bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social support from friends and family in a Tibetan village
Authors: XUE MING
Published: November 2014

Friendships are prevalent in human societies. However, it is unclear whether people rely on the same strategy to derive support from friends and relatives. In the present study, I conducted a survey to elicit the egocentric support networks of 40 village residents in a Tibetan village in Qinghai province in China. The study showed that the participants reported equal amounts of support from friends and from relatives, and they preferred a shallow strategy over a deep strategy to derive support from friends; they equally preferred the two strategies to derive support from relatives. My study suggests that even if friends compensate for the variation of kin support in quantity, friendship should not be considered as one‐for‐one substitute for kinship.
Survival in children on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation at the time of lung transplantation
Authors: Hayes Don , McConnell Patrick I. , Tobias Joseph D. , Whitson Bryan A. , Preston Thomas J. , Yates Andrew R. , Galantowicz Mark
Published: November 2014

Limited data exist on ECMO at the time of LTx in children. The UNOS database was queried from 2000 to 2013 for pediatric lung transplant recipients (<18 yr) to assess post‐transplant survival of patients on ECMO at the time of LTx. Of 587 pediatric recipients with 17 on ECMO, 585 were used for univariate and Kaplan–Meier function analysis, 535 for multivariate Cox models, and 24 for propensity score matching. Univariate Cox (HR = 1.777; 95% CI: 0.658, 4.803; p = 0.257) and Kaplan–Meier function (log‐rank test: chi‐square (df = 1): 1.32, p = 0.250) analyses did not identify a survival difference between ECMO and non‐ECMO, while multivariate Cox models (HR = 1.821; 95% CI: 0.654, 5.065; p = 0.251) did not demonstrate an increased risk for death. Propensity score matching analysis (HR = 1.500; 95% CI: 0.251, 8.977; p = 0.657) also failed to demonstrate a significantly increased hazard ratio. Using a contemporary cohort of pediatric lung transplant recipients, the use of ECMO at the time of lung transplantation did not negatively impact survival.
Granular cell ameloblastoma: Case report of a particular ameloblastoma histologically resembling oncocytoma
Authors: Matsushita Yuki , Fujita Shuichi , Kawasaki Goro , Hirota Yoshinosuke , Rokutanda Satoshi , Yamashita Kentaro , Yanamoto Souichi , Ikeda Tohru , Umeda Masahiro
Published: November 2014

Granular cell ameloblastoma is classified as a histological subtype of solid/multicystic ameloblastoma. Usual granular cell ameloblastoma is histologically characterized by granular changes of stellate‐like cells located in the inner portion of the epithelial follicles. Here we report a case of another type of granular cell ameloblastoma, showing predominant anastomosing double‐stranded trabeculae of granular cells. This type of granular cell ameloblastoma is extremely rare, and the World Health Organization classification does not contain the entity. We tentatively termed it ‘anastomosing granular cell ameloblastoma’ in this report. The present case suggests the importance of differential diagnosis because the histology of ‘anastomosing granular cell ameloblastoma’ resembles that of salivary gland oncocytoma rather than that of usual granular cell ameloblastoma. The trabeculae observed in our case continued to the peripheral cells of a small amount of epithelial sheets of plexiform ameloblastoma, and the tumor cells were positive for CK19, which is regarded as an immunohistochemical marker of odontogenic epithelium. Similar to usual granular cell ameloblastoma, the tumor cells had CD68‐positive granules. For precise diagnosis of this condition, immunohistochemistry using CK19 and CD68, as well as detailed histological observation, are recommended.
The georgic mode and ‘poor labours’ of George Herbert
Authors: Sandberg Julianne
Published: November 2014

Despite the seeming pastoralism of his tone and imagery, George Herbert applies a strictly georgic lens to his representation of his theology and subjectivity. The constructs of labour – which define the economic, agricultural, and literary landscapes of seventeenth‐century England – become the standard by which Herbert measures his own worth to the nation, to the church, and to God. He structures his identity as both priest and poet according to the georgic emphasis on labour, production, and fruitfulness; seeks to justify his work according to its use‐value; and maps these same values onto his theology by consistently describing God as a labourer. In doing so, he frequently turns to the natural world as an example of what he would like to become, since the environment embodies the georgic principles of labour and production that he hopes will mark his own life.
Prospective evaluation of the acute patient physiologic and laboratory evaluation score and an extended clinicopathological profile in dogs with systemic inflammatory response syndrome
Authors: Giunti Massimo , Troia Roberta , Bergamini Paolo Famigli , Dondi Francesco
Published: November 2014

Objective

To investigate the prognostic value of the acute patient physiologic and laborartory evaluation (APPLE) score and relevant clinicopathological markers in dogs with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS).

Design

Prospective observational cohort study.

Setting

Veterinary teaching hospital.

Animals

Thirty‐three dogs with SIRS admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) were compared to 35 healthy control dogs. Dogs with SIRS were divided into septic (n = 20) and nonseptic (n = 13) etiologies and as survivors (alive to discharge, n = 22) and nonsurvivors (n = 11: died, n = 6, or humanely euthanized, n = 5).

