bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping of Crohn's disease outcomes to faecal calprotectin levels in patients maintained on biologic therapy
Authors: Turvill James
Published: April 2014

Background

Faecal calprotectin (FC) is a sensitive marker of intestinal mucosal inflammation. The gold standard in Crohn's disease management is mucosal healing. The role of FC to support clinical practice in Crohn's disease is not yet defined.

Aims

To determine, in patients with Crohn's disease established on biologic therapy: (1) the correlation between disease activity and FC levels, (2) whether FC can predict for relapse and (3) the sensitivity and specificity of the C-reactive protein (CRP) when compared with FC.

Methods

In this retrospective, single-site study, Crohn's disease activity, clinical outcomes, FC and CRP of 76 patients established on biologic therapy were reviewed and mapped over time.

Results

Patients were mapped for a median of 34 months (IQR 21–57.5). FC levels were determined every 7 (4–13) months on average. Mean FC in quiescent disease was 105 μg/g (SEM 19); in mild disease, 282 (SEM 71); in moderate disease, 611 (SEM 80) and in severe disease, 1314 (SEM 224) (p<0.001). In asymptomatic patients who relapsed at 6 months, the optimal FC, with an area under the curve of 0.886 (p<0.001), was 357.5. In discriminating quiescent from active disease (FC>100 μg/g) the sensitivity and specificity of CRP were 0.48 (0.36–0.61) and 0.73 (0.6–0.85), and in mild from moderate or active disease (FC>250 μg/g), 0.60 (0.43–0.74) and (0.72 (0.60–0.82).

Conclusions

FC is an accurate marker of Crohn's disease activity and predicts for relapse, thus providing the clinician time to optimise therapy. FC is a more sensitive marker of Crohn's disease activity than CRP.
Examining the relationship between the prevalence of guns and homicide rates in the USA using a new and improved state-level gun ownership proxy
Authors: Siegel Michael , Ross Craig S , King Charles
Published: April 2014

Determining the relationship between gun ownership levels and firearm homicide rates is critical to inform public health policy. Previous research has shown that state-level gun ownership, as measured by a widely used proxy, is positively associated with firearm homicide rates. A newly developed proxy measure that incorporates the hunting license rate in addition to the proportion of firearm suicides correlates more highly with state-level gun ownership. To corroborate previous research, we used this new proxy to estimate the association of state-level gun ownership with total, firearm, and non-firearm homicides. Using state-specific data for the years 1981–2010, we modelled these rates as a function of gun ownership level, controlling for potential confounding factors. We used a negative binomial regression model and accounted for clustering of observations among states. We found that state-level gun ownership as measured by the new proxy, is significantly associated with firearm and total homicides but not with non-firearm homicides.
Use of thromboelastography to tailor dual-antiplatelet therapy in patients undergoing treatment of intracranial aneurysms with the Pipeline embolization device
Authors: McTaggart Ryan A , Choudhri Omar A , Marcellus Mary L , Brennan Tom , Steinberg Gary K , Dodd Robert L , Do Huy M , Marks Michael P
Published: April 2014

Background

Platelet function testing is controversial and not well studied in patients with neurovascular disease.

Objective

To evaluate the performance of thromboelastography (TEG) as a platelet function test in neurovascular patients treated with the Pipeline embolization device (PED).

Methods

A prospective protocol was instituted for platelet function testing in patients undergoing repair of intracranial aneurysms with the PED. All patients received dual antiplatelet therapy (DAT) and their response to both P2Y12 inhibitors and aspirin was quantified with TEG. Each patient's DAT induction strategy was tailored based on the percentage ADP-induced and percentage arachidonic acid-induced platelet inhibition reported by TEG. Data collected included clinical presentation, aneurysm characteristics, treatment details, and periprocedural events. Patients were followed up clinically and/or angiographically at 30 days, 6 months, and 1 year.

Results

Thirty-four PED procedures were performed on 31 patients. TEG results altered the DAT strategy in 35% of patients. Technical success with the Pipeline placement was 100%. Two patients had minor strokes and five had transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). There have been no hemorrhagic complications. No patient had permanent neurologic deficits. Six of eight (75%) of patients with thromboembolic/TIA events were ADP-induced hyporesponders by TEG. Our 6- and 12-month angiographic occlusion rates were 78.9% and 89.5%, respectively. The 19 major branches covered by the PED that were assessed by follow-up imaging have all remained patent.

Conclusions

Platelet function testing with TEG altered our DAT induction strategy in a significant number of cases. No hemorrhagic or disabling thromboembolic complications were seen in this series. Future studies should compare methods of platelet function testing and, possibly, no platelet function testing in neurovascular patients undergoing flow diversion and/or stent-assisted treatment of intracranial aneurysms.
Effect of ginsenoside Rg1 on proliferation and neural phenotype differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells in vitro
Authors: Xu Fang-Tian , Li Hong-Mian , Yin Qing-Shui , Cui Shi-En , Liu Da-Lie , Nan Hua , Han Zhi-An , Xu Kun-Ming
Published: April 2014

