bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
True and Spurious Eigensolutions of an Elliptical Membrane by Using the Nondimensional Dynamic Influence Function Method
Authors: Chen Jeng-Tzong , Lee Jia-Wei , Lee Ying-Te , Lee Wen-Che
Published: December 2013

In this paper, we employ the nondimensional dynamic influence function (NDIF) method to solve the free vibration problem of an elliptical membrane. It is found that the spurious eigensolutions appear in the Dirichlet problem by using the double-layer potential approach. Besides, the spurious eigensolutions also occur in the Neumann problem if the single-layer potential approach is utilized. Owing to the appearance of spurious eigensolutions accompanied with true eigensolutions, singular value decomposition (SVD) updating techniques are employed to extract out true and spurious eigenvalues. Since the circulant property in the discrete system is broken, the analytical prediction for the spurious solution is achieved by using the indirect boundary integral formulation. To analytically study the eigenproblems containing the elliptical boundaries, the fundamental solution is expanded into a degenerate kernel by using the elliptical coordinates and the unknown coefficients are expanded by using the eigenfunction expansion. True and spurious eigenvalues are simultaneously found to be the zeros of the modified Mathieu functions of the first kind for the Dirichlet problem when using the single-layer potential formulation, while both true and spurious eigenvalues appear to be the zeros of the derivative of modified Mathieu function for the Neumann problem by using the double-layer potential formulation. By choosing only the imaginary-part kernel in the indirect boundary integral equation method (BIEM) to solve the eigenproblem of an elliptical membrane, spurious eigensolutions also appear at the same position with those of NDIF since boundary distribution can be lumped. The NDIF method can be seen as a special case of the indirect BIEM by lumping the boundary distribution. Both the analytical study and the numerical experiments match well with the same true and spurious solutions.
Computational Analysis of Nanofluid Cooling of High Concentration Photovoltaic Cells
Authors: Xu Z. , Kleinstreuer C.
Published: December 2013

High concentration photovoltaic devices require effective heat rejection to keep the solar cells within a suitable temperature range and to achieve acceptable system efficiencies. Various techniques have been developed to achieve these goals. For example, nanofluids as coolants have remarkable heat transfer characteristics with broad applications; but, little is known of its performance for concentration photovoltaic cooling. Generally, a cooling system should be designed to keep the system within a tolerable temperature range, to minimize energy waste, and to maximize system efficiency. In this paper, the thermal performance of an Al2O3-water cooling system for densely packed photovoltaic cells under high concentration has been computationally investigated. The model features a representative 2D cooling channel with photovoltaic cells, subject to heat conduction and turbulent nanofluid convection. Considering a semi-empirical nanofluid model for the thermal conductivity, the influence of different system design and operational parameters, including required pumping power, on cooling performance and improved system efficiency has been evaluated. Specifically, the varied system parameters include the nanoparticle volume fraction, the inlet Reynolds number, the inlet nanofluid temperature, and different channel heights. Optimal parameter values were found based on minimizing the system's entropy generation. Considering a typical 200-sun concentration, the best performance can be achieved with a channel of 10 mm height and an inlet Reynolds number of around 30,000, yielding a modest system efficiency of 20%. However, higher nanoparticle volume fractions and lower nanofluid inlet temperatures further improve the cell efficiency. For a more complete solar energy use, a combined concentration photovoltaic and thermal heating system are suggested.
Water Level Rise Upstream a Permeable Barrier in Subcritical Flow: Experiment and Modeling
Authors: Martino R. , Paterson A. , Piva M.
Published: December 2013

This work addresses the dependence of water depth upstream a permeable barrier, h1, with discharge per unit channel width, Q/W, in sub-critical flow regime. The barrier, that extends over the entire width of the channel, is composed by smooth cylinders of small aspect ratio vertically mounted on the bottom in a staggered pattern and fully submerged in the flow. The height of the cylinders above the bottom was kept constant for all runs. Several configurations were considered by varying systematically the cylinders diameter, dv, the number of cylinders per unit area of the bed, or density, m, and the length of the barrier in the stream direction, Lv. A one-dimensional model was developed to predict the observed values of h1 and to obtain a sound basis taking into account the incidence of Q/W, m, dv and Lv. This model is based on fluid mechanics equations applied on a finite control volume for the flow in the test section, and it was deduced under simplifying assumptions physically-based. Finally, and based on the experimental results and the model predictions, the mechanical energy losses of the flow are analyzed. The main role played by a dimensionless number R, that takes into account the barrier's resistance to the flow, is highlighted.
Deposition temperature dependence of material and Si surface passivation properties of O3-based atomic layer deposited Al2O3-based films and stacks
Authors: Bordihn Stefan , Mertens Verena , Müller Jörg W. , Kessels W. M. M. (Erwin)
Published: December 2013

