bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Excessive application of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers induces soil acidification and phosphorus enrichment during vegetable production in Yangtze River Delta, China
Authors: Liang L. Z. , Zhao X. Q. , Yi X. Y. , Chen Z. C. , Dong X. Y. , Chen R. F. , Shen R. F.
Published: February 2013

Intensive vegetable cultivation has developed very rapidly in China, and investigation of current soil nutrient problems in vegetable fields and their potential environmental risk is important for local soil nutrient management strategies. Three hundred and sixty‐six soil samples were collected from greenhouse vegetable fields, open vegetable fields and rice/wheat rotation fields in southern Jiangsu Province, the most intensive vegetable‐producing areas in Yangtze River Delta, China, for the analysis of their soil fertility status. Soil acidification and P enrichment were the main problems identified in this area of vegetable production, with about 20 and 17% of the open and greenhouse vegetable field soils, respectively, being extremely acid with soil pH values below 5.0. In contrast, no soils under rice/wheat rotation fields were as acidic. Percentages of sites with Olsen‐P concentrations < 90 mg/kg were 61, 85 and 0% for soils growing greenhouse vegetable, field vegetable and rice/wheat, respectively. The nitrogen (N) surplus for vegetable fields exceeded 170 kg/ha/crop, and the phosphorus (P) surplus exceeded 40 kg/ha/crop. Thus, current vegetable production leads to potential environmental risks of N and P pollution of nearby aquatic bodies. Insufficient supplementation with potassium fertilizers was found in some vegetable fields. Several ameliorative measures are proposed.
Febraina: a new subtribe of Alticini with cladistic analysis based on morphology (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae)
Authors: NADEIN KONSTANTIN S.
Published: February 2013

A new subtribe Febraina subtr.n. is established with Febra Clark designated as the type genus. Cladistic analysis based on morphological characters is carried out to reveal the composition of a new subtribe and to test its monophyly. Subtribe includes the following genera: Chilocoristes Weise; Halticorcus Lea; Setsaltica Samuelson; Maaltica Samuelson; Axillofebra Samuelson; Profebra Samuelson. Bionomical features of the genera of the subtribe are summarised. The syndrome of hemisphery is recorded for the genera of the subtribe, and morphological transformation resulting in hemisphery is described and discussed. Correspondence between direction of morphological transformation, phylogenetic arrangement of genera, and distributional pattern is recorded and discussed.
The interplay between CD4 cell count, viral load suppression and duration of antiretroviral therapy on mortality in a resource‐limited setting
Authors: Brennan Alana T. , Maskew Mhairi , Sanne Ian , Fox Matthew P.
Published: February 2013

Objective

To examine the interaction between CD4 cell count, viral load suppression and duration of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on mortality.

Methods

Cohort analysis of HIV‐infected patients initiating ART between April 2004 and June 2011 at a large public sector clinic in Johannesburg, South Africa. A log‐linear model with Poisson distribution was used to estimate risk of death as a function of the interaction between current CD4 count, current viral load suppression and duration on ART in 12‐month intervals. We calculated predicted mortality using estimated coefficients within combinations of predictors.

Results

Amongst 14 932 ART patients, 1985 (13.3%) died. Current CD4 was the strongest predictor of death (<50 vs. ≥550 cells/mm3 – RR: 46.3; 95% CI: 26.8–80), while unsuppressed current viral load vs. suppressed (RR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.5–2.1) and short duration of ART (0–11.9 vs. 66–71.9 months RR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.2–2.3) also predicted death. Our interaction model showed that mortality was highest in the first 12 months on treatment across all CD4 and viral load strata. As current CD4 and duration on ART increased and viral load suppression occurred, mortality dropped. CD4 count was the strongest predictor of death. The relative effect of current CD4 count varied strongly by viral load and duration of ART (from 1.3 to 55). Lack of suppression increased the risk of mortality upwards of six‐fold depending on time on ART and current CD4.

Conclusions

Our findings show that while CD4 count is the strongest predictor of death, the effect is modified by viral load and the duration of ART. Assessment of risk should take into account all three factors.
Peripheral blood abnormalities and bone marrow infiltration in canine large B‐cell lymphoma: is there a link?
Authors: Martini V. , Melzi E. , Comazzi S. , Gelain M. E.
Published: February 2013

Official guidelines do not consider bone marrow (BM) assessment mandatory in staging canine lymphoma unless blood cytopenias are present. The aim of this study was to find out if blood abnormalities can predict marrow involvement in canine large B‐cell lymphoma. BM infiltration was assessed via flow cytometry. No difference was found between dogs without haematological abnormalities and dogs with at least one. However, the degree of infiltration was significantly higher in dogs with thrombocytopenia, leucocytosis or lymphocytosis and was negatively correlated to platelet count and positively to blood infiltration. Our results suggest that blood abnormalities are not always predictive of marrow involvement, even if thrombocytopenia, leucocytosis or lymphocytosis could suggest a higher infiltration. BM evaluation should therefore be included in routine staging in order not to miss infiltrated samples and to improve classification. However, its clinical relevance and prognostic value are still not defined and further studies are needed.
Noncontact, low‐frequency ultrasound as an effective therapy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa–infected biofilm wounds
Authors: Seth Akhil K. , Nguyen Khang T. , Geringer Matthew R. , Hong Seok J. , Leung Kai P. , Mustoe Thomas A. , Galiano Robert D.
Published: February 2013

