bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Steady States, Global Existence and Blow-up for Fourth-Order Semilinear Parabolic Equations of Cahn–Hilliard Type
Authors: Álvarez-Caudevilla Pablo , Galaktionov Victor A.
Published: March 2016

Fourth-order semilinear parabolic equations of the Cahn-Hilliard-type

ut + Δ2u = γu ± Δ(|u|p−1u) in Ω × ℝ+, (0.1)

are considered in a smooth bounded domain Ω ⊂ ℝN with Navier-type boundary conditions on ∂Ω, or Ω = ℝN, where p > 1 and γ are given real parameters. The sign “+” in the “diffusion term” on the right-hand side means the stable case, while “−” reflects the unstable (blow-up) one, with the simplest, so called limit, canonical model for γ = 0,

ut + Δ2u = ±Δ(|u|p−1u) in ℝN × R+. (0.2)

The following three main problems are studied:

(i) for the unstable model (0.1), with the −Δ(|u|p−1u), existence and multiplicity of classic steady states in Ω ⊂ ℝN and their global behaviour for large γ > 0;

(ii) for the stable model (0.2), global existence of smooth solutions u(x, t) in ℝN × R+ for bounded initial data u0(x) in the subcritical case

; and

(iii) for the unstable model (0.2), a relation between finite time blow-up and structure of regular and singular steady states in the supercritical range. In particular, three distinct families of Type I and II blow-up patterns are introduced in the unstable case.
Persistence Properties of the Two-Component b-Family System
Authors: Zhu Min , Xu Junxiang
Published: March 2016

In this paper we study the persistence properties of decay for the solutions to the two component b-family system. Using the method of characteristics, we establish that certain decay properties of the initial data persist as long as the solution exists. We also examine the propagation behavior of compactly supported solutions. We show that solutions have an infinite speed of propagation, that is, a non-trivial strong solution with compact initial value can not be compactly supported at any later time.
Multiple Sign Changing Solutions of Nonlinear Elliptic Problems in Exterior Domains
Authors: Clapp Mónica , Salazar Dora
Published: March 2016

We consider the problem

−Δu + (V∞ + V(x))u = |u|p−2 u, u ∈ H0
1 (Ω),

where Ω is an exterior domain in ℝN, V∞ > 0, V ∈ C0(ℝN), infℝN V > −V∞ and V(x) → 0 as |x| → ∞. Under symmetry conditions on Ω and V, and some assumptions on the decay of V at infinity, we show that there is an effect of the topology of the orbit space of certain subsets of the domain on the number of low energy sign changing solutions to this problem.
A Note on Vortices with Prescribed Charge
Authors: Badiale Marino , Rolando Sergio
Published: March 2016

We consider the nonlinear Klein-Gordon equation with nonnegative potential, which makes the equation suitable for physical models, and prove the existence of solitary wave solutions with nonvanishing angular momentum and enough largely prescribed charge (c-vortices). This is done by solving the following minimization problem:

where x = (y, z) ∈ ℝ2× ℝ, k ≠ 0 and H is a suitable subspace of H1(ℝ3) × ℝ.
Nonlinear Elliptic Equations in Strip-Like Domains
Authors: Byeon Jaeyoung , Tanaka Kazunaga
Published: March 2016

We study the existence of a positive solution of a nonlinear elliptic equation

where k ≥ 2 and D is a bounded domain domain in Rℓ, ℓ ≥ 1. We give almost necessary and sufficient condition of f(ξ) for the existence of a positive solution, which is inspired by the works of Berestycki-Lions [1] and Berestycki-Gallouët-Kavian [3].
Beyond the Mountain Pass: Some Applications
Authors: Peral Ireneo
Published: March 2016

We will survey three applications of the famous Mountain Pass Lemma by Antonio Ambrosetti and Paul H. Rabinowitz, [6]. Precisely, we will present some results on the following problems:

A model of growth and roughening of surfaces, usually called Kardar-Parisi-Zhang model.

A supercritical problem involving Hardy-Leray potential with the pole at the boundary.

A fourth order nonlinear problem related to epitaxial growth.

The common characteristic of all these problems is that we have some extra difficulties in order to apply the Mountain Pass Lemma.
Supercritical Elliptic Equations
Authors: Rupflin Melanie , Struwe Michael
Published: March 2016

For an elliptic model equation with supercritical power non-linearity we give a complete description of radial solutions and discuss self-similar blow-up solutions.
On the Uniformity of the Constant in the Poincaré Inequality
Authors: Ruiz David
Published: March 2016

The classical Poincaré inequality establishes that for any bounded regular domain Ω ⊂ ℝN there exists a constant C = C(Ω) > 0 such that

In this paper we show that C can be taken independently of Ω when Ω is in a certain class of domains. Our result generalizes previous results in this direction.
Elliptic Variational Inequalities with Discontinuous Multi-Valued Lower Order Terms
Authors: Carl Siegfried
Published: March 2016

