bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Investigation of Thermal and Hydraulic Performance of V-Shape Corrugated Carbon Foam
Authors: Aboelsoud W. , Wu W. , Chow L. C. , Saarloos B. A. , Rini D. P.
Published: September 2013

In air-cooled heat exchangers, air-side thermal resistance is usually the largest compared to conduction and liquid-side thermal resistances. Thus, reducing the air-side thermal resistance can greatly improve overall cooling performance. The performance of an air-cooled heat exchanger is usually characterized by the rate of heat which can be transferred and the pumping power required to convect the heat away. This paper presents a method of utilizing V-shape corrugated carbon foam to improve thermal performance. The air-side heat transfer coefficient and the pressure drop across the foam have been investigated using different V-shape foam geometrical configurations obtained by varying its length and height. Based on design considerations and availability, the foam length has been chosen to be 25.4, 38.1, and 52.1 mm, while its height is 4.4, 6.8, and 11.7 mm, resulting in nine different test pieces of foam with different heights and lengths. A total number of 81 experiments were carried out with different air face velocities (0.7-9m/s) and heat fluxes at the heater surface (0.5-2W/cm2). The pressure drop across the V-shape corrugated carbon foam as well as inlet air, exit air, foam, and ambient temperatures were measured. Of the nine V-shape configurations, the foam with the shortest length and tallest height gives the best performance. The present results are also compared with the results of prior work using different carbon foam geometries. It is shown that V-shape corrugated carbon foam provides better heat transfer coefficient and the overall performance.
Heat Dissipation Mechanism at Carbon Nanotube Junctions on Silicon Oxide Substrate
Authors: Chen Liang , Kumar Satish
Published: September 2013

This study investigates heat dissipation at carbon nanotube (CNT) junctions supported on silicon dioxide substrate using molecular dynamics simulations. The temperature rise in a CNT (∼top CNT) not making direct contact with the oxide substrate but only supported by other CNTs (∼bottom CNT) is observed to be hundreds of degree higher compared with the CNTs well-contacted with the substrate at similar power densities. The analysis of spectral temperature decay of CNT-oxide system shows very fast intratube energy transfer in a CNT from high-frequency band to intermediate-frequency bands. The low frequency phonon band (0–5 THz) of top CNT shows two-stage energy relaxation which results from the efficient coupling of low frequency phonons in the CNT-oxide system and the blocking of direct transport of high- and intermediate-frequency phonons of top CNT to the oxide substrate by bottom CNT.
Preliminary Modeling and Analysis of a Horizontal Pressure Differential Wave Energy Converter
Authors: McNatt J. Cameron , Özkan-Haller H. Tuba , Morrow Michael , Delos-Reyes Michael
Published: September 2013

Wave energy converters (WECs) have been proposed that take advantage of spatially varying pressure differentials (PDs) in a wave field to drive a fluid flow. In order to accurately assess the pressure forcing on PD devices, physics-based relationships between major device parameters and device performance need to be determined. Herein, a transfer function is developed that relates horizontally oriented PD device configurations and wave conditions to the amount of pressure forcing available to the device. Investigation of the transfer function confirms intuitive expectation but also yields surprising results. The transfer function can be applied to a wave spectrum to create a pressure resource spectrum. By manipulating the device length and orientation, an optimal configuration can be found that maximizes the total harnessable pressure resource for a given wave condition or a wave climate. Optimal device lengths for directional seas are longer than those for nondirectional seas, and a wide range of suboptimal configurations yields a reasonable pressure resource. The pressure resource transfer function is a fundamental tool for understanding how horizontal PD WECs work and designing an optimal device.
Complete radiographic remission with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin after sorafenib failure in hepatocellular carcinoma: Is there a role for chemotherapy after targeted agents?
Authors: Tan-Shalaby Jocelyn
Published: September 2013

A 57-year-old Caucasian man with a history of Child’s class A hepatitis C, cirrhosis and progressive multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma was treated with sorafenib but progressed after 7 months of stable disease. At progression he was given salvage chemotherapy consisting of 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin and went into complete radiographic remission after 12 cycles of treatment. He did develop a portal vein thrombosis but nevertheless his hepatic lesions continued to resolve. Throughout his therapy α-fetoprotein (AFP) levels decreased only minimally. He did not seek retreatment after 14 cycles of chemotherapy and presented 3 months later with relapsed disease on CT scans with markedly elevated AFP levels. He received one more chemotherapy cycle but was unable to tolerate further treatment, succumbing to his disease 3 months thereafter, and a total of 29 months after he was deemed a sorafenib failure.
Hepatic heterotopia in congenital diaphragmatic anomaly
Authors: Patel Ramnik V , Wadhwani Veena , Wyatt-Ashmead Josephine , Abel Robin M
Published: September 2013

An antenatally diagnosed case of a left congenital diaphragmatic hernia is reported. The diaphragmatic eventration hernia sac consisted of a sheet of ectopic liver tissue in continuity with a hypoplastic left lobe which formed the medial anterior and posterior walls of the hernia is presented. The operative management of this combination of defects has not previously been described in English literature. Embryological considerations, limitations of accurate preoperative diagnosis, technical challenge in the operative repair of the defect and need for drainage is discussed.
Hypoxic hepatitis and acute liver failure in a patient with newly onset atrial fibrillation and diltiazem infusion
Authors: Deng Wu , Farricielli Laurie
Published: September 2013

