bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TRAVELING WAVE SOLUTIONS FOR DISCRETE-TIME MODEL OF DELAYED CELLULAR NEURAL NETWORKS
Authors: HSU CHENG-HSIUNG , LIN JIAN-JHONG
Published: July 2013

The aim of this work is to study the existence and stability of traveling wave solutions for discrete-time model of delayed cellular neural networks distributed in the one-dimensional integer lattice ℤ1. Since the dynamics of each given cell depends on its left and right neighboring cells, it is not easy to construct the traveling wave solutions. Using the method of step along with positive characteristic roots of the equations, we successfully prove the existence of traveling wave solutions. Moreover, we show that all the traveling wave solutions are unstable. We also provide some numerical results to support our results, and point out the different structures of traveling wave solutions between the continuous-time and discrete-time models.
A 5D HYPERCHAOTIC SYSTEM WITH THREE POSITIVE LYAPUNOV EXPONENTS COINED
Authors: YANG QIGUI , CHEN CHUNTAO
Published: July 2013

This paper reports the finding of a five-dimensional (5D) new hyperchaotic system with three positive Lyapunov exponents, which is obtained by adding a nonlinear controller to the first equation of a 4D hyperchaotic system. The algebraical form of the hyperchaotic system is very similar to the 5D controlled Lorenz-like systems but they are different and, in fact, nonequivalent in topological structures. Of particular interest is the fact that the hyperchaotic system has a hyperchaotic attractor with three positive Lyapunov exponents under unique equilibrium or three equilibria. To further analyze the new system, the corresponding hyperchaotic and chaotic attractor are firstly numerically verified through investigating phase trajectories, Lyapunov exponents, bifurcation, analysis of power spectrum and Poincaré projections. Moreover, some complex dynamical behaviors such as the stability of hyperbolic or nonhyperbolic equilibrium and two complete mathematical characterizations for 5D Hopf bifurcation are rigorously derived and studied.
A SPICE MODEL OF THE PEO-PANI MEMRISTOR
Authors: HOWARD GERARD DAVID , BULL LARRY , DE LACY COSTELLO BEN , ADAMATZKY ANDREW , EROKHIN VICTOR
Published: July 2013

The memristor is a novel circuit element which is capable of maintaining an activity-dependent nonvolatile resistance and is therefore a candidate for use in next-generation storage and logic circuits. In this article, we present a model of the PEO-PANI memristor for use in the SPICE circuit simulation program which is especially suited to analog logic applications. Two variants are presented herein; accompanying each is a short description that explains any design decisions made, as well as elucidating on preferred simulation settings. It is shown that the model accurately replicates corresponding experimental results found in the literature. Simple simulations are used to show the suitability of each variant to specific experimental usage. Appendices contain verbatim implementations of the SPICE models.
USING TEST ORACLES AND FORMAL SPECIFICATIONS WITH TEST-DRIVEN DEVELOPMENT
Authors: ALAWNEH SHADI G. , PETERS DENNIS K.
Published: July 2013

This paper illustrates how Test Oracles and Formal Specifications, with appropriate tool support, can be used with Test-Driven Development (TDD). In TDD, the test code is a formal documentation of the required behavior of the component or system that is being developed, but this documentation is necessarily incomplete and often over-specific. We describe an alternative approach to TDD that is to develop the specification of the required behavior in a formal notation as a part of the TDD process and to generate test oracles from that specification. We present the results of using this approach to develop programs used in a project at the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at Memorial University.
THE QUANTUM DECOMPOSITION OF RANDOM VARIABLES WITHOUT MOMENTS
Authors: ACCARDI LUIGI , REBEI HABIB , RIAHI ANIS
Published: July 2013

The quantum decomposition of a classical random variable is one of the deep results of quantum probability: it shows that any classical random variable or stochastic process has a built-in non-commutative structure which is intrinsic and canonical, and not artificially put by hands.

Up to now the technique to deduce the quantum decomposition has been based on the theory of interacting Fock spaces and on Jacobi's tri-diagonal relation for orthogonal polynomials. Therefore it requires the existence of moments of any order and cannot be applied to random variables without this property.

The problem to find an analogue of the quantum decomposition for random variables without finite moments of any order remained open for about fifteen years and nobody had any idea of how such a decomposition could look like.

In the present paper we prove that any infinitely divisible random variable has a quantum decomposition canonically associated to its Lévy–Khintchin triple. The analytical formulation of this result is based on Kolmogorov representation of these triples in terms of 1–cocycles (helices) in Hilbert spaces and on the Araki–Woods–Parthasarathy–Schmidt characterization of these representation in terms of Fock spaces. It distinguishes three classes of random variables: (i) with finite second moment; (ii) with finite first moment only; (iii) without any moment. The third class involves a new type of renormalization based on the associated Lévy–Khinchin function.
A STOCHASTIC GRONWALL LEMMA
Authors: SCHEUTZOW MICHAEL
Published: July 2013

