bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of Star-Shaped Flextensional Stator for Ultrasonic Motor
Authors: Chang Lien-Kai , Tsai Mi-Ching
Published: May 2014

When a driving voltage opposite to the piezoelectric polarity is applied on the flextensional stator, it will generate the normal force, of which the operating voltage range of piezoelectric actuators will decrease. This paper presents a novel stator design for producing the normal force in which the driving voltage has the same piezoelectric polarity, which is based on the structure of two multilayer piezoelectric actuators clamped in a star-shaped shell. To obtain the two close resonance frequencies of flexural and translation modes, a genetic algorithm combined with the finite element analysis is employed to find the optimal dimensions for the geometry of the stator. The importance of each design parameter is evaluated through a proposed sensitivity analysis method. A prototype resulting from the optimal design was fabricated and the experimental results are given to show that the stator can generate, in practice, the required coupling resonance mode between 35.15 kHz and 36.49 kHz.
On the Generalized Hyers-Ulam Stability of ann-Dimensional Quadratic and Additive Type Functional Equation
Authors: Lee Yang-Hi
Published: May 2014

We investigate the generalized Hyers-Ulam stability of a functional equationf∑j=1n‍xj+(n-2)∑j=1n‍f(xj)-∑1≤i<j≤nf(xi+xj)=0.
In Silico Identification of Potent PPAR‐γ Agonists from Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Bioactivity Prediction, Virtual Screening, and Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Chen Kuan-Chung , Chen Calvin Yu-Chian
Published: May 2014

The peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPARs) related to regulation of lipid metabolism, inflammation, cell proliferation, differentiation, and glucose homeostasis by controlling the related ligand‐dependent transcription of networks of genes. They are used to be served as therapeutic targets against metabolic disorder, such as obesity, dyslipidemia, and diabetes; especially, PPAR‐γ is the most extensively investigated isoform for the treatment of dyslipidemic type 2 diabetes. In this study, we filter compounds of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) using bioactivities predicted by three distinct prediction models before the virtual screening. For the top candidates, the molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were also utilized to investigate the stability of interactions between ligand and PPAR‐γ protein. The top two TCM candidates, 5‐hydroxy‐L‐tryptophan and abrine, have an indole ring and carboxyl group to form the H‐bonds with the key residues of PPAR‐γ protein, such as residues Ser289 and Lys367. The secondary amine group of abrine also stabilized an H‐bond with residue Ser289. From the figures of root mean square fluctuations (RMSFs), the key residues were stabilized in protein complexes with 5‐Hydroxy‐L‐tryptophan and abrine as control. Hence, we propose 5‐hydroxy‐L‐tryptophan and abrine as potential lead compounds for further study in drug development process with the PPAR‐γ protein.
Improving the Validity of Squeeze Film Air-Damping Model of MEMS Devices with Border Effect
Authors: Bai Cheng , Huang Jin
Published: May 2014

Evaluation of squeezed film air damping is critical in the design and control of dynamic MEMS devices. The published squeezed film air damping models are generally derived from the analytical solutions of Reynolds equation or its other modified forms under the supposition of trivial pressure boundary conditions on the peripheral borders. These treatments ignoring the border effect can not give faithful result for structure with smaller air venting gap or the double-gimbaled structure in which the inner frame and outer one affect the air venting. In this paper, we use Green’s function to solve the nonlinear Reynolds equation with inhomogeneous boundary conditions. For two typical normal motion cases of parallel plate, the analytical models of squeeze film damping force with border effect are established. The viscous and inertial losses with real values and image values acoustic impedance are all included in the model. These models reduced the time consumption while giving satisfactory result. Without multifield coupling analysis, the estimation of the dynamic behavior of MEMS device is also allowed, and the simulation of the system performance is more convenient.
A Layered Middleware Architecture for Automated Robot Services
Authors: Choi Jongsun , Cho Yongseong , Choi Jaeyoung , Choi Jongmyung
Published: May 2014

These days, using robots has gradually been extending from the limited industrial areas in factories to service areas for the general public in everyday life. It is possible to imagine that end users easily control robots and they define new services by themselves as they wish in the near future. However, there are three issues to resolve to realize the future. Firstly, it is required to abstract robots' behaviors from primitive robot functions, and secondly, we need context awareness in order to provide users with the appropriate services. Lastly end users can define the robot services easily. In this paper, we propose three layered middleware architecture for automated robot services to resolve the problems. The lowest layer abstracts robots' behaviors in functional level, and the middle layer provides users with robot services based on the situational information. And the highest layer defines robot services by sequential order. End users can define practically a flow of robot services by using an intuitive GUI. We showed the availability and effectiveness of the layered middleware architecture with a prototype system, which presents the facile definition of robot services in application level, the control process of robot service, and the abstraction process of robot services.
Constrained Multiobjective Biogeography Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Mo Hongwei , Xu Zhidan , Xu Lifang , Wu Zhou , Ma Haiping
Published: May 2014

