bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Approximation Algorithms and an FPTAS for the Single Machine Problem with Biased Tardiness Penalty
Authors: Moslehi G. , Kianfar K.
Published: April 2014

This paper addresses a new performance measure for scheduling problems, entitled “biased tardiness penalty.” We study the approximability of minimum biased tardiness on a single machine, provided that all the due dates are equal. Two heuristic algorithms are developed for this problem, and it is shown that one of them has a worst-case ratio bound of 2. Then, we propose a dynamic programming algorithm and use it to design an FPTAS. The FPTAS is generated by cleaning up some states in the dynamic programming algorithm, and it requiresOn3/εtime.
Diversity, Uses, and Threats in the Ghodaghodi Lake Complex, a Ramsar Site in Western Lowland Nepal
Authors: Lamsal Pramod , Pant Krishna Prasad , Kumar Lalit , Atreya Kishor
Published: April 2014

This study documents aquatic and terrestrial/riparian biodiversity in an anthropogenically disturbed Ramsar site, the Ghodaghodi Lake complex, in the Western Nepal surveyed during the summer season (March-April) of 2007. The study site comprises three major interconnected lakes: Ghodaghodi (138 ha), Nakharodi (70 ha), and Bainshwa (10 ha). Five transect lines for aquatic macrophytes and three transect lines and 37 sampling plots were laid to sample terrestrial/riparian plants, birds, and animals. Five sample plots were established for fish and aquatic bird. A total of 45 species of aquatic macrophytes, 54 species of terrestrial/riparian vegetation, 19 fish species, 41 bird species, 17 mammals (endangered and vulnerable), and 5 reptiles (critically endangered, vulnerable, and near threatened) were recorded at the lake complex. Local people have used most of the aquatic and terrestrial plants for different purposes while many of the potential medicinal plant species were still untapped. Persistent anthropogenic threats, like excessive harvesting and poaching, habitat destruction—population pressure, forest fragmentation, siltation, fertilizer and pesticide seepage, water pollution, overgrazing, and unmanaged irrigation system found over the lake complex, endangered the existing biodiversity. The suggested remedial measures are further exploration of medicinal potential, prioritization of in situ biodiversity conservation strategies, and implementation of awareness program at local level against anthropogenic threats.
Intake of Red Wine in Different Meals Modulates Oxidized LDL Level, Oxidative and Inflammatory Gene Expression in Healthy People: A Randomized Crossover Trial
Authors: Di Renzo Laura , Carraro Alberto , Valente Roberto , Iacopino Leonardo , Colica Carmen , De Lorenzo Antonino
Published: April 2014

Several studies have found that adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, including consumption of red wine, is associated with beneficial effects on oxidative and inflammatory conditions. We evaluate the outcome of consumption of a McDonald’s Meal (McD) and a Mediterranean Meal (MM), with and without the additive effect of red wine, in order to ascertain whether the addition of the latter has a positive impact on oxidized (ox-) LDL and on expression of oxidative and inflammatory genes. A total of 24 subjects were analyzed for ox-LDL, CAT, GPX1, SOD2, SIRT2, and CCL5 gene expression levels, before and after consumption of the 4 different meal combinations with washout intervals between each meal. When red wine is associated with McD or MM, values of ox-LDL are lowered (P<0.05) and expression of antioxidant genes is increased, while CCL5 expression is decreased (P<0.05). SIRT2 expression after MM and fasting with red wine is significantly correlated with downregulation of CCL5 and upregulation of CAT (P<0.001). GPX1 increased significantly in the comparison between baseline and all conditions with red wine. We highlighted for the first time the positive effect of red wine intake combined with different but widely consumed meal types on ox-LDL and gene expression.Trial Registration. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.govNCT01890070.
Stability Analysis of Pulse‐Width‐Modulated Feedback Systems with Time‐Varying Delays
Authors: Zhang Zhong , Han Huahui , Zhao Qiling , Ye Lixia
Published: April 2014

The stability problem of pulse‐width‐modulated feedback systems with time‐varying delays and stochastic perturbations is studied. With the help of an improved functional construction method, we establish a new Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional and derive several stability criteria about pth moment exponential stability.
Morphogenesis of Mammary Glands in Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Challana Amit , Gupta Anuradha , Bansal Neelam , Uppal Varinder
Published: April 2014

The present research was elucidated on the morphogenesis of mammary gland of buffalo during prenatal development. Total of 16 foetuses ranging from 1.2 cm (34 days) to 108 cm CVRL (curved crown rump length) (317 days) were used for study. The study revealed that mammary line was first observed at 1.2 cm CVRL (34 days), mammary hillock at 1.7 cm (37 days), and mammary bud at 2.6 cm CVRL (41 days) foetuses. Epidermal cone was found at 6.7 cm CVRL (58 days) whereas primary and secondary ducts were observed at 7.4 cm CVRL (62 days) and 15 cm CVRL (96 days), respectively. Connective tissue whorls were reported at 18.2 cm CVRL (110 days) and internal elastic lamina and muscle layers at 24.1 cm CVRL (129 days). Lobules were observed at 29.3 cm CVRL (140 days), rosette of furstenberg at 39.5 cm CVRL (163 days), and keratin plug at 45.5 cm CVRL (176 days) foetus. Primordia of sweat and sebaceous glands around hair follicle were seen at 21.2 cm CVRL (122 days) of foetal life. Differentiation of all the skin layers along with cornification was observed at 69 cm (229 days) in group III foetuses.
Inflammatory Profiling of Schwann Cells in Contact with Growing Axons Distal to Nerve Injury
Authors: Dubový Petr , Klusáková Ilona , Hradilová Svíženská Ivana
Published: April 2014

