bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Functional End-Groups on the Lubricant Recovery After Heat-Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR) Writing
Authors: Sarabi Soroush , Bogy David B.
Published: September 2016

In the developing heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) technology, a laser heats up the magnetic media to the Curie temperature of a few hundred degrees Celsius for a short time of the order of a few nanoseconds. Accordingly, the thin-film lubricant coating on the disk experiences effects such as thermo-capillary shear stress, evaporation, viscosity drop, and eventually, lubricant depletion [1, 2]. Our previous work [3] studied these effects on the lubricant depletion for various lubricants and a prescribed Gaussian temperature distribution with a peak temperature of 350°C and a Full-Width Half Maximum (FWHM) of Ls = 20nm, close to the target laser spot size for HAMR. In order to maintain a reliable head-disk interaction, the lubricant needs to recover to the initial uniform profile. A previous work by Dahl and Bogy [4] studied the recovery process after HAMR writing for Z-dol 2000 using lubrication theory. In this paper, we focus on the effect of the lubricant functional end-groups on the recovery process, using the same method. Z-dol, Z-tetraol, and ZTMD lubricant families have the same polymer backbone but different numbers of hydroxyl end-groups [5]. This difference modifies two key parameters, both affecting the recovery time significantly. First, it changes the bonding ratio and the disjoining pressure properties of the lubricant. Figure 1 shows the disjoining pressure derivative, including both the polar and dispersive components, as a function of film thickness for Z-dol2000, Z-tetraol2200, and ZTMD2200 based on experiments [1, 6, 7]. Second, a major increase in lubricant viscosity occurs as the number of hydroxyl end-groups increases from two (Z-dol) to four (Z-tetraol) to eight (ZTMD) [3]. Fig. 2 shows the viscosity μ(h) as a function of the local lubricant thickness for all three different families of lubricants at the room temperature.
Spindle Motor Simulator for Hard Disk Drive: A Design Tool for Predicting Spinup Time and Headroom Safety for High Volume Manufacturing
Authors: Kulkarni Sandip D. , Mirnateghi Nasim , Ding JiangHong , Desai Ashok
Published: September 2016

This paper presents a novel simulator for hard disk drive (HDD) spindle motor, developed to accelerate motor design verification for large volume product by predicting spin-up time (a performance metric) and voltage headroom (an important reliability metric). The simulator comprises of a BLDC (brushless DC) spindle motor model, firmware block, and power device block. The simulator integrates physics-based model structures with more complex measurement-based behavioral aspects at various temperatures and speeds. All model parameters incorporate realistic environmental factors and part variations; simulation of large sample size of in silico drive design based on Monte Carlo (MC) selection of parameters yields theoretical results capable of predicting defective parts per million in field. The simulator uses a modular approach allowing changing of firmware settings, details of Power Large Scale Integration (PLSI), and motor mechanics, which are product specific. This simulator model can be used for feasibility assessment of new electromechanical designs, available design margins for motor selection and it is also a reliable tool to provide boundaries for firmware (FW) settings to avoid reaching failure modes.
Energy Savings in Cloud Computing: Conventional Versus Cloud Energy Use
Authors: Comperchio Daniel
Published: September 2016

With the explosive growth of demand for cloud services in the last few years, providers are building more and larger data centers almost continuously. As the scale of the facilities increases, more emphasis is placed on homogenizing equipment, streamlining operations, and focusing intensely on driving higher levels of efficiency in both the compute infrastructure and physical power and cooling systems. For customers, this translates to lower costs for the services provided, but looking deeper uncovers a larger set of benefits. Beyond the savings associated with licensing, maintaining, and refreshing servers and storage equipment, companies looking at migrating to a cloud provider will see a tremendous operating savings by significantly reducing the energy use of their workloads.
Technical Note: An oversampling procedure to calculate the MTF of an imaging system from a bar‐pattern image
Authors: González‐López Antonio , Campos‐Morcillo Pedro Antonio , Lago‐Martín José Domingo
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Line‐pair resolution phantoms are used to determine the spatial resolution of medical imaging systems. In some cases, these phantoms are used to determine the maximum number of line‐pairs per mm that the system can resolve. In other cases, a numerical determination of the modulation transfer function (MTF) is carried out by means of the analysis of the variance of ROIs on the image. In this note, a new procedure is implemented to calculate the presampled MTF of an imaging system.

Methods

Images of a commercial line‐pair phantom are acquired in a flat panel detector. After applying an edge detector and a Radon transform to the image, the direction of the bars in the phantom is calculated. Then, an area of the image that excludes the ends of the bars is determined. Every pixel in this area is used to obtain an oversampled profile on which the MTF is calculated. Every group of line‐pairs conforms a periodic wave on this profile. Each of these waves is the output of the system for a square wave input with the same frequency. After extracting a wave, the MTF value for its frequency is calculated as the ratio of its first odd harmonic to the first odd harmonic of the square wave input. The amplitude of this square wave is obtained from two uniform areas on the phantom image.

Results

The results obtained are compared to those obtained following the standard edge method, as recommended by the IEC, and show a very good agreement between both methods, in both main directions of the detector and all the dose ranges analyzed.