Measurements and Main Results

For all dogs, physiological and laboratory parameters were prospectively collected for the calculation of the APPLEfast score. No difference between septic and nonseptic SIRS dogs was detected for any parameter evaluated. Survivors had significantly higher total protein, albumin concentrations, antithrombin activity (ATA), and base excess (BE), as well as significantly lower lactate, urea, creatinine concentrations, urinary protein to creatinine ratio and APPLEfast score compared to nonsurvivors. Higher values of creatinine, lactate, anion gap, alanine transaminase (ALT), and APPLEfast score were significantly associated with an increased risk of death in SIRS dogs, while higher values of total protein, albumin, ATA, and BE were associated with a significantly reduced risk of mortality. When a multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was performed, the APPLEfast score was the only significant parameter retained.

Conclusions

The determination of the APPLEfast score in clinical setting, as well as the measurement of APP, ATA, lactate, BE, anion gap, ALT, urinary proteins, and electrolytes may be beneficial for a better assessment of dogs with SIRS. Identified parameters were significantly related with the presence of SIRS and their evaluation should be considered for the assessment of disease severity, and guidance of the decision‐making process in critically ill dogs.
A Mathematical Model for Understanding Fluid Flow Through Engineered Tissues Containing Microvessels
Authors: Morin Kristen T. , Lenz Michelle S. , Labat Caroline A. , Tranquillo Robert T.
Published: November 2014

Knowledge is limited about fluid flow in tissues containing engineered microvessels, which can be substantially different in topology than native capillary networks. A need exists for a computational model that allows for flow through tissues dense in nonpercolating and possibly nonperfusable microvessels to be efficiently evaluated. A finite difference (FD) model based on Poiseuille flow through a distribution of straight tubes acting as point sources and sinks, and Darcy flow through the interstitium, was developed to describe fluid flow through a tissue containing engineered microvessels. Accuracy of the FD model was assessed by comparison to a finite element (FE) model for the case of a single tube. Because the case of interest is a tissue with microvessels aligned with the flow, accuracy was also assessed in depth for a corresponding 2D FD model. The potential utility of the 2D FD model was then explored by correlating metrics of flow through the model tissue to microvessel morphometric properties. The results indicate that the model can predict the density of perfused microvessels based on parameters that can be easily measured.
Improved “black box” moment-of-inertia apparatus
Authors: Amato Joseph C. , Mills Joshua M. , Zachow Shannon
Published: November 2014

An introductory laboratory exercise is described wherein students are challenged to determine the dimensions and material composition of a hidden object using a torsion pendulum. The experiment is a blend of rotational dynamics and simple harmonic motion and is presented to students near the end of their course on classical mechanics. The apparatus is inexpensive, easy to duplicate, and yields very accurate results. The procedure is straightforward, and nearly all students complete the assigned task successfully. The exercise is appropriately challenging and intriguing for introductory students, and the response from them and their lab instructors has been quite favorable.
Linear least squares fit when both variables are affected by equal uncorrelated errors
Authors: Petrolini Alessandro
Published: November 2014

A solution for the least-squares fit of a straight line to measurements in two dimensions is presented for the case where measurements have uncorrelated errors in both variables, while all errors in a given variable are taken from the same probability distribution. The straight line solution is parametrized either by the intercept and the slope or by the impact parameter relative to the origin and the angle with respect to one axis. Simple formulas are presented for both the estimated fit parameters and their standard errors.
Berimbau: A simple instrument for teaching basic concepts in the physics and psychoacoustics of music
Authors: Vilão Rui C. , Melo Santino L. S.
Published: November 2014

We address the production of musical tones by a simple musical instrument of the Brazilian tradition: the berimbau-de-barriga. The vibration physics of the string and of the air mass inside the gourd are reviewed. Straightforward measurements of an actual berimbau, which illustrate the basic physical phenomena, are performed using a PC-based “soundcard oscilloscope.” The inharmonicity of the string and the role of the gourd are discussed in the context of known results in the psychoacoustics of pitch definition.
Analyzing the impact of course structure on electronic textbook use in blended introductory physics courses
Authors: Seaton Daniel T. , Kortemeyer Gerd , Bergner Yoav , Rayyan Saif , Pritchard David E.
Published: November 2014

We investigate how elements of course structure (i.e., the frequency of assessments as well as the sequencing and weight of course resources) influence the usage patterns of electronic textbooks (e-texts) in introductory physics courses. Specifically, we analyze the access logs of courses at Michigan State University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, each of which deploy e-texts as primary or secondary texts in combination with different formative assessments (e.g., embedded reading questions) and different summative assessment (exam) schedules. As such studies are frequently marred by arguments over what constitutes a “meaningful” interaction with a particular page (usually judged by how long the page remains on the screen), we consider a set of different definitions of “meaningful” interactions. We find that course structure has a strong influence on how much of the e-texts students actually read, and when they do so. In particular, courses that deviate strongly from traditional structures, most notably by more frequent exams, show consistently high usage of the materials with far less “cramming” before exams.
Low-frequency vocalizations of sei whales (Balaenoptera borealis) in the Southern Ocean
Authors: Calderan Susannah , Miller Brian , Collins Kym , Ensor Paul , Double Michael , Leaper Russell , Barlow Jay
Published: November 2014

