bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolomic Analysis of Liver Tissue from the VX2 Rabbit Model of Secondary Liver Tumors
Authors: Ibarra R. , Dazard J-E. , Sandlers Y. , Rehman F. , Abbas R. , Kombu R. , Zhang G-F. , Brunengraber H. , Sanabria J.
Published: March 2014

Purpose.The incidence of liver neoplasms is rising in USA. The purpose of this study was to determine metabolic profiles of liver tissue during early cancer development.Methods.We used the rabbit VX2 model of liver tumors (LT) and a control group consisting of sham animals implanted with Gelfoam into their livers (LG). After two weeks from implantation, liver tissue from lobes with and without tumor was obtained from experimental animals (LT+/LT−) as well as liver tissue from controls (LG+/LG−). Peaks obtained by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry were subjected to identification. 56 metabolites were identified and their profiles compared between groups using principal component analysis (PCA) and a mixed-effect two-way ANOVA model.Results.Animals recovered from surgery uneventfully. Analyses identified a metabolite profile that significantly differs in experimental conditions after controlling the False Discovery Rate (FDR). 16 metabolites concentrations differed significantly when comparing samples from (LT+/LT−) to samples from (LG+/LG−) livers. A significant difference was also shown in 20 metabolites when comparing samples from (LT+) liver lobes to samples from (LT−) liver lobes.Conclusion.Normal liver tissue harboring malignancy had a distinct metabolic signature. The role of metabolic profiles on liver biopsies for the detection of early liver cancer remains to be determined.
The Synthesis of a Novel Cellulose Physical Gel
Authors: Duan Jiufang , Zhang Xiaojian , Jiang Jianxin , Han Chunrui , Yang Jun , Liu Liujun , Lan Hongyun , Huang Daozhan
Published: March 2014

Cellulose possessing β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) was used as a host molecule and cellulose possessing ferrocene (Fc) as a guest polymer. Infrared spectra, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV), and contact angle analysis were used to characterise the material structure and the inclusion behaviour. The results showed that the β‐CD‐cellulose and the Fc‐cellulose can form inclusion complexes. Moreover, ferrocene oxidation, and reduction of state can be adjusted by sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) as an oxidant and glutathione (GSH) as a reductant. In this study, a physical gel based on β‐CD‐cellulose/Fc‐cellulose was formed under mild conditions in which autonomous healing between cut surfaces occurred after 24 hours. The physical gel can be controlled in the sol‐gel transition. The compressive strength of the Fc‐cellulose/β‐CD‐cellulose gel increased with increased cellulose concentration. The host‐guest interaction between the side chains of cellulose could strengthen the gel. The cellulose physical gel may eventually be used as a stimulus‐responsive, healing material in biomedical applications.
Evidence ofLeishmania infantumInfection in Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in a Natural Area in Madrid, Spain
Authors: García Nerea , Moreno Inmaculada , Alvarez Julio , de la Cruz María Luisa , Navarro Alejandro , Pérez-Sancho Marta , García-Seco Teresa , Rodríguez-Bertos Antonio , Conty María Luisa , Toraño Alfredo , Prieto Antonio , Domínguez Lucas , Domínguez Mercedes
Published: March 2014

Leishmaniasis is one of the most important neglected zoonosis and remains endemic in at least 88 developing countries in the world. In addition, anthropogenic environmental changes in urban areas are leading to its emergency world wide. Zoonotic leishmaniasis control might only be achieved by an integrated approach targeting both the human host and the animal reservoirs, which in certain sylvatic cycles are yet to be identified. Recently, hares have been pointed out as competent reservoirs ofLeishmania infantumin Spain, but the role of other lagomorphs has not been clarified. Here, 69 rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) from a natural area in Madrid in which a high density was present were analyzed using indirect (immunofluorescence antibody test, IFAT) and direct (PCR, culture) techniques. Fifty-seven (82.6%) of the animals were positive to at least one technique, with IFAT yielding the highest proportion of positive samples.L. infantumwas isolated in 13% animals demonstrating the occurrence of infection in this setting. Our results suggest that rabbits could play a role of competent reservoir ofL. infantumand demonstrate that the prevalence of infection is high in the analyzed area.
An Improved Interpolating Element‐Free Galerkin Method Based on Nonsingular Weight Functions
Authors: Sun F. X. , Liu C. , Cheng Y. M.
Published: March 2014

Based on the moving least‐squares (MLS) approximation, an improved interpolating moving least‐squares (IIMLS) method based on nonsingular weight functions is presented in this paper. Then combining the IIMLS method and the Galerkin weak form, an improved interpolating element‐free Galerkin (IIEFG) method is presented for two‐dimensional potential problems. In the IIMLS method, the shape function of the IIMLS method satisfies the property of Kronecker δ function, and there is no difficulty caused by singularity of the weight function. Then in the IIEFG method presented in this paper, the essential boundary conditions are applied naturally and directly. Moreover, the number of unknown coefficients in the trial function of the IIMLS method is less than that of the MLS approximation; then under the same node distribution, the IIEFG method has higher computational precision than element‐free Galerkin (EFG) method and interpolating element‐free Galerkin (IEFG) method. Four selected numerical examples are presented to show the advantages of the IIMLS and IIEFG methods.
Comparison of the Retinal Straylight in Pseudophakic Eyes with PMMA, Hydrophobic Acrylic, and Hydrophilic Acrylic Spherical Intraocular Lens
Authors: Guo Ya-wen , Li Jun , Song Hui , Tang Xin
Published: March 2014

