bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement of brain tissue oxygen saturation in term infants using a new portable near‐infrared spectroscopy device
Authors: Watanabe Takaaki , Ito Masato , Miyake Fuyu , Ogawa Ryo , Tamura Masanori , Namba Fumihiko
Published: July 2016

Background

A small oximeter with the probe attached to the examiner's finger has been developed. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of measuring regional oxygenation of the brain tissue using this device in healthy term infants immediately after birth.

Methods

We conducted a prospective observational study. Using a new near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) device, we measured changes in regional cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (crSO2) during the first 10 min of life in 32 healthy term infants after delivery. Arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) was also simultaneously measured.

Results

Median crSO2 increased from 43% (1 min after birth) to 49% (4 min after birth); thereafter, no significant changes were observed. Median SpO2 increased constantly from min 3 to min 7, from 77% to 92% and did not change significantly after 8 min. A stable oxygen saturation signal was measured in 59% of infants (crSO2) and in 0% of infants (SpO2) at 1 min, and in 97% (crSO2) and in 78% (SpO2) at 3 min.

Conclusions

During the transition after birth, crSO2 can be more easily and quickly measured in healthy newborn infants using the novel NIRS device than SpO2.
The Multidimensional Consequences of Disruption in Higher Education
Authors: Todd Kevin , Anderson Derrick
Published: July 2016

Related Content: Balfour and Newbold (PAR September/October 2016)
Welfare Dynamics Measurement: Two Definitions of a Vulnerability Line and Their Empirical Application
Authors: Dang Hai‐Anh H. , Lanjouw Peter F.
Published: July 2016

We propose a new approach to develop vulnerability lines that are explicitly anchored to the idea of a sub‐set of the population at risk of falling into poverty. We suggest that lines developed in this way can also be applied for the purpose of identifying the middle class (or “secure”). We illustrate that such vulnerability lines can be straightforwardly estimated with panel data, drawing on data from the USA and Vietnam. Importantly, given the relative scarcity of panel datasets, we show further that our method can be applied to synthetic panel datasets. We demonstrate this by means of an illustration using repeated cross‐section data from India. Our results indicate that in Vietnam and India during the 2000s, the population shares that can be designated as poor and as secure have, respectively, been falling and expanding, with the vulnerable share of the population remaining fairly stable. Sharply contrasting trends are seen in the USA.
Decomposition rates of forest residues and soil fertility after clear‐cutting of Eucalyptus grandis stands in response to site management and fertilizer application
Authors: Rocha J. H. T. , Marques E. R. G. , Gonçalves J. L. d. M. , Hübner A. , Brandani C. B. , Ferraz A. d. V. , Moreira R. M.
Published: July 2016

Forest residues (i.e. harvest residues and litter) are important nutrient sources for trees because soils of poor fertility are used for eucalypt plantations in Brazil. Understanding the dynamics of decomposition for these residues and their effects on soil fertility are relevant for the management of forest plantations. The objectives with this study were to assess the effects of forest residue management and fertilizer, both applied in the establishment of a Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex Maiden stand, on the decomposition rate (k), nutrient release and soil fertility after harvest of this stand. The treatments were applied to a plantation (R1). After 8 yr, R1 was clear‐cut and all of the treatments were reapplied to a new planting (R2). At the end of R1 (age of 8 yr), there was a reduction of 10% in the wood volume in the treatment with the forest residues removed and 36% reduction with no fertilizer application. At the end of 1 yr for plantation R2, these reductions were 30 and 57%, respectively. Residue decomposition under R2 was assessed by a new approach that involved collecting samples directly on the site without using litter bags. The k of forest residues was 3.6 for leaves, 1.2 for bark and 0.8 for branches. The application of small rates of N and P fertilizer did not influence the k of forest residues. In the first 300 days after clear‐cutting, approximately 50% of N, P, Ca, Mg and S and 80% of K in the forest residues were released. Even so, this did not result in significant changes in soil fertility levels. Only small reductions in soil N and P contents over time and changes in topsoil pH resulted from forest residue removal.
Advanced Identification of Coherent Structures in Swirl-Stabilized Combustors
Authors: Sieber Moritz , Oliver Paschereit Christian , Oberleithner Kilian
Published: July 2016

We present an application of a newly introduced method to analyze the time-resolved experimental data from the flow field of a swirl-stabilized combustor. This method is based on the classic proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) extended by a temporal constraint. The filter operation embedded in this method allows for continuous fading from the classic POD to the Fourier mode decomposition. This new method—called spectral proper orthogonal decomposition (SPOD)—allows for a clearer separation of the dominant mechanisms due to a clean spectral separation of phenomena. In this paper, the fundamentals of SPOD are shortly introduced. The actual focus is put on the application to a combustor flow. We analyze high-speed particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements from flow fields in a combustor at different operation conditions. In these measurements, we consider externally actuated, as well as natural dynamics and reveal how the natural and actuated modes interact with each other. As shown in the paper, SPOD provides detailed insight into coherent structures in the swirl flames. Two distinct PVC structures are found that are very differently affected by acoustic actuation. The coherent structures are related to the heat release fluctuations, which are derived from simultaneously acquired OH* chemiluminescence measurements. Besides the actuated modes, a low frequency mode was found that significantly contribute to the global heat release fluctuations.
Micro-Turbojet to Turbofan Conversion Via Continuously Variable Transmission: Thermodynamic Performance Study
Authors: Kadosh Kobi , Cukurel Beni
Published: July 2016

