bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Location and Size of Distributed Generation Using Ant Colony Optimization
Authors: Mendoza Jorge , López Miguel , Delgado Allison
Published: January 2014

Distributed generation (DG) is a recent trend of electricity generation, which aims to use various energy sources to inject electric power in a distributed manner at points close to the load. This paper develops an optimization model to choose the sizes and positions of DG in medium voltage distribution networks in order to minimize the power system losses, given a set of constraints. Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) was used as optimization technique, with excellent results.
Guangdong, a Potential Province for Developing Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Resource
Authors: Wang An Dong , Sun Zhan Xue , Hu Bao Qun , Liu Jin Hui , Liu Cheng Dong
Published: January 2014

In the past decades, the study on Hot Dry Rock (HDR) geothermal resource has been a hot topic. A large number of investigations confirm that electricity power generated from HDR is feasible and suggest that HDR geothermal source is a kind of local and renewable energy. Up no now, many countries have carried out HDR experiments. As a large energy consumption country, China will also develop HDR geothermal energy in the near future. In the present study, our preliminary data potentially suggest that Guangdong province have great potential to develop HDR geothermal applications.
System Architecture and FPGA Embedding of Compact Fuzzy Logic Controller for Arm Robot Joints
Authors: Siswoyo Bambang , Choiron M. Agus , Irawan Yudy Surya , Wardana I.N.G.
Published: January 2014

This research is about the system architecture for embedding of the Compact Fuzzy Logic Controller (Compact-FLC) into the FPGA with a minimal need in device resource. This exciting research is to minimize the FPGA resources needed to build Compact-FLC based on FPGA for controlling each joint of arm robots manipulator. Compact-FLC results of this research have been used in the XILINX Spartan 3 XC3S1000 FPGA.The Compact-FLC has been applied with satisfactory results as Servo Controller for one joint of arm robot manipulator which the results showed that the controller achieved a process speed of 65,4uS, which is equivalent to a maximum sampling frequency of 15.290 KHz. Output membership function in this Compact-FLC used singleton membership function with Center Of Area algorithm. Two input membership functions, i.e E (Error) and CE (Change Error) have been used, both formed from several combination of triangular membership functions. The maximum number of fuzzysets that can be processed is sixteen. The overlapping function is not limited because there have been 256 if-then rule available as look up table in FPGA's ROM.The device utilization summary from ISE of XILINX development software gave the following data: Slice FlipFlops needed are 3869 or 25% of 15360 availability, 4 input LUT needed are 2319 or 15% of 15360 availability, Blocks of RAM needed are 4 or 16% of 24 availability, MULT18x18s needed are 2 or 8% of 24 availability, GCLKs needed are 2 or 25% of 8 availability, Bonded IOBs needed are 32 or 18% of 173 availability.
Modelling of the Mechanical State of a Diamond Particle in the Metallic Matrix
Authors: Borowiecka-Jamrozek Joanna , Lachowski Jan
Published: January 2014

The paper is concerned with the modelling of diamond retention efficiency of three different matrix materials: cobalt (EF), cobalt (SMS) and carbonyl iron powders. After the consolidation stage, the specimens were tested for tensile properties. The mechanical fields around a diamond particle were determined using computer simulations. The simulations were performed for a protruding diamond particle after hot pressing and after loading with an external force. The diamond retention efficiency of the matrix is affected by the interactions between the diamond crystal and the matrix during hot pressing. It is assumed that the matrix potential for diamond retention is associated with the amount of elastic and plastic deformation energies. The mechanical state generated in the matrix was calculated using Abaqus software.
The Average Friction Coefficient of Laser Textured Surfaces of Silicon Carbide Identified by RSM Methodology
Authors: Radek Norbert , Pietraszek Jacek , Antoszewski Bogdan
Published: January 2014

The electrospark deposition (ESD) is a well-known cheap method utilizing concentrated energy flux to transfer a material of an electrode onto the surface of the machined material for enhancing properties of its surface layer. Typically, a hard material of an electrode may be deposited onto the surface of materials with lower hardness to make such an object more robust for wearing. Coatings produced by ESD may be applied to protect new elements or to recover the properties of worn elements. Unfortunately, ESD process produces a surface with high roughness. The laser beam machining (LBM) has been involved to lower roughness of the coating made by ESD. The elements coated by ESD have been tested to determine tribological properties and they were compared before and after LBM. To achieve high reliability of the results, the test has been conducted in accordance with design of experiments (DoE) methodology and the results which were obtained have been processed by a statistical analysis. The description of such an experiment performed for a silicon carbide SiC coating, the obtained results and the conclusions are included in this paper.
Fatigue Strength of Ductile Iron in Ultra-High Cycle Regime
Authors: Ulewicz Robert , Nový František , Selejdak Jacek
Published: January 2014

Machine and equipment safety is the most essential factor that determines the choice of a particular material used in the construction phase. Failure analyses in engineering praxis demonstrate that nearly 90 % of all cases of failures are caused by fatigue. For popular technical applications such as cars and trains, the durability expected for some components ranges from 108to 1010loading cycles. However, only few studies have been carried out for more than 107cycles. The SN curve in the ultra-wide life region must be determined in order to ensure actual fatigue strength and safety of these components. This paper presents the results obtained from fatigue tests carried out by means of a high-frequency fatigue testing machine for the three grades of ductile iron: with ferritic-pearlitic matrix (GGG50), with pearlitic-ferritic matrix (GGG60) and ADI cast iron in the range from 106up to 1010cycles.
Contour Error of the 3-DoF Hydraulic Translational Parallel Manipulator
Authors: Dindorf Ryszard , Wos Piotr
Published: January 2014

