bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nanofabrication on monocrystalline silicon through friction-induced selective etching of Si3N4 mask
Authors: Guo Jian , Yu Bingjun , Wang Xiaodong , Qian Linmao 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
A new fabrication method is proposed to produce nanostructures on monocrystalline silicon based on the friction-induced selective etching of its Si3N4 mask. With low-pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) Si3N4 film as etching mask on Si(100) surface, the fabrication can be realized by nanoscratching on the Si3N4 mask and post-etching in hydrofluoric acid (HF) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution in sequence. Scanning Auger nanoprobe analysis indicated that the HF solution could selectively etch the scratched Si3N4 mask and then provide the gap for post-etching of silicon substrate in KOH solution. Experimental results suggested that the fabrication depth increased with the increase of the scratching load or KOH etching period. Because of the excellent masking ability of the Si3N4 film, the maximum fabrication depth of nanostructure on silicon can reach several microns. Compared to the traditional friction-induced selective etching technique, the present method can fabricate structures with lesser damage and deeper depths. Since the proposed method has been demonstrated to be a less destructive and flexible way to fabricate a large-area texture structure, it will provide new opportunities for Si-based nanofabrication.
Positive blow-up solutions of nonlinear models from real world dynamics
Authors: Gschwindl Jürgen , Rachůnková Irena , Staněk Svatoslav , Weinmüller Ewa B 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
In this paper, we investigate the structure and properties of the set of positive blow-up solutions of the differential equation

(

t
k

v
′

(
t
)
)

′

=

t
k

h
(
t
,
v
(
t
)
)

,

t
∈
(
0
,
T
]
⊂
R

, where

k
∈
(
1
,
∞
)

. The differential equation is studied together with the boundary conditions

lim

t
→
0
+

v
(
t
)
=
∞

,

v
(
T
)
=
0

. We specify conditions for the data function h which guarantee that the set of all positive solutions to the above boundary value problem is nonempty. Further properties of the solutions are discussed and results of numerical simulations are presented.

MSC:34B18, 34B16, 34A12.
Estimation of acute oral toxicity in rat using local lazy learning
Authors: Lu Jing , Peng Jianlong , Wang Jinan , Shen Qiancheng , Bi Yi , Gong Likun , Zheng Mingyue , Luo Xiaomin , Zhu Weiliang , Jiang Hualiang , Chen Kaixian 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Background
Acute toxicity means the ability of a substance to cause adverse effects within a short period following dosing or exposure, which is usually the first step in the toxicological investigations of unknown substances. The median lethal dose, LD50, is frequently used as a general indicator of a substance’s acute toxicity, and there is a high demand on developing non-animal-based prediction of LD50. Unfortunately, it is difficult to accurately predict compound LD50 using a single QSAR model, because the acute toxicity may involve complex mechanisms and multiple biochemical processes.

Results
In this study, we reported the use of local lazy learning (LLL) methods, which could capture subtle local structure-toxicity relationships around each query compound, to develop LD50 prediction models: (a) local lazy regression (LLR): a linear regression model built using k neighbors; (b) SA: the arithmetical mean of the activities of k nearest neighbors; (c) SR: the weighted mean of the activities of k nearest neighbors; (d) GP: the projection point of the compound on the line defined by its two nearest neighbors. We defined the applicability domain (AD) to decide to what an extent and under what circumstances the prediction is reliable. In the end, we developed a consensus model based on the predicted values of individual LLL models, yielding correlation coefficients R2 of 0.712 on a test set containing 2,896 compounds.

Conclusion
Encouraged by the promising results, we expect that our consensus LLL model of LD50 would become a useful tool for predicting acute toxicity. All models developed in this study are available via http://www.dddc.ac.cn/admetus.
Mapping intended spinal site of care from the upright to prone position: an interexaminer reliability study
Authors: Cooperstein Robert , Young Morgan 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Background
Upright examination procedures like radiology, thermography, manual muscle testing, and spinal motion palpation may lead to spinal interventions with the patient prone. The reliability and accuracy of mapping upright examination findings to the prone position is unknown. This study had 2 primary goals: (1) investigate how erroneous spine-scapular landmark associations may lead to errors in treating and charting spine levels; and (2) study the interexaminer reliability of a novel method for mapping upright spinal sites to the prone position.

