bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of witnessing fat talk on body satisfaction and psychological well-being: A cross-cultural comparison of Korea and the United States
Authors: Lee Hye Eun , Taniguchi Emiko , Modica Alisa , Park Hyunjin
Published: September 2013

We examined how witnessing fat talk on Facebook influenced the body satisfaction and psychological well-being of Korean and U.S. young women. Korean (n = 137) and U.S. (n = 159) women completed an online questionnaire after viewing a randomly assigned mock-up Facebook
page where body size of the profile owner and the messages from her peers were manipulated. Findings showed that (a) Koreans witnessing an underweight peer's fat talk reported lower body satisfaction than did those witnessing an overweight peer's fat talk, but the peer's body size did not
affect the U.S. women, and (b) Koreans witnessing messages discouraging weight loss reported greater psychological well-being than did those witnessing messages promoting weight loss, whereas peers' comments did not influence the U.S. women.
Blog user satisfaction: Gender differences in preferences and perception of visual design
Authors: Cho Sook-Hyun , Hong Se-Joon
Published: September 2013

The World Wide Web is now used by all generations and classes. In addition to fulfilling the Internet's broad purposes in society, interface designers increasingly recognize the importance of visual aesthetics and end-user preferences in improving user satisfaction. We investigated
gender differences in blog user satisfaction. Participants were 268 undergraduate students. The results revealed no statistical difference according to gender in how information quality and navigation quality influenced the satisfaction of male and female participants. However, we found a
gender-based difference in response according to visual stimulus: the more positive the attitude toward visual stimuli, the stronger the response to other components. Based on these findings, implications for blog design and satisfaction are discussed.
Parents' preferences regarding appearance and attire of orthodontists
Authors: Kelly Gillian R. , Shroff Bhavna , Best Al M. , Tufekci Eser , Lindauer Steven J.
Published: September 2013

Objective:

To evaluate parents' preferences regarding the appearance and attire of orthodontists.

Materials and Methods:

Parents attending their child's first orthodontic appointment were asked to choose from among sets of photographs of potential orthodontic providers. Selected factors were varied within the sets, including sex and age of the provider as well as attire (casual, formal, white coat, or scrubs), hairstyle (loose or tied back for women, facial hair or clean shaven for men), and presence of a nametag.

Results:

A total of 77 parents participated. There were significant differences in choice of provider in terms of the provider's sex (P < .0001), age (P  =  .0013), dress (P < .0001), hair (P < .0001), and nametag (P  =  .0065). There were no significant differences in preference attributable to parent characteristics (P > .05).

Conclusion:

Parents of orthodontic patients demonstrated clear preferences for choosing a provider related to factors that are not within the control of the practitioner (sex and age) as well as factors that can be changed by the practitioner (attire, hairstyle, and wearing a nametag).
Impaired Leptin Gene Expression and Release in Cultured Preadipocytes Isolated From Individuals Born With Low Birth Weight
Authors: Schultz Ninna S. , Broholm Christa , Gillberg Linn , Mortensen Brynjulf , Jørgensen Sine W. , Schultz Heidi S. , Scheele Camilla , Wojtaszewski Jørgen F.P. , Pedersen Bente K. , Vaag Allan
Published: September 2013

Low birth weight (LBW) is associated with increased risk of the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D). The appetite-regulating hormone leptin is released from mature adipocytes, and its production may be decreased in immature preadipocytes from LBW individuals. We recruited 14 men born with LBW and 13 controls born with normal birth weight (NBW). Biopsy samples were obtained from subcutaneous abdominal fat depots, and preadipocytes were isolated and cultured. Gene expression of leptin and selected differentiation markers were analyzed during preadipocyte differentiation, and cell culture media were collected to analyze leptin secretion. DNA methylation of CpG sites in the leptin promoter was measured using pyrosequencing. We found that differentiating preadipocytes from LBW individuals showed reduced leptin gene expression and a corresponding reduced leptin release compared with NBW individuals. Mean DNA methylation of the proximal LEP promoter was increased in LBW compared with NBW individuals. The notion of impaired adipocyte maturation in LBW individuals was supported by a lower mRNA expression of the differentiation markers; fatty acid binding protein 4, peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ, and GLUT4. Our findings are consistent with impaired preadipocyte maturation, contributing to an increased risk of the development of T2D in LBW subjects.
Glutathionylated Lipid Aldehydes Are Products of Adipocyte Oxidative Stress and Activators of Macrophage Inflammation
Authors: Frohnert Brigitte I. , Long Eric K. , Hahn Wendy S. , Bernlohr David A.
Published: September 2013

