bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monocular SLAM for Visual Odometry: A Full Approach to the Delayed Inverse‐Depth Feature Initialization Method
Authors: Munguía Rodrigo , Grau Antoni
Published: September 2012

This paper describes in a detailed manner a method to implement a simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) system based on monocular vision for applications of visual odometry, appearance‐based sensing, and emulation of range‐bearing measurements. SLAM techniques are required to operate mobile robots in a priori unknown environments using only on‐board sensors to simultaneously build a map of their surroundings; this map will be needed for the robot to track its position. In this context, the 6‐DOF (degree of freedom) monocular camera case (monocular SLAM) possibly represents the harder variant of SLAM. In monocular SLAM, a single camera, which is freely moving through its environment, represents the sole sensory input to the system. The method proposed in this paper is based on a technique called delayed inverse‐depth feature initialization, which is intended to initialize new visual features on the system. In this work, detailed formulation, extended discussions, and experiments with real data are presented in order to validate and to show the performance of the proposal.
A Sharp Double Inequality between Seiffert, Arithmetic, and Geometric Means
Authors: Gong Wei-Ming , Song Ying-Qing , Wang Miao-Kun , Chu Yu-Ming
Published: September 2012

For fixed s ≥ 1 and any t1, t2 ∈ (0,1/2) we prove that the double inequality Gs(t1a + (1 − t1)b, t1b + (1 − t1)a)A1−s(a, b) < P(a, b) < Gs(t2a + (1 − t2)b, t2b + (1 − t2)a)A1−s(a, b) holds for all a, b > 0 with a ≠ b if and only if and . Here, P(a, b), A(a, b) and G(a, b) denote the Seiffert, arithmetic, and geometric means of two positive numbers a and b, respectively.
Antibacterial Activity ofRhodomyrtus tomentosa(Aiton) Hassk. Leaf Extract against Clinical Isolates ofStreptococcus pyogenes
Authors: Limsuwan Surasak , Kayser Oliver , Voravuthikunchai Supayang Piyawan
Published: September 2012

Ethanol extract ofRhodomyrtus tomentosa(Aiton) Hassk. leaf was evaluated for antibacterial activity against 47 clinical isolates ofStreptococcus pyogenes. The extract exhibited good anti-S. pyogenesactivity against all the tested isolates with similar minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC, 3.91–62.5 μg mL−1) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC, 3.91–62.5 μg mL−1) ranges. No surviving cells were detected at 16 h after treatment with 8 × MIC of the extract. The extract-treated cells demonstrated no lysis and cytoplasmic leakage through the bacterial membrane. Electron micrographs further revealed that the extract did not cause any dramatic changes on the treated cells. Rhodomyrtone, an isolated compound, exhibited good anti-S. pyogenesactivity (14 isolates), expressed very low MIC (0.39–1.56 μg mL−1) and MBC (0.39-1.56 μg mL−1) values.Rhodomyrtus tomentosaleaf extract and rhodomyrtone displayed promising antibacterial activity against clinical isolates ofS. pyogenes.
Role of Medicinal Plants and Natural Products on Osteoporotic Fracture Healing
Authors: Abd Jalil Mohd Azri , Shuid Ahmad Nazrun , Muhammad Norliza
Published: September 2012

Popularly known as “the silent disease” since early symptoms are usually absent, osteoporosis causes progressive bone loss, which renders the bones susceptible to fractures. Bone fracture healing is a complex process consisting of four overlapping phases—hematoma formation, inflammation, repair, and remodeling. The traditional use of natural products in bone fractures means that phytochemicals can be developed as potential therapy for reducing fracture healing period. Located closely near the equator, Malaysia has one of the world’s largest rainforests, which are homes to exotic herbs and medicinal plants.Eurycoma longifolia(Tongkat Ali),Labisia pumila(Kacip Fatimah), andPiper sarmentosum(Kaduk) are some examples of the popular ethnic herbs, which have been used in the Malay traditional medicine. This paper focuses on the use of natural products for treating fracture as a result of osteoporosis and expediting its healing.
Existence of Positive Solution for Semipositone Fractional Differential Equations Involving Riemann‐Stieltjes Integral Conditions
Authors: Wang Wei , Huang Li
Published: September 2012

The existence of at least one positive solution is established for a class of semipositone fractional differential equations with Riemann‐Stieltjes integral boundary condition. The technical approach is mainly based on the fixed‐point theory in a cone.
[Retracted] On the Weak Relatively Nonexpansive Multivalued Mappings in Banach Spaces
Authors: Su Yongfu
Published: September 2012

In recent years, the definition of relatively nonexpansive multivalued mapping and the definition of weak relatively nonexpansive multivalued mapping have been presented and studied by many authors. In this paper, we give some results about weak relatively nonexpansive multivalued mappings and give two examples which are weak relatively nonexpansive multivalued mappings but not relatively nonexpansive multivalued mappings in Banach space l2 and Lp[0,1](1 < p < +∞).
Rethinking Social Support and Conflict: Lessons from a Study of Women Who Have Separated from Abusive Partners
Authors: Guruge Sepali , Ford-Gilboe Marilyn , Samuels-Dennis Joan , Varcoe Colleen , Wilk Piotr , Wuest Judith
Published: September 2012