Conclusions

The presented method is shown accurate and can be used to extend the conventional use of line‐pair phantoms in conventional radiology.
Comparisons of transient evoked otoacoustic emissions using chirp and click stimuli
Authors: Keefe Douglas H. , Feeney M. Patrick , Hunter Lisa L. , Fitzpatrick Denis F.
Published: September 2016

Transient-evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) responses (0.7–8 kHz) were measured in normal-hearing adult ears using click stimuli and chirps whose local frequency increased or decreased linearly with time over the stimulus duration. Chirp stimuli were created by allpass filtering a click with relatively constant incident pressure level over frequency. Chirp TEOAEs were analyzed as a nonlinear residual signal by inverse allpass filtering each chirp response into an equivalent click response. Multi-window spectral and temporal averaging reduced noise levels compared to a single-window average. Mean TEOAE levels using click and chirp stimuli were similar with respect to their standard errors in adult ears. TEOAE group delay, group spread, instantaneous frequency, and instantaneous bandwidth were similar overall for chirp and click conditions, except for small differences showing nonlinear interactions differing across stimulus conditions. These results support the theory of a similar generation mechanism on the basilar membrane for both click and chirp conditions based on coherent reflection within the tonotopic region. TEOAE temporal fine structure was invariant across changes in stimulus level, which is analogous to the intensity invariance of click-evoked basilar-membrane displacement data.
ACOUSTICAL STANDARDS NEWS
Authors: Stremmel Neil B. , Struck Christopher J.
Published: September 2016

American National Standards (ANSI Standards) developed by Accredited Standards Committees S1, S2, S3, S3/SC 1, and S12 in the areas of acoustics, mechanical vibration and shock, bioacoustics, animal bioacoustics, and noise, respectively, are published by the Acoustical Society of America (ASA). In addition to these standards, ASA publishes a catalog of Acoustical American National Standards. To receive a copy of the latest Standards catalog, please contact Neil Stremmel.

Comments are welcomed on all material in Acoustical Standards News.

This Acoustical Standards News section in JASA and other information on the Standards Program of the Acoustical Society of America are available via the ASA home page: http://acousticalsociety.org.
Genome Sequence of Lassa Virus Isolated from the First Domestically Acquired Case in Germany
Authors: Wolff Svenja , Schultze Tilman , Fehling Sarah Katharina , Mengel Jan Philipp , Kann Gerrit , Wolf Timo , Eickmann Markus , Becker Stephan , Hain Torsten , Strecker Thomas
Published: September 2016

Lassa virus (LASV) is a zoonotic, hemorrhagic fever-causing virus endemic in West Africa, for which no approved vaccines or specific treatment options exist. Here, we report the genome sequence of LASV isolated from the first case of acquired Lassa fever disease outside of Africa.
Draft Genome Sequences of 11 Salmonella enterica Strains with Variable Levels of Barotolerance
Authors: Ronholm Jennifer , Petronella Nicholas , Tamber Sandeep
Published: September 2016

The diversity of the genus
Salmonella
is reflected in the physiological adaptations used by its members in response to stressors such as high pressure. Here we report the draft whole genome sequences of 11
Salmonella enterica
strains, five sensitive strains and six demonstrating high levels of pressure resistance.
High-Quality Draft Genome Sequence of the Multidrug-Resistant Clinical Isolate Enterococcus faecium VRE16
Authors: de Mello Suelen Scarpa , Van Tyne Daria , Dabul Andrei Nicoli Gebieluca , Gilmore Michael S. , Camargo Ilana L. B. C.
Published: September 2016

Specific lineages of the commensal bacterium
Enterococcus faecium
belonging to CC17, especially ST412, have been isolated from patients in several hospitals worldwide and harbor antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors. Here, we report a high-quality draft genome sequence and highlight features of
E. faecium
VRE16, a representative of this ST.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Avian Paramyxovirus Serotype 5 Strain APMV-5/budgerigar/Japan/TI/75
Authors: Hiono Takahiro , Matsuno Keita , Tuchiya Kotaro , Lin Zhifeng , Okamatsu Masatoshi , Sakoda Yoshihiro
Published: September 2016

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of the avian paramyxovirus serotype 5 strain APMV-5/budgerigar/Japan/TI/75, which was determined using the Illumina MiSeq platform. The determined sequence shares 97% homology and similar genetic features with the previously known genome sequence of avian paramyxovirus serotype 5 strain APMV-5/budgerigar/Japan/Kunitachi/74.
Complete Genome Sequences of 17 Rapidly Growing Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Strains
Authors: Caverly Lindsay J. , Spilker Theodore , LiPuma John J.
Published: September 2016

We report the complete genome sequences of 17 rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) strains, including 16
Mycobacterium abscessus
complex strains and one
M. immunogenum
strain. These sequences add value to studies of the genetic diversity of rapidly growing NTM strains recovered from human specimens.
Draft Genome Sequence of Alternaria alternata Isolated from Onion Leaves in South Africa
Authors: Bihon Wubetu , Cloete Michele , Gerrano Abe Shegro , Oelofse Dean , Adebola Patrick
Published: September 2016

