bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MONOTONIC ABSTRACTION FOR PROGRAMS WITH MULTIPLY-LINKED STRUCTURES
Authors: ABDULLA PAROSH AZIZ , CEDERBERG JONATHAN , VOJNAR TOMÁŠ
Published: June 2013

We investigate the use of monotonic abstraction and backward reachability analysis as means of performing shape analysis on programs with multiply pointed structures. By encoding the heap as a vertex- and edge-labeled graph, we can model the low level behaviour exhibited by programs written in the C programming language. Using the notion of signatures, which are predicates that define sets of heaps, we can check properties such as absence of null pointer dereference and shape invariants. We report on the results from running a prototype based on the method on several programs such as insertion into and merging of doubly-linked lists.
PARAMETRIC VERIFICATION AND TEST COVERAGE FOR HYBRID AUTOMATA USING THE INVERSE METHOD
Authors: FRIBOURG LAURENT , KÜHNE ULRICH
Published: June 2013

Hybrid systems combine continuous and discrete behavior. Hybrid Automata are a powerful formalism for the modeling and verification of such systems. A common problem in hybrid system verification is the good parameters problem, which consists in identifying a set of parameter valuations which guarantee a certain behavior of a system. Recently, a method has been presented for attacking this problem for Timed Automata. In this paper, we show the extension of this methodology for hybrid automata with linear and affine dynamics. The method is demonstrated with a hybrid system benchmark from the literature.
AN EFFICIENT FULLY SYMBOLIC BISIMULATION ALGORITHM FOR NON-DETERMINISTIC SYSTEMS
Authors: MUMME MALCOLM , CIARDO GIANFRANCO
Published: June 2013

The definition of bisimulation suggests a partition-refinement step, which we show to be suitable for a saturation-based implementation. We compare our fully symbolic saturation-based implementation with the fastest extant bisimulation algorithms over a set of benchmarks, and conclude that it appears to be the fastest algorithm capable of computing the largest bisimulation over very large quotient spaces.
REACHABILITY FOR FINITE-STATE PROCESS ALGEBRAS USING HORN CLAUSES
Authors: SKRYPNYUK NATALIYA , NIELSON FLEMMING
Published: June 2013

In this work we present an algorithm for solving the reachability problem in finite systems that are modelled with process algebras. Our method is based on Static Analysis, in particular, Data Flow Analysis, of the syntax of a process algebraic system with multi-way synchronisation. The results of the Data Flow Analysis are used in order to build a set of Horn clauses whose least model corresponds to an overapproximation of the reachable states. The computed model can be refined after each transition, and the algorithm runs until either a state whose reachability should be checked is encountered or it is not in the least model for all constructed states and thus is definitely unreachable. The advantages of the algorithm are that in many cases only a part of the Labelled Transition System will be built which leads to lower time and memory consumption. Also, it is not necessary to save all the encountered states which leads to further reduction of the memory requirements of the algorithm.
A NETWORK MODEL GENERATED FROM THE RECURSIVE GRAPH BASED ON POLYGON
Authors: SUN YUANYUAN , HOU KAINING , ZHAO YUJIE
Published: June 2013

The study of network models is one of the most challenging research fields among the studies of complex networks, which have been the hot research topics in recent decades. In this paper, we construct a deterministic network by a mapping method based on a recursive graph, and analyze its topological characteristics, including degree distribution, clustering coefficient, network diameter, average path length and degree correlations. We obtain that this network has the small-world property and positive correlation. The network modeling as we present gives a new perspective on networks, and helps to understand better the evolutions of the real-life systems, making it possible to explore the complexity of complex systems.
SUBDIRECT PRODUCTS OF FREE PRO-p AND DEMUSHKIN GROUPS
Authors: KOCHLOUKOVA DESSISLAVA H.
Published: June 2013

We classify the pro-p subdirect products of type FPmof Demushkin or free pro-p groups, in both cases of non-trivial Euler characteristic.
GLOBAL EXISTENCE AND ASYMPTOTIC BEHAVIOR OF A TUMOR ANGIOGENESIS MODEL WITH CHEMOTAXIS AND HAPTOTAXIS
Authors: MORALES-RODRIGO CRISTIAN , TELLO J. IGNACIO
Published: June 2013

We consider a system of differential equations modeling tumor angiogenesis. The system consists of three equations: two parabolic equations with chemotactic terms to model endothelial cells and tumor angiogenesis factors coupled to an ordinary differential equation which describes the evolution of the fibronectin concentration. We study global existence of solutions and, under extra assumption on the initial data of the fibronectin concentration we obtain that the homogeneous steady state is asymptotically stable.
BEST N-TERM GPC APPROXIMATIONS FOR A CLASS OF STOCHASTIC LINEAR ELASTICITY EQUATIONS
Authors: XIA BINGXING , HOANG VIET HA
Published: June 2013

