bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physico‐Chemical Properties of Sourdough Bread Production Using Selected Lactobacilli Starter Cultures
Authors: Tamani R.J. , Goh K.K.T. , Brennan C.S.
Published: July 2013

The acidification properties and technological performance (dough elasticity and bread volume) of four individual lactic acid bacteria (LAB) starter cultures (Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus LB18; Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus CNRZ 737; Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus 2483; Lactobacillus helveticus LH30) were investigated in relation to dough and bread quality derived from a sourdough fermentation. A plain dough mixture (without LAB starter cultures) was used as a control against the sourdough systems with added cultures. The exopolysaccharide (EPS) producing LAB starter cultures significantly increased dough stickiness and extendibility compared with the plain dough system. Total EPS production by the LAB cultures during sourdough formation differed depending on the culture used (in the order of NCFB 2483 > Z737 > LB18 > LH30). The viscoelastic nature of the dough was increased with the use of LAB cultures. Bread volume significantly increased with the inclusion of EPS cultures. Bread staling (as determined by the extent of firming of bread) was reduced with the use of ropy cultures. Increased exopolysaccharide production during dough formation appeared to be associated with reduced staling and increased bread volume.

Practical Applications

Sourdough bread and cereal products have experienced increased attention from consumers for either health or sensorial reasons. The current research investigate the potential use of a selected range of exopolysaccharide producing starter strains in an attempt to characterise textural and sensorial qualities derived from ropy and nonropy lactic acid bacteria (LAB) starter cultures. The results indicate a clear potential for these LAB cultures in improving consumer quality and shelf‐life stability of sourdough products.
Skin mycoflora of Cebus primates kept in captivity and semicaptivity
Authors: Fedullo José Daniel L. , Rossi Claudio N. , Gambale Walderez , Germano Pedro Manuel L. , Larsson Carlos Eduardo
Published: July 2013

Background

This study was performed to determine the fungal mycoflora in healthy tufted capuchins primates (Cebus sp) kept in captivity and semicaptivity to allow a more realistic interpretation on the basis of fungi isolated from their skin. Furthermore, we aimed at evaluating the potential risk of infection to humans by fungi perpetuated in the tegument of monkeys of this genus.

Methods

For the collection of skin material, the carpet method was used, followed by seeding in Sabouraud dextrose agar culture media, Mycosel agar, Dermatophyte Test Medium and Sabouraud agar supplemented with olive oil.

Results

Seventeen genera of fungi were detected, being three of them isolated only in the captivity animals (Acremonium – Cephalosporium, Phoma and Trichosporon). The genera of fungi with the higher frequencies were identified in the semicaptivity capuchins (Fusarium, Aspergillus and Penicillium).

Conclusions

Many of the genera of fungi identified are potential pathogens for immune‐compromised monkeys and humans.
Licensing of a Drastic Innovation with Product Differentiation
Authors: Doganoglu Toker , Inceoglu Firat
Published: July 2013

We analyze the licensing of a drastic innovation when products are differentiated due to consumer and/or product heterogeneity. We show that an industry insider prefers to divest its production arm and license the new technology as an industry outsider, in which case it can replicate multiproduct monopoly profit. We derive the optimal contracts and the optimal number of licenses by assuming a logit demand system. Optimal number of licenses, quite strikingly, increases when the technology has a higher relative value than a commercialized alternative. This result stands in sharp contrast with the literature on the licensing of a homogenous good.
Autonomic response to a visceral stressor is dysregulated in irritable bowel syndrome and correlates with duration of disease
Authors: Cheng P. , Shih W. , Alberto M. , Presson A. P. , Licudine A. , Mayer E. A. , Naliboff B. D. , Chang L.
Published: July 2013

Background

Previous studies reported altered autonomic nervous system (ANS) responses in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) at baseline and to colonic balloon distension. This study examined heart rate variability (HRV) and plasma catecholamines as an index of ANS responsiveness in IBS during flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) and explored associations of HRV with clinical measures.

Methods

Rome III‐positive IBS patients and healthy controls completed questionnaires measuring gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms. Heart rate variability measures were calculated using electrocardiogram (ECG) data at rest and during FS. Plasma catecholamines were measured before and after the FS. Linear mixed effects models were used to compare HRV with IBS status and IBS duration across six time points. Significance was assessed at the 0.05 level.

Key Results

Thirty‐six IBS patients (53% F, mean age 37.89) and 31 controls (58% F, mean age 37.26) participated. After adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and current anxiety symptoms, IBS patients had a non‐significant lower cardiovagal tone (P = 0.436) and higher cardiosympathetic balance (P = 0.316) at rest. During FS, controls showed a transient increase in cardiosympathetic balance and decrease in cardiovagal tone. However, IBS patients had significantly less cardiosympathetic and cardiovagal responsiveness both leading up to (P = 0.003, P = 0.005) and following (P = 0.001) this stimulus. Those with longer duration of disease had less cardiosympathetic (P = 0.014) and cardiovagal (P = 0.009) responsiveness than those with shorter duration. No differences in catecholamines between IBS and controls were found.