Aims: To investigate whether ginsenoside Rg1 can promote neural phenotype differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) in vitro. Methods: hASCs were isolated from lipo-aspirates, and characterized by specific cell markers and multilineage differentiation capacity after culturing to the 3rd passage. Cultured hASCs were treated with neural inductive media alone (group A, control) or inductive media plus 10, 50, or 100 μg/mL ginsenoside Rg1 (groups B, C, and D, respectively). Cell proliferation was assessed by CCK-8 assay. Neuron specific enolase (NSE) and microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP-2) levels were measured by Western blot. mRNA levels of growth associated protein-43 (GAP-43), neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), and synapsin-1 (SYN-1) were determined by real-time PCR. Results: Ginsenoside Rg1 promoted the proliferation of hASCs (groups B, C, and D) and resulted in higher expression of NSE and MAP-2 compared with the control group. Gene expression levels of GAP-43, NCAM, and SYN-1 in the test groups were higher than that in thw control. The results displayed a dose-dependent effect of ginsenoside Rg1 on cell proliferation and neural phenotype differentiation. Conclusion: This study indicated that ginsenoside Rg1 promotes cell proliferation and neural phenotype differentiation of hASCs in vitro, suggesting a potential use for hASCs in neural regeneration medicine.
More on the Abrikosov strings with non-Abelian moduli
Authors: Shifman M. , Tallarita Gianni , Yung Alexei
Published: April 2014

We continue explorations of deformed Abrikosov–Nielsen–Olesen (ANO) strings, with non-Abelian moduli on the worldsheet. In a simple model with an extra field, we find classically stable ANO and non-Abelian strings. The tension of the latter is a few percent lower than the tension of the ANO string. Then, we calculate the interpolating field configuration. Once the kink mass Mkand the difference of tensions ΔT are found, we calculate the decay rate of the ANO string with a higher tension ("false vacuum") into the non-Abelian string with the lower tension ("genuine vacuum") through the "bubble" formation in the quasiclassical approximation.
RISK TAXONOMY RELATED TO SOFTWARE ACQUISITION: A CASE STUDY
Authors: GASCA-HURTADO GLORIA PIEDAD , GONZÁLEZ-CALDERÓN GUILLERMO , CALVO-MANZANO JOSE A. , SAN FELIU TOMÁS
Published: April 2014

Currently, software acquisition is strategic for organizations. Companies need support to succeed in software acquisition projects because such projects commonly present high failure rates. To solve this problem, it is necessary to design mechanisms for software acquisition, such as risk classification to identify the typical risks that may affect the success of a software acquisition project. Thus, herein, we present a case study, showing the implementation of a risk taxonomy whose structure is designed using a method for its construction, with a mechanism to reduce the risk of acquisition projects that adversely affect their success.
FACTORS AFFECTING DISTRIBUTED AGILE PROJECTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: MATALONGA SANTIAGO , SOLARI MARTÍN , MATTURRO GERARDO
Published: April 2014

In the last decade we have witnessed a growth in outsourcing and outshoring development. Following the promise of reducing costs and round-the-clock development, software organizations have grown from local to global enterprises. In the same decade, agile software development methodologies have emerged as a viable alternative to produce software. There is a myriad of agile processes and methodologies now available for any software development organization to choose from. These agile processes follow the values signed in the Agile Manifesto that preaches the exaltation of the individual programmer, high feedback, customer interaction and just enough planning and documentation. But how does global distribution affect these values? Can agile software development be implemented under the global software development context? This paper presents a systematic literature review aimed at identifying factors that affect the adoption of agile factors in global distributed teams. Our findings show that the literature is still in its initial case study publication stage. But most notably, we have found that only a few of the factors found are related to the agile values. Even though more research is clearly needed, this can be a signal that the factors affecting team distribution has more impact on software development than the values and practices preached by the agile processes.
ABSIM: AN AUTOMATED BUSINESS SERVICE IDENTIFICATION METHOD
Authors: KAZEMI ALI , HAGHIGHI HASSAN , SHAMS FEREIDOON
Published: April 2014

One of the key activities in the service-oriented solution is the identification of services according to a set of predefined design principles. Existing service identification approaches are often prescriptive and are based on the architect’s experience, and therefore might lead to non-optimal designs which result in lower performance, reduced scalability, and complicated dependencies between services. In this paper, an automated method, called ABSIM, is proposed to identify business services by adopting design metrics based on top-down decomposition of business processes. ABSIM first gets a set of business goals along with business processes as its input and then produces a set of non-dominant solutions using a multi-objective genetic algorithm. Since each produced non-dominant solution corresponds to a set of services, in the next step of the method, fuzzy logic is used to rank the obtained solutions according to the business goals specified at the first stage. In this way, using ABSIM, a set of services which are based on the enterprise business processes and goals and are appropriate in terms of qualitative attributes is obtained. We use two case studies to show the applicability of ABSIM. Also, we demonstrate the appropriateness of ABSIM results through comparing them with outputs of expert’s experiences based on a proposed formal approach.
A BIBLIOMETRIC/GEOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF 40 YEARS OF SOFTWARE ENGINEERING RESEARCH (1969–2009)
Authors: GAROUSI VAHID , RUHE GUENTHER
Published: April 2014

Bibliometric rankings are quite common in the field of software engineering. For example, there are a series of ranking repeated every year which identify the top researchers and institutions at the international level in the field. There are also other studies to determine the most cited articles in software engineering journals, the most popular research topics in this area, or identify the top researchers and institutions in regional levels. However, there exists no existing bibliometric quantitative analysis of publications in the area of software engineering (SE), including relative and absolute growth in the number of all SE publications as well as an analysis among countries. This is the main goal and motivation of this article. Besides, this study intends to provide an overall quantitative trend of the software engineering papers, and compare that trend to research output in other areas of science.

