bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Substance Flow Analysis of Neodymium and Dysprosium Associated with Neodymium Magnets in Japan
Authors: Sekine Nobuo , Daigo Ichiro , Goto Yoshikazu
Published: July 2016

Recycling of neodymium and dysprosium is of great interest because of the rapid growth in their demand and limited supply of new resources. To promote recovery from end‐of‐life (EoL) products, it is desirable to quantify the recycling potentials of neodymium and dysprosium by their end use. This study characterized the substance flows of neodymium and dysprosium associated with neodymium magnets in Japan by conducting a dynamic substance flow analysis. A bottom‐up approach was employed in the analysis to estimate annual consumption by end use. Factors used in the analysis were the amounts of rare earth contents, weight of a magnet used for each product, adoption ratios of neodymium magnet usage in each product, and lifetime of products. It was found that the amount of neodymium entering use was approximately half of the domestic consumption; the balance existing in final products that were exported from Japan. The economic feasibility of recycling neodymium magnets was evaluated for their largest two end uses: driving motors in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and compressors in air conditioners. It was found that recycling the neodymium magnets used in the driving motors has the potential for economic feasibility in Japan. The result showed that lower transportation costs for recovered magnets can make the recycling economically feasible regardless of the content rate and the price of metals. The future increase of EoL HEVs contributes to the feasibility of recycling with a profit in the upcoming years. Strategies for more profitable recycling are concentrating scrap motors or magnets among recycling factories or selecting specific factories that deal with EoL HEVs.
Gestational Weight Gain and Breastfeeding Outcomes in Group Prenatal Care
Authors: Brumley Jessica , Cain M. Ashley , Stern Marilyn , Louis Judette M.
Published: July 2016

Introduction

This study sought to examine the differences in pregnancy outcomes with a focus on gestational weight gain for women attending group prenatal care compared to standard individual prenatal care.

Methods

A matched case‐control study was conducted including 65 women who chose group care and 130 women who chose standard individual care. Women were matched based on prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) category, eligibility for midwifery care, and age within 5 years.

Results

Women choosing group prenatal care and women choosing standard individual care had similar gestational weight gain, birth weight, gestational age at birth, and mode of birth. Women choosing group prenatal care did have a significantly higher rate of exclusive breastfeeding at 6 weeks postpartum (odds ratio [OR], 4.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.81‐9.15; P < .001) than women choosing individual care.

Discussion

Group prenatal care participation resulted in equivalent gestational weight gain as well as pregnancy outcomes as compared to standard individual care. Breastfeeding rates were improved for women choosing group prenatal care. Randomized controlled trials are needed in order to eliminate selection bias.
The Influence of Pituitary Size on Outcome After Transsphenoidal Hypophysectomy in a Large Cohort of Dogs with Pituitary‐Dependent Hypercortisolism
Authors: van Rijn S.J. , Galac S. , Tryfonidou M.A. , Hesselink J.W. , Penning L.C. , Kooistra H.S. , Meij B.P.
Published: July 2016

Background

Transsphenoidal hypophysectomy is one of the treatment strategies in the comprehensive management of dogs with pituitary‐dependent hypercortisolism (PDH).

Objectives

To describe the influence of pituitary size at time of pituitary gland surgery on long‐term outcome.

Animals

Three‐hundred–and‐six dogs with PDH.

Methods

Survival and disease‐free fractions were analyzed and related to pituitary size; dogs with and without recurrence were compared.

Results

Four weeks after surgery, 91% of dogs were alive and remission was confirmed in 92% of these dogs. The median survival time was 781 days, median disease‐free interval was 951 days. Over time, 27% of dogs developed recurrence of hypercortisolism after a median period of 555 days. Dogs with recurrence had significantly higher pituitary height/brain area (P/B) ratio and pre‐operative basal urinary corticoid‐to‐creatinine ratio (UCCR) than dogs without recurrence. Survival time and disease‐free interval of dogs with enlarged pituitary glands was significantly shorter than that of dogs with a non‐enlarged pituitary gland. Pituitary size at the time of surgery significantly increased over the 20‐year period. Although larger tumors have a less favorable prognosis, outcome in larger tumors improved over time.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Transsphenoidal hypophysectomy is an effective treatment for PDH in dogs, with an acceptable long‐term outcome. Survival time and disease‐free fractions are correlated negatively with pituitary gland size, making the P/B ratio an important pre‐operative prognosticator. However, with increasing experience, and for large tumors, pituitary gland surgery remains an option to control the pituitary mass and hypercortisolism.
Evaluation of performance of water quality models for a tropical lake system
Authors: Albert Moses Sheela , Janaki Letha , Joseph Sabu , Joseph Justus
Published: July 2016

