bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Traumatic coagulopathy‐Part 1: Pathophysiology and diagnosis
Authors: Palmer Lee , Martin Linda
Published: December 2013

Objective

To review the current literature in reference to the pathophysiology and diagnostic modalities available for acute traumatic coagulopathy (ATC) in relationship to traumatic hemorrhagic shock.

Etiology

Posttraumatic hemorrhage is responsible for one of the leading causes of preventable human deaths worldwide. Acute traumatic coagulopathy is an endogenous hypocoagulable condition that has been observed during the immediate (< 1 hour) posttraumatic period. Phenotypically, ATC manifests as a state of systemic hypocoagulability and hyperfibrinolysis. Although different functional mechanisms have been proposed for causing ATC, it is universally thought to be a manifestation of severe tissue injury, shock‐induced hypoperfusion, systemic inflammation, and endothelial damage. Excessive activation of the thrombin‐thrombomodulin activated Protein C pathway, catecholamine‐induced endothelial damage as well as disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) with a fibrinolytic phenotype are all hypotheses that have been proposed in attempts to explain the functional mechanism of ATC.

Diagnosis

An accurate and reliable test remains to be validated for ATC. Traditional coagulation assays (activated partial thromboplastin times and prothrombin times) along with platelet count and fibrinogen concentrations have been used more commonly. Viscoelastic tests (thromboelastography and rotational thromboelastometry) are currently being investigated as a more predictive modality for identifying and guiding therapy for ATC.

Therapy

Damage control resuscitation and hemostatic resuscitation are gaining favor as the optimal resuscitative strategies for hemorrhagic shock and ATC. Antifibrinolytics may also play a role when hyperfibrinolysis is present.

Prognosis

Massive hemorrhage accounts for 30–56% of prehospital posttraumatic deaths in people, with coagulopathic hemorrhage remaining one of the major causes of preventable deaths within the first 24 hours posttrauma. Ten to twenty‐five percent of human trauma patients experience ATC, which has been shown to prolong hemorrhage, deter resuscitative efforts, promote sepsis, and increase mortality by at least 4‐fold. Prognosis in veterinary patients is not currently known.
Antibodies to the HLA‐A2 antigen prime neutrophils and serve as the second event in an in vitro model of transfusion‐related acute lung injury
Authors: Silliman C. C. , Bercovitz R. S. , Khan S. Y. , Kelher M. R. , LaSarre M. , Land K. J. , Sowemimo‐Coker S.
Published: December 2013

Background

Transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) is the most common cause of transfusion‐related mortality and has been linked to the infusion of donor antibodies directed against recipient HLA class I antigens. We hypothesize that antibodies against HLA class I antigens bind to the antigens on the neutrophil (PMN) surface and induce priming and PMN cytotoxicity as the second event in a two‐event in vitro model of PMN‐mediated cytotoxicity.

Methods

Isolated PMNs from HLA‐A2 homozygotes, heterozygotes and null donors were incubated with a monoclonal antibody to HLA‐A2 and a human polyclonal IgG to HLA‐A2 and priming of the oxidase was measured. The monoclonal antibodies and PMNs from these three groups were then used in a two‐event model of PMN cytotoxicity.

Results

The antibodies to HLA‐A2 both primed PMNs from HLA‐A2 homozygotes but not from heterozygotes or nulls. Antibodies to HLA‐A2 also served as the second event in a two‐event model to induce PMN cytotoxicity of HLA‐A2 homozygous PMNs.

Conclusion

Antibodies to HLA class I antigens may directly prime/activate PMNs through the ligation of the antigen on the cell surface, and the antigen density appears to be important for these changes in PMN physiology.
Seed germination response to temperature for a range of international populations of Conyza canadensis
Authors: Tozzi E , Beckie H , Weiss R , Gonzalez‐Andujar J L , Storkey J , Cici S Z H , van Acker R C
Published: December 2013

Conyza canadensis is a surface‐germinating ruderal facultative winter annual with recruitment that is highly susceptible to changes in microsite conditions. A key adaptive characteristic for a facultative winter annual species, like C. canadensis, is germination response to temperature. The objective of this study was to determine the germination response to temperature for C. canadensis seed sourced from regions around the world with differing climates and, by doing so, gain insight into the role that seed germination biology plays in the adaptiveness and weediness of facultative winter annual weeds. Seed was sourced from populations in Málaga, Spain, Hertfordshire, UK, Shiraz, Iran and southern Ontario, Canada, and grown out in a common garden under controlled conditions to produce seed for this study. These seeds were then subjected to temperatures from 6.5 to 20°C at 1.5°C increments using a thermogradient plate. Cumulative daily germination counts for 30 days were recorded. Results indicated that temperature and source location had a significant effect on germination response. Estimated base germination temperature ranges were significantly different among the populations [Ontario (8–9.5°C), Iran (9.5–11°C), Spain (12.5–14°C), UK (11–12.5°C)], as were accumulated growing degree days (GDDs; d°C) required to reach 50% germination. For three of the four populations, estimated base germination temperature range values were below those previously reported in the literature. These differences are most likely rapid evolutionary adaptations to local climate and highlight the potential C. canadensis has to be problematic as a native and invasive species.
First Isolation of a Rabid Bat Infected with European Bat Lyssavirus in Luxembourg
Authors: Servat A. , Herr J. , Picard‐Meyer E. , Schley L. , Harbusch C. , Michaux C. , Pir J. , Robardet E. , Engel E. , Cliquet F.
Published: December 2013

