bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bifurcations and Chaotic Motions of a Class of Mechanical System With Parametric Excitations
Authors: Zhou Liangqiang , Chen Fangqi , Chen Yushu
Published: January 2015

Bifurcations and chaotic motions of a class of mechanical system subjected to a superharmonic parametric excitation or a nonlinear periodic parametric excitation are studied, respectively, in this paper. Chaos arising from the transverse intersections of the stable and unstable manifolds of the homoclinic and heteroclincic orbits is analyzed by Melnikov's method. The critical curves separating the chaotic and nonchaotic regions are plotted. Chaotic dynamics are compared for these systems with a periodic parametric excitation or a superharmonic parametric excitation, or a nonlinear periodic parametric excitation. Especially, some new dynamical phenomena are presented for the system with a nonlinear periodic parametric excitation.
Validity of Pedometers to Measure Step Counts During Dance
Authors: Barreira Tiago V. , Bennett John P. , Kang Minsoo
Published: January 2015

Purpose:

To obtain validity evidence for the measurement of step counts by spring-levered and piezoelectric pedometers during dance.

Methods:

Thirty-five adults in a college dance class participated in this study. Participants completed trials of 3- and 5-min of different styles of dance wearing Walk4life MVP and Omron HJ-303 pedometers, while their steps were visually counted. Pearson correlation, paired t-test, mean absolute percent error (MAPE), and mean bias were calculated between actual step and pedometer step counts for the 3- and 5-min dances separately.

Results:

For the Walk4life trials the correlations were .92 and .77 for the 3- and 5-min dances. No significant differences were shown by t-test for the 3- (P = .16) and 5-min dances (P = .60). However, MAPE was high, 17.7 ± 17.7% and 19.4 ± 18.3% for the 2 dance durations, respectively. For the Omron, the correlations were .44 and .58 for the 3- and 5-min dances, respectively. No significant differences were shown by t-test for the 3-min (P = .38) and for the 5-min (P = .88) dances. However, MAPE was high, 19.3 ± 16.4% and 26.6 ± 15.2% for the 2 dance durations, respectively.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrated that pedometers can be used to estimate the number of steps taken by a group of college students while dancing, however caution is necessary with individual values.
The Efficacy of a Walking Intervention Using Social Media to Increase Physical Activity: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Rote Aubrianne E. , Klos Lori A. , Brondino Michael J. , Harley Amy E. , Swartz Ann M.
Published: January 2015

Background:

Facebook may be a useful tool to provide a social support group to encourage increases in physical activity. This study examines the efficacy of a Facebook social support group to increase steps/day in young women.

Methods:

Female college freshmen (N = 63) were randomized to one of two 8-week interventions: a Facebook Social Support Group (n = 32) or a Standard Walking Intervention (n = 31). Participants in both groups received weekly step goals and tracked steps/day with a pedometer. Women in the Facebook Social Support Group were also enrolled in a Facebook group and asked to post information about their steps/day and provide feedback to one another.

Results:

Women in both intervention arms significantly increased steps/day pre- to postintervention (F(8,425) = 94.43, P < .001). However, women in the Facebook Social Support Group increased steps/day significantly more (F(1,138) = 11.34, P < .001) than women in the Standard Walking Intervention, going from 5295 to 12,472 steps/day.

Conclusions:

These results demonstrate the potential effectiveness of using Facebook to offer a social support group to increase physical activity in young women. Women in the Facebook Social Support Group increased walking by approximately 1.5 miles/day more than women in the Standard Walking Intervention which, if maintained, could have a profound impact on their future health.
Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of the MADE4Life Program: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Barnes Alyce T. , Plotnikoff Ronald C. , Collins Clare E. , Morgan Philip J.
Published: January 2015

Background:

The aim was to assess the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a community-based physical activity (PA) intervention targeting mothers and daughters.

Methods:

A randomized controlled trial of 48 primary school-aged girls and their 40 mothers were randomized to (i) Mothers And Daughters Exercising for Life (MADE4Life) (n = 21 mothers, n = 25 daughters) or (ii) wait-list control (n = 19 mothers, n = 23 daughters). The 8-week program involved 8 sessions; 25-minute separate mothers and daughters education sessions and 60-minutes PA together. Assessments were at baseline, postintervention and 3-month postintervention. Primary outcome measure was daughters’ moderateto-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (accelerometer). Secondary outcomes included accelerometer-assessed light/moderate/vigorous PA, BMI, waist circumference, body composition, blood pressure, resting heart rate, sedentary behaviors and mothers’ self-reported PA, parenting measures, and cognitions. Intention-to-treat analysis used linear mixed models.

Results:

Recruitment and retention goals were exceeded. Attendance rates, program acceptability and satisfaction were high. There was no significant group-by-time effect for daughters’ %MVPA (–0.08; 95%CI –1.49, 1.33, d = –0.03) or other secondary outcomes for girls (postintervention range d = 0.01 to –0.46). Significant intervention effects were found for mothers’ %VPA (P = .04, d = 0.25) and role modeling (P = .02, d = 0.66).

