bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electromechanical Impedance Modeling for Structural Health Monitoring
Authors: Zhao Liuxian , Yu Lingyu , Gresil Mattieu , Sutton Michael , Guo Siming 
Published: July 2013

Electromechanical impedance (EMI) method is an effective and powerful technique in structural health monitoring (SHM) which couples the mechanical impedance of host structure with the electrical impedance measured at the piezoelectric wafer active sensor (PWAS) transducer terminals. Due to the electromechanical coupling in piezoelectric materials, changes in structural mechanical impedance are reflected in the electrical impedance measured at the PWAS. Therefore, the structural mechanical resonances are reflected in a virtually identical spectrum of peaks and valleys in the real part of the measured EMI.
Multi-physics based finite element method (MP-FEM) has been widely used for the analysis of piezoelectric materials and structures. It uses finite elements taking both electrical and mechanical DOF’s into consideration, which allows good differentiation of complicated structural geometries and damaged areas. In this paper, MP-FEM was then used to simulate PWAS EMI for the goal of SHM. EMI of free PWAS was first simulated and compared with experimental result. Then the constrained PWAS was studied. EMI of both metallic and glass fiber composite materials were simulated. The first case is the constrained PWAS on aluminum beam with various dimensions. The second case studies the sensitivity range of the EMI approach for damage detection on aluminum beam using a set of specimens with cracks at different locations. In the third case, structural damping effects were also studied in this paper.. Our results have also shown that the imaginary part of the impedance and admittance can be used for sensor self-diagnosis.
Validation of a Strain-Based Wing Shape Prediction Algorithm for Control and Monitoring of an Uninhabited Air Vehicle
Authors: Alvarenga Jessica , Peña Francisco , Boussalis Helen 
Published: July 2013

Recent improvements in technology has enabled the use of very sophisticated sensors such as embedded fiber bragg gratings (FBGs) to obtain strain measurements from a variety of structural types. Conventional strain gauges tend to be heavy and bulky. Because of their accuracy, light weight, small size and flexibility these fiber optic sensors have big potential to be used in space exploration and the aerospace industry especially for flying aircraft that have strict weight and size limitations. These strain measurements can be used to predict the deformation shape of aircraft during real-time flights. The development of such methods for monitoring and control can potentially reduce the risk of in-flight breakups, such as that of the Helios Wing.
The Structures, Propulsion, And Control Engineering (SPACE) NASA sponsored University Research Center (URC) of excellence has concentrated in the development of small, lightweight Uninhabited Air Vehicles (UAVs) that have excelled in the area of endurance. Today, the UAV project is focused on the design of a multi-mission multipurpose air system that can operate autonomously. The configuration is a twin boom, pusher, and conventional wing design. In this paper, methods developed by the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA)’s Dryden Flight Research Center for real-time deformation shape prediction of lightweight unmanned flying aerospace structures for the purposes of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) and condition assessment are investigated. SHM may allow for useful monitoring that would prevent such an event by providing wing shape information and structural monitoring to either a pilot or the flight system, allowing for evasive maneuvers before the breakup would occur. These methods also have the potential for increasing safety, allowing monitoring of structural integrity, detecting damages, and providing real-time flight control feedback. These methods are applied to the SPACE Center UAV for the purpose of assessing the effectiveness of the method and the potential for both SHM and control applications. In this paper, a computational finite element model of the SPACE Center UAV is developed and used to examine the method.
Predicting the Magneto-Mechanical Behavior of MSMAs Subject to Complex Load Paths
Authors: Feigenbaum Heidi P. , Ciocanel Constantin , Waldauer Alex 
Published: July 2013

