bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving lithological discrimination in exploration drill-cores using portable X-ray fluorescence measurements: (1) testing three Olympus Innov-X analysers on unprepared cores
Authors: Ross P. -S. , Bourke A. , Fresia B.
Published: February 2014

Portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) analysers are increasingly popular tools for geoscientific applications, including mineral exploration. One promising application, illustrated in the companion paper, is to obtain high-spatial resolution down-hole geochemical profiles using pXRF on unprepared exploration drill-cores. However, the precision and accuracy of pXRF analysers on such samples is not well studied. We have tested three Olympus Innov-X analysers, both on a sediment standard (NIST 2702, ‘Inorganics in Marine Sediment’) and
in-situ
on unmineralized rock cores from volcanic and intrusive, mafic to felsic lithologies. We conclude that pXRF is quite precise for a number of elements, but not very accurate using factory calibrations. For example, the 1σ precision of one Delta Premium analyser tested on a basaltic core, in mining plus mode, with a 60 s integration time, is better than 5 % for Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mn, S, Si, Ti, Zn and Zr. The same analyser, tested on a range of volcanic and intrusive core samples, yielded the following average systematic errors: Al -23 %, Ca -4 %, Fe +1 %, K -9 %, Mg -17 %, Mn -15 %, P +218 %, Si +4 %, Ti -23 %, Cu +220 %, Zn +151 %, and Zr +17 %. These systematic errors can largely be removed by the application of correction factors, which are unique to each analyser and each project. Without such corrections, the three analysers tested, including two ‘identical’ Delta Premium models, yield different results on the same sample. Another important finding is that within 20 cm long core samples, the effect of mineralogical heterogeneity on
in-situ
pXRF data is much larger than that of the instrument precision. Finally, with the Delta analysers, both the ‘mining plus’ and the ‘soil’ modes are needed to determine as many elements as possible with the best data quality possible.
Spatial patterns of geochemical elements measured on rock surfaces by portable X-ray fluorescence: application to hand specimens and rock outcrops
Authors: Yuan Zhaoxian , Cheng Qiuming , Xia Qinglin , Yao Lingqing , Chen Zhijun , Zuo Renguang , Xu Deyi
Published: February 2014

Spatial distribution of geochemical elements at hand-specimen and outcrop scale provides significant evidence for the processes of formation and alteration of rocks. Portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) analyses is a non-destructive and cost-effective methodology to rapidly measure multi-elemental concentrations
in-situ
, and its application makes the study of the distribution of geochemical elements efficient. In this paper two pXRF instruments, the Tianrui EDX-P730S and the Niton XL3t 950, were employed for measuring geochemical data for two samples of Pb and Zn ore hand specimens and at outcrop scale in an area of skarn formation. The data are processed by GIS and principal component analysis (PCA) for interpreting element associations involved in mineralization processes. The first three principal components obtained by PCA for the data measured on the rock surface of the two hand specimens may represent early stage Zn-dominated mineralization, superimposed Zn and Pb mineralization and late stage Pb-dominated mineralization. These three zones of mineralization can be delineated by the scores of multiple elements on the first three principal components. The first four principal components obtained from the outcrop surface data were found to be related to the marble, diorite, and two stages of skarn-type mineralization (Cu and Zn mineralization and Pb, Zn and Fe mineralization).
Vertical distribution of elements in regolith over mineral deposits and implications for mapping geochemical weak anomalies in covered areas
Authors: Cheng Qiuming
Published: February 2014

Several case studies are presented to demonstrate that significant migration of elements in regolith over mineral deposits can reach the earth surface through thick layers of superimposed regolith. Data obtained from drill-holes in Mo-W and Mo-Ag mineral deposits in Eastern Inner Mongolia, China using portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF, Niton XL3t 950) and data from other areas reported in the literature have been modeled using power-law decay functions that describe the regolith decay trends with increasing distance from the underlying altered rocks or saprocks. The results demonstrate that the element concentration in the surface media can be very low due to decay and mask effects, even if a thin layer of overburden exists. In order to characterize the decay behaviour of geochemical concentration of an element in a vertical regolith profile caused by complex mechanisms, a new non-linear differential equation was proposed which assumes the decay rate of concentration is negatively proportional to the concentration itself, with a functional coefficient dependent on vertical distance from the underlying surface of mineralised rocks. Applying Taylor series expansion to the coefficient function, the differential equation can be approximated by four simple dynamic systems, each with explicit solutions including Gaussian functions, exponential functions, power-law functions and exponential functions with inverse distance. These functions can be utilized as either separate or combined models to fit observed data by means of simple linear regression or multivariate regression. The combined mode is useful for evaluating the comprehensive effect of element concentration distribution due to various mechanisms.
Portable X-ray fluorescence in the assessment of rare earth element-enriched sedimentary phosphate deposits
Authors: Simandl G.J. , Fajber R. , Paradis S.
Published: February 2014