Activated Schwann cells distal to nerve injury upregulate inflammatory mediators, including cytokines. The goal of the present study was to investigate expression of proinflammatory (IL-1β, TNFα) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10) in activated Schwann cells in relation to growing axons distal to crush injury of rat sciatic nerves. Seven days from sciatic nerve crush, transverse cryostat sections were cut 5 mm distal to lesion and incubated for double immunostaining to indicate Schwann cells (GFAP or S100b) and individual investigated cytokines or to demonstrate growing axons (GAP43). The Schwann cells of naïve sciatic nerves and those removed from sham-operated rats displayed similar weak immunoreactivity for the investigated cytokines. In contrast, increased intensity of cytokine immunofluorescence was found in Schwann cells distal to crush lesion. The cytokine-positive Schwann cells were found in close contact with growing axons detected by immunostaining for GAP43. The results of immunohistochemical analysis distal to nerve crush injury suggest that inflammatory profiling of Schwann cells including upregulation of both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines does not prevent growth of axons distal to nerve crush injury.
Preclinical Polymodal Hallucinations for 13 Years before Dementia with Lewy Bodies
Authors: Abbate Carlo , Trimarchi Pietro Davide , Inglese Silvia , Viti Niccolò , Cantatore Alessandra , De Agostini Lisa , Pirri Federico , Marino Lorenza , Bagarolo Renzo , Mari Daniela
Published: April 2014

Objective. We describe a case of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) that presented long-lasting preclinical complex polymodal hallucinations.Background. Few studies have deeply investigated the characteristics of hallucinations in DLB, especially in the preclinical phase. Moreover, the clinical phenotype of mild cognitive impairment-(MCI-) DLB is poorly understood.Methods. The patient was followed for 4 years and a selective phenomenological and cognitive study was performed at the predementia stage.Results. The phenomenological study showed the presence of hypnagogic and hypnopompic hallucinations that allowed us to make a differential diagnosis between DLB and Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS). The neuropsychological evaluation showed a multiple domain without amnesia MCI subtype with prefrontal dysexecutive, visuoperceptual, and visuospatial impairments and simultanagnosia, which has not previously been reported in MCI-DLB.Conclusions. This study extends the prognostic value of hallucinations for DLB to the preclinical phases. It supports and refines the MCI-DLB concept and identifies simultanagnosia as a possible early cognitive marker. Finally, it confirms an association between hallucinations and visuoperceptual impairments at an intermediate stage of the disease course and strongly supports the hypothesis that hallucinations in the earliest stages of DLB may reflect a narcolepsy-like REM-sleep disorder.
A Novel Optimization Method for Nonconvex Quadratically Constrained Quadratic Programs
Authors: Jiao Hongwei , Chen Yong-Qiang , Cheng Wei-Xin
Published: April 2014

This paper presents a novel optimization method for effectively solving nonconvex quadratically constrained quadratic programs (NQCQP) problem. By applying a novel parametric linearizing approach, the initial NQCQP problem and its subproblems can be transformed into a sequence of parametric linear programs relaxation problems. To enhance the computational efficiency of the presented algorithm, a cutting down approach is combined in the branch and bound algorithm. By computing a series of parametric linear programs problems, the presented algorithm converges to the global optimum point of the NQCQP problem. At last, numerical experiments demonstrate the performance and computational superiority of the presented algorithm.
Critical Analysis of PIM2 Score Applicability in a Tertiary Care PICU in Western India
Authors: Shukla Vivek V. , Nimbalkar Somashekhar M. , Phatak Ajay G. , Ganjiwale Jaishree D.
Published: April 2014

Objective.Children have limited physiological reserve that deteriorates rapidly. Present study profiled patients admitted to PICU and determined PIM2 score applicability in Indian setting.Patients and Methods.Prospective observational study.Results.In 742 consecutive admissions, male : female ratio was 1.5 : 1, 35.6% patients were ventilated, observed mortality was 7%, and 26.4% were <1 year. The profile included septicemia and septic shock (29.6%), anemia (27.1%), pneumonia (19.6%), and meningitis and encephalitis (17.2%). For the first year, sensitivity of PIM2 was 65.8% and specificity was 71% for cutoff value at 1.9 by ROC curve analysis. The area under the curve was 0.724 (95% CI: 0.69, 0.76). This cutoff was validated for second year data yielding similar sensitivity (70.6%) and specificity (65%). Logistic regression analysis (LRA) over entire data revealed various variables independently associated with mortality along with PIM2 score. Another logistic model with same input variables except PIM2 yielded the same significant variables with NagelkerkeRsquare of 0.388 and correct classification of 78.5 revealing contribution of PIM2 in predicting mortality is meager.Conclusion.Infectious diseases were the commonest cause of PICU admission and mortality. PIM2 scoring did not explain the outcome adequately, suggesting need for recalibration. Following PALS/GEM guidelines was associated with better outcome.
Amplifying the Hawking Signal in BECs
Authors: Balbinot Roberto , Fabbri Alessandro
Published: April 2014