Relationships have both positive and negative dimensions, yet most research in the area of intimate partner violence (IPV) has focused on social support, and not on social conflict. Based on the data from 309 English-speaking Canadian women who experienced IPV in the past 3 years and were no longer living with the abuser, we tested four hypotheses examining the relationships among severity of past IPV and women’s social support, social conflict, and health. We found that the severity of past IPV exerted direct negative effects on women’s health. Similarly, both social support and social conflict directly influenced women’s health. Social conflict, but not social support, mediated the relationships between IPV severity and health. Finally, social conflict moderated the relationships between social support and women’s health, such that the positive effects of social support were attenuated in the presence of high levels of social conflict. These findings highlight that routine assessments of social support and social conflict and the use of strategies to help women enhance support and reduce conflict in their relationships are essential aspects of nursing care.
Exploiting Location and Contextual Information to Develop a Comprehensive Framework for Proactive Handover in Heterogeneous Environments
Authors: Mapp G. , Katsriku F. , Aiash M. , Chinnam N. , Lopes R. , Moreira E. , Porto Vanni R. M. , Augusto M.
Published: September 2012

The development and deployment of several wireless and cellular networks mean that users will demand to be always connected as they move around. Mobile nodes will therefore have several interfaces and connections will be seamlessly switched among available networks using vertical handover techniques. Proactive handover mechanisms can be combined with the deployment of a number of location-based systems that provide location information to a very high degree of accuracy in different contexts. Furthermore, this new environment will also allow contextual information such as user profiles as well as the availability of using location and contextual information to provide efficient handover mechanisms. Using location-based techniques, it is possible to demonstrate that the Time Before Vertical Handover as well as the Network Dwell Time can be accurately estimated. These techniques are dependent on accurately estimating the handover radius. This paper investigates how location and context awareness can be used to estimate the best handover radius. The paper also explores how such techniques may be integrated into the Y-Comm architecture which is being used to explore the development of future mobile networks. Finally, the paper highlights the use of ontological techniques as a mechanism for specifying and prototyping such systems.
Variation inAPOL1Contributes to Ancestry-Level Differences in HDLc-Kidney Function Association
Authors: Bentley Amy Rebecca , Doumatey Ayo P. , Chen Guanjie , Huang Hanxia , Zhou Jie , Shriner Daniel , Jiang CongQing , Zhang Zhenjian , Liu Guozheng , Fasanmade Olufemi , Johnson Thomas , Oli Johnnie , Okafor Godfrey , Eghan Benjamin A. , Agyenim-Boateng Kofi , Adeleye Jokotade , Balogun Williams , Adebamowo Clement , Amoah Albert , Acheampong Joseph , Adeyemo Adebowale , Rotimi Charles N.
Published: September 2012

Low levels of high-density cholesterol (HDLc) accompany chronic kidney disease, but the association between HDLc and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in the general population is unclear. We investigated the HDLc-eGFR association in nondiabetic Han Chinese (HC,n=1100), West Africans (WA,n=1497), and African Americans (AA,n=1539). There were significant differences by ancestry: HDLc was positively associated with eGFR in HC (β=0.13,P<0.0001), but negatively associated among African ancestry populations (WA: −0.19,P<0.0001; AA: −0.09,P=0.02). These differences were also seen in nationally-representative NHANES data (among European Americans: 0.09,P=0.005; among African Americans −0.14,P=0.03). To further explore the findings in African ancestry populations, we investigated the role of an African ancestry-specific nephropathy risk variant, rs73885319, in the gene encoding HDL-associated APOL1. Among AA, an inverse HDLc-eGFR association was observed only with the risk genotype (−0.38 versus 0.001;P=0.03). This interaction was not seen in WA. In summary, counter to expectation, an inverse HDLc-eGFR association was observed among those of African ancestry. Given theAPOL1× HDLc interaction among AA, genetic factors may contribute to this paradoxical association. Notably, these findings suggest that the unexplained mechanism by whichAPOL1affects kidney-disease risk may involve HDLc.
Linear Matrix Inequalities in Multirate Control over Networks
Authors: Cuenca Ángel , Pizá Ricardo , Salt Julián , Sala Antonio
Published: September 2012

This paper faces two of the main drawbacks in networked control systems: bandwidth constraints and timevarying delays. The bandwidth limitations are solved by using multirate control techniques. The resultant multirate controller must ensure closed‐loop stability in the presence of time‐varying delays. Some stability conditions and a state feedback controller design are formulated in terms of linear matrix inequalities. The theoretical proposal is validated in two different experimental environments: a crane‐based test‐bed over Ethernet, and a maglev based platform over Profibus.
Generalized α‐ψ Contractive Type Mappings and Related Fixed Point Theorems with Applications
Authors: Karapınar Erdal , Samet Bessem
Published: September 2012

We establish fixed point theorems for a new class of contractive mappings. As consequences of our main results, we obtain fixed point theorems on metric spaces endowed with a partial order and fixed point theorems for cyclic contractive mappings. Various examples are presented to illustrate our obtained results.
A Remark on Myhill‐Nerode Theorem for Fuzzy Languages
Authors: Wang Shou-feng
Published: September 2012

Regular fuzzy languages are characterized by some algebraic approaches. In particular, an extended version of Myhill‐Nerode theorem for fuzzy languages is obtained.
Algorithm and Hardware Design of a Fast Intra Frame Mode Decision Module for H.264/AVC Encoders
Authors: Palomino Daniel , Corrêa Guilherme , Diniz Cláudio , Bampi Sergio , Agostini Luciano , Susin Altamiro
Published: September 2012

