bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IMPROVED DETECTION OF FAST NEUTRONS WITH SOLID-STATE ELECTRONICS
Authors: CHATZAKIS J. , HASSAN S. M. , CLARK E. L. , TALEBITAHER A. , LEE P.
Published: February 2014

There is an increasing requirement for alternative and improved detection of fast neutrons due to the renewed interest in neutron diagnostics applications. Some applications require heavily shielded neutron sources that emit a substantial proportion of their emission as fast neutrons and so require high performance fast neutron detectors. In some applications, the detection of neutron bursts from pulsed neutron sources has to be synchronized to the repetition rate of the source. Typical fast neutron detectors incorporate scintillators that are sensitive to all kinds of ionizing radiations as well as neutrons, and their efficiency is low. In this paper, we present a device based on the principle of neutron activation coupled to solid-state p-i-n diodes connected to a charge amplifier. The charge amplifier is specially developed to operate with high capacitance detectors and has been optimized by the aid of the SPICE program. A solid-state pulse shaping filter follows the charge amplifier, as an inexpensive solution, capable to provide pulses that can be counted by a digital counter.
CEPA: A LaBr3(Ce)/LaCl3(Ce) PHOSWICH ARRAY FOR SIMULTANEOUS DETECTION OF PROTONS AND GAMMA RADIATION EMITTED IN REACTIONS AT RELATIVISTIC ENERGIES
Authors: SÁNCHEZ DEL RÍO J. , BORGE M. J. G. , NÁCHER E. , PEREA A. , RIBEIRO G. , TENGBLAD O. , MÅRTENSSON M. , NILSSON T. , JOHANSSON H. T.
Published: February 2014

A sophisticated design of 750 LaBr3(Ce):LaCl3(Ce) phoswich crystals (CEPA10) with a segmentation determined by the Doppler correction and an energy resolution of 5% at 1 MeV is presented. Monte Carlo simulations have been performed for high energy protons (50–500 MeV) and gamma radiation (0.5–30 MeV) to determine the length and shape of the crystals for optimum performance of the detector. In the case of protons, the two-layer detector can be used as a ΔELaBr3 − ETot telescope or, for very high energies, as a double energy loss detector (ΔELaBr3 + ΔELaCl3), in order to determine the initial energy. In addition, an experimental test with high energy protons (70–230 MeV) was performed at the cyclotron center in Krakow, Poland with a first prototype of 2 x 2 phoswich rectangular crystals (CEPA4) packed in an aluminum can (0.5 mm case). To simulate CEPA10 efficiencies and resolutions, optical pulses detected in CEPA4 by photomultiplier tubes with a DAQ system were used as energy input functions in Monte Carlo simulations.
VALIDATION OF A MONTE CARLO MODEL OF THE FORK DETECTOR WITH A CALIBRATED NEUTRON SOURCE
Authors: BORELLA ALESSANDRO , MIHAILESCU LIVIU-CRISTIAN
Published: February 2014

The investigation of experimental methods for safeguarding spent fuel elements is one of the research areas at the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK•CEN. A version of the so-called Fork Detector has been designed at SCK•CEN and is in use at the Belgian Nuclear Power Plant of Doel for burnup determination purposes. The Fork Detector relies on passive neutron and gamma measurements for the assessment of the burnup and safeguards verification activities. In order to better evaluate and understand the method and in view to extend its capabilities, an effort to model the Fork detector was made with the code MCNPX. A validation of the model was done in the past using spent fuel measurement data. This paper reports about the measurements carried out at the Laboratory for Nuclear Calibrations (LNK) of SCK•CEN with a 252Cf source calibrated according to ISO 8529 standards. The experimental data are presented and compared with simulations. In the simulations, not only was the detector modeled but also the measurement room was taken into account based on the available design information. The results of this comparison exercise are also presented in this paper.
MUON TOMOGRAPHY AS A TOOL TO DETECT RADIOACTIVE SOURCE SHIELDING IN SCRAP METAL CONTAINERS
Authors: BONOMI G. , CAMBIAGHI D. , DASSA L. , DONZELLA A. , SUBIETA M. , VILLA V. , ZENONI A. , FURLAN M. , RIGONI A. , VANINI S. , VIESTI G. , ZUMERLE G. , BENETTONI M. , CHECCHIA P. , GONELLA F. , PEGORARO M. , ZANUTTIGH P. , CALVAGNO G. , CALVINI P. , SQUARCIA S.
Published: February 2014

Muon tomography was recently proposed as a tool to inspect large volumes with the purpose of recognizing high density materials immersed in lower density matrices. The MU-STEEL European project (RFCS-CT-2010-000033) studied the application of such a technique to detect radioactive source shielding in truck containers filled with scrap metals entering steel mill foundries. A description of the muon tomography technique, of the MU-STEEL project and of the obtained results will be presented.
ANTINEUTRINOS FOR REACTOR SAFEGUARDS: EFFECT OF FUEL LOADING AND BURNUP ON THE SIGNAL
Authors: ERICKSON ANNA , BERNSTEIN ADAM , BOWDEN NATHANIEL
Published: February 2014

