bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Copper‐transporting ATPase is important for malaria parasite fertility
Authors: Kenthirapalan Sanketha , Waters Andrew P. , Matuschewski Kai , Kooij Taco W. A.
Published: November 2013

Homeostasis of the trace element copper is essential to all eukaryotic life. Copper serves as a cofactor in metalloenzymes and catalyses electron transfer reactions as well as the generation of potentially toxic reactive oxygen species. Here, we describe the functional characterization of an evolutionarily highly conserved, predicted copper‐transporting P‐type ATPase (CuTP) in the murine malaria model parasite Plasmodium berghei. Live imaging of a parasite line expressing a fluorescently tagged CuTP demonstrated that CuTP is predominantly located in vesicular bodies of the parasite. A P. berghei loss‐of‐function mutant line was readily obtained and showed no apparent defect in in vivo blood stage growth. Parasite transmission through the mosquito vector was severely affected, but not entirely abolished. We show that male and female gametocytes are abundant in cutp− parasites, but activation of male microgametes and exflagellation were strongly impaired. This specific defect could be mimicked by addition of the copper chelator neocuproine to wild‐type gametocytes. A cross‐fertilization assay demonstrated that female fertility was also severely abrogated. In conclusion, we provide experimental genetic and pharmacological evidence that a healthy copper homeostasis is critical to malaria parasite fertility of both genders of gametocyte and, hence, to transmission to the mosquito vector.
Finally! The structural secrets of a HD‐GYP phosphodiesterase revealed
Authors: Wigren Edvard , Liang Zhao‐Xun , Römling Ute
Published: November 2013

The major sessility‐motility lifestyle change and additional fundamental aspects of bacterial physiology, behaviour and morphology are regulated by the secondary messenger cyclic di‐GMP (c‐di‐GMP). Although the c‐di‐GMP metabolizing enzymes and many receptors have been readily characterized upon discovery, the HD‐GYP domain c‐di‐GMP phosphodiesterase family remained underinvestigated. In this issue of Molecular Microbiology, Bellini et al. provide an important step towards functional and structural characterization of the previously neglected HD‐GYP domain family by resolving the crystal structure of PmGH, a catalytically active family member from the thermophilic bacterium Persephonella marina. The crystal structure revealed a novel tri‐nuclear catalytic iron centre involved in c‐di‐GMP binding and catalysis and provides the structural basis to subsequently characterize in detail the catalytic mechanism of hydrolysis of c‐di‐GMP to GMP by HD‐GYP domains.
Behavior and social structure of the sperm whales of Dominica, West Indies
Authors: Gero Shane , Milligan Marina , Rinaldi Caroline , Francis Pernell , Gordon Jonathan , Carlson Carole , Steffen Andrea , Tyack Peter , Evans Peter , Whitehead Hal
Published: November 2013

There is substantial geographic variation in the behavior and social structure of sperm whales worldwide. The population in the Eastern Caribbean is thought to be isolated from other areas in the North Atlantic. We describe the behavior and social structure of the sperm whales identified off Dominica during an eight year study (2005–2012; 92% of photographic identifications) with supplementary data collected from seven other organizations dating as far back as 1981. A total of 419 individuals were identified. Resighting rates (42% of individuals between years) and encounter rates with sperm whale groups (mean = 80.4% of days at sea) among this population were both comparatively high. Group sizes were small (7–9 individuals) and were comprised of just one social unit (mean = 6.76 individuals, SD = 2.80). We described 17 units which have been reidentified off Dominica across 2–27 yr. Mature males are seen regularly off Dominica, but residency in the area lasts only a few days to a few weeks. Males were reidentified across years spanning up to a decade. Management of this population within the multinational Wider Caribbean Region will require governments to work towards international agreements governing sperm whales as a cross‐border species of concern.
Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. isolation in maxillary osteomyelitis: a case report and literature review with special consideration of immunocompetent individuals
Authors: Zografos I. , Maistreli I.‐Z. , Sabatakakis A.‐A. , Chrysomali E.
Published: November 2013

The occurrence of maxillary osteomyelitis is rare in immunologically normal hosts. The nature of such infections is mainly polymicrobial, commonly attributable to micro‐organisms present in the oral cavity. A case of acute maxillary osteomyelitis with Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. infection is described in an otherwise healthy young female. Cases of maxillary osteomyelitis reported in immunocompetent individuals lacking any predisposing factors are also reviewed. The lesion presented as a painful bone swelling and incomplete wound healing after tooth extraction, showing radiolucency with irregular borders. The isolated microbial species were E. coli and Enterococcus spp. Contamination from an extra‐oral source through the wound may be implicated in the pathogenesis. A combination of surgical and antibiotic treatment proved to be successful. Nine maxillary osteomyelitis cases have been reported in the literature in immunocompetent individuals. Isolation of enteric bacteria was not described in any of those cases. Osteomyelitis should be included in the differential diagnosis of maxillary osteolytic lesions even in healthy individuals. The microbiological diagnosis is important for the antimicrobial intervention. This review shows that the main causative infectious agents in osteomyelitis remain unclear, as various bacteria have been reported to be involved.
Day length dependent restructuring of the leaf transcriptome and metabolome in potato genotypes with contrasting tuberization phenotypes
Authors: MORRIS WAYNE L. , HANCOCK ROBERT D. , DUCREUX LAURENCE J M. , MORRIS JENNY A. , USMAN MUHAMMAD , VERRALL SUSAN R. , SHARMA SANJEEV K , BRYAN GLENN , MCNICOL JAMES W. , HEDLEY PETE E. , TAYLOR MARK A.
Published: November 2013

