bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards Energy Efficient Air-Conditioned Space: Fluid Flow and Thermal Behavior
Authors: Khalil Essam E. , Medhat Ahmed A.
Published: February 2014

This paper focuses on both experimental investigation and numerical modeling of full-scale modelled air-conditioned multipurpose hall fully operable. Two methodologies were used, firstly full scale experimental setup was incorporated to map the hall making use of a well-developed fully automated wireless mobile test rig remotely controlled by pre-programmed computer and using high precision state-of-the-art measuring instruments. While the Second methodology was a numerical modeling using a well developed [CFD] 3DHVAC and FLUENT computer simulation programs. Physical and Numerical investigations enable the analyses of the influence of Reynolds, Archimedes and Prandtl numbers for the air as well as the effects of shape, location, inlet air velocity of supply outlet on the flowing air parameters. These parameters include throw, drop, air induction, room local velocities, humidity ratio and temperatures distributions. The forced air supply of cooled air streams out of high wall mounted, downward inclined jets is investigated with mechanically extracted air from the top of the split air-conditioning units. On the other hand an experimental traversing mechanism, computer-based and operated by PLC was developed and used to map the velocity and temperature contours. The room was typically used as the chairman office, meeting room and seminar room. One of the main conclusions is that good agreement between both of full-scale physical modeling and numerical modeling were reported. While the reported comparisons concluded that qualitative agreements were shown, some discrepancies were also observed in the thermal parameters for comfort conditions required by different occupants.
Optical studies of the effect of oxidation on GaN
Authors: Karaoglan-Bebek Gulten , Hwan Woo Jung , Nikishin Sergey , Rusty Harris Harlan , Holtz Mark
Published: February 2014

Optical studies are reported of GaN following oxide layer growth using thermal oxidation and atomic layer deposition (ALD). The low-temperature photoluminescence (PL) probes the topmost GaN layer (<100 nm) where any influence from the oxide is expected. Thermal oxidation results in a 6 meV blue shift of the main PL band (3.478 eV) that is attributed to stress due to formation of GaON/β-Ga2O3 upon the GaN surface. A weak PL feature at ∼3.38 eV is due to diffusion of oxygen into the GaN. The Al2O3 deposited by ALD does not result in the 3.38 eV band following deposition and subsequent annealing. In contrast, HfO2 deposited by ALD results in sub-band gap features, which strengthen upon annealing. No appreciable stress is observed for either oxide deposited using ALD, which are not expected to produce GaON/β-Ga2O3 layer.
Increasing the effective work function of multilayer graphene films using silver nanoparticles
Authors: Park Si Jin , Park Haejin , Lee Younjoo , Yi Yeonjin , Jun Kang Seong
Published: February 2014

The authors report a practical method to increase the effective work functions of multilayer graphene (MLG) films for high work function transparent electrodes. MLG films were prepared using a chemical vapor deposition and transfer process. The effective work functions of MLG films covered with different amounts of silver (Ag) nanoparticles were measured using ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS). The formation of Ag nanoparticles on the MLG surface was investigated using scanning electron microcopy. The sheet resistance and transmittance of the MLG films were also measured with different amounts of Ag nanoparticles on the MLG surfaces. The UPS measurements revealed that the effective work function of an MLG film could be increased from 4.39 to 4.55 eV by adding Ag nanoparticles onto the MLG surface with minimal changes in the sheet resistance and transmittance.
Microwave-induced nucleation of conducting graphitic domains on silicon carbide surfaces
Authors: O'Loughlin Thomas E. , Depner Sean W. , Schultz Brian J. , Banerjee Sarbajit
Published: February 2014

Microwave irradiation of the C-rich (0001¯) surface of 6H-SiC is seen to rapidly induce the nucleation of conductive nanoscopic graphitic grains. Discrete graphitic islands are observed and Raman spectroscopy suggests turbostratic stacking with minimal electronic coupling between adjacent graphene layers. Ensemble Raman and near-edge x-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopies are used in conjunction with spatially resolved atomic force microscopy, scanning Kelvin probe microscopy (SKPM), and colocalized Raman imaging to characterize the topography and electronic structure of the obtained graphitic domains and to develop a mechanistic description of the nucleation process. SKPM provides a direct spatially resolved means to differentiate conductive graphitic grains from the wide-bandgap SiC semiconductor. NEXAFS spectroscopy allows for evaluation of the planar alignment of the graphitic nuclei. The microwave processing method demonstrated here provides a facile route to patterning conductive domains on a ceramic component for applications in power electronics and multilayered ceramic capacitors.
Comparison of patient specific dose metrics between chest radiography, tomosynthesis, and CT for adult patients of wide ranging body habitus
Authors: Zhang Yakun , Li Xiang , Segars W. Paul , Samei Ehsan
Published: February 2014

Purpose:

Given the radiation concerns inherent to the x‐ray modalities, accurately estimating the radiation doses that patients receive during different imaging modalities is crucial. This study estimated organ doses, effective doses, and risk indices for the three clinical chest x‐ray imaging techniques (chest radiography, tomosynthesis, and CT) using 59 anatomically variable voxelized phantoms and Monte Carlo simulation methods.