We consider a class of stochastic linear elasticity problems whose elastic moduli depend linearly on a countable set of random variables. The stochastic equation is studied via a deterministic parametric problem on an infinite-dimensional parameter space. We first study the best N-term approximation of the generalized polynomial chaos (gpc) expansion of the solution to the displacement formula by considering a Galerkin projection onto the space obtained by truncating the gpc expansion. We provide sufficient conditions on the coefficients of the elastic moduli's expansion so that a rate of convergence for this approximation holds. We then consider two classes of stochastic and parametric mixed elasticity problems. The first one is the Hellinger–Reissner formula for approximating directly the gpc expansion of the stress. For isotropic problems, the multiplying constant of the best N-term convergence rate for the displacement formula grows with the ratio of the Lamé constants. We thus consider stochastic and parametric mixed problems for nearly incompressible isotropic materials whose best N-term approximation rate is uniform with respect to the ratio of the Lamé constants.
NEGATIVELY CURVED MÖBIUS STRIPS ON GIVEN KNOTS
Authors: NAOKAWA KOSUKE
Published: June 2013

We classify the isotopy types of negatively curved closed strips on an arbitrarily given knot which have prescribed negative Gaussian curvature at each point on the knot.
SEMI-RELATIVISTIC SOLUTIONS OF THE TWO-BODY SPINLESS SALPETER EQUATION UNDER THE WOODS–SAXON POTENTIAL AND THE PEKERIS APPROXIMATION
Authors: FEIZI H. , HOSEININAVEH M. , RANJBAR A. H.
Published: June 2013

In this paper, by applying the Pekeris approximation and in the frame of Supersymmetric Quantum Mechanics (SUSYQM), the semi-relativistic solutions of the two-body spinless Salpeter equation are obtained analytically. For an interaction of nuclear form, we obtain the approximate bound-state energy eigenvalues and the corresponding wave functions using the shape invariance concept. The solutions are reported for any l state and some energy eigenvalues are given. These results are useful in elementary-particle physics and nuclear physics to obtain the bound states spectra of relativistic systems such as fermion–antifermion systems.
DISCONTINUITY OF FOURIER TRANSFORMS OF POISSONIAN TYPE COUNTABLY ADDITIVE MEASURES
Authors: KRASNENKER A.
Published: June 2013

It is proved in the paper that different natural Fourier transforms (FTs) of the measure mentioned in the title are not continuous with respect to such sufficient topologies as Sazonov and Gross–Sazonov (introduced by Smolyanov [Gross–Sazonov theorem for alternating cylindrical measures, Vestnik Moskov. Univ. (4) (1983) 4–12]) topologies. The motivation of the result is the fact that the FT of the standard Wiener measure is discontinuous in a known sufficient topologies as stated by Smolyanov and Fomin (see e.g., [Measures on Topological Linear Spaces, Uspekhi Mat. Nauk31(4) (1976) 3–56]).
INTERACTING FOCK SPACES AND THE MOMENTS OF THE LIMIT DISTRIBUTIONS FOR QUANTUM RANDOM WALKS
Authors: KO CHUL KI , YOO HYUN JAE
Published: June 2013

We investigate the limit distributions of the discrete time quantum random walks on lattice spaces via a spectral analysis of concretely given self-adjoint operators. We discuss the interacting Fock spaces associated with the limit distributions. Thereby, we represent the moments of the limit distribution by vacuum expectation of the monomials of the Fock operator. We get formulas not only for one-dimensional walks but also for high-dimensional walks.
NONLINEAR MARKOV SEMIGROUPS ON C*-ALGEBRAS
Authors: ŁUGIEWICZ P. , OLKIEWICZ R. , ZEGARLINSKI B.
Published: June 2013

A notion of a nonlinear quantum dynamical semigroup is introduced and discussed. Some sufficient conditions, expressed solely in terms of the duality map, in order that a multivalued mapping on a C*-algebra generates the nonlinear Markov semigroup are proposed.
FINITE p-GROUPS IN WHICH THE NORMAL CLOSURES OF THE NON-NORMAL CYCLIC SUBGROUPS HAVE SMALL INDEX
Authors: ZHAO LIBO , GUO XIUYUN
Published: June 2013

A p-group is called a C(pw)-group if the normal closure of every non-normal cyclic subgroup has index at most pw. In this paper, we prove that the order of a non-Dedekind C(pw)-group cannot exceed p4w+4 when p > 2 and G′ ≤ HG for every non-normal cyclic subgroup H. We also completely classify non-Dedekind C(p2)-groups for p > 2.
UNITARY GROUPS OVER LOCAL RINGS
Authors: CRUICKSHANK J. , HERMAN A. , QUINLAN R. , SZECHTMAN F.
Published: June 2013

We study hermitian forms and unitary groups defined over a local ring, not necessarily commutative, equipped with an involution. When the ring is finite we obtain formulae for the order of the unitary groups as well as their point stabilizers, and use these to compute the degrees of the irreducible constituents of the Weil representation of a unitary group associated to a ramified quadratic extension of a finite local ring.
A NEW CHARACTERIZATION OF SOME LINEAR GROUPS BY NSE
Authors: SHAO CHANGGUO , JIANG QINHUI
Published: June 2013

Let G be a finite group and πe(G) be the set of element orders of G. Assume that k ∈ πe(G) and mk(G) is the number of elements of order k in G. Set nse (G) ≔ {mk(G) | k ∈ πe(G)}, we call nse (G) the set of numbers of elements with same order. In this paper, we give a new characterization of simple linear group L2(2a) by its order |L2(2a)| and the set nse (L2(2a)), where either 2a - 1 or 2a + 1 is a prime.
ON THE PROJECTIVE ALGEBRA OF SOME (α, β)-METRICS OF ISOTROPIC S-CURVATURE
Authors: REZAEI BAHMAN , RAFIE-RAD MEHDI
Published: June 2013

