bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Investigation of High Pressure Ratio Centrifugal Compressor With Axisymmetric and Nonaxisymmetric Recirculation Device
Authors: Tamaki Hideaki , Zheng Xinqian , Zhang Yangjun
Published: March 2013

Centrifugal compressors used for turbochargers are required to have a wide operating range. A recirculation device, which consists of a bleed slot, an upstream slot, and an annular cavity connecting both slots, is often used with them. It improves the incidence angle of the impeller leading edge, i.e., the blade loading of the inducer, at low flow rates due to the recirculation flow supplied to the compressor inlet. However, the compressor efficiency drops when there is a recirculation flow from the bleed slot to the upstream slot. A one dimensional analysis in the first section of this paper showed that the reduction in the compressor efficiency can be lowered by decreasing the pressure drop or reducing the recirculation flow rate within the recirculation device. This study examined the possibility of improvement in the compressor efficiency by the use of a recirculation device with an asymmetric bleed slot. An impeller of a turbocharger compressor is normally contained in a volute. Since the geometry of the volute is not axisymmetric, the impeller is surrounded by an asymmetric flow field. Hence each impeller passage, which is formed by two adjacent full blades, is operated at a different operating point. This means that some of the passages need the improvement in the blade loading by the recirculation device but others do not. There is a possibility that this is realized by a recirculation device with an asymmetrically distributed bleed slot, called a nonaxisymmetric recirculation device in this paper. If the asymmetric bleed slot shortens the average distance between the bleed slot and upstream slot or reduces the area of the bleed slot, it can reduce the pressure drop or recirculation flow rate within the recirculation deviceand, hence, can improve the compressor efficiency. This study discusses the characteristics of high pressure ratio compressors for turbochargers without the recirculation device and those with the recirculation device with an axisymmetric bleed slot. Furthermore, the effects of nonaxisymmetric recirculation devices on the compressor characteristics are experimentally investigated. Two types of nonaxisymmetric recirculation devices were tested. One had the bleed slot of a sine wave pattern. The other had the bleed slot partially channeled in the circumferential direction. There were appropriate positions relative to the volute for both nonaxisymmetric recirculation devices. The compressor efficiency with nonaxisymmetric recirculation devices was higher than that with axisymmetric recirculation devices and the surge lines of the compressor with nonaxisymmetric recirculation devices were located at a flow rate lower than or equal to those with the axisymmetric recirculation devices.
Simulations of Multiphase Particle Deposition on a Nonaxisymmetric Contoured Endwall With Film-Cooling
Authors: Lawson Seth A. , Lynch Stephen P. , Thole Karen A.
Published: March 2013

Designing turbine components for maximum aerodynamic performance with adequate cooling is a critical challenge for gas turbine engineers, particularly at the endwall of a turbine, due to complex secondary flows. To complicate matters, impurities from the fuel and intake air can deposit on film-cooled components downstream of the combustor. Deposition-induced roughness can reduce cooling effectiveness and aerodynamic performance dramatically. One method commonly used for reducing the effects of secondary flows on aerodynamic performance is endwall contouring. The current study evaluates deposition effects on endwall contouring given the change to the secondary flow pattern. For the current study, deposition was dynamically simulated in a turbine cascade to determine its effects on film-cooling with and without endwall contouring. Computationally predicted impactions were in qualitative agreement with experimental deposition simulations, showing that contouring reduced deposition around strategically placed film-cooling holes. Deposition reduced cooling effectiveness by 50% on a flat endwall and 40% on an identically cooled contoured endwall. Although 40% is still a dramatic reduction in effectiveness, the method of using the endwall contouring to alter deposition effects shows promise.
Pool Boiling of HFE 7200–C4H4F6O Mixture on Hybrid Micro-Nanostructured Surface
Authors: Sathyanarayana Aravind , Warrier Pramod , Im Yunhyeok , Joshi Yogendra , Teja Amyn S.
Published: March 2013

Steadily increasing heat dissipation in electronic devices has generated renewed interest in direct immersion cooling. The ideal heat transfer fluid for direct immersion cooling applications should be chemically and thermally stable, and compatible with the electronic components. These constraints have led to the use of Novec fluids and fluroinerts as coolants. Although these fluids are chemically stable and have low dielectric constants, they are plagued by poor thermal properties like low thermal conductivity (about twice that of air) and low specific heat (same as that of air). These factors necessitate the development of new heat transfer fluids with improved heat transfer properties and applicability. C4H4F6O is a new heat transfer fluid which has been identified using computer-aided molecular design (CAMD) and knowledge-based approaches. A mixture of Novec fluid (HFE 7200) with C4H4F6O is evaluated in this study. Pool boiling experiments are performed at saturated condition on a 10 mm × 10 mm silicon test chip with CuO nanostructures on a microgrooved surface, to investigate the thermal performance of this new fluid mixture. The mixture increased the critical heat flux moderately by 8.4% over pure HFE 7200. Additional investigation is necessary before C4H4F6O can be considered for immersion cooling applications.
Computational Monolayer for Tertiary Nanoparticles Using Supercomputer
Authors: Jang Kyungdeok , Zuverza Nubia , Eui Jeong Tae , Suk Kim Sung , Soo Kim Nam
Published: March 2013

