bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Draft Genome Sequence of a Drug-Susceptible New Zealand Isolate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Lineage 3
Authors: Mac Aogáin Micheál , Bower James E. , Basu Indira , Freeman Joshua T. , O’Toole Ronan F.
Published: May 2015

We report here the draft whole-genome sequence of a drug-susceptible lineage 3 (East-African Indian) isolate of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
from New Zealand (NZ3DS1) and compare it to a multidrug-resistant lineage 3 isolate (NZ3MDR1) with an identical 24-locus mycobacterial interspersed repetitive-unit–variable-number tandem-repeat profile.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus from a Novel Outbreak in Belgium, January 2015
Authors: Theuns Sebastiaan , Conceição-Neto Nádia , Christiaens Isaura , Zeller Mark , Desmarets Lowiese M. B. , Roukaerts Inge D. M. , Acar Delphine D. , Heylen Elisabeth , Matthijnssens Jelle , Nauwynck Hans J.
Published: May 2015

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a member of the family
Coronaviridae
and can cause severe outbreaks of diarrhea in piglets from different age groups. Here, we report the complete genome sequence (28,028 nt) of a PEDV strain isolated during a novel outbreak in Belgium.
Draft Genome Sequences of 18 Oral Streptococcus Strains That Encode Amylase-Binding Proteins
Authors: Sabharwal Amarpreet , Liao Yu-Chieh , Lin Hsin-Hung , Haase Elaine M. , Scannapieco Frank A.
Published: May 2015

A number of commensal oral streptococcal species produce a heterogeneous group of proteins that mediate binding of salivary α-amylase. This interaction likely influences streptococcal colonization of the oral cavity. Here, we present draft genome sequences of several strains of oral streptococcal species that bind human salivary amylase.
Draft Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium bovis Strain SP38, a Pathogenic Bacterium Isolated from a Bovine in Brazil
Authors: Guimaraes Ana Marcia Sa , Zimpel Cristina Kraemer , Ikuta Cássia Yumi , do Nascimento Naíla Cannes , dos Santos Andrea Pires , Messick Joanne Belle , Heinemann Marcos Bryan , Ferreira Neto José Soares , Brandão Paulo Eduardo
Published: May 2015

We report a draft genome sequence of
Mycobacterium bovis
strain SP38, isolated from the lungs of a cow in Brazil. The assembly of reads resulted in 36 contigs in a total of approximately 4.37 Mb. Comparison of
M. bovis
strains sequenced to date will aid in understanding bovine tuberculosis in Brazil.
Draft Genome Sequence of Jeotgalibacillus soli DSM 23228, a Bacterium Isolated from Alkaline Sandy Soil
Authors: Goh Kian Mau , Chan Kok-Gan , Yaakop Amira Suriaty , Chan Chia Sing , Ee Robson , Tan Wen-Si , Gan Han Ming
Published: May 2015

Jeotgalibacillus soli
, a bacterium capable of degrading
N
-acyl homoserine lactone, was isolated from a soil sample in Portugal.
J. soli
constitutes the only
Jeotgalibacillus
species isolated from a non-marine source. Here, the draft genome, several interesting glycosyl hydrolases, and its putative
N
-acyl homoserine lactonases are presented.
Draft Genome Sequence of New Leprosy Agent
Mycobacterium lepromatosis
Authors: Han Xiang Y. , Mistry Nipun A. , Thompson Erika J. , Tang Hong-Li , Khanna Kanhav , Zhang Li
Published: May 2015

Mycobacterium lepromatosis
is a newly discovered cause of leprosy. Here, we present a near-complete genome of
M. lepromatosis
from strain FJ924 obtained from a patient who died of leprosy. The genome contained 3,215,823 nucleotides and matched ~87% with the
Mycobacterium leprae
genome. This genome is likely the smallest of all mycobacterial genomes known to date.
Complete Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strain 8380, Isolated from the Human Gut
Authors: Ichise Yu-ki , Kosuge Takehide , Uwate Maki , Nakae Taiji , Maseda Hideaki
Published: May 2015

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
shows multidrug resistance, which is mainly attributable to its expression of xenobiotic efflux pumps. However, it is unclear how silent pumps are expressed in clinical isolates. Here, we sequenced the complete genome of
P. aeruginosa
strain 8380, which was isolated from a human gut.
Draft Genome Sequences of Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii CNM633/14 and CNM632/14, Multidrug-Resistant and Antibiotic-Sensitive Isolates from Nodules of Granulomatous Mastitis Patients
Authors: Fernández-Natal Maria Isabel , Soriano Francisco , Ariza-Miguel Jaime , Marrodan-Ciordia Teresa , Acedo Alberto , Hernandez Marta , Tauch Andreas , Rodríguez-Lázaro David
Published: May 2015

Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii
has been associated with infections of the female breast. Genome sequencing of two strains revealed a specific genomic island in the multidrug-resistant isolate CNM633/14 with similarity to the R plasmid pJA144188 of
Corynebacterium resistens
DSM 45100, being indicative of the horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes to
C. kroppenstedtii
.
Part 2: Indexes
Authors: Spamer Earle E.
Published: May 2015

