bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Aggregation Bias: AnNTB‐modelling Analysis of Turkey's Agro‐food Trade with theEU
Authors: Bektasoglu Beyhan , Engelbert Tanja , Brockmeier Martina
Published: September 2016

We explore how different data aggregation levels affect the gravity estimates of non‐tariff barriers (NTBs) in the agro‐food sector, and we examine their related impacts on policy simulations of an expansion to the European Union (EU) that would include Turkey. We calculate two sets of ad valorem equivalents (AVEs) ofNTBs using the gravity approach to disaggregated and aggregated Central Product Classification data for 15 Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) agro‐food sectors. We find that theAVEs ofNTBs vary substantially across products and that using aggregated data primarily results in greater effects ofNTBs. In a second step, we incorporate theAVEs ofNTBs into theGTAPmodel to evaluate Turkey'sEUmembership and conclude that aggregation bias has considerable effects on both the estimation ofNTBs and the general equilibrium simulation results. Utilising different data aggregation levels leads to a great variability of trade costs ofNTBs and, hence, to misleading trade and welfare effects.
The R∞ property for nilpotent quotients of surface groups
Authors: Dekimpe Karel , Gonçalves Daciberg L.
Published: September 2016

A group is said to have the property if, for any automorphism of , the number of twisted conjugacy classes (or Reidemeister classes) is infinite. It is well known that when is the fundamental group of a closed surface of negative Euler characteristic, it has the property. In this work, we compute the least integer , called the ‐nilpotency degree of , such that the group has the property, where is the th term of the lower central series of . We show that for the fundamental group of any orientable closed surface of genus . For the fundamental group of the non‐orientable surface (the connected sum of projective planes) this number is (when ). A similar concept is introduced using the derived series of a group . Namely, the ‐solvability degree of , which is the least integer such that the group has the property. We show that the fundamental group of an orientable closed surface has ‐solvability degree 2. As a by‐product of our research, we find a lot of new examples of nilmanifolds on which every self‐homotopy equivalence can be deformed into a fixed point free map.
Performance Analysis of a Near-Field Thermophotovoltaic Device With a Metallodielectric Selective Emitter and Electrical Contacts for the Photovoltaic Cell
Authors: Yang Yue , Chang Jui-Yung , Sabbaghi Payam , Wang Liping
Published: September 2016

The photon transport and energy conversion of a near-field thermophotovoltaic (TPV) system with a selective emitter composed of alternate tungsten and alumina layers and a photovoltaic cell sandwiched by electrical contacts are theoretically investigated in this paper. Fluctuational electrodynamics along with the dyadic Green's function for a multilayered structure is applied to calculate the spectral heat flux, and the photocurrent generation and electrical power output are solved from the photon-coupled charge transport equations. The tungsten and alumina layer thicknesses are optimized to obtain maximum electrical power output for bare TPV cell. The spectral heat flux is much enhanced when plain tungsten emitter is replaced with the multilayer emitter due to the effective medium intrinsic lossy property and additional surface plasmon polariton coupling in the tungsten thin film, for which the invalidity of effective medium theory to predict photon transport in the near field with multilayer emitters is discussed. Effects of a gold back reflector and indium tin oxide front coating with nanometer thickness, which could practically act as the electrodes to collect the photon-generated charges on the TPV cell, are explored. The conversion efficiency of 23.7% and electrical power output of 0.31 MW/m2 can be achieved at a vacuum gap distance of 100 nm when the emitter and receiver temperature are, respectively, set as 2000 K and 300 K.
Fault Estimation and Fault-Tolerant Control of Markovian Jump System With Mixed Mode-Dependent Time-Varying Delays Via the Adaptive Observer Approach
Authors: Lu Dunke , Li Xiaohang , Liu Jin , Zeng Guohui
Published: September 2016

In this paper, the problem on simultaneous estimation of the actuator and sensor faults is first addressed for a class of Markovian jump systems with mixed mode-dependent time-varying delays. By using a generalized system technique, the original system is first transformed into a descriptor one; its states consist of original states and sensor fault. Then, a Markovian adaptive observer is designed for the descriptor system to provide simultaneous estimations of the state, actuator fault, and sensor fault. In the light of online acquired information, a state-feedback-based fault-tolerant controller is constructed to stabilize the closed-loop system in the presence of the actuator fault. Using the Lyapunov–Krasovskii functions, sufficient and necessity conditions for the existence of designed observer and controller are derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities, which can be solved readily through efficient mathematical tools. Finally, numerical and practical examples are given to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Engagement Control of Automated Clutch for Vehicle Launching Considering the Instantaneous Changes of Driver's Intention
Authors: Li Liang , Zhu Zaobei , Chen Yong , He Kai , Li Xujian , Wang Xiangyu
Published: September 2016

