bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical and epidemiological features of Guillain‐Barré syndrome in the Western Balkans
Authors: Peric Stojan , Milosevic Vuk , Berisavac Ivana , Stojiljkovic Olivera , Beslac‐Bumbasirevic Ljiljana , Marjanovic Ivan , Djuric Vanja , Djordjevic Gordana , Rajic Sonja , Cvijanovic Milan , Babic Milica , Dominovic Aleksandra , Vujovic Balsa , Cukic Mirjana , Petrovic Milutin , Toncev Gordana , Komatina Nenad , Martic Vesna , Lavrnic Dragana 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe aim of this study was to define features of Guillain‐Barré syndrome in a large cohort of patients from three Western Balkans countries. Data from adult Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) cases from 2009 to 2013 were retrospectively obtained from all tertiary health care centers. During the 5‐year period, 327 new cases of GBS were identified with a male to female ratio of 1.7 : 1. The most common GBS variants were demyelinating (65%) and axonal (12%). At nadir 45% of patients were chair‐bound, confined to bed, or required assisted ventilation, while 5% died. The crude incidence of GBS in Serbia and Montenegro was 0.93 per 100,000 population, and age‐adjusted incidence according to the world standard population was 0.86 per 100,000. Incidence was particularly high in 50‐ to 80‐year‐old men. Statistically significant seasonal variations of GBS were not observed. This study of patients with GBS in the Western Balkans allows us to prepare the health system better and to improve the management of patients. This study also opens opportunities for international collaboration and for taking part in the multinational studies on GBS.
A pilot study of proximal strength training in Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease
Authors: Ramdharry Gita M. , Pollard Alexander , Anderson Cheryl , Laurá Matilde , Murphy Sinead M. , Dudziec Magdalena , Dewar Elizabeth L. , Hutton Elspeth , Grant Robert , Reilly Mary M. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractGait analysis of people with Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth (CMT) disease revealed proximal adaptive gait strategies to compensate for foot drop. We previously demonstrated that hip flexor muscle fatigue can limit walking endurance. This pilot study used a single‐blinded cross over design to investigate the effect of a 16‐week home‐based programme of resistance training on hip flexor muscle strength. Measures of walking endurance, gait speed, exertion, fatigue, and general activity were also recorded. The exercise protocol was based on American College of Sports Medicine recommendations. A mixed effects model was used for analysis. Twenty‐six people finished the study, with average reported exercise participation of 93%. No negative effects of exercise were observed. Significant increase in hip flexor muscle strength was observed on the left, but not the right. No changes were observed in walking speed and endurance measures. This pilot study of home‐based resistance training showed a modest improvement in hip strength but only on one side. The lack of a more significant improvement and no improvement in walking measures suggests that this training protocol may not be optimal for people with CMT and that patients may need to stratified differently for training studies in CMT.
The influence of numbers on invasion success
Authors: Blackburn Tim M. , Lockwood Julie L. , Cassey Phillip 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe process by which a species becomes a biological invader, at a location where it does not naturally occur, can be divided into a series of sequential stages (transport, introduction, establishment and spread). A species' success at passing through each of these stages depends, in a large part, on the number of individuals available to assist making each transition. Here, we review the evidence that numbers determine success at each stage of the invasion process and then discuss the likely mechanisms by which numbers affect success. We conclude that numbers of individuals affect transport and introduction by moderating the likelihood that abundant (and widespread) species are deliberately or accidentally translocated; affect establishment success by moderating the stochastic processes (demographic, environmental, genetic or Allee) to which small, introduced populations will be vulnerable; and affect invasive spread most likely because of persistent genetic effects determined by the numbers of individuals involved in the establishment phase. We finish by suggesting some further steps to advance our understanding of the influence of numbers on invasion success, particularly as they relate to the genetics of the process.
Primary metabolism plays a central role in moulding silicon‐inducible brown spot resistance in rice
Authors: Van Bockhaven Jonas , Steppe Kathy , Bauweraerts Ingvar , Kikuchi Shoshi , Asano Takayuki , Höfte Monica , De Vleesschauwer David 
Published: January 2015

