Cube Research Articles

Relationship between serum cystatin C and cognitive impairment in patients with acute cerebral infarction

Objective To explore the correlation between serum cystatin C (CysC) and cognitive function and executive function in patients with acute cerebral infarction. Methods A total of 103 patients with acute cerebral infarction were selected in clinical research. Based on the Montreal cognitive assessment scale (MoCA), patients were divided into cognitive impairment group and normal cognitive group. The levels of serum CysC and MoCA subtypes were compared between the two groups, and the correlation between cystatin C and cognitive function was analyzed. According to the level of serum CysC, the patients were divided into low-level group and middle-high level group. The relationship between CysC and executive function was further investigated by Stroop test. Results CysC was a risk factor of cognitive impairment in the acute phase after cerebral infarction (OR=8.855, 95%CI=1.674-46.841, P=0.010), and the level of CysC was negatively correlated with MoCA score (r=-0.509, P=0.001). In each of the MoCA subproject, the scores of the cognitive impairment group(clock drawing: 0(0, 1), connection: 0(0, 0), copying the cube: 0(0, 0)) were lower in clock drawing, connection, and copying the cube than that of the normal cognitive group(clock drawing: 3(2, 3), connection: 1(0, 1), copying the cube: 1(1, 1))(P<0.05). The difference of task C between low-level CysC group and middle-high level group was statistically significant(P<0.05). The level of CysC was negatively correlated with amount of interference in correct response(r=-0.471, P<0.05), and positively correlated with amount of interference in reacting time(r=0.796, P<0.05). Conclusion Serum CysC is a risk factor of cognitive impairment in acute cerebral infarction. The higher the level of CysC, the more serious cognitive impairment, and cognitive impairment mainly manifested as executive function impairment. Key words: Cerebral infarction; Cystatin C; Cognitive impairment; Executive function

One Hundred Years of Ghosh’s Strong Electrolyte Theory

Abnormal behaviour of strong electrolytes was a hot research topic around the turn of twentieth century. In 1918, J. C. Ghosh published a series of articles dealing with this abnormal behaviour and suggested a cube root law for data correlation. The publications were both praised and criticised. Debye and Huckel published in 1923 their well-known theory of strong electrolytes, the square root law, which completely overshadowed Ghosh’s theory. By the middle of twentieth century, however, Ghosh’s theory became prominent again, particularly for concentrated electrolyte solutions, in the light of pseudo-lattice theory of strong electrolytes. In this article, we discuss some features and historical developments of Ghosh’s theory to commemorate its centenary year.

Size effect on strength of Fiber-Reinforced Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) after exposure to high temperatures

This pioneer study investigates the size effect on the compressive and tensile strengths of fiber-reinforced selfcompacting concrete (FR-SCC) with different specimens, before and after exposure to elevated temperatures. 432 selfcompacting concrete (SCC) specimens with two concrete grades (50 and 80MPa) and three steel fiber ratios (0%, 0.5% and 1%) were prepared and tested. Moreover, based on the experimental results, new formulations were proposed to predict the residual strengths for different specimens. A parametric study was also carried out to investigate the accuracy of proposed formulations. Residual strength results showed that the cylinder specimen with dimensions of 100x200 mm was the most affected, while the cube with a size of 100 mm maintained a constant difference with the standard cylinder (150x300 mm). Temperature effect on the cube specimen (150 mm) was the least in comparison to other specimen sizes and types. In general, provision of steel fibers in SCC mixtures resulted in a reduction in temperature effect on the variance of a conversion factor. Parametric study results confirm that the proposed numerical models are safe to be used for all types of SCC specimens.

Determining the Properties of Green Laterized Concrete with Fly Ash for Sustainable Solid Waste Management

Fly ash is an industrial solid waste that has found application in concrete production for minimization of CO2 emission. The introduction of fly ash into concrete and the replacement of the conventional fine aggregate with laterite can be viewed as an attempt to convert industrial waste material cum locally available fine aggregate to a purposeful use. This paper presents the results of a comprehensive experimental investigation on the strength characteristics of green laterized concrete with fly ash. The physical and chemical properties of fly ash and laterite were studied to evaluate its possible influence on both fresh and hardened state of cement and laterized concrete. A total of 120 cubes of 100 mm dimensions were cast and cured in water for 7, 14, 21,28 and 56 d of hydration. The results show that the 28 d density dropped from 2467 kg/m3 to 2300 kg/m3 andthe compressive strength from 21.94 N/mm2 to 15.02 N/mm2 for 20 % of fly ash content with 0 % - 30 % laterite introduced. The compressive strength decrease with increase in laterite content; the strength of the laterized concrete increases as the curing age progresses.