In this study, the viability, performance, and characteristics of a turbojet-to-turbofan conversion through the use of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) are investigated. By an in-house thermodynamic simulation code, the performance of the simple cycle turbojet, a direct shaft joined turbofan, and a CVT coupled turbofan with variable bypass is contrasted. The baseline turbojet and turbofan findings are validated against a commercial software. The comparison indicates high quantitative agreement. Analyzing the results of the turbofan engine equipped with a variable bypass and CVT, it is observed that both the thrust and the efficiency are increased. The augmented thrust is observed to be an artifact of enhanced component matching and wider operational range introduced by variable bypass capability. On the other hand, the introduction of CVT contributes to the reduction in fuel consumption. Therefore, the current research suggests that adaptation of a micro-turbojet into a variable cycle micro-turbofan will greatly improve the performance and efficiency of existing engines, in addition to providing a pathway toward extended use in various applications.
In Vivo Kinematics of the Tibiotalar and Subtalar Joints in Asymptomatic Subjects: A High-Speed Dual Fluoroscopy Study
Authors: Roach Koren E. , Wang Bibo , Kapron Ashley L. , Fiorentino Niccolo M. , Saltzman Charles L. , Bo Foreman K. , Anderson Andrew E.
Published: July 2016

Measurements of joint kinematics are essential to understand the pathomechanics of ankle disease and the effects of treatment. Traditional motion capture techniques do not provide measurements of independent tibiotalar and subtalar joint motion. In this study, high-speed dual fluoroscopy images of ten asymptomatic adults were acquired during treadmill walking at 0.5 m/s and 1.0 m/s and a single-leg, balanced heel-rise. Three-dimensional (3D) CT models of each bone and dual fluoroscopy images were used to quantify in vivo kinematics for the tibiotalar and subtalar joints. Dynamic tibiotalar and subtalar mean joint angles often exhibited opposing trends during captured stance. During both speeds of walking, the tibiotalar joint had significantly greater dorsi/plantarflexion (D/P) angular ROM than the subtalar joint while the subtalar joint demonstrated greater inversion/eversion (In/Ev) and internal/external rotation (IR/ER) than the tibiotalar joint. During balanced heel-rise, only D/P and In/Ev were significantly different between the tibiotalar and subtalar joints. Translational ROM in the anterior/posterior (AP) direction was significantly greater in the subtalar than the tibiotalar joint during walking at 0.5 m/s. Overall, our results support the long-held belief that the tibiotalar joint is primarily responsible for D/P, while the subtalar joint facilitates In/Ev and IR/ER. However, the subtalar joint provided considerable D/P rotation, and the tibiotalar joint rotated about all three axes, which, along with translational motion, suggests that each joint undergoes complex, 3D motion.
Energy-Neutral Transfer of Vibration Energy Across Modes by Using Active Nonlinear Stiffness Variation of Impulsive Type
Authors: Pumhössel Thomas
Published: July 2016

The effect of impulsive stiffness variation to the modal energy content of dynamical systems is investigated in this contribution. Therefore, the overall number of modes of vibration is divided into a set of lower and a set of higher modes. It is shown analytically that impulsive stiffness variation, applied in a state-dependent, nonlinear manner allows a targeted transfer of discrete amounts of energy across mode sets. Analytical conditions are presented, holding for a transfer from the lower to the higher mode set or vice versa. The existence of transfer cases where no energy crosses the system boundary, i.e., the energy-neutral case, is investigated in a comprehensive manner. Some numerical investigations underline that shifting vibration energy to higher modes causes a faster decay of vibration amplitudes, as the damping properties of a mechanical system can be utilized more effectively. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the proposed approach allows to eliminate vibration frequencies from the frequency spectrum of mechanical systems.
An Industry Case Study: Investigating Early Design Decision Making in Virtual Reality
Authors: Berg Leif P. , Vance Judy M.
Published: July 2016

The research presented here describes an industry case study of the use of immersive virtual reality (VR) as a general design tool with a focus on the decision making process. A group of design and manufacturing engineers, who were involved in an active new product development project, were invited to participate in three design reviews in an immersive environment. Observations, interviews, and focus groups were conducted to evaluate the effect of using this interface on decision making in early product design. Because the team members were actively engaged in a current product design task, they were motivated to use the immersive technology to address specific challenges they needed to solve to move forward with detailed product design. This case study takes the approach of asking not only what can users do from a technology standpoint but also how their actions in the virtual environment influence decision making. The results clearly show that the team identified design issues and potential solutions that were not identified or verified using traditional computer tools. The design changes that were the outcome of the experience were implemented in the final product design. Another result was that software familiarity played a significant role in the comfort level and subsequent effectiveness of the team discussions. Finally, participants commented on how the immersive VR environment encouraged an increased sense of team engagement that led to better discussions and fuller participation of the team members in the decision process.
Impulsive Steering Between Coexisting Stable Periodic Solutions With an Application to Vibrating Plates
Authors: Veldman Daniël W. M. , Fey Rob H. B. , Zwart Hans
Published: July 2016

