bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does large-scale ocean circulation structure life history connectivity in Antarctic toothfish (Dissostichus mawsoni)?
Authors: Ashford Julian , Dinniman Michael , Brooks Cassandra , Andrews Allen H. , Hofmann Eileen , Cailliet Gregor , Jones Christopher , Ramanna Nakul
Published: December 2012

A multidisciplinary approach incorporating otolith chemistry, age data, and numerical Lagrangian particle simulations indicated a single, self-recruiting population of Antarctic toothfish (Dissostichus mawsoni) in the Southeast Pacific Basin (SPB) and Ross Sea, with a life history structured by the large-scale circulation. Chemistry deposited prior to capture along otolith edges demonstrated strong environmental heterogeneity, yet the chemistry in otolith nuclei, deposited during early life, showed no differences. Age data showed only adult fish in catches on the Pacific–Antarctic Ridge in the SPB and structuring of life stages consistent with transport pathways from the northern Ross Sea. Lagrangian particle simulations predicted that early life stages following the flow in the SPB would be transported to areas in the Ross Sea where juveniles are caught, whereas the circulation would facilitate adult movement along the shelf slope and back into the SPB where spawning adults are caught. These results suggest that successfully spawning fish spend only a part of their adult life history in the Ross Sea, areas in the eastern Ross Sea contribute disproportionately to the spawning population, and areas in the southwestern Ross Sea may supply fisheries in the southern Indian Ocean.
The distribution of phytoplankton along trophic gradients and its mediation by available light in the pelagic zone of large eutrophic lakes
Authors: Zhang Min , Yu Yang , Yang Zhen , Shi Xiaoli , Kong Fanxiang
Published: December 2012

We describe the pattern and the principal factors affecting the phytoplankton biomass–nutrient relationship in the pelagic zone of large lakes. The results showed that the phytoplankton abundance and biomass of Cyanophyta, Cryptophyta, and Pyrrophyta were significantly correlated with trophic states. The total phosphorus (TP)–biomass relationship curves showed that the increment of biomass with TP is weak at high TP levels. The decrease in biomass at the high end of the curves might be a synthesis of the pattern of responses of the major taxonomic groups (except cyanobacteria) to environmental variables. Light limitation might be one of the important factors causing the decrease in the TP–biomass curve at high TP concentrations. If the mean underwater available light is lower than ∼250 µmol photons·m–2·s–1, clear-water species decline and cyanobacteria become dominant. The responses to available light of these key species play a central role in modulating the biomass–nutrient relationship. Our results contribute to the understanding of this relationship in the pelagic zone of large eutrophic lakes and have important practical implications for lake management.
Hierarchical patterns of population structure in the endangered Fraser River white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) and implications for conservation
Authors: Schreier Andrea Drauch , Mahardja Brian , May Bernie
Published: December 2012

The Fraser River system consists of five white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) management units, two of which are listed as endangered populations under Canada’s Species at Risk Act. The delineation of these management units was based primarily on population genetic analysis with samples parsed by collection location. We used polysomic microsatellite markers to examine population structure in the Fraser River system with samples parsed by collection location and with a genetic clustering algorithm. Strong levels of genetic divergence were revealed above and below Hells Gate, a narrowing of the Fraser canyon further obstructed by a rockslide in 1913. Additional analyses revealed population substructure on the Fraser River above Hells Gate. The Middle Fraser River (SG-3) and Nechako River were found to be distinct populations, while the Upper Fraser River, although currently listed as an endangered population, represented a mixing area for white sturgeon originating from SG-3 and Nechako. Differences between these results and previous genetic investigations may be attributed to the detection of population mixing when genetic clustering is used to infer population structure.
THEORETICAL MODELS OF DARK ENERGY
Authors: YOO JAEWON , WATANABE YUKI
Published: December 2012

Mounting observational data confirm that about 73% of the energy density consists of dark energy which is responsible for the current accelerated expansion of the Universe. We present observational evidences and dark energy projects. We then review various theoretical ideas that have been proposed to explain the origin of dark energy; they contain the cosmological constant, modified matter models, modified gravity models and the inhomogeneous model. The cosmological constant suffers from two major problems: one regarding fine-tuning and the other regarding coincidence. To solve them there arose modified matter models such as quintessence, k-essence, coupled dark energy and unified dark energy. We compare those models by presenting attractive aspects, new rising problems and possible solutions. Furthermore, we review modified gravity models that lead to late-time accelerated expansion without invoking a new form of dark energy; they contain f(R) gravity and the Dvali–Gabadadze–Porrati (DGP) model. We also discuss observational constraints on those models and on future modified gravity theories. Finally we review the inhomogeneous Lemaître–Tolman–Bondi (LTB) model that drops an assumption of the spatial homogeneity of the Universe. We also present basics of cosmology and scalar field theory, which are useful especially for students and novices to understand dark energy models.
SECOND-ORDER INVARIANTS AND HOLOGRAPHY
Authors: LUONGO ORLANDO , BONANNO LUCA , IANNONE GERARDO
Published: December 2012

