bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An actively constrained two degree-of-freedom manipulator for passive deployment applications
Authors: Reedman A V C , Bouazza-Marouf K
Published: March 2014

A two degree-of-freedom manipulator using actively constrained revolute joints is presented in this paper. Each revolute joint drive mechanism consists of two motor-driven worms coupled to a single worm wheel. A mathematical model of the manipulator system is used in order to develop a computed-torque control algorithm. Experimental results show that the position of the end-effector can be successfully controlled to track a path generated from a user-input force command signal while cancelling backlash at the gear interface. This system has been designed for the purpose of following a predefined path under the direct physical control of the user. The joint mechanism and control strategy used in this paper allow for backlash to be continuously cancelled. The safety of the user is ensured by enabling joint motions only if a user force is applied, and this force is in a direction that allows the controller to restrict joint motion along a predefined path.
Vibration attenuation of a flexible beam mounted on a rotating compliant hub
Authors: El-Sinawi A H
Published: March 2014

This study considers the problem of attenuating the vibration of a slender flexible beam mounted on a compliant rotating hub without the need for sensor(s) placement at the beam. A modal state-space model of the beam-hub system dynamics is constructed from the first ten modes of vibration of the system. A reduced-order optimal observer is utilized to estimate the deflection of the beam tip from measurements of the horizontal and vertical deflections of the hub. Two orthogonal actuators are used to manipulate the hub such that the relative motion between the hub and the tip of the beam is minimized. Hence, the demand on the control effort is to force the beam tip and the hub to vibrate as a rigid body. The horizontal control effort is a function of the difference between the measured horizontal hub deflection and the estimated horizontal tip deflection, and the same is true for the vertical control effort. Simulation of the proposed control strategy is carried out and the results are presented.
Fuzzy model based sliding-mode control of a d.c. servomechanism
Authors: Knight M J , Sutton R
Published: March 2014

A method for combining black-box non-linear models and sliding mode control schemes is presented. It is demonstrated that the advantages of the sliding mode control technique are maintained. In addition, the effects of parametric uncertainty and unmatched disturbances are minimized through the use of a fuzzy model. Two fuzzy model-based sliding mode control topologies are developed from the theory and simulation results demonstrate the usefulness of this approach.
Shift-and-scale model reduction: An alternative stability-preserving approach
Authors: Lucas T N
Published: March 2014

A new stability-preserving model order-reduction method is presented for continuous-time systems. It makes use of the relatively new idea of transformed whole-system parameter matching for calculating the poles of the reduced-order transfer function. This has the advantage of using more of the system information than traditional methods in the approximation of the poles. The method is seen to be flexible and computationally attractive, relying only on readily available algorithms. It is based on a shift-and-scale transformation of the transfer function before applying the order-reduction process. Further, it is shown to be a viable alternative to existing stability-preserving techniques. Some examples illustrate the method.
Bond graph based control using virtual actuators
Authors: Gawthrop P J
Published: March 2014

A bond graph based approach to design in the physical domain is described that uses the concepts of virtual actuators and virtual sensors. The approach is illustrated by, and implemented on, an experimental ball and beam system.
A robust feedback linearization control for constrained mechanical systems
Authors: Mnif F
Published: March 2014

A robust control approach is developed for the tracking problem of uncertain constrained mechanical systems. The dynamic model is modified to contain two sets of state variables, where one describes the constrained motion and the other describes the unconstrained motion. The controller consists of two control elements. The first is based on the input-output decoupling approach in non-linear control theory; it is used to achieve exponential global tracking of both position and constraint forces on the constrained manifold of the nominal system. The second is a robust loop that ensures asymptotic stability of the uncertain system under parameters as well as environmental uncertainties. This control element consists of a class of continuous state feedback control. The only required information about the uncertainties is their Euclidean norm bound function. System stability is investigated using Lyapunov stability theory and it is shown that global stability holds for both system state vectors.
Design of a chattering-free sliding mode controller with a friction compensator for motion control of a ball—screw system
Authors: Lee K-J , Kim H M , Kim J S
Published: March 2014

A new sliding mode control (SMC) scheme that can reduce chatter characteristics sufficiently is proposed for the motion control of a ball-screw system. This sliding mode controller is derived from the reaching law and the Lyapunov stability condition. The design procedure of the proposed control scheme is very simple and its application is easy. Also, the friction torque on the ball-screw system is compensated for by a good tracking performance by the feedforward control input, which is calculated by the LuGre dynamic friction model. The experimental results show that the proposed controller has a good tracking performance and reduces chatter characteristics in the presence of model uncertainties and parameter variations.
Design and analysis of output feedback force control in parallel turning
Authors: Sudhakara R , Landers R G
Published: March 2014

