bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D high spectral and spatial resolution imaging of ex vivo mouse brain
Authors: Foxley Sean , Domowicz Miriam , Karczmar Gregory S. , Schwartz Nancy
Published: March 2015

Purpose:

Widely used MRI methods show brain morphology both in vivo and ex vivo at very high resolution. Many of these methods (e.g., T2*‐weighted imaging, phase‐sensitive imaging, or susceptibility‐weighted imaging) are sensitive to local magnetic susceptibility gradients produced by subtle variations in tissue composition. However, the spectral resolution of commonly used methods is limited to maintain reasonable run‐time combined with very high spatial resolution. Here, the authors report on data acquisition at increased spectral resolution, with 3‐dimensional high spectral and spatial resolution MRI, in order to analyze subtle variations in water proton resonance frequency and lineshape that reflect local anatomy. The resulting information compliments previous studies based on T2* and resonance frequency.

Methods:

The proton free induction decay was sampled at high resolution and Fourier transformed to produce a high‐resolution water spectrum for each image voxel in a 3D volume. Data were acquired using a multigradient echo pulse sequence (i.e., echo‐planar spectroscopic imaging) with a spatial resolution of 50 × 50 × 70 μm3 and spectral resolution of 3.5 Hz. Data were analyzed in the spectral domain, and images were produced from the various Fourier components of the water resonance. This allowed precise measurement of local variations in water resonance frequency and lineshape, at the expense of significantly increased run time (16–24 h).

Results:

High contrast T2*‐weighted images were produced from the peak of the water resonance (peak height image), revealing a high degree of anatomical detail, specifically in the hippocampus and cerebellum. In images produced from Fourier components of the water resonance at −7.0 Hz from the peak, the contrast between deep white matter tracts and the surrounding tissue is the reverse of the contrast in water peak height images. This indicates the presence of a shoulder in the water resonance that is not present at +7.0 Hz and may be specific to white matter anatomy. Moreover, a frequency shift of 6.76 ± 0.55 Hz was measured between the molecular and granular layers of the cerebellum. This shift is demonstrated in corresponding spectra; water peaks from voxels in the molecular and granular layers are consistently 2 bins apart (7.0 Hz, as dictated by the spectral resolution) from one another.

Conclusions:

High spectral and spatial resolution MR imaging has the potential to accurately measure the changes in the water resonance in small voxels. This information can guide optimization and interpretation of more commonly used, more rapid imaging methods that depend on image contrast produced by local susceptibility gradients. In addition, with improved sampling methods, high spectral and spatial resolution data could be acquired in reasonable run times, and used for in vivo scans to increase sensitivity to variations in local susceptibility.
Applying Generalizability Theory to Examine the Antecedents of Perceived Coach Support
Authors: Coussens Adam Howard , Rees Tim , Freeman Paul
Published: March 2015

Although social support is integral to the coaching process, there is only a limited understanding of the antecedents of perceived coach support. We applied generalizability theory to examine perceived coach support and its antecedents at perceiver, provider, and relational levels of analysis. Two studies were conducted in which athletes rated the degree to which they identified with a selection of coaches, and the personality, competency, and supportiveness of those coaches. Univariate analyses demonstrated that the relational component accounted for a significant amount of variance in perceived coach support in both studies. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that when athletes perceive specific coaches to be highly agreeable, competent, and individuals with whom they share a common identity, they also perceive these same coaches to be particularly supportive in comparison with other coaches.
The Use of Patterns to Disguise Environmental Cues During an Anticipatory Judgment Task
Authors: Causer Joe , Williams A. Mark
Published: March 2015

A number of novel manipulations to the design of playing uniforms were used to try to disguise the actions of penalty takers in soccer. Skilled and less-skilled soccer goalkeepers were required to anticipate penalty kick outcome while their opponent wore one of three different uniform designs that were intended to disguise the availability of potentially key information from the hip region. Variations of shapes/patterns were designed to conceal the actual alignment of the hips. Three occlusion points were used in the test film: −160 ms, −80 ms before, and at foot–ball contact. Skilled individuals reported higher accuracy scores than their less-skilled counterparts (p < .05). There were no performance decrements for the less-skilled group across the different uniform conditions (p > .05); however, the skilled group decreased their accuracy on the experimental conditions compared with the control (p < .05). Findings highlight the potential benefits of designing playing uniforms that facilitate disguise in sport.
Habit Strength Moderates the Effects of Daily Action Planning Prompts on Physical Activity but Not Sedentary Behavior
Authors: Maher Jaclyn P. , Conroy David E.
Published: March 2015

This study was designed to examine the moderating influence of habit strength on daily action planning effects on physical activity and sedentary behavior. A 2 by 2 design was used with experimental factors corresponding to action planning interventions for (a) engaging in physical activity and (b) limiting or interrupting sedentary behavior. At the end of each day for 1 week, university students (n = 195) completed (a) a questionnaire about their behavior during the day and behavioral intentions for the following day and (b) a planning intervention(s) corresponding to their randomly assigned experimental condition. Action planning increased physical activity in those with weak habits but decreased physical activity in those with strong habits compared with those who did not create action plans. Action planning did not impact sedentary behavior. Action planning was a useful behavior change technique for increasing physical activity in people with weak habits, but may be iatrogenic for those with strong habits.
Membrane alternatives in worlds without oxygen: Creation of an azotosome
Authors: Stevenson James , Lunine Jonathan , Clancy Paulette
Published: March 2015

