bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Global Approach in Evaluating Inlet/Engine Compatibility
Authors: Csavina Frank L. , Denney Russell K.
Published: March 2015

Modern weapon systems demands are forcing engine designers to draw a finer line in their trades between performance and compatibility. Next generation smart engine controls also have the flexibility to optimize (real-time) either performance or compatibility knowing the flight condition and aircraft attitude. This paper presents a global statistical approach for the evaluation of installed aircraft/engine compatibility. The proposed methodology uses a Monte Carlo simulation to analyze the complex interaction of randomly occurring destabilizing events. Planned or projected aircraft operational usage and bleed and power offtake demand data are combined with data from an inlet distortion model and an engine model to predict remaining surge margin for the given operational usage. The result is a predicted probability of surge per thousand engine flight hours. Thus the procedure yields a quantitative total system or global assessment of the probability of engine surge, thereby providing designers expanded insight into inlet/engine compatibility decisions.
The Role of Carbide Phases in the Secondary Recrystallization of Nickel-Base ODS-Superalloys
Authors: Lempenauer K. , Arzt E.
Published: March 2015

In ODS nickel-base alloys with high γ′-content (e.g. MA760) the rate of heating to the recrystallization temperature plays an important role for the success of the recrystallization treatment. Previous results (Jongenburger et al., 1990) revealed the existence of a heating rate window for secondary recrystallization. While the lower limit of this window (Ṫmin) is well understood, an attempt is made in this paper to explain the upper limit (Ṫmax) by the influence of carbide phases. Furthermore it is shown that carbide phases may also influence the incipient melting temperature and consequently the width of the temperature window for successful secondary recrystallization.
New Iron-Based ODS-Superalloys for High Demanding Applications
Authors: Korb G. , Rühle M. , Martinz H.-P.
Published: March 2015

Some shortcomings of the commercial alloy MA 956 like insufficient hot gas corrosion resistance at extremely high temperatures or porous welding seams as a result of residual inert gas content, have been overcome by slightly changing the chemical composition, and a generally improved process technology. The mainly developed “work horse”-alloy PM 2000 - exhibits additionally significantly better stress-rupture properties at high temperatures. Workability even down to small dimensions is good, when an especially adapted processing route is applied.

In this paper data of tensile strength and stress rupture properties are given for elevated temperatures. Hot gas corrosion behaviour is demonstrated for isothermally and cyclicly treated materials, including thermal shock tests. Some results of a burner rig test are presented additionally. Resistance against different molten slags, salts and glasses has been investigated and is discussed.
Large-scale fabrication of a simple cubic metal-oxide photonic crystal for light-trapping applications
Authors: Frey Brian J. , Kuang Ping , Lin Shawn-Yu , Jiang Jian-Hua , John Sajeev
Published: March 2015

Large-scale fabrication of a TiO2 three-dimensional photonic crystal with simple cubic (SC) geometry was demonstrated using semiconductor-processing techniques in a layer-by-layer method. Full exposure of 100 mm double-side polished silicon and fused silica wafers was performed using deep-UV projection lithography with a 1 cm2 field size, and a four-layer TiO2/air crystal of lattice pitch a=450 nm was successfully realized. The authors have computed the iso-frequency surfaces (IFS) for this structure and for another, which is to be examined in a future work. The latter will consist of a TiO2 SC photonic crystal for which the air regions are filled in with luminescent material of refractive index n=1.5. The IFS indicate that our TiO2 photonic crystal is capable of supporting parallel-to-interface refraction modes for normalized frequency as high as ∼1.0, and that these modes will persist should the dielectric contrast be lowered via infiltration of the air region. For characterization, integrating sphere reflection measurements were performed, and the results are compared with those obtained from finite-difference time-domain simulation.
Investigating effects of atmospheric-pressure plasma on the process of wound healing
Authors: Salehi Shahram , Shokri Asana , Khani Mohammad Reza , Bigdeli Mohammadreza , Shokri Babak
Published: March 2015

Cold atmospheric-pressure plasma jets (APPJ) have excellent applications in biomedicine. Advantages of APPJ include lack of need for vacuum systems, capability of operation for a long time, and safe to be directly touched by living tissues such as a human body. In this study, an APPJ was generated by a dielectric barrier and applied for the treatment of chemical wounds. This APPJ worked with argon and was driven by high-voltage pulses. This paper compares the spontaneous healing of wounds and a stimulated healing using daily APPJ treatment. Biological data, such as hematological, biochemical, and histological parameters, were remarked. The mortality and morbidity of the untreated samples were reported after 20 days in comparison with the plasma-treated samples, which were alive after these days. Experimental results demonstrated that an increase in the oxidative stress could result in the decreased destruction of lesions by controlling the infection growth. These results were related to the presence of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species in the plasma volume, which were detected by optical emission spectroscopy.
Sleep and Recovery in Team Sport: Current Sleep-Related Issues Facing Professional Team-Sport Athletes
Authors: Fullagar Hugh H.K. , Duffield Rob , Skorski Sabrina , Coutts Aaron J. , Julian Ross , Meyer Tim
Published: March 2015