Methods:

A total of 59 computational anthropomorphic male and female extended cardiac‐torso (XCAT) adult phantoms were used in this study. Organ doses and effective doses were estimated for a clinical radiography system with the capability of conducting chest radiography and tomosynthesis (Definium 8000, VolumeRAD, GE Healthcare) and a clinical CT system (LightSpeed VCT, GE Healthcare). A Monte Carlo dose simulation program (PENELOPE, version 2006, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain) was used to mimic these two clinical systems. The Duke University (Durham, NC) technique charts were used to determine the clinical techniques for the radiographic modalities. An exponential relationship between CTDIvol and patient diameter was used to determine the absolute dose values for CT. The simulations of the two clinical systems compute organ and tissue doses, which were then used to calculate effective dose and risk index. The calculation of the two dose metrics used the tissue weighting factors from ICRP Publication 103 and BEIR VII report.

Results:

The average effective dose of the chest posteroanterior examination was found to be 0.04 mSv, which was 1.3% that of the chest CT examination. The average effective dose of the chest tomosynthesis examination was found to be about ten times that of the chest posteroanterior examination and about 12% that of the chest CT examination. With increasing patient average chest diameter, both the effective dose and risk index for CT increased considerably in an exponential fashion, while these two dose metrics only increased slightly for radiographic modalities and for chest tomosynthesis. Effective and organ doses normalized to mAs all illustrated an exponential decrease with increasing patient size. As a surface organ, breast doses had less correlation with body size than that of lungs or liver.

Conclusions:

Patient body size has a much greater impact on radiation dose of chest CT examinations than chest radiography and tomosynthesis. The size of a patient should be considered when choosing the best thoracic imaging modality.
Use of volumetric features for temporal comparison of mass lesions in full field digital mammograms
Authors: Bozek Jelena , Kallenberg Michiel , Grgic Mislav , Karssemeijer Nico
Published: February 2014

Purpose:

Temporal comparison of lesions might improve classification between benign and malignant lesions in full‐field digital mammograms (FFDM). The authors compare the use of volumetric features for lesion classification, which are computed from dense tissue thickness maps, to the use of mammographic lesion area. Use of dense tissue thickness maps for lesion characterization is advantageous, since it results in lesion features that are invariant to acquisition parameters.

Methods:

The dataset used in the analysis consisted of 60 temporal mammogram pairs comprising 120 mediolateral oblique or craniocaudal views with a total of 65 lesions, of which 41 were benign and 24 malignant. The authors analyzed the performance of four volumetric features, area, and four other commonly used features obtained from temporal mammogram pairs, current mammograms, and prior mammograms. The authors evaluated the individual performance of all features and of different feature sets. The authors used linear discriminant analysis with leave‐one‐out cross validation to classify different feature sets.

Results:

Volumetric features from temporal mammogram pairs achieved the best individual performance, as measured by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (Az value). Volume change (Az = 0.88) achieved higher Az value than projected lesion area change (Az = 0.78) in the temporal comparison of lesions. Best performance was achieved with a set that consisted of a set of features extracted from the current exam combined with four volumetric features representing changes with respect to the prior mammogram (Az = 0.90). This was significantly better (p = 0.005) than the performance obtained using features from the current exam only (Az = 0.77).

Conclusions:

Volumetric features from temporal mammogram pairs combined with features from the single exam significantly improve discrimination of benign and malignant lesions in FFDM mammograms compared to using only single exam features. In the comparison with prior mammograms, use of volumetric change may lead to better performance than use of lesion area change.
Crude Oil Impairs Cardiac Excitation-Contraction Coupling in Fish
Authors: Brette Fabien , Machado Ben , Cros Caroline , Incardona John P. , Scholz Nathaniel L. , Block Barbara A.
Published: February 2014

Crude oil from the Deepwater Horizon spill is cardiotoxic to tuna species that spawn in the Gulf of Mexico.
Global Anisotropies in TeV Cosmic Rays Related to the Sun’s Local Galactic Environment from IBEX
Authors: Schwadron N. A. , Adams F. C. , Christian E. R. , Desiati P. , Frisch P. , Funsten H. O. , Jokipii J. R. , McComas D. J. , Moebius E. , Zank G. P.
Published: February 2014

Ordering Cosmic Rays

Earth and other planets are constantly bombarded by cosmic rays (charged particles from the cosmos). The flux of very-high-energy cosmic rays varies according to where we look in the sky.

Schwadron
et al.

(p.
988
, published online 13 February) show that recent measurements of the local interstellar parameters by NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer satellite are consistent with observed cosmic ray anisotropies at tera–electron volt energies, implying that local interstellar conditions play a role in ordering very-high-energy cosmic rays in our cosmic vicinity.
Precise and Ultrafast Molecular Sieving Through Graphene Oxide Membranes
Authors: Joshi R. K. , Carbone P. , Wang F. C. , Kravets V. G. , Su Y. , Grigorieva I. V. , Wu H. A. , Geim A. K. , Nair R. R.
Published: February 2014

Graphene oxide membranes allow only very small hydrated molecules and ions to pass with an accelerated transport rate.

[Also see Perspective by
Mi
]
Chemical Warfare Among Invaders: A Detoxification Interaction Facilitates an Ant Invasion
Authors: LeBrun Edward G. , Jones Nathan T. , Gilbert Lawrence E.
Published: February 2014

Know Your Enemy

Fire ants accidentally introduced to North America from their native range in Argentina have been hugely invasive and difficult to eradicate and caused both environmental and economic damage. Recently, another accidentally introduced Argentine ant, the tawny crazy ant, appears to be displacing the fire ants. How?

LeBrun
et al.

