bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Model of Consumable Double-Electrode Submerged Arc Welding Process
Authors: Lu Yi , Chen Jinsong , Zhang YuMing
Published: September 2013

Double-electrode submerged arc welding (DE-SAW) is a new variant of the innovative double-electrode gas metal arc welding (DE-GMAW) process. In order to control this process, its dynamic model needs to be established. To this end, this paper analyzes the melting physical process of the consumable DE-SAW to derive its dynamic model. To identify the parameters in the dynamic model, a series of experiments are designed and performed. Least-squares technique has been used to identify the parameters from the experimental data.
A Study of Back Electrode Stacked With Low Cost Reflective Layers For High-Efficiency Thin-Film Silicon Solar Cell
Authors: Chang Tsung-Wei , Liu Chao-Te , Lee Wen-Hsi , Hsiao Yu-Jen
Published: September 2013

In this study, commercially available white paint is used as a pigmented dielectric reflector (PDR) in the fabrication of a low-cost back electrode stack with an Al-doped ZnO (AZO) layer for thin-film silicon solar cell applications. An initial AZO film was deposited by the radio-frequency magnetron sputtering method. In order to obtain the highest transmittance and lowest resistivity of AZO film, process parameters such as sputtering power and substrate temperature were investigated. The optimal 100-nm-thick AZO film with low resistivity and high transmittance in the visible region are 6.4 × 10−3 Ω·cm and above 80%, respectively. Using glue-like white paint doped withTiO2 nanoparticles as the PDR enhances the external quantum efficiency (EQE) of a microcrystalline silicon absorptive layer owing to the doped white particles improving Fabry–Pérot interference (FPI), which raises reflectance and scattering ability. To realize the cost down requirement, decreasing the noble metal film thickness such as a 30-nm-thick silver reflector film, and a small doping particle diameter (D50 = 135 nm) and a high solid content (20%) lead to FPI improvement and a great EQE, which is attributed to improved scattering and reflectivity because of optimum diameter (Dopt) and thicker PDR film. The results indicate that white paint can be used as a reflector coating in low-cost back-electrode structures in high-performance electronics.
Hepatocellular carcinoma in a young man with resting and postural tremors
Authors: Waqar Mueez , Vohra Anjum Habib
Published: September 2013

A 25-year-old man who was normally fit and well, presented with a 2-year history of progressively worsening tremor. His tremor was generalised, affecting head, neck and all four limbs. One of the patient's brothers had suffered from similar problems, but never sought medical attention. Examination revealed a generalised tremor, of greater amplitude on the patient's left side, which increased in its amplitude upon exertion. Slit-lamp examination revealed bilateral Kayser-Fleischer rings and serum caeruloplasmin was found to be low, while 24 h urinary copper excretion was elevated. A diagnosis of Wilson's disease was made and an abdominal ultrasound was performed, revealing evidence of portal hypertension and a hyperechoic hepatic nodule, later confirmed to be hepatocellular carcinoma. The patient underwent partial hepatic resection and was started on D-penicillamine.
A novel zoometric index for assessing body composition in adult rabbits
Authors: Sweet H. , Pearson A. J. , Watson P. J. , German A. J.
Published: September 2013

Obesity is an emerging problem in domesticated rabbits, and an easy‐to‐use measure of adipose tissue mass is needed. The current study aimed to develop a zoometric ratio, capable of estimating body condition in rabbits. Body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), and zoometric measures (distal forelimb length, DFL; vertebral length, VL were measured in 150 pet rabbits. Zoometric formulae were created, combining BW with a zoometric measure, and these were tested for their ability to predict adipose tissue mass judged by BCS. Seventy‐five (50 per cent) of the rabbits were in ideal condition (BCS 2.5–3.5), 52 (35 per cent) were overweight (BCS>3.5), and 23 (15 per cent) were underweight (BCS<2.5). Median (range) DFL and VL measurements were 12.1 (8.8–16.4 cm) and 34.0 (26.5–50.5 cm), respectively. In rabbits of medium breed size, the BW/DFL ratio was most strongly associated with BCS (Kendall's τ 0.80, P<0.001). Using BW/DFL limits for optimum body condition (eg, minimum 0.16; maximum 0.21), all underweight and overweight rabbits were correctly classified, while only 2/61 (3 per cent) rabbits with an optimum BCS were incorrectly classified as overweight. This study provides preliminary evidence that the BW/DFL might be a useful indirect measure of adipose tissue mass in rabbits of medium breed size.
Numerical study on the fluid flow pass a square cylinder: The temperature-viscosity dependence
Authors: Lu Jianhua , Li Sheng , Guo Zhaoli , Shi Baochang
Published: September 2013

