bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mediation functions in Ecopath with Ecosim: handle with care
Authors: Harvey Chris J.
Published: March 2014

Ecosystem models are important tools for addressing complex issues such as the role of habitat in marine resource management. The Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) software can represent several ecological processes via mediation functions, where the abundance of one group influences trophic interactions between two other groups. I ran a series of temporal simulations in EwE, in which eelgrass (Zostera marina) was refuge habitat for juvenile Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.), and the abundance of eelgrass mediated (reduced) the vulnerability of juvenile salmon to their predators. I compared the effects of eelgrass on salmon biomass across three shapes of mediation curve (linear, hyperbolic, sigmoid) and six different initial states along each curve. Salmon responded strongest to sigmoid mediation and least to hyperbolic mediation. Salmon responses were sensitive to initial conditions, particularly along sigmoid curves. As the lower limit of the mediation curve (Mmin) approached 0, model results became nonintuitive, particularly for sigmoid curves. Because these functions are difficult to quantify or scale from empirical or experimental studies, modelers must carefully account for uncertainty when using mediation relationships in EwE. Hyperbolic mediation curves may be the most conservative when empirical or theoretical knowledge is unavailable.
Comparisons of spatial patterns between windthrow and logging at two spatial scales
Authors: Waldron Kaysandra , Ruel Jean-Claude , Gauthier Sylvie , Goulet Philippe
Published: March 2014

Windthrow is a dominant natural disturbance in the boreal forest of eastern Canada. To provide the range of variability of a natural disturbance, its spatial distribution and patch metrics at stand and landscape scales have to be considered, together with the characterization of its severity. Our study characterized both partial windthrow (PW) and total windthrow (TW) spatial distributions at the landscape scale and patchiness within affected stands (stand scale). Landscape scale corresponded to three areas of about 5000 ha. Stand scale was the finest scale of analysis and corresponded to each affected stand within landscapes. In addition, windthrow spatial characteristics were compared with spatial characteristics of harvested areas (CUT). At the landscape scale, our results showed that TW stands were more isolated than PW stands and that mean shape complexity of disturbed stands was low, regardless of whether the disturbance was a windthrow or a harvested area. At the affected stand scale, residual trees covered a significantly higher proportion of PW stands than TW stands and CUT. CUT and TW did not share many spatial characteristics at the stand scale. CUT had a significantly higher proportion of complete canopy openness than TW. Our results showed that PW are spatially heterogeneous at both landscape and stand scales. In an ecosystem management context, i.e., a management that reduces the discrepancy between natural and managed forests, our results showed that forest managers could practice a variety of harvesting methods of different intensities.
Phenytoin and sodium valproate but not levetiracetam induce bone alterations in female mice
Authors: Anwar Md. Jamir , Radhakrishna K.V. , Vohora Divya
Published: March 2014

Adverse effects on the bone are amongst the potentially adverse clinical consequences with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). This study compared the effects of 3 AEDs (phenytoin (PHT), sodium valproate (SVP), and levetiracetam (LTM)) on the bones of a Swiss strain of albino female mice. Drugs were administered daily for 4 months at doses that produced plasma concentrations corresponding to the clinically relevant therapeutic ranges. PHT and SVP (but not LTM) significantly lowered the bone mineral density (BMD) of lumbar vertebrae (L2–L4) as evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. The findings were supported by histopathology of vertebral (lumbar) bone and analysis of bone turnover markers. While both PHT and SVP reduced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and hydroxyproline (HxP) in lumbar vertebrae, and elevated tartarate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and urinary excretion of calcium, LTM did not affect any of these markers of bone turnover, indicating that the drug might be a safer option in female epileptic patients prone to bone changes.
Restriction on types of coherent states due to gauge symmetry
Authors: Matsumoto Masao
Published: March 2014

From the viewpoint of the SU(2) coherent states (CS) and their path integrals (PI) labeled by a full set of Euler angles (ϕ, θ, ψ) which we developed in the previous paper, we study the relations between gauge symmetries of Lagrangians and allowed quantum states; We investigate permissible types of fiducial vectors (FV) in the full quantum dynamics in terms of SU(2) CS for typical Lagrangians. We propose a general framework for a Lagrangian having a certain gauge symmetry with respect to one of the Euler angles ψ. We find that for the case FV are so restricted that they belong to the eigenstates of Ŝ3or to the orbits of them under the action of the SU(2); And the strength of a fictitious monopole, which appears in the Lagrangian, is a multiple of ½. In this case Dirac strings are permitted. Our formulations and results deepen those of the preceding work by Stone that has piloted us; We illustrate the relation between the two methods. The reasoning here does not work for a Lagrangian without the gauge symmetry. This suggests a new possibility about monopole charge quantization. Besides analogies to field theory and entanglements in quantum information (QI) are briefly mentioned.
Period-3 Motions to Chaos in a Softening Duffing Oscillator
Authors: Luo Albert C. J. , Huang Jianzhe
Published: March 2014

