bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combustion Characteristics and Laminar Flame Speed of Premixed Ethanol-Air Mixtures with Laser-Induced Spark Ignition
Authors: Xu Cangsu , Zhong Anhao , Wang Chongming , Jiang Chaozhao , Li Xiaolu , Zhou Kangquan , Huang Yuqi 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Laser-induced spark-ignition (LISI) has an advanced ignition technique with a few benefits over spark ignition. In this study, flame morphology, laminar flame characteristics and combustion characteristics of premixed anhydrous ethanol and air mixtures were investigated using LISI generated by a Q-switched Nd: YAG laser (wavelength: 1064 nm). Experiments were conducted in a constant volume combustion chamber (CVCC) at the initial condition of T0=358 K and P0=0.1 MPa, respectively, and with equivalence ratios (ɸ) of 0.6-1.6. Flame images were recorded by using the high-speed Schlieren photography technique, and the in-vessel pressure was recorded using a piezoelectric pressure transducer. Tests were also carried out with spark ignition, and the results were used as a reference. It has been found that the laminar flame speed of ethanol-air mixtures with LISI was comparable with those of spark ignition, proving that ignition methods have no influence on laminar flame speed which is an inherent characteristic of a fuel-air mixture. The peak laminar burning velocities for LISI and spark ignition with nonlinear extrapolation methods were approximately 50 cm/s at ɸ=1.1. However, LISI was able to ignite leaner mixtures than spark ignition. The maximum pressure rise rate of LISI was consistently higher than that of spark ignition at all tested ɸ, although the maximum pressure was similar for LISI and spark ignition. The initial combustion duration and main combustion duration reached the minimum at ɸ=1.1.
Active Vibration damping of Smart composite beams based on system identification technique
Authors: Bendine Kouider , Satla Zouaoui , Boukhoulda Farouk Benallel , Nouari Mohammed 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
In the present paper, the active vibration control of a composite beam using piezoelectric actuator is investigated. The space state equation is determined using system identification technique based on the structure input output response provided by ANSYS APDL finite element package. The Linear Quadratic (LQG) control law is designed and integrated into ANSYS APDL to perform closed loop simulations. Numerical examples for different types of excitation loads are presented to test the efficiency and the accuracy of the proposed model.
The elastic flow of curves on the sphere
Authors: Dall’Acqua Anna , Laux Tim , Lin  , Pozzi Paola , Spener Adrian 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
We consider closed curves on the sphere moving by the L2-gradient flow of the elastic energy both with and without penalisation of the length and show short-time and long-time existence of the flow. Moreover, when the length is penalised, we prove sub-convergence to critical points.
Visualizing language ideologies and verbalizing perceived linguistic boundaries: The case of Mandarin Chinese in contemporary Taiwan
Authors: Chen Spencer C. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAs Mandarin gains prominence in the globalizing world, the use of Mandarin not only blurs geopolitical borders, but also the linguistic boundaries drawn between Taiwan and Mainland China. Employing the theoretical framework of language ideologies and the methodological approach of perceptual dialectology, this article investigates how the Taiwanese perform their identities by hand-drawing their perceived linguistic boundaries of Mandarin varieties. The data came from a multi-sited linguistic fieldwork project in Taiwan that engaged with forty-two Taiwanese (age 19–56) on tasks that include drawing dialectological maps of Mandarin and extended ethnographic interviews. The data show that rhoticity has been selectively rationalized and ideologized as boundary of linguistic differentiation between Mandarin varieties across the Taiwan Strait. This article further examines the ways in which the informants, by surpassing the geospatial indexicality of Taiwan Mandarin as a vernacular, rationalize and project the existing stylistic use of Taiwan Mandarin onto their sociopolitical construals, creating a space where Taiwan Mandarin is equivalent to Putonghua in symbolic power. This study demonstrates the ways in which perceived dialectological maps functions as visualized indexical fields that mirror the multiplicity and volatility of participants’ concurrent language ideologies about the complicated relationship between language and the micro- as well as macro-sociopolitical environments they inhabit.
Constructing identities and negotiating ideologies with Chinese popular culture in adult Mandarin learning
Authors: Fang Sumin , Duff Patricia A. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractDespite the emergence of Chinese as a global language, little research has been done to explore how learners of Chinese as an Additional Language (CAL), and Mandarin specifically, utilize semiotic resources in Chinese popular culture to negotiate their own and others’ language ideologies and identities. This study argues that popular culture is a rich site for ideological and identity work in which four sorts of questions can be explored: (1) Which language(s)? (2) Whose language? (3) Which texts and discourses? (4) What social implications? Employing this framework, this study draws on three focal adult participants’ reported experiences of engaging with Chinese popular culture as a means of improving their Mandarin proficiency. We discuss such themes as gender and heritage learner identity, and political ideologies and dispositions arising from the study. We conclude, briefly, with some implications for Chinese language education and for future research on this topic.