Conclusion:

MADE4Life was both feasible and acceptable. Although very small effect sizes were found for the daughters, significant changes were seen for mothers (d = 0.25 to 0.66). Future fully powered trials targeting PA in mothers and daughters is warranted.
Tracking of Pedometer-Determined Physical Activity in Healthy Elderly Japanese People
Authors: Yamamoto Naofumi , Shimada Mieko , Nakagawa Naoki , Sawada Susumu S. , Nishimuta Mamoru , Kimura Yasuo , Ohashi Masaharu , Asai Hidenori , Miyazaki Hideo , Lee I-Min , Blair Steven N. , Yoshitake Yutaka
Published: January 2015

Background:

Tracking refers to the tendency for an individual to maintain their rank within a group over time. This study longitudinally investigated the 8-year tracking of pedometer-determined physical activity among physically independent elderly Japanese people aged 72 to 80 years.

Methods:

Steps/day were measured when participants were aged 72 and assessed again after 2, 5, and 8 years. The number of participants with a 2-year follow-up (72 to 74 years) was 177 (101 males, 76 females), with a 5-year follow-up (72 to 77 years) was 183 people (110 males, 73 females), and with an 8-year follow-up (72 to 80 years) was 145 people (91 males, 54 females). Step counts were continuously measured for 1 week in January, April, July, and October during each year of assessment.

Results:

A high rank correlation coefficient for steps/day exceeding 0.60 was obtained at the 2-, 5- and 8-year follow-up examinations for both males and females.

Conclusion:

This study suggests that the rank within a group of pedometer-determined steps/day remains stable over up to 8 years in healthy Japanese people aged between 72 to 80 years old.
Spontaneous passage of long, sharp gastrointestinal foreign body in a child
Authors: Karthikeyan Vilvapathy Senguttuvan , Ansari Mohammed Gaffoor , Suresh Ramasamy , Easwaran Bettaiyagowder
Published: January 2015

Foreign body (FB) ingestion is a common problem in children. Up to 90% of these FBs pass spontaneously. FBs reaching the stomach usually pass out spontaneously. Exceptions to this spontaneous passage include a long FB that cannot cross the pylorus, duodenum or ileocaecal junction. We present a case of a 9-year boy who accidentally ingested a long paper pin, which spontaneously passed in 26 h. This case is being reported to highlight the successful spontaneous passage of a 4 cm long sharp foreign body in a child.
Prolonged passive static stretching-induced innervation zone shift in biceps brachii
Authors: Ye Xin , Beck Travis W. , Wages Nathan P.
Published: January 2015

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of a bout of repeated and prolonged passive static stretching on the innervation zone (IZ) location of the human biceps brachii muscle. Eleven men performed 12 sets of 100-s passive stretches on their biceps brachii. Before (Pre) and immediately after (Post) the stretching intervention, isometric strength was tested during the maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) of the forearm flexors. The subjects also performed several separate isometric forearm flexion muscle actions at 30%, 50%, and 70% of their predetermined MVCs for examining the locations of the IZ at different contraction intensities. The IZ was identified through multi-channel surface electromyographic (EMG) recordings from a linear electrode array. The stretching intervention induced an average of 10% isometric strength loss for the forearm flexors (mean ± SD: Pre-MVC vs. Post-MVC = 332.12 ± 59.40 N vs. 299.53 ± 70.51 N; p < 0.001). In addition, the average IZ shift was nearly 4.5 mm in average in the proximal direction. However, this shift was not specific to the contraction intensity. We believe that the IZ shift was caused by the elongation of the entire muscle-tendon unit in the proximal direction. Therefore, caution should be taken when using surface EMG technique to examine possible changes in the EMG variables after a stretching protocol, as these variables can be contaminated by the shift of the IZ.
Thirty-Sixth Canadian Geotechnical Colloquium: Advances in visualization of geotechnical processes through digital image correlation
Authors: Take W. Andy
Published: January 2015

Digital image correlation (DIC) is an image-processing technique that calculates fields of incremental displacement by comparing two digital images and locating numerous small regions in both images to high subpixel accuracy. This technique is particularly well suited to the visualization of geotechnical failure processes such as the plastic collapse of a shallow foundation or the evolution of failure within a physical model landslide as it can yield full-field displacements at high spatial and temporal resolution. The adoption of digital image correlation methods by the geotechnical engineering community over the past 15 years has therefore provided researchers with a transformative tool for the visualization of failure mechanisms and the quantification of soil and soil–structure interaction behaviour within physical model experiments. The objective of this Canadian Geotechnical Colloquium is to provide an updated review of the factors that affect accuracy and precision of the technique and to highlight selected recent advances and emerging uses of DIC in geotechnical engineering applications with particular emphasis on geotechnical physical modelling and field monitoring.
Multisite genetic parameter estimates from aCallitropsis nootkatensisdiallel study with clonally replicated progeny
Authors: Russell John H. , Costa e Silva João , Baltunis Brian S.
Published: January 2015

