bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Who lives, who dies, who cares? Valuing life through the disability‐adjusted life year measurement
Authors: Laurie Emma Whyte
Published: April 2014

Agamben's work on bare life, sovereignty and spaces of exception is widely drawn upon by those seeking to understand the topologies of abandonment within contemporary society. While the majority of work has focused on the spectacular forms of violence and extraordinary spaces of exception, neoliberal ideology has been germinating a new version of biopolitics and as such creating new sacred populations, new camps and new sovereign powers. This paper brings Agamben out from the battlefield, to employ his thinking as a means to understand the systemic violence conducted through a biopolitical regime increasingly governed by the logic of profit accumulation. Focusing on vector‐borne diseases, the paper demonstrates a perpetual devaluation of lives within a prevailing economic system that searches out, and targets, ‘profitable’ populations, as exemplified by the current pharmaceutical industry and supporting apparatus that pursues the protection of profits over the preservation of lives. This abandonment within economic markets has spilled over into the arena of global health where equity is increasingly superseded by a goal of efficiency. Through a critique of the disability‐adjusted life year (DALY) measurement (a calculation drawn upon to justify interventions, and frequently invoked under the rubric of ‘cost‐effectiveness’), this paper argues that DALYs are symptomatic of a wider shift within global health governance and constitutive of a new biopolitical regime – where the body is incorporated within political and economic systems – by judging an individual's ‘worth’ through their economic productivity.
Septic transfusion reactions during blood transfusion via indwelling central venous catheters
Authors: Ricci Kristin S. , Martinez Fernando , Lichtiger Benjamin , Han Xiang Y.
Published: April 2014

Background

Transfusion of blood products requires a vascular port. Use of an indwelling central venous catheter (CVC) provides this port readily and safely in general; however, potential risks require assessment.

Study Design and Methods

The objective was to examine septic reactions to blood transfusions performed via CVCs owing to subclinical microbial catheter colonization. All transfusion reactions that occurred from 2007 to 2011 at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center were analyzed and correlated with microbiology culture results. Data on the reactions, including vascular access via a catheter or peripheral venipuncture, were collected prospectively.

Results

A total of 999 reactions were reported, with an incidence of two per 1000 transfusion events. A total of 738 reactions occurred in 642 patients during transfusion through a CVC. Among them, 606 reactions occurred in patients that had cultures of blood samples drawn within 7 days before or after reaction. Sixty of these (9.9%) had at least one significant microorganism isolated from their catheters and/or peripheral blood. The blood culture results and timing suggested that these patients likely had catheter‐related bloodstream infections caused by transfusion through a CVC with subclinical microbial colonization. Fever and chills occurred in 35 of these patients (58%), which resembled febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions. Culture results of the transfused blood products, although not performed in all cases, were mostly negative in these CVC‐related reactions.

Conclusion

Blood transfusion through an indwelling CVC may lead to septic reaction owing to subclinical microbial colonization. This risk should be considered before transfusion and during investigation of transfusion reactions.
Cytologic findings from a benign giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath in a dog
Authors: Campbell M. Wesley , Koehler Jey W. , Weiss Richard C. , Christopherson Pete W.
Published: April 2014

A 6‐year‐old male neutered Australian Shepherd dog was presented for evaluation of a subcutaneous mass on the plantar aspect of the proximal left metatarsus. Fine‐needle aspirate smears contained numerous plump spindle cells and large multinucleated cells amongst a considerable amount of pink extracellular matrix. Histopathologic diagnosis of the tissue obtained during initial biopsy and eventual surgical cytoreduction of the mass was a benign giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath (GCTTS). Immunohistochemically, the synovioblastic neoplastic cells were diffusely strongly positive for vimentin and S‐100, were multifocally moderately positive for cytokeratin AE1/3, and were negative for CD18, muscle‐specific actin (MSA), and melanoma‐associated antigen (mutated) 1 (MUM‐1). The dog recovered from surgery and underwent definitive radiation therapy to treat the local residual disease. Eight months later, the mass had not recurred. The diagnosis of GCTTS in this case supports previously published reports describing GCTTS as a relevant disease entity in dogs, and provides the first documentation of cytologic findings with this tumor. Further investigation is needed to correlate pathologic features with clinical behavior and response to therapy in dogs.
Elastic-Route Estimation of Strain Range in Notched Components Under Thermal Loading Without Performing Stress Linearization
Authors: Fujioka Terutaka
Published: April 2014

In this paper, a simplified method is proposed for estimating the strain range produced in notched components under thermal loading for the purpose of assessing fatigue, creep, and creep-fatigue life consumptions. The proposed method is based on the previously proposed stress redistribution locus (SRL) and elastic follow-up factor, which are combined with a new method for evaluating the primary-plus-secondary stress limit. The proposed method does not require the linearization of stresses and was validated by performing elastic-plastic finite element analysis (FEA) of notched components subjected to cyclic thermal loading.
Genetic Algorithm Applied to Geometric Optimization of Isothermal Y-Shaped Cavities
Authors: Lorenzini Giulio , Biserni Cesare , da Silva Diaz Estrada Emanuel , Domingues Dos Santos Elizaldo , André Isoldi Liércio , Oliveira Rocha Luiz Alberto
Published: April 2014

