bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CONJUGATE MIRROR DESIGN AND SIMULATION USING A NONLINEAR COUPLING MICRORING CIRCUIT
Authors: SARAPAT N. , FRANK T. D. , YUPAPIN P. P.
Published: October 2013

This paper presents the use of a nonlinear microring resonator device known as a modified add-drop filter for small scale conjugate mirror, which is a basic device for 3D image construction and reconstruction system. It can also be useful for real time 3D image display applications. By using the modified add-drop filter, the 3D image can be constructed and reconstructed within the microring circuit. In this circuit, the object and reference beams can be formed by the reflected signals from through and drop ports of the add-drop filter respectively, where the conjugate mirror concept is obtained by the nonlinear coupling effects via the two nonlinear side rings, in which the four-wave mixing of those signals can be introduced. Finally, the interference of those two beams can be constructed and seen by the whispering gallery mode (WGM) at the center ring, while the interference signals can be seen by the add port output. The WGMs of waves are simulated and discussed, where the 3D image construction and reconstruction can be seen by using the microring circuit as the conjugate mirror, in which the use of large volume display using a new type of conjugate mirror can be realized.
SECOND HARMONIC GENERATION, THERMAL AND OPTICAL STUDY OF POTASSIUM IODIDE DOPED L-THREONINE SINGLE CRYSTAL
Authors: WANKHADE PRATIK M. , MULEY GAJANAN G.
Published: October 2013

Potassium iodide doped L-threonine (LTPI) single crystal with improved second harmonic generation efficiency, thermal stability and optical transmission was grown by low temperature solution growth method from aqueous solution. The grown crystal has 1.22 times second harmonic generation efficiency compared to the standard potassium dihydrogen phosphate. LTPI has a high optical transparency over a wide spectral range 245–1083 nm and lower cut-off at around 219 nm. LTPI crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal structure with space group P212121. It is thermally stable up to 238°C. In this paper, the photoluminescence study, FT-IR spectroscopic study and elemental analysis have been presented.
ANALYSIS OF FOUR WAVE MIXING UNDER DIFFERENT ALL OPTICAL MODULATION FORMATS
Authors: SELVENDRAN S. , SIVANANTHARAJA A.
Published: October 2013

Four Wave Mixing (FWM) is a nonlinear process which greatly degrades the performance of the multi-wavelength optical communication systems. This paper describes the analysis of FWM under different all optical modulation formats in two cases of networks such as high nonlinear regime of a 4-Channels, 40 Gb/s WDM network and a normal 32 channel, 40 Gb/s DWDM network. Performance parameters like suppressed FWM side band power, Q-factor and BER are analyzed. Although duobinary, DPSK and DQPSK modulation formats perform better in the latter case, the first case proves that only the DQPSK modulation format performs exceptionally well even in high nonlinear conditions of even DWDM networks.
NANOCRYSTALLINE ALUMINUM DOPED ZINC OXIDE COATED FIBER OPTIC FOR ULTRAVIOLET DETECTION
Authors: RASHID A. R. A. , MENON P. S. , SHAARI S.
Published: October 2013

In this paper, we report the fabrication and characterization of an ultraviolet sensing by using Al -doped ZnO films coated on quartz slide and silica fiber optic. Undoped ZnO , 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 at.% of Al were prepared by sol–gel method with annealing temperature of 400°C for 1 h. The presence of spherical shaped nanoparticles and hexagonal (wurtzite) structure were detected for Al doped ZnO by using FESEM and XRD. The band gap values increased by adding Al due to the increment of carrier concentration. I–V curves reveal an ohmic line and improvement in electrical conductivity when the samples are illuminated by ultraviolet (UV) light with a wavelength of 365 nm. At 1 at.% of Al , the film have a larger increment in photocurrent response when illuminated with UV light compared to undoped ZnO and higher concentration (2 at.% and 3 at.%) of Al . For coated fiber optic, the fiber operates under leaky mode and the refractive index of ZnO is decreasing under UV radiation. There is a small drop in output intensity and increased abruptly which depends on the changes of ZnO refractive index. The thin films have a longer recovery time than response time.
The Laurentian Caledonides of Scotland and Ireland
Authors: Chew David M. , Strachan Rob A.
Published: October 2013