In this paper, period-3 motions to chaos in the periodically forced, softening Duffing oscillator are investigated analytically. The analytical solutions for period-3 and period-6 motions are approximated through the generalized harmonic balance method. The bifurcation trees of period-3 motions to chaos are presented analytically. The symmetric and asymmetric period-3 motions are found. The symmetric to asymmetric period-3 motions experience the saddle-node bifurcation. From the Hopf bifurcation of the asymmetric period-3 motion, period-6 motions are determined analytically from the bifurcation tree of period-3 motions. Such an investigation provides a complete picture of period-3 motions to period-6 motions. With such bifurcation tree, the chaotic motions relative to period-3 motions in such a softening Duffing oscillator can be determined analytically. In a similar fashion, other bifurcation trees of period-m motions to chaos can be determined analytically.
Coexisting Hidden Attractors in a 4-D Simplified Lorenz System
Authors: Li Chunbiao , Sprott J. C.
Published: March 2014

A new simple four-dimensional equilibrium-free autonomous ODE system is described. The system has seven terms, two quadratic nonlinearities, and only two parameters. Its Jacobian matrix everywhere has rank less than 4. It is hyperchaotic in some regions of parameter space, while in other regions it has an attracting torus that coexists with either a symmetric pair of strange attractors or with a symmetric pair of limit cycles whose basin boundaries have an intricate fractal structure. In other regions of parameter space, it has three coexisting limit cycles and Arnold tongues. Since there are no equilibria, all the attractors are hidden. This combination of features has not been previously reported in any other system, especially one as simple as this.
Limit Cycles Bifurcations for a Class of Kolmogorov Model in Symmetrical Vector Field
Authors: Du Chaoxiong , Liu Yirong , Huang Wentao
Published: March 2014

The problem of limit cycles for Kolmogorov model is interesting and significant both in theory and applications. Our work is concerned with limit cycles bifurcations problem for a class of quartic Kolmogorov model with two positive singular points (i.e. (1, 2) and (2, 1)). The investigated model is symmetrical with regard to y = x. We show that each one of points (1, 2) and (2, 1) can bifurcate five small limit cycles at the same step under a certain condition. Hence, the two positive singular points can bifurcate ten limit cycles in sum, in which six cycles can be stable. In terms of symmetrical Kolmogorov model, published references are less. In terms of the Hilbert Number of Kolmogorov model, our results are new.
Quantum stochastic dynamics in multi-photon optics
Authors: Castro Santis Ricardo
Published: March 2014

Multi-photon models are theoretically and experimentally important because in them quantum properly phenomena are verified; as well as squeezed light and quantum entanglement also play a relevant role in quantum information and quantum communication (see Refs. 18–20).

In this paper we study a generic model of a multi-photon system with an arbitrary number of pumping and subharmonics fields. This model includes measurement on the system, as could be direct or homodyne detection and we demonstrate the existence of dynamics in the context of Continuous Measurement Theory of Open Quantum Systems (see Refs. 1–11) using Quantum Stochastic Differential Equations with unbounded coefficients (see Refs. 10–15).
DEVELOPING A TAXONOMY FOR IDENTIFYING ENTREPRENEURIAL RISK: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY ON ENTREPRENEURIAL RISK PATTERNS OF BUSINESS ENTERPRISES
Authors: MILES D. ANTHONY
Published: March 2014

Most of the prior research on entrepreneurial risk concentrates on entrepreneur behavioral characteristics, personality traits and characteristics. Very little of the body of research examines the market behavior of the firm and its risk patterns that can cause business failure. The purpose of this research was to develop a taxonomy of entrepreneurial risk behaviors and examine their effect on small business enterprises (SME). The study was the development and administration of the Entrepreneurial Risk Survey (ERS) instrument. ERS was used to empirically examine a sample (N = 201) of SMEs across 11 industries for the proposed taxonomy of 22 risk variables. An exploratory factor analysis methodology was conducted for the study. The principle component analysis was conducted and resulted in an eight-factor solution. A multivariate regression analysis was also used to measure the industry type as a predictor variable. The results of the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) indicated there are eight factors of entrepreneurial risk that affect SMEs.
Fluid evolution in the El-Sid gold deposit, Eastern Desert, Egypt
Authors: Zoheir Basem , Moritz Robert
Published: March 2014

Auriferous quartz (±carbonate) veins in the El-Sid mine cut through the western margin of the Fawakhir granitic intrusion and the immediate country ophiolites. Gold mineralization is spatially and temporally associated with ENE–WSW fault/shear zones developed late in the deformational history of the area. Field and microscopic studies suggest two distinct ore stages; namely an early gold-Fe–As-sulphide, and a late gold-base metal mineralization. New microthermometric and Raman data suggest gold deposition as a result of a complex history of fluid immiscibly, dilution of low-salinity aqueous-carbonic fluids in the early mineralization stage, while wall-rock alteration and pressure loss precipitated Au from intermediate-salinity aqueous ore fluids during the late stage. Fluid inclusion isochoric reconstructions, combined with oxygen and sulphur isotope data, indicate conditions of 320±20 °C and 1.3±0.2 kbar for the early gold-Fe–As-sulphide mineralization, and
c.
200±15 and 0.6±0.9 kbar for the late gold-Zn–Pb–Cu-sulphide stage. The clockwise evolution path in pressure-temperature space likely documents gold mineralization under post-peak metamorphic conditions. The calculated sulphide δ
34
S
H2S
equilibrium values −9.04‰ to –4.75‰, may refer to a variable redox state of sulphur in the ore fluids from the early to late mineralization stages. The stable isotope signature of the vein quartz and calcite suggest mixed magmatic and metamorphic fluid sources (δ
18
O
H2O
=+4.9‰ to +7.4‰). Unusually low δ
13
C values of calcite in the late mineralization (−13.9‰ to −14.7‰) may reflect input of magmatic CO
2
and/or oxidized carbonaceous material in the infiltrating fluid.
A Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Space Method for Solving Systems of Fractional Integrodifferential Equations
Authors: Bushnaq Samia , Maayah Banan , Momani Shaher , Alsaedi Ahmed
Published: March 2014