In this paper, the 2D fluid flow pass a heated/cooled square cylinder exposed to a constant free-stream upward velocity is simulated via a multiple relaxation time (MRT) lattice-Boltzmann (LB) method. The buoyancy effect on the drag and lift coefficients as well as Nusselt number related is compared with the results in the existing literatures to validate the code used. The effect of temperature-viscosity dependence is then investigated to test whether the effect can be neglected or not for the mixed convection case. It is shown that the effect cannot be ignored when |Ri| > 0.15. Fortunately, the effect can be captured by using an effective temperature formula [J. M. Shi, D. Ferlach, M. Breuer, G. Biswas and F. Durst, Phys. Fluids16, 4331 (2004)] in a rather large range of Ri. All the numerical results, from another angle, also demonstrate that the MRT method is an efficient tool in simulating the problems such as the present one.
THE MIRAGE OF THE FERMI SCALE
Authors: ANTIPIN OLEG , SANNINO FRANCESCO , TUOMINEN KIMMO
Published: September 2013

The discovery of a light Higgs boson at Large Hadron Collider may be suggesting that we need to revise our model building paradigms to understand the origin of the weak scale. We explore the possibility that the Fermi scale is not fundamental but rather a derived one, i.e. a low energy mirage. We show that this scenario emerges in a very natural way in models previously used to break the electroweak symmetry dynamically and suggest a simple dynamical framework for this idea. In our model the electroweak scale results from the interplay between two very high energy scales, one typically of the order of Λ UV ~ 1010 GeV and the other around MU ~ 1016 GeV , although other values are also possible.
A REVIEW OF r-PROCESS NUCLEOSYNTHESIS IN THE COLLAPSAR JET
Authors: NAKAMURA KO , KAJINO TOSHITAKA , MATHEWS GRANT J. , SATO SUSUMU , HARIKAE SEIJI
Published: September 2013

The collapsar scenario for long-duration gamma ray bursts (GRBs) has been proposed as a possible astrophysical site for r-process nucleosynthesis. We summarize the status of r-process nucleosynthesis calculations of our group and others in the context of a magnetohydrodynamics + neutrino-heated collapsar model. In the simulations of our group, we begin with a relativistic magnetohydrodynamic model including ray-tracing neutrino transport to describe the development of the black hole accretion disk and the neutrino heating of the funnel region above the black hole. The late-time evolution of the associated jet was then followed using axisymmetric special relativistic hydrodynamics. We utilized representative test particles to follow the temperature, entropy, electron fraction and density for material flowing within the jet from ejection from the accretion disk until several thousand kilometer above the black hole as temperatures fall from 9×109 to 3×108 K. The evolution of nuclear abundances from nucleons to heavy nuclei for ejected test particle trajectories has been solved in a large nuclear reaction network. It was found that an r-process-like abundance distribution forms in material ejected in the collapsar jet.
Nanomechanical Properties of Active Nanofibrous Implants After In Vivo Bone Regeneration
Authors: Eap S. , Keller L. , Ferrand A. , Schiavi J. , Lahiri D. , Lemoine S. , Facca S. , Fioretti F. , Mainard D. , Agarwal A. , Benkirane-Jessel N.
Published: September 2013

With the aging of the population and a correlated increase in the incidence of osteoarticular damage, great attention is focused on regenerative nanomedicine solutions to restore durable articular function and comfort. A durable cartilage repair is not effective without regeneration of an intact subchondral bed along with the surface chondral regeneration. Our expected outcomes are the development of clinical applications in the field of tissue engineering and nanomedicine, and more particularly in bone-cartilage unit regeneration. Here we report for the first time the nanomechanical analysis of the retrieved active implant after subchondral bone regeneration in vivo, which is much more efficient and long lasting solution to osteochondral defects than the existing ones. We believe that our results make a significant contribution to the area of regenerative nanomedicine. The concepts discovered here may serve to design sophisticated implants for placement into a broad variety of tissues.
Extracorporeal Life Support in a Severe Blunt Chest Trauma with Cardiac Rupture
Authors: Yoann Launey , Erwan Flecher , Nicolas Nesseler , Yannick Malledant , Philippe Seguin
Published: September 2013

This report presents a case of severe blunt chest trauma secondary to a horse riding accident with resultant free-wall rupture of the left ventricle in association with severe lung contusion. We describe the initial surgical and medical management of the cardiac rupture which was associated with a massive haemoptysis due to severe lung trauma. Extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support was initiated and allowed both the acute heart and lung failure to recover. We discuss the successful use and pitfalls of ECMO techniques which are sparsely described in such severe combined cardiac and thoracic trauma.
Bilateral Primary Angiosarcoma of the Breast
Authors: Keshav P. , Hegde Shruti S.
Published: September 2013

Primary breast sarcomas are very rare entities, accounting for 0.04% of all malignant neoplasms. Angiosarcoma of breast is infrequent and is an endothelial malignant tumor with bad prognosis because of the frequency of metastasis and recurrence. We present a case of a 30-year-old female who presented with an ulcerated left breast lesion which on further workup revealed to be a primary angiosarcoma of breast with metastasis to right breast.
Development of Chitosan Nanoparticles as a Stable Drug Delivery System for Protein/siRNA
Authors: Katas Haliza , Raja Maria Abdul Ghafoor , Lam Kai Leong
Published: September 2013

