bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a Gravid Uterus Model for the Study of Road Accidents Involving Pregnant Women
Authors: Auriault F. , Thollon L. , Behr M.
Published: November 2015

Car accident simulations involving pregnant women are well documented in the literature and suggest that intra-uterine pressure could be responsible for the phenomenon of placental abruption, underlining the need for a realistic amniotic fluid model, including fluid–structure interactions (FSI). This study reports the development and validation of an amniotic fluid model using an Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian formulation in the LS-DYNA environment. Dedicated to the study of the mechanisms responsible for fetal injuries resulting from road accidents, the fluid model was validated using dynamic loading tests. Drop tests were performed on a deformable water-filled container at acceleration levels that would be experienced in a gravid uterus during a frontal car collision at 25 kph. During the test device braking phase, container deformation induced by inertial effects and FSI was recorded by kinematic analysis. These tests were then simulated in the LS-DYNA environment to validate a fluid model under dynamic loading, based on the container deformations. Finally, the coupling between the amniotic fluid model and an existing finite-element full-body pregnant woman model was validated in terms of pressure. To do so, experimental test results performed on four postmortem human surrogates (PMHS) (in which a physical gravid uterus model was inserted) were used. The experimental intra-uterine pressure from these tests was compared to intra uterine pressure from a numerical simulation performed under the same loading conditions. Both free fall numerical and experimental responses appear strongly correlated. The relationship between the amniotic fluid model and pregnant woman model provide intra-uterine pressure values correlated with the experimental test responses. The use of an Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian formulation allows the analysis of FSI between the amniotic fluid and the gravid uterus during a road accident involving pregnant women.
Measuring Three-Dimensional Thorax Motion Via Biplane Radiographic Imaging: Technique and Preliminary Results
Authors: Baumer Timothy G. , Giles Joshua W. , Drake Anne , Zauel Roger , Bey Michael J.
Published: November 2015

Measures of scapulothoracic motion are dependent on accurate imaging of the scapula and thorax. Advanced radiographic techniques can provide accurate measures of scapular motion, but the limited 3D imaging volume of these techniques often precludes measurement of thorax motion. To overcome this, a thorax coordinate system was defined based on the position of rib pairs and then compared to a conventional sternum/spine-based thorax coordinate system. Alignment of the rib-based coordinate system was dependent on the rib pairs used, with the rib3:rib4 pairing aligned to within 4.4 ± 2.1 deg of the conventional thorax coordinate system.
Effects of a DVD-Delivered Exercise Intervention on Maintenance of Physical Activity in Older Adults
Authors: Fanning Jason , Awick Elizabeth A. , Wójcicki Thomas R. , Gothe Neha , Roberts Sarah , Ehlers Diane K. , Motl Robert W. , McAuley Edward
Published: November 2015

Background:

Previous research supports the efficacy of a 6-month DVD-delivered program for enhancing physical activity (PA) in older adults. In the current study, we examined the degree to which intervention-related increases in PA were maintained after a 6-month, no-contact follow-up.

Methods:

Follow-up assessments of PA via accelerometry and the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ) were collected in a sample of older adults (N = 238). Repeated measures analyses of variance were conducted to examine changes in PA over the course of the follow-up period.

Results:

For accelerometer measured PA, there was a significant time × treatment × age group interaction, F1,203 =11.319, P = .001, η2 = .053, such that younger (≤70 years) intervention participants maintained high levels of PA across the follow-up period, while PA in older intervention and young control participants declined significantly. Rates of PA in older control participants remained low over the course of the follow-up period. Analyses of GLTEQ scores revealed similar, though less significant patterns.

Conclusions:

DVD-based exercise programs may be effective for maintaining PA in younger members of the older adult population; however, there remains a need to develop better strategies for promoting PA maintenance in older individuals when using home-based designs.
Competing Effects Between Screen Media Time and Physical Activity in Adolescent Girls: Clustering a Self-Organizing Maps Analysis
Authors: Valencia-Peris Alexandra , Devís-Devís José , García-Massó Xavier , Lizandra Jorge , Pérez-Gimeno Esther , Peiró-Velert Carmen
Published: November 2015

Background:

Previous research shows contradictory findings on potential competing effects between sedentary screen media usage (SMU) and physical activity (PA). This study examined these effects on adolescent girls via self-organizing maps analysis focusing on 3 target profiles.

Methods:

A sample of 1,516 girls aged 12 to 18 years self-reported daily time engagement in PA (moderate and vigorous intensity) and in screen media activities (TV/video/DVD, computer, and videogames), separately and combined.

Results:

Topological interrelationships from the 13 emerging maps indicated a moderate competing effect between physically active and sedentary SMU patterns. Higher SES and overweight status were linked to either active or inactive behaviors. Three target clusters were explored in more detail. Cluster 1, named temperate-media actives, showed capabilities of being active while engaging in a moderate level of SMU (TV/video/DVD mainly). In Cluster 2, named prudent-media inactives, and Cluster 3, compulsive-media inactives, a competing effect between SMU and PA emerged, being sedentary SMU behaviors responsible for a low involvement in active pursuits.

