bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Coverage Enhancement Algorithm for Image Sensor Networks
Authors: Huang Haiping , Sun Lijuan , Wang Ruchuan , Li Jing
Published: May 2012

The needs of diverse environmental information introduce the multimedia data into wireless sensor networks. The characteristics of most multimedia information, such as great amounts of data and high-quality requirement for network service, positively affect traditional wireless sensor networks, which also derive various new research areas. This paper focuses on the multimedia image sensor networks and proposes FVPTR (fuzzy image recognition and virtual-potential-field-based paired tangent point repulsion) method to enhance the perspective coverage of network. This approach utilizes fuzzy image recognition method to process the boundary nodes. Aimed at nonboundary nodes, based on potential field theory, it adopts paired tangent point repulsion mechanism, which attempts to obtain the optimal network sensing coverage through the multiple paired achievements between one current node and several target nodes. Combined with FVPTR, some algorithms such as LRBA, MBAA, and mixed superposition algorithm are put forward to single or multiple-time adjustment by the rotation of the direction angle. The results of simulation and all kinds of comparisons show that three-times pairing method enhances the coverage of networks well.
Epidemiology of Chronic Pain in Denmark and Sweden
Authors: Harker Julie , Reid Kim J. , Bekkering Geertruida E. , Kellen Eliane , Bala Malgorzata M. , Riemsma Rob , Worthy Gill , Misso Kate , Kleijnen Jos
Published: May 2012

Introduction. Estimates on the epidemiology of chronic pain vary widely throughout Europe. It is unclear whether this variation reflects true differences between populations or methodological factors. Information on the epidemiology of chronic pain can support decision makers in allocating adequate health care resources. Methods. In order to obtain epidemiological data on chronic pain in Denmark and Sweden, we conducted a literature review of epidemiological data primarily on chronic noncancer pain, prioritising studies of highest quality, recency, and validity by conducting a systematic search for relevant studies. Following quality assessment, data were summarised and assigned to the research questions. Results. The prevalence of moderate to severe noncancer pain was estimated at 16% in Denmark and 18% in Sweden. Chronic pain impacts negatively on perceived health status, quality of life and is associated with increased cost. Despite using pain medications, a large proportion of chronic pain sufferers have inadequate pain control. There was a lack of high-quality and low-bias studies with clear inclusion criteria. Conclusions. In both Denmark and Sweden, chronic pain is a common health problem which is potentially undertreated and warrants attention of health care workers, policy makers and researchers. Future research should utilise clear reporting guidelines to assist decision and policy makers, in this important area.
A Review of Ecological Factors Associated with the Epidemiology of Wildlife Trypanosomiasis in the Luangwa and Zambezi Valley Ecosystems of Zambia
Authors: Munang'andu Hetron Mweemba , Siamudaala Victor , Munyeme Musso , Nalubamba King Shimumbo
Published: May 2012

Trypanosomiasis has been endemic in wildlife in Zambia for more than a century. The disease has been associated with neurological disorders in humans. Current conservation strategies by the Zambian government of turning all game reserves into state-protected National Parks (NPs) and game management areas (GMAs) have led to the expansion of the wildlife and tsetse population in the Luangwa and Zambezi valley ecosystem. This ecological niche lies in the common tsetse fly belt that harbors the highest tsetse population density in Southern Africa. Ecological factors such as climate, vegetation and rainfall found in this niche allow for a favorable interplay between wild reservoir hosts and vector tsetse flies. These ecological factors that influence the survival of a wide range of wildlife species provide adequate habitat for tsetse flies thereby supporting the coexistence of disease reservoir hosts and vector tsetse flies leading to prolonged persistence of trypanosomiasis in the area. On the other hand, increase in anthropogenic activities poses a significant threat of reducing the tsetse and wildlife habitat in the area. Herein, we demonstrate that while conservation of wildlife and biodiversity is an important preservation strategy of natural resources, it could serve as a long-term reservoir of wildlife trypanosomiasis.
New Optimal Weight Combination Model for Forecasting Precipitation
Authors: Yang Song-shan , Yang Xiao-hua , Jiang Rong , Zhang Yi-che
Published: May 2012

In order to overcome the inaccuracy of the forecast of a single model, a new optimal weight combination model is established to increase accuracies in precipitation forecasting, in which three forecast submodels based on rank set pair analysis (R‐SPA) model, radical basis function (RBF) model and autoregressive model (AR) and one weight optimization model based on improved real‐code genetic algorithm (IRGA) are introduced. The new model for forecasting precipitation time series is tested using the annual precipitation data of Beijing, China, from 1978 to 2008. Results indicate the optimal weights were obtained by using genetic algorithm in the new optimal weight combination model. Compared with the results of R‐SPA, RBF, and AR models, the new model can improve the forecast accuracy of precipitation in terms of the error sum of squares. The amount of improved precision is 22.6%, 47.4%, 40.6%, respectively. This new forecast method is an extension to the combination prediction method.
Common Fixed Point Results Using Generalized Altering Distances on Orbitally Complete Ordered Metric Spaces
Authors: Nashine Hemant Kumar , Kadelburg Zoran , Golubović Zorana
Published: May 2012