Engagement control of automated clutch is essential during launching process for a vehicle equipped with an automated manual transmission (AMT), and instantaneous changes in the driver's launching intention make it more complicated to control the clutch. This paper studies the identification of the driver's launching intentions, which may change anytime, and proposes a clutch engagement control method for vehicle launching. First, a launching-intention-aware machine (LIAM) based on artificial neural network (ANN) is designed for real-time tracking and identifying the driver's launching intentions. Second, the optimal engagement strategy for different launching intentions is deduced based on the linear quadratic regulator (LQR), which figures out a compromise between friction loss, vehicle shock, engine speed, clutch speed, and desired vehicle speed. Third, the relationship between transmitted torque and clutch position is obtained by experiments, and a sliding-mode controller (SMC) is designed for clutch engagement. Finally, the clutch engagement control strategy is validated by a joint simulation model and an experiment bench. The results show that the control strategy reflects the driver's launching intentions correctly and improves the performance of vehicle launching.
Energetic Cs+ ion interaction with common microelectronic materials—An investigation of a future FIB candidate source
Authors: Drezner Yariv , Greenzweig Yuval , Raveh Amir
Published: September 2016

In this paper, the authors studied the interaction of 14.5 keV accelerated Cs+ ion interaction with commonly used materials in the microelectronic industry. The motivation of this work was to examine the suitability of cesium as a future ion candidate for focused ion beam (FIB) nanomachining applications, from the beam–surface interaction aspect. Since nanometer scale Cs FIBs are uncommon, the authors have used a relatively broad Cs+ beam for this work. Two irradiation configurations were used: 60° and normal incidence with respect to the sample surface. Two sample types were irradiated, a pristine Si wafer piece and layered sample of tungsten over SiO2 on top of a Si substrate. Post Cs+ irradiation, the samples were capped and carefully prepared for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy inspection. TEM studies of the subsurface damage to the Si shows a regular amorphization process, without odd microstructural changes even for high applied dose. The amorphization depth in Si was found to be smaller than 25 nm and the Cs staining level to be about 10% by atomic densities. A very small amount of Cs was measured within the tungsten and the SiO2 layers, attributed to high diffusion rate of Cs in these materials. The authors believe that a Cs+ ion based source may be used for future nanomachining applications from the beam–surface interaction aspect. However, the high diffusion rates of Cs in the materials tested presents a concern regarding gate oxide contamination and subsequent complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor device degradation.
Comparison of quantitative Y‐90 SPECT and non‐time‐of‐flight PET imaging in post‐therapy radioembolization of liver cancer
Authors: Yue Jianting , Mauxion Thibault , Reyes Diane K. , Lodge Martin A. , Hobbs Robert F. , Rong Xing , Dong Yinfeng , Herman Joseph M. , Wahl Richard L. , Geschwind Jean‐François H. , Frey Eric C.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Radioembolization with yttrium‐90 microspheres may be optimized with patient‐specific pretherapy treatment planning. Dose verification and validation of treatment planning methods require quantitative imaging of the post‐therapy distribution of yttrium‐90 (Y‐90). Methods for quantitative imaging of Y‐90 using both bremsstrahlung SPECT and PET have previously been described. The purpose of this study was to compare the two modalities quantitatively in humans.

Methods

Calibration correction factors for both quantitative Y‐90 bremsstrahlung SPECT and a non‐time‐of‐flight PET system without compensation for prompt coincidences were developed by imaging three phantoms. The consistency of these calibration correction factors for the different phantoms was evaluated. Post‐therapy images from both modalities were obtained from 15 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent hepatic radioembolization using Y‐90 glass microspheres. Quantitative SPECT and PET images were rigidly registered and the total liver activities and activity distributions estimated for each modality were compared. The activity distributions were compared using profiles, voxel‐by‐voxel correlation and Bland–Altman analyses, and activity‐volume histograms.

Results

The mean ± standard deviation of difference in the total activity in the liver between the two modalities was 0% ± 9% (range −21%–18%). Voxel‐by‐voxel comparisons showed a good agreement in regions corresponding roughly to treated tumor and treated normal liver; the agreement was poorer in regions with low or no expected activity, where PET appeared to overestimate the activity. The correlation coefficients between intrahepatic voxel pairs for the two modalities ranged from 0.86 to 0.94. Cumulative activity volume histograms were in good agreement.

Conclusions

These data indicate that, with appropriate reconstruction methods and measured calibration correction factors, either Y‐90 SPECT/CT or Y‐90 PET/CT can be used for quantitative post‐therapy monitoring of Y‐90 activity distribution following hepatic radioembolization.
Focused ultrasound neuromodulation of cortical and subcortical brain structures using 1.9 MHz
Authors: Kamimura Hermes A. S. , Wang Shutao , Chen Hong , Wang Qi , Aurup Christian , Acosta Camilo , Carneiro Antonio A. O. , Konofagou Elisa E.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Ultrasound neuromodulation is a promising noninvasive technique for controlling neural activity. Previous small animal studies suffered from low targeting specificity because of the low ultrasound frequencies (<690 kHz) used. In this study, the authors demonstrated the capability of focused ultrasound (FUS) neuromodulation in the megahertz‐range to achieve superior targeting specificity in the murine brain as well as demonstrate modulation of both motor and sensory responses.

