bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resolvent Method for Calculating Dispersion Spectra of the Shear Waves in the Phononic Plates and Waveguides
Authors: Korotyaeva M. E. , Kutsenko A. A. , Shuvalov A. L. , Poncelet O.
Published: March 2014

We propose a new method for calculating dispersion spectra of shear waves in the two-dimensional free phononic plates made of solid matrix with periodically distributed inclusions and in the waveguides composed of a phononic layer between two periodic substrates. The method proceeds from the propagator M which involves exact integration in the depth coordinate. Because the components of M can be very large, the dispersion equation for a free plate is recast in terms of the resolvent of propagator R = (αI - M)-1 (α is a constant) which is numerically stable. The resolvent is the central object of the method. Another key tool, which comes into play in the case of a waveguide, is a projector P expressed as a contour integral of the resolvent of the substrate. The projector allows to extract the "physical" modes decreasing into the depth of the substrates without solving the wave equation. The resulting dispersion equation for a waveguide defined via the projectors for the substrates and the resolvent for the enclosed layer is numerically stable. We provide several options for the calculation of the resolvent and projector. Besides, special attention is given to derivation of the dispersion equations for the uncoupled symmetric and antisymmetric dispersion branches in the case of mirror-symmetric structures.
A TAXONOMY OF APPROACHES FOR PROMOTING SMEs ACCESS TO PUBLIC PROCUREMENT MARKET
Authors: AKENROYE TEMIDAYO O. , AJU OLUSEYI
Published: March 2014

In spite of the fact that public procurement is increasingly becoming a popular technique for small business empowerment, there are various challenges facing SMEs in public procurement. Using Nigeria as a platform, this paper examines barriers that hinder SMEs access to public procurement markets. Data were collected from literature review, analysis of documents and semi-structured interviews. The results show that lack of transparency in tendering often discourages SMEs from getting involved in public procurement in Nigeria. It further highlights the need for actions to address issues facing SMEs at different stages of the procurement process. By integrating research findings into existing knowledge, a taxonomy of techniques for enhancing SMEs access to public procurement is proposed. The taxonomy reveals specific schemes and measures to promote SME participation in public procurement. This will offer guidance to governments, policy makers and procurement experts on the implementation of SME-friendly procurement practices. The study adds to the on-going debates on the significance of public procurement policy on SME development.
Polycrystal Plasticity: Comparison Between Grain - Scale Observations of Deformation and Simulations
Authors: Pokharel Reeju , Lind Jonathan , Kanjarla Anand K. , Lebensohn Ricardo A. , Li Shiu Fai , Kenesei Peter , Suter Robert M. , Rollett Anthony D.
Published: March 2014

The response of polycrystals to plastic deformation is studied at the level of variations within individual grains, and comparisons are made to theoretical calculations using crystal plasticity (CP) . We provide a brief overview of CP and a review of the literature, which is dominated by surface observations. The motivating question asks how well does CP represent the mesoscale behavior of large populations of dislocations (as carriers of plastic strain). The literature shows consistently that only moderate agreement is found between experiment and calculation. We supplement this with a current example of microstructure evolution in the interior of a copper sample subjected to tensile deformation. Nondestructive measurements of orientation fields were performed using the near-field high-energy X-ray diffraction microscopy (nf-HEDM) technique at the Advanced Photon Source (APS). Starting at highly ordered grains, a single two-dimensional slice of microstructure containing ∼150 grains was followed through multiple strain states, where it tracked lattice rotations and defect accumulation of up to 14% elongation. In accord with the literature, at the scale of individual grains, comparison of observations with CP models indicates reasonable qualitative agreement but significant variations between simulation and experiment are apparent. The conclusion is that in order to be able to quantify the effects of microstructure on the distributions of slip, orientation change, and damage accumulation, the empirically derived constitutive relations used in continuum-scale simulations need to be improved. Equally important will be the development of large-scale simulations of polycrystals that directly model dislocations.
Molecular Beam Epitaxy of Ultra-High-Quality AlGaAs/GaAs Heterostructures: Enabling Physics in Low-Dimensional Electronic Systems
Authors: Manfra Michael J.
Published: March 2014

Among very-low-disorder systems of condensed matter, the high-mobility two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) confined in aluminum gallium arsenide (AlGaAs)–gallium arsenide (GaAs) heterostructures holds a privileged position as a platform for the discovery of new electronic states driven by strong Coulomb interactions. Molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), an ultra-high vacuum (UHV), thin-film deposition technique, produces the highest quality 2DEGs and has played a central role in a number of discoveries that have at their root the interplay of reduced dimensionality, strong electron-electron interactions, and disorder. This review attempts to describe the latest developments in heterostructure design, MBE technology, and the evolution of our understanding of disorder that result in improved material quality and facilitate discovery of new phenomena at ever finer energy scales.
Determination of Carbamate and Organophosphorus Pesticides in Vegetable Samples and the Efficiency of Gamma-Radiation in Their Removal
Authors: Chowdhury Muhammed Alamgir Zaman , Jahan Iffat , Karim Nurul , Alam Mohammad Khorshed , Rahman Mohammad Abdur , Moniruzzaman Mohammed , Gan Siew Hua , Fakhruddin Abu Naieum Muhammad
Published: March 2014

