bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of microwave irradiation on the vitality of various dermatophytes
Authors: Budihardja Debby , Mayser Peter
Published: March 2014

Dermatomycosis is one of the most common dermatological infectious diseases. In recent years, the incidence of tinea pedum, a fungal infection of the feet, was increasing due to changing lifestyles. The risk of tinea pedum infections is associated with the use of sport shoes as well as contact with public sports facilities. Transmission of dermatomycosis occurs almost exclusively through indirect contacts, meaning that contagious material initially contaminates the patients’ environment and subsequently facilitates the spread of infection to others. A suitable disinfection procedure for ‘fungal reservoirs’ is very important in order to reduce the risk of reinfection of tinea pedum. This study investigates the effect of microwave radiation on various dermatophytes‐ (Trichophyton rubrum, T. rubrum var. nigricans, T. interdigitale and Microsporum canis infected cork and polyethylene sponge shoe insoles. The contaminated insoles were irradiated with various intensities and durations of microwaves. In each case, 10 colonies on cork and polyethylene sponge insoles were irradiated with the same intensity and duration, and subsequently compared with those of corresponding non‐irradiated control groups. Results of three independent experiments were statistically verified using Chi‐squared test for significance. We found significant differences between the various dermatophytes on polyethylene sponge insoles and also partly on cork insoles for the same irradiation intensity and duration. We were also able to show that a complete growth inhibition of all four dermatophytes occurs on both types of insoles after a 30 s exposure at 560 W, including a maximum temperature of 60 °C.
Tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 9 (TNFRSF9) is up‐regulated in reactive astrocytes in human gliomas
Authors: Blank Anna‐Eva , Baumgarten Peter , Zeiner Pia , Zachskorn Cornelia , Löffler Christian , Schittenhelm Jens , Czupalla Cathrin J. , Capper David , Plate Karl H. , Harter Patrick N. , Mittelbronn Michel
Published: March 2014

Aims

The prognosis of patients with malignant gliomas is still dismal despite maximum treatment. Novel therapeutic alternatives targeting tumorigenic pathways are, therefore, demanded. In murine glioma models, targeting of tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFRSF) 9 led to complete tumour eradication. Thus,TNFRSF9 might also constitute a promising target in human diffuse gliomas. As there is a lack of data, we aimed to define the expression pattern and cellular source ofTNFRSF9 in human gliomas.

Methods

We investigatedTNFRSF9 expression in normal human central nervous system (CNS) tissue and glioma specimens using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence andWestern blotting techniques.

Results

Our results show thatTNFRSF9 is considerably up‐regulated in human gliomas when compared with normal brain tissue. In addition, our data provides evidence for an immune cell‐independentde novoexpression pattern ofTNFRSF9 in mainly non‐neoplastic reactive astrocytes and excludes classic immunological cell types, namely lymphocytes and microglia as the source ofTNFRSF9. Moreover,TNFRSF9 is predominantly expressed in a perivascular and peritumoural distribution with significantly higher expression inIDH‐1 mutant gliomas.

Conclusions

Our findings provide a novel,TNFRSF9‐positive, reactive astrocytic phenotype and challenge the therapeutic suitability ofTNFRSF9 as a promising target for human gliomas.
Beyond aridification: multiple explanations for the elevated diversification of cacti in the New World Succulent Biome
Authors: Hernández‐Hernández Tania , Brown Joseph W. , Schlumpberger Boris O. , Eguiarte Luis E. , Magallón Susana
Published: March 2014

Succulent plants are widely distributed, reaching their highest diversity in arid and semi‐arid regions. Their origin and diversification is thought to be associated with a global expansion of aridity. We test this hypothesis by investigating the tempo and pattern of Cactaceae diversification. Our results contribute to the understanding of the evolution of New World Succulent Biomes.

We use the most taxonomically complete dataset currently available for Cactaceae. We estimate divergence times and utilize Bayesian and maximum likelihood methods that account for nonrandom taxonomic sampling, possible extinction scenarios and phylogenetic uncertainty to analyze diversification rates, and evolution of growth form and pollination syndrome.

Cactaceae originated shortly after the Eocene–Oligocene global drop inCO2, and radiation of its richest genera coincided with the expansion of aridity in North America during the late Miocene. A significant correlation between growth form and pollination syndrome was found, as well as a clear state dependence between diversification rate, and pollination and growth‐form evolution.

This study suggests a complex picture underlying the diversification of Cactaceae. It not only responded to the availability of new niches resulting from aridification, but also to the correlated evolution of novel growth forms and reproductive strategies.
Outcome of congenital diaphragmatic hernia with indication for Fontan procedure
Authors: Shiono Nobuko , Inamura Noboru , Takahashi Shigehiro , Nagata Kouji , Fujino Yuji , Hayakawa Masahiro , Usui Noriaki , Okuyama Hiroomi , Kanamori Yutaka , Taguchi Tomoaki , Minakami Hisanori
Published: March 2014

Background

The aim of this study was to clarify the outcome of patients with cardiovascular malformation (CVM) among those with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) who are indicated for the Fontan procedure.