While the effects of sleep loss on performance have previously been reviewed, the effects of disturbed sleep on recovery after exercise are less reported. Specifically, the interaction between sleep and physiological and psychological recovery in team-sport athletes is not well understood. Accordingly, the aim of the current review was to examine the current evidence on the potential role sleep may play in postexercise recovery, with a tailored focus on professional team-sport athletes. Recent studies show that team-sport athletes are at high risk of poor sleep during and after competition. Although limited published data are available, these athletes also appear particularly susceptible to reductions in both sleep quality and sleep duration after night competition and periods of heavy training. However, studies examining the relationship between sleep and recovery in such situations are lacking. Indeed, further observational sleep studies in team-sport athletes are required to confirm these concerns. Naps, sleep extension, and sleep-hygiene practices appear advantageous to performance; however, future proof-of-concept studies are now required to determine the efficacy of these interventions on postexercise recovery. Moreover, more research is required to understand how sleep interacts with numerous recovery responses in team-sport environments. This is pertinent given the regularity with which these teams encounter challenging scenarios during the course of a season. Therefore, this review examines the factors that compromise sleep during a season and after competition and discusses strategies that may help improve sleep in team-sport athletes.
The Influence of Physical Fitness and Playing Standard on Pacing Strategies During a Team-Sport Tournament
Authors: Johnston Rich D. , Gabbett Tim J. , Jenkins David G.
Published: March 2015

Purpose:

To assess the influence of playing standard and physical fitness on pacing strategies during a junior team-sport tournament.

Methods:

A between-groups, repeated-measures design was used. Twenty-eight junior team-sport players (age 16.6 ± 0.5 y, body mass 79.9 ± 12.0 kg) from a high-standard and low-standard team participated in a junior rugby league tournament, competing in 5 games over 4 d (4 × 40-min and 1 × 50-min game). Players wore global positioning system (GPS) microtechnology during each game to provide information on match activity profiles. The Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test (level 1) was used to assess physical fitness before the competition.

Results:

High-standard players had an initially higher pacing strategy than the low-standard players, covering greater distances at high (ES = 1.32) and moderate speed (ES = 1.41) in game 1 and moderate speed (ES = 1.55) in game 2. However, low-standard players increased their playing intensity across the competition (ES = 0.57–2.04). High-standard/high-fitness players maintained a similar playing intensity, whereas high-standard/low-fitness players reduced their playing intensities across the competition.

Conclusions:

Well-developed physical fitness allows for a higher-intensity pacing strategy that can be maintained throughout a tournament. High-standard/low-fitness players reduce playing intensity, most likely due to increased levels of fatigue as the competition progresses. Low-standard players adopt a pacing strategy that allows them to conserve energy to produce an “end spurt” in the latter games. Maximizing endurance fitness across an entire playing group will maximize playing intensity and minimize performance reductions during the latter stages of a tournament.
Phosphorylation of eIF2α triggered by mTORC1 inhibition and PP6C activation is required for autophagy and is aberrant in PP6C-mutated melanoma
Authors: Wengrod Jordan , Wang Ding , Weiss Sarah , Zhong Hua , Osman Iman , Gardner Lawrence B.
Published: March 2015

Melanoma-associated mutations in a phosphatase are associated with increased autophagy, a process that can enhance tumor progression.
Plasma membrane–associated platforms: Dynamic scaffolds that organize membrane-associated events
Authors: Astro Veronica , de Curtis Ivan
Published: March 2015

A core of four proteins organizes sites of exocytosis, extracellular matrix remodeling, and the leading edge of moving cells.
In Vitro
Activities of Hexaazatrinaphthylenes against Leishmania spp
Authors: López-Arencibia Atteneri , García-Velázquez Daniel , Martín-Navarro Carmen M. , Sifaoui Ines , Reyes-Batlle María , Lorenzo-Morales Jacob , Gutiérrez-Ravelo Ángel , Piñero José E.
Published: March 2015

The
in vitro
activity of a novel group of compounds, hexaazatrinaphthylene derivatives, against two species of
Leishmania
is described in this study. These compounds showed a significant dose-dependent inhibition effect on the proliferation of the parasites, with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC
50
s) ranging from 1.23 to 25.05 μM against the promastigote stage and 0.5 to 0.7 μM against intracellular amastigotes. Also, a cytotoxicity assay was carried out to in order to evaluate the possible toxic effects of these compounds. Moreover, different assays were performed to determine the type of cell death induced after incubation with these compounds. The obtained results highlight the potential use of hexaazatrinaphthylene derivatives against
Leishmania
species, and further studies should be undertaken to establish them as novel leishmanicidal therapeutic agents.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Clofazimine in a Mouse Model of Tuberculosis
Authors: Swanson Rosemary V. , Adamson John , Moodley Chivonne , Ngcobo Bongani , Ammerman Nicole C. , Dorasamy Afton , Moodley Sashen , Mgaga Zinhle , Tapley Asa , Bester Linda A. , Singh Sanil , Grosset Jacques H. , Almeida Deepak V.
Published: March 2015

