bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and fluorescence spectral studies of novel quinolylbenzothiazole-based sensors for selective detection of Fe3+ ion
Authors: Wang Peng , Liu Xiaoyan , Fu Jiaxin , Chang Yongxin , Yang Li , Xu Kuoxi
Published: May 2018

Four novel fluorescence sensors bearing a quinolylbenzothiazole platform were synthesized and characterized. The sensors displayed excellent selectivity and highly sensitive fluorescence response to Fe3+ ion in H2O/DMSO buffer solution (1:4 volume ratio; Tris-HCl, 0.01 mol/L; pH = 7.40) at 500 nm originating from quinolylbenzothiazole fluorophore group. Other cations, namely Li+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cd2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Mn2+, Ba2+, Pb2+, Hg2+, Al3+, and Eu3+, showed no appreciable change in fluorescence spectrum. The binding stoichiometry between sensors L1, L2, L3, or L4 and Fe3+ was observed to be 1:1 based on fluorescence titration and Jobs plot analysis. The detection limits of L1, L2, L3, and L4 for Fe3+ were found to be 0.155, 0.362, 0.249, and 0.517 μmol/L, respectively. Furthermore, possible utilization of sensors to detect Fe3+ in living HeLa cells was also investigated by confocal fluorescence microscopy.
Sequential dependency structure matrix based framework for leveling of a tower crane lifting plan
Authors: Kim Seungho , Kim Sangyong , Lee Dongoun
Published: May 2018

Recent construction projects involving the building of extremely tall and large structures have increased the demand for various major equipment, including tower cranes (TCs). However, most lifting plans for TCs at construction sites are performed based on the experience and intuition of the site manager as opposed to a systematic process of rational work. This study presents a framework for scheduling TCs using sequential characteristics of a dependency structure matrix (DSM) to efficiently improve the lifting plan of TCs. In this research, a real world construction case study involving a TC in charge of three buildings was examined. The results of the case study indicated that the scheduling of TC using sequential DSM was useful in leveling the TC lifting plan in terms of ease of use, especially in the typical floor cycle lifting planning. Therefore, the TC lifting plan based on sequential DSM presents a more precise and systematic TC lifting plan.
Root-associated fungi of Pinus wallichiana in Kashmir Himalaya
Authors: Tyub Sumira , Kamili Azra N. , Reshi Zafar A. , Rashid Irfan , Mokhdomi Taseem A. , Bukhari Shoiab , Amin Asif , Wafai Asrar H. , Qadri Raies A.
Published: May 2018

An important factor in the performance of out-planted conifers is the association of plant roots with ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungi. However, limited information is available about the diversity of root-associated EcM fungi of Pinus wallichiana A.B. Jackson, a coniferous species endemic to Himalayan forests that has hampered the reforestation programs in the area. The study was carried at three major forest areas of the Kashmir Himalaya believed to be pure stands of P. wallichiana. Fine root tips harbouring EcM fungi were collected and processed for extraction of fungal DNA, which was subsequently subjected to ITS rDNA targeted PCR–RFLP profiling. DNA sequencing analysis of the overlapping ITS amplifications followed by global nucleotide BLAST analyses of the assembled nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) revealed a total of 33 fungal taxa associated with P. wallichiana of which 23 species were EcM fungi. Of the 10 non-EcM fungi, we found a peculiar saprophytic wood decaying fungus, Chalara microchona, associated with P. wallichiana for the first time. The study not only reveals the species richness of fungi associated with this conifer but also documents new fungal associations with it, which have not been reported so far. The results in the study set a baseline for the broad association of ectomycorrhizal fungi with P. wallichiana, which may serve as guiding cue to design reforestation programs in the Kashmir Himalaya.
An ultra-broadband terahertz metamaterial absorber based on split rings array and island-shape structures
Authors: Ju Zong-De , Xu Guo-Qing , Wei Zhi-Hua , Li Jing , Zhao Qian , Huang Jie
Published: May 2018

An ultra-broadband absorber is achieved by constructing novel island-shape structures on a single-layered broadband absorber. The single-layered absorber contains four same sized metallic split rings with different heights of the base. Its absorption goes beyond 98% from 1.82 THz to 3.70 THz and the full width at half maximum (FWHM) is 102.3% (from 1.47 THz to 4.55 THz), much better than these achieved by assembling multiple nested resonators. Then, by stacking novel island-shape structures over the single-layered absorber, we can excite 1-order magnetic response to precisely add a new peak near the broadband and enhance the bandwidth. The multi-layered absorber covers a bandwidth of 3.51 THz (the absorption over 90% from 1.23 THz to 4.74 THz) and the FWHM is up to 139.7%, far larger than previous reported results. It also performs well at considerably large oblique incident angles. Moreover, the island-shape structures have the potential to be applied in some other single-layered absorbers to widen their bandwidth.
Omitting types in logic of metric structures
Authors: Farah Ilijas , Magidor Menachem
Published: May 2018