Film Festivals in the White Cube: Queer City Cinema as Artistic Practice

L’auteur retrace le rôle et le lieu du cinéma élargi du festival Queer City Cinema (à Regina), depuis sa première présentation en 1996 à ce jour. À partir du milieu des années 1990, les festivals de cinéma queer (ou altersexuel) au Canada et dans le monde se sont éloignés des modèles organisationnels basés sur les publics ou les communautés, pour lesquels ces événements s’inscrivaient dans le prolongement des activités des organismes queer militants, et ont adopté des modèles plus commerciaux. Concurremment à ce nouvel aiguillage organisationnel s’est produit un virage, au chapitre de l’esthétique et du commissariat, du cinéma expérimental et du cinéma élargi vers les longs métrages de genre. Sous la conduite du directeur artistique Gary Varro, le festival Queer City Cinema a résisté à cette tendance et constamment accru l’espace consacré au cinéma élargi dans la programmation du festival. Après la projection d’une seule vidéo documentaire sur une exposition de photographies en 1996, Varro a peu à peu inscrit au programme des expositions et des prestations en direct, ce qui a ultérieurement mené à la scission des films et des prestations avec l’instauration de Performatorium, de 2012 à 2015. L’engagement de Varro à promouvoir le cinéma élargi défie les frontières de l’art queer et du cinéma ou de la vidéo queer, définissant l’événement Queer City Cinema comme un festival cinématographique ainsi qu’une pratique artistique et l’exercice d’un commissariat — ce qui fait sa singularité parmi les festivals de cinéma queer au Canada.

A Review on the Andriod Powered AI Cube EMOSPARK

A Review on the Andriod Powered AI Cube EMOSPARK

On a Waring-Goldbach problem involving squares, cubes and biquadrates

On a Waring-Goldbach problem involving squares, cubes and biquadrates

بررسی اثرتعداد لایهها و غلظتهای مختف پوششهای خوراکی کربوکسیمتیلسلولز و کاراگینان بر کارایی فرایند خشک کردن اسمزی سیب زرد لبنانی

در طی فرایند آبگیری اسمز، مواد جامد محلول توسط بافت ماده غذایی جذب شده و اثرات نامطلوبی بر خروج آب، خصوصیات تغذیه‌ای و حسی می‌گذارد. لذا برای بهبود فرایند اسمز از پوشش‌های خوراکی استفاده می‌شود. بهترین شاخص برای ارزیابی یک پوشش، کارایی فرایند (نسبت خروج آب به جذب مواد جامد) است. در این پژوهش از دو پوشش کربوکسی‌متیل‌سلولز و کاراگینان در سه غلظت 5/0، 1 و 5/1 درصد، به‌صورت یک‌لایه و دو لایه، جهت پوشش‌دهی قطعات مکعبی سیب زرد لبنانی و محلول اسمزی ساکارز با غلظت 30، 45 و 60 % استفاده شد. نتایج نشان داد که نمونه یک بار پوشش داده شده با کاراگینان 1% و تیمار شده در ساکارز 60 % و نمونه‌های یک و دو لایه پوشش داده شده با کربوکسی‌متیل‌سلولز 5/0% بیشترین میزان کارایی فرایند را داشته‌اند و به‌عنوان تیمارهای برگزیده به‌دست آمدند. این نمونه‌ها میزان جذب مواد جامد را کاهش داده و تاثیر قابل توجهی بر روی خروج آب نگذاشته‌اند. همچنین نتایج بیان‌گر این موضوع است که با افزایش غلظت محلول اسمزی ساکارز از 30 به 60% میزان حذف آب و جذب مواد جامد افزایش می‌یابد.