Multiobjective optimization involves minimizing or maximizing multiple objective functions subject to a set of constraints. In this study, a novel constrained multiobjective biogeography optimization algorithm (CMBOA) is proposed. It is the first biogeography optimization algorithm for constrained multiobjective optimization. In CMBOA, a disturbance migration operator is designed to generate diverse feasible individuals in order to promote the diversity of individuals on Pareto front. Infeasible individuals nearby feasible region are evolved to feasibility by recombining with their nearest nondominated feasible individuals. The convergence of CMBOA is proved by using probability theory. The performance of CMBOA is evaluated on a set of 6 benchmark problems and experimental results show that the CMBOA performs better than or similar to the classical NSGA-II and IS-MOEA.
Molecular Modeling of Acidic Treated PSTM-3T Polymer for Removal of Heavy Metal Ions by Experimental and Computational Studies
Authors: Narantsogt Natsagdorj , Burmaa Gunchin , Perlee-Oidov Adiya , Shurkhuu Nyamdorj , Javkhlantugs Namsrai
Published: May 2014

The synthesized poly[N,N′-bis(3-silsesquioxanilpropyl)-thiocarbamide] (PSTM-3T) was used and the surface morphology and microstructure of it were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM/EDS). The molecular structure change of the PSTM-3T polymer of the PSTM-3T after treatment by acidic solution with different pHs was revealed using FT-IR experiments andab initiocalculations with density functional theory method. The sorption efficiency of the heavy metal ions depends on the molecular structure change of PSTM-3T after treatment of different pH aqueous solutions. After the treatment of acidic solution (pH = 2) of PSTM-3T, the polymer formed the tautomer state to increase the sorption efficiency for chromate ion. For the increment of pH value for acidic solution, the PSTM-3T polymer was dissociated to increase the sorption efficiency for copper ion.
IFN-γ-Secreting-Mesenchymal Stem Cells Exert an Antitumor EffectIn Vivovia the TRAIL Pathway
Authors: Yang Xinyuan , Du Jingchun , Xu Xia , Xu Chun , Song Wu
Published: May 2014

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can exhibit either prooncogenic or antitumor properties depending on the context. Based on our previous study, we hypothesized that MSCs engineered to deliver IFN-γwould kill cancer cells through persistent activation of the TRAIL pathway. Human bone-marrow (BM-) derived MSCs were isolated, amplified, and transduced with a lentiviral vector encoding the IFN-γgene under the control of the EF1αpromoter. The IFN-γ-modified MSCs effectively secreted functional IFN-γ, which led to long-term expression of TRAIL. More importantly, the IFN-γ-modified MSCs selectively induced apoptosis in lung tumor cells through caspase-3 activation within the target cells. The percentage of activated-caspase-3-positive tumor cells in IFN-γ-modified MSCs cocultures was significantly higher than in control MSCs cocultures. Treatment with anti-TRAIL antibody dramatically suppressed the caspase-3 activation observed in H460 cells. After injection into nude mice, the IFN-γ-modified MSCs inhibited the growth and progression of lung carcinoma compared with control cells. Collectively, our results provide a new strategy for tumor therapy that utilizes IFN-γ-modified MSCs.
Effects of Behavioral Tactics of Predators on Dynamics of a Predator-Prey System
Authors: Zhang Hui , Ma Zhihui , Xie Gongnan , Jia Lukun
Published: May 2014

A predator-prey model incorporating individual behavior is presented, where the predator-prey interaction is described by a classical Lotka-Volterra model with self-limiting prey; predators can use the behavioral tactics of rock-paper-scissors to dispute a prey when they meet. The predator behavioral change is described by replicator equations, a game dynamic model at the fast time scale, whereas predator-prey interactions are assumed acting at a relatively slow time scale. Aggregation approach is applied to combine the two time scales into a single one. The analytical results show that predators have an equal probability to adopt three strategies at the stable state of the predator-prey interaction system. The diversification tactics taking by predator population benefits the survival of the predator population itself, more importantly, it also maintains the stability of the predator-prey system. Explicitly, immediate contest behavior of predators can promote density of the predator population and keep the preys at a lower density. However, a large cost of fighting will cause not only the density of predators to be lower but also preys to be higher, which may even lead to extinction of the predator populations.
A Multifunctional RF Remote Control for Ultralow Standby Power Home Appliances
Authors: Hwang Kwang-il , Yoon Sung-Hyun
Published: May 2014

In spite of many benefits, since a target RF should be able to react to real time user commands even during system power-off, RF remote controls generally require more standby energy than IR manner. Therefore, in this paper a multifunctional RF remote control (MRRC), which is capable of providing larger coverage and various services, is introduced, and an ultralow standby power operation method for target RFs, utilizing an extended preamble transmission and a variable length periodic preamble sensing according to system power states, is proposed. In addition, a prototype and implementation details are also described. In order to evaluate the proposed MRRC, several experiments are conducted, and each performance of MRRC is also compared with ZigBee RF4CE no power saving and power saving mode. The experimental results demonstrate that the MRRC system enables not only ultralow standby power operation during system power-off but also low power operation even in system power-on state. In spite of ultralow standby power operation, the experimental result also shows that the MRRC provides reasonable response time to user command.
Repeat Whole Brain Radiation Therapy with a Simultaneous Infield Boost: A Novel Technique for Reirradiation
Authors: Hall William A. , Prabhu Roshan S. , Crocker Ian R. , Dhabban Anees , Ogunleye Tomi , Kandula Shravan , Jiang Xiaojun , Curran Walter J. , Shu Hui-Kuo G.
Published: May 2014

