bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal Immobilization ofβ-Galactosidase ontoκ-Carrageenan Gel Beads Using Response Surface Methodology and Its Applications
Authors: Elnashar Magdy M. , Awad Ghada E. , Hassan Mohamed E. , Mohy Eldin Mohamed S. , Haroun Bakry M. , El-Diwany Ahmed I.
Published: February 2014

β-Galactosidase (β-gal) was immobilized by covalent binding on novelκ-carrageenan gel beads activated by two-step method; the gel beads were soaked in polyethyleneimine followed by glutaraldehyde. 22full-factorial central composite experiment designs were employed to optimize the conditions for the maximum enzyme loading efficiency. 11.443 U of enzyme/g gel beads was achieved by soaking 40 units of enzyme with the gel beads for eight hours. Immobilization process increased the pH from 4.5 to 5.5 and operational temperature from 50 to 55°C compared to the free enzyme. The apparentKmafter immobilization was 61.6 mM compared to 22.9 mM for free enzyme. Maximum velocityVmaxwas 131.2 μmol·min−1while it was 177.1 μmol·min−1for free enzyme. The full conversion experiment showed that the immobilized enzyme form is active as that of the free enzyme as both of them reached their maximum 100% relative hydrolysis at 4 h. The reusability test proved the durability of theκ-carrageenan beads loaded withβ-galactosidase for 20 cycles with retention of 60% of the immobilized enzyme activity to be more convenient for industrial uses.
A Novel Multiperson Game Approach for Linguistic Multicriteria Decision Making Problems
Authors: Lin Ching-San , Chen Chen-Tung , Chen Farn-Shing , Hung Wei-Zhan
Published: February 2014

Game theory is considered as an efficient framework in dealing with decision making problems for two players in the competitive environment. In general, the evaluation values of payoffs matrix are expressed by crisp values in a game model. However, many uncertainties and vagueness should be considered due to the qualitative criteria and the subjective judgment of decision makers in the decision making process. The aim of this study is to develop an effective methodology for solving the payoffs matrix with linguistic variables by multiple decision makers in a game model. Based on the linguistic variables, the decision makers can easily express their opinions with respect to criteria for each alternative. By using the linear programming method, we can find the optimal solution of a game matrix in accordance with the combination of strategies of each player effectively. In addition, the expected performance value (EPV) index is defined in this paper to compare the competition ability of each player based on the optimal probability of each strategy combination. And then, numerical example will be implemented to illustrate the computation process of the proposed model. The conclusion and future research are discussed at the end of this paper.
Fluid Consumption by Mexican Women during Pregnancy and First Semester of Lactation
Authors: Martinez Homero
Published: February 2014

The objective of this study was to describe daily fluid consumption in a sample of pregnant or lactating adult women. Women between 18 and 45 years of age, residents of Mexico City, stratified by socioeconomic status were asked to register their total fluid intake during 7 consecutive days. A total of 153 pregnant and 155 lactating women were recruited. On average, they drank 2.62 L/day and 2.75 L/day, respectively. Forty-one percent of pregnant women drank less than the recommended 2.3 L fluids/day, and 54% of women drank less than the recommended intake of 2.7 L/day during the first semester of lactation. Plain water contributed to 33% of total fluid intake, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) contributed to 38% of total fluid intake. Up to 50% of pregnant and lactating women drank more than 1 L/day of SSB, which contributed to 632 kcal/day (27.5% of recommended dietary intake) and to 700 kcal/day (28% of recommended dietary intake), respectively. The high rates of overweight and obesity found in Mexican population, particularly among women, should alert us to the consumption of SSB during pregnancy and lactation, as excessive intake of these beverages may increase the risks of obesity, diabetes mellitus, and other chronic disorders.
Empirical Correlation of the Morphology of Coiled Carbon Nanotubes with Their Response to Axial Compression
Authors: Barber Jabulani R. , Boyles Jeffrey S. , Ferri Aldo A. , Bottomley Lawrence A.
Published: February 2014

The mechanical response of thirteen different helical multi-walled carbon nanocoils to axial compression is reported. Each nanocoil was attached to the apex of a cantilever probe tip; its dimensions and orientation relative to the tip apex were determined with scanning electron microscopy. The atomic force microscope was employed to apply a cyclic axial load on the nanocoil. Its mechanical response was determined by simultaneous collection of the thermal resonance frequency, displacement, and oscillation amplitude of the cantilever-nanotube system in real time. Depending upon compression parameters, each coil underwent buckling, bending, and slip-stick motion. Characteristic features in the thermal resonance spectrum and in the force and oscillation amplitude curves for each of these responses to induced stress are presented. Following compression studies, the structure and morphology of each nanocoil were determined by transmission electron microscopy. The compression stiffness of each nanocoil was estimated from the resonant frequency of the cantilever at the point of contact with the substrate surface. From this value, the elastic modulus of the nanocoil was computed and correlated with the coiled carbon nanotube’s morphology.
Migration of a Swallowed Blunt Foreign Body to the Neck
Authors: Ozturk Kerem , Turhal Goksel , Gode Sercan , Yavuzer Atilla
Published: February 2014