The antileprosy drug clofazimine has shown potential for shortening tuberculosis treatment; however, the current dosing of the drug is not evidence based, and the optimal dosing is unknown. Our objective was to conduct a preclinical evaluation of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of clofazimine in the mouse model of tuberculosis, with the goal of providing useful information on dosing for future studies. Pharmacokinetic parameters were evaluated in infected and uninfected BALB/c mice. Pharmacodynamic parameters were evaluated in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
-infected mice that were treated for 12 weeks with one of six different clofazimine dosing regimens, i.e., doses of 6.25, 12.5, and 25 mg/kg of body weight/day and 3 regimens with loading doses. Clofazimine progressively accumulated in the lungs, livers, and spleens of the mice, reaching levels of greater than 50 μg/g in all tissues by 4 weeks of administration, while serum drug levels remained low at 1 to 2 μg/ml. Elimination of clofazimine was extremely slow, and the half-life was dependent on the duration of drug administration. Clofazimine exhibited dose-dependent tissue and serum concentrations. At any dose, clofazimine did not have bactericidal activity during the first 2 weeks of administration but subsequently demonstrated potent, dose-independent bactericidal activity. The antituberculosis activity of clofazimine was dependent on neither the dose administered nor the drug concentrations in the tissues, suggesting that much lower doses could be effectively used for tuberculosis treatment.
Risk Factors for Recurrence after Successful Treatment of Mycobacterium avium Complex Lung Disease
Authors: Lee Bo Young , Kim Sunyoung , Hong YoonKi , Lee Sang-Do , Kim Woo Sung , Kim Dong Soon , Shim Tae Sun , Jo Kyung-Wook
Published: March 2015

This study analyzed the recurrence rate and risk factors for recurrence of
Mycobacterium avium
complex (MAC) lung disease in patients successfully treated for this disease. The medical records of 158 patients successfully treated for MAC lung disease at a tertiary referral center in South Korea between March 2000 and December 2009 were retrospectively analyzed. Recurrence was recorded, and factors associated with recurrence were analyzed. The mean age of the 158 patients was 60.7 ± 11.1 years. The etiologic agent was
Mycobacterium avium
in 77 patients (48.7%) and
Mycobacterium intracellulare
in 81 patients (51.3%). Radiographic features included nodular bronchiectatic disease in 95 (60.1%), fibrocavitary disease in 49 (31.0%), and an unclassifiable form in 14 (8.9%) patients. Almost all (98.7%, 156/158) patients had been previously treated with a macrolide-containing regimen, and 68 (43.0%) patients had received treatment with an aminoglycoside. During a median follow-up of 43.8 months after completion of therapy, 50 patients (31.6%) experienced recurrence, at a median of 11.9 months after treatment completion. Multivariate analysis showed that only the nodular bronchiectatic form of the disease (hazard ratio, 2.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.19 to 4.81) was independently associated with an increased risk of recurrence. Recurrence after successful treatment is frequent in patients with MAC lung disease. The recurrence rate was significantly higher in patients with the nodular bronchiectatic form than in those with the fibrocavitary form or an unclassifiable form of the disease.
Pharmacodynamics of Isavuconazole in an Aspergillus fumigatus Mouse Infection Model
Authors: Seyedmousavi Seyedmojtaba , Brüggemann Roger J. M. , Meis Jacques F. , Melchers Willem J. G. , Verweij Paul E. , Mouton Johan W.
Published: March 2015

Azole resistance is an emerging problem in
Aspergillus fumigatus
which translates into treatment failure. Alternative treatments with new azoles may improve therapeutic outcome in invasive aspergillosis (IA) even for strains with decreased susceptibility to current azoles. The
in vivo
efficacy of 0.25, 1, 4, 16, 64, 128, 256, and 512 mg/kg of body weight/day prodrug isavuconazonium sulfate (BAL8557) (isavuconazole [ISA]-equivalent doses of 0.12, 0.48, 1.92, 7.68, 30.7, 61.4, 122.9, and 245.8 mg/kg/day, respectively) administered by oral gavage was assessed in an immunocompetent murine model of IA against four clinical
A. fumigatus
isolates: a wild-type isolate (ISA MIC
EUCAST
, 0.5 mg/liter) and three azole-resistant isolates harboring substitutions in the
cyp51A
gene: G54W (ISA MIC
EUCAST
, 0.5 mg/liter), M220I (ISA MIC
EUCAST
, 4 mg/liter), and TR
34
/L98H (ISA MIC
EUCAST
, 8 mg/liter). The maximum effect (100% survival) was reached at a prodrug isavuconazonium sulfate dose of 64 mg/kg for the wild-type isolate, 128 mg/kg for the G54W mutant, and 256 mg/kg two times per day (q12) for the M220I mutant. A maximum response was not achieved with the TR
34
/L98H isolates with the highest dose of prodrug isavuconazonium sulfate (256 mg/kg q12). For a survival rate of 50%, the effective AUC
0–24
/MIC
EUCAST
ratio for ISA total drug was 24.73 (95% confidence interval, 22.50 to 27.18). The efficacy of isavuconazole depended on both the drug exposure and the isavuconazole MIC of the isolates. The quantitative relationship between exposure and effect (AUC
0–24
/MIC) can be used to optimize the treatment of human infections by
A. fumigatus
, including strains with decreased susceptibility.
The Phosphorylation Flow of the Vibrio harveyi Quorum-Sensing Cascade Determines Levels of Phenotypic Heterogeneity in the Population
Authors: Plener Laure , Lorenz Nicola , Reiger Matthias , Ramalho Tiago , Gerland Ulrich , Jung Kirsten
Published: March 2015

