bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Wire Grid Polarizer Made by Electro- and Electroless- Deposition Processes
Authors: Okamoto Naoki , Ikeda Yuichi , Koyama Yoshinori , Kawazu Yasuyuki , Saito Takeyasu , Kondo K.
Published: June 2013

Liquid crystal displays (LCD) have been widely used in mobile display, such as mobile phone, tablet PC or car navigation system. However, LCD has limited application because of poor readability under strong ambient lightning condition and poor bending workability. In order to overcome these limitations, we developed a new electroless deposition process to form Ni-P and Ag wire grid polarizer (WGP). The WGP made using the new process show good optical properties in tests and also very uniform structure. In addition, bottom-up Ag filling of WGP patterned substrate was achieved by using electro deposition process.
Synergistic Effects of Additives on the Filling Process of High-Aspect-Ratio TSV - Kinetic Monte Carlo Simulation -
Authors: Fukiage Yuki , Kaneko Yutaka , Hayashi Taro , Kondo K. , Ohara Katsuhiko , Asa Fujio
Published: June 2013

The effects of additives on the filling process of high-aspect-ratio Through Silicon Via (TSV) have been studied by the kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) simulation. We included accelerators, suppressors, and levelers in the solution. The synergistic effect of suppressors and levelers is taken into account. We used three kinds of waveforms of the applied current: the pulse current, the pulse reverse current, and the 2-step current (the combination of the pulse current and the pulse reverse current). We confirmed that the dependence of the filling pattern on the leveler concentration corresponds to the experimental results. It is found that the initial distribution of additives plays an important role in the filling. The dependence of filling efficiency on waveforms is also studied. We succeeded in the void-free filling of 12 aspect ratio via(10μm×120μm) by using 2-step current.
Evaluation of Grain Size Distributions of 50nm Wide Cu Interconnects by X-ray Diffraction Method
Authors: Inami Takashi , Onuki Jin
Published: June 2013

Grain size distributions of 50nm wide Cu interconnects made by DC electroplating have been evaluated by a rapid and non-destructive method using X-ray diffraction. The influence of the thickness of electroplated excess Cu film and the depth and width in the trench on the grain size distribution in Cu interconnect was examined. The mean grain sizes of annealed 50-130nm wide and 200-30nm deep Cu interconnects were found to be expressed as a linear function of the product of the excess Cu film thickness times the ratio of trench width to trench depth.
The Effects of Wet Surface Treatments on Amorphous Silicon Annealing and Gate Breakdown Voltage
Authors: Tiwari Chandra S , Guo Tony , Breyfogle Chris , Zhang John , Mitro Henis , Olmer Len , Pohlman Doug
Published: June 2013

The formation of CMOS transistors requires the integration of several steps including deposition, annealing, cleaning, and patterning. This paper investigates the nature of the interface between amorphous silicon (a-Si) and silicon nitride (Si3N4), and its impact on the gate breakdown voltage. It has been found that a continuous native oxide between a-Si and Si3N4 is critical in preventing the agglomeration of silicon during high temperature annealing.
An Empiric Approach to State of Charge Assessment and Range Estimation of an Electric Vehicle
Authors: Davolio Giovanni , Giovanardi Roberto , Lanciotti Claudio
Published: June 2013

The diffusion of electric vehicles depends on a multiplicity of reasons, technical, economic, and at the end, there is also the driver’s range anxiety, the fear don’t reaching the recharging plug. An aid to overtaking this fear can be done by knowing the battery state of charge; the driver needs an electrochemical gauge indicating, in real time, the remaining fraction of vehicle range. The electrochemical behavior of large capacity Li-ion cell has been studied during the operation on an electric car, recording intensiodynamic polarization curves at different points of the run test. Some characteristic features in the curves of the cell tested, have been found and related to the run distance. The series of polarization curves related to a discharge cycle characterize the behavior of a cell, with respect to the power deliverable and the effective voltage plateau in the experimented dynamic regime. The plot of cell voltage interpolated @ zero current (ZCV) vs. distance also characterizes a cell in order to accomplish a gauge of state of charge; the attempts have done better results than the open circuit voltage (OCV) method. The “electrochemical gauge” warns in real time how long range is remaining.
A Conjugated Sulfide-Polymer Battery with Variable Capacitance Controlled by Redox Reaction
Authors: Sakata Jiro
Published: June 2013

A new conjugated sulfide-polymer battery with variable capacitance is proposed as a new type of battery with increased capacity. A sulfur composite material (PNVS450) was prepared by calcinating a mixture of poly(2,6-naphthalene-vinylene) and sulfur. Elemental analysis and Raman spectroscopy indicated that PNVS450 has a conjugated sulfide-polymer structure in which naphthalene rings are linked together by dithienoacene structures. Cyclic voltammetry revealed that the capacitance of PNVS450 was significantly changed by redox reaction, which confirms that the basic concept of a battery with variable capacitance applies to the conjugated sulfide-polymer battery. PNVS450 exhibited a large capacity of more than 0.9 Ah/g, which was larger than the capacity estimated from the sulfur content. Moreover, the battery showed not only a high energy density, but also a high power density in a short time period even in a low state-of-charge, due to the unique properties arising from hybridization of a battery and a capacitor.
Comparison of Pocket Plate and Sintered Plate Ni Electrodes Used in Energy Storage Technologies for PV Back Up Applications
Authors: Mabbett Ian , Glover Carol F. , Malone Jack H , Worsley David A.
Published: June 2013