The treatment of patients who experience intracranial progression after whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) is a clinical challenge. Novel radiation therapy delivery technologies are being applied with the objective of improving tumor and symptom control in these patients. The purpose of this study is to describe the clinical outcomes of the application of a novel technology to deliver repeat WBRT with volume modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and a simultaneous infield boost (WB-SIB) to gross disease. A total of 16 patients were initially treated with WBRT between 2000 and 2008 and then experienced intracranial progression, were treated using repeat WB-SIB, and were analyzed. The median dose for the first course of WBRT was 35 Gy (range: 30–50.4 Gy). Median time between the initial course of WBRT and repeat WB-SIB was 11.3 months. The median dose at reirradiation was 20 Gy to the whole brain with a median boost dose of 30 Gy to gross disease. A total of 2 patients demonstrated radiographic disease progression after treatment. The median overall survival (OS) time from initial diagnosis of brain metastases was 18.9 months (range: 7.1–66.6 (95% CI: 0.8–36.9)). The median OS time after initiation of reirradiation for all patients was 2.7 months (range: 0.46–14.46 (95% CI: 1.3–8.7)). Only 3 patients experienced CTCAE grade 3 fatigue. No other patients experienced any ≥ CTCAE grade 3 toxicity. This analysis reports the result of a novel RT delivery technique for the treatment of patients with recurrent brain metastases. Side effects were manageable and comparable to other conventional repeat WBRT series. Repeat WB-SIB using the VMAT RT delivery technology is feasible and appears to have acceptable short-term acute toxicity. These results may provide a foundation for further exploration of the WB-SIB technique for repeat WBRT in future prospective clinical trials.
Influence of Life Style Factors on Barrett’s Oesophagus
Authors: Horna Strand A. , Franzén T.
Published: May 2014

Background. Since the incidence of adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus is rising, the prognosis is poor, and surveillance programs are expensive and mostly cost ineffective, there is a need to increase the knowledge of risk factors in Barrett’s oesophagus and oesophageal cancer in order to be able to give attention to medical prevention and/or surveillance programs.Aim. To study if there is a correlation between the development of Barrett’s oesophagus and GOR (gastro oesophageal reflux), family history of GOR, and life style factors, such as alcohol, smoking habits, and mental stress.Methods. Fifty-five consecutively selected patients with Barrett’s oesophagus (BO) examined at Linköping University Hospital’s Oesophageal Laboratory were matched by sex, age, and duration of reflux symptoms with 55 GOR patients without Barrett’s oesophagus at the Oesophageal Laboratory. The medical charts in respective groups were examined for comparison of life style factors, mental stress, medication, duration of gastroesophageal acid reflux at 24 hr-pH-metry, and incidence of antireflux surgery and of adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus (ACO). Also, potential gender differences and diagnosis of ACO were studied.Results. Mean percentage reflux time on 24 hr-pH-metry was higher for the Barrett’s oesophagus group, 18% for women and 17% for men compared to 4% for women and 4% for men in the control group (P<0.05). Family history of GOR was more frequent in Barrett’s oesophagus patients (62%) than in the control group (35%) (P<0.05). Male patients with Barrett’s oesophagus had medical therapy for their GOR symptoms to a higher extent (38%) than male controls (65%) (P<0.05). No difference was found in the number of tobacco users or former tobacco users between Barrett’s oesophagus patients and controls. Barrett’s oesophagus patients had the same level of alcohol consumption and the same average BMI as the control subjects. Female patients with Barrett’s oesophagus rated themselves as more mentally stressed (67%) than the female controls (38%) (P<0.05). In the five-year medical chart follow-up, five of 55 patients developed adenocarcinoma among the Barrett’s oesophagus patients, none in the control group.Conclusions. Long reflux time and family clustering of GOR seem to influence the development of Barrett’s oesophagus. Smoking habits, alcohol consumption and BMI do not seem to have any impact on the development of Barrett’s oesophagus.
Global Multivariable Control of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor for Mechanical Elastic Energy Storage System under Multiclass Nonharmonic External Disturbances
Authors: Yu Yang , Mi Zengqiang , Xu Yikun , Zhao Tong
Published: May 2014

For the technology of mechanical elastic energy storage utilizing spiral torsion springs as the energy storage media presented previously, a global multivariable control algorithm based on nonlinear internal model principle under multiclass external disturbances is proposed. The nonlinear external disturbances with nonharmonic periodic characteristics are generated by multiclass nonlinear external systems. New equations of nonlinear internal model are designed to estimate the multiclass external disturbances. On the basis of constructing the control law of nominal system, a state feedback controller is designed to guarantee the closed-loop system globally uniformly bounded, and a Lyapunov function is constructed to theoretically prove the global uniform boundedness of the multivariable closed-loop system signals. The simulation results verify the correctness and effectiveness of the presented algorithm.
Risk of Cardiovascular Disease among Diabetic Patients in Manipur, Northeast India
Authors: Tungdim Mary Grace , Ginzaniang T. , Kabui G. Poufullung , Verma Deepali , Kapoor Satwanti
Published: May 2014