Quorum sensing (QS) is a communication process that enables a bacterial population to coordinate and synchronize specific behaviors. The bioluminescent marine bacterium
Vibrio harveyi
integrates three autoinducer (AI) signals into one quorum-sensing cascade comprising a phosphorelay involving three hybrid sensor kinases: LuxU; LuxO, an Hfq/small RNA (sRNA) switch; and the transcriptional regulator LuxR. Using a new set of
V. harveyi
mutants lacking genes for the AI synthases and/or sensors, we assayed the activity of the quorum-sensing cascade at the population and single-cell levels, with a specific focus on signal integration and noise levels. We found that the ratios of kinase activities to phosphatase activities of the three sensors and, hence, the extent of phosphorylation of LuxU/LuxO are important not only for the signaling output but also for the degree of noise in the system. The pools of phosphorylated LuxU/LuxO per cell directly determine the amounts of sRNAs produced and, consequently, the copy number of LuxR, generating heterogeneous quorum-sensing activation at the single-cell level. We conclude that the ability to drive the heterogeneous expression of QS-regulated genes in
V. harveyi
is an inherent feature of the architecture of the QS cascade.

IMPORTANCE
V. harveyi
possesses one of the most complex quorum-sensing (QS) cascades known, using three different autoinducers (AIs) to control the induction of, e.g., bioluminescence, virulence factors, and biofilm and exoprotease production. We constructed various
V. harveyi
mutants to study the impact of each component and subsystem of the QS signaling cascade on QS activation at the population and single-cell levels. We found that the output was homogeneous only in the presence of all AIs. In the absence of any one AI, QS activation varied from cell to cell, resulting in phenotypic heterogeneity. This study elucidates a molecular design principle which enables a tightly integrated signaling cascade to control the expression of diverse phenotypes within a genetically homogeneous population.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux in young babies: who should be treated?
Authors: Puntis John W
Published: March 2015

Recent guidelines focus on a non-interventionist approach to management of gastro-oesophageal reflux in infancy and emphasise the importance of explanation, reassurance and simple measures such as attention to feeding. Relying on clinical history alone leads to over diagnosis of disease, and widely used medications are often ineffective for symptom relief and carry significant risk of harm. The association between vomiting in infancy and other problems such as crying and poor feeding should not be interpreted as implying causality. When there are strong pointers to underlying gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, invasive investigations are required in order to formulate appropriate intervention.
‘Nocturnal noises’: an isolated stridor in an adolescent
Authors: Zalewska K I , Benfield G F A
Published: March 2015

An 18-year-old man presented to primary care with a 2-year history of exclusively nocturnal ‘noisy breathing’. He was otherwise asymptomatic. He had never smoked and was previously healthy. Spirometry showed a severely obstructive picture with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) 1.87 L (44% predicted), forced vital capacity (FVC) 4.0 L (80%) and FEV1/FVC ratio of 47%. A diagnosis of asthma was suspected and a trial of inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids was initiated. Failure to improve symptoms led to referral to the Respiratory Clinic, where his mother replayed a recording of the ‘noisy breathing’ on her mobile phone. Subsequent examination revealed a stridor on expiration. Flow volume loop showed a plateau of the expiratory limb, consistent with intrathoracic upper airway obstruction. CT of the thorax revealed a massively dilated oesophagus, filled with food residue, reflecting an achalasia, causing lower tracheal compression. He is now being considered for a myotomy procedure.
Epidemiological and clinical outcome comparison of indirect (‘strain’) versus direct (‘contusion’) anterior and posterior thigh muscle injuries in male elite football players: UEFA Elite League study of 2287 thigh injuries (2001–2013)
Authors: Ueblacker Peter , Müller-Wohlfahrt Hans-Wilhelm , Ekstrand Jan
Published: March 2015

Background

Data regarding direct athletic muscle injuries (caused by a direct blunt or sharp external force) compared to indirect ones (without the influence of a direct external trauma) are missing in the current literature—this distinction has clinical implications.

Aim

To compare incidence, duration of absence and characteristics of indirect and direct anterior (quadriceps) and posterior thigh (hamstring) muscle injuries.

Methods

30 football teams and 1981 players were followed prospectively from 2001 until 2013. The team medical staff recorded individual player exposure and time-loss injuries. Muscle injuries were defined as indirect or direct according to their injury mechanism.

Results

In total, 2287 thigh muscle injuries were found, representing 25% of all injuries. Two thousand and three were valid for further analysis, of which 88% were indirect and 12% direct. The incidence was eight times higher for indirect injuries (1.48/1000 h) compared to direct muscle injuries (0.19/1000 h) (p<0.01). Indirect muscle injuries caused 19% of total absence, and direct injuries 1%. The mean lay-off time for indirect injuries amounted to 18.5 days and differed significantly from direct injuries which accounted for 7 days (p<0.001). 60% of indirect injuries and 76% of direct injuries occurred in match situations. Foul play was involved in 7% of all thigh muscle injuries, as well as in 2% of indirect injuries and 42% of direct injuries.

