bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Back to the Future: Creating a New Generation of Design Engineers Competent in Both Modern Manufacturing Enterprise Systems and Traditional Hands On Manufacturing
Authors: Jayaram Uma , Jayaram Sankar , Hutchison Robert , Nguyen Trung
Published: February 2014

The mechanical engineering department at Washington State University has just completed a 6 year program in offering a modern sequence of design/manufacturing electives. Using theoretical foundations, site visits, guest lectures, IT based labs, and hands-on manufacturing exercises students learn about the role of information technology and electronic data in modern manufacturing enterprise systems, design for manufacture concepts, design automation, and also hands-on machining using advanced programming concepts of CNC code and CNC machines that are integrated with CAD/CAM systems. In this paper, two key courses of this sequence will be discussed and the innovations that they have enabled in engineering design education of the students will be presented. What is significant is that thru these courses we have achieved a dynamic interplay between the new and the old — we have been able to leapfrog into concepts of modern industry where IT and modern computing tools play a critical role in the manufacturing enterprise system and bring about considerable design and manufacturing automation; at the same time we have also retained and enhanced traditional concepts from before where design engineers had considerable hands-on knowledge with machining and manufacturing processes.
Efficient Stability Chart Computation for General Delayed Linear Time Periodic Systems
Authors: Bachrathy Daniel , Stepan Gabor
Published: February 2014

The determination of the stability of systems with time delay is of high importance in many industrial and research applications, like cutting processes, wheel shimmy, traffic jams and even in neural systems, human balancing. A user friendly numerical method was implemented to analyse the general form of delayed linear time periodic systems with time periodic coefficients. The goal is to create a freeware Matlab package which is able to determine automatically the so-called stability chart, which illustrates the parameter range for which the given linear system is stable. The user has to define the governing equation by the time periodic coefficient matrices, the corresponding time delays, the orders of time derivatives of the general coordinate vector, as well as the range of the parameters and the resolution of the stability chart. The method is optimized for 2 parameters, which is a typical case in engineering applications, but 1 and 3 parameter stability charts are also supported and tested. The stability is analysed in frequency domain based on the Nrth order approximation of Hill’s infinite determinant. The parameter points where the number of unstable Floquet multipliers changes are computed by the Multi Dimensional Bisection Method. From these parameter points, another algorithm selects the stability boundary lines. The algorithm is tested by means of numerous examples.
Service Failure Effects Analysis Based on Customer Perspective
Authors: Kurita Yusuke , Kimita Koji , Watanabe Kentaro , Shimomura Yoshiki
Published: February 2014

Recently, service has been recognized as an effective means to enhance customer satisfaction. The importance of service is widely accepted. Based on this background, the authors of this paper have conducted conceptual research on service design from the engineering perspective. This research series is called “Service Engineering.” In order to achieve a successful service, service providers should maintain service quality and always satisfy their customers. To be specific, the provision of highly reliable service is essential for service providers to survive in their target market. To realize highly reliable products or services, in general, it is an effective approach to prevent failures from occurring in the use phase. In this study, we aim to support service failure analysis in order to minimize the occurrence of failures. This paper proposes a method for analyzing service failure effects in the service design phase. Specifically, we define service failure and propose a procedure to analyze service failure effects with models that are proposed in Service Engineering. The proposed method is verified through its application to a practical case.
Planetary Gear Modal Vibration Properties Torque Sensitivity
Authors: Ericson Tristan M. , Parker Robert G.
Published: February 2014

The effect of preload torque on planetary gear behavior is investigated with experiments and mathematical models. Natural frequencies, mode shapes, and damping are influenced by mean torque levels. Natural frequencies increase with greater torque. Damping increases in some modes and decreases in others. The mode shapes undergo various changes as torque increases as demonstrated in the trajectory of a planet gear in a high frequency mode. A finite element bearing model is used to obtain the load dependent stiffness of the planet bearings, and these values greatly increase the accuracy of a lumped parameter model in predicting the natural frequencies measured in experiments.
Floquet Stability Analysis of a Rotor Supported on Rolling Element Bearings With Clearance and Static Load
Authors: Kitio Kwuimy C. A. , Das A. S. , Nataraj C.
Published: February 2014

A rotating shaft supported on rolling element bearings is considered. The system is known to be modeled by a pair of coupled second order differential equations involving Hertzian contact force and thus parametric excitations. In studying the stability of the system, the static equilibrium in the direction of the static load is found to linearly increases with clearance. An approximate model is obtained and conditions of validity of such a model are discussed. Cage rotation speed, static load and clearance are revealed as key parameters. Considering the Floquet formalism for stability, in the domain (clearance,speed), it is found that the domain of stability decreases for large clearance and increases for small clearance. Higher number of rolling element as well as smaller static load positively affect the stability as well.
Rotordynamic Analysis of a Rotor-Disk System Including a Synchronously Reduced Modal Truncation Method
Authors: Dimond Timothy , Chaudhry Jawad , Wagner Matthew , He Feng , Cao Jianming , Allaire Paul
Published: February 2014

