bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical dimension and a Kawamata–Viehweg–Nadel-type vanishing theorem on compact Kähler manifolds
Authors: Cao Junyan
Published: August 2014

Let $X$ be a compact Kähler manifold and let $(L,{\it\varphi})$ be a pseudo-effective line bundle on $X$. We first define a notion of numerical dimension for pseudo-effective line bundles with singular metrics, and then discuss the properties of this numerical dimension. Finally, we prove a very general Kawamata–Viehweg–Nadel-type vanishing theorem on an arbitrary compact Kähler manifold.
Combined Effects of Surface Roughness and Rarefaction in the Region Between High Wave Number-Limited and High Bearing Number-Limited Lubricant Flows
Authors: White James
Published: August 2014

Analytical methods and techniques are required for design and analysis of low clearance gas-bearings that account for the combined influence of surface roughness and Knudsen number. Analytical methods for the lubrication equation are currently available for bearings that are either high wave number-limited or high bearing number-limited. There are few useful analytical methods in the range between these limiting extremes that account for the combined effect of roughness and rarefaction. That is the focus of this paper as it extends the work reported by White (2013, “Surface Roughness Effects in the Region Between High Wave Number and High Bearing Number-Limited Lubricant Flows,” ASME J. Tribol., 135(4), p. 041706) to include rarefaction effects. Results of an analytical study will be reported that investigates a wedge bearing geometry using perturbation methods and multiple-scale analysis over a wide range of Knudsen numbers for roughness on moving and stationary surfaces. The solution technique developed allows nonlinear aspects of the lubrication equation to be retained in the analysis. Solutions will be presented graphically and discussed. Results indicate that most of the bearing sensitivity to Knudsen number can be accounted for by a modified form of the bearing number.
Design of a New Parametric Path Plan for Additive Manufacturing of Hollow Porous Structures With Functionally Graded Materials
Authors: Ozbolat Ibrahim T. , Khoda A. K. M. B.
Published: August 2014

In this paper, a novel path planning approach is proposed to generate porous structures with internal features. The interconnected and continuous deposition path is designed to control the internal material composition in a functionally graded manner. The proposed layer-based algorithmic solutions generate a bilayer pattern of zigzag and spiral toolpath consecutively to construct heterogeneous three-dimensional (3D) objects. The proposed strategy relies on constructing Voronoi diagrams for all bounding curves in each layer to decompose the geometric domain and discretizing the associated Voronoi regions with ruling lines between the boundaries of the associated Voronoi regions. To avoid interference among ruling lines, reorientation and relaxation techniques are introduced to establish matching for continuous zigzag path planning. In addition, arc fitting is used to reduce over-deposition, allowing nonstop deposition at sharp turns. Layer-by-layer deposition progresses through consecutive layers of a ruling-line-based zigzag pattern followed by a spiral path deposition. A biarc fitting technique is employed through isovalues of ruling lines to generate G1 continuity along the spiral deposition path plan. Functionally graded material properties are then mapped based on a parametric distance-based weighting technique. The proposed approach enables elimination or minimization of over-deposition of materials, nonuniformity on printed strands and discontinuities on the toolpath, which are shortcomings of traditional zigzag-based toolpath plan in additive manufacturing (AM). In addition, it provides a practical path for printing functionally graded materials.
Fabrication of Biological Microfluidics Using a Digital Microfabrication System
Authors: Hamid Qudus , Wang Chengyang , Zhao Yu , Snyder Jessica , Sun Wei
Published: August 2014

Micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technologies illustrate the potential for many applications in the field of tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and life sciences. The fabrication of tissue models integrates the multidisciplinary field of life sciences and engineering. Presently, monolayer cell cultures are frequently used to investigate potential anticancer agents. These monolayer cultures give limited feedback on the effects of the micro-environment. A micro-environment, which mimics that of the target tissue, will eliminate the limitations of the traditional mainstays of tissue research. The fabrication of such micro-environment requires a thorough investigation of the actual target organ, and or tissue. Conventional MEMS technologies are developed for the fabrication of integrated circuits on silicon wafers. Conventional MEMS technologies are very expensive and are not developed for biological applications. The digital micromirroring microfabrication (DMM) system eliminates the need for an expensive chrome mask by incorporating a dynamic mask-less fabrication technique. The DMM is designed to utilize its digital micromirrors to fabricate of biological devices. This digital microfabrication system provides a platform for the fabrication of economic biological microfluidics that is specifically designed to mimic the in vivo conditions of the tissue of interest. Investigations portrayed in this paper demonstrate the DMM capabilities to develop biological microfluidics. Though the applications of the DMM are extensive, the simple sinusoidal microfluidic characterized in this paper illustrates the DMM capabilities to develop biological microfluidic chips.
Failure Analysis of Piping Systems With Thinned Elbows on Tri-Axial Shake Table Tests
Authors: Shibutani Tadahiro , Nakamura Izumi , Otani Akihito
Published: August 2014