Conclusions & Inferences

Irritable bowel syndrome demonstrated dysregulated ANS responses to a visceral stressor which could be related to disease duration. Therefore, autonomic dysregulation is an objective physiologic correlate of IBS.
Clinical, Echocardiographic, and Neurohormonal Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: Are They Interchangeable?
Authors: HOOGSLAG GEORGETTE E. , HÖKE ULAS , THIJSSEN JOEP , AUGER DOMINIQUE , MARSAN NINA AJMONE , WOLTERBEEK RON , HOLMAN EDUARD R. , SCHALIJ MARTIN J. , BAX JEROEN J. , VERWEY HARRIETTE F. , DELGADO VICTORIA
Published: July 2013

Background

The relationship between changes in N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) and echocardiographic or clinical definitions of response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has not been evaluated. The aims of the present evaluation were to assess: (1) the relationship between changes in NT‐proBNP after 6 months of CRT and clinical and echocardiographic responses; (2) the association between NT‐proBNP changes and long‐term outcome.

Methods

In 170 patients treated with CRT (age 61 ± 11 years, 75% male), clinical and echocardiographic parameters and circulating NT‐proBNP levels were assessed at baseline and 6 months after CRT. At 6 months follow‐up, improvement in New York Heart Association class ≥1 point, decrease in left ventricular end‐systolic volume ≥15%, and decrease in NT‐proBNP ≥15% defined clinical, echocardiographic, and neurohormonal CRT response, respectively. All‐cause mortality data were collected and related to neurohormonal response.

Results

Neurohormonal, echocardiographic, and clinical response rates were 54%, 58%, and 66%, respectively. The majority of patients (71%) showing echocardiographic response had NT‐proBNP reduction ≥15%. In contrast, only 58% of patients who showed clinical response also had NT‐proBNP reduction ≥15%. During a median follow‐up of 32 months, 40 patients died. Patients with neurohormonal response demonstrated a superior long‐term outcome compared to patients without neurohormonal response (log‐rank P = 0.02).

Conclusions

NT‐proBNP reduction ≥15% showed better agreement with echocardiographic response compared to clinical response. Neurohormonal response was associated with superior long‐term outcome compared to insufficient reduction in NT‐proBNP levels
Characterizing electrodermal response habituation: A latent class approach with application to psychopathology
Authors: Isen Joshua D. , Iacono William G. , Malone Stephen M.
Published: July 2013

Response habituation is a fundamental form of nonassociative learning, yet there are substantial individual differences in its electrodermal manifestation. We employed a latent class analysis to identify discrete groups of electrodermal responders to a series of loud tones. We also evaluated whether heterogeneity in responsiveness was associated with lifetime prevalence of externalizing psychopathology and major depression. Participants were community‐recruited men (N = 1,141) who underwent a standard habituation paradigm. A latent class analysis resulted in the identification of four electrodermal populations: rapid habituators, habituators, and two classes that showed weak response habituation, but differed markedly in their amplitude profiles. Relative to rapid habituators, members of slower habituating classes were less likely to receive lifetime diagnoses of antisocial personality disorder and substance dependence. Further research using this analytical strategy could help identify the functional significance of individual differences in habituation.
Weak Discontinuities in Solutions of Long‐Wave Equations for Viscous Flow
Authors: Chesnokov A. A. , Kovtunenko P. V.
Published: July 2013

Nonlinear integrodifferential equations describing the propagation of disturbances in a thin layer of viscous liquid with free surface are studied. These equations admit solutions with weak discontinuities, which are located on the characteristics. The possibility of an unbounded increase in the amplitude of the weak discontinuity and the formation of the shock in the process of flow evolution is established. Differential balance laws approximating the integrodifferential model are proposed. These laws are used to perform numerical simulation of wave propagation in a fluid.
A Nonpolynomial Spline Scheme for the Generalized Regularized Long Wave Equation
Authors: Lin Bin
Published: July 2013

In this work, we present a numerical method based on parametric adaptive cubic spline functions for solving generalized long wave equation. The truncation error is investigated. Stability analysis of the method based on the von Neumann technique is studied and the method is shown to be unconditionally stable. Three invariants of motion are calculated to determine the conservation properties of the problem. The efficiency of the methods is demonstrated by test problems. The numerical simulations can validate and demonstrate the advantages of the method.
Warm‐temperate, marine, carbonate sedimentation in an Early Miocene, tide‐influenced, incised valley; Provence, south‐east France
Authors: James Noel P. , Seibel Margaret J. , Dalrymple Robert W. , Besson David , Parize Olivier
Published: July 2013

