bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Problem of the Victim/Perpetrator Dichotomy: The Massacre of Kurds (Iran, 1979)
Authors: Mazinani Mehran M.
Published: October 2014

This article recontextualizes the massacre that took place in the Kurdistan region of Iran in 1979. Through examining interviews with and articles by some of the leading actors involved in the massacre and analysing various alignments between Tehran and Kurdistan, the article concludes that the massacre was not an ethnic conflict. Rather, it was a political issue exacerbated by matters such as the turbulent transition from the Pahlavi dynasty to the Islamic Republic and idiosyncrasies of the involved actors. Framing the massacre in a primordially black and white fashion – Sunni Kurds versus Shiite Persians – is not only historically inaccurate but also empirically problematic.
Dynamics of an "SAIQR" Influenza Model
Authors: Vivas-Barber Ana Luz , Castillo-Chavez Carlos , Barany Ernest
Published: October 2014

Modifications or extensions of the classical Susceptible-Infected-Recovered (SIR) model that account for a Quarantine (Q) class have shown to be capable of supporting recurrent, that is, periodic disease outbreaks. The fact that in such outbreaks a significant proportion of individuals escape symptomatic or experience mild infections has not been explored extensively. Motivated by our interests on the transmission dynamics and evolution of influenza A in human populations, we proceed to explore the role of an asymptomatic class (A) of individuals on the long-term transmission dynamics of influenza. We focus on a Susceptible-Asymptomatic-Infectious-Quarantine-Recovered (SAIQR) model that limits the interactions of Q-individuals and assumes that A-individuals are infectious, possibly not as infectious as those with clear symptoms. The analysis is carried out taking advantage of the significant time scale differences provided by the demographic and epidemic processes involved. It is shown that SAIQR models with vital dynamics (births and deaths) support recurrent outbreaks under reasonable disease or intervention periods. Further, we show that recurrence is possible within regions of parameter space that are consistent with influenza A transmission in human populations.
Numerical Analysis of the Feldkamp–Davis–Kress Effect on Industrial X-Ray Computed Tomography for Dimensional Metrology
Authors: Xue Lin , Suzuki Hiromasa , Ohtake Yutaka , Fujimoto Hiroyuki , Abe Makoto , Sato Osamu , Takatsuji Toshiyuki
Published: October 2014

X-ray computed tomography (CT) can nondestructively inspect an object and can clearly, accurately, and intuitively display its internal structure, composition, texture, and damage. In industry this technology was initially used for material analysis and nondestructive testing and evaluation. Recently, as an alternative to optical and tactile measurement devices, CT has entered industrial use for dimensional metrology. Unfortunately, industrial-level accuracy is very difficult to attain with CT for various reasons. In this paper we analyze one of the most serious effects, the Feldkamp–Davis–Kress (FDK) effect, which can be observed in most of the common X-ray CT scanners with a cone beam. The FDK is the reconstruction algorithm widely accepted as a standard reconstruction method for cone-beam type of CT because of its computation efficiency. However, this algorithm merely provides an approximate result. An accurate measurement result can be obtained only in the case of small cone angle. We aim at analyzing the FDK effect independently from other kinds of artifacts. In a practical CT scanning situation, various kinds of artifacts appear in the reconstruction results; thus, we apply a simulation to obtain projection images without noise (scattering, beam hardening, etc.). Then, the FDK algorithm is applied to these projection images to reconstruct CT images so that only the FDK effect can be observed in the reconstructed CT images. Based on this approach, we conducted quantitative analysis on the FDK effect using numerical phantoms of the sphere and stepped cylinders that may be adopted as ISO reference standards for dimensional metrology using X-ray CT scanners. This paper describes the evaluation workflow and discusses the cause of the FDK effect on the measurement of the sphere and the stepped cylinders. Particular attention is given to the evaluation of the error distribution feature on different spatial positions. After discussing the error feature, a method for improving measurement accuracy is proposed.
Energy-Saving Evaluation of SOFC Cogeneration Systems With Solar Cell and Battery
Authors: Yoshida Akira , Ito Koichi , Amano Yoshiharu
Published: October 2014

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the maximum energy-saving potential of residential energy supply systems consisting of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) cogeneration system (CGS) combined with a solar cell (SC) and a battery (BT), compared with a reference system (RS). This study applies an optimization theory into an operational planning problem to measure actual energy demands over the course of 1 year. Eight different types of energy supply system were compared with each other by changing the components of the SOFC-CGS, SC, BT, and RS. Meaningful numerical results are obtained, indicating the maximum potential energy savings.
Evaluation of NURBS Surfaces for Regular Structured Parameter Values
Authors: Bergström Per
Published: October 2014

The evaluation of surface points and derivatives of NURBS surfaces for parameter values that are regularly distributed in a rectangular structure is considered. Because of the regularity, parts of the computations can be done on just a small portion of all parameter values and computed data is stored and reused for many other parameter values. Hence, the evaluation of NURBS surfaces can be performed faster when the regularity is used. We are making a complexity analysis of the number of floating point operations, which is required for the evaluations. To get knowledge about how the evaluations perform in practice, we are doing a numerical experiment where we are measuring the runtime to obtain the output both by using ordinary evaluation of the NURBS surface and by making use of the regular structure. Making use of the regularity gives significantly faster output.
Assessment of Lumen Degradation and Remaining Life of Light-Emitting Diodes Using Physics-Based Indicators and Particle Filter
Authors: Lall Pradeep , Zhang Hao
Published: October 2014