Single-degree-of-freedom (single-DOF) nonlinear mechanical systems under periodic excitation may possess multiple coexisting stable periodic solutions. Depending on the application, one of these stable periodic solutions is desired. In energy-harvesting applications, the large-amplitude periodic solutions are preferred, and in vibration reduction problems, the small-amplitude periodic solutions are desired. We propose a method to design an impulsive force that will bring the system from an undesired to a desired stable periodic solution, which requires only limited information about the applied force. We illustrate our method for a single-degree-of-freedom model of a rectangular plate with geometric nonlinearity, which takes the form of a monostable forced Duffing equation with hardening nonlinearity.
Scheduling of a Single Flow Shop for Minimal Energy Cost Under Real-Time Electricity Pricing
Authors: Zhang Hao , Zhao Fu , Sutherland John W.
Published: July 2016

A time-indexed integer programing approach is developed to optimize the manufacturing schedule of a factory for minimal energy cost under real-time pricing (RTP) of electricity. The approach is demonstrated using a flow shop operating during different time periods (i.e., day shift, swing shift, and night shift) in a microgrid, which also serves residential and commercial users. Results show that electricity cost can be reduced by 6.2%, 12.3%, and 21.5% for the three time periods considered, respectively. Additionally, a 6.3% cost reduction can be achieved by the residential and commercial buildings through adopting energy-conscious control strategies in this specific case study example.
Experimental Investigation and Numerical Analysis of Mechanical Ruling for an Aluminum-Coated Diffraction Grating
Authors: Zhang Baoqing , Wang Qinghua , Shen Ninggang , Ding Hongtao
Published: July 2016

The mechanical ruling process using a diamond tool is an important method for fabrication of low-density diffraction gratings. In mechanical ruling, a deposited film of aluminum or gold is mechanically burnished by the diamond tool to form equally spaced and high-quality grooves. The goal of this work is to evaluate the effects of Al film properties and ruling tool loading conditions on the resultant groove formation. The microstructure of the Al film is first studied using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The mechanical properties of the Al film are measured by nano-indentation and scratch tests. Mechanical ruling experiments are then carried out on a 10.5 μm thick Al film under various ruling loads ranging from 20 to 105 g. The groove geometry is investigated, and the tool wear of the diamond tool is inspected after the mechanical ruling tests. Finally, a three-dimensional (3D) thermomechanical-coupled finite-element (FE) model is developed to predict the deformation and temperature fields for the micron-scale groove formation by incorporating the Al film properties and a strain-gradient plasticity for modeling the size effect. Multiruling pass simulations are performed to analyze the groove formation under different loading conditions. Through comparison of simulation results with experimental measurement, this model is demonstrated as a useful numerical tool for modeling the mechanical ruling process using a diamond tool.
Material Influence on Mitigation of Stress Corrosion Cracking Via Laser Shock Peening
Authors: Brandal Grant , Lawrence Yao Y.
Published: July 2016

Stress corrosion cracking is a phenomenon that can lead to sudden failure of metallic components. Here, we use laser shock peening (LSP) as a surface treatment for mitigation of stress corrosion cracking (SCC), and explore how the material differences of 304 stainless steel, 4140 high strength steel, and 260 brass affect their mitigation. Cathodic charging of the samples in 1 M sulfuric acid was performed to accelerate hydrogen uptake. Nontreated stainless steel samples underwent hardness increases of 28%, but LSP treated samples only increased in the range of 0–8%, indicative that LSP keeps hydrogen from permeating into the metal. Similarly for the high strength steel, LSP treating limited the hardness changes from hydrogen to less than 5%. Mechanical U-bends subjected to Mattsson's solution, NaCl, and MgCl2 environments are analyzed, to determine changes in fracture morphology. LSP treating increased the time to failure by 65% for the stainless steel, and by 40% for the high strength steel. LSP treating of the brass showed no improvement in U-bend tests. Surface chemical effects are addressed via Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy, and a finite element model comparing induced stresses is developed. Detection of any deformation induced martensite phases, which may be detrimental, is performed using X-ray diffraction. We find LSP to be beneficial for stainless and high strength steels but does not improve brass's SCC resistance. With our analysis methods, we provide a description accounting for differences between the materials, and subsequently highlight important processing considerations for implementation of the process.
Low electrical resistivity in thin and ultrathin copper layers grown by high power impulse magnetron sputtering
Authors: Cemin Felipe , Lundin Daniel , Cammilleri Davide , Maroutian Thomas , Lecoeur Philippe , Minea Tiberiu
Published: July 2016

