bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discussion of “Cytoskeletal Mechanics Regulating Amoeboid Cell Locomotion” (Álvarez-González, B., Bastounis, E., Meili, R., del Alamo, J. C., Firtel, R. A., and Lasheras, J. C., 2014, ASME Appl. Mech. Rev., 66(5), p. 050804)
Authors: Trepat Xavier
Published: March 2014

A virtually universal feature of adherent cells is their ability to exert traction forces. To measure these forces, several methods have been developed over the past 15 years. In this issue of Applied Mechanics Reviews, Álvarez-González and co-workers review their own traction force microscopy approach and its application to the study of amoeboid cell locomotion. They show that the cycle of cell motility is exquisitely synchronized by a cycle of traction forces. In addition, they show how traction forces and cell cycle synchronization are affected by myosin and SCAR/WAVE mutants. Here, I discuss some open questions that derive from the work of the authors and other laboratories as regards the relationship between cell motility and traction forces.
Effect of NH3/N2 ratio in plasma treatment on porous low dielectric constant SiCOH materials
Authors: Huang Jun-Fu , Bo Tain-Cih , Chang Wei-Yuan , Chang Yu-Min , Leu Jihperng , Cheng Yi-Lung
Published: March 2014

This study investigates the effect of the NH3/N2 ratio in plasma treatment on the physical and electrical properties as well as the reliability characteristics of porous low-k films. All of the plasma treatments resulted in the formation of a thin and modified layer on the surface of porous low-k films, and the properties of this modified layer were influenced by the NH3/N2 ratio in the plasma. Experimental results indicated that pure N2 gas plasma treatment formed an amide-like/ nitride-like layer on the surface, which apparently leads to a higher increase in the dielectric constant. Plasma treatment with a mixture of NH3/N2 gas induced more moisture uptake on the surface of the low-k dielectric, degrading the electrical performance and reliability. Among all plasma treatment with NH3/N2 mixed gas, that with pure NH3 gas yielded low-k dielectrics with the worse electrical and reliability characteristics.
NiO/Si heterostructures formed by UV oxidation of nickel deposited on Si substrates
Authors: Zhang Dongyuan , Nozaki Shinji , Uchida Kazuo
Published: March 2014

Nickel oxide (NiO) is one of few metal-oxide semiconductors showing a p-type conductivity and can be combined with an n-type semiconductor to fabricate a pn diode. In this study, isotype and anisotype heterojunction diodes were fabricated by ultraviolet (UV) oxidation at 350 °C of metallic Ni deposited on p- and n-Si substrates. The I-V characteristics of the NiO/p-Si diode do not show rectification, while those of the NiO/n-Si diode show rectification with a difference of two orders of magnitude between the currents at 2 and −2 V. The linear C−2 -V characteristics of the NiO/n-Si and secondary ion mass spectroscopy profile confirm that the UV oxidation temperature is low enough so as not to affect deep inside the Si. The NiO layers formed by the oxidation of Ni under UV illumination are found to be more conductive and more suitable for the diode fabrication than those by the thermal oxidation of Ni without UV illumination at the same temperature. Because the oxidation temperature is relatively low and can be further reduced, the UV oxidation can become an important process technology to form various metal-oxide semiconductors from printed metals for future printed flexible electronics.
Thermal coefficient of resistivity of ultrathin Ag films deposited on Cu for applications in emerging interconnect systems
Authors: Tatem Elroy A. , Kaloyeros Alain E. , Eisenbraun Eric T.
Published: March 2014

As the semiconductor industry continues to scale feature sizes, scattering from phonons, surfaces, and grain boundaries results in a significant increase in metal interconnect resistivity. In this work, a thin Ag capping layer is used to modify electron–phonon scattering in 20 nm Cu films to reduce the total resistivity of the bilayer system. To investigate the effect of Ag layer thickness on the electrical properties of the underlying Cu film, the thermal coefficient of resistivity (TCR) is calculated for Cu films that are capped with ultrathin Ag layers of various thicknesses. The TCR exhibited a dependence on the thickness of the ultrathin Ag films deposited on Cu. The slope of the resistance versus temperature is lower for Ag-capped Cu films when compared to bare Cu films. A reduced thermal coefficient of resistivity combined with a lower room temperature resistivity for Ag/Cu films is consistent with a decreased contribution of the temperature dependent portion of the resistivity to the total resistivity, which may prove critical for the viability of future metal-based interconnect architectures.
Ion beam tracking using ultrasound motion detection
Authors: Prall M. , Kaderka R. , Saito N. , Graeff C. , Bert C. , Durante M. , Parodi K. , Schwaab J. , Sarti C. , Jenne J.
Published: March 2014

Purpose:

The use of motion mitigation techniques such as tracking and gating in particle therapy requires real‐time knowledge of tumor position with millimeter precision. The aim of this phantom‐based study was to evaluate the option of diagnostic ultrasound (US) imaging (sonography) as real‐time motion detection method for scanned heavy ion beam irradiation of moving targets.

Methods:

For this pilot experiment, a tumor surrogate was moved inside a water bath along two‐dimensional trajectories. A rubber ball was used for this purpose. This ball was moved by a robotic arm in two dimensions lateral to the heavy ion beam. Trajectories having a period of 3 s and peak to peak amplitude of 20 mm were used. Square radiation fields of were irradiated on radiosensitive films with a 200 MeV/u beam of calcium ions having a FWHM of 6 mm. Pencil beam scanning and beam tracking were employed. The films were attached on the robotic arm and thus moved with the rubber ball. The position of the rubber ball was continuously measured by a US tracking system (Mediri GmbH, Heidelberg) and sent to the GSI therapy control system (TCS). This position was used as tracking vector. Position reconstruction from the US tracking system and data communication introduced a delay leading to a position error of several millimeters. An artificial neural network (ANN) was implemented in the TCS to predict motion from US measurements and thus to compensate for the delay.