Bacterial biofilms, a critical chronic wound mediator, remain difficult to treat. Energy‐based devices may potentially improve healing, but with no evidence of efficacy against biofilms. This study evaluates noncontact, low‐frequency ultrasound (NLFU) in the treatment of biofilm‐infected wounds. Six‐millimeter dermal punch wounds in rabbit ears were inoculated with 107 colony‐forming units of Pseudomonas aeruginosa or left as sterile controls. A biofilm was established in vivo using our published model. NLFU treatment was carried out every other day or every day, with contralateral ear wounds acting as internal, untreated controls. Wounds were harvested for several quantitative endpoints and scanning electron microscopy to evaluate the biofilm structure. The P. aeruginosa biofilm consistently impaired wound epithelialization and granulation. NLFU, both every other day and every day, improved healing and reduced bacterial counts relative to untreated controls (p < 0.05). Scanning electron microscopy confirmed a qualitative decrease in bacteria after both treatments. NLFU also reduced inflammatory cytokine expression (p < 0.05). Our study suggests that NLFU is an effective therapy against P. aeruginosa wound biofilm. This represents the first in vivo evidence of energy‐based modalities' impact on wound biofilm, setting the foundation for future mechanistic studies. Continued wound care technology research is essential to improving our understanding, and treatment, of biofilm‐infected chronic wounds.
Intrauterine inflammation alters cardiopulmonary and cerebral haemodynamics at birth in preterm lambs
Authors: Galinsky Robert , Hooper Stuart B. , Wallace Megan J. , Westover Alana J. , Black M. Jane , Moss Timothy J. M. , Polglase Graeme R.
Published: February 2013

Key points

Intrauterine inflammation is associated with preterm birth and poor long‐term cardiopulmonary and neurological outcomes. The effect of intrauterine inflammation on the cardiopulmonary and cerebral haemodynamic transition after preterm birth is poorly understood.

We demonstrated that intrauterine inflammation increased pulmonary vascular resistance, reduced pulmonary blood flow and left ventricular output and increased cerebral blood flow and cerebral oxygen delivery after preterm birth.

Increasing positive end‐expiratory pressure, which causes a haemodynamic challenge, reduced pulmonary blood flow and left ventricular output in controls but not in lipopolysaccharide‐exposed lambs. A transient reduction in brachiocephalic arterial pressure was observed in lipopolysaccharide‐exposed lambs.

Intrauterine inflammation altered the cardiopulmonary and cerebral haemodynamic transition at birth and reduced the responsiveness of the pulmonary circulation to an increase in positive end‐expiratory pressure.

Abstract  Intrauterine inflammation is associated with preterm birth and poor long‐term cardiopulmonary outcomes. We aimed to determine the effect of intrauterine inflammation on the cardiopulmonary and cerebral haemodynamic transition at birth, and the response to subsequent haemodynamic challenge. Fetal instrumentation was performed at ∼112 days gestation (term is 147 days) for measurement of cardiopulmonary and cerebral haemodynamics. At 118 days, inflammation was induced by intra‐amniotic administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; n= 7); controls (n= 5) received intra‐amniotic saline. At 125 days lambs were delivered and mechanically ventilated. Arterial blood gases, pulmonary and systemic arterial blood pressures and flows were measured during the perinatal period. At 10 min a haemodynamic challenge was administered by increasing positive end‐expiratory pressure. During the first 10 min after birth, LPS‐exposed lambs had higher pulmonary vascular resistance and lower pulmonary blood flow and left ventricular output than controls. Carotid arterial blood flow was higher in LPS‐exposed lambs than controls between 3 and 7 min after delivery, and cerebral oxygen delivery was higher at 5 min. During the haemodynamic challenge, pulmonary blood flow and left ventricular output were reduced in controls but not in LPS‐exposed lambs; a transient reduction in brachiocephalic arterial pressure occurred in LPS‐exposed lambs but not in controls. Intrauterine inflammation altered the cardiopulmonary and cerebral haemodynamic transition at birth and reduced the cardiopulmonary response to a haemodynamic challenge after birth. The transient reduction in brachiocephalic arterial pressure suggests intrauterine inflammation may alter cerebrovascular control following an increase in positive end‐expiratory pressure.
The Lorentz-Dirac and Landau-Lifshitz equations from the perspective of modern renormalization theory
Authors: Nakhleh Charles W.
Published: February 2013

This paper uses elementary techniques drawn from renormalization theory to derive the Lorentz-Dirac equation for the relativistic classical electron from the Maxwell-Lorentz equations for a classical charged particle coupled to the electromagnetic field. I show that the resulting effective theory, valid for electron motions that change over distances large compared to the classical electron radius, reduces naturally to the Landau-Lifshitz equation. No familiarity with renormalization or quantum field theory is assumed.
Allosteric Regulation of PKM2 Allows Cellular Adaptation to Different Physiological States
Authors: Gui Dan Y. , Lewis Caroline A. , Vander Heiden Matthew G.
Published: February 2013

Regulation of the metabolic enzyme PKM2 enables cells to switch from a growth-promoting to an energy-producing state.
Complete Genome Sequence of Prepandemic Vibrio parahaemolyticus BB22OP
Authors: Jensen Roderick V. , DePasquale Saylem M. , Harbolick Elizabeth A. , Hong Tian , Kernell Alison L. , Kruchko David H. , Modise Thero , Smith Cimarron E. , McCarter Linda L. , Stevens Ann M.
Published: February 2013