Motivated by recent works on the role of the holographic principle in cosmology, we relate a class of second-order Ricci invariants to the IR cutoff characterizing the holographic dark energy density. The choice of second-order invariants provides an invariant way to account the problem of causality for the correct cosmological cutoff, since the presence of event horizons is not an a priori assumption. We find that these models work fairly well, by fitting the observational data, through a combined cosmological test with the use of SNeIa, BAO and CMB. This class of models is also able to overcome the fine-tuning and coincidence problems. Finally, to make a comparison with other recent models, we adopt the statistical tests AIC and BIC.
TIME DOMAIN ANALYSIS OF HELMHOLTZ SOLITON PROPAGATION USING THE TLM METHOD
Authors: CHAMORRO-POSADA P. , McDONALD G. S.
Published: December 2012

The transmission line matrix method is used to study Helmholtz solitons as solutions of the two-dimensional time-domain Maxwell equations in nonlinear media. This approach permits to address, in particular, the propagation and intrinsic stability properties of subwavelength soliton solutions of the scalar nonlinear wave equation and the behavior of optical solitons at arbitrary interfaces. Various numerical issues related to the analysis of soliton beams using the time-domain method are also discussed.
MULTICHANNEL SOLITON COLLISIONS IN STRONGLY DISPERSION MANAGED WDM TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS
Authors: DIAZ-OTERO FRANCISCO J. , CHAMORRO-POSADA PEDRO
Published: December 2012

We study the collision-induced timing jitter of optical solitons in dispersion managed wavelength-division multiplexed communication systems. The work presented here is an extension of previous analyzes of two-pulse interactions to the multiple channel case. The numerical study is based on a system of ordinary differential equations obtained using a variational approach that models the evolution of the main parameters of the propagating pulses. We explain the mechanism associated with inter-channel interactions and study the evolution of multiplexed soliton trains and the resulting frequency shift induced jitter as the map strength is varied. The results obtained indicate a strong dependence of the frequency shifts on the position of the channel within the multiplex and the existence of patterns for the frequency shifts that depend on the parity of the number of channels.
NEMATICONS PROPERTIES AND STABILITY IN CHIRAL NEMATIC LIQUID CRYSTAL
Authors: LAUDYN URSZULA A. , SALA FILIP A. , KARPIERZ MIROSŁAW A.
Published: December 2012

We report on the experimental and numerical results of the nonlinear light beam propagation in planar samples of chiral nematic liquid crystals, for both high- and low-birefringence chiral nematic liquid crystals. We investigate the properties and stability of obtained nematicons. We found that reorientational spatial solitons require larger excitation powers in low-birefringence chiral nematics than in high-birefringence but remain more stable and self-focused.
ZASSENHAUS CONJECTURE FOR INTEGRAL GROUP RING OF SIMPLE LINEAR GROUPS
Authors: GILDEA JOE
Published: December 2012

We prove that the Zassenhaus conjecture is true for PSL(2,8) and PSL(2,17). This is a continuation of research initiated by Kimmerle, Hertweck and Höfert.
Advanced photodynamic agent from chondroitin sulfate/zinc phthalocyanine conjugate
Authors: Baek SongYi , Na Kun
Published: December 2012

In order to improve the therapeutic effect of zinc phthalocyanines (ZnPc), a photoactive nanodrug was prepared with acetylated chondroitin sulfate (AcCS), utilizing a simple chemical method. AcCS/ZnPc nanodrugs have a unimodal size distribution below 200 nm and a negative surface charge due to AcCS located on the nanodrug surface. In organic solvent such as DMSO or DMF, it has strong fluorescence intensity and generates abundant singlet oxygen. However, in aqueous solvent, AcCS/ZnPc nanodrugs developed a self-organized form which induced reducing fluorescence intensity and singlet oxygen generation. The cellular uptake of the nanodrug was determined using a cell lysis test and confocal microscopy observation. The results indicated that cellular internalization efficiency of the nanodrug was 1.7–2.1 times higher than that of free ZnPc . Also, the phototoxicity of the nanodrug was detected via MTT assay with or without light. Although free ZnPc did not exhibit cytotoxicity in both light and dark condition, the nanodrug exhibited increasing cytotoxicity after irradiation. We therefore suggest that AcCS/ZnPc nanodrugs may have promising applications as new photodynamic agents for the clinical treatment of various tumors.
Chemokine Expression in Human Astrocytes in Response to Shiga Toxin 2
Authors: Kioka Naomi , Minami Koichi , Tamura Akira , Yoshikawa Norishige
Published: December 2012

Infection with Shiga toxin- (Stx-) producingEscherichia colican lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Approximately, 30% of patients with HUS suffer from complications in the central nervous system (CNS), which is an important determinant of mortality in such patients. Autopsy shows mostly edema and hypoxic-ischemic changes in the CNS, often with microhemorrhages. It has been suggested that Stx-induced damage to human brain endothelial cells, which are essential constituents of the blood-brain barrier, plays a crucial role in the development of the CNS complications. However, it is unclear whether Stx affects brain neuroglial cells. In the present study, we investigated the direct involvement of Stx in the inflammatory responses of human astrocytes (HASTs) treated with Stx. Immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR revealed that the expression of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3), the receptor for Stx2, and Gb3 synthase (GalT6) in HASTs was increased by interleukin-1β(IL-1β). Expression of both interleukin-8 (IL-8) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) mRNA in HASTs was significantly upregulated by Stx2. These results suggest that Stx2 induces inflammatory responses, particularly through expression of chemokines, in HASTs expressing Gb3 and may, thus, affect brain glial cells, playing a key role in the pathogenesis of CNS manifestations associated with HUS.
Regulation of Nutrient Transport across the Placenta
Authors: Lager Susanne , Powell Theresa L.
Published: December 2012