In this paper, we study projective algebra, p(M, F), of special (α, β)-metrics. The projective algebra of a Finsler space is a finite-dimensional Lie algebra with respect to the usual Lie bracket. We characterize p(M, F) of Matsumoto and square metrics of isotropic S-curvature of dimension n ≥ 3 as a certain Lie sub-algebra of the Killing algebra k(M, α). We also show that F has a maximum projective symmetry if and only if F either is a Riemannian metric of constant sectional curvature or locally Minkowskian.
FRACTIONAL TIME SCALE IN CALCIUM ION CHANNELS MODEL
Authors: GAO SHI-LONG
Published: June 2013

We propose a fractional time scale to model the calcium ion channels model which is retarded with injection of calcium-chelator Ethylene Glycol Tetraacetic Acid (EGTA). By using this nonlinear time scale and Modified Riemann–Liouville fractional derivative, we convert the integer-order calcium ion channels model into fractional-order differential equations. We also analyze the range of order of fractional-order differential equations to ensure the equilibria of it are asymptotically stable. The simulation results are given to demonstrate the solutions of this model coincide with the real experiment data.
Existence and Monotone Iteration of Positive Pseudosymmetric Solutions for a Third-Order Four-Point BVP with -Laplacian
Authors: Li Dan , Wang Libo , Pei Minghe
Published: June 2013

We study the existence and monotone iteration of solutions for a third-order four-point boundary value problem with -Laplacian. An existence result of positive, concave, and pseudosymmetric solutions and its monotone iterative scheme are established by using the monotone iterative technique. Meanwhile, as an application of our result, an example is given.
Lingual Haematoma due to Tenecteplase in a Patient with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Bal Muhlis , Atar Yavuz , Salturk Ziya , Ateş Ahmet Hakan , Yağcı Serkan , Coşkun Bal Gökçen
Published: June 2013

The use of intravenous thrombolytic agents has revolutionised the treatment of acute myocardial infarction. However, the improvement in mortality rate achieved with these drugs is tempered by the risk of serious bleeding complications, including intracranial haemorrhage. Tenecteplase is a genetically engineered mutant tissue plasminogen activator. Haemorrhagic complications of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) are well known. Compared to other tPAs, tenecteplase use leads to lower rates of bleeding complications. Here, we report a case of unusual site of spontaneous bleeding, intralingual haematoma during tenecteplase therapy following acute myocardial infarction, which caused significant upper airway obstruction and required tracheotomy to maintain the patient’s airway. Clinical dilemmas related to securing the airway or reversing the effects of tissue plasminogen activator are discussed.
The Phytochemical Shikonin Stimulates Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) in Skin Wound Healing
Authors: Yin Shu-Yi , Peng An-Ping , Huang Li-Ting , Wang Ya-Ting , Lan Chun-Wen , Yang Ning-Sun
Published: June 2013

Although various pharmacological activities of the shikonins have been documented, understanding the hierarchical regulation of these diverse bioactivities at the genome level is unsubstantiated. In this study, through cross examination between transcriptome and microRNA array analyses, we predicted that topical treatment of shikoninin vivoaffects epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the expression of related microRNAs, including 200a, 200b, 200c, 141, 205, and 429 microRNAs, in mouse skin tissues.In situimmunohistological analyses further demonstrated that specific EMT regulatory molecules are enhanced in shikonin-treated epidermal tissues. RT-PCR analyses subsequently confirmed that shikonin treatment downregulated expression of microRNA-205 and other members of the 200 family microRNAs. Further, expression of two RNA targets of the 200 family microRNAs in EMT regulation, Sip1 (Zeb2) and Tcf8 (Zeb1), was consistently upregulated by shikonin treatment. Enhancement of these EMT activities was also detected in shikonin-treated wounds, which repaired faster than controls. These results suggest that topical treatment with shikonin can confer a potent stimulatory effect on EMT and suppress the expression of the associated microRNAs in skin wound healing. Collectively, these cellular and molecular data provide further evidence in support of our previous findings on the specific pharmacological effects of shikonin in wound healing and immune modulation.
Development and Validation of a New Boundary Condition for Intake Analysis with Distortion
Authors: Mehdi Zadeh Foad , Trépanier Jean-Yves , Petro Eddy
Published: June 2013

The design of an intake for a gas turbine engine involves CFD-based investigation and experimental assessment in an intake test rig. In both cases, the engine is represented by a mass flux sink, usually positioned a few fan radii aft of the real fan face. In general, this approach is sufficient to analyze intake geometry for low distortion at the fan face, because in this case the interaction of the fan with the inlet flow can be neglected. Where there are higher levels of distortion at the fan face, the interaction could become more significant and a different approach would be preferable. One alternative that takes into account the interaction in such cases includes the fan in the analysis of the intake, using either a steady or unsteady flow model approach. However, this solution is expensive and too computationally intensive to be useful in design mode. The solution proposed in this paper is to implement a new boundary condition at the fan face which better represents the interaction of the fan with the flow in the air intake in the presence of distortion. This boundary condition includes a simplified fan model and a coupling strategy applied between the fan and the inlet. The results obtained with this new boundary condition are compared to full 3D unsteady CFD simulations that include the fan.
Prevention and Management of Complications of and Training for Colorectal Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection
Authors: Yoshida Naohisa , Yagi Nobuaki , Inada Yutaka , Kugai Munehiro , Yanagisawa Akio , Naito Yuji
Published: June 2013