We consider multi-valued elliptic variational inequalities for operators of the form

u ↦ Au + ∂2ψ(u, u),

where A is a second order elliptic operator of Leray-Lions type, and u ↦ ∂2ψ(u, u) is a multi-valued lower order term that may neither be lower nor upper semicontinuous, see e.g., Figure 2. More precisely, the lower order term is generated by some function (r, s) → ψ(r, s) with ψ : ℝ × ℝ → ℝ that is locally Lipschitz with respect to its second variable s for each r ∈ ℝ, and ∂2ψ(r, s) denotes Clarke’s generalized gradient of s ↦ ψ(r, s). The novelty of this paper is that the multifunction r ↦ ∂2ψ(r, s) may discontinuously depend on r in a certain specified way, which gives rise to the new class of discontinuous multi-valued lower order terms s ↦ ∂2ψ(s, s). Though rich in structure, the characteristic features of this new class of multi-valued lower order terms can easily be described and verified. Our main goal is to provide an analytical framework and to prove existence and comparison results for this new class of multi-valued variational inequalities that includes the theory of variational-hemivariational inequalities as special case.
Optimization of the First Eigenvalue of Equations with Indefinite Weights
Authors: Cosner Chris , Cuccu Fabrizio , Porru Giovanni
Published: March 2016

We investigate minimization and maximization of the principal eigenvalue of the Laplacian under Dirichlet boundary conditions in case the weight has indefinite sign and varies in a class of rearrangements. Biologically, such optimization problems are motivated by the question of determining the most convenient spatial arrangement of favorable and unfavorable resources for a species to survive or to decline. The question may have practical importance in the context of reserve design or pest control.
Quasilinear Elliptic Equations on Half- and Quarter-spaces
Authors: Dancer E.N. , Du Yihong , Efendiev Messoud
Published: March 2016

We consider quasilinear elliptic problems of the form Δpu + f(u) = 0 over the half-space H = {x ∈ ℝN : x1 > 0} and over the quarter-space Q = {x ∈ ℝN : x1 > 0, xN > 0}. In the half-space case we assume u ≥ 0 on ∂H, and in the quarter-space case we assume that u ≥ 0 on {x1 = 0} and u = 0 on {xN = 0}. Let u ≢ 0 be a bounded nonnegative solution. For some general classes of nonlinearities f , we show that, in the half-space case, limx1→∞ u(x1, x2, ..., xN) always exists and is a positive zero of f ; and in the quarter-space case,

where V is a solution of the one-dimensional problem

ΔpV + f(V) = 0 in ℝ+, V(0) = 0, V(t) > 0 for t > 0, V(+∞) = z,

with z a positive zero of f . Our results extend most of those in the recent paper of Efendiev and Hamel [6] for the special case p = 2 to the general case p > 1. Moreover, by making use of a sharper Liouville type theorem, some of the results in [6] are improved. To overcome the difficulty of the lack of a strong comparison principle for p-Laplacian problems, we employ a weak sweeping principle.
Periodic Bouncing Solutions for Nonlinear Impact Oscillators
Authors: Fonda Alessandro , Sfecci Andrea
Published: March 2016

We prove the existence of a periodic solution to a nonlinear impact oscillator, whose restoring force has an asymptotically linear behavior. To this aim, after regularizing the problem, we use phase-plane analysis, and apply the Poincaré-Bohl fixed point Theorem to the associated Poincaré map, so to find a periodic solution of the regularized problem. Passing to the limit, we eventually find the “bouncing solution” we are looking for.
Positive, Negative, and Nodal Solutions to Elliptic Differential Inclusions Depending on a Parameter
Authors: Iannizzotto Antonio , Marano Salvatore A. , Motreanu Dumitru
Published: March 2016

The homogeneous Dirichlet problem for a partial differential inclusion involving the p- Laplace operator and depending on a parameter λ > 0 is investigated. The existence of three smooth solutions, a smallest positive, a biggest negative, and a nodal one, is obtained for any λ sufficiently large by combining variational methods with truncation techniques.
Ultrafunctions and Generalized Solutions
Authors: Benci Vieri
Published: March 2016

The theory of distributions provides generalized solutions for problems which do not have a classical solution. However, there are problems which do not have solutions, not even in the space of distributions. As model problem you may think of

with Dirichlet boundary conditions in a bounded open star-shaped set. Having this problem in mind, we construct a new class of functions called ultrafunctions in which the above problem has a (generalized) solution. In this construction, we apply the general ideas of Non Archimedean Mathematics (NAM) and some techniques of Non Standard Analysis. Also, some possible applications of ultrafunctions are discussed.
Existence of Bound States for Schrödinger-Newton Type Systems
Authors: Vaira Giusi
Published: March 2016

In this paper we consider the following elliptic system in ℝ3

where K(x), α(x) are non-negative real functions defined on ℝ3so that. When K(x) ≡ K∞and α(x) ≡ α∞we have already proved the existence of a radial ground state of the above system. Here, by using a new version of the moving plane method, we show that all positive solutions of the above system with K(x) ≡ K∞and a(x) ≡ α∞are radially symmetric and the linearized operator around a radial ground state is also non-degenerate. Using these results we further prove, under additional assumptions on K(x) and α(x), but not requiring any symmetry property on them, the existence of a positive solution for the system.
Existence and Asymptotic Behavior of Solutions for Hénon Type Systems
Authors: Wang Ying , Yang Jianfu
Published: March 2016

