bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Battling regional (stage III) lung cancer: bumpy road of a cancer survivor in the immunotherapy age
Authors: Hao Zhonglin , Biddinger Paul , Schroeder Carsten , Tariq Khurram
Published: July 2016

A 58-year-old woman, a heavy smoker, was diagnosed with stage III squamous cell lung cancer. She was treated with concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy, with partial response. 2 months later, she had haemoptysis caused by brisk bleeding from the radiated right upper lobe. Fortunately, her bleed was self-limited. 4 months later, a rapidly enlarging renal mass was discovered and turned out to be metastatic from the lung primary. Second-line chemotherapy with docetaxel and ramucirumab did not have effects on the renal mass after 2 cycles. Despite not being eligible for a durvalumab trial because of lack of PD-L1 expression, she had a meaningful response to nivolumab. Once every 2 weeks, infusion of nivolumab resulted in rapid tumour shrinkage in multiple areas. In the next few months, she experienced a variety of side effects, some of which were potentially life-threatening. She had disease progression 9 months into treatment.
Recurrent meningioma of the scalp after 13 years
Authors: Ashmore Daniel Lee , Clancy Rachel , Chumas Paul D
Published: July 2016

Meningiomas represent some of the most common types of tumour of the central nervous system. They are considered benign, with ∼1 in 1000 known to metastasise. We report a case of recurrent meningioma of the scalp 13 years following craniotomy to treat the primary. The recurrent tumour of the scalp was eventually excised 5 years later and the defect closed with an anterolateral thigh free flap in a joint procedure between the neurosurgeons and plastic surgeons. Histology of the scalp lesion confirmed a WHO grade I meningioma. Although a number of explanations for recurrent scalp meningiomas exist, the precise role of isolated genetic defects in scalp meningiomas is incomplete. The scalp meningioma in this case consisted of a complex karyotype suggestive of more aggressive disease. This case emphasises that cytogenetics may play a greater role in identifying more aggressive tumours than histology alone.
Distal coronary embolisation during transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Tsujimura Akira , Saito Naritatsu , Minakata Kenji , Kimura Takeshi
Published: July 2016

A 92-year-old woman was admitted to a hospital with severe aortic valve stenosis for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). TAVI was performed under general anaesthesia. After balloon valvuloplasty, the patient became hypotensive and transesophageal echocardiography showed severe aortic regurgitation with severely depressed left ventricular wall motion. A 26 mm Sapien XT valve was deployed. However, the ventricular wall motion was still severely depressed. Coronary angiography showed occlusion of the mid-left anterior descending (LAD) artery. After crossing a 0.014″ guidewire, manual vacuum aspiration was conducted and multiple emboli were removed. 2 drug-eluting stents were deployed in the LAD artery. Following this, the left ventricular wall motion improved. The patient's failure symptoms improved remarkably after TAVI. Histopathological examination of the aspirated emboli was compatible with a recent thrombus containing platelets, fibrin, erythrocytes and leucocytes. This is the first report to describe a distal coronary embolisation during TAVI with histopathological confirmation of the embolus.
A prospective cohort study of early postpartum etonogestrel implant (Implanon®) use and its effect on duration of lochia
Authors: Dobromilsky Kim C , Allen Penny L , Raymond Stephen H , Maindiratta Bhavna
Published: July 2016

Background

Etonogestrel (ENG) implants (Implanon®/Nexplanon®/Implanon NXT®) are employed as contraception in early postpartum patients. Follow-up is often not conducted by the hospital prescriber. Little is known about duration of lochia, in a modern setting, and even less is known about the effect of ENG implants on lochia.

Aims

To determine if early postpartum (pre-discharge) insertion of Implanon for contraception was associated with a significant difference in duration of lochia. To record the number of patients who went on to have their Implanon removed during the study period and the reasons for removal.

Methods

Prospective cohort study of 152 postpartum patients from a tertiary maternity unit in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. The treatment group was women requesting Implanon prior to discharge. Controls were recruited from the same unit over the same time period, with the aim to match for birth weight and parity. Information was collected during face-to-face interviews or via telephone contact. Multivariate survival analysis was used to investigate lochia duration.

Results

There were 73 controls and 79 women who had early postpartum Implanon inserted. Fourteen (17.7%) patients in the treatment group had their Implanon removed during the postpartum study period. In all of these cases the reason for removal was bleeding disturbance – prolonged or intermittent vaginal bleeding beyond 50 days postpartum. There was no significant difference in duration of lochia between the groups [median predicted duration 25 days (95% CI 22–27) in controls and 24 days (95% CI 21–26) in the treatment group].

Conclusions

Early postpartum insertion of Implanon for contraception was not associated with a statistically or clinically significant difference in duration of lochia.
The effect of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate on postnatal depression: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Singata-Madliki Mandisa , Hofmeyr G Justus , Lawrie Theresa A
Published: July 2016

Background

Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) is the most commonly used hormonal contraceptive method in South Africa. It is frequently administered in the immediate postnatal period, yet it is unclear whether it affects the risk of postnatal depression (PND).

Aim

To determine whether DMPA increases the risk of PND compared with the copper-containing intrauterine device (IUD) when administered after delivery.