Results:

Using ANN delay compensation and large motion amplitudes, the authors could produce irradiation patterns with a few percent inhomogeneity and about 1 mm geometrical conformity.

Conclusions:

This pilot experiment suggests that diagnostic US should be further investigated as dose‐free, high frame‐rate, and model‐independent motion detection method for scanning heavy ion beam irradiation of moving targets.
Feasibility of using intermediate x‐ray energies for highly conformal extracranial radiotherapy
Authors: Dong Peng , Yu Victoria , Nguyen Dan , Demarco John , Woods Kaley , Boucher Salime , Low Daniel A. , Sheng Ke
Published: March 2014

Purpose:

To investigate the feasibility of using intermediate energy 2 MV x‐rays for extracranial robotic intensity modulated radiation therapy.

Methods:

Two megavolts flattening filter free x‐rays were simulated using the Monte Carlo code MCNP (v4c). A convolution/superposition dose calculation program was tuned to match the Monte Carlo calculation. The modeled 2 MV x‐rays and actual 6 MV flattened x‐rays from existing Varian Linacs were used in integrated beam orientation and fluence optimization for a head and neck, a liver, a lung, and a partial breast treatment. A column generation algorithm was used for the intensity modulation and beam orientation optimization. Identical optimization parameters were applied in three different planning modes for each site: 2, 6 MV, and dual energy 2/6 MV.

Results:

Excellent agreement was observed between the convolution/superposition and the Monte Carlo calculated percent depth dose profiles. For the patient plans, overall, the 2/6 MV x‐ray plans had the best dosimetry followed by 2 MV only and 6 MV only plans. Between the two single energy plans, the PTV coverage was equivalent but 2 MV x‐rays improved organs‐at‐risk sparing. For the head and neck case, the 2MV plan reduced lips, mandible, tongue, oral cavity, brain, larynx, left and right parotid gland mean doses by 14%, 8%, 4%, 14%, 24%, 6%, 30% and 16%, respectively. For the liver case, the 2 MV plan reduced the liver and body mean doses by 17% and 18%, respectively. For the lung case, lung V20, V10, and V5 were reduced by 13%, 25%, and 30%, respectively. V10 of heart with 2 MV plan was reduced by 59%. For the partial breast treatment, the 2 MV plan reduced the mean dose to the ipsilateral and contralateral lungs by 27% and 47%, respectively. The mean body dose was reduced by 16%.

Conclusions:

The authors showed the feasibility of using flattening filter free 2 MV x‐rays for extracranial treatments as evidenced by equivalent or superior dosimetry compared to 6 MV plans using the same inverse noncoplanar intensity modulated planning method.
Image quality in thoracic 4D cone‐beam CT: A sensitivity analysis of respiratory signal, binning method, reconstruction algorithm, and projection angular spacing
Authors: Shieh Chun‐Chien , Kipritidis John , O'Brien Ricky T. , Kuncic Zdenka , Keall Paul J.
Published: March 2014

Purpose:

Respiratory signal, binning method, and reconstruction algorithm are three major controllable factors affecting image quality in thoracic 4D cone‐beam CT (4D‐CBCT), which is widely used in image guided radiotherapy (IGRT). Previous studies have investigated each of these factors individually, but no integrated sensitivity analysis has been performed. In addition, projection angular spacing is also a key factor in reconstruction, but how it affects image quality is not obvious. An investigation of the impacts of these four factors on image quality can help determine the most effective strategy in improving 4D‐CBCT for IGRT.

Methods:

Fourteen 4D‐CBCT patient projection datasets with various respiratory motion features were reconstructed with the following controllable factors: (i) respiratory signal (real‐time position management, projection image intensity analysis, or fiducial marker tracking), (ii) binning method (phase, displacement, or equal‐projection‐density displacement binning), and (iii) reconstruction algorithm [Feldkamp–Davis–Kress (FDK), McKinnon–Bates (MKB), or adaptive‐steepest‐descent projection‐onto‐convex‐sets (ASD‐POCS)]. The image quality was quantified using signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), contrast‐to‐noise ratio, and edge‐response width in order to assess noise/streaking and blur. The SNR values were also analyzed with respect to the maximum, mean, and root‐mean‐squared‐error (RMSE) projection angular spacing to investigate how projection angular spacing affects image quality.

Results:

The choice of respiratory signals was found to have no significant impact on image quality. Displacement‐based binning was found to be less prone to motion artifacts compared to phase binning in more than half of the cases, but was shown to suffer from large interbin image quality variation and large projection angular gaps. Both MKB and ASD‐POCS resulted in noticeably improved image quality almost 100% of the time relative to FDK. In addition, SNR values were found to increase with decreasing RMSE values of projection angular gaps with strong correlations (r ≈ −0.7) regardless of the reconstruction algorithm used.