Methods
Experiment 1 was a thought experiment exploring the consequences of depending on the erroneous landmark association of the inferior scapular tip with the T7 spinous process upright and T6 spinous process prone (relatively recent studies suggest these levels are T8 and T9, respectively). This allowed deduction of targeting and charting errors. In experiment 2, 10 examiners (2 experienced, 8 novice) used an index finger to maintain contact with a mid-thoracic spinous process as each of 2 participants slowly moved from the upright to the prone position. Interexaminer reliability was assessed by computing Intraclass Correlation Coefficient, standard error of the mean, root mean squared error, and the absolute value of the mean difference for each examiner from the 10 examiner mean for each of the 2 participants.

Results
The thought experiment suggesting that using the (inaccurate) scapular tip landmark rule would result in a 3 level targeting and charting error when radiological findings are mapped to the prone position. Physical upright exam procedures like motion palpation would result in a 2 level targeting error for intervention, and a 3 level error for charting. The reliability experiment showed examiners accurately maintained contact with the same thoracic spinous process as the participant went from upright to prone, ICC (2,1) = 0.83.

Conclusions
As manual therapists, the authors have emphasized how targeting errors may impact upon manual care of the spine. Practitioners in other fields that need to accurately locate spinal levels, such as acupuncture and anesthesiology, would also be expected to draw important conclusions from these findings.
Development and Validation of a New HPV Genotyping Assay Based on Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Yi Xin , Zou Jing , Xu Jiajia , Liu Tao , Liu Tengfei , Hua Sang , Xi Feng , Nie Xifang , Ye Lili , Luo Yufen , Xu Lin , Du Hui , Wu Ruifang , Yang Ling , Liu Ren , Yang Bin , Wang Jian , Belinson Jerome L. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Objectives:
We developed a new human papillomavirus (HPV) genotyping assay based on multiplex polymerase chain reaction and next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods for large-scale cervical cancer screening.

Methods:
We first trained the assay on 1,170 self-collected samples, balancing the cutoff points for high-risk types. Then using 4,262 separate self-collected specimens, we compared concordance, sensitivity, and specificity for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia type 2 (CIN2) or higher and CIN type 3 (CIN3) or higher of the HPV sequencing assay with that of Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2) direct samples and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry assay self-samples.

Results:
All assays had a good agreement. The sensitivity for CIN2 or higher and CIN3 or higher of the self-sampling specimens tested with the sequencing assay run on both MiSeq and Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine sequencer was similar to that of direct-sampling specimens tested with HC2 (P &gt; .05), but the specificity of the sequencing assay for CIN2 or higher and CIN3 or higher was significantly higher than that of HC2 (P &lt; .01).

Conclusions:
This population-based study has demonstrated the applicability of a new NGS high-risk HPV assay for primary cervical cancer screening based on self-collection.
Evaluation of CITED1, SIX1, and CD56 Protein Expression for Identification of Blastemal Elements in Wilms Tumor
Authors: Sehic Daniel , Ciornei Cristina D. , Gisselsson David 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Objectives:
Successful further treatment of Wilms tumors (WTs) after preoperative chemotherapy and surgery depends on correct histopathologic risk stratification, including quantification of remaining blastemal elements. In the present study, we assessed the usefulness of protein markers for the detection of WT blastema.

Methods:
Expression of the candidate blastemal protein markers CITED1, SIX1, and CD56 was evaluated by immunofluorescence regarding sensitivity and specificity for staining blastema in a tissue microarray containing cores from 30 WTs, a small number of rarer pediatric renal neoplasms, and normal postnatal kidney.

Results:
CITED1, SIX1, and CD56 were expressed in blastema in 100%, 89%, and 74%, respectively, of the WTs with this component present. However, they were also expressed in 64%, 25%, and 79%, respectively, of epithelial WT elements and 48%, 52%, and 62%, respectively, of stromal WT elements.