Highly efficient [3+3] cycloaddition reactions of in situ generated aza-oxyallyl cation with nitrones
Authors: Chen Rongxing , Zhao Sen , Fu Yueliuting , Zhang Yiming , Guo Haibing , Wang Gangqiang , Sun Shaofa , Xing Yalan 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
An efficient protocol was developed for the synthesis of 1,2,4-oxadiazinan-5-one derivatives via [3+3] cycloaddition of in situ generated aza-oxyallyl cations with nitrones. This method provides high yields of the heterocyclic products, excellent regioselectivity and broad substrate scope.
Pulmonary infection of cystic fibrosis mice with Staphylococcus aureus requires expression of α-toxin
Authors: Keitsch Simone , Riethmüller Joachim , Soddemann Matthias , Sehl Carolin , Wilker Barbara , Edwards Michael J. , Caldwell Charles C. , Fraunholz Martin , Gulbins Erich , Becker Katrin Anne 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Pulmonary infections of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) occur very early in the disease. The molecular details that cause infection-susceptibility of CF patients to and mediate infection with S. aureus are poorly characterized. Therefore, we aimed to identify the role of α-toxin, a major S. aureus toxin, for pulmonary infection of CF mice. Infection with S. aureus JE2 resulted in severe pneumonia in CF mice, while wildtype mice were almost unaffected. Deficiency of α-toxin in JE2-Δhla reduced the pathogenicity of S. aureus in CF mice. However, CF mice were still more susceptible to the mutant S. aureus strain than wildtype mice. The S. aureus JE2 induced a marked increase of ceramide and a downregulation of sphingosine and acid ceramidase expression in bronchi of CF mice. Deletion of α-toxin reduced these changes after infection of CF mice. Similar changes were observed in wildtype mice, but at much lower levels. Our data indicate that expression of α-toxin is a major factor causing S. aureus infections in CF mice. Wildtype S. aureus induces a marked increase of ceramide and a reduction of sphingosine and acid ceramidase expression in bronchial epithelial cells of wildtype and CF mice, changes that determine infection susceptibility.
Hepatitis B virus X protein promotes proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by upregulating miR-181b by targeting ING5
Authors: Xie Xuhua , Xu Xiaopei , Sun Changyu , Yu Zujiang 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) played a key role in the development of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Emerging evidence has demonstrated that miR-181b and the inhibitor of growth protein 5 (ING5) participated in the pathophysiological process. However, the regulatory mechanism of HBx remained unknown. The expression of miR-181b and ING5 in HCC tissues and cell lines were examined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting. Cell viability was determined using the MTT method following HCC cell lines transfection. The interaction between miR-181b and ING5 was assessed by luciferase reporter assay. The nude mice tumor model was well established to evaluate the role and biological functions of HBx on the progression of HBV-related HCC in vivo. MiR-181b was upregulated and ING5 was downregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines. As suggested by the results from in vitro and in vivo experiments, HBx downregulates the expression of the miR-181b target gene ING5, resulting in the promotion of HCC cell proliferation. HBx accelerates proliferation activity of HCC cells by increasing miR-181b expression via targeting ING5, thereby influencing the progression of HBV-related HCC.
Non-Linear Radiation and Chemical Reaction Impacts on Hydromagnetic Particle Suspension Flow in Non-Newtonian Fluids
Authors: Gnaneswara Reddy M. , Sudha Rani M.V.V.N.L. , Prasannakumara C. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
A two dimensional (2D) boundary layer two-phase MHD (magneto hydrodynamics) flow of Maxwell and Oldroyd-B fluid over a stretching sheet has been explored. Heat and mass transfer phenomena is inspected through Non-linear radiation, viscous dissipation, joule heating, Soret (thermo-diffusion) and Dufour (diffusion-thermo) Impact. The boundary layer governing differential equations are modelled and transformed to a system of ODE’S with the aid of similarity transformations. The final controlled equations along boundary restrictions are resolved numerically by Runge-Kutta Felhberg method. The graphical analysis has been emphasized for the fluid and dust phase velocity, temperature and concentration fields to the influence of sundry dynamical flow quantities. Furthermore, for authentication of the present computation, the achieved results are distinguished with earlier research works in specific cases and marvellous agreement has been noted. The outcomes conveyed here manifest that velocity and boundary layer thickness escalate with boost up the values of