Clonally replicated Callitropsis nootkatensis (D. Don) D.P. Little progeny from partial diallels were established in nine trials on coastal British Columbia, Canada. The trials were assessed for height, diameter, and crown form at age 12 years. An individual-genotype, linear mixed model with spatially correlated residuals was used to estimate the variance components and related genetic parameters. The majority of the estimated genetic variance for all traits was additive, and nonadditive genetic variance was predominantly due to dominance effects. Narrow-sense heritabilities for height and diameter at individual sites varied from 0.07 to 0.39, whereas for crown form, they were all less than 0.1. Dominance and epistasis ratios were, for the most part, lower than narrow-sense heritabilities. Common across-site additive and nonadditive genetic correlations were strongly positive and not significantly different from 1.0 for the majority of traits across sites within a series. Significant levels of additive genetic variance, coupled with insignificant to low nonadditive genetic variance for growth and crown form, would seem to be contrary to developing a clonal testing and deployment program. However, the lack of viable orchard seed and the faster delivery of genetic gain to reforestation, as well as more accurate forward selections based on additive genetic effects, makes this strategy viable for C. nootkatensis.
A role for actin polymerization in persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn
Authors: Fediuk Jena , Dakshinamurti Shyamala
Published: January 2015

Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) is defined as the failure of normal pulmonary vascular relaxation at birth. Hypoxia is known to impede postnatal disassembly of the actin cytoskeleton in pulmonary arterial myocytes, resulting in elevation of smooth muscle α-actin and γ-actin content in elastic and resistance pulmonary arteries in PPHN compared with age-matched controls. This review examines the original histological characterization of PPHN with attention to cytoskeletal structural remodeling and actin isoform abundance, reviews the existing evidence for understanding the biophysical and biochemical forces at play during neonatal circulatory transition, and specifically addresses the role of the cortical actin architecture, primarily identified as γ-actin, in the transduction of mechanical force in the hypoxic PPHN pulmonary circuit.
A Two-Echelon Neighborhood Search Algorithm for a Forwarder's Job Assignment in a Multi-Agent Logistics Network
Authors: Wang Yong , He Wen , Hui Yer Van , Leung Lawrence C.
Published: January 2015

Freight forwarders plan shipping logistics for client shipments based on available transport networks where logistics agents move commodities from origins to destinations. Forwarders typically have the option of assigning shipments to in-house agents or to sub-contracting agents. When making such assignment decisions, consolidation of shipments is a plausible cost-saving consideration. In this paper, we consider assignments of shipments to agents as well as shipment routing choices on a network. We formulate the problem as a nonlinear program where unit costs charged by agents are described as nonlinear functions. The special case with piecewise constant unit costs is formulated as a mixed integer program. We then develop a two-echelon heuristic algorithm to solve the nonlinear program. The upper echelon of the heuristic assigns shipments to suitable agents by adopting a set of neighborhood policies, while the lower echelon improves the routing plan by consolidating jobs along (sub) paths. The feasibility and validity of the heuristic are examined based on randomly generated instances. Computational results show that the heuristic is able to obtain good solutions in manageable computation time. The effects of network density and iteration limits on the performance of the heuristic are also characterized.
A Convergent 3-Block Semi-Proximal ADMM for Convex Minimization Problems with One Strongly Convex Block
Authors: Li Min , Sun Defeng , Toh Kim-Chuan
Published: January 2015

In this paper, we present a semi-proximal alternating direction method of multipliers (sPADMM) for solving 3-block separable convex minimization problems with the second block in the objective being a strongly convex function and one coupled linear equation constraint. By choosing the semi-proximal terms properly, we establish the global convergence of the proposed sPADMM for the step-length [Formula: see text] and the penalty parameter σ ∈ (0, +∞). In particular, if σ > 0 is smaller than a certain threshold and the first and third linear operators in the linear equation constraint are injective, then all the three added semi-proximal terms can be dropped and consequently, the convergent 3-block sPADMM reduces to the directly extended 3-block ADMM with [Formula: see text].
Generalized Parton Distributions of proton for nonzero skewness in transverse and longitudinal position spaces
Authors: Kumar Narinder , Dahiya Harleen
Published: January 2015

We investigate the Generalized Parton Distributions (GPDs) of proton by expressing them in terms of overlaps of light front wave functions (LFWFs) using a simulated model which is able to qualitatively improve the convergence near the end points of x. We study the spin nonflip H(x, ζ, t) and spin flip E(x, ζ, t) parts of GPDs for the particle conserving n → n overlap in the DGLAP region (ζ < x < 1). The Fourier transform (FT) of the GPDs with respect to the transverse momentum transfer as well as the FT of the GPDs with respect to ζ has also been obtained by giving the distribution of partons in the transverse position space and the distribution in the longitudinal position space, respectively. Diffraction pattern is obtained for both [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in the longitudinal position space.
The effect of silver concentration and calcination temperature on structural and optical properties of ZnO:Ag nanoparticles
Authors: Rad M. Shayani , Kompany A. , Zak A. Khorsand , Abrishami M. E.
Published: January 2015

Pure and silver added zinc oxide nanoparticles ( ZnO -NPs and ZnO : Ag -NPs) were synthesized through a modified sol–gel method. The prepared samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. In the XRD patterns, silver diffracted peaks were also observed for the samples synthesized at different calcination temperatures of 500°C, 700°C, 900°C except 1100°C, in addition to ZnO . TEM images indicated that the average size of ZnO : Ag -NPs increases with the amount of Ag concentration. The PL spectra of the samples revealed that the increase of Ag concentration results in the increase of the visible emission intensity, whereas by increasing the calcination temperature the intensity of visible emission of the samples decreases.
Investigation on terahertz parametric oscillators using quasi-phase-matching GaP crystal
Authors: Li Z. Y. , Bing P. B. , Yuan S. , Xu D. G. , Yao J. Q.
Published: January 2015