The Saumane‐Venasque compound palaeovalley succession accumulated in a strongly tide‐influenced embayment or estuary. Warm‐temperate normal marine to brackish conditions led to deposition of extensive cross‐bedded biofragmental calcarenites. Echinoids, bryozoans, coralline algae, barnacles and benthic foraminifera were produced in seagrass meadows, on rocky substrates colonized by macroalgae and within subaqueous dune fields. There are two sequences, S1 and S2, the first of which contains three high‐frequency sequences (S1a, S1b and S1c). Sequence 1 is largely confined to the palaeovalley with its upper part covering interfluves. Each of these has a similar upward succession of deposits that includes: (i) a basal erosional surface that is bored and glauconitized; (ii) a discontinuous lagoonal lime mudstone or wackestone; (iii) a thin conglomerate generated by tidal ravinement; (iv) a transgressive systems tract series of cross‐bedded calcarenites; (v) a maximum flooding interval of argillaceous, muddy quartzose, open‐marine limestones; and (vi) a thin highstand systems tract of fine‐grained calcarenite. Tidal currents during stages S1a, S1b and S1c were accentuated by the constricted valley topography, whereas basin‐scale factors enhanced tidal currents during the deposition of S2. The upper part of the succession in all but S1c has been removed by later erosion. There is an overall upward temporal change with quartz, barnacles, encrusting corallines and epifaunal echinoids decreasing but bryozoans, articulated corallines and infaunal echinoids increasing. This trend is interpreted to be the result of changing oceanographic conditions as the valley was filled, bathymetric relief was reduced, rocky substrates were replaced as carbonate factories by seagrass meadows and subaqueous dunes, and the setting became progressively less confined and more open marine. These limestones are characteristic of a suite of similar cool‐water calcareous sand bodies in environments with little siliciclastic or fresh water input during times of high‐amplitude sea‐level change wherein complex inboard antecedent topography was flooded by a rising ocean.
Hidden Treasures in Theological Education: The Writing Tutor, the Spiritual Director, and Practices of Academic and Spiritual Mentoring
Authors: Yaghjian Lucretia B.
Published: July 2013

Mentoring is an important but often overlooked resource in theological education and students' academic and spiritual formation. This essay profiles the mentoring practices and postures of the writing tutor and the spiritual director as exemplars of academic and spiritual mentoring. An extended probe of this analogy affirms the integration of academic and spiritual formation as a core value in theological education; identifies mentoring in theological education as a hidden treasure fostering this integration and warranting attention as a theological practice; and re‐envisions the theological practice of mentoring under the traditional rubric of the “care of souls,” embracing the relational, educational, formational, spiritual, and rhetorical dimensions of this practice.
On the arithmetic fundamental lemma in the minuscule case
Authors: Rapoport Michael , Terstiege Ulrich , Zhang Wei
Published: July 2013

The arithmetic fundamental lemma conjecture of the third author connects the derivative of an orbital integral on a symmetric space with an intersection number on a formal moduli space of$p$-divisible groups of Picard type. It arises in the relative trace formula approach to the arithmetic Gan–Gross–Prasad conjecture. We prove this conjecture in the minuscule case.
Computational Synthesis for Nonlinear Dynamics Based Design of Planar Resonant Structures
Authors: Tripathi Astitva , Bajaj Anil K.
Published: July 2013

Nonlinear phenomena such as internal resonances have significant potential applications in micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) for increasing the sensitivity of biological and chemical sensors and signal processing elements in circuits. While several theoretical systems are known which exhibit 1:2 or 1:3 internal resonances, designing systems that have the desired properties required for internal resonance and that are physically realizable as MEMS devices is a significant challenge. Traditionally, the design process for obtaining resonant structures exhibiting an internal resonance has relied heavily on the designer's prior knowledge and experience. However, with advances in computing power and topology optimization techniques, it should be possible to synthesize structures with the required nonlinear properties (such as having modal interactions) computationally. In this work, a preliminary work on computer based synthesis of structures consisting of beams for desired internal resonance is presented. The linear structural design is accomplished by a Finite Element Method (FEM) formulation implemented in Matlab to start with a base structure and iteratively modify it to obtain a structure with the desired properties. Possible design criteria are having the first two natural frequencies of the structure in some required ratio (such as 1:2 or 1:3). Once a topology of the structure is achieved that meets the desired criterion, the linear mode shapes of the structure can be extracted from the finite element analysis, and a more complete Lagrangian formulation of the nonlinear elastic structure can be used to develop a nonlinear two-mode model of the structure. The reduced-order model is expected to capture the appropriate resonant dynamics associated with modal interactions between the two modes. The nonlinear response of the structure can be obtained by application of perturbation methods such as averaging on the two-mode model. Many candidate structures are synthesized that meet the desired modal frequency criterion and their nonlinear responses are compared.
Structural, morphological, and defect properties of metamorphic In0.7Ga0.3As/GaAs0.35Sb0.65 p-type tunnel field effect transistor structure grown by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Zhu Yan , Hudait Mantu K. , Mohata Dheeraj K. , Rajamohanan Bijesh , Datta Suman , Lubyshev Dmitri , Fastenau Joel M. , Liu Amy K.
Published: July 2013

Structural properties of metamorphic In0.7Ga0.3As/GaAs0.35Sb0.65 p-type tunnel field effect transistor (TFET) structure grown by molecular beam epitaxy were comprehensively investigated. High resolution x-ray diffraction revealed symmetric strain relaxation and pseudomorphic In0.7Ga0.3As/GaAs0.35Sb0.65 active layers with respect to the In0.7Al0.3As buffer, indicating a low dislocation density within the active region. The surface morphology of this structure exhibited a typical two-dimensional cross-hatch pattern with a low root-mean-square roughness of 2.58 nm. Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy demonstrated a low threading dislocation density within the active region, suggesting high crystalline quality of this p-type TFET structure. Dynamic secondary ion mass spectrometry exhibited an abrupt doping profile over the In0.7Ga0.3As/GaAs0.35Sb0.65 source/channel junction as well as minimal level of intermixing between As and Sb atoms. Thus, these structural properties showed high quality of this structure and provided critical guidance for the fabrication of As/Sb based staggered gap complementary TFETs for ultra-low standby power and energy efficient logic applications.
Etch-stop method for reliably fabricating sharp yet mechanically stable scanning tunneling microscope tips
Authors: Basnet Gobind , Kevin Schoelz James , Xu Peng , Barber Steven D. , Ackerman Matthew L. , Thibado Paul M.
Published: July 2013