Methods

The subjects included 76 CDH patients with CVM recruited from a national survey of 614 CDH patients. The outcomes were evaluated between two groups divided according to indication for the Fontan procedure. Patients with functional univentricular disease were considered to be candidates for the Fontan procedure.

Results

Sixteen (21.1%) of the 76 patients were candidates for the Fontan procedure, accounting for 2.6% of all 614 patients with CDH. None of these patients, however, underwent the Fontan procedure. Among the 16 patients, the absence of obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOTO) was significantly associated with better 90 day survival (71.4%, 5/7, for those without LVOTO vs 0.0%, 0/9, for those with LVOTO, P = 0.0007). After excluding 22 patients with chromosomal and/or genetic abnormalities or syndromes, the 90 day survival rate was significantly better in neonates without than with indication for the Fontan procedure (62.5%, 25/40 vs 28.6%, 4/14, P = 0.0271).

Conclusions

Patients with indications for the Fontan procedure are rare, and the outcome of patients with LVOTO among those with CDH is especially poor.
Longitudinal nutritional assessment in acute lymphoblastic leukemia during treatment
Authors: Higashiyama Yukie , Kojima Chiaki , Kubota Masaru , Nagai Ayako , Watanabe Ken‐ichiro , Adachi Souichi , Usami Ikuya
Published: March 2014

Background

A nutritional assessment of pediatric patients with cancer is important to improve their outcome. The number of longitudinal nutritional studies during treatment, however, is limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the longitudinal changes in anthropometric measures and serum albumin level during chemotherapy in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 23 patients (19 boys, four girls) with ALL from April 2007 to March 2010. The median age at diagnosis was 4.5 years. Bodyweight, height, and serum albumin levels were measured at the start and the end point of each chemotherapy phase.

Results

At diagnosis, two patients (8.7%) were underweight and five patients (21.7%) were overweight according to body mass index z‐score, while five patients were underweight and three (13.0%) were overweight according to Waterlow score. The prevalence of malnourished patients did not change significantly throughout chemotherapy by either assessment. The absolute scores in either assessment were significantly reduced at the sanctuary treatment phase. Low serum albumin (<3.2 g/dL) was found in two patients at diagnosis. Mean albumin decreased significantly at the induction and the re‐induction phases.

Conclusions

Given that nutritional status under a similar chemotherapeutic regimen as assessed by anthropometric measures and albumin level differed among patients, careful observation of the nutritional status and intervention may be necessary at different phases of chemotherapy.
Genetic point‐of‐care diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection using LAMP assay
Authors: Kakuya Fujio , Kinebuchi Takahiro , Fujiyasu Hiroaki , Tanaka Ryosuke , Kano Hiroki
Published: March 2014

Background

Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is a major pathogen of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in children. A rapid diagnostic method during the acute phase is required for the prescription of effective antibiotics.

Methods

A prospective, single‐centered study was conducted on community‐acquired LRTI in children. We regarded the day of fever onset as the first day of illness. In part 1, we studied 191 patients with signs of LRTI. We compared diagnostic reliability using loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay and serological testing at the first visit. In part 2, we evaluated the clinical characteristics of 117 patients with positive LAMP assay.

Results

In part 1, 31 patients met the definite MP infection criteria. LAMP assay had a sensitivity of 96.8% and specificity of 100%, whereas enzyme immunoassay had a sensitivity of 38.7% and specificity of 76.9%, and particle agglutination test had a sensitivity of 19.4% and specificity of 93.1%. In part 2, of 106 patients with fever, 100 patients were diagnosed by the day 7 of illness. The diagnosis was made a mean of 3.5 ± 2.1 days after the onset of fever.

Conclusions

LAMP assay had excellent sensitivity and specificity for the detection of acute MP infection at the first visit. This assay can diagnose MP infection during the very acute phase. LAMP assay is appropriate for genetic point‐of‐care diagnosis of MP infection in hospital laboratories.
Maternal Concern about Child Weight in a Study of Weight‐Discordant Siblings
Authors: Kral Tanja V. E. , Moore Reneé H. , Compher Charlene W.
Published: March 2014

Objective

This study examined concern about child weight in mothers of weight‐discordant siblings and determined the accuracy of maternal self‐report versus measured child height, weight, and corresponding body mass index (BMI; kg/m2) z‐score.

Design and Sample

Discordant sibling design. Forty‐seven mothers of 5‐ to 12‐year‐old, weight‐discordant siblings.

Measures

Mothers self‐reported their concern about child weight for each child separately and for a subset of children, self‐reported their heights and weights. Siblings' height, weight, waist circumference, and adiposity were measured.

Results

The majority (83%) of mothers expressed concern about their overweight/obese child's weight and 20% of mothers expressed concern about their normal‐weight child's weight (p < .001). Difference scores in maternal concern about child weight were positively associated with difference scores in sibling BMI z‐score (r = 0.42; p = .01) and percent body fat (r = 0.56; p < .001). For overweight/obese children only, maternal‐reported child heights and weights were significantly lower compared to the measured values (p < .03).