The material composition and the Si surface passivation of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) films prepared by atomic layer deposition using Al(CH3)3 and O3 as precursors were investigated for deposition temperatures (TDep) between 200 °C and 500 °C. The growth per cycle decreased with increasing deposition temperature due to a lower Al deposition rate. In contrast the material composition was hardly affected except for the hydrogen concentration, which decreased from [H] = 3 at. % at 200 °C to [H] < 0.5 at. % at 400 °C and 500 °C. The surface passivation performance was investigated after annealing at 300 °C–450 °C and also after firing steps in the typical temperature range of 800 °C–925 °C. A similar high level of the surface passivation performance, i.e., surface recombination velocity values <10 cm/s, was obtained after annealing and firing. Investigations of Al2O3/SiNx stacks complemented the work and revealed similar levels of surface passivation as single-layer Al2O3 films, both for the chemical and field-effect passivation. The fixed charge density in the Al2O3/SiNx stacks, reflecting the field-effect passivation, was reduced by one order of magnitude from 3·1012 cm−2 to 3·1011 cm−2 when TDep was increased from 300 °C to 500 °C. The level of the chemical passivation changed as well, but the total level of the surface passivation was hardly affected by the value of TDep. When firing films prepared at of low TDep, blistering of the films occurred and this strongly reduced the surface passivation. These results presented in this work demonstrate that a high level of surface passivation can be achieved for Al2O3-based films and stacks over a wide range of conditions when the combination of deposition temperature and annealing or firing temperature is carefully chosen.
Modeling of inductively coupled plasma SF6/O2/Ar plasma discharge: Effect of O2 on the plasma kinetic properties
Authors: Pateau Amand , Rhallabi Ahmed , Fernandez Marie-Claude , Boufnichel Mohamed , Roqueta Fabrice
Published: December 2013

A global model has been developed for low-pressure, inductively coupled plasma (ICP) SF6/O2/Ar mixtures. This model is based on a set of mass balance equations for all the considered species, coupled with the discharge power balance equation and the charge neutrality condition. The present study is an extension of the kinetic global model previously developed for SF6/Ar ICP plasma discharges [Lallement et al., Plasma Sources Sci. Technol. 18, 025001 (2009)]. It is focused on the study of the impact of the O2 addition to the SF6/Ar gas mixture on the plasma kinetic properties. The simulation results show that the electron density increases with the %O2, which is due to the decrease of the plasma electronegativity, while the electron temperature is almost constant in our pressure range. The density evolutions of atomic fluorine and oxygen versus %O2 have been analyzed. Those atomic radicals play an important role in the silicon etching process. The atomic fluorine density increases from 0 up to 40% O2 where it reaches a maximum. This is due to the enhancement of the SF6 dissociation processes and the production of fluorine through the reactions between SFx and O. This trend is experimentally confirmed. On the other hand, the simulation results show that O(3p) is the preponderant atomic oxygen. Its density increases with %O2 until reaching a maximum at almost 40% O2. Over this value, its diminution with O2% can be justified by the high increase in the loss frequency of O(3p) by electronic impact in comparison to its production frequency by electronic impact with O2.
Selective area growth of InP on lithography-free, nanopatterned GaAs(001) by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Wang Qi , Bian Zhiqiang , Jia Zhigang , Pan Zhihong , Cai Shiwei , Huang Yongqing , Ren Xiaomin
Published: December 2013

The authors have demonstrated the feasibility and principle of utilizing silica nanospheres (SNSs) as a pattern for selective area growth of metamorphic InP on GaAs(001) substrate. SNSs with the average diameter of ∼460 nm were uniformly and closely distributed on GaAs by spin-coating. The hexagonal array of the SNSs is monolayer, which acts as a nanosphere pattern with high aspect ratio. Nearly 2-μm-thick InP epitaxial layer was deposited through the intersphere spaces using conventional two-step growth by low-pressure metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. The complete coalescence of metamorphic InP over SNSs has been achieved via the epitaxial lateral overgrowth. Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy demonstrates that threading dislocations caused by the lattice mismatch (∼3.8%) between InP and GaAs have been blocked by SNSs. X-ray diffraction exhibits a reduction in the full width at half-maximum of InP grown on nanosphere-patterned GaAs as compared with the corresponding growth on nonpatterned GaAs. Therefore, the crystalline quality of metamorphic InP is highly improved in spite of some still existing dislocations.
WIGGLY STRINGS AROUND A COSMIC WIGGLY STRING
Authors: SUZUKI HIROMI
Published: December 2013

We study the classical motion of wiggly strings around a background straight infinitely thin cosmic wiggly string with an electric current along the symmetry axis. The solutions for the wiggly string exhibit open strings lying along the circular orbit.
COUPLING ELECTROMAGNETISM TO GLOBAL CHARGE
Authors: GUENDELMAN E. I.
Published: December 2013

It is shown that an alternative to the standard scalar quantum electrodynamics (QED) is possible. In this new version, there is only global gauge invariance as far as the charged scalar fields are concerned, although local gauge invariance is kept for the electromagnetic field. The electromagnetic coupling has the form jμ(Aμ +∂μB) where B is an auxiliary field and the current jμ is Aμ independent, so that no "sea gull terms" are introduced. As a consequence of the absence of sea gulls, it is seen that no Klein paradox appears in the presence of a strong square well potential. In a model of this kind, spontaneous breaking of symmetry does not lead to photon mass generation, instead the Goldstone boson becomes a massless source for the electromagnetic field. When spontaneous symmetry breaking takes place infrared questions concerning the theory and generalizations to global vector QED are discussed. In this framework, Q-Balls and other nontopological solitons that owe their existence to a global U(1) symmetry can be coupled to electromagnetism and could represent multiply charged particles now in search in the large hadron collider (LHC). Furthermore, we give an example where an "Emergent" Global Scalar QED can appear from an axion–photon system in an external magnetic field. Finally, formulations of Global Scalar QED that allow perturbative expansions without sea gulls are developed.
KNOTTED INSTANTONS FROM ANNIHILATIONS OF MONOPOLE–INSTANTON COMPLEX
Authors: NITTA MUNETO
Published: December 2013