Rabid bats are regularly reported in Europe, especially in countries that have implemented a bat surveillance network. In May 2013, bat rabies was evidenced for the first time in Luxembourg (southern city of Differdange). The rabies virus, an EBLV‐1b strain, was diagnosed in a serotine bat that bit a 29‐year‐old male person while he was asleep. The man received rapidly a post‐exposure RABV treatment and was put under strict medical supervision.
Self-forming Al oxide barrier for nanoscale Cu interconnects created by hybrid atomic layer deposition of Cu–Al alloy
Authors: Park Jae-Hyung , Han Dong-Suk , Kang You-Jin , Shin So-Ra , Park Jong-Wan
Published: December 2013

The authors synthesized a Cu–Al alloy by employing alternating atomic layer deposition (ALD) surface reactions using Cu and Al precursors, respectively. By alternating between these two ALD surface chemistries, the authors fabricated ALD Cu–Al alloy. Cu was deposited using bis(1-dimethylamino-2-methyl-2-butoxy) copper as a precursor and H2 plasma, while Al was deposited using trimethylaluminum as the precursor and H2 plasma. The Al atomic percent in the Cu–Al alloy films varied from 0 to 15.6 at. %. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that a uniform Al-based interlayer self-formed at the interface after annealing. To evaluate the barrier properties of the Al-based interlayer and adhesion between the Cu–Al alloy film and SiO2 dielectric, thermal stability and peel-off adhesion tests were performed, respectively. The Al-based interlayer showed similar thermal stability and adhesion to the reference Mn-based interlayer. Our results indicate that Cu–Al alloys formed by alternating ALD are suitable seed layer materials for Cu interconnects.
Highly transparent low capacitance plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition Al2O3-HfO2 tunnel junction engineering
Authors: El Hajjam Khalil , Baboux Nicolas , Calmon Francis , Souifi Abdelkader , Poncelet Olivier , Francis Laurent A. , Ecoffey Serge , Drouin Dominique
Published: December 2013

The development of metallic single electron transistor (SET) depends on the downscaling and the electrical properties of its tunnel junctions. These tunnel junctions should insure high tunnel current levels, low thermionic current, and low capacitance. The authors use atomic layer deposition to fabricate Al2O3 and HfO2 thin layers. Tunnel barrier engineering allows the achievement of low capacitance Al2O3 and HfO2 tunnel junctions using optimized annealing and plasma exposure conditions. Different stacks were designed and fabricated to increase the transparency of the tunnel junction while minimizing thermionic current. This tunnel junction is meant to be integrated in SET to enhance its electrical properties (e.g., operating temperature, ION/IOFF ratio).
Phenomenology and Adapted Physical Activity: Philosophy and Professional Practice
Authors: Standal Øyvind F.
Published: December 2013

Through the increased use of qualitative research methods, the term phenomenology has become a quite familiar notion for researchers in adapted physical activity (APA). In contrast to this increasing interest in phenomenology as methodology, relatively little work has focused on phenomenology as philosophy or as an approach to professional practice. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to examine the relevance of phenomenology as philosophy and as pedagogy to the field of APA. First, phenomenology as philosophy is introduced through three key notions, namely the first-person perspective, embodiment, and life-world. The relevance of these terms to APA is then outlined. Second, the concept of phenomenological pedagogy is introduced, and its application and potential for APA are discussed. In conclusion, it is argued that phenomenology can help theorize ways of understanding human difference in movement contexts and form a basis of action-oriented research aiming at developing professional practice.
Perceptions of a Disability Sport Unit in General Physical Education
Authors: Grenier Michelle , Collins Karen , Wright Steven , Kearns Catherine
Published: December 2013

The purpose of this qualitative study was to assess the effectiveness of a disability sport unit in shaping perceptions of disability. Data from interviews, observations, and documents were collected on 87 elementary-aged students, one physical education teacher, and one teaching intern. Comparisons were drawn between fifth graders engaged in a five-week disability sport unit to fourth graders participating in their standard physical education curriculum. Findings revealed differences in the way fourth and fifth graders came to view individuals with disabilities. The results support an analysis of curriculum development that underscores the significance of the social model in positively impacting constructions of disability. Recommendations include the use of disability sports in physical education as an effective strategy for educating students in game play, knowledge of the Paralympics, and the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in a variety of sporting venues.
SEARCH-BASED AUTOMATIC CODE GENERATION FOR MULTIPRECISION MODULAR EXPONENTIATION ON MULTIPLE GENERATIONS OF GPU
Authors: EMMART NIALL , WEEMS CHARLES
Published: December 2013