Methods

FUS sonications were carried out at 1.9 MHz with 50% duty cycle, pulse repetition frequency of 1 kHz, and duration of 1 s. The robustness of the FUS neuromodulation was assessed first in sensorimotor cortex, where elicited motor activities were observed and recorded on videos and electromyography. Deeper brain regions were then targeted where pupillary dilation served as an indicative of successful modulation of subcortical brain structures.

Results

Contralateral and ipsilateral movements of the hind limbs were repeatedly observed when the FUS was targeted at the sensorimotor cortex. Induced trunk and tail movements were also observed at different coordinates inside the sensorimotor cortex. At deeper targeted‐structures, FUS induced eyeball movements (superior colliculus) and pupillary dilation (pretectal nucleus, locus coeruleus, and hippocampus). Histological analysis revealed no tissue damage associated with the FUS sonications.

Conclusions

The motor movements and pupillary dilation observed in this study demonstrate the capability of FUS to modulate cortical and subcortical brain structures without inducing any damage. The variety of responses observed here demonstrates the capability of FUS to perform functional brain mapping.
Isotope independent determination of PET/CT modulation transfer functions from phantom measurements on spheres
Authors: Prenosil George A. , Klaeser Bernd , Hentschel Michael , Fürstner Markus , Berndt Michael , Krause Thomas , Weitzel Thilo
Published: September 2016

Purpose

A PET/CT system's imaging capabilities are best described by its point spread function (PSF) in the spatial domain or equivalently by its modulation transfer function (MTF) in the spatial frequency domain. Knowing PSFs or MTFs is a prerequisite for many numerical methods attempting to improve resolution and to reduce the partial volume effect. In PET/CT, the observed PSF is a convolution of the system's intrinsic imaging capabilities including image reconstruction (PSF0) and the positron range function (PRF) of the imaged β+ emitting isotope. A PRF describes the non‐Gaussian distribution of β+ annihilation events around a hypothetical point source. The main aim was to introduce a new method for determining a PET/CT system's intrinsic MTF (MTF0) from phantom measurements of hot spheres independently of the β+ emitting isotope used for image acquisition. Secondary aim was to examine non‐Gaussian and nonlinear MTFs of a modern iterative reconstruction algorithm.

Methods

PET/CT images of seven phantom spheres with volumes ranging from 0.25 to 16 ml and filled either with 18F or with 68Ga were acquired and reconstructed using filtered back projection (FBP). MTFs were modeled with linear splines. The spline fit iteratively minimized the mean squared error between the acquired PET/CT image and a convolution of the thereof derived PSF with a numerical representation of the imaged hot phantom sphere. For determining MTF0, the numerical sphere representations were convolved with a PRF, simulating a fill with either 18F or 68Ga. The MTFs determined by this so‐called MTF fit method were compared with MTFs derived from point source measurements and also compared with MTFs derived with a previously published PSF fit method. The MTF fit method was additionally applied to images reconstructed by a vendor iterative algorithm with PSF recovery (Siemens TrueX).

Results

The MTF fit method was able to determine 18F and 68Ga dependent MTFs and MTF0 from FBP reconstructed images. Root‐mean‐square deviation between fit determined MTFs and point source determined MTFs ranged from 0.023 to 0.039. MTFs from Siemens TrueX reconstructions varied with size of the imaged sphere.

Conclusions

MTF0 can be determined regardless of the imaged isotope, when using existing PRF models for the MTF fit method presented. The method proves that modern iterative PET/CT reconstruction algorithms have nonlinear imaging properties. This behaviour is not accessible by point source measurements. MTFs resulting from these clinically applied algorithms need to be estimated from objects of similar geometry to those intended for clinical imaging.
Proton computed tomography using a 1D silicon diode array
Authors: Wang Peng , Cammin Jochen , Bisello Francesca , Solberg Timothy D. , McDonough James E. , Zhu Timothy C. , Menichelli David , Teo Boon‐Keng Kevin
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Proton radiography (PR) and proton computed tomography (PCT) can be used to measure proton stopping power directly. However, practical and cost effective proton imaging detectors are not widely available. In this study, the authors investigated the feasibility of proton imaging using a silicon diode array.

Methods

A one‐dimensional silicon diode detector array (1DSDA) was aligned with the central axis (CAX) of the proton beam. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) slabs were used to find the correspondence between the water equivalent thickness (WET) and 1DSDA channel number. Two‐dimensional proton radiographs were obtained by translation and rotation of a phantom relative to CAX while the proton nozzle and 1DSDA were kept stationary. A PCT image of one slice of the phantom was reconstructed using filtered backprojection.