Phosphate deposits are the main source of raw materials used by the phosphate fertilizer industry and, in recent years, they have also been considered as potential sources of rare earth elements (REEs) and fluorine (F). Based on 160 portable XRF (pXRF) measurements taken on 32 pulps of naturally occurring phosphate rocks from the Fernie Formation (British Columbia, Canada) with a representative range of P and REE concentrations, the pXRF analyser was able to provide data with acceptable precision, accuracy, and excellent coefficients of determination (r
2
≥ 0.85) relative to the laboratory data for Ba, Mo, Y, Sr, U, Rb, Zn, Fe, Ca, P, Si and S. Results with coefficients of determination of 0.5 ≤ r
2
< 0.85 between the pXRF and laboratory-derived datasets were achieved for Nd, Ce, La, Zr, W, and Al. From an exploration geologist’s point of view, P and Fe were measured accurately enough by pXRF using the factory-set calibration. Portable XRF analysis for Nd, Pr, Ce, La, Ba, Mo, Zr, Y, Sr, U, Rb, Zn, Ca, K, Al, Si and S had to be recalibrated relative to laboratory results. Using factory pXRF settings, light REEs (La, Ce, Pr, Nd) were subject to systematic overestimation relative to laboratory results whereas Y was subject to systematic underestimation. This study presents the first stage of an orientation survey (pulp analyses) for sedimentary phosphate occurrences containing REEs in southeastern British Columbia. If sample preparation (to pulps) and field recalibration are carried out, pXRF can identify zones of phosphate rocks enriched in REEs, and delimit zones with unacceptable levels of deleterious elements, such as uranium.
Hepatic sirtuin 1 is dispensable for fibrate-induced peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α function in vivo
Authors: Bonzo Jessica A. , Brocker Chad , Jiang Changtao , Wang Rui-Hong , Deng Chu-Xia , Gonzalez Frank J.
Published: February 2014

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα) mediates metabolic remodeling, resulting in enhanced mitochondrial and peroxisomal β-oxidation of fatty acids. In addition to the physiological stimuli of fasting and high-fat diet, PPARα is activated by the fibrate class of drugs for the treatment of dyslipidemia. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), an important regulator of energy homeostasis, was downregulated in fibrate-treated wild-type mice, suggesting PPARα regulation of Sirt1 gene expression. The impact of SIRT1 loss on PPARα functionality in vivo was assessed in hepatocyte-specific knockout mice that lack the deacetylase domain of SIRT1 ( Sirt1 ΔLiv). Knockout mice were treated with fibrates or fasted for 24 h to activate PPARα. Basal expression of the PPARα target genes Cyp4a10 and Cyp4a14 was reduced in Sirt1 ΔLiv mice compared with wild-type mice. However, no difference was observed between wild-type and Sirt1 ΔLiv mice in either fasting- or fibrate-mediated induction of PPARα target genes. Similar to the initial results, there was no difference in fibrate-activated PPARα gene induction. To assess the relationship between SIRT1 and PPARα in a pathophysiological setting, Sirt1 ΔLiv mice were maintained on a high-fat diet for 14 wk, followed by fibrate treatment. Sirt1 ΔLiv mice exhibited increased body mass compared with control mice. In the context of a high-fat diet, Sirt1 ΔLiv mice did not respond to the cholesterol-lowering effects of the fibrate treatment. However, there were no significant differences in PPARα target gene expression. These results suggest that, in vivo, SIRT1 deacetylase activity does not significantly impact induced PPARα activity.
De novo synthesis of milk triglycerides in humans
Authors: Mohammad Mahmoud A. , Sunehag Agneta L. , Haymond Morey W.
Published: February 2014

Mammary gland (MG) de novo lipogenesis contributes significantly to milk fat in animals but little is known in humans. Objective: To test the hypothesis that the incorporation of13C carbons from [U-13C]glucose into fatty acids (FA) and glycerol in triglycerides (TG) will be greater: 1) in milk than plasma TG, 2) during a high-carbohydrate (H-CHO) diet than high-fat (H-FAT) diet, and 3) during feeding than fasting. Seven healthy, lactating women were studied on two isocaloric, isonitrogenous diets. On one occasion, subjects received diets containing H-FAT or H-CHO diet for 1 wk. Incorporation of13C from infused [U-13C]glucose into FA and glycerol was measured using GC-MS and gene expression in RNA isolated from milk fat globule using microarrays. Incorporation of13C2into milk FA increased with increased FA chain length from C2:0 to C12:0 but progressively declined in C14:0 and C16:0 and was not detected in FA>C16. During feeding, regardless of diets, enrichment of13C2in milk FA and13C3in milk glycerol were ∼3- and ∼7-fold higher compared with plasma FA and glycerol, respectively. Following an overnight fast during H-CHO and H-FAT diets, 25 and 6%, respectively, of medium-chain FA (MCFA, C6–C12) in milk were derived from glucose but increased to 75 and 25% with feeding. Expression of genes involved in FA or glycerol synthesis was unchanged regardless of diet or fast/fed conditions. The human MG is capable of de novo lipogenesis of primarily MCFA and glycerol, which is influenced by the macronutrient composition of the maternal diet.
Comparison of Intrathecal Use of Isobaric and Hyperbaric Bupivacaine during Lower Abdomen Surgery
Authors: Helmi Mochamat , Uyun Yusmein , Suwondo Bambang S. , Widodo Untung
Published: February 2014