The microstructure of magnetic shape memory alloys (MSMAs) is comprised of tetragonal martensite variants, each with their preferred internal magnetization orientation. In the presence of an external magnetic field, the martensite variants tend to reorient so that the preferred internal magnetization aligns with the external magnetic field. As a result, MSMAs exhibit the shape memory effect when there is a magnetic field in the vicinity of a material point. Furthermore, the tetragonal nature of the martensite variants allows for a compressive stress to cause variant reorientation. This paper studies the magneto-mechanical behavior of MSMAs under various load paths, including complex loading conditions where both the applied magnetic field and compressive stress vary simultaneously.
Typically, MSMAs have been studied experimentally and modeled mathematically with either axial compressive stress or transverse magnetic field varying and the other remaining constant. For each load case, the mathematical models are calibrated with a set of experimental data that mimics those to be predicted. Model parameters have been found to be quite different when the calibration was performed with experimental results from different load cases.
This work investigates if current models, namely the Kiefer and Lagoudasmodel or the Waldauer et al. model, are capable of predicting both of the typical loading configurations mentioned above with a single calibration. Furthermore, this work uses the Waldauer et al. model to simulate more complex loading, where an MSMA element is subject to simultaneously varying stress and field; this type of loading might occur if an actuator is being designed to displace a variable load over a controlled distance.
Genome Sequences of Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Strains from Nosocomial Outbreaks in Japan
Authors: Suzuki Masato , Matsui Mari , Suzuki Satowa , Rimbara Emiko , Asai Satomi , Miyachi Hayato , Takata Tohru , Hiraki Yoichi , Kawano Fumio , Shibayama Keigo 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT

Acinetobacter baumannii
has emerged worldwide as an important nosocomial pathogen in medical institutions. Here, we present the draft genome sequences of
A. baumannii
strains MRY09-0642, MRY10-0558, and MRY12-0277 that were isolated from nosocomial outbreaks in Japan between 2008 and 2012 and that are resistant to antimicrobial agents, including carbapenems, fluoroquinolones, and aminoglycosides.
Proteomic Changes Induced by Effective Chemopreventive Ratios of n-3:n-6 Fatty Acids and Tamoxifen against MNU-Induced Mammary Cancer in the Rat
Authors: Skibinski Christine G. , Thompson Henry J. , Das Arunangshu , Manni Andrea , Bortner James D. , Stanley Anne , Stanley Bruce A. , El-Bayoumy Karam 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
We used a proteomic approach to gain insights into the mechanisms of protection at the protein level by a high n-3:n-6 ratio in the absence and presence of Tamoxifen. Four groups were treated with 1-methyl-1-nitrosourea (MNU) and fed the following diets with varied n-3:n-6 ratios; group 1 = 1:1; groups 2 and 3 = 10:1 and 25:1, respectively; group 4: (25:1) plus Tamoxifen (1 mg/kg diet). The plasma from six rats/group was pooled and analyzed with the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation method; 148 proteins were identified with 95% confidence by ProteinPilot 4.0. In plasma of rats fed 10:1, 25:1 n-3:n-6, and 25:1 plus Tamoxifen, the number of proteins that met our criteria (P ≤ 0.05, error factor ≤ 2) were 10, 14, and 19 proteins, respectively. Selected proteins were further validated by Western blotting. Compared to 1:1, both 10:1 and 25:1 diets upregulated vitamin D binding protein, gelsolin, and 14-3-3 sigma, reported to have tumor suppressive effects, whereas alpha-1B-glycoprotein, which has been reported to be elevated in the serum of breast cancer patients was decreased. Compared to 25:1, the 25:1 plus Tamoxifen diet downregulated apolipoprotein E, haptoglobin, and inter-α-inhibitor H4 heavy chain. Ingenuity pathway analysis determined that the trends of specific proteins were related to lipid metabolism in the 25:1 n-3:n-6 group, whereas the 25:1 n-3:n-6 plus Tamoxifen group included proteins involved in cancer and inflammation. Our results show that several proteins were altered in a manner consistent with chemoprevention. Such proteins may serve as biomarkers to monitor efficacy of n-3 and Tamoxifen in future clinical chemoprevention trials. Cancer Prev Res; 6(9); 979–88. ©2013 AACR.
Controlled Reperfusion Versus Conventional Treatment of the Acutely Ischemic Limb
Authors: Heilmann Claudia , Schmoor Claudia , Siepe Matthias , Schlensak Christian , Hoh Andreas , Fraedrich Gustav , Beyersdorf Friedhelm 
Published: July 2013

Background—
Amputation rates and mortality in patients with severe acute limb ischemia remain high. The protective effect of controlled reperfusion (CR) on tissue damage because of local and systemic reperfusion injury is unclear.