Recent advances have defined some of the components of photoperiodic signalling that lead to tuberization in potato including orthologues of FLOWERING LOCUS T (StSP6A) and CYCLING DOF FACTOR (StCDF1). The aim of the current study is to investigate the molecular basis of permissive tuber initiation under long days in Solanum tuberosum Neo‐Tuberosum by comparative analysis with an obligate short‐day S. tuberosum ssp. Andigena accession. We show that the Neo‐Tuberosum accession, but not the Andigena, contains alleles that encode StCDF1 proteins modified in the C‐terminal region, likely to evade long day inhibition of StSP6A expression. We also identify an allele of StSP6A from the Neo‐Tuberosum accession, absent in the Andigena, which is expressed under long days. Other leaf transcripts and metabolites that show different abundances in tuberizing and non‐tuberizing samples were identified adding detail to tuberization‐associated processes. Overall, the data presented in this study highlight the subtle interplay between components of the clock‐CONSTANS‐StSP6A axis which collectively may interact to fine‐tune the timing of tuberization.
Accurate quantitation of D+ fetomaternal hemorrhage by flow cytometry using a novel reagent to eliminate granulocytes from analysis
Authors: Kumpel Belinda , Hazell Matthew , Guest Alan , Dixey Jonathan , Mushens Rosey , Bishop Debbie , Wreford‐Bush Tim , Lee Edmond
Published: November 2013

Background

Quantitation of fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH) is performed to determine the dose of prophylactic anti‐D (RhIG) required to prevent D immunization of D– women. Flow cytometry (FC) is the most accurate method. However, maternal white blood cells (WBCs) can give high background by binding anti‐D nonspecifically, compromising accuracy.

Study Design and Methods

Maternal blood samples (69) were sent for FC quantitation of FMH after positive Kleihauer‐Betke test (KBT) analysis and RhIG administration. Reagents used were BRAD‐3–fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC; anti‐D), AEVZ5.3‐FITC (anti–varicella zoster [anti‐VZ], negative control), anti‐fetal hemoglobin (HbF)‐FITC, blended two‐color reagents, BRAD‐3‐FITC/anti‐CD45‐phycoerythrin (PE; anti‐D/L), and BRAD‐3‐FITC/anti‐CD66b‐PE (anti‐D/G). PE‐positive WBCs were eliminated from analysis by gating. Full blood counts were performed on maternal samples and female donors.

Results

Elevated numbers of neutrophils were present in 80% of patients. Red blood cell (RBC) indices varied widely in maternal blood. D+ FMH values obtained with anti‐D/L, anti‐D/G, and anti‐HbF‐FITC were very similar (r = 0.99, p < 0.001). Correlation between KBT and anti‐HbF‐FITC FMH results was low (r = 0.716). Inaccurate FMH quantitation using the current method (anti‐D minus anti‐VZ) occurred with 71% samples having less than 15 mL of D+ FMH (RBCs) and insufficient RhIG calculated for 9%. Using two‐color reagents and anti‐HbF‐FITC, approximately 30% patients had elevated F cells, 26% had no fetal cells, 6% had D– FMH, 26% had 4 to 15 mL of D+ FMH, and 12% patients had more than 15 mL of D+ FMH (RBCs) requiring more than 300 μg of RhIG.

Conclusion

Without accurate quantitation of D+ FMH by FC, some women would receive inappropriate or inadequate anti‐D prophylaxis. The latter may be at risk of immunization leading to hemolytic disease of the newborn.
Subconjunctival hibernoma in a dog
Authors: Stuckey Jane A. , Rankin Amy J. , Romkes Gwendolyna , Slack Jessica , Kiupel Matti , Dubielzig Richard R.
Published: November 2013

A 10‐year‐old, castrated male, German Shepherd mixed‐breed dog was presented to Kansas State University Veterinary Health Center for evaluation of a subconjunctival swelling in the ventral fornix of the left orbit. The owner elected to pursue excision of the mass 2 years after initial consultation following a sudden change in the size and color of the lesion. An excisional biopsy was performed, and the mass along with its associated capsule were submitted to the Comparative Ocular Pathology Laboratory of Wisconsin for histopathologic evaluation, which confirmed the diagnosis of a hibernoma. Fourteen months following excision, the patient showed no evidence of tumor regrowth.
Pyrometric Estimation of Exhaust Valve Temperature of an Internal Combustion Engine
Authors: Romani Luca , Ferrari Lorenzo , Ferrara Giovanni , Carnevale Ennio A.
Published: November 2013

The estimation of exhaust valve temperature of an internal combustion engine during its operation would be very useful for a more reliable and accurate design of valves and, more in general, of the whole valvetrain system. On the other hand, the direct temperature measurement of a valve is a big challenge because of its position inside the engine head, its high speed motion and the high temperature environment in which it works. To face this problem, an innovative experimental methodology is developed and shown in this paper. An experimental setup, based on the use of a pyrometer, is assembled and assessed thought several preliminary and on engine tests. The preliminary activity is focused on the estimation of the real emissivity of the exhaust valve surface and on the radiance attenuation due to the optical access and exhaust gasses interference. Once the measurement chain is assessed, several tests are carried out directly on an engine in working condition at the test bench. The tests allow to estimate the exhaust valve temperature in several stable engine working points as well as in transient conditions (load variation). In particular a first analysis of the correlations between valve temperature and some engine parameters like spark advance and air-to-fuel ratio is finally reported in this paper.
Analysis and Design of a Lightweight High Specific Power Two-Stroke Polygon Engine
Authors: Anderson K. R. , Clark A. , Forgette D. , Devost M. , Okerson R. , Wells T. , Cunningham S. , Stuart M.
Published: November 2013