This paper is concerned with the following H’enon type problem

where B1(0) is the unit ball in ℝN centered at the origin, 1 < p, q and

if N ≥ 3. We show that there exists α∗ > 0 such that the ground state solution of the problem is non-radial if α > α∗. We also consider the limiting behavior of the ground state solution (u, v) as p + q → 2∗. We prove that the maximum points of two components u and v concentrate at the same point on the boundary ∂B1(0).
Periodic Problems with the Scalar p-Laplacian Resonant at any Eigenvalue via Critical Point Methods
Authors: Kyritsi Sophia Th. , O’ Regan Donal , Papageorgiou Nikolaos S.
Published: March 2016

We consider nonlinear periodic problems driven by the scalar p-Laplacian with a Carathéodory reaction term. Under conditions which permit resonance at infinity with respect to any eigenvalue, we show that the problem has a nontrivial smooth solution. Our approach combines variational techniques based on critical point theory with Morse theory.
Concentration Phenomena for the Paneitz Curvature Equation in ℝN
Authors: Liu Zhongyuan
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we study the Paneitz curvature problem

Δ2u = (1 + εK(x))up, x ∈ ℝN,

where

. If K(x) has two critical points satisfying certain conditions, we prove the existence of two peak solutions for the above problem, provided ε is small enough.
Non-constant Periodic Solutions for Second Order Hamiltonian System Involving the p-Laplacian
Authors: Zhang Xingyong , Tang Xianhua
Published: March 2016

In this paper, some existence theorems are obtained for non-constant periodic solutions of second order Hamiltonian system involving the p-Laplacian by using the linking method. Our results generalize and improve several known results in the literature.
Improved Moser-Trudinger Inequality Involving Lp Norm in n Dimensions
Authors: Zhu Jiuyi
Published: March 2016

The paper is concerned about an improvement of Moser-Trudinger inequality involving Lp norm for a bounded domain in n dimensions. Let

be the first eigenvalue associated with n-Laplacian. We obtain the following strengthened Moser-Trudinger inequality with blow-up analysis

for 0 ≤ α < λ̅(Ω) and 1 < p ≤ n, and the supremum is infinity for α ≥ λ̅(Ω), where and ωn−1 is the surface area of the unit ball in ℝn. We also obtain the existence of the extremal functions for (0.2).
Nonlinear Problems with p(·)-Growth Conditions and Applications to Antiplane Contact Models
Authors: Boureanu Maria-Magdalena , Matei Andaluzia , Sofonea Mircea
Published: March 2016

We consider a general boundary value problem involving operators of the form div(a(·, ∇u(·)) in which a is a Carathéodory function satisfying a p(·)-growth condition. We are interested on the weak solvability of the problem and, to this end, we start by introducing the Lebesgue and Sobolev spaces with variable exponent, together with their main properties. Then, we state and prove our main existence and uniqueness result, Theorem 3.1. The proof is based on a Weierstrass-type argument. We also consider two antiplane contact problems for nonhomogenous elastic materials of Hencky-type. The contact is frictional and it is modelled with a regularized version of Tresca’s friction law and a power-law friction, respectively. We prove that the problems cast in the abstract setting, then we use Theorem 3.1 to deduce their unique weak solvability.
Quasilinear Schrödinger Equations with Asymptotically Linear Nonlinearities
Authors: Furtado Marcelo F. , Silva Edcarlos D. , Silva Maxwell L.
Published: March 2016

We deal with the existence of nonzero solution for the quasilinear Schrödinger equation

−Δu + V(x)u − Δ(u2)u = g(x, u), x ∈ ℝN, u ∈ H1(ℝN),

where V is a positive potential and the nonlinearity g(x, s) behaves like K0(x)s at the origin and like K∞(x)|s|p, 1 ≤ p ≤ 3, at infinity. In the proofs we apply minimization methods.
Konzept eines wissensbasierten Frameworks zur Spezifikation und Diagnose von Inkonsistenzen in mechatronischen Modellen
Authors: Feldmann Stefan , Kernschmidt Konstantin , Vogel-Heuser Birgit
Published: March 2016

Inkonsistenzen, die im Engineering mechatronischer Systeme auftreten, können teuer werden – vor allem, wenn sie zu spät erkannt
werden. Die Herausforderung, Inkonsistenzen in den verschiedenen Modellen mechatronischer Systeme zu spezifizieren und zu
diagnostizieren liegt dabei vor allem in der Verschiedenartigkeit der Disziplinen. Folglich untersucht dieser Beitrag aus
wissenschaftlicher Sicht die Anforderungen an die Spezifikation und Diagnose von Inkonsistenzen und schlägt ein Konzept für ein
wissensbasiertes Framework vor. Hierzu werden Semantic Web Technologien eingesetzt, da diese sich aufgrund ihrer Flexibilität und
Erweiterbarkeit für den Einsatz in heterogenen Modellen besonders eignen. Anhand eines Anwendungsbeispiels werden die Erkenntnisse für
Praktiker illustriert und die Stärken und Limitationen eines solchen Ansatzes diskutiert.
Model based synthesis of automation functionality
Authors: Wagner Constantin , Kampert David , Schüller Andreas , Palm Florian , Grüner Sten , Epple Ulrich
Published: March 2016