Purpose. To investigate the intraocular straylight value after cataract surgery.Methods. In this study, 76 eyes from 62 patients were subdivided into three groups. A hydrophobic acrylic, a hydrophilic acrylic, and a PMMA IOL were respectively, implanted in 24 eyes, 28 eyes, and 24 eyes. Straylight was measured using C-Quant at 1 week and 1 month postoperatively in natural and dilated pupils.Results. The hydrophilic acrylic IOLs showed significantly lower straylight values than those of the hydrophobic acrylic IOLs in dilated pupils at 1 week and 1 month after surgery (P<0.05). However, the straylight values of the hydrophilic acrylic IOLs were the lowest among the three IOL groups. No significant difference was observed in straylight between 1 week and 1 month postoperatively in each group with natural and dilated pupils (P>0.05). Moreover, no significant difference was found in straylight between natural and dilated pupils in each group at 1 week and 1 month postoperatively (P>0.05).Conclusions. Although the hydrophobic acrylic IOL induced more intraocular straylight, straylight differences among the 3 IOLs were minimal. Pupil size showed no effect on intraocular straylight; the intraocular straylight was stable 1 week after surgery.
Blastomyces dermatitidis: Antibody Detection in Sera from Dogs with Blastomycosis with Yeast Lysate Antigens Produced from Human and Dog Isolates
Authors: Mondada Katie , Fullmer Jessie , Hungerford Eric , Novack Katrina , Vickers Kristen , Scalarone Gene
Published: March 2014

Dogs are common hosts to the fungal organismBlastomyces dermatitidis, which causes the systemic disease blastomycosis. The goal of our study was to compare the reactivity of twoB. dermatitidisyeast lysate antigens prepared from dog isolates (ERC-2, Wisconsin; T-58, Tennessee) and two lysate antigens prepared from human isolates (B5931 and B5896, Minnesota) against 48 serum specimens from dogs with confirmed blastomycosis using the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Secondarily, we used three different ELISA substrates (Ultra TMB: A, SureBlue: B, and SureBlue Reserve: C) to compare the effectiveness of each substrate. Mean absorbance values ranged from 0.446 (B) to 0.651 (C) for the B5931 antigen and from 0.393 (B) to 0.540 (C) for the ERC-2 antigen in Trial 1. In Trial 2, the absorbance values ranged from 0.628 (B) to 0.909 (A) for the B5896 antigen and from 0.828 (B) to 1.375 (C) for the T-58 antigen. In Trial 1, the lysate antigen prepared from the human isolate B5931 exhibited the highest absorbance value and in Trial 2 the lysate prepared from the dog isolate T-58 was the most reactive. The overall results thus indicated that the T-58 lysate was the optimal reagent when used to detect antibody with the Sure-Blue Reserve substrate. Our laboratory is continuing to studyB. dermatitidisantigen and substrate combinations for the reliable immunodiagnosis of blastomycosis in humans and animals.
Oxygenation, Ventilation, and Airway Management in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Review
Authors: Henlin Tomas , Michalek Pavel , Tyll Tomas , Hinds John D. , Dobias Milos
Published: March 2014

Recently published evidence has challenged some protocols related to oxygenation, ventilation, and airway management for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Interrupting chest compressions to attempt airway intervention in the early stages of OHCA in adults may worsen patient outcomes. The change of BLS algorithms from ABC to CAB was recommended by the AHA in 2010. Passive insufflation of oxygen into a patent airway may provide oxygenation in the early stages of cardiac arrest. Various alternatives to tracheal intubation or bag-mask ventilation have been trialled for prehospital airway management. Simple methods of airway management are associated with similar outcomes as tracheal intubation in patients with OHCA. The insertion of a laryngeal mask airway is probably associated with worse neurologically intact survival rates in comparison with other methods of airway management. Hyperoxemia following OHCA may have a deleterious effect on the neurological recovery of patients. Extracorporeal oxygenation techniques have been utilized by specialized centers, though their use in OHCA remains controversial. Chest hyperinflation and positive airway pressure may have a negative impact on hemodynamics during resuscitation and should be avoided. Dyscarbia in the postresuscitation period is relatively common, mainly in association with therapeutic hypothermia, and may worsen neurological outcome.
On the Deficiencies of Some Differential-Difference Polynomials
Authors: Zheng Xiu-Min , Xu Hong Yan
Published: March 2014

The characteristic functions of differential-difference polynomials are investigated, and the result can be viewed as a differential-difference analogue of the classic Valiron-Mokhon’ko Theorem in some sense and applied to investigate the deficiencies of some homogeneous or nonhomogeneous differential-difference polynomials. Some special differential-difference polynomials are also investigated and these results on the value distribution can be viewed as differential-difference analogues of some classic results of Hayman and Yang. Examples are given to illustrate our results at the end of this paper.
Tissue Factor and Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor in Chronically Inflamed Gallbladder Mucosa
Authors: Liczko Jacek , Stawski Tomasz , Żaba Małgorzata , Kurek Józef , Sabat Daniel , Wyrobiec Grzegorz , Domal-Kwiatkowska Dorota , Dudek Damian , Kucharzewski Marek , Helewski Krzysztof
Published: March 2014