Results

PR and PCT images of the PMMA cube were successfully acquired using the 1DSDA. The WET of the phantom was measured using PR data. The resolution and maximum error in WET measurement are 2.0 and 1.5 mm, respectively. Structures down to 2.0 mm in size could be resolved completely. Reconstruction of a PCT image showed very good agreement with simulation. Limitations in spatial resolution are attributed to limited spatial sampling, beam collimation, and proton scatter.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate the feasibility of using silicon diode arrays for proton imaging. Such a device can potentially offer fast image acquisition and high spatial and energy resolution for PR and PCT.
Genome Sequence of Bacillus cereus Group Phage SalinJah
Authors: Erill Ivan , Caruso Steven M.
Published: September 2016

The double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) Myoviridae
Bacillus cereus
group bacteriophage SalinJah was isolated from soil collected in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. SalinJah, a cluster C phage with a broad host range, suggests the need to create a new subcluster with SalinJah and Helga as founding members.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Environmentally Isolated Acinetobacter pittii Strain IPK_TSA6.1
Authors: Lee Yunmi , Jang Soojin
Published: September 2016

Acinetobacter pittii
is an opportunistic pathogen frequently isolated from
Acinetobacter
infections other than those from
Acinetobacter baumannii
. Multidrug resistance in
A. pittii
, including resistance to carbapenems, has been increasingly reported worldwide. Here, we report the 4.14-Mbp draft genome sequence of
A. pittii
IPK_TSA6.1 that was isolated from a nonhospital setting.
Complete Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus carnosus LTH 3730
Authors: Müller Anne , Klumpp Jochen , Schmidt Herbert , Weiss Agnes
Published: September 2016

Specific strains of the apathogenic coagulase-negative species
Staphylococcus carnosus
are frequently used as meat starter cultures, as they contribute to color formation and the production of aroma compounds. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
S. carnosus
LTH 3730, a strain isolated from a fermented fish product.
Draft Genome Sequences of Four Hospital-Associated Pseudomonas putida Isolates
Authors: Mustapha Mustapha M. , Marsh Jane W. , Ezeonwuka Chinelo D. , Pasculle Anthony W. , Pacey Marissa P. , Querry Ashley M. , Muto Carlene A. , Harrison Lee H.
Published: September 2016

We present here the draft genome sequences of four
Pseudomonas putida
isolates belonging to a single clone suspected for nosocomial transmission between patients and a bronchoscope in a tertiary hospital. The four genome sequences belong to a single lineage but contain differences in their mobile genetic elements.
Complete Genome Sequences of Campylobacter jejuni Strains OD267 and WP2202 Isolated from Retail Chicken Livers and Gizzards Reveal the Presence of Novel 116-Kilobase and 119-Kilobase Megaplasmids with Type VI Secretion Systems
Authors: Marasini Daya , Fakhr Mohamed K.
Published: September 2016

Genome sequences of
Campylobacter jejuni
strains OD267 and WP2202, isolated from chicken livers and gizzards, showed the presence of novel 116-kb and 119-kb megaplasmids, respectively. The two megaplasmids carry a type VI secretion system and tetracycline resistance genes. These are the largest sequenced
Campylobacter
plasmids to date.
Draft Genome Sequences of the Probiotic Enterococcus faecalis Symbioflor 1 Clones DSM16430 and DSM16434
Authors: Fritzenwanker Moritz , Chakraborty Anindita , Hain Torsten , Zimmermann Kurt , Domann Eugen
Published: September 2016

The probiotic Symbioflor 1 is a historical concoction of 10 isolates of
Enterococcus faecalis
. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis revealed two groups: one comprising eight identical clones (DSM16430, DSM16432, DSM16433, DSM16435 to DSM16439) and a further two isolates (DSM16431, DSM16434) with marginally different profiles. Here, we report a comparative analysis of the draft genome sequences of representative isolates.
Waardenburg-Shah Syndrome: a rare case in an Indian child
Authors: Pattebahadur Rajesh , Singhi Shipra , Maharana Prafulla Kumar
Published: September 2016

A 7-year-old male child presented with a history of discolouration of right eye since birth. On examination visual acuity was 6/6 on Snellen's chart in both eyes; anterior segment was within normal limits except for the brilliant blue discolouration of the inferior quadrant and superior quadrant of right iris and left eye iris, respectively. Both eyes had a clear lens and fundus findings were within normal limits. A detailed history from parents revealed that the child had difficulty in hearing and slurring of speech. In addition, the child had repeated episodes of constipation with bilious vomiting during infancy for which a diagnosis of fungal sepsis with Hirschsprung's disease was made and the child had to undergo a mid-sigmoid loop colostomy for that. A diagnosis of Waardenburg­-Shah Syndrome was made and the child was referred for hearing and speech rehabilitation.
Fever of unknown origin in a patient initially presenting with traveller's diarrhoea
Authors: Humayun Malik Asif , Richardson Tristan , Brooks Augustin
Published: September 2016

A 17-year-old male presented with diarrhoea and malaise following his return from Kenya and Tunisia. He was managed as a case of traveller's diarrhoea. Stool cultures were negative for pathogenic bacterial growth. Two weeks later he presented with worsening lower back pain. MRI of lumbosacral spine suggested L1 osteomyelitis. CT-guided spinal aspirate grew no organisms and repeat viral serology and blood cultures (including tuberculosis screening) were negative. He was treated with a 6-week course of ceftriaxone. Back pain did not improve and a repeat MRI scan 8 weeks after his antibiotic course indicated progressive changes in L1 extending to L2 with an intradiscal abscess. Repeat CT-guided spinal aspirate grewSalmonella arizonaesensitive to cotrimoxazole and ceftriaxone. He was treated with intravenous ceftriaxone and cotrimoxazole for 12 weeks. A 4-month follow-up MRI scan showed progressive improvement of the L1/L2 discitis with resolution of intradiscal fluid.
Effectiveness of case management interventions for frequent users of healthcare services: a scoping review
Authors: Hudon Catherine , Chouinard Maud-Christine , Lambert Mireille , Dufour Isabelle , Krieg Cynthia
Published: September 2016