In the present study, the residual pesticide levels were determined in eggplants (Solanum melongena)(n=16), purchased from four different markets in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The carbamate and organophosphorus pesticide residual levels were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the efficiency of gamma radiation on pesticide removal in three different types of vegetables was also studied. Many (50%) of the samples contained pesticides, and three samples had residual levels above the maximum residue levels determined by the World Health Organisation. Three carbamates (carbaryl, carbofuran, and pirimicarb) and six organophosphates (phenthoate, diazinon, parathion, dimethoate, phosphamidon, and pirimiphos-methyl) were detected in eggplant samples; the highest carbofuran level detected was 1.86 mg/kg, while phenthoate was detected at 0.311 mg/kg. Gamma radiation decreased pesticide levels proportionately with increasing radiation doses. Diazinon, chlorpyrifos, and phosphamidon were reduced by 40–48%, 35–43%, and 30–45%, respectively, when a radiation strength of 0.5 kGy was utilized. However, when the radiation dose was increased to 1.0 kGy, the levels of the pesticides were reduced to 85–90%, 80–91%, and 90–95%, respectively. In summary, our study revealed that pesticide residues are present at high amounts in vegetable samples and that gamma radiation at 1.0 kGy can remove 80–95% of some pesticides.
Vascularization of Nanohydroxyapatite/Collagen/Poly(L-lactic acid) Composites by Implanting Intramuscularly In Vivo
Authors: Wang Hai , Chang Xiao , Qiu Guixing , Cui Fuzhai , Weng Xisheng , Zhang Baozhong , Lian Xiaojie , Wu Zhihong
Published: March 2014

It still remains a major challenge to repair large bone defects in the orthopaedic surgery. In previous studies, a nanohydroxyapatite/collagen/poly(L-lactic acid) (nHAC/PLA) composite, similar to natural bone in both composition and structure, has been prepared. It could repair small sized bone defects, but they were restricted to repair a large defect due to the lack of oxygen and nutrition supply for cell survival without vascularization. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether nHAC/PLA composites could be vascularized in vivo. Composites were implanted intramuscularly in the groins of rabbits for 2, 6, or 10 weeks (n=5×3). After removing, the macroscopic results showed that there were lots of rich blood supply tissues embracing the composites, and the volumes of tissue were increasing as time goes on. In microscopic views, blood vessels and vascular sprouts could be observed, and microvessel density (MVD) of the composites trended to increase over time. It suggested that nHAC/PLA composites could be well vascularized by implanting in vivo. In the future, it would be possible to generate vascular pedicle bone substitutes with nHAC/PLA composites for grafting.
Contractive Maps in Locally Transitive Relational Metric Spaces
Authors: Turinici Mihai
Published: March 2014

Some fixed point results are given for a class of Meir-Keeler contractive maps acting on metric spaces endowed with locally transitive relations. Technical connections with the related statements due to Berzig et al. (2014) are also being discussed.
Treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence by Cinnamaldehyde, the Major Constituent of the Chinese Medicinal Herb Ramulus Cinnamomi
Authors: Chen Yung-Hsiang , Lin Yu-Ning , Chen Wen-Chi , Hsieh Wen-Tsong , Chen Huey-Yi
Published: March 2014

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common disorder in middle‐aged women and the elderly population. Although surgical treatment of SUI has progressed, pharmacological therapies remain unelucidated. We screened potential herbal medicines against SUI with an ex vivo organ bath assay. Ramulus Cinnamomi and its major constituent cinnamaldehyde cause a high contractile force of the urethra and a low contractile force of blood vessels. Cinnamaldehyde dose‐dependently reduced lipopolysaccharide‐induced nitric oxide (NO) production and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in RAW 264.7 cells. In the vaginal distension‐ (VD‐) induced SUI model in mice, cinnamaldehyde significantly reversed the VD‐induced SUI physical signs and reduced blood pressure. Cinnamaldehyde may offer therapeutic potential against SUI without the possible side effect of hypertension. The modulation of several SUI‐related proteins including myosin, iNOS, survival motor neuron (SMN) protein, and superoxide dismutase 3 (SOD3) may play some crucial roles in the therapeutic approach against SUI. This information may offer clues to the pathogenesis of SUI and open additional avenues for potential therapy strategies.
New Lipase for Biodiesel Production: Partial Purification and Characterization of LipSB 25-4
Authors: Ugur Aysel , Sarac Nurdan , Boran Rukiye , Ayaz Berk , Ceylan Ozgur , Okmen Gulten
Published: March 2014