In the rate-distortion optimization (RDO), the process of choosing the best prediction mode is performed through exhaustive executions of the whole encoding process, increasing significantly the encoder computational complexity. Considering H.264/AVC intra frame prediction, there are several modes to encode a macroblock (MB). This work proposes an algorithm and the hardware design for a fast intra frame mode decision module for H.264/AVC encoders. The application of the proposed algorithm reduces in more than 10 times the number of encoding iterations for choosing the best intramode when compared with RDO-based decision. The architecture was synthesized to FPGA and achieved an operation frequency of 98 MHz processing more than 300 HD1080p frames per second. With this approach, we achieved one order-of-magnitude performance improvement compared with RDO-based approaches, which is very important not only from the performance but also from the energy consumption perspective for battery-operated devices. In order to compare the architecture with previously published works, we also synthesized it to standard cells. Compared with the best previous results reported, the implemented architecture achieves a complexity reduction of five times, a processing capability increase of 14 times, and a reduction in the number of clock cycles per MB of 11 times.
Pyoverdine, the Major Siderophore inPseudomonas aeruginosa, Evades NGAL Recognition
Authors: Peek Mary E. , Bhatnagar Abhinav , McCarty Nael A. , Zughaier Susu M.
Published: September 2012

Pseudomonas aeruginosais the most common pathogen that persists in the cystic fibrosis lungs. Bacteria such asP. aeruginosasecrete siderophores (iron-chelating molecules) and the host limits bacterial growth by producing neutrophil-gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) that specifically scavenges bacterial siderophores, therefore preventing bacteria from establishing infection.P. aeruginosaproduces a major siderophore known as pyoverdine, found to be important for bacterial virulence and biofilm development. We report that pyoverdine did not bind to NGAL, as measured by tryptophan fluorescence quenching, while enterobactin bound to NGAL effectively causing a strong response. The experimental data indicate that pyoverdine evades NGAL recognition. We then employed a molecular modeling approach to simulate the binding of pyoverdine to human NGAL using NGAL’s published crystal structures. The docking of pyoverdine to NGAL predicted nine different docking positions; however, neither apo- nor ferric forms of pyoverdine docked into the ligand-binding site in the calyx of NGAL where siderophores are known to bind. The molecular modeling results offer structural support that pyoverdine does not bind to NGAL, confirming the results obtained in the tryptophan quenching assay. The data suggest that pyoverdine is a stealth siderophore that evades NGAL recognition allowingP. aeruginosato establish chronic infections in CF lungs.
High Initial HIV/AIDS-Related Mortality and -Its Predictors among Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy in the Kagera Region of Tanzania: A Five-Year Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Mageda Kihulya , Leyna Germana Henry , Mmbaga Elia John
Published: September 2012

We examined mortality rates and its predictors from a five years retrospective cohort data of HIV/AIDs patients attending care and treatment clinic in Biharamulo Tanzania. Cox regression analysis was used to identify predictors of mortality. Of the 546 patient records retrieved, the mean age was 37 years with median CD4 count of 156 cells. The mortality rate was 4.32/100 person years at risk with males having three times higher mortality compared to females. Starting Antiretroviral treatment with advanced disease state, body weight below 45 kegs, WHO stage 4 disease, and CD4 cells below 50 were main predictors of mortality. Promoting early voluntary counselling and testing should be given a priority to facilitate timely start of treatment.
Optimal Control of a Spatio‐Temporal Model for Malaria: Synergy Treatment and Prevention
Authors: Zorom Malicki , Zongo Pascal , Barbier Bruno , Somé Blaise
Published: September 2012

We propose a metapopulation model for malaria with two control variables, treatment and prevention, distributed between n different patches (localities). Malaria spreads between these localities through human travel. We used the theory of optimal control and applied a mathematical model for three connected patches. From previous studies with the same data, two patches were identified as reservoirs of malaria infection, namely, the patches that sustain malaria epidemic in the other patches. We argue that to reduce the number of infections and semi‐immunes (i.e., asymptomatic carriers of parasites) in overall population, two considerations are needed, (a) For the reservoir patches, we need to apply both treatment and prevention to reduce the number of infections and to reduce the number of semi‐immunes; neither the treatment nor prevention were specified at the beginning of the control application, except prevention that seems to be effective at the end. (b) For unreservoir patches, we should apply the treatment to reduce the number of infections, and the same strategy should be applied to semi‐immune as in (a).
Statistical Analysis and Calculation Model of Flexibility Coefficient of Low‐ and Medium‐Sized Arch Dam
Authors: Huaizhi Su , Ting You , Zhiping Wen
Published: September 2012