SummaryOver recent decades, a multitude of studies have shown the ability of silicon (Si) to protect various plants against a range of microbial pathogens exhibiting different lifestyles and infection strategies. Despite this relative wealth of knowledge, an understanding of the action mechanism of Si is still in its infancy, which hinders its widespread application for agricultural purposes. In an attempt to further elucidate the molecular underpinnings of Si‐induced disease resistance, we studied the transcriptome of control and Si‐treated rice plants infected with the necrotrophic brown spot fungus Cochliobolus miyabeanus. Analysis of brown spot‐infected control plants suggested that C. miyabeanus represses plant photosynthetic processes and nitrate reduction in order to trigger premature senescence and cause disease. In Si‐treated plants, however, these pathogen‐induced metabolic alterations are strongly impaired, suggesting that Si alleviates stress imposed by the pathogen. Interestingly, Si also significantly increased photorespiration rates in brown spot‐infected plants. Although photorespiration is often considered as a wasteful process, recent studies have indicated that this metabolic bypass also enhances resistance during abiotic stress and pathogen attack by protecting the plant's photosynthetic machinery. In view of these findings, our results favour a scenario in which Si enhances brown spot resistance by counteracting C. miyabeanus‐induced senescence and cell death via increased photorespiration. Moreover, our results shed light onto the mechanistic basis of Si‐induced disease control and support the view that, in addition to activating plant immune responses, Si can also reduce disease severity by interfering with pathogen virulence strategies.
The strategy does not matter: Effects of acceptance, reappraisal, and distraction on the course of anticipatory anxiety in social anxiety disorder
Authors: Helbig‐Lang Sylvia , Rusch Silke , Rief Winfried , Lincoln Tania M. 
Published: January 2015

ObjectivesAnticipatory anxiety is a core feature of social anxiety disorder (SAD); however, there is a paucity of data on effective strategies for dealing with this affective state. The present study examined the effects of reappraisal, acceptance, and distraction on the course of anticipatory anxiety.DesignThe study used an experimental design, randomly assigning participants to one of three strategy groups. Participants were instructed to employ these strategies during the anticipation of an impromptu speech.MethodsParticipants with SAD (n = 67) and healthy controls (n = 72) were compared with regard to their ability to adopt the prescribed strategies and with regard to the effects of strategy use on self‐reported and psychophysiological markers of arousal.ResultsSAD participants reported more problems in adopting the assigned strategies than controls, although the time spent with each strategy did not differ by group. In both groups, acceptance was rated as more difficult to adopt than reappraisal and distraction. Subjective ratings of anxiety decreased during the first 10 min of anticipation regardless of diagnostic group or strategy, but anxiety increased again immediately prior to the speech. Psychophysiological parameters were largely unaffected by group or strategy.ConclusionThe results question whether there are differential benefits of different emotion regulation (ER) strategies in dealing with anticipatory anxiety. The observed rebound of anxiety prior to the social event calls into doubt the long‐term effectiveness of these strategies, at least during the regulation of anticipatory anxiety.Practitioner points

Coping with anticipatory anxiety is an important issue in treating SAD.

Compared to healthy controls, individuals diagnosed with SAD experienced more problems in adopting prescribed ER strategies for dealing with anticipatory anxiety.