We present a new version of the reproducing kernel Hilbert space method (RKHSM) for the solution of systems of fractional integrodifferential equations. In this approach, the solution is obtained as a convergent series with easily computable components. Several illustrative examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the present method. The method described in this paper is expected to be further employed to solve similar nonlinear problems in fractional calculus.
Sarcoma Excision and Pattern of Complicating Sensory Neuropathy
Authors: Wickramasinghe Neil R. , Clement Nicholas D. , Singh Ashish , Porter Daniel E.
Published: March 2014

A potential complication of sarcoma excision surgery is a sensory neurological dysfunction around the surgical scar. This study utilised both objective and subjective sensation assessment modalities, to evaluate 22 patients after sarcoma surgery, for a sensory deficit. 93% had an objective sensory deficit. Light touch is less likely to be damaged than pinprick sensation, and two-point discrimination is significantly reduced around the scar. Results also show that an increased scar size leads to an increased light touch and pinprick deficit and that two-point discriminatory ability around the scar improves as time after surgery elapses. 91% had a subjective deficit, most likely tingling or pain, and numbness was most probable with lower limb sarcomas. Results also demonstrated that there were no significant relationships between any specific subjective and objective deficits. In conclusion, sensory disturbance after sarcoma surgery is common and debilitating. Efforts to minimize scar length are paramount in the prevention of sensory deficit. Sensation may also recover to an extent; thus, sensory reeducation techniques must become an integral aspect of management plans. Finally to obtain a comprehensive assessment of sensory function, both objective and subjective assessment techniques must be utilised.
Organizing Safe Transitions from Intensive Care
Authors: Häggström Marie , Bäckström Britt
Published: March 2014

Background. Organizing and performing patient transfers in the continuum of care is part of the work of nurses and other staff of a multiprofessional healthcare team. An understanding of discharge practices is needed in order to ultimate patients’ transfers from high technological intensive care units (ICU) to general wards.Aim. To describe, as experienced by intensive care and general ward staff, what strategies could be used when organizing patient’s care before, during, and after transfer from intensive care.Method. Interviews of 15 participants were conducted, audio-taped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis.Results. The results showed that the categoriessecure,encourage,andcollaborateare strategies used in the three phases of the ICU transitional care process. The main category; a safe, interactive rehabilitation process, illustrated how all strategies were characterized by an intention to create and maintain safety during the process. A three-way interaction was described: between staff and patient/families, between team members and involved units, and between patient/family and environment.Discussion/Conclusions. The findings highlight that ICU transitional care implies critical care rehabilitation. Discharge procedures need to be safe and structured and involve collaboration, encouraging support, optimal timing, early mobilization, and a multidiscipline approach.
Optimization of Fluorometric Assay for Ozone in Solution
Authors: Nagano Hiromi , Shiota Gotaro , Arakawa Hidetoshi
Published: March 2014

Ozone is widely used for sterilization, deodorization, and cleaning. However, the effects of ozone on human are not well understood, because there is currently no reliable assay method for ozone. Therefore the accurate measurement of ozone is important for its safe use. Here, we report optimized conditions for use with fluorescein derivative1(probe1). Under optimum conditions, probe1reacted with ozone quantitatively and specifically to generate a fluorescent substance with an excitation maximum at 493 nm and an emission maximum at 523 nm. We conclude that this assay will be useful for quantifying ozone in solution.
Performance of Pulverized Coal Combustion under High Temperature Air Diluted by Steam
Authors: Saffari Pour Mohsen , Weihong Yang
Published: March 2014

The high temperature air combustion (HiTAC) is an advanced promising technology for heat recovery, energy saving, and stability improvement of flame. Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) is known as an applied tool to execute HiTAC modeling. In this paper, performances of pulverized coal combustion under the high preheated and oxygen deficient air are studied by both experimental and numerical methodology. The experimental facilities have been accomplished in a HiTAC chamber with coal injection velocity that ranges from 10 to 40 m/s. In order to achieve different preheated temperatures, the combustion air in such system is diluted by variable steam percentages from 0 to 44%. Results of mathematical simulation and experimental tests present convincible agreement through whole region. It is concluded that NOX emission is reduced by increasing the steam percentage in the oxidizer due to decreasing the flame temperature. Besides, graphical contours show that by adding more steam to oxidizer composition, the oxygen concentration decreased. Additionally, results show that when the injection speed of fuel is increased, NOX emission is also increased, and when the injection rate of preheated air is increased, NOX emission shows decreasing trend. Further contribution in future is needed to investigate the performance of such technologies.
Cerebral Vasospasm in Patients over 80 Years Treated by Coil Embolization for Ruptured Cerebral Aneurysms
Authors: Hishikawa Tomohito , Takasugi Yuji , Shimizu Tomohisa , Haruma Jun , Hiramatsu Masafumi , Tokunaga Koji , Sugiu Kenji , Date Isao
Published: March 2014

