bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rainfall intensity–duration thresholds for bedload transport initiation in small Alpine watersheds
Authors: Badoux A. , Turowski J. M. , Mao L. , Mathys N. , Rickenmann D.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. Although channel discharge represents one of the primary controls of bedload transport rates in mountain streams, it is rarely measured in small, steep catchments. Thus, it is often impossible to use it as a predictor of hazardous bedload events. In this study, the characteristics of rainfall events leading to bedload transport were investigated in five small Alpine catchments located in different geographical and morphological regions of Switzerland, Italy and France. Using rainfall data at high temporal resolution, a total of 370 rainfall events were identified that led to abundant sediment transport in the different catchments, and corresponding threshold lines were defined using a power law in intensity–duration space. Even though considerable differences in the distribution of the rainfall data were identified between catchments located in various regions, the determined threshold lines show rather similar characteristics. Such threshold lines indicate critical conditions for bedload transport initiation, but rainfall events that do not cause transport activity (so called no-bedload events) can still plot above them. With 0.67 overall in the Erlenbach (Swiss Prealps) and 0.90 for long-duration, low-intensity rainfall, the false alarm rate is considerable. However, for short-duration, high-intensity events, it is substantially smaller (0.33) and comparable to values determined in previous studies on the triggering of Alpine debris flows. Our results support the applicability of a traditional, generalized threshold for prediction or warning purposes during high-intensity rainfall. Such (often convective) rainfall events are unfortunately (i) difficult to measure, even by dense rain gauge networks, and (ii) difficult to accurately predict, both due to their small spatial and temporal scales. Still, for the protection of human life (e.g. along transportation infrastructure such as roads and railway) automated alerts based on power law threshold lines may be useful.
Funcion Sparing Surgery in Uro-Oncology: Germ Cell Tumors of the Testis
Authors: Catanzaro Mario , Piva Luigi , Torelli Tullio , Biasoni Davide , Stagni Silvia , Milani Angelo , Necchi Andrea , Giannatempo Patrizia , Nicolai Nicolai , Salvioni Roberto
Published: October 2012

Surgery in germ cell tumors of the testis (TGT) may result in andrological disorders, both after orchiectomy and after retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy (RPLND). Bilateral orchiectomy suppresses both testicular functions: exocrine and endocrine. In selected cases with bilateral TGT (metachronous/synchronous), or in the case of TGT in monorchid patients, partial orchiectomy (enucleation of the tumor) can preserve both functions with a low risk of relapse in residual testicular parenchyma, in the absence of intraepithelial neoplasia (TIN). In cases of TIN and normal testosterone levels (80%), the fertility is maintained in 50% of patients. In these cases the use of radiotherapy on the residual testicular parenchyma can prevent the future development of invasive cancer, though compromising the hormonal function.

The RPLND (open or laparoscopic) can produce major side effects, such as retrograde ejaculation. Knowledge of the adrenergic fiber retroperitoneal neuroanatomy enables to implement a “nerve sparing” surgery with an almost total reduction of this serious side effect, but that option is only available in few centers of excellence.

Semen cryopreservation has become a common practice performed before any treatment that might impact on the andrological function of patients.
Microwave-Assisted Hydrogenation of Codeine in Aqueous Media
Authors: Taktak F. , Bulduk I.
Published: October 2012

An efficient one-pot microwave-assisted hydrogenation of codeine was achieved in aqueous solution. This technique is simple, fast, environmentally friendly, and highly efficient. Structure of produced dihydrocodeine was approved by using FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, EIMS, and elemental analysis technique. Its purity analysis was performed by using HPLC and assay analysis was performed by using potentiometric titration methods.
The Dependence of Electrical Resistivity-Saturation Relationships on Multiphase Flow Instability
Authors: Liu Zoulin , Moysey Stephen M. J.
Published: October 2012

We investigate the relationship between apparent electrical resistivity and water saturation during unstable multiphase flow. We conducted experiments in a thin, two-dimensional tank packed with glass beads, where Nigrosine dyed water was injected uniformly along one edge to displace mineral oil. The resulting patterns of fluid saturation in the tank were captured on video using the light transmission method, while the apparent resistivity of the tank was continuously measured. Different experiments were performed by varying the water application rate and orientation of the tank to control the generalized Bond number, which describes the balance between viscous, capillary, and gravity forces that affect flow instability. We observed the resistivity index to gradually decrease as water saturation increases in the tank, but sharp drops occurred as individual fingers bridged the tank. The magnitude of this effect decreased as the displacement became increasingly unstable until a smooth transition occurred for highly unstable flows. By analyzing the dynamic data using Archie’s law, we found that the apparent saturation exponent increases linearly between approximately 1 and 2 as a function of generalized Bond number, after which it remained constant for unstable flows with a generalized Bond number less than −0.106.
Enzymatic Hydrolysis and Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation of Soybean Processing Intermediates for the Production of Ethanol and Concentration of Protein and Lipids
Authors: Long Craig C. , Gibbons William
Published: October 2012