Ingestion of foreign bodies is a common problem in the otolaryngology practice. Reports of extraluminal migration of the foreign bodies from the upper aerodigestive tract are rare. Penetration and extraluminal migration of ingested foreign bodies may cause severe vascular and suppurative complications, even death. We report a 4-year-old girl who presented with a mass and partial extrusion of a foreign body in the neck. She had a history of ingesting the plastic top piece of a knitting needle approximately 1 year ago. She had been asymptomatic until the present time. The examination revealed a red, blunt, rectangular plastic foreign body half embedded in the skin of the right neck. Esophagography with barium swallow, cervical X-rays, and computed tomography scans were obtained. The foreign body was easily removed under general anesthesia. Primary closure and direct laryngoscopy was also performed. The patient recovered very well without any complications.
Biosynthesis of Self-Dispersed Silver Colloidal Particles Using the Aqueous Extract of P. peruviana for Sensing dl-Alanine
Authors: Rashid Mohd , Sabir Suhail
Published: February 2014

We report the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in a single step using edible fruit aqueous extract of P. peruviana that essentially involved the concept of green chemistry. Yellowish-brown color appeared upon adding the broth of P. peruviana to aqueous solution of 1 mM AgNO3 which indicates the formation of AgNPs. The maximum synthesis of these nanoparticles was being achieved in nearly 2 hrs at 28°C. The synthesis of AgNPs was followed by AgNPs UV-visible spectroscopy. Particle size and morphology of AgNPs were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. These studies revealed that the AgNPs characterized were spherical in shape with diameter ranging from 31 to 52 nm. The energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy showed that the AgNPs present are approximately 63.42 percent by weight in the colloidal dispersion. The absorption spectra of the AgNPs in absence and presence of dl-alanine show a distinguish shift in surface plasmon resonance (SPR) bands. Thus, these nanoparticles may be used as a chemical sensor for dl-alanine present in the human blood.
Wound Morphology and Topography in the Diabetic Foot: Hurdles in Implementing Angiosome-Guided Revascularization
Authors: Aerden Dimitri , Denecker Nathalie , Gallala Sarah , Debing Erik , Van den Brande Pierre
Published: February 2014

Purpose. Angiosome-guided revascularization is an approach that improves wound healing but requires a surgeon to determine which angiosomes are ischemic. This process can be more difficult than anticipated because diabetic foot (DF) wounds vary greatly in quantity, morphology, and topography. This paper explores to what extent the heterogeneous presentation of DF wounds impedes development of a proper revascularization strategy.Methods. Data was retrieved from a registry of patients scheduled for below-the-knee (BTK) revascularization. Photographs of the foot and historic benchmark diagrams were used to assign wounds to their respective angiosomes.Results. In 185 limbs we detected 345 wounds. Toe wounds (53.9%) could not be designated to a specific angiosome due to dual blood supply. Ambiguity in wound stratification into angiosomes was highest at the heel, achilles tendon, and lateral/medial side of the foot and lowest for malleolar wounds. In 18.4% of the DF, at least some wounds could not confidently be categorized. Proximal wounds (coinciding with toe wounds) further steered revascularization strategy in 63.6%. Multiple wounds required multiple BTK revascularization in 8.6%.Conclusion. The heterogeneous presentation in diabetic foot wounds hampers unambiguous identification of ischemic angiosomes, and as such diminishes the capacity of the angiosome model to optimize revascularization strategy.
PPF Dependent Fixed Point Results for Triangularαc-Admissible Mappings
Authors: Ćirić Ljubomir , Alsulami Saud M. , Salimi Peyman , Vetro Pasquale
Published: February 2014

We introduce the concept of triangularαc-admissible mappings (pair of mappings) with respect toηcnonself-mappings and establish the existence of PPF dependent fixed (coincidence) point theorems for contraction mappings involving triangularαc-admissible mappings (pair of mappings) with respect toηcnonself-mappings in Razumikhin class. Several interesting consequences of our theorems are also given.
Using the Satisfaction with Life Scale in People with Parkinson’s Disease: A Validation Study in Different European Countries
Authors: Lucas-Carrasco Ramona , Den Oudsten Brenda L. , Eser Erhan , Power Michael J.
Published: February 2014

Background. Overall, people with chronic illnesses have lower life satisfaction compared to nonclinical populations. The objective of this international study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD).Methods. PD patients (n=350) were recruited and interviewed at different specialized services in the United Kingdom, Spain, Czech Republic, Italy, and The Netherlands. A questionnaire set including a measure of life satisfaction, quality of life (QoL), self-reported health and disability status, and sociodemographic information was used. Acceptability, reliability, and validity were examined.Results. The internal consistency was good (α= 0.81). The scale structure was satisfactory (comparative fit index = 0.99; root mean square error of approximation = 0.08). The SWLS was able to discriminate between healthy and unhealthy, disabled and nondisabled, and those perceiving a more severe impact of the disability on their lives. Concurrent validity using multiple linear regression models confirmed associations between SWLS and QoL and age.Conclusions. This study is the first to report on the use of the SWLS in PD patients in different European countries. It is a useful tool in assessing satisfaction with life in PD patients through the continuum of care.
Application of Genetic Algorithm to Hexagon-Based Motion Estimation
Authors: Kung Chih-Ming , Cheng Wan-Shu , Jeng Jyh-Horng
Published: February 2014