The paper deals with a selected problem of contour error for the desired tracking trajectory of the spatial 3-DoF hydraulic translational parallel manipulator (TPM). The prototype hydraulic TPM consists of a fixed base and a moving platform connected by the joints with three hydraulic linear axes. The closed-loop kinematic chains of the hydraulic TPM create a 3-RRPRR structure in which revolute joints R and prismatic joints P step out. The three equal integrated electro-hydraulic axes are prismatic joints P in which hydraulic cylinders are integrated with position measuring systems and proportional directional control valves.
Effect of Critical Void Volume Fraction fF on Results of Ductile Fracture Simulation for S235JR Steel under Multi-Axial Stress States
Authors: Kossakowski Paweł Grzegorz , Wciślik Wiktor
Published: January 2014

The article describes an example of the GTN material model parameters determination and application. The main objective of the study was to determine experimentally the value of the critical volume fraction of voids fFfor S235JR steel and to assess the impact of this parameter on the numerical force-elongation curve under the multi-axial stress state. Value of fFwas obtained by the quantitative analysis of the material microstructure at fracture surfaces. For a sake of comparison, two other values of fF, described in the literature, were also used in numerical simulations.
The Investigations of Fatigue Cracking of Laser Welded Joint with the Use of ‘FatigueVIEW’ System
Authors: Boroński Dariusz , Sołtysiak Robert , Giesko Tomasz , Marciniak Tomasz , Lutowski Zbigniew , Bujnowski Sławomir
Published: January 2014

In this paper, the possibilities of detection and measurement of fatigue crack length in welded joints made of steel of duplex type, have been presented. In the investigations there has been used an original research system FatigueVIEW employing advanced optoelectronic techniques and numerical methods of image analysis. The proposed approach enables analysis of the fatigue crack growth during fatigue tests and after their finishing in off-line mode.
Is the groundwater reservoir linear? A mathematical analysis of two limiting cases
Authors: de Rooij G. H.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. Storage–discharge relationships of the groundwater reservoirs of several catchments in a temperate-humid climate were reported in the literature to be seemingly non-linear. Once recharge was adequately accounted for during model calibration they turned out to be linear. The question was posed if this linearity was a fundamental property of groundwater reservoirs in general. A mathematical analysis based on analytical solutions for several cases involving parallel flow in horizontal aquifers shows that this is not the case when the surface water level is close to the aquifer bottom. When the aquifer is of constant thickness, linear-reservoir behaviour arises when the forcings remain constant for a sufficiently long time. This can range from a few weeks for aquifers with a dense drainage network of streams or ditches to years or centuries for large aquifers drained by rivers many kilometers apart. The characteristic time of the groundwater reservoir depends on whether or not the aquifer is leaky and recharge is non-zero. It is concluded that groundwater reservoirs can only be linear if their thickness can be assumed independent of the hydraulic head, and if they have a dense drainage network. Even then, they behave non-linearly up to several weeks after a change in recharge. Models that conceptualize the catchment as a configuration of coupled reservoirs will normally assign the groundwater discharge surplus generated because of the initially non-linear behaviour of the groundwater to their fast-responding reservoirs, thereby exaggerating the importance of fast-responding flow routes in a catchment.
Synthesis, Characterization and Antifungal Evaluation of Novel 2H-1,4-Benzoxazin-3(4H)-one Derivatives Linked with a 1,2,3-Triazole Moiety
Authors: Jiang Yuqin , Mao Longfei , Zhu Lin , Ren Baoqi , Li Wei , Xu Guiqing
Published: January 2014

In order to obtain novel bioactive compounds with significant antifungal activities, a series of 2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one analogs linked with a 1,2,3-triazole moiety have been designed and synthesized via click reactions in a one-pot process at room temperature using CuCl as the catalyst. Their antifungal activities were tested against two plant-pathogenic fungi, Rhizoctonia cerealis (RC) and Colletotrichum capsici (CC). Statistical analysis showed that among the tested compounds in particular compound 3a exhibits a significant growth inhibitory activity against both RC and CC. All the synthesized compounds have been characterized by IR, HRMS and NMR experiments.
Rzadka Manifestacja Płucna Promienicy w Postaci Zmian Rozsianych
Authors: Nowicka Urszula , Modrzewska Katarzyna , Pasik Piotr , Burakowska Barbara , Szołkowska Małgorzata , Wiatr Elżbieta
Published: January 2014