Design and setting

A single-blind randomised controlled trial conducted at two teaching hospitals in East London, South Africa.

Methods

Eligible, consenting women (N=242) requiring postnatal contraception were randomised to receive DMPA or an IUD within 48 hours of childbirth and interviewed at 1 and 3 months postpartum. Depression was measured using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Resumption of sexual intercourse, menstrual symptoms and breastfeeding rates were also assessed.

Results

One-month EPDS depression scores were statistically significantly higher in the DMPA arm compared with IUD arm (p=0.04). Three-month BDI-II scores were significantly higher in the DMPA arm than in the IUD arm (p=0.002) and, according to the BDI-II but not the EPDS, more women in the DMPA arm had major depression at this time-point (8 vs 2;p=0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in other outcome measures except that fewer women had resumed sexual activity by 1 month postpartum in the DMPA arm (13% vs 26%;p=0.02).

Conclusions

The possibility that immediate postnatal DMPA use is associated with depression cannot be excluded. These findings justify further research with longer follow-up.

Clinical trial number

PACTR201209000419241.
Young parents' views and experiences of interactions with health professionals
Authors: Norman Claire , Moffatt Suzanne , Rankin Judith
Published: July 2016

Background

Although teenage pregnancy levels are declining, the North East of England still has the highest rate of young parenthood (age <18 years) in the UK. Young parents and their children often face many health and social problems, requiring interactions with a wide range of health professionals, such as midwives, doctors and health visitors.

Aim

This qualitative interview study aimed to explore young parents' views and experiences of interactions with health professionals.

Methods

Young mothers and fathers (n=10) were recruited from youth groups and Sure Start parenting classes in Newcastle upon Tyne during the period April–June 2013. They took part in one-to-one or small group semi-structured interviews regarding their experiences of interacting with health professionals about their own health and that of their child. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic content analysis.

Results

Emergent themes included: beliefs about children's health; proving oneself as a parent; and positives of parenting. All the participants distinguished between being a ‘first-time parent, not just a young parent’ and all, to varying degrees, challenged the authority and judgement of medical and nursing practitioners with regard to their children's health.

Conclusions

The findings of this study highlight the need for health professionals to be particularly aware of the sensitivities arising from the power imbalances perceived by young parents of ill children. This can be achieved by following communication skills frameworks (e.g. the Calgary-Cambridge framework) that emphasise the importance of techniques such as active listening and building rapport.
Companion animal medicine: fresh challenges in the evidence‐based, client‐focused fast lane
Authors: Allan Ross
Published: July 2016

In the last of Veterinary Record's series of articles on the state of different sectors of the veterinary profession, Ross Allan reflects on some of the forces driving companion animal medicine forward.
Plant growth promotion and nitrogen fixation in canola (Brassica napus) by an endophytic strain of Paenibacillus polymyxa and its GFP-tagged derivative in a long-term study
Authors: Padda Kiran Preet , Puri Akshit , Chanway Chris P.
Published: July 2016

Paenibacillus polymyxa P2b-2R is an endophytic strain capable of fixing nitrogen (N) and promoting growth in a broad range of hosts. In this study, the ability of Paenibacillus polymyxa P2b-2R to fix N and promote the growth of canola (Brassica napus L.) was determined in a 3-month-long trial. We also compared growth promoting and N-fixing capability of wild-type P2b-2R and its GFP-tagged counterpart. Canola seedlings were inoculated with strain P2b-2Rgfp or P2b-2R. Non-inoculated seedlings were used as controls. Canola seedlings were grown for 3 months before evaluating plant growth promotion (length, biomass, and pod mass) and N fixation (using foliar 15N dilution assay). P2b-2Rgfp inoculation significantly promoted canola growth by increasing seedling length by 2-fold, biomass by 2.5-fold, and fixing 35% of its foliar N, respectively. P2b-2R inoculation also increased seedling length by 70%, biomass by 2-fold, and fixed 27% of N. Seedling biomass and length, and the amount of N fixed by P2b-2Rgfp-treated seedlings was significantly greater than the P2b-2R-treated seedlings. P2b-2R or P2b-2Rgfp inoculation also lead to an increase of pod mass (more than 50%), indicating that these strains might play a role in enhancing the yield of canola by acting as biofertilizer.
Revival of saprotrophic and mycorrhizal basidiomycete cultures after 30 years in cold storage in sterile water
Authors: Richter Dana L. , Dixon Thomas G. , Smith Jill K.
Published: July 2016