Obesity-induced insulin resistance has been linked to adipose tissue lipid aldehyde production and protein carbonylation. Trans-4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE) is the most abundant lipid aldehyde in murine adipose tissue and is metabolized by glutathione S-transferase A4 (GSTA4), producing glutathionyl-HNE (GS-HNE) and its metabolite glutathionyl-1,4-dihydroxynonene (GS-DHN). The objective of this study was to evaluate adipocyte production of GS-HNE and GS-DHN and their effect on macrophage inflammation. Compared with lean controls, GS-HNE and GS-DHN were more abundant in visceral adipose tissue of ob/ob mice and diet-induced obese, insulin-resistant mice. High glucose and oxidative stress induced production of GS-HNE and GS-DHN by 3T3-L1 adipocytes in a GSTA4-dependent manner, and both glutathionylated metabolites induced secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α from RAW 264.7 and primary peritoneal macrophages. Targeted microarray analysis revealed GS-HNE and GS-DHN induced expression of inflammatory genes, including C3, C4b, c-Fos, igtb2, Nfkb1, and Nos2. Transgenic overexpression of GSTA4 in mouse adipose tissue led to increased production of GS-HNE associated with higher fasting glucose levels and moderately impaired glucose tolerance. These results indicated adipocyte oxidative stress results in GSTA4-dependent production of proinflammatory glutathione metabolites, GS-HNE and GS-DHN, which may represent a novel mechanism by which adipocyte dysfunction results in tissue inflammation and insulin resistance.
HbA1c and Lower-Extremity Amputation Risk in Low-Income Patients With Diabetes
Authors: Zhao Wenhui , Katzmarzyk Peter T. , Horswell Ronald , Wang Yujie , Johnson Jolene , Heymsfield Steven B. , Cefalu William T. , Ryan Donna H. , Hu Gang
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE

Diabetes confers a very high risk of lower-extremity amputation (LEA); however, few studies have assessed whether blood glucose control can reduce LEA risk among patients with diabetes, especially in practice settings where low-income patients predominate.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We performed a prospective cohort study (2000–2009) on patients with diabetes that included 19,808 African Americans and 15,560 whites. The cohort was followed though 31 May 2012. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the association of HbA1c with LEA risk.

RESULTS

During a mean follow-up of 6.83 years, 578 LEA incident cases were identified. The multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios of LEA associated with different levels of HbA1c at baseline (<6.0% [reference group], 6.0–6.9, 7.0–7.9, 8.0–8.9, 9.0–9.9, and ≥10.0%) were 1.00, 1.73 (95% CI 1.07–2.80), 1.65 (0.99–2.77), 1.96 (1.14–3.36), 3.02 (1.81–5.04), and 3.30 (2.10–5.20) (P trend <0.001) for African American patients with diabetes and 1.00, 1.16 (0.66–2.02), 2.28 (1.35–3.85), 2.38 (1.36–4.18), 2.99 (1.71–5.22), and 3.25 (1.98–5.33) (P trend <0.001) for white patients with diabetes, respectively. The graded positive association of HbA1c during follow-up with LEA risk was observed among both African American and white patients with diabetes (all P trend <0.001). With stratification by sex, age, smoking status, blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, BMI, use of glucose-lowering agents, and income, this graded association of HbA1c with LEA was still present.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study conducted in a low-income population suggests a graded association between HbA1c and the risk of LEA among both African American and white patients with type 2 diabetes.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Tahrani Abd A. , Ali Asad , Raymond Neil T. , Begum Safia , Dubb Kiran , Altaf Quratul-ain , Piya Milan K. , Barnett Anthony H. , Stevens Martin J.
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common in type 2 diabetes and increases oxidative stress. Hence, OSA could promote the development and progression of DN.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a cohort study in adults with type 2 diabetes. Patients with known OSA or ESRD were excluded. DN was defined as the presence of albuminuria or an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. DN progression was based on eGFR measurements. OSA was defined as apnea hypopnea index (AHI) ≥5 events/h. Serum nitrotyrosine abundance (a marker of nitrosative stress) was measured by ELISA.

RESULTS

A total of 224 patients were included. OSA and DN prevalence was 64.3 and 40.2, respectively. DN prevalence was higher in patients with OSA (OSA+) compared with those without OSA (OSA−) (49.3% vs. 23.8%, P < 0.001). After adjustment, OSA (odds ratio 2.64 [95% CI 1.13–6.16], P = 0.02) remained independently associated with DN. After an average follow-up of 2.5 (0.7) years, eGFR decline was greater in OSA+ compared with OSA− patients (median −6.8% [interquartile range −16.1 to 2.2] vs. −1.6% [−7.7 to 5.3%], P = 0.002). After adjusting, both baseline OSA (B = −3.8, P = 0.044) and AHI (B = −4.6, P = 0.02) remained independent predictors of study-end eGFR. Baseline serum nitrotyrosine abundance (B = −0.24, P = 0.015) was an independent predictor of study-end eGFR after adjustment.

CONCLUSIONS

OSA is independently associated with DN in type 2 diabetes. eGFR declined faster in patients with OSA. Nitrosative stress may provide a pathogenetic link between OSA and DN. Interventional studies assessing the impact of OSA treatment on DN are needed.
Prediction of Diabetes Based on Baseline Metabolic Characteristics in Individuals at High Risk
Authors: DeFronzo Ralph A. , Tripathy Devjit , Schwenke Dawn C. , Banerji MaryAnn , Bray George A. , Buchanan Thomas A. , Clement Stephen C. , Henry Robert R. , Kitabchi Abbas E. , Mudaliar Sunder , Ratner Robert E. , Stentz Frankie B. , Musi Nicolas , Reaven Peter D. , Gastaldelli Amalia ,   for the ACT NOW Study
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE

Individuals with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We examined which characteristics at baseline predicted the development of T2DM versus maintenance of IGT or conversion to normal glucose tolerance.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We studied 228 subjects at high risk with IGT who received treatment with placebo in ACT NOW and who underwent baseline anthropometric measures and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at baseline and after a mean follow-up of 2.4 years.