The Caledonides of Britain and Ireland are one of the most intensively studied orogenic belts in the world. This review considers all the tectonic events associated with the development and closure of the Iapetus Ocean. It first summarizes the tectonic evolution of each segment involved in the Scottish–Irish sector of the Caledonides and then reviews the temporal evolution of the Caledonian Orogeny. Three main tectonic phases are recognized in the Scottish–Irish Caledonides: an Early–Middle Ordovician (475–465 Ma) phase termed the Grampian Orogeny; a phase of Silurian (435–425 Ma) tectonism restricted to the Northern Highland Terrane of Scotland termed the Scandian Orogeny; and an Early Devonian (395 Ma) phase termed the Acadian Orogeny. The Grampian Orogeny was caused by the collision of the Laurentian continental margin with an oceanic arc terrane and associated suprasubduction zone ophiolites during the latest Cambrian–Early Ordovician. Following the Grampian arc–continent collision event, there was a subduction polarity reversal. This facilitated continued subduction of Iapetan oceanic lithosphere and an Andean-type continental margin developed on and adjacent to the Laurentian margin in the Middle Ordovician along with a substantial thickness of accretionary prism sediments (the Southern Uplands–Longford Down Terrane). The Iapetus Ocean is believed to have disappeared by the Late Silurian based on the faunal record and a continent–continent collision ensued. The absence of significant regional deformation and metamorphism associated with the Late Silurian collision between Avalonia and the Scottish–Irish margin of Laurentia suggests that the continental collision in this sector of the Caledonian–Appalachian orogen was ‘soft’ or highly oblique. The exception is the Northern Highlands Terrane of Scotland that was believed to have been situated 500–700 km to the north along orogenic strike. This terrane records evidence for significant Silurian regional deformation and metamorphism attributed to the collision of the Laurentian margin of East Greenland with Baltica (the Scandian Orogeny). Current controversies in the Laurentian Caledonides of Scotland and Ireland are discussed at the end of this review.
Plant Facilitation and Phylogenetics
Authors: Valiente-Banuet Alfonso , Verdú Miguel
Published: October 2013

The relationship between facilitation and evolutionary ecology is poorly understood. We review five issues elucidating how the phylogenetic relatedness of species provides insight into the role of facilitation in community assembly: (a) Are the facilitative interactions more common between species that differ in a regeneration niche? (b) Are facilitative interactions more common between distantly related species? (c) Do communities governed by facilitation (rather than competition) have higher phylogenetic diversity? (d) As facilitated juvenile plants mature, do they compete with their nurses more often if they are closely related to them? (e) How does the phylogenetic signature in a community reveal ecological processes, such as succession, regeneration dynamics, indirect interactions, and coextinction cascades? The evolutionary history of lineages explains the regeneration niche of species, which ultimately determines the facilitation-competition balance and therefore community assembly and dynamics. We apply this framework to the conservation of biodiversity and propose future research avenues.
Chemical Ecology of Bumble Bees
Authors: Ayasse Manfred , Jarau Stefan
Published: October 2013

Bumble bees are of major importance, ecologically and economically as pollinators in cool and temperate biomes and as model organisms for scientific research. Chemical signals and cues have been shown to play an outstanding role in intraspecific and interspecific communication systems within and outside of a bumble bee colony. In the present review we compile and critically assess the literature on the chemical ecology of bumble bees, including cuckoo bumble bees. The development of new and more sensitive analytical tools and improvements in sociogenetic methods significantly enhanced our knowledge about chemical compounds that mediate the regulation of reproduction in the social phase of colony development, about the interactions between host bumble bees and their social parasites, about pheromones involved in mating behavior, as well as about the importance of signals, cues and context-dependent learning in foraging behavior. Our review intends to stimulate new studies on the many unresolved questions concerning the chemical ecology of these fascinating insects.
Neural and Hormonal Control of Postecdysial Behaviors in Insects
Authors: White Benjamin H. , Ewer John
Published: October 2013

The shedding of the old exoskeleton that occurs in insects at the end of a molt (a process called ecdysis) is typically followed by the expansion and tanning of a new one. At the adult molt, these postecdysial processes include expansion and hardening of the wings. Here we describe recent advances in understanding the neural and hormonal control of wing expansion and hardening, focusing on work using Drosophila melanogaster in which genetic manipulations have permitted detailed investigation of postecdysial processes and their modulation by sensory input. To place this work in context, we briefly review recent progress in understanding the neuroendocrine regulation of ecdysis, which appears to be largely conserved across insect species. Investigations into the neuroendocrine networks that regulate ecdysial and postecdysial behaviors provide insights into how stereotyped, yet environmentally responsive, sequences are generated and how they develop and evolve.
Response of Native Insect Communities to Invasive Plants
Authors: Bezemer T. Martijn , Harvey Jeffrey A. , Cronin James T.
Published: October 2013

Invasive plants can disrupt a range of trophic interactions in native communities. As a novel resource they can affect the performance of native insect herbivores and their natural enemies such as parasitoids and predators, and this can lead to host shifts of these herbivores and natural enemies. Through the release of volatile compounds, and by changing the chemical complexity of the habitat, invasive plants can also affect the behavior of native insects such as herbivores, parasitoids, and pollinators. Studies that compare insects on related native and invasive plants in invaded habitats show that the abundance of insect herbivores is often lower on invasive plants, but that damage levels are similar. The impact of invasive plants on the population dynamics of resident insect species has been rarely examined, but invasive plants can influence the spatial and temporal dynamics of native insect (meta)populations and communities, ultimately leading to changes at the landscape level.
Redox-Dependent Anti-Inflammatory Signaling Actions of Unsaturated Fatty Acids
Authors: Delmastro-Greenwood Meghan , Freeman Bruce A. , Wendell Stacy Gelhaus
Published: October 2013