Methods and Results—
A total of 174 patients from 14 centers were randomized between conventional treatment (CT) by thrombembolectomy and normal blood reperfusion and thrombembolectomy followed by CR. The primary end point was amputation-free survival (AFS) after 4 weeks (CT, 82.4%; CR, 82.6%). Secondary end points were AFS (CT, 62.4%; CR, 63.1%) and overall survival (CT, 71.6%; CR, 76.3%) after 1 year. Analysis of the prognostic effects of preoperative factors revealed a strong adverse effect of bilateral involvement on AFS. In the subgroup with unilateral ischemia (n=160), age >80 years and central localization of the occlusion had independent negative prognostic effects on AFS. In the per-protocol population of 104 patients with unilateral ischemia, treatment per protocol, and successful revascularization, amputation or death within 4 weeks occurred in only 8% as compared with 33% in patients not fulfilling these criteria. No differences between treatment groups CT and CR were found, neither overall nor in the per-protocol population nor in patient subgroups defined by other pre- and intraoperative factors.

Conclusions—
Similar AFS in patients with CT or with CR was observed in this large randomized multicenter trial.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.drks.de
. Unique identifier: DRKS00000579.
Smoking, Heart Rate, and Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Xu Tian , Bu Xiaoqing , Li Hongmei , Zhang Mingzhi , Wang Aili , Tong Weijun , Xu Tan , Sun Yingxian , Zhang Yonghong 
Published: July 2013

Background and Purpose—
Smoking is a major public health challenge and an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. No previous studies have evaluated the association among smoking, heart rate, and ischemic stroke in an Inner Mongolian population. We aim to evaluate the cumulative effect of smoking and heart rate on ischemic stroke incidence in this population.

Methods—
A prospective cohort study from June 2003 through July 2012 was conducted among 2530 people ≥20 years of age from Inner Mongolia, China. We categorized the participants into 4 subgroups according to smoking status and heart rate. Cox proportional hazards models and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the association among smoking, heart rate, and ischemic stroke.

Results—

The multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) of ischemic stroke incidence for nonsmokers with heart rate ≥80 bpm, smokers with heart rate <80 bpm, and smokers with heart rate ≥80 bpm were 1.42 (0.62–3.28), 2.11 (1.06–4.23), and 2.86 (1.33–6.14), respectively, compared with nonsmokers with heart rate <80 bpm. The area under receiver operating characteristic curve (area under the curve) for a model containing smoking status and heart rate, along with conventional factors (area under the curve=0.755), was significantly (
P
=0.018) larger than the one containing only conventional factors (area under the curve=0.739).

Conclusions—
Our study indicated that smoking was an independent risk factor of ischemic stroke, and smokers with faster heart rate had the highest risk of ischemic stroke among Inner Mongolians. These findings suggest that smoking status and heart rate may be valuable in predicting ischemic stroke incidence.
Use of Total Cerebral Blood Flow as an Imaging Biomarker of Known Cardiovascular Risks
Authors: Jennings J. Richard , Heim Alicia F. , Kuan Dora Chieh-Hsin , Gianaros Peter J. , Muldoon Matthew F. , Manuck Stephen B. 
Published: July 2013

Background and Purpose—
This study examined whether overall cerebral blood flow was associated with known vascular risk factors, including cardiometabolic risk factors that comprise the metabolic syndrome, carotid artery intima-media thickness, and the Framingham risk score.

Methods—
Three separate samples were available for analysis. Two comparable samples were combined to form a primary sample of middle-aged participants (n=576; 30–55 years of age) that completed both a risk factor assessment and a resting brain scan. Samples were recruited via mailings and advertisements within an urban area. Quantitative measures of cerebral blood flow were derived from arterial spin–labeled MRI in this sample and in a validation/generalization sample (n=76; 30–55 years).

Results—
Cerebral blood flow was inversely associated with cardiometabolic risk indices, that is, associated with lower waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, glucose, and triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein. Moreover, cerebral blood flow was also related to Framingham risk and carotid intima-media thickness. In the validation sample, which used a slightly different brain imaging technique, significant relationships were replicated for cardiometabolic risk, but not for Framingham risk.