Object. The effect on clinical outcomes of symptomatic vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in patients over 80 years who underwent coil embolization was evaluated.Methods. Forty-four cases were reviewed and divided into two groups according to patient age: Group A, 79 years or younger, and Group B, 80 or older. Patient characteristics, prevalence of symptomatic vasospasm, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at discharge and frequency of symptomatic vasospasm in patients with mRS scores of 3–6 were analyzed.Results. Thirty-two (73%) of the 44 cases were categorized as Group A and 12 (27%) as Group B. Group B had a significantly higher prevalence of symptomatic vasospasm compared to Group A(P=0.0040). mRS scores at discharge were significantly higher in Group B than in Group A(P=0.0494). Among cases with mRS scores of 3–6, there was a significantly higher frequency of symptomatic vasospasm in Group B than in Group A(P=0.0223).Conclusions. In our cohort of aneurysmal SAH patients treated by coil embolization, patients over 80 years of age were more likely to suffer symptomatic vasospasm, which significantly correlated with worse clinical outcomes, than those 79 years and under.
Diffuse Hepatic and Spleen Uptake of Tc-99m MDP on Bone Scintigraphy Resembling Liver-Spleen Scintigraphy in a Patient of Plasma Cell Tumor
Authors: Ravanbod Mohammad Reza , Nemati Reza , Javadi Hamid , Nabipour Iraj , Assadi Majid
Published: March 2014

The present case demonstrates a diffuse intense hepatic and, to a lesser degree, spleen, Tc-99m MDP uptake on a routine bone scintigraphy resembling liver-spleen imaging. A 49-year-old female with a history of anaplastic plasma cell tumor and suffering from bone pain was referred for bone scintigraphy to evaluate possible bone metastases. The bone scintigraphy showed diffuse hepatic and spleen uptake of Tc-99m MDP resembling liver-spleen imaging. Furthermore, bone uptake of Tc-99m MDP was significantly diminished and there were no abnormal foci throughout the skeleton. The bone scintigraphy of the present case of an anaplastic plasma cell tumor suggests the possible presence of amyloidosis.
Fractional Killing-Yano Tensors and Killing Vectors Using the Caputo Derivative in Some One- and Two-Dimensional Curved Space
Authors: Malkawi Ehab , Baleanu D.
Published: March 2014

The classical free Lagrangian admitting a constant of motion, in one- and two-dimensional space, is generalized using the Caputo derivative of fractional calculus. The corresponding metric is obtained and the fractional Christoffel symbols, Killing vectors, and Killing-Yano tensors are derived. Some exact solutions of these quantities are reported.
Green Chemistry Based Benign Routes for Nanoparticle Synthesis
Authors: Malik Parth , Shankar Ravi , Malik Vibhuti , Sharma Nitin , Mukherjee Tapan Kumar
Published: March 2014

Green chemistry has been an eye catching area of interest since the past few years. With the problem of energy crisis looming high and its constraint being particularly vulnerable on the developing economies, the need for giving alternative traditional chemistry a serious consideration as well as adequate room for development has received significant boost through the coveted efforts of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary scientific fields. Nanoscience has been the right field in this dimension as it opens up the door to multiple opportunities through enabling a number of chemical, biochemical, and biophysical transformations in a significantly easier and reliable manner. The use of nanoparticles has made the fields of catalysis, synthesis, and enzyme immobilizations as well as molecular interactions a lot much easier, rapid and easily controllable. This review article sheds light on the popular alternative synthesis routes being employed for the synthesis of nanoparticles, the pivotal being from microbes, plants, and chemical routes via sonication, microwaving, and many others.
Phoenix: A Collaborative Location‐Based Notification System for Mobile Networks
Authors: Xiong Yongping , Deng Yubo , Wang Wendong , Ma Jian
Published: March 2014

Location‐based notification (LBN) aims to alert the users in a target area to their interested information. With a wide range of applications, LBN has been gaining more and more attraction among wireless users and service providers. The mainstream centralized solution based on cellular networks may incur high service cost. In this paper, we present an innovative scheme called Phoenix, which does not rely on any infrastructure, to implement location‐based notification service. In our design, devices (users) across the target area form a dynamic peer‐to‐peer network, where a user can be a message source, a message carrier, or a message subscriber. When a user meets the message carrier, he will get a copy of the message. Phoenix keeps messages of interest being circulated in the target area; hence users are being notified. To achieve desired notification performance, Phoenix adaptively controls when a user should take the carrier role and help disseminating a message in order to keep the message “alive,” given the fact that message carriers may leave the target area and drop the message. Extensive simulations have been conducted to show the efficacy of Phoenix notification system.
Validating the Classical Failure Criteria for Applicability to the Notched Woven-Roving Composite Materials
Authors: Elshabasy Mohamed Mostafa Yousef Bassyouny
Published: March 2014