Muscle anterior and posterior thigh injuries in elite football are more frequent than have been previously described. Direct injuries causing time loss are less frequent than indirect ones, and players can usually return to full activity in under half the average time for an indirect injury. Foul play is involved in 7.5% of all thigh muscle injuries.
Growth and allocation of Picea rubens, Picea mariana, and their hybrids under ambient and elevated CO2
Authors: Major John E. , Mosseler Alex , Johnsen Kurt H. , Campbell Moira , Malcolm John
Published: March 2015

Red spruce (RS; Picea rubens Sarg.) – black spruce (BS; Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) controlled crosses (100%, 75%, 50%, 25%, and 0% RS, balance BS) showed increasingly greater height with increasing proportion of BS in each successive year. Height growth of 4-year-old ambient CO2 (aCO2) grown trees was highly correlated with height of 22-year-old field-grown trees of the same or similar crosses. Bud flush was earliest in BS and declined linearly with increasing proportion of RS with no significant CO2 effect. Percent stem (stem + branches) mass increased under elevated CO2 (eCO2), a quarter of which was due to ontogeny. Conversely, percent needle mass had a significant negative relationship with increasing tree size, and there was a CO2 × tree size interaction. Shoot-to-root ratio was greatest for BS, whereas RS had among the lowest. Hybrid index (HI) 50 had the greatest root mass allocation, lowest shoot-to-root ratio, and among the greatest total mass under eCO2. Growth efficiency increased with tree size and eCO2 but decreased with HI. Percent total biomass stimulation under eCO2 was lowest for BS at 6.5%, greatest for HI 50 at 20.3%, and RS had 17.5%.
Multiple gauge fixing conditions
Authors: McKeon D.G.C.
Published: March 2015

We consider how more than one gauge fixing condition can be accommodated within the Feynman path integral both by extending the Faddeev–Popov procedure and the Batalin–Vilkovisky approach. The first-order Einstein–Hilbert action in 1 + 1 dimensions and the massless spin-3/2 action are considered.
Electrode Fusion for the Prediction of Self-Initiated Fine Movements from Single-Trial Readiness Potentials
Authors: Abou Zeid Elias , Chau Tom
Published: March 2015

Current human-machine interfaces (HMIs) for users with severe disabilities often have difficulty distinguishing between intentional and inadvertent activations. Pre-movement neuro-cortical activity may aid in this elusive discrimination task but has not been exploited in HMIs. This work investigates the utility of the readiness potential (RP), a slow negative cortical potential preceding voluntary movement, for detecting the intention of self-initiated fine movements prior to their motoric realization. We recorded electroencephalography from the frontal, central, parietal and occipital lobes of 10 participants using a self-initiated switch activation protocol. Eye movement artifacts were removed by regression and the RP was detected on a single-trial basis, in a narrow frequency range (0.1–1 Hz). Common average reference was applied prior to windowed-averaging for feature extraction. Electrodes were selected according to a separability measure based on Fisher projection. Our findings demonstrate that feature fusion from an optimal number of electrodes achieves a statistically significant lower classification error than the best single classifier. Finally, voluntary fine movement intention was detected on a single-trial basis at above-chance levels approximately 396 ms before physical switch activation. These findings encourage the development of rapid-response, intention-aware HMIs for individuals with severe disabilities who struggle with executing voluntary fine motor movements.
Nonradial Directional Performance Measurement with Undesirable Outputs: An Application to OECD and Non-OECD Countries
Authors: Chen Po-Chi , Yu Ming-Miin , Chang Ching-Cheng , Hsu Shih-Hsun , Managi Shunsuke
Published: March 2015

The objective of this paper is to provide a more comprehensive efficiency measure to estimate the performance of OECD and non-OECD countries. A Russell directional distance function that appropriately credits the decision-making unit not only for increase in desirable outputs but also for the decrease of undesirable outputs is derived from the proposed weighted Russell directional distance model. The method was applied to a panel of 116 countries from 1992 to 2010. This framework also decomposes the comprehensive efficiency measure into individual input/output components' inefficiency scores that are useful for policy making. The results reveal that the OECD countries perform better than the non-OECD countries in overall, goods, labor and capital efficiencies, but worse in bad and energy efficiencies.
Ultra large deflection of thin PZT/aluminium cantilever beam
Authors: Seveno Raynald , Guiffard Benoit , Regoin Jean-Pierre
Published: March 2015

Flexible piezoelectric cantilever beam has been realized by depositing lead zirconate titanate (PZT) thin film (4.5 μm) by chemical solution deposition (CSD) onto very thin aluminium foil (16 μm). The tip deflection of the beam has been measured as a function of the frequency of the applied sinusoidal voltage to the PZT film for different amplitudes. Resonance curves have been compared to a classical model of an oscillating system under sinusoidal stress with a very good agreement. Despite of weak ferroelectric properties (remnant polarization: 13 μC/cm2), ultra-large deflection amplitudes have been measured under very moderate applied voltage values: 750 μm@10 V for quasi-static mode and 5 mm@10 V at the resonance frequency (~12 Hz), which makes this PZT/aluminium composite film very promising for highly flexible actuation applications where large displacements are wanted.
The Statistical Physics of Athermal Materials
Authors: Bi Dapeng , Henkes Silke , Daniels Karen E. , Chakraborty Bulbul
Published: March 2015

At the core of equilibrium statistical mechanics lies the notion of statistical ensembles: a collection of microstates, each occurring with a given a priori probability that depends on only a few macroscopic parameters, such as temperature, pressure, volume, and energy. In this review, we discuss recent advances in establishing statistical ensembles for athermal materials. The broad class of granular and particulate materials is immune to the effects of thermal fluctuations because the constituents are macroscopic. In addition, interactions between grains are frictional and dissipative, which invalidates the fundamental postulates of equilibrium statistical mechanics. However, granular materials exhibit distributions of microscopic quantities that are reproducible and often depend on only a few macroscopic parameters. We explore the history of statistical ensemble ideas in the context of granular materials, clarify the nature of such ensembles and their foundational principles, highlight advances in testing key ideas, and discuss applications of ensembles to analyze the collective behavior of granular materials.
Spatial Localization in Dissipative Systems
Authors: Knobloch E.
Published: March 2015

