bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact scenarios in boron carbide: A computational study
Authors: Sugden Isaac J. , Plant David F. , Bell Robert G.
Published: August 2016

The effect of radiative impacts on the structure of boron carbide has been studied by both classical and ab initio simulations. As a part of this study, a new forcefield was developed for use in studying boron carbide materials. Impact scenarios in boron carbide were simulated in order to investigate the exceptional resistance of this material, and other icosahedral boron solids, to high-energy impact events. It was observed that interstitial defects created by radiative impacts are likely to be quenched locally, utilizing the high substitutional disorder of chains and cages in the boron carbide structure, rather than via impacted atoms recombining with their vacated lattice site.
On a Mass Evacuation Simulator with Complex Autonomous Agents and Applications
Authors: Aguilar L , Wijerathne M. L. L.
Published: August 2016

This paper presents the details of a mass evacuation simulator with complex autonomous agents on a high resolution model of environment along with demonstrative applications that highlight its usefulness, need and uniqueness. Most of existing mass evacuation simulators are based on simplified models, and the use of complex models is limited to small scale simulations. This simulator makes use of high performance computing to introduce a complex agent system to simulate evacuations in hundreds of square kilometer size domains. The framework of the developed multi-agent system and some of the agents’ constituent functions for interacting with high resolution grid are briefly explained. Interactions are validated using field observations. Two sets of applications are presented to demonstrate the systems use for simulating mixed mode evacuation and evacuation in dynamically changing environment.
Average conditions for permanence and extinction in nonautonomous single-species Kolmogorov systems
Authors: Zhao Jiandong , Chen Zhenzhen
Published: August 2016

The nonautonomous single-species Kolmogorov system is studied in this paper. Average conditions are obtained for permanence, global attractivity and extinction in the system. Applications of our main results to logistic equation and generalized logistic equation are given. It is shown that our average conditions are improvement of those in Vance and Coddington [J. Math. Biol. 27 (1989) 491–506] and some published literature on the system.
The synthesis and the photocatalytic degradation property of the nano-MoS2
Authors: Man Xiaoqin , Yu Lixin , Sun Jiaju , Li Songchu
Published: August 2016

Recently, the two-dimensional molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) materials have attracted much interest owing to its potential application in optoelectronics and catalyze. In this paper, nano-MoS2was prepared via a hydrothermal method through changing the pH value of the precursor solution. The structure and optical properties are systematically studied. The results indicate that laminated MoS2structure is obtained. The pH value of precursor solution affects the laminated structure. The strong absorption in ultraviolet range and blue emission are observed in the prepared MoS2structures. The photocatalytic properties of MoS2by degrading Rhodamine B under ultraviolet light were observed.
Preparation and characterization of nanocrystalline barium ferrite ceramic
Authors: Saeedi Majid , Abdellahi Majid , Rahimi Alireza , Khandan Amirsalar
Published: August 2016

In this work, nanocrystalline BaFe[Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text] hexaferrite ceramic was synthesized via high-energy ball milling and subsequent sintering from the mixed powders of Fe2O3and BaCO3. X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), differential thermal analysis (DTA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were utilized to understand the structural evolution during the synthesis process. Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) was also used to investigate the magnetic properties of the samples as a function of sintering process. DTA analysis suggested that the initial high-energy milling of the precursors helps the formation of single domain magnetic particles. According to the results obtained, BaFe[Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text] can be formed via two main steps, during which BaFe2O4is formed initially that eventually turns into BaFe[Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text]. VSM-based findings showed that the ratio of remanent magnetization to magnetization value (Mr/Ms) is around 0.5 which is the expected value for randomly oriented assembly of uniaxial single-domain particles undergoing magnetization reversal by coherent rotation. The observed magnetic parameters (Mr and Ms) are much higher than the previously reported values, due to the reduction in particle size as a result of ball milling.
Peptide-Based Ligand for Active Delivery of Liposomal Doxorubicin
Authors: Sun Yuan , Kang Chen , Yao Zhili , Liu Fei , Zhou You
Published: August 2016

Doxorubicin (DOX) has been extensively used in the clinic to treat malignant tumors such as leukemias and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. However, the severe cardiotoxicity associated with the use of DOX requests the development of alternative and efficient pharmaceutical formulations. The PEGylated liposome of DOX can significantly reduce the cardiotoxicity but still lacks the active targeting towards cancer cells. Modification of liposomal DOX with active ligands would then be a rational approach to enhance the transportation of the toxin into tumor cells. Currently used targeting ligands include antibodies, proteins, small molecules, and peptides. By virtue of the advantages such as easy preparation, lower cost, and elevated resistance to enzymatic degradation, peptides are attracting a significant amount of interest as active targeting ligands for pharmaceutics. In this paper, we will briefly discuss the application of peptide ligands for the improvement of the therapeutic efficacy of liposomal DOX.
Quantum dynamics of wave packets in a non-stationary parabolic potential and the Kramers escape rate theory
Authors: Dubinko Vladimir I. , Mazmanishvili Alexander S. , Laptev Denis V. , Archilla Juan F. R.
Published: August 2016

