bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution patterns and traits of weed communities along an urban–rural gradient under rapid urbanization in Shanghai, China
Authors: Tian Zhihui , Song Kun , Da Liangjun
Published: November 2014

In order to better understand the effects of urbanization on weed communities, the distribution of weed communities in Shanghai, China, was systematically investigated. The diversity of weed communities and four environmental factors, including the relative light intensity, soil moisture, soil compaction and soil pH, were measured in 1375 plots along an urban–rural gradient. The species diversity indices in each area along the urban–rural gradient were compared by using a one‐way ANOVA. The weed communities were identified by using clustering methods that were based on relative dominance information. A canonical correspondence analysis was used to reveal the relationships between the species composition and the environmental factors at the community level and the Spearman's rank correlation test was used to test the relationship between the number of weed communities and each environmental factor. A total of 183 species, belonging to 41 families and 123 genera, was recorded. It was found that the species richness, Shannon–Wiener diversity index and Pielou evenness index followed a unimodal curve along the urban–rural gradient. The 1375 plots were divided into 133 weed community types. All four environmental factors significantly affected the species composition of the weed communities, but only soil compaction had significant effects on the number of weed communities. It was concluded that the diversification of habitat type and environmental change along the urban–rural gradient led to more weed communities in rural areas and fewer weed communities in urban areas. Based on the species' habitats and distribution patterns, the weeds were divided into “widespread”, “urban” and “rural”.
Big Galois representations and -adic -functions
Authors: Hida Haruzo
Published: November 2014

Let$p\geqslant 5$be a prime. If an irreducible component of the spectrum of the ‘big’ ordinary Hecke algebra does not have complex multiplication, under mild assumptions, we prove that the image of its Galois representation contains, up to finite error, a principal congruence subgroup${\rm\Gamma}(L)$of$\text{SL}_{2}(\mathbb{Z}_{p}[[T]])$for a principal ideal$(L)\neq 0$of$\mathbb{Z}_{p}[[T]]$for the canonical ‘weight’ variable$t=1+T$. If$L\notin {\rm\Lambda}^{\times }$, the power series$L$is proven to be a factor of the Kubota–Leopoldt$p$-adic$L$-function or of the square of the anticyclotomic Katz$p$-adic$L$-function or a power of$(t^{p^{m}}-1)$.
Orientation-Dependent Hardness in As-Deposited and Low-Temperature Annealed Ti/Ni Multilayer Thin Films
Authors: Yang Zhou , Wang Junlan
Published: November 2014

Strong orientation dependent hardness has been observed in both as-deposited and low-temperature annealed Ti/Ni multilayer thin films. The anisotropic hardness of as-deposited films is attributed to dominant deformation mechanism switch from dislocation pile-up against the interfaces to confined layer slip (CLS) within the layers as the loading direction changes from perpendicular to parallel to the interfaces. Additional strengthening of the multilayers is achieved after low-temperature annealing without noticeable microstructure modification due to temperature-induced grain boundary relaxation. This thermal strengthening is found to increase with decreasing layer thickness and increasing annealing temperature, and is more pronounced for loading directions parallel to the interfaces.
Effects of Different Loading Patterns on the Trabecular Bone Morphology of the Proximal Femur Using Adaptive Bone Remodeling
Authors: Ali Banijamali S. Mohammad , Oftadeh Ramin , Nazarian Ara , Goebel Ruben , Vaziri Ashkan , Nayeb-Hashemi Hamid
Published: November 2014

In this study, the changes in the bone density of human femur model as a result of different loadings were investigated. The model initially consisted of a solid shell representing cortical bone encompassing a cubical network of interconnected rods representing trabecular bone. A computationally efficient program was developed that iteratively changed the structure of trabecular bone by keeping the local stress in the structure within a defined stress range. The stress was controlled by either enhancing existing beam elements or removing beams from the initial trabecular frame structure. Analyses were performed for two cases of homogenous isotropic and transversely isotropic beams. Trabecular bone structure was obtained for three load cases: walking, stair climbing and stumbling without falling. The results indicate that trabecular bone tissue material properties do not have a significant effect on the converged structure of trabecular bone. In addition, as the magnitude of the loads increase, the internal structure becomes denser in critical zones. Loading associated with the stumbling results in the highest density; whereas walking, considered as a routine daily activity, results in the least internal density in different regions. Furthermore, bone volume fraction at the critical regions of the converged structure is in good agreement with previously measured data obtained from combinations of dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and computed tomography (CT). The results indicate that the converged bone architecture consisting of rods and plates are consistent with the natural bone morphology of the femur. The proposed model shows a promising means to understand the effects of different individual loading patterns on the bone density.
Implicit Sampling for Path Integral Control, Monte Carlo Localization, and SLAM
Authors: Morzfeld Matthias
Published: November 2014

Implicit sampling is a recently developed variationally enhanced sampling method that guides its samples to regions of high probability, so that each sample carries information. Implicit sampling may thus improve the performance of algorithms that rely on Monte Carlo (MC) methods. Here the applicability and usefulness of implicit sampling for improving the performance of MC methods in estimation and control is explored, and implicit sampling based algorithms for stochastic optimal control, stochastic localization, and simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) are presented. The algorithms are tested in numerical experiments where it is found that fewer samples are required if implicit sampling is used, and that the overall runtimes of the algorithms are reduced.
Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Patterns of Singaporean Adolescents
Authors: Ting Jamie Lye Ching , Mukherjee Swarup , Hwa Michael Chia Yong
Published: November 2014

Background:

Adolescents require at least 60 minutes of daily moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity (PA) for optimum health benefits. Reduced active and increased sedentary time can adversely affect health independently. This study investigated the sedentary behavior and physical activity patterns of Singaporean adolescents.