Parallel machine tools (i.e. machine tools capable of cutting a part with multiple tools simultaneously but independently) are being utilized more and more to increase operation productivity, decrease set-ups and reduce floor space. Process control is the utilization of real-time process sensor information to adjust process parameters (e.g. feed, spindle speed) automatically in order to increase operation productivity and quality. To date, however, these two technologies have not been combined. This paper describes the design of an output feedback controller for a parallel turning operation that accounts for the inherent non-linearities in the force process. An analysis of the process equilibriums explains the system's stability behaviour for different design specifications and the reverse trajectory method is used to numerically determine the exact stability boundary. Effects of saturation on stability are also analysed, and from this sufficient conditions for global stability are obtained. Finally, the system is analysed for robustness to parameter uncertainties. Simulations and phase portraits are used to verify the developed theory.
Adaptive neural predictive control for industrial multivariable processes
Authors: Lu C-H , Tsai C-C
Published: March 2014

An adaptive neural predictive control for industrial multivariable processes is presented. Neural network models together with linear dynamic models are used to approximate weakly coupled industrial multivariable processes with time delay. The predictive control law is derived on the basis of the minimization of a generalized predictive performance criterion. A real-time adaptive control algorithm, including the recursive least-squares estimation and neural predictors of back-propagation neural networks, is proposed and then successfully applied to achieve the performance specifications for multivariable heating process of a plastic injection moulding machine. Both simulations and experimental results are used to show the effectiveness of the proposed method for time-delay multivariable processes with set-point changes, load disturbances and significant plant uncertainties.
Rule-base generation via symbiotic evolution for a Mamdani-type fuzzy control system
Authors: Mahfouf M , Jamei M
Published: March 2014

In this paper, an intelligent-based active suspension system using a Mamdani-type fuzzy logic controller is developed. In order to formulate the rule-base, a new algorithm based on symbiotic evolution is proposed. Because almost all fuzzy rule-base generation algorithms usually produce a structure with redundant and overlapped membership functions, an algorithm that merges such similar membership functions is also integrated within this approach. It is shown that this algorithm leads to a more transparent and more interpretable rule-base with a minimum number of membership functions and a reduced number of rules. As a test-bed an active suspension system was used that was based on a quarter-car model with parameters relating to a Ford Fiesta MK2. The proposed method was compared with a PID (proportional-integral-derivative)-based active suspension system whose parameters were optimized using genetic algorithms (GAs). Simulation results show that the symbiotic evolution-based fuzzy controller achieved better performances in all carried-out investigations.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Inhibitors of apoptosis proteins in experimental benign prostatic hyperplasia: effects of serenoa repens, selenium and lycopene
Authors: Minutoli Letteria , Altavilla Domenica , Marini Herbert , Rinaldi Mariagrazia , Irrera Natasha , Pizzino Gabriele , Bitto Alessandra , Arena Salvatore , Cimino Sebastiano , Squadrito Francesco , Russo Giorgio Ivan , Morgia Giuseppe
Published: March 2014

Background

The apoptosis machinery is a promising target against benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) modulate apoptosis by direct inhibition of caspases. Serenoa Repens (SeR) may be combined with other natural compounds such as Lycopene (Ly) and Selenium (Se) to maximize its therapeutic activity in BPH. We investigated the effects of SeR, Se and Ly, alone or in association, on the expression of four IAPs, cIAP-1, cIAP-2, NAIP and survivin in rats with experimental testosterone-dependent BPH. Moreover, caspase-3, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) have been evaluated.

Rats were administered, daily, with testosterone propionate (3 mg/kg/sc) or its vehicle for 14 days. Testosterone injected animals (BPH) were randomized to receive vehicle, SeR (25 mg/kg/sc), Se (3 mg/kg/sc), Ly (1 mg/kg/sc) or the SeR-Se-Ly association for 14 days. Animals were sacrificed and prostate removed for analysis.

Results

BPH animals treated with vehicle showed unchanged expression of cIAP-1 and cIAP-2 and increased expression of NAIP, survivin, caspase-3, IL-6 and PSMA levels when compared with sham animals. Immunofluorescence studies confirmed the enhanced expression of NAIP and survivin with a characteristic pattern of cellular localization. SeR-Se-Ly association showed the highest efficacy in reawakening apoptosis; additionally, this therapeutic cocktail significantly reduced IL-6 and PSMA levels. The administration of SeR, Se and Ly significantly blunted prostate overweight and growth; moreover, the SeR-Se-Ly association was most effective in reducing prostate enlargement and growth by 43.3% in treated animals.

Conclusions

The results indicate that IAPs may represent interesting targets for drug therapy of BPH.
Motivational component profiles in university students learning histology: a comparative study between genders and different health science curricula
Authors: Campos-Sánchez Antonio , López-Núñez Juan Antonio , Carriel Víctor , Martín-Piedra Miguel-Ángel , Sola Tomás , Alaminos Miguel
Published: March 2014

Background

The students’ motivation to learn basic sciences in health science curricula is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of different components of motivation (intrinsic motivation, self-determination, self-efficacy and extrinsic -career and grade- motivation) on learning human histology in health science curricula and their relationship with the final performance of the students in histology.