We prove a stochastic Gronwall lemma of the following type: if Z is an adapted non-negative continuous process which satisfies a linear integral inequality with an added continuous local martingale M and a process H on the right-hand side, then for any p ∈ (0, 1) the pth moment of the supremum of Z is bounded by a constant κp (which does not depend on M) times the pth moment of the supremum of H. Our main tool is a martingale inequality which is due to D. Burkholder. We provide an alternative simple proof of the martingale inequality which provides an explicit numerical value for the constant cp appearing in the inequality which is at most four times as large as the optimal constant.
Environmental geochemistry of the Hycroft Mine: a case study on the limitation of Sobek-style acid-generation predictions
Authors: Prestia Amy , Bowell Robert , Warrender Ruth , Barnes Andrew , Lassiter Deborah
Published: July 2013

The Hycroft Mine is an open pit gold mine situated along the eastern edge of the Black Rock Desert in NW Nevada, a semi-arid region where annual evaporation significantly exceeds precipitation. The Hycroft deposit is hosted in volcanic breccias and conglomerates of the Tertiary Kamma Mountain volcanic group that have been faulted by north-trending structures that acted as conduits for hydrothermal fluids. An acid-leaching event resulted in the development of vuggy, quartz alunite-altered zones produced by the removal of most minerals, including those capable of buffering acid. Accessory minerals associated with the acid leach zones are rare, except native sulphur which is locally abundant. The complex sulphur mineralogy of the Hycroft deposit, coupled with the deficiency of acid-neutralizing minerals, limits the application of traditional Sobek-style Acid-Base Accounting (ABA) methods that rely upon sulphur speciation data to predict acid-generation potential. A comparison of results from geochemical predictive tests including the modified Sobek ABA method, Net Acid Generation (NAG) test and kinetic humidity cell test (HCT) illustrates the complexity of interpreting ABA data for material containing native sulphur and low solubility sulphate minerals such as alunite.

Comparing ABA data to HCT results shows the predictions of acid generation from the ABA test are not consistent with those from the HCT, which is considered a more definitive test for the prediction of acid and metals mobility. The results of this study indicate the ABA test does not provide a reliable prediction of acid generation for samples containing native sulphur and low solubility sulphate minerals. A reasonably good correlation is, however, observed between the HCT and NAG results, suggesting the NAG test is a more effective tool for predicting the geochemical behavior of the Hycroft deposit, and potentially also other deposits with complex sulphur mineralogy. The presence of native sulphur in the acid leach material presents additional challenges with respect to acid-generation prediction due to the unique properties of this mineral. Although acid generation is predicted from the NAG test for samples containing native sulphur, the actual amount of acid and metal release generated by this mechanism in the HCT is limited in comparison to that associated with natural pyrite oxidation, which is the main contributor to acid rock drainage. The potential for acid generation from this mechanism is further limited by the semi-arid site conditions that are unlikely to produce conditions similar to the humidity cell tests that are designed to accelerate the weathering process and enhance mineral-water reaction rates. This study demonstrates the importance of considering the site-specific mineralogical characteristics of the deposit in the selection of the most appropriate geochemical test methods to use in the prediction of potential acid generation.
Computational Identification of Receptive Fields
Authors: Sharpee Tatyana O.
Published: July 2013

Natural stimuli elicit robust responses of neurons throughout sensory pathways, and therefore their use provides unique opportunities for understanding sensory coding. This review describes statistical methods that can be used to characterize neural feature selectivity, focusing on the case of natural stimuli. First, we discuss how such classic methods as reverse correlation/spike-triggered average and spike-triggered covariance can be generalized for use with natural stimuli to find the multiple relevant stimulus features that affect the responses of a given neuron. Second, ways to characterize neural feature selectivity while assuming that the neural responses exhibit a certain type of invariance, such as position invariance for visual neurons, are discussed. Finally, we discuss methods that do not require one to make an assumption of invariance and instead can determine the type of invariance by analyzing relationships between the multiple stimulus features that affect the neural responses.
Active Properties of Neocortical Pyramidal Neuron Dendrites
Authors: Major Guy , Larkum Matthew E. , Schiller Jackie
Published: July 2013

Dendrites are the main recipients of synaptic inputs and are important sites that determine neurons' input-output functions. This review focuses on thin neocortical dendrites, which receive the vast majority of synaptic inputs in cortex but also have specialized electrogenic properties. We present a simplified working-model biophysical scheme of pyramidal neurons that attempts to capture the essence of their dendritic function, including the ability to behave under plausible conditions as dynamic computational subunits. We emphasize the electrogenic capabilities of NMDA receptors (NMDARs) because these transmitter-gated channels seem to provide the major nonlinear depolarizing drive in thin dendrites, even allowing full-blown NMDA spikes. We show how apparent discrepancies in experimental findings can be reconciled and discuss the current status of dendritic spikes in vivo; a dominant NMDAR contribution would indicate that the input-output relations of thin dendrites are dynamically set by network activity and cannot be fully predicted by purely reductionist approaches.
Prefrontal Contributions to Visual Selective Attention
Authors: Squire Ryan F. , Noudoost Behrad , Schafer Robert J. , Moore Tirin
Published: July 2013

The faculty of attention endows us with the capacity to process important sensory information selectively while disregarding information that is potentially distracting. Much of our understanding of the neural circuitry underlying this fundamental cognitive function comes from neurophysiological studies within the visual modality. Past evidence suggests that a principal function of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) is selective attention and that this function involves the modulation of sensory signals within posterior cortices. In this review, we discuss recent progress in identifying the specific prefrontal circuits controlling visual attention and its neural correlates within the primate visual system. In addition, we examine the persisting challenge of precisely defining how behavior should be affected when attentional function is lost.
Early Olfactory Processing in Drosophila: Mechanisms and Principles
Authors: Wilson Rachel I.
Published: July 2013

