bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Participatory Data Analysis Alongside Co‐researchers who have Down Syndrome
Authors: Stevenson Miriam
Published: December 2013

Background

There is comparatively little published research that transparently charts the contribution of people with an intellectual disability to a collaborative research process. This paper illustrates the process of data analysis in a project located within the Emancipatory Disability Research (EDR) paradigm.

Materials and methods

Textual data was made available from a participatory action research project involving young people who have Down syndrome. A university based researcher analysed a portion of the data set using thematic networks with the participation of co‐researchers in iterative cycles of reflexivity.

Results

The participation of the co‐researchers is demonstrated and a global theme, deduced from the collaborative analysis, is described.

Conclusion

Authentic participation of co‐researchers in the data analysis stage of the research process is an example of ‘inclusive research’ and assures adherence to the principles of EDR in informing the theory and practice of social inclusion for young adults with an intellectual disability.

Accessible Abstract

Background

There are not many research projects which include people with an intellectual disability in data analysis. This paper tells the story of how a small group of people with Down syndrome called co‐researchers, joined in analysing data from their peers in a research project.

Materials and methods

The co‐researchers worked in a group. They took some copies of typed up interviews, underlined words and made notes on parts of the interview they found interesting and important.

Results

Through their work, the co‐researchers found that being involved with other people and having friends is important but can be hard sometimes.

Conclusion

This work is important as it shows the abilities of some people with Down syndrome in data analysis work. The co‐researchers were included in research that is about themselves and other people with intellectual disabilities.
Macrophage stimulating agent soluble yeast β‐1,3/1,6‐glucan as a topical treatment of diabetic foot and leg ulcers: A randomized, double blind, placebo‐controlled phase II study
Authors: Zykova Svetlana N , Balandina Ksenia A , Vorokhobina Natalia V , Kuznetsova Alla V , Engstad Rolf , Zykova Tatiana A
Published: December 2013

Aims/Introduction

Dysregulated inflammatory response is believed to be an important factor in the pathogenesis of several late complications of diabetes mellitus. β‐Glucans are potent inducers of immune function. The present randomized, double blind, two‐center, placebo‐controlled study was undertaken to explore safety, tolerability and efficacy of soluble β‐1,3/1,6‐glucan (SBG) as a local treatment of diabetic foot ulcers.

Materials and Methods

A total of 60 patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes and lower extremity ulcers (Wagner grade 1–2, Ankle/Brachial Index ≥0.7) received SBG or a comparator product (methylcellulose) locally three times weekly up to 12 weeks in addition to conventional management scheme. A total of 54 patients completed the study.

Results

A tendency for shorter median time to complete healing in the SBG group was observed (36 vs 63 days, P = 0.130). Weekly percentage reduction in ulcer size was significantly higher in the SBG group than in the methylcellulose group between weeks 1–2, 3–4 and 5–6 (P < 0.05). The proportion of ulcers healed by week 12 was also in favor of SBG (59% vs 37%, P = 0.09), with a significantly higher healing incidence in the SBG group at week 8 (44% vs 17%, P = 0.03). SBG was safe and well tolerated. There was a clinically significant difference regarding the incidence of serious adverse events in favor of the SBG treatment.

Conclusions

Local treatment of diabetic lower extremity ulcers with β‐1,3/1,6‐polyglucose shows good safety results. This β‐glucan preparation shows promising potential as a treatment accelerating cutaneous healing. Further studies are required to confirm this effect. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (no. NCT00288392).
Designing Processing and Fermentation Conditions for Long‐Life Set Yoghurt for Made‐in‐Transit (MIT) Product
Authors: Nor‐Khaizura M‐A‐R. , Flint S.H. , McCarthy O.J. , Palmer J.S. , Golding M. , Jaworska A.
Published: December 2013

Extending yoghurt fermentations could facilitate yoghurt distribution by allowing the fermentation to occur during transportation – a concept known as “made‐in‐transit” (MIT). The objective was to determine the starter culture composition, inoculum size and fermentation temperature for extending yoghurt fermentations to 168 h. The yoghurt was processed using a milk base sterilized by ultra‐high temperature (UHT) treatment at 138C for 6 s. Factorial experiments for yoghurt processing were designed with starter culture combinations of STLB (Streptococcus thermophilus with Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus) and STLA (S. thermophilus with L. acidophilus), inoculum sizes of 2.0 and 0.2% (v/v) and fermentation temperatures of 25 or 35C. The fermentation was monitored over 168 h using pH, starter culture concentration and firmness. The combination of STLA, and a 0.2% inoculum, fermented at 25C extended the yoghurt fermentation to 168 h; however, no gel formed. The best product was produced with a STLB starter combination of 2.0% inoculum fermented at 35C for 24 h. This shows the constraints and limitations of applying the MIT concept to a fermented food.