${K_1}$

. Velocity and boundary layer thickness declines with boost up the values of

$M$

. Opposite trend is seen in temperature and concentration profiles. The specific heat ratio parameter

$\gamma$

enhances the temperature profile declines. Boost up the values of Soret number

$Sr$

temperature profile declines and concentration profile enhances. Skin friction factor declines with increasing values

$\beta _v$

verses

$M$

.
Effects of Pea Protein on the Properties of Potato Starch-Based 3D Printing Materials
Authors: Chuanxing Feng , Qi Wang , Hui Li , Quancheng Zhou , Wang Meng 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Since materials are the substantial foundation for 3D printing, the lack of theoretical research on 3D printing food materials restricts the development of 3D printing in food field. Based on the principle of 3D starch gelatinization printing, this study revealed the effects of pea protein on the printability of potato starch-based 3D printing materials in granular structure, crystalline structure, chemical structure, textural properties, and thermal properties, through scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transformed infrared, differential scanning calorimetry, and textural method, and developed new food materials for 3D printing. The study indicated the structural properties and physicochemical properties changed regularly with the increase in the content of pea protein, when the content of pea protein was 1%, the printing quality was best. The study provides a new theory for the application of 3D printing in food production and technical support for actual production.
Numerical Methods for the Derivative Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation
Authors: Li Shu-Cun , Li Xiang-Gui , Shi Fang-Yuan 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
In this work, a second-order accuracy in both space and time Crank–Nicolson (C-N)-type scheme, a fourth-order accuracy in space and second-order accuracy in time compact scheme and a sixth-order accuracy in space and second-order accuracy in time compact scheme are proposed for the derivative nonlinear Schrödinger equation. The C-N-type scheme is tested to satisfy the conservation of discrete mass. For the two compact schemes, the iterative algorithm and the Thomas algorithm in block matrix form are adopted to enhance the computational efficiency. Numerical experiment is given to test the mass conservation for the C-N-type scheme as well as the accuracy order of the three schemes. In addition, the numerical simulation of binary collision and the influence on the solitary solution by adding a small random perturbation to the initial condition are also discussed.
Numerical Method for a Class of Nonlinear Singularly Perturbed Delay Differential Equations Using Parametric Cubic Spline
Authors: Ravi Kanth A. S. V. , Murali Mohan Kumar P. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
In this paper, we study the numerical method for a class of nonlinear singularly perturbed delay differential equations using parametric cubic spline. Quasilinearization process is applied to convert the nonlinear singularly perturbed delay differential equations into a sequence of linear singularly perturbed delay differential equations. When the delay is not sufficiently smaller order of the singular perturbation parameter, the approach of expanding the delay term in Taylor’s series may lead to bad approximation. To handle the delay term, we construct a special type of mesh in such a way that the term containing delay lies on nodal points after discretization. The parametric cubic spline is presented for solving sequence of linear singularly perturbed delay differential equations. The error analysis of the method is presented and shows second-order convergence. The effect of delay parameter on the boundary layer behavior of the solution is discussed with two test examples.
Antidiabetic and renoprotective effect of Anogeissus acuminata leaf extract on experimentally induced diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Navale Archana M. , Paranjape Archana 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Background
Diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease. Hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation are some of the mechanisms involved in renal damage. Anogeissus acuminata (AA) is used in India as an antidiabetic agent and has potent antioxidant activity. However, it has never been evaluated for its effect on diabetic nephropathy. Hence, in the present study we aimed to evaluate its effect on streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus and its renal complications.

