bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A NEW ESSENTIAL NORM ESTIMATE OF COMPOSITION OPERATORS FROM α-BLOCH SPACES INTO μ-BLOCH SPACES
Authors: RAMOS-FERNÁNDEZ JULIO C.
Published: November 2013

Let μ be any weight function defined on the unit disk 𝔻 and let ϕ be an analytic self-map of 𝔻. In this paper, we show that the essential norm of composition operator Cϕmapping from the α-Bloch space, with α > 0, to μ-Bloch space [Formula: see text] is comparable to [Formula: see text] where, for a ∈ 𝔻, σais a certain special function in α-Bloch space. As a consequence of our estimate, we extend recent results, about the compactness of composition operators, due to Tjani in [Compact composition operators on Besov spaces, Trans. Amer. Math. Soc.355(11) (2003) 4683–4698] and Malavé Ramírez and Ramos-Fernández in [On a criterion for continuity and compactness of composition operators acting on α-Bloch spaces, C. R. Math. Acad. Sci. Paris351 (2013) 23–26, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.crma.2012.11.013 ].
Vehicle's exhaust emissions under car-following model
Authors: Tang Tie-Qiao , Li Jin-Gang , Zhang Dong , Wang Yun-Peng
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we explore each vehicle's exhaust emissions under the full velocity difference (FVD) model and the car-following model with consideration of the traffic interruption probability during three typical traffic situations. Numerical results show that the vehicle's exhaust emissions of the second model are less than those of the first model under the three typical traffic situations, which shows that the second model can reduce each vehicle's exhaust emissions.
A radial distribution function-based open boundary force model for multi-centered molecules
Authors: Neumann Philipp , Eckhardt Wolfgang , Bungartz Hans-Joachim
Published: November 2013

We derive an expression for radial distribution function (RDF)-based open boundary forcing for molecules with multiple interaction sites. Due to the high-dimensionality of the molecule configuration space and missing rotational invariance, a computationally cheap, 1D approximation of the arising integral expressions as in the single-centered case is not possible anymore. We propose a simple, yet accurate model invoking standard molecule- and site-based RDFs to approximate the respective integral equation. The new open boundary force model is validated for ethane in different scenarios and shows very good agreement with data from periodic simulations.
SIMULTANEOUS EMBEDDING OF EMBEDDED PLANAR GRAPHS
Authors: ANGELINI PATRIZIO , BATTISTA GIUSEPPE DI , FRATI FABRIZIO
Published: November 2013

A simultaneous embedding with fixed edges (SEFE) of a set of k planar graphs G1,…,Gk on the same set of vertices is a set of k planar drawings of G1,…,Gk, respectively, such that each vertex is placed on the same point in all the drawings and each edge is represented by the same Jordan curve in the drawings of all the graphs it belongs to. A simultaneous geometric embedding (SGE) is a SEFE in which the edges are represented by straight-line segments.

Given k planar graphs G1,…,Gk, deciding whether they admit a SEFE and whether they admit an SGE are NP-hard problems, for k ≥ 3 and for k ≥ 2, respectively.

In this paper we consider the complexity of SEFE and of SGE when the graphs G1,…,Gk have a fixed planar embedding.

In sharp contrast with the NP-hardness of SEFE for three non-embedded planar graphs, we show that SEFE is quadratic-time solvable for three graphs with a fixed planar embedding.

Furthermore, we show that, given k embedded planar graphs G1,…,Gk, deciding whether a SEFE of G1,…,Gk exists and deciding whether an SGE of G1,…,Gk exists are NP-hard problems, for k ≥ 14 and k ≥ 13, respectively.
EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT OF CATALYST TEXTURAL PROPERTIES ON EFFECTIVE SYNTHESIS OF CARBON NANOTUBES
Authors: YEOH WEI-MING , LEE KIM-YANG , LEE KEAT-TEONG , MOHAMED ABDUL RAHMAN , CHAI SIANG-PIAO
Published: November 2013

Co – Mo / MgO catalysts of same content but different textural properties were prepared through manipulation of foaming agents (ethylene glycol, citric acid and polyethylene glycol 200) in a sol–gel method. Experimental results indicated that surface area and pore size of the catalysts were equally important in the synthesis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) from catalytic chemical vapor deposition. It was found that the catalysts with high surface area and large pore size were the main criteria for high yield synthesis of CNTs of better graphitized wall structure. High surface area helped in the dispersion of active metals, thus increasing the number of active sites for nucleation and growth of CNTs. Meanwhile, larger pore size facilitated better mass transfer between the inner pore and the exterior reaction atmosphere, and it provided a larger space for unrestricted growth of CNTs. In the present work, we demonstrated that the Co – Mo / MgO catalysts prepared by citric acid possessed both larger average pore size and higher surface area, which provoked the synthesis of better quality (graphitized) CNTs in high yield.
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CIS POWDERS BY A FACILE REFLUXING REACTION ROUTE
Authors: ZHOU J. C. , WANG Y. Y. , GONG X. L. , LI S. W.
Published: November 2013

