates in 29 European countries over 24 years. Furthermore, it explores the impact of the national economic and political context on these two aspects of asylum policy. Using a wide range of statistical models and approaches, the article reveals that asylum applications exert a negative effect on recognition rates, and recognition rates exert a positive effect on applications. However, despite their statistical significance, the effects are rather small and mostly related to between-country rather than within-country variation, which implies that they are of limited practical significance. Unemployment is only weakly related to recognition rates and not at all to application shares, while government positions favoring immigration and multiculturalism have no effect on asylum application shares and recognition rates.
EU law revisions and legislative drift
Authors: Borghetto Enrico , Mäder Lars
Published: December 2013

European Union research has made great strides in understanding the dynamics of the European Union decision-making process. In contrast to this progress, the dynamics unfolding after the enactment of a European Union secondary legislative act has largely been ignored. Some of these acts remain in force in their original form for several years while others are revised soon after their enactment. What factors account for this variation? We empirically analyze the proposition that in the presence of ‘legislative drift,’ i.e. the intertemporal variation of decision-makers’ preferences, major revisions of European Union legislative acts are more likely to occur. Based on an analysis of the revision histories of 158 major European Union acts in the time period between 1958 and 2003, we find significant support for this hypothesis.
Can grey ravens fly?: Beyond Frayling’s categories
Authors: Belcher Shaun D
Published: December 2013

This paper analyses the effect of Christopher Frayling’s categorisation of artistic research ‘research into art and design, research through art and design and research for art and design’ on the debate surrounding the efficacy of studio-based artistic research as being valid within the university. James Elkins describes this as the ‘the incommensurability of studio art production and university life’. Through an exploration of the positive and negative responses to Frayling this paper explores the influence that these initial definitions have come to have on framing the scope of the debate. The paper presents a range of responses and analyses them; it focuses especially on the alternative frameworks that have been suggested and examines why they have so far not created a coherent and uncontested framework for practice-led research in the art and design field especially in relation to fine art.
Civilisation on the couch: Theorising multi-levelled psychoanalytical arts practice
Authors: Benjamin Garfield
Published: December 2013

This paper combines two psychological approaches to art to theorise a both subjective and cultural methodology for practice-based arts research. The first psychoanalytical approach will follow the work of Deleuze and Guattari’s Schizoanalysis, considering the role of the artist in order to assess their work in relation to society from an engaged position. The second approach will be Žižek’s Lacanian cultural theory, focusing on exposing the drives of the subjective individual in relation to their social condition. The combination of these theories allows new approaches for cultural analysis of art to emerge, taking into account the subjectivity necessary for using art to unveil what cannot be expressed in theory alone. This can be used to formulate a two-stage practice-based methodology for research, from both sides of the ‘couch’, in critically analysing the functions of consciousness involved at both the subjective and cultural levels of contemporary art.
How can visual experience be depicted? A study of close-up double vision
Authors: Green James , Pepperell Robert
Published: December 2013

The attempt to record visual experience has been of central importance to many artists throughout the history of art. Vision itself is made up of many processes, both psychological and physiological, and is still only partially understood. This paper presents research into an aspect of visual experience descried as ‘close-up double vision’, which has been directly informed by the artwork of the Swansea born artist Evan Walters. Close-up double vision occurs when an object is seen extremely close to a viewer whose eyes are not both fused on the object concerned, creating a doubling effect in the visual field. Walters termed this doubling effect caused by lack of binocular fusion ‘double vision’ and spent much of the latter part of his career trying to record it. This paper briefly introduces Walters’ experiments in double vision and outlines current research that attempts to record this aspect of visual experience in artworks.
Practices of legitimacy and the problem of artistic research.
Authors: Matcham David
Published: December 2013