The lipolytic activities of 300 Streptomyces isolates were determined in Tributyrin and Rhodamine-B Agar. Lipase activities were also measured with p-nitrophenyl palmitate (p-NPP) as a substrate. The strain of Streptomyces bambergiensis OC 25-4 used in this study was selected among 300 strains of Streptomyces from MUCC as the best lipase producer. The incubation conditions were optimized and the inoculum amount, incubation period, effect of carbon and nitrogen sources, and rates of MgSO4 and CaCO3 were investigated. LipSB 25-4 (the lipase produced by S. bambergiensis OC 25-4 strain) was partially purified with ammonium sulphate precipitation, dialysis, and gel filtration chromatography 2.73-fold and with 92.12 U/mg specific activity. The optimal pH and temperature for LipSB 25-4 were determined as 8.0 and 50°C, respectively. The lipase has high stability in all pH and temperature values used in this study. While LipSB 25-4 was slightly activated in the presence of β-mercaptoethanol, it was slightly reduced by PMSF. The enzyme conserved approximately 75% of its activity at the end of 60 h, in the presence of methanol and ethanol. Since LipSB 25-4 displays high activity in the thermophilic conditions and stability in the presence of organic solvents, this lipase can catalyse the biodiesel production from olive oil by the transesterification reactions.
Thermogenic Effect of Glucose in Hypothyroid Subjects
Authors: Kozacz Agnieszka , Grunt Paulina , Steczkowska Marta , Mikulski Tomasz , Dąbrowski Jan , Górecka Monika , Sanocka Urszula , Ziemba Andrzej Wojciech
Published: March 2014

The importance of thyroid hormone, catecholamines, and insulin in modification of the thermogenic effect of glucose (TEG) was examined in 34 healthy and 32 hypothyroid subjects. We calculated the energy expenditure at rest and during oral glucose tolerance test. Blood samples for determinations of glucose, plasma insulin, adrenaline (A), and noradrenaline (NA) were collected. It was found that TEG was lower in hypothyroid than in control group (19.68±3.90versus55.40±7.32 kJ, resp.,P<0.0004). Mean values of glucose and insulin areas under the curve were higher in women with hypothyroidism than in control group (286.79±23.65versus188.41±15.84 mmol/L·min,P<0.003and7563.27±863.65versus4987.72±583.88 mU/L·min,P<0.03resp.). Maximal levels of catecholamines after glucose ingestion were higher in hypothyroid patients than in control subjects (Amax—0.69±0.08versus0.30±0.07 nmol/L,P<0.0001, and NAmax—6.42±0.86versus2.54±0.30 nmol/L,P<0.0002). It can be concluded that in hypothyroidism TEG and glucose tolerance are decreased while the adrenergic response to glucose administration is enhanced. Presumably, these changes are related to decreased insulin sensitivity and responsiveness to catecholamine action.
Some Paranormed Double Difference Sequence Spaces for Orlicz Functions and Bounded-Regular Matrices
Authors: Mohiuddine S. A. , Raj Kuldip , Alotaibi Abdullah
Published: March 2014

The aim of this paper is to introduce some new double difference sequence spaces with the help of the Musielak-Orlicz functionℱ=(Fjk)and four-dimensional bounded-regular (shortly,RH-regular) matricesA=(anmjk). We also make an effort to study some topological properties and inclusion relations between these double difference sequence spaces.
Antibiotic Prescriptions for Upper Respiratory Infection in the Emergency Department: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Hou Sheng-Wen , Lee Yi-Kung , Hsu Chen-Yang , Lee Ching-Chih , Su Yung-Cheng
Published: March 2014

Study Objective. Antibiotics prescriptions for upper respiratory infections (URI) are not uncommon, but the benefits for these groups had seldom been evaluated. We aimed to utilize a sampled National Health Insurance (NHI) claims data containing one million beneficiaries to explore if the use of antibiotics could reduce the possibility of unscheduled returns. Methods. We identified patients presented to ambulatory clinics with the discharged diagnoses of URI. The prescriptions of antibiotics were identified. We further matched each patient in the antibiotic group to the patient in the control group by selected covariates using a standard propensity score greedy-matching algorithm. The risks of unscheduled revisits were compared between the two groups. Results. A total of 6915140 visits were identified between 2005 and 2010. The proportions of antibiotics prescriptions are similar among these years, ranging from 9.99% to 13.38 %. In the propensity score assignment, 9190 patients (4595 in each group) were further selected. The odds ratio of unscheduled revisits among antibiotics group and control group was 0.92 (95% CI, 0.70–1.22) with P value equal to 0.569. Conclusions. Overall, antibiotics prescriptions did not seem to decrease the unscheduled revisits in patients presented to the ED with URI. Emergency physicians should reduce the unnecessary prescriptions and save antibiotics to patients with real benefits.
Nonlocal Boundary Value Problem for Nonlinear Impulsiveqk-Integrodifference Equation
Authors: Zhang Lihong , Baleanu Dumitru , Wang Guotao
Published: March 2014

A nonlinear impulsive integrodifference equation within the frame ofqk-quantum calculus is investigated by applying using fixed point theorems. The conditions for existence and uniqueness of solutions are obtained.
Positive Solutions for Systems of Nonlinear Higher Order Differential Equations with Integral Boundary Conditions
Authors: Li Yaohong , Zhang Xiaoyan
Published: March 2014

By constructing some general type conditions and using fixed point theorem of cone, this paper investigates the existence of at least one and at least two positive solutions for systems of nonlinear higher order differential equations with integral boundary conditions. As application, some examples are given.
A Study of Pion-Nucleus Interactions in terms of Compound Particles
Authors: Ahmad Tufail
Published: March 2014