Monopoles and instantons are sheets (membranes) and strings in d = 5+1 dimension, respectively, and instanton strings can terminate on monopole sheets. We consider a pair of monopole and antimonopole sheets which is unstable to decay and results in a creation of closed instanton strings. We show that when an instanton string is stretched between the monopole sheets, there remains a new topological soliton of codimension five after the pair annihilation, i.e. a twisted closed instanton string or a knotted instanton.
SECURITY ANALYSIS OF A FUZZY IDENTITY-BASED ENCRYPTION SCHEME
Authors: TIAN MIAOMIAO , HUANG LIUSHENG , YANG WEI
Published: December 2013

Fuzzy identity-based encryption (FIBE) scheme is a kind of identity-based encryption (IBE) scheme, in which any user's identity is composed by a set of attributes and any ciphertext encrypted under identity ID can be decrypted by using a private key corresponding to identity ID′ if ID′ is close to ID as measured by some metric. Due to the error-tolerance property, FIBE scheme is very useful in real-world applications. However, most FIBE schemes are provable secure only in a weaker security model. In order to eliminate this problem, Ren et al. recently proposed a new FIBE scheme and proved that it is fully chosen-ciphertext secure in the standard model. Unfortunately, in this paper, we will show that their FIBE scheme is even not chosen-plaintext secure.
MODELING DARK ENERGY THROUGH AN ISING FLUID WITH NETWORK INTERACTIONS
Authors: LUONGO ORLANDO , TOMMASINI DAMIANO
Published: December 2013

We show that the dark energy (DE) effects can be modeled by using an Ising perfect fluid with network interactions, whose low redshift equation of state (EoS), i.e. ω0, becomes ω0= -1 as in the ΛCDM model. In our picture, DE is characterized by a barotropic fluid on a lattice in the equilibrium configuration. Thus, mimicking the spin interaction by replacing the spin variable with an occupational number, the pressure naturally becomes negative. We find that the corresponding EoS mimics the effects of a variable DE term, whose limiting case reduces to the cosmological constant Λ. This permits us to avoid the introduction of a vacuum energy as DE source by hand, alleviating the coincidence and fine tuning problems. We find fairly good cosmological constraints, by performing three tests with supernovae Ia (SNeIa), baryonic acoustic oscillation (BAO) and cosmic microwave background (CMB) measurements. Finally, we perform the Akaike information criterion (AIC) and Bayesian information criterion (BIC) selection criteria, showing that our model is statistically favored with respect to the Chevallier–Polarsky–Linder (CPL) parametrization.
ENTROPY SCALING IN ION–ION COLLISIONS AT AGS AND SPS ENERGIES
Authors: AHMAD SHAKEEL , CHANDRA ANUJ , ZAFAR M. , IRFAN M. , AHMAD A.
Published: December 2013

Analysis of the experimental data on nucleus–nucleus collisions at AGS and SPS energies reveals that entropy produced in a limited and full phase-space increases with increasing beam energy and mass of the colliding nuclei. The analysis of the data and corresponding mixed event samples, carried out by considering the particles emitted in the forward and backward hemispheres separately, indicates the presence of clusterization and correlations amongst the produced particles. It is also observed that the total entropy produced in a limited pseudorapidity bin, when normalized to the maximum rapidity in the center of mass frame, is essentially independent of projectile and target masses as well as beam energy, indicating thereby presence of a kind of entropy scaling. The observed scaling is also nicely reproduced by the Monte Carlo models, AMPT and FRITIOF. Furthermore, results of the analysis of the mixed events reveal that the observed entropy scaling is a distinguishable feature of the data rather than a manifestation of the statistics.
China's Urban Transformation Strategy in New Period
Authors: WEI Houkai
Published: December 2013

Urban Transformation refers to the significant change and transition in various urban fields and aspects, which is a comprehensive transformation with multi-field, multi-aspect, multi-level and multi-angle. In the past, China's urban development has mostly been on the road of extensive model, characterized by high growth, high consumption, high emission and high expansion. With this development model, some problems have appeared in the process of China's urban development, such as the disorderly and inefficient development, the imbalanced urban-rural and regional development and the unharmonious social development etc.; obviously, this is not sustainable. At present, Chinese cities are in a new stage of accelerated and overall transformation. It is important to quickly accomplish the economic, social and ecological overall transformation, to establish a new mode of scientific development with low consumption, low emission, high efficiency, and harmonious and orderly development, taking the intensive, innovative, integrated, harmonious, green and characteristic development road.
Green Transformation in China
Authors: LUO Yong
Published: December 2013