Objective

Frequent users of healthcare services are a vulnerable population, often socioeconomically disadvantaged, who can present multiple chronic conditions as well as mental health problems. Case management (CM) is the most frequently performed intervention to reduce healthcare use and cost. This study aimed to examine the evidence of the effectiveness of CM interventions for frequent users of healthcare services.

Design

Scoping review.

Data sources

An electronic literature search was conducted using the MEDLINE, Scopus and CINAHL databases covering January 2004 to December 2015. A specific search strategy was developed for each database using keywords ‘case management’ and ‘frequent use’.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

To be included in the review, studies had to report effects of a CM intervention on healthcare use and cost or patient outcomes. Eligible designs included randomised and non-randomised controlled trials and controlled and non-controlled before–after studies. Studies limited to specific groups of patients or targeting a single disease were excluded. Three reviewers screened abstracts, screened each full-text article and extracted data, and discrepancies were resolved by consensus.

Results

The final review included 11 articles evaluating the effectiveness of CM interventions among frequent users of healthcare services. Two non-randomised controlled studies and 4 before–after studies reported positives outcomes on healthcare use or cost. Two randomised controlled trials, 2 before–after studies and 1 non-randomised controlled study presented mitigated results. Patient outcomes such as drug and alcohol use, health locus of control, patient satisfaction and psychological functioning were evaluated in 3 studies, but no change was reported.

Conclusions

Many studies suggest that CM could reduce emergency department visits and hospitalisations as well as cost. However, pragmatic randomised controlled trials of adequate power that recruit the most frequent users of healthcare services are still needed to clearly confirm its effectiveness.
Trichomonas vaginalis infection is uncommon in the British general population: implications for clinical testing and public health screening
Authors: Field Nigel , Clifton Soazig , Alexander Sarah , Ison Catherine A , Khanom Rumena , Saunders Pamela , Hughes Gwenda , Heath Laura , Beddows Simon , Mercer Catherine H , Tanton Clare , Johnson Anne M , Sonnenberg Pam
Published: September 2016

Introduction

Variable use of new molecular assays, asymptomatic infections and a lack of population data mean that the population burden of Trichomonas vaginalis is uncertain. We investigated the age-specific prevalence of T. vaginalis within the sexually active British general population to inform testing strategies.

Methods

Britain's third National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyle (Natsal-3) is a probability sample survey of 15 162 individuals aged 16–74 years, undertaken during 2010–2012. Urine from 4386 participants aged 16–44 years reporting ≥1 lifetime sexual partner was tested for T. vaginalis using in-house real-time PCR.

Results

Urinary T. vaginalis was detected in seven women and no men providing urine samples, giving a weighted prevalence estimate of 0.3% (95% CI 0.1% to 0.5%) in sexually experienced women aged 16–44 years. Of the seven women with T. vaginalis detected, four were of black or mixed ethnicity (prevalence 2.7% (0.9% to 7.7%) in this group) and five reported recent partners of black or mixed ethnicity. Six of the women reported symptoms, and five reported sexual health clinic attendance in the past 5 years (prevalence in those reporting clinic attendance: 1.0% (0.4% to 2.3%)). The prevalence of a self-reported history of T. vaginalis (past 5 years) was 0.1% (0.0% to 0.2%) in women and 0.0% (0.0% to 0.2%) in men aged 16–44 years.

Conclusions

Our British population prevalence estimates indicate that T. vaginalis is a rare infection. These data support policies that restrict asymptomatic screening for T. vaginalis and suggest deployment of molecular tests should be focused within clinical settings and guided by symptoms and local demography.
Electronic structure with dipole moment and ionicity calculations of the low-lying electronic states of the ZnF molecule
Authors: Elmoussaoui Soumaya , El-Kork Nayla , Korek Mahmoud
Published: September 2016

Adiabatic potential energy curves of the 28 low-lying doublet and quartet electronic states in the representation 2s+1Λ(±) of the zinc monofluoride molecule are investigated using the complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) with multi-reference configuration interaction (MRCI) method including single and double excitations with the Davidson correction (+Q). The internuclear distance Re, the harmonic frequency ωe, the static and transition dipole moment μ, the rotational constant Be, and the electronic transition energy with respect to the ground state Te are calculated for the bound states. The transition dipole moment between some doublet states is used to determine the Einstein spontaneous A21 and induced emission [Formula: see text] coefficients, as well as the spontaneous radiative lifetime τspon, emission wavelength λ21, and oscillator strength f21. The ground state ionicity qionicity and equilibrium dissociation energy DE,e are also computed. The comparison between the values of the present work and those available in the literature for several electronic states shows very good agreement. Twenty-three new electronic states have been studied in the present work for the first time.
Roles of clustering properties for degree-mixing pattern networks
Authors: Yu Pei , Guo Qiang , Li Ren-De , Han Jing-Ti , Liu Jian-Guo
Published: September 2016