Methods
Diabetes mellitus was induced by injecting streptozotocin, 50 mg/kg, i.p. in rats fasted for 6 h. Rats with hyperglycemia were treated with extracts of AA for 8 weeks at doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg, orally. Human NPH insulin (4 IU/kg, s.c.) was used as standard treatment. Plasma glucose levels (at weeks 1, 2, 4, and 8) and oxidative stress parameters (at weeks 2 and 4) were assessed. Effect on diabetic nephropathy was evaluated by recording the urinary volume, urinary protein excretion, kidney weights, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen levels at week 8.

Results
Methanolic extract of AA leaves produced statistically significant (p<0.05) hypoglycemic and antioxidant effect. It also resulted in improved urinary function, reflected by better urinary volume and reduced protein excretion in urine. AA treatment could prevent the elevation of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen level in a dose-dependent manner. Kidney hypertrophy could be attenuated remarkably, as reflected by the significantly lower kidney weight (KW) per 100 g body weight (p<0.05).

Conclusions
AA leaf extract attenuated the development of diabetic nephropathy and also demonstrated antidiabetic and antioxidant action.
Complementary and alternative medicine usage and its determinant factors among Iranian infertile couples
Authors: Dehghan Mahlagha , Mokhtarabadi Sima , Heidari Fatemeh Ghaedi 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to determine the status of utilizing some complementary and alternative medicine techniques in infertile couples.

Methods
This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 250 infertile couples referred to a hospital in Kerman using convenience sampling. A researcher-made questionnaire was used to study the prevalence and user satisfaction of complementary and alternative medicines.

Results
Results indicated that 49.6% of the infertile couples used at least one of the complementary and alternative medicines during the past year. Most individuals used spiritual techniques (71.8% used praying and 70.2% used Nazr) and medicinal plants (54.8%). Safety is the most important factor affecting the satisfaction of infertile couples with complementary treatments (couples think that such treatments are safe (54.8%)).

Discussion
Concerning high prevalence of complementary and alternative treatments in infertile couples, incorporating such treatments into the healthcare education and promoting the awareness of infertile individuals seem crucial.
Fractional-order low-pass filter with electronic tunability of its order and pole frequency
Authors: Langhammer Lukas , Dvorak Jan , Jerabek Jan , Koton Jaroslav , Sotner Roman 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
This paper presents novel solution of a fractional-order low-pass filter (FLPF). The proposed filter operates in the current mode and it is designed using third-order inverse follow-the-leader feedback topology and operational transconductance amplifiers (OTAs), adjustable current amplifiers (ACAs), auxiliary multiple-output current follower (MO-CF) as simple active elements. The filter offers the beneficial ability of the electronic control of its order and also the pole frequency thanks to electronically controlled internal parameters of OTAs and ACAs. As an example, five particular values of fractional order of the FLPF were chosen and parameters of the filter were calculated. Similarly, also electronic control of the pole frequency of the filter was studied. The design correctness and proper function of the filter are supported by simulations with CMOS models and also by experimental laboratory measurements. Comparison of the simulation results of the proposed filter for two different approximations of the parameter s