Multiprecision modular exponentiation has a variety of uses, including cryptography, prime testing and computational number theory. It is also a very costly operation to compute. GPU parallelism can be used to accelerate these computations, but to use the GPU efficiently, a problem must involve many simultaneous exponentiation operations. Handling a large number of TLS/SSL encrypted sessions in a data center is an important problem that fits this profile. We are developing a framework that enables generation of highly efficient implementations of exponentiation operations for different NVIDIA GPU architectures and problem instances. One of the challenges in generating such code is that NVIDIA's PTX is not a true assembly language, but is instead a virtual instruction set that is compiled and optimized in different ways for different generations of GPU hardware. Thus, the same PTX code runs with different levels of efficiency on different machines. And as the precision of the computations changes, each architecture has its own break-even points where a different algorithm or parallelization strategy must be employed. To make the code efficient for a given problem instance and architecture thus requires searching a multidimensional space of algorithms and configurations, by generating PTX code for each combination, executing it, validating the numerical result, and evaluating its performance. Our framework automates much of this process, and produces exponentiation code that is up to six times faster than the best known hand-coded implementations for the NVIDIA GTX 580. Our goal for the framework is to enable users to relatively quickly find the best configuration for each new GPU architecture. However, in migrating to the GTX 680, which has three times as many cores as the GTX 580, we found that the best performance our system could achieve was significantly less than for the GTX 580. The decrease was traced to a radical shift in the NVIDIA architecture that greatly reduces the storage resources for each core. Further analysis and feasibility simulations indicate that it should be possible, through changes in our code generators to adapt for different storage models, to take greater advantage of the parallelism on the GTX 680. That will add a new dimension to our search space, but will also give our framework greater flexibility for dealing with future architectures.
A SURVEY OF CHECKPOINT/RESTART TECHNIQUES ON DISTRIBUTED MEMORY SYSTEMS
Authors: SHAHZAD FAISAL , WITTMANN MARKUS , KREUTZER MORITZ , ZEISER THOMAS , HAGER GEORG , WELLEIN GERHARD
Published: December 2013

The road to exascale computing poses many challenges for the High Performance Computing (HPC) community. Each step on the exascale path is mainly the result of a higher level of parallelism of the basic building blocks (i.e., CPUs, memory units, networking components, etc.). The reliability of each of these basic components does not increase at the same rate as the rate of hardware parallelism. This results in a reduction of the mean time to failure (MTTF) of the whole system. A fault tolerance environment is thus indispensable to run large applications on such clusters. Checkpoint/Restart (C/R) is the classic and most popular method to minimize failure damage. Its ease of implementation makes it useful, but typically it introduces significant overhead to the application. Several efforts have been made to reduce the C/R overhead. In this paper we compare various C/R techniques for their overheads by implementing them on two different categories of applications. These approaches are based on parallel-file-system (PFS)-level checkpoints (synchronous/asynchronous) and node-level checkpoints. We utilize the Scalable Checkpoint/Restart (SCR) library for the comparison of node-level checkpoints. For asynchronous PFS-level checkpoints, we use the Damaris library, the SCR asynchronous feature, and application-based checkpointing via dedicated threads. Our baseline for overhead comparison is the naïve application-based synchronous PFS-level checkpointing method. A 3D lattice-Boltzmann (LBM) flow solver and a Lanczos eigenvalue solver are used as prototypical applications in which all the techniques considered here may be applied.
ASSOCIATIVE NIL-ALGEBRAS OVER FINITE FIELDS
Authors: LOPATIN ARTEM A. , SHESTAKOV IVAN P.
Published: December 2013

We study the nilpotency degree of a relatively free finitely generated associative algebra with the identity xn = 0 over a finite field 𝔽 with q elements. In the case of q ≥ n the nilpotency degree is proven to be the same as in the case of an infinite field of the same characteristic. In the case of q = n - 1 it is shown that the nilpotency degree differs from the nilpotency degree for an infinite field of the same characteristic by at most one. The nilpotency degree is explicitly computed for n = 3.
THE LARGE-MATURITY SMILE FOR THE SABR AND CEV-HESTON MODELS
Authors: FORDE MARTIN , POGUDIN ANDREY
Published: December 2013

Large-time asymptotics are established for the SABR model with β = 1, ρ ≤ 0 and β < 1, ρ = 0. We also compute large-time asymptotics for the constant elasticity of variance (CEV) model in the large-time, fixed-strike regime and a new large-time, large-strike regime, and for the uncorrelated CEV-Heston model. Finally, we translate these results into a large-time estimates for implied volatility using the recent work of Gao and Lee (2011) and Tehranchi (2009).
Ultrafilters in reverse mathematics
Authors: Towsner Henry
Published: December 2013

We extend theories of reverse mathematics by a non-principal ultrafilter, and show that these are conservative extensions of the usual theories ACA0, ATR0, and [Formula: see text].
Normal form method for large/small amplitude instability criterion with application to wheelset lateral stability
Authors: Dong H. , Zeng J.
Published: December 2013

Subcritical and supercritical bifurcations are two typical behaviors that exist in high speed railway vehicles. In the presence of instability, the former and the latter behaviors may lead to large amplitude oscillation and small amplitude swaying, respectively. The normal form (NF) method of Hopf bifurcation provides a way to study the supercritical and subcritical bifurcation. The wheelset is a key component in the vehicle system and it plays an important role in vehicle lateral stability. To study the lateral stability problems, three wheelset models are considered, which involve the NF theory. This method is an algebraic approach as opposed to the integration approach. Like the sign of Re (λ) that determines the stability of linear system, the sign of Re c1(0) determines the two bifurcation modes, meaning that Re c1(0) > 0 for supercritical bifurcation and Re c1(0) < 0 for subcritical bifurcation. Furthermore, if the ordinary differential equation (ODE) is local linear near the equilibrium position, it leads to the condition of Re c1(0) = 0, resulting in the jumping phenomenon. Besides, the expression of the 1/2-order approximation of limit cycle can be further obtained.
THE MULTIPLICATIVE NOISE COMPONENTS OF ISOMETRIC FORCE FLUCTUATIONS
Authors: STITT JOSEPH P. , NEWELL KARL M.
Published: December 2013