We characterised a tissue factor (TF) and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) expression in relation to severity of inflammatory infiltration of the gallbladder mucosa in a chronic cholecystitis. We prospectively studied the gallbladder specimens obtained from 54 patients who had undergone cholecystectomy due to chronic calculous cholecystitis and 16 calculosis-free gallbladder specimens obtained from patients who underwent cholecystectomy due to the polyp/polyps as well as in cases of gallbladder injury. To assess TF and TFPI immunoreactivity by immunohistochemistry, the monoclonal anti-human TF and TFPI antibodies were used. The inflammatory infiltration of the gallbladder mucosa was reflected by the number of CD3 and CD68 positive cells. The expression of TF and TFPI differed significantly between the cholecystitis and the control group. Most capillary endothelial cells of the cholecystitis group presented weak expression for TFPI. The mean number of CD3 positive lymphocytes in the cholecystitis group was 18.6 ± 12.2, but the mean number of CD68 positive cells was 29.7 ± 13.9. In the control sections, it was 3.1 ± 1.9 and 8.8 ± 3.9, respectively (P<0.001). The results of the current study suggest that the tissue procoagulant state found may be engaged in the etiopathogenesis of the cholecystitis.
A Model Based on Cocitation for Web Information Retrieval
Authors: Xie Yue , Huang Ting-Zhu
Published: March 2014

According to the relationship between authority and cocitation in HITS, we propose a new hyperlink weighting scheme to describe the strength of the relevancy between any two webpages. Then we combine hyperlink weight normalization and random surfing schemes as used in PageRank to justify the new model. In the new model based on cocitation (MBCC), the pages with stronger relevancy are assigned higher values, not just depending on the outlinks. This model combines both features of HITS and PageRank. Finally, we present the results of some numerical experiments, showing that the MBCC ranking agrees with the HITS ranking, especially in top 10. Meanwhile, MBCC keeps the superiority of PageRank, that is, existence and uniqueness of ranking vectors.
Incremental Construction of Generalized Voronoi Diagrams on Pointerless Quadtrees
Authors: Yin Quanjun , Qin Long , Liu Xiaocheng , Zha Yabing
Published: March 2014

In robotics, Generalized Voronoi Diagrams (GVDs) are widely used by mobile robots to represent the spatial topologies of their surrounding area. In this paper we consider the problem of constructing GVDs on discrete environments. Several algorithms that solve this problem exist in the literature, notably the Brushfire algorithm and its improved versions which possess local repair mechanism. However, when the area to be processed is very large or is of high resolution, the size of the metric matrices used by these algorithms to compute GVDs can be prohibitive. To address this issue, we propose an improvement on the current algorithms, using pointerless quadtrees in place of metric matrices to compute and maintain GVDs. Beyond the construction and reconstruction of a GVD, our algorithm further provides a method to approximate roadmaps in multiple granularities from the quadtree based GVD. Simulation tests in representative scenarios demonstrate that, compared with the current algorithms, our algorithm generally makes an order of magnitude improvement regarding memory cost when the area is larger than 210 × 210. We also demonstrate the usefulness of the approximated roadmaps for coarse‐to‐fine pathfinding tasks.
Efficacy and Tolerability of Telmisartan Plus Amlodipine in Asian Patients Not Adequately Controlled on Either Monotherapy or on Low-Dose Combination Therapy
Authors: Zhu Dingliang , Gao Pingjin , Yagi Nobutaka , Schumacher Helmut
Published: March 2014

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the telmisartan plus amlodipine (T/A) single-pill combination (SPC) in Asian patients with hypertension whose blood pressure (BP) was not adequately controlled on either monotherapy or on low-dose combination therapy.Patients and Methods. Data are presented from five Boehringer Ingelheim-sponsored phase 3, double-blind, 8-week, studies: two studies in nonresponders to amlodipine (data pooled for amlodipine), two studies on nonresponders to telmisartan (pooled data), and one on nonresponders to low-dose T/A SPC.Results. After 8 weeks’ treatment, mean reductions from the reference baseline in diastolic BP (DBP; primary endpoint), systolic BP (SBP), and SBP, DBP goal, and response rates were higher with the T/A SPC than respective monotherapies. The T80/A5 SPC resulted in greater reductions in DBP and SBP, and higher DBP goal and response rate than the low-dose T40/A5 SPC. Peripheral edema incidence was low (amlodipine 0.5%, telmisartan 0.0%, and T/A SPC 0.7%).Discussion and Conclusion. In Asian patients whose BP is not adequately controlled with telmisartan or amlodipine monotherapy, T/A SPC treatment results in greater BP reduction, and higher DBP and SBP goal and response rates. The safety and tolerability of the T/A SPC are comparable to those of the respective monotherapies and consistent with those reported in previous studies.
Programmed Cell Death inNeurospora crassa
Authors: Gonçalves A. Pedro , Videira Arnaldo
Published: March 2014

Programmed cell death has been studied for decades in mammalian cells, but simpler organisms, including prokaryotes, plants, and fungi, also undergo regulated forms of cell death. We highlight the usefulness of the filamentous fungusNeurospora crassaas a model organism for the study of programmed cell death. InN. crassa, cell death can be triggered genetically due to hyphal fusion between individuals with different allelic specificities athetloci, in a process called “heterokaryon incompatibility.” Chemical induction of cell death can also be achieved upon exposure to death-inducing agents like staurosporine, phytosphingosine, or hydrogen peroxide. A summary of the recent advances made by our and other groups on the discovery of the mechanisms and mediators underlying the process of cell death inN. crassais presented.
An Analysis of the Quality of Repeated Plate Load Tests Using the Harmony Search Algorithm
Authors: Cho Kook-Hwan , Mun Sungho
Published: March 2014