The ability to predict water quality is a major requirement for planning and execution of developmental projects. It helps entrepreneurs to effectively plan and implement pollution control measures. This study evaluates the ability of different water quality models (statistical; remote sensing; mathematical) to predict salinity in Akkulam–Veli Lake, a tropical lake system. The performance of these three water quality models was evaluated. Prediction of salinity was made accurately with the mathematical model (WASP), compared to the other models. WASP facilitates prediction of daily water quality variations, which is not possible with the other models. A limitation of this model, however, was its ability to predict only a few water quality parameters. The statistical methods are reliable when the number of sampling sites and frequency of sample collection are high, making this method exhaustive and expensive. Remote sensing techniques proved to be less tedious, but are suitable only under specific situations, and not able to produce a high level of accuracy. Nevertheless, this method provides a continuous picture of spatial variations of different water quality parameters to a reasonable level of accuracy. The choice of the ‘best’ model varies on the basis of climatic and field conditions of the lake system of concern. Thus, a combination of water quality models was found to be the most ideal approach for analysing water quality data.
First isolation of Candida wangnamkhiaoensis from the blood of immunocompromised paediatric patient
Authors: Tap Ratna Mohd , Ho Betty Lee Sue , Ramli Nur Yasmin , Suppiah Jeyanthi , Hashim Rohaidah , Sabaratnam Parameswari , Ginsapu Stephanie Jane , Gowbei Annabel , Razak Mohd Fuat Abd , Sipiczki Matthias , Ahmad Norazah
Published: July 2016

Candida wangnamkhiaoensis is a species clustered under the Hyphopichia clade has not ever been isolated from any clinical specimens. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of C. wangnamkhiaoensis associated with fungaemia in immunocompromised paediatric patient. The isolate was assigned a strain name as UZ1679/14, in which the identification was confirmed by a polymerase chain reaction‐sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit (LSU) regions of the rRNA gene. Antifungal susceptibility pattern showed that the isolate was sensitive to anidulafungin, caspofungin, fluconazole and voriconazole. The patient clinically improved after the antifungal treatment with caspofungin.
Duality of interaction outcomes in a plant–frugivore multilayer network
Authors: Genrich Christiane M. , Mello Marco A. R. , Silveira Fernando A. O. , Bronstein Judith L. , Paglia Adriano P.
Published: July 2016

In plant–animal interactions, species are commonly labeled as either mutualists or antagonists, based on the most common, most studied, or most easily observed outcome. Nevertheless, evidence from simple systems comprising 2–4 species suggests that those labels are an oversimplification: individual species often function in both roles, either simultaneously or at different places or times. We include both mutualistic and antagonistic interactions between mammals and seeds in a multilayer network, to explore for the first time the community‐level consequences of the dual roles played by some species. We tested whether negative and positive interactions within a plant–frugivore network are separated into different modules, or whether they overlap due to the presence of frugivores that both kill and disperse seeds. The frugivorous diets of nonvolant small mammals were studied at one dry tropical forest site in southeastern Brazil by analyzing fecal samples from individuals captured in live traps. Seed viability was assessed with a tetrazolium test to determine the outcome of those interactions, as estimated by whether or not seeds survived gut passage. Interactions were analyzed as a weighted multilayer network, subdivided into one potentially mutualistic (live seeds deposited) and one antagonistic (dead seeds deposited) layer. The two layers had similar structure with high overlap between them. Some mammal species exhibited highly central, dual roles, acting both as antagonists and mutualists, in many cases of the same plant species. Dispersal service by most of these small mammals is accompanied by seed destruction, suggesting that the selective pressures exerted by those animals on the plants is much more complex than often assumed. Our results demonstrate that the complexity of plant–frugivore networks can not be fully understood without proper incorporating measures of seed fate following gut passage.
Presence of Citrullinated Histone H3‐Positive Neutrophils in Microscopic Polyangiitis from the Early Phase: An Autopsy Proven Case
Authors: Matsuda Yoko , Hamayasu Hideki , Seki Atsuko , Nonaka Keisuke , Wang Tan , Matsumoto Takumi , Hamano Yoshitomo , Sumikura Hiroyuki , Kumasaka Toshio , Murayama Shigeo , Ishizu Akihiko , Shimizu Akira , Sugihara Takahiko , Arai Tomio
Published: July 2016

A 76‐year‐old man was admitted with general fatigue, weight loss, fever, headache, renal failure, and a high serum level of myeloperoxidase‐antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody. Biopsy revealed citrullinated histone H3 (citH3)‐positive neutrophils adherent to the temporal artery endothelium. Three days after completing pulse steroid therapy, he suffered from a sudden disturbance of consciousness and died. On autopsy, the kidneys showed the most severe vasculitis with dense infiltration of citH3‐positive neutrophils. The lungs showed intra‐alveolar hemorrhage due to capillaritis. Severe brain hemorrhage was found in the left frontal lobe and putamen with uncal herniation. No vasculitis or thrombi was observed in the brain. The right dura mater was thickened due to fibrosis and inflammation. In conclusion, autopsy revealed systemic vasculitis with infiltration of abundant citH3‐positive neutrophils, suggesting that the neutrophil extracellular trap formation and citH3 might play important roles in the early phases and development of microscopic polyangiitis.
Corporate Taxation and Productivity Catch‐Up: Evidence from European Firms
Authors: Gemmell Norman , Kneller Richard , McGowan Danny , Sanz Ismael , Sanz‐Sanz José F.
Published: July 2016