An extension of the direct-current, double-lamella drop-off technique for electrochemically etching tungsten scanning tunneling microscope (STM) tips is presented. The key fabrication step introduced here is the use of an etch stop as a simple but accurate way to optimize the contact area between the etchant and the wire. By restricting the etching process, the final cone angle of the tips can be made sharp and mechanically stable without a lot of finesse from the STM tip maker.
Fueling Function Over Expansion in T Cells
Authors: Argus Joseph P. , Bensinger Steven J.
Published: July 2013

Cellular metabolism plays an active role in regulating immune cell function.
Differential T- and B-Cell Responses to Pertussis in Acellular Vaccine-Primed versus Whole-Cell Vaccine-Primed Children 2 Years after Preschool Acellular Booster Vaccination
Authors: Schure Rose-Minke , Hendrikx Lotte H. , de Rond Lia G. H. , Öztürk Kemal , Sanders Elisabeth A. M. , Berbers Guy A. M. , Buisman Anne-Marie
Published: July 2013

This study investigated long-term cellular and humoral immunity against pertussis after booster vaccination of 4-year-old children who had been vaccinated at 2, 3, 4, and 11 months of age with either whole-cell pertussis (wP) or acellular pertussis (aP) vaccine. Immune responses were evaluated until 2 years after the preschool booster aP vaccination. In a cross-sectional study (registered trial no. ISRCTN65428640), blood samples were taken from wP- and aP-primed children prebooster and 1 month and 2 years postbooster. Pertussis vaccine antigen-specific IgG levels, antibody avidities, and IgG subclasses, as well as T-cell cytokine levels, were measured by fluorescent bead-based multiplex immunoassays. The numbers of pertussis-specific memory B cells and gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-producing T cells were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot assays. Even 2 years after booster vaccination, memory B cells were still present and higher levels of pertussis-specific antibodies than prebooster were found in aP-primed children and, to a lesser degree, also in wP-primed children. The antibodies consisted mainly of the IgG1 subclass but also showed an increased IgG4 portion, primarily in the aP-primed children. The antibody avidity indices for pertussis toxin and pertactin in aP-primed children were already high prebooster and remained stable at 2 years, whereas those in wP-primed children increased. All measured prebooster T-cell responses in aP-primed children were already high and remained at similar levels or even decreased during the 2 years after booster vaccination, whereas those in wP-primed children increased. Since the Dutch wP vaccine has been replaced by aP vaccines, the induction of B-cell and T-cell memory immune responses has been enhanced, but antibody levels still wane after five aP vaccinations. Based on these long-term immune responses, the Dutch pertussis vaccination schedule can be optimized, and we discuss here several options.
Demonstrated Efficacy of a Pilot Heterologous Whole-Spore Vaccine against Microsporidial Gill Disease in Rainbow Trout
Authors: Harkness J. E. , Guselle N. J. , Speare D. J.
Published: July 2013

Intraperitoneal vaccines using whole viable spores of the microsporidian
Glugea anomala
or
Glugea hertwigi
reduced the numbers of branchial xenomas by 80% and 91%, respectively, after a standard experimental infection of juvenile rainbow trout with the microsporidian
Loma salmonae
. Similar significant results were obtained when killed-spore preparations were used.
Glycoproteins gB and gH Are Required for Syncytium Formation but Not for Herpesvirus-Induced Nuclear Envelope Breakdown
Authors: Schulz Katharina S. , Klupp Barbara G. , Granzow Harald , Mettenleiter Thomas C.
Published: July 2013

Herpesvirus nucleocapsids are assembled in the nucleus, whereas maturation into infectious virions takes place in the cytosol. Since, due to their size, nucleocapsids cannot pass the nuclear pores, they traverse the nuclear envelope by vesicle-mediated transport. Nucleocapsids bud at the inner nuclear membrane into the perinuclear space, forming primary enveloped particles and are released into the cytosol after fusion of the primary envelope with the outer nuclear membrane. The nuclear egress complex (NEC), consisting of the conserved herpesvirus proteins (p)UL31 and pUL34, is required for this process, whereas the viral glycoproteins gB and gH, which are essential for fusion during penetration, are not. We recently described herpesvirus-induced nuclear envelope breakdown (NEBD) as an alternative egress pathway used in the absence of the NEC. However, the molecular details of this pathway are still unknown. It has been speculated that glycoproteins involved in fusion during entry might play a role in NEBD. By deleting genes encoding glycoproteins gB and gH from the genome of NEBD-inducing pseudorabies viruses, we demonstrate that these glycoproteins are not required for NEBD but are still necessary for syncytium formation, again emphasizing fundamental differences in herpesvirus-induced alterations at the nuclear envelopes and plasma membranes of infected cells.
Myeloblastic Cell Lines Mimic Some but Not All Aspects of Human Cytomegalovirus Experimental Latency Defined in Primary CD34+Cell Populations
Authors: Albright Emily R. , Kalejta Robert F.
Published: July 2013