Spatial localization is a common feature of physical systems, occurring in both conservative and dissipative systems. This article reviews the theoretical foundations of our understanding of spatial localization in forced dissipative systems, from both a mathematical point of view and a physics perspective. It explains the origin of the large multiplicity of simultaneously stable spatially localized states present in a parameter region called the pinning region and its relation to the notion of homoclinic snaking. The localized states are described as bound states of fronts, and the notions of front pinning, self-pinning, and depinning are emphasized. Both one-dimensional and two-dimensional systems are discussed, and the reasons behind the differences in behavior between dissipative systems with conserved and nonconserved dynamics are explained. The insights gained are specific to forced dissipative systems and are illustrated here using examples drawn from fluid mechanics (convection and shear flows) and a simple model of crystallization.
Many-Body Localization and Thermalization in Quantum Statistical Mechanics
Authors: Nandkishore Rahul , Huse David A.
Published: March 2015

We review some recent developments in the statistical mechanics of isolated quantum systems. We provide a brief introduction to quantum thermalization, paying particular attention to the eigenstate thermalization hypothesis (ETH) and the resulting single-eigenstate statistical mechanics. We then focus on a class of systems that fail to quantum thermalize and whose eigenstates violate the ETH: These are the many-body Anderson-localized systems; their long-time properties are not captured by the conventional ensembles of quantum statistical mechanics. These systems can forever locally remember information about their local initial conditions and are thus of interest for possibilities of storing quantum information. We discuss key features of many-body localization (MBL) and review a phenomenology of the MBL phase. Single-eigenstate statistical mechanics within the MBL phase reveal dynamically stable ordered phases, and phase transitions among them, that are invisible to equilibrium statistical mechanics and can occur at high energy and low spatial dimensionality, where equilibrium ordering is forbidden.
Congenital Heart Defects Are Rarely Caused by Mutations in Cardiac and Smooth Muscle Actin Genes
Authors: Khodyuchenko Tatiana , Zlotina Anna , Pervunina Tatiana , Zverev Dmitry , Malashicheva Anna , Kostareva Anna
Published: March 2015

Background. Congenital heart defects (CHDs) often have genetic background due to missense mutations in cardiomyocyte-specific genes. For example, cardiac actin was shown to be involved in pathogenesis of cardiac septum defects and smooth muscle actin in pathogenesis of aortic aneurysm in combination with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). In the present study, we further searched for mutations in humanα-cardiac actin (ACTC1) and smooth muscleα-actin (ACTA2) genes as a possible cause of atrial septum defect type II (ASDII) and PDA.Findings. Total genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood of 86 individuals with ASDs and 100 individuals with PDA. Coding exons and flanking intron regions ofACTC1(NM_005159.4) andACTA2(NM_001613) were amplified by PCR with specific primers designed according to the corresponding gene reference sequences. PCR fragments were directly sequenced and analyzed. Sequence analysis ofACTC1andACTA2did not identify any nucleotide changes that altered the coding sense of the genes. InACTC1gene, we were able to detect one previously described nucleotide polymorphism (rs2307493) resulting in a synonymous substitution. The frequency of this SNP was similar in the study and control group, thus excluding it from the possible disease-associated variants.Conclusions. Our results confirmed that the mutations inACTC1gene are rare (at least <1%) cause of ASDII. Mutations inACTA2gene were not detected in patients with PDA, thus being excluded from the list of frequent PDA-associated genetic defects.
Effects of Moderate Exercise on Relieving Mental Load of Elementary School Teachers
Authors: Liu Shing-Hong , Cheng Da-Chuan , Wang Jia-Jung , Lin Tzu-Hsin , Chang Kang-Ming
Published: March 2015

Long-term endurance exercise could increase activity of parasympathetic nervous and decrease activity of sympathetic nervous at rest. However, previous studies all focused on the effect of endurance training on heart rate variability (HRV) for athletes or sedentary subjects. In Taiwan, elementary school teachers teaching and processing the children’s and administrative problems always stand and walk. They will sit down only when they review and correct the students’ home work. Thus, the goal of this study was to elucidate the beneficial effect of moderate intensity exercise on relieving mental load of elementary school teachers. There were 20 participants in the exercise group and another 20 participants in the nonexercise group. The exercising teachers performed 12 weeks of moderate intensity exercise training for an average of 30 minutes per day, 3 times per week. HRV was measured before and after the 4th, 6th, and 12th weeks. The time and frequency domain parameters of HRV all had significant increases between the beginning and after 12 weeks of training. However, the time and frequency domain parameters of HRV in the nonexercise group had significant decreases between the beginning and after 12 weeks of training. The long-term moderate exercises can relieve mental load of elementary school teachers. Moreover, age was the considerable factor affecting HRV in this study.
Inverse Shape Reconstruction of Inner Cavities Using Guided SH-Waves in a Plate
Authors: Wang Bin , Qian Zhenghua , Hirose Sohichi
Published: March 2015