We report a characteristic function to determine whether repetitive static plate load test (RSPLT) moduli are within an acceptable quality range, based on a comparison between the initial loading values and reloading moduli. The results of RSPLTs depend on the experience and expertise of the engineer carrying out the test, as well as the loading device, hydraulic jack assembly, and bearing plates. To identify outlier data points, well-tested data were used to develop a characteristic function model using a harmony search algorithm error minimization technique. This measure was applied to determine the reliability of RSPLT data.
Anti-TNF-Alpha Therapy and Systemic Vasculitis
Authors: Jarrot Pierre-André , Kaplanski Gilles
Published: March 2014

TNF-αis a pleiotropic cytokine, which plays a major role in the pathogenesis of numerous autoimmune and/or inflammatory systemic diseases. Systemic vasculitis constitutes a group of rare diseases, characterized by inflammation of the arterial or venous vessel wall, causing stenosis and thrombosis. Treatment of the different type of vasculitis mainly relies on steroids and immunosuppressive drugs. In case of refractory or relapsing diseases, however, a second line of treatment may be required. Anti-TNF-αdrugs have been used in this setting during the last 15 years with inconsistent results. We reviewed herein the use of anti-TNF-αtherapy in different kind of vasculitis and concluded that, except for Behcet’s disease, this therapeutic option has not demonstrated significant improvement in the treatment of vasculitis.
Utility of Preoperative CA125 Assay in the Management Planning of Women Diagnosed with Uterine Cancer
Authors: Povolotskaya N. , Das N. , Dhar K. , Brinkmann D. , Gardner F. , Woolas R.
Published: March 2014

Objective.This study assesses the role of preoperative serum CA125 levels in the planning treatment options for women diagnosed with uterine cancer.Material and Method.Ninety five consecutive patients diagnosed with uterine cancer during a four-year period were identified. Age ranged from 35 to 89 years with a mean age of 69 years. The preoperative CA125 levels were dichotomised at 28 U/mL (using ROC analysis to identify the best discriminating threshold for 5-year survival). This level was then correlated with preoperative prognostic indicators: patient age, tumour grade, and histopathological tumour cell type. Survival data was plotted using Kaplan-Meier curves and analysed using the log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to identify the predictors of overall survival.Results.The mean age of patients was 69 years (range: 35–89). On univariate analysis, the use of preoperative CA125 levels of greater or less than 28 U/mL correlated significantly with age(P=0.01), the grade of disease(P=0.02)and unfavourable tissue type(P=0.03). This threshold CA125 level had a sensitivity of 75%, specificity of 76%, positive predictive value of 35% and negative predicative value of 96.25%, and a likelihood ratio of 3.12 for predicting nodal disease. Using a threshold of preoperative CA125 level of 28 U/mL (area under curve: 0.60) was also a significant predictor of 5-year survival (log-rank test,P=0.01). Using Cox multivariate survival analysis to identify predictive preoperative factors overall, unfavourable cell type was the strongest predictor of survival (Chi square = 36.5, df = 4, andP=0.001), followed by preoperative CA125 level (CA125 > 28 U/mL,P=0.011) and unfavourable preoperative grade (P=0.017). Amongst patients with a favourable histological tissue type (endometrioid), preoperative CA125 levels predicted overall survival (Chi square = 6.039, df = 2,P=0.02); however unfavourable preoperative grade did not (P=0.5). Overall, at five-year follow-up, while there were no deaths among the women with preoperative serum CA125 less than 12 U/mL, eleven of the twenty-three deaths (47.82%) in the study occurred in women with a preoperative CA125 more than 28 U/mL.Conclusions.A preoperative CA125 assay for women with uterine cancer is a relatively inexpensive, reproducible, and objective test which provides valuable information regarding the risk of metastatic disease and overall likelihood of long term survival. Patients with a low likelihood of metastatic/nodal disease (favourable tissue type and CA125 level < 28 U/mL) and significant comorbidities may benefit from avoiding an extended complete staging procedure. Alternatively, a high level of CA125 may prompt further imaging and multidisciplinary discussions to plan for individualised management and consideration for recruitment to clinical trials.
Inverse Estimates for Nonhomogeneous Backward Heat Problems
Authors: Min Tao , Fu Weimin , Huang Qiang
Published: March 2014

We investigate the inverse problem in the nonhomogeneous heat equation involving the recovery of the initial temperature from measurements of the final temperature. This problem is known as the backward heat problem and is severely ill-posed. We show that this problem can be converted into the first Fredholm integral equation, and an algorithm of inversion is given using Tikhonov's regularization method. The genetic algorithm for obtaining the regularization parameter is presented. We also present numerical computations that verify the accuracy of our approximation.
Visible Light Photocatalytic Activity of CeO2-ZnO-TiO2 Composites for the Degradation of Rhodamine B
Authors: Prabhu S. , Viswanathan T. , Jothivenkatachalam K. , Jeganathan K.
Published: March 2014