CuInSe 2 (CIS)-based powders were successfully prepared by a facile refluxing reaction route using metal halides and Se / S powder as raw starting materials. The phase and crystallographic structure, morphology, chemical composition of the products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). It is found that single phase CIS powders with chalcopyrite structure can be prepared in a relatively short time using triethylenetetramine as the solvent; the most suitable reaction temperature and time are 200°C, 1–2 h, respectively. CuIn ( S x Se 1-x)2 powders were also prepared by refluxing reaction route using the mixed solvent of triethylenetetramine–glycol (1:1, v/v). The characterizations showed that the CuIn ( S x Se 1-x)2 has single chalcopyrite phase, and the stoichiometric composition closely follows the primary mixed ratio. The morphology of CuIn ( S x Se 1-x)2 is close to spheres, and the particle sizes become distinctly smaller with the incorporation of S . A possible formation mechanism of CuInSe 2 was put forward and briefly discussed.
SYNTHESIS OF Mg DOPED TiO2 NANOCRYSTALS PREPARED BY WET-CHEMICAL METHOD: OPTICAL AND MICROSCOPIC STUDIES
Authors: KAVIYARASU K. , PREMANAND D. , KENNEDY J. , MANIKANDAN E.
Published: November 2013

In this work, we report the successful formation of MgO doped TiO 2 nanocrystals (NCs) by simple wet-chemical method. The XRD exhibits a marginal decrease in the crystalline size of TiO 2 nanosamples by the addition of MgO dopant. UV–Vis spectral analysis shows that the addition of MgO in TiO 2 resulted in the red shift of the absorption edge. The optical energy band-gap and molecular vibrational analysis of doped nanosample was ascertained from photoluminescence (PL) and micro-Raman scattering technique respectively. HR-TEM analysis reveals that the substitution has sharply reduced the particle size of TiO 2 NCs .
MODELING THE RICE-CLIMATE INDICES IN TAIWAN
Authors: CHIUEH YA-WEN , HUANG CHENG-CHANG , TAN CHIH-HUNG
Published: November 2013

The study compared the climate indices and considered the major agricultural climate features, including precipitation, temperature, solar duration, radiation, and uncertainty features such as the ENSO and rainfall extremes, to compose the climate indices for rice production in Taiwan. The study used the regression model for panel data random effects, estimated rice-climatic indices for the first and second rice crop yields, and based on the results to provide specific policy recommendations.
Basement palaeogeography of late Neoproterozoic Scotland: constraints from exotic clasts within the lower Dalradian Supergroup
Authors: Banks C. J. , Peters D. P. , Winchester J. A. , Noble S. R. , Horstwood M. S. A.
Published: November 2013

Synopsis

U–Pb geochronology of exotic igneous cobbles, together with detrital zircons from a nearby sedimentary heavy mineral band from the Glenshirra Group (basal Dalradian Supergroup), provide information on the age and nature of the adjacent crystalline basement that supplied detritus to the Dalradian Basin in the late Neoproterozoic. The igneous cobbles were sampled from a metaconglomerate interpreted as debris-flow deposits from a local igneous basement hinterland.

A granite cobble, and detrital zircons from a nearby psammite, gave
c
. 1800 Ma ages, indicating derivation from a presumed local Ketilidian–Makkovikian source akin to that exposed on Inishtrahull, Colonsay and the Rhinns of Islay. A syenite clast yielded crystallization ages of
c
. 1500 Ma (zircon cores), followed by a subsequent metamorphism at 1470 Ma (zircon rims). This corresponds to coeval Mesoproterozoic events that affected the Pinwarian terrane of SE Canada and Newfoundland. The Moine Supergroup and Glen Banchor Succession are unlikely sources of detritus for the Glenshirra Group, as palaeodrainage across the line of the future Great Glen Fault (in its pre-displacement disposition) would largely derive from local basement to the west of the Moine Supergroup.

Whilst the existence of nearby Ketilidian–Makkovikian basement has been noted previously, this study provides evidence that Pinwarian basement also lay adjacent to Scotland during the deposition of the early Dalradian basin fills. These data should be incorporated into palaeogeographical reconstructions at the time of the break-up of the Rodinian supercontinent in the late Neoproterozoic.

Supplementary material:

Full U-Pb LA-MC-ICP-MS analytical results are provided at is
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18692
.
The Cumbrae Islands: a structural Rosetta Stone in the western offshore Midland Valley of Scotland
Authors: Caldwell W. G. E. , Young G. M.
Published: November 2013

Synopsis

Although modest in size and topographic expression, the Cumbrae islands hold a key to better understanding of the structurally anomalous portion of the Midland Valley of Scotland underlying the Firth of Clyde. Situated beneath the western edge of the largest and thickest block of the Clyde Lava Plateau, the islands occupy the nexus between mainland and offshore and serve as a stepping stone to more remote outliers of the lavas and their underlying sedimentary formations in Bute and Arran. The Cumbrae islands carry representatives of three major groups of faults that have been regional controls on sequence preservation, outcrop distribution, and geomorphology since their initiation as proto-Variscan structures in the Late Devonian. Moreover, the islands are shaped by two sets of folds, one of inferred early to mid-Carboniferous age, the other of later Carboniferous age, both also present in other parts of the Firth. Finally, long accepted as a matchless locality for intersecting dyke swarms of Carboniferous (Viséan and latest Westphalian) and Palaeogene (Paleocene–Eocene) age, the interplay of dykes and faults on Great Cumbrae allows a refined history of fault reactivation to be reconstructed. In turn, analysis of the islands’ structures and their evaluation in regional context enables a local tectonic history to be formulated and presented in six informal stages between the Late Devonian and Holocene.
Synchronised range queries in distributed simulations of multiagent systems
Authors: Suryanarayanan Vinoth , Theodoropoulos Georgios
Published: November 2013