With the improvement of science and technology, the development of the network, and the exploitation of the HDTV, the demands of audio and video become more and more important. Depending on the video coding technology would be the solution for achieving these requirements. Motion estimation, which removes the redundancy in video frames, plays an important role in the video coding. Therefore, many experts devote themselves to the issues. The existing fast algorithms rely on the assumption that the matching error decreases monotonically as the searched point moves closer to the global optimum. However, genetic algorithm is not fundamentally limited to this restriction. The character would help the proposed scheme to search the mean square error closer to the algorithm of full search than those fast algorithms. The aim of this paper is to propose a new technique which focuses on combing the hexagon-based search algorithm, which is faster than diamond search, and genetic algorithm. Experiments are performed to demonstrate the encoding speed and accuracy of hexagon-based search pattern method and proposed method.
Study on Noise Prediction Model and Control Schemes for Substation
Authors: Chen Chuanmin , Gao Yang , Liu Songtao
Published: February 2014

With the government’s emphasis on environmental issues of power transmission and transformation project, noise pollution has become a prominent problem now. The noise from the working transformer, reactor, and other electrical equipment in the substation will bring negative effect to the ambient environment. This paper focuses on using acoustic software for the simulation and calculation method to control substation noise. According to the characteristics of the substation noise and the techniques of noise reduction, a substation’s acoustic field model was established with the SoundPLAN software to predict the scope of substation noise. On this basis, 4 reasonable noise control schemes were advanced to provide some helpful references for noise control during the new substation’s design and construction process. And the feasibility and application effect of these control schemes can be verified by using the method of simulation modeling. The simulation results show that the substation always has the problem of excessive noise at boundary under the conventional measures. The excess noise can be efficiently reduced by taking the corresponding noise reduction methods.
Designing a Facebook Interface for Senior Users
Authors: Gomes Gonçalo , Duarte Carlos , Coelho José , Matos Eduardo
Published: February 2014

The adoption of social networks by older adults has increased in recent years. However, many still cannot make use of social networks as these are simply not adapted to them. Through a series of direct observations, interviews, and focus groups, we identified recommendations for the design of social networks targeting seniors. Based on these, we developed a prototype for tablet devices, supporting sharing and viewing Facebook content. We then conducted a user study comparing our prototype with Facebook's native mobile application. We have found that Facebook's native application does not meet senior users concerns, like privacy and family focus, while our prototype, designed in accordance with the collected recommendations, supported relevant use cases in a usable and accessible manner.
Mammalian MYC Proteins and Cancer
Authors: Tansey William P.
Published: February 2014

The MYC family of proteins is a group of basic-helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper transcription factors that feature prominently in cancer. Overexpression of MYC is observed in the vast majority of human malignancies and promotes an extraordinary set of changes that impact cell proliferation, growth, metabolism, DNA replication, cell cycle progression, cell adhesion, differentiation, and metastasis. The purpose of this review is to introduce the reader to the mammalian family of MYC proteins, highlight important functional properties that endow them with their potent oncogenic potential, describe their mechanisms of action and of deregulation in cancer cells, and discuss efforts to target the unique properties of MYC, and of MYC-driven tumors, to treat cancer.
Effect of Soil Moisture Deficit Stress on Biomass Accumulation of Four Coffee (Coffea arabica) Varieties in Zimbabwe
Authors: Chemura Abel , Mahoya Caleb , Chidoko Pardon , Kutywayo Dumisani
Published: February 2014

A study was conducted to evaluate four common coffee (Coffea arabica) varieties in Zimbabwe for drought tolerance and ability to recover. The plants were subjected to drought stress for 21 and 28 days with evaluation of recovery done 14 days after interruptive irrigation. Coffee varieties were not significantly different in initial fresh and dry biomass before stressing (P>0.05). CR95 had significantly accumulated more (P<0.05)dry root mass (0.8 g) than the rest of the varieties after 21 days of drought stress. SL28 and CR95 had an 8.3% increase in dry biomass while Cat128 did not gain any dry biomass after 21 days of drought stress. CR95 had significantly more (P<0.05) total dry biomass after 21 days and 28 days of drought stress while SL28 was consistently the least in both periods. Cat129 had the highest recovery gains in dry root, dry shoot, and total dry biomass after 21 days and 28 days of drought stress. Initial root biomass was negatively correlated with changes in total fresh and dry biomass of young coffee (r>0.60) after both 21 and 28 days of drought stress, indicating that root biomass may be the most important factor determining drought tolerance in coffee varieties.
Development of Pulsating Twin Jets Mechanism for Mixing Flow Heat Transfer Analysis
Authors: Gitan Ali Ahmed , Zulkifli Rozli , Abdullah Shahrir , Sopian Kamaruzzaman
Published: February 2014