The classical failure criteria are phenomenological theories as they ignore the actual failure mechanism and do not concentrate on the microscopic events of failure. The main objective of the current investigation is to modify the classical failure theories to comprise the essential failure mechanism (interfacial shear failure) in the thin-layered woven-roving composite materials. An interfacial shear correction factor (MH6) is introduced into the nondimensional shear terms in the studied classical failure criteria. Thus the validity of applying these theories to the investigated material will be augmented. The experimental part of the current study is conducted on thin-layered circular specimens. The specimens are fabricated from two plies of fiber E-glass woven-roving fabric reinforced with polyester. The fabrics are laid to have [±45°] or [0°, 90°] fiber orientation. The specimens used are plain, where no macroscopic sources of stress concentration exist or having circular notches of five, seven, or nine mm radii. The specimens are subjected to low cycle completely reversed fatigue bending loading where the S-N and the R.D.-N curves are plotted for each group of specimens.
Collection Tree Extension of Reactive Routing Protocol for Low-Power and Lossy Networks
Authors: Yi Jiazi , Clausen Thomas
Published: March 2014

This paper proposes an extension to reactive routing protocol, for efficient construction of a collection tree for data acquisition in sensor networks. The Lightweight On-Demand Ad hoc Distance Vector Routing Protocol-Next Generation (LOADng) is a reactive distance vector protocol which is intended for use in mobile ad hoc networks and low-power and lossy networks to build paths between source-destination pairs. In 2013, ITU-T has ratified the recommendation G.9903 Amendment 1, which includes LOADng in a specific normative annex for routing protocol in smart grids. The extension uses the mechanisms from LOADng, imposes minimal overhead and complexity, and enables a deployment to efficiently support “sensor-to-root” traffic, avoiding complications of unidirectional links in the collection tree. The protocol complexity, security, and interoperability are examined in detail. The simulation results show that the extension can effectively improve the efficiency of data acquisition in the network.
Discrete-Time State Dependent Bulk Service Queue with Multiple Vacations and Changeover Times
Authors: Vijaya Laxmi P. , Seleshi D.
Published: March 2014

This paper presents the analysis of a discrete-time renewal input multiple vacations queue with state dependent service and changeover times under (a,c,b) policy.
The service times, vacation times, and changeover times are geometrically distributed. The server begins service if there are at least c units in the queue and the services are performed in batches of minimum size a and maximum size b (a≤c≤b). At service completion instant,
if the queue size is less than c but not less than a secondary limit a,
the server continues to serve and takes vacation if the queue size is less than a-1. The server is in changeover period whenever the queue size is a-1 at service completion instant and c-1 at vacation completion instant. Employing the supplementary variable and recursive techniques, we have derived the steady state queue length distributions at prearrival and arbitrary epochs. Based on the queue length distributions, some performance measures of the system have been discussed. A cost model has been formulated and optimum values of the service and vacation rates have been evaluated using genetic algorithm. Numerical results showing the effect of model parameters on the key performance measures are presented.
Pathology Slide Review in Vulvar Cancer Does Not Change Patient Management
Authors: Beugeling Maaike , Ewing-Graham Patricia C. , Mzallassi Zineb , van Doorn Helena C.
Published: March 2014

Hypothesis. Pathology slide review in vulvar cancer is only necessary in a restricted number of cases. Methods. A retrospective chart review of all cases of vulvar cancer treated in a tertiary centre between January 1, 2000, and April 1, 2006. Histopathology reports from the referring and tertiary centre were compared. Results. 121 pathology reports from 112 patients were reviewed. Of the original reports, 56% were deemed adequate, commenting on tumor type and depth of infiltration; of the reviews, 83% were adequate. Conclusion. There were no discrepancies that influenced patient management. We suggest that vulvar cancer biopsies need to be reviewed only when the tumor is less than 10 mm in linear extension, when the infiltration is 1 mm or less, when there is no residual tumor on inspection, and in any nonsquamous cancer.
Containership Flag Selection: The Opening of Direct Shipping between Taiwan and China
Authors: Yang Shih-Hao , Chung Cheng-Chi , Lee Hsuan-Shih
Published: March 2014

The signature of the cross‐strait sea transport (CST) Agreement in 2008 has not only established the cross‐strait direct shipping link, but also lifted the ban on the involvement of Taiwanese flagged ships to call at China’s ports. This paper focuses on the flag selection for Taiwanese container shipping companies under the provisions of the CST Agreement, and embraces the empirical investigation based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Grey Relation Analysis (GRA) with the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). The results show Hong Kong is the optimal choice rather than China and Taiwan. Although cross‐strait shipping is highly controlled by both sides of the strait, economic factors are still taken seriously in commercial activities. Further, to assist shipping companies to get direct shipping approvals from China and revising a package of financial measures under current shipping policies are recommended for the Taiwanese government.
Modeling Flexible Bodies in Multibody Systems in Joint-Coordinates Formulation Using Spatial Algebra
Authors: Omar Mohamed A.
Published: March 2014