Chitosan nanoparticles (CS NPs) exhibit good physicochemical properties as drug delivery systems. The aim of this study is to determine the modulation of preparative parameters on the physical characteristics and colloidal stability of CS NPs. CS NPs were fabricated by ionic interaction with dextran sulphate (DS) prior to determination of their storage stability. The smallest CS NPs of353±23 nm with a surface charge of+56.2±1.5 mV were produced when CS and DS were mixed at pH 4 and with a DS : CS mass ratio of 0.5 : 1. An entrapment efficiency of 98% was achieved when BSA/siRNA was loaded into the nanoparticles. The results also showed that particle size and surface charge of CS NPs were slightly changed up to 2 weeks when stored at 4°C. Greater particle size and surface charge were obtained with increasing the concentration of DS. In conclusion, NPs were sufficiently stable when kept at 4°C and able to carry and protect protein.
Symmetric SOR Method for Absolute Complementarity Problems
Authors: Iqbal Javed , Arif Muhammad
Published: September 2013

We study symmetric successive overrelaxation (SSOR) method for absolute complementarity problems. Solving this problem is equivalent to solving the absolute value equations. Some examples are given to show the implementation and efficiency of the method.
Complementary and Alternative Medicines Use during Pregnancy: A Systematic Review of Pregnant Women and Healthcare Professional Views and Experiences
Authors: Pallivalappila Abdul Rouf , Stewart Derek , Shetty Ashalatha , Pande Binita , McLay James S.
Published: September 2013

Aims. To undertake a systematic review of the recent (2008–2013) primary literature, describing views and experiences of CAM use during pregnancy by women and healthcare professionals.Method. Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Database of Systematic Review Library and Allied, and Complementary Medicine Database were searched. Studies reporting systemic CAM products (homeopathic preparations, herbal medicines, Vitamins and minerals, homeopathy, and special diets) alone or in combination with other nonsystemic CAM modalities (e.g., acupuncture) were included.Results. Database searches retrieved 2,549 citations. Removal of duplicates followed by review of titles and abstracts yielded 32 relevant studies. Twenty-two reported the perspectives of women and their CAM use during pregnancy, while 10 focused on healthcare professionals. The majority of studies had significant flaws in study design and reporting, including a lack of appropriate definitions of CAM and associated modalities, absence of detailed checklists provided to participants, the use of convenience sampling, and a general lack of scientific robustness in terms of data validity and reliability.Conclusion. To permit generalisability of study findings, there is an urgent need to expand the evidence base assessing CAMs use during pregnancy using appropriately designed studies.
Broadband Multilayered Array Antenna with EBG Reflector
Authors: Chen P. , Yang X. D. , Chen C. Y. , Ma Z. H.
Published: September 2013

Most broadband microstrip antennae are implemented in the form of slot structure or laminate structure. The impedance bandwidth is broadened, but meanwhile, the sidelobe of the directivity pattern and backlobe level are enlarged. A broadband stacked slot coupling microstrip antenna array with EBG structure reflector is proposed. Test results indicate that the proposed reflector structure can effectively improve the directivity pattern of stacked antenna and aperture coupled antenna, promote the front-to-back ratio, and reduce the thickness of the antenna. Therefore, it is more suitable to be applied as an airborne antenna.
Computer-Aided Diagnosis and Quantification of Cirrhotic Livers Based on Morphological Analysis and Machine Learning
Authors: Chen Yen-Wei , Luo Jie , Dong Chunhua , Han Xianhua , Tateyama Tomoko , Furukawa Akira , Kanasaki Shuzo
Published: September 2013

It is widely known that morphological changes of the liver and the spleen occur during the clinical course of chronic liver diseases. In this paper, we proposed a morphological analysis method based on statistical shape models (SSMs) of the liver and spleen for computer-aided diagnosis and quantification of the chronic liver. We constructed not only the liver SSM but also the spleen SSM and a joint SSM of the liver and the spleen for a morphologic analysis of the cirrhotic liver in CT images. The effective modes are selected based on both its accumulation contribution rate and its correlation with doctor’s opinions (stage labels). We then learn a mapping function between the selected mode and the stage of chronic liver. The mapping function was used for diagnosis and staging of chronic liver diseases.
A System of Generalized Variational-Hemivariational Inequalities with Set-Valued Mappings
Authors: Liu Zhi-bin , Gou Jian-hong , Xiao Yi-bin , Li Xue-song
Published: September 2013

By using surjectivity theorem of pseudomonotone and coercive operators rather than the KKM theorem and fixed point theorem used in recent literatures, we obtain some conditions under which a system of generalized variational-hemivariational inequalities concerning set-valued mappings, which includes as special cases many problems of hemivariational inequalities studied in recent literatures, is solvable. As an application, we prove an existence theorem of solutions for a system of generalized variational-hemivariational inequalities involving integrals of Clarke's generalized directional derivatives.
PKCεPhosphorylates and Mediates the Cell Membrane Localization of RhoA
Authors: Su Tizhi , Straight Samuel , Bao Liwei , Xie Xiujie , Lehner Caryn L. , Cavey Greg S. , Teknos Theodoros N. , Pan Quintin
Published: September 2013