Calculations show that these molecules form membrane-like structures at low temperatures in a liquid methane environment.
Distinct plasma immune signatures in ME/CFS are present early in the course of illness
Authors: Hornig Mady , Montoya José G. , Klimas Nancy G. , Levine Susan , Felsenstein Donna , Bateman Lucinda , Peterson Daniel L. , Gottschalk C. Gunnar , Schultz Andrew F. , Che Xiaoyu , Eddy Meredith L. , Komaroff Anthony L. , Lipkin W. Ian
Published: March 2015

Cytokine alterations are more strongly correlated with illness duration than with measures of illness severity.
N-doped carbon nanomaterials are durable catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction in acidic fuel cells
Authors: Shui Jianglan , Wang Min , Du Feng , Dai Liming
Published: March 2015

Carbon-based, metal-free catalysts showed excellent activity, durability and potential to replace Pt in acidic fuel cells.
An unusual case of refractory wheeze
Authors: Ramesh Venkat , Acharya Vishak , Pai Narasimha , Krishnan Ananda
Published: March 2015

A 37-year-old man presented with a history of episodic wheeze and breathlessness of 3 years’ duration refractory to treatment. Physical examination revealed diffuse expiratory polyphonic rhonchi while the remainder of the examination including the cardiac examination was reported as normal. Pulmonary function testing revealed mild obstruction with bronchodilator reversibility. The patient was discharged on a 6-month course of antitubercular treatment (ATT) as bronchial brush cytology (obtained via bronchoscopy) was positive for acid-fast bacilli. The patient presented after completing 6 months of ATT with persistent symptoms, a loud S1 and a mid-diastolic murmur at the apex. High-resolution CT of the chest showed bilateral dependent ground glass opacities. An echocardiogram revealed a left atrial myxoma, and normal RV size and pressures. The patient underwent successful surgical removal of the same, and made a complete recovery. Refractory wheeze is a very unusual presentation of a left atrial myxoma.
Rituximab-induced Takotsubo syndrome: more cardiotoxic than it appears?
Authors: Ng Kien Hoe , Dearden Claire , Gruber Pascale
Published: March 2015

Rituximab is used for treatment of multiple haematological cancers. Caution for use is advised in patients with significant cardiorespiratory disease due to known cases of exacerbations of angina and arrhythmias. However, its cardiotoxicity profile is not as well recognised as other monoclonal antibodies such as transtuzumab. We report a case of a 66-year-old man who developed Takotsubo's cardiomyopathy (TC) after an elective infusion of rituximab. This case is exceptional in that rituximab has not been linked to TC, and the vast majority of chemotherapy-linked and immunotherapy-linked TC reactions have occurred during initial infusions. We also discuss the different mechanisms which link TC to immunotherapy and chemotherapy, and propose that there may be a potential for risk-stratifying recipients of this frequently used immunotherapy prior to administering treatment.
Acute suppurative parotitis caused byStreptococcus pneumoniaein an HIV-infected man
Authors: Guzman Vinasco Luis , Bares Sara , Sandkovsky Uriel
Published: March 2015

We report a case of a 32-year-old man who presented with progressive unilateral parotid gland enlargement and subsequently tested positive for HIV. A CT scan of the neck performed with contrast showed a phlegmon in the region of the right parotid tail measuring approximately 2.5×2.4 cm. Cultures of the aspirated fluid grewStreptococcus pneumoniaeand theS. pneumoniaeurinary antigen test was also positive. The patient underwent surgical debridement and received antimicrobial therapy with complete resolution of the parotitis. Parotitis caused byS. pneumoniaeis rare, and HIV infection should be suspected in any case of invasive pneumococcal disease.
Fuel load, structure, and potential fire behaviour in black spruce bogs
Authors: Johnston D.C. , Turetsky M.R. , Benscoter B.W. , Wotton B.M.
Published: March 2015

