bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
POLYNOMIAL DECAY OF CORRELATIONS IN THE GENERALIZED BAKER'S TRANSFORMATION
Authors: BOSE CHRISTOPHER , MURRAY RUA
Published: September 2013

We introduce a family of area preserving generalized baker's transformations acting on the unit square and having sharp polynomial rates of mixing for Hölder data. The construction is geometric, relying on the graph of a single variable "cut function". Each baker's map B is nonuniformly hyperbolic and while the exact mixing rate depends on B, all polynomial rates can be attained. The analysis of mixing rates depends on building a suitable Young tower for an expanding factor. The mechanisms leading to a slow rate of correlation decay are especially transparent in our examples due to the simple geometry in the construction. For this reason, we propose this class of maps as an excellent testing ground for new techniques for the analysis of decay of correlations in non-uniformly hyperbolic systems. Finally, some of our examples can be seen to be extensions of certain 1D non-uniformly expanding maps that have appeared in the literature over the last twenty years, thereby providing a unified treatment of these interesting and well-studied examples.
GENERALIZED MEMORY ELEMENT AND CHAOTIC MEMORY SYSTEM
Authors: BAO BOCHENG , ZOU XIANG , LIU ZHONG , HU FENGWEI
Published: September 2013

The concept of memory element or memory system is generalized to any device or system with memory effect in this paper. With the general definition of memory element, a new memory element model is proposed and its properties are studied. Based on the memory element, a simple chaotic memory system is constructed and its complex dynamics is depicted. These results verified by circuit experimental observations and PSIM simulations indicate that the proposed memory element has a pinched hysteresis loop characteristics for a periodic input, which depends on the initial state of memory element, and the amplitude and frequency of the applied input; the proposed chaotic memory system presents complex dynamics depending on system parameters and the initial state of memory element.
QUADRATIC PERTURBATIONS OF A CLASS OF QUADRATIC REVERSIBLE LOTKA–VOLTERRA SYSTEMS
Authors: SHAO YI , CHUNXIANG A.
Published: September 2013

This paper is concerned with the bifurcation of limit cycles of a class of quadratic reversible Lotka–Volterra system [Formula: see text] with b = -1/3. By using the Chebyshev criterion to study the number of zeros of Abelian integrals, we prove that this system has at most two limit cycles produced from the period annulus around the center under quadratic perturbations, which provide a positive answer for a case of the conjecture proposed by S. Gautier et al.
INTERMITTENCY AND CHAOS NEAR HOPF BIFURCATION WITH BROKEN 𝕆(2) × 𝕆(2) SYMMETRY
Authors: ZOU YANG , DANGELMAYR GERHARD , OPREA IULIANA
Published: September 2013

The eight-dimensional normal form for a Hopf bifurcation with 𝕆(2) × 𝕆(2) symmetry is perturbed by imperfection terms that break a continuous translation symmetry. The parameters of the fully symmetric normal form are fixed to values for which all basic periodic solutions residing in two-dimensional fixed point subspaces are unstable, and the dynamics is attracted by a chaotic attractor resulting from a period doubling cascade of periodic orbits. By using symmetry-adapted variables, the dimension of the phase space of the normal form is reduced to four and the dimension of the perturbed normal form is reduced to five. In the reduced phase space, periodic solutions are revealed as fixed points, and quasiperiodic solutions as periodic orbits. For the perturbed normal form, parameter regimes with different types of chaotic dynamics are identified when the imperfection parameter is varied. The characteristics of this complex dynamics are symmetry breaking and increasing, various period doubling cascades, intermittency and crises, and switching between symmetry-conjugated chaotic saddles. In particular, the perturbed system serves as a low dimensional model for the complicated switching dynamics found in simulations of the globally coupled system of Ginzburg–Landau equations extending the 𝕆(2) × 𝕆(2)-symmetric normal form to account for spatial modulations. In addition, this system can be considered as a low dimensional model for the dynamics of perturbed waves in anisotropic systems with imperfect geometries due to the presence of sidewalls.
NONLINEAR DYNAMICS OF AN OSCILLATORY NEURAL NETWORK ACTING AS A MOTOR CENTRAL PATTERN GENERATOR
Authors: HURTADO-LÓPEZ J. , RAMÍREZ-MORENO D. F.
Published: September 2013

In this work, we present a bifurcation analysis of a network of symmetrically coupled units modeling central pattern generators for quadruped locomotion. Here, we show a reduced model and characterize its dynamics and the dependence of the model behavior when one of the parameters is varied.
CHAOS MULTISCALE-SYNCHRONIZATION BETWEEN TWO DIFFERENT FRACTIONAL-ORDER HYPERCHAOTIC SYSTEMS BASED ON FEEDBACK CONTROL
Authors: PAN LIN , GUAN ZHIHONG , ZHOU LONG
Published: September 2013

In this paper, the chaos multiscale-synchronization between two different Fractional-order Hyperchaotic System (FOHCS)s have been investigated. The Lü-like and its FOHCS are also studied. The Lü-like FOHCS is controlled to be multiscale-synchronization with Liu FOHCS and new Lorenz FOHCS, respectively. The analytical conditions for the multiscale-synchronization of these pairs of different FOHCSs are derived by utilizing Laplace transform. Furthermore, multiscale-synchronization between two different FOHCSs is achieved by utilizing the different linear and nonlinear feedback control method in a short period and both remain in chaotic states. Numerical simulations are used to verify the theoretical analysis using different values of the fractional-order parameter and the different linear and nonlinear control functions.
ERRORLESS DESCRIPTION WITH TWO RULES OF CELLULAR AUTOMATA FOR DIGITAL SOUND DATA
Authors: KUROIWA JOUSUKE , NARA SHIGETOSHI
Published: September 2013