Methods:

233 adolescents aged 13 to 15 years participated in the study. Accelerometry was used to assess the daily PA patterns for 3 weekdays and 2 weekend days consecutively. Height, weight, BMI, waist circumference and waist-hip ratio were determined as surrogate measures of health.

Results:

None of the participants achieved the recommended 60 minutes of daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on all 5 days. Significantly more time was spent engaging in sedentary activity compared with MVPA on both weekdays and weekends. MVPA and sedentary time were positively associated on weekdays after controlling for gender (P < .001). Weekday MVPA was positively associated with waist circumference (P < .001) and waist-hip ratio (P < .001).

Conclusion:

Singaporean adolescents fall substantially short of meeting the daily PA recommendations. Separate strategies to promote PA may be necessary for adolescents of differing weight status and gender. Pragmatic rather than idealistic targets to promote PA need to be set based on population-specific baseline data.
Genomically encoded analog memory with precise in vivo DNA writing in living cell populations
Authors: Farzadfard Fahim , Lu Timothy K.
Published: November 2014

Cellular memory is crucial to many natural biological processes and sophisticated synthetic biology applications. Existing cellular memories rely on epigenetic switches or recombinases, which are limited in scalability and recording capacity. In this work, we use the DNA of living cell populations as genomic “tape recorders” for the analog and distributed recording of long-term event histories. We describe a platform for generating single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) in vivo in response to arbitrary transcriptional signals. When coexpressed with a recombinase, these intracellularly expressed ssDNAs target specific genomic DNA addresses, resulting in precise mutations that accumulate in cell populations as a function of the magnitude and duration of the inputs. This platform could enable long-term cellular recorders for environmental and biomedical applications, biological state machines, and enhanced genome engineering strategies.
The trouble with neonicotinoids
Authors: Sánchez-Bayo Francisco
Published: November 2014

Chronic exposure to widely used insecticides kills bees and many other invertebrates
Dysrhythmia in the suprachiasmatic nucleus inhibits memory processing
Authors: Fernandez Fabian , Lu Derek , Ha Phong , Costacurta Patricia , Chavez Renee , Heller H. Craig , Ruby Norman F.
Published: November 2014

Chronic circadian dysfunction impairs declarative memory in humans but has little effect in common rodent models of arrhythmia caused by clock gene knockouts or surgical ablation of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). An important problem overlooked in these translational models is that human dysrhythmia occurs while SCN circuitry is genetically and neurologically intact. Siberian hamsters (
Phodopus sungorus
) are particularly well suited for translational studies because they can be made arrhythmic by a one-time photic treatment that severely impairs spatial and recognition memory. We found that once animals are made arrhythmic, subsequent SCN ablation completely rescues memory processing. These data suggest that the inhibitory effects of a malfunctioning SCN on cognition require preservation of circuitry between the SCN and downstream targets that are lost when these connections are severed.
Bartonella clarridgeiae Bacteremia Detected in an Asymptomatic Blood Donor
Authors: Vieira-Damiani Gislaine , Diniz Pedro Paulo Vissotto de Paiva , Pitassi Luiza Helena Urso , Sowy Stanley , Scorpio Diana Gerardi , Lania Bruno Grosselli , Drummond Marina Rovani , Soares Tânia Cristina Benetti , Barjas-Castro Maria de Lourdes , Breitschwerdt Edward B. , Nicholson William L. , Velho Paulo Eduardo Neves Ferreira
Published: November 2014

Human exposure to
Bartonella clarridgeiae
has been reported only on the basis of antibody detection. We report for the first time an asymptomatic human blood donor infected with
B. clarridgeiae
, as documented by enrichment blood culture, PCR, and DNA sequencing.
Development of an Immunochromatographic Assay Kit Using Fluorescent Silica Nanoparticles for Rapid Diagnosis of Acanthamoeba Keratitis
Authors: Toriyama Koji , Suzuki Takashi , Inoue Tomoyuki , Eguchi Hiroshi , Hoshi Saichi , Inoue Yoshitsugu , Aizawa Hideki , Miyoshi Kazutomi , Ohkubo Michio , Hiwatashi Eiji , Tachibana Hiroshi , Ohashi Yuichi
Published: November 2014