Constructal design associated with genetic algorithm (GA) is employed to optimize the geometry of an isothermal Y-shaped cavity embedded into a solid conducting wall. The structure has four degrees of freedom (DOF). The main purpose is to minimize the maximum excess of temperature between the solid and the cavity by means of GA and exhaustive search (simulating every geometry combinations). Results showed that GA was well succeeded to find the best shapes which minimize the maximal excess of temperature with a number of simulations strongly lower than that required with exhaustive search, allowing the optimization of cavity under new constraint conditions.
Energy Efficient Two-Phase Microcooler Design for a Concentrated Photovoltaic Triple Junction Cell
Authors: Reeser Alexander , Wang Peng , Hetsroni Gad , Bar-Cohen Avram
Published: April 2014

The potential application of an R134a-cooled two-phase microcooler for thermal management of a triple junction solar cell (CPV), under concentration of 2000 suns, is presented. An analytical model for the triple-junction solar cell temperature based on prediction of two-phase flow boiling in microchannel coolers is developed and exercised with empirical correlations from the open literature for the heat transfer coefficient, pressure drop, and critical heat flux. The thermofluid analysis is augmented by detailed energy modeling relating the solar energy harvest to the “parasitic” work expended to provide the requisite cooling, including pumping power and the energy consumed in the formation and fabrication of the microcooler itself. Three fin thicknesses, between 100 μm and 500 μm, a variable number of fins, between 0 and 9, and 5 channel heights between 0.25 mm and 3 mm, are examined for a R134a flow rate of 0.85 g/s to determine the energy efficient microcooler design for a 10 mm × 10 mm triple junction CPV cell.
Introducing Perturbations into Turbulent Wall-Bounded Flow With Arrays of Long TiO2 Nanowires
Authors: Sodano Henry A. , Koka Aneesh , Guskey Christopher R. , Michael Seigler T. , Bailey Sean C. C.
Published: April 2014

A currently unexplored mechanical application of nanowires is near-wall active flow manipulation, with potential uses mixing and filtering chemicals, enhancing convective heat transfer, and reducing drag. Here, we present experimental evidence that it is possible to introduce persistent perturbations into turbulent flow with active nanowires. A TiO2 nanowire array was fabricated and installed in the bounding wall of a turbulent channel flow, and the array was oscillated by external actuation. Measurements indicated that the array increased turbulent kinetic energy throughout the entire wall layer. These findings suggest that dynamically actuated nanowires can potentially be used to implement near-wall flow control.
Physical Activity: Does Environment Make a Difference for Tension, Stress, Emotional Outlook, and Perceptions of Health Status?
Authors: Puett Robin , Teas Jane , España-Romero Vanesa , Artero Enrique Garcia , Lee Duck-chul , Baruth Meghan , Sui Xuemei , Montresor-López Jessica , Blair Steven N.
Published: April 2014

Background:

The importance of physical activity for health is well-established. Questions remain whether outdoor exercise additionally benefits overall mental and physical well-being.

Methods:

Using cross-sectional data from the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study, we examined relationships of physical activity environment (PAE) with reported tension, stress, emotional outlook, and health.

Results:

11,649 participants were included. 18% exercised indoors, 54% outdoors, and 28% in both. Participants who exercised partially or entirely outdoors exercised more. In fully adjusted models, for women combined PAE was protective for worse emotional outlook (OR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.52–0.98). Combined PAE was also protective for reported poor health (OR for women: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.44–0.91; OR for men: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.61–0.92). Amount of physical activity modified PAE relationships with outcomes. Combined and outdoor PAE were more consistently protective for worse outcomes among high activity participants. Regardless of PAE, better outcomes were observed in active versus inactive participants.

Conclusion:

The current study suggests addition of outdoor PAE may be linked with better stress management, outlook and health perceptions for more active populations, whereas indoor PAE may be more important for low active populations. Further research should examine the order of causation and whether type of outdoor PAE (eg, urban, natural) is important.
Does Bus Rapid Transit Promote Walking? An Examination of New York City’s Select Bus Service
Authors: Day Kristen , Loh Lawrence , Ruff Ryan Richard , Rosenblum Randi , Fischer Sean , Lee Karen K.
Published: April 2014

Background:

Cities across the U.S. and internationally are adopting Bus Rapid Transit to improve transit services for residents. Features of Bus Rapid Transit include fewer stops, dedicated bus lanes, and expedited systems for boarding busses, compared with regular bus service. This study examines whether Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) ridership is associated with increased rates of walking, because of the greater distance between BRT stops compared with regular bus service.

Methods:

Surveys were conducted with riders of local and BRT buses for New York City’s M15 Select Bus Service line. Surveys examined bus ridership, health status and physical activity, walking rates, and demographic information.

Results:

BRT riders reported walking approximately half a block more than did local bus riders. The average number of blocks walked decreased for BRT riders who previously used the subway before the implementation of the BRT.