This paper presents a computational failure analysis of piping systems with and without thinned elbows on tri-axial shake table tests. In a previous experimental study, two piping models, a sound piping system and a degraded piping system with thinned elbows, were assessed. The sound piping system was found to fail at the elbow flank due to in-plane cyclic bending, whereas the degraded system failed at the end of the elbow due to excessive pipe ovalization. In the present study, finite element (FE) models of elbows were developed in order to carry out fracture analysis. The measured displacements of seismic motions were used as the boundary conditions for FE models. In the sound piping system, plastic strain concentrated at the flank of the elbow due to in-plane bending. The cumulative damage factor was calculated from the fatigue curve and Miner's rule. The effect of ratcheting was also considered. In the failed elbow, the calculated cumulative damage factor showed good agreement with experimental results. On the other hand, for the fracture analysis of the thinned elbow, the entire seismic loading history on the tri-axial shake table was considered, since the effect of pipe ovalization depends on loading history. The ovalization occurred at the elbow due to cumulative seismic loading. Consequently, the principal plastic strain began to concentrate at the end of the elbow. These FE results offer quantitative explanation for the observed failure modes in the degraded piping system.
Visualization and Time-Resolved Particle Image Velocimetry Measurements of the Flow in the Tip Region of a Subsonic Compressor Rotor
Authors: Tan David , Li Yuanchao , Wilkes Ian , Miorini Rinaldo L. , Katz Joseph
Published: August 2014

A new optically index matched facility has been constructed to investigate tip flows in compressor-like settings. The blades of the one and a half stage compressor have the same geometry, but lower aspect ratio as the inlet guide vanes (IGVs) and the first stage of the low-speed axial compressor (LSAC) facility at NASA Glenn. With transparent blades and casings, the new setup enables unobstructed velocity measurements at any point within the tip region and is designed to facilitate direct measurements of effects of casing treatments on the flow structure. We start with a smooth endwall casing. High speed movies of cavitation and time-resolved PIV measurements have been used to characterize the location, trajectory, and behavior of the tip leakage vortex (TLV) for two flow rates, the lower one representing prestall conditions. Results of both methods show consistent trends. As the flow rate is reduced, TLV rollup occurs further upstream, and its initial orientation becomes more circumferential. At prestall conditions, the TLV is initially aligned slightly upstream of the rotor passage, and subsequently forced downstream. Within the passage, the TLV breaks up into a large number of vortex fragments, which occupy a broad area. Consequently, the cavitation in the TLV core disappears. With decreasing flow rate, this phenomenon becomes more abrupt, occurs further upstream, and the fragments occupy a larger area.
Fractional Derivative Constitutive Models for Finite Deformation of Viscoelastic Materials
Authors: Fukunaga Masataka , Shimizu Nobuyuki
Published: August 2014

A methodology to derive fractional derivative constitutive models for finite deformation of viscoelastic materials is proposed in a continuum mechanics treatment. Fractional derivative models are generalizations of the models given by the objective rates. The method of generalization is applied to the case in which the objective rate of the Cauchy stress is given by the Truesdell rate. Then, a fractional derivative model is obtained in terms of the second Piola–Kirchhoff stress tensor and the right Cauchy-Green strain tensor. Under the assumption that the dynamical behavior of the viscoelastic materials comes from a complex combination of elastic and viscous elements, it is shown that the strain energy of the elastic elements plays a fundamental role in determining the fractional derivative constitutive equation. As another example of the methodology, a fractional constitutive model is derived in terms of the Biot stress tensor. The constitutive models derived in this paper are compared and discussed with already existing models. From the above studies, it has been proved that the methodology proposed in this paper is fully applicable and effective.
Multiple-Material Topology Optimization of Compliant Mechanisms Created Via PolyJet Three-Dimensional Printing
Authors: Gaynor Andrew T. , Meisel Nicholas A. , Williams Christopher B. , Guest James K.
Published: August 2014

Compliant mechanisms are able to transfer motion, force, and energy using a monolithic structure without discrete hinge elements. The geometric design freedoms and multimaterial capability offered by the PolyJet 3D printing process enables the fabrication of compliant mechanisms with optimized topology. The inclusion of multiple materials in the topology optimization process has the potential to eliminate the narrow, weak, hingelike sections that are often present in single-material compliant mechanisms and also allow for greater magnitude deflections. In this paper, the authors propose a design and fabrication process for the realization of 3-phase, multiple-material compliant mechanisms. The process is tested on a 2D compliant force inverter. Experimental and numerical performance of the resulting 3-phase inverter is compared against a standard 2-phase design.
Teaching Corporate in College
Authors: Valantine Hannah A. , Beckerle Mary C. , Reed Kathryn L. , Towner Dena , Zahniser Nancy R.
Published: August 2014

By applying the strengths of corporate models for effective teamwork, academic scientists can drive transdisciplinary research and accelerate biomedical translation.
The Key to
Myheart
Authors: Haldar Saptarsi M.
Published: August 2014

A long noncoding RNA named
Myheart
is cardioprotective in experimental models of heart failure.
Viral Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns Regulate Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity via Competing Innate Cytokine Signals
Authors: Daniels Brian P. , Holman David W. , Cruz-Orengo Lillian , Jujjavarapu Harsha , Durrant Douglas M. , Klein Robyn S.
Published: August 2014

