bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
5α-Reductase inhibitors alter steroid metabolism and may contribute to insulin resistance, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and vascular disease: a medical hypothesis
Authors: Traish Abdulmaged M. , Guay Andre T. , Zitzmann Michael 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
5α-reductases, a unique family of enzymes with a wide host of substrates and tissue distributions, play a key role in the metabolism of androgens, progestins, mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids. These enzymes are the rate-limiting step in the synthesis of a host of neurosteroids, which are critical for central nervous system function. Androgens and glucocorticoids modulate mitochondrial function, carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism and energy balance. Thus, the inhibition of these regulatory enzymes results in an imbalance in steroid metabolism and clearance rates, which leads to altered physiological processes. In this report, we advance the hypothesis that inhibition of 5α-reductases by finasteride and dutasteride alters not only steroid metabolism but also interferes with the downstream actions and signaling of these hormones. We suggest that finasteride and dutasteride inhibit 5α-reductase activities and reduce the clearance of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids, potentiating insulin resistance, diabetes and vascular disease.
Existence results for the Dirichlet problem of some
degenerate nonlinear elliptic equations
Authors: Cavalheiro Albo Carlos 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
In this paper we are interested in the existence and uniqueness of
solutions for the Dirichlet problem associated to the degenerate
nonlinear elliptic equations

-

∑

j
=
1

n

D
j

[

v
2

(
x
)

𝒜
j

(
x
,
u
,
∇
u
)

]

+

∑

j
=
1

n

b
j

(
x
)

v
1

(
x
)

D
j

u

(
x
)

+
α
g

(
x
)

v
3

(
x
)

u

(
x
)

=

f
0

(
x
)

-

∑

j
=
1

n

D
j

f
j

(
x
)

$-\sum _{j=1}^n D_j[v_2(x) {\cal A}_j(x, u,
{\nabla }u)] + \sum _{j=1}^nb_j(x) v_1(x) D_ju(x) +
{\alpha } g(x) v_3(x) u(x) = f_0(x) - \sum _{j=1}^nD_jf_j(x)$

on Ω
in the setting of the weighted Sobolev spaces

W
0

1
,
2

(
Ω
,

v
1

,

v
2

)

