bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Finite-time output feedback control for the attitude of the spacecraft without unwinding
Authors: Guo Yong , Song Shen-Min , Li Xue-Hui , Zhu Zhibin
Published: February 2017

This paper focuses on finite-time control in the attitude control system of the spacecraft based on the rotation matrix by using homogeneous method. Because the rotation matrix represents the set of attitudes both globally and uniquely, the system can overcome the drawback of unwinding which results in extra fuel consumption. In order to deal with actuator saturations, a finite-time controller is investigated by using the saturation function. Then, based on a novel filter, a finite-time output feedback controller with actuator saturations is designed. Theoretical analysis shows that the proposed controllers can make the attitude error converges to zero in finite time. Numerical simulations also demonstrate that the proposed control schemes are effective.
Minimum time multiple-burn optimization of an upper stage with a finite thrust for satellite injection into geostationary orbit
Authors: Alavipour Mojtaba , Nikkhah Amir A , Roshanian Jafar
Published: February 2017

In this paper, the problem of minimum time multiple-burn optimization of an upper stage with a limited thrust, and engine restart capability for satellite injection into geostationary orbit are considered. The goals are to find thrust vector angle, times of the engine firings, and optimal duration of active phases of the upper stage to minimize fuel consumption and meet the desired boundary conditions. Various flight sequences with multiple burns, from two burns up to six burns, are considered. Also, the optimal trajectory for each sequence is derived. To solve the multi-point boundary value problem, an improved indirect shooting method with high performance is presented and used for an optimal solution. All in all, this novel method presented for multi-burn problem, not only with a very good accuracy, but also with a very fast convergence to the desired end conditions.
Artificial neural network–based internal leakage fault detection for hydraulic actuators: An experimental investigation
Authors: Yao Zhikai , Yu Yongping , Yao Jianyong
Published: February 2017

Internal leakage is a typical fault in the hydraulic systems, which may be caused by seal damage, and result in deteriorated performance of the system. To study this issue, this article carries out an experimental investigation of artificial neural network–based detection method for internal leakage fault. A period of pressure signal at one chamber of the actuator was taken in response to sinusoidal-like inputs for the closed-loop controlled system as a basic signal unit, and totally, 1000 periodic signal units are obtained from the experiments. The above experimental measurements are repetitively implemented with 11 different active exerted internal leakage levels, that is, totally 11,000 basic signal units are obtained. For signal processing, the pressure signal in the operation condition without active exerted leakage is chosen to generate a baseline with suitable pre-proceed, and the relative values of the other basic signal units (D-value between the baseline and other original signals) act as the global samples of the following artificial neural networks, traditional back propagation neural network, deep neural network, convolution neural network and auto-encoder neural network, separately; 8800 samples by random extraction as train samples to train the above neural networks and the other samples different from the train samples act as test samples to examine the detection accuracy of the proposed method. It is shown that the deep neural network with five layers can obtain a best detection accuracy (92.23%) of the above-mentioned neural networks. In addition, the methods based on wavelet transform and Hilbert–Huang transform are also applied, and a comparison of these methods is provided at last. From the comparison, it is shown that the proposed detection method obtains a good result without a need to model the internal leakage or a complicated signal processing.
Reading Practices and Literacy of Boer Combatants in the South African War of 1899–1902
Authors: Pretorius Fransjohan
Published: February 2017

In investigating the reading practices of Boer combatants during the South African War, diaries, letters, and reminiscences were consulted. The state of literacy reveals a picture of a small number of highly literate men, a larger group of adequately literate men, a still larger group of semi-literates, and the illiterate. Reading matter included the Bible, newspapers, and books. Issues raised are: Did literacy (or illiteracy) influence military decision-making or troop morale? Were certain works making some impact on the battlefield? Was the practical experience the Boers had gained before the war more successful in planning strategy and tactics than literacy?
BrightSoft: Sustaining the Information Technology Agenda
Authors: Singh Kapil Dev
Published: February 2017

Many organizations in Asian countries are struggling to sustain the Information Technology (IT) agenda beyond basic enterprise systems (like Enterprise Resource Planning [ERP] implementation). To sustain the real benefits of an enterprise system, these organizations require a different paradigm of information leadership and a contextually relevant IT governance structure and supporting mechanisms. The Chief Information Officer (CIO) alone cannot make ERP deliver business value; rather, it requires the participation of all in the top management (TP) team. The present case presents the dilemma faced by a real-life Indian manufacturing organization. After the successful implementation of an ERP and reaping initial benefits, the organization feels it is not creating any incremental value. Though the case pertains to the manufacturing industry, it is equally relevant to organizations across all kinds of industries such as banking, insurance, retail, etc. The case highlights the situation that is common in many organizations. It has been developed with the objective of appreciating the need for, and building an understanding of a collective form of leadership and a befitting governance structure with respect to IT management. Two specific tools, the information leadership grid and IT governance matrix, have been synthesized based upon literature review as specific tools for the purpose.
NTPC-SAIL Power Company Limited (NSPCL): Born or Bound to Succeed?
Authors: Chauhan Gaurav Singh , Tomer Gunjan
Published: February 2017