Vegetatively colonized agar cores of 54 basidiomycete fungal isolates were stored at 5 °C in tubes of sterile distilled water without manipulation for 30 years. The cultures represented 28 isolates of saprotrophic fungi and 26 isolates of mycorrhizal fungi. These cultures came from a group of 57 fungal isolates that were determined to be viable after 20 years of cold-water storage. Overall, 47 of the 54 isolates (87%) grew vigorously when revived after storage for 30 years. Of the 28 saprotrophic fungal isolates, 26 revived (93%); of the 26 mycorrhizal fungal isolates, 21 revived (81%). Eight of 13 isolates (62%) of Laccaria were viable after 30 years, which was considerably less viable than what was found after 20 years for this genus of mycorrhizal fungi. However, a greater percentage of isolates of Laccaria bicolor (83%) were viable than isolates of Laccaria laccata (43%), suggesting that 30 years is approaching the maximum limit for storage in cold sterile water for certain species. Considering the original 135 fungal isolates that were stored in sterile cold water from which this set was derived, overall survival after 30 years of storage was 42%; however, saprotrophic fungi demonstrated considerably greater viability (70%) than mycorrhizal fungi (21%).
Optimal Frequency-Hopping Sequence Sets Based on Cyclotomy
Authors: Xu Shanding , Cao Xiwang , Xu Guangkui
Published: July 2016

In this paper, a kind of generalized cyclotomy with respect to the square of a prime is presented and the properties of the corresponding generalized cyclotomic numbers are investigated. Based on the generalized cyclotomy, a class of frequency-hopping sequence (FHS) set is constructed. By means of some basic properties of the generalized cyclotomy, we derive the Hamming correlation distribution of the new set. The results show that the proposed FHS set is optimal with regard to the average Hamming correlation (AHC) bound. By choosing suitable parameters, the construction also leads to the optimal FHS set and the optimal FHSs with regard to the maximum Hamming correlation (MHC) bound and Lempel-Greenberger bound, respectively.
Some Algebraic Aspects of Parikh q-Matrices
Authors: Bera Somnath , Mahalingam Kalpana
Published: July 2016

This paper discusses some algebraic properties of Parikh q-matrices. A new way of q-counting of the subwords of a given word w is introduced. It has been shown that the notion of alternating Parikh q-matrices can be characterized using the q-counting polynomials. We also show that a Minor of a Parikh q-matrix is a polynomial in q with non-negative coefficients. Further this work provides an extension of the definition of partial sum ⊕ to Parikh q-matrices. A characterization on words x and y such that the partial sum of their Parikh q-matrices is always a Parikh q-matrix is also given. We also provide some partial results for the case q = 1.
Vertex-Neighbor-Scattering Number of Bipartite Graphs
Authors: Wei Zongtian , Qi Nannan , Yue Xiaokui
Published: July 2016

Let G be a connected graph. A set of vertices [Formula: see text] is called subverted from G if each of the vertices in S and the neighbor of S in G are deleted from G. By G/S we denote the survival subgraph that remains after S is subverted from G. A vertex set S is called a cut-strategy of G if G/S is disconnected, a clique, or ø. The vertex-neighbor-scattering number of G is defined by [Formula: see text], where S is any cut-strategy of G, and ø(G/S) is the number of components of G/S. It is known that this parameter can be used to measure the vulnerability of spy networks and the computing problem of the parameter is NP-complete. In this paper, we discuss the vertex-neighbor-scattering number of bipartite graphs. The NP-completeness of the computing problem of this parameter is proven, and some upper and lower bounds of the parameter are also given.
Continuity properties of the semi-group and its integral kernel in non-relativistic QED
Authors: Matte Oliver
Published: July 2016

Employing recent results on stochastic differential equations associated with the standard model of non-relativistic quantum electrodynamics by B. Güneysu, J. S. Møller, and the present author, we study the continuity of the corresponding semi-group between weighted vector-valued [Formula: see text]-spaces, continuity properties of elements in the range of the semi-group, and the pointwise continuity of an operator-valued semi-group kernel. We further discuss the continuous dependence of the semi-group and its integral kernel on model parameters. All these results are obtained for Kato decomposable electrostatic potentials and the actual assumptions on the model are general enough to cover the Nelson model as well. As a corollary, we obtain some new pointwise exponential decay and continuity results on elements of low-energetic spectral subspaces of atoms or molecules that also take spin into account. In a simpler situation where spin is neglected, we explain how to verify the joint continuity of positive ground state eigenvectors with respect to spatial coordinates and model parameters. There are no smallness assumptions imposed on any model parameter.
Recursions and asymptotics of intersection numbers
Authors: Liu Kefeng , Mulase Motohico , Xu Hao
Published: July 2016

We establish the asymptotic expansion of certain integrals of [Formula: see text] classes on moduli spaces of curves [Formula: see text], when either the [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] goes to infinity. Our main tools are cut-join type recursion formulae from the Witten–Kontsevich theorem, as well as asymptotics of solutions to the first Painlevé equation. We also raise a conjecture on large genus asymptotics for [Formula: see text]-point functions of [Formula: see text] classes and partially verify the positivity of coefficients in generalized Mirzakhani’s formula of higher Weil–Petersson volumes.
A classification of isotropic affine hyperspheres
Authors: Moruz Marilena , Vrancken Luc
Published: July 2016