There are many published works on rotordynamics which detail the types of analyses that are carried out: critical speeds, stability assessment, and forced response. The purpose of this paper is to present a more complete analysis of an existing, academic rotor/bearing model, taken from a textbook, more like it would be carried out in an industrial setting. The advantage is that all parameters of the rotor model are well known so that there are minimal uncertainties. However, some published papers on rotordynamics, as discussed in this work, present an incomplete analysis. For example, they may report the calculated critical speeds but leave out the critical speed plot and mode shapes in favor of the Campbell diagram. They may model a Bernoulli Euler beam model of the shaft and neglect the additional terms in the Timoshenko beam model. These papers may show some unbalance response plots for one disk in the model but not report on the amplification factor. This paper gives a much more complete rotordynamics analysis of this common rotor/bearing model than other works. The full undamped rotor analysis is presented, including critical speeds, critical speed map, and undamped mode shapes. The stability analysis presents the full set of eigenvalues including both forward and backward modes as well as the complex mode shapes. The differences between the Bernoulli Euler beam model and the full Timoshenko beam model are shown for this rotor. Full unbalance response plots, in the horizontal and vertical directions, are presented as well as the response along the semi-major axis. The unbalance response plots have calculated amplitudes, phase angles and amplification factors. In addition to the standard rotordynamic analyses, a synchronously reduced modal truncation method is presented. This method is better suited to automation, when compared to most truncation methods that require significant intervention by the analyst. The maximum error was on the order of 0.01%. It is hoped that future publications will present the more complete analysis shown for this rotor/bearing system.
Prediction of the Normal and Tangential Friction Forces for Thick Flat Belts Using an Explicit Finite Element Code
Authors: Wasfy Tamer M. , Wasfy Hatem M. , Peters Jeanne M.
Published: February 2014

A necessary condition for high-fidelity dynamic simulation of belt-drives is to accurately predict the normal and tangential contact forces between the belt and the pulleys. In previous papers those contact forces were predicted using one dimensional thin beam elements and approximate Coulomb friction models. However, typically flat belts have a small thickness and the reinforcements are typically near the top surface of the belt. In this paper the effect of the belt thickness on the normal and tangential contact forces and on the average slip between the belt and the pulleys is studied using a two-pulley belt-drive. The belt rubber matrix is modeled using three-dimensional brick elements. The belt reinforcements are modeled using one dimensional truss elements at the top surface of the belt. Friction between the belt and the pulleys is modeled using an asperity-based Coulomb friction model. The pulleys are modeled as cylindrical rigid bodies. The equations of motion are integrated using a time-accurate explicit solution procedure.
Local Hydrogel Release of Recombinant TIMP-3 Attenuates Adverse Left Ventricular Remodeling After Experimental Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Eckhouse Shaina R. , Purcell Brendan P. , McGarvey Jeremy R. , Lobb David , Logdon Christina B. , Doviak Heather , O’Neill Jason W. , Shuman James A. , Novack Craig P. , Zellars Kia N. , Pettaway Sara , Black Roy A. , Khakoo Aarif , Lee TaeWeon , Mukherjee Rupak , Gorman Joseph H. , Gorman Robert C. , Burdick Jason A. , Spinale Francis G.
Published: February 2014

Delivery of a hydrogel providing sustained release of recombinant TIMP-3 attenuated adverse ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction in pigs.
Lysosomal Sorting of Amyloid-β by the SORLA Receptor Is Impaired by a Familial Alzheimer’s Disease Mutation
Authors: Caglayan Safak , Takagi-Niidome Shizuka , Liao Fan , Carlo Anne-Sophie , Schmidt Vanessa , Burgert Tilman , Kitago Yu , Füchtbauer Ernst-Martin , Füchtbauer Annette , Holtzman David M. , Takagi Junichi , Willnow Thomas E.
Published: February 2014

A familial AD mutation in
SORL1
disrupts the ability of the sorting receptor SORLA to mediate intracellular degradation of Aβ peptides.
Sorting the Role of SORLA in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Buggia-Prévot Virginie , Thinakaran Gopal
Published: February 2014

Cell culture and mouse models unravel how the SORLA receptor negatively regulates β-amyloid (Caglayan
et al
.).
Neutrophils: Another Case of Wrongful Conviction?
Authors: Polage Christopher R.
Published: February 2014

Oxygen depletion by the neutrophil respiratory burst induces a protective stress response in mucosal epithelial cells.
Cooking Tips for Pluripotency: Add Acid and Squeeze
Authors: Schaefer Anne
Published: February 2014

Physical stress and low pH can reprogram somatic cells into a pluripotent embryonic stem cell–like state.
Bilateral cryptorchidism with bilateral synchronous abdominal testicular germ cell tumour
Authors: Seetharam Venkatesh , Hameed Zeeshan BM , Talengala Shaila Bhat , Thomas Joseph
Published: February 2014

Cryptorchidism or undescended testis is a very common anomaly of the male genitourinary system. It is one of the established risk factors for testicular tumour. The commonest malignancy noted in cryptorchidism is seminoma testis. The presence of bilateral abdominal synchronous testicular tumour in cryptorchidism is very rare.
Fatal blunt cardiac injury: are there any subtle indicators?
Authors: Shenoy Keshav Someshwar , Jeevannavar Santosh Somayya , Baindoor Prasanna , Shetty Savith
Published: February 2014