This paper is about omitting types in logic of metric structures introduced by Ben Yaacov, Berenstein, Henson and Usvyatsov. While a complete type is omissible in some model of a countable complete theory if and only if it is not principal, this is not true for the incomplete types by a result of Ben Yaacov. We prove that there is no simple test for determining whether a type is omissible in a model of a theory [Formula: see text] in a countable language. More precisely, we find a theory in a countable language such that the set of types omissible in some of its models is a complete [Formula: see text] set and a complete theory in a countable language such that the set of types omissible in some of its models is a complete [Formula: see text] set. Two more unexpected examples are given: (i) a complete theory [Formula: see text] and a countable set of types such that each of its finite sets is jointly omissible in a model of [Formula: see text], but the whole set is not and (ii) a complete theory and two types that are separately omissible, but not jointly omissible, in its models.
A learning resource recommendation algorithm based on online learning sequential behavior
Authors: Wang Xuebin , Zhu Zhengzhou , Yu Jiaqi , Zhu Ruofei , Li DeQi , Guo Qun
Published: May 2018

The accuracy of learning resource recommendation is crucial to realizing precise teaching and personalized learning. We propose a novel collaborative filtering recommendation algorithm based on the student’s online learning sequential behavior to improve the accuracy of learning resources recommendation. First, we extract the student’s learning events from his/her online learning process. Then each student’s learning events are selected as the basic analysis unit to extract the feature sequential behavior sequence that represents the student’s learning behavioral characteristics. Then the extracted feature sequential behavior sequence generates the student’s feature vector. Moreover, we improve the H-[Formula: see text] clustering algorithm that clusters the students who have similar learning behavior. Finally, we recommend learning resources to the students combine similarity user clusters with the traditional collaborative filtering algorithm based on user. The experiment shows that the proposed algorithm improved the accuracy rate by 110% and recall rate by 40% compared with the traditional user-based collaborative filtering algorithm.
Weak Gorenstein Cotorsion Modules
Authors: Zhao Liang , Wei Jiaqun , Hu Jiangsheng
Published: May 2018

Let R be a ring and let 𝒮𝒢ℱ be the class of strongly Gorenstein at right R-modules. We call a right R-module M a weak Gorenstein cotorsion module if M is in the class 𝒮𝒢ℱ⊥. Properties of weak Gorenstein cotorsion modules are investigated. It is shown that weak Gorenstein cotorsion R-modules over coherent rings are indeed weaker than Gorenstein cotorsion R-modules. Weak Gorenstein cotorsion dimension for modules and rings are also studied.
Oxidative ring-openings of octaethyl-2-oxochlorin: Regioisomeric β-oxobiliverdins
Authors: Li Ruoshi , Zeller Matthias , Brückner Christian
Published: May 2018

We describe the oxidative ring opening of octaethyl-2-oxochlorin using two different oxidation methods, both providing a mixture of all possible regioisomeric products (8-[Formula: see text] through 8-[Formula: see text]. While isomers 8-[Formula: see text], 8-[Formula: see text], and 8-[Formula: see text] formed in isolable yields and relative ratios that varied with the oxidation method used, isomer 8-[Formula: see text] was invariably formed in trace amounts only. The three major products were spectroscopically characterized (IR, MS, 1D- and 2D NMR spectroscopy) and their configurations were deduced by NMR spectroscopy. The spectroscopic findings correlated well with the single crystal X-ray structure of the novel cleavage product 8-[Formula: see text] and the known compound of 8-[Formula: see text]. The work broadens the number of octaethylporphyrin-derived biliverdin derivatives available and presents a methodology of controlling the biliverdin backbone configuration by introduction of a [Formula: see text]-ketone functionality into select positions.
Multifeature Selection for 3D Human Action Recognition
Authors: Huang Min , Su Song-Zhi , Zhang Hong-Bo , Cai Guo-Rong , Gong Dongying , Cao Donglin , Li Shao-Zi
Published: May 2018

In mainstream approaches for 3D human action recognition, depth and skeleton features are combined to improve recognition accuracy. However, this strategy results in high feature dimensions and low discrimination due to redundant feature vectors. To solve this drawback, a multi-feature selection approach for 3D human action recognition is proposed in this paper. First, three novel single-modal features are proposed to describe depth appearance, depth motion, and skeleton motion. Second, a classification entropy of random forest is used to evaluate the discrimination of the depth appearance based features. Finally, one of the three features is selected to recognize the sample according to the discrimination evaluation. Experimental results show that the proposed multi-feature selection approach significantly outperforms other approaches based on single-modal feature and feature fusion.
Dynamic Energy Management of FPGA Accelerators in Embedded Systems
Authors: Hosseinabady Mohammad , Nunez-Yanez Jose Luis
Published: May 2018

In this article, we investigate how to utilise an Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) in an embedded system to save energy. For this purpose, we study the energy efficiency of a hybrid FPGA-CPU device that can switch task execution between hardware and software with a focus on periodic tasks. To increase the applicability of this task switching, we also consider the voltage and frequency scaling (VFS) applied to the FPGA to reduce the system energy consumption. We show that in some cases, if the task’s period is higher than a specific level, the FPGA accelerator cannot reduce the energy consumption associated to the task and the software version is the most energy efficient option. We have applied the proposed techniques to a robot map creation algorithm as a case study which shows up to 38% energy reduction compared to the FPGA implementation. Overall, experimental results show up to 48% energy reduction by applying the proposed techniques at runtime on 13 individual tasks.
Contrast Enhancement Estimation for Digital Image Forensics
Authors: Wen Longyin , Qi Honggang , Lyu Siwei
Published: May 2018