We found no differences between acceptance, reappraisal, and distraction, calling into question that one strategy should be generally recommended by clinicians.
IPRs and International Knowledge Flows: Evidence from Six Large Emerging Countries
Authors: Montobbio Fabio , Primi Annalisa , Sterzi Valerio 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThis paper studies international knowledge flows looking at: (i) patent citations that track codified knowledge and (ii) technological collaborations between inventors that gauge knowledge transmitted through face to face contacts. It uses a gravity model for 13 countries (Brazil, Russian Federation, India, China, South Africa, Mexico, the USA, the UK, Japan, Italy, Germany, France and Canada) using EPO data. In the case of tacit knowledge flows it shows that intellectual property rights (IPRs) reinforcement has no effect and that sharing a common legal origin and technological proximity are more important than geographical distance. In the case of codified knowledge flows IPRs reinforcement has a positive effect only when applicants’ citations are considered.
Rotor Dynamics in Design of a High Speed Cryogenic Pump for Geo Stationary Launch Vehicles
Authors: Jammi Srinivasa R. 
Published: January 2015

On January 5th 2014 the Indian Space Research Organization successfully launched its Geo Stationary Launch Vehicle with an indigenous Cryogenic engine. One of the main design aspects is in its rotor dynamics to predict the peak amplitude unbalance whirl and the speed at which it occurs. This engine has several key technologies, one of them specifically is coupled rotors, viz., Turbine, Hydrogen Pump and Oxidizer supported on seven nonlinear rolling element bearings and several seals all mounted in a flexible casing. The conventional beam model initially adopted failed to predict the speed at which peak unbalance response occurs.
The rotor system was first developed in a solid model to determine the critical speeds of the rotor alone considering its 40000 rpm centrifugal loads with bearings treated as linear. Then, unbalance whirl of this rotor system was developed by codes specially developed for this purpose. The rolling element bearings are found to be highly nonlinear with large bearing radial forces at critical speeds. An iterative procedure was developed to match the bearing force and unbalance whirl to determine peak amplitude response speeds. Subsequently, seals and the influence of casing and internal pressures were accounted in the analysis. This paper describes the advanced rotor dynamic design of this pump.
A Unified Concept for the Graph Representation of Constraints in Mechanisms
Authors: Müller Andreas , Shai Offer 
Published: January 2015

There are two established approaches to represent constraints: the body-bar (BB) and the bar-joint (BJ) graph that can be used in machine theory. They are referred to as topological graphs as they describe the relation between members of a mechanism. It is known, however, that in many cases these graphs are not unique. Hence any method for kinematic analysis or mobility determination that is based on these topological graphs is prone to failures.
In this paper a generalized and unified concept for the representation of constraints in mechanisms is introduced. It is first shown in which situations BB and BJ representations fail to correctly represent the mechanism. The novel constraint graph is then derived starting from the most general model of constrained rigid bodies. It is shown how BB and BJ graphs result as special cases. Therefore the new graph representation is called the ‘mixed graph’. It is further shown how this novel mixed constraint graph allows for computation of the correct generic (topological) mobility, and thus overcomes the problems of BB and BJ representations.
6x6 UGV: Stochastic Dynamics Fundamentals for Mobility Estimation
Authors: Gray Jeremy P. , Vantsevich Vladimir V. , Opeiko Alexandre F. 
Published: January 2015

Stochastic modeling for mobility estimation has vastly improved through recent research and the advancements in technology, but those advancements haven’t fully been applied to full vehicle mobility control and on-line (real time) analysis of each driving wheel’s contribution and influence.
This paper presents an analysis of fundamental mobility dynamics implemented into advanced stochastic estimation methodologies. Based on this analysis, the paper formulates: (i) developed on-line mobility criteria in stochastic conditions from one wheel to full vehicle with six driving wheels in which the contribution of every wheel can be estimated, and (ii) terrain characterization and agile vehicle dynamics information to estimate UGV mobility in real time.
This analysis enables on-line mobility estimation for UGVs to make control changes as the event of poor terrain conditions occur (or before it) rather than after the event, causing the vehicle to then optimize its reaction to regain control. These fundamental applications for mobility control in stochastic conditions enable today’s one wheel modeling solutions to be applied to the full vehicle.
Development of Underactuated Mechanical Fingers Based on Anthropometric Data and Anthropomorphic Tasks
Authors: Robson Nina , Allington James , Soh Gim Song 
Published: January 2015