The clustering coefficients have been extensively investigated for analyzing the local structural properties of complex networks. In this paper, the clustering coefficients for triangle and square structures, namely [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], are introduced to measure the local structure properties for different degree-mixing pattern networks. Firstly, a network model with tunable assortative coefficients is introduced. Secondly, the comparison results between the local clustering coefficients [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are reported, one can find that the square structures would increase as the degree [Formula: see text] of nodes increasing in disassortative networks. At the same time, the Pearson coefficient [Formula: see text] between the clustering coefficients [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is calculated for networks with different assortative coefficients. The Pearson coefficient [Formula: see text] changes from [Formula: see text] to 0.98 as the assortative coefficient [Formula: see text] increasing from [Formula: see text] to 0.45, which suggests that the triangle and square structures have the same growth trend in assortative networks whereas the opposite one in disassortative networks. Finally, we analyze the clustering coefficients [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for networks with tunable assortative coefficients and find that the clustering coefficient [Formula: see text] increases from 0.0038 to 0.5952 while the clustering coefficient [Formula: see text] increases from 0.00039 to 0.005, indicating that the number of cliquishness of the disassortative networks is larger than that of assortative networks.
The processes e+e−→ K±(K∗∓(892),K∗∓(1410)) and e+e−→ (η,η′(958))(ϕ(1020),ϕ(1680)) in the extended Nambu–Jona-Lasinio model
Authors: Volkov M. K. , Pivovarov A. A.
Published: September 2016

The processes [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are calculated in the framework of the extended Nambu–Jona-Lasinio model. The intermediate vector mesons [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and their first radially excited states are taken into account. The obtained results are in satisfactory agreement with the experimental data. The predictions for the cross-sections of the reactions [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] were made.
Interactive WCET Prediction with Warning for Timeout Risk
Authors: Meng Fanqi , Su Xiaohong , Qu Zhaoyang
Published: September 2016

Worst case execution time (WCET) analysis is essential for exposing timeliness defects when developing hard real-time systems. However, it is too late to fix timeliness defects cheaply since developers generally perform WCET analysis in a final verification phase. To help developers quickly identify real timeliness defects in an early programming phase, a novel interactive WCET prediction with warning for timeout risk is proposed. The novelty is that the approach not only fast estimates WCET based on a control flow tree (CFT), but also assesses the estimated WCET with a trusted level by a lightweight false path analysis. According to the trusted levels, corresponding warnings will be triggered once the estimated WCET exceeds a preset safe threshold. Hence developers can identify real timeliness defects more timely and efficiently. To this end, we first analyze the reasons of the overestimation of CFT-based WCET calculation; then we propose a trusted level model of timeout risks; for recognizing the structural patterns of timeout risks, we develop a risk data counting algorithm; and we also give some tactics for applying our approach more effectively. Experimental results show that our approach has almost the same running speed compared with the fast and interactive WCET analysis, but it saves more time in identifying real timeliness defects.
3D Face Recognition Based on Symbolic FDA Using SVM Classifier with Similarity and Dissimilarity Distance Measure
Authors: Hiremath Manjunatha , Hiremath P. S.
Published: September 2016

Human face images are the basis not only for person recognition, but for also identifying other attributes like gender, age, ethnicity, and emotional states of a person. Therefore, face is an important biometric identifier in the law enforcement and human–computer interaction (HCI) systems. The 3D human face recognition is emerging as a significant biometric technology. Research interest into 3D face recognition has increased during recent years due to availability of improved 3D acquisition devices and processing algorithms. A 3D face image is represented by 3D meshes or range images which contain depth information. In this paper, the objective is to propose a new 3D face recognition method based on radon transform and symbolic factorial discriminant analysis using KNN and SVM classifier with similarity and dissimilarity measures, which are applied on 3D facial range images. The experimentation is done using three publicly available databases, namely, Bhosphorus, Texas and CASIA 3D face database. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Inca Foams
Authors: Carmi Avishy Y. , Moskovich Daniel
Published: September 2016

We study a certain class of embedded [Formula: see text]-foams that arise from gluing disks into ribbon torus knots along nonintersecting torus meridians. We exhibit several equivalent diagrammatic formalisms for these objects and identify several of their invariants, including a unique prime factorization.
BORON-DOPED TIN DIOXIDE FILMS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL APPLICATIONS
Authors: KONG XIANG-BIN , LI FANG , QI ZHONG-NAN , QI LEI , YAO MING-MING
Published: September 2016