The bibliometric study reported in this paper is motivated by the fact that understanding the amount of geographical research contributions to the field of software engineering can help identify different countries’ level of commitment to support research activities in this area over years. We analyze how the contribution levels of top-ranked countries have changed over the years and how SE compares to other disciplines of engineering and science. Among the most interesting findings of this study are: (1) Over 40 years, in total about 60% of the SE literature has been contributed by only 7% of all countries, (2) the SE research output of different countries does not necessarily correlate with their GDPs, (3) the share of contributions to the SE discipline by the American researchers has declined from 71.43% (in 1980) to 14.90% (in 2008), and (4) China is the country with the biggest share growth in the number of publications (from 0.82% of the entire SE publications in 1991 to 13.82% in 2009).
High capacity terahertz frequency combs generated by small scale optical mesh network
Authors: Youplao Phichai , Pornsuwancharoen Nithiroth , Yupapin Preecha P.
Published: April 2014

A novel design of mesh ring resonator system is proposed and simulated to obtain the multi frequency comb bands, in which the frequency band less than 10 GHz (about 0.084 nm) of comb lines spacing with commercialized ring parameters is achieved. The proposed system is used to enhance the capacity of optical frequency comb for redundancy networks against the network element failures and to increase the survivability of the communication systems. The dependence of the mesh ring transmission characteristics with coupling coefficients of directional couplers is analyzed and studied. In application, such a system can be employed as an on-chip optical device for redundancy networks against the network element failures and to increase the survivability of the communication systems. The potential for improving the reliability and availability of the optical networks is discussed. Moreover, the proposed system can also be employed as multi sensing devices, where the microscale, for instance, as an atom/molecule force sensor can be measured by the shifted parameters of the Vernier filters.
Numerical study of anomalous TE-polarized light scattering by metallic nanowires using realistic data
Authors: Data G. Wesley Putra , Iskandar Alexander A. , Tjia May-On
Published: April 2014

We report the result of a numerical study of surface plasmon induced anomalous behaviors in TE light scattering by single silver and gold nanowires of radius a. Going beyond the restricted case of nondissipative and nondispersive scatterers often reported previously, the current numerical calculation is performed directly on the basis of Mie's general formula, adopting the refractive index data of Johnson and Christy. Our result does not show the appearance of well resolved and multipole resonances in Q sca plotted against q(= 2πa/λ), for certain wire radii. It does show however, the growing contributions of the higher order modes as a increases. A series of closely-placed but well separated resonance curves nevertheless show up for varying wire radii within the range of small q, exhibiting systematic changes indicative of the size effects on the scattered waves. The further deduced Q sca (λ) spectra display the distinct resonance curves for different wire radii showing peculiar mix of monotonous and nonmonotonous variations of the resonance peak and spectral width with increasing a, as a result of complicated competitions among the growing contributions of the higher order modes. Finally, while the silver and gold scatterers appear to exhibit qualitatively similar behaviors, they differ largely in details due to the significantly different indices of refraction and dispersive properties.
On the Buckling of Isotropic, Transversely Isotropic and Laminated Composite Rectangular Plates
Authors: Sayyad Atteshamuddin S. , Ghugal Yuwaraj M.
Published: April 2014

This paper presents the uniaxial and biaxial buckling analysis of rectangular plates based on new trigonometric shear and normal deformation theory. The theory accounts for the cosine distribution of the transverse shear strain through the plate thickness and on the free boundary conditions on the plate surfaces without using the shear correction factor. Governing equations and boundary conditions of the theory are derived by the principle of virtual work. The Navier type solutions for the buckling analysis of simply supported isotropic, transversely isotropic, orthotropic and symmetric cross-ply laminated composite rectangular plates subjected to uniaxial and biaxial compressions are presented. The effects of variations in the degree of orthotropy of the individual layers, side-to-thickness ratio and aspect ratio of the plate are examined on the buckling characteristics of composite plates. The present results are compared with those of the classical plate theory (CPT), first order shear deformation theory (FSDT) and exact three-dimensional (3D) elasticity theory wherever applicable. Good agreement is achieved of the present results with those of higher order shear deformation theory (HSDT) and elasticity theory.
Power Spectral Density Estimation for Wireless Fluctuation Enhanced Gas Sensor Nodes
Authors: Mingesz R. , Vadai G. , Gingl Z.
Published: April 2014

Fluctuation enhanced sensing (FES) is a promising method to improve the selectivity and sensitivity of semiconductor and nanotechnology gas sensors. Most measurement setups include high cost signal conditioning and data acquisition units as well as intensive data processing. However, there are attempts to reduce the cost and energy consumption of the hardware and to find efficient processing methods for low cost wireless solutions. In this paper, we propose highly efficient signal processing methods to analyze the power spectral density of fluctuations. These support the development of ultra-low-power intelligent fluctuation enhanced wireless sensor nodes while several further applications are also possible.
On *-clean group rings
Authors: Li Yuanlin , Parmenter M. M. , Yuan Pingzhi
Published: April 2014