Alternaria alternata
(Fr.) Keissler strain PPRI 21032 was isolated from onion leaves collected in Roodeplaat, Pretoria, South Africa. The whole genome of this strain was sequenced and produced a total of 33.12 Mb with a GC content of 50.9%. The whole genome comprises 11,701 predicted coding sequences.
Enhancing emergency care in low-income countries using mobile technology-based training tools
Authors: Edgcombe Hilary , Paton Chris , English Mike
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we discuss the role of mobile technology in developing training tools for health workers, with particular reference to low-income countries (LICs). The global and technological context is outlined, followed by a summary of approaches to using and evaluating mobile technology for learning in healthcare. Finally, recommendations are made for those developing and using such tools, based on current literature and the authors' involvement in the field.
Cardiac tamponade as a manifestation of severe dermatomyositis
Authors: Kurth Benjamin James , Wagler Vanya , Keith Michael
Published: September 2016

In connective tissue disorders, the incidence of pericardial disease and pericardial effusion can be up to 58%, and if untreated, it can lead to cardiac tamponade which can be fatal. Physicians must have a high index of suspicion for this disease as diagnosis can be delayed while evaluating more common causes of tachycardia and hypotension in the immunosuppressed (ie, sepsis). We present a 55-year-old woman with a severe case of dermatomyositis, marked by significant weight loss, a bedridden state and hallmark cutaneous findings. On evaluation of interstitial lung disease, a pericardial effusion was incidentally noted. Serial examination revealed increasing fluid accumulation and progressive tachycardia, and diagnosis of cardiac tamponade was made on echocardiography. After initial pericardiocentesis, the effusion rapidly re-accumulated requiring a pericardial window. In severe presentations of rheumatic disease, cardiac tamponade should be considered as a cause of tachycardia, with or without associated hypotension.
Multimethod study of a large-scale programme to improve patient safety using a harm-free care approach
Authors: Power Maxine , Brewster Liz , Parry Gareth , Brotherton Ailsa , Minion Joel , Ozieranski Piotr , McNicol Sarah , Harrison Abigail , Dixon-Woods Mary
Published: September 2016

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate whether a large-scale two-phase quality improvement programme achieved its aims and to characterise the influences on achievement.

Setting

National Health Service (NHS) in England.

Participants

NHS staff.

Interventions

The programme sought to (1) develop a shared national, regional and locally aligned safety focus for 4 high-cost, high volume harms; (2) establish a new measurement system based on a composite measure of ‘harm-free’ care and (3) deliver improved outcomes. Phase I involved a quality improvement collaborative intended to involve 100 organisations; phase II used financial incentives for data collection.

Measures

Multimethod evaluation of the programme. In phase I, analysis of regional plans and of rates of data submission and clinical outcomes reported to the programme. A concurrent process evaluation was conducted of phase I, but only data on submission rates and clinical outcomes were available for phase II.

Results

A context of extreme policy-related structural turbulence impacted strongly on phase I. Most regions' plans did not demonstrate full alignment with the national programme; most fell short of recruitment targets and attrition in attendance at the collaborative meetings occurred over time. Though collaborative participants saw the principles underlying the programme as attractive, useful and innovative, they often struggled to convert enthusiasm into change. Developing the measurement system was arduous, yet continued to be met by controversy. Data submission rates remained patchy throughout phase I but improved in reach and consistency in phase II in response to financial incentives. Some evidence of improvement in clinical outcomes over time could be detected but was hard to interpret owing to variability in the denominators.

Conclusions

These findings offer important lessons for large-scale improvement programmes, particularly when they seek to develop novel concepts and measures. External contexts may exert far-reaching influence. The challenges of developing measurement systems should not be underestimated.
Experiences of primary care professionals providing healthcare to recently arrived migrants: a qualitative study
Authors: Lindenmeyer Antje , Redwood Sabi , Griffith Laura , Teladia Zaheera , Phillimore Jenny
Published: September 2016

Objectives

The main objectives of the study were to explore the experiences of primary care professionals providing care to recent migrants in a superdiverse city and to elicit barriers and facilitators to meeting migrants' care needs. This paper focuses on a strong emergent theme: participants' descriptions and understandings of creating a fit between patients and practices.

Design

An exploratory, qualitative study based on the thematic analysis of semistructured interviews.

Setting and participants

A purposive sample of 10 practices. We interviewed 6 general practitioners, 5 nurses and 6 administrative staff; those based at the same practice opted to be interviewed together. 10 interviewees were from an ethnic minority background; some discussed their own experiences of migration.

Results

Creating a fit between patients and practice was complex and could be problematic. Some participants defined this in a positive way (reaching out, creating rapport) while others also focused on ways in which patients did not fit in, for example, different expectations or lack of medical records. A small but vocal minority put the responsibility to fit in on to migrant patients. Some participants believed that practice staff and patients sharing a language could contribute to achieving a fit but others outlined the disadvantages of over-reliance on language concordance. A clearly articulated, team-based strategy to create bridges between practice and patients was often seen as preferable.