Objective. The ideal local anesthetic solution for intrathecal use has rapid onset and reliable duration, with less incidence of adverse events. This study was aiming to compare the onset of anesthesia and duration of action of isobaric and hyperbaric bupivacaine for subarachnoid block (SAB). Methods. Sixty patients who underwent lower abdominal, hips, and lower extremity surgeries were randomized into two groups. Group I received 20 mg of 0.5% isobaric bupivacaine, while Group H received 20 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine. Injection was made intrattecally in midline position at L3-4 interspace in sitting position. Results. The onset of analgesia and motor blocks with isobaric was faster when compared to hyperbaric bupivacaine (4.8 ± 2.2 versus 7.5 ± 2.2 minutes and 4.1 ± 2.1 versus 6.4 ± 2.4 minutes, resp., P<0.001). The duration of sensory and motor blocks was longer in isobaric when compared to hyperbaric bupivacaine (276 ± 30 versus 163 ± 22 minutes and 266 ± 32 versus 163 ± 24 minutes, P<0.001). In both groups, hemodynamic changes were not clinically relevant, and the adverse effects were comparable. Conclusion. Isobaric produced more rapid onset and longer duration when compared to hyperbaric bupivacaine.
Some Properties on Estrada Index of Folded Hypercubes Networks
Authors: Liu Jia-Bao , Pan Xiang-Feng , Cao Jinde
Published: February 2014

LetGbe a simple graph withnvertices and letλ1,λ2,…,λnbe the eigenvalues of its adjacency matrix; the Estrada indexEEGof the graphGis defined as the sum of the termseλi,  i=1,2,…,n. Then-dimensional folded hypercube networksFQnare an important and attractive variant of then-dimensional hypercube networksQn, which are obtained fromQnby adding an edge between any pair of vertices complementary edges. In this paper, we establish the explicit formulae for calculating the Estrada index of the folded hypercubes networksFQnby deducing the characteristic polynomial of the adjacency matrix in spectral graph theory. Moreover, some lower and upper bounds for the Estrada index of the folded hypercubes networksFQnare proposed.
Meta-Analysis: Overweight, Obesity, and Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Chen Jinhu , Guan Zhenlong , Wang Liqin , Song Guangyao , Ma Boqing , Wang Yanqin
Published: February 2014

Objective.Parkinson's disease (PD) is a severe neurological disease and its risk factors remain largely unknown. A meta-analysis was carried out to investigate the relationship of overweight and obesity with PD.Methods.We used PubMed, EMBASE, and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases to identify studies of associations between overweight/obesity and PD. Overweight, obesity, and PD were used as keywords, and published works were retrieved until September 30, 2013. The extracted data were classified(BMI≥30,25≤BMI<30,  and BMI<25)according to BMI values and analyzed using RevMan5.2 and Stata11.0.Results.Four cohort studies and three case-control studies were used to evaluate the association between overweight/obesity and PD, including 2857 PD patients and 5, 683, 939 cases of non-PD controls. There was a statistically significant difference between25≤BMI<30  and BMI<25in the cohort study (RR=1.17, 95%CI, 1.03–1.32,  P=0.03), but there was no difference betweenBMI≥30  and BMI<25orBMI≥30  and 25≤BMI<30, where the respectiveRRwas 1.16 and 0.84; the respective 95%CIwas 0.67–2.01 and 0.61–1.15, respectively, and thePvalues were 0.60 and 0.28, respectively. Case-control studies showed that there was no statistical difference between any two groups.Conclusion.Meta-analysis showed that overweight might be a potential risk factor of PD. Demonstration of a causal role of overweight/obesity in PD development could have important therapeutic implications.

Erratum to “Sensitization to Cockroach Allergen: Immune Regulation and Genetic Determinants”
Development of Simple Designs of Multitip Probe Diagnostic Systems for RF Plasma Characterization
Authors: Naz M. Y. , Shukrullah S. , Ghaffar A. , Rehman N. U.
Published: February 2014

Multitip probes are very useful diagnostics for analyzing and controlling the physical phenomena occurring in low temperature discharge plasmas. However, DC biased probes often fail to perform well in processing plasmas. The objective of the work was to deduce simple designs of DC biased multitip probes for parametric study of radio frequency plasmas. For this purpose, symmetric double probe, asymmetric double probe, and symmetric triple probe diagnostic systems and their driving circuits were designed and tested in an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) generated by a 13.56 MHz radio frequency (RF) source. UsingI-Vcharacteristics of these probes, electron temperature, electron number density, and ion saturation current was measured as a function of input power and filling gas pressure. An increasing trend was noticed in electron temperature and electron number density for increasing input RF power whilst a decreasing trend was evident in these parameters when measured against filling gas pressure. In addition, the electron energy probability function (EEPF) was also studied by using an asymmetric double probe. These studies confirmed the non-Maxwellian nature of the EEPF and the presence of two groups of the energetic electrons at low filling gas pressures.
Graphene/Gold Nanocomposites-Based Thin Films as an Enhanced Sensing Platform for Voltammetric Detection of Cr(VI) Ions
Authors: Santhosh Chella , Saranya Murugan , Ramachandran Rajendran , Felix Sathiyanathan , Velmurugan Venugopal , Nirmala Grace Andrews
Published: February 2014

A highly sensitive and selective Cr(VI) sensor with graphene-based nanocomposites film as an enhanced sensing platform is reported. The detection of chromium species is a challenging task because of the different possible oxidation states in which the element can occur. The sensing film was developed by homogenously distributing Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) onto the two-dimensional (2D) graphene nanosheet matrix by electrochemical method. Such nanostructured composite film platforms combine the advantages of AuNPs and graphene nanosheets because of the synergistic effect between them. This effect greatly facilitates the electron-transfer processes and the sensing behavior for Cr(VI) detection, leading to a remarkably improved sensitivity and selectivity. The interference from other heavy metal ions is studied in detail. Such sensing elements are very promising for practical environmental monitoring applications.
Heterogeneous Differential Evolution for Numerical Optimization
Authors: Wang Hui , Wang Wenjun , Cui Zhihua , Sun Hui , Rahnamayan Shahryar
Published: February 2014