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is reported to be an efficient treatment with a high rate ofen blocresection for large colorectal tumors in Japan and some other Western and Asian countries. ESD is considered less invasive than laparoscopic colectomy. However, ESD carries a higher risk of perforation than endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). Various devices and training methods for colorectal ESD have been developed to solve the difficulties. In this review, we describe the complications of colorectal ESD and prevention of those complications. On the other hand, colorectal ESD is difficult for less-experienced endoscopists. The unique step-by-step ESD training system is performed in Japan. Additionally, appropriate training, including animal model training, for colorectal ESD should be acquired before working on clinical cases.
A Comparison Study of Growth Factor Expression following Treatment with Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, Saline Solution, Povidone-Iodine, and Lavender Oil in Wounds Healing
Authors: Koca Kutlu Adalet , Çeçen Dilek , Gürgen Seren Gülşen , Sayın Oya , Çetin Ferihan
Published: June 2013

This study compared the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), saline solution (SS), povidone-iodine (PI), and lavender oil (Lavandula angustifolia) through expression of growth factors in a rat model of wound healing. Six experimental groups were established, each containing 8 rats: a healthy group with no incision wounds, an incision-control group, an incision and TENS group, an incision and SS group, an incision and PI group, and an incision and lavender oil group. Experiments continued for 5 days, after which the skin in the excision area was removed. Tissue concentrations of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-A were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Tissue expressions of EGF, PDGF-A, and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 were determined using immunohistochemistry. Wound closure progressed more rapidly in the TENS and lavender oil groups than in the control and other study groups. In particular, PDGF-A expressions in the dermis and EGF expression in the epidermis were significantly intense in the TENS group (P<0.05). In addition, ELISA levels of growth factors such as PDGF-A and EGF were significantly higher in TENS group compared to the control group (P<0.05). These immunohistochemical and ELISA results suggest that TENS may improve wound healing through increasing growth factors in the dermis and epidermis more than other topical applications.
Analysis of Liquid Zone Control Valve Oscillation Problem in CANDU Reactors
Authors: Nasimi Elnara , Gabbar Hossam A.
Published: June 2013

This paper looks at the existing challenges with steady-state Liquid Zone control at some CANDU (CANada Deuterium Uranium) stations, where—contrary to expectations for equilibrium flow—Liquid Zone Control Valve oscillations have proven to be a chronic, unanticipated challenge. Currently, the exact causes of this behaviour are not fully understood, although it is confirmed that the Control Valve oscillations are not due to automatic power adjustment requests or zone level changes due to process leaks. This phenomenon was analysed based on a case study of one domestic nuclear power station to determine whether it could be attributed to inherent controller properties. Next, a proposal is made in an attempt to improve current performance with minimal changes to the existing system hardware and logic using conventional technologies. Finally, a proposal was made to consider Model Predictive Control-based technology to minimize the undesirable Control Valve oscillations at steady state based on the obtained simulation results and discussion of other available alternatives.
Formal Modeling and Verification for MVB
Authors: Xia Mo , Lo Kueiming , Shao Shuangjia , Sun Mian
Published: June 2013

Multifunction Vehicle Bus (MVB) is a critical component in the Train Communication Network (TCN), which is widely used in most of the modern train techniques of the transportation system. How to ensure security of MVB has become an important issue. Traditional testing could not ensure the system correctness. The MVB system modeling and verification are concerned in this paper. Petri Net and model checking methods are used to verify the MVB system. A Hierarchy Colored Petri Net (HCPN) approach is presented to model and simulate the Master Transfer protocol of MVB. Synchronous and asynchronous methods are proposed to describe the entities and communication environment. Automata model of the Master Transfer protocol is designed. Based on our model checking platform M3C, the Master Transfer protocol of the MVB is verified and some system logic critical errors are found. Experimental results show the efficiency of our methods.
Association of Atherosclerotic Peripheral Arterial Disease with Adiponectin Genes SNP+45 and SNP+276: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Gherman Claudia D. , Pamfil Doru , Bolboacă Sorana D.
Published: June 2013

Objectives. We hypothesized that adiponectin gene SNP+45 (rs2241766) and SNP+276 (rs1501299) would be associated with atherosclerotic peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Furthermore, the association between circulating adiponectin levels, fetuin-A, and tumoral necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in patients with atherosclerotic peripheral arterial disease was investigated.Method. Several blood parameters (such as adiponectin, fetuin-A, and TNF-α) were measured in 346 patients, 226 with atherosclerotic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and 120 without symptomatic PAD (non-PAD). Two common SNPs of the ADIPOQ gene represented by +45T/G 2 and +276G/T were also investigated.Results. Adiponectin concentrations showed lower circulating levels in the PAD patients compared to non-PAD patients (P<0.001). Decreasing adiponectin concentration was associated with increasing serum levels of fetuin-A in the PAD patients. None of the investigated adiponectin SNPs proved to be associated with the subjects’ susceptibility to PAD (P>0.05).Conclusion. The results of our study demonstrated that neither adiponectin SNP+45 nor SNP+276 is associated with the risk of PAD.
Research on Multidisciplinary Optimization Design of Bridge Crane
Authors: Yifei Tong , Wei Ye , Zhen Yang , Dongbo Li , Xiangdong Li
Published: June 2013