The experiment tested the relative contribution of additive and multiplicative noise components in isometric force fluctuations. We implemented the Hilbert–Huang transform to analyze variability in the steady state region of isometric force time series generated by participants in three adult age categories: (1) young (20–24 yrs); (2) old (60–69 yrs); and older-old (75–90 yrs). Each participant generated isometric force output in response to constant target force levels (5–40% maximum voluntary contraction). The empirical mode decomposition component of the Hilbert–Huang transform was applied to each isometric force time series resulting in a set of intrinsic mode functions (IMFS). The amplitude modulation envelopes of the IMFS obtained from the modulus of the Hilbert transform were random sequences. These random sequences were the source of the multiplicative noise. Analyses showed significant age group differences in the multiplicative noise structure of the force output. The results provide preliminary evidence that multiplicative noise dominates additive noise in isometric force output and can discriminate among the force fluctuations of healthy adult participants of different ages.
AN INCLUSION OF ARBITRARY SHAPE IN AN INFINITE OR SEMI-INFINITE ISOTROPIC MULTILAYERED PLATE
Authors: WANG XU , ZHOU KUN
Published: December 2013

This paper proposes a simple method based on analytical continuation and conformal mapping to obtain an analytic solution for a two-dimensional arbitrarily shaped Eshelby inclusion with uniform main plane eigenstrains and eigencurvatures in an infinite or semi-infinite isotropic laminated plate. The main plane of the plate is chosen in such a way that the in-plane displacements and out-of-plane deflection on the main plane are decoupled in the equilibrium equations. Consequently, the complex potential formalism for the isotropic laminate can be readily and elegantly established. One remarkable feature of the present method is that simple elementary expressions can be obtained for the internal elastic field within the inclusion of any shape in an infinite laminated plate. Several examples are presented to illustrate the general method.
DUAL PHASE LAG HEAT CONDUCTION IN FUNCTIONALLY GRADED HOLLOW SPHERES
Authors: AKBARZADEH A. H. , CHEN Z. T.
Published: December 2013

In the present work, the dual phase lag heat conduction in functionally graded hollow spheres is investigated under spherically symmetric and axisymmetric thermal loading. The heat conduction equation is given based on the dual phase lag theory to consider the details of energy transport in the material in comparison with the non-Fourier hyperbolic heat conduction. All the material properties of the sphere are taken to vary continuously along the radial direction following a power-law with arbitrary non-homogeneity indices except the phase lags which are assumed to be constant for simplicity. The specified spherically symmetric and axisymmetric boundary conditions of the sphere lead to a 1D and 2D heat conduction problem, respectively. Employing the Laplace transform to eliminate the time dependency of the problem, analytical solutions are obtained for the temperature and heat flux. The final results in the time domain are obtained by a numerical Laplace inversion method. The speed of thermal wave in the functionally graded sphere based on the dual phase lag is compared with that of the hyperbolic heat conduction. Furthermore, the numerical results are shown to clarify the effects of phase lags and non-homogeneity indices on the thermal response. The current results are verified with those reported in the literature.
BUCKLING OF DEFECTIVE CARBON NANOTUBES UNDER AXIAL AND TRANSVERSE LOADS
Authors: ZIAEE S.
Published: December 2013

Elastic buckling of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with di-, triple- and pinhole vacancy defects under the transverse and axial compression loading is investigated based on molecular structural mechanics. In this research, the effects of length, radius, loading ratio, and the position of vacancy defect on the buckling behavior of armchair and zigzag single-walled carbon nanotubes are studied. It is found that the position of pinhole-vacancy has a significant effect on the percent of the reduction of the critical buckling force. It is also seen, that the effect of loading kind on the critical buckling forces loses its importance if the length of carbon nanotube (CNT) increases.
SIMULTANEOUS EFFECTS OF DISSIPATIVE HEATING AND PARTIAL SLIP ON PERISTALTIC TRANSPORT OF SISKO FLUID IN ASYMMETRIC CHANNEL
Authors: MEHMOOD OBAID ULLAH , MUSTAPHA NORZIEHA , SHAFIE SHARIDAN , FETECAU CONSTANTIN
Published: December 2013

This paper looks at the dissipative heat transfer on the peristaltic flow of a Sisko fluid in an asymmetric channel. Flow exhibits slip at the channel walls maintained at nonuniform temperatures. Long wavelength approximation is utilized and perturbation solutions are obtained about Sisko fluid parameter. Closed form solutions for the stream function, axial pressure gradient, axial velocity, temperature and the heat transfer coefficient are presented. Influences of various interesting parameters are presented in graphical and tabular forms. Pumping and trapping phenomena are discussed for increasing velocity slip parameter. A comparative study on temperature and heat transfer coefficient for viscous, shear thinning and shear thickening fluids has been presented. Comparisons for viscous fluid are found in good agreement.
Payload Drop Application Using an Unmanned Quadrotor Helicopter Based on Gain-Scheduled PID and Model Predictive Control
Authors: Sadeghzadeh Iman , Abdolhosseini Mahyar , Zhang Youmin
Published: December 2013