We prove the existence of common fixed points for three relatively asymptotically regular mappings defined on an orbitally complete ordered metric space using orbital continuity of one of the involved maps. We furnish a suitable example to demonstrate the validity of the hypotheses of our results.
Impact of Interference Competition on Exploration and Food Exploitation in the AntLasius niger
Authors: Fourcassié Vincent , Schmitt Tristan , Detrain Claire
Published: May 2012

Competition acts as a major force in shaping spatially and/or temporally the foraging activity of ant colonies. Interference competition between colonies in particular is widespread in ants where it can prevent the physical access of competitors to a resource, either directly by fighting or indirectly, by segregating the colony foraging areas. Although the consequences of interference competition on ant distribution have been well studied in the literature, the behavioral mechanisms underlying interference competition have been less explored. Little is known on how ants modify their exploration patterns or the choice of a feeding place after experiencing aggressive encounters. In this paper, we show that, at the individual level, the aphid-tending antLasius nigerreacts to the presence of an alien conspecific through direct aggressive behavior and local recruitment in the vicinity of fights. At the colony level, however, no defensive recruitment is triggered and the “risky” area where aggressive encounters occur is not specifically avoided during further exploration or food exploitation. We discuss how between-species differences in sensitivity to interference competition could be related to the spatial and temporal predictability of food resources at stake.
Pregnancy-Related Lumbopelvic Pain: Listening to Australian Women
Authors: Pierce Heather , Homer Caroline S. E. , Dahlen Hannah G. , King Jenny
Published: May 2012

Objective. To investigate the prevalence and nature of lumbo-pelvic pain (LPP), that is experienced by women in the lumbar and/or sacro-iliac area and/or symphysis pubis during pregnancy.Design. Cross-sectional, descriptive study.Setting. An Australian public hospital antenatal clinic. Sample population: Women in their third trimester of pregnancy.Method. Women were recruited to the study as they presented for their antenatal appointment. A survey collected demographic data and was used to self report LPP. A pain diagram differentiated low back, pelvic girdle or combined pain. Closed and open ended questions explored the experiences of the women.Main Outcome Measures. The Visual Analogue Scale and the Oswestry Disability Index (Version 2.1a).Results. There was a high prevalence of self reported LPP during the pregnancy (71%). An association was found between the reporting of LPP, multiparity, and a previous history of LPP. The mean intensity score for usual pain was 6/10 and four out of five women reported disability associated with the condition. Most women (71%) had reported their symptoms to their maternity carer however only a small proportion of these women received intervention.Conclusion. LPP is a potentially significant health issue during pregnancy.
Determination of Thyroid Volume by Ultrasonography among Schoolchildren in Philippines
Authors: Kim Bu Kyung , Choi Young Sik , Oak Chul Ho , Park Yo-Han , Kim Jae Hyun , Park Dae Jin , Mora Cindy , Wilson Donald , Park Eun-Kee
Published: May 2012

Objective. Iodine deficiency is defined by the goiter and the urinary iodine concentration. However, a lack of local thyroid volume reference data resulted in the vague definition of goiter, especially in school-aged children. The aim of this paper was to determine the thyroid volumes by ultrasonography in schoolchildren aged 6 to 12 years living in Cagayan areas in Philippine.Methods. Cross-sectional thyroid ultrasonographic data of 158 schoolchildren aged 6–12 years from Tuguegarao and Lagum in Cagayan valley, Philippine were used. Thyroid volumes were compared based on logistic issue and urban and rural area and compared with other previously reported data.Results. The mean values of thyroid volume in Tuguerago and Lagum were2.99±1.34 mL and2.42±0.92 mL. The thyroid size was significantly in association with age (P<0.00), weight (P<0.00), height (P<0.00), and BSA (P<0.00) by Pearson’s correlation. The median thyroid volumes of schoolchildren investigated in this study were generally low compared to international reference data by age group but not by BSA.Conclusions. We propose for the first time local reference ultrasound values for thyroid volumes in 6–12 aged schoolchildren that should be used for monitoring iodine deficiency disorders.
Tolerance-Inducing Strategies in Islet Transplantation
Authors: Bhatt Sumantha , Fung John J. , Lu Lina , Qian Shiguang
Published: May 2012

Allogeneic islet transplantation is a promising approach for restoring normoglycemia in type 1 diabetic patients. Current use of immunosuppressive therapies for management of islet transplant recipients can be counterintuitive to islet function and can lead to complications in the long term. The induction of donor-specific tolerance eliminates the dependency on immunosuppression and allows recipients to retain responses to foreign antigens. The mechanisms by which tolerance is achieved involve the deletion of donor-reactive T cells, induction of T-cell anergy, immune deviation, and generation of regulatory T cells. This review will outline the various methods used for inducing donor-specific tolerance in islet transplantation and will highlight the previously unforeseen potential of tissue stromal cells in promoting islet engraftment.
Determination of Flow Conditions in Coronary Bifurcation Lesions in the Context of the Medina Classification
Authors: Molavi Zarandi Marjan , Mongrain Rosaire , Bertrand Olivier F.
Published: May 2012

