bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alcohol words elicit reactive cognitive control in low‐sensitivity drinkers
Authors: Bailey Kira , Bartholow Bruce D.
Published: August 2016

Previous ERP studies shown support for the idea that alcohol‐related stimuli are particularly salient to individuals who report low sensitivity (LS) to alcohol's effects (a known risk factor for alcohol‐related problems), leading such stimuli to spontaneously capture their attention and interfere with self‐regulatory goal pursuit. The current study investigated LS individuals' use of reactive and proactive cognitive control in response to alcohol‐related stimuli. Participants performed an alcohol Stroop task in which they indicated the font color of alcohol‐ and nonalcohol‐related words while ERPs were recorded. The probability of alcohol and nonalcohol words was manipulated to test predictions derived from Dual Mechanisms of Control theory. Among LS individuals, infrequent alcohol‐related words elicited slower responses and larger N2 amplitude, consistent with these stimuli eliciting enhanced reactive control responses. Amplitude of the frontal slow wave (FSW) component, associated with proactive control, was marginally larger among LS individuals when alcohol words were more frequent, but response accuracy was lower. These findings demonstrate that LS individuals experience conflict when presented with task‐irrelevant alcohol‐related stimuli, even in a context where conflict arguably should not be present. Findings further suggest that LS individuals can effectively implement reactive control to deal with this conflict when it is infrequent but have difficulty implementing proactive control in the context of more frequent conflict.
Analysis of clinical, demographic, socioeconomic, and psychosocial determinants of quality of life of persons with intellectual disability: a cross‐sectional Study
Authors: Alves Nayara Silva , Gavina Victor Pinheiro , Cortellazzi Karine Laura , Antunes Lívia Azeredo Alves , Silveira Flávia Maia , Assaf Andréa Videira
Published: August 2016

Aims

To evaluate the perception of parents about the impact of oral problems in their children, and of demographic, socioeconomic and psychosocial factors on the oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) of Brazilian adolescents and young adults with intellectual disability (ID), in 2014.

Methods

The sample consisted of 119 individuals. Data collection was performed in stages: calibration and pilot study; Application of questionnaires; Exam of caries, periodontal and need for dental prostheses, in accordance with the World Health Organization criteria. The data were subjected to both bivariate and multivariate analyses to test the association of independent variables with the dependent variable (QoL).

Results

Worse QoL was associated with the presence of periodontal pocket (p = 0.03; OR = 2.50; 95% CI 1.06 to 5.90), treatment need (p = 0.01; OR = 5.00; 95% CI 1.37 to 18.31), and need for dental prostheses (p = 0.03; OR = 2.89; 95% CI 1.13 to 7.37).

Conclusion

It was concluded that clinical determinants had the greatest influence on OHRQoL of individuals with ID.
Percentiles of Lymphocyte Subsets in Preterm Infants According to Gestational Age Compared to Children and Adolescents
Authors: Huenecke S. , Fryns E. , Wittekindt B. , Buxmann H. , Königs C. , Quaiser A. , Fischer D. , Bremm M. , Klingebiel T. , Koehl U. , Schloesser R. , Bochennek K.
Published: August 2016

Preterm newborns show an increased susceptibility to infections, conceivably related to their immature immune system. To gain further knowledge about the immune development in early preterm infants, we aimed to establish references for lymphocyte subsets and compare the maturation process during hospitalization to healthy term‐born children and adolescents. For this purpose, peripheral blood samples (n = 153) were collected from 40 preterm infants, gestational age (GA) 26–30 week between 2nd and 6th day of life, and were monitored in intervals of every 2 or rather 4 weeks until the end of hospitalization. Furthermore, we analysed single sample controls of 10 term neonates. We compared these data with results of a study in healthy children and adolescent (n = 176). Flow cytometry of immune cell subsets was performed as single‐platform analysis using 10‐colour flow cytometry. Based on preterm's age, our percentile model allows readout of absolute cell count for lymphocytes, B cells, T cells, NK cells, T8 and T4 cells. The median (minimum) value of T‐, B‐ and NK cells after birth was 2800 (600), 790 (120) and 140 (20) cells/μl, respectively. Major differences were found in absolute cell numbers of B cells, and in the frequency of regulatory T cells, most pronounced in the earliest preterm infants (GA 26). Compared to healthy children and adolescents, preterm infants reached lymphocyte counts in between the 5th and 50th percentile when discharging the hospital. This prospective observational study provides reference percentiles for lymphocytes subsets of preterm infants. These data are conducive to interpret immunological capability of preterm infants with possible immune disorders appropriate.
Can empathic concern be generalized from one person to others? Another positive side of the ‘one‐among‐others’ effect
Authors: Ambrona Tamara , Oceja Luis , López‐Pérez Belén , Carrera Pilar
Published: August 2016