The flexibility coefficient is popularly used to implement the macroevaluation of shape, safety, and economy for arch dam. However, the description of flexibility coefficient has not drawn a widely consensus all the time. Based on a large number of relative instance data, the relationship between influencing factor and flexibility coefficient is analyzed by means of partial least‐squares regression. The partial least‐squares regression equation of flexibility coefficient in certain height range between 30 m and 70 m is established. Regressive precision and equation stability are further investigated. The analytical model of statistical flexibility coefficient is provided. The flexibility coefficient criterion is determined preliminarily to evaluate the shape of low‐ and medium‐sized arch dam. A case study is finally presented to illustrate the potential engineering application. According to the analysis result of partial least‐squares regression, it is shown that there is strong relationship between flexibility coefficient and average thickness of dam, thickness‐height ratio of crown cantilever, arc height ratio, and dam height, but the effect of rise‐span ratio is little relatively. The considered factors in the proposed model are more comprehensive, and the applied scope is clearer than that of the traditional calculation methods. It is more suitable for the analogy analysis in engineering design and the safety evaluation for arch dam.
Association of Interferon-Alpha and Ribavirin-Induced Thyroid Dysfunction with Severity of Disease and Response to Treatment in Pakistani Asian Patients of Chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: Nadeem Amina , Aslam Muhammad
Published: September 2012

Objective. To determine the association of thyroid dysfunction with the severity of the disease and response to treatment in patients of chronic hepatitis C. Design. Cohort study. Patients. One hundred and sixty seven noncirrhotic chronic hepatitis C patients were grouped into treatment group (n=107) and control group (n=60). Measurements. Baseline S. ALT and S. AST by IFCC and S. TSH, S. free T4, and S.T3 level were measured by chemiluminescence method. The severity of the disease was measured by Knodell histopathological index (HPI) on liver biopsy. Study group patients underwent 24-weeks IFN and ribavirin therapy and thyroid functions were determined at weeks 0, 12, and 24. Response to therapy was determined by PCR-HCV test. Results. 20 treated patients (18.69%) developed thyroid dysfunction with relative risk (RR) of 11.25 and attributable risk (AR) of 91%. Females were at higher risk. Hypothyroidism was common than hyperthyroidism. There was no significant association between thyroid dysfunction and severity of the disease (P=0.81) and response to therapy (P=0.79). Conclusion. Interferon-alpha and ribavirin therapy induces thyroid dysfunction in chronic hepatitis C patients. There is no association between severity of disease and response to therapy with interferon-induced thyroid dysfunction.
Global Sufficient Optimality Conditions for a Special Cubic Minimization Problem
Authors: Zhang Xiaomei , Wang Yanjun , Ma Weimin
Published: September 2012

We present some sufficient global optimality conditions for a special cubic minimization problem with box constraints or binary constraints by extending the global subdifferential approach proposed by V. Jeyakumar et al. (2006). The present conditions generalize the results developed in the work of V. Jeyakumar et al. where a quadratic minimization problem with box constraints or binary constraints was considered. In addition, a special diagonal matrix is constructed, which is used to provide a convenient method for justifying the proposed sufficient conditions. Then, the reformulation of the sufficient conditions follows. It is worth noting that this reformulation is also applicable to the quadratic minimization problem with box or binary constraints considered in the works of V. Jeyakumar et al. (2006) and Y. Wang et al. (2010). Finally some examples demonstrate that our optimality conditions can effectively be used for identifying global minimizers of the certain nonconvex cubic minimization problem.
Extraction Efficiency of Shosaikoto (Xiaochaihu Tang) and Investigation of the Major Constituents in the Residual Crude Drugs
Authors: Sumino Megumi , Saito Yuko , Ikegami Fumio , Hirasaki Yoshiro , Namiki Takao
Published: September 2012

Shosaikoto (Xiaochaihu Tang) is one of the frequently used traditional herbal medicines (Kampo medicines, Japan). To realize the effective use of precious crude drugs, we investigated the major constituents in the residual crude drugs after decoction and aimed for extraction efficiency of shosaikoto with regard to the extract, tannin content, and major constituents. We found that the residual crude drugs had large amounts of compounds, especially saikosaponin b2, which had a 78.3% yield compared to that in the first decoction. The extraction efficiency increased when decoction time and volume of water increased. Both increases had an additive effect on the yield of the extract and saikosaponin b2in particular. We also found that the size of crude drug pieces that are available in Japanese markets is suitable for decoction because of quick permeation of water. From our study, the second decoction may be a valuable contribution to medical treatment and of effective use of crude drugs. Moreover, time and volume of water should be increased when patients have trouble in preparing a decoction. Our study revealing the factors that influence the extraction efficiency of shosaikoto will be the basis for empirical evidence about decocting Kampo medicine.
Variable Neighborhood Search for Parallel Machines Scheduling Problem with Step Deteriorating Jobs
Authors: Cheng Wenming , Guo Peng , Zhang Zeqiang , Zeng Ming , Liang Jian
Published: September 2012

In many real scheduling environments, a job processed later needs longer time than the same job when it starts earlier. This phenomenon is known as scheduling with deteriorating jobs to many industrial applications. In this paper, we study a scheduling problem of minimizing the total completion time on identical parallel machines where the processing time of a job is a step function of its starting time and a deteriorating date that is individual to all jobs. Firstly, a mixed integer programming model is presented for the problem. And then, a modified weight‐combination search algorithm and a variable neighborhood search are employed to yield optimal or near‐optimal schedule. To evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithms, computational experiments are performed on randomly generated test instances. Finally, computational results show that the proposed approaches obtain near‐optimal solutions in a reasonable computational time even for large‐sized problems.
Teachers’ Professional Identities in an Era of Testing Accountability in Japan: The Case of Teachers in Low-Performing Schools
Authors: Katsuno Masaaki
Published: September 2012