The case presents an evaluation by the management of the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) in the year 2001 for a joint venture with the Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) in captive power generation. The joint venture is triggered by the financial and business restructuring plans proposed for the financial recovery of ailing SAIL in the late 1990s. The venture would primarily function to provide the much needed critical power supply to the manufacturing units of SAIL. Although the possibility of selling excess power to the outside markets remains feasible, the escalation of the capacity could be a bone of contention with NTPC and SAIL. Among several other considerations, NTPC needs to review the proposed valuations of ₹3,910 million for the proposed venture. Amidst the inward pressure from the Government of India, given the state of the affairs, while NTPC inner circles might be concerned about buying some ‘junk assets’, the stakeholders at SAIL would have been curious about a possible fire sale of its assets.
Public Service Motivation: A Conflict Triangle of Compassion, Self-sacrifice and Work–Family Life Balance
Authors: Azhar Aisha
Published: February 2017

This case discusses the situation of a novice scholar, Dr Maryam Ali, who has to decide between accepting an attractive job offer in a different city or staying in her current position to work on a community project aimed at empowering poor women in a small town in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK). The case explains how Maryam, while writing a grant proposal, gets to know the harsh financial realities of the extremely poor women of the local area. While she wins the grant for the project, she is offered an attractive job in another city. Given her family circumstances, particularly her husband’s job and the kids’ schooling, Maryam should immediately move to the other city. However, Maryam does not want to move without completing the project that gave much hope to the needy women for initiating small-scale earnings. The intrinsic motivation to actually help the poor women eventually superseded her desire for extrinsic rewards to earn professional recognition for executing the community project. Her decision to run the project led to tensions and arguments between the couple. The case examines interesting ways to explore and debate compassionate orientation of a highly career-oriented woman. The case exposes the participants to a variety of issues related to public service motivation including self-sacrifice, compassion, commitment to public interest and work–family life balance.
Growth Strategy of a Contract Automobile Manufacturer in Turkey during the 2008–2009 Financial Crisis
Authors: Oz Ibrahim Onur , Balsari Cagnur Kaytmaz
Published: February 2017

The financial crisis of 2008–2009 was devastating for most of the car manufacturers around the world. Many of them lost their competency and market position in the global car market with unprecedentedly low sales volumes and negative financial performances. However, Tofas, the biggest car manufacturer of Turkey, turned the financial crisis into an opportunity through its international alliances, credit subsidiary and research and development (R&D), while increasing its profitability and market positioning during the midst of the financial crisis.
Increased Eps15 homology domain 1 and RAB11FIP3 expression regulate breast cancer progression via promoting epithelial growth factor receptor recycling
Authors: Tong Dandan , Liang Ya-Nan , Stepanova AA , Liu Yu , Li Xiaobo , Wang Letian , Zhang Fengmin , Vasilyeva NV
Published: February 2017

Recent research indicates that the C-terminal Eps15 homology domain 1 is associated with epithelial growth factor receptor–mediated endocytosis recycling in non-small-cell lung cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical significance of Eps15 homology domain 1 gene expression in relation to phosphorylation of epithelial growth factor receptor expression in patients with breast cancer. Primary breast cancer samples from 306 patients were analyzed for Eps15 homology domain 1, RAB11FIP3, and phosphorylation of epithelial growth factor receptor expression via immunohistochemistry. The clinical significance was assessed via a multivariate Cox regression analysis, Kaplan–Meier curves, and the log-rank test. Eps15 homology domain 1 and phosphorylation of epithelial growth factor receptor were upregulated in 60.46% (185/306) and 53.92% (165/306) of tumor tissues, respectively, as assessed by immunohistochemistry. The statistical correlation analysis indicated that Eps15 homology domain 1 overexpression was positively correlated with the increases in phosphorylation of epithelial growth factor receptor ( r = 0.242, p < 0.001) and RAB11FIP3 ( r = 0.165, p = 0.005) expression. The multivariate Cox proportional hazard model analysis demonstrated that the expression of Eps15 homology domain 1 alone is a significant prognostic marker of breast cancer for the overall survival in the total, chemotherapy, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (−) groups. However, the use of combined expression of Eps15 homology domain 1 and phosphorylation of epithelial growth factor receptor markers is more effective for the disease-free survival in the overall population, chemotherapy, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (−) groups. Moreover, the combined markers are also significant prognostic markers of breast cancer in the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (+), estrogen receptor (+), and estrogen receptor (−) groups. Eps15 homology domain 1 has a tumor suppressor function, and the combined marker of Eps15 homology domain 1/phosphorylation of epithelial growth factor receptor expression was identified as a better prognostic marker in breast cancer diagnosis. Furthermore, RAB11FIP3 combines with Eps15 homology domain 1 to promote the endocytosis recycling of phosphorylation of epithelial growth factor receptor.
Thyroid transcription factor 1 expression is associated with outcome of patients with non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer treated with pemetrexed-based chemotherapy
Authors: Fiala Ondrej , Pesek Milos , Skrickova Jana , Kolek Vitezslav , Salajka Frantisek , Tomiskova Marcela , Satankova Monika , Kultan Juraj , Kuliskova Jana , Svaton Martin , Hrnciarik Michal , Hejduk Karel , Chloupkova Renata , Topolcan Ondrej , Hornychova Helena , Nova Marketa , Ryska Ales , Finek Jindrich
Published: February 2017