This paper examines the positioning of art practice as a mode of research through various legitimising practices. While frequently fruitful, the imperative to make art justify itself as a form of research in order to achieve legitimacy allows that in art which does not engage in negative dialectics to slip from view. The possibility of the kind of rigorous thinking that is called for in art-as-research is a manner of recognition not based on established methods, a recognition that offers little in the way of certifiable knowledge. What art-as-research can give, however, is a manner of thinking and doing that finds legitimacy in strict fidelity to the specific contours of the work. The question is not whether or how artists can justify this as research, but whether the university is prepared to recognise research not grounded in established methodological practices, but rather in the abyss of its own groundless affirmation.
From ‘or’ to ‘and’: L’écriture féminine as a methodological approach for Fine Art research
Authors: Taylor Jacqueline
Published: December 2013

This article asserts that the terms ‘practice-led’ and ‘practice-based’ in the context of Art and Design doctoral research are overly simplistic and maintain oppositional thinking by privileging ‘practice’ in generating knowledge. It argues instead for theory and practice as interrelated discourses and art practice research as complex, dialogical and comprising a heterogeneous spatiality. Building on my own ‘writing//painting’ methodological approach which utilises l’écriture féminine, this article highlights the importance of the specificity of individual methodological approaches and the need for a more common framework of articulation so that these approaches are accessible throughout the wider sphere of Art and Design.
Becoming and disappearing: Between art, architecture and research.
Authors: Beinart Katy
Published: December 2013

This paper examines some parallels and differences in pursuing practice-based research in art or architecture. Using a series of different headlines and examples, I examine the potential of working between art and architecture, which I argue could generate new, hybridised methodologies of practice through interrogating the possibilities of art/architecture beyond the institution. Within the familiarity of the everyday lives the ‘intuitive’ knowledge that art embodies, and this paper further seeks to ask what this can contribute to debates around practice-led research in art and architecture, recognising ‘the art aspects of design’. Through discussing the role of collaboration, intuition and in-betweenness, I hope to ask questions about the role of the researcher in the ‘becoming and disappearing’ of practice-based research.
Enticing new growth
Authors: Raby June
Published: December 2013

As an artist, designer and cultural historian, my work is concerned with integrating thought with material creativity. By relating science to methodology and learning strategies, somatic, experiential awareness comes to the fore. New scientific evidence about our neural network enables us to return to the body of experience we already have; learning to respect the understanding that physical actions engender in the mind, fulfilling our potential by acknowledging the sensory, emotional and rational parts of ourselves. The apparent chaos of the senses, avoided for so long in the rational sciences, is essential for growth, creativity and knowledge. The overarching dependence on analytic thought over felt experience denies its essential relationship to growth, creativity and knowledge, with profound implications for our society. By taking the vessel or container as a research tool and merging David Kolb’s experiential learning diagram with neuron development, the importance of valuing all routes to knowledge can be demonstrated.
Drawing and emerging research: The acquisition of experiential knowledge through drawing as a methodological strategy
Authors: Roberts Amanda , Riley Howard
Published: December 2013

The paper proposes the activity of drawing as a methodological strategy within a university research context. It is illustrated with examples from one of the authors’ (Roberts) practice-based PhD research. The paper argues that drawing as a research method can be validated in a manner akin to the more established research methods associated with the range of research paradigms outlined in Denzin and Lincoln’s Handbook of Qualitative Research. It is proposed that visual research methods are unique in their ability to produce experiential knowledge that can be shared through visual media but not easily articulated through language. The paper then argues that drawing’s contribution as a visual research strategy has a more holistic and far-reaching potential within the university than other qualitative and quantitative research methods. In addition, visual research outputs operate as components of findings and conclusive evidence in the form of experiential knowledge that can enrich and extend language-based cognitive knowledge.
Model-based detection of sensor faults under changing temperature conditions
Authors: Buethe Inka , Eckstein Benjamin , Fritzen Claus-Peter
Published: December 2013