Every animal generic name in the Grand Canyon literature base is included in this list. Complete bibliographical citations for individual entires can be found in the bibliography (Part 1). Page and figure citations are listed for every mention of a generic name without an included species–as a generic name alone, in conjunction with the specific indication “sp.,” in comparison with a species (“cf.”), or as an indication of affinity to a species (“aff.”). When appropriate, cross-indexes appear to the index to animal species (Index 3). Genera that have never appeared in the Grand Canyon regional literature without an accompanying specific name are included in this index, but with a cross-reference to Index 3.
Part 1: Bibliography
Authors: Spamer Earle E.
Published: May 2015

This bibliography is comprehensive for the entire volume. In addition to references that discuss particular systematic taxa , it also includes citations of references that in some way discuss paleontology in the Grsad Canyon region without naming any systematic taxa. Citations provide complete bibliographical data in Mfioort of abbreviated citations in the indexes that follow in Part 2. References that are flagged by a triangle () indicate publications that wholly or in part discuss fossils derived from Tertiary that are important in the interpretation of the development of the Grand Canyon; these occurrences are not neceeaarily at or near the Grand Canyon.

These are lists of genera and species reported from publications th. cover areas greater than that covered by' these indaexcluded from these lists (thus thes- lists do not necessarily cite every). The taxa sre listed alphabeticaity, first listing Animalia,then AcriIIrdaa, dofouill. Taxa that are cited only as genera (e.g., Pinus sp.) are iDduded 0lIl,IaaYe included in them (in the cited publication). The systematic placemelll of tau foIlowidaelCbeme explainedin the "Scopeand Organization" section of this volume. In I few inItaDceI, it to update the identification under which the taxon was originally described; piItiaaArIy in the taIeI of Proterozoic fossils that were originally described under metazoan groups that fint evolved durin, the Paleozoic.
Airway foreign body aspiration: common, yet easily overlooked! Two interesting cases
Authors: Møller Janne , Rasmussen Finn , Hilberg Ole , Løkke Anders
Published: May 2015

Two cases: A 66-year-old woman was referred to the hospital due to dyspnoea and cough. Seven months prior to referral, the patient had choked on a chunk of nut and grain-filled bread. She had daily cough and dyspnoea. The patient was convinced of an airway foreign body and she contacted her general practitioner and the emergency service several times; they all found this unlikely. Fibre optic bronchoscopy revealed two obstructing nut-like foreign bodies in the right upper and lower lobe, respectively.

A 77-year-old man with sarcoidosis developed increased dyspnoea and sputum production. Three weeks earlier, the patient had choked on a magnesium tablet. Everyone was convinced that the tablet had dissolved. Infection was suspected. Chest CT scan was performed showing no obvious signs of infection or progression in sarcoidosis. After the CT scan, the patient coughed up the remains of the tablet and his symptoms resolved. Retrospective evaluation of the CT scan revealed the tablet.
Autoantibody-associated congenital heart block: a rare cause of persistent fetal bradycardia
Authors: Nigam Aruna , Ahmad Ayesha
Published: May 2015

Persistent fetal bradycardia in early pregnancy is a rare finding and indicates towards congenital heart block. This is commonly associated with positive maternal anti-Ro/anti-La antibodies. A case of an asymptomatic primigravida with persistent fetal bradycardia on routine antenatal ultrasound is reported with special emphasis on its management options.
Dens invaginatus in a geminated maxillary lateral incisor
Authors: Pallivathukal Renjith George , Misra Alok , Nagraj Sumanth Kumbargere , Donald Preethy Mary
Published: May 2015

Dens invaginatus (DI) and gemination are two developmental abnormalities that are well reported in the dental literature, but their coexistence in a single tooth is rare. Such situations worsen the risk factors associated with these anomalies, and the treatment plan should be customised as they possess altered morphology and anatomy. A 19-year-old girl came for evaluation of a cracked tooth in the front region of the upper jaw. The tooth showed clinical features of gemination and radiographic features of DI, and was diagnosed as DI in geminated maxillary lateral incisor. The differential diagnoses based on clinical appearance without radiographic investigation may warrant the treatment approach if these two abnormalities coexist in a single tooth. The report also highlights the importance of three-dimensional imaging in diagnosis and treatment planning of teeth with altered pulp canal anatomy. There are few reported cases in the literature detailing the treatment options for these two anomalies occurring in the same tooth.
Living kidney donation following nephrectomy due to pelviureteric junction obstruction
Authors: Soukup Benjamin , Vaidya Anil , Cranston David
Published: May 2015

A 49-year-old man presented with a 15-year history of problematic pelviureteric junction obstruction of his left kidney. Surgical management had failed to sufficiently control his symptoms and he was keen to have the kidney removed. Following preoperative discussion, the patient consented to his kidney being used for transplant. Following a total nephrectomy, the kidney was successfully transplanted into a 61-year-old woman, with a cold ischaemic time of 3 h and 22 min. There was primary function in the transplanted kidney and creatinine at 6 weeks was 60. This case highlights the potential for using organs with pelviureteric junction obstruction for living donor transplant and thereby expanding the donor pool.
Paediatric fibroepithelial lesions revisited: pathological insights
Authors: Tay Timothy Kwang Yong , Chang Kenneth Tou En , Thike Aye Aye , Tan Puay Hoon
Published: May 2015

Aim

To review the clinicopathological features of fibroepithelial neoplasms of the breast diagnosed by the paediatric pathology service in a children's hospital.

Methods

Files of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Kandang Kerbau Women's and Children's Hospital, were searched for breast fibroepithelial neoplasms diagnosed between January 2002 and December 2012. Tumour size and macroscopic findings were obtained from surgical pathology reports while clinical features were determined from clinical files. Histological slides were reviewed and microscopic parameters documented. Findings were tabulated and analysed using statistical methods.