Promienica to rzadko występująca, przewlekła choroba infekcyjna wywołana przez bakterie beztlenowe Gram-dodatnie z rodzaju Actinomyces. Indukują one odczyn zapalny o charakterze ropnym w tkankach. Promieniowce są komensalami bytującymi w jamie ustnej, przewodzie pokarmowym i drogach rodnych, a infekcje mają charakter niemal wyłącznie endogenny. Ze względu na zmienny obraz kliniczny, przewlekły przebieg, częściej przypomina chorobę nowotworową niż zakaźną. Przedstawiamy przypadek 56-letniego mężczyzny z niezwykle rzadką płucną manifestacją promienicy w postaci obustronnych rozsianych guzków w miąższu płuc z objawami ogólnymi, po wstępnym leczeniu przeciwprątkowym. Rozpoznanie ostatecznie ustalono na podstawie badania histologicznego wycinków z płuc. Po 7 miesiącach leczenia przeciwbakteryjnego uzyskano poprawę kliniczną i radiologiczną.
OCLC Search Key Usage Patterns in a Large Research Library
Authors: Rastogi Kunj B. , Morita Ichiko T.
Published: January 2014

Many libraries use the OCLC Online Union Catalog and Shared Cataloging Subsystem to perform various library functions, such as acquisitions and cataloging of library materials. As an initial part of the operations,users must search and retrieve a bibliographic record for the desired item from the large OC LC database. Various types of derived search keys are available for retrieval. This study of actual search keysentered by users of the OCLC online system was conducted to determine the types of search keys users prefer for performing various library operations and to find out whether the preferred search keys are effective.
An Informal Survey of the CTI Backup System
Authors: Covino Joseph , Intner Sheila
Published: January 2014

In order to help decide whether or not to purchase computer backup systems from Computer Translation, Inc. (CTI), for use when the CLSI LIBS 100 automated circulation system is not operating, Great Neck Library conducted an informal survey of libraries using both systems
Statistics on Headings in the MARC File
Authors: McCallum Sally H. , Godwin James L.
Published: January 2014

Statistics on Headings in the MARC File
RLIN and OCLC as Reference Tools
Authors: Jones Douglas
Published: January 2014

RLIN and OCLC as Reference Tools
News and Announcements
Authors: Crawford Walt
Published: January 2014

News and Announcements
Circulation Systems Past and Present
Authors: Freedman Maurice J.
Published: January 2014

A review of the development of circulation systems shows two areas of change. The librarian's perception of circulation control has shifted from a broad service orientation to a narrow record-keeping approach and recently back again. The technological development of circulation sys-tems has evolved from manual systems to the online systems of today. The trade-offs and deficiencies of earlier systems in relation to the comprehensive services made possible by the online computer are detailed.
Comparing Fiche and Film: A Test of Speed
Authors: Crowley Terence
Published: January 2014

Comparing Fiche and Film: A Test of Speed
Microcomputer Backup to Online Circulation
Authors: Intner Sheila
Published: January 2014

Microcomputer Backup to Online Circulation
Detection of Information Requirements of Researchers Using Bibliometric Analyses to Identify Target Journals
Authors: Gureyev Vadim Nikolaevich , Mazov Nikolai Alekseevich
Published: January 2014

In this study, we used bibliometric analyses to identify journals that are representative of SRC VB “Vector” and IPGG SB RAS. We also describe methods to semiautomatically collect data for an institute’s publications and which journals they cite. Citation analyses of lists of articles and their citations can help librarians to quickly identify the preferred journals in terms of the number of publications, and the most frequently cited journals. The librarian can use these data to generate a list of journals that an institute should subscribe to.
LC/MARC on MOLDS; An Experiment in Computer-Based Interactive Bibliographic Storage, Search, Retrieval, and Processing
Authors: Atherton Pauline , Miller Karen B.
Published: January 2014

A project at Syracuse University utilizing MOLDS, a generalized computer-based interactive retrieval program, with a portion of the Library of Congress MARC Pilot Project tapes as a data base. The system, written in FORTRAN, was used in both a batch and an on-line mode. It formed part of a computer laboratory for library science students during 1968-1969. This report describes the system and its components and points out its advantages and disadvantages.
Standardized Costs for Automated Library Systems
Authors: Jacob Mary Ellen
Published: January 2014

Costs of automated library systems as currently given in published reports tend to be misleading and confusing. It is necessary to have a clear under- standing of how they were derived before any comparisons can be made. Clearly defined costs in terms of time units are more meaningful than straight dollar costs and can be used as one means of comparison among various system designs and as guidelines for the design of new systems.
En espèce ou en nature ? Les présents, l’imprévoyance et l’évolution idéologique de la politique indienne pendant la première moitié du XIXe siècle1
Authors: Gettler Brian
Published: January 2014

Cet article porte sur la distribution des présents aux Premières Nations du Canada par l’État impérial britannique pendant la première moitié du XIXe siècle. En analysant les débats entourant une proposition de remplacer des biens matériels distribués en tant que présents par de l’argent, l’auteur observe le développement d’un consensus au sein des autorités métropolitaines et coloniales, mais qui est également partagé par les philanthropes et même par certains Autochtones, selon lequel les Amérindiens, à l’instar des pauvres du milieu urbain, sont imprévoyants par nature. Ces mêmes acteurs croient que les Autochtones ont besoin de la direction et du soutien de l’État paternel, une conviction qui demeure au coeur même de la politique indienne canadienne jusqu’à nos jours. L’article affirme que le discours prônant la « civilisation » des Premières Nations, tenu par les fonctionnaires et les philanthropes, s’appuie sur cette conviction et ainsi participe à former l’idéologie justifiant l’intervention étatique dans les communautés autochtones et la mise en tutelle de ces dernières.
Thomas Chapais, loyaliste1
Authors: Bélanger Damien-Claude
Published: January 2014