We report some results on the compound multiplicity distribution at 340 GeV/c π- nucleus interactions. Compound multiplicity distribution is found to depend on the target size and the distribution becomes broader. The peak of the distribution shifts towards higher values of the compound particle multiplicity. Mean compound multiplicity is found to vary linearly with grey, heavy, and shower particle multiplicity. Correlations between different particle multiplicities have been studied in detail. Dispersion of compound multiplicity distributions and its ratio with the mean value is observed to obey a linear relationship with different particle multiplicities except for shower particles where dispersion is almost independent of shower particles. Mean normalized multiplicity has also been studied in terms of created charged particles.
Long-Term Effects of Maternal Deprivation on Cholinergic System in Rat Brain
Authors: Marković Branka , Radonjić Nevena V. , Aksić Milan , Filipović Branislav , Petronijević Nataša
Published: March 2014

Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated an association between early stressful life events and adult life psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia. In rodents, early life exposure to stressors such as maternal deprivation (MD) produces numerous hormonal, neurochemical, and behavioral changes and is accepted as one of the animal models of schizophrenia. The stress induces acetylcholine (Ach) release in the forebrain and the alterations in cholinergic neurotransmitter system are reported in schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to examine long-term effects of maternal separation on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in different brain structures and the density of cholinergic fibers in hippocampus and retrosplenial (RS) cortex. Wistar rats were separated from their mothers on the postnatal day (P) 9 for 24 h and sacrificed on P60. Control group of rats was bred under the same conditions, but without MD. Brain regions were collected for AChE activity measurements and morphometric analysis. Obtained results showed significant decrease of the AChE activity in cortex and increase in the hippocampus of MD rats. Density of cholinergic fibers was significantly increased in CA1 region of hippocampus and decreased in RS cortex. Our results indicate that MD causes long-term structure specific changes in the cholinergic system.
Multiprotocol Communication Interface PMSM Control on Account of Industrial Configuration Software
Authors: Zhang Li-guo , Dou Man-feng
Published: March 2014

The purpose is to achieve drive controller of PMSM connect with industrial control configuration software seamless and to meet the industrial configuration software in the demand for motor to realize intelligent control. A software interface was designed and implemented about motor drive controller and the PC the industrial control configuration base on Modbus_RTU serial communication protocol of industrial control. One kind of design and implementation methods have been proposed in the communication interfaces for industrial applications scalable multiselectivity. Using the latest high-performance multiprotocol transceiver device pin programmable SP339 as the lower machine communications chip designed optional multi-interface hardware circuit with DSP TMS320F2812 as the processor. The interface program was studied with regard to C language software of lower machine and control configuration software of PC. Database creation, data acquisition, and animation links of PC configuration software are realized. Online debugging results meet the design requirements on account of PC control configuration software and the lower machine controller hardware and software.
The Burkill-Cesari Integral on Spaces of Absolutely Continuous Games
Authors: Centrone F. , Martellotti A.
Published: March 2014

We prove that the Burkill-Cesari integral is a value on a subspace ofACand then discuss its continuity with respect to both theBVand the Lipschitz norm. We provide an example of value on a subspace ofACstrictly containingpNAas well as an existence result of a Lipschitz continuous value, different from Aumann and Shapley’s one, on a subspace ofAC∞.
Effect of Acupuncture on Premature Ovarian Failure: A Pilot Study
Authors: Chen Yingru , Fang Yigong , Yang Jinsheng , Wang Fei , Wang Yingying , Yang Li
Published: March 2014

To investigate the effect of acupuncture on women with premature ovarian failure (POF), prospective consecutive case series study was applied. 31 women with POF were included; all patients were treated with acupuncture once every other day, three times a week for three months. Acupoints, GV 20, GV 24, GB 13, CV 3, CV 4, BL 23, BL 32, ST 25, ST 28, ST 29, ST 36, SP 6, KI 3, and LR 3, were selected. Serums FSH, E2, and LH level, Self‐Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Kupperman score were measured at baseline and at the end of treatment; the menstrual cycle was recorded during one‐month follow‐up. Compared with baseline, patients’ serums FSH and LH were decreased, E2 was increased, and SAS score and Kupperman score were decreased. Four patients resumed menstrual cycle after treatment and two resumed during follow‐up. No serious adverse events were found in all patients. The results indicate that acupuncture may decrease serums FSH and LH level, raise serum E2 level, relieve anxiety, reduce mental stress, and improve the menopausal symptoms.
Bamboo Rayon-ZnO Nanoparticles Composite as Multifunctional Textile Materials
Authors: Sheikh Javed , Teli M. D.
Published: March 2014

In the current study, an acrylic acid grafted bamboo rayon fabric was utilized as a substrate to immobilize ZnO nanoparticles. The bamboo rayon-ZnO nanoparticles composite was prepared by the treatment of swollen grafted fabric with ZnCl2 followed by conversion of Zn2+ ions into ZnO nanoparticles. The modified product was characterized and then evaluated for antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria as well as durability of their antibacterial activity after washing. The product showed antibacterial activity against both types of bacteria which was found to be durable till 40 washes. The modified material also showed improved UV protection. The product can be claimed as semidurable multifunctional textile material.
A Novel Complex Networks Clustering Algorithm Based on the Core Influence of Nodes
Authors: Tong Chao , Niu Jianwei , Dai Bin , Xie Zhongyu
Published: March 2014