Ultrathin copper (Cu) layers are in continuous demand in several areas, such as within microelectronics and space, as well as in instrumentation technology requiring an electrical resistivity as low as possible. However, the performance of modern copper connections is limited by the size-dependent value of the film resistivity, which is known to increase when the layer thickness is reduced to a few tens of nanometer. In this work, the authors have successfully deposited Cu thin films from 20 to 800 nm exhibiting reduced electrical resistivity by using a high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) process. The electrical and microstructural properties of such films were compared to samples deposited by conventional direct current magnetron sputtering (DCMS) within the same thickness range. For films as thin as 30 nm, the electrical resistivity was reduced by ∼30% when deposited by HiPIMS compared to DCMS, being only three times larger than the copper bulk value. The HiPIMS Cu films exhibit larger grain size and reduced grain boundary density, which reduce the scattering of charge carriers and thereby the resistivity of the thin film. These larger grains are likely due to the highly ionized precursor flux of the HiPIMS discharge, which in the present work is controlled by an external substrate bias.
Dynamic acoustic properties of monophthongs and diphthongs in Western Sydney Australian English
Authors: Elvin Jaydene , Williams Daniel , Escudero Paola
Published: July 2016

This study provides a thorough acoustic analysis of the 18 Australian English monophthongs and diphthongs produced in a variety of phonetic contexts by young adult speakers from Western Sydney. The 18 vowels are well separated by duration and dynamic formant trajectory information. Vowel durations and formant trajectories were affected by the consonantal context in which the vowels were produced, particularly those produced in the /hVd/ context. Finally, the results indicate that capturing aspects of vowel inherent spectral change may be useful in future cross-dialectal and cross-linguistic studies.
Sex differences in disease presentation, treatment and clinical outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: a single-centre cohort study
Authors: Ladenheim Maya R , Kim Nathan G , Nguyen Pauline , Le An , Stefanick Marcia L , Garcia Gabriel , Nguyen Mindie H
Published: July 2016

Background

Although sex differences in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk are well known, it is unclear whether sex differences also exist in clinical presentation and survival outcomes once HCC develops.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of 1886 HCC patients seen in a US medical centre in 1998–2015. Data were obtained by chart review with survival data also by National Death Index search.

Results

The cohort consisted of 1449 male and 437 female patients. At diagnosis, men were significantly younger than women (59.9±10.7 vs 64.0±11.6, p<0.0001). Men had significantly higher rates of tobacco (57.7% vs 31.0%, p<0.001) and alcohol use (63.2% vs 35.1%, p<0.001). Women were more likely to be diagnosed by routine screening versus symptomatically or incidentally (65.5% vs 58.2%, p=0.03) and less likely to present with tumours >5 cm (30.2% vs 39.8%, p=0.001). Surgical and non-surgical treatment utilisation was similar for both sexes. Men and women had no significant difference in median survival from the time of diagnosis (median 30.7 (range=24.5–41.3) vs 33.1 (range=27.4–37.3) months, p=0.84). On multivariate analysis, significant predictors for improved survival included younger age, surgical or non-surgical treatment (vs supportive care), diagnosis by screening, tumour within Milan criteria and lower Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, but not female sex (adjusted HR=1.01, CI 0.82 to 1.24, p=0.94).

Conclusions

Although men have much higher risk for HCC development, there were no significant sex differences in disease presentation or survival except for older age and lower tumour burden at diagnosis in women. Female sex was not an independent predictor for survival.
Methylated arginine analogues: their potential role in atherosclerosis and cognition using the poloxamer-407-induced mouse model of dyslipidemia
Authors: Gilinsky Michael A. , Johnston Thomas P. , Zhukova Natalia A. , Dubrovina Nina I. , Latysheva Tatyana V. , Naumenko Sergey E. , Sukhovershin Roman A.
Published: July 2016

An experimental mouse model of dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis was utilized to study the generation of methylarginines in vivo, as well as any potential behavioral changes in mice associated with the production of excess methylarginines. Following 14 weeks of poloxamer 407 treatment, mice developed atherosclerosis and the plasma concentrations of monomethylarginine and asymmetric dimethylarginine were found to be significantly greater than corresponding concentrations in control mice. This finding may have contributed to the development of aortic atherosclerotic lesions in poloxamer-treated mice by interfering with nitric oxide availability and, hence, normal function of vascular endothelium. Poloxamer-407-treated mice also showed a significant decrease in locomotor and exploratory activity, together with signs of emotional stress and anxiety relative to controls. Passive avoidance testing to assess learning and memory provided suggestive evidence that poloxamer-treated mice could potentially be characterized as having undergone a disruption in the process of forgetting about an aversive event, specifically, a foot shock, when compared with control mice. Thus, it is also suggested that the increase in both plasma monomethylarginine and asymmetric dimethylarginine in poloxamer-407-treated mice may somehow influence learning and memory, because endothelial dysfunction caused by reduced nitric oxide availability has been hypothesized to negatively influence cognitive function.
A look to nonlinear interacting Ghost dark energy cosmology
Authors: Khurshudyan Martiros
Published: July 2016