(p.
1014
, published online 13 February; see the Perspective by

Kaspari and Weiser

) show that tawny crazy ants have a chemical and behavioral response to the toxic bite of fire ants that vastly reduces their mortality during confrontations and that allows the tawny crazy ants to outcompete their rivals.
A Drier Future?
Authors: Sherwood Steven , Fu Qiang
Published: February 2014

Global warming is likely to lead to overall drying of land surfaces.
Leaf Shape Evolution Through Duplication, Regulatory Diversification, and Loss of a Homeobox Gene
Authors: Vlad Daniela , Kierzkowski Daniel , Rast Madlen I. , Vuolo Francesco , Dello Ioio Raffaele , Galinha Carla , Gan Xiangchao , Hajheidari Mohsen , Hay Angela , Smith Richard S. , Huijser Peter , Bailey C. Donovan , Tsiantis Miltos
Published: February 2014

The evolutionary trajectory leading to crucifer leaf shape in
Cardamine hirsuta
plants is elucidated.
Self-Organizing Somites
Authors: Kondo Shigeru
Published: February 2014

The size and position of tissue during vertebrate body plan development may rely on the cooperation of mechanisms that act globally and locally.

[Also see Report by

Dias
et al.

]
Genetic Resolutions of Brain Convolutions
Authors: Rash Brian G. , Rakic Pasko
Published: February 2014

Genetic analysis of human brain abnormalities aids our understanding of how the cerebral cortex develops and evolves.

[Also see Report by

Bae
et al.

]
Ancient Infant Was Ancestor of Today's Native Americans
Authors: Balter Michael
Published: February 2014

A child who lived nearly 13,000 years ago in what is today Montana was closely related to the ancestors of today's Native Americans.
Science Behind Plan to Ease Wolf Protection Is Flawed, Panel Says
Authors: Morell Virginia
Published: February 2014

The U.S. government is relying on flawed science to support a proposal to lift endangered species protections for gray wolves in the continental United States.
Laser Fusion Shots Take Step Toward Ignition
Authors: Clery Daniel
Published: February 2014

New fusion experiments at the National Ignition Facility break energy records but are still a long way from ignition.
Strength in Numbers?
Authors: Leslie Mitch
Published: February 2014

Some mammalian cells are loaded with extra sets of chromosomes, a state called polyploidy. What on Earth for?
Genome Sequence of Fusobacterium nucleatum Strain W1481, a Possible New Subspecies Isolated from a Periodontal Pocket
Authors: Ang Mia Yang , Dymock David , Tan Joon Liang , Thong Ming Hang , Tan Qin Kai , Wong Guat Jah , Paterson Ian C. , Choo Siew Woh
Published: February 2014

Fusobacterium nucleatum
is a bacterial species commonly detected in dental plaque within the human oral cavity, with some strains associated with periodontal disease, one of the most common clinical bacterial infections in the human body. The exact mechanisms of its pathogenesis are still not completely understood. In this study, we present the genome sequence and annotation of
F. nucleatum
strain W1481, isolated from a periodontal pocket of a dental patient at the University of Bristol, United Kingdom, the 16S rRNA gene sequencing of which showed it to be markedly different from the five previously named subspecies.
Genome Sequence of Borrelia parkeri, an Agent of Enzootic Relapsing Fever in Western North America
Authors: Barbour Alan G. , Campeau Miller Shelley
Published: February 2014

Borrelia parkeri
is a relapsing fever agent that rarely causes human infection, unlike other North American species.
B. parkeri
strain HR1 was isolated from
Ornithodoros parkeri
ticks. The sequences of its linear chromosome and large plasmid were determined by next-generation sequencing. These confirmed its closer relatedness to
Borrelia turicatae
than to
Borrelia hermsii
.
Draft Genome Sequence of Burkholderia dolosa PC543 Isolated from Cystic Fibrosis Airways
Authors: Workentine Matthew L. , Surette Michael G. , Bernier Steve P.
Published: February 2014

Burkholderia dolosa
is a member of the
Burkholderia cepacia
complex, a group of opportunistic bacterial pathogens often associated with fatal chronic infections in the lungs of patients suffering from cystic fibrosis (CF). Here, we announce the draft genome sequence of
B. dolosa
PC543 (LMG 19468), a CF airway isolate.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Toxic Bloom-Forming Cyanobacterium
Aphanizomenon flos-aquae
NIES-81
Authors: Cao Huansheng , Shimura Yohei , Masanobu Kawachi , Yin Yanbin
Published: February 2014

Aphanizomenon flos-aquae
is a toxic filamentous cyanobacterium that causes water blooms in freshwaters across the globe. We present the draft genome sequence of the
A. flos-aquae
strain NIES-81, which was determined by 454 pyrosequencing technology. The draft genome is ~5.7 Mb, containing 5,802 predicted protein-coding genes and 58 RNA genes, with a G+C content of 38.5%.
Draft Genome Sequences of Six Rhodobacter capsulatus Strains, YW1, YW2, B6, Y262, R121, and DE442
Authors: Ding Hao , Moksa Michelle M. , Hirst Martin , Beatty J. Thomas
Published: February 2014

Rhodobacter capsulatus
is a model organism for studying a novel type of horizontal gene transfer mediated by a phage-like gene transfer agent (RcGTA). Here we report the draft genome sequences of six
R. capsulatus
strains that exhibit different RcGTA properties, including RcGTA overproducers, RcGTA nonproducers, and/or RcGTA nonreceivers.
Draft Genome Sequence of Rhodococcus rhodochrous Strain ATCC 21198
Authors: Shields-Menard Sara A. , Brown Steven D. , Klingeman Dawn M. , Indest Karl , Hancock Dawn , Wewalwela Jayani J. , French W. Todd , Donaldson Janet R.
Published: February 2014