Pemetrexed is an antifolate cytostatic agent targeting several folate-dependent enzymatic pathways, widely used in the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic stage non-small cell lung cancer. Aside from the non-squamous histology, there is still no available molecular biomarker predicting treatment efficacy of pemetrexed-based chemotherapy. The aim of our retrospective study was to evaluate the association of thyroid transcription factor 1 expression with outcome of a large cohort of patients with non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer treated with pemetrexed. We retrospectively analysed clinical data of 463 patients with advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer (IIIB or IV) treated with pemetrexed-based chemotherapy. Thyroid transcription factor 1 expression was assessed using indirect immunohistochemical detection in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumour tissue at the time of diagnosis. Thyroid transcription factor 1 expression was detected in the tumour tissue from 76.0% of patients, and tumours from 24.0% of patients were thyroid transcription factor 1 negative. The median progression-free survival and overall survival for patients with thyroid transcription factor 1 positive tumours were 4.8 and 11.8 months compared to 2.8 and 8.3 months for those with thyroid transcription factor 1 negative tumours (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001). The multivariable Cox proportional hazards model revealed that thyroid transcription factor 1 expression was significantly associated with progression-free survival (hazard ratio = 1.57, p < 0.001) and also with overall survival (hazard ratio = 1.73, p < 0.001). In conclusion, the results of the conducted retrospective study suggest that the thyroid transcription factor 1 expression was independently associated with progression-free survival and overall survival in patients with advanced-stage non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer treated with pemetrexed-based chemotherapy.
Postoperative human epididymis protein 4 predicts primary therapy outcome in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Vallius Tuulia , Hynninen Johanna , Auranen Annika , Matomäki Jaakko , Oksa Sinikka , Roering Pia , Grènman Seija
Published: February 2017

Primary chemotherapy treatment response monitoring in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is currently based on CT-imaging and serum CA125 values. Serum HE4 profile during first line chemotherapy has not been previously studied. We evaluated the HE4 profile during first line chemotherapy after primary (PDS) and interval debulking surgery (IDS). In total, 49 FIGO stage III/IV EOC patients were included in the study. 22 patients underwent PDS and 27 patients neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by IDS. Serial HE4 and CA125 serum samples were taken during first line chemotherapy. The association of postoperative tumor markers to surgery outcome, primary therapy outcome and progression free survival (PFS) were determined. The lowest HE4 and CA125 values during chemotherapy were compared to primary therapy outcome and PFS. The postoperative HE4 was associated to residual tumor after surgery (p = 0.0001), primary therapy outcome (p = 0.004) and PFS (p = 0.03) in all patients (n = 40). The postoperative CA125 was associated to PFS after IDS (n = 26, p = 0.006), but not after PDS. In multivariate analysis with FIGO stage (III/IV), residual tumor (0/>0) and postoperative CA125, the postoperative HE4 was the only statistically significant prognostic variable predicting PFS. Both HE4 and CA125 nadir corresponded to primary therapy outcome (HE4 p < 0.0001, CA125 p < 0.0001) and PFS (HE4 p = 0.009, CA125 p < 0.0001). HE4 is a promising candidate for EOC response monitoring. In our study, the performance of HE4 in response monitoring of first line chemotherapy was comparable to that of CA125. Of the postoperative values, only HE4 was statistically significantly associated to primary therapy outcome.
Comprehensive profiling and quantitation of oncogenic mutations in non–small cell lung carcinoma using single-molecule amplification and re-sequencing technology
Authors: Shi Jian , Yuan Meng , Wang Zhan-Dong , Xu Xiao-Li , Hong Lei , Sun Shenglin
Published: February 2017

The carcinogenesis of non–small cell lung carcinoma has been found to associate with activating and resistant mutations in the tyrosine kinase domain of specific oncogenes. Here, we assessed the type, frequency, and abundance of epithelial growth factor receptor, KRAS, BRAF, and ALK mutations in 154 non–small cell lung carcinoma specimens using single-molecule amplification and re-sequencing technology. We found that epithelial growth factor receptor mutations were the most prevalent (44.2%), followed by KRAS (18.8%), ALK (7.8%), and BRAF (5.8%) mutations. The type and abundance of the mutations in tumor specimens appeared to be heterogeneous. Thus, we conclude that identification of clinically significant oncogenic mutations may improve the classification of patients and provide valuable information for determination of the therapeutic strategies.
MicroRNA-153 regulates glutamine metabolism in glioblastoma through targeting glutaminase
Authors: Liu Zhenyang , Wang Junyu , Li Yunjun , Fan Juan , Chen Lihua , Xu Ruxiang
Published: February 2017