Pattern recognition receptor (PRR) detection of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), such as viral RNA, drives innate immune responses against West Nile virus (WNV), an emerging neurotropic pathogen. Here we demonstrate that WNV PAMPs orchestrate endothelial responses to WNV via competing innate immune cytokine signals at the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a multicellular interface with highly specialized brain endothelial cells that normally prevents pathogen entry. While Th1 cytokines increase the permeability of endothelial barriers, type I interferon (IFN) promoted and stabilized BBB function. Induction of innate cytokines by pattern recognition pathways directly regulated BBB permeability and tight junction formation via balanced activation of the small GTPases Rac1 and RhoA, which in turn regulated the transendothelial trafficking of WNV.
In vivo
, mice with attenuated type I IFN signaling or IFN induction (
Ifnar

−/−

Irf7

−/−

) exhibited enhanced BBB permeability and tight junction dysregulation after WNV infection. Together, these data provide new insight into host-pathogen interactions at the BBB during neurotropic viral infection.

IMPORTANCE
West Nile virus (WNV) is an emerging pathogen capable of infecting the central nervous system (CNS), causing fatal encephalitis. However, the mechanisms that control the ability of WNV to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and access the CNS are unclear. In this study, we show that detection of WNV by host tissues induces innate immune cytokine expression at the BBB, regulating BBB structure and function and impacting transendothelial trafficking of WNV. This regulatory effect is shown to happen rapidly following exposure to virus, to occur independently of viral replication within BBB cells, and to require the signaling of cytoskeletal regulatory Rho GTPases. These results provide new understanding of host-pathogen interactions at the BBB during viral encephalitis.
Dectin-1 Is Expressed in Human Lung and Mediates the Proinflammatory Immune Response to Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae
Authors: Heyl Kerstin A. , Klassert Tilman E. , Heinrich Annina , Müller Mario M. , Klaile Esther , Dienemann Hendrik , Grünewald Christiane , Bals Robert , Singer Bernhard B. , Slevogt Hortense
Published: August 2014

The C-type lectin receptor Dectin-1 is expressed mainly on myeloid cells mediating the immune response targeting respiratory pathogens such as
Aspergillus fumigatus
and
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. The pulmonary epithelium serves as an important interface for interactions between these pathogens and the respiratory tract. Therefore, we analyzed the expression pattern of Dectin-1 in the human lung. Immunohistochemically stained human lung sections from 17 out of 19 individuals were positive for Dectin-1, which was expressed mainly apically on bronchial and alveolar epithelium. Our results showed no correlation with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or the smoking habits of the patients. Nontypeable
Haemophilus influenzae
(NTHI), an important bacterial pathogen of the respiratory tract with significant importance in COPD, has also been proposed to be recognized by Dectin-1, suggesting a possible impact on the NTHI-dependent immune response in human airways. Therefore, the involvement of Dectin-1 in NTHI-triggered cytokine responses was investigated in primary normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells and in the A549 cell line stably transfected with Dectin-1. The presence of Dectin-1 significantly increased cytokine release in response to NTHI in NHBE and A549 cells. In addition, phosphorylation of the Dectin-1 hem-immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (hemITAM) was essential for the Dectin-1-triggered response to NTHI in A549 cells. In conclusion, in human airways, epithelium-expressed Dectin-1 may play a significant role in generating an NTHI-mediated, proinflammatory immune response.

IMPORTANCE
In this study, we demonstrated, for the first time, the expression of Dectin-1 on human lung tissues and, in particular, pulmonary epithelium by making use of immunohistochemical staining. The epithelial lining of the human airways is an important interface for host-pathogen interactions. Therefore, our data suggest that epithelium-expressed Dectin-1 is of considerable importance for the interaction of the human airways with pathogens detected by this receptor, such as
A. fumigatus
and
M. tuberculosis
. Moreover, we further demonstrated that, in pulmonary epithelial cells, Dectin-1 enhances the proinflammatory immune response to NTHI. In COPD patients, NTHI is a major cause of respiratory tract infections and is associated with proinflammatory immune responses in the lower airways. Therefore, our data suggest that the functional interaction of Dectin-1 with NTHI in human airways may have an important impact on the pathogenesis of COPD.
The Influence of Repressor DNA Binding Site Architecture on Transcriptional Control
Authors: Park Dan M. , Kiley Patricia J.
Published: August 2014

How the architecture of DNA binding sites dictates the extent of repression of promoters is not well understood. Here, we addressed the importance of the number and information content of the three direct repeats (DRs) in the binding and repression of the
icdA
promoter by the phosphorylated form of the global
Escherichia coli
repressor ArcA (ArcA-P). We show that decreasing the information content of the two sites with the highest information (DR1 and DR2) eliminated ArcA binding to all three DRs and ArcA repression of
icdA
. Unexpectedly, we also found that DR3 occupancy functions principally in repression, since mutation of this low-information-content site both eliminated DNA binding to DR3 and significantly weakened
icdA
repression, despite the fact that binding to DR1 and DR2 was intact. In addition, increasing the information content of any one of the three DRs or addition of a fourth DR increased ArcA-dependent repression but perturbed signal-dependent regulation of repression. Thus, our data show that the information content and number of DR elements are critical architectural features for maintaining a balance between high-affinity binding and signal-dependent regulation of
icdA
promoter function in response to changes in ArcA-P levels. Optimization of such architectural features may be a common strategy to either dampen or enhance the sensitivity of DNA binding among the members of the large OmpR/PhoB family of regulators as well as other transcription factors.