Range queries are an increasingly important associative form of data access encountered in different computational environments including peer-to-peer systems, wireless communications, database systems, distributed virtual environments, and, more recently, distributed simulations. In this article, we present and evaluate a system for performing logical-time synchronised Range-Queries over data in the context of distributed simulations of multiagent systems. This article presents algorithms performing instantaneous queries within an optimistic synchronisation framework and in the presence of dynamic migration of the simulation state. A quantitative evaluation of the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms under different conditions and for different benchmarks, including
Boids
, is also presented.
Fixed Points of -Type Quasi-Contractions on Graphs
Authors: Haghi R. H. , Rezapour Sh. , Shahzad N.
Published: November 2013

Recently, fixed point theory on graphs has been considered by many authors. In this paper, by combining some ideas in some published papers and introducing -type quasi-contractions, we give some fixed point results for -type quasi-contractions on graphs. The results improve some old results in the literature.
Nonnegative Mixed-Norm Convex Optimization for Mitotic Cell Detection in Phase Contrast Microscopy
Authors: Liu Anan , Hao Tong , Gao Zan , Su Yuting , Yang Zhaoxuan
Published: November 2013

This paper proposes a nonnegative mix-norm convex optimization method for mitotic cell detection. First, we apply an imaging model-based microscopy image segmentation method that exploits phase contrast optics to extract mitotic candidates in the input images. Then, a convex objective function regularized by mix-norm with nonnegative constraint is proposed to induce sparsity and consistence for discriminative representation of deformable objects in a sparse representation scheme. At last, a Support Vector Machine classifier is utilized for mitotic cell modeling and detection. This method can overcome the difficulty in feature formulation for deformable objects and is independent of tracking or temporal inference model. The comparison experiments demonstrate that the proposed method can produce competing results with the state-of-the-art methods.
On the Solution Existence of Variational-Like Inequalities Problems for Weakly Relaxedη−αMonotone Mapping
Authors: Kutbi Marwan Amin , Sintunavarat Wutiphol
Published: November 2013

We introduce two new concepts of weakly relaxedη-αmonotone mappings and weakly relaxedη-αsemimonotone mappings. Using the KKM technique, the existence of solutions for variational-like problems with weakly relaxedη-αmonotone mapping in reflexive Banach spaces is established. Also, we obtain the existence of solution for variational-like problems with weakly relaxedη-αsemimonotone mappings in arbitrary Banach spaces by using the Kakutani-Fan-Glicksberg fixed-point theorem.
Behavior of the -Laplacian on Thin Domains
Authors: Silva Ricardo P.
Published: November 2013

We give the characterization of the limiting behavior of solutions of elliptic equations driven by the -Laplacian operator with Neumann boundary conditions posed in a family of thin domains.
The Cytology, Isozyme, HPLC Fingerprint, and Interspecific Hybridization Studies of Genus Epimedium (Berberidaceae)
Authors: Wang Lin-Jiao , Sheng Mao-Yin
Published: November 2013

104 samples from 27 accessions belonging to 12 species of genus Epimedium were studied on the basis of cytology observation, POD (i.e., peroxide) isozyme, high performance liquid chromatography (i.e., HPLC) fingerprint, and interspecific hybridization. The cytology observation showed karyotypes of twelve species studied; all are 2A symmetry type of Stebbins standard and similar to each other, and except for karyotype of E. leptorrhizum which is 2n = 2x = 8m (2SAT) + 4sm, the rest are 2n = 2x = 6m (2SAT) + 6sm. Chromosomes C-banding of barrenwort species varies, with 15 to 22 bands, consisting of centromeric bands, intercalary bands, terminal bands, and middle satellite bands. Results of POD isozyme showed that the zymographs vary greatly and sixteen bands were detected in the eleven species, and each species has its own characteristic bands different from the others. Studies on the HPLC fingerprint showed that the HPLC fingerprint of different species has characteristic peaks, divided into two regions (retention time < 10 min and retention time > 10 min). Results of interspecific hybridization showed that crosses of any combination among seven species studied are successful and the rates of grain set vary greatly. Based on these results, the system and phylogeny of this genus were inferred.
Recursion Operator and Local and Nonlocal Symmetries of a New Modified KdV Equation
Authors: Suping Qian , Xin Li
Published: November 2013

The recursion operator of a new modified KdV equation and its inverse are explicitly given. Acting the recursion operator and its inverse on the trivial symmetry 0 related to the identity transformation, the infinitely many local and nonlocal symmetries are obtained. Using a closed finite dimensional symmetry algebra with both local and nonlocal symmetries of the original model, some symmetry reductions and exact solutions are found.
Effect of Folic Acid Supplementation in Pregnancy on Preeclampsia: The Folic Acid Clinical Trial Study
Authors: Wen Shi Wu , Champagne Josee , Rennicks White Ruth , Coyle Doug , Fraser William , Smith Graeme , Fergusson Dean , Walker Mark C.
Published: November 2013