Carbohydrates in soybeans are generally undesirable due to their low digestibility and because they “dilute” more valuable components (proteins, lipids). To remove these carbohydrates and raise the titer of more valuable components, ethanol production was investigated. Commercial enzymes (Novozyme cellulase,β-glucosidase, and pectinase) were added to ground soybeans (SB), soybean meal (SBM), soybean hulls (SH), and soybean white flakes (WF) at a 10% solids loading rate to quantify hydrolyzed glucan. Saccharification resulted in glucan reductions of 28%, 45%, 76%, and 80% (SBM, SB, SH, WF, resp.). Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) trials were conducted at 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% solids loading withSaccharomyces cerevisiaeNRRL Y-2034 andScheffersomyces stipitisNRRL Y-7124, with protein, fiber, and lipids analyzed at SSF 10% solids and saccharification trials.S. cerevisiaeandS. stipitisproduced ~3–12.5 g/L ethanol and ~2.5–8.6 g/L ethanol, respectively, on SB, SBM, and WF over all solid loading rates. SH resulted in higher ethanol titers for bothS. cerevisiae(~9–23 g/L) andS. stipitis(~9.5–14.5 g/L). Protein concentrations decreased by 2.5–10% for the SB, SBM, and WF, but increased by 53%–55% in SH. Oil concentrations increased by ~50% for SB; by ~500%–1300% for the others.
Comparison between Fluconazole with Oral Protexin Combination and Fluconazole in the Treatment of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
Authors: Nouraei S. , Amir Ali Akbari S. , Jorjani M. , Alavi Majd H. , Afrakhteh M. , Ghafoorian A. , Tafazzoli Harandi H.
Published: October 2012

Background. According to the limited studies reporting new treatments for vulvovaginal candidiasis, this study was designed to compare the combination of fluconazole and oral protexin with fluconazole in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis. Methods. A double-blind clinical trial was conducted, involving 90 women who were referred to the gynecology clinic. Vulvovaginal candidiasis was diagnosed with itching, cheesy vaginal discharge, and any one of the following: dysuria, pH < 4.5, dyspareunia, vulvar erythema, or vulvar edema and if branched hyphae and Candida buds were visible after addition of KOH 10% in the culture and the result of cultivation in Sabouraud’s dextrose agar medium was positive. Patients were randomly classified into two groups Absence of discharge, itching, and negative culture results 5–7 days after completion of treatment indicated treatment success. Data in this study were analyzed using the SPSS version 17.0 software. Results. The combinations, fluconazole-oral protexin and fluconazole-placebo, were equally effective in reduction of complaints and symptoms, but fluconazole-oral protexin combination elicited a better therapeutic response (, ). In addition, fluconazole-oral protexin combination treatment demonstrated better recovery time (, ). Conclusion. This study demonstrated that complementary treatment with probiotic Lactobacillus increased the efficacy of fluconazole in treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis. Further research is recommended.
Factorization of the -Electron Wave Function in the Kondo Ground State
Authors: Bergmann Gerd
Published: October 2012

The multielectron wave function of an interacting electron system depends on the size of the system, that is, the number of electrons. Here the question investigated is how the wave function changes for a symmetric Friedel-Anderson impurity when the volume is doubled. It turns out that for sufficiently large volume (when the level spacing is smaller than the resonance width) the change in the wave function can be expressed in terms of a universal single-electron state centered at the Fermi level. This electron state is independent of the number of electrons and independent of the parameters of the Friedel-Anderson impurity. It is even the same universal state for a Kondo impurity and a symmetric Friedel impurity independent of any parameter. The only requirement is that the impurity has a resonance exactly at the Fermi level and that the level spacing is smaller than the resonance width. This result clarifies recent fidelity calculations.
Exogenous Endophthalmitis in Diabetic Patients: A Systemic Review
Authors: El-Mollayess Georges M. , Saadeh Joanna S. , Salti Haytham I.
Published: October 2012

Diabetes mellitus is a systemic disease that increases the risk of infections. Exogenous endophthalmitis is an inflammatory disease to which diabetic patients are more predisposed to than nondiabetic patients undergoing any intraocular intervention. This might be because of the change in the immune and inflammatory factors that intervene in wound healing and in the bacterial flora of the ocular adnexa. We conducted a literature review to assess the risk of exogenous endophthalmitis in diabetic patients undergoing cataract extraction, pars plana vitrectomy, and intravitreal injections and to check whether its treatment differ from in non-diabetics. We found that diabetic patients are more predisposed to virulent organisms and that the incidence of ophthalmic symptoms was not substantially different in diabetic versus nondiabetic patients. Regarding treatment, all patients with light perception should receive pars plana vitrectomy, while those with hand motion and better vision should be given an intravitreal antibiotics injection. Some authors recommend vitrectomy to diabetic patients with even counting figure vision.
Patterns and Predictors of Long-Term Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Janghorbani Mohsen , Amini Masoud
Published: October 2012