This paper describes a systematic method for the kinematic synthesis of one degree-of-freedom robotic fingers that incorporate multi-loop kinematic structures with second order task specifications, such that the fingers do not violate normal direction and curvature constraints imposed by contact with objects. We show how to use these contact and curvature effects to formulate the synthesis equations for the design of a planar index finger, based on anthropomorphic back-bone chain and anthropomorphic task. The prototype of the finger is described in the end of the paper.
It is important to note, that the theoretical foundation presented in this paper, assists in solving some of the open problems of the field, providing preliminary results on the synthesis of one degree-of-freedom kinematic chains, based on human’s finger dimensions and novel task specifications that incorporate curvature constraints, with future applications in grasping and object manipulation.
Procedural Generation of Vegetation for a Virtual Test Track
Authors: Berssenbrügge Jan , Stöcklein Jörg , Koza Andre , Gräßler Iris 
Published: January 2015

Advanced driver assistant systems (ADAS) are increasingly being tested during simulated test drives in a test and training environment based on a driving simulator, in order to reduce the number of extensive real test drives. The need for numerous virtual test drives in the driving simulator requires to model detailed and realistically appearing 3D models of real test tracks. A manual reproduction of real tracks is a cumbersome and time-intensive task.
In previous work, we have introduced a method to create virtual test tracks with minimized manual effort using data from various sources, such as navigation systems, digital elevation models, aerial images, digital landscape models etc. [1]. However, these virtual test tracks still do not appear very realistic to the test driver, since no detailed vegetation was generated by that method.
In this paper, we propose an approach to enrich a virtual terrain with authentic vegetation. The aim is to increase the perceived realism of the landscape, in order to provide the same input for the sensors of an ADAS under test in the driving simulator as on the real track. The requirement is to automate the vegetation generation as far as possible and to support real-time rendering of the generated very complex 3D model, which is crucial for a usable sensor feed.
The basis for the generation of vegetation in this work is data from digital landscape models. These data define where areas like woodlands and agricultural zones are located in geographic coordinates. These areas are refined by a color detection, which is applied to the corresponding aerial images, in order to identify various tree and plant species. Based on the application of a procedural rule system the actual plants are then placed in the refined areas. The rule system imitates the natural growth behavior of plants and is based on terrain characteristics like gradient, direction of a slope, or competition for resources. By combining terrain data, color detection on aerial images, and procedural rules, a planting method is developed to generate natural looking vegetation.
The implementation prototype of our approach, based on the Unity3D game engine, which supports an easy creation of complex sceneries, showed that it is possible to create vegetation for a virtual test track with minimal manual effort. By placing vegetation at realistic locations, considering natural spread of plants, the perceived realism of the scene was improved. A performance analysis showed that even with the generated vegetation, interactive frame rates are achievable.
Development of an ADL Assistance Apparatus for Upper Limbs and Evaluation of Muscle and Cerebral Activity
Authors: Tanaka Eiichirou , Saegusa Shozo , Iwasaki Yasuo , Yuge Louis 
Published: January 2015