Preeclampsia (PE) is hypertension with proteinuria that develops during pregnancy and affects at least 5% of pregnancies. The Effect of Folic Acid Supplementation in Pregnancy on Preeclampsia: the Folic Acid Clinical Trial (FACT) aims to recruit 3,656 high risk women to evaluate a new prevention strategy for PE: supplementation of folic acid throughout pregnancy. Pregnant women with increased risk of developing PE presenting to a trial participating center between 80/7and 166/7weeks of gestation are randomized in a 1 : 1 ratio to folic acid 4.0 mg or placebo after written consent is obtained. Intent-to-treat population will be analyzed. The FACT study was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research in 2009, and regulatory approval from Health Canada was obtained in 2010. A web-based randomization system and electronic data collection system provide the platform for participating centers to randomize their eligible participants and enter data in real time. To date we have twenty participating Canadian centers, of which eighteen are actively recruiting, and seven participating Australian centers, of which two are actively recruiting. Recruitment in Argentina, UK, Netherlands, Brazil, West Indies, and United States is expected to begin by the second or third quarter of 2013. This trial is registered withNCT01355159.
Binary Image Data Hiding Using Matrix Encoding Technique in Sensors
Authors: Huy Phan Trung , Kim Cheonshik
Published: November 2013

It is very important to protect the copyright of digital images in wireless transmission, because people often use a smart phone in their daily life. Traditional security schemes are computationally expensive, and they introduce overhead, which shortens the life of the image sensors. In this paper, we present an Improved Matrix Encoding (IME) scheme for hiding data into a two-color binary image. Our proposed scheme improved the CPT scheme. In the CPT scheme, each block F of [Formula: see text] pixel of G is changed by at most two pixels for hiding data. CPT scheme's embedding rate is [Formula: see text]. The IME scheme is shown approximately as a [Formula: see text] embedding rate, while Tseng-Pan's modified CPT scheme (MCPT) is an [Formula: see text] embedding rate. Therefore, IME's embedding rate is higher than that of the MCPT scheme. In our experiment, we demonstrate that our proposed schemes are superior to those of the CPT and MCPT schemes.
Chondrocyte Differentiation of Human Endometrial Gland‐Derived MSCs in Layered Cell Sheets
Authors: Sekine Waki , Haraguchi Yuji , Shimizu Tatsuya , Yamato Masayuki , Umezawa Akihiro , Okano Teruo
Published: November 2013

Recently, regenerative medicine using engineered three‐dimensional (3D) tissues has been focused. In the fields of cell therapy and regenerative medicine, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are attractive autologous cell sources. While, in bioengineered tissues, a 3D environment may affect the differentiation of the stem cells, little is known regarding the effect of 3D environment on cellular differentiation. In this study, MSC differentiation in in vitro 3D tissue models was assessed by human endometrial gland‐derived MSCs (hEMSCs) and cell sheet technology. hEMSC sheets were layered into cell‐dense 3D tissues and were cultured on porous membranes. The tissue sections revealed that chondrocyte‐like cells were found within the multilayered cell sheets even at 24 h after layering. Immunostainings of chondrospecific markers were positive within those cell sheet constructs. In addition, sulfated glycosaminoglycan accumulation within the tissues increased in proportion to the numbers of layered cell sheets. The findings suggested that a high cell density and hypoxic environment in 3D tissues by layering cell sheets might accelerate a rapid differentiation of hEMSCs into chondrocytes without the help of chondro‐differentiation reagents. These tissue models using cell sheets would give new insights to stem cell differentiation in 3D environment and contribute to the future application of stem cells to cartilage regenerative therapy.
Differential Expression of Myogenic Regulatory Factor Genes in the Skeletal Muscles of TambaquiColossoma macropomum(Cuvier 1818) from Amazonian Black and Clear Water
Authors: Alves-Costa F. A. , Barbosa C. M. , Aguiar R. C. M. , Mareco E. A. , Dal-Pai-Silva M.
Published: November 2013

Hypothesizing that the Amazonian water system differences would affect the expression of muscle growth-related genes in juvenile tambaquiColossoma macropomum(Cuvier 1818), this study aimed to analyze the morphometric data and expression of myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs) in the white and red muscle from tambaqui obtained from clear and black Amazonian water systems. All of the MRF transcript levels (myod,myf5,myogenin, andmrf4) were significantly lower in the red muscle from black water fish in comparison to clear water fish. However, in white muscle, only themyodtranscript level was significantly decreased in the black water tambaqui. The changes in MRFs gene expression in muscle fibers of tambaqui from black water system provide relevant information about the environmental influence as that of water systems on gene expression of muscle growth related genes in theC. macropomum. Our results showed that the physical and chemical water characteristics change the expression of genes that promote muscle growth, and these results may be also widely applicable to future projects that aim to enhance muscle growth in fish that are of substantial interest to the aquaculture.
Insights on the Phytochemical Profile (Cyclopeptides) and Biological Activities of Calotropis procera Latex Organic Fractions
Authors: Jucá Thiago Lustosa , Ramos Márcio Viana , Moreno Frederico Bruno Mendes Batista , Viana de Matos Mayara Patrícia , Marinho-Filho José Delano Barreto , Moreira Renato Azevedo , Monteiro-Moreira Ana Cristina de Oliveira
Published: November 2013