We consider simple models of Bose-Einstein condensates to study analog pair-creation effects, namely, the Hawking effect from acoustic black holes and the dynamical Casimir effect in rapidly time-dependent backgrounds. We also focus on a proposal by Cornell to amplify the Hawking signal in density-density correlators by reducing the atoms’ interactions shortly before measurements are made.
Enhancement of Mechanical and Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Hydrophilic Nanoclay Reinforced Polylactic Acid/Polycaprolactone/Oil Palm Mesocarp Fiber Hybrid Composites
Authors: Eng Chern Chiet , Ibrahim Nor Azowa , Zainuddin Norhazlin , Ariffin Hidayah , Yunus Wan Md. Zin Wan , Then Yoon Yee
Published: April 2014

In previous studies, the effect of the addition of 1 wt% hydrophilic nanoclay on polylactic acid (PLA)/polycaprolactone (PCL)/oil palm mesocarp fiber (OPMF) biocomposites was investigated by tensile properties, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The current studies focus on the effect of addition of 1 wt% hydrophilic nanoclay on mechanical (flexural and impact properties) and dynamic mechanical properties of composites. The composites were characterized by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). FTIR spectra show that peak shifting occurs when 1 wt% hydrophilic nanoclay was added to composites. The addition of 1 wt% hydrophilic nanoclay successfully improves the flexural properties and impact resistance of the biocomposites. The storage modulus of biocomposites was decreased when nanoclay was added which indicates that the stiffness of biocomposites was reduced. The loss modulus curve shows that the addition of nanoclay shift twotgin composites become closer to each other which indicates that the incorporation of nanoclay slightly compatibilizes the biocomposites. Tanδindicated that hybrid composites dissipate less energy compared to biocomposites indicate that addition of clay to biocomposites improves fiber/matrix adhesion. Water sorption test shows that the addition of nanoclay enhances water resistance of composites.
The Influence of the Social Support on Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression among Patients with Silicosis
Authors: Han Bing , Yan Bo , Zhang Jian , Zhao Na , Sun Jinkai , Li Chao , Lei Xibing , Liu Hongbo , Chen Jie
Published: April 2014

The improvement of social support promotes the mental health and improves the health status. The study aimed to examine the influence of the social support on symptoms of anxiety and depression among patients with silicosis and provide the scientific basis to further alleviate anxiety and depression and to monitor their whole quality of life. We investigated 324 inpatients with silicosis between April 2011 and September 2011. The HADS (the Hospital Anxiety-Depression Scale) was the major methodology used to evaluate anxiety and depression, and the MSPSS (the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support) to evaluate the social support level. Among patients with silicosis, 99.1% had anxiety symptoms, and 86.1% had depression symptoms. Meanwhile, the social support significantly influenced symptoms of anxiety and depression. The study suggested that patients with silicosis presented more anxiety and depression symptoms, while the social support levels of the patients were relatively low. The influence of social support on symptoms of anxiety and depression among patients with silicosis implied that improving the level of social support and the effective symptomatic treatment might alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms and improve physical and mental status.
Flaw Imaging Technique for Plate-Like Structures Using Scanning Laser Source Actuation
Authors: Lee Changgil , Park Seunghee
Published: April 2014

Recently, the longitudinal, shear, and surface waves have been very widely used as ultrasonic wave-based exploration methods to identify internal defects of host structures. In this context, a noncontact nondestructive testing (NDT) method is proposed to detect the damage of plate-like structures and to identify the location of the damage. To achieve this goal, a scanning laser source actuation technique is utilized to generate a guided wave and scans a specific area to find damage location more precisely. The ND:YAG pulsed laser is used to generate Lamb wave and a piezoelectric sensor is installed to measure the structural responses. The measured responses are analyzed using 3-dimensional Fourier transformation (3D FT). The damage-sensitive features are extracted by wavenumber filtering based on the 3D FT. Then, flaw imaging techniques of a plate-like structure are conducted using the damage-sensitive features. Finally, the plates with notches are investigated to verify the effectiveness and the robustness of the proposed NDT approach.
Curcumin Inhibits Mitochondrial Injury and Apoptosis from the Early Stage in EAE Mice
Authors: Feng Jinzhou , Tao Tao , Yan Weiping , Chen Cindy Si , Qin Xinyue
Published: April 2014

The exact pathophysiological change concerning mitochondrial injury and oligodendrocyte apoptosis in MS and EAE model is still unknown. Whether curcumin is able to inhibit mitochondrial injury and suppress the apoptosis in the early stages of MS/EAE is still unclear. We first explored mitochondrial injury and apoptosis at different time points p.i. in C57 BL/6 EAE mice. We then explored the effects of curcumin on mitochondria and apoptosis. Results showed that mitochondrial injury can be observed 3 days p.i. Apoptosis in the spinal cord occurred 3 days p.i. and the apoptotic cells were shown to be oligodendrocytes and neuronal cells. Curcumin significantly reduced the number of apoptotic cells and inhibited the upregulation of cyt-c, caspase-9, and caspase-3 at 7 days p.i. in the EAE mice. These observations demonstrate that mitochondrial injury and oligodendrocyte/neuronal apoptosis occur in the early stages of EAE. Curcumin can inhibit apoptosis in EAE mice which maybe act through protection of mitochondrial injury and inhibition of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway.
On a System of Two High-Order Nonlinear Difference Equations
Authors: Zhang Qianhong , Zhang Wenzhuan
Published: May 2014