Conclusions

One fifth of mothers of weight‐discordant siblings were unconcerned about their overweight/obese child's weight and for overweight/obese children only, mothers tended to underreport children's height and weight. Mothers' concern for their overweight/obese child's weight was greater for sibling pairs who were more discordant in their weight.
B‐cell epitopes of antigenic proteins in Leishmania infantum: an in silico analysis
Authors: Assis L. M. , Sousa J. R. , Pinto N. F. S. , Silva A. A. , Vaz A. F. M. , Andrade P. P. , Carvalho E. M. , De Melo M. A.
Published: March 2014

Serodiagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis is often hindered by cross‐reactions to other parasitic diseases. Identifying specific B‐cell epitopes in proteins is therefore important for immunodiagnostics, as well as for disease control by vaccines. This study aimed to identify linear and conformational B‐cell epitopes and to evaluate the secondary structure of antigen proteins in Leishmania infantum using in silico analysis. Linear epitopes were predicted using the Immune Epitope Database and Analysis Resource (IEDB), BepiPred and BcePred programs. The conformational B‐cell epitopes were identified using the CBTOPE server. The combination of the predictions using IEDB, BepiPred and BcePred generated 148 linear epitopes from the calpain‐like cysteine peptidase (CP), thiol‐dependent reductase 1 (TDR1) and HSP70 proteins. In total, 164 conformational epitopes were predicted, mostly located in the linear epitope region. The predicted epitopes are located in α helix and random coil regions in the thiol‐dependent reductase 1 and HSP70 proteins. New linear and conformational B‐cell epitopes of L. infantum proteins were identified in silico, and the prediction using various programs ensures greater accuracy of the results, as suggested by confirmation of previously identified HSP70 epitopes.
Expression and properties of the mitochondrial and cytosolic forms of fumarase in germinating maize seeds
Authors: Eprintsev Alexander T. , Fedorin Dmitry N. , Starinina Elena V. , Igamberdiev Abir U.
Published: March 2014

Fumarase (EC 4.2.1.2) catalyzes reversible interconversion of malate and fumarate. It is usually associated with the tricarboxylic acid cycle in mitochondria, although the cytosolic form has also been detected. We investigated the expression of two fumarase genes and activities of the mitochondrial and cytosolic isoforms of fumarase in maize (Zea mays) scutellum during germination. Both isoforms were purified to electrophoretic homogeneity. The cytosolic form had low optimum pH (6.5) and high affinity to malate (Km 5 μM) when compared with the mitochondrial form (optimum pH 7.0, Km 50 μM). The cytosolic form was strongly activated by Mg2+ and even more by Mn2+, whereas the mitochondrial form was moderately activated by Mg2+ and Mn2+ was less effective. The highest fumarase activity in scutellum and a high expression of the gene encoding the cytosolic form were observed during the maximal activity of the glyoxylate cycle. In leaves, the localization of fumarase is only mitochondrial and only one fumarase gene is expressed. It is concluded that the function of cytosolic fumarase in maize scutellum can be related to metabolism of succinate formed in the glyoxylate cycle.
Bayesian Hierarchical Structured Variable Selection Methods with Application to Molecular Inversion Probe Studies in Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhang Lin , Baladandayuthapani Veerabhadran , Mallick Bani K. , Manyam Ganiraju C. , Thompson Patricia A. , Bondy Melissa L. , Do Kim-Anh
Published: March 2014

The analysis of genomics alterations that may occur in nature when segments of chromosomes are copied (known as copy number alterations) has been a focus of research to identify genetic markers of cancer. One high throughput technique that has recently been adopted is the use of molecular inversion probes to measure probe copy number changes. The resulting data consist of high dimensional copy number profiles that can be used to ascertain probe-specific copy number alterations in correlative studies with patient outcomes to guide risk stratification and future treatment. We propose a novel Bayesian variable selection method, the hierarchical structured variable selection method, which accounts for the natural gene and probe-within-gene architecture to identify important genes and probes associated with clinically relevant outcomes. We propose the hierarchical structured variable selection model for grouped variable selection, where simultaneous selection of both groups and within-group variables is of interest. The hierarchical structured variable selection model utilizes a discrete mixture prior distribution for group selection and group-specific Bayesian lasso hierarchies for variable selection within groups. We provide methods for accounting for serial correlations within groups that incorporate Bayesian fused lasso methods for within-group selection. Through simulations we establish that our method results in lower model errors than other methods when a natural grouping structure exists. We apply our method to a molecular inversion probe study of breast cancer and show that it identifies genes and probes that are significantly associated with clinically relevant subtypes of breast cancer.
Inferences on Lung Cancer Mortality Rates Based on Reference Priors Under Partial Ordering
Authors: Sonksen Michael D. , Peruggia Mario
Published: March 2014

We present a novel analysis of a landmark table of dose–response mortality counts from lung cancer in men. The data were originally collected by Doll and Hill. Our inferences are based on Poisson models for which the rates of occurrence are partially ordered according to two covariates. The partial ordering of the mortality rates enforces the well-established knowledge that lung cancer mortality rates are higher for older men and for heavier smokers. The ordered group reference priors that we use in our analyses generalize a class of reference priors that we previously derived for models of count data in which the rates of occurrence in different categories are completely ordered with respect to the values of a single covariate. The reference models for the lung cancer data based on the proposed priors are more flexible than and can be superior, in terms of goodness of fit, to a Bayesian version of several parametric models derived from a mathematical theory of carcinogenesis that have appeared in the literature.
A Dynamic Probabilistic Principal Components Model for the Analysis of Longitudinal Metabolomics Data
Authors: Nyamundanda Gift , Gormley Isobel Claire , Brennan Lorraine
Published: March 2014