Boreal peatlands in Canada comprise a substantial store of soil organic carbon (peat), and this peat is vulnerable to extensive burning during periods of extended drying. Increased frequency of extreme weather events in boreal regions is expected with future climate change, and the conditions that would support sustained smouldering peat combustion within peatlands may be more common. Organic soils tend to burn by smouldering combustion, a very slow-moving process in fuels such as those found in peatlands. Thus the most extreme conditions for carbon loss to the atmosphere due to the burning of peat likely occur when widespread propagation of flaming combustion leads to widespread initiation of smouldering. To investigate the potential for large-scale, high-intensity fire spread across forested bogs, we examined the fuel conditions in forested bogs necessary to support active crown fire. We measured surface and canopy fine fuels (those available to contribute to the propagating energy flux of the main flaming front) across a postfire chronosequence of forested boreal bog from central Alberta, Canada. We found that fuel load of fine surface material remained relatively constant across the chronosequence and at levels large enough to support crown fire initiation. Black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) regeneration begins to fill in the crown space with increasing time since disturbance and achieves crown bulk densities similar to black spruce upland forests. We estimated that after about 80 years, the black spruce canopy has developed enough available fuel to support active crown fire on between 10% to 40% of days in a typical fire season in central Alberta, Canada. Broad-scale propagation of high-intensity fire across a peatland when coincident with drought-induced lower moisture in deep peatland layers has the potential to lead to a substantial release of stored terrestrial carbon.
An effective and biocompatible antibiofilm coating for central venous catheter
Authors: Silva Paes Leme Annelisa Farah , Ferreira Aline Siqueira , Alves Fernanda Aparecida Oliveira , de Azevedo Bruna Martinho , de Bretas Liza Porcaro , Farias Rogerio Estevam , Oliveira Murilo Gomes , Raposo Nádia Rezende Barbosa
Published: March 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro and in vivo efficacy and the tissue reaction of an antibiofilm coating composed of xylitol, triclosan, and polyhexamethylene biguanide. The antimicrobial activity was analyzed by a turbidimetric method. Scanning electron microscopy was used to evaluate the antiadherent property of central venous catheter (CVC) fragments impregnated with an antibiofilm coating (I-CVC) in comparison with noncoated CVC (NC-CVC) fragments. Two in vivo assays using subcutaneous implantation of NC-CVC and I-CVC fragments in the dorsal area of rats were performed. The first assay comprised hematological and microbiological analysis. The second assay evaluated tissue response by examining the inflammatory reactions after 7 and 21 days. The formulation displayed antimicrobial activity against all tested strains. A biofilm disaggregation with significant reduction of microorganism’s adherence in I-CVC fragments was observed. In vivo antiadherence results demonstrated a reduction of early biofilm formation of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, mainly in an external surface of the I-CVC, in comparison with the NC-CVC. All animals displayed negative hemoculture. No significant tissue reaction was observed, indicating that the antibiofilm formulation could be considered biocompatible. The use of I-CVC could decrease the probability of development of localized or systemic infections.
How high is high? Using percentile thresholds to identify peak bat activity
Authors: Adams Amanda M. , McGuire Liam P. , Hooton Lauren A. , Fenton M. Brock
Published: March 2015

Passive acoustic monitoring is a common tool used for monitoring bat activity levels. Identifying periods and locations of peak levels provides insight into bat ecology and has important management implications. One limitation of passive acoustic monitoring is the relative nature of the data, often relying on subjective interpretation of descriptive terminology such as “higher” or “lower”. We propose the use of percentile thresholds (PTs) for objectively identifying peak activity. By compiling a reference data set, it is possible to define percentiles of the observed activity levels and these percentiles can provide objective thresholds for comparing activity levels. We used acoustic recordings from sites in Canada and calculated PTs based on the distribution of the number of calls per hour across all nights and sites for three species of bat. Given species ecologies (e.g., hibernating, migrating), we were able to use PTs to objectively identify peak activity levels on a species-specific basis. Percentile thresholds are also a replicable method of describing within-night activity by evaluating species-specific activity patterns and important times of night. Our analyses and examples represent a proof of concept. The next step is to move towards a standardized distribution to generate PTs. Creating a public repository of acoustic data sets to evaluate activity of a species in the context of its entire range would allow us to standardize terms such as “high” activity in an objective manner.
Born to be wild? Response of an urban exploiter to human-modified environment and fluctuating weather conditions
Authors: Turgeon Geneviève , Vander Wal Eric , Massé Ariane , Pelletier Fanie
Published: March 2015

Human-driven environmental changes affect behavior, morphology, life history, and population dynamics of wild species. Artificial food sources in anthropogenic environments benefit some species and may lead to faster somatic growth and larger body size, which affects survival and reproduction, thus contributing to a species’ success in modified environments. Using raccoons (Procyon lotor (L., 1758)) as a model, we documented age-specific body-mass pattern and evaluated the influence of human activities (human density, area with artificial food sources, edges of forested area bordering corn (Zea mays L.) fields) and weather (index of winter severity and mean annual precipitation) on body-mass variation at multiple spatial scales. The effect of human-driven changes on raccoon mass varied with age, sex, and spatial scale, suggesting that anthropogenic changes affect raccoons differentially according to gender and life stages. Human activity had consistently opposing effects between the sexes. Weather covariates represented >50% of the total variance in body mass explained by our models. Previous winter severity and mean annual precipitation affected body mass negatively and positively, respectively. Our results emphasize the importance of multiscale, sex- and age-specific analyses when studying influences of human activity on wildlife.
Analysis and Design Procedure of a Novel Low Power Highly Linear Operational Transconductance Amplifier
Authors: Rezaei Farzan , Azhari Seyed Javad
Published: March 2015

