bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spectral examination of a multiple-flame photometric detector for use in chromatography
Authors: Clark Adrian G. , Thurbide Kevin B.
Published: April 2014

An examination of the emission spectra produced in a novel multiple-flame photometric detector (mFPD) was performed and directly compared to spectra obtained from a conventional single-flame FPD mode. Through monitoring a broad spectral range from 250 to 850 nm, it was found that the mFPD produces sulfur emission predominantly as S2*, but HSO* can also be isolated in the red spectral region. Further, phosphorus emission in the mFPD was found to stem from HPO*, while carbon emission was attributed to CH* and C2*. Finally, background emission in the mFPD was determined to be from OH*. Qualitatively, these finding agree very well with the species found in a conventional single-flame FPD. However, quantitatively, the mFPD spectra consistently produced analyte emission bands that were relatively more intense, by as much as a factor of 3. In contrast with this, hydrocarbon spectra in the mFPD yielded significantly reduced relative intensities, owing to decreased C2* emission. As well, aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons produced much more similar distributions of CH* and C2* emission in the mFPD than in the conventional single-flame FPD mode. The results indicate that a relative reduction of C2 radical and an increase of oxidized carbon in the analytical flame of the mFPD could play a central role in the observed quenching-resistant behavior of this detector.
Facultative anadromy in salmonids: linking habitat, individual life history decisions, and population-level consequences
Authors: Railsback Steven F. , Harvey Bret C. , White Jason L.
Published: April 2014

Modeling and management of facultative anadromous salmonids is complicated by their ability to select anadromous or resident life histories. Conventional theory for this behavior assumes individuals select the strategy offering highest expected reproductive success but does not predict how population-level consequences such as a stream’s smolt production emerge from the anadromy decision and habitat conditions. Our individual-based population model represents juvenile growth, survival, and anadromy decisions as outcomes of habitat and competition. In simulation experiments that varied stream growth and survival conditions, we examined how many simulated juveniles selected anadromy versus residence and how many of those choosing anadromy survived until smolting. Owing to variation in habitat and among individuals, the within-population frequency of anadromy changed gradually with growth and survival conditions instead of switching abruptly. Higher predation risk caused more juveniles to select anadromy, but fewer survived long enough to smolt. Improving growth appears a much safer way to increase smolt production compared with reducing freshwater survival. Smolt production peaked at high growth and moderately high survival, conditions that also produced many residents.
Phenomenologically varying Λ and a toy model for the universe
Authors: Khurshudyan M. , Sadeghi J. , Chubaryan E. , Farahani H.
Published: April 2014

We consider a model of the Universe with variable G and Λ. The subject of interest is a phenomenological model for Λ proposed and considered in this article for the first time (to our knowledge), with the assumption that ghost dark energy exists and interacts with the Universe through Λ. We consider the possibility that there exist unusual connections between different components of the fluids in Universe. We would like to stress that this is simply an assumption and could be very far from reality. This model is interesting phenomenologically and mathematically but we will not discuss physical conditions or possibilities of implementing the modifications. To test our assumption and to observe the behavior of the Universe, we will consider toy models filled by a barotropic fluid and modified Chaplyagin gas. Finally, we will consider interaction between barotropic fluid or Chaplygin gas and ghost dark energy as a separate scenario. The statefinder diagnostic provided stability analysis of the models. All free parameters of the model are fixed to satisfy the generalized second law of thermodynamics.
Investigation of excitation functions for (n, 2n) reactions on some samarium, europium and gadolinium isotopes in the mass region 144≤A≤160
Authors: Baldık Rıdvan , Aytekin Hüseyin , Artun Ozan
Published: April 2014

In this paper, we investigated excitation functions of (n, 2n) reactions on the target nuclei in the mass region (144≤A≤160) for some samarium, europium and gadolinium isotopes. Studies were performed for incident neutron energies between 1 MeV and 20 MeV. We used the ALICE/ASH and TALYS 1.4 codes to investigate the pre-equilibrium effects and the ALICE/ASH were used for the equilibrium effects. The effects of collision probabilities on pre-equilibrium excitation functions were also investigated.
Numerical predictions of performance of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell with baffle(s)-blocked flow field designs
Authors: Afshari Ebrahim , Houreh Nasser Baharlou
Published: April 2014

In this study, we propose a configuration of partially blocked oxidant channel with baffle plate(s) transversely inserted in the cathode channel and their effect on the oxygen transport and fuel cell performance is investigated. In order to investigate the effects of the selected shape, size and the number of baffles on the oxygen transport in the gas diffusion layer (GDL) and fuel cell performance a numerical modeling is carried out in 27 cases. With the consideration of both maximum oxygen concentration in the GDL and reasonable pressure drop criterions, the results indicate that in all cases, an increase in baffle height is more effective than an increase in number of baffle plates. Also, installing many large rectangular baffles seem quite appropriate, but when there is restriction in securing pressure in fuel cell, installing the semicircle baffle is better than the rectangular one.
CODE-CHANGE IMPACT ANALYSIS USING COUNTERFACTUALS: THEORY AND IMPLEMENTATION
Authors: PERALTA MANUEL , MUKHOPADHYAY SUPRATIK
Published: April 2014