Utility scale electrochemical energy storage will become an important topic as countries across the globe set targets for electricity generation from renewable sources. Much current research is focused on improving energy density for portable electronic devices or electric vehicles. In distributed photovoltaic generation applications energy storage is required due to the intermittent nature of the electricity supplied. In these situations space and weight is at less of a premium so lifetime and safety should be the driving factors of development. Currently nickel based battery technologies offer long cycle lives. There are a number of cathode configurations available, from the earliest pocket plate designs to sintered plates and fiber plates. In this work these electrodes have been evaluated for use in nickel based battery chemistries with a particular emphasis on manufacturability. Sintered electrodes can be produced on a roll to roll production line which is an attractive way of cutting manufacturing costs at the scale required for large scale domestic electricity storage. Sintered plates can also improve fast rate discharge characteristics and energy density.
Graphene as a Conductive Additive to Improve the Performance of Layered LiNi0.66Co0.17Mn0.17O2 for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Shojan Jifi , Venkateswara Rao Chitturi , Katiyar Ram S.
Published: June 2013

Layer-structured LiNi0.66Co0.17Mn0.17O2 is prepared via sol-gel route followed by annealing at 1173 K for 12 h. Structural and morphological features of the prepared material are examined with powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Characterization techniques depict the single-phase LiNi0.66Co0.17Mn0.17O2 with particle size in the range of 700 to 900 nm. Graphene is added to LiNi0.66Co0.17Mn0.17O2 particles as conductive additive during electrode fabrication and its influence on the electrochemical performance of LiNi0.66Co0.17Mn0.17O2 is investigated. The results indicate the better electrochemical performance of LiNi0.66Co0.17Mn0.17O2 mixed with graphene in terms of high discharge capacity (246 mAh/g at 5 mA/g) and good cycling performance compared to LiNi0.66Co0.17Mn0.17O2. The improved electrochemical performance is attributed to the decrease in the charge-transfer resistance.
Direct Measurement of Vanadium Crossover in an Operating Vanadium Redox Flow Battery
Authors: Sing David Charles , Meyers Jeremy P.
Published: June 2013

Measurements of Vanadium diffusion coefficients for transportacross cation exchange membranes using dialysis cells have beenreported in the literature. However, to date direct measurement ofcrossover coefficients in an operating Vanadium redox flowbattery (VRB) cell have not been reported. Results are reported inthis paper on experiments utilizing a special VRB cell whichallows measurement of Vanadium ion transport across ionexchange membranes with and without the presence of current.The cell utilizes two additional flow regions which collectVanadium ions which diffuse from the positive and negative halfcells. The effects of the magnitude and direction of electricalcurrent on transport can be measured directly with this cell. Weobserve that transport is greatly enhanced when the direction of thehydrogen ion flux is in the same direction as the density gradientdriven vanadium flux and suppressed when the hydrogen ion fluxis in the opposite direction. The cell has been used to of investigatethe effects on transport of current densities up to 900 mA/cm2.
The Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles Powertrain Possible Roles in the Kyoto Protocol Second Commitment Period Perspective in the Pacific Rim Area
Authors: Romeri Mario Valentino
Published: June 2013

The Kyoto Protocol general perspective does not include any low-carbon technologies consideration and Hydrogen Fuel Cell (H2FC) Vehicles (HFCV) are still not considered as a relevant solution in the energy debate. But in my opinion it’s time to do so. I considered the “H2FC Powertrain” as power generation plant and the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) was compared to costs of traditional power generation technologies. Using the U.S. DOE “H2FC Powertrain” data (referred to high projected production volume) the 2010-2011 LCOE would be in a range of USD 174-191 for MWh. Using the 2015/2017 data target the cost range moves to USD 107-207 for MWh, and, for the lower value of range, it appears competitive with many of the power generation technologies analyzed.This Analysis confirms the relevant “H2FC Powertrain” possible role in the Kyoto Protocol Second Commitment Period perspective in transport and power generation sectors also in the Pacific Rim Area context.
Study of the Kinetics of Vanadium (II)/(III) Redox Reaction
Authors: Yang Hun-Yun , Hsueh Kan-Lin , Hsieh Chin-Lung , Hung Ju-Shei
Published: June 2013

Vanadium redox flow battery (VRB) is a novel electrical energystorage system. The cell voltage loss is mainly due to the sluggishreaction of these redox reactions, it also affects the overall VRBenergy storage efficiency. Rotating disk electrode (RDE) was usedto measure the polarization curves of V(IV)/(V) and V(II)/V(III)redox reactions in different electrolyte compositions. On Carbonelectrode, the rate constants of V(IV) oxidation is much slowerthan the rate constant of V(II) oxidation. The mainly voltage lossis due to the V(IV)/(V) in the electrolytes on positive electrode.We also found that the Stoke radius of V(IV)/V(V) ion is largerthan the Stoke radius of V(II)/V(III). This provides a reasoning oflower reaction constant of V(IV)/V(V) ion pair.
A Novel High-Power – Long Cycle Life Energy Storage System for Large-Scale Applications
Authors: Jin Hong , Brilmyer George H. , Wang Francis P. , Nispel Michael T. , Ren Dongxue
Published: June 2013