We study affine hypersurfaces [Formula: see text], which have isotropic difference tensor. Note that, any surface always has isotropic difference tensor. In case that the metric is positive definite, such hypersurfaces have been previously studied in [O. Birembaux and M. Djoric, Isotropic affine spheres, Acta Math. Sinica 28(10) 1955–1972.] and [O. Birembaux and L. Vrancken, Isotropic affine hypersurfaces of dimension 5, J. Math. Anal. Appl. 417(2) (2014) 918–962.] We first show that the dimension of an isotropic affine hypersurface is either [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text]. Next, we assume that [Formula: see text] is an affine hypersphere and we obtain for each of the possible dimensions a complete classification.
MODELING VACCINE PREVENTABLE VECTOR-BORNE INFECTIONS: YELLOW FEVER AS A CASE STUDY
Authors: RAIMUNDO SILVIA MARTORANO , YANG HYUN MO , MASSAD EDUARDO
Published: July 2016

In this paper, we propose and simulate a deterministic model for a vector-borne disease in the presence of a vaccine. The model allows the assessment of the impact of an imperfect vaccine with various characteristics, which include waning protective immunity, incomplete vaccine-induced protection and adverse events. We find three threshold parameters which govern the existence and stability of the equilibrium points. Our stability analysis suggests that the reduction in the mosquito fertility theoretically is the most effective factor of reducing disease prevalence in both low and high transmission areas. To illustrate the theoretical results, the model is simulated by the example of yellow fever. We also perform sensitivity analyses to determine the importance of both vaccine-induced mortality rate and disease-induced mortality rate for determining a control strategy. We found that there is an optimum vaccination rate, above which people die by the vaccination and below which people die by the disease.
MICROSTRUCTURE AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF Mo-MODIFIED Ti6Al4V SPUR GEAR
Authors: MA YONG , NIU XIAOYAN , QIN LIN , LIN NAIMING , ZHANG XIANGYU , TANG BIN
Published: July 2016

In order to improve the performance of the Ti6Al4V (TC4) spur gear, a Mo surface modified layer is prepared by the plasma surface metallurgy technique. The element concentration, microstructure and elastoplastic properties are investigated with glow-discharge optical emission spectroscope (GDOES), scanning electron microscope, optical microscope (OM) and nanoindenter. Engaging with 41Cr4 steel gears, the wear resistances of the treated and untreated TC4 spur gears are evaluated through running-in and operation tests performed by a friction and wear tester under lubricated conditions. By finite element analysis, contact stress distributions in the TC4 and 41Cr4 spur gears pair are quantitatively determined. The results indicate that, being compact and uniform, the Mo-modified layer has higher hardness and retains relatively fine plasticity. The wear resistance of the treated TC4 spur gear is improved significantly.
SYNTHESIS AND SURFACE PROPERTIES STUDIES ON BAMBOO CHARCOAL/ZnO NANOCOMPOSITE BY USING LOW-TEMPERATURE PLASMA
Authors: VIGNESH K. , VIJAYALAKSHMI K. A. , KARTHIKEYAN N.
Published: July 2016

In this work we synthesize bamboo charcoal (BC)/ZnO nanocomposite by sol–gel technique. The synthesized BC/ZnO nanocomposite is surface modified by atmospheric air and oxygen plasma to improve the surface functional properties. The structure and morphology of the resultant nanocomposite are analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDAX) and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis) and its antibacterial behavior is analyzed by the disc diffusion plate technique. We obtained new bonds in FTIR results on BC/ZnO nanocomposite after oxygen plasma treatment. From SEM results we observed there was a plasma etching process that occurred on the resulting BC/ZnO nanocomposite after plasma treatment. Significantly, the antimicrobial behavior also increased after oxygen plasma treatment.
Seismic Behavior of Shear Wall-Frame Systems Considering Foundation Stiffness
Authors: Di Bo , Fu Xueyi
Published: July 2016

In this paper, the influence of foundation stiffness on the seismic behavior of shear wall-frame systems was investigated. First, a basic differential equation was established to account for the interaction between the foundation and superstructure. By solving the equation, the influence of foundation stiffness on the lateral stiffness, inter-story drift, and internal force distribution of the superstructure at the elastic stage was elucidated. Subsequently, the concept and method for determining the range of foundation stiffness suitable for shear wall-frame systems were proposed. By taking a 12-story shear wall-frame structure built on a shallow foundation as an example, a parametric study was performed for various frame-to-wall relative stiffness ratios and foundation stiffnesses. The effect of shallow foundation stiffness on the base shear distribution and energy dissipation of the superstructure was clarified, with results compared with those of the fixed-base model. The analysis results indicated that the degeneration of foundation stiffness due to earthquake damages will result in significant redistribution of internal forces, namely, the internal forces of the walls decrease, while those of the frames increase. In particular, the shear-force and bending moment of the bottom frame columns rise drastically, which may greatly reduce the safety margin and should be considered in practical design.
Nil-clean group rings
Authors: Sahinkaya Serap , Tang Gaohua , Zhou Yiqiang
Published: July 2016