Inconsistency in contrast enhancement can be used to expose image forgeries. In this work, we describe a new method to estimate contrast enhancement operations from a single image. Our method takes advantage of the nature of contrast enhancement as a mapping between pixel values and the distinct characteristics it introduces to the image pixel histogram. Our method recovers the original pixel histogram and the contrast enhancement simultaneously from a single image with an iterative algorithm. Unlike previous works, our method is robust in the presence of additive noise perturbations that are used to hide the traces of contrast enhancement. Furthermore, we also develop an effective method to detect image regions undergone contrast enhancement transformations that are different from the rest of the image, and we use this method to detect composite images. We perform extensive experimental evaluations to demonstrate the efficacy and efficiency of our method.
Time-Soundness of Time Petri Nets Modelling Time-Critical Systems
Authors: Liu Guanjun , Jiang Changjun , Zhou Mengchu
Published: May 2018

The correctness of a time-critical system is closely related to the time of responding and performing every event. Our motivation example,
alternating bit protocol
, and application example,
multi-track level crossing with sensors
, both demonstrate that some nondeterministic behaviours can take place if the time associated with events is configured inappropriately or some concurrent events are controlled imperfectly in an overlapping period. These nondeterministic behaviours decrease the reliability and/or safety of a time-critical system. Therefore, it is valuable to formalise and check (non)determinacy.

Time Petri Nets (TPN) in which the firing of every event is limited to a fix time interval are used to model time-critical systems in this article. We proposes a novel notion for TPN named
time-soundness
. It guarantees that the system always owns deterministic behaviours after any event is performed no matter when the event is performed. We utilise the notion of bisimulation to prove that the time-soundness can guarantee the behavioural determinacy. We propose an algorithm to check time-soundness, develop the related tool, and do experiments to show the usefulness and effectiveness of our notion and method.
Runtime Precomputation of Data-Dependent Parameters in Embedded Systems
Authors: Hammari Elena , Kjeldsberg Per Gunnar , Catthoor Francky
Published: May 2018

In many modern embedded systems, the available resources (e.g., CPU clock cycles, memory, and energy) are consumed nonuniformly while the system is under exploitation. Typically, the resource requirements in the system change with different input data that the system process. These data trigger different parts of the embedded software, resulting in different operations executed that require different hardware platform resources to be used. A significant research effort has been dedicated to develop mechanisms for runtime resource management (e.g., branch prediction for pipelined processors, prefetching of data from main memory to cache, and scenario-based design methodologies). All these techniques rely on the availability of information at runtime about upcoming changes in resource requirements. In this article, we propose a method for detecting upcoming resource changes based on preliminary calculation of software variables that have the most dynamic impact on resource requirements in the system. We apply the method on a modified real-life biomedical algorithm with real input data and estimate a 40% energy reduction as compared to static DVFS scheduling. Comparing to dynamic DVFS scheduling, an 18% energy reduction is demonstrated.
Complete Derandomization of Identity Testing and Reconstruction of Read-Once Formulas
Authors: Minahan Daniel , Volkovich Ilya
Published: May 2018

In this article, we study the identity testing problem of arithmetic read-once formulas (ROFs) and some related models. An ROF is a formula (a circuit whose underlying graph is a tree) in which the operations are { +, × } and such that every input variable labels at most one leaf. We obtain the first polynomial-time deterministic identity testing algorithm that operates in the black-box setting for ROFs, as well as some other related models. As an application, we obtain the first polynomial-time deterministic reconstruction algorithm for such formulas. Our results are obtained by improving and extending the analysis of the algorithm of Shpilka and Yolkovich [51].
The Limits of SDP Relaxations for General-Valued CSPs
Authors: Thapper Johan , Živný Stanislav
Published: May 2018

It has been shown that for a general-valued constraint language Γ the following statements are equivalent: (1) any instance of VCSP(Γ) can be solved to
optimality
using a
constant level
of the Sherali-Adams LP hierarchy, (2) any instance of VCSP(Γ) can be solved to optimality using the
third level
of the Sherali-Adams LP hierarchy, and (3) the support of Γ satisfies the “
bounded width condition
” (i.e., it contains weak near-unanimity operations of all arities).

We show that if the support of Γ violates the bounded width condition then not only is VCSP(Γ) not solved by a constant level of the Sherali-Adams LP hierarchy, but it also requires linear levels of the Lasserre SDP hierarchy (also known as the sum-of-squares SDP hierarchy). For Γ corresponding to linear equations in an Abelian group, this result follows from existing work on inapproximability of Max-CSPs. By a breakthrough result of Lee, Raghavendra, and Steurer [STOC’15], our result implies that for any Γ whose support violates the bounded width condition no SDP relaxation of polynomial size solves VCSP(Γ).