We investigate errorless and perfectly reproducible coding of real sound data by means of one-dimensional cellular automata with two states and three neighbors related with the viewpoint of "rule dynamics". In our previous studies, we have shown that only two rules in 1-2-3 CA are sufficient to generate all the patterns consisting of 16 bits. Moreover, it was shown that the digital data of several spoken words and music can be reproduced perfectly. However, the reason why two-rules set of 1-2-3 CA can generate errorless coding for digital sound data has been unknown. In addition, the potentiality of the description method, data compressibility and description ability, has been unknown. In the present paper, therefore, we present the proof that the two-rules set can generate arbitrary bit-pattern sequences. From computer experiments, the two-rules set of (#90, #180) is practical in realizing compressive coding for digital spoken-words and music data without reproducing errors.
A CENTRIFUGE TEST FOR THE DYNAMIC STABILITY OF ARCH DAM–ABUTMENT SYSTEMS
Authors: WANG JIN-TING , JIN FENG , ZHOU BING , ZHANG CHU-HAN
Published: September 2013

A centrifuge shaking table test was implemented for the first time to simulate the dynamic failure process of arch dam–abutment systems. The test procedure and results are presented in this paper. The test model was composed of an arch dam, left and right abutments, foundation, and reservoir. Three planes of weakness in the right abutment were artificially mounted to simulate potential sliding blocks in the abutment rock. The model was shaken inside a centrifuge using harmonic excitation with five different amplitudes. At the end of each harmonic excitation action, white noise excitation with lower amplitude was conducted to identify possible damage to the model. The dynamic response of the arch dam–water–abutment system was measured by accelerometers, strain gauges, and joint meters. The complete damage process was also observed. The test results demonstrate that the centrifuge shaking table test cannot only assess directly the failure mechanism of arch dam–abutment systems, but it could also provide a database to verify the nonlinear numerical procedure for stability analysis of arch dam–abutment systems.
Linear Beta Pricing with Inefficient Benchmarks
Authors: Diacogiannis George , Feldman David
Published: September 2013

Current asset pricing models require mean-variance efficient benchmarks, which are generally unavailable because of partial securitization and free float restrictions. We provide a pricing model that uses inefficient benchmarks, a two-beta model, one induced by the benchmark and one adjusting for its inefficiency. While efficient benchmarks induce zero-beta portfolios of the same expected return, any inefficient benchmark induces infinitely many zero-beta portfolios at all expected returns. These make market risk premiums empirically unidentifiable and explain empirically found dead betas and negative market risk premiums. We characterize other misspecifications that arise when using inefficient benchmarks with models that require efficient ones. We provide a space geometry description and analysis of the specifications and misspecifications. We enhance Roll (1980), Roll and Ross's (1994), and Kandel and Stambaugh's (1995) results by offering a "Two Fund Theorem," and by showing the existence of strict theoretical "zero relations" everywhere inside the portfolio frontier.
Highlights from the Asia Pacific Region
Authors: APPN Editorial Office
Published: September 2013

Quantum information technologies hold the promise of greatly outperforming traditional approaches in, e.g., cryptography, metrology and simulation. However, the ultimate goal of realizing scalable quantum computing has so far remained elusive, largely owing to the formidable difficulty in "wiring up" suitable quantum bits (qubits). In recent years, individual nitrogen-vacancy (NV-) defects in diamond have emerged as one of the most promising candidates for a solidstate qubit for two reasons. First, they possess the longest observed room-temperature coherence time of an electron spin (the qubit) to date; second, their spin can be initialized and measured with a nanoscale resolution using optical techniques under ambient conditions. However, interconnecting different NV- centres remains a big challenge. This problem is further exacerbated by the need for a large spatial separation between adjacent qubits, required for individual qubit addressability.
From Tunneling of Light to Tunneling of Sound – What's New in the Gradient Metamaterials?
Authors: Shvartsburg A.
Published: September 2013

While dreaming about these "interesting contributions" the researchers are looking often for the "white spots" in such attractive branches of modern science as astrophysics or nonlinear physics. However, these desired "spots" are concealed sometimes in the familiar branches of classical physics, where, at first appear, nothing unexpected could be found. An instructive example of such speck, which soon had grown up to the several cross-disciplinary fields of pure and applied physics, was given by the unique discovery — discovery of tunneling of waves phenomena; these enigmatic effects are provoking the rise and fall of ideas during almost a century till now.
Diagnosing fossilization in the Nordic Renaissance: an investigation into the correspondence of Ole Worm (1588–1654)
Authors: Hoch Ella
Published: September 2013