Conclusions

Although participants agreed that a fit between patients and practice was desirable, some aimed to adapt to the needs of recently arrived migrants, while others thought that it was the responsibility of migrants to adapt to practice needs; a few viewed migrant patients as a burden to the system. Practices wishing to improve fit might consider developing strategies such as introducing link workers and other ‘bridging’ people; however, they could also aim to foster a general stance of openness to diversity.
Safety and efficacy of tranexamic acid in bleeding paediatric trauma patients: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Urban Denisa , Dehaeck Ruben , Lorenzetti Diane , Guilfoyle Jonathan , Poon Man-Chiu , Steele MacGregor , Lardner David , Ma Irene Wai Yan , Brindle Mary Elizabeth
Published: September 2016

Introduction

Trauma is the leading cause of death among children aged 1–18. Studies indicate that better control of bleeding could potentially prevent 10–20% of trauma-related deaths. The antifibrinolytic agent tranexamic acid (TxA) has shown promise in haemorrhage control in adult trauma patients. However, information on the potential benefits of TxA in children remains sparse. This review proposes to evaluate the current uses, benefits and adverse effects of TxA in the bleeding paediatric trauma population.

Methods and analysis

A structured search of bibliographic databases (eg, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL) has been undertaken to retrieve randomised controlled trials and cohort studies that describe the use of TxA in paediatric trauma patients. To ensure that all relevant data were captured, the search did not contain any restrictions on language or publication time. After deduplication, citations will be screened independently by 2 authors, and selected for inclusion based on prespecified criteria. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment will be performed independently and in duplicate. Meta-analytic methods will be employed wherever appropriate.

Ethics and dissemination

This study will not involve primary data collection, and formal ethical approval will therefore not be required. The findings of this study will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication and at relevant conference meetings.

Trial registration number

CRD42016038023.
Factors influencing time to computed tomography in emergency department patients with suspected subarachnoid haemorrhage
Authors: Khan Maryam , Sivilotti Marco L A , Bullard Michael J , Émond Marcel , Sutherland Jane , Worster Andrew , Hohl Corinne M , Lee Jacques S , Eisenhauer Mary , Pauls Merril , Lesiuk Howard , Wells George A , Stiell Ian G , Perry Jeffrey J
Published: September 2016

Background

CT has excellent sensitivity for subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) when performed within 6 hours of headache onset, but it is unknown to what extent patients with more severe disease are likely to undergo earlier CT, potentially inflating estimates of sensitivity. Our objective was to evaluate which patient and hospital factors were associated with earlier neuroimaging in alert, neurologically intact ED patients with suspected SAH.

Methods

We analysed data from two large sequential prospective cohorts of ED patients with acute headache undergoing CT for suspected SAH. We examined the time interval from headache onset to CT, both overall and subdivided from headache onset to hospital registration and from registration to CT.

Results

Among 2412 patients with headache, 194 had SAH, with 178 identified on unenhanced CT. Of these, 91 (51.1%) were identified by CT within 6 hours of headache onset and 87 after 6 hours. Patients with SAH had a shorter time from headache onset to hospital presentation (median 4.5 hours, IQR 1.7–22.7 vs 9.6 hours, IQR 2.8–46.0, p<0.001) and were imaged sooner after headache onset (6.4 hours, IQR 3.5–27.1 vs 12.6 hours, IQR 5.5–48.0, p<0.001) compared with those without SAH. The median time from in-hospital registration to CT scan was significantly shorter in those patients with SAH although this difference was less than 1 hour (1.9 hours, IQR 1.2–2.8 vs 2.5 hours, IQR 1.5–3.9, p<0.001). Arrival by ambulance (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.94 to 4.98, p<0.001) and higher acuity at triage (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.88, p=0.032) were among the factors associated with having CT imaging within 6 hours of headache onset.

Conclusions

Time from headache onset to imaging is moderately associated with positive imaging for SAH. Delay to hospital presentation accounts for the largest fraction of time to imaging, especially those without SAH. These findings suggest limited opportunity to reduce lumbar puncture rates simply by accelerating in-hospital processes when imaging delays are under 2 hours, as diagnostic yield of imaging decreases beyond the 6-hour imaging window from headache onset.
How do individual-level sociodemographics and neighbourhood-level characteristics influence residential location behaviour in the context of the food and built environment? Findings from 25 years of follow-up in the CARDIA Study
Authors: Rummo Pasquale E , Guilkey David K , Shikany James M , Reis Jared P , Gordon-Larsen Penny
Published: September 2016

Background

Little is known about how diet-related and activity-related amenities relate to residential location behaviour. Understanding these relationships is essential for addressing residential self-selection bias.

Methods

Using 25 years (6 examinations) of data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study (n=11 013 observations) and linked neighbourhood-level data from the 4 CARDIA baseline cities (Birmingham, Alabama; Chicago, Illinois; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Oakland, California, USA), we characterised participants’ neighbourhoods as having low, average or high road connectivity and amenities using non-hierarchical cluster analysis. We then used repeated measures multinomial logistic regression with random effects to examine the associations between individual-level sociodemographics and neighbourhood-level characteristics with residential neighbourhood types over the 25-year period, and whether these associations differed by individual-level income.