Cet article se penche sur les postulats et les idées fortes du loyalisme de sir Thomas Chapais (1858-1846) ainsi que sur ses fondements intellectuels et sociaux. Il vise globalement à mieux comprendre le loyalisme canadien-français, notamment durant sa phase de déclin, qui s’amorce dans les années 1890 et s’accélère considérablement durant la Première Guerre mondiale. Le loyalisme chapaisien exprime une série de valeurs traditionalistes imprégnées d’un catholicisme à tendance ultramontaine. Cette pensée émerge à une époque particulière (la fin du XIXe siècle), dans un contexte particulier (la lutte que livre l’Église au républicanisme) et dans un milieu social particulier (l’establishment de l’est du Québec).
Determining the Presence of Reliable Change over Time in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Barker-Collo Suzanne L. , Purdy Suzanne C.
Published: January 2014

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) often undergo repeated assessments. Methods for determining whether an individual's change in test results over time is reliable require further study. A sample of individuals with MS (N = 52) was assessed at baseline and at 6-month follow-up using the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT), Simple Adjusting–Paced Serial Addition Test (A-PSAT), and Victoria Stroop test. Two methods for determining the reliability of an individual's change over time were examined. The Reliable Change Index (RCI) identified few individuals who declined reliably between baseline and 6-month follow-up. The standard deviation (SD) method of calculation resulted in reliable declines for a small number of individuals on most measures. Use of the SD method resulted in a larger number of individuals who improved reliably. Responsiveness of individuals to treatment effects can be lost in group analyses. The data presented here provide clinicians with an approach for determining whether an individual's change over time on commonly used neuropsychological tests reflects reliable improvement or decline.
El dispositivo-cine como constructor de sentido: el caso del documental político
Authors:   Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción (Chile), Dittus Rubén
Published: January 2014

Este trabajo se ocupa de la noción de dispositivocine en el documental político, con su definición y alcances como objeto de reflexión. Se describe el modo en que opera dicho dispositivo, entendido como un mecanismo de construcción de sentido que selecciona, ordena y jerarquiza los elementos de la realidad referenciada en la pantalla, con diversos criterios de valoración. A partir del reconocimiento de que el cine documental político es un género cinematográfico articulado alrededor de formas narrativas, expresivas y argumentativas particulares, se sostiene que el dispositivo-cine busca imponer un modelo alternativo de sociedad o refrendar el paradigma social dominante a través de un proceso de veridicción –entendida como el juicio de verdad o falsedad al que está sometido un conjunto de discursos y valores– que tensiona la relación verdadero-falso, para provocar adhesión o rechazo en la conciencia del espectador.
The impact of chaotic advection on the microstructure of polymer‐modified bitumen
Authors: Bracciale Maria P. , Broggi Alessandra , Cerbelli Stefano , Formisano Marco , Santarelli Maria L. , Scarsella Marco , Marrocchi Assunta
Published: January 2014

Owing to the high viscosity of the materials involved, mixing is often a critical step when processing polymer‐modified bitumen (PMB), directly influencing the microstructure and the stability of final products. We provide experimental evidence suggesting that laminar chaotic advection may prove a valuable strategy for obtaining a homogeneous and finely interdispersed polymer‐bitumen mixture in affordable time. As a case study, we investigate the mixing performance of a lab‐scale flat‐bottomed cylindrical vessel stirred by a radial impeller, either located symmetrically or eccentrically with respect to the vessel axis. The same geometries with a flat‐disk impeller are also considered for comparison. The Mix‐Norm is used in combination with image analysis as an objective measure of mixing performance. Results of mixing performance are independently validated by rheological tests. The experiments pinpoint kinematic chaos as the fundamental transport mechanism enhancing both the dispersion process and the microstructural quality of the resulting PMBs mixture. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 1870–1879, 2014
Identification of a Novel Series of N‐Phenyl‐5‐[(2‐phenylbenzimidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]‐1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐2‐amines as Potent Antioxidants and Radical Scavengers
Authors: Ayhan‐Kilcigil Gulgun , Kuş Canan , Çoban Tülay , Özdamar Elcin D. , Can‐Eke Benay
Published: January 2014

In this study, some novel 5‐[[2‐(phenyl/p‐chlorophenyl)‐benzimidazol‐1‐yl]‐methyl]‐N‐substituted phenyl‐1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐2‐amine derivatives (28–45) with an oxadiazole ring were synthesized. The antioxidant properties and radical scavenging activities of the compounds were investigated employing various in vitro systems: hepatic microsomal NADPH‐dependent inhibition of lipid peroxidation levels, scavenging of DPPH free radicals, and inhibition of microsomal ethoxyresorufin O‐deethylase activity (EROD). Compounds 34 and 41 were found to be good scavengers of DPPH radicals (76% and 84%) when compared to BHT (90%). Almost all of the compounds examined were found to possess a good inhibitor effect on the microsomal EROD activity. Moreover, 32 and 41 were more active analogs (97% and 98%) on the microsomal EROD activity than caffeine (85%).
Signal detection of adverse events with imperfect confirmation rates in vaccine safety studies using self‐controlled case series design
Authors: Xu Stanley , Newcomer Sophia , Nelson Jennifer , Qian Lei , McClure David , Pan Yi , Zeng Chan , Glanz Jason
Published: January 2014