Conclusions:

Based on the authors’ results, displacement‐based binning methods, better reconstruction algorithms, and the acquisition of even projection angular views are the most important factors to consider for improving thoracic 4D‐CBCT image quality. In view of the practical issues with displacement‐based binning and the fact that projection angular spacing is not currently directly controllable, development of better reconstruction algorithms represents the most effective strategy for improving image quality in thoracic 4D‐CBCT for IGRT applications at the current stage.
Implications of CT noise and artifacts for quantitative 99mTc SPECT/CT imaging
Authors: Hulme K. W. , Kappadath S. C.
Published: March 2014

Purpose:

This paper evaluates the effects of computed tomography (CT) image noise and artifacts on quantitative single‐photon emission computed‐tomography (SPECT) imaging, with the aim of establishing an appropriate range of CT acquisition parameters for low‐dose protocols with respect to accurate SPECT attenuation correction (AC).

Methods:

SPECT images of two geometric and one anthropomorphic phantom were reconstructed iteratively using CT scans acquired at a range of dose levels (CTDIvol = 0.4 to 46 mGy). Resultant SPECT image quality was evaluated by comparing mean signal, background noise, and artifacts to SPECT images reconstructed using the highest dose CT for AC. Noise injection was performed on linear‐attenuation (μ) maps to determine the CT noise threshold for accurate AC.

Results:

High levels of CT noise (σ ∼ 200–400 HU) resulted in low μ‐maps noise (σ ∼ 1%–3%). Noise levels greater than ∼10% in 140 keV μ‐maps were required to produce visibly perceptible increases of ∼15% in 99mTc SPECT images. These noise levels would be achieved at low CT dose levels (CTDIvol = 4 μGy) that are over 2 orders of magnitude lower than the minimum dose for diagnostic CT scanners. CT noise could also lower (bias) the expected μ values. The relative error in reconstructed SPECT signal trended linearly with the relative shift in μ. SPECT signal was, on average, underestimated in regions corresponding with beam‐hardening artifacts in CT images. Any process that has the potential to change the CT number of a region by ∼100 HU (e.g., misregistration between CT images and SPECT images due to motion, the presence of contrast in CT images) could introduce errors in μ140 keV on the order of 10%, that in turn, could introduce errors on the order of ∼10% into the reconstructed 99mTc SPECT image.

Conclusions:

The impact of CT noise on SPECT noise was demonstrated to be negligible for clinically achievable CT parameters. Because CT dose levels that affect SPECT quantification is low (CTDIvol ∼ 4 μGy), the low dose limit for the CT exam as part of SPECT/CT will be guided by CT image quality requirements for anatomical localization and artifact reduction. A CT technique with higher kVp in combination with lower mAs is recommended when low‐dose CT images are used for AC to minimize beam‐hardening artifacts.
The Impact of Age and Physical Activity Level on Manual Aiming Performance
Authors: Halewyck Florian Van , Lavrysen Ann , Levin Oron , Elliott Digby , Helsen Werner F.
Published: March 2014

Older adults traditionally adapt their discrete aiming movements, thereby traveling a larger proportion of the movement under closed-loop control. As the beneficial impact of a physically active lifestyle in older age has been described for several aspects of motor control, we compared the aiming performance of young controls to active and sedentary older adults. To additionally determine the contribution of visual feedback, aiming movements were executed with and without saccades. Results showed only sedentary older adults adopted the typical movement changes, highlighting the impact of a physically active lifestyle on manual aiming in older age. In an attempt to reveal the mechanism underlying the movement changes, evidence for an age-related decline in force control was found, which in turn resulted in an adapted aiming strategy. Finally, prohibiting saccades did not affect older adults’ performance to a greater extent, suggesting they do not rely more on visual feedback than young controls.
PINK1 Loss-of-Function Mutations Affect Mitochondrial Complex I Activity via NdufA10 Ubiquinone Uncoupling
Authors: Morais Vanessa A. , Haddad Dominik , Craessaerts Katleen , De Bock Pieter-Jan , Swerts Jef , Vilain Sven , Aerts Liesbeth , Overbergh Lut , Grünewald Anne , Seibler Philip , Klein Christine , Gevaert Kris , Verstreken Patrik , De Strooper Bart
Published: March 2014

In the PINK1

Pathogenic mutations in the kinase PINK1 are causally related to Parkinson's disease (PD). One hypothesis proposes that PINK1 regulates mitophagy—the clearance of dysfunctional mitochondria. A second hypothesis suggests that PINK1 has a direct effect on mitochondrial complex I, affecting the maintenance of the electron transport chain (ETC) resulting in decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and dysfunctional mitochondria. In support of the second hypothesis,

Morais
et al.

(p.
203
, published online 20 March) observed a complex I deficit in fibroblasts and neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells from PINK1 patients before any mitophagy was induced. The phosphoproteome of complex I in liver and brain from mice deficient for Pink1, compared to wild-type animals, revealed that Ser
250
in complex I subunit NdufA10 was differentially phosphorylated. Ser
250
is critically involved in the reduction of ubiquinone by complex I, explaining why
Pink1
knockout mice, flies, and patient cell lines show decreased mitochondrial membrane potential. Synaptic defects in
pink1
null mutant
Drosophila
could be rescued using phosphomimetic NdufA10.
Identification of an Emergent Porcine Circovirus-2 in Vaccinated Pigs from a Brazilian Farm during a Postweaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome Outbreak
Authors: Salgado Rafael L. , Vidigal Pedro M. P. , de Souza Luiz F. L. , Onofre Thiago S. , Gonzaga Natália F. , Eller Monique R. , Bressan Gustavo C. , Fietto Juliana L. R. , Almeida Márcia R. , Silva Júnior Abelardo
Published: March 2014