Simultaneous sightings and acoustic detections of sei whales (Balaenoptera borealis) are scarce, and there are few published data describing their vocalizations. Analysis of recordings from directional frequency analysis and recording sonobuoys in the presence of sei whales in the Southern Ocean in March 2013 identified both downsweep and upsweep calls. Sound frequencies within all calls were between 34 and 87 Hz with an average call duration of 1.1 s. These very low-frequency sounds share characteristics with sei whale calls recorded near the Hawaiian Islands and off Cape Cod in winter and summer, respectively, but are the first documented sei whale calls in the Southern Ocean that are clearly less than 100 Hz.
DNA vaccine–derived human IgG produced in transchromosomal bovines protect in lethal models of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome
Authors: Hooper Jay W. , Brocato Rebecca L. , Kwilas Steven A. , Hammerbeck Christopher D. , Josleyn Matthew D. , Royals Michael , Ballantyne John , Wu Hua , Jiao Jin-an , Matsushita Hiroaki , Sullivan Eddie J.
Published: November 2014

Human polyclonal antibodies generated from DNA-vaccinated, transchromosomal bovines protect against hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
The Cyclic Peptide Ecumicin Targeting ClpC1 Is Active against Mycobacterium tuberculosis In Vivo
Authors: Gao Wei , Kim Jin-Yong , Anderson Jeffrey R. , Akopian Tatos , Hong Seungpyo , Jin Ying-Yu , Kandror Olga , Kim Jong-Woo , Lee In-Ae , Lee Sun-Young , McAlpine James B. , Mulugeta Surafel , Sunoqrot Suhair , Wang Yuehong , Yang Seung-Hwan , Yoon Tae-Mi , Goldberg Alfred L. , Pauli Guido F. , Suh Joo-Won , Franzblau Scott G. , Cho Sanghyun
Published: November 2014

Drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) has lent urgency to finding new drug leads with novel modes of action. A high-throughput screening campaign of >65,000 actinomycete extracts for inhibition of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
viability identified ecumicin, a macrocyclic tridecapeptide that exerts potent, selective bactericidal activity against
M. tuberculosis
in vitro
, including nonreplicating cells. Ecumicin retains activity against isolated multiple-drug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains of
M. tuberculosis
. The subcutaneous administration to mice of ecumicin in a micellar formulation at 20 mg/kg body weight resulted in plasma and lung exposures exceeding the MIC. Complete inhibition of
M. tuberculosis
growth in the lungs of mice was achieved following 12 doses at 20 or 32 mg/kg. Genome mining of lab-generated, spontaneous ecumicin-resistant
M. tuberculosis
strains identified the ClpC1 ATPase complex as the putative target, and this was confirmed by a drug affinity response test. ClpC1 functions in protein breakdown with the ClpP1P2 protease complex. Ecumicin markedly enhanced the ATPase activity of wild-type (WT) ClpC1 but prevented activation of proteolysis by ClpC1. Less stimulation was observed with ClpC1 from ecumicin-resistant mutants. Thus, ClpC1 is a valid drug target against
M. tuberculosis
, and ecumicin may serve as a lead compound for anti-TB drug development.
Acquisition of Antibodies against Plasmodium falciparum Merozoites and Malaria Immunity in Young Children and the Influence of Age, Force of Infection, and Magnitude of Response
Authors: Stanisic Danielle I. , Fowkes Freya J. I. , Koinari Melanie , Javati Sarah , Lin Enmoore , Kiniboro Benson , Richards Jack S. , Robinson Leanne J. , Schofield Louis , Kazura James W. , King Christopher L. , Zimmerman Peter , Felger Ingrid , Siba Peter M. , Mueller Ivo , Beeson James G.
Published: November 2014

Individuals in areas of
Plasmodium falciparum
endemicity develop immunity to malaria after repeated exposure. Knowledge of the acquisition and nature of protective immune responses to
P. falciparum
is presently limited, particularly for young children. We examined antibodies (IgM, IgG, and IgG subclasses) to merozoite antigens and their relationship to the prospective risk of malaria in children 1 to 4 years of age in a region of malaria endemicity in Papua New Guinea. IgG, IgG1, and IgG3 responses generally increased with age, were higher in children with active infection, and reflected geographic heterogeneity in malaria transmission. Antigenic properties, rather than host factors, appeared to be the main determinant of the type of IgG subclass produced. High antibody levels were not associated with protection from malaria; in contrast, they were typically associated with an increased risk of malaria. Adjustment for malaria exposure, using a novel molecular measure of the force of infection by
P. falciparum
, accounted for much of the increased risk, suggesting that the antibodies were markers of higher exposure to
P. falciparum
. Comparisons between antibodies in this cohort of young children and in a longitudinal cohort of older children suggested that the lack of protective association was explained by lower antibody levels among young children and that there is a threshold level of antibodies required for protection from malaria. Our results suggest that in populations with low immunity, such as young children, antibodies to merozoite antigens may act as biomarkers of malaria exposure and that, with increasing exposure and responses of higher magnitude, antibodies may act as biomarkers of protective immunity.
Evolutionary Ecology of the Marine Roseobacter Clade
Authors: Luo Haiwei , Moran Mary Ann
Published: November 2014