Current trends in engine design have pushed the state of the art regarding high power-to-weight ratio gasoline engines. Newly developed engine systems have a power-to-weight ratio near 1 hp per pound. The engine configuration presented herein makes it possible to package a large number of power producing pistons in a small volume, resulting in a power-to-weight ratio near 2 hp per pound, which has never before been realized in a production engine. The analysis and design of a lightweight two-stroke 6-sided in-plane polygon engine having a geometric compression ratio of 15.0, an actual compression ratio of 8.8, and a piston speed of 3500 ft/min are presented in this investigation. Typical results show that for a hexagonal engine with 2 in. diameter pistons and 1.25 in. stroke, a single piston displacement is 7.85 cubic in., while the total engine displacement is 47. 1 cubic in. Full power at 12,960 rpm at an air flow rate of 353 cubic feet per minute affords 0.444 cubic ft/min/hp for specific power. For an efficiency of 21%, the blower power is 168 hp. Our air-flow analysis shows that the power of the engine does not depend on the number of pistons, but rather on the volume of the gas-air mixture which passes through the engine. System level engineering of power output, kinematic modeling, air-flow modeling, efficiency, scavenging predictions, crankshaft sizing, and weight estimates are presented.
Structural Stiffness and Damping Coefficients of a Multileaf Foil Bearing With Bump Foils Underneath
Authors: Tian Ye , Sun Yanhua , Yu Lie
Published: November 2013

This paper presents a multileaf foil bearing (MLFB), which consists of four resilient top foils and four stiff bump foils underneath; thus, a high supporting capacity and a high damping capacity can be achieved. A specially designed test rig is used to identify the structural stiffness and damping coefficients of the MLFB. The rotor of the test rig is supported by two journal MLFBs and a thrust active magnetic bearing (AMB) and the static and dynamic loads are applied by two radial AMBs. The tests on MLFBs were conducted under conditions of no shaft rotation at different angular positions and journal displacements with different excitation frequency. A frequency domain identification method is presented to determine the stiffness and damping coefficients. Static measurements show nonlinear deflections with applied forces, which varies with the orientation of the load angular position. The dynamic measurements show that the stiffness and equivalent viscous damping change with the excitation frequency. Furthermore, the stiffness and damping coefficients are related to the operating position where dynamic load tests were conducted. The investigation provides extensive measurements of the static and dynamic characteristics of the MLFB. These results can serve as a benchmark for the calibration of analytical tools under development.
Mass Fraction Measurements in Controlled Oil-Water Flows Using Noninvasive Ultrasonic Sensors
Authors: Chaudhuri Anirban , Sinha Dipen N. , Zalte Abhijit , Pereyra Eduardo , Webb Charles , Gonzalez Manuel E.
Published: November 2013

Controlled flow rate tests using mixtures of crude oil and water at different mass fractions were carried out in a flow loop at the University of Tulsa. A noninvasive acoustic method developed at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) was applied to calculate the mass and volume fractions of oil and water in the mixed two-phase flow by measuring the speed of sound through the composite fluid mixture along with the instantaneous temperature. The densities and sound speeds in each fluid component were obtained in advance for calibration at various temperatures, and the fitting coefficients were used in the final algorithm. In this paper, we present composition measurement results using the acoustic technique from LANL for different mixture ratios of crude oil and water and at varying flow rates and a comparison of the results from the acoustics-based method with those from Coriolis meters that measured individual mass flow rates prior to mixing. The mean difference between the two metering techniques was observed to be less than 1.4% by weight and is dependent on the total flow rates. A Monte Carlo analysis of the error due to calibration uncertainty has also been included.
Electronics Cooling System and Component Design According to the Second Law
Authors: Gielen Ruben , Baelmans Martine
Published: November 2013

This work focuses on a comparison of second law based component design on one hand and second law based system design on the other within the context of electronics cooling. Typical electronics cooling components such as a heat sink and a heat exchanger are modeled and designed towards minimum entropy generation on individual level and on system level. A comparison of these levels allows us to qualify and quantify the influences among components induced by a system. Simultaneously, this article endeavors to be an illustrated assessment of the usefulness of efficiency criteria on component level. It turns out that the results of this work reveal a substantial influence of system dependencies on the optimal component design. As such a note of caution is raised about second law based component design which does not take into account the system in which a component has to operate.
Flexible Multibody Modeling of a Surgical Instrument Inside an Endoscope
Authors: Khatait Jitendra P. , Brouwer Dannis M. , Meijaard J. P. , Aarts Ronald G. K. M. , Herder Just L.
Published: November 2013