A novel system and method for removing heat from batteries, capacitors and other energy storage devices during high rate or multi-cycle operation has been proposed in this work. By modifying the exposed posts and inter-cell connecting bus-bars, heat transfer will be increased thus reducing the operating temperature of the battery. Because valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries generate higher levels of internal heat, and because they have a lower thermal mass and lower heat transfer properties, these modifications are particularly valuable for these types of batteries. This thermal management technology can be used to improve the operating life of large batteries such as VRLA stationary batteries used for UPS and standby power applications. In very high-power energy storage applications such as load-leveling, peak-shaving or spinning reserve, battery life may be increased to as much as two times by reducing the operating temperature ten degrees centigrade using these proposed concepts.
3D Coupled Thermofluid-Thermomechanical Modelling and Experimental Validation of a Whole Solid Oxide Fuel Cell System
Authors: Peksen Murat , Al-Masri Ali , Blum Ludger , Stolten Detlef
Published: June 2013

The successful optimisation of the complete integrated solid oxide fuel cell system requires an improved thermomechanical management, encompassing the interaction among whole system components. The level of improvement depends upon mastering the design of the components as well as gathering knowledge about the critical locations susceptible to stress. Forschungszentrum Jülich is giving particular attention to the 3D computational design and optimisation of the integrated fuel cell module. The presented study demonstrates a brief review of the conference content, depicting the system level coupled 3D computational model. In general, the presented work has been a full transient analysis that considers all relevant components of the integrated fuel cell module, including the fuel cell stack, pre-reformer, air pre-heater and the afterburner. The predictions are validated using measurements. The developed computational model provides qualitative benefits such as the ability to investigate different heating-up concepts, efficiency gains, determination of the thermomechanically critical regions and the availability of valuable information early in the process. Moreover, it replaces prohibitive experiments
Modeling Heat Transfer Effects In a Solid Oxide Carbon Fuel Cell
Authors: Armstrong Gregory J. , Alexander Brentan R. , Mitchell Reginald E. , Gür Turgut M.
Published: June 2013

A model of a planar geometry solid oxide-based carbon fuel cell is developed. The carbon fuel cell involved a carbon bed in direct contact with the anode, and the oxygen needed for conversion is supplied through the yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) solid electrolyte. Using experimentally derived parameters, the model includes mass transport and chemical reaction kinetics inside the carbon bed, anode and cathode reaction kinetics, and ion transport across the YSZ electrolyte. The model also accounts for the effect of heat transfer on temperature distribution inside the anode and cathode compartments, and on the overall cell performance. As expected, inclusion of heat transfer effects provides a realistic predictive tool to anticipate cell performance and efficiency—under exothermic, autothermal, and endothermic operating conditions for the carbon fuel cell.
Weighted Differentiation Composition Operators to Bloch-Type Spaces
Authors: Liu Junming , Lou Zengjian , Sharma Ajay K.
Published: June 2013

We characterized the boundedness and compactness of weighted differentiation composition operators from BMOA and the Bloch space to Bloch-type spaces. Moreover, we obtain new characterizations of boundedness and compactness of weighted differentiation composition operators.
Comparison of Insulin Lispro Protamine Suspension with NPH Insulin in Pregnant Women with Type 2 and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes
Authors: Colatrella Antonietta , Visalli Natalia , Abbruzzese Santina , Leotta Sergio , Bongiovanni Marzia , Napoli Angela
Published: June 2013

Insulin therapy is still the gold standard in diabetic pregnancy. Insulin lispro protamine suspension is an available basal insulin analogue.Aim. To study pregnancy outcomes of women with type 2 and gestational diabetes mellitus when insulin lispro protamine suspension or human NPH insulin was added to medical nutrition therapy and/or short-acting insulin.Methods. In this retrospective study, for maternal outcome we recorded time and mode of delivery, hypertension, glycaemic control (fasting blood glucose and HbA1c), hypoglycemias, weight increase, and insulin need. For neonatal outcome birth weight and weight class, congenital malformations was recorded and main neonatal complications. Two-tail Student'st-test and chi-square test were performed when applicable; significantP<0.05.Results. Eighty-nine pregnant women (25 with type 2 diabetes and 64 with gestational diabetes mellitus; 53 under insulin lispro protamine suspension and 36 under human NPH insulin) were recruited. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were quite similar between the two therapeutic approaches; however, insulin need was higher in NPH. At the end of pregnancy, eight women with gestational diabetes continued to use only basal insulin analogue.Conclusions. Pregnancy outcome in type 2 and gestational diabetes mellitus with insulin lispro protamine suspension was similar to that with NPH insulin, except for a lower insulin requirement.
Effect of Therapy Ball Seating on Learning and Sitting Discomforts among Saudi Female Students
Authors: Al-Eisa Einas , Buragadda Syamala , Melam Ganeswara Rao
Published: June 2013