China's economic and social development not only faces common challenges in the stage of growth, but also has to address the special resource and environmental challenges. In the future, China should demonstrate the greenness of economic and social development, and carry out holistic green transformation of all aspects including the social system and thinking. In the course of industrialization and urbanization, China should promote ecological harmony and social progress and enhance the greenness of the whole economy. Environmental conditions should be improved according to people's will. China should explore new social management modes, alleviate the resource and environmental pressure brought by the high-consumption lifestyle, and realize green social progress. The government, industrial and commercial enterprises and the public should implement the concept of green development in economic strategies, policies and actions unswervingly and persistently.
International Governance on Carbon Tariff and Its Vacuum in International Regime
Authors: WANG Mou
Published: December 2013

Drawing on the idea that countries are eligible to implement differentiated emission reduction policies based on their respective capabilities, some parties of UNFCCC attempt to weaken the principle of “Common but differentiated responsibilities(CBDR)” and impose carbon tariff on international trade. This initiative is in fact another camouflage to burden developing countries with emission cut obligation, which has no doubt undermined the development rights of developing countries. This paper defines Carbon Tariff as border measures that target import goods with embodied carbon emission. It can be import tariffs or other domestic tax measures that adjust border tax, which includes plain import tariffs and export rebates, border tax adjustment, emission quota and permit etc. For some developed countries, carbon tariffs mean to sever trade protectionism and to build trade barriers. Its theoretical arguments like “loss of comparative advantage”, “carbon leakage decreases environmental effectiveness” and “theoretical model bases” are pseudo-propositions without international consensus. Carbon tariff has become an intensively debated issue due to its duality of climate change and trade, but neither UNFCCC nor WTO has clarified this issue or has indicated a clear statement in this regard. As a result, it allows some parties to take advantage of this loophole and escape its international climate change obligation. Carbon tariff is an issue arising from global climate governance. To promote the cooperation of global climate governance and safeguard the social and economic development of developing countries, a fair and justified climate change regime and international trade institution should be established, and the settlement of the carbon tariff issue should be addressed within these frameworks. This paper argues that the international governance of carbon tariff should in cooperation with other international agreements; however, principles and guidelines regarding this issue should be developed under the UNFCCC. Based on these principles and guidelines, WTO can develop related technical operation provisions.
Similar adaptation effects in primary visual cortex and area MT of the macaque monkey under matched stimulus conditions
Authors: Patterson Carlyn A. , Duijnhouwer Jacob , Wissig Stephanie C. , Krekelberg Bart , Kohn Adam
Published: December 2013

Recent stimulus history, or adaptation, can alter neuronal response properties. Adaptation effects have been characterized in a number of visually responsive structures, from the retina to higher visual cortex. However, it remains unclear whether adaptation effects across stages of the visual system take a similar form in response to a particular sensory event. This is because studies typically probe a single structure or cortical area, using a stimulus ensemble chosen to provide potent drive to the cells of interest. Here we adopt an alternative approach and compare adaptation effects in primary visual cortex (V1) and area MT using identical stimulus ensembles. Previous work has suggested these areas adjust to recent stimulus drive in distinct ways. We show that this is not the case: adaptation effects in V1 and MT can involve weak or strong loss of responsivity and shifts in neuronal preference toward or away from the adapter, depending on stimulus size and adaptation duration. For a particular stimulus size and adaptation duration, however, effects are similar in nature and magnitude in V1 and MT. We also show that adaptation effects in MT of awake animals depend strongly on stimulus size. Our results suggest that the strategies for adjusting to recent stimulus history depend more strongly on adaptation duration and stimulus size than on the cortical area. Moreover, they indicate that different levels of the visual system adapt similarly to recent sensory experience.
Differential sensitivity to surface compliance by tactile afferents in the human finger pad
Authors: Condon Melia , Birznieks Ingvars , Hudson Kathryn , Chelvanayagam David K. , Mahns David , Olausson Håkan , Macefield Vaughan G.
Published: December 2013

We undertook a neurophysiological investigation of the responses of low-threshold mechanoreceptors in the human finger pad to surfaces of differing softness. Unitary recordings were made from 26 slowly adapting type I (SAI), 17 fast-adapting type I (FAI), and 9 slowly adapting type II (SAII) afferents via tungsten microelectrodes inserted into the median nerve at the wrist. A servo-controlled stimulator applied ramp-and-hold forces (1, 2, 4 N) at a constant loading and unloading rate (2 N/s) via a flat silicone disc over the center of the finger pad. Nine discs were used, which linearly increased in stiffness across the range. Population responses of the SAI afferents showed the greatest sensitivity to compliance, with a steep monotonic increase in mean firing rate with increasing stiffness (decreasing compliance) of the surface during the loading and plateau (but not unloading) phases. FAI afferents also showed a linear increase in firing during the loading but not unloading phase, although the slope was significantly lower than that of the SAI afferents at all amplitudes. Conversely, SAII afferents were influenced by object compliance only in certain conditions. Given their high density in the finger pads and their linear relationship between firing rate and object compliance during the loading and plateau phases, SAI afferents (together with FAI afferents during the loading phase) are ideally suited to contributing information on surface compliance to the overall estimation of softness, but the SAII afferents appear to play only a minor role.
Phytochemical Synthesis and Preliminary Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles Using Hesperidin
Authors: Stephen Anish , Seethalakshmi Sankar
Published: December 2013