Aims/Introduction. To describe patterns of long-term glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes in Isfahan, Iran and identify factors associated with glycemic control.Methods. During the mean (standard deviation (SD)) follow-up period of 8.4 (4.2) (range 1–18) years, 4,582 patients with type 2 diabetes have been examined to determine glycemic changes. Their glycated hemoglobin (GHb) at the last clinic visit was compared with the initial visit data. The mean (SD) age of participants was 49.3 (9.6) years with a mean (SD) duration of diabetes of 5.0 (5.1) years at initial registration.Results. Mean (SD) GHb was 8.7% (2.3) at baseline and 7.9% (1.9) at the study end and decreased by mean of 0.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.74, 0.87;P< 0.001) and varied by the severity of baseline GHb. 74.6% at the initial visit versus 64.4% at the last clinic visit had GHb values above the target level of 7.0%. Using a stepwise multiple regression models, age, higher GHb, FPG, follow-up period, and number of follow-up visits increased and higher systolic BP and female gender significantly decreased the percent glycemic change.Conclusions. This study highlights that more than 64.4% of the patients have GHb values higher than 7.0% at last clinic visit andindicatesthe difficult challenges physicians face when treating their patients with type 2 diabetes. Clinical efforts should focus on more effective methods for glycemic control in diabetic patients.
Dynamic Clustering of Gene Expression
Authors: An Lingling , Doerge R. W.
Published: October 2012

It is well accepted that genes are simultaneously involved in multiple biological processes and that genes are coordinated over the duration of such events. Unfortunately, clustering methodologies that group genes for the purpose of novel gene discovery fail to acknowledge the dynamic nature of biological processes and provide static clusters, even when the expression of genes is assessed across time or developmental stages. By taking advantage of techniques and theories from time frequency analysis, periodic gene expression profiles are dynamically clustered based on the assumption that different spectral frequencies characterize different biological processes. A two-step cluster validation approach is proposed to statistically estimate both the optimal number of clusters and to distinguish significant clusters from noise. The resulting clusters reveal coordinated coexpressed genes. This novel dynamic clustering approach has broad applicability to a vast range of sequential data scenarios where the order of the series is of interest.
What Have We Learned about the Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis from TNF-Targeted Therapy?
Authors: Williams Richard O.
Published: October 2012

Studies of cytokine regulation in rheumatoid arthritis led to the development of TNFαinhibitors which are now used for a number of indications, including rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. The widespread use of biologics in the clinic offers unique opportunities for probing disease pathogenesis and this paper provides an overview of rheumatoid arthritis, with a particular emphasis on the impact of anti-TNFαtherapy on pathogenetic mechanisms. An overview is also provided on the most commonly used animal models that mimic RA, including adjuvant-induced arthritis, collagen-induced arthritis, TNFα-transgenic mice, and the K/BxN and SKG models. These models have led to significant discoveries relating to the importance of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis, resulting from disregulation of the normally finely tuned balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine signalling. In addition, experimental evidence is discussed suggesting how genetic and environmental factors can contribute to disease susceptibility. The role of effector and regulatory T cells is discussed in the light of the relatively disappointing therapeutic effects of T cell modifying agents such as anti-CD4 antibody and cyclosporin. It is concluded that comprehensive analyses of mechanisms of action of biologics and other drugs entering the clinic will be essential to optimise therapy, with the ultimate aim of providing a cure.
Emergency Peripartum Hysterectomy: A 10-Year Review
Authors: Ferreira Carvalho Joana , Cubal Adelaide , Torres Sílvia , Costa Fernanda , Carmo Olímpia do
Published: October 2012

Background. Emergency peripartum hysterectomy (EPH), although rare in modern obstetrics, remains a life-saving procedure in cases of severe hemorrhage.Purpose. To determine the incidence, risk factors, indications, outcomes, and complications of EPH performed in a tertiary teaching hospital and to compare the results with other reports in the literature.Methods. The medical records of 13 patients who had undergone EPH, between January 2000 and December 2010, were reviewed retrospectively. Maternal characteristics and characteristics of the present pregnancy and delivery, hysterectomy indications, operative complications, postoperative conditions, and maternal and neonatal outcomes were evaluated.Results. There were 13 EPHs out of 31.767 deliveries, a rate of 0.41 per 1,000 deliveries. Eight hysterectomies were performed after cesarean delivery and five after vaginal delivery. The most common indication for hysterectomy was uterine atony (10/13), followed by placenta previa (2/13). There were one case of intraoperative bladder injury and one case of relaparotomy because of hemoperitoneum. We had one maternal death because of septic shock. There were no cases of neonatal morbidity and mortality.Conclusion. Postpartum hemorrhage is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality and morbidity and represents the most challenging complication that an obstetrician will face.
Evaluation of the Wind Power in the State of Paraíba Using the Mesoscale Atmospheric Model Brazilian Developments on the Regional Atmospheric Modelling System
Authors: Lima Francisco José Lopes de , Cavalcanti Enilson Palmeira , Souza Enio Pereira de , Silva Emerson Mariano da
Published: October 2012

This work aims to describe the wind power density in five sites in the State of Paraiba, as well as to access the ability of the mesoscale atmospheric model Brazilian developments on the regional atmospheric modeling system (BRAMS) in describing the intensity of wind in São Gonçalo Monteiro, Patos, Campina Grande, and João Pessoa. Observational data are wind speed and direction at 10 m high, provided by the National Institute of Meteorology (INMET). We used the numerical model BRAMS in simulations for two different months. We ran the model for rainy months: March and April. It was concluded that the BRAMS model is able to satisfactorily reproduce the monthly cycle of the wind regime considered, as well as the main direction. However the model tends to underestimate the wind speed.
Use of Probiotics in Aquaculture
Authors: Martínez Cruz Patricia , Ibáñez Ana L. , Monroy Hermosillo Oscar A. , Ramírez Saad Hugo C.
Published: October 2012