Ole Worm, Professor of Medicine at Copenhagen University 1624–1654, collected natural objects and artefacts with a view to letting students learn through observation and the touch of real things. Among the objects were fossils. Through Worm’s correspondence from 1607 to 1654, his growing understanding of petrifaction and petrifactions (fossilization and fossils) and its circumstantial background in the Nordic Renaissance has been investigated. Worm studied medicine with anatomy, botany and (iatro)chemistry at European universities. He began as Professor Pædagogicus and practising physician in Copenhagen in 1613 and he pursued interests in botany and in Nordic philology supported by King Christian IV. Objects for demonstrative instruction were obtained through his correspondents and were arranged systematically in Worm’s museum. The first fossils were identified chemically as petrified mollusc shells and wood, but without attention to species and original environment. With limited zoological knowledge and little field experience, but well trained in anatomical observation and description, and well read, Worm developed his understanding of fossils. He compared sharks’ teeth and
glossopetrae
, adding evidence to former comparisons. Christian orthodoxy was a barrier to geological and evolutionary thinking. Worm rejected superstition and prepared the way for the scientific comprehension of fossils in the Nordic cultural sphere.
The rate of production of uric acid by hepatocytes is a sensitive index of compromised cell ATP homeostasis
Authors: Petrie John L. , Patman Gillian L. , Sinha Ishita , Alexander Thomas D. , Reeves Helen L. , Agius Loranne
Published: September 2013

Plasma levels of uric acid, the final product of purine degradation in humans, are elevated in metabolic syndrome and are strongly associated with insulin resistance and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Hepatic and blood levels of purine metabolites (inosine, hypoxanthine, and xanthine) are also altered in pathophysiological states. We optimized a rat hepatocyte model to test the hypothesis that the production of uric acid by hepatocytes is a potential marker of compromised homeostasis of hepatocellular inorganic phosphate (Pi) and/or ATP. The basal rate of uric acid production from endogenous substrates in rat hepatocytes was comparable to that in human liver and was <10% of the maximum rate with saturating concentrations of purine substrates. It was marginally (∼20%) decreased by insulin and increased by glucagon but was stimulated more than twofold by substrates (fructose and glycerol) that lower both cell ATP and Pi, and by inhibitors of mitochondrial respiration (complexes I, III, and V) that lower ATP but raise cell Pi. Clearance of inosine and its degradation to uric acid were also inhibited by cell Pi depletion. Analysis of gene expression in NAFLD biopsies showed an association between mRNA expression of GCKR, the glucokinase regulatory protein that is functionally linked to uric acid production, and mRNA expression of the phosphate transporters encoded by SLC17A1/3. Uric acid production by hepatocytes is a very sensitive index of ATP depletion irrespective of whether cell Pi is lowered or raised. This suggests that raised plasma uric acid may be a marker of compromised hepatic ATP homeostasis.
Pancreatic β-cell function increases in a linear dose-response manner following exercise training in adults with prediabetes
Authors: Malin Steven K. , Solomon Thomas P. J. , Blaszczak Alecia , Finnegan Stephen , Filion Julianne , Kirwan John P.
Published: September 2013

Although some studies suggest that a linear dose-response relationship exists between exercise and insulin sensitivity, the exercise dose required to enhance pancreatic β-cell function is unknown. Thirty-five older obese adults with prediabetes underwent a progressive 12-wk supervised exercise intervention (5 days/wk for 60 min at ∼85% HRmax). Insulin and C-peptide responses to an OGTT were used to define the first- and second-phase disposition index (DI; β-cell function = glucose-stimulated insulin secretion × clamp-derived insulin sensitivity). Maximum oxygen consumption (V̇o2max) and body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and computed tomography) were also measured before and after the intervention. Exercise dose was computed using V̇o2/heart-rate derived linear regression equations. Subjects expended 474.5 ± 8.8 kcal/session (2,372.5 ± 44.1 kcal/wk) during the intervention and lost ∼8% body weight. Exercise increased first- and second-phase DI ( P < 0.05), and these changes in DI were linearly related to exercise dose (DIfirst phase: r = 0.54, P < 0.001; DIsecond phase: r = 0.56, P = 0.0005). Enhanced DI was also associated with increased V̇o2max (DIfirst phase: r = 0.36, P = 0.04; DIsecond phase: r = 0.41, P < 0.02) but not lower body fat (DIfirst phase: r = −0.21, P = 0.25; DIsecond phase: r = −0.30, P = 0.10) after training. Low baseline DI predicted an increase in DI after the intervention (DIfirst phase: r = −0.37; DIsecond phase: r = −0.41, each P < 0.04). Thus, exercise training plus weight loss increased pancreatic β-cell function in a linear dose-response manner in adults with prediabetes. Our data suggest that higher exercise doses (i.e., >2,000 kcal/wk) are necessary to enhance β-cell function in adults with poor insulin secretion capacity.
The dual face of parathyroid hormone and prostaglandins in the osteoimmune system
Authors: Agas Dimitrios , Marchetti Luigi , Capitani Melania , Sabbieti Maria Giovanna
Published: September 2013

The microenvironment of bone marrow, an extraordinarily heterogeneous and dynamic system, is populated by bone and immune cells, and its functional dimension has been at the forefront of recent studies in the field of osteoimmunology. The interaction of both marrow niches supports self-renewal, differentiation, and homing of the hematopoietic stem cells and provides the essential regulatory molecules for osteoblast and osteoclast homeostasis. Impaired signaling within the niches results in a pathological tableau and enhances disease, including osteoporosis and arthritis, or the rejection of hematopoietic stem cell transplants. Discovering the anabolic players that control these mechanisms has become warranted. In this review, we focus on parathyroid hormone (PTH) and prostaglandins (PGs), potent molecular mediators, both of which carry out a multitude of functions, particularly in bone lining cells and T cells. These two regulators proved to be promising therapeutic agents when strictly clinical protocols on dose treatments were applied.
Human blood contains both the uncleaved precursor of anti-Müllerian hormone and a complex of the NH2- and COOH-terminal peptides
Authors: Pankhurst Michael W. , McLennan Ian S.
Published: September 2013