${{W}_0^{1,2}(\Omega , v_1 , v_2)}$

.
Modified Approach for Quantitative Texture Evaluation in Case of Transverse Textured Zirconium Alloy Tubes
Authors: Kalpana Nayak I. , Ramana Rao S. V. , Kapoor K. 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
The crystallographic texture of fabricated components from zirconium alloy has a significant effect on their in-service performance because of texture-dependent properties. Quantitative characterization of this texture in various zirconium alloy tube samples was conducted using pole figure technique and Kearns methodology. Corresponding texture parameters were calculated for both the methods and were found to be similar for samples with strong radial texture. However, the same was not true for samples with transverse texture because of a defocusing error coming due to the geometry of a conventional pole figure technique. Hence, a modified method for such samples by pole figure method was developed which, in addition, solved the difficulties associated with both sample preparation and experiment for the Kearns method or complete pole figure method to a great extent.
Sub-Scale Testing for Strength and Creep-Rupture of Polymers
Authors: Melo José Daniel Diniz 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
In the present research, a sub-scale specimen geometry was proposed for the determination of the tensile strength of polymers. Tensile strength of an aerospace epoxy (8552) was measured at various temperatures using the proposed testing approach and the measured data were compared to data measured using standard-size specimens. According to the experimental data, greater strengths were obtained using sub-scale specimens. This phenomenon was related to the lower probability of having larger flaws in smaller-size specimens. In addition, a creep-rupture master curve for the polymer was obtained by shifting strengths measured at various temperatures, according to an accelerated testing methodology (ATM) based on the time–temperature superposition principle. Ultimately, the proposed sub-scale testing approach may prove feasible for determining tensile strength and the long-term creep strength of a polymer using standard laboratory dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) equipment.
MCDM Approach for the Adoption of IFRS for SMEs: Using Taiwan as an Example
Authors: Liu Jau-Yang , Lee Mu-Shang 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
With the trend toward the full adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), the IFRS have recently become the only set of global accounting standards complied with internationally. Meanwhile, the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) also officially announced the IFRS for small and medium-sized entities (IFRS for SMEs) in July 2009. Nations are evaluating whether to undertake selective local integration by amending the existing accounting system for SMEs, put into place a set of self-instituted standards by triggering the separation of accounting standards for SMEs and large entities, or to fully adopt the IFRS for SMEs. To effectively and accurately evaluate such convergent decisions, and at the same time solve this complex multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem, this research applies the path-dependent theory under new institutional economics to examine the demand characteristics, cost effectiveness, and evaluation criteria of financial statements prepared by SMEs. It is expected that, through this research on the transformation of accounting systems, a MCDM model on the “IFRS for SMEs” will be successfully created to reflect national conditions that serve as references for nations in their formulation of policies concerning accounting standards.
Evaluating Permeability and Infiltration Requirements for Pervious Concrete
Authors: Kevern John T. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThis paper presents a unique combination of permeability, infiltration, and clogging testing results to provide background information for the specification and design of clog-resistant pervious concrete pavements. Pervious concrete cylindrical samples of various sizes and porosities were tested using a falling-head permeameter in the laboratory. The cylindrical wall effect on porosity and permeability was determined using image analysis along with testing variability. Infiltration was tested on a series of fixed void slab samples that were then clogged with compost, soil, and a compost–soil mixture. Cleaning effectiveness was measured and related to sample properties. The results show that cylinder permeability was highly variable, with 100-mm specimens producing the least variability of the two sizes tested (75 mm and 100 mm). Slab specimens with consistent cross-sectional infiltration were the most clog resistant and had the best infiltration remediation after cleaning. Samples with initial infiltration capacities greater than 750 cm/h were the most clog resistant. The best pavement performance resulted from uniform vertical permeability distribution and high initial infiltration capacity.
Integrating Nonlinear Dimensionality Reduction with Random Forests for Financial Distress Prediction
Authors: Lin Fengyi , Yeh Ching-Chiang , Lee Meng-Yuan 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
