bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytologic and immunocytochemical characterization of feline progressive histiocytosis
Authors: Pinto da Cunha Nazaré , Ghisleni Gabriele , Scarampella Fabia , Fabbrini Fabrizio , Sforna Monica , Cornegliani Luisa , Caniatti Mario , Avallone Giancarlo , Moore Peter , Roccabianca Paola
Published: May 2014

Background

Feline Progressive Histiocytosis (FPH) is a cutaneous dendritic cell neoplasm characterized by slow progression and spread to internal organs in the terminal stage.FPHis often misdiagnosed as an inflammatory reaction and has not been fully characterized from a cytologic diagnostic perspective.

Objectives

The purpose of the study was to characterize the cytologic and immunocytochemical aspects useful forFPHdiagnosis.

Methods

Fine‐needle aspiration cytologic samples of 5 cases ofFPHconfirmed by skin biopsy and necropsy were evaluated. Immunocytochemistry with antibodies recognizingCD1a,CD1c,CD3,CD11b,CD18,CD21, andMHCIIwas performed on air‐dried, acetone‐fixed smears. E‐cadherin expression was assessed on paraffin‐embedded skin biopsies. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was performed in one case.

Results

Main cytologic findings on variably cellular samples were characterized by single to cohesive large, round to polygonal cells with intermediate to low N/C ratio, abundant clear homogeneous cytoplasm, and round to oval nuclei with rare bi‐ to multinucleated atypical cells, associated with low numbers of small lymphocytes and/or neutrophils. Neoplastic cells expressedCD1a,CD1c,CD11b,CD18, andMHCII. Anti‐CD3 antibodies identified reactive T cells admixed with the neoplastic cells. E‐cadherin expression was observed in all but one case.TEMfailed to identify Birbeck granules in one case.

Conclusions

FPHis a distinctive neoplastic lesion composed of nonphagocytizing histiocytes variably admixed with neutrophils and small mature lymphocytes. Immunocytochemical analysis withCD1 is mandatory to confirm a dendritic cell origin. Immunocytochemistry and cytomorphology allowed the specific and rapid diagnosis ofFPHon cytologic samples.
Oxidative stress increases in retinas of dogs in acute glaucoma but not in chronic glaucoma
Authors: Chen Thomas , Gionfriddo Juliet R. , Tai Pei‐Yi , Novakowski Anna N. , Alyahya Khaleel , Madl James E.
Published: May 2014

Objective

To test the hypothesis that oxidative stress occurs early in the pathogenesis of glaucoma in dogs.

Animals

Sections from eight control retinas and 25 retinas from dogs with primary glaucoma.

Methods

For retinas embedded in paraffin, sections were immunohistochemically stained for malondialdehyde (MDA) and 3‐nitrotyrosine (NT). For retinas embedded in plastic, serial 0.5‐μm sections were immunogold‐stained for total glutathione, taurine, and glutamate.

Results

Increased immunostaining forMDAandNT, markers of oxidative stress, occurred in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and other neurons in acute glaucoma, but not in chronic glaucoma. In minimally damaged regions, immunostaining for the antioxidant glutathione was decreased inRGCs, neurons of the inner nuclear layer (INL), and Müller cell processes. The loss of glutathione immunostaining inRGCs occurred without a decrease in glutamate immunostaining. Neurons with nuclear damage in theINLhad low levels of glutathione, taurine, and glutamate. In severely damaged regions, immunostaining for glutathione was increased in the remaining retinal tissue.

Conclusions

Immunohistochemical staining revealed an increase in markers of oxidative stress and loss of glutathione in neurons with minimal damage during acute glaucoma. Oxidative changes were no longer present in chronic glaucomatous retinas, suggesting transient oxidative stress occurs early in glaucoma. The loss of glutathione in minimally damaged regions occurred without a significant redistribution of glutamate, suggesting oxidative stress may occur before glutamate redistribution. Alteration in markers of oxidative stress occurs early in canine glaucoma, suggesting oxidative stress may contribute to subsequent glutamate redistribution and other damaging processes.
An injectivity theorem
Authors: Ambro Florin
Published: May 2014

We generalize the injectivity theorem of Esnault and Viehweg, and apply it to the structure of log canonical type divisors.
A theoretical investigation of the products in the Frankland reaction of dimethylzinc compounds with nitric oxide
Authors: Butler Ian S. , Gilson Denis F.R.
Published: May 2014

The structures of two products of the Frankland reaction of dimethylzinc with nitric oxide, CH3Zn[O·N(NO)CH3] and Zn[O·N(NO)CH3]2, have been calculated using the Gaussian 03 revision B.02 programs. The more stable form of the 2:1 compound has a closed structure (II) with an energy difference of 90.7 kJ mol−1 from the open structure (I) and a barrier to conversion of 94.9 kJ mol−1. The structure of the 4:1 compound is a spiroform (III) 21.8 kJ mol−1 more stable than the planar structure, with no barrier to conversion. Some of the calculated vibrational data for structures II and III are also reported and compared with those available in the literature from previous experimental infrared and Raman measurements.
Fish growth and degree-days II: selecting a base temperature for an among-population study
Authors: Chezik Kyle A. , Lester Nigel P. , Venturelli Paul A.
Published: May 2014