In complex networks, cluster structure, identified by the heterogeneity of nodes, has become a common and important topological property. Network clustering methods are thus significant for the study of complex networks. Currently, many typical clustering algorithms have some weakness like inaccuracy and slow convergence. In this paper, we propose a clustering algorithm by calculating the core influence of nodes. The clustering process is a simulation of the process of cluster formation in sociology. The algorithm detects the nodes with core influence through their betweenness centrality, and builds the cluster’s core structure by discriminant functions. Next, the algorithm gets the final cluster structure after clustering the rest of the nodes in the network by optimizing method. Experiments on different datasets show that the clustering accuracy of this algorithm is superior to the classical clustering algorithm (Fast-Newman algorithm). It clusters faster and plays a positive role in revealing the real cluster structure of complex networks precisely.
Coronary Artery Disease and the Profile of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in South South Nigeria: A Clinical and Autopsy Study
Authors: Essien Okon Ekwere , Andy Joseph , Ansa Victor , Otu Akaninyene Asuquo , Udoh Alphonsus
Published: March 2014

Introduction. Death from coronary artery disease (CAD) has been until recently considered rare in Nigeria. We present a report of a study of CAD with its predisposing cardiovascular (CVD) risk factors in South South Nigeria.Methods. We examined the autopsy reports of 747 coroner cases and 41 consecutive clinically diagnosed cases of ischemic heart disease seen in South South Nigeria.Results. CAD was diagnosed in 13 (1.6%) of 747 autopsies. They were predominantly males, urban residents, and of high social class with combination of CVD risk factors of hypertension, alcohol use, diabetes mellitus, cigarette smoking, poor physical activities, and obesity. The mean serum cholesterol of the clinical subjects was4.7±1.57 mmol/L and5.07±1.94 mmol/L for angina and myocardial infarction, respectively, which was higher than the mean total cholesterol for locality of 3.1 mmol/L.Conclusion. CAD and its risk factors are contributing to mortality and morbidity in South South Nigeria. These risk factors include hypertension, alcohol use, diabetes mellitus, cigarette smoking, poor physical activity, and obesity. Nigerians in this locality with CAD have raised serum lipids.
The Effect of Intravenous Lidocaine on Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Randomized Double Blind Placebo Controlled Trial
Authors: Stavropoulou Evmorfia , Argyra Erifili , Zis Panagiotis , Vadalouca Athina , Siafaka Ioanna
Published: March 2014

Trigeminal neuralgia is the most common neuralgia. Its therapeutic approach is challenging as the first line treatment often does not help, or even causes intolerable side effects. The aim of our randomized double blind, placebo controlled, crossover study was to investigate in a prospective way the effect of lidocaine in patients with trigeminal neuralgia. Twenty patients met our inclusion criteria and completed the study. Each patient underwent four weekly sessions, two of which were with lidocaine (5 mgs/kg) and two with placebo infusions administered over 60 minutes. Intravenous lidocaine was superior regarding the reduction of the intensity of pain, the allodynia, and the hyperalgesia compared to placebo. Moreover, contrary to placebo, lidocaine managed to maintain its therapeutic results for the first 24 hours after intravenous infusion. Although, intravenous lidocaine is not a first line treatment, when first line medications fail to help, pain specialists may try it as an add-on treatment. This trial is registered with NCT01955967.
Transcatheter Coil Embolization of a Coronary Artery-Left Ventricular Fistula Associated with Single Coronary Artery Anomaly
Authors: Celebi Ozlem Ozcan , Canbay Alper , Diker Erdem , Çil Barbaros , Aytemir Kudret , Oto Ali
Published: March 2014

Single coronary artery anomaly associated with coronary fistula is a rare entity. Transcatheter coil embolization is the treatment of choice for coronary artery fistulas. In this case report, we describe a patient with both single coronary artery anomaly and coronary fistula who was successfully treated with coil embolization.
Anti-CD133 Antibody Immobilized on the Surface of Stents Enhances Endothelialization
Authors: Li Jian , Li Dan , Gong Feirong , Jiang Shaoyan , Yu Hua , An Yi
Published: March 2014

Drug eluting stents successfully reduce restenosis at the cost of delayed reendothelialization. In recent years, a novel concept to enhance reendothelialization using anti-CD34 antibody coated stents which capture circulating progenitor cells (EPCs) has been developed with conflicting clinical results. CD133 is a glycoprotein expressed on circulating hematopoietic and putative endothelial-regenerating cells and may be superior to CD34 for EPCs capture stents. In the present study, anti-CD133 antibody has been successfully immobilized to the biodegradable polymeric coating material by covalent conjugation. We explore whether anti-CD133 antibody coated stents (CD133 stents) might accelerate reendothelialization in comparison with bare metal stents (BMS) through the superior ability to capture EPCs. Thein vitrocell culture results indicate that anti-CD133 antibody functionalized polymer film significantly promotes CD133 positive cells attachment and growth compared with the unfunctionalized polymer film. In the semi-in vivoarteriovenous shunt model CD133 stents demonstrate much quicker specific capturing of EPCs from the blood stream than BMS within 6 hours. In a porcine coronary artery injury model CD133 stents show more effective reendothelialization in short term compared with BMS, while no significant difference in endothelial function recovery was observed between these two groups within 6-month followup.
Effect of Chromium on Antioxidant Potential ofCatharanthus roseusVarieties and Production of Their Anticancer Alkaloids: Vincristine and Vinblastine
Authors: Rai Vartika , Tandon Pramod Kumar , Khatoon Sayyada
Published: March 2014