RESULTS

In a univariate analysis, 45 of 228 (19.7%) IGT individuals developed diabetes. After adjusting for age, sex, and center, increased fasting plasma glucose, 2-h plasma glucose, ∆G0–120 during OGTT, HbA1c, adipocyte insulin resistance index, ln fasting plasma insulin, and ln ∆I0–120, as well as family history of diabetes and presence of metabolic syndrome, were associated with increased risk of diabetes. At baseline, higher insulin secretion (ln [∆I0–120/∆G0–120]) during the OGTT was associated with decreased risk of diabetes. Higher β-cell function (insulin secretion/insulin resistance or disposition index; ln [∆I0–120/∆G0–120 × Matsuda index of insulin sensitivity]; odds ratio 0.11; P < 0.0001) was the variable most closely associated with reduced risk of diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

In a stepwise multiple-variable analysis, only HbA1c and β-cell function (ln insulin secretion/insulin resistance index) predicted the development of diabetes (r = 0.49; P < 0.0001).
Impact of Glucose Tolerance Status, Sex, and Body Size on Glucose Absorption Patterns During OGTTs
Authors: Færch Kristine , Pacini Giovanni , Nolan John J. , Hansen Torben , Tura Andrea , Vistisen Dorte
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE

We studied whether patterns of glucose absorption during oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) were abnormal in individuals with impaired glucose regulation and whether they were related to sex and body size (height and fat-free mass). We also examined how well differences in insulin sensitivity and β-cell function measured by gold-standard tests were reflected in the corresponding OGTT-derived estimates.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

With validated methods, various aspects of glucose absorption were estimated from 12-point, 3-h, 75-g OGTTs in 66 individuals with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), isolated impaired fasting glucose (i-IFG), or isolated impaired glucose tolerance (i-IGT). Insulin sensitivity and β-cell function were measured with the euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp and intravenous glucose tolerance tests, respectively. Surrogate markers of both conditions were calculated from OGTTs.

RESULTS

More rapid glucose absorption (P ≤ 0.036) and reduced late glucose absorption (P ≤ 0.039) were observed in the i-IFG group relative to NGT and i-IGT groups. Women with i-IGT had a lower early glucose absorption than did men with i-IGT (P = 0.041); however, this difference did not persist when differences in body size were taken into account (P > 0.28). Faster glucose absorption was related to higher fasting (P = 0.001) and lower 2-h (P = 0.001) glucose levels and to greater height and fat-free mass (P < 0.001). All OGTT-derived measures of insulin sensitivity, but only one of three measures of β-cell function, reflected the differences for these parameters between those with normal and impaired glucose regulation as measured by gold-standard tests.

CONCLUSIONS

Glucose absorption patterns during an OGTT are significantly related to plasma glucose levels and body size, which should be taken into account when estimating β-cell function from OGTTs in epidemiological studies.
Expression of Mesenchymal and α-Cell Phenotypic Markers in Islet β-Cells in Recently Diagnosed Diabetes
Authors: White Michael G. , Marshall Helen L. , Rigby Rebecca , Huang Guo Cai , Amer Aimen , Booth Trevor , White Steve , Shaw James A.M.
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE

Relative contributions of reversible β-cell dysfunction and true decrease in β-cell mass in type 2 diabetes remain unclear. Definitive rodent lineage-tracing studies have identified β-cell dedifferentiation and subsequent reprogramming to α-cell fate as a novel mechanism underlying β-cell failure. The aim was to determine whether phenotypes of β-cell dedifferentiation and plasticity are present in human diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Immunofluorescence colocalization studies using classical endocrine and mesenchymal phenotypic markers were undertaken using pancreatic sections and isolated islets from three individuals with diabetes and five nondiabetic control subjects.

RESULTS

Intraislet cytoplasmic coexpression of insulin and vimentin, insulin and glucagon, and vimentin and glucagon were demonstrated in all cases. These phenotypes were not present in nondiabetic control subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

Coexpression of mesenchymal and α-cell phenotypic markers in human diabetic islet β-cells has been confirmed, providing circumstantial evidence for β-cell dedifferentiation and possible reprogramming to α-cells in clinical diabetes.
Fitness, Fatness, and Survival in Adults With Prediabetes
Authors: McAuley Paul A. , Artero Enrique G. , Sui Xuemei , Lavie Carl J. , Almeida M. Joao , Blair Steven N.
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine independent and joint associations of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and different adiposity measures with mortality risk in individuals with prediabetes (or impaired fasting glucose).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We examined associations of CRF and fatness with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality in a cohort of 17,044 participants (89% men) with prediabetes (defined as 100 mg/dL ≤ fasting plasma glucose < 126 mg/dL), who did not have a history of diabetes, CVD, or cancer.