Terahertz parametric oscillator (TPO) using periodically inverted GaP stacks (PIGaPS) as gain medium with a quasi-phase-matching scheme is investigated. The frequency tuning characteristics of terahertz wave (THz-wave) are analyzed by varying the grating period of PIGaPS and the pump wavelength. Gain and absorption characteristics of THz-wave are also investigated. The characteristics of PIGaPS and periodically poled LiNbO 3 (PPLN) are compared when the two crystals used as gain medium for TPO. The analyses indicate that PIGaPS is more suitable than PPLN are used as the gain medium for TPO.
Low-frequency vibration energy harvesting using a locally resonant phononic crystal plate with spiral beams
Authors: Shen Li , Wu Jiu Hui , Zhang Siwen , Liu Zhangyi , Li Jing
Published: January 2015

A low-frequency vibration energy generator has been proposed by using a locally resonant phononic crystal plate which has spiral beams connecting the scatterers and the matrix. Finite element analysis shows that at the flat bands frequencies of the phononic crystal, locally resonant leads to the spiral beams having strong deformations which are perpendicular to the plate. A designed structure with three PC cells arranged in the same direction was adopted for the experiments. Piezoelectric patches were adhered on the end of the spiral beams and then the collected vibration energy could be converted into electric energy. The maximum single-channel output voltage which reached as much as 13 V was obtained at the first flat band frequency 29.2 Hz in the experiment. Meanwhile, in the low-frequency range of 0–500 Hz, it showed that the piezoelectric transformation could be conducted at a dozen of resonant frequencies. Furthermore, through modulating the structure parameters, this phononic crystal has the potential to realize broad-distributed vibration energy harvesting.
A THREE-DIMENSIONAL COMPUTER MODEL TO SIMULATE SPONGY BONE REMODELING UNDER OVERLOAD USING A SEMI-MECHANISTIC BONE REMODELING THEORY
Authors: ROUHI GHOLAMREZA , VAHDATI ALI , LI XIANJIE , SUDAK LESZEK
Published: January 2015

Overload has been suggested as a contributing factor for bone loss, for instance at the bone implant interface. The objective of this study is to investigate spongy bone resorption under overload using a semi-mechanistic bone remodeling theory. Since overload can cause the accumulation of microdamage in bone, in this study, it is assumed that overload will increase the osteoclastic activity, and also will reduce the osteocyte influence distance. First, a previously proposed semi-mechanistic bone remodeling theory was extended by defining a new form for the resorption probability function, which is based on experimental evidence. Then, in order to investigate the validity of our hypothesis, a three-dimensional finite element model of spongy bone was developed. The simulation results show that, first, trabeculae adapt with the mechanical stimuli placed on them. Secondly, a sharp reduction in spongy bone density will be resulted, in agreement with experimental evidence, when bone is under overload.
CAN MUSHROOM-SHAPED FIBERS ENHANCE THE BIO-ADHESIVE PERFORMANCE?
Authors: LIU YAN , LIU HONG , GAO YANFEI
Published: January 2015

In biological and artificial adhesive systems, the lowest-scale unit is oftentimes the adhesive contact between a mushroom-shaped fiber and the surrounding material. Contact mechanics analysis in literature suggests that such a shape leads to more uniform interface stress, and thus a more superior adhesive performance, than the cylindrical fiber. In this work, we prove that this concept only works in the limit of linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM). When the interface behavior has a large crack bridging zone, de-adhesion occurs more easily in the center of mushroom-shaped indenter and the pull-off force becomes lower than that of cylindrical fiber. Combining the analysis of stress intensity factor and crack bridging characteristics, and tuning the substrate by a layered structure, we have established design rules that can significantly widen the parametric space in which the mushroom-shaped indenter enhances the bio-adhesive performance.
Finite Element Modeling to Simulate the Elasto-Plastic Behavior of Polycrystalline in 718
Authors: Bonifaz E. A.
Published: January 2015

A 3D strain gradient plasticity finite element model was developed to simulate the elasto-plastic behavior of polycrystalline IN 718 alloys. The proposed model constructed in the basis of the so-called Kocks-Mecking model is used to determine the influence of microstructure attributes on the inelastic stress-strain distribution. Representative Volume Elements (RVEs) of different edge size but similar grain morphology and affordable computational meshes were tested to investigate the link between micro and macro variables of deformation and stress. The virtual specimens subjected to continuous monotonic straining loading conditions were constrained with random periodic boundary conditions. The difference in crystallographic orientation (which evolves in the process of straining) and the incompatibility of deformation between neighboring grains were accounted by the introduction of averaged Taylor factors and the evolution of geometrically necessary dislocation density. The effect of plastic deformation gradients imposed by the microstructure is clearly observed. Results demonstrate a strong dependence of flow stress and plastic strain on phase type and grain size. A main strategy for constitutive modeling of individual bulk grains is presented. The influence of the grain size on the aggregate response, in terms of local stress variations and aggregate elastic moduli was analyzed. It was observed that the elastic modulus in the bulk material is not dependent on grain size.
Monitoring HIV Epidemic in Pregnant Women: Are the Current Measures Enough?
Authors: Sarkate Purva , Paranjpe Supriya , Ingole Nayana , Mehta Preeti
Published: January 2015