Members of the
Roseobacter
clade are equipped with a tremendous diversity of metabolic capabilities, which in part explains their success in so many different marine habitats. Ideas on how this diversity evolved and is maintained are reviewed, focusing on recent evolutionary studies exploring the timing and mechanisms of
Roseobacter
ecological diversification.
Septic cavernous sinus thrombosis caused by tuberculosis infection
Authors: Xia Peng , Jiao Yang
Published: November 2014

We report a rare case of acute, septic cavernous sinus thrombosis (SCST) caused by tuberculosis infection. The diagnosis of SCST was suspected and rapidly confirmed based on high fever, dramatic and typical signs of left cranial nerve paralysis and the result of digital subtraction angiography after the onset of the disease. However, the diagnosis of tuberculosis infection was missed, and the 55-year-old patient was treated with high-dose glucocorticoid, anticoagulants and a series of intravenous antibiotics for bacteria. His symptoms failed to improve, and steroid treatment resulted in serious haematogenous dissemination ofMycobacterium tuberculosis, including miliary tuberculosis and tuberculosis verrucosa cutis, which led to the final diagnosis. Then, the patient received a five-agent antituberculosis treatment. He was recently followed up with only the sequelae of left side ptosis and oculomotor weakness.
Dyspareunia in HIV-positive and HIV-negative middle-aged women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Valadares Ana L R , Pinto-Neto Aarão M , Gomes Debora de C , D'Avanzo Walquíria C , Moura Alexandre S , Costa-Paiva Lúcia , de Sousa Maria Helena
Published: November 2014

Objectives

To evaluate whether dyspareunia is associated with HIV status in menopausal women and also to assess which factors are associated with dyspareunia in a group of HIV-positive menopausal women.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 178 HIV-negative and 128 HIV-positive women aged 40–60 years. The Short Personal Experiences Questionnaire (SPEQ) was used to collect data. Sociodemographic, clinical, behavioural and reproductive factors were evaluated, as well as factors related to the HIV infection. Dyspareunia was defined as pain during intercourse. A bivariate analysis and Poisson multiple regression analysis were performed.

Results

Overall, 41.4% of the HIV-positive women reported dyspareunia compared with 34.8% of the HIV-negative women (p=0.242). In the HIV-positive women, bivariate analysis revealed an association between dyspareunia and having a steady partner (p=0.047); the woman’s partner having undergone HIV testing (p=0.020); vaginal dryness (p<0.001); muscle/joint pain (p=0.021); physical/emotional violence (p=0.049); urinary incontinence (p=0.004); and the use of lamivudine/zidovudine (p=0.048). The Poisson multiple regression analysis found an association between dyspareunia and vaginal dryness (prevalence ratio (PR)=1.96, 95% CI 1.10 to 3.50, p=0.023) and urinary incontinence (PR=1.86, 95% CI 1.06 to 3.27, p=0.031).

Conclusions

Dyspareunia was common in this group of HIV-positive women and was associated principally with vaginal dryness and urinary incontinence. The importance of treating dyspareunia within the context of sexual health in this group of women should be emphasised and appropriate management of this issue may reduce the likelihood of lesions on the vaginal wall, which may act as a portal of entry for other infections.
Ecological assessment of the direct and indirect effects of routine rotavirus vaccination in Merseyside, UK using data from multiple health systems: a study protocol
Authors: Hungerford Daniel , Vivancos Roberto , French Neil , Iturriza-Gomara Miren , Cunliffe Nigel
Published: November 2014

Introduction

Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis in infants and young children worldwide. Currently 67 countries include rotavirus vaccine in childhood immunisation programmes, but uptake in Western Europe has been slow. In July 2013, rotavirus vaccine was introduced into the UK's routine childhood immunisation programme. Prior to vaccine introduction in the UK, rotavirus was estimated to result in 750 000 diarrhoea episodes and 80 000 general practice (GP) consultations each year, together with 45% and 20% of hospital admissions and emergency department attendances for acute gastroenteritis, in children under 5 years of age. This paper describes a protocol for an ecological study that will assess rotavirus vaccine impact in the UK, to inform rotavirus immunisation policy in the UK and in other Western European countries.

Methods and analysis

In Merseyside, UK, we will conduct an ecological study using a ‘before and after’ approach to examine changes in gastroenteritis and rotavirus incidence following the introduction of rotavirus vaccination. Data will be collected on mortality, hospital admissions, nosocomial infection, emergency department attendances, GP consultations and community health consultations to capture all healthcare providers in the region. We will assess both the direct and indirect effects of the vaccine on the study population. Comparisons of outcome indicator rates will be made in relation to vaccine uptake and socioeconomic status.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by NHS Research Ethics Committee, South Central-Berkshire REC Reference: 14/SC/1140. Study outputs will be disseminated through scientific conferences and peer-reviewed publications. The study will demonstrate the impact of rotavirus vaccination on the burden of disease from a complete health system perspective. It will identify key areas that require improved data collection tools to maximise the usefulness of this surveillance approach and will provide a template for vaccine evaluations using ecological methods in the UK.
Complex decision-making in stroke: preoperative mechanical thrombectomy of septic embolus for emergency cardiac valve surgery
Authors: Ladner Travis R , Davis Brandon J , He Lucy , Kirshner Howard S , Froehler Michael T , Mocco J
Published: November 2014