The implementation of flexible instruments in surgery necessitates high motion and force fidelity and good controllability of the tip. However, the positional accuracy and the force transmission of these instruments are jeopardized by the friction, the clearance, and the inherent compliance of the instrument. The surgical instrument is modeled as a series of interconnected spatial beam elements. The endoscope is modeled as a rigid curved tube. The stiffness, damping, and friction are defined in order to calculate the interaction between the instrument and the tube. The effects of various parameters on the motion and force transmission behavior were studied for the axially-loaded and no-load cases. The simulation results showed a deviation of 1.8% in the estimation of input force compared with the analytical capstan equation. The experimental results showed a deviation on the order of 1.0%. The developed flexible multibody model is able to demonstrate the characteristic behavior of the flexible instrument for both the translational and rotational input motion for a given set of parameters. The developed model will help us to study the effects of various parameters on the motion and force transmission of the instrument.
Severe digital necrosis in a 4-year-old boy: primary Raynaud’s or jellyfish sting
Authors: Binnetoglu Fatih Koksal , Kizildag Betul , Topaloglu Naci , Kasapcopur Ozgur
Published: November 2013

Raynaud's phenomena is a common disorder which may be primary or secondary to some connective tissue disorders such as systemic sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Jellyfish sting is a rare but life-threatening cause of Raynaud's phenomena. Digital gangrene is reported in 3% of children with secondary Raynaud's phenomena but does not occur in children with primary Raynaud's phenomena. We report a case of a 4-year-old boy who initially presented with episodes of pain and bluish to blackish discolouration and necrosis affecting the fingers on both hands after a jellyfish sting without any sign of connective tissue disorder.
Lower extremity deep vein thrombosis after heavy exertion
Authors: Tak Sandeep , Tak Shubhanjali
Published: November 2013

A young woman leading a sedentary life, travelled on foot for a distance of 25 km in a day. The following day she noticed pain and swelling of left foot and left leg. She got no relief with analgesics and her orthopaedic evaluation was normal. Her clinical examination was normal except for local swelling, oedema and tender calf. Her haematological and biochemical examination was normal except for mild elevation of creatine phosphokinase. A Doppler ultrasound revealed the thrombosis of anterior tibial vein and popliteal vein.
Neck abscess and vocal cord paresis: delayed complications of a self-extruded long fishbone stuck in throat
Authors: Vallamkondu V , Carlile S , Shakeel M , Ah-See K W
Published: November 2013

A 57-year-old Caucasian man, otherwise fit and well, presented with a 2-week history of dysphagia, odynophagia. Two weeks prior to the presentation, he had felt a fishbone stuck in his throat which was self-extruded after 3 days. Subsequently he developed a right anterior neck swelling and hoarseness. Transnasal endoscopic examination of larynx revealed an injected and oedematous right hemilarynx with right vocal cord paresis. An ultrasound examination of the neck confirmed a collection in the neck on the right side, and frank pus was aspirated from the neck abscess and he responded well to conservative management. Subsequent examination in follow-up had shown complete recovery of vocal cord movement. The patient did not seek medical attention immediately after getting a 5 cm fishbone extruded from the throat which resulted in significant morbidity. All patients should be alerted to the possibility of delayed complications and they should be encouraged to seek urgent medical attention.
Comparison of remote sensing and ground-based methods for determining residue burn pile wood volumes and biomass
Authors: Trofymow J.A. , Coops N.C. , Hayhurst D.
Published: November 2013

Following forest harvest, residues left on site are often piled and burned. Quantification of residue piles is required in many jurisdictions to estimate billable waste, harvest efficiency, smoke emissions, C budgets, and available bioenergy biomass. Piled residues and harvested wood were measured on four blocks of a second-growth Douglas-fir forest in coastal British Columbia. Pile wood volumes were determined by two ground-based methods (a Waste and Residue Survey (WRS) and a geometric equation (EEP) used for smoke emissions) and by two geospatial methods using orthophotography (GIS) and LiDAR. Eight sample piles were disassembled to determine plot densities (PD) and packing ratios (PR). Plot density did not differ between the WRS and GIS method. Packing ratios of the EEP were 50% of that of the LiDAR method. LiDAR pile bulk volume and PR were negatively correlated. Choice of LiDAR digital elevation model had no significant effect on pile bulk volumes. The WRS method underestimated pile areas by 50% and the EEP method overestimated pile bulk volumes by two times. Pile wood volumes from the WRS method (20.0 m3·ha−1 (SE 2.8)) were 30%–50% of those for all other methods (46.1–60.4 m3·ha−1). The EEP method overestimated wood volume if nonspecific PRs were used. The residues to harvest ratio for the WRS method (3.3% (SE 0.45)) was lower than for all other methods (7.5%–9.6%). Total pile wood biomass from LiDAR was 25.4 t dry mass·ha−1 (SE 5.9). Ground-based methods are still required to determine PD or PR. Since their estimation depends on the method used to determine pile area or bulk volume, and may vary with pile size and type, they remain the major source of uncertainty in determining pile wood volumes. However, use of remote sensing techniques to determine the area or bulk volume of all piles in a cutblock can improve estimates of pile wood volumes and biomass.
BEHAVIOR OF NON-CLASSICAL INFLATON IN THE FRW UNIVERSE
Authors: VENKATARATNAM K. K.
Published: November 2013

We study the semiclassical Einstein equation and inflaton in the oscillatory region of the FRW Universe. We study the relative deviation of particle production in coherent and squeezed vacuum states for a minimally coupled scalar field in the oscillatory region of flat FRW Universe. We also study the behavior of inflaton field in non-oscillatory region. We examine whether the solution obtained in slow-roll approximation satisfies Klein–Gordon equation and commutation relation as well.
DERIVATION OF TRADE-OFF OF EQUATION FOR CMOS CROSS-COUPLED LC DIFFERENTIAL OSCILLATOR
Authors: HEN-NGAM NIKORN , MAHATTANAKUL JIRAYUTH
Published: November 2013