A ring with involution * is called *-clean if each of its elements is the sum of a unit and a projection. Clearly a *-clean ring is clean. Vaš asked whether there exists a clean ring with involution * that is not *-clean. In a recent paper, Gao, Chen and the first author investigated when a group ring RG with classical involution * is *-clean and obtained necessary and sufficient conditions for RG to be *-clean, where R is a commutative local ring and G is one of C3, C4, S3 and Q8. As a consequence, the authors provided many examples of group rings which are clean, but not *-clean. In this paper, we continue this investigation and we give a complete characterization of when the group algebra 𝔽Cp is *-clean, where 𝔽 is a field and Cp is the cyclic group of prime order p. Our main result is related closely to the irreducible factorization of a pth cyclotomic polynomial over the field 𝔽. Among other results we also obtain a complete characterization of when RCn (3 ≤ n ≤ 6) is *-clean where R is a commutative local ring.
Nanowire Modified Electrode for Sensitive Measurement of Nicotinic Acid
Authors: Wang S. , Pei L. Z. , Xie Y. K. , Cai Z. Y.
Published: April 2014

A simple and sensitive method has been developed to measure nicotinic acid using CuGeO3nanowire modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The CuGeO3nanowires can be attached firmly to the surface of the GCE. The modified GCE exhibits good detection performance for nicotinic acid with the correlation coefficient of 0.993 and 0.985 for cvp1 and cvp2, respectively. The detection limit is 9.2 μM and 0.83 μM, respectively at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3 with the linear range of 0.001–2 mM. The CuGeO3nanowire modified GCE exhibits good stability and reproducibility.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN WEST BANK, PALESTINE
Authors: SABELLA ANTON R. , FARRAJ WOJDAN A. , BURBAR MAISA , QAIMARY DANA
Published: April 2014

This paper examines the nature of the relationship between entrepreneurship and economic growth in the West Bank of the Palestinian territories that occurred post Oslo Agreement. The paper has two main objectives: first, to examine with empirical evidence the impact of entrepreneurship on economic growth; second, to explore the effect of two control variables on the relationship — checkpoints and international aid — which are unique to this particular study. Using data spanning over a course of sixteen years, various statistical methods were applied to explain the effect of variant levels of entrepreneurial activity on GDP and unemployment. The results show that contrary to a reservoir of research, entrepreneurship appeared to have no significant impact on economic growth. This can be explained by the fact entrepreneurial activity is expected to decrease as a result of growth in the economy as new jobs are created.
ENTREPRENEURIAL SELF-EFFICACY, INTENT AND INTENSITY: DOES EXPERIENTIAL TRAINING ENHANCE OR INHIBIT PREDISPOSITION?
Authors: SCHENKEL MARK T. , D'SOUZA RODNEY R. , BRAUN FRANK C.
Published: April 2014

Whereas prior research has investigated the relationship between the belief in one's abilities (entrepreneurial self-efficacy) and the intent to form a new business as a discrete event, little research has investigated the relationship between entrepreneurial self-efficacy and his or her focus and commitment (entrepreneurial intensity). Consequently, potential meaningful theoretical and pedagogical aspects remain less well understood. This study addresses this void explicitly by employing a pre-post design that investigates both the dynamics of the relationships between entrepreneurial self-efficacy, intent and intensity, as well as the moderating influence of different training methodologies. Our results suggest a change in focus from intent to intensity produces important theoretical and practical insights about the dynamics of early stage decision making.
The Atkin orthogonal polynomials for the Fricke groups of levels 5 and 7
Authors: Sakai Yuichi
Published: April 2014

We define Atkin's inner product for the Fricke groups of levels 5 and 7, and show that under certain condition the Atkin orthogonal polynomials in these cases exist. We also show the connection between extremal quasimodular forms of depth 1 and the Atkin orthogonal polynomials for these groups. Finally we propose a conjecture that relates our Atkin orthogonal polynomials to supersingular elliptic curves.
Dielectric properties of spark plasma sintered BaTi2O5 ceramics prepared through sol–gel process
Authors: Liu Wenfeng , Tsukada Shinya , Akishige Yukikuni
Published: April 2014

Barium dititanate ( BaTi 2 O 5) ceramics with high density and phase purity were fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS) from the sol–gel derived powders. The fine grained ceramics exhibited a diffuse phase transition which is qualitatively the same as the conventional defects induced relaxor behavior but different in high transition temperature and weak diffuseness. Furthermore the dielectric constant of the present BaTi 2 O 5 ceramics showed an abnormal enhancement under the dc bias. The tunability can reach 58%. This can be explained by the favor of b-axis during the cooling process with the help of the dc bias.
Near-infrared quantum cutting of Dy3+, Ho3+–Yb3+ and Er3+–Yb3+-doped Ca10K(PO4)7 phosphors
Authors: Zhang Jia , Jiang Cheng
Published: April 2014

Dy 3+, Ho 3+– Yb 3+ and Er 3+– Yb 3+-doped Ca 10 K ( PO 4)7 phosphors were prepared by solid-state reaction method, and their luminescence properties of near-infrared (NIR) quantum cutting (QC) were investigated for the first time. The Rietveld refinement performed for the X-ray diffractometer (XRD) data indicates the obtained samples are single-phase. From the excitation spectra, it can be seen that the energy transfers from Ho 3+ to Yb 3+, and from Er 3+ to Yb 3+ occur. The Dy 3+, Ho 3+– Yb 3+ and Er 3+– Yb 3+ co-doped Ca 10 K ( PO 4)7 samples all exhibit NIR emission peaks in the QC processes, and their spectral characteristics are agreement with the corresponding NIR QC mechanisms. The NIR QC properties of the as-prepared samples indicate the potential applications in modifying the solar spectrum to enhance the efficiency of silicon solar cells.
C-projection and monopole condensation in QCD
Authors: Cho Y. M.
Published: April 2014