Apple, Guava and Pineapple Fruit Extracts as Antimicrobial Agents against Pathogenic Bacteria

This investigation was conducted to compare the antimicrobial properties of alcohol fruit extracts from Apple (Malus pumila), Guava (Psidium guajava), and Pineapple (Ananas comosus) against eight bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, Enteroaggregative E.coli (EAEC), Enterotoxigenic E.coli (ETEC), Enterobacter cloacae, Shigella flexineri, Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. All the fruits were bought fresh from the market, cut into small cubes, and sun dried to a crisp over 4-5 days. After being blended to a fine powder, 75g of each powder was passed through a Soxhlet apparatus containing 250 ml of 99% ethanol to obtain a crude extract. This process was repeated with 250 ml of methanol to obtain a methanolic crude extract. The antimicrobial properties of the extracts were tested using agar well diffusion, Norfloxacin used as positive control and water as negative control. The inhibition zones from each extract were measured and an activity index was calculated from the mean zone sizes. All fruits showed some degree of antimicrobial properties with the highest activity index (2.6) being from Pineapple ethanolic and methanolic extracts against EAEC. Both Apple ethanolic and methanolic extracts showed activity only against Staph. aureus and EAEC. Guava extracts were effective against all the strains except for ETEC. Pineapple extracts were strongly active against all the bacteria. The methanolic extracts of Apple and Guava showed slightly larger zones compared to their ethanolic extracts. For Pineapple, inhibition zones from the ethanolic extracts were slightly larger. The results of this investigation show great promise for potential antimicrobial drugs.

Morphosynthesis of Porous Silver Cubes on the Surface of Hydrogen-pretreated Monolithic Activated Carbon

Morphosynthesis of Porous Silver Cubes on the Surface of Hydrogen-pretreated Monolithic Activated Carbon

Stability assessment of radiation isocenter with the gimbaled linac system

Purpose: We report the results of our year-long radiation isocenter accuracy verification for daily quality assurance (QA) implementation on a Vero4DRT system. Methods: The radiation isocenter was calculated using a cube phantom with a steel ball of diameter 10 mm fixed to the center of the phantom. A single photon beam was set with a field size of 100 × 100 mm 2 . Coincidence of the centroid of the steel ball at kiloVolt X-ray imaging isocenter and megaVolt beam radiation isocenter at each gantry and ring angle was tested. This procedure was performed for gantry angles of 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270°, and ring angles of 0°, 20°, and 340°. The centroid of the steel ball and the center of the radiation field were calculated to analyze the radiation isocenter error. This analysis was automatically calculated using the Daily Check tool in the Vero4DRT system. This QA was implemented between 24 August 2015 and 23 August 2016. Results: The average and standard deviation for pan and tilt directions were 0.12 ± 0.10 mm and -0.20 ± 0.13 mm, respectively. The maximum radiation isocenter accuracy error was 0.50 mm in both directions. Conclusion: The radiation isocenter alignment for the one year duration of the experiment was performed with high accuracy.

Few sewings of certain crumpled $n$-cubes yield $S^n$

Few sewings of certain crumpled $n$-cubes yield $S^n$

User Experience Evaluation of Augmented Reality based Guidance Systems for Solving Rubik’s Cube using HMD

User Experience Evaluation of Augmented Reality based Guidance Systems for Solving Rubik’s Cube using HMD

A study of PET-CT SUV range for dose verification in carbon ion radiation therapy

Objective The positron generated at the dose deposition site by using high-energy carbon ions to hit the material annihilate with the negative electron in the material to release the gamma photon. The positron-emitting isotope (PEI) distributions in the target volume are activated significantly by carbon ions. Therefore, the mean values of positron emission tomography (PET) activity could be related to the delivered doses to the clinical target volume from carbon ion. This specialty can be used for the image registration fusion of the carbon ion treatment planning computed tomography (CT) and treatment verification PET-CT. After radiation in the almost same decay period, the relationship between the different target volume and the PET-CT SUV of different every single fraction dose can be found, then the range of SUV for the radiation target could be decided. So this PET-CT standardized uptake value (SUV) range can also provide a reference for the correlation and consistency in planning target dose verification and evaluation for the clinical trial. Methods The head phantom was used as a simulation of the real human body, the 1 cc, 4 cc, and 10 cc cube volume target contouring were done in the TPS, the 90 degree fixed carbon ion beams were delivered in different single fraction effective dose of 2.5 GyE, 5 GyE, and 8 GyE. After the beam delivery, later the PET-CT scanning was performed and parameters of scanning followed the trial regulation. The MIM Maestro software was used for the image processing and fusion to determine the maximum, minimum, average, and total values of SUV in the virtual clinical target volumes for the different single fraction dose. Results The results showed that for the same target volume, the SUV range of target had an approximate linear correlation with effective dose of target (P=0.000). The same effective dose for the different target volumes got the same SUV range (P>0.05). Conclusions For the carbon ion treatment plan, the SUV range from image registration and fusion of planning CT and PET-CT after treatment can be used to make an evaluation for accuracy of the dose distribution. And this method also could be used in the hyper-fraction treatment plan. In the SUV range research of different decay periods, the similar method can be performed for the exploration. Key words: Carbon ion therapy; Dose verification; Tomography, positron emission; Tomography, X-ray computed