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the major cause of premature mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes. The present study was conducted to assess cardiovascular risk among diabetic patients of Northeast India. The present cross-sectional study included 81 diabetic patients (39 males and 42 females) aged 36–74 years from the district Imphal of Manipur, Northeast India. Sex-specific Framingham general cardiovascular risk prediction equations were used to calculate the 10-year risk for cardiovascular disease. The probable risk factors were determined by cross-tabulation of cardiometabolic parameters with the 10-year cardiovascular risk level. Males were found to be at higher risk of developing CVD in the future as compared to females with a discernible accumulation of adverse cardiovascular risk factors among them. 38.3% patients were at high risk, 37.0% at moderate risk and 24.7% at low risk for developing CVD in the next 10 years. Systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and smoking contributed significantly to high degree of cardiovascular risk. Presence of cardiovascular risk factors among diabetic patients at diagnosis accentuates the need of intensive management of cardiovascular complications, taking into consideration the traditional dietary pattern of the population.
Breast Cancer Survival Defined by the ER/PR/HER2 Subtypes and a Surrogate Classification according to Tumor Grade and Immunohistochemical Biomarkers
Authors: Parise Carol A. , Caggiano Vincent
Published: May 2014

Introduction. ER, PR, and HER2 are routinely available in breast cancer specimens. The purpose of this study is to contrast breast cancer-specific survival for the eight ER/PR/HER2 subtypes with survival of an immunohistochemical surrogate for the molecular subtype based on the ER/PR/HER2 subtypes and tumor grade.Methods. We identified 123,780 cases of stages 1–3 primary female invasive breast cancer from California Cancer Registry. The surrogate classification was derived using ER/PR/HER2 and tumor grade. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards modeling were used to assess differences in survival and risk of mortality for the ER/PR/HER2 subtypes and surrogate classification within each stage.Results. The luminal B/HER2− surrogate classification had a higher risk of mortality than the luminal B/HER2+ for all stages of disease. There was no difference in risk of mortality between the ER+/PR+/HER2− and ER+/PR+/HER2+ in stage 3. With one exception in stage 3, the ER-negative subtypes all had an increased risk of mortality when compared with the ER-positive subtypes.Conclusions. Assessment of survival using ER/PR/HER2 illustrates the heterogeneity of HER2+ subtypes. The surrogate classification provides clear separation in survival and adjusted mortality but underestimates the wide variability within the subtypes that make up the classification.
A Test Matrix for an Inverse Eigenvalue Problem
Authors: Gladwell G. M. L. , Jones T. H. , Willms N. B.
Published: May 2014

We present a real symmetric tridiagonal matrix of ordernwhose eigenvalues are{2k}k=0n-1which also satisfies the additional condition that its leading principle submatrix has a uniformly interlaced spectrum,{2l+1}l=0n-2. The matrix entries are explicit functions of the sizen, and so the matrix can be used as a test matrix for eigenproblems, both forward and inverse. An explicit solution of a spring-mass inverse problem incorporating the test matrix is provided.
Reference Gene Selection for Quantitative Real-Time RT-PCR Normalization inIris. lacteavar.chinensisRoots under Cadmium, Lead, and Salt Stress Conditions
Authors: Gu Chun-Sun , Liu Liang-qin , Xu Chen , Zhao Yan-hai , Zhu Xu-dong , Huang Su-Zhen
Published: May 2014

Quantitative real time PCR (RT-qPCR) has emerged as an accurate and sensitive method to measure the gene expression. However, obtaining reliable result depends on the selection of reference genes which normalize differences among samples. In this study, we assessed the expression stability of seven reference genes, namely, ubiquitin-protein ligase UBC9 (UBC), tubulin alpha-5 (TUBLIN), eukaryotic translation initiation factor (EIF-5A), translation elongation factor EF1A (EF1α), translation elongation factor EF1B (EF1b), actin11 (ACTIN), and histone H3 (HIS), inIris. lacteavar.chinensis(I. lacteavar.chinensis) root when the plants were subjected to cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and salt stress conditions. All seven reference genes showed a relatively wide range of threshold cycles (Ct) values in different samples. GeNorm and NormFinder algorithms were used to assess the suitable reference genes. The results from the two software units showed thatEIF-5AandUBCwere the most stable reference genes across all of the tested samples, whileTUBLINwas unsuitable as internal controls.I. lacteavar.chinensisis tolerant to Cd, Pb, and salt. Our results will benefit future research on gene expression in response to the three abiotic stresses.
Pricing Decision under Dual-Channel Structure considering Fairness and Free-Riding Behavior
Authors: Liu Yongmei , Ding Chunjie , Fan Chen , Chen Xiaohong
Published: May 2014