Results

Being female was positively associated with living in neighbourhoods with low (vs high) road connectivity and activity-related and diet-related amenities among high-income individuals only. At all income levels, a higher percentage of neighbourhood white population and neighbourhood population <18 years were associated with living in neighbourhoods with low (vs high) connectivity and amenities. Individual-level race; age; and educational attainment, neighbourhood socioeconomic status and housing prices did not influence residential location behaviour related to neighbourhood connectivity and amenities at any income level.

Conclusions

Neighbourhood-level factors appeared to play a comparatively greater role in shaping residential location behaviour than individual-level sociodemographics. Our study is an important step in understanding how residential locational behaviour relates to amenities and physical activity opportunities, and may help mitigate residential self-selection bias in built environment studies.
Personal responsibility within health policy: unethical and ineffective
Authors: Friesen Phoebe
Published: September 2016

This paper argues against incorporating assessments of individual responsibility into healthcare policies by expanding an existing argument and offering a rebuttal to an argument in favour of such policies. First, it is argued that what primarily underlies discussions surrounding personal responsibility and healthcare is not causal responsibility, moral responsibility or culpability, as one might expect, but biases towards particular highly stigmatised behaviours. A challenge is posed for proponents of taking personal responsibility into account within health policy to either expand the debate to also include socially accepted behaviours or to provide an alternative explanation of the narrowly focused discussion. Second, a critical response is offered to arguments that claim that policies based on personal responsibility would lead to several positive outcomes including healthy behaviour change, better health outcomes and decreases in healthcare spending. It is argued that using individual responsibility as a basis for resource allocation in healthcare is unlikely to motivate positive behaviour changes, and is likely to increase inequality which may lead to worse health outcomes overall. Finally, the case of West Virginia's Medicaid reform is examined, which raises a worry that policies focused on personal responsibility have the potential to lead to increases in medical spending overall.
Impact of laboratory cost display on resident attitudes and knowledge about costs
Authors: Long Theodore , Bongiovanni Tasce , Dashevsky Meir , Halim Andrea , Ross Joseph S , Fogerty Robert L , Silvestri Mark T
Published: September 2016

Aim

Cost awareness has been proposed as a strategy for curbing the continued rise of healthcare costs. However, most physicians are unaware of the cost of diagnostic tests, and interventions have had mixed results. We sought to assess resident physician cost awareness following sustained visual display of costs into electronic health record (EHR) order entry screens.

Study Design

We completed a preintervention and postintervention web-based survey. Participants were physicians in internal medicine, paediatrics, combined medicine and paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, emergency medicine, and orthopaedic surgery at one tertiary co are academic medical centre. Costs were displayed in the EHR for 1032 unique laboratory orders. We measured attitudes towards costs and estimates of Medicare reimbursement rates for 11 common laboratory and imaging tests.

Results

We received 209 survey responses during the preintervention period (response rate 71.1%) and 194 responses during the postintervention period (response rate 66.0%). The proportion of residents that agreed/strongly agreed that they knew the costs of tests they ordered increased after the cost display (8.6% vs 38.2%; p<0.001). Cost estimation accuracy among residents increased after the cost display from 24.0% to 52.4% for laboratory orders (p<0.001) and from 37.7% to 49.6% for imaging orders (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Resident cost awareness and ability to accurately estimate laboratory order costs improved significantly after implementation of a comprehensive EHR cost display for all laboratory orders. The improvement in cost estimation accuracy for imaging orders, which did not have costs displayed, suggested a possible spillover effect generated by providing a cost context for residents.
A Realistic Seizure Prediction Study Based on Multiclass SVM
Authors: Direito Bruno , Teixeira César A. , Sales Francisco , Castelo-Branco Miguel , Dourado António
Published: September 2016

A patient-specific algorithm, for epileptic seizure prediction, based on multiclass support-vector machines (SVM) and using multi-channel high-dimensional feature sets, is presented. The feature sets, combined with multiclass classification and post-processing schemes aim at the generation of alarms and reduced influence of false positives. This study considers 216 patients from the European Epilepsy Database, and includes 185 patients with scalp EEG recordings and 31 with intracranial data. The strategy was tested over a total of 16,729.80[Formula: see text]h of inter-ictal data, including 1206 seizures. We found an overall sensitivity of 38.47% and a false positive rate per hour of 0.20. The performance of the method achieved statistical significance in 24 patients (11% of the patients). Despite the encouraging results previously reported in specific datasets, the prospective demonstration on long-term EEG recording has been limited. Our study presents a prospective analysis of a large heterogeneous, multicentric dataset. The statistical framework based on conservative assumptions, reflects a realistic approach compared to constrained datasets, and/or in-sample evaluations. The improvement of these results, with the definition of an appropriate set of features able to improve the distinction between the pre-ictal and nonpre-ictal states, hence minimizing the effect of confounding variables, remains a key aspect.
Intermediate subalgebras and bimodules for general crossed products of von Neumann algebras
Authors: Cameron Jan M. , Smith Roger R.
Published: September 2016