This paper is the first of its kind for development of rapid and ecofriendly method for synthesis of silver nanoparticles from aqueous solution of silver nitrate using the flavonoid “hesperidin” and optimization of the methodology. There is formation of stable spherical silver nanoparticles in the size range of 20–40 nm. Optimization of methodology in terms of concentration of reactants and pH of the reaction mixture reduced the reaction time for silver nanoparticle formation to 2 mins. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). UV-vis spectroscopy derived spectrum demonstrated a peak of 430 nm which corresponds to the plasmon absorbance of silver nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy revealed spherical shaped silver nanoparticles in the size range of 20–40 nm.
Solid Phase Extraction of Inorganic Mercury Using 5‐Phenylazo‐8‐hydroxyquinoline and Determination by Cold Vapor Atomic Fluorescence Spectroscopy in Natural Water Samples
Authors: Daye Mirna , Ouddane Baghdad , Halwani Jalal , Hamzeh Mariam
Published: December 2013

8‐Hydroxyquinoline (8‐HQ) was chosen as a powerful ligand for Hg solid phase extraction. Among several chelating resins based on 8‐HQ, 5‐phenylazo‐8‐hydroxyquinoline (5Ph8HQ) is used for mercury extraction in which the adsorption dynamics were fully studied. It has been shown that Hg(II) is totally absorbed by 5Ph8HQ within the first 30 minutes of contact time with t1/2 5 minutes, following Langmuir adsorption model. At pH 4, the affinity of mercury is unchallenged by other metals except, for Cu(II), which have shown higher Kd value. With these latter characteristics, 5Ph8HQ was examined for the preconcentration of trace levels of Hg(II). The developed method showed quantitative recoveries of Hg(II) with LOD = 0.21 pg mL−1 and RSD = 3–6% using cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (CV‐AFS) with a preconcentration factor greater than 250.
The Influence of Comorbidities on Outcomes of Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs in Patients with COPD: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hornikx Miek , Van Remoortel Hans , Demeyer Heleen , Marcal Camillo Carlos Augusto , Decramer Marc , Janssens Wim , Troosters Thierry
Published: December 2013

Introduction. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, osteoporosis, and anxiety and/or depression. Although pulmonary rehabilitation programs are proven to be beneficial in patients with COPD, it is unclear whether comorbidities influence pulmonary rehabilitation outcomes. The aim of the present review was to investigate to what extent the presence of comorbidities can affect pulmonary rehabilitation outcomes.Methods. The systematic literature search (Pubmed, EMBASE, and PEDro) resulted in 4 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. The odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of the logistic regression analyses, with comorbidities as independent variables and pulmonary rehabilitation outcomes (dyspnea, functional exercise capacity, and quality of life) as dependent variables, were used for data extraction.Results. Patients with anxiety and/or depression less likely improve in dyspnea. Osteoporosis is associated with less improvements in functional exercise capacity, while cardiovascular disease does not seem to negatively impact on this outcome. Patients with cardiovascular comorbidity will experience less positive changes in quality of life.Conclusion. Evidence from literature suggests that comorbidities can have a negative influence on pulmonary rehabilitation outcomes. Screening for comorbidities in pulmonary rehabilitation settings seems useful to readdress the right patients for individually tailored pulmonary rehabilitation.
Interpolation Methods for Stochastic Processes Spaces
Authors: Nursultanov E. , Aubakirov T.
Published: December 2013

The scales of classes of stochastic processes are introduced. New interpolation theorems and boundedness of some transforms of stochastic processes are proved. Interpolation method for generously monotonous processes is entered. Conditions and statements of interpolation theorems concern the fixed stochastic process, which differs from the classical results.
Effect of Complexation with Arabinogalactan on Pharmacokinetics of “Guest” Drugs in Rats: For Example, Warfarin
Authors: Khvostov Mikhail V. , Chernonosov Alexander A. , Tolstikova Tatjana G. , Kasakin Marat F. , Fedorova Olga S. , Dushkin Alexander V.
Published: December 2013

A pharmacokinetic study of the warfarin (WF) : arabinogalactan (AG) complex with the 1 : 10 mass ratio after its intragastric introduction to Wistar rats at a dose of 5 mg/kg (WF dose in the complex was 0.5 mg/kg) once a day for three days was conducted. It was found thatCmax,T1/2, and AUC of WF in the complex form were lower than after the introduction of blank WF at the same dose, but its elimination (Cl, MRT) was much faster. Significant accumulation (Cmin) and an abrupt increase in plasma concentration after the third introduction were observed for blank WF, whereas the complex showed a much more moderate increase in concentration at this point. However, despite obvious differences in pharmacokinetic parameters, the efficacies of both agents were virtually identical; the complex differed from blank WF by only 15%. This value is rather insignificant and does not impair its anticoagulant activity. Thus, we can conclude that introduction of the WF : AG complex is safe in terms of reduction of the bleeding risk and accumulation.
Genetic Structure and Preliminary Findings of Cryptic Diversity of the Malaysian Mahseer (Tor tambroidesValenciennes: Cyprinidae) Inferred from Mitochondrial DNA and Microsatellite Analyses
Authors: Esa Yuzine , Abdul Rahim Khairul Adha
Published: December 2013