In this paper, a new highly linear operational transconductance amplifier (OTA) is presented. Proposed OTA employs two linearization techniques of cross-coupled double differential pairs and resistive source degeneration to achieve highly linear response under low power consumption. Considering the linearity and the frequency response issues as main parameters of OTA in the communication circuits, design procedure is theoretically formulated for the best linearity and optimum frequency compensation. Proposed OTA is simulated in 0.18-μm TSMC CMOS technology by Hspice simulator. While, the power consumption is only 467 μW, applying two-tone input voltage with amplitude of 0.6 Vp-p at 10 MHz frequency results in -61 dB third-order intermodulation (IM3) distortion of the output current that still remains below -44 dB for amplitudes up to 1 Vp-p. A precise frequency response analysis is performed which has resulted in optimum values of resistor and capacitor for miller compensation. Using common mode feedback in both stages and push-pull based output stage lead to 108 dB CMRR at DC that decreases to 84.5 dB at 100 kHz frequency.
Polymer quantum effects on compact stars models
Authors: Chacón-Acosta Guillermo , Hernandez-Hernandez Héctor H.
Published: March 2015

In this work we study a completely degenerate Fermi gas at zero temperature by a semiclassical approximation for a Hamiltonian that arises in polymer quantum mechanics. Polymer quantum systems are quantum mechanical models quantized in a similar way as in loop quantum gravity, allowing the study of the discreteness of space and other features of the loop quantization in a simplified way. We obtain the polymer modified thermodynamical properties for this system by noticing that the corresponding Fermi energy is exactly the same as if one directly polymerizes the momentum pF. We also obtain the expansion of the corresponding thermodynamical variables in terms of small values of the polymer length scale λ. We apply these results to study a simple model of a compact one-dimensional star where the gravitational collapse is supported by electron degeneracy pressure. As a consequence, polymer corrections to the mass of the object are found. By using bounds for the polymer length found in Bose–Einstein condensates experiments we compute the modification in the mass of the compact object due to polymer effects of order ~ 10-8. This result is similar to the other order found by different approaches such as generalized uncertainty principle (GUP), and that certainly is within the error reported in typical measurements of white dwarf masses.
Evaluation of the β+ decay log ft value with inclusion of the neutron–proton pairing and particle number conservation
Authors: Kerrouchi S. , Allal N. H. , Fellah M. , Oudih M. R.
Published: March 2015

The particle number fluctuation effects, which are inherent to the Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer (BCS) theory, on the beta decay log ft values are studied in the isovector case. Expressions of the transition probabilities, of Fermi as well as Gamow–Teller types, which strictly conserve the particle number are established using a projection method. The probabilities are calculated for some transitions of isobars such as N ≃ Z. The obtained results are compared to values obtained before the projection. The nuclear deformation effect on the log ft values is also studied.
Effect of Powdered Shells of the SnailMegalobulimus lopesion Secondary-Intention Wound Healing in an Animal Model
Authors: Andrade Paulo Henrique Muleta , Schmidt Rondon Eric , Carollo Carlos Alexandre , Rodrigues Macedo Maria Lígia , Viana Luiz Henrique , Schiaveto de Souza Albert , Turatti Oliveira Carolina , Cepa Matos Maria de Fatima
Published: March 2015

Topical administration of powdered shells of the land snailMegalobulimus lopesiwas evaluated in Wistar rats for their healing activity in an excision wound model. The animals were distributed into three groups—G1 (control): no therapeutic intervention; G2 (vehicle controls): Lanette cream once daily; G3 (experimental animals): treated with powdered shells. Variables investigated were: wound area contraction, angiogenic activity, morphometric data, leukocytic inflammatory infiltrate, and total leukocyte count in peripheral blood. Thermogravimetric analysis and quantification and characterization of powdered shell proteins were also performed. Wound area on days 3, 7, and 14 was smaller in G3, besides presenting wound closure on day 21 for all these animals. Topical administration of the powdered shells also led to an increased number of vessels at the wound site, higher leukocyte counts in peripheral blood, and increased leukocytic inflammatory infiltrate. The results lend support to the southern Brazilian folk use ofM. lopesipowdered shells, as shown by the enhanced secondary-intention healing achieved with their topical administration to wounds in rats. Topical administration caused inflammatory response modulation, crucial to accelerating the healing process, the chronification of which increases the risks of wound contamination by opportunistic pathogens.
The Synergistic Beneficial Effects of Ginkgo Flavonoid andCoriolus versicolorPolysaccharide for Memory Improvements in a Mouse Model of Dementia
Authors: Fang Xianying , Jiang Yan , Ji Hui , Zhao Linguo , Xiao Wei , Wang Zhenzhong , Ding Gang
Published: March 2015

This study reports the combination of Ginkgo flavonoid (GF) andCoriolus versicolorpolysaccharide (CVP) in the prevention and treatment of a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). GF is a traditional health product, and CVP is the main active ingredient of the medicinal fungusCoriolus versicolor. The Morris water maze test, the Y maze, and the step-through test showed that the combinational use of CVP and GF synergistically improved memory in a mouse model of AD. Based on H&E staining analysis, the combination of CVP and GF decreased the severity of the pathological findings in the brain. Given that the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-αwas downregulated, the inflammation response in AD mice was considered to be inhibited. The downregulation of GFAP further demonstrated that inflammation was reduced in the brain of AD mice following treatment. Moreover, the expression levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were elevated in the brains of treated mice, indicating that oxidation levels were reduced upon the combination treatment. Our results provide new insights into the efficient utilization of traditional medicine for preventing dementia.
Experimental Studies on Finite Element Model Updating for a Heated Beam-Like Structure
Authors: Sun Kaipeng , Zhao Yonghui , Hu Haiyan
Published: March 2015

