bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Hydrodynamic Aquifer Studies in Azeri Field
Authors: Asgarov Murad , Bayramov Jabbar , Mamiyev Vidadi , Ibrahimov Turan
Published: October 2015

The Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) oil field is located in the hydrodynamic environment of the South Caspian Basin (SCB). The presence of lateral pressure variations in such systems results in tilted hydrocarbon-water contacts. Besides the tilt, the eastern part of the field demonstrates unexpected fluid contacts observed from several appraisal and development wells. These unexpected contacts are not in accordance with tilts and cannot be explained by hydrodynamism only.

Proposed solution to explain contact anomalies in the eastern part of the structure is to analyze the effects of permeability barriers on fluid contacts in hydrodynamic environment. Analysis is done through mechanistic model simulations. It was determined that barriers influence the contacts in hydrodynamic aquifer environment and it is possible to explain aforementioned contact anomalies by plausible barrier arrangement.

Incorporation of study results into the Azeri full field model (FFM) resulted in better pressure and saturation match.
Absheron Field – ABX-2 Exploration Drilling Challenges and Realizations
Authors: Gautherot Thomas , Bakirov Shaik
Published: October 2015

In June 2009, a PSA was signed for Absheron field by Total Exploration and Production (TEP) Absheron BV, as operator, and SOA (SOCAR Oil Affiliate). Soon after GDF SUEZ E&P Absheron B.V. joined the venture and shared its commitment to drill an exploration well, ABX-2, within the 3 years of the first exploration period. ABX-2 was spudded in January 2011 with the Maersk Heydar Aliyev semisubmersible drilling rig. In September 2011, a major gas condensate discovery was announced. In June 2012, the JV declared the commerciality of the newly discovered Absheron field. ABX-2 well was suspended in September 2012. In 2015, Absheron field development studies are progressing to pre-FEED stage, based on well data from ABX-2.

The South Caspian basin is known to be a prolific oil and gas region but yet a challenging environment for drilling. Absheron structure which lies in 500m water depth with exploration objectives from 5500m to 7000m is no exception. This paper illustrates the challenges that TEP Absheron BV anticipated and faced during the preparation and the execution of ABX-2 drilling program. It elaborates on particular aspects of the mobilization of drilling operations in Azerbaijan including logistical means, rig modifications, as well as the multiple drilling technologies and strategies that were developed at the planning stage to the actual drilling operations illustrating how the drilling solutions permitted management of unexpected situations and to complete exploration objectives.

The paper also demonstrates the value of factoring the potential appraisal strategy (well testing, geological sidetrack) into an exploration well design in order to maximize the appraisal value gathered from the exploration well allowing acceleration of the field development sequence.
Cardiac Disease and HIV in Africa: A Case for Physical Exercise
Authors: Mocumbi Ana Olga
Published: October 2015

AIDS-related deaths and new HIV infections have declined globally, but continue to be a major problem in Africa. Prior to the advent of antiretroviral treatment (ART) HIV patients died of immunodeficiency and associated opportunistic infections; Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) has resulted in increased survival of these patients and has transformed this illness into a chronic condition. Cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological and muscular problems interfere with exercise in HIV-infected patients. Particularly cardiovascular disease may be associated with direct damage by the virus, by antiretroviral therapy and by malnutrition and chronic lung disease, resulting in physical and psychological impairment. Recent studies have shown the benefits of exercise training to improvement of physiologic and functional parameters, with the gains being specific to the type of exercise performed. Exercise should be recommended to all HIV patients as an effective prevention and treatment for metabolic and cardiovascular syndromes associated with HIV and HAART exposure in sub-Saharan Africa.
Genetic diversity analysis based on molecular marker and quantitative traits of the response of different tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) cultivars to drought stress
Authors: Metwali Ehab , Carle Reinhold , Schweiggert Ralf , Kadasa Naif , Almaghrabi Omar
Published: October 2015

The drought tolerance of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is a trait
needing urgent improvement due to recent climate changes and limited water
availability. We therefore conducted a greenhouse screening experiment to
identify tomato cultivars with improved drought tolerance. Several
sensitivity and tolerance indices were computed based on morphological
markers. With the aim of establishing a correlation to these markers, a total
of 16 inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers were used, the genetic
diversity among cultivars was elucidated and clustering the cultivars into
groups based on their molecular profiles was performed. The obtained results
indicated that selection indices, such as geometric mean productivity (GMP),
mean productivity (MP), tolerance index (TOL),and stress tolerance index
(STI), represented suitable indices for screening the drought tolerance of
tomato cultivars. An interesting correlation of the ISSR analyses to these
morphological findings was established according to 83 detectable fragments
derived from 10 primers. The highest value of the effective multiplex ratio
(EMR) and marker index (MI) was detected for primer INC7 followed by INC1.
Based on Jaccard's similarity coefficients, the genetic distance of the
genotypes varied from 0.702 to 0.942 with a mean value of 0.882. The results
showed a clear-cut separation of the 15 tomato cultivars due to their genetic
variability, making them a valuable genetic source for their incorporation
into potential breeding programs. Molecular data were in good agreement with
the results as regards selection indices, and both of them will be useful
tools for improvement of the tomato germplasm.
Initial microbial degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Milic Jelena , Avdalovic Jelena , Solevic-Knudsen Tatjana , Gojgic-Cvijovic Gordana , Jednak Tanja , Vrvic Miroslav
Published: October 2015