Conclusions:
SIX1 showed the highest specificity, CITED1 the highest sensitivity, and CD56 low specificity and sensitivity for detection of postchemotherapy WT blastema. Cytokeratin staining proved to be a useful way to determine rudimentary tubular elements not readily recognized by routine staining.
The role of intermediaries in sectoral innovation system: The case of Thailand’s food industry
Authors: Chunhavuthiyanon Manunya , Intarakumnerd Patarapong 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Unlike previous snapshot studies, this research traces ‘historical learning events’ to enable us to examine the evolution of roles and underpinning capabilities of intermediaries in an innovation system. By following this approach, the rationale, obstacles and lessons learned of intermediaries in performing their roles and building up required capabilities can be vividly illustrated. The National Food Institute (NFI) of Thailand was selected as the case study. As an intermediary organization, NFI has enhanced its capabilities step by step in analysing and disseminating information, training, testing policy development and consultancies through major ‘learning events’ that provide NFI with learning opportunities. As a result, over time it can perform its intermediary roles better by reducing ‘systemic failures’ in the Thai food industry’s sectoral innovation system. Recently, however, due to the lack of an official mandate, continuous government budgetary support and organizational lock-in problems, NFI’s role has not evolved with the changes in strategies and capability needs of Thai food exporters as these firms change from OEM to OBM manufacturers.
Understanding development trajectories for biotechnology governance frameworks in Sub-Saharan Africa: The policy kinetics model
Authors: Mugwagwa Julius , Kingiri Ann , Muraguri Lois 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Using case studies on development and implementation of biotechnology governance frameworks in four African countries, we introduce and build the case for a policy kinetics (PK) approach to analysing and unpacking complex policy processes. The PK approach proposes a comprehensive approach to understanding how various ‘pieces of the policy puzzle’ interact in arenas to facilitate or constrain attainment of desired outputs. Borrowing from reaction kinetics in chemistry, which is the study of rates of chemical processes, our argument is that complex policy processes can indeed be broken down into reactants, processes, catalysts and outputs, all interacting at various levels in space and time. We also bring attention to the presence of various intermediate outputs of processes with the potential to facilitate or constrain the process, including bringing a shift to the direction, duration and pace of the overall process. The presence or potential emergence of components that mimic process catalysts is another area that this approach brings to the attention of policy actors. By engaging with what happens at the level where the various components of a policy process interface with each other, we argue that this model is a useful tool for unpacking, understanding and influencing not only the development and implementation of biotechnology governance mechanisms in Africa, but other policy arenas elsewhere.
Diffusion of solar innovations in Ethiopia: Exploring systemic problems
Authors: Kebede Kassahun Y. , Mitsufuji Toshio 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Previous studies have shown that the global diffusion of renewable energy technologies has been rather slow. The challenges facing the diffusion of renewables in developing countries, in particular, have been complex, even though such nations are generally known to be richly endowed with renewable resources. For instance, Ethiopia, one of the highest solar radiation-endowed countries in sub-Saharan Africa, has a huge renewable potential that has yet to be exploited through the application of appropriate renewable energy technologies. This study is an attempt to explore the systemic problems and barriers affecting the diffusion of solar (energy) innovations in Ethiopia. The Innovation Systems (IS) framework is used for the analysis of this embryonic solar market and the overall diffusion of solar innovations. Data for the study were collected from the relevant stakeholders through semi-structured interviews, observations and archival document reviews. The study identified that there are known diffusion barriers and systemic problems that have constrained the diffusion of solar innovations in the country. The lack of integration among solar actors and the financial problem facing both sides of the supply chain have been identified as critical factors behind the slow rate of diffusion. This article makes recommendations for solar actors to identify faster diffusion mechanisms and for further research on how to build a well-functioning IS in the country.
Lessons learned from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to lung transplantation
Authors: Shumaster Vladimir , Jawitz Oliver K. , Yuh David , Bonde Pramod 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been used infrequently as a bridge to lung transplantation due to lack of consensus and data regarding the benefits of such a strategy. We present data from the United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS) database on the outcomes of patients bridged to lung transplantation with ECMO. We used the UNOS database to analyze data between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2011. During this time 14,263 lung transplants were performed, of which 143 (1.0%) were bridged using ECMO. Patients on ECMO as a bridge to lung transplantation were compared to those transplanted without prior ECMO support. Demographics, survival rates, complications, and rejection episodes were compared between the two groups. The 30-day, 6-month, 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival rates were 69%, 56%, 48%, 26%, and 11%, respectively, for the ECMO bridge group and 95%, 88%, 81%, 58%, and 38% respectively, for the control group (p ≤ 0.01). The ECMO group incurred higher rate of postoperative complications, including airway dehiscence (4% vs. 1%, p ≤ 0.01), stroke (3% vs. 2%, p ≤ 0.01), infection (56% vs. 42%, p ≤ 0.01), and pulmonary embolism (10% vs. 0.6%, p ≤ 0.01). The length of hospital stay was longer for the ECMO group (41 vs. 25 days, p ≤ 0.01), and they were treated for rejection more often (49% vs. 36%, p = 0.02). The use of ECMO as a bridge to lung transplantation is associated with significantly worse survival and more frequent postoperative complications. Therefore, we advocate very careful patient selection and cautious use of ECMO.
The algebra and model theory of tame valued fields
Authors: Kuhlmann Franz-Viktor 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
A henselian valued field K is called a tame field if its algebraic
closure