The growth of aquaculture as an industry has accelerated over the past decades; this has resulted in environmental damages and low productivity of various crops. The need for increased disease resistance, growth of aquatic organisms, and feed efficiency has brought about the use of probiotics in aquaculture practices. The first application of probiotics occurred in 1986, to test their ability to increase growth of hydrobionts (organisms that live in water). Later, probiotics were used to improve water quality and control of bacterial infections. Nowadays, there is documented evidence that probiotics can improve the digestibility of nutrients, increase tolerance to stress, and encourage reproduction. Currently, there are commercial probiotic products prepared from various bacterial species such as Bacillus sp., Lactobacillus sp., Enterococcus sp., Carnobacterium sp., and the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae among others, and their use is regulated by careful management recommendations. The present paper shows the current knowledge of the use of probiotics in aquaculture, its antecedents, and safety measures to be carried out and discusses the prospects for study in this field.
Challenges of Becoming a Scholar: A Study of Doctoral Students' Problems and Well-Being
Authors: Pyhältö Kirsi , Toom Auli , Stubb Jenni , Lonka Kirsti
Published: October 2012

Successful studying in Ph. D. education is a complex matter. Although Ph. D. students are a highly select group, some never finish. This paper explores the problems that doctoral candidates face during their doctoral studies as well as students' well-being in relation to their studying engagement. The study is part of a larger research project on doctoral education. Altogether 669 doctoral students from the Faculties of Arts, Medicine, and Behavioural Sciences responded to the survey. Doctoral students' perceptions of the problems they encountered during their studies varied. The problems reported were related to general working processes, domain-specific expertise, supervision, the scholarly community, and resources. Doctoral students' well-being and study engagement showed a clear relationship. More effective means are needed to foster students' ability to overcome problems encountered during their Ph. D. studies.
Unsteady Flow and Heat Transfer in a Composite Porous Annulus with Time-Dependent Injection
Authors: Nasir Muhammad , Munawar Sufian , Mehmood Ahmer , Alia Asif
Published: October 2012

In the present study, we deal with the momentum and heat transfer analysis in a horizontal annulus of a composite porous medium. The Darcy-Brinkman model is used to develop the governing equations for the flow and heat transfer phenomenon. The annulus injects the time dependent oscillatory velocity normal to its surface. Both the regions of the flow have their own viscosities, and the heat transfer analysis is carried out by retaining viscous dissipation. The governing equations for flow and heat transfer are solved analytically using a perturbation series for solutions in both regions of the annulus. A brief parametric analysis is performed for the velocity and the temperature profiles through graphs.
KF-based Adaptive UKF Algorithm and its Application for Rotorcraft UAV Actuator Failure Estimation
Authors: Qi Juntong , Song Dalei , Wu Chong , Han Jianda , Wang Tianran
Published: October 2012

A new adaptive Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) algorithm for actuator failure estimation is proposed. A novel filter method with the ability to adapt to the statistical characteristics of noise is presented to improve the estimation accuracy of traditional UKFs. A new algorithm (Kalman Filter (KF) -based adaptive UKF), with the ability to adapt to the statistical characteristic of noise, is proposed to improve the UKF's performance. Such an adaptive mechanism is intended to compensate for the lack of prior knowledge. The asymptotic property of the adaptive UKF is discussed. Actuator Healthy Coefficients (AHCs) are introduced to denote the actuator failure model while the adaptive UKF is employed for the online estimation of both the flight states and the AHCs' parameters of a rotorcraft UAV (RUAV). Simulations are conducted using the model of a ServoHeli-90 RUAV from the Shenyang Institute of Automation, CAS. The results are compared with those obtained by normal UKF to demonstrate the effectiveness and improvements of the adaptive UKF algorithm. Besides this, we also compare this algorithm with the MIT-based one which we proposed in previous research.
A MIT-Based Nonlinear Adaptive Set-Membership Filter for the Ellipsoidal Estimation of Mobile Robots' States
Authors: Song Dalei , Wu Chong , Qi Juntong , Han Jianda , Wang Tianran
Published: October 2012

The adaptive extended set-membership filter (AESMF) for nonlinear ellipsoidal estimation suffers a mismatch between real process noise and its set boundaries, which may result in unstable estimation. In this paper, a MIT method-based adaptive set-membership filter, for the optimization of the set boundaries of process noise, is developed and applied to the nonlinear joint estimation of both time-varying states and parameters. As a result of using the proposed MIT-AESMF, the estimation effectiveness and boundary accuracy of traditional AESMF are substantially improved. Simulation results have shown the efficiency and robustness of the proposed method.
Inverse Kinematics and Singularity Analysis for a 3-DOF Hybrid-Driven Cable-Suspended Parallel Robot
Authors: Zi Bin , Wu Xia , Lin Jun , Zhu Zhencai
Published: October 2012