IMPORTANCE
In
Escherichia coli
, the response regulator ArcA maintains homeostasis of redox carriers under O
2
-limiting conditions through a comprehensive repression of carbon oxidation pathways that require aerobic respiration to recycle redox carriers. Although a binding site architecture comprised of a variable number of sequence recognition elements has been identified within the promoter regions of ArcA-repressed operons, it is unclear how this variable architecture dictates transcriptional regulation. By dissecting the role of multiple sequence elements within the
icdA
promoter, we provide insight into the design principles that allow ArcA to repress transcription within diverse promoter contexts. Our data suggest that the arrangement of recognition elements is tailored to achieve sufficient repression of a given promoter while maintaining appropriate signal-dependent regulation of repression, providing insight into how diverse binding site architectures link changes in O
2
with the fine-tuning of carbon oxidation pathway levels.
Socioeconomic inequality in salt intake in Britain 10 years after a national salt reduction programme
Authors: Ji Chen , Cappuccio Francesco P
Published: August 2014

Objectives

The impact of the national salt reduction programme in the UK on social inequalities is unknown. We examined spatial and socioeconomic variations in salt intake in the 2008–2011 British National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) and compared them with those before the programme in 2000–2001.

Setting

Cross-sectional survey in Great Britain.

Participants

1027 Caucasian males and females, aged 19–64 years.

Primary outcome measures

Participants’ dietary sodium intake measured with a 4-day food diary. Bayesian geo-additive models used to assess spatial and socioeconomic patterns of sodium intake accounting for sociodemographic, anthropometric and behavioural confounders.

Results

Dietary sodium intake varied significantly across socioeconomic groups, even when adjusting for geographical variations. There was higher dietary sodium intake in people with the lowest educational attainment (coefficient: 0.252 (90% credible intervals 0.003, 0.486)) and in low levels of occupation (coefficient: 0.109 (−0.069, 0.288)). Those with no qualification had, on average, a 5.7% (0.1%, 11.1%) higher dietary sodium intake than the reference group. Compared to 2000-2001 the gradient of dietary sodium intake from south to north was attenuated after adjustments for confounders. Estimated dietary sodium consumption from food sources (not accounting for discretionary sources) was reduced by 366 mg of sodium (∼0.9 g of salt) per day during the 10-year period, likely the effect of national salt reduction initiatives.

Conclusions

Social inequalities in salt intake have not seen a reduction following the national salt reduction programme and still explain more than 5% of salt intake between more and less affluent groups. Understanding the socioeconomic pattern of salt intake is crucial to reduce inequalities. Efforts are needed to minimise the gap between socioeconomic groups for an equitable delivery of cardiovascular prevention.
Production and decay of radion in Randall–Sundrum model at a photon collider
Authors: Cho Gi-Chol , Ohno Yoshiko
Published: August 2014

A warped extra dimension model predicts an extra scalar particle beyond the Standard Model (SM) which is called a radion. Although interactions of the radion are similar to those of the Higgs boson in the SM, a relatively light radion (≲100 GeV) is not severely constrained from the Higgs search experiments at the LHC. In this paper we study discovery potential of the radion at a photon collider as an option of ILC. Owing to the trace anomaly of the energy–momentum tensor, both a production of radion in γγ collision and its decay to gluon pair are enhanced sizably. We find that the photon collider has a sensitivity for discovering the radion in low-mass region up to Λϕ~3 TeV, where Λϕ is a scale parameter which suppresses the interactions of radion to the SM particles.
Boundary effects in the BLG theory
Authors: Faizal Mir
Published: August 2014

In this paper, we will analyze a system of multiple M2-branes in between two M5-branes. This will be analyzed by studying Bagger–Lambert–Gustavsson (BLG) theory on a manifold with two boundaries. The original BLG theory will be modified to make it gauge and supersymmetric invariant in presence of the boundaries. However, this modified theory will only preserve half the supersymmetry of the original theory. We will also analyze the deformation of this theory caused by noncommutativity between Grassman coordinates and spacetime coordinates. Finally, we will analyze the Higgsing of this theory to deformed D2-branes with boundaries.
Noises-induced toggle switch and stability in a gene regulation network
Authors: Zeng Chunhua , Yang Tao , Han Qinglin , Zhang Chun , Tian Dong , Wang Hua
Published: August 2014