Abnormal fetal growth, both growth restriction and overgrowth, is associated with perinatal complications and an increased risk of metabolic and cardiovascular disease later in life. Fetal growth is dependent on nutrient availability, which in turn is related to the capacity of the placenta to transport these nutrients. The activity of a range of nutrient transporters has been reported to be decreased in placentas of growth restricted fetuses, whereas at least some studies indicate that placental nutrient transport is upregulated in fetal overgrowth. These findings suggest that changes in placental nutrient transport may directly contribute to the development of abnormal fetal growth. Detailed information on the mechanisms by which placental nutrient transporters are regulated will therefore help us to better understand how important pregnancy complications develop and may provide a foundation for designing novel intervention strategies. In this paper we will focus on recent studies of regulatory mechanisms that modulate placental transport of amino acids, fatty acids, and glucose.
Influence of Local Wind Conditions on the Flight Speed of the Great CormorantPhalacrocorax carbo
Authors: Yoda Ken , Tajima Tadashi , Sasaki Sachiho , Sato Katsufumi , Niizuma Yasuaki
Published: December 2012

In seabirds, the relationship between flight speed and wind direction/speed is thought to be particularly important for studying energy-saving strategy and foraging habitat selection. In this study, we examined whether the ground and calculated air speeds of four great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) were affected by wind conditions using high-resolution GPS data loggers. The birds increased their ground flight speed in tailwinds, decreased it in headwinds, and changed their air speed in relation to wind components. However, they did not change their foraging sites according to the wind conditions. They were likely to respond to moderate wind conditions by adjusting their air speed without changing their foraging sites.
A Data Quality Control Program for Computer-Assisted Personal Interviews
Authors: Squires Janet E. , Hutchinson Alison M. , Bostrom Anne-Marie , Deis Kelly , Norton Peter G. , Cummings Greta G. , Estabrooks Carole A.
Published: December 2012

Researchers strive to optimize data quality in order to ensure that study findings are valid and reliable. In this paper, we describe a data quality control program designed to maximize quality of survey data collected using computer-assisted personal interviews. The quality control program comprised three phases: (1) software development, (2) an interviewer quality control protocol, and (3) a data cleaning and processing protocol. To illustrate the value of the program, we assess its use in the Translating Research in Elder Care Study. We utilize data collected annually for two years from computer-assisted personal interviews with 3004 healthcare aides. Data quality was assessed using both survey and process data. Missing data and data errors were minimal. Mean and median values and standard deviations were within acceptable limits. Process data indicated that in only 3.4% and 4.0% of cases was the interviewer unable to conduct interviews in accordance with the details of the program. Interviewers’ perceptions of interview quality also significantly improved between Years 1 and 2. While this data quality control program was demanding in terms of time and resources, we found that the benefits clearly outweighed the effort required to achieve high-quality data.
Theoretical Evidence for the Distance-Dependent Photoinduced Electron Transfer of Porphyrin-Oligothiophene-Fullerene Triads
Authors: Zhang Shan , Li Yuanzuo , Liu Jing , Zhao Meiyu , Han Yueyi , Ding Yong , Song Peng , Ma Fengcai
Published: December 2012

The ground and excited state properties ofnT-C60 dyads and Por-nT-C60 triads (n=4, 8, and 12) have been theoretically investigated by using the time-dependent density functional theory together with a set of extensive multidimensional visualization techniques. The results reveal that the length of thenT moiety strongly influences the charge transfer characters of these systems. The charge transfer ability is largely strengthened by introducing the porphyrin group and decreases with the length of thenT moiety. Also the adjustment of the electron transport mode of Por-nT-C60 triads by the length of thenT moiety was visualized. It is found that Por*-4T-C60 shows predominantly the energy transfer process generating Por-4T-1C60* but the charge transfer becomes predominant for other triads, such as the direct formation ofPor∙+-12T-C60∙−via Por*-12T-C60. Furthermore, the process ofPor∙−-8T∙+-C60→Por-8T∙+-C60∙−via Por*-8T-C60 has been proved to be possible. Finally, the energetically most stable final charge transfer excited state is confirmed to be Por-nT∙+-C60∙−.
Resolvin D1 Reduces the Immunoinflammatory Response of the Rat Eye following Uveitis
Authors: Settimio Rossi , Clara Di Filippo , Franca Ferraraccio , Francesca Simonelli , Michele D'Amico
Published: December 2012