The group of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are very hazardous
environmental pollutants because of their mutagenic, carcinogenic and toxic
effects on living systems. The aim of this study was to examine and compare
the ability and efficiency of selected bacterial isolates obtained from
oil-contaminated areas to biodegrade PAHs. The potential of the bacteria to
biodegrade various aromatic hydrocarbons was assessed using the
2,6-dichlorophenol-indophenol assay. Further biodegradation of PAHs was
monitored by gravimetric and gas-chromatographic analysis. Among the eight
bacterial isolates, identified on the basis of 16S rDNA sequences, two
isolates, Planomicrobium sp. RNP01 and Rhodococcus sp. RNP05, had the ability
to grow on and utilize almost all examined hydrocarbons. Those isolates were
further examined for biodegradation of phenanthrene and pyrene, as single
substrates, and as a mixture, in vitro for ten days. After three days, both
isolates degraded a significant amount phenanthrene, which has a simpler
chemical structure than pyrene. Planomicrobium sp.RNP01 commenced
biodegradation of pyrene in the PAH mixture only after it had almost
completly degraded phenanthrene. The isolated and characterized bacteria,
Planomicrobium sp. RNP01 and Rhodococcus sp. RNP05, have shown high
bioremediation potential and are likely candidates to be used for degradation
of highly toxic PAHs in contaminated areas.
Testing for Bottom—up Effects in an Overbrowsed Boreal Landscape
Authors: Jean Pierre‐Olivier , Bradley Robert L. , Tremblay Jean‐Pierre
Published: October 2015

On Anticosti Island (Quebec, Canada), overbrowsing by white‐tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus has substantially modified plant communities and reduced the recruitment of balsam fir Abies balsamea seedlings over most of the territory. An exception to this phenomenon has been observed in localised patches occurring on a single geological deposit named Chicotte, where the natural recruitment of balsam fir is occurring even in the presence of a large white‐tailed deer population. We hypothesized that edaphic properties within the Chicotte deposit could result in lower forage quality, which in turn could reduce browsing pressure and allow fir regeneration to occur (i.e. bottom—up effects). To test this hypothesis, we measured soil properties and foliage chemistry of four forage species (balsam fir, white spruce Picea glauca, Canada mayflower Maianthemum canadense and Canada bunchberry Cornus canadensis) collected on each of three geological deposits on Anticosti Island: Chicotte, Becscie and Jupiter (the latter two considered as controls). Contrary to expectation, results from principal component analysis suggested that Chicotte was the most fertile, whereas Becsie was the least fertile, of the three deposits. Furthermore, balsam fir foliage chemistry did not respond to geological deposit. Conversely, Mantel et Procrustes tests revealed a significant correlation between soil properties and forage quality for white spruce, consistent with the carbon—nutrient balance hypothesis. Univariate tests confirmed that neutral detergent fiber concentrations in white spruce were higher on the Becscie than on the Chicotte deposit. Likewise, in vitro true digestibility of both white spruce and Canada bunchberry foliage were lower on the Becscie than on the Chicotte deposit. Although we failed to demonstrate why balsam fir recruitment occurs on the Chicotte deposit, our data demonstrate that edaphic properties may affect the quality of some forage types, which potentially affect foraging patterns in overbrowsed boreal landscapes.
Assessment of U.S. Domestic Airline Fuel Efficiency since 2010
Authors: Kwan Irene , Rutherford Daniel
Published: October 2015

Aircraft are responsible for about 2.5% of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions globally. Total aircraft CO2 emissions are expected to triple by 2050 if present trends continue. Surprisingly little public information is available about the fuel efficiency, and therefore carbon intensity, of U.S. airlines. This research seeks to address this gap by assessing the fuel efficiency of major airlines serving the U.S. domestic market from 2010 to 2012 by using airline-reported fuel and operations data. A frontier model was used to develop an efficiency metric that accounts for the fuel that airlines burn to provide both mobility (passenger miles traveled) and access (frequency of service and number of airports served). Recognizing that many main-line carriers receive service from their regional partners, the fuel efficiency assessment incorporates the fuel and operations of regional carriers into the fuel and operations of their respective main-line carriers. Airlines that operate circuitous routes are also distinguished. Alaska, Spirit, and Southwest were among the most fuel-efficient airlines, in contrast to less-efficient carriers such as Allegiant and American, which consumed an estimated 26% more fuel than Alaska on equivalent operations in 2012. Airlines that were the most efficient overall did not necessarily transport a given passenger more efficiently between each city–city pair, because of differences in technology utilization and operations. From 2010 to 2012, the average rate of improvement was estimated to be 1.1% per year, short of existing climate protection goals, highlighting the importance of continued efforts in both technology and policy to reduce emissions from aviation.
Risk of Dengue Spread from the Philippines through International Air Travel
Authors: Gardner Lauren M. , Sarkar Sahotra
Published: October 2015