A 29-year-old man had a head-on collision with an oncoming truck while riding a bike. He sustained a fracture of the left first rib, fracture of the left talar neck with ankle dislocation and fracture dislocation of the right wrist. The patient was haemodynamically stable and underwent an emergency open reduction and internal fixation of the fractured talar neck to prevent further vascular compromise of the lower limb. Postoperatively, the patient deteriorated haemodynamically with persistent tachycardia and respiratory distress and died after 3 days despite ventilator support. The postmortem examination revealed a contused heart with dissection of the coronary arteries. Our case demonstrates that a first rib fracture may be associated with severe thoracic and cardiac injuries which may be masked by less severe but more obvious skeletal injuries.
The magnitude of the association between smoking and the risk of developing cancer in Brazil: a multicenter study
Authors: Moura Marcione Aparecida de Souza , Bergmann Anke , Aguiar Suzana Sales de , Thuler Luiz Claudio Santos
Published: February 2014

Objectives

To estimate the magnitude of association and identify the aetiological fraction (AF) attributable to smoking in the development of different types of cancers in Brazil.

Setting

We conducted a case–control study, including 231 102 patients registered in the Cancer Hospital Registries (CHR) in the period from 1998 to 2011.

Participants

A total of 204 131 cancer cases relating to 30 topographies were compared with 26 971 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Smoking exposure was considered at the time of hospital registration. We calculated OR, unadjusted and adjusted for gender, age and alcohol consumption, with 95% CIs.

Results

After adjustment, the risk of developing cancer associated with smoking was very high (piriform sinus, bronchi and lung, larynx, hypopharynx, oropharynx and oral cavity), high (oesophagus and bladder), moderate (anus and anal canal stomach, nasal cavity, middle ear and paranasal sinuses, pancreas, nasopharynx, other parts of the biliary tract and kidney and low (liver, gall)). There was no association between smoking and cancers of the central nervous system and myeloid leukaemia. For thyroid cancer there was a decreased risk of developing the disease. The AF was higher than 50% for hypopharynx, larynx, bronchi and lung, oropharynx, oral cavity and oesophagus cancers.

Conclusions

This study confirms a high risk of developing cancer of the hypopharynx, bronchi and lung, larynx, oropharynx and oral cavity, oesophagus and bladder cancer among smokers and establishes the AF attributable to smoking in the development of different types of cancer in Brazil.
Inflammation and echocardiographic parameters of ventricular hypertrophy in a cohort with preserved cardiac function
Authors: Medenwald D , Dietz S , Tiller D , Kluttig A , Greiser KH , Loppnow H , Thiery J , Nuding S , Russ M , Fahrig A , Haerting J , Werdan K
Published: February 2014

Objective

To investigate the association between inflammation and selective echocardiographic parameters (EP) characteristic for ventricular hypertrophy in cross-sectional and longitudinal population-based analyses.

Methods

Baseline (711 men, 659 women: 45–83 years) and 4-year follow-up data (622 men, 540 women) of the prospective, population-based CARdio-vascular disease, Living and Ageing in Halle (CARLA)study after exclusion of participants with cardiacvascular diseases were analysed. Inflammation parameters: soluble tumour necrosis factor receptor 1 (sTNF-R1), high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). EPs: left ventricular mass (LVM), left atrial systolic dimension (LADS), interventricular septum diameter (IVSD), posterior wall dimension (PWD), left ventricular diastolic diameter (LVDD), ejection fraction according to Teichholz (EF). For the longitudinal analyses baseline to follow-up differences were considered. Effect sizes were determined by using multiple linear regression and mixed models. Missing values were replaced by means of multiple imputations.

Results

Men had higher sTNF-R1 levels; means of hsCRP and IL-6 were similar in men and women. In multiple regression models, sTNF-R1 was associated with LADS (1.4 mm/1000 pg/mL sTNF-R1, 95% CI 0.6 to 2.1) in men. Respecting confounder hsCRP was associated with LVM (5.2 g/10 mg/L hsCRP, 95% CI 1.6 to 8.8), IVSD (0.2 mm/10 mg/L hsCRP, 95% CI 0 to 0.3) and PWD (0.2 mm/10 mg/L hsCRP, 95% CI 0.1 to 0.3) in women, while there were no relevant effects in analysis of IL-6 in both sexes. The baseline to follow-up change in EPs was not relevantly associated with sTNF-R1, hsCRP or IL-6.