The paper proposes an inverse reconstruction method for inner cavities in a 2D plate using guided SH-waves. When a pure incident wave mode is sent toward the flaw area, reflected waves are observed at the far field due to mode conversion. From wave scattering theory, the reflected wave field is expressed by an integral over the unknown flaw surface concerning the total wave field. By the introduction of Born approximation and far-field expressions of Green’s function, it is found that the reflection coefficient for the mode of the same order as that of the incident mode is related to the unknown shape of the cavity by Fourier transform relations. By mathematical deduction, we show that if the basic (0th-order) symmetric and the 1st-order antisymmetric modes are used as incident waves, the locations and shapes of upper and lower boundaries of the cavity can be reconstructed. Numerical examples are illustrated in the paper, and a proper condition for applying this method is discussed. The research can act as a basis of nondestructive inspection for latent flaws within more complicated structures.
Static Analytical Approach of Moderately Thick Cylindrical Ribbed Shells Based on First-Order Shear Deformation Theory
Authors: Lai Jinxing , Guo Chunxia , Qiu Junling , Fan Haobo
Published: March 2015

The classical shell theory (CST) without considering the shear deformation has been commonly used in the calculation of shells structures recently. However, the impact of theory of plates and shells subjected to the shear deformation on the calculation is increasingly pronounced along with the wide use of composite laminated structures. In this paper, based on first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) of cylindrical shells, the displacement control differential equation of moderately thick cylindrical shells has been obtained, so has been the edge force at longitudinal of the shells. Meanwhile, a group of unit force is introduced to deduce the displacement of edge beam under the action of edge force. A join condition of moderately thick cylindrical ribbed shells is established according to the continuity of displacement as well. Most notably, the displacement analytical solution of bending problems of moderately thick cylindrical ribbed shells is obtained, which has profound theoretical significance for further improving the analytical solution of moderately thick cylindrical shells.
A Study of Success Rate of Miniscrew Implants as Temporary Anchorage Devices in Singapore
Authors: Yi Lin Song , Mimi Yow , Ming Tak Chew , Kelvin Weng Chiong Foong , Hung Chew Wong
Published: March 2015

Objective. To find out the success rate of miniscrew implants in the National Dental Centre of Singapore (NDCS) and the impact of patient-related, location-related, and miniscrew implant-related factors.Materials and Methods. Two hundred and eighty-five orthodontic miniscrew implants were examined from NDCS patient records. Eleven variables were analysed to see if there is any association with success. Outcome was measured twice, immediately after surgery prior to orthodontic loading (T1) and 12 months after surgery (T2). The outcome at T2 was assessed 12 months after the miniscrew’s insertion date or after its use as a temporary anchorage device has ceased.Results. Overall success rate was 94.7% at T1 and 83.3% at T2. Multivariate analysis revealed only the length of miniscrew implant to be significantly associated with success at both T1 (P=0.002) and T2 (P=0.030). Miniscrew implants with lengths of 10–12 mm had the highest success rate (98.0%) compared to other lengths, and this is statistically significant (P=0.035). At T2, lengths of 10–12 mm had significantly (P=0.013) higher success rates (93.5%) compared to 6-7 mm (76.7%) and 8 mm (82.1%) miniscrew implants.Conclusion. Multivariate statistical analyses of 11 variables demonstrate that length of miniscrew implant is significant in determining success.
Evaluation of Multiple‐Scale 3D Characterization for Coal Physical Structure with DCM Method and Synchrotron X‐Ray CT
Authors: Wang Haipeng , Yang Yushuang , Yang Jianli , Nie Yihang , Jia Jing , Wang Yudan
Published: March 2015

Multiscale nondestructive characterization of coal microscopic physical structure can provide important information for coal conversion and coal‐bed methane extraction. In this study, the physical structure of a coal sample was investigated by synchrotron‐based multiple‐energy X‐ray CT at three beam energies and two different spatial resolutions. A data‐constrained modeling (DCM) approach was used to quantitatively characterize the multiscale compositional distributions at the two resolutions. The volume fractions of each voxel for four different composition groups were obtained at the two resolutions. Between the two resolutions, the difference for DCM computed volume fractions of coal matrix and pores is less than 0.3%, and the difference for mineral composition groups is less than 0.17%. This demonstrates that the DCM approach can account for compositions beyond the X‐ray CT imaging resolution with adequate accuracy. By using DCM, it is possible to characterize a relatively large coal sample at a relatively low spatial resolution with minimal loss of the effect due to subpixel fine length scale structures.
The High PMNs Phagocytosis Resistance of Enterococcal Isolates from RTx Patients
Authors: Jarzembowski Tomasz , Daca Agnieszka , Witkowski Jacek M. , Bryl Ewa , Rutkowski Bolesław
Published: March 2015

Infections caused by opportunistic pathogens such as enterococci remain difficult to manage, especially in immunocompromised patients. Because of infections’ limited symptoms in such patients the additional problems are to find proper diagnostic criteria and the management of infection. Here we aimed to compare the resistance of commensal enterococcal strains and RTx patients’ isolates, to PMNs phagocytosis. Thirty-six enterococcal urine and faecal isolates from RTx patients and 17 faecal isolates from healthy volunteers were cultured in planktonic and biofilm forms in 37°C or 42°C. Another tested variable was the addition of immunosuppressant to the culture media. Bacterial cells were stained with fluorescent reporter (CFDA, PI) and incubated with PMNs. Results of phagocytosis were estimated as a mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of PMNs using flow cytometry. Commensal enterococci cultured in all abovementioned (37°C and 42°C/the addition of immunosuppressant) conditions were less resistant to phagocytosis compared to RTx isolates. Observed significant difference in phagocytosis resistance suggests that patients in immunosuppression are colonized with high risk strains which may lead to the development of infection.
Epigenetic Regulation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Requires Long Noncoding RNAs
Authors: Amicone Laura , Citarella Franca , Cicchini Carla
Published: March 2015