Stroke is a common and devastating embolic manifestation of infective endocarditis. We report a case of cardioembolic stroke in a patient with enterococcal endocarditis, with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 3. A middle-aged patient with bacterial endocarditis exhibited mild intermittent left hemiparesis and dysarthria in the setting of severe aortic insufficiency requiring urgent aortic valve replacement. Cerebrovascular imaging revealed a partially occlusive thrombus in the M1 segment of the right middle cerebral artery, which became symptomatic during relative hypotension. Given the expected hypotension during the urgently needed aortic valve replacement, there was a significant risk of infarction of most of the right hemisphere. Thus, mechanical thrombectomy was performed immediately prior to thoracotomy, and the patient awoke neurologically intact. This case demonstrates avoidance of a large stroke due to a subocclusive thrombus and anticipated intraoperative hypotension with preoperative mechanical thrombectomy.
Comparing routine versus selective use of intraoperative cerebral angiography in aneurysm surgery: a prospective study
Authors: Washington Chad W , Derdeyn Colin P , Chicoine Michael R , Cross DeWitte T , Dacey Ralph G , Moran Christopher J , Rich Keith M , Zipfel Gregory J
Published: November 2014

Introduction

While the use of intraoperative angiography (IA) has been shown to be a useful adjunct in aneurysm surgery, its routine use remains controversial.

Objective

We wished to determine if IA is required in all patients undergoing aneurysm surgery (ie, routine IA) or if intraoperative assessment can reliably predict the need for IA (ie, select IA).

Methods

We prospectively evaluated all patients undergoing craniotomy for aneurysm clipping. In these patients, the treating surgeons were asked to record whether they felt IA was required at two time points: (1) prior to surgery and (2) immediately after clip application but before IA. All patients underwent IA as per the institutional protocol. IA results and the need for post-IA clip adjustments were recorded.

Results

Of the 200 patients enrolled, 197 were included for analysis. IA was deemed necessary on preoperative assessment in 144 cases (73%) and on post-clip assessment in 116 cases (59%). Post-clip IA demonstrated 47 (24%) positive findings and post-IA clip adjustments were made in 19 of 198 cases (10%). On preoperative assessment, there were four cases where IA was deemed unnecessary, yet post-IA clip adjustment was required, resulting in a sensitivity of 79% and false negative rate of 8%. Regarding post-clip assessment, there were five cases where IA was thought to be unnecessary and clip adjustment was required, resulting in a sensitivity of 73% and false negative rate of 6%.

Conclusions

The accuracy of a strategy of select IA was not improved by assessing the need for IA immediately after aneurysm clipping versus prior to surgery onset. This suggests that intraoperative assessment regarding the adequacy of aneurysm clip application should be viewed with caution.
A Cellular Automata occupant evacuation model considering gathering behavior
Authors: Zhao Daoliang , Wang Jinhui , Zhang Xiaoliang , Wang Xiaoqun
Published: November 2014

A two-dimensional (2D) Cellular Automata (CA) random model is developed to simulate occupant evacuation considering gathering behavior. The movement process from random distribution to gathering state can be simulated based on the map of the position repulsive force. Evacuations with random distribution and gathering distribution are compared. Visual field means object area coverage considered by the individual in the current cell, representing by the radius of visual field, VR. The simulation results with VR = 1 and 2 have little difference while the simulation with VR = 3 can reasonably represent gathering process. When the occupant density is less than 0.64 people/m2, the time of gathering process increases very fast with the increase of density; when the density is larger than 1.28 people/m2, the time of gathering decreases with the increase of density. When the initial density is less than 1.44 people/m2, the evacuation times with random distribution are always less than those with gathering distribution. When the initial density is larger than 1.44 people/m2, the evacuation times with gathering or random distribution are almost the same. Our model can simulate the gathering and evacuation process with more than two rally points. The number and distribution of rally points can deeply affect the evacuation time.
Truncated many-body dynamics of interacting bosons: A variational principle with error monitoring
Authors: Lee Kang-Soo , Fischer Uwe R.
Published: November 2014

We develop a method to describe the temporal evolution of an interacting system of bosons, for which the field operator expansion is truncated after a finite number M of modes, in a rigorously controlled manner. Using McLachlan's principle of least error, we find a self-consistent set of equations for the many-body state. As a particular benefit and in distinction to previously proposed approaches, the presently introduced method facilitates the dynamical increase of the number of orbitals during the temporal evolution, due to the fact that we can rigorously monitor the error made by increasing the truncation dimension M. The additional orbitals, determined by the condition of least error of the truncated evolution relative to the exact one, are obtained from an initial trial state by steepest constrained descent.
First principles calculations of structural, electronic and optical properties of InN compound
Authors: Graine R. , Chemam R. , Gasmi F. Z. , Nouri R. , Meradji H. , Khenata R.
Published: November 2014