Two useful control techniques are investigated and applied experimentally to an unmanned quadrotor helicopter for a practical and important scenario of using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for dropping a payload in circumstances where search and rescue and delivery of supplies and goods is dangerous and difficult to reach environments such as forest or high building fires fighting, rescue in earthquake, flood and nuclear disaster situations. The two considered control techniques for such applications are the Gain-Scheduled Proportional-Integral-Derivative (GS-PID) control and the Model Predictive Control (MPC). Both the model-free (GS-PID) and model-based (MPC) algorithms show a very promising performance with application to taking-off, height holding, payload dropping, and landing periods in a payload dropping mission. Finally, both algorithms are successfully implemented on an unmanned quadrotor helicopter testbed (known as Qball-X4) available at the Networked Autonomous Vehicles Lab (NAVL) of Concordia University for payload dropping tests to illustrate the effectiveness and performance comparison of the two control techniques.
Triceps Innervation Pattern: Implications for Triceps Nerve to Deltoid Nerve Transfer
Authors: Al-Meshal Obaid , Gilbert Alain
Published: December 2013

There are multiple nerve branches supplying the triceps. Traditionally, the nerve to the long head of triceps is utilized for nerve transfer to neurotize the deltoid muscle in patients with brachial plexus injuries. However, no anatomical studies were done to investigate which triceps nerve would be preferred for nerve transfer. This anatomical study was carried out to describe the innervation pattern of the triceps muscle to investigate the preferred triceps nerve for nerve transfer. Twenty-five cadaveric arms were dissected. The long head of the triceps received a single branch in 23 cases (92%) and double branches in 2 cases (8%) only. The medial head had a single branch in 22 cases (88%) and double branches in 3 cases (12%). The lateral head was the most bulky one and received more than one branch in all cases (100%), ranging from 2 to 5 branches. The transfer of the most proximal branch to the lateral head of the triceps seems to be the most preferred choice for deltoid muscle innervation.
Standardization of Laparoscopic Pelvic Examination: A Proposal of a Novel System
Authors: Bedaiwy Mohamed A. , Pope Rachel , Henry Drisana , Zanotti Kristin , Mahajan Sangeeta , Hurd William , Falcone Tommaso , Liu James
Published: December 2013

Objective. Laparoscopic pelvic assessment is often performed in a nonstandardized fashion depending on the surgeon’s discretion. Reporting anatomic findings is inconsistent and lesions in atypical locations may be missed. We propose a method for systematic pelvic assessment based on anatomical landmarks. Design. Retrospective analysis. Setting. Tertiary care academic medical center. Intervention. We applied this system to operative reports of 540 patients who underwent diagnostic or operative laparoscopy for unexplained infertility between 2006 and 2012. The pelvis was divided into 2 midline zones (zone I and II) and right and left lateral zones (zone III and IV). All reports were evaluated for the comprehensiveness of description with respect to normal findings or pathology for each zone. Results. Of 540 surgeries, all reports commented on the uterus, tubes, and ovaries (100%), but only 17% (n=93, 95% CI: 13.8–20.2) commented on the dome of the bladder and the anterior cul-de-sac. 24% (n=130, 95% CI: 20.4–27.6) commented on the posterior cul-de-sac, and 5% (n=29, 95% CI: 3.2–6.8) commented on the pelvic sidewall. Overall, 6% (n=34, 95% CI: 4–8) reported near complete documentation of the pelvic zones. Conclusion. Implementation of a systematic approach for laparoscopic pelvic examination will enhance the diagnostic accuracy and provide better communication between care providers. In the absence of pelvic pathology, we recommend a minimum of 6 photographs of the 6 pelvic zones.
Cellular Concrete Bricks with Recycled Expanded Polystyrene Aggregate
Authors: Hernández-Zaragoza Juan Bosco , López-Lara Teresa , Horta-Rangel Jaime , López-Cajún Carlos , Rojas-González Eduardo , García-Rodríguez F. J. , Adue Jorge
Published: December 2013

Cellular concrete bricks were obtained by using a lightweight mortar with recycled expanded polystyrene aggregate instead of sandy materials. After determining the block properties (absorption, compressive strength, and tensile stresses), it was found that this brick meets the requirements of the masonry standards used in Mexico. The obtained material is lighter than the commercial ones, which facilitates their rapid elaboration, quality control, and transportation. It is less permeable, which helps prevent moisture formation retaining its strength due to the greater adherence shown with dry polystyrene. It was more flexible, which makes it less vulnerable to cracking walls due to soil displacements. Furthermore, it is economical, because it uses recyclable material and has properties that prevent deterioration increasing its useful life. We recommend the use of the fully dry EP under a dry environment to obtain the best properties of brick.
Horizontal and Declined Squats in Healthy Individuals: A Study of Kinematic and Muscle Patterns
Authors: Dionisio Valdeci Carlos , Azevedo Bruna Maria Silva , Siqueira Daniela Abrahão
Published: December 2013