RESULTS

We identified 832 deaths (246 from CVD) during 13.9 ± 7.0 years (mean ± SD) follow-up. Normal-weight individuals who were unfit (lowest one-third) had a higher risk of all-cause (hazard ratio 1.70 [95% CI 1.32–2.18]) and CVD (1.88 [1.13–3.10]) mortality compared with the normal-weight and fit (upper two-thirds) reference group in a model adjusted for age, sex, examination year, and multiple risk factors. The mortality risk for fit individuals who were overweight or obese did not differ significantly from the reference group. Similar patterns were observed for sex-specific thirds of waist circumference and % body fat.

CONCLUSIONS

CRF markedly modifies the relationship between adiposity and mortality in persons with prediabetes. Unfit individuals have a higher and fit individuals have a lower mortality risk irrespective of adiposity level in this high-risk group.
Blood Viscosity in Subjects With Normoglycemia and Prediabetes
Authors: Irace Concetta , Carallo Claudio , Scavelli Faustina , De Franceschi Maria Serena , Esposito Teresa , Gnasso Agostino
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE

Blood viscosity (BV) is higher in diabetic patients and might represent a risk factor for the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. However, data in subjects with normal glucose or prediabetes are missing. In the current study, we evaluated the relationship between BV and blood glucose in subjects with normal glucose or prediabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Enrolled subjects were divided into three groups according to blood glucose: group A (n = 74), blood glucose <90 mg/dL; group B (n = 96), blood glucose ranging from 90 to 99 mg/dL; and group C (n = 94), blood glucose ranging from 100 to 125 mg/dL. BV was measured at 37°C with a cone-plate viscometer at shear rates ranging from 225 to 22.5 s−1.

RESULTS

Blood pressure, blood lipids, fibrinogen, and plasma viscosity were similar in the three groups. BMI and waist circumference were significantly increased in group C. Hematocrit (P < 0.05) and BV (P between 0.01 and 0.001) were significantly higher in groups B and C compared with group A. Blood glucose was significantly and inversely correlated with HDL cholesterol and directly with BMI, waist, hematocrit (r = 0.134), and BV (from 225 s−1 to 22.5 s−1; r ranging from 0.162 to 0.131). BV at shear rate 225 s−1 was independently associated with blood glucose.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study shows a direct relationship between BV and blood glucose in nondiabetic subjects. It also suggests that, even within glucose values ​​considered completely normal, individuals with higher blood glucose levels have increased BV comparable with that observed in subjects with prediabetes.
Reversal of Early Abnormalities in Glucose Metabolism in Obese Youth: Results of an Intensive Lifestyle Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Savoye Mary , Caprio Sonia , Dziura James , Camp Anne , Germain Greg , Summers Craig , Li Fangyong , Shaw Melissa , Nowicka Paulina , Kursawe Romy , DePourcq Fredrick , Kim Grace , Tamborlane William V.
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE

The childhood obesity epidemic has been accompanied by an increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D), particularly in minority children. Twenty to thirty percent of obese youth have “prediabetes,” a precursor to diabetes marked by insulin resistance, β-cell dysfunction, and impaired glucose tolerance. The Diabetes Prevention Program demonstrated that T2D could be prevented/delayed by intensive lifestyle modification in adults with prediabetes, but efficacy of similar interventions in youth has not been established. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of the Bright Bodies (BB) Healthy Lifestyle Program on 2-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) glucose in comparison with adolescents receiving standard of care.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A parallel-group randomized controlled trial comparing BB with standard clinical care (CC) in obese adolescents (10–16 years old, Tanner stage >2) with elevated OGTT 2-h blood glucose (130–199 mg/dL) from a racially/ethnically diverse population. OGTTs, including cardiovascular and anthropometric assessments, were conducted at baseline and 6 months. Children attended BB twice per week for exercise and nutrition/behavior modification, and the CC group received CC from their pediatrician. Primary outcome was change in 2-h OGTT glucose and percentage conversion from elevated 2-h blood glucose to nonelevated (<130 mg/dL) 2-h blood glucose. Changes in outcomes were compared between groups using an ANCOVA, with adjustment for baseline outcome and multiple imputation for missing data.

RESULTS

Reductions in 2-h glucose were more favorable in BB compared with CC (−27.2 vs. −10.1 mg/dL; difference = −17.1, 95% CI; P = 0.005). Moreover, greater conversion to <130 mg/dL 2-h glucose occurred in BB than CC (P = 0.003), and other insulin sensitivity indices were significantly improved.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with standard of care, the Yale BB Program is a more effective means of reducing the risk of T2D in obese adolescents with elevated 2-h glucose levels.
Effect of a Cooked Meat Meal on Serum Creatinine and Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate in Diabetes-Related Kidney Disease
Authors: Nair Sunil , O’Brien Sarah V. , Hayden Katharine , Pandya Bhavna , Lisboa Paulo J.G. , Hardy Kevin J. , Wilding John P.H.
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE

Fasting is not routinely recommended for renal function tests, despite the known effects of cooked meat on creatinine. We therefore studied variation in creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) after a standardized cooked meat meal in 80 subjects: healthy volunteers and diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 1 and 2, 3a, 3b, and 4 (n = 16/group).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The interventions were a standardized cooked meat and a nonmeat meal, each providing ∼54 g protein, together with 250 mL water, on separate days. Fasting and postprandial blood samples at 1, 2, and 4 h were drawn for creatinine measurement using a kinetic alkaline picrate assay on an Olympus AU640 analyzer. The modified four-variable Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation traceable to isotope dilution mass spectrometry creatinine was used to calculate eGFR.