In the olfactory system of Drosophila melanogaster, it is relatively straightforward to target in vivo measurements of neural activity to specific processing channels. This, together with the numerical simplicity of the Drosophila olfactory system, has produced rapid gains in our understanding of Drosophila olfaction. This review summarizes the neurophysiology of the first two layers of this system: the peripheral olfactory receptor neurons and their postsynaptic targets in the antennal lobe. We now understand in some detail the cellular and synaptic mechanisms that shape odor representations in these neurons. Together, these mechanisms imply that interesting neural adaptations to environmental statistics have occurred. These mechanisms also place some fundamental constraints on early sensory processing that pose challenges for higher brain regions. These findings suggest some general principles with broad relevance to early sensory processing in other modalities.
An endocrine role for brown adipose tissue?
Authors: Villarroya Joan , Cereijo Rubén , Villarroya Francesc
Published: July 2013

White adipose tissue is recognized as both a site of energy storage and an endocrine organ that produces a myriad of endocrine factors called adipokines. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is the main site of nonshivering thermogenesis in mammals. The amount and activity of brown adipocytes are associated with protection against obesity and associated metabolic alterations. These effects of BAT are traditionally attributed to its capacity for the oxidation of fatty acids and glucose to sustain thermogenesis. However, recent data suggest that the beneficial effects of BAT could involve a previously unrecognized endocrine role through the release of endocrine factors. Several signaling molecules with endocrine properties have been found to be released by brown fat, especially under conditions of thermogenic activation. Moreover, experimental BAT transplantation has been shown to improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity mainly by influencing hepatic and cardiac function. It has been proposed that these effects are due to the release of endocrine factors by brown fat, such as insulin-like growth factor I, interleukin-6, or fibroblast growth factor-21. Further research is needed to determine whether brown fat plays an endocrine role and, if so, to comprehensively identify which endocrine factors are released by BAT. Such research may reveal novel clues for the observed association between brown adipocyte activity and a healthy metabolic profile, and it could also enlarge a current view of potential therapeutic tools for obesity and associated metabolic diseases.
Thickness-Dependent Physical Properties of Coevaporated Cu4SnS4 Films
Authors: Vani V. P. Geetha , Reddy M. Vasudeva , Reddy K. T. Ramakrishna
Published: July 2013

Cu4SnS4 films of different thicknesses were prepared by thermal coevaporation technique on glass substrates at a constant substrate temperature of 400°C. The layer thickness was varied in the range 0.25–1 μm. The composition analysis revealed that all the evaporated films were nearly stoichiometric. The XRD patterns indicated the presence of a strong (311) peak as the preferred orientation, following the orthorhombic crystal structure corresponding to Cu4SnS4 films. Raman analysis showed a sharp peak at 317 cm−1, also related to Cu4SnS4 phase. The optical transmittance spectra suggested that the energy band gap decreased from 1.47 eV to 1.21 eV with increase of film thickness. The hot-probe test revealed that the layers had p-type electrical conductivity. A decrease of electrical resistivity was observed with the rise of film thickness.
Low Frequency Electroacupuncture Alleviated Spinal Nerve Ligation Induced Mechanical Allodynia by Inhibiting TRPV1 Upregulation in Ipsilateral Undamaged Dorsal Root Ganglia in Rats
Authors: Jiang Yong-Liang , Yin Xiao-Hu , Shen Ya-Fang , He Xiao-Fen , Fang Jian-Qiao
Published: July 2013

Neuropathic pain is an intractable problem in clinical practice. Accumulating evidence shows that electroacupuncture (EA) with low frequency can effectively relieve neuropathic pain. Transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) plays a key role in neuropathic pain. The study aimed to investigate whether neuropathic pain relieved by EA administration correlates with TRPV1 inhibition. Neuropathic pain was induced by right L5 spinal nerve ligation (SNL) in rats. 2 Hz EA stimulation was administered. SNL induced mechanical allodynia in ipsilateral hind paw. SNL caused a significant reduction of TRPV1 expression in ipsilateral L5 dorsal root ganglia (DRG), but a significant up-regulation in ipsilateral L4 and L6 DRGs. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) change was consistent with that of TRPV1. EA alleviated mechanical allodynia, and inhibited TRPV1 and CGRP overexpressions in ipsilateral L4 and L6 DRGs. SNL did not decrease pain threshold of contralateral hind paw, and TRPV1 expression was not changed in contralateral L5 DRG. 0.001, 0.01 mg/kg TRPV1 agonist 6′-IRTX fully blocked EA analgesia in ipsilateral hind paw. 0.01 mg/kg 6′-IRTX also significantly decreased pain threshold of contralateral paw. These results indicated that inhibition of TRPV1 up-regulation in ipsilateral adjacent undamaged DRGs contributed to low frequency EA analgesia for mechanical allodynia induced by spinal nerve ligation.
The Study of the Solution to a Generalized KdV-mKdV Equation
Authors: Lv Xiumei , Shao Tengwei , Chen Jiacheng
Published: July 2013