Let [Formula: see text] be a discrete group acting on a von Neumann algebra [Formula: see text] by properly outer ∗-automorphisms. In this paper, we study the containment [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] inside the crossed product. We characterize the intermediate von Neumann algebras, extending earlier work of other authors in the factor case. We also determine the [Formula: see text]-bimodules that are closed in the Bures topology and which coincide with the [Formula: see text]-closed ones under a mild hypothesis on [Formula: see text]. We use these results to obtain a general version of Mercer’s theorem concerning the extension of certain isometric [Formula: see text]-continuous maps on [Formula: see text]-bimodules to ∗-automorphisms of the containing von Neumann algebras.
An electricity consumption model for electric vehicular flow
Authors: Xiao Hong , Huang Hai-Jun , Tang Tie-Qiao
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we apply the relationships between the macro and micro variables of traffic flow to develop an electricity consumption model for electric vehicular flow. We use the proposed model to study the quantitative relationships between the electricity consumption/total power and speed/density under uniform flow, and the electricity consumptions during the evolution processes of shock, rarefaction wave and small perturbation. The numerical results indicate that the proposed model can perfectly describe the electricity consumption for electric vehicular flow, which shows that the proposed model is reasonable.
Achieving Image Watermarking Robustness by Geometric Rectification
Authors: Shih Frank Y. , Zhong Xin
Published: September 2016

Image watermarking techniques have been widely used for copyright protection, broadcast monitoring, and data authentication. In this paper, we present a novel watermarking scheme which allows automatic selection of multiple regions-of-interest (ROIs) with robustness against geometric distortion. The fidelity of watermarked images is ensured by preserving salient foreground objects. The proposed scheme achieves watermarking robustness by geometric rectification, which is based on matching feature points between the salient foreground objects of a host image and its distorted stego-image. Experimental results show that the proposed technique can successfully obtain high fidelity and high robustness on an image dataset of multiple salient foreground objects.
Intermediate-Frequency Oscillation Behavior of One-Cycle Controlled SEPIC Power Factor Correction Converter via Floquet Multiplier Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Zhang Hao , Dong Shuai , Zhang Yuan , He Bo
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we investigate the intermediate-frequency oscillation in a SEPIC power-factor-correction (PFC) converter under one-cycle control. The converter operates in continuous conduction mode (CCM). A systematic method is proposed to analyze the bifurcation behavior and explain the inherent physical mechanism of the intermediate-frequency oscillation. Based on the nonlinear averaged model, the approximate analytical expressions of the nominal periodic equilibrium state are calculated with the help of Galerkin approach. Then, the stability of the system is judged by the Floquet theory and the Floquet multiplier movement of the monodromy matrix is analyzed to reveal the underlying mechanism of the intermediate-frequency oscillation behavior. In addition, Floquet multiplier sensitivity is proposed to facilitate the selection of key parameters with respect to system stability so as to guide the optimal design of the system. Finally, PSpice circuit experiments are performed to verify the above theoretical and numerical ones.
Hopf Bifurcation and Delay-Induced Turing Instability in a Diffusive lac Operon Model
Authors: Cao Xin , Song Yongli , Zhang Tonghua
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we investigate the dynamics of a [Formula: see text] operon model with delayed feedback and diffusion effect. If the system is without delay or the delay is small, the positive equilibrium is stable so that there are no spatial patterns formed; while the time delay is large enough the equilibrium becomes unstable so that rich spatiotemporal dynamics may occur. We have found that time delay can not only incur temporal oscillations but also induce imbalance in space. With different initial values, the system may have different spatial patterns, for instance, spirals with one head, four heads, nine heads, and even microspirals.
Limit Cycles for a Class of Piecewise Smooth Quadratic Differential Systems with Multiple Parameters
Authors: Bo Xuekang , Tian Yun
Published: September 2016

This paper considers a class of quadratic differential systems with an isochronous center under small piecewise smooth perturbations. Two perturbation parameters at different scales are included in the system. By using the first order Melnikov function, we obtain some new results on the number of small-amplitude limit cycles bifurcating around an isochronous center.
Stochastic Sensitivity Analysis for a Competitive Turbidostat Model with Inhibitory Nutrients
Authors: Xu Chaoqun , Yuan Sanling , Zhang Tonghua
Published: September 2016

A stochastic model of turbidostat in which two microorganism species compete for an inhibitory growth-limiting nutrient is considered. In the deterministic case, the model has rich dynamics: a coexistence equilibrium and the washout equilibrium can be simultaneously stable, and a stable limit cycle may exist. In the stochastic case, a phenomenon of noise-induced extinction occurs. Namely, the stochastic trajectory near the deterministic coexistence equilibrium will tend to the washout equilibrium. Based on the stochastic sensitivity function technique, in this paper, we construct the confidence ellipse and then estimate the critical value of the intensity for noise generating a transition from coexistence to extinction. We also construct the confidence band to find the configurational arrangement of the stochastic cycle.
Exact Traveling Wave Solutions and Bifurcations of the Burgers-αβ Equation
Authors: Zhu Wenjing , Li Jibin
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we consider the Burgers-[Formula: see text] equation. By using the method of dynamical systems, we obtain bifurcations of the phase portraits of the traveling wave system under different parameter conditions. Corresponding to some special level curves, we derive possible exact explicit parametric representations of solutions (containing periodic wave solutions, peakon solutions, periodic peakon solutions, solitary wave solutions and compacton solutions) under different parameter conditions.
Landau’s theorem on conjugacy classes for normal subgroups
Authors: Beltrán Antonio , Felipe María José , Melchor Carmen
Published: September 2016