Three porcine circovirus-2 strains were isolated from pigs on a Brazilian farm during an outbreak, indicating a vaccine failure. They present identical genomic sequences, with high identities to other isolates that were also related to vaccination failures, supporting the recent theory about an antigen drift being associated with vaccine failures throughout the world.
Draft Genome Sequences of Staphylococcus aureus AMRF1 (ST22) and AMRF2 (ST672), Ocular Methicillin-Resistant Isolates
Authors: Velusamy Nithya , Prakash Logambiga , Sivakumar Neelamegam , Antony Aju , Prajna Lalitha , Mohankumar Vidyarani , Devarajan Bharanidharan
Published: March 2014

Sequence type 22 (ST22) and ST672 are the two major emerging clones of community-acquired methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
in India. ST672 strains were found to cause severe ocular infections. We report the draft genome sequences of two emerging strains of methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
, AMRF1 (ST22) and AMRF2 (ST672), isolated from patients with ocular infections.
Draft Genome Sequence of Clostridium pasteurianum NRRL B-598, a Potential Butanol or Hydrogen Producer
Authors: Kolek Jan , Sedlář Karel , Provazník Ivo , Patáková Petra
Published: March 2014

We present a draft genome sequence of
Clostridium pasteurianum
NRRL B-598. This strain ferments saccharides by two-stage acetone-butanol (AB) fermentation, is oxygen tolerant, and has high hydrogen yields.
Genomes of Two Clinical Isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from Odisha, India
Authors: Majid Mohammad , Kumar Narender , Qureshi Asifa , Yerra Priyadarshini , Kumar Ashutosh , Kumar Mandala Kiran , Tiruvayipati Suma , Baddam Ramani , Shaik Sabiha , Srikantam Aparna , Ahmed Niyaz
Published: March 2014

We report whole-genome sequences of two clinical isolates of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
isolated from patients in Odisha, India. The sequence analysis revealed that these isolates are of an ancestral type and might represent some of the “pristine” isolates in India that have not admixed with other lineages.
Draft Genome Sequence of Paenibacillus pini JCM 16418
T
, Isolated from the Rhizosphere of Pine Tree
Authors: Yuki Masahiro , Oshima Kenshiro , Suda Wataru , Oshida Yumi , Kitamura Keiko , Iida Toshiya , Hattori Masahira , Ohkuma Moriya
Published: March 2014

Paenibacillus pini
strain JCM 16418
T
is a cellulolytic bacterium isolated from the rhizosphere of pine trees. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of this strain. This genome information will be useful for studies of rhizosphere bacteria.
Hepatotoxicity of isotretinoin in patients with acne and Gilbert's syndrome: a comparative study
Authors: Fernández-Crehuet Pablo , Fernández-Crehuet José Luis , Allam Mohamed Farouk , Fernández-Crehuet Navajas Rafael
Published: March 2014

Objectives

The objective of our follow-up study is to evaluate liver function tests (LFTs) and lipid profiles in patients with Gilbert's syndrome treated with isotretinoin because of severe acne.

Setting

Dermatology outpatient clinics of three regional hospitals of Jaén (Spain).

Participants

Over 4 years, we included all patients diagnosed with severe acne. Only 37 patients were identified, of which 11 had Gilbert's syndrome.

Interventions

All patients were treated with isotretinoin and followed-up in our outpatient clinics after 10 and 20 weeks. Patients were subjected to an interview questionnaire which included data on age, gender, complete blood count, coagulation profile, fasting blood glucose, LFTs and lipid profiles. Data and results of patients with severe acne and Gilbert's syndrome were compared with those of 26 patients with only severe acne (control group).

Primary outcome

Blood analyses were repeated in the follow-up visits.

Results

In patients with Gilbert's syndrome, bilirubin levels showed substantial decrease over the 20-week follow-up, with more decrease after 10 weeks. None of the control group patients had significant increase in total bilirubin levels after 10 and 20 weeks of follow-up. Liver enzymes were maintained within normal levels in both groups. Both study groups did not show significant pathological increase in lipid profile levels. LDL levels were increased in the two study groups, but this increase was less substantial in patients with Gilbert's syndrome.

Conclusions

Our preliminary results suggest that oral isotretinoin could be an effective, safe treatment for patients with Gilbert's syndrome, and may lower bilirubin levels in the first 10 weeks of treatment. Limitations of the study include the small numbers of participants and the fact that it is restricted to one region of Spain.
Comparative effectiveness of microdecompression and laminectomy for central lumbar spinal stenosis: study protocol for an observational study
Authors: Nerland Ulf S , Jakola Asgeir S , Solheim Ole , Weber Clemens , Rao Vidar , Lønne Greger , Solberg Tore K , Salvesen Øyvind , Carlsen Sven M , Nygaard Øystein P , Gulati Sasha
Published: March 2014

Introduction

This observational study is designed to test the equivalence between the clinical effectiveness of microdecompression and laminectomy in the surgical treatment of central lumbar spinal stenosis. Lumbar spinal stenosis is the most frequent indication for spinal surgery in the elderly, and as the oldest segment of the population continues to grow its prevalence is likely to increase. However, data on surgical outcomes are limited. Open or wide decompressive laminectomy, often combined with medial facetectomy and foraminotomy, was formerly the standard treatment. In recent years a growing tendency towards less invasive decompressive procedures has emerged. At present, many spine surgeons perform microdecompression for central lumbar spinal stenosis.