Pulsating twin jets mechanism (PTJM) was developed in the present work to study the effect of pulsating twin jets mixing region on the enhancement of heat transfer. Controllable characteristics twin pulsed jets were the main objective of our design. The variable nozzle-nozzle distance was considered to study the effect of two jets interaction at the mixing region. Also, the phase change between the frequencies of twin jets was taken into account to develop PTJM. All of these factors in addition to the ability of producing high velocity pulsed jet led to more appropriate design for a comprehensive study of multijet impingement heat transfer problems. The performance of PTJM was verified by measuring the pulse profile at frequency of 20 Hz, where equal velocity peak of around 64 m/s for both jets was obtained. Moreover, the jet velocity profile at different pulsation frequencies was tested to verify system performance, so the results revealed reasonable velocity profile configuration. Furthermore, the effect of pulsation frequency on surface temperature of flat hot plate in the midpoint between twin jets was studied experimentally. Noticeable enhancement in heat transfer was obtained with the increasing of pulsation frequency.
Between Amyloids and Aggregation Lies a Connection with Strength and Adhesion
Authors: Lipke Peter N. , Ramsook Caleen , Garcia-Sherman Melissa C. , Jackson Desmond N. , Chan Cho X. J. , Bois Michael , Klotz Stephen A.
Published: February 2014

We tell of a journey that led to discovery of amyloids formed by yeast cell adhesins and their importance in biofilms and host immunity. We begin with the identification of the adhesin functional amyloid-forming sequences that mediate fiber formation in vitro. Atomic force microscopy and confocal microscopy show 2-dimensional amyloid “nanodomains” on the surface of cells that are activated for adhesion. These nanodomains are arrays of adhesin molecules that bind multivalent ligands with high avidity. Nanodomains form when adhesin molecules are stretched in the AFM or under laminar flow. Treatment with anti-amyloid perturbants or mutation of the amyloid sequence prevents adhesion nanodomain formation and activation. We are now discovering biological consequences. Adhesin nanodomains promote formation and maintenance of biofilms, which are microbial communities. Also, in abscesses within candidiasis patients, we find adhesin amyloids on the surface of the fungi. In both human infection and a Caenorhabditis elegans infection model, the presence of fungal surface amyloids elicits anti-inflammatory responses. Thus, this is a story of how fungal adhesins respond to extension forces through formation of cell surface amyloid nanodomains, with key consequences for biofilm formation and host responses.
Submanifolds of Sasakian Manifolds with Certain Parallel Operators
Authors: Ishan Amira A.
Published: February 2014

We study submanifolds of Sasakian manifolds and obtain a condition under which certain naturally defined symmetric tensor field on the submanifold is to be parallel and use this result to obtain conditions under which a submanifold of the Sasakian manifold is an invariant submanifold.
Nature Inspired Computational Technique for the Numerical Solution of Nonlinear Singular Boundary Value Problems Arising in Physiology
Authors: Malik Suheel Abdullah , Qureshi Ijaz Mansoor , Amir Muhammad , Haq Ihsanul
Published: February 2014

We present a hybrid heuristic computing method for the numerical solution of nonlinear singular boundary value problems arising in physiology. The approximate solution is deduced as a linear combination of some log sigmoid basis functions. A fitness function representing the sum of the mean square error of the given nonlinear ordinary differential equation (ODE) and its boundary conditions is formulated. The optimization of the unknown adjustable parameters contained in the fitness function is performed by the hybrid heuristic computation algorithm based on genetic algorithm (GA), interior point algorithm (IPA), and active set algorithm (ASA). The efficiency and the viability of the proposed method are confirmed by solving three examples from physiology. The obtained approximate solutions are found in excellent agreement with the exact solutions as well as some conventional numerical solutions.
Three‐Phase Carbon Fiber Amine Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes Epoxy Composite: Processing, Characterisation, and Multiscale Modeling
Authors: Sharma Kamal , Shukla Mukul
Published: February 2014

The present paper discusses the key issues of carbon nanotube (CNT) dispersion and effect of functionalisation on the mechanical properties of multiscale carbon epoxy composites. In this study, CNTs were added in epoxy matrix and further reinforced with carbon fibres. Predetermined amounts of optimally amine functionalised CNTs were dispersed in epoxy matrix, and unidirectional carbon fiber laminates were produced. The effect of the presence of CNTs (1.0 wt%) in the resin was reflected by pronounced increase in Young’s modulus, inter‐laminar shear strength, and flexural modulus by 51.46%, 39.62%, and 38.04%, respectively. However, 1.5 wt% CNT loading in epoxy resin decreased the overall properties of the three‐phase composites. A combination of Halpin‐Tsai equations and micromechanics modeling approach was also used to evaluate the mechanical properties of multiscale composites and the differences between the predicted and experimental values are reported. These multiscale composites are likely to be used for potential missile and aerospace structural applications.
The Role of18F-FDG-PET and PET/CT in Patients with Colorectal Liver Metastases Undergoing Selective Internal Radiation Therapy with Yttrium-90: A First Evidence-Based Review
Authors: Annunziata Salvatore , Treglia Giorgio , Caldarella Carmelo , Galiandro Federica
Published: February 2014