Rhodococcus rhodochrous
is a Gram-positive red-pigmented bacterium commonly found in the soil. The draft genome sequence for
R. rhodochrous
strain ATCC 21198 is presented here to provide genetic data for a better understanding of its lipid-accumulating capabilities.
Complete Closed Genome Sequences of Three Bibersteinia trehalosi Nasopharyngeal Isolates from Cattle with Shipping Fever
Authors: Harhay Gregory P. , McVey D. Scott , Koren Sergey , Phillippy Adam M. , Bono Jim , Harhay Dayna M. , Clawson Michael L. , Heaton Michael P. , Chitko-McKown Carol G. , Korlach Jonas , Smith Timothy P. L.
Published: February 2014

Bibersteinia trehalosi
is a respiratory pathogen affecting cattle and related ruminants worldwide.
B. trehalosi
is closely related to
Mannheimia haemolytica
and is often associated with bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC), a polymicrobial multifactorial disease. We present three complete closed genome sequences of this species generated using an automated assembly pipeline.
Complete Closed Genome Sequences of Four Mannheimia varigena Isolates from Cattle with Shipping Fever
Authors: Harhay Gregory P. , Murray Robert W. , Lubbers Brian , Griffin Dee , Koren Sergey , Phillippy Adam M. , Harhay Dayna M. , Bono James , Clawson Michael L. , Heaton Michael P. , Chitko-McKown Carol G. , Smith Timothy P. L.
Published: February 2014

Mannheimia varigena
is an occasional respiratory pathogen of cattle and pigs. We present the first four complete closed genome sequences of this species.
Complete Genome Sequence of Bluetongue Virus Serotype 1 Circulating in Italy, Obtained through a Fast Next-Generation Sequencing Protocol
Authors: Lorusso Alessio , Marcacci Maurilia , Ancora Massimo , Mangone Iolanda , Leone Alessandra , Marini Valeria , Cammà Cesare , Savini Giovanni
Published: February 2014

A field strain of the bluetongue virus serotype 1 (BTV-1) was isolated from infected sheep in Sardinia, Italy, in October 2013. The genome was sequenced using Ion Torrent technology. BTV-1 strain SAD2013 belongs to the Western topotype of BTV-1, clustering with BTV-1 strains isolated in Europe and northern Africa since 2006.
Draft Genome Sequence of Lichen-Forming Fungus
Cladonia metacorallifera
Strain KoLRI002260
Authors: Park Sook-Young , Choi Jaeyoung , Lee Gir-Won , Kim Jung A , Oh Soon-Ok , Jeong Min-Hye , Yu Nan-Hee , Kim Soonok , Lee Yong-Hwan , Hur Jae-Seoun
Published: February 2014

The lichen-forming fungus
Cladonia metacorallifera
strain KoLRI002260 is capable of producing a number of secondary metabolites, including usnic, didymic, and squamatic acids, which have antitumor, antioxidant, and antibiotic activities. The draft genome assembly has a size of 36,682,060 bp, with a G+C content of 44.91%, and consists of 30 scaffolds.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Novel Lactobacillus salivarius Strain Isolated from Piglet
Authors: MacKenzie Donald A. , McLay Kirsten , Roos Stefan , Walter Jens , Swarbreck David , Drou Nizar , Crossman Lisa C. , Juge Nathalie
Published: February 2014

Lactobacillus salivarius
is part of the vertebrate indigenous microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract, oral cavity, and milk. The properties associated with some
L. salivarius
strains have led to their use as probiotics. Here we describe the draft genome of the pig isolate
L. salivarius
cp400, providing insights into host-niche specialization.
Genome Sequence of
Pseudomonas azelaica
HBP1, Which Catabolizes 2-Hydroxybiphenyl Fungicide
Authors: García José L. , Rozas Daniel , del Cerro Carlos , Nogales Juan , El-Said Mohamed Magdy , Díaz Eduardo
Published: February 2014

Pseudomonas azelaica
HBP1 (DSM 8897) is one of the few bacteria able to completely mineralize the 2-hydroxybiphenyl biocide. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of this strain (7.4 Mbp; G+C content, 63.5%) and the findings obtained from its genome annotation.
Ophthalmomyiasis externa from Hakkari, the south east border of Turkey
Authors: Istek Şeref
Published: February 2014

Ophthalmomyiasis externa refers to the infestation of ocular surface by dipterous larvae. The term ophthalmomyiasis interna refers to the infestation of the anterior or posterior segment of the eyeball.Oestrus ovisis the most common aetiological agent for ophthalmomyiasis externa, and external disease is the most common form of ocular myiasis correspondingly. The larva is an obligate parasite of sheep. However, humans are accidentally infested. This article is related to the case series of three patients with the diagnosis of ophthalmomyiasis externa who were treated in Hakkari State Hospital in June 2013.
Randomised placebo-controlled study of the effect of paracetamol on asthma severity in adults
Authors: Ioannides Sally J , Williams Mathew , Jefferies Sarah , Perrin Kyle , Weatherall Mark , Siebers Robert , Crane Julian , Patel Mitesh , Travers Justin , Shirtcliffe Philippa , Beasley Richard
Published: February 2014

Objective

To investigate the effect of regular paracetamol on bronchial hyper-responsiveness (BHR) and asthma control in adult asthma.

Setting

Single research-based outpatient clinic.