Nowadays, a variety of civil, aeronautic or mechanical engineering structures need regular inspections. While non-destructive testing has become state of the art, there is a trend towards online testing on demand using built-in sensors. A vast amount of in-service monitoring, as part of structural health monitoring, uses piezoelectric elements. Their deployment requires a control of the sensor performance in order to prevent false alarm. Several kinds of damage can influence the sensor performance, for example, degradation of piezoceramic or adhesive, debonding or breakage of the element. Therefore, this paper aims to detect damage of circular piezoelectric elements and their bonding layers during in-service monitoring. For this purpose, a local method, using the coupled electro-mechanical admittance, is proposed. However, changing environmental and operational conditions such as temperature have an effect on the measured quantities, masking the damage. To cope with this, the dynamic behaviour of an attached piezoelectric element including temperature trends is modelled to enable physics-based temperature compensation. This novel combination of an improved analytical model, updated according to impedance measurements, realizes a method less dependent on experimental baseline data, than the sole comparison of experimental data, established in many monitoring systems. By comparison with experimentally obtained electro-mechanical susceptance the physical model of circular piezoelectric elements is validated. The feasibility of the proposed method is presented employing experimental data of piezoelectric elements mounted on aluminium coupons, partly damaged with degradation and sensor breakage. The application produces promising results, detecting the created defects.
Multi-wave-mode, multi-frequency detectors for guided wave interrogation of plate structures
Authors: Jarmer Gregory JS , Flynn Eric B , Todd Michael D
Published: December 2013

The detection and localization of damage using an array of closely spaced transducers is investigated theoretically and experimentally using single- and multiple-mode guided wave active sensing models. Detectors are derived using a generalized likelihood ratio approach assuming that amplitude, absolute phase, and source location of a scattered wave are unknown, while frequency, group velocity, and phase velocity are known. Theoretical detection performance for processing with each detector is derived and related to the energy-to-noise ratio of a scattered mode as a metric of determining when processing with multiple modes provides increased performance over processing with a single mode. Experimentally, detectors are implemented to detect scattering from a small mass glued to the surface of an aluminum plate with a 7 × 7 array of transducers. Relative detection and localization performance is compared through receiver operating characteristic curves and histograms of distance from true damage location for 1000 no-damage and damaged measurements. A single-mode, multi-frequency detector is shown to have the best detection and localization performance for the tested damage scenarios.
Damage assessment with state–space embedding strategy and singular value decomposition under stochastic excitation
Authors: Liu Gang , Mao Zhu , Todd Michael , Huang Zongming
Published: December 2013

A multivariate time-series analysis employing a state–space embedding strategy and singular value decomposition is presented in this article to detect infrastructure damage. After summarizing the current state–space reconstruction method, the univariate state–space reconstruction is extended to multivariate (or global) reconstruction for observed time series at multiple locations. Under the hypothesis that reconstructed phase state geometry will change with damage, a reduced feature based on Mahalanobis distance of the most significant singular value vector, which is calculated from the reconstructed trajectory, is proposed. Both the area under receiver operating characteristic curve and deflection coefficient are used as comparison metrics to illustrate the presence and severity of damage. The advantage of this proposed approach is computational efficiency and easy implementation using state–space methodology since it does not require high-dimensional neighbor searches, as previous methods have proposed. Validation of the approach is demonstrated using a 6-degree-of-freedom linear spring–mass system and the IASC-ASCE 4-story benchmark experimental structure. Results from both test beds show that damage occurrence and severity can be successfully identified.
The use of a dynamic truck–trailer drive-by system to monitor bridge damping
Authors: Keenahan Jennifer , OBrien Eugene J , McGetrick Patrick J , Gonzalez Arturo
Published: December 2013