This study examines the population genetic structure ofTor tambroides, an important freshwater fish species in Malaysia, using fifteen polymorphic microsatellite loci and sequencing of 464 base pairs of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene. A total of 152 mahseer samples were collected from eight populations throughout the Malaysia river system. Microsatellites results found high levels of intrapopulation variations, but mitochondrial COI results found high levels of interpopulations differentiation. The possible reasons for their discrepancies might be the varying influence of genetic drift on each marker or the small sample sizes used in most of the populations. The Kelantan population showed very low levels of genetic variations using both mitochondrial and microsatellite analyses. Phylogenetic analysis of the COI gene found a unique haplotype (ER8*), possibly representing a cryptic lineage ofT. douronensis, from the Endau-Rompin population. Nevertheless, the inclusion of nuclear microsatellite analyses could not fully resolve the genetic identity of haplotype ER8* in the present study. Overall, the findings showed a serious need for more comprehensive and larger scale samplings, especially in remote river systems, in combination with molecular analyses using multiple markers, in order to discover more cryptic lineages or undescribed “genetic species” of mahseer.
Nigella sativaOil Enhances the Spatial Working Memory Performance of Rats on a Radial Arm Maze
Authors: Sahak Mohamad Khairul Azali , Mohamed Abdul Majid , Hashim Noor Hashida , Hasan Adli Durriyyah Sharifah
Published: December 2013

Nigella sativa, an established historical and religion-based remedy for a wide range of health problems, is a herbal medicine known to have antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. This present study investigated the effect ofNigella sativaoil (NSO) administration on the spatial memory performance (SMP) of male adult rats using eight-arm radial arm maze (RAM). TwelveSprague Dawleyrats (7–9 weeks old) were force-fed daily with 6.0 μL/100 g body weight ofNigella sativaoil (NSO group;n=6) or 0.1 mL/100 g body weight of corn oil (control) (CO group;n=6) for a period of 20 consecutive weeks. For each weekly evaluation of SMP, one day food-deprived rats were tested by allowing each of them 3 minutes to explore the RAM for food as their rewards. Similar to the control group, the SMP of the treated group was not hindered, as indicated by the establishment of the reference and working memory components of the spatial memory. The results demonstrated that lesser mean numbers of error were observed for the NSO-treated group in both parameters as compared to the CO-treated group. NSO could therefore enhance the learning and memory abilities of the rats; there was a significant decrease in the overall mean number of working memory error (WME) in the NSO-treated group.
Study on the Macromesoscopic Yield Criterion of Concrete Material
Authors: XiaoZhou Xia , Qing Zhang , Qun Jiang , JianQiang Xiao
Published: December 2013

In mesoscopy, the concrete material is a kind of composite consisting of mortar matrix, aggregate, and the interface between them. And the shape of aggregate is assumed to be spherical and the mortar matrix is supposed to satisfy the Drucker-Prager yield criterion. The energy density support function is introduced to reflect the yield surface of mortar matrix. In order to solve the nonderivability on the yield boundary, the function approximation series has been constructed to substitute for the energy density support function. Finally, based on the function series, a macromesoscopic yield criterion of concrete material has been derived by the nonlinear homogenized technique. Through the macromesoscopic yield criterion established, the influence law of the bonding status of interface and the fraction of aggregate on the macrofriction coefficient is explored.
Endobronchial Perfluorocarbon Reduces Inflammatory Activity before and after Lung Transplantation in an Animal Experimental Model
Authors: Forgiarini Junior Luiz Alberto , Holand Arthur Rodrigo Ronconi , Forgiarini Luiz Felipe , Rosa Darlan Pase da , Marroni Norma Anair Possa , Cardoso Paulo Francisco Guerreiro , Andrade Cristiano Feijó
Published: December 2013

Background. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of liquid perfluorocarbon (PFC) as an adjuvant substance for lung preservation and assess its role in pulmonary protection after transplantation.Methods. Seventy-two rat lungs were flushed with low-potassium dextran (LPD) solution and randomized into three main groups: control with LPD alone and experimental with 3 (PFC3) and 7 mL/kg (PFC7) of endobronchial PFC instilled just after harvest. Each group was divided into four subgroups according to preservation time (3, 6, 12, and 24 hours). Afterwards, we performed lung transplantation using rat lungs preserved for 12 hours with LPD alone or with 7 mL/kg of endobronchial PFC.Results. There was a significant increase in oxidative stress in the control group at 6 h of cold ischemic time compared with the PFC3 and PFC7 groups. The apoptotic activity and NF-κB expression were significantly higher in the control group compared with the PFC groups at 3, 12, and 24 h of cold preservation. After transplantation, the NF-κB, iNOS, and nitrotyrosine expression as well as caspase 3 activity were significantly lower in the PFC groups.Conclusion. The use of endobronchial PFC as an adjuvant to the current preservation strategy improved graft viability.
Robust Stability andH∞Stabilization of Switched Systems with Time-Varying Delays Using Delta Operator Approach
Authors: Qin Chen , Xiang Zhengrong , Karimi Hamid Reza
Published: December 2013