Hypoxic hepatitis (HH) most commonly results from haemodynamic instability and disruption of hepatic flow. The vast majority of cases are caused by cardiac failure, respiratory failure and septic shock. We report a case of HH, acute liver failure, acute kidney failure and progressive thrombocytopenia that developed following a hypotensive episode in a patient treated with intravenous diltiazem for a newly developed atrial fibrillation (A-fib). The pre-existing liver diseases, including chronic alcohol use and liver congestion secondary to right heart dysfunction, might have predisposed the patient to the development of HH. The patient was given supportive treatment and experienced full recovery of both liver and kidney function. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of HH that occurred following ventricular rate control for acute A-fib. For patients with underlying liver diseases, closer blood pressure monitoring is warranted during diltiazem infusion.
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)
Authors: Sidhu Bharat , Obiechina Nonyelum , Rattu Noman , Mitra Shanta
Published: September 2013

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a heterogeneous group of conditions characterised by autonomic dysfunction and an exaggerated sympathetic response to assuming an upright position. Up till recently, it was largely under-recognised as a clinical entity. There is now consensus about the definition of POTS as a greater than 30/min heart rate increase on standing from a supine position (greater than 40/min increase in 12–19-year-old patients) or an absolute heart rate of greater than 120/min within 10 min of standing from a supine position and in the absence of hypotension, arrhythmias, sympathomimetic drugs or other conditions that cause tachycardia. We present two cases of POTS, followed by a discussion of its pathogenesis, pathophysiology, epidemiology and management.
Retained faecolith: an avoidable complication of laparoscopic appendicectomy
Authors: Knight Olivia , Brar Ranjeet , Clark Jeremy
Published: September 2013

A 26-year-old woman presented to the accident and emergency department 9 days post laparoscopic appendicectomy for a non-perforated, but gangrenous appendicitis. She was found to have a retained faecolith with a pelvic abscess. This case demonstrates one of the common pitfalls of the laparoscopic appendicectomy and we discuss some technical points to avoid such complications.
DNA-based detection and identification of Glomeromycota: the virtual taxonomy of environmental sequences
Authors: Öpik Maarja , Davison John , Moora Mari , Zobel Martin
Published: September 2013

An increasing number of case studies are reporting Glomeromycota molecular diversity from ecosystems worldwide. Typically, phylogroups that can be related to morphospecies and those that remain unidentified (“environmental”) are recorded. To compare such data and generalise observed patterns, the principles underlying sequence identification should be unified. Data from case studies are collected and systematized in a public database MaarjAM ( http://www.maarjam.botany.ut.ee ), which applies a unique molecular operational taxonomic unit (MOTU) nomenclature: virtual taxa (VT) are phylogenetically defined sequence groups roughly corresponding to species-level taxa. VT are based on type sequences, making them consistent in time, but they also evolve: they can be split or merged, when necessary. This system allows standardisation of original MOTU designations and, much like binomial taxonomic nomenclature, comparison and consistency between studies. Refinement of VT delimitation principles and comparability with traditional Glomeromycota taxonomy will benefit from more information about intra- vs. inter-specific nucleotide variation in Glomeromycota, sequencing of morphospecies, and resolution of issues in Glomeromycota taxonomy. As the recorded number of VT already exceeds the number of Glomeromycota morphospecies, designation of species based on DNA alone appears a necessity in the near future. Application of VT is becoming widespread, and MaarjAM database is increasingly used as a reference for environmental sequence identification. The current status and future prospects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) DNA-based identification and community description are presented.
Theoretical studies of the structural, electronic, and 19F NMR properties of linear and branched perfluorobutanesulfonate
Authors: Ran Xue Qin , Goddard John D.
Published: September 2013

The structural and electronic properties of linear and branched perfluorobutanesulfonate (PFBS) in its anionic, acidic, and potassium or sodium salt forms were studied in a polarizable continuum model (PCM) of methanol solvent with the B3LYP functional and the 6-31G(d,p) basis set. The 19F chemical shifts and 19F−19F J-coupling constants were determined in a PCM of methanol solvent with GIAO B3LYP/6-31++G(d,p). The differences in energy, enthalpy, and free energy of the four PFBS isomers were compared. The data indicate that the linear PFBS species is less stable than the branched isomers and the isomer with the tert-butyl-like structure is the most stable. The J-coupling contributions via both a non-Fermi contact mechanism and a long chain of bonds (through-bond) indicate that 19F−19F J-coupling constants are long range in these branched PFBS isomers. The calculated and experimental 19F chemical shifts for the linear PFBS species are in good agreement. In addition, the results obtained establish the similarities between the geometries and electronic and NMR properties of linear PFBS and linear perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS).
Acinetobacter baylyilong-term stationary-phase protein StiP is a protease required for normal cell morphology and resistance to tellurite
Authors: Reichert Blake , Dornbusch Amber J. , Arguello Joshua , Stanley Sarah E. , Lang Kristine M. , Lostroh C. Phoebe , Daugherty Margaret A.
Published: September 2013