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a significant human pathogen that achieves lifelong persistence by establishing latent infections in undifferentiated cells of the myeloid lineage, such as CD34+hematopoietic progenitor cells. When latency is established, viral lytic gene expression is silenced in part by a cellular intrinsic defense consisting of Daxx and histone deacetylases (HDACs) because pp71, the tegument transactivator that travels to the nucleus and inactivates this defense at the start of a lytic infection in differentiated cells, remains in the cytoplasm. Because the currentin vitroandex vivolatency models have physiological and practical limitations, we evaluated two CD34+myeloblastic cell lines, KG-1 and Kasumi-3, for their ability to establish, maintain, and reactivate HCMV experimental latent infections. Tegument protein pp71 was cytoplasmic, and immediate-early (IE) genes were silenced as in primary CD34+cells. However, in contrast to what occurs in primary CD34+cellsex vivoor in NT2 and THP-1in vitromodel systems, viral IE gene expression from the laboratory-adapted AD169 genome was not induced in the presence of HDAC inhibitors in either KG-1 or Kasumi-3 cells. Furthermore, while the clinical strain FIX was able to reactivate from Kasumi-3 cells, AD169 was not, and neither strain reactivated from KG-1 cells. Thus, KG-1 and Kasumi-3 experimental latent infections differ in important parameters from those in primary CD34+cell populations. Aspects of latency illuminated through the use of these myeloblastoid cell lines should not be considered independently but integrated with results obtained in primary cell systems when paradigms for HCMV latency are proposed.
Modelling the impact of specific food policy options on coronary heart disease and stroke deaths in Ireland
Authors: O'Keeffe Celine , Kabir Zubair , O'Flaherty Martin , Walton Janette , Capewell Simon , Perry Ivan J
Published: July 2013

Objective

To estimate the potential reduction in cardiovascular (CVD) mortality possible by decreasing salt, trans fat and saturated fat consumption, and by increasing fruit and vegetable (F/V) consumption in Irish adults aged 25–84 years for 2010.

Design

Modelling study using the validated IMPACT Food Policy Model across two scenarios. Sensitivity analysis was undertaken. First, a conservative scenario: reductions in dietary salt by 1 g/day, trans fat by 0.5% of energy intake, saturated fat by 1% energy intake and increasing F/V intake by 1 portion/day. Second, a more substantial but politically feasible scenario: reductions in dietary salt by 3 g/day, trans fat by 1% of energy intake, saturated fat by 3% of energy intake and increasing F/V intake by 3 portions/day.

Setting

Republic of Ireland.

Outcomes

Coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke deaths prevented.

Results

The small, conservative changes in food policy could result in approximately 395 fewer cardiovascular deaths per year; approximately 190 (minimum 155, maximum 230) fewer CHD deaths in men, 50 (minimum 40, maximum 60) fewer CHD deaths in women, 95 (minimum 75, maximum 115) fewer stroke deaths in men, and 60 (minimum 45, maximum 70) fewer stroke deaths in women. Approximately 28%, 22%, 23% and 26% of the 395 fewer deaths could be attributable to decreased consumptions in trans fat, saturated fat, dietary salt and to increased F/V consumption, respectively. The 395 fewer deaths represent an overall 10% reduction in CVD mortality. Modelling the more substantial but feasible food policy options, we estimated that CVD mortality could be reduced by up to 1070 deaths/year, representing an overall 26% decline in CVD mortality.

Conclusions

A considerable CVD burden is attributable to the excess consumption of saturated fat, trans fat, salt and insufficient fruit and vegetables. There are significant opportunities for Government and industry to reduce CVD mortality through effective, evidence-based food policies.
Assessing the role of prevention partnerships in STD prevention: a review of comprehensive STD prevention systems progress reports
Authors: Hogben Matthew , Hood Julia , Collins Dayne , McFarlane Mary
Published: July 2013

Systematic analysis of STD programme data contributes to a national portrait of sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevention activities, including research and evaluation specifically designed to optimise programme efficiency and impact. We analysed the narrative of the 2009 annual progress reports of the US Comprehensive STD Prevention Systems cooperative agreement for 58 STD programmes, concentrating on programme characteristics and partnerships. Programmes described 516 unique partnerships with a median of seven organisations cited per STD programme. Non-profit organisations (including service providers) were most frequently cited. Higher gonorrhoea morbidity was associated with reporting more partnerships; budget problems were associated with reporting fewer. Challenges to engaging in partnerships included budget constraints, staff turnover and low interest. Data provide a source of information for judging progress in programme collaboration and for informing a sustained programme-focused research and evaluation agenda.
The effect of precooling on cardiovascular and metabolic strain during incremental exercise
Authors: Smith Denise L. , Fehling Patricia C. , Hultquist Eric M. , Arena Logan , Lefferts Wesley K. , Haller Jeannie M. , Storer Thomas W. , Cooper Christopher B.
Published: July 2013

