bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Limnological evolution of Zelma Lake, a recently drained thermokarst lake in Old Crow Flats (Yukon, Canada)
Authors: Tondu Jana M.E. , Turner Kevin W. , Wiklund Johan A. , Wolfe Brent B. , Hall Roland I. , McDonald Ian
Published: August 2016

Evidence from remote sensing studies suggests that the frequency of thermokarst lake drainage events is increasing in response to climate change, but the consequences of these changes on the limnology of remaining waterbodies remain unknown. Here, we utilize a multiparameter paleolimnological record and post-drainage water isotope and chemistry monitoring to characterize the limnological evolution of Zelma Lake in Old Crow Flats, Yukon. During the early part of the record (~1678 to 1900 CE), analysis of geochemical variables and algal pigments indicate relatively stable limnological conditions. Abruptly beginning at ~1900, Zelma Lake experienced a 40 year phase of reduced production, likely resulting from thermokarst shoreline expansion and associated increases in turbidity and low light availability. This was followed by ~70 years of increasing production, likely from the stabilization of shorelines combined with a warming climate. Zelma Lake catastrophically drained in June 2007. Post-drainage conditions were characterized by intense eutrophication marked by increases in nutrient and major ion concentrations and the unprecedented occurrence of okenone and diatoxanthin pigments. Comparison to the post-drainage paleolimnological record from another thermokarst lake in Old Crow Flats indicates that a sharp increase of production is likely a common outcome of thermokarst lake drainage, yet intensity differs owing to site-specific catchment characteristics.
Non-uniform nanoparticle concentration effects on moving plate boundary layer
Authors: Mehmood A. , Usman M.
Published: August 2016

The inclusion of small nano-sized particles in a pure fluid changes the material properties of the resulting mixture, called a nanofluid, significantly. To understand the role of material particles on the convection process one needs an efficient modeling of the nanofluid. The homogeneous modeling is observed to underpredict the rate of heat transfer. This fact motivates the utilization of non-homogeneous modeling. In this study we considered the classical Sakiadis moving plate boundary layer flow of a nanofluid. Non-homogeneous concentration, which is a consequence of convective transport of nanoparticles within the boundary layer, has been utilized to calculate the heat transfer enhancement. Effects of different physical parameters have been investigated on the expedition of heat transfer phenomena. It is noted that significant increase in the rate of heat transfer is observed when the nanoparticle concentration is non-uniform across the boundary layer.
The fragmentation of SF6 under O− and Al− negative ion impact
Authors: He Xiaodong , Zhao Zilong , Li Junqin , Wang Dedong , Zhang Xuemei
Published: August 2016

The fragmentation of SF6 under 15–30 keV O− and 20–30 keV Al− impact has been studied using a crossed beam technique. The recoil ions and ion pairs are identified in coincidence with scattered projectiles with different charge states by the usage of time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectroscopy. The yield ratios of fragment ions to [Formula: see text] and the yield ratios of ion pairs to (S+, F+) in collision with O− and Al− are obtained and compared with those of H− and C−. It is found that the ratios have a very strong dependence on the momenta of the projectiles. Besides, by analyzing the TOF spectra, it is also found that more [Formula: see text] with n odd are produced than those with n even under O−, Al− impact, which also happened in collision with H− and C−, positive ion and electron impact. The dissociation channels of [Formula: see text] are found to be insensitive to incident ions’ energy and kind in our energy range.
Effects of baicalin on alveolar fluid clearance and α-ENaC expression in rats with LPS-induced acute lung injury
Authors: Deng Jia , Wang Dao-xin , Liang Ai-ling , Tang Jing , Xiang Da-kai
Published: August 2016

Baicalin has been reported to attenuate lung edema in the process of lung injury. However, the effect of baicalin on alveolar fluid clearance (AFC) and epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) expression has not been tested. Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized and intratracheally injected with either 1 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or saline vehicle. Baicalin with various concentrations (10, 50, and 100 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally 30 min before administration of LPS. Then lungs were isolated for measurement of AFC, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) level, and cellular localization of α-ENaC. Moreover, mouse alveolar type II (ATII) epithelial cell line was incubated with baicalin (30 μmol/L), adenylate cyclase inhibitor SQ22536 (10 μmol/L), or cAMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor (PKA) KT5720 (0.3 μmol/L) 15 min before LPS (1 μg/mL) incubation. Protein expression of α-ENaC was detected by Western blot. Baicalin increased cAMP concentration and AFC in a dose-dependent manner in rats with LPS-induced acute lung injury. The increase of AFC induced by baicalin was associated with an increase in the abundance of α-ENaC protein. SQ22536 and KT5720 prevented the increase of α-ENaC expression caused by baicalin in vitro. These findings suggest that baicalin prevents LPS-induced reduction of AFC by upregulating α-ENaC protein expression, which is activated by stimulating cAMP/PKA signaling pathway.
Analysis of turbulence power spectra and velocity correlations in a pipeline with obstructions
Authors: da Cunha Lima A. T. , da Cunha Lima I. C. , de Almeida M. P.
Published: August 2016