At sufficiently low temperatures, the reaction rates in solids are controlled by quantum rather than by thermal fluctuations. We solve the Schrödinger equation for a Gaussian wave packet in a non-stationary harmonic oscillator and derive simple analytical expressions for the increase of its mean energy with time induced by the time-periodic modulation. Applying these expressions to the modified Kramers theory, we demonstrate a strong increase of the rate of escape out of a potential well under the time-periodic driving, when the driving frequency of the well position equals its eigenfrequency, or when the driving frequency of the well width exceeds its eigenfrequency by a factor of [Formula: see text]. Such regimes can be realized near localized anharmonic vibrations (LAVs), in which the amplitude of atomic oscillations greatly exceeds that of harmonic oscillations (phonons) that determine the system temperature. LAVs can be excited either thermally or by external triggering, which can result in strong catalytic effects due to amplification of the Kramers rate.
A Large-Scale Evaluation of U.S. Financial Institutions’ Standardized Privacy Notices
Authors: Cranor Lorrie Faith , Leon Pedro Giovanni , Ur Blase
Published: August 2016

Financial institutions in the United States are required by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act to provide annual privacy notices. In 2009, eight federal agencies jointly released a model privacy form for these disclosures. While the use of this model privacy form is not required, it has been widely adopted. We automatically evaluated 6,191 U.S. financial institutions’ privacy notices posted on the World Wide Web. We found large variance in stated practices, even among institutions of the same type. While thousands of financial institutions share personal information without providing the opportunity for consumers to opt out, some institutions’ practices are more privacy protective. Regression analyses show that large institutions and those headquartered in the northeastern region share consumers’ personal information at higher rates than all other institutions. Furthermore, our analysis helped us uncover institutions that do not let consumers limit data sharing when legally required to do so, as well as institutions making self-contradictory statements. We discuss implications for privacy in the financial industry, issues with the design and use of the model privacy form on the World Wide Web, and future directions for standardized privacy notice.
Finding Approximate Nash Equilibria of Bimatrix Games via Payoff Queries
Authors: Fearnley John , Savani Rahul
Published: August 2016

We study the deterministic and randomized query complexity of finding approximate equilibria in a
k
×
k
bimatrix game. We show that the deterministic query complexity of finding an ϵ-Nash equilibrium when ϵ < ½ is Ω(
k
2
), even in zero-one constant-sum games. In combination with previous results [Fearnley et al. 2013], this provides a complete characterization of the deterministic query complexity of approximate Nash equilibria. We also study randomized querying algorithms. We give a randomized algorithm for finding a (3-√5/2 + ϵ)-Nash equilibrium using
O
(
k
.log
k
/ϵ
2
) payoff queries, which shows that the ½ barrier for deterministic algorithms can be broken by randomization. For well-supported Nash equilibria (WSNE), we first give a randomized algorithm for finding an ϵ-WSNE of a zero-sum bimatrix game using
O
(
k
.log
k
/ϵ
4
) payoff queries, and we then use this to obtain a randomized algorithm for finding a (⅔ + ϵ)-WSNE in a general bimatrix game using
O
(
k
.log
k
/ϵ
4
) payoff queries. Finally, we initiate the study of lower bounds against randomized algorithms in the context of bimatrix games, by showing that randomized algorithms require Ω(
k
2
) payoff queries in order to find an ϵ-Nash equilibrium with ϵ < 1/4
k
, even in zero-one constant-sum games. In particular, this rules out query-efficient randomized algorithms for finding exact Nash equilibria.
Novel Bioceramic Urethral Bulking Agents Elicit Improved Host Tissue Responses in a Rat Model
Authors: Mann-Gow Travis K. , King Benjamin J. , El-Ghannam Ahmed , Knabe-Ducheyne Christine , Kida Masatoshi , Dall Ole M. , Krhut Jan , Zvara Peter
Published: August 2016

Objectives. To test the physical properties and host response to the bioceramic particles, silica-calcium phosphate (SCPC10) and Cristobalite, in a rat animal model and compare their biocompatibility to the current clinically utilized urethral bulking materials.Material and Methods. The novel bulking materials, SCPC10 and Cristobalite, were suspended in hyaluronic acid sodium salt and injected into the mid urethra of a rat. Additional animals were injected with bulking materials currently in clinical use. Physiological response was assessed using voiding trials, and host tissue response was evaluated using hard tissue histology and immunohistochemical analysis. Distant organs were evaluated for the presence of particles or their components.Results. Histological analysis of the urethral tissue five months after injection showed that both SCPC10 and Cristobalite induced a more robust fibroblastic and histiocytic reaction, promoting integration and encapsulation of the particle aggregates, leading to a larger bulking effect. Concentrations of Ca, Na, Si, and P ions in the experimental groups were comparable to control animals.Conclusions. This side-by-side examination of urethral bulking agents using a rat animal model and hard tissue histology techniques compared two newly developed bioactive ceramic particles to three of the currently used bulking agents. The local host tissue response and bulking effects of bioceramic particles were superior while also possessing a comparable safety profile.
Early Vascular Damage in Young Women with DM-1 and Its Relation to Anti-Müllerian Hormone: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: de Kat Annelien C. , Gremmels Hendrik , Verhaar Marianne C. , Broekmans Frank J. M. , Yarde Felicia
Published: August 2016