The number of inflammatory gastroenteritis outbreaks due to the food-borne pathogen
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
is rising sharply worldwide and in the United States in particular. Here we report the complete, annotated genome sequence of the prepandemic
V. parahaemolyticus
strain BB22OP and make some initial comparisons to the complete genome sequence for pandemic strain RIMD2210633.
Genome Sequence of Sinorhizobium meliloti Rm41
Authors: Weidner Stefan , Baumgarth Birgit , Göttfert Michael , Jaenicke Sebastian , Pühler Alfred , Schneiker-Bekel Susanne , Serrania Javier , Szczepanowski Rafael , Becker Anke
Published: February 2013

Sinorhizobium meliloti
Rm41 nodulates alfalfa plants, forming indeterminate type nodules. It is characterized by a strain-specific K-antigen able to replace exopolysaccharides in promotion of nodule invasion. We present the Rm41 genome, composed of one chromosome, the chromid pSymB, the megaplasmid pSymA, and the nonsymbiotic plasmid pRme41a.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Single Cell of SAR86 Clade Subgroup IIIa
Authors: Rusch D. B. , Lombardo M.-J. , Yee-Greenbaum J. , Novotny M. , Brinkac L. M. , Lasken R. S. , Dupont C. L.
Published: February 2013

SAR86 denotes a 16S clade of gammaproteobacteria that are ubiquitous in ocean surface waters. So far, SAR86 is resistant to cultivation; thus, little is known about the genome contents or physiology of this clade. Recently, four partial genome sequences for SAR86 subclades I and II were published. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of a single cell from SAR86 subgroup IIIa isolated from coastal waters in San Diego, CA.
EXAMINING THE UNDERLYING PARITY CONDITIONS SUFFICIENT FOR REAL INTEREST PARITY FOR ASIAN COUNTRIES
Authors: NUSAIR SALAH A.
Published: February 2013

This paper examines the underlying parity conditions upon which real interest parity (RIP) is predicted for some Asian countries relative to the U.S. and Japan over a period (1978–2009) containing significant changes using the multivariate cointegration procedure of Johansen et al. (2000) that allows for up to two pre-determined breaks. Each parity condition is examined to determine which is responsible for the rejection of RIP. The results suggest that the Fisher hypothesis is the least likely to violate RIP, whereas uncovered interest parity (UIP) appears to be most commonly violated. Stability tests suggest that the RIP relationship has been stable in most cases and that the impact of the Asian crisis and the Plaza Accord appears to be transitory, and that the RIP relationships have strengthened in the aftermath of the 1997–1998 Asian crisis.
OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF ANTHRACENE SINGLE CRYSTALS GROWN BY A SIMPLE SOLUTION TECHNIQUE
Authors: WU HONGYA , ZHOU JI
Published: February 2013

Large-size and high-quality anthracene single crystals were prepared simply by solution technique. The basal planes correspond to (001) face and two large lateral faces of the anthracene crystals determined to be the (100) plane can also be obtained. The optical properties of the obtained anthracene single crystals were studied. The results indicate that anthracene can be a good window material up to 410 nm as the transmittance of the obtained crystal is around 70% from 800 nm to 410 nm and the band gap energy is 3.02 eV. The dielectric components in x-, y- and z-directions of the obtained crystals were extracted by fitting the results from spectroscopic ellipsometry and the results indicate the dielectric anisotropy of anthracene single crystals. The reflectivity calculated from the permittivity is close to the measured results.
A MOLECULAR DYNAMICS STUDY OF OXYGEN GAS IN WATER AT DIFFERENT TEMPERATURES
Authors: THAPA S. K. , ADHIKARI N. P.
Published: February 2013

Molecular dynamics simulations of a binary mixture of oxygen gas and SPC/E water, with oxygen gas ( O 2) as solute and water as solvent, at oxygen mole fraction of 0.019 have been accomplished at different temperatures 288, 293, 298, 302 and 306 K using Groningen Machine for Chemical Simulations. The solvent–solvent, solute–solute and solute–solvent radial distribution functions (RDFs) have been estimated. The solvent–solvent (water–water) RDF has been found to agree with that obtained from NMR/X-ray data within 7%. Self-diffusion coefficients of both the solvent and the solute have been determined by means of mean-squared displacement curves using Einstein's relation. They are found to agree with experimental results very well. Darken's relation has also been invoked for the determination of mutual diffusion coefficients at the respective temperatures. The analysis of temperature dependence of the diffusion coefficients has revealed that they follow Arrhenius equation to a very good extent and are consistent with the nature of RDF's at the respective temperatures. The estimated activation energies are in excellent agreement with the available experimental data.
REPORTING BICHROMATIC SEGMENT INTERSECTIONS FROM POINT SETS
Authors: CORTÉS CARMEN , GARIJO DELIA , GARRIDO MARÍA ÁNGELES , GRIMA CLARA I. , MÁRQUEZ ALBERTO , MORENO-GONZÁLEZ AUXILIADORA , VALENZUELA JESÚS , VILLAR MARÍA TRINIDAD
Published: February 2013