We calculate the power spectral density and velocity correlations for a turbulent flow of a fluid inside a duct. Turbulence is induced by obstructions placed near the entrance of the flow. The power spectral density is obtained for several points at cross-sections along the duct axis, and an analysis is made on the way the spectra changes according to the distance to the obstruction. We show that the differences on the power spectral density are important in the lower frequency range, while in the higher frequency range, the spectra are very similar to each other. Our results suggest the use of the changes on the low frequency power spectral density to identify the occurrence of obstructions in pipelines. Our results show some frequency regions where the power spectral density behaves according to the Kolmogorov hypothesis. At the same time, the calculation of the power spectral densities at increasing distances from the obstructions indicates an energy cascade where the spectra evolves in frequency space by spreading the frequency amplitude.
A note on superposition of two unknown states using Deutsch CTC model
Authors: Sami Sasha , Chakrabarty Indranil
Published: August 2016

In a recent work, authors prove a yet another no-go theorem that forbids the existence of a universal probabilistic quantum protocol producing a superposition of two unknown quantum states. In this short note, we show that in the presence of closed time-like curves (CTCs), one can indeed create superposition of unknown quantum states and evade the no-go result.
Constraining the existence of magnetic monopoles by Dirac-dual electric charge renormalization effect under the Planck scale limit
Authors: Deng Yanbin , Huang Changyu , Huang Yong-Chang
Published: August 2016

It was suggested by dimensional analysis that there exists a limit called the Planck energy scale coming close to which the gravitational effects of physical processes would inflate and struggle for equal rights so as to spoil the validity of pure nongravitational physical theories that governed well below the Planck energy. Near the Planck scale, the Planck charges, Planck currents, or Planck parameters can be defined and assigned to physical quantities such as the single particle electric charge and magnetic charge as the ceiling value obeyed by the low energy ordinary physics. The Dirac electric-magnetic charge quantization relation as one form of electric-magnetic duality dictates that, the present low value electric charge corresponds to a huge magnetic charge value already passed the Planck limit so as to render theories of magnetic monopoles into the strong coupling regime, and vice versa, that small and tractable magnetic charge values correspond to huge electric charge values. It suggests that for theoretic models in which the renormalization group equation provides rapid growth for the running electric coupling constant, it is easier for the dual magnetic monopoles to emerge at lower energy scales. Allowing charges to vary with the Dirac electric-magnetic charge quantization relation while keeping values under the Planck limit informs that the magnetic charge value drops below the Planck ceiling value into the manageable region when the electric coupling constant grows to one fourth at a model dependent energy scale, and continues dropping toward half the value of the Planck magnetic charge as the electric coupling constant continues growing at the model dependent rate toward one near Planck energy scale.
The group of sphere-trivial braids
Authors: Duzhin Fedor , Le Quang-Nhat
Published: August 2016

We give a presentation for the group of Artin braids that become trivial when considered over the [Formula: see text]-sphere and explore the relation to Brunnian braids and homotopy groups of spheres.
On a K5 problem by S. V. Duzhin
Authors: Meshveliani S. D.
Published: August 2016

S. V. Duzhin [Decomposable skew-symmetric functions, Mosc. Math. J. 3(3) (2003) 881–888] suggested a construction of weight systems from polynomials possessing certain symmetry properties with respect to permutations of their arguments. In particular, he considered a set of polynomials in five variables, which he called [Formula: see text]. A natural construction gives polynomials in [Formula: see text], and he asked, whether there are polynomials in [Formula: see text] that are not produced by this construction. In this paper we give a negative answer to Duzhin’s question.
Annihilation of torsion in homology of finite m-AQ quandles
Authors: Przytycki Józef H. , Yang Seung Yeop
Published: August 2016

It is a classical result in reduced homology of finite groups that the order of a group annihilates its homology. Similarly, we have proved that the torsion subgroup of rack and quandle homology of a finite quasigroup quandle is annihilated by its order. However, it does not hold for connected quandles in general. In this paper, we define an [Formula: see text]-almost quasigroup ([Formula: see text]-AQ) quandle which is a generalization of a quasigroup quandle and study annihilation of torsion in its rack and quandle homology groups.
Arrangements of lines and monodromy of associated Milnor fibers
Authors: Salvetti Mario , Serventi Matteo
Published: August 2016

Consider an arrangement [Formula: see text] of homogeneous hyperplanes in [Formula: see text] with complement [Formula: see text]. The (co)homology of [Formula: see text] with twisted coefficients is strictly related to the cohomology of the Milnor fiber associated to the natural fibration onto [Formula: see text] endowed with the geometric monodromy. It is still an open problem to understand in general the cohomology of the Milnor fiber, even for dimension 1. In Sec. 1, we show that all questions about the first homology group are detected by a precise group, which is a quotient ot the commutator subgroup of [Formula: see text] by the commutator of its length zero subgroup, which didn’t appear in the literature before.