We developed an immunochromatographic assay kit that uses fluorescent silica nanoparticles bound to anti-
Acanthamoeba
antibodies (fluorescent immunochromatographic assay [FICGA]) and evaluated its efficacy for the detection of
Acanthamoeba
and diagnosis of
Acanthamoeba
keratitis (AK). The sensitivity of the FICGA kit was evaluated using samples of
Acanthamoeba
trophozoites and cysts diluted to various concentrations. A conventional immunochromatographic assay kit with latex labels (LICGA) was also evaluated to determine its sensitivity in detecting
Acanthamoeba
trophozoites. To check for cross-reactivity, the FICGA was performed by using samples of other common causative pathogens of infectious keratitis, such as
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
,
Staphylococcus aureus
,
Staphylococcus epidermidis
, and
Candida albicans
. Corneal scrapings from patients with suspected AK were tested with the FICGA kit to detect the presence of
Acanthamoeba
, and the results were compared with those of real-time PCR. The FICGA kit detected organisms at concentrations as low as 5 trophozoites or 40 cysts per sample. There were no cross-reactivities with other pathogens. The FICGA was approximately 20 times more sensitive than the LICGA for the detection of
Acanthamoeba
trophozoites. The FICGA kit yielded positive results for all 10 patients, which corresponded well with the real-time PCR results. The FICGA kit demonstrated high sensitivity for the detection of
Acanthamoeba
and may be useful for the diagnosis of AK.
JC Virus Quasispecies Analysis Reveals a Complex Viral Population Underlying Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy and Supports Viral Dissemination via the Hematogenous Route
Authors: Van Loy Tom , Thys Kim , Ryschkewitsch Caroline , Lagatie Ole , Monaco Maria C. , Major Eugene O. , Tritsmans Luc , Stuyver Lieven J.
Published: November 2014

Opportunistic infection of oligodendrocytes by human JC polyomavirus may result in the development of progressive multifocal encephalopathy in immunocompromised individuals. Neurotropic JC virus generally harbors reorganized noncoding control region (NCCR) DNA interspersed on the viral genome between early and late coding genes. By applying 454 sequencing on NCCR DNA amplified from body fluid samples (urine, plasma, and cerebrospinal fluid [CSF]) from 19 progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) patients, we attempted to reveal the composition of the JC polyomavirus population (the quasispecies, i.e., the whole of the consensus population and minor viral variants) contained in different body compartments and to better understand intrapatient viral dissemination. Our data demonstrate that in the CSF of PML patients, the JC viral population is often a complex mixture composed of multiple viral variants that contribute to the quasispecies. In contrast, urinary JC virus highly resembled the archetype virus, and urine most often did not contain minor viral variants. It also appeared that archetype JC virus could sporadically be identified in PML patient brain, although selection of rearranged JC virus DNA was favored. Comparison of the quasispecies from different body compartments within a given patient suggested a strong correlation between the viral population in plasma and CSF, whereas the viral population shed in urine appeared to be unrelated. In conclusion, it is shown that the representation of viral DNA in the CSF following the high-level DNA replication in the brain underlying PML has hitherto been much underestimated. Our data also underscore that the hematogenous route might play a pivotal role in viral dissemination from or toward the brain.

IMPORTANCE
For the first time, the JC polyomavirus population contained in different body compartments of patients diagnosed with progressive multifocal encephalopathy has been studied by deep sequencing. Two main findings came out of this work. First, it became apparent that the complexity of the viral population associated with PML has been highly underestimated so far, suggestive of a highly dynamic process of reorganization of the noncoding control region of JC polyomavirus
in vivo
, mainly in CSF and blood. Second, evidence showing viral dissemination from and/or toward the brain via the hematogenous route was provided, confirming a hypothesis that was recently put forward in the field.
Two Distinct Sets of NS2A Molecules Are Responsible for Dengue Virus RNA Synthesis and Virion Assembly
Authors: Xie Xuping , Zou Jing , Puttikhunt Chunya , Yuan Zhiming , Shi Pei-Yong
Published: November 2014

Flavivirus nonstructural protein 2A (NS2A) plays important roles in both viral RNA synthesis and virion assembly. The molecular details of how the NS2A protein modulates the two distinct events have not been defined. To address this question, we have performed a systematic mutagenesis of NS2A using dengue virus (DENV) serotype 2 (DENV-2) as a model. We identified two sets of NS2A mutations with distinct defects during a viral infection cycle. One set of NS2A mutations (D125A and G200A) selectively abolished viral RNA synthesis. Mechanistically, the D125A mutation abolished viral RNA synthesis through blocking the N-terminal cleavage of the NS2A protein, leading to an unprocessed NS1-NS2A protein; this result suggests that amino acid D125 (far downstream of the N terminus of NS2A) may contribute to the recognition of host protease at the NS1-NS2A junction. The other set of NS2A mutations (G11A, E20A, E100A, Q187A, and K188A) specifically impaired virion assembly without significantly affecting viral RNA synthesis. Remarkably, mutants defective in virion assembly could be rescued by supplying in
trans
wild-type NS2A molecules expressed from a replicative replicon, by wild-type NS2A protein expressed alone, by a mutant NS2A (G200A) that is lethal for viral RNA synthesis, or by a different mutant NS2A that is defective in virion assembly. In contrast, none of the mutants defective in viral RNA synthesis could be rescued by
trans
-complementation. Collectively, the results indicate that two distinct sets of NS2A molecules are responsible for DENV RNA synthesis and virion assembly.