Conclusions:

SMU and PA emerge as both related and independent behaviors in girls, resulting in a moderate competing effect. Findings support the case for recommending the timing of PA and SMU for recreational purposes considering different profiles, sociodemographic factors and types of SMU.
Toward best practices for construction and maintenance of through-grade culverts to mitigate pavement roughness
Authors: Kavanagh Leonnie , Soliman Haithem , Shalaby Ahmed
Published: November 2015

Culverts are used to preserve pavement embankments by draining water from the structures. However pavement roughness caused by excessive bumps, sags, and depressions at a culvert location are signs of failure or improper construction. The surface roughness at a culvert location can be caused by inadequate compaction of granular base material, erosion of the backfill or supporting materials, and (or) differential frost heaving. Pavement roughness can adversely affect ride quality and create potentially unsafe driving conditions. The objective of this study is to recommend construction and maintenance solutions to mitigate bumps, sags, and depressions at through-grade culverts on highways in Manitoba. The study consists of a review of the state of the art practices in culvert construction and maintenance; a survey questionnaire to obtain construction and performance history of through-grade culverts in Manitoba; and a forensic investigation and case study analysis of failed culverts with excessive bump, dip or sags. Culverts with minor or no pavement roughness were also investigated to identify design and construction elements that favor good performance. The results of the forensic investigation and recommended best practices construction and maintenance solutions to mitigate excessive pavement roughness at culverts are presented.
Surface growth for molten silicon infiltration into carbon millimeter-sized channels: Lattice–Boltzmann simulations, experiments and models
Authors: Sergi Danilo , Camarano Antonio , Molina José Miguel , Ortona Alberto , Narciso Javier
Published: November 2015

The process of liquid silicon (Si) infiltration is investigated for channels with radii from 0.25[Formula: see text][mm] to 0.75[Formula: see text][mm] drilled in compact carbon (C) preforms. The advantage of this setup is that the study of the phenomenon results can be simplified. For comparison purposes, attempts are made in order to work out a framework for evaluating the accuracy of simulations. The approach relies on dimensionless numbers involving the properties of the surface reaction. It turns out that complex hydrodynamic behavior derived from second Newton law can be made consistent with Lattice–Boltzmann (LB) simulations. The experiments give clear evidence that the growth of silicon carbide (SiC) proceeds in two different stages and basic mechanisms are highlighted. LB simulations prove to be an effective tool for the description of the growing phase. Namely, essential experimental constraints can be implemented. As a result, the existing models are useful to gain more insight on the process of reactive infiltration into porous media in the first stage of penetration, i.e. up to pore closure because of surface growth. A way allowing one to implement the resistance from chemical reaction in Darcy law is also proposed.
The interplay of self-reflection, social interaction and random events in the dynamics of opinion flow in two-party democracies
Authors: Lichtenegger Klaus , Hadzibeganovic Tarik
Published: November 2015

We propose a continuous process opinion formation model to study the dynamics of a multi-level relationship between voters, political parties, and facts in two-party democratic elections. In our model, opinions can take any real value between two extremes and an unaligned, moderate opinion state without a preference. Starting with a random opinion configuration, individual voter opinions evolve and change over time due to self-reflection, inter-personal communication, external media influence, and noise. Parties are influenced by their own ideologies, facts, and voters’ opinions. Elections are held periodically and the party that is closer in opinion to the majority of voters forms the new government. The government policy is then expected to be in proximity to the voter opinions and the policies of the currently ruling political party. We analyze the tension of opinions as a measure of how dramatically opinions can disagree within a given sample of voters and the success of the government and parties as the degree of coincidence between the policies and facts. Our model generates realistic quasi-periodic alternations between incumbents and challengers that are typical for two-party systems. Moreover, our model shows that relative to other voters’ strategies, conscious voting can lead to more successful governments of not only fact-oriented but also pragmatic and balanced political parties, irrespective of the strategies of the competing opposition parties. In addition, our simulations uncover several interesting features including less victories for strictly ideological or fact-oriented parties unless they include some aspects of populism or pragmatism. In this sense, our model can also describe situations where election outcomes are not necessarily based on votes for the current programs of competing parties and their placement on relevant issues, but instead result from voters’ dissatisfaction with the previous government and the votes against it.
Review of gravitomagnetic acceleration from accretion disks
Authors: Poirier J. , Mathews G. J.
Published: November 2015

We review the development of the equations of gravitoelectromagnetism and summarize how the motion of the neutral masses in an accretion disk orbiting a black hole creates a general-relativistic magnetic-like (gravitomagnetic) field that vertically accelerates neutral particles near the accretion disk upward and then inward toward the axis of the accretion disk. Even though this gravitomagnetic field is not the only mechanism to produce collimated jets, it is a novel means to identify one general relativistic effect from a much more complicated problem. In addition, as the accelerated material above or below the accretion disk nears the axis with a nearly vertical direction, a frame-dragging effect twists the trajectories around the axis thus contributing to the collimation of the jet.
Confidence-Based Reliability Evaluation of Multistate Production Network with Process Improvement
Authors: Sun Shih-Wan , Chang Ping-Chen , Lin Yi-Kuei
Published: November 2015