The degree-day (DD) is a method of describing the thermal opportunity for growth and development and is becoming increasingly popular when comparing fish growth over large spatial scales (e.g., counter-gradient growth). Temperatures too cold to permit growth are excluded in the DD equation by incorporating a lower temperature threshold (To). However, there is no convention for choosing To, and unknown is the effect of an incorrect Toon how growth is perceived. We simulate data to demonstrate how an incorrect Tomay lead to differences in temperature-corrected growth rates among populations. These differences increase with the error in Toand the thermal range among simulated populations. We then show the same relationships in an analysis of length-at-age data from 81 walleye (Sander vitreus) populations in North America. Together, our results demonstrate that differences in temperature-corrected growth rates among populations can be a statistical artifact rather than a biological phenomenon, especially when populations are distributed over a large thermal gradient.
Genotyping ofYersinia enterocoliticabiotype 1A strains from clinical and nonclinical origins by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis
Authors: Campioni Fábio , Falcão Juliana P.
Published: May 2014

Yersinia enterocolitica biotype 1A (B1A) strains are considered mainly nonpathogenic. However, some studies considered strains of this biotype to be the causal agents of infections in humans and animals. In South America, there are no studies that have compared clinical and nonclinical strains of B1A typed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and none that have compared the capability of different enzymes on typing these strains. This study typed 51 Y. enterocolitica B1A strains isolated in Brazil and Chile by PFGE, testing the enzymes XbaI, NotI, and XhoI. The resulting dendrograms discriminated the strains in 47, 40, and 49 pulsotypes generated by the cleavage with the enzymes XbaI, NotI, and XhoI, respectively. The majority of the strains were grouped independently of their clinical or nonclinical origins. The high discriminatory power of PFGE confirmed the heterogeneity of B1A strains but could not divide the strains studied into clusters that differed in the frequency of some virulence genes as observed in studies using other methodologies.
Research on Control Method Based on Real-Time Operational Reliability Evaluation for Space Manipulator
Authors: Wang Yifan , Gao Xin , Sun Hanxu , Jia Qingxuan , Zhao Wencan , Du Mingtao
Published: May 2014

A control method based on real-time operational reliability evaluation for space manipulator is presented for improving the success rate of a manipulator during the execution of a task. In this paper, a method for quantitative analysis of operational reliability is given when manipulator is executing a specified task; then a control model which could control the quantitative operational reliability is built. First, the control process is described by using a state space equation. Second, process parameters are estimated in real time using Bayesian method. Third, the expression of the system's real-time operational reliability is deduced based on the state space equation and process parameters which are estimated using Bayesian method. Finally, a control variable regulation strategy which considers the cost of control is given based on the Theory of Statistical Process Control. It is shown via simulations that this method effectively improves the operational reliability of space manipulator control system.
Suprascapular Notch Asymmetry: A Study on 311 Patients
Authors: Polguj Michał , Sibiński Marcin , Grzegorzewski Andrzej , Grzelak Piotr , Stefańczyk Ludomir , Topol Mirosław
Published: May 2014

The most important risk factor of suprascapular nerve entrapment is probably the shape of the suprascapular notch (SSN). The aim of the study was to perform a radiological study of the symmetry of SSN. Included in the study were 311 patients (137 women and 174 men) who underwent standard computed tomography investigation of the chest. A total of 622 computed tomography scans of scapulae were retrospectively analyzed to classify suprascapular notches into five types. Suprascapular notch was recognized as a symmetrical feature in 53.45% of the patients. Symmetry was more frequently seen in females (54.0% versus 52.9%), but not to any significant degree (P=0.8413). Type III was the most commonly noted symmetrical feature (66.9%) and type II was less common (0.6%). Type III was the most symmetrical type of suprascapular notch, occurring significantly more often as a symmetrical feature in comparison with type I (P<0.0001), type II (P=0.00137), or type IV (P=0.001). Our investigation did not show that the suprascapular notch is a symmetrical feature. However, symmetry was recognized more frequently in the case of type III SSN. No significant differences in symmetry were found with regard to sex.
Optimal Line Pressure Control for an Automatic Transmission-Based Parallel Hybrid Electric Vehicle considering Mode Change and Gear Shift
Authors: Song Minseok , Oh Joseph , Choi Seokhwan , Kim Youngchul , Kim Hyunsoo
Published: May 2014

An optimal line pressure control algorithm was proposed for the fuel economy improvement of an AT-based parallel hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). By performing lever analysis at each gear step, the required line pressure was obtained considering the torque ratio of the friction elements. In addition, the required line pressure of the mode clutch was calculated. Based on these results, the optimal line pressure map at each gear step of the EV and HEV modes was presented. Using the line pressure map, an optimal line pressure was performed for the AT input torque and mode. To investigate the proposed line pressure control algorithm, a HEV performance simulator was developed based on the powertrain model of the target HEV, and fuel economy improvement was evaluated. Simulation results showed that as the gear step became higher, the optimal line pressure control could reduce the hydraulic power loss, which gave a 2.2% fuel economy improvement compared to the existing line pressure control for the FTP-72 mode.
Zeros for the Gradients of WeaklyA-Harmonic Tensors
Authors: Tong Yuxia , Gu Jiantao , Zheng Shenzhou
Published: May 2014