Differential evolution (DE) is a population-based stochastic search algorithm which has shown a good performance in solving many benchmarks and real-world optimization problems. Individuals in the standard DE, and most of its modifications, exhibit the same search characteristics because of the use of the same DE scheme. This paper proposes a simple and effective heterogeneous DE (HDE) to balance exploration and exploitation. In HDE, individuals are allowed to follow different search behaviors randomly selected from a DE scheme pool. Experiments are conducted on a comprehensive set of benchmark functions, including classical problems and shifted large-scale problems. The results show that heterogeneous DE achieves promising performance on a majority of the test problems.
Stochastic Risk and Uncertainty Analysis for Shale Gas Extraction in the Karoo Basin of South Africa
Authors: Atangana Abdon , van Tonder Gerrit
Published: February 2014

We made use of groundwater flow and mass transport equations to investigate the crucial potential risk of water pollution from hydraulic fracturing especially in the case of the Karoo system in South Africa. This paper shows that the upward migration of fluids will depend on the apertures of the cement cracks and fractures in the rock formation. The greater the apertures, the quicker the movement of the fluid. We presented a novel sampling method, which is the combination of the Monte Carlo and the Latin hypercube sampling. The method was used for uncertainties analysis of the apertures in the groundwater and mass transport equations. The study reveals that, in the case of the Karoo, fracking will only be successful if and only if the upward methane and fracking fluid migration can be controlled, for example, by plugging the entire fracked reservoir with cement.
In Vitro Antioxidant Activities of Three Selected Dates from Tunisia (Phoenix dactyliferaL.)
Authors: Kchaou Wissal , Abbès Fatma , Attia Hamadi , Besbes Souhail
Published: February 2014

Second-grade dates (Phoenix dactyliferaL.), with hard texture, from three selected Tunisian cultivars (Allig, Deglet Nour, and Bejo) were analysed from their antioxidant activities using DPPH radical scavenging activity, FRAP assay, H2O2scavenging activity, and metal chelating activity. Date extracts showed strong and concentration-dependant activity in all tested methods. The results showed that the best antioxidant activity was obtained in Allig, followed by Bejo and Deglet Nour. Total phenolics, total flavonoids, carotenoids, and tannins were determined spectrophotometrically in three date extracts. Results indicated that date contained significantly different amounts of these compounds. In fact, Allig presented the highest antioxidant compounds, followed by Bejo and Deglet Nour. Correlation analyses indicated a positive linear relationship between antioxidant activities and total phenolic and flavonoid content of date. This study demonstrates the potential antioxidant activity with Tunisian date, where we can use these natural extracts as food additives in replacement of synthetic compounds.
Developing Image Processing Meta-Algorithms with Data Mining of Multiple Metrics
Authors: Leung Kelvin , Cunha Alexandre , Toga A. W. , Parker D. Stott
Published: February 2014

People often use multiple metrics in image processing, but here we take a novel approach of mining the values of batteries of metrics on image processing results. We present a case for extending image processing methods to incorporate automated mining of multiple image metric values. Here by a metric we mean any image similarity or distance measure, and in this paper we consider intensity-based and statistical image measures and focus on registration as an image processing problem. We show how it is possible to develop meta-algorithms that evaluate different image processing results with a number of different metrics and mine the results in an automated fashion so as to select the best results. We show that the mining of multiple metrics offers a variety of potential benefits for many image processing problems, including improved robustness and validation.
Structural, Optical, and Magnetic Characterization of Spinel Zinc Chromite Nanocrystallines Synthesised by Thermal Treatment Method
Authors: Gene Salahudeen A. , Saion Elias , Shaari Abdul H. , Kamarudin Mazliana A. , Al-Hada Naif M. , Kharazmi Alireza
Published: February 2014

The present study reports the structural and magnetic characterization of spinel zinc chromite (ZnCr2O4) nanocrystallines synthesized by thermal treatment method. The samples were calcined at different temperatures in the range of 773 to 973 K. Polyvinylpyrrolidone was used to control the agglomeration of the nanoparticles. The average particle size of the synthesized nanocrystals was determined by powder X‐ray diffraction which shows that the crystallite size increases from 19 nm at 773 K to 24 nm at 973 K and the result was in good agreement with the transmission electron microscopy images. The elemental composition of the samples was determined by energy dispersed X‐ray spectroscopy which confirmed the presence of Zn, Cr, and O in the final products. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy also confirmed the presence of metal oxide bands for all the samples calcined at different temperature. The band gap energy was calculated from UV‐vis reflectance spectra using the Kubelka‐Munk function and the band gap energy of the samples was found to decrease from 4.03 eV at 773 K to 3.89 eV at 973 K. The magnetic properties were also demonstrated by electron spin resonance spectroscopy, the presence of unpaired electrons was confirmed, and the resonant magnetic field and the g‐factor of the calcined samples were also studied.
Complete Moment Convergence and Mean Convergence for Arrays of Rowwise Extended Negatively Dependent Random Variables
Authors: Wu Yongfeng , Song Mingzhu , Wang Chunhua
Published: February 2014