The article demonstrates the advantages of meta-model-based solutions for multi-aspect automation tasks. Multi-aspect tasks require
solutions that consider information of multiple system aspects simultaneously. In today's practice, these aspects are maintained in
different tools which make implicitly use of tool-driven system models. In contrast, we propose to prioritize the models in order to
facilitate the handling of multi-aspect automation tasks. The article exemplifies this idea by introducing typical automation and
engineering models and illustrates their utility in a use-case example.
Does fiscal policy affect interest rates? Evidence from a factor-augmented panel
Authors: Dell’Erba Salvatore , Sola Sergio
Published: March 2016

This paper reconsiders the effects of fiscal policy on long-term interest rates employing a factor augmented panel (FAP) to control for the presence of common unobservable factors. We construct a real-time dataset of macroeconomic and fiscal variables for a panel of OECD countries for the period 1989–2013. We find that two global factors – the global monetary and fiscal policy stances – explain more than 60 percent of the variance in the long-term interest rates. Under our frame work, we find that the importance of domestic variables in explaining long-term interest rates is weakened. Moreover, the propagation of global fiscal shocks is larger in economies characterized by macroeconomic and institutional weaknesses.
SiO2-CaO-P2O5 (58S) sol gel glass applied onto surgical grade stainless steel by spray technique: morphological characterization by digital image processing
Authors: Omar S. , Pastore J. , Bouchet A. , Pellice S. , Ballarín V. , Ceré S. , Ballarre J.
Published: March 2016

AISI 316L stainless steel is commonly used as a low-cost material for permanent implants. It can be protected for degradation and corrosion by applying a hybrid silica based coating. Also the bioactive response of the implant can only be achieved by functionalizing the coated implant surface. The aim of this work is to synthesize and characterize a sol-gel made glass particles from the system SiO2-CaO-P2O5 with potential as bone inductive material, with and without an aging treatment of the precursor solution. The glass was synthesized by sol-gel technique that, comparing with melt glasses, generates an open net structure that could lead to particle dissolution and apatite deposition for biological purposes. The synthesized glass is dispersed by spray onto AISI 316L protected by a hybrid silica based coating, generating deposits with different size and morphology. To characterize the particles composition, microRaman spectroscopy was applied. It showed that no significant changes were reached after aging or thermal treatment of the deposited particles. Image processing techniques based on Mathematical Morphology were used to analyze morphology and sizes of the deposits obtain with the different sols (aged and no aged). Aproximately 50% of the surface was covered with particles made with a glass aged, and a 25% of covered area was reached with no aged one. When no aged glass particles were deposited, the particle size distribution shows the presence of many big particles with a roundness factor between 0.8 and 1 in a high percentage, meaning that they are spherical due to the presence of solvent and with a more open glass structure in the no aged glass. The Digital Image Processing and Raman spectroscopy tools help to analyze, characterize and quantify the bioactive particles deposited onto coated surgical grade stainless steel in terms of morphology, distribution and composition.
The problem with total error models in establishing performance specifications and a simple remedy
Authors: Krouwer Jan S.
Published: March 2016

A recent issue in this journal revisited performance specifications since the Stockholm conference. Of the three recommended methods, two use total error models to establish performance specifications. It is shown that the most commonly used total error model – the Westgard model – is deficient, yet even more complete models fail to capture all errors that comprise total error. Moreover, total error models are often set at 95% of results, which leave 5% of results as unspecified. Glucose meter performance standards are used to illustrate these problems. The Westgard model is useful to asses assay performance but not to set performance specifications. Total error can be used to set performance specifications if the specifications include 100% of the results.
When do language comprehenders mentally simulate locations?
Authors: Liu Nian , Bergen Benjamin
Published: March 2016

Embodied approaches to comprehension propose that understanding language entails performing mental simulations of its content. The evidence, however, is mixed. Action-sentence Compatibility Effect studies (Glenberg and Kaschak 2002) report mental simulation of motor actions during processing of motion language. But the same studies find no evidence that language comprehenders perform spatial simulations of the corresponding locations. This challenges simulation-based approaches. If locations are not represented in simulation, but are still understood, then simulation may be unnecessary for understanding. We conducted a Location-sentence Compatibility experiment, to determine whether understanders mentally simulate locations. People did indeed simulate locations, but only when sentences used progressive (and not perfect) grammatical aspect. Moreover, mental simulations of locations differed for language about concrete versus abstract events. These findings substantiate the role of mental simulation in language understanding, while highlighting the importance of the grammatical form of utterances as well as their content.
Predictive biomarkers candidates for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with bevacizumab-containing regimen
Authors: González-Vacarezza Nicolás , Alonso Isabel , Arroyo Gustavo , Martínez Jorge , De Andrés Fernando , LLerena Adrián , Estévez-Carrizo Francisco
Published: March 2016

Bevacizumab was the first molecular-targeted antiangiogenic therapy approved for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. Until now, there are no predictive biomarkers available to decide the prescription of bevacizumab in patients with colorectal cancer. The purposes of this review were to provide a critical appraisal of the evidence and to identify possible predictive genetic biomarkers. A literature search was performed to identify studies that determine different levels of treatment response between patients stratified according to defined biomarkers. Interesting findings were reported between patients stratified according to rs3025039 and rs833061 polymorphisms of the gene VEGFA, with statistically and clinically significant differences for progression-free survival and overall survival. However, another study conducted in a larger sample does not confirm these previous findings, suggesting that well-designed prospective studies are still needed to achieve conclusive results. FLT1 (or VEGFR1) rs9513070 seems to be an interesting candidate as a predictive biomarker, with differences of more than 10 months in OS between different patients groups. In our opinion, possible interesting biomarker candidates for future research could be the polymorphisms rs833061 and rs3025039 of VEGF-A, rs9513070 or haplotype analysis of FLT1, rs2661280 of RGS5, rs444903 and rs6220 of EGF and Ang-2 or LDH plasma levels.
Complete monotonicity of divided differences of the di- and tri-gamma functions with applications
Authors: Qi Feng , Guo Bai-Ni
Published: March 2016