α
is also included.
Model-free adaptive speed control on travelling wave ultrasonic motor
Authors: Di Sisi , Li Huafeng 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis paper introduced a new data-driven control (DDC) method for the speed control of ultrasonic motor (USM). The model-free adaptive control (MFAC) strategy was presented in terms of its principles, algorithms, and parameter selection. To verify the efficiency of the proposed method, a speed-frequency-time model, which contained all the measurable nonlinearity and uncertainties based on experimental data was established for simulation to mimic the USM operation system. Furthermore, the model was identified using particle swarm optimization (PSO) method. Then, the control of the simulated system using MFAC was evaluated under different expectations in terms of overshoot, rise time and steady-state error. Finally, the MFAC results were compared with that of proportion iteration differentiation (PID) to demonstrate its advantages in controlling general random system.
Optical splitter design for telecommunication access networks with triple-play services
Authors: Agalliu Rajdi , Burtscher Catalina , Lucki Michal , Seyringer Dana 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
In this paper, we present various designs of optical splitters for access networks, such as GPON and XG-PON by ITU-T with triple-play services (ie data, voice and video). The presented designs exhibit a step forward, compared to the solutions recommended by the ITU, in terms of performance in transmission systems using WDM. The quality of performance is represented by the bit error rate and the Q-factor. Besides the standard splitter design, we propose a new length-optimized splitter design with a smaller waveguide core, providing some reduction of non-uniformity of the power split between the output waveguides. The achieved splitting parameters are incorporated in the simulations of passive optical networks. For this purpose, the OptSim tool employing Time Domain Split Step method was used.
Robust PID controller design for nonlinear systems
Authors: Veselý Vojtech , Körösi Ladislav 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn this paper the new approach to the design of robust PID controller for the case of nonlinear Lipschitz systems is proposed. The proposed method is based on the uncertain gain scheduling plant model and Bellman Lyapunov equation. The designed robust controller ensures parameter dependent quadratic stability and in the frame of H2performance guaranteed cost. Examples show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
ATF3 and EGR2 gene expression levels in sdLDL-treated macrophages of patients with coronary artery stenosis
Authors: Hosseini-Fard Sayed R. , Khosravi Mohsen , Yarnazari Amaneh , Hassanpour Parisa , Amirfarhangi Abdollah , Tajik Nader , Nourabad-Ghahroodi Faezeh , Najafi Mohammad 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackground:The metabolism of cholesteryl esters (CEs) is under the control of a gene network in macrophages. Several genes such asATF3andEGR2are related to cholesterol metabolism.Methods:In this study, theATF3andEGR2gene expression levels were evaluated in differentiated macrophages of subjects undergoing coronary artery angiography [controls (<5% stenosis), patients (>70% stenosis)] after treatment with small dense low density lipoprotein (sdLDL) particles. Monocytes were isolated using a RosetteSep Kit and were differentiated into macrophages using the M-CSF factor. A modified heparin-MgSO4-PEG method was used for the sdLDL preparation. TheATF3andEGR2gene expression levels were measured by the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) technique.Results:In contrast with the control group (p=0.4), theATF3expression level reduced significantly in the differentiated macrophages from all patients [single vessel disease (SVD), fold change 17 times, p=0.02; two vessel disease (2VD), fold change 1.5 times, p=0.05; three vessel disease (3VD), fold change 3.5 times, p=0.04]. Also, theEGR2expression level reduced significantly in all groups (p<0.02). The gene fold changes had no significant differences between the patients (p>0.8).Conclusions:We propose that the failure ofATF3gene expression improves the CE synthesis after sdLDL influx. Furthermore, the reducedEGR2gene expression level in the sdLDL-treated groups may be a negative factor in cholesterol homeostasis.