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in blood is a marker of ovarian status in women and the presence of cryptic testes in babies. Despite this, the molecular form of AMH in blood has not been verified. AMH is synthesized as an inert proprotein precursor (proAMH), which can be cleaved to yield NH2-terminal (AMHN) and COOH-terminal (AMHC) fragments, that can complex noncovalently (AMHN,C). Developing males have 10-fold more AMH than young adults. We report here that human blood is a mixture of inactive proAMH and receptor-binding AMHN,C. The AMH in the blood of boys, men, and premenopausal women was immunoprecipitated using antibodies to the NH2- and COOH-terminal peptides. The precipitated proteins were then analyzed by Western blots, using recombinant proteins as markers. The glycosylation status of AMH was verified using deglycosylating enzymes. The NH2-terminal antibody precipitated a major protein that migrated alongside rhproAMH and was detected by anti-AMHNand anti-AMHC. This antibody also precipitated significant levels of AMHNand AMHCfrom all participants. Antibodies specific to AMHCprecipitated rhAMHCbut did not precipitate AMHCfrom human blood. Hence, all the AMHCin human blood appears to be bound to AMHN. Both AMHNand proAMH were glycosylated, independent of age and sex. In conclusion, boys and young adults have the same form of AMH, with a significant proportion being the inactive precursor. This raises the possibility that the endocrine functions of AMH are partly controlled by its cleavage in the target organ. The presence of proAMH in blood may confound the use of AMH for diagnosis.
Preferential impact of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A deficiency on visceral fat in mice on high-fat diet
Authors: Conover Cheryl A. , Harstad Sara L. , Tchkonia Tamar , Kirkland James L.
Published: September 2013

Accumulation of visceral fat, more so than subcutaneous fat, is strongly associated with severe metabolic complications. However, the factors regulating depot-specific adipogenesis are poorly understood. In this study, we show differential expression of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), a secreted regulator of local insulin-like growth factor (IGF) action, in adipose tissue of mice. PAPP-A mRNA expression was fivefold higher in visceral (mesenteric) fat compared with subcutaneous (inguinal, subscapular), perirenal, and brown fat of mice. To investigate the possible role of depot-specific PAPP-A expression in fat accumulation, wild-type (WT) and PAPP-A knockout (KO) mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for up to 20 wk. Adipocyte size increased in subcutaneous and perirenal depots similarly in WT and PAPP-A KO mice. However, fat cell size and in vivo lipid uptake were significantly reduced in mesenteric fat of PAPP-A KO compared with WT mice. After 20 wk on HFD, phosphorylation of AKT, a downstream signaling intermediate of IGF-I and insulin receptor activation, was significantly decreased by 50% in mesenteric compared with subcutaneous fat in WT mice, but was significantly increased threefold in mesenteric compared with subcutaneous fat in PAPP-A KO mice. This appeared to be because of enhanced insulin-stimulated signaling in mesenteric fat of PAPP-A KO mice. These data establish fat depot-specific expression of PAPP-A and indicate preferential impact of PAPP-A deficiency on visceral fat in the mouse that is associated with enhanced insulin receptor signaling. Thus, PAPP-A may be a potential target for treatment and/or prevention strategies for visceral obesity and related morbidities.
IL-6 and epinephrine have divergent fiber type effects on intramuscular lipolysis
Authors: MacDonald Tara L. , Wan Zhongxiao , Frendo-Cumbo Scott , Dyck David J. , Wright David C.
Published: September 2013

IL-6 is an exercise-regulated myokine that has been suggested to increase lipolysis in fast-twitch skeletal muscle. However, it is not known if a similar effect is present in slow-twitch muscle. Furthermore, epinephrine increases IL-6 secretion from skeletal muscle, suggesting that IL-6 could play a role in mediating the lipolytic effects of catecholamines. The purpose of this study was to determine whether IL-6 stimulates skeletal muscle lipolysis in a fiber type dependent manner and is required for epinephrine-stimulated lipolysis in murine skeletal muscle. Soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles from male C57BL/6J wild-type and IL-6−/− mice were incubated with 1 μM (183 ng/ml) epinephrine or 75 ng/ml recombinant IL-6 (rIL-6) for 60 min. IL-6 treatment increased 5′-AMP-activated protein kinase and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 phosphorylation and glycerol release in isolated EDL but not soleus muscles from C57BL/6J mice. Conversely, epinephrine increased glycerol release in soleus but not EDL muscles from C57BL/6J mice. Basal lipolysis was elevated in soleus muscle from IL-6−/− mice, and this was associated with increases in adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and its coactivator comparative gene identification-58 (CGI-58). The increase in ATGL content does not appear to be due to a loss of IL-6's direct effects, because ex vivo treatment with IL-6 failed to alter the expression of ATGL mRNA in soleus muscle. In summary, IL-6 stimulates lipolysis in glycolytic but not oxidative muscle, whereas the opposite fiber type effect is seen with epinephrine. The absence of IL-6 indirectly upregulates lipolysis, and this is associated with increases in ATGL and its coactivator CGI-58.
Feeding soy protein isolate and treatment with estradiol have different effects on mammary gland morphology and gene expression in weanling male and female rats
Authors: Miousse Isabelle R. , Sharma Neha , Blackburn Michael , Vantrease Jamie , Gomez-Acevedo Horacio , Hennings Leah , Shankar Kartik , Cleves Mario A. , Badger Thomas M. , Ronis Martin J. J.
Published: September 2013