Vascular function is suggested to be associated with ovarian reserve, but the relationship with microvascular function has never been studied. In this cross-sectional pilot study, the relationship of microvascular damage markers with AMH was studied in premenopausal women. Twenty-two regularly cycling women with type 1 diabetes (DM-1) and a reference group of 20 healthy regularly cycling women were included, from whom blood was drawn in the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. The main outcome was the correlation between circulating progenitor cells (CPCs), markers for early vascular damage, and AMH, a marker for ovarian reserve. Secondary endpoints for early vascular impairment were circulating angiogenic cells and additional biomarkers. Median AMH levels were 2.2 µg/L [1.2–3.5] in the DM-1 group and 2.1 µg/L [0.85–3.8] in the reference group. CPCs were significantly decreased in women with DM-1;1204±537CD34+/CD45dim cells were counted in the DM-1 group, compared to2264±1124in the reference group. CPCs and other markers of early vascular damage were not correlated with AMH levels in a multivariable analysis. These results underscore previous findings of early vascular damage in DM-1 and suggest that there may not be a relationship between vascular function and ovarian reserve.Trial Registration. This trial is registered with Clinicaltrials.govNCT01665716.
Delayed Tamponade after Traumatic Wound with Left Ventricular Compression
Authors: Almehmadi Fahad , Chandy Mark , Connelly Kim A. , Edwards Jeremy
Published: August 2016

Delayed cardiac tamponade after a penetrating chest injury is a rare complication. The clinical diagnosis of tamponade is facilitated with imaging. We present a case report of a 23-year-old male who was brought to emergency after multiple stab wounds to the chest. After resuscitation and repair of laceration of right internal mammary artery and right ventricle, he was discharged but later returned with shortness of breath. Echocardiography revealed a rare case of delayed pericardial tamponade causing left ventricular collapse. The pericardial effusion was treated with emergent pericardiocentesis and later required a thoracoscopy guided pericardial window for definitive management.
AirCache: A Crowd-Based Solution for Geoanchored Floating Data
Authors: Bujari Armir , Palazzi Claudio Enrico
Published: August 2016

The Internet edge has evolved from a simple consumer of information and data to eager producer feeding sensed data at a societal scale. The crowdsensing paradigm is a representative example which has the potential to revolutionize the way we acquire and consume data. Indeed, especially in the era of smartphones, the geographical and temporalscopusof data is often local. For instance, users’ queries are more and more frequently about a nearby object, event, person, location, and so forth. These queries could certainly be processed and answered locally, without the need for contacting a remote server through the Internet. In this scenario, the data is alimented (sensed) by the users and, as a consequence, data lifetime is limited by human organizational factors (e.g., mobility). From this basis, data survivability in the Area of Interest (AoI) is crucial and, if not guaranteed, could undermine system deployment. Addressing this scenario, we discuss and contribute with a novel protocol named AirCache, whose aim is to guarantee data availability in the AoI while at the same time reducing the data access costs at the network edges. We assess our proposal through a simulation analysis showing that our approach effectively fulfills its design objectives.
Systematic Review on Chinese Herbal Medicine Induced Liver Injury
Authors: Zhang Peng , Ye Yongan , Yang Xianzhao , Jiao Yuntao
Published: August 2016

Background. In recent years, with the popularity of CHM, its hepatotoxicity has also been increasingly noticed. However, there are still veils on causative herbs and clinical characteristics. Aim. To systematically review data on CHM induced liver injury with particular focus on causative herbs and clinical characteristics. Methods. Using terms related to CHM and liver injury, PubMed and three Chinese electronic databases were searched, which was limited to the past 5 years. Publications meeting our eligibility criteria were included and further analyzed. Results. In total, 4 single herbs, 21 patent drugs, and 4 decoctions were reported to be of hepatotoxicity, with He‐Shou‐Wu being the most common one (65/114). Dang‐Gui and other 5 herbs were the most common ingredients of patent drugs and decoctions. All patients were assessed using the RUCAM scale, with 26 being highly probable and 28 being probable. For these 54 cases, the latent period was 30 (47) days, and 81.48% were labeled as hepatocellular injuries. Most patients (96.3%) recovered, apart from the fact that one died and one is receiving liver transplantation. Conclusions. CHM should be used carefully for hepatotoxicity. Liver injury from CHM is similar to that from conventional medicines in clinical characteristics. Details about causative herbs should be illustrated, and more RUCAM should be used in future.
Experimental Study on Reinforced Concrete Column Incased in Prefabricated Permanent Thin-Walled Steel Form
Authors: Oh Jae Yuel , Lee Deuck Hang , Lee Jungmin , Kim Kang Su , Kim Sung-Bae
Published: August 2016

Conventional construction methods of reinforced concrete (RC) structures generally require a long construction period and high costs due to many on-site temporary form works. In this study, a prefabricated permanent thin-walled steel form integrated with reinforcement cage (PPSFRC) was developed, and it makes for a fast-built construction by reducing the temporary form works. Axial compression tests were conducted on a total of 9 test specimens to investigate the structural performances of the newly developed columns. The proposed column construction method utilized relatively thinner steel plates compared to conventional concrete-filled tube (CFT) columns, but it was designed to have sufficient resistance performances against the lateral pressure of fresh concrete and to prevent the buckling of the thin plates by utilizing the steel angles and channel stiffeners prefabricated in the permanent thin-walled steel form. The experimental results showed that the column specimens fabricated by the PPSFRC method had better local buckling resistance and behaved in a more ductile manner compared to the conventional CFT columns. In addition, the axial strengths of the test specimens were compared with those estimated by design provisions, and the flexural moments induced by initial imperfection or accidental eccentricity of axial loads were also discussed in detail.
Comparison of the Time Domain Windows Specified in the ISO 18431 Standards Used to Estimate Modal Parameters in Steel Plates
Authors: Camacho-Navarro Jhonatan , Guzmán-López R. , Gómez Sergio , Flórez Marco
Published: August 2016