Effectively assessing and improving production systems in different scenarios are critical for the management of production processes. This paper proposes a new approach that takes process improvement into consideration to evaluate system reliability. The system reliability is defined as the probability that the volume of input processed successfully through the individual workstations within a production system. This system reliability evaluation approach models the production system as a confidence-based multistate production network (CP-MPN). The discrete-time Markov chain is adopted to feature the CP-MPN, and the target success rate (TSR) is set as a reference to achieve the purpose of process improvement of each workstation. Our results indicate that, when the TSR is improved, the CP-MPN can meet both the given demand and confidence level with less input. This curtailed input volume diminishes the loadings of workstations so that the system reliability of the CP-MPN can be enhanced. Two examples (a tile production system and a printed circuit board (PCB) production system) are presented to demonstrate the confidence-based reliability evaluation approach and prove our results. This paper provides not only a practicable method to evaluate system reliability that includes the process improvement perspective but also a workable indicator to guide production managers to improve the quality of workstations.
On some analytic functions associated with the linear operators satisfying certain recurring relations
Authors: Sharma Poonam , Bajpai Aditya K.
Published: November 2015

In this paper, associated with convolutions, linear operators [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are defined with the requirement of certain recurring relations. Some results based on analytic functions involving these operators are derived. Taking some specific forms of such operators, results involving the Dziok–Srivastava operator, the Jung–Kim–Srivastava integral operator, the Srivastava–Attiya linear operator and others, are also mentioned.
Component factors of the Cartesian product of graphs
Authors: Chithra M. R. , Vijayakumar A.
Published: November 2015

Let [Formula: see text] be a family of connected graphs. A spanning subgraph [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] is called an [Formula: see text]-factor (component factor) of [Formula: see text] if each component of [Formula: see text] is in [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we study the component factors of the Cartesian product of graphs. Here, we take [Formula: see text] and show that every connected graph [Formula: see text] has a [Formula: see text]-factor where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is the maximum degree of an induced subgraph [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text]. Also, we characterize graphs [Formula: see text] having a [Formula: see text]-factor.
Maximal inverse subsemigroups of the semigroup of all full transformations satisfying x ≈ x3
Authors: Worawiset Somnuek
Published: November 2015

We classify the maximal Clifford inverse subsemigroups [Formula: see text] of the full transformation semigroup [Formula: see text] on an [Formula: see text]-element set with [Formula: see text] for all [Formula: see text]. This classification differs from the already known classifications of Clifford inverse semigroups, it provides an algorithm for its construction. For a given natural number [Formula: see text], we find also the largest size of an inverse subsemigroup [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] satisfying [Formula: see text] with least rank [Formula: see text] for any element in [Formula: see text].
On modules and rings satisfy condition (𝒞)
Authors: Hai Phan The
Published: November 2015

A right [Formula: see text]-module [Formula: see text] is called to satisfy condition [Formula: see text] if, for every [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], there exists [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] and if [Formula: see text] is a direct summand of [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text] is a direct summand of [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we give some properties of rings and modules to satisfy condition [Formula: see text]. Moreover, their connections with von Neumann regular rings, Hereditary rings, Noetherian rings and (semi)artinian rings are addressed.
Pworm: Passive and Real-Time Wormhole Detection Scheme for WSNs
Authors: Lu Li , Hussain Muhammad Jawad , Luo Guoxing , Han Zhigang
Published: November 2015

Wormhole attack is one of the severe threats to wireless sensor and ad hoc networks. Most of the existing countermeasures either require specialized hardware or demand high network overheads in order to capture the specific symptoms induced by the wormholes, which in result limits their applicability. In this paper, we exploit an inevitable symptom of wormholes and present Pworm, a passive wormhole detection and localization system based upon the key observation that a large amount of network traffic will be attracted by the wormholes. The proposed scheme is passive, real-time, and efficient against both active and passive wormholes. Our approach silently observes the variations in network topology to infer the wormhole existence and solely relies on network routing information. It does not necessitate specialized hardware or poses rigorous assumptions on network features. We evaluate our scheme through extensive simulations of 100 to 800 nodes for various network scales and show that Pworm is well suited for false alarms, scalability, and time delay in terms of activation as well as detection latencies.
Convergence Improved Lax-Friedrichs Scheme Based Numerical Schemes and Their Applications in Solving the One-Layer and Two-Layer Shallow-Water Equations
Authors: Lu Xinhua , Dong Bingjiang , Mao Bing , Zhang Xiaofeng
Published: November 2015