This paper considers the problems of the robust stability and robustH∞controller design for time-varying delay switched systems using delta operator approach. Based on the average dwell time approach and delta operator theory, a sufficient condition of the robust exponential stability is presented by choosing an appropriate Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional candidate. Then, a state feedback controller is designed such that the resulting closed-loop system is exponentially stable with a guaranteedH∞performance. The obtained results are formulated in the form of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Finally, a numerical example is provided to explicitly illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Vibration Control of Fractionally-Damped Beam Subjected to a Moving Vehicle and Attached to Fractionally-Damped Multiabsorbers
Authors: Alkhaldi Hashem S. , Abu-Alshaikh Ibrahim M. , Al-Rabadi Anas N.
Published: December 2013

This paper presents the dynamic response of Bernoulli-Euler homogeneous isotropic fractionally-damped simply-supported beam. The beam is attached to multi single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) fractionally-damped systems, and it is subjected to a vehicle moving with a constant velocity. The damping characteristics of the beam and SDOF systems are described in terms of fractional derivatives. Three coupled second-order fractional differential equations are produced and then they are solved by combining the Laplace transform with the decomposition method. The obtained numerical results show that the dynamic response decreases as (a) the number of absorbers attached to the beam increases and (b) the damping-ratios of used absorbers and beam increase. However, there are some critical values of fractional derivatives which are different from unity at which the beam has less dynamic response than that obtained for the full-order derivatives model. Furthermore, the obtained results show very good agreements with special case studies that were published in the literature.
A Quantum Chemical Study on Structures and Electronic (Hyper)polarizabilities of 2,2′-Biselenophene Rotamers
Authors: Alparone Andrea
Published: December 2013

Geometries, IR and Raman spectra, nucleus independent chemical shifts, and static electronic (hyper)polarizabilities of the equilibrium conformations of 2,2′-biselenophene were determined in vacuum using density functional theory (DFT) computations. At the DFT-PBE0/6-31G+pdd′ level the antigauche structure characterized by the Se-C2-C2′-Se dihedral angle of 157° is the global minimum, whereas the syngauche rotamer (Se-C2-C2′-Se = 40°) lies ca. 0.7 kcal·mol−1 above the antigauche form. The structural and spectroscopic properties as well as the electronic polarizability of the antigauche are similar to those of the syngauche structure. On the other hand, the dipole moments and first-order hyperpolarizabilities are strongly influenced by the conformational characteristics, increasing by ca. a factor of five when passing from the antigauche to the syngauche form.
Hydrogel‐Based Nanocomposites and Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A Promising Synergistic Strategy for Neurodegenerative Disorders Therapy
Authors: Albani Diego , Gloria Antonio , Giordano Carmen , Rodilossi Serena , Russo Teresa , D’Amora Ugo , Tunesi Marta , Cigada Alberto , Ambrosio Luigi , Forloni Gianluigi
Published: December 2013

Hydrogel‐based materials are widely employed in the biomedical field. With regard to central nervous system (CNS) neurodegenerative disorders, the design of injectable nanocomposite hydrogels for in situ drug or cell release represents an interesting and minimally invasive solution that might play a key role in the development of successful treatments. In particular, biocompatible and biodegradable hydrogels can be designed as specific injectable tools and loaded with nanoparticles (NPs), to improve and to tailor their viscoelastic properties upon injection and release profile. An intriguing application is hydrogel loading with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that are a very promising therapeutic tool for neurodegenerative or traumatic disorders of the CNS. This multidisciplinary review will focus on the basic concepts to design acellular and cell‐loaded materials with specific and tunable rheological and functional properties. The use of hydrogel‐based nanocomposites and mesenchymal stem cells as a synergistic strategy for nervous tissue applications will be then discussed.
Dopant Concentration and Effective Atomic Number of Copper-Doped Potassium Borate Glasses
Authors: Hossain I. , Shekaili N. K. , Wagiran H.
Published: December 2013

Copper-doped (0.5 mol%) and undoped potassium borate glasses have been prepared by the composition of (100-x)H3BO3+xK2CO3, where 10 ≤x≤ 30 mol % by the traditional melting quenching method. The structural pattern of glasses with different composition has been identified by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The glow curves were analysed to determine various characterizations of the TLDs. Identification of the compositions and concentrations and effective atomic number of undoped and doped potassium borate glass was carried out using scanning electron microscope analysis (SEM). The dopant concentrations are found to be 0.25 mol%, whileZeffare 11.42 and 10.48 for Cu-doped and undoped potassium borate glasses, respectively.
The EA-Dimension of a Commutative Ring
Authors: Eljeri Mosbah
Published: December 2013