Practical Applications

Yoghurt produced using an extended fermentation time to allow fermentation during transportation, could allow product to be shipped to distant markets and extend the shelf life in the market. A UHT‐treated milk base will be needed to ensure no growth of contaminants, and this will also help to ensure a longer product shelf life. The fermentation conditions obtained in this study provide an opportunity for extending the yoghurt market reach by up to 7 days (168 h) of transportation.
Accumulation of periplasmic enterobactin impairs the growth and morphology of Escherichia coli tolC mutants
Authors: Vega Daniel E. , Young Kevin D.
Published: December 2013

TolC is the outer membrane component of tripartite efflux pumps, which expel proteins, toxins and antimicrobial agents from Gram‐negative bacteria. Escherichia coli tolC mutants grow well and are slightly elongated in rich media but grow less well than wild‐type cells in minimal media. These phenotypes have no physiological explanation as yet. Here, we find that tolC mutants have highly aberrant shapes when grown in M9‐glucose medium but that adding iron restores wild‐type morphology. When starved for iron, E. coli tolC mutants synthesize but cannot secrete the siderophore enterobactin, which collects in the periplasm. tolC mutants unable to synthesize enterobactin display no growth or morphological defects, and adding exogenous enterobactin recreates these aberrations, implicating this compound as the causative agent. Cells unable to import enterobactin across the outer membrane grow normally, whereas cells that import enterobactin only to the periplasm become morphologically aberrant. Thus, tolC mutants grown in low iron conditions accumulate periplasmic enterobactin, which impairs bacterial morphology, possibly by sequestering iron and inhibiting an iron‐dependent reaction involved in cell division or peptidoglycan synthesis. The results also highlight the need to supply sufficient iron when studying TolC‐directed export or efflux, to eliminate extraneous physiological effects.
A universe of dwarfs and giants: genome size and chromosome evolution in the monocot familyMelanthiaceae
Authors: Pellicer Jaume , Kelly Laura J. , Leitch Ilia J. , Zomlefer Wendy B. , Fay Michael F.
Published: December 2013

Since the occurrence of giant genomes in angiosperms is restricted to just a few lineages, identifying where shifts towards genome obesity have occurred is essential for understanding the evolutionary mechanisms triggering this process.

Genome sizes were assessed using flow cytometry in 79 species and new chromosome numbers were obtained. Phylogenetically based statistical methods were applied to infer ancestral character reconstructions of chromosome numbers and nuclearDNAcontents.

Melanthiaceae are the most diverse family in terms of genome size, withC‐values ranging more than 230‐fold. Our data confirmed that giant genomes are restricted to tribe Parideae, with most extant species in the family characterized by small genomes. Ancestral genome size reconstruction revealed that the most recent common ancestor (MRCA) for the family had a relatively small genome (1C = 5.37 pg). Chromosome losses and polyploidy are recovered as the main evolutionary mechanisms generating chromosome number change.

Genome evolution inMelanthiaceae has been characterized by a trend towards genome size reduction, with just one episode of dramaticDNAaccumulation in Parideae. Such extreme contrasting profiles of genome size evolution illustrate the key role of transposable elements and chromosome rearrangements in driving the evolution of plant genomes.
The protein phosphatase subunit PP2A‐B′γ is required to suppress day length‐dependent pathogenesis responses triggered by intracellular oxidative stress
Authors: Li Shengchun , Mhamdi Amna , Trotta Andrea , Kangasjärvi Saijaliisa , Noctor Graham
Published: December 2013

Oxidative stress responses are influenced by growth day length, but little is known about how this occurs. A combined reverse genetics, metabolomics and proteomics approach was used to address this question in Arabidopsis thaliana.

A catalase‐deficient mutant (cat2), in which intracellular oxidative stress drives pathogenesis‐related responses in a day length‐dependent manner, was crossed with a knockdown mutant for a specific type 2A protein phosphatase subunit (pp2a‐b′γ). In long days (LD), the pp2a‐b′γ mutation reinforced cat2‐triggered pathogenesis responses.

In short days (SD), conditions in which pathogenesis‐related responses were not activated in cat2, the additional presence of the pp2a‐b′γ mutation allowed lesion formation, PATHOGENESIS‐RELATED GENE1 (PR1) induction, salicylic acid (SA) and phytoalexin accumulation and the establishment of metabolite profiles that were otherwise observed in cat2 only in LD. Lesion formation in cat2 pp2a‐b′γ in SD was genetically dependent on SA synthesis, and was associated with decreased PHYTOCHROME A transcripts. Phosphoproteomic analyses revealed that several potential protein targets accumulated in the double mutant, including recognized players in pathogenesis and key enzymes of primary metabolism.

We conclude that the cat2 and pp2a‐b′γ mutations interact synergistically, and that PP2A‐B′γ is an important player in controlling day length‐dependent responses to intracellular oxidative stress, possibly through phytochrome‐linked pathways.
The effect of arginine on oral biofilm communities
Authors: Nascimento M.M. , Browngardt C. , Xiaohui X. , Klepac‐Ceraj V. , Paster B.J. , Burne R.A.
Published: December 2013