An element [Formula: see text] of a ring [Formula: see text] is nil-clean, if [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is a nilpotent element, and the ring [Formula: see text] is called nil-clean if each of its elements is nil-clean. In [W. Wm. McGovern, S. Raja and A. Sharp, Commutative nil clean group rings, J. Algebra Appl. 14(6) (2015) 5; Article ID: 1550094], it was proved that, for a commutative ring [Formula: see text] and an abelian group [Formula: see text], the group ring [Formula: see text] is nil-clean, iff [Formula: see text] is nil-clean and [Formula: see text] is a [Formula: see text]-group. Here, we discuss the nil-cleanness of group rings in general situation. We prove that the group ring of a locally finite [Formula: see text]-group over a nil-clean ring is nil-clean, and that the hypercenter of the group [Formula: see text] must be a [Formula: see text]-group if a group ring of [Formula: see text] is nil-clean. Consequently, the group ring of a nilpotent group over an arbitrary ring is nil-clean, iff the ring is a nil-clean ring and the group is a [Formula: see text]-group.
Pointwise error estimate for a consistent beam theory
Authors: Chen Xiaoyi , Song Zilong , Dai Hui-Hui
Published: July 2016

This paper studies the planar deformations of a beam composed of a linearly elastic material. Starting from the field equations for the plane-stress problem and adopting a series expansion for the displacement vector about the bottom surface, we deduce the beam equations with two unknowns in a consistent manner. The success relies on using the field equations together with the bottom traction conditions to establish the exact recursion relations, such that all quantities can be represented in terms of the two leading expansion coefficients of the displacements. Another feature is that the remainders of the series can be carried over to the beam equations. Then, based on the general solutions and the error terms of the beam equations, pointwise error estimates for displacement and stress fields are rigorously established. Three benchmark problems are considered, for which the two-dimensional exact solutions are available. It is shown that this new beam theory recovers the exact solutions for these problems. Two cases with boundary layer effects are also discussed in the appendix.
A wavelet method for numerical fractional derivative with noisy data
Authors: Xiong Xiangtuan , Cheng Qiang , Kong Yanfeng , Wen Jin
Published: July 2016

Numerical fractional differentiation is a classical ill-posed problem in the sense that a small perturbation in the data can cause a large change in the fractional derivative. In this paper, we consider a wavelet regularization method for solving a reconstruction problem for numerical fractional derivative with noise. A Meyer wavelet projection regularization method is given, and the Hölder-type stability estimates under both apriori and aposteriori regularization parameter choice rules are obtained. Some numerical examples show that the method works well.
Simulations of Flow Transitions in a Vertical Pipe Using Coupled Level Set and VOF Method
Authors: Shang Zhi , Lou Jing , Li Hongying
Published: July 2016

The level set (LS) and volume-of-fluid (VOF) methods are usually employed to simulate the two-phase flow. However every single method of them will face the mass conservative or accurate issues during the simulation. The coupled level set and volume-of-fluid (CLSVOF) method was not only able to conquer the shortages of the LS and VOF methods but also simultaneously keep the merits of both of the methods. In CLSVOF method the geometry reconstruction technology was employed to realize the coupling between LS and VOF. After the validation of single bubble rising cases, the CLSVOF method was used to simulate the complex transitional two-phase flows in a vertical pipe and the simulation results were compared to experiments.
A Preconditioned AOR Iterative Method for the Absolute Value Equations
Authors: Li Cui-Xia
Published: July 2016

In this paper, coupled with preconditioning technique, a preconditioned accelerated over relaxation (PAOR) iterative method for solving the absolute value equations (AVEs) is presented. Some comparison theorems are given when the matrix of the linear term is an irreducible [Formula: see text]-matrix. Comparison results show that the convergence rate of the PAOR iterative method is better than that of the accelerated over relaxation (AOR) iterative method whenever both are convergent. Numerical experiments are provided in order to confirm the theoretical results studied in this paper.
Ball Convergence for a Family of Quadrature-Based Methods for Solving Equations in Banach Space
Authors: Argyros Ioannis K. , Behl Ramandeep , Motsa S. S.
Published: July 2016

We present a local convergence analysis for a family of quadrature-based predictor–corrector methods in order to approximate a locally unique solution of an equation in a Banach space setting. In earlier studies such as Howk [2016] [Howk, C. L. [2016] “A classs of efficient quadrature-based predictor–corrector methods for solving nonlinear systems, Appl. Math. Comput. 276, 394–406] the [Formula: see text] order of convergence was shown on the [Formula: see text]-dimensional Euclidean space using Taylor series expansion and hypotheses reaching up to the third-order Fréchet-derivative of the operator involved although only the first-order Fréchet-derivative appears in these methods, which restrict the applicability of these methods. In this paper, we expand the applicability of these methods in a Banach space setting and using hypotheses only on the first Fréchet-derivative. Moreover, we provide computable radii of convergence as well as error bounds on the distances involved using Lipschitz constants. Numerical examples are also presented to solve equations in cases where earlier results cannot apply.
Riemannian manifolds as Lie–Rinehart algebras
Authors: Pessers Victor , Van der Veken Joeri
Published: July 2016

In this paper, we show how Lie–Rinehart algebras can be applied to unify and generalize the elementary theory of Riemannian geometry. We will first review some necessary theory on a.o. modules, bilinear forms and derivations. We will then translate some classical theory on Riemannian geometry to the setting of Rinehart spaces, a special kind of Lie–Rinehart algebras. Some generalized versions of classical results will be obtained, such as the existence of a unique Levi-Civita connection, inducing a Levi-Civita connection on a submanifold, and the construction of spaces with constant sectional curvature.
A Visco-Hyperelastic Constitutive Model for Multilayer Polymer Membranes and its Application in Packaging Air Cushion
Authors: Liu Yingfeng , Rao Qiong , Chen Ming , Peng Xiongqi , Shi Shaoqing
Published: July 2016