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of precooling on the chronotropic index defined as the slope of the heart rate (HR) and oxygen uptake during incremental exercise. Ten men performed incremental exercise following 2 conditions: control (rest in a thermoneutral laboratory, 21.5 ± 0.7 °C; performed first) and precooling (cold-water immersion, 23.1 ± 0.2 °C). Prior to exercise, core temperature was significantly lower for precooling (36.6 ± 0.3 °C) compared with control (37.1 ± 0.4 °C; p < 0.001) and remained lower throughout exercise (p < 0.05). Time to volitional fatigue during the incremental exercise test was significantly longer in the control (914 ± 97 s) compared with precooling (889 ± 97 s; p = 0.015). Precooling reduced HR by 8–10 beats·min−1 compared with control throughout exercise (peak HR: precooling, 178 ± 9 beats·min−1; control, 188 ± 6 beats·min−1; p = 0.001). Oxygen uptake did not differ between conditions (p > 0.05). The chronotropic index did not differ between conditions (p = 0.301); however, the y intercept was significantly lower (p = 0.009) for precooling (53.6 ± 11.0) compared with control (67.3 ± 11.0). Thus, the benefit of precooling was a lower HR that was maintained throughout exercise rather than a reduced rate of rise in HR. These results suggest the potential use of precooling to mitigate cardiovascular strain in individuals working at elevated metabolic rates. However, the reduced exercise time warrants consideration.
Modelling the post-failure stage of rainfall-induced landslides of the flow type
Authors: Cascini L. , Cuomo S. , Pastor M. , Sacco C.
Published: July 2013

The geomechanical modelling of failure and post-failure stages of rainfall-induced shallow landslides represents a fundamental issue to the proper assessment of failure conditions and recognizes the potential for long travel distances of the failed soil masses. Considering that these phenomena are among the most catastrophic natural hazards, as a contribution to the topic this paper discusses the potential of a hydromechanical coupled finite element model (FEM) to analyze the post-failure stage using an advanced constitutive model. In particular, simple undrained triaxial tests and experimental evidence of centrifuge tests are reproduced first, for both loose and dense soils. Then, two slope scale benchmarks are analyzed in the cases of vertical downward or horizontal water seepage and for both loose and dense soils. Compared with results obtained through standard limit equilibrium analyses, the coupled FEM provides a new comprehensive framework for failure and post-failure scenarios that includes a significant reduction of mean effective stresses, also in the case of a loose soil slope subjected to vertical downward water seepage. The obtained results are particularly encouraging because they outline the possibility to analyse both the failure and post-failure stages in a unique framework. Moreover, the numerical analyses indicate that the post-failure mechanisms are intimately tied to specific predisposing factors and boundary conditions, rather than to a single mechanical or state parameter of soil, such as, for instance, the soil relative density.
Probing the utility of palladium complexes supported by morpholine-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbene ligands in Buchwald–Hartwig amination
Authors: Wheaton Craig A. , Stradiotto Mark
Published: July 2013

Convenient and high-yielding syntheses of two new morpholine-substituted N-heterocyclic carbene ligands, 1-Ar-3-{2-(4-morpholinyl)phenyl}imidazolidin-2-ylidene (Ar = Dipp, Mes), are described. An investigation of corresponding palladium complexes reveals hemilability, and examples of both monodentate and bidentate coordination are observed. A preliminary investigation of the activity of these palladium complexes for Buchwald–Hartwig amination catalysis is presented.
Determining the effects of salt, buffer, and temperature on the complexation of methylated ammonium ions and methyllysines by sulfonated calixarenes
Authors: Daze Kevin D. , Jones Catherine E. , Lilgert Brandin J. , Beshara Cory S. , Hof Fraser
Published: July 2013

Sulfonated calixarenes have long been used as effective binders of ammonium ions in aqueous solution. Recently, the utility of sulfonated calix[4]arenes and calix[6]arenes as specific agents for binding biologically important ammonium ions, and especially post-translationally methylated amino acids, peptides, and proteins, has suggested that they might have important roles to play in the control and understanding of biological pathways. We report here binding data in various buffer systems that attempt to shed light on the roles of buffer and salt in the recognition processes of these hosts. We also report studies on trimethyllysine binding that explore the effects of near physiological salt concentrations and temperatures. These studies provide an understanding of disparate data on these systems and also demonstrate the ability of a sulfonated calixarene to bind trimethyllysine strongly under aqueous conditions that closely replicate the salt concentrations, pH, and temperature of the human body.
Sound pressure level weighting of the center of activity method to approximate sequential fish positions from acoustic telemetry
Authors: Grothues Thomas Marcellin , Davis Walker Christian
Published: July 2013

Proximity of acoustically tagged fish to a hydrophone correlates with detection probability, thus allowing fish center of activity (CA) estimation as weighted averages of hydrophones’ positions over fixed listening intervals. Alternately, weighting by the detection sound pressure levels (SPL) would require only a single detection from each hydrophone. We tested SPL-weighted averaging performance relative to an independent and highly accurate positioning method, trilateration, for tagged fish. Positions calculated using SPL were similar to those using CA in the shape and sequence of the paths relative to the trilateration standard. Neither up- nor down-weighting transforms of SPL significantly affected solution error (209 m average, range 192–215 m) and did not differ significantly in error or shape from CA (194 m) over seven fish (1.9 million detections) even at the shortest of five tested averaging intervals (150, 300, 600, 1200, 2400 s). The method increased the stability of position estimates when a single moving receiver was used to create a synthetic array. Potentially, useful solutions can be calculated for tags outside array perimeters by extrapolating regressions to known source SPL.
Quantum breathers in ferromagnetic chains with on-site easy axis anisotropy
Authors: Tang Bing , Li De-Jun , Tang Yi
Published: July 2013