Methods

Glynn Science Motivation Questionnaire II was used to compare students’ motivation components to learn histology in 367 first-year male and female undergraduate students enrolled in medical, dentistry and pharmacy degree programs.

Results

For intrinsic motivation, career motivation and self-efficacy, the highest values corresponded to medical students, whereas dentistry students showed the highest values for self-determination and grade motivation. Genders differences were found for career motivation in medicine, self-efficacy in dentistry, and intrinsic motivation, self-determination and grade motivation in pharmacy. Career motivation and self-efficacy components correlated with final performance in histology of the students corresponding to the three curricula.

Conclusions

Our results show that the overall motivational profile for learning histology differs among medical, dentistry and pharmacy students. This finding is potentially useful to foster their learning process, because if they are metacognitively aware of their motivation they will be better equipped to self-regulate their science-learning behavior in histology. This information could be useful for instructors and education policy makers to enhance curricula not only on the cognitive component of learning but also to integrate students’ levels and types of motivation into the processes of planning, delivery and evaluation of medical education.
A strategically designed small molecule attacks alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase in tumor cells through a redox process
Authors: Stuart Shawn D , Schauble Alexandra , Gupta Sunita , Kennedy Adam D , Keppler Brian R , Bingham Paul M , Zachar Zuzana
Published: March 2014

Background

Targeting cancer cell metabolism is recognized as a promising arena for development of cancer chemotherapeutics. Moreover, redox metabolism is also systematically altered in tumor cells. Indeed, there is growing reason to believe that tumor-specific alteration of redox control of metabolism will be central to understanding and attacking malignancy. We report here that lipoate analog CPI-613 attacks a gate-keeping, lipoate-using metabolic enzyme, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (KGDH), by a redox mechanism selectively in tumors cells.

Results

CPI-613 inhibited KGDH function strongly and rapidly, selectively in tumor cells. Moreover, CPI-613 induced a correspondingly rapid, powerful redox signal in tumor cell mitochondria. This signal was associated with redox modification of KGDH (including extensive enzyme glutathionylation and redox blockage of enzyme lipoate sulfhydryls), correlating with KGDH inactivation. The source of this tumor-specific mitochondrial redox modulatory signal was not electron transport complexes (I or III), but was largely or entirely the E3 (dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase) component of dehydrogenases, including KGDH. Finally, we demonstrated that KGDH activity was redox regulated (in tumor cells), as expected if a tumor-specific redox process (auto)regulates KGDH.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate that lipoate analog CPI-613 attacks redox control of KGDH activity in tumor cells, perhaps by modulation of an existing lipoate-sensitive allosteric process normally governing tumor cell KGDH activity. Together with its previously reported, mechanistically distinct (non-redox) effects on the other major, lipoate-using mitochondrial metabolic enzyme, pyruvate dehydrogenase, CPI-613’s KGDH effects indicate that this agent simultaneously attacks multiple central, essential components of tumor cell metabolic regulation.
Activated AKT Pathway Promotes Establishment of Endometriosis
Authors: Kim Tae Hoon , Yu Yanni , Luo Lily , Lydon John P. , Jeong Jae-Wook , Kim J. Julie
Published: March 2014

The pathogenesis of endometriosis remains unclear, and relatively little is known about the mechanisms that promote establishment and survival of the disease. Previously, we demonstrated that v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog (AKT) activity was increased in endometriosis tissues and cells from ovarian endometriomas and that this increase promoted cell survival as well as decreased levels of progesterone receptor. The objective of this study was to demonstrate a role for AKT in the establishment of ectopic lesions. First, a dose-dependent inhibition of AKT in stromal cells from human ovarian endometriomas (OSIS) as well as endometrial stromal cells from disease-free patients (ESC) with the allosteric AKT inhibitor MK-2206 was demonstrated by decreased levels of phosphorylated (p)(Ser473)-AKT. Levels of the AKT target protein, p(Ser256)-forkhead box O1 were increased in OSIS cells, which decreased with MK-2206 treatment, whereas levels of p(Ser9)-glycogen synthase kinase 3β did not change in response to MK-2206. Although MK-2206 decreased viability of both OSIS and ESC in a dose-dependent manner, proliferation of OSIS cells was differentially decreased significantly compared with ESC. Next, the role of hyperactive AKT in the establishment of ectopic lesions was studied using the bigenic, PRcre/+Ptenf/+ heterozygous mouse. Autologous implantation of uterine tissues was performed in these mice. After 4 weeks, an average of 4 ± 0.33 lesions per Ptenf/+ mouse and 7.5 ± 0.43 lesions in the PRcre/+Ptenf/+ mouse were found. Histological examination of the lesions showed endometrial tissue-like morphology, which was similar in both the Ptenf/+ and PRcre/+Ptenf/+ mice. Treatment of mice with MK-2206 resulted in a significantly decreased number of lesions established. Immunohistochemical staining of ectopic lesions revealed decreased p(Ser473)-AKT and the proliferation marker Ki67 from MK-2206–treated mice compared with vehicle-treated mice. Furthermore, levels of FOXO1 and progesterone receptor increased in lesions of mice receiving MK-2206. These results demonstrate that heightened AKT activity plays an active role in the establishment of ectopic endometrial tissues.
On the Evolutionary Origins of Obesity: A New Hypothesis
Authors: Sellayah Dyan , Cagampang Felino R. , Cox Roger D.
Published: March 2014