Under dual-channel structure, the free-riding behavior based on different service levels between online channel and offline channel cannot be avoided, which would lead to channel unfairness. This study implies that the dual-channel supply chain is built up by online channel controlled by manufacturer and traditional channel controlled by retailer, respectively. Under this channel structure, we rebuild the linear demand function considering free-riding behavior and modify the pricing model based on channel fairness. Then the influences of fair factor and free-riding behavior on manufacturer and retailer pricing and performance are discussed. Finally, we propose some numerical analysis to provide some valuable recommendations for manufacturer and retailer improving channel management performance.
Accelerated Degradation Tests Modeling Based on the Nonlinear Wiener Process with Random Effects
Authors: Tang Shengjin , Guo Xiaosong , Yu Chuanqiang , Xue Haijian , Zhou Zhijie
Published: May 2014

Accelerated degradation tests (ADT) modeling is an important issue in lifetime assessment to the products with high reliability and long lifetime. Among the literature about the accelerated nonlinear degradation process modeling, the current methods did not consider the product‐to‐product variation of the products with the same type. Therefore, this paper proposes an accelerated degradation process modeling method with random effects for the nonlinear Wiener process. Firstly, we derive the lifetime distribution of the nonlinear Wiener process with random effects. Secondly, the nonlinear Wiener process is used to model the degradation process of a single stress, and the drift coefficient is considered as a random variable to describe the product‐to‐product variation. Using the random acceleration model, the random effects are incorporated into the constant stress ADT models and the step stress ADT models. Then, a two‐step maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) method is presented to estimate the unknown parameters in the degradation models. Finally, a simulation study and a case study are provided to demonstrate the application and superiority of the proposed model.
Alternating Current Electrohydrodynamic Printing of Microdroplets
Authors: Zheng Gao-Feng , Liu Hai-Yan , Xu Rong , Wang Xiang , Liu Juan , Wang Han , Sun Dao-Heng
Published: May 2014

This paper discusses the technology of orderly printing of microdroplets by means of electrohydrodynamic print (EHDP) with alternating current (AC). The AC electric field induces charges to reciprocate in the electrohydrodynamic charged jet and generates periodic alternation of electric field force, which facilitates the breakup of charged jets and injection of microdroplets. Microdroplets with a diameter of 100~300 μm can be printed with a frequency of 5~25 Hz via AC EHDP. Effects of process parameters on the microdroplet injection behaviors were investigated. A higher frequency of applied AC voltage led to a higher deposition frequency, but smaller diameters of printed droplets. Deposition frequency and droplet diameters increased with the increase of duty cycle and solution supply rate. AC pulse voltage has provided a novel way to study the control technology in EHDP, which would accelerate the application of inkjet printing in the field of micro/nanosystem production.
Oscillation of Certain Emden-Fowler Dynamic Equations on Time Scales
Authors: Yang Qiaoshun , Erbe Lynn , Jia Baoguo
Published: May 2014

We deal with the oscillation of a generalized Emden-Fowler dynamic equation in the form(rtZΔtα-1ZΔt)Δ+f(t,x(δ(t)))=0. We establish some new oscillation criteria for the equation, which improve some of the main results of (H. Liu and P. Liu, 2013). Some examples are given to illustrate the new results.
Adaptive Robust Sliding Mode Vibration Control of a Flexible Beam Using Piezoceramic Sensor and Actuator: An Experimental Study
Authors: Wang Ruo Lin , Gu H. , Song G.
Published: May 2014

This paper presents an experimental study of an adaptive robust sliding mode control scheme based on the Lyapunov’s direct method for active vibration control of a flexible beam using PZT (lead zirconate titanate) sensor and actuator. PZT, a type of piezoceramic material, has the advantages of high reliability, high bandwidth, and solid state actuation and is adopted here in forms of surface‐bond patches for vibration control. Two adaptive robust sliding mode controllers for vibration suppression are designed: one uses a discontinuous bang‐bang robust compensator and the other uses a smooth compensator with a hyperbolic tangent function. Both controllers guarantee asymptotic stability, as proved by the Lyapunov’s direct method. Experimental results verified the effectiveness and the robustness of both adaptive sliding mode controllers. However, from the experimental results, the bang‐bang robust compensator causes small‐magnitude chattering because of the discontinuous switching actions. With the smooth compensator, vibration is quickly suppressed and no chattering is induced. Furthermore, the robustness of the controllers is successfully demonstrated with ensured effectiveness in vibration control when masses are added to the flexible beam.
Experimental Investigation of Biogas Reforming in Gliding Arc Plasma Reactors
Authors: Thanompongchart P. , Tippayawong N.
Published: May 2014

Biogas is an important renewable energy source. Its utilization is restricted to vicinity of farm areas, unless pipeline networks or compression facilities are established. Alternatively, biogas may be upgraded into synthetic gas via reforming reaction. In this work, plasma assisted reforming of biogas was investigated. A laboratory gliding arc plasma setup was developed. Effects of CH4/CO2ratio (1, 2.33, 9), feed flow rate (16.67–83.33 cm3/s), power input (100–600 W), number of reactor, and air addition (0–60% v/v) on process performances in terms of yield, selectivity, conversion, and energy consumption were investigated. High power inputs and long reaction time from low flow rates, or use of two cascade reactors were found to promote dry reforming of biogas. High H2and CO yields can be obtained at low energy consumption. Presence of air enabled partial oxidation reforming that produced higher CH4conversion, compared to purely dry CO2reforming process.
A Review on Development Prospect of CZTS Based Thin Film Solar Cells
Authors: Song Xiangbo , Ji Xu , Li Ming , Lin Weidong , Luo Xi , Zhang Hua
Published: May 2014