We carried out ab initio calculations of structural, electronic and optical properties of Indium nitride ( InN ) compound in both zinc blende and wurtzite phases, using the full-potential linearized augmented plane wave method (FP-LAPW), within the framework of density functional theory (DFT). For the exchange and correlation potential, local density approximation (LDA) and generalized gradient approximation (GGA) were used. Moreover, the alternative form of GGA proposed by Engel and Vosko (EV-GGA) and modified Becke–Johnson schemes (mBJ) were also applied for band structure calculations. Ground state properties such as lattice parameter, bulk modulus and its pressure derivative are calculated. Results obtained for band structure of these compounds have been compared with experimental results as well as other first principle computations. Our results show good agreement with the available data. The calculated band structure shows a direct band gap Γ → Γ. In the optical properties section, several optical quantities are investigated; in particular we have deduced the interband transitions from the imaginary part of the dielectric function.
Formal asymptotic limit of a diffuse-interface tumor-growth model
Authors: Hilhorst Danielle , Kampmann Johannes , Nguyen Thanh Nam , Van Der Zee Kristoffer George
Published: November 2014

We consider a diffuse-interface tumor-growth model which has the form of a phase-field system. We characterize the singular limit of this problem. More precisely, we formally prove that as the coefficient of the reaction term tends to infinity, the solution converges to the solution of a novel free boundary problem. We present numerical simulations which illustrate the convergence of the diffuse-interface model to the identified sharp-interface limit.
Quasi-alternating links and Q-polynomials
Authors: Teragaito Masakazu
Published: November 2014

Qazaqzeh and Chbili showed that for any quasi-alternating link, the degree of the Q-polynomial is less than its determinant. We give a refinement of their evaluation.
Superfluidity of Λ hyperons in warm strange hadronic star matter
Authors: Xu Renli , Wu Chen , Ren Zhongzhou
Published: November 2014

In this work we evaluate the 1S0 superfluidity of Λ hyperons in β-stable strange hadronic matter. We investigate the equation of state (EOS) of hadronic matter at finite values of baryon density and temperature in the relativistic mean field (RMF) theory. Effects of the introduced isoscalar–isovector cross-interaction term on the Λ superfluidity are investigated systematically. In addition, the temperature effects on the superfluidity of Λ hyperons in hadronic matter are discussed. It is found that the density region and the magnitude of the Λ pairing gap are dependent on the cross-interaction term. The obtained maximal critical temperature of Λ superfluid is around 109 K.
Effects of active–sterile neutrino mixing during primordial nucleosynthesis
Authors: Civitarese Osvaldo , Mosquera Mercedes Elisa , Sáez María Manuela
Published: November 2014

In the present work, we discuss the effects of the inclusion of sterile–active neutrino oscillations during the production of primordial light-nuclei. We assume that the sterile neutrino mass-eigenstate might oscillate with the two lightest active neutrino mass-eigenstates, with mixing angles ϕ1 and ϕ2. We also allow a constant renormalization (represented by a parameter (ζ)) of the sterile neutrino occupation factor. Taking ζ and the mixing angles as free parameters, we have computed distribution functions of active and sterile neutrinos and primordial abundances. Using observable data we set constrains in the free parameters of the model. It is found that the data on primordial abundances are consistent with small mixing angles and with a value of ζ smaller than 0.65 at 3σ level.
Evaluation of the Spectral Finite Element Method with the Theory of Phononic Crystals
Authors: Guarín-Zapata Nicolás , Gomez Juan
Published: November 2014

We evaluated the performance of the classical and spectral finite element method in the simulation of elastodynamic problems. We used as a quality measure their ability to capture the actual dispersive behavior of the material. Four different materials are studied: a homogeneous non-dispersive material, a bilayer material, and composite materials consisting of an aluminum matrix and brass inclusions or voids. To obtain the dispersion properties, spatial periodicity is assumed so the analysis is conducted using Floquet–Bloch principles. The effects in the dispersion properties of the lumping process for the mass matrices resulting from the classical finite element method are also investigated, since that is a common practice when the problem is solved with explicit time marching schemes. At high frequencies the predictions with the spectral technique exactly match the analytical dispersion curves, while the classical method does not. This occurs even at the same computational demands. At low frequencies however, the results from both the classical (consistent or mass-lumped) and spectral finite element coincide with the analytically determined curves.
Impact of Prior Entrepreneurial Exposure on Entrepreneurial Intention — Cross-Cultural Evidence
Authors: Mueller Jessica , Zapkau Florian B. , Schwens Christian
Published: November 2014

The present paper examines how the influence of prior entrepreneurial exposure on entrepreneurial intention is contingent on national culture. Applying the Theory of Planned Behavior, we test our hypotheses on a dataset of 253 students from Germany and Ethiopia. We find evidence that individuals from individualistic societies preferably draw on their own entrepreneurial experience in establishing their entrepreneurial intention. In contrast, individuals from collectivistic cultures mostly prefer in-group-referenced resources and knowledge provided by entrepreneurial role models. Our study contributes to resolving previously inconclusive findings regarding the relationship between prior entrepreneurial exposure and entrepreneurial intention by considering culture as boundary condition.
Network Performance of Japanese Credit Cooperatives, 2004–2007
Authors: Fukuyama Hirofumi , Weber William L.
Published: November 2014