Protein kinase Cε(PKCε) signals through RhoA to modulate cell invasion and motility. In this study, the multifaceted interaction between PKCεand RhoA was defined. Phosphopeptide mapping revealed that PKCεphosphorylates RhoA at T127 and S188. Recombinant PKCεbound to recombinant RhoA in the absence of ATP indicating that the association between PKCεand RhoA does not require an active ATP-docked PKCεconformation. Activation of PKCεresulted in a dramatic coordinated translocation of PKCεand RhoA from the cytoplasm to the cell membrane using time-lapse fluorescence microscopy. Stoichiometric FRET analysis revealed that the molecular interaction between PKCεand RhoA is a biphasic event, an initial peak at the cytoplasm and a gradual prolonged increase at the cell membrane for the entire time-course (12.5 minutes). These results suggest that the PKCε-RhoA complex is assembled in the cytoplasm and subsequently recruited to the cell membrane. Kinase inactive (K437R) PKCεis able to recruit RhoA to the cell membrane indicating that the association between PKCεand RhoA is proximal to the active catalytic site and perhaps independent of a PKCε-RhoA phosphorylation event. This work demonstrates, for the first time, that PKCεphosphorylates and modulates the cell membrane translocation of RhoA.
A Novel Segmented Modeling Method of Via including the Effect of Power/Ground Plane Pair
Authors: Yan Zhaowen , Ma Zhicai , Shi Guochang , Che Mingming
Published: September 2013

This paper focuses on the modeling method of common interconnects which act as coupling channels in the analysis of PCB immunity. Fast modeling and parameters extraction of power/ground plane pair are realized using cavity resonance method. The calculated results of the model match with the simulation results of HFSS within 9 GHz, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the modeling method. Besides, segmented via modeling method including the effect of power/ground plane pair is proposed. In this modeling method, via structure is decomposed into three parts, and each part is modeled, respectively. The modeling of single via and differential vias in single plane pair and multilayer is completed using this method. High accuracy is reached due to the adoption of the effect of power/ground plane pair and the adoption of second-order circuit model of capacitance and inductance, where the parameters can be gotten from analytic formulas. Finally, considering an actual signal network, for example, the equivalent circuit model of the network, is established, and every part of the equivalent circuit model is imported into Designer for cosimulation. The results are consistent with the simulation results of HFSS within 9 GHz.
Selection Method for Kernel Function in Nonparametric Extrapolation Based on Multicriteria Decision-Making Technology
Authors: Wang Jixin , Liu Yan , Zeng Xiaohua , Zhou Zhenping , Wang Naixiang , Shen Wanghao
Published: September 2013

Selecting the most appropriate kernel function to extrapolate a load set is the paramount step in compiling load spectrum, as it affects the results of nonparametric extrapolation largely. Aiming at this issue, this paper provides a new approach in selecting kernel function for the nonparametric extrapolation. To solve the complexity and uncertainty of nonparametric extrapolation, characteristics of four kernel functions and their effects on the results are explained in the “from-to” diagram obtained by rainflow counting. Multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) is then applied to solve the selection problem of kernel function. To evaluate the dispersion degrees of the mean and amplitude of a load set accurately, their range, standard deviation, and interquartile range are selected as the evaluation criteria. The weight of each criterion, which represents the impact degree on the selection of the kernel function, is calculated separately using the eigenvector and entropy method. The comprehensive weights are obtained by applying the optimization theory and Jaynes’ maximum entropy principle. Finally, the importance of each criterion is discussed according to their calculated comprehensive weights, and the selection method for kernel functions is obtained, which is illustrated by extrapolating the output torque of the power split device of hybrid electrical vehicles.
DEM Simulation of Biaxial Compression Experiments of Inherently Anisotropic Granular Materials and the Boundary Effects
Authors: Tong Zhao-Xia , Zhang Lian-Wei , Zhou Min
Published: September 2013

The reliability of discrete element method (DEM) numerical simulations is significantly dependent on the particle-scale parameters and boundary conditions. To verify the DEM models, two series of biaxial compression tests on ellipse-shaped steel rods are used. The comparisons on the stress-strain relationship, strength, and deformation pattern of experiments and simulations indicate that the DEM models are able to capture the key macro- and micromechanical behavior of inherently anisotropic granular materials with high fidelity. By using the validated DEM models, the boundary effects on the macrodeformation, strain localization, and nonuniformity of stress distribution inside the specimens are investigated using two rigid boundaries and one flexible boundary. The results demonstrate that the boundary condition plays a significant role on the stress-strain relationship and strength of granular materials with inherent fabric anisotropy if the stresses are calculated by the force applied on the wall. However, the responses of the particle assembly measured inside the specimens are almost the same with little influence from the boundary conditions. The peak friction angle obtained from the compression tests with flexible boundary represents the real friction angle of particle assembly. Due to the weak lateral constraints, the degree of stress nonuniformity under flexible boundary is higher than that under rigid boundary.
Thrombus in Transit through Patent Foramen Ovale
Authors: Baydoun Hassan , Barakat Iskander , Hatem Elie , Chalhoub Michel , Mroueh Ali
Published: September 2013