With the recent financial crisis, developing accurate financial distress prediction models has become more important. Due to the high-dimensionality of the input data, this study proposes to integrate nonlinear dimensionality reduction (NLDR) techniques, such as isometric feature mapping (ISOMAP) and locally linear embedding (LLE) with random forests (RF) to develop a novel prediction for financial distress. These techniques help to reduce the dimensionality of input data and enhance the performance of RF classifiers. The effectiveness of this methodology has been verified by experiments that compare it to classical linear dimensionality reduction techniques. Empirical results indicated that our hybrid approach outperforms classical linear dimensionality reduction techniques with RF. Moreover, the ISOMAP has better performance than other dimensionality reduction techniques.
Measurement of and Reverse Compensation for Spatial Position Error of Industrial Robots
Authors: Zhu Jian-Min , Qi Bei-Chuan , Li Fu-Cai , Shen Zheng-Qiang , Li Xiao-Ru 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
A measurement system was designed to meet high positioning accuracy requirements for trajectory-determined industrial robots in its partial workspace. Positioning error was calculated and its varying laws were analyzed by tracking the spatial position of the tool center point (TCP) of the industrial robot using a laser tracker and then transforming the relevant coordinate system. A neural network model of the difference between the commanded TCP position and the positioning error of the industrial robot was built. A reverse compensation model of the positioning error of the industrial robot was constructed based on the reverse compensation principle of positioning error, after which the commanded TCP position coordinates were revised accordingly. The experimental results show that the proposed method is feasible and effective, the average positioning error of the robot decreased to 0.028 from 3.232 mm, the standard deviation decreased to 0.100 from 2.987, and the positioning accuracy increased by more than two orders of magnitude. The proposed method is suitable for situations that involve determined trajectory, high positioning accuracy, and sealed robot control systems, and is easily incorporated into engineering applications.
The Factors Affecting the Shear Viscosity of Poly (Ethylene Terephthalate) Melt Under Reverse Pressure
Authors: Guo Zengge , Li Xin , Li Jian , Zhang Bin , Cheng Bowen 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
In this study, the variation in the rheological behavior of poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) melt was investigated by the capillary rheometer and counter pressure chamber where the pressure at the outlet of the capillary was higher than the normal pressure. The investigation revealed that the shear viscosity of PET decreased with increasing temperature. Noticeably, the effect of temperature on the shear viscosity displayed variation under all the conditions of shear rates and pressures, and this effect was more significant at 50 MPa or at 216 s−1. The viscous fluid activation energy of PET was measured to be 42.97–79.22 KJ·mol−1, which increased with an increase in pressure and decrease in shear rate.
Experimental Validation of Fuzzy-Tuned AWPI Controller-Based Chopper Driven PMDC Motor
Authors: Murugananth G. , Samidurai K. , Muthukrishnan S. , Vijayan S. 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Chopper driven Permanent magnet DC (PMDC) motors are used to drill bone and fix the screws in orthopaedic surgeries. The drive of the motor employs a traditional or modern controller that has an inner current control loop and an outer speed control loop. As an alternative to traditional proportional integral (PI) controller-based chopper drives, this paper proposes a fuzzy-tuned anti-windup PI (AWPI) controller-based chopper for the speed control of PMDC motors used in orthopaedic surgeries. The proposed scheme was simulated using Matlab/Simulink and physically realized for validation. It is ascertained from the performance analysis that the proposed fuzzy-tuned AWPI based scheme exhibits better steady-state and transient-state responses when compared with traditional PI and AWPI controllers.
Innovative Test Technique to Evaluate “Self-Sealing” of Concrete
Authors: Gupta Rishi , Biparva Alireza 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Concrete is prone to cracking when subjected to tensile forces because of its low tensile strength. The cracking potential is an even bigger concern when concrete is relatively young and is in the plastic stage. Cracks induced early can grow with time because of drying shrinkage and with application of service loads. Concrete, which is otherwise impermeable, allows for free passage of moisture and other deleterious chemicals when it is cracked, leading to reduced durability of the material and, in many cases, reduced service life of the structure. The severity of some of these issues can be alleviated because of an inherent property of concrete known as “self-sealing.” As the name suggests, “self-sealing” allows for the cracks (of limited width) to be sealed on their own over a period of time. However, currently there is no standard test technique to quantify this property of concrete and other cement-based materials, such as mortar. An innovative and straightforward technique was developed by the authors and is presented in this paper. In this technique, a standard crack is induced in concrete cylinders using a standard crack-inducing jig (SCIJ). The specimens are then inserted in special rubber sleeves and this assembly is then subjected to a constant water head. The reduction in flow through the cracked specimen is measured at a given time to compare the performance of different specimens. This technique can also be used to compare the performance of concrete mixes modified using various admixtures. This paper describes this innovative test technique and includes sample test results to explain the analysis process proposed by the authors.