The development of light-emitting diode (LED) technology has resulted in widespread solid state lighting (SSL) use in consumer and industrial applications. Previous researchers have shown that LEDs from the same manufacturer and operating under same use-condition may have significantly different degradation behavior. Applications of LEDs to safety critical and harsh environment applications necessitate the characterization of failure mechanisms and modes. This paper focuses on a prognostic health management (PHM) method based on the measurement of forward voltage and forward current of bare LED under harsh environment. In this paper, experiments have been done on single LEDs subjected to combined temperature–humidity environment of 85 °C, 85% relative humidity. Pulse width modulation (PWM) control method has been employed to drive the bare LED in order to reduce the heat effect caused by forward current and high frequency (300 Hz). A data acquisition system has been used to measure the peak forward voltage and forward current. Test to failure (luminous flux drops to 70%) data has been measured to study the effects of high temperature and humid environment loadings on the bare LEDs. A solid state cooling method with a Peltier cooler has been used to control the temperature of the LED in the integrating sphere when taking the measurement of luminous flux. The shift of forward voltage forward current curve and lumen degradation has been recorded to help build the failure model and predict the remaining useful life (RUL). Particle filter has been employed to assess the RUL of the bare LED. Model predictions of RUL have been correlated with experimental data. Results show that prediction of RUL of LEDs, made by the particle filter model, works with acceptable error-bounds. The presented method can be employed to predict the failure of LED caused by thermal and humid stresses.
Reduced High-Intensity-Running Rate in College Women’s Soccer When Games Are Separated by 42 Hours
Authors: McCormack William P. , Hoffman Jay R. , Pruna Gabriel J. , Scanlon Tyler C. , Bohner Jonathan D. , Townsend Jeremy R. , Jajtner Adam R. , Stout Jeffrey R. , Fragala Maren S. , Fukuda David H.
Published: October 2014

Purpose:

During the competitive soccer season, women’s intercollegiate matches are typically played on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons. The efficacy of a 42-h recovery period is not well understood. This investigation was conducted to determine performance differences between Friday and Sunday matches during a competitive season.

Methods:

Ten NCAA Division I female soccer players (20.5 ± 1.0 y, 166.6 ± 5.1 cm, 61.1 ± 5.8 kg) were monitored with 10-Hz GPS devices across 8 weekends with matches played on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons. The players were outside backs, midfielders, and forwards. All players had to participate in a minimum of 45 min/match to be included in the study. Average minutes played, total distance covered, total distance of high-intensity running (HIR) (defined as running at a velocity equal to or exceeding 3.61 m/s for longer than 1 s), the number of HIR efforts, and the number of sprints were calculated for each match. Data for Friday vs Sunday matches were averaged and then compared using dependent t tests.

Results:

No differences were seen in minutes played, distance rate, or number of sprints between Friday and Sunday matches. A significant (P = .017) decrease in rate of HIR between Friday (25.37 ± 7.22 m/min) and Sunday matches (22.90 ± 5.70 m/min) was seen. In addition, there was a trend toward a difference (P = .073) in the number of efforts of HIR between Friday (138.41 ± 36.43) and Sunday (126.92 ± 31.31).

Conclusions:

NCAA Division I female soccer players cover less distance of HIR in games played less than 48 h after another game. This could be due to various factors such as dehydration, glycogen depletion, or muscle damage.
Saline-Assisted Aspirations for Collecting Synovial Fluid From Noneffused Knees: Technique and Validation
Authors: Driban Jeffrey B. , Cattano Nicole , Balasubramanian Easwaran , Sitler Michael R. , Amin Mamta , Glutting Joseph , Barbe Mary F.
Published: October 2014

Context: To better understand why a knee develops osteoarthritis after joint trauma we need to assess the local biochemical changes. Unfortunately, it is challenging to obtain synovial fluid from a knee with no effusion. Objective: To describe the authors' protocol for aspirating synovial fluid from noneffused knees. Second, they demonstrate the validity of this method by evaluating the relationships between normalized and raw biomarker concentrations among knees with effusion (undergoing a traditional aspiration) and without effusion (requiring a saline-assisted aspiration). Design: Validation study based on secondary analyses from 2 cohort studies. Setting: Outpatient orthopedic clinic and basic-science laboratory. Participants: Participants had moderate to severe radiographic knee osteoarthritis (n = 15 with and 11 without effusion) and no osteoarthritis or effusion (n = 4). Interventions: The same orthopedic surgeon performed all synovial-fluid joint aspirations, including saline-assisted aspirations. Main Outcome Measures: The authors used multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to determine 7 synovial-fluid biomarker concentrations. They then calculated correlations between raw and normalized (to total synovial-fluid protein content) biomarker concentrations. Results: The authors excluded 1 sample collected with a saline-assisted aspiration because it contained blood. Normalized biomarker concentrations had positive associations with raw biomarker concentrations (r = .77-99), with the exception of interleukin-13 and interleukin-1Β among knees that underwent a saline-assisted aspiration. Excluding interleukin-1Β, associations between normalized and raw biomarker concentrations were consistent between knees that had a saline-assisted or traditional aspiration. Conclusions:Saline-assisted aspiration is a valid technique for assessing the local biochemical changes in knees without effusion.
Lower-Extremity Biomechanics and Maintenance of Vertical-Jump Height During Prolonged Intermittent Exercise
Authors: Schmitz Randy J. , Cone John C. , Copple Timothy J. , Henson Robert A. , Shultz Sandra J.
Published: October 2014

Context:

Potential biomechanical compensations allowing for maintenance of maximal explosive performance during prolonged intermittent exercise, with respect to the corresponding rise in injury rates during the later stages of exercise or competition, are relatively unknown.