The first-order Lax-Friedrichs (LF) scheme is commonly used in conjunction with other schemes to achieve monotone and stable properties with lower numerical diffusion. Nevertheless, the LF scheme and the schemes devised based on it, for example, the first-order centered (FORCE) and the slope-limited centered (SLIC) schemes, cannot achieve a time-step-independence solution due to the excessive numerical diffusion at a small time step. In this work, two time-step-convergence improved schemes, the C-FORCE and C-SLIC schemes, are proposed to resolve this problem. The performance of the proposed schemes is validated in solving the one-layer and two-layer shallow-water equations, verifying their capabilities in attaining time-step-independence solutions and showing robustness of them in resolving discontinuities with high-resolution.
An Approximate Optimal Maximum Range Guidance Scheme for Subsonic Unpowered Gliding Vehicles
Authors: Zhang Dao-Chi , Xia Qun-Li , Wen Qiu-Qiu , Zhou Guan-qun
Published: November 2015

This study investigates the maximum gliding range problems of subsonic unpowered gliding vehicles and proposes an approximate optimal maximum range guidance scheme. First, the gliding flight path angle corresponding to constant dynamic pressure is derived. A lift-to-drag ratio(L/D)inversely proportional to the dynamic pressure is then proven. On this basis, the calculation method of an optimal dynamic pressure (ODP) profile with a maximumL/Dthroughout the flight is presented. A guidance scheme for tracking the ODP profile, which uses the flight path angle as control variable, is then designed. The maximum ranges of the unpowered gliding vehicle obtained by the proposed guidance scheme and pseudospectral method are compared. Results show that the guidance scheme provides an accurate approximation of the optimal results, and the errors are less than 2%. The proposed guidance scheme is easy to implement and is not influenced by wind compared with numerical schemes.
Mean Platelet Volume in Hyperthyroid Toxic Adenoma Patients after Radioactive 131I Treatment
Authors: Simsek Eda , Timur Ozge , Carlioglu Ayse , Arikan Durmaz Senay , Demirci Munir , Sevimli Hakan
Published: November 2015

This study demonstrates that mean platelet volume (MPV) levels decrease after radioiodine (RAI) ablation therapy in hyperthyroid patients. Regarding the fact that large platelets are hemostatically more active, we suggest that hyperthyroid patients are at risk of cardiovascular disease despite all other cardiovascular risk factors. After RAI ablation therapy as MPV levels return to normal, cardiovascular risk for hyperthyroid patients reduces.
Optimal Control of the Ill-Posed Cauchy Elliptic Problem
Authors: Berhail A. , Omrane A.
Published: November 2015

We give a characterization of the control for ill-posed problems of oscillating solutions. More precisely, we study the control of Cauchy elliptic problems via a regularization approach which generates incomplete information. We obtain a singular optimality system characterizing the no-regret control for the Cauchy problem.
Approximating Explicitly the Mean-Reverting CEV Process
Authors: Halidias N. , Stamatiou I. S.
Published: November 2015

We are interested in the numerical solution of mean-reverting CEV processes that appear in financial mathematics models and are described as nonnegative solutions of certain stochastic differential equations with sublinear diffusion coefficients of the form(xt)q,where1/2<q<1. Our goal is to construct explicit numerical schemes that preserve positivity. We prove convergence of the proposed SD scheme with rate depending on the parameterq. Furthermore, we verify our findings through numerical experiments and compare with other positivity preserving schemes. Finally, we show how to treat the two-dimensional stochastic volatility model with instantaneous variance process given by the above mean-reverting CEV process.
The Male Reproductive Cycle of the Spotted Toad-Headed Agama,Phrynocephalus maculatus, in Iran
Authors: Rahmani Soheila , Hojati Vida
Published: November 2015

The spotted toad-headed agama,Phrynocephalus maculatus, distributed in the central and southeastern arid regions of Iran, belongs to the Agamidae family. In this research, the male reproductive cycle of this species was studied from 5 April to 5 August, 2013. Totally, 40 adult males were collected at midday from southern deserts of Damghan County, located in Semnan Province of Iran. Testes were removed and processed for morphometric and histological studies. The spermatogenic cycle begins from early April, mating occurs in mid-May, and it ends in August. Maximum reproductive activity occurs in early June and reduces from early July and ends in August. The numbers of seminal vesicles were 33–127 and their diameter varied between 69.0 and 258.3 microns. The diameter of tunica albuginea varied between 3.0 and 8.1 microns. The diameter of germinal layer varied between 10.0 and 110.0 microns. There were significant differences in macroscopic and microscopic testicular characters between months. Also, there were no significant differences in the testicular and hemipenal characters between the left side and the right side of body. Since spermatogenesis occurs from April through August,P. maculatusfollows an associated reproductive cycle typical for temperate species.
Methods to Load Balance a GCR Pressure Solver Using a Stencil Framework on Multi- and Many-Core Architectures
Authors: Ciznicki Milosz , Kulczewski Michal , Kopta Piotr , Kurowski Krzysztof
Published: November 2015