Unsaturated fatty acids are metabolized to reactive products that can act as pro- or anti-inflammatory signaling mediators. Electrophilic fatty acid species, including nitro- and oxo-containing fatty acids, display salutary anti-inflammatory and metabolic actions. Electrophilicity can be conferred by both enzymatic and oxidative reactions, via the homolytic addition of nitrogen dioxide to a double bond or via the formation of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl and epoxide substituents. The endogenous formation of electrophilic fatty acids is significant and influenced by diet, metabolic, and inflammatory reactions. Transcriptional regulatory proteins and enzymes can sense the redox status of the surrounding environment upon electrophilic fatty acid adduction of functionally significant, nucleophilic cysteines. Through this covalent and often reversible posttranslational modification, gene expression and metabolic responses are induced. At low concentrations, the pleiotropic signaling actions that are regulated by these protein targets suggest that some classes of electrophilic lipids may be useful for treating metabolic and inflammatory diseases.
Top-Down and Bottom-Up Approaches to Health Care Quality: The Impacts of Regulation and Report Cards
Authors: Mukamel Dana B. , Haeder Simon F. , Weimer David L.
Published: October 2013

The high cost of the US health care system does not buy uniformly high quality of care. Concern about low quality has prompted two major types of public policy responses: regulation, a top-down approach, and report cards, a bottom-up approach. Each can result in either functional provider responses, which increase quality, or dysfunctional responses, which may lower quality. What do we know about the impacts of these two policy approaches to quality? To answer this question, we review the extant literature on regulation and report cards. We find evidence of both functional and dysfunctional effects. In addition, we identify the areas in which additional research would most likely be valuable.
Event History Analysis
Authors: Keiding Niels
Published: October 2013

Event history analysis deals with data obtained by observing individuals over time, focusing on events occurring for the individuals under observation. Important applications are to life events of humans in demography, life insurance mathematics, epidemiology, and sociology. The basic data are the times of occurrence of the events and the types of events that occur. The standard approach to the analysis of such data is to use multistate models; a basic example is finite-state Markov processes in continuous time. Censoring and truncation are defining features of the area. This review comments specifically on three areas that are current subjects of active development, all motivated by demands from applications: sampling patterns, the possibility of causal interpretation of the analyses, and the levels and interpretation of variability.
Increased PDE5 activity and decreased Rho kinase and PKC activities in colonic muscle from caveolin-1−/− mice impair the peristaltic reflex and propulsion
Authors: Mahavadi Sunila , Bhattacharya Sayak , Kumar Divya P. , Clay Chereena , Ross Gracious , Akbarali Hamid I. , Grider John R. , Murthy Karnam S.
Published: October 2013

Caveolae are specialized regions of the plasma membrane that concentrate receptors and associated signaling molecules critical in regulation of cellular response to transmitters and hormones. We have determined the effects of caveolin-1 (Cav-1) deletion, caveolin-1 siRNA, and caveolar disruption in mice on the signaling pathways that mediate contraction and relaxation in colonic smooth muscle and on the components of the peristaltic reflex in isolated tissue and propulsion in intact colonic segments. In Cav-1−/− mice, both relaxation and contraction were decreased in smooth muscle cells and muscle strips, as well as during both phases of the peristaltic reflex and colonic propulsion. The decrease in relaxation in response to the nitric oxide (NO) donor was accompanied by a decrease in cGMP levels and an increase in phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) activity. Relaxation by a PDE5-resistant cGMP analog was not affected in smooth muscle of Cav-1−/− mice, suggesting that inhibition of relaxation was due to augmentation of PDE5 activity. Similar effects on relaxation, PDE5 and cGMP were obtained in muscle cells upon disruption of caveolae by methyl-β-cyclodextrin or suppression of Cav-1. Sustained contraction mediated via inhibition of myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP) activity is regulated by Rho kinase and PKC via phosphorylation of two endogenous inhibitors of MLCP: myosin phosphatase-targeting subunit (MYPT1) and 17-kDa PKC-potentiated protein phosphatase 1 inhibitor protein (CPI-17), respectively. The activity of both enzymes and phosphorylation of MYPT1 and CPI-17 were decreased in smooth muscle from Cav-1−/− mice. We conclude that the integrity of caveolae is essential for contractile and relaxant activity in colonic smooth muscle and the maintenance of neuromuscular function at organ level.
Perceived Quality Improvements Using Daily Allocation of Surgical Residents to the Operating Room and Outpatient Clinics
Authors: Wirth Keith , Leung Patricia , Patcha Prasanth , Sanni Aliu
Published: October 2013

Introduction. Balancing efficiency and quality in resident education and clinical care is challenging, particularly in a large tertiary center with resident work hour restrictions. This study investigates the use of daily allocation of surgical residents to operative cases and clinics with the goal of improving patient care, resident education, and coverage. Methods. Surgical residents were allocated to cases and clinic activities a day ahead, with a central email generated and sent to all surgical staff the day prior to the procedures and duties. A ten-item questionnaire was administered to the staff on the surgery service before and after this intervention, evaluating perceptions of educational experience, patient care, and coverage of operative cases, clinic, and floor duty. Results. A total of 28 staff members participated. No significant difference was found in the perception of stress at work, coverage of OR cases, or clinic attendance after the intervention. However, a statistically significant increase () was noted in the perception of resident’s educational experience in the clinic (39% vs. 94%), appropriate case distribution (54% vs. 94%), and quality of patient care (50% vs. 100%). Conclusions. Daily allocation of surgical residents to operative cases and clinic activities improves perceptions of resident educational experience and quality of patient care in a busy clinical setting.
Fabrication and Thermoelectric Properties of Graphene/Bi2Te3 Composite Materials
Authors: Liang Beibei , Song Zijun , Wang Minghui , Wang Lianjun , Jiang Wan
Published: October 2013