It is well-known that noises are inevitable in gene regulatory networks due to the low-copy numbers of molecules and environmental fluctuations. In this paper, we investigate the stationary probability distribution (SPD) between both low (OFF state) and high (ON state) protein levels and mean first passage time (MFPT) in an abstract model of the Myc/E2F/miR-17-92 network presented by Aguda et al., PNAS 105, 19678 (2008), where the gene expression is assumed to be disturbed simultaneously by intrinsic and extrinsic noises that were correlated. Our results show that (i) the OFF state is enhanced by the extrinsic noise (D), while the ON state is enhanced by the intrinsic noise (Q) or cross-correlation between two noises (λ); (ii) for the cases of negative or no cross-correlation (λ⩽0.0), the increase of the noise intensity (D or Q) leads to a decline of the MFPT and enhances the probability of toggle switch to the OFF state; (iii) but for the case of positive cross-correlation (λ>0.0), the MFPT as a function of the noise intensity (D or Q) exhibits a maximum, this maximum for MFPT identifies the characteristic of noise enhanced stability of the ON state and (iv) the cross-correlation between two noises can enhance stability of the ON state.
A New Algorithm for Fuzzy Clustering Handling Incomplete Dataset
Authors: Abidi Balkis , Ben Yahia Sadok
Published: August 2014

One of the most difficult problems in cluster analysis is the identification of the number of groups in a dataset especially in the presence of missing value. Since traditional clustering methods assumed the real number of clusters to be known. However, in real world applications the number of clusters is generally not known a priori. Also, most of clustering methods were developed to analyse complete datasets, they cannot be applied to many practical problems, e.g., on incomplete data. This paper focuses, first, on an algorithm of a fuzzy clustering approach, called OCS-FSOM. The proposed algorithm is based on neural network and uses Optimal Completion Strategy for missing value estimation in incomplete dataset. Then, we propose an extension of our algorithm, to tackle the problem of estimating the number of clusters, by using a multi level OCS-FSOM method. The new algorithm called Multi-OCSFSOM is able to find the optimal number of clusters by using a statistical criterion, that aims at measuring the quality of obtained partitions. Carried out experiments on real-life datasets highlights a very encouraging results in terms of exact determination of optimal number of clusters.
Automatic Generation of an Aspect and Domain Sensitive Sentiment Lexicon
Authors: Lek Hsiang Hui , Poo Danny Chiang Choon
Published: August 2014

Sentiment lexicon plays an important role in determining the polarity of words and proves to be an important component in sentiment analysis applications. Most of these sentiment lexicons assign a fixed polarity to each word. However, it has been noted that the polarity of words depends on how they are used and so these lexicons are unable to accurately classify the polarity of the sentiments. By considering the aspect and domain of a word will allow us to more accurately classify sentiments. This paper presents a fully automatic method to build an aspect and domain sensitive sentiment lexicon which assigns a polarity to a word depending on both the aspect and the domain. The experimental results show that our lexicon significantly outperforms other commonly used sentiment lexicons / state-of-the-art approaches. To the best of our knowledge, such a lexicon is not publicly available. As such, we also make this lexicon publicly available as we believe it will benefit the research community. In addition, we observe the long tail distribution behavior of product aspects and propose the possibility of aspect ranking by comparing the number of domains and number of sentiment words present for an aspect.
Broadband Vibration Energy Harvesting from a Vertical Cantilever Piezocomposite Beam with Tip Mass
Authors: Bilgen Onur , Friswell Michael I. , Ali Shaikh Faruque , Litak Grzegorz
Published: August 2014

An inverted cantilevered beam vibration energy harvester with a tip mass is evaluated for its electromechanical efficiency and power output capacity in the presence of pure harmonic, pure random, and various combinations of harmonic and random base excitation cases. The energy harvester employs a composite piezoelectric material device that is bonded near the root of the beam. The tip mass is used to introduce nonlinearity to the system by inducing buckling in some configurations and avoiding it in others. The system dynamics include multiple solutions and jumps between the potential wells, and these are exploited in the harvesting device. This configuration exploits the nonlinear properties of the system using base excitation in conjunction with the tip mass at the end of the beam. Such a nonlinear device has the potential to work well when the input excitation does not have a dominant harmonic component at a fixed frequency. The paper presents an extensive experimental analysis, results and interesting conclusions derived directly from the experiments supported by numerical simulations.
China's New Urbanisation Plan to Revamp Public Service Provision
Authors: QIAN Jiwei
Published: August 2014

In March 2014 China unveiled plans for a “new type” of urbanisation largely to revamp public service provision. Rapid urbanisation has made public service provision in urban areas imperative. Urban population in China hit 731 million (53% of total population) by end-2013, from about 191 million people (less than 20% of total population) in 1980, representing an average annual growth rate of four per cent.
Numerical Reduced Variable Optimization Methods via Implicit Functional Dependence with Applications
Authors: Jesudason Christopher Gunaseelan
Published: August 2014

A systematic theoretical basis is developed that optimizes an arbitrary number of variables for (i) modeling data and (ii) the determination of stationary points of a function of several variables by the optimization of an auxiliary function of a single variable deemed the most significant on physical, experimental or mathematical grounds from which all the other optimized variables may be derived. Algorithms that focus on a reduced variable set avoid problems associated with multiple minima and maxima that arise because of the large numbers of parameters. For (i), both approximateandexact methods are presented, where the single controlling variablekof all the other variablesPkpasses through the local stationary point of the least squares metric. For (ii), an exact theory is developed whereby the solution of the optimized function of an independent variation of all parameters coincides with that due to single parameter optimization of an auxiliary function. The implicit function theorem has to be further qualified to arrive at this result. A nontrivial real world application of the above implicit methodology to rate constant and final concentration parameter determination is made to illustrate its utility. This work is more general than the reduction schemes for conditional linear parameters since it covers the nonconditional case as well and has potentially wide applicability.
Attribute Reduction Based on Property Pictorial Diagram
Authors: Wan Qing , Wei Ling
Published: August 2014