An experimental study was made for the identification procedure of time-varying modal parameters and the finite element model updating technique of a beam-like thermal structure in both steady and unsteady high temperature environments. An improved time-varying autoregressive method was proposed first to extract the instantaneous natural frequencies of the structure in the unsteady high temperature environment. Based on the identified modal parameters, then, a finite element model for the structure was updated by using Kriging meta-model and optimization-based finite-element model updating method. The temperature-dependent parameters to be updated were expressed as low-order polynomials of temperature increase, and the finite element model updating problem was solved by updating several coefficients of the polynomials. The experimental results demonstrated the effectiveness of the time-varying modal parameter identification method and showed that the instantaneous natural frequencies of the updated model well tracked the trends of the measured values with high accuracy.
Protective Effects of N‐Acetylcysteine in Concanavalin A‐Induced Hepatitis in Mice
Authors: Wang Chengfen , Xia Yujing , Zheng Yuanyuan , Dai Weiqi , Wang Fan , Chen Kan , Li Jingjing , Li Sainan , Zhu Rong , Yang Jing , Yin Qin , Zhang Huawei , Wang Junshan , Lu Jie , Zhou Yingqun , Guo Chuanyong
Published: March 2015

This study was designed to study the protective effects and mechanisms of N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) in concanavalin A‐induced hepatitis in mice. In this study, pretreatment with NAC ameliorated the histopathological changes and suppressed inflammatory cytokines in ConA‐induced hepatitis. The expression of IL‐2, IL‐6, TNF‐α, and IFN‐γ was significantly reduced in the NAC‐treated groups. NAC activated PI3K/Akt pathway and inhibited the activation of NF‐κB. Additionally, NAC reduced autophagosome formation, as assessed by detecting the expression of LC3 and Beclin 1. Our results demonstrate that NAC can alleviate ConA‐induced hepatitis by regulating the PI3K/Akt pathway and reducing the late stages of autophagy. Our results described a new pharmaceutical to provide more effective therapies for immune hepatitis.
Analytical Solution of a Nonlinear Index-Three DAEs System Modelling a Slider-Crank Mechanism
Authors: Benhammouda Brahim , Vazquez-Leal Hector
Published: March 2015

The slider-crank mechanism (SCM) is one of the most important mechanisms in modern technology. It appears in most combustion engines including those of automobiles, trucks, and other small engines. The SCM model considered here is an index-three nonlinear system of differential-algebraic equations (DAEs), and therefore difficult to integrate numerically. In this work, we present the application of the differential transform method (DTM) to obtain an approximate analytical solution of the SCM model in convergent series form. In addition, we propose a posttreatment of the power series solution with the Padé resummation method to extend the domain of convergence of the approximate series solution. The main advantage of the proposed technique is that it does not require an index reduction and does not generate secular terms or depend on a perturbation parameter.
Robust Nonfragile Controllers Design for Fractional Order Large-Scale Uncertain Systems with a Commensurate Order1<α<2
Authors: Lin Jianyu
Published: March 2015

The paper concerns the problem of stabilization of large-scale fractional order uncertain systems with a commensurate order1<α<2under controller gain uncertainties. The uncertainties are of norm-bounded type. Based on the stability criterion of fractional order system, sufficient conditions on the decentralized stabilization of fractional order large-scale uncertain systems in both cases of additive and multiplicative gain perturbations are established by using the complex Lyapunov inequality. Moreover, the decentralized nonfragile controllers are designed. Finally, some numerical examples are given to validate the proposed method.
Disseminated Nocardiosis: A Successful Blind Strategy of Treatment in an HIV Infected Patient
Authors: Guerra Ana C. , Batista Dário , Aleixo Maria J. , Saraiva Paulo , Aguas Maria J.
Published: March 2015

Background.Nocardiosis is a rare disease that mainly affects severely immunocompromised patients. Symptoms are nonspecific and microbiological isolation is difficult, hiding the diagnosis. Treatment should be guided by species and susceptibility testing.Findings.We report a clinical case of a disseminated nocardiosis in a patient with HIV and HVB infections.Interpretation.Diagnosis should be presumed early and microbiological conditions should be optimized, in order to identify the species and achieve antibiotic susceptibility testing. This is a very important step to choose an effective therapeutic regimen or alternative options.
Hyers-Ulam Stability of a System of First Order Linear Recurrences with Constant Coefficients
Authors: Xu Bing , Brzdęk Janusz
Published: March 2015

We study the Hyers-Ulam stability in a Banach spaceXof the system of first order linear difference equations of the formxn+1=Axn+dnforn∈N0(nonnegative integers), whereAis a givenr×rmatrix with real or complex coefficients, respectively, and(dn)n∈N0is a fixed sequence inXr. That is, we investigate the sequences(yn)n∈N0inXrsuch thatδ∶=supn∈N0yn+1-Ayn-dn<∞(with the maximum norm inXr) and show that, in the case where all the eigenvalues ofAare not of modulus 1, there is a positive real constantc(dependent only onA) such that, for each such a sequence(yn)n∈N0, there is a solution(xn)n∈N0of the system withsupn∈N0yn-xn≤cδ.
Fusing Two Kinds of Virtual Samples for Small Sample Face Recognition
Authors: Qiu Minna , Zhang Jian , Yang Jiayan , Ye Liying
Published: March 2015