IMPORTANCE
Dengue virus (DENV) represents the most prevalent mosquito-borne human pathogen. Understanding the replication of DENV is essential for development of vaccines and therapeutics. Here we characterized the function of DENV-2 NS2A using a systematic mutagenesis approach. The mutagenesis results revealed two distinct sets of NS2A mutations: one set of mutations that result in defects in viral RNA synthesis and another set of mutations that result in defects in virion assembly.
trans
-Complementation analysis showed that mutants defective in viral RNA synthesis could not be rescued by wild-type NS2A; in contrast, mutants defective in virion assembly could be successfully rescued by wild-type NS2A or even by a mutant NS2A that is incompetent to support viral RNA synthesis. These results support a model in which two distinct sets of NS2A molecules are responsible for DENV RNA synthesis (located in the viral replication complex) and virion assembly (located in the virion assembly/budding site). The study confirms and extends our understanding of the two critical roles of flavivirus NS2A in viral RNA synthesis and virion assembly.
Electron Cryotomography Studies of Maturing HIV-1 Particles Reveal the Assembly Pathway of the Viral Core
Authors: Woodward Cora L. , Cheng Sarah N. , Jensen Grant J.
Published: November 2014

To better characterize the assembly of the HIV-1 core, we have used electron cryotomography (ECT) to image infected cells and the viral particles cryopreserved next to them. We observed progressive stages of virus assembly and egress, including flower-like flat Gag lattice assemblies, hemispherical budding profiles, and virus buds linked to the plasma membrane via a thin membrane neck. The population of budded viral particles contains immature, maturation-intermediate, and mature core morphologies. Structural characteristics of the maturation intermediates suggest that the core assembly pathway involves the formation of a CA sheet that associates with the condensed ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex. Our analysis also reveals a correlation between RNP localization within the viral particle and the formation of conical cores, suggesting that the RNP helps drive conical core assembly. Our findings support an assembly pathway for the HIV-1 core that begins with a small CA sheet that associates with the RNP to form the core base, followed by polymerization of the CA sheet along one side of the conical core toward the tip, and then closure around the body of the cone.

IMPORTANCE
During HIV-1 assembly and release, the Gag polyprotein is organized into a signature hexagonal lattice, termed the immature lattice. To become infectious, the newly budded virus must disassemble the immature lattice by proteolyzing Gag and then reassemble the key proteolytic product, the structural protein p24 (CA), into a distinct, mature hexagonal lattice during a process termed maturation. The mature HIV-1 virus contains a conical capsid that encloses the condensed viral genome at its wide base. Mutations or small molecules that interfere with viral maturation also disrupt viral infectivity. Little is known about the assembly pathway that results in the conical core and genome encapsidation. Here, we have used electron cryotomography to structurally characterize HIV-1 particles that are actively maturing. Based on the morphologies of core assembly intermediates, we propose that CA forms a sheet-like structure that associates with the condensed viral genome to produce the mature infectious conical core.
Lung cancer masquerading as breast cancer with carcinoma en cuirasse
Authors: Harrett Emma , Davies Rhian Sian , Attanoos Richard , Lester Jason Francis
Published: November 2014

Metastases to the breast from lung cancer are rare. Carcinoma en cuirasse is an unusual form of metastatic cutaneous carcinoma, almost exclusively described as deposits secondary to breast carcinoma. A 63-year-old woman presented with dyspnoea. A CT scan demonstrated a pleural effusion, large pericardial effusion, mediastinal lymphadenopathy and right basal consolidation. Pleural fluid cytology and immunohistochemistry were consistent with a diagnosis of primary lung adenocarcinoma. The patient was treated with pemetrexed and carboplatin, resulting in stable disease. A year later, she developed bilateral breast masses and multiple painful erythematous subcutaneous nodules over her torso, clinically indistinguishable from carcinoma en cuirasse. A biopsy demonstrated these were deposits from metastatic adenocarcinoma of the lung. The patient received docetaxel and carboplatin with initial good response. The painful lesions were subsequently treated with radiotherapy, which provided symptomatic relief. To the best of our knowledge, this is the only case of metastatic lung adenocarcinoma mimicking carcinoma en cuirasse.
Coronary steal or large collateral? Three cases of graft failure in sequential and composite grafts
Authors: Morakhia Jwalit , Ramachandran Padmakumar , Ganiga Sanjeeva Naveen Chandra , Thakkar Ashok
Published: November 2014

Coronary bypass grafting using conduits with multiple distal anastomoses continues to demand scrutiny. While on one hand these techniques allow the surgeon to avoid or minimise aortic manipulation, the unique flow and pressure characteristics lead to complex forms of graft failure if the anatomy of the target vascular bed is not carefully taken into consideration. We report three cases of graft failure in patients with coronary bypass grafting performed using multiple distal anastomoses, and percutaneous revascularisation in one patient.
Isotretinoin exposure during pregnancy: a population-based study in The Netherlands
Authors: Zomerdijk Ingeborg M , Ruiter Rikje , Houweling Leanne M A , Herings Ron M C , Sturkenboom Miriam C J M , Straus Sabine M J M , Stricker Bruno H
Published: November 2014

Objective

To estimate isotretinoin exposure in Dutch pregnant women despite the implemented pregnancy prevention programme (PPP) and second, to analyse the occurrence of adverse fetal or neonatal outcomes in these isotretinoin exposed pregnancies.

Design

Population-based study.