Objective:

To identify lower-extremity countermovement-jump (CMJ) biomechanical factors using a principal-components approach and then examine how these factors changed during a 90-min intermittent-exercise protocol (IEP) while maintaining maximal jump height.

Design:

Mixed-model design.

Setting:

Laboratory.

Participants:

Fifty-nine intermittent-sport athletes (30 male, 29 female) participated in experimental and control conditions.

Interventions:

Before and after a dynamic warm-up and every 15 min during the 1st and 2nd halves of an individually prescribed 90-min IEP, participants were assessed on rating of perceived exertion, sprint/cut speed, and 3-dimensional CMJ biomechanics (experimental). On a separate day, the same measures were obtained every 15 min during 90 min of quiet rest (control).

Main Outcome Measures:

Univariate piecewise growth models analyzed progressive changes in CMJ performance and biomechanical factors extracted from a principal-components analysis of the individual biomechanical dependent variables.

Results:

While CMJ height was maintained during the 1st and 2nd halves, the body descended less and knee kinetic and energetic magnitudes decreased as the IEP progressed.

Conclusions:

The results indicate that vertical-jump performance is maintained along with progressive biomechanical changes commonly associated with decreased performance. A better understanding of lower-extremity biomechanics during explosive actions in response to IEP allows us to further develop and individualize performance training programs.
Implementing Socially Responsible Licensing for Global Health: Beyond Neglected Diseases
Authors: Guebert Jenilee M. , Bubela Tania
Published: October 2014

Global-access licensing policies can help speed access to new clinical products and spur universities to address their public missions.
Nanoparticles: Take Only Pictures, Leave Only Footprints
Authors: Choyke Peter L.
Published: October 2014

A phase I study of a tumor-targeted nanoshell in five patients documents an important milestone in the development of nanoparticles for molecular imaging in humans (Phillips
et al
., this issue).
Lessons from the Ketchup Bottle
Authors: White Nathan J.
Published: October 2014

Shear-thinning composite nanogels can be used for hemorrhage control in animals.
The Brain: Ground Zero in Hepatic Insulin Resistance
Authors: Price Elvin
Published: October 2014

Disrupted insulin signaling in the brain alters amino acid metabolism in the liver, resulting in peripheral insulin resistance.
Genetic basis of persistent red blood cell microcytosis in the Chinese unexplained by phenotypical testing
Authors: So Chi-Chiu , Liu Ada K , Tsang Mandy H , Ngai Donna Y , Leung Kin-Sang , Chan Amy Y
Published: October 2014

Aims

Hypochromic microcytic anaemia is the hallmark phenotype of thalassaemia. Current phenotypical tests do not provide a diagnosis in a small proportion of patients with red blood cell microcytosis. We aim to evaluate the genetic basis of red cell microcytosis in these cases in our Chinese population.

Methods

We identified from a large cohort of 1684 unselected requests for thalassaemia testing 23 Chinese subjects who had unexplained microcytosis after phenotypical iron and haemoglobin studies. In 18 of these subjects with available DNA, extensive genotypical analysis of the α and β globin gene cluster was performed, including gap-PCR, multiplex amplification-refractory mutation system, Sanger sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification.

Results

Occult single and double α globin gene (HBA1, HBA2) deletions and α thalassaemic haemoglobinopathies (Haemoglobin Quong Sze, Haemoglobin Constant Spring) were the genetic basis for the microcytosis. Occult β globin gene (HBB) mutations and δ globin gene (HBD) abnormalities masking β thalassaemia are not seen.

Conclusions

A cost-effective genotyping approach for the detection of these occult globin gene mutations can be proposed. The identification of these mutations is important for making a diagnosis and for the provision of accurate genetic counselling. (This paper adds to our understanding of the genetic basis of red blood cell microcytosis in clinical practice, and it provides a cost-effective approach for genotyping in diagnostic laboratories).
Chlorhexidine: an unrecognised cause of anaphylaxis
Authors: Odedra Katy Mara , Farooque Sophie
Published: October 2014