Alkali production by oral bacteria via the arginine deiminase system (ADS) increases the pH of oral biofilms and reduces the risk for development of carious lesions. This study tested the hypothesis that increased availability of arginine in the oral environment through an exogenous source enhances the ADS activity levels in saliva and dental plaque. Saliva and supra‐gingival plaque samples were collected from 19 caries‐free (CF) individuals (DMFT = 0) and 19 caries‐active (CA) individuals (DMFT ≥ 2) before and after treatment, which comprised the use of a fluoride‐free toothpaste containing 1.5% arginine, or a regular fluoride‐containing toothpaste twice daily for 4 weeks. ADS activity was measured by quantification of ammonia produced from arginine by oral samples at baseline, after washout period, 4 weeks of treatment, and 2 weeks post‐treatment. Higher ADS activity levels were observed in plaque samples from CF compared to those of CA individuals (P = 0.048) at baseline. The use of the arginine toothpaste significantly increased ADS activity in plaque of CA individuals (P = 0.026). The plaque microbial profiles of CA treated with the arginine toothpaste showed a shift in bacterial composition to a healthier community, more similar to that of CF individuals. Thus, an anti‐caries effect may be expected from arginine‐containing formulations due in large part to the enhancement of ADS activity levels and potential favorable modification to the composition of the oral microbiome.
Evaluation of endocrine function in children admitted to pediatric intensive care unit
Authors: Aydın Banu Küçükemre , Demirkol Demet , Baş Firdevs , Türkoğlu Ümit , Kumral Alkın , Karaböcüoğlu Metin , Çıtak Agop , Darendeliler Feyza
Published: December 2013

Background

Although studied widely in adulthood, little is known about endocrinological disorders during critical illnesses in childhood. The aims of this study were to define the endocrinological changes in patients admitted to pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and to identify their effects on prognosis.

Methods

Forty patients with a mean age of 5.1 years admitted to PICU were enrolled in the study. Blood samples were taken at admission and at 24 and 48 h to measure cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), prolactin, growth hormone (GH), GH binding protein (GHBP), insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein‐3 (IGFBP‐3) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). The severity of the patient's condition was assessed using pediatric risk of mortality (PRISM) and pediatric logistic organ dysfunction (PELOD) scores.

Results

PRISM and PELOD scores were significantly higher in non‐survivors. Cortisol, ACTH, prolactin, GH, GHBP, IGFBP‐3 and IL‐6 were not significantly different between the survivors and non‐survivors. There was a negative correlation between baseline IGFBP‐3 and PRISM scores. A positive correlation was seen between cortisol level at 24 h and PRISM score. On multivariate linear regression analysis, PRISM score was best explained by ACTH and cortisol at 24 h. A positive weak correlation was detected between IL‐6 at 24 h and PELOD scores.

Conclusions

Although there was no difference between survivors and non‐survivors regarding the studied endocrine parameters, there were associations between cortisol, ACTH, IL‐6 and IGFBP‐3 and risk assessment scores, and, given that these scores correlated with mortality, these parameters might be useful as prognostic factors.
Last millennium development and dynamics of vegetated linear dunes inferred from ground‐penetrating radar and optically stimulated luminescence ages
Authors: Roskin Joel , Blumberg Dan G. , Katra Itzhak
Published: December 2013

Using ground‐penetrating radar, optically stimulated luminescence dating, particle‐size distribution and morphological analysis, the study of the construction phases of a vegetated linear dune in the arid north‐western Negev dunefield of Israel during the last millennium improves current knowledge about vegetated linear dunes that developed in the late Pleistocene. Vertical accretion in rapid pulses forming horizontally bedded units along the axis of vegetated linear dunes, regardless of their age, was found to be characteristic of vegetated linear dunes. The combination of the unique topographic feature of a longitudinal 5 m step‐like fall in dune crest elevation with the substantial narrowing of dune width constitutes a distinct morphological marker for interpreting local dune growth and stabilization of the last, albeit localized, dune mobilization episode at ca 0·5 ka. Evidence for lateral dune migration was not observed. Where local sediment supply exists, short episodes of powerful winds within the Holocene (with recurrence intervals separated by hundreds of years) can lead to the construction of vegetated linear dunes. The spatially constrained extent of such young dunes in the north‐western Negev may be due to limited sand availability because most of the Negev dunes were stable during the Holocene. These findings imply that vegetated linear dune construction can occur in glacial and interglacial (including Holocene) environments in semi‐arid to arid climates if certain conditions are met. In times of increased wind power during the Anthropocene, a period characterized by simultaneous rises in the human impact on the landscape and in climate variability (i.e. drought), local growth of vegetated linear dunes can be expected. This study demonstrates that ground‐penetrating radar is a reliable tool for interpreting the shallow internal structure of young vegetated linear dunes.
An example of a highly bioturbated, storm‐influenced shoreface deposit: Upper Jurassic Ula Formation, Norwegian North Sea
Authors: Baniak Greg M. , Gingras Murray K. , Burns Beverly A. , George Pemberton S.
Published: December 2013