Setting

The Netherlands.

Participants

A cohort of 203 962 pregnancies with onset between 1 January 1999 and 1 September 2007 consisting of 208 161 fetuses or neonates.

Main outcome measures

Isotretinoin exposure in the 30 days before or during pregnancy. Proportions of adverse fetal or neonatal outcomes, defined as intrauterine deaths ≥16 week of gestation and neonates with major congenital anomalies. ORs with 95% CIs adjusted for maternal age were calculated to estimate the risk of adverse fetal or neonatal outcome after maternal isotretinoin exposure.

Results

51 pregnancies, 2.5 (95% CI 1.9 to 3.3) per 10 000 pregnancies, were exposed to isotretinoin despite the pregnancy prevention programme. Forty-five of these pregnancies, 2.2 (95% CI 1.6 to 2.9) per 10 000 pregnancies, were exposed to isotretinoin during pregnancy and six additional women became pregnant within 30 days after isotretinoin discontinuation. In 60% of isotretinoin exposed pregnancies, women started isotretinoin while already pregnant. In five out of the 51 isotretinoin exposed pregnancies (53 fetuses), 9.4% (95% CI 1.3% to 17.6%), had an adverse fetal or neonatal outcome. The OR for adverse fetal or neonatal outcomes after isotretinoin exposure in 30 days before or during pregnancy was 2.3 (95% CI 0.9 to 5.7) after adjustment for maternal age.

Conclusions

Although a PPP was already implemented in 1988, we showed that isotretinoin exposed pregnancies and adverse fetal and neonatal events potentially related to the exposure still occur. These findings from the Netherlands add to the evidence that there is no full compliance to the isotretinoin PPP in many Western countries. Given the limited success of iPLEDGE, the question is which further measures are able to improve compliance.
Comments on the dilemma in the October issue: ‘Euthanasia in a no‐kill shelter’
Authors: Black Yvonne
Published: November 2014

The dilemma in the October issue concerned a local shelter's changing policy on euthanasia. It had previously promoted itself as a no‐kill organisation, a policy for which it received significant public support and funding. However, its board of trustees had recently begun pressing for healthy animals to be put down because of a lack of capacity (In Practice, October 2014, vol 36, pp 478‐479). Vanessa Ashall advised that, while it wouldn't be unethical for the board to formally review the shelter's stance on euthanasia, it would be unacceptable for the institution to surreptitiously shift its practices, as this would end up deceiving the public. She suggested that the vet involved should ask the trustees to clarify the principles underpinning the non‐destruction policy and how those relate to the shelter's new circumstances.
More than a seven‐year itch
Authors: Thoday Keith
Published: November 2014

Keith Thoday's career in dermatology came about almost by accident and, he says, has often been helped by being in the right place at the right time
Confining boundary conditions from dynamical coupling constants for Abelian and non-Abelian symmetries
Authors: Steiner Roee , Guendelman Eduardo
Published: November 2014

The present work represents among other things a generalization to the non-Abelian case of our previous result where the Abelian case was studied. In the U(1) case the coupling to the gauge field contains a term of the form g(ϕ)jμ(Aμ +∂μB), where B is an auxiliary field and jμ is the Dirac current. The scalar field ϕ determines the local value of the coupling of the gauge field to the Dirac particle. The consistency of the equations determines the condition ∂μϕjμ = 0 which implies that the Dirac current cannot have a component in the direction of the gradient of the scalar field. As a consequence, if ϕ has a soliton behavior, we obtain that jμ cannot have a flux through the wall of the bubble, defining a confinement mechanism where the fermions are kept inside those bags. In this paper, we present more models in Abelian case which produce constraint on the Dirac or scalar current and also spin. Furthermore a model that gives the MIT confinement condition for gauge fields is obtained. We generalize this procedure for the non-Abelian case and we find a constraint that can be used to build a bag model. In the non-Abelian case, the confining boundary conditions hold at a specific surface of a domain wall.
Transport and efficiency of Brownian particles in confined narrow channels with a periodic driving force
Authors: Wang Rang , Zhou Jia-Ning , Liu Xue-Mei , Xiao Hua
Published: November 2014

Transport and efficiency of over-damped Brownian particles moving in a confined narrow channel is investigated in the presence of an oscillating force and a static load force. It is found that the average velocity increases monotonously with the unbiased external driving force, while the efficiency can be a peaked function of unbiased external force, which indicates that the unbiased external force can facilitate the efficiency of energy transformation. Moreover, the average velocity and the efficiency demonstrate complex behaviors due to the consideration of Stokes efficiency.
Multidimensional reversed Hardy type inequalities for monotone functions
Authors: Butt Saad Ihsan , Pečarić Josip , Perić Ivan , Praljak Marjan
Published: November 2014

In this paper, we will give some multidimensional generalization of reversed Hardy type inequalities for monotone functions. Moreover, we will give n-exponential convexity, exponential convexity and related results for some functionals obtained from the differences of these inequalities. At the end we will give mean value theorems and Cauchy means for these functionals.
Metamorphic core complexes: windows into the mechanics and rheology of the crust
Authors: Platt John P. , Behr Whitney M. , Cooper Frances J.
Published: November 2014