Computer simulation is a practical approach for the accurate study of nanosized materials. In order to produce conductive nano-inks for microelectrodes, we need to simulate different nanoparticles (NPs)’ arrangements to maximize their packing. Even though modeling can be performed on desktop computers using binary packing, this is a time consuming process that may not provide optimal results for practical applications. In this study, we developed a simulation program for a supercomputer to obtain precise results from tertiary packing while reducing the simulation time. The simulation of nanoparticles' packing consists of three different sized particles resulting in a high packing factor of 93.44%. Therefore, the optimal sizes and volumes of particles required for nano-inks with various viscosities can be predetermined. Furthermore, a wide range of applications can be derived such as finding ideal ratios of particles or inks for different mixtures.
Enhanced Diffusion of Silver Atoms on the Surface of Nanoparticles at Low Temperatures
Authors: Hong Jung-Il , Ding Yong , Moon Kyoung-Sik , Wong C. P.
Published: March 2013

Microstructure development of 35 nm silver nanoparticles during the low temperature sintering was examined in situ as the ambient temperature increased from room temperature up to 450 °C using X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy techniques. Measured particle size increased rapidly up to ∼90 nm in the temperature range between 130 and 250 °C, which is thought to be from the atomic diffusion on the surfaces of nanoparticles. On the other hand, further increase of the annealing temperature results in little or almost no change in the grain size. Therefore, the sintering effect due to the surface diffusion of silver atoms is active only on the surface of nanoparticles whose size is less than ∼90 nm, indicating enhanced atomic mobility of silver atoms on the surface of nanoparticles.
MR safety assessment of potential RF heating from cranial fixation plates at 7 T
Authors: Kraff Oliver , Wrede Karsten H. , Schoemberg Tobias , Dammann Philipp , Noureddine Yacine , Orzada Stephan , Ladd Mark E. , Bitz Andreas K.
Published: March 2013

Purpose:

The increasing number of clinically oriented MRI studies at 7 T motivates the safety assessment of implants, since many 7 T research sites conservatively exclude all subjects with metallic implants, regardless of type or location. The purpose of this study was to investigate potential RF‐induced heating during a 7 T MRI scan using a self‐built transmit/receive RF coil in patients with implants used for refixation of the bone flap after craniotomy. Going beyond standard ASTM safety tests, a comprehensive test procedure for safety assessments at 7 T is presented which takes into account the more complex coupling of the electromagnetic field with the human body and the implant as well as polarization effects.

Methods:

The safety assessment consisted of three main investigations using (1) numerical simulations in simplified models, (2) electric and magnetic field measurements and validation procedures in homogeneous phantoms, and (3) analysis of exposure scenarios in a heterogeneous human body model including thermal simulations. Finally, 7 Tin vivo images show the degree of image artifact around the implants.

Results:

The simulations showed that the field distortions remain localized within the direct vicinity of the implants. A parallel E‐field polarization was found to be the most relevant component in creating local SAR deviations, resulting in a 10% increase in 10‐g‐averaged SAR and 53% in 1‐g‐averaged SAR. Using a heterogeneous human head model, the implants caused field distortions and SAR elevations in the numerical simulations which were distinctly lower than the maximum local SAR value caused by the RF coil alone. Also, the position of the maximum 10‐g‐averaged SAR remained unchanged by the presence of the implants. Similarly, the maximum absolute local temperature remained below 39 °C in the thermal simulations. Only minor artifacts from the implants were observed in thein vivo images that would not likely affect the diagnostic image quality in patients.

Conclusions:

The findings suggested no evidence for noteworthy RF‐related heating in humans after craniotomy using the described implants and for the particular RF coil that was used in this study. Here, identical transmit power restrictions apply with or without the implants. For other RF coils, the maximum permissible input power should be reduced by 10% until further simulations may indicate otherwise.
Dysregulated RasGRP1 Responds to Cytokine Receptor Input in T Cell Leukemogenesis
Authors: Hartzell Catherine , Ksionda Olga , Lemmens Ed , Coakley Kristen , Yang Ming , Dail Monique , Harvey Richard C. , Govern Christopher , Bakker Jeroen , Lenstra Tineke L. , Ammon Kristin , Boeter Anne , Winter Stuart S. , Loh Mignon , Shannon Kevin , Chakraborty Arup K. , Wabl Matthias , Roose Jeroen P.
Published: March 2013

Understanding the signaling mechanisms that can lead to T cell leukemia may enable personalized therapies.
Surface LAT Signals
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: March 2013

Early stages of T cell receptor signaling involve recruitment of the plasma membrane–localized adaptor protein LAT into microclusters.
Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of the Interaction between Hepatitis C Virus Protease Inhibitor Boceprevir and 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl Coenzyme A Reductase Inhibitors Atorvastatin and Pravastatin
Authors: Hulskotte E. G. J. , Feng H.-P. , Xuan F. , Gupta S. , van Zutven M. G. J. A. , O'Mara E. , Wagner J. A. , Butterton J. R.
Published: March 2013