The authors first present a Rosenthal inequality for sequence of extended negatively dependent (END) random variables. By means of the Rosenthal inequality, the authors obtain some complete moment convergence and mean convergence results for arrays of rowwise END random variables. The results in this paper extend and improve the corresponding theorems by Hu and Taylor (1997).
Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy in Men with Proctocolectomy and Restorative Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis
Authors: Leapman Michael , Kwon Young Suk , Collingwood Shemille A. , Chin Edward , Katsigeorgis Maria , Hobbs Adele R. , Samadi David B.
Published: February 2014

We conducted a retrospective chart review of robotic prostatectomies done by a single surgeon between 2003 and 2012. During that time period, we identified two patients within the year 2012, with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPPA) who also underwent robotic prostatectomies. The demographics and postoperative characteristics of the two patients were assessed. In both patients, prostatectomy, bilateral nerve sparing, and pelvic lymphadenectomy were successfully performed and the integrity of ileal pouch was maintained. There was a mean surgical time of 144.5 minutes, and an average estimated blood loss was 125 mL. Both patients were discharged on the second day postoperatively. In both patients there was a Gleason upgrade to 3 + 4, with negative margins, and preservation of fecal and urinary continence by their six-month followup. Owing to surgical modifications, these two surgeries represent the first successful robotic prostatectomies in patients with a J-pouch.
The Stabilization of Weathered Dolerite Aggregates with Cement, Lime, and Lime Fly Ash for Pavement Construction
Authors: Okonta Felix N. , Ojuri Oluwapelumi O.
Published: February 2014

An experimental program was performed on weathered dolerite specimens stabilized by adding varying percentages of cement (4, 8, 12, and 16) % and lime (6 and 12) % and a combination of lime and fly ash (6% lime + 12% Fly ash and 12% lime + 12% Fly ash) % by dry weight of soil. The strength was examined under three different curing methods, namely, membrane curing (MBC), alternate moist-air curing (MAC), and water curing (WAC), by conducting unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests. Simple polynomial and linear functions (regression models) were used to define the relationships between the variables investigated. Membrane curing (MBC) gave results close enough to the water curing (WAC) to indicate that it can be confidently used on the field during pavement construction. From the results obtained, for class B (interurban collector and major rural roads) pavement construction, addition of 8% cement was recommended for road base construction with stabilized WDA. Also the addition of 12 + 12% Lime and Fly Ash was recommended for road subbase construction with stabilized WDA. Stabilized WDA against the prejudiced myths would perform satisfactorily for base and subbase construction in both heavily trafficked and low volume roads with economic quantities of cement, lime, and fly ash in South Africa.
Surface Modification of Aerosol-Assisted CVD Produced TiO2Thin Film for Dye Sensitised Solar Cell
Authors: Lim SuPei , Huang Nay Ming , Lim Hong Ngee , Mazhar M.
Published: February 2014

We report a simple and convenient method for the preparation of Ag/TiO2thin films supported on indium tin oxide, which was achieved by sonochemical deposition of Ag+on aerosol-assisted chemical vapour deposited TiO2thin films. Posttreatment was performed on the film by immersion in HCl. The as-prepared composite film was characterised by X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The photoelectrochemical measurements andJ-Vcharacterisation showed approximately fivefold increase in photocurrent density generation and approximately sevenfold enhancement in dye sensitiser solar cell (DSSC) conversion efficiency, which was achieved after modification of the TiO2film with HCl posttreatment and Ag particle deposition. The improved photocurrent density of 933.30 μA/cm2, as well as DSSC power conversion efficiency of 3.63% with high stability, is an indication that the as-synthesised thin film is a potential candidate for solar energy conversion applications.
Application of Krylov Reduction Technique for a Machine Tool Multibody Modelling
Authors: Sulitka M. , Šindler J. , Sušeň J. , Smolík J.
Published: February 2014

Quick calculation of machine tool dynamic response represents one of the major requirements for machine tool virtual modelling and virtual machining, aiming at simulating the machining process performance, quality, and precision of a workpiece. Enhanced time effectiveness in machine tool dynamic simulations may be achieved by employing model order reduction (MOR) techniques of the full finite element (FE) models. The paper provides a case study aimed at comparison of Krylov subspace base and mode truncation technique. Application of both of the reduction techniques for creating a machine tool multibody model is evaluated. The Krylov subspace reduction technique shows high quality in terms of both dynamic properties of the reduced multibody model and very low time demands at the same time.
The Sloping Mire Soil-Landscape of Southern Ecuador: Influence of Predictor Resolution and Model Tuning on Random Forest Predictions
Authors: Ließ Mareike , Hitziger Martin , Huwe Bernd
Published: February 2014

The sloping mire landscape of the investigation area, in the southern Andes of Ecuador, is dominated by stagnic soils with thick organic layers. The recursive partitioning algorithm Random Forest was used to predict the spatial water stagnation pattern and the thickness of the organic layer from terrain attributes. Terrain smoothing from 10 to 30 m raster resolution was applied in order to obtain the best possible model. For the same purpose, several model tuning parameters were tested and a prepredictor selection with the R-package Boruta was applied. Model versions were evaluated and compared by 100 repetitions of the calculation of the residual mean square error of a five-fold cross-validation. Position specific density functions of the predicted soil parameters were then used to display prediction uncertainty. Prepredictor selection and tuning of the Random Forest algorithm in some cases resulted in an improved model performance. We therefore recommend testing prepredictor selection and tuning to make sure that the best possible model is chosen. This needs particular emphasis in complex tropical mountain soil-landscapes which provide a real challenge to any soil mapping approach but where Random Forest has proven to be successful due to the testing of model tuning and prepredictor selection.
External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems: Critical Parameters for Surface Hygrothermal Behaviour
Authors: Barreira Eva , de Freitas Vasco P.
Published: February 2014