Bridge crane is one of the most widely used cranes in our country, which is indispensable equipment for material conveying in the modern production. In this paper, the framework of multidisciplinary optimization for bridge crane is proposed. The presented research on crane multidisciplinary design technology for energy saving includes three levels, respectively: metal structures level, transmission design level, and electrical system design level. The shape optimal mathematical model of the crane is established for shape optimization design of metal structure level as well as size optimal mathematical model and topology optimal mathematical model of crane for topology optimization design of metal structure level is established. Finally, system-level multidisciplinary energy-saving optimization design of bridge crane is further carried out with energy-saving transmission design results feedback to energy-saving optimization design of metal structure. The optimization results show that structural optimization design can reduce total mass of crane greatly by using the finite element analysis and multidisciplinary optimization technology premised on the design requirements of cranes such as stiffness and strength; thus, energy-saving design can be achieved.
Exact Multiplicity of Sign-Changing Solutions for a Class of Second-Order Dirichlet Boundary Value Problem with Weight Function
Authors: An Yulian
Published: June 2013

Using bifurcation techniques and Sturm comparison theorem, we establish exact multiplicity results of sign-changing or constant sign solutions for the boundary value problemsu″+a(t)f(u)=0,t∈(0,1),u(0)=0, andu(1)=0, wheref∈C(ℝ,ℝ)satisfiesf(0)=0and the limitsf∞=lim|s|→∞(f(s)/s),f0=lim|s|→0(f(s)/s)∈{0,∞}. Weight functiona(t)∈C1[0,1]satisfiesa(t)>0on[0,1].
Retropharyngeal Calcific Tendinitis Mimicking a Retropharyngeal Phlegmon
Authors: Gabra Nathalie , Belair Manon , Ayad Tareck
Published: June 2013

Background. Acute retropharyngeal tendinitis is a little known but not an uncommon condition. It was first described by Hartley in 1964 as an inflammation of the longus colli muscle secondary to calcium crystals deposition on its insertion. The calcifications are mostly located on the oblique portion of the muscle at the level of C1-C2.Methods. We will describe this disease through 4 cases that presented in our institution.Results. The most common symptoms are severe neck pain, odynophagia, and a painful restriction of neck movement. It is associated with mild fever and inflammatory lab findings such as a slight elevation of white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein. CT scan is recommended as the first-line imaging modality to establish a diagnosis. Treatments consist of NSAIDs and analgesics to accelerate the healing process. If symptoms are severe, a course of corticosteroids is required.Conclusion. Since the clinical and laboratory findings of this condition and those of a retropharyngeal abscess overlap, it is important to establish the right diagnosis in order to prevent more invasive procedures. A good knowledge of this clinical entity by otolaryngologists would prevent delays in hospital discharge and unnecessary anxiety.
Gabor Weber Local Descriptor for Bovine Iris Recognition
Authors: Sun Shengnan , Zhao Lindu , Yang Shicai
Published: June 2013

Iris recognition is a robust biometric technology. This paper proposes a novel local descriptor for bovine iris recognition, named Gabor Weber local descriptor (GWLD). We first compute the Gabor magnitude maps for the input bovine iris image, and then calculate the differential excitation and orientation for each pixel over each Gabor magnitude map. After that, we use these differential excitations and orientations to construct the GWLD histogram representation. Finally, histogram intersection is adopted to measure the similarity between different GWLD histograms. The experimental results on the SEU bovine iris database verify the representation power of our proposed local descriptor.
Economic Policy Shifts in Sri Lanka: The Post-Conflict Development Challenge
Authors: Athukorala Prema-Chandra , Jayasuriya Sisira
Published: June 2013

The end of the long civil war in Sri Lanka in 2009 generated widespread expectations of a peace dividend that would enable the country to embark on a period of sustained economic growth. Recent developments have dampened that optimism, however, rekindling fears that Sri Lanka's tale of missed opportunities may continue. After showing remarkable resilience during decades of war and conflict, the Sri Lankan economy has failed to capitalize on the window of opportunity presented by the end of the military conflict. In the aftermath of military victory, there has been a sharp reversal of trade liberalization and a marked shift back towards nationalist-populist state-centered economic policies, reflecting the pressures of resurgent nationalism, an unprecedented concentration of political power in a small ruling group, and the influence of some powerful vested interests. Unfortunately, a return to the failed past policies of inward-oriented development strategies offers no viable solutions for the problems confronting small, capital- and resource-poor countries in today's globalized world. Sri Lanka must change both its political practices and economic policies drastically and urgently to cope with the huge development challenges facing it in an environment of global economic turbulence.
Foreign Entry and Profitability of Domestic Firms: Evidence from China
Authors: Fu Dahai , Wu Yanrui
Published: June 2013

Profitability provides a yardstick for judging the operational efficiency, growth, and survival of a business enterprise. This study investigates the determinants of firm profitability in the Chinese manufacturing sector, with a focus on the impact of foreign entry on the profitability of domestic firms. Our findings show an inverted-U relationship between foreign entry and the profitability of domestic firms. Furthermore, we also find that the effect of foreign entry on domestic firm profitability varies according to the ownership structure of domestic firms and the export intensity of foreign newcomers.
Feedback Systems: An Analytical Framework
Authors: Sanfilippo Dario , Valle Andrea
Published: June 2013