Conclusions

STNF-R1, hsCRP and IL-6 were inadequate predictors for structural changes of the heart at follow-up, while weak cross-sectional associations are restricted to certain EPs and depend on sex.
Central obesity is associated with lower intake of whole-grain bread and less frequent breakfast and lunch: results from the HUNT study, an adult all-population survey
Authors: Mostad Ingrid Løvold , Langaas Mette , Grill Valdemar
Published: February 2014

All-population and area-based investigations of diet in central obesity are scarce. We used cross-sectional data from 50 339 individuals who responded to the HUNT3 survey of 2006–2008, which recruited from all county-residing adults 20 years and older, to investigate whether those with central obesity eat and drink differently than others. Answers to dietary questions were recoded and analyzed with multiple linear regression, using waist/hip ratio (WHR), age, and sex as explanatory variables. Frequencies of consumption or amounts of food, beverages, and meals were compared among WHR quartiles. Central obesity was present in the quartile with the highest WHR, WHR4 (WHR ≥ 0.917 for women and 0.981 for men) but not in the quartile with the lowest WHR, WHR1 (WHR < 0.817 for women and 0.895 for men). Dietary variables differed markedly by age and sex. After adjustment for these factors and for multiple testing, we found significant differences between WHR4 and WHR1 for 19 of 30 dietary variables. Central obesity was associated with a lower intake of any bread, and of whole-grain bread in particular. Intake of fruits and berries, vegetables, and pasta and rice was less, and intake of sausages and hamburgers and boiled potatoes was more frequent. Intake of alcohol, tea, and fruit juice was lower in those with central obesity, whereas intake of sugar-free soft drinks and coffee was higher. The frequency of breakfast and lunch was lower and of nightly meals was higher in those with central obesity. In conclusion, in this large area-based population, central obesity was associated with differences in dietary habits, some of which (such as decreased consumption of whole-grain bread and increased intake of sugar-free drinks) are of possible clinical significance.
Coordination chemistry of 9-sila- and 9-germa-phenanthrenes — unique coordination modes in their metallene complexes
Authors: Mizuhata Yoshiyuki , Inamura Koji , Tokitoh Norihiro
Published: February 2014

Ligand exchange reactions of 9-sila- and 9-germa-phenathrenes with chromium carbonyl complexes, [Cr(CH3CN)3(CO)3] and [Cr(η6-benzene)(CO)3], were performed. Their reactions with [Cr(CH3CN)3(CO)3] afforded the corresponding η6-complexes, in which Cr(CO)3moieties coordinated to the C6-rings. However, those with [Cr(η6-benzene)(CO)3] gave unique four-membered complexes bearing semibridging carbonyl ligands. All the structures of novel complexes were determined by NMR and X-ray crystallographic analysis.
Changing objectives of non-industrial private forest ownership: a confirmatory approach to measurement model testing
Authors: Häyrinen Liina , Mattila Osmo , Berghäll Sami , Toppinen Anne
Published: February 2014

While the behavior and objectives of non-industrial private forest (NIPF) owners have been studied extensively, studies that systematically test the underlying measurement model are lacking in forest economic literature. Our paper reports the results obtained from a recent large-scale survey conducted in Finland in 2011 (n = 557). Results indicate a novel way to systematically analyze the objectives of forest ownership by testing the validity of the developed measurement scale using the structural equations modeling technique. From an exploratory factor analysis of 22 items measuring forest owner objectives, a four-dimensional structure is identified in the background objectives of NIPF owners. These dimensions are labeled as recreation and leisure time, sense of economic security, nature conservation and aesthetics, and timber sales income objective. Having undergone a confirmatory testing process, results from the four-dimensional model support the validity of the developed 16-item measurement model. Based on these findings, we argue that the logical NIPF owner objective structure in Finland consists of experiential forest value, as perceived in current and future time contexts, as well as of current and future economic objectives. As the theoretical structure divides forest owner objectives into the evaluation of the present objectives, supplemented with a psychological evaluation of the future objectives, a novel classification of NIPF owner objectives is suggested.
Mixed-severity fire in lodgepole pine dominated forests: are historical regimes sustainable on Oregon’s Pumice Plateau, USA?
Authors: Heyerdahl Emily K. , Loehman Rachel A. , Falk Donald A.
Published: February 2014

In parts of central Oregon, coarse-textured pumice substrates limit forest composition to low-density lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Douglas ex Loudon var. latifolia Engelm. ex S. Watson) with scattered ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Lawson & C. Lawson) and a shrub understory dominated by antelope bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata (Pursh) DC.). We reconstructed the historical fire regime from tree rings and simulated fire behavior over 783 ha of this forest type. For centuries (1650–1900), extensive mixed-severity fires occurred every 26 to 82 years, creating a multi-aged forest and shrub mosaic. Simulation modeling suggests that the historical mix of surface and passive crown fire were primarily driven by shrub biomass and wind speed. However, a century of fire exclusion has reduced the potential for the high-severity patches of fire that were common historically, likely by reducing bitterbrush cover, the primary ladder fuel. This reduced shrub cover is likely to persist until fire or insects create new canopy gaps. Crown fire potential may increase even with current fuel loadings if the climate predicted for midcentury lowers fuel moistures, but only under rare extreme winds. This study expands our emerging understanding of complexity in the disturbance dynamics of lodgepole pine across its broad North American range.
Cellular fatty acid composition and exopolysaccharide contribute to bile tolerance inLactobacillus brevisstrains isolated from fermented Japanese pickles
Authors: Suzuki Shigenori , Kimoto-Nira Hiromi , Suganuma Hiroyuki , Suzuki Chise , Saito Tadao , Yajima Nobuhiro
Published: February 2014