The Caccioppoli inequality of weaklyA-harmonic tensors has been proved, which can be used to consider the weak reverse Hölder inequality, regularity property, and zeros of weaklyA-harmonic tensors.
Interferometric Dynamic Measurement: Techniques Based on High-Speed Imaging or a Single Photodetector
Authors: Fu Yu , Pedrini Giancarlo , Li Xide
Published: May 2014

In recent years, optical interferometry-based techniques have been widely used to perform noncontact measurement of dynamic deformation in different industrial areas. In these applications, various physical quantities need to be measured in any instant and the Nyquist sampling theorem has to be satisfied along the time axis on each measurement point. Two types of techniques were developed for such measurements: one is based on high-speed cameras and the other uses a single photodetector. The limitation of the measurement range along the time axis in camera-based technology is mainly due to the low capturing rate, while the photodetector-based technology can only do the measurement on a single point. In this paper, several aspects of these two technologies are discussed. For the camera-based interferometry, the discussion includes the introduction of the carrier, the processing of the recorded images, the phase extraction algorithms in various domains, and how to increase the temporal measurement range by using multiwavelength techniques. For the detector-based interferometry, the discussion mainly focuses on the single-point and multipoint laser Doppler vibrometers and their applications for measurement under extreme conditions. The results show the effort done by researchers for the improvement of the measurement capabilities using interferometry-based techniques to cover the requirements needed for the industrial applications.
New Integral Inequalities with Weakly Singular Kernel for Discontinuous Functions and Their Applications to Impulsive Fractional Differential Systems
Authors: Shao Jing
Published: May 2014

Some new integral inequalities with weakly singular kernel for discontinuous functions are established using the method of successive iteration and properties of Mittag-Leffler function, which can be used in the qualitative analysis of the solutions to certain impulsive fractional differential systems.
Immature Teratoma after Three Laparoscopic Resections for Mature Cystic Teratomas
Authors: Nishioka Kazuhiro , Furukawa Naoto , Noguchi Taketoshi , Kajihara Hirotaka , Horie Kiyoshige
Published: May 2014

We report a case in which an immature teratoma developed following three previous resections for mature cystic teratomas. The patient was a 26-year-old nulliparous woman with a regular menstrual cycle. Twelve years earlier, she had consulted a pediatrician for complaints of lower abdominal pain. Bilateral cystic teratomas were suspected and she underwent a left salpingo-oophorectomy and a right cystectomy laparoscopically, and bilateral mature cystic teratomas were diagnosed histologically. She underwent a right cystectomy twice afterwards and mature cystic teratomas were diagnosed. Three years after the third surgery, a regular checkup performed annually for ovarian cyst recurrence revealed a 9.3 cm ovarian cyst by ultrasonography without marker elevation or complaint of symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a 10 cm multilocular cyst, including a part with heterogeneous medium and high-signal intensity on T2-weighted images, which revealed enhancement on dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI unlike the previous images. Ovarian tumors, including immature teratomas and malignancy, were considered. She had a strong wish to undergo laparoscopic surgery. She was diagnosed with an immature teratoma, grade 1 of the right ovary. Although the frequency of recurrence of immature teratomas after resection of mature cystic teratomas is very low, regular checkups are necessary because there may be no associated symptoms.
Efficient Certificate-Based Signcryption Secure against Public Key Replacement Attacks and Insider Attacks
Authors: Lu Yang , Li Jiguo
Published: May 2014

Signcryption is a useful cryptographic primitive that achieves confidentiality and authentication in an efficient manner. As an extension of signcryption in certificate-based cryptography, certificate-based signcryption preserves the merits of certificate-based cryptography and signcryption simultaneously. In this paper, we present an improved security model of certificate-based signcryption that covers both public key replacement attack and insider security. We show that an existing certificate-based signcryption scheme is insecure in our model. We also propose a new certificate-based signcryption scheme that achieves security against both public key replacement attacks and insider attacks. We prove in the random oracle model that the proposed scheme is chosen-ciphertext secure and existentially unforgeable. Performance analysis shows that the proposed scheme outperforms all the previous certificate-based signcryption schemes in the literature.
References of Birth Weights for Gestational Age and Sex from a Large Cohort of Singleton Births in Cameroon
Authors: Kemfang Ngowa Jean Dupont , Domkam Irénée , Ngassam Anny , Nguefack-Tsague Georges , Dobgima Pisoh Walter , Noa Cyrille , Kasia Jean Marie
Published: May 2014

Objective.To establish the percentile charts of birth weights for gestational age and sex within the Cameroonian population.Methods.A review of medical records of infants born between January 2007 and December 2011 at the maternities of two hospitals in Cameroon, Central Africa. Multiple pregnancies, births of HIV infected women, stillbirths, and births with major fetal malformations were excluded. The smooth curves of birth weight for gestational age and sex were created using the Gamlss package under R.3.0.1 software.Results.The birth weights of 12837 live birth singleton infants born to HIV negative women between 28 and 42 weeks of gestation were analyzed to construct the birth weight curves for gestational age and sex. The smoothed percentile curves of birth weights for gestational age and sex of Cameroonian infants have demonstrated an increasing slope until 40 weeks and then a plateau. There was a varied difference of distribution in birth weights for gestational age between Cameroonian, Botswanan, American, and French infants.Conclusion.We established the reference curves of birth weights for gestational age and sex for Cameroonians. The difference in birth weight curves noted between Cameroonian, Botswanan, American, and French infants suggests the importance of establishing the regional birth weight norms.
On Bounds of Eigenvalues of Complex Sturm-Liouville Boundary Value Problems
Authors: Jian Wenwen , Sun Huaqing
Published: May 2014