The procedures used to estimate structural modal parameters as natural frequency, damping ratios, and mode shapes are generally based on frequency methods. However, methods of time-frequency analysis are highly sensible to the parameters used to calculate the discrete Fourier transform: windowing, resolution, and preprocessing. Thus, the uncertainty of the modal parameters is increased if a proper parameter selection is not considered. In this work, the influence of three different time domain windows functions (Hanning, flat-top, and rectangular) used to estimate modal parameters are discussed in the framework of ISO 18431 standard. Experimental results are conducted over an AISI 1020 steel plate, which is excited by means of a hammer element. Vibration response is acquired by using acceleration records according to the ISO 7626-5 reference guides. The results are compared with a theoretical method and it is obtained that the flat-top window is the best function for experimental modal analysis.
A Novel STAP Algorithm for Airborne MIMO Radar Based on Temporally Correlated Multiple Sparse Bayesian Learning
Authors: Liu Hanwei , Zhang Yongshun , Guo Yiduo , Wang Qiang , Wu Yifeng
Published: August 2016

In a heterogeneous environment, to efficiently suppress clutter with only one snapshot, a novel STAP algorithm for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar based on sparse representation, referred to as MIMOSR-STAP in this paper, is presented. By exploiting the waveform diversity of MIMO radar, each snapshot at the tested range cell can be transformed into multisnapshots for the phased array radar, which can estimate the high-resolution space-time spectrum by using multiple measurement vectors (MMV) technique. The proposed approach is effective in estimating the spectrum by utilizing Temporally Correlated Multiple Sparse Bayesian Learning (TMSBL). In the sequel, the clutter covariance matrix (CCM) and the corresponding adaptive weight vector can be efficiently obtained. MIMOSR-STAP enjoys high accuracy and robustness so that it can achieve better performance of output signal-to-clutter-plus-noise ratio (SCNR) and minimum detectable velocity (MDV) than the single measurement vector sparse representation methods in the literature. Thus, MIMOSR-STAP can deal with badly inhomogeneous clutter scenario more effectively, especially suitable for insufficient independent and identically distributed (IID) samples environment.
Nonlinear Model of Vibrating Screen to Determine Permissible Spring Deterioration for Proper Separation
Authors: Rodriguez Cristian G. , Moncada Manuel A. , Dufeu Emilio E. , Razeto Mario I.
Published: August 2016

Springs of vibrating screens are prone to fatigue induced failure because they operate in a heavy duty environment, with abrasive dust and under heavy cyclic loads. If a spring breaks, the stiffness at supporting positions changes, and therefore the amplitude of motion and the static and dynamic angular inclination of deck motion also change. This change in the amplitude and in the inclination of motion produces a reduction in separation efficiency. Available models are useful to determine motion under nominal operating conditions when angular displacement is not significant. However in practice there is significant angular motion during startup, during shutdown, or under off-design operating conditions. In this article, a two-dimensional three-degree-of-freedom nonlinear model that considers significant angular motion and damping is developed. The proposed model allows the prediction of vibrating screen behavior when there is a reduction in spring stiffness. Making use of this model for an actual vibrating screen in operation in industry has permitted determining a limit for spring’s failure before separation efficiency is affected. This information is of practical value for operation and maintenance staff helping to determine whether or not it is necessary to change springs, and hence optimizing stoppage time.
Interaction among Nutritive, Textural, and Sensory Properties of Rabbit Sausages
Authors: Wambui Joseph M. , Karuri Edward G. , Wanyoike Margaret M. M.
Published: August 2016

The nutritive, textural, and sensory properties of commercial fresh rabbit sausages and their interactions were evaluated. The mean contents of moisture, protein, fat, ash, and carbohydrate were 43.89 ± 1.66%, 9.82 ± 2.71%, 22.37 ± 1.7%, 2.99 ± 0.10%, and 20.94 ± 3.05%, respectively. Conversely, the mean values of hardness, adhesiveness, springiness, cohesiveness, gumminess, and chewiness were 103.36 ± 3.48 N, −4.54 ± 1.58 N s, 3.38 ± 0.67 mm, 0.15 ± 0.03, 16.07 ± 3.20 N, and 55.73 ± 20.44 N mm, respectively. The moisture and protein contents showed significant negative correlation while three remaining nutritive properties showed significant positive correlation with textural properties (P<0.05 for all parameters). The score for nonparametric ranking of sensory properties like appearance/colour, flavour, juiciness, and tenderness ranged from 28.28 to 38.78, 29.41 to 35.91, 30.06 to 37.38, 26.75 to 40.69, and 29.03 to 36.75, respectively. In conclusion, rabbit sausages formulated with low quantities of moisture and protein result in hard sausages with low acceptability by sensory panellist. To improve the sausages, it is recommended that processors develop an optimal formulation.
Perforated Carcinoma in the Gastric Remnant: A Case of Conservative Treatment Prior to Successful Curative R0 Resection
Authors: Yuu Ken , Kawashima Hiroshi , Toyoda Sho , Okumura Satoshi , Yamamoto Kansuke , Mizumura Naoto , Ito Aya , Maehira Hiromitsu , Imagawa Atsuo , Ogawa Masao , Kawasaki Masayasu , Kameyama Masao
Published: August 2016