K
~

${\tilde{K}}$

is a tame extension, that is, the ramification field
of the normal extension

K
~

|
K

${\tilde{K}|K}$

is algebraically closed. Every
algebraically maximal Kaplansky field is a tame field, but not
conversely. We develop the algebraic theory of tame fields and then
prove Ax–Kochen–Ershov Principles for tame fields. This
leads to model completeness and completeness results
relative to value group and residue field. As the maximal immediate
extensions of tame fields will in general not be unique, the proofs
have to use much deeper valuation theoretical results than those
for other classes of valued fields which have already been shown to
satisfy Ax–Kochen–Ershov Principles. The results of this paper have
been applied to gain insight in the Zariski space of places of an
algebraic function field, and in the model theory of large fields.
The least common multiple of consecutive quadratic progression terms
Authors: Hong Shaofang , Qian Guoyou 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Let k be an arbitrary positive integer and let

f
(
x
)
∈
ℤ
[
x
]

${f(x)\in {\mathbb {Z}}[x]}$

be a quadratic polynomial with a and D as its
leading coefficient and discriminant, respectively. Associated to
the least common multiple

lcm

0
≤
i
≤
k

{
f

(
n
+
i
)

}

${\operatorname{lcm}_{0\le i\le k}\lbrace f(n+i)\rbrace }$

of any

k
+
1

${k+1}$

consecutive terms in the quadratic progression

{
f

(
n
)

}

n
∈

ℕ
*

${\lbrace f(n)\rbrace _{n\in \mathbb {N}^*}}$

, we define the function

g

k
,
f

(
n
)

:
=

∏

i
=
0

k

|
f

(
n
+
i
)

|

1

lcm

0
≤
i
≤
k

{
f

(
n
+
i
)

}

$
{g_{k, f}(n):= \Biggl (\prod _{i=0}^{k}|f(n+i)|\Biggr )
\frac{1}{\operatorname{lcm}_{0\le i\le k}\lbrace f(n+i)\rbrace }}
$

for all

n
∈

ℕ
*

∖

Z

k
,
f

${n\in \mathbb {N}^*\setminus Z_{k, f}}$

, where

Z

k
,
f

:
=

⋃

i
=
0

k

{
n
∈

ℕ
*

:
f

(
n
+
i
)

=
0
}

${Z_{k,f}:= \bigcup _{i=0}^k\lbrace n\in \mathbb {N}^*: f(n+i)=0\rbrace }$

.
In this paper, we first show that g

k,f
is eventually periodic
if and only if

D
≠

a
2

i
2

${D\ne a^2i^2}$

for all integers i with

1
≤
i
≤
k

${1\le i\le k}$

.
Consequently, we develop a detailed p-adic analysis of g

k,f
and
determine its smallest period. Finally, we obtain asymptotic formulas of

log

lcm

0
≤
i
≤
k

{
f

(
n
+
i
)