In this paper, we explore whether higher corporate tax rates, because they lower the after‐tax returns to productivity‐enhancing investments, reduce the speed with which small firms converge to the productivity frontier. Using data for 11 European countries, we find evidence that their productivity catch‐up is slower when the statutory corporate tax rates are higher. In contrast, we find that large firms are instead affected by effective marginal rates. Using the reduced‐form model of productivity convergence of Griffith et al. (2009, Journal of Regional Science 49, 689–720), our results are robust to a host of robustness checks and a natural experiment that exploits the 2001 German tax reforms.
Analgesic effect of Facebook: Priming with online social networking may boost felt relatedness that buffers against physical pain
Authors: Ho Liang‐Chu , Wu Wen‐Hsiung , Chiou Wen‐Bin
Published: July 2016

Social networking sites (SNSs) are extremely popular for providing users with a convenient platform for acquiring social connections and thereby feeling relatedness. Plenty of literature has shown that mental representations of social support can reduce the perception of physical pain. The current study tested whether thinking about SNS would interfere with users’ perceptions of experimentally induced pain. Ninety‐six undergraduate Facebook users were recruited to participate in a priming‐based experiment. They were randomly assigned to one of the three study conditions (SNS prime, neutral prime, or no prime) via rating the aesthetics of logos. The results showed that participants exposed to SNS primes reported less pain of immersion in hot water than did both control groups (neutral‐ and no‐prime). Felt relatedness mediated the link between SNS primes and diminished pain perceptions. This research provides the first demonstration that thinking about SNS can lower experienced physical pain among Facebook users. Online social networking may serve as an analgesic buffer against pain experience than previously thought. The SNS‐enabled analgesia has far reaching implications for pain relief applications and the enhancement of well‐being in human‐interaction techniques.
Collaborative Questioning through Digital Media: A Strategy for Catalyzing Student Research “Conversations”
Authors: Brecht Mara
Published: July 2016

Research begins with good questions. Undergraduate students often struggle with research projects because they do not know how to pose good research questions. This note describes a teaching strategy that is collaborative and digital, and enables students to practice asking research questions and acquire skills for evaluating them collectively. Working in groups and through a digital medium, students query each other's research interests and, in turn, inhabit the kinds of conversational practices that characterize authentic scholarly discourse.
Teaching with Technology: Using Digital Humanities to Engage Student Learning
Authors: Warren Meredith J. C.
Published: July 2016

In this article, I address the challenge of fostering better student engagement with ancient material, and discuss my experience with designing a course around creative use of technology. In my recent course, “The Ancient Christian Church: 54–604 CE,” I employed several tactics to encourage student engagement with ancient and modern sources, which also promoted active participation at the level of pedagogy. By designing the classroom experience to allow for student‐centered technology use, students were enabled to explore the ancient world in creative ways. In the end, I noticed greater student participation and higher‐quality understanding of the ancient church when compared with lecture‐ or seminar‐focused classroom experiences.
Dermatopathology – the link between ancillary techniques and clinical lesions
Authors: Affolter Verena K.
Published: July 2016

Background

Histopathology has been essential in advancing our knowledge in veterinary dermatology. However, morphological features and histological patterns cannot always reveal an aetiological diagnosis.

Objectives

Several ancillary techniques can assist in achieving an aetiological diagnosis. Some of these techniques have found their way into routine diagnostic dermatopathology, whereas others are still mainly used in research. This review discusses the utility, strengths, advantages/disadvantages and challenges associated with each technique.

Methods

Digital microscopy, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, salt‐split skin, Western blots, electron microscopy, PCR, in situ hybridization, tissue microarrays, next‐generation sequencing, DNA microarrays and laser microdissection are discussed.

Conclusions

It is crucial to understand the limitations of each technique and to correlate the results both with pathological findings and the clinical presentation. As such, dermatopathology will remain the important link between benchtop science, available results from ancillary techniques and clinical veterinary dermatology.
Molecular and epidemiological characterization of caninePseudomonasotitis using a prospective case‐control study design
Authors: Morris Daniel O. , Davis Meghan F. , Palmeiro Brian S. , O'Shea Kathleen , Rankin Shelley C.
Published: July 2016

Background

Pseudomonas aeruginosais an opportunistic pathogen of the canine ear canal and occupies aquatic habitats in the environment. Nosocomial and zoonotic transmission ofP. aeruginosahave been documented, including clonal outbreaks.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The primary objective of this study was to assess various environmental exposures as potential risk factors for caninePseudomonasotitis. It was hypothesized that isolates derived from infected ears would be clonal to isolates derived from household water sources and the mouths of human and animal companions of the study subjects.

Animals

Seventy seven privately owned dogs with otitis were enrolled, along with their human and animal household companions, in a case‐control design.

Methods

Data on potential risk factors forPseudomonasotitis were collected. Oral cavities of all study subjects, their human and animal companions, and household water sources were sampled. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis was used to estimate clonal relatedness ofP. aeruginosaisolates.