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of therapy ball seating as an alternative for typical chair seating in a classroom. We evaluated the effect of ball seating on the student's sitting discomfort and academic performance using Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire and problem-based learning scales, respectively. A sample of convenience was taken. Data was collected and analyzed usingt-test. Subjects experienced a major discomfort at neck and a minor discomfort at knee joint. Results showed that there was a significant improvement (P≤0.05) in sitting discomfort and student's performance when seated on therapy balls compared to typical classroom chairs. This study provides evidence for the effectiveness of therapy balls as a classroom seating for students who exhibit sitting discomfort and problem-based learning.
Peritoneal Dissemination of Hepatoid Carcinoma of the Ovary Treated with Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraoperative Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy
Authors: Cascales Campos Pedro Antonio , Gil Martinez Jose , Torroba Amparo , Machado Francisco , Parrila Paricio Pascual
Published: June 2013

Hepatoid carcinoma of the ovary (HCO) was first reported in 1987 in 5 cases of malignant ovarian tumors which were similar to hepatocarcinoma in the histological analysis. We report the first case in the literature of a patient diagnosed with HCO treated using HIPEC after extensive cytoreductive surgery, and we discuss the value of this therapeutical option in patients with HCO.
Identification, Characterization, and Palynology of High‐Valued Medicinal Plants
Authors: Fazal Hina , Ahmad Nisar , Haider Abbasi Bilal
Published: June 2013

High‐valued medicinal plants Achillea millefolium, Acorus calamus, Arnebia nobilis, Fumaria indica, Gymnema sylvestre, Origanum vulgare, Paeonia emodi, Peganum harmala, Psoralea corylifolia, Rauwolfia serpentina, and Vetiveria zizanioides were identified with the help of taxonomical markers and investigated for characterization and palynological studies. These parameters are used to analyze their quality, safety, and standardization for their safe use. Botanical description and crude drug description is intended for their quality assurance at the time of collection, commerce stages, manufacturing, and production. For this purpose the detailed morphology was studied and compared with the Flora of Pakistan and other available literatures. Here we reported the pollen grain morphology of Origanum vulgare, Paeonia emodi, Psoralea corylifolia, and Rauwolfia serpentina for the first time. Similarly the crude drug study of Gymnema sylvestre (leaf), Origanum vulgare (aerial parts), Paeonia emodi (tubers), and Peganum harmala (seeds) was also carried out for the first time.
Unicentric Castleman's Disease Arising from an Intrapulmonary Lymph Node
Authors: Ota Hideki , Kawai Hideki , Matsuo Tsubasa
Published: June 2013

Castleman's disease is an uncommon lymphoproliferative disorder of unknown etiology, most often involving the mediastinum. It has 2 distinct clinical forms: unicentric and multicentric. Unicentric Castleman's disease arising from an intrapulmonary lymph node is rare, and establishing a preoperative diagnosis of this disease is very difficult mainly due to a lack of specific imaging features. We report a case of intrapulmonary unicentric Castleman's disease in an asymptomatic 19-year-old male patient who was accurately diagnosed by preoperative computed tomography (CT). The mass was incidentally found on a routine chest X-ray. A subsequent dynamic CT showed a well-defined, hypervascular, soft-tissue mass with small calcifications located in the perihilar area of the right lower lung. Three-dimensional CT (3D-CT) angiography indicated that the mass was receiving its blood supply through a vascular network at its surface that originated from 2 right bronchial arteries. The clinical history and CT findings were consistent with a diagnosis of unicentric Castleman's disease, and we safely and successfully removed the tumor via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical lobectomy. This case shows that the imaging characteristics of these rare tumors on contrast-enhanced CT combined with 3D-CT angiography can be helpful in reliably establishing a correct preoperative diagnosis.
Adaptive Fault-TolerantH∞Controller Design for Networked Systems with Actuator Saturation
Authors: Guan Wei
Published: June 2013

In this paper, an indirect adaptive fault-tolerantH∞controller design method is proposed for networked systems in the presence of actuator saturation. Based on the on-line estimation of eventual faults, the parameters of controller are being updated automatically to compensate the fault effects on systems. The designs are given in linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) approach, which can guarantee the disturbance tolerance level and adaptiveH∞performances of networked systems in the cases of actuator saturation and actuator failures. An example is given to illustrate the efficiency of the design method.
Twin TQFTs and Frobenius Algebras
Authors: Caprau Carmen
Published: June 2013

We introduce the category of singular 2-dimensional cobordisms and show that it admits a completely algebraic description as the free symmetric monoidal category on atwin Frobenius algebra, by providing a description of this category in terms of generators and relations. A twin Frobenius algebra(C,W,z,z∗)consists of a commutative Frobenius algebraC, a symmetric Frobenius algebraW, and an algebra homomorphismz:C→Wwith dualz∗:W→C, satisfying some extra conditions. We also introduce a generalized 2-dimensional Topological Quantum Field Theory defined on singular 2-dimensional cobordisms and show that it is equivalent to a twin Frobenius algebra in a symmetric monoidal category.
The Uniqueness of Strong Solutions for the Camassa-Holm Equation
Authors: Wu Meng , Lai Chong
Published: June 2013

Assume that there exists a strong solution of the Camassa-Holm equation and the initial value of the solution belongs to the Sobolev spaceH1(R). We provide a new proof of the uniqueness of the strong solution for the equation.
Endpoint Estimates for Generalized Commutators of Hardy Operators onH1Space
Authors: Yu Xiao , Lu Shanzhen
Published: June 2013