Synthesis of N-doped carbon-coated Zn–Sn mixed oxide cubes/graphene composite with enhanced lithium storage properties

Developing the superior electrode materials with large reversible capacity, excellent rate capability and long cycling stability for high-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is highly desirable for electric vehicles and hybrid electronic vehicles. Herein, three-dimensional N-doped carbon (NC)-coated Zn–Sn mixed oxide (ZTO) cubes dispersed on reduced graphene oxide (ZTO@NC/RGO) composite are synthesized via a facile strategy combined with the hydrothermal treatment and carbonization of conductive polypyrrole. In this unique architecture, the ultrathin NC shells are interconnected through RGO and construct a continuous 3D conductive network, which provides a very efficient channel for electron transport. Furthermore, the flexible and high-conducting reduced graphene oxide and carbon shells can accommodate the mechanical stress induced by the volume change of ZTO cubes during lithiation as well as prohibit the aggregation of ZTO cubes, which would maintain the structural and electrical integrity of the ZTO@NC/RGO electrode during the lithiation/delithiation processes. Benefiting from the advantages of intrinsic architecture, as LIBs anodes, ZTO@NC/RGO exhibits enhanced lithium storage properties, delivering a large specific capacity of 732.8 mAh g−1 at a current density of 100 mA g−1 after 50 cycles, and presenting good rate capability.

بررسی ویژگیهای فیزیکوشیمیایی کیک اسفنجی فاقد گلوتن

سلیاک رایج‌ترین بیماری است که در اثر مصرف گلوتن بروز می‌کند و تنها راه درمان آن استفاده از یک رژیم غذایی فاقد گلوتن در تمام طول عمر بیمار است. هدف از این پژوهش، تولید کیک اسفنجی بدون گلوتن به کمک صمغ گوار و آنزیم ترانس گلوتامیناز میکروبی (MTG) و بررسی تاثیر آن‌ها بر خصوصیات فیزیکوشیمیایی کیک تهیه شده از مخلوط آردی بدون گلوتن (0% ارزن- 100% برنج، 50% ارزن- 50% برنج و 100% ارزن- 0% برنج) بود. بدین منظور صمغ گوار در دو سطح 1و 2% و آنزیم MTG در سطوح 25/0 و 5/0% به فرمولاسیون اضافه شدند. به‌منظور افزایش میزان اسیدآمینه لایزین به‌عنوان سوبسترای آنزیم، ایزوله پروتئینی سویا (SPI) به میزان 2% به نمونه‌های حاوی MTG افزوده شد. نتایج نشان داد که افزودن گوار و MTG سبب کاهش حجم مخصوص کیک می‌شوند. اختلاط دو نوع آرد برنج و ارزن تأثیر معنی‌داری بر میزان رطوبت نمونه‌های تولیدی داشت. افزودن آنزیم و صمغ، افزایش معنی‌داری در میزان رطوبت کیک نشان داد. نتایج نشان داد که نمونه حاوی 100 درصد آرد برنج نسبت به دو نمونه دیگر دارای تخلخل کمتری می‌باشد. همچنین با افزایش سطح آنزیم در فرمولاسیون، افزایش معنی‌داری در میزان تخلخل مشاهده شد. در حالی که افزایش صمغ، اختلاف معنی‌داری در میزان تخلخل نمونه‌های تولیدی ایجاد ننمود. در مرحله دوم پژوهش، مقایسه‌ای بین بهترین نمونه تولیدی در مرحله اول با نمونه شاهد حاوی 100% آرد گندم و نمونه بدون گلوتن که فاقد آنزیم ترانس گلوتامیناز میکروبی و صمغ گوار بود، انجام گرفت. نتایج مرحله دوم به وضوح، برابری بهترین نمونه مرحله اول با نمونه حاوی 100 % آرد گندم را نشان داد و در میزان هر یک از پارامترهای ارزیابی شده (رطوبت، حجم مخصوص، تخلخل) این دو نمونه اختلاف معنی‌داری در سطح 5 درصد مشاهده نگردید.