We establish our result by proving that various reductions preserve exact solvability by the Lasserre SDP hierarchy (up to a constant factor in the level of the hierarchy). Our results hold for general-valued constraint languages (i.e., sets of functions on a fixed finite domain that take on rational or infinite values) and thus also hold in notable special cases of { 0, ∞ }-valued languages (CSPs), {0, 1}-valued languages (Min-CSPs/Max-CSPs), and Q-valued languages (finite-valued CSPs).
Deep learning hunts for signals among the noise
Authors: Edwards Chris
Published: May 2018

Neural networks can deliver surprising, and sometimes unwanted, results.
RISC management
Authors: Hoffmann Leah
Published: May 2018

ACM A.M. Turing award recipients John Hennessy and David Patterson have introduced generations of students to reduced instruction set computing.
Allocating Multiple Types of Tasks to Heterogeneous Agents Based on the Theory of Comparative Advantage
Authors: Morisawa Toma , Hayashi Kotaro , Mizuuchi Ikuo
Published: May 2018

We present a method to allocate multiple tasks with uncertainty to heterogeneous robots using the theory of comparative advantage: an economic theory that maximizes the benefit of specialization. In real applications, robots often must execute various tasks with uncertainty and future multirobot system will have to work effectively with people as a team. As an example, it may be necessary to explore an unknown environment while executing a main task with people, such as carrying, rescue, military, or construction. The proposed task allocation method is expected to reduce the total makespan (total length of task-execution time) compared with conventional methods in robotic exploration missions. We expect that our method is also effective in terms of calculation time compared with the time-extended allocation method (based on the solution of job-shop scheduling problems). We simulated carrying tasks and exploratory tasks, which include uncertainty conditions such as unknown work environments (2 tasks and 2 robots, multiple tasks and 2 robots, 2 robots and multiple tasks, and multiple tasks and multiple robots). In addition, we compared our method with full searching and methods that maximize the sum of efficiency in these simulations by several conditions: first, 2 tasks (carrying and exploring) in the four uncertain conditions (later time, new objects appearing, disobedient robots, and shorter carrying time) and second, many types of tasks to many types of robots in the three uncertain conditions (unknown carrying time, new objects appearing, and some reasonable agents). The proposed method is also effective in three terms: the task-execution time with an increasing number of objects, uncertain increase in the number of tasks during task execution, and uncertainty agents who are disobedient to allocation orders compared to full searching and methods that maximize the sum of efficiency. Additionally, we performed two real-world experiments with uncertainty.
Preparation and Study of Multi‐Heteroatom Carbon Nanotube as Excellent Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction Using Polydopamine Derivative
Authors: Yang Jian , Niu Lihong , Zhang Zhijun , Yan Liang , Chou Lingjun
Published: May 2018

F and other heteroatom codoped multiwalled carbon nanotubes as nonmetal electrocatalyst were developed through pyrolysis of polydopamine derivative under high temperature. The influence of the amount and type of heteroatom on the catalytic activity was investigated. Especially, N/S/F‐codoped carbon nanotubes exhibit the most excellent electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction and stability. The method afforded an excellent building block to universally design multi‐heteroatom‐doped or F‐doped carbon materials for ORR or other energy‐relevant applications.
TDoA‐Based Outdoor Positioning with Tracking Algorithm in a Public LoRa Network
Authors: Podevijn Nico , Plets David , Trogh Jens , Martens Luc , Suanet Pieter , Hendrikse Kim , Joseph Wout
Published: May 2018

The performance of LoRa geolocation for outdoor tracking purposes has been investigated on a public LoRaWAN network. Time Difference of Arrival (TDoA) localization accuracy, update probability, and update frequency were evaluated for different trajectories (walking, cycling, and driving) and LoRa spreading factors. A median accuracy of 200 m was obtained for the raw TDoA output data. In 90% of the cases, the error was less than 480 m. Taking into account the road map and movement speed significantly improves accuracy to a median of 75 m and a 90th percentile error of less than 180 m.
Genomic Variability among Field Isolates and Laboratory-Adapted Strains ofLeptospira borgpeterseniiSerovar Hardjo
Authors: Llanes Alejandro , Restrepo Carlos Mario , Riesgo-Ferreiro Pablo , Rajeev Sreekumari
Published: May 2018

Leptospira borgpeterseniiserovar Hardjo colonizes cattle kidneys and may occasionally infect humans and other mammals. Strains belonging to two clonal subtypes (types A and B) with marked differences in their pathogenicity in the hamster experimental model have been described for this serovar. Such differences have been attributed to point mutations in individual genes, although those genes have not yet been characterized. In order to better understand genetic variability amongL. borgpeterseniiserovar Hardjo isolates, we sequenced and compared the genomes of two laboratory-adapted strains and three abattoir-derived field isolates ofL. borgpeterseniiserovar Hardjo. Relatively low genetic variability was observed within isolates of the same subtype, with most of the mutations of moderate or high impact found in the laboratory-adapted isolates. In contrast, several differences regarding gene content and genetic variants were observed between the two subtypes. Putative type-specific genes appear to encode proteins associated with functions that are critical for infection. Some of these genes seem to be involved in transcriptional regulation, possibly leading to a distinct regulatory pattern in each type. These results show that changes in regulatory mechanisms, previously suggested to be critical duringLeptospiraspeciation, may occur inL. borgpetersenii. In addition, the bioinformatics methodology used in this study for variant calling can be useful to other groups working with nonmodel prokaryotic organisms such asLeptospiraspecies.
Efficacy and Safety of Different Norepinephrine Regimens for Prevention of Spinal Hypotension in Cesarean Section: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Chen Daili , Qi Xiaofei , Huang Xiaolei , Xu Yang , Qiu Feilong , Yan Yuting , Li Yuantao
Published: May 2018