Bile tolerance is a fundamental ability of probiotic bacteria. We examined this property in 56 Lactobacillus brevis strains isolated from Japanese pickles and also evaluated cellular fatty acid composition and cell-bound exopolysaccharide (EPS-b) production. The bile tolerance of these strains was significantly lower in modified de Man – Rogosa – Sharpe (MRS) medium (without Tween 80 or sodium acetate) than in standard MRS medium. Aggregating strains showed significantly higher bile tolerance than nonaggregating strains in MRS medium, but there was no significant difference in the modified MRS media. The relative octadecenoic acid (C18:1) content of the 3 most tolerant aggregating and nonaggregating strains was significantly higher when bile was added to MRS. In MRS without Tween 80, the relative C18:1 content was only marginally affected by addition of bile. In MRS without sodium acetate, only the 3 most tolerant nonaggregating strains increased their relative C18:1 content in the presence of bile. Meanwhile, culture in MRS without sodium acetate reduced EPS-b production in aggregating strains. In conclusion, both EPS-b and cellular fatty acid composition play important roles in bile tolerance of pickle-derived L. brevis.
Casimir energy corrections by light-cone fluctuations
Authors: Arias E. , Dueñas J. G. , Svaiter N. F. , Bessa C. H. G. , Menezes G.
Published: February 2014

We study the effects of light-cone fluctuations on the renormalized zero-point energy associated with a free massless scalar field in the presence of boundaries. In order to simulate light-cone fluctuations, we introduce a space–time dependent random coefficient in the Klein–Gordon operator. We assume that the field is defined in a domain with one confined direction. For simplicity, we choose the symmetric case of two parallel plates separated by a distance a. The correction to the renormalized vacuum energy density between the plates goes as 1/a8instead of the usual 1/a4dependence for the free case. In turn, we also show that light-cone fluctuations break down the vacuum pressure homogeneity between the plates.
The wound healing, chronic fibrosis, and cancer progression triad
Authors: Rybinski Brad , Franco-Barraza Janusz , Cukierman Edna
Published: February 2014

For decades tumors have been recognized as “wounds that do not heal.” Besides the commonalities that tumors and wounded tissues share, the process of wound healing also portrays similar characteristics with chronic fibrosis. In this review, we suggest a tight interrelationship, which is governed as a concurrence of cellular and microenvironmental reactivity among wound healing, chronic fibrosis, and cancer development/progression (i.e., the WHFC triad). It is clear that the same cell types, as well as soluble and matrix elements that drive wound healing (including regeneration) via distinct signaling pathways, also fuel chronic fibrosis and tumor progression. Hence, here we review the relationship between fibrosis and cancer through the lens of wound healing.
A Note on Closed-Form Representation of Fibonacci Numbers Using Fibonacci Trees
Authors: Raman Indhumathi
Published: February 2014

We give a new representation of the Fibonacci numbers. This is achieved using Fibonacci trees. With the help of this
representation, the nth Fibonacci number can be calculated without
having any knowledge about the previous Fibonacci numbers.
Prediction of Early Response to Chemotherapy in Lung Cancer by Using Diffusion-Weighted MR Imaging
Authors: Yu Jing , Li Weidong , Zhang Zhang , Yu Tielian , Li Dong
Published: February 2014

Purpose. To determine whether change of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value could predict early response to chemotherapy in lung cancer.Materials and Methods.Twenty-five patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer underwent chest MR imaging including DWI before and at the end of the first cycle of chemotherapy. The tumor’s mean ADC value and diameters on MR images were calculated and compared. The grouping reference was based on serial CT scans according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. Logistic regression was applied to assess treatment response prediction ability of ADC value and diameters.Results.The change of ADC value in partial response group was higher than that in stable disease group (P=0.004). ROC curve showed that ADC value could predict treatment response with 100% sensitivity, 64.71% specificity, 57.14% positive predictive value, 100% negative predictive value, and 82.7% accuracy. The area under the curve for combination of ADC value and longest diameter change was higher than any parameter alone (P≤0.01).Conclusions.The change of ADC value may be a sensitive indicator to predict early response to chemotherapy in lung cancer. Prediction ability could be improved by combining the change of ADC value and longest diameter.
Association of eNOS Polymorphisms with Anterior Chamber Depth in Han Chinese: Jiangsu Eye Study
Authors: Shi Haihong , Zhu Rongrong , Hu Nan , Shi Jian , Zhang Junfang , Yang Mei , Jiang Linjuan , Jiang Hong , Guan Huaijin
Published: February 2014

Recently, a study reported that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) were associated with primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) in Australian cohort. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether those eNOS SNPs are associated with primary angle closure (PAC) or ocular biometric characteristics such as axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and diopter of spherical power (DS) in Han Chinese. The samples consisted of 232 PAC subjects and 306 controls collected from a population-based prevalence survey conducted in Funing County of Jiangsu, China. The rs3793342 and rs11771443 in eNOS were genotyped by TaqMan-MGB probe using the RT-PCR system. Our data did not identify any association of the eNOS SNPs with PAC. However, the analysis on the quantitative traits of ocular biometrics showed that the ACD of rs11771443 AA and GA carriers is significantly deeper than that of rs11771443 GG carriers(P=0.0025), even though the AL and DS are not associated with rs11771443 genotypes. Rs3793342 was not associated with any biometric parameters including ACD, AL and DS. In summary, our data indicates that eNOS rs11771443 is associated with ACD and its role in the pathogenesis of PACG warranted further study.
Theories on the Pathogenesis of Endometriosis
Authors: Sourial Samer , Tempest Nicola , Hapangama Dharani K.
Published: February 2014