Glioblastoma is the most aggressive manifestation of malignant gliomas and considered to be among the deadliest forms of human cancers. MicroRNAs are found to tightly regulate diverse biological processes and considered to play important roles in cancer etiology. In this study, we found that microRNA-153 was significantly downregulated in glioblastoma tissues compared to matched non-tumor tissues and in glioblastoma cell lines. To investigate the potential function of microRNA-153 in glioblastoma, we transfected glioblastoma cell line U87MG as well as U373MG with synthetic microRNA-153 oligos and observed decreased cell proliferation and increased apoptosis. We further found that microRNA-153 restrained glutamine utilization and glutamate generation. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that glutaminase, which catalyzed the formation of glutamate from glutamine, is the potential target of microRNA-153. Indeed, microRNA-153 cannot further reduce glutamine utilization when glutaminase was knocked down. Overexpression of glutaminase abrogates the effect of microRNA-153 on glutamine utilization. Furthermore, the relative expression of microRNA-153 and glutaminase in glioblastoma versus matched non-tumor tissues showed a reverse correlation, further indicating that microRNA-153 may negatively regulate glutaminase in vivo. These results demonstrate an unexpected role of microRNA-153 in regulating glutamine metabolism and strengthen the role of microRNA-153 as a therapeutic target in glioblastoma.
Immunotoxin: A new tool for cancer therapy
Authors: Allahyari Hossein , Heidari Sahar , Ghamgosha Mehdi , Saffarian Parvaneh , Amani Jafar
Published: February 2017

Cancer is one of the main reasons of death in the most countries and in Iran. Immunotherapy quickly became one of the best methods of cancer treatment, along with chemotherapy and radiation. “Immunotoxin Therapy” is a promising way of cancer therapy that is mentioned in this field. Immunotoxins are made from a toxin attaching to an antibody target proteins present on cancer cells. The first-generation immunotoxins were made of a full-length toxin attached to whole monoclonal antibodies. But, these immunotoxins could bind to normal cells. DAB389IL2 was the first immunotoxin approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Current trends and researches are ongoing on finding proteins that in combination with immunotoxins have minimal immunogenicity and the most potency for target cell killing.
Leukemia microvesicles affect healthy hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Razmkhah Farnaz , Soleimani Masoud , Mehrabani Davood , Karimi Mohammad Hossein , Amini Kafi-abad Sedigheh , Ramzi Mani , Iravani Saadi Mahdiyar , Kakoui Javad
Published: February 2017

Microvesicles are released by different cell types and shuttle mRNAs and microRNAs which have the possibility to transfer genetic information to a target cell and alter its function. Acute myeloid leukemia is a malignant disorder, and leukemic cells occupy all the bone marrow microenvironment. In this study, we investigate the effect of leukemia microvesicles on healthy umbilical cord blood hematopoietic stem cells to find evidence of cell information transferring. Leukemia microvesicles were isolated from acute myeloid leukemia patients and were co-incubated with healthy hematopoietic stem cells. After 7 days, cell count, hematopoietic stem cell–specific cluster of differentiation (CD) markers, colony-forming unit assay, and some microRNA gene expressions were assessed. Data showed a higher number of hematopoietic stem cells after being treated with leukemia microvesicles compared with control (treated with no microvesicles) and normal (treated with normal microvesicles) groups. Also, increased levels of microRNA-21 and microRNA-29a genes were observed in this group, while colony-forming ability was still maintained and high ranges of CD34+, CD34+CD38−, CD90+, and CD117+ phenotypes were observed as stemness signs. Our results suggest that leukemia microvesicles are able to induce some effects on healthy hematopoietic stem cells such as promoting cell survival and some microRNAs deregulation, while stemness is maintained.
Doxorubicin has a synergistic cytotoxicity with cucurbitacin B in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cells
Authors: Kim Si Hyoung , Kang Jun Goo , Kim Chul Sik , Ihm Sung-Hee , Choi Moon Gi , Yoo Hyung Joon , Lee Seong Jin
Published: February 2017