The use of feedback-based systems in the music domain dates back to the 1960s. Their applications span from music composition and sound organization to audio synthesis and processing, as the interest in feedback resulted both from theoretical reflection on cybernetics and system theory, and from practical experimentation on analog circuits. The advent of computers has made possible the implementation of complex theoretical systems in audio-domain oriented applications, in some sense bridging the gap between theory and practice in the analog domain, and further increasing the range of audio and musical applications of feedback systems. In this article we first sketch a minimal history of feedback in music; second, we briefly introduce feedback systems from a theoretical point of view; then we propose a set of features that characterize them from the perspective of music applications; finally, we propose a typology targeted at feedback systems used in the audio/musical domain and discuss some relevant examples.
Towards a Hybrid Temporal Paradigm for Musical Composition and Performance: The Case of Musical Interpretation
Authors: Desainte-Catherine Myriam , Allombert Antoine , Assayag Gérard
Published: June 2013

In this article, we consider the possibility of mixing two main paradigms of electroacoustic music: the writing-oriented and the performance-oriented paradigms.

We show that these two opposing paradigms are the consequence of two corresponding conceptions of time. In addition, we assume that the temporal aspects of a performer's interpretation of a musical composition can be linked to both paradigms. Based on this theoretical study, we propose a formalism for composing pieces of electroacoustic music that can be interpreted in performance.
Equilibration of an Atmosphere by Adiabatic Eddy Fluxes
Authors: Jansen Malte , Ferrari Raffaele
Published: June 2013

A major question for climate studies is to quantify the role of turbulent eddy fluxes in maintaining the observed atmospheric mean state. Both the equator-to-pole temperature gradient and the static stability of the extratropical atmosphere are set by a balance between these eddy fluxes and the radiative forcing. Much attention has been paid to the adjustment of the isentropic slope, which relates the static stability and the meridional temperature gradient. It is often argued that the extratropical atmosphere always equilibrates such that isentropes leaving the surface in the subtropics reach the tropopause near the poles. However, recent work challenged this argument. This paper revisits scaling arguments for the equilibrated mean state of a dry atmosphere, which results from a balance between the radiative forcing and the along-isentropic eddy heat flux. These arguments predict weak sensitivity of the isentropic slope to changes in the radiative forcing, consistent with previous results. Large changes can, however, be achieved if other external parameters, such as the size and rotation rate of the planet, are varied. The arguments are also extended to predict both the meridional temperature gradient and the static stability independently. This allows a full characterization of the atmospheric mean state as a function of external parameters.
Health-care utilization for primary headache disorders in China: a population-based door-to-door survey
Authors: Liu Ruozhuo , Yu Shengyuan , He Mianwang , Zhao Gang , Yang Xiaosu , Qiao Xiangyang , Feng Jiachun , Fang Yannan , Cao Xiutang , Steiner Timothy J
Published: June 2013

Background

In order to know the status quo of health care for primary headache disorders in China, questions about headache consultation and diagnosis were included in a nationwide population-based survey initiated by Lifting The Burden: the Global Campaign against Headache.

Methods

Throughout China, 5,041 unrelated respondents aged 18–65 years were randomly sampled from the general population and visited unannounced at their homes. After basic sociodemographic and headache diagnostic questions, respondents with headache answered further questions about health-care utilization in the previous year.

Results

Significantly higher proportions of respondents with migraine (239/452; 52.9%) or headache on ≥15 days per month (23/48; 47.9%) had consulted a physician for headache than of those with tension-type headache (TTH) (218/531; 41.1%; P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed associations between disability and probability of consultation in those with migraine (mild vs. minimal: AOR 3.4, 95% CI: 1.6–7.4; moderate vs. minimal: 2.5, 1.2–5.4; severe vs. minimal: 3.9, 1.9–8.1) and between rural habitation and probability of consulting in those with TTH (AOR: 3.5; 95% CI: 1.9–6.3, P < 0.001). Married respondents with TTH were less likely than unmarried to have consulted (AOR: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.07–0.93; P = 0.038). About half of consultations (47.8–56.5%) for each of the headache disorders were at clinic level in the health system. Consultations in level-3 hospitals were relatively few for migraine (5.9%) but more likely for headache on ≥15 days/month (8.7%) and, surprisingly, for TTH (13.3%). Under-diagnosis and misdiagnosis were common in consulters. More than half with migraine (52.7%) or headache on ≥15 days/month (51.2%), and almost two thirds (63.7%) with TTH, reported no previous diagnosis. Consulters with migraine were as likely (13.8%) to have been diagnosed with “nervous headache” as with migraine. “Nervous headache” (9.8%) and “vascular headache” (7.6%) were the most likely diagnoses in those with TTH, of whom only 5.6% had previously been correctly diagnosed. These were also the most likely diagnoses (14.0% each) in consulters with headache on ≥15 days/month.