This study investigated whether the administration of resolvin D1 to rats with endotoxininduced uveitis (EIU) ameliorates the immuno-inflammatory profile of the eye. 24 h after the administration of 200 μg LPS into the footpad of Sprague-Dawley rats, severe changes of the structure of the eye occurred concomitantly with a severe inflammatory and immune response. These latter included strong infiltration of PMN leukocytes CD11b+T-lymphocytes CD4+and CD8+within the eye and a significant release of the cytokines/chemokines TNF-alpha, CXCL8, and RANTES too. Bolus of resolvin D1 (RvD1; 10–100–1000 ng/kg in 200 μL of sterile saline via the tail vein) significantly and dose-dependently (i) reduced the development of the ocular derangement caused by LPS; (ii) reduced the clinical score attributed to EIU; (iii) reduced the protein concentration and myeloperoxidase activity (MPO) in aqueous humor (AqH); and (iv) reduced neutrophils, T-lymphocytes, and cytokines within the eye.
Effect of Oxygen and Hydrogen Peroxide on the Photocatalytic Degradation of Monochlorobenzene in Aqueous Suspension
Authors: Tseng Dyi-Hwa , Juang Lain-Chuen , Huang Hsin-Hsu
Published: December 2012

The influences of oxygen and hydrogen peroxide () on the degradation and mineralization of monochlorobenzene (MCB) during UV/ process were investigated. Experimental results indicated that oxygen was a determining parameter for promoting the photocatalytic degradation. The presence of oxygen reduced the illumination time needed for the complete decay of MCB from 240 to 120 min. The photocatalytic degradation of MCB in UV// photocatalysis followed a simplified two-step consecutive kinetics. The rate constants of degradation () and mineralization () were increased from 0.016 to 0.046 min−1and from 0.001 to 0.006 min−1, respectively, as the initial concentration of dissolved oxygen (DO) was increased from 1.6 to 28.3 mg L−1. Owing to the fact that acted as an electron and hydroxyl radicals () scavenger, the addition of should in a proper dosage range to enhance the degradation and mineralization of MCB. The optimal dosage for MCB degradation was 22.5 mg L−1, whereas the most efficient dosage for MCB mineralization was 45.0 mg L−1. In order to minimize the adverse effects of higher dosage, including the capture of radicals and competitive adsorption, and to improve the photocatalytic degradation of MCB, the sequential replenishment of was suggested. For the stepwise addition of a total dosage of 45.0 mg L−1, a complete destruction of MCB was observed within 120 min of irradiation. Additionally, the mineralization efficiency was about 87.4% after 240 min of illumination time.
Modeling and Optimization of Cement Raw Materials Blending Process
Authors: Li Xianhong , Yu Haibin , Yuan Mingzhe
Published: December 2012

This paper focuses on modelling and solving the ingredient ratio optimization problem in cement raw material blending process. A general nonlinear time‐varying (G‐NLTV) model is established for cement raw material blending process via considering chemical composition, feed flow fluctuation, and various craft and production constraints. Different objective functions are presented to acquire optimal ingredient ratios under various production requirements. The ingredient ratio optimization problem is transformed into discrete‐time single objective or multiple objectives rolling nonlinear constraint optimization problem. A framework of grid interior point method is presented to solve the rolling nonlinear constraint optimization problem. Based on MATLAB‐GUI platform, the corresponding ingredient ratio software is devised to obtain optimal ingredient ratio. Finally, several numerical examples are presented to study and solve ingredient ratio optimization problems.
Freshwater Algal Bloom Prediction by Support Vector Machine in Macau Storage Reservoirs
Authors: Xie Zhengchao , Lou Inchio , Ung Wai Kin , Mok Kai Meng
Published: December 2012

Understanding and predicting dynamic change of algae population in freshwater reservoirs is particularly important, as algae‐releasing cyanotoxins are carcinogens that would affect the health of public. However, the high complex nonlinearity of water variables and their interactions makes it difficult to model the growth of algae species. Recently, support vector machine (SVM) was reported to have advantages of only requiring a small amount of samples, high degree of prediction accuracy, and long prediction period to solve the nonlinear problems. In this study, the SVM‐based prediction and forecast models for phytoplankton abundance in Macau Storage Reservoir (MSR) are proposed, in which the water parameters of pH, SiO2, alkalinity, bicarbonate (HCO3 −), dissolved oxygen (DO), total nitrogen (TN), UV254, turbidity, conductivity, nitrate, total nitrogen (TN), orthophosphate (PO4 3−), total phosphorus (TP), suspended solid (SS) and total organic carbon (TOC) selected from the correlation analysis of the 23 monthly water variables were included, with 8‐year (2001–2008) data for training and the most recent 3 years (2009–2011) for testing. The modeling results showed that the prediction and forecast powers were estimated as approximately 0.76 and 0.86, respectively, showing that the SVM is an effective new way that can be used for monitoring algal bloom in drinking water storage reservoir.
Acquired Form of Angioedema of the Head and Neck Related to a Deficiency in C1-Inhibitor: A Case Report with a Review of the Literature
Authors: Hallak Bassel , Konu Propser , Lang Florian , Simon Christian , Monnier Philippe
Published: December 2012

Angioedema related to a deficiency in the C1-inhibitor protein is characterized by its lack of response to therapies including antihistamine, steroids, and epinephrine. In the case of laryngeal edema, mortality rate is approximately 30 percent. The first case of the acquired form of angioedema related to a deficiency in C1-inhibitor was published in 1972. In our paper, we present a case of an acquired form of angioedema of the oropharyngeal region secondary to the simultaneous occurrence of two causative factors: neutralization of C1-inhibitor by an autoantibody and the use of an angiotensin convertin enzyme inhibitor.
Affect Detection from Text-Based Virtual Improvisation and Emotional Gesture Recognition
Authors: Zhang Li , Yap Bryan
Published: December 2012