An 80-year-old man who had undergone distal gastrectomy and Billroth-II gastrojejunostomy 38 years previously, for a benign gastric ulcer, was diagnosed with remnant gastric cancer based on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy findings. He presented at our emergency department with acute-onset epigastric pain due to perforated remnant gastric cancer. Conservative medical management was selected, including nasogastric tube insertion, antibiotics, and proton pump inhibitors, because his peritonitis was limited to his epigastrium and his general condition was stable. Twenty-one days after the perforation occurred, curative total remnant gastrectomy and D2 lymphadenectomy were performed. Adhesion between the lateral segment of the liver and the dissected lesser curvature of the gastric remnant may have contributed to the peritonitis in this case, which was limited to the epigastrium. This is the first report of perforated remnant gastric cancer in which conservative treatment was effective prior to curative resection. The protocol reported here may be of use to other clinicians who may encounter this clinical entity in their practices.
Photodegradation of UHMWPE Compounded with Annatto and Beetroot Extracts
Authors: Rangel de Sousa Alexandre , Patrícia Dornas Géssica , Cota Carvalho Isadora , Francisca da Silva Santos Renata
Published: August 2016

We observed the anti-UV action of beetroot extract in an ultra-high molecular weight (UHMWPE) matrix. The beetroot extract and the one prepared from annatto seed also acted efficiently as pigment to the same polymeric matrix. Neat UHMWPE and UHMWPE compounded with annatto and beet extract were compression molded and tensile specimens were obtained from the molded plates and submitted to UV radiation for up to 42 days. Tensile tests were performed and it was observed that the beet extract had a stabilizing action in the polymer compared to neat polymer and the one with annatto extract. Complementary analyses showed good homogenization of the extracts through the polymer matrix indicating the possibility of use as pigment, although the annatto extract appeared to be very unstable under irradiation. Spectroscopic characterization helped to explain the stability of the extracts before and after molding.
HIV-1 Evolutionary Patterns Associated with Metastatic Kaposi’s Sarcoma during AIDS
Authors: Lamers Susanna L. , Rose Rebecca , Nolan David J. , Fogel Gary B. , Barbier Andrew E. , Salemi Marco , McGrath Michael S.
Published: August 2016

Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) in HIV-infected individuals can have a wide range of clinical outcomes, from indolent skin tumors to a life-threatening visceral cancer. KS tumors contain endothelial-related cells and inflammatory cells that may be HIV-infected. In this study we tested if HIV evolutionary patterns distinguish KS tumor relatedness and progression. Multisite autopsies from participants who died from HIV-AIDS with KS prior to the availability of antiretroviral therapy were identified at the AIDS and Cancer Specimen Resource (ACSR). Two patients (KS1 and KS2) died predominantly from non-KS-associated disease and KS3 died due to aggressive and metastatic KS within one month of diagnosis. Skin and visceral tumor and nontumor autopsy tissues were obtained (n=12). Single genome sequencing was used to amplify HIV RNA and DNA, which was present in all tumors. Independent HIV tumor clades in phylogenies differentiated KS1 and KS2 from KS3, whose sequences were interrelated by both phylogeny and selection. HIV compartmentalization was confirmed in KS1 and KS2 tumors; however, in KS3, no compartmentalization was observed among sampled tissues. While the sample size is small, the HIV evolutionary patterns observed in all patients suggest an interplay between tumor cells and HIV-infected cells which provides a selective advantage and could promote KS progression.
Tea and RecurrentClostridium difficileInfection
Authors: Oman Evans II Martin , Starley Brad , Galagan Jack Carl , Yabes Joseph Michael , Evans Sara , Salama Joseph John
Published: August 2016

Background and Aims. Studies have shown effects of diet on gut microbiota. We aimed to identify foods associated with recurrentClostridium difficileinfection (CDI).Methods. In this cross-sectional survey, consecutive patients diagnosed with CDI were identified by electronic medical records. Colitis symptoms and positiveClostridium difficileassay were confirmed. Health-care onset-health-care facility associated CDI was excluded. Food surveys were mailed to 411 patients. Survey responses served as the primary outcome measure. Spearman’s rank correlation identified risk factors for CDI recurrence.Results. Surveys were returned by 68 patients. Nineteen patients experienced CDI recurrence. Compared to patients without CDI recurrence, patients with CDI recurrence had more antibiotics prescribed preceding their infection (p=0.003). Greater numbers of the latter also listed tea (p=0.002), coffee (p=0.013), and eggs (p=0.013), on their 24-hour food recall. Logistic regression identified tea as the only food risk factor for CDI recurrence (adjusted OR: 5.71; 95% CI: 1.26–25.89).Conclusion. The present results indicate a possible association between tea and CDI recurrence. Additional studies are needed to characterize and confirm this association.
Gigantol Inhibits Epithelial to Mesenchymal Process in Human Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Unahabhokha Thitita , Chanvorachote Pithi , Sritularak Boonchoo , Kitsongsermthon Jutarat , Pongrakhananon Varisa
Published: August 2016