Epidemics of dengue fever occur every 3 to 4 years in the Philippines. The risk of a dengue fever outbreak in the Philippines has been heightened since Typhoon Haiyan struck the region in November 2013 because recovery efforts have been slow to progress. The structural damage caused by the typhoon resulted in an abundance of standing water, which can serve as mosquito breeding grounds. Should an outbreak of dengue occur, infected travelers departing the Philippines pose a risk because they may introduce the dengue virus into local vector populations (of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus) at their destinations. This study quantifies the risk posed by potentially infected travelers departing the Philippines by using a network model that incorporates predictive species distribution models, demographic features of destination areas, and air traffic volumes. The analysis reveals that a majority of travelers departing Philippine airports deplane in regions suitable for harboring Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus; this factor increases the likelihood of further spread of the disease if an outbreak were to occur. Because it is impractical to implement all possible monitoring and control measures at all locations connected to the Philippines, this analysis ranks the set of candidates and thus allows surveillance resources to be optimally deployed.
Mouse model of ulcerative colitis using trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid
Authors: Rather Irfan Ahmad , Bajpai Vivek K. , Gyeong-Jun Nam
Published: October 2015

Animal model of intestinal inflammation is of paramount significance that aids in discerning the pathologies underlying ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, the two clinical presentations of inflammatory bowel disease. The 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) colitis model represents one such intestinal inflammation-prototype that is generated in susceptible strains of mice through intra-rectal instillation of compound TNBS. In this paper, we demonstrate the experimental induction of TNBS-mediated colitis in a susceptible strain of ICR mice. This can be done by the following steps: a) acclimation, b) induction and c) observation. TNBS-mouse model provides the information in shortest possible time and simultaneously represents a cost effective and highly reproducible model method of studying the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease.

Video Clips

Acclimation and induction of TNBS:          4.5 min

Observation and drug administration:      1.5 min
Packaging Attributes of Antioxidant-Rich Instant Coffee and Their Influence on the Purchase Intent
Authors: Corso Marinês , Benassi Marta
Published: October 2015

The present study aimed to identify the most important packaging attributes for purchasing a product not currently on the Brazilian market: antioxidant-rich instant coffee, a blend of roasted coffee and green coffee. Five package types of the same brand of instant antioxidant-rich coffee marketed in different countries were evaluated through a focus group. The attributes’ glass shape, glass lid color and label, information and brand were selected for the quantitative study. The purchase intent for the packaging images was evaluated with conjoint analysis. In general, an increased purchase intent was verified for more modern packages and browner labels that indicated roasted coffee. The consumers preferred the image of green and roasted coffee beans next to the cup of coffee and valued information about the product’s differentiation (the origin, type, quantity and functions of antioxidants) that was presented in the form of explanatory charts on the back of the packaging.
Robust Hammerstein Adaptive Filtering under Maximum Correntropy Criterion
Authors: Wu Zongze , Peng Siyuan , Chen Badong , Zhao Haiquan
Published: October 2015

The maximum correntropy criterion (MCC) has recently been successfully applied to adaptive filtering. Adaptive algorithms under MCC show strong robustness against large outliers. In this work, we apply the MCC criterion to develop a robust Hammerstein adaptive filter. Compared with the traditional Hammerstein adaptive filters, which are usually derived based on the well-known mean square error (MSE) criterion, the proposed algorithm can achieve better convergence performance especially in the presence of impulsive non-Gaussian (e.g., α-stable) noises. Additionally, some theoretical results concerning the convergence behavior are also obtained. Simulation examples are presented to confirm the superior performance of the new algorithm.
Wavelet Entropy Based Analysis and Forecasting of Crude Oil Price Dynamics
Authors: Zou Yingchao , Yu Lean , He Kaijian
Published: October 2015

For the modeling of complex and nonlinear crude oil price dynamics and movement, wavelet analysis can decompose the time series and produce multiple economically meaningful decomposition structures based on different assumptions of wavelet families and decomposition scale. However, the determination of the optimal model specification will critically affect the forecasting accuracy. In this paper, we propose a new wavelet entropy based approach to identify the optimal model specification and construct the effective wavelet entropy based forecasting models. The wavelet entropy algorithm is introduced to determine the optimal wavelet families and decomposition scale, that will produce the improved forecasting performance. Empirical studies conducted in the crude oil markets show that the proposed algorithm outperforms the benchmark model, in terms of conventional performance evaluation criteria for the model forecasting accuracy.
Dualistic Hessian Structures Among the Thermodynamic Potentials in the κ-Thermostatistics
Authors: Wada Tatsuaki , Matsuzoe Hiroshi , Scarfone Antonio
Published: October 2015