We developed an assistance apparatus for upper limbs for patients who can control their finger but they cannot lift up their arms themselves, for example myopathy and hemiplegic patients. The mechanism of assistance is utilized the differential gears to lose the weight and volume of the mechanical arm. That enabled us to configure three motors to drive two DOFs (Degrees of freedom) for the shoulder and one DOF for the elbow around the root of the mechanical arm. This arm has two support trays, for wrist and upper arm. Furthermore, to realize other ADL (activities of daily living) motions (for instance, eating, writing, putting on makeup, wiping his/her face, and so on) them selves, we proposed to control the device using the targeted posture map for the mechanical arm. To be able to choose the appropriate input for each patient, various input interfaces, for example, joy-stick, push buttons, sensor glove using bending sensors, and so on, are equipped.
In general, even though a human behaves an atonic motion, the maximum voluntary contraction (%MVC) outputs at least from 5 to 10%. The usage of this apparatus is to move the user’s upper limbs with dependence completely, and the purpose of this apparatus is to decrease the value of %MVC up to approximately 10%. Therefore, in this paper, the muscles of the user were evaluated with the ratio of %MVC. To confirm the effectiveness of assistance ability, we measured muscle activity while using the device, and compared the %MVC data between using the device or not. As a result, the activity decreased up to 80%, and the effectiveness of this device could be confirmed.
Finally, to expand the usage of this apparatus to encompass Neuro-Rehabilitation as well, we measured cerebral activity while using the device for rehabilitation with a near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Then we compared the data from using the device or not, and input motion from a third person. By using this device, the cerebral activity decreased especially when the target motion was complex. However, when the subject input the motion themselves, the cerebral activity increased more than when the data is input by a third person, especially, when the target motion was complex. Therefore, for use in Neuro-Rehabilitation, we found it is important the subject input the target motion him/herself.
Towards a Cyber-Physical Gaming System for Training in the Construction and Engineering Industry
Authors: Sivanathan Aparajithan , Abdel-Wahab Mohamed , Bosche Frederic , Lim Theodore 
Published: January 2015

Introducing serious gaming systems (SGS) has the potential to enhance trainee experience and performance across the construction industry and its supply chain, such as mechanical engineering services. SGS as an ‘enabler’ in architectural engineering has received limited research in its role to assess and enhance the performance of its workforce. In a personnel high-risk environment, improving training standards to eliminate or reduce health and safety risks, in addition to providing an understanding of workers’ ergonomics, ensures sustainability of both the project and its workforce.
This paper presents an activity tracking and feedback system that captures the physical activity of a construction worker climbing a ladder. Climbing is captured with a 3D motion capture system and processed in real-time to identify potential areas of underperformance. A simple and representative scoring method was established as a reporting method (game statistics) for giving feedback about the correctness of the activity. It can nonetheless be tuned to characterise and adjust to various complexity levels in-line with the required training standards. Furthermore, the motion data and feedback information are fed into a virtual gaming environment enabling the real-time visualisation of the trainee’s motion and experiential learning of the performance through visual and audio feedback. The gaming concepts are employed here with multiple purposes, particularly for accelerating and facilitating the learning process of the trainee. In addition to the 3D motion capturing system, this paper outlines and tests a proposed serious cyber-physical gaming system that incorporates wearable technologies that has the potential to support both construction training and practice.
Kinetostatic Performance Analysis of a Redundantly Driven Parallel Kinematic Manipulator
Authors: Lorenz Michael , Corves Burkhard , Riedel Martin 
Published: January 2015

In general the mechanical handling of objects in space is performed by manipulators, whose number of actuators is consistent with the number of required degrees of freedom. In addition, manipulators can be equipped with redundant drives, providing the manipulator with more actuators than the mobility actually requires. Thus, an active distribution of drive torques is enabled.
Accordingly, this research intends to analyze the effects of torque distribution in over-actuated manipulators relating to load-optimized and energy-efficient handling. By developing torque distribution strategies the maximum torque levels can be reduced and the required drive power thus be decreased. This results in an increased drive utilization, which improves the energy-efficiency of the handling system. On this basis, an innovative handling concept is analyzed, which represents an over-determined system given the number of actuators. Hence, it is shown that the drive utilization of manipulators can be significantly improved by means of actuation redundancy. For this purpose different mathematical optimization approaches are analyzed, which solve the over-actuated system with defined optimization targets. Here, the optimal torque distribution is found using an algorithm, which minimizes the maximum torque for each object position. The results demonstrate the efficiency of active torque distribution in terms of over-actuated manipulators. For a further approach it is planned to develop control methods including optimized torque distribution strategies in order to improve the performance and the energy efficiency of the entire manipulator.