Purpose. To provide a first evidence-based review of the literature on the role of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET and PET/CT) in patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) undergoing selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) with yttrium-90 (90Y) microspheres.Methods. A comprehensive computer literature search was conducted to find relevant published articles on whole-body FDG-PET or PET/CT in patients with CRLM undergoing SIRT.Results. We identified 19 studies including 833 patients with CRLM undergoing SIRT. The role of FDG-PET or PET/CT was analysed in treatment planning, treatment response evaluation, and as prognostic tool.Conclusion. FDG-PET and PET/CT provide additional information in treatment evaluation of CRLM patients treated with SIRT and may have a role in treatment planning and patient selection. FDG-PET/CT is emerging as good prognostic tool in these patients.
Flow Boiling Heat Transfer Enhancement by Using ZnO-Water Nanofluids
Authors: Prajapati Om Shankar , Rohatgi Nirupam
Published: February 2014

Nanofluids are liquid suspensions containing nanoparticles that are smaller than 100 nm. There is an increased interest in nanofluids as thermal conductivity of nanofluids is significantly higher than that of the base liquids. ZnO-water nanofluids with volume concentration of ZnO particles varying from 0.0001 to 0.1% were prepared using ultrasonic vibration mixer. Thermal conductivity of the ZnO-water fluids was investigated for different sonication time using thermal property analyzer (KD2 Pro). Thermal conductivity of nanofluids for a given concentration of nanoparticle varies with sonication time. Heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop in an annular test section with variable pressure (1–2.5 bar) and heat flux (0–400 kW/m2) at constant mass flux of 400 kg/m2s were studied for samples having maximum thermal conductivity. Surface roughness of the heating rod was also measured before and after the experimentation. The study shows that heat transfer coefficient increases beyond the base fluid with pressure and concentration of ZnO.
Competing Endogenous RNA: The Key to Posttranscriptional Regulation
Authors: Sen Rituparno , Ghosal Suman , Das Shaoli , Balti Subrata , Chakrabarti Jayprokas
Published: February 2014

Competing endogenous RNA, ceRNA, vie with messenger RNAs (mRNAs) for microRNAs (miRNAs) with shared miRNAs responses elements (MREs) and act as modulator of miRNA by influencing the available level of miRNA. It has recently been discovered that, apart from protein-coding ceRNAs, pseudogenes, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs act as miRNA “sponges” by sharing common MRE, inhibiting normal miRNA targeting activity on mRNA. These MRE sharing elements form the posttranscriptional ceRNA network to regulate mRNA expression. ceRNAs are widely implicated in many biological processes. Recent studies have identified ceRNAs associated with a number of diseases including cancer. This brief review focuses on the molecular mechanism of ceRNA as part of the complex post-transcriptional regulatory circuit in cell and the impact of ceRNAs in development and disease.
The Impact of Mood and Anxiety Disorders on Incident Hypertension at One Year
Authors: Bacon Simon L. , Campbell Tavis S. , Arsenault André , Lavoie Kim L.
Published: February 2014

Background. Studies assessing the association between psychological factors and hypertension have been equivocal, which may reflect limitations in the assessment of psychological factors.Purpose. To assess the relationship between mood and anxiety disorders, measured using a psychiatric interview, and 1-year incident hypertension.Methods. 197 nonhypertensive individuals undergoing exercise stress testing at baseline provided follow-up data at 1 year. Baseline assessments included a structure psychiatric interview (PRIME-MD), physician diagnosis of hypertension, and measured blood pressure. At follow-up, hypertension status was assessed via self-reported physician diagnosis.Results. Having an anxiety disorder was associated with a 4-fold increase in the risk of developing hypertension (adjusted OR = 4.14, 95% CIs = 1.18–14.56). In contrast, having a mood disorder was not associated with incident hypertension (adjusted OR = 1.21, 95% CIs = 0.24–5.86).Conclusions. There are potential mechanisms which could explain our differential mood and anxiety findings. The impact of screening and treatment of anxiety disorders on hypertension needs to be explored.
Yamada-Watanabe Theorem for Stochastic Evolution Equation Driven by Poisson Random Measure
Authors: Zhao Huiyan
Published: February 2014

The purpose of this paper is to give a detailed proof of Yamada-Watanabe theorem for stochastic evolution equation driven by pure Poisson random measure.
Effect of Flow Attack Angle of V-Ribs Vortex Generators in a Square Duct on Flow Structure, Heat Transfer, and Performance Improvement
Authors: Boonloi Amnart
Published: February 2014

A numerical investigation has been carried out to examine the periodic laminar flow and heat transfer characteristics in a three-dimensional isothermal wall square duct with 20° inline V-ribs. The computations are based on the finite volume method, and the SIMPLE algorithm has been implemented. The fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics are presented for Reynolds numbers based on the hydraulic diameter of the square duct ranging from 100 to 2000. To generate main streamwise vortex flows through the tested section, V-ribs with an attack angle of 20° are mounted in tandem with inline arrangement, pointing downstream (V-Downstream) and pointing upstream (V-Upstream) placed on both the upper and lower walls. Effects of different blockage ratio (b/H, BR) with a single pitch ratio (P/H, PR) of 1 on heat transfer, pressure loss, and performance in the ribbed tube are studied. Apparently in each of the main vortex flows, streamwise twisted vortex flows can induce impinging flows on the walls of the interbaffle cavity leading to drastic increase in heat transfer rate over the square duct. In addition, the rise in the V-baffle height results in the increase in the Nusselt number and friction factor values. The computational results show that the optimum thermal enhancement factor is about 4.2 atBR=0.20and 0.15 for the V-Downstream and V-Upstream, respectively.
Biosmart Materials: Breaking New Ground in Dentistry
Authors: Badami Vijetha , Ahuja Bharat
Published: February 2014