This paper aims at presenting an equation describing a relation between power consumption and phase noise of the widely used CMOS cross-coupled LC differential oscillator. This equation is derived by using periodic time-varying method and it relates oscillator's key performance parameters, e.g., oscillation frequency and amplitude, sideband spectrum and bias current, and CMOS process parameters. The validity of the proposed equation was confirmed by the periodic noise simulation available in the Cadence's Virtuoso Spectre Circuit Simulator.
A SERIES DC POWER LINE COMMUNICATION AND ITS APPLICATION TO MONITORING PHOTO-VOLTAIC STRINGS
Authors: SIRINAMARATANA PAIROTE , LEELARASMEE EKACHAI , PORA WANCHALERM
Published: November 2013

A communication circuit for transmitting and receiving signal through a series connection of photo-voltaic (PV) panels is proposed. It consists of a transformer connected in series with each panel to couple current signal in and out of the DC power line. This allows data transmission through the panels without using any additional wires or radio frequency link. A practical case of eight 40 W amorphous PV panels is used to demonstrate the design process. It is found that the optimum carrier frequency is 250 kHz at which the panel output impedance is around 5 Ohms, allowing the current signal to pass through with low energy lost. Coupling circuit consists of inductors and capacitors designed to give highest transmission at the carrier frequency. Simulation to verify the circuit performance using a non-ideal model of a toroidal transformer is carried out to prove the feasibility of the concept.
IMPROVED BEAMFORMING ALGORITHM FOR IMAGING RECONSTRUCTION FOR EARLY BREAST CANCER DETECTION BY UWB
Authors: XU LI , XIAO XIA , KIKKAWA TAKAMARO
Published: November 2013

Ultra-wide band (UWB) microwave imaging is a promising method for the breast cancer detection based on the large contrast of electric parameters between the malignant tumor and its surrounded normal organisms. In this paper, a two-dimensional model of the breast organisms is numerically carried by the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method. The dispersion characteristics of the breast media are taken into account by single pole Debye model to approach the actual properties of the breast organism. In this method, a tumor is assumed in the model with two cases. The standard Capon beamforming (SCB) and doubly constrained robust Capon beamforming (DCRCB) algorithm performed to reconstruct the image is described in detail. The tumor can be detected and localized using the proposed algorithm and the result demonstrates a good stability of DCRCB algorithm.
NOVEL HIGH VOLTAGE SILICON-ON-INSULATOR DEVICE WITH COMPOSITE DIELECTRIC BURIED LAYER
Authors: FAN JIE , LUO XIAORONG , ZHANG BO , LI ZHAOJI
Published: November 2013

A novel silicon-on-insulator (SOI) high voltage device with a composite dielectric buried layer (CD SOI) is proposed in this paper. In the proposed structure, the composite dielectric buried layer consists of Si 3 N 4 dielectric and low-k (relative permittivity) dielectric. The electric field strength in the buried layer is enhanced by the low-k dielectric. The Si 3 N 4 dielectric in the buried layer not only modulates the electric field distribution in the drift region, but also provides a heat conduction path for the SOI layer and alleviates the self-heating effect (SHE). The breakdown voltage (BV) = 362 V for CD SOI is obtained by simulation on a 1 μm SOI layer over 2 μm buried layer, which is enhanced by 26% compared with that of conventional SOI.
ON THE SIMILARITY BETWEEN PHASE LOCKED LOOP AND SYNCHRONOUS MOTOR PULL-IN PROCESSES
Authors: KUPERMAN ALON , VAINER ZVI , EPSHTEIN BORIS
Published: November 2013

The similarity between unloaded synchronous motor (SM) pull-into-step mechanism and phase locked loop (PLL) synchronization procedure is revealed in this letter. It is shown that both processes possess analogous structure and may therefore be described by same type of equations. As a result, the methodologies used for describing the phase locked loop synchronization may be useful in synchronous motor starting process analysis and vice versa.
CHAOTIC PARAMETER λ IN HANBURY-BROWN–TWISS INTERFEROMETRY IN AN ANISOTROPIC BOSON GAS MODEL
Authors: LIU JIE , RU PENG , ZHANG WEI-NING , WONG CHEUK-YIN
Published: November 2013

Using one- and two-body density matrices, we calculate the spatial and momentum distributions, two-particle Hanbury-Brown–Twiss (HBT) correlation functions, and the chaotic parameter λ in HBT interferometry for the systems of boson gas within the harmonic oscillator potentials with anisotropic frequencies in transverse and longitudinal directions. The HBT chaotic parameter, which can be obtained by measuring the correlation functions at zero relative momentum of the particle pair, is related to the degree of Bose–Einstein condensation and thus the system environment. We investigate the effects of system temperature, particle number and the average momentum of the particle pair on the chaotic parameter. The value of λ decreases with the condensed fraction, f0. It is one for f0 = 0 and zero for f0 = 1. For a certain f0 between 0 and 1, we find that λ increases with the average momentum of the particle pair and decreases with the particle number of system. The results of λ are sensitive to the ratio, ν = ωz/ωρ, of the frequencies in longitudinal and transverse directions. They are smaller for larger ν when ωρ is fixed. In the heavy-ion collisions at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) energy the large identical pion multiplicity may possibly lead to a considerable Bose–Einstein condensation. Its effect on the chaotic parameter in two-pion interferometry is worth considering in earnest.
K± SCATTERING FROM 6Li AND 12C NUCLEI
Authors: EBRAHIM A. A.
Published: November 2013