In Sec. 2, we state a conjecture of [Formula: see text]-monodromicity for the first homology, which is of a different nature with respect to the known results. Let [Formula: see text] be the graph of double points of [Formula: see text] we conjecture that if [Formula: see text] is connected, then the geometric monodromy acts trivially on the first homology of the Milnor fiber (so the first Betti number is combinatorially determined in this case). This conjecture depends only on the combinatorics of [Formula: see text]. We show the truth of the conjecture under some stronger hypotheses.
Strongly quasipositive links with braid index 3 have positive Conway polynomial
Authors: Silvero Marithania
Published: August 2016

Strongly quasipositive links are those links which can be seen as closures of positive braids in terms of band generators. In this paper, we give a necessary condition for a link with braid index 3 to be strongly quasipositive, by proving that in that case, it has positive Conway polynomial (that is, all its coefficients are non-negative). We also show that this result cannot be extended to a higher number of strands, as we provide a strongly quasipositive braid whose closure has non-positive Conway polynomial.
Estimation of temperature rise at the focus of objective lens at the 1700 nm window
Authors: Qiu Ping , Liang Runfu , He Jiexing , Wang Ke
Published: August 2016

Optical microscopy of biological tissues at the 1700[Formula: see text]nm window has enabled deeper penetration, due to the combined advantage of relatively small water absorption and tissue scattering at this wavelength. Compared with excitation at other wavelengths, such as the commonly used 800[Formula: see text]nm window for two-photon microscopy, water absorption at the 1700[Formula: see text]nm window is more than one order of magnitude higher. As a result, more temperature rise can be expected and can be potentially detrimental to biological tissues. Here, we present theoretical estimation of temperature rise at the focus of objective lens at the 1700[Formula: see text]nm window, purely due to water absorption. Our calculated result shows that under realistic experimental conditions, temperature rise due to water absorption is still below 1[Formula: see text]K and may not cause tissue damage during imaging.
Optimization of energy harvesting based on the uniform deformation of piezoelectric ceramic
Authors: Liu Yaoze , Yang Tongqing , Shu Fangming
Published: August 2016

Since the piezoelectric properties were used for energy harvesting, almost all forms of energy harvester needs to be bonded with a mass block to achieve pre-stress. In this article, disc type piezoelectric energy harvester is chosen as the research object and the relationship between mass bonding area and power output is studied. It is found that if the bonding area is changed as curved, which is usually complanate in previous studies, the deformation of the circular piezoelectric ceramic is more uniform and the power output is enhanced. In order to test the change of the deformation, we spray several homocentric annular electrodes on the surface of a piece of bare piezoelectric ceramic and the output of each electrode is tested. Through this optimization method, the power output is enhanced to more than 11[Formula: see text]mW for a matching load about 24[Formula: see text]k[Formula: see text] and a tip mass of 30[Formula: see text]g at its resonant frequency of 139[Formula: see text]Hz.
Studies of radiation fields of LCLS-II super conducting radio frequency cavities
Authors: Santana Leitner M. , Ge L. , Li Z. , Xu C. , Adolphsen C. , Ross M. , Carrasco M.
Published: August 2016

The Linac Coherent Light Source II (LCLS-II) will be a hard X-ray Free Electron Laser whose linac can deliver a 1.2 MW CW electron beam with bunch rates up to 1 MHz. To efficiently generate such a high power beam, Super-Conducting Radio-Frequency (SCRF) cavities will be installed in the upstream portion of the existing 3 km Linac at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. The 9-cell niobium cavities will be cooled at 2K inside 35 cryomodules, each containing a string of eight of those cavities followed by a quadrupole. The strong electromagnetic fields in the SCRF cavities will extract electrons from the cavity walls that may be accelerated. Most such dark current will be deposited locally, although some electrons may reach several neighboring cryomodules, gaining substantial energy before they hit a collimator or other aperture. The power deposited by the field emitted electrons and the associated showers may pose radiation and machine protection issues at the cryomodules and also in other areas of the accelerator. Simulation of these effects is therefore crucial for the design of the machine. The in-house code Track3P was used to simulate field emitted electrons from the LCLS-II cavities, and a sophisticated 3D model of the cryomodules including all cavities was written to transport radiation with the Fluka Monte Carlo code, which was linked to Track3P through custom-made routines. This setup was used to compute power deposition in components, prompt and residual radiation fields, and radioisotope inventories.
Dosimetric characteristics of intensity-modulated radiation therapy and RapidArc® therapy using a 3D N-isopropylacrylamide gel dosimeter
Authors: Yao Chun-Hsu , Tsai Ting-Yu , Hsieh Bor-Tsung , Tsang Yuk-Wah , Chiu Chung-Yu , Chao His-Ya , Chang Yuan-Jen
Published: August 2016