The Vaccine Safety Datalink project captures electronic health record data including vaccinations and medically attended adverse events on 8.8 million enrollees annually from participating managed care organizations in the United States. While the automated vaccination data are generally of high quality, a presumptive adverse event based on diagnosis codes in automated health care data may not be true (misclassification). Consequently, analyses using automated health care data can generate false positive results, where an association between the vaccine and outcome is incorrectly identified, as well as false negative findings, where a true association or signal is missed. We developed novel conditional Poisson regression models and fixed effects models that accommodate misclassification of adverse event outcome for self‐controlled case series design. We conducted simulation studies to evaluate their performance in signal detection in vaccine safety hypotheses generating (screening) studies. We also reanalyzed four previously identified signals in a recent vaccine safety study using the newly proposed models. Our simulation studies demonstrated that (i) outcome misclassification resulted in both false positive and false negative signals in screening studies; (ii) the newly proposed models reduced both the rates of false positive and false negative signals. In reanalyses of four previously identified signals using the novel statistical models, the incidence rate ratio estimates and statistical significances were similar to those using conventional models and including only medical record review confirmed cases.
Transcatheter treatment of tricuspid regurgitation by caval valve implantation—experimental evaluation of decellularized tissue valves in central venous position
Authors: Lauten Alexander , Laube Adrian , Schubert Harald , Bischoff Sabine , Nietzsche Sandor , Horstkötter Kim , Poudel‐Bochmann Bhawana , Franz Marcus , Lichtenberg Artur , Figulla Hans R. , Akhyari Payam
Published: January 2014

BACKGROUND: Caval valve implantation has been suggested for transcatheter treatment of severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Combining the interventional technique with the promising surgical experience with decellularized valves, we sought to evaluate the functional and structural outcome of decellularized pericardial tissue valves (dTVs) in the low‐pressure venous circulation in a chronic model of TR. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixteen pericardial tissue valves were heterotopically implanted in the inferior and superior vena cava in a sheep model (54–98 kg; median 74.5 kg, n = 8) of severe TR. The devices were assembled using self‐expanding nitinol stents and bovine pericardia decellularized by a detergent‐based protocol (group dTV; n = 8). Glutaraldehyde‐fixed pericardial tissue valves served as control (GaTV, n = 8). After 6 months, device function and structural maturation were analyzed using echocardiographic, histologic, immunohistologic, and electron microscopic approaches. After implantation, cardiac output increased significantly from 3.7 ± 1.1 l/min to 4.8 ± 1.1 l/min (P < 0.05) and competent valve function was verified by angiography. At 6 months, angiographic and echocardiographic evaluation revealed moderate to severe regurgitation in all GaTV. In contrast, five of the eight dTVs functioned well with only minor regurgitation. In these animals, autopsy revealed preserved valve structure with tender leaflets without signs of thrombosis or calcification. Conversely, GaTV showed severe degeneration with large calcification areas. Microscopic and histologic analysis confirmed endothelial repopulation in both valve types. However, additional interstitial reseeding was observed in decellularized valves. CONCLUSIONS: In the venous circulation in severe TR, decellularized valves show superior functional performance compared to Ga‐fixed tissue valves. Macroscopic and microscopic analyses suggest preserved structural integrity and advanced endothelial and interstitial repopulation with evidence of less degradation in dTV. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transcatheter closure of ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm into the right ventricle with an Amplatzer Vascular Plug II
Authors: Rittger Harald , Gundlach Ulrike , Koch Andreas
Published: January 2014

Objective

We report a case of a 52‐year‐old female patient with perforated sinus of Valsalva (SVA) aneurysm presenting with severe left‐to‐right shunt from the aorta into the right ventricle.

Background

Aneuryms of the aortic sinus, better known as SVA are rare. Until interventional devices were introduced, the only treatment option for ruptured SVA aneurysms was surgery.

Methods and Results

The case was discussed in the heart team and decision was made to implant an Amplatzer Vascular Plug (AVP) II. Initially, closing attempts using AVP 16 mm and 14 mm devices were performed. Presumably as a consequence of inadequate sizing, the discs were not well formed in the connecting tunnel, leaving a severe rest shunt after both procedures. Finally, after implantation of a 12 mm AVP‐device, only a minimal rest shunt remained detectable. Absence of aortic regurgitation was confirmed by transesophageal echocardiography, and the occluder was released. Mean pulmonary artery pressure immediately decreased from 39 to 15 mm Hg. Medication with aspirin (100 mg qid) and clopidogrel (75 mg qid) was initiated. Follow‐up examinations at 4 weeks and 3 months confirmed the minimal rest shunt and a continuous decrease of systolic pulmonary artery pressure to 35 mm Hg, as assessed with transthoracal echocardiography.

Conclusion

In conclusion, in cases of SVA rupture, closure with an AVP II represents an alternative to surgical treatment and other devices used for transcatheter treatment of SVA. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cost‐effectiveness of percutaneous coronary intervention with drug‐eluting stents in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease compared to coronary artery bypass surgery five‐years after intervention
Authors: Krenn Lisa , Kopp Christoph , Glogar Dietmar , Lang Irene M. , Delle‐Karth Georg , Neunteufl Thomas , Kreiner Gerhard , Kaider Alexandra , Bergler‐Klein Jutta , Khorsand Aliasghar , Nikfardjam Mariam , Laufer Günther , Maurer Gerald , Gyöngyösi Mariann
Published: January 2014

Objectives

Cost‐effectiveness of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using drug‐eluting stents (DES), and coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) was analyzed in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease over a 5‐year follow‐up.