We explore the information geometric structures among the thermodynamic potentials in the κ-thermostatistics, which is a generalized thermostatistics based on the κ-deformed entropy. We show that there exists two different kinds of dualistic Hessian structures: one is associated with the κ-escort expectations and the other with the standard expectations. The associated κ-generalized metrics are derived and related to the κ-generalized fluctuation-response relations among the thermodynamic potentials in the κ-thermostatistics.
Student Snapshots: An Alternative Approach to the Visual History of American Indian Boarding Schools
Authors: Strathman Nicole
Published: October 2015

Photographs of American Indian boarding school students have often been usedto illustrate the federal forced assimilation practices of the 1870s–1930s. Taken by officialschool photographers, these propagandistic images were produced to emphasize the“civilizing” benefits of the boarding school system. Although some Native studentsobtained cameras and recorded their own boarding school experiences, the visual historystill relies on the institutionally-produced images. Using a collection of photographscreated by Parker McKenzie (Kiowa) and his classmates while attending Rainy Mountainand Phoenix Indian Schools, this paper intends to rectify that exclusion through a readingof these snapshots as examples of visual sovereignty. The concept of visual sovereigntyinvolves examining Native self-representations as the (re)claiming of indigenous identitiesin order to counter colonial imagery that has dominated the archives.
Silkworm Thorn Stem Extract Targets RSK2 and Suppresses Solar UV-Induced Cyclooxygenase-2 Expression
Authors: Kim Jong-Eun , Lee Ki
Published: October 2015

Excessive exposure to solar UV (sUV) is associated with numerous human skin disorders, such as carcinogenesis, skin photoaging and skin inflammation. Silkworm Thorn (Cudraniatricuspidata, SW) is a plant belonging to the Moraceae family and widely present throughout Korea, China, and Japan. Most parts of the tree (including the fruit, leaf, stem, root, and bark) is consumable as a functional food or tea. In this study, we found that SW extract (SWE) inhibited the elevated expression of sUV-induced cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 levels in both HaCaT and JB6 cells. Levels of nuclear factor-κB and activator protein-1, two crucial transcription factors involved in COX-2 expression, were elevated by sUV treatment. Treatment with SWE abolished this activation. SWE also inhibited sUV-induced histone H3 phosphorylation. However, sUV-induced phosphorylation of Akt, c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38 kinase remained unchanged in the presence of SWE. SWE inhibited RSK2 activity, and pull-down assays using SWE-Sepharose beads revealed that SWE binds directly with RSK2 in an ATP-competitive manner. These results suggest a potential for SWE to be developed as a cosmeceutical material and functional food constituent for the promotion of skin health.
The Safety and Anti-Tumor Effects of Ozonated Water in Vivo
Authors: Kuroda Kohei , Azuma Kazuo , Mori Takuro , Kawamoto Kinya , Murahata Yusuke , Tsuka Takeshi , Osaki Tomohiro , Ito Norihiko , Imagawa Tomohiro , Itoh Fumio , Okamoto Yoshiharu
Published: October 2015

Ozonated water is easier to handle than ozone gas. However, there have been no previous reports on the biological effects of ozonated water. We conducted a study on the safety of ozonated water and its anti-tumor effects using a tumor-bearing mouse model and normal controls. Local administration of ozonated water (208 mM) was not associated with any detrimental effects in normal tissues. On the other hand, local administration of ozonated water (20.8, 41.6, 104, or 208 mM) directly into the tumor tissue induced necrosis and inhibited proliferation of tumor cells. There was no significant difference in the number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick-end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells following administration of ozonated water. The size of the necrotic areas was dependent on the concentration of ozonated water. These results indicate that ozonated water does not affect normal tissue and damages only the tumor tissue by selectively inducing necrosis. There is a possibility that it exerts through the production of reaction oxygen species (ROS). In addition, the induction of necrosis rather than apoptosis is very useful in tumor immunity. Based on these results, we believe that administration of ozonated water is a safe and potentially simple adjunct or alternative to existing antineoplastic treatments.
The Role of Autophagy in Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Wang Linlin , Law Helen
Published: October 2015

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multifactorial autoimmune disease characterized by the generation of immune responses to self-antigens. Lupus nephritis is one of the most common and severe complications in SLE patients. Though the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis has been studied extensively, unresolved questions are still left and new therapeutic methods are needed for disease control. Autophagy is a conserved catabolic process through which cytoplasmic constituents can be degraded in lysosome and reused. Autophagy plays vital roles in maintaining cell homeostasis and is involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases. In particular, autophagy can affect almost all parts of the immune system and is involved in autoimmune diseases. Based on genetic analysis, cell biology, and mechanism studies of the classic and innovative therapeutic drugs, there are growing lines of evidence suggesting the relationship between autophagy and lupus nephritis. In the present review, we summarize the recent publications investigating the relationship between autophagy and lupus nephritis and provide a new perspective towards the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis.
A Novel Mooring Tether for Highly-Dynamic Offshore Applications; Mitigating Peak and Fatigue Loads via Selectable Axial Stiffness
Authors: Gordelier Tessa , Parish David , Thies Philipp , Johanning Lars
Published: October 2015