In this paper, we introduce a natural variation of the problem of computing all bichromatic intersections between two sets of segments. Given two sets R and B of n points in the plane defining two sets of segments, say red and blue, we present an O(n2) time and space algorithm for solving the problem of reporting the set of segments of each color intersected by segments of the other color. We also prove that this problem is 3-Sum hard and provide some illustrative examples of several point configurations.
B MODE CORRELATION ENHANCEMENT OF CMB FROM THERMAL SQUEEZED VACUUM STATE
Authors: GHAYOUR BASEM , SURESH P. K.
Published: February 2013

The generated gravitational waves during inflation are placed in thermal squeezed vacuum state. The B mode angular power spectrum of the CMB anisotropy is found enhanced for all multipole moments l ⩾ 2 but less than the upper bound of the WMAP 7-year data.
THERMODYNAMICAL PHASES OF A REGULAR SAdS BH
Authors: SMAILAGIC ANAIS , SPALLUCCI EURO
Published: February 2013

This paper studies the thermodynamical stability of regular BHs in AdS5 background. We investigate off-shell free energy of the system as a function of temperature for different values of a "coupling constant" [Formula: see text], where the cosmological constant is Λ = -3/l2 and [Formula: see text] is "minimal length." The parameter [Formula: see text] admits a critical value, [Formula: see text], corresponding to the appearance of an inflexion point in the Hawking temperature. In the weak-coupling regime [Formula: see text], there are first-order phase transitions at different temperatures. Unlike the Hawking–Page case, at temperature 0 ≤ T ≤ T min the ground state is populated by "cold" near-extremal BHs instead of a pure radiation. On the other hand, for [Formula: see text], only large, thermodynamically stable BHs exist.
IN-VIVO MEASUREMENT OF DISTAL RADIO-ULNAR JOINT TRANSLATION
Authors: Nagata H. , Hosny S. , Giddins G. E. B.
Published: February 2013

Distal radio-ulnar joint (DRUJ) instability is increasingly recognised and assessment can be subjective and difficult. Previous research has used cadaveric models or in-vivo with CT, with variable results. A test device was designed to establish normal values of in-vivo DRUJ dorso-palmar translation.

Twenty volunteers were recruited. Those with previous wrist/forearm injuries were excluded. The device held the elbow at 90° flexion and neutral forearm rotation, with the distal ulna secured. A dorso-palmar shear force was applied to the distal radius and displacement measured three times on each wrist alternately by the same operator.

The mean translation of the DRUJ is 5.5 mm. Same-sided mean measurements for two subjects taken days apart varied by 1 mm. The intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.93.

The device is reliable, reproducible and appears to be a simple valid test. Contralateral sides were comparable. It will primarily be a research device to guide clinical practice in DRUJ instability.
SHORT VERSUS LONG-ACTING LOCAL ANAESTHETIC IN OPEN CARPAL TUNNEL RELEASE: WHICH PROVIDES BETTER PREEMPTIVE ANALGESIA IN THE FIRST 24 HOURS?
Authors: Chan Z. H. , Balakrishnan V. , McDonald A.
Published: February 2013

Open carpal tunnel release is commonly performed under local anaesthesia. No study has compared intra-operative short- versus long-acting local anaesthetics as preemptive analgesics in carpal tunnel surgery. In this single-blinded prospective study, 100 consecutive carpal tunnel releases were performed by a single surgeon at one institution with either lignocaine (n = 50) or ropivacaine (n = 50). Allocation was performed via the method of alternation. Subjects were given a questionnaire to answer the following: (1) time to first incidence of pain, (2) quality of first night's sleep, and (3) mean numerical pain scores in the first 24 hours. The time to the first postoperative pain was significantly shorter in the lignocaine group (5.58 vs. 9.17 hours, p < 0.035). There were no significant difference in the incidence of poor first night's sleep (16% vs. 26%, p = 0.28) or mean pain scores in the first day (3.6 vs. 2.9, p = 0.16). Existing evidence advocates for long-acting intraoperative local anaesthetic because it results in a longer duration of postoperative analgesia, however, our study suggests that it may also result in a poorer first night's sleep.
SPONTANEOUS RUPTURE OF THE LEFT EXTENSOR POLLICIS LONGUS-, EXTENSOR DIGITORUM- AND EXTENSOR DIGITI MINIMI TENDONS: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Panchulidze Irakli , Parth Reinhold , Hartl Patrik
Published: February 2013

This case report describes a patient who experienced closed simultaneous rupture of the left Extensor Pollicis Longus (EPL)-, Extensor Digitorum (ED) and Extensor Digiti Minimi (EDM) tendons.
MANIPULATION OF THE MOLECULAR ORIENTATION BY COMBINED ELECTROSTATIC AND PHASE-SHAPED LASER FIELDS
Authors: XU SHUWU , HUANG YUNXIA , JI XIANMING
Published: February 2013

We theoretically show that the field-free molecular orientation induced by the combined electrostatic and laser fields can be manipulated through shaping the femtosecond laser pulse with periodic phase step modulation. By adjusting the modulation time τ or the modulation depth δ, the maximum degree of the molecular orientation can be fully suppressed or reconstructed by the combined electrostatic and the transform-limited laser fields. The relations between the maximum degree of the field-free molecular orientation and the laser intensity, the amplitude of the electrostatic field, as well as the rotational temperature are also investigated.
MODE TUNING IN PHOTONIC CRYSTAL CAVITIES USING GEOMETRY OF FIRST NEIGHBORING LAYER
Authors: MAZAHERI AZARDOKHT , FALLAH HAMID REZA , ZARBAKHSH JAVAD
Published: February 2013