The paper is concerned with eigenvalues of complex Sturm-Liouville boundary value problems. Lower bounds on the real parts of all eigenvalues are given in terms of the coefficients of the corresponding equation and the bound on the imaginary part of each eigenvalue is obtained in terms of the coefficients of this equation and the real part of the eigenvalue.
Two‐Dimensional Fuzzy Sliding Mode Control of a Field‐Sensed Magnetic Suspension System
Authors: Li Jen-Hsing , Chiou Juing-Shian
Published: May 2014

This paper presents the two‐dimensional fuzzy sliding mode control of a field‐sensed magnetic suspension system. The fuzzy rules include both the sliding manifold and its derivative. The fuzzy sliding mode control has advantages of the sliding mode control and the fuzzy control rules are minimized. Magnetic suspension systems are nonlinear and inherently unstable systems. The two‐dimensional fuzzy sliding mode control can stabilize the nonlinear systems globally and attenuate chatter effectively. It is adequate to be applied to magnetic suspension systems. New design circuits of magnetic suspension systems are proposed in this paper. ARM Cortex‐M3 microcontroller is utilized as a digital controller. The implemented driver, sensor, and control circuits are simpler, more inexpensive, and effective. This apparatus is satisfactory for engineering education. In the hands‐on experiments, the proposed control scheme markedly improves performances of the field‐sensed magnetic suspension system.
Sufficient Conditions on the Exponential Stability of Neutral Stochastic Differential Equations with Time-Varying Delays
Authors: Tian Yanwei , Chen Baofeng
Published: May 2014

The exponential stability is investigated for neutral stochastic differential equations with time-varying delays. Based on the Lyapunov stability theory and linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) technique, some delay-dependent criteria are established to guarantee the exponential stability in almost sure sense. Finally a numerical example is provided to illustrate the feasibility of the result.
Preparation of BiVO4‐Graphene Nanocomposites and Their Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Xu Xuan , Zou Qiulin , Yuan Yunsong , Ji Fangying , Fan Zihong , Zhou Bi
Published: May 2014

We prepared BiVO4‐graphene nanocomposites by using a facile single‐step method and characterized the material by x‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet‐visible diffuse‐reflection spectroscopy, and three‐dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy. The results show that graphene oxide in the catalyst was thoroughly reduced. The BiVO4 is densely dispersed on the graphene sheets, which facilitates the transport of electrons photogenerated in BiVO4, thereby leading to an efficient separation of photogenerated carriers in the coupled graphene‐nanocomposite system. For degradation of rhodamine B dye under visible‐light irradiation, the photocatalytic activity of the synthesized nanocomposites was over ∼20% faster than for pure BiVO4 catalyst. To study the contribution of electrons and holes in the degradation reaction, silver nitrate and potassium sodium tartrate were added to the BiVO4‐graphene photocatalytic reaction system as electron‐trapping agent and hole‐trapping agent, respectively. The results show that holes play the main role in the degradation of rhodamine B.
In Silico Insight into Potent of Anthocyanin Regulation of FKBP52 to Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Hung Tzu-Chieh , Chang Tung-Ti , Fan Ming-Jen , Lee Cheng-Chun , Chen Calvin Yu-Chian
Published: May 2014

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is caused by the hyperphosphorylation of Tau protein aggregation. FKBP52 (FK506 binding protein 52) has been found to inhibit Tau protein aggregation. This study found six different kinds of anthocyanins that have high binding potential. After analyzing the docking positions, hydrophobic interactions, and hydrogen bond interactions, several amino acids were identified that play important roles in protein and ligand interaction. The proteins’ variation is described using eigenvectors and the distance between the amino acids during a molecular dynamics simulation (MD). This study investigates the three loops based around Glu85, Tyr113, and Lys121—all of which are important in inducing FKBP52 activation. By performing a molecular dynamic simulation process between unbound proteins and the protein complex with FK506, it was found that ligand targets that docked onto the FK1 domain will decrease the distance between Glu85/Tyr113 and Glu85/Lys121. The FKBP52 structure variation may induce FKBP52 activation and inhibit Tau protein aggregation. The results indicate that anthocyanins might change the conformation of FKBP52 during binding. In addition, the purple anthocyanins, such as cyanidin‐3‐glucoside and malvidin‐3‐glucoside, might be better than FK506 in regulating FKBP52 and treating Alzheimer’s disease.
Solving Minimum Cost Three-Dimensional Localization Problem in Ocean Sensor Networks
Authors: Zhang Chao , Liu Yingjian , Guo Zhongwen , Wang Yu
Published: May 2014