Integrated ichnological and sedimentological analyses of core samples from the Upper Jurassic Ula Formation in the Norwegian Central Graben were undertaken to quantify the influence of storm waves on sedimentation. Two main facies associations (offshore and shoreface) that form a progradational coarsening upward succession are recognizable within the cores. The offshore deposits are characterized by massive to finely laminated mudstones and fine‐grained sandstones, within a moderately to highly bioturbated complex. The trace fossil assemblage is dominated by deposit‐feeding structures (for example, Planolites, Phycosiphon and Rosselia) and constitutes an expression of the proximal Zoophycos to distal Cruziana ichnofacies. The absence of grazing behaviours and dominance of deposit‐feeding ichnofossils is a reflection of the increased wave energies present (i.e. storm‐generated currents) within an offshore setting. The shoreface succession is represented by highly bioturbated fine‐grained to medium‐grained sandstones, with intervals of planar and trough cross‐bedding, thin pebble lags and bivalve‐rich shell layers. The ichnofossil assemblage, forming part of the Skolithos ichnofacies, is dominated by higher energy Ophiomorpha nodosa ichnofossils and lower energy Ophiomorpha irregulaire and Siphonichnus ichnofossils. The presence of sporadic wave‐generated sedimentary structures and variability in ichnofossil diversity and abundance attests to the influence of storm‐generated currents during deposition. As a whole, the Ula Formation strongly reflects the influence of storm deposits on sediment deposition; consequently, storm‐influenced shoreface most accurately describes these depositional environments.
Parametric Analysis of the Fixed Mirror Solar Concentrator for Medium Temperature Applications
Authors: Pujol-Nadal Ramon , Martínez-Moll Víctor , Moià-Pol Andreu
Published: December 2013

The fixed mirror solar concentrator (FMSC) possesses a geometry that can produce thermal energy in medium temperature range. Due to its static reflector, the FMSC has several advantages when compared to other designs, such as being one of the best adapted for integration onto building roofs. An optical ray-tracing analysis of its geometry was presented in a previous paper (Pujol Nadal and Martínez Moll, 2012, “Optical Analysis of the Fixed Mirror Solar Concentrator by Forward Ray-Tracing Procedure,” Trans ASME J. Solar Energy Eng., 134(3), pp. 031009-1-14). The optical results were obtained in function of three design parameters: the number of mirrors N, the ratio of focal length and reflector width F/W, and the intercept factor γ (in order to represent different receiver widths). In this communication, the integrated thermal output of the same parameter combinations has been determined in order to find optimal values of the design parameters at a working temperature of 200 °C. The results were obtained for three different climates and two orientations (North-South and East-West). The results show that FMSC can produce heat at 200 °C with an annual thermal efficiency of 39, 44, and 48%, dependent of the location considered (Munich, Palma de Mallorca, and Cairo). The best FMSC geometries in function of the design parameters are exhibited for medium range applications.
Nitrogen Assimilation in Escherichia coli: Putting Molecular Data into a Systems Perspective
Authors: van Heeswijk Wally C. , Westerhoff Hans V. , Boogerd Fred C.
Published: December 2013

We present a comprehensive overview of the hierarchical network of intracellular processes revolving around central nitrogen metabolism inEscherichia coli. The hierarchy intertwines transport, metabolism, signaling leading to posttranslational modification, and transcription. The protein components of the network include an ammonium transporter (AmtB), a glutamine transporter (GlnHPQ), two ammonium assimilation pathways (glutamine synthetase [GS]-glutamate synthase [glutamine 2-oxoglutarate amidotransferase {GOGAT}] and glutamate dehydrogenase [GDH]), the two bifunctional enzymes adenylyl transferase/adenylyl-removing enzyme (ATase) and uridylyl transferase/uridylyl-removing enzyme (UTase), the two trimeric signal transduction proteins (GlnB and GlnK), the two-component regulatory system composed of the histidine protein kinase nitrogen regulator II (NRII) and the response nitrogen regulator I (NRI), three global transcriptional regulators called nitrogen assimilation control (Nac) protein, leucine-responsive regulatory protein (Lrp), and cyclic AMP (cAMP) receptor protein (Crp), the glutaminases, and the nitrogen-phosphotransferase system. First, the structural and molecular knowledge on these proteins is reviewed. Thereafter, the activities of the components as they engage together in transport, metabolism, signal transduction, and transcription and their regulation are discussed. Next, old and new molecular data and physiological data are put into a common perspective on integral cellular functioning, especially with the aim of resolving counterintuitive or paradoxical processes featured in nitrogen assimilation. Finally, we articulate what still remains to be discovered and what general lessons can be learned from the vast amounts of data that are available now.
Effect of truck position and multiple truck loading on response of long-span metal culverts
Authors: Elshimi Tamer M. , Brachman Richard W.I. , Moore Ian D.
Published: December 2013

Long-span metal culverts have been used for almost 50 years as an economical alternative to short-span bridges. Current design methods are based on two-dimensional finite element analysis using beam theory to represent the structure, or three-dimensional analysis employing orthotropic shell theory. However, neither analysis has been used to investigate the most critical position for trucks at the surface of long-span metal culverts. This paper shows results of three-dimensional finite element analysis, employing orthotropic shell theory and explicitly modeling the geometry of corrugated plates for a specific box culvert tested using a fully loaded dump truck. The analysis was then extended to study the effect of truck position on the response of long-span box and arch culverts. The finite element models, employing orthotropic shell theory and explicitly modeling the geometry of corrugated plates, successfully produced the behaviour of the culvert under truck loading for different truck positions. Culvert deformations were calculated within 7%–13% of the measured values at different locations. The bending moment at the crown was within 4%–17% of the values calculated using the measured strains. If three-dimensional finite element analysis is used to design these culverts, two design trucks should be considered (current design considers a single design truck). The highest moment or thrust is obtained when the truck tandem axles are located above the crown of the culvert.
CHO DECOMPOSITION OF ONE-HALF INTEGER MONOPOLES SOLUTIONS
Authors: TEH ROSY , NG BAN-LOONG , WONG KHAI-MING
Published: December 2013