Calotropis procera is a medicinal plant whose pharmacological properties are associated with its latex. Here, the Calotropis procera latex fractions were investigated in an attempt to trace its phytochemical profile and measure its anti‐inflammatory and toxicity activity. The crude latex was partitioned, yielding five fractions (49.4% hexane, 5.2% dichloromethane, 2.0% ethyl acetate, 2.1% n‐butanol, and 41.1% aqueous). Phytochemical screening and spectroscopy analysis revealed that dichloromethane is the most chemically diverse fraction. Triterpenes were detected in both the hexane and dichloromethane fractions, while flavonoids were detected in the dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions. These fractions were cytotoxic to cancer cell lines (LD50 0.05 to 3.9 μg/mL) and lethal to brine shrimp (LD50 10.9 to 65.7 μg/mL). Reduced neutrophil migration in rats was observed in carrageenan‐induced peritonitis for the dichloromethane (67%), ethyl acetate (56%), and aqueous (72%) fractions. A positive reaction with tolidine and ninhydrin suggested that cyclopeptides are in the ethyl acetate fraction. It is therefore concluded that Calotropis procera latex dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions exhibit both in vitro and in vivo activities as well as anti‐inflammatory properties. Cyclopeptide detection is especially interesting because previous attempts to investigate these low‐molecular cyclic amino acid sequences in C. procera have failed.
Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells with Optimal Gel Electrolyte Using the Taguchi Design Method
Authors: Tsai Jenn-Kai , Hsu Wen Dung , Wu Tian-Chiuan , Zhou Jia-Song , Li Ji-Lin , Liao Jian-Hao , Meen Teen-Hang
Published: November 2013

The Taguchi method was adopted to determine the optimal gel electrolyte used in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Since electrolyte is a very important factor in fabrication of high performance and long-term stability DSSCs, to find the optimal composition of gel electrolyte is desired. In this paper, the common ingredients used in the liquid electrolyte were chosen. The ingredients then mixed with cheap ionic liquids and poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) were added to form colloidal electrolyte (gel). The optimal composition of each materials in the gel electrolyte determined by Taguchi method consists of 0.03 M I2, 0.15 M KI, 0.6 M LiI, 0.5 M 4-tertbutylpyridine (TBP), and 10% PVDF-HFP dissolved in the acetonitrile and 3-methoxypropionitrile (MPN) solution with volume ratio of 2 : 1. The short circuit current density of 14.11 mA/cm2, the conversion efficiency (η) of 5.52%, and the lifetime of over 110 days were observed for the dye-sensitized solar cell assembled with optimal gel electrolyte. The lifetime increases 10 times when compared with the conventional dye-sensitized solar cell assembled with liquid electrolyte.
AnH1-Galerkin Expanded Mixed Finite Element Approximation of Second-Order Nonlinear Hyperbolic Equations
Authors: Zhou Zhaojie , Wang Weiwei , Chen Huanzhen
Published: November 2013

We investigate anH1-Galerkin expanded mixed finite element approximation of nonlinear second-order hyperbolic equations, which model a wide variety of phenomena that involve wave motion or convective transport process. This method possesses some features such as approximating the unknown scalar, its gradient, and the flux function simultaneously, the finite element space being free of LBB condition, and avoiding the difficulties arising from calculating the inverse of coefficient tensor. The existence and uniqueness of the numerical solution are discussed. Optimal-order error estimates for this method are proved without introducing curl operator. A numerical example is also given to illustrate the theoretical findings.
Conservation Laws of Three-Dimensional Perfect Plasticity Equations under von Mises Yield Criterion
Authors: Senashov S. I. , Yakhno A.
Published: November 2013

For the first time the conservation laws for von Mises plasticity equations in three dimensions as well as for plane stress equations are given. In the plane case conservation laws are used to construct characteristics for the Cauchy problem. For the system of the plane strain, the conservation laws are used to solve the free boundary problem for any convex smooth contour loaded with constant normal and zero tangential stresses.
Assembly of Oriented Ultrafine Polymer Fibers by Centrifugal Electrospinning
Authors: Liu Shu-Liang , Long Yun-Ze , Zhang Zhi-Hua , Zhang Hong-Di , Sun Bin , Zhang Jun-Cheng , Han Wen-Peng
Published: November 2013

Uniaxially aligned and cross‐aligned arrays of ultrafine polymer fibers have been fabricated by a novel and effective centrifugal electrospinning setup with rotating polymer solution jets. Comparing with conventional electrospinning (10–30 kV) and centrifugal spinning (4,000–12,000 rpm), this technique only requires a lower working voltage (2.8–6.0 kV), a slower rotational speed (360–540 rpm), and a shorter spinning distance (2.0–4.0 cm). In addition, the influences of experimental parameters such as working voltage, rotational speed, collecting distance, and solution concentration on the alignment of the as‐spun fibers are investigated using image analysis techniques. It is found that the working voltage and rotational speed mainly influence the perpendicular and linear velocities of the fibers, respectively. The polymer fibers tend to show higher alignment degree when these two velocities are very close. Optimum conditions (working voltage 3.0 kV, rotational speed 420 rpm, collecting distance 2.5 cm, and solution concentration 18 wt%) to maximize alignment degree (~97%) of polystyrene fibers are also obtained.
Active Disturbance Rejection with Sliding Mode Control Based Course and Path Following for Underactuated Ships
Authors: Li Ronghui , Li Tieshan , Bu Renxiang , Zheng Qinling , Chen C. L. Philip
Published: November 2013