Various types of nuclear reactor related information, including relative power level and fuel evolution parameters, can be inferred remotely using antineutrino detectors. We show that it is possible to verify assembly-level burnup using information derived from an antineutrino detector if the nominal reactor fuel loading is known. Alternatively, if the core power is measured using an independent method, for example, a thermal hydraulic element, and the nominal core behavior is known, the antineutrino detector has a capability to determine previously unknown MOX loading in the core.
Design and development of a force sensing skin adapted to a child surrogate to identify potential bruising locations
Authors: D'souza Raymond , Bertocci Gina
Published: February 2014

Bruising is an early sign of child abuse. Bruising locations on the body can be an effective delineator of abusive vs. accidental trauma. However, the ability to predict potential bruising locations associated with falsely reported events (e.g. bed falls, stair falls) in child abuse does not exist. In our study we adapted an existing pediatric anthropomorphic test device (ATD) with custom developed force sensors integrated into a conformable skin. The sensors were coupled to a data acquisition system through which recorded force data was displayed on a computerized body mapping image system. A simulated abdominal blow demonstrated the modified ATD's capability to predict potential bruising location and impact force.
Homogenization of Parabolic Equations with an Arbitrary Number of Scales in Both Space and Time
Authors: Flodén Liselott , Holmbom Anders , Olsson Lindberg Marianne , Persson Jens
Published: February 2014

The main contribution of this paper is the homogenization of the linear parabolic equation∂tuε(x,t)-∇·(a(x/εq1,...,x/εqn,t/εr1,...,t/εrm)∇uε(x,t))=f(x,t)exhibiting an arbitrary finite number of both spatial and temporal scales. We briefly recall some fundamentals of multiscale convergence and provide a characterization of multiscale limits for gradients, in an evolution setting adapted to a quite general class of well-separated scales, which we name by jointly well-separated scales (see appendix for the proof). We proceed with a weaker version of this concept called very weak multiscale convergence. We prove a compactness result with respect to this latter type for jointly well-separated scales. This is a key result for performing the homogenization of parabolic problems combining rapid spatial and temporal oscillations such as the problem above. Applying this compactness result together with a characterization of multiscale limits of sequences of gradients we carry out the homogenization procedure, where we together with the homogenized problem obtainnlocal problems, that is, one for each spatial microscale. To illustrate the use of the obtained result, we apply it to a case with three spatial and three temporal scales withq1=1,q2=2, and0<r1<r2.
Study of Complexation in Acetone-Chloroform Mixtures by Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Ilchenko Oleksii O. , Kutsyk Andrii M. , Obukhovsky Vyacheslav V.
Published: February 2014

FTIR spectra of acetone-chloroform system with various component ratios were investigated within the spectral range 3950–4550 cm−1. Methods of multivariate curve resolution were applied to decompose the FTIR spectra into specific components of different composition. A method of decomposition based on structural model of solution which contains acetone, chloroform, and complex acetone/chloroform (1 : 1) was proposed. Results of both approaches are in good agreement within the range of measuring error.
Critical Layer Analysis of Stuart Vortices in a Plane Jet
Authors: Alobaidi Ghada , Mallier Roland
Published: February 2014

Asymptotic techniques are used to model quasi‐steady‐state vortices in the plane (Bickley) inviscid jet. A nonlinear critical layer analysis is used to find a family of steady‐state
finite amplitude two‐dimensional vortices which are based on the Stuart vortex.
Analysis of Eyring-Powell Fluid in Helical Screw Rheometer
Authors: Siddiqui A. M. , Haroon T. , Zeb M.
Published: February 2014

This paper aims to study the flow of an incompressible, isothermal Eyring-Powell fluid in a helical screw rheometer. The complicated geometry of the helical screw rheometer is simplified by “unwrapping or flattening” the channel, lands, and the outside rotating barrel, assuming the width of the channel is larger as compared to the depth. The developed second order nonlinear differential equations are solved by using Adomian decomposition method. Analytical expressions are obtained for the velocity profiles, shear stresses, shear at wall, force exerted on fluid, volume flow rates, and average velocity. The effect of non-Newtonian parameters, pressure gradients, and flight angle on the velocity profiles is noticed with the help of graphical representation. The observation confirmed the vital role of involved parameters during the extrusion process.
Investigating the Chaperone Properties of a Novel Heat Shock Protein, Hsp70.c, fromTrypanosoma brucei
Authors: Burger Adélle , Ludewig Michael H. , Boshoff Aileen
Published: February 2014

The neglected tropical disease, African Trypanosomiasis, is fatal and has a crippling impact on economic development. Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) is an important molecular chaperone that is expressed in response to stress and Hsp40 acts as its co-chaperone. These proteins play a wide range of roles in the cell and they are required to assist the parasite as it moves from a cold blooded insect vector to a warm blooded mammalian host. A novel cytosolic Hsp70, fromTrypanosoma brucei, TbHsp70.c, contains an acidic substrate binding domain and lacks the C-terminal EEVD motif. The ability of a cytosolic Hsp40 fromTrypanosoma bruceiJ protein 2, Tbj2, to function as a co-chaperone of TbHsp70.c was investigated. The main objective was to functionally characterize TbHsp70.c to further expand our knowledge of parasite biology. TbHsp70.c and Tbj2 were heterologously expressed and purified and both proteins displayed the ability to suppress aggregation of thermolabile MDH and chemically denatured rhodanese. ATPase assays revealed a 2.8-fold stimulation of the ATPase activity of TbHsp70.c by Tbj2. TbHsp70.c and Tbj2 both demonstrated chaperone activity and Tbj2 functions as a co-chaperone of TbHsp70.c.In vivoheat stress experiments indicated upregulation of the expression levels of TbHsp70.c.
Magnetic Biofilm Carriers: The Use of Novel Magnetic Foam Glass Particles in Anaerobic Digestion of Sugar Beet Silage
Authors: Ramm Patrice , Jost Carsten , Neitmann Elisabeth , Sohling Ulrich , Menhorn Oliver , Weinberger Karl , Mumme Jan , Linke Bernd
Published: February 2014