In order to enhance the photodegradation of organic pollutants, Boron-doped tin dioxide (B-doped SnO2) composite films with narrowed band gap were successfully prepared by the sol–gel method. The samples are characterized by UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL), X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET). UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy results revealed that the absorption of the B-doped SnO2 film was clearly broadened to the visible light area. PL results showed that the recombination rate of the photo-generated species was effectively prohibited by B doping. The photocatalytic properties of the films were evaluated by degradation of organic pollutants including acid naphthol red (ANR) dye and formaldehyde solutions. Experimental results indicated that the B-doped SnO2 film exhibited an excellent photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation due to its strong visible light response and diminished electron–hole recombination.
An analogue of Springer fibers in certain wonderful compactifications
Authors: Can Mahir Bilen , Howe Roger , Joyce Michael
Published: September 2016

We investigate the topological structure of a cellular decomposition of the fixed locus of a unipotent operator of regular Jordan type acting on the wonderful compactification of the variety of complete quadrics and the variety of complete skew forms. The Poincaré polynomial is computed in each case and the poset of cell closures under inclusion is described in the complete quadrics case.
Automorphisms of abelian Lie ring extensions
Authors: Fouladi S. , Jamali A. R. , Orfi R.
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we construct three exact sequences on automorphism groups of abelian Lie ring extensions which relate automorphisms with group cohomology. The sequences resemble well-known Wells exact sequence for group extensions. An application of our construction is given.
A note on the subadditivity of Syzygies
Authors: El Khoury Sabine , Srinivasan Hema
Published: September 2016

Let [Formula: see text] be a graded algebra with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] being the minimal and maximal shifts in the minimal graded free resolution of [Formula: see text] at degree [Formula: see text]. We prove that [Formula: see text] for all [Formula: see text]. As a consequence, we show that for Gorenstein algebras of codimension [Formula: see text], the subadditivity of maximal shifts [Formula: see text] in the minimal graded free resolution holds for [Formula: see text], i.e. we show that [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text].
Biomechanical Assessment for Healing Progression of Fractured Long Bones: Comparisons of Various Methods Using Beam Models
Authors: Chen Gongfa , Liu Zongchao , Zhang Yong , Zhang Jiqiao , Cui Fangsen , Xu Minglong
Published: September 2016

Measurements of various effective stiffnesses have been suggested as non-invasive biomechanical methods to assess healing status of a fractured long bone. This paper has compared the sensitivities of five assessment methods for fracture healing of long bones: torsion, compression, 3-point bending, 4-point bending and cantilever bending. A fractured human femur is modeled by an Euler beam and Castigliano’s theorem is used to obtain the effective stiffnesses of the fractured bone. The variations of the effective stiffnesses of the fractured bone with the healing status of the callus have been investigated. The healing process of the callus is represented by gradual increases of the Young’s modulus. The callus is divided into multiple regions. The narrowing process of the fracture gap is characterized by assigning different Young’s modulus for different regions. Our findings showed that torsional, compressional, and bending stiffnesses all perform similarly with respect to the healing process. Before the rapid increase, all effective stiffness curves show a substantial creeping stage which corresponds to the narrowing process of the fracture gap. A higher value of them indicates bony bridging of healing callus. The effective stiffnesses for cantilever bending and 3-point bending are more sensitive to the fracture location, while torsional and compressional stiffness are independent from the fracture location.
Curvature Approximation Effects in the Free Vibration Analysis of Functionally Graded Shells
Authors: Brischetto Salvatore
Published: September 2016

The present work investigates the effects of the curvature terms in the three-dimensional (3D) equilibrium equations used for the free vibration analysis of functionally graded material (FGM) structures. The 3D equilibrium equations have been written in general orthogonal curvilinear coordinates which are valid for spherical shells. They automatically degenerate in those for cylindrical shells and plates considering one of the two radii of curvature and both radii of curvature equal to infinite, respectively. The approximation of curvature terms in the 3D equilibrium equations has been evaluated by means of frequency analyses. Results obtained via 3D equilibrium equations with exact geometry have been compared with those calculated via 3D equilibrium equations written with the approximation of the curvature terms. The effects of the curvature approximations depend on the thickness and curvature of the structures, on the materials, lamination sequences and FGM laws, on the frequency orders and vibration modes. The resulting system of second order partial differential equations has been reduced into a system of first order partial differential equations redoubling the variables. Therefore, the exponential matrix method has been employed using a layer wise approach. The final 3D equations have been solved in exact form considering harmonic displacement components and simply supported structures. The approximation of the curvature terms has been introduced in the 3D equilibrium shell equations. For numerical reasons, interlaminar continuity conditions and the top and bottom boundary and loading conditions have been written including the exact geometry. The introduction of curvature approximations only in the equilibrium equations is sufficient to obtain an exhaustive qualitative analysis of the importance of curvature terms in the free vibration problems for FGM structures.
Compression of Hyperelastic Cells at Finite Deformation with Surface Energy
Authors: Ding Yue , Niu Xin-Rui , Wang Gang-Feng
Published: September 2016