Coronary artery bifurcation lesions are complex and several classifications are presented to describe them. Recently, the Medina classification has been proposed. This classification uses binary values for characterization of stenosis. Flow conditions according to Medina classification have not been described. In this paper, bifurcation lesions corresponding to anatomical Medina lesion classification are compared on the basis of flow and Wall Shear Stress (WSS). Computational models of healthy and stenosed coronary artery bifurcations ((1, 1, 1), (0, 1, 1) and (1, 0, 1)) with moderate and severe stenoses of 50% and 75% diameter were analyzed. The results showed that, flow conditions vary in bifurcation lesion types according to the clinically-oriented Medina classification. The flow in SB of bifurcation was dependent of the Medina lesion type and was more affected in lesion type (1, 0, 1). The magnitudes of WSS on the inner and outer walls of SB of bifurcation lesion (1, 0, 1) in post-stenotic region and along the arterial wall were smaller than bifurcations lesions (0, 1, 1) and (1, 1, 1) respectively. Our results suggest that SB of bifurcation lesion (1, 0, 1) is more prone to atherosclerosis progression compared to types (0, 1, 1) and (1, 1, 1).
Enabling Cyber Physical Systems with Wireless Sensor Networking Technologies
Authors: Lin Chih-Yu , Zeadally Sherali , Chen Tzung-Shi , Chang Chih-Yung
Published: May 2012

Over the last few years, we have witnessed a growing interest in cyber physical systems (CPSs) that rely on a strong synergy between computational and physical components. CPSs are expected to have a tremendous impact on many critical sectors (such as energy, manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, and aerospace) of the economy. CPSs have the ability to transform the way human-to-human, human-to-object, and object-to-object interactions take place in the physical and virtual worlds. The increasing pervasiveness of wireless sensor networking (WSN) technologies in many applications makes them an important component of emerging CPS designs. We present some of the most important design requirements of CPS architectures. We discuss key sensor network characteristics that can be leveraged in CPS designs. In addition, we also review a few well-known CPS application domains that depend on WSNs in their design architectures and implementations. Finally, we present some of the challenges that still need to be addressed to enable seamless integration of WSN with CPS designs.
BioEve Search: A Novel Framework to Facilitate Interactive Literature Search
Authors: Ahmed Syed Toufeeq , Davulcu Hasan , Tikves Sukru , Nair Radhika , Zhao Zhongming
Published: May 2012

Background. Recent advances in computational and biological methods in last two decades have remarkably changed the scale of biomedical research and with it began the unprecedented growth in both the production of biomedical data and amount of published literature discussing it. An automated extraction system coupled with a cognitive search and navigation service over these document collections would not only save time and effort, but also pave the way to discover hitherto unknown information implicitly conveyed in the texts. Results. We developed a novel framework (named “BioEve”) that seamlessly integrates Faceted Search (Information Retrieval) with Information Extraction module to provide an interactive search experience for the researchers in life sciences. It enables guided step-by-step search query refinement, by suggesting concepts and entities (like genes, drugs, and diseases) to quickly filter and modify search direction, and thereby facilitating an enriched paradigm where user can discover related concepts and keywords to search while information seeking. Conclusions. The BioEve Search framework makes it easier to enable scalable interactive search over large collection of textual articles and to discover knowledge hidden in thousands of biomedical literature articles with ease.
Biological Activities ofLibidibia (Caesalpinia) ferreavar.parvifolia(Mart. ex Tul.) L. P. Queiroz Pod Preparations
Authors: Freitas A. C. C. , Ximenes N. C. A. , Aguiar J. S. , Nascimento S. C. , Lins T. U. L. , Magalhães L. R. , Coelho L. C. B. B. , Carneiro-da-Cunha M. G. , Gonçalves-Silva T. , Correia M. T. S.
Published: May 2012

Libidibia ferreahas been used in folk medicine throughout Brazil, and this study evaluated the biological activities of crude extract (CE) as well as a partially purified fraction (F80) obtained from its pods. Results from the MTT assay revealed that only F80 inhibited NCI-H292 cell growth; however, neither CE nor F80 reduced HEp-2 cell growth or sarcoma 180 tumor weight with thein vivoassay. Acute oral toxicity of the extract and fraction was evaluated following the steps of Guideline 423, using female mice;LD50for both preparations was determined as 2,500 mg/kg body weight. CE and F80 promoted a reduction of the leukocyte number and nitrite level in inflammatory exudates when the anti-inflammatory assay (carrageenan-induced peritonitis) was performed. CE and F80 inhibited writhing regarding antinociceptive activity (acetic acid-induced writhing response in mice). In conclusion, CE and F80 have no significant cytotoxic or antitumor activities in cell lines showing low toxicity and no action against tumorsin vivo. Both preparations revealed anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities, corroborating the pharmacological basis ofL. ferreafor ethnomedical use.
Homogeneous Besov Spaces on Stratified Lie Groups and Their Wavelet Characterization
Authors: Führ Hartmut , Mayeli Azita
Published: May 2012