This paper mainly studies attribute reduction which keeps the lattice structure in formal contexts based on the property pictorial diagram. Firstly, the property pictorial diagram of a formal context is defined. Based on such diagram, an attribute reduction approach of concept lattice is achieved. Then, through the relation between an original formal context and its complementary context, an attribute reduct of complementary context concept lattice is obtained, which is also based on the property pictorial diagram of the original formal context. Finally, attribute reducts in property oriented concept lattice and object oriented concept lattice can be acquired by the relations of attribute reduction between these two lattices and concept lattice of complementary context. In addition, a detailed illustrative example is presented.
The Association between 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Hemoglobin A1c Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Stage 1–5 Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Kajbaf Farshad , Mentaverri Romuald , Diouf Momar , Fournier Albert , Kamel Said , Lalau Jean-Daniel
Published: August 2014

Aim. To examine the relationship between plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and blood hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels in diabetic patients at various stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD).Methods. We screened for data collected between 2003 and 2012. The correlation between 25(OH)D and HbA1c levels was studied in patients categorized according to the severity of CKD and their vitamin D status. A multivariate linear regression model was used to determine whether 25(OH)D and HbA1c levels were independently associated after adjustment for a number of covariates (including erythrocyte metformin levels).Results. We identified 542 reports from 245 patients. The mean HbA1c value was6.7±1.0% in vitamin D sufficiency,7.3±1.5% in insufficiency, and8.4±2.0% in deficiency (P<0.0001). There was a negative correlation between 25(OH)D and HbA1c levels for the population as a whole (r=-0.387,P<0.0001) and in the CKD severity subgroups (r=-0.384,P<0.0001andr=-0.333,P<0.0001for CKD stages 1–3 and 4-5, resp.). In the multivariate analysis, the 25(OH)D level was the only factor associated with HbA1c (P<0.0001).Conclusion. 25(OH)D levels were negatively correlated with HbA1c levels independently of study covariates.
Precise Asymptotics on Second-Order Complete Moment Convergence of Uniform Empirical Process
Authors: Xie Junshan , He Lin
Published: August 2014

Let{ξi,1≤i≤n}be a sequence of iidU[0, 1]-distributed random variables, and define the uniform empirical processFn(t)=n-1/2∑i=1n‍(I{ξi≤t}-t),0≤t≤1,Fn=sup0≤t≤1|Fn(t)|. When the nonnegative functiong(x)satisfies some regular monotone conditions, it proves thatlimϵ↘0⁡1/-logϵ∑n=1∞g′(n)/g(n)E{Fn2I{∥Fn∥≥ϵg(n)}}=π2/6.
Gender Disparity in Health and Food Expenditure in India among Elderly
Authors: Maharana Barsharani , Ladusingh Laishram
Published: August 2014

The present paper aims to shed light on the changing pattern of gender disparity in health and food expenditure over time among the elderly in India. National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) data of the 55th (1999-2000) and the 64th (2007-2008) rounds on household consumer expenditure have been used for this study. Further, the paper examines whether change in the sex composition of the elderly in households contributes to a change in health and food expenditure. The findings indicate wide gender disparity in food and health care expenditure, with that of males being higher than that of their female counterparts; the gap, however, is narrowing with time. The compositional shift in sex among the elderly in households contributes significantly to the decline in household health and the increase in household food expenditure over time.
Waldenström Macroglobulinemia in Hepatitis C: Case Report and Review of the Current Literature
Authors: Nipp Ryan , Mitchell Aaron , Pishko Allyson , Metjian Ara
Published: August 2014

Background. Recent literature has associated hepatitis C virus with the development of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Hepatitis C virus infection appears to promote lymphoproliferation, providing a plausible mechanism for a causative association; however, despite prior reports of patients with comorbid hepatitis C infection and Waldenström macroglobulinemia, the literature is in disagreement regarding whether there exists an association between these two conditions.Case Presentation. This case report describes a 57-year-old African-American male with chronic hepatitis C infection and cryoglobulinemia who presented with several episodes of transient confusion and paralysis and was found to have symptomatic hyperviscosity. The recognition of his condition was facilitated by characteristic findings on ophthalmologic examination. He was subsequently diagnosed with Waldenström macroglobulinemia on bone marrow biopsy.Conclusions. An up to date, comprehensive review of the literature suggests an association between hepatitis C and Waldenström macroglobulinemia. Data on optimal treatment of patients with comorbid hepatitis C infection and Waldenström macroglobulinemia is limited. We have provided a comprehensive review of previously explored treatment options to guide management of other similar patients. Our patient has since been treated with repeated plasmapheresis with a plan to pursue antiviral therapy.
Source Case Investigation for Children with TB Disease in Pune, India
Authors: De Debalina , Kinikar Aarti , Adhav P. S. , Kamble Sunanda , Sahoo Prasanna , Koli Hari , Kanade Savita , Mave Vidya , Suryavanshi Nishi , Gupte Nikhil , Gupta Amita , Mathad Jyoti
Published: August 2014