We show that the monopole condensation is responsible for the confinement. To demonstrate this we present a new gauge invariant integral expression of the one-loop QCD effective action which has no infra-red divergence, and show that the color reflection invariance ("the C-projection") assures the gauge invariance and the stability of the monopole condensation.
Hyperon-hyperon interaction based on quark-model baryon-baryon interactions
Authors: Fukukawa Kenji
Published: April 2014

Energy-independent nonlocal Gaussian potential based on the quark-model baryon-baryon interaction is derived by using the Gauss-Legendre quadrature and the Bargmann algebra. The reliability of this potential is examined with respect to the NN, YN and YY phase shifts. This potential reproduces the phase shifts predicted by quark-model baryon-baryon interaction fss2.
Possibility of Σc(2800) and Λc(2940)+ as S-wave D(*)N molecular states
Authors: Zhang Jian-Rong
Published: April 2014

In this talk, we give a brief review of our work studying the possibility of Σc(2800) and Λc(2940)+ as S-wave D(*)N molecular states from QCD sum rules.
Constituent quark model study of exotic meson states
Authors: Yang Youchang , Ping Jialun , Deng Chengrong , Wan Meng
Published: April 2014

Using high precision numerical method based on Gaussian expansion method for few-body systems, we studied the spectra of possible exotic meson states composed of [Formula: see text] (Q = c, b, and q = u, d, s) in non-relativistic constituent quark model. Some newly released experimental data by the BES, Belle, BaBar Collaboration can be interpreted in our calculation. Several possible exotic states are also predicted.
Study of deuteron generalized parton distribution functions and its tensor structure function
Authors: Dong Yubing , Liang Cuiying
Published: April 2014

The generalized parton distribution functions of deuteron are studied based on a phenomenological effective Lagrangian approach. The electric, magnetic and quadrupole form factors are estimated. Moreover, the tensor structure function of the deuteron is discussed.
Analysis of the heavy quarkonium states hc and hb with QCD sum rules
Authors: Wang Zhi-Gang , Guo Shu-Yuan
Published: April 2014

In this article, we take the tensor currents [Formula: see text] to interpolate the P-wave spin-singlet heavy quarkonium states hQ, and study the masses and decay constants with the Borel sum rules and moments sum rules. The masses and decay constants from the Borel sum rules and moments sum rules are consistent with each other, the masses are also consistent with the experimental data. The heavy quarkonium states hQ couple potentially to the tensor currents [Formula: see text], and have the quark structure ϵijkξ†σkζ besides the quark structure [Formula: see text].
Revisiting $\bar{K}N$ scattering and relevant baryon resonances
Authors: Guo Zhi-Hui , Oller J. A.
Published: April 2014

We give an updated study on meson-baryon scattering within the framework of unitary chiral perturbation theory. We focus on S-wave scattering with strangeness -1 channel. After fixing the unknown couplings through fitting to experimental data, we then analyze the baryon spectroscopy and the sub-threshold behavior of the [Formula: see text] amplitude. We end with a summary and a brief outlook.
K-p → Σ0π0, Λπ0, $\bar{K}^0n$, ηΛ reactions in a quark model
Authors: Zhong Xian-Hui
Published: April 2014

In this talk, we report our main results on the study of the low-energy reactions K-p → Σ0π0, Λπ0, [Formula: see text], ηΛ in a quark model. This model might be a powerful approach to deal with these low-energy reactions. In the analysis, we find that the u- and t-channel backgrounds play crucial roles in the low-energy [Formula: see text] scatterings. Significant evidence of some low-lying Λ and Σ hyperon resonances in these processes are found. Furthermore, we obtain some properties of the low-lying Λ and Σ hyperon resonances. For example, Λ(1670)S01 should have a much stronger coupling to ηΛ, while having a weaker coupling to [Formula: see text] than that derived in the SU(6) ⊗ O(3) limit; the coupling of Λ(1690)D03 to ηΛ is very small. The configuration mixing effects might be crucial to understand the strong interaction properties of the low-lying negative Λ resonances.
Estimation of ground state pentaquark masses
Authors: Xu K. , Ritjoho N. , Srisuphaphon S. , Yan Y.
Published: April 2014

Permutation groups are applied to analyze the symmetries of multiquark systems and wave functions of pentaquark states are constructed systematically in the language of Yamanouchi basis. We estimate the mass of baryons in the constituent quark model with one-gluon-exchange interaction, assuming that baryons consist of the q3 component as well as the [Formula: see text] pentaquark component.
Effects of Electrolyte Solutions and Their pH on the Electrochromic Cycling Stability of Reactively Sputtered WO3 Thin Fims
Authors: Todo Ryosuke , Abe Yoshio , Kawamura Midori , Kim Kyung Ho
Published: April 2014

WO3 thin films were prepared by reactive sputtering and their electrochromic (EC) cycling characteristics were examined in aqueous electrolyte solutions with a pH range from 1 to 6. These solutions contained H2SO4 and a supporting electrolyte of either, K2SO4 or Na2SO4, which was added to maintain a constant ionic conductivity. Stable EC cycling was achieved in solutions containing K2SO4 with pH from 1.5 to 3.6, whereas some degradation occurred in solutions containing Na2SO4. In neutral solutions, the WO3 films peeled off within 20 cycles, regardless pf the type of electrolyte. A maximum transmittance change from 38 to 90%, and stable EC cycling up to 100 cycles were obtained in acidic electrolytes containing H2SO4 + K2SO4 with a pH of 1.5 to 2.5.
Preparation of PtSn/C Electrocatalysts by an Alcohol-Reduction Process Using Different Conditions for Ethanol Electro-Oxidation
Authors: Ribeiro Vilmaria Aparecida , Sekol Ryan C. , Taylor André D. , Neto Almir Oliveira , Spinacé Estevam V.
Published: April 2014