This article shows a novel program analysis framework based on Lewis' theory of counterfactuals. Using this framework we are capable of performing change-impact static analysis on a program's source code. In other words, we are able to prove the properties induced by changes to a given program before applying these changes. Our contribution is two-fold; we show how to use Lewis' logic of counterfactuals to prove that proposed changes to a program preserve its correctness. We report the development of an automated tool based on resolution and theorem proving for performing code change-impact analysis.
Transverse energy and charged particle production in heavy-ion collisions: From RHIC to LHC
Authors: Sahoo Raghunath , Mishra Aditya Nath
Published: April 2014

We study the charged particle and transverse energy production mechanism from AGS, SPS, Relativistic Heavy-Ion Collider (RHIC) to Large Hadron Collider (LHC) energies in the framework of nucleon and quark participants. At RHIC and LHC energies, the number of nucleons-normalized charged particle and transverse energy density in pseudorapidity, which shows a monotonic rise with centrality, turns out to be an almost centrality independent scaling behavior when normalized to the number of participant quarks. A universal function which is a combination of logarithmic and power-law, describes well the charged particle and transverse energy production both at nucleon and quark participant level for the whole range of collision energies. Energy dependent production mechanisms are discussed both for nucleonic and partonic level. Predictions are made for the pseudorapidity densities of transverse energy, charged particle multiplicity and their ratio (the barometric observable, [Formula: see text]) at mid-rapidity for Pb + Pb collisions at [Formula: see text]. A comparison with models based on gluon saturation and statistical hadron gas is made for the energy dependence of [Formula: see text].
Lower bounds for fractional Laplacian eigenvalues
Authors: Wei Guoxin , Sun He-Jun , Zeng Lingzhong
Published: April 2014

In this paper, we investigate eigenvalues of fractional Laplacian (–Δ)α/2|D, where α ∈ (0, 2], on a bounded domain in an n-dimensional Euclidean space and obtain a sharper lower bound for the sum of its eigenvalues, which improves some results due to Yildirim Yolcu and Yolcu in [Estimates for the sums of eigenvalues of the fractional Laplacian on a bounded domain, Commun. Contemp. Math. 15(3) (2013) 1250048]. In particular, for the case of Laplacian, we obtain a sharper eigenvalue inequality, which gives an improvement of the result due to Melas in [A lower bound for sums of eigenvalues of the Laplacian, Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 131 (2003) 631–636].
SYNERGISTIC EFFECT OF SURFACE PLASMON RESONANCE AND CONSTRUCTED THREE-DIMENSIONAL INTERWOVEN STRUCTURED TiO2 PHOTOANODE FOR DYE-SENSITIZED SOLAR CELLS
Authors: RAO WANGPING , ZHANG YONGZHE , XIAO LI , YAO JIANXI , ZHANG BING , DAI SONGYUAN
Published: April 2014

We demonstrate a strategy for incorporating plasmon resonant metallic nanoparticles in the construction of the three-dimensional (3D) interwoven structured TiO 2 photoanodes. The 3D interwoven structure contained continuous TiO 2 skeleton and numerous interconnected macro/mesopores, which supplied effective straight path for electron transfer and high specific surface area for dye load. Localized surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was produced by the addition of gold nanoparticles ( AuNPs ), which increased the light absorption of the photoanodes more effectively. The synergistic effect of SPR with constructed TiO 2 nanostructures has been investigated, and was confirmed by field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-Vis absorption spectra, J–V characteristics, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis. It was found that the range and strength of light absorption of TiO 2 photoanodes, the photon capture ability of the dye molecules, the photoelectric conversion efficiency were significantly increased while the electron transfer resistance decreased due to the incorporation of AuNPs compared to the P25 and Au -free photoanode. The related photoelectric performance enhancement mechanisms, and surface-plasmon resonances in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with Au nanostructures were analyzed and discussed.
The application of outcrop analogues in geological modelling: a review, present status and future outlook
Authors: Howell John A. , Martinius Allard W. , Good Timothy R.
Published: April 2014

Analogues, especially outcrop analogues, have played a central role in improving understanding of subsurface reservoir architectures. Analogues provide important information on geobody size, geometry and potential connectivity. The historical application of outcrop analogues for understanding geobody distributions in reservoirs is reviewed, from the pioneering work of the 1960s to the high-tech virtual outcrop methodologies of today. Four key types of analogue data are identified: hard data, which describe the dimensions and geometry of the geobody; soft data, which describe the conceptual relationships between different geobody types; training images, which record the dimensions, proportions and spatial relationship; and analogue production data, which are taken from direct subsurface production analogues. The use of these different data types at different stages of the geomodelling workflow is discussed and the potential sources of error considered. Finally, a review of geobody and analogue studies in different clastic environments is discussed with reference to selected previous work and the range of papers in the current volume.
Corrosion Sensors: II. Wireless Miniature Corrosion
Authors: Smyrl William H
Published: April 2014

The research reported here will focus on a miniature battery system that is inactive as assembled (“off”). It is activated when a damaging fluid flows into the inter-electrode separator (“on”). In the “on” state, it powers a wireless sensor that transmits a signal to the base station monitor to announce that corrosion conditions have been created at the location of the battery – sensor. Further, the battery-sensor powered the measurement of the time-to-failure (TTF) of a corroding specimen that was initiated when the fluid arrived (on), and ended when the specimen failed (off). The on/off action is a “large” signal that is insensitive to electrical noise from the ambient surroundings.
Design and Modeling of a Novel Two Dimensional Nano-Scaled Force Sensor Based on Silicon Photonic Crystal
Authors: Li Tianlong , Li Longqiu , Song Wenping , Zhang Guangyu , Li Yao
Published: April 2014