Quantum breathers in one-dimensional ferromagnetic chains with on-site easy axis anisotropy are investigated analytically. Based on the Hartree approximation, we can work out the case of quantum breathers with a large number of quanta. By using the multiple-scale method combined with the semidiscrete approximation, the nonlinear Schrödinger equation is derived. It is shown that quantum breathers can exist in the Heisenberg ferromagnetic chain. In addition, we obtain the energy level formula of quantum breathers, which indicates that the energy of such quantum breathers is quantized.
A LEARNING AUTOMATA-BASED ALGORITHM TO THE STOCHASTIC MIN-DEGREE CONSTRAINED MINIMUM SPANNING TREE PROBLEM
Authors: TORKESTANI JAVAD AKBARI
Published: July 2013

Min-degree constrained minimum spanning tree (md-MST) problem is an NP-hard combinatorial optimization problem seeking for the minimum weight spanning tree in which the vertices are either of degree one (leaf) or at least degree d ≥ 2. md-MST problem is new to the literature and very few studies have been conducted on this problem in deterministic graph. md-MST problem has several appealing real-world applications. Though in realistic applications the graph conditions and parameters are stochastic and vary with time, to the best of our knowledge no work has been done on solving md-MST problem in stochastic graph. This paper proposes a decentralized learning automata-based algorithm for finding a near optimal solution to the md-MST problem in stochastic graph. In this work, it is assumed that the weight associated with the graph edge is random variable with a priori unknown probability distribution. This assumption makes the md-MST problem incredibly harder to solve. The proposed algorithm exploits an intelligent sampling technique avoiding the unnecessary samples by focusing on the edges of the min-degree spanning tree with the minimum expected weight. On the basis of the Martingale theorem, the convergence of the proposed algorithm to the optimal solution is theoretically proven. Extensive simulation experiments are performed on the stochastic graph instances to show the performance of the proposed algorithm. The obtained results are compared with those of the standard sampling method in terms of the sampling rate and solution optimality. Simulation experiments show that the proposed method outperforms the standard sampling method.
STUDY OF V SUBSTITUTION EFFECT ON STRUCTURAL AND ELECTRONIC AND MAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF Zn1-xVxO0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5 BY FIRST PRINCIPLES CALCULATIONS
Authors: TAGHAVI MENDI R. , MAJIDIYAN M. , BOOCHANI A. , ELAHI S. M. , BAKHSHAYESHI A. , BERYANI NEZAFAT N.
Published: July 2013

In this paper some structural, magnetic and electronic properties of Zn 1-x V x O for 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5, such as optimized lattice constant, cohesive energy, formation enthalpy, density of states, band structure, effective mass and Fermi surface are being investigated. In calculating these properties first principle approach is being used. The calculations performed using DFT theory with full potential linear augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) and GGA approximation. It is shown that by substituting V instead of Zn , Zn 1-x V x O compound will gain magnetic properties. The band structure of Zn 1-x V x O shows that metallic behavior increases with increasing substituted V. This substitution increases extremal area in Fermi surface around Γ point. The results obtained from calculated cohesive energy and formation enthalpy show that substituting V increases the stability of Zn 1-x V x O . The calculated band gap is in a good agreement with other theoretical results.
PROPERTIES OF BULK Fe–Ni/CNT NANOCOMPOSITES PREPARED BY MECHANICAL MILLING AND SINTERING
Authors: AZADEHRANJBAR S. , KARIMZADEH F. , ENAYATI M. H. , MAHMOODI N.
Published: July 2013

The effects of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on mechanical and tribiological properties of the NiFe /CNT composites prepared by high energy mechanical alloying and hot pressing, were investigated. Bulk samples were prepared by sintering of cold pressed (300 MPa) samples at 1040° C for 1 h. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy were employed for evaluation of the phase composition, surface morphology and porosities of the samples. The microhardness of as-milled Ni 3 Fe and NiFe powders reached to 720 and 650 VHN, respectively. The hardness of NiFe and Ni 3 Fe bulk samples reduced to 190 and 270 Vickers because of the grain growth during sintering and remaining porosity. The hardness of NiFe -CNT and Ni 3 Fe -CNT bulk samples reached to 360 and 400 Vickers, respectively. The friction and wear properties of the bulk samples were investigated under dry conditions using a pin-on-disk test rig under an applied load of 8 N. The wear rate, mass loss and friction coefficient of the composite samples remarkably reduced in comparison with NiFe and Ni 3 Fe matrix alloys which demonstrate effects of the CNTs on mechanical and tribiological behavior of the composites resulting from the excellent mechanical properties and unique topological structure of the CNTs.
PROJECTIVE SYNCHRONIZATION IN CHAOTIC COMPLEX SYSTEM WITH TIME DELAY
Authors: NIAN FUZHONG , WANG XINGYUAN , ZHENG PUQI
Published: July 2013

A projective synchronization of chaotic complex system was investigated. First, the cross projective synchronization (the real part and the imaginary part synchronize up to different scaling factors, respectively) in coupled partially linear complex nonlinear dynamic system was realized without adding any control term. Then, we investigated the substantial conditions of projective synchronization of chaotic complex systems on whole state variable with time delay. The adaptive controllers were designed. Moreover, numerical simulations were given to confirm the analytical results.
MATRIX REPRESENTATIONS OF AMPLE SEMIGROUPS
Authors: GUO XIAOJIANG , SHUM K. P.
Published: July 2013