Chlorhexidine is a highly effective antiseptic and disinfectant. In the past 20 years there has been a substantial increase in the number of chlorhexidine containing products used in healthcare. Anaphylaxis to chlorhexidine was first reported in 1984 and was almost always seen in men. However, in the last 4 years we have observed a surge in confirmed cases of anaphylaxis to chlorhexidine, with increasing numbers of female patients recently diagnosed. Yet, awareness of chlorhexidine as a cause of anaphylaxis is low because it is not a drug but a ‘hidden’ allergen, for example as a coating on medical devices such as central lines and urinary catheters. Patients will often have more than one allergic/anaphylactic reaction before the diagnosis is suspected. We have observed that there is poor recognition of an initial allergic reaction to chlorhexidine, which is well described. This, alongside poor labelling of chlorhexidine containing products, has resulted in further inadvertent exposure resulting in severe anaphylaxis. Prompt referral to a specialist allergy centre ensures appropriate investigations, diagnosis and management. Increasing awareness of the potential risk of life-threatening anaphylaxis associated with chlorhexidine use is vital, particularly in perioperative procedures. Healthcare workers are fundamental in avoiding and preventing further reactions to chlorhexidine containing products in patients diagnosed with anaphylaxis to chlorhexidine.
Investigation of Order of Singularity in 3D Transversely Isotropic Piezoelectric Bimaterial Joints by FEM
Authors: Islam Md. Shahidul , Koguchi Hideo
Published: October 2014

The order of singularity near the vertex of bonded joints is one of the main factors responsible for debonding of electronic device under mechanical or electrical loading. The distribution of singularity field near the vertex of bonded joints is very important to maintain the reliability of smart electronic structure. Piezoelectric material, due to its characteristic direct-converse piezoelectric effect, has naturally received considerable attentions. Piezoelectric materials have been extensively used as transducers and sensors due to their piezoelectric effects that take place between electric fields and mechanical deformation. The order of singularity at a vertex and at a point on singularity line in 3D transversely isotropic piezoelectric joints is analyzed. Eigen analysis based on FEM is used for stress singularity field analysis of piezoelectric bimaterial joints. The eigen equation is used for calculating the order of stress singularity and the angular function of elastic displacement, electric potential, stress and electric displacement. The numerical result shows that the angular functions have large value near the interface edge than the inner portion of the joint. Therefore, there is a possibility to debond and delamination occurs at interface edge of the piezoelectric bimaterial joints, due to the higher stress and electric displacement concentration at the free edge.
Bounded weak solutions to a matrix drift–diffusion model for spin-coherent electron transport in semiconductors
Authors: Jüngel Ansgar , Negulescu Claudia , Shpartko Polina
Published: October 2014

The global-in-time existence and uniqueness of bounded weak solutions to a spinorial matrix drift–diffusion model for semiconductors is proved. Developing the electron density matrix in the Pauli basis, the coefficients (charge density and spin-vector density) satisfy a parabolic 4 × 4 cross-diffusion system. The key idea of the existence proof is to work with different variables: the spin-up and spin-down densities as well as the parallel and perpendicular components of the spin-vector density with respect to the precession vector. In these variables, the diffusion matrix becomes diagonal. The proofs of the L∞ estimates are based on Stampacchia truncation as well as Moser- and Alikakos-type iteration arguments. The monotonicity of the entropy (or free energy) is also proved. Numerical experiments in one-space dimension using a finite-volume discretization indicate that the entropy decays exponentially fast to the equilibrium state.
On the Key Parameters of an Interior Sloshing Absorber for Vibration Suppression
Authors: Guo Tao , Ye Yanghui , Li Guojun
Published: October 2014

The vibration reduction for a cantilever beam with an interior sloshing absorber is numerically simulated using an implicit coupling approach of segregated solvers. The sloshing liquid damps the vibration by allowing the sloshing force to lag behind the displacement phase of the beam. The sloshing in the absorber is analyzed both theoretically and numerically. The results show that the impact of free sloshing on the forced sloshing causes the phase to be lagged behind when the free frequency is lower than the frequency of forced vibration. A range of values are considered for the parameters of the absorber and system vibration in the simulations to investigate their effects on the suppression capability of the absorber. In order to explain the effects of the parameters, two new parameters γ and κ are defined to represent the phase lag and magnitude of the sloshing force, respectively. Their applicability is confirmed by a series of numerical simulations. The results reveal the main mechanism of vibration suppression, providing a theoretical basis for optimizing the design of the interior absorber.
Characterization of synapses in the rat subnucleus centralis of the nucleus tractus solitarius
Authors: Babic Tanja , Ambler Jason , Browning Kirsteen N. , Travagli R. Alberto
Published: October 2014

The nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) receives subdiaphragmatic visceral sensory information via vagal A- or C-fibers. We have recently shown that, in contrast to cardiovascular NTS medialis neurons, which respond to either purinergic or vanilloid agonists, the majority of esophageal NTS centralis (cNTS) neurons respond to vanilloid agonists, whereas a smaller subset responds to both vanilloid and purinerigic agonists. The present study aimed to further investigate the neurochemical and synaptic characteristics of cNTS neurons using whole cell patch-clamp, single cell RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) were evoked in cNTS by tractus solitarius stimulation, and in 19 of 64 neurons perfusion with the purinergic agonist αβ-methylene ATP (αβMeATP) increased the evoked EPSC amplitude significantly. Furthermore, neurons with αβMeATP-responsive synaptic inputs had different probabilities of release compared with nonresponsive neurons. Single cell RT-PCR revealed that 8 of 13 αβMeATP-responsive neurons expressed metabotropic glutamate receptor 8 (mGluR8) mRNA, which our previous studies have suggested is a marker of glutamatergic neurons, whereas only 3 of 13 expressed glutamic acid dehydroxylase, a marker of GABAergic neurons. A significantly lower proportion of αβMeATP-nonresponsive neurons expressed mGluR8 (2 of 30 neurons), whereas a greater proportion expressed glutamic acid dehydroxylase (12 of 30 neurons). Esophageal distension significantly increased the number of colocalized mGluR8- and c-Fos-immunoreactive neurons in the cNTS from 8.0 ± 4% to 20 ± 2.5%. These data indicate that cNTS comprises distinct neuronal subpopulations that can be distinguished based on their responses to purinergic agonists and that these subpopulations have distinct neurochemical and synaptic characteristics, suggesting that integration of sensory inputs from the esophagus relies on a discrete organization of synapses between vagal afferent fibers and cNTS neurons.
Numerical Investigation of Pressure Profile in Hydrodynamic Lubrication Thrust Bearing
Authors: Najar Farooq Ahmad , Harmain G. A.
Published: October 2014