Metamorphic core complexes are products of normal-fault displacements sufficient to exhume rocks from below the brittle–ductile transition. These faults (detachments) may initiate within the brittle crust at steep angles, but they sole into the ductile middle crust, and during displacement rotate to gentler dips due to hanging-wall extension. The exhumed footwall commonly adopts an arched or domed geometry owing to flexural isostatic readjustment, and may be overlain by strongly extended upper crustal rocks that slipped on gently dipping, low-friction shallow segments of the detachment. Metamorphic rocks exhumed beneath the detachment record progressively increasing flow stress, strain localization and strain-rate with decreasing temperature, providing a window into physical conditions and deformational processes in the mid-crust. The metamorphic and deformational history of the footwall rocks may reflect tectonic processes that predate formation of the detachment fault, in addition to those accompanying exhumation. These processes may include diapiric emplacement of gneiss domes, or exhumation in a subduction channel, and may not be directly related to formation of the core complex. Factors favouring core complex formation are high gravitational potential energy of the extending crust, weak rheology and a change in the tectonic boundary conditions such as a cessation or slowing of plate convergence.
Long-Term Effects of Musical Training and Functional Plasticity in Salience System
Authors: Luo Cheng , Tu Shipeng , Peng Yueheng , Gao Shan , Li Jianfu , Dong Li , Li Gujing , Lai Yongxiu , Li Hong , Yao Dezhong
Published: November 2014

Musicians undergoing long-term musical training show improved emotional and cognitive function, which suggests the presence of neuroplasticity. The structural and functional impacts of the human brain have been observed in musicians. In this study, we used data-driven functional connectivity analysis to map local and distant functional connectivity in resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 28 professional musicians and 28 nonmusicians. Compared with nonmusicians, musicians exhibited significantly greater local functional connectivity density in 10 regions, including the bilateral dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, anterior insula, and anterior temporoparietal junction. A distant functional connectivity analysis demonstrated that most of these regions were included in salience system, which is associated with high-level cognitive control and fundamental attentional process. Additionally, musicians had significantly greater functional integration in this system, especially for connections to the left insula. Increased functional connectivity between the left insula and right temporoparietal junction may be a response to long-term musical training. Our findings indicate that the improvement of salience network is involved in musical training. The salience system may represent a new avenue for exploration regarding the underlying foundations of enhanced higher-level cognitive processes in musicians.
Iterative Algorithms for a Finite Family of Multivalued Quasi-Nonexpansive Mappings
Authors: Diop C. , Sene M. , Djitté N.
Published: November 2014

Let K be a nonempty closed and convex subset of a uniformly convex real Banach space E and let T1,…,Tm:K→2K be m multivalued quasi-nonexpansive mappings. A new iterative algorithm is constructed and the corresponding sequence xn is proved to be an approximating fixed point sequence of each Ti; that is, limdxn;Txn=0. Then, convergence theorems are proved under appropriate additional conditions. Our results extend and improve some important recent results (e.g., Abbas et al. (2011)).
LQG Control of Networked Control Systems with Limited Information
Authors: Liu Qing-Quan , Jin Fang
Published: November 2014

This paper addresses linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) control problems for multi‐input multioutput (MIMO), linear time‐invariant (LTI) systems, where the sensors and controllers are geographically separated and connected via a digital communication channel with limited data rates. An observer‐based, quantized state feedback control scheme is employed in order to achieve the minimum data rate for mean square stabilization of the unstable plant. An explicit expression is presented to state the tradeoff between the LQ cost and the data rate. Sufficient conditions on the data rate for mean square stabilization are derived. An illustrative example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Tinzaparin Provides Lower Lipid Profiles in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study
Authors: Tsai Ming-Hsien , Fang Yu-Wei , Leu Jyh-Gang
Published: November 2014

As a low-molecular-weight heparin, tinzaparin has effectively been used as an anticoagulant during hemodialysis sessions. However, the impact of different heparin types on dyslipidemia is still controversial. In our study, 434 chronic hemodialysis patients were evaluated. The mean age was 65 ± 13. Forty-eight patients (11%) and 386 patients (89%) were in the tinzaparin and unfractionated heparin (UFH) groups, respectively. Triglyceride had significant difference between the two groups (P=0.001) but total cholesterol, HDL, or LDL did not. In the univariate analysis, the triglyceride level was significantly associated with tinzaparin use [β: −39.9, 95% confidence interval (CI): −76.7 to −3.0], and this association remained following the multivariate analysis (β: −40.8, 95% CI: −75.1 to −6.5). The difference in serum total cholesterol level between tinzaparin and UFH became significant (β: −13, 95% CI: −24.5 to −1.56) after adjustment in the multivariate analysis. Moreover, in a subgroup analysis, male diabetic patients showed lower serum triglyceride levels with the use of tinzaparin, while older, nondiabetic, male patients showed significant advantages in total cholesterol levels with the use of tinzaparin. Based on our findings, tinzaparin shows a significant association with a lower lipid profile in patients with chronic hemodialysis when compared to UFH.
Assessment of Prevalence and Determinants of Occupational Exposure to HIV Infection among Healthcare Workers in Selected Health Institutions in Debre Berhan Town, North Shoa Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia, 2014
Authors: Aynalem Tesfay Filmawit , Dejenie Habtewold Tesfa
Published: November 2014