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of three different norepinephrine dosing regimens for preventing spinal hypotension in cesarean section. In this randomized double-blinded controlled study, 120 parturients scheduled for elective section delivery under spinal anesthesia were assigned to 1 of 4 groups. In the control group, patients received saline infusion. In three norepinephrine groups, the infusion dosage regimens were 5, 10, and 15 μg/kg/h, respectively. Hypotension was treated with a rescue bolus of 10 μg norepinephrine. The study protocol was continued until the end of surgery. The primary outcome was the proportion of participants that underwent hypotension. The proportion of hypotension participants was significantly reduced in the norepinephrine groups (37.9%, 20%, and 25%, respectively) compared to that in the control group (86.7%). However, the highest dose of norepinephrine (15 μg/kg/h) resulted in more hypertension episodes. In addition, blood pressure was better maintained in the norepinephrine 5 μg/kg/h and 10 μg/kg/h groups than in the control group and 15 μg/kg/h group. No significant differences in other hemodynamic variables, adverse effects, maternal and neonatal blood gases, or Apgar scores were observed among the groups. In summary, for patients who undergo cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia, infusion of 5–10 μg/kg/h norepinephrine was effective to reduce hypotension incidence without significant adverse effects on maternal and neonatal outcomes. Clinical Trial Registration Number is ChiCTR-INR-16009452.
Vibration Characteristics of Underground Structure and Surrounding Soil Underneath High Speed Railway Based on Field Vibration Tests
Authors: Zhou Biao , Zhang Fengshou , Xie Xiongyao
Published: May 2018

A series of field vibration tests were carried out at an underground metro station underneath the high speed railway by installing accelerometers both on the side wall of the metro station and in the surrounding soil. Within the frequency domain of 0–200 Hz, the attenuation, transmission, and frequency response properties of vibration for both the underground structure and the surrounding soil were analyzed and compared. The attenuation index is found to be decreased with the increase of underground structure stiffness. The existence of damping and coupling effect of the surrounding soil, as well as the interference of axle spectrum from excitation sources, makes it very challenging to separate the frequency response characteristics of structures from soil at FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) spectrum. The combined NExT (Natural Excitation Technique) and HHT (Hilbert–Huang Transform) method are thus used to study the waveforms and propagation velocities of vibration waves in underground structure and surrounding soil. The wave types and their speeds are determined and used for evaluating the structural elastic modulus. Compared with the attenuation index or natural frequency, wave velocity is easier to be recognized, is sensitive to the change of the structural stiffness, and requires limited number of sensors in the field. Based on the properties of the vibration characteristics studied in this work, the wave velocity based method is recommended for the health monitoring of underground structures.
Research on the Fatigue Properties of High Strength Concrete after Exposure to High Temperature under Low Cyclic Compressive Loading
Authors: Wang Linhao , Gao Haijing , Gao Haibiao , Luo Zhili
Published: May 2018

By using an electrohydraulic servo fatigue testing machine, fatigue tests were performed on C60 high strength concrete (HSC) under low cyclic compressive loading after undergoing normal temperature, 200°C, 400°C, 600°C, and 800°C. Failure patterns of high strength concrete under low cyclic compressive loading were observed. The influence of the high temperature process on the static elastic modulus of high strength concrete was analyzed. By studying the development law of fatigue strain, regression equations of fatigue strain after different high temperatures were established. Furthermore, the fatigue deformation modulus ratio was defined as the damage variable and the relationship models between the high temperature process and the fatigue damage were established. It provides the experimental foundation for fatigue damage analysis of high strength concrete in objective working conditions, which includes repeated loading and different high temperature processes.
Research on the Impact Scope of Bus Stations Based on the Application of Bus Lanes
Authors: Luo Yi , Qian Dalin
Published: May 2018

Designation of bus lane means implementing the priority of urban bus system by monopolizing portion of the road resources, which has greater attraction for passengers and can impel the shift of bus passenger flow, thus impacting bus stations. With the aim of mastering the scope and extent of the impact accurately, the article firstly modified the bus station network and the bus transfer network. Furthermore, this paper proposed an algorithm for detecting communities in the improved bus transfer network to mine the transfer relations between any bus routes, and then, on the basis of the improved bus station network, designed a referable bus travel time and put forward an impact model to calculate the absolute impact and relative impact of bus lanes. Finally, the validity of the method was verified according to the actual investigation data. The results show the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed approach that can obtain the impact of bus lanes on the stations. The research in this paper will be beneficial to the strategy of bus scheduling and also has guiding significance for the evaluation of existing bus lanes or further applications.
Comprehensive Analysis on Heterogeneous Wireless Network in High‐Speed Scenarios
Authors: Zhang Yuyang , Zheng Tao , Dong Ping , Luo Hongbin , Pang Zhibo
Published: May 2018