Boceprevir is a potent orally administered inhibitor of hepatitis C virus and a strong, reversible inhibitor of CYP3A4, the primary metabolic pathway for many 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate drug-drug interactions between atorvastatin or pravastatin and boceprevir. We conducted a single-center, open-label, fixed-sequence, one-way-crossover study with 20 healthy adult volunteers. Subjects received single-dose atorvastatin (40 mg) or pravastatin (40 mg) on day 1, followed by boceprevir (800 mg three times daily) for 7 to 10 days. Repeat single doses of atorvastatin or pravastatin were administered in the presence of steady-state boceprevir. Atorvastatin exposure increased in the presence of boceprevir, with atorvastatin area under the concentration-time curve from time zero to infinity after single dosing (AUC
inf
) increasing 2.3-fold (90% confidence interval [CI], 1.85, 2.90) and maximum observed concentration in plasma (
C
max
) 2.7-fold (90% CI, 1.81, 3.90). Pravastatin exposure was slightly increased in the presence of boceprevir, with pravastatin AUC
inf
increasing 1.63-fold (90% CI, 1.03, 2.58) and
C
max
1.49-fold (90% CI, 1.03, 2.14). Boceprevir exposure was generally unchanged when the drug was coadministered with atorvastatin or pravastatin. All adverse events were mild and consistent with the known safety profile of boceprevir. The observed 130% increase in AUC of atorvastatin supports the use of the lowest possible effective dose of atorvastatin when coadministered with boceprevir, without exceeding a maximum daily dose of 40 mg. The observed 60% increase in pravastatin AUC with boceprevir coadministration supports the initiation of pravastatin treatment at the recommended dose when coadministered with boceprevir, with close clinical monitoring.
The Animal Food Supplement Sepiolite Promotes a Direct Horizontal Transfer of Antibiotic Resistance Plasmids between Bacterial Species
Authors: Rodríguez-Beltrán Jerónimo , Rodríguez-Rojas Alexandro , Yubero Elva , Blázquez Jesús
Published: March 2013

Animal fodder is routinely complemented with antibiotics together with other food supplements to improve growth. For instance, sepiolite is currently used as a dietary coadjuvant in animal feed, as it increases animal growth parameters and improves meat and derived final product quality. This type of food additive has so far been considered innocuous for the development and spread of antibiotic resistance. In this study, we demonstrate that sepiolite promotes the direct horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance plasmids between bacterial species. The conditions needed for plasmid transfer (sepiolite and friction forces) occur in the digestive tracts of farm animals, which routinely receive sepiolite as a food additive. Furthermore, this effect may be aggravated by the use of antibiotics supplied as growth promoters.
Multifaceted Mechanisms of HIV Inhibition and Resistance to CCR5 Inhibitors PSC-RANTES and Maraviroc
Authors: Lobritz Michael A. , Ratcliff Annette N. , Marozsan Andre J. , Dudley Dawn M. , Tilton John C. , Arts Eric J.
Published: March 2013

Small-molecule CCR5 antagonists, such as maraviroc (MVC), likely block HIV-1 through an allosteric, noncompetitive inhibition mechanism, whereas inhibition by agonists such as PSC-RANTES is less defined and may involve receptor removal by cell surface downregulation, competitive inhibition by occluding the HIV-1 envelope binding, and/or allosteric effects by altering CCR5 conformation. We explored the inhibitory mechanisms of maraviroc and PSC-RANTES by employing pairs of virus clones with differential sensitivities to these inhibitors. Intrinsic PSC-RANTES-resistant virus (YA versus RT) or those selected in PSC-RANTES treated macaques (M584 versus P3-4) only displayed resistance in multiple-cycle assays or with a CCR5 mutant that cannot be downregulated. In single-cycle assays, these HIV-1 clones displayed equal sensitivity to PSC-RANTES inhibition, suggesting effective receptor downregulation. Prolonged PSC-RANTES exposure resulted in desensitization of the receptor to internalization such that increasing virus concentration (substrate) could saturate the receptors and overcome PSC-RANTES inhibition. In contrast, resistance to MVC was observed with the MVC-resistant HIV-1 (R3 versus S2) in both multiple- and single-cycle assays and with altered virus concentrations, which is indicative of allosteric inhibition. MVC could also mediate inhibition and possibly resistance through competitive mechanisms.
Differing Effects of Interleukin-10 on Cutaneous and Pulmonary Francisella tularensis Live Vaccine Strain Infection
Authors: Metzger Dennis W. , Salmon Sharon L. , Kirimanjeswara Girish
Published: March 2013

We investigated the role of interleukin-10 (IL-10) in cutaneous and pulmonary infection withFrancisella tularensis. We found that after intradermal challenge of mice with the live vaccine strain (LVS) ofF. tularensis, splenic IL-10 levels increased rapidly and reached a peak 5 days after infection. However, IL-10 expression after infection was detrimental, since IL-10−/−mice showed increased bacterial clearance and were resistant to an infectious dose (>106CFU/mouse) that was uniformly lethal for IL-10+/+mice. Furthermore, IL-10+/+mice treated with neutralizing anti-IL-10R monoclonal antibody were able to survive lethal cutaneous LVS challenge. The presence of IL-10 appeared to restrain the expression of IL-17, since high levels of splenic IL-17 were observed after intradermal LVS infection only in IL-10−/−mice. Furthermore, treatment with neutralizing anti-IL-17R antibody ablated the enhanced survival observed in IL-10−/−mice. However, neutralization of IL-10 activity in IL-17R−/−mice failed to provide protection. Thus, IL-10 suppresses a protective IL-17 response that is necessary for resistance to cutaneous LVS infection. Surprisingly, however, IL-10−/−mice were significantly more susceptible to pulmonary infection with LVS. Finally, although IL-10 is a critical and novel regulator of immunity toF. tularensisLVS infection, its effects were masked during infection with the highly virulent SchuS4 strain. Taken together, these findings suggest that differentially regulating expression of the IL-10 pathway in various tissues could ultimately have prophylactic and therapeutic benefits for protection against tularemia.
Clearance of Staphylococcus aureus Nasal Carriage Is T Cell Dependent and Mediated through Interleukin-17A Expression and Neutrophil Influx
Authors: Archer Nathan K. , Harro Janette M. , Shirtliff Mark E.
Published: March 2013