By definition and general agreement, smart materials are materials that have properties which may be altered in a controlled fashion by stimuli, such as stress, temperature, moisture, pH, and electric or magnetic fields. There are numerous types of smart materials, some of which are already common. Examples include piezoelectric materials, which produce a voltage when stress is applied or vice versa, shape memory alloys or shape memory polymers which are thermoresponsive, and pH sensitive polymers which swell or shrink as a response to change in pH. Thus, smart materials respond to stimuli by altering one or more of their properties. Smart behaviour occurs when a material can sense some stimulus from its environment and react to it in a useful, reliable, reproducible, and usually reversible manner. These properties have a beneficial application in various fields including dentistry. Shape memory alloys, zirconia, and smartseal are examples of materials exhibiting a smart behavior in dentistry. There is a strong trend in material science to develop and apply these intelligent materials. These materials would potentially allow new and groundbreaking dental therapies with a significantly enhanced clinical outcome of treatments.
Neonatal Death and National Income in Developing Countries: Will Economic Growth Reduce Deaths in the First Month of Life?
Authors: Neal Sarah , Falkingham Jane
Published: February 2014

The relationship between national income and child mortality has been understood for many years. However, what is less well known is whether the association differs for neonatal mortality compared to postneonatal and early childhood deaths. Our study extends knowledge by analysing the relationship between gross national income (GNI) and neonatal, postneonatal, and early child mortality. The study draws on mortality estimates from Demographic and Household Surveys and World Bank data for GNI. It uses multivariate multiple regression analysis to examine the relationship between GNI and neonatal, postneonatal, and early child mortality rates (NMR, PNMR, and ECMR) using cross-sectional data from 65 countries and trend data from 49 countries. No significant relationship can be found between NMR and GNI for cross-sectional data once adjusted for region. The trend data confirms that increases over time in GNI are associated with lower reductions in NMR than other component rates. Thus, economic growth alone may have a weaker effect on reducing neonatal deaths than for older age groups; achieving improvements in neonatal mortality requires investment in maternal and new born health services alongside growth.
The Concept of Fault of the Tortfeasor in Estonian Tort Law: A Comparative Perspective
Authors: Lahe Janno
Published: February 2014

The fault of the wrongdoer is one of the preconditions for general tort liability. Nowadays, fault-based liability and strict liability are two equally important forms of liability that are not polar opposites but, rather, complement one another. This article focuses on the meaning of the fault of a tortfeasor. It considers the notion of fault in two European model rules (the Draft Common Frame of Reference and the Principles of European Tort Law), in the Estonian Law of Obligations Act, and also makes reference to German, French, English, and Russian tort law. We shall begin with a comparative discussion of the questions of general liability based on fault, fault capacity, various forms of fault, the burden of proving fault, and the importance of differentiating those forms of fault. Thereafter, we will treat the issues of fault in the context of liability for torts committed by another person and, also, borderline issues between fault-based liability and strict liability. This analysis seeks to offer the reader a basis for determining whether the regulations of Estonian tort law are justified or whether amendments should be considered within such a comparative-law framework.
The Redaction History of the Sinai Pericope (Exod 19–24) and its Continuation in 4Q158
Authors: Berner Christoph
Published: February 2014

Abstract

The paper offers a redaction critical analysis of two central passages from Exod 19–24, namely the people’s reaction subsequent to the revelation of the Decalogue (Exod 20:18–21 par. Deut 5:22–31) and the covenantal ceremony in Exod 24:4–8. As a result, it can be shown that there is a continuous line of development leading from the earliest literary layers of the biblical text to the version represented by 4Q158. The elaborate text of the Qumran witness thus becomes perceptible as yet a further stage in the complex redaction history of the Sinai Pericope.
Torah for “The Age of Wickedness”: The Authority of the Damascus and Serekh Texts in Light of Biblical and Rewritten Traditions
Authors: Zahn Molly M.
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Considerable attention has been paid recently to the similarities between the composition and development of biblical texts, rewritten scripture-type texts, and the major Qumran rule scrolls. This study adds a new dimension to that work by comparing the authority claims of the Damascus Document (D) and the Community Rule (S) with those made by Deuteronomy, the Temple Scroll (TS), and Jubilees. While D and S lack the pseudepigraphic self-presentation of the others, they share with them a concern to present themselves as the most authentic expression of God’s revealed will. D and S resemble Deuteronomy in particular in their use of several specific literary techniques to claim authority by means of asserting a close relationship with existing authoritative revelation.
Silence and Geoffrey Hill’s Poetics of Witness
Authors: Caldwell Caleb
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Focusing on Geoffrey Hill’s early poetry concerning atrocity and the Holocaust, this essay argues that Hill presents his poems as shared events between the poles of the impossibility and the actuality of witness, instead of as poetic speech that fully signifies witness. Through close readings of “Funeral Music” and “September Song,” this article shows that Hill’s heavy use of negative rhetorical devices, his famous ambiguities, and his thematic explorations of silence do not debunk the possibility of witness but rather awaken awareness to the complications inherent in any response to atrocity.
Beyond Metropolitanism and Nativism: Re-grounding Media Theory
Authors: Khiabany Gholam , Annabelle Sreberny
Published: February 2014