This paper is concerned with dynamics of the solution to the system of two high-order nonlinear difference equationsxn+1=xn-k/(q+∏i=0kyn-i),yn+1=yn-k/(p+∏i=0kxn-i),k∈N+,n=0,1,…, wherep,q∈(0,∞),x-i∈(0,∞),y-i∈(0,∞)andi=0,1,…,k. Moreover the rate of convergence of a solution that converges to the equilibrium(0,0)of the system is discussed. Finally, some numerical examples are considered to show the results obtained.
Bedside Tested Ocular Motor Disorders in Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Authors: Servillo G. , Renard D. , Taieb G. , Labauge P. , Bastide S. , Zorzon M. , Castelnovo G.
Published: April 2014

Background/Aims. Ocular motor disorders (OMDs) are a common feature of multiple sclerosis (MS). In clinical practice, if not reported by patients, OMDs are often underdiagnosed and their prevalence is underestimated.Methods. We studied 163 patients (125 women, 76.7%, 38 men, 23.3%; median age 45.0 years; median disease duration 10 years; median EDSS 3.5) with definite MS (n=150, 92%) or clinically isolated syndrome (n=13, 8%) who underwent a thorough clinical examination of eye movements. Data on localization of previous relapses, MS subtype, and MRI findings were collected and analyzed.Results. Overall, 111/163 (68.1%) patients showed at least one abnormality of eye movement. Most frequent OMDs were impaired smooth pursuit (42.3%), saccadic dysmetria (41.7%), unilateral internuclear ophthalmoplegia (14.7%), slowing of saccades (14.7%), skew deviation (13.5%), and gaze evoked nystagmus (13.5%). Patients with OMDs had more severe disability(P=0.0005)and showed more frequently infratentorial MRI lesions(P=0.004). Localization of previous relapses was not associated with presence of OMDs.Conclusion. OMDs are frequent in patients with stable (no relapses) MS. A precise bedside examination of eye motility can disclose abnormalities that imply the presence of subclinical MS lesions and may have a substantial impact on definition of the diagnosis and on management of MS patients.
Generalized Newton Method for a Kind of Complementarity Problem
Authors: Du Shou-qiang
Published: April 2014

A generalized Newton method for the solution of a kind of complementarity problem is given. The method is based on a nonsmooth equations reformulation of the problem byF-Bfunction and on a generalized Newton method. The merit function used is a differentiable function. The global convergence and superlinear local convergence results are also given under suitable assumptions. Finally, some numerical results and discussions are presented.
Comparison of CKD-EPI Cystatin C and Creatinine Glomerular Filtration Rate Estimation Equations in Asian Indians
Authors: Teo Boon Wee , Sabanayagam Charumathi , Liao Jiemin , Toh Qi Chun , Saw Sharon , Wong Tien Yin , Sethi Sunil
Published: April 2014

Background. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is identified in the general population using estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) calculated from a serum creatinine-based equation, the chronic kidney disease-epidemiology collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation. Using serum cystatin C in combination may improve eGFR accuracy. We evaluated the new CKD-EPI equations incorporating cystatin C in a population of Asian Indians in classifying CKD across body mass index, diabetes, and hypertension status.Methods. We retrieved standardized serum creatinine and serum cystatin C data from a cohort of 2877 Asian Indians aged 40–80 years from the Singapore Indian Eye Study and calculated eGFR (in mL/min/1.73 m2) with the new CKD-EPI equations and serum creatinine only equation.Results. The creatinine only equation mean eGFR (88 ± 17) was similar to using spline Log cystatin C (88 ± 22). The lowest mean eGFR (81 ± 21) was obtained with the spline Log cystatin C—age, sex, and weight equation. The creatinine only equation had the fewest participants (7.1%) with eGFR <60 and spline Log cystatin C—age, sex, and weight equation had the most (16.1%).Conclusions. Using serum cystatin C resulted in widely varying eGFR which significantly affected the classification of chronic kidney disease.
Optical Emission of the Nuclear-Induced Plasmas of Gas Mixtures
Authors: Khasenov Mendykhan U.
Published: April 2014

The characteristic properties of the inverted-population-forming processes in lasers with ionizing pumping are considered. Results obtained from research of active laser media concerning the p-s transitions of atoms of neon, mercury, and cadmium are presented. The feasibility of ion-ion recombination in lasers with nuclear pumping is discussed. The excitation kinetics of the first negative system of CO, heteronuclear ionic molecules of inert gases, and halogenides of inert gases under ionizing radiation are considered.
Optically Controlled Reconfigurable Antenna Array Based on E-Shaped Elements
Authors: Sodré Junior Arismar Cerqueira , Feliciano da Costa Igor , Manera Leandro Tiago , Diniz José Alexandre
Published: April 2014

This work presents the development of optically controlled reconfigurable antenna arrays. They are based on two patch elements with E-shaped slots, a printed probe, and a photoconductive switch made from an intrinsic silicon die. Numerical simulations and experiments have been shown to be in agreement, and both demonstrate that the frequency response of the antenna arrays can be efficiently reconfigured over two different frequency ISM bands, namely, 2.4 and 5 GHz. A measured gain of 12.5 dBi has been obtained through the use of two radiating elements printed in a low-cost substrate and a dihedral corner reflector.
Targeting mRNA for Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias
Authors: Wolfe Michael S.
Published: April 2014