Bridge structures are continuously subject to degradation due to the environment, ageing and excess loading. Periodic monitoring of bridges is therefore a key part of any maintenance strategy as it can give early warning if a bridge becomes unsafe. This article investigates an alternative method for the monitoring of bridge dynamic behaviour: a truck–trailer vehicle system, with accelerometers fitted to the axles of the trailer. The method aims to detect changes in the damping of a bridge, which may indicate the existence of damage. A simplified vehicle–bridge interaction model is used in theoretical simulations to assess the effectiveness of the method in detecting those changes. The influence of road profile roughness on the vehicle vibration is overcome by recording accelerations from both axles of a trailer and then analysing the spectra of the difference in the accelerations between the two axles. The effectiveness of the approach in detecting damage simulated as a loss in stiffness is also investigated. In addition, the sensitivity of the approach to the vehicle speed, road roughness class, bridge span length, changes in the equal axle properties and noise is investigated.
Getting light through cementitious composites with in situ triboluminescent damage sensor
Authors: Olawale David O , Kliewer Kaitlyn , Okoye Annuli , Dickens Tarik , Uddin Mohammed J , Okoli Okenwa I
Published: December 2013

Triboluminescent damage sensors comprising highly efficient triboluminescent materials could allow simple, real-time monitoring of both the magnitude and location of damage. The inability to effectively capture and transmit the triboluminescent optical signals generated within opaque composites like concrete has, however, limited their damage monitoring applications. The in situ triboluminescent optical fiber sensor has been developed to enable the detection and transmission of damage-provoked triboluminescent emissions without having to position triboluminescent crystals in the host material. Flexural tests were performed on mortar and reinforced concrete beams having the in situ triboluminescent optical fiber sensor integrated into them. The intrinsic triboluminescent signals generated in the beams under loading were successfully transmitted through the optical fibers to the photomultiplier tube by side coupling. Successful side coupling will make a truly distributed in situ triboluminescent optical fiber sensor possible when the entire length of the sensor is mostly covered with the triboluminescent composite coating. The results show the viability of the in situ triboluminescent optical fiber sensor for the structural health monitoring of cementitious composites. Real-time failure detection was demonstrated in unreinforced mortar beams, while real-time damage (crack) detection was demonstrated in reinforced concrete beams. Preliminary work on reinforced concrete beams showed that the integrated in situ triboluminescent optical fiber sensor was able to detect multiple cracks caused by loading, thereby providing early warning of structural degradation before failure.
Cruella de Vil and the Fairy Godmother
Authors: Martinez Alejandra
Published: December 2013

In this article, I reflect on the importance of critically analyzing the cultural products aimed at children. To achieve this kind of analysis, my students and I have developed a performative exercise in which we have co-created a theatrical piece. A fragment of the script appears below where we appropriate and reconstruct the contents of children’s films from a critical point of view. For those who participated, this performance produced a transformation in our representations. The performative exercise highlights how, through critical analysis and performance, we are able to reconstruct those characters we have known and loved since childhood.
The Fast and the Furious
Authors: Merlino Aldo
Published: December 2013

In this article, I present an autoethnographic reflection on a subject I have studied for several years. It concerns the relationship that people have with certain rules, especially traffic laws. Through the study of a specific case in Argentina, I relate some personal experiences and feelings associated with them. I also reflect on my position as a researcher as well as on my mistakes and assumptions. In addition, the voices of some participants in the study are brought to the text.
Urban Outcasts, Disposable Bodies, and Embodied Research in a Western Canadian “Arriviste” City
Authors: Koch Jordan , Scherer Jay , Holt Nicholas L.
Published: December 2013

In this article, we follow the recent calls of “sport and physical cultural studies” scholars to revisit the significance of the embodied research process and, in particular, the lived social body of the qualitative researcher. Between 2011 and 2013, we conducted a critical ethnography of the experiences of less affluent (and often homeless) young men at publicly subsidized weekly floor hockey games in the basement of a psychiatric hospital in Edmonton, Alberta. Our analysis focuses on three vignettes drawn from detailed field notes and ongoing interviews to reveal the researchers’ embodied investments in race, gender, and class politics; our coming to terms with these investments as they intersected, and clashed, with the bodies and agendas of the city’s “urban outcasts”; and, finally, the importance of interpreting these experiences with sensitivity to the context and community within which we, as critical ethnographers, coexist and, through our words and actions, help to (re)create.
Examining the AHRD Standards on Ethics and Integrity Using a Multiple Ethical Paradigms Approach
Authors: Kim Taesung , Park Jae-Young , Kolb Judith A.
Published: December 2013