Catharanthus roseus(L.) G. Don, a medicinal plant, has a very important place in the traditional as well as modern pharmaceutical industry. Two common varieties of this plantroseaandalbaare named so because of pink and white coloured flowers, respectively. This plant comprises of about 130 terpenoid indole alkaloids and two of them, vincristine and vinblastine, are common anticancer drugs. The effect of chromium (Cr) on enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant components and on secondary metabolites vincristine and vinblastine was studied under pot culture conditions of both varieties ofC. roseus. Antioxidant responses of these varieties were analyzed under 0, 10, 50, and 100 μM chromium (Cr) level in order to investigate the plant’s protective mechanisms against Cr induced oxidative stress. The results indicated that Cr affects all the studied parameters and decreases growth performance. However, vincristine and vinblastine contents were increased under Cr stress. Results are quite encouraging, as this plant shows good antioxidant potential and increased the level of active constituents under Cr stress.
Citizen Brus Examines His Body: Actionism and Activism in Vienna, 1968
Authors: Hinderliter Beth
Published: March 2014

The question “Is nonviolence a possibility?” was a lightning rod of disorder in the 1960s as leftist groups became militarized, claiming counter-violence as the most effective vehicle of self-preservation. Numerous publications, whether advocating counter-violence as self-destruction or as self-preservation, from Konrad Lorenz's On Aggression (1963) to the collection The Dialectics of Liberation (which appeared in 1968 and featured essays by Herbert Marcuse, R.D. Laing, and Stokely Carmichael), spoke to the problem of venting human aggression and thereby ending our “mass suicide.” Artistic use of violence at the 1966 Destruction in Art Symposium in London, where Viennese Actionists as well as members of the Fluxus group gathered to stage performances of their works such as Ten Rounds for Cassius Clay, questioned the sublimation of violence or its aggravation via aesthetic strategies. In suggesting that nonviolence in an oppressive society was the equivalent of self-destruction, Actionists participated in a broader discussion of the character of violence being conducted by a number of activist groups at this time. It dismissed self-defense in favor of revolutionary violence. The Actionists politicized self-destruction as a means of routing bourgeois individualism and its internalization of repressive aspects of the state apparatus, forming group-subjects as in Wehrertüchtigung [Toughening Up the Army] from 1967, which had performers parodying the training exercises of army soldiers and reveling in corporal abjection. In this sense, the political capacities of Actionism can be seen not just in its partnering with student-activist groups to offer “teach-ins,” as at 1968's “Art and Revolution” (a manifestation of performance and actions co-organized by the Viennese Actionists and a student group at the University of Vienna); they are more widely manifest in the Direct Art performances of the mid-1960s and in Günter Brus's Body Analysis actions, which question the relationship between the materiality of the human body and the political identity of the citizen subject. Here, violence applied to the body as material seeks to overturn the originary violence that is the basis of state power and to render visible the internalization of repressive social forces.
The Surveillant Gaze: Michael Haneke's The White Ribbon
Authors: Blumenthal-Barby Martin
Published: March 2014

Michael Haneke's 2009 The White Ribbon is set in the village of “Eichwald.” Eichwald cannot be found on any German map. It is an imaginary place in the Protestant North of Eastern Germany in the early twentieth century. What is more, Haneke tells his black-and-white tale as the flashback narration of a voice-over narrator—a series of defamiliarizing techniques that lift the diegetic action out of its immediate sociohistorical context, stripping it of its temporal and topographical coordinates. Against this backdrop, is it possible to hear the name “Eichwald” without being reminded of, on the one hand, Adolf Eichmann, Nazi SS-Obersturmbannführer and one of the key architects of the Holocaust, and, on the other, the Nazi concentration camp Buchenwald? To be sure, Eichwald is not Buchenwald, and no 56,000 humans are being murdered here. Yet why this peculiar terminological fusion? What characterizes Eichwald, this model of a society in which adults have no names but merely function as representatives of a particular class and profession: the Baron, the Pastor, the Teacher, the Steward, the Midwife, etc.? What distinguishes this village that appears to be largely isolated from the outside world, this village that outsiders rarely enter and from which no one seems to be able to escape? What identifies this prison-like community with its oppressive atmosphere, its tiny rooms and low ceilings, its myriad alcoves, niches, windows, and hallways that evoke a general sense of “entrapment” and incarceration? This world in which even the camera appears to be shackled, to never zoom, hardly to pan or tilt, thus depriving the image of any dynamism, any mobility? Who—in this confining milieu—are the guards, who the detainees? And what characterizes the putatively illicit activities that appear to lie at its enigmatic center and around which the entire film seems to revolve?
Nonlinearity of Ocean Carbon Cycle Feedbacks in CMIP5 Earth System Models
Authors: Schwinger Jörg , Tjiputra Jerry F. , Heinze Christoph , Bopp Laurent , Christian James R. , Gehlen Marion , Ilyina Tatiana , Jones Chris D. , Salas-Mélia David , Segschneider Joachim , Séférian Roland , Totterdell Ian
Published: March 2014