Optical potentials for the scattering of K ± from 6 Li and 12 C nuclei are calculated using the Watanabe superposition model in terms of the alpha-particle and deuteron optical potentials. The elastic and inelastic scattering differential cross-sections obtained using these potentials are compared with experimental data. Good fits are obtained without modifying any of the parameters. Further measurements for K ± scattering from 6 Li are stressed.
VIBROACOUSTIC ANALYSIS OF STIFFENED PLATES WITH NONUNIFORM BOUNDARY CONDITIONS
Authors: ZHENG HUI , WEI ZHIPING
Published: November 2013

This paper deals with vibroacoustic analysis of bidirectional stiffened thin plates with nonuniform discrete elastic edge restraints. The displacement-like governing equation of motion of the stiffened plate is derived by applying energy approach. A series of simple polynomials satisfying the Rayleigh–Ritz convergence criteria as well as the edge boundary conditions are then applied to discretize the governing equation, and the transverse displacements of the plate are solved considering the excitation of an incident acoustic plane wave. The commonly-adopted vibroacoustic indicators of elastic plane surface, i.e., mean square velocity (MSV), radiation efficiency (σ) and sound transmission loss (STL), are calculated for the stiffened plate with uniform and nonuniform discrete boundary conditions (BCs). Numerical studies are performed and results are discussed in detail for the vibroacoustic performance of the plate with different edge elastic restraints.
A PIECEWISE MONOTONOUS MODEL FOR EMPIRICAL MODE DECOMPOSITION
Authors: HUANG JIANFENG , YANG LIHUA
Published: November 2013

Empirical mode decomposition (EMD) lacks theoretical support. We propose a piecewise monotonous model for EMD, and prove that the trend-subtracting iteration converges and IMF-separating procedure ends up in finite steps under mild conditions. Experiments are implemented and compared with the classical EMD.
Circulating Autoantibodies to LGALS3BP: A Novel Biomarker for Cancer
Authors: Grassadonia Antonino , Tinari Nicola , Natoli Clara , Yahalom Galit , Iacobelli Stefano
Published: November 2013

Purpose. Circulating autoantibodies have been extensively investigated as possible markers for early diagnosis of cancer. The present study was carried out to investigate whether anti-LGALS3BP IgG autoantibodies could be classified as a biomarker for malignant tumors.Methods. An in-house developed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect autoantibodies to LGALS3BP in sera from 71 patients with various types of cancers and 54 healthy subjects matched by age and gender.Results. Patients with cancer have significant higher circulating levels of anti-LGALS3BP antibodies as compared to control subjects (). The test has a sensitivity of 33% and a specificity of 98%.Conclusions. Anti-LGALS3BP IgG autoantibodies are a promising biomarker for malignant tumors and could play a role in the development of a multimarker assay for the early detection of cancer.
Adiposity Measurements by BMI, Skinfolds and Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry in relation to Risk Markers for Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes in Adult Males
Authors: Hariri Ahmad A. , Oliver Nicholas S. , Johnston Desmond G. , Stevenson John C. , Godsland Ian F.
Published: November 2013

Background. Choice of adiposity measure may be important in the evaluation of relationships between adiposity and risk markers for cardiovascular disease and diabetes.Aim. We explored the strengths of risk marker associations with BMI, a simple measure of adiposity, and with measures provided by skinfold thicknesses and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).Subjects and Methods. We evaluated in three subgroups of white males (–349), participating in a health screening program, the strengths of relationship between measures of total and regional adiposity and risk markers relating to blood pressure, lipids and lipoproteins, insulin sensitivity, and subclinical inflammation.Results. Independent of age, smoking, alcohol intake, and exercise, the strongest correlations with adiposity measures were seen with serum triglyceride concentrations and indices of insulin sensitivity, with strengths of association showing little difference between BMI and skinfold and DXA measures of total and percent body fat (–0.46, ). Significant but weaker associations with adiposity were seen for serum HDL cholesterol and only relatively inconsistent associations with adiposity for total and LDL cholesterol and indices of subclinical inflammation.Conclusions. BMI can account for variation in risk markers in white males as well as more sophisticated measures derived from skinfold thickness measurements or DXA scanning.
Bifurcation Phenomena of Nonlinear Waves in a Generalized Zakharov-Kuznetsov Equation
Authors: Wu Yun , Liu Zhengrong
Published: November 2013

We study the bifurcation phenomena of nonlinear waves described by a generalized Zakharov-Kuznetsov equationut+au2+bu4ux+γuxxx+δuxyy=0. We reveal four kinds of interesting bifurcation phenomena. The first kind is that the low-kink waves can be bifurcated from the symmetric solitary waves, the 1-blow-up waves, the tall-kink waves, and the antisymmetric solitary waves. The second kind is that the 1-blow-up waves can be bifurcated from the periodic-blow-up waves, the symmetric solitary waves, and the 2-blow-up waves. The third kind is that the periodic-blow-up waves can be bifurcated from the symmetric periodic waves. The fourth kind is that the tall-kink waves can be bifurcated from the symmetric periodic waves.
Electric and Magnetic Properties of Sputter Deposited BiFeO3Films
Authors: Siadou N. , Panagiotopoulos I. , Kourkoumelis N. , Bakas T. , Brintakis K. , Lappas A.
Published: November 2013