Abstract

While de-Westernisation is an interesting political intervention in media theory, analytically it offers little. We critique this approach through six inter-related arguments. The first point of critique challenges the putative singularity of the West. The second line of enquiry raises questions about the emergence of new academic disciplines and their intellectual offerings. Our third point is that the call to de-Westernise Media Studies is naïve, ignores history and the long patterns of global interconnectedness that have mutually formed the West/Rest. The fourth argument is that “de-Westernisation” suggests that the theory and methods of Media Studies offer nothing of use outside their original birthplaces, while the fifth argument is the conceptual danger of nativism. The sixth critique centres on the problem of essentialising culture as a determinate object. Examining the contemporary media practices of the Islamic Republic of Iran, we suggest that the true alternative to a repressive theocracy is its internal challenge by women, students and other parts of civil society that offers a critical third way beyond the binary divide.
Against Banal Inter-nationalism
Authors: Iwabuchi Koichi
Published: February 2014

Abstract

This article discusses, with an emphasis on Japanese and East Asian contexts, the ways in which the increasing pervasiveness of the inter-nationalised modes — “inter-national” with a hyphen in the sense of highlighting the nation as the unit of global cultural encounters — of production, circulation and consumption of media cultures makes exclusive national boundaries even stronger and more solid. The underlying tenet of “methodological nationalism” has been promoted and instituted by the synergism of the process of cultural glocalisation and state’s policy of national branding that endorses it. What has been engendered in this process is “banal inter-nationalism”; a container model of the nation is further instituted as the inter-nationalised circulation and encounter of media culture has become a site in which national identity is mundanely invoked, performed and experienced. Banal inter-nationalism suppresses and marginalises multicultural questions within the nation, as national boundaries are mutually re-constituted through the process in which cross-border cultural flows and encounters are promoted in a way to accentuate an inter-nationalised form of cultural diversity.
Textual Criticism of the
Authors: Indraccolo Lisa
Published: February 2014

The present article compares the two principal received editions of the Gongsun Longzi in the Daozang and the Shuofu collections. Exploring the considerable number of textual variants between these two editions, the analysis challenges the acknowledged status of the Daozang as the superior version. Instead, both the Daozang and the Shuofu editions are at times inferior or superior to one another. Therefore, in the interpretation of the Gongsun Longzi both editions need to be consulted in order to unravel certain obscure passages. Altogether, due to the generally high degree of coherence between the two editions, the understanding of the Gongsun Longzi is significantly affected by textual variants only in a limited number of cases. This further suggests that the Daozang and Shuofu editions do not represent two separate lines of transmission but rather two textual witnesses of a common line.  

Cet article compare les deux principales éditions reçues du Gongsun Longzi, recueillies respectivement dans le Daozang et dans le Shuofu. L’analyse des multiples variantes textuelles entre les deux versions conduit à remettre en question la supériorité généralement admise de celle du Daozang. En réalité, chacune des deux éditions est suivant les cas supérieure ou inférieure à l’autre. Pour interpréter le Gongsun Longzi il convient par conséquent de consulter l’une et l’autre si l’on veut éclaircir certains passages obscurs. Dans la mesure où dans l’ensemble les deux éditions présentent un degré élevé de cohérence entre elles, les cas où la compréhen­sion du texte est affectée de façon significative par les variantes restent finalement peu nombreux. Ce qui suggère que les versions du Daozang et du Shuofu représentent non pas deux lignées séparées de transmission, mais plutôt deux témoignages d’une seule et même lignée.
Return to an Inner Utopia
Authors: Yang Zhiyi
Published: February 2014

This article examines Su Shi’s systematic matching of Tao Qian’s poetry during his last periods of exile to the far south. Su understood the aesthetic features of Tao’s poetry as having an ethical dimension. Through emulation of Tao Qian, Su Shi reinterpreted his exile to be a result of his natural inclinations, just like Tao’s reclusion, and even as a felicitous condition for his “return” to an original state of authenticity and spontaneity. By assuming certain agency for his suffering, Su Shi claimed control over his fate and reasserted his freedom of choice. Meanwhile, his poetry betrays a sense of anxiety and dislocation in his natural and cultural habitats, as well as alienation from the political center. As a result, he reimagined Tao Qian’s “Peach Blossom Spring” to be an inner utopia. His return into this inner realm was further informed by Daoist alchemical practices and contained esoteric features. 