Highly-dynamic floating bodies such as wave energy convertors require mooring lines with particular mechanical properties; the mooring system must achieve adequate station keeping whilst controlling mooring tensions within acceptable limits. Optimised compliant mooring systems can meet these requirements but where compliance is achieved through system architecture, the complexity of the system increases together with the mooring footprint. This work introduces the “Exeter Tether”, a novel fibre rope mooring tether providing advantages over conventional fibre ropes. The tether concept aims to provide a significantly lower axial stiffness by de-coupling this attribute from the minimum breaking load of the line. A benefit of reduced axial stiffness is the reduction of mooring system stiffness providing a reduction of peak and fatigue loads, without increasing mooring system complexity. Reducing these loads improves system reliability and allows a reduction in mass of both the mooring system and the floating body, thus reducing costs. The principles behind the novel tether design are presented here, along with an outline of eight prototype tether variants. Results from the proof of concept study are given together with preliminary findings from sea trials conducted in Falmouth Bay. Results demonstrate that the Exeter Tether can be configured to achieve a significantly lower axial stiffness than conventional fibre rope and that the stiffness is selectable within limits for a given breaking strength. Strain values greater than 0.35 are achieved at 30% of line breaking strength; this represents more than a threefold increase of the strain achievable with a conventional rope of the same material. The tether was subjected to six months of sea trials to establish any threats to its own reliability and to inform future design enhancements in this respect.
Correction: Thermal Stability and Magnetic Properties of Polyvinylidene Fluoride/Magnetite Nanocomposites. Materials 2015, 8, 4553–4564
Authors: Ouyang Zen-Wei , Chen Erh-Chiang , Wu Tzong-Ming
Published: October 2015

In the published manuscript, “Thermal Stability and Magnetic Properties of Polyvinylidene Fluoride/Magnetite Nanocomposites. Materials 2015, 8(7), 4553–4564” [1], we detected that in three places the explanations were slightly incorrect. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. [...]
Gauge Invariance and Symmetry Breaking by Topology and Energy Gap
Authors: Strocchi Franco , Heissenberg Carlo
Published: October 2015

For the description of observables and states of a quantum system, it may be convenient to use a canonical Weyl algebra of which only a subalgebra A, with a non-trivial center Z, describes observables, the other Weyl operators playing the role of intertwiners between inequivalent representations of A. In particular, this gives rise to a gauge symmetry described by the action of Z. A distinguished case is when the center of the observables arises from the fundamental group of the manifold of the positions of the quantum system. Symmetries that do not commute with the topological invariants represented by elements of Z are then spontaneously broken in each irreducible representation of the observable algebra, compatibly with an energy gap; such a breaking exhibits a mechanism radically different from Goldstone and Higgs mechanisms. This is clearly displayed by the quantum particle on a circle, the Bloch electron and the two body problem.
Alkaloids with Cardiovascular Effects from the Marine-Derived Fungus Penicillium expansum Y32
Authors: Fan Ya-Qin , Li Pei-Hai , Chao Ya-Xi , Chen Hao , Du Ning , He Qiu-Xia , Liu Ke-Chun
Published: October 2015

Three new alkaloids (1, 4 and 8), together with nine known analogues (2, 3, 5–7, and 9–12), were isolated from the marine-derived fungus Penicillium expansum Y32. Their structures including the absolute configurations were elucidated by spectroscopic and Mosher’s and Marfey’s methods, along with quantum electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Each of the compounds was evaluated for cardiovascular effects in a live zebrafish model. All of the compounds showed a significant mitigative effect on bradycardia caused by astemizole (ASM) in the heart rate experiments. Compounds 4–6 and 8–12 exhibited potent vasculogenetic activity in vasculogenesis experiments. This is the first study to report that these types of compounds show cardiovascular effects in zebrafish. The results suggest that these compounds could be promising candidates for cardiovascular disease lead compounds.
Association of Dietary Proportions of Macronutrients with Visceral Adiposity Index: Non-Substitution and Iso-Energetic Substitution Models in a Prospective Study
Authors: Moslehi Nazanin , Ehsani Behnaz , Mirmiran Parvin , Hojjat Parvane , Azizi Fereidoun
Published: October 2015