This paper addresses the kinematics and graphical representation of the singularity configuration of a hybrid-driven cable-suspended parallel robot (HDCPR) with three translational degrees of freedom (DOFs). Applying the closed-loop vector method and geometric methodology, inverse kinematics of the HDCPR needed for singularity analysis is performed. For the sake of singularity condition calculation within the reachable workspace, the procedure utilizing analytical methodology and gradual search algorithm is presented. Simulation results demonstrate the validity of the kinematics and singularity analysis developed.
Hand Posture Prediction Using Neural Networks within a Biomechanical Model
Authors: Mora Marta C. , Sancho-Bru Joaquín L. , Pérez-González Antonio
Published: October 2012

This paper proposes the use of artificial neural networks (ANNs) in the framework of a biomechanical hand model for grasping. ANNs enhance the model capabilities as they substitute estimated data for the experimental inputs required by the grasping algorithm used. These inputs are the tentative grasping posture and the most open posture during grasping. As a consequence, more realistic grasping postures are predicted by the grasping algorithm, along with the contact information required by the dynamic biomechanical model (contact points and normals). Several neural network architectures are tested and compared in terms of prediction errors, leading to encouraging results. The performance of the overall proposal is also shown through simulation, where a grasping experiment is replicated and compared to the real grasping data collected by a data glove device.
A Portable Passive Physiotherapeutic Exoskeleton
Authors: Naidu Dasheek , Stopforth Riaan , Bright Glen , Davrajh Shaniel
Published: October 2012

The public healthcare system in South Africa is in need of urgent attention in no small part because there has been an escalation in the number of stroke victims which could be due to the increase in hypertension in this urbanizing society. There is a growing need for physiotherapists and occupational therapists in the country, which is further hindered by the division between urban and rural areas. A possible solution is a portable passive physiotherapeutic exoskeleton device. The exoskeleton device has been formulated to encapsulate methodologies that enable the anthropomorphic integration between a biological and mechatronic limb.

A physiotherapeutic mechanism was designed to be portable and adjustable, without limiting the spherical motion and workspace of the human arm. The exoskeleton was designed to be portable in the sense that it could be transported geographically. It is a complete device allowing for motion in the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand joints. The inverse kinematics was solved iteratively via the Damped Least Squares (DLS) method. The electronic and computer system allowed for professional personnel to either change an individual joint or a combination of joints angles via the kinematic models. A ramp PI controller was established to provide a smooth response to simulate the passive therapy motion.
Framework for Creating Intuitive Motion Content for Humanoid Robots Based on Programming by Demonstration
Authors: Kwon Gi il , Jeong Il Woong , Seo Yong-Ho , Yang Hyun Seung
Published: October 2012

In this paper we propose an easy to use framework for creating motion content for humanoid robots based on user demonstrations. A wearable interface is proposed and a prototype of the wearable interface is implemented to provide an intuitive content creation method for users who lack expertise in robot programming. An algorithm for transferring human motion to a robot and creating editable motions is presented to improve the reusability of the demonstrated motions. For generating various motions from a limited number of demonstrations, two motion models are presented and diverse motions are generated from the motion models. A humanoid robot, AMIO, is used to validate the proposed motion generation framework.
A Visual Navigation Method of Mobile Robot Using a Sketched Semantic Map
Authors: Li Xinde , Zhang Xiulong , Zhu Bo , Dai Xianzhong
Published: October 2012

A new visual navigation method for a mobile robot is proposed in this paper. Its originality lies in integrating a sketched map with a semantic map together for the robot's navigation and in using unified tags to help recognize landmarks. In this sketched semantic map, the outline and semantic information of key referenced objects are used to represent themselves and a rough route for the robot's navigation is also sketched. Over the course of robot navigation along the route, and in order to easily recognize the referenced objects from the complex background, a kind of unified label is designed and pasted on the potential referenced objects in advance. A recognition method based on the Pseudo-Zernike Moment and the Normalized Moment of Inertia is used to compute the matching degree between the real-time image of the referenced object and its similar outline in a database. In addition, the odometer information is also fused so as to roughly localize the robot. Finally, through a series of experiments, the advantage and efficiency of the new navigation method with real-time dynamic obstacle avoidance are testified with the help of the imprecise real map and route.
Fuzzy Logic Velocity Control of a Biped Robot Locomotion and Simulation
Authors: Ankarali Arif
Published: October 2012

In this paper, fuzzy logic velocity control of a biped robot to generate gait is studied. The system considered in this study has six degrees of freedom with hip, knee and ankle joints. The joint angular positions are determined utilizing the Cartesian coordinate information of the joints obtained by using camera captured data of the motion. The first derivatives of the calculated joint angular positions are applied as the reference angular velocity input to the fuzzy controllers of the joint servomotors to generate a gait motion. The assumed motion for the biped robot is horizontal walking on a flat surface. The actuated joints are hip, knee and ankle joints which are driven by DC servomotors. The calculated angular velocities of the joints from camera captured motion data are utilized to get the driving velocity functions of the model as sine functions. These functions are applied to the fuzzy controller as the reference angular velocity inputs. The control signals produced by the fuzzy controllers are applied to the servomotors and then the response of the servomotor block is introduced as an input to the SimMechanics model of the biped robot. The simulation results are provided which evaluate the effectiveness of the fuzzy logic controller on joint velocities to generate gait motion.
Face Recognition under Illumination Variation Using Shadow Compensation and Pixel Selection
Authors: Choi Sang-Il
Published: October 2012