TiO2 plays a significant role in many applications including solar cell. Consecutively to absorb the low-energy radiation, it is very much essential to tune the optical property of TiO2. We fabricated CeO2-ZnO-TiO2 semiconductor composites by sol-gel method and achieved the absorption of lower energy radiation. The prepared composites were characterized by TG-DTA, UV-DRS, XRD, AFM, TEM and FESEM techniques. The particle and crystalline size of the composites was calculated using FESEM and XRD techniques, respectively. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized composite for the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation was investigated. The photocatalytic degradation of RhB under various experimental conditions such as amount of catalyst, initial dye concentration and H2O2 amount was also demonstrated and the rate constant was calculated using L-H model.
A Crank-Nicolson Difference Scheme for Solving a Type of Variable Coefficient Delay Partial Differential Equations
Authors: Gu Wei , Wang Peng
Published: March 2014

A linearized Crank-Nicolson difference scheme is constructed to solve a type of variable coefficient delay partial differential equations. The difference scheme is proved to be unconditionally stable and convergent, where the convergence order is two in both space and time. A numerical test is provided to illustrate the theoretical results.
Giant Myoepithelioma of the Soft Palate
Authors: Oktay Murat , Yaman Huseyin , Belada Abdullah , Besir Fahri Halit , Guclu Ender
Published: March 2014

Myoepitheliomas are benign salivary gland tumors and account for less than 1% of all salivary gland tumors. They are usually located in the parotid gland. The soft palate is very rare affected site. The differential diagnosis of myoepitheliomas should include reactive and neoplastic lesions. The treatment of myoepitheliomas is complete removal of the tumor. Herein, we report a case with giant myoepithelioma of the soft palate, reviewing the related literature.
Persistent Microalbuminuria in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infected Children in Kano, Nigeria
Authors: Mudi Abdullahi , Alhaj Bashir U. , Hassan-Hanga Fatimah , Yahaya Isah Adagiri
Published: March 2014

Microalbuminuria has been reported to be a precursor of HIV related renal disease, which if detected early and coupled with appropriate intervention may slow or retard the progress of the disease. One hundred and seventy-eight HIV infected children aged 15 years and below were recruited from the Paediatric Infectious Disease Clinic of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano, to determine the prevalence of persistent microalbuminuria using the albumin creatinine ratio (ACR). Early morning urine samples and spot urine samples were analyzed using a dipstick specific for microalbumin. Those who tested positive had their samples reanalyzed in the laboratory using immunometric assay and Jaffe reaction method for albumin and creatinine, respectively. Patients that had ACR of 30–300 mg/g were said to have microalbuminuria and had their urine samples retested after 6 to 8 weeks. Twelve children (6.7%) had persistent microalbuminuria and had a mean age of7.5±3.3years, with a male to female ratio of 1 : 1. There was no significant relationship between the finding of microalbuminuria and age, sex, duration of infection, and the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy. Periodic screening for microalbuminuria using albumin specific dipstick should be considered for children with HIV infection.
Research on Amplifier Performance Evaluation Based onδ-Support Vector Regression
Authors: Huo Xing , Zhang Aihua , Karimi Hamid Reza
Published: March 2014

Focusing on the amplifier performance evaluation demand, a novel evaluation strategy based onδ-support vector regression (δ-SVR) is proposed in this paper. Lower computer calculation demand is considered firstly. And this is dealt with by the superiority ofδ-SVR which can be significantly improved on the number of support vectors. Moreover, the function ofδ-SVR employs the modified RBF kernel function which is constructed from an original kernel by removing the last coordinate and adding the linear term with the last coordinate. Experiment adopted the typical circuit Sallen-Key low pass filter to prove the proposed evaluation strategy via the eight performance indexes. Simulation results reveal that the need of the number ofδ-SVR support vectors is the lowest among the other two methods LSSVR andε-SVR under obtaining nearly the same evaluation result. And this is also suitable for promotion computational speed.
Properties of RF-Sputtered PZT Thin Films with Ti/Pt Electrodes
Authors: Yan Cui , Minglei Yao , Qunying Zhang , Xiaolong Chen , Jinkui Chu , Le Guan
Published: March 2014

Effect of annealing temperature and thin film thickness on properties of Pb(Zr0.53Ti0.47)O3(PZT) thin film deposited via radiofrequency magnetron sputtering technique onto Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrate was investigated. Average grain sizes of the PZT thin film were measured by atomic force microscope; their preferred orientation was studied through X-ray diffraction analysis. Average residual stress in the thin film was estimated according to the optimized Stoney formula, and impedance spectroscopy characterization was performed via an intelligent LCR measuring instrument. Average grain sizes of PZT thin films were 60 nm~90 nm and their average roughness was less than 2 nm. According to X-ray diffraction analysis, 600°C is the optimal annealing temperature to obtain the PZT thin film with better crystallization. Average residual stress showed that thermal mismatch was the decisive factor of residual stress in Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrate; the residual stress in PZT thin film decreased as their thickness increased and increased with annealing temperature. The dielectric constant and loss angle tangent were extremely increased with the thickness of PZT thin films. The capacitance of the device can be adjusted according to the thickness of PZT thin films.
New Scheme of Finite Difference Heterogeneous Multiscale Method to Solve Saturated Flow in Porous Media
Authors: Chen Fulai , Ren Li
Published: March 2014