Introduction. Burden of HIV in pregnant women follows overall epidemic in India. Hence, it is imperative that prevalence calculations in this group be accurate. The present study was carried out to determine prevalence of HIV in pregnant women attending our hospital, to determine trend of HIV infection and to compare our results with reported prevalence. Methods. All pregnant women are routinely counselled for HIV testing using opt-out strategy. Year-wise positivity and trend were determined in these patients over a period of five years. The positivity in different age groups was determined. Results. 31,609 women were tested of which 279 (0.88%) were positive. Positivity showed a declining trend over study period and significant quadratic trend (biphasic, P<0.05) was observed. The positivity in older age group ≥35 years (1.64%) was significantly more than younger age groups (0.76% in 15–24-year and 0.94% in 25–34-year age group) (P=0.0052). Conclusion. A significant decline in HIV positivity was seen over the study period. Taking into account heterogeneous nature of HIV epidemic even within the same district, analysis at local levels especially using the prevention of parent to child transmission of HIV program data is critical for HIV programming and resource allocation.
A Hybrid Least Square Support Vector Machine Model with Parameters Optimization for Stock Forecasting
Authors: Chai Jian , Du Jiangze , Lai Kin Keung , Lee Yan Pui
Published: January 2015

This paper proposes an EMD-LSSVM (empirical mode decomposition least squares support vector machine) model to analyze the CSI 300 index. A WD-LSSVM (wavelet denoising least squares support machine) is also proposed as a benchmark to compare with the performance of EMD-LSSVM. Since parameters selection is vital to the performance of the model, different optimization methods are used, including simplex, GS (grid search), PSO (particle swarm optimization), and GA (genetic algorithm). Experimental results show that the EMD-LSSVM model with GS algorithm outperforms other methods in predicting stock market movement direction.
Multisegment Scheme Applications to Modified Chebyshev Picard Iteration Method for Highly Elliptical Orbits
Authors: Kim Donghoon , Junkins John L. , Turner James D.
Published: January 2015

A modified Chebyshev Picard iteration method is proposed for solving orbit propagation initial/boundary value problems. Cosine sampling techniques, known as Chebyshev-Gauss-Lobatto (CGL) nodes, are used to reduce Runge’s phenomenon that plagues many series approximations. The key benefit of using the CGL data sampling is that the nodal points are distributed nonuniformly, with dense sampling at the beginning and ending times. This problem can be addressed by a nonlinear time transformation and/or by utilizing multiple time segments over an orbit. This paper suggests a method, called a multisegment method, to obtain accurate solutions overall regardless of initial states and albeit eccentricity by dividing the given orbit into two or more segments based on the true anomaly.
In Situ Synthesis and Characterization of Polyethyleneimine‐Modified Carbon Nanotubes Supported PtRu Electrocatalyst for Methanol Oxidation
Authors: Geng Xi , Jing Jieying , Cen Yinjie , Datta Ravindra , Liang Jianyu
Published: January 2015

PtRu bimetallic nanoparticles were successfully synthesized on polyethyleneimine‐ (PEI‐) functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) via an effective and facile polyol reduction approach. Noncovalent surface modification of MWCNTs with PEI was confirmed by FTIR and zeta potential measurements. The morphology, crystalline structure, and composition of the hybrid material were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), respectively. According to SEM and TEM observations, PtRu nanoparticles with narrow size distribution were homogeneously deposited on PEI‐MWCNTs. Cyclic voltammetry tests demonstrated that the as‐prepared PtRu/PEI‐MWCNTs nanocomposite had a large electrochemical surface area and exhibited enhanced electrocatalytic activity towards methanol oxidation in comparison with oxidized MWCNTs as catalyst support. PEI‐functionalized CNTs, as useful building blocks for the assembly of Pt‐based electrocatalyst, may have great potential for applications such as direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC).
Winter Wheat Row Spacing and Alternative Crop Effects on Relay-Intercrop, Double-Crop, and Wheat Yields
Authors: Sandler Leah , Nelson Kelly A. , Dudenhoeffer Christopher
Published: January 2015

In Missouri as well as much of the Midwest, the most popular double-cropping system was winter wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) followed by soybean (Glycine max(L.) Merr). These two crops can also be used in an intercrop system, but optimal row spacing was important to increase crop productivity. Research was conducted to evaluate (1) winter wheat inter- and double-crop production systems, using a variety of alternative crops, and (2) the impact of different wheat row spacings on intercrop establishment and yields within the various cropping systems. Field research was conducted during droughts in 2012 and 2013. Spacing of wheat rows impacted wheat yields by 150 kg ha−1, as well as yields of the alternative crops. Narrower row spacings (150 kg ha−1) and the double-crop system (575 kg ha−1) increased yield due to the lack of interference for resources with wheat in 2013. Land equivalent ratio (LER) values determining productivity of intercrop systems of 19 and 38 cm row showed an advantage for alternative crops in 2013, but not 2012. This signified that farmers in Northeast Missouri could potentially boost yield potential for a given field and produce additional forage or green manure yields in a year with less severe drought.
A Study of Universal Thermodynamics in Brane World Scenario
Authors: Mitra Saugata , Saha Subhajit , Chakraborty Subenoy
Published: January 2015