Isoflavones are phytochemical components of soy diets that bind weakly to estrogen receptors (ERs). To study potential estrogen-like actions of soy in the mammary gland during early development, we fed weanling male and female Sprague-Dawley rats a semipurified diet with casein as the sole protein source from postnatal day 21 to 33, the same diet substituting soy protein isolate (SPI) for casein, or the casein diet supplemented with estradiol (E2) at 10 μg/kg/day. In contrast to E2, the SPI diet induced no significant change in mammary morphology. In males, there were 34 genes for which expression was changed ≥2-fold in the SPI group vs. 509 changed significantly by E2, and 8 vs. 174 genes in females. Nearly half of SPI-responsive genes in males were also E2 responsive, including adipogenic genes. Serum insulin was found to be decreased by the SPI diet in males. SPI and E2 both downregulated the expression of ERα ( Esr1) in males and females, and ERβ ( Esr2) only in males. Chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed an increased binding of ERα to the promoter of the progesterone receptor ( Pgr) and Esr1 in both SPI- and E2-treated males compared with the casein group but differential recruitment of ERβ. ER promoter binding did not correlate with differences in Pgr mRNA expression. This suggests that SPI fails to recruit appropriate co-activators at E2-inducible genes. Our results indicate that SPI behaves like a selective estrogen receptor modulator rather than a weak estrogen in the developing mammary gland.
RNA viruses and microRNAs: challenging discoveries for the 21st century
Authors: Swaminathan Gokul , Martin-Garcia Julio , Navas-Martin Sonia
Published: September 2013

RNA viruses represent the predominant cause of many clinically relevant viral diseases in humans. Among several evolutionary advantages acquired by RNA viruses, the ability to usurp host cellular machinery and evade antiviral immune responses is imperative. During the past decade, RNA interference mechanisms, especially microRNA (miRNA)-mediated regulation of cellular protein expression, have revolutionized our understanding of host-viral interactions. Although it is well established that several DNA viruses express miRNAs that play crucial roles in their pathogenesis, expression of miRNAs by RNA viruses remains controversial. However, modulation of the miRNA machinery by RNA viruses may confer multiple benefits for enhanced viral replication and survival in host cells. In this review, we discuss the current literature on RNA viruses that may encode miRNAs and the varied advantages of engineering RNA viruses to express miRNAs as potential vectors for gene therapy. In addition, we review how different families of RNA viruses can alter miRNA machinery for productive replication, evasion of antiviral immune responses, and prolonged survival. We underscore the need to further explore the complex interactions of RNA viruses with host miRNAs to augment our understanding of host-virus interplay.
miR in melanoma development: miRNAs and acquired hallmarks of cancer in melanoma
Authors: Bennett Paige E. , Bemis Lynne , Norris David A. , Shellman Yiqun G.
Published: September 2013

Melanoma is a very aggressive skin cancer with increasing incidence worldwide. MicroRNAs are small, noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression of targeted gene(s). The hallmark of cancer model outlined by Hanahan and Weinberg offers a meaningful framework to consider the roles of microRNAs in melanoma development and progression. In this systematic review of the literature, we associate what is known about deregulation of microRNAs and their targeted genes in melanoma development with the hallmarks and characteristics of cancer. The diagnostic and therapeutic potential of microRNAs for future melanoma management will also be discussed.
Coagulopathy and Extremely Elevated PT/INR after Dabigatran Etexilate Use in a Patient with End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Kim Joonseok , Yadava Mrinal , An In Chul , Sayeed Abrar , Laird-Fick Heather S. , Gourineni Venu , Abela George S.
Published: September 2013

Introduction.Dabigatran is an oral direct thrombin inhibitor which has been approved for prophylaxis of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. The use of dabigatran etexilate increased rapidly due to many benefits. However, questions have been raised constantly regarding the safety of dabigatran etexilate.Case.A 58-year-old Caucasian male with a history of recurrent paroxysmal atrial fibrillation status after pacemaker and end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis came to the Emergency Department with the complaint of severe epistaxis. He had been started on dabigatran 150 mg twice a day about 4 months ago as an outpatient by his cardiologist. His prothrombin time (PT) was 63 seconds with international normalized ratio (INR) of 8.8 and his activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) was 105.7 seconds. Otherwise, all labs were unremarkable including the liver function test. Dabigatran was stopped immediately. His INR and aPTT trended downward, reaching normal levels 5 days after admission.Conclusion.Dabigatran is contraindicated in patients with severe kidney insufficiency as it is predominantly excreted via the kidney (~80%). Elderly patients over 75 and patients with chronic renal impairment should be carefully evaluated before starting dabigatran. Despite studies showing only mild increase in aPTT and PT/INR in patients receiving dabigatran, close monitoring may be reasonable in patients with renal insufficiency.
Dynamic Analysis of Shear Flows over a Porous Medium in a Cylindrical Tube
Authors: Dwivedi J. P. , Singh V. P. , Lal Radha Krishna
Published: September 2013