External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS) are often used in Europe. Despite its thermal advantages, low cost, and ease of application, this system has serious problems of biological growth causing the cladding defacement. Recent studies pointed that biological growth is due to high values of surface moisture content, which mostly results from the combined effect of exterior surface condensation, wind-driven rain, and drying process. Based on numerical simulation, this paper points the most critical parameters involved in hygrothermal behaviour of ETICS, considering the influence of thermal and hygric properties of the external rendering, the effect of the characteristics of the façade, and the consequences of the exterior and interior climate on exterior surface condensation, wind-driven rain, and drying process. The model used was previously validated by comparison with the results of an “in situ” campaign. The results of the sensitivity analyses show that relative humidity and temperature of the exterior air, atmospheric radiation, and emissivity of the exterior rendering are the parameters that most influence exterior surface condensation. Wind-driven rain depends mostly on horizontal rain, building’s height, wind velocity, and orientation. The drying capacity is influenced by short-wave absorbance, incident solar radiation, and orientation.
Blue Rubber Bleb Nevus Syndrome as a Cause of Lower Digestive Bleeding
Authors: Martinez Carlos Augusto Real , Rodrigues Murilo Rocha , Sato Daniela Tiemi , Silveira Júnior Paulo Pedroso , Gama Rafael Fernandes , Mattavelli Christian Bornia , Pereira José Aires
Published: February 2014

Introduction. Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome is a rare disorder that is characterized by multiple recurrent vascular malformations that involve the skin and the gastrointestinal tract. The disease can present chronic anemia and severe episodes of gastrointestinal bleeding.Case Report. A 41-year-old man was admitted with recurrent episodes of lower gastrointestinal bleeding and anemia that had worsened over the last 3 months. The physical examination showed soft, diffuse, compressible, bluish nodules on all of the skin surfaces of the body. A biopsy from one of these skin lesions allowed a histological diagnosis of cavernous hemangioma. He submitted to a colonoscopy, which showed hemorrhoids and a plane vascular lesion mainly located on the right colon with recent signs of bleeding; this lesion was treated by local excision and sclerosis. The pathological study of the colon specimens also reflected the presence of cavernous hemangioma. The cutaneous hemangiomas and the presence of colonic venous malformations were compatible with blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome. The patient presented a favorable follow-up with clinical control of the anemia and without relapse of the gastrointestinal bleeding two years after the procedure.Conclusion. Although rarely diagnosed, blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome may be responsible for lower digestive bleeding.
Endovascular Repair of a Large Profunda Femoris Artery Pseudoaneurysm
Authors: Khalid Ahsan Syed , Ghanem Omar M. , Mojtaba Gashti Seyed
Published: February 2014

Profunda femoris artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms are a rare cause of peripheral arterial aneurysms but their risk of rupture is quite high. We have presented a case of a left lower leg pseudoaneurysm. We have shown that endovascular repair with angioplasty and stenting is a suitable treatment method for such a pseudoaneurysm. Due to the limited data on this disease, we suggest multi-institute collaboration to identify and standardize management for the treatment.
Chain Graph Models to Elicit the Structure of a Bayesian Network
Authors: Stefanini Federico M.
Published: February 2014

Bayesian networks are possibly the most successful graphical models to build decision support systems. Building the structure of large networks is still a challenging task, but Bayesian methods are particularly suited to exploit experts’ degree of belief in a quantitative way while learning the network structure from data. In this paper details are provided about how to build a prior distribution on the space of network structures by eliciting a chain graph model on structural reference features. Several structural features expected to be often useful during the elicitation are described. The statistical background needed to effectively use this approach is summarized, and some potential pitfalls are illustrated. Finally, a few seminal contributions from the literature are reformulated in terms of structural features.
Systematic Review of Chinese Medicine for Miscarriage during Early Pregnancy
Authors: Li Lu , Leung Ping Chung , Chung Tony Kwok Hung , Wang Chi Chiu
Published: February 2014

Background. Miscarriage is a very common complication during early pregnancy. So far, clinical therapies have limitation in preventing the early pregnancy loss. Chinese Medicine, regarded as gentle, effective, and safe, has become popular and common as a complementary and alternative treatment for miscarriages. However, the evidence to support its therapeutic efficacy and safety is still very limited. Objectives and Methods. To summarize the clinical application of Chinese Medicine for pregnancy and provide scientific evidence on the efficacy and safety of Chinese medicines for miscarriage, we located all the relevant pieces of literature on the clinical applications of Chinese Medicine for miscarriage and worked out this systematic review. Results. 339,792 pieces of literature were identified, but no placebo was included and only few studies were selected for systematic review and conducted for meta‐analysis. A combination of Chinese medicines and Western medicines was more effective than Chinese medicines alone. No specific safety problem was reported, but potential adverse events by certain medicines were identified. Conclusions. Studies vary considerably in design, interventions, and outcome measures; therefore conclusive results remain elusive. Large scales of randomized controlled trials and more scientific evidences are still necessary to confirm the efficacy and safety of Chinese medicines during early pregnancy.
Ultrawideband Vivaldi Antenna for DVB-T, WLAN, and WiMAX Applications
Authors: Elsheakh Dalia M. , Abdallah Esmat A.
Published: February 2014