Methods and analysis

Prospectively registered treatment and outcome data are obtained from the Norwegian Registry for Spine Surgery. The primary outcome measure is change in Oswestry disability index between baseline and 12-month follow-up. Secondary outcome measures are changes in health-related quality of life measured by the Euro-Qol-5D between baseline and 12-month follow-up, perioperative complications, and duration of surgical procedures and length of hospital stay.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been evaluated and approved by the regional committee for medical research in central Norway and all participants provided written informed consent. The findings of this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications.

Trial registration number

Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02006901).
Enhancement of the Arabidopsis floral dip method with XIAMETER OFX-0309 as alternative to Silwet L-77 surfactant
Authors: Mireault Caroline , Paris Louise-Emmanuelle , Germain Hugo
Published: March 2014

Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. has emerged as the dominant plant species used in molecular genetics and functional genomics. Although it possesses several attributes of model organisms, the ease with which it can be transformed genetically is a paramount factor that has led to its widespread application as a tool for functional genomics. Progress made in the late 1990s has relieved users of the need to use a vacuum chamber for transformation, substituting its function with a surfactant known as Silwet L-77, to facilitate access to ovules by bacterial solution. Here, we evaluate the substitution of Silwet L-77 by XIAMETER OFX-0309. We demonstrate that transformation efficiency can be increased by an average of 3-fold (and up to 10-fold) solely by replacing Silwet L-77 with XIAMETER OFX-0309. Because downstream selection of transgenic plants, in either soil or Petri dishes, can be long and tedious, this substitution represents a significant reduction of time and materials required to retrieve transgenic lines.
Assessing the vulnerability of urban forests to climate change
Authors: Ordóñez C. , Duinker P.N.
Published: March 2014

Climate adaptation is being embraced by many municipalities worldwide. An element of this is the planting and protection of urban trees. However, the fact that climate change will also have an impact on urban trees has been largely overlooked. We argue that climate vulnerability assessments are necessary for addressing climate adaptation in urban forests and contribute to successful climate adaptation in cities. We review and integrate the literature on climate vulnerability and urban forests to explore how the general notion of urban forest vulnerability to climate change can be developed into an operational framework for undertaking a vulnerability assessment. The framework characterizes climate exposure, impact, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity, as well as nonclimatic drivers and factors, in urban forests. The most important themes in this discussion include urban tree species selection and diversity, naturalization, resource access, social awareness and engagement, budget and economic valuation, liability issues, and governance structures. Climate change vulnerability assessments help us understand how and why urban forests are vulnerable to climate change, identify future areas for research, and determine what adaptation measures could be included in urban forest management. These assessments help bring climate change to the forefront of the decision-making process and contribute to successful urban adaptation to climate change.
Diffusion velocity lattice Boltzmann formulation applied to transport in macroscopic porous media
Authors: Perko Janez , Patel Ravi A.
Published: March 2014

This paper describes the application of a single relaxation time (SRT) lattice Boltzmann scheme to the transport in porous media with large spatial variations of diffusion coefficients. Effective diffusion coefficients can vary substantially within porous media because of their dependence on porosity and tortuosity which can span over several orders of magnitude, depending on pore size and connectivity. Moreover, when mass is transported with pore-water in porous media, the hydrodynamic dispersion, which depends on Darcy's velocity, contributes additionally to the usually anisotropic variation of the dissipative term. In contrast to the traditional treatment of spatially variable diffusion coefficient by the variation of a SRT, here the variability is accommodated through the use of diffusion velocity formulation which allows for larger variabilities of diffusion coefficient. The volume averaged properties of mass transport in macroscopic porous media are resolved through the additional source term which is similar to the existing force adjusting methods. The applicability of both the proposed schemes is demonstrated on two examples. The first demonstrates that the method is accurate for the large variation of diffusion coefficients and porosities. The second example introduces mass diffusion in a real, geometrically complex system with spatially contrasting properties.
Simulation of two-phase flow in elbow with problem solving
Authors: Ahmai Somayeh , Al-Makky Ahmed
Published: March 2014

Multiphase flows occurring in circular curved pipes exhibit important physical phenomena.They are characterized by a large pressure drop and are composed of different phases. In the past, erosion–corrosion was measured through the use of experimental methods. Today numerical simulation models provide a more in depth look into the problem of erosion. Solid particle erosion is of major concern in the industrial engineering sector. In this study, erosion occurring in a (90)-degree elbow has been simulated. The generated two-dimensional data was done through the use of the Commercial software ANSYS Fluent. The primary idea comes from the petrochemicals industry. To overcome this problem, counter measures are proposed in this paper to the piping setup in order to protect pumps from unwanted excessive sand concentrations. Note that the physical properties of the simulated fluid mixture are taken the same as for the real-studied sample.
Impact of traffic demands on load distribution in congested scale-free networks
Authors: Du Hao-Ming , Gao Zi-You , Zhu Zhi-Hong , Zheng Jian-Feng
Published: March 2014

Traffic demand is one of the most important factors to affect the traffic flow pattern or load distribution in congested networks. In this paper, we investigate the load distributions and relations between the load and degree of the node for different traffic demands in scale-free networks. Different kinds of load distributions are obtained under different traffic demands. Furthermore, the impact of link capacity on load distribution in congested scale-free networks is also discussed.
Study on Integrated Pharmacokinetics of Gardenia Acid and Geniposide: Time-Antioxidant Efficacy after Oral Administration of Huanglian–Zhizi Couplet Medicine from Huang–Lian–Jie–Du–Tang in MCAO Rats
Authors: Pan Linmei , Zhou Jing , Zhu Huaxu , Wang Wenzhe , Zhang Meng , Tian Xiaoran , Lu Jin , Zeng Mingfei
Published: March 2014