In a longitudinal metabolomics study, multiple metabolites are measured from several observations at many time points. Interest lies in reducing the dimensionality of such data and in highlighting influential metabolites which change over time. A dynamic probabilistic principal components analysis model is proposed to achieve dimension reduction while appropriately modelling the correlation due to repeated measurements. This is achieved by assuming an auto-regressive model for some of the model parameters. Linear mixed models are subsequently used to identify influential metabolites which change over time. The model proposed is used to analyse data from a longitudinal metabolomics animal study.
Indigenizing and decolonizing higher education onNicaragua'sAtlanticCoast
Authors: Cupples Julie , Glynn Kevin
Published: March 2014

Some universities in postcolonial settler nations such asNewZealand andCanada have begun to acknowledge their need for a more inclusive approach toward indigenous cosmologies and epistemologies, lest they continue to alienate indigenous students; nevertheless such change is not proving easy for these universities. In theNorthAtlantic Region ofNicaragua, there is however a community university which is successfully using higher education to empower indigenous and Creole students and intellectuals against a backdrop of long histories of racism, discrimination, poverty and marginalization. The pedagogic model in operation at the University of the Autonomous Regions of theNicaraguanCaribbeanCoast is based on the concept of interculturality and aims to provide access to higher education for individual students but without losing sight of education as a collective good. The concept of interculturality and its articulation in diverse sites is of critical interest to postcolonial geography given its connections to the geopolitics of place and space and its origins in black and indigenous social movements in Latin America.
A*11:164, a novel HLA‐A*11 allele identified by sequence‐based typing
Authors: Cho M.‐C. , Oh H.‐B. , Jun J.‐H. , Kwon O.‐J.
Published: March 2014

The new allele A*11:164 showed one nucleotide difference with A*11:01:01 at codon 151 (CAT>CCT).
Phylogeny of Rhigonematomorpha based on the complete mitochondrial genome of Rhigonema thysanophora (Nematoda: Chromadorea)
Authors: Kim Taeho , Kim Jiyeon , Cho Soowon , Min Gi‐Sik , Park Chungoo , Carreno Ramon A. , Nadler Steven A. , Park Joong‐Ki
Published: March 2014

We determined the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Rhigonema thysanophora, the first representative of Rhigonematomorpha, and used this sequence along with 57 other nematode species for phylogenetic analyses. The R. thysanophora mtDNA is 15 015 bp and identical to all other chromadorean nematode mtDNAs published to date in that it contains 36 genes (lacking atp8) encoded in the same direction. Phylogenetic analyses of nucleotide and amino acid sequence data for the 12 protein‐coding genes recovered Rhigonematomorpha as the sister group to the heterakoid species, Ascaridia columbae (Ascaridomorpha). The organization of R. thysanophora mtDNA resembles the most common pattern for the Rhabditomorpha+Ascaridomorpha+Diplogasteromorpha clade in gene order, but with some substantial gene rearrangements. This similarity in gene order is in agreement with the sequence‐based analyses that indicate a close relationship between Rhigonematomorpha and Rhabditomorpha+Ascaridomorpha+Diplogasteromorpha. These results are consistent with certain analyses of nuclear SSU rDNA for R. thysanophora and some earlier classification systems that asserted phylogenetic affinity between Rhigonematomorpha and Ascaridomorpha, but inconsistent with morphology‐based phylogenetic hypotheses that suggested a close (taxonomic) relationship between rhigonematomorphs and oxyuridomorphs (pinworms). These observations must be tempered by noting that few rhigonematomorph species have been sequenced and included in phylogenetic analyses, and preliminary studies based on SSU rDNA suggest the group is not monophyletic. Additional mitochondrial genome sequences of rhigonematids are needed to characterize their phylogenetic relationships within Chromadorea, and to increase understanding of mitochondrial genome evolution.
Finiteness properties of cubulated groups
Authors: Hruska G. C. , Wise Daniel T.
Published: March 2014

We give a generalized and self-contained account of Haglund–Paulin’s wallspaces and Sageev’s construction of the CAT(0) cube complex dual to a wallspace. We examine criteria on a wallspace leading to finiteness properties of its dual cube complex. Our discussion is aimed at readers wishing to apply these methods to produce actions of groups on cube complexes and understand their nature. We develop the wallspace ideas in a level of generality that facilitates their application. Our main result describes the structure of dual cube complexes arising from relatively hyperbolic groups. Let $H_1,\ldots, H_s$ be relatively quasiconvex codimension-1 subgroups of a group $G$ that is hyperbolic relative to $P_1, \ldots, P_r$. We prove that $G$ acts relatively cocompactly on the associated dual CAT(0) cube complex $C$. This generalizes Sageev’s result that $C$ is cocompact when $G$ is hyperbolic. When $P_1,\ldots, P_r$ are abelian, we show that the dual CAT(0) cube complex $C$ has a $G$-cocompact CAT(0) truncation.
On the algebraic independence of generic Painlevé transcendents
Authors: Nagloo Joel , Pillay Anand
Published: March 2014