We investigated the Acinetobacter baylyi gene ACIAD1960, known from previous work to be expressed during long-term stationary phase. The protein encoded by this gene had been annotated as a Conserved Hypothetical Protein, surrounded by putative tellurite resistance (“Ter”) proteins. Sequence analysis suggested that the protein belongs to the DUF1796 putative papain-like protease family. Here, we show that the purified protein, subsequently named StiP, has cysteine protease activity. Deletion of stiP causes hypersensitivity to tellurite, altered population dynamics during long-term batch culture, and most strikingly, dramatic alteration of normal cell morphology. StiP and associated Ter proteins (the StiP–Ter cluster) are therefore important for regulating cell morphology, likely in response to oxidative damage or depletion of intracellular thiol pools, triggered artificially by tellurite exposure. Our finding has broad significance because while tellurite is an extremely rare compound in nature, oxidative damage, the need to maintain a particular balance of intracellular thiols, and the need to regulate cell morphology are ubiquitous.
The conservation of number and location of 18S sites indicates the relative stability of rDNA in species of Pentatomomorpha (Heteroptera)
Authors: Bardella Vanessa Bellini , Fernandes Thiago , Vanzela André Luís Laforga
Published: September 2013

Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) with rDNA probes has been used for comparative cytogenetics studies in different groups of organisms. Although heteropterans are a large suborder within Hemiptera, studies using rDNA are limited to the infraorder Cimicomorpha, in which rDNA sites are present in the autosomes or sex chromosomes. We isolated and sequenced a conserved 18S rDNA region of Antiteuchus tripterus (Pentatomidae) and used it as a probe against chromosomes of 25 species belonging to five different families of Pentatomomorpha. The clone pAt05, with a length of 736 bp, exhibited a conserved stretch of 590 bp. FISH analysis with the probe pAt05 always demonstrated hybridization signals in sub-terminal positions, except for Euschistus heros. Apparently, there is a tendency for 18S rDNA sites to locate in autosomes, except for Leptoglossus gonagra and Euryophthalmus rufipennis, which showed signals in the m- and sex chromosomes, respectively. Although FISH has produced evidence that rearrangements are involved in rDNA repositioning, whether in different autosomes or between sex and m-chromosomes, we have no conclusive evidence of what were the pathways of these rearrangements based on the evolutionary history of the species studied here. Nevertheless, the diversity in the number of species analyzed here showed a tendency of 18S rDNA to remain among the autosomes.
NUMERICAL RELATIVITY IN HIGHER-DIMENSIONAL SPACE–TIMES
Authors: WITEK HELVI
Published: September 2013

Black holes are among the most exciting phenomena predicted by General Relativity and play a key role in fundamental physics. Many interesting phenomena involve dynamical black hole configurations in the high curvature regime of gravity. In these lecture notes I will summarize the main numerical relativity techniques to explore highly dynamical phenomena, such as black hole collisions, in generic D-dimensional space–times. The present notes are based on my lectures given at the NR/HEP2 spring school at IST/Lisbon (Portugal) from March 11–14, 2013.
UNSTABLE ELECTROMAGNETIC MODES IN STRONGLY MAGNETIZED PLASMAS
Authors: SON S. , MOON SUNG JOON
Published: September 2013

A theory for instability in the long-time limit, arising from the electron gyro-motion in strongly magnetized plasmas, is presented. The analysis of the electron motion in the presence of a strong magnetic field leads to a theoretical framework similar to that of the Landau damping. Various electromagnetic modes are predicted to be possibly unstable, and the regime where the radiation from this instability would stand out, compared to the incoherent electron–cyclotron radiation, is identified. This instability would be relevant to the inertial confinement fusion and the gamma ray burst.
MOBILITY DEPENDENT EFFICIENCIES OF ORGANIC BULK-HETEROJUNCTION SOLAR CELLS WITH RECOMBINATION VIA TAIL
Authors: ZHOU SHUAI , SUN JIU-XUN
Published: September 2013

As a suitable recombination process, recombination via tail state in organic bulk-heterojunction solar cells (OBHJs) is capable of reproducing both dark and illuminated current–voltage curves. The characteristic parameters of OBHJs based on recombination via tail are governed by transportation and extraction efficiency, and both processes are strongly dependent on the charge carrier mobility. Using a macroscopic simulation, we calculate the mobility dependent power conversion efficiency, open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current and fill factor. The open-circuit voltage is determined by not only carrier density n(p), but also by carrier density gradient. Furthermore, open-circuit voltage is more affected by majority charge carriers and less affected by minority ones.
THE KINK EFFECTS IN NANO-GaAs DEVICES DUE TO MULTI-VALLEY ELECTRON TRANSPORT
Authors: MAO LING-FENG , JI A. M. , ZHU C. Y. , WANG Z. O. , ZHANG L. J. , LI Y. Z. , WANG S. D. , YAN Y.
Published: September 2013