Greater demands are being placed on the access bandwidth, stability, and delay of network because of the quickening rhythm of life and work, especially in mobile scenario. In order to obtain a stable network with low latency and high bandwidth in mobile scenario, taking advantage of the wireless heterogeneous network in parallel is a good choice. Nowadays, people are increasingly concerned about the network quality under the mobile scenario. Some scholars have done the relevant measurements. However, all of those measurements mainly investigate part of the network parameters or part of mobile scenarios. In this paper, we make the following contributions. Firstly, in high‐speed mobile scenario, the wireless network qualities of different vendors are measured synthetically. Secondly, we analyze the benefits of taking advantage of the different vendors. Thirdly, we deploy the replication link mechanism in high‐speed mobile scenario and propose an algorithm to remove the duplicate packet in high‐speed mobile scenario. And the algorithm can also be used in another multipath schedule algorithm to improve the reliability.
Prevalence of Chronic Complications, Their Risk Factors, and the Cardiovascular Risk Factors among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Attending the Diabetic Clinic at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Sri Lanka
Authors: Arambewela Maulee Hiromi , Somasundaram Noel P. , Ranjan Jayasekara Hettiarachchige Buddhi Pradeep , Kumbukage Mahesh P. , Jayasena Pulukkutti Mudiyanselage Sarath , Hemanthi Chandrasekara Chandrasekara Mudalige Priyanka , Sudath Fernando Kurukulasuriya Ravindra Alexis , Kusumsiri Divadalage Priyantha
Published: May 2018

Diabetes incurs heavy burden to patients and the healthcare system. Assessment of disease burden is important in taking necessary precautions and management decisions. We aimed to determine the prevalence of macro- and microvascular complications, their risk factors, and coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A descriptive cross-sectional single-centre study was carried out among 3000 patients with T2DM attending the diabetic clinic at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka from January to July 2016. The study population had 72.7% females and 27.3% males. Mean age and disease duration were 58.3 ± 10.3 and 10.8 ± 7 years, respectively. Prevalence of CAD, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease were 10.6%, 1.1%, and 4.7% while diabetic retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy, diabetic foot, and lower extremity amputation (LEA) were 26.1%, 62.6%, 50.8%, 2.6%, and 1.3%, respectively. Prevalence of overweight/obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and smoking were 80%, 77.6%, 76.7%, and 11%, respectively. Increased age, disease duration, and HBA1c were risk factors for microvascular disease and diabetic foot while age was the only risk factor for macrovascular complications. Occurrence of CAD, peripheral neuropathy, diabetic foot, and LEA was significantly higher among males than when compared to females. This study highlights the major burden of chronic complications and high prevalence of CAD risk factors in this population.
A Hierarchical Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation Algorithm for Running State of a 6 kV (10 kV) Power Switch Cabinet
Authors: Wang Fuzhong , Han Sumin , Cao Bin
Published: May 2018

Considering the existence of many actual influential factors of a high voltage switch cabinet in the coal mine, the paper proposes a hierarchical fuzzy comprehensive evaluation algorithm to assess the running state of the 6 kV (10 kV) power vacuum switch cabinet better and improve operational safety and reliability of the power supply system. The algorithm can realize the state evaluation of bus bars, vacuum circuit breakers, electrical cables, other components, and the switch cabinet by the bottom-up approach. The running state evaluation index system and mathematical model of the switchgear are introduced particularly. According to the different forms of data information, this algorithm comprehensively evaluates the running state of the high voltage switchgear by using the online running data, test data, equipment information, and historical data records of the distribution cabinet. The actual operation states and test data of a handcart switch cabinet are taken as examples to prove the effectiveness of the algorithm.
Characterization of the Cicatrization Process in Diabetic Foot Ulcers Based on the Production of Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: López-Delis Alberto , de S. Rodrigues Fleury Rosa Suélia , de Souza Paulo Eduardo Narcizo , Carneiro Marcella Lemos Brettas , Rosa Mário Fabrício Fleury , Macedo Yasmin Carneiro Lobo , Veiga-Souza Fabiane Hiratsuka , da Rocha Adson Ferreira
Published: May 2018

The present study aims at evaluating the correlation between the free radical formation and the healing action of lower limbs’ ulcers in a randomized controlled trial with the use of an adhesive derived from natural latex associated with a light-emitting diode (LED) circuit. The sample consists of 15 participants with lower limb lesions divided into three groups: group 1 case (5 participants) received the proposed dressing system adhesive of the natural latex associated with the LED circuit; group 2 control (5 participants) received the dressings at home performed by nurses according to and established by the clinic of wounds (treated with calcium alginate or silver foam); and group 3 (5 participants) also received the dressing in their homes with the use of the dressing adhesive derived from the natural latex associated with the LED circuit. The collected data were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively by electron paramagnetic resonance for determination of free radical formation. Kruskal-Wallis statistical test was used to evaluate the effect of treatment on the lower limb’s ulcer cicatrization process and its correlation with free radical. The results obtained corroborated the hypothesis about the reduction of the quantity of these molecules in the end of treatment related to the healing wound.
Overexpression of a New Zinc Finger Protein Transcription FactorOsCTZFP8Improves Cold Tolerance in Rice
Authors: Jin Yong-Mei , Piao Rihua , Yan Yong-Feng , Chen Mojun , Wang Ling , He Hongxia , Liu Xiaoxiao , Gao Xing-Ai , Jiang Wenzhu , Lin Xiu-Feng
Published: May 2018