Setting.Contact tracing is broadly encouraged for tuberculosis (TB) control. In many high-burden countries, however, little effort is made to identify contacts of newly diagnosed TB patients. This failure puts children, many of whom live in poor crowded communities, at special risk.Objectives.To perform source-case investigations for 50 pediatric TB cases in Pune, India.Design.A descriptive cross-sectional observational study of pediatric TB cases < 5 years of age. Information was collected about the index case and household contacts.Results.In 15 (30%) of the 50 pediatric index cases, the household contained known TB contacts, 14 (86%) of whom were adults. Prior to their own diagnosis of TB, only one of the 15 pediatric index cases who met criteria for isoniazid preventive therapy received it. The index cases with known household TB contacts had a longer delay in initiating TB treatment than those without TB contacts (17.5 versus 2 days;P=0.03). Use of contact tracing identified 14 additional household TB suspects, 8 (57%) of whom were children.Conclusions.This study identified missed opportunities for TB prevention, as contact tracing is poorly implemented in resource-limited countries, like India. Further strategies to improve the implementation of TB prevention, especially in young children, are urgently needed.
Implementation Intentions on the Effect of Salt Intake among Hypertensive Women: A Pilot Study
Authors: de Freitas Agondi Rúbia , Cornélio Marilia Estevam , Rodrigues Roberta Cunha Matheus , Gallani Maria-Cecilia
Published: August 2014

This experimental study was aimed at assessing the potential effect of a theory-driven intervention—implementation intentions—on reducing salt intake among hypertensive Brazilian women. Ninety-eight participants were randomly assigned to participate in an implementation intentions intervention aimed at promoting lower salt intake through decreased addition of salt and salty spices to meals (intervention group,n=49; group,n=49). Endpoints were assessed at baseline and at the 2-month follow-up. Primary endpoints were a self-reporting measure of salt intake given by salt addition to meals (discretionary salt + salty spices = total added salt) and the 24 h urinary-sodium excretion. Secondary endpoints included intention, self-efficacy, and habit related to adding salt to meals. Patients in the intervention group showed a significant reduction in salt intake as assessed by 24 h urinary-sodium excretion. A significant reduction in the measure of habit was observed for both groups. No differences were observed for intention and self-efficacy. The results of this pilot study suggest the efficacy of planning strategies to help hypertensive women reduce their salt intake.
A Unified Weight Formula for Calculating the Sample Variance from Weighted Successive Differences
Authors: Lo Kuo-Hung , Sun Tien-Lung , Chen Juei-Chao
Published: August 2014

The basic formula to calculate sample variance is based on the sum of squared differences from mean. From computational perspective, mean calculation is nondesired as it can introduce computing errors. Previous researches have proposed to use weighted formula of the successive differences to calculate sample variance to avoid mean calculation. But their weighted formula is not in a unified format in the sense that it has to be represented as two formulas. This paper proposes a unified weight formula for sample variance calculation from weighted successive differences. A proof is provided to show that sample variance calculated using the proposed unified weighted formula is mathematically equivalent to the basic definition.
Lipoprotein Lipase and PPAR Alpha Gene Polymorphisms, Increased Very-Low-Density Lipoprotein Levels, and Decreased High-Density Lipoprotein Levels as Risk Markers for the Development of Visceral Leishmaniasis byLeishmania infantum
Authors: Carvalho Márcia Dias Teixeira , Alonso Diego Peres , Vendrame Célia Maria Vieira , Costa Dorcas Lamounier , Costa Carlos Henrique Nery , Werneck Guilherme Loureiro , Ribolla Paulo Eduardo Martins , Goto Hiro
Published: August 2014

In visceral leishmaniasis (VL) endemic areas, a minority of infected individuals progress to disease since most of them develop protective immunity. Therefore, we investigated the risk markers of VL within nonimmune sector. Analyzing infected symptomatic and, asymptomatic, and noninfected individuals, VL patients presented with reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), elevated triacylglycerol (TAG), and elevated very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) levels. A polymorphism analysis of the lipoprotein lipase (LPL) gene using HindIII restriction digestion (N= 156 samples) (H+ = the presence and H− = the absence of mutation) revealed an increased adjusted odds ratio (OR) of VL versus noninfected individuals when the H+/H+ was compared with the H−/H− genotype (OR = 21.3; 95% CI = 2.32–3335.3;P= 0.003). The H+/H+ genotype and the H+ allele were associated with elevated VLDL-C and TAG levels (P< 0.05) and reduced HDL-C levels (P< 0.05). An analysis of the L162V polymorphism in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) gene (n= 248) revealed an increased adjusted OR when the Leu/Val was compared with the Leu/Leu genotype (OR = 8.77; 95% CI = 1.41–78.70;P= 0.014). High TAG (P= 0.021) and VLDL-C (P= 0.023) levels were associated with susceptibility to VL, whereas low HDL (P= 0.006) levels with resistance to infection. The mutated LPL and the PPARα Leu/Val genotypes may be considered risk markers for the development of VL.
An Illusion: “A Suzuki Type Coupled Fixed Point Theorem”
Authors: Alsulami Hamed H. , Karapınar Erdal , Kutbi Marwan A. , Roldán-López-de-Hierro Antonio-Francisco
Published: August 2014