Localization is one of the most fundamental problems in wireless sensor networks (including ocean sensor networks). Current localization algorithms mainly focus on how to localize as many sensors as possible given a set of mobile or static anchor nodes and distance measurements. In this paper, we consider an optimization problem, the minimum cost three-dimensional (3D) localization problem, in an ocean sensor network, which aims to localize all underwater sensors using the minimum number of anchor nodes or the minimum travel distance of the surface vessel which deploys and measures the anchors. Given the hardness of 3D localization, we propose a set of greedy methods to pick the anchor set and its visiting sequence. Aiming at minimizing the localization errors, we also adopt a confidence-based approach for all proposed methods to deal with noisy ranging measurements (which is very common in ocean sensor networks) and possible flip ambiguity. Our simulation results demonstrate the efficiency of all proposed methods.
An Integrated Model for Production and Distribution Planning of Perishable Products with Inventory and Routing Considerations
Authors: Seyedhosseini S. M. , Ghoreyshi S. M.
Published: May 2014

In many conventional supply chains, production planning and distribution planning are treated separately. However, it is now demonstrated that they are mutually related problems that must be tackled in an integrated way. Hence, in this paper a new integrated production and distribution planning model for perishable products is formulated. The proposed model considers a supply chain network consisting of a production facility and multiple distribution centers. The facility produces a single perishable product that is storable only for predetermined periods. A homogenous fleet of vehicles is responsible for delivering the product from facility to distribution centers. The decisions to be made are the production quantities, the distribution centers that must be visited, and the quantities to be delivered to them. The objective is to minimize the total cost, where the trip minimization is considered simultaneously. As the proposed formulation is computationally complex, a heuristic method is developed to tackle the problem. In the developed method, the problem is divided into production submodel and distribution submodel. The production submodel is solved using LINGO, and a particle swarm heuristic is developed to tackle distribution submodel. Efficiency of the algorithm is proved through a number of randomly generated test problems.
Gradient‐Based Cuckoo Search for Global Optimization
Authors: Fateen Seif-Eddeen K. , Bonilla-Petriciolet Adrián
Published: May 2014

One of the major advantages of stochastic global optimization methods is the lack of the need of the gradient of the objective function. However, in some cases, this gradient is readily available and can be used to improve the numerical performance of stochastic optimization methods specially the quality and precision of global optimal solution. In this study, we proposed a gradient‐based modification to the cuckoo search algorithm, which is a nature‐inspired swarm‐based stochastic global optimization method. We introduced the gradient‐based cuckoo search (GBCS) and evaluated its performance vis‐à‐vis the original algorithm in solving twenty‐four benchmark functions. The use of GBCS improved reliability and effectiveness of the algorithm in all but four of the tested benchmark problems. GBCS proved to be a strong candidate for solving difficult optimization problems, for which the gradient of the objective function is readily available.
Flow Characteristics of the Raw Sewage for the Design of Sewage-Source Heat Pump Systems
Authors: Xu Ying , Wu Yuebin , Sun Qiang
Published: May 2014

The flow characteristics of raw sewage directly affect the technical and economic performance of sewage-source heat pump systems. The purpose of this research is to characterize the flow characteristics of sewage by experimental means. A sophisticated and flexible experimental apparatus was designed and constructed. Then the flow characteristics of the raw sewage were studied through laboratorial testing and theoretical analyses. Results indicated that raw sewage could be characterized as a power-law fluid with the rheological exponentnbeing 0.891 and the rheological coefficientkbeing 0.00175. In addition, the frictional loss factor formula in laminar flow for raw sewage was deduced by theoretical analysis of the power-law fluid. Furthermore, an explicit empirical formula for the frictional loss factor in turbulent flow was obtained through curve fitting of the experimental data. Finally, the equivalent viscosity of the raw sewage is defined in order to calculate the Reynolds number in turbulent flow regions; it was found that sewage had two to three times the viscosity of water at the same temperature. These results contributed to appropriate parameters of fluid properties when designing and operating sewage-source heat pump systems.
Corrosion Problems in Incinerators and Biomass-Fuel-Fired Boilers
Authors: Mudgal Deepa , Singh Surendra , Prakash Satya
Published: May 2014

Incinerators are widely used to burn the municipal waste, biowaste, wood, straw, and biomedical waste. Combustion of these types of waste results in generation of chlorides of sodium and potassium which may attack the metallic part of the incinerator. In biofuel-fired boilers, similar type of highly corrosive environment is present. Attempt has been made to review the corrosion problems and their solutions as per the available literature.
Effects of a Cooperative Learning Strategy on the Effectiveness of Physical Fitness Teaching and Constraining Factors
Authors: Lee Tsui-Er
Published: May 2014

The effects of cooperative learning and traditional learning on the effectiveness and constraining factors of physical fitness teaching under various teaching conditions were studied. Sixty female students in Grades 7–8 were sampled to evaluate their learning of health and physical education (PE) according to the curriculum for Grades 1–9 in Taiwan. The data were quantitatively and qualitatively collected and analyzed. The overall physical fitness of the cooperative learning group exhibited substantial progress between the pretest and posttest, in which the differences in the sit‐and‐reach and bent‐knee sit‐up exercises achieved statistical significance. The performance of the cooperative learning group in the bent‐knee sit‐up and 800 m running exercises far exceeded that of the traditional learning group. Our qualitative data indicated that the number of people grouped before a cooperative learning session, effective administrative support, comprehensive teaching preparation, media reinforcement, constant feedback and introspection regarding cooperative learning strategies, and heterogeneous grouping are constraining factors for teaching PE by using cooperative learning strategies. Cooperative learning is considered an effective route for attaining physical fitness among students. PE teachers should consider providing extrinsic motivation for developing learning effectiveness.
Homomorphisms between Algebras of Holomorphic Functions
Authors: Dimant Verónica , García Domingo , Maestre Manuel , Sevilla-Peris Pablo
Published: May 2014