Background

DES implantation reducing revascularization rate and associated costs might be attractive for health economics as compared to CABG.

Methods

Consecutive patients with multivessel DES‐PCI (n = 114, 3.3 ± 1.2 DES/patient) or CABG (n = 85, 2.7 ± 0.9 grafts/patient) were included prospectively. Primary endpoint was cost‐benefit of multivessel DES‐PCI over CABG, and the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated. Secondary endpoint was the incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), including acute myocardial infarction (AMI), all‐cause death, revascularization, and stroke.

Results

Despite multiple uses for DES, in‐hospital costs were significantly less for PCI than CABG, with 4551 €/patient difference between the groups. At 5‐years, the overall costs remained higher for CABG patients (mean difference 5400 € between groups). Cost‐effectiveness planes including all patients or subgroups of elderly patients, diabetic patients, or Syntax score >32 indicated that CABG is a more effective, more costly treatment mode for multivessel disease. At the 5‐year follow‐up, a higher incidence of MACCE (37.7% vs. 25.8%; log rank P = 0.048) and a trend towards more AMI/death/stroke (25.4% vs. 21.2%, log rank P = 0.359) was observed in PCI as compared to CABG. ICER indicated 45615 € or 126683 € to prevent one MACCE or AMI/death/stroke if CABG is performed.

Conclusions

Cost‐effectiveness analysis of DES‐PCI vs. CABG demonstrated that CABG is the most effective, but most costly, treatment for preventing MACCE in patients with multivessel disease. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Emission‐Considered Diesel Blending Optimization
Authors: Mittal Vibhor , Cai Tianxing , Krishnadevarajan Karthik , Xu Qiang
Published: January 2014

The blending of different refined, intermediate, or finished diesel products is a common practice for a petroleum refinery to maximize profit by reducing the giveaway of final diesel products with desired specifications and to avoid the reprocessing of in‐stored off‐spec products. Because the diesel combustion in engines has a significant impact on air quality in terms of NOx emission, diesel blending should also be evaluated with a new prospect of NOx emission. A comprehensive diesel blending model for petroleum refineries is developed which can simultaneously predict blending oil properties and potential NOx emissions and additionally optimize blending ratios among different blends to maximize the blending profit of diesel fuels subject to blending quantity, blending property, and potential NOx emission constraints. Based on the study, a Microsoft Excel tool has also been developed. The efficacy of the development is demonstrated by a comprehensive case study.
Adhesive Behavior of Magnetizable Particles in Magnetic Fields – Simulation and Verification
Authors: Knoll Johannes , Nirschl Hermann , Haarmann Alexander , Schmidt Eberhard
Published: January 2014

The adhesion behavior of small particles has been studied. A new C++‐based simulation for calculation of van der Waals forces was developed. Particle sizes ranged from few nanometers to several micrometers. Different flattening factors of the particles were considered. Various types and numbers of roughnesses are possible to simulate the surface structure of a particle. Since the simulation is built modularly, it can be easily extended or adjusted. Validation measurements were carried out with the centrifuge method. Magnetic particle systems were used for the experiments, so particle flattening could be induced by an additional magnetic force. A good agreement of the experimental results and simulations could be achieved.
Improving the survivability of RESTful Web applications via declarative fault tolerance
Authors: Edstrom John , Tilevich Eli
Published: January 2014

The popular Representational State Transfer (REST) architectural style for constructing web applications offers simplicity and scalability advantages. However, to improve the survivability of a RESTful application, programmers commonly find themselves writing vast amounts of nontrivial, ad hoc fault tolerance code. Network volatility, HTTP server errors, service outages—all require custom fault handling code, whose effective implementation requires considerable programming expertise and effort. These implementation impediments hinder the survivability of RESTful applications—without proper fault tolerance functionality, these applications are likely to crash when experiencing faults. To provide a systematic and principled approach to handling faults in RESTful applications, this article presents FT‐REST—an architectural framework for specifying fault tolerance functionality declaratively and then translating these specifications into platform‐specific code. FT‐REST encapsulates fault tolerance strategies in XML‐based specifications and compiles them to modules that reify the requisite fault tolerance. To validate our approach, we have applied FT‐REST to enhance several realistic RESTful applications to withstand the faults described in their FT‐REST specifications. As REST is said to apply verbs (HTTP commands) to nouns (URIs), FT‐REST enhances this conceptual model with adverbs that render REST reliable via reusable and extensible fault tolerance. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ant‐inspired level‐based congestion control for wireless mesh networks
Authors: Reddy Ch. Pradeep , Venkata Krishna P.
Published: January 2014