Lung cancer remains a leading public health problem as evidenced by its increasing death rate. The main cause of death in lung cancer patients is cancer metastasis. The metastatic behavior of lung cancer cells becomes enhanced when cancer cells undergo epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Gigantol, a bibenzyl compound extracted from the Thai orchid, Dendrobium draconis, has been shown to have promising therapeutic potential against cancer cells, which leads to the hypothesis that gigantol may be able to inhibit the fundamental EMT process in cancer cells. This study has demonstrated for the first time that gigantol possesses the ability to suppress EMT in non‐small cell lung cancer H460 cells. Western blot analysis has revealed that gigantol attenuates the activity of ATP‐dependent tyrosine kinase (AKT), thereby inhibiting the expression of the major EMT transcription factor, Slug, by both decreasing its transcription and increasing its degradation. The inhibitory effects of gigantol on EMT result in a decrease in the level of migration in H460 lung cancer cells. The results of this study emphasize the potential of gigantol for further development against lung cancer metastasis.
Timetable Optimization of Rail Transit Loop Line with Transfer Coordination
Authors: Shi Rui-Jia , Mao Bao-Hua , Ding Yong , Bai Yun , Chen Yao
Published: August 2016

In an urban rail transit system, it is important to coordinate the timetable of a loop line with its connecting lines so as to reduce the waiting time of passengers. This is particularly essential because transfer passengers usually account for the majority of the total passengers in loop lines. In this paper, a timetable optimization model is developed for loop line in order to minimize the average waiting time of access passengers and transfer passengers. This is performed by adjusting the headways and dwell times of trains on the loop line. A genetic algorithm is applied to solve the proposed model, and a numerical example is used to verify its effectiveness. Finally, a case study of a loop line in the Beijing urban rail transit system is conducted. Waiting times of the passengers and the number of waiting passengers are used as performance indicators to verify the optimization results in rush hours and non-rush hours. The results show that the average waiting times for the up-track and down-track are reduced by 3.69% and 2.89% during rush hours and by 11.60% and 11.47% during non-rush hours, respectively.
Effect of Ag Addition on the Electrochemical Performance of Cu10Al in Artificial Saliva
Authors: Salgado-Salgado R. J. , Porcayo-Calderon J. , Sotelo-Mazon O. , Rodriguez-Diaz R. A. , Salinas-Solano G. , Salinas-Bravo V. M. , Martinez-Gomez L.
Published: August 2016

In this work we proposed to evaluate the corrosion resistance of four different alloys by electrochemical techniques, a binary alloy Cu10Al, and three ternary alloys Cu10Al-xAg (x= 5, 10, and 15 wt.%) to be used like biomaterials in dental application. Biomaterials proposed were tested in artificial saliva at 37°C for 48 h. In addition, pure metals Cu, Al, Ag, and Ti as reference materials were evaluated. In general the short time tests indicated that the Ag addition increases the corrosion resistance and reduces the extent of localized attack of the binary alloy. Moreover, tests for 48 hours showed that the Ag addition increases the stability of the passive layer, thereby reducing the corrosion rate of the binary alloy. SEM analysis showed that Cu10Al alloy was preferably corroded by grain boundaries, and the Ag addition modified the form of attack of the binary alloy. Cu-rich phases reacted with SCN−anions forming a film of CuSCN, and the Ag-rich phase is prone to react with SCN−anions forming AgSCN. Thus, binary and ternary alloys are susceptible to tarnish in the presence of thiocyanate ions.
Vertical Track Irregularity Influence on the Wheel High-Frequency Vibration in Wheel-Rail System
Authors: Lei Yang , Tian Xinyu , Qi Falin , Chen Dongsheng , Tian Tian
Published: August 2016

A three-dimensional deformable finite element model of wheel-rail system is established. The vertical vibration natural frequencies are calculated by modal analysis. The improved central difference method by ABAQUS explicit nonlinear dynamics module is chosen to calculate the vertical vibration of wheel axle. Through the vibration measurement experiment ofLMAwheel by China Academy of Railway Sciences, the contact parameter is optimized and the model is modified. According to the nonlinear simulation results, the important influence of vertical track irregularity on the wheel set high-frequency vibration is discovered. The advantage frequencies through spectrum are close to the vertical vibration natural frequencies of seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth mode. When the velocity is 350 km/h, system’s nonlinear dynamic characteristic is higher than the results at 200 km/h. The critical wavelength of vertical track irregularity on the wheel vertical vibration is about 0.8 m. In addition, a particular attention should be paid to one situation that the main dominant frequency amplitude is more than 50% of the acceleration amplitude even if the peak acceleration is low.
Reverse Auction Based Green Offloading Scheme for Small Cell Heterogeneous Networks
Authors: Xu Xiaodong , Yuan Chunjing , Li Jianhui , Zhang Huixin , Tao Xiaofeng
Published: August 2016