A mathematical technique based on an auxiliary equation and the symbolic computation system Matlab is employed to investigate a generalized KdV-mKdV equation which possesses high-order nonlinear terms. Some new solutions including the Jacobi elliptic function solutions, the degenerated soliton-like solutions, and the triangle function solutions to the equation are obtained.
Studies on Nanocomposite Conducting Coatings
Authors: Bhattacharyya Amitava , Janarthanan Gopinathan
Published: July 2013

Nanocomposite conducting coatings can impart stable surface electrical conductivity on the substrate. In this paper, carbon nanofiber (CNF) and nanographite (NG) are dispersed in thermoplastic polyurethane matrix and coated on the surface of glass and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film. The nanoparticles dispersion was studied under TEM. The coating thicknesses were estimated. Further, their resistance and impedance were measured. It has been observed that the 5 wt% CNF dispersed nanocomposite coatings show good conductivity. The use of NG can bring down the amount of CNF; however, NG alone has failed to show significant improvement in conductivity. The nanocomposite coating on PET film using 2.5 wt% of both CNF and NG gives frequency-independent impedance which indicates conducting network formation by the nanoparticles. The study was carried out at different test distances on nanocomposite coated PET films to observe the linearity and continuity of the conducting network, and the result shows reasonable linearity in impedance over total test length (from 0.5 cm to 4.5 cm). The impedance of nanocomposite coatings on glass is not frequency independent and also not following linear increase path with distance. This indicates that the dispersion uniformity is not maintained in the coating solution when it was coated on glass.
On Uniform Exponential Stability and Exact Admissibility of Discrete Semigroups
Authors: Khan Aftab , Rahmat Gul , Zada Akbar
Published: July 2013

We prove that a discrete semigroup𝕋={T(n):n∈ℤ+}of bounded linear operators acting on a complex Banach spaceXis uniformly exponentially stable if and only if, for eachx∈AP0(ℤ+,X), the sequencen↦∑k=0n‍T(n-k)x(k):ℤ+→Xbelongs toAP0(ℤ+,X). Similar results for periodic discrete evolution families are also stated.
Economic Analysis for Rebuilding of an Aged Pulverized Coal-Fired Boiler with a New Boiler in an Aged Thermal Power Plant
Authors: Cetin Burhanettin , Abacioglu Merve
Published: July 2013

Fossil-fired thermal power plants (TPP) produce a significant part of electricity in the world. Because of the aging TPPs and so their equipment (especially boiler), thermal power plants also produce less power than their installed capacities, and there has been power loss in time. This situation affects the supply and demand balance of countries. For this reason, aging equipments such as pulverized coal-fired boiler (PCB) must be renewed and power loss must be recovered, instead of building new TPPs. In this study, economic analysis of rebuilding an aged pulverized coal-fired boiler with a new pulverized coal-fired boiler including flue gas desulfurization (FGD) unit and a circulating fluidized bed boiler (FBB) are investigated in an existing old TPP. Emission costs are also added to model, and the developed model is applied to a 200 MWe pulverized coal-fired thermal power plant in Turkey. As a result, the payback period and the net present value are calculated for different technical and economic parameters such as power loss, load factor, electricity price, discount rate, and escalation rate by using the annual value method. The outcomes of this study show that rebuilding of a pulverized coal-fired boiler with a new one is amortized itself in a very short time.
The	Effect of Prey Density on Life Table Parameters of Hippodamia variegata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) Fed on Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae) under Laboratory Conditions
Authors: Davoodi Dehkordi Soodeh , Sahragard Ahad , Hajizadeh Jalil
Published: July 2013

Life table gives the most comprehensive explanation of the survivorship, development, and reproduction of a population. The life table parameters of ladybeetle, Hippodamia variegata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), on different densities (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100) of third instar nymphs of Aphis gossypii were studied in a growth chamber (°C, % RH, and a photoperiod of 16L: 8D h). The adult preovipositional period and the total preovipositional period of female H. variegata were reduced as the prey density increased. The oviposition period was longer when prey density increased. Female longevity also increased significantly with increasing prey density. Fecundity was dependent on prey density. The lowest fecundity was obtained at density of 20 prey () and the highest at density of 100 ( eggs). Intrinsic rate of increase was dependent on prey density and ranged from to  d−1 (female/female/day) with increasing prey density. Net reproductive rate and gross reproductive rate were also increased with increasing prey density. The peak reproductive values were dependent on prey density. However, mean generation time decreased as prey density increased. It was concluded that the increase in the density of A. gossypii nymphs had positive and significant effects on reproductive parameters of H. variegata.
Serotype Distribution ofSalmonellaIsolates from Turkey Ground Meat and Meat Parts
Authors: Erol Irfan , Goncuoglu Muammer , Ayaz Naim Deniz , Ellerbroek Lüppo , Bilir Ormanci Fatma Seda , Iseri Kangal Ozlem
Published: July 2013

