bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heater AC Voltage Induced Flying Height Modulations
Authors: Hua Wei , Ng Kang Kee , Yu Shengkai , Zhou Weidong , Sett Myo Kyaw
Published: October 2013

For a thermal flying-height control (TFC) slider, its heater is usually provided with DC voltage. However, recently, both DC and AC voltages may be supplied to the heater. Unlike supplying AC voltage to the slider and disk in the past, the AC voltage to the heater will not only produce a thermal protrusion on the slider, but also leaves a part of the AC voltage on the slider/disk interface. The voltage acts as the electrostatic force and can be used for further control of the slider, even in the drive level. Simulations show that the flying height modulation is highly related to the AC frequency. By sweeping the AC frequencies while monitoring the flying height and pitch angle modulations, the first and second pitch modes of air bearing frequencies can be experimentally obtained without slider/disk contact. The roll mode frequency is also obtainable when the skew angle is not zero. The simulation results agree well with the experimental results obtained by a laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV). Therefore, the sweeping AC frequency method provides a practical scheme to obtain the air bearing frequencies without any slider/disk contact, even in the drive level.
BMS-986001, an HIV Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor, Does Not Degrade Mitochondrial DNA in Long-Term Primary Cultures of Cells Isolated from Human Kidney, Muscle, and Adipose Tissue
Authors: Wang Faye , Flint Oliver P.
Published: October 2013

Nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) remain the cornerstone of HIV treatment; however, they are associated with toxicities attributed in part to inhibition of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) polymerase γ. In this study, we compared the
in vitro
toxicity profiles of structurally similar NRTIs (BMS-986001 to stavudine and tenofovir to adefovir) that differ by the presence of an acetylene or methyl group, respectively. Primary cultures of human renal proximal tubule epithelium, skeletal muscle myotubes, and differentiated adipocytes were exposed to the NRTIs at the maximum concentration (
C
max
) reported for the clinically approved dose (investigational dose for BMS-986001, 600 mg) and a high equimolar concentration (200 μM) for 19 days. After 19 days, BMS-986001 did not significantly decrease mtDNA or cell protein at either concentration in any cell line. In contrast, stavudine significantly decreased mtDNA in all cultures (1.5- to 2.5-fold) (except at
C
max
in renal cells) and cell protein in renal cells (1.4- to 2.4-fold). By day 19, at 200 μM, tenofovir significantly reduced mtDNA in adipocytes (1.9-fold) and adefovir significantly decreased mtDNA in all cultures (3.7- to 10.2-fold); however, no significant reduction in mtDNA was observed at
C
max
in any cell line. Adefovir also significantly reduced cell protein at both concentrations in renal cells (2.2- to 2.8-fold) and at 200 μM in muscle cells (2.0-fold). In conclusion, BMS-986001 and tenofovir were considerably less cytotoxic than their respective structural analogs, demonstrating that small structural differences can contribute to significant differences in toxicity.
Investigation of the Interactions between Methadone and Elvitegravir-Cobicistat in Subjects Receiving Chronic Methadone Maintenance
Authors: Bruce R. Douglas , Winkle P. , Custodio J. M. , Wei X. , Rhee M. S. , Kearney B. P. , Ramanathan S. , Friedland Gerald H.
Published: October 2013

Interactions between HIV and opioid dependence therapies are known to occur. We sought to determine if such interactions occurred between methadone and elvitegravir boosted with cobicistat (EVG/COBI). We performed a within-subject open-label pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study of 11 HIV-seronegative subjects stabilized on at least 2 weeks of methadone. Subjects underwent baseline and steady-state evaluation of the effect of elvitegravir 150 mg once a day (QD) boosted with 150 mg QD of cobicistat (EVG/COBI) on methadone pharmacokinetic parameters. Safety and pharmacodynamics were monitored throughout the study. Compared to baseline values, the
R
-methadone mean area under the concentration-time curve to the end of the dosing period (AUC
tau
) (5,550 versus 6,210 h · ng/ml) and mean maximum concentration of drug in serum (
C
max
) (316 versus 337 ng/ml) did not significantly increase in the presence of EVG/COBI. Compared to baseline values, the
S
-methadone mean AUC
tau
(7,040 versus 7,540 h · ng/ml) and mean
C
max
(446 versus 452 ng/ml) did not significantly increase in the presence of EVG/COBI. The AUC
tau
,
C
max
, and
C
tau
of elvitegravir and cobicistat did not significantly differ from those of historical controls. Opioid withdrawal or overdose was not observed among subjects in this study. The addition of EVG/COBI to stabilized patients receiving methadone did not affect methadone pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. These two agents can be safely coadministered.
Molecular Epidemiology of Escherichia coli Sequence Type 131 and Its H30 and H30-Rx Subclones among Extended-Spectrum-β-Lactamase-Positive and -Negative E. coli Clinical Isolates from the Chicago Region, 2007 to 2010
Authors: Banerjee Ritu , Robicsek Ari , Kuskowski Michael A. , Porter Stephen , Johnston Brian D. , Sokurenko Evgeni , Tchesnokova Veronika , Price Lance B. , Johnson James R.
Published: October 2013