We admonish to be careful on studying coupled fixed point theorems since most of the reported fixed point results can be easily derived from the existing corresponding theorems in the literature. In particular, we notice that the recent paper [Semwal and Dimri (2014)] has gaps and the announced result is false. The authors claimed that their result generalized the main result in [Ðoric and Lazović (2011)] but, in fact, the contrary case is true. Finally, we present a fixed point theorem for Suzuki type (α,r)-admissible contractions.
Adsorption of the Inflammatory Mediator High-Mobility Group Box 1 by Polymers with Different Charge and Porosity
Authors: Tripisciano Carla , Eichhorn Tanja , Harm Stephan , Weber Viktoria
Published: August 2014

High-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) is a conserved protein with a variety of biological functions inside as well as outside the cell. When released by activated immune cells, it acts as a proinflammatory cytokine. Its delayed release has sparked the interest in HMGB1 as a potential therapeutic target. Here, we studied the adsorption of HMGB1 to anionic methacrylate-based polymers as well as to neutral polystyrene-divinylbenzene copolymers. Both groups of adsorbents exhibited efficient binding of recombinant HMGB1 and of HMGB1 derived from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The adsorption characteristics depended on particle size, porosity, accessibility of the pores, and charge of the polymers. In addition to these physicochemical parameters of the adsorbents, modifications of the molecule itself (e.g., acetylation, phosphorylation, and oxidation), interaction with other plasma proteins or anticoagulants (e.g., heparin), or association with extracellular microvesicles may influence the binding of HMGB1 to adsorbents and lead to preferential depletion of HMGB1 subsets with different biological activity.
Existence and Uniqueness of Periodic Solutions for Second Order Differential Equations
Authors: Wei Yuanhong
Published: August 2014

We study some second order ordinary differential equations. We establish the existence and uniqueness in some appropriate function space. By using Schauder’s fixed-point theorem, new results on the existence and uniqueness of periodic solutions are obtained.
Transmission Power Controlled Localization with Topology Building for NLOS Environments
Authors: You Jin-Ho , Jeon Jong-Hyeok , Lee Tae-Hyung , Kwon Young-Goo
Published: August 2014

The network which knows location of all nodes can improve the network capacity and lifetime in location-aware networks. However, localization algorithm of the network has to update its target node location due to mobility of target nodes and intermittent occurrence of interference. The update procedures cause frequent broadcasting and calculation for relocalization; therefore, maintaining the transmission power control (TPC) in the wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is valuable to the network. This paper proposes a new algorithm of transmission power controlled localization for indoor environment. Firstly, we propose minimum spanning tree (MST) based topology control with location error compensation algorithm to improve location accuracy and prevent target nodes from connecting to unstable links in non-line-of-sight (NLOS) condition. Secondly, we use TPC algorithm to improve the network lifetime. Each target node dynamically adjusts the power and the received signal strength (RSS) target by using the TPC algorithm. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm compensates for location errors in NLOS condition while reducing the transmission power.
Characteristics and Stability of Mercury Vapor Adsorption over Two Kinds of Modified Semicoke
Authors: Huawei Zhang , Xiuli Liu , Li Wang , Peng Liang
Published: August 2014

In an attempt to produce effective and lower price gaseous Hg0adsorbents, two methods of HCl and KMnO4/heat treatment were used respectively for the surface modification of liginite semicoke from inner Mongolia. The different effects of modification process on the surface physical and chemical properties were analyzed. The characteristics and stability of mercury vapor adsorption over two kinds of modified semicoke were investigated. The results indicated that modification process caused lower micropore quantity and volume capacity of semicoke; the C-Cl functional groups, C=O bond and delocalized electronπon the surface of Cl-SC, the amorphous higher valencyMnx+, and O=C–OH functional groups on the surface of Mn-H-SC were the active sites for oxidation and adsorption of gaseous Hg0. Modification process led to higher mercury removal efficiency of semicoke at 140°C and reduced the stability of adsorbed mercury of semicoke in simulated water circumstance simultaneously.
Development of a New Platoon Dispersion Model considering Turning Vehicles in Urban Road Environment
Authors: Bie Yiming , Liu Zhiyuan , Li Yan , Pei Yulong
Published: August 2014

By considering turning vehicles of a platoon that travels on arterial link, a new procedure for calibrating dispersion parameter α of Robertson's model is proposed. Upstream edge of channelized section is served as the boundary and the link between two adjacent intersections is divided into two sections, which are road section and channelized section. Typical investigation site is selected in Changchun city and data are collected to study the relationship between α and internal frictions, such as traffic volume and turning proportion. Double Gaussian function and logistic function are used to fit the curves among optimum values of α and internal frictions in the two sections, respectively, which allow the determination of α that varies as the volumes and turning proportions change. The study results are of great importance for arterial progression because Robertson's model can depict platoon movements more accurately using the calibrated values of α.