RESULTS

Consumption of a standardized cooked meat meal significantly increased serum creatinine and resulted in significant fall in eGFR in all stages of CKD studied; 6 of 16 CKD 3a patients were misclassified as CKD 3b. This effect of cooked meat on serum creatinine disappears after 12 h of fasting in all study participants.

CONCLUSIONS

Creatine in meat is converted to creatinine on cooking, which is absorbed, causing significant increases in serum creatinine. This could impact management, as threshold for commencing and withdrawing certain medications and expensive investigations is defined by eGFR. eGFR calculated using fasting serum creatinine would be a better reflection of kidney function in these patients.
Extremal orders of some functions connected to regular integers modulo n
Authors: Brăduţ Apostol
Published: September 2013

Let V (n) denote the number of positive regular integers (mod n) less than or equal to n. We give extremal orders of , , , , where σ(n), ψ(n) are the sum-of-divisors function and the Dedekind function, respectively. We also give extremal orders for and , where σ*(n) and Φ*(n) represent the sum of the unitary divisors of n and the unitary function corresponding to Φ(n), the Euler's function. Finally, we study some extremal orders of compositions f(g(n)), involving the functions from above.
Linear operators on Köthe spaces of vector fields
Authors: Chiţescu Ion , Sireţchi Liliana
Published: September 2013

The study of Köthe spaces of vector fields was initiated by the present authors. In this paper linear operators on these spaces are studied. An integral representation theorem is given and special types of linear operators are introduced and studied.
A viscosity projection method for class T mappings
Authors: Dong Qiao-Li , He Songnian
Published: September 2013

In this paper, we firstly introduce a viscosity projection method for the class T mappings

xn+1=αnPH(xn, Snxn) f(xn) + (1-αn)Snxn,

where Sn = (1 - w)I + wTn, w ∈ (0; 1); Tn ∈ T and prove strong convergence theorems of the proposed method. It is verified that the viscosity projection method converges locally faster than the viscosity method. Furthermore, we present a viscosity projection method for a quasi-nonexpansive and nonexpansive mappings in Hilbert spaces. A numerical test provided in the paper shows that the viscosity projection method converges faster than the viscosity method.
Necessary and sufficient conditions for the boundedness of the anisotropic Riesz potential in anisotropic modified Morrey spaces
Authors: Dzhabrailov Malik S. , Khaligova Sevinc Z.
Published: September 2013

We prove that the anisotropic fractional maximal operator Mα,σ and the anisotropic Riesz potential operator Iα,σ, 0 < α < ∣σ∣ are bounded from the anisotropic modified Morrey space L̃1,b,σ(Rn) to the weak anisotropic modified Morrey space WL̃q,b,σ(Rn) if and only if, α/|σ|≤1-1/q≤α/(|σ|(1-b)) and from L̃p,b,σ(Rn) to L̃q,b,σ(Rn) if and only if, α/|σ| ≤ 1/p-1/q≤α ((1-b) |σ|). In the limiting case we prove that the operator Mα,σ is bounded from L̃p,b,σ(Rn) to L∞ (Rn) and the modified anisotropic Riesz potential operator Ĩα,σ is bounded from L̃p,b,σ(Rn) to BMOσ(Rn).
Existence results for boundary value problems of arbitrary order integrodifferential equations in Banach spaces
Authors: Karthikeyan K. , Ahmad Bashir
Published: September 2013

We study a boundary value problem of fractional integrodifferential equations involving Caputo's derivative of order α ∈ (n-1,n) in a Banach space. Existence and uniqueness results for the problem are established by means of the Hölder's inequality together with some standard fixed point theorems
On the (De)homogenization of Sagbi Bases
Authors: Khan Junaid Alam
Published: September 2013

In this paper we study the relation between nonhomogeneous and homogeneous Sagbi bases. As a consequence, we present a general prin- ciple of computing Sagbi bases of a subalgebra and its homogenized subalgebra, which is based on passing over to homogenized generators.
Functional Model of Dissipative Fourth Order Differential Operators
Authors: Tuna Hüseyin
Published: September 2013

In this paper, maximal dissipative fourth order operators with equal deficiency indices are investigated. We construct a self adjoint dilation of such operators. We also construct a functional model of the maximal dissipative operator which based on the method of Pavlov and define its characteristic function. We prove theorems on the completeness of the system of eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the maximal dissipative fourth order operators.
Which Object Comes Next? Grounded Order Completion by a Humanoid Robot
Authors: Schenck C. , Sinapov J. , Stoytchev A.
Published: September 2013