This paper presents an efficient approach of using spatial algebra operator to formulate the kinematic and dynamic equations for developing capabilities to model flexible bodies within general purpose multibody dynamics solver. The proposed approach utilizes the joint coordinates and modal elastic coordinates as the system generalized coordinates. The recursive nonlinear equations of motion are initially formulated using the Cartesian body coordinates (CBC) and the joint coordinates (JC) to form an augmented set of differential algebraic equations. The system connectivity matrix is derived from system topological relations and is used to project the Cartesian quantities into the joint subspace leading to minimum set of differential equations. The modal transformation matrix is used to describe the finite element kinematics in terms of a small set of generalized modal coordinates. Although the resulting stiffness matrix is constant, the mass matrix depends on the generalized elastic modal coordinates and needs to be updated at each time step. To reduce the computational efforts, a set of precomputed inertia shape invariants (ISI) can be identified and used to update the flexible body mass matrix. In this proposed joint-coordinates formulation, the transformation operations required for the flexible body inertia matrix are different from those in case of CBC formulation. The necessary ISI and the algorithm to reconstruct the modal mass matrix will be presented in this paper.
Precursor Lesions for Sporadic Pancreatic Cancer: PanIN, IPMN, and MCN
Authors: Distler M. , Aust D. , Weitz J. , Pilarsky C. , Grützmann Robert
Published: March 2014

Pancreatic cancer is still a dismal disease. The high mortality rate is mainly caused by the lack of highly sensitive and specific diagnostic tools, and most of the patients are diagnosed in an advanced and incurable stage. Knowledge about precursor lesions for pancreatic cancer has grown significantly over the last decade, and nowadays we know that mainly three lesions (PanIN, and IPMN, MCN) are responsible for the development of pancreatic cancer. The early detection of these lesions is still challenging but provides the chance to cure patients before they might get an invasive pancreatic carcinoma. This paper focuses on PanIN, IPMN, and MCN lesions and reviews the current level of knowledge and clinical measures.
Porphyromonas gingivalis: Major Periodontopathic Pathogen Overview
Authors: Mysak Jaroslav , Podzimek Stepan , Sommerova Pavla , Lyuya-Mi Yelena , Bartova Jirina , Janatova Tatjana , Prochazkova Jarmila , Duskova Jana
Published: March 2014

Porphyromonas gingivalisis a Gram-negative oral anaerobe that is involved in the pathogenesis of periodontitis and is a member of more than 500 bacterial species that live in the oral cavity. This anaerobic bacterium is a natural member of the oral microbiome, yet it can become highly destructive (termed pathobiont) and proliferate to high cell numbers in periodontal lesions: this is attributed to its arsenal of specialized virulence factors. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of one of the main periodontal pathogens—Porphyromonas gingivalis.This bacterium, along withTreponema denticolaandTannerella forsythia, constitute the “red complex,” a prototype polybacterial pathogenic consortium in periodontitis. This review outlinesPorphyromonas gingivalisstructure, its metabolism, its ability to colonize the epithelial cells, and its influence upon the host immunity.
Can CA-125 Predict Lymph Node Metastasis in Epithelial Ovarian Cancers in Turkish Population?
Authors: Sudolmuş Sinem , Köroğlu Nadiye , Yıldırım Gökhan , Ülker Volkan , Gülkılık Ahmet , Dansuk Ramazan
Published: March 2014

Objective. The role of single preoperative serum CA-125 levels in predicting pelvic or paraaortic lymph node metastasis in patients operated for epithelial ovarian cancer has been investigated.Methods. 176 patients diagnosed with epithelial ovarian carcinoma after staging laparotomy between January 2002 and May 2010 were evaluated retrospectively.Results. The mean, geometric mean, and median of preoperative serum CA-125 levels were 632,6, 200,29, and 191,5 U/mL, respectively. The cut-off value predicting lymph node metastases in the ROC curve was 71,92 U/mL, which is significant in logistic regression analysis (P=0.005). The preoperative log CA-125 levels were also statistically significant in predicting lymph node metastasis in logistic regression analysis (P=0.008).Conclusions. The tumor marker CA-125, which increases with grade independent of the effect of stage in EOC, is predictive of lymph node metastasis with a high rate of false positivity in Turkish population. The high false positive rate may obscure the predictive value of CA-125.
Synthesis and Molecular Structure of cis-Tetracarbonyl[N-(diphenylphosphino-kP)-naphthalen-1-yl-P,P-diphenylphosphinous amide-kP]chromium(0)
Authors: Al-Masri Harbi Tomah
Published: March 2014

The reaction of N,N-bis(diphenylphosphanyl)naphthylamine C10H7-1-N(PPh2)2 with (C5H10NH)2Cr(CO)4
(1 : 1 molar ratio) in dichloromethane afforded cis-[Cr(CO)4{C10H7-1-N(PPh2)2}] (1). This complex was crystallized in the monoclinic space group P21/n. The structure was solved by direct methods and refined by full-matrix least squares techniques to an R factor of 0.0313 for 6488 observed reflections. The Cr-metal is coordinated by four terminal CO molecules and a P,P′-bidentate N,N-bis(diphenylphosphanyl)naphthylamine ligand in a distorted octahedral array. The N-atom adopts a planar geometry with the two P-atoms and C-atom attached to it. The four-membered metallacycle ring P2CrN is nearly planar.
A Novel Electronic Nose as Adaptable Device to Judge Microbiological Quality and Safety in Foodstuff
Authors: Sberveglieri V. , Carmona E. Nunez , Comini Elisabetta , Ponzoni Andrea , Zappa Dario , Pirrotta Onofrio , Pulvirenti A.
Published: March 2014