This study aimed to investigate the dosimetric characteristics of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and RapidArc therapy by using 3D N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) polymer gel. Optical computed tomography, specifically OCTOPUSTM-10X fast optical computed tomography scanner, was used as a readout tool. Two cylindrical acrylic phantoms (10 cm in diameter, 10 cm in height, and 3 mm in thickness) were filled with NIPAM gel and used for IMRT and RapidArc irradiation by using the Clinac iX treatment machine. The irradiation energies for IMRT and RapidArc® were set as 6 MV photons, but their irradiation angles and dose rates differed during irradiation. The irradiation angles of IMRT were 120°, 155°, 180°, 215°, and 245°, and the dose rate was fixed at 400 cGy/min. RapidArc® rotated continuously during irradiation, and the dose rate varied from 330 cGy/min to 400 cGy/min. The pass rates were 98.02% and 97.48% for IMRT and RapidArc®, respectively, and the rejected area appeared at the edge of the irradiated region. The isodose lines of IMRT and RapidArc® were consistent with those of TPS in most regions. Scattering and edge enhancement effects are main factors that cause dose inaccuracy in the edge region and reduced pass rates. Considering dose rate dependence, we used variable dose rates during irradiation with RapidArc®. Results showed that the dose distribution of NIPAM gel was consistent with that of TPS. The pass rates were also the same for IMRT and RapidArc® irradiation. This study proposes a preliminary profile of dosimetric characteristics of IMRT and RapidArc® by using a NIPAM gel dosimeter.
Spectroscopic neutron detection using composite scintillators
Authors: Jovanovic I. , Foster A. , Kukharev V. , Mayer M. , Meddeb A. , Nattress J. , Ounaies Z. , Trivelpiece C.
Published: August 2016

Shielded special nuclear material (SNM), especially highly enriched uranium, is exceptionally difficult to detect without the use of active interrogation (AI). We are investigating the potential use of low-dose active interrogation to realize simultaneous high-contrast imaging and photofission of SNM using energetic gamma-rays produced by low-energy nuclear reactions, such as [Formula: see text]B(d,n[Formula: see text]C and [Formula: see text]C(p,p[Formula: see text]C. Neutrons produced via fission are one reliable signature of the presence of SNM and are usually identified by their unique timing characteristics, such as the delayed neutron die-away. Fast neutron spectroscopy may provide additional useful discriminating characteristics for SNM detection. Spectroscopic measurements can be conducted by recoil-based or thermalization and capture-gated detectors; the latter may offer unique advantages since they facilitate low-statistics and event-by-event neutron energy measurements without spectrum unfolding. We describe the results of the development and characterization of a new type of capture-gated spectroscopic neutron detector based on a composite of scintillating polyvinyltoluene and lithium-doped scintillating glass in the form of millimeter-thick rods. The detector achieves >108 neutron–gamma discrimination resulting from its geometric properties and material selection. The design facilitates simultaneous pulse shape and pulse height discrimination, despite the fact that no materials intrinsically capable of pulse shape discrimination have been used to construct the detector. Accurate single-event measurements of neutron energy may be possible even when the energy is relatively low, such as with delayed fission neutrons. Simulation and preliminary measurements using the new composite detector are described, including those conducted using radioisotope sources and the low-dose active interrogation system based on low-energy nuclear reactions.
Modular SIMD arithmetic in M
athemagix
Authors: Hoeven Joris Van Der , Lecerf Grégoire , Quintin Guillaume
Published: August 2016

Modular integer arithmetic occurs in many algorithms for computer algebra, cryptography, and error correcting codes. Although recent microprocessors typically offer a wide range of highly optimized arithmetic functions, modular integer operations still require dedicated implementations. In this article, we survey existing algorithms for modular integer arithmetic and present detailed vectorized counterparts. We also describe several applications, such as fast modular Fourier transforms and multiplication of integer polynomials and matrices. The vectorized algorithms have been implemented in C++ inside the free computer algebra and analysis system M
athemagix
. The performance of our implementation is illustrated by various benchmarks.
Energy Harvesting and Wireless Transfer in Sensor Network Applications
Authors: Bhatti Naveed Anwar , Alizai Muhammad Hamad , Syed Affan A. , Mottola Luca
Published: August 2016

Advances in micro-electronics and miniaturized mechanical systems are redefining the scope and extent of the energy constraints found in battery-operated wireless sensor networks (WSNs). On one hand, ambient
energy harvesting
may prolong the systems’ lifetime or possibly enable perpetual operation. On the other hand,
wireless energy transfer
allows systems to decouple the energy sources from the sensing locations, enabling deployments previously unfeasible. As a result of applying these technologies to WSNs, the assumption of a finite energy budget is replaced with that of potentially
infinite
, yet
intermittent
, energy supply, profoundly impacting the design, implementation, and operation of WSNs. This article discusses these aspects by surveying paradigmatic examples of existing solutions in both fields and by reporting on real-world experiences found in the literature. The discussion is instrumental in providing a foundation for selecting the most appropriate energy harvesting or wireless transfer technology based on the application at hand. We conclude by outlining research directions originating from the fundamental change of perspective that energy harvesting and wireless transfer bring about.
Learn about broadening participation
Authors: Payton Jamie , Barnes Tiffany
Published: August 2016

We invite you to RESPECT'16, the second international conference of the IEEE Computer Society's Special Technical Community on Broadening Participation (STCBP), coming this August 11-13 in conjunction with the STARS Celebration in Atlanta, GA. The RESPECT'16 conference showcases "Research on Equity and Sustained Participation in Engineering, Computing, and Technology". Through RESPECT, the STCBP strives to build a strong multi-disciplinary community, theory, and foundation for broadening participation research. The RESPECT program offers research papers, experience reports, lightning talks and posters, in addition to excellent joint keynotes.
Member spotlight
Authors: Kauchak David
Published: August 2016