The relation between position of optical source and excitation of photonic crystal cavity modes are investigated. For multimode cavities, the source position considerably affects the modes' excitation. The frequency distributions of local density of photonic states in a multimode cavity differ for source positions at structural symmetric locations and nonsymmetrical ones. It was also found that the geometry of cavity's neighboring layers has strong influence on the spatial and spectral distributions of modes. The results also show that the shifts of various cavity modes in frequency domain have different sensitivity with respect to geometrical tolerance. This can be used in various applications which need mode tuning.
HOLOGRAM RECORDING AND ERASURE IN GaAs:Cr WITH SIMULTANEOUSLY APPLIED ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS
Authors: SHARMA DHEERAJ , GUPTA UMESH , MOHAN DEVENDRA
Published: February 2013

Externally applied fields play crucial role in the enhancement of space charge electric field (Esc) in photorefractive (PR) materials. Using band-charge transport model, Esc (~105V/m) is obtained in presence of externally applied dc electric (E0) and magnetic (B0) fields simultaneously. Numerical estimation of GaAs:Cr shows that in presence of externally applied fields (optimum value of E0 = 5 × 102 V/m and B0 = 640 gauss), diffraction efficiency ~90% can be observed. To further elaborate the above result, a typical behavior of recording and erasure of hologram with respect to time has been investigated. Result manifest that GaAs:Cr is efficient, ultrafast writing and erasing media for PR-grating.
CLASSIFYING TEMPORAL MICROARRAY DATA BY SELECTING INFORMATIVE GENES
Authors: LOU QIANG , OBRADOVIC ZORAN
Published: February 2013

In order to more accurately predict an individual's health status, in clinical applications it is often important to perform analysis of high-dimensional gene expression data that varies with time. A major challenge in predicting from such temporal microarray data is that the number of biomarkers used as features is typically much larger than the number of labeled subjects. One way to address this challenge is to perform feature selection as a preprocessing step and then apply a classification method on selected features. However, traditional feature selection methods cannot handle multivariate temporal data without applying techniques that flatten temporal data into a single matrix in advance. In this study, a feature selection filter that can directly select informative features from temporal gene expression data is proposed. In our approach, we measure the distance between multivariate temporal data from two subjects. Based on this distance, we define the objective function of temporal margin based feature selection to maximize each subject's temporal margin in its own relevant subspace. The experimental results on synthetic and two real flu data sets provide evidence that our method outperforms the alternatives, which flatten the temporal data in advance.
Preparation and characterization of hydrophobic porphyrin nanoaggregates dispersed in polyvinyl alcohol films
Authors: Maqueira Luis , Valdés Aristides C. , Iribarren Augusto , de Melo Celso P.
Published: February 2013

It is known that among other applications porphyrin aggregates can be used in the detection of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and gases and vapors in general. However, the use of porphyrins for this purpose has been limited by the fact that usually the porphyrin and the polymer employed as a matrix are soluble in different media, such as polyvinyl alcohol and tetraphenylporphyrin, respectively. In this paper, we discuss how starting from stable aqueous solutions of hydrophobic porphyrins one can use the drop coating method to prepare polyvinyl alcohol polymer matrices containing porphyrin aggregates. The resulting solid films were characterized by optical techniques, and we have used UV-vis absorption spectroscopy to analyze how they interact with vapors of HCl , NO2 and NH3 .
SOME PROPERTIES ON A CERTAIN CLASS OF MEROMORPHIC FUNCTIONS RELATED TO CHO–KWON–SRIVASTAVA OPERATOR
Authors: Ghanim Firas , Darus Maslina
Published: February 2013

In this work, we study some properties of a certain class of meromorphic functions defined by means of the Hadamard product of Cho–Kwon–Srivastava operator. We also define here a similar transformation by means of an operator given by Ghanim and Darus and study its properties.
ON FIRST-ORDER NECESSARY CONDITIONS FOR OPTIMALITY OF REGULAR GENERALIZED SEMI-INFINITE PROGRAMMING
Authors: Kanzi Nader
Published: February 2013

This paper is concerned with the optimality for generalized semi-infinite programming (GSIP) with nondifferentiable and nonconvex (but being regular in Clarke sense) constraint functions. The objective function is only locally Lipschitz. We consider a lower level constraint qualification which is based on the Clarke subdifferential. This constraint qualification is a natural extension of Mangasarian–Fromovitz one to the differentiable GSIP. The main results are Fritz-John type necessary conditions for optimal solutions.
O-snap
Authors: Arikan Murat , Schwärzler Michael , Flöry Simon , Wimmer Michael , Maierhofer Stefan
Published: February 2013

In this article, we introduce a novel reconstruction and modeling pipeline to create polygonal models from unstructured point clouds. We propose an automatic polygonal reconstruction that can then be interactively refined by the user. An initial model is automatically created by extracting a set of RANSAC-based locally fitted planar primitives along with their boundary polygons, and then searching for local adjacency relations among parts of the polygons. The extracted set of adjacency relations is enforced to snap polygon elements together, while simultaneously fitting to the input point cloud and ensuring the planarity of the polygons. This optimization-based snapping algorithm may also be interleaved with user interaction. This allows the user to sketch modifications with coarse and loose 2D strokes, as the exact alignment of the polygons is automatically performed by the snapping. The generated models are coarse, offer simple editing possibilities by design, and are suitable for interactive 3D applications like games, virtual environments, etc. The main innovation in our approach lies in the tight coupling between interactive input and automatic optimization, as well as in an algorithm that robustly discovers the set of adjacency relations.
Procedural facade variations from a single layout
Authors: Bao Fan , Schwarz Michael , Wonka Peter
Published: February 2013