A thrombus in transit through a patent foramen ovale (PFO) with impending paradoxical embolism is an extremely rare event. Due to its transient nature, it is unable to identify the thrombus, and most of the cases have been reported at autopsy. We are reporting a case of thrombus straddling the foramen ovale which was diagnosed by echocardiography and treated surgically. Through this personal case, an exhaustive review of the literature was performed. There were 88 cases reported. We concluded that there is no medical consensus about the best option for treatment. Nevertheless, surgery, which is associated with fewer complications of recurrent embolic events than those of thrombolysis and anticoagulation, appeared to be the best approach in patients who are not at a high surgical risk. Anticoagulant treatment appears to be an acceptable therapeutic alternative to surgery, particularly in patients with comorbidities who are at high surgical risk and for patients with small PFO. Thrombolysis is linked to the highest mortality, which could be explained by the severity of the patient’s initial presentation. In conclusion, and after the cumulative effects of these case reports, we propose a diagram consisting of the use of the three therapeutic options in the different clinical scenarios.
An Accurate Method for Prediction of Protein-Ligand Binding Site on Protein Surface Using SVM and Statistical Depth Function
Authors: Wang Kui , Gao Jianzhao , Shen Shiyi , Tuszynski Jack A. , Ruan Jishou , Hu Gang
Published: September 2013

Since proteins carry out their functions through interactions with other molecules, accurately identifying the protein-ligand binding site plays an important role in protein functional annotation and rational drug discovery. In the past two decades, a lot of algorithms were present to predict the protein-ligand binding site. In this paper, we introduce statistical depth function to define negative samples and propose an SVM-based method which integrates sequence and structural information to predict binding site. The results show that the present method performs better than the existent ones. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity on training set are 77.55%, 56.15%, and 87.96%, respectively; on the independent test set, the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity are 80.36%, 53.53%, and 92.38%, respectively.
Modelling HIV/AIDS Epidemic among Men Who Have Sex with Men in China
Authors: Sun Xiaodan , Xiao Yanni , Peng Zhihang , Wang Ning
Published: September 2013

A compartmental model with antiviral therapy was proposed to identify the important factors that influence HIV infection among gay men in China and suggest some effective control strategies. We proved that the disease will be eradicated if the reproduction number is less than one. Based on the number of annual reported HIV/AIDS among MSM we used the Markov-Chain Monte-Carlo (MCMC) simulation to estimate the unknown parameters. We estimated a mean reproduction number of 3.88 (95% CI: 3.69–4.07). The estimation results showed that there were a higher transmission rate and a lower diagnose rate among MSM than those for another high-risk population. We compared the current treatment policy and immediate therapy once people are diagnosed with HIV, and numerical studies indicated that immediate antiviral therapy would lead to few HIV new infections conditional upon relatively low infectiousness; otherwise the current treatment policy would result in low HIV new infection. Further, increasing treatment coverage rate may lead to decline in HIV new infections and be beneficial to disease control, depending on the infectiousness of the infected individuals with antiviral therapy. The finding suggested that treatment efficacy (directly affecting infectiousness), behavior changes, and interventions greatly affect HIV new infection; strengthening intensity will contribute to the disease control.
Dietary Treatment Options for Depression among Diabetic Patient, Focusing on Macronutrients
Authors: Haghighatdoost Fahimeh , Azadbakht Leila
Published: September 2013

There is a bidirectional adverse association between diabetes and depression. The odds for experiencing depressive symptoms in diabetic patients are two times more than nondiabetic persons, and depression is an independent predictor for the onset of diabetes. However, depression has been approximately unrecognized and untreated in two-thirds of diabetic patients, which may lead to worsened diabetes complications. A cornerstone strategy for managing depression among diabetic patients is the use of diet to improve both health problems. Because of similar pathophysiology for chronic diseases and depression, it seems that similar dietary recommendations could be useful. However, few studies have been conducted among diabetic patients. Regarding the complications of diabetes such as renal diseases and coronary heart diseases, the proper range of various macronutrients should be clarified in depressed diabetic patients as well as the proper type of each macronutrient. In this paper, we reviewed the available data on the treatment of depression in diabetic patients.
Monotone Iterative Solutions for Nonlinear Boundary Value Problems of Fractional Differential Equation
Authors: Hu Chaozhu , Liu Bin , Xie Songfa
Published: September 2013

By means of the method of quasi-lower and quasi-upper solutions and monotone iterative technique, we consider the nonlinear boundary value problems with Caputo fractional derivative and introduce two well-defined monotone sequences of quasi-lower and quasi-upper solutions which converge uniformly to the actual solution of the problem, and then the existence results of the solution for the problems are established. A numerical iterative scheme is introduced to obtain an accurate approximate solution and to give one example to demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the new approach.
Simple and Versatile Dynamic Model of Spherical Roller Bearing
Authors: Ghalamchi Behnam , Sopanen Jussi , Mikkola Aki
Published: September 2013