Photonic crystal, which is an attractive optical structure for controlling and manipulating the flow of light, has been widely used to design mechanical sensors in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS). In this work, a novel two dimension nano-scaled force sensor based on silicon photonic crystal, in which a nanocavity is embedded in an L-shaped microcantilever, is developed and studied numerically. This microcantilever is extremely sensitive to the small refractive index changes produced by two dimensional component forces. The relationship between the force and the output wavelength is determined using finite element method and finite difference time-domain method. As we found, the range of the force sensor in each component force in X and Y directions are 0-1μN.And the resolutions of each component force in X and Y directions are 1.891 nm/μN and 1.418 nm/μN, respectively, for a 30μm long and 15μm wide cantilever. The novel photonic crystal sensor shows promising linear characteristics as an optical nanomechanical sensor.
Corrosion Resistance of Oxide Scales Formed in High-Temperature Oxidation of Al-Bearing Ferritic Stainless Steels
Authors: Sugawara Yu , Ogiwara Misako , Muto Izumi , Inakuma Toru , Sakamoto Hiroaki , Hara Nobuyoshi
Published: April 2014

Electrochemical polarization measurements of were performed on Al-bearing stainless steels covered with oxide scales formed at 973, 1173, and 1373 K, and the pinhole defect density and the reductive dissolution behaviors of the scales were investigated. The increase of oxidation temperature and the content of Al led to the growth of a thick Al-rich oxide scale. The Al-rich oxide scales had less pinhole defects and the high corrosion resistance in acidic condition. In contrast, Fe-rich oxide layers formed at lower oxidation temperatures dissolved cathodically. The Al addition was effective to decrease the pinhole defects and to enhance the corrosion resistance of the oxide scales due to the formation of the Al-rich oxide scale.
TiO2-WO3 Nanotubular Composite Synthesized by Anodization of Simultaneous Multi-Target Sputtered Thin Films Characterized by Laser Ablation ICP-MS
Authors: Smith York R. , Chappanda Karumbaiah N. , Mohanty Swomitra K. , Misra Mano
Published: April 2014

Electrochemical anodization of Ti–W nano-composite thin films deposited on a Si substrate by simultaneous magnetron sputtering of Ti and W resulted in the formation of TiO2–WO3 nanotubular -arrays. A change in the morphology of TiO2–WO3 composite nanotubes with varying percentage of W in Ti–W composite thin films was observed. The oxide film compositions were characterized by XPS and Laser Ablation ICP-MS, of which the latter demonstrated to give a good representation of the overall oxide composition. With a W density of less than or equal to 5.25 x 1018 of W atoms per cm3, the morphology of the composite nanotubes were similar to that of plain TiO2 nanotubes. Whereas with further increase in W density resulted in a nanoporous morphology.
Effect of Anaerobic Microbial Corrosion on the Surface Film Formed on Steel
Authors: Bala Dharshini D. , Chidambaram Dev
Published: April 2014

Anaerobic corrosion caused by an obligate anaerobic bacteria, Clostridium pasteurianum, was investigated. Corrosion rates were measured against various controls. It was determined that the metal sample experiences a higher corrosion rate than could be attributed to free H2 or other metabolic products and thus biotic processes contribute to the overall corrosion. Corrosion products were identified using surface analytical techniques.
TiO2 as Electron-Extraction-Layer in Reverse Type P3HT/ICBA Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Loew Noya , Komatsu Shigehiro , Akita Hiroshi , Funayama Katsuya , Yuge Tetsuharu , Fujiwara Takashi , Ihara Manabu
Published: April 2014

In this study, reverse type P3HT:ICBA organic solar cells with PEDOT:PSS as a hole-extraction-layer and TiO2 as an electron-extraction-layer were fabricated successfully and the functionality of TiO2 as electron-extraction-layer was investigated. Both with spray pyrolysis and with sputtering, the photocurrent generation increased with increasing fabrication temperature of the TiO2. Both optical and electrical properties of the TiO2 were investigated as reason for this increase in photocurrent generation. Surface roughness and thus light scattering by the TiO2 layer was found to influence the shape of both the light absorbance spectra and EQE spectra of the cells. To achieve a high measurable photocurrent, the TiO2 layer therefore has to have a high conductivity especially at the interface with the active layer, high crystallinity and low amounts of impurities. When the TiO2 layer had insulator characteristics, only energetically advantageous photocurrent generation by light absorbance of ICBA was measurable.
Simulation of Li-ion Cells by Dualfoil Model under Constant-Resistance Load
Authors: Mao Jing , Tiedemann William , Newman John
Published: April 2014

The Dualfoil model is used to simulate the electrochemical behavior and temperature rise for MCMB/LiCoO2 Li-ion cells under constant-resistance load operation, approaching a short-circuit condition. Electrolyte and solid surface concentration profiles of lithium-ion across the cell at various time scales are developed and analyzed to explain the lithium-ion transport limitations. Sensitivity simulative tests are conducted using selected values of the heat-transfer coefficient, lithium-ion diffusion coefficient in the solution and solid phases, electrode kinetic rate constants, and film resistance. Radial mass transport of lithium from the center of the pore to the pore wall (in the CoO2) has been added to the model to describe better current limitations at very high discharge currents. The results show that excessive overheating in batteries can result under conditions approaching short circuit.
Lithium Recovery from Seawater by Electrodialysis Using Ionic Liquid-based Membrane Technology
Authors: Hoshino Tsuyoshi
Published: April 2014