This paper presents tentative findings and discussions arising from an ongoing study on whether and how Japanese teachers’ professional identities have shifted in the context of heightened testing accountability. After a brief description of policy development that led to the introduction of national testing in 2007, previous studies of teacher identity are reviewed. Having explored some ambiguity in the existent theories regarding the trajectories and consequences of identity work, the paper goes on to report and to analyse the cases of six teachers from three low-performing elementary schools in a northern Japanese administrative region. With the limited size and scope of the sample, the present research cannot claim generalisability, but it can still raise a number of theoretical issues for further investigation, such as the precariousness of teachers’ strategies for sustaining their professional identities and the need for locating teachers’ identity work in the micropolitics of schools.
There Are Thin Minimizers of the L1TV Functional
Authors: Van Dyke Benjamin , Vixie Kevin R.
Published: September 2012

We show the surprising results that while the local reach of the boundary of an L1TV
minimizer is bounded below by 1/λ, the global reach can be smaller. We do this by demonstrating several example minimizing sets not equal to the union of the 1/λ‐balls they contain.
Exact Null Controllability for Fractional Nonlocal Integrodifferential Equations via Implicit Evolution System
Authors: Debbouche Amar , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: September 2012

We introduce a new concept called implicit evolution system to establish the existence results of mild and strong solutions of a class of fractional nonlocal nonlinear integrodifferential system, then we prove the exact null controllability result of a class of fractional evolution nonlocal integrodifferential control system in Banach space. As an application that illustrates the abstract results, two examples are provided.
An Interior Point Method for Solving Semidefinite Programs Using Cutting Planes and Weighted Analytic Centers
Authors: Machacek John , Jibrin Shafiu
Published: September 2012

We investigate solving semidefinite programs (SDPs) with an interior point method called SDP‐CUT, which utilizes weighted analytic centers and cutting plane constraints. SDP‐CUT iteratively refines
the feasible region to achieve the optimal solution. The algorithm uses Newton’s method to compute the weighted analytic center. We investigate different stepsize determining techniques. We found that using
Newton′s method with exact line search is generally the best implementation of the algorithm. We have also compared our algorithm to the SDPT3 method and found that SDP‐CUT initially gets into the neighborhood of the optimal solution in less iterations on all our test problems. SDP‐CUT also took less iterations to reach optimality on many of the problems. However, SDPT3 required less iterations on most
of the test problems and less time on all the problems. Some theoretical properties of the convergence of SDP‐CUT are also discussed.
Effect of Low-Level Laser Stimulation on EEG
Authors: Wu Jih-Huah , Chang Wen-Dien , Hsieh Chang-Wei , Jiang Joe-Air , Fang Wei , Shan Yi-Chia , Chang Yang-Chyuan
Published: September 2012

Conventional laser stimulation at the acupoint can induce significant brain activation, and the activation is theoretically conveyed by the sensory afferents. Whether the insensible low-level Laser stimulation outside the acupoint could also evoke electroencephalographic (EEG) changes is not known. We designed a low-level laser array stimulator (6 pcs laser diode, wavelength 830 nm, output power 7 mW, and operation frequency 10 Hz) to deliver insensible laser stimulations to the palm. EEG activities before, during, and after the laser stimulation were collected. The amplitude powers of each EEG frequency band were analyzed. We found that the low-level laser stimulation was able to increase the power of alpha rhythms and theta waves, mainly in the posterior head regions. These effects lasted at least 15 minutes after cessation of the laser stimulation. The amplitude power of beta activities in the anterior head regions decreased after laser stimulation. We thought these EEG changes comparable to those in meditation.
Topological Quasilinear Spaces
Authors: Yılmaz Yılmaz , Çakan Sümeyye , Aytekin Şahika
Published: September 2012

We introduce, in this work, the notion of topological quasilinear spaces as a generalization of the notion of normed quasilinear spaces defined by Aseev (1986). He introduced a kind of the concept of a quasilinear spaces both including a classical linear spaces and also nonlinear spaces of subsets and multivalued mappings. Further, Aseev presented some basic quasilinear counterpart of linear functional analysis by introducing the notions of norm and bounded quasilinear operators and functionals. Our investigations show that translation may destroy the property of being a neighborhood of a set in topological quasilinear spaces in contrast to the situation in topological vector spaces. Thus, we prove that any topological quasilinear space may not satisfy the localization principle of topological vector spaces.
New Surface Properties in Porcelain Gres Tiles with a Look to Human and Environmental Safety
Authors: Bianchi C. L. , Pirola C. , Gatto S. , Nucci S. , Minguzzi A. , Cerrato G. , Biella S. , Capucci V.
Published: September 2012

Traditional photocatalysis is here brought forward for both the use of nanosized TiO2crystallites and the possibility to have a release of TiO2particles during the final use of the manufactured products. In the present paper both the preparation and characterization of a new generation of photocatalytic tiles are presented. The originality of these products is the surface presence of microsized TiO2as it is not clear yet the impact of the nanoparticles on both human and environmental safety. TiO2is here mixed with a silica compound and the final thermal treatment at 680°C allows the complete surface vitrification which, in turn, makes the tiles surface strongly resistant to abrasion. Photocatalytic efficiency towards the degradation ofNOxin gas phase was measured in both a batch and a plug-flow reactor. The latter reactor configuration was also modeled by digital simulations.
Reactive Arthritis due toShigellaInfection after a Visit to Egypt: A Late Complication of an Intestinal Infection
Authors: Tilanus Alwin , Mertens Rembert , Seyler Lucie , Lacor Patrick , Velkeniers Brigitte
Published: September 2012