A Novel Nonlinear Integrated Forecasting Model of Logistic Regression and Support Vector Machine for Business Failure Prediction with All Sample Sizes
Authors: Xu Wei , Xiao Zhi , Yang Daoli , Yang Xianglei 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
The aim of this work was to improve the forecasting performance of business failure prediction with all sample sizes by constructing a novel nonlinear integrated forecasting model (ANIFM) of individual linear forecasting models and individual nonlinear forecasting models. First, a new variable set including internal variables and external variables was proposed. Using scatter diagrams, all variables were placed in either the linear group or the nonlinear group. We considered logistic regression (LR) as the individual linear forecasting method to deal with each linear variable, the support vector machine (SVM) as the individual nonlinear forecasting method to deal with each nonlinear variable, and the residual SVM as the integration method to integrate the forecasts of LRs and SVMs. The proposed procedure was applied to real datasets from China. For performance comparison, single LR, SVM methods, integration forecasting models based on equal weights and on neural networks, and one based on rough set and Dempster-Shafer evidence theory (D-S theory) were also included in the empirical experiment as benchmarks. The experimental results demonstrate the superior forecasting performance of the proposed ANIFM in terms of forecasting accuracy and forecasting stability, especially with small sample sizes.
Engine Cylinder Head Temperature Measurement Based on Optical Fiber Probe
Authors: Fan Xiaojun , Jiang Qi , Li Guoxiang , Hu Yuping , Wu Qinglong , Wang Yan 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
A method of investigating engine cylinder head temperature is presented in this paper that uses an embedded fiber Bragg grating (FBG) with the least modification and intrusion on its operation. The temperature of cylinder head is recorded with a resolution of 0.1°C during engine operation under different working conditions. The test system has high-speed data acquisition and the FBG sensors exhibit better transient performance to dynamic loading than PT100 resistance temperature detector (RTD). Furthermore, we explore the relationship between temperature gradients obtained by the FBG's spectral width as well as the reflected waveform.
A Study on CMOD-Based Compliance Calibration Functions for Clamped Single-Edge Tension Specimens
Authors: Wang Enyang 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe compliance calibration function for the clamped single-edge tension (SE(T)) specimen has not been reported in the literature. Based upon the inverse fitting of the three existing CMOD-based compliance equations, three CMOD-based compliance calibration equations are proposed for specimens with a crack length-to-width ratio 0.05 ≤ a/W ≤ 0.75. The fitting errors of the equations here employed are no greater than 1 %.
Using Specimen Geometry to Isolate Flexural and Torsional Vibration Modes During Sonic Resonance
Authors: Berke Ryan B. , Walter Mark E. 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
The ASTM E1875 method of sonic resonance is a convenient means of obtaining the elastic material properties of materials, particularly at high temperatures. The technique is performed by exciting a rectangular bar specimen to vibrate over a range of frequencies while measuring the amplitude of the bar’s vibrations. At specific frequencies, a local maximum in the displacement amplitude denotes either flexural or torsional resonance. The elastic and shear moduli are then computed from the first flexural and torsional resonant frequencies, respectively, as well as from the mass and dimensions of the bar. However, for certain bar geometries, the sequence in which the different resonant frequencies occur depends on the Poisson’s ratio of the material. Because the amplitudes measured during the tests do not distinguish between flexure and torsion, and because Poisson’s ratio is generally not known a priori, it is desirable to select specimen geometries for which only one sequence of frequencies is possible. This paper presents an analytical approach to determine what Poisson’s ratio would need to be in order for the first torsional frequency to always be higher than the second flexural frequency. This critical value for Poisson’s ratio is shown to be a function solely of geometry and can therefore be selected at will through the choice of length, width, and height of the bar. When the critical Poisson’s ratio is chosen to be greater than 0.5 and therefore non-physical, the first torsional frequency of the bar will always be higher than the second flexural frequency, regardless of the material composing the bar. A comparable approach is used to identify geometries that ensure that the first torsional frequency is always less than the third flexural frequency. When one selects geometries for which the sequence of the different resonant modes is known, the actual Poisson’s ratio of the material is no longer needed to compute the elastic constants.