A new method for Li recovery from seawater by electrodialysis using a Li separation membrane with the ionic liquid PP13-TFSI was developed. Only Li ions can significantly permeate this membrane and thus pass from the anode side to the cathode side. Because the other ions (Na, Mg, Ca and K) in seawater are much less capable of permeating the membranes, Li becomes selectively concentrated on the cathode side. In the measurements of the ion concentration on the cathode side as a function of the duration of the applied dialysis voltage (2V), the Li concentration increased with time, reaching 24.5% after 2 h. The other ions in seawater did not permeate the membrane. This new recovery method shows good energy efficiency and is easily scalable. It should be suitable for use in seawater desalination plants and for the recycling of used Li-ion batteries.
Evaluation of High C Rate Cycle Induced Aging on Low Impedance Lithium-Ion Batteries Using In-Situ Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) Analysis
Authors: Shrestha Biju , Novak Peter , Wetz David , Matasso Anthony
Published: April 2014

The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) has performed experiments in which high power 3Ah LiNixCoyAl1-x-yO2 batteries have been studied at high C rates. The first of three identical cells has been discharged using a 10 kHz (50% duty cycle), high C rate (100C/300 A) pulsed discharge procedure and a 1C constant current (CC) - constant voltage (CV) recharge procedure. The second cell has been discharged using a 1C CC procedure and recharged using a 111 mHz (33% duty cycle), high C rate (33C/100 A) pulsed recharge procedure. The third cell, the control cell, has been cycled using a 1C CC discharge procedure and 1C CC-CV recharge procedure. The results of these experiments enable the impact each respective high rate procedure has on cell aging to be better understood. The experimental procedures and methods will be discussed in detail and the results of the experiments will be presented.
Running exercise alleviates trabecular bone loss and osteopenia in hemizygous β-globin knockout thalassemic mice
Authors: Thongchote Kanogwun , Svasti Saovaros , Teerapornpuntakit Jarinthorn , Krishnamra Nateetip , Charoenphandhu Narattaphol
Published: April 2014

A marked decrease in β-globin production led to β-thalassemia, a hereditary anemic disease associated with bone marrow expansion, bone erosion, and osteoporosis. Herein, we aimed to investigate changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and trabecular microstructure in hemizygous β-globin knockout thalassemic (BKO) mice and to determine whether endurance running (60 min/day, 5 days/wk for 12 wk in running wheels) could effectively alleviate bone loss in BKO mice. Both male and female BKO mice (1–2 mo old) showed growth retardation as indicated by smaller body weight and femoral length than their wild-type littermates. A decrease in BMD was more severe in female than in male BKO mice. Bone histomorphometry revealed that BKO mice had decreases in trabecular bone volume, trabecular number, and trabecular thickness, presumably due to suppression of osteoblast-mediated bone formation and activation of osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, the latter of which was consistent with elevated serum levels of osteoclastogenic cytokines IL-1α and -1β. As determined by peripheral quantitative computed tomography, running increased cortical density and thickness in the femoral and tibial diaphyses of BKO mice compared with those of sedentary BKO mice. Several histomorphometric parameters suggested an enhancement of bone formation (e.g., increased mineral apposition rate) and suppression of bone resorption (e.g., decreased osteoclast surface), which led to increases in trabecular bone volume and trabecular thickness in running BKO mice. In conclusion, BKO mice exhibited pervasive osteopenia and impaired bone microstructure, whereas running exercise appeared to be an effective intervention in alleviating bone microstructural defect in β-thalassemia.
Value of Fused18F-Choline-PET/MRI to Evaluate Prostate Cancer Relapse in Patients Showing Biochemical Recurrence after EBRT: Preliminary Results
Authors: Piccardo Arnoldo , Paparo Francesco , Picazzo Riccardo , Naseri Mehrdad , Ricci Paolo , Marziano Andrea , Bacigalupo Lorenzo , Biscaldi Ennio , Rollandi Gian Andrea , Grillo-Ruggieri Filippo , Farsad Mohsen
Published: April 2014