Cold stress is one of the most important abiotic stresses in rice. C2H2zinc finger proteins play important roles in response to abiotic stresses in plants. In the present study, we isolated and functionally characterized a new C2H2zinc finger protein transcription factorOsCTZFP8in rice.OsCTZFP8encodes a C2H2zinc finger protein, which contains a typical zinc finger motif, as well as a potential nuclear localization signal (NLS) and a leucine-rich region (L-box). Expression ofOsCTZFP8was differentially induced by several abiotic stresses and was strongly induced by cold stress. Subcellular localization assay and yeast one-hybrid analysis revealed that OsCTZFP8 was a nuclear protein and has transactivation activity. To characterize the function ofOsCTZFP8in rice, the full-length cDNA ofOsCTZFP8was isolated and transgenic rice with overexpression ofOsCTZFP8driven by the maize ubiquitin promoter was generated usingAgrobacterium-mediated transformation. Among 46 independent transgenic lines, 6 single-copy homozygous overexpressing lines were selected by Southern blot analysis and Basta resistance segregation assay in both T1and T2generations. Transgenic rice overexpressingOsCTZFP8exhibited cold tolerant phenotypes with significantly higher pollen fertilities and seed setting rates than nontransgenic control plants. In addition, yield per plant ofOsCTZFP8-expressing lines was significantly (p<0.01) higher than that of nontransgenic control plants under cold treatments. These results demonstrate thatOsCTZFP8was a C2H2zinc finger transcription factor that plays an important role in cold tolerance in rice.
Locating Station of One-Way Carsharing Based on Spatial Demand Characteristics
Authors: Chen Xiaohong , Cheng Jiaqi , Ye Jianhong , Jin Yong , Li Xi , Zhang Fei
Published: May 2018

This study aims to explore factors that affect carsharing demand characteristics in different time periods based on EVCARD transaction data, which is the largest station-based one-way carsharing program in Shanghai, China. Monthly usage intensity and degree of usage imbalance are used as proxies of demand. This study uses three groups of independent variables: carsharing station attributes, built environment (density, diversity, design, and destination accessibility), and transportation facilities. The adaptive elastic net regression is developed to identify factors that influence carsharing usage intensity and degree of usage imbalance after factor selection using extra-randomized-tree algorithm. Finally, a station layout is proposed according to both usage intensity and degree of imbalance. The main results of this study are presented as follows: (1) different effects of built environment and transportation factors cause dynamic demand across different time periods; (2) factors with positive and negative effect on carsharing demand are divided clearly for guidance of the carsharing station layout; (3) public parking space leads to more personal vehicle trip compared to a carsharing trip; and (4) as public transportation, the relationship of the metro and carsharing is complementary. However, the bus stop and carsharing have a competitive relationship. This study provides a carsharing layout method based on both usage intensity and degree of imbalance. Furthermore, several policies concerning carsharing are proposed.
Preoperative Diagnosis and Treatment Outcomes of Incarcerated Inferiorly Displaced Flap Tear of the Medial Meniscus: Comparison between Flap Tears with and without Incarcerated Fragment
Authors: Jung Min , Lee Dong Hoon , Kim Sung-Jae , Choi Chong Hyuk , Kim Sung-Hwan , Jin Seokhwan , Park Kun-Bo
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this study was to compare preoperative variables and postoperative outcomes between flap tears with and without incarceration of inferiorly displaced fragments of medial meniscus and find distinct features of incarcerated flap tear of medial meniscus to improve preoperative diagnosis. 79 patients who underwent partial meniscectomy for flap tear of medial meniscus were classified into two groups: group U, usual flap tear without incarcerated fragment; group I, flap tear with incarcerated inferiorly displaced fragment. Patient characteristics and preoperative variables including duration of symptom aggravation were investigated. A comprehensive physical examination including joint line tenderness was performed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination was carried out on all patients. Clinical assessments were performed with functional scores including visual analogue scale (VAS), and radiologic evaluation was conducted. Preoperative values and postoperative outcomes measured at the minimum follow-up duration of 2 years were compared between the groups. The groups did not differ significantly regarding postoperative outcomes by functional and radiological evaluations (p>0.05). In making preoperative diagnosis, sensitivity of diagnosis based solely on MR images was significantly lower in group I (68.8%) than that in group U (90.5%) (p=0.040). The following clinical features differed significantly between the groups: Patients in group I had higher scores in preoperative VAS (group U = 6.6; group I = 7.7) (p=0.011) and shorter duration of symptom aggravation (group U = 13.8 weeks; group I = 3.9 weeks) (p<0.001). Joint line tenderness was positive more distinctly in group I (100%) than in group U (74.6%). If displaced flap tear was properly resected, improved outcomes did not differ regardless of incarceration of flap tear. In diagnosing incarcerated inferiorly displaced flap tear, sensitivity of diagnosis based solely on MR images could be low. Distinguishing clinical findings would be helpful in obtaining a more appropriate diagnosis.
Spectral Element Numerical Investigation of Flow between Three Cylinders in an Equilateral‐Triangular Arrangement with Different Spacing Distances
Authors: Bao Zhenzhong , Qin Guoliang , He Wenqiang , Wang Yazhou
Published: May 2018