We establish wavelet characterizations of homogeneous Besov spaces on stratified Lie groups, both in terms of continuous and discrete wavelet systems. We first introduce a notion of homogeneous Besov spaceB˙p,qsin terms of a Littlewood-Paley-type decomposition, in analogy to the well-known characterization of the Euclidean case. Such decompositions can be defined via the spectral measure of a suitably chosen sub-Laplacian. We prove that the scale of Besov spaces is independent of the precise choice of Littlewood-Paley decomposition. In particular, different sub-Laplacians yield the same Besov spaces. We then turn to wavelet characterizations, first via continuous wavelet transforms (which can be viewed as continuous-scale Littlewood-Paley decompositions), then via discretely indexed systems. We prove the existence of wavelet frames and associated atomic decomposition formulas for all homogeneous Besov spacesB˙p,qswith1≤p,q<∞ands∈ℝ.
The Effect of Film Thickness and TiO2 Content on Film Formation from PS/TiO2 Nanocomposites Prepared by Dip‐Coating Method
Authors: Sunay M. Selin , Pekcan Onder , Ugur Saziye
Published: May 2012

Steady‐state fluorescence (SSF) technique in conjunction with UV‐visible (UVV) technique and atomic force microscope (AFM) was used for studying film formation from TiO2 covered nanosized polystyrene (PS) latex particles (320 nm). The effects of film thickness and TiO2 content on the film formation and structure properties of PS/TiO2 composites were studied. For this purpose, two different sets of PS films with thicknesses of 5 and 20 μm were prepared from pyrene‐(P‐) labeled PS particles and covered with various layers of TiO2 using dip‐coating method. These films were then annealed at elevated temperatures above glass transition temperature (Tg) of PS in the range of 100–280°C. Fluorescence emission intensity, Ip from P and transmitted light intensity, Itr were measured after each annealing step to monitor the stages of film formation. The results showed that film formation from PS latexes occurs on the top surface of PS/TiO2 composites and thus developed independent of TiO2 content for both film sets. But the surface morphology of the films was found to vary with both TiO2 content and film thickness. After removal of PS, thin films provide a quite ordered porous structure while thick films showed nonporous structure.
Correlation and Capacity Calculations with Reference Antennas in an Isotropic Environment
Authors: Hansen Thorkild B.
Published: May 2012

A reverberation chamber is a convenient tool for over-the-air testing of MIMO devices in isotropic environments. Isotropy is typically achieved in the chamber through the use of a mode stirrer and a turntable on which the device under test (DUT) rides. The quality of the isotropic environment depends on the number of plane waves produced by the chamber and on their spatial distribution. This paper investigates how the required sampling rate for the DUT pattern is related to the plane-wave density threshold in the isotropic environment required to accurately compute antenna correlations. Once the plane-wave density is above the threshold, the antenna correlation obtained through isotropic experiments agrees with the antenna correlation obtained from the classical definition, as has been proven theoretically. This fact is verified for the good, nominal, and bad reference antennas produced by CTIA. MIMO channel capacity simulations are performed with a standard base station model and the DUT placed in a single-tap plane-wave reverberation chamber model. The capacity curves obtained with the good, nominal, and bad reference antennas are clearly distinguishable.
Two-Electron Reaction without Structural Phase Transition in Nanoporous Cathode Material
Authors: Matsuda Tomoyuki , Moritomo Yutaka
Published: May 2012

We investigated the charge/discharge properties, valence states, and structural properties of a nanoporous cathode materialLixMn[Fe(CN)6]0.83·3.5H2O. The film-type electrode ofLixMn[Fe(CN)6]0.83·3.5H2Oexhibited a high charge capacity(=128 mAh g-1)and a good cyclability (87% of the initial value after 100 cycles) and is one of the promising candidates for Li-ion battery cathode. X-ray absorption spectra near the Fe and Mn K-edges revealed that the charge/discharge process is a two-electron reaction; that is,MnII–NC–FeII,MnII–NC–FeIII, andMnIII–NC–FeIII. We further found that the crystal structure remains cubic throughout the charge/discharge process. The lattice constant slightly increased during the[FeII(CN)6]4-/[FeIII(CN)6]3-oxidization reaction while decreased during theMnII/MnIIIoxidization reaction. The two-electron reaction without structural phase transition is responsible for the high charge capacity and the good cyclability.
The Local Strong and Weak Solutions for a Generalized Pseudoparabolic Equation
Authors: Li Nan
Published: May 2012

The Cauchy problem for a nonlinear generalized pseudoparabolic equation is investigated. The well‐posedness of local strong solutions for the problem is established in the Sobolev space C([0, T); Hs(R))⋂ C1([0, T); Hs−1(R)) with s > 3/2, while the existence of local weak solutions is proved in the space Hs(R) with 1 ≤ s ≤ 3/2. Further, under certain assumptions of the nonlinear terms in the equation, it is shown that there exists a unique global strong solution to the problem in the space C([0, ∞); Hs(R))⋂ C1([0, ∞); Hs−1(R)) with s ≥ 2.
Mouse Models of Down Syndrome as a Tool to Unravel the Causes of Mental Disabilities
Authors: Rueda Noemí , Flórez Jesús , Martínez-Cué Carmen
Published: May 2012

Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic cause of mental disability. Based on the homology of Hsa21 and the murine chromosomes Mmu16, Mmu17 and Mmu10, several mouse models of DS have been developed. The most commonly used model, the Ts65Dn mouse, has been widely used to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying the mental disabilities seen in DS individuals. A wide array of neuromorphological alterations appears to compromise cognitive performance in trisomic mice. Enhanced inhibition due to alterations in GABAA-mediated transmission and disturbances in the glutamatergic, noradrenergic and cholinergic systems, among others, has also been demonstrated. DS cognitive dysfunction caused by neurodevelopmental alterations is worsened in later life stages by neurodegenerative processes. A number of pharmacological therapies have been shown to partially restore morphological anomalies concomitantly with cognition in these mice. In conclusion, the use of mouse models is enormously effective in the study of the neurobiological substrates of mental disabilities in DS and in the testing of therapies that rescue these alterations. These studies provide the basis for developing clinical trials in DS individuals and sustain the hope that some of these drugs will be useful in rescuing mental disabilities in DS individuals.
An Energy Supply System for Wireless Sensor Network Nodes
Authors: Zheng Guoqiang , Zhang Liwei , Li Jishun
Published: May 2012

The power source is a critical obstacle for wireless sensor network nodes. In order to prolong the lifetime of wireless sensor networks, this paper presents an energy supply system that uses a specially designed broadband piezoelectric energy harvesting technology for sustaining the operation of wireless sensor network nodes. The proposed energy supply circuit can apply an optimal control voltage to the piezoelectric element to ensure impedance matching between the vibration source and the energy supply system in nonresonance frequencies. As compared to the conventional piezoelectric energy harvesting circuit, it is shown that the efficiency has been increased 4 times. In this work, the overall system structure, the function modules design, and the performance testing analysis are illuminated in detail. Experimental results reveal that this energy supply system can significantly improve power within the wide bands by the active piezoelectric energy harvesting technology and enable wireless sensor network nodes to operate normally.
Estimation of Approximating Rate for Neural Network inLwp Spaces
Authors: Wang Jian-Jun , Yang Chan-Yun , Jing Jia
Published: May 2012

A class of Soblove type multivariate function is approximated by feedforward network with one hidden layer of sigmoidal units and a linear output. By adopting a set of orthogonal polynomial basis and under certain assumptions for the governing activation functions of the neural network, the upper bound on the degree of approximation can be obtained for the class of Soblove functions. The results obtained are helpful in understanding the approximation capability and topology construction of the sigmoidal neural networks.
Understanding and Prevention of “Therapy-” Induced Dyskinesias
Authors: Aviles-Olmos Iciar , Kefalopoulou Zinovia , Foltynie Thomas
Published: May 2012

L-dopa is the most effective, currently available treatment for Parkinson’s disease (PD), but it leads to the development of involuntary movements known as L-dopa-induced dyskinesia (LID) in the majority of patients after long-term use. Both gene and cell therapy approaches are the subject of multiple ongoing studies as potential ways of relieving symptoms of PD without the complication of dyskinesia. However, the spectre of dyskinesia in the absence of L-dopa, the so-called “off-phase” or graft-induced dyskinesia (GID), remains a major obstacle particularly in the further development of cell therapy in PD, but it is also a concern for proponents of gene therapy approaches. LID results from nonphysiological dopamine release, supersensitivity of dopamine receptors, and consequent abnormal signalling through mechanisms of synaptic plasticity. Restoration of physiological circuitry within the basal ganglia loops is ultimately the aim of all cell and gene therapy approaches but each using distinctive strategies and accompanied by risks of exacerbation of LID or development of “off-phase”/GID. In this paper we discuss the details of what is understood regarding the development of dyskinesias with relevance to cell and gene therapy and potential strategies to minimize their occurrence.
Circulating Tumor Cells Measurements in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Chiappini Franck
Published: May 2012

Liver cancer is the fifth most common cancer in men and the seventh in women. During the past 20 years, the incidence of HCC has tripled while the 5-year survival rate has remained below 12%. The presence of circulating tumor cells (CTC) reflects the aggressiveness nature of a tumor. Many attempts have been made to develop assays that reliably detect and enumerate the CTC during the development of the HCC. In this case, the challenges are (1) there are few markers specific to the HCC (tumor cells versus nontumor cells) and (2) they can be used to quantify the number of CTC in the bloodstream. Another technical challenge consists of finding few CTC mixed with million leukocytes and billion erythrocytes. CTC detection and identification can be used to estimate prognosis and may serve as an early marker to assess antitumor activity of treatment. CTC can also be used to predict progression-free survival and overall survival. CTC are an interesting source of biological information in order to understand dissemination, drug resistance, and treatment-induced cell death. Our aim is to review and analyze the different new methods existing to detect, enumerate, and characterize the CTC in the peripheral circulation of patients with HCC.
On Generalized Approximative Properties of Systems
Authors: Mursal Ahmedov Turab , Vahid Mamedova Zahira
Published: May 2012

Generalized concepts of b-completeness, b-independence, b-minimality, and b-basicity are introduced. Corresponding concept of a space of coefficients is defined, and some of its properties are stated.
On the Existence and Robustness of Steady Position-Momentum Correlations for Time-Dependent Quadratic Systems
Authors: Gianfreda M. , Landolfi G.
Published: May 2012

We discuss conditions giving rise to stationary position-momentum correlations among quantum states in the Fock and coherent basis associated with the natural invariant for the one-dimensional time-dependent quadratic Hamiltonian operators such as the Kanai-Caldirola Hamiltonian. We also discuss some basic features such as quantum decoherence of the wave functions resulting from the corresponding quantum dynamics of these systems that exhibit no timedependence in their quantum correlations. In particular, steady statistical momentum averages are seen over well-defined time intervals in the evolution of a linear superposition of the basis states of modified exponentially damped mass systems.
MC3T3-E1 Cells on Titanium Surfaces with Nanometer Smoothness and Fibronectin Immobilization
Authors: Hayakawa Tohru , Yoshida Eiji , Yoshimura Yoshitaka , Uo Motohiro , Yoshinari Masao
Published: May 2012