In the paper, we establish necessary and sufficient conditions for two families of functions involving divided differences of the di- and tri-gamma functions to be completely monotonic. Consequently, we derive necessary and sufficient conditions for two families of functions involving the ratio of two gamma functions to be logarithmically completely monotonic. Furthermore, we deduce some inequalities for bounding the ratio of two gamma functions and divided differences of polygamma functions.
Microwave-assisted one-pot syntheses of 4-aminoquinazolines
Authors: Song Wenting , He Shunli , Yuan Zeli , Yu Guangqing , Wu Di , Wu Qing , Zhang Minqing , Chen Yongzheng , Hu Qinghong
Published: March 2016

A simple, environmentally friendly, one-pot method for the synthesis of 4-aminoquinazolines using microwave irradiation has been developed. Structures of derivatives 3, 4, and 5 were confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The in vitro cytotoxicity of each compound was investigated using an MTT assay with A549 and HepG2 cell lines to calculate half-maximal inhibitory concentrations.
WE- and ELF-informed classroom practices: proposals from a pre-service teacher education programme in Italy
Authors: Vettorel Paola
Published: March 2016

The long-standing research in World Englishes (WE) and, more recently, in English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) has greatly contributed to problematizing several areas in connection to English Language Teaching, highlighting in particular the importance of teacher education as a first and fundamental step towards a more “inclusive” and “realistic” approach in ELT. A WE- and ELF-informed teacher education can indeed play a pivotal role in promoting awareness of the sociolinguistic and cultural changes brought about by the pluralization of English on the one hand, and of its function as a lingua franca on the other hand, and contribute to fostering a critical evaluation of ELT approaches, and materials, traditionally based on an Anglo-centric monolithic view of language and culture, taking account of different viewpoints in connection to the current modified reality of English. This paper will illustrate findings from an ongoing research study aimed at investigating trainee teachers’ beliefs concerning ELT pedagogic practices inclusive of the current pluralization of English. The study has been carried out with trainee teachers of English attending pre-service TFA (Tirocinio Formativo Attivo) and PAS (Percorso Abilitante Speciale) teacher education courses at the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, University of Verona, Italy, where part of the English Language course focused on issues related to WE, ELF and their pedagogical implications. By means of questionnaires and interviews, as well as class reflections and materials developed by the trainees as part of the course, the aim was to investigate to what extent a WE- and ELF-aware teacher education can contribute to expanding and/or modifying teachers’ awareness of the above issues in pedagogical terms. Findings related to the participants’ comments and practical proposals for the inclusion of WE- and ELF-informed activities in their teaching practices, as well as their critical reflections about problematic points, particularly in the local context and syllabi, will also be discussed.
Parallel Distance-Based Instance Selection Algorithm for Feed-Forward Neural Network
Authors: Fuangkhon Piyabute
Published: March 2016

Instance selection endeavors to decide which instances from the data set should be maintained for further use during the learning process. It can result in increased generalization of the learning model, shorter time of the learning process, or scaling up to large data sources. This paper presents a parallel distance-based instance selection approach for a feed-forward neural network (FFNN), which can utilize all available processing power to reduce the data set while obtaining similar levels of classification accuracy as when the original data set is used. The algorithm identifies the instances at the decision boundary between consecutive classes of data, which are essential for placing hyperplane decision surfaces, and retains these instances in the reduced data set (subset). Each identified instance, called a prototype, is one of the representatives of the decision boundary of its class that constitutes the shape or distribution model of the data set. No feature or dimension is sacrificed in the reduction process. Regarding reduction capability, the algorithm obtains approximately 85% reduction power on non-overlapping two-class synthetic data sets, 70% reduction power on highly overlapping two-class synthetic data sets, and 77% reduction power on multiclass real-world data sets. Regarding generalization, the reduced data sets obtain similar levels of classification accuracy as when the original data set is used on both FFNN and support vector machine. Regarding execution time requirement, the speedup of the parallel algorithm over the serial algorithm is proportional to the number of threads the processor can run concurrently.
Crystal structure of (E)-2-(bis(methylthio)methylene)-1-phenyl-3-(2-phenylhydrazono)butan-1-one, C19H20N2OS2
Authors: Mabkhot Yahia N. , Barakat Assem , Al-Showiman Salim S. , Soliman Saied M. , Frey Wolfgang , Ghabbour Hazem A.
Published: March 2016

C19H20N2OS2, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 10.6164(9) Å, b = 8.4131(6) Å, c = 20.2448(16) Å, β = 100.021(4)°, V = 1780.6(2) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt
(F) = 0.040, wR(F
2) = 0.081, T = 100 K.
Antibiofilm and antifouling activities of extracellular polymeric substances isolated from the bacteria associated with marine gastropod Turbo sp
Authors: Viju Nadarajan , Satheesh Sathyaneson , Punitha Stanislaus Mary Josephine
Published: March 2016

The extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) produced by the bacteria associated with the gastropod Turbo sp. were isolated and screened for antibacterial activity against biofilm-forming bacteria. EPS of five out of 13 strains showed inhibitory activities in the antibacterial assay. Furthermore, the antibiofilm and antifouling activity of the most active EPS isolated from the strain KT1 was studied using various in vitro and in vivo bioassays. Results revealed that EPS significantly inhibited the growth and biofilm formation of bacteria. Furthermore, the antifouling coating developed with bacterial EPS considerably reduced the recruitment of fouling organisms on coated surfaces submerged in the seawater. The functional groups present in EPS, characterized by strong activity, were analyzed using FT-IR and the spectrum showed the presence of alcohol, amines, carboxylic acid and esters. The bacterium responsible for the production of bioactive EPS was identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, using the 16S rRNA gene. Since the findings of this study revealed the antibiofilm and antifouling activities of EPS, further long term field tests and characterization of the bioactive compound of the EPS could lead to the development of eco-friendly antifouling coating.
Within-year spatio-temporal variation in meiofaunal abundance and community structure, Sinop Bay, the Southern Black Sea
Authors: Ürkmez Derya , Sezgin Murat , Karaçuha Melek Ersoy , Öksüz İbrahim , Katağan Tuncer , Bat Levent , Dağlı Ertan , Şahin Fatih
Published: March 2016

The first comprehensive meiobenthos study was carried out in Turkey, the Southern Black Sea (Sinop) from August 2009 to July 2010.Sediment samples were collected monthly at eight stations at 3 m and 10 m water depths located on four transects. A metal push core sampler (surface area 12.56 cm2 and length 10 cm was used to obtain the material. Meiofaunal abundance and composition were examined. The results revealed that the meiofaunal community consists of twenty five higher taxonomic groups. Four groups dominated the community; Nematoda, Harpacticoida, Foraminifera and Polyuchaeta. Spatial and temporal meiofaunal abundance fluctuated among stations and over time.
Some Thoughts on the Spatial Forms and Practices of Storytelling
Authors: Bieger Laura
Published: March 2016

Our notions of space and place are deeply invested with narrative – to the degree that one can think of storytelling as a spatial form and practice. Critical engagements with space and place have bypassed these investments so far since narrative is firmly associated with matters of time whereas space, commonly perceived as the stable backdrop to history’s transformative operations, is yet to be emancipated from the dominance of time. Parallel to reconstructing space in ways that bring out its own productivity, narratologists have been reassessing narrative’s vastly neglected relation to space. This essay zooms in on two venues of this work: on general recalibrations of the relation of space and narrative, and on the spatial metaphors evoked and employed by it. Linking these reassessments of narrative spatiality to on-going revisions of representational narrativity, I hope to show how these parallel strands of critical rethinking can deepen our understanding of both space and narrative – if they are brought to converge.
A(t) Home on the Frontier: Place, Narrative, and Material Culture in Caroline Kirkland and Eliza Farnham
Authors: Maruo-Schröder Nicole
Published: March 2016

Particularly during the westward expansion, the frontier was not just a concrete site of conquest, exploration, and settlement but also a space of projection and imagination of (future) possibilities. People not only imagined the frontier in a variety of sometimes incompatible ways. They also used such imaginations to process and order their experience of the concrete, ‘real-life’ space so that the frontier becomes a space in which both, the lived and the imagined space, overlap and merge. This essay looks at how two popular antebellum writers used material objects and related cultural practices in their narrative construction of frontier space, arguing that, from this perspective, narrative space ceases to be only a property of the text and extends into the object world. Drawing on their own experience of life in the east, Caroline Kirkland and Eliza Farnham use gender- and class-based ideologies of taste and refinement to make the unknown space of the frontier meaningful and familiar, thus turning it from a mere place to live into something like a home. Such a use of material culture in the narrative construction of this space allows both writers to comment on and shape the ideological underpinnings of the frontier and, by extension, take part in the (narrative) construction of future America.
Space, Place, Narrative: Critical Regionalism and the Idea of Home in a Global Age
Authors: Benesch Klaus
Published: March 2016

How to become modern and, simultaneously, return to sources, how to integrate historical progress and the preservation and availability of cultural traditions has been variously described as a major dilemma of modernity. Underlying this dilemma are differing notions of home and of the role of places and regions in a staggeringly globalized, technology-driven civilization. Regionalist movements, such as Agrarianism in the South of the US, have thrived on their antipathy to a fast changing modern world; they have also promulgated a renewed sense of place and a return to regional history and traditions. The essay discusses critical regionalists’ celebration of the local and the region; in so doing it also looks at two representatives of opposing notions of home in modernity, Martin Heidegger and Emmanuel Levinas. Finally, it contends that it is primarily by way of narrative and storytelling that a sense of place, of being-in-the-world can be reconstructed.
Residual Symmetry and Explicit Soliton–Cnoidal Wave Interaction Solutions of the (2+1)-Dimensional KdV–mKdV Equation
Authors: Cheng Wenguang , Li Biao
Published: March 2016