The use of recently developed magnetic foam glass particles for immobilization of microbial biomass was tested. The effect of the particles was illustrated at the production of biogas from sugar beet silage as the sole substrate. Lab-scale fermentation experiments were conducted using a mesophilic completely stirred tank reactor and a magnetic separator. Microscopic analysis revealed biofilm coverage of 50–60% on the surface of the particles within 110 days. It was possible to recover 76.3% of the particles from fermentation effluent by means of a separation procedure based on magnetic forces. Comparing a particle charged reactor with a control reactor showed a small performance gain. The methane rate was increased from1.18±0.09to1.25±0.06 L L−1 d−1and the methane yield was increased from0.302±0.029to0.318±0.022 L g−1(volatile solids) at an organic loading rate of3.93±0.22 g L−1 d−1(volatile solids). Maximum methane rates of 1.42 L L−1d−1at an organic loading rate of 4.60 g (volatile solids) L−1 d−1(reactor including magnetic particles) and 1.34 L L−1 d−1at 3.73 g L−1 d−1(control reactor) were achieved. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the use of magnetic particles could be an attractive option for the optimization of biogas production.
Modulation of Cortical Interhemispheric Interactions by Motor Facilitation or Restraint
Authors: Vidal Ana Cristina , Banca Paula , Pascoal Augusto Gil , Cordeiro Gustavo , Sargento-Freitas João , Castelo-Branco Miguel
Published: February 2014

Cortical interhemispheric interactions in motor control are still poorly understood and it is important to clarify how these depend on inhibitory/facilitatory limb movements and motor expertise, as reflected by limb dominance. Here we addressed this problem using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and a task involving dominant/nondominant limb mobilization in the presence/absence of contralateral limb restraint. In this way we could modulate excitation/deactivation of the contralateral hemisphere. Blocks of arm elevation were alternated with absent/present restraint of the contralateral limb in 17 participants. We found the expected activation of contralateral sensorimotor cortex and ipsilateral cerebellum during arm elevation. In addition, only the dominant arm elevation (hold period) was accompanied by deactivation of ipsilateral sensorimotor cortex, irrespective of presence/absence of contralateral restraint, although the latter increased deactivation. In contrast, the nondominant limb yielded absent deactivation and reduced area of contralateral activation upon restriction. Our results provide evidence for a difference in cortical communication during motor control (action facilitation/inhibition), depending on the “expertise” of the hemisphere that controls action (dominant versus nondominant). These results have relevant implications for the development of facilitation/inhibition strategies in neurorehabilitation, namely, in stroke, given that fMRI deactivations have recently been shown to reflect decreases in neural responses.
The Differences and Similarities between Allergists and Non-Allergists for Penicillin Allergy Management
Authors: Suetrong Nayot , Klaewsongkram Jettanong
Published: February 2014

The purpose of this study was to compare the management of patients with a history of penicillin allergy between allergists and non-allergists in Thailand. A questionnaire was distributed to Thai physicians by online survey. The answers from 205 physicians were analyzed. The discrepancy of penicillin allergy management between allergists and non-allergists was clearly demonstrated in patients with a history of an immediate reaction in the presence of penicillin skin test (P<0.01) and in patients with a history of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (P<0.05) from penicillin. Allergists are more willing to confirm penicillin allergic status, more likely to carefully administer penicillin even after negative skin test, but less concerned for the potential cross-reactivity with 3rd and 4th generation cephalosporins, compared to non-allergists. The lack of penicillin skin test reagents, the reliability of penicillin allergy history, and medicolegal problem were the main reasons for prescribing alternate antibiotics without confirmation of penicillin allergic status. In summary, the different management of penicillin allergy between allergists and non-allergists was significantly demonstrated in patients with a history of severe non-immediate reaction and in patients with a history of an immediate reaction when a penicillin skin test is available.
A Double Blind Clinical Trial on the Efficacy of Honey Drop in Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis
Authors: Salehi Ali , Jabarzare Solmaz , Neurmohamadi Mohammadreza , Kheiri Soleiman , Rafieian-Kopaei Mahmoud
Published: February 2014