We performed the Cho decomposition of the SU(2) Yang–Mills–Higgs gauge potentials of the finite energy (1) one-half monopole solution and (2) the one and a half monopoles solution into Abelian and non-Abelian components. We found that the semi-infinite string singularity in the gauge potentials is a contribution from the Higgs field of the one-half monopole in both of the solutions. The non-Abelian components of the gauge potentials are able to remove the point singularity of the Abelian components of the 't Hooft–Polyakov monopole but not the string singularity of the one-half monopole which is topological in nature. Hence the total energy of a one monopole is infinite in the Maxwell electromagnetic theory but the total energy of a one-half monopole is finite. By analyzing the magnetic fields and the gauge covariant derivatives of the Higgs field, we are able to conclude that both the one-half integer monopoles solutions are indeed non-BPS even in the limit of vanishing Higgs self-coupling constant.
DEPENDENCE OF SOFT PION JET PROPERTIES IN THE SPACE OF RELATIVE FOUR-DIMENSIONAL VELOCITIES ON INITIAL ENERGY
Authors: OKOROKOV V. A.
Published: December 2013

In this paper experimental results obtained by studying of collective and fractal properties of soft pion jets in the space of relative four-dimensional velocities in intermediate energy domain 2–20 GeV are presented. Fractional values of cluster dimension are indicated on manifestation of fractal-like properties by pion jets. The changes of the mean square of the distance between secondary particles and jet axis, the mean kinetic energy of particles in jets and the cluster dimension with increasing of collision energy agree with the hypothesis of manifestation of quark degrees of freedom in processes of pion jet production at intermediate energies. For the first time the quantitative estimations are obtained for the low boundary energy at which quark degrees of freedom start to display itself in production of soft pion jets experimentally. The value of estimation for this parameter derived with taking into account of all used collective parameters is (2.8 ±0.6) GeV .
A CMOS LOW-POWER TEMPERATURE-ROBUST RSSI USING WEAK-INVERSION LIMITING AMPLIFIERS
Authors: WANG KEPING , LEI XUEMEI , MA KAIXUE , YEO KIAT SENG , CAO XIANG , WANG ZHIGONG
Published: December 2013

This paper presents a low-power CMOS receiving signal strength indicator (RSSI). The main architecture of the circuit adopts a six-stage limiting amplifier (LA) in a logarithmic-linear form, which shows a good performance in weak signal detection. The RSSI achieves high tolerance to process, voltage, and temperature (PVT) variations by utilizing the unique nature of branch currents in a transconductance amplifier. The power consumption is decreased by using the weak-inversion LAs. Full-waveform current rectification and summation are employed in the RSSI circuit to achieve high precision while maintaining low power consumption. Measured results show that in the 1 kHz–50 MHz frequency range, the input dynamic range is wider than 70 dB within ±2 dB linearity error. The chip occupies an area of 0.7 mm2 × 0.3 mm2 using a 0.18-μm CMOS. It draws 1.3 mA from a 1.8 V supply.
KM as a Facilitator for Project Performance Through Team Process: Does Information Technology Make a Difference?
Authors: Yang Li-Ren , Chen Jieh-Haur , Chou Shu-Cheng
Published: December 2013

This paper empirically investigates a sample of research and development (R&D) projects in Taiwanese high-tech industry with a three-fold purpose. The first objective is to assess the associations among information technology (IT) application, knowledge management (KM), team process (TP), and R&D project performance. The second objective is to determine whether TP may mediate the effect of KM on R&D project performance. The third objective is to examine the moderating role of project characteristics in the relationship between TP and R&D project performance. The structural equation modeling (SEM) approach was used to validate the research model. These analyses suggest that TP may fully mediate the effects of KM on R&D project performance in terms of quality and development success and schedule and cost performance. The results also show that industry sector (IS) and team size (TS) have a moderating effect on the relationship between TP and R&D project performance.
RBF Neural Network of Sliding Mode Control for Time-Varying 2-DOF Parallel Manipulator System
Authors: Chen Haizhong , Wo Songlin
Published: December 2013

This paper presents a radial basis function (RBF) neural network control scheme for manipulators with actuator nonlinearities. The control scheme consists of a time-varying sliding mode control (TVSMC) and an RBF neural network compensator. Since the actuator nonlinearities are usually included in the manipulator driving motor, a compensator using RBF network is proposed to estimate the actuator nonlinearities and their upper boundaries. Subsequently, an RBF neural network controller that requires neither the evaluation of off-line dynamical model nor the time-consuming training process is given. In addition, Barbalat Lemma is introduced to help prove the stability of the closed control system. Considering the SMC controller and the RBF network compensator as the whole control scheme, the closed-loop system is proved to be uniformly ultimately bounded. The whole scheme provides a general procedure to control the manipulators with actuator nonlinearities. Simulation results verify the effectiveness of the designed scheme and the theoretical discussion.
Planar Thinned Arrays: Optimization and Subarray Based Adaptive Processing
Authors: Lombardo P. , Cardinali R. , Bucciarelli M. , Pastina D. , Farina A.
Published: December 2013