The aim of the study was to find out the serotype distribution of 169Salmonellacolonies recovered from 112Salmonellapositive ground turkey (115 colonies) and 52 turkey meat parts (54 colonies). Out of 15Salmonellaserotypes:S.Corvallis,S.Kentucky,S.Bredeney,S.Virchow,S.Saintpaul andS.Agona were identified as the predominant serovars at the rates of 27%, 13%, 12%, 12%, 11%, and 10%, respectively. Other serotypes were below 6% of the total isolates. AllS.Kentucky andS.Virchow and most of theS.Corvallis (39/46) andS.Heidelberg (9/9) serotypes were recovered from ground turkey. The results indicate that turkey ground meat and meat parts were contaminated with quite distinctSalmonellaserotypes. This is the first study reportingSalmonellaserotype distribution in turkey meat andS.Corvallis as predominant serotype in poultry meat in Turkey.
Effects of Flow Rate and Viscosity on Slip Factor of Centrifugal Pump Handling Viscous Oils
Authors: Li Wen-Guang
Published: July 2013

Slip factor is an important parameter in the hydraulic design of centrifugal pump impeller for handling viscous oils. How to extract the factor from CFD computational results and how flow rate and liquid viscosity to affect it remain unclear. In the present paper, the flip factor was estimated by means of two approaches: one is from the velocity triangles at the impeller outlet and the other is due to the impeller theoretical head of 3D turbulent viscous fluid. The velocity of water and viscous oils in the impeller and volute computed by CFD was validated with LDV measurements at the best efficiency point. The effect of exit blade angle on slip factor was clarified. It was shown that the two approaches result into two different slip factors. The factors are significantly dependent of flow rate; however, the liquid viscosity seems to take less effect on them. Volute is responsible for reduction in tangential velocity of liquid at the outlet of impeller at low flow rates. The slip factor of impeller with large exit blade angle is not sensitive to flow rate.
Extra-Anatomical Bypass: A Surgical Option for Recurrent Aortic Coarctation
Authors: Malaj Alban , Martinelli Ombretta , Irace Francesco Giosue' , Jabbour Jihad , Gossetti Bruno , Mazzesi Giuseppe
Published: July 2013

Background. Balloon aortoplasty with or without stenting is a less invasive alternative to open surgery for the management of recurrent isthmic coarctation. However, in patients with previous small size tube graft, an open surgical correction is mandatory and, in most cases, an anatomical aortic reconstruction is carried out.Methods. We present the case of a 48-year-old woman with recurrent aortic coarctation and systemic hypertension with systolic value around 190–200 mmHg and preoperative systolic pressure gradient 70 mmHg, submitted to an extra-anatomical bypass. Through a median sternotomy, an extra-anatomical bypass from ascending to descending aorta was performed.Results. No intra- or postoperative complications were observed. The postoperative pressure gradient was 10 mmHg and the systolic pressure ranged from 130 to 140 mmHg.Conclusion. The extra-anatomical bypass can be considered an effective and safe alternative to the anatomical aortic reconstruction in the cases with recurrent aortic coarctation unfit for endovascular treatment.
Enhanced EGFP Fluorescence Emission in Presence of PEG Aqueous Solutions andPIB1000-PEG6000-PIB1000Copolymer Vesicles
Authors: Muhammad Noor , Kryuchkova Nadezda , Dworeck Tamara , Rodríguez-Ropero Francisco , Fioroni Marco
Published: July 2013

An EGFP construct interacting with the PIB1000-PEG6000-PIB1000vesicles surface reported a ~2-fold fluorescence emission enhancement. Because of the constructs nature with the amphiphilic peptide inserted into the PIB core, EGFP is expected to experience a “pure” PEG environment. To unravel this phenomenon PEG/water solutions at different molecular weights and concentrations were used. Already at ~1 : 10 protein/PEG molar ratio the increase in fluorescence emission is observed reaching a plateau correlating with the PEG molecular weight. Parallel experiments in presence of glycerol aqueous solutions did show a slight fluorescence enhancement however starting at much higher concentrations. Molecular dynamics simulations of EGFP in neat water, glycerol, and PEG aqueous solutions were performed showing that PEG molecules tend to “wrap” the protein creating a microenvironment where the local PEG concentration is higher compared to its bulk concentration. Because the fluorescent emission can be perturbed by the refractive index surrounding the protein, the clustering of PEG molecules induces an enhanced fluorescence emission already at extremely low concentrations. These findings can be important when related to the use of EGFP as reported in molecular biology experiments.
Sago Starch-Mixed Low-Density Polyethylene Biodegradable Polymer: Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Hoque Md Enamul , Ye Tan Jie , Yong Leng Chuan , Mohd Dahlan KhairulZaman
Published: July 2013

This research focuses on synthesis and characterization of sago starch-mixed LDPE biodegradable polymer. Firstly, the effect of variation of starch content on mechanical property (elongation at break and Young’s modulus) and biodegradability of the polymer was studied. The LDPE was combined with 10%, 30%, 50%, and 70% of sago for this study. Then how the cross-linking with trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA) and electron beam (EB) irradiation influence the mechanical and thermal properties of the polymer was investigated. In the 2nd study, to avoid overwhelming of data LDPE polymer was incorporated with only 50% of starch. The starch content had direct influence on mechanical property and biodegradability of the polymer. The elongation at break decreased with increase of starch content, while Young’s modulus and mass loss (i.e., degradation) were found to increase with increase of starch content. Increase of cross-linker (TMPTA) and EB doses also resulted in increased Young’s modulus of the polymer. However, both cross-linking and EB irradiation processes rendered lowering of polymer’s melting temperature. In conclusion, starch content and modification processes play significant roles in controlling mechanical, thermal, and degradation properties of the starch-mixed LDPE synthetic polymer, thus providing the opportunity to modulate the polymer properties for tailored applications.
A Complex Network of MicroRNAs Expressed in Brain and Genes Associated with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Shinde Santosh , Arora Neelima , Bhadra Utpal
Published: July 2013