Rolling element bearings are essential components of rotating machinery. The spherical roller bearing (SRB) is one variant witnessing increasing use because it is self-aligning and can support high loads. It is becoming increasingly important to understand how the SRB responds dynamically under a variety of conditions. This study introduces a computationally efficient, three-degree-of-freedom, SRB model that was developed to predict the transient dynamic behaviors of a rotor-SRB system. In the model, bearing forces and deflections were calculated as a function of contact deformation and bearing geometry parameters according to the nonlinear Hertzian contact theory. The results reveal how some of the more important parameters, such as diametral clearance, the number of rollers, and osculation number, influence ultimate bearing performance. One pair of calculations looked at bearing displacement with respect to time for two separate arrangements of the caged side-by-side roller arrays, when they are aligned and when they are staggered. As theory suggests, significantly lower displacement variations were predicted for the staggered arrangement. Following model verification, a numerical simulation was carried out successfully for a full rotor-bearing system to demonstrate the application of this newly developed SRB model in a typical real world analysis.
Penile Subcutaneous Fibrolipoma Postaugmentative Phalloplasty
Authors: Vicini Patrizio , De Marco Ferdinando , Letizia Piero , Alei Lavinia , Antonini Gabriele , Alei Giovanni , Gentile Vincenzo
Published: September 2013

Fibrolipomas are a rare subtype of lipomas. We describe a case of a man suffering from subcutaneous penile fibrolipoma, who three months earlier has been submitted to an augmentative phalloplasty due to aesthetic dysmorphophobia. After six months from the excision of the mass, the penile elongation and penile enlargement were stable, and the patient was satisfied with his sexual intercourse and sexual life. To our knowledge, this is the first reported penile subcutaneous fibrolipoma case in the literature. The diagnostics and surgical features of this case are discussed.
Expression of Potential Cancer Stem Cell Marker ABCG2 is Associated with Malignant Behaviors of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Guang , Wang Zhongxia , Luo Weihuan , Jiao Hongbo , Wu Junhua , Jiang Chunping
Published: September 2013

Background. Despite improvement in treatment, the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains disastrous. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) may be responsible for cancer malignant behaviors. ATP-binding cassette, subfamily G, member 2 (ABCG2) is widely expressed in both normal and cancer stem cells and may play an important role in cancer malignant behaviors.Methods. The expression of ABCG2 in HCC tissues and SMMC-7721 cells was examined, and the relevance of ABCG2 expression with clinical characteristics was analyzed. ABCG2+ and ABCG2− cells were sorted, and the potential of tumorigenicity was determined. Expression level of ABCG2 was manipulated by RNA interference and overexpression. Malignant behaviors including proliferation, drug resistance, migration, and invasion were studied in vitro.Results. Expression of ABCG2 was found in a minor group of cells in HCC tissues and cell lines. ABCG2 expression showed tendencies of association with unfavorable prognosis factors. ABCG2 positive cells showed a superior tumorigenicity. Upregulation of ABCG2 enhanced the capacity of proliferation, doxorubicin resistance, migration, and invasion potential, while downregulation of ABCG2 significantly decreased these malignant behaviors.Conclusion. Our results indicate that ABCG2 is a potential CSC marker for HCC. Its expression level has a close relationship with tumorigenicity, proliferation, drug resistance, and metastasis ability.
Cucker-Smale Flocking with Bounded Cohesive and Repulsive Forces
Authors: Song Qiang , Liu Fang , Cao Jinde , Qiu Jianlong
Published: September 2013

This paper proposes two Cucker-Smale-type flocking models by introducing both cohesive and repulsive forces to second-order multiagent systems. Under some mild conditions on the initial state of the flocking system, it is shown that the velocity consensus of the agents can be reached independent of the parameter which describes the decay of communication rates. In particular, the collision between any two agents can always be avoided by designing an appropriate bounded repulsive function based on the initial energy of the flock. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the theoretical analysis.
Numerical Solution of a Kind of Fractional Parabolic Equations via Two Difference Schemes
Authors: Atangana Abdon , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: September 2013

A kind of parabolic equation was extended to the concept of fractional calculus. The resulting equation is, however, difficult to handle analytically. Therefore, we presented the numerical solution via the explicit and the implicit schemes. We presented together the stability and convergence of this time-fractional parabolic equation with two difference schemes. The explicit and the implicit schemes in this case are stable under some conditions.
An Implicit Algorithm for the Split Fixed Point and Convex Feasibility Problems
Authors: Guo Fengjun , Kang Shin Min , Kwun Young Chel
Published: September 2013

We consider an implicit algorithm for the split fixed point and convex feasibility problems. Strong convergence theorem is obtained.
Improved Switching Strategy for Selective Harmonic Elimination in DC-AC Signal Generation via Pulse-Width Modulation
Authors: Palacios-Quiñonero Francisco , Vicente-Rodrigo Jesus , Molina-Hernández Maria A. , Karimi Hamid Reza
Published: September 2013

We present an advanced design methodology for pulse-width-modulated (PWM) DC-AC signal generation. Using design methods based on the Walsh transform, AC sinusoidal signals can be approximated by suitable PWM signals. For different AC amplitudes, the switching instants of the PWM signals can be efficiently computed by using appropriate systems of explicit linear equations. However, the equation systems provided by conventional implementations of this approach are typically only valid for a restricted interval of AC amplitudes and, in general, a supervised implementation of several equation systems is necessary to cover the full AC amplitude range. Additionally, obtaining suitable equation systems for designs with a large number of switching instants requires solving a complex optimization problem. In defining the constitutive pulses of a PWM signal, a suitable partition of the time interval is used as a reference system. In the new methodology, pulses are chosen to be symmetric with respect to the partition points, and the switching times are specified by means of switching ratios with respect to the endpoint subintervals. This approach leads to particularly simple Walsh series representations, introduces a remarkable computational simplification, and achieves excellent results in reducing the harmonic distortion.
Clinical Trial of a Home Safety Toolkit for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Horvath Kathy J. , Trudeau Scott A. , Rudolph James L. , Trudeau Paulette A. , Duffy Mary E. , Berlowitz Dan
Published: September 2013