In this feature of the Bulletin, we highlight members of the SIGCSE community. In this issue, outgoing Bulletin co-editor David Kauchak interviewed Susan Rodger, outgoing SIGCSE Chair.
Playing with Sybil
Authors: Saab Farah , Kayssi Ayman , Elhajj Imad , Chehab Ali
Published: August 2016

Recommender systems have become quite popular recently. However, such systems are vulnerable to several types of attacks that target user ratings. One such attack is the Sybil attack where an entity masquerades as several identities with the intention of diverting user ratings. In this work, we propose classical and spatial evolutionary game theory as possible solutions to the Sybil attack in recommender systems. We model the attack using the two techniques and use replicator dynamics in the classical model to solve for evolutionary stable strategies. Results from both models agree that under conditions that are easily achievable by a system administrator, the probability of an attack strategy drops to zero implying degraded fitness for Sybils that eventually die out.
Cortex dynamically modulates responses of thalamic relay neurons through prolonged circuit-level disinhibition in rat thalamus in vivo
Authors: Li Lu , Ebner Ford F.
Published: August 2016

Cortex actively modulates the responses of thalamic relay neurons through corticothalamic (CT) projections. Here we investigated the temporal precision of CT modulation on sensory responses of relay neurons in rat ventral posterior medial thalamus (VPM) to direction-specific whisker stimuli. CT feedback levels were either augmented by cortical electrical microstimulation or depressed by cortical application of muscimol, a potent agonist of γ-aminobutyric acid A-type (GABAA) receptors. To evaluate the temporal specificity of CT influence, we compared the early (3–10 ms after stimulus onset) and late (10–100 ms) response components of VPM single units to whisker deflections in preferred or nonpreferred directions before and after altering CT feedback levels under urethane anesthesia. The data showed that cortical feedback most strongly affected the late responses of single VPM units to whisker stimulation. That is, cortical stimulation consistently increased the late responses of VPM units in the corresponding (homologous) barreloids to the stimulus direction preferred by neurons in the cortical locus stimulated. However, cortical stimulation could either increase or decrease the early response, depending on whether or not cortical and thalamic loci were tuned to the same direction. Such bidirectional regulation of the early and late VPM responses is consistent with a mechanism of circuit-level disinhibition in vivo. The results support the theory that CT feedback on thalamic sensory responses is mediated by a time-dependent shift of the excitation-inhibition balance in the thalamo-cortico-thalamic loop, such as would occur during sensory feature integration, plasticity, and learning in the awake state.
Durability of Steel Fibres Reinforcement Concrete Beams in Chloride Environment Combined with Inhibitor
Authors: Masmoudi AbdelMonem , Bouaziz Jamel
Published: August 2016

This paper presented the effect of the combination of an inhibitor and steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) for concrete structures in chloride environments. Twelve beams were cast and tested to study their flexural behavior. The morphology of steel surfaces using the inhibitor after observing the scanning electron microscope showed a low layer of corrosion products. The steel surface immersed in the inhibitor free solution was seen to have been subject to chloride ions attacks as shown in this study. The interest to the field of the present study is the relatively higher durability of the performance when using the inhibitor. Crack width and crack spacing for beams under the same load showed that the use of SFRC with the inhibitor for concrete structures in chloride environments must have transferred tension across cracks that led to reducing crack spacing without any chloride ions attack.
Asymptotic Analysis of a Storage Allocation Model with Finite Capacity: Joint Distribution
Authors: Sohn Eunju , Knessl Charles
Published: August 2016

We consider a storage allocation model with a finite number of storage spaces. There aremprimary spaces andRsecondary spaces. All of them are numbered and ranked. Customers arrive according to a Poisson process and occupy a space for an exponentially distributed time period, and a new arrival takes the lowest ranked available space. We letN1andN2denote the numbers of occupied primary and secondary spaces and study the joint distributionProb[N1=k,N2=r]in the steady state. The joint process(N1,N2)behaves as a random walk in a lattice rectangle. We study the problem asymptotically as the Poisson arrival rateλbecomes large, and the storage capacitiesmandRare scaled to be commensurably large. We use a singular perturbation analysis to approximate the forward Kolmogorov equation(s) satisfied by the joint distribution.
Matrix Fourier Transforms for Consistent Mathematical Models
Authors: Yaremko Oleg , Yaremko Natalia
Published: August 2016

We create a matrix integral transforms method; it allows us to describe analytically the consistent mathematical models. An explicit constructions for direct and inverse Fourier matrix transforms with discontinuous coefficients are established. We introduce special types of Fourier matrix transforms: matrix cosine transforms, matrix sine transforms, and matrix transforms with piecewise trigonometric kernels. The integral transforms of such kinds are used for problems solving of mathematical physics in homogeneous and piecewise homogeneous media. Analytical solution of iterated heat conduction equation is obtained. Stress produced in the elastic semi-infinite solid by pressure is obtained in the integral form.
Human-Structure Dynamic Interaction during Short-Distance Free Falls
Authors: Shahabpoor E. , Pavic A.
Published: August 2016