Brain deposition of the amyloid beta-protein (Aβ) and tau are characteristic features in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Mutations in the Aβprecursor protein (APP) and a protease involved in Aβproduction from APP strongly argue for a pathogenic role of Aβin AD, while mutations in tau are associated with related disorders collectively called frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). Despite intense effort, therapeutic strategies that target Aβor tau have not yet yielded medications, suggesting that alternative approaches should be pursued. In recent years, our laboratory has studied the role of mRNA in AD and FTLD, specifically those encoding tau and the Aβ-producing protease BACE1. As many FTLD-causing tau mutations destabilize a hairpin structure that regulates RNA splicing, we have targeted this structure with small molecules, antisense oligonucleotides, and small molecule-antisense conjugates. We have also discovered that microRNA interaction with the 3′-untranslated region of tau regulates tau expression. Regarding BACE1, we found that alternative splicing leads to inactive splice isoforms and antisense oligonucleotides shift splicing toward these inactive isoforms to decrease Aβproduction. In addition, a G-quadruplex structure in the BACE1 mRNA plays a role in splice regulation. The prospects for targeting tau and BACE1 mRNAs as therapeutic strategies will be discussed.
Generalized Grey Target Decision Method for Mixed Attributes Based on Connection Number
Authors: Ma Jinshan , Ji Changsheng
Published: April 2014

Grey target decision model for mixed attributes including real numbers, interval numbers, triangular fuzzy numbers, and trapezoidal fuzzy numbers is complex for its data processing in different ways and information distortion in handling fuzzy numbers. To solve these problems, the binary connection number proposed in set pair analysis is applied to unify different types of index values with their parameters’ average values and standard deviations as determinacy-uncertainty vectors. Then the target center index vectors are determined by the modules of index vectors of all alternatives under different attributes. So the similarity of each index vector and its target center index vector called nearness degree can be calculated. Following, all the nearness degrees are normalized in linear method in order to be compared with each other. Finally, the optimal alternative can be determined by the minimum of all integrated nearness degrees. Case study demonstrated that this approach can not only unify different types of numbers, and simplify the calculation but also reduce the information distortion in operating fuzzy numbers.
Investigating Nonlinear Shoreline Multiperiod Change from Orthophoto Map Information by Using a Neural Network Model
Authors: Kerh Tienfuan , Lu Hsienchang , Saunders Rob
Published: April 2014

The effects of extreme weather and overdevelopment may cause some coastal areas to exhibit erosion problems, which in turn may contribute to creating disasters of varying scale, particularly in regions comprising islands. This study used aerial survey information from three periods (1990, 2001, and 2010) and used graphical software to establish the spatial data of six beaches surrounding the island of Taiwan. An overlaying technique was then implemented to compare the sandy area of each beach in the aforementioned study periods. In addition, an artificial neural network model was developed based on available digitised coordinates for predicting coastline variation for 2015 and 2020. An onsite investigation was performed using a global positioning system for comparing the beaches. The results revealed that two beaches from this study may have experienced significant changes in total sandy areas under a statistical 95% confidence interval. The proposed method and the result of this study may provide a valuable reference in follow‐up research and applications.
H∞Cluster Synchronization for a Class of Neutral Complex Dynamical Networks with Markovian Switching
Authors: Liu Xinghua
Published: April 2014

H∞cluster synchronization problem for a class of neutral complex dynamical networks (NCDNs) with Markovian switching is investigated in this paper. Both the retarded and neutral delays are considered to be interval mode dependent and time varying. The concept ofH∞cluster synchronization is proposed to quantify the attenuation level of synchronization error dynamics against the exogenous disturbance of the NCDNs. Based on a novel Lyapunov functional, by employing some integral inequalities and the nature of convex combination, mode delay-range-dependentH∞cluster synchronization criteria are derived in the form of linear matrix inequalities which depend not only on the disturbance attenuation but also on the initial values of the NCDNs. Finally, numerical examples are given to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed theoretical results.
Identification and Characterization of the Grape WRKY Family
Authors: Zhang Ying , Feng Jian can
Published: April 2014

WRKY transcription factors have functions in plant growth and development and in response to biotic and abiotic stresses. Many studies have focused on functional identification of WRKY transcription factors, but little is known about the molecular phylogeny or global expression patterns of the complete WRKY family. In this study, we identified 80 WRKY proteins encoded in the grape genome. Based on the structural features of these proteins, the grapeWRKYgenes were classified into three groups (groups 1–3). Analysis ofWRKYgenes expression profiles indicated that 28WRKYgenes were differentially expressed in response to biotic stress caused by grape whiterot and/or salicylic acid (SA). In that 16WRKYgenes upregulated both by whiterot pathogenic bacteria and SA. The results indicated that 16 WRKY proteins participated in SA-dependent defense signal pathway. This study provides a basis for cloning genes with specific functions from grape.
A Double Inverted F-Shape Patch Antenna for Dual-Band Operation
Authors: Islam M. M. , Faruque M. R. I. , Hueyshin W. , Mandeep J. S. , Islam T.
Published: April 2014

A double inverted F-shape patch antenna is presented for dual-band operation. The proposed antenna is comprised of circular and rectangular slots on a printed circuit board of 40 mm × 40 mm × 1.6 mm with a 50 Ω microstrip transmission line. Commercially available high frequency structural simulator (HFSS) based on the finite element method (FEM) has been adopted in this investigation. It has a measured impedance bandwidths (2 : 1 VSWR) of 18.53% on the lower band and 7.8% on the upper band, respectively. It has achieved stable radiation efficiencies of 79.76% and 80.36% with average gains of 7.82 dBi and 5.66 dBi in the operating frequency bands. Moreover, numerical simulations have been indicated as an important uniformity with measured results.
Notes on Lipschitz Properties of Nonlinear Scalarization Functions with Applications
Authors: Lu Fang , Chen Chun-Rong
Published: April 2014