Previous research on the one‐among‐others effect has shown that inducing empathic concern towards a victim presented among other individuals in need enhances: (1) awareness of these others and (2) the willingness to help them individually. In this work, we test that these outcomes are linked by an additional process: the generalization of empathic concern felt for the victim towards the others in need. Study 1 revealed that inducing empathic concern for a victim presented as one‐among‐others led to see the others as separate and different individuals, not as a unitary group. Study 2 showed that the one‐among‐others presentation (vs. only‐one‐victim) increased empathic concern towards those presented along with the main victim. Study 3 showed that the one‐among‐others presentation (vs. a single‐victim or a statistical presentation) increased the empathic concern felt for other individuals in need. Therefore, the one‐among‐others presentation does not weaken empathic concern but, instead, it leads to its generalization from one to others.
Optimal conditions for the performance of a monocyte monolayer assay
Authors: Tong Tik Nga , Burke‐Murphy Emeralda , Sakac Darinka , Pendergrast Jacob , Cserti‐Gazdewich Christine , Laroche Vincent , Branch Donald R.
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND

Various versions of the monocyte monolayer assay (MMA) have been used to assess clinical significance of red blood cell (RBC) alloantibodies in transfusion for more than 35 years. However, the optimal conditions, including anticoagulant used for whole blood samples, temperature and duration of storage, and optimal pH for assessing the response of monocytes to antibody‐bound RBCs, have never been clearly delineated.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Whole blood from healthy donors was collected in ACD, EDTA, or heparin and stored at room temperature (RT) versus 4°C for up to 2 days. pH was examined with and without buffers. Phagocytosis of anti‐D–opsonized R2R2 RBCs was used as the positive control for comparison studies. Whole blood was taken into ACD and kept at RT until testing, from patients with or without immune hemolytic anemia.

RESULTS

No significant differences in the phagocytosis of the R2R2 control RBCs were observed using ACD anticoagulant between freshly drawn or up to 36‐hour‐stored whole blood kept at RT, regardless of the donor. Physiologic pH during MMA was important for optimal monocyte interactions with antibody‐opsonized RBCs. MMA results with patient samples, under optimal conditions, kept up to 30 hours in one instance of long‐distance shipment, correlated with clinical hemolysis.

CONCLUSION

MMA can be reliably performed on whole blood samples drawn into ACD and kept at RT for up to 36 hours and when physiologic pH is maintained during the assay. Future studies are required to confirm whether use of these conditions with patient monocytes can provide accurate determination of alloantibody significance in patients requiring blood transfusion.
Investigation of Countermeasure Against Local Temperature Rise in Vessel Cooling System in Loss of Core Cooling Test Without Nuclear Heating
Authors: Ono Masato , Shimizu Atsushi , Kondo Makoto , Shimazaki Yosuke , Shinohara Masanori , Tochio Daisuke , Iigaki Kazuhiko , Nakagawa Shigeaki , Takada Shoji , Sawa Kazuhiro
Published: August 2016

In the loss of core cooling test using High Temperature engineering Test Reactor (HTTR), the forced cooling of the reactor core is stopped without inserting control rods into the core and, furthermore, without cooling by the vessel cooling system (VCS) to verify safety evaluation codes to investigate the inherent safety of high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) be secured by natural phenomena to make it possible to design a severe accident-free reactor. The VCS passively removes the retained residual heat and the decay heat from the core via the reactor pressure vessel (RPV) by natural convection and thermal radiation. In the test, the local temperature was supposed to exceed the limit from the viewpoint of long-term use at the uncovered water-cooling tube without thermal reflectors in the VCS, although the safety of reactor is kept. Through a cold test, which was carried out by non-nuclear heat input from helium gas circulators (HGCs) by stopping water flow in the VCS, the local higher temperature position was specified in the uncovered water-cooling tube of the VCS, although the temperature was sufficiently lower than the maximum allowable working temperature, and the natural circulation of water had an insufficient cooling effect on the temperature of the water-cooling tube below 1°C. Then, a new safe and secured procedure for the loss of core cooling test was established, which will be carried out soon after the restart of HTTR.
Axisymmetric Stresses in an Elastic Radially Inhomogeneous Cylinder Under Length-Varying Loadings
Authors: Tokovyy Yuriy , Ma Chien-Ching
Published: August 2016

In this paper, we present an analytical solution to the axisymmetric elasticity problem for an inhomogeneous solid cylinder subjected to external force loadings, which vary within the axial coordinate. The material properties of the cylinder are assumed to be arbitrary functions of the radial coordinate. By making use of the direct integration method, the problem is reduced to coupled integral equations for the shearing stress and the total stress (given by the superposition of the normal ones). By making use of the resolvent-kernel solution, the latter equations were uncoupled and then solved in a closed analytical form. On this basis, the effect of variable material moduli in the stress distribution has been examined with special attention given to the negative Poisson's ratio.
Measurements of Decompression Wave Speed in Simulated Anthropogenic Carbon Dioxide Mixtures Containing Hydrogen
Authors: Botros K. K. , Geerligs J. , Rothwell B. , Robinson T.
Published: August 2016