Carbon cycle feedbacks are usually categorized into carbon–concentration and carbon–climate feedbacks, which arise owing to increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration and changing physical climate. Both feedbacks are often assumed to operate independently: that is, the total feedback can be expressed as the sum of two independent carbon fluxes that are functions of atmospheric CO2 and climate change, respectively. For phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5), radiatively and biogeochemically coupled simulations have been undertaken to better understand carbon cycle feedback processes. Results show that the sum of total ocean carbon uptake in the radiatively and biogeochemically coupled experiments is consistently larger by 19–58 petagrams of carbon (Pg C) than the uptake found in the fully coupled model runs. This nonlinearity is small compared to the total ocean carbon uptake (533–676 Pg C), but it is of the same order as the carbon–climate feedback. The weakening of ocean circulation and mixing with climate change makes the largest contribution to the nonlinear carbon cycle response since carbon transport to depth is suppressed in the fully relative to the biogeochemically coupled simulations, while the radiatively coupled experiment mainly measures the loss of near-surface carbon owing to warming of the ocean. Sea ice retreat and seawater carbon chemistry contribute less to the simulated nonlinearity. The authors’ results indicate that estimates of the ocean carbon–climate feedback derived from “warming only” (radiatively coupled) simulations may underestimate the reduction of ocean carbon uptake in a warm climate high CO2 world.
Prediction Skill of North Pacific Variability in NCEP Climate Forecast System Version 2: Impact of ENSO and Beyond
Authors: Hu Zeng-Zhen , Kumar Arun , Huang Bohua , Zhu Jieshun , Guan Yuanhong
Published: March 2014

This work examines the impact of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on the prediction skill of North Pacific variability (NPV) in retrospective predictions of the NCEP Climate Forecast System, version 2. It is noted that the phase relationship between ENSO and NPV at initial conditions (ICs) affects the prediction skill of NPV. For average lead times of 0–6 months, the prediction skills of sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) in NPV (defined as the NPV index) increase from 0.42 to 0.63 from the cases of an out-of-phase relation between the Niño-3.4 and NPV indices in ICs to the cases of an in-phase relation. It is suggested that when ENSO and NPV are in phase in ICs, ENSO plays a constructive role in the NPV development and enhances its signals. Nevertheless, when ENSO and NPV are out of phase, some pronounced positive NPV events are still predictable. In these cases, the North Pacific is dominated by strong positive SSTAs, which may overcome the opposing influence from the tropical Pacific and display predictability.
Book Review: Nucleus and Nation: Scientists, International Networks, and Power in India
Authors: Gill Amandeep Singh
Published: March 2014

ROBERT S. ANDERSON, Nucleus and Nation: Scientists, International Networks, and Power in India, Chicago and London: University of Chicago Press, 2010, pp. 683.
Biochemical methane potential (BMP) of artichoke waste: The inoculum effect
Authors: Fabbri Andrea , Serranti Silvia , Bonifazi Giuseppe
Published: March 2014

The aim of this work was to investigate anaerobic digestibility of artichoke waste resulting from industrial transformation. A series of batch anaerobic digestion tests was performed in order to evaluate the biochemical methane potential of the matrix in respect of the process. A comparison of the different performances of the laboratory-scale reactors operating in mesophilic conditions and utilizing three different values of the inoculum/substrate ratio was carried out. The best performance was achieved with an inoculum/substrate ratio of 2. Artichoke-processing byproducts showed a classical organic waste decomposition behaviour: a fast start-up phase, an acclimation stage, and a final stabilization phase. Following this approach, artichoke waste reached chemical oxygen demand removal of about 90% in 40 days. The high methane yield (average 408.62 mL CH4 gvs−1 voltatile solids), makes artichoke waste a good product to be utilized in anaerobic digestion plants for biogas production.
Head actuator dynamics
Authors: Zeng S , Xu L-m , Lin R-m
Published: March 2014

It is common in the present hard disk drives that there exist strong quasi-rigid (QR) system vibration modes between 3 and 5 kHz, which involve coupled vibrations of the slider, suspension, arm and bearing assembly. The system modes are caused by the stiffness of the ball-bearing assembly, and they are particularly troublesome for the servo system. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the dynamic behaviour of the head actuator especially the QR modes, is essential to control the vibration in future high-performance disk drives. In this paper the finite element model of a full head actuator is established. The detailed QR body modes are investigated and the transient response simulating the track seeking and settling is also involved. It is found that due to the stiffness of the pivot bearing in the axial and radial directions, the head actuator exhibits a series of QR body motions, among which the translation in the lateral direction and rotation about the longitudinal direction might contribute to the track misregistration (TMR). In the transient response simulating the track seeking, besides the QR modes, the suspension sway mode and first torsion mode might also be excited. Owing to the material damping, the sway mode attenuates very rapidly. The QR modes may be dampened gradually by the damping in the pivot bearing.
State-of-the-art of vehicular traffic flow modelling
Authors: Hoogendoorn S P , Bovy P H L
Published: March 2014