We prove that if$y''=f(y,y',t,\alpha ,\beta ,\ldots)$is a generic Painlevé equation from among the classes II, IV and V, and if$y_1,\ldots,y_n$are distinct solutions, then$\mathrm{tr.deg}(\mathbb{C}(t)(y_1,y'_1,\ldots,y_n,y'_n)/\mathbb{C}(t))=2n$. (This was proved by Nishioka for the single equation$P_{{\rm I}}$.) For generic Painlevé III and VI, we have a slightly weaker result:$\omega $-categoricity (in the sense of model theory) of the solution space, as described below. The results confirm old beliefs about the Painlevé transcendents.
Abstract simplicity of locally compact Kac–Moody groups
Authors: Marquis Timothée
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we establish that complete Kac–Moody groups over finite fields are abstractly simple. The proof makes essential use of Mathieu and Rousseau’s construction of complete Kac–Moody groups over fields. This construction has the advantage that both real and imaginary root spaces of the Lie algebra lift to root subgroups over arbitrary fields. A key point in our proof is the fact, of independent interest, that both real and imaginary root subgroups are contracted by conjugation of positive powers of suitable Weyl group elements.
Analysis and Experimental Estimation of Nonlinear Dispersion in a Periodic String
Authors: Manktelow Kevin L. , Leamy Michael J. , Ruzzene Massimo
Published: March 2014

Wave dispersion in a string carrying periodically distributed masses is investigated analytically and experimentally. The effect of the string's geometric nonlinearity on its wave propagation characteristics is analyzed through a lumped parameter model yielding coupled Duffing oscillators. Dispersion frequency shifts are predicted that correspond to the hardening behavior of the nonlinear chain and that relate well to the backbone of individual Duffing oscillators. Experiments conducted on a string of finite length illustrate the relation between measured resonances and the dispersion properties of the medium. Specifically, the locus of resonance peaks in the frequency/wavenumber domain outlines the dispersion curve and highlights the existence of a frequency bandgap. Moreover, amplitude-dependent resonance shifts induced by the string nonlinearity confirm the hardening characteristics of the dispersion curve. Analytical and experimental results provide a critical link between nonlinear dispersion frequency shifts and the backbone curves intrinsic to nonlinear frequency response functions. Moreover, the study confirms that amplitude-dependent wave properties for nonlinear periodic systems may be exploited for tunability of wave transport characteristics such as frequency bandgaps and wave speeds.
Endurance exercise attenuates cardiotoxicity induced by androgen deprivation and doxorubicin
Authors: Parry Traci L. , Hydock David S. , Jensen Brock T. , Lien Chia-Ying , Schneider Carole M. , Hayward Reid
Published: March 2014

Doxorubicin (DOX) is associated with cardiac dysfunction and irreversible testicular damage. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is administered prior to DOX treatment to preserve testicular function. However, ADT may exacerbate DOX-induced cardiac dysfunction. Exercise is cardioprotective, but the effects of exercise on cardiac function during combined ADT and DOX treatment are currently unknown. In this study, male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly assigned to experimental groups: control (CON), ADT, DOX, or ADT+DOX. Animals received ADT or control implants on days 1 and 29 of the 56-day protocol. Animals remained sedentary (SED) or engaged in treadmill endurance exercise (TM) beginning on day 1. On day 15, the animals received DOX at 1 mg·(kg body mass)–1·d–1 by intraperitoneal injection for 10 consecutive days, or an equivalent volume of saline. On day 57, cardiac function was assessed in vivo and ex vivo. Animals treated with DOX alone, or with combined ADT+DOX, showed significant (P < 0.05) reductions in left ventricular developed pressure (–21% and –27%), maximal rate of pressure development (–29% and –32%), and maximal rate of pressure decline (25% and 31%), respectively when compared with the sedentary control animals. Endurance exercise training attenuated (P > 0.05) cardiac dysfunction associated with combined ADT+DOX treatment, indicating that exercise during simultaneous ADT+DOX treatment is cardioprotective.
B-meson decays into final states with a τ lepton
Authors: Soffer Abner
Published: March 2014

Decays of B mesons into final states containing a τ lepton are sensitive to new charged current interactions that break lepton-flavor universality. These decays have been studied only at e+e- colliders, where the low-background environment and well-known initial state make it possible to observe small signals with undetectable neutrinos. In particular, the large data samples of the B factories and recent advances in techniques for full-event reconstruction have led to evidence for the decay B+→τ+ ντ and unambiguous observation of the decays [Formula: see text]. These results exclude large regions of the parameter space for a variety of new physics models. Furthermore, the branching fraction for [Formula: see text] has been measured to be higher than the Standard Model expectation by more than three standard deviations, making this an interesting topic for further research. This paper reviews the theoretical and experimental status of this topic, summarizing the results at this time and outlining the path for further improvements.
DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF A 2.4 GHz HYBRID TYPE AUTOMATIC AMPLITUDE CONTROL VCO WITH FORWARD NOISE REDUCTION
Authors: ZHANG Y. X. , BOON C. C. , YEO K. S.
Published: March 2014