Huanglian–Zhizi couplet medicine comes from classical prescription Huang–Lian–Jie–Du–Tang (HLJDT), which has been proven by previous researches to be an effective compound for cerebral ischemia. This paper explores the integrated pharmacokinetics of gardenia acid and geniposide-time-antioxidant efficacy after the oral administration of Huanglian–Zhizi couplet medicine from HLJDT in rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). To investigate the differences in pharmacokinetics and antioxidant effect of Huanglian–Zhizi and HLJDT in MCAO rats, which have been scarcely reported, an oral dose, 24 crud drug g/kg, of Huanglian–Zhizi and 40 crud drug/kg of HLJDT were administered in two groups of normal rats and two groups of Sprague–Dawley (SD) MCAO rats, respectively. At different time points, concentrations of gardenia acid and geniposide were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) were calculated by ELIASA. Pharmacokinetic parameters including AUC, MRT, t1/2, T max , C max were estimated by statistical moment analysis using a data analysis system (DAS) 2.0. An AUC based on weighting approach was used for integrating gardenia acid and geniposide. Finally, the concentration-time efficacy profiles were obtained. The integrated pharmacokinetics profiles of index components could reveal the pharmacokinetics behavior of Huanglian–Zhizi and HLJDT, corresponding to the antioxidant efficacy.
FLUCTUATION OF GOLD PRICE IN INDIA VERSUS GLOBAL CONSUMER PRICE INDEX
Authors: MALI P.
Published: March 2014

The time series of gold price in the Indian market and the global consumer price index for the period of January 1985 to June 2013 are analyzed in terms of the multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MF-DFA). Multifractal variables, such as the generalized Hurst exponent, the multifractal mass exponent, the singularity spectrum, are extracted for both the series. Special emphasis is given on the possible source(s) of correlations in these series. The multifractal results are fitted to the generalized binomial multifractal model consists of only two parameters. Our analysis show that the multifractal nature of the Indian gold market time series and the global consumer price index series is due to both the long-range temporal correlation and the fat-tailed probability density function of the values. Surprisingly, the series are well described by the two-parameter binomial multifractal model used.
RISK FACTORS FOR DISLOCATION OF THE ULNAR NERVE AFTER SIMPLE DECOMPRESSION FOR CUBITAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
Authors: Murata K. , Omokawa S. , Shimizu T. , Nakanishi Y. , Kawamura K. , Yajima H. , Tanaka Y.
Published: March 2014

Anterior dislocation of the ulnar nerve is occasionally encountered after simple decompression of the nerve for treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the incidence of dislocation of the nerve following simple decompression of the nerve is correlated with the patient's preoperative characteristics and/or elbow morphology. We studied 51 patients with cubital tunnel syndrome who underwent surgery at our institution. Intraoperatively, we simulated dislocation of the nerve after simple decompression by flexing the elbow after releasing the nerve in each patient. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis showed that young age and a small ulnar nerve groove angle are positively correlated with dislocation of the nerve. Our results suggest that patients who are young and/or have a sharply angled ulnar nerve groove identified radiographically have a high probability of experiencing anterior dislocation of the ulnar nerve after simple decompression.
THE RADIAL NERVE PALSY CAUSED BY EMBEDDING IN THE HUMERAL SHAFT FRACTURE — A CASE REPORT
Authors: Ikeda Kazuo , Osamura Naoki
Published: March 2014

This paper examines a case of radial nerve palsy in a 13-year-old girl caused by nerve embedded in a humeral shaft fracture. An X-ray showed a mild angular-displaced humeral shaft fracture. Two weeks later, an intramedullary Ender nailing was performed. Because of brain injury due to traffic accident, the patient lost consciousness for one month. Once she regained consciousness, radial nerve palsy was discovered and closely observed. As the radial nerve palsy had not healed after five months, the radial nerve was explored and found to be interposed between fracture sites and totally entrapped in the fracture callus. During surgery, both the proximal and distal ends of the radial nerve were cut at the surface of the humeral bone. Then, the radial nerve stumps were end-to-end sutured because of their enough length. One year after surgery, the radial nerve palsy had completely recoverd.
MALIGNANT SCHWANNOMA OF THE RADIAL NERVE WITH UNUSUAL PRESENTATION: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Wong Yu Chung , Ho Pak Cheong , Tse Wing Lim , Chow Louis Tsun Cheung , Wong Clara Wing Yee
Published: March 2014

Malignant schwannoma (MPNST) is a rare tumor. Many of these cases occur in patients with neurofibromatosis type I (NF-1) and they usually present as a mass lesion which rapidly increase in size with or without neurological symptoms. Here we present an unusual case of MPNST along the radial nerve in which the patient has no underlying neurofibromatosis type I.
LOCAL AND MICROLOCAL CAUCHY PROBLEM FOR NON-EFFECTIVELY HYPERBOLIC OPERATORS
Authors: NISHITANI TATSUO
Published: March 2014