Participants

94 adults with mild-to-moderate asthma received randomised treatment; 85 completed the study. Key inclusion criteria were age 18–65 years, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) >70% predicted, provocation concentration of methacholine causing a 20% reduction in FEV1(PC20) between 0.125 and 16 mg/mL. Key exclusion criteria included an asthma exacerbation within the previous 2 months, current regular use of paracetamol, use of high-dose aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, current or past cigarette smoking >10 pack-years.

Interventions

In a 12-week randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study, participants received 12 weeks of 1 g paracetamol twice daily or placebo twice daily.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome variable was BHR, measured as the PC20at week 12. Secondary outcome variables included FEV1, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and asthma control questionnaire (ACQ) score.

Results

At 12 weeks, the mean (SD) logarithm base two PC20was 1.07 (2.36) in the control group (N=54) and 0.62 (2.09) in the paracetamol group (N=31). After controlling for baseline PC20, the mean difference (paracetamol minus placebo) was −0.48 doubling dose worsening in BHR in the paracetamol group (95% CI −1.28 to 0.32), p=0.24. There were no statistically significant differences (paracetamol minus placebo) in log FeNO (0.09 (95% CI −0.097 to 0.27)), FEV1(−0.07 L (95% CI −0.15 to 0.01)) or ACQ score (−0.04 (95% CI −0.27 to 0.18)).

Conclusions

There was no significant effect of paracetamol on BHR and asthma control in adults with mild-to-moderate asthma. However, the study findings are limited by low power and the upper confidence limits did not rule out clinically relevant adverse effects.

Trial Registration

Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry Number: NZCTR12609000551291.
The association of graduated driver licensing with miles driven and fatal crash rates per miles driven among adolescents
Authors: Zhu Motao , Cummings Peter , Zhao Songzhu , Coben Jeffrey H , Smith Gordon S
Published: February 2014

Background

Graduated driver licensing (GDL) laws are associated with reduced crash rates per person-year among adolescents. It is unknown whether adolescents crash less per miles driven or drive less under GDL policies.

Methods

We used data from the US National Household Travel Survey and Fatality Analysis Reporting System for 1995–1996, 2001–2002 and 2008–2009. We compared adolescents subject to GDL laws with those not by estimating adjusted IRRs for being a driver in a crash with a death per person-year (aIRRpy) and per miles driven (aIRRm), and adjusted miles driven ratios (aMR) controlling for changes in rates over time.

Results

Comparing persons subject to GDL policies with those not, 16 year olds had fewer fatal crashes per person-year (aIRRpy 0.63, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.91), drove fewer miles (aMR 0.79, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.98) and had lower crash rates per miles driven (aIRRm 0.83, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.06). For age 17, the aIRRpy was 0.83 (95% CI 0.60 to 1.17), the aMR 0.80 (95% CI 0.63 to 1.03) and the aIRRm 1.03 (95% CI 0.80 to 1.35). For age 18, the aIRRpy was 0.93 (95% CI 0.72 to 1.19), the aMR 0.92 (95% CI 0.77 to 1.09) and the aIRRm 1.01 (95% CI 0.84 to 1.23).

Conclusions

If these associations are causal, GDL laws reduced crashes per person-year by about one-third among 16 year olds; half the reduction was due to fewer crashes per miles driven and half to less driving. For ages 17 and 18, there was no evidence of reduced crash rates per miles driven.
Effect of muscle metaboreflex activation on central hemodynamics and cardiac function in humans
Authors: McNulty Clare L. , Moody William E. , Wagenmakers Anton J.M. , Fisher James P.
Published: February 2014

We sought to determine how the mode of muscle metaboreflex activation influences the central hemodynamic response and cardiac inotropic and lusotropic function in healthy humans. Ten healthy males performed (i) isometric handgrip (IHG) with and without post-exercise ischemia (PEI) to examine the influence of isolated muscle metaboreflex activation and (ii) rhythmic handgrip (RHG) with and without ischemia to examine the influence of enhanced muscle metaboreflex activation. Heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were continuously monitored. Stroke volume (SV, Doppler echocardiography) was measured, cardiac output (CO = HR × SV) and total peripheral resistance (TPR = mean BP/CO) calculated, and indices of left ventricular systolic and diastolic function were obtained (tissue Doppler imaging). During isolated muscle metaboreflex activation with PEI following IHG, mean BP (+23 ± 3 mm Hg) and TPR were elevated from baseline (p < 0.05), whereas HR, SV, and CO were unchanged. Enhanced muscle metaboreceptor activation during ischemic RHG augmented the increase in mean BP, CO, and HR (p < 0.05 ischemic vs. free-flow RHG), whereas SV and TPR were unchanged from baseline. Neither isolated (PEI) nor enhanced muscle metaboreflex activation altered left ventricular systolic function (systolic myocardial velocity), but left atrial systolic function (late diastolic myocardial velocity) was enhanced. These findings indicate that the mode of muscle metaboreceptor activation (during vs. post handgrip) determines whether the resultant pressor response is flow (CO) or vasoconstriction (TPR) mediated, and that although left ventricular systolic function is unchanged, enhanced left atrial systolic function likely aids the preservation of SV during muscle metaboreflex engagement.
Improved light trapping effect for thin-film silicon solar cells fabricated on double-textured white glass substrate
Authors: Wada Hidetoshi , Nishikubo Keiichi , Sichanugrist Porponth , Konagai Makoto
Published: February 2014