}

${\log \operatorname{lcm}_{0\le i\le k}\lbrace f(n+i)\rbrace }$

for all quadratic polynomials
f as n goes to infinity.
Influence of carboxylic group content on the solution behavior of carboxymethylated lignin (CML) in water
Authors: Gan Linhuo , Zhou Mingsong , Qiu Xueqing 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Carboxymethylated lignin (CML) is well suited as a dispersant or natural adsorbent applied in ceramics, gypsum paste, graphite suspension, and water treatment. In this paper, the effects of COOH content in CML on its behavior in water and the dispersion stability of aqueous graphite suspension has been investigated by means of viscosimetry, surface tension measurement, fluorescence spectrometry, dynamic light scattering (DLS), Turbiscan Lab Expert (TLE) stability analysis, and ζ potential measurement. Viscosimetry clearly revealed the polyelectrolyte effect in diluted aqueous solution of CML. With a higher COOH content of CML, the surface tension of water is reduced. Moreover, the aggregation behavior of CML was strengthened with increasing COOH content, leading to a more compact molecular structure of the aggregates. Based on the results, an aggregation model was proposed to illustrate the variations in the solution behavior of CML with different COOH contents at various concentrations. The dispersion stability of aqueous graphite suspension was improved by adding CML with high COOH content.
On the Correction of the Asymptotic Distribution of the Likelihood Ratio Statistic If Nuisance Parameters Are Estimated Based on an External Source
Authors: Jonker Marianne , Van der Vaart Aad 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIn practice, nuisance parameters in statistical models are often replaced by estimates based on an external source, for instance if estimates were published before or a second dataset is available. Next these estimates are assumed to be known when the parameter of interest is estimated, a hypothesis is tested or confidence intervals are constructed. By this assumption, the level of the test is, in general, higher than supposed and the coverage of the confidence interval is too low. In this article, we derive the asymptotic distribution of the likelihood ratio statistic if the nuisance parameters are estimated based on a dataset that is independent of the data used for estimating the parameter of interest. This distribution can be used for correctly testing hypotheses and constructing confidence intervals. Four theoretical and practical examples are given as illustration.
A Comparative Study of Mathematical Modeling of Photovoltaic Array
Authors: Anurag Anup , Bal Satarupa , Sourav Suman 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
This paper provides a detailed and comprehensive study of various models of photovoltaic (PV) array which have been formulated previously in the literature, using the datasheet parameters. In this paper, comparisons of the models have been made on basis of the MPP tracking, the root mean square deviation (RMSD) from the experimental data, the Fill Factor (FF), the efficiency of the model and the time required for simulation. Further, the resemblance with the actual P–V and I–V curves, as obtained on the basis of experimental data, has also been included in this analysis. On the basis of all these, the best model that can be used for simulation purposes, keeping in mind the necessary factors for a particular application, can be selected. It is envisaged that the work can be very useful for professionals who require simple and accurate PV simulators for their design. This paper is also intended to be a useful tool for the beginners who require a clear and logical insight regarding the working and modeling of PV cells. All the systems here are modeled and simulated in MATLAB/Simulink environment.
Performance Analysis of the Water Supply System of a Dairy Company by Means of an Advanced Simulation Tool
Authors: Marchini Davide , Rinaldi Marta , Montanari Roberto , Bottani Eleonora , Solari Federico 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
This work presents the result of a research project, concerning the development of a simulation model for a water supply system of a dairy company, located in Parma, Italy. The approach developed allows investigating, through process simulation, the plant areas where the efficiency of the water supply system can be significantly improved by means of some simple interventions. The final objective is to reduce the water consumption of the plant; this represents a relevant issue to the dairy industry. In line with this goal, at first the simulation model was used to reproduce the current (AS IS) system, so as to reach a precise knowledge of the water flows in the plant. In the second part of the work, a series of alternative (TO BE) scenarios was investigated, and the related performance was assessed, thus identifying the best plant configuration. The process simulator was designed under Microsoft Excel, programmed with Visual Basic for Applications. Thanks to the study implemented, an optimal scenario of the water supply system was finally identified, which allows savings up to 7.2% of water compared to the original configuration.
Middlemen in the Shapley-Shubik Competitive Markets for Indivisible Goods
Authors: Oishi Takayuki , Sakaue Shin 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWe generalize the Shapley-Shubik market model for indivisible goods by
considering the case where agents need middlemen to exchange their
indivisible goods. In this model, there always exist competitive equilibria
in which transaction takes place directly between sellers and buyers or
indirectly through the middlemen. Furthermore, the incentives of middlemen
to enter the market exist. We derive these results from the existence of an
integral solution for a partitioning linear program.