The threshold source-drain voltage for the kink occurring in 130 nm GaAs devices is found to be linear dependent on the temperature in experiments. And the source-drain current after kink is also observed to be linearly dependent on the reciprocal of the source-drain voltage. A physical model of source-drain current including multi-valley transport for arbitrary doping and uniform doping GaAs has been proposed to explain such experimental phenomenon. Multi-valley electron transport origins from electrons getting the energy higher than the energy difference between the valleys from the channel electric field due to channel length shorter than the free-length for nano- GaAs devices. High energy electrons due to ballistic transport leads to a redistribution channel electron in different valleys and high energy electrons have a larger probability to occupy the states in upper valley because the density of states of the upper valley is about 70 times larger than that of the lower valley, leads to the carrier density in L valley being comparable with that in Γ valley in the channel, lastly kinks occurs.
CHEMICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INTERACTION BETWEEN GLYCAN LIGAND AND SIGLEC-7 USINGAB INITIOFMO METHOD AND CLASSICAL MD SIMULATION
Authors: UENO-NOTO KAORI , ISE SEIKO , TAKANO KEIKO
Published: September 2013

We clarified in detail the theoretical features of the interaction between the glycan ligand containing α(2,8)-disialyl residue and a lectin called Siglec (sialic acid Ig-like binding lectin)-7 by ab initio fragment molecular orbital (FMO) calculations and classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. By comparing the ligand–Siglec-7 interaction of the wild-type Siglec-7 and those of mutant-Siglec-7s, we herein describe protein–glycan interactions thoroughly, and provide fundamentals to elucidate ligand-recognition mechanism. The experimentally observed decrease in ligand binding produced by mutagenesis at residues in non-active site was explained with MD simulations; both Trp85 and Trp74 residues are fundamental in structural stability of the Siglec-7, which is involved in the binding of the glycan ligand. The interaction energies obtained by the FMO method were consistent with the experimental ligand-binding results. The glycan ligand preferentially interacted with Siglec-7 via sialic acid residues. The stabilization by the dispersion interaction between the neutral parts of the ligand was also considerable in the binding.
Studies on a Foam System of Ultralow Interfacial Tension Applied in Daqing Oilfield after Polymer Flooding
Authors: Liu Hong-sheng , Wang Jing-qin , Yang Li , Jiang Dong-yang , Lv Chang-sen , Cui Chang-yu , Gao Si-yuan
Published: September 2013

In order to study the effects of oil displacement by a foam system of ultralow interfacial tension, the interfacial activities and foam properties of a nonionic gemini surfactant (DWS) were investigated under Daqing Oilfield reservoir conditions. Injection methods and alternate cycle of the foam system were discussed here on the basis of results from core flow experiments. It was obtained that the surface tension of DWS was approximately 25 mN/m, and ultralow interfacial tension was reached between oil and DWS with a surfactant concentration between 0.05wt% and 0.4wt%. The binary system showed splendid foam performances, and the preferential surfactant concentration was 0.3wt% with a polymer concentration of 0.2wt%. When gas and liquid were injected simultaneously, flow control capability of the foam reached its peak at the gas‐liquid ratio of 3 : 1. Enhanced oil recovery factor of the binary foam system exceeded 10% in a parallel natural cores displacement after polymer flooding.
Laser Treatment of Wood Surfaces for Ski Cores: An Experimental Parameter Study
Authors: Petutschnigg Alexander , Stöckler Michael , Steinwendner Florian , Schnepps Julian , Gütler Herwig , Blinzer Johann , Holzer Helmut , Schnabel Thomas
Published: September 2013

Recently, the production of skis with wooden cores has increased due to changes in customer awareness concerning ecological issues and rising raw material costs for mineral oil resources. The preparation of ski surfaces is one of the main expense factors in the production of skis. Thus, one perspective of the AMER SPORTS CORPORATION is to treat wood surfaces with laser beams to develop new aesthetic possibilities in ski design. This study deals with different laser treatments for samples from various wood species: beech, ash, lime, and spruce. The parameters investigated are laser beam intensity and number of laser points on the surface. To evaluate the aesthetic changes, the CIELab color measurements were applied. Changes in the main wood components were observed by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) using an ATR (attenuated total reflectance) unit. The results show that the laser treatments on wood surfaces have an influence on wood color and the chemical composition. Especially the intensity of laser beams affects the color changes in different patterns for the parameters observed. These findings will be useful to develop innovative design possibilities of wood surfaces for ski cores as well as for further product design applications (e.g., mass customization).
Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Electrical Properties of the Molybdenum Oxide Na1.92Mg2.04Mo3O12
Authors: Ines Ennajeh , Zid Mohamed Faouzi , Driss Ahmed
Published: September 2013

New molybdenum oxide Na1.92Mg2.04Mo3O12 has been synthesized by the solid state method. The title compound crystallizes in the triclinic system (space group P-1). The unit cell parameters are a = 6.9660(7) Å, b = 8.6352(8) Å, c = 10.2501(8) Å, α = 106.938(1)°, β = 104.825(1)°, γ = 103.206(1)°, V = 538.72(9) Å3, and Z = 2. The compound is isotypical to Ag2M2(MoO4)3 (M = Zn, Mg, Co, Mn). The structure can be described as a three-dimensional anionic mixed framework of MoO4 tetrahedra and pairs of Mg2O10 octahedra sharing common edges. The Na+ ions are disordered and located in the voids forming infinite channels running along the direction [100]. The electrical conductivity investigated from 693 K to 793 K by AC impedance spectroscopy is low (3.01×10−7 S cm−1 at 683 K).
Infinitely Many Solutions for a Class of Fractional Boundary Value Problems with Nonsmooth Potential
Authors: Teng Kaimin
Published: September 2013