Conclusions—
Reduced cerebral blood flow seems to be a correlate of vascular disease risk factors associated with cardiometabolic dysregulation. Cerebral blood flow may provide a valid imaging biomarker for cardiovascular risk.
Are Emirate Rulers Immune from Civil Suits in English Courts?
Authors: Bastin Lucas 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
This article considers whether the rulers of the seven United Arab Emirates are immune from civil suits before English courts. It commences by summarising the constitutional structure of the UAE and political roles which the Emirate rulers play within its federal government, before setting out the relevant English and international law of State and head of State immunity. Having explained this background, this article assesses the position of each ruler and concludes that the rulers of Abu Dhabi and Dubai are immune from civil suits before English courts but that the rulers of Sharjah, Ra’s al-Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm al-Qaiwain and Ajman are less likely to attract immunity.
Observed Impact of Atmospheric Aerosols on the Surface Energy Budget
Authors: Steiner Allison L. , Mermelstein Dori , Cheng Susan J. , Twine Tracy E. , Oliphant Andrew 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Atmospheric aerosols scatter and potentially absorb incoming solar radiation, thereby reducing the total amount of radiation reaching the surface and increasing the fraction that is diffuse. The partitioning of incoming energy at the surface into sensible heat flux and latent heat flux is postulated to change with increasing aerosol concentrations, as an increase in diffuse light can reach greater portions of vegetated canopies. This can increase photosynthesis and transpiration rates in the lower canopy and potentially decrease the ratio of sensible to latent heat for the entire canopy. Here, half-hourly and hourly surface fluxes from six Flux Network (FLUXNET) sites in the coterminous United States are evaluated over the past decade (2000–08) in conjunction with satellite-derived aerosol optical depth (AOD) to determine if atmospheric aerosols systematically influence sensible and latent heat fluxes. Satellite-derived AOD is used to classify days as high or low AOD and establish the relationship between aerosol concentrations and the surface energy fluxes. High AOD reduces midday net radiation by 6%–65% coupled with a 9%–30% decrease in sensible and latent heat fluxes, although not all sites exhibit statistically significant changes. The partitioning between sensible and latent heat varies between ecosystems, with two sites showing a greater decrease in latent heat than sensible heat (Duke Forest and Walker Branch), two sites showing equivalent reductions (Harvard Forest and Bondville), and one site showing a greater decrease in sensible heat than latent heat (Morgan–Monroe). These results suggest that aerosols trigger an ecosystem-dependent response to surface flux partitioning, yet the environmental drivers for this response require further exploration.
On the Harary index of graph operations
Authors: Das Kinkar C , Xu Kexiang , Cangul Ismail Naci , Cevik Ahmet Sinan , Graovac Ante 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
The Harary index is defined as the sum of reciprocals of distances between all pairs of vertices of a connected graph. In this paper, expressions for the Harary indices of the join, corona product, Cartesian product, composition and disjunction of graphs are derived and the indices for some well-known graphs are evaluated. In derivations some terms appear which are similar to the Harary index and we name them the second and third Harary index.

MSC:05C05, 05C07, 05C90.
Construction of gene clusters resembling genetic causal mechanisms for common complex disease with an application to young-onset hypertension
Authors: Lynn Ke-Shiuan , Lu Chen-Hua , Yang Han-Ying , Hsu Wen-Lian , Pan Wen-Harn 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Lack of power and reproducibility are caveats of genetic association studies of common complex diseases. Indeed, the heterogeneity of disease etiology demands that causal models consider the simultaneous involvement of multiple genes. Rothman’s sufficient-cause model, which is well known in epidemiology, provides a framework for such a concept. In the present work, we developed a three-stage algorithm to construct gene clusters resembling Rothman’s causal model for a complex disease, starting from finding influential gene pairs followed by grouping homogeneous pairs.