This research used a multiple ethical paradigms approach to examine the Standards on Ethics and Integrity ( Standards) published by the Academy of Human Resource Development. After a thorough analysis of the current text of the Standards in terms of the four ethical paradigms of justice, care, community, and critique, we discuss issues and offer propositions to address those issues. Included within our discussion are the need for discussion forums on ethical issues, further reflection on a client- and community-centered approach in the Standards, and the introduction of professional language protocols and codes of Internet communications and technologies. We conclude this research with practical recommendations for updates, diffusion, and utilization of the Standards to enhance its further ethical contribution to the field of human resource development.
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy with Transgastric Visualization
Authors: Elazary Ram , Schlager Avraham , Khalaileh Abed , Mintz Yoav
Published: December 2013

Background. Laparoendoscopic single-site sleeve gastrectomy is gaining acceptance. However, totally natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) in morbidly obese patients is still controversial due to safety and technical issues. To this end, we have developed a technique for sleeve gastrectomy in which the surgical field view is achieved through transgastric approach and the operating channel will eventually be through the vagina to form a dual lumen totally NOTES procedure for sleeve gastrectomy. As a step toward this approach, we performed a single abdominal incision in order to simulate the transvaginal route. This study is another step toward combined transvaginal and transgastric totally NOTES sleeve gastrectomy. Methods and Procedures. A combined NOTES and single trocar sleeve gastrectomy was performed on 8 porcine animal models. The endoscope was inserted through the gastric wall and served as the vision source for the procedure. A second endoscope was inserted via the transabdominal trocar together with the surgical instruments. Results. Sleeve gastrectomy was performed on 8 porcine models. The operative time for the first procedure was 5 hours, but after determining the technique, the time was reduced by half. Conclusion. Combined NOTES and single trocar sleeve gastrectomy is feasible in a porcine model. We achieved an excellent view of the surgical field through the transgastric approach. We believe that in the near future, combining the transgastric visualization of the surgical field together with a transvaginal approach may enable performing a total NOTES sleeve gastrectomy procedure. This hypothesis will be studied in further animal experiments before implementation in humans.
When Sex Work Becomes Your Everything
Authors: Bayer Angela M. , Garvich Mijail , Díaz David A. , Sánchez Hugo , García Patricia J. , Coates Thomas J.
Published: December 2013

In Peru, there are few studies on male sex workers (MSWs), and existing studies explore limited subgroups or offer limited information about MSWs’ perspectives. This study provides in-depth perspectives from 40 MSWs who work in downtown Lima ( Cercado) and in surrounding urban neighborhoods (non- Cercado) through interviews on their identities, lives, and HIV/STI (sexually transmitted infection) risks and vulnerabilities. Findings are that entry into sex work links economy and affection, particularly among Cercado MSWs. Continued sex work cements this link, making it difficult to exit sex work and establish goals. Ties between economics and affections influence MSWs’ perceived HIV/STI risks, vulnerabilities, and prevention practices. Although Cercado MSWs report higher HIV/STI risks and vulnerabilities than non- Cercado peers, they report fewer prevention practices given inability to buy condoms and acceptance of client offers of higher payment, especially clients they feel affection for. MSWs need support to strengthen their self-perceptions and define and pursue their goals in order to improve their HIV/STI prevention practices, health, and well-being.
Treatment of Spontaneous Osteonecrosis of the Tarsal Navicular With a Free Medial Femoral Condyle Vascularized Bone Graft
Authors: Levinson Howard , Miller Kyle J. , Adams Samuel B. , Parekh Selene G.
Published: December 2013