We have developed an intelligent agent to engage with users in virtual drama improvisation previously. The intelligent agent was able to perform sentence-level affect detection from user inputs with strong emotional indicators. However, we noticed that many inputs with weak or no affect indicators also contain emotional implication but were regarded as neutral expressions by the previous interpretation. In this paper, we employ latent semantic analysis to perform topic theme detection and identify target audiences for such inputs. We also discuss how such semantic interpretation of the dialog contexts is used to interpret affect more appropriately during virtual improvisation. Also, in order to build a reliable affect analyser, it is important to detect and combine weak affect indicators from other channels such as body language. Such emotional body language detection also provides a nonintrusive channel to detect users’ experience without interfering with the primary task. Thus, we also make initial exploration on affect detection from several universally accepted emotional gestures.
Therapeutic Effects of Acupuncture through Enhancement of Functional Angiogenesis and Granulogenesis in Rat Wound Healing
Authors: Park Sang In , Sunwoo Yun-Young , Jung Yu Jin , Chang Woo Chul , Park Moon-Seo , Chung Young-An , Maeng Lee-So , Han Young-Min , Shin Hak Soo , Lee Jisoo , Lee Sang-Hoon
Published: December 2012

Acupuncture regulates inflammation process and growth factors by increasing blood circulation in affected areas. In this study, we examined whether acupuncture has an effect on wound healing in injured rat. Rats were assigned randomly into two groups: control group and acupuncture group. Acupuncture treatment was carried out at 8 sites around the wounded area. We analyzed the wound area, inflammatory cytokines, proliferation of resident cells, and angiogenesis and induction of extracelluar matrix remodeling. At 7 days after-wounding the wound size in acupuncture-treat group was decreased more significantly compared to control group. In addition, the protein levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-1β(IL-1β) were significantly decreased compared to the control at 2 and 7 days post-wounding. Also, we analyzed newly generated cells by performing immunostaining for PCNA and using several phenotype markers such as CD-31,α-SMA, and collagen type I. In acupuncture-treated group, PCNA-positive cell was increased and PCNA labeled CD-31-positive vessels,α-SMA- and collagen type I-positive fibroblastic cells, were increased compared to the control group at 7 days post-wounding. These results suggest that acupuncture may improve wound healing through decreasing pro-inflammatory response, increasing cell proliferation and angiogenesis, and inducing extracellular matrix remodeling.
The Influence of Hydroxylated Carbon Nanotubes on Epoxy Resin Composites
Authors: Zhang Jiaoxia , Zheng Yaping , Zhou Haijun , Zhang Jing , Zou Jun
Published: December 2012

Hydroxylated multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs)/epoxy resin nanocomposites were prepared with ultrasonic dispersion and casting molding. The effect of hydroxylated MWNTs content on reactive activity of composites is discussed. Then the flexural and electrical properties were studied. Transmission electron microscope was employed to characterize the microstructure of nanocomposites. As a result, the reactive activity of nanocomposites obtained increases with the increasing content of MWNTs. When MWNTs content of the composites is 1 wt%, as compared to neat resin, the flexural strength increases from 143 Mpa to 156 MPa, the modulus increases from 3563 Mpa to 3691 MPa, and the volume and surface resistance of nanocomposites decrease by two orders of magnitude, respectively.
Isoliquiritigenin-Induced Differentiation in Mouse Melanoma B16F0 Cell Line
Authors: Chen Xiaoyu , Zhang Bo , Yuan Xuan , Yang Fan , Liu Jinglei , Zhao Hong , Liu Liangliang , Wang Yanming , Wang Zhenhua , Zheng Qiusheng
Published: December 2012

The chemotherapeutical treatment is very limited for malignant melanoma, a highly lethal disease occurs globally. Natural products derived from traditional Chinese medicine licorice are attractive in quest new treatments due to their anti-tumor activities. A new dietary flavonoid isoliquiritigenin (ISL) were thus investigated to indentify its anti-melanoma activities on mouse melanoma B16F0 cells in present study. Using biochemical and free radical biological experiments in vitro, we identified the pro-differentiated profiles of ISL and evaluated the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during B16F0 cell differentiation. The data showed a strong dose-response relationship between ISL exposure and the characteristics of B16F0 differentiation in terms of morphology changes and melanogenesis. The accumulated intercellular ROS during exposure are necessary to support ISL-induced differentiation, which was proven by additional redox modulators. It was confirmed further by the relative activities of enzymes and genes modulated melanogenesis in ISL-treatments with or without ROS modulators. The tumorigenicity of ISL-treated cells was limited significantly by using the colony formation assay in vitro and an animal model assay in vivo respectively. Our research demonstrated that isoliquiritigenin is a differentiation-inducing agent, and its mechanisms involve ROS accumulation facilitating melanogenesis.
Delay‐Dependent Stability Criteria for Singular Systems with Interval Time‐Varying Delay
Authors: Jiao Jianmin
Published: December 2012