Polycrystalline BiFeO3films have been magnetron sputter deposited at room temperature and subsequently heat-treated ex situ at temperatures between 400 and 700°C. The deposition was done in pure Ar atmosphere, as the use of oxygen-argon mixture was found to lead to nonstoichiometric films due to resputtering effects. At a target-to-substrate distanced=2′′the BiFeO3structure can be obtained in larger range process gas pressures (2–7 mTorr) but the films do not show a specific texture. Atd=6′′codeposition from BiFeO3and Bi2O3has been used. Films sputtered at low rate tend to grow with the (001) texture of the pseudo-cubic BiFeO3structure. As the film structure does not depend on epitaxy similar results are obtained on different substrates. A result of the volatility of Bi, Bi rich oxide phases occur after heat treatment at high temperatures. A Bi2SiO5impurity phase forms on the substrate side, and does not affect the properties of the main phase. Despite the deposition on amorphous silicon oxide substrate weak ferromagnetism phenomena and displaced loops have been observed at low temperatures showing that their origin is not strain. Ba, La, Ca, and Sr doping suppress the formation of impurity phases and leakage currents.
Mathematical and Simulation Modelling of Moisture Diffusion Mechanism during Plastic IC Packages Disassembly
Authors: Mou Peng , Xiang Dong , Duan Guanghong
Published: November 2013

Reuse of plastic IC packages disassembled from printed circuit boards (PCBs) has significant environmental benefits and economic value. The interface delamination caused by moisture diffusion is the main failure mode of IC packages during the disassembling process, which greatly reduces the reusability and reliability of disassembled IC packages. Exploring moisture diffusion mechanism is a prerequisite to optimize prebaking processes before disassembling that is an effective way to avoid the interface delamination. To this end, a computational model with variable boundary conditions is developed based on the different combination state of water in IC packages. The distribution characteristics and mechanism of moisture diffusion behavior are analyzed including the humidity distribution field and the relation among baking temperature, water loss rate, and baking time during baking process, and then the results are validated by FEA simulation based on the improved definition of relative moisture concentration. Baking under variable temperature is proposed and compared with the baking process and baking efficiency under constant temperature to find out the optimized baking parameters. Finally, a set of curves which indicate the relation between baking energy consumption and temperature are determined under actual industrial baking experiments, which could be used as references to develop industrial standards for PCB disassembling process.
Generalized Analytic Fourier-Feynman Transform of Functionals in a Banach AlgebraℱA1,A2a,b
Authors: Choi Jae Gil , Skoug David , Chang Seung Jun
Published: November 2013

We introduce the Fresnel type classℱA1,A2a,b. We also establish the existence of the generalized analytic Fourier-Feynman transform for functionals in the Banach algebraℱA1,A2a,b.
Age-related and Genetic Modulation of Frontal Cortex Efficiency
Authors: Nyberg Lars , Andersson Micael , Kauppi Karolina , Lundquist Anders , Persson Jonas , Pudas Sara , Nilsson Lars-Göran
Published: November 2013

The dorsolateral pFC (DLPFC) is a key region for working memory. It has been proposed that the DLPFC is dynamically recruited depending on task demands. By this view, high DLPFC recruitment for low-demanding tasks along with weak DLPFC upregulation at higher task demands reflects low efficiency. Here, the fMRI BOLD signal during working memory maintenance and manipulation was examined in relation to aging and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met status in a large representative sample (n = 287). The efficiency hypothesis predicts a weaker DLPFC response during manipulation, along with a stronger response during maintenance for older adults and COMT Val carriers compared with younger adults and COMT Met carriers. Consistent with the hypothesis, younger adults and met carriers showed maximal DLPFC BOLD response during manipulation, whereas older adults and val carriers displayed elevated DLPFC responses during the less demanding maintenance condition. The observed inverted relations support a link between dopamine and DLPFC efficiency.
The Role of the Cerebellum in Dynamic Changes of the Sense of Body Ownership: A Study in Patients with Cerebellar Degeneration
Authors: Fiorio Mirta , Mariotti Caterina , Panzeri Marta , Antonello Emanuele , Classen Joseph , Tinazzi Michele
Published: November 2013

The sense of the body is deeply rooted in humans, and it can be experimentally manipulated by inducing illusions in at least two aspects: a subjective feeling of ownership and a proprioceptive sense of limb position. Previous studies mapped these different aspects onto anatomically distinct neuronal regions, with the ventral premotor cortex processing subjective experience of ownership and the inferior parietal lobule processing proprioceptive calibration. Lines of evidence suggest an involvement also of the cerebellum, but its precise role is not clear yet. To investigate the contribution of the cerebellum in the sense of body ownership, we applied the rubber-hand illusion paradigm in 28 patients affected by neurodegenerative cerebellar ataxia, selectively involving the cerebellum, and in 26 age-matched control participants. The rubber hand illusion is established by synchronous stroking of the participants' real unseen hand and a visible fake hand. Short asynchronous stroking does not bring about the illusion. We tested the subjective experience of the illusion, evaluated through a questionnaire and the proprioceptive drift of the real unseen hand toward the viewed rubber hand. In patients with cerebellar ataxia, we observed reduced sense of the subjective illusory experience specifically after synchronous stroking. In contrast, the proprioceptive drift was enhanced after synchronous and after asynchronous stimulation. These findings support the contention that the mechanisms underlying the presence of the illusion and the proprioceptive drift may be differently affected in different conditions. Impairment of the subjective sense of the illusion in cerebellar patients might hint at an involvement of cerebellar-premotor networks, whereas the proprioceptive drift typically associated with synchronous stroking appears to rely on other circuits, likely involving the cerebellum and the parietal regions.
Early Musical Training Is Linked to Gray Matter Structure in the Ventral Premotor Cortex and Auditory–Motor Rhythm Synchronization Performance
Authors: Bailey Jennifer Anne , Zatorre Robert J. , Penhune Virginia B.
Published: November 2013