Cet article s’intéresse à la façon systématique dont Su Shi a composé des poèmes à l’imitation de ceux de Tao Qian pendant ses dernières périodes d’exil dans l’extrême-Sud. Pour lui, les propriétés esthétiques de la poésie de Tao Qian avaient une dimension éthique. Imiter Tao était un moyen de réinterpréter son exil comme s’il résultait de ses inclinations naturelles, à l’instar de la réclusion que Tao s’était imposée, voire comme une occasion bienvenue de retrouver un état original d’authenticité et de spontanéité. Se voulant responsable de ses propres souffrances, Su Shi revendiquait le contrôle de son destin et réaffirmait sa liberté de choix. En même temps, sa poésie révèle toute l’anxiété et la perturbation que lui causait l’environnement naturel et culturel où il avait été jeté, autant que sa séparation d’avec les centres de pouvoir. Du coup, il concevait “La source aux fleurs de pêcher” de Tao Qian comme une utopie intérieure. Son retour vers cet univers intime était par ailleurs informé par les pratiques alchimistes taoïstes et présente certains traits d’ésotérisme.
Sex, Status, and the Normalization of the Law
Authors: Xiangyu 胡祥雨 Hu
Published: February 2014

When the Qing court adjudicated illicit sex cases involving imperial clansmen, a clear distinction was made between the nature of the crime and the applicability of punishment. This distinction reveals an imbalance in the way law was normalized in Qing China. Definitions of illicit sexual behavior reflected a relatively uniform standard that applied to different social statuses and ethnicities, while punishment for offenders was often differentiated and proved to be much more closely related to social standing. Thus, in terms of their behavior, imperial clansmen were generally subject to the same legal liability as the rest of the population, but when it came to punishment their status was emphasized, and consequently they often enjoyed special legal privilege. 

Lorsque la cour des Qing jugeait des cas de crimes sexuels impliquant des membres du clan impérial, elle faisait clairement la distinction entre la nature du délit et l’application de la peine. Cette distinction révèle un déséquilibre dans le processus de normalisation du droit dans la Chine des Qing. La définition des comportements sexuels illicites reflétait la norme relativement uniforme s’appliquant à différents statuts sociaux et différents groupes ethniques; en revanche les peines infligées aux coupables étaient volontiers différenciées et s’avéraient dépendre beaucoup plus de leur situation sociale. Ainsi, du point de vue de leurs comportements les membres du clan impérial étaient en général tenus pour légalement responsables de la même façon que le reste de la population, alors que lorsqu’il s’agissait de leur appliquer des sanctions on faisait valoir leur statut, si bien qu’ils bénéficiaient souvent de privilèges légaux.
Textual Corruptions, or Linguistic Phenomena? The Cases in 2 Samuel (MT)
Authors: Tsumura D. T.
Published: February 2014

Abstract

The MT of the Books of Samuel has usually been taken as textually corrupt due to scribal errors. However, many often advocated textual emendations can be seen as unnecessary when one understands the linguistic nature of the unusual forms. Some of the cases in 2 Samuel may be explained as phonetic spellings, such as omission of aleph (e.g. 20:5, 9), assimilations (e.g. 5:13a; 13:16; 18:3, 12), metathesis (20:14; 22:46), and sandhi (22:40; 23:9, 20, 21). Another example is aposiopesis in direct speech (13:16; also 1 Sam 1:22). Furthermore, new understandings of linguistic phenomena such as the “vertical grammar” of poetic parallelism (Ps 18:11; cf. 2 Sam 22:12) and discourse grammar, especially the sequence of the verbal forms in Hebrew narrative prose (e.g. 2 Sam 4:5-7) can aid analysis.
It takes two to tango: female movement facilitates male mate location in wild northern watersnakes (Nerodia sipedon)
Authors: Jellen Benjamin C. , Aldridge Robert D.
Published: February 2014

To facilitate location of mating partners, females of many taxa emit chemical signals (i.e., sex pheromones) to inform male conspecifics of their location and reproductive status. Males subsequently alter their movements to increase their likelihood of encountering females and this movement has been historically viewed as a primary determinant of mate location. However, because of the method of female sex pheromone release, particularly via terrestrial trails, female movement likely contributes to mate location; however, information on this topic is lacking. We monitored the movements of 27 free-ranging radio-equipped adult female northern watersnakes (Nerodia sipedon) during the 2007–2009 mating seasons to determine if females employed movement tactics to facilitate location by males. For a limited period following shedding, female movement increased. During this period, they were approximately five times more likely to be located by a male than during the remainder of the mating period. Further, females experienced maximum male mate location following shedding. Because increased movement is associated with increased costs, females may minimise these costs by restricting this risky behavior to a limited period of time when their attractiveness and/or receptiveness is presumed to peak.
Redescription of a rare Himalayan species, Arctodiaptomus (Haplodiaptomus) parvispineus Kiefer 1935 from Potatso National Park, Yunnan, China (Copepoda, Calanoida, Diaptomidae)
Authors: Shu Shusen , Chen Feizhou , Chen Xiaoyong
Published: February 2014

Arctodiaptomus (Haplodiaptomus) parvispineus Kiefer, 1935, is a rare and incompletely described species, hitherto known from Himalayan glacial lakes in India. It is now recorded from ponds in Potatso National Park, Yunnan, China and redescribed herein. This is the first record of A. (H.) parvispineus from China. In addition to the descriptions, the morphological variations in the specimens found are briefly discussed.