Squats are frequently incorporated in physiotherapy programmes and performed in different ways. Accordingly, muscle and kinematic patterns also differ. The objective was to compare the kinematics and EMG patterns of the major muscles of knee and ankle joints during different squat exercises on horizontal (HP) and 25° decline (DP) boards. Seventeen healthy individuals performed squats on HP and DP with bilateral support and restriction of trunk movements in the sagittal plane. The knee and ankle angular displacements in the sagittal plane and the EMG activities of the major muscles of the lower limb in four subphases of movement were recorded and analyzed. For the descending phase of the HP squats, the angular excursion, as well as the initial and final positions, was smaller for the knee (P<0.05) but larger for the ankle (P=0.01). For the ascending phase of the HP squats, the initial and final positions were larger for the ankle (P<0.02) and the final position was smaller for the knee (P=0.05). All muscles remained activated and showed similarity between the tasks (P>0.44), except for the tibialis anterior in both squat exercises (P<0.03). The HP and DP squats produced different kinematics (knee and ankle joints) but did not modify the EMG strategy for both movement phases.
Awareness and Utilization of Affordable Medicine Facility-Malaria among Caregivers of Under-Five Children in Ibadan North-West Local Government Area, Oyo State
Authors: Ajayi Ikeoluwapo O. , Soyannwo Tolulope , Akpa Onoja M.
Published: December 2013

Introduction. Distribution of Affordable Medicine Facility-malaria Artemisinin Combination Therapies (AMFm-ACTs) started in Nigeria in 2011, but its use at community level has not been documented. Methods. Four hundred seventy-eight caregivers whose under-five children had fever within two weeks prior to the survey were selected using cluster sampling technique. Information on sociodemographic characteristics, treatment seeking for malaria, and awareness and use of AMFm-ACTs was collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Result. More than half of the respondents (51.2%) bought AMFm-ACTs without prescription. Awareness of AMFm was low as only 9.1% has heard about the programme. Overall, 29.2% used AMFm-ACTs as their first line choice of antimalarial drug. On bivariate analysis age, group (25–34 years), public servants, respondents with tertiary education, respondents with high socioeconomic status, respondents with poor knowledge of symptoms of malaria, awareness of AMFm-ACTs, availability of AMFm-ACTs, and sources of drug were significantly associated with utilization of AMFm-ACTs (P<0.05). Logistic regression demonstrated that only people who were aware of AMFM-ACTs predicted its use (AOR: 0.073; CI: 0.032–0.166; P<0.001). Conclusion. Interventions which targeted at raising awareness of AMFm-ACTs among people at risk of malaria are advocated for implementation.
The Association between Yang-Deficient Constitution and Clinical Outcome of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy on People Living with HIV
Authors: Cen Yuwen , Leung Ross Ka-kit , Zhang Fuchun , Jia Weidong , Zhang Jiansheng , Tan Xinghua , Xu Feilong
Published: December 2013

Objective. To determine the association between Yang-Deficient Constitution and the clinical outcomes of HIV/AIDS patients who have initiated highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).Method. A total of 197 antiretroviral-naive adults who initiated HAART between 2009 and 2011 were recruited. The participants were asked to complete a questionnaire twice to assess their Yang-Deficient Constitution status before HAART. During the study, signs and symptoms and CD4 or CD8 T cell counts were recorded. Routine blood and biochemical tests were conducted. For the patients who were found to have infections, pathologic examination was performed. Statistical test of association of clinical attributes and demographic factors with Yang-Deficient Constitution was conducted.Result. Good test-retest reliability was observed for Yang-Deficient Constitution scoring. The median Yang-Deficient Constitution score of 142 eligible participants was 25. Female (score = 32.14,P<0.05), hepatotoxicity (32.14,P<0.1), nephrotoxicity (37.50,P<0.1), total number of adverse events (P<0.1), and mortality (39.29,P<0.05) were associated with Yang-Deficient Consitution, while annual changes or nadir values of CD4 or CD8 T lymphocytes, and newly acquired infections after starting HAART were not. Mortality was also associated with total number of adverse events (P<0.05), hepatotoxicity (P<0.05), and nephrotoxicity (P<0.05).Conclusion. Yang-Deficient Constitution score has a potential to be developed as a predictor for early HIV-related mortality and side effects. The interrelation and underlying mechanisms should be further investigated for evidence-based design of a more appropriate treatment strategy.
A Brief Review on Bioinspired ZnO Superhydrophobic Surfaces: Theory, Synthesis, and Applications
Authors: Wu Jun , Chen Jing , Xia Jun , Lei Wei , Wang Bao-ping
Published: December 2013

Due to the intensive demand in the development of superhydrophobic surfaces both in theory and application, superhydrophobic research on ZnO materials has exponentially grown over the last several years. One of the main advantages of the ZnO materials is the relative easiness to produce various surface morphologies, which is quite meaningful to study the influence of morphology on wetting property. The synthesis approaches of ZnO materials include thermal oxidization, hydrothermal method, chemical etching, spray coating technique, electrochemical method, and others. This review is a representation of the recent achievement on ZnO superhydrophobic surfaces.
Dynamics of Soil Water Evaporation during Soil Drying: Laboratory Experiment and Numerical Analysis
Authors: Han Jiangbo , Zhou Zhifang
Published: December 2013