Various kinds of nonlinear scalarization functions play important roles in vector optimization. Among them, the one commonly known as the Gerstewitz function is good at scalarizing. In linear normed spaces, the globally Lipschitz property of such function is deduced via primal and dual spaces approaches, respectively. The equivalence of both expressions for globally Lipschitz constants obtained by primal and dual spaces approaches is established. In particular, when the ordering cone is polyhedral, the expression for calculating Lipschitz constant is given. As direct applications of the Lipschitz property, several sufficient conditions for Hölder continuity of both single-valued and set-valued solution mappings to parametric vector equilibrium problems are obtained using the nonlinear scalarization approach.
Effects of Freshwater Pollution on the Genetics of Zebra Mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) at the Molecular and Population Level
Authors: Thomas Emilia G. , Šrut Maja , Štambuk Anamaria , Klobučar Göran I. V. , Seitz Alfred , Griebeler Eva Maria
Published: April 2014

Revealing long-term effects of contaminants on the genetic structure of organisms inhabiting polluted environments should encompass analyses at the population, molecular, and cellular level. Following this concept, we studied the genetic constitution of zebra mussel populations from a polluted (Dp) and reference sites (Cl) at the river Drava, Croatia, and applied microsatellite and DNA damage analyses (Comet assay, micronucleus test (MNT)). Additionally, mussels from both populations were exposed to polluted wastewater in the laboratory for three days, and DNA damage was analyzed to evaluate acclimatization and genetic adaptation of the investigated populations to the polluted environment. The two populations differed in their genetic constitution. Microsatellite analysis suggested that Dp had undergone a genetic bottleneck. Comet assay did not indicate any difference in DNA damage between the two populations, but MNT revealed that Dp had an increased percentage of micronuclei in hemocytes in comparison to Cl. The laboratory experiment revealed that Dp had a lower percentage of tail DNA and a higher percentage of micronuclei than Cl. These differences between populations were possibly caused by an overall decreased fitness of Dp due to genetic drift and by an enhanced DNA repair mechanism due to acclimatization to pollution in the source habitat.
Correlation between Urothelial Differentiation and Sensory Proteins P2X3, P2X5, TRPV1, and TRPV4 in Normal Urothelium and Papillary Carcinoma of Human Bladder
Authors: Sterle Igor , Zupančič Daša , Romih Rok
Published: April 2014

Terminal differentiation of urothelium is a prerequisite for blood-urine barrier formation and enables normal sensory function of the urinary bladder. In this study, urothelial differentiation of normal human urothelium and of low and high grade papillary urothelial carcinomas was correlated with the expression and localization of purinergic receptors (P2X3, and P2X5) and transient receptor potential vanilloid channels (TRPV1, and TRPV4). Western blotting and immunofluorescence of uroplakins together with scanning electron microscopy of urothelial apical surface demonstrated terminal differentiation of normal urothelium, partial differentiation of low grade carcinoma, and poor differentiation of high grade carcinoma. P2X3 was expressed in normal urothelium as well as in low grade carcinoma and in both cases immunolabeling was stronger in the superficial cells. P2X3 expression decreased in high grade carcinoma. P2X5 expression was detected in normal urothelium and in high grade carcinoma, while in low grade carcinoma its expression was diminished. The expression of TRPV1 decreased in low grade and even more in high grade carcinoma when compared with normal urothelium, while TRPV4 expression was unchanged in all samples. Our results suggest that sensory proteins P2X3 and TRPV1 are in correlation with urothelial differentiation, while P2X5 and TRPV4 have unique expression patterns.
Study of Structural and Electronic Behavior of BeH2 as Hydrogen Storage Compound: An Ab Initio Approach
Authors: Nayak Vikas , Banger Suman , Verma U. P.
Published: April 2014

The quantum mechanical calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) have been performed to study ground state structural and electronic properties of BeH2 and along with doping of two (BeH2 + 2H) and four (BeH2 + 4H) hydrogen atoms. The generalized gradient approximation (GGA) has been employed for the exchange correlation energy. The most stable space group of BeH2 is Ibam. Its optimized equilibrium unit cell volume, bulk modulus and its first-order pressure derivative, and electronic properties have been obtained. Our predicted unit cell parameters for BeH2  a=9.2463 Å, b=4.2352 Å, and c=7.8464 Å are in very good agreement with the earlier reported experimental and theoretical results. The electronic band structure of BeH2 shows its behavior as an insulator. The stability of BeH2 along with doped hydrogen atoms increases, while the energy band gap decreases with the increase in number of doped hydrogen atoms. On these bases, we predict that BeH2 is a promising material for hydrogen storage.
Three‐Echelon Inventory Model with Permissible Delay in Payments under Controllable Lead Time and Backorder Consideration
Authors: Yang M. F. , Tseng Wei-Chung
Published: April 2014