This paper is concerned with stability analysis for singular systems with interval time‐varying delay. By constructing a novel Lyapunov functional combined with reciprocally convex approach and linear matrix inequality (LMI) technique, improved delay‐dependent stability criteria for the considered systems to be regular, impulse free, and stable are established. The developed results have advantages over some previous ones as they involve fewer decision variables yet less conservatism. Numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed stability results.
DSP-Based Sensor Fault Detection and Post Fault-Tolerant Control of an Induction Motor-Based Electric Vehicle
Authors: Tabbache Bekheïra , Benbouzid Mohamed , Kheloui Abdelaziz , Bourgeot Jean-Matthieu
Published: December 2012

This paper deals with sensor fault detection within a reconfigurable direct torque control of an induction motor-based electric vehicle. The proposed strategy concerns current, voltage, and speed sensors faults that are detected and followed by post fault-tolerant control to allow the vehicle continuous operation. The proposed approach is validated through experiments on an induction motor drive and simulations on an electric vehicle using a European urban and extraurban driving cycle.
Monostotic Fibrous Dysplasia of the Rib: A Case Report
Authors: Mahadevappa Asha , Patel Sapna , Ravishankar Sunila , Manjunath Gubbanna V.
Published: December 2012

Fibrous dysplasia is a noninherited bone disease in which abnormal differentiation of osteoblasts leads to replacement of normal marrow and cancellous bone by immature bone with fibrous stroma. Monostotic fibrous dysplasia accounts for 28% in the ribs. It is often asymptomatic and incidentally detected on radiographs. As with many bone abnormalities, it can be superimposed by the formation of aneurysmal bone cysts. We report a case of a 70-year-old lady who presented with swelling on the chest wall of 20-ear duration and sudden increase in size for 8 months. Radiologically, X-ray and CT scan showed an expansible lesion of the medullary cavity with a ground-glass centre and thinning of cortex of the 5th rib. The resected lesion was a firm, well-defined solid, grey-white expansile mass replacing the medullary cavity. Histopathologically, benign fibrous spindle areas with disorganized irregular bony trabeculae were seen. Hemorrhagic spaces lined by osteoclast-like multinucleated giant cells were also noted. The diagnosis was fibrous dysplasia with aneurysmal bone cyst changes. Although fibrous dysplasia with aneurysmal bone cyst is rare, it should be taken into account in differential diagnosis of the rapidly growing solitary rib lesion.
Pulmonary Function Tests in Emergency Department Pediatric Patients with Acute Wheezing/Asthma Exacerbation
Authors: Giordano Kathryn , Rodriguez Elena , Green Nicole , Armani Milena , Richards Joan , Shaffer Thomas H. , Attia Magdy W.
Published: December 2012

Background. Pulmonary function tests (PFT) have been developed to analyze tidal breathing in patients who are minimally cooperative due to age and respiratory status. This study used tidal breathing tests in the ED to measure asthma severity.Design/Method. A prospective pilot study in pediatric patients (3 to 18 yrs) with asthma/wheezing was conducted in an ED setting using respiratory inductance plethysmography and pneumotachography. The main outcome measures were testing feasibility, compliance, and predictive value for admission versus discharge.Results. Forty patients were studied, of which, 14 (35%) were admitted. Fifty-five percent of the patients were classified as a mild-intermittent asthmatic, 30% were mild-persistent asthmatics, 12.5% were moderate-persistent asthmatics, and 2.5% were severe-persistent. Heart rate was higher in admitted patients as was labored breathing index, phase angle, and asthma score.Conclusions. Tidal breathing tests provide feasible, objective assessment of patient status in the enrolled age group and may assist in the evaluation of acute asthma exacerbation in the ED. Our results demonstrate that PFT measurements, in addition to asthma scores, may be useful in indicating the severity of wheezing/asthma and the need for admission.
Solution of Nonlinear Volterra-Fredholm Integrodifferential Equations via Hybrid of Block-Pulse Functions and Lagrange Interpolating Polynomials
Authors: Marzban Hamid Reza , Hoseini Sayyed Mohammad
Published: December 2012

An efficient hybrid method is developed to approximate the solution of the high-order nonlinear Volterra-Fredholm integro-differential equations. The properties of hybrid functions consisting of block-pulse functions and Lagrange interpolating polynomials are first presented. These properties are then used to reduce the solution of the nonlinear Volterra-Fredholm integro-differential equations to the solution of algebraic equations whose solution is much more easier than the original one. The validity and applicability of the proposed method are demonstrated through illustrative examples. The method is simple, easy to implement and yields very accurate results.
Multiobjective Quantum Evolutionary Algorithm for the Vehicle Routing Problem with Customer Satisfaction
Authors: Zhang Jingling , Wang Wanliang , Zhao Yanwei , Cattani Carlo
Published: December 2012