We study differential operators of order 2 and establish new energy estimates which ensure that the micro supports of solutions to the Cauchy problem propagate with finite speed. We then study the Cauchy problem for non-effectively hyperbolic operators with no null bicharacteristic tangent to the doubly characteristic set and with zero positive trace. By checking the energy estimates, we ensure the propagation with finite speed of the micro supports of solutions, and we prove that the Cauchy problem for such non-effectively hyperbolic operators is C∞ well-posed if and only if the Levi condition holds.
A HYBRID OPTIMIZATION METHOD BASED ON DIFFERENTIAL EVOLUTION AND HARMONY SEARCH
Authors: GAO X. Z. , WANG X. , OVASKA S. J. , ZENGER K.
Published: March 2014

The differential evolution (DE) and harmony search (HS) are two well-known nature-inspired computing techniques. Both of them can be applied to effectively cope with nonlinear optimization problems. In this paper, we propose and study a new DE method, DE–HS, by utilizing the fresh individual generation mechanism of the HS. The HS-based approach can enhance the local search capability of the original DE. Optimization of some unconstrained and constrained benchmark problems and a real-world wind generator demonstrate that our DE–HS has an improved convergence property.
AN ADAPTED CUCKOO OPTIMIZATION ALGORITHM AND GENETIC ALGORITHM APPROACH TO THE UNIVERSITY COURSE TIMETABLING PROBLEM
Authors: TEOH CHONG KEAT , WIBOWO ANTONI , NGADIMAN MOHD. SALIHIN
Published: March 2014

The university course timetabling problem is an NP-hard and NP-complete problem concerned with assigning a specific set of events and resources to timeslots under a highly-constrained search space. This paper presents a novel metaheuristic algorithm entitled adapted cuckoo optimization algorithm which is derived from the cuckoo optimization algorithm and cuckoo search algorithm. This algorithm includes features such as local random walk on discrete data which mimics the behavior of Lévy flights and an Elitism-based mechanism which echoes back the best candidate solutions and prevents the algorithm from plunging into a curse of dimensionality. The algorithm was tested on a problem instance gathered from a University in Malaysia and the results indicate that the proposed algorithm exhibits very promising results in terms of solution quality and computational speed when compared to genetic algorithms.
ON QUASI-TRANSITIVE RATIONALITY OF FUZZY CHOICE FUNCTIONS
Authors: DESAI SANTOSH
Published: March 2014

In literature many researchers have studied full rationality of fuzzy choice functions. The aim of the present paper is to discuss rationality of fuzzy choice functions with rationalization reflexive, complete and quasi-transitive. For this purpose, we use fuzzy path independent property and fuzzy Condorcet property. We characterize rationality of fuzzy choice functions with reflexive, complete and quasi-transitive rationalization in terms of these axioms.
Trade in services competitiveness: An assessment methodology
Authors: Goswami Arti Grover , Sáez Sebastián
Published: March 2014

The share of developing countries in exports of world services increased from 15% in 2000 to 21% in 2011. Interestingly, in many of the developing economies, the growth in services exports is derived from not just traditional services, but also from modern, high-value, skill-intensive services. Given the rising importance of services, this paper develops a widely applicable methodology for evaluating the contribution of the service sector and the potential of using the sector for growth, employment and trade diversification objectives. We summarize a few key indicators for assessing the performance of the services sector using the available cross-country and bilateral trade data on the services sector. The indicators proposed in this paper are fairly general and draw on cross-country databases; however, to illustrate the methodology we use examples of the following nine countries: Brazil, Chile, Egypt, Hungary, India, Malaysia, Philippines, South Africa, and Ukraine.
GAMMA-RAY OBSERVATIONS OF GAMMA-RAY BINARIES
Authors: ZABALZA VÍCTOR
Published: March 2014

Gamma-ray binaries are binary systems that emit most of their radiative output above 1 MeV. Following the detection of five such systems in the past decade, they have been clearly established as a population of galactic GeV and TeV sources. In this review I discuss their recent gamma-ray observational results from Cherenkov telescopes and the Fermi satellite. A common trend has emerged in the high-energy spectra of several of these sources, with the detection of two separate components at GeV and TeV energies that cannot be explained as being emitted from a single region, and here I discuss a possible scenario giving rise to two separate acceleration locations in gamma-ray binaries.
PLASMA INJECTION AND OUTFLOW FORMATION IN KERR BLACK HOLES
Authors: GLOBUS NOEMIE , LEVINSON AMIR
Published: March 2014

We discuss the role plasma injection plays in the formation of outflows in Kerr spacetime. Using a model for the double flow established in the polar region of a rotating black hole, we study the interplay between the different processes that can power the outflow. In particular, we find two types of flows with distinct properties that depend on the rate at which energy is deposited in the magnetosphere. We discuss the implications of this result for gamma ray bursts outflows.
RELATIVISTIC SHOCK ACCELERATION AND SOME CONSEQUENCES
Authors: LEMOINE MARTIN , PELLETIER GUY
Published: March 2014

This paper summarizes recent progresses in our theoretical understanding of particle acceleration at relativistic shock waves and it discusses two salient consequences: (1) the maximal energy of accelerated particles; (2) the impact of the shock-generated micro-turbulence on the multi-wavelength light curves of gamma-ray burst afterglows.
BINARY PULSAR SYSTEM PSR B1259-63/LS2883 AS A GAMMA-RAY EMITTER
Authors: KHANGULYAN DMITRY , BOGOVALOV SERGEY V. , AHARONIAN FELIX A.
Published: March 2014