Face recognition has become a very active field of biometrics. Different pictures of the same face might include various changes of expressions, poses, and illumination. However, a face recognition system usually suffers from the problem that nonsufficient training samples cannot convey these possible changes effectively. The main reason is that a system has only limited storage space and limited time to capture training samples. Many previous literatures ignored the problem of nonsufficient training samples. In this paper, we overcome the insufficiency of training sample size problem by fusing two kinds of virtual samples and the original samples to perform small sample face recognition. The two used kinds of virtual samples are mirror faces and symmetrical faces. Firstly, we transform the original face image to obtain mirror faces and symmetrical faces. Secondly, we fuse these two kinds of virtual samples to achieve the matching scores between the test sample and each class. Finally, we integrate the matching scores to get the final classification results. We compare the proposed method with the single virtual sample augment methods and the original representation-based classification. The experiments on various face databases show that the proposed scheme achieves the best accuracy among the representation-based classification methods.
Predictors of Mortality for Nursing Home-Acquired Pneumonia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Dhawan Naveen , Pandya Naushira , Khalili Michael , Bautista Manuel , Duggal Anurag , Bahl Jaya , Gupta Vineet
Published: March 2015

Background. Current risk stratification tools, primarily used for CAP, are suboptimal in predicting nursing home acquired pneumonia (NHAP) outcome and mortality. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate current evidence on the usefulness of proposed predictors of NHAP mortality.Methods. PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE, and CINAHL databases were searched for articles published in English between January 1978 and January 2014. The literature search elicited a total of 666 references; 580 were excluded and 20 articles met the inclusion criteria for the final analysis.Results. More studies supported the Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI) as a superior predictor of NHAP severity. Fewer studies suggested CURB-65 and SOAR (especially for the need of ICU care) as useful predictors for NHAP mortality. There is weak evidence for biomarkers like C-reactive protein and copeptin as prognostic tools.Conclusion. The evidence supports the use of PSI as the best available indicator while CURB-65 may be an alternative prognostic indicator for NHAP mortality. Overall, due to the paucity of information, biomarkers may not be as effective in this role. Larger prospective studies are needed to establish the most effective predictor(s) or combination scheme to help clinicians in decision-making related to NHAP mortality.
A Review of Indirect Bridge Monitoring Using Passing Vehicles
Authors: Malekjafarian Abdollah , McGetrick Patrick J. , OBrien Eugene J.
Published: March 2015

Indirect bridge monitoring methods, using the responses measured from vehicles passing over bridges, are under development for about a decade. A major advantage of these methods is that they use sensors mounted on the vehicle, no sensors or data acquisition system needs to be installed on the bridge. Most of the proposed methods are based on the identification of dynamic characteristics of the bridge from responses measured on the vehicle, such as natural frequency, mode shapes, and damping. In addition, some of the methods seek to directly detect bridge damage based on the interaction between the vehicle and bridge. This paper presents a critical review of indirect methods for bridge monitoring and provides discussion and recommendations on the challenges to be overcome for successful implementation in practice.
Quantitative Determination of Lercanidipine Enantiomers in Commercial Formulations by Capillary Electrophoresis
Authors: Lourenço Luciana Pereira , Aguiar Fernando Armani , de Oliveira Anderson Rodrigo Moraes , de Gaitani Cristiane Masetto
Published: March 2015

An enantioselective method based on capillary electrophoresis (CE) using cyclodextrin (CD) as chiral selector was developed and validated for determination of lercanidipine (LER) enantiomers, a drug calcium channel blocker which exerts antihypertensive effects of long duration, in a pharmaceutical formulation. Optimum separation of LER enantiomers was obtained on a 50 cm × 50 μm id capillary using a sodium acetate buffer solution 200 mmol/L pH 4.0 containing 10 mmol/L of 2,3,6-o-methyl-β-cyclodextrin (TM-β-CD) as background electrolyte. The capillary temperature and voltage were 15°C and 25 kV, respectively, hydrodynamic injection and detection at 237 nm. Linearity was obtained in the range 12.5–100 μg/mL for both enantiomers (r≥0.995). The RSD (%) and relative errors (E, %) obtained in precision and accuracy studies (intraday and interday) were lower than 5%. After validation, the method was applied to quantify the enantiomers of LER in commercial tablets and the results were satisfactory in terms of accuracy and precision, both less than 5%. Therefore, this method was found to be appropriate for enantioselective quality control of LER enantiomers in pharmaceutical formulations.
Time-Delay LPV System Control and Its Application in Chatter Suppression of the Milling Process
Authors: Wang Dazhong , Wu Shujing , Wan Lei
Published: March 2015