In this paper, the compression of an isolated cell by two rigid indenters is analyzed. The neo-Hookean model is employed to characterize the hyperelastic behavior of biological cells. Owing to the greatly increased ratio between surface energy density and elastic modulus, surface energy plays important roles in the mechanical performance of biological cells. Using the dimensional analysis method and a finite element approach incorporating surface energy, we study the elastic compression of hyperelastic cells at finite deformation and give the explicit relations of contact radius and indent depth depending on compressive load. Our results reveal that surface energy obviously influences both the local deformation and the overall responses of hyperelastic cells at finite deformation. The obtained results are useful to determine the elastic properties of biological cells from indent-depth curves accurately.
Vibration Reduction of an Assembly by Control of the Tightening Load
Authors: Bouaziz Hamza , Peyret Nicolas , Abbes Mohamed Slim , Chevallier Gael , Haddar Mohamed
Published: September 2016

Due to their lightness, the aerospace structures are vulnerable to vibrations. Their amplitudes need to be mitigated through damping devices. The aim of this paper is to control the tightening force of a bolted joint in order to improve the vibration reduction. The work focuses on a single vibration mode modeled by two degrees of freedom coupled with a Jenkins’ cell. Then two control strategies are proposed in order to reduce the harmonically forced vibrations and transient vibrations. The first control law uses a constant optimum clamping for each excitation level. The second law consists in a sinusoidal variation of the clamping force adapted to each level and frequency of excitation. Finally, in the third section, the control law is modified in order to reduce transient vibrations. For each control law, the performances of the model are discussed according to the aimed application.
Parametric Variational Principle for Bi-Modulus Materials and Its Application to Nacreous Bio-Composites
Authors: Zhang Liang , Zhang Huiting , Wu Jian , Yan Bo , Lu Mengkai
Published: September 2016

Bi-modulus materials have different moduli in tension and compression and the stress–strain relation depends on principal stress that is unknown before displacement is determined. Establishment of variational principle is important for mechanical analysis of materials. First, parametric variational principle (PVP) is proposed for static analysis of bi-modulus materials and structures. A parametric variable indicating state of principal stress is included in the potential energy formulation and the nonlinear stress–strain relation is evolved into a linear complementarity constraint. Convergence of finite element analysis is thus improved. Then the proposed variational principle is extended to a dynamic problem and the dynamic equation can be derived based on Hamilton’s principle. Finite element analysis of nacreous bio-composites is performed, in which a unilateral contact behavior between two hard mineral bricks is modeled using the bi-modulus stress–strain relation. Effective modulus of composites can be determined numerically and stress mechanism of “tension–shear chain” in nacre is revealed. A delayed effect on stress propagation is found around the “gaps” between mineral bricks, when a tension force is loaded to nacreous bio-composites dynamically.
Commentary About the Biophysics of Muscles
Authors: Chakroun Moez , Greene Peter R.
Published: September 2016

This is a commentary about the biophysics of muscle, presenting an introduction to the area, modeling muscles' biophysics, and this Issue's projects.
Toward an Effective Ebola Virus Vaccine
Authors: Keshwara Rohan , Johnson Reed F. , Schnell Matthias J.
Published: September 2016

Long-term control of viral outbreaks requires the use of vaccines to impart acquired resistance and ensuing protection. In the wake of an epidemic, established immunity against a particular disease can limit spread and significantly decrease mortality. Creation of a safe and efficacious vaccine against Ebola virus (EBOV) has proven elusive so far, but various inventive strategies are now being employed to counteract the threat of outbreaks caused by EBOV and related filoviruses. Here, we present a current overview of progress in the field of Ebola virus vaccine development.
Neprilysin Inhibitors: Emerging Therapy for Heart Failure
Authors: Owens Anjali Tiku , Brozena Susan , Jessup Mariell
Published: September 2016

Biologically active natriuretic peptides (NPs) are an integral part of cardiac homeostasis as they help to maintain sodium and fluid balance. When homeostasis is perturbed by neurohormonal activation in heart failure, levels of NPs rise in response. Neprilysin (NEP) is a naturally occuring enzyme that breaks down NPs. Scientists have recently discovered a novel pharmacologic agent that combines a NEP inhibitor and an angiotensin receptor blocker. In a large clinical trial, this new drug was found to reduce hospitalization and mortality in systolic heart failure. The challenges of implementing this therapy include patient selection, cost, and risk of side effects including angioedema and Alzheimer's disease.
Resection of Liver Metastases in Colorectal Cancer in the Era of Expanding Systemic Therapy
Authors: Jones Robert P. , Poston Graeme J.
Published: September 2016

About 25% of patients with colorectal cancer develop liver metastases after resection of the primary tumor, and surgical resection of the metastases offers the only opportunity for long-term survival. However, only 20% of patients present with resectable disease. Deciding which patients should be offered surgery, and which should receive additional treatment in the form of perioperative chemotherapy, is complex. For the majority of patients who present with technically irresectable liver-limited disease, systemic downsizing chemotherapy offers the only opportunity to reach surgery and potential cure. Molecular analysis of tumor tissue is improving patient stratification, allowing more appropriate treatment selection, but is not yet a regular part of clinical practice. Decision making is limited by a lack of clear prospective evidence, and so multidisciplinary team assessment is essential to optimize outcomes.