Introduction. Health care workers are exposed to different kinds of occupational hazards due to their day to day activities. The most common occupational exposure like body fluids is a potential risk of transmission of blood-borne infection like human immunodeficiency virus.Objective.To assess the prevalence and determinants of occupational exposure to human immunodeficiency virus infection.Methods and Materials. A descriptive cross-sectional institution based study was conducted in selected four health institutions in Debre Berhan town. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using semistructured interviewer administered questionnaire. The frequency distribution of dependent and independent variables was worked out and presented using frequency table, graph, and chart.Result. The overall prevalence of occupational exposure of the health care workers was found to be 88.6% (n=187) in the past 12 months. Contact to potentially infectious body fluids accounts for the largest proportion (56.7%) followed by needle stick injury (31.5%) and glove breakage (28.8%).Conclusion. In this study majority (88.6%) of the health care workers had a risky occupational hazard that exposed them to human immunodeficiency virus infection during the past 12 months. The statistically significant determinant factors were professional status, working room, and time of personal protective equipment usage.
Occupational Radiation Exposure during Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography and Usefulness of Radiation Protective Curtains
Authors: Minami Tomoyuki , Sasaki Tamito , Serikawa Masahiro , Kamigaki Michihiro , Yukutake Masanobu , Ishigaki Takashi , Ishii Yasutaka , Mouri Teruo , Yoshimi Satoshi , Shimizu Akinori , Tsuboi Tomofumi , Kurihara Keisuke , Tatsukawa Yumiko , Miyaki Eisuke , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: November 2014

Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of radiation protective curtains in reducing the occupational radiation exposure of medical personnel.Methods. We studied medical staff members who had assisted in 80 consecutive therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures. Use of radiation protective curtains mounted to the X-ray tube was determined randomly for each procedure, and radiation doses were measured with electronic pocket dosimeters placed outside the protective apron.Results. When protective curtains were not used, the mean radiation doses to endoscopists, first assistants, second assistants, and nurses were 340.9, 27.5, 45.3, and 33.1 µSv, respectively; doses decreased to 42.6, 4.2, 13.1, and 10.6 µSv, respectively, when protective curtains were used (P<0.01). When the patient had to be restrained during ERCP (n=8), the radiation dose to second assistants without protective curtains increased by a factor of 9.95 (P<0.01) relative to cases in which restraint was not required.Conclusions. During ERCP, not only endoscopists, but also assistants and nurses were exposed to high doses of radiation. Radiation exposure to staff members during ERCP was reduced with the use of protective curtains.
Powertrain Matching and Optimization of Dual-Motor Hybrid Driving System for Electric Vehicle Based on Quantum Genetic Intelligent Algorithm
Authors: Wang Yong , Sun Dongye
Published: November 2014

In order to increase the driving range and improve the overall performance of all-electric vehicles, a new dual-motor hybrid driving system with two power sources was proposed. This system achieved torque-speed coupling between the two power sources and greatly improved the high performance working range of the motors; at the same time, continuously variable transmission (CVT) was achieved to efficiently increase the driving range. The power system parameters were determined using the “global optimization method”; thus, the vehicle’s dynamics and economy were used as the optimization indexes. Based on preliminary matches, quantum genetic algorithm was introduced to optimize the matching in the dual-motor hybrid power system. Backward simulation was performed on the combined simulation platform of Matlab/Simulink and AVL-Cruise to optimize, simulate, and verify the system parameters of the transmission system. Results showed that quantum genetic algorithms exhibited good global optimization capability and convergence in dealing with multiobjective and multiparameter optimization. The dual-motor hybrid-driving system for electric cars satisfied the dynamic performance and economy requirements of design, efficiently increasing the driving range of the car, having high performance, and reducing energy consumption of 15.6% compared with the conventional electric vehicle with single-speed reducers.
The Incidence of the First-Ever Stroke in a Mediterranean Island Population: The Isle of Lesvos Stroke Study
Authors: Stranjalis George , Kalamatianos Theodosis , Gatzonis Stylianos , Loufardaki Maria , Tzavara Chara , Sakas Damianos E. ,   Lesvos Stroke Register Investigators
Published: November 2014

Background: There is a paucity of research on the incidence and distribution of stroke types in Greece. This is the first study investigating stroke incidence in a Greek island, the Northern Aegean island of Lesvos (Eastern Mediterranean Sea). Methods: A multisource, prospective population-based register was established and subjects with first-ever stroke (FES) between June 1st 2010 and May 31st 2011 were identified. Results: 197 FES subjects registered, 112 males and 85 females (mean age w SD = 75 w 12 years). Cerebral infarction was diagnosed in 77.7%, intracerebral hemorrhage in 12.7%, subarachnoid hemorrhage in 2.5%; undetermined stroke accounted for 7.1%. The crude annual incidence rates of FES were 227.9 (95% CI 196-260) per 100,000. Following age- and gender-standardization to the ‘European' population, FES incidence rates were 117 (95% CI 99-136). Early case fatality was 20.81% (95% CI 16-27%). Conclusions: The present findings indicate that the incidence of FES in the studied Mediterranean population is at the low end of the range of estimates established by recent European registers. The results of the present study extend the limited epidemiological data on stroke in Greece and can help guide future monitoring, prevention and treatment strategies. i 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Type 2 Diabetes and Cognitive Decline Over 14 Years in Middle-Aged African Americans and Whites: The ARIC Brain MRI Study
Authors: Mayeda Elizabeth R. , Haan Mary N. , Neuhaus John , Yaffe Kristine , Knopman David S. , Sharrett A. Richey , Griswold Michael E. , Mosley Thomas H.
Published: November 2014