Landau’s theorem on conjugacy classes asserts that there are only finitely many finite groups, up to isomorphism, with exactly [Formula: see text] conjugacy classes for any positive integer [Formula: see text]. We show that, for any positive integers [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], there exist finitely many finite groups [Formula: see text], up to isomorphism, having a normal subgroup [Formula: see text] of index [Formula: see text] which contains exactly [Formula: see text] non-central [Formula: see text]-conjugacy classes. Upper bounds for the orders of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are obtained; we use these bounds to classify all finite groups with normal subgroups having a small index and few [Formula: see text]-classes. We also study the related problems when we consider only the set of [Formula: see text]-classes of prime-power order elements contained in a normal subgroup.
Torsion-free word hyperbolic groups are noncommutatively slender
Authors: Corson Samuel M.
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we prove the claim given in the title. A group [Formula: see text] is noncommutatively slender if each map from the fundamental group of the Hawaiian Earring to [Formula: see text] factors through projection to a canonical free subgroup. Higman, in his seminal 1952 paper [Unrestricted free products and varieties of topological groups, J. London Math. Soc. 27 (1952) 73–81], proved that free groups are noncommutatively slender. Such groups were first defined by Eda in [Free [Formula: see text]-products and noncommutatively slender groups, J. Algebra 148 (1992) 243–263]. Eda has asked which finitely presented groups are noncommutatively slender. This result demonstrates that random finitely presented groups in the few-relator sense are noncommutatively slender.
On cuts in ultraproducts of linear orders I
Authors: Golshani Mohammad , Shelah Saharon
Published: September 2016

For an ultrafilter [Formula: see text] on a cardinal [Formula: see text] we wonder for which pair [Formula: see text] of regular cardinals, we have: for any [Formula: see text]-saturated dense linear order [Formula: see text] has a cut of cofinality [Formula: see text] We deal mainly with the case [Formula: see text]
BIOMECHANICAL ANALYSIS OF THE APPLICATION OF ZYGOMA IMPLANTS FOR PROSTHESIS IN UNILATERAL MAXILLARY DEFECT
Authors: WANG D. , QU A. , ZHOU H. , WANG M.
Published: September 2016

The objective of this research is to evaluate the biomechanical effect of zygomatic implant-supported obturator prostheses in unilateral maxillary defect. Based on CT data, four 3D numerical models were built. One model was a normal craniofacial complex (model 1) and other three models were structures with unilateral maxilla defect reconstructed using clasp-retained obturator prosthesis (model 2), one zygomatic implant-supported and clasp-retained prosthesis (model 3), two zygomatic implant-supported and clasp-retained prosthesis (model 4). Bilateral vertical loads of 300[Formula: see text]N were imposed and the stress and displacement distribution were calculated, analyzed and compared. The bilateral occlusal forces dispersed along the three-mechanical-pillar of the maxillofacial region and the displacement distributed symmetrically in model 1. Because of mechanical pillars break on the affected side, all occlusal forces were transferred by clasps and abutment teeth in model 2, which induced the increase in stress and displacement level. The zygomatic implant restored mechanical pillars and greatly reduced the stress and displacements levels in models 3 and 4. The stress and displacement distributions on clasps, bones, teeth and periodontal ligaments were more reasonable with the support of zygomatic implants. Therefore, the zygomatic implant-supported and clasp-retained prostheses were found to be more effective for unilateral maxillary defect reestablishment.
NUMERICAL SIMULATION ON THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF OUTER STEREOCILIA IN CORTI
Authors: YAO WENJUAN , CHEN YIQIANG
Published: September 2016

In this paper, a two-dimensional model of the organ of Corti (OC) which includes basilar membrane (BM), tectorial membrane (TM), inner and outer hair cells and reticular lamina (RL) is established by Comsol. Based on experimental data that sinusoidal excitation was applied on the pectinate zone of the BM, the incentives are added to the corresponding position of the model. Transient analysis is made and the displacement of six different positions is achieved. The results are in good agreement with experimental data, which confirms the validity of the FE model. Based on time-domain and frequency-domain analysis, the relative motion between stereocilia and TM and RL is studied under sinusoidal excitation. The results show that, under time-domain analysis, the whole trend of relative displacement and velocity difference of Inner is similar to that of Outer, while there is little different when comparing with Middle. The relative velocity difference of Middle and Inner lag behind Outer with roughly 0.01[Formula: see text]s. Under frequency-domain analysis, at characteristic frequency, the deviation of each stereocilium is the largest. In the meantime, the frequency that the maximum value of outer stereocilia achieved is different. This new finding may cause the difference of lateral vibration of BM and indicate the frequency sensitivity of BM.
Pb-free solders: Predicting of some physicochemical properties of Ag–Cu–Sn material at different temperatures
Authors: M’chaar Rachida , El Moudane Mouloud , Sabbar Abdelaziz , Ghanimi Ahmed
Published: September 2016