Purpose. This trial was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical honey eye drops in patients with diagnosed VKC.
Methods. This clinical trial was conducted on 60 patients with diagnosed VKC. The patients were selected and randomly allocated between two groups of 30. Patients in two groups received honey eye drop (60% in artificial tear) or placebo, other than cromolyn and fluorometholone 1% eye drops, to be used topically in each eye, four times per day. The patients were examined with slit lamp and torch at baseline and the follow‐up visits on the 1st, 3rd, and 6th months of the study for redness, limbal papillae, and intraocular pressure.
Results. Out of 60 patients who completed the study, 19 patients (31.7%) were female. There was significant increase in eye pressure and reduction in redness as well as limbal papillae, following the consumption of the honey drop in honey group compared to placebo control group (P < 0.05). At the end of trial, one patient in honey group and 7 ones in placebo group had limbal papillae (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Topical honey eye drops, when used along with Cromolyn and Fluorometholone eye drops, might be beneficial for the treatment of VKC.
Size Controlled Synthesis of FeCo Alloy Nanoparticles and Study of the Particle Size and Distribution Effects on Magnetic Properties
Authors: Shokuhfar A. , Afghahi S. S. S.
Published: February 2014

In this research the size controlled synthesis of FeCo nanoparticles was done using a quaternary microemulsion system. X-ray diffraction and high resolution transmission electron microscopy of as-synthesized nanoparticles confirm the formation of FeCo alloy nanoparticles. The effects of two process parameters, namely, water to surfactant molar ratio and molar concentration of metal salts, on the size and size distribution of nanoparticles were discussed by the aid of transmission electron microscopy. The size dependency of magnetic properties was also investigated using a room temperature vibrating sample magnetometer. The superparamagnetic-ferromagnetic and single domain-multidomain transition sizes were determined. Then the specific absorption rates at transition sizes were calculated and the best sample for magnetic hyperthermia treatment was introduced.
Solution Processed Silver Nanoparticles in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Berginc Marko , Opara Krašovec Urša , Topič Marko
Published: February 2014

A plasmonic effect of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is studied. The solutions of silver nitrate in isopropanol, ethylene glycol, or in TiO2 sol were examined as possible precursors for Ag NPs formation. The solutions were dip‐coated on the top of the porous TiO2 layer. The results of optical measurements confirmed the formation of Ag NPs throughout the porous TiO2 layer after the heat treatment of the layers above 100°C. Heat treatment at 220°C was found to be optimal regarding the formation of the Ag NPs. The porous TiO2 layers with Ag NPs have been evaluated also in DSSC by measuring current‐voltage characteristics and the external quantum efficiency of the cells. In addition, the amount of adsorbed dye has been determined to prove the plasmonic effect in the cells. The I-V characterization of the DSSCs revealed an increase of the short circuit current in the presence of Ag NPs although the amount of the attached dye molecules decreased. These results confirm that the performance enhancement is related to the plasmonic effect. However, neither a thin sol‐gel TiO2 layer nor poly(4‐vinylpyridine) shells provide effective protection for the long term stability of the Ag NPs against the corrosion of based electrolyte.
Studies on Wicking Behaviour of Polyester Fabric
Authors: Chatterjee Arobindo , Singh Pratibha
Published: February 2014

This paper aims to investigate vertical wicking properties of polyester fabric based on change in sample direction and change in tension. Also experimental results are compared with theoretical results. Polyester fabric made out of spun yarn with four types of variation in pick density was used. Theoretical values of vertical wicking were calculated by using Lucas-Washburn equation and experimental results were recorded using strip test method. Maximum height reached experimentally in both warp way and weft way is more than that of the theoretical values. The maximum height attained by fabric experimentally in weft is more as compared to warp way. Vertical wicking increases with increase in tension. This paper is focused on wicking which plays a vital role in determining comfort and moisture transport behavior of fabric.
An FPGA Chaos-Based PWM Technique Combined with Simple Passive Filter for Effective EMI Spectral Peak Reduction in DC-DC Converter
Authors: Natarajan Sudhakar , Natarajan Rajasekar
Published: February 2014

A new and simple but effective electromagnetic interference suppression technique based on field programmable logic array (FPGA) technology to provide a significant EMI noise attenuation in DC-DC converters is discussed. The voltage controlled boost converter for EMI reduction is analyzed using FFT under traditional PWM technique and chaotic mode operation. This technique aids the DC-DC converters to comply in specified EMI limits and replace conventional bulky passive filter with a simple passive filter. A prototype model has been tested and hardware results show significant reduction of EMI in chaotic mode operation of the boost converter.
Stochastic Nonlinear Thermoelastic System Coupled Sine-Gordon Equation Driven by Jump Noise
Authors: Cheng Shuilin , Guo Yantao , Tang Yanbin
Published: February 2014

This paper considers a stochastic nonlinear thermoelastic system coupled sine-Gordon equation driven by jump noise. We first prove the existence and uniqueness of strong probabilistic solution of an initial-boundary value problem with homogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions. Then we give an asymptotic behavior of the solution.
Steroids Decrease Prevalence of Positive Tuberculin Skin Test in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Implications on Anti-TNF Therapies
Authors: Agarwal Shweta , Das Siddharth Kumar , Agarwal Girdhar G. , Srivastava Ragini
Published: February 2014