The present study was aimed to evaluate the viability and total protein contents of osteoblast-like cells on the titanium surface with different surface mechanical treatment, namely, nanometer smoothing (Ra: approximately 2.0 nm) and sandblasting (Ra: approximately 1.0 μm), and biochemical treatment, namely, with or without fibronectin immobilization. Fibronectin could be easily immobilized by tresyl chloride-activation technique. MC3T3-E1 cells were seeded on the different titanium surfaces. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay. At 1 day of cell culture, there were no significant differences in cell viability among four different titanium surfaces. At 11 days, sandblasted titanium surface with fibronectin immobilization showed the significantly highest cell viability than other titanium surface. No significant differences existed for total protein contents among four different titanium surfaces at 11 days of cell culture. Scanning electron microscopy observation revealed that smoothness of titanium surface produced more spread cell morphologies, but that fibronectin immobilization did not cause any changes of the morphologies of attached cells. Fibronectin immobilization provided greater amount of the number of attached cells and better arrangement of attached cells. In conclusion, the combination of sandblasting and fibronectin immobilization enhanced the cell viability and fibronectin immobilization providing better arrangements of attached cells.
A Pseudospectral Approach for Kirchhoff Plate Bending Problems with Uncertainties
Authors: Guo Ling , Huang Jianguo
Published: May 2012

This paper proposes a pseudospectral approach for the Kirchhoff plate bending problem with uncertainties. The Karhunen‐Loève expansion is used to transform the original problem to a stochastic fourth‐order PDE depending only on a finite number of random variables. For the latter problem, its exact solution is approximated by a gPC expansion, with the coefficients obtained by the sparse grid method. The main novelty of the method is that it can be carried out in parallel directly while keeping the high accuracy and fast convergence of the gPC expansion. Several numerical results are performed to show the accuracy and performance of the method.
Positive Solutions of a Nonlinear Fourth‐Order Dynamic Eigenvalue Problem on Time Scales
Authors: Luo Hua , Gao Chenghua
Published: May 2012

Let 𝕋 be a time scale and a, b ∈ 𝕋, a < ρ2(b). We study the nonlinear fourth‐order eigenvalue problem on 𝕋, , t ∈ [a, ρ2(b)] 𝕋, and obtain the existence and nonexistence of positive solutions when 0 < λ ≤ λ* and λ > λ*, respectively, for some λ*. The main tools to prove the existence results are the Schauder fixed point theorem and the upper and lower solution method.
Adaptation to High Temperature and Water Deficit in the Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgarisL.) during the Reproductive Period
Authors: Omae Hide , Kumar Ashok , Shono Mariko
Published: May 2012

This paper reviews the adaption to heat and drought stresses inPhaseolus vulgaris, a grain and vegetable crop widely grown in both the Old and New World. Substantial genotypic differences are found in morphophysiological characteristics such as phenology, partitioning, plant-water relations, photosynthetic parameters, and shoot growth, which are related to reproductive responses. The associations between (a) days to podding and leaf water content and (b) the number of pods per plant and seed yield are consistent across different environments and experiments. Leaf water content is maintained by reductions in leaf water potential and shoot extension in response to heat and drought stress. Heat-tolerant cultivars have higher biomass allocation to pods and higher pod set in branches. These traits can be used as a marker to screen germplasm for heat and drought tolerance. In this paper, we briefly review the results of our studies carried out on heat and drought tolerance in the common bean at the Tropical Agriculture Research Front, Ishigaki, Japan.
Antimicrobial Effects of a Lipophilic Fraction and Kaurenoic Acid Isolated from the Root Bark Extracts ofAnnona senegalensis
Authors: Okoye Theophine Chinwuba , Akah Peter Achunike , Okoli Charles Ogbonnaya , Ezike Adaobi Chioma , Omeje Edwin Ogechukwu , Odoh Uchenna Estella
Published: May 2012

Root bark preparation ofAnnona senegalensisPers. (Annonaceae) is used in Nigerian ethnomedicine for treatment of infectious diseases. Extraction of theA. senegalensispowdered root bark with methanol-methylene chloride (1 : 1) mixture yielded the methanol-methylene extract (MME) which was fractionated to obtain the ethyl acetate fraction (EF). The EF on further fractionation gave two active subfractions, F1 and F2. The F1 yielded a lipophilic oily liquid while F2 on purification, precipitated white crystalline compound, AS2. F1 was analyzed using GC-MS, while AS2 was characterized by proton NMR and X-ray crystallography. Antibacterial and antifungal studies were performed using agar-well-diffusion method with 0.5 McFarland standard and MICs calculated. GC-MS gave 6 major constituents: kaur-16-en-19-oic acid; 1-dodecanol; 1-naphthalenemethanol; 6,6-dimethyl-bicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-ene-2-ethanol; 3,3-dimethyl-2-(3-methylbuta-1,3-dienyl)cyclohexane-1-methanol; 3-hydroxyandrostan-17-carboxylic acid. AS2 was found to be kaur-16-en-19-oic acid. The MICs of EF, F1, and AS2 againstB. subtiliswere 180, 60, and 30 μg/mL, respectively. AS2 exhibited activity againstS. aureuswith an MIC of 150 μg/mL, while F1 was active againstP. aeruginosawith an MIC of 40 μg/mL. However, the extracts and AS2 exhibited no effects againstCandida albicansandAspergillus niger. Therefore, kaurenoic acid and the lipophilic fraction fromA. senegalensisroot bark exhibited potent antibacterial activity.
The Cauchy Problem to a Shallow Water Wave Equation with a Weakly Dissipative Term
Authors: Wang Ying , Guo YunXi
Published: May 2012