The truncated Painlevé method is developed to obtain the nonlocal residual symmetry and the Bäcklund transformation for the (2+1)-dimensional KdV–mKdV equation. The residual symmetry is localised after embedding the (2+1)-dimensional KdV–mKdV equation to an enlarged one. The symmetry group transformation of the enlarged system is computed. Furthermore, the (2+1)-dimensional KdV–mKdV equation is proved to be consistent Riccati expansion (CRE) solvable. The soliton–cnoidal wave interaction solution in terms of the Jacobi elliptic functions and the third type of incomplete elliptic integral is obtained by using the consistent tanh expansion (CTE) method, which is a special form of CRE.
Noble Negation: The Value of Linguistic Spaces in Dante's De vulgari eloquentia
Authors: Mehtonen P. M. , Vaahtera Jaana
Published: March 2016

Riassunto: Cominciando dall'intrigante, per il lettore, descrizione del locale del primo Discorso, il De vulgari eloquentia di Dante Alighieri (c. 1304–1305) conduce chi lo legge attraverso una serie di ambigui commenti sui luoghi e spazi (curia, aula) legati al vernacolo illustre. Questo crea nuovi spazi linguistici nell'immaginazione del lettore: cammini paralleli del pensiero, congetture, suspence. Il presente saggio intende sostenere che l'affermazione e susseguente negazione – o denarrazione – dei luoghi, più o meno concreti, trasferisce la discussione di Dante, e ugualmente la lingua discussa, in uno spazio più astratto, dove la formalizzazione del volgare, o vernacolo illustre, si realizza.

L'ingegnosa funzione degli spazi alternativi che emerge risulta essere sotto stimata se essi devono essere ridotti puramente al risultato di singole metafore o alla riluttanza di Dante a prendere posizione in una controversia di carattere teologico sull'origine del linguaggio. Una simile variante di narrazione non affermativa rende possibile a Dante di assegnare all'illustre vernacolo un somigliante vuoto ontologico tra l'essere e il non essere come nel caso del riferimento biblico alle prime lingue umane. L'ambiguo spazio che di conseguenza risulta essere creato per il volgare illustre è il luogo dove il volgare può essere soggetto alla razionale investigazione dantesca.
Leukocyte Telomere Length in Newborns: Implications for the Role of Telomeres in Human Disease
Authors: Factor-Litvak Pam , Susser Ezra , Kezios Katrina , McKeague Ian , Kark Jeremy D. , Hoffman Matthew , Kimura Masayuki , Wapner Ronald , Aviv Abraham
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

In adults, leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is variable, familial, and longer in women and in offspring conceived by older fathers. Although short LTL is associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, long LTL is associated with major cancers. The prevailing notion is that LTL is a “telomeric clock,” whose movement (expressed in LTL attrition) reflects the pace of aging. Accordingly, individuals with short LTL are considered to be biologically older than their peers. Recent studies suggest that LTL is largely determined before adulthood. We examined whether factors that largely characterize LTL in adults also influence LTL in newborns.

METHODS:

LTL was measured in blood samples from 490 newborns and their parents.

RESULTS:

LTL (mean ± SD) was longer (9.50 ± 0.70 kb) in newborns than in their mothers (7.92 ± 0.67 kb) and fathers (7.70 ± 0.71 kb) (both P < .0001); there was no difference in the variance of LTL among the 3 groups. Newborn LTL correlated more strongly with age-adjusted LTL in mothers (r = 0.47; P < .01) than in fathers (r = 0.36; P < .01) (P for interaction = .02). Newborn LTL was longer by 0.144 kb in girls than in boys (P = .02), and LTL was longer by 0.175 kb in mothers than in fathers (P < .0001). For each 1-year increase in father’s age, newborn LTL increased by 0.016 kb (95% confidence interval: 0.04 to 0.28) (P = .0086).

CONCLUSIONS:

The large LTL variation across newborns challenges the telomeric clock model. Having inherently short or long LTL may be largely determined at birth, anteceding by decades disease manifestation in adults.
A multi-scale analysis of moisture supply associated with precipitation on Isla del Coco, Costa Rica
Authors: Durán-Quesada Ana María , Alfaro Eric J.
Published: March 2016

Wrapped by the Pacific waters and the mist of shipwrecks and pirates stories, one of the rainiest Eastern Pacific islands protects a biodiversity treasure: Isla del Coco. This study presents the analysis of moisture sources linked with contributions to precipitation in the area. The diurnal cycle of precipitation on the island was reviewed from GPS station data previously evaluated using available meteorological data from field campaigns held on the island in 2011 and 2012. Near-surface salinity patterns were also analyzed along with sea surface temperature, evaporation, Ongoing Longwave Radiation (OLR) as well as latent and sensible heat fluxes. Moisture contributions to precipitation on the island are supplied by evaporative sources, and moisture recycling is important. Regional precipitation is a continuous supply of moisture for the atmosphere whereas transport from evaporative sources is seasonally constrained. The analysis of the diurnal cycle of moisture supply suggests that contributions from available moisture linked with precipitation recycling show a slightly delayed response to deep convection in the region. The diurnal cycle of contributions to precipitation from evaporative moisture sources, based on the modeling component of the work, is consistent with the diurnal cycle of precipitation. The trajectory analysis remarks the role of the low level winds, the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) position and the stability conditions to modulate the supply of moisture. The moisture contributions from the sources present a different sensitivity to El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Contributions from precipitation recycling showed a large variability linked to ENSO as increasing contributions were determined to be related with El Niño during boreal summer and autumn months. The variability of the contributions from a North-east evaporative source is modulated by the response of the Caribbean Low Level Jet (CLLJ; Amador, 1998; Amador, 2008) to ENSO. The South-western evaporative source showed sensitivity to El Niño, as transport was found to decrease (increase) from November to March (May to July), meanwhile the response to La Niña was small. Good agreement amongst the ENSO response of the fields and the known dynamics of the region was found.