Results
The algorithm was trained and tested on 2,772 hypertensives and 6,515 normotensives extracted from four large Caucasian and Taiwanese databases. The constructed clusters, each featured by a major gene interacting with many other genes and identified a distinct group of patients, reproduced in both ethnic populations and across three genotyping platforms. We present the 14 largest gene clusters which were capable of identifying 19.3% of hypertensives in all the datasets and 41.8% if one dataset was excluded for lack of phenotype information. Although a few normotensives were also identified by the gene clusters, they usually carried less risky combinatory genotypes (insufficient causes) than the hypertensive counterparts. After establishing a cut-off percentage for risky combinatory genotypes in each gene cluster, the 14 gene clusters achieved a classification accuracy of 82.8% for all datasets and 98.9% if the information-short dataset was excluded. Furthermore, not only 10 of the 14 major genes but also many other contributing genes in the clusters are associated with either hypertension or hypertension-related diseases or functions.

Conclusions
We have shown with the constructed gene clusters that a multi-causal pie-multi-component approach can indeed improve the reproducibility of genetic markers for complex disease. In addition, our novel findings including a major gene in each cluster and sufficient risky genotypes in a cluster for disease onset (which coincides with Rothman’s sufficient cause theory) may not only provide a new research direction for complex diseases but also help to reveal the disease etiology.
Characterization of the PAS domain in the sensor-kinase BvgS: mechanical role in signal transmission
Authors: Dupré Elian , Wohlkonig Alexandre , Herrou Julien , Locht Camille , Jacob-Dubuisson Françoise , Antoine Rudy 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
In bacteria, signal-transduction two-component systems are major players for adaptation to environmental stimuli. The perception of a chemical or physical signal by a sensor-kinase triggers its autophosphorylation. The phosphoryl group is then transferred to the cognate response regulator, which mediates the appropriate adaptive response. Virulence of the whooping cough agent Bordetella pertussis is controlled by the two-component system BvgAS. Atypically, the sensor-kinase BvgS is active without specific stimuli at 37°C in laboratory conditions and is inactivated by the addition of negative chemical modulators. The structure of BvgS is complex, with two tandem periplasmic Venus flytrap domains and a cytoplasmic PAS domain that precedes the kinase domain, which is followed by additional phosphotransfer domains. PAS domains are small, ubiquitous sensing or regulatory domains. The function of the PAS domain in BvgS remains unknown.

Results
We showed that recombinant BvgS PAS proteins form dimers that are stabilized by α helical regions flanking the PAS core. A structural model of the PAS domain dimer was built and probed by site-directed mutagenesis and by biochemical and functional analyses. Although we found no ligands for the PAS domain cavity, its integrity is required for signaling. We also showed that the structural stability of the PAS core and its proper coupling to its flanking N- and C-terminal α helices are crucial for BvgS activity.

Conclusions
We propose that a major function of the BvgS PAS domain is to maintain conformational signals arising from mechanical strain generated by the periplasmic domain. The tight structure of the PAS core and its connections with the upstream and downstream helices ensure signaling to the kinase domain, which determines BvgS activity. Many mild substitutions that map to the PAS domain keep BvgS active but make it unresponsive to negative modulators, supporting that modulation increases conformational strain in the protein.
Primary Epstein-Barr virus infection with polyradiculitis: a case report
Authors: Hottenrott Tilmann , Rauer Sebastian , Bäuerle Jochen 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Nervous system complications of primary Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in adults are rare, but may occur with encephalitis, meningitis, myelitis, cranial and peripheral neuropathies, or radiculitis.

Case presentation
We describe an immune competent adult with a primary EBV infection complicated by lumbosacral polyradiculitis with pure radicular pain. Prior to the onset of radicular pain the 35-year-old woman had been suffering from infectious mononucleosis misdiagnosed for streptococcal tonsillitis. The diagnosis of primary EBV infection associated polyradiculitis was proven by serology and PCR in serum and CSF. Under initially started empiric therapy with intravenous acyclovir and analgesics the patient completely recovered within a few days.

Conclusion
This case report highlights that EBV should be taken into consideration in the diagnostic work up of radicular pain syndromes, even in immune competent adults. There is no approved causal therapy for EBV infections. In accordance with our case, observations based on a few patients with EBV and nervous system involvement suggest, that acyclovir treatment might be associated a with better course. However, prospective randomized controlled trials addressing the question of the effectiveness of acyclovir in patients with primary EBV infection and neurological complications are lacking.