Endometriosis is a common, chronic inflammatory disease defined by the presence of extrauterine endometrial tissue. The aetiology of endometriosis is complex and multifactorial, where several not fully confirmed theories describe its pathogenesis. This review examines existing theories on the initiation and propagation of different types of endometriotic lesions, as well as critically appraises the myriad of biologically relevant evidence that support or oppose each of the proposed theories. The current literature suggests that stem cells, dysfunctional immune response, genetic predisposition, and aberrant peritoneal environment may all be involved in the establishment and propagation of endometriotic lesions. An orchestrated scientific and clinical effort is needed to consider all factors involved in the pathogenesis of this multifaceted disease and to propose novel therapeutic targets to reach effective treatments for this distressing condition.
Aggression in Psychoses
Authors: Volavka Jan
Published: February 2014

Most individuals diagnosed with a mental illness are not violent, but some mentally ill patients commit violent acts. PubMed database was searched for articles published between 1980 and November 2013 using the combination of key words “schizophrenia” or “bipolar disorder” with “aggression” or “violence.” In comparison with the general population, there is approximately a twofold increase of risk of violence in schizophrenia without substance abuse comorbidity and ninefold with such comorbidity. The risk in bipolar disorder is at least as high as in schizophrenia. Most of the violence in bipolar disorder occurs during the manic phase. Violence among adults with schizophrenia may follow two distinct pathways: one associated with antisocial conduct and another associated with the acute psychopathology, particularly anger and delusions. Clozapine is the most effective treatment of aggressive behavior in schizophrenia. Emerging evidence suggests that olanzapine may be the second most effective treatment. Treatment nonadherence greatly increases the risk of violent behavior, and poor insight as well as hostility is associated with nonadherence. Nonpharmacological methods of treatment of aggression in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are increasingly important. Cognitive behavioral approaches appear to be effective in cases where pharmacotherapy alone is not sufficient.
Numerical Simulation of Rock Fragmentation under the Impact Load of Water Jet
Authors: Hongxiang Jiang , Changlong Du , Songyong Liu , Kuidong Gao
Published: February 2014

To investigate the rock fragmentation and its influence factors under the impact load of water jet, a numerical method which coupled finite element method (FEM) with smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) was adopted to simulate the rock fragmentation process by water jet. Linear and shock equations of state were applied to describe the dynamic characteristics of rock and water, respectively, while the maximum principal stress criterion was used for the rock failure detection. The dynamic stresses at the selected element containing points in rock are computed as a function of time under the impact load of water jet. The influences of the factors of boundary condition, impact velocity, confining pressure, and structure plane on rock dynamic fragmentation are discussed.
Service Engagement: Psychopathology, Recovery Style and Treatments
Authors: Vender Simone , Poloni Nicola , Aletti Francesca , Bonalumi Cristiano , Callegari Camilla
Published: February 2014

The aim of the present study is to evaluate how recovery style, a set of strategies used by patients to interact with services and therapists, and the severity of psychotic symptoms affect the quality/continuity of taking charge of each patient. 156 psychotic patients at different stages of illness were enrolled. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected and integration/sealing-Over Scale, Recovery Style Questionnaire and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale were administered. Patients were distinguished into four groups according to the type of treatment received: clinical package, hospital package, day-care package, and residential package. A positive correlation between the cost of psychiatric performance and psychopathological severity (measured with PANSS scores) was identified. No association emerged between ISOS/RSQ total scores and costs. The sanitary expenditure appears to be linked to positive psychotic symptoms while lower performances are given for the treatment of patients with predominant negative symptoms. Recovery style itself has not a direct influence on the quantity/quality of psychiatric services.
A Mild Synthesis of New Aryl Vinyl Ethers and Diethyl 1-[(Alkyl)(cyano)methyl]vinylphosphonates via the Substitution of a 2,3-Difunctional Allyl Bromide
Authors: Fray Asma , Ben Kraïem Jihène , Arfaoui Aïcha , Amri Hassen
Published: February 2014

A novel class of aryl vinyl ethers3and diethyl 3-cyano-3-alkylprop-1-en-2-ylphosphonates4has been prepared, respectively, from coupling reaction of diethyl 1-(bromomethyl)-2-cyanovinylphosphonate2with phenols and Gilman reagents.
Generalized Equilibrium Problems Related to Ky Fan Inequalities
Authors: Rovenţa Ionel
Published: February 2014