Reynolds equation is solved using finite difference method (FDM) on the surface of the tilting pad to find the pressure distribution in the lubricant oil film. Different pressure profiles with grid independence are described. The present work evaluates pressure at various locations after performing a thorough grid refinement. In recent similar works, this aspect has not been addressed. However, present study shows that it can have significant effect on the pressure profile. Results of a sector shaped pad are presented and it is shown that the maximum average value of pressure is 12% (approximately) greater than the previous results. Grid independence occurs after 24 × 24 grids. A parameter “ψ” has been proposed to provide convenient indicator of obtaining grid independent results. ψ=|(Prefinedgrid-PRefrence-grid)/Prefinedgrid|, ψ≤ε, where “ε” can be fixed to a convenient value and a constant minimum film thickness value of 75 μm is used in present study. This important parameter is highlighted in the present work; the location of the peak pressure zone in terms of (r,θ) coordinates is getting shifted by changing the grid size which will help the designer and experimentalist to conveniently determine the position of pressure measurement probe.
Forward Osmosis in India: Status and Comparison with Other Desalination Technologies
Authors: Mehta Dhruv , Gupta Lovleen , Dhingra Rijul
Published: October 2014

With an increase in demand of freshwater and depleting water sources, it is imperative to switch to seawater as a regular source of water supply. However, due to the high total dissolved solid content, it has to be desalinated to make it drinkable. While desalination technologies have been used for many years, mass deployment of such technologies poses a number of challenges like high energy requirements as well as high negative environmental impact through side products and CO2emissions. The purpose of this paper is to present a sustainable technology for desalination. Forward osmosis, an emerging technology, is compared with the other commonly used technologies worldwide, namely, multieffect distillation, multistage flash distillation, and reverse osmosis as well as other emerging technologies like vapour compression, solar humidification dehumidification, nanofiltration, and freezing desalination. As energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions are one of the major concerns of desalination, this paper concludes that forward osmosis is an emerging sustainable technology for seawater desalination. This paper then presents the challenges involved in the application of forward osmosis in India and presents a plant setup. In the end, the cost comparison of a forward osmosis and reverse osmosis plant has been done and it was concluded that forward osmosis is economically better as well.
Birth Defects Surveillance in the United States: Challenges and Implications of International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification Implementation
Authors: Mburia-Mwalili Adel , Yang Wei
Published: October 2014

Major birth defects are an important public health issue because they are the leading cause of infant mortality. The most common birth defects are congenital heart defects, neural tube defects, and Down syndrome. Birth defects surveillance guides policy development and provides data for prevalence estimates, epidemiologic research, planning, and prevention. Several factors influence birth defects surveillance in the United States of America (USA). These include case ascertainment methods, pregnancy outcomes, and nomenclature used for coding birth defects. In 2015, the nomenclature used by most birth defects surveillance programs in USA will change from ICD-9-CM to ICD-10-CM. This change will have implications on birth defects surveillance, prevalence estimates, and tracking birth defects trends.
Review of a Few Selected Theories of Plates in Bending
Authors: Vijayakumar Kaza
Published: October 2014

The author’s recent investigations on plate theories form the basis to review development of plate theories. In spite of several review articles on plate theories reported in the literature, the present work is essentially due to Jemielita’s inspiring article (1993). It is shown that methods of analysis based on vertical displacement as domain variable deal with solution of associated torsion problem in bending of plates. It is essential to use vertical displacement as face variable instead of domain variable in proper analysis of bending problems.
A Discrete-Time Queue with Balking, Reneging, and Working Vacations
Authors: Goswami Veena
Published: October 2014

This paper presents an analysis of balking and reneging in finite-buffer discrete-time single server queue with single and multiple working vacations. An arriving customer may balk with a probability or renege after joining according to a geometric distribution. The server works with different service rates rather than completely stopping the service during a vacation period. The service times during a busy period, vacation period, and vacation times are assumed to be geometrically distributed. We find the explicit expressions for the stationary state probabilities. Various system performance measures and a cost model to determine the optimal service rates are presented. Moreover, some queueing models presented in the literature are derived as special cases of our model. Finally, the influence of various parameters on the performance characteristics is shown numerically.
Attitudes and Practices of Surgeons towards Spilled Gallstones during Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: An Observational Study
Authors: Yethadka Ramya , Shetty Shraddha , Vijayakumar Abhishek
Published: October 2014