Dynamic responses of a viscous fluid flow introduced under a time dependent pressure gradient in a rigid cylindrical tube subject to deformable porous surface layer have been investigated. The coupling effect of the fluid movement and the deformation of the porous medium in Laplace transform space have been studied. Governing equations are simplified for the solid displacement and the fluid velocity in the porous layer. Using Durbin's algorithm, in transformed domain analytic solutions are obtained, and time dependent variables are considered. Interaction between the solid and the fluid phases in the porous layer and its effects on fluid flow in tube are investigated under steady and unsteady flow conditions when the solid phase is either rigid or deformable. Significant effects of the porous surface layer on the flow in the tube have been observed.
Extraosseous Intra-Articular Osteochondroma
Authors: Mohanen Pragash , Palania Pillai Kumaresan , Rangasamy Kanagasabai
Published: September 2013

Background. Conventional osteochondromas are common bone lesions developing in the metaphyseal region of growing skeleton. Marginal excision is the treatment of choice for such tumours. Extraosseous cartilaginous tumours are rare and their biological potential is poorly characterized.Case Presentation. A-52-year old woman presented with 3-year history of fullness and dull pain and inability to flex her left knee, sit cross-legged, or squat. Clinical and imaging studies revealed a nodular mineralised mass in the anterior portion of the knee displacing the patellar tendon laterally. Excision biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of extraosseous osteochondroma-like soft tissue mass. There is no recurrence at two-year followup.Conclusion. An integrated clinicopathological diagnosis helps to clarify the nature of extraosseous cartilaginous tumour that can arise at an unusual anatomic site. Complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice.
Three Homoclinic Solutions for Second-Order -Laplacian Differential System
Authors: Guo Jia , Dai Bin-Xiang
Published: September 2013

We consider second-order -Laplacian differential system. By using three critical points theorem, we establish the new criterion to guarantee that this -Laplacian differential system has at least three homoclinic solutions. An example is presented to illustrate the main result.
Optimal Control Strategy for Traffic Driven Epidemic Spreading Based on Community Structure
Authors: Shao Fei , Jiang Guo-Ping
Published: September 2013

It is shown that community structure has a great impact on traffic transportation and epidemic spreading. The density of infected nodes and the epidemic threshold have been proven to have significant relationship with the node betweenness in traffic driven epidemic spreading method. In this paper, considering the impact of community structure on traffic driven epidemic spreading, an effective and novel strategy to control epidemic spreading in scale-free networks is proposed. Theoretical analysis shows that the new control strategy will obviously increase the ratio between the first and the second moments of the node betweenness distribution in scale-free networks. It is also found that the more accurate the community is identified, the stronger community structure the network has and the more efficient the control strategy is. Simulations on both computer-generated and real-world networks have confirmed the theoretical results.
Structural, Optical, and Magnetic Properties of Co Doped CdTe Alloy Powders Prepared by Solid-State Reaction Method
Authors: Rigana Begam M. , Rao N. Madhusudhana , Joshi Girish M. , Kaleemulla S. , Shobana M. , Sai Krishna N. , Kuppan M.
Published: September 2013

Co doped CdTe powder samples were prepared by solid-state reaction method. In the present work effect of Co doping on structural, optical, and magnetic properties has been studied. X-ray diffraction studies confirm zinc blend structure for all the samples. The lattice parameter showed linear increase with the increase in Co content. The elemental constituents were characterized by EDAX. Optical studies showed the increase in band gap with increase in Co level. The samples were diluted magnetic semiconductors and exhibited clear hysteresis loop showing room temperature ferromagnetism as confirmed by vibrating sample magnetometer.
Pulmonary Embolism as the First Manifestation of Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Vallianou N. , Lazarou V. , Tzangarakis J. , Barounis R. , Sioula E.
Published: September 2013

Multiple myeloma is considered a hypercoagulable state due to several mechanisms such as the increased IL-6 and immunoglobulins production, the defective fibrinolytic mechanism, and the acquired resistance to activated protein C that are involved in the pathogenesis and clinical futures of the disease. We describe a case of a female patient who presented to the hospital with pulmonary embolism as the first manifestation of the hypercoagulability of multiple myeloma.
Electronic Properties and Density of States of Self-Assembled GaSb/GaAs Quantum Dots
Authors: Nowozin T. , Wiengarten A. , Bonato L. , Bimberg D. , Lin Wei-Hsun , Lin Shih-Yen , Ajour M. N. , Daqrouq K. , Balamesh A. S.
Published: September 2013

The electronic properties of a self-assembled GaSb/GaAs QD ensemble are determined by capacitance-voltage (C-V) and deep-level transient spectroscopy (DLTS). The charging and discharging bias regions of the QDs are determined for different temperatures. With a value of 335 (±15) meV the localization energy is rather small compared to values previously determined for the same material system. Similarly, a very small apparent capture cross section is measured (1·10−16 cm2). DLTS signal analysis yields an equivalent to the ensemble density of states for the individual energies as well as the density function of the confinement energies of the QDs in the ensemble.
A Tool to Investigate Symmetry Properties of Newborns Brain: The Newborns’ Symmetric Brain Atlas
Authors: Noorizadeh Negar , Kazemi Kamran , Grebe Reinhard , Helfroush Mohammad Sadegh , Mahmoudzadeh Mahdi , Wallois Fabrice
Published: September 2013