In this paper, we organize a look to nonlinear interacting Ghost dark energy cosmology involving a discussion on the thermodynamics of the Ghost dark energy, when the universe is bounded via the Hubble horizon. One of the ways to study a dark energy model, is to reconstruct thermodynamics of it. Ghost dark energy is one of the models of the dark energy which has an explicitly given energy density as a function of the Hubble parameter. There is an active discussion towards various cosmological scenarios, where the Ghost dark energy interacts with the pressureless cold dark matter (CDM). Recently, various models of the varying Ghost dark energy has been suggested, too. To have a comprehensive understanding of suggested models, we will discuss behavior of the cosmological parameters on parameter-redshift [Formula: see text] plane. Some discussion on Om and statefinder hierarchy analysis of these models is presented. Moreover, up to our knowledge, suggested forms of interaction between the Ghost dark energy and cold dark matter (CDM) are new, therefore, within obtained results, we provide new contribution to previously discussed models available in the literature. Our study demonstrates that the forms of the interactions considered in the Ghost dark energy cosmology are not exotic and the justification of this is due to the recent observational data.
Generalized ghost pilgrim dark energy in F(T,TG) cosmology
Authors: Sharif M. , Nazir Kanwal
Published: July 2016

This paper is devoted to study the generalized ghost pilgrim dark energy (PDE) model in [Formula: see text] gravity with flat Friedmann–Robertson–Walker (FRW) universe. In this scenario, we reconstruct [Formula: see text] models and evaluate the corresponding equation of state (EoS) parameter for different choices of the scale factors. We assume power-law scale factor, scale factor for unification of two phases, intermediate and bouncing scale factor. We study the behavior of reconstructed models and EoS parameters graphically. It is found that all the reconstructed models show decreasing behavior for PDE parameter [Formula: see text]. On the other hand, the EoS parameter indicates transition from dust-like matter to phantom era for all choices of the scale factor except intermediate for which this is less than [Formula: see text]. We conclude that all the results are in agreement with PDE phenomenon.
Gauge-Higgs EW and grand unification
Authors: Hosotani Yutaka
Published: July 2016

Four-dimensional Higgs field is identified with the extra-dimensional component of gauge potentials in the gauge-Higgs unification scenario. [Formula: see text] gauge-Higgs EW unification in the Randall–Sundrum warped space is successful at low energies. The Higgs field appears as an Aharonov–Bohm phase [Formula: see text] in the fifth dimension. Its mass is generated at the quantum level and is finite. The model yields almost the same phenomenology as the standard model for [Formula: see text], and predicts [Formula: see text] bosons around 6–10 TeV with very broad widths. The scenario is generalized to [Formula: see text] gauge-Higgs grand unification. Fermions are introduced in the spinor and vector representations of [Formula: see text]. Proton decay is naturally forbidden.
Pentaquarks and possible anomalies at LHCb
Authors: Lafferty G.
Published: July 2016

With the LHC Run 1 data, the LHCb experiment discovered two pentaquark states and has evidence for a number of possible anomalies in the flavour sector. The possible anomalies include indications of violations of lepton flavour universality, deviations from Standard Model predictions in several [Formula: see text]-meson decay modes that are mediated by flavour-changing neutral currents, and further evidence for a discrepancy between inclusive and exclusive measurements of the CKM matrix element [Formula: see text].
Colour octet extension of 2HDM
Authors: Valencia German
Published: July 2016

In this paper we consider some aspects of the Manohar–Wise extension of the SM with a colour-octet electroweak-doublet scalar applied to 2HDM. We present theoretical constraints on the parameters of this extension to both the SM and the 2HDM and discuss related phenomenology at LHC.
Entropy production in the early-cosmology pionic phase
Authors: Dobado Antonio , Llanes-Estrada Felipe J. , Rodríguez Fernández David
Published: July 2016

We point out that in the early universe, for temperatures in the approximate interval 150–80 MeV (after the quark–gluon plasma), pions carried a large share of the entropy and supported the largest inhomogeneities. Its thermal conductivity (previously calculated) allows the characterization of entropy production due to equilibration (damping) of thermal fluctuations. Simple model distributions of thermal fluctuations are considered and the associated entropy production evaluated.
Comparative calculations of electron transport properties in 6H–SiC using three and five valley models
Authors: Talha Nora , Bouazza Benyounes , Guen Bouazza Ahlam , Kadoun Abd-Ed-Daim
Published: July 2016

Steady-state electron properties are investigated in 6H–SiC at various temperatures, using Monte Carlo simulation where the band structure model is a major part when dealing with high fields. The aim of this work is to optimize the number of valleys involved in the simulation program in order to obtain accurate results while improving the calculation efficiency. For high fields, a five valley model was found to be more accurate than a three valley model and as efficient as the full band method though much less computer time-consuming.
First-principles study of the effect of lanthanum on the niobium diffusion in fcc Fe
Authors: Gao Xueyun , Ren Huiping , Li Chunlong , Wang Haiyan , Tan Huijie
Published: July 2016