For two complex Banach spacesXandY, in this paper, we study the generalized spectrumℳb(X,Y)of all nonzero algebra homomorphisms fromℋb(X), the algebra of all bounded type entire functions onX, intoℋb(Y). We endowℳb(X,Y)with a structure of Riemann domain overℒ(X*,Y*)wheneverXis symmetrically regular. The size of the fibers is also studied. Following the philosophy of (Aron et al., 1991), this is a step to study the setℳb,∞(X,BY)of all nonzero algebra homomorphisms fromℋb(X)intoℋ∞(BY)of bounded holomorphic functions on the open unit ball ofYandℳ∞(BX,BY)of all nonzero algebra homomorphisms fromℋ∞(BX)intoℋ∞(BY).
Impact of Livestock Exclusion on Sidi Toui National Park Vegetation Communities, Tunisia
Authors: Tarhouni Mohamed , Ben Salem Farah , Ouled Belgacem Azaiez , Neffati Mohamed
Published: May 2014

The restoration technique importance resides on the assessment of its impact on biodiversity. This assessment is possible by the use of some environmental indicators extracted from a diachronic study of land cover changes in protected areas. Our study is carried out with the evaluation of some indicators inside Sidi Toui national park. These indicators are measured on the one hand from a land cover map of 1988 (3 years before the creation of the park) and the map of 2007 on the other hand (16 years after the park creation). An important landscape heterogeneity, as a result of the progressive vegetation dynamic, was observed in 2007. This heterogeneity is indicated by an increasing of the Shannon diversity index under fencing impacts. The majority of 1988 vegetation units are replaced by new ones in 2007. The cover of all vegetation units is more important in 2007.
Stability and Hopf-Bifurcating Periodic Solution for Delayed Hopfield Neural Networks withnNeuron
Authors: Mohammadinejad Haji Mohammad , Moslehi Mohammad Hadi
Published: May 2014

We consider a system of delay differential equations which represents the general model of a Hopfield neural networks type. We construct some new sufficient conditions for local asymptotic stability about the trivial equilibrium based on the connection weights and delays of the neural system. We also investigate the occurrence of an Andronov-Hopf bifurcation about the trivial equilibrium. Finally, the simulating results demonstrate the validity and feasibility of our theoretical results.
Analytical Results Connecting Stellar Structure Parameters and Extended Reaction Rates
Authors: Haubold Hans J. , Kumar Dilip
Published: May 2014

Possible modification in the velocity distribution in the nonresonant reaction rates leads to an extended reaction rate probability integral. The closed form representation for these thermonuclear functions is used to obtain the stellar luminosity and neutrino emission rates. The composite parameter 𝒞 that determines the standard nuclear reaction rate through the Maxwell-Boltzmann energy distribution is extended to 𝒞* by the extended reaction rates through a more general distribution than the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution. The new distribution is obtained by the pathway model introduced by Mathai (2005). Simple analytic models considered by various authors are utilized for evaluating stellar luminosity and neutrino emission rates and are obtained in generalized special functions such as Meijer's G-function and Fox's H-function. The standard and extended nonresonant thermonuclear functions are compared by plotting them. Behaviour of the new energy distribution, which is more general than the Maxwell-Boltzmann, is also studied.
Global Regularity for the 2D Micropolar Fluid Flows with Mixed Partial Dissipation and Angular Viscosity
Authors: Zhang Zujin
Published: May 2014

This paper establishes the global existence and uniqueness of classical solutions to the 2D micropolar fluid flows with mixed partial dissipation and angular viscosity.
A Hierarchical Framework Approach for Voice Activity Detection and Speech Enhancement
Authors: Zhang Yan , Tang Zhen-min , Li Yan-ping , Luo Yang
Published: May 2014

Accurate and effective voice activity detection (VAD) is a fundamental step for robust speech or speaker recognition. In this study, we proposed a hierarchical framework approach for VAD and speech enhancement. The modified Wiener filter (MWF) approach is utilized for noise reduction in the speech enhancement block. For the feature selection and voting block, several discriminating features were employed in a voting paradigm for the consideration of reliability and discriminative power. Effectiveness of the proposed approach is compared and evaluated to other VAD techniques by using two well-known databases, namely, TIMIT database and NOISEX-92 database. Experimental results show that the proposed method performs well under a variety of noisy conditions.
Design and Characteristic Analysis of Multicarrier Chaotic Phase Coded Radar Pulse Train Signal
Authors: Huang Qiongdan , Li Yong , Zeng Yaoping , Fu Yinjuan
Published: May 2014