The compound control of active-disturbance-rejection control (ADRC) with sliding mode is proposed to improve the performance of the closed-loop system and deal with the constraint condition problem of a surface ship. The advantages of ADRC with sliding mode were verified by ship course control simulations. Meanwhile, to solve the path-following problem of underactuated surface ships with uncertainties of internal dynamic and external disturbances, the ADRC controller with sliding mode is introduced to steer the ship to follow the desired path. In order to overcome the cross-track error caused by wind and current, drift angle is compensated in the controller by designing a coordinate transformation equation. Simulations were performed on a nonlinear kinematics model of a training ship to validate the stability and excellent robustness of the proposed path-following controller.
Fabrication of Light Extraction Efficiency of Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes with 3D Aspherical Microlens by Using Dry Etching Process
Authors: Chen Y. C. , Pan C. T. , Hsieh C. C. , Su C. Y. , Wu H. C. , Li W. C.
Published: November 2013

organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) can enable a greater artificial contrast ratio and viewing angle compared to liquid crystal display (LCD) because OLED pixels directly emit light. There is a shortcoming that the internal quantum efficiency can reach values close to 100%, but about 80% light disperses because of the difference among the refractive indices of the substrate, anode, indium tin oxide (ITO) film, and air. In this paper, three dimensions aspherical microlens arrays (3D A‐MLAs) with substrate modifications are developed to simulate the optical luminous field by using FRED software. This study modified parameters of 3D A‐MLAs such as the diameter, fill‐factor, aspect ratio, dry etching parameters, and electroforming rates of microlens to improve the extraction efficiency of the OLED. In dry etching, not only the aspect ratio with better extraction rate can be obtained by reactive ion etching (RIE) dry etching, but also an undercutting phenomenon can be avoided. The dimensions of 3D A‐MLAs can be accurately controlled in the electroforming process used to make a nickel‐cobalt (Ni‐Co) metal mold to achieve the designed dimensions. According to the measured results, the average luminance efficacy of the OLEDs with 3D A‐MLAs can be enhanced.
Effect of Aqueous Stem Bark Extract ofKhaya senegalensison Some Biochemical, Haematological, and Histopathological Parameters of Rats
Authors: Onu A. , Saidu Y. , Ladan M. J. , Bilbis L. S. , Aliero A. A. , Sahabi S. M.
Published: November 2013

The subchronic effect of aqueous stem bark extract ofKhaya senegalensison some biochemical, haematological, and histopathological parameters of rats was investigated. The rats were divided into six groups of five rats per group. Groups I to VI were administered graded doses of 0, 400, 800, 1200, 1600, and 2000 mg/kg bw, respectively. The result of study revealed that administration of theKhaya senegalensisfor twenty-eight days at the experimental dose resulted in significant (P<0.05) increase in urea, electrolytes (Na+, K+), and creatinine levels. The extract also significantly (P<0.05) increased serum activity of ALT, AST, and ALP. The levels of protein, albumin, and bilirubin were significantly changed when compared to their control values, but they were not dose dependent. The hematological indices assayed in this study were not significantly affected at the experimental dose when compared to the control values. Histological studies of the liver showed cellular degeneration and necrosis and bile duct hyperplasia and fibrosis with lymphocytic infiltration of the hepatocyte, providing supportive evidence for discussing the biochemical findings, indicative of functional derangement. The histological architecture of the kidney and that of the heart were however preserved. The result of this study indicates that the aqueous stem bark extract ofK. senegalensismay affect the cellular integrity of vital organs of the body.
A QoS Model for a RFID Enabled Application with Next-Generation Sensors for Manufacturing Systems
Authors: Kang Anna , Park Jong Hyuk , Barolli Leonard , Jeong Hwa-Young
Published: November 2013

RFID is a new trend in industrial technology such as manufacturing system and product flow management in the supply chain. A successful RFID application can enhance the industrial technology change in organizations and help to manage growth in an increasingly competitive environment. Recently, the RFID sensor tag has also recently received a great deal of attention. In general, the RFID sensor was designed to collect environmental information such as temperature, pressure, humidity, inclination, and acceleration into ordinary RFID tags for internal information processing. In this environment, to apply the RIFID technique to manufacturing systems successfully and efficiently, identifying accurate quality attributes and making a quality model for a RFID enabled application system are necessary. However the research in this area is lacking. This paper focuses on identification of the quality attributes for the RFID application system and making the corresponding model. Each criterion for the quality model was extracted in accordance with ISO/IEC 9126 and the DeLone and McLean model. The proposed quality model also considers the relationship between their criteria.
Functionalization of Graphene with Nitrile Groups by Cycloaddition of Tetracyanoethylene Oxide
Authors: Peng Xiaojun , Li Yang , Zhang Guoliang , Zhang Fengbao , Fan Xiaobin
Published: November 2013

Graphene has got considerable attention in both experimental and theoretical fields for its extraordinary properties. Covalent functionalization is an efficient strategy to render graphene additional properties and overcome its shortcomings such as zero band gap and nondispersibility in solvents. This study reports the synthesis and characterizations of a new kind of functionalized graphene, graphene‐TCNEO, obtained by 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition. The graphene‐TCNEO was systematically characterized by FTIR, Raman, XPS, SEM, TEM, and EDS mapping, and the covalent linkage between graphene and tetracyanoethylene oxide was firmly verified. Considering the great diversity of nitrile chemistry, the obtained graphene‐TCNEO could be further transformed into other graphene‐based derivatives with interesting properties.
Inhibition Behaviour of Some Isonicotinic Acid Hydrazides on the Corrosion of Mild Steel in Hydrochloric Acid Solution
Authors: Chakravarthy M. P. , Mohana K. N.
Published: November 2013