Graphene/Bi2Te3 thermoelectric materials were prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS) using hydrothermal synthesis of the powders as starting materials. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FE‐SEM) were used to investigate the phase composition and microstructure of the as‐prepared materials. Electrical resistivity, Seebeck coefficient, and thermal conductivity measurement were applied to analyze the thermoelectric properties. The effect of graphene on the performance of the thermoelectric materials was studied. The results showed that the maximum dimensionless figure of merit of the graphene/Bi2Te3 composite with 0.2 vol.% graphene was obtained at testing temperature 475 K, 31% higher than the pure Bi2Te3.
The Analysis of Efficacy and Failure Factors of Uterine Artery Methotrexate Infusion and Embolization in Treatment of Cesarean Scar Pregnancy
Authors: An Xiao , Ming Xu , Li Ke , Wang Jingbing
Published: October 2013

Objectives. This study observes therapeutic efficacy of uterine artery embolization combined with MTX infusion which terminates cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) and induces three factors which probably relate to failure. Methods. Twenty‐three CSP patients were treated with combined uterine artery MTX infusion and embolization. Among them six patients with severe hemorrhage were immediately treated with interventional operation. Clinical effects were estimated by symptoms, serum β‐hCG, ultrasound, and MR. Results. Interventional treatments were technologically successful in 22 patients except one. Immediate hemostasis was achieved in all 6 patients with massive colporrhagia. No occurrence of infection and uterine necrosis was observed, but 12 women suffered abdominal pains. Nineteen patients’ uteri were preserved, whereas four underwent hysterectomy eventually. Conclusions. Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization is effective to treat high‐risk CSP in preference to hysterectomy. To achieve more successful outcomes, three factors should be highlighted: adequate MTX dosage, appropriate embolic material, and complete embolization of target arteries that supply blood to embryo in the scar.
Effects of Chloroform Extract of Dryopteris crassirhizoma on the Ultramicroscopic Structures of Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Liu Ji-quan , Xie Shu-lian , Feng Jia , Cai Jin
Published: October 2013

In our early experiments, the chloroform extract of D. crassirhizoma was demonstrated to contain the highest concentrations of total phloroglucinols among several extract fractions and possessed the most effective nematicidal activity. This study aimed to ascertain the ultrastructural changes in M. incognita after treatment with a D. crassirhizoma chloroform extract at 1 mg·mL−1 for 24 h. It was found that the extract exhibited significant destructive effects on the worm’s ultrastructure and caused distinctive damage to body surfaces and internal structures. These results will contribute to a deeper understanding of the nematicidal mechanism of D. crassirhizoma, as well as in the design of efficient bionematicides.
Impact of a Traditional Dietary Supplement with Coconut Milk and Soya Milk on the Lipid Profile in Normal Free Living Subjects
Authors: Ekanayaka R. A. I. , Ekanayaka N. K. , Perera B. , De Silva P. G. S. M.
Published: October 2013

Background. The effects of coconut fat and soya fat on serum lipids are controversial. This study was designed to investigate the lipid effects of coconut milk and soya milk supplementation on the lipid profile of free living healthy subjects.Methods.Sixty (60) healthy volunteers aged 18–57 years were given coconut milk porridge (CMP) for 5 days of the week for 8 weeks, followed by a 2-week washout period, subsequent to which they received isoenergetic soya milk porridge (SMP) for 8 weeks.Results. The LDL (low density lipoprotein) levels decreased with CMP and reached statistical significance in the total study population and in the >130 baseline LDL group. The HDL (high density lipoprotein) levels rose significantly with CMP supplementation (P=0.000).Conclusions. We conclude that coconut fat in the form of CM does not cause a detrimental effect on the lipid profile in the general population and in fact is beneficial due to the decrease in LDL and rise in HDL. SMP will be of benefit only in those whose baseline LDL levels are elevated.
Microscopic Evaluation, Molecular Identification, Antifungal Susceptibility, and Clinical Outcomes inFusarium,Aspergillusand, Dematiaceous Keratitis
Authors: Gajjar Devarshi U. , Pal Anuradha K. , Ghodadra Bharat K. , Vasavada Abhay R.
Published: October 2013