Compact Vivaldi patch antenna with a parasitic meander line is presented in this paper. A PIN diode switch is used to connect and disconnect ultrahigh frequency band (UHF) with ultrawide bandwidth (UWB). The operating frequencies can be switched among different services, depending on the switching states (ON/OFF) to add the lower band when required. This antenna is suitable for portable DVB-T which extended from 450 MHz to 850 MHz receiver applications and the WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) IEEE 802.11b,g (5.1–5.8) GHz frequency bands and WiMAX band (3.3–3.8) GHz. The measured reflection coefficient of the proposed antenna is compared with the simulated one; good agreement is observed. Also, simulated radiation pattern of the antenna is presented. All simulations are carried out using the EM commercial simulator, high frequency structure simulator (HFSS) ver.13.
A Security-Awareness Virtual Machine Management Scheme Based on Chinese Wall Policy in Cloud Computing
Authors: Yu Si , Gui Xiaolin , Lin Jiancai , Tian Feng , Zhao Jianqiang , Dai Min
Published: February 2014

Cloud computing gets increasing attention for its capacity to leverage developers from infrastructure management tasks. However, recent works reveal that side channel attacks can lead to privacy leakage in the cloud. Enhancing isolation between users is an effective solution to eliminate the attack. In this paper, to eliminate side channel attacks, we investigate the isolation enhancement scheme from the aspect ofvirtual machine(VM) management. The security-awareness VMs management scheme (SVMS), a VMs isolation enhancement scheme to defend against side channel attacks, is proposed. First, we use theaggressive conflict of interest relation(ACIR) andaggressive in ally with relation(AIAR) to describe user constraint relations. Second, based on the Chinese wall policy, we put forward four isolation rules. Third, the VMs placement and migration algorithms are designed to enforce VMs isolation between the conflict users. Finally, based on the normal distribution, we conduct a series of experiments to evaluate SVMS. The experimental results show that SVMS is efficient in guaranteeing isolation between VMs owned by conflict users, while the resource utilization rate decreases but not by much.
Probable Value for the Next Sunspot Minimum
Authors: Silbergleit Virginia Mabel
Published: February 2014

Gumbel’s first distribution is applied to smoothed monthly mean sunspot numbers for solar cycles 10 to 24. According to that, the next minimum for solar cycle 24-25 transition would be the deepest solar minimum of the last 150 years. This study provides an additional insight about changes in the Sun which are currently happening.
An Overview of the Development for Cable-Driven Parallel Manipulator
Authors: Tang Xiaoqiang
Published: February 2014

In the last two decades, cable-driven parallel robots have attracted a lot of attention in robot community as a hot topic of robot research. In this paper, the development of the cable-driven parallel manipulator is first introduced in general. Second, the latest advance in theory and applications of cable-driven parallel manipulator is presented in detail, especially some notable implementations. Finally, an other probable application foresight with this cable manipulator is proposed and discussed.
Manufacturing and Shear Response Characterization of Carbon Nanofiber Modified CFRP Using the Out-of-Autoclave-Vacuum-Bag-Only Cure Process
Authors: McDonald Erin E. , Wallace Landon F. , Hickman Gregory J. S. , Hsiao Kuang-Ting
Published: February 2014

The interlaminar shear response is studied for carbon nanofiber (CNF) modified out-of-autoclave-vacuum-bag-only (OOA-VBO) carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). Commercial OOA-VBO prepregs were coated with a CNF modified epoxy solution and a control epoxy solution without CNF to make CNF modified samples and control samples, respectively. Tensile testingwas used to study the in-plane shear performance of [±45°]4scomposite laminates. Significant difference in failure modes between the control and CNF modified CFRPs was identified. The control samples experienced half-plane interlaminar delamination, whereas the CNF modified samples experienced a localized failure in the intralaminar region. Digital image correlation (DIC) surface strain results of the control sample showed no further surface strain increase along the delaminated section when the sample was further elongated prior to sample failure. On the other hand, the DIC results of the CNF modified sample showed that the surface strain increased relatively and uniformly across the CFRP as the sample was further elongated until sample failure. The failure mode evidence along with microscope pictures indicated that the CNF modification acted as a beneficial reinforcement inhibiting interlaminar delamination.
Treatment of Digital Ischemia with Liposomal Bupivacaine
Authors: Raul Soberón José , Duncan Scott F. , Sternbergh W. Charles
Published: February 2014