The sequelae of spilled gallstones after Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and the occurring complications may go unnoticed for a long time and can be a diagnostic challenge. The aim of this survey was to study the knowledge, attitude, and practices of surgeons regarding spilled gallstones during LC. An observational, cross-sectional survey, using a questionnaire based on 11 self-answered close-ended questions, was conducted among general surgeons. Of the 138 respondents only 29.7% had observed a complication related to gallstone spillage during LC. There was varied opinion of surgeons regarding management of spilled gallstones, documenting the same in operative notes and consent. It was observed that there is lack of knowledge regarding the complications related to gallstone spillage during LC. There is need to educate surgeons regarding safe practices during LC to avoid gallstone spillage, early diagnosis, and management of complications. There is need to standardize practice to retrieve lost gallstones to reduce complication and legal consequences.
Complementary N Uptake Strategies between Tree Species in Tropical Rainforest
Authors: Roggy J. C. , Schimann H. , Sabatier D. , Molino J. F. , Freycon V. , Domenach Anne-Marie
Published: October 2014

Within tree communities, the differential use of soil N mineral resources, a key factor in ecosystem functioning, may reflect functional complementarity, a major mechanism that could explain species coexistence in tropical rainforests. Eperua falcata and Dicorynia guianensis, two abundant species cooccurring in rainforests of French Guiana, were chosen as representative of two functional groups with complementary N uptake strategies (contrasting leaf δ15N signatures related to the δ15N of their soil N source, NO3- or NH4+). The objectives were to investigate if these strategies occurred under contrasted soil N resources in sites with distinct geological substrates representative of the coastal rainforests. Results showed that species displayed contrasting leaf δ15N signatures on both substrates, confirming their complementary N uptake strategy. Consequently, their leaf 15N can be used to trace the presence of inorganic N-forms in soils (NH4+ and NO3-) and thus to indicate the capacity of soils to provide each of these two N sources to the plant community.
Some Simple Formulas for Posterior Convergence Rates
Authors: Jiang Wenxin
Published: October 2014

We derive some simple relations that demonstrate
how the posterior convergence rate is related to two driving factors: a “penalized divergence” of the prior, which measures the ability of the prior distribution to propose a nonnegligible set of working models to approximate the true model and a “norm complexity” of the prior, which measures the complexity of the prior support, weighted by the prior probability masses. These formulas are explicit and involve no essential assumptions and are easy to apply. We apply this approach to the case with model averaging and derive some useful oracle inequalities that can optimize the performance adaptively without knowing the true model.
On Critical Buckling Loads of Columns under End Load Dependent on Direction
Authors: Başbük Musa , Eryılmaz Aytekin , Atay M. Tarık
Published: October 2014

Most of the phenomena of various fields of applied sciences are nonlinear problems. Recently, various types of analytical approximate solution techniques were introduced and successfully applied to the nonlinear differential equations. One of the aforementioned techniques is the Homotopy analysis method (HAM). In this study, we applied HAM to find critical buckling load of a column under end load dependent on direction. We obtained the critical buckling loads and compared them with the exact analytic solutions in the literature.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Should Be Included with the Initial Surgery for High-Risk Ductal Carcinoma-In-Situ
Authors: Tan Ern Yu , Lo Z. W. Joseph , Ang Chuan Han , Teo Christine , Seah Melanie D. W. , Chen Juliana J. C. , Chan Patrick M. Y.
Published: October 2014

Background. A proportion of those diagnosed preoperatively with ductal carcinoma-in-situ (DCIS) will be histologically upgraded to invasive carcinoma. Repeat surgery for sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy will be required if it had not been included with the initial surgery. We reviewed the outcome of SLN biopsy performed with the initial surgery based on a preoperative diagnosis of DCIS and aimed to identify patients at risk of histological upgrade.Methods. Retrospective review of 294 consecutive female patients diagnosed with DCIS was performed at our institute from January 1, 2001, to December 31, 2008.Results. Of the 294 patients, 132 (44.9%) underwent SLN biopsy together with the initial surgery. The SLN was positive for metastases in 5 patients, all of whom had tumours that were histologically upgraded. Histological upgrade also occurred in 43 of the 127 patients (33.9%) in whom the SLN was negative for metastases. On multivariate analysis, histological upgrade was more likely if a mass was detected on mammogram, if the preoperative diagnosis was obtained with core biopsy and if microinvasion was reported in the biopsy.Conclusion. Patients in whom a preoperative diagnosis of DCIS is likely to be upgraded to invasive carcinoma will benefit from SLN biopsy being performed with the initial surgery.
Integrated Duo Wavelength VCSEL Using an Electrically Pumped GaInAs/AlGaAs 980 nm Cavity at the Bottom and an Optically Pumped GaInAs/AlGaInAs 1550 nm Cavity on the Top
Authors: Islam Samiha Ishrat , Islam Arnob , Islam Saiful
Published: October 2014