Evidence in animals and humans indicates that there are sensitive periods during development, times when experience or stimulation has a greater influence on behavior and brain structure. Sensitive periods are the result of an interaction between maturational processes and experience-dependent plasticity mechanisms. Previous work from our laboratory has shown that adult musicians who begin training before the age of 7 show enhancements in behavior and white matter structure compared with those who begin later. Plastic changes in white matter and gray matter are hypothesized to co-occur; therefore, the current study investigated possible differences in gray matter structure between early-trained (ET; <7) and late-trained (LT; >7) musicians, matched for years of experience. Gray matter structure was assessed using voxel-wise analysis techniques (optimized voxel-based morphometry, traditional voxel-based morphometry, and deformation-based morphometry) and surface-based measures (cortical thickness, surface area and mean curvature). Deformation-based morphometry analyses identified group differences between ET and LT musicians in right ventral premotor cortex (vPMC), which correlated with performance on an auditory motor synchronization task and with age of onset of musical training. In addition, cortical surface area in vPMC was greater for ET musicians. These results are consistent with evidence that premotor cortex shows greatest maturational change between the ages of 6–9 years and that this region is important for integrating auditory and motor information. We propose that the auditory and motor interactions required by musical practice drive plasticity in vPMC and that this plasticity is greatest when maturation is near its peak.
Review of genus Nicephora Bolívar (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae, Meconematinae)
Authors: WANG HANQIANG , LI MIAOMIAO , LIU XIANWEI , LI KAI
Published: November 2013

This article presents a revision on all species of genus Nicephora Bolívar, 1900, describes 1 new species distribute in China ally to this genus. A key to species of the genus is given.
The first description of adult female of Borboropactus asper (O. P.-Cambridge, 1884) from Sri Lanka (Araneae: Thomisidae)
Authors: MARUSIK YURI M. , OMELKO MIKHAIL M. , BENJAMIN SURESH P.
Published: November 2013

Regillus, a new genus of spiders with R. asper as its type species, was described by O.P.-Cambridge (1884) from Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) on the basis of a subadult female. The genus was placed in Cryptothelidae (now considered a subfamily of Zodariidae) due to its similarity with Cryptothele ceylonica O.P.-Cambridge, 1877. However, the new genus had a different eye arrangement, differently shaped maxillae and six spinnerets instead of two (O.P.-Cambridge 1884). Soon after, Simon (1895) recognized that this genus belonged to Thomisidae and synonymised his Borboropactus Simon, 1884 with Regillus. When it was found that Regillus was a junior homonym of the name used by Macgillivray in 1839 (for kinglets) Borboropactus was revalidated. Since the original description R. asper was redescribed only once, by Simon (1895), who illustrated its leg, chelicera and labium-maxilla complex (Simon 1895: figs 1094–1096). Wunderlich (2004) transferred Borboropactus to a new family Borboropactidae, which was rejected by Benjamin et al. (2008) and Benjamin (2011). However, the type species was never studied in any detail.
Dendroclimatic Reconstruction at Kilometer-Scale Grid Points: A Case Study from the Great Basin of North America
Authors: Biondi Franco
Published: November 2013

Preparing for future hydroclimatic variability greatly benefits from long (i.e., multicentury) records at seasonal to annual time steps that have been gridded at kilometer-scale spatial intervals over a geographic region. Kriging is commonly used for optimal interpolation of environmental data, and space–time geostatistical models can improve kriging estimates when long temporal sequences of observations exist at relatively few points on the landscape. A network of 22 tree-ring chronologies from single-leaf pinyon (Pinus monophylla) in the central Great Basin of North America was used to extend hydroclimatic records both temporally and spatially. First, the line of organic correlation (LOC) method was used to reconstruct October–May total precipitation anomalies at each tree-ring site, as these ecotonal environments at the lower forest border are typically moisture-limited areas. Individual site reconstructions were then combined using a hierarchical model of spatiotemporal kriging that produced annual anomaly maps on a 12 km × 12 km grid during the period in common among all chronologies (1650–1976). Hydroclimatic episodes were numerically identified using their duration, magnitude, and peak. Precipitation anomalies were spatially more variable during wet years than during dry years, and the evolution of drought episodes over space and time could be visualized and quantified. The most remarkable episode in the entire reconstruction was the early 1900s pluvial, followed by the late 1800s drought. The 1930s Dust Bowl drought was among the top 10 hydroclimatic episodes in the past few centuries. These results directly address the needs of water and natural resource managers with respect to planning for worst-case scenarios of drought duration and magnitude at the watershed level.