This paper presents different applications, in various foodstuffs, by a novel electronic nose (EN) based on a mixed metal oxide sensors array composed of thin films as well as nanowires. The electronic nose used for this work has been done, starting from the commercial model EOS835 produced by SACMI Scarl. The SENSOR Lab (CNR-INO, Brescia) has produced both typologies of sensors, classical MOX and the new technologies with nanowire. The aim of this work was to test and to illustrate the broad spectrum of potential uses of the EN technique in food quality control and microbial contamination diagnosis. The EN technique was coupled with classical microbiological and chemical techniques, like gas chromatography with mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) with SPME technique. Three different scenarios are presented: (a) detection of indigenous mould in green coffee beans, (b) selection of microbiological spoilage of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB), and (c) monitoring of potable water. In each case, the novel EN was able to identify the spoiled product by means of the alterations in the pattern of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), reconstructed by principal component analysis (PCA) of the sensor responses. The achieved results strongly encourage the use of EN in industrial laboratories. Finally, recent trends and future directions are illustrated.
A Direct Attitude Determination Approach Based on GPS Double-Difference Carrier Phase Measurements
Authors: Cheng Jianhua , Wang Jing , Zhao Lin
Published: March 2014

The principle of the traditional attitude solution approach based on GPS (Global Position System) is to get the attitude matrix according to the relationship of coordinates. During the progress, the error of baseline position assumed in ECEF (Earth-Centered Earth-Fixed) and the error of coordinate transform between body frame and reference frame (ENU, East-North-Up) have been included in the result, and finally the precision of attitude determination is reduced. This contribution presents a new approach of attitude determination, in which the attitude angles are calculated by the double-difference carrier phase equation of GPS according to the relationship of attitude matrix and attitude angles through least-squares estimate method. The new approach predigests the procedure of attitude determination which reduces the error assumed. According to the analysis the precision of attitude determination is higher than that of traditional method. It is shown it gets a precise attitude result with the direct attitude determination method in the simulation. A novel algorithm is proposed to solve some problems. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
An Unusual Cervical Tumor as Presentation of a Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: De Greve Tom , Vanwalleghem Lieve , Van Hoof Achiel , Coenegrachts Kenneth , Van Trappen Philippe
Published: March 2014

Rare cervical cancers are responsible for a minority of cases encountered by a clinician. However, behavioral patterns, management, and prognosis of certain rare cervical cancers differ from either squamous carcinomas or adenocarcinomas. Here we present a case of a locally advanced cervical tumor as a presentation of an extranodal cervical non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), with a review of the current literature.
Effect of Different rhBMP-2 and TG-VEGF Ratios on the Formation of Heterotopic Bone and Neovessels
Authors: Cai Wei Xin , Zheng Li Wu , Li Chun Lei , Ma Li , Ehrbar Martin , Weber Franz E. , Zwahlen Roger A.
Published: March 2014

Bioengineered bone substitutes might represent alternatives to autologous bone grafts in medically compromised patients due to reduced operation time and comorbidity. Due to the lack of an inherent vascular system their dimension is limited to the size of critical bone size defect. To overcome this shortcoming, the experiment tried to create heterotopic bone around vessels.In vivo, a two-component fibrin and thrombin gel containing recombinant bone morphogenic protein (rhBMP-2) and transglutamate vascular endothelial growth factor (TG-VEGF) in different ratios, respectively, was injected into a dimensionally stable membrane tube, wrapped around the femoral vessel bundle in twelve New Zealand white rabbits. Sacrifice occurred eight weeks postoperatively. Microcomputed tomography of the specimens showed significantly increased bone volume in the rhBMP-2 to TG-VEGF ratio of 10 to 1 group. Histology showed new bone formation in close proximity to the vessel bundle. Immunohistochemistry detected increased angiogenesis within the newly formed bone in the rhBMP-2 to TG-VEGF ratios of 3 to 1 and 5 to 1. Heterotopic bone was engineeredin vivoaround vessels using different rhBMP-2 and TG-VEGF ratios in a fibrin matrix injected into a dimensionally stable membrane tube which prevented direct contact with skeletal muscles.
The Effect of Resveratrol on Surgery‐Induced Epidural Fibrosis in Laminectomy Rats
Authors: Sun Peifeng , Miao Bo , Xin Hongmei , Zhao Jinzhu , Xia Guofeng , Xu Peng , Hu Jian , Li Zhenfeng , Li Jianmin
Published: March 2014

Epidural fibrosis (EF) is a common complication for the patients who underwent laminectomy. Recently, EF is thought to cause recurrent postoperative pain after laminectomy. Resveratrol has been shown to exert its anti‐inflammatory, antifibrotic, and antiproliferative multifaceted properties. The object of this study was to investigate the effects of resveratrol on the prevention of postlaminectomy EF formation in laminectomy rats. A controlled double‐blinded study was performed on 60 healthy adult Sprague‐Dawley rats that underwent lumbar laminectomy at the L1‐L2 levels. They were divided randomly into 3 groups (1, 2, and 3) of 20 rats each—group 1: resveratrol treatment group; group 2: resveratrol dilution saline treatment group; group 3: sham group (rats underwent laminectomy without treatment). All rats were killed 4 weeks after operation. The Rydell score, hydroxyproline content, vimentin cells density, fibroblasts density, and inflammatory factors expressional levels all suggested better results in resveratrol group than the other two groups. Resveratrol is able to inhibit fibroblasts proliferation, and TGF‐β1 and IL‐6 expressions and prevent epidural fibrosis in postlaminectomy rat.
The Dynamic Trends of HIV Prevalence, Risks, and Prevention among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Chongqing, China
Authors: Zeng Gang , Feng Liangui , Ouyang Lin , Lu Rongrong , Xu Peng , Wu Guohui , Lu Fan
Published: March 2014