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a rare neurological disease affecting mainly motor neurons and often leads to paralysis and death in extreme cases. For exploring the role of microRNAs in genes regulation in ALS disease, miRanda was employed for prediction of target sites of miRNAs expressed in various parts of brain and CNS on 35 genes associated with ALS. Similar search was conducted using TargetScan and PicTar for prediction of target sites in3′UTR only. 1456 target sites were predicted using miRanda and more target sites were found in5′UTR and CDS region as compared to3′UTR. 11 target sites were predicted to be common by all the algorithms and, thus, these represent the most significant sites. Target site hotspots were identified and were recognized as hotspots for multiple miRNAs action, thus, acting as favoured sites of action for the repression of gene expression. The complex interplay of genes and miRNAs brought about by multiplicity and cooperativity was explored. This investigation will aid in elucidating the mechanism of action of miRNAs for the considered genes. The intrinsic network of miRNAs expressed in nervous system and genes associated with ALS may provide rapid and effective outcome for therapeutic applications and diagnosis.
A Model of Anisotropic Property of Seepage and Stress for Jointed Rock Mass
Authors: Wang Pei-tao , Yang Tian-hong , Xu Tao , Yu Qing-lei , Liu Hong-lei
Published: July 2013

Joints often have important effects on seepage and elastic properties of jointed rock mass and therefore on the rock slope stability. In the present paper, a model for discrete jointed network is established using contact-free measurement technique and geometrical statistic method. A coupled mathematical model for characterizing anisotropic permeability tensor and stress tensor was presented and finally introduced to a finite element model. A case study of roadway stability at the Heishan Metal Mine in Hebei Province, China, was performed to investigate the influence of joints orientation on the anisotropic properties of seepage and elasticity of the surrounding rock mass around roadways in underground mining. In this work, the influence of the principal direction of the mechanical properties of the rock mass on associated stress field, seepage field, and damage zone of the surrounding rock mass was numerically studied. The numerical simulations indicate that flow velocity, water pressure, and stress field are greatly dependent on the principal direction of joint planes. It is found that the principal direction of joints is the most important factor controlling the failure mode of the surrounding rock mass around roadways.
Research on Real-Time Localization and Environmental Monitoring Using Sensors and ZigBee for Cold Chain System
Authors: Lee Changsoo , Jung Daewon , Lee Keun-Wang
Published: July 2013

As consumers increase the level of quality requirements for foods due to the spread of well-being culture, the demands for safe cold chain have been continuously increased. However, as we can see from the food poisoning incidents that have recently occurred, important issues are how to keep the items (foods) and manage them. Although many people are aware that these issues are important, development and investment for keeping and managing foods are not enough at present. In the existing cold chain system, it is seen that the technologies of ubiquitous sensor networks (USNs), GPS, and CDMA have been used. However, this is only applied to a particular area, and the refrigeration/freezing level is the same as the existing one. In this paper, in order to increase the utilization of the cold chain system, we use both the commercial technologies of sensors and ZigBee for environmental measurements and cellular phone or smart phone with GPS for real-time localization and date transmissions. It is expected that our implementation system that is instantly ready to use leads to the expansion of cold chain system to various fields and the development of USN technologies.
Line Intensity Measurements of the ν7+ν8 Band of Ethylene (12C2H4)
Authors: Lebron G. B. , Tan T. L.
Published: July 2013

From the four high-resolution FTIR absorbance spectra recorded at a spectral resolution of 0.0063 cm−1, 123 line intensities belonging to the ν7+ν8 band of 12C2H4 were measured and fit. The upper v7+v8=1 state rovibrational constants up to sextic terms determined using a Watson's A-reduced Hamiltonian model in Ir representation were used to calculate the line intensities of the band. Results of the experimental fit of the line intensities agree well with those obtained by calculations.
Effects of Thermal and Solvent Aging on Breakdown Voltage of TPE, PBT/PET Alloy, and PBT Insulated Low Voltage Electric Wire
Authors: Park Eun-Soo
Published: July 2013

Tests were performed to evaluate the effects of thermal and solvent aging on the mechanical and dielectric breakdown properties of four types of polyester resins, namely, the insulation layer of poly(butylene terephthalat) (PBT)- based thermoplastic elastomer (TPE, TPE1), poly(butylene 2,6-naphthalate)-based TPE (TPE2), PBT/poly(ethylene terephthalate) alloy (Alloy), and PBT extruded onto a copper conductor of low voltage electric wire. The tensile specimens used in this series were prepared from the same extruded resins. The prepared electric wires and tensile specimens were thermally aged in air and in toluene, xylene, TCB, and NMP. When Alloy and PBT were thermally aged in toluene, xylene and TCB at 120°C for 6 h, the tensile properties were significantly decreased compared to TPE1 and TPE2 at the same condition. The reduction of elongation at break of Alloy was more discernible than that of PBT. This result indicated that Alloy is more affected by thermal and solvent ageing. Among them, TPE2 showed the highest breakdown voltage (BDV), and it has also the highest BDV after thermal and solvent aging.
Pleuro-Pulmonary Nocardiosis as Opportunistic Infection in a Patient with Chronic Hepatitis C under Combination Treatment with Pegylated Interferon, Ribavirin, and Boceprevir
Authors: Putz-Bankuti Csilla , Kessler Harald H. , Valentin Thomas , Leitner Eva , Talakic Emina , Schoellnast Helmut , Fickert Peter , Krejs Guenter J. , Stauber Rudolf E.
Published: July 2013