Cu2ZnSnS4is considered as the ideal absorption layer material in next generation thin film solar cells due to the abundant component elements in the crust being nontoxic and environmentally friendly. This paper summerized the development situation of Cu2ZnSnS4thin film solar cells and the manufacturing technologies, as well as problems in the manufacturing process. The difficulties for the raw material’s preparation, the manufacturing process, and the manufacturing equipment were illustrated and discussed. At last, the development prospect of Cu2ZnSnS4thin film solar cells was commented.
Local Fractional Sumudu Transform with Application to IVPs on Cantor Sets
Authors: Srivastava H. M. , Golmankhaneh Alireza Khalili , Baleanu Dumitru , Yang Xiao-Jun
Published: May 2014

Local fractional derivatives were investigated intensively during the last few years. The coupling method of Sumudu transform and local fractional calculus (called as the local fractional Sumudu transform) was suggested in this paper. The presented method is applied to find the nondifferentiable analytical solutions for initial value problems with local fractional derivative. The obtained results are given to show the advantages.
Improved Feature-Selection Method Considering the Imbalance Problem in Text Categorization
Authors: Yang Jieming , Qu Zhaoyang , Liu Zhiying
Published: May 2014

The filtering feature-selection algorithm is a kind of important approach to dimensionality reduction in the field of the text categorization. Most of filtering feature-selection algorithms evaluate the significance of a feature for category based on balanced dataset and do not consider the imbalance factor of dataset. In this paper, a new scheme was proposed, which can weaken the adverse effect caused by the imbalance factor in the corpus. We evaluated the improved versions of nine well-known feature-selection methods (Information Gain, Chi statistic, Document Frequency, Orthogonal Centroid Feature Selection, DIA association factor, Comprehensive Measurement Feature Selection, Deviation from Poisson Feature Selection, improved Gini index, and Mutual Information) using naïve Bayes and support vector machines on three benchmark document collections (20-Newsgroups, Reuters-21578, and WebKB). The experimental results show that the improved scheme can significantly enhance the performance of the feature-selection methods.
Modulation of Cardiac Autonomic Dysfunction in Ischemic Stroke following Ayurveda (Indian System of Medicine) Treatment
Authors: Jaideep Sriranjini Sitaram , Nagaraja Dindagur , Pal Pramod Kumar , Sudhakara D. , Talakad Sathyaprabha N.
Published: May 2014

Objectives. Cardiac autonomic dysfunction in stroke has implications on morbidity and mortality. Ayurveda (Indian system of medicine) describes stroke as pakshaghata. We intended to study the effect of Ayurveda therapies on the cardiac autonomic dysfunction. Methods. Fifty patients of ischemic stroke (middle cerebral artery territory) (mean age 39.26 ± 9.88 years; male 43, female 7) were recruited within one month of ictus. All patients received standard allopathic medications as advised by neurologist. In addition, patients were randomized to receive physiotherapy (Group I) or Ayurveda treatment (Group II) for 14 days. Continuous electrocardiogram and finger arterial pressure were recorded for 15 min before and after treatments and analyzed offline to obtain heart rate and blood pressure variability and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS). Results were analysed by RMANOVA. Results. Patients in Group II showed statistically significant improvement in cardiac autonomic parameters. The standard deviation of normal to normal intervals,and total and low frequency powers were significantly enhanced (F = 8.16, P = 0.007, F = 9.73, P = 0.004, F = 13.51, and P = 0.001, resp.). The BRS too increased following the treatment period (F = 10.129, P = 0.004). Conclusions. The current study is the first to report a positive modulation of cardiac autonomic activity after adjuvant Ayurveda treatment in ischemic stroke. Further long term studies are warranted.
Linking Bacterial Endophytic Communities to Essential Oils: Clues from Lavandula angustifolia Mill
Authors: Emiliani Giovanni , Mengoni Alessio , Maida Isabel , Perrin Elena , Chiellini Carolina , Fondi Marco , Gallo Eugenia , Gori Luigi , Maggini Valentina , Vannacci Alfredo , Biffi Sauro , Firenzuoli Fabio , Fani Renato
Published: May 2014