In order to determine the material fracture resistance necessary to provide adequate control of ductile fracture propagation in a pipeline, a knowledge of the decompression wave speed following the quasi-instantaneous formation of an unstable, full-bore rupture is necessary. The thermodynamic and fluid dynamics background of such calculations is understood, but predictions based on specific equations of state (EOS) need to be validated against experimental measurements. A program of tests has been conducted using a specially constructed shock tube to determine the impact of impurities on the decompression wave speed in carbon dioxide (CO2), so that the results can be compared to two existing theoretical models. In this paper, data and analysis results are presented for three shock tube tests involving anthropogenic CO2 mixtures containing hydrogen as the primary impurity. The first mixture was intended to represent a typical scenario of precombustion carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, where typically the concentration of CO2 is around 95–97% (mole). The second mixture represents a worst case scenario of this technology with high level of impurities (with CO2 concentration around 85%). The third test represents a typical chemical-looping combustion process. It was found that the extent of the plateau on the decompression wave speed curves in these tests depends on the location of the phase boundary crossing along the bubble-point curve. The closer the phase boundary crossing to the critical point, the shorter the plateau. This is primarily due to the change in magnitude of the drop in the speed of sound at phase boundary crossing. For the most part, the predictions of the plateau pressure by both of the EOS that were evaluated, GERG-2008 and Peng–Robinson (PR), are in good agreement with measurements by the shock tube. This by no means reflects overall good performance of either EOS, but was rather due to the fact that the isentropes intersected the phase envelope near the critical point, or that the concentration of H2 was relatively low, either in absolute terms or relative to other impurity constituents. Hence, its influence in causing inaccurate prediction of the plateau pressure is lessened. An example of pipeline material toughness required to arrest ductile fracture is presented which shows that predictions by GERG-2008 are more conservative and are therefore recommended.
Transient Hydraulic Response of a Pressurized Water Reactor Steam Generator to a Feedwater Line Break Using the Nonflashing Liquid Flow Model
Authors: Chull Jo Jong , Jun Jeong Jae , Moody Frederick J.
Published: August 2016

In this study, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of the transient flow field inside the secondary side of a nuclear reactor steam generator (SG) during blowdown following a feedwater line break (FWLB) accident is performed to evaluate the transient hydraulic loading (pressure) on the SG internals and tubes. The nonflashing liquid flow is assumed for a conservative prediction of the transient blowdown loading. The CFD analysis results are illustrated in terms of the transient velocity and pressure disturbances at some selected monitoring points inside the SG secondary side and compared with those predictions obtained from the existing simple analytical model to examine the physical validity of the CFD analysis model. As a result, the existing simple analytical model cannot yield the transient velocity and pressure disturbances and results in underestimation during blowdown as compared to the CFD calculations. Based on the present CFD analysis results, it is seen that an FWLB may result in excessive disastrous transient hydraulic loading on the SG internal structures and tubes near the feedwater inlet nozzle due to the significant pressure changes (pressure wave with very high amplitude) and abruptly increased velocity of water near the feedwater nozzle.
A Method for Improving the Process and Cost of Nondestructive Disassembly
Authors: Mircheski Ile , Pop-Iliev Remon , Kandikjan Tatjana
Published: August 2016

The ever-increasing global environmental concerns demand that strong emphasis be given to the decision-making process pertaining to the strategy of design for nondestructive disassembly during the product evaluation stage. The ultimate objective is to considerably increase the percentage of product components and materials suitable for recycling, recovery, and/or reuse. In this context, this paper proposes a method for improving the nondestructive disassembly of a final product. This method analyzes the nondestructive disassembly by determining a disassembly interference matrix, feasible disassembly sequences, and improved nondestructive disassembly sequences. The innovative element of the nondestructive disassembly method proposed in this paper is integrating the generated conceptual design solutions for a given technical device with a software package developed for determining its improved disassembly sequence embedded within a 3D CAD platform. The developed procedure is based on information obtained from a 3D CAD model of a product, such as geometric constraints, automatic identification of fasteners and components, determination of component-to-component and component-to-fastener connection graphs, and AND/OR logic operations. The goal is for product designers to predict, evaluate, and define improved disassembly sequences while minimizing the cost of disassembly operations as early in the design stage as possible after a CAD model of the product becomes available. The applicability of the integrated method for determining the improved disassembly sequence is presented through an illustrative example.
Autonomous Electric Vehicle Sharing System Design
Authors: Kang Namwoo , Feinberg Fred M. , Papalambros Panos Y.
Published: August 2016