A study of Universal thermodynamics is done in the framework of RSII brane model and DGP brane scenario. The Universe is chosen as FRW model bounded by apparent or event horizon. Assuming extended Hawking temperature on the horizon, the unified first law is examined for perfect fluid (with constant equation of state) and Modified Chaplygin Gas model. As a result there is a modification of Bekenstein entropy on the horizons. Further the validity of the generalized second law of thermodynamics and thermodynamical equilibrium are also investigated.
Identification of Changing Lower Limb Neuromuscular Activation in Parkinson’s Disease during Treadmill Gait with and without Levodopa Using a Nonlinear Analysis Index
Authors: Pourmoghaddam Amir , Dettmer Marius , O’Connor Daniel P. , Paloski William H. , Layne Charles S.
Published: January 2015

Analysis of electromyographic (EMG) data is a cornerstone of research related to motor control in Parkinson’s disease. Nonlinear EMG analysis tools have shown to be valuable, but analysis is often complex and interpretation of the data may be difficult. A previously introduced algorithm (SYNERGOS) that provides a single index value based on simultaneous multiple muscle activations (MMA) has been shown to be effective in detecting changes in EMG activation due to modifications of walking speeds in healthy adults. In this study, we investigated if SYNERGOS detects MMA changes associated with both different walking speeds and levodopa intake. Nine male Parkinsonian patients walked on a treadmill with increasing speed while on or off medication. We collected EMG data and computed SYNERGOS indices and employed a restricted maximum likelihood linear mixed model to the values. SYNERGOS was sensitive to neuromuscular modifications due to both alterations of gait speed and intake of levodopa. We believe that the current experiment provides evidence for the potential value of SYNERGOS as a nonlinear tool in clinical settings, by providing a single value index of MMA. This could help clinicians to evaluate the efficacy of interventions and treatments in Parkinson’s disease in a simple manner.
Acute Compartment Syndrome in Orthopedics: Causes, Diagnosis, and Management
Authors: Raza Hasnain , Mahapatra Anant
Published: January 2015

Almost all orthopaedic surgeons come across acute compartment syndrome (ACS) in their clinical practice. Diagnosis of ACS mostly relies on clinical findings. If the diagnosis is missed and left untreated, it can lead to serious consequences which can endanger limb and life of the patient and also risk the clinician to face lawsuits. This review article highlights the characteristic features of ACS which will help an orthopaedic surgeon to understand the pathophysiology, natural history, high risk patients, diagnosis, and surgical management of the condition.
Mapping Sediment Thickness in Shillong City of Northeast India through Empirical Relationship
Authors: Biswas Rajib , Baruah Saurabh , Bora Dipak K.
Published: January 2015

Modified form of Nakamura method,H/Vratio, is used to assess the site response through estimation of fundamental resonant frequency at 70 sites using three component digital seismographs in Shillong city, capital of Meghalaya in northeast India. With available borehole information, an attempt is made to develop an empirical relationship between sediment thickness and resonant frequency estimated fromH/Vratio technique. Simultaneously, shear wave velocities are computed entailing resonant frequency and sediment thickness for these boreholes. We also endeavored building another empirical relation between sediment thickness andVS. With the help of this, the probableVSvalues for other sites were also evaluated. It is observed that shear wave velocities range from 200 to 550 m/s while sediment thickness ranges from 10 to 80 m, implicating the heterogeneity prevailing in the soil layers of the Shillong city.
Cytological Features of a Variant NUT Midline Carcinoma of the Lung Harboring theNSD3-NUTFusion Gene: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Kuroda Shiho , Suzuki Shioto , Kurita Akira , Muraki Mari , Aoshima Yoichiro , Tanioka Fumihiko , Sugimura Haruhiko
Published: January 2015

Background. Nuclear protein in testis (NUT) midline carcinoma (NMC) is a very rare and aggressive malignancy. In more than two-thirds of these NMC cases, a fusion betweenNUTandBRD4orBRD3has been documented; other variants are rare. The cytology of NMC itself has been sparsely documented and that of variant NMC has never been reported.Case Presentation. A 36-year-old woman was admitted because of a rapidly progressing lung tumor with metastases to the breast and bone. We recently reported this patient as the first case of a variant NMC of the lung harboring anNSD3-NUTfusion, based on immunohistochemical and genetic analyses. Cytological material was available for the present review. A highly cellular smear contained a predominantly noncohesive pattern of monomorphic cells with diameters 2–2.5 times greater than those of small lymphocytes, with a round-to-oval nucleus, slightly irregular nuclear contours, variably prominent nucleoli, scant cytoplasm, and identifiable mitotic figures. Foci of stratification and overt pearl formation, including a dyskeratocyte, were occasionally observed. The necrotic background contained naked nuclei, karyorrhectic debris, apoptotic cells, and macrophages phagocytizing karyorrhectic debris; nuclear crushing was noted.Conclusion. The cytological features of a variant NMC of the lung are described for the first time.
Formalization of Human Categorization Process Using Interpolative Boolean Algebra
Authors: Dobrić Vladimir , Kovačević Darko , Petrović Bratislav , Radojević Dragan , Milošević Pavle
Published: January 2015