We introduce a framework to generate many variations of a facade design that look similar to a given facade layout. Starting from an input image, the facade is hierarchically segmented and labeled with a collection of manual and automatic tools. The user can then model constraints that should be maintained in any variation of the input facade design. Subsequently, facade variations are generated for different facade sizes, where multiple variations can be produced for a certain size. Computing such new facade variations has many unique challenges, and we propose a new algorithm based on interleaving heuristic search and quadratic programming. In contrast to most previous work, we focus on the generation of new design variations and not on the automatic analysis of the input's structure. Adding a modeling step with the user in the loop ensures that our results routinely are of high quality.
Low-Frequency Mechanical Stimulation Modulates Osteogenic Differentiation of C2C12 Cells
Authors: Khayat Ghazaleh , Rosenzweig Derek H. , Khavandgar Zohreh , Li Jingjing , Murshed Monzur , Quinn Thomas M.
Published: February 2013

Mechanical stimulation influences stem cell differentiation and may therefore provide improved lineage specification control for clinical applications. Low-frequency oscillatory mechanical stimulation (0.01 Hz) has recently been shown to suppress adipogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells, indicating that the range of effective stimulation frequencies is not limited to those associated with locomotion, circulation, and respiration. We hypothesized that low-frequency mechanical stimulation (0.01 Hz) can also promote osteogenic cell differentiation of myoblastic C2C12 cells in combination with BMP-2. Results indicate that low-frequency mechanical stimulation can significantly enhance osteogenic gene expression, provided that differentiation is initiated by a priming period involving BMP-2 alone. Subsequent application of low-frequency mechanical stimulation appears to act synergistically with continued BMP-2 exposure to promote osteogenic differentiation of C2C12 cells and can even partially compensate for the removal of BMP-2. These effects may be mediated by the ERK and Wnt signalling pathways. Osteogenic induction of C2C12 cells by low-frequency mechanical stimulation is therefore critically dependent upon previous exposure to growth factors, and the timing of superimposed BMP-2 and mechanical stimuli can sensitively influence osteogenesis. These insights may provide a technically simple means for control of stem cell differentiation in cell-based therapies, particularly for the enhancement of differentiation toward desired lineages.
Persistence and Nonpersistence of a Nonautonomous Stochastic Mutualism System
Authors: Xia Peiyan , Zheng Xiaokun , Jiang Daqing
Published: February 2013

In this paper, a two-species nonautonomous stochastic mutualism system is investigated. The intrinsic growth rates of the two species at timetare estimated byrit+σitB˙i(t),  i=1,2,respectively. Viewing the different intensities of the noisesσi(t),i=1,2as two parameters at timet, we conclude that there exists a global positive solution and thepth moment of the solution is bounded. We also show that the system is permanent, including stochastic permanence, persistence in mean, and asymptotic boundedness in time average. Besides, we show that the large white noise will make the system nonpersistent. Finally, we establish sufficient criteria for the global attractivity of the system.
Warm Season Temperature-Mortality Relationships in Chisinau (Moldova)
Authors: Corobov Roman , Sheridan Scott , Ebi Kristie , Opopol Nicolae
Published: February 2013

Results of the epidemiological study of relationships between air temperature and daily mortality in Chisinau (Moldova) are presented. The research’s main task included description of mortality dependence on different temperature variables and identification of thermal optimum (minimal mortality temperature, MMT). Total daily deaths were used to characterize the mortality of urban and rural populations in April–September of 2000–2008, excluding the extremely warm season of 2007. The simple moving average procedure and 2nd-order polynomials were used for daily mean (Tmean), maximum (Tmax), and minimum (Tmin) temperatures and mortality approximation. Thermal optimum for mortality in Chisinau (15.2 deaths) was observed at Tmean, Tmax, and Tmin about 22°C, 27-28°C, and 17-18°C, respectively. Considering these values as certain cut-points, the correlations between temperature and mortality were estimated below and above MMTs. With air temperatures below its optimal value, each additional 1°C increase of Tmean (Tmax, Tmin) was accompanied by 1.40% (1.35%, 1.52%) decrease in daily mortality. The increase of Tmean and Tmax above optimal values was associated with ~2.8% and 3.5% increase of mortality; results for Tmin were not statistically significant. The dependency of mortality on apparent temperature was somewhat weaker below MMT; a significant relationship above MMT was not identified.
On Graphs Related to Comaximal Ideals of a Commutative Ring
Authors: Wu Tongsuo , Ye Meng , Lu Dancheng , Yu Houyi
Published: February 2013

We study the co maximal graph Ω(R), the induced subgraph Γ(R) of Ω(R) whose vertex set is R∖(U(R)∪J(R)), and a retract Γr(R) of Γ(R), where R is a commutative ring. For a graph Γ(R) which contains a cycle, we show that the core of Γ(R) is a union of triangles and rectangles, while a vertex in Γ(R) is either an end vertex or a vertex in the core. For a nonlocal ring R, we prove that both the chromatic number and clique number of Γ(R) are identical with the number of maximal ideals of R. A graph Γr(R) is also introduced on the vertex set {Rx∣x∈R∖(U(R)∪J(R))}, and graph properties of Γr(R) are studied.
FlexFT: A Generic Framework for Developing Fault-Tolerant Applications in the Sensor Web
Authors: Beder Delano Medeiros , Ueyama Jó , de Albuquerque João Porto , Chaim Marcos Lordello
Published: February 2013