Car sharing services promise “green” transportation systems. Two vehicle technologies offer marketable, sustainable sharing: autonomous vehicles (AVs) eliminate customer requirements for car pick-up and return, and battery electric vehicles entail zero emissions. Designing an autonomous electric vehicle (AEV) fleet must account for the relationships among fleet operations, charging station (CS) operations, electric powertrain performance, and consumer demand. This paper presents a system design optimization framework integrating four subsystem problems: fleet size and assignment schedule; number and locations of charging stations; vehicle powertrain requirements; and service fees. We also compare an AEV service and autonomous vehicle (AV) service with gasoline engines. A case study for an autonomous fleet operating in Ann Arbor, MI, is used to examine AEV and AV sharing systems profitability and feasibility for a variety of market scenarios. The results provide practical insights for service system decision makers.
Supporting Vehicle Option Change Management Through a Graph-Based Visualization Tool
Authors: Phelan Keith , Pearce Brian , Summers Joshua , Beth Kurz Mary
Published: August 2016

When implementing configuration management methods, the amount of data required can be problematic when validating changes to the database. This is especially true for rule-based configuration management techniques. This paper presents a graph visualization tool to assist in validating changes to the rule database. The development and implementation of the tool is presented, along with the execution and results of two user studies designed to test specific aspects of the support tool. The paper then presents how the visualization tool was implemented for four ongoing configuration changes at the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to prove the effectiveness of the tool in assisting in validating configurations changes.
Atomic Layer Deposition Process Modeling and Experimental Investigation for Sustainable Manufacturing of Nano Thin Films
Authors: Pan Dongqing , Guan Dongsheng , Jen Tien-Chien , Yuan Chris
Published: August 2016

This paper studies the adverse environmental impacts of atomic layer deposition (ALD) nanotechnology on manufacturing of Al2O3 nanoscale thin films. Numerical simulations with detailed ALD surface reaction mechanism developed based on density functional theory (DFT) and atomic-level calculations are performed to investigate the effects of four process parameters including process temperature, pulse time, purge time, and carrier gas flow rate on ALD film deposition rate, process emissions, and wastes. Full-cycle ALD simulations reveal that the depositions of nano thin films in ALD are in essence the chemisorption of the gaseous species and the conversion of surface species. Methane emissions are positively proportional to the film deposition process. The studies show that process temperature fundamentally affects the ALD chemical process by changing the energy states of the surface species. Pulse time is directly related to the precursor dosage. Purge time influences the ALD process by changing the gas–surface interaction time, and a higher carrier gas flow rate can alter the ALD flow field by accelerating the convective heat and mass transfer in ALD process.
Analyses of a High Pressure Ratio Intercooled Direct Brayton Helium Gas Turbine Cycle for Generation IV Reactor Power Plants
Authors: Gad-Briggs A. , Pilidis P. , Nikolaidis T.
Published: August 2016

The intercooled cycle (IC) as an alternative to the simple cycle recuperated (SCR) and intercooled cycle recuperated (ICR) is yet to be fully analyzed for the purpose of assessing its viability for utilization within Generation IV nuclear power plants (NPPs). Although the benefits are not explicitly obvious, it offers the advantage of a very high overall pressure ratio (OPR) in the absence of a recuperator. Thus, the main objective of this study is to analyze various pressure ratio configurations, the effects of varying pressure ratio including sensitivity analyses of component efficiencies, ambient temperature, component losses and pressure losses on cycle efficiency, and specific work of the IC, including comparison with the SCR and ICR. Results of comparison between the IC and the SCR and ICR derived that the cycle efficiencies are greater than the IC by ∼4% (SCR) and ∼6% (ICR), respectively. However, the pressure losses for IC are lower when compared with the SCR and ICR. Nonetheless, heat from the turbine exit temperature of the IC can be used in a processing plant including the possibility of higher turbine entry temperatures (TETs) to significantly increase the cycle efficiency in a bid to justify the business case. The analyses intend to bring to attention an alternative to current cycle configurations for the gas-cooled fast reactors (GFRs) and very-high-temperature reactors (VHTRs), where helium is the coolant. The findings are summarized by evaluating the chosen pressure ratio configurations against critical parameters and detailed comparison with the SCR and ICR.
Fiber Network Models Predict Enhanced Cell Mechanosensing on Fibrous Gels
Authors: Aghvami Maziar , Billiar Kristen L. , Sander Edward A.
Published: August 2016

The propagation of mechanical signals through nonlinear fibrous tissues is much more extensive than through continuous synthetic hydrogels. Results from recent studies indicate that increased mechanical propagation arises from the fibrous nature of the material rather than the strain-stiffening property. The relative importance of different parameters of the fibrous network structure to this propagation, however, remains unclear. In this work, we directly compared the mechanical response of substrates of varying thickness subjected to a constant cell traction force using either a nonfibrous strain-stiffening continuum-based model or a volume-averaged fiber network model consisting of two different types of fiber network structures: one with low fiber connectivity (growth networks) and one with high fiber connectivity (Delaunay networks). The growth network fiber models predicted a greater propagation of substrate displacements through the model and a greater sensitivity to gel thickness compared to the more connected Delaunay networks and the nonlinear continuum model. Detailed analysis of the results indicates that rotational freedom of the fibers in a network with low fiber connectivity is critically important for enhanced, long-range mechanosensing. Our findings demonstrate the utility of multiscale models in predicting cells mechanosensing on fibrous gels, and they provide a more complete understanding of how cell traction forces propagate through fibrous tissues, which has implications for the design of engineered tissues and the stem cell niche.
A Lumped-Parameter Model of Multiscale Dynamics in Steam Supply Systems
Authors: Hoshino Hikaru , Susuki Yoshihiko , Hikihara Takashi
Published: August 2016