Adult-onset spontaneous osteonecrosis of the tarsal navicular joint, or Mueller–Weiss syndrome (MWS), is an uncommon debilitating disease characterized by a painful clinical course with progressive midfoot deformity. Treatment options include nonoperative management and/or operative intervention, including percutaneous decompression of the navicular bone, stabilization of existing structures, and cancellous bone grafting from the tibia or iliac crest. To our knowledge, there have been no reported cases of treatment of MWS with a vascularized bone graft. We report an unusual case of unilateral MWS in a 25-year-old male who failed nonoperative therapy and was successfully treated with a novel operative approach using debridement followed by a free medial femoral condyle vascularized bone graft. At 18-month follow-up, the patient demonstrated an excellent outcome with return to previous level of function, including work-related and recreational activities.

Level of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV: Case study
A Case of Spontaneous Bilateral Achilles Tendon Rupture
Authors: Yue Dominic , Al-Hadithy Nawfal , Domos Peter
Published: December 2013

Background. Tendo-Achilles (TA) rupture is the most commonly ruptured tendon in the lower limb despite being one of the toughest tendons. Typically, it occurs unilaterally in middle-aged individuals who participate in strenuous activity. Spontaneous ruptures without any risk factors predisposing the patient is uncommon and for it to occur bilaterally is very rare. Objectives. To raise awareness of the potential for TA ruptures to occur bilaterally and thus the importance of assessing the TA contralateral to a seemingly unilateral rupture. This is particularly the case in patients with risk factors, which are reviewed in this report. A summary of the main treatment options is also described. Case report. We report a case of spontaneous, bilateral TA rupture in a 40-year-old man with no identifiable risk factors. It occurred following a heavy impact during a sports activity and although painful, was able to mobilize slowly. After a clinical examination confirmed the diagnosis, the patient underwent early bilateral surgical repair and subsequently embarked on a comprehensive rehabilitation program with a good functional outcome at follow-up. His return to premorbid work and social life was uneventful. Conclusions. Bilateral TA ruptures are rare but increased awareness would help avoid a tear or rupture of the contralateral side being missed. All patients presenting clinically with any TA rupture should have risk factors reviewed. Surgical repair must be accompanied by a comprehensive rehabilitation program for adequate recovery and return of function.

Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV, Case study
Prevention of allergic airway hyperresponsiveness and remodeling in mice by Astragaliradix Antiasthmatic decoction
Authors: Xu Su , Tian Bao-Ping , Zhang Lan-Hong , Hua Wen , Xia Li-Xia , Chen Zhi-Hua , Li Wen , Shen Hua-Hao
Published: December 2013

Background

Astragali radix Antiasthmatic Decoction (AAD), a traditional Chinese medication, is found effective in treating allergic diseases and chronic cough. The purpose of this study is to determine whether this medication could suppress allergen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and remodeling in mice, and its possible mechanisms.

Methods

A mouse model of chronic asthma was used to investigate the effects of AAD on the airway lesions. Mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA), and the extent of AHR and airway remodeling were characterized. Cells and cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were examined.

Results

AAD treatment effectively decreased OVA-induced AHR, eosinophilic airway inflammation, and collagen deposition around the airway. It significantly reduced the levels of IL-13 and TGF-β1, but exerted inconsiderable effect on INF-γ and IL-10.

Conclusions

AAD greatly improves the symptoms of allergic airway remodeling probably through inhibition of Th2 cytokines and TGF-β1.
Outcome assessment of a triangular clinic as a harm reduction intervention in Rajaee-Shahr Prison, Iran
Authors: Asl Rahim Taghizadeh , Eshrati Babak , Dell Colleen Anne , Taylor Kelli , Afshar Parviz , Kamali Mohammad , Mirzazadeh Ali
Published: December 2013

Background

Transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among incarcerated injection drug users (IDU) is a health epidemic in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Triangular clinics (TCs) were established in prisons as a harm reduction measure to decrease the risk of HIV transmission and other blood-borne infections. The objective of this study was to assess the immediate outcomes of one TC among male IDUs in Iran’s Rajaee-Shahr prison.