Purpose. We compared the accuracy of18F-Choline-PET/MRI with that of multiparametric MRI (mMRI),18F-Choline-PET/CT,18F-Fluoride-PET/CT, and contrast-enhanced CT (CeCT) in detecting relapse in patients with suspected relapse of prostate cancer (PC) after external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). We assessed the association between standard uptake value (SUV) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC).Methods. We evaluated 21 patients with biochemical relapse after EBRT. Patients underwent18F-Choline-PET/contrast-enhanced (Ce)CT,18F-Fluoride-PET/CT, and mMRI. Imaging coregistration of PET and mMRI was performed.Results.18F-Choline-PET/MRI was positive in 18/21 patients, with a detection rate (DR) of 86%. DRs of18F-Choline-PET/CT, CeCT, and mMRI were 76%, 43%, and 81%, respectively. In terms of DR the only significant difference was between18F-Choline-PET/MRI and CeCT. On lesion-based analysis, the accuracy of18F-Choline-PET/MRI,18F-Choline-PET/CT, CeCT, and mMRI was 99%, 95%, 70%, and 85%, respectively. Accuracy, sensitivity, and NPV of18F-Choline-PET/MRI were significantly higher than those of both mMRI and CeCT. On whole-body assessment of bone metastases, the sensitivity of18F-Choline-PET/CT and18F-Fluoride-PET/CT was significantly higher than that of CeCT. Regarding local and lymph node relapse, we found a significant inverse correlation between ADC and SUV-max.Conclusion.18F-Choline-PET/MRI is a promising technique in detecting PC relapse.
Apple Pollination Biology for Stable and Novel Fruit Production: Search System for Apple Cultivar Combination Showing Incompatibility, Semicompatibility, and Full-Compatibility Based on theS-RNaseAllele Database
Authors: Matsumoto Shogo
Published: April 2014

Breeding and cultivation of new apple cultivars are among the most attractive and important issues for apple researchers. As almost all apple cultivars exhibit gametophytic self-incompatibility (GSI), cross-pollination between genetically different cultivars and species is essential not only for stable fruit production, but also for breeding of new cultivars. For cross-pollination by insect or hand pollination, pollen viability and pistil fertility are key factors, but also the mechanism of GSI has to be taken into account. This paper reviews the germination rate of pollen after storage in different conditions, at different periods of flowering, and in combination with pistil fertility and cross-compatibility among wild-, crab-, and cultivated apples. Furthermore, suitable cultivar combinations for new attractive apple cultivars based on GSI are explored. Especially, details aboutS-genotypes of apple cultivars, which are present in recent cultivar catalogues, are introduced together with a newly established on-line searchable database ofS-genotypes of cultivars, wild apples and crab apples that shows incompatibility, semicompatibility, and full-compatibility.
The Pursuit of Happiness Measurement: A Psychometric Model Based on Psychophysiological Correlates
Authors: Pietro Cipresso , Silvia Serino , Giuseppe Riva
Published: April 2014

Everyone is interested in the pursuit of happiness, but the real problem for the researchers is how to measure it. Our aim was to deeply investigate happiness measurement through biomedical signals, using psychophysiological methods to objectify the happiness experiences measurements. The classic valence-arousal model of affective states to study happiness has been extensively used in psychophysiology. However, really few studies considered a real combination of these two dimensions and no study further investigated multidimensional models. More, most studies focused mainly on self-report to measure happiness and a deeper psychophysiological investigation on the dimensions of such an experience is still missing. A multidimensional model of happiness is presented and both the dimensions and the measures extracted within each dimension are comprehensively explained. This multidimensional model aims at being a milestone for future systematic study on psychophysiology of happiness and affective states.
Functional Roles of Protein Nitration in Acute and Chronic Liver Diseases
Authors: Abdelmegeed Mohamed A. , Song Byoung-Joon
Published: April 2014

Nitric oxide, when combined with superoxide, produces peroxynitrite, which is known to be an important mediator for a number of diseases including various liver diseases. Peroxynitrite can modify tyrosine residue(s) of many proteins resulting in protein nitration, which may alter structure and function of each target protein. Various proteomics and immunological methods including mass spectrometry combined with both high pressure liquid chromatography and 2D PAGE have been employed to identify and characterize nitrated proteins from pathological tissue samples to determine their roles. However, these methods contain a few technical problems such as low efficiencies with the detection of a limited number of nitrated proteins and labor intensiveness. Therefore, a systematic approach to efficiently identify nitrated proteins and characterize their functional roles is likely to shed new insights into understanding of the mechanisms of hepatic disease pathophysiology and subsequent development of new therapeutics. The aims of this review are to briefly describe the mechanisms of hepatic diseases. In addition, we specifically describe a systematic approach to efficiently identify nitrated proteins to study their causal roles or functional consequences in promoting acute and chronic liver diseases including alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases. We finally discuss translational research applications by analyzing nitrated proteins in evaluating the efficacies of potentially beneficial agents to prevent or treat various diseases in the liver and other tissues.
Parameter Identification of PMSM Using Immune Clonal Selection Differential Evolution Algorithm
Authors: Lin Guohan , Zhang Jing , Liu Zhaohua
Published: April 2014

Permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) models with accurate parameters are crucial to high performance PMSM control system designs. As the estimation of PMSM parameters is very difficult due to the nonlinear model complexity, a novel immune clonal differential evolution algorithm (ICDEA) is proposed to identify the electrical parameters of nonsalient pole PMSM. Clonal selection and receptor editing mechanism are introduced to ICDEA to increase the diversity of the population and improve searching capability. The effectiveness of the proposed identification method is verified by both simulation and experiment. The results show that the proposed algorithm has good convergence in simultaneously estimating stator resistance, dq‐axis inductances, and rotor flux linkage. In addition, the convergence speed of ICDEA is compared with other differential evolution (DE) algorithms, which verifies that the ICDEA has better performances in global searching.
Association of Maternal Age to Development and Progression of Retinopathy of Prematurity in Infants of Gestational Age under 33 Weeks
Authors: Uchida Atsuro , Miwa Masayuki , Shinoda Hajime , Koto Takashi , Nagai Norihiro , Mochimaru Hiroshi , Tomita Yohei , Sasaki Mariko , Ikeda Kazushige , Tsubota Kazuo , Ozawa Yoko
Published: April 2014