An adequate semigroup S is said to be ample if for any e2 = e, a ∈ S, ae = (ae)†a and ea = a(ea)*. It is well known that inverse semigroups are ample semigroups. The purpose of this paper is to study matrix representations of an ample semigroup. Some properties of ample semigroups are obtained. It is proved that any indecomposable good matrix representations of an ample semigroup can be constructed by using those of weak Brandt semigroups.
MR&MR-SUM: MAXIMUM RELEVANCE AND MINIMUM REDUNDANCY DOCUMENT SUMMARIZATION MODEL
Authors: ALGULIEV RASIM M. , ALIGULIYEV RAMIZ M. , ISAZADE NIJAT R.
Published: July 2013

We have presented an approach to automatic document summarization. In the proposed approach, text summarization is modeled as a quadratic integer-programming problem. This model generally attempts to optimize three properties, namely, (1) relevance: summary should contain informative textual units that are relevant to the user; (2) redundancy: summaries should not contain multiple textual units that convey the same information; and (3) length: summary is bounded in length. To solve the optimization problem we have created a novel differential evolution algorithm. Experimental results on DUC2005 and DUC2007 data sets showed that the proposed approach outperforms the other methods.
MEASURING SENSITIVITY OF PROCUREMENT DECISIONS USING SUPERIORITY AND INFERIORITY RANKING
Authors: MARZOUK MOHAMED , SHINNAWY NOHA EL , MOSELHI OSAMA , EL-SAID MOHEEB
Published: July 2013

Wrong decisions or inappropriate selection of equipment may lead to increase in cost and reduction in efficiency and effectiveness. Selecting right equipment has always been a key factor in the success of the process it is used for. In this study, superiority and inferiority ranking (SIR) methodis utilized for evaluation of most suitable offer for procurement of equipment installed inside a facility, whereas, analytical hierarchy process (AHP) is used to calculate the weights of factors that influence procurement decision. To achieve this target, a methodological framework of a series of interviews are conducted, then two questionnaire surveys are developed for identifying the important factors affecting the selection process of equipment and determining their relative importance. A solution of the problem is then designed in a model using AHP and SIR methods in addition to using the simple additive weighting (SAW) and technique for order preference by similarity to the ideal solution (TOPSIS) procedures to generate the superiority and inferiority flows. The model is generic and flexible and is used for the application of the multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) methods in the procurement process. The model also offers an efficient and convenient tool that aids its users to act in an orderly and methodical thinking, and guides them in making logical and robust decisions. A case study is presented to demonstrate the use of the developed model and sensitivity analysis is carried out to measure the robustness of the model in different scenarios.
DATA CONSTRUCTION PROCESS AND QUALIFLEX-BASED METHOD FOR MULTIPLE-CRITERIA GROUP DECISION MAKING WITH INTERVAL-VALUED INTUITIONISTIC FUZZY SETS
Authors: CHEN TING-YU
Published: July 2013

Based on Jacquet-Lagreze's permutation method, QUALIFLEX is an outranking model that investigates all possible permutations of alternatives with respect to the consequences of all criteria. The purpose of this paper is to develop a QUALIFLEX-based method for multiple criteria group decision making within a decision environment of interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets. We conduct a statistical inference approach with finite population correction to construct interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy numbers. In addition, we incorporate the relative importance of decision makers and fuse individual opinions to form collective ratings using a modified method with weighted interval estimations. In view of diversiform preference types (weak order, strict order, difference order, interval bound, and ratio bound), we represent multiple decision makers' various forms of preference structures and assess criterion weights under incomplete information. By means of score functions, accuracy functions, membership-uncertainty indices, and hesitation-uncertainty indices, a ranking procedure is employed to identify a criterion-wise preference of alternatives. A QUALIFLEX-based model is then established to measure the level of concordance of the complete preference order for handling multiple criteria group decisions. The feasibility of the proposed method is illustrated by a practical problem relating to the selection of a landfill site. As indicated in the application, the proposed method is useful for handling complicated group decision-making problems that involve comprehensive criteria and limited alternatives.
IDENTIFICATION OF CRIMINAL CASE DIAGNOSTIC ISSUES: A MODULAR ANN APPROACH
Authors: THAMMABOOSADEE SOTARAT , WATANAPA BUNTHIT
Published: July 2013

A knowledge discovery model has been developed to manage the facts discovered in criminal cases in the court of law and to identify the relevant diagnostic issues. This study focuses on the offence against life and body section of the criminal law codes of Thailand. To identify the criminal case diagnostic issues, a set of artificial neural networks (ANN) classifiers is heuristically configured and modularly organized to operate upon the discovered facts. This modular network of ANNs forms an effective system in terms of determining power and ability to trace or infer the relevant reasoning of such a determination. Experiments have been conducted to demonstrate the applicability of ANN for various case studies and to generate comparative results for providing insights into both technical and legal aspects of these cases. In this study, a modular ANN with the support of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) as an automatic input selection mechanism provided the best results with accuracy up to 99%, using 10-fold cross-validation. A sample case is included to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed system.