The ever increasing presence of services over wireless networks utilizing large bandwidth necessitates the constant quest for developing efficient and dependable services, capable of providing support to a wide and variety of applications. Wireless mesh networks can provide such reliable and scalable solutions addressing the requirements of the services utilizing large bandwidth. The current focus is on the interesting and challenging issue of channel access for different services with assured bandwidth guarantees. The problem of bandwidth, constantly encountered by the wireless mesh networks, is studied in this paper with due thrust on the issues pertaining to congestion control mechanisms. A novel ant colony‐based approach called ant‐inspired level‐based congestion control (AILCC) is developed in order to effectively manage the issues of bandwidth. The versatility of the AILCC includes its capacity for service differentiation in addressing a range of requests, such as applications of real‐time and nonreal‐time. The primary focus of AILCC is on providing an efficient congestion control mechanism that can meet numerous bandwidth demands of various applications. The performance of AILCC in terms of the ratio of packet delivery and end‐to‐end delay is evaluated through relevant simulations. The results obtained demonstrate greater levels of performance of AILCC over the other methods in existence. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel planar polarity gene pepsinogen‐like regulates wingless expression in a posttranscriptional manner
Authors: Mouri Kousuke , Nishino Yutaro , Arata Masaki , Shi Dongbo , Horiuchi Shin‐Ya , Uemura Tadashi
Published: January 2014

Background: Planar cell polarity (PCP) originally referred to the coordination of global organ axes and individual cell polarity within the plane of the epithelium. More recently, it has been accepted that pertinent PCP regulators play essential roles not only in epithelial sheets, but also in various rearranging cells. Results: We identified pepsinogen‐like (pcl) as a new planar polarity gene, using Drosophila wing epidermis as a model. Pcl protein is predicted to belong to a family of aspartic proteases. When pcl mutant clones were observed in pupal wings, PCP was disturbed in both mutant and wild‐type cells that were juxtaposed to the clone border. We examined levels of known PCP proteins in wing imaginal discs. The amount of the seven‐pass transmembrane cadherin Flamingo (Fmi), one of the PCP “core group” members, was significantly decreased in mutant clones, whereas neither the amount of nor the polarized localization of Dachsous (Ds) at cell boundaries was affected. In addition to the PCP phenotype, the pcl mutation caused loss of wing margins. Intriguingly, this was most likely due to a dramatic decrease in the level of Wingless (Wg) protein, but not due to a decrease in the level of wg transcripts. Conclusions: Our results raise the possibility that Pcl regulates Wg expression post‐transcriptionally, and PCP, by proteolytic cleavages. Developmental Dynamics 243:791–799, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Study on causes of the fires in rubble piles produced after the Great East Japan Earthquake, 2011
Authors: Murasawa Naoharu , Koseki Hiroshi , Iwata Yusaku , Sakamoto Takabumi
Published: January 2014

This paper seeks to determine the trigger of faint heat generation, which was one of the causes of fires in the piles of rubble produced after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. The rubble piles consist of various combustible materials, such as wood, paper and plastics, as well as non‐combustible materials from destroyed buildings. Multiple rubble outdoor storage areas were temporarily set up in the disaster areas to dispose of rubble after it was piled up and separated. However, fires have been occurring in these storage areas since the summer of 2011. One cause of such fires is thought to be the heat generated by fermentation of microorganisms that easily proliferates within the piled up rubble, ultimately resulting in spontaneous ignition. In this study, we collected samples from rubble outdoor storage areas where fires have occurred. We then conducted thermal analyses to obtain basic data, and finally, we developed safety measures to prevent the recurrence of fire. The results revealed that the heat generated during fermentation of rotten tatami and wood chips most likely acts as a trigger causing the fires, given the adiabatic conditions are good. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Night and Day in the VA: Associations Between Night Shift Staffing, Nurse Workforce Characteristics, and Length of Stay
Authors: de Cordova Pamela B. , Phibbs Ciaran S. , Schmitt Susan K. , Stone Patricia W.
Published: January 2014

In hospitals, nurses provide patient care around the clock, but the impact of night staff characteristics on patient outcomes is not well understood. The aim of this study was to examine the association between night nurse staffing and workforce characteristics and the length of stay (LOS) in 138 veterans affairs (VA) hospitals using panel data from 2002 through 2006. Staffing in hours per patient day was higher during the day than at night. The day nurse workforce had more educational preparation than the night workforce. Nurses' years of experience at the unit, facility, and VA level were greater at night. In multivariable analyses controlling for confounding variables, higher night staffing and a higher skill mix were associated with reduced LOS. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On semiclassical four‐point correlators in AdS5 × S5
Authors: Arnaudov D. , Rashkov R.C.
Published: January 2014

Following the recent advances in the holographic calculation of n‐point correlation functions with two “heavy” (with large quantum numbers) states at strong coupling, we extend these findings by computing specific contributions to four‐point correlators of four heavy BMN operators in �� = 4 supersymmetric Yang–Mills theory.
All‐atom and coarse‐grained simulations of the forced unfolding pathways of the SNARE complex
Authors: Zheng Wenjun
Published: January 2014