Obesity is an escalating threat of pandemic proportions, currently affecting billions of people worldwide and exerting a devastating socioeconomic influence in industrialized countries. Despite intensive efforts to curtail obesity, results have proved disappointing. Although it is well recognized that obesity is a result of gene-environment interactions and that predisposition to obesity lies predominantly in our evolutionary past, there is much debate as to the precise nature of how our evolutionary past contributed to obesity. The “thrifty genotype” hypothesis suggests that obesity in industrialized countries is a throwback to our ancestors having undergone positive selection for genes that favored energy storage as a consequence of the cyclical episodes of famine and surplus after the advent of farming 10 000 years ago. Conversely, the “drifty genotype” hypothesis contends that the prevalence of thrifty genes is not a result of positive selection for energy-storage genes but attributable to genetic drift resulting from the removal of predative selection pressures. Both theories, however, assume that selection pressures the ancestors of modern humans living in western societies faced were the same. Moreover, neither theory adequately explains the impact of globalization and changing population demographics on the genetic basis for obesity in developed countries, despite clear evidence for ethnic variation in obesity susceptibility and related metabolic disorders. In this article, we propose that the modern obesity pandemic in industrialized countries is a result of the differential exposure of the ancestors of modern humans to environmental factors that began when modern humans left Africa around 70 000 years ago and migrated through the globe, reaching the Americas around 20 000 years ago. This article serves to elucidate how an understanding of ethnic differences in genetic susceptibility to obesity and the metabolic syndrome, in the context of historic human population redistribution, could be used in the treatment of obesity in industrialized countries.
Isolation and Immortalization of MIP-GFP Neurons From the Hypothalamus
Authors: Wang Zi Chen , Wheeler Michael B. , Belsham Denise D.
Published: March 2014

The mouse insulin I promoter (MIP) construct was developed to eliminate the promoter activity detected with the rat insulin II promoter in specific hypothalamic neurons that may have unintended effects on glucose and energy homeostasis in transgenic models. Thus, the specificity of this novel construct must be validated prior to the widespread availability of derived Cre models. Although limited validation efforts have indicated a lack of MIP activity within neuronal tissue, the global immunohistochemical methodology used may not be specific enough to rule out the possibility of specific populations of neurons with MIP activity. To investigate possible MIP activity within the hypothalamus, primary hypothalamic isolates from MIP-green fluorescent protein reporter mice were analyzed after fluorescent-activated cell sorting. Primary hypothalamic neurons isolated from the MIP-green fluorescent protein mice were immortalized. Characterization detected the presence of hypothalamic neuropeptide Y (NPY) and agouti-related peptide, involved in the control of energy homeostasis, as well as confirmed insulin responsiveness in the cell lines. Moreover, because insulin was demonstrated to differentially regulate NPY expression within these MIP neurons, the promoter construct may be active in multiple hypothalamic NPY/agouti-related peptide subpopulations with unique physiological functions. MIP transgenic animals may therefore face similar limitations seen previously with rat insulin II promoter-based models.
Acute and Short-term Chronic Testosterone Fluctuation Effects on Glucose Homeostasis, Insulin Sensitivity, and Adiponectin: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study
Authors: Høst Christian , Gormsen Lars C. , Hougaard David M. , Christiansen Jens S. , Pedersen Steen B. , Gravholt Claus H.
Published: March 2014

Context:

Low levels of adiponectin and T in men have been shown to predict development of the metabolic syndrome, but the effects of T on glucose metabolism are incompletely understood and may be influenced either directly or indirectly through changes in body composition or in levels of adiponectin.

Objective:

The aim of the study was to test whether T exerts its effects on glucose metabolism directly or indirectly.

Design, Setting, and Participants:

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, 12 healthy young males were studied on four separate occasions. They received GnRH agonist treatment 1 month before 3 of 4 trial days to induce castrate levels of T. On trial days, T gel containing either high or low physiological T dose or placebo was applied to the body. On a fourth trial day, participants constituted their own eugonadal controls.

Intervention:

Each study comprised a 5-hour basal period and a 3-hour hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp.

Main Outcome Measures:

We measured the effect of acute T on peripheral glucose disposal, total adiponectin and subforms, and other indices of glucose metabolism.

Results:

Short-term hypogonadism was associated with increased high molecular weight adiponectin levels (P < .03) and increased oxidative glucose disposal (P = .03) but not total glucose disposal (P = .07). Acute T treatment was an independent suppressor of high molecular weight adiponectin levels (P = .04) but did not affect total glucose disposal (P = .17).