Laboratory and numerical experiments were conducted to investigate the evolution of soil water evaporation during a continuous drying event. Simulated soil water contents and temperatures by the calibrated model well reproduced measured values at different depths. Results show that the evaporative drying process could be divided into three stages, beginning with a relatively high evaporation rate during stage 1, followed by a lower rate during transient stage and stage 2, and finally maintaining a very low and constant rate during stage 3. The condensation zone was located immediately below the evaporation zone in the profile. Both peaks of evaporation and condensation rate increased rapidly during stage 1 and transition stage, decreased during stage 2, and maintained constant during stage 3. The width of evaporation zone kept a continuous increase during stages 1 and 2 and maintained a nearly constant value of 0.68 cm during stage 3. When the evaporation zone totally moved into the subsurface, a dry surface layer (DSL) formed above the evaporation zone at the end of stage 2. The width of DSL also presented a continuous increase during stage 2 and kept a constant value of 0.71 cm during stage 3.
Multiclass Prediction with Partial Least Square Regression for Gene Expression Data: Applications in Breast Cancer Intrinsic Taxonomy
Authors: Huang Chi-Cheng , Tu Shih-Hsin , Huang Ching-Shui , Lien Heng-Hui , Lai Liang-Chuan , Chuang Eric Y.
Published: December 2013

Multiclass prediction remains an obstacle for high-throughput data analysis such as microarray gene expression profiles. Despite recent advancements in machine learning and bioinformatics, most classification tools were limited to the applications of binary responses. Our aim was to apply partial least square (PLS) regression for breast cancer intrinsic taxonomy, of which five distinct molecular subtypes were identified. The PAM50 signature genes were used as predictive variables in PLS analysis, and the latent gene component scores were used in binary logistic regression for each molecular subtype. The 139 prototypical arrays for PAM50 development were used as training dataset, and three independent microarray studies with Han Chinese origin were used for independent validation (n=535). The agreement between PAM50 centroid-based single sample prediction (SSP) and PLS-regression was excellent (weighted Kappa: 0.988) within the training samples, but deteriorated substantially in independent samples, which could attribute to much more unclassified samples by PLS-regression. If these unclassified samples were removed, the agreement between PAM50 SSP and PLS-regression improved enormously (weighted Kappa: 0.829 as opposed to 0.541 when unclassified samples were analyzed). Our study ascertained the feasibility of PLS-regression in multi-class prediction, and distinct clinical presentations and prognostic discrepancies were observed across breast cancer molecular subtypes.
Novel Discrete Compactness-Based Training for Vector Quantization Networks: Enhancing Automatic Brain Tissue Classification
Authors: Pérez-Aguila Ricardo
Published: December 2013

An approach for nonsupervised segmentation of Computed Tomography (CT) brain slices which is based on the use of Vector Quantization Networks (VQNs) is described. Images are segmented via a VQN in such way that tissue is characterized according to its geometrical and topological neighborhood. The main contribution rises from the proposal of a similarity metric which is based on the application of Discrete Compactness (DC) which is a factor that provides information about the shape of an object. One of its main strengths lies in the sense of its low sensitivity to variations, due to noise or capture defects, in the shape of an object. We will present, compare, and discuss some examples of segmentation networks trained under Kohonen’s original algorithm and also under our similarity metric. Some experiments are established in order to measure the effectiveness and robustness, under our application of interest, of the proposed networks and similarity metric.
Ga68-NOTA-CHSg and Tc99m-CHSg Labeled Microspheres for Lung Perfusion and Liver Radiomicrospheres Therapy Planning
Authors: Amor-Coarasa Alejandro , Milera Andrew , Carvajal Denny , Gulec Seza , Leichner Jared , McGoron Anthony J.
Published: December 2013

Fast biodegradable (12 h < half-life < 48 h) radioactive labeled microspheres are needed for PET and SPECT lung perfusion and radiomicrosphere therapy planning. An emulsion method was used to create 30.1 ±4.8 μm size range microspheres with biodegradable Chitosan glycol (CHSg). Microspheres were characterized and labeled with Tc99m or Ga68 as an alternative to MAA in perfusion PET and SPECT studies. Surface decoration of CHSg microspheres with p-SCN-Bn-NOTA was performed to increase Ga68  in vivo stability. Tc99m was labeled directly to the CHSg microspheres. Labeling yield and in vitro radiochemical stability were evaluated. In vitro CHSg microsphere degradation half-life was ~24 hours in porcine blood. Labeled microspheres were injected into Sprague Dawley rats and biodistribution was determined after 2 and 4 hours. Both Tc99m-CHSg and Ga68-NOTA-CHSg were quickly allocated in the lungs after injection. Tc99m-CHSg showed 91.6 ± 6.5% and 83.2 ± 4.1% of the decay corrected injected activity remaining in the lungs after 2 and 4 hours, respectively. For the obtained Ga68-NOTA-CHSg microspheres, lung allocation was very high with 98.9 ± 0.2% and 95.6 ± 0.9% after 2 and 4 hours, respectively. The addition of p-SCN-Bn-NOTA acts as a radioprotectant eliminating the released Ga68 activity from the lungs to the bladder protecting the other organs.
Analysis and Forecast of a Tornadic Thunderstorm Using Multiple Doppler Radar Data, 3DVAR, and ARPS Model
Authors: Natenberg Edward , Gao Jidong , Xue Ming , Carr Frederick H.
Published: December 2013