Results

68 fibroepithelial neoplasms from 53 female subjects were studied. There were 27 (39.7%) fibroadenomas, 32 (47.1%) juvenile fibroadenomas, 3 (4.4%) cellular fibroadenomas, 3 (4.4%) benign phyllodes tumours with the remaining 3 (4.4%) comprising benign fibroepithelial neoplasms with focal infarction and hybrid features. Half (50%) of the tumours possessed small leaf-like fronds and a majority had at least moderate stromal cellularity (83.8%). Most tumours had no discernible stromal mitoses with only 23.5% (16/68) having ≥1 mitoses per 10 high power fields. Many (79.4%) disclosed positive surgical margins. Recurrences occurred in 8 (11.8%) cases after excision.

Conclusions

Most paediatric fibroepithelial tumours showed increased stromal cellularity which did not correlate with recurrence. Leaf-like fronds were commonly seen in paediatric fibroepithelial tumours apart from phyllodes tumours. Stromal mitoses were rare and may be a better criterion for predicting recurrence.
Follow-up of intracranial aneurysms treated by a WEB flow disrupter: a comparative study of DSA and contrast-enhanced MR angiography
Authors: Mine Benjamin , Tancredi Illario , Aljishi Ali , Alghamdi Faisal , Beltran Margarita , Herchuelz Maxime , Lubicz Boris
Published: May 2015

Objective

To compare contrast-enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA) and DSA for the follow-up of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) treated with the Woven EndoBridge embolization system DL (WEB DL; Sequent Medical, Aliso Viejo, California, USA).

Materials and methods

We retrospectively identified all patients treated with a WEB DL between November 2010 and February 2013 in 2 hospitals. The IA occlusion was graded on follow-up CE-MRA and DSA by 4 independent readers and by 2 readers reaching a consensus, respectively. Interobserver agreement for MRA and intertechnique agreement was evaluated by calculating linear weighted κ.

Results

Fifteen patients with 16 IAs were included. Mean delay between MRA and DSA was 2 months (range 0–16 months). Interobserver agreement for MRA was substantial to almost perfect (κ=0.686–0.921; mean κ=0.809). Intertechnique agreement was moderate to substantial (κ=0.579–0.724; mean κ=0.669). Only three out of five inadequately occluded IAs were detected by MRA.

Conclusions

CE-MRA is a useful tool for the follow-up of IAs treated with a WEB DL. However, early follow-up with DSA remains mandatory to detect inadequately occluded IAs.
Organisation of reperfusion therapy for STEMI in a developing country
Authors: Dharma Surya , Andriantoro Hananto , Dakota Iwan , Purnawan Ismi , Pratama Vireza , Isnanijah Herawati , Yamin Muhammad , Bagus Tjatur , Hartono Benny , Ratnaningsih Endang , Suling Frits , Basalamah M Abas
Published: May 2015

Objective

Routine evaluation of performance measures for the system of care for patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is needed to improve the STEMI network. We sought to evaluate the current status of reperfusion therapy for STEMI in the capital city of a developing country where a STEMI network was introduced in 2010.

Methods

Data were obtained from a local registry. A total of 28 812 patients admitted to the emergency department of a national cardiovascular hospital in three different periods (2007, 2010 and 2013) were retrospectively analysed; there were 2703 patients with STEMI.

Results

In 2013 compared with 2007, there was a major increase in the number of primary percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) (35% vs 24%, p<0.001), and the proportion of non-reperfused patients fell (62.8% vs 67.7%, p<0.001). An improvement in the overall STEMI mortality rate was also observed (7.5% vs 11.7%, p<0.001).

Conclusions

Implementation of a regional system of care for STEMI may improve utilisation of primary PCI. Future organisation of reperfusion therapy in a developing country such as Indonesia strongly calls for a strategy that focuses on prehospital care to minimise delay from the first medical contact to reperfusion therapy, and this may reduce the proportion of non-reperfused patients. These strategies are in concordance with guideline recommendations and may reduce or eliminate gaps in healthcare in developing countries, particularly the underutilisation of evidence-based therapies for patients with STEMI.

Trial registration number

NCT 02319473, Clinicaltrials.gov.
Are seed mass and seedling size and shape related to altitude? Evidence in Gymnocalycium monvillei (Cactaceae)
Authors: Bauk Karen , Pérez-Sánchez Reyes , Zeballos Sebastián R. , Las Peñas M. Laura , Flores Joel , Gurvich Diego E.
Published: May 2015

Several studies reported a negative relationship between altitude and seed mass. In cactus species, seed mass has been also related to seedling morphology (size and shape). Here we studied Gymnocalycium monvillei (Lem.) Pfeiff. ex Britton & Rose, a cactus species with a wide altitudinal distribution, with the main aim of analyzing how altitude affects seed mass and seedling size (height and width) and shape (globose or columnar). We collected seeds from five sites along the entire altitudinal distribution of the species in the Córdoba Mountains (sites were located between 878 and 2230 m a.s.l.), encompassing a marked climatic gradient (6 °C of mean annual temperature difference between the extreme sites). Seed mass and seedling traits were measured in the laboratory. Seedling height increased with altitude, whereas seed mass was not related to this parameter. Seedlings became more globose (reduced surface/volume ratio) with decreasing altitude. Variation in seedling shape along the altitudinal gradient may be related to the contrasting climatic conditions to which seedlings are exposed, and could account for the wide altitudinal distribution of G. monvillei. Our results highlight the importance of seedling traits in the species’ response to climatic change.
Movement of light elements in living plants measured by means of a standard-free method in in-air PIXE
Authors: Sera K. , Goto S. , Takahashi C. , Saitoh Y.
Published: May 2015