Conclusions:

BRT may be a useful tool to support walking for some groups. Depending on where it is implemented, BRT may also be associated with reduced walking among users who switch to BRT from other active transportation modes. Future research should examine associations between walking and BRT ridership with a larger sample and more sites.
Self-Efficacy, Physical Activity, and Sedentary Behavior in Adolescent Girls: Testing Mediating Effects of the Perceived School and Home Environment
Authors: Plotnikoff Ronald C. , Gebel Klaus , Lubans David Revalds
Published: April 2014

Background:

According to social-cognitive theory (SCT), self-efficacy affects health behavior both directly and indirectly by influencing how individuals perceive their environment. This study examines whether perceptions of home and school environment mediate the association between self-efficacy and physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior in adolescent girls.

Methods:

Baseline data from the Nutrition and Enjoyable Activity for Teen Girls (NEAT) was used for this study. Grade 8 female students (n = 357) were recruited from 12 secondary schools located in low-income communities in the Hunter Region, New South Wales, Australia. PA was assessed using accelerometers, and sedentary behavior by self-report and accelerometers. Self-reported measures were used for perceived home and school environment and self-efficacy. Multilevel regression models were calculated to determine if the perceived environment mediated the relationship between self-efficacy with both PA and sedentary behavior.

Results:

The perceptions of the school and home environment did not mediate the relationship between PA self-efficacy and PA behavior or sedentary behavior.

Conclusion:

The mediated models were not supported for PA or sedentary behavior. However, other results of this paper may be helpful for future theory development and practice. More research is needed to understand behaviors in unique populations such as this.
Sedentary Behaviors, Leisure-Time Physical Inactivity, and Chronic Diseases in Brazilian Workers: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Totaro Garcia Leandro Martin , da Silva Kelly Samara , Duca Giovâni F. Del , da Costa Filipe Ferreira , Nahas Markus Vinicius
Published: April 2014

Background:

Our purpose was to examine the association of television viewing (hours/day), sedentary work (predominantly sitting at work), passive transportation to work (car or motorcycle), and the clustering of these behaviors (“sedentary lifestyle”), as well as leisure-time physical inactivity (LTPI), with chronic diseases (hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and clustering of chronic diseases) in Brazilian workers.

Methods:

Cross-sectional study conducted from 2006 to 2008 in 24 Brazilian federal units (n = 47,477). A questionnaire was applied. Descriptive statistics, binary and multinomial logistic regressions were used.

Results:

Magnitude of association with chronic diseases varied greatly across domains and gender. Sedentariness at work was the most consistent behavior associated with chronic diseases, especially in men (ORhypertension = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.01–1.20; ORhypercholesterolemia = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.21–1.48; ORobesity = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.15–1.41; OR1chronic disease = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.09–1.26; OR≥2chronic diseases = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.46–1.78) compared with women (ORhypercholesterolemia = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.01–1.31; ORobesity = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.04–1.48). LTPI was associated with all diseases in men (except type 2 diabetes), but only with obesity in women.

Conclusion:

Adverse health consequences may be differently associated according to behavior domain and gender. Sedentary work and LTPI were consistently associated with chronic disease in Brazilian workers, especially in men.
Independent Mobility and its Relationship With Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity in Middle-School Portuguese Boys and Girls
Authors: Marques Elisa A. , Pizarro Andreia Isabel , Mota Jorge , Santos Maria Paula
Published: April 2014

Background:

The exact relation between objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and independent mobility in children has yet to be fully defined. The objective of this study was to determine whether independent mobility is associated with level of MVPA.

Methods:

Data were collected from 9 middle schools in Porto (Portugal) area. A total of 636 children in the 6th grade (340 girls and 296 boys) with a mean age of 11.64 years old participated in the study. PA was measured in 636 participants using an accelerometer. Multinomial logistic regression was applied to assess the odds for belonging to quartiles of MVPA.

Results:

After controlling for age, gender, body mass index, meeting PA recommendations, and participation in structured exercise, the odds of having a higher level of MVPA when children have higher independent mobility increase through the MVPA quartiles.

Conclusions:

A positive associations were found between independent mobility and quartiles of physical activity.
Odds of Getting Adequate Physical Activity by Dog Walking
Authors: Soares Jesus , Epping Jacqueline N. , Owens Chantelle J. , Brown David R. , Lankford Tina J. , Simoes Eduardo J. , Caspersen Carl J.
Published: April 2014

Background:

We aimed to determine the likelihood that adult dog owners who walk their dogs will achieve a healthy level of moderate-intensity (MI) physical activity (PA), defined as at least 150 mins/wk.

Methods:

We conducted a systematic search of 6 databases with data from 1990–2012 on dog owners’ PA, to identify those who achieved MIPA. To compare dog-walkers’ performance with non-dog walkers, we used a random effects model to estimate the unadjusted odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results:

We retrieved 9 studies that met our inclusion criterion and allowed OR calculations. These yielded data on 6980 dog owners aged 18 to 81 years (41% men). Among them, 4463 (63.9%) walked their dogs. Based on total weekly PA, 2710 (60.7%) dog walkers, and 950 (37.7%) non-dog walkers achieved at least MIPA. The estimated OR was 2.74 (95% CI 2.09–3.60).