 
Ecosistemas coralinos del Parque Nacional Isla del Coco, Costa Rica: estructura y comparación 1987-2014
Authors: Alvarado Juan José , Beita-Jiménez Andrés , Mena Sebastián , Fernández-García Cindy , Guzman-Mora Ana Gloria , Cortés Jorge
Published: March 2016

 Isla del Coco has one of the most diverse and well-conserved coral reefs in Costa Rica. These reefs have been extensively studied since the 1980’s, however those studies focused mainly on coral coverage. The aim of this study is to evaluate the coral reefs of the island, not only by the coverage of the substrate but also the composition of fish, invertebrates and reef complexity. A total of 17 sites around the island were sampled in July 2013 and in February-March 2014. At each site, we evaluated three depths (4-8 m, 9-12 m and 13-16 m), where three 10m long transects were sampled. Turf algae was the predominant substrate cover with 38.18±5.58 %. The crustose calcareous algae (Order Corallinales) had a 28.12±5.85 % cover and live coral was 18.64±3.55 %, with Porites lobata as the main reef builder. A total of 18 taxa of macroinvertebrates were observed in the study sites, of which 56 % of the species were not abundant, 33 % were common, and the sea urchin Diadema mexicanum was the only dominant species. The density of lobsters of the genus Panulirus was 388±385 ind ha-1, which is the highest density reported in the Eastern Tropical Pacific. Also we observed high densities of the sea cucumber Isostichopus fuscus (550 ind ha-1), which has a high commercial value. We recorded 45 338 fish individuals, distributed in 93 species, with an average of 1.2±8.5 tn ha-1. From the total of species, 51 % were uncommon, 31 % common, 11 % predominant and 8 % occasional. The fish community at Isla del Coco is represented by a large number of carnivorous species, followed by top predators, herbivores and planktivorous species. According to the fish categories of the IUCN Red List, 16 % of species are in threatened categories and represent 25 % of the total sampled biomass. When comparing with studies carried out from 1987 to the present, the recovery in coral cover over time is evident, mainly due to: 1) a decrease in the pressure of the bioerosive action of D. mexicanum; and 2) the conservation actions that have been taken on the island. This has been translated in complex and more rugose reefs. Isla del Coco reefs are healthy, with functional and complex food webs; where species of high commercial value have large populations. The effectiveness of conservation and management activities in Isla del Coco has resulted in the recovery of the reef communities.
First record of young-of-the-year Scalloped hammerhead shark, Sphyrna lewini (Carcharhiniformes: Sphyrnidae) from Isla del Coco National Park, Costa Rica
Authors: Zanella Ilena , López-Garro Andrés , McComb-Kobza D. Michelle , Golfín-Duarte Geiner , Pérez-Montero Maikel , Morales Josué
Published: March 2016

The Scalloped hammerhead shark, Sphyrna lewini is a coastal and pelagic circumglobal species that resides within coastal warm temperate and tropical seas. Sphyrna lewini exhibits strong intraspecific segregation: neonates and young-of-the-year spend the first part of life in coastal inshore waters (nursery grounds), while adults migrate offshore, returning to protected nursery habitats for mating and pupping. On December 3, 2014, at approximately 19:00 hr, four young-of-the-year S. lewini were caught with hand line in Wafer Bay, Isla del Coco, Costa Rica (5°32’42.4” N - 87°03’45.3” W). A total of three males (total length (TL): 73, 73, 76 cm) and one female (TL: 75 cm) were recorded. The presence of these individuals at Isla del Coco suggests that a pregnant female gave birth in or near Wafer Bay, which may be a nursery ground for S. lewini. We recommend further study to evaluate the presence and movements of young-of-the-year and juvenile S. lewini in Wafer Bay to determine if this was an isolated incident or if the bay is a nursery ground for S. lewini.

 
New records of heterobranch sea slugs (Mollusca: Gastropoda) from Isla del Coco National Park, Costa Rica
Authors: García-Méndez Kimberly , Camacho-García Yolanda E.
Published: March 2016

The molluscan fauna of Isla del Coco has recently been well documented, but the heterobranch sea slugs, traditionally called “opisthobranchs”, remain poorly known. We report 13 new records, increasing the total to 40 species. Of the 13 newly discovered species, the following species had not been previously recorded along the Pacific Costa Rican mainland: Berthella californica (Dall, 1900), Peltodoris rubra (Bergh, 1905), Dendrodoris albobrunnea Allan, 1933, Doriopsilla cf. spaldingi Valdés & Behrens, 1998, Glaucus cf. marginatus (Reinhardt & Bergh, 1864), and Flabellina sp. Additionally, we report Peltodoris rubra, previously known from the Indo-Pacific, for the first time in the Eastern Tropical Pacific.

 