Endophytic bacteria play a crucial role in plant life and are also drawing much attention for their capacity to produce bioactive compounds of relevant biotechnological interest. Here we present the characterisation of the cultivable endophytic bacteria of Lavandula angustifolia Mill.—a species used since antiquity for its therapeutic properties—since the production of bioactive metabolites from medical plants may reside also in the activity of bacterial endophytes through their direct production, PGPR activity on host, and/or elicitation of plant metabolism. Lavender tissues are inhabited by a tissue specific endophytic community dominated by Proteobacteria, highlighting also their difference from the rhizosphere environment where Actinobacteria and Firmicutes are also found. Leaves’ endophytic community resulted as the most diverse from the other ecological niches. Overall, the findings reported here suggest: (i) the existence of different entry points for the endophytic community, (ii) its differentiation on the basis of the ecological niche variability, and (iii) a two‐step colonization process for roots endophytes. Lastly, many isolates showed a strong inhibition potential against human pathogens and the molecular characterization demonstrated also the presence of not previously described isolates that may constitute a reservoir of bioactive compounds relevant in the field of pathogen control, phytoremediation, and human health.
Pfetin as a Risk Factor of Recurrence in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
Authors: Orita Hajime , Ito Tomoaki , Kushida Tomoyuki , Sakurada Mutsumi , Maekawa Hiroshi , Wada Ryo , Suehara Yoshiyuki , Kubota Daisuke , Sato Koichi
Published: May 2014

Background. Despite complete resection of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), recurrent and/or metastatic disease occurs, often depending on the grade of malignancy. As such, markers are needed that accurately predict patients at high risk for recurrence. Previously our group reported Pfetin as a prognostic biomarker for GIST. In order to create an approach for predicting risk of recurrence, we incorporated Pfetin expression with clinicopathological data to produce a predictive model.Object. Forty-five patients with localized primary GIST were treated with complete gross surgical resection surgically at our institution between 1995 and 2010 were included. The majority of tumors originated in the stomach (38 cases), as well as small intestine (6 cases) and rectum (1 case).Method. (1) We performed retrospective analysis of the connection between Pfetin expression, clinicopathological data, and incidences of recurrence, using bivariate and multivariate analyses. (2) The reactivity of the monoclonal antibody against Pfetin was examined by immunohistochemistry.Pfetin. We have reported Pfetin, identified microarray technology, and compared between statistically different GISTs for good and poor prognoses and for prognostic marker.Results. There were 7 cases of recurrences. (1) By univariate analysis, tumor size, mitoses, exposure to abdominal cavity, and complete tumor removal predicted risk of recurrence. (2) Pfetin-negative cases were significantly related to recurrence (P= 0.002).Conclusions. This analysis demonstrates that lack of Pfetin expression is an additional predictor of recurrence in resected GIST. Further study may determine the role of this variable added to the current predictive model for selection of adjuvant therapy.
Effectiveness of Gatekeepers in Determining the Appropriate Use of Brain MRI/MRA Tests
Authors: Bito Seiji , Matsumura Shinji , Kotani Kazuhiko , Fukuhara Shunichi
Published: May 2014

The purpose of the study is to examine whether, among patients who visited hospitals and underwent brain MRI or MRA scan tests, there was a relationship between the existence of clinically significant abnormal findings and the relevance of primary care physicians’ referrals. A case-control study was carried out at six teaching hospitals in Japan. We identified cases with significant abnormal MRI/MRA findings from radiologists’ reports based on certain explicit criteria and controls with outpatients who underwent MRI/MRA scans but did not have stroke. We also collected clinical data independently from medical records. The findings of 156 cases and 721 controls were collected for the analysis. A multivariate analysis adjusted by age group, sex, and the number of comorbidity factors showed that those who had visited the hospitals after referral were more likely to have significant abnormal findings in their MRI/MRA scan results (odds ratio [OR] = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1 to 2.4). The present study suggests that referral from gatekeepers such as primary care physicians is effective in determining the appropriate use of brain MRI/MRA tests for hospital outpatients.
Collusion Based Realization of Trust and Reputation Models in Extreme Fraudulent Environment over Static and Dynamic Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Verma Vinod Kumar , Singh Surinder , Pathak N. P.
Published: May 2014

We derive a new representation for the collusive sensor nodes when the underlying fraudulent correlated environment has strong influence on wireless sensor networks performance. We have evaluated collusion effect with respect to static (SW) and dynamic (DW) wireless sensor networks to derive the joint resultant. Moreover accuracy, path length, and energy consumption of sensor node operations are also evaluated. Additionally, we emphasized over the satisfaction evaluation for linguistic fuzzy trust and reputation (LFTM) models in the deployed WSN framework. Finally, simulation analysis has been carried out to prove the validity of our proposal. However, collusion for wireless sensor networks seems intractable with the static and dynamic WSNs when varied with specified number of fraudulent nodes in the scenario.
Design, Fabrication, and Swimming Performance of a Free-Swimming Tuna-Mimetic Robot
Authors: Masoomi Sayyed Farideddin , Haunholter Axel , Merz Dominic , Gutschmidt Stefanie , Chen XiaoQi , Sellier Mathieu
Published: May 2014

High efficiency in cruising is a determining factor in developing tuna-mimetic robots. So far, a number of tuna-like robots have been made. Nevertheless, the University of Canterbury has developed its own tuna-like robot called UC-Ika 1 to investigate and to accordingly improve the swimming performance of the biomimetic swimming robots. In order to do so, the propulsion system of a tuna with respect to its thrust and resistive forces is studied. Following that, the fish robot is designed and fabricated considering the tuna propulsion system. The robot is then tested several times to investigate its swimming performance. Comparison of the speed and efficiency of UC-Ika 1 with those of other tuna-like robots shows a promising improvement of cruising performance of UC-Ika 1.
Energy Efficient and High Speed Error Control Scheme for Real Time Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Barati Ali , Movaghar Ali , Sabaei Masoud
Published: May 2014