Conclusion:

Across 9 published studies, almost 2 in 3 dog owners reported walking their dogs, and the walkers are more than 2.5 times more likely to achieve at least MIPA. These findings suggest that dog walking may be a viable strategy for dog owners to help achieve levels of PA that may enhance their health.
The undrained strength – liquidity index relationship
Authors: Vardanega P.J. , Haigh S.K.
Published: April 2014

A database of 641 fall cone tests on 101 soil samples from 12 countries has been analysed to determine the best mathematical relationship linking undrained shear strength with liquidity index. From the database, it is shown that the use of a linear relationship linking liquidity index and the logarithm of undrained shear strength that uses the commonly assumed 100-fold factor increase in strength from the liquid to plastic limit overpredicts the measured data of soil strength. The use of a factor of about 35 for the ratio between the strength at liquid limit and that extrapolated to the plastic limit is shown to be more realistic. Logarithmic liquidity index is examined and found to also correlate strongly with the logarithm of undrained shear strength; however, it is shown that no great statistical improvement is present compared with the semi-logarithmic formulation. When considering data of individual soils a power law fitting is statistically shown to be the preferred mathematical function.
A life-history evaluation of the impact of maternal effects on recruitment and fisheries reference points
Authors: Calduch-Verdiell Núria , MacKenzie Brian R. , Vaupel James W. , Andersen Ken H.
Published: April 2014

Fishing causes dramatic changes in the age and size structure of fish stocks. In particular, the targeting of the largest and oldest individuals in a stock changes the age and size distribution of that stock. A large female produces a higher quantity of eggs than a young female because of its larger size, but recent laboratory evidence further indicates that large females also produce eggs of higher quality, a phenomenon known as maternal effects. However, most traditional management models assume that all female fish contribute equally per unit biomass to future recruitment. Here we investigate whether this assumption is valid by calculating the impact of maternal effects both before and after accounting for density-dependent effects. We find that the contribution of large individuals to reproduction is much more pronounced for unfished than for fished stocks. Fisheries reference points are largely unaffected by maternal effects. Our results indicate that the incorporation of maternal effects into impact assessments of fisheries is not expected to change advice substantially. Important exceptions are stocks whose demography is very vulnerable to fishing (and which therefore have low fishing reference points) for which maternal effects are relevant and necessary to consider.
Effective field theory calculations of NN → NNπ
Authors: Baru Vadim , Hanhart Christoph , Myhrer Fred
Published: April 2014

In this review, we present the recent advances for calculations of the reactions NN → NNπ using chiral effective field theory χEFT. Discussed are the next-to-next-to leading order (N2LO) loop contributions with nucleon and Delta-isobar for near threshold s-wave pion-production. Results of recent experimental pion-production data for energies close to the threshold are analyzed. Several particular applications are discussed: (i) it is shown how the measured charge symmetry (CS) violating pion-production reaction can be used to extract the strong interaction contribution to the proton–neutron mass difference; (ii) the role of NN → NNπ for the extraction of the pion–nucleon scattering lengths from pionic atoms data is illuminated.
On some properties of deuteron and antideuteron production in high energy lead–lead collisions at 158A GeV
Authors: Sau Goutam , Bhattacharyya S.
Published: April 2014

We would attempt here to understand some properties of the transverse momentum (pT) and rapidity (y) spectra on production of deuteron (d) and antideuteron ([Formula: see text]) in lead–lead ( Pb + Pb ) collisions at 158A GeV recently reported by NA49 Collaboration. Starting from some basic properties of nucleon–nucleon (p + p) reactions for production of secondary proton–antiprotons the cases of production of the composite set of particles, like d and [Formula: see text], would be analyzed. Some ratio-behaviors would also be dealt within the light of the same approaches. It is found that the combination of the models put into use here capture modestly well the trends of the data on some important observables. Some limitations of the approach would also be pointed out in the end.
The $\gamma p \to na^{+}_{2}(1320) \to n \rho^0 \pi^+$ reactions within an effective Lagrangian approach
Authors: Huang Yin , Xie Ju-Jun , Chen Xu-Rong , He Jun , Zhang Hong-Fei
Published: April 2014

We investigate the tensor meson a2(1320) photon-production off proton in the [Formula: see text] and γp → nρ0π+ reactions within the effective Lagrangian approach and isobar model. For [Formula: see text] reaction, by considering the contributions from only the t-channel π+ exchange, we get a fairly good description of the current experimental data for the total cross-section. Based on the theoretical results of the [Formula: see text] reaction, we studied the role of a2(1320) meson in the γp → nρ0π+ reaction, which mainly contributes to the γp → nπ+π+π- reaction. The latter reaction has been measured by the CLAS Collaboration at the photon energy Eγ around 5.1 GeV. For the γp → nρ0π+ reaction, we pay attention to the low photon energy region where the contribution from a2(1320) meson is dominant, while the contribution from the π2(1670) meson could be very small and hence can be neglected. The total cross-sections, invariant mass distribution and the Dalitz plot of γp → nρ0π+ reaction are shown, which can be tested by future experiments.
Uncertainty Measurement for Covering Rough Sets
Authors: Dai Jianhua , Huang Debiao , Su Huashi , Tian Haowei , Yang Tian
Published: April 2014