In this work, an integrated single chip dual cavity VCSEL has been designed which comprises an electrically pumped 980 nm bottom VCSEL section fabricated using GaInAs/AlGaAs MQW active region and a 1550 nm top VCSEL section constructed using GaInAs/AlGaInAs MQW active region but optically pumped using half of the produced 980 nm light entering into it from the electrically pumped bottom cavity. In this design, the active region of the intracavity structure 980 nm VCSEL consists of 3 quantum wells (QWs) using Ga0.847In0.153As, 2 barriers using Al0.03Ga0.97As, and 2 separate confinement heterostructures (SCH) using the same material as the barrier. The active region of the top emitting 1550 nm VCSEL consists of 3 QWs using Ga0.47In0.52As, 2 barriers using Al0.3Ga0.17In0.53As, and 2 SCHs using the same material as the barrier. The top DBR and the bottom DBR mirror systems of the 1550 nm VCSEL section plus the top and bottom DBR mirror systems of the 980 nm VCSEL section have been formed using GaAs/Al0.8Ga0.2As. Computations show that the VCSEL is capable of producing 8.5 mW of power at 980 nm from the bottom side and 2 mW of power at the 1550 nm from top side.
The Effect of the Gelatinous Lactulose for Postoperative Bowel Movement in the Patients Undergoing Cesarean Section
Authors: Shigemi Daisuke , Nakanishi Kazuho , Miyazaki Miwa , Shibata Yoshie , Suzuki Shunji
Published: October 2014

Lactulose is a non-digestible disaccharide formed from fructose and galactose. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of lactulose on gastrointestinal function after cesarean section. One hundred patients who underwent cesarean section at the Japanese Red Cross Katsushika Maternity Hospital were enrolled in this study. They were divided into 2 groups by randomization: (1) an L group that was treated with gelatinous lactulose (N = 48) and (2) a control group (C group) that did not receive gelatinous lactulose (N = 52). The interval between cesarean section and first postoperative flatus, defecation, and walking; appearance of symptoms of ileus; use of other medicines for stimulating bowel movement; properties and state of feces; and duration of postoperative hospital stay were compared between the two groups. The two groups did not show a significant difference in postoperative outcomes, except for the incidence of loose or watery stools (50% in the L group and 26.9% in the C group, P=0.03). This study could not demonstrate the apparent effectiveness of lactulose in improving bowel function after cesarean section. Therefore, a routine use of gelatinous lactulose after surgery may negatively impact the patients undergoing cesarean section.
On the System of High Order Rational Difference Equations
Authors: Zhang Qianhong , Zhang Wenzhuan , Shao Yuanfu , Liu Jingzhong
Published: October 2014

This paper is concerned with the boundedness, persistence, and global asymptotic behavior of positive solution for a system of two rational difference equations xn+1=A+(xn/∑i=1kyn-i),    yn+1=B+(yn/∑i=1kxn-i),  n=0,1,…,k∈{1,2,…}, where A,B∈0,∞,  x-i∈0,∞, and   y-i∈0,∞,  i=0,1,2,…,k.
Relationship between Metabolic Fluxes and Sequence-Derived Properties of Enzymes
Authors: Zikmanis Peteris , Kampenusa Inara
Published: October 2014

Metabolic fluxes are key parameters of metabolic pathways being closely related to the kinetic properties of enzymes, thereby could be dependent on. This study examines possible relationships between the metabolic fluxes and the physical-chemical/structural features of enzymes from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae glycolysis pathway. Metabolic fluxes were quantified by the COPASI tool using the kinetic models of Hynne and Teusink at varied concentrations of external glucose. The enzyme sequences were taken from the UniProtKB and the average amino acid (AA) properties were computed using the set of Georgiev’s uncorrelated scales that satisfy the VARIMAX criterion and specific AA indices that show the highest correlations with those. Multiple linear regressions (88.41% < Radjusted2< 93.32%; P<0.00001) were found between the values of metabolic fluxes and the selected sets of the average AA properties. The hydrophobicity, α-helicity, and net charge were pointed out as the most influential characteristics of the sequences. The results provide an evidence that metabolic fluxes of the yeast glycolysis pathway are closely related to certain physical-chemical properties of relevant enzymes and support the view on the interdependence of catalytic, binding, and structural AA residues to ensure the efficiency of biocatalysts and, hence, physiologically adequate metabolic processes.
Bounds on Nonsymmetric Divergence Measure in terms of Other Symmetric and Nonsymmetric Divergence Measures
Authors: Jain K. C. , Chhabra Praphull
Published: October 2014

Vajda (1972) studied a generalized divergence measure of Csiszar’s class, so called “Chi-m divergence measure.” Variational distance and Chi-square divergence are the special cases of this generalized divergence measure at m=1 and m=2, respectively. In this work, nonparametric nonsymmetric measure of divergence, a particular part of Vajda generalized divergence at m=4, is taken and characterized. Its bounds are studied in terms of some well-known symmetric and nonsymmetric divergence measures of Csiszar’s class by using well-known information inequalities. Comparison of this divergence with others is done. Numerical illustrations (verification) regarding bounds of this divergence are presented as well.
Low Temperature Synthesis of Belite Cement Based on Silica Fume and Lime
Authors: Tantawy M. A. , Shatat M. R. , El-Roudi A. M. , Taher M. A. , Abd-El-Hamed M.
Published: October 2014