We study theH1-boundedness of the generalized commutators of Hardy operator with a homogeneous kernel as follows:ℋΩ,A,βmf(x)=(1/|x|n-β)∫|y|<|x|(‍Ω(x-y)/|x-y|m-1)Rm(A;x,y)f(y)dy, whereRm(A;x,y)=A(x)-∑|α|<m‍(1/α!)DαA(y)(x-y)αwithm∈Z+,0≤β<nandΩ∈Lip1(Sn-1). We prove that, whenm≥1,ℋΩ,A,βmis not bounded fromH1toLn/(n-β)unlessℋΩ,A,βm≡0. Finally, we prove thatℋΩ,A,βmis bounded fromH1toLn/(n-β),∞withm≥1.
Vibration, Stability, and Resonance of Angle-Ply Composite Laminated Rectangular Thin Plate under Multiexcitations
Authors: Sayed M. , Mousa A. A.
Published: June 2013

An analytical investigation of the nonlinear vibration of a symmetric cross-ply composite laminated piezoelectric rectangular plate under parametric and external excitations is presented. The method of multiple time scale perturbation is applied to solve the nonlinear differential equations describing the system up to and including the second-order approximation. All possible resonance cases are extracted at this approximation order. The case of 1 : 1 : 3 primary and internal resonance, whereΩ3≅ω1,ω2≅ω1, andω3≅3ω1, is considered. The stability of the system is investigated using both phase-plane method and frequency response curves. The influences of the cubic terms on nonlinear dynamic characteristics of the composite laminated piezoelectric rectangular plate are studied. The analytical results given by the method of multiple time scale is verified by comparison with results from numerical integration of the modal equations. Reliability of the obtained results is verified by comparison between the finite difference method (FDM) and Runge-Kutta method (RKM). It is quite clear that some of the simultaneous resonance cases are undesirable in the design of such system. Such cases should be avoided as working conditions for the system. Variation of the parametersμ1,μ2,α7,β8,ω1,ω2,f1,f2leads to multivalued amplitudes and hence to jump phenomena. Some recommendations regarding the different parameters of the system are reported. Comparison with the available published work is reported.
NRAMP1, VDR, HLA-DRB1, and HLA-DQB1 Gene Polymorphisms in Susceptibility to Tuberculosis among the Chinese Kazakh Population: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Wu Fang , Zhang Wanjiang , Zhang Le , Wu Jiangdong , Li Chunzhu , Meng Xianjie , Wang Xi , He Peng , Zhang Jie
Published: June 2013

Background. To explore the potential role of natural-resistance-associated macrophage protein 1 (NRAMP1) gene, vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene, (human leukocyte antigen, (HLA-DRB1) HLA) -DRB1 gene, and HLA-DQB1 gene polymorphisms in susceptibility to tuberculosis (TB) in the Chinese Kazakh population.Methods. A case-control study was performed on the Chinese Kazak population. Genetic polymorphisms of NRAMP1 gene (3′UTR) and VDR gene (TaqI and FokI) were analysed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and sequencing analysis in TB patients and healthy controls. Genetic polymorphisms of HLA-DRB1 gene and HLA-DQB1 gene in the two groups were detected with polymerase chain reaction-sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSPs) technique and sequencing analysis.Results. There was statistically significant difference in the 3′UTR polymorphism between the TB patients and healthy controls in the Chinese Kazak population (P=0.002; OR = 1.859; 95% CI = 1.182–2.926). Significant difference was observed in the FokI polymorphism between the TB patients and healthy controls (P=0.001; OR = 1.530; 95% CI = 1.007–2.325). It does not disclose any significant association between the disease and TaqI (P>0.05). Alleles HLA-DRB1*04 and HLA-DQB1*0201 occurred more frequently in patients than in controls (P=0.011and 0.002; OR = 1.889 and 1.802; 95% CI = 1.153–3.095 and 1.230–2.639, resp.).Conclusions. Polymorphisms in the NRAMP1 gene, VDR gene, HLA-DRB1 gene, and HLA-DQB1 gene are statistically associated with susceptibility to TB in the Chinese Kazakh population.
End User Development: Survey of an Emerging Field for Empowering People
Authors: Paternò Fabio
Published: June 2013

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the motivations behind end user development, discuss its basic concepts and roots, and review the current state of art. Various approaches are discussed and classified in terms of their main features and the technologies and platforms for which they have been developed. Lastly, the paper provides an indication of interesting possibilities for further evolution.
Interlinking Developer Identities within and across Open Source Projects: The Linked Data Approach
Authors: Iqbal Aftab , Hausenblas Michael
Published: June 2013

Software developers use various software repositories in order to interact with each other or to solve related problems. These repositories provide a rich source of information for a wide range of tasks. However, one issue to overcome in order to make this information useful is the identification and interlinking of multiple identities of developers. In this paper, we propose a Linked Data-based methodology to interlink and integrate multiple identities of a developer found in different software repositories of a project as well as across repositories of multiple projects. Providing such interlinking will enable us to keep track of a developer’s activity not only within a single project but also across multiple projects. The methodology will be presented in general and applied to 5 Apache projects as a case study. Further, we show that the few methods suggested so far are not always appropriate to overcome the developer identification problem.
Pregnancy with Concomitant Chorioangioma and Placental Mesenchymal Dysplasia: A Rare Placental Abnormality
Authors: Qichang Wu , Wenbo Wang , Liangkai Zheng , Hui Kong , Xiaoqin He , Li Sun , Yasong Xu
Published: June 2013