PtSn/C electrocatalysts were prepared by an alcohol-reduction process using Pt(C5H7O2)2 and SnCl4•5H2O as metal precursors, a mixture of ethylene glycol:water as both a solvent and reducing agent and Carbon Vulcan XC72 as support. The electrocatalysts were prepared with 20 wt% of metal content and Pt:Sn atomic ratio of 50:50 using different conditions: under reflux (RFX) at 160°C for 3 h and in an autoclave (ATC) at 200°C under autogeneous pressure for 30 min. The obtained PtSn/C electrocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction and cyclic voltammetry. The electro-oxidation of ethanol was evaluated by chronoamperometry in acid medium. A similar performance was observed for commercial PtSn/C BASF and PtSn/C RFX while PtSn/C ATC showed a superior performance.
Hierarchical Nanostructured Carbon Materials for Ultrahigh Electrochemical Energy Storage
Authors: Fang Baizeng , Bonakdarpour Arman , Xing Yalan , Yu Jong-Sung , Wilkinson David P.
Published: April 2014

Nanostructured carbon materials with hierarchical porosities composed of macro-, meso- and micropores, such as hollow core carbon sphere (HCCS), multimodal porous carbon (MPC) have been investigated as electrode materials for electric double-layer capacitors. Compared with their counterparts such as Norit SX Plus activated carbon and Pearls 2000 carbon black, the as-prepared HCCS and MPC have demonstrated much higher specific capacitance and energy, and better cycling performance. This is mainly attributable to their excellent structural characteristics such as large specific surface area and mesoporous volume, and particularly well-developed hierarchical nanostructures facilitating fast mass transport.
Electrochemical Performance of Supercapacitors Formed by PAni/CF and PAni/CNT/CF
Authors: Almeida Dalva Alves de Lima , Carvalho Alexandre Augusto Rocha , Fonseca Carla Polo , Baldan Mauricio Ribeiro , Ferreira Neidenei Gomes
Published: April 2014

Binary and ternary composites of polyaniline /carbon fiber (PAni/CF) and polyaniline/carbon nanotube/carbon fiber (PAni/CNT/CF are presented. PAni deposits were optimized in both electrodes considering different deposition times. The electrodes morphologies were observed by scanning electron microscopy. The devices were characterized by cyclic voltammetry, charge/discharge response at different current densities and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The cycle life was evaluated for both devices as their capacitive performances and demonstrated to be very stable in the range of 3,200 cycles studied. The electrochemical capacitors formed by PAni/CF and PAni/CNT/CF composite electrodes showed high specific capacitance values, potentially viable for application in supercapacitors.
Electrochemical Storage in Zr-W Mixed Oxide Nanostructured Arrays
Authors: Whitman Stuart R. , Raja Krishnan S.
Published: April 2014

ZrO2-WO3 mixed-oxide nanostructures are created by anodizing a Zr-20 wt% W metal alloy at different potentials followed by annealing at various temperatures. The nanostructures are analyzed via SEM/TEM, X-ray diffraction, and XPS. Phases of h-WO3 and t-ZrW2O8 are found in both the as-anodized form and the annealed form. Also several electrochemical tests including cyclic voltammetry, EIS, and Mott-Schottky analysis are performed in electrolytes of different pHs. The maximum capacitance was determined to be ~45 mF/cm2. The defect concentration in the material was calculated by using the slopes of the Mott-Schottky curves. Finally, the mixed-oxide nanostructures were tested in a two-electrode apparatus which cycled the potential of the system between 0 V and 1 V. The charge and discharge times of the tests increased as cycling continued but the rate of increment changed with pH, annealing temperature, and, to a lesser degree, nanostructure.
A New Approach for the Calculation on the Entropic and Free Energy Contributions to Underpotential Deposition
Authors: Farigliano Lucas Martín , Villarreal Marcos Ariel , Oviedo Oscar Alejandro , Leiva Ezequiel Pedro Marcos
Published: April 2014

In the present work we have studied the electrochemical nonpseudomorphic formation of Pb bidimensional structures on Au(111) surfaces. Based on the two-phase thermodynamic method, we have analyzed, from a computational perspective, entropic and energetic contributions to underpotential deposition. The occurrence of incommensurate nanophase formation, rotation of the adsorbate with respect to the substrate, and the effect of expansion and compression of the Pb monolayer were also analyzed. Our results show that the entropic contribution to monolayer underpotential deposition of Pb on Au(111) at room temperature is approximately 20% of the total free energy excess. For very small clusters, this contribution increases up to 45%. Simulations show that in the early stages of formation, Pb nanophases grow without rotation. When the size of the Pb islands is close 100 atoms, a rotation process takes places. At relatively high coverage, a strong lateral compression of Pb monolayer sets on, evidenced by a sharp decrease in the distance between nearest neighbors.
Electrodeposition of Supersaturated CuAg Alloys in Pyrophosphate-Iodide Electrolytes
Authors: Bernasconi Roberto , Nobili Luca , Magagnin Luca
Published: April 2014