The effect of La on the diffusion of Nb in fcc Fe has been investigated using the first-principles calculations based on the density functional theory. The binding energies of Nb–vacancy, La–vacancy and La–Nb pairs have been calculated. The interactions of Nb–vacancy and La–Nb are attractive in 1nn and 2nn configurations (nn: nearest–neighbor). La atom attracts strongly with the 1nn vacancy, but has a weakly repulsive interaction with the 2nn vacancy. We consider four different Nb jumps in the presence of La atom to investigate the Nb diffusion in terms of vacancy formation and migration energy. The results suggest that La increases the diffusion activation energy of Nb in fcc Fe matrix, and is helpful to decelerate the Nb-diffusion-involved phase transformation process.
Research on wave bandgaps in a circular plate of radial phononic crystal
Authors: Shi Xiaona , Shu Haisheng , Zhu Jie , Wang Xingguo , Dong Liqiang , Zhao Lei , Liang Shanjun , Liu Ru
Published: July 2016

Two alternating homogeneous materials are periodically introduced along the radial direction, forming a circular plate of radial phononic crystal (CPRPC). To illustrate the characteristics of the out-of-plane transverse wave and the in-plane longitudinal wave propagating along the radial direction, the transfer matrices are derived based on the basic wave equations of a thin circular plate in cylindrical coordinates. Localization factors are introduced to evaluate the average attenuation of the transverse and longitudinal waves in the structure, and corresponding bandgaps are obtained. Moreover, finite element method simulations, numerical analyses and the insertion loss method are combined to investigate the effects of the main parameters on these wave bandgaps. The results show that significant transverse and longitudinal wave bandgaps caused by the radial periodicity of the CPRPC exist, and the structural and material parameters have essential influences on them.
Structure Feature Learning Method for Incomplete Data
Authors: Zhou Xiabing , Xing Xingxing , Han Lei , Hong Haikun , Bian Kaigui , Xie Kunqing
Published: July 2016

Learning with incomplete data remains challenging in many real-world applications especially when the data is high-dimensional and dynamic. Many imputation-based algorithms have been proposed to handle with incomplete data, where these algorithms use statistics of the historical information to remedy the missing parts. However, these methods merely use the structural information existing in the data, which are very helpful for sharing between the complete entries and the missing ones. For example, in traffic system, some group information and temporal smoothness exist in the data structure. In this paper, we propose to incorporate these structural information and develop structural feature leaning method for learning with incomplete data (SFLIC). The SFLIC model adopt a fused Lasso based regularizer and a group Lasso style regularizer to enlarge the data sharing along both the temporal smoothness level and the feature group level to fill the gap where the data entries are missing. The proposed SFLIC model is a nonsmooth function according to the model parameters, and we adopt the smoothing proximal gradient (SPG) method to seek for an efficient solution. We evaluate our model on both synthetic and real-world highway traffic datasets. Experimental results show that our method outperforms the state-of-the-art methods.
A Low-Power and Area-Efficient 64-Bit Digital Comparator
Authors: Vijaya Krishna Boppana N. V. , Ren Saiyu
Published: July 2016

A new low-power and area-efficient radix-4 tree-based 64-bit digital comparator is presented in this paper. The proposed design with 64 XOR-XNOR (XE) blocks is custom implemented in 90[Formula: see text]nm 1.2[Formula: see text]V multi-threshold technology using Cadence-Virtuoso layout editor. The 64 bit comparator has an area of 1009[Formula: see text][Formula: see text], a worst case delay of 858[Formula: see text]ps, and a power consumption of 898[Formula: see text]uW at 1[Formula: see text]G bit/s. The two features, lower power consumption and smaller area compared to other published comparators, make the proposed design most suitable for low-power portable devices. Resource sharing is an important feature for the proposed design. The 64 XE blocks occupy approximately 60% (600[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]) of the total comparator area and contributes 54% (484[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]W) of the total worst power consumption. The 64 XE blocks can also be used to design XE based 64-bit adders, encryption devices, etc.
Rotation-Based Design and Synthesis of Quantum Circuits
Authors: Zomorodi-Moghadam Mariam , Navi Keivan
Published: July 2016

In this paper, a new synthesis method for Boolean irreversible functions has been proposed which is based on rotation quantum operators. The primary motivation is that the implementation of these operators is commonly available in quantum technologies. We introduce an approach for synthesizing Boolean irreversible functions in quantum logic which is based on quantum rotation and CNOT operators and uses a prespecified fixed design where by changing the rotation angles a new functionality can be achieved. So this design can be viewed as a programmable array of rotation gates. If reduction in quantum cost is desired, after this step the optimization approach may be applied to reduce the number of gates by using some rules, which leads to a reduction of up to 48% in the quantum cost after optimization compared to the original nonoptimized design obtained from the synthesis method. The paper also introduces efficient designs with rotation operators for some important gates in the quantum circuit libraries. Our main contribution is introducing a novel and low complexity approach for synthesizing irreversible functions using elementary rotation operators with a regular fixed design. Also having as many functions as desired with the same inputs, the execution time just increases by one for each additional function and the circuit width is increased by one for each additional function. It is proved that our approach can always be applied to each Boolean function. We show the correctness of our approach and make an upper bound of the quantum cost of the circuit.
Stringent theoretical and experimental bounds on graviton mass
Authors: Ali Ahmed Farag , Das Saurya
Published: July 2016