Methods

This study was conducted in two stages between 2003 and 2005. In the preparatory stage, focus group data was collected to update the prison’s TC education and medical interventions and construct the self-report questionnaire. In stage two, 150 male IDUs were recruited in a closed cohort study design to assess the immediate outcome of the TC. Participants were measured at baseline and followed up to six months to measure their drug use, attitude toward and knowledge of high risk behaviours, serological conversion for HIV, HBV and HCV, and engagement in risky behaviors. The TC outcomes were determined through random urine analysis testing, a self-administered questionnaire and behaviour report cards, and viral infection testing.

Results

The findings of the urine analyses indicated a minimal yet consistent decrease in drug use over the six months. The pre and post- self-administered questionnaire data relayed a modest change in IDU risky behaviours associated with sexual practices; this was greater in comparison to the knowledge and attitude measures. It was determined that age may have a detrimental effect as may viral infections (HIV and HBV) on knowledge, attitude and behavior change. Both education and employment may have a protective effect. Data collected from the self-report behaviour cards similarly showed a modest reduction in high risk practices. At the six month follow-up, only one case became HIV positive, 9 HCV and 17 HBV.

Conclusions

Considering that HIV is concentrated among Iranian prisoners who inject drugs at a high level, the results of this study indicate that TCs are a possible effective intervention. However, many prisoners continued with risky behaviors even if they were participating in harm reduction measures, such as methadone maintenance therapy.
Earthworm extracts utilized in the green synthesis of gold nanoparticles capable of reinforcing the anticoagulant activities of heparin
Authors: Kim Hee Kyeong , Choi Myung-Jin , Cha Song-Hyun , Koo Yean Kyoung , Jun Sang Hui , Cho Seonho , Park Youmie
Published: December 2013

Gold nanoparticles were obtained using a green synthesis approach with aqueous earthworm extracts without any additional reducing or capping agents. The gold nanoparticles were characterized using UV-visible spectrophotometry, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The anticoagulant activity of the gold nanoparticles was assessed using the activated partial thromboplastin time and was mildly enhanced by combining the gold nanoparticles with heparin. In addition to the generation of spherical nanoparticles with an average diameter of 6.13 ± 2.13 nm, cubic and block-shaped nanoparticles with an average aspect ratio, defined as the length divided by width, of 1.47 were also observed.
Novel One-pot Synthesis of Polysubstituted Isocoumarins from Arynes and Trifluoroacetylated β-Diketones
Authors: Okuma Kentaro , Hirano Koki , Tanabe Yukiko , Itoyama Ryoichi , Miura Atsumi , Nagahora Noriyoshi , Shioji Kosei
Published: December 2013

Polysubstituted isocoumarins such as thunberginol A were synthesized by the reaction of substituted 2-(trimethylsilyl)phenyl triflate with trifluoromethylated β-diketones in the presence of CsF. The reaction proceeded via carbon–carbon bond insertion of aryne followed by intramolecular cyclization and CF3 anion extrusion. The –C(···O)CF3 unit has high potential for not only the nucleophilic moiety but also a useful leaving group of CF3.
Alcohols or Masked Alcohols as Directing Groups for C–H Bond Functionalization
Authors: Mo Fanyang , Tabor John R , Dong Guangbin
Published: December 2013

This highlight review describes the recent progress in alcohol or masked alcohol-directed C–H functionalization, which enables rapid access to a large array of complex structures. Given the ubiquity of the hydroxy group in organic chemistry, these types of transformations may have significant impacts on synthetic strategy design.
Density Functional Study of the Adsorption of Methanol and its Derivatives on Boron Nitride Nanotubes
Authors: Peyghan Ali Ahmadi , Noei Maziar
Published: December 2013