Reliability and energy consumption are two of the main constraints in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). In this paper, a novel energy efficient and high speed error control scheme is introduced that is based on the Redundant Residue Number System (RRNS) allowing real-time application of WSNs. The proposed approach employs a new 3-moduli set [Formula: see text] and an efficient reverse converter which relies on the Mixed Radix Conversion (MRC) algorithm and achieves significant improvements both in terms of conversion delay and hardware design. In order to obtain error controllability, two-redundant-moduli set [Formula: see text] is also added to the main 3-moduli set. The theoretical results backed by simulation tests confirm that the solution put forward in this paper outperforms popular error control methods for WSNs in terms of error controllability, energy efficiency, and reduction of end-to-end delay.
Distributed Event-Triggered Control of Multiagent Systems with General Linear Dynamics
Authors: Zhang Xieyan , Zhang Jing
Published: May 2014

This paper discusses the event-triggered consensus problem of multiagent systems. To investigate distributed event-triggering strategies applied to general linear dynamics, we employ a dynamic controller to convert the general linear dynamic to the single-integrator model by a change of variable. The consensus value of these new states is a constant so that the distributed event-triggering scheme is obtained under periodic event detections, in which agents with general linear dynamics require knowledge only of the relative states with their neighbors. Further, an event-triggered observer is proposed to address the case that only relative output information is available. Hence, the consensus of both the state-based and observer-based cases is achieved by the distributed event-triggered dynamic controller. Finally, numerical simulations are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of theoretical results.
Novel Simplified Model for Asynchronous Machine with Consideration of Frequency Characteristic
Authors: Cai Changchun , Ju Ping , Jin Yuqing
Published: May 2014

The frequency characteristic of electric equipment should be considered in the digital simulation of power systems. The traditional asynchronous machine third-order transient model excludes not only the stator transient but also the frequency characteristics, thus decreasing the application sphere of the model and resulting in a large error under some special conditions. Based on the physical equivalent circuit and Park model for asynchronous machines, this study proposes a novel asynchronous third-order transient machine model with consideration of the frequency characteristic. In the new definitions of variables, the voltages behind the reactance are redefined as the linear equation of flux linkage. In this way, the rotor voltage equation is not associated with the derivative terms of frequency. However, the derivative terms of frequency should not always be ignored in the application of the traditional third-order transient model. Compared with the traditional third-order transient model, the novel simplified third-order transient model with consideration of the frequency characteristic is more accurate without increasing the order and complexity. Simulation results show that the novel third-order transient model for the asynchronous machine is suitable and effective and is more accurate than the widely used traditional simplified third-order transient model under some special conditions with drastic frequency fluctuations.
The Association between Serum Uric Acid and Residualβ-Cell Function in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Tang Wei , Fu Qi , Zhang Qingqing , Sun Min , Gao Yuan , Liu Xuan , Qian Li , Shan Shan , Yang Tao
Published: May 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of serum uric acid (sUA) with residualβ-cell function in type 2 diabetes. Oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) were performed on 1021 type 2 diabetes patients. The ratio of area under curve of insulin to glucose during 0 to 30 min and 0 to 120 min of the OGTT was calculated as indices of insulin secretion function. The products of insulin secretion indices multiplied by Matsuda insulin sensitivity index were used as disposition indices. After correlation and multiple linear regression analysis, sUA was significantly associated with insulin secretion and disposition indices in male, female, and total groups adjusted for confounding factors (including metabolic indicators like sex, age, course of the disease, blood glucose, blood pressure, serum lipids, and so on). Superficially steeper time-dependent decline of insulin secretion function was found in patients with sUA above the median than those below it. In conclusion, our results suggest an independent positive association between sUA and residualβ-cell function in type 2 diabetes. Patients with higher sUA have greater insulin secretion ability than those with lower sUA at the early stage of disease, but their residualβ-cell function seems to decay more rapidly.
The Influence of Traffic Networks on the Supply-Demand Balance of Tourism: A Case Study of Jiangsu Province, China
Authors: Chen Tao
Published: May 2014

The purpose of this research is to address the impact of traffic networks on the supply-demand balance of tourism and to determine if it is necessary to incorporate the traffic flow data for nodes to determine the significant influences and impacts of traffic networks on tourism. For this purpose, a road network was established for Jiangsu province, and the topological parameters of this network and the tourism degree of coordination among each prefectural city were calculated as well. The results demonstrate that the inclusion of the spatial structure of the traffic network was not necessary for determining the supply-demand balance for tourism; thus, the collection of traffic flow data is required to perform further research. As a side result, it has been determined that the circuit routes are relatively absent from the Jiangsu traffic network, which might hinder tourism, and tourism resources are undersupplied to most prefectural cities in Jiangsu.