We propose a robust face recognition method under illumination variation. By using shadow compensation methods, we restore the image of a facial image taken under arbitrary illumination into an image that is similar to the image taken with frontal illumination. Then we apply a pixel selection method to these restored images in order to reduce the noise components, which can interfere with the extraction of discriminant features for face recognition. The experimental results for the CMU-PIE, Yale B and Multi-PIE databases show that the proposed method results in the improvement of recognition performance under illumination variation.
Information Technology projects and Business Engagement: New strategies
Authors: Dermody Chris , Ragsdale Phil , Aragon Mike
Published: October 2012

When it comes to running an information technology project, how can a water utility or any organization align the work so that maximum value is delivered to the business?
Convenient and sensitive Aerobic Endospore Method and Effective Data communication
Authors: Hill Dennis R.
Published: October 2012

A postfiltration heating method to kill vegetative bacterial cells while retaining the viability of aerobic endospores was developed to reduce the time and effort needed for conducting water endospore studies.
The Equity Option—How to Make the Most of Your Debt
Authors: Mumm Jason
Published: October 2012

Unless you've been hiding under a rock for the past few years, you're very aware of the national debate on the issue of the U.S. economy in general, and our national debt in particular. With elections approaching, the tide of rhetoric rises and floats all boats down to the last skiff. The call for reduced debt at the national level is echoed in city halls, calling those like‐minded individuals to the cause of eliminating their own community's reliance on borrowed money.
Lies, Smears, Innuendos, and Half Truths: A Guide to Protecting a Utility's Online Reputation
Authors: Patterson Brian , Baker Keri‐Ann C.
Published: October 2012

Almost every utility, both public and private, has run into negative online commentary, which has a detrimental effect not only on commercial businesses but also on public and private utilities. Negative online reputations can have severe repercussions for utilities seeking to expand their coverage areas; obtain local, state, and federal grants or tax credits; or simply to continue servicing their existing customer base.
Partners in Protection: DHS Protective Security Advisors and the Water Sector
Authors: Spence Shannon , Cubbler Scott , Davis Victoria , Lim Richard
Published: October 2012

Since its inception in 2004, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Protective Security Advisor (PSA) Program has been at the forefront of DHS efforts to protect critical infrastructure in the United States. As subject matter experts on critical infrastructure, PSAs provide unique expertise to state, local, tribal, and territorial officials to assess the security and resilience of critical infrastructure, facilitate information sharing between the private sector and the DHS, convey local concerns to better inform DHS of partner needs, and support critical infrastructure response, recovery, and reconstitution efforts after a disaster.
Jacques le fataliste: Narrative Structure and New Physics
Authors: Highnam David
Published: October 2012

Jacques le fataliste peut être rapproché de certains aspects de la physique moderne, que ce soit par sa thématique de la relation indécidable entre pensée et réalité ou par sa structure mettant en jeu des oppositions binaires. La physique moderne a dû renoncer aux certitudes de l’ordre présumément objectif de l’univers newtonien. Depuis Heisenberg, elle fait valoir le principe de l’incertitude, les sauts discontinus de la théorie des quanta, l’impossibilité de décider de la description corpusculaire ou ondulatoire des phénomènes subatomiques, et surtout le rôle de l’observateur dans l’acte d’observation. Comme Zen, la physique moderne fait une grande place au paradoxe, ce qui permet d’établir des analogies aptes à jeter une nouvelle lumière sur le texte de Jacques le fataliste.
The Physico-Theological Epic in the Later Eighteenth Century
Authors: Sampson H. Grant
Published: October 2012

L’élaboration et la défense des sytèmes religieux chrétiens étaient plus importants dans la poésie anglaise du 18e siècle que la plupart des lecteurs modernes ne pensent. Environ cent poèmes de longueur considérable étaient consacrés à ce sujet. Dans les termes proposés par la science contemporaine, ils élaborent des démonstrations de l’existence de Dieu à partir du monde créé par lui, et ils font valoir la justice de Dieu envers les hommes.
Adam Smith as Rhetorician
Authors: Ross Ian
Published: October 2012

Cette étude donne un aperçu détaillé de la formation rhétorique d’Adam Smith ainsi que de ses activités en tant que professeur de rhétorique en Écosse. Pendant qu’il occupait la Chaire de Logique à l’Université de Glasgow, il a effectué des réformes de curriculum d’une grande importance. Des exemples tirés de ses chefs-d’oeuvre The Theory of Moral Sentiments and The Wealth of Nations font apparaître les traces de sa formation rhétorique dans la structure et dans l’argumentation des deux textes.
J.M.R. Lenz as Theologian
Authors: Pope Timothy
Published: October 2012