Fault-tolerant systems are expected to operate in a variety of devices ranging from standard PCs to embedded devices. In addition, the emergence of new software technologies has required these applications to meet the needs of heterogeneous software platforms. However, the existing approaches to build fault-tolerant systems are often targeted at a particular platform and software technology. The objective of this paper is to discuss the use of [Formula: see text]—a generic component-based framework for the construction of adaptive fault-tolerant systems that can integrate and reuse technologies and deploy them across heterogeneous devices. Furthermore, [Formula: see text] provides a standardized and interoperable interface for sensor observations by relying upon the “Sensor Web” paradigm established by the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC). We have implemented a Java prototype of our framework and evaluated the potential benefits by carrying out case studies and performance measurements. By implementing and deploying these case studies in standard PCs as well as in sensor nodes, we show that [Formula: see text] can cope with the problem of a wide degree of heterogeneity with minimal resource overheads.
The Complementary Exponentiated Exponential Geometric Lifetime Distribution
Authors: Louzada Francisco , Marchi Vitor , Carpenter James
Published: February 2013

We proposed a new family of lifetime distributions, namely, complementary exponentiated exponential geometric distribution. This new family arises on a latent competing risk scenario, where the lifetime associated with a particular risk is not observable but only the maximum lifetime value among all risks. The properties of the proposed distribution are discussed, including a formal proof of its probability density function and explicit algebraic formulas for its survival and hazard functions, moments,rth moment of theith order statistic, mean residual lifetime, and modal value. Inference is implemented via a straightforwardly maximum likelihood procedure. The practical importance of the new distribution was demonstrated in three applications where our distribution outperforms several former lifetime distributions, such as the exponential, the exponential-geometric, the Weibull, the modified Weibull, and the generalized exponential-Poisson distribution.
6-Shogaol Protects against Oxidized LDL-Induced Endothelial Injruries by Inhibiting Oxidized LDL-Evoked LOX-1 Signaling
Authors: Wang Yun kai , Hong Ya Jun , Yao Yong hua , Huang Xiao Min , Liu Xue Bo , Zhang Chun Yu , Zhang Lei , Xu Xiaoliang Leon
Published: February 2013

Endothelial dysfunction and oxLDL are believed to be early and critical events in atherogenesis. 6-Shogaol is the major bioactive compound present inZingiber officinaleand possesses the anti-atherosclerotic effect. However, the mechanisms remain poorly understood. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of 6-shogaol on oxLDL-induced Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) injuries and its possible molecular mechanisms. Hence, we studied the effects of 6-shogaol on cell apoptosis, cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), NF-κB activation, Bcl-2 expression, and caspase -3, -8, -9 activities. In addition, E-selectin, MCP-1, and ICAM-1 were determined by ELISA. Our study show that oxLDL increased LOX-1 expression, ROS levels, NF-κB, caspases-9 and -3 activation and decreased Bcl-2 expression in HUVECs. These alterations were attenuated by 6-shogaol. Cotreatment with 6-shogaol and siRNA of LOX-1 synergistically reduced oxLDL-induced caspases -9, -3 activities and cell apoptosis. Overexpression of LOX-1 attenuated the protection by 6-shogaol and suppressed the effects of 6-shogaol on oxLDL-induced oxidative stress. In addition, oxLDL enhanced the activation of NF-κB and expression of adhesion molecules. Pretreatment with 6-shogaol, however, exerted significant cytoprotective effects in all events. Our data indicate that 6-shogaol might be a potential natural antiapoptotic agent for the treatment of atherosclerosis.
A Metabolomics Profiling Study in Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease and Modulated Pathways of Clinical Intervention Using Liquid Chromatography/Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Lu Cheng , Liu Xinru , Ding Xiaorong , Chen Xiao , Fan Haiwei , Liu Yunqiang , Xie Ning , Tan Yong , Ko Joshua , Zhang Weidong , Lu Aiping
Published: February 2013

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD), with poorly understood pathogenesis, has become a major public health threat across Asia Pacific. In order to characterize the metabolic changes of HFMD and to unravel the regulatory role of clinical intervention, we have performed a metabolomics approach in a clinical trial. In this study, metabolites profiling was performed by liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-Q-TOF-MS) platform from the HFMD clinical patient samples. The outcome of this study suggested that 31 endogenous metabolites were mainly involved and showed marked perturbation in HFMD patients. In addition, combination therapy intervention showed normalized tendency in HFMD patients in differential pathway. Taken together, these results indicate that metabolomics approach can be used as a complementary tool for the detection and the study of the etiology of HFMD.
Dynamic Vehicle Routing Using an Improved Variable Neighborhood Search Algorithm
Authors: Xu Yingcheng , Wang Li , Yang Yuexiang
Published: February 2013