This paper presents a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) with automatic amplitude control (AAC) loop. The proposed AAC VCO employs a hybrid type AAC loop and targets the Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) band applications. The proposed AAC loop can also prevent the AAC from generating extra noise to the VCO and avoid stability problem which is common for conventional AAC loop. Detail transient analysis of this AAC VCO is derived. Based on this analysis, design steps applicable for such type of AAC loop is obtained. Measurement result shows the peak amplitude variation over the operation range of 2.25–2.54 GHz is less than 9 mV (without the AAC loop, amplitude variation can be as large as 40 mV, or 22.2% for 180 mV amplitude). Power consumption of the proposed AAC VCO is 4.5 mW while the power consumed by the loop is 0.8 mW and phase noise is -105 dBc/Hz at 100 kHz offset frequency. Worst case settling time is less than 10.5 μs.
NOVEL ITERATIVE SECOND-ORDER-CONE-PROGRAMMING SCHEME FOR DESIGNING HIGH-ACCURACY PHASE-CIRCUITS
Authors: DENG TIAN-BO
Published: March 2014

A digital communication channel must have linear-phase characteristic such that the transmitted signal will keep its waveform unchanged after the signal transmission. However, since the actual communication channels usually possess nonlinear phase, it is necessary to connect a phase-linearizing circuit (phase-circuit) to such a nonlinear phase channel for linearizing the whole phase characteristic. In this paper, we propose a new iterative optimization scheme that utilizes the second-order-cone-programming (SOCP) for designing a high-accuracy phase-circuit. By approximating the highly nonlinear design constraint as a second-order-cone (SOC) constraint, a phase-circuit can be successfully designed through iterating the SOCP scheme. As compared to other existing linear-programming (LP) design and SOCP design, this new iterative SOCP-based minimax design can further reduce the peak errors of the frequency response and phase response of the designed phase-circuit. As a consequence, the new design method can further improve the phase-circuit design accuracy. We will utilize two design examples to verify the performance improvements over other existing design techniques.
IN SEARCH OF ENTREPRENEURIAL OPPORTUNITIES — AN INTEGRATED MODEL
Authors: RIQUELME HERNAN E.
Published: March 2014

The aim of this research study is to test an integrative model of entrepreneurial opportunity recognition based on theories of cognition, social capital, environmental development and personality.

240 entrepreneurs in the services industry participated in this survey. Multiple regression analysis was used to test the model and find the factors that predict entrepreneurial opportunity recognition. Overall, eight hypotheses were tested and six were supported. Schema was found to be the strongest significant variable amongst all.

The study results indicate that entrepreneurs who discover opportunities organize prior knowledge and information related to their field in a manner that is easily accessible, have confidence in themselves, use social networks (both weak and strong ties) and see opportunities in changes in the economic environment.

The study implies that potential entrepreneurs should be supported in terms of their social networks and instructed in the beliefs about the information and changes in the environment needed to spot opportunities. Governments play a role in providing a munificent economic environment.
THE DISTINCTIVE SKILLS OF SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS
Authors: MUELLER SUSAN , CHAMBERS LIUDMILA , NECK HEIDI
Published: March 2014

Addressing the need to identify distinctive skills for social entrepreneurs, we conducted an exploratory, qualitative study based on interviews with social entrepreneurs. We identified seven skills, three out of which have not been previously mentioned by entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship scholars. These skills include an ability to induce behavioral change and educate target groups; co-creation with multiple stakeholders; and developing solutions that aim to address the root cause of a social problem. Based on these findings, we provide recommendations for further research, as well as how the identified skills can be taught in experiential learning format.
Characteristics of Free Air Blast Loading Due to Simultaneously Detonated Multiple Charges
Authors: Mohottige Nimasha Weerasingha , Wu Chengqing , Hao Hong
Published: March 2014

Extensive research has been conducted to investigate the characteristics of blast load due to single charge explosion, including numerical simulations and experimental blast tests in both unconfined and confined environments. Further, available guidelines for blast resistant design such as UFC-3-340-02 (2008) and ASCE 59-11 (2011) provide details to predict blast loads on a structure subjected to single charge explosion. However, blast load characteristics due to multiple charge explosions are poorly discussed in available literature. In this paper, commercially available Hydrocode, AUTODYN is calibrated for single charge explosions. Based on a comparison between numerical simulation and UFC prediction, correction factors for peak reflected pressure and positive reflected impulse as a function of charge weight, scaled distance and mesh size of the numerical model are proposed to minimize the errors in simulations. The calibrated AUTODYN model is then used to conduct parametric studies to investigate the effects of charge weight, scaled distance, number of charges and distance between the charges on the characteristics of free air blast load due to simultaneous detonated multiple charges. Numerical simulation results are used to derive analytical formulas for predictions of peak reflected pressure ratio and positive reflected impulse ratio between single and multiple explosions. The discussion is made on characteristics of free air blast load due to simultaneous detonated multiple charges.
Running Safety and Comfort Analysis of Railway Vehicles Moving on Curved Tracks
Authors: Cheng Yung-Chang , Hsu Chin-Te
Published: March 2014