The anterior nares of humans are the major reservoir for
Staphylococcus aureus
colonization. Approximately 20% of the healthy human population is persistently and 80% is intermittently colonized with
S. aureus
in the nasal cavity. Previous studies have shown a strong causal connection between
S. aureus
nasal carriage and increased risk of nosocomial infection, as well as increased carriage due to immune dysfunction. However, the immune responses that permit persistence or mediate clearance of
S. aureus
on the nasal mucosa are fundamentally undefined. In this study, we developed a carriage model in C57BL/6J mice and showed that clearance begins 14 days postinoculation. In contrast, SCID mice that have a deficient adaptive immune response are unable to eliminate
S. aureus
even after 28 days postinoculation. Furthermore, decolonization was found to be T cell mediated but B cell independent by evaluating carriage clearance in T-cell receptor β/δ (TCR-β/δ) knockout (KO) and IgH-μ KO mice, respectively. Upregulation of the cytokines interleukin 1β (IL-1β), KC (also termed CXC ligand 1 [CXCL1]), and IL-17A occurred following inoculation with intranasal
S. aureus
. IL-17A production was crucial for clearance, since IL-17A-deficient mice were unable to effectively eliminate
S. aureus
carriage. Subsequently, cell differential counts were evaluated from nasal lavage fluid obtained from wild-type and IL-17A-deficient colonized mice. These counts displayed IL-17A-dependent neutrophil migration. Antibody-mediated depletion of neutrophils in colonized mice caused reduced clearance compared to that in isotype-treated controls. Our data suggest that the Th17-associated immune response is required for nasal decolonization. This response is T cell dependent and mediated via IL-17A production and neutrophil influx. Th17-associated immune responses may be targeted for strategies to mitigate distal infections originating from persistent
S. aureus
carriage in humans.
Infection with Francisella tularensis LVSclpBLeads to an Altered yet Protective Immune Response
Authors: Barrigan Lydia M. , Tuladhar Shraddha , Brunton Jason C. , Woolard Matthew D. , Chen Ching-ju , Saini Divey , Frothingham Richard , Sempowski Gregory D. , Kawula Thomas H. , Frelinger Jeffrey A.
Published: March 2013

Bacterial attenuation is typically thought of as reduced bacterial growth in the presence of constant immune pressure. Infection withFrancisella tularensiselicits innate and adaptive immune responses. Severalin vivoscreens have identifiedF. tularensisgenes necessary for virulence. Many of these mutations renderF. tularensisdefective for intracellular growth. However, some mutations have no impact on intracellular growth, leading us to hypothesize that theseF. tularensismutants are attenuated because they induce an altered host immune response. We were particularly interested in theF. tularensisLVS (live vaccine strain)clpB(FTL_0094) mutant because this strain was attenuated in pneumonic tularemia yet induced a protective immune response. The attenuation of LVSclpBwas not due to an intracellular growth defect, as LVSclpBgrew similarly to LVS in primary bone marrow-derived macrophages and a variety of cell lines. We therefore determined whether LVSclpBinduced an altered immune response compared to that induced by LVSin vivo. We found that LVSclpBinduced proinflammatory cytokine production in the lung early after infection, a process not observed during LVS infection. LVSclpBprovoked a robust adaptive immune response similar in magnitude to that provoked by LVS but with increased gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and interleukin-17A (IL-17A) production, as measured by mean fluorescence intensity. Altogether, our results indicate that LVSclpBis attenuated due to altered host immunity and not an intrinsic growth defect. These results also indicate that disruption of a nonessential gene(s) that is involved in bacterial immune evasion, likeF. tularensisclpB, can serve as a model for the rational design of attenuated vaccines.
Importance of PdpC, IglC, IglI, and IglG for Modulation of a Host Cell Death Pathway Induced by Francisella tularensis
Authors: Lindgren Marie , Eneslätt Kjell , Bröms Jeanette E. , Sjöstedt Anders
Published: March 2013

Modulation of host cell death pathways appears to be a prerequisite for the successful lifestyles of many intracellular pathogens. The facultative intracellular bacterium
Francisella tularensis
is highly pathogenic, and effective proliferation in the macrophage cytosol leading to host cell death is a requirement for its virulence. To better understand the prerequisites of this cell death, macrophages were infected with the
F. tularensis
live vaccine strain (LVS), and the effects were compared to those resulting from infections with deletion mutants lacking expression of either of the
pdpC
,
iglC
,
iglG
, or
iglI
genes, which encode components of the
Francisella
pathogenicity island (FPI), a type VI secretion system. Within 12 h, a majority of the J774 cells infected with the LVS strain showed production of mitochondrial superoxide and, after 24 h, marked signs of mitochondrial damage, caspase-9 and caspase-3 activation, phosphatidylserine expression, nucleosome formation, and membrane leakage. In contrast, neither of these events occurred after infection with the Δ
iglI
or Δ
iglC
mutants, although the former strain replicated. The Δ
iglG
mutant replicated effectively but induced only marginal cytopathogenic effects after 24 h and intermediate effects after 48 h. In contrast, the Δ
pdpC
mutant showed no replication but induced marked mitochondrial superoxide production and mitochondrial damage, caspase-3 activation, nucleosome formation, and phosphatidylserine expression, although the effects were delayed compared to those obtained with LVS. The unique phenotypes of the mutants provide insights regarding the roles of individual FPI components for the modulation of the cytopathogenic effects resulting from the
F. tularensis
infection.
Motility Is Crucial for the Infectious Life Cycle of Borrelia burgdorferi
Authors: Sultan Syed Z. , Manne Akarsh , Stewart Philip E. , Bestor Aaron , Rosa Patricia A. , Charon Nyles W. , Motaleb M. A.
Published: March 2013