We construct a network performance measure for producers that use inputs to produce an intermediate output in a first stage of production and then use the intermediate output to produce final outputs in a second stage of production. Producers face a budget constraint and choose inputs, given input prices. Although various input combinations will be affordable, a smaller set of input combinations will be optimal in maximizing final outputs. We compare final outputs for firms that take inputs as given with final outputs when firms can optimally reallocate inputs given the fixed budget. This comparison allows measurement of the lost final output caused by a misallocation of resources in the first stage of production. We apply our method to study the performance of Japanese credit cooperatives during 2004 to 2007.
Magnetic anisotropy and interaction between f-electronic systems in dinuclear inverted-sandwich-type lanthanide-phthalocyanine complexes
Authors: Tsuchiya Satoshi , Fuyuhiro Akira , Fukuda Takamitsu , Ishikawa Naoto
Published: November 2014

The first detection and characterization of magnetic interaction between two 4f electronic systems in the dinuclear "inverted-sandwich-type" phthalocyanine complex with terbium ions and that of dysprosium ions are presented. Temperature dependent magnetic measurements for the diterbium complex, (μ-phthalocyaninato)bis[di(2,2,6,6-tetramethylheptane-3,5-dionato)terbium], show that the value of magnetic susceptibility times temperature, χT, sharply decreases as temperature is lowered, indicating the presence of an antiferromagnetic-type interaction between the Tb 3+ ions in the dinuclear complex. Similar temperature dependence was observed for the corresponding dinuclear dysprosium complex. These results are completely opposite to those observed for Pc triple-decker dinuclear terbium or dysprosium complexes, which are known to function as single molecule magnets. The NMR signals for the protons on the Pc ligand of the diterbium complex show up-field paramagnetic shifts due to the partially-filled 4f shells of the metal ions. This again makes sharp contrast to the triple-deckers, for which large down-field paramagnetic shifts are observed. These intriguing results seen in the NMR and magnetic susceptibility measurements are explained assuming the ligand field potential of the inverted-sandwich complexes gives strong easy-plain-type magnetic anisotropy, where Jz value of the lowest sublevel has a small value, while sandwich-type Pc3Ln2 ( Ln = Tb or Dy ) complexes have a strong easy-axis-type magnetic anisotropy.
Fabrication of Resistive Random Access Memory by Atomic Force Microscope Local Anodic Oxidation
Authors: Tsai Jeff T.H. , Hsu Chia-Yun , Hsu Chia-Hsiang , Yang Chu-Shou , Lin Tai-Yuan
Published: November 2014

The fabrication of gallium, zinc and nickel oxide nanodots for application of resistive random access memory (RRAM) was demonstrated using the atomic force microscopy (AFM) local anodic oxidation technique. Thin metal films were deposited on indium tin oxide conductive glass substrates. In the atmospheric environment, using AFM equipped with an Ag -coated probe can generate metal oxide nanodots locally on the metal films. These nanodots act as an insulator layer in a single unit cell of the RRAM. The voltage-biased method allows devices to reset from a low-resistance state (LRS) to a high-resistance state (HRS) at 0.9 V. These results show the ability of the AFM local anodic oxidation to produce 50 nm NiO nanodots on glass substrates for potentially high-density RRAMs. As we developed the characteristics of the structure, we found that a lateral NiO nanobelt RRAM performs very low power operation from such experimental manufacturing process. Using a current-biased method, the lateral device switches from a HRS to a LRS with a low writing voltage of 0.64 V.
Preparation of Petaloid TPEE@AlOOH Nanofibers with Cr (VI)-Removal Capacity
Authors: Wang Jiao-Na , Jia Bin-Bin , Li Cong-Ju
Published: November 2014

Hexavalent chromium ( Cr (VI)) is a highly toxic pollutant which is harmful to marine organisms as well as humanity. Removing Cr (VI) from water is a hot-spot in environmental remediation. In this work, a novel kind of composite nanofibers membrane (thermal plastic elastomer ester (TPEE)@ AlOOH ) was first proposed by a simple method, based on a hybrid strategy composed of electrospinning and hydrothermal method. The obtained nanofibrous membrane was turned out to be a petaloid structure, which can enlarge the specific surface area of electrospun fibers. Furthermore, the Cr (VI) removal experiments suggested that the obtained nanofibrous membrane showed a high and fast efficiency, a stable recyclable property for the Cr (VI) removal. Therefore, such a novel nanofibrous membrane can be potentially widely used in Cr (VI) removal.
Stability and Hopf bifurcation analysis of a diffusive predator–prey model with Smith growth
Authors: Sivakumar M. , Sambath M. , Balachandran K.
Published: November 2014

In this paper, we consider a diffusive Holling–Tanner predator–prey model with Smith growth subject to Neumann boundary condition. We analyze the local stability, existence of a Hopf bifurcation at the co-existence of the equilibrium and stability of bifurcating periodic solutions of the system in the absence of diffusion. Furthermore the Turing instability and Hopf bifurcation analysis of the system with diffusion are studied. Finally numerical simulations are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the theoretical analysis.
WEATHER SHOCKS AND INTER-HEMISPHERIC SUPPLY RESPONSES: IMPLICATIONS FOR CLIMATE CHANGE EFFECTS ON GLOBAL FOOD MARKETS
Authors: LYBBERT TRAVIS J. , SMITH AARON , SUMNER DANIEL A.
Published: November 2014