Covering rough set theory is an important generalization of traditional rough set theory. So far, the studies on covering generalized rough sets mainly focus on constructing different types of approximation operations. However, little attention has been paid to uncertainty measurement in covering cases. In this paper, a new kind of partial order is proposed for coverings which is used to evaluate the uncertainty measures. Consequently, we study uncertain measures like roughness measure, accuracy measure, entropy and granularity for covering rough set models which are defined by neighborhoods and friends. Some theoretical results are obtained and investigated.
A Self-Tuning Fuzzy Rule-Based Classifier for Data Streams
Authors: Shahparast Homeira , Hamzeloo Sam , Jahromi Mansoor Zolghadri
Published: April 2014

In recent years, tremendous amounts of data streams are generated in different application areas. The new challenges in these data need fast and online data processing, especially in classification problems. One of the most challenging problems in field of data streams that reduces the performance of traditional methods is concept change. To handle this problem, it is necessary to update the classifier system after every alteration of the concept of data. However, updating a classifier can often be a time consuming and expensive process. In this paper, an efficient method is proposed for quickly and easily updating of a fuzzy rule-based classifier by setting a weight for each rule. Then, two online procedures for online adjustment of the rule weights are proposed. The experimental results show the high performance of these methods against a non-weighted approach.
A Note on Uncertain Sequence
Authors: Chen Xiaowei , Li Xiufang , Ralescu Dan A.
Published: April 2014

In this paper, several useful inequalities for uncertain variables are proved. A Borel-Cantelli lemma for uncertain measures is obtained and some convergence theorems for continuous uncertain measures are derived. Finally, these theorems are applied to compute the uncertainty distribution of Liu integral. We prove that the uncertain integral of a deterministic function with respect to a Liu process has a normal uncertainty distribution.
On Ranking of Intuitionistic Fuzzy Values Based on Dominance Relations
Authors: Yu Xiaohan , Xu Zeshui , Liu Shousheng , Chen Qi
Published: April 2014

For intuitionistic fuzzy values (IFVs), there are more or less some drawbacks in the existing comparison methods, so it is necessary for us to develop a more proper technique for comparing or ranking IFVs in this paper. To do so, we first formalize an IFV as a fuzzy subset in order to analyze the fuzzy meaning of an IFV, and then according to the basic properties of the fuzzy subset, we determine the dominance relation (order relation) between two IFVs by defining a dominance degree. In order to explain the feasibility of the dominance relations, we validate the monotonicity of intuitionistic fuzzy operational laws, and additionally, we improve and prove the monotonicity of several intuitionistic fuzzy aggregation operators on the basis of the dominance relations. Because it is of importance for some practical problems (e.g., intuitionistic fuzzy multi-attribute decision making) to rank IFVs, we finally develop a method for ranking IFVs by constructing a dominance matrix based on the dominance degrees. A simple example is taken to illustrate the validity of our ranking method.
A NOVEL METHOD FOR THE DESIGN OF PROSTHESES BASED ON THERMOELASTIC STRESS ANALYSIS AND FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
Authors: CANNELLA FERDINANDO , GARINEI ALBERTO , D'IMPERIO MARIAPAOLA , ROSSI GIANLUCA
Published: April 2014

This work is about a prosthesis destined for the people of Senegal and the victims of mines that have been spread throughout countries involved in war. The purpose of this study is to design a new, low-cost prosthesis using the materials produced in Senegal: teak wood and iron (AISI 304). In order to optimize the design of the new prosthesis, a methodology was developed to evaluate stress patterns for different configurations. A commercial CAD and ANSYS Workbench were used to define prosthesis geometry and to perform Finite Element Analysis. Load and constraints were defined according to Regulation ISO10328-2006, and stress distribution was estimated using the FE model. Fatigue due to the cycling load was also taken into account. The two materials currently used in western countries, titanium and steel (AISI 1020), were compared to iron and teak in order to determine the prosthesis' lifespan based on the differences in structural behaviors. An experimental, non-contact measurement technique based on the Thermoelastic principle is proposed here to validate the FE model. This technique permits the evaluation of superficial stress patterns on the prosthesis subjected to a cyclic load. A loading rig was built to test the prosthesis, and experimental and FEM results were compared to allow qualitative mechanical assessment of the new prosthesis. The finding of this work was that the prosthesis can indeed be built using autochthonous materials such as teak and iron. Moreover, the methodology proposed can be used for the performance prediction and design of new prostheses using materials that are typically expensive or difficult to test (such as wood), allowing for optimization of the geometry based on stress distribution, an increase in reliability and a decrease in costs.
WAVELET ANALYSIS OF WAVE MOTION
Authors: NICOLLEAU F. C. G. A. , VASSILICOS J. C.
Published: April 2014

In this paper, high resolution wave probe records are examined using wavelet techniques with a view to determine the sources and relative contributions of capillary wave energy along representative wind wave forms. Wavelets enable computations of conditional spectra and turn out to be powerful tools for the study of the development and propagation of capillary waves. They also enable the detailed analyses of the relative contributions to the spectrum of the wave peaks and troughs.
EFFECTS OF STRETCHING RATE AND SIZE ON THE RUPTURE OF ACRYLIC DIELECTRIC ELASTOMER
Authors: LI TIEFENG , LI WUQIONG , ZOU ZHANAN , HONG ZHANGLIAN , QU SHAOXING
Published: April 2014