The small cell is treated as a promising proposition to provide hot spot capacity and higher data rates. However, even with dense small cell deployment scenario, the heavy traffic load pressure and low energy efficiency in the small cell heterogeneous network (HetNet) still exist. Therefore, how to make the best use of densely deployed small cells under HetNet environments becomes the focus of researches. Offloading provides a feasible solution to promote cooperation between macrocells and small cells for user traffic supporting. In this paper, we propose the reverse auction based Green Offloading (GO) scheme for energy efficiency improvements. The proposed GO scheme employs the reverse auction theory to handle the offloading decision process, aiming at maximizing the system energy efficiency under the constraints of user Quality of Service (QoS) requirements, bandwidth, and transmission power limitations. Moreover, the reverse auction model gives the facility of multicell coordination transmissions with multiple winners situation. The energy efficiency optimization problem with constraints is solved by Dynamic Programming method with Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) conditions. The Individual Rationality and Truthfulness of the reverse auction model are also proved. By comparing the energy efficiency performances of the proposed GO scheme with current works within the Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A) system downlink scenario, simulation results show the improvements of the proposed GO scheme.
Evaluation of Parameters Affecting Magnetic Abrasive Finishing on Concave Freeform Surface of Al Alloy via RSM Method
Authors: Vahdati Mehrdad , Rasouli SeyedAlireza
Published: August 2016

The attempts of researchers in industries to obtain accurate and high quality surfaces led to the invention of new methods of finishing. Magnetic abrasive finishing (MAF) is a relatively new type of finishing in which the magnetic field is used to control the abrasive tools. Applications such as the surface of molds are ones of the parts which require very high surface smoothness. Usually this type of parts has freeform surface. In this study, the effect of magnetic abrasive process parameters on freeform surfaces of parts made of aluminum is examined. This method is obtained through combination of magnetic abrasive process and Control Numerical Computer (CNC). The use of simple hemisphere for installation on the flat area of the magnets as well as magnets’ spark in curve form is a measure done during testing the experiments. The design of experiments is based on response surface methodology. The gap, the rotational speed of the spindle, and the feed rate are found influential and regression equations governing the process are also determined. The impact of intensity of the magnetic field is obtained using the finite element software of Maxwell. Results show that in concave areas of the surface, generally speaking, the surface roughness decreases to 0.2 μm from its initial 1.3 μm roughness. However, in some points the lowest surface roughness of 0.08 μm was measured.
Impact of Pressure and Brine Salinity on Capillary Pressure-Water Saturation Relations in Geological CO2Sequestration
Authors: Jung Jongwon , Hu Jong Wan
Published: August 2016

Capillary pressure-water saturation relations are required to explore the CO2/brine flows in deep saline aquifers including storage capacity, relative permeability of CO2/brine, and change to stiffness and volume. The study on capillary pressure-water saturation curves has been conducted through experimentation and theoretical models. The results show that as the pressure increases up to 12 MPa, (1) capillary pressure-water saturation curves shift to lower values at given water saturation, (2) after the drainage process, residual water saturation decreases, and (3) after the imbibition process, capillary CO2trapping increases. Capillary pressure-water saturation curves above 12 MPa appear to be similar because of relatively constant contact angle and interfacial tension. Also, as brine salinity increases from 1 M to 3 M NaCl, (1) capillary pressure-water saturation curves shift to lower capillary pressure, (2) residual water saturation decreases, and (3) capillary CO2trapping increases. The results show that pressure and brine salinity have an influence on the capillary pressure-water saturation curves. Also, the scaled capillary CO2entry pressure considering contact angle and interfacial tension is inconsistent with atmospheric conditions due to the lack of wettability information. Better exploration of wettability alteration is required to predict capillary pressure-water saturation curves at various conditions that are relevant to geological CO2sequestration.
Homogeneous Modification of Sugarcane Bagasse by Graft Copolymerization in Ionic Liquid for Oil Absorption Application
Authors: Chen Ming-Jie , Zhang Xue-Qin , Liu Chuan-Fu , Shi Qing-Shan
Published: August 2016

Sugarcane bagasse, lignocellulosic residue from the sugar industry, is an abundant and renewable bioresource on the earth. The application of ionic liquids in sugarcane bagasse biorefinery is gaining increasing interest. The homogeneous modification of sugarcane bagasse by free radical initiated graft copolymerization of acrylate monomers using 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride as solvent was performed. A variety of sugarcane bagasse graft copolymers with different weight percent gain were prepared via adjusting the monomer dosage. FT-IR studies confirmed the success in attaching the poly(acrylate) side chains onto sugarcane bagasse. Oil absorbency studies suggested that the sugarcane bagasse graft copolymers were potential biobased materials for effective treatment of ester-based oils. SEM studies showed that the sugarcane bagasse graft copolymers displayed a dense morphology structure. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated that the thermal stability of sugarcane bagasse decreased after the homogeneous modification by the graft copolymerization. The present study provides an alternative strategy to convert sugarcane bagasse into a value-added functional biobased material.
Wave Characteristics of Falling Film on Inclination Plate at Moderate Reynolds Number
Authors: Lu Chuan , Jiang Sheng-Yao , Duan Ri-Qiang
Published: August 2016