A new approach is presented for the optimized design of a planar thinned array; the proposed strategy works with single antenna elements or with small sets of different subarray types, properly located on a planar surface. The optimization approach is based on the maximization of an objective function accounting for side lobe level and considering a fixed number of active elements/subarrays. The proposed technique is suitable for different shapes of the desired output array, allowing the achievement of the desired directivity properties on the corresponding antenna pattern. The use of subarrays with a limited number of different shapes is relevant for industrial production, which would benefit from reduced design and manufacturing costs. The resulting modularity allows scalable antenna designs for different applications. Moreover, subarrays can be arranged in a set of subapertures, each connected to an independent receiving channel. Therefore, adaptive processing techniques could be applied to cope with and mitigate clutter echoes and external electromagnetic interferences. The performance of adaptive techniques with subapertures taken from the optimized thinned array is evaluated against assigned clutter and jamming scenarios and compared to the performance achievable considering a subarray based filled array with the same number of active elements.
Leiomyoma of the Greater Saphenous Vein Mimicking Inguinal Lymphadenopathy
Authors: Dellaportas Dionysios , Kotsis Thomas , Carvounis Eleni , Samanides Lazaros
Published: December 2013

Introduction. Leiomyoma is a benign vascular tumor affecting the greater saphenous vein rarely. Proper histopathological examination sets the diagnosis after complete and wide surgical excision along with a normal portion of the GSV.Case Presentation. A 36-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital complaining of a dull ache on her right groin for the last three months, along with a palpable mass on the mentioned area. An ultrasound (U/S) scan revealed a solid mass measuring3×2 cm. After wide surgical excision, pathological examination revealed a leiomyoma of the GSV.Discussion. Benign and mostly malignant tumors arising from the GSV are reported in the literature before. Diagnostic modalities and clinical examination cannot set a correct diagnosis preoperatively due to no specific characteristics of these tumors. Possible sarcomatous behaviour has to be kept in mind when treating tumors arising from a vessel wall and wide surgical excision as negative margins should be attempted.
Metachronous Colon Metastasis to the Thyroid: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Froylich Dvir , Shiloni Eitan , Hazzan David
Published: December 2013

The thyroid gland is a known site for metastatic tumors from various primary sites. Thyroid metastases are not an exceptional finding at autopsy, and they are encountered in 2% to 9% of the patients with malignant neoplasm. The most frequent tumors to metastasize are breast, lung, melanoma, and kidney carcinomas. Despite the fact that it is one of the largest vascular organs in the body, clinical and surgical cases have given an incidence of 3% of secondary malignances of this organ. Metastatic colon carcinoma to the thyroid gland has been reported, and it is not as rare as one might think. We present a very unique case of colon carcinoma metastasis to the right thyroid lobe and lung five years after colon resection, with reoccurrence two years later in the contralateral thyroid lobe. The literature regarding colon cancer metastasizing to the thyroid gland was reviewed with an attempt to disclose features of this presentation regarding patient’s prognosis.
On Advertising Games and Spillover in Service Systems
Authors: Xu Lei , Zhigang Wang , Shan Jun , Wang Yanzhi
Published: December 2013

Motivated by the industry cases, we model the advertising competition between the dominant service provider and small service providers in one service market, where the dominant service provider has a major market share and the other small service providers share the remainder of market equally. Based on this setting, we discuss three advertising game models, that is, cooperative game, Boxed Pig game, and Prisoner’s game, derive the conditions for different advertising games, and characterize their equilibria. To be specific, it is found that the advertising spillover and the number of the small service providers directly determines the advertising game equilibria, while other market parameters, to some extent, can affect the results of the advertising game equilibria. According to our theoretical findings, some management insights and suggestions are given from both the academic and practical perspectives.
A New Protocol to Detect Multiple Foodborne Pathogens with PCR Dipstick DNA Chromatography after a Six-Hour Enrichment Culture in a Broad-Range Food Pathogen Enrichment Broth
Authors: Hayashi Masahiro , Natori Tatsuya , Kubota-Hayashi Sayoko , Miyata Machiko , Ohkusu Kiyofumi , Kawamoto Keiko , Kurazono Hisao , Makino Souichi , Ezaki Takayuki
Published: December 2013

A quick foodborne pathogen screening method after six-hour enrichment culture with a broad-range food pathogen enrichment broth is described. Pathogenic factors ofSalmonella enterica,Shigellaspp., enteroinvasiveEscherichia coli, and enterohemorrhagicE. coliare amplified with a cocktail primer and rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which finishes amplification in 30 min. The PCR amplicon was differentiated with a dipstick DNA chromatography assay in 5–10 min. Starting from a four- to six-hour enrichment culture, this assay was finished within 45 min. Detection sensitivity of this protocol was less than 2.5 CFU/25 g forS. entericaand 3.3 CFU/25 g for enterohemorrhagicE. coliin spiked ground meat experiments.
Eigen-Gradients for Traffic Sign Recognition
Authors: Gonzalez-Reyna Sheila Esmeralda , Avina-Cervantes Juan Gabriel , Ledesma-Orozco Sergio Eduardo , Cruz-Aceves Ivan
Published: December 2013