The recent advent of novel multi- and many-core architectures forces application programmers to deal with hardware-specific implementation details and to be familiar with software optimisation techniques to benefit from new high-performance computing machines. Extra care must be taken for communication-intensive algorithms, which may be a bottleneck for forthcoming era of exascale computing. This paper aims to present a high-level stencil framework implemented for the EULerian or LAGrangian model (EULAG) that efficiently utilises multi- and many-cores architectures. Only an efficient usage of both many-core processors (CPUs) and graphics processing units (GPUs) with the flexible data decomposition method can lead to the maximum performance that scales the communication-intensive Generalized Conjugate Residual (GCR) elliptic solver with preconditioner.
High-Dose Estradiol-Replacement Therapy Enhances the Renal Vascular Response to Angiotensin II via an AT2-Receptor Dependent Mechanism
Authors: Safari Tahereh , Nematbakhsh Mehdi , Evans Roger G. , Denton Kate M.
Published: November 2015

Physiological levels of estrogen appear to enhance angiotensin type 2 receptor- (AT2R-) mediated vasodilatation. However, the effects of supraphysiological levels of estrogen, analogous to those achieved with high-dose estrogen replacement therapy in postmenopausal women, remain unknown. Therefore, we pretreated ovariectomized rats with a relatively high dose of estrogen (0.5 mg/kg/week) for two weeks. Subsequently, renal hemodynamic responses to intravenous angiotensin II (Ang II, 30–300 ng/kg/min) were tested under anesthesia, while renal perfusion pressure was held constant. The role of AT2R was examined by pretreating groups of rats with PD123319 or its vehicle. Renal blood flow (RBF) decreased in a dose-related manner in response to Ang II. Responses to Ang II were enhanced by pretreatment with estradiol. For example, at 300 ng kg−1 min−1, Ang II reduced RBF by45.7±1.9% in estradiol-treated rats but only by27.3±5.1% in vehicle-treated rats. Pretreatment with PD123319 blunted the response of RBF to Ang II in estradiol-treated rats, so that reductions in RBF were similar to those in rats not treated with estradiol. We conclude that supraphysiological levels of estrogen promote AT2R-mediated renal vasoconstriction. This mechanism could potentially contribute to the increased risk of cardiovascular disease associated with hormone replacement therapy using high-dose estrogen.
Linear Sobolev Type Equations with Relativelyp-Sectorial Operators in Space of “Noises”
Authors: Favini A. , Sviridyuk G. A. , Manakova N. A.
Published: November 2015

The concept of “white noise,” initially established in finite-dimensional spaces, is transferred to infinite-dimensional case. The goal of this transition is to develop the theory of stochastic Sobolev type equations and to elaborate applications of practical interest. To reach this goal the Nelson-Gliklikh derivative is introduced and the spaces of “noises” are developed. The Sobolev type equations with relatively sectorial operators are considered in the spaces of differentiable “noises.” The existence and uniqueness of classical solutions are proved. The stochastic Dzektser equation in a bounded domain with homogeneous boundary condition and the weakened Showalter-Sidorov initial condition is considered as an application.
Comparison of Groundwater Level Models Based on Artificial Neural Networks and ANFIS
Authors: Djurovic Nevenka , Domazet Milka , Stricevic Ruzica , Pocuca Vesna , Spalevic Velibor , Pivic Radmila , Gregoric Enika , Domazet Uros
Published: November 2015

Water table forecasting plays an important role in the management of groundwater resources in agricultural regions where there are drainage systems in river valleys. The results presented in this paper pertain to an area along the left bank of the Danube River, in the Province of Vojvodina, which is the northern part of Serbia. Two soft computing techniques were used in this research: an adaptive neurofuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and an artificial neural network (ANN) model for one‐month water table forecasts at several wells located at different distances from the river. The results suggest that both these techniques represent useful tools for modeling hydrological processes in agriculture, with similar computing and memory capabilities, such that they constitute an exceptionally good numerical framework for generating high‐quality models.
Surface Epitope Coverage Affects Binding Characteristics of Bisphenol‐A Functionalized Nanoparticles in a Competitive Inhibition Assay
Authors: Lu Yang , Peterson Joshua Richard , Luais Erwann , Gooding John Justin , Lee Nanju Alice
Published: November 2015

The biomolecule interface is a key element in immunosensor fabrication, which can greatly influence the sensor performance. This paper explores the effects of surface epitope coverage of small molecule functionalized nanoparticle on the apparent affinity (avidity) of antibody in a competitive inhibition assay using bisphenol‐A (BPA) as a model target. An unconventional two‐antibody competitive inhibition ELISA (ci‐ELISA) using thiolated BPA modified gold nanoparticles (cysBPAv‐AuNP) as a competing reagent was devised for this study. It was shown that the antibody complexation with cysBPAv‐AuNPs required a minimum number of surface epitopes on the nanoparticle to form a sufficiently strong interaction and reliable detection. The binding of cysBPAv‐AuNP to anti‐BPA antibodies, for limited antibody binding sites, was enhanced by a greater number of epitope‐modified nanoparticles (cysBPAv‐AuNP) as well as with higher epitope coverage. Increasing the molar concentration of epitope present in an assay enhanced the binding between anti‐BPA antibodies and cysBPAv‐AuNP. This implies that, to increase the limit of detection of a competitive inhibition assay, a reduced molar concentration of epitope should be applied. This could be achieved by either lowering the epitope coverage on each cysBPAv‐AuNP or the assay molar concentration of cysBPAv‐AuNP or both of these factors.
Kinematic Analysis of a Partially Decoupled 3-DOF Parallel Wrist
Authors: Zhang Fan , Zhu Yunping , Furukawa Tomonari , Song Wanqing
Published: November 2015