Conclusions:

These data show that T can act through putative fast nongenomic pathways to affect adiponectin levels in humans. The early hypogonadal state is characterized by a marked shift in fuel oxidation from lipids toward glucose, which may rely partly on buffering capabilities of adiponectin.
High Maternal Serum Estradiol Environment in the First Trimester Is Associated With the Increased Risk of Small-for-Gestational-Age Birth
Authors: Hu Xiao-Ling , Feng Chun , Lin Xian-Hua , Zhong Zi-Xing , Zhu Yi-Min , Lv Ping-Ping , Lv Min , Meng Ye , Zhang Dan , Lu Xiu-E , Jin Fan , Sheng Jian-Zhong , Xu Jian , Huang He-Feng
Published: March 2014

Context:

There are increasing concerns that a disrupted endocrine environment may disturb the growth of the fetus. Assisted reproductive technology (ART) situates gamete/embryo in a supraphysiological estradiol (E2) environment and, thus, provides an ideal model to investigate this problem.

Objective:

Our objective was to investigate whether the maternal high-E2 environment in the first trimester increases the risks of low birth weight (LBW) and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) birth.

Methods:

In total, 8869 singletons born after fresh embryo transfer (ET) (n = 2610), frozen ET (n = 1039), and natural conception (NC) (n = 5220) and their mothers were included. Birth weight, LBW, SGA, and maternal serum E2 levels were investigated.

Results:

The mean serum E2 levels of women undergoing fresh ET at 4 and 8 weeks of gestation were significantly higher than those of the women undergoing frozen ET and the women with NC (P < .01). Serum E2 levels of women undergoing fresh ET at 4 and 8 weeks of gestation were positively correlated to those on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration (r = 0.5 and r = 0.4, respectively; P < 0.01). The birth weight after fresh ET was significantly lower than that after frozen ET and NC (P < 0.01), with increased incidence of LBW and SGA (P < .05). Furthermore, in the fresh ET group, singletons of mothers with high E2 levels (≥10460 pmol/L on the day of hCG administration) had higher risks of LBW (P < .01) and SGA (P < .01) than those with low E2 levels, and maternal serum E2 level on the day of hCG administration negatively correlated with the birth weight (P < .01).

Conclusions:

The maternal high-E2 environment in the first trimester is correlated with increased risks of LBW and SGA. Evaluation of serum E2 before ET should be adopted to reduce the possibility of high E2 exposure to gamete/embryo.
Oxytocin Secretion Is Related to Measures of Energy Homeostasis in Young Amenorrheic Athletes
Authors: Lawson Elizabeth A. , Ackerman Kathryn E. , Slattery Meghan , Marengi Dean A. , Clarke Hannah , Misra Madhusmita
Published: March 2014

Context:

Oxytocin has been implicated in the modulation of energy metabolism in animals. Oxytocin knockout mice develop obesity without a change in food intake, suggesting that a lack of oxytocin may reduce metabolic rate. Furthermore, administration of oxytocin centrally reduces food intake in rats, an effect reversed by an oxytocin antagonist, implying that oxytocin may regulate appetite and energy intake. We have previously demonstrated that young female athletes (in a higher energy expenditure state than nonathletes) have low nocturnal oxytocin compared with nonathletes. Whether oxytocin is associated with measures of energy homeostasis in athletes is unknown.

Objective:

We hypothesized that oxytocin, a signal for energy availability, would be associated with other measures of energy homeostasis in young female athletes.

Design and Setting:

We performed a cross-sectional study of 45 females, aged 14–21 years [15 amenorrheic athletes (AA), 15 eumenorrheic athletes, and 15 nonathletes] of comparable body mass index.

Methods:

Dual x-ray absorptiometry was performed to assess body composition. Indirect calorimetry was used to measure resting energy expenditure (REE). Fasting levels of oxytocin, energy homeostasis hormones irisin and fibroblast growth factor-21, and appetite-regulating hormone peptide YY were obtained.

Results:

In AA, oxytocin secretion was positively correlated with surrogate measures of energy availability, including weight (r = 0.65, P = .009) and body mass index (r = 0.61, P = .016). Furthermore, oxytocin was associated with REE (r = 0.80, P = .0003), independent of lean mass, and with irisin (r = 0.74, P = .002) and fibroblast growth factor-21 (r = 0.58, P = .024). In eumenorrheic athletes, oxytocin was associated with REE (r = 0.59, P = .021), independent of lean mass. In nonathletes, oxytocin secretion was not significantly associated with measures of energy homeostasis.