Nocardiosis is an infrequent but serious pulmonary infection caused by Gram-positive aerobic actinomycetes. In this paper, we report on a 48-year-old patient with pleuropulmonary nocardiosis and cirrhosis due to chronic hepatitis C virus infection treated with triple antiviral treatment complicated by prolonged neutropenia.
Anterior-Posterior Instability of the Knee Following ACL Reconstruction with Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Ligament in Comparison with Four-Strand Hamstrings Autograft
Authors: Angoules A. G. , Balakatounis K. , Boutsikari E. C. , Mastrokalos D. , Papagelopoulos P. J.
Published: July 2013

Purpose. To evaluate anterior-posterior knee laxity using two different autografts.Material-Methods. 40 patients, (34 males and 6 women), 17–54 years old (mean: 31), were included in the present study. Group A (4SHS = 20) underwent reconstruction using four-strand hamstrings, and group B (BPBT = 20) underwent reconstruction using bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft. Using the KT-1000 arthrometer, knee instability was calculated in both knees of all patients preoperatively and 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery at the ACL-operated knee. The contralateral healthy knee was used as an internal control group.Results. Anterior-posterior instability using the KT1000 Arthrometer was found to be increased after ACL insufficiency. The recorded laxity improved after arthroscopic ACL reconstruction in both groups. However, statistically significant greater values were detected in the bone-patellar tendon-bone group, which revealed reduction of anteroposterior stability values to an extent, where no statistical significance with the normal values even after 3 months after surgery was observed.Conclusions. Anterior-Posterior instability of the knee improved significantly after arthroscopic ACL reconstruction. The bone-patellar tendon-bone graft provided an obvious greater stability.
Thermal Performance Prediction of a Trapezoidal Cavity Absorber for a Linear Fresnel Reflector
Authors: Lai Yanhua , Wu Tao , Che Shuping , Dong Zhen , Lyu Mingxin
Published: July 2013

A trapezoidal cavity absorber for a linear Fresnel reflector concentrator is analyzed and optimized via CFD simulation. The heat loss coefficient is introduced; the influences of ambient temperature, absorber temperature, cavity depth, inclination of side walls, insulation thickness, glass window, and emissivity of selective absorption coating have been studied. The results show that radiation dominates the cavity heat loss, and heat loss through the glass window is higher than through the insulation layer; among these factors, impact of emissivity of selective absorption coating and insulation layer is greater than that of the other factors. The simulation results via CFD prove that cavity with a 100 mm depth shows the best thermal performance among the parameters that have been taken into account.
Collision Contact Characteristics for Reciprocating Pump Using FEA and Experiments
Authors: Pei Junfeng , He Chao , Lv Miaorong , Huang Xianru , Shen Kejun , Bi Kunlei
Published: July 2013

The previous research on the pump valve is mostly focused on theory and simulation, but how much precision of these results can be obtained is rarely of concern. A new experimental approach for accurately measuring the reciprocating pump valve motion parameters has been presented. An FEA model to describe the pump valve's collision contact statealso been established. Combining the measured valve's velocity and displacement data, the collision contact characteristics in valve assembly during pump operation have been systematically analyzed by ANSYS/LS-DYNA. The von Mises stress in valve disc and its seat changed by the variables such as valve closing speed, mass, diameter, and taper angle in the collision contact process are quantitatively determined, as well as the relationship between valve's collision contact condition and pump service life. Results show that the experiment and simulation approach can truly and accurately reflect the pump valve's collision process, which provides a scientific basis for the further analysis of pump valve movement and damage mechanism and then improves the reciprocating pump design.
Growth and Characterization of Single Crystalline Bi4Ge3O12Fibers for Electrooptic High Voltage Sensors
Authors: Wildermuth Stephan , Bohnert Klaus , Brändle Hubert , Fourmigue Jean-Marie , Perrodin Didier
Published: July 2013

The micro-pulling-down technique for crystalline fiber growth is employed to grow fibers and thin rods of bismuth germanate, Bi4Ge3O12(BGO), for use in electrooptic high voltage sensors. The motivation is the growth of fibers that are considerably longer than the typical lengths (100–250 mm) that are achieved by more conventional growth techniques like the Czochralski technique. At a given voltage (several hundred kilovolts in high voltage substation applications) longer sensors result in lower electric field strengths and therefore more compact and simpler electric insulation. BGO samples with lengths up to 850 mm and thicknesses from 300 μm to 3 mm were grown. Particular challenges in the growth of BGO fibers are addressed. The relevant optical properties of the fibers are characterized, and the electrooptic response is investigated at voltages up to .
Ketogenic Diet in Epileptic Encephalopathies
Authors: Sharma Suvasini , Tripathi Manjari
Published: July 2013