A novel electrolyte based on CuSO4 complexed by K4P2O7 and AgNO3 complexed by KI is studied for the deposition of CuAg alloys having a range of Ag compositions between 3 %at. and 16 %at. The deposition occurred in non stirred conditions at 50°C. A characterization of the coatings is presented with a focus on the properties of the supersaturated alloy and the demonstration of its metastable behavior. The electrochemical characterization of the solution is also reported.
Comparison of Structural Properties of Copper Deposits from Sulfate and Pyrophosphate Electrolytes
Authors: Arslan Burcu , Ülgüdür Nilüfer , Erdoğan Metehan , İmamoğlu Ipek , Karakaya Ishak
Published: April 2014

Aluminum is quite often plated to combine the advantages of the light metal with modified surface properties. In this study, copper strike electrodeposits obtained from cyanide and pyrophosphate strike baths were compared in terms of microstructure, and copper pyrophosphate strike was found to yield smoother deposits. Furthermore, about 50 µm thick copper depositions on the strike plated aluminum surface, were prepared from acid copper sulfate and copper pyrophosphate electrolytes to compare structural properties of the deposits. Comparison and characterization of copper electrodeposits from copper sulfate and pyrophosphate electrolytes were performed by potentiometry, SEM, roughness, and XRD analyses. Smoother and finer grained copper deposits were obtained from pyrophosphate electrolyte especially at low current densities.
Measurement of Localized Current Distribution in a Vanadium Redox Flow Battery
Authors: Clement Jason T. , Zawodzinski Thomas A. , Mench Mathew M.
Published: April 2014

A printed circuit board with imbedded shunt resistors was developed and implemented to obtain distributed data in real time in an all-vanadium redox flow battery. This work discusses the development and design considerations for implementing this diagnostic approach. The in-situ data from this approach can be used to asses build quality, material performance, operating conditions, flow field design and degradation. In this work, the lateral current spread and influence of electrode material properties via a split electrode configuration was observed. It was shown that current shifts away from a hydrophobic electrode.
Cardo-Polyetherketone Anion Exchange Membranes with Suitable Chemical/Mechanical Stability and Performance for All-Vanadium Redox Flow Battery
Authors: Yun Sukhwan , Parrondo Javier , Ramani Vijay K.
Published: April 2014

Cardo-polyethereketone (PEK-C) based anion exchange membrane (AEM) was prepared by quaternization using trimethylammonium. The structures of intermediates and AEMs were confirmed by NMR spectroscopy. The ion exchange capacity of the PEK-C AEMs was 1.4±0.1 mmol g-1, which resulted in membranes with an ionic conductivity (sulfate form, 30 oC) of 5.6 ± 0.5 mS cm-1 and a vanadium (IV) permeability (at room temperature) of 8.2±0.2 ×10-9 cm2 s-1. Stability tests performed by immersion of PEK-C based AEMs in 1.5M VO2
+ oxidizing solution during two months resulted in no change in the chemical structure of the polymer as demonstrated by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and 1H-13C heteronuclear multiple quantum correlation (HMQC). PEK-C based AEMs were also stable during vanadium redox flow battery operation (30 mAcm-2) for 50 charge/discharge cycles and showed coulombic and energy efficiency of 98% and 80%, respectively.
Formation of an Anti-Bacterial Oxide Film on Ti-Ta Alloy by Anodic Oxidation
Authors: Lin Hao-Jan , Ou Shih-Fu , Huang Ta-Sen , Fan Fang-Yu , Ou Keng-Liang , Lin Li-Hsiang
Published: April 2014

Recently, Ti–Ta alloys have been expected to be as candidates for dental or orthopedic implants because of their low elastic modulus and high corrosion resistance. However, Ti–Ta alloys do not have the properties to protect against bacterial infection. An anti-bacterial coating was fabricated on the Ti-Ta alloy surface by anodic oxidation (AO) and its surface properties were investigated. The anodic oxidized (AOed) film exhibited a roughened surface dotted with micropores. In addition, the AOed surface is more hydrophilic than the Ti-Ta alloy. The results of an anti-bacterial test revealed that the AOed surface possessed excellent anti-bacterial rate against Staphylococcus aureus (98.5%).
Preparation and Evaluation of Zn Doped HAp Plasma Spray Biocombatible Coatings on Titanium
Authors: Take Seisho , Kikuchi Kazunori , Suda Shota , Izawa Satoru , Itoi Yasuhiko
Published: April 2014

The development of Zn doped HAp plasma spray coating on titanium has been conducted. It was found that the ZnO peak density decreased greatly on X-ray diffraction results by increasing sintering time from 1 h to 5 h, meaning most part of Zinc ions were integrated into HAp crystal structure. With the sintered Zn doped HAp, plasma spray coating on titanium was prepared. The longterm credibility of Zn doped HAp plasma spray biocompatible coatings on titanium was evaluated by monitoring the changes in corrosion resistance with electrochemical impedance technique in physiological saline. The dissolution of Zn ion from Zn doped HAp was detected by ICP in physiological saline after a long-term immersion, implying the potential function of enhancing bone growth. The excellent adhesion of Zn doped HAp plasma spray coatings to titanium substrate was confirmed by three-point bending test.
Three-Dimensional Networked Nanoporous Anodic Alumina Films with Vertical and Transverse Pores Fabricated on Al With Different Purity
Authors: Chu Song-Zhu , Osaka Kyosuke , Yashiro Hitoshi , Segawa Hiroyo , Wada Kenji , Inoue Satoru
Published: April 2014