The Lyme disease spirochete,
Borrelia burgdorferi
, exists in a zoonotic cycle involving an arthropod tick and mammalian host. Dissemination of the organism within and between these hosts depends upon the spirochete's ability to traverse through complex tissues. Additionally, the spirochete outruns the host immune cells while migrating through the dermis, suggesting the importance of
B. burgdorferi
motility in evading host clearance.
B. burgdorferi
's periplasmic flagellar filaments are composed primarily of a major protein, FlaB, and minor protein, FlaA. By constructing a
flaB
mutant that is nonmotile, we investigated for the first time the absolute requirement for motility in the mouse-tick life cycle of
B. burgdorferi
. We found that whereas wild-type cells are motile and have a flat-wave morphology, mutant cells were nonmotile and rod shaped. These mutants were unable to establish infection in C3H/HeN mice via either needle injection or tick bite. In addition, these mutants had decreased viability in fed ticks. Our studies provide substantial evidence that the periplasmic flagella, and consequently motility, are critical not only for optimal survival in ticks but also for infection of the mammalian host by the arthropod tick vector.
Ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm from left coronary sinus into right atrium: a rare anomaly with an odd presentation
Authors: Vadivelu Ramalingam , Rohit Manoj Kumar , Yadav Mukesh
Published: March 2013

We report a case of a 42-year-old man presenting with shortness of breath and palpitation on exertion, who was evaluated to have left sinus of Valsalva aneurysm rupturing into right atrium. This is a very rare congenital cardiac anomaly with variable clinical presentation ranging from asymptomatic detection on imaging to acute coronary syndrome and sudden cardiac death. Rupture is the most dreaded complication and usually manifests as an acute event. Aneurysmal dilation less commonly affects the left sinus and rupture into the right atrium is still rarer and a chronic insidious presentation as in this case is odd.
Germinated grains: a superior whole grain functional food?
Authors: Nelson Kristina , Stojanovska Lily , Vasiljevic Todor , Mathai Michael
Published: March 2013

Grains are global dietary staples that when consumed in whole grain form, offer considerable health benefits compared with milled grain foods, including reduced body weight gain and reduced cardiovascular and diabetes risks. Dietary patterns, functional foods, and other lifestyle factors play a fundamental role in the development and management of epidemic lifestyle diseases that share risks of developing adverse metabolic outcomes, including hyperglycaemia, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Whole grains provide energy, nutrients, fibres, and bioactive compounds that may synergistically contribute to their protective effects. Despite their benefits, the intake of grains appears to be lower than recommended in many countries. Of emerging interest is the application of germination processes, which may significantly enhance the nutritional and bioactive content of grains, as well as improve palatability. Enhancing grain foods in a natural way using germination techniques may therefore offer a practical, natural, dietary intervention to increase the health benefits and acceptability of whole grains, with potentially widespread effects across populations in attenuating adverse lifestyle disease outcomes. Continuing to build on the growing body of in-vitro studies requires substantiation with extended in-vivo trials so that we may further develop our understanding of the potential of germinated grains as a functional food.
TUNING THE "d0" FERROMAGNETISM IN In2O3 QUANTUM DOTS BY DANGLING BONDS AND VACANCY BASED ON THE FIRST-PRINCIPLE CALCULATION
Authors: WANG HAI-BIN , PENG PING , TANG YUAN-HONG , WANG DAN , TANG LI-MING
Published: March 2013

It is difficult to tune the magnetic properties of oxide diluted magnetic semiconductors because of the origin of ferromagnetism (FM) under different versions. Using first-principles band-structure calculations, we find that the surface oxygen dangling bonds and Indium vacancy may be responsible for the unexpected ferromagnetism in undoped In 2 O 3 quantum dots (QDs). The surface oxygen dangling bonds produce a magnetic moment of 6 μB, which primarily distribute on the surface oxygen atoms and an Indium vacancy ( V In ) produce a magnetic moment of 3 μB, which primarily distribute on the six O nearest neighbors of the vacancy center. The origin of the collective magnetic moments are the holes which introduced by the surface oxygen dangling bonds and Indium vacancy.
DYNAMIC MECHANISM OF LIQUID–GLASS TRANSITION FOR Mg7Zn3 ALLOY
Authors: HOU ZHAO-YANG , LIU RANG-SU , XU CHUN-LONG , LI XIAO-TING
Published: March 2013