A unique spherical parallel wrist with three partially decoupled rotational degrees of freedom (DOFs) is introduced in this paper. The mechanism has the significant advantages of few singularities and simple partially decoupled kinematics. A modified parallel wrist is optimized to have the least link interference workspace. Finally, the decoupled motion is studied in detail to exhibit the kinematic performance of the mechanism.
Adaptive Fusion Design Using Multiscale Unscented Kalman Filter Approach for Multisensor Data Fusion
Authors: Wang Huadong , Dong Shi
Published: November 2015

In order to improve the reliability of measurement data, the multisensor data fusion technology has progressed greatly in improving the accuracy of measurement data. This paper utilizes the real-time, recursive, and optimal estimation characteristics of unscented Kalman filter (UKF), as well as the unique advantages of multiscale wavelet transform decomposition in data analysis to effectively integrate observational data from multiple sensors. A new multiscale UKF-based multisensor data fusion algorithm is proposed by combining the UKF with multiscale signal analysis. Firstly, model-based UKF is introduced into the multiple sensors, and then the model is decomposed at multiple scales onto the coarse scale with wavelets. Next, signals decomposed from fine to coarse scales are adjusted using the denoised observational data from corresponding sensors and reconstructed with wavelets to obtain the fused signals. Finally, the processed data are fused using adaptive weighted fusion algorithm. Comparison of simulation and experimental results shows that the proposed method can effectively improve the antijamming capability of the measurement system and ensure the reliability and accuracy of sensor measurement system compared to the use of data fusion algorithm alone.
Failure Probability Model considering the Effect of Intermediate Principal Stress on Rock Strength
Authors: Zheng Yonglai , Deng Shuxin
Published: November 2015

A failure probability model is developed to describe the effect of the intermediate principal stress on rock strength. Each shear plane in rock samples is considered as a micro-unit. The strengths of these micro-units are assumed to match Weibull distribution. The macro strength of rock sample is a synthetic consideration of all directions’ probabilities. New model reproduces the typical phenomenon of intermediate principal stress effect that occurs in some true triaxial experiments. Based on the new model, a strength criterion is proposed and it can be regarded as a modified Mohr-Coulomb criterion with a uniformity coefficient. New strength criterion can quantitatively reflect the intermediate principal stress effect on rock strength and matches previously published experimental results better than common strength criteria.
Research on Francis Turbine Modeling for Large Disturbance Hydropower Station Transient Process Simulation
Authors: Zhang Guangtao , Cheng Yuanchu , Lu Na
Published: November 2015

In the field of hydropower station transient process simulation (HSTPS), characteristic graph-based iterative hydroturbine model (CGIHM) has been widely used when large disturbance hydroturbine modeling is involved. However, by this model, iteration should be used to calculate speed and pressure, and slow convergence or no convergence problems may be encountered for some reasons like special characteristic graph profile, inappropriate iterative algorithm, or inappropriate interpolation algorithm, and so forth. Also, other conventional large disturbance hydroturbine models are of some disadvantages and difficult to be used widely in HSTPS. Therefore, to obtain an accurate simulation result, a simple method for hydroturbine modeling is proposed. By this method, both the initial operating point and the transfer coefficients of linear hydroturbine model keep changing during simulation. Hence, it can reflect the nonlinearity of the hydroturbine and be used for Francis turbine simulation under large disturbance condition. To validate the proposed method, both large disturbance and small disturbance simulations of a single hydrounit supplying a resistive, isolated load were conducted. It was shown that the simulation result is consistent with that of field test. Consequently, the proposed method is an attractive option for HSTPS involving Francis turbine modeling under large disturbance condition.
The Risk of Individual Stocks’ Tail Dependence with the Market and Its Effect on Stock Returns
Authors: Fan Guobin , Girardin Eric , Wong Wong K. , Zeng Yong
Published: November 2015

Traditional beta is only a linear measure of overall market risk and places equal emphasis on upside and downside risks, but actually the latter is always much stronger probably due to the trading mechanism like short-sale constraints. Therefore, this paper employs the nonlinear measure, tail dependence, to measure the extreme downside risks that individual stocks crash together with the whole market and investigates whether such tail dependence risks will affect stock returns. Our empirical evidence based on Shanghai A shares confirms that most stocks display nonnegligible tail dependence with the whole market, and, more importantly, such tail dependence risks can indeed provide additional information beyond beta and other factors for asset pricing. In cross-sectional regression, it is proved that this tail dependence does help to explain monthly returns on Shanghai A shares, whereas the time-series regression further indicates that mimicking portfolio returns for tail dependence can capture strong common variation of Shanghai A stock returns.
Dietary Restriction and Nutrient Balance in Aging
Authors: Santos Júlia , Leitão-Correia Fernanda , Sousa Maria João , Leão Cecília
Published: November 2015