Objective. This study was to characterize the continuously changing trends of HIV prevalence, risks, sexual behaviors, and testing behaviors among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Chongqing, China.Methods. Five consecutive cross-sectional surveys were conducted among MSM in 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, and 2013. Testing for HIV and syphilis was performed, and HIV risks, sexual behavior, prevention, and HIV testing behavior were collected using the same questionnaire.Results. HIV prevalence increased from 13.0% to 19.7% from 2006 to 2013 (P=0.004), with an increase of 1.0% per year. Syphilis prevalence peaked in 2008 with a positive rate of 11.6% and then experienced a sharp drop to 2.8% in 2012 and 2.9% in 2013. Percentage of those who ever received HIV testing in the last year increased from 17.0% to 43.3% (P<0.001); condom use at the last anal intercourse and reported consistent condom use in the last 6 months increased from 51.8% to 71.0% (P<0.001) and from 24.7% to 47.9% (P<0.001), respectively.Conclusions. HIV continued to spread among MSM in Chongqing even when a decline in prevalence of syphilis and increase in awareness rate, condom use, and HIV testing seeking behaviors seemed to occur.
Preparation of Samarium Doped Calcium Hydrogen Phosphate and Study of Its Density and Thermal and Dielectric Characteristics
Authors: Bamzai K. K. , Slathia Goldy , Raina Bindu , Gupta Rashmi , Verma Seema , Suri Shivani , Singh Vishal
Published: March 2014

Samarium doped calcium hydrogen phosphate was synthesized as single crystal by room temperature solution growth technique, namely, silica gel technique. The kinetics of the growth parameters was studied with regard to variation of pH, dopant concentration, gel ageing, and upper reactant concentration. The optimum conditions for the growth of good quality single crystal were worked out. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis establishes that the crystal belongs to monoclinic system. The density observed by the flotation method is greater than the density of the reported pure calcium hydrogen phosphate thereby suggesting the incorporation of the dopant (Sm) ion into the lattice of host (CHP). Thermal analysis gave two sharp endothermic peaks which are due to partial dehydration and phase transition, respectively. Dielectric studies establish a shift in the Curie temperature from 355 to 370°C only at higher frequencies thereby suggesting the relaxational behavior of the material.
A New Solution for the Compression of a Two-Layer Strip and Its Application to Analysis of Bonding by Rolling
Authors: Alexandrov Sergei , Mustafa Yusof
Published: March 2014

The paper presents a theoretical study on the compression of a two-layer strip of strain-hardening rigid-plastic materials between rigid platens. Semianalytical solutions are obtained for stress and velocity fields in each layer. Special attention is devoted to the conditions corresponding to the beginning of cold bond formation between the layers. Depending on input parameters various general deformation patterns are possible. In particular, there exists such a range of process parameters that the soft metal layer yields while the hard metal layer is rigid at the beginning of the process. As the deformation proceeds, yielding also starts in the hard metal layer and the entire strip becomes plastic. This is a typical deformation pattern adopted in describing the process of joining by rolling. However, at a certain range of input parameters plastic deformation of the entire strip begins at the initial instant. Moreover, it is possible that only the hard metal layer yields while the soft metal layer does not. This deformation pattern takes place when the thickness of the soft metal layer is much smaller than that of the hard metal layer.
Characterization of Genipin-Modified Dentin Collagen
Authors: Nagaoka Hiroko , Nagaoka Hideaki , Walter Ricardo , Boushell Lee W. , Miguez Patricia A. , Burton Andrew , Ritter André V. , Yamauchi Mitsuo
Published: March 2014

Application of biomodification techniques to dentin can improve its biochemical and biomechanical properties. Several collagen cross-linking agents have been reported to strengthen the mechanical properties of dentin. However, the characteristics of collagen that has undergone agent-induced biomodification are not well understood. The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of a natural cross-linking agent, genipin (GE), on dentin discoloration, collagen stability, and changes in amino acid composition and lysyl oxidase mediated natural collagen cross-links. Dentin collagen obtained from extracted bovine teeth was treated with three different concentrations of GE (0.01%, 0.1%, and 0.5%) for several treatment times (0–24 h). Changes in biochemical properties of NaB3H4-reduced collagen were characterized by amino acid and cross-link analyses. The treatment of dentin collagen with GE resulted in a concentration- and time-dependent pigmentation and stability against bacterial collagenase. The lysyl oxidase-mediated trivalent mature cross-link, pyridinoline, showed no difference among all groups while the major divalent immature cross-link, dehydro-dihydroxylysinonorleucine/its ketoamine in collagen treated with 0.5% GE for 24 h, significantly decreased compared to control (P< 0.05). The newly formed GE-induced cross-links most likely involve lysine and hydroxylysine residues of collagen in a concentration-dependent manner. Some of these cross-links appear to be reducible and stabilized with NaB3H4.