New corrosion inhibitors, namely, isonicotinic acid (1H-indol-3-yl-methylene)hydrazide (INIMH) and isonicotinic acid (1H-pyrrol-2-yl-methylene)hydrazide (INPMH), have been synthesized, and their inhibitive characteristics for the corrosion of mild steel in 0.5 M HCl were investigated by mass loss and electrochemical techniques. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed using spectral studies. Potentiodynamic polarization studies revealed that the investigated inhibitors are of mixed type. Various thermodynamic parameters were evaluated. Langmuir adsorption isotherm was found to be the best description for both inhibitors. FTIR spectra, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed to characterize the passive film on the metal surface.
Global Existence for Functional Differential Equations with State-Dependent Delay
Authors: Benchohra Mouffak , Medjadj Imene , Nieto Juan J. , Prakash P.
Published: November 2013

Our aim in this work is to study the existence of solutions of a functional differential equation with state-dependent delay. We use Schauder's fixed point theorem to show the existence of solutions.
Air Temperature Change in the Southern Tarim River Basin, China, 1964–2011
Authors: Zhao Benfu , Xu Jianhua , Chen Zhongsheng , Bai Ling , Li Peng
Published: November 2013

The temperature data from 3 meteorological stations (Kashi, Ruoqiang, and Hotan) in the South of Tarim River Basin (STRB) during 1964–2011 were analyzed by Mann‐Kendall test and correlation analysis. The results from Mann‐Kendall test show that the surface temperature (ST), 850 hPa temperature (T850), and 700 hPa temperature (T700) exhibited upward trends, while 300 hPa temperature (T300) revealed a downward trend. On the whole, the change rate of ST, T850, T700, and T300 was 0.26~0.46°C/10a, 0.15~0.40°C/10a, 0.03~0.10°C/10a, and −0.38~−0.13°C/10a, respectively. For the periods, ST and T850 declined during 1964–1997 and then rose during 1998–2011. T700 declined during 1964–2005 and then rose during 2006–2011, while T300 rose from 1964 to 1970s and then declined. The results from correlation analysis show that T850 and T700 positively correlated with ST (P < 0.01) at the all three stations and there was a negative correlation between T300 and ST at Hotan (P < 0.1), while the correlation is not significant at Kashi and Ruoqiang. The results indicate that there were gradient differences in the response of upper‐air temperature (UT) to ST change.
Nonalpine Thyroid Angiosarcoma in a Patient with Hashimoto Thyroiditis
Authors: Innaro Nadia , Succurro Elena , Tomaino Giuseppe , Arturi Franco
Published: November 2013

Thyroid angiosarcoma is an uncommon thyroid carcinoma and its incidence is the highest in the European Alpine regions. Thyroid angiosarcoma is also a very aggressive tumor that can rapidly spread to the cervical lymph nodes, lungs, and brain or can metastasize to the duodenum, small boewl, and large bowel. Although it is histologically well defined, clear-cut separation between the angiosarcoma and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma is difficult. A 49-year-old Caucasian female patient, born and resident in Southern Italy (Calabria), in an iodine-sufficient area, was admitted to the Surgery Department because she presented with a painless mass in the anterior region of neck enlarged rapidly in the last three months. After total thyroidectomy and right cervical lymphadenectomy, postoperative histological examination revealed the presence of a thyroid angiosarcoma with positive staining for CD31 and for both Factor VIII-related antigen and Vimentin and only partially positive for staining pancytokeratin and presence of metastasis in cervical, supraclavicular, mediastinal and paratracheal lymph nodes. The patient started adjuvant chemotherapy and she was treated for 6 cycles with Doxorubicin, Dacarbazine, Ifosfamide, and Mesna (MAID). After 22 months from surgery, the patient is still alive without both local and systemic recurrence of the disease.
Fabrication of Flexible Piezoelectric PZT/Fabric Composite
Authors: Chen Caifeng , Hong Daiwei , Wang Andong , Ni Chaoying
Published: November 2013

Flexible piezoelectric PZT/fabric composite material is pliable and tough in nature which is in a lack of traditional PZT patches. It has great application prospect in improving the sensitivity of sensor/actuator made by piezoelectric materials especially when they are used for curved surfaces or complicated conditions. In this paper, glass fiber cloth was adopted as carrier to grow PZT piezoelectric crystal particles by hydrothermal method, and the optimum conditions were studied. The results showed that the soft glass fiber cloth was an ideal kind of carrier. A large number of cubic‐shaped PZT nanocrystallines grew firmly in the carrier with a dense and uniform distribution. The best hydrothermal condition was found to be pH 13, reaction time 24 h, and reaction temperature 200°C.
Effect of Microstructure of Spongy Bone in Different Parts of Woodpecker’s Skull on Resistance to Impact Injury
Authors: Wang Lizhen , Niu Xufeng , Ni Yikun , Xu Peng , Liu Xiaoyu , Lu Shan , Zhang Ming , Fan Yubo
Published: November 2013

Natural biological materials such as bone, teeth and nacre are nano‐composites of protein and mineral frequently exhibit highly superior strength for self‐assembly and nanofabrication. Mineral mass and microstructure/nanostructure of bone are susceptible to stimulation by mechanical loads, ensuring that its mechanical behavior and strength are adapted to environmental changes. Woodpeckers repeatedly drum tree trunks at a speed of 6‐7 m s−1 and acceleration of ~1000 g with no head injuries. The uneven distribution of spongy bone has been founded on woodpecker′s skull in our previous study. More knowledge of the distribution of the shock‐absorbing spongy bone could be incorporated into the design of new safety helmets, sports products, and other devices that need to be able to resist the impact. In this study, the effect of microstructure of spongy bone in different parts on woodpecker’s skull compared with other birds was observed and analyzed. It was found that the unique coordinate ability of micro‐parameters in different parts of woodpecker’s skull could be one of the most important roles of its resistance to impact injury. Better understanding of the materials would provide new inspirations of shock‐absorbing composite materials in engineering.
Casein Kinase 1ϵ Promotes Cell Proliferation by Regulating mRNA Translation
Authors: Shin Sejeong , Wolgamott Laura , Roux Philippe P. , Yoon Sang-Oh
Published: November 2013