In this study, the combined effect of doxorubicin with cucurbitacin B on survival of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cells was evaluated. For experiments, 8505C and CAL62 human anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cells were used. Cell viability, the percentage of viable cells, and cytotoxic activity were measured using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, multiplexed cytotoxicity assay, and cytotoxicity assay, respectively. Reactive oxygen species production was measured. In experiments, doxorubicin and cucurbitacin B reduced cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Cotreatment of doxorubicin and cucurbitacin B, compared with treatment of doxorubicin alone, decreased the percentage of viable cells and increased cytotoxic activity. All of the combination index values were lower than 1.0, suggesting the synergism between doxorubicin and cucurbitacin B in induction of cytotoxicity. In cells treated with both doxorubicin and cucurbitacin B, compared with doxorubicin alone, the protein levels of cleaved poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase and cyclooxygenase 2 and reactive oxygen species production were enhanced. In contrast, the protein levels of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia/lymphoma 2 and survivin and B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia/lymphoma 2/B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia/lymphoma 2–associated x protein ratio were diminished. The protein levels of Janus kinase 2 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 were reduced, while phospho-extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 protein levels were elevated without change in total extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 protein levels. These results suggest that doxorubicin synergizes with cucurbitacin B in induction of cytotoxicity in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cells. Moreover, synergistic cytotoxicity of doxorubicin with cucurbitacin B is mediated by B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia/lymphoma 2 family proteins, survivin, and reactive oxygen species and modulated by Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cells.
Demethylation and alterations in the expression level of the cell cycle–related genes as possible mechanisms in arsenic trioxide–induced cell cycle arrest in human breast cancer cells
Authors: Moghaddaskho Farima , Eyvani Haniyeh , Ghadami Mohsen , Tavakkoly-Bazzaz Javad , Alimoghaddam Kamran , Ghavamzadeh Ardeshir , Ghaffari Seyed H
Published: February 2017

Arsenic trioxide (As2O3) has been used clinically as an anti-tumor agent. Its mechanisms are mostly considered to be the induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms of its anti-cancer action through cell cycle arrest are poorly known. Furthermore, As2O3 has been shown to be a potential DNA methylation inhibitor, inducing DNA hypomethylation. We hypothesize that As2O3 may affect the expression of cell cycle regulatory genes by interfering with DNA methylation patterns. To explore this, we examined promoter methylation status of 24 cell cycle genes in breast cancer cell lines and in a normal breast tissue sample by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction and/or restriction enzyme–based methods. Gene expression level and cell cycle distribution were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction and flow cytometric analyses, respectively. Our methylation analysis indicates that only promoters of RBL1 (p107), RASSF1A, and cyclin D2 were aberrantly methylated in studied breast cancer cell lines. As2O3 induced CpG island demethylation in promoter regions of these genes and restores their expression correlated with DNA methyltransferase inhibition. As2O3 also induced alterations in messenger RNA expression of several cell cycle–related genes independent of demethylation. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that the cell cycle arrest induced by As2O3 varied depending on cell lines, MCF-7 at G1 phase and both MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells at G2/M phase. These changes at transcriptional level of the cell cycle genes by the molecular mechanisms dependent and independent of demethylation are likely to represent the mechanisms of cell cycle redistribution in breast cancer cells, in response to As2O3 treatment.
Interference in memory for pitch-only and rhythm-only sequences
Authors: Herff Steffen A. , Olsen Kirk N. , Prince Jon , Dean Roger T.
Published: February 2017

In human memory, the ability to recognize a previously encountered stimulus often undergoes cumulative interference when the number of intervening items between its first and second presentation increases. Although this is a common effect in many domains, melodies composed in tuning systems familiar to participants (e.g., Western tonal music) do not seem to suffer such cumulative decrements in recognition performance. Interestingly, melodies in unfamiliar tuning systems do show cumulative decrements. This finding has been predicted by a novel Regenerative Multiple Representations (RMR) conjecture. The present study further explores this phenomenon and the conjecture by investigating pitch-only (isochronous rhythm) and rhythm-only (monotone pitch) sequences of melodies in an unfamiliar tuning system that previously showed cumulative disruptive effects. Experiment 1 replicated previous studies reporting significant interference effects from the number of intervening items when melodies use uncommon rhythms and are composed in an unfamiliar tuning system. Furthermore, as predicted by the RMR conjecture, when rhythmic information was neutralized (Experiment 2), the cumulative interference related to the number of intervening items was retained. This was also the case when the original pitch information of each melody was neutralized, leaving variation only in the rhythmic information (Experiment 3). Results are discussed in the context of the RMR conjecture: given converse results, the conjecture would have been falsified. However, it currently remains plausible and appears to be a useful tool for precise predictions about the link between prior experience, perception, and formation of new memories.
Quasi-linear viscoelastic modeling of light-activated shape memory polymers
Authors: Zhi Yuan , Muliana Anastasia , Rajagopal KR
Published: February 2017

In this article, we model the mechanical behavior of light-activated shape memory polymers with a view toward determining the effect of the viscoelasticity of the polymers with regard to their shape memory response. This study is a companion to our earlier investigation of both isotropic and anisotropic elastic light-activated shape memory polymers. The constitutive model is based on a multi-network approach consisting of two microstructural networks, the original network and the second network that is formed due to light irradiation. A single integral model is adopted to incorporate the viscoelastic response in the original and second networks. We study the response of viscoelastic light-activated shape memory polymers subject to uniaxial and biaxial tension. Parametric studies are carried out to obtain a better understanding of the effect of quantities such as relaxation time and the ratio of the relaxation modulus to the instantaneous modulus. A combination of the classical trapezoidal integration method, recursive scheme, and root-finding methods is adopted to solve the governing equations. Finally, the model is used to describe the stress relaxation behavior of light-activated shape memory polymer reported in the literature.
On the inverse determination of displacements, strains, and stresses in a carbon nanofiber/polyurethane nanocomposite from conductivity data obtained via electrical impedance tomography
Authors: Tallman TN , Gungor S , Koo GM , Bakis CE
Published: February 2017