A new finite difference scheme, the development of the finite difference heterogeneous multiscale method (FDHMM), is constructed for simulating saturated water flow in random porous media. In the discretization framework of FDHMM, we follow some ideas from the multiscale finite element method and construct basic microscopic elliptic models. Tests on a variety of numerical experiments show that, in the case that only about a half of the information of the whole microstructure is used, the constructed scheme gives better accuracy at a much lower computational time than FDHMM for the problem of aquifer response to sudden change in reservoir level and gives comparable accuracy at a much lower computational time than FDHMM for the weak drawdown problem.
Growth Rates of Meromorphic Functions Focusing Relative Order
Authors: Datta Sanjib Kumar , Biswas Tanmay , Bhattacharyya Sarmila
Published: March 2014

A detailed study concerning some growth rates of composite entire and meromorphic functions on the basis of their relative orders (relative lower orders) with respect to entire functions has been made in this paper.
Numerical Manifold Method with Endochronic Theory for Elastoplasticity Analysis
Authors: Zeng Wei , Li Junjie , Kang Fei
Published: March 2014

Numerical manifold method (NMM) was originally developed based on linear elastic constitutive model. For many problems it is difficult to obtain accurate results without elastoplasticity analysis, and an elastoplasticity version of NMM is needed. In this paper, the incremental endochronic theory is extended into NMM analysis and an endochronic NMM algorithm is proposed for elastoplasticity analysis. It is well known that endochronic theory is one of the widely used elastoplasticity theories which can deal with elastoplasticity problems without a yield surface and loading or unloading judgments. Numerical tests show that the proposed algorithm of endochronic NMM possesses a good accuracy. The proposed algorithm is also applied to analyze a crack problem and a soft clay foundation under traffic loading problem. Results demonstrate the convenience of the endochronic NMM in analyzing elastoplasticity discontinuous problems.
The Corrosion Behaviour of WC-Co-Ru Alloys in Aggressive Chloride Media
Authors: Potgieter J. H. , Olubambi P. , Potgieter-Vermaak S. S.
Published: March 2014

Hardmetals possess excellent wear resistance, making them suitable alloys in several industrial applications. Mine waters with both dissolved chloride and sulphate salts can be severely corrosive and can limit the application of hardmetal tools in the mining industry. Ru additions to these alloys can refine and improve selected mechanical properties, but its influence on the corrosion resistance is unknown. A series of WC-Co-Ru alloys was evaluated in different chloride containing media to investigate their corrosion resistance. Standard electrochemical corrosion tests, chronoamperometric measurements, and surface analyses with Raman spectroscopy were conducted. An increasing amount of Ru improves the corrosion resistance of all the alloys. The effect is not as dramatic as that observed with stainless steels containing Ru in corrosive media. In both corrosive media Ru decreased the cathodic Tafel constant and has a retarding influence on the cathodic part of the corrosion reaction. Raman analyses indicated the presence of tungsten oxide, hydrated tungsten oxide compounds, and CoO and Co3O4formed on the alloy surfaces during the corrosion process.
Controversies in the Anesthetic Management of Intraoperative Rupture of Intracranial Aneurysm
Authors: Chowdhury Tumul , Petropolis Andrea , Wilkinson Marshall , Schaller Bernhard , Sandu Nora , Cappellani Ronald B.
Published: March 2014

Despite great advancements in the management of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), outcomes following SAH rupture have remained relatively unchanged. In addition, little data exists to guide the anesthetic management of intraoperative aneurysm rupture (IAR), though intraoperative management may have a significant effect on overall neurological outcomes. This review highlights the various controversies related to different anesthetic management related to aneurysm rupture. The first controversy relates to management of preexisting factors that affect risk of IAR. The second controversy relates to diagnostic techniques, particularly neurophysiological monitoring. The third controversy pertains to hemodynamic goals. The neuroprotective effects of various factors, including hypothermia, various anesthetic/pharmacologic agents, and burst suppression, remain poorly understood and have yet to be further elucidated. Different management strategies for IAR during aneurysmal clipping versus coiling also need further attention.
Wind Field of a Nonmesocyclone Anticyclonic Tornado Crossing the Hong Kong International Airport
Authors: Kosiba Karen A. , Robinson Paul , Chan P. W. , Wurman Joshua
Published: March 2014

A nonmesocyclone tornado traversed the Hong Kong International Airport on September 6, 2004 directly impacting a surface weather station. This allowed for 1-second 10-meter above ground level (AGL) wind observations through the core of the tornado. Integration of these 10-meter AGL wind data with Ground-Based Velocity Track (GBVTD) wind retrievals derived from LIDAR data provided a time history of the three-dimensional wind field of the tornado. These data indicate a progressive decrease in radial inflow with time and little to no radial inflow near the time the tornado crosses the surface weather station. Anemometer observations suggest that the tangential winds approximate a modified-Rankine vortex outside the radius of maximum winds, suggesting that frictionally induced radial inflow was confined below 10 m AGL. The radial-height distribution of angular momentum depicts an increase in low-level angular momentum just prior to the tornado reaching its maximum intensity.
Stability Analysis and Variational Integrator for Real‐Time Formation Based on Potential Field
Authors: Yang Shengqing , Yu Jianqiao
Published: March 2014