The two methods, which enable us to observe changes in concentration of heavy elements in living plants and to perform quantitative analysis of all elements heavier than aluminum in in-air PIXE with two detectors, simultaneously, were successfully applied to studies on movement of light elements in plants. It was found that light elements including silicone, phosphorus and sulfur in leaves of living plants can be quantitatively analyzed. Accuracy of the method for light elements could be confirmed by comparing the results with those obtained by an internal-standard method. It was also confirmed that changes in elemental concentration with elapsed time after starting irradiation could be observed for silicone, phosphorus, sulfur and chlorine together with heavier elements at the same time. Interesting changes in elemental concentration with elapsed time were observed for phosphorus and sulfur together with heavier elements such as potassium, calcium and manganese. Moreover, quite interesting changes of concentration of some light elements were clearly observed after supplying water-soluble manure containing phosphorus acid and potassium to the plant.
Studies on radioactive cesium and alkali elements in lentinula edodes (Shiitake) based on PIXE analysis
Authors: Terakawa A. , Ishii K. , Matsuyama S. , Hirakata Y. , Kikuchi K. , Matsuyama T. , Fujita A. , Kubo K. , Toyama S. , Watanabe K. , Koshio S. , Nagakubo K. , Sakurada T. , Sera K.
Published: May 2015

Particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis of Lentinula edodes mushrooms (Shiitake mushrooms) contaminated with radioactive cesium was performed to study relationships between concentrations of alkali elements in the shiitake mushroom samples and their radioactive cesium levels. The shiitake mushrooms were cultivated using radiocontaminated hard wood logs due to the nuclear power plant accident in Fukushima. The significant localization of radioactive cesium was found in the pileus region of the shiitake mushroom from autoradiographic observation. The concentrations of alkali elements in the shiitake sample were measured by PIXE analysis. The PIXE analysis has shown that the concentrations and transfer coefficients of potassium and rubidium in the pileus are much higher than the other parts of the shiitake sample as is the case of radioactive cesium. It is suggested that radioactive cesium is transferred into shiitake mushrooms in a manner similar to potassium and rubidium. The results of this work have shown the possibility to be able to use rubidium as an elemental tracer for radioactive cesium.
Fluorine mass balance in electrolytic degradation of perfluorooctane sulfonate in aqueous solution
Authors: Hashiguchi Ayumi , Yoneda Minoru , Fujikawa Yoko , Ozaki Hiroaki , Taniguchi Shogo , Raj Giri Rabindra , Yasuda Keisuke , Takata Takushi
Published: May 2015

Perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) have been widely used in various household products. Because of inactive C–F bond within its structure, most PFCs cannot be biologically degraded and tend to accumulate in the ecosystems once discharged into the environment through sewage effluent etc., necessitating low-cost treatment technologies for PFCs. We have worked on the electrolysis method in which PFCs in water are decomposed at moderate cost, and found that perfluorooctane sulfonate, considered to be the most recalcitrant chemical among PFCs, can be decomposed by electrolysis. The decomposition products, however, remained unknown although we used various advanced analytical techniques (mass spectrometry for analysis of organic substances in liquid and gas samples, and combustion-ion chromatography for total fluorine analysis) to identify the products. The emanation of volatile low-molecular fluorine compounds was suspected. The present report summarizes our trial to identify the unknown decomposition products by analytical instruments cited above, and the application of PIXE/PIGE analysis to track the fluorine compounds lost from the solution by concentrating the gaseous compounds in low temperature (–100°C) activated charcoal.
A Low Voltage, Low Power and Highly Linear CMOS Down-Conversion Gilbert Cell Mixer Using MGTR Method
Authors: Morad E. , Moussavi S. Z. , Alasvandi M. , Rasouli E.
Published: May 2015

A radio frequency (RF) low voltage and low power down conversion mixer with high linearity using TSMC 0.18-μm technology is presented which operates in 2.4 GHz Industrial Scientific and Medical (ISM) band. The local oscillator (LO) frequency is 2.1 GHz with an input power of 5 dBm, whereas IF frequency is 300 MHz. Multiple gated transistors (MGTRs) method is used to increase the linearity of Gilbert cell mixer. In this method an auxiliary transistor is used parallel to the transconductance stage transistor. This increases linearity by decreasing of transconductance stage transistor. The simulation results show an IIP3 improvement of 16.55 dBm. The proposed low power and highly linear mixer consumes a power of 4.46 mW from 1.8 V a supply voltage. The noise figure (NF) and gain conversion are about 13.8 dB and 9.11 dB, respectively.
Analog-Based CMOS Duty Cycle Corrector with 50–800 MHz Operating Range
Authors: Ma Rui , Zhu Zhangming , Liu Maliang , Gan Ping , Yang Yintang
Published: May 2015