Carbon nanofiller-modified composites possess extraordinary potential for structural health monitoring because they are piezoresistive and therefore self-sensing. To date, considerable work has been done to understand how strain affects nanocomposite conductivity and to utilize electrical impedance tomography for detecting strain or damage-induced conductivity changes. Merely detecting the occurrence of mechanical effects, however, does not realize the full potential of piezoresistive nanomaterials. Rather, knowing the mechanical state that results in the observed conductivity changes would be much more valuable from a structural health monitoring perspective. Herein, we make use of an analytical piezoresistivity model to inversely determine the displacement field of a strained carbon nanofiber/polyurethane nanocomposite from conductivity changes obtained via electrical impedance tomography. From the displacements, kinematic and constitutive relations are used to calculate strains and stresses, respectively. A commercial finite element simulation is then used to validate the accuracy of these predictions. These results concretely demonstrate that it is possible to inversely determine displacements, strains, and stresses from conductivity data thereby enabling unprecedented insight into the mechanical response of piezoresistive nanofiller-modified materials and structures.
Equivalent homogeneous model of D31-mode longitudinal piezoelectric transducers
Authors: Zhang Yangkun , Lu Tien-Fu , Gao Wei
Published: February 2017

This article focuses on modelling of D31-mode longitudinal piezoelectric transducers. A simple equivalent one-dimensional homogeneous model of D31-mode longitudinal piezoelectric transducers is proposed in this article. Homogeneous properties of the model are derived by a simple analytical mixing method based on the operation principle of D31-mode longitudinal piezoelectric transducers. Compared with other models in the literature, the proposed homogeneous model can consider passive layers in D31-mode longitudinal piezoelectric transducers for more accurate predictions in either static or dynamic behaviour. The proposed model is validated by a three-dimensional finite element model. Besides, based on the homogeneous model and borrowing the network theory, an exact equivalent circuit is formulated. A more straightforward form of the equivalent circuit can further facilitate analysis and modelling of D31-mode longitudinal piezoelectric transducers. Also, the proposed homogeneous model is wrapped into a transfer matrix form. The formulated transfer matrix of D31-mode longitudinal piezoelectric transducers can be used with the transfer matrix method to facilitate the calculations, when D31-mode longitudinal piezoelectric transducers are connected with numerous mediums in the operation direction. The effectiveness of the equivalent circuit and the transfer matrix is also verified.
Developing a Team Behavioural Marker Framework Using Observations of Simulator-Based Exercises to Improve Team Effectiveness: A Drilling Team Case Study
Authors: Crichton Margaret T. , Moffat Scott , Crichton Lauren
Published: February 2017

Background. Due to the challenge of conducting observations of drilling team behaviours on an offshore installation during actual operations, a high fidelity simulator provided the opportunity to observe team behaviours when managing complex and uncertain situations.

Aim. This article describes how such observations were used to develop a team behavioural marker framework subsequently used for debriefing.

Method. Team behaviours and interactions were recorded during 25 simulator-based training exercises which had been integrated into a technical training course. These were then analysed, and four dimensions, with example behaviours, were identified.

Results. The behavioural markers formed the basis of training objectives, and provided structure for debriefing team performance. The use of the simulator provided concrete examples of both effective and ineffective behaviours.

Conclusions. Notable improvements in drilling team interactions and behaviours were noted over the course of five exercises, which ranged in complexity and uncertainty, throughout the training course. Enhancing team non-technical skills will lead to safer and more effective performance, and facilitate the transfer from training to actual operations. Team members also became more familiar with the concepts and terminology of non-technical skills and integrated behavioural markers into workplace practices such as Tool Box Talks, Stop Work Authority, and Time-Outs.
Perceptions of Vocational Interest
Authors: Holtrop Djurre , Born Marise Ph. , de Vries Reinout E.
Published: February 2017

The current study investigated how self- and other-ratings of vocational interests converge among student–parent dyads. Using the Personal Globe Inventory–Short, we obtained data from a pooled sample of 271 (high school senior and university) student–parent dyads. Participants rated their own vocational interests and those of the other dyad member. First, profile correlations revealed high levels of self-other agreement, moderate levels of assumed similarity, and low levels of similarity and reciprocity in vocational interests. These correlations are highly similar to those found in personality research. Second, profile elevation showed a reversed pattern compared to interest perceptions, with high levels of self-other agreement and moderate levels of assumed similarity, indicating that profile elevation may mostly be an artifact/rater bias and not a substantive factor. Ipsatization of the vocational interest scales somewhat reduced profile elevation bias. Third, same-gender dyads overestimated their similarity in vocational interests more than different-gender dyads.
Analysis and identification of multiple-cracked beam subjected to moving harmonic load
Authors: Khiem NT , Hang PT
Published: February 2017