The dynamic mechanism of liquid–glass transition for Mg 7 Zn 3 alloy is studied by the molecular dynamics simulations. The temperature dependences of dynamic properties during the liquid–glass transition are investigated. Two relaxation processes are clearly observed near the glass transition temperature. The diffusivity deviates from the Arrhenius law after the melting temperature Tm and satisfies the power law before the dynamic singularity temperature Tc owing to the cage effect. The solid- and liquid-like atoms are defined according to the vibration characteristic of atoms. It is found that the solid-like atoms have higher local packing density, lower mobility and potential energy than the liquid-like ones. Based on the evolutions of solid- and liquid-like atoms, the atomic mechanism of dynamic liquid–glass transition is systematically elucidated, which is consistent with the potential energy landscape.
A NOVEL METHOD FOR PARTITIONING FEATURE SPACES ACCORDING TO THEIR INHERENT CLASSIFICATION COMPLEXITY
Authors: ARMANO GIULIANO , MASCIA FRANCESCO
Published: March 2013

The evaluation of the intrinsic complexity of a supervised domain plays an important role in devising classification systems. Typically, the metrics used for this purpose produce an overall evaluation of the domain, without localizing the sources of complexity. In this work we propose a method for partitioning the feature space into subsets of different complexity. The most important outcome of the method is the possibility of preliminarily identifying hard and easy regions of the feature space. This possibility opens interesting theoretical and pragmatic scenarios, including the analysis of the classification error and the implementation of robust classification systems. A first group of experiments has been performed on synthetic datasets, devised to separately highlight specific and recurrent problems often found in real-world domains. In particular, the focus has been on class boundaries, noise, and density of samples. A second group of experiments, performed on selected real-world datasets, confirm the validity of the proposed method. The ultimate goal of our research is to devise a method for estimating the classification difficulty of a dataset. The proposed method makes a significant step in this direction, as it is able to partition a given dataset according to the inherent complexity of the samples contained therein.
A STRUCTURE THEOREM FOR THE SPACE $({G}^{\alpha}_{\alpha})^{\prime}$
Authors: DHUNGANA BISHNU PRASAD
Published: March 2013

For α, β ≥ 1. The space [Formula: see text] is the dual space of [Formula: see text] introduced by Duran in [Laguerre expansions of Gelfand–Shilov spaces, J. Approx. Theory74 (1993)]. We give a structure for the space [Formula: see text], α ≥ 1 as follows: [Formula: see text] if and only if there exist a sequence {bm} ⊂ (0, ∞) and a continuous bounded function f on (0, ∞) such that for every d > 0 there exists a constant C > 0 satisfying [Formula: see text].
TRANSSHIPMENTS IN HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTS: COOPERATIVE VERSUS NONCOOPERATIVE QUALITY CONTROL GAME
Authors: KOGAN KONSTANTIN , SHERILL-ROFE DANA
Published: March 2013

We address quality control of products undergoing multiple transshipment stages handled by different parties. Depending on the transportation modes, the stages may expose the products to hostile environments, such as extreme temperatures, which could influence quality. We incorporate the effect of quality on demand with the Neyman–Pearson statistical framework to study the effect of intra-competition between supply chain parties on inspection policies and thereby product quality. Specifically, we compare these policies with that of a centralized supply chain, where a single decision maker chooses the optimal inspection policies for all stages. We find that in terms of inspection policy, a party with the higher probability of nonconformance tends to inspect less under competition compared to the system-wide optimal inspection policy. Conversely, the other party may inspect more than under the system-wide optimal policy. We determine when intra-competition impacts conformance quality so that regulations are of particular importance for protecting consumers.
THE SHAPLEY-SOLIDARITY VALUE FOR GAMES WITH A COALITION STRUCTURE
Authors: CALVO EMILIO , GUTIÉRREZ ESTHER
Published: March 2013

A value for games with a coalition structure is introduced, where the rules guiding cooperation among the members of the same coalition are different from the interaction rules among coalitions. In particular, players inside a coalition exhibit a greater degree of solidarity than they are willing to use with players outside their coalition. The Shapley value is therefore used to compute the aggregate payoffs for the coalitions, and the solidarity value to obtain the payoffs for the players inside each coalition.
COALITIONAL BELIEFS IN COURNOT OLIGOPOLY TU GAMES
Authors: LEKEAS PARASKEVAS V.
Published: March 2013

In cooperative games, due to computational complexity issues, deviant agents are not able to base their behavior on the outsiders' status but have to follow certain beliefs as to how it is in their strategic interest to act. This behavior constitutes the main interest of this paper. To this end, we quantify and characterize the set of coalitional beliefs that support cooperation of such agents. Assuming that they are engaged in a differentiated Cournot competition, for every belief of the deviants we define a TU-game, the solution to which characterizes the set of coalitional beliefs that support core nonemptiness. For this we fix the number of coalitions that deviants S will face to, say, j in number and introduce the notion of j-belief of S as the least number of coalitions into which the outsiders N\S will reorganize. We then define for every j-belief a TU-game and the j-belief core of it. We prove that the worth of S is minimized when the n – s agents split approximately equally among the j coalitions, while the worth of S is maximized when j – 1 agents have one member and one coalition has n – s – (j – 1) members. Given the above, we prove that when goods are substitutes, the j-belief core is nonempty, provided that S believe the N\S will form a sufficiently large number of coalitions, while when goods are complements, the j-belief core is nonempty irrespective of the beliefs of the agents in S. Finally, in the case of homogeneous goods we prove that the j-belief core is nonempty and depends only on the number of the outsider coalitions and not on their size.
THE FERMI–WALKER DERIVATIVE IN LIE GROUPS
Authors: KARAKUŞ FATMA , YAYLI YUSUF
Published: March 2013