Tuberculin skin test has been used as an indicator of latent tuberculosis in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) before administration of biologicals. Effect of Disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and steroids on the result of tuberculin skin test (TST) may have important implications in interpretation of results of this test.Objectives. To find the prevalence of positive TST in rheumatoid patients and the effect of standard treatment on the results of TST.Method. In this cross-sectional study two hundred and fifty patients of RA above 18 years of age, classified using 1987 ACR criteria for RA, were enrolled from rheumatology outdoor. Demographics, disease activity, disease duration, and therapy were recorded. All patients underwent TST.Results. Fifty-one (20.4%) patients were found to be tuberculin positive. Tuberculin positivity was not affected by MTX intake but it was significantly low in patients with recent steroid intake as compared to patients who had not taken steroids in last 3 months (3% versus 25%,P= 0.002).Conclusion. Prevalence of tuberculin positivity in patients with RA was found to be low. Results were not affected by methotrexate; however tuberculin skin test results in patients with recent use of steroids are likely to be negative.
Mathematical Model of a Flash Drying Process
Authors: Aslaksen Erik W.
Published: February 2014

The paper presents a basic model of the flash drying process, as it is applied in a number of industrial applications, and illustrates this by means of a particular application: the drying of subbituminous coal. Besides its economic importance, that application is representative of those where the product is combustible, so that the drying needs to be conducted in an inert atmosphere, which is achieved by recycling some of the drying gas. A novel feature of the model is that it takes explicit account of the transport of heat and moisture within the coal particles. The model provides the basis for the development of a tool to support the design of a flash drying plant.
Antisecretory Effect of Hydrogen Sulfide on Gastric Acid Secretion and the Involvement of Nitric Oxide
Authors: Mard Seyyed Ali , Askari Hasan , Neisi Niloofar , Veisi Ali
Published: February 2014

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of H2S on distention-induced gastric acid secretion. Fifty-two rats were randomly assigned to seven experimental groups. The gastric acid secretion was stimulated by gastric distention. Two groups of rats received L-cysteine or saline for 5 days before stimulation of the gastric acid secretion. Two groups of animals also received NaHS or saline just prior to stimulation of the gastric acid secretion. The effect of L-NAME and propargylglycine was also investigated. The mucosal levels of the gene expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and H+/K+-ATPaseα-subunit were quantified by qPCR and luminal concentrations of NO were determined. NaHS and L-cysteine decreased the gastric acid output in response to distention. The mRNA expression of H+/K+-ATPaseα-subunit decreased by NaHS and L-cysteine as compared with the control group while gene expression of eNOS and COX-2 was upregulated. The inhibitory effect of NaHS on distention-induced gastric acid secretion was mitigated by pretreatment of L-NAME. These findings suggest the involvement of NO in mediating the antisecretory effect of H2S.
Low‐Resolution Tactile Image Recognition for Automated Robotic Assembly Using Kernel PCA‐Based Feature Fusion and Multiple Kernel Learning‐Based Support Vector Machine
Authors: Liu Yi-Hung , Hsiao Yu-Tsung , Cheng Wei-Teng , Liu Yan-Chen , Su Jui-Yiao
Published: February 2014

In this paper, we propose a robust tactile sensing image recognition scheme for automatic robotic assembly. First, an image reprocessing procedure is designed to enhance the contrast of the tactile image. In the second layer, geometric features and Fourier descriptors are extracted from the image. Then, kernel principal component analysis (kernel PCA) is applied to transform the features into ones with better discriminating ability, which is the kernel PCA‐based feature fusion. The transformed features are fed into the third layer for classification. In this paper, we design a classifier by combining the multiple kernel learning (MKL) algorithm and support vector machine (SVM). We also design and implement a tactile sensing array consisting of 10‐by‐10 sensing elements. Experimental results, carried out on real tactile images acquired by the designed tactile sensing array, show that the kernel PCA‐based feature fusion can significantly improve the discriminating performance of the geometric features and Fourier descriptors. Also, the designed MKL‐SVM outperforms the regular SVM in terms of recognition accuracy. The proposed recognition scheme is able to achieve a high recognition rate of over 85% for the classification of 12 commonly used metal parts in industrial applications.
High Expression of Ecto-Nucleotidases CD39 and CD73 in Human Endometrial Tumors
Authors: Aliagas Elisabet , Vidal August , Texidó Laura , Ponce Jordi , Condom Enric , Martín-Satué Mireia
Published: February 2014

One of the strategies used by tumors to evade immunosurveillance is the accumulation of extracellular adenosine, which has immunosupressive and tumor promoting effects. The study of the mechanisms leading to adenosine formation at the tumor interstitium are therefore of great interest in oncology. The dominant pathway generating extracellular adenosine in tumors is the dephosphorylation of ATP by ecto-nucleotidases. Two of these enzymes acting sequentially, CD39 and CD73, efficiently hydrolyze extracellular ATP to adenosine. They have been found to play a crucial role in a variety of tumors, but there were no data concerning endometrial cancer, the most frequent of the invasive tumors of the female genital tract. The aim of the present work is to study the expression of CD39 and CD73 in human endometrial cancer. We have analyzed protein and gene expression, as well as enzyme activity, in type I endometrioid adenocarcinomas and type II serous adenocarcinomas and their nonpathological endometrial counterparts. High levels of both enzymes were found in tumor samples, with significantly increased expression of CD39 in type II serous tumors, which also coincided with the higher tumor grade. Our results reinforce the involvement of the adenosinergic system in cancer, emphasizing the relevance of ecto-nucleotidases as emerging therapeutic targets in oncology.
Carbon Nanotubes Reinforced Composites for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhu Yuhe , Liao Susan , Li Jiajia
Published: February 2014