Deregulation of translation initiation factors contributes to many pathogenic conditions, including cancer. Here, we report the definition of a novel regulatory pathway for translational initiation with possible therapeutic import in cancer. Specifically, we found that casein kinase 1ϵ (CK1ϵ) is highly expressed in breast tumors and plays a critical role in cancer cell proliferation by controlling mRNA translation. Eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E, an essential component of the translation initiation complex eIF4F, is downregulated by binding the negative-acting factor 4E-BP1. We found that genetic or pharmacologic inhibition of CK1ϵ attenuated 4E-BP1 phosphorylation, thereby increasing 4E-BP1 binding to eIF4E and inhibiting mRNA translation. Mechanistic investigations showed that CK1ϵ interacted with and phosphorylated 4E-BP1 at two novel sites T41 and T50, which were essential for 4E-BP1 inactivation along with increased mRNA translation and cell proliferation. In summary, our work identified CK1ϵ as a pivotal regulator of mRNA translation and cell proliferation that acts by inhibiting 4E-BP1 function. As CK1ϵ is highly expressed in breast tumors, these findings offer an initial rationale to explore CK1ϵ blockade as a therapeutic strategy to treat cancers driven by deregulated mRNA translation. Cancer Res; 74(1); 201–11. ©2013 AACR.
hSETD1A Regulates Wnt Target Genes and Controls Tumor Growth of Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Salz Tal , Li Guangyao , Kaye Frederic , Zhou Lei , Qiu Yi , Huang Suming
Published: November 2013

hSETD1A is a member of the trithorax (TrxG) family of histone methyltransferases (HMT) that methylate H3K4 at promoters of active genes. Although misregulation of mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) family proteins has been associated with acute leukemia, the role of hSETD1A in cancer remains unknown. In this study, we report that hSETD1A and its associated H3K4me3 are upregulated in human colorectal cancer cells and patient samples. Depletion of hSETD1A inhibits colorectal cancer cell growth, colony formation, and tumor engraftment. Genome-wide expression profiling of colorectal cancer cells reveals that approximately 50% of Wnt/β-catenin target genes are affected by the hSETD1A knockdown. We further demonstrate that hSETD1A is recruited to promoters of those Wnt signaling target genes through its interaction with β-catenin, a master regulator of the Wnt signaling pathway. The recruitment of the hSETD1A HMT complex confers promoter-associated H3K4me3 that leads to assembly of transcription preinitiation complex and transcriptional activation. Furthermore, the expression levels of hSETD1A are positively correlated with H3K4me3 enrichment at the promoters of Wnt/β-catenin target genes and the aberrant activation of these genes in human colorectal cancer. These results provide new biologic and mechanistic insights into the cooperative role of hSETD1A and β-catenin in regulation of Wnt target genes as well as in colorectal cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Cancer Res; 74(3); 775–86. ©2013 AACR.
Enhanced PI3K p110α Signaling Confers Acquired Lapatinib Resistance That Can Be Effectively Reversed by a p110α-Selective PI3K Inhibitor
Authors: Brady Samuel W. , Zhang Jian , Seok Daniel , Wang Hai , Yu Dihua
Published: November 2013

Although the HER2-targeting agents trastuzumab and lapatinib have improved the survival of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, resistance to these targeted therapies is a major challenge. To investigate mechanisms of acquired lapatinib resistance, we generated acquired lapatinib resistance cell models by extended exposure of two HER2-positive breast cancer cell lines to lapatinib. Genomic and proteomic analyses revealed that lapatinib-resistant breast cancer cells gained additional phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) activation through activating mutation in PI3K p110α and/or increasing protein expression of existing mutant p110α. p110α protein upregulation in lapatinib-resistant cells occurred through gene amplification or posttranscriptional upregulation. Knockdown of p110α, but not p110β, the other PI3K catalytic subunit present in epithelial cells, inhibited proliferation of lapatinib-resistant cells, especially when combined with lapatinib. Lapatinib-resistant xenograft growth was inhibited persistently by combination treatment with the p110α-selective PI3K inhibitor BYL719 and lapatinib; the drug combination was also well tolerated in mice. Mechanistically, the combination of lapatinib plus BYL719 more effectively inhibited Akt phosphorylation and, surprisingly, Erk phosphorylation, than either drug alone in the resistance model. These findings indicate that lapatinib resistance can occur through p110α protein upregulation-mediated, and/or mutation-induced, PI3K activation. Moreover, a combinatorial targeted therapy, lapatinib plus BYL719, effectively overcame lapatinib resistance in vivo and could be further tested in clinical trials. Finally, our findings indicate that p110β may be dispensable for lapatinib resistance in some cases. This allows the usage of p110α-specific PI3K inhibitors and thus may spare patients the toxicities of pan-PI3K inhibition to allow maximal dosage and efficacy. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(1); 60–70. ©2013 AACR.