In this study, Fermi–Walker derivative, Fermi–Walker parallelism, non-rotating frame, Fermi–Walker termed Darboux vector concepts are given for Lie groups in E4. First, we get any Frénet curve and any vector field along the Frénet curve in a Lie group. Then, the Fermi–Walker derivative is defined for the Lie group. Fermi–Walker derivative and Fermi–Walker parallelism are analyzed in Lie groups. Finally, the necessary conditions for Fermi–Walker parallelism are explained.
DIRAC EQUATION IN NON-RIEMANNIAN GEOMETRIES
Authors: FORMIGA J. B. , ROMERO C.
Published: March 2013

We present the Dirac equation in a geometry with torsion and non-metricity balancing generality and simplicity as much as possible. In doing so, we use the vielbein formalism and the Clifford algebra. We also use an index-free formalism which allows us to construct objects that are totally invariant. It turns out that the previous apparatuses not only make possible a simple deduction of the Dirac equation but also allow us to exhibit some details that is generally obscure in the literature.
PARAMETER SPACE FOR THERMAL SPIN-TRANSFER TORQUE
Authors: LEUTENANTSMEYER J. C. , WALTER M. , ZBARSKY V. , MÜNZENBERG M. , GAREEV R. , ROTT K. , THOMAS A. , REISS G. , PERETZKI P. , SCHUHMANN H. , SEIBT M. , CZERNER M. , HEILIGER C.
Published: March 2013

Thermal spin-transfer torque describes the manipulation of the magnetization by the application of a heat flow. The effect has been calculated theoretically by Jia et al. in 2011. It is found to require large temperature gradients in the order of Kelvins across an ultra thin MgO barrier. In this paper, we present results on the fabrication and the characterization of magnetic tunnel junctions with three monolayer thin MgO barriers. The quality of the interfaces at different growth conditions is studied quantitatively via high-resolution transmission electron microscopy imaging. We demonstrate tunneling magnetoresistance ratios of up to 55% to 64% for 3 to 4 monolayer barrier thickness. Magnetic tunnel junctions with perpendicular magnetization anisotropy show spin-transfer torque switching with a critical current of 0.2 MA/cm2. The thermally generated torque is calculated ab initio using the Korringa–Kohn–Rostoker and nonequilibrium Green's function method. Temperature gradients generated from femtosecond laser pulses were simulated using COMSOL, revealing gradients of 20 K enabling thermal spin-transfer-torque switching.
STM STUDIES OF ISOLATED Mn12-Ph SINGLE-MOLECULE MAGNETS
Authors: REAVES K. , KIM K. , IWAYA K. , HITOSUGI T. , KATZGRABER H. G. , ZHAO H. , DUNBAR K. R. , TEIZER W.
Published: March 2013

We have studied Mn12O12(C6H5COO)16(H2O)4 (Mn12-Ph) single-molecule magnets on highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) using low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (LT-STM) experiments. We report Mn12-Ph in isolation, resembling single molecules with metallic core atoms and organic outer ligands. The local tunneling current observed within the molecular structure shows a strong bias voltage dependency, which is distinct from that of the HOPG surface. Furthermore, evidence of internal inhomogeneity in the local density of states has been observed with high spatial resolution, and this inhomogeneity appears to be due to localized metallic behavior. These results facilitate magneto-metric studies of single-molecule magnets in isolation. As compared to bulk crystal studies, our experiments allow the specific investigation of atomic sites in the molecule.
The Variable Angle Hip Fracture Nail Relative to the Gamma 3: A Finite Element Analysis Illustrating the Same Stiffness and Fatigue Characteristics
Authors: Matityahu Amir , Schmidt Andrew H. , Grantz Alan , Clawson Ben , Marmor Meir , McClellan R. Trigg
Published: March 2013

Ten percent of the 250,000 proximal femur fractures that occur in the United States each year are malreduced into a varus position after treatment. Currently, there is no cephalomedullary nail available that allows the physician to dynamically change the lag-screw-to-nail angle. The Variable Angle Nail (VAN) was designed to allow movement of the lag screw relative to the shaft of the nail. This study compared the characteristics of the VAN to the Gamma 3 nail via finite element analysis (FEA) in stiffness and fatigue. The results of the FEA model with the same loading parameters showed the Gamma 3 and the VAN with lag-screw-to-nail angle of 120° to have essentially the same stiffness values ranging from 350 to 382 N/mm. The VAN with lag-screw-to-nail angles of 120°, 130°, and 140° should be able to withstand more than 1,000,000 cycles from 1,400 N to 1,500 N loading of the tip of the lag screw. The Gamma 3 should be able to last more than 1,000,000 cycles at 1,400 N. In summary, the VAN is superior or equivalent in stiffness and fatigue when compared to the Gamma 3 using FEA.
Numerical Study of Magnetoacoustic Signal Generation with Magnetic Induction Based on Inhomogeneous Conductivity Anisotropy
Authors: Li Xun , Hu Sanqing , Li Lihua , Zhu Shanan
Published: March 2013