Conclusions

This picture of the status quo shows limited reach of headache services in China, and high rates of under-diagnosis and misdiagnosis in those who achieve access to them. This is not a picture of an efficient or cost-effective response to major causes of public ill-health and disability.
Conjugation, characterization and toxicity of lipophosphoglycan-polyacrylic acid conjugate for vaccination against leishmaniasis
Authors: Topuzogullari Murat , Cakir Koc Rabia , Dincer Isoglu Sevil , Bagirova Melahat , Akdeste Zeynep , Elcicek Serhat , Oztel Olga N , Yesilkir Baydar Serap , Canim Ates Sezen , Allahverdiyev Adil M
Published: June 2013

Research on the conjugates of synthetic polyelectrolytes with antigenic molecules, such as proteins, peptides, or carbohydrates, is an attractive area due to their highly immunogenic character in comparison to classical adjuvants. For example, polyacrylic acid (PAA) is a weak polyelectrolyte and has been used in several biomedical applications such as immunological studies, drug delivery, and enzyme immobilization. However, to our knowledge, there are no studies that document immune-stimulant properties of PAA in Leishmania infection. Therefore, we aimed to develop a potential vaccine candidate against leishmaniasis by covalently conjugating PAA with an immunologically vital molecule of lipophosphoglycan (LPG) found in Leishmania parasites. In the study, LPG and PAA were conjugated by a multi-step procedure, and final products were analyzed with GPC and MALDI-TOF MS techniques. In cytotoxicity experiments, LPG-PAA conjugates did not indicate toxic effects on L929 and J774 murine macrophage cells. We assume that LPG-PAA conjugate can be a potential vaccine candidate, and will be immunologically characterized in further studies to prove its potential.
Urine metabolic profile changes of CCl4-liver fibrosis in rats and intervention effects of Yi Guan Jian Decoction using metabonomic approach
Authors: Gou Xiaojun , Tao Qing , Feng Qin , Peng Jinghua , Zhao Yu , Dai Jianye , Wang Wenyu , Zhang Yongyu , Hu Yiyang , Liu Ping
Published: June 2013

Background

Yi Guan Jian Decoction (YGJD), a famous Chinese prescription, has long been employed clinically to treat liver fibrosis. However, as of date, there is no report on the effects of YGJD from a metabonomic approach. In this study, a urine metabonomic method based on gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was employed to study the protective efficacy and metabolic profile changes caused by YGJD in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis.

Methods

Urine samples from Wistar rats of three randomly divided groups (control, model, and YGJD treated) were collected at various time-points, and the metabolic profile changes were analyzed by GC/MS with principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares-discriminate analysis (PLS-DA). Furthermore, histopathology and biochemical examination were also carried out to ensure the success of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis model.

Results

Urine metabolic profile studies suggested distinct clustering of the three groups, and YGJD group was much closer to the control group by showing a tendency of recovering towards the control group. Fourteen significantly changed metabolites were found, and YGJD treatment could reverse the levels of these metabolites to normal levels or close to normal levels.

Conclusions

The current study indicates that the YGJD has significant anti-fibrotic effects on CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in rats, which might be by regulating the dysfunction of energy metabolism, amino acid metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, cytochrome P450 metabolism, and gut microflora metabolism. The metabonomic approach can be recommended to study the pharmacological effect and mechanism of complex Chinese medicines.
pLDH level of clinically isolated Plasmodium vivax and detection limit of pLDH based malaria rapid diagnostic test
Authors: Jang Jin Woo , Cho Chi Hyun , Han Eun Taek , An Seong Soo A , Lim Chae Seung
Published: June 2013

Background

The malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are now widely used in the world. Compared to Plasmodium falciparum, a poor sensitivity of RDTs was reported against Plasmodium vivax based on the adopted antibody against pan-Plasmodium antigen lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH) or aldolase. Levels of pLDH were measured from patient with P. vivax, and the correlations between the levels of pLDH and the sensitivities of RDTs were analysed among Republic of Korea (ROK) isolates.

Methods

Three RDTs, OptiMAL test, SD BIOLINE Malaria Ag P.f/Pan test, Humasis Malaria Pf/Pan antigen test, and the Genedia pLDH antigen ELISA were performed with blood samples from 152 febrile patients and 100 healthy controls.

Results

Three malaria RDTs revealed sensitivities between 85.5 (131/152) and 86.8% (132/152) with highest sensitivity for the detection of P.vivax by pLDH antigen ELISA test (145/152, 95.4%) in comparison to traditional microscopy using Giemsa–stained slides. None of the healthy control tested positive by three RDTs or ELISA, indicating 100% specificity in their respective test. Levels of pLDH among Korean P. vivax isolates ranged between 0 ng/mL and 22,387.2 ng/mL (mean ± standard deviation 3,917.5 ± 6,120.9 ng/mL). The lower detection limits of three RDTs were between 25 and 50 ng/mL with artificially diluted samples. The moderate degree of correlation was observed between parasitaemia and concentrations of pLDH (r = 0.4, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The pLDH levels of P. vivax are the main explanation for the variations in the performance of pLDH-based RDTs. Therefore, comparing sensitivities of RDT may need to include targeted biomarker value of patients.
Oral flucloxacillin and phenoxymethylpenicillin versus flucloxacillin alone for the emergency department outpatient treatment of cellulitis: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Quirke Michael , Wakai Abel , Gilligan Peadar , O’Sullivan Ronan
Published: June 2013

Background

Oral flucloxacillin, either alone or in combination with phenoxymethylpenicillin, is a commonly prescribed antibiotic for the treatment of cellulitis, particularly in Ireland and the United Kingdom. This study aims to establish the non-inferiority of oral monotherapy (flucloxacillin alone) to dual therapy (flucloxacillin and phenoxymethylpenicillin) for the outpatient treatment of cellulitis in adults.