Using a heuristic linear creep model, this study derives the governing differential equations of motion for the railway vehicle traveling on curved tracks. The railway vehicle is modeled as a car system with 27 degrees-of-freedom (DOFs), taking into account the lateral and vertical displacements, roll and yaw angles of the wheelsets and truck frames, as well as the lateral displacement, roll and yaw angles of the car body. The effects of railway vehicle speeds on the derailment quotients and offload factors related to running safety are evaluated by both the linear and nonlinear creep models for various radii of curved tracks. Using the Sperling and modified Sperling index formulas, the effects of railway vehicle speeds on lateral riding quality and comfort are illustrated for the two models with various radii of curved tracks. Furthermore, the effects of railway vehicle speeds on the lateral Sperling comfort index of the 27-DOF car model are presented and compared for various suspension parameters. Finally, the acceptable region for riding quality and comfort are drawn.
Whiplash Effect on Hydropower House During an Earthquake
Authors: Zhang Liao-Jun , Zhang Han-Yun , Ji Yong-Xing , Hu Shao-Wei
Published: March 2014

The mutation of mass and stiffness between the superstructure and substructure of a hydropower station can lead to the whiplash effect on the hydropower house during an earthquake. This paper explains the mechanism of the whiplash effect based on the theory of structural dynamics. A Chinese hydropower house was taken as a test case to discuss the whiplash effect on this type of structures. An integral finite element model and partial models of the hydropower house were established according to its structural features, arrangement forms and loading features. The dynamic response and the whiplash effect of the hydropower house were investigated by direct time integration using the Newmark method.
Purification and redistribution of entanglement via single local filtering
Authors: Yashodamma K. O. , Geetha P. J. , Sudha
Published: March 2014

The effect of filtering operation with respect to purification and concentration of entanglement in quantum states are discussed in this paper. It is shown, through examples, that the local action of the filtering operator on a part of the composite quantum state allows for purification of the remaining part of the state. The redistribution of entanglement in the subsystems of a noise affected state is shown to be due to the action of local filtering on the non-decohering part of the system. The varying effects of the filtering parameter, on the entanglement transfer between the subsystems, depending on the choice of the initial quantum state is illustrated.
BUILDING LOW-CARBON CITIES: ASSESSING THE FAST GROWING U.S. CITIES' LAND USE COMPREHENSIVE PLANS
Authors: WEI TING , TANG ZHENGHONG
Published: March 2014

Cities affect and are affected by climate change. Local land use comprehensive plans have an essential role in greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction. The study addresses two critical research questions: 1) How well do the fastest growing cities in the U.S. implement the low-carbon principles in their local comprehensive land use plans? and 2) How can local comprehensive land use plans be improved to promote low-carbon development? An evaluation protocol with five plan components and thirty-five indicators was developed to measure local land use planning capacity in building low-carbon cities. Results show that the majority of these cities have already established their comprehensive low-carbon city framework; however, they fail to fully incorporate specific low-carbon planning strategies into their plans. These cities can improve their local plan quality by enhancing the scientific basis of the plans, adopting more specific goals and policies, and expanding the planners' toolbox to achieve low-carbon city planning.
Services globalization and sub-national demand linkages: The case of India
Authors: Shingal Anirudh
Published: March 2014

The role of services globalization in inclusive growth is already getting attention in the literature. We add to this literature using India as a case study. India's state-level services value added and employment data studied in this paper reveal that globalization-induced opportunities are filtering down to the country's high per capita income states. More significantly, our empirical analysis, motivated by the New Economic Geography literature and the work of Davis and Weinstein (1996, 1999, 2003), suggests that these opportunities are also creating demand linkages throughout the country. Moreover, the wider network of sub-national demand linkages may be getting formed independently of historical income, skill or locational advantages, which has potentially generalizable implications for other services-globalization-led economies.
The political economy of retail liberalization: The case of India
Authors: Mukherjee Arpita , Goyal Tanu M.
Published: March 2014

This paper examines the political complexities of retail liberalization in a developing country such as India in the overall context of liberalization of trade in services. Drawing on the experiences of other developing countries and India's experiences in the past decade of allowing FDI in retail, the paper found that retail modernization is a part of economic development and it will continue to happen. The governments of developing countries have to take into account multiple perceptions related to retail liberalization and design a policy that is non-discriminatory and transparent. Appropriate policies should be in place to support the traditional retailers to face competition. Developing countries should be willing to bind their unilateral liberalization in trade agreements and this will enhance their bargaining power.
Influence of Pre- and Postharvest Summer Pruning on the Growth, Yield, Fruit Quality, and Carbohydrate Content of Early Season Peach Cultivars
Authors: Ikinci Ali
Published: March 2014