This paper investigates a framework of real‐time formation of autonomous vehicles by using potential field and variational integrator. Real‐time formation requires vehicles to have coordinated motion and efficient computation. Interactions described by potential field can meet the former requirement which results in a nonlinear system. Stability analysis of such nonlinear system is difficult. Our methodology of stability analysis is discussed in error dynamic system. Transformation of coordinates from inertial frame to body frame can help the stability analysis focus on the structure instead of particular coordinates. Then, the Jacobian of reduced system can be calculated. It can be proved that the formation is stable at the equilibrium point of error dynamic system with the effect of damping force. For consideration of calculation, variational integrator is introduced. It is equivalent to solving algebraic equations. Forced Euler‐Lagrange equation in discrete expression is used to construct a forced variational integrator for vehicles in potential field and obstacle environment. By applying forced variational integrator on computation of vehicles′ motion, real‐time formation of vehicles in obstacle environment can be implemented. Algorithm based on forced variational integrator is designed for a leader‐follower formation.
Bezier Curves Based Numerical Solutions of Delay Systems with Inverse Time
Authors: Ghomanjani F. , Farahi M. H. , Kılıçman A. , Kamyad A. V. , Pariz N.
Published: March 2014

This paper applied, for the first time, the Bernstein’s approximation on delay differential equations and delay systems with inverse delay that models these problems. The direct algorithm is given for solving this problem. The delay function and inverse time function are expanded by the Bézier curves. The Bézier curves are chosen as piecewise polynomials of degree n, and the Bézier curves are determined on any subinterval by n + 1 control points. The approximated solution of delay systems containing inverse time is derived. To validate accuracy of the present algorithm, some examples are solved.
Use of a Digital Camera to Monitor the Growth and Nitrogen Status of Cotton
Authors: Jia Biao , He Haibing , Ma Fuyu , Diao Ming , Jiang Guiying , Zheng Zhong , Cui Jin , Fan Hua
Published: March 2014

The main objective of this study was to develop a nondestructive method for monitoring cotton growth and N status using a digital camera. Digital images were taken of the cotton canopies between emergence and full bloom. The green and red values were extracted from the digital images and then used to calculate canopy cover. The values of canopy cover were closely correlated with the normalized difference vegetation index and the ratio vegetation index and were measured using a GreenSeeker handheld sensor. Models were calibrated to describe the relationship between canopy cover and three growth properties of the cotton crop (i.e., aboveground total N content, LAI, and aboveground biomass). There were close, exponential relationships between canopy cover and three growth properties. And the relationships for estimating cotton aboveground total N content were most precise, the coefficients of determination (R2) value was 0.978, and the root mean square error (RMSE) value was 1.479 g m−2. Moreover, the models were validated in three fields of high-yield cotton. The result indicated that the best relationship between canopy cover and aboveground total N content had anR2value of 0.926 and an RMSE value of 1.631 g m−2. In conclusion, as a near-ground remote assessment tool, digital cameras have good potential for monitoring cotton growth and N status.
A Discrete Group Search Optimizer for Hybrid Flowshop Scheduling Problem with Random Breakdown
Authors: Cui Zhe , Gu Xingsheng
Published: March 2014

The scheduling problems have been discussed in the literature extensively under the assumption that the machines are permanently available without any breakdown. However, in the real manufacturing environments, the machines could be unavailable inevitably for many reasons. In this paper, the authors introduce the hybrid flowshop scheduling problem with random breakdown (RBHFS) together with a discrete group search optimizer algorithm (DGSO). In particular, two different working cases, preempt‐resume case, and preempt‐repeat case are considered under random breakdown. The proposed DGSO algorithm adopts the vector representation and several discrete operators, such as insert, swap, differential evolution, destruction, and construction in the producers, scroungers, and rangers phases. In addition, an orthogonal test is applied to configure the adjustable parameters in the DGSO algorithm. The computational results in both cases indicate that the proposed algorithm significantly improves the performances compared with other high performing algorithms in the literature.
Linearization of Impulsive Differential Equations with Ordinary Dichotomy
Authors: Gao Yongfei , Yuan Xiaoqing , Xia Yonghui , Wong P. J. Y.
Published: March 2014

This paper presents a linearization theorem for the impulsive differential equations when the linear system has ordinary dichotomy. We prove that when the linear impulsive system has ordinary dichotomy, the nonlinear systemx˙(t)=A(t)x(t)+f(t,x),t≠tk,Δx(tk)=A~(tk)x(tk)+f~(tk,x),k∈ℤ, is topologically conjugated tox˙(t)=A(t)x(t),t≠tk,Δx(tk)=A~(tk)x(tk),k∈ℤ, whereΔx(tk)=x(tk+)-x(tk-),x(tk-)=x(tk), represents the jump of the solutionx(t)att=tk. Finally, two examples are given to show the feasibility of our results.
Tuning Optical Nonlinearity of Laser‐Ablation‐Synthesized Silicon Nanoparticles via Doping Concentration
Authors: Chen Lianwei , Jiang Xiao-fang , Guo Ziming , Zhu Hai , Kao Tsung-Sheng , Xu Qing-hua , Ho Ghim Wei , Hong Minghui
Published: March 2014

Silicon nanoparticles at different doping concentrations are investigated for tuning their optical nonlinear performance. The silicon nanoparticles are synthesized from doped silicon wafers by pulsed laser ablation. Their dispersions in water are studied for both nonlinear absorption and nonlinear refraction properties. It is found that the optical nonlinear performance can be modified by the doping concentration. Nanoparticles at a higher doping concentration exhibit better saturable absorption performance for femtosecond laser pulse, which is ascribed to the free carrier absorption mechanism.
Oxidation/Corrosion Behaviour of ODS Ferritic/Martensitic Steels in Pb Melt at Elevated Temperature
Authors: Yaskiv O. I. , Fedirko V. M.
Published: March 2014