Since the ancient times, it has been assumed that categorization has the basic form of classical sets. This implies that the categorization process rests on the Boolean laws. In the second half of the twentieth century, the classical theory has been challenged in cognitive science. According to the prototype theory, objects belong to categories with intensities, while humans categorize objects by comparing them to prototypes of relevant categories. Such categorization process is governed by the principles of perceived world structure and cognitive economy. Approaching the prototype theory by using truth-functional fuzzy logic has been harshly criticized due to not satisfying the complementation laws. In this paper, the prototype theory is approached by using structure-functional fuzzy logic, the interpolative Boolean algebra. The proposed formalism is within the Boolean frame. Categories are represented as fuzzy sets of objects, while comparisons between objects and prototypes are formalized by using Boolean consistent fuzzy relations. Such relations are directly constructed from a Boolean consistent fuzzy partial order relation, which is treated by Boolean implication. The introduced formalism secures the principles of categorization showing that Boolean laws are fundamental in the categorization process. For illustration purposes, the artificial cognitive system which mimics human categorization activity is proposed.
Developing a Robust Surrogate Model of Chemical Flooding Based on the Artificial Neural Network for Enhanced Oil Recovery Implications
Authors: Ahmadi Mohammad Ali
Published: January 2015

Application of chemical flooding in petroleum reservoirs turns into hot topic of the recent researches. Development strategies of the aforementioned technique are more robust and precise when we consider both economical points of view (net present value, NPV) and technical points of view (recovery factor, RF). In current study many attempts have been made to propose predictive model for estimation of efficiency of chemical flooding in oil reservoirs. To gain this end, a couple of swarm intelligence and artificial neural network (ANN) is employed. Also, lucrative and high precise chemical flooding data banks reported in previous attentions are utilized to test and validate proposed intelligent model. According to the mean square error (MSE), correlation coefficient, and average absolute relative deviation, the suggested swarm approach has acceptable reliability, integrity and robustness. Thus, the proposed intelligent model can be considered as an alternative model to predict the efficiency of chemical flooding in oil reservoir when the required experimental data are not available or accessible.
C1‐Almost Periodic Solutions of BAM Neural Networks with Time‐Varying Delays on Time Scales
Authors: Li Yongkun , Zhao Lili , Yang Li
Published: January 2015

On a new type of almost periodic time scales, a class of BAM neural networks is considered. By employing a fixed point theorem and differential inequality techniques,
some sufficient conditions ensuring the existence and global exponential stability of C1‐almost periodic solutions for this class of networks with time‐varying delays are established. Two examples are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed method and results.
Stability and Bogdanov-Takens Bifurcation of an SIS Epidemic Model with Saturated Treatment Function
Authors: Xiao Yanju , Zhang Weipeng , Deng Guifeng , Liu Zhehua
Published: January 2015

This paper introduces the global dynamics of an SIS model with bilinear incidence rate and saturated treatment function. The treatment function is a continuous and differential function which shows the effect of delayed treatment when the rate of treatment is lower and the number of infected individuals is getting larger. Sufficient conditions for the existence and global asymptotic stability of the disease-free and endemic equilibria are given in this paper. The first Lyapunov coefficient is computed to determine various types of Hopf bifurcation, such as subcritical or supercritical. By some complex algebra, the Bogdanov-Takens normal form and the three types of bifurcation curves are derived. Finally, mathematical analysis and numerical simulations are given to support our theoretical results.
Identification of CTQs for Complex Products Based on Mutual Information and Improved Gravitational Search Algorithm
Authors: Wang Huaqiang , Liang Lijun , Niu Zhanwen , He Zhen
Published: January 2015

The identification of CTQs for complex products is the first step to implement quality control. To improve the efficiency and accuracy of CTQs identification, we propose a novel hybrid approach based on mutual information and improved gravitational search algorithm, which has advantages of filter and wrapper. At first, the information relevance and redundancy are measured by mutual information. Then, the improved gravitational search algorithm is used to search the CTQs. Experimentation is carried out using 2 UCI data sets, and the classification capability of CTQs is tested by SVM and tenfold cross validation. The results show that the presented method is verified to be effective and practically applicable.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Visible Light Photocatalytic Activity of Nanosized Carbon Doped Zinc Oxide
Authors: Lavand A. B. , Malghe Y. S.
Published: January 2015

ZnO precursor was prepared using microemulsion method. Precursor was calcined in a furnace in a temperature range of 300–500°C with an interval of 100°C. Precursor and calcined nanopowders were characterized using TG/DTA, XRD, FT-IR, EDX, TEM, SEM, and particle size analyzer. Precursor calcined at 300°C for 2 h contains 3.87% carbon (C). Increase in calcination temperature of precursor shows decrease in C content. Precursor calcined at 500°C for 2 h yielded pure ZnO. UV-visible spectrophotometer was used to analyze the concentration of MG during the degradation process. In presence of visible light C doped ZnO obtained by calcining precursor at 300°C shows better photocatalytic activity for MG degradation. Parameters affecting the photocatalytic process such as calcination temperature of catalyst, catalyst loading, MG concentration, and pH of solution have been investigated.
Accelerated Lifetime Data Analysis with a Nonconstant Shape Parameter
Authors: Wang Guodong , Niu Zhanwen , He Zhen
Published: January 2015