Air cushion is an important packaging material with admirable cushion property in protecting articles from damage. Polymer membrane in air cushion renders a highly nonlinear elastic and rate dependent mechanical behavior in experimental tensile test. A visco-hyperelastic constitutive model for a polymer membrane of an air cushion is developed by additively decomposing its mechanical response into a hyperelastic portion and a viscoelastic portion. Material parameters are consecutively obtained by matching experimental data of static and dynamic uni-axial tensile tests of the membrane, respectively. Compression test of a single air column of the air cushion is conducted as a means of validation on the proposed constitutive model. By comparing simulation results with experimental data, it is shown that the proposed visco-hyperelastic model can properly characterize the mechanical behavior of the air cushion packaging material. The model can be applied to evaluate cushion performance of air cushions and their optimum design.
Coupled Flexural–Longitudinal Vibrations of Timoshenko Double-Beam Systems Induced by Mass Eccentricities
Authors: Wang Jian , Zhang Zhenguo , Hua Hongxing
Published: July 2016

In many instances, marine vessel may suffer unexpected flexural–longitudinal vibrations as the consequences of the unevenly distribution of the inner structures and equipment. In order to study the dynamic behaviors of the marine vessel with the involvement of the mass unevenness, the whole vessel is modeled as a discretely connected double-beam system in this paper. In this model, the misalignment between geometric and gravitational center are considered as the simplification of the mass unevenness. The governing equations of coupled flexural–longitudinal vibrations of Timoshenko beam due to mass eccentricity are derived. Extending to the double-beam model, the natural frequencies, modal shapes and forced response of the system are obtained analytically by using the modified transfer matrix method. The comparison between the present method and the conventional finite element method shows a great match. The result indicates that the existence of mass eccentricity can cause significant coupled flexural–longitudinal vibrations, thus, even only vertical force is applied, the vibration in longitudinal direction can be excited and controlled by the natural frequencies of the flexural vibration.
Using Meshless Local Natural Neighbor Interpolation Method to Solve Two-Dimensional Nonlinear Problems
Authors: Li Q. H. , Chen S. S. , Luo X. M.
Published: July 2016

Based on the meshless local natural neighbor interpolation method (MLNNI), a novel solution procedure is developed for the analysis of nonlinear steady and transient heat transfer of two-dimensional structures in this paper. Nonlinearities arising from temperature dependence of material properties and nonlinear boundary conditions have been taken into account. The present method is developed based on the natural neighbor interpolation (NNI) for constructing shape functions at scattered nodes. The three-node triangular FEM shape function is employed as the test function, which reduces the orders of integrands involved in domain integrals. Due to the delta function property of the natural neighbor shape functions, there is no need to employ special techniques to enforce the essential boundary conditions. The backward difference method is employed for the time integration scheme in transient analysis and the Newton–Raphson iterative procedure is required at each time step. Three numerical examples with different geometries and boundary conditions are presented at the end to demonstrate the validity and accuracy of the proposed method for the solution of a wide class of nonlinear steady and transient heat transfer problems.
Acoustic Metamaterials: A Potential for Cabin Noise Control in Automobiles and Armored Vehicles
Authors: Ang Linus Yinn Leng , Koh Yong Khiang , Lee Heow Pueh
Published: July 2016

The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the existing industrial practices used for cabin noise control in various industries such as automotive, marine, aerospace, and defense. However, emphasis is placed on automobiles and armored vehicles. Generally, automobile cabins usually constitute of thin structural panels, where the fundamental frequency typically falls below 200[Formula: see text]Hz. If a specific structural mode couples with a specific acoustic mode of the cabin, booming noise occurs. As such, discomfort may be felt by the occupants. Fundamentally, vibroacoustics problems may be minimized if the acoustic modes and the structural modes are decoupled, which is achieved usually by structural modifications or acoustical treatments. However, if excessively performed, the weight limitation of an automobile design will be exceeded; not to mention the adverse effect of increased weight on several factors such as fuel efficiency, mileage life of tires and acceleration of the vehicle. Moreover, current solutions have several drawbacks in low frequency noise control. In light of this, it is of great interest to explore the feasibility of acoustic metamaterials as an alternative with hope to improve cabin noise.
Swallowing of Casson fluid in oesophagus under the influence of peristaltic waves of varying amplitude
Authors: Pandey Sanjay Kumar , Tiwari Shailendra Kumar
Published: July 2016