In order to effectively solve the dynamic vehicle routing problem with time windows, the mathematical model is established and an improved variable neighborhood search algorithm is proposed. In the algorithm, allocation customers and planning routes for the initial solution are completed by the clustering method. Hybrid operators of insert and exchange are used to achieve the shaking process, the later optimization process is presented to improve the solution space, and the best-improvement strategy is adopted, which make the algorithm can achieve a better balance in the solution quality and running time. The idea of simulated annealing is introduced to take control of the acceptance of new solutions, and the influences of arrival time, distribution of geographical location, and time window range on route selection are analyzed. In the experiment, the proposed algorithm is applied to solve the different sizes' problems of DVRP. Comparing to other algorithms on the results shows that the algorithm is effective and feasible.
Signet Cell Carcinoma of Colon in a Nineteen-Year-Old Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Pamukçu Özgül , Selcukbiricik Fatih , Bilici Ahmet , Sakız Damlanur , Özdoğan Osman , Borlu Fatih
Published: February 2013

Signet cell carcinoma, which is a subtype of adenocarcinoma, usually originates from the stomach. However, it can also originate from the colon, rectum, gallbladder, pancreas, urinary bladder, and breast. We represent a 19-year-old boy diagnosed with signet cell tumour while he was being evaluated for an initial diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease.
Proximal Femoral Nail versus Dynamic Hip Screw Fixation for Trochanteric Fractures: A Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Huang Xiao , Leung Frankie , Xiang Zhou , Tan Pei-Yong , Yang Jing , Wei Dai-Qing , Yu Xi
Published: February 2013

Background. The purpose of this meta‐analysis was to find out whether the proximal femoral nail was better than the dynamic hip screw in the treatment of trochanteric fractures with respect to operation time, blood transfusion, hospital stay, wound complications, number of reoperation, and mortality rate. Methods. All randomized controlled trials comparing proximal femoral nail and dynamic hip screw in the treatment of trochanteric fractures were included. Articles and conference data were extracted by two authors independently. Data was analyzed using RevMan 5.1 version. Eight trials involving 1348 fractures were retrieved. Results. Compared with DHS fixation, PFN fixation had similar operation time (95% CI: −15.28–2.40, P = 0.15). Blood loss and transfusion during perioperative time were also comparable between the two fixations (95% CI: −301.39–28.11, P = 0.10; 95% CI: −356.02–107.20, P = 0.29, resp.). Outcomes of hospital stay (95% CI: −0.62–1.01, P = 0.64), wound complication (95% CI: 0.66–1.67, P = 0.82), mortality (95% CI: 0.83–1.30, P = 0.72), and reoperation (95% CI: 0.61–1.54, P = 0.90) were all similar between the two groups. Conclusion. PFN fixation shows the same effectiveness as DHS fixation in the parameters measured.
Therapeutic Strategies for Sleep Apnea in Hypertension and Heart Failure
Authors: Noda Akiko , Miyata Seiko , Yasuda Yoshinari
Published: February 2013

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) causes hypoxemia, negative intrathoracic pressure, and frequent arousal, contributing to increased cardiovascular disease mortality and morbidity. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is linked to hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and cardiac arrhythmias. Successful continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment has a beneficial effect on hypertension and improves the survival rate of patients with cardiovascular disease. Thus, long-term compliance with CPAP treatment may result in substantial blood pressure reduction in patients with resistant hypertension suffering from OSAS. Central sleep apnea and Cheyne-Stokes respiration occur in 30–50% of patients with heart failure (HF). Intermittent hypoxemia, nocturnal surges in sympathetic activity, and increased left ventricular preload and afterload due to negative intrathoracic pressure all lead to impaired cardiac function and poor life prognosis. SDB-related HF has been considered the potential therapeutic target. CPAP, nocturnal O2therapy, and adaptive servoventilation minimize the effects of sleep apnea, thereby improving cardiac function, prognosis, and quality of life. Early diagnosis and treatment of SDB will yield better therapeutic outcomes for hypertension and HF.
Compactness Conditions in the Study of Functional, Differential, and Integral Equations
Authors: Banaś Józef , Sadarangani Kishin
Published: February 2013

We discuss some existence results for various types of functional, differential, and integral equations which can be obtained with the help of argumentations based on compactness conditions. We restrict ourselves to some classical compactness conditions appearing in fixed point theorems due to Schauder, Krasnosel’skii-Burton, and Schaefer. We present also the technique associated with measures of noncompactness and we illustrate its applicability in proving the solvability of some functional integral equations. Apart from this, we discuss the application of the mentioned technique to the theory of ordinary differential equations in Banach spaces.
The Determination of Arsenic Compounds: A Critical Review
Authors: Tyson Julian
Published: February 2013

A large number of publications describe the determination of arsenic in “environmental” samples in the broadest sense, a substantial subset of which focus on plant-based foodstuffs. There is a considerable interest in the inorganic arsenic content of food, especially rice, as there is recent evidence that concentrations may be high enough to exceed acceptable risk thresholds. The methodology for the determination of arsenic in rice is critically evaluated and results (a) for a rice flour reference material (National Institute of Standards SRM 1568a, certified only for total arsenic) and (b) a recent proficiency test (run by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre Institute for Reference Materials and Measurement) are examined. Difficulties with this particular analysis may lie in the sample preparation stages, over which there is still disagreement with regard to species stability, though a simple, hot-water extraction may be sufficient. High performance liquid chromatography separations with plasma-source mass spectrometry detection are popular; however, chromatographic separations are often not adequately described, the enhancement effect of carbon-containing species is often overlooked, and the fate of chlorine-containing species, responsible for an isobaric overlap interference, often obscure. Compound-dependent responses, for which there is a plenty of evidence, are almost never acknowledged or discussed.