We describe a case of reactive arthritis followingShigellainfection after a trip to Egypt. The diagnostic challenge and treatment of this acute medical condition are discussed.
Site-Directed Mutagenesis of Myoglobin for Studies of Their Interaction with Iron(III) by Multi-Spectroscopic Techniques
Authors: Tang Qian , Peng Xiao-Jun , Cao Hong-Yu , Yang Yan-Jie , Ma Jing , Wang Jing-Yun , Zheng Xue-Fang
Published: September 2012

In order to investigate how the amino acids on the surface of myoglobin molecule influence myoglobin's structure and function, a variety of spectroscopy techniques were applied in the study of the interaction between Fe(III) and myoglobin (wild type and its mutants, D44K, D60K, and K56D). The results demonstrate that Fe(III) can quench the fluorescence of wild type and mutants of myoglobin, and the quenching mechanisms are static quenching. It is found that the binding distance between Fe(III) and myoglobin mutants gets smaller, the binding capacity increases by the values of binding constant and the bimolecular quenching constant as well as the binding distance. Those data also indicate that the metal ion Fe(III) can interact strongly with myoglobin mutants. The three-dimensional conformation change after surface amino acids are replaced is detected by the UV absorption spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy, which make mutants become more dynamic and change its function and interaction with Fe(III) strongly.
Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis of (±)‐Mandelic Acid‐d5, Optical Resolution, and Absolute Configuration Determination
Authors: Bruno Claudio , Lentini Giovanni , Lovece Angelo , Cavalluzzi Maria Maddalena , Carocci Alessia , Catalano Alessia , Franchini Carlo
Published: September 2012

An efficient microwave‐assisted synthesis of (±)‐mandelic acid‐d5 was developed. The racemic mixture was resolved by diastereomeric salt formation using 1‐phenylethylamine enantiomers as resolving agents. At each step, the resolution process was checked by determining mandelic acid‐d5 enantiomer ee values directly on fractional crystallized diastereomeric salts by chiral capillary electrophoresis analysis. Highly enriched (−)‐ and (+)‐mandelic acid‐d5 (95% and 90% ee, resp.) were obtained and their absolute configurations—R and S, respectively—were determined by correlation of the (−)‐mandelic acid‐d5 circular dichroism spectrum to the (R)‐mandelic acid one.
Synthesis of Substituted Thioureas and Their Sulfur Heterocyclic Systems of p‐Amino Salicylic Acid as Antimycobacterial Agents
Authors: Makki Mohammed Saleh I. T. , Abdel-Rahman Reda M. , Faidallah Hassan M. , Khan Khalid Ali
Published: September 2012

A series of new N,N′‐substituted thioureas (2, 6, and 8) and their sulfur heterocycles as thiobarbituric acids (3, 4, and 7), 2‐thioxothiazoliodin‐4‐one (10), thiazolidin‐4‐one (11), 1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐thione (14), and 1,3,4‐thiadiazole (15) of p‐Amino salicylic acid (PAS) have been synthesized from treatment with dithiocarbazinate (1, 5 and 12) followed by heterocyclization with dimethyl malonate, chloroacetic acid, and/or trifluoroacetic anhydride. The structures of the newly synthesized compounds were substantiated with IR,  1H, and  13C NMR spectral data and elementary microanalyses. The in vitro antitubercular activity of synthesized compounds against M. tuberculosis strain H37Rv showed moderate‐to‐good activity.
Thermodynamical Quantities of Chalcogenide Dimers (O2, S2, Se2, and Te2) from Spectroscopic Data
Authors: Tiwari Shipra , Tandon Pavitra , Uttam K. N.
Published: September 2012

Attempts have been made to calculate the thermodynamical quantities of diatomic molecules such as O2, S2, Se2, and Te2from spectroscopic data with the help of partition function theory. The results have been calculated in the temperature range 100–3000°C. In order to increase accuracy of the calculated quantities, we have incorporated nonrigidity, anharmonicity, and stretching effects of molecules. The variation of these quantities with temperature have been studied and explained in terms of various modes of molecular motions.
Differences in Natural History between Breast Cancers in BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutation Carriers and Effects of MRI Screening-MRISC, MARIBS, and Canadian Studies Combined
Authors: Heijnsdijk Eveline A.M. , Warner Ellen , Gilbert Fiona J. , Tilanus-Linthorst Madeleine M.A. , Evans Gareth , Causer Petrina A. , Eeles Rosalind A. , Kaas Reinie , Draisma Gerrit , Ramsay Elizabeth A. , Warren Ruth M.L. , Hill Kimberly A. , Hoogerbrugge Nicoline , Wasser Martin N.J.M. , Bergers Elisabeth , Oosterwijk Jan C. , Hooning Maartje J. , Rutgers Emiel J.T. , Klijn Jan G.M. , Plewes Don B. , Leach Martin O. , de Koning Harry J.
Published: September 2012

Background: It is recommended that BRCA1/2 mutation carriers undergo breast cancer screening using MRI because of their very high cancer risk and the high sensitivity of MRI in detecting invasive cancers. Clinical observations suggest important differences in the natural history between breast cancers due to mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2, potentially requiring different screening guidelines.