The ketogenic diet is a medically supervised high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that has been found useful in patients with refractory epilepsy. It has been shown to be effective in treating multiple seizure types and epilepsy syndromes. In this paper, we review the use of the ketogenic diet in epileptic encephalopathies such as Ohtahara syndrome, West syndrome, Dravet syndrome, epilepsy with myoclonic atonic seizures, and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Application in Response Prediction before, during, and after Neoadjuvant Radiochemotherapy in Primary Rectal Cancer Carcinoma
Authors: Musio Daniela , De Felice Francesca , Magnante Anna Lisa , Ciolina Maria , De Cecco Carlo Nicola , Rengo Marco , Redler Adriano , Laghi Andrea , Raffetto Nicola , Tombolini Vincenzo
Published: July 2013

Introduction. Our interest was to monitor treatment response using ADC value to predict response of rectal tumour to preoperative radiochemotherapy.Materials and Methods. Twenty-two patients were treated with long course of radiochemotherapy, followed by surgery. Patients were examined by diffusion-weighted imaging MRI at three-time points (prior, during, and after radiochemotherapy) and were classified as responders and nonresponders.Results. A statistical significant correlation was found between preradiochemotherapy ADC values and during treatment ADC values, in responders (F=21.50,Pvalue<0.05). An increase in ADC value during treatment was predictive of at least a partial response.Discussion. Response of tumour to neoadjuvant therapy cannot be easily evaluated, and such capability might be of great importance in clinical practice, because the number of irradiated and operated patients may be superior to the number of who will really benefit from this multimodal treatment. A reliable prediction of the final clinical TN stage would allow radiotherapist to adapt multidisciplinary approach to a less invasive management, sparing surgical procedure in responder patients or even allowing an early surgery in nonresponders, which would significantly reduce radiochemotherapy related toxicity.Conclusion. Early evaluation of response during neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy treatment shows great promise to predict tumour response.
Integrative Analysis of Methylome and Transcriptome Reveals the Importance of Unmethylated CpGs in Non-CpG Island Gene Activation
Authors: Marx Amichai , Kahan Tamar , Simon Itamar
Published: July 2013

Background. Promoter methylation is associated with gene repression; however, little is known about its mechanism. It was proposed that the repression of methylated genes is achieved through the recruitment of methyl binding proteins (MBPs) that participate in closing the chromatin. An alternative mechanism suggests that methylation interferes with the binding of either site specific activators or more general activators that bind to the CpG dinucleotide. However, the relative contribution of these two mechanisms to gene repression is not known.Results. Bioinformatics analyses of genome-wide transcriptome and methylome data support the latter hypothesis by demonstrating a strong association between transcription and the number of unmethylated CpGs at the promoter of genes lacking CpG islands.Conclusions. Our results suggest that methylation represses gene expression mainly by preventing the binding of CpG binding activators.
Analytical Variables Affecting Analysis of F2-Isoprostanes and F4-Neuroprostanes in Human Cerebrospinal Fluid by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Yen Hsiu-Chuan , Wei Hsing-Ju , Chen Ting-Wei
Published: July 2013

F2-isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs) are a gold marker of lipid peroxidationin vivo, whereas F4-neuroprostanes (F4-NPs) measured in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or brain tissue selectively indicate neuronal oxidative damage. Gas chromatography/negative-ion chemical-ionization mass spectrometry (GC/NICI-MS) is the most sensitive and robust method for quantifying these compounds, which is essential for CSF samples because abundance of these compounds in CSF is very low. The present study revealed potential interferences on the analysis of F2-IsoPs and F4-NPs in CSF by GC/NICI-MS due to the use of improper analytical methods that have been employed in the literature. First, simultaneous quantification of F2-IsoPs and F4-NPs in CSF samples processed for F4-NPs analysis could cause poor chromatographic separation and falsely higher F2-IsoPs values for CSF samples with high levels of F2-IsoPs and F4-NPs. Second, retention of unknown substances in GC columns from CSF samples during F4-NPs analysis and from plasma samples during F2-IsoPs analysis might interfere with F4-NPs analysis of subsequent runs, which could be solved by holding columns at a high temperature for a period of time after data acquisition. Therefore, these special issues should be taken into consideration when performing analysis of F2-IsoPs and F4-NPs in CSF to avoid misleading results.
Solitary Angiokeratoma of Oral Mucosa: A Rare Presentation
Authors: Kandalgaonkar Shilpa , Tupsakhare Suyog , Patil Ashok , Agrawal Gaurav , Gabhane Mahesh , Sonune Shrikant
Published: July 2013

Solitary angiokeratoma of oral mucosa is rare entity. The term Angiokeratoma is used to refer to several lesions, whose common denominator is the presence of dilated blood vessels in association with epidermal hyperplasia. Mucosal involvement, including oral cavity is occasionally found either as a component of the systemic variety, cutaneous involvement or isolated oral involvement. Clinically, the lesion is irregular, whitish to dark brown in color, with female predominance. The etiological factors include injury, trauma, or chronic irritation to the wall of a papillary dermis. Histologically, it is characterized by hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, and dilated vascular spaces with or without organizing thrombi in papillary dermis. The vascular spaces are partly or completely enclosed by elongated ret-ridges. Along with this reporting a case of solitary angiokeratoma affecting tongue in a 38-year-old male patient, along with the literature review is presented.