Aim. To find predictive and indicative markers of risk for development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and its progression to the stage requiring laser treatment, in premature infants whose gestational age (GA) was under 33 weeks.Methods. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 197 premature infants born in 2005–2010 whoseGA<33weeks and underwent eye screening at Keio University Hospital. The association between candidate risk factors and development or progression of ROP was assessed.Results. Among the 182 eligible infants (median GA, 29.1 weeks; median birth weight (BW), 1028 g), 84 (46%) developed any stage of ROP, of which 45 (25%) required laser treatment. Multivariate analysis using a stepwise method showed that GA (P=0.002; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.508–0.858), BW (P<0.001; 95% CI, 0.994–0.998), and lower maternal age (P=0.032; 95% CI, 0.819–0.991) were the risk factors for ROP development and GA (P<0.001; 95% CI, 0.387–0.609) and lower maternal age (P=0.012; 95% CI, 0.795–0.973) were for laser treatment. The odds ratio of requiring laser treatment was 3.3 when the maternal age was <33 years.Conclusion. ROP was more likely to be developed and progressed in infants born from younger mother and low GA.
Multiple-Site Hemodynamic Analysis of Doppler Ultrasound with an Adaptive Color Relation Classifier for Arteriovenous Access Occlusion Evaluation
Authors: Wu Jian-Xing , Du Yi-Chun , Wu Ming-Jui , Li Chien-Ming , Lin Chia-Hung , Chen Tainsong
Published: April 2014

This study proposes multiple-site hemodynamic analysis of Doppler ultrasound with an adaptive color relation classifier for arteriovenous access occlusion evaluation in routine examinations. The hemodynamic analysis is used to express the properties of blood flow through a vital access or a tube, using dimensionless numbers. An acoustic measurement is carried out to detect the peak-systolic and peak-diastolic velocities of blood flow from the arterial anastomosis sites (A) to the venous anastomosis sites (V). The ratio of the supracritical Reynolds (Resupra) number and the resistive (Res) index quantitates the degrees of stenosis (DOS) at multiple measurement sites. Then, an adaptive color relation classifier is designed as a nonlinear estimate model to survey the occlusion level in monthly examinations. For 30 long-term follow-up patients, the experimental results show the proposed screening model efficiently evaluates access occlusion.
Segmented Labor Markets and the Distributive Cycle: A Roadmap towards Inclusive Growth
Authors: Charpe Matthieu , Flaschel Peter , Hartmann Florian , Malikane Christopher
Published: April 2014

The paper builds on the Goodwin (1967) model which describes the distributive cycle of capitalist economies whereby mass unemployment is generated periodically through the conflict about income distribution between capital and labor. We add to this model a segmented labor market
structure with fluid, latent, and stagnant components. The model exhibits a unique balanced growth path which depends on the speeds with which workers are pushed into or out of the labor market segments. We investigate the stability properties of this growth path with segmented labor markets and find that, though there is a stabilizing inflation barrier term in the wage Phillips curve, the interaction with the latent and stagnant portions of the labor market generates potentially (slowly) destabilizing forces if policy measures are absent that regulate these labor markets. We then introduce an activating labor market policy, where government in addition acts as employer of last resort thereby eliminating the stagnant portion of the labor market, whilst erecting benefit systems that partially sustain the incomes of workers that have to leave the floating/latent labor market of the private sector of the economy. We show that such policies guarantee the macrostability of the economy’s balanced growth path.
Development of Biological Movement Recognition by Interaction between Active Basis Model and Fuzzy Optical Flow Division
Authors: Yousefi Bardia , Loo Chu Kiong
Published: April 2014

Following the study on computational neuroscience through functional magnetic resonance imaging claimed that human action recognition in the brain of mammalian pursues two separated streams, that is, dorsal and ventral streams. It follows up by two pathways in the bioinspired model, which are specialized for motion and form information analysis (Giese and Poggio 2003). Active basis model is used to form information which is different from orientations and scales of Gabor wavelets to form a dictionary regarding object recognition (human). Also biologically movement optic-flow patterns utilized. As motion information guides share sketch algorithm in form pathway for adjustment plus it helps to prevent wrong recognition. A synergetic neural network is utilized to generate prototype templates, representing general characteristic form of every class. Having predefined templates, classifying performs based on multitemplate matching. As every human action has one action prototype, there are some overlapping and consistency among these templates. Using fuzzy optical flow division scoring can prevent motivation for misrecognition. We successfully apply proposed model on the human action video obtained from KTH human action database. Proposed approach follows the interaction between dorsal and ventral processing streams in the original model of the biological movement recognition. The attained results indicate promising outcome and improvement in robustness using proposed approach.
Hamming Code Based Watermarking Scheme for 3D Model Verification
Authors: Wang Jen-Tse , Chang Yi-Ching , Yu Chun-Yuan , Yu Shyr-Shen
Published: April 2014