Results

In a multivariate model, visiting a dog park was associated with 77% increased odds of case status (P= 0.048). Strains clonal to the infection isolates were obtained from subjects’ mouths (n= 18), companion pets’ mouths (n= 5), pet owners’ mouths (n= 2), water bowls (n= 7) and water taps (n= 2). Clonally relatedP. aeruginosaisolates were obtained from dogs that had no clear epidemiological link.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Genetic homology between otic and environmental isolates is consistent with a waterborne source for some dogs, and cross‐contamination with other human and animal members within some households.
Evaluation of platelet function using multiple electrode platelet aggregometry in dogs with septic peritonitis
Authors: Li Ronald H.L. , Chan Daniel L.
Published: July 2016

Objective

To assess platelet function via multiple electrode platelet aggregometry (MEPA) in dogs with septic peritonitis and in healthy dogs. The secondary aim was to determine if there is prognostic significance to changes in platelet function observed in septic dogs.

Design

Prospective, observational cohort study conducted from January 2012 to March 2014.

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Animals

Twenty dogs with septic peritonitis and 23 healthy dogs.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

MEPA using arachidonic acid, adenosine diphosphate, and collagen (COL) as agonists was measured within 24 hours of diagnosis of sepsis. Compared to healthy dogs, platelet aggregation was reduced in dogs with septic peritonitis for all agonists (P< 0.01). Overall mortality rate was 40%. MEPA in response to COL was significantly reduced in nonsurvivors compared to survivors (P= 0.019). Using receiver‐operating characteristic curve statistics, a COL‐activated MEPA less than 43.5 aggregation units had a sensitivity and specificity of 85.7% and 90.9%, respectively, for predicting nonsurvival in dogs with septic peritonitis.

Conclusions

Circulating platelets from dogs with septic peritonitis have diminished aggregation in response to multiple platelet agonists. MEPA may serve as an assessment tool for illness severity in this patient population.
A 10 km time trial running bout acutely increases the number of angiogenic T cells in the peripheral blood compartment of healthy males
Authors: Ross Mark , Tormey Peter , Ingram Lesley , Simpson Richard , Malone Eva , Florida‐James Geraint
Published: July 2016

New Findings

What is the central question of the study?

Are CD31+ angiogenic T (TANG) cells preferentially mobilized in response to acute exercise?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Our study reveals that TANG cells are redistributed into the circulation in response to acute strenuous exercise, but to a lesser extent than CD31− T cells. Of the TANG cells mobilized, TANG cells expressing CXCR4 show greater redistribution compared with CXCR4− TANG cells. Stromal‐derived factor 1‐α does not appear to play a role in the redistribution of TANG cells expressing CXCR4. The results suggest that a single bout of strenuous exercise might provide a short vasculogenic window, which could benefit the vascular system by redistributing CD31+ TANG cells.

CD31+ T cells have been documented to possess vasculogenic properties and have been termed ‘angiogenic T cells’ (TANG cells). No study to date has fully characterized the effect of acute exercise on TANG cells. Twelve male participants aged 24–45 years undertook a running 10 km time trial, with peripheral blood samples taken before, immediately after and 1 h postexercise for quantification of TANG cells and subsequent CXCR4 cell surface expression by flow cytometry. The TANG cells demonstrated a 102% increase in number in the peripheral circulation immediately postexercise compared with pre‐exercise levels, followed by a large egress (50%) from the circulation in total TANG cells 1 h postexercise. This was due to changes in both CD4+ and CD8+ TANG cells, with CD8+ TANG cells displaying greater ingress (123%) and egress (52%) compared with CD4+ TANG cells (ingress, 83%; egress, 37%). The cell surface expression intensity of CXCR4 was affected only on CD8+ TANG cells, with a significant increase in cell surface expression immediately postexercise versus pre‐exercise levels. The CD31− T cells displayed greater redistribution than CD31+ TANG cells (119 versus 102%). CXCR4‐expressing TANG cells showed greater response to acute exercise than CXCR4− cells, which was accompanied by large changes in CXCR4 ligand SDF‐1α. The results show that acute exercise increases TANG cells in the circulation in response to an acute exercise stressor. Additionally, CXCR4 cell surface expression appears to be increased in response to exercise, which may result from the direct upregulation of CXCR4 on the T‐cell surface or could be due to CD31+ T cells being redistributed into the blood expressing greater levels of CXCR4.
Impact of Tooth Indexing Errors on Dynamic Factors of Spur Gears: Experiments and Model Simulations
Authors: Talbot D. , Sun A. , Kahraman A.
Published: July 2016

This paper investigates the influences of tooth indexing errors on dynamic factors of spur gears. An experimental study is performed using root strain measurements to (i) establish baseline dynamic behavior of gears having negligible indexing errors and (ii) characterize changes caused by tightly controlled intentional indexing errors to this baseline dynamic behavior. For this, test gears having different forms of indexing errors are paired with an instrumented gear having negligible indexing error. Dynamic root strains of teeth in the neighborhood of teeth with indexing error are measured. A dynamic gear load distribution model is employed to simulate these experiments. Both measurements and predictions indicate clearly that the baseline dynamic response, dominated by well-defined resonance peaks, is altered significantly by transient vibrations induced by indexing errors, in the process increasing dynamic factors significantly in comparison to the case of negligible indexing error.
Effect of Meniscus Curvature on Apparent Thermal Slip
Authors: Steigerwalt Lam Lisa , Hodes Marc , Karamanis Georgios , Kirk Toby , MacLachlan Scott
Published: July 2016