This paper describes a framework that a robot can use to complete the ordering of a set of objects. Given two sets of objects, an ordered set and an unordered set, the robot’s task is to select one object from the unordered set that best completes the ordering in the ordered set. In our experiments, the robot interacted with each object using a set of exploratory behaviors, while recording feedback from two sensory modalities (audio and proprioception). For each behavior and modality combination, the robot used the feedback sequence to estimate the perceptual distance for every pair of objects. The estimated object distance features were subsequently used to solve ordering tasks. The framework was tested on object completion tasks in which the objects varied by weight, compliance, and height. The robot was able to solve all of these tasks with a high degree of accuracy.
A Method for Extracting Knowledge from Decision Tables in Terms of Functional Dependencies
Authors: Thi Vu Duc , Giang Nguyen Long
Published: September 2013

The problem of extracting knowledge from decision tables in terms of functional dependencies is one of the important problems in knowledge discovery and data mining. Based on some results in relational database, in this paper we propose two algorithms. The first one is to find all reducts of a consistent decision table. The second is to infer functional dependencies from a consistent decision table. The second algorithm is based on the result of the first. We show that the time complexity of the two algorithms proposed is exponential in the number of attributes in the worst case.
Reliability Estimation Based on the Degradation Amount Distribution Using Composite Time Series Analysis and Grey Theory
Authors: Wang, Li , Liu Zaiwen , Jin Xuebo , Shi Yan
Published: September 2013

This paper puts forward a reliability estimation method by the Degradation Amount Distribution (DAD) of products, using a composite time series modeling procedure and grey theory based on a random failure threshold. Product DAD data are treated as a composite time series and described using a composite time series model to predict a long-term trend of degradation. The degradation test is processed for a certain electronic product and the degradation data is collected for reliability estimation. Comparison among the reliability evaluation by DAD composite time series analysis and grey theory, based on a constant and a random failure threshold, reliability evaluation by DAD regression analysis based on a random failure threshold, reliability evaluation by degradation path time series analysis, and real reliability of the electronic product is done. The results show that the reliability evaluation of the product using the method proposed is the most creditable of all.
Upper Bound on Correcting Partial Random Errors
Authors: Gaur Ankita , Sharma Bhu Dev
Published: September 2013

Since coding has become a basic tool for practically all communication/electronic devices, it is important to carefully study the error patterns that actually occur. This allows correction of only partial errors rather than those which have been studied using Hamming distance, in non-binary cases.

The paper considers a class of distances, SK-distances, in terms of which partial errors can be defined. Examining the sufficient condition for the existence of a parity check matrix for a given number of parity-checks, the paper contains an upper bound on the number of parity check digits for linear codes with property that corrects all partial random errors of an (n, k ) code with minimum SK-distance at least d. The result generalizes the rather widely used Varshamov-Gilbert bound, which follows from it as a particular case.
A Large Block Cipher Involving Key Dependent Permutation, Interlacing and Iteration
Authors: Sastry V. U. K. , Shankar N. Ravi , Bhavani S. Durga
Published: September 2013

In this paper we have developed a block cipher, wherein the size of the key matrix is 384 bits and the size of the plain text is as large as we choose. The permutation, the interlacing and the iteration introduced in this analysis are found to cause diffusion and confusion efficiently. Hence, the strength of the cipher proves to be remarkable.
Design of a Diabetic Diagnosis System Using Rough Sets
Authors: S. Margret Anouncia , L. J. Clara Madonna , P. Jeevitha , R. T. Nandhini
Published: September 2013

Traditionally the diagnosis of a disease is done by medical experts with experience, clinical data of the patients and adequate knowledge in identifying the disease. Such diagnosis is found to be approximate and time-consuming since it purely depends on the availability and the experience of the medical experts dealing with imprecise and uncertain clinical data of the patients. Hence, to improve decision making with uncertain data and to reduce the time consumption in diagnosing a disease, several simulated diagnosis systems have been developed. Most of these diagnosis systems are designed to possess the clinical data and symptoms associated with a specific disease as knowledge base. The quality of the knowledge base has an impact not only on the consequences, but also on the diagnostic precision. Most of the existing systems have been developed as an expert system that contains all the diagnosis facts as rules. Notably, applying the concept of a fuzzy set has shown better knowledge representation to improve the decision making process. Therefore an attempt is made in this paper to design and develop such diagnosis system, using a rough set. The system developed is evaluated using a simple set of symptoms that is added to clinical data in determining diabetes and its severity.
Efficient computer aided diagnosis of abnormal parts detection in magnetic resonance images using hybrid abnormality detection algorithm
Authors: Lakshmi Devasena C. , Hemalatha M.
Published: September 2013

In Medical Diagnosis, Magnetic Resonance Image (MRI) plays a momentous role. MRI is based on the physical and chemical principles of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), a technique used to gain information about the nature of molecules. Retrieving a high quality MR Image for a medical diagnosis is critical. So denoising of Magnetic Resonance (MR) images and making them easy for human understanding form is a challenge. This research work presents an efficient Hybrid Abnormal Detection Algorithm (HADA) to detect the abnormalities in any part of the human body by MRIs. The proposed technique includes five stages: Noise Reduction, Smoothing, Feature Extraction, Feature Reduction and Classification. The proposed algorithm has been implemented and Classification accuracy of 98.80% has been achieved. The result shows that the proposed technique is robust and effective compared to other recent works. The system developed using the proposed algorithm will be a good computer aided diagnosis and decision making system in healthcare.
Cooperating Teacher Participation in Teacher Education
Authors: Clarke Anthony , Triggs Valerie , Nielsen Wendy
Published: September 2013