This paper focuses on multiscale dynamics occurring in steam supply systems. The dynamics of interest are originally described by a distributed-parameter model for fast steam flows over a pipe network coupled with a lumped-parameter model for slow internal dynamics of boilers. We derive a lumped-parameter model for the dynamics through physically relevant approximations. The derived model is then analyzed theoretically and numerically in terms of existence of normally hyperbolic invariant manifold in the phase space of the model. The existence of the manifold is a dynamical evidence that the derived model preserves the slow–fast dynamics, and suggests a separation principle of short-term and long-term operations of steam supply systems, which is analog to electric power systems. We also quantitatively verify the correctness of the derived model by comparison with brute-force simulation of the original model.
Experimental and Numerical Simulation Study of Simultaneous Toothing of Spur Gears by Press-Rolling Process
Authors: Nistor Liviu , Neag Adriana , Marian Ionut , Frunza Dan
Published: August 2016

In this paper, the cold simultaneous toothing of spur gears has been investigated. This method can be described as a press-rolling process. The influence of gear geometry such as teeth number and the deformation mechanism was investigated by 3D finite-element analysis using forge® software in terms of teeth forming and forming loads evolution. Based on these simulations, the experimental investigations were carried out to obtain a spur gear form with the good quality, using several billet dimensions. The experimental trials and simulations conducted for the spur gear (z = 23 teeth and m = 1.5 mm) showed premises to continuous flow lines formation at the base of the teeth. The maximum pressing force results from the numerical simulation agree with the experimental maximum force recorded.
Simulation of the pressure field beneath a turbulent boundary layer using realizations of uncorrelated wall plane waves
Authors: Maxit Laurent
Published: August 2016

This paper investigates the modeling of a vibrating structure excited by a turbulent boundary layer (TBL). Although the wall pressure field (WPF) of the TBL constitutes a random excitation, the element-based methods generally used for describing complex mechanical structures consider deterministic loads. The response of such structures to a random excitation like TBL is generally deduced from calculations of numerous Frequency Response Functions. Consequently, the process is computationally expansive. To tackle this issue, an efficient process is proposed for generating realizations of the WPF corresponding to the TBL. This process is based on a formulation of the problem in the wavenumber space and the interpretation of the WPF as uncorrelated wall plane waves. Once the WPF has been synthesized, the local vibroacoustic responses are calculated for the different realizations and averaged together in the last step. A numerical application of this process to a plate located beneath a TBL is used to verify its efficiency and ability to reproduce the partial space correlation of the excitation. To further illustrate the proposed method, a stiffened panel modeled using the finite element method is finally examined.
Effects of initial conditions and coupling competition modes on behaviors of coupled non-identical fractional-order bistable oscillators
Authors: Wang Liming
Published: August 2016

The effects of the initial conditions and the coupling competition modes on the dynamic behaviors of coupled non-identical fractional-order bistable oscillators are investigated intensively and the various phenomena are explored. The coupled system can be controlled to form chaos synchronization, chaos anti-phase synchronization, amplitude death, oscillation death, etc., by setting the initial conditions or selecting the coupling competition modes. Depending on whether the arbitrary initial conditions can let two coupled oscillators stop oscillating, the dynamic behaviors of the coupled system are further classified into three types, that is, both of oscillators stop oscillating, only one oscillator stops oscillating, and none of oscillators stop oscillating. Based on the principle of Monte Carlo method, the percentages of three types of dynamic behaviors are calculated for the different coupling competition modes and the dynamic behaviors of the coupled system are characterized from the perspective of statistics. Moreover, the mechanism behind the various phenomena is explained in detail by the concept of boundary layer and the optimum coupling competition modes are found.
THE IMPACT OF COAL RESOURCE TAX REFORM ON THE CHINESE ECONOMY: A CGE ANALYSIS
Authors: LIU YU , ZHOU MEIFANG
Published: August 2016

China’s coal resource tax reform, introducing an ad valorem tax to replace previous volume-based tax from December 2014, marked a new stage of the resource pricing mechanism reform. In particular, coal, as a pollution-intensive energy, is the main source of energy for China. With this in mind, it is the time to ask what the impacts of this reform would be on Chinese economy. A computable general equilibrium (CGE) model is applied to explore the impact of a 5% ad valorem coal resource tax on Chinese economy under four scenarios involving distinguished electricity pricing mechanisms and tax revenue recycling scheme by deducting consumption tax. Simulation results show that levying ad valorem tax will reduce the output of energy-intensive industries with minor negative impact on economy. A consumption tax deduction can offset the negative impact on real GDP and help the economy to restructure. The concern that reform will push up inflation is unnecessary, even under the market price mechanism of electricity. In terms of winners, export-oriented industries benefit when no tax revenue recycling, while industries producing private consumption goods benefit when ad valorem coal resource tax revenue is used to deduct consumption tax.
Bias voltage-dependent low field spin transport properties of Fe3O4–PEG with different particle sizes
Authors: Xu Chunlong , Wang Zhen , Wang Lei , Shi Gang , Hou Zhaoyang , Xi Li
Published: August 2016