Background. Pregnancy with concomitant chorioangioma and placental mesenchymal dysplasia (PMD) coexisting with a normal viable fetus is very rare. The literature was reviewed to explore the incidence and genetic origin of this condition.Case. The case was first identified by prenatal ultrasonography, but the prenatal diagnosis only included chorioangioma. PMD was then confirmed during postnatal evaluation, which included gross and histologic examination of the placenta. The macroscopic and microscopic findings were consistent with concomitant chorioangioma and placental mesenchymal dysplasia during pregnancy. Genetic findings confirmed genetic similarity of the chorioangioma and vesicle-like villi with the fetus.Conclusions. The case represents a rare placental abnormality whose pathogenesis and molecular basis need further research. Detailed histologic and genetic analyses are essential for accurate and differential diagnosis.
Synthesis and Magnetorheology Study of Iron Oxide and Iron Cobalt Oxide Suspensions
Authors: Rwei Syang-Peng , Wang Lee Yi , Yang Po-Wen
Published: June 2013

This study investigates the magnetorheology (MR) of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) that contains magnetic powders of various compositions, shapes, and concentrations. Two magnetic powders, Fe3O4 and CoFe2O4, were synthesized. TEM images reveal that a powder of spherical particles was obtained at high temperature. A powder with nonspherical star shape was synthesized at low temperature. A rheological test confirmed a typical Bingham behavior for all the MR fluids prepared in this study. Experimental results demonstrated that the cobalt ferrite exhibited a more superior yield stress than the ferrite compound. A magnetic powder of larger particles was found to have higher yield stress. Moreover, the spherical particles yielded a higher yield stress than the star‐shaped particles. The “saturated magnetic strength” increased with the loading of the magnetic powder. Finally, the results demonstrate that 12 wt% CoFe2O4 nanopowder (10 nm) dispersed in the PDMS liquid exhibited a large range of yield stresses (0 to 644 Pa).
Nanocrystallization of Coarse Primary Phases in Al‐ and Mg‐Based Alloys Induced by HCPEB Treatment
Authors: Bo Gao , Jidong He , Ganfeng Tu , Liang Hu
Published: June 2013

This paper reports on a phenomenon associated with high‐current pulsed electron beam (HCPEB) treatment: surface nanocrystallization of coarse primary phase in hypereutectic Al17.5Si and quasicrystal alloys after multiple pulses of HCPEB irradiation. The HCPEB treatment induces superfast heating and diffusion of alloying elements and heterogeneous nucleation in a melting solution, followed by rapid solidification and cooling of the material surfaces. Consequently, nanostructured surface layers can be achieved easily. Nano‐Si phase and nano‐quasicrystal phase formation on the modified surface layer of hypereutectic Al17.5Si alloy and quasicrystal alloy (Mg37Zn60Y3) show a potential for surface nanocrystallization of materials with enhanced properties by HCPEB treatment.
Polyethylene Glycols as Efficient Catalysts for the Oxidation of Xanthine Alkaloids by Ceric Ammonium Nitrate in Acetonitrile: A Kinetic and Mechanistic Approach
Authors: Shylaja S. , Rajanna K. C. , Ramesh K. , Rajendar Reddy K. , Giridhar Reddy P.
Published: June 2013

Kinetics of oxidation of xanthine alkaloids, such as Xanthine (XAN), hypoxanthine (HXAN), caffeine (CAF), theophylline (TPL), and theobromine (TBR), have been studied with ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) using poly ethylene glycols (PEG) as catalysts. Reaction obeyed first order kinetics in both [CAN] and [Xanthine alkaloid]. Highly sluggish CAN-xanthine alkaloid reactions (in acetonitrile media even at elevated temperatures) are enhanced in presence PEGs (PEG-200, -300, -400, -600). An increase in [PEG] increased the rate of oxidation linearly. This observation coupled with a change in absorption of CAN in presence of PEG, [H–(OCH2–CH2)n–O–NH4Ce(NO3)4(CH3CN)] (PEG bound CAN species), is considered to be more reactive than CAN. The mechanism of oxidation in PEG media has been explained by Menger-Portnoy’s enzymatic model.
Multidimensional Structural Credit Modeling under Stochastic Volatility
Authors: Escobar Marcos , Friederich Tim , Seco Luis , Zagst Rudi
Published: June 2013

This paper extends the structural credit model with underlying stochastic volatility to a multidimensional framework. The model combines the Black/Cox framework with the Heston model interpreting the equity of a company as a down-and-out barrier call option on the company's assets. This implies a combination of local and stochastic volatility on the equity as well as other stylized features. In this paper, we allow for a correlation between the asset processes of different companies to incorporate dependency structures. An estimator for the correlation parameter is derived and tested in a recovery framework. With the help of this model, we examine the default risk of the two mortgage lenders Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac before their actual placement into federal conservatorship and show that their default risk severely increased during the financial crisis.
Effect of Carboxymethyl Cellulose and Alginate Coating Combined with Brewer Yeast on Postharvest Grape Preservation
Authors: Yinzhe Ren , Shaoying Zhang
Published: June 2013