We establish the existence of infinitely many solutions for a class of fractional boundary value problems with nonsmooth potential. The technical approach is mainly based on a result of infinitely many critical points for locally Lipschitz functions.
The Role of Thiamine Pyrophosphate in Prevention of Cisplatin Ototoxicity in an Animal Model
Authors: Kuduban Ozan , Kucur Cuneyt , Sener Ebru , Suleyman Halis , Akcay Fatih
Published: September 2013

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of thiamine pyrophosphate against cisplatin‐induced ototoxicity in guinea pigs. Materials and Methods. Healthy guinea pigs (n = 18) were randomly divided into three groups. Group 1 (n = 6) received an intraperitoneal injection of saline solution and cisplatin for 7 days, group 2 (n = 6) received an intraperitoneal injection of thiamine pyrophosphate and cisplatin for 7 days, and group 3 (n = 6) received only intraperitoneal injection of saline for 7 days. The animals in all groups were sacrificed under anesthesia, and their cochleas were harvested for morphological and biochemical observations. Results. In group 1, receiving only cisplatin, cochlear glutathione concentrations, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activities significantly decreased (P < 0.05) and malondialdehyde concentrations significantly increased (P < 0.05) compared to the control group. In group 2, receiving thiamine pyrophosphate and cisplatin, the concentrations of enzymes were near those of the control group. Microscopic examination showed that outer hair cells, spiral ganglion cells, and stria vascularis were preserved in group 2. Conclusion. Systemic administration of thiamine pyrophosphate yielded statistically significant protection to the cochlea of guinea pigs from cisplatin toxicity. Further experimental animal studies are essential to determine the appropriate indications of thiamine pyrophosphate before clinical use.
Total Knee Arthroplasty Considerations in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Danoff Jonathan R. , Moss Garrett , Liabaud Barthelemy , Geller Jeffrey A.
Published: September 2013

The definitive treatment for advanced joint destruction in the late stages of rheumatoid arthritis can be successfully treated with total joint arthroplasty. Total knee arthroplasty has been shown to be a well-proven modality that can provide pain relief and restoration of mobility for those with debilitating knee arthritis. It is important for rheumatologists and orthopedic surgeons alike to share an understanding of the special considerations that must be addressed in this unique population of patients to ensure success in the immediate perioperative and postoperative periods including specific modalities to maximize success.
Symmetry Reductions, Exact Solutions, and Conservation Laws of a Modified Hunter-Saxton Equation
Authors: Johnpillai Andrew Gratien , Khalique Chaudry Masood
Published: September 2013

We study a modified Hunter-Saxton equation from the Lie group-theoretic point of view. The Lie point symmetry generators of the underlying equation are derived. We utilize the Lie algebra admitted by the equation to obtain the optimal system of one-dimensional subalgebras of the Lie algebra of the equation. These subalgebras are then used to reduce the underlying equation to nonlinear third-order ordinary differential equations. Exact traveling wave group-invariant solutions for the equation are constructed by integrating the reduced ordinary differential equations. Moreover, using the variational method, we construct infinite number of nonlocal conservation laws by the transformation of the dependent variable of the underlying equation.
Zero Index Metamaterial for Designing High-Gain Patch Antenna
Authors: Liu Yahong , Guo Xiaojing , Gu Shuai , Zhao Xiaopeng
Published: September 2013

A planar wideband zero-index metamaterial (ZIM) based on mesh grid structure is studied. It is demonstrated that the real part of the index approaches zero at the wideband covering from 9.9 GHz to 11.4 GHz. Two conventional patch antennas whose operating frequencies are both in the range of zero-index frequencies are designed and fabricated. And then, the ZIM is placed in the presence of the conventional patch antennas to form the proposed antennas. The distance between the antenna and the ZIM cover is investigated. Antenna performances are studied with simulations and measurements. The results show that the more directional and higher gain patch antennas can be obtained. The measured results are in good agreement with the simulations. Compared to the conventional patch antenna without the ZIM, it is shown that the beamwidth of antenna with the ZIM cover becomes more convergent and the gain is much higher.
Automatic Lane Segmentation in TLC Images Using the Continuous Wavelet Transform
Authors: Moreira Bruno , Sousa António , Mendonça Ana Maria , Campilho Aurélio
Published: September 2013

This paper describes a new methodology for lane detection in Thin-Layer Chromatography images. An approach based on the continuous wavelet transform is used to enhance the relevant lane information contained in the intensity profile obtained from image data projection. Lane detection proceeds in three phases: the first obtains a set of candidate lanes, which are validated or removed in the second phase; in the third phase, lane limits are calculated, and subtle lanes are recovered. The superior performance of the new solution was confirmed by a comparison with three other methodologies previously described in the literature.
Novel Regulatory Mechanisms of Pathogenicity and Virulence to Combat MDR inCandida albicans
Authors: Hameed Saif , Fatima Zeeshan
Published: September 2013