Changes in the structural and electronic properties of chemically modified boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) using methanol and its derivatives including CH3CH2CH2OH CH3CH2OH, (ph)CH2CH2OH, CH2COOH and (CN)CH2CH2OH were investigated using density functional theory calculations. The study results showed that molecules of methanol can be chemically adsorbed on top of a sidewall B atom with an adsorption energy of −0.67 eV, which is stronger than that of carbon nanotubes. When using different derivatives of methanol, the adsorption energies and charge transfer from the adsorbate to the BNNT depending on the electron-withdrawing or electron-donating capability of the subgroups within the derivatives. Subgroups with strong electron-withdrawing capability generally lead to transfer less charge and smaller adsorption energy. The calculated density of state shows that the electronic properties of the BNNT are only slightly changed by the chemical modification. However, preservation of the electronic properties of BNNTs coupled with the enhanced solubility suggests that chemical modification of BNNTs with either methanol or its derivatives may be an effective way for purification of the BNNTs.
Mechanistic Model—Based Speciation of Copper Complexes Adsorbed on Resin in an Ammoniacal Thiosulphate Resin-Solution System
Authors: Muslim Abrar
Published: December 2013

Leaching and adsorption of copper complexes simultaneously occur in ammoniacal thiosulphate resin-solution systems. The reaction requires good control-independent variables to minimize reagent consumption as well as to obtain optimal adsorption of copper complexes on resin. This work proposed the development of a mechanistic model for the speciation of copper complexes in such a system. A set of experiments was conducted to validate the mechanistic model, and a comparison of the results showed that the mechanistic model is in very good agreement with the measurement-based result with the correlation coefficient (R2) being 0.997. In addition, the effect of independent variables was investigated. The effect of initial thiosulphate concentration on the most dominant copper complex species of Cu(S2O3)35−(S)(s) on resin and the possibility to minimize the reagent for the optimal concentration of species were investigated. In addition, a constraint was needed in the concentration of ammonia in solution to achieve the optimal adsorption of CuNH3(S2O3)23–(s) complex.
Theoretical Study of CO Adsorption on Perfect and Defective Gold Surfaces
Authors: Wang Yingying , Xu Bing , Shen Wanyi
Published: December 2013

The activities of Au(111), Au(100) and Au(110) surfaces, as well as the activity of an Au adatom on Au(111), Au(100) and Au(110) surfaces have been characterized by density functional theory using CO as a probe. The results clearly show that the activity of Au surfaces towards CO adsorption is attributable to the presence of low-coordinated gold atoms to which the molecule binds. The results may enrich the understanding of CO adsorption on Au surfaces.
Characterization of a Compound Starch-Based Adsorbent for Alcohol—Water Azeotrope Dehydration
Authors: Sun Jinsheng , Wang Wenping , Wang Pei , Lv Hao , Luo Xubo , Gao Hong
Published: December 2013

Biosorptive dehydration processes of ethanol, isopropanol and t-butyl alcohol (TBA) using a specially formulated compound starch-based adsorbent (CSA) were investigated and analyzed. The inverse gas chromatography (IGC) experimental results indicated that the CSA was effective for the selective separations at the alcohol and water azeotropes. using batch adsorption and regeneration experiments, the optimal adsorption and regeneration conditions were determined by single-factor and orthogonal design methods. A comparison of the results from the IGC and batch adsorption experiments of the three azeotrope systems suggested that the separation factors increased with decreasing alcohol polarities and increasing numbers of alcohol carbon atoms, which may be related to the transport properties and strength of the interactions between the alcohol and free OH groups on the glucose units in the CSA. The field emission scanning electron microscopic images and pore-size distributions indicated that the main component of the CSA macro-porous structure played a major role in adsorption. Cycling adsorption/regeneration experiments demonstrated the reusability of the CSA.