Magnetoacoustic tomography with magnetic induction (MAT-MI) is a noninvasive imaging modality for generating electrical conductivity images of biological tissues with high spatial resolution. In this paper, we create a numerical model, including a permanent magnet, a coil, and a two-layer coaxial cylinder with anisotropic electrical conductivities, for the MAT-MI forward problem. We analyze the MAT-MI sources in two cases, on a thin conductive boundary layer and in a homogeneous medium, and then develop a feasible numerical approach to solve the MAT-MI sound source densities in the anisotropic conductive model based on finite element analysis of electromagnetic field. Using the numerical finite element method, we then investigate the magnetoacoustic effect of anisotropic conductivity under the inhomogeneous static magnetic field and inhomogeneous magnetic field, quantitatively compute the boundary source densities in the conductive model, and calculate the sound pressure. The anisotropic conductivity contributes to the distribution of the eddy current density, Lorentz force density, and acoustic signal. The proposed models and approaches provide a more realistic simulation environment for MAT-MI.
Soft Rough Approximation Operators and Related Results
Authors: Li Zhaowen , Qin Bin , Cai Zhangyong
Published: March 2013

Soft set theory is a newly emerging tool to deal with uncertain problems. Based on soft sets, soft rough approximation operators are introduced, and soft rough sets are defined by using soft rough approximation operators. Soft rough sets, which could provide a better approximation than rough sets do, can be seen as a generalized rough set model. This paper is devoted to investigating soft rough approximation operations and relationships among soft sets, soft rough sets, and topologies. We consider four pairs of soft rough approximation operators and give their properties. Four sorts of soft rough sets are investigated, and their related properties are given. We show that Pawlak's rough set model can be viewed as a special case of soft rough sets, obtain the structure of soft rough sets, give the structure of topologies induced by a soft set, and reveal that every topological space on the initial universe is a soft approximating space.
Characterizations of Nonlinear Lie Derivations ofB(X)
Authors: Huo Donghua , Zheng Baodong , Liu Hongyu
Published: March 2013

LetXbe an infinite dimensional Banach space, andΦ:B(X)→B(X)is a nonlinear Lie derivation. Then Φ is the formδ+τwhereδis an additive derivation ofB(X)andτis a map fromB(X)into its centerZB(X), which maps commutators into the zero.
Improved Antireflection Properties of an Optical Film Surface with Mixing Conical Subwavelength Structures
Authors: Chen Chi-Feng , Cheng Yu-Cheng , Ting Chia-Jen
Published: March 2013

Based on finite difference time domain method, an optical film surface with mixing conical subwavelength structures is numerically investigated to improve antireflection property. The mixing conical subwavelength structure is combined with the pure periodic conical subwavelength structures and the added small conical structures in the gap between the pure periodic conical subwavelength structures. The antireflection properties of two types of subwavelength structures with different aspect ratios in spectral range of 400–800 nm are analyzed and compared. It is shown that, for the mixing type, the average reflectance is decreased and the variances of the reflectance are evidently smaller. When the added structure with a better aspect ratio exists, the average reflectance of the surface can be below 0.30%. Obviously, the antireflection properties of the optical film surface with mixing conical subwavelength structures can be improved.
Comparison Study on Linear Interpolation and Cubic B-Spline Interpolation Proper Orthogonal Decomposition Methods
Authors: Wang Xiaolong , Wang Yi , Cao Zhizhu , Zou Weizhong , Wang Liping , Yu Guojun , Yu Bo , Zhang Jinjun
Published: March 2013

In general, proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) method is used to deal with single-parameter problems in engineering practice, and the linear interpolation is employed to establish the reduced model. Recently, this method is extended to solve the double-parameter problems with the amplitudes being achieved by cubic B-spline interpolation. In this paper, the accuracy of reduced models, which are established with linear interpolation and cubic B-spline interpolation, respectively, is verified via two typical examples. Both results of the two methods are satisfying, and the results of cubic B-spline interpolation are more accurate than those of linear interpolation. The results are meaningful for guiding the application of the POD interpolation to complex multiparameter problems.
Role of GLP-1 in the Hypoglycemic Effects of Wild Bitter Gourd
Authors: Huang Ting-ni , Lu Kan-Ni , Pai Yi-Ping , Chin Hsu  , Huang Ching-jang
Published: March 2013

This study aimed to examine the role of GLP-1 in the hypoglycemic activity of wild bitter gourd (Momordica charantiaL., BG). In vitro, the GLP-1 secretion in STC-1, a murine enteroendocrine cell line, was dose dependently stimulated by water extract (WE), its fractions (WEL, >3 kD and WES, <3 kD), and a bitter compounds-rich fraction of BG. These stimulations were partially inhibited by probenecid, a bitter taste receptor inhibitor, and by U-73122, a phospholipase Cβ2 inhibitor. These results suggested that the stimulation might involve, at least in part, certain bitter taste receptors and/or PLCβ2-signaling pathway. Two cucurbitane triterpenoids isolated from BG, 19-nor-cucurbita-5(10),6,8,22-(E),24-pentaen-3β-ol, and 5β,19-epoxycucurbita-6,24-diene-3β,23ξ-diol (karavilagenine E,) showed relative high efficacy in the stimulation. In vivo, mice fed BG diet showed higher insulinogenic index in an oral glucose tolerance test. A single oral dose of WE or WES pretreatment significantly improved intraperitoneal glucose tolerance. A single oral dose of WES significantly decreased glucose and increased insulin and GLP-1 in serum after 30 min. This acute hypoglycemic effect of WES was abolished by pretreatment with exendin-9, a GLP-1 receptor antagonist. Our data provide evidence that BG stimulates GLP-1 secretion which contributes, at least in part, to the antidiabetic activity of BG through an incretin effect.