Continuous deployment of antifungals in treating infections caused by dimorphic opportunistic pathogenCandida albicanshas led to the emergence of drug resistance resulting in cross-resistance to many unrelated drugs, a phenomenon termed multidrug resistance (MDR). Despite the current understanding of major factors which contribute to MDR mechanisms, there are many lines of evidence suggesting that it is a complex interplay of multiple factors which may be contributed by still unknown mechanisms. Coincidentally with the increased usage of antifungal drugs, the number of reports for antifungal drug resistance has also increased which further highlights the need for understanding novel molecular mechanisms which can be explored to combat MDR, namely, ROS, iron, hypoxia, lipids, morphogenesis, and transcriptional and signaling networks. Considering the worrying evolution of MDR and significance ofC. albicansbeing the most prevalent human fungal pathogen, this review summarizes these new regulatory mechanisms which could be exploited to prevent MDR development inC. albicansas established from recent studies.
Pharmacokinetics and Bioequivalence Evaluation of Cyclobenzaprine Tablets
Authors: Brioschi Tatiane Maria de Lima Souza , Schramm Simone Grigoleto , Kano Eunice Kazue , Koono Eunice Emiko Mori , Ching Ting Hui , Serra Cristina Helena dos Reis , Porta Valentina
Published: September 2013

The purpose of this study was to investigate cyclobenzaprine pharmacokinetics and to evaluate bioequivalence between two different tablet formulations containing the drug. An open, randomized, crossover, single-dose, two-period, and two-sequence design was employed. Tablets were administered to 23 healthy subjects after an overnight fasting and blood samples were collected up to 240 hours after drug administration. Plasma cyclobenzaprine was quantified by means of an LC-MS/MS method. Pharmacokinetic parameters related to absorption, distribution, and elimination were calculated. Cyclobenzaprine plasma profiles for the reference and test products were similar, as well as absorption pharmacokinetic parameters AUC (reference: 199.4 ng∗h/mL; test: 201.6 ng∗h/mL), (reference: 7.0 ng/mL; test: 7.2 ng/mL), and (reference: 4.5 h; test: 4.6 h). Bioequivalence was evaluated by means of 90% confidence intervals for the ratio of AUC (93%–111%) and (93%–112%) values for test and reference products, which were within the 80%–125% interval proposed by FDA. Cyclobenzaprine pharmacokinetics can be described by a multicompartment open model with an average rapid elimination half-life () of 3.1 hours and an average terminal elimination half-life () of 31.9 hours.
Numerical Simulation of Transient Free Convection Flow and Heat Transfer in a Porous Medium
Authors: Sharma Rajesh , Ishak Anuar
Published: September 2013

The coupled momentum and heat transfer in unsteady, incompressible flow along a semi-infinite vertical porous moving plate adjacent to an isotropic porous medium with viscous dissipation effect are investigated. The Darcy-Forchheimer nonlinear drag force model which includes the effects of inertia drag forces is employed. The governing differential equations of the problem are transformed into a system of nondimensional differential equations which are solved numerically by the finite element method (FEM). The non-dimensional velocity and temperature profiles are presented for the influence of Darcy number, Forchheimer number, Grashof number, Eckert number, Prandtl number, plate velocity, and time. The Nusselt number is also evaluated and compared with finite difference method (FDM), which shows excellent agreement.
Protein Adaptations in Archaeal Extremophiles
Authors: Reed Christopher J. , Lewis Hunter , Trejo Eric , Winston Vern , Evilia Caryn
Published: September 2013

Extremophiles, especially those in Archaea, have a myriad of adaptations that keep their cellular proteins stable and active under the extreme conditions in which they live. Rather than having one basic set of adaptations that works for all environments, Archaea have evolved separate protein features that are customized for each environment. We categorized the Archaea into three general groups to describe what is known about their protein adaptations: thermophilic, psychrophilic, and halophilic. Thermophilic proteins tend to have a prominent hydrophobic core and increased electrostatic interactions to maintain activity at high temperatures. Psychrophilic proteins have a reduced hydrophobic core and a less charged protein surface to maintain flexibility and activity under cold temperatures. Halophilic proteins are characterized by increased negative surface charge due to increased acidic amino acid content and peptide insertions, which compensates for the extreme ionic conditions. While acidophiles, alkaliphiles, and piezophiles are their own class of Archaea, their protein adaptations toward pH and pressure are less discernible. By understanding the protein adaptations used by archaeal extremophiles, we hope to be able to engineer and utilize proteins for industrial, environmental, and biotechnological applications where function in extreme conditions is required for activity.
An Improved Differential Evolution Algorithm Based on Adaptive Parameter
Authors: Huang Zhehuang , Chen Yidong
Published: September 2013

The differential evolution (DE) algorithm is a heuristic global optimization technique based on population which is easy to understand, simple to implement, reliable, and fast. The evolutionary parameters directly influence the performance of differential evolution algorithm. The adjustment of control parameters is a global behavior and has no general research theory to control the parameters in the evolution process at present. In this paper, we propose an adaptive parameter adjustment method which can dynamically adjust control parameters according to the evolution stage. The experiments on high dimensional function optimization showed that the improved algorithm has more powerful global exploration ability and faster convergence speed.
Parallel Methods and Higher Dimensional NLS Equations
Authors: Ismail M. S. , Taha T. R.
Published: September 2013