An exact expression is obtained in the frequency domain for the response of a multiple-cracked beam subjected to a moving harmonic load. The obtained solution is used first for response analysis of the beam in dependence on the load speed, frequency, and crack parameters. Then, based on the solution a procedure is developed for detecting multiple cracks in a beam from the measured frequency response. The most important advantage of the spectral approach is that it allows not only vibration analysis of beam with arbitrary number of cracks under harmonic moving load but also enables to detect an unknown amount of cracks by a sparse grid of measurement sensors. Moreover, the speed and frequency of moving load are useful control parameters for improving either measurements of the frequency response or detecting cracks by using the frequency response. The theoretical development has been illustrated and validated by numerical examples.
Cyclosporine monitoring in allogeneic bone marrow transplantation
Authors: Quilitz Rod
Published: February 2017

Objective. To review the benefits and limitations of cyclosporine concentration monitoring to maximize efficacy of graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis and minimize risk of cyclosporine toxicity.

Data Sources. A CANCERLIT search of articles published from 1980 to 1995, using the MESH head ings "cyclosporine," and "bone marrow transplant." References listed in the identified publications were reviewed for additional pertinent literature.

Study Selection. Human clinical trials and re view articles evaluating cyclosporine pharmacokinet ics and pharmacodynamics in patients status follow ing bone marrow transplantation.

Data synthesis. Cyclosporine concentration monitoring has been proposed due to the critical need for drug efficacy, substanial drug-induced toxic ity, and high pharmacokinetic variability. Selection of biological fluid (blood, serum, or plasma) for moni toring as well as the selectivity of the assay employed for cyclosporine versus its metabolites, is a critical factor in evaluating this literature. Both the relation ship between cyclosporine trough concentration and clinical outcome has been evaluated in this patient population.

Conclusions. Cyclosporine trough concentra tion monitoring, especially in the blood using an assay specific for the parent compound, has a role in the care of the allogeneic bone marrow transplantation patient. Cyclosporine levels have been correlated with risk for nephrotoxicity and to a lesser extent hepatotoxicity. Low cyclosporine levels are one fac tor contributing to the risk for acute graft-versus-host disease in these patients. Proper evaluation of cyclo sporine levels with due consideration to patient spe cific factors can assist the clinician in maximizing the chances for graft-versus-host disease prevention while reducing the risk of cyclosporine side effects.
Recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) in the management of anemia and fatigue associated with solid tumors
Authors: Davidson Terri G
Published: February 2017

The anemia that is most common in patients with solid tumors is the anemia of chronic disease, which probably occurs because of im paired production and a diminished response to serum erythropoietin (EPO). A number of trials evaluating recombinant human EPO in anemic cancer patients with a variety of solid tumors have demonstrated effective response rates, with increases in hemoglobin (Hb) concentra tion and reduction or elimination of transfusion requirements. The anemia of certain solid tu mors (eg, lung cancer, prostate cancer) appears to respond better to recombinant human EPO therapy than does the anemia associated with other cancers (eg, colon cancer). Both tumor response and increases in Hb concentrations are important factors in improving the quality of life of patients. The greatest contributor to improved quality of life appears to be the nor malization of Hb levels.
Predictive models for response to recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) in cancer patients
Authors: Davidson Terri G
Published: February 2017

Response rates vary considerably among cancer patients treated with similar regimens of recom binant human erythropoietin (EPO); conse quently, identifying possible prognostic factors for response is beneficial. Prognostic factors identified in clinical trials include baseline EPO levels, baseline observed-to-predicted ratio of EPO levels, and rapid elevation of hemoglobin levels, reticulocyte count, and soluble trans ferrin receptor. The onset of the acute-phase inflammatory response, which is characterized by elevated C-reactive protein, neopterin, and increased ferritin levels, has also been associ ated with cancer-related anemia. Various models incorporating these prognostic factors have been proposed to predict the value of recombi nant human EPO therapy in anemic cancer pa tients. The clinical studies evaluating predictive algorithms are based on retrospective analyses. Therefore, prospective studies are needed. These predictive algorithms should be designed to use parameters that are widely available and easily interpreted.
National versus Local Production
Authors: McAndrew William P.
Published: February 2017

Public finance and public choice economists have contrasting views on the determinants of public sector size. This article makes a unique contribution to this literature by exploring an integer count of output, rather than the commonly used dollar approximation of output, using data that are homogeneous across the levels of government, where a unit of observation is not a governing body, but rather a service provider. Specifically, this article explores the counteracting effects of fiscal federalism and economies of scale using data from the National Institute of Justice with an application of data envelopment analysis and stochastic frontier analysis. I determine that provision of forensic science services at the national level rather than local level does not lead to higher relative cost, and national production may be relatively more efficient. In general, however, neither locally nor nationally operated laboratories are operating at an efficient scale, a potential argument for privatization, insourcing, or outsourcing.
A virtual memory manager optimized for node-level cooperative multi-tasking in memory constrained systems
Authors: Iverson Jeremy , Karypis George
Published: February 2017