Purpose.Fusarium,Aspergillus, and Dematiaceous are the most common fungal species causing keratitis in tropical countries. Herein we report a prospective study on fungal keratitis caused by these three fungal species.Methodology. A prospective investigation was undertaken to evaluate eyes with presumed fungal keratitis. All the fungal isolates (n=73) obtained from keratitis infections were identified using morphological and microscopic characters. Molecular identification using sequencing of the ITS region and antifungal susceptibility tests using microdilution method were done. The final clinical outcome was evaluated in terms of the time taken for resolution of keratitis and the final visual outcome. The results were analyzed after segregating the cases into three groups, namely,Fusarium,Aspergillus, and Dematiaceous keratitis.Results. Diagnosis of fungal keratitis was established in 73 (35.9%) cases out of 208 cases. The spectra of fungi isolated wereFusariumspp. (26.6%),Aspergillusspp. (21.6%), and Dematiaceous fungi (11.6%). The sequence of the ITS region could identify theFusariumandAspergillusspecies at the species complex level, and the Dematiaceous isolates were accurately identified. Using antifungal agents such as fluconazole, natamycin, amphotericin B, and itraconazole, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) forFusariumspp. were >32 μg/mL, 4–8 μg/mL, 0.5–1 μg/mL, and >32 μg/mL, respectively. Antifungal susceptibility data showed thatCurvulariaspp. was highly resistant to all the antifungal agents. Overall, natamycin and amphotericin B were found to be the most effective antifungal agents. The comparative clinical outcomes in all cases showed that the healing response in terms of visual acuity of the Dematiaceous group was significantly good when compared with theFusariumandAspergillusgroups (P<0.05). The time required for healing in theFusariumgroup was statistically significantly less when compared with theAspergillusand Dematiaceous groups.Conclusion. This study demonstrates important differences in microscopic features of scraping material and antifungal susceptibility between the three groups. Early and accurate identification coupled with the MIC data, and thereby appropriate treatment is crucial for complete recovery.
Geometric Mesh Three-Point Discretization for Fourth-Order Nonlinear Singular Differential Equations in Polar System
Authors: Jha Navnit , Mohanty R. K. , Chauhan Vinod
Published: October 2013

Numerical method based on three geometric stencils has been proposed for the numerical solution of nonlinear singular fourth-order ordinary differential equations. The method can be easily extended to the sixth-order differential equations. Convergence analysis proves the third-order convergence of the proposed scheme. The resulting difference equations lead to block tridiagonal matrices and can be easily solved using block Gauss-Seidel algorithm. The computational results are provided to justify the usefulness and reliability of the proposed method.
Optimal Control Problem for Switched System with the Nonsmooth Cost Functional
Authors: Meherrem Shahlar , Akbarov Rufan
Published: October 2013

We examine the relationships between lower exhausters, quasidifferentiability (in the Demyanov and Rubinov sense), and optimal control for switching systems. Firstly, we get necessary optimality condition for the optimal control problem for switching system in terms of lower exhausters. Then, by using relationships between lower exhausters and quasidifferentiability, we obtain necessary optimality condition in the case that the minimization functional satisfies quasidifferentiability condition.
Clinical and Radiological Findings of Autosomal Dominant Osteopetrosis Type II: A Case Report
Authors: Kant Priyanka , Sharda Neelkamal , Bhowate Rahul R.
Published: October 2013

Osteopetrosis is a rare inherited genetic disease characterized by sclerosis of the skeleton caused by the absence or malfunction of osteoclasts. Three distinct forms of the disease have been recognized, autosomal dominant osteopetrosis being the most common. Autosomal dominant osteopetrosis exhibits a heterogeneous trait with milder symptoms, often at later childhood or adulthood. The aim of this case report is to present the clinical and radiographic features of a 35-year-old female patient with autosomal dominant osteopetrosis type II who exhibited features of chronic generalised periodontitis, and the radiographs revealed generalised osteosclerosis and hallmark radiographic features of ADO type II, that is, “bone-within-bone appearance” and “Erlenmeyer-flask deformity.”
Radiation Therapy for Secondary Cutaneous Plasmacytomas
Authors: Liu Jerry , Bakst Richard , Phelps Robert , Jagannath Sundar , Blacksburg Seth
Published: October 2013

We are reporting a case of a 75-year-old man with multiply recurrent IgA-lambda multiple myeloma status post multiple rounds of chemotherapy, autologous stem cell transplantation, and palliative radiation therapy for diffuse bone lesions. Approximately 15 years after original diagnosis, he developed secondary cutaneous plasmacytomas of the right arm, right chest wall, and right upper back over the course of several months. He underwent palliative involved field 3D conformal photon or en face electron therapy concurrently with various chemotherapy regimens and achieved good to complete response with palliation of pain at the irradiated sites. He died of complications related to his disease approximately 7 months after developing skin lesions. The case presented is unique for dermal involvement of myeloma treated with palliative involved field radiation.
Calculation Formula Optimization and Effect of Ring Clearance on Axial Force of Multistage Pump
Authors: Wang Chuan , Shi Weidong , Zhang Li
Published: October 2013

Since overlarge axial force can damage the pump, accurate calculation formula of axial force on pump is very significant. The traditional formula is based on the assumption that the leakage amount of the pump is zero and the angular speed of fluid in the pump chamber rotates at half the impeller rotation’s angular speed. In order to propose an accurate calculation formula, the whole flow fields of multistage pumps with three different ring clearances were calculated by using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The results indicate that the axial force on first-stage impeller is larger than that on the second. Along with the change of ring clearance, the static pressure distribution on the shroud of impeller changes at the same time, which leads to the value change of axial force. Meanwhile, angular speed of the fluid in the pump chamber is changing. Therefore, this research works out the reason why the error of traditional axial force calculation is large when the amount of leakage is relatively high. At last, an accurate calculation formula of axial force on pump is obtained through the verification of numerical simulation and experiment.
Effect of Mechanical Deformation on Thermoelectric Properties of p‐Type (Bi0.225Sb0.775)2Te3 Alloys
Authors: Jung Sung-Jin , Kim Seong Keun , Park Hyung-Ho , Hyun Dow-Bin , Baek Seung-Hyub , Kim Jin-Sang
Published: October 2013