Methods/design

This study is a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of adults who present to the emergency department (ED) with cellulitis that is deemed treatable on an outpatient basis with oral antibiotics. After fulfilling specified inclusion and exclusion criteria, informed consent will be taken. Patients will be given a treatment pack containing 7 days of treatment with flucloxacillin 500 mg four times daily and placebo or flucloxacillin 500 mg four times daily and phenoxymethylpenicillin 500 mg four times daily. The primary outcome measure under study is the proportion of patients in each group in which there is greater than or equal to a 50% reduction in the area of diameter of infection from the area measured at enrolment at the end-of-treatment visit (7 to 10 days). Secondary endpoints include a health-related quality of life measurement as rated by the SF-36 score and the Extremity Soft Tissue Infection Score (not validated), compliance and adverse events. Patients will be followed up by telephone call at 3 days, end-of-treatment visit (EOT) at 7 to 10 days and test-of-cure (TOC) visit at 30 days. To achieve 90% power, a sample size of 172 patients per treatment arm is needed. This assumes a treatment success rate of 85% with oral flucloxacillin and phenoxymethylpenicillin, an equivalence threshold Δ = 12.5% and an α = 0.025. Non-inferiority will be assessed using a one-sided confidence interval on the difference of proportions between the two groups. Standard analysis including per-protocol and intention-to-treat will be performed.

Discussion

This trial aims to establish the non-inferiority of flucloxacillin monotherapy to dual therapy in the treatment of uncomplicated cellulitis among ED patients. In doing so, this trial will bridge a knowledge gap in this understudied and common condition and will be relevant to clinicians across several different disciplines.

Trial registration

EudraCT Number2008-006151-42
Driving and legal status of Spanish opioid-dependent patients
Authors: Roncero Carlos , Álvarez F Javier , Barral Carmen , Gómez-Baeza Susana , Gonzalvo Begoña , Rodríguez-Cintas Laia , Brugal M Teresa , Jacas Carlos , Romaguera Anna , Casas Miguel
Published: June 2013

Background

Opioid dependent patients have legal problems, driving violations and accidents more frequently than the general population. We have hypothesized that those patients currently driving may have better legal outcomes than those who do not possess a valid driving license. With this aim we have analyzed the information gathered in the PROTEUS study regarding the legal and driving statuses and assessed the possible association between them. The PROTEUS study was an observational, cross-sectional, descriptive, multicenter nationwide representative study, conducted in Spanish healthcare centers for opioid dependent patients.

Findings

The driving and legal statuses of a population of opioid dependent patients ≥18 years and enrolled in Opioid Agonist Therapy treatment centers in Spain, were assessed using a short specific questionnaire and the EuropASI questionnaire to highlight distinct individual clinical needs. 621 patients were evaluable (84% men, 24.5% active workers). 321 patients (52%) drove on a regular basis. Nineteen percent of patients had some problem with the criminal justice system. There was a significant difference (p = 0.0433) in status, according to the criminal justice system, between patients who drove on a regular basis and those who did not, with a higher percentage of patients with non-pending charges among usual drivers.

Conclusions

Regular drivers showed fewer legal problems than non-regular drivers, with the exception of those related to driving (driving violations and drunk driving). Driving is a good prognostic factor for the social integration of the patients and policies should be implemented to enable these patients to drive safely under medical authorization. The legal description will be useful to assess treatment efficacy.
A quantitative reference transcriptome for Nematostella vectensis earlyembryonic development: a pipeline for de novo assembly in emergingmodel systems
Authors: Tulin Sarah , Aguiar Derek , Istrail Sorin , Smith Joel
Published: June 2013

Background

The de novo assembly of transcriptomes from short shotgun sequencesraises challenges due to random and non-random sequencing biases andinherent transcript complexity. We sought to define a pipeline for denovo transcriptome assembly to aid researchers working withemerging model systems where well annotated genome assemblies are notavailable as a reference. To detail this experimental and computationalmethod, we used early embryos of the sea anemone, Nematostellavectensis, an emerging model system for studies of animal body planevolution. We performed RNA-seq on embryos up to 24 h of developmentusing Illumina HiSeq technology and evaluated independent de novoassembly methods. The resulting reads were assembled using either theTrinity assembler on all quality controlled reads or both the Velvet andOases assemblers on reads passing a stringent digital normalization filter.A control set of mRNA standards from the National Institute of Standards andTechnology (NIST) was included in our experimental pipeline to invest ourtranscriptome with quantitative information on absolute transcript levelsand to provide additional quality control.

Results

We generated >200 million paired-end reads from directional cDNA librariesrepresenting well over 20 Gb of sequence. The Trinity assembler pipeline,including preliminary quality control steps, resulted in more than 86% ofreads aligning with the reference transcriptome thus generated.Nevertheless, digital normalization combined with assembly by Velvet andOases required far less computing power and decreased processing time whilestill mapping 82% of reads. We have made the raw sequencing reads andassembled transcriptome publically available.

Conclusions

Nematostella vectensis was chosen for its strategic position in thetree of life for studies into the origins of the animal body plan, however,the challenge of reference-free transcriptome assembly is relevant to allsystems for which well annotated gene models and independently verifiedgenome assembly may not be available. To navigate this new territory, wehave constructed a pipeline for library preparation and computationalanalysis for de novo transcriptome assembly. The gene modelsdefined by this reference transcriptome define the set of genes transcribedin early Nematostella development and will provide a valuabledataset for further gene regulatory network investigations.