This paper proposes a three‐echelon inventory model with permissible delay in payments under controllable lead time and backorder consideration to find out the suitable inventory policy to enhance profit of the supply chain. In today’s highly competitive market, the supply chain management has become a critical issue in both practice and academic and supply chain members have to cooperate with each other to bring more benefits. In addition, the inventory policy is a key factor to influence the performance of the supply chain. Therefore, in this paper, we develop a three‐echelon inventory model with permissible delay in payments under controllable lead time and backorder consideration. Furthermore, the purpose of this paper is to maximize the joint expect total profit on inventory model and attempt to discuss the inventory policy under different conditions. Finally, with a numerical example provided here to illustrate the solution procedure, we may discover that decision‐makers can control lead time and payment time to enhance the performance of the supply chain.
Influence of Tool Shape on Hole Clinching for Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Plastic and SPRC440
Authors: Lee Seung-Hun , Lee Chan-Joo , Lee Kyung-Hun , Lee Jung-Min , Kim Byung-Min , Ko Dae-Cheol
Published: April 2014

Carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) is a lightweight material that can potentially replace structural steel components in automobiles. The hole-clinching process is a mechanical clinching technique for joining brittle or low-ductility materials, such as CFRP, with ductile materials. In this study, the influence of tool shape on the hole-clinching process for CFRP and SPRC440 was investigated using FE-analysis and experiments. The parameters of the tool shape investigated were the punch corner radius and the punch diameter. The geometrical interlocking shapes of hole-clinched joints were characterized by neck thickness and undercut. Based on the desired joint strength of 2.5 kN, hole-clinching tools were designed on the basis of the relationship between joint strength and geometrical interlocking. FE-analysis and hole-clinching experiments were performed with the designed hole-clinching tools to investigate the geometrical interlocking shape as well as joinability, including neck fracture, undercut, and hole expansion, resulting from changes in tool parameters. Joint strength was evaluated to verify the effectiveness of hole clinching by a single lap shear test.
Existence of Solutions for Fractional Boundary Value Problem with Nonlinear Derivative Dependence
Authors: Xie Wenzhe , Xiao Jing , Luo Zhiguo
Published: April 2014

We investigate the existence of solutions for fractional boundary value problem including both left and right fractional derivatives by using variational methods and iterative technique.
Log-Less Metadata Management on Metadata Server for Parallel File Systems
Authors: Liao Jianwei , Xiao Guoqiang , Peng Xiaoning
Published: April 2014

This paper presents a novel metadata management mechanism on the metadata server (MDS) for parallel and distributed file systems. In this technique, the client file system backs up the sent metadata requests, which have been handled by the metadata server, so that the MDS does not need to log metadata changes to nonvolatile storage for achieving highly available metadata service, as well as better performance improvement in metadata processing. As the client file system backs up certain sent metadata requests in its memory, the overhead for handling these backup requests is much smaller than that brought by the metadata server, while it adopts logging or journaling to yield highly available metadata service. The experimental results show that this newly proposed mechanism can significantly improve the speed of metadata processing and render a better I/O data throughput, in contrast to conventional metadata management schemes, that is, logging or journaling on MDS. Besides, a complete metadata recovery can be achieved by replaying the backup logs cached by all involved clients, when the metadata server has crashed or gone into nonoperational state exceptionally.
Expectant Management of Miscarriage in View of NICE Guideline 154
Authors: Rafi Junaid , Khalil Haroona
Published: April 2014

Objective. To find out the success rate of conservative management of complete two weeks for miscarriage in view of NICE Guideline 154.Design. Prospective observational study.Setting. Early pregnancy assessment units of District General Hospital in the United Kingdom.Participants. Women of less than 14 weeks’ gestation, with a diagnosis of miscarriage (missed miscarriage/anembryonic or incomplete miscarriage).Interventions.Expectant management for two weeks.Main Outcome Measure.(1) Efficacy of 2-week expectant management, that is, complete resolution of miscarriage based either on self-reporting of patient after passing products of conception at home between D0 and D14 of expectant management or confirmation on scan at D14, and (2) short-term complications needing strong analgesia, blood transfusion, and antibiotics.Results. Expectant management of miscarriage for 2 weeks from the day of diagnosis was successful in 58% (64 /111) and failed in 42% (47/111).Conclusions. Expectant management success rate is consistent with the results from the longitudinal studies and RCTs published in the past. It is a safe option as none of the patients on expectant/medical management needed strong analgesia/antibiotics or blood transfusion.
Compact Modified Swastika Shape Patch Antenna for WLAN/WiMAX Applications
Authors: Samsuzzaman M. , Islam T. , Abd Rahman N. H. , Faruque M. R. I. , Mandeep J. S.
Published: April 2014

A compact simple structure modified Swastika shape multiband patch antenna is designed and investigated. The antenna, which occupies an overall dimension of 0.305λ × 0.305λ × 0.012λat lower frequency, has a simple structure which comprises of a planar wide square slot in the ground with four slits and Swastika shape radiation patch with a rectangular slot. The proposed Swastika shape antenna was designed and analyzed by using a finite element method based high frequency structural simulator HFSS. The experimental and numerical results exhibit that the antenna operates over the frequency ranges 950 MHz (2.28–3.23 GHz), 660 MHz (3.28–3.94 GHz), and 1120 MHz (5.05–6.17 GHz) suitable for WLAN (2.4/5.2/5.8 GHz) and WiMAX 2.5/3.5/5.5 GHz applications. It has a good omnidirectional radiation pattern and reaches 3.97 dBi at 2.44 GHz, 4.04 dBi at 3.5 GHz, and 3.25 dBi at the band of 5.98 GHz. A prototype is fabricated and then measured. The experimental and simulation results show good impedance bandwidth, radiation pattern, and stable gain across the operating bands.
Lipid Peroxidation in Psychiatric Illness: Overview of Clinical Evidence
Authors: Joshi Yash B. , Praticò Domenico
Published: April 2014