Design of laser retro-reflectors and experiment of laser ranging for PN1B satellite

PN1Bexperimental satellite is an initiative project of China aiming at thermosphere density detection, which has been successfully launched into outer space from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in September, 2015. In order to satisfy the inspection standard and high precision measurement application requirements for the satellite GPS orbit determination data, and according to fact that the satellite could not provide the required installation area for the array structure of laser reflectors, PN1B satellite is equipped with multiple small (10 mm) cube prisms for satellite laser ranging. After sending the satellite into orbit, the TROS1000 mobile satellite laser ranging system was used for the tracking and laser ranging experiments. The measurement results show that the laser echo data are enough, the average number of photons per second laser echo is as high as 173, marking such small laser reflectors as the cube prisms will play an important role in the application of precise orbit determination.

Macular morphology and circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in Parkinson's disease evaluated by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography

Objective To observe the macular morphology and circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL) in Parkinson's disease (PD) evaluated by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Methods A total of 37 patients (74 eyes) with PD were in the PD group, 32 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects (64 eyes) in the control group. All subjects underwent SD-OCT examination with 5 line scanning, macular cube 512×128 scanning and optic disc volume 200×200 scanning. The retinal thickness, central foveal thickness (CFT), macular volume and thickness of circumpapillary, superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal of RNFL between two groups were comparatively analyzed. The relationship between SD-OCT parameters and age, disease duration, scores of Hoehn-Yahr and unified PD rating scale (UPDRS) in PD patients was analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis. Results Both of the retinal thickness and macular volume in PD group were significantly reduced than those in control group (t= -2.546, -3.410; P=0.012, 0.001). There was no difference of CFT (t= -0.463, P=0.644) and the thickness of circumpapillary (t = -1.645, P=0.102), superior (t= -0.775, P=0.439), inferior (t=-1.844, P=0.067), nasal (t= -0.344, P=0.732) and temporal (t= -0.541, P=0.590) of RNFL between two groups. The retinal thickness, macular volume, CFT and the thickness of circumpapillary, superior, inferior, nasal, temporal of RNFL had no relationship with age, disease duration and scores of Hoehn-Yahr and UPDRS in PD patients (P>0.05). Conclusions In PD patients, the retinal thickness and macular volume are decreased, however, the circumpapillary RNFL have no obvious alterations. Key words: Parkinson disease/diagnosis; Macula lutea/pathology; Nerve fibers/pathology; Retina/physiopathology; Tomography, optical coherence/utilization

Rheological Properties of Selected Granites Form Jos Plateau, Nigeria

Abstract — Granites are sourced for construction aggregates viz, rock flour, crushed stones. They are also cut and polished for floor and wall tiles and other building accessories. Larger pieces of granites are used as surcharge materials to stabilize construction sites like petrol-filling station. In Nigeria, granites are sought for completion of road pavements and airport run ways. Varieties of granites having different textural characteristics and mineralogical composition are found on the Jos Plateau Nigeria. This paper presents data of engineering/rheological investigation of selected granites from Jos Plateau, The Jos-Bukuru and the Ropp complexes were studied and sampled between 2003 and 2006. Selected granite samples were cut with diamond studded saw blades into cubes (size 40mm x 40mm x 35mm). The cubes were subjected to imaxial/compression with the mechanized and computerized UTM machine model 50KN. The specimens were compressed to failure, marked by cracks/partings on the specimen surface(s) several rheological parameters viz, stress @ peak, load @ peak, strain @ peak and others were measured and recorded by another computer. The data collected are presented as tables and graphs in this report. The specimens exhibit data which show that they represent materials good for engineering construction and concrete aggregates. The granites may be classified by Deere and Miller criteria as high or very good for construction works.

A Workload Assignment Strategy for Efficient ROLAP Data Cube Computation in Distributed Systems

Data cube plays a key role in the analysis of multidimensional data. Nowadays, the explosive growth of multidimensional data has made distributed solutions important for data cube computation. Amon...