Les premiers écrits théologiques de Lenz montrent une plus grande originalité et sont d’une plus grande importance pour le développement de l’auteur qu’on ne l’a admis. Il reconnaît dans la perte de l’Eden le premier pas de l’humanité vers sa maturité éthique et maintient que l’évolution humaine se réalise à travers l’action. Plutôt que de devenir l’objet d’un sentiment de remords, les mauvaises actions peuvent être rachetées plus tard par de bonnes actions. Lenz donne l’expression la plus élaborée à ces idées dans le drame Der Hofmeister.
An Examination of the Notes de lecture of Louis de Bonald: At the Origins of the Ideology of the Radical Right in France
Authors: Klinck David M.
Published: October 2012

Plus explicitement que ses oeuvres publiées, les notes de lecture de Bonald montrent que sa pensée contre-révolutionnaire remonte à des tendances primitivistes inhérentes aux Lumières plutôt qu’au rationalisme du 17e siècle. Son programme se révèle avoir été révolutionnaire, même utopique, plutôt que réactionnaire. Le rétablissement proposé par lui en 1797 d’une société primitive et naturelle pourrait difficilement se comprendre comme un "retour" ou comme une "réaction." Quant au mouvement contemporain de l’extrême droite, les notes révèlent également des conflits qui ne trouvent pas d’expression dans les manifestes rendus publics.
The Revolt of the Wuerttemberg Estates, 1764-1770
Authors: Liebel-Weckowicz Helen P.
Published: October 2012

Les États Généraux (Landtag) du Wuerttemberg ont toléré la taxation inconstitutionnellement élevée qu’a imposé le duc Charles Eugène pendant la guerre de Sept Ans. Par contre ils se sont opposés à sa tentative d’introduire unilatéralement un nouveau système fiscal en temps de paix. L’issue finale de longues négociations apportait aux États Généraux non seulement le droit de percevoir des impôts mais aussi un droit de regard sur le budget ainsi que son administration.
Les Lumières en Amérique espagnole : plan d’études pour la Colombie coloniale de Moreno y Escandón (1774-1779)
Authors: Loncol Jean-Marie
Published: October 2012

Moreno was not vehemently anti-clerical, as some historians have portrayed him. His plan for the reform of colonial education, summarized in this article, was actually very cautious. It failed primarily because of opposition from the Dominicans.
Peuplement colonisateur au XVIIIe siècle dans le gouvernement du Québec
Authors: Mathieu Jacques , Béland François , Jean Michèle , Larouche Jeannette , Lessard Renald
Published: October 2012

This article studies some of the factors which influenced rural resettlement in eighteenth-century Quebec: economic conditions, laws of inheritance, family size, marriage customs, the attitudes of the seigneurs, the presence of family members in newly-settled areas. The relative importance of each factor varied considerably at different times and in different places.
Comparative Analysis of Methods and Tests for Testing Colour Vision of Professional Seafarers
Authors: Rogošić Veljko , Bojić Lovro , Poljak Nikola Kolja , Duplančić Darko , Vidan Pero , Ivančić-Kačer Blanka , Mulić Rosanda
Published: October 2012

There are differences among official standards of testing colour vision among different countries, conditioned by out-of date, but still enforceable laws and codes. These standards refer to professions in the maritime, air, rail and road traffic. The criteria for testing colour vision are significantly more severe for professionals involved in traffic. For complex diagnostics of colour vision disorder (dyschromatopsia) there are a number of well-known diagnostic methods and tests (of different cost, validity and year of production) at disposal. The difference of diagnostic methods and tests improves the detection of dyschromatopsia. The requirement is the correct choice of tests, correct mode and correct interpretation of results gained for each individual dyschromatopsia, i.e. profession.
Discovery of Rare Homozygous Mutations from Studies of Consanguineous Pedigrees
Authors: Alkuraya Fowzan S.
Published: October 2012

The unmasking of recessive mutations by virtue of biparental inheritance of the same ancestral haplotype on which they reside (autozygosity) has provided human geneticists with one of their most powerful tools in unraveling the genetic basis of autosomal recessive disorders. This has historically been achieved by tracking the blocks of homozygosity as surrogates of autozygosity using polymorphic microsatellite markers. Mapping the entire set of autozygous blocks per individual (autozygome) at high resolution became possible with the advent of high‐density SNP arrays. The more recent availability of next‐generation sequencing has markedly accelerated the rate at which rare recessive mutations are identified by obviating the need to prioritize genes for sequencing within candidate autozygous loci. This unit will review the individual and combined use of these techniques in the context of mapping novel recessive disease genes, as well as potential pitfalls and recommended solutions. Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 75:6.12.1‐6.12.13. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Preparation of Chorionic Villus Samples for Metaphase Chromosome Analysis and Chromosomal Microarray Analysis
Authors: Breman Amy , Patel Ankita
Published: October 2012

Chorionic villi are composed of an outer layer of trophoblastic cells and an inner mesenchymal cell core. They can be prepared for chromosome analysis using a culture method wherein villi are disaggregated by mechanical and enzymatic methods and the resulting cell suspension is used to establish primary cultures. Mesenchymal cells of the villus core are released by this procedure and the fibroblasts are actively proliferative in tissue culture. Cultures can be used for cytogenetic analysis after ∼1 week. Slides prepared by this technique can be stained using trypsin‐Giemsa banding and analyzed for chromosomal abnormalities in fetal tissue. Chorionic villi may also be assessed by chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA). For this purpose, a method for extraction of high‐quality DNA from CVS tissue is also described here. Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 75:8.3.1‐8.3.9. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Diagnosing Lysosomal Storage Disorders: Pompe Disease
Authors: Bodamer Olaf A. , Dajnoki Angela
Published: October 2012