Accelerated life test is commonly used for the estimation of high-reliability product. In this paper, we present a simple and efficient approach to estimate the coefficients of acceleration models. Assuming that both scale and shape parameters of Weibull lifetime distribution vary with stress factors, we estimate the parameters of Weibull distribution using maximum likelihood method and reduce the bias of shape parameter estimator. Considering the heteroscedasticity, we compute the estimates of the coefficients of acceleration models through weighted least square method. Additionally, we obtain the confidence interval of low percentile via bootstrapping. We compare the proposed method with other methods using a real lifetime example. Finally, we study the performance of the proposed method by simulation. The simulation results show that our proposed method is effective.
Long-Range PCR Amplification of DNA by DNA Polymerase III Holoenzyme fromThermus thermophilus
Authors: Ribble Wendy , Kane Shawn D. , Bullard James M.
Published: January 2015

DNA replication in bacteria is accomplished by a multicomponent replicase, the DNA polymerase III holoenzyme (pol III HE). The three essential components of the pol III HE are theαpolymerase, theβsliding clamp processivity factor, and the DnaX clamp-loader complex. We report here the assembly of the functional holoenzyme fromThermus thermophilus(Tth), an extreme thermophile. The minimal holoenzyme capable of DNA synthesis consists ofα,βand DnaX (τandγ),δandδ′components of the clamp-loader complex. The proteins were each cloned and expressed in a native form. Each component of the system was purified extensively. The minimum holoenzyme from these five purified subunits reassembled is sufficient for rapid and processive DNA synthesis. In an isolated form theαpolymerase was found to be unstable at temperatures above 65°C. We were able to increase the thermostability of the pol III HE to 98°C by addition and optimization of various buffers and cosolvents. In the optimized buffer system we show that a replicative polymerase apparatus,Tthpol III HE, is capable of rapid amplification of regions of DNA up to 15,000 base pairs in PCR reactions.
Matlab-Based Modeling and Simulations to Study the Performance of Different MPPT Techniques Used for Photovoltaic Systems under Partially Shaded Conditions
Authors: Hahm Jehun , Baek Jaeho , Kang Hyoseok , Lee Heejin , Park Mignon
Published: January 2015

A pulse-width-modulator- (PWM-) based sliding mode controller is developed to study the effects of partial shade, temperature, and insolation on the performance of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) used in photovoltaic (PV) systems. Under partially shaded conditions and temperature, PV array characteristics become more complex, with multiple power-voltage maxima. MPPT is an automatic control technique to adjust power interfaces and deliver power for a diverse range of insolation values, temperatures, and partially shaded modules. The PV system is tested using two conventional algorithms: the Perturb and Observe (P&O) algorithm and the Incremental Conductance (IncCond) algorithm, which are simple to implement for a PV array. The proposed method applied a model to simulate the performance of the PV system for solar energy usage, which is compared to the conventional methods under nonuniform insolation improving the PV system utilization efficiency and allowing optimization of the system performance. The PWM-based sliding mode controller successfully overcomes the issues presented by nonuniform conditions and tracks the global MPP. In this paper, the PV system consists of a solar module under shade connected to a boost converter that is controlled by three different algorithms and is generated using Matlab/Simulink.
Communicating with Biobank Participants: Preferences for Receiving and Providing Updates to Researchers
Authors: Mester Jessica L. , Mercer MaryBeth , Goldenberg Aaron , Moore Rebekah A. , Eng Charis , Sharp Richard R.
Published: January 2015

Background: Research biobanks collect biologic samples and health information. Previous work shows that biobank participants desire general study updates, but preferences about the method or frequency of these communications have not been explored. Thus, we surveyed participants in a long-standing research biobank.

Methods: Eligible participants were drawn from a study of patients with personal/family history suggestive of Cowden syndrome, a poorly recognized inherited cancer syndrome. Participants gave blood samples and access to medical records and received individual results but had no other study interactions. The biobank had 3,618 participants at sampling. Survey eligibility included age ≥18 years, enrollment within the biobank's first 5 years, normal PTEN analysis, and contiguous U.S. address. Multivariate logistic regression analyses identified predictors of participant interest in Internet-based versus offline methods and methods allowing participant–researcher interaction versus one-way communication. Independent variables were narrowed by independent Pearson correlations by cutoff P < 0.2, with P < 0.02 considered significant.

Results: Surveys were returned from 840 of 1,267 (66%) eligible subjects. Most (97%) wanted study updates, with 92% wanting updates at least once a year. Participants preferred paper (66%) or emailed (62%) newsletter methods, with 95% selecting one of these. Older, less-educated, and lower-income respondents strongly preferred offline approaches (P < 0.001). Most (93%) had no concerns about receiving updates and 97% were willing to provide health updates to researchers.

Conclusion: Most participants were comfortable receiving and providing updated information. Demographic factors predicted communication preferences.

Impact: Researchers should make plans for ongoing communication early in study development and funders should support the necessary infrastructure for these efforts. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(4); 708–12. ©2015 AACR.