We show from theoretical considerations, that if the graviton is massive, its mass is constrained to be about [Formula: see text]. This estimate is consistent with those obtained from experiments, including the recent gravitational wave detection in advanced LIGO.
Relativistic anisotropic models for compact star with equation of state p = f(ρ)
Authors: Maurya S. K. , Gupta Y. K. , Dayanandan Baiju , Jasim M. K. , Al-Jamel Ahmed
Published: July 2016

We present new anisotropic models for Buchdahl [H. A. Buchdahl, Phys. Rev. 116 (1959) 1027.] type perfect fluid solution. For this purpose, we started with metric potential [Formula: see text] same as Buchdahl [H. A. Buchdahl, Phys. Rev. 116 (1959) 1027.] and [Formula: see text] is monotonically increasing function as suggested by Lake [K. Lake, Phys. Rev. D 67 (2003) 104015]. After that we determine the new pressure anisotropy factor [Formula: see text] with the help of both the metric potentials [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] and propose new well behaved general solution for anisotropic fluid distribution. The physical quantities like energy density, radial and tangential pressures, velocity of sound and redshift etc. are positive and finite inside the compact star. In this connection, we have studied the stability of the models, which is most vital one and also we determined the equation of state [Formula: see text] for the realistic compact star models. It is noted that the mass and radius of our models can represent the structure of realistic astrophysical objects such as Her X-1 and RXJ 1856-37.
Cosmological implications of Nambu–Jona-Lasinio model with a dynamical coupling
Authors: Quintanar G. Leonardo , de la Macorra Axel
Published: July 2016

We study the cosmological implications of the Nambu–Jona-Lasinio (NJL) model when the coupling constant is field dependent. The NJL model has a four-fermion interaction describing two different phases due to quantum interaction effects and determined by the strength of the coupling constant [Formula: see text]. It describes massless fermions for weak coupling and a massive fermions and strong coupling, where a fermion condensate is formed. In the original NJL model, the coupling constant [Formula: see text] is indeed constant, and in this work we consider a modified version of the NJL model by introducing a dynamical field dependent coupling motivated by string theory. The effective potential as a function of the varying coupling (aimed to implement a natural phase transition) is seen to develop a negative divergence, i.e. becomes a “bottomless well” in certain limit region. Although we explain how an lower unbounded potential is not necessarily unacceptable in a cosmological context, the divergence can be removed if we consider a mass term for the coupling like field. We found that for a proper set of parameters, the total potential obtained has two minima, one located at the origin (the trivial solution, in which the fluid associated with the fields behave like matter); and the other related to the nontrivial solution. This last solution has three possibilities: (1) if the minimum is positive [Formula: see text], the system behaves as a cosmological constant, thus leading eventually to an accelerated universe; (2) if the minimized potential vanishes [Formula: see text], then we have matter with no acceleration; (3) finally a negative minimum [Formula: see text] leads an eventually collapsing universe with a flat geometry. Therefore, a possible interpretation as dark matter (DM) or dark energy (DE) is allowed among the behaviors implicated in the model.
A generalization of unimodular gravity with vacuum-matter energy exchange
Authors: Klinkhamer F. R.
Published: July 2016

An effective theory of gravity in the infrared is proposed, which involves the determinant of the metric relative to the determinant of a prior metric taken to be that of Minkowski spacetime. This effective theory can be interpreted as a generalization of unimodular gravity. In a cosmological context with ultrarelativistic or cold matter, the resulting field equations have only one solution, empty Minkowski spacetime (selected by the prior metric of the theory). The introduction of energy exchange between vacuum and matter gives rise to nonstatic cosmic solutions. It is found that Minkowski spacetime (from the prior metric) appears as an attractor of the dynamic equations. A further result is that energy–momentum conservation of any localized material system is violated in a nonconstant gravitational background. The impact for experiment appears, however, negligible if the vacuum-energy mass-scale is of order meV.
Thermodynamic products in extended phase-space
Authors: Pradhan Parthapratim
Published: July 2016

We have examined the thermodynamic properties for a variety of spherically symmetric charged-AdS black hole (BH) solutions, including the charged AdS BH surrounded by quintessence dark energy and charged AdS BH in [Formula: see text] gravity in extended phase-space. This framework involves treating the cosmological constant as thermodynamic variable (for example: thermodynamic pressure and thermodynamic volume). Then they should behave as an analog of Van-der-Waal (VdW) like systems. In the extended phase-space we have calculated the entropy product and thermodynamic volume product of all horizons. The mass (or enthalpy) independent nature of the said product signals they are universal quantities. The divergence of the specific heat indicates that the second-order phase transition occurs under certain condition. In Appendix A, we have studied the thermodynamic volume products for axisymmetric spacetime and it is shown to be not universal in nature. Finally, in Appendix B, we have studied the [Formula: see text] criticality of Cauchy horizon for charged-AdS BH and found to be an universal relation of critical values between two horizons as [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]. The symbols are defined in the main work.
Systematic study on α-decay half-lives of Bi isotopes
Authors: Cui J. P. , Zhang Y. L. , Zhang S. , Wang Y. Z.
Published: July 2016