Three-dimensional networked porous anodic alumina (PAA) nanostructures, which consisted of perpendicular cylindrical stem pore arrays (170–310 nm) and periodical transverse branched pores in 20 – 80 nm across the pore walls, were successfully fabricated from industrial pure Al materials of Al-1100 (99%), Al–1N30 (99.3%), and Al-1050 (99.56%) by constant-potential anodizing in phosphoric acidic solutions at 110–190 V. The formation of transverse branched pores was predominantly dependent on the purity of Al materials, and irrespective of the anodizing voltages and solution concentrations. The formation of the transverse branched pores can be mainly ascribed to the anodic and/or the chemical dissolution of impurities like Cu, Fe, Zn, Mg, and Mn components included in the Al base materials, and the corrosive nature of phosphoric electrolytes driven by the high electrical field during the anodization.
The Effects of Internal Pressure Evolution on the Aging of Commercial Li-Ion Cells
Authors: Matasso Anthony , Wetz David , Liu Fuqiang
Published: April 2014

Over the past decade, the market for rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries (LIB) has significantly grown to match the demands of consumer and commercial customers. Applications which require large storage capacity, high C charge and discharge rates, and long term cycling are of particular interest. Due to the long calendar and cycle life requirements for these applications, it is necessary to understand the aging process of the batteries and their state of health. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) has become one preferred method for nondestructive evaluation aimed at understanding the fundamental aging process ses of LIB. While promising, alternative methods for evaluating in-situ battery aging must also be pursued in order to provide the customer a safe and reliable product. This paper discusses internal LIB gas generation, the changes this causes in the internal cell pressure, and the potential correlation of the bulk cell pressure to the aging of the battery.
Heparanase induces inflammatory cell recruitment in vivo by promoting adhesion to vascular endothelium
Authors: Lever Rebecca , Rose Mark J. , McKenzie Edward A. , Page Clive P.
Published: April 2014

Heparanase (HPSE1) is known to be involved in mechanisms of metastatic tumor cell migration. This enzyme selectively cleaves heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG), which are ubiquitously expressed in mammals and are known to be involved in regulating the activity of an array of inflammatory mediators. In the present study, we have investigated the effects of human recombinant heparanase, the inactive precursor of this enzyme (proheparanase) and enzymatically inactivated heparanase, on inflammatory cell recruitment in the rat and on human leukocyte-endothelial adhesion in vitro. Intraperitoneal injection of heparanase (500 μg) induced a significant inflammatory cell infiltrate in the rat, as assessed by peritoneal lavage 4 h later. Intravital microscopy of the mesenteric microcirculation of anesthetized rats showed an increase in rolling and adherent cells in postcapillary venules that was sensitive to heparin, a nonselective inhibitor of heparanase activity. In vitro, heparanase augmented the adhesion of human neutrophils and mononuclear cells to human umbilical vein endothelial cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Proheparanase had similar effects to the active enzyme both with respect to leukocyte accumulation in the peritoneal cavity and adhesion in vitro. However, heat-inactivated heparanase induced cell adhesion in vitro but was without effect in vivo. Together, these data indicate a role for heparanase in inflammatory cell trafficking in vivo that appears to require enzymatic activity.
A positive feedback loop involving Erk5 and Akt turns on mesangial cell proliferation in response to PDGF
Authors: Bera Amit , Das Falguni , Ghosh-Choudhury Nandini , Li Xiaonan , Pal Sanjay , Gorin Yves , Kasinath Balakuntalam S. , Abboud Hanna E. , Ghosh Choudhury Goutam
Published: April 2014

Platelet-derived growth factor BB and its receptor (PDGFRβ) play a pivotal role in the development of renal glomerular mesangial cells. Their roles in increased mesangial cell proliferation during mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis have long been noted, but the operating logic of signaling mechanisms regulating these changes remains poorly understood. We examined the role of a recently identified MAPK, Erk5, in this process. PDGF increased the activating phosphorylation of Erk5 and tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins in a time-dependent manner. A pharmacologic inhibitor of Erk5, XMD8-92, abrogated PDGF-induced DNA synthesis and mesangial cell proliferation. Similarly, expression of dominant negative Erk5 or siRNAs against Erk5 blocked PDGF-stimulated DNA synthesis and proliferation. Inhibition of Erk5 attenuated expression of cyclin D1 mRNA and protein, resulting in suppression of CDK4-mediated phosphorylation of the tumor suppressor protein pRb. Expression of cyclin D1 or CDK4 prevented the dominant negative Erk5- or siErk5-mediated inhibition of DNA synthesis and mesangial cell proliferation induced by PDGF. We have previously shown that phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase) contributes to PDGF-induced proliferation of mesangial cells. Inhibition of PI3-kinase blocked PDGF-induced phosphorylation of Erk5. Since PI3-kinase acts through Akt, we determined the role of Erk5 on Akt phosphorylation. XMD8-92, dominant negative Erk5, and siErk5 inhibited phosphorylation of Akt by PDGF. Interestingly, we found inhibition of PDGF-induced Erk5 phosphorylation by a pharmacological inhibitor of Akt kinase and kinase dead Akt in mesangial cells. Thus our data unfold the presence of a positive feedback microcircuit between Erk5 and Akt downstream of PI3-kinase nodal point for PDGF-induced mesangial cell proliferation.