In this paper, a novel accurate analog-based 50% duty cycle corrector (DCC) for high-speed and high-resolution operations is presented. Due to the performance limitations of conventional DCCs, such as a confined locking range and overtone locking, a novel delay line using forward-body-bias technique and reset circuit are adopted to enlarge the locking range of the proposed DCC. Simulated results based on the standard 0.18 μm 1.8 V standard CMOS process show that output duty cycle error is less than ±1% over an input frequency range of 50–800 MHz. The peak-to-peak jitter at 800 MHz is 789.77 fs with a power consumption of 11.09 mW. The active layout area of the proposed DCC is 0.21 × 0.21 mm2.
High-Swing, High-Resolution, Low-Power, Low-Area Voltage-Mode LTA/WTA Circuits
Authors: Soleimani Mohammad , Toofan Siroos , Yargholi Mostafa
Published: May 2015

In this paper, a general architecture for analog implementation of loser/winner-take-all (LTA/WTA) and other rank order circuits is presented. This architecture is composed of a differential amplifier with merged n-inputs and a merged common-source with active load (MCSAL) circuit to choose the desired input. The advantages of the proposed structure are simplicity, very high resolution, very low supply voltage requirements, very low output resistor, low power dissipation, low active area and simple expansion for multiple inputs by adding only three transistors for each extra input. The post-layout simulation results of proposed circuits are presented by HSPICE software in 0.35-μm CMOS process technology. The total power dissipation of proposed circuits is about 110-μW. Also, the total active area is about 550-μm2 for five-input proposed circuits, and would be negligibly increased for each extra input.
A Wide-Range Charge Controller for Solar Sensor
Authors: Gong Cihun-Siyong Alex , Chang Long-Xi
Published: May 2015

The solar energy conversion driven by the solar sensor (or the so-called solar cell) has become an important and feasible way to solve global energy crisis while at the same time minimizing environmental pollution. The solar charge controller is the key of its active system for the signal processing circuits involved. In this paper, a fully integrated solar charge controller is presented. The charger has wide input voltage range about 10–28 V for the solar-powered panel. The input loop regulation is used here as the maximum power point tracking protection. This charger also provides different kinds of battery voltages about 4–12 V. The controller system uses just one error amplifier (EA) and no external compensation components is needed. Besides, this controller has 600-kHz pulse-width modulation (PWM) and offers the over-current/over-voltage protection. Other components like bandgap, reference generator, saw-tooth generator, register controller and driver circuits are all implemented in this circuit. This chip is fabricated in a 0.4-μm 5 V/40 V 2P4M process. The power consumption of this full-integrated solar charge controller IC is about 10 mA.
Constant Time Algorithm for Computing a Collision-Free Path on R-Mesh with Path Quality Analysis
Authors: El-Boghdadi Hatem M.
Published: May 2015

The reconfigurable mesh (R-Mesh) was shown to be a very powerful model capable of extremely fast solutions to many problems. R-Mesh has a wide range of applications such as arithmetic problems, image processing and robotics. The 2D R-Mesh was shown to be able to solve the path planning problem very fast.

In this paper, we propose an algorithm to compute a collision-free path, P, between a source and a destination in an environment with the existence of obstacles. Independent of the number of obstacles, k, the proposed algorithm runs in constant time and requires O( log 2N) pre-processing time where N is the size of the R-Mesh. This is in contrast to the previous work that requires O(k) time with the same pre-processing time. We then consider the quality of the generated path. We present a constant-time modification to enhance the length of the path and analyze the generated path P in terms of the number of bends in P. We derive the number of bends in P for any set of obstacles. We also derive a necessary condition for the minimum number of bends in the path P, i.e., a lower bound on the number of bends. We finally identify a class of obstacles for which the above necessary condition is sufficient as well (tight bound).
Pullback Exponential Attractors for Nonautonomous Reaction–Diffusion Equations
Authors: Yan Xingjie , Qi Wei
Published: May 2015

This paper presents a necessary and sufficient condition to prove the existence of the pullback exponential attractor. The asymptotic a priori estimate method is used to produce an abstract result on the existence of the pullback exponential attractor in a strong space without regularity. The established results are illustrated by applying them to the nonautonomous reaction–diffusion equations to prove the existence of the pullback exponential attractors in L2(Ω), [Formula: see text] and Lp(Ω)(p > 2) spaces.
Bifurcation of Limit Cycles for Some Liénard Systems with a Nilpotent Singular Point
Authors: Yang Junmin , Sun Xianbo
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we first present some general theorems on bifurcation of limit cycles in near-Hamiltonian systems with a nilpotent saddle or a nilpotent cusp. Then we apply the theorems to study the number of limit cycles for some polynomial Liénard systems with a nilpotent saddle or a nilpotent cusp, and obtain some new estimations on the number of limit cycles of these systems.
Critical Period Bifurcation by Perturbing a Reversible Rigidly Isochronous Center with Multiple Parameters
Authors: Li Na , Han Maoan
Published: May 2015

This paper focuses on bifurcation of critical periods by perturbing a rigidly isochronous center with multiple parameters. First, we give expressions of period bifurcation functions (PBF for short) in the form of integrals, and then study the first PBF T1(ρ, λ) with a new method. Compared with the result in [Liu & Han, 2014], more critical periods can be found by our method.
Analysis of Discontinuity Induced Bifurcations in a Dual Input DC-DC Converter
Authors: Giaouris Damian , Banerjee Soumitro , Mandal Kuntal , Al-Hindawi Mohammed M. , Abusorrah Abdullah , Al-Turki Yusuf , El Aroudi Abdelali
Published: May 2015