There is a growing need to perform large computations on small systems, as access to large systems is not widely available and cannot keep up with the size of the data that needs to be processed. Recently, a runtime system for programs using a library that implements the Message Passing Interface (MPI), called Big Data MPI (BDMPI), that allows MPI programs whose aggregate amount of memory exceeds the physical amount of memory to be executed efficiently by utilizing node-level cooperative multi-tasking. In this paper we present a virtual memory subsystem which we implemented as part of the BDMPI runtime. Our new virtual memory subsystem, which we call SBMA takes advantage of BDMPI’s node-level cooperative multi-tasking in order to intelligently determine the parts of the virtual address space that need to be loaded to and unloaded from the main memory. Benchmarking using a synthetic application shows that for the use cases relevant to BDMPI, the overhead incurred by the memory protection constructs necessary for the BDMPI-SBMA system is amortized such that it performs as fast as explicit data movement by the application developer. Furthermore, testing SBMA with five different classes of applications showed that with no modification to the original MPI program, speedups from 2×–12× over a standard BDMPI implementation can be achieved for the included applications.
Dining Behaviors: Considering A Foodservice Theory Of In-Home, Local Community, And Eating While Traveling
Authors: Roberts Chris , Shea Linda J.
Published: February 2017

The often-repeated layout of restaurants adopted by the majority of foodservice firms appears to represent the best practice for restaurant design and is viewed as the most common operational model in the field. What appears to vary, though, are the observed patterns of human behavior regarding dining when it occurs in different venues. These venues include in-home dining, “eating out” in local community restaurants, and dining while traveling. Some diners may behave differently depending on the setting, making novel choices about food selections. Do these differences in behavior present the opportunity to develop a theory of dining?
Ultrasonography in the diagnosis and management of cats with ureteral obstruction
Authors: Lamb Christopher R , Cortellini Stefano , Halfacree Zoe
Published: February 2017

Objectives

The objective was to identify clinical or ultrasonographic results associated with ureteral obstruction or outcome in cats with azotaemia.

Methods

This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of cats with azotaemia (serum creatinine >180 μmol/l) that had ultrasonography of the urinary tract, ultrasound images available for review and received treatment for azotaemia. Cats with pre-renal azotaemia or urethral obstruction were excluded. Associations between clinical and ultrasonographic results and the dependent variables ‘tentative diagnosis of ureteral obstruction’, ‘pyelography positive for ureteral obstruction’ and ‘death in hospital’ were tested using binary logistic regression.

Results

In total, 238 cats satisfied the inclusion criteria. Median age was 7 years (range 2 weeks to 20 years), duration of clinical signs was 7 days (range 1 day to 6.3 years) and serum creatinine was 417 μmol/l (range 184–2100 μmol/l). Tentative diagnosis of ureteral obstruction in 92/238 (39%) cats was significantly associated with unilateral enlarged kidney on palpation, and dilated renal pelvis and calculi within the ureter on ultrasonography. Pyelography was performed in 49/92 (53%) cats (16 bilateral) with a tentative diagnosis of ureteral obstruction, and was positive for obstruction in 46/65 (71%) instances. No significant differences in ultrasonographic signs were found between cats with obstructed and non-obstructed ureters. Receiver–operating characteristic analysis of renal pelvic diameter as a diagnostic test for ureteral obstruction found an area under the curve not significantly different from 0.5. There was good agreement between results of radiography and ultrasonography for presence of urinary calculi (kappa 0.67). Treatment was medical in 171 (72%) cats and surgical (ureteral stent or by-pass device) in 67 (28%). Death in hospital was significantly associated with serum creatinine and presence of peritoneal fluid, but not with clinical diagnosis, ultrasonographic signs or treatment method.

Conclusions and relevance

Ultrasonography may be used to identify azotaemic cats at greatest risk of ureteral obstruction, but when using pyelography as the reference test ultrasonography appears to be inaccurate for diagnosis of ureteral obstruction.
“A shift in the playing field”: Indigenous sovereignty and the philosophy of Jacques Ranciѐre
Authors: Ruckstuhl Katharina
Published: February 2017

This article considers Indigenous people as political actors in their quest for sovereignty within the liberal democracies of Canada, Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand and the USA (the CANZUS nations). I aim to show that, despite the structures of settler colonialism that both resist and then co-opt dissent, seeking sovereignty is, as political philosopher Jacques Ranciѐre outlines, an act of Indigenous politics that challenges and shifts these structures. While the fundamental colonising logic of the nation state does not change, through the Indigenous sovereign voice, a reframed understanding of democracy is revealed which in turn creates an enlarged space for Indigenous peoples.