Traffic sign detection and recognition systems include a variety of applications like autonomous driving, road sign inventory, and driver support systems. Machine learning algorithms provide useful tools for traffic sign identification tasks. However, classification algorithms depend on the preprocessing stage to obtain high accuracy rates. This paper proposes a road sign characterization method based on oriented gradient maps and the Karhunen-Loeve transform in order to improve classification performance. Dimensionality reduction may be important for portable applications on resource constrained devices like FPGAs; therefore, our approach focuses on achieving a good classification accuracy by using a reduced amount of attributes compared to some state-of-the-art methods. The proposed method was tested using German Traffic Sign Recognition Benchmark, reaching a dimensionality reduction of 99.3% and a classification accuracy of 95.9% with a Multi-Layer Perceptron.
Predicting Severity and Duration of Road Traffic Accident
Authors: Zong Fang , Zhang Huiyong , Xu Hongguo , Zhu Xiumei , Wang Lu
Published: December 2013

This paper presents a model system to predict severity and duration of traffic accidents by employing Ordered Probit model and Hazard model, respectively. The models are estimated using traffic accident data collected in Jilin province, China, in 2010. With the developed models, three severity indicators, namely, number of fatalities, number of injuries, and property damage, as well as accident duration, are predicted, and the important influences of related variables are identified. The results indicate that the goodness-of-fit of Ordered Probit model is higher than that of SVC model in severity modeling. In addition, accident severity is proven to be an important determinant of duration; that is, more fatalities and injuries in the accident lead to longer duration. Study results can be applied to predictions of accident severity and duration, which are two essential steps in accident management process. By recognizing those key influences, this study also provides suggestive results for government to take effective measures to reduce accident impacts and improve traffic safety.
Neuroprotective Function of 14-3-3 Proteins in Neurodegeneration
Authors: Shimada Tadayuki , Fournier Alyson E. , Yamagata Kanato
Published: December 2013

14-3-3 proteins are abundantly expressed adaptor proteins that interact with a vast number of binding partners to regulate their cellular localization and function. They regulate substrate function in a number of ways including protection from dephosphorylation, regulation of enzyme activity, formation of ternary complexes and sequestration. The diversity of 14-3-3 interacting partners thus enables 14-3-3 proteins to impact a wide variety of cellular and physiological processes. 14-3-3 proteins are broadly expressed in the brain, and clinical and experimental studies have implicated 14-3-3 proteins in neurodegenerative disease. A recurring theme is that 14-3-3 proteins play important roles in pathogenesis through regulating the subcellular localization of target proteins. Here, we review the evidence that 14-3-3 proteins regulate aspects of neurodegenerative disease with a focus on their protective roles against neurodegeneration.
Oligopoly Power Producer’s Capacity Investment Model with Contracts for Differences
Authors: Zhang Xinhua , Huang Hairong , Xia Xiaohua
Published: December 2013

This paper presents a three-level oligopoly power producer’s capacity investment game model, whose first level considers optimal regulation policy, and second-level models producer’s capacity investment strategy based on the analysis of power producer’s equilibrium biding strategy with capacity and price cap constraints at third level. We solve the model with backward induction and simulate the symmetric case. Precisely, we examine the effect of the number of oligopoly power producers, price cap, and contracts for differences (CFDs) on the unit load and power sale price and explore the optimal investment policy based on the maximization of discounted social welfare. For the proportion of power in CFDs being very big and power supply being relatively nervous in Chinese power market, we discuss the effect of power capacity investment subsidies and CFDs power price on power supply and demand, whose results indicate that reducing the proportion of CFDs’ power in the power producer’s access grid power is an effective way to alleviate the tension in power supply and demand, and the current renewable energy policy can neither necessarily ease the tension condition of power supply nor can it necessarily promote the construction of renewable power generation units.
Microcystic Variant of Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Venyo Anthony Kodzo-Grey
Published: December 2013

Background. Microcystic variant of urothelial carcinoma is one of the new variants of urothelial carcinoma that was added to the WHO classification in 2004.Aims.To review the literature on microcystic variant of urothelial carcinoma.Methods.Various internet search engines were used to identify reported cases of the tumour.Results. Microscopic features of the tumour include: (i) Conspicuous intracellular and intercellular lumina/microcysts encompassed by malignant urothelial or squamous cells. (ii) The lumina are usually empty; may contain granular eosinophilic debris, mucin, or necrotic cells. (iii) The cysts may be variable in size; round, or oval, up to 2 mm; lined by urothelium which are either flattened cells or low columnar cells however, they do not contain colonic epithelium or goblet cells; are infiltrative; invade the muscularis propria; mimic cystitis cystica and cystitis glandularis; occasionally exhibit neuroendocrine differentiation. (iv) Elongated and irregular branching spaces are usually seen. About 17 cases of the tumour have been reported with only 2 patients who have survived. The tumour tends to be of high-grade and high-stage. There is no consensus opinion on the best option of treatment of the tumour.Conclusions. It would prove difficult at the moment to be dogmatic regarding its prognosis but it is a highly aggressive tumour. New cases of the tumour should be reported in order to document its biological behaviour.
Tacrolimus-Related Cerebral Microbleeds after Lung Transplantation
Authors: Mechtouff L. , Piegay F. , Traclet J. , Philit F. , Boissonnat P. , Hermier M. , Durieu I. , Cho T.-H. , Nighoghossian N. , Mornex J.-F.
Published: December 2013