In this paper, the surface tension, molar volume and density of liquid Ag–Cu–Sn alloys have been calculated using Kohler, Muggianu, Toop, and Hillert models. In addition, the surface tension and viscosity of the Ag–Cu–Sn ternary alloys at different temperatures have been predicted on the basis of Guggenheim and Seetharaman–Sichen equations, respectively. The results show that density and viscosity decrease with increasing tin and increasing temperature for the all studied models. While the surface tension shows a different tendency, especially for the Kohler and Muggianu symmetric models. On the other hand, the molar volume increases with increase of temperature and tin compositions. The calculated values of surface tension and density of Ag–Cu–Sn alloys are compared with the available experimental values and a good agreement was observed.
Cohomology of orthosymplectic Lie superalgebra acting on λ-densities on ℝ1|n
Authors: El Gomdi Nabila , Messaoud Rim
Published: September 2016

We compute the first differential cohomology of the orthosymplectic Lie superalgebra [Formula: see text] with coefficients in the superspace of weighted densities [Formula: see text] on the (1, 2)-dimensional real superspace. We explicitly give 1-cocycles spanning these cohomologies. This work is the simplest generalization of a result by Basdouri and Essayari [On cohomology of the orthosymplectic superalgebra, Acta Math. Hungar. 130(1–2) (2011) 155–166].
Quinazolinone Derivatives Loaded Polypyrrole/Chitosan Core–Shell Nanoparticles with Different Morphologies: Antibacterial and Anticancer Activities
Authors: Salahuddin Nehal , Elbarbary Ahmed A. , Alkabes Hend A.
Published: September 2016

Polypyrrole/chitosan (PPC) spherical dark nanoparticles surrounded by shadow spheres were fabricated through in situ oxidative polymerization of pyrrole in presence of chitosan (CS) using ferric chloride (FeCl3) as oxidant and evaluated as a carrier for some amino-quinazolinone derivatives (I–IV). The loading of amino-quinazolinone derivatives (I–IV) into the core–shell nanoparticles were investigated by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Quinazolinone derivatives (I–IV) loaded nanoparticles showed inter-connected sphere in necklace-like morphology, rods or filaments depending on the functional groups in quinazolinone derivatives. The release of quinazolinone derivatives from PPC nanoparticles was pH sensitive. The antimicrobial activity of loaded PPC nanoparticles against gram positive and gram negative bacteria was higher than CS and PPC nanoparticles. The results revealed that new generation of nanoparticles loaded with quinazolinone represent a potential platform to target breast cancer cell line (MCF7), Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells and liver cancer cells (HEPG2) in comparison with PPC and quinazolinone derivatives.
Characterization of NiTi superelastic properties by nano-dynamic modulus analysis and nanoindentation
Authors: Kabla Meni , Shilo Doron
Published: September 2016

Nano-dynamic modulus analysis (DMA) is a technique that allows measuring the reduced modulus during nanoindentation. This paper demonstrates the usefulness of nano-DMA in the characterization of superelastic properties of shape memory alloys. Measurements of reduced modulus as a function of the indentation depth reveal a transition, which is associated with the finish of the martensitic transformation at the region right beneath the tip. Further analysis of nanoindentation data at the transition indentation depth allows the evaluation of representative properties which are proportional to the transformation stress and the strain at the end of the martensitic transformation and can be used for comparing between different samples.
Symplectic n-level densities with restricted support
Authors: Mason A. M. , Snaith N. C.
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we demonstrate that the alternative form, derived by us in an earlier paper, of the [Formula: see text]-level densities for eigenvalues of matrices from the classical compact group [Formula: see text] is far better suited for comparison with derivations of the [Formula: see text]-level densities of zeros in the family of Dirichlet [Formula: see text]-functions associated with real quadratic characters than the traditional determinantal random matrix formula. Previous authors have found ingenious proofs that the leading order term of the [Formula: see text]-level density of the zeros agrees with the determinantal random matrix result under certain conditions, but here we show that comparison is more straightforward if the more suitable form of the random matrix result is used. For the support of the test function in [Formula: see text] and in [Formula: see text] we compare with existing number theoretical results. For support in [Formula: see text] no rigorous number theoretical result is known for the [Formula: see text]-level densities, but we derive the densities here using random matrix theory in the hope that this may make the path to a rigorous number theoretical result clearer.
Geoengineering Research Overview
Authors: WENG Weili
Published: September 2016

Since 2009, studies on geoengineering have been increasing in the international community with a rapid development momentum. Various research projects and research findings continue to emerge, which deserves special attention. By reviewing the latest literatures, conference speeches and other related source of information, this paper analyzes major contentious issues, summarizes the latest research trends and gives further insight into China’s geoengineering research.