Alternating direction implicit (ADI) schemes are proposed for the solution of the two-dimensional coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equation. These schemes are of second- and fourth-order accuracy in space and second order in time. The resulting schemes in each ADI computation step correspond to a block tridiagonal system which can be solved by using one-dimensional block tridiagonal algorithm with a considerable saving in computational time. These schemes are very well suited for parallel implementation on a high performance system with many processors due to the nature of the computation that involves solving the same block tridiagonal systems with many right hand sides. Numerical experiments on one processor system are conducted to demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of these schemes by comparing them with the analytic solutions. The results show that the proposed schemes give highly accurate results.
Myeloid Sarcoma Developing in Prexisting Hydroxyurea-Induced Leg Ulcer in a Polycythemia Vera Patient
Authors: Nafil Hatim , Tazi Illias , Mahmal Lahoucine
Published: September 2013

Myeloid sarcoma (MS) is an extramedullary tumour consisting of myeloblasts or immature myeloid cells located in an extramedullary site. It may occur at presentation of AML, at relapse, or prior to the onset of frank leukemia. We report a rare case of MS developing in prexisting Hydroxyurea-induced leg Ulcer in a 70-year-old woman.
A New Method for Parameter Sensitivity Analysis of Lorenz Equations
Authors: Akinlar Mehmet Ali
Published: September 2013

A new method for parameter sensitivity analysis of Lorenz equations is presented. The sensitivity equations are derived based on the staggered methods. Experimental results indicate that it is possible to determine effects of parameters on model variables so that we can eliminate the less effective ones. Robustness can also be verified in some confidence intervals by simply looking at the corresponding phase portraits. This enables us to control the system. Although the stability properties of the Lorenz equations are studied extensively, to the best knowledge of the authors, the PSA of Lorenz equations has not been considered which is the main goal of this paper.
Polymorphisms in the Human Cytochrome P450 and ArylamineN-Acetyltransferase: Susceptibility to Head and Neck Cancers
Authors: Khlifi Rim , Messaoud Olfa , Rebai Ahmed , Hamza-Chaffai Amel
Published: September 2013

The occurrence of head and neck cancer (HNC) is associated with smoking and alcohol drinking. Tobacco smoking exposes smokers to a series of carcinogenic chemicals. Cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP450s), such asCYP1A1,CYP1B1, andCYP2D6, usually metabolize carcinogens to their inactive derivatives, but they occasionally convert the chemicals to more potent carcinogens. In addition, viaCYP450(CYP2E1) oxidase, alcohol is metabolized to acetaldehyde, a highly toxic compound, which plays an important role in carcinogenesis. Furthermore, twoN-acetyltransferase isozymes (NATs),NAT1andNAT2, are polymorphic and catalyze bothN-acetylation andO-acetylation of aromatic and heterocyclic amine carcinogens. Genetic polymorphisms are associated with a number of enzymes involved in the metabolism of carcinogens important in the induction of HNC. It has been suggested that such polymorphisms may be linked to cancer susceptibility. In this paper, we select four cytochromeP450enzymes (CYP1A1,CYP1BA1,CYP2D6, andCYP2E1), and twoN-acetyltransferase isozymes (NAT1andNAT2) in order to summarize and analyze findings from the literature related to HNC risk by focusing on (i) the interaction between these genes and the environment, (ii) the impact of genetic defect on protein activity and/or expression, and (iii) the eventual involvement of race in such associations.
Time-Domain Physical Optics Method for the Analysis of Wide-Band EM Scattering from Two-Dimensional Conducting Rough Surface
Authors: Chungang Jia , Lixin Guo , Pengju Yang
Published: September 2013

Time-domain physical optics (TDPO) method is extended to investigate electromagnetic (EM) scattering from two-dimensional (2D) perfectly electrically conducting (PEC) rough surface in both time domain and frequency domain. The scheme requires relatively small amounts of computer memory and CPU time, and has advantage over the Kirchhoff Approximation (KA) method in obtaining transient response of rough surface by a program run. The 2D Gaussian randomly rough surface is generated by Monte Carlo method and then is partitioned into small triangle facets through the meshing preprocess. The accuracy of TDPO is validated by comparing the numerical results with those obtained by the KA method in both backward and specular directions. The transient response and its frequency distribution of radar cross section (RCS) from rough surface is shown, respectively. The scattering results from rough surface with different size in the specular direction are given. The influence of the root mean square height (σ) and correlation length (l) on electromagnetic scattering from PEC rough surface is discussed in detail. Finally, the comparisons of backscattering results at different incident angles are presented and analyzed.
Comparing the Gene Expression Profile of Stromal Cells from Human Cord Blood and Bone Marrow: Lack of the Typical “Bone” Signature in Cord Blood Cells
Authors: Bosch Julia , Houben Amelie Pia , Hennicke Tatiana , Deenen René , Köhrer Karl , Liedtke Stefanie , Kögler Gesine
Published: September 2013