A shallow water wave equation with a weakly dissipative term, which includes the weakly dissipative Camassa‐Holm and the weakly dissipative Degasperis‐Procesi equations as special cases, is investigated. The sufficient conditions about the existence of the global strong solution are given. Provided that , u0 ∈ H1(R), and u0 ∈ L1(R), the existence and uniqueness of the global weak solution to the equation are shown to be true.
Photoetching of Immobilized --PVC Composite for Improved Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Nawi M. A. , Ngoh Y. S. , Zain S. M.
Published: May 2012

Commercially acquired TiO2photocatalyst (99% anatase) powder was mixed with epoxidized natural rubber-50 (ENR50)/polyvinyl chloride (PVC) blend by ultrasonication and immobilized onto glass plates as TiO2-ENR50-PVC composite via a dip-coating method. Photoetching of the immobilized TiO2-ENR50-PVC composite was investigated under the irradiation of a 45 W compact fluorescent lamp and characterized by chemical oxygen demand (COD) analysis, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) spectrometry, thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), and fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The BET surface area of the photoetched TiO2composite was observed to be larger than the original TiO2powder due to the systematic removal of ENR50while PVC was retained within the composite. It also exhibited better photocatalytic efficiency than the TiO2powder in a slurry mode and was highly reproducible and reusable. More than 98% of MB removal was consistently achieved for 10 repeated runs of the photo-etched photocatalyst system. About 93% of the 20 mg L−1MB was mineralized over a period of 480 min. The presence of , , and Cl−anions was detected in the mineralized solution where the solution pH was reduced from 7 to 4.
Hypothesis Testing in Generalized Linear Models with Functional Coefficient Autoregressive Processes
Authors: Song Lei , Hu Hongchang , Cheng Xiaosheng
Published: May 2012

The paper studies the hypothesis testing in generalized linear models with functional coefficient autoregressive (FCA) processes. The quasi‐maximum likelihood (QML) estimators are given, which extend those estimators of Hu (2010) and Maller (2003). Asymptotic chi‐squares distributions of pseudo likelihood ratio (LR) statistics are investigated.
Cooperative Transmission in Cognitive Radio Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Jia Juncheng , Zhang Shukui
Published: May 2012

Cognitive radio technology is the key to realize dynamic spectrum access system and promote the spectrum utilization through exploiting the spectrum holes left by primary users. However, the spatial heterogeneity of spectrum availability imposes special challenges for efficient utilization of the spectrum resources for cognitive radio ad hoc networks (CRAHNs). The cross-layer cooperative transmission scheme is a promising approach to improve the efficiency of spectrum utilization and improve the performance of cognitive radio networks. Such an approach leverages relay-assisted discontiguous OFDM (DOFDM) for data transmission at physical and MAC layers in a basic three-node configuration. With this scheme, a relay node will be selected that can bridge the source and the destination using its common channels between those two nodes. In this paper, we investigate the application of such a cooperative transmission scheme to address the spectrum heterogeneity issue in CRAHNs. In particular, we describe several types of cooperative transmission and formulate a new resource allocation problem with joint relay selection and channel allocation. We propose a heuristic algorithm to solve the resource allocation problem, which is based on the metric of utility-spectrum ratio of transmission groups. Simulations demonstrate the performance improvement of the cooperative transmission over the direct transmission.
Microglial KCa3.1 Channels as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Maezawa Izumi , Jenkins David Paul , Jin Benjamin E. , Wulff Heike
Published: May 2012

There exists an urgent need for new target discovery to treat Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, recent clinical trials based on anti-Aβand anti-inflammatory strategies have yielded disappointing results. To expedite new drug discovery, we propose reposition targets which have been previously pursued by both industry and academia for indications other than AD. One such target is the calcium-activated potassium channel KCa3.1 (KCNN4), which in the brain is primarily expressed in microglia and is significantly upregulated when microglia are activated. We here review the existing evidence supporting that KCa3.1 inhibition could block microglial neurotoxicity without affecting their neuroprotective phagocytosis activity and without being broadly immunosuppressive. The anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of KCa3.1 blockade would be suitable for treating AD as well as cerebrovascular and traumatic brain injuries, two well-known risk factors contributing to the dementia in AD patients presenting with mixed pathologies. Importantly, the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of several KCa3.1 blockers are well known, and a KCa3.1 blocker has been proven safe in clinical trials. It is therefore promising to reposition old or new KCa3.1 blockers for AD preclinical and clinical trials.
Role of Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor in Stem/Progenitor Cell-Associated Neovascularization
Authors: Liu Jung-Tung , Chen Yuh-Lien , Chen Wen-Chi , Chen Huey-Yi , Lin Yi-Wen , Wang Shu-Huei , Man Kee-Ming , Wan Hui-Min , Yin Wei-Hsian , Liu Po-Len , Chen Yung-Hsiang
Published: May 2012

Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) was first identified in retinal pigment epithelium cells. It is an endogenously produced protein that is widely expressed throughout the human body such as in the eyes, liver, heart, and adipose tissue; it exhibits multiple and varied biological activities. PEDF is a multifunctional protein with antiangiogenic, antitumorigenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, neurotrophic, and neuroprotective properties. More recently, PEDF has been shown to be the most potent inhibitor of stem/progenitor cell-associated neovascularization. Neovascularization is a complex process regulated by a large, interacting network of molecules from stem/progenitor cells. PEDF is also involved in the pathogenesis of angiogenic eye disease, tumor growth, and cardiovascular disease. Novel antiangiogenic agents with tolerable side effects are desired for the treatment of patients with various diseases. Here, we review the value of PEDF as an important endogenous antiangiogenic molecule; we focus on the recently identified role of PEDF as a possible new target molecule to influence stem/progenitor cell-related neovascularization.
Candidates for Bariatric Surgery: Morbidly Obese Patients with Pulmonary Dysfunction
Authors: Wei Yu-Feng , Wu Huey-Dong
Published: May 2012

Obesity is a well-known major risk factor of cardiovascular disease and is associated with various comorbidities. The impact of obesity on pulmonary function remains unclear. Reductions in chest wall compliance and respiratory muscle strength due to a high percent body fat and localized fat distribution contributes to impaired pulmonary function and the occurrence of adverse respiratory symptoms. Dietary modifications and pharmaceutical agents are not effective in the long-term treatment of obesity. Treatment of morbidly obese patients using bariatric surgery has increased each year, especially after the introduction of video laparoscopic techniques. Effective weight loss after bariatric surgery may improve cardiovascular disease risk factors, including diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, inflammation, chronic kidney disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and obesity hypoventilation syndrome. Bariatric surgery has also been associated with significantly improved respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function. We currently present a review of principal studies that evaluated the effects of obesity on pulmonary function and the identification of anthropometric factors of obesity that correspond to the reversal of respiratory symptoms and impaired pulmonary function after bariatric surgery.
A Randomized Multicenter Study Comparing a Tacrolimus-Based Protocol with and without Steroids in HCV-Positive Liver Allograft Recipients
Authors: Neumann Ulf , Samuel Didier , Trunečka Pavel , Gugenheim Jean , Gerunda Giorgio Enrico , Friman Styrbjörn
Published: May 2012

Allograft reinfection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) occurs universally in liver transplant recipients. Corticosteroids can contribute to HCV recurrence. This randomized study evaluated HCV recurrence in HCV-positive liver allograft recipients using steroid-free immunosuppression. All patients received tacrolimus (TAC) at an initial dose of 0.10–0.15 mg/kg. The steroid-free arm (TAC/daclizumab (TAC/DAC,n=67)) received daclizumab induction, and the steroid arm (TAC/steroid (TAC/STR,n=68)) received a steroid bolus (≤ 500mg) followed by 15–20 mg/day with discontinuation after month 3. Median HCV viral load at month 12, the primary endpoint, was similar at 5.46 (0.95–6.54) IU/mL with TAC/DAC and 5.91 (0.95–6.89) IU/mL with TAC/STR. Small numerical differences in the estimated rate of freedom from HCV recurrence (19.1 versus 13.8%) and freedom from biopsy proven rejection (78.4 versus 66.1%) were observed between TAC/DAC and TAC/STR. Patient survival estimates were significantly lower with TAC/DAC than with TAC/STR (83.1 versus 95.5%; 95% CI, −0.227 to −0.019%), and graft survival was numerically lower (80.1 versus 91.1%,P=NS). Completion rates (45 versus 82%) indicated poorer tolerability with TAC/DAC than with TAC/STR. Steroid-free immunosuppression had no real impact on HCV viral load. HCV recurrence was higher with TAC/STR. Results are inconclusive due to the unexpected lower completion rates in the TAC/DAC arm.
The Nonlinear Distortions in the Oscillatory System of Generator on CFOA
Authors: Rybin Yuriy Konstantinovich
Published: May 2012

In recent years, many articles came out where one could find the analysis of oscillatory systems of electric sinusoid signals generators with amplifiers called CFOA—current feedback operational amplifiers. As a rule, the analysis of such systems is made by applying mathematical modeling methods on the basis of the amplifier linear model, which does not allow estimating advantages and disadvantages of the systems realized with those amplifiers in comparison with classical systems. A nonlinear model of a current feedback operational amplifier (CFOA) is introduced in the paper; nonlinearity of “current mirror” is reflected in the form of current double limiting. The analysis of two known oscillatory systems has been carried out with the use of this non-linear model. Dependence between current limiting level, output voltage amplitude, and maximum oscillation frequency has been obtained. The paper shows that output current limiting under current output connection of capacitive load reduces frequency range and output voltage amplitude considerably and increases harmonic distortions in comparison with classical oscillatory systems. The research done has found that the application of new amplifiers does not give considerable advantages to the oscillatory systems with CFOA.