It is well established that the two hemispheres of the human brain exhibit a certain degree of asymmetry. Postmortem studies of developing brains of pre- and postpartum infants have shown that already in this early stage of development Heschl gyrus, planum temporale and superior temporal sulcus (STS) exhibit pronounced asymmetry. Advances in acquisition and computational evaluation of high-resolution magnetic resonance images provide enhanced tools for noninvasive studies of brain asymmetry in newborns. Until now most atlases used for image processing contain themselves asymmetry and may thus introduce and/or increase asymmetry already contained in the original data of brain structural or functional images. So, it is preferable to avoid the application of these asymmetric atlases. Thus, in this paper we present our framework to create a symmetric brain atlas from a group of newborns aged between 39 and 42 weeks after gestation. The resulting atlas demonstrates no difference between its original and its flipped version as should be the case for an asymmetric atlas. Consequently, the resulting symmetric atlas can be used for applications such as analysis of development of brain asymmetry in the context of language development.
Screening prior to Breast Cancer Diagnosis: The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same
Authors: Friedman Erica B. , Chun Jennifer , Schnabel Freya , Schwartz Shira , Law Sidney , Billig Jessica , Ivanoff Erin , Moy Linda , Axelrod Deborah , Guth Amber
Published: September 2013

Purpose. In November 2009, the U.S. Preventative Service Task Force (USPSTF) revised their breast cancer screening guidelines. We evaluated the pattern of screening subsequent to the altered guidelines in a cohort of women.Methods. Our database was queried for the following variables: age, race, method of diagnosis, mass palpability, screening frequency, histology, and stage. Statistical analyses were performed using Pearson’s chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests.Results. 1112 women were diagnosed with breast cancer from January 2010 to 2012. The median age at diagnosis was 60 years. Most cancers were detected on mammography (61%). The majority of patients had invasive ductal carcinoma (59%), stage 0 (23%), and stage 1 (50%) cancers. The frequency of screening did not change significantly over time (P=0.30). However, nonregular screeners had an increased risk of being diagnosed with later stage breast cancer (P<0.001) and were more likely to present with a palpable mass compared to regular screeners (56% versus 21%;P<0.001).Conclusions. In our study, screening behavior did not significantly change in the years following the USPSTF guidelines. These results suggest that women who are not screened annually are at increased risk of a delay in breast cancer diagnosis, which may impact treatment options and outcomes.
Squamous Cell Papilloma of the Urinary Bladder Endoscopically Mimicking Cancer
Authors: Miliaras Dimosthenis , Vakalopoulos Ioannis , Anagnostou Eleftherios
Published: September 2013

Squamous cell lesions of the urinary bladder are generally rare. Herein we describe a case of 74-year-old male patient with a benign squamous cell papilloma. Histologically, the tumor presented extensive keratinization at its surface and showed no nuclear atypia or stromal invasion. The tumor cells were negative for HPV DNA. These lesions are extremely rare, and even though they are considered benign and non-HPV related, they should be followed, since recurrence has been reported.
Lyapunov-Type Inequality for a Class of Discrete Systems with Antiperiodic Boundary Conditions
Authors: Liu Xin-Ge , Tang Mei-Lan
Published: September 2013

A class of higher-order 3-dimensional discrete systems with antiperiodic boundary conditions is investigated. Based on the existence of the positive solution of linear homogeneous system, several new Lyapunov-type inequalities are established.
Stability and Bifurcation in Magnetic Flux Feedback Maglev Control System
Authors: Zhang Wen-Qing , Li Jie , Zhang Kun , Cui Peng
Published: September 2013

Nonlinear properties of magnetic flux feedback control system have been investigated mainly in this paper. We analyzed the influence of magnetic flux feedback control system on control property by time delay and interfering signal of acceleration. First of all, we have established maglev nonlinear model based on magnetic flux feedback and then discussed hopf bifurcation’s condition caused by the acceleration’s time delay. The critical value of delayed time is obtained. It is proved that the period solution exists in maglev control system and the stable condition has been got. We obtained the characteristic values by employing center manifold reduction theory and normal form method, which represent separately the direction of hopf bifurcation, the stability of the period solution, and the period of the period motion. Subsequently, we discussed the influence maglev system on stability of by acceleration’s interfering signal and obtained the stable domain of interfering signal. Some experiments have been done on CMS04 maglev vehicle of National University of Defense Technology (NUDT) in Tangshan city. The results of experiments demonstrate that viewpoints of this paper are correct and scientific. When time lag reaches the critical value, maglev system will produce a supercritical hopf bifurcation which may cause unstable period motion.
Performance and Emission Analysis of a CI Engine in Dual Mode with LPG and Karanja Oil Methyl Ester
Authors: Acharya S. K. , Jena S. P.
Published: September 2013