Lead-based melts (Pb, Pb-Bi) are considered as candidate coolants and spallation neutron targets due to their excellent thermophysical and nuclear properties. However, the corrosion of structural materials remains a major issue. Oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) ferritic/martensitic steels are considered for high temperature application for both fission and fusion reactor concepts. The oxidation/corrosion kinetics in a static oxygen-saturated Pb melt at temperature of 550°C as well as the morphology and composition of scales formed on ferritic/martensitic Fe-9Cr-1.5W and ferritic Fe-14Cr-1.5W ODS steels have been investigated. Both materials showed homogeneous multiple, dense scales that consisted of typical combination of Fe3O4 as outer sublayer and (Fe,Cr)3O4 as inner sublayer. A nonuniform growth of inner oxide sublayers into the metal matrix as well as a good adhesion to the metal substrate is observed. With the prolongation of exposure from 240 to 1000 h, observed scales grow from 35 µm to 45 µm for ODS Fe-9Cr steel and from 40 µm to 60 µm for ODS Fe-14Cr steel with the thinning rates of 0,22 and 0,31 mm/year correspondingly. The mechanism of scales formation is discussed.
The Identical Estimates of Spectral Norms for Circulant Matrices with Binomial Coefficients Combined with Fibonacci Numbers and Lucas Numbers Entries
Authors: Zhou Jianwei
Published: March 2014

Improved estimates for spectral norms of circulant matrices are investigated, and the entries are binomial coefficients combined with either Fibonacci numbers or Lucas numbers. Employing the properties of given circulant matrices, this paper improves the inequalities for their spectral norms, and gets corresponding identities of spectral norms. Moreover, by some well-known identities, the explicit identities for spectral norms are obtained. Some numerical tests are listed to verify the results.
Microbleeds in Late-Life Depression: Comparison of Early- and Late-Onset Depression
Authors: Feng Chao , Fang Min , Xu Yu , Hua Ting , Liu Xue-Yuan
Published: March 2014

Late-life depression could be classified roughly as early-onset depression (EOD) and late-onset depression (LOD). LOD was proved to be associated with cerebral lesions including white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and silent brain infarctions (SBI), differently from EOD. However, it is unclear whether similar association is present between LOD and microbleeds which are also silent lesions. In this study, 195 patients of late-life depression were evaluated and divided into EOD, presenile-onset depression (POD), and LOD groups; 85 healthy elderly controls were enrolled as controls. Subjects were scanned by MRI including susceptibility weighted images to evaluate white matter hyperintensities (WMH), silent brain infarctions (SBI), and microbleeds. The severity of depression was evaluated with 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale. Psychosocial factors were investigated with Scale of Life Events and Lubben Social Network Scale. Logistic regression and linear regression were performed to identify the independent risk factors for depression. Results showed that LOD patients had higher prevalence of microbleeds than EOD, POD, and control patients. The prevalence of lobar microbleeds and microbleeds in the left hemisphere was the independent risk factor for the occurrence of LOD; a high number of microbleeds were associated with severe state of LOD, whereas life events and lack of social support were more important for EOD and POD. All these results indicated that Microbleeds especially lobar microbleeds and microbleeds in the left hemisphere were associated with LOD but not with EOD.
Hopf Bifurcation Analysis in a Modified Price Differential Equation Model with Two Delays
Authors: Zhai Yanhui , Xiong Ying , Ma Xiaona
Published: March 2014

The paper investigates the behavior of price differential equation model based on economic theory with two delays. The primary aim of this thesis is to provide a research method to explore the undeveloped areas of the price model with two delays. Firstly, we modify the traditional price model by considering demand function as a downward opening quadratic function, and supply and demand functions both depending on the price of the past and the present. Then the price model with two delays is established. Secondly, by considering the price model with one delay, we get the stable interval. Regarding another delay as a parameter, we studied the linear stability and local Hopf bifurcation. In addition, we pay attention to the direction and stability of the bifurcating periodic solutions which are derived by using the normal form theory and center manifold method. Afterwards, the study turns to simulate the results through numerical analysis, which shows that the provided method is valid.
NDVI-Based Vegetation Change in Inner Mongolia from 1982 to 2006 and Its Relationship to Climate at the Biome Scale
Authors: Guo Linghui , Wu Shaohong , Zhao Dongsheng , Yin Yunhe , Leng Guoyong , Zhang Qingyu
Published: March 2014

Based on the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), we analyzed vegetation change of the six major biomes across Inner Mongolia at the growing season and the monthly timescales and estimated their responses to climate change between 1982 and 2006. To reduce disturbance associated with land use change, those pixels affected by land use change from the 1980s to 2000s were excluded. At the growing season scale, the NDVI increased weakly in the natural ecosystems, but strongly in cropland. Interannual variations in the growing season NDVI for forest was positively linked with potential evapotranspiration and temperature, but negatively correlated with precipitation. In contrast, it was positively correlated with precipitation, but negatively related to potential evapotranspiration for other natural biomes, particularly for desert steppe. Although monthly NDVI trends were characterized as heterogeneous, corresponding to monthly variations in climate change among biome types, warming-related NDVI at the beginning of the growing season was the main contributor to the NDVI increase during the growing season for forest, meadow steppe, and typical steppe, but it constrained the NDVI increase for desert steppe, desert, and crop. Significant one-month lagged correlations between monthly NDVI and climate variables were found, but the correlation characteristics varied greatly depending on vegetation type.