Light trapping effect using rough surface transparent conductive oxide (TCO) is one of the best ways to achieve high efficiency thin-film silicon solar cells. Several types of rough ZnO film fabricated by metal organic chemical vapor deposition technique onto the glass, which are etched by reactive ion etching, have been proposed so far as promising TCO substrates. In this paper, newly developed ZnO substrate with extremely high light scattering property comparing with typical pyramidal texture one was developed. By applying this newly developed ZnO substrate to the solar cell, higher short circuit current of about 2% has been achieved comparing with typical pyramidal texture one without sacrificing other parameters. This result showed that the newly developed substrate is suitable as a front TCO substrate for high performance thin-film silicon solar cell.
Modeling of ultrashort pulsed laser irradiation in the cornea based on parabolic and hyperbolic heat equations using electrical analogy
Authors: Gheitaghy A. M. , Takabi B. , Alizadeh M.
Published: February 2014

Hyperbolic and parabolic heat equations are formulated to study a nonperfused homogeneous transparent cornea irradiated by high power and ultrashort pulsed laser in the Laser Thermo Keratoplasty (LTK) surgery. Energy absorption inside the cornea is modeled using the Beer–Lambert law that is incorporated as an exponentially decaying heat source. The hyperbolic and parabolic bioheat models of the tissue were solved by exploiting the mathematical analogy between thermal and electrical systems, by using robust circuit simulation program called Hspice to get the solutions of simultaneous RLC and RC transmission line networks. This method can be used to rapidly calculate the temperature in laser-irradiated tissue at time and space domain. It is found that internal energy gained from the irradiated field results in a rapid rise of temperature in the cornea surface during the early heating period, while the hyperbolic wave model predicts a higher temperature rise than the classical heat diffusion model. In addition, this paper investigates and examines the effect of some critical parameters such as relaxation time, convection coefficient, radiation, tear evaporation and variable thermal conductivity of cornea. Accordingly, it is found that a better accordance between hyperbolic and parabolic models will be achieved by time.
New behavior of degree distribution in connected communication networks
Authors: Benyoussef Marwa , Ez-Zahraouy Hamid , Benyoussef Abdelilah
Published: February 2014

The behavior of the degree distribution of two interdependent Barabasi–Albert (BA) sub-networks has been investigated numerically. The final complex structure obtained after connection of the two BA subnets exhibits two different kind of degree distribution law, which depends strongly on the manner in which the connection between the two subnets has been made. When connecting two existing BA subnets, the degree distribution follows a Gaussian distribution, while ensuring that the highest frequency level is still around the average degree of the final network. Whereas, when the connection is established progressively at the same time of the formation of the two BA subnets, the degree distribution follows a power-law scaling observed in real networks. It is also found that the evolution of links formed over a time for a specific node follows the same behavior, as the BA networks.
A NOVEL DISTANCE FUNCTION: FREQUENCY DIFFERENCE METRIC
Authors: JIANG LIANGXIAO , LI CHAOQUN , ZHANG HARRY , CAI ZHIHUA
Published: February 2014

A high quality distance function that measures the difference between instances is essential in many real-world applications and research fields. For example, in instance-based learning, the distance function plays the most important role. A large number of distance functions have been proposed. For nominal attributes, Value Difference Metric (VDM) is one of the state-of-the-art and widely used distance functions. However, it needs to estimate the conditional probabilities, which drops its efficiency in computing the distance between instances. Besides, a practical issue that arises in estimating the conditional probabilities is that the denominators can be zero or very small. This makes them either undefined or very large. Therefore, an efficient distance function that can measure the difference between two instances but without the practical issue confronting VDM is desirable. In this paper, we propose a novel distance function: Frequency Difference Metric (FDM). FDM is just based on the joint frequencies of class labels and attribute values, instead of the conditional probabilities. Extensive empirical studies show that FDM performs almost as well as VDM in terms of accuracy, but significantly outperforms VDM in terms of efficiency. This work provides a very simple, efficient, and effective distance function that can be widely used in many real-world applications and research fields.
INVESTIGATION OF LEAKAGE CURRENT BEHAVIOR OF Pt/Bi0.975La0.025Fe0.975Ni0.025O3/Pt CAPACITOR MEASURED AT DIFFERENT TEMPERATURES
Authors: DAI XIU HONG , ZHAO HONG DONG , ZHANG LEI , ZHU HUI JUAN , LI XIAO HONG , ZHAO YA JUN , GUO JIAN XIN , ZHAO QING XUN , WANG YING LONG , LIU BAO TING , MA LIAN XI
Published: February 2014

Polycrystalline Bi 0.975 La 0.025 Fe 0.975 Ni 0.025 O 3 (BLFNO) film is fabricated on Pt / Ti / SiO 2/ Si (111) substrate by sol–gel method. It is found that the well-crystallized BLFNO film is polycrystalline, and the Pt / BLFNO / Pt capacitor possesses good ferroelectric properties with remnant polarization of 74 μC/cm2 at electric field of 833 kV/cm. Moreover, it is also found that the leakage current density of the Pt / BLFNO / Pt capacitor increases with the increase of measurement temperature ranging from 100 to 300 K. The leakage density of the Pt / BLFNO / Pt capacitor satisfies space-charge-limited conduction (SCLC) at higher electric field and shows little dependence on voltage polarity and temperature, but shows polarity and temperature dependence at lower applied electric field. With temperature increasing from 100 to 300 K at lower applied electric field, the most likely conduction mechanism is from Ohmic behavior to SCLC for positive biases, but no clear dominant mechanism for negative biases is shown.
SYNTHESIS AND PHOTOLUMINESCENCE PROPERTIES OF MICRON-ALUMINA
Authors: ZHAO SHIHUA , WANG ZHENG , WANG MINGQUAN , CUI YUTING , LIU QUANLIN
Published: February 2014