Spin-dependent transport properties of Fe3O4 spheres with diameters from 200 nm to 900 nm have been investigated and polyethylene glycol (PEG) exists on the surface of Fe3O4 particles. The nonlinear I–V curve became obvious with the increase of Fe3O4 diameter, which indicated the tunneling barrier height decreases with the increasing diameter. The magnetoresistance (MR) can reach −13% with an applied low field of 0.2 T at room temperature. With the diameter increase, the MR decreases and the required applied field increases. Moreover, the decrease of MR with the bias voltage increase can be attributed to the spin-dependent tunneling effect through the insulating surface layer of Fe3O4 and PEG.
Transformations of Wiener measure and orthogonal expansions
Authors: Dorogovtsev Andrey A. , Riabov Georgii
Published: August 2016

In this paper we study the structure of square integrable functionals measurable with respect to coalescing stochastic flows. The case of the Wiener process stopped at the moment of hitting an irregular continuous level is considered. Relying on the change of measure technique, we present a new construction of multiple stochastic integrals with respect to stopped Wiener process. An intrinsic analogue of the Itô–Wiener expansion for the space of square integrable functionals measurable with respect to the stopped Wiener process is constructed.
High-frequency capacitance-voltage characteristics of the heterogeneous structure based on the model of spherical semiconductor particles in a dielectric
Authors: Tonkoshkur A. S. , Ivanchenko A. V.
Published: August 2016

The dependence of the parameters of the capacitance effect in heterogeneous dispersed two-component structures based on semiconductors from the bulk fraction of the semiconductor component is modeled. The used method for determining the changes of the energy bands bending on the surface of the spherical semiconductor particle by applying dc electric field allowed to calculate the changes of the dipole moment and effective (taking into account the polarization of the free charge) dielectric constant of this semiconductor particle. This result allowed to use the known models of the dielectric constant of two-component structures for the description of the capacitance field effect in the heterogeneous structures. The relations allowing to estimate the value of the bulk donor concentration in the semiconductor component of the matrix of the heterogeneous system and the statistical mixture have been obtained. The approbation of the obtained calculation relations to evaluate the donor concentration in the ZnO grains of zinc oxide varistor ceramics leads to the correct values that are consistent with estimates of other methods and models. It is established that the sensitivity of the relative dielectric constant to the applied dc electric field is dependent on the bulk fraction of the semiconductor particles in the heterogeneous structures. The bulk fraction of the semiconductor particles significantly affects on the dielectric constant beginning with the values from [Formula: see text] for matrix systems and [Formula: see text] for statistical mixtures.
Investigations of the effects of particle properties on the wear resistance of the particle reinforced composites using a novel wear model
Authors: Prabhu T. Ram
Published: August 2016

A wear model is developed based on the discrete lattice spring–mass approach to study the effects of particle volume fraction, size, and stiffness on the wear resistance of particle reinforced composites. To study these effects, we have considered three volume fractions (10%, 20% and 30%), two sizes ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] sites), and two different stiffness of particles embedded in the matrix in a regular pattern. In this model, we have discretized the composite system ([Formula: see text] sites) into the lumped masses connected with interaction spring elements in two dimensions. The interaction elements are assumed as linear elastic and ideal plastic under applied forces. Each mass is connected to its first and second nearest neighbors by springs. The matrix and particles sites are differentiated by choosing the different stiffness values. The counter surface is simulated as a rigid body that moves on the composite material at a constant sliding speed along the horizontal direction. The governing equations are formed by equating the spring force between the pair of sites given by Hooke’s law plus external contact forces and the force due to the motion of the site given by the equation of motion. The equations are solved for the plastic strain accumulated in the springs using an explicit time stepping procedure based on a finite difference form of the above equations. If the total strain accumulated in the spring elements connected to a lump mass site exceeds the failure strain, the springs are considered to be broken, and the mass site is removed or worn away from the lattice and accounts as a wear loss. The model predicts that (i) increasing volume fraction, reducing particle size and increasing particle stiffness enhance the wear resistance of the particle reinforced composites, (ii) the particle stiffness is the most significant factor affecting the wear resistance of the composites, and (iii) the wear resistance reduced above the critical volume fraction ([Formula: see text]), and [Formula: see text] increases with increasing particle size. Finally, we have qualitatively compared the model results with our previously published experimental results to prove the effectiveness of the model to analysis the complex wear systems.
Laparoscopic Management of a Very Rare Case: Cystic Artery Pseudoaneurysm Secondary to Acute Cholecystitis
Authors: Alis Deniz , Ferahman Sina , Demiryas Süleyman , Samanci Cesur , Ustabasioglu Fethi Emre
Published: August 2016