The multiobjective vehicle routing problem considering customer satisfaction (MVRPCS) involves the distribution of orders from several depots to a set of customers over a time window. This paper presents a self‐adaptive grid multi‐objective quantum evolutionary algorithm (MOQEA) for the MVRPCS, which takes into account customer satisfaction as well as travel costs. The degree of customer satisfaction is represented by proposing an improved fuzzy due‐time window, and the optimization problem is modeled as a mixed integer linear program. In the MOQEA, nondominated solution set is constructed by the Challenge Cup rules. Moreover, an adaptive grid is designed to achieve the diversity of solution sets; that is, the number of grids in each generation is not fixed but is automatically adjusted based on the distribution of the current generation of nondominated solution set. In the study, the MOQEA is evaluated by applying it to classical benchmark problems. Results of numerical simulation and comparison show that the established model is valid and the MOQEA is effective for MVRPCS.
Complete Consistency of the Estimator of Nonparametric Regression Models Based on ρ~‐Mixing Sequences
Authors: Wang Xuejun , Xia Fengxi , Ge Meimei , Hu Shuhe , Yang Wenzhi
Published: December 2012

We study the complete consistency for estimator of nonparametric regression model based on ‐mixing sequences by using the classical Rosenthal‐type inequality and the truncated method. As an application, the complete consistency for the nearest neighbor estimator is obtained.
GPS and GPRS Based Telemonitoring System for Emergency Patient Transportation
Authors: Satyanarayana K. , Sarma A. D. , Sravan J. , Malini M. , Venkateswarlu G.
Published: December 2012

Telemonitoring during the golden hour of patient transportation helps to improve medical care. Presently there are different physiological data acquisition and transmission systems using cellular network and radio communication links. Location monitoring systems and video transmission systems are also commercially available. The emergency patient transportation systems uniquely require transmission of data pertaining to the patient, vehicle, time of the call, physiological signals (like ECG, blood pressure, a body temperature, and blood oxygen saturation), location information, a snap shot of the patient, and voice. These requirements are presently met by using separate communication systems for voice, physiological data, and location that result in a lot of inconvenience to the technicians, maintenance related issues, in addition to being expensive. This paper presents design, development, and implementation of such a telemonitoring system for emergency patient transportation employing ARM 9 processor module. This system is found to be very useful for the emergency patient transportation being undertaken by organizations like the Emergency Management Research Institute (EMRI).
Estimation of Stroke Etiology from Lesion Patterns on Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Carotid Artery Occlusive Disease
Authors: Oyama Naoki , Moriwaki Hiroshi , Yamada Naoaki , Nagatsuka Kazuyuki , Naritomi Hiroaki
Published: December 2012

Background: Various mechanisms can be considered in ischemic stroke with internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusive diseases. We clarified the etiologic mechanisms from lesion patterns on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Methods: One hundred and twenty consecutive ischemic stroke patients with ipsilateral ICA occlusive diseases were enrolled and classified into 3 groups according to the size of DWI lesions: group A, massive; group B, moderate-to-large; and group C, small. Group C was divided into 3 subgroups according to the number of lesions: C1, 1–3; C2, 4–9; and C3, 10 or more. The relationship between the DWI findings and stroke subtypes according to the TOAST classification was investigated. Results: Cardioembolism was significantly more common in groups A and B than in group C, while large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA) was more frequent in group C than in groups A and B. In group A, cardioembolism accounted for 32%, while LAA was not observed. Statistical analyses showed trends toward a higher frequency of LAA in groups C2 and C3 than in group C1. Conclusions: Mechanisms of acute stroke in ICA diseases can be simply assessed from the lesion size and number, which may be useful in considering acute therapeutic strategies.
Monitoring of Drusen and Geographic Atrophy Area Size after Cataract Surgery Using the MD3RI Tool for Computer-Aided Contour Drawing
Authors: Brunner Simon , Mora André , Fonseca José , Weber Tina , Falkner-Radler Christiane I. , Oeser Reinhard , Binder Susanne
Published: December 2012

Background/Aims: To monitor possible changes in the cumulated drusen or geographic atrophy area size (CDGAS) of nonexudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in patients before and after cataract surgery, using a new tool for computer-aided image quantification. Methods: Randomized, prospective, clinical trial. 54 patients with cataract and nonexudative AMD were randomly assigned into an early surgery group (ES = 28) and a control group (CO = 26) with a 6-month delay of surgery. CDGAS was determined with the MD3RI tool for contour drawing in a central region of digitized fundus photographs, measuring 3,000 µm in diameter. To evaluate CDGAS progression, differences in pixels and square millimeters were calculated by equivalent tests. Results: Forty-nine patients completed the visits over the 12-month period (ES = 27 and CO = 22). Mean pixel values increased from 201.5 (11.33 × 10–3 mm2) to 202.7 (11.39 × 10–3 mm2) in the ES group and from 191.6 (10.77 × 10–3 mm2) to 194.6 (10.94 × 10–3 mm2) in the CO group. Finally, equivalence of CDGAS differences between ES and CO could be demonstrated. No exudative AMD was recorded during the study period. Conclusion: In our cohorts, no significant changes were found in CDGAS 12 months after cataract surgery. The MD3RI software could serve as an efficient, precise and objective tool for AMD quantification and monitoring in future trials.
Sea Surface Temperature–Precipitation Relationship in Different Reanalyses
Authors: Kumar Arun , Zhang Li , Wang Wanqiu
Published: December 2012

The focus of this investigation is how the relationship at intraseasonal time scales between sea surface temperature and precipitation (SST–P) varies among different reanalyses. The motivation for this work was spurred by a recent report that documented that the SST–P relationship in Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR) was much closer to that in the observation than it was for the older generation of reanalyses [i.e., NCEP–NCAR reanalysis (R1) and NCEP–Department of Energy (DOE) reanalysis (R2)]. Further, the reason was attributed either to the fact that the CFSR is a partially coupled reanalysis, while R1 and R2 are atmospheric-alone reanalyses, or that R1 and R2 use the observed weekly-averaged SST.