DC-DC power converters with multiple inputs and a single output are used in numerous applications where multiple sources, e.g. two or more renewable energy sources and/or a battery, feed a single load. In this work, a classical boost converter topology with two input branches connected to two different sources is chosen, with each branch independently being controlled by a separate peak current mode controller. We demonstrate for the first time that even though this converter is similar to other well known topologies that have been studied before, it exhibits many complex nonlinear behaviors that are not found in any other standard PWM controlled power converter. The system undergoes period incrementing cascade as a parameter is varied, with discontinuous hard transitions between consecutive periodicities. We show that the system can be described by a discontinuous map, which explains the observed bifurcation phenomena. The results have been experimentally validated.
Generation of Luby Transform Codes with Low Redundancy
Authors: Zhao Yuli , Lau Francis C. M. , Zhu Zhiliang , Zhang Wei
Published: May 2015

Given the same number of encoded symbols, a Luby Transform (LT) decoder is more likely to decode successfully when there is little redundancy among the symbols. With the use of a Tanner graph, we describe two kinds of redundancy appearing in LT codes in this paper. We further propose an encoding algorithm called Low Redundancy (LR) algorithm used in the formation of the encoded symbols. The algorithm aims to reduce the redundancy of LT codes and to improve the decoder performance under the same complexity. Simulation results show various LT codes improve in terms of average overhead factor and probability of successful decoding when the codes are encoded using the proposed LR algorithm. Moreover, the encoding complexity remains unchanged.
Self-Excited and Hidden Attractors Found Simultaneously in a Modified Chua's Circuit
Authors: Bao Bocheng , Hu Fengwei , Chen Mo , Xu Quan , Yu Yajuan
Published: May 2015

By replacing the Chua's diode in Chua's circuit with a first-order hybrid diode circuit, a fourth-order modified Chua's circuit is presented. The circuit has an unstable zero saddle point and two nonzero saddle-foci. By Routh–Hurwitz criterion, it is found that in a narrow parameter region, the two nonzero saddle-foci have a transition from unstable to stable saddle-foci, leading to generations of self-excited and hidden attractors in the modified Chua's circuit simultaneously, which have not been previously reported. Complex dynamical behaviors are investigated both numerically and experimentally. The results indicate that the proposed circuit exhibits complicated nonlinear phenomena including self-excited attractors, coexisting self-excited attractors, hidden attractors, and coexisting hidden attractors.
Schwarzschild radial perturbations in Eddington–Finkelstein and Painlevé–Gullstrand coordinates
Authors: Philipp Dennis , Perlick Volker
Published: May 2015

In a previous paper, we have considered the Regge–Wheeler equation for fields of spin s = 0, 1 or 2 on the Schwarzschild spacetime in coordinates that are regular at the horizon. In particular, we have constructed in Eddington–Finkelstein (EF) coordinates exact solutions in terms of series that are regular at the horizon and converge on the entire open domain from the central singularity to infinity. Here, we extend this earlier work in two different directions. First, we consider in EF coordinates a massive scalar field that can serve as a dark matter candidate. Second, we extend the treatment of the massless case to Painlevé–Gullstrand (PG) coordinates, which are associated with radially infalling observers.
Local Features Analysis of On-Line Signature Using Modified Distance of DTW
Authors: Rashidi Saeid , Fallah Ali , Towhidkhah Farzad
Published: May 2015

Signature verification is a reliable and publicly acceptable method for authentication. Each signature is represented as a set of functional features such as coordinates of signature points, pen pressure and pen angle and therefore many features are available to the designer of signature verification system. The efficiency of any signature verification system depends mainly on the discrimination power and robustness of the features use in the system. This paper evaluates 40 dynamic features viewpoint classification error and consistency for extracting the best subset once a set of features provide maximal discrimination capability between genuine and forgery signatures. A modified distance of dynamic time warping (DTW) algorithm is proposed to improve performance of verification phase. The proposed system is evaluated on the public SVC2004 signature database. The experimental results show that first, the most discriminate and consistent features are velocity-based. Second, average equal error rate (EER) for proposed algorithm in comparison with the general DTW algorithm show a 47.5% decrease. Moreover, comparative study based on different classifier with skilled forgery show that the best result has EER of 1.73% using Parzen window classifier.
Comparison of electronic effects of β-aryl substituents on optical and electrochemical properties of 5,15-diazaporphyrin π-systems
Authors: Omomo Satoshi , Furukawa Ko , Nakano Haruyuki , Matano Yoshihiro
Published: May 2015

The syntheses and optical/electrochemical properties of 3-aryl-10,20-dimesityl-5,15-diazaporphyrin-metal complexes (MDAPs; mesityl = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl; M = Ni , Zn ) are reported. Treatment of 3-bromo-MDAPs with arylboronic acids in the presence of a Pd catalyst and a bulky phosphine ligand in a dioxane-water mixed solvent afforded the corresponding 3-aryl-MDAPs in moderate to good yields. X-ray crystallographic analysis of p- EtO 2 CC 6 H 4- NiDAP showed that the β-aryl group was tilted toward the NiDAP ring, with a dihedral angle of 21.7°. In the UV-visible absorption spectra, all the Ar-MDAPs showed intense Q-bands attributable to HOMO-to-LUMO transitions. The para substituents were found to influence the HOMO energies, which eventually resulted in fine tuning of the HOMO–LUMO gaps of the diazaporphyrin chromophores. It is worth noting that the p- Ph 2 NC 6 H 4- ZnDAP showed broad absorption and emission bands in the visible-near-infrared regions. The large Stokes shifts and their linear solvation energy relationships vs. orientation polarizability show that this Ph 2 N -substituted derivative has intrinsically high charge transfer from the triphenylamine (donor) to the ZnDAP (acceptor) unit. These experimental observations were supported by theoretical calculations for model Ar-ZnDAP compounds. These results confirm that the introduction of a highly electron-donating aryl group at the peripheral β-carbon is a promising strategy for enhancing the light-harvesting and light-emitting abilities of diazaporphyrin-based π-systems in the visible-near-infrared regions.
Magmatism, mantle evolution and geodynamics at the converging plate margins of Italy
Authors: Peccerillo A. , Frezzotti M. L.
Published: May 2015