The experimentally verified fact that there is a high pressure zone in the lower part of the oesophagus has established that the earlier models fall short of representing the realistic swallowing process in the oesophagus. Since the high pressure is created by gradually increasing amplitudes of peristaltic waves, swallowing of Casson fluid in oesophagus is mathematically remodeled. It is revealed that in the case of exponentially increasing amplitude, pressure is non-uniformly distributed for different cycles. Pressure increases along the entire length of the oesophagus; and finally toward the end of the oesophageal flow, it increases quite significantly, probably to ensure delivery into the stomach. This is a similar observation for Newtonian as well as non-Newtonian fluids but Casson fluids need more pressure; and hence more efforts are required by the oesophagus to transport the fluid forward. When wave amplitude is small, flow rates are small. In such a case, Casson fluid requires higher flow rates for reflux to occur in comparison to Newtonian fluid. This tendency gradually diminishes with increasing amplitude. For a particular value of amplitude, there is no difference; and beyond that the trends are quite opposite. Thus, Casson fluid is found to be less prone to reflux near the wall. It is also concluded that for the Newtonian fluid as well as for the non-Newtonian Casson fluid, reflux is more likely to occur with increasing amplitude and it is further augmented by the addition of amplifying parameter.
Nickel nanocrystals grown on sparse hierarchical CuS microflowers as high-performance counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Shi Zhaoliang , Zhou Wei , Ma Yiran
Published: July 2016

Three kinds of hierarchical CuS microflowers composed of thin nanosheets have been synthesized by a simple wet chemical method. It is shown that the CuS microflowers provide suitable substrates to grow nickel nanocrystals. The prepared Ni@CuS hybrids combined with conductive glass (FTO) have been used as counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The electrode made of the active material of Ni@CuS microflowers with sparsest petals show an optimal photoelectric conversion efficiency of 4.89%, better than those made of single component of Ni (3.39%) or CuS (1.65%), and other two Ni@CuS composites. The improved performances could be ascribed to the synergetic effect of the catalytic effect towards I[Formula: see text]/I[Formula: see text] from sparse CuS hierarchical structure and uniformly grown Ni nanocrystals. Besides, the introduced Ni nanocrystals could increase the conductivity of the hybrid and facilitate the transport of electrons. The hybrid Ni@CuS composites serving as counter electrodes have much enhanced electrochemical properties, which provide a feasible route to develop high-active non-noble hybrid counter electrode materials.
Piezoelectric properties of (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3-BaTiO3lead-free ceramics prepared by spark plasma sintering
Authors: Men Tian-Lu , Yao Fang-Zhou , Zhu Zhi-Xiang , Wang Ke , Li Jing-Feng
Published: July 2016

(K,Na)NbO3(KNN)-based lead-free piezoceramics have been the spotlight in search for practically viable candidates to replace the hazardous but dominating lead-containing counterparts. In this work, BaTiO3(BT) modified KNN ceramics were fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS) and the influence of BT content as well as sintering temperature on the phase structure, microstructure, and electrical properties were investigated. It was found that the 0.96(Na[Formula: see text]K[Formula: see text]NbO3-0.04BaTiO3(BT4) ceramics sintered at 1000[Formula: see text]C have the optimal performance. Additionally, in-depth analysis of the electrical hysteresis revealed that the internal bias field originating from accumulation of space charges at grain boundaries is responsible for the asymmetry in the hysteresis loops.
k-Extendibility of high-dimensional bipartite quantum states
Authors: Lancien Cécilia
Published: July 2016

The idea of detecting the entanglement of a given bipartite state by searching for symmetric extensions of this state was first proposed by Doherty et al. The complete family of separability tests it generates, often referred to as the hierarchy of [Formula: see text]-extendibility tests, has already proved to be most promising. The goal of this paper is to try and quantify the efficiency of this separability criterion in typical scenarios. For that, we essentially take two approaches. First, we compute the average width of the set of [Formula: see text]-extendible states, in order to see how it scales with the one of separable states. And second, we characterize when random-induced states are, depending on the ancilla dimension, with high probability violating or not the [Formula: see text]-extendibility test, and compare the obtained result with the corresponding one for entanglement vs separability. The main results can be precisely phrased as follows: on [Formula: see text], when [Formula: see text] grows, the average width of the set of [Formula: see text]-extendible states is equivalent to [Formula: see text], while random states obtained as partial traces over an environment [Formula: see text] of uniformly distributed pure states are violating the [Formula: see text]-extendibility test with probability going to [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text]. Both statements converge to the conclusion that, if [Formula: see text] is fixed, [Formula: see text]-extendibility is asymptotically a weak approximation of separability, even though any of the other well-studied separability relaxations is outperformed by [Formula: see text]-extendibility as soon as [Formula: see text] is above a certain (dimension independent) value.
Abrasive Wear Performance of Aluminium Modified Epoxy-Glass Fiber Composites
Authors: Kamble Vikram G. , Mishra Punyapriya , Al Dabbas Hassan A. , Panda H. S. , Fernandez Johnathan Bruce
Published: July 2016