With regard to the bone-regenerative capacity, bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) can still be termed the “gold standard.” Nevertheless, neonatal stromal cells from cord blood (CB) feature advantages concerning availability, immaturity, and proliferation potential. The detailed gene expression analysis and overexpression of genes expressed differentially provide insight into the inherent capacity of stromal cells. Microarray and qRT-PCR analyses revealed closely related gene expression patterns of two stromal cell populations derived from CB. In contrast to the CB-derived cell types, BMSC displayed high expression levels ofBSP,OSX,BMP4,OC, andPITX2. Lentiviral overexpression ofBSPbut not ofOSXin CB-cells increased the capacity to form a mineralized matrix.BMP4induced the secretion of proteoglycans during chondrogenic pellet culture and extended the osteogenic but reduced the adipogenic differentiation potential. BMSC revealed the typical osteogenic gene expression signature. In contrast, the CB-derived cell types exhibited a more immature gene expression profile and no predisposition towards skeletal development. The absence ofBSPandBMP4—which were defined as potential key players affecting the differentiation potential—in neonatal stromal cells should be taken into consideration when choosing a cell source for tissue regeneration approaches.
Analytical Solution of Flow and Heat Transfer over a Permeable Stretching Wall in a Porous Medium
Authors: Dayyan M. , Seyyedi S. M. , Domairry G. G. , Bandpy M. Gorji
Published: September 2013

Boundary layer flow through a porous medium over a stretching porous wall has seen solved with analytical solution. It has been considered two wall boundary conditions which are power-law distribution of either wall temperature or heat flux. These are general enough to cover the isothermal and isoflux cases. In addition to momentum, both first and second laws of thermodynamics analyses of the problem are investigated. The governing equations are transformed into a system of ordinary differential equations. The transformed ordinary equations are solved analytically using homotopy analysis method. A comprehensive parametric study is presented, and it is shown that the rate of heat transfer increases with Reynolds number, Prandtl number, and suction to the surface.
Dental Enamel Development: Proteinases and Their Enamel Matrix Substrates
Authors: Bartlett John D.
Published: September 2013

This review focuses on recent discoveries and delves in detail about what is known about each of the proteins (amelogenin, ameloblastin, and enamelin) and proteinases (matrix metalloproteinase-20 and kallikrein-related peptidase-4) that are secreted into the enamel matrix. After an overview of enamel development, this review focuses on these enamel proteins by describing their nomenclature, tissue expression, functions, proteinase activation, and proteinase substrate specificity. These proteins and their respective null mice and human mutations are also evaluated to shed light on the mechanisms that cause nonsyndromic enamel malformations termedamelogenesis imperfecta.Pertinent controversies are addressed. For example, do any of these proteins have a critical function in addition to their role in enamel development? Does amelogenin initiate crystallite growth, does it inhibit crystallite growth in width and thickness, or does it do neither? Detailed examination of the null mouse literature provides unmistakable clues and/or answers to these questions, and this data is thoroughly analyzed. Striking conclusions from this analysis reveal that widely held paradigms of enamel formation are inadequate. The final section of this review weaves the recent data into a plausible new mechanism by which these enamel matrix proteins support and promote enamel development.
Cauchy Six-Dimensional Formalism for Lamb Waves in Multilayered Plates
Authors: Kuznetsov Sergey V.
Published: September 2013

Propagation of Lamb waves in multilayered elastic anisotropic plates is studied in the framework of combination of the six-dimensional Cauchy formalism and the transfer matrix method. The closed form secular equations for dispersion curves of Lamb waves propagating in multilayered plates with arbitrary elastic anisotropy are obtained.
Stability Analysis of Networked Control Systems with Random Time Delays and Packet Dropouts Modeled by Markov Chains
Authors: Qiu Li , Yao Fengqi , Zhong Xiaopin
Published: September 2013

This paper investigates the stability analysis problem for a class of discrete-time networked control systems (NCSs) with random time delays and packet dropouts based on unified Markov jump model. The random time delays and packet dropouts existed in feedback communication link are modeled by two independent Markov chains; the resulting closed-loop system is described by a new Markovian jump linear system (MJLS) with Markov delays. Sufficient conditions of the stochastic stability for NCSs is obtained by constructing a novel Lyapunov functional, and the mode-dependent output feedback controller design method is presented based on linear matrix inequality (LMI) technique. A numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
A Supermodular Game Framework for Power Control of Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Chen Zhide , Zeng Yanqing , Xu Li
Published: September 2013

We consider a distributed power control scheme for wireless sensor networks. To derive decentralized solutions that do not require complete information and any cooperation among the users, we formulate this problem as a supermodular game, which each user maximizes its utility function provided transmission rate constraints. Through analyzing the supermodular property of the game, the existence and uniqueness of the Nash equilibrium (NE) are established. Furthermore, we propose a distributed price and power update algorithm (DPPA) to compute the solution of the game which is based on myopic best response. Performance evaluations via numerical simulations verify the existence of theNE and the convergence property of the DPPA algorithm.
Geometry of the Universe and Its Relation to Entropy and Information
Authors: Haranas Ioannis , Gkigkitzis Ioannis
Published: September 2013

In an effort to investigate a possible relation between geometry and information, we establish a relation of the Ricci scalar in the Robertson-Walker metric of the cosmological Friedmann model to the number of informationNand entropyS. This is with the help of a previously derived result that relates the Hubble parameter to the number of informationN. We find that the Ricci scalar has a dependence which is inversely proportional to the number of informationNand entropyS. Similarly, a nonzero number of information would imply a finite Ricci scalar, and therefore space time will unfold. Finally, using the maximum number of information existing in the universe, we obtain a numerical value for the Ricci scalar to beO(10-52) m-2.