The use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is experimented with to improve the performance of a dual fuel compression ignition (CI) engine running on Karanja oil methyl ester (KOME) blends. Diesel is used as a reference fuel for the dual fuel engine results. During the experimentation, the engine performance is measured in terms of brake thermal efficiency (BTE) and brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC), and exhaust emission is measured in terms of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbon (HC), and oxides of nitrogen (). Dual fuel engine with LPG showed a reduction in and smoke emission; however, it suffers from high HC and CO emission, particularly, at lower loads due to poor ignition. Comparison of performance and emissions is done for diesel and blends of KOME. Results showed that using KOME blends (10% and 20%) has improved the CI engine performance with a reduction in HC and CO emissions.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Involving the Breast Parenchyma, Mimicker of Invasive Breast Cancer: Differentiation on Breast MRI
Authors: Dialani Vandana , Mani Kalpana , Johnson Nicole B.
Published: September 2013

Leukemic involvement of the breast is rare, particularly involvement by chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). While concurrent invasive ductal carcinoma and CLL manifesting as a collision tumor in the breast is extremely rare, this association (CLL and carcinoma) has been described in other organs. We report here a case of a 58-year-old woman with concurrent invasive ductal carcinoma and CLL and describe the imaging features of CLL, particularly the differentiation on MRI.
Fungal Keratitis Caused byDrechsleraspp. Treated with Voriconazole: A Case Report
Authors: Echavez Margarita I. , Agahan Archimedes Lee D. , Carino Noel S.
Published: September 2013

Objective. To present a case ofDrechsleraspp. keratitis treated with topical Voriconazole.Method. A case report.Results. A 52-year-old diabetic male presented with a one-week history of foreign body sensation of the left eye, self-medicated with Neomycin, Polymyxin B, and Dexamethasone eye drops, and was diagnosed to have bacterial conjunctivitis, which was treated with Levofloxacin drops. The patient developed a corneal opacity after 2 days and was initially seen with a visual acuity of counting fingers on the left eye, with a 3 mm central corneal ulcer with feathery borders. No hypopyon was noted. The right eye had a visual acuity of 20/20 and had unremarkable findings. Corneal scraping of the ulcer showed no organisms on Gram and Giemsa stain. Cultures were positive forDrechsleraspp. and patient was started on Natamycin drops every 15 minutes, Atropine drops 3× a day, and Levofloxacin was continued every 4 hours. The ulcer increased to 4 mm, the infiltrates became deeper involving the midstroma, and there was appearance of a 2 mm hypopyon. Natamycin was shifted to Voriconazole eye drops every 15 minutes. There was note of a decrease in the size of the ulcer and clearing of the infiltrates with the new treatment regimen. Final visual acuity after 29 days of treatment was 20/40 with note of a slight corneal haze in the area of the previous ulcer.Conclusion. Voriconazole may be safe and effective in the treatment ofDrechslerakeratitis. There was no perforation and there was immediate decrease in the size of the ulcer. This is the first known case ofDrechslerakeratitis treated with Voriconazole eye drops in the Philippines.
A Quasiphysics Intelligent Model for a Long Range Fast Tool Servo
Authors: Liu Qiang , Zhou Xiaoqin , Lin Jieqiong , Xu Pengzi , Zhu Zhiwei
Published: September 2013

Accurately modeling the dynamic behaviors of fast tool servo (FTS) is one of the key issues in the ultraprecision positioning of the cutting tool. Herein, a quasiphysics intelligent model (QPIM) integrating a linear physics model (LPM) and a radial basis function (RBF) based neural model (NM) is developed to accurately describe the dynamic behaviors of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuated long range fast tool servo (LFTS). To identify the parameters of the LPM, a novel Opposition-based Self-adaptive Replacement Differential Evolution (OSaRDE) algorithm is proposed which has been proved to have a faster convergence mechanism without compromising with the quality of solution and outperform than similar evolution algorithms taken for consideration. The modeling errors of the LPM and the QPIM are investigated by experiments. The modeling error of the LPM presents an obvious trend component which is about ±1.15% of the full span range verifying the efficiency of the proposed OSaRDE algorithm for system identification. As for the QPIM, the trend component in the residual error of LPM can be well suppressed, and the error of the QPIM maintains noise level. All the results verify the efficiency and superiority of the proposed modeling and identification approaches.
Study on Properties of Branched Hydrophobically Modified Polyacrylamide for Polymer Flooding
Authors: Shi Lei-Ting , Li Cheng , Zhu Shan-Shan , Xu Jie , Sun Bao-Zong , Ye Zhong-Bin
Published: September 2013

The effect of partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamides (HPAMs) used for polymer flooding is unsatisfactory under the conditions of high temperature and high salinity. In order to improve the viscosifying ability of HPAM, branched macromolecular skeleton monomer is used to change the linear backbone structure. A new branched hydrophobically modified polyacrylamide (BHMPAM) was synthesized by the free radical copolymerization of functionalized branched macromolecular skeleton monomer, acrylamide (AM), acrylic acid (AA), and hydrophobic monomer hexadecyl‐allyl‐dimethyl ammonium chloride (C16DMAAC). The properties of polymer solution were characterized; the results of the experiments showed that BHMPAM exhibited the properties of pseudoplastic fluid, and the viscosity of BHMPAM was 345.9 mPa·s (polymer concentration was 1750 mg/L) under the condition of 75°C and 9374 mg/L of salinity. Moreover, BHMPAM also performed well in viscoelasticity which can meet the property requirements for EOR polymer.