We analytically consider the effect of meniscus curvature on heat transfer to laminar flow across structured surfaces. The surfaces considered are composed of ridges. Curvature of the menisci, which separates liquid in the Cassie state and gas trapped in cavities between the ridges, results from the pressure difference between the liquid and the gas. A boundary perturbation approach is used to develop expressions that account for the change in the temperature field in the limit of small curvature of a meniscus. The meniscus is considered adiabatic and a constant heat flux boundary condition is prescribed at the tips of the ridges in a semi-infinite and periodic domain. A solution for a constant temperature ridge is also presented using existing results from a mathematically equivalent hydrodynamic problem. We provide approximate expressions for the apparent thermal slip length as function of solid fraction over a range of small meniscus protrusion angles. Numerical results show good agreement with the perturbation results for protrusion angles up to ± 20 deg.
Graphene processing using electron beam assisted metal deposition and masked chemical vapor deposition growth
Authors: Merrell Andrew , Liu Feng
Published: July 2016

The fabrication of graphene devices can be challenging due to exposure to harsh chemicals and mechanical wear such as ultrasonication used for cleaning in photolithography and metal deposition. Common graphene processing methods often damage fragile graphene sheets and can ruin the device during fabrication. The authors report a facile method to overcome many of these challenges, which is specifically compatible with graphene grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Using e-beam assisted metal deposition to deposit fine platinum features, electrodes can be deposited directly on graphene while still on the copper foil used as the catalyst during the CVD growth. The graphene and electrodes are then transferred to an insulating substrate, without further processing. This method preserves the graphene/metal interface from exposure to harsh chemicals used in traditional lithography methods, and avoids many of the conventional processing steps, which can cause unwanted doping, and damage or destroy the graphene. The authors observe an increase in Raman D-mode in the graphene under the Pt deposit, which suggests that the deposition method facilitates chemisorption by slightly abrading the surface of graphene surface during deposition. Using e-beam assisted electrode deposition in conjunction with masked CVD graphene growth on copper, the authors show the feasibility of fabricating complete graphene devices without subjecting the graphene to lithography, plasma etching, metal lift-off steps, or even shadow mask processing.
Gastric perforation secondary to metastasis from breast cancer
Authors: Wong Chee Siong , Gumber Ashutosh , Kiruparan Pasupathy , Blackmore Alexander
Published: July 2016

Gastric perforation secondary to metastasis from breast cancer occurs infrequently. We present the case of a 72-year-old postmenopausal female patient with a known history of lobular carcinoma of the breast who presented to a district general hospital with a clinical diagnosis of an acute abdomen. Further contrast-enhanced CT scan demonstrated free gas and fluid in the abdomen. She underwent emergency exploratory laparotomy and onlay Graham's omentopexy patch due to 1×1 cm prepyloric gastric perforation. Final histopathology proved the presence of metastatic malignant cells in the breast origin. We discuss the issues involved in postoperative investigation and management.
Iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm of the peroneal artery
Authors: Kaczynski Jakub , Beveridge Emma , Holdsworth Richard Jeremy
Published: July 2016

An elderly patient who presented with an acute lower limb ischaemia was managed by thromboembolectomy: this led to revascularisation of the lower limb but resulted in an iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm of the peroneal artery. Subsequent endovascular treatment was successful, and the patient has made a good recovery.
On the Calculation of Directional Scale Elasticity in Data Envelopment Analysis
Authors: Mirjaberi Mahdi , Kazemi Matin Reza
Published: July 2016

In recent years, the notion of scale elasticity—the relative changes of outputs with respect to relative changes of inputs—has received a lot of ink in the literature. However, all prior studies, except a few of them, assume that changes are equi-proportional. This simplifying assumption makes scale elasticity measure to preserve the throughput mix and implicitly ignores both input independencies and decision-maker preferences. This paper seeks to investigate two main objectives. It initially proposes the notion of directional scale elasticity to allow evaluation of elasticity in any direction which may naturally alter the mix. Subsequently, by providing a tangible geometric interpretation, it attempts to clarify the measure. Relevant computations are used to construct cross sections of frontier in a given direction by enlisting the advantages of parametric optimization algorithm.
Yang–Baxter matrices associated with quantum information based on the topological basis
Authors: Yu Li-Wei , Xue Kang , Ge Mo-Lin
Published: July 2016

The solutions of Yang–Baxter equation (YBE) associated with quantum information have been reviewed with new progress. The additivity rule for two particles is shown to obey Lorentzian type other than the Gallilean. Acting the braiding operations on the topological basis, it turns out that the [Formula: see text]-dimensional representations obeying YBE are nothing but the Wigner’s [Formula: see text]-functions. The connection between the extremization of [Formula: see text]-norm as well as of von Neumann entropy and the reduction of YBE to braid relation is also discussed.
On Koszulity of finite graded posets
Authors: Manea Adrian , Ştefan Dragoş
Published: July 2016