The effect of mechanical deformation and annealing on thermoelectric properties of p‐type (Bi0.225Sb0.775)Te3 was performed. The ingots were prepared by melting, followed by quenching method using source materials with compositions of (Bi0.225Sb0.775)2Te3. Rectangular shaped specimens (5 × 5 × 12 mm3) were cut from ingots and then cold‐pressed at 700 MPa for 2 to 20 times by changing the press direction perpendicular to previous one. The cold‐pressed samples have been annealed in a quartz ampoule at 573 K. The grain size of the samples was controlled by the number of cold‐pressing process and annealing time. Fine grain structure with a grain size of not more than 10 μm is obtained in highly deformed samples. The Seebeck coefficient of the deformed samples were gradually increased with annealing and converged to the similar value of about 225 μV/K after 30 hrs. The small grain size in highly deformed sample enables a rapid increase of Seebeck coefficient with annealing time (~2 hrs.), indicating that the thermal energy needed to recrystallize in highly deformed specimens is lower than that in low deformed specimens. Z values are rapidly increased with annealing time especially in highly deformed alloys, and converge to about 3.0 × 10−3/K at room temperature. A higher thermoelectric performance could be expected by the optimization of composition and microstructural adjustment. The present study experimentally demonstrates a simple and cost‐effective method for fabricating Bi‐Te‐based alloys with higher thermoelectric performance.
Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 Levels Are Associated with Vascular Calcifications in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Asicioglu Ebru , Kahveci Arzu , Arikan Hakkı , Koc Mehmet , Tuglular Serhan , Ozener Cetin Ishak
Published: October 2013

Background: The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) and vascular calcifications (VC) in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in 55 PD patients who underwent pelvic X-ray to assess for VC. Patients with and without linear calcifications were recorded. Results: Fifteen patients (27.3%) had linear calcifications on pelvic X-ray. FGF-23 levels were higher in patients with VC (299.5 (30.4-2,410.0) vs. 74.4 (14.8-1,030) pg/ml, p < 0.01). Diabetic patients had lower FGF-23 values (43.2 (14.9-134.0) vs. 103.5 (14.8-2,410) pg/ml, p < 0.01). Patients with residual renal function (RRF) had lower FGF-23 levels (70.6 (14.8-513) vs. 179.5 (30.4-2,410) pg/ml, p = 0.06); however, this did not reach statistical significance. FGF-23 levels, age, creatinine, Ca, dialysis duration and HbA1c were positively correlated with VC, whereas RRF, Ca intake and ALP were negatively associated. Multivariate logistic analysis confirmed FGF-23 levels, age, dialysis duration and RRF to be associated with VC. Conclusions: FGF-23 levels are associated with VC in PD patients. Further studies are needed to clarify whether it is simply a marker or a potential factor. It may prove to be an important therapeutic target for VC management.
CLOTBUST-Hands Free
Authors: Barreto Andrew D. , Alexandrov Andrei V. , Shen Loren , Sisson April , Bursaw Andrew W. , Sahota Preeti , Peng Hui , Ardjomand-Hessabi Manouchehr , Pandurengan Renganayaki , Rahbar Mohammad H. , Barlinn Kristian , Indupuru Hari , Gonzales Nicole R. , Savitz Sean I. , Grotta James C.
Published: October 2013

Background and Purpose—

The Combined Lysis of Thrombus in Brain Ischemia With Transcranial Ultrasound and Systemic T-PA-Hands-Free (CLOTBUST-HF) study is a first-in-human, National Institutes of Health–sponsored, multicenter, open-label, pilot safety trial of tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) plus a novel operator-independent ultrasound device in patients with ischemic stroke caused by proximal intracranial occlusion.

Methods—

All patients received standard-dose intravenous tPA, and shortly after tPA bolus, the CLOTBUST-HF device delivered 2-hour therapeutic exposure to 2-MHz pulsed-wave ultrasound. Primary outcome was occurrence of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. All patients underwent pretreatment and post-treatment transcranial Doppler ultrasound or CT angiography. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores were collected at 2 hours and modified Rankin scale at 90 days.

Results—

Summary characteristics of all 20 enrolled patients were 60% men, mean age of 63 (SD=14) years, and median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale of 15. Sites of pretreatment occlusion were as follows: 14 of 20 (70%) middle cerebral artery, 3 of 20 (15%) terminal internal carotid artery, and 3 of 20 (15%) vertebral artery. The median (interquartile range) time to tPA at the beginning of sonothrombolysis was 22 (13.5–29.0) minutes. All patients tolerated the entire 2 hours of insonation, and none developed symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. No serious adverse events were related to the study device. Rates of 2-hour recanalization were as follows: 8 of 20 (40%; 95% confidence interval, 19%–64%) complete and 2 of 20 (10%; 95% confidence interval, 1%–32%) partial. Middle cerebral artery occlusions demonstrated the greatest complete recanalization rate: 8 of 14 (57%; 95% confidence interval, 29%–82%). At 90 days, 5 of 20 (25%, 95% confidence interval, 7%–49) patients had a modified Rankin scale of 0 to 1.