This paper proposed a methodology for the control of model following control system (MFCS) approach to time-delay linear parameter-varying (LPV) system. The method incorporates a state control law which makes the output error zero, the bounded property of the internal states for the control is given, and the utility of this control design is guaranteed. Numerical example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness and less conservativeness of the proposed methods. The proposed control methodology is demonstrated on chatter suppression in the milling process.
Pharmacogenomics and Herb-Drug Interactions: Merge of Future and Tradition
Authors: Liu Mou-Ze , Zhang Yue-Li , Zeng Mei-Zi , He Fa-Zhong , Luo Zhi-Ying , Luo Jian-Quan , Wen Jia-Gen , Chen Xiao-Ping , Zhou Hong-Hao , Zhang Wei
Published: March 2015

The worldwide using of herb products and the increasing potential herb-drug interaction issue has raised enthusiasm on discovering the underlying mechanisms. Previous review indicated that the interactions may be mediated by metabolism enzymes and transporters in pharmacokinetic pathways. On the other hand, an increasing number of studies found that genetic variations showed some influence on herb-drug interaction effects whereas these genetic factors did not draw much attention in history. We highlight that pharmacogenomics may involve the pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic pathways to affect herb-drug interaction. We are here to make an updated review focused on some common herb-drug interactions in association with genetic variations, with the aim to help safe use of herbal medicines in different individuals in the clinic.
Acute Spontaneous Coronary Artery Thrombosis as Initial Presentation of HIV Infection in a Young Man
Authors: Kayima James , Nyakoojo Wilson , Nakanjako Damalie , Costa Marco A. , Longenecker Christopher T. , Simon Daniel I.
Published: March 2015

Introduction. The presentation of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in young HIV patients may be atypical with different pathophysiological and clinical features. Acute coronary thrombosis, as a presentation of acute coronary syndrome in young patients with HIV, raises diagnostic and treatment challenges.Case Presentation. We describe a case of a 33-year-old African man, without traditional atherosclerotic risk factors, who presented with chest pain of acute onset. Emergent coronary angiography revealed extensive thrombus in the left anterior descending coronary artery with no evidence of atherosclerosis in this or other coronary vessels. Plaque and/or thrombus prolapse through the stent was noted following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Resolution of chest pain and improvement in ST-segment elevation was noted after the procedure. A diagnosis of HIV infection was made during the workup for HIV infection.Conclusion. In young patients without traditional risk factors, HIV infection is a possible etiological factor for spontaneous coronary artery thrombosis. Percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with this presentation may be compounded with atherothrombotic complications. The likely pathophysiological pathway is superficial endothelial cell denudation as a result of chronic inflammation and immune activation.
Serum Levels of Anticyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibodies, Interleukin-6, Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, and C-Reactive Protein Are Associated with Increased Carotid Intima-Media Thickness: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of a Cohort of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients without Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Authors: Vázquez-Del Mercado Mónica , Nuñez-Atahualpa Lourdes , Figueroa-Sánchez Mauricio , Gómez-Bañuelos Eduardo , Rocha-Muñoz Alberto Daniel , Martín-Márquez Beatriz Teresita , Corona-Sanchez Esther Guadalupe , Martínez-García Erika Aurora , Macias-Reyes Héctor , Gonzalez-Lopez Laura , Gamez-Nava Jorge Ivan , Navarro-Hernandez Rosa Elena , Nuñez-Atahualpa María Alejandra , Andrade-Garduño Javier
Published: March 2015

The main cause of death in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is cardiovascular events. We evaluated the relationship of anticyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibody levels with increased carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) in RA patients.Methods. Forty-five anti-CCP positive and 37 anti-CCP negative RA patients, and 62 healthy controls (HC) were studied. All groups were assessed for atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and cIMT. Anti-CCP, C-reactive protein (CRP), and levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results. The anti-CCP positive RA patients showed increased cIMT compared to HC and anti-CCP negative (P<0.001). Anti-CCP positive versus anti-CCP negative RA patients, had increased AIP, TNFαand IL-6 (P<0.01), and lower levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) (P=0.02). The cIMT correlated with levels of anti-CCP (r=0.513,P=0.001), CRP (r=0.799,P<0.001), TNFα(r=0.642,P=0.001), and IL-6 (r=0.751,P<0.001). In multiple regression analysis, cIMT was associated with CRP (P<0.001) and anti-CCP levels (P=0.03).Conclusions. Levels of anti-CCP and CRP are associated with increased cIMT and cardiovascular risk supporting a clinical role of the measurement of cIMT in RA in predicting and preventing cardiovascular events.
Cellular Neural Network-Based Methods for Distributed Network Intrusion Detection
Authors: Xie Kang , Yang Yixian , Xin Yang , Xia Guangsheng
Published: March 2015

According to the problems of current distributed architecture intrusion detection systems (DIDS), a new online distributed intrusion detection model based on cellular neural network (CNN) was proposed, in which discrete-time CNN (DTCNN) was used as weak classifier in each local node and state-controlled CNN (SCCNN) was used as global detection method, respectively. We further proposed a new method for design template parameters of SCCNN via solving Linear Matrix Inequality. Experimental results based on KDD CUP 99 dataset show its feasibility and effectiveness. Emerging evidence has indicated that this new approach is affordable to parallelism and analog very large scale integration (VLSI) implementation which allows the distributed intrusion detection to be performed better.
Approximate Solutions of Delay Differential Equations with Constant and Variable Coefficients by the Enhanced Multistage Homotopy Perturbation Method
Authors: Olvera D. , Elías-Zúñiga A. , López de Lacalle L. N. , Rodríguez C. A.
Published: March 2015