Due to the explosive growth of the Internet and maturing of 3D hardware techniques, protecting 3D objects becomes a more and more important issue. In this paper, a public hamming code based fragile watermarking technique is proposed for 3D objects verification. An adaptive watermark is generated from each cover model by using the hamming code technique. A simple least significant bit (LSB) substitution technique is employed for watermark embedding. In the extraction stage, the hamming code based watermark can be verified by using the hamming code checking without embedding any verification information. Experimental results shows that 100% vertices of the cover model can be watermarked, extracted, and verified. It also shows that the proposed method can improve security and achieve low distortion of stego object.
Blow-Up Criteria for the Modified Novikov Equation
Authors: Ma Caochuan , Lv Wujun
Published: April 2014

We investigate the Cauchy problem for the modified Novikov equation. We establish blow-up criteria on the initial data to guarantee the corresponding solution blowing up in finite time.
Current Perspectives onMycobacterium farcinogenesandMycobacterium senegalense, the Causal Agents of Bovine Farcy
Authors: Hamid Mohamed E.
Published: April 2014

Mycobacterium farcinogenesandM. senegalenseare the causal agents of bovine farcy, a chronic, progressive disease of the skin and lymphatics of zebu cattle. The disease, which is prevalent mainly in sub-Saharan Africa, was in earlier times thought to be caused byNocardia farcinicaand can be described as one of the neglected diseases in cattle. Some aspects of the disease have been investigated during the last five decades but the major development had been in the bacteriological, chemotaxonomic, and phylogenetic aspects. Molecular analyses confirmed thatM. farcinogenesandM. senegalensefall in a subclade together withM. houstonenseandM. fortuitum. This subclade is closely related to the one accommodatingM. peregrinum,M. porcinum,M. septicum,M. neworleansense, andM. alvei. DNA probes were designed from 16S-23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer and could be used for the rapid diagnosis of bovine farcy. An ELISA assay has been evaluated for the serodiagnosis of the disease. The zoonotic potentials ofM. farcinogenesandM. senegalenseare unknown; few studies reported the isolation ofM. senegalenseandM. farcinogenesfrom human clinical sources but not from environmental sources or from other domestic or wild animals.
Morphogenesis and Production of Enzymes byPenicillium echinulatumin Response to Different Carbon Sources
Authors: Schneider Willian Daniel Hahn , dos Reis Laísa , Camassola Marli , Dillon Aldo José Pinheiro
Published: April 2014

The effect of different carbon sources on morphology and cellulase and xylanase production ofPenicillium echinulatumwas evaluated in this work. Among the six carbon sources studied, cellulose and sugar cane bagasse were the most suitable for the production of filter paper activity, endoglucanases, xylanases, andβ-glucosidases. However, sucrose and glucose showedβ-glucosidase activities similar to those obtained with the insoluble sources. The polyacrylamide gels proved the enzymatic activity, since different standards bands were detected in the media mentioned above. Regarding morphology, it was observed that the mycelium in a dispersed form provided the greatest enzymatic activity, possibly due to greater interaction between the substrate and hyphae. These data are important in understanding the physiology of fungi and could contribute to obtaining enzyme with potential application in the technology of second generation ethanol.
PAN Nanofibers Reinforced with MMT/GO Hybrid Nanofillers
Authors: Wang Qingqing , Li Guohui , Zhang Jinning , Huang Fenglin , Lu Keyu , Wei Qufu
Published: April 2014

Single component nanofiller has shown some limitations in its performance, which can be overcome by hybrid nanofillers with two different components. In this work, montmorillonite (MMT)/graphene oxide (GO) hybrid nanofillers were formed by self‐assembly and then incorporated into the polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers by electrospinning process. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were utilized to analyze the structures of MMT/GO hybrid nanofillers. And the effects of MMT/GO hybrid nanofillers on the morphology, thermal stability, and mechanical properties of PAN/MMT/GO composite nanofibrous membrane were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and tensile test machine, respectively. The incorporation of MMT/GO hybrid nanofillers into PAN nanofibers showed a noticeable increase up to 30°C for the onset decomposition temperature and 1.32 times larger tensile strength than the pure PAN, indicating that the hybrid nanofiller is a promising candidate in improving thermal and mechanical properties of polymers.
Cecropia pachystachya: A Species with ExpressiveIn VivoTopical Anti-Inflammatory andIn VitroAntioxidant Effects
Authors: Pacheco Natália Ramos , Pinto Nícolas de Castro Campos , Mello da Silva Josiane , Mendes Renata de Freitas , Costa Juliana de Carvalho da , Aragão Danielle Maria de Oliveira , Castañon Maria Christina Marques Nogueira , Scio Elita
Published: April 2014

Cecropia pachystachyais a species traditionally used in Brazil to treat inflammation. This work aims to evaluate the topical anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the methanolic extract ofC. pachystachya(CPM) and to perform its chemical fingerprint by HPLC-DAD. The topical anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using the mouse models of acute ear inflammation induced by croton oil, arachidonic acid, capsaicin, EPP, phenol, and chronic inflammation induced by multiple application of croton oil. Thein vitroantioxidant effect of CPM was investigated using DPPH, reducing power,β-carotene bleaching, and TBARS assays. HPLC analysis was performed to quantify the antioxidant phenolics orientin, isoorientin, and chlorogenic acid previously identified in CPM. CPM exhibited significant anti-inflammatory effect in the acute models, in some cases comparable to the reference drugs. Histopathological analysis showed a moderate chronic skin anti-inflammatory effect with decrease in vasodilation, edema, cell infiltration, and epidermal hyperproliferation. It also showed strongin vitroantioxidant activity. The contents of orientin, isoorientin, and chlorogenic acid were 66.5 ± 1.8, 118.8 ± 0.7, and 5.4 ± 0.2 µg/mg extract, respectively. The topical anti-inflammatory activity of CPM could be based on its antioxidant properties, although other effects are probably involved, including COX inhibition and other mechanisms.
Lead Screening for HIV of C‐C Chemokine Receptor Type 5 Receptor Inhibited by Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Hung Tzu-Chieh , Chen Kuen-Bao , Huang Hung-Jin , Chen Calvin Yu-Chian
Published: April 2014