Conclusions:

In AA, oxytocin secretion is associated with measures of energy availability and expenditure, suggesting that oxytocin may be involved in regulation of energy balance in energy deficient states. Further studies determining the role of oxytocin in appetite and energy homeostasis in athletes are warranted.
Problems He Never Gets Anywhere Near: Wittgenstein's Reading of Beethoven as a View of His Later Philosophy
Authors: Lau Matthew
Published: March 2014

This article argues that a 1931 text by Wittgenstein discussing Beethoven, philosophy, and cultural history sheds a unique light on both Wittgenstein's later philosophy and the relationship between music and philosophical thought more broadly. The first part of the essay claims that in writing about Beethoven Wittgenstein is writing about his philosophical self as well, not only touching on what he believed to be the relationship between his project and Beethoven's, but also trying to identify the path for his later philosophy within his own cultural and historical context. The second part brings the insights of this minor text to bear on both the controversial “rule-following” paradox from Philosophical Investigations and the role of skepticism in Wittgenstein's late philosophy. I suggest two related analogies, or what Wittgenstein himself might have called “family resemblances.” First, skepticism in Wittgenstein's later work resembles dissonance in one of Beethoven's most profoundly historical works, Symphony No. 3 in E flat “Eroica.” Second, and by extension, the overall structure of argumentation in Part 1 of Philosophical Investigations resembles Beethoven's version of the sonata form. In explicating the rule-following paradox and the symphony, I assess the methodologies of prominent critical commentaries on Wittgenstein and Beethoven, in particular those of philosopher Saul Kripke and musicologist Richard Taruskin, whose approaches attempt to dramatize the process of reading a text or listening to a piece “as if” for the first time. Such an approach can refresh or enliven our understanding of a familiar work; it can also leave a difficult text or musical composition seeming stranger than before. Kripke's commentary on Wittgenstein and Taruskin's on Beethoven provide extreme cases of both the happy and more problematic possibilities of such an approach.
Preparation of Modified Mica as an Effective Adsorbent to Remove Cs+ from Water
Authors: Yamamoto Takahiro , Fujimura Takuya , Shimada Tetsuya , Takagi Shinsuke
Published: March 2014

The adsorption behavior of Cs+ with the modified mica was investigated in aqueous suspension, quantitatively. Phlogopite was used as typical mica. We newly found out that phlogopite treated with BaCl2 for a short period (2 h) exhibits ability to adsorb Cs+, equivalent to phlogopite treated with a conventional reagent such as sodium tetraphenylborate (NaTPB). Since BaCl2 is a much cheaper reagent than NaTPB and the treatment period is very short, this finding would be valuable to provide a practical method to remove radioactive Cs+ from the environment.
Fabrication Process of Silica Hard-shell Microcapsule (HSMC) Containing Phase-change Materials
Authors: Toyoda Takafumi , Narisada Reishi , Suzuki Hiroshi , Hidema Ruri , Komoda Yoshiyuki
Published: March 2014

A fabrication process via the double-emulsion method is proposed for silica hard-shell microcapsules (HSMCs) that contain trimethylolethane (TME) hydrate. The TME-encapsulating silica-HSMCs are promising materials for reusable phase-change materials for latent-heat transportation systems. The obtained silica-HSMCs were visualized by a scanning electron microscope. The amount of TME hydrate inside the capsules was confirmed using a differential scanning calorimeter. The measured latent heat of the TME-encapsulating silica-HSMC was a reasonable fit to the predicted value.
Novel Inorganic Gatekeeper Strategy for Obtaining Controlled Release in Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: Peng Ce , Alec Nicol , Zhao Miaomiao , Cai Qiang , Yao Youwei , Wang Xiumei , Sun Xiaodan
Published: March 2014

A relatively facile and adjustable approach was investigated to synthesize mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) with a thin controllable solid silica-cap (sSiO2) outer layer that prevented unwanted degradation for controlled drug release because the sSiO2 turned out to degrade gradually. Ibuprofen (IBU) and calcium ions were loaded to evaluate the efficiency of this system. This sSiO2-capped degradation strategy for controlled release could easily be extended to other pH- or temperature-responsive MSN systems and applications.
Tuning of automatic exposure control strength in lumbar spine CT
Authors: D'Hondt A , Cornil A , Bohy P , De Maertelaer V , Gevenois P A , Tack D
Published: March 2014

Objective:

To investigate the impact of tuning the automatic exposure control (AEC) strength curve (specific to Care Dose 4D®; Siemens Healthcare, Forchheim, Germany) from “average” to “strong” on image quality, radiation dose and operator dependency during lumbar spine CT examinations.

Methods:

Two hospitals (H1, H2), both using the same scanners, were considered for two time periods (P1 and P2). During P1, the AEC curve was “average” and radiographers had to select one of two protocols according to the body mass index (BMI): “standard” if BMI <30.0 kg m−2 (120 kV–330 mAs) or “large” if BMI >30.0 kg m−2 (140 kV–280 mAs). During P2, the AEC curve was changed to “strong”, and all acquisitions were obtained with one protocol (120 kV and 270 mAs). Image quality was scored and patients' diameters calculated for both periods.

Results:

497 examinations were analysed. There was no significant difference in mean diameters according to hospitals and periods (p > 0.801) and in quality scores between periods (p > 0.172). There was a significant difference between hospitals regarding how often the “large” protocol was assigned [13 (10%)/132 patients in H1 vs 37 (28%)/133 in H2] (p < 0.001). During P1, volume CT dose index (CTDIvol) was higher in H2 (+13%; p = 0.050). In both hospitals, CTDIvol was reduced between periods (−19.2% in H1 and −29.4% in H2; p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

An operator dependency in protocol selection, unexplained by patient diameters or highlighted by image quality scores, has been observed. Tuning the AEC curve from average to strong enables suppression of the operator dependency in protocol selection and related dose increase, while preserving image quality.