The SNARE complex, consisting of three proteins (VAMP2, syntaxin, and SNAP‐25), is thought to drive membrane fusion by assembling into a four‐helix bundle through a zippering process. In support of the above zippering model, a recent single‐molecule optical tweezers experiment by Gao et al. revealed a sequential unzipping of SNARE along VAMP2 in the order of the linker domain → the C‐terminal domain → the N‐terminal domain. To offer detailed structural insights to this unzipping process, we have performed all‐atom and coarse‐grained steered molecular dynamics (sMD) simulations of the forced unfolding pathways of SNARE using different models and force fields. Our findings are summarized as follows: First, the sMD simulations based on either an all‐atom force field (with an implicit solvent model) or a coarse‐grained Go model were unable to capture the forced unfolding pathway of SNARE as observed by Gao et al., which may be attributed to insufficient simulation time and inaccurate force fields. Second, the sMD simulations based on a reparameterized coarse‐grained model (i.e., modified elastic network model) were able to predict a sequential unzipping of SNARE in good agreement with the findings by Gao et al. The key to this success is to reparameterize the intrahelix and interhelix nonbonded force constants against the pair‐wise residue–residue distance fluctuations collected from all‐atom MD simulations of SNARE. Therefore, our finding supports the importance of accurately describing the inherent dynamics/flexibility of SNARE (in the absence of force), in order to correctly simulate its unfolding behaviors under force. This study has established a useful computational framework for future studies of the zippering function of SNARE and its perturbations by point mutations with amino‐acid level of details, and more generally the forced unfolding pathways of other helix bundle proteins. Proteins 2014; 82:1376–1386. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Ditopic Catechol Phosphane as Building Block for Selective Construction of Heterometallic Complexes with Early and Late Transition Metal Centers
Authors: Bauer Gernot , Förster Daniela , Nieger Martin , Gudat Dietrich
Published: January 2014

Base‐assisted reaction of catechol phosphane 2 (H2L) with [M′Cl2(cod)] (cod = 1, 5‐cyclooctadiene, M′ = Pd, Pt) yielded chelate complexes [M′(HL)2] (7a, b). Spectroscopic and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies revealed that both complexes feature cis‐configuration of the P‐ and O‐donor atoms in solution and in the solid state. Reaction of 7a, b with acetylacetonato or alkoxide complexes [MO2(acac)2] (M = Mo, W), [VO(acac)2], [{Ti(μ‐O)(acac)2}2], or Ti(OiPr)4 gave good to excellent yields of early‐late heterometallic complexes [MOn(μ‐L)2M′] (MOn = MoO2, WO2, VO; 8a, b–10a, b) or [Ti(RO‐1κO)2(μ‐L‐1κ2O, O'‐2κ2P, O)2Pd] (R = Me, iPr; 11a, b), which were inaccessible via other synthetic routes. Spectroscopic and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies revealed that the early metal centres in 8a, b, 9b and in 11b feature distorted octahedral coordination spheres with rigid transoid alignment of the catechol ring planes. Vanadium complexes 10a, b exhibit a square‐pyramidal coordination sphere with cisoid alignment of the catechol ring planes and evidence for intermolecular pairing via weak VO···Pd contacts in the solid state; complexes 8, 9 do not undergo conformational inversion on the NMR time‐scale. The molecular structure of Ti complex 11a is characterized by a different orientation of the catechol moieties, which can be envisaged to picture an intermediate state during a configuration inversion process, and a strong hydrogen bridge between a terminally coordinated catecholato‐oxygen atom and a solvent molecule (MeOH). Solution NMR studies indicate that the (MeO)2Ti(μ‐L)2M' framework is in this case conformationally labile and that the MeO ligands undergo intermolecular dynamic exchange with the solvent.
Heteroacanthella ellipsospora sp. nov., the first lichenicolous basidiomycete with acanthoid basidia
Authors: ZAMORA Juan Carlos , PÉREZ-ORTEGA Sergio , RICO Víctor J.
Published: January 2014

Heteroacanthella ellipsospora is described as new to science. It is the only known lichenicolous Heteroacanthella, always found parasitizing apothecia and the surrounding thallus of the crustose epiphytic lichen Lecanora carpinea. The new parasite has so far only been found in two Spanish provinces, Jaén and Madrid. The shape and size of its basidiospores, the basidia with acanthoid ornamentation, acanthohyphidia, as well as its parasitic lichenicolous habitat, with a replacement of host tissues by the parasite hymenium, are useful diagnostic characters.
The essential echocardiographic features of tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Silverman Norman H.
Published: January 2014

This presentation will demonstrate the essential features of tetralogy of Fallot in the infant and child before surgery, as well as some noteworthy features in the foetus. The four features, namely, subpulmonary stenosis, ventricular septal defect, aortic override, and right ventricular hypertrophy, can all be easily demonstrated by echocardiography. In addition, morphology of the pulmonary valve and the main and branch pulmonary arteries can be seen. The position of the coronary arteries and the major variants of proximal coronary anatomy can be defined. The arch anatomy and the presence of associated major aortopulmonary collateral arteries can be defined. All these features can be demonstrated in the foetus as well, after the first trimester, and the presence of major aortopulmonary collateral arteries can be seen more clearly because the lungs, being fluid filled, aid in ultrasound and do not provide the barrier that the air-filled lung presents after birth.
The Seventh World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, Istanbul, Turkey, June 19–24, 2017: “Bridge together”
Authors: Çiçek Sertaç
Published: January 2014

The Seventh World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery will held in Istanbul, the only city in the world that is located on two continents, June 19–24, 2017. This World Congress promises academic excellence in a culturally stimulating environment. All those interested in the care of patients with pediatric and congenital cardiac disease should attend this meeting, which represents “The Olympics of our Profession”.