We aimed to investigate associations between dietary macronutrient proportions and prospective visceral adiposity index changes (ΔVAI). The study included 1254 adults (18–74 years), from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS), who were followed for three years. Dietary intakes were assessed twice using food frequency questionnaires. Associations of dietary macronutrient with ΔVAI and risk of visceral adiposity dysfunction (VAD) after three years were investigated. The percentage of energy intake from protein in the total population, and from fat in women, were associated with higher increases in VAI. A 5% higher energy intake from protein substituted for carbohydrate, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) was associated with higher ΔVAI. Higher energy intake from animal protein substituted for PUFAs was positively associated with ΔVAI. Substituting protein and PUFAs with MUFAs were related to higher ΔVAI. The associations were similar in men and women, but reached significance mostly among women. Risk of VAD was increased when 1% of energy from protein was replaced with MUFAs. Substituting protein for carbohydrate and fat, and fat for carbohydrate, resulted in increased risk of VAD in women. Higher dietary proportions of protein and animal-derived MUFA may be positively associated with ΔVAI and risk of VAD.
Can Smartwatches Replace Smartphones for Posture Tracking?
Authors: Mortazavi Bobak , Nemati Ebrahim , VanderWall Kristina , Flores-Rodriguez Hector , Cai Jun , Lucier Jessica , Naeim Arash , Sarrafzadeh Majid
Published: October 2015

This paper introduces a human posture tracking platform to identify the human postures of sitting, standing or lying down, based on a smartwatch. This work develops such a system as a proof-of-concept study to investigate a smartwatch’s ability to be used in future remote health monitoring systems and applications. This work validates the smartwatches’ ability to track the posture of users accurately in a laboratory setting while reducing the sampling rate to potentially improve battery life, the first steps in verifying that such a system would work in future clinical settings. The algorithm developed classifies the transitions between three posture states of sitting, standing and lying down, by identifying these transition movements, as well as other movements that might be mistaken for these transitions. The system is trained and developed on a Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch, and the algorithm was validated through a leave-one-subject-out cross-validation of 20 subjects. The system can identify the appropriate transitions at only 10 Hz with an F-score of 0.930, indicating its ability to effectively replace smart phones, if needed.
Exergy, Economic and Environmental Analyses of Gas Turbine Inlet Air Cooling with a Heat Pump Using a Novel System Configuration
Authors: Yazdi Mohammad , Aliehyaei Mehdi , Rosen Marc
Published: October 2015

Gas turbines incur a loss of output power during hot seasons due to high ambient air temperatures, and input air cooling systems are often used to partly offset this problem. Here, results are reported for an investigation of the utilization of a heat pump to cool the inlet air of a gas turbine compressor. The analyses are carried out for two climates: the city of Yazd, Iran, which has a hot, arid climate, and Tehran, Iran, which has a temperate climate. The heat pump input power is obtained from the gas turbine. The following parameters are determined, with and without the heat pump: net output power, first and second law efficiencies, quantities and costs of environmental pollutants, entropy generation and power generation. The results suggest that, by using the air-inlet cooling system, the mean output power increases during hot seasons by 11.5% and 10% for Yazd and Tehran, respectively, and that the costs of power generation (including pollution costs) decrease by 11% and 10% for Yazd and Tehran, respectively. Also, the rate of generation of pollutants such as NOx and CO decrease by about 10% for Yazd and 35% for Tehran, while the average annual entropy generation rate increases by 9% for Yazd and 7% for Tehran, through air-inlet cooling. The average increase of the system first law efficiency is 2% and of the system second law efficiency is 1.5% with the inlet-air cooling system.
Influencing Factors of Energy-Related CO2 Emissions in China: A Decomposition Analysis
Authors: Wang Guokui , Chen Xingpeng , Zhang Zilong , Niu Chaolan
Published: October 2015

China is the largest CO2 emitter in the world and is still reliant on energy consumption for economic growth. Research has focused on effective approaches of reducing and mitigating CO2 emissions. This paper undertakes a decomposition study of energy-related CO2 emissions from the industrial and household sectors during the period 1996–2012, with the objectives of investigating trends of the changes in energy-related CO2 emissions, the driving forces of these changes, and approaches of mitigating CO2 emission. Results show the following: (1) the expansion of economic activity is the dominant stimulatory factor of the increase of CO2 emissions in China and that a sustained increase in CO2 emissions can be expected; (2) the decline in energy intensity and the adjustment of energy mix and industrial structure effectively mitigate CO2 emissions; and (3) the government should give more attention to enhancing the energy utility efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions in rural households.
Addendum: Kong, M.Y.; Whitley, R.J.; Peng, N.; Oster, R.; Schoeb, T.R.; Sullender, W.; Ambalavanan, N.; Clancy, J.P.; Gaggar, A.; Blalock J.E. Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Mediates RSV Infection in Vitro and in Vivo. Viruses 2015, 30, 7, 4230–4253
Authors: Kong Michele , Whitley Richard , Peng Ning , Oster Robert , Schoeb Trenton , Sullender Wayne , Ambalavanan Namasivayam , Clancy John , Gaggar Amit , Blalock J.
Published: October 2015

The authors wish to make the following addition to their paper [1]. [...]
Entry of Oncolytic Herpes Simplex Virus into Human Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells by Ultrasound
Authors: Okunaga Shusuke , Takasu Ayako , Meshii Noritoshi , Imai Tomoaki , Hamada Masakagu , Iwai Soichi , Yura Yoshiaki
Published: October 2015