Two‐dimensional incompressible Navier‐Stokes equations are numerically solved using the high resolution spectral element method at Reynolds number 200. The flow between three cylinders in an equilateral‐triangular arrangement is investigated. The center‐to‐center spacing distance ratio between two circular cylinders is varied from 1.5 to 12. Present numerical results show that the flow patterns and force characteristics are the result of the combined effects of Reynolds number, spacing distance, configuration arrangement, and incident angle. For the small spacing distance ratio of 1.5, the well‐known biased flow phenomenon in the gap of downstream cylinders is found. And the biased flow is bistable in our study but not monostable. A small spacing distance means lower Strouhal number, drag, and root‐mean‐square lift coefficients. In the medium spacing distance ratio of 4.0, the suppressed effect of vortex shedding for the presence of the side‐by‐side downstream cylinders disappeared. Mean drag coefficients of downstream cylinders are basically identical to the value of flow past around a single circular cylinder. For the large spacing distance ratio of 8.0, the effects between three cylinders basically disappeared. The mean drag and lift coefficients, root‐mean‐square lift coefficients, and Strouhal number of three cylinders are essentially equivalent to those values of a single circular cylinder.
Pharmacokinetic Interaction Study of Ketamine and Rhynchophylline in Rat Plasma by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Chen Lianguo , You Weiwei , Chen Dingwen , Cai Yuan , Wang Xianqin , Wen Congcong , Wu Bo
Published: May 2018

Eighteen Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: ketamine group, rhynchophylline group, and ketamine combined with rhynchophylline group (n= 6). The rats of two groups received a single intraperitoneal administration of 30 mg/kg ketamine and 30 mg/kg rhynchophylline, respectively, and the third group received combined intraperitoneal administration of 30 mg/kg ketamine and 30 mg/kg rhynchophylline together. After blood sampling at different time points and processing, the concentrations of ketamine and rhynchophylline in rat plasma were determined by the established ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method. Chromatographic separation was achieved using a UPLC BEH C18 column (2.1 mm × 50 mm, 1.7μm) with carbamazepine as an internal standard (IS). The initial mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile and water (containing 0.1% formic acid) with gradient elution. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) modes ofm/z238.1 → 179.1 for ketamine,m/z385.3 → 159.8 for rhynchophylline, andm/z237.3 → 194.3 for carbamazepine (IS) were utilized to conduct quantitative analysis. Calibration curve of ketamine and rhynchophylline in rat plasma demonstrated good linearity in the range of 1-1000 ng/mL (r > 0.995), and the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 1 ng/mL. Moreover, the intra- and interday precision relative standard deviation (RSD) of ketamine and rhynchophylline were less than 11% and 14%, respectively. This sensitive, rapid, and selective UPLC-MS/MS method was successfully applied to pharmacokinetic interaction study of ketamine and rhynchophylline after intraperitoneal administration. The results showed that there may be a reciprocal inhibition between ketamine and rhynchophylline.
Effect of the PIVO Device on the Procedure of Phlebotomy from Peripheral IV Catheters
Authors: Adams Suzanne , Toroni Bridget , Lele Meenal
Published: May 2018

Short peripheral catheters (SPC) are an existing conduit into many patients’ veins and line draws from SPC are a desired method of routine blood collection especially in difficult venous access patients. The PIVO device facilitates blood collection through SPC and is being used clinically in a number of hospitals. This study aimed to determine the appropriate wait time following a flush and the minimum waste volume required to obtain an undiluted blood sample when using the PIVO device and how that differed from current guidelines from SPC line draws. A clinical study was conducted examining the analyte results of samples drawn with PIVO through a SPC at varying wait times following a saline flush. Both an initial waste volume and a postwaste sample were compared to a venipuncture control. The resulting samples showed no saline dilution as measured by sodium and creatinine results at all studied wait times. These findings suggest that blood collections using the PIVO device can produce a clinically valid sample with a 30-second wait following a SPC flush and no waste volume prior to sample collection.
Relationship with Parents, Emotion Regulation, and Callous-Unemotional Traits in Adolescents’ Internet Addiction
Authors: Trumello Carmen , Babore Alessandra , Candelori Carla , Morelli Mara , Bianchi Dora
Published: May 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of relationship with parents, emotion regulation, and callous-unemotional traits with Internet addiction in a community sample of adolescents. Self-report measures of relationship with parents (both mothers and fathers), emotion regulation (in its two dimensions: cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression), callous- unemotional traits (in its three dimensions: callousness, uncaring, and unemotional), and Internet addiction were completed by 743 adolescents aged 10 to 21 years. Results showed that a low perceived maternal availability, high cognitive reappraisal, and high callousness appeared to be predictors of Internet addiction. The implications of these findings are then discussed.