This review paper reported carbon nanotubes reinforced composites for biomedical applications. Several studies have found enhancement in the mechanical properties of CNTs-based reinforced composites by the addition of CNTs. CNTs reinforced composites have been intensively investigated for many aspects of life, especially being made for biomedical applications. The review introduced fabrication of CNTs reinforced composites (CNTs reinforced metal matrix composites, CNTs reinforced polymer matrix composites, and CNTs reinforced ceramic matrix composites), their mechanical properties, cell experimentsin vitro, and biocompatibility testsin vivo.
Cirrhosis Classification Based on Texture Classification of Random Features
Authors: Liu Hui , Shao Ying , Guo Dongmei , Zheng Yuanjie , Zhao Zuowei , Qiu Tianshuang
Published: February 2014

Accurate staging of hepatic cirrhosis is important in investigating the cause and slowing down the effects of cirrhosis. Computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) can provide doctors with an alternative second opinion and assist them to make a specific treatment with accurate cirrhosis stage. MRI has many advantages, including high resolution for soft tissue, no radiation, and multiparameters imaging modalities. So in this paper, multisequences MRIs, including T1-weighted, T2-weighted, arterial, portal venous, and equilibrium phase, are applied. However, CAD does not meet the clinical needs of cirrhosis and few researchers are concerned with it at present. Cirrhosis is characterized by the presence of widespread fibrosis and regenerative nodules in the hepatic, leading to different texture patterns of different stages. So, extracting texture feature is the primary task. Compared with typical gray level cooccurrence matrix (GLCM) features, texture classification from random features provides an effective way, and we adopt it and propose CCTCRF for triple classification (normal, early, and middle and advanced stage). CCTCRF does not need strong assumptions except the sparse character of image, contains sufficient texture information, includes concise and effective process, and makes case decision with high accuracy. Experimental results also illustrate the satisfying performance and they are also compared with typical NN with GLCM.
Optimal Design of One-Folded Leaf Spring with High Fatigue Life Applied to Horizontally Vibrating Linear Actuator in Smart Phone
Authors: Lee Ki Bum , Park Chang Hyun , Kim Jin Ho
Published: February 2014

Horizontally vibrating linear actuator (HVLA) instead of VVLA has been under study in a few past years and recently HVLA with thickness of 2.5 mm was developed. The one-folded leaf spring to guide the moving part is newly designed and applied in HVLA, but unfortunately it makes HVLA be wider. Accordingly, this paper presents the optimal design of one-folded leaf spring, which results in reduction of HLVA width. The commercial design optimization tool “PIAnO” was utilized based on design of experiments (DOE), approximation techniques, and optimization algorithm. In addition, for the vibration modal analysis and harmonic response analysis to generate metamodeling, the software “ANSYS” is utilized. The optimal width of leaf spring was reduced by 46% compared to the initial one, while all the design constraints were satisfied, which clearly showed the validity of the proposed design approach.
Thermophysical Properties of Binary Mixtures of Dimethylsulfoxide with 1-Phenylethanone and 1,4-Dimethylbenzene at Various Temperatures
Authors: Gill Harmandeep Singh , Rattan V. K.
Published: February 2014

This research article reports the experimental results of the density, viscosity, refractive index, and speed of sound analysis of binary mixtures of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) + 1-phenylethanone (acetophenone) and + 1,4-dimethylbenzene (para-xylene) over the whole composition range at 313.15, 318.15, 323.15, and 328.15 K and at atmospheric pressure. The excess molar volumes (VE), viscosity deviations (Δη), excess Gibbs energy of activation (GE), deviations in isentropic compressibility (KSE), deviations in speed of sound (uE), and deviations in the molar refraction (ΔR) were calculated from the experimental data. The computed quantities were fitted to the Redlich-Kister equation to derive the coefficients and estimate the standard error values. The viscosities have also been correlated with two, and three-parameter models, that is, Heric correlation, McAllister model, and Grunberg-Nissan correlation, respectively.
Optimal Control Problem with Necessary Optimality Conditions for the Viscous Dullin-Gottwald-Holm Equation
Authors: Hwang Jinsoo
Published: February 2014

We study the quadratic cost optimal control problems for the viscous Dullin-Gottwald-Holm equation. The main novelty of this paper is to derive the necessary optimality conditions of optimal controls, corresponding to physically meaningful distributive observations. For this we prove the Gâteaux differentiability of nonlinear solution mapping on control variables. Moreover by making use of the second order Gâteaux differentiability of solution mapping on control variables, we prove the local uniqueness of optimal control. This is another novelty of the paper.
A Novel Phospholipase A2(D49) from the Venom of theCrotalus oreganus abyssus(North American Grand Canyon Rattlesnake)
Authors: Martins W. , Baldasso P. A. , Honório K. M. , Maltarollo V. G. , Ribeiro R. I. M. A. , Carvalho B. M. A. , Soares A. M. , Calderon L. A. , Stábeli R. G. , Caballol M. A. O. , Acosta G. , Oliveira E. , Marangoni S. , Albericio F. , Da Silva S. L.
Published: February 2014