Pseudoaneurysm of a cystic artery is a rare entity that commonly occurs secondary to biliary procedures. Most of the cases in literature are consisted of ruptured aneurysms and to our knowledge, except our case, there were only 3 cases with unruptured aneurysms, which incidentally were detected by radiological methods. When cystic artery pseudoaneurysm is present with acute cholecystitis, most of the reports in literature suggested open cholecystectomy with the ligation of the cystic artery as a main treatment option. In this paper we present a case of acute cholecystitis with unruptured cystic artery pseudoaneurysm that incidentally was detected by computed tomography (CT). Cystic artery pseudoaneurysm was handled laparoscopically with simultaneous cholecystectomy. Due to high risk of rupture, surgeons have evaded laparoscopic approach to acute cholecystitis, which accompanied cystic artery pseudoaneurysm. However herein, we proved that laparoscopic management of cystic artery pseudoaneurysm with simultaneous cholecystectomy is feasible and reliable method.
SIADH Induced by Pharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Arshad Hafiz Muhammad Sharjeel , Rodriguez Aleida , Suhail Faten
Published: August 2016

Background. The Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH) is considered to be the most common cause of euvolemic hyponatremia. The most common malignancy associated with SIADH is small cell lung cancer. We present a rare case of a patient with SIADH secondary to well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the naso-oropharynx.Case. A 46-year-old Caucasian woman presented to emergency department with four-week history of progressive dysphagia. On examination, she was found to have a pharyngeal mass. CT scan and MRI of neck confirmed a mass highly suspicious of carcinoma. Patient’s serum sodium level decreased to 118 mEq/L and other labs including serum and urine osmolality confirmed SIADH. She was started on fluid restriction and oral sodium tablets which gradually improved her serum sodium levels. Biopsy confirmed diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of pharynx.Conclusion. SIADH can be caused by squamous cell carcinoma. Appropriate management includes fluid restriction.
Ovarian Development and Vitellogenin Gene Expression under Heat Stress in Silkworm,Bombyx mori
Authors: Paul Satinath , Keshan Bela
Published: August 2016

The present study observed the effect of heat stress on ovarian development, fecundity, and vitellogenin gene expression in silkworm,Bombyx mori. The result showed that the heat shock treatment to spinning larvae and pupae at 39°C (1 h and 2 h) did not cause any adverse effect on the reproductive performance ofB. mori.However, the heat shock treatment at 42°C or above caused a decrease in the fecundity. The heat shock treatment to day 2 pupae for 2 h at 45°C caused a drastic effect on the development of ovary as measured by gonadosomatic index. The study thus showed that a brief exposure ofBombyxlarvae and pupae to a temperature of 42°C or higher, much prevalent in tropical countries like India, greatly affects the ovarian development and reproductive performance of this commercially important insect. The study further showed a developmental- and tissue-specific expression of vitellogenin mRNA in fat body and ovary upon heat shock. When heat shock treatment was done at 39°C and 42°C to spinning larvae, ovary showed an upregulation in the expression of vitellogenin mRNA, whereas fat body failed to do so. However, at 45°C, both fat body and ovary showed a downregulation. The heat shock treatment to day 2 pupae showed an upregulation in the vitellogenin mRNA expression in both fat body and ovary, even at 45°C. The upregulation in the expression of vitellogenin upon heat shock indicates its role in thermal protection ofBombyxlarvae and pupae.
A 90-Day Oral Toxicological Evaluation of the Methylurate Purine Alkaloid Theacrine
Authors: Clewell Amy , Hirka Gábor , Glávits Róbert , Palmer Philip A. , Endres John R. , Murbach Timothy S. , Marx Tennille , Pasics Szakonyiné Ilona
Published: August 2016

A 90-day repeated-dose oral toxicological evaluation was conducted according to GLP and OECD guidelines on the methylurate purine alkaloid theacrine, which is found naturally in certain plants. Four groups of Hsd.Brl.Han Wistar rats (ten/sex/group) were administered theacrine by gavage doses of 0 (vehicle only), 180, 300, and 375 mg/kg bw/day. Two females and one male in the 300 and 375 mg/kg bw/day groups, respectively, died during the study. Histological examination revealed centrilobular hepatocellular necrosis as the probable cause of death. In 375 mg/kg bw/day males, slight reductions in body weight development, food consumption, and feed efficiency, decreased weight of the testes and epididymides and decreased intensity of spermatogenesis in the testes, lack or decreased amount of mature spermatozoa in the epididymides, and decreased amount of prostatic secretions were detected at the end of the three months. At 300 mg/kg bw/day, slight decreases in the weights of the testes and epididymides, along with decreased intensity of spermatogenesis in the testes, and lack or decreased amount of mature spermatozoa in the epididymides were detected in male animals. The NOAEL was considered to be 180 mg/kg bw/day, as at this dose there were no toxicologically relevant treatment-related findings in male or female animals.
Numerical and Experimental Investigation of Computed Tomography of Chemiluminescence for Hydrogen-Air Premixed Laminar Flames
Authors: Lv Liang , Tan Jianguo , Hu Yue
Published: August 2016