Micron-alumina is expected to be of new properties and applications owing to its different morphology structures, which is prepared by the conventional preparation methods. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns present that the micron-alumina has poly-crystalline structure. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows that the micron-alumina looks like a bouquet of flowers and its surface is covered with much micron-strips. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) show that the micron-alumina is composed of many particles, which has polycrystalline structure. PL spectra display that emission peak of the micron-alumina centers at 301 nm, which attributes to the F + centers. A schematic drawing for electronic transitions in the excitation and emission processes is proposed.
Biological applications of classical electrostatics methods
Authors: Botello-Smith Wesley M. , Cai Qin , Luo Ray
Published: February 2014

Continuum electrostatics modeling of solvation based on the Poisson–Boltzmann (PB) equation has gained wide acceptance in biomolecular applications such as energetic analysis and structural visualization. Successful application of the PB solvent models requires careful calibration of the solvation parameters. Extensive testing and validation is also important to ensure accuracy in their applications. Limitation in the continuum modeling of solvation is also a known issue in certain biomolecular applications. Growing interest in membrane systems has further spurred developmental efforts to allow inclusion of membrane in the PB solvent models. Despite their past successes due to careful parameterization, algorithm development and parallel implementation, there is still much to be done to improve their transferability from the small molecular systems upon which they were developed and validated to complex macromolecular systems as advances in technology continue to push forward, providing ever greater computational resources to researchers to study more interesting biological systems of higher complexity.
EFFECT OF ELECTRIC FIELD, TEMPERATURE AND CORE DIMENSIONS IN III–V COMPOUND CORE–SHELL NANOWIRES
Authors: VERMA ASHWANI , GHOSH BAHNIMAN , SALIMATH AKSHAY KUMAR
Published: February 2014

In this paper, we have used semiclassical Monte Carlo method to show the dependence of spin relaxation length in III–V compound semiconductor core–shell nanowires on different parameters such as lateral electric field, temperature and core dimensions. We have reported the simulation results for electric field in the range of 0.5–10 kV/cm, temperature in the range of 77–300 K and core length ranging from 2 nm to 8 nm. The spin relaxation mechanisms used in III–V compound semiconductor core–shell nanowire are D'yakonov–Perel (DP) relaxation and Elliott–Yafet (EY) relaxation. Depending upon the choice of materials for core and shell, nanowire forms two types of band structures. We have used InSb – GaSb core–shell nanowire and InSb – GaAs core–shell nanowire and nanowire formed by swapping the core and shell materials to show all the results.
Simulating optimal vaccination times during cholera outbreaks
Authors: Modnak Chairat , Wang Jin , Mukandavire Zindoga
Published: February 2014

The use of cholera vaccines has been increasingly recognized as an effective control measure in cholera endemic countries. However, guidelines for using vaccination during cholera outbreaks are still to be established, and it remains an open question as to how and when the vaccines should be deployed to best control ongoing cholera outbreaks. Here we formulate a new optimal control model to assess the value of cholera vaccines in epidemic settings and cost-effective optimal times to deploy a vaccine. Our results suggest that as long as the vaccine prices are sufficiently low, vaccination should always start from or immediately after the onset of a cholera outbreak.
Global robust stability of complex-valued recurrent neural networks with time-delays and uncertainties
Authors: Zhang Wei , Li Chuandong , Huang Tingwen
Published: February 2014

This paper focuses on the existence, uniqueness and global robust stability of equilibrium point for complex-valued recurrent neural networks with multiple time-delays and under parameter uncertainties with respect to two activation functions. Two sufficient conditions for robust stability of the considered neural networks are presented and established in two new time-independent relationships between the network parameters of the neural system. Finally, three illustrative examples are given to demonstrate the theoretical results.
Exponential synchronization for neural networks with mixed time-varying delays via periodically intermittent control
Authors: Yang Pinghua , Tang Xinan
Published: February 2014

This paper deals with exponential synchronization for a class of neural networks with mixed time-varying delays via periodically intermittent control. Some novel and effective exponential synchronization criteria are derived by constructing Lyapunov functional and applying some analysis techniques. These results presented in this paper generalize and improve many known results. Finally, this paper presents an illustrative example and uses the simulated results to show the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Fat deposition in the tunica muscularis and decrease of interstitial cells of Cajal and nNOS-positive neuronal cells in the aged rat colon
Authors: Jo Hyun Jin , Kim Nayoung , Nam Ryoung Hee , Kang Jung Mook , Kim Joo-Hyon , Choe Gheeyoung , Lee Hye Seung , Park Ji Hyun , Chang Hyun , Kim Hyunjin , Lee Moon Young , Kim Yong Sung , Kim Joo Sung , Jung Hyun Chae
Published: February 2014

Little is known about the time course of aging on interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) of colon. The aim of this study was to investigate the change of morphology, ICC, and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)-immunoreactive cells in the aged rat. The proximal colon of 344 Fischer rats at four different ages (6, 31, 74 wk, and 2 yr) were studied. The immunoreactivity of c-Kit, nNOS, anti-protein gene product 9.5, and synaptophysin were counted after immunohistochemistry. The c-kit, stem cell factor (ligand of Kit), and nNOS mRNA were measured by real-time PCR. c-Kit and nNOS protein were assessed by Western blot. Isovolumetric contractile force measurement and electrical field stimulation (EFS) were conducted. The area of intramuscular fat deposition significantly increased with age after 31 wk. c-Kit-immunoreactive ICC and nNOS-immunoreactive neurons and nerve fibers significantly declined with age. mRNA and protein expression of c-kit and nNOS decreased with aging. The functional study showed that the spontaneous contractility was decreased in aged rat, whereas EFS responses in the presence of atropine and l-NG-Nitroarginine methyl ester were increased in aged rat. In conclusion, the decrease of proportion of proper smooth muscle, the density of ICC and nNOS-immunoreactive neuronal fibers, and the number of nNOS-immunoreactive neurons during the aging process may explain the aging-associated colonic dysmotility.
Stressor-induced increase in muscle fatigability of young men and women is predicted by strength but not voluntary activation
Authors: Keller-Ross Manda L. , Pereira Hugo M. , Pruse Jaclyn , Yoon Tejin , Schlinder-DeLap Bonnie , Nielson Kristy A. , Hunter Sandra K.
Published: February 2014