Currently,Crotalus viridiswas divided into two species:Crotalus viridisandCrotalus oreganus. The current classification divides “the old”Crotalus viridisinto two new and independent species:Crotalus viridis(subspecies:viridis and nuntius) andCrotalus oreganus(subspecies:abyssus, lutosus, concolor, oreganus, helleri, cerberus, and caliginis). The analysis of a product from cDNA (E6d), derived from the gland of a specieCrotalus viridis viridis, was found to produce an acid phospholipase A2. In this study we isolated and characterized a PLA2(D49) fromCrotalus oreganus abyssusvenom. Our studies show that the PLA2produced from the cDNA ofCrotalus viridis viridis(named E6d) is exactly the same PLA2primary sequence of amino acids isolated from the venom ofCrotalus oreganus abyssus. Thus, the PLA2from E6d cDNA is actually the same PLA2presented in the venom ofCrotalus oreganus abyssusand does not correspond to the venom fromCrotalus viridis viridis. These facts highlight the importance of performing more studies on subspecies ofCrotalus oreganusandCrotalus viridis, since the old classification may have led to mixed results or mistaken data.
Simulation to Implementation as Good Practices for Teaching Power Electronics to Undergraduate Students: Fuzzy Sliding Mode Control for DC Motors
Authors: Cepeda Paul , Ponce Pedro , Molina Arturo
Published: February 2014

How can students be given experience in the confused realities of engineering processes? How can undergraduate students be convinced that processes can be analyzed and improved? Computer simulations properly designed and applied could answer these challenges revolutionizing education in Power Electronics. In recent years, computer simulation has been commonly used in education to motivate students in their learning and help teachers to improve their teaching level. The present paper focuses on developing a speed controller for DC motors starting from theoretical aspects, passing through simulations, and finally reaching a control prototype. The control theory is based on a nonlinear technique known as Sliding Mode Control (SMC) involving artificial intelligence for optimization such as Fuzzy Logic (FL), Adaptive Neurofuzzy Inference Systems (ANFIS), and Genetic Algorithms (GAs).
Effects of Surfactants on the Performance of CeO2 Humidity Sensor
Authors: Wang Chunjie , Zhang Aihua , Karimi Hamid Reza
Published: February 2014

Nanosized CeO2 powders were synthesized via hydrothermal method with different types of surfactants (polyethylene glycol (PEG), cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), and sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS)). X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were utilized to characterize the phase structures and morphologies of the products. The sample with CTAB as surfactant (CeO2‐C) has the largest specific surface area and the smallest particle size among these three samples. The humidity sensor fabricated by CeO2‐C shows higher performance than those used CeO2‐P and CeO2‐S. The impedance of the CeO2‐C sensor decreases by about five orders of magnitude with relative humidity (RH) changing from 15.7 to 95%. The response and recovery time are 7 and 7 s, respectively. These results indicate that the performance of CeO2 humidity sensors can be improved effectively by the addition of cationic surfactant.
A Study on the Chain Ratio-Type Estimator of Finite Population Variance
Authors: Olufadi Yunusa , Kadilar Cem
Published: February 2014

We suggest an estimator using two auxiliary variables for the estimation of the unknown population variance. The bias and the mean square error of the proposed estimator are obtained to the first order of approximations. In addition, the problem is extended to two-phase sampling scheme. After theoretical comparisons, as an illustration, a numerical comparison is carried out to examine the performance of the suggested estimator with several estimators.
Essential Oils for Complementary Treatment of Surgical Patients: State of the Art
Authors: Stea Susanna , Beraudi Alina , De Pasquale Dalila
Published: February 2014

Aromatherapy is the controlled use of plant essences for therapeutic purposes. Its applications are numerous (i.e., wellbeing, labour, infections, dementia, and anxiety treatment) but often they have not been scientifically validated. The aim of the present study is to review the available literature to determine if there is evidence for effectiveness of aromatherapy in surgical patients to treat anxiety and insomnia, to control pain and nausea, and to dress wound. Efficacy studies of lavender or orange and peppermint essential oils, to treat anxiety and nausea, respectively, have shown positive results. For other aspects, such as pain control, essential oils therapy has shown uncertain results. Finally, there are encouraging data for the treatment of infections, especially for tea tree oil, although current results are still inconclusive. It should also be considered that although they are, allergic reactions and toxicity can occur after oral ingestion. Therefore, while rigorous studies are being carried out, it is important that the therapeutic use of essential oils be performed in compliance with clinical safety standards.
Experimental Investigation on Flow-Induced Vibration of Fuel Rods in Supercritical Water Loop
Authors: Wu Licun , Lu Daogang , Liu Yu
Published: February 2014

The supercritical water-cooled reactor (SCWR) is one of the most promising Generation IV reactors. In order to make the fuel qualification test for SCWR, a research plan is proposed to test a small scale fuel assembly in a supercritical water loop. To ensure the structure safety of fuel assembly in the loop, a flow-induced vibration experiment was carried out to investigate the vibration behavior of fuel rods, especially the vibration caused by leakage flow. From the experiment result, it can be found that: the vibration of rods is mainly caused by turbulence when flow rate is low. However, the effects of leakage flow become obvious as flow rate increases, which could changes the distribution of vibrational energy in spectrum, increasing the vibrational energy in high-frequency band. That is detrimental to the structure safety of fuel rods. Therefore, it is more reasonable to improve the design by using the spacers with blind hole, which can eliminate the leakage flow, to assemble the fuel rods in supercritical water loop. On the other hand, the experimental result could provide a benchmark for the theoretical studies to validate the applicability of boundary condition set for the leakage-flow-induced vibration.
Procalcitonin Clearance for Early Prediction of Survival in Critically Ill Patients with Severe Sepsis
Authors: Mat Nor Mohd Basri , Md Ralib Azrina
Published: February 2014