Winter and summer pruning are widely applied processes in all fruit trees, including in peach orchard management. This study was conducted to determine the effects of summer prunings (SP), as compared to winter pruning (WP), on shoot length, shoot diameter, trunk cross sectional area (TCSA) increment, fruit yield, fruit quality, and carbohydrate content of two early ripening peach cultivars (“Early Red” and “Maycrest”) of six years of age, grown in semiarid climate conditions, in 2008 to 2010. The trees were grafted on GF 677 rootstocks, trained with a central leader system, and spaced 5 × 5 m apart. The SP carried out after harvesting in July and August decreased the shoot length significantly; however, it increased its diameter. Compared to 2009, this effect was more marked in year 2010. In general, control and winter pruned trees of both cultivars had the highest TCSA increment and yield efficiency. The SP increased the average fruit weight and soluble solids contents (SSC) more than both control and WP. The titratable acidity showed no consistent response to pruning time. The carbohydrate accumulation in shoot was higher in WP and in control than in SP trees. SP significantly affected carbohydrate accumulation; postharvest pruning showed higher carbohydrate content than preharvest pruning.
Acute Serious Thrombocytopenia Associated with Intracoronary Tirofiban Use for Primary Angioplasty
Authors: Yurtdaş Mustafa , Yaylali Yalin Tolga , Aladağ Nesim , Özdemir Mahmut , Atay Memiş Hilmi
Published: March 2014

Tirofiban, a specific glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor, may cause extensive thrombocytopenia with an incidence of 0.2% to 0.5%. We report the case of a 50-year-old man who developed thrombocytopenia after tirofiban use (both intracoronary and peripheral) over hours and the successful management of this complication after primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.
Improved Delay-Dependent Stability Conditions for MIMO Networked Control Systems with Nonlinear Perturbations
Authors: Cao Jiuwen
Published: March 2014

This paper provides improved time delay-dependent stability criteria for multi-input and multi-output (MIMO) network control systems (NCSs) with nonlinear perturbations. Without the stability assumption on the neutral operator after the descriptor approach, the new proposed stability theory is less conservative than the existing stability condition. Theoretical proof is given in this paper to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed stability condition.
Effects of an Astragalus Polysaccharide and Rhein Combination on Apoptosis in Rats with Chronic Renal Failure
Authors: Lian Yonghong , Xie Linlin , Chen Minghao , Chen Liguo
Published: March 2014

Objective. To investigate the effects and to analyze the mechanism of the combination of Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) and Rhein on apoptosis in rats with chronic renal failure (CRF). Methods. Thirty‐seven male Wistar rats were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, a low‐dose APS and Rhein combination group, and a high‐dose APS and Rhein combination group. CRF was induced by orogastric gavage with adenine. Rats were observed for renal function, electrolyte, and pathological changes for 7 weeks after administration. Renal tubular cell apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL and protein expressions of IRE1 and CHOP were detected by Western‐blotting. Results. The combination of APS and Rhein decreased the kidney weight and index, improved renal pathological injury, maintained the stability of serum electrolytes, and reduced SCr and BUN levels in rat models. Moreover, APS and Rhein combination could effectively inhibit the apoptosis and reduce the protein expressions of IRE1and CHOP of renal tubular cells. Conclusions. The combination of APS and Rhein could improve renal function and reduce renal cell apoptosis to protect against further progression of CRF, whose mechanism may be related to alleviate endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in the renal cells.
The Dynamics of a Nonautonomous Predator-Prey Model with Infertility Control in the Prey
Authors: Feng Xiaomei , Teng Zhidong , Zhang Fengqin
Published: March 2014

A nonautonomous predator-prey model with infertility control in the prey is formulated and investigated. Threshold conditions for the permanence and extinction of fertility prey and infertility prey are established. Some new threshold values of integral form are obtained. For the periodic cases, these threshold conditions act as sharp threshold values for the permanence and extinction of fertility prey and infertility prey. There are also mounting concerns that the quantity of biological sterile drug is obtained in the process of the prevention and control of pest in the grasslands and farmland. Finally, two examples are given to illustrate the main results of this paper. The numerical simulations shown that, when the pest population is permanet, different dynamic behaviors may be found in this model, such as the global attractivity and the chaotic attractor.
Women’s Perception of Reproductive Illness in Manipur, India
Authors: Krishnakumari Pebam , Joshi P. C. , Arun Kumar M. C. , Singh M. Meghachandra
Published: March 2014

Perception of reproductive illness by the women themselves is important in understanding the women's reproductive health in a particular society. It also indicates the possibility of taking perception as a tool for measuring reproductive illness. Though women do not have a “germ theory” to explain their reproductive illness they have a sense of illness pathology. Reproductive illness perceived by women is related to physical symptoms and situations in a network of meanings and different meanings are socially generated to articulate their experiences.
A Family of Modified Even Order Bernoulli-Type Multiquadric Quasi-Interpolants with Any Degree Polynomial Reproduction Property
Authors: Wu Ruifeng , Li Huilai , Wu Tieru
Published: March 2014

By using the polynomial expansion in the even order Bernoulli polynomials and using the linear combinations of the shifts of the functionf(x)(x∈ℝ)to approximate the derivatives off(x), we propose a family of modified even order Bernoulli-type multiquadric quasi-interpolants which do not require the derivatives of the function approximated at each node and can satisfy any degree polynomial reproduction property. Error estimate indicates that our operators could provide the desired precision by choosing a suitable shape-preserving parametercand a nonnegative integerm. Numerical comparisons show that this technique provides a higher degree of accuracy. Finally, applying our operators to the fitting of discrete solutions of initial value problems, we find that our method has smaller errors than the Runge-Kutta method of order 4 and Wang et al.’s quasi-interpolation scheme.