This paper describes the low temperature synthesis of belite (β-C2S) from silica fume. Mixtures of lime, BaCl2, and silica fume with the ratio of (Ca + Ba)/Si = 2 were hydrothermally treated in stainless steel capsule at 110–150°C for 2–5 hours, calcined at 600–700°C for 3 hours, and analyzed by FTIR, XRD, TGA/DTA, and SEM techniques. Dicalcium silicate hydrate (hillebrandite) was prepared by hydrothermal treatment of lime/silica fume mixtures with (Ca + Ba)/Si = 2 at 110°C for 5 hours. Hillebrandite partially dehydrates in two steps at 422 and 508°C and transforms toγ-C2S at 734°C which in turn transforms toα′-C2S at 955°C which in turn transforms toβ-C2S when cooled. In presence of Ba2+ions,β-C2S could be stabilized with minor transformation toγ-C2S. Mixture of silica fume, lime, and BaCl2with the ratio of (Ca + Ba)/Si = 2 was successfully utilized for synthesis ofβ-C2S by hydrothermal treatment at 110°C for 5 hours followed by calcination of the product at 700°C for 3 hours.
Subthalamic Nucleus High-Frequency Stimulation for Advanced Parkinson's Disease: Motor and Neuropsychological Outcome after 10 Years
Authors: Janssen Marcus L.F. , Duits Annelien A. , Tourai Ali M. , Ackermans Linda , Leentjes Albert F.G. , van Kranen-Mastenbroek Vivianne , Oosterloo Mayke , Visser-Vandewalle Veerle , Temel Yasin
Published: October 2014

Background: Since the introduction of subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN DBS), many clinical studies have shown that this therapy is safe and effective in the short and medium term. Only little is known about long-term results. Objectives: To provide an analysis of motor and cognitive outcome 10 years after STN DBS. Methods: In this observational cohort study, we report on the motor and cognitive outcome in a cohort of 26 Parkinson's disease patients who were prospectively followed up for 10 years after STN DBS surgery. Results: In the early post-operative phase, improvement in the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) III (10.6, p < 0.01) and IV (2.5, p < 0.01) was seen as well as a 32% reduction in levodopa equivalent dose (p < 0.01). After 5 years, a worsening of the motor performance was observed. The worsening of motor performance was mainly due to a deterioration in bradykinesia (12.4 ± 4.6, p < 0.05) and axial symptoms (6.9 ± 2.8, p < 0.01). Memory function seemed to improve in the short term, but there was a significant decline between 1 and 5 years after surgery (p < 0.01). Mood remained relatively stable during follow-up, and one third of the patients showed impulsive behaviour after surgery. Conclusions: The motor performance of patients showed deterioration over time, due to an increase in bradykinesia and axial symptoms.
Evaluating Indirect Subthalamic Nucleus Targeting with Validated 3-Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Houshmand Layla , Cummings Karen S. , Chou Kelvin L. , Patil Parag G.
Published: October 2014

Background/Objectives: Indirect targeting of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is commonly utilized at deep brain stimulation (DBS) centers around the world. The superiority of either midcommissural point (MCP)-based or red nucleus (RN)-based indirect targeting remains to be established. Methods: The location of the STN was determined and statistically compared to MCP- and RN-based predictions in 58 STN DBS patients, using a validated 3-tesla MRI protocol. The influence of additional neuroanatomical parameters on STN midpoint location was evaluated. Linear regression analysis was utilized to produce an optimized MCP/RN targeting model. Targeting coordinates at 1.5 T were compared to results at 3 T. Results: Accuracy and precision for RN-based targeting was superior to MCP-based targeting to predict STN midpoint location for each coordinate dimension (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). RN-based targeting was statistically equivalent to an optimized regression-based targeting strategy incorporating multiple neuroanatomical parameters, including third-ventricle width and overall brain size. RN-based targeting at 1.5 T yielded equivalent coordinates to targeting at 3 T. Conclusions: RN-based targeting is statistically superior to MCP-based STN targeting and accommodates broad variations in neuroanatomical parameters. Neurosurgeons utilizing indirect targeting of the STN may consider favoring RN-based over MCP-based indirect targeting methods.
Association of Speed of Onset and Speed of Recovery of Depressive Episodes in Patients with Major Depression
Authors: Strauss Maria , Mergl Roland , Sander Christian , Schönknecht Peter , Hegerl Ulrich
Published: October 2014

Background: Depressive episodes show large interindividual differences concerning their speed of onset and speed of recovery, which might suggest differences in underlying pathophysiological processes. The aim of the present study was to assess whether there is a relationship between the speed of onset and the speed of recovery from depressive episodes. Methods: The speed of onset and the speed of recovery from depression were assessed using a structured patient interview, the Onset of Depression Inventory (ODI). In total, 28 patients with bipolar depression and 91 patients with unipolar depression were included. Results: The mean speed of onset of depression was significantly faster than the mean speed of recovery from depression (35.25, range 0-360 days vs. 59.60, range 0.13-720 days; Z = -3.40; p = 0.001). The correlation between these variables was positive, but numerically low (ρ = 0.22; p = 0.016). The speed of onset of the previous episode and that of the present episode were significantly correlated (ρ = 0.45; p < 0.001). Limitations: Data are based on retrospective patient reports within a naturalistic study. Conclusions: While the speed of onset of depressive episodes has been found to show large interindividual variability and some intraindividual stability, the data of this study do not indicate that the neurobiological processes involved in the onset of and in the recovery from depressive episodes are closely linked.