Introduction. Serum procalcitonin (PCT) diagnosed sepsis in critically ill patients; however, its prediction for survival is not well established. We evaluated the prognostic value of dynamic changes of PCT in sepsis patients.Methods. A prospective observational study was conducted in adult ICU. Patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) were recruited. Daily PCT were measured for 3 days. 48 h PCT clearance (PCTc-48) was defined as percentage of baseline PCT minus 48 h PCT over baseline PCT.Results. 95 SIRS patients were enrolled (67 sepsis and 28 noninfectious SIRS). 40% patients in the sepsis group died in hospital. Day 1-PCT was associated with diagnosis of sepsis (AUC 0.65 (95% CI, 0.55 to 0.76)) but was not predictive of mortality. In sepsis patients, PCTc-48 was associated with prediction of survival (AUC 0.69 (95% CI, 0.53 to 0.84)). Patients with PCTc-48 > 30% were independently associated with survival (HR 2.90 (95% CI 1.22 to 6.90)).Conclusions. PCTc-48 is associated with prediction of survival in critically ill patients with sepsis. This could assist clinicians in risk stratification; however, the small sample size, and a single-centre study, may limit the generalisability of the finding. This would benefit from replication in future multicentre study.
Formation of Arbitrary Patterns in Ultraviolet Cured Polymer Film via Electrohydrodynamic Patterning
Authors: Li Xin , Ding Yucheng , Shao Jinyou , Tian Hongmiao , Liu Hongzhong
Published: February 2014

Electrohydrodynamic patterning of arbitrary patterns is achieved by optimizing the critical parameters (applied voltage and spacer height). The applied voltage has a great influence on the fidelity of L-shaped line structures with different sizes. The L-shaped line structures with high fidelity are obtained by using the moderate applied voltage. The spacer height has a great influence on the fidelity of square structures with different sizes. The square structures with high fidelity are obtained by using the low height spacer. The multi-field coupling transient finite element simulation demonstrates that the lack of polymer owing to the high height spacer leads to the formation of defects.
Type 2 Diabetes, PUFAs, and Vitamin D: Their Relation to Inflammation
Authors: Guadarrama-López Ana L. , Valdés-Ramos Roxana , Martínez-Carrillo Beatríz E.
Published: February 2014

Chronic diseases have become one of the most important public health problems, due to their high costs for treatment and prevention. Until now, researchers have considered that the etiology of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is multifactorial. Recently, the study of the innate immune system has offered an explanation model of the pathogenesis of T2DM. On the other hand, there is evidence about the beneficial effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) n-3 and n-6 in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases including diabetes. Furthermore, high vitamin D plasmatic concentrations have been associated with the best performance of pancreaticβcells and the improving of this disease. In conclusion, certain fatty acids in the adequate proportion as well as 25-hydroxivitamin D can modulate the inflammatory response in diabetic people, modifying the evolution of this disease.
Treatment Expenditure Pattern of Epileptic Patients: A Study from a Tertiary Care Hospital, Kolkata, India
Authors: Sinha Abhik , Bhaumik Dulal K.
Published: February 2014

Introduction. Neurological diseases are very important causes of prolonged morbidity and disability leading to profound financial loss. Epilepsy is one of the most important neurological disorders. It being a cost intensive disorder poses a significant economic burden to the country.Aims and Objectives. The study was conducted among the persons with epilepsy (PWE) to assess their expenditure pattern for epilepsy treatment and its rural urban difference.Materials and Methods. 315 PWE selected by systematic random sampling and their caregivers were interviewed with the predesigned, pretested semistructured proforma. Subsequently data were compiled and analyzed using SPSS 18.0 software.Results and Conclusion. Majority of the study population were in the age group of 16–30 years. Majority belonged to classes IV and V of Prasad socioeconomic status scale. Average total expenditure per month for treatment of epilepsy was 219 INR, mainly contributed by drugs, travel, investigations, and so forth. Rural population was having higher treatment expenditure for epilepsy specially for travel and food and lodging in order to get epilepsy treatment. Wage loss in the last three months was present in 42.86% study subjects which was both affected by seizure episodes and travel for visits. Better district care would have helped in this situation.
Multiple Control Strategies for Prevention of Avian Influenza Pandemic
Authors: Ullah Roman , Zaman Gul , Islam Saeed
Published: February 2014

We present the prevention of avian influenza pandemic by adjusting multiple control functions in the human-to-human transmittable avian influenza model. First we show the existence of the optimal control problem; then by using both analytical and numerical techniques, we investigate the cost-effective control effects for the prevention of transmission of disease. To do this, we use three control functions, the effort to reduce the number of contacts with human infected with mutant avian influenza, the antiviral treatment of infected individuals, and the effort to reduce the number of infected birds. We completely characterized the optimal control and compute numerical solution of the optimality system by using an iterative method.