Advances in knowledge:

CT acquisition protocols based on weight are responsible for biases in protocol selection. Using an appropriate AEC strength curve reduces the number of protocols to one. Operator dependency of protocol selection is thereby eliminated.
Observation Bias: The Impact of Demand Censoring on Newsvendor Level and Adjustment Behavior
Authors: Rudi Nils , Drake David
Published: March 2014

In an experimental newsvendor setting, we investigate three phenomena: level behavior—the decision maker's average ordering tendency; adjustment behavior—the tendency to adjust period-to-period order quantities; and observation bias—the tendency to let the degree of demand feedback influence order quantities. We find that, in three of four conditions, the portion of mismatch cost that results from adjustment behavior exceeds the portion of mismatch cost caused by level behavior. Observation bias is studied through censored demand feedback, a situation that arguably represents most newsvendor settings. When demands are uncensored, subjects tend to order below the normative quantity when they face high margin and above the normative quantity when they face low margin, but in neither case do they order beyond mean demand (the pull-to-center effect). Censoring in general leads to lower quantities, magnifying the below-normative-level behavior when they face high margin but partially counterbalancing the above-normative-level behavior when they face low margin, violating the pull-to-center effect in both cases.

Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2013.1825 .

This paper was accepted by Christian Terwiesch, operations management.
A Typology for Service Supply Chains and Its Implications for Strategic Decisions
Authors: Stavrulaki Euthemia , Davis Mark M.
Published: March 2014

The strategic management of service supply chains is largely undeveloped despite recent emphasis on service supply chain management as the next frontier of competitive advantage. We propose a new typology for service supply chains that focuses on the service delivery process and is based on two process-related criteria: what is being processed (i.e., people, data, or things) and how it is being processed (i.e., through transforming or transporting). With a focus on the service delivery management process, we compare and contrast the different service supply chains of our typology along four key characteristics: (a) the separability of the customer from the process, (b) the level of customer-induced uncertainty in the process, (c) the importance of providing the customer with physical access to the process, and (d) the type and degree of customer interaction with the process. We discuss managerial implications of these characteristics with respect to the overall strategic focus (cost or differentiation) and outsourcing practices for each type of service supply chain.
Harvesting of short rotation coppice – harvesting trials with a cut and storage system in Germany
Authors: Schweier Janine , Becker Gero
Published: March 2014

Short rotation coppice (SRC) harvesting techniques are available in Germany, but broad experience and knowledge about machine performance and the related effective costs of harvesting operations are still missing. This information is crucial, as harvesting costs strongly influence the economic performance of the overall supply chain. Therefore, it was the aim of this study to collect and analyze productivity data of different harvesting systems for SRC. The combined cut and chip system on the one hand and the cut and storage system on the other hand were studied by literature review. Several studies analyze the combined cut and chip systems and the reported machine productivities showed great variations. The average was 30 green tons per scheduled machine hour (gt smh). Few studies are analysing the cut and storage system. They report that machines still are under development and that further research is needed. Therefore, time studies of harvesting operations using the cut and storage system were carried out. Five trials were performed with the harvesting machine âStemster MK IIIâ developed by Nordic Biomass. The share of productive working time was 85% and the average productivity was 21 gt smh. These results were compared with values from the literature. Resulting harvesting costs were calculated per oven dry ton (euros odt). The advantages and disadvantages of both harvesting systems are highlighted.â1â1â1
Mirror World, Minus World: Glitching Nabokov’s Pale Fire
Authors: Ferguson Andrew
Published: March 2014

This article considers different experiences available to the reader of Vladimir Nabokov’s Pale Fire by exploring the novel through concepts familiar from videogaming, such as the warp, the glitch, and the Let’s Play, developing particular parallels with the Nintendo game Super Mario Bros. All of these potential modes of experience are comprised in the playerly text, which serves as a conduit linking together a work’s past, present, and future readers.
Endocytosis and the Src family of non-receptor tyrosine kinases
Authors: Reinecke James , Caplan Steve
Published: March 2014

The regulated intracellular transport of nutrient, adhesion, and growth factor receptors is crucial for maintaining cell and tissue homeostasis. Endocytosis, or endocytic membrane trafficking, involves the steps of intracellular transport that include, but are not limited to, internalization from the plasma membrane, sorting in early endosomes, transport to late endosomes/lysosomes followed by degradation, and/or recycling back to the plasma membrane through tubular recycling endosomes. In addition to regulating the localization of transmembrane receptor proteins, the endocytic pathway also controls the localization of non-receptor molecules. The non-receptor tyrosine kinase c-Src (Src) and its closely related family members Yes and Fyn represent three proteins whose localization and signaling activities are tightly regulated by endocytic trafficking. Here, we provide a brief overview of endocytosis, Src function and its biochemical regulation. We will then concentrate on recent advances in understanding how Src intracellular localization is regulated and how its subcellular localization ultimately dictates downstream functioning. As Src kinases are hyperactive in many cancers, it is essential to decipher the spatiotemporal regulation of this important family of tyrosine kinases.
Automated detection of circinate exudates in retina digital images using empirical mode decomposition and the entropy and uniformity of the intrinsic mode functions
Authors: Lahmiri Salim , Boukadoum Mounir
Published: March 2014