Observations of the binary pulsar PSR B1259-63/LS2883 in the high energy and very high energy domains have revealed a few quite unusual features. One of the most puzzling phenomena is the bright GeV flare detected with Fermi/LAT in 2011 January, approximately one month after periastron passage. Since the maximum luminosity in the high energy band during the flare nearly achieved the level of the pulsar spin-down energy losses, it is likely that the particles, responsible for this emission component, had a strongly anisotropic distribution, which resulted in the emission enhancement. One of the most prolific scenarios for such an emission enhancement is the Doppler boosting, which is realized in sources with relativistic motions. Interestingly, a number of hydrodynamical simulations have predicted a formation of highly relativistic outflows in binary pulsar systems, therefore scenarios, involving relativistic boosting, are very natural for these systems. However a more detailed analysis of such a possibility, presented in this study, reveals certain limitations which put strict constraints on the maximum luminosity achievable in this scenario. These constraints render the "Doppler boosting" scenario to be less feasible, especially for the synchrotron models.
BL LAC POPULATION STUDY AT HIGH ENERGIES
Authors: GÉRARD LUCIE , HENRI GILLES , PITA SANTIAGO , PUNCH MICHAEL
Published: March 2014

In the framework of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) unification, BL Lacs and their parent population would share the same intrinsic characteristics, the observational differences being due to the orientation of the relativistic jet compared to the line of sight. BL Lacs would be the objects whose jet is oriented towards us, their emission being amplified by the relativistic Doppler boosting. Constraints arising from fast variability and/or large optical depth to pair production commonly imply large Lorentz factors. The growing number of BL Lacs detected at HE (> 100 MeV) and VHE (> 100 GeV) is a challenge for this unification scheme. Indeed, the high values of Doppler factor needed in the simplest radiative model to explain the emission of these sources imply a large density for the parent population. A possible solution to this Doppler factor crisis lies in considering different geometries for the jet. In this study, we use the BL Lacs detected at HE and VHE to investigate the intrinsic properties of the associated parent population. Using the results presented in Fermi's second AGN catalog and performing MC simulations of the parent population, we constrain the jet parameters: its intrinsic luminosity, Lorentz factor and geometric opening angle. The simulated density of parent population and Doppler factors of the objects detectable at HE within this population are presented according to the jet parameters.
CONNECTION BETWEEN MAGNETIC FIELD AMPLIFICATION AND BLAZAR FLARES
Authors: CHEN XUHUI , CHATTERJEE RITABAN , FOSSATI GIOVANNI , POHL MARTIN
Published: March 2014

Recent multiwavelength observations of PKS 0208-512 by SMARTS, Fermi, and Swift revealed that γ-ray and optical light curves of this flat spectrum radio quasars are highly correlated, but with an exception of one large optical flare having no corresponding gamma-ray activity or even detection. On the other hand, recent advances in SNRs observations and plasma simulations both reveal that magnetic field downstream of astrophysical shocks can be largely amplified beyond simple shock compression. These amplifications, along with their associated particle acceleration, might contribute to blazar flares, including the peculiar flare of PKS 0208-512. Using our time dependent multizone blazar emission code,which tracks all the light travel time effects, we evaluate several scenarios that may represent such phenomena. Both the changes of the magnetic field and acceleration efficiency are explored as the cause of blazar flares. Under these assumption, synchrotron self-Compton and external Compton scenarios produce distinct features that favor the external Compton scenario. The optical flares with/without gamma-ray counterparts can be explained by different allocations of energy between the magnetization and particle acceleration, which in turn can be affected by the relative orientation between the magnetic field and the shock flow.
ESTIMATION OF ALPHA-VISCOSITY COEFFICIENT FROM OBSERVATIONS OF NONSTATIONARY DISK ACCRETION
Authors: BISNOVATYI-KOGAN G. S. , KLEPNEV A. S. , GIOVANNELLI F.
Published: March 2014

The optical behaviour of the Be star in the high mass X-ray transient A0535+26/ HDE245770 shows that at the periastron typically there is an enhancement in the luminosity of order 0.05 to few tenths mag, and the X- ray outburst happens about 8 days after the periastron. We construct a quantitative model of this event, basing on a nonstationary accretion disk behavior, connected with a high ellipticity of the orbital motion. We explain the observed time delay between the peaks of the optical and X-ray outbursts in this system by the time of radial motion of a matter in the accretion disk, after increase of the mass flux in the vicinity of a periastral point in the binary. This time is determined by the turbulent viscosity, with the parameter α = 0.1 – 0.3, estimated from the comparison of the model with observational data.
EVIDENCE FOR MAGNETO-LEVITATION ACCRETION IN LONG-PERIOD X-RAY PULSARS
Authors: IKHSANOV NAZAR , BESKROVNAYA NINA , LIKH YURY
Published: March 2014

Study of observed spin evolution of long-period X-ray pulsars challenges quasi-spherical and Keplerian disk accretion scenarios. It suggests that the magnetospheric radius of the neutron stars is substantially smaller than Alfvén radius and the spin-down torque applied to the star from accreting material significantly exceeds the value predicted by the theory. We show that these problems can be avoided if the fossil magnetic field of the accretion flow itself is incorporated into the accretion model. The initially spherical flow in this case decelerates by its own magnetic field and converts into a non-Keplerian disk (magnetic slab) in which the material is confined by its intrinsic magnetic field ("levitates") and slowly moves towards the star on a diffusion timescale. Parameters of pulsars expected within this magneto-levitation accretion scenario are evaluated.