Methods: Three studies of mutation carriers using annual MRI and mammography were analyzed. Separate natural history models for BRCA1 and BRCA2 were calibrated to the results of these studies and used to predict the impact of various screening protocols on detection characteristics and mortality.

Results: BRCA1/2 mutation carriers (N = 1,275) participated in the studies and 124 cancers (99 invasive) were diagnosed. Cancers detected in BRCA2 mutation carriers were smaller [80% ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or ≤10 mm vs. 49% for BRCA1, P < 0.001]. Below the age of 40, one (invasive) cancer of the 25 screen-detected cancers in BRCA1 mutation carriers was detected by mammography alone, compared with seven (three invasive) of 11 screen-detected cancers in BRCA2 (P < 0.0001). In the model, the preclinical period during which cancer is screen-detectable was 1 to 4 years for BRCA1 and 2 to 7 years for BRCA2. The model predicted breast cancer mortality reductions of 42% to 47% for mammography, 48% to 61% for MRI, and 50% to 62% for combined screening.

Conclusions: Our studies suggest substantial mortality benefits in using MRI to screen BRCA1/2 mutation carriers aged 25 to 60 years but show important clinical differences in natural history.

Impact: BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers may benefit from different screening protocols, for example, below the age of 40. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(9); 1458–68. ©2012 AACR.
Estrogen Metabolism and Mammographic Density in Postmenopausal Women: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Fuhrman Barbara J. , Brinton Louise A. , Pfeiffer Ruth M. , Xu Xia , Veenstra Timothy D. , Teter Barbara E. , Byrne Celia , Dallal Cher M. , Barba Maddalena , Muti Paola C. , Gierach Gretchen L.
Published: September 2012

Background: Prospective studies have consistently found that postmenopausal breast cancer risk increases with circulating estrogens; however, findings from studies of estrogens and mammographic density (MD), an intermediate marker of breast cancer risk, have been inconsistent. We investigated the cross-sectional associations of urinary estrogens, and their 2-, 4-, and 16-hydroxylated metabolites with MD.

Methods: Postmenopausal women without breast cancer (n = 194), ages 48 to 82 years, and reporting no current menopausal hormone therapy use were enrolled at a clinic in Western NY in 2005. Urinary estrogens and estrogen metabolites were measured using mass spectrometry. Percent MD and dense area (cm2) were measured using computer-assisted analyses of digitized films. Linear regression models were used to estimate associations of log-transformed estrogen measures with MD while adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), parity, and past hormone therapy use.

Results: Urinary concentrations of most individual estrogens and metabolites were not associated with MD; however, across the interdecile range of the ratio of parent estrogens (estrone and estradiol) to their metabolites, MD increased by 6.8 percentage points (P = 0.02) and dense area increased by 10.3 cm2 (P = 0.03). Across the interdecile ranges of the ratios of 2-, 4-, and 16-hydroxylation pathways to the parent estrogens, MD declined by 6.2 (P = 0.03), 6.4 (P = 0.04), and 5.7 (P = 0.05) percentage points, respectively. All associations remained apparent in models without adjustment for BMI.

Conclusion: In this study of postmenopausal women, less extensive hydroxylation of parent estrogens was associated with higher MD.

Impact: Hydroxylation of estrogens may modulate postmenopausal breast cancer risk through a pathway involving MD. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(9); 1582–91. ©2012 AACR.
Cervical Cancer in Africa
Authors: Denny Lynette , Anorlu Rose
Published: September 2012

Cervical cancer is a relatively rare disease in countries that have instituted and maintained national screening programs, with call and recall of women at various intervals and built-in quality control with appropriate monitoring and evaluation. Unfortunately, this process has failed in most areas of the world where more than 80% of new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed. Cervical cancer affects women in the prime of their lives causing premature and needless suffering and death in a critically important segment of the world's population, despite being one of the few cancers that can be prevented with simple testing. In the past 15 years innovative approaches to both primary and secondary prevention of cervical cancer have been subjected to a number of large scale, scientifically valid and applicable studies that have opened the way for new approaches. Treatment of cervical cancer in Africa is hampered by the lack of diagnostic and treatment facilities, lack of healthcare infrastructure and poor pathology services. Further, there is a significant brain drain of trained healthcare workers in Africa that exacerbates the problem. Cancer is becoming an increasingly important public health problem as more people live longer. It is time to develop programs for the prevention, early detection, treatment, and palliation of cancer sufferers in Africa. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(9); 1434–8. ©2012 AACR.
Limited PSA Testing in Indigent Men in South Texas: An Appropriate Care or Missing a Prevention Opportunity?
Authors: Liang Yuanyuan , Du Fei , Thompson Ian M. , Turner Barbara J.
Published: September 2012

Background: No previous study has examined racial ethnic differences in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing and followup in primary care practices serving an indigent population.

Methods: From electronic medical records of primary care practices affiliated with one health care system in San Antonio, we identified 9,267 men aged 50 to 74 with 2+ clinic visits from 2008 through 2010 and no prior prostate cancer diagnosis. Logistic regression was used to examine the association of race ethnicity with the use of PSA testing and, if tested, with an abnormal result (≥4 ng/mL) adjusted for demographics, health care, and clinical factors. Time to a follow-up activity after an abnormal PSA was assessed using Cox proportional models.