Student teachers consider cooperating teachers to be one of the most important contributors to their teacher preparation program. Therefore, the ways in which cooperating teachers participate in teacher education are significant. This review seeks to move conceptions of that participation beyond commonly held beliefs to empirically supported claims. The analysis draws on Brodie, Cowling, and Nissen’s notion of categories of participation to generate 11 different ways that cooperating teachers participate in teacher education: as Providers of Feedback, Gatekeepers of the Profession, Modelers of Practice, Supporters of Reflection, Gleaners of Knowledge, Purveyors of Context, Conveners of Relation, Agents of Socialization, Advocates of the Practical, Abiders of Change, and Teachers of Children. When set against Gaventa’s typology of participation, the resultant grid highlights the importance of negotiated or invited spaces for cooperating teacher participation and provides a new way of thinking about, planning professional development for, and working with cooperating teachers.
Causes of Violence against Women: A Qualitative Study at Bardiya District
Authors: Khatri RB , Pandey BK
Published: September 2013

Background Violence is universal act that threatens life, health and happiness of all human beings. This includes threat, coercion and the arbitrary deprivation of resources. Violence against women is usually performed by a male partner. Violence against women is a global epidemic and gives physical, psychological, sexual and economical tortures. Every individual has basic right to live in their home peacefully, but women’s basic right is isolated due to violence. Violence against women is the most pervasive of human right violation. Methodology Qualitative research design was used for this study to explore perceptions, suffering, pain, feelings, opinion or views on violence against women. 20 female victims of the violence against women were selected for the study. Non-probability purposive sampling technique was used. In-depth interview guideline was used to collect the data. Thematic data analysis was done to explore to causes of violence against women. Results Most of the respondents were under 30 years. Married and illiterate were observed more victims of the violence against women. Main causes of violence were low status of women, illiteracy, economic dependence, patriarchal society. Other causes were inter-caste marriage, husband listening to other family members, sexual dissatisfaction, and unemployment, and extramarital relation of husband, suspicious attitude, gambling, and dowry system. Conclusion Violence against women has evolved as a part of a system of gender relation. Ideas of male supremacy, dominance over female are often reflected in societies and considered as private matter. Violence is continuing of beliefs that grant men right to control women’s behavior, violence, which results in injury of the victims. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hprospect.v12i1.8721 Health Prospect: Journal of Public Health Vol.12(1) 2013: 10-14
Cervical Cancer Screening in Nepal
Authors: Joshi M , Mishra SR
Published: September 2013

Cervical cancer screening is a process using the Pap smear to identify precancerous and potentially precancerous changes in cervical cells and tissue. Cervical cancer acts as the biggest killer and most preventable cancer in Nepalese women. This paper tries to give a brief overview of cervical cancer screening program in Nepal. Various published and unpublished literatures were obtained and reviewed from international journals, local newspapers and books. All literatures were systematically reviewed and analyzed. Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is chiefly the reason for cervical cancer. In majority cases, early exposure to sexual intercourse, multiple sex partners and addiction are considered as risk factor. In Developing country like Nepal, screening for cervical cancers is not easily available to people at risk. A vaccine is available which reduces the risk of HPV. The vaccine will be effective if received before the onset of sexual activities 9-13 years. Cervical cancer screening program has many difficulties in terms of limited medical services, difficult geographical terrain creating difficulties in delivering health services. Special programs needs to be designed and delivered to population focusing on reducing burden of cervical cancer. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hprospect.v12i1.8723 Health Prospect: Journal of Public Health Vol.12(1) 2013: 18-20
“Criminals Are Inside of Our Homes”: Intimate Partner Violence and Fear of Crime
Authors: Broll Ryan
Published: September 2013

Based on findings that suggest women are more afraid of crime than men despite their overall lower rates of victimization, some scholars have suggested that personal experience plays, at best, a limited role in our feelings of personal safety. Feminist scholars have countered by arguing that many women are abused by their male intimate partners, yet this type of victimization is rarely considered in studies measuring fear of crime. Women’s greater levels of fear, they argue, are therefore justified. This study draws on a nationally representative sample of Canadian women age 15 years or more to examine the relationship between intimate partner violence and fear of crime. The results of regression and cross-tabular analyses lend support to the feminist perspective, finding that physical and emotional abuse and severe physical abuse committed by male intimates generally increases women’s fear of crime. The results demonstrate the importance of considering partner violence when studying women’s fear of crime so as to not misrepresent women’s fear as being “unrealistic.”
Campaign for the 2012 Transportation Referendum in Atlanta, Georgia
Authors: Paget-Seekins Laurel
Published: September 2013