Recent evidence has proven the relevance of epigenetic changes in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the major adult liver malignancy. Moreover, HCC onset and progression correlate with the deregulation of several long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), exhibiting great biological significance. As discussed in this review, many of these transcripts are able to specifically act as tumor suppressors or oncogenes by means of their role as molecular platforms. Indeed, these lncRNAs are able to bind and recruit epigenetic modifiers on specific genomic loci, ultimately resulting in regulation of the gene expression relevant in cancer development. The evidence presented in this review highlights that lncRNAs-mediated epigenetic regulation should be taken into account for potential targeted therapeutic approaches.
Sensitivity Analysis of Temperature Control Parameters and Study of the Simultaneous Cooling Zone during Dam Construction in High-Altitude Regions
Authors: Wang Zhenhong , Liu Yi , Zhang Guoxin , Yu Shuping
Published: March 2015

There are unprecedented difficulties in building concrete gravity dams in the high altitude province Tibet with problems induced by lack of experience and technologies and unique weather conditions, as well as the adoption of construction materials that are disadvantageous to temperature control and crack prevention. Based on the understandings of the mentioned problems and leveraging the need of building gravity dam in Tibet, 3D finite element method is used to study the temperature control and crack prevention of the dam during construction. The calculation under recommend temperature control measures and standards shows that the height and number of simultaneous cooling zone have the more obvious influencers on concrete stress; therefore, it is suggested to increase the height of simultaneous cooling zone to decrease the stress caused by temperature gradient of adjoin layers so as to raise the safety level of the whole project. The research methods and ideas used on this project have significant values and can be taken as references in similar projects in high altitude regions.
Bifurcation and Solitary-Like Solutions for Compound KdV-Burgers-Type Equation
Authors: Li Yin , Wei Ruiying , Jian Guoming
Published: March 2015

Firstly, based on the improved sub-ODE method and the bifurcation method of dynamical systems, we investigate the bifurcation of solitary waves in the compound KdV-Burgers-type equation. Secondly, numbers of solitary patterns solutions are given for each parameter condition and numerical simulations are used to display the dynamical characteristics. Finally, we obtain twelve solitary patterns solutions under some parameter conditions, such as the trigonometric function solutions and the hyperbolic function solutions.
Conflict Set and Waveform Modelling for Power Amplifier Design
Authors: Juhas Anamarija , Novak Ladislav A.
Published: March 2015

Various classes of nonnegative waveforms containing dc component, fundamental andkthharmonick≥2, which proved to be of interest in waveform modelling for power amplifier (PA) design, are considered in this paper. In optimization of PA efficiency, nonnegative waveforms with maximal amplitude of fundamental harmonic and those with maximal coefficient of cosine term of fundamental harmonic (optimal waveforms) play an important role. Optimal waveforms have multiple global minima and this fact closely relates the problem of optimization of PA efficiency to the concept of conflict set. There is also keen interest in finding descriptions for various classes of suboptimal waveforms, such as nonnegative waveforms with at least one zero, nonnegative waveforms with maximal amplitude of fundamental harmonic for prescribed amplitude ofkthharmonic, nonnegative waveforms with maximal coefficient of cosine part of fundamental harmonic for prescribed coefficients ofkthharmonic, and nonnegative cosine waveforms with at least one zero. Closed form descriptions for all these suboptimal types of waveforms are provided in this paper. Suboptimal waveforms may also have multiple global minima and therefore be related to the concept of conflict set. Four case studies of usage of closed form descriptions of nonnegative waveforms in PA modelling are also provided.
Preparation of Ag/Cu/Ti Nanofluids by Spark Discharge System and Its Control Parameters Study
Authors: Tseng Kuo-Hsiung , Chiu Juei-Long , Lee Heng-Lin , Liao Chih-Yu , Lin Hong-Shiou , Kao Yi-Syuan
Published: March 2015

This study selected silver, copper, and titanium as the research objects to explore the relationship between nanofluids properties and electrical discharge machining (EDM) processes. Regarding the products, UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) was applied to measure the concentration distribution of nanofluids; zeta-size analysis is applied for measuring nanometal particles’ Zeta-Potential and the size distribution of metallic particles in the fluid. Finally, various instruments, including scanning electron microscope (SEM), were applied to observe the shape, size, and composition ratio of metal particles after processing. According to the experimental results, the control of the discharge pulse time, in addition to affecting the concentration of metallic liquid and temperature in the process, affects the size of the metal particles after the process. As the resistivity of silver and copper is very low, at about15×10-9 Ω·m, ifTONis set to between 10~50 μs, good preparation efficiency can be obtained. The resistivity of titanium is420×10-9 Ω·m, which is much larger than that of silver or copper. Hence,TONshould be set to approximately 100 μs to achieve a good discharge success rate.