For a long time, Aluminum filled epoxies molds have been used in rapid tooling process. These molds are very economical when applied in manufacturing of low volume of plastic parts. To improve the thermal conductivity of the material, the metallic filler material is added to it and the glass fiber improves the wear resistance of the material. These two important parameters establish the life of composites. The present work reports on abrasive wear behavior of Aluminum modified epoxy and glass fiber composite with 5 wt.% and 10 wt.% of aluminum particles. Through pin on disc wear testing machine, we studied the wear behaviors of composites, and all these samples were fabricated by using hand layup process. Epoxy resin was used as matrix material which was reinforced with Glass fiber and Aluminum as filler. The composite with 5 wt.% and 10 wt.% of Al was cast with dimensions 100 × 100 × 6 mm. The specimens were machined to a size of 6 × 6 × 4 mm for abrasive testing. Abrasive tests were carried out for different grit paper sizes, i.e., 150, 320, 600 at different sliding distance, i.e., 20, 40, 60 m at different loads of 5, 10 and 15 N and at constant speed. The weight loss due to wear was calculated along with coefficient of friction. Hardness was found using Rockwell hardness machine. The SEM morphology of the worn out surface wear was analyzed to understand the wear mechanism. Results showed that the addition of Aluminum particles was beneficial for low abrasive conditions.
Bioinspired Composite Materials: Applications in Diagnostics and Therapeutics
Authors: Prasad Alisha , Mahato Kuldeep , Chandra Pranjal , Srivastava Ananya , Joshi Shrikrishna N. , Maurya Pawan Kumar
Published: July 2016

Evolution-optimized specimens from nature with inimitable properties, and unique structure–function relationships have long served as a source of inspiration for researchers all over the world. For instance, the micro/nanostructured patterns of lotus-leaf and gecko feet helps in self-cleaning, and adhesion, respectively. Such unique properties shown by creatures are results of billions of years of adaptive transformation, that have been mimicked by applying both science and engineering concepts to design bioinspired materials. Various bioinspired composite materials have been developed based on biomimetic principles. This review presents the latest developments in bioinspired materials under various categories with emphasis on diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
Controlling the Biomimetic Implant Interface: Modulating Antimicrobial Activity by Spacer Design
Authors: Wisdom Cate , VanOosten Sarah Kay , Boone Kyle W. , Khvostenko Dmytro , Arnold Paul M. , Snead Malcolm L. , Tamerler Candan
Published: July 2016

Surgical site infection is a common cause of post-operative morbidity, often leading to implant loosening, ultimately requiring revision surgery, increased costs and worse surgical outcomes. Since implant failure starts at the implant surface, creating and controlling the bio-material interface will play a critical role in reducing infection while improving host cell-to-implant interaction. Here, we engineered a biomimetic interface based upon a chimeric peptide that incorporates a titanium binding peptide (TiBP) with an antimicrobial peptide (AMP) into a single molecule to direct binding to the implant surface and deliver an antimicrobial activity against S. mutans and S. epidermidis, two bacteria which are linked with clinical implant infections. To optimize antimicrobial activity, we investigated the design of the spacer domain separating the two functional domains of the chimeric peptide. Lengthening and changing the amino acid composition of the spacer resulted in an improvement of minimum inhibitory concentration by a three-fold against S. mutans. Surfaces coated with the chimeric peptide reduced dramatically the number of bacteria, with up to a nine-fold reduction for S. mutans and a 48-fold reduction for S. epidermidis. Ab initio predictions of antimicrobial activity based on structural features were confirmed. Host cell attachment and viability at the biomimetic interface were also improved compared to the untreated implant surface. Biomimetic interfaces formed with this chimeric peptide offer interminable potential by coupling antimicrobial and improved host cell responses to implantable titanium materials, and this peptide based approach can be extended to various biomaterials surfaces.
Bentonite re-saturation: different conceptual models – similar mathematical descriptions
Authors: Kröhn Klaus-Peter
Published: July 2016

Thermohydromechanically (THM) coupled models based on two-phase flow formulations for the hydraulics are presently the most established tools for simulating bentonite re-saturation. Alternatively, the extended vapour diffusion (EVD) model, involving basically diffusion of water vapour and of hydrated water, has been developed specifically for this purpose. These two model concepts are obviously based on entirely different hydraulic processes.

However, applying some acceptable simplifications to the underlying mathematical models leads to an identical formulation for the two approaches that looks formally like Fick's second law with a saturation-dependent ‘diffusion coefficient’. Concerning the hydraulics, the THM codes hence state a mathematical problem that is similar to the one resulting from the EVD model.

A subsequent quantitative comparison of the two hydraulic approaches requires only the respective diffusion coefficients to be compared. This has been done on the basis of benchmark calculations for two different water-uptake tests with compacted MX-80 at largely the same conditions. Even for variations in temperature and dry density, the resulting diffusion coefficients for the two approaches showed remarkable agreement.

Different physical models have thus led to a similar mathematical problem. The mathematics indicates a diffusion-like process, although the exact nature of this process still remains to be determined.
"Make hay while the crowd shines: towards effective crowdsourcing on the web" by Ujwal Gadiraju, with Prateek Jain as coordinator
Authors: Gadiraju Ujwal
Published: July 2016

Ujwal Gadiraju is a third year PhD candidate at L3S Research Center, Leibniz Universität Hannover in Germany. He received his Master of Science degree in Computer Science at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. His main research interests encompass the realms of
Human Computation and Crowdsourcing
. He has published peer-reviewed papers in top-tier conferences in the realms of
Information Retrieval, Social Computing
, and
Crowdsourcing
. For more information see http://www.l3s.de/~gadiraju/.