Background: Diabetes predicts late-life dementia, but the association with rate of cognitive decline is inconsistent and has rarely been examined in non-white populations, despite the high prevalence of diabetes in African Americans. We evaluated the effect of diabetes on cognitive decline in middle-aged African Americans and whites. Methods: Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Brain MRI Study participants (n = 1,886, mean age = 60, 49% African American) underwent assessments of verbal memory, processing speed, and verbal fluency four times over 14 years. Using race-stratified mixed linear effects models, we examined cognitive change for participants with prevalent (baseline) diabetes and incident (diagnosed after baseline) diabetes versus those without diabetes. Results: African Americans had more advanced diabetes, as indicated by fasting blood glucose levels, anti-diabetes medication use, and cardiovascular risk profiles. African Americans with prevalent diabetes experienced 41% greater annual decline in processing speed scores (p = 0.048) and 50% greater annual decline in verbal fluency scores (p = 0.042) than those without diabetes; incident diabetes was not associated with cognitive decline. Among whites, diabetes was not associated with cognitive decline. Conclusions: Prevalent diabetes was associated with greater cognitive decline in middle-aged African Americans, possibly reflecting adverse effects of longer duration and more advanced diabetes. i 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Multiple Hypointense Vessels on Susceptibility-Weighted Imaging in Acute Ischemic Stroke: Surrogate Marker of Oxygen Extraction Fraction in Penumbra?
Authors: Park Min-Gyu , Yang Tae-Il , Oh Se-Jin , Baik Seung Kug , Kang Yang Ho , Park Kyung-Pil
Published: November 2014

Background: Multiple hypointense vessels (MHV) on susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) are frequently observed in patients with acute cerebral ischemia, but their implication has not been clearly established. To elucidate the clinical significance of MHV on SWI, we investigated the association of MHV on SWI with clinical data and other MR markers in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Methods: We enrolled acute stroke patients with internal carotid or proximal middle cerebral artery occlusion who underwent MRI including SWI within 3 days from stroke onset. Baseline clinical data were reviewed. Stroke severity was measured by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). We graded the degree of MHV on SWI as four groups of none, subtle, relative, or extensive by the modified Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Scan (ASPECTS) system. To evaluate the degree of collateral flow, distal hyperintense vessels (DHV) on FLAIR and vessels on post-contrast time-of-flight MR angiography (TOF MRA) source images were graded respectively as 3 groups: none/subtle/prominent and poor/moderate/good. Diffusion and perfusion lesion volume and diffusion-perfusion mismatch (DPM) ratio were measured in all patients. We analyzed the association of the degree of MHV on SWI with clinical data and MR markers. Results: Eighty patients were included in the study. The mean MR time from stroke onset was 12.4 h (range 0.5-63.0). There is no difference in MR time from stroke onset between groups of MHV on SWI. MHV were observed in 68 (85%) of 80 patients: none in 12, subtle in 11, relative in 13, and extensive in 44. There were no statistically significant associations between MHV on SWI and vascular risk factors. Patients with more extensive MHV on SWI had a smaller diffusion volume (p < 0.001), larger DPM (p < 0.001), and lower initial NIHSS scores (p = 0.022). Prominent DHV was presented in 29 of 44 patients with extensive MHV (p < 0.001). Good collateral flow on TOF MRA source images was presented in 37 of 44 patients with extensive MHV (p < 0.001). Conclusions: More extensive MHV on SWI in acute ischemic stroke is associated with lower initial NIHSS scores, smaller diffusion lesion volume, better collateral flow, and larger DPM. Our results show the possibility that MHV on SWI may be a useful surrogate marker for predicting increased oxygen extraction fraction and diffusion-perfusion mismatch in acute ischemic hemisphere.
A New Case of an Inherited Reciprocal Translocation in Cattle: rcp(13;26)(q24;q11)
Authors: Biltueva Larisa , Kulemzina Anastasia , Vorobieva Nadezhda , Perelman Polina , Kochneva Marina , Zhidenova Alexandra , Graphodatsky Alexander
Published: November 2014

This study reports on a unique balanced reciprocal chromosome translocation detected in a phenotypically normal cattle dam and her calf. CBG-, GTG-banding and FISH using bovine whole-chromosome and telomere probes were applied. The analyses showed that the breakpoints were located near to the centromere in chromosome 26 (q11) and exceptionally close to the telomere in chromosome 13 (q24). The whole euchromatin segment of chromosome 26 was translocated onto chromosome 13. The distal end of chromosome 13 was translocated to the subcentromeric region of chromosome 26. We describe this aberration as a balanced reciprocal translocation rcp(13;26)(q24;q11). It appears that this aberration was maternally derived and may have originated de novo in the dam.