Results: The race ethnicity of this cohort was 63% Hispanic, 27% non-Hispanic white, 7% African-American, and 3% other. In a 3-year period, 26.8% of men had at least one PSA test. Compared with African-Americans, non-Hispanic whites were less likely to be tested [OR, 0.68; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.55–0.83] but Hispanics did not differ (OR = 0.95; 95% CI 0.79–1.15). African-Americans were more likely to have an abnormal PSA than others (12.4% vs. 5.2%, P < 0.001) and the shortest adjusted time to follow-up (P = 0.004).

Conclusions: In this 3-year indigent cohort, about one quarter had a PSA test, approximately half of the national testing rate.

Impact: African-Americans were more likely to be tested than non-Hispanic whites but had more abnormal results, raising concerns about missed prevention opportunities. African-Americans with high PSA results had the shortest time until follow-up, reflecting awareness of the threat of prostate cancer for African-Americans by physicians. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(9); 1489–96. ©2012 AACR.
Effect of 9p21.3 Coronary Artery Disease Locus Neighboring Genes on Atherosclerosis in Mice
Authors: Kim Juyong Brian , Deluna Andres , Mungrue Imran N. , Vu Christine , Pouldar Delila , Civelek Mete , Orozco Luz , Wu Judy , Wang Xuping , Charugundla Sarada , Castellani Lawrence W. , Rusek Marta , Jakubowski Hieronim , Lusis Aldons J.
Published: September 2012

Background—

The human 9p21.3 chromosome locus has been shown to be an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis in multiple large-scale genome-wide association studies, but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. We set out to investigate the potential role of the 9p21.3 locus neighboring genes, including
Mtap
, the 2 isoforms of
Cdkn2a, p16Ink4a
and
p19Arf,
and
Cdkn2b
, in atherosclerosis using knockout mice models.

Methods and Results—

Gene-targeted mice for neighboring genes, including
Mtap
,
Cdkn2a
,
p19Arf
, and
Cdkn2b
, were each bred to mice carrying the human APO*E3 Leiden transgene that sensitizes the mice for atherosclerotic lesions through elevated plasma cholesterol. We found that the mice heterozygous for
Mtap
developed larger lesions compared with wild-type mice (49623±21650 versus 18899±9604 μm
2
per section [mean±SD];
P
=0.01), with morphology similar to that of wild-type mice. The
Mtap
heterozygous mice demonstrated changes in metabolic and methylation profiles and CD4
+
cell counts. The
Cdkn2a
knockout mice had smaller lesions compared with wild-type and heterozygous mice, and there were no significant differences in lesion size in
p19Arf
and
Cdkn2b
mutants compared with wild type. We observed extensive, tissue-specific compensatory regulation of the
Cdkn2a
and
Cdkn2b
genes among the various knockout mice, making the effects on atherosclerosis difficult to interpret.

Conclusions—

Mtap
plays a protective role against atherosclerosis, whereas
Cdkn2a
appears to be modestly proatherogenic. However, no relation was found between the 9p21 genotype and the transcription of 9p21 neighboring genes in primary human aortic vascular cells in vitro. There is extensive compensatory regulation in the highly conserved 9p21 orthologous region in mice.
Original Sin
Authors: Asal Victor , Sommer Udi , Harwood Paul G.
Published: September 2012

This article examines the legality of homosexual acts quantitatively in a cross-national perspective with a large sample of countries from 1972 to 2002. Employing path dependence as its theoretical framework, this work explains how political, economic, and legal institutions at the domestic and international levels affect the lives of individual citizens. The rights and privileges of individuals, the findings of this study indicate, are determined by a wide array of variables, including legal origin, economic development, religion, democratization, and the position of the nation in the international community. The authors use recently released cross-national data concerning decriminalization of homosexual intercourse, economic conditions, and political institutions. A generalized estimating equation analyzes decriminalization of homosexual acts. A Cox proportional hazards model examines how long it takes to introduce this legal reform. Last, this study also offers some important lessons about civil rights and liberties more generally.
On Studying Common Factor Variance in Multiple-Component Measuring Instruments
Authors: Raykov Tenko , Pohl Steffi
Published: September 2012

A method for examining common factor variance in multiple-component measuring instruments is outlined. The procedure is based on an application of the latent variable modeling methodology and is concerned with evaluating observed variance explained by a global factor and by one or more additional component-specific factors. The approach furnishes point and interval estimates of the proportion test score variance accounted for by the common factor and by the remaining factors, as well as of the difference in these proportions. The method is readily used in empirical behavioral research for purposes of addressing the issue of whether a scale under consideration is predominantly measuring a construct common to all its components, via application of the widely available software Mplus and R. The described procedure is illustrated using a numerical example.
Political Vulnerabilities of a Primate City: The May 2010 Red Shirts Uprising in Bangkok, Thailand
Authors: Fong Jack
Published: September 2012

Dynamics of the May 2010 ‘Red Shirts’ uprising in Bangkok are examined through literature about the primate city, a city that is exponentially larger than a country’s other cities. Employing news coverage of events, history about Bangkok’s urban and political development, and analyses of class-based inequalities and nationalisms that the city harbors within its confines, attributes of primate city are expanded to include its perennially vulnerable political status. Such a rendering of the politically vulnerable primate city is employed to theorize how the primate city – when functioning as a national capital – is more than a large urban center, but one that collects much of the nation’s hopes, dreams, and political struggles.