Dietary regimens that favour reduced calorie intake delay aging and age‐associated diseases. New evidences revealed that nutritional balance of dietary components without food restriction increases lifespan. Particular nutrients as several nitrogen sources, proteins, amino acid, and ammonium are implicated in life and healthspan regulation in different model organisms from yeast to mammals. Aging and dietary restriction interact through partially overlapping mechanisms in the activation of the conserved nutrient‐signalling pathways, mainly the insulin/insulin‐like growth factor (IIS) and the Target Of Rapamycin (TOR). The specific nutrients of dietary regimens, their balance, and how they interact with different genes and pathways are currently being uncovered. Taking into account that dietary regimes can largely influence overall human health and changes in risk factors such as cholesterol level and blood pressure, these new findings are of great importance to fully comprehend the interplay between diet and humans health.
Epidemiology of Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration in Northern Finland
Authors: Luukkainen Laura , Bloigu Risto , Moilanen Virpi , Remes Anne Marja
Published: November 2015

Background: Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is responsible for as many as every fifth case of early-onset dementia. Very few epidemiological studies of FTLD have been conducted; there are no published epidemiological data of FTLD from Finland or the other Nordic countries. The C9ORF72 expansion-associated FTLD is common in Finland; thus, the prevalence of FTLD is expected to be high in this population. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the incidence and prevalence of FTLD in university hospital settings in Northern Finland. Results: The mean 1-year incidence of FTLD was 5.54/100,000 (range 1.9-11.3/100,000) in the population aged 45-65 years. The prevalence of FTLD in the same age group was 20.5/100,000. Conclusion: The incidence and prevalence of FTLD in Finland seem to be the highest in Europe. However, studies from different countries may not be directly mutually comparable due to methodological issues.
Renal Pseudoaneurysm after Flexible Ureterorenoscopy - An Unusual Complication
Authors: Durner Leopold , El Howairis Mohamed El Fatih , Buchholz Noor
Published: November 2015

Pseudoaneurysm following flexible ureterorenoscopy has not been reported so far. The etiology remains unclear as high intra-renal pressure, direct laser damage and damage through stiff guidewire puncture had all been avoided. We like to share this case to make urologists aware of this unusual complication and discuss possible causes and therapeutic approaches.
Is There a Role for Liver Transplantation in Non-Colorectal Liver Metastases?
Authors: Herden Uta , Nashan Björn
Published: November 2015

Due to the high blood flow, especially blood from the intestinal tract via the portal vein, the liver is a preferred organ for metastases. In case of advanced, irresectable liver metastases liver transplantation (LTX) remains an attractive option. However, due to high recurrence rates or a lack of data, up to date, metastases from neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are the only accepted indication for LTX in non-colorectal liver metastases. In this regard, LTX is only justified in patients in which complete tumor resection (R0 resection) of the NET is achievable. A literature review revealed no clear patient selection criteria but transplantation should definitively achieve an R0 resection with complete freedom of tumor. The available data regarding the outcome following LTX for NETs show a comparable short- and long-term outcome for patients transplanted for other malignancies, e.g. hepatocellular carcinoma, or also benign indications in the high MELD (model for end-stage liver disease) era. Thus, most data prove a better post-transplant outcome and a lower recurrence rate in patients with a good differentiation of the tumor, a low proliferation index (Ki67), and a portal drainage of the NET.
SIRT1 Is Reduced in Gastric Adenocarcinoma and Acts as a Potential Tumor Suppressor in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Zhang Yongguo , Cai Xiqiang , Chai Na , Gu Yong , Zhang Song , Ding Meiling , Cao Haichao , Sha Sumei , Yin Jipeng , Li Mengbin , Wu Kaichun , Nie Yongzhan
Published: November 2015

Background: Silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1) is a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-dependent deacetylase that is involved in a variety of biological processes. Recent studies have implicated the involvement of SIRT1 in tumorigenesis, but its role remains controversial even in the same tumor type. Summary: In this study, SIRT1 expression was examined in gastric adenocarcinoma by immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Cell proliferation, cell cycle, cell apoptosis and xenograft assays were performed to elucidate the roles of SIRT1 in gastric cancer. We found that SIRT1 expression was reduced in gastric adenocarcinoma at both the protein and mRNA levels. Tissue microarray analysis revealed a positive correlation between SIRT1 and p53 expression in gastric adenocarcinoma. Inhibition of SIRT1 by EX-527 or by shRNA-mediated silencing increased cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. SIRT1 inhibition accelerated the G1-S phase transition and reduced apoptosis by regulating key factors involved in cell cycle control and apoptosis. On the contrary, the ectopic expression of SIRT1 or the activation of SIRT1 by resveratrol was sufficient to suppress the growth of gastric cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Key Message: In our study, the ectopic expression or activation of SIRT1 arrested cells at the G1 phase by reducing the levels of Cdk4 and cyclin D1, and induced apoptosis by increasing the ratios of Bax/Bcl-2. Practical Implications: We define SIRT1 as a potential tumor suppressor in gastric cancer. Its activation or overexpression inhibits tumor proliferation in gastric cancer by modulating cell cycle and apoptotic pathway. Strategies to activate SIRT1 could be used to treat gastric cancer.
Lipid Cell and Micropapillary Variants of Urothelial Carcinoma of the Ureter
Authors: Miyama Yu , Morikawa Teppei , Nakagawa Tohru , Homma Yukio , Fukayama Masashi
Published: November 2015