The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), has become a serious world‐wide problem because of this disease′s rapid propagation and incurability. Recent research has pointed out that the C‐C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) is an important target for HIV infection. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) database (http://tcm.cmu.edu.tw/) has been screened for molecular compounds that, by simulating molecular docking and molecular dynamics, may protect CCR5 against HIV. Saussureamine C, 5‐hydroxy‐L‐tryptophan, and abrine are selected based on the docking score being higher than Maraviroc and other TCM compounds. The molecular dynamics are helpful in the analysis and detection of protein‐ligand interactions. According to the docking poses, hydrophobic interactions, and hydrogen bond variations, this research surmises TRP86, TYR108, GLN194, TYR251, and GLU283 are the main regions of important amino acids in CCR5. In addition to the detection of TCM compound efficacy, we suggest saussureamine C is better than the others for maintaining protein composition during protein‐ligand interaction, based on the structural variation.
Rural Residents in China Are at Increased Risk of Exposure to Tick-Borne PathogensAnaplasma phagocytophilumandEhrlichia chaffeensis
Authors: Zhang Lijuan , Liu Hong , Xu Bianli , Zhang Zhilun , Jin Yuming , Li Weiming , Lu Qunying , Li Liang , Chang Litao , Zhang Xiuchun , Fan Desheng , Cao Minghua , Bao Manli , Zhang Ying , Guan Zengzhi , Cheng Xueqin , Tian Lina , Wang Shiwen , Yu Huilan , Yu Qiang , Wang Yong , Zhang Yonggen , Tang Xiaoyan , Yin Jieying , Lao Shijun , Wu Bin , Li Juan , Li Weihong , Xu Qiyi , Shi Yonglin , Huang Fang
Published: April 2014

As emerging tick born rickettsial diseases caused byA. phagocytophilumandE. chaffeensis, anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis have become a serious threat to human and animal health throughout the world. In particular, in China, an unusual transmission of nosocomial cases of human granulocytic anaplasmosis occurred in Anhui Province in 2006 and more recent coinfection case ofA. phagocytophilumandE. chaffeensiswas documented in Shandong Province. Although the seroprevalence of human granulocytic anaplasmosis (former human granulocytic ehrlichiosis, HGE) has been documented in several studies, these data existed on local investigations, and also little data was reported on the seroprevalence of human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME) in China. In this cross-sectional epidemiological study, indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay (IFA) proposed by WHO was used to detectA. phagocytophilumandE. chaffeensisIgG antibodies for 7,322 serum samples from agrarian residents from 9 provinces/cities and 819 urban residents from 2 provinces. Our data showed that farmers were at substantially increased risk of exposure. However, even among urban residents, risk was considerable. Seroprevalence of HGA and HME occurred in diverse regions of the country and tended to be the highest in young adults. Many species of ticks were confirmed carryingA. phagocytophilumorganisms in China while several kinds of domestic animals including dog, goats, sheep, cattle, horse, wild rabbit, and some small wild rodents were proposed to be the reservoir hosts ofA. phagocytophilum. The broad distribution of vector and hosts of theA. phagocytophilumandE. chaffeensis, especially the relationship between the generalized susceptibility of vectors and reservoirs and the severity of the disease’s clinical manifestations and the genetic variation of Chinese HGA isolates in China, is urgently needed to be further investigated.
Epigenetic Control of Autophagy by MicroRNAs in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Titone Rossella , Morani Federica , Follo Carlo , Vidoni Chiara , Mezzanzanica Delia , Isidoro Ciro
Published: April 2014

Autophagy is a lysosomal-driven catabolic process that contributes to the preservation of cell homeostasis through the regular elimination of cellular damaged, aged, and redundant molecules and organelles. Autophagy plays dual opposite roles in cancer: on one hand it prevents carcinogenesis; on the other hand it confers an advantage to cancer cells to survive under prohibitive conditions. Autophagy has been implicated in ovarian cancer aggressiveness and in ovarian cancer cell chemoresistance and dormancy. Small noncoding microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression at posttranscriptional level, thus playing an important role in many aspects of cell pathophysiology, including cancerogenesis and cancer progression. Certain miRNAs have recently emerged as important epigenetic modulators of autophagy in cancer cells. The mRNA of several autophagy-related genes contains, in fact, the target sequence for miRNAs belonging to different families, with either oncosuppressive or oncogenic activities. MiRNA profiling studies have identified some miRNAs aberrantly expressed in ovarian cancer tissues that can impact autophagy. In addition, plasma and stroma cell-derived miRNAs in tumour-bearing patients can regulate the expression of relevant autophagy genes in cancer cells. The present review focuses on the potential implications of miRNAs regulating autophagy in ovarian cancer pathogenesis and progression.