An elementary annihilator of a ring A is an annihilator that has the form (0:a)A; a∈R∖(0). We define the elementary annihilator dimension of the ring A, denoted by EAdim(A), to be the upper bound of the set of all integers n such that there is a chain (0:a0)⊂⋯⊂(0:an) of annihilators of A. We use this dimension to characterize some zero-divisors graphs.
Interplay between Peptide Bond Geometrical Parameters in Nonglobular Structural Contexts
Authors: Esposito Luciana , Balasco Nicole , De Simone Alfonso , Berisio Rita , Vitagliano Luigi
Published: December 2013

Several investigations performed in the last two decades have unveiled that geometrical parameters of protein backbone show a remarkable variability. Although these studies have provided interesting insights into one of the basic aspects of protein structure, they have been conducted on globular and water-soluble proteins. We report here a detailed analysis of backbone geometrical parameters in nonglobular proteins/peptides. We considered membrane proteins and two distinct fibrous systems (amyloid-forming and collagen-like peptides). Present data show that in these systems the local conformation plays a major role in dictating the amplitude of the bond angle N-Cα-C and the propensity of the peptide bond to adopt planar/nonplanar states. Since the trends detected here are in line with the concept of the mutual influence of local geometry and conformation previously established for globular and water-soluble proteins, our analysis demonstrates that the interplay of backbone geometrical parameters is an intrinsic and general property of protein/peptide structures that is preserved also in nonglobular contexts. For amyloid-forming peptides significant distortions of the N-Cα-C bond angle, indicative of sterical hidden strain, may occur in correspondence with side chain interdigitation. The correlation between the dihedral anglesΔω/ψin collagen-like models may have interesting implications for triple helix stability.
Hyperleptinemia, Adiposity, and Risk of Metabolic Syndrome in Older Adults
Authors: Mishra Suruchi , Harris Tamara B. , Hue Trisha , Miljkovic Iva , Satterfield Suzanne , de Rekeneire Nathalie , Mehta Mira , Sahyoun Nadine R.
Published: December 2013

Background. Abdominal adiposity and serum leptin increase with age as does risk of metabolic syndrome. This study investigates the prospective association between leptin and metabolic syndrome risk in relation to adiposity and cytokines.Methods. The Health, Aging, and Body Composition study is a prospective cohort of older adults aged 70 to 79 years. Baseline measurements included leptin, cytokines, BMI, total percent fat, and visceral and subcutaneous fat. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the association between leptin and metabolic syndrome (defined per NCEP ATP III) incidence after 6 years of follow-up among 1,120 men and women.Results. Leptin predicted metabolic syndrome in men (Pfor trend = 0.0002) and women (Pfor trend = 0.0001). In women, risk of metabolic syndrome increased with higher levels of leptin (compared with quintile 1, quintile 2 RR = 3.29, CI = 1.36, 7.95; quintile 3 RR = 3.25, CI = 1.33, 7.93; quintile 4 RR = 5.21, CI = 2.16, 12.56; and quintile 5 RR = 7.97, CI = 3.30, 19.24) after adjusting for potential confounders. Leptin remained independently associated with metabolic syndrome risk after additional adjustment for adiposity, cytokines, and CRP. Among men, this association was no longer significant after controlling for adiposity.Conclusion. Among older women, elevated concentrations of leptin may increase the risk of metabolic syndrome independent of adiposity and cytokines.
Experimental Demonstration of Coexistence of Microwave Wireless Communication and Power Transfer Technologies for Battery-Free Sensor Network Systems
Authors: Yoshida Satoshi , Noji Takumasa , Fukuda Goh , Kobayashi Yuta , Kawasaki Shigeo
Published: December 2013

This paper describes experimental demonstrations of a wireless power transfer system equipped with a microwave band communication function. Battery charging using the system is described to evaluate the possibility of the coexistence of both wireless power transfer and communication functions in the C-band. A battery-free wireless sensor network system is demonstrated, and a high-power rectifier for the system is also designed and evaluated in the S-band. We have confirmed that microwave wireless power transfer can coexist with communication function.
Force Transfer and Stress Distribution in an Implant-Supported Overdenture Retained with a Hader Bar Attachment: A Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Satheesh Kumar Preeti , Satheesh Kumar K. S. , John Jins , Patil Geetha , Patel Ruchi
Published: December 2013

Background and Objectives. A key factor for the long-term function of a dental implant is the manner in which stresses are transferred to the surrounding bone. The effect of adding a stiffener to the tissue side of the Hader bar helps to reduce the transmission of the stresses to the alveolar bone. But the ideal thickness of the stiffener to be attached to the bar is a subject of much debate. This study aims to analyze the force transfer and stress distribution of an implant-supported overdenture with a Hader bar attachment. The stiffener of the bar attachments was varied and the stress distribution to the bone around the implant was studied. Methods. A CT scan of edentulous mandible was used and three models with 1, 2, and 3 mm thick stiffeners were created and subjected to loads of emulating the masticatory forces. These different models were analyzed by the Finite Element Software (Ansys, Version 8.0) using von Mises stress analysis. Results. The results showed that the maximum stress concentration was seen in the neck of the implant for models A and B. In model C the maximum stress concentration was in the bar attachment making it the model with the best stress distribution, as far as implant failures are concerned. Conclusion. The implant with Hader bar attachment with a 3 mm stiffener is the best in terms of stress distribution, where the stress is concentrated at the bar and stiffener regions.