This study investigated mechanisms for the stressor-induced changes in muscle fatigability in men and women. Participants performed an isometric-fatiguing contraction at 20% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) until failure with the elbow flexor muscles. Study one ( n = 55; 29 women) involved two experimental sessions: 1) a high-stressor session that required a difficult mental-math task before and during a fatiguing contraction and 2) a control session with no mental math. For some participants (n = 28; 14 women), cortical stimulation was used to examine mechanisms that contributed to muscle fatigability during the high-stressor and control sessions. Study two ( n = 23; nine women) determined the influence of a low stressor, i.e., a simple mental-math task, on muscle fatigability. In study one, the time-to-task failure was less for the high-stressor session than control ( P < 0.05) for women (19.4%) and men (9.5%): the sex difference response disappeared when covaried for initial strength (MVC). MVC force, voluntary activation, and peak-twitch amplitude decreased similarly for the control and high-stressor sessions ( P < 0.05). In study two, the time-to-task failure of men or women was not influenced by the low stressor ( P > 0.05). The greater fatigability, when exposed to a high stressor during a low-force task, was not exclusive to women but involved a strength-related mechanism in both weaker men and women that accelerated declines in voluntary activation and slowing of contractile properties.
Dynamics of male pelvic floor muscle contraction observed with transperineal ultrasound imaging differ between voluntary and evoked coughs
Authors: Stafford Ryan E. , Mazzone Stuart , Ashton-Miller James A. , Constantinou Christos , Hodges Paul W.
Published: February 2014

Coughing provokes stress urinary incontinence, and voluntary coughs are employed clinically to assess pelvic floor dysfunction. Understanding urethral dynamics during coughing in men is limited, and it is unclear whether voluntary coughs are an appropriate surrogate for spontaneous coughs. We aimed to investigate the dynamics of urethral motion in continent men during voluntary and evoked coughs. Thirteen men (28–42 years) with no history of urological disorders volunteered to participate. Transperineal ultrasound (US) images were recorded and synchronized with measures of intraabdominal pressure (IAP), airflow, and abdominal/chest wall electromyography during voluntary coughs and coughs evoked by inhalation of nebulized capsaicin. Temporal and spatial aspects of urethral movement induced by contraction of the striated urethral sphincter (SUS), levator ani (LA), and bulbocavernosus (BC) muscles and mechanical aspects of cough generation were investigated. Results showed coughing involved complex urethral dynamics. Urethral motion implied SUS and BC shortening and LA lengthening during preparatory and expulsion phases. Evoked coughs resulted in greater IAP, greater bladder base descent (LA lengthening), and greater midurethral displacement (SUS shortening). The preparatory inspiration cough phase was shorter during evoked coughs, as was the latency between onset of midurethral displacement and expulsion. Maximum midurethral displacement coincided with maximal bladder base descent during voluntary cough, but followed it during evoked cough. The data revealed complex interaction between muscles involved in continence in men. Spatial and temporal differences in urethral dynamics and cough mechanics between cough types suggest that voluntary coughing may not adequately assess capacity of the continence mechanism.
Effects of interval and continuous training on O2 uptake kinetics during severe-intensity exercise initiated from an elevated metabolic baseline
Authors: Da Boit Mariasole , Bailey Stephen J. , Callow Steven , DiMenna Fred J. , Jones Andrew M.
Published: February 2014

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that V̇o2 kinetics would be speeded to a greater extent following repeated sprint training (RST), compared with continuous endurance training (ET), in the transition from moderate- to severe-intensity exercise. Twenty-three recreationally active subjects were randomly assigned to complete six sessions of ET (60–110 min of moderate-intensity cycling) or RST (four to seven 30-s all-out Wingate tests) over a 2-wk period. Subjects completed three identical work-to-work cycling exercise tests before and after the intervention period, consisting of baseline cycling at 20 W followed by sequential step increments to moderate- and severe-intensity work rates. The severe-intensity bout was continued to exhaustion on one occasion and was followed by a 60-s all-out sprint on another occasion. Phase II pulmonary V̇o2 kinetics were speeded by a similar magnitude in both the lower (ET pre, 28 ± 4; ET post, 22 ± 4 s; RST pre, 25 ± 8; RST post, 20 ± 7 s) and upper (ET pre, 50 ± 10; ET post, 39 ± 11 s; RST pre, 54 ± 7; RST post, 40 ± 11 s) steps of the work-to-work test following ET and RST ( P < 0.05). The tolerable duration of exercise and the total amount of sprint work completed in the exercise performance test were also similarly enhanced by ET and RST ( P < 0.05). Therefore, ET and RST provoked comparable improvements in V̇o2 kinetics and exercise performance in the transition from an elevated baseline work rate, with RST being a more time-efficient approach to elicit these adaptations.