The dynamic interactions of falling human bodies with civil structures, regardless of their potentially critical effects, have sparsely been researched in contact biomechanics. The physical contact models suggested in the existing literature, particularly for short-distant falls in home settings, assume the human body falls on a “rigid” (not vibrating) ground. A similar assumption is usually made during laboratory-based fall tests, including force platforms. Based on observations from a set of pediatric head-first free fall tests, the present paper shows that the dynamics of the grounded force plate are not always negligible when doing fall test in a laboratory setting. By using a similar analogy for lightweight floor structures, it is shown that ignoring the dynamics of floors in the contact model can result in an up to 35% overestimation of the peak force experienced by a falling human. A nonlinear contact model is suggested, featuring an agent-based modelling approach, where the dynamics of the falling human and the impact object (force plate or a floor structure here) are each modelled using a single-degree-of-freedom model to simulate their dynamic interactions. The findings of this research can have wide applications in areas such as impact biomechanics and sports science.
Measurement Axis Searching Model for Terrestrial Laser Scans Registration
Authors: Hu Shaoxing , Zhang Aiwu , Liu Sicheng
Published: August 2016

Nowadays, terrestrial Lidar scans can cover rather a large area; the point densities are strongly varied because of the line-of-sight measurement principle in potential overlaps with scans taken from different viewpoints. Most of the traditional methods focus on registration algorithm and ignore searching model. Sometimes the traditional methods are directly used to align two point clouds; a large critically unsolved problem of the large biases will be created in areas distant from the overlaps while the local overlaps are often aligned well. So a novel measurement axis searching model (MASM) has been proposed in this paper. The method includes four steps:(1)the principal axis fitting,(2)the measurement axis generation,(3)low-high-precision search, and(4)result generation. The principal axis gives an orientation to the point cloud; the search scope is limited by the measurement axis. The point cloud orientation can be adjusted gradually until the achievement of the global optimum using low- and high-precision search. We perform some experiments with simulated point clouds and real terrestrial laser scans. The results of simulated point clouds have shown the processing steps of our method, and the results of real terrestrial laser scans have shown the sensitivity of the approach with respect to the indoor and outdoor scenes.
Global Optimization for Solving Linear Multiplicative Programming Based on a New Linearization Method
Authors: Wang Chun-Feng , Bai Yan-Qin
Published: August 2016

This paper presents a new global optimization algorithm for solving a class of linear multiplicative programming (LMP) problem. First, a new linear relaxation technique is proposed. Then, to improve the convergence speed of our algorithm, two pruning techniques are presented. Finally, a branch and bound algorithm is developed for solving the LMP problem. The convergence of this algorithm is proved, and some experiments are reported to illustrate the feasibility and efficiency of this algorithm.
Hyperglycemia Aggravates Hepatic Ischemia Reperfusion Injury by Inducing Chronic Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Authors: Zhang Yihan , Yuan Dongdong , Yao Weifeng , Zhu Qianqian , Liu Yue , Huang Fei , Feng Jiayu , Chen Xi , Huang Yong , Chi Xinjin , Hei Ziqing
Published: August 2016

Aim. To investigate whether hyperglycemia will aggravate hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury (HIRI) and the underlying mechanisms. Methods. Control and streptozotocin‐induced diabetic Sprague‐Dawley rats were subjected to partial hepatic ischemia reperfusion. Liver histology, transferase, inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress were assessed accordingly. Similarly, BRL‐3A hepatocytes were subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) after high (25 mM) or low (5.5 mM) glucose culture. Cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and activation of nuclear factor‐erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) and nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B‐cells (NF‐κB) were determined. Results. Compared with control, diabetic rats presented more severe hepatic injury and increased hepatic inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. HIRI in diabetic rats could be ameliorated by pretreatment of N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (NAC) or apocynin. Excessive ROS generation and consequent Nrf2 and NF‐κB translocation were determined after high glucose exposure. NF‐κB translocation and its downstream cytokines were further increased in high glucose cultured group after H/R. While proper regulation of Nrf2 to its downstream antioxidases was observed in low glucose cultured group, no further induction of Nrf2 pathway by H/R after high glucose culture was identified. Conclusion. Hyperglycemia aggravates HIRI, which might be attributed to chronic oxidative stress and inflammation and potential malfunction of antioxidative system.
Optimization of Urea Based Protein Extraction from Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Tissue for Shotgun Proteomics
Authors: Luebker Stephen A. , Koepsell Scott A.
Published: August 2016