Low-intensity ultrasound is a useful method to introduce materials into cells due to the transient formation of micropores, called sonoporations, on the cell membrane. Whether oncolytic herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) can be introduced into oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cells through membrane pores remains undetermined. Human SCC cell line SAS and oncolytic HSV-1 RH2, which was deficient in the 134.5 gene and fusogenic, were used. Cells were exposed to ultrasound in the presence or absence of microbubbles. The increase of virus entry was estimated by plaque numbers. Viral infection was hardly established without the adsorption step, but plaque number was increased by the exposure of HSV-1-inoculated cells to ultrasound. Plaque number was also increased even if SAS cells were exposed to ultrasound and inoculated with RH2 without the adsorption step. This effect was abolished when the interval from ultrasound exposure to virus inoculation was prolonged. Scanning electron microscopy revealed depressed spots on the cell surface after exposure to ultrasound. These results suggest that oncolytic HSV-1 RH2 can be introduced into SAS cells through ultrasound-mediated pores of the cell membrane that are resealed after an interval.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND RISK FACTORS FOR EVALUATING THE BANKING INDUSTRY IN THE TAIWAN: AN APPLICATION OF A VALUE CHAIN DEA
Authors: Wang Mu-Shun , Lu Shih-Tong
Published: October 2015

The main purpose of the paper is utilizing a new tool to measure the marginal benefits of information technology on productivity based upon identifying the two-stage best practice frontier. This study utilizes value-chain data envelopment analysis to investigate the effects of Information Technology and the trading activities of financial derivatives on the technical efficiency of a bank's production process through a two-stage analytical study with a firm-level data set. We find the impact of indicators related to capital adequacy ratios, exchange rate volatility, interest rate volatility, and long-term loans in relation to capital and ownership structure. Technical efficient precedes a reduction in problem loans, concentration of the operating units and developing information technology and utilization of financial derivatives. This paper provides a theoretical rationale and conceptualizing risk factors with environmental uncertainty. The innovation variables are determinants of the bank efficiency on Basel III Accord.
A new species of Cales (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) parasitizing Bemisia pongamiae (Takahashi) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in Taiwan, with a key to world species of the Cales spenceri-group
Authors: Polaszek Andrew , Shih Yuan-Tung , Ward Samantha
Published: October 2015

The genus Cales has been extensively revised recently and divided into two species groups, the noacki- and spenceri-groups Mottern et al. (2010), Mottern and Heraty (2014).

Cales motterni Polaszek, Shih & Ward sp. nov. is described from two females reared from the whitefly Bemisia pongamiae from Taiwan. The species belongs to the spenceri- group, and has a characteristic and unusual antennal clava. A key to the four species currently known from the spenceri-group is provided.
The Bivariate Model of Double-line Method-based Moistening Deformation Coefficient
Authors: Chen Xi , Guo Hong
Published: October 2015

The paper analyzes the express method of double-line method-based moistening deformation coefficient, which can be expressed as the strain difference with same pressure and different water contents. Through the analysis it is found that the key point of constructing moistening deformation coefficient bivariate model is to obtain the function relation of strain, stress and water content. And then, the paper discusses the concept of constructing moistening deformation coefficient bivariate model under confining compression test conditions. In combination with the specific test shows the bivariate model of moistening deformation coefficient realizing process. Finally, the verification test results show that the model is reasonable.
Research on Path Optimization with PSO for Unmanned Vehicle
Authors: Cai Li , Jia Jianping , Lei Juan
Published: October 2015

The development of autonomous unmanned vehicles is of high interest to many organizations around the world and path planning is the key point of the navigation for the autonomous unmanned vehicle. Intelligent algorithms have been applied in this field and an essential aspect of unmanned vehicles autonomy is the ability for automatic path planning. In this paper, particle swarm optimization algorithm as one of new swarm intelligent optimization methods is introduced into a path planning for autonomous vehicle, which is constructed of a particle representation methods for vehicle routing problem with fast convergence speed. The results show that the particle swarm optimization algorithm can obtain the solution of the vehicle routing problem quickly and effectively. It is a good method for solving the vehicle routing problem.
Method Based on Rough Set and Improved Petri Net for Transformer Faults Diagnosis
Authors: Sun Chengyu , Yue XiaoGuang
Published: October 2015

Oil chromatographic analysis is widely used in transformer fault diagnosis, but it is difficult to establish accurate maping relationship between the parameter space and the state space, and there is information complexity. This paper adopts the combined diagnostic model of rough sets and petri nets, firstlysimplifies the complex system which contains complicated discrete information by rough set to solve the state space limitations of Petri network; and improves petri network based on mining association rules, adopts the correlation matrix and state equation method to improve the reasoning speed, at the same time turns the diagnosis into matrix operations to change complex calculations to simple math which has certain applicability. Finally the algorithm is applied to gas chromatographic analysis in transformer oil, the calculation results is the same with IEC three ratio method, which proves that this method can quickly and accurately to judge the running state of transformer, so as to improve the safety, stability and economic operation of the flat water transformer.
The Attitude Signal Processing of Four Rotor Aircraft based on a Kalman Filter
Authors: Tao Zhang , Jin-xin PEI , Yu-guang SONG , Peng LUO
Published: October 2015