The Plio-Quaternary magmatism in the Tyrrhenian Sea area exhibits wide compositional variations, which cover almost entirely those observed for volcanic rocks worldwide. Some volcanoes (Etna, Iblei, Sardinia, etc.) range from tholeiitic to Na-alkaline, and display elemental and isotope signatures typical of FOZO and EM-1 ocean-island basalts (OIB). Other volcanoes (Aeolian Arc, Italian peninsula) range from calc-alkaline–shoshonitic to K-alkaline, exhibit typical ‘subduction-related’ trace element signatures (low Ta–Nb, high Rb–Cs–LREE), and show a large range of radiogenic isotope ratios, from mantle-like in the Aeolian Arc to crustal-like in central Italy. Geochemical data suggest that OIB-type magmatism originated in lithosphere–asthenosphere sources that were unaffected by recent subduction. In contrast, subduction-related magmas come from mantle sources that underwent Eocene to present mixing with various amounts and types of subducted crustal components. Fluxing of the mantle wedge by water-rich fluids from a mid-ocean ridge basalt-type slab occurred in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea, whereas interaction between peridotite and various types of sediments occurred in central Italy. These contrasting styles of mantle contaminations relate to the nature (oceanic or continental) of the foreland, slab geometry and pre-metasomatic mantle compositions, which vary greatly along the Apennine arc and are the reason for the formation of the wide variety of orogenic magmas in Italy.
Long-term resilience decline in plant ecosystems across the Danian Dan-C2 hyperthermal event, Boltysh crater, Ukraine
Authors: Jolley D. W. , Gilmour I. , Gilmour M. , Kemp D. B. , Kelley S. P.
Published: May 2015

Mass-balance calculations indicate that a massive amount of δ
13
C-depleted carbon was released into the early Danian atmosphere in volumes comparable with the younger Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM). This Danian hyperthermal event (the Dan-C2) has been documented from the fill of the Boltysh meteorite crater, Ukraine. Palynofloras recovered from the Boltysh crater fill show a trend from mesic forest to savannah ecosystem dominance on a millennial scale across the hyperthermal inception with no abrupt compositional shift. This longer-term trend is overprinted by moisture availability oscillations reflecting orbital forcing. Forcing is not directly tracked by the oscillations, which are composed of mesic forest and savannah palynofloras separated by rapid critical transitions. The absence of an ecological collapse at the Dan-C2 indicates that plant ecosystems experienced dominant forcing from orbital cyclicity, rather than a stochastic temperature rise.
The oppeliid, perisphinctid and aspidoceratid ammonite faunas of the ‘Corallian’ Beds (Upper Jurassic) in Cambridgeshire, England
Authors: Page K. N. , Wright J. K. , Kelly S. R. A.
Published: May 2015

The Upware Limestone Member comprises an enclave of Middle Oxfordian ‘Corallian’ facies limestone situated on the East Midlands Shelf within the more typical mudrock-dominated sequences of eastern England, and is assigned to the West Walton Formation. Recent deep excavations in the district have revealed the base of the Upware Limestone, not exposed since the last century, resting on a mudrock sequence, the Dimmock’s Cote Marl Member. The Upware Limestone and Dimmock’s Cote Marl have yielded an unusually common ammonite fauna, including both Boreal (Cardioceratidae) and Tethyan (Perisphinctinae) elements, and rare Tethyian oppeliids and aspidoceratids. Thirteen nominal species of
Perisphinctes
are described and figured, as are one species of
Neocampylites
and one of
Euaspidoceras
. Three distinct assemblages of
Perisphinctes
are recognized in the Upware succession. The faunas are correlated with existing zonations for the Middle Oxfordian of Sub-Boreal and Sub-Mediterranean regions, including sub-subzonal schemes (i.e. ‘biohorizons’). Such correlations aid the construction of correlative links between two distinct ammonite provinces and have great potential for resolving some of the outstanding questions of European Middle Oxfordian stratigraphy. The succession is also of great importance within Britain as it is the only known locality to yield faunas that are stratigraphically intermediate between the classic Corallian assemblages of Oxford and the later faunas of the Upper Calcareous Grit of Yorkshire.
Integrated Environmental Modelling: human decisions, human challenges
Authors: Glynn Pierre D.
Published: May 2015