The brain is known to be sensitive to oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. While lipid peroxidation has been shown to contribute to many disease processes, its role in psychiatric illness has not been investigated until recently. In this paper, we provide an overview of lipid peroxidation in the central nervous system as well as clinical data supporting a link between lipid peroxidation and disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. These data support further investigation of lipid peroxidation in the effort to uncover therapeutic targets and biomarkers of psychiatric disease.
In VitroAntiplasmodial Activities and Synergistic Combinations of Differential Solvent Extracts of the Polyherbal Product,Nefang
Authors: Arrey Tarkang Protus , Franzoi Kathrin Diehl , Lee Sukjun , Lee Eunyoung , Vivarelli Diego , Freitas-Junior Lucio , Liuzzi Michel , Nolé Tsabang , Ayong Lawrence S. , Agbor Gabriel A. , Okalebo Faith A. , Guantai Anastasia N.
Published: April 2014

Nefang, a polyherbal product composed ofMangifera indica(bark and leaf),Psidium guajava,Carica papaya,Cymbopogon citratus,Citrus sinensis, andOcimum gratissimum(leaves), is a potential therapy againstP. falciparummalaria.In vitroantiplasmodial activities of its constituent solvent extracts were analyzed on CQ-sensitive (3D7) and multidrug resistant (Dd2)P. falciparumstrains. The interactions involving the differential solvent extracts were further analyzed using a variable potency ratio drug combination approach. Effective concentration 50 (EC50) values were determined by nonlinear regression curve-fitting of the dose-response data and used in calculating the fractional inhibitory concentration 50 (FIC50) and combination indices (CI) for each pair. The derived EC50values (3D7/Dd2,μg/mL) areNefang-96.96/55.08,MiB-65.33/34.58,MiL-82.56/40.04,Pg-47.02/25.79,Cp-1188/317.5,Cc-723.3/141,Cs-184.4/105.1, andOg-778.5/118.9. Synergism was obtained withMiB/Pg(CI = 0.351),MiL/Pg(0.358),MiB/Cs(0.366),MiL/Cs(0.482),Pg/Cs(0.483), andCs/Og(0.414) when analyzed at equipotency ratios. Cytotoxicity testing ofNefangand the solvent extracts on two human cell lines (Hep G2 and U2OS) revealed no significant toxicity relative to their antiplasmodial activities (SI > 20). Taken together, our data confirm the antimalarial activities ofNefangand its constituent plant extracts and identified extract pairs with promising synergistic interactions for exploitation towards a rational phytotherapeutic and evidence-based antimalarial drug discovery.
Do Changes in Electrical Skin Resistance of Acupuncture Points Reflect Menstrual Pain? A Comparative Study in Healthy Volunteers and Primary Dysmenorrhea Patients
Authors: She Yan-Fen , Ma Liang-Xiao , Qi Cong-Hui , Wang Yan-Xia , Tang Ling , Li Chun-Hua , Yuan Hong-Wen , Liu Yu-Qi , Song Jia-Shan , Zhu Jiang
Published: April 2014

Electrical skin resistance (ESR) measurements were performed with a four‐electrode impedance detector at 10 points bilaterally on the first day of and the third day after menstruation in 48 healthy volunteers and 46 primary dysmenorrhea (PD) patients, to assess whether ESR changes of acupuncture points can reflect menstrual pain or not. The results showed statistical reductions in ESR imbalance ratio between left and right side that were detected at SP8 (Diji) and GB39 (Xuanzhong) (P < 0.05), and a statistical increase was detected at SP6 (Sanyinjiao) (P = 0.05) on the first day of menstruation compared with those values on the third day after menstruation in dysmenorrhea group. No significant differences were detected at other points within and between two groups (P > 0.05). This study showed that the imbalance of ESR at uterine‐relevant points in PD patients is not significantly different from those of healthy women on both the 1st day of and the 3rd day after menstruation. The ESR imbalance ratio of certain points can either be lower or higher during menstruation in PD patients. The ESR property of acupuncture points needs to be investigated in further clinical trials with appropriate points, diseases, larger sample sizes, and optimal device.
Foliar Litter Decomposition: A Conceptual Model with Focus on Pine (Pinus) Litter—A Genus with Global Distribution
Authors: Berg Björn
Published: April 2014

The genus Pinus encompasses c 120 species and has a global distribution. Today we know more about the decomposition of pine needle litter than litter from any other genus. This paper presents a developed conceptual three-phase model for decomposition, based on pine needle litter, starting with newly shed litter and following the process until a humus-near stable residue. The paper focuses on the mass-loss dynamics and factors regulating the process in the early phase, the late one, and the humus-near phase. For the late phase, the hampering influence of N and the rate-enhancing effect of Mn on the decomposition are given extra attention. Empirical factors related to the limit value/stable residue are discussed as well as the decomposition patterns and functions for calculating limit values. The climate-related litter concentrations of N and Mn are discussed as well as their possible influence on the size of the stable residue, which may accumulate and sequester carbon, for example, in humus layers. The sequestration of carbon in humus layers is discussed as well as the effect of tree species on the process. Although the paper focuses on litter of pine species, there are comparisons to studies on other litter genera and similarities and differences are discussed.