This randomized clinical trial tested a new self-directed educational intervention to improve caregiver competence to create a safer home environment for persons with dementia living in the community. The sample included 108 patient/caregiver dyads: the intervention group (n=60) received the Home Safety Toolkit (HST), including a new booklet based on health literacy principles, and sample safety items to enhance self-efficacy to make home safety modifications. The control group (n=48) received customary care. Participants completed measures at baseline and at twelve-week follow-up. Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) was used to test for significant group differences. All caregiver outcome variables improved in the intervention group more than in the control. Home safety was significant atP≤0.001, caregiver strain atP≤0.001, and caregiver self-efficacy atP=0.002. Similarly, the care receiver outcome of risky behaviors and accidents was lower in the intervention group (P≤0.001). The self-directed use of this Home Safety Toolkit activated the primary family caregiver to make the home safer for the person with dementia of Alzheimer's type (DAT) or related disorder. Improving the competence of informal caregivers is especially important for patients with DAT in light of all stakeholders reliance on their unpaid care.
Articular Cartilage Gene Expression after Coxofemoral Joint Luxation in the Dog
Authors: Nganvongpanit Korakot , Pradit Waranee , Chomdej Siriwadee
Published: September 2013

This study examined the relationship between days of hip luxation and the expression of various mRNA. Twenty-six articular cartilages were used in the experiment: 3 samples were from normal dogs and 23 samples were collected from the femoral heads of hips that had been luxated for different lengths of time. Ten mRNA, including nonapoptotic genes(AGG, COL2A1, MMP-3, HAS-1, HAS-2, and TIMP-1)and apoptotic genes(BAX, BCL-2, CAS-3, and CAS-9), were studied for their expression using real-time PCR. We found very high correlation between expression level and luxation days (r2>0.9) inCOL2A1, MMP-3, HAS-1, HAS-2, TIMP-1, BAX, and CAS-9, while the others(AGG, BCL-2, and CAS-3)also showed high correlation (r2=7–9). And we found a significant difference (P<0.05) in the expression of transcripts depending on the number of luxation days. In conclusion, a delay in joint reduction may increase the chances of development of osteoarthritis.
Gossip Consensus Algorithm Based on Time-Varying Influence Factors and Weakly Connected Graph for Opinion Evolution in Social Networks
Authors: Li Lingyun , Zhou Jie , Li Demin , Cao Jinde , Zhang Xiaolu
Published: September 2013

We provide a new gossip algorithm to investigate the problem of opinion consensus with the time-varying influence factors and weakly connected graph among multiple agents. What is more, we discuss not only the effect of the time-varying factors and the randomized topological structure but also the spread of misinformation and communication constrains described by probabilistic quantized communication in the social network. Under the underlying weakly connected graph, we first denote that all opinion states converge to a stochastic consensus almost surely; that is, our algorithm indeed achieves the consensus with probability one. Furthermore, our results show that the mean of all the opinion states converges to the average of the initial states when time-varying influence factors satisfy some conditions. Finally, we give a result about the square mean error between the dynamic opinion states and the benchmark without quantized communication.
Lingual Leishmaniasis Presenting to Maxillofacial Surgery in UK with Successful Treatment with Miltefosine
Authors: Kassam K. , Davidson R. , Tadrous P. J. , Kumar M.
Published: September 2013

Leishmaniasis is a disease that is caused by protozoa of the genusLeishmania, which is prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas. Clinical forms of leishmaniasis are particularly diverse representing a complex of diseases. We present a case of lingual Leishmaniasis in an immunocompetent man. The lesions were caused byLeishmania donovani/infantumspecies. The patient responded excellently to miltefosine treatment, with no reactivation during followup. To the authors’ knowledge, it is the first such case of successful miltefosine treatment in this unusual variant of leishmaniasis occurring on the tongue.
Trichosanthes kirilowiiEthanol Extract and Cucurbitacin D Inhibit Cell Growth and Induce Apoptosis through Inhibition of STAT3 Activity in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Kim Soon Re , Seo Hye Sook , Choi Han-Seok , Cho Sung-Gook , Kim Yong Kuk , Hong Eun Hee , Shin Yong Cheol , Ko Seong-Gyu
Published: September 2013