Conclusions—

Sonothrombolysis using a novel, operator-independent device, in combination with systemic tPA, seems safe, and recanalization rates warrant evaluation in a phase III efficacy trial.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: CLOTBUST-HF NCT01240356.
Pollen morphology of Youngia and six related genera (Asteraceae: Cichorieae) and its systematic significance
Authors: PENG YU-LAN , GAO XIN-FEN , PENG LU
Published: October 2013

The pollen morphology of 15 species representing four sections of Youngia and 11 species from six other genera of the tribe Cichorieae was investigated. Measurements and observations were conducted through scanning electron microscopy. This study aims to provide new and useful information regarding the extent of pollen morphological diversity within the genus Youngia and related genera in the tribe Cichorieae and thus to contribute to a better understanding of the taxonomy and evolution of these groups. Six pollen types, distinguished primarily by the number of apertures and spines in the polar region, are described. Palynological characters are not useful for the delimitation of Youngia and its closely related genera Crepidiastrum, Ixeridium, and Crepis at the generic level, and did not fully resolve the relationships between the groups. The distinction of Faberia from the other members of the subtribe Crepidinae is supported by the pollen characters. Pollen morphology also did not support that Youngia sect. Desiphylum sensu Babcock and Stebbins may be separated at the generic level either as Tibetoseris or Pseudoyoungia. Four pollen types were found in Youngia s.l., i.e. Y. racemifera type, Y. japonica type, Y. prattii type and Y. sericea type, which partly reflect the sectional classification of Youngia sensu Babcock and Stebbins. The systematic position of Y. racemifera should be reconsidered according to pollen characters. The pollen data suggest that Y. sect. Mesomeris is not monophyletic, and the relationships of its species require further examination.
Annotated checklist and identification keys of the Acalyphoideae (Euphorbiaceae) of Equatorial Guinea (Annobón, Bioko and Río Muni)
Authors: BARBERÁ PATRICIA , VELAYOS MAURICIO , AEDO CARLOS
Published: October 2013

This study provides a checklist of the Acalyphoideae (Euphorbiaceae) present in Equatorial Guinea, comprised of 18 genera and 49 taxa. Identification keys have been added for genera and species of the subfamily. The best represented genus is Macaranga with ten species. Bibliographical references for Acalyphoideae (Euphorbiaceae) from Equatorial Guinea have been gathered and checked. Eight taxa are recorded for the first time from the country. One species is included based on literature records, because its distribution ranges suggest it may occur in Equatorial Guinea, and two introduced species could be naturalized.
On the identity of Anchusa leucantha (Boraginaceae) from northern Greece
Authors: Tan Kit , Gjeta Ermelinda , Mullaj Alfred , Shuka Lulezim , Vold Gert
Published: October 2013

Anchusa leucantha, previously considered an ophiolithic endemic restricted to a small area in north central Greece, is shown to be a heterotypic synonym of A. officinalis var. ochroleuca. It occurs in southeastern Albania, the southern part of F.Y.R. Macedonia and northern Greece. We treat this taxon as part of the polymorphic A. officinalis, for which A. officinalis subsp. leucantha is proposed as a new combination.
Cardamine cubita (Brassicaceae), a new species from New Zealand with a remarkable reduction in floral parts
Authors: Heenan Peter Brian , MOLLOY B. P. J. , SMISSEN R. D.
Published: October 2013

A new species, Cardamine cubita, is named and described from the central South Island, New Zealand. DNA sequence data confirm that C. cubita belongs to a clade comprising C. hirsuta and C. oligosperma. This new species has a unique suite of reduced vegetative and floral characters. Cardamine cubita is known from a single locality, and is assigned a New Zealand conservation status of Nationally Critical.
Hoya nuttiana (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae), a new species from Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo
Authors: Rodda Michele , Simonsson Juhonewe Nadhanielle
Published: October 2013

A new species, Hoya nuttiana Rodda & Simonsson, endemic of Sarawak, Malaysia is described and illustrated. George Derby Haviland and Charles Hose first collected the species in Sarawak in 1894. More recent collections were made in 1987 and 2007. Hoya nuttiana can be separated from all published Hoya species because it is the only known species with globular inflorescences of up to 100 flowers with campanulate corollas bearing a stalked gynostegium.
A Case Study of the Upwind Urbanization Influence on the Urban Heat Island Effects along the Suzhou–Wuxi Corridor
Authors: Zhang Ning , Chen Yan
Published: October 2013