Urea based protein extraction of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue provides the most efficient workflow for proteomics due to its compatibility with liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS). This study optimizes the use of urea for proteomic analysis of clinical FFPE tissue. A series of protein extraction conditions manipulating temperature and buffer composition were compared to reduce carbamylation introduced by urea and increase protein detection. Each extraction was performed on a randomized pair of serial sections of homogenous FFPE tissue and analyzed with LC-ESI-MS/MS. Results were compared in terms of yield, missed cleavages, and peptide carbamylation. Lowering extraction temperature to 60°C decreased carbamylation at the cost of decreased protein detection and yield. Protein extraction for at least 20 minutes at 95°C followed by 60°C for 2 hours maximized total protein yield while maintaining protein detection and reducing carbamylation by 7.9%. When accounting for carbamylation during analysis, this modified extraction temperature provides equivalent peptide and protein detection relative to the commercially available Qproteome® FFPE Tissue Kit. No changes to buffer composition containing 7 M urea, 2 M thiourea, and 1 M ammonium bicarbonate resulted in improvements to control conditions. Optimized urea in-solution digestion provides an efficient workflow with maximized yields for proteomic analysis of clinically relevant FFPE tissue.
The Mechanisms of the Regulation of Immune Response in Patients with Comorbidity of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma
Authors: Kalinina Elena P. , Denisenko Yulia K. , Vitkina Tatyana I. , Lobanova Elena G. , Novgorodtseva Tatyana P. , Antonyuk Marina V. , Gvozdenko Tatyana A. , Knyshova Vera V. , Nazarenko Anna V.
Published: August 2016

Background. Comorbidity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma (asthma COPD overlap syndrome, ACOS) is a significant problem in pulmonary practice, whose pathogenetic issues are not clarified yet.Objective. To study the features of the regulation of immune response in patients with comorbid COPD and asthma.Methods. We assessed the levels of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+, CD19+, CD25+, HLA-DR, total IgE, TNF-α, IL-4, IFN-γ, TXB2, and LTB4in patients with comorbid COPD and asthma.Results. The study involved 44 people with COPD, 39 people with asthma, and 12 people with comorbid COPD and asthma. The specific features in comorbid COPD and asthma were lymphocytosis, increased absolute count of T-helper cells, increased cytotoxic T-lymphocytes in relative and absolute count, increased relative and absolute numbers of B-lymphocytes, and high levels of total IgE. The elevated levels of TNF-αand IL-4 and inhibition of IFN-γproduction were detected. The content of LTB4was maximal; TXB2levels were higher than in control group but lower than in COPD and asthma.Conclusion. In comorbid COPD and asthma inflammation increased even during stable period. High levels of eicosanoids, low production of Th1-type cytokines, and active synthesis of opposition IL-4, along with increased IgE, indicate the activation of Th2-type immune response.
Effects of Single and Blended Coating Pigments on the Inkjet Image Quality of Dye Sublimation Transfer Printed Paper: SiO2, CaCO3, Talc, and Sericite
Authors: Lin Chi-Ching , Chang Fu-Ling , Perng Yuan-Shing , Yu Shih-Tsung
Published: August 2016

In this study, we investigated the effects on the image quality of CaCO3, SiO2, talc, and sericite on coated inkjet paper. The papers serve as dye sublimation transfer paper for printing on fabrics. The brightness, smoothness, and contact angle of the coated papers were evaluated. The papers were then printed with a textile color image evaluation test form, and the imprinted images were evaluated with respect to six criteria of the solid ink density, tone value increase, print contrast, ink trapping, grayness, and hue error. The overall printed image quality was correlated with the smoothness and brightness of the coated paper but showed no correlation with the contact angle. For single-pigment-coated papers, CaCO3produced paper with the best color difference performance and could be substituted for silica. On the other hand, SiO2was found to be suitable for blending with talc, calcium carbonate, and sericite, and its combination with these materials generally produced better image qualities than silica alone. Talc and sericite, when blended with silica as composite coating pigments, produced better printed image qualities than those as single-pigment-coated papers. The overall image quality ranking suggests that the best performance was achieved with CaCO3-, SiO2/talc-, CaCO3/SiO2-, SiO2/sericite-, and SiO2-coated papers.
DARE Train-the-Trainer Pedagogy Development Using 2-Round Delphi Methodology
Authors: Yong Wei Wei Dayna , Kua Phek Hui Jade , Soon Swee Sung , Pek Pin Pin Maeve , Hock Ong Marcus Eng
Published: August 2016

The Dispatcher-Assisted first REsponder programme aims to equip the public with skills to perform hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). By familiarising them with instructions given by a medical dispatcher during an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest call, they will be prepared and empowered to react in an emergency. We aim to formalise curriculum and standardise the way information is conveyed to the participants. A panel of 20 experts were chosen. Using Delphi methodology, selected issues were classified into open-ended and close-ended questions. Consensus for an item was established at a 70% agreement rate within the panel. Questions that had 60%–69% agreement were edited and sent to the panel for another round of voting. After 2 rounds of voting, 70 consensus statements were agreed upon. These covered the following: focus of CPR; qualities and qualifications of trainers; recognition of agonal breathing; head-tilt-chin lift; landmark for chest compression; performance of CPR when injuries are present; trainers’ involvement in training lay people; modesty of female patients during CPR; AED usage; content of trainer’s manual; addressing of questions and answers; updates-dissemination to trainers and attendance of refresher courses. Recommendations for pedagogy for trainers of dispatcher-assisted CPR programmes were developed.
Inhibition of Corrosion of Carbon Steel in 3.5% NaCl Solution byMyrmecodia PendansExtract
Authors: Pradityana Atria , Sulistijono  , Shahab Abdullah , Noerochim Lukman , Susanti Diah
Published: August 2016