Objective. This report describes a case in which the off-label use of liposomal bupivacaine (Exparel) in a peripheral nerve block resulted in marked improvement of a patient’s vasoocclusive symptoms. The vasodilating and analgesic properties of liposomal bupivacaine in patients with ischemic symptoms are unknown, but our clinical experience suggests a role in the management of patients suffering from vasoocclusive disease.Case Report. A 45-year-old African American female was admitted to the hospital with severe digital ischemic pain. She was not a candidate for any vascular surgical or procedural interventions. Two continuous supraclavicular nerve blocks were placed with modest clinical improvement. These effects were also short-lived, with the benefits resolving after the discontinuation of the peripheral nerve blocks. She continued to report severe pain and was on multiple anticoagulant medications, so a decision was made to perform an axillary nerve block using liposomal bupivacaine (Exparel) given the compressibility of the site as well as the superficial nature of the target structures.Conclusions. This case report describes the successful off-label usage of liposomal bupivacaine (Exparel) in a patient with digital ischemia. Liposomal bupivacaine (Exparel) is currently FDA approved only for wound infiltration use at this time.
Ursodeoxycholic Acid Influences the Expression ofp27kip1but Not FoxO1 in Patients with Non-Cirrhotic Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
Authors: Milkiewicz Malgorzata , Kopycińska Justyna , Kempińska-Podhorodecka Agnieszka , Haas Tara , Bogdanos Dimitrios P. , Elias Elwyn , Milkiewicz Piotr
Published: February 2014

Background. Enhanced expression of cell cycle inhibitorp27kip1suppresses cell proliferation. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) delays progression of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) but its effect onp27kip1expression is uncertain.Aims. To analyze the expression ofp27kip1and its transcription modulator FoxO1 in patients with PBC, and to assess the impact of UDCA on this pathway.Materials and Methods. The examined human tissue included explanted livers from patients with cirrhotic PBC (n=23), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC;n=9), alcoholic liver disease (ALD;n=9), and routine liver biopsies from patients with non-cirrhotic PBC (n=26). Healthy liver samples served as controls (n=19). Livers of FoxO-deficient mice were also studied. mRNA and protein expressions were analyzed by real-time PCR and Western blot.Results.p27kip1expression was increased in cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic PBC. FoxO1 mRNA levels were increased in PBC (8.5-fold increase versus controls). FoxO1 protein expression in PBC was comparable to controls, but it was decreased in patients with PSC and ALD (63% and 70% reduction, respectively; bothP<0.05versus control). UDCA-treated non-cirrhotic patients with PBC showed decreased expression ofp27kip1mRNA.Conclusion. PBC progression is characterized by a FoxO1-independent increase ofp27kip1expression. In early PBC, UDCA may enhance liver regeneration viap27kip1-dependent mechanism.
A Modified Method for Studying Behavioral Paradox of Antioxidants and Their Disproportionate Competitive Kinetic Effect to Scavenge the Peroxyl Radical Formation
Authors: Masood Nusrat , Fatima Kaneez , Luqman Suaib
Published: February 2014

We have described a modified method for evaluating inhibitor of peroxyl radicals, a well-recognized and -documented radical involved in cancer initiation and promotion as well as diseases related to oxidative stress and ageing. We are reporting hydrophilic and lipophilic as well as natural and synthetic forms of antioxidants revealing a diversified behaviour to peroxyl radical in a dose-dependent manner (1 nM–10 μM). A simple kinetic model for the competitive oxidation of an indicator molecule (ABTS) and a various antioxidant by a radical (ROO•) is described. The influences of both the concentration of antioxidant and duration of reaction (70 min) on the inhibition of the radical cation absorption are taken into account while determining the activity. The induction time of the reaction was also proposed as a parameter enabling determination of antioxidant content by optimizing and introducing other kinetic parameters in 96-well plate assays. The test evidently improves the original PRTC (peroxyl radical trapping capacity) assay in terms of the amount of chemical used, simultaneous tracking, that is, the generation of the radical taking place continually and the kinetic reduction technique (area under curve, peak value, slope, andVmax).
Biogenic Hydrogen Conversion of De-Oiled Jatropha Waste via Anaerobic Sequencing Batch Reactor Operation: Process Performance, Microbial Insights, andCO2Reduction Efficiency
Authors: Kumar Gopalakrishnan , Lin Chiu-Yue
Published: February 2014

We report the semicontinuous, direct (anaerobic sequencing batch reactor operation) hydrogen fermentation of de-oiled jatropha waste (DJW). The effect of hydraulic retention time (HRT) was studied and results show that the stable and peak hydrogen production rate of 1.48 L/L*d and hydrogen yield of 8.7 mL H2/g volatile solid added were attained when the reactor was operated at HRT 2 days (d) with a DJW concentration of 200 g/L, temperature 55°C, and pH 6.5. Reduced HRT enhanced the production performance until 1.75 d. Further reduction has lowered the process efficiency in terms of biogas production and hydrogen gas content. The effluent from hydrogen fermentor was utilized for methane fermentation in batch reactors using pig slurry and cow dung as seed sources. The results revealed that pig slurry was a feasible seed source for methane generation. Peak methane production rate of 0.43 L CH4/L*d and methane yield of 20.5 mL CH4/g COD were observed at substrate concentration of 10 g COD/L, temperature 30°C, and pH 7.0. PCR-DGGE analysis revealed that combination of celluloytic and fermentative bacteria were present in the hydrogen producing ASBR.
EMT Twists the Road to PI3K
Authors: Niederst Matthew J. , Benes Cyril H.
Published: February 2014

Summary: Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is important for many developmental events and has been linked to tumor dissemination and therapeutic resistance. Salt and colleagues identify how EMT affects how proliferation signals flow to phosphoinositide 3-kinase in non–small cell lung cancer. Cancer Discov; 4(2); 149–51. ©2014 AACR.

See related article by Salt et al., p. 186