The effect of carboxymethyl cellulose and alginate coating combined with brewer yeast on postharvest grape preservation was investigated. The postharvest grapes were coated with 2% of alginate and 3% of carboxymethyl cellulose combined with1.5×109 CFU/mL of brewer yeast. The combined treatment samples showed good sensory character on day 13 compared with control samples or only coated samples. The increase of weight loss and decrease of total soluble solids of combined treatment grapes were restrained. Furthermore, the protective enzymes including superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase of combined treatment sample showed higher activities. Accordingly, the increase of malonaldehyde content was also restrained and more vitamin C was preserved in combined treatment samples. At day 13, the weight loss rate and the total soluble solids of grape treated with coating + yeast were 23.6% lower and 20.6% higher than those of control samples, respectively. Coating grapes with 2% of alginate and 3% of carboxymethyl cellulose combined with brewer yeast of1.5×109 CFU/mL was a well-proven method to preserve postharvest grapes.
Comparison of Power Plants Efficiency among 73 Countries
Authors: Chen Tser-Yieth , Yeh Tsai-Lien , Lee Yi-Ting
Published: June 2013

Effective and efficient production of electricity is promised to be one of the critical factors to utilize energy for sustainable development. We employ data envelopment analysis (DEA), including undesirable CO2emissions outputs, to evaluate power plants resource utilization efficiency within 73 countries in order to incorporate the global warming effect. We find that Asia enjoys the highest technical efficiency and European countries suffer from the lowest technical efficiency among Europe, Asia, and America continents. Besides, we compare models with and without CO2emissions and find that they have significant differences among technical and pure technical efficiencies. We also set up three hypotheses to examine gross national product (GNP), urbanization, and electricity import level factors that potentially influence power plants efficiency by Tobit regression analysis. Results show that GNP and urbanization have significant effects on power plants efficiency except electricity import level.
Analgesia Is Enhanced by Providing Information regarding Good Outcomes Associated with an Odor: Placebo Effects in Aromatherapy?
Authors: Masaoka Yuri , Takayama Miho , Yajima Hiroyoshi , Kawase Akiko , Takakura Nobuari , Homma Ikuo
Published: June 2013

No previous report has described whether information regarding an odor used in aromatherapy has placebo effects. We investigated whether placebo analgesia was engendered by verbal information regarding the analgesic effects of an odor. Twelve of 24 subjects were provided with the information that a lavender odor would reduce pain (informed), whereas the other 12 subjects were not (not-informed). Concurrent with respiration recording, the subjects were administered a lavender-odor or no-odor treatment during application of painful stimulation to the forefinger. The subjects reported their experience of pain and its unpleasantness on a visual analogue scale after the painful stimulation. The lavender-odor treatment significantly alleviated pain and unpleasantness compared with the no-odor treatment in the informed (P<0.01) and not-informed groups (P<0.05). The no-odor treatment in the informed group significantly alleviated pain and unpleasantness compared with both the no-odor and lavender-odor treatments in the not-informed group (P<0.05). Rapid and shallow breathing induced by the painful stimulation became slow and deep during the lavender-odor and no-odor treatments in both groups. Information regarding a lavender odor, the lavender odor itself, and slower breathing contributed to reduced perceptions of pain and unpleasantness during painful stimulation, suggesting that placebo effects significantly contribute to analgesia in aromatherapy.
Average Sample Number Function for Pareto Heavy Tailed Distributions
Authors: El-Hafsi Boukhalfa
Published: June 2013

The main purpose of this work is shortly to give the average sample number function after a sequential probability ratio test on the index parameter alpha of stable densities, which we give a mean of the number of data required to take decision in the case , we use the fact that the tails of Levy-stable distributions are asymptotically equivalent to a Pareto law for large data. Stable distributions are a rich class of probability distributions that allow skewness and heavy tails and have many intriguing mathematical properties. The lack of closed formulas for densities and distribution functions for all has been a major drawback to the use of stable distributions by practitioners, but few stable distributions have the analytical formula of their densities functions which are Gauss, Levy, and Cauchy.
Proximate Composition and Its Seasonality of the Mediterranean Green Crab:Carcinus aestuariiNardo, 1847 (Brachyura, Portunidae), in Southern Tunisian Waters (Central Mediterranean)
Authors: Baklouti Sonia , Derbali Abdelkarim , Dhieb Khalifa , Kammoun Wassim , Jarboui Othman
Published: June 2013