In this paper, we continue our research on Koszul rings, started in [P. Jara, J. López-Peña and D. Ştefan, Koszul pairs and applications, to appear in J. Noncommut. Geom., http://arxiv.org/pdf/1011.4243.pdf ]. In Theorem 1.9, we prove in a unifying way several equivalent descriptions of Koszul rings, some of which being well known in the literature. Most of them are stated in terms of coring theoretical properties of [Formula: see text]. As an application of these characterizations, we investigate the Koszulity of the incidence rings for finite graded posets, see Theorems 2.8 and 2.9. Based on these results, we describe an algorithm to produce new classes of Koszul posets (i.e. graded posets, whose incidence rings are Koszul). Specific examples of Koszul posets are included.
A Numerical Method for Solving Second-Order Linear Partial Differential Equations Under Dirichlet, Neumann and Robin Boundary Conditions
Authors: Yüzbaşı Şuayip
Published: July 2016

The aim of this paper is to give a collocation method to solve second-order partial differential equations with variable coefficients under Dirichlet, Neumann and Robin boundary conditions. By using the Bessel functions of the first kind, the matrix operations and the collocation points, the method is constructed and it transforms the partial differential equation problem into a system of algebraic equations. The unknown coefficients of the assuming solution are determined by solving this system. The algorithm of the proposed method is presented. Also, error estimation technique is introduced and the approximate solutions are improved by means of it. To show the validity and applicability of the presented method, we solve numerical examples and give the comparison of solutions and comparisons of the errors (actual and estimation).
Coupled heat and moisture transfer of a single mung bean grain based on IR heating
Authors: Meenu Maninder , Guha Paramita , Mishra Sunita
Published: July 2016

Infrared (IR) heating is often used for the treatment of liquid and solid foods. IR treatment is known to enhance their shelf life by reducing moisture content and inactivating the microorganisms. Mung bean (a type of pulse from India) is a short season crop; suffers maximum storage loss when compared to other legume grains. The losses are due to moisture and temperature movements. Drying of grains is an important post-harvest operation. IR drying is advantageous over the conventional drying methods. In this paper, the drying of mung bean is considered. An experimental setup is developed to obtain the required moisture and temperature profiles. The equivalent model is simulated using COMSOL multiphysics software and the percentage error between the experimental and simulated models is calculated. Results of numerical implementation are presented and possible further extensions are identified.
Inhibitory Effect of Yongdamsagan‐Tang Water Extract, a Traditional Herbal Formula, on Testosterone‐Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Rats
Authors: Park Eunsook , Lee Mee-Young , Jeon Woo-Young , Lee Nari , Seo Chang-Seob , Shin Hyeun-Kyoo
Published: July 2016

Yongdamsagan‐tang, a traditional herbal formula, is used widely for the treatment of inflammation and viral diseases. In this study, we investigated whether Yongdamsagan‐tang water extract (YSTE) affects testosterone propionate‐ (TP‐) induced benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in a rat model. To induce BPH, rats were injected subcutaneously with 10 mg/kg of TP every day. YSTE was administrated daily by oral gavage at doses of 200 and 500 mg/kg along with the TP injection. After 4 weeks, prostates were collected, weighed, and analyzed. The relative prostrate weight was significantly lower in both YSTE groups (200 and 500 mg/kg/day) compared with the TP‐induced BPH group. YSTE administration reduced the expression of proliferation markers PCNA, cyclin D1, and Ki‐67 and the histological abnormalities observed in the prostate in TP‐induced BPH rats. YSTE attenuated the increase in the TP‐induced androgen concentration in the prostate. The YSTE groups also showed decreased lipid peroxidation and increased glutathione reductase activity in the prostate. These findings suggest that YSTE effectively prevented the development of TP‐induced BPH in rats through antiproliferative and antioxidative activities and might be useful in the clinical treatment of BPH.
Soluble Urokinase Receptors in Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis: A Review on the Scientific Point of View
Authors: Kronbichler Andreas , Saleem Moin A. , Meijers Björn , Shin Jae Il
Published: July 2016

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is one of the primary glomerular disorders in both children and adults which can progress to end-stage renal failure. Although there are genetic and secondary causes, circulating factors have also been regarded as an important factor in the pathogenesis of FSGS, because about 40% of the patients with FSGS have recurrence after renal transplantation. Soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is a soluble form of uPAR, which is a membrane-bound protein linked to GPI in various immunologically active cells, including podocytes. It has recently been suggested as a potential circulating factor in FSGS by in vitro podocyte experiments, in vivo mice models, and human studies. However, there have also been controversies on this issue, because subsequent studies showed conflicting results. suPAR levels were also increased in patients with other glomerular diseases and were inversely correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate. Nevertheless, there has been no balanced review on this issue. In this review, we compare the conflicting data on the involvement of suPAR in the pathogenesis of FSGS and shed light on interpretation by taking into account many points and the potential variables and confounders influencing serum suPAR levels.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Microwave Sintered ZrO2Bioceramics with TiO2Addition
Authors: Kuo Hsien-Nan , Chou Jyh-Horng , Liu Tung-Kuan
Published: July 2016