Dielectric elastomer (DE) transducers usually undergo large deformation, as well as possess hyperelastic and viscoelastic behaviors. This paper presents an experimental study of rupture behavior of acrylic DE (3M-VHB 9473) membranes with various stretching rates, specimen dimensions and initial flaw sizes. The force–displacement curves, crack propagation behaviors of specimens subjected to pure-shear loading are investigated experimentally. It is observed that different stretching rate and initial flaw size drastically affect the critical rupture force and crack propagating velocity. Finite element analysis is carried out to calculate the strain distribution and the J integral.
PREDICTED MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF CARBON NANOTUBE-BASED STRUCTURES
Authors: FENG C. , HE P. F. , LIEW K. M. , XU W.
Published: April 2014

Carbon nanoring (CNR) with heptagon–pentagon defects is formed by single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) (5, 5) and (9, 0) and each junction is constructed by connecting a heptagonal and a pentagonal carbon-atom ring. Then cutting the ring into two pieces along the junction, one pitch of carbon nanocoil will be obtained by constraining one end and stretching the other end along the helical axis. Molecular mechanics (MM) simulations are employed to investigate the mechanical characteristics of CNRs and nanocoils with and without defects. The Young's modulus of the nanoring with defects is about 282 GPa, which is larger than that of perfect nanorings with the similar ring radii, such as (5, 5) and (9, 0). The spring stiffness of the carbon nanocoil is calculated with a maximum value of 2.08 N/m, and it is found to be nonlinear and decreases with the increase in the relative elongation.
THE INFLUENCE OF SMALL SCALE ON THE PULL-IN BEHAVIOR OF NONLOCAL NANOBRIDGES CONSIDERING SURFACE EFFECT, CASIMIR AND VAN DER WAALS ATTRACTIONS
Authors: SEDIGHI HAMID M.
Published: April 2014

This paper is proposed to study the dynamic pull-in instability of nonlocal nanobridges incorporating the surface effect and intermolecular forces. The second-order frequency-amplitude relation is introduced via an asymptotic approach namely homotopy perturbation method (HPM). The effects of applied voltage and intermolecular parameters on pull-in instability as well as the natural frequency are investigated. Furthermore, the influence of nonlocal parameter and surface energy on the dynamic pull-in voltage is considered. It is shown that two terms in series expansions are sufficient to produce an acceptable solution of the mentioned nanostructure. The obtained results from numerical methods verify the strength of the analytical procedure. The qualitative analysis of the system dynamic shows that the equilibrium points of the autonomous system include center points with periodic trajectories and unstable saddle points with homoclinic orbits.
Application of fractional-order control for vibration suppression of viscoelastic beams
Authors: Bahraini Seyed Masoud Sotoodeh , Eghtesad Mohammad , Farid Mehrdad
Published: April 2014

There are several parameters required for viscoelastic material modeling to describe the material behavior. On the other hand, the parameter identification of viscoelastic materials often leads to difficult experimental procedures. Since the fractional controllers are robust to parameter uncertainties in the plant model, in this paper, this type of controller is proposed to avoid the difficulties of parameters identification in viscoelastic materials. As a prototype, a viscoelastic beam covered by piezoelectric patches is modeled for suppressing vibrations arising from transient excitations of viscoelastic materials. Different fractional-order PIλDμ controllers are used to illustrate the effect of fractional integral and fractional derivative orders separately. The results show that the fractional-order controllers are successful and effective for vibration suppression of viscoelastic beams.
A High Performance Load Balance Strategy for Real-Time Multicore Systems
Authors: Cho Keng-Mao , Tsai Chun-Wei , Chiu Yi-Shiuan , Yang Chu-Sing
Published: April 2014

Finding ways to distribute workloads to each processor core and efficiently reduce power consumption is of vital importance, especially for real-time systems. In this paper, a novel scheduling algorithm is proposed for real-time multicore systems to balance the computation loads and save power. The developed algorithm simultaneously considers multiple criteria, a novel factor, and task deadline, and is called power and deadline-aware multicore scheduling (PDAMS). Experiment results show that the proposed algorithm can greatly reduce energy consumption by up to 54.2% and the deadline times missed, as compared to the other scheduling algorithms outlined in this paper.
Reorganizing Complex Network to Improve Large‐Scale Multiagent Teamwork
Authors: Xu Yang , Liu Pengfei , Li Xiang
Published: April 2014

Large‐scale multiagent teamwork has been popular in various domains. Similar to human society infrastructure, agents only coordinate with some of the others, with a peer‐to‐peer complex network structure. Their organization has been proven as a key factor to influence their performance. To expedite team performance, we have analyzed that there are three key factors. First, complex network effects may be able to promote team performance. Second, coordination interactions coming from their sources are always trying to be routed to capable agents. Although they could be transferred across the network via different paths, their sources and sinks depend on the intrinsic nature of the team which is irrelevant to the network connections. In addition, the agents involved in the same plan often form a subteam and communicate with each other more frequently. Therefore, if the interactions between agents can be statistically recorded, we are able to set up an integrated network adjustment algorithm by combining the three key factors. Based on our abstracted teamwork simulations and the coordination statistics, we implemented the adaptive reorganization algorithm. The experimental results briefly support our design that the reorganized network is more capable of coordinating heterogeneous agents.
Information Sharing and Channel Construction of Supply Chain under Asymmetric Demand Information
Authors: Wu Guangdong , Kong Qingshan , Shi Jian-gang , Karimi Hamid Reza , Zhang Wei
Published: April 2014