Laboratory Study to Evaluate the Influence of Reclaimed Asphalt Content on Performance of Recycled Porous Asphalt
Authors: Frigio F. , Pasquini E. , Canestrari F. 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Road-pavement maintenance and rehabilitation are more frequently performed on porous asphalt (PA) surface layers because of their inherent low durability. Such activities lead to the production of a considerable amount of reclaimed asphalt (RA), mainly from PA layers and from the heavy use of virgin non-renewable natural resources, because of the fact that the use of RA is not usually allowed in PA. In this sense, the use of milled materials from old PA wearing courses in new PA layers promotes an important cycle of re-use that should be encouraged. The experimental study aims to investigate the performance of recycled PA mixtures prepared by partly substituting virgin aggregates with selected coarse RA from a milled PA wearing course. A reference PA mixture (without RA) and six recycled PA mixtures prepared with two amounts of RA (20 % and 25 %) and three total binder contents (5.25 %, 5.50 %, and 5.75 %) were investigated in terms of compactability, durability, and water resistance. In this sense, indirect tensile strength (ITS) tests, particle loss (Cantabro) tests, semicircular bending (SCB) tests, and repeated indirect tensile tests were carried out in both dry and wet conditions. Moreover, compactability properties of the reference PA mixture and the recycled PA mixtures were compared. Results showed that recycled PA mixtures with 20 % and 25 % of RA can perform as well as the reference PA mixture in terms of moisture resistance and durability if an accurate mix design is performed. The optimum total binder content was found to increase as the amount of RA increases, because of the fact that a prominent part of the aged binder acts as “black aggregate.” Finally, on the basis of a performance-based equivalence principle, a reliable approach for a practical method able to predict the amount of “re-activated” binder within the RA is proposed.
Effects of Thermal Conductivity of Soil on Temperature Development and Cracking in Mass Concrete Footings
Authors: Do Tu A. , Lawrence Adrian M. , Tia Mang , Bergin Michael J. 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
This paper presents the findings of an investigation on thermal behavior of mass concrete footings placed directly on soil using finite element analysis. A three-dimensional finite element model was developed to predict temperatures in a mass concrete footing–soil system and to assess cracking potential of the concrete at early age. Two bridge pier footings constructed in Florida were monitored for temperature development, and the measured temperatures were compared with the computed temperatures from the finite element model. The results show that the temperatures predicted by the model closely agree with those measured in the field. Several soils with varying thermal resistances were modeled in this study in order to find out which soils can be used as an insulator for mass concrete footings so that an insulation layer would not be needed at the bottom of the footings. The results suggest that dry sand and dry clay provide good insulation at the bottom of mass concrete footings, and soil with an R-value of 0.072 per m or greater (or thermal conductivity of 0.35 W/m-K or lower) would provide adequate insulation at the bottom of concrete footings to prevent early-age cracking in the concrete.
An Economic Design of a Group Sampling Plan for a Weibull Distribution Using a Bayesian Approach
Authors: Aslam Muhammad , Azam Muhammad , Balamurali Saminathan , Jun Chi-Hyuck 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
In this paper, a cost model for a group sampling scheme is proposed for inspection of the lifetime of a product when the lifetime of the product follows a Weibull distribution. The optimal parameters of the group sampling plan are determined by minimizing the total cost and satisfying both the producer's risk and the consumer's risk simultaneously for the specified values of termination time, number of testers, and median ratio as the quality parameter. The application of the proposed plan is given in metrology for the inspection of chip products. We have conducted a comparative study, and it shows that the use of the proposed plan for testing the chips minimized the cost more than the existing acceptance sampling plan. Tables are provided, along with the total cost required for the life test.
A New Mixed Variable Lot Size Sampling Plan Based on Process Capability Index
Authors: Aslam Muhammad , Balamurali S. , Azam Muhammad , Jun Chi-Hyuck 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
A new mixed sampling plan with a variable lot size plan is developed in this manuscript using the process capability index. The operating characteristic function of the proposed plan is derived and the plan parameters are determined using the non-linear optimization procedure for symmetric and asymmetric fraction non-conforming cases. It is also shown that the proposed plan is more efficient than existing acceptance sampling plans. Industrial data is presented to explain the application of the proposed plan.