Systematic calculations on [Formula: see text]-decay half-lives of Bi isotopes are performed by using the generalized liquid drop model (GLDM) and several sets of Royer’s analytic formulas. In calculations, the [Formula: see text] transitions include the ones of (i) ground state (g.s.) to g.s., (ii) g.s. to isomeric state (i.s.), (iii) i.s. to g.s., (iv) i.s. to i.s. According to the comparison between the calculated half-lives and the experimental data, it is found that the experimental half-lives are reproduced well by the GLDM with the cluster-like mode. This indicates that the nuclear structure details play important roles in the [Formula: see text]-decay half-lives. In addition, it is found that the experimental half-lives are not reproduced well by these analytic formulas because the parameters are obtained by fitting the experimental half-lives of g.s. to g.s. transitions. To give better predictions on [Formula: see text]-decay half-lives, the parameters in these formulas should be refitted by including the experimental [Formula: see text]-transition of (ii)–(iv) mentioned above.
DOUBLE CASCADE MODEL OF FINANCIAL CRISES
Authors: HURD T. R. , CELLAI DAVIDE , MELNIK SERGEY , SHAO QUENTIN H.
Published: July 2016

The scope of financial systemic risk research encompasses a wide range of interbank channels and effects, including asset correlation shocks, default contagion, illiquidity contagion, and asset fire sales. This paper introduces a financial network model that combines the default and liquidity stress mechanisms into a “double cascade mapping”. The progress and eventual result of the crisis is obtained by iterating this mapping to its fixed point. Unlike simpler models, this model can therefore quantify how illiquidity or default of one bank influences the overall level of liquidity stress and default in the system. Large-network asymptotic cascade mapping formulas are derived that can be used for efficient network computations of the double cascade. Numerical experiments then demonstrate that these asymptotic formulas agree qualitatively with Monte Carlo results for large finite networks, and quantitatively except when the initial system is placed in an exceptional “knife-edge” configuration. The experiments clearly support the main conclusion that when banks respond to liquidity stress by hoarding liquidity, then in the absence of asset fire sales, the level of defaults in a financial network is negatively related to the strength of bank liquidity hoarding and the eventual level of stress in the network.
Relationship between Female University Students’ Knowledge on Menstruation and Their Menstrual Hygiene Practices: A Study in Tamale, Ghana
Authors: Ameade Evans Paul Kwame , Garti Helene Akpene
Published: July 2016

Positive perception about menstruation and good menstrual hygiene practice safeguards the health of postpubescent females by reducing their vulnerability to reproductive and urinary tract infections. Using a questionnaire, a cross-sectional study involving 293 randomly selected female undergraduate students in northern Ghana assessed the relationship between knowledge on menstruation and the practice of safe menstrual hygiene. Data collected was analyzed using GraphPad 5.01. This study found that although majority of respondents (73.4%) were aware of menstruation before menarche, most of them experienced fear and panic when it occurred. Mothers were the first to be informed when menstruation occurred, although teachers first provided them knowledge on menstruation. Respondents’ knowledge on menstruation was average (57.3%) but their menstrual hygiene practice was good (80.2%). Age (p=0.005) and course of study (p=0.0008) significantly influenced respondents’ knowledge on menstruation with older students as well as the medical and midwifery students being most knowledgeable. Muslim rather than Christian female students practiced better menstrual hygiene (p=0.0001). Average knowledge score on menstruation indicated a deficit of knowledge on the anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system. Increasing knowledge on menstruation had a positive and significant effect on practice of good menstrual hygiene.
Macleaya cordataExtract Decreased Diarrhea Score and Enhanced Intestinal Barrier Function in Growing Piglets
Authors: Liu Gang , Guan Guiping , Fang Jun , Martínez Yordan , Chen Shuai , Bin Peng , Duraipandiyan Veeramuthu , Gong Ting , Tossou Myrlene Carine B. , Al-Dhabi Naif Abdullah , Yin Yulong
Published: July 2016

Macleaya cordataextract is of great scientific and practical interest to researchers, due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory responses within experimental animals. This study was designed to determine the diarrhea score and innate immunity of growing piglets after they had receivedMacleaya cordataextract supplements. A total of 240 growing pigs were randomly assigned to one of three dietary treatments, with 8 replicates per treatment and 10 piglets per replicate. All pigs received a basal diet containing similar amounts of nutrients. The three treatments were a control (no additive), an antibiotic (200 mg/kg colistin), and theMacleaya cordataextract supplement group (40 mg/kgMacleaya cordataextract). The diarrhea score was calculated after D 28. The jejunal samples were obtained from five piglets selected randomly from each treatment on D 28. In comparison with the control group, the dietaryMacleaya cordataextract and colistin group demonstrated a substantially decreased diarrhea score. The introduction ofMacleaya cordataextract supplements to the diet significantly increased volumes of ZO-1 and claudin-1, particularly in comparison with the pigs in the control group (P<0.05). The findings indicate thatMacleaya cordataextract does enhance intestinal barrier function in growing piglets and that it could be used as a viable substitute for antibiotics.