The microwave sintered zirconia ceramics with 0, 1, 3, and 5 wt% TiO2addition at a low sintering temperature of 1300°C and a short holding time of 1 hour were investigated. Effect of contents of TiO2addition on microstructure and mechanical properties of microwave sintered zirconia bioceramics was reported. In the sintered samples, the main phase is monoclinic zirconia (m-ZrO2) phase and minor phase is tetragonal zirconia (t-ZrO2) phase. The grain sizes increased with increasing the TiO2contents under the sintering temperature of 1300°C. Although the TiO2phase was not detected in the XRD pattern, Ti and O elements were detected in the EDS analysis. The presence of TiO2effectively improved grain growth of the ZrO2ceramics. The Vickers hardness was in the range of 125 to 300 Hv and increased with the increase of TiO2contents. Sintering temperature dependence on the Vickers hardness was also investigated from 1150°C to 1300°C, showing the increase of Vickers hardness with the increase of the sintering temperature as well as TiO2addition.
Vehicle Sideslip Angle Estimation Based on Hybrid Kalman Filter
Authors: Li Jing , Zhang Jiaxu
Published: July 2016

Vehicle sideslip angle is essential for active safety control systems. This paper presents a new hybrid Kalman filter to estimate vehicle sideslip angle based on the 3-DoF nonlinear vehicle dynamic model combined with Magic Formula tire model. The hybrid Kalman filter is realized by combining square-root cubature Kalman filter (SCKF), which has quick convergence and numerical stability, with square-root cubature based receding horizon Kalman FIR filter (SCRHKF), which has robustness against model uncertainty and temporary noise. Moreover, SCKF and SCRHKF work in parallel, and the estimation outputs of two filters are merged by interacting multiple model (IMM) approach. Experimental results show the accuracy and robustness of the hybrid Kalman filter.
On the Asymptotic Properties of Nonlinear Third-Order Neutral Delay Differential Equations with Distributed Deviating Arguments
Authors: Fu Youliang , Tian Yazhou , Jiang Cuimei , Li Tongxing
Published: July 2016

This paper is concerned with the asymptotic properties of solutions to a third-order nonlinear neutral delay differential equation with distributed deviating arguments. Several new theorems are obtained which ensure that every solution to this equation either is oscillatory or tends to zero. Two illustrative examples are included.
Effect of Lipid Composition onIn VitroRelease and Skin Deposition of Curcumin Encapsulated Liposomes
Authors: Pamunuwa Geethi , Karunaratne Veranja , Karunaratne D. Nedra
Published: July 2016

Liposomal encapsulation improves numerous physiochemical and biological properties of curcumin. The aim of this work was to impart slow release and skin delivery of curcumin via liposomal encapsulation. Liposomes were made using egg yolk phosphatidylcholine as the staple lipid while incorporating polysorbate 80 and stearylamine to prepare hybrid liposomes and positively charged liposomes, respectively. Negatively charged liposomes exhibited the highest encapsulation efficiencies (87.8±4.3%) and loading capacities (3.4±0.2%). The sizes of all formulations were about 250 nm, while stearylamine increased the polydispersity index. Positively charged liposomes showed lower degradation temperatures than negatively charged liposomes by 10–15°C, attributable to the presence of stearylamine. The melting temperatures of positively charged liposomes (40–50°C) were much higher than those of negatively charged liposomes (14-15°C), which may have affected release and skin deposition behavior of liposomes. The positively charged liposomes exhibited the slowest release of curcumin in phosphate buffered saline (pH 6.8) and the release profiles of all liposomal formulations conformed to the Gompertz model. The negatively charged liposomes facilitated the highest skin deposition of curcumin as revealed by studies conducted using excised pig ear skin. Concisely, positively and negatively charged liposomes were optimal for slow release and skin deposition of curcumin, respectively.
The Efficacy and Safety of Antipsychotic Medications in the Treatment of Psychosis in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Divac Nevena , Stojanović Radan , Savić Vujović Katarina , Medić Branislava , Damjanović Aleksandar , Prostran Milica
Published: July 2016

Psychotic symptoms are present in up to 50% of patients with Parkinson’s disease. These symptoms have detrimental effects on patients’ and caregivers’ quality of life and may predict mortality. The pathogenesis of psychotic symptoms in Parkinson’s disease is complex, but the use of dopaminergic medications is one of the risk factors. The treatment of psychotic symptoms in Parkinson’s disease is complicated due to the ability of antipsychotic medications to worsen motor symptoms. The efficacy of clozapine in the treatment of psychosis in patients with Parkinson’s disease has been confirmed in several clinical trials; however, the adverse effects and the necessity of blood count monitoring are the reasons why the use of this drug is challenging. The studies on safety and efficacy of other antipsychotics conflicting results. The use of antipsychotics in these patients is also associated with increased mortality. Psychotic symptoms in Parkinson’s diseaseper seare also proven predictors of mortality. Thus it is necessary to treat psychotic symptoms but the choice of an antipsychotic should be based on careful risk/benefit assessment. Pimavanserin as a novel therapeutic option with more favorable adverse effects profile is now available for this indication, but careful postmarketing monitoring is necessary to establish the true picture of this drug’s long-term safety and efficacy.
Expression of TSLP and Downstream Molecules IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 on the Eye Surface of Patients with Various Types of Allergic Conjunctivitis
Authors: Zheng Xiaofen , Yao Juan , Li Bing
Published: July 2016