This work presents a new automated system to detect circinate exudates in retina digital images. It operates as follows: the true color image is converted to gray levels, and contrast-limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE) is applied to it before undergoing empirical mode decomposition (EMD) as intrinsic mode functions (IMFs). The entropies and uniformities of the first two IMFs are then computed to form a feature vector that is fed to a support vector machine (SVM) for classification. The experimental results using a set of 45 images (23 normal images and 22 images with circinate exudates taken from the STARE database) and tenfold cross-validation indicate that the proposed approach outperforms previous works found in the literature, with perfect classification. In addition, the image processing time was <4 min, making the presented circinate exudate detection system fit for use in a clinical environment.
Endocrine disruptors and polycystic ovary syndrome: a focus on Bisphenol A and its potential pathophysiological aspects
Authors: Palioura Eleni , Kandaraki Eleni , Diamanti-Kandarakis Evanthia
Published: March 2014

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous disorder of unknown etiology that may arise from a combination of a number of underlying genetic interactions and predispositions with environmental factors. Endocrine disruptors and, in particular, Bisphenol A may represent one of the many underlying causes of the syndrome as they are experimentally linked to metabolic and reproductive derangements resembling PCOS-related disorders. Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals may act as an environmental modifier to worsen symptoms of PCOS in affected females or to contribute to the final phenotype of the syndrome in genetically predisposed individuals.
Research on the Modified Model for Steady Displacement Interface Shape in Inclined Wells with Eccentric Annuli
Authors: Fuping Feng , Fahao Yu , Chi Ai , Zhihua Cui , Haisu Xu
Published: March 2014

It is well known that a displacement interface reflects the intermixing extent of two-phase fluids. Optimization
of displacing and fluids’ property parameters is the key to achieve good cementing quality according to the displacement
interface shape. In previous literatures, the model for the steady displacement interface shape in inclined wells only takes
the factor of annular azimuthal angle into account, but not including annular radium term, which is imperfect. In this
paper, by comprehensively analyzing the effects of both azimuthal angle and annular radium on the displacement interface
shape, we establish a modified model for the steady displacement interface shape in inclined wells with eccentric annuli
on the basis of a 2D Hele-Shaw displacement model, which will be more suitable for describing the actual displacement
interface shape. From the modified model, we obtain: When density difference is smaller, the position of interface front is
on the external casing wall of the annular wide side; otherwise, it will occur on the wellbore wall of the annular narrow
side under a greater density difference. The displacement interface length in inclined wells with eccentric annuli is
decreased and then increased with the increase of density difference, which indicates that there does exist an optimal
density difference to make the interface length minimum. For a certain casing’s eccentricity, the optimal density
difference in inclined wells is gradually decreased with deviation angle. When meeting the conditions of pressure stability
and anti-leak, a greater density difference can obtain better displacement effect for vertical wells, otherwise, a smaller
density difference can be good for horizontal wells.
Prevalence and Characteristics of Tooth Agenesis in Permanent Dentition of Subjects from Tîrgu Mureș
Authors: Bernadette Kerekes-Máthé , Krisztina Mártha , Melinda Székely
Published: March 2014

Background: Identification of the characteristics of tooth agenesis is an important component in the understanding of the ethiology of this common developmental dental anomaly. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and the characteristics of tooth agenesis among patients from Tîrgu Mureș. Material and method: The present study is retrospective and descriptive, based on the evaluation of the patient’s dental records from 2004 to 2012 belonging to a pediatric dental office from Tîrgu Mureș. Orthopantomograms and anamnestic data of 947 children and young adults (365 male and 582 female) were analyzed. Results: The prevalence of tooth agenesis, excluding third molars, was 7.39%. The difference between the genders was statistically not significant (p = 0.09). The most frequently missing teeth were the upper second incisors, followed by the lower second premolars. The difference between the distribution of agenesis in the upper and lower jaws was statistically significant (p <0.0001). The distribution of dental agenesis between the anterior region and the lateral region of the maxilla and the mandible showed significant differences (p <0.0001). Symmetrical distribution of tooth agenesis was found more frequently (54.54%) than assymetrical distribution. Conclusions: The maxillary anterior region and the mandibular lateral region were the most affected by dental agenesis in the permanent dentition of the studied population. The maxilla was more affected than the mandible and bilateral forms of agenesis were more frequently than unilateral forms. The more extreme forms of agenesis were found amongst female