The Mediterranean green crabCarcinus aestuariiwas recorded in Tunisian waters several years ago. However, since its record in the Gulf of Gabes, no studies have been carried out about the spread of this crab. Because there is a lack of nutritional information concerning this species, this study aimed to characterize the chemical composition of hepatopancreas and gonads ofCarcinus aestuariiin view of potential health implication for consumers and to determine the seasonal nutritional quality of females and males taken separately for various size groups. In this study, a total of 1399 individuals were collected along the Sfax coast. The nutritional value of various edible parts ofCarcinus aestuariiwas evaluated, and gender differences in terms of edible yield and proximate composition, protein, mineral, lipid, and water content, were compared for season, age, and sex. The biochemical compositions were strongly influenced by sex, age, and seasons. The highest protein and lipid contents were detected in gonads and hepatopancreas of females. Autumn was the season with the highest protein content and lowest fat content. Therefore, people with particular diets constrains should consume the ovaries of females in autumn and it should moderate in winter. The hepatopancreas and gonads from Tunisian waters can be a good source of proteins and mineral.
Clinical and Laboratory Significance of Defective P2Y12 Pathway Function in Patients with Myeloproliferative Neoplasms: A Pilot Study
Authors: Chang Hung , Shih Lee-Yung , Michelson Alan D. , Dunn Po , Frelinger Andrew L. , Wang Po-Nan , Kuo Ming-Chung , Lin Tung-Liang , Wu Jin-Hou , Tang Tzung-Chih
Published: June 2013

Background: Patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) have an increased risk for thrombosis and bleeding and show a defect in adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet aggregation. This risk of thrombosis is further increased in MPN patients bearing the JAK2V617F mutation. Two ADP receptors, P2Y1 and P2Y12, are present on platelets. Although the pattern of defective ADP-induced platelet aggregation in MPN suggests an abnormality in the P2Y12 pathway, no previous studies have specifically evaluated P2Y12 function in MPN or the relationship between P2Y12 function and the JAK2V617F mutation. Methods: Forty-one MPN patients were enrolled, including 24 with essential thrombocythemia (ET), 16 with polycythemia vera (PV) and 1 with primary myelofibrosis. Platelet P2Y12 function in MPN was evaluated by flow-cytometric measurement of the phosphorylation of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP). Clinical data were collected by review of medical records. JAK2V617F mutation was detected by allele-specific polymerase chain reaction. JAK2V617F allele burden was measured by the pyrosequencing method. Results: In patients with MPN, platelet P2Y12 function determined by VASP platelet reactivity index (PRI) was inversely correlated with platelet and white blood cell (WBC) counts. In subgroup analysis, PRI was inversely correlated with platelet and WBC counts in PV. PRI was also inversely correlated with platelet counts in ET, but the correlation of PRI and WBC counts did not reach statistical significance. Eight of the 41 patients had a history of thrombosis and only 2 had a bleeding history. Neither thrombosis nor bleeding patients were found to have significantly different PRIs. JAK2V617F mutation data were available in 35 cases. PRI was not different between JAK2V617F mutation and wild-type patients but PRI had a trend towards an inverse correlation with JAK2V617F allele burden for patients with mutations. Conclusions: The present study provides the first explicit demonstration of a defect in the P2Y12 pathway in platelets of patients with MPN. Furthermore, platelet P2Y12 function, assayed by VASP, is inversely correlated with platelet and WBC counts in patients with MPN. Platelet P2Y12 function also appears to be inversely correlated with JAK2V617F allele burden. This compromised P2Y12 function may be a novel mechanism for the bleeding tendency associated with extreme thrombocytosis in MPN.
Contralateral Implantation in Children Affected by Postimplant Meningitis
Authors: Mancini P. , Viccaro M. , Dincer H. , Covelli E. , Attanasio G. , Panebianco V. , Ionescu Maddalena A. , Filipo R.
Published: June 2013

This study was designed to investigate the indication and advantages of contralateral implantation after postimplant meningitis (piM). Speech perception assessment, most comfortable levels and high-resolution computer tomography were used to monitor cochlear fibrosis/ossification and clinical changes in outcomes in 5 children affected by meningitis after a variable-time post-cochlear implantation. Ipsilateral ossification was found in 3 children, 1 of whom developed delayed contralateral ossification. These children were implanted on the contralateral side as they all showed deterioration of hearing performance. Results from the present paper and literature analysis suggest that, (1) piM can induce ipsilateral and contralateral ossification, (2) meningitis-induced cochlear ossification is more prone to develop in the presence of a normal cochlear structure and (3) contralateral implantation after piM has proven to be effective in restoring performance when a full electrode insertion is accomplished.
Natural Pathways to Polyploidy in Plants and Consequences for Genome Reorganization
Authors: Tayalé A. , Parisod C.
Published: June 2013

The last decade highlighted polyploidy as a rampant evolutionary process that triggers drastic genome reorganization, but much remains to be understood about their causes and consequences in both autopolyploids and allopolyploids. Here, we provide an overview of the current knowledge on the pathways leading to different types of polyploids and patterns of polyploidy-induced genome restructuring and functional changes in plants. Available evidence leads to a tentative ‘diverge, merge and diverge' model supporting polyploid speciation and stressing patterns of divergence between diploid progenitors as a suitable predictor of polyploid genome reorganization. The merging of genomes at the origin of a polyploid lineage may indeed reveal different kinds of incompatibilities (chromosomal, genic and transposable elements) that have accumulated in diverging progenitors and reduce the fitness of nascent polyploids. Accordingly, successful polyploids have to overcome these incompatibilities through non-Mendelian mechanisms, fostering polyploid genome reorganization in association with the establishment of new lineages. See also sister article focusing on animals by Collares-Pereira et al., in this themed issue.