The authors repeated the comparison of the SST–P relationship among R1, R2, and CFSR, as well as two recent generations of atmosphere-alone reanalyses, the Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) and the ECMWF Re-Analysis Interim (ERA-Interim). The results clearly demonstrate that the differences in the SST–P relationship at intraseasonal time scales across different reanalyses are not due to whether the reanalysis system is coupled or atmosphere alone, but are due to the specification of different SSTs. The SST–P relationship in different reanalyses, when computed against a single SST for the benchmark, demonstrates a relationship that is common across all of the reanalyses and observations.
Ensemble Data Assimilation to Characterize Surface-Layer Errors in Numerical Weather Prediction Models
Authors: Hacker J. P. , Angevine W. M.
Published: December 2012

Experiments with the single-column implementation of the Weather Research and Forecasting Model provide a basis for deducing land–atmosphere coupling errors in the model. Coupling occurs both through heat and moisture fluxes through the land–atmosphere interface and roughness sublayer, and turbulent heat, moisture, and momentum fluxes through the atmospheric surface layer. This work primarily addresses the turbulent fluxes, which are parameterized following the Monin–Obukhov similarity theory applied to the atmospheric surface layer. By combining ensemble data assimilation and parameter estimation, the model error can be characterized. Ensemble data assimilation of 2-m temperature and water vapor mixing ratio, and 10-m wind components, forces the model to follow observations during a month-long simulation for a column over the well-instrumented Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Central Facility near Lamont, Oklahoma. One-hour errors in predicted observations are systematically small but nonzero, and the systematic errors measure bias as a function of local time of day. Analysis increments for state elements nearby (15 m AGL) can be too small or have the wrong sign, indicating systematically biased covariances and model error. Experiments using the ensemble filter to objectively estimate a parameter controlling the thermal land–atmosphere coupling show that the parameter adapts to offset the model errors, but that the errors cannot be eliminated. Results suggest either structural errors or further parametric errors that may be difficult to estimate. Experiments omitting atypical observations such as soil and flux measurements lead to qualitatively similar deductions, showing the potential for assimilating common in situ observations as an inexpensive framework for deducing and isolating model errors.
Early Adoption of Climate Information: Lessons Learned from South Florida Water Resource Management
Authors: Bolson Jessica , Broad Kenneth
Published: December 2012

Seasonal climate forecasting skill has improved over the past decades, accompanied by expectations that these forecasts, along with other climate information, will be increasingly used by water managers in certain regions of the United States. Most research efforts focus on why adoption does not occur; however, the important question of why adoption does occur has received little attention. Barriers to the use of climate information by this sector frequently identified include risk aversion, institutional constraints, and low forecast reliability. Relatively fewer researchers have focused on the identification and analysis of cases of adoption of climate information in the water management sector. Relying upon the results from observations and semistructured interviews conducted between 2006 and 2010 in South Florida, this research identifies the characteristics that enabled the early adoption of climate information by the South Florida Water Management District, one of the largest water management organizations in the United States. The findings herein are analyzed in relation to existing theories on technology transfer and innovation diffusion. Lessons from this specific case are situated in the context of the broader U.S. water management landscape. The research finds that the existence of in-house climate expertise, innovative agency culture, social networks linking water and climate science researchers, and serendipitous policy windows were critical factors enabling adoption. Additionally, models and information, including a long-range hydrologic model and a national government–issued seasonal climate forecast were readily available and could be incorporated into preexisting and trusted decision-support tools. Implications for climate services in the U.S. water sector are discussed.
Applied Africana Studies
Authors: Tillotson Michael , McDougal Serie
Published: December 2012

The current intellectual and political climate dictates a need for an empirically driven trajectory for the discipline of African American studies. An African-centered worldview in concert with a theoretical research framework to guide Africana studies scholars’ use of social science research methods is what is presented in this work. In the 21st century, the unique interests of African-descended people are best served by the empirical approach, specifically when legislative bodies and social service providers require data-based solutions to social problems. Applied Africana Studies is a theoretical framework that guides the production of scholarship that is both centered and relevant to the needs and interests of people of African descent. In some quarters, the empirical method is dismissed because of its disproportionate use by non-African researchers and their politically driven agendas against the interests of African people. To address this, the training of African-centered empirical practitioners who hold the terminal degree in African American studies is an absolute imperative to advance African development on African terms in the 21st century.
Mapping ecotheologies: Deliberations on difference
Authors: Eaton Heather
Published: December 2012

How do we understand differences in our approaches, methods and priorities? This reflection explores three areas of differences in the field of ecotheology: topics, methods and the specific concerns and presuppositions of the people involved.
Beyond ecotheology
Authors: Clough David
Published: December 2012

This piece offers an outline argument for moving beyond ecotheology, not because its project was mistaken or the challenges to which it responded have been overcome, but because ecotheology is too important to be left to ecotheologians. Instead, the paper argues that no responsible theological project can afford to neglect the concerns that ecotheology has championed up to this point.