Information sharing and marketing channel building have become an important problem of supply chain management theory and practice. The research of information sharing focused on traditional channel of supply chain between upstream and downstream enterprises; however, the research ignores the behavior of information sharing with potential entrants and composite structure characteristics about traditional marketing channel with the direct channel. This paper uses the model to research the effects brought about sharing demand information with potential entrants and building marketing channel, which reveals information sharing and channel building mechanism in the supply chain. The study found that the five-force model of Porter regards potential entrants only as a threat that is one-sided. When the channel competitiveness meets certain conditions, manufacturer and retailer will share demand information with potential entrants. Building composite marketing channel is the manufacturer's absolute dominant strategy. Channel construction will increase the entry barriers for potential entrants and weaken the effect of double marginalization; meanwhile, the performance of supply chain will be augmented.
Bone Marrow Vascular Niche: Home for Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Authors: He Ningning , Zhang Lu , Cui Jian , Li Zongjin
Published: April 2014

Though discovered later than osteoblastic niche, vascular niche has been regarded as an alternative indispensable niche operating regulation on hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). As significant progresses gained on this type niche, it is gradually clear that the main work of vascular niche is undertaking to support hematopoiesis. However, compared to what have been defined in the mechanisms through which the osteoblastic niche regulates hematopoiesis, we know less in vascular niche. In this review, based on research data hitherto we will focus on component foundation and various functions of vascular niche that guarantee the normal hematopoiesis process within bone marrow microenvironments. And the possible pathways raised by various research results through which this environment undergoes its function will be discussed as well.
Hubble Parameter Corrected Interactions in Cosmology
Authors: Sadeghi J. , Khurshudyan M. , Hakobyan M. , Farahani H.
Published: April 2014

We make steps in a new direction by considering fluids with EoS of more general formF(ρ,P)=0. It is thought that there should be interaction between cosmic fluids, but this assumption for this stage carries only phenomenological character opening a room for different kinds of manipulations. In this paper we will consider a modification of an interactionQ, where we accept that interaction parameterb1(order of unity) inQ=3Hb1ρis time dependent and presented as a linear function of Hubble parameterHof the formb0+btH, wherebandb0are constants. We consider two different models including modified Chaplygin gas and polytropic gas which have bulk viscosity. Then, we investigate problem numerically and analyze behavior of different cosmological parameters concerning fluids and behavior of the universe.
Controlled Release of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Enhances Osteoconductive and Biodegradable Properties of Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate in a Rat Calvarial Defect Model
Authors: Minagawa Tomohiro , Tabata Yasuhiko , Oyama Akihiko , Furukawa Hiroshi , Yamao Takeshi , Yamamoto Yuhei
Published: April 2014

Autologous bone grafts remain the gold standard for the treatment of congenital craniofacial disorders; however, there are potential problems including donor site morbidity and limitations to the amount of bone that can be harvested. Recent studies suggest that granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) promotes fracture healing or osteogenesis. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether topically applied G-CSF can stimulate the osteoconductive properties of beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) in a rat calvarial defect model. A total of 27 calvarial defects 5 mm in diameter were randomly divided into nine groups, which were treated with various combinations of aβ-TCP disc and G-CSF in solution form or controlled release system using gelatin hydrogel. Histologic and histomorphometric analyses were performed at eight weeks postoperatively. The controlled release of low-dose (1 μg and 5 μg) G-CSF significantly enhanced new bone formation when combined with aβ-TCP disc. Moreover, administration of 5 μg G-CSF using a controlled release system significantly promoted the biodegradable properties ofβ-TCP. In conclusion, the controlled release of 5 μg G-CSF significantly enhanced the osteoconductive and biodegradable properties ofβ-TCP. The combination of G-CSF slow-release andβ-TCP is a novel and promising approach for treating pediatric craniofacial bone defects.
A Matrix Iteration for Finding Drazin Inverse with Ninth-Order Convergence
Authors: Al-Fhaid A. S. , Shateyi S. , Ullah M. Zaka , Soleymani F.
Published: April 2014

The aim of this paper is twofold. First, a matrix iteration for finding approximate inverses of nonsingular square matrices is constructed. Second, how the new method could be applied for computing the Drazin inverse is discussed. It is theoretically proven that the contributed method possesses the convergence rate nine. Numerical studies are brought forward to support the analytical parts.
Analysis of the Correlation between Commodity Grade and Quality of Angelica sinensis by Determination of Active Compounds Using Ultraperformance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Chemometrics
Authors: Wang Zenghui , Wang Dongmei , Huang Linfang
Published: April 2014