The urban heat island (UHI) effect is one of the most significant phenomena caused by urbanization. This study investigated the UHI effect in the Suzhou–Wuxi area, China, on 19–20 August 2010. Using a combination of meteorological station observations and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) surface skin temperature observations, this study demonstrated that an upwind UHI had an exacerbating influence on the downwind UHI during the study period. Numerical simulations using the Weather Research and Forecasting model also proved the importance of an upwind UHI influence on the leeward UHI in this area. For the near-surface UHI, the windward UHI effect is stronger at night than during the daytime because the background atmospheric stratification is more stable and the local lake breeze is weaker at night. However, in the daytime, a greater stability formed over the downwind city because of the warmer air heated by the windward urban area in the upper part of the planetary boundary layer and the cooler air transported from Tai Lake and the rural area in the lower part of the boundary layer. In comparison with the heating effect of a single city, the upwind UHI led to a decrease in the vertical wind speed of approximately 30% (from 0.15 to 0.10 m s−1) in the upper boundary layer over the downwind city and also reduced the near-surface turbulent movement by 25% (from 0.73 to 0.55 m2 s−2). These results improve the understanding of the overall influence of urban clusters on local synoptic/climate processes.
Snow Studies. Part IV: Ensemble Retrieval of Snow Microphysics from Dual-Wavelength Vertically Pointing Radars
Authors: Szyrmer Wanda , Zawadzki Isztar
Published: October 2013

Based on the theory developed in Part III, this paper introduces a new method to retrieve snow microphysics from ground-based collocated X- and W-band vertically pointing Doppler radars. To take into account the variety of microphysical relations observed in natural precipitating snow and to quantify the uncertainty in the retrieval results caused by this variety, the retrieval is formulated using the ensemble-based method. The ensemble is determined by the spread of uncertainties in the microphysical descriptions applied to map the same radar observables to the retrieved quantities.

The model descriptors use diverse assumptions concerning functional forms of particle size distribution and mass–velocity relations, all taken from previous observational studies. The mean of each ensemble is assumed to be the best estimate of the retrieval while its spread is defined by the standard deviation that characterizes its uncertainty. The main retrieved products are the characteristic size, the snow mass content, and the density parameter, as well as the vertical air motion. Four observables used in the retrieval are the difference in reflectivities and in Doppler velocities at two wavelengths, together with the equivalent reflectivity factor and Doppler velocity at X band. The solutions that are not consistent with all four observables after taking into account their estimated measurement errors are eliminated from the ensembles. The application of the retrieval algorithm to the real data yields a snow microphysical description that agrees with the snow characteristics seen in the vertical profile of the observed Doppler spectrum.
The Influence of Frequency Shifts in Microwave Sounder Channels on NWP Analyses and Forecasts
Authors: Peubey Carole , Bell William
Published: October 2013

The sensitivity of numerical weather prediction (NWP) analysis and forecast accuracies with respect to frequency shifts in microwave passbands is quantified through a series of observing system experiments using the ECMWF Integrated Forecast System. First, a parameterization is developed to describe the form and magnitude of the brightness temperature errors arising from frequency shifts in Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-A (AMSU-A) channels 4–10 and Microwave Humidity Sounder (MHS) channels 3–5. Observing system experiments are then run in which realistic synthetic brightness temperature errors are added to AMSU-A observations for various assumptions about the magnitude of a frequency shift, using the parameterization derived previously. A large negative impact on forecast quality is found when a 20-MHz frequency shift is introduced in experiments using a static bias-correction scheme. Although the degradation in forecast scores is reduced by using a variational bias-correction scheme, it remains around 7%–14% (relative) in RMS 6-h forecast errors for temperature and geopotential. Frequency shifts of 5 MHz or greater give rise to a measurable degradation of the forecast even when the variational correction scheme is used. Only low-frequency shifts (of ~1.5 MHz) are found to have a neutral impact on forecasts. Hence, the value of 1.5 MHz can be regarded as an upper limit below which frequency shifts do not degrade forecasts for the key tropospheric and lower-stratospheric temperature sounding channels in a microwave sounding mission. Calculations show that frequency shift is less problematic for 183-GHz humidity sounding channels due to the symmetric positioning of passbands relative to the 183-GHz absorption line. For these channels a passband center frequency stability of 10 MHz is adequate.
Development and Validation of an Operational Search and Rescue Modeling System for the Yellow Sea and the East and South China Seas
Authors: Cho Kyoung-Ho , Li Yan , Wang Hui , Park Kwang-Soon , Choi Jin-Yong , Shin Kwang-Il , Kwon Jae-Il
Published: October 2013

An operational search and rescue (SAR) modeling system was developed to forecast the tracks of victims or debris from marine accidents in the marginal seas of the northwestern Pacific Ocean. The system is directly linked to a real-time operational forecasting system that provides wind and surface current forecasts for the Yellow Sea and the East and South China Seas and is thus capable of immediately predicting the tracks and area to be searched for up to 72 h in the future. A stochastic trajectory model using a Monte Carlo ensemble technique is employed within the system to estimate the trajectories of drifting objects. It is able to consider leeway drift and to deal with uncertainties in the forcing fields obtained from the operational forecasting system. A circle assessment method was applied to evaluate the performance of the SAR model using comparisons in buoy and ship trajectories obtained from field drifter experiments. The method effectively analyzed the effects of the forcing fields and diagnosed the model’s performance. Results showed that accurate wind and current forcing fields play a significant role in improving the behavior of the SAR model. Operationally, the SAR modeling system is used to support the Korea Coast Guard during marine emergencies. Additionally, some sensitivity tests for model parameters and wave effect on the SAR model prediction are discussed.