Computed tomography of chemiluminescence (CTC) is a promising technique for combustion diagnostics, providing instantaneous 3D information of flame structures, especially in harsh circumstance. This work focuses on assessing the feasibility of CTC and investigating structures of hydrogen-air premixed laminar flames using CTC. A numerical phantom study was performed to assess the accuracy of the reconstruction algorithm. A well-designed burner was used to generate stable hydrogen-air premixed laminar flames. TheOH⁎chemiluminescence intensity field reconstructed from 37 views using CTC was compared to theOH⁎chemiluminescence distributions recorded directly by a single ICCD camera from the side view. The flame structures in different flow velocities and equivalence ratios were analyzed using the reconstructions. The results show that the CTC technique can effectively indicate real distributions of the flame chemiluminescence. The height of the flame becomes larger with increasing flow velocities, whereas it decreases with increasing equivalence ratios (no larger than 1). The increasing flow velocities gradually lift the flame reaction zones. A critical cone angle of 4.76 degrees is obtained to avoid blow-off. These results set up a foundation for next studies and the methods can be further developed to reconstruct 3D structures of flames.
Study of the Effects of Betaine and/or C-Phycocyanin on the Growth of Lung Cancer A549 CellsIn VitroandIn Vivo
Authors: Bingula Rea , Dupuis Carmen , Pichon Chantal , Berthon Jean-Yves , Filaire Marc , Pigeon Lucie , Filaire Edith
Published: August 2016

We investigated the effects of betaine, C-phycocyanin (C-PC), and their combined use on the growth of A549 lung cancer bothin vitroandin vivo.When cells were coincubated with betaine and C-PC, an up to 60% decrease in viability was observed which is significant compared to betaine (50%) or C-PC treatment alone (no decrease). Combined treatment reduced the stimulation of NF-κB expression by TNF-αand increased the amount of the proapoptotic p38 MAPK. Interestingly, combined treatment induced a cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase for ~60% of cells.In vivostudies were performed in pathogen-free male nude rats injected with A549 cells in their right flank. Their daily food was supplemented with either betaine, C-PC, both, or neither. Compared to the control group, tumour weights and volumes were significantly reduced in either betaine- or C-PC-treated groups and no additional decrease was obtained with the combined treatment. This data indicates that C-PC and betaine alone may efficiently inhibit tumour growth in rats. The synergistic activity of betaine and C-PC on A549 cells growth observedin vitroremains to be further confirmedin vivo.The reason behind the nature of their interaction is yet to be sought.
Improved Damping Constant of Hertz-Damp Model for Pounding between Structures
Authors: Zhao Dahai , Liu Yong
Published: August 2016

Earthquake-induced pounding between structures has been widely studied by using different impact models. In this paper, we first briefly introduced the existing impact analysis models and discussed their shortcomings. For the Hertz-damp impact analysis model, the damping constants do not accord with the physical facts; then, based on the Hertz theory, the expression of the damping constant in the Hertz-damp impact analysis model is improved. The approximate formula of the damping constant is theoretically derived, and the accuracy and effectiveness of the calculation formula of the damping constant are verified by the selected collision analysis problems.
Mentalization Mediates the Relationship between Early Maltreatment and Potential for Violence in Adolescence
Authors: Taubner Svenja , Zimmermann Laura , Ramberg Axel , Schröder Paul
Published: August 2016

Aim: The present study investigates the role of attachment representation and mentalization as possibly protective factors in the relationship between early maltreatment and potential for violence in adolescence. Methods: For the current study, 161 adolescents, aged 14-21 years, were recruited from high schools and youth psychiatry. Early maltreatment was assessed by the Childhood Experiences of Care and Abuse Questionnaire, attachment was assessed using the Adult Attachment Projective Picture System, and mentalization was coded with the Reflective Functioning Scale from Adult Attachment Interviews. Potential for violence was operationalized using the Reactive-Proactive Aggression Questionnaire, and the presence of conduct disorder was assessed by the Structured Clinical Interview. Using structural equation modeling, reflective functioning and attachment were tested as mediators on the direct effect of early maltreatment on potential for violence. Results: There was a direct effect of early maltreatment on potential for violence. Furthermore, this direct effect was partially mediated by reflective functioning but not by attachment representations. Discussion: The results contribute to the idea that mentalization serves as a protective factor that may suspend the pathway from early maltreatment to violence in adolescence. Because of the transformation of attachment patterns into generalized cognitive models of attachment, attachment in adolescence may have a less pronounced effect on violence in this specific developmental phase. Future studies should test for further group differences in community and clinical groups, which was not possible in the present study due to the limited sample size.