Integrated Environmental Modelling (IEM) is an invaluable tool for understanding the complex, dynamic ecosystems that house our natural resources and control our environments. Human behaviour affects the ways in which the science of IEM is assembled and used for meaningful societal applications. In particular, human biases and heuristics reflect adaptation and experiential learning to issues with frequent, sharply distinguished, feedbacks. Unfortunately, human behaviour is not adapted to the more diffusely experienced problems that IEM typically seeks to address. Twelve biases are identified that affect IEM (and science in general). These biases are supported by personal observations and by the findings of behavioural scientists. A process for critical analysis is proposed that addresses some human challenges of IEM and solicits explicit description of (1) represented processes and information, (2) unrepresented processes and information, and (3) accounting for, and cognizance of, potential human biases. Several other suggestions are also made that generally complement maintaining attitudes of watchful humility, open-mindedness, honesty and transparent accountability. These suggestions include (1) creating a new area of study in the behavioural biogeosciences, (2) using structured processes for engaging the modelling and stakeholder communities in IEM, and (3) using ‘red teams’ to increase resilience of IEM constructs and use.
Salmonellainfection inhibits intestinal biotin transport: cellular and molecular mechanisms
Authors: Ghosal Abhisek , Jellbauer Stefan , Kapadia Rubina , Raffatellu Manuela , Said Hamid M.
Published: May 2015

Infection with the nontyphoidal Salmonella is a common cause of food-borne disease that leads to acute gastroenteritis/diarrhea. Severe/prolonged cases of Salmonella infection could also impact host nutritional status, but little is known about its effect on intestinal absorption of vitamins, including biotin. We examined the effect of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium ( S. typhimurium) infection on intestinal biotin uptake using in vivo (streptomycin-pretreated mice) and in vitro [mouse (YAMC) and human (NCM460) colonic epithelial cells, and human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells] models. The results showed that infecting mice with wild-type S. typhimurium, but not with its nonpathogenic isogenic invA spiB mutant, leads to a significant inhibition in jejunal/colonic biotin uptake and in level of expression of the biotin transporter, sodium-dependent multivitamin transporter. In contrast, infecting YAMC, NCM460, and Caco-2 cells with S. typhimurium did not affect biotin uptake. These findings suggest that the effect of S. typhimurium infection is indirect and is likely mediated by proinflammatory cytokines, the levels of which were markedly induced in the intestine of S. typhimurium-infected mice. Consistent with this hypothesis, exposure of NCM460 cells to the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IFN-γ led to a significant inhibition of biotin uptake, sodium-dependent multivitamin transporter expression, and activity of the SLC5A6 promoter. The latter effects appear to be mediated, at least in part, via the NF-κB signaling pathway. These results demonstrate that S. typhimurium infection inhibits intestinal biotin uptake, and that the inhibition is mediated via the action of proinflammatory cytokines.
Culture and adenoviral infection of sinoatrial node myocytes from adult mice
Authors: St. Clair Joshua R. , Sharpe Emily J. , Proenza Catherine
Published: May 2015

Pacemaker myocytes in the sinoatrial node of the heart initiate each heartbeat by firing spontaneous action potentials. However, the molecular processes that underlie pacemaking are incompletely understood, in part because of our limited ability to manipulate protein expression within the native cellular context of sinoatrial node myocytes (SAMs). Here we describe a new method for the culture of fully differentiated SAMs from adult mice, and we demonstrate that robust expression of introduced proteins can be achieved within 24–48 h in vitro via adenoviral gene transfer. Comparison of morphological and electrophysiological characteristics of 48 h-cultured versus acutely isolated SAMs revealed only minor changes in vitro. Specifically, we found that cells tended to flatten in culture but retained an overall normal morphology, with no significant changes in cellular dimensions or membrane capacitance. Cultured cells beat spontaneously and, in patch-clamp recordings, the spontaneous action potential firing rate did not differ between cultured and acutely isolated cells, despite modest changes in a subset of action potential waveform parameters. The biophysical properties of two membrane currents that are critical for pacemaker activity in SAMs, the “funny current” ( If) and voltage-gated Ca2+ currents ( ICa), were also indistinguishable between cultured and acutely isolated cells. This new method for culture and adenoviral infection of fully-differentiated SAMs from the adult mouse heart expands the range of experimental techniques that can be applied to study the molecular physiology of cardiac pacemaking because it will enable studies in which protein expression levels can be modified or genetically encoded reporter molecules expressed within SAMs.
A high-resolution thermoelectric module-based calorimeter for measuring the energetics of isolated ventricular trabeculae at body temperature
Authors: Johnston Callum M. , Han June-Chiew , Ruddy Bryan P. , Nielsen Poul M. F. , Taberner Andrew J.
Published: May 2015

Isolated ventricular trabeculae are the most common experimental preparations used in the study of cardiac energetics. However, the experiments have been conducted at subphysiological temperatures. We have overcome this limitation by designing and constructing a novel calorimeter with sufficiently high thermal resolution for simultaneously measuring the heat output and force production of isolated, contracting, ventricular trabeculae at body temperature. This development was largely motivated by the need to better understand cardiac energetics by performing such measurements at body temperature to relate tissue performance to whole heart behavior in vivo. Our approach uses solid-state thermoelectric modules, tailored for both temperature sensing and temperature control. The thermoelectric modules have high sensitivity and low noise, which, when coupled with a multilevel temperature control system, enable an exceptionally high temperature resolution with a noise-equivalent power an order of magnitude greater than those of other existing muscle calorimeters. Our system allows us to rapidly and easily change the experimental temperature without disturbing the state of the muscle. Our calorimeter is useful in many experiments that explore the energetics of normal physiology as well as pathophysiology of cardiac muscle.