Inhibitor is a substance that is added to the corrosive media to inhibit corrosion rate. Organic inhibitors are preferred to inorganic ones since they are environmentally friendly. One of the organic compounds which is rarely reported as a corrosion inhibitor isMyrmecodia Pendans. The organic compounds can be adsorbed on the metal surface and block the active surface to reduce the rate of corrosion. In this study, the used pipe was carbon steel API 5L Grade B with 3.5% NaCl solution as the corrosion medium. The objective of this research was to analyze the inhibition mechanismMyrmecodia Pendanstowards carbon steel in a corrosion medium. Concentration variations of extractMyrmecodia Pendanswere 0–500 ppm. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) was used for chemical characterization ofMyrmecodia Pendans. Polarization and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) were used to measure the corrosion rate and behaviour. From the electrochemical measurements, it was found that the addition of 400 mg/L inhibitor gave the highest inhibition efficiency.Myrmecodia Pendansacted as a corrosion inhibitor by forming a thin layer on the metal surface.
Clinical Efficacy and Meta‐Analysis of Stem Cell Therapies for Patients with Brain Ischemia
Authors: Chen Lukui , Zhang Guilong , Khan Ahsan Ali , Guo Xiaoyuan , Gu Yuchun
Published: August 2016

Objective. Systematic review and meta‐analysis to observe the efficacy and safety of stem cell transplantation therapy in patients with brain ischemia. Methods. We searched Cochrane Library, PubMed, Ovid, CBM, CNKI, WanFang, and VIP Data from its inception to December 2015, to collect randomized controlled trials (RCT) of stem cell transplantation for the ischemic stroke. Two authors independently screened the literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. Thereafter, meta‐analysis was performed. Results. Sixteen studies and eighteen independent treatments were included in the current meta‐analysis. The results based upon the pooled mean difference from baseline to follow‐up points showed that the stem cell transplantation group was superior to the control group with statistical significance in the neurologic deficits score (NIHSS, MD = 1.57; 95% CI, 0.64–2.51; I2 = 57%; p = 0.001), motor function (FMA, MD = 4.23; 95% CI, 3.08–5.38; I2 = 0%; p < 0.00001), daily life ability (Barthel, MD = 8.37; 95% CI, 4.83–11.91; I2 = 63%; p < 0.00001), and functional independence (FIM, MD = 8.89; 95% CI, 4.70–13.08; I2 = 79%; p < 0.0001). Conclusions. It is suggested that the stem cell transplantation therapy for patients with brain ischemic stroke can significantly improve the neurological deficits and daily life quality, with no serious adverse events. However, higher quality and larger data studies are required for further investigation to support clinical application of stem cell transplantation.
Edited Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Detects an Age-Related Decline in Nonhuman Primate Brain GABA Levels
Authors: He Xuanzi , Koo Bang-Bon , Killiany Ronald J.
Published: August 2016

Recent research had shown a correlation between aging and decreasing Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. However, how GABA level varies with age in the medial portion of the brain has not yet been studied. The purpose of this study was to investigate the GABA level variation with age focusing on the posterior cingulate cortex, which is the “core hub” of the default mode network. In this study, 14 monkeys between 4 and 21 years were recruited, and MEGA-PRESS MRS was performed to measure GABA levels, in order to explore a potential link between aging and GABA. Our results showed that a correlation between age and GABA+/Creatine ratio was at the edge of significance (r=-0.523,p=0.081). There was also a near-significant trend between gray matter/white matter ratio and the GABA+/Creatine ratio (r=-0.518,p=0.0848). Meanwhile, the correlation between age and grey matter showed no significance (r=-0.028,p=0.93). Therefore, age and gray matter/white matter ratio account for different part ofR-squared (adjustedR-squared = 0.5187) as independent variables for predicting GABA levels. AdjustedR-squared is about 0.5 for two independent variables. These findings suggest that there is internal neurochemical variation of GABA levels in the nonhuman primates associated with normal aging and structural brain decline.
Classical Logic and Quantum Logic with Multiple and Common Lattice Models
Authors: Pavičić Mladen
Published: August 2016

We consider a proper propositional quantum logic and show that it has multiple disjoint lattice models, only one of which is an orthomodular lattice (algebra) underlying Hilbert (quantum) space. We give an equivalent proof for the classical logic which turns out to have disjoint distributive and nondistributive ortholattices. In particular, we prove that both classical logic and quantum logic are sound and complete with respect to each of these lattices. We also show that there is one common nonorthomodular lattice that is a model of both quantum and classical logic. In technical terms, that enables us to run the same classical logic on both a digital (standard, two-subset, 0-1-bit) computer and a nondigital (say, a six-subset) computer (with appropriate chips and circuits). With quantum logic, the same six-element common lattice can serve us as a benchmark for an efficient evaluation of equations of bigger lattice models or theorems of the logic.