Following the national trend toward funding transportation with local sales taxes, the Atlanta, Georgia, metropolitan region voted on an $8.5 billion referendum in July 2012. Despite bipartisan and biracial support from the political elites and an $8 million campaign by the business community, the referendum failed with less than 40% of the vote. Although the majority of residents in the metropolitan Atlanta region agrees that there is a transportation problem, not everyone agrees on how to define the problem or the solutions. An examination of three competing discourses—congestion, choice, and equity—framing transportation in Atlanta explained why the referendum failed. Polling data, participant observation, and examination of campaign materials were used to describe the interplay of the discourses and their public acceptance. Recommendations are offered for building consensus around transportation moving forward in Atlanta and other regions, and what this consensus will mean for the growing trend of using sales tax referendums to fund transportation projects is addressed.
Vehicle Miles Traveled Fee System in Nevada
Authors: Nordland Andrew , Paz Alexander , Khan Alauddin
Published: September 2013

Several barriers are associated with the implementation and deployment of a vehicle miles traveled (VMT) fee system; these barriers range from technology issues to public acceptance. Technology-related barriers are easier to address compared with public-related barriers. In addition, addressing technological barriers requires explicit consideration of the public's attitudes and preferences in relation to various technological options. Public perceptions of and billing preferences for a VMT fee system in Nevada were studied. A survey questionnaire was developed to capture these perceptions and preferences. A series of discrete choice models—ordered, probit, and logit models—were tested to determine the best model to use for evaluating the results of the survey. Multinomial logit models provided the best explanatory power. Modeling assumptions were tested to ensure adequate results. The model provided several interesting insights about public perceptions and preferences in regard to the VMT system. On the basis of these insights, some policy recommendations are provided.
Effects of Full-Facility Variable Tolling on Traveler Behavior
Authors: Peirce Sean , Puckett Sean , Petrella Margaret , Minnice Paul , Lappin Jane
Published: September 2013

Variable tolling was implemented on the SR-520 Bridge in the Seattle, Washington, region in 2011 as part of a federally funded initiative to reduce traffic congestion. R-520 tolls varied by time of day up to a maximum of $3.50 each way ($5 for nontransponder payments). A nearby parallel facility, Interstate 90, remained a toll-free alternative across Lake Washington. Tolling was accompanied by investments in public transit and traffic management technologies and by efforts to promote telecommuting. A two-stage panel survey approach was used to analyze the impacts of this tolling program on corridor users’ daily travel choices. In each survey wave, more than 3,000 respondents from roughly 2,000 households completed a 2-day travel diary, with additional detail on trips in the Lake Washington corridor, plus a personal survey on general travel behavior and attitudes. Key survey findings included a marked decrease in respondents’ travel in the corridor after tolling, particularly on SR-520, which experienced a 47% reduction in recorded trips, and significant diversion to I-90. Shifts from SR-520 to I-90 were most pronounced among men, those in lower-income households, and those with less workplace schedule flexibility. There were also increases in transit mode share in the corridor, while carpooling and telecommuting levels were relatively stable. In the posttolling survey, respondents registered an overall increase in satisfaction with their commutes and less stress associated with driving. Reported satisfaction with the speed and reliability of individual trips on SR-520 also increased substantially, and personal attitudes shifted slightly in favor of tolling.
General Framework for Evaluating Long-Term Leasing of Toll Roads
Authors: Zhang Zhibo , Bai Qiang , Labi Samuel , Sinha Kumares C.
Published: September 2013

The long-term leasing of toll roads, a type of public–private partnership (PPP), has been attracting the attention of state governments since the two landmark cases of the Chicago Skyway in Illinois and the Indiana Toll Road in 2005 and 2006, respectively. To assist public agencies in making appropriate decisions to enter PPP agreements that are in the best interest of taxpayers, this paper presents a general framework for evaluating the long-term leasing of toll roads and investigates the two main criteria in the decision-making process: economic efficiency of privatization and the protection of public interest. The economic efficiency of PPPs is also analyzed with an uncertainty-based net present value method, which is demonstrated with a case study of the lease of the Indiana Toll Road. The analysis with Monte Carlo simulation demonstrates that over the analysis period, a public agency is not likely to gain as much benefit from the up-front payment lease amount as from that of continued in-house management of the toll road. The following analyses are conducted: a sensitivity analysis of revenue and cost factors and a break-even analysis to examine and establish the conditions under which the public agency could obtain as much benefit from continued in-house management of the toll road as the agency received from the privatization of the toll road. Finally, the actions taken by Indiana officials to protect the interest of its citizens and toll road users are discussed.
Dynamic Road Pricing for Revenue Maximization
Authors: Hassan Ahmed , Abdelghany Khaled , Semple John
Published: September 2013

A modeling framework and a solution methodology are presented for the toll problem of dynamic revenue maximization. The problem requires determining the optimal time-varying toll prices for a multigantry toll road facility so that total revenue is maximized subject to agency-mandated constraints on average speed and average traffic volume. The framework extends a real-time traffic network state estimation and prediction system to provide dynamic pricing capabilities. The presented framework overcomes limitations of most existing approaches by considering two factors: consistency between the toll value and drivers’ willingness-to-pay behavior and drivers’ route choice dynamics in regard to competition between the toll facility and alternative routes. The paper presents the results of a set of simulation-based experiments that were conducted to examine the robustness of the proposed prices under several operational scenarios.
Editorial Notes Vol.7(2)
Authors: Alam Mahmudul
Published: September 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbt.v7i2.16449 Journal of Business and Technology Vol.7(2) 2012