We report on a case of urothelial carcinoma (UC) with lipid cell and micropapillary variants in the ureter. A 64-year-old man presented with gross hematuria. Urinary cytology revealed the presence of atypical urothelial cells. Computed tomography and drip infusion/retrograde pyelography identified a mass-occupying lesion in the left mid-ureter, as well as left hydronephrosis. A clinical diagnosis of left ureteral cancer was given and the patient underwent left nephroureterectomy. Microscopically, the major component of the tumor was a conventional high-grade UC. In the invasive region, however, lipid cell and micropapillary variants of UC were also observed. Upon immunohistochemical analysis, all of the components were diffusely positive for cytokeratin 7 and p53. Intense membranous expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) was also observed in both the lipid cell and micropapillary variants of UC, whereas weak and incomplete staining was observed in most regions of the conventional UC. The pathological stage was pT3 N2. Multiple times, the patient experienced recurrence of the UC in the urinary bladder and urethra. Although the patient underwent total cystectomy and urethrectomy, 52 months following the initial surgery, signs of local recurrence developed, as well as multiple lymph node and bone metastases. The patient died 75 months following the initial surgery. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a lipid cell variant of ureteral UC. The overexpression of HER2 may be associated with both the lipid cell and micropapillary variants of UC.
Air Pollution and Ischemic Stroke Among Young Adults
Authors: Yitshak Sade Maayan , Novack Victor , Ifergane Gal , Horev Anat , Kloog Itai
Published: November 2015

Background and Purpose—

Studies have demonstrated consistent associations between cardiovascular illness and particulate matter (PM) <10 and <2.5 μm in diameter, but stroke received less attention. We hypothesized that air pollution, an inflammation progenitor, can be associated with stroke incidence in young patients in whom the usual risk factors for stroke are less prevalent. We aimed to evaluate the association between stroke incidence and exposure to PM <10 and <2.5 μm, in a desert area characterized by a wide range of PM.

Methods—

We included all members of the largest health maintenance organization in Israel, who were admitted to a local hospital with stroke between 2005 and 2012. Exposure assessment was based on a hybrid model incorporating daily satellite remote sensing data at 1-km spatial resolution. We performed case-crossover analysis, stratified by personal characteristics and distance from main roads.

Results—

We identified 4837 stroke cases (89.4% ischemic stroke). Interquartile range of PM <10 and <2.5 μm was 36.3 to 54.7 and 16.7 to 23.3 μg/m
3
, respectively. The subjects’ average age was 70 years; 53.4% were males. Associations between ischemic stroke and increases of interquartile range average concentrations of particulate matter <10 or <2.5 μm at the day of the event were observed among subjects <55 years (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 1.11 [1.02–1.20] and 1.10 [1.00–1.21]). Stronger associations were observed in subjects living within 75 m from a main road (1.22 [1.03–1.43] and 1.26 [1.04–1.51]).

Conclusions—

We observed higher risk for ischemic stroke associated with PM among young adults. This finding can be explained by the inflammatory mechanism, linking air pollution and stroke.
The Mute Stones Sing: Rigoletto Live from Mantua
Authors: Morris Christopher
Published: November 2015

“At the time and in the place of the action.” This is the tagline of a series of opera broadcasts transmitted live on European television. Each is shot in the locations depicted in the opera, its broadcast staggered so that each act airs at the time of day specified in the libretto. What are the material and performative implications of this overdetermined authenticity of time and place, this mediatized encounter between opera stage and reality TV?
Williams, Walker, and Shine: Blackbody Blackface, or the Importance of Being Surface
Authors: Post Tina
Published: November 2015

At the turn of the last century, Bert Williams and George Walker performed as a minstrel duo in which only Williams wore burnt cork. By mixing the surfaces of blacking and their own black skin, Williams and Walker offered an aesthetic critique of the subject/object status of the black body—animating the inanimate substance of burnt cork while objectifying animate black skin. Examples from portrait photography and the visual art of Whitfield Lovell and Kara Walker support arguments about the agency of surface.
Public Pubic: Narcissister’s Performance of Race, Disavowal, and Aspiration
Authors: Osterweis Ariel
Published: November 2015

Narcissister’s performances in masks and merkins question the fluctuating status of objecthood and subjectivity in popular renderings of the black female body. Embracing a DIY aesthetic, Narcissister scavenges material and image. Her citation of dance functions as the active disavowal of virtuosity, shifting attention from climax to aspiration, delineating an aesthetic of dramaturgical disavowal that performs an alternate imaginary for the racialized, gendered American body.