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is a well-known complication of treatment by tacrolimus. We report 2 cases of lung transplant recipients treated with tacrolimus who developed cerebral microbleeds on T2*-weighted sequences in the acute setting of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. Cerebral microbleeds may be a marker of tacrolimus-induced vasculopathy that may be detected earlier by neuropsychological and magnetic resonance imaging monitoring in transplant recipients treated with tacrolimus.
Numerical Solutions of Fractional Integrodifferential Equations of Bratu Type by Using CAS Wavelets
Authors: Yi Mingxu , Sun Kangwen , Huang Jun , Wang Lifeng
Published: December 2013

A numerical method based on the CAS wavelets is presented for the fractional integrodifferential equations of Bratu type. The CAS wavelets operational matrix of fractional order integration is derived. A truncated CAS wavelets series together with this operational matrix is utilized to reduce the fractional integrodifferential equations to a system of algebraic equations. The solution of this system gives the approximation solution for the truncated limited2k(2M+1). The convergence and error estimation of CAS wavelets are also given. Two examples are included to demonstrate the validity and applicability of the approach.
Electrochemical and Surface Morphological Studies of Carbon Steel Corrosion by a Novel Polynuclear Schiff Base in HCl Solution
Authors: Shaju K. S. , Joby Thomas K. , Raphael Vinod P. , Paul Aby
Published: December 2013

The corrosion inhibition efficiency of a potential polynuclear Schiff base, (s)-2-(anthracene-9 (10H)-ylidene amino)-5-guanidinopentanoic acid (A9Y5GPA), on carbon steel (CS) in 1 M hydrochloric acid solution has been investigated using weight loss measurements, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and potentiodynamic polarization studies. The corrosion inhibition efficiencies of parent amine [(s)-2-amino-5-guanidinopentanoic acid] and parent ketone (anthracene-9 (10H)-one) on carbon steel in 1.0 M hydrochloric acid solution have also been investigated using weight loss studies. The electrochemical and weight loss data established that the inhibition efficiency on CS increases with the increase in the concentration of inhibitor, A9Y5GPA. The adsorption of A9Y5GPA obeys the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Thermodynamic parameters (Kads,ΔGads0) were calculated using the adsorption isotherm. Activation parameters of the corrosion process (Ea,ΔH*andΔS*) were also calculated from the corrosion rates obtained from temperature studies. Tafel plot analysis revealed that A9Y5GPA acts as a mixed-type inhibitor. A probable inhibition mechanism was also proposed. Surface morphology of the carbon steel specimens in the presence and absence of the inhibitor was evaluated by SEM analysis.
Impact of Brake Pad Structure on Temperature and Stress Fields of Brake Disc
Authors: Wang Guoshun , Fu Rong
Published: December 2013

Utilizing ABAQUS finite element software, the study established the relationship between a brake pad structure and distributions of temperature and thermal stress on brake disc. By introducing radial structure factor and circular structure factor concepts, the research characterized the effect of friction block radial and circumferential arrangement on temperature field of the brake disc. A method was proposed for improving heat flow distribution of the brake disc through optimizing the position of the friction block of the brake pad. Structure optimization was conducted on brake pads composed of 5 or 7 circular friction blocks. The result shows that, with the same overall contact area of friction pair, an appropriate brake pad structure can make the friction energy distribute evenly and therefore lowers peak temperature and stress of the brake disc. Compared with a brake pad of 7 friction blocks, an optimized brake pad of 5 friction blocks lowered the peak temperature of the corresponding brake disc by 4.9% and reduced the highest stress by 10.7%.
Incorporating Genomics into Breast Cancer Clinical Trials and Care
Authors: Tabchy Adel , Ma Cynthia X. , Bose Ron , Ellis Matthew J.
Published: December 2013

Advances in DNA sequencing provide the potential for clinical assays that are timely and affordable and use small amounts of clinical material. The hypothesis has therefore been raised that marked improvements in patient outcomes will result when DNA diagnostics are matched to an armamentarium of targeted agents. While this may be partially true, much of the novel biology uncovered by recent sequencing analysis is poorly understood and not druggable with existing agents. Significant other challenges remain before these technologies can be successfully implemented in the clinic, including the predictive accuracy of pathway-based models, distinguishing drivers from passenger mutations, development of rational combinations, addressing genomic heterogeneity, and molecular evolution/resistance mechanisms. Developments in regulatory science will also need to proceed in parallel to scientific advances so that targeted treatment approaches can be delivered to small subsets of patients with defined biology and drug reimbursement is available for individuals whose tumor carries a mutation that has been successfully targeted in another malignancy, as long as they agree to participate in an outcome registry. Clin Cancer Res; 19(23); 6371–9. ©2013 AACR.