By introducing phase code into multicarrier orthogonal frequency division multiplex signal, the multicarrier phase coded (MCPC) radar signal possesses a good spectrum utilization rate and can achieve a good combination of narrowband and wideband processing. Radar pulse train signal not only reserves the high range resolution of monopulse signal, but also has the same velocity resolution performance as continuous wave signal does. In this study, we use the chaotic biphase code generated by Chebyshev mapping to conduct a phase modulation on MCPC pulse train so as to design two different types of multicarrier chaotic phase coded pulse train signal. The ambiguity functions of the two pulse train signals are compared with that of P4 code MCPC pulse train. In addition, we analyze the influences of subcarrier number, phase-modulated bit number, and period number on the pulse train’s autocorrelation performance. The low probability of intercept (LPI) performance of the two signals is also discussed. Simulation results show that the designed pulse train signals have a thumbtack ambiguity function, a periodic autocorrelation side lobe lower than P4 code MCPC pulse train, and excellent LPI performance, as well as the feature of waveform diversity.
Gene Expression Profile Analysis in Epilepsy by Using the Partial Least Squares Method
Authors: Wang Dong , Song Xixiao , Wang Yan , Li Xia , Jia Shanshan , Wang Zhijing
Published: May 2014

Purpose. Epilepsy is a common chronic neurological disorder. We aim to investigate the underlying mechanism of epilepsy with partial least squares- (PLS-) based gene expression analysis, which is more sensitive than routine variance/regression analysis.Methods. Two microarray data sets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. PLS analysis was used to identify differentially expressed genes. Gene ontology and network analysis were also implemented.Results. A total of 752 genes were identified to be differentially expressed, including 575 depressed and 177 overexpressed genes in patients. For GO enrichment analysis, except for processes related to the nervous system, we also identified overrepresentation of dysregulated genes in angiogenesis. Network analysis revealed two hub genes,CUL3andEP300, which may serve as potential targets in further therapeutic studies.Conclusion. Our results here may provide new understanding for the underlying mechanisms of epilepsy pathogenesis and will offer potential targets for producing new treatments.
Paragangliomas/Pheochromocytomas: Clinically Oriented Genetic Testing
Authors: Martins Rute , Bugalho Maria João
Published: May 2014

Paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors that arise in the sympathetic or parasympathetic nervous system. Sympathetic paragangliomas are mainly found in the adrenal medulla (designated pheochromocytomas) but may also have a thoracic, abdominal, or pelvic localization. Parasympathetic paragangliomas are generally located at the head or neck. Knowledge concerning the familial forms of paragangliomas has greatly improved in recent years. Additionally to the genes involved in the classical syndromic forms:VHLgene (von Hippel-Lindau),RETgene (Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2), andNF1gene (Neurofibromatosis type 1), 10 novel genes have so far been implicated in the occurrence of paragangliomas/pheochromocytomas:SDHA, SDHB, SDHC, SDHD, SDHAF2, TMEM127, MAX, EGLN1, HIF2A,andKIF1B. It is currently accepted that about 35% of the paragangliomas cases are due to germline mutations in one of these genes. Furthermore, somatic mutations ofRET, VHL, NF1, MAX, HIF2A,andH-RAScan also be detected. The identification of the mutation responsible for the paraganglioma/pheochromocytoma phenotype in a patient may be crucial in determining the treatment and allowing specific follow-up guidelines, ultimately leading to a better prognosis. Herein, we summarize the most relevant aspects regarding the genetics and clinical aspects of the syndromic and nonsyndromic forms of pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma aiming to provide an algorithm for genetic testing.
Selective Age Effects on Visual Attention and Motor Attention during a Cued Saccade Task
Authors: Huddleston Wendy E. , Ernest Brad E. , Keenan Kevin G.
Published: May 2014

Objective. Visual information is often used to guide purposeful movement. However, older adults have impaired responses to visual information, leading to increased risk for injuries and potential loss of independence. We evaluated distinct visual and motor attention contributions to a cued saccade task to determine the extent to which aging selectively affects these processes.Methods. Nineteen healthy young (18–28 years) and 20 older (60–90 years) participants performed a cued saccade task under two conditions. We challenged motor attention by changing the number of possible saccade targets (1 or 6).Results. Older adults had difficulty in inhibiting unwanted eye movements and had greater eye movement inaccuracy in the hard condition when compared to the younger adults and to the easy condition. Also, an inverse relation existed between performance on the visual and motor components of the task in older adults, unlike younger adults.Conclusions. Older adults demonstrated difficulty in both inhibiting irrelevant saccade targets and selecting correct saccade endpoints during more complex tasks. The shift in relations among attention measures between the younger and older participants may indicate a need to prioritize attentional resources with age. These changes may impact an older adult’s ability to function in complex environments.
Effects of Synergistic Massage and Physical Exercise on the Expression of Angiogenic Markers in Rat Tendons
Authors: Andrzejewski Waldemar , Kassolik Krzysztof , Dziegiel Piotr , Pula Bartosz , Ratajczak-Wielgomas Katarzyna , Jablonska Karolina , Kurpas Donata , Halski Tomasz , Podhorska-Okolow Marzena
Published: May 2014

Physical exercise and massage are regarded as key factors in regulating tendon structure. However, information on the mechanism through which massage influences the structure and biology of a tendon is scarce. In this study, we attempted to define the impact of these two activities on rat tendons by using morphological and molecular techniques, determining the expression of VEGF-A, FGF-2, and CD34 in the tendons of rats subjected to 10 weeks of physical exercise (running) with massage of varied duration. The group of rats that was trained and massaged during the entire study was characterized by the highest expression of these markers, compared to the rats subjected to massage before training and to the control group subjected to physical exercises only. The greatest significant differences, compared to the control, were noted in the expression of all the studied markers at mRNA level, and in the case of VEGF-A, at protein level, in the third and fifth weeks of the experiment. The results of this study could point to the synergistic impact of simultaneous massage and physical exercise on the expression of angiogenesis markers in rat tendons.
Minimax Robust Optimal Estimation Fusion for Distributed Multisensor Systems with a Relative Entropy Uncertainty
Authors: Li Hua , Zhou Jie
Published: May 2014