Background.The pathogenesis of allergic conjunctivitis has not been clearly established. Moreover, previous studies fail to consider human models of allergic conjunctivitis. This study investigated the expression of thymic stromal lymphopoiet in TSLP and its downstream molecules in conjunctival scrappings and tear.Methods.This cross-sectional study compares patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC), and perennial allergic conjunctivitis (PAC) with normal controls. There are 80 people recorded in Shanxi Eye Hospital. Increasingly, 20 are with VKC, 20 are with SAC, 20 are with PAC, and the remaining 20 are normal controls. Conjunctiva were harvested for total RNA extraction and gene expression by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Epithelial cells were collected to make pathological sections for immunohistochemical staining. Human tears were evaluated by Luminex microbead assay. APvalue less than 0.05 from Dunnett’s post hoc test in SPSS means a statistical significant distinction.Results.Positive expression in conjunctival cells of patients with allergic conjunctivitis. The expression of TSLP and IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 mRNA shows a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). TSLP and IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 concentrations show a statistically significant difference (P<0.01).Conclusions.This study suggests that TSLP and downstream molecules are expressed in patients with various types of allergic conjunctivitis.
Damage Simulation of a Random Aggregate Model Induced by Microwave under Different Discontinuous Ratios and Exposure Times
Authors: Tang Yang , Xu Guobin , Qu Chunlai , Sun Liying , Duan Yu
Published: July 2016

A random aggregate algorithmic method and a numerical model for two-phase materials (composed of quartz and plagioclase) with different discontinuous ratios and irradiation times were studied based on the discrete element method using two-dimensional particle flow code (PFC2D). The results showed that this algorithm can simulate random irregular aggregate shapes. Furthermore, crack initiation and development and the coalescence process of microwave-induced material damage could be predicted using the discrete element method. After analysis of this study, the micro crack originated from the boundary of the high-absorption-phase plagioclase crystal and expanded around the plagioclase, extending into the quartz material. The crack morphology presented a radial network.
MAPK Pathways Are Involved in Neuropathic Pain in Rats with Chronic Compression of the Dorsal Root Ganglion
Authors: Qu Yu-Juan , Jia Lei , Zhang Xiao , Wei Hui , Yue Shou-Wei
Published: July 2016

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the MAPK pathways were involved in the mechanism of neuropathic pain in rats with chronic compression of the dorsal root ganglion. We determined the paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT) of rats before and after CCD surgery and then after p38, JNK, or ERK inhibitors administration. Western blotting, RT‐PCR, and immunofluorescence of dorsal root ganglia were performed to investigate the protein and mRNA level of MAPKs and also the alternation in distributions of positive neurons in dorsal root ganglia. Intrathecal administration of MAPKs inhibitors, SB203580 (p38 inhibitor), SP600125 (JNK inhibitor), and U0126 (ERK inhibitor), resulted in a partial reduction in CCD‐induced mechanical allodynia. The reduction of allodynia was associated with significant depression in the level of both MAPKs mRNA and protein expression in CCD rats and also associated with the decreased ratios of large size MAPKs positive neurons in dorsal root ganglia. In conclusion, the specific inhibitors of MAPKs contributed to the attenuation of mechanical allodynia in CCD rats and the large size MAPKs positive neurons in dorsal root ganglia were crucial.
System for Malicious Node Detection in IPv6-Based Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Grgic Kresimir , Zagar Drago , Krizanovic Cik Visnja
Published: July 2016

The trend of implementing the IPv6 into wireless sensor networks (WSNs) has recently occurred as a consequence of a tendency of their integration with other types of IP-based networks. The paper deals with the security aspects of these IPv6-based WSNs. A brief analysis of security threats and attacks which are present in the IPv6-based WSN is given. The solution to an adaptive distributed system for malicious node detection in the IPv6-based WSN is proposed. The proposed intrusion detection system is based on distributed algorithms and a collective decision-making process. It introduces an innovative concept of probability estimation for malicious behaviour of sensor nodes. The proposed system is implemented and tested through several different scenarios in three different network topologies. Finally, the performed analysis showed that the proposed system is energy efficient and has a good capability to detect malicious nodes.
Oxidation Analyses of Massive Air Ingress Accident of HTR-PM
Authors: Xu Wei , Zheng Yanhua , Shi Lei , Liu Peng
Published: July 2016

The double-ended guillotine break (DEGB) of the horizontal coaxial gas duct accident is a serious air ingress accident of the high temperature gas-cooled reactor pebble-bed module (HTR-PM). Because the graphite is widely used as the structure material and the fuel element matrix of HTR-PM, the oxidation analyses of this severe air ingress accident have got enough attention in the safety analyses of the HTR-PM. The DEGB of the horizontal coaxial gas duct accident is calculated by using the TINTE code in this paper. The results show that the maximum local oxidation of the matrix graphite of spherical fuel elements in the core will firstly reach3.75⁎104 mol/m3at about 120 h, which means that only the outer 5 mm fuel-free zone of matrix graphite will be oxidized out. Even at 150 h, the maximum local weight loss ratio of the nuclear grade graphite in the bottom reflectors is only 0.26. Besides, there is enough time to carry out some countermeasures to stop the air ingress during several days. Therefore, the nuclear grade graphite of the bottom reflectors will not be fractured in the DEGB of the horizontal coaxial gas duct accident and the integrity of the HTR-PM can be guaranteed.