We study a generalized equilibrium problem by using a nonsymmetric extension of Ky Fan’s inequality. As an application, we present a fixed point type algorithm inspired by a model from Tada and Takahashi (2007).
A Novel Isolate with Deletion inGP3Gene of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus from Mid-Eastern China
Authors: Fan Baochao , Wang Hai , Bai Juan , Zhang Lili , Jiang Ping
Published: February 2014

PRRSV strain SH1211 was isolated from the lung tissue of a piglet on a large-scale pig farm with approximately 30% morbidity and 50% mortality in mid-eastern China in 2012. The full-length genome of SH1211 was 15 313 nt in size, excluding the polyadenylated sequences, and shared 94.9% nucleotide sequence identity with the HP-PRRSV strain, JXA1. The GP2 and GP5 proteins of SH1211 shared only 91.5% and 85.1% amino acid sequence identities with those of the JXA1, respectively. A deletion at amino acid positions 68 and 69 was identified in the GP3 protein of SH1211, compared with the GP3 of Type-2 PRRSV isolates. A phylogenetic tree based on the nucleotide sequence of the complete genome showed that SH1211 is the most closely related to other HP-PRRSV strains isolated in China. However, phylogenetic analysis based on the GP2 and GP5 proteins showed that SH1211 is the most closely related to the QYYZ strain. A recombination analysis indicated that SH1211 might have been generated through recombination events between the JXA1 and QYYZ in which the GP2 and GP5 coding sequences were exchanged. Thus, SH1211 is a novel PRRSV strain with significant variation. Our analysis of SH1211 provides insight into the role of genetic variation in the antigenicity of PRRSVs in China.
Combination Therapies for the Treatment of Advanced Melanoma: A Review of Current Evidence
Authors: Voskoboynik Mark , Arkenau Hendrik-Tobias
Published: February 2014

The treatment of advanced melanoma has been revolutionised in recent years with the advent of a range of new therapies. BRAF inhibitors, such as vemurafenib, have demonstrated improvements in the overall survival of patients with advanced melanoma that harbour a BRAF V600 mutation. Alongside these targeted therapies, novel immune-checkpoint inhibitors, such as ipilimumab, have also been developed and have produced similarly improved outcomes for patients. For the first time in the history of melanoma, monotherapy with each of these drugs has produced improvements in the overall survival of patients with advanced disease. Building on this initial success, there has been intense interest in developing combination therapies predominantly with either dual blockade of the MAPK oncogenic pathway or dual immune-checkpoint blockade. The current evidence for the use of these combination therapies will be presented here.
Basic Life Support: A Questionnaire Survey to Assess Proficiency of Radiologists and Radiology Residents in Managing Adult Life Support in Cardiopulmonary Arrest and Acute Anaphylactic Reaction
Authors: Alam Tariq , Jamil Khattak Yasir , Anwar Muhammad , Khan Asif Alam
Published: February 2014

The aim of this paper is to assess proficiency of radiologists and radiology residents in managing adult life support in cardiopulmonary arrest and acute anaphylactic reaction.
The Dutch Social Interaction Anxiety Scale and the Social Phobia Scale: Reliability, Validity, and Clinical Utility
Authors: de Beurs Edwin , Tielen Deirdre , Wollmann Lisa
Published: February 2014

The social interaction anxiety scale (SIAS) and the social phobia scale (SPS) assess anxiety in social interactions and fear of scrutiny by others. This study examines the psychometric properties of the Dutch versions of the SIAS and SPS using data from a large group of patients with social phobia and a community-based sample. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the SIAS is unidimensional, whereas the SPS is comprised of three subscales. The internal consistency of the scales and subscales was good. The concurrent and discriminant validity was supported and the scales were well able to discriminate between patients and community-based respondents. Cut-off values with excellent sensitivity and specificity are presented. Of all self-report measures included, the SPS was the most sensitive for treatment effects. Normative data are provided which can be used to assess whether clinically significant change has occurred in individual patients.
Distributed Fusion Estimation for Multisensor Multirate Systems with Stochastic Observation Multiplicative Noises
Authors: Fangfang Peng , Shuli Sun
Published: February 2014

This paper studies the fusion estimation problem of a class of multisensor multirate systems with observation multiplicative noises. The dynamic system is sampled uniformly. Sampling period of each sensor is uniform and the integer multiple of the state update period. Moreover, different sensors have the different sampling rates and observations of sensors are subject to the stochastic uncertainties of multiplicative noises. At first, local filters at the observation sampling points are obtained based on the observations of each sensor. Further, local estimators at the state update points are obtained by predictions of local filters at the observation sampling points. They have the reduced computational cost and a good real‐time property. Then, the cross‐covariance matrices between any two local estimators are derived at the state update points. At last, using the matrix weighted optimal fusion estimation algorithm in the linear minimum variance sense, the distributed optimal fusion estimator is obtained based on the local estimators and the cross‐covariance matrices. An example shows the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.
Weak Convergence for a Class of Stochastic Fractional Equations Driven by Fractional Noise
Authors: Sun Xichao , Liu Junfeng
Published: February 2014