The contents of ferulic acid, senkyunolide A, butylidenephthalide, ligustilide, and n‐butylphthalide were determined by UPLC analytical method; the correlation among the grade, average weight, and content was explored by correlation analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA); the different commercial grades with average weight and content were revealed by principal component analysis (PCA) and then rationality analysis grade classification of A. sinensis. The results showed that various commercial grades can be distinguished by PCA analysis. And there was significant negative correlation between the commodity grades and average weight, commodity, and the content of bioactive compounds, while the content of senkyunolide A had significant negative correlation with commodity grades (P < 0.01). Average weight had no correlation with chemicals compounds. Additionally, there was significant positive correlation among the bioactive compounds (content of ferulic acid and phthalides) of different grades of A. sinensis. The content of senkyunolide A, butylidenephthalide, and ligustilide had significant positive correlation with the content of ferulic acid. The content of ligustilide and butylidenephthalide had significant positive correlation with the content of senkyunolide A. The content of ligustilide had significant positive correlation with the content of butylidenephthalide. The basis of grades classification is related with the difference levels of the bioactive compounds.
CGE Simulation Analysis on the Labor Transfer, Agricultural Technical Progress, and Economic Development in Chongqing
Authors: Wang Heng , Ran Maosheng
Published: April 2014

The basic structure of a CGE model dividing Mainland China into two parts, including Chongqing and rest regions, is described. Based on this CGE model, both the unilateral impact and collaborative impact of two policies, agricultural technical progress and supporting policies for improving rural labor transfer on the economic development in Chongqing, are simulated and analyzed. The results demonstrate that compared with the sum of each unilateral policy effect, the collaboration of two policies has more effective impact on facilitating the labor transfer, promoting regional economic growth, and improving income and welfare of urban and rural residents.
Donor Cell Myeloid Sarcoma
Authors: Walshauser Mark A. , Go Aileen , Sojitra Payal , Venkataraman Girish , Stiff Patrick
Published: April 2014

Donor cell derived malignancies are a rare and interesting complication of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. We present a case of a 56-year-old male with donor cell myeloid sarcoma of the stomach and myocardium.
Rolling Bearing Fault Diagnosis Based on Physical Model and One-Class Support Vector Machine
Authors: Xiangyang Li , Wanqiang Chen
Published: April 2014

This paper aims at diagnosing the fault of rolling bearings and establishes the system of dynamics model with the consideration of rolling bearing with nonlinear bearing force, the radial clearance, and other nonlinear factors, using Runge-Kutla such as Hertzian elastic contactforce and internal radial clearance, which are solved by the Runge-Kutta method. Using simulated data of the normal state, a self-adaptive alarm method for bearing condition based on one-class support vector machine is proposed. Test samples were diagnosed with a recognition accuracy over 90%. The present method is further applied to the vibration monitoring of rolling bearings. The alarms under the actual abnormal condition meet the demand of bearings monitoring.
Characterization ofMycobacterium bovisfrom Humans and Cattle in Namwala District, Zambia
Authors: Malama Sydney , Johansen Tone Bjordal , Muma John Bwalya , Munyeme Musso , Mbulo Grace , Muwonge Adrian , Djønne Berit , Godfroid Jacques
Published: April 2014

Tuberculosis remains a major public health problem in Zambia. While human to human transmission ofMycobacterium tuberculosisis of major importance in driving the tuberculosis epidemic, the impact ofMycobacterium bovistransmission from infected cattle is largely unknown. This cross-sectional study aimed at molecular characterization ofM. bovisin humans and cattle. A total of 100 human sputum samples and 67 bovine tissues were collected and analyzed for the presence of mycobacteria. Of 65 human samples that harbored acid fast bacteria (AFB), 55 isolates were obtained of which 34 were identified asM. tuberculosisand 2 asM. bovis. AFB-positive bovine samples (n=67) yielded 47 mycobacterial isolates among which 25 were identified asM. bovisand noM. tuberculosiswas found. Among theM. bovisisolates, spoligotyping revealed a high homogeneity in genotypes circulating in Namwala district. Human and cattle isolates shared identical MIRU-VNTR genotypes, suggesting that transmission between the two hosts may occur. Therefore, this study has documented zoonotic TB in human patients in Namwala district of Zambia. However, further molecular epidemiological studies in the study area are recommended.
Downregulation of Bcl-2 Expression by miR-34a Mediates Palmitate-Induced Min6 Cells Apoptosis
Authors: Lin Xiaojie , Guan Hongyu , Huang Zhimin , Liu Juan , Li Hai , Wei Guohong , Cao Xiaopei , Li Yanbing
Published: April 2014

Recent studies have demonstrated that the expression of miR-34a is significantly upregulated and associated with cell apoptosis in pancreaticβ-cell treated with palmitate. Nevertheless, the underlying detailed mechanism is largely unknown. Here, we showed that miR-34a was significantly induced in Min6 pancreaticβ-cell upon palmitate treatment. Elevated miR-34a promoted Min6 cell apoptosis. Intriguingly, ectopic expression of miR-34a lowered the expression of Bcl-2, an antiapoptotic protein. Luciferase reporter assay indicated the direct interaction of miR-34a with the Bcl-2 3′-UTR. Moreover, downregulated expression of Bcl-2 induced by palmitate could be restored by inhibition of miR-34a. We conclude that direct suppression of Bcl-2 by miR-34a accounts for palmitate-induced increased apoptosis rate in pancreaticβ-cell.