We expand the application of the enhanced multistage homotopy perturbation method (EMHPM) to solve delay differential equations (DDEs) with constant and variable coefficients. This EMHPM is based on a sequence of subintervals that provide approximate solutions that require less CPU time than those computed from the dde23 MATLAB numerical integration algorithm solutions. To address the accuracy of our proposed approach, we examine the solutions of several DDEs having constant and variable coefficients, finding predictions with a good match relative to the corresponding numerical integration solutions.
Asymptotic Behavior of Positive Solutions of a Competitive System Subject to Environmental Noise
Authors: Xiang Huili , Fang Zhuang , Li Zuxiong , Liu Zhijun
Published: March 2015

A competitive system subject to environmental noise is established. By using the theory of stochastic differential equations and Lyapunov function, sufficient conditions for the existence, uniqueness, stochastic boundedness, and global attraction of the positive solution of the above system are established, respectively. An example together with its corresponding numerical simulations is presented to confirm our analytical results.
Methods for Fault Diagnosability Analysis of a Class of Affine Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Peng Xiafu , Lin Lixiong , Zhong Xunyu , Liu Chengrui
Published: March 2015

The fault diagnosability analysis for a given model, before developing a diagnosis algorithm, can be used to answer questions like “can the faultfibe detected by observed states?” and “can it separate faultfifrom faultfjby observed states?” If not, we should redesign the sensor placement. This paper deals with the problem of the evaluation of detectability and separability for the diagnosability analysis of affine nonlinear system. First, we used differential geometry theory to analyze the nonlinear system and proposed new detectability criterion and separability criterion. Second, the related matrix between the faults and outputs of the system and the fault separable matrix are designed for quantitative fault diagnosability calculation and fault separability calculation, respectively. Finally, we illustrate our approach to exemplify how to analyze diagnosability by a certain nonlinear system example, and the experiment results indicate the effectiveness of the fault evaluation methods.
Adaptive Observer-Based Fault-Tolerant Control Design for Uncertain Systems
Authors: Qian Huaming , Peng Yu , Cui Mei
Published: March 2015

This study focuses on the design of the robust fault-tolerant control (FTC) system based on adaptive observer for uncertain linear time invariant (LTI) systems. In order to improve robustness, rapidity, and accuracy of traditional fault estimation algorithm, an adaptive fault estimation algorithm (AFEA) using an augmented observer is presented. By utilizing a new fault estimator model, an improved AFEA based on linear matrix inequality (LMI) technique is proposed to increase the performance. Furthermore, an observer-based state feedback fault-tolerant control strategy is designed, which guarantees the stability and performance of the faulty system. Moreover, the adaptive observer and the fault-tolerant controller are designed separately, whose performance can be considered, respectively. Finally, simulation results of an aircraft application are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed design methods.
State Estimation for Discrete-Time Takagi-Sugeno Fuzzy Systems with Time-Varying Delays
Authors: Lei Ting , Song Qiankun , Liu Yurong
Published: March 2015

The state estimation problem is investigated for discrete-time Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy systems with time-varying delays. By constructing appropriate Lyapunov-Krasovskii functionals and employing matrix inequality technique, a delay-dependent linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) criterion is developed to estimate the systems state with some observed output measurements such that the error-state system is globally asymptotically stable. An example with simulations is given to show the effectiveness of the proposed criterion.
Use of a Robotic Device for the Rehabilitation of Severe Upper Limb Paresis in Subacute Stroke: Exploration of Patient/Robot Interactions and the Motor Recovery Process
Authors: Duret Christophe , Courtial Ophélie , Grosmaire Anne-Gaëlle , Hutin Emilie
Published: March 2015

This pioneering observational study explored the interaction between subacute stroke inpatients and a rehabilitation robot during upper limb training. 25 stroke survivors (age55±17years; time since stroke,52±21days) with severe upper limb paresis carried out 16 sessions of robot-assisted shoulder/elbow training (InMotion 2.0, IMT, Inc., MA, USA) combined with standard therapy. The values of 3 patient/robot interaction parameters (a guidance parameter: Stiffness, a velocity-related parameter: Slottime, and Robotic Power) were compared between sessions 1 (S1), 4 (S4), 8 (S8), 12 (S12), and 16 (S16). Pre/post Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) scores were compared in 18 patients. Correlations between interaction parameters and clinical and kinematic outcome measures were evaluated. Slottime decreased at S8(P=0.003), while Guidance decreased at S12(P=0.008). Robotic Power tended to decrease until S16. FMA scores improved from S1 to S16 (+49%,P=0.002). Changes in FMA score were correlated with the Stiffness parameter (R=0.4,P=0.003). Slottime was correlated with movement velocity. This novel approach demonstrated that a robotic device is a useful and reliable tool for the quantification of interaction parameters. Moreover, changes in these parameters were correlated with clinical and kinematic changes. These results suggested that robot-based recordings can provide new insights into the motor recovery process.