We consider a class of stochastic fractional equations driven by fractional noise ont,x∈0,T×0,1  ∂u/∂t=Dδαu+ft,x,u+∂2BHt,x/∂t ∂x, with Dirichlet boundary conditions. We formally replace the random perturbation by a family of sequences based on Kac-Stroock processes in the plane, which approximate the fractional noise in some sense. Under some conditions, we show that the real-valued mild solution of the stochastic fractional heat equation perturbed by this family of noises converges in law, in the space𝒞0,T×0,1of continuous functions, to the solution of the stochastic fractional heat equation driven by fractional noise.
Optimal Tuning of Decentralized PI Controller of Nonlinear Multivariable Process Using Archival Based Multiobjective Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Kotteeswaran R. , Sivakumar L.
Published: February 2014

A Multiobjective Particle Swarm Optimization (MOPSO) algorithm is proposed to fine-tune the baseline PI controller parameters of Alstom gasifier. The existing baseline PI controller is not able to meet the performance requirements of Alstom gasifier for sinusoidal pressure disturbance at 0% load. This is considered the major drawback of controller design. A best optimal solution for Alstom gasifier is obtained from a set of nondominated solutions using MOPSO algorithm. Performance of gasifier is investigated at all load conditions. The controller with optimized controller parameters meets all the performance requirements at 0%, 50%, and 100% load conditions. The investigations are also extended for variations in coal quality, which shows an improved stability of the gasifier over a wide range of coal quality variations.
Dynamic Cellular Automata Based Epidemic Spread Model for Population in Patches with Movement
Authors: Athithan Senthil , Shukla Vidya Prasad , Biradar Sangappa Ramachandra
Published: February 2014

Epidemiology is the study of spread of diseases among the group of population. If not controlled properly, the epidemic would cause an enormous number of problems and lead to pandemic situation. Here in this paper we consider the situation of populated areas where people live in patches. A dynamic cellular automata model for population in patches is being proposed in this paper. This work not only explores the computing power of cellular automata in modeling the epidemic spread but also provides the pathway in reduction of computing time when using the dynamic cellular automata model for the patchy population when compared to the static cellular automata which is used for a nonpatchy homogeneous population. The variation of the model with movement of population among the patches is also explored which provides an efficient way for evacuation planning and vaccination of infected areas.
The Problem of Anaemia in Patients with Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Khanbhai M. , Shah M. , Cantanhede G. , Ilyas S. , Richards T.
Published: February 2014

Background. Surgical patients are often anaemic preoperatively subsequently requiring blood transfusion. The aim of this study was to assess the problem of anaemia and transfusion rates in patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer. Methods. Haemoglobin levels and transfusion requirements were assessed retrospectively in 199 sequential patients operated on for colorectal cancer. This was followed by prospective analysis of 147 patients to correlate preoperative anaemia, stage of bowel cancer, and operation performed with rates of blood transfusion and length of hospital stay. Results. Preoperatively 44% patients were anaemic retrospectively and 60% prospectively. Anaemia increased the risk of transfusion in both studies (69% anaemic versus 31% nonanaemic, P=0.002 in retrospective series, and 83.7% versus 16.3%, P<0.0001 in prospective series). Anaemia was proportionally higher in patients with Dukes B (65.2%) and Dukes C (66.6%) than in patients with Dukes A (28.5%). Length of stay was prolonged in transfused patients excluding those requiring major blood transfusion (median 13 versus 7 days, P<0.0001). Transfusion was also associated with higher mortality (P=0.05). Conclusion. Anaemia is common in patients with colorectal cancer. Anaemic patients were at high risk of receiving blood transfusion, which in turn increased length of stay and mortality.
Chlorambucil-Induced Acute Interstitial Pneumonitis
Authors: Shafqat Hammad , Olszewski Adam J.
Published: February 2014

Chlorambucil is an alkylating agent commonly used in treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). We report a case of interstitial pneumonitis developing in an 83-year-old man 1.5 months after completing a six-month course of chlorambucil for CLL. The interstitial pneumonitis responded to therapy with prednisone. We performed a systematic review of literature and identified 13 other case reports of chlorambucil-induced pulmonary toxicity, particularly interstitial pneumonitis. No unifying risk factor could be discerned and the mechanism of injury remains unknown. In contrast, major randomized trials of chlorambucil therapy in CLL have not reported interstitial pneumonitis as an adverse effect, which may be due to the rarity of the phenomenon or due to underreporting of events occurring after completion of treatment. Clinicians should consider drug-induced interstitial pneumonitis in the differential diagnosis of a suggestive syndrome developing even after discontinuation of chlorambucil.
Routing in Industrial Wireless Sensor Networks: A Survey
Authors: Tiab Amal , Bouallouche-Medjkoune Louiza
Published: February 2014

Recently, industrial wireless sensor networks have attracted more attention, due to their large benefits in terms of faster installation, cost savings, and flexibility. Nevertheless, the acceptance of wireless sensor networks by the industrial community is not without its difficulties. In fact, several research efforts have been made in this field and a number of state-of-the-art reviews exist, presenting the current standards, the challenges, and the design principles. However, a comprehensive review on routing protocols appears to be missing. In this paper, we give a survey on routing protocols for industrial monitoring applications of the wireless sensor networks technology, and we present their limitations and weaknesses according to the industrial requirements.