Pompe disease is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by a deficiency of acid alpha glucosidase (GAA). Diagnosis of Pompe disease is typically based on an enzyme analysis of blood or tissues, such as fibroblasts, followed by confirmation through molecular testing. The advent of fluorometric and mass spectrometry methods for enzyme analysis in dried blood spots (DBS) has simplified the diagnostic approach for Pompe disease, facilitating high‐throughput screening of at‐risk populations and newborn infants. The following unit will provide the detailed analytical protocol for measurement of GAA activity in DBS using tandem mass spectrometry. Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 75:17.11.1‐17.11.6. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Photoinduced Hole Transfer Becomes Suppressed with Diminished Driving Force in Polymer‐Fullerene Solar Cells While Electron Transfer Remains Active
Authors: Ren Guoqiang , Schlenker Cody W. , Ahmed Eilaf , Subramaniyan Selvam , Olthof Selina , Kahn Antoine , Ginger David S. , Jenekhe Samson A.
Published: October 2012

Device performance and photoinduced charge transfer are studied in donor/acceptor blends of the oxidation‐resistant conjugated polymer poly[(4,8‐bis(2‐hexyldecyl)oxy)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene)‐2,6‐diyl‐alt‐(2,5‐bis(3‐dodecylthiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[1,2‐d;4,5‐d′]bisthiazole)] (PBTHDDT) with the following fullerene acceptors: [6,6]‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM); [6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM); and the indene‐C60 bis‐adduct IC60BA). Power conversion efficiency improves from 1.52% in IC60BA‐based solar cells to 3.75% in PC71BM‐based devices. Photoinduced absorption (PIA) of the PBTHDDT:fullerene blends suggests that exciting the donor polymer leads to long‐lived positive polarons on the polymer and negative polarons on the fullerene in all three polymer fullerene blends. Selective excitation of the fullerene in PC71BM or PC61BM blends also generates long‐lived polarons. In contrast, no discernible PIA features are observed when selectively exciting the fullerene in a PBTHDDT/IC60BA blend. A relatively small driving force of ca. 70 meV appears to sustain charge separation via photoinduced hole transfer from photoexcited PC61BM to the polymer. The decreased driving force for photoinduced hole transfer in the IC60BA blend effectively turns off hole transfer from IC60BA excitons to the host polymer, even while electron transfer from the polymer to the IC60BA remains active. Suppressed hole transfer from fullerene excitons is a potentially important consideration for materials design and device engineering of organic solar cells.
The Relationship of Solid‐State Plasticity to Mechanochromic Luminescence in Difluoroboron Avobenzone Polymorphs
Authors: Krishna Gamidi Rama , Kiran Mangalampalli S. R. N. , Fraser Cassandra L. , Ramamurty Upadrasta , Reddy Chilla Malla
Published: October 2012

In solid‐state mechanochromic luminescence (ML) materials, it remains a challenge to establish the origin of fluorescence color changes upon mechanical action and to determine why only some fluorophores exhibit ML behavior. The study of mechanical properties by nanoindentation, followed by ML experiments on green‐ and cyan‐emitting polymorphs of difluoroboron avobenzone reveals that upon smearing, the plastically deformable cyan form shows a prominent color change to yellow, while in the harder green form the redshifted emission is barely detectable. Crystal structure analysis reveals the presence of slip planes in the softer cyan form that can facilitate the formation of recoverable and low energy defects in the structure. Hence, the cyan form exhibits prominent and reversible ML behavior. This suggests a potential design strategy for efficient ML materials.
32 × 32 Crossbar Array Resistive Memory Composed of a Stacked Schottky Diode and Unipolar Resistive Memory
Authors: Kim Gun Hwan , Lee Jong Ho , Ahn Youngbae , Jeon Woojin , Song Seul Ji , Seok Jun Yeong , Yoon Jung Ho , Yoon Kyung Jean , Park Tae Joo , Hwang Cheol Seong
Published: October 2012

Various array types of 1‐diode and 1‐resistor stacked crossbar array (1D1R CA) devices composed of a Schottky diode (SD) (Pt/TiO2/Ti/Pt) and a resistive switching (RS) memory cell (Pt/TiO2/Pt) are fabricated and their performances are investigated. The unit cell of the 1D1R CA device shows high RS resistance ratio (≈103 at 1.5 V) between low and high resistance state (LRS and HRS), and high rectification ratio (≈105) between LRS and reverse‐state SD. It also shows a short RS time of <50 ns for SET (resistance transition from HRS to LRS), and ≈600 ns for RESET (resistance transition from LRS to HRS), as well as stable RS endurance and data retention characteristics. It is experimentally confirmed that the selected unit cell in HRS (logically the “off” state) is stably readable when it is surrounded by unselected LRS (logically the “on” state) cells, in an array of up to 32 × 32 cells. The SD, as a highly non‐linear resistor, appropriately controls the conducting path formation during the switching and protects the memory element from the noise during retention.