Climate models predict more weather extremes in the coming decades. Weather shocks can directly reduce crop production, but their effect on food markets is partly buffered by storage and supply responses that can be complex and nuanced. We explore how inter-hemispheric trade and supply responses can moderate the effects of weather shocks on global food supply by enabling potential intra-annual arbitrage. Our estimates of this effect in the case of wheat and soybeans suggest that it may be considerable: 25–50% of crop production lost to a shock in the Southern Hemisphere is offset six months later by increased production in the North. These results have implications for the potential effects of climate change on global food markets, for how we model these interactions and, possibly, for the design of trade and production-related policies that aim to leverage this inter-hemispheric buffer more effectively.
Nanostructured Fat Crystal Systems
Authors: Acevedo Nuria C. , Marangoni Alejandro G.
Published: November 2014

A new understanding of the nature and organization of fat crystalline supramolecular structure, in particular at the nanoscale, has arisen in the past three years. These new findings have helped establish that the first step in the formation of a triacylglycerol network is the creation of nanocrystalline platelets that aggregate into polycrystalline clusters in the micrometer range, ultimately forming a three-dimensional network. This review explains how fat nanostructure can be characterized and highlights recent findings on how crystallization parameters influence the formation of fat nanocrystals. For instance, shear has been shown to modify not only nanoplatelet size but also their aggregation, affecting some macroscopic properties such as porosity and, therefore, the ability of the network to effectively bind liquid oil. This new information on fat nanostructure is relevant from scientific and technological standpoints and has opened up the possibility of nanoengineering material properties as well as developing new products and processes.
Frequent Pattern Mining of Eye-Tracking Records Partitioned into Cognitive Chunks
Authors: Matsuda Noriyuki , Takeuchi Haruhiko
Published: November 2014

Assuming that scenes would be visually scanned by chunking information, we partitioned fixation sequences of web page viewers into chunks using isolate gaze point(s) as the delimiter. Fixations were coded in terms of the segments in a5×5mesh imposed on the screen. The identified chunks were mostly short, consisting of one or two fixations. These were analyzed with respect to the within- and between-chunk distances in the overall records and the patterns (i.e., subsequences) frequently shared among the records. Although the two types of distances were both dominated by zero- and one-block shifts, the primacy of the modal shifts was less prominent between chunks than within them. The lower primacy was compensated by the longer shifts. The patterns frequently extracted at three threshold levels were mostly simple, consisting of one or two chunks. The patterns revealed interesting properties as to segment differentiation and the directionality of the attentional shifts.
FPGA Based Single Chip Solution with 1-Wire Protocol for the Design of Smart Sensor Nodes
Authors: Perera M. D. R. , Meegama R. G. N. , Jayananda M. K.
Published: November 2014

Applications that involve monitoring of water quality parameters require measuring devices to be placed at different geographical locations but are controlled centrally at a remote site. The measuring devices in such applications need to be small, consume low power, and must be capable of local processing tasks facilitating the mobility to span the measuring area in a vast geographic area. This paper presents the design of a generalized, low-cost, reconfigurable, reprogrammable smart sensor node using a ZigBee with a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) that embeds all processing and communication functionalities based on the IEEE 1451 family of standards. Design of the sensor nodes includes processing and transducer control functionalities in a single core increasing the speedup of processing power due to interprocess communication taking place within the chip itself. Results obtained by measuring the pH value and temperature of water samples verify the performance of the proposed sensor node.
Solitary Cecal Diverticulitis: An Unusual Cause of Acute Right Iliac Fossa Pain—A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Mudatsakis Nikolaos , Nikolaou Marinos , Krithinakis Konstantinos , Matalliotakis Michail , Politis Nikolaos , Andreadakis Emmanouil
Published: November 2014

Solitary cecal diverticulitis is a rare cause of acute abdominal pain in the Western world. Its clinical presentation, in most cases, mimics acute appendicitis. A 38-year-old Caucasian man presented with acute abdomen and clinical signs of acute appendicitis. Laparotomy was performed and revealed an inflammatory, solitary diverticulum of the cecum. A typical appendectomy was performed and a catheter was inserted for draining percutaneously the inflamed diverticulum of the cecum. The patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged on the 4th postoperative day. This frequently misdiagnosed condition, in most cases, is being suspected and identified intraoperatively as acute appendicitis. The aim of this study is to review the available different surgical management options and to present an alternative therapeutic approach that may be valuable under specific circumstances.
Low-Rank Representation-Based Object Tracking Using Multitask Feature Learning with Joint Sparsity
Authors: Kim Hyuncheol , Paik Joonki
Published: November 2014

We address object tracking problem as a multitask feature learning process based on low-rank representation of features with joint sparsity. We first select features with low-rank representation within a number of initial frames to obtain subspace basis. Next, the features represented by the low-rank and sparse property are learned using a modified joint sparsity-based multitask feature learning framework. Both the features and sparse errors are then optimally updated using a novel incremental alternating direction method. The low-rank minimization problem for learning multitask features can be achieved by a few sequences of efficient closed form update process. Since the proposed method attempts to perform the feature learning problem in both multitask and low-rank manner, it can not only reduce the dimension but also improve the tracking performance without drift. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms existing state-of-the-art tracking methods for tracking objects in challenging image sequences.