A three-dimensional variational (3DVAR) assimilation technique developed for a convective-scale NWP model—advanced regional prediction system (ARPS)—is used to analyze the 8 May 2003, Moore/Midwest City, Oklahoma tornadic supercell thunderstorm. Previous studies on this case used only one or two radars that are very close to this storm. However, three other radars observed the upper-level part of the storm. Because these three radars are located far away from the targeted storm, they were overlooked by previous studies. High-frequency intermittent 3DVAR analyses are performed using the data from five radars that together provide a more complete picture of this storm. The analyses capture a well-defined mesocyclone in the midlevels and the wind circulation associated with a hook-shaped echo. The analyses produced through this technique are used as initial conditions for a 40-minute storm-scale forecast. The impact of multiple radars on a short-term NWP forecast is most evident when compared to forecasts using data from only one and two radars. The use of all radars provides the best forecast in which a strong low-level mesocyclone develops and tracks in close proximity to the actual tornado damage path.
Dynamical Behavior of a Rumor Transmission Model with Psychological Effect in Emergency Event
Authors: Huo Liang'an , Lin Tingting , Huang Peiqing
Published: December 2013

A rumor transmission model with nonmonotonic incidence rate was proposed, which provides excellent explanations of the “psychological” effect with rumor spreading in emergency event. By carrying out a global analysis of the model and studying the stability of the rumor-free equilibrium and the rumor-endemic equilibrium, we showed that either the number of infective individuals tends to zero as time evolves or the rumor persists. Finally, recommendations for policy makers and consulting advice for related commissions are explored in the case study of crazy rumors propagated for the iodized sail shortage panic in China.
Changes in Haematological Indices in Normal Pregnancy
Authors: Ichipi-Ifukor Patrick Chukwuyenum , Jacobs Juliet , Ichipi-Ifukor Rita Ngozi , Ewrhe Oberhiri Lawrence
Published: December 2013

Variation in some haematological indices during normal pregnancy was investigated. The test group comprised 200 pregnant women who presented themselves at the Capitol Hill Clinic Warri, Delta State, Nigeria, for antenatal care while the control group comprised 80 nonpregnant women randomly selected from the student population in Delta State University, Abraka. Data generated from the pretest questionnaire indicated that 55.8% of the research participants experienced an increase in appetite. The analysis of haematological indices was done using automated hematological analyzer. The result from the study showed that there was a significant decrease (P<0.05) in the PCV of the test group (32.58±4.01)% when compared to the control (37.07±3.19)%. Similarly, the result of the blood haemoglobin showed a significant difference (P<0.05) between the test (10.00±1.28) g/dL and the control group (11.71±1.32) g/dL while granulocytes and platelets also showed significant decrease (P<0.05) with lymphocytes increasing significantly; the total white blood cell count (WBC) showed no significant difference; there was an increased level compared to the control. The study concluded that pregnancy in women has the tendency to alter haematological indices.
A New Proof of Central Limit Theorem for i.i.d. Random Variables
Authors: Zong Zhaojun , Hu Feng
Published: December 2013

Central limit theorem (CLT) has long and widely been known as a fundamental result in probability theory. In this note, we give a new proof of CLT for independent identically distributed (i.i.d.) random variables. Our main tool is the viscosity solution theory of partial differential equation (PDE).
TiO2 Deposition on AZ31 Magnesium Alloy Using Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation
Authors: White Leon , Koo Youngmi , Yun Yeoheung , Sankar Jagannathan
Published: December 2013

Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) has been used in the past as a useful surface treatment technique to improve the anticorrosion properties of Mg alloys by forming protective layer. Coatings were prepared on AZ31 magnesium alloy in phosphate electrolyte with the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles using plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO). This present work focuses on developing a TiO2 functional coating to create a novel electrophotocatalyst while observing the surface morphology, structure, composition, and corrosion resistance of the PEO coating. Microstructural characterization of the coating was investigated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) followed by image analysis and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX). The corrosion resistance of the PEO treated samples was evaluated with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and DC polarization tests in 3.5 wt.% NaCl. The XRD pattern shows that the components of the oxide film include Mg from the substrate as well as MgO and Mg2TiO4 due to the TiO2 nanoparticle addition. The results show that the PEO coating with TiO2 nanoparticles did improve the corrosion resistance when compared to the AZ31 substrate alloy.
Different Multifractal Scaling of the 0 cm Average Ground Surface Temperature of Four Representative Weather Stations over China
Authors: Jiang Lei , Zhao Xia , Li Nana , Li Fei , Guo Ziqi
Published: December 2013

The temporal scaling properties of the daily 0 cm average ground surface temperature (AGST) records obtained from four selected sites over China are investigated using multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MF-DFA) method. Results show that the AGST records at all four locations exhibit strong persistence features and different scaling behaviors. The differences of the generalized Hurst exponents are very different for the AGST series of each site reflecting the different scaling behaviors of the fluctuation. Furthermore, the strengths of multifractal spectrum are different for different weather stations and indicate that the multifractal behaviors vary from station to station over China.
Compatibility Conditions and the Convolution of Functions and Generalized Functions
Authors: Kamiński Andrzej , Mincheva-Kaminska Svetlana
Published: December 2013

The paper is a review of certain existence theorems concerning the convolution of functions, distributions, and ultradistributions of Beurling type with supports satisfying suitable compatibility conditions. The fact that some conditions are essential for the existence of the convolution in the discussed spaces follows from earlier results and the proofs given at the end of this paper.