Falling water film on an inclined plane is studied by shadowgraphy. The ranges of inclination angle and the film Reynolds number are, respectively, up to 21° and 60. Water is used as working fluid. The scenario of wave regime evolution is identified as three distinctive regimes, namely, initial quiescent smooth film flow, two-dimensional regular solitary wave pattern riding on film flow, and three-dimensional irregular wave pattern. Three characteristic parameters of two-dimensional solitary wave pattern, namely, inception length, primary pulse spacing, and propagation velocity, are examined, which are significant in engineering applications for estimation of heat and mass transfer on film flow. The present experimental data are well in agreement with the Koizumi correlations, the deviation from which is limited to 20% and 15%, respectively, for primary pulse spacing and propagation velocity. Through the scrutiny of the present experimental observation, it is concluded that wave evolution on film flow at the moderate Reynolds number is controlled by gravity and drag and the Rayleigh-Taylor instability that occurred on the steep front of primary pulse triggers the disintegration of continuous two-dimensional regular solitary wave pattern into three-dimensional irregular wave pattern.
Umbilical Cord as Prospective Source for Mesenchymal Stem Cell‐Based Therapy
Authors: Arutyunyan Irina , Elchaninov Andrey , Makarov Andrey , Fatkhudinov Timur
Published: August 2016

The paper presents current evidence on the properties of human umbilical cord‐derived mesenchymal stem cells, including origin, proliferative potential, plasticity, stability of karyotype and phenotype, transcriptome, secretome, and immunomodulatory activity. A review of preclinical studies and clinical trials using this cell type is performed. Prospects for the use of mesenchymal stem cells, derived from the umbilical cord, in cell transplantation are associated with the need for specialized biobanking and transplant standardization criteria.
Optimization of a Conical Corrugated Antenna Using Multiobjective Heuristics for Radio-Astronomy Applications
Authors: López-Ruiz S. , Sánchez Montero R. , Tercero-Martínez F. , López-Espí P. L. , López-Fernandez J. A.
Published: August 2016

This paper presents the design of a tree sections corrugated horn antenna with a modified linear profile, using NURBS, suitable for radio-astronomy applications. The operating band ranges from 4.5 to 8.8 GHz. The aperture efficiency is higher than 84% and the return losses are greater than 20 dB in the whole bandwidth. The antenna optimization has been carried out with multiobjective versions of an evolutionary algorithm (EA) and a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. We show that both techniques provide good antenna design, but the experience carried out shows that the results of the evolutionary algorithm outperform the particle swarm results.
To Set Up a Logistic Regression Prediction Model for Hepatotoxicity of Chinese Herbal Medicines Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory
Authors: Liu Hongjie , Li Tianhao , Chen Lingxiu , Zhan Sha , Pan Meilan , Ma Zhiguo , Li Chenghua , Zhang Zhe
Published: August 2016

Aims. To establish a logistic regression (LR) prediction model for hepatotoxicity of Chinese herbal medicines (HMs) based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory and to provide a statistical basis for predicting hepatotoxicity of HMs. Methods. The correlations of hepatotoxic and nonhepatotoxic Chinese HMs with four properties, five flavors, and channel tropism were analyzed with chi‐square test for two‐way unordered categorical data. LR prediction model was established and the accuracy of the prediction by this model was evaluated. Results. The hepatotoxic and nonhepatotoxic Chinese HMs were related with four properties (p < 0.05), and the coefficient was 0.178 (p < 0.05); also they were related with five flavors (p < 0.05), and the coefficient was 0.145 (p < 0.05); they were not related with channel tropism (p > 0.05). There were totally 12 variables from four properties and five flavors for the LR. Four variables, warm and neutral of the four properties and pungent and salty of five flavors, were selected to establish the LR prediction model, with the cutoff value being 0.204. Conclusions. Warm and neutral of the four properties and pungent and salty of five flavors were the variables to affect the hepatotoxicity. Based on such results, the established LR prediction model had some predictive power for hepatotoxicity of Chinese HMs.
Targeting Nitric Oxide with Natural Derived Compounds as a Therapeutic Strategy in Vascular Diseases
Authors: Forte Maurizio , Conti Valeria , Damato Antonio , Ambrosio Mariateresa , Puca Annibale A. , Sciarretta Sebastiano , Frati Giacomo , Vecchione Carmine , Carrizzo Albino
Published: August 2016

Within the family of endogenous gasotransmitters, nitric oxide (NO) is the smallest gaseous intercellular messenger involved in the modulation of several processes, such as blood flow and platelet aggregation control, essential to maintain vascular homeostasis. NO is produced by nitric oxide synthases (NOS) and its effects are mediated by cGMP‐dependent or cGMP‐independent mechanisms. Growing evidence suggests a crosstalk between the NO signaling and the occurrence of oxidative stress in the onset and progression of vascular diseases, such as hypertension, heart failure, ischemia, and stroke. For these reasons, NO is considered as an emerging molecular target for developing therapeutic strategies for cardio‐ and cerebrovascular pathologies. Several natural derived compounds, such as polyphenols, are now proposed as modulators of NO‐mediated pathways. The aim of this review is to highlight the experimental evidence on the involvement of nitric oxide in vascular homeostasis focusing on the therapeutic potential of targeting NO with some natural compounds in patients with vascular diseases.