This paper puts forward Kalman filter algorithm to improve the accuracy and the stability of four rotor aircraft control. The algorithm principle is that making use of covariance to estimate the system optimal output.The flight and control theory of four rotor aircraft is first analysed, furthermore, it is found that the attitude angle has the biggest influence to its control. Then, the Kalman filter model is established for processing attitude angle information from gyro and accelerometer sensors. Finally, the algorithm is compared with complementary filter. The flight conditions is simulated in different flight environment, it is shown that Kalman filter algorithm can improve the precision and real time more greatly in attitude angle acquisition.
Using the AHP Method to Research the Cargo Stowage of Vehicles
Authors: Zhang Xumei , Wei Shaohua
Published: October 2015

Cargo stowage is a nonlinear and complicated problem of multi-objective programming. How to load different batch number and variety, and different submitted location and size of goods to the vehicle, and delivery it timely to the user, is a process to make decision which is needed to be balanced, is a optimization model with more constraints. Considering the characteristics that goods actually exists in the multifarious and the difference between the goods kind is large and not clear, it is reasonable to use the AHP to solve the Cargo stowage of vehicle problem. Accordance with the requirements of vehicle loading characteristics, the corresponding hierarchy model is set up. Then construct the judgment matrix and complete the hierarchical order sorting, validate judgment matrix by consistency check, finally obtain the weight of each object hierarchy. Multiplied the weight by the corresponding score, vehicle's total score is obtained. Comparing the total score of the alternative vehicles, the vehicle with the largest score is the loading vehicle, so the purpose of stowage the cargo is achieved.
A New Approach to Determining the Bending Moment in Tube Forming
Authors: Peterková Eva , Samek Radko
Published: October 2015

The article deals with more precise method of bending moment determination for rigid plastic work hardening material. Unlike earlier methods, a new methodology takes into account the real shape of the deformed tube cross-section after bending. The real centroid position of the tube cross-section, the change of wall thickness and the irregularly deformed tube cross-section are considered. The paper presents a possible way of determining the real bending moment, reflecting the geometrical changes of the “flattened” cross-section. This approach is based on the subsequent integration of elementary bending moments, which reflects successive changes of the bending stress and a material model as well.
Forming and Microstructure Development of AHS Steels by Temperatures under AC3
Authors: Jirková Hana , Opatová Kateřina , Jeníček Štěpán , Mašek Bohuslav
Published: October 2015

With the prices of raw materials as well as final products growing a significant tendency to search for weight reduction of the machine components through improving their quality can be observed at present. To achieve as good mechanical properties as possible, efforts are made to reach the finest microstructure possible in steels. Besides the fine grain microstructure the required phase volume fraction must also be obtained in case of AHS steels to ensure the possibility of utilizing the TRIP effect during the final cold deformation. Their structure usually consists of ferrite, bainite and retained austenite, which transforms to deformation induced martensite during final cold deformation. With an appropriate volume fraction of these phases the materials show good combination of strength and ductility. In the experiment eight and twenty step incremental deformation was applied within identical thermomechanical sequences in the deformation temperature range of 900 – 720°C. At the same time the influence of twenty step incremental deformation on the development of microstructure was examined down to 600°C. Comparison of the results was carried out by means of light and electron microscopy. The volume fraction of structural phases including the fraction of retained austenite was determined by image analysis.
Mathematical Models of Ultra-Fine Grained Materials Based on Dissipation Normal Form
Authors: Lahoda Jiri , Zemko Michal
Published: October 2015

Dissipation normal form (DNF) is a special system structure which originally came from the signal and system theory. It was derived from natural requirements of some form of an abstract energy conservation law validity. Strong nonlinearities brought into the DNF parameters can cause complex irregular oscillations of the system. Such a system is used as a generator of numerical sequencies whose properties are useful for mathematical modelling of irregularities in real fine and ultra-fine grained metal microstructures. The particular metal grains are modelled as the Gaussian curve with a 2-dimensional domain and their partial properties such as their height, width, position in the surface, elongation in a certain direction etc. can be chaotically modified. A certain part of grains can be modified separately by irregular splitting their area etc. It allows defining the individual components surface percentage to meet important statistical properties of the real material with complicated structure. In the contribution there it is shown that the presented mathematical model approximates real multiphase microstructure quite well and using DNF with strong nonlinearities represents approach with good prospects to mathematical modelling of metal microstructures including complex ones.
Magellan Class Drillship: Designing the Rig of the Future
Authors: Hendriks Sjoerd , Claassen Laurens , Chalkias Dimitris
Published: October 2015

Deepwater drilling is under continuous development with ever evolving design requirements for rigs as a consequence. The need to drill deeper and longer wells, in always increasing water depths, and to perform well completions in always more complex wells has had its effect on the rig functional demands and has led to bigger sized and heavier equipment and consequently larger ships. These new rigs need to be ready to apply the new and advanced drilling techniques and to keep up with the growing safety standards.