Nowadays traffic flow and congestion is one of the main societal and economical problems related to transportation in industrialized countries. In this respect, managing traffic in congested networks requires a clear understanding of traffic flow operations; i.e. insights into what causes congestion, what determines the time and location of traffic breakdown, how does the congestion propagate through the network, etc., are essential. For this purpose, during the past fifty years, a wide range of traffic flow theories and models have been developed to answer these research questions. This paper presents a overview of some fifty years of modelling vehicular traffic flow. A rich variety of modelling approaches developed so far and in use today will be discussed and compared. The considered models are classified based on the level-of-detail with which the vehicular flow is described. For each of the categories, issues like modelling accuracy, applicability, generalizability, and model calibration and validation are discussed.
Fuzzy clustering methods for identifying and modelling of non-linear control strategies
Authors: Akkizidis I S , Roberts G N
Published: March 2014

In this paper an algorithmic methodology for identifying and modelling non-linear control strategies is proposed. The methodology presented is based on choices of different fuzzy clustering algorithms, projection of clusters and merging techniques. The best features of well-known clustering methods such as the Gustafson-Kessel and mountain method are also combined. The latter is used to determine and define the number and the approximate positions of the cluster prototypes, whereas the former is used to define the shapes of the clusters according to the data distribution. The projection of the prototypes and variables of clusters is a recognized approach to extracting the information included in the data clusters into fuzzy sets. Merging these fuzzy sets, based on proposed guidelines, as described in this paper can minimize the number of rules and make the identifying control strategy more transparent. Some improvements to the resulting fuzzy system can be achieved by using optimization methods such as the gradient method. The proposed methodology is based on making the right choice of the right tools and can be described as a universal approximation in terms of identifying and modelling non-linear control strategies. The control strategy of an underwater vehicle for avoiding objects is identified using this methodology. Results are discussed as well as some conclusions about the proposed method.
A neural network approach to transmission line modelling and fault diagnosis of a hydraulic press control system
Authors: Bailey S , Watton J
Published: March 2014

A databased modelling approach is developed for a transmission line using an artificial neural network (ANN). By embedding the pure delay properties of a lossless line, the ANN approach attempts to ensure that the key dynamic features of the real line are retained. The concept is utilized to investigate leakage fault conditions in an electrohydraulic pressure control system by considering network weight and bias changes as leakage faults are introduced at the beginning and at the end of the line. It is shown that one bias weight only is a significant indicator of the fault conditions.
Impedance and stability characteristics of a relief valve
Authors: Johnston D N , Edge K A , Brunelli M
Published: March 2014

The hydraulic impedance characteristics of a cartridge-type relief valve are studied through measurement and mathematical modelling. Excellent agreement between the model and measurements is obtained. Most of the model parameters can be evaluated readily from measurement or calculation, though the friction factor and bulk modulus are adjusted to match the model to the measurements. The effect of the various physical parameters on the stability of the valve is discussed. The hydraulic inductance through the damping orifice is shown to have a very strong effect on the impedance and stability.
Linear servo motor control using adaptive neural networks
Authors: Lin C-L , Huang H-T
Published: March 2014

A novel approach for designing and realizing a wavelet basis function network learning controller for a linear motor control system is considered. A new condition ensuring stability robustness of a closed-loop system including a neuro controller is derived. The proposed controller deals mainly with non-linear disturbances, especially viscous friction and force ripples that occur in motion control of linear synchronous motors. It consists of two parts: the feedback controller is designed on the basis of a simple linear model, and the learning feedback component is a wavelet neuro controller. A real-time simulation scheme on a recently developed high speed, multiple input-output, digital signal processing control board is constructed to realize and evaluate the proposed design. Mathematical and real-time simulations and an experimental study are performed to validate the proposed approach.
Transfer function and frequency response estimation using resonant filters
Authors: Gawthrop P J , Wang L
Published: March 2014

A resonant filter approach is proposed for direct identification of continuous-time transfer functions from input-output data when the input contains significant periodic components. The asymptotic properties of the method are analysed; in particular, the noise reduction properties are emphasized. A simulation example is given to demonstrate the properties of the algorithm. By using a set of experimental data collected from a food cooking extruder, the proposed method has been compared with a well-known frequency response method.
Robust D-stability analysis for linear discrete-time singular systems with structured parameter uncertainties and delayed perturbations
Authors: Chen S-H
Published: March 2014

In this paper, the robust D-stability problem (i.e. robust eigenvalue-clustering in a specified circular region problem) of linear discrete-time singular systems with structured (elemental) parameter uncertainties and delayed perturbations is investigated. Under the assumptions that the nominal discrete-time singular system is regular and impulse free and has all its finite eigenvalues lying inside a specified circular region, a new sufficient condition is proposed to preserve the assumed properties when the structured (elemental) parameter uncertainties and delayed perturbations are added into the nominal discrete-time singular system. When all the finite eigenvalues lie inside the unit circle of the z plane, the proposed criterion will become the stability robustness criterion. An example is given to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed sufficient condition.