This paper considers the robust estimation fusion problem for distributed multisensor systems with uncertain correlations of local estimation errors. For an uncertain class characterized by the Kullback‐Leibler (KL) divergence from the actual model to nominal model of local estimation error covariance, the robust estimation fusion problem is formulated to find a linear minimum variance unbiased estimator for the least favorable model. It is proved that the optimal fuser under nominal correlation model is robust while the estimation error has a relative entropy uncertainty.
Nanocrystalline 6061 Al Powder Fabricated by Cryogenic Milling and Consolidated via High Frequency Induction Heat Sintering
Authors: Hanna Walid , Maung Khinlay , El-Danaf Ehab A. , Almajid Abdulhakim A. , Soliman Mahmoud S. , Mohamed Farghalli A.
Published: May 2014

Nanocrystalline 6061 Al alloy was synthesized by cryogenic milling (cryomilling). Both transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction were used to monitor the change in grain size as a function of milling time. The results of both techniques demonstrated a close agreement with respect to two observations: (a) during cryomilling, the grain size of 6061 Al decreased with milling time, and (b) after 15 h of milling, the grain size approached a minimum value of about 22 nm. Despite this agreement, there was a discrepancy: for grain sizes > 40 nm, the grain size measured by transmission electron microscopy was appreciably larger than that inferred from X-ray diffraction. It was shown that powders consolidated via high frequency induction heat sintering (HFIHS) at 500 and 550°C maintained close to nanoscale grain sized microstructure in addition to high compact density in bulk samples. This was manifested by high strength values as compared to microscale grain samples.
Convexity of Certainq-Integral Operators ofp-Valent Functions
Authors: Selvakumaran K. A. , Purohit S. D. , Secer Aydin , Bayram Mustafa
Published: May 2014

By applying the concept (and theory) of fractionalq-calculus, we first define and introduce two newq-integral operators for certain analytic functions defined in the unit disc𝒰. Convexity properties of theseq-integral operators on some classes of analytic functions defined by a linear multiplier fractionalq-differintegral operator are studied. Special cases of the main results are also mentioned.
Variation of Runoff and Precipitation in the Hekou-Longmen Region of the Yellow River Based on Elasticity Analysis
Authors: Li Erhui , Mu Xingmin , Zhao Guangju , Gao Peng , Shao Hongbo
Published: May 2014

Precipitation is very important to the formation of runoff, and studying of runoff variation and its response to precipitation has practical significance to sustainable utilization of water resources. The study used Mann-Kendall test, anomaly accumulation method, and precipitation elasticity of runoff method to analyze the changes in the relation of precipitation and runoff and the contribution of precipitation to runoff change in the Hekou-Longmen region (from 1957 to 2010), Huangfuchuan watershed (from 1954 to 2010), and Yanhe watershed (from 1952 to 2010) in the middle reaches of the Yellow River. The results showed that runoff appeared a significant decreasing trend(P=0.01)while it was not significant in precipitation in all study areas. In particular, the reductions of average annual runoff in the Hekou-Longmen region, Huangfuchuan watershed, and Yanhe watershed were 72.7%, 87.5%, and 32.2%, respectively, during 2000–2010 compared to the 1950s. There existed two abrupt change points of the runoff in the Hekou-Longmen region and Huangfuchuan watershed, which were detected in 1979 and 1998. But in the Yanhe watershed only one abrupt change point was found in 1996. The precipitation elasticities of runoff were 1.11, 1.09, and 1.26, respectively, and the contributions of precipitation on runoff reduction were 26.4%, 17.9%, and 31.6%, respectively, in the Hekou-Longmen region, Huangfuchuan watershed, and Yanhe watershed.
Vibration Signal Analysis of Journal Bearing Supported Rotor System by Cyclostationarity
Authors: Peng Chang , Bo Lin
Published: May 2014

Cyclostationarity has been widely used as a useful signal processing technique to extract the hidden periodicity of the energy flow of the mechanical vibration signature. However, the conventional cyclostationarity is restricted to analyzing the real-valued signal, which is incapable of processing the constructed complex-valued signal obtained from the journal bearing supported rotor system operating with oil film instability. In this work, the directional cyclostationary parameters, such as directional cyclic mean, directional cyclic autocorrelation, and directional spectral correlation density, are defined based on the principle of directional Wigner distribution. Practical experiment has demonstrated the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method in the investigation of the instantaneous planar motion of the journal bearing supported rotor system.
Recurrent Gliosarcoma in Pregnancy
Authors: Gülşen İsmail , Ak Hakan , Yilmaz Tevfik , Bulut Mehmet Deniz , Alkış İsmet , Bayram İrfan
Published: May 2014

Gliosarcoma is a rare tumor of the central nervous system and it constitutes about 1 to 8% of all malignant gliomas. In this report we are presenting a recurrent gliosarcoma case during a pregnancy in a 30-year-old woman. This is the first report presenting gliosarcoma in the pregnancy.