Trichosanthes kirilowiituber is a traditional medicine which exhibits various medicinal effects including antidiabetic and anticancer activities in several cancer cells. Recently, it was reported that Cucurbitacin D (CuD) isolated fromTrichosanthes kirilowiialso induces apoptosis in several cancer cells. Constitutive signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), which is an oncogenic transcription factor, is often observed in many human malignant tumor, including breast cancer. In the present study, we tested whetherTrichosanthes kirilowiiethanol extract (TKE) or CuD suppresses cell growth and induces apoptosis through inhibition of STAT3 activity in breast cancer cells. We found that both TKE and CuD suppressed proliferation and induced apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells by inhibiting STAT3 phosphorylation. In addition, both TKE and CuD inhibited nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity of STAT3. Taken together, our results indicate that TKE and its derived compound, CuD, could be potent therapeutic agents for breast cancer, blocking tumor cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis through suppression of STAT3 activity.
Temperature Effects on Phosphorus Release from a Biosolids-Amended Soil
Authors: Silveira Maria L. , O'Connor George A.
Published: September 2013

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of temperature on the potential leachable P pool and distribution of chemical P forms in a biosolids-amended soil. A P-deficient Spodosol was incubated with seven biosolids and inorganic P fertilizer at 20 and 32°C for 90 days. Amendments were applied to provide a total P concentration of 112 mg kg−1soil, which correspond to a field application of~224 kg P ha−1. Cumulative P mass leached during the 90 d study for any P source was <2% of the applied P, but greater cumulative P mass was released from the biological P removal and composted biosolids than from the heat-dried materials. Increasing temperature (20 to 32°C) generally decreased cumulative P mass leached, suggesting greater soil affinity to retain P at 32°C than at 20°C. In a static incubation experiment (no leaching), soil water-extractable P concentrations were reduced over time, but no temperature effect was observed. Similarly, P distribution among the various fractions was not affected by temperature. The relatively great ability of the soil to sorb P masked differences in biosolids properties and the potential impacts of temperature on P lability. Additional work using low P-sorbing soils is warranted.
Sociodemographic and Lifestyle Determinants of Functional Food Consumption in an Adult Population of the Balearic Islands
Authors: Ozen Asli Emine , Bibiloni Maria del Mar , Pons Antoni , Tur Josep A.
Published: September 2013

Background/Aims: Studies about functional food (FF) consumption among south Europeans are scarce. The aim of this study was to assess sociodemographic and lifestyle determinants of FF consumption in adult inhabitants of the Balearic Islands. Methods: A population-based, cross-sectional, nutritional survey was conducted. The target population consisted of all inhabitants aged 16-65 years living in the Balearic Islands. FFs were selected from a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics were also assessed. Results: A high percentage of the population consumed FFs (skimmed milk, fiber-rich bread/cookies, probiotics, breakfast cereals and tea). Gender was a significant determinant for FF consumption. Females were more likely to consume soy milk, fiber-rich bread/cookies and tea; males preferred to consume breakfast cereals. FF consumption was significantly associated with increasing age in both genders. Fiber-rich bread/cookies were especially consumed by individuals with medium education, and breakfast cereals were consumed by respondents with a medium income. Physically active adults were more likely to consume soy milk, breakfast cereals, probiotics and red wine, and obese individuals were less likely to consume breakfast cereals and fiber-rich bread/cookies. Conclusions: A high percentage of the study population consumed FFs. Gender, age, marital status, education level, body mass index and physical activity are factors associated with FF consumption.
A Chinese Monk under a “Barbarian” Mask?
Authors: Chen Jinhua
Published: September 2013

Zhihuilun (?-876) was not only a major advocate of Esoteric Buddhism in ninth-century China, he also played a crucial role in transmitting Esotericism to the rest of East Asia. Details of the life of this important figure have remained lost in the mists of uncertainty due to the lack of reliable data. Relying on long-hidden evidence, this article shows that almost all of the remarks made about Zhihuilun by Zanning (919-1001) in the Song gaoseng zhuan are contradicted by this body of new evidence and must be modified or simply rejected. In addition to reconstructing more accurately the life of a principal esoteric promoter, this article aims at exposing certain fundamental flaws inherent in monastic biographies. It also suggests that the nature and functions of Chinese Esoteric Buddhism might need to be reassessed in view of the newly revealed Chinese origin of this key promoter of that tradition. 

Zhihuilun (?-876) n’a pas seulement été l’un des grands représentants du bouddhisme ésotérique en Chine au ixe siècle, il a également joué un rôle crucial dans la transmission de l’ésotérisme vers le reste de l’Asie orientale. Les détails de la vie de cette importante personnalité restaient enveloppés de mystère en raison de l’absence de sources fiables. La présente étude s’appuie sur des données restées longtemps cachées pour montrer que presque toutes les indications données par Zanning (919-1001) sur Zhihuilun dans le Song gaoseng zhuan sont contredites par ces nouvelles données, et qu’elles doivent par conséquent être soit modifiées, soit rejetées purement et simplement. Outre qu’il propose une reconstruction plus exacte de la vie d’un des grands promoteurs de l’ésotérisme, l’article s’attache à exposer certains des problèmes fondamentaux soulevés par les biographies de moines. Il est également suggéré que la nature même et les fonctions du bouddhisme ésotérique chinois méritent peut-être d’être réévaluées à la lumière de l’origine chinoise, telle qu’elle est révélée ici, d’un des personnages clés de cette tradition.