We assessed
Escherichia coli
ST131 and its H30 and H30-Rx subclones for virulence genes, antimicrobial resistance, and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) type. Although both subclones were associated with ESBL production, H30-Rx isolates had higher resistance scores and were associated specifically with CTX-M-15. Three virulence genes (
iha
,
sat
, and
iutA
) were more prevalent among H30 than non-H30 ST131 isolates. Thus, the H30 and H30-Rx subclones are more antimicrobial resistant and have virulence profiles that are distinct from those of non-H30 ST131 isolates.
A Single VHH-Based Toxin-Neutralizing Agent and an Effector Antibody Protect Mice against Challenge with Shiga Toxins 1 and 2
Authors: Tremblay Jacqueline M. , Mukherjee Jean , Leysath Clinton E. , Debatis Michelle , Ofori Kwasi , Baldwin Karen , Boucher Courtney , Peters Rachel , Beamer Gillian , Sheoran Abhineet , Bedenice Daniela , Tzipori Saul , Shoemaker Charles B.
Published: October 2013

Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
(STEC) is a major cause of severe food-borne disease worldwide, and two Shiga toxins, Stx1 and Stx2, are primarily responsible for the serious disease consequence, hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). Here we report identification of a panel of heavy-chain-only antibody (Ab) V
H
(VHH) domains that neutralize Stx1 and/or Stx2 in cell-based assays. VHH heterodimer toxin-neutralizing agents containing two linked Stx1-neutralizing VHHs or two Stx2-neutralizing VHHs were generally much more potent at Stx neutralization than a pool of the two-component monomers tested in cell-based assays and
in vivo
mouse models. We recently reported that clearance of toxins can be promoted by coadministering a VHH-based toxin-neutralizing agent with an antitag monoclonal antibody (MAb), called the “effector Ab,” that indirectly decorates each toxin molecule with four Ab molecules. Decoration occurs because the Ab binds to a common epitopic tag present at two sites on each of the two VHH heterodimer molecules that bind to each toxin molecule. Here we show that coadministration of effector Ab substantially improved the efficacy of Stx toxin-neutralizing agents to prevent death or kidney damage in mice following challenge with Stx1 or Stx2. A single toxin-neutralizing agent consisting of a double-tagged VHH heterotrimer—one Stx1-specific VHH, one Stx2-specific VHH, and one Stx1/Stx2 cross-specific VHH—was effective in preventing all symptoms of intoxication from Stx1 and Stx2 when coadministered with effector Ab. Overall, the availability of simple, defined, recombinant proteins that provide cost-effective protection against HUS opens up new therapeutic approaches to managing disease.
Common psychosocial stressors in middle-aged women related to longstanding distress and increased risk of Alzheimer's disease: a 38-year longitudinal population study
Authors: Johansson Lena , Guo Xinxin , Hällström Tore , Norton Maria C , Waern Margda , Östling Svante , Bengtsson Calle , Skoog Ingmar
Published: October 2013

Objective

To study the relation among psychosocial stressors, long-standing distress and incidence of dementia, in a sample of women followed from midlife to late life.

Design

Prospective longitudinal population study.

Setting

The analyses originate from the prospective population study of women in Gothenburg, Sweden, a representative sample of women examined in 1968 (participation rate 90%) and re-examined in 1974, 1980, 1992, 2000 and 2005.

Participants

800 women born in 1914, 1918, 1922 and 1930 who were systematically selected for a psychiatric examination at baseline, in 1968.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

18 psychosocial stressors (eg, divorce, widowhood, work problems and illness in relative) were obtained at baseline. Symptoms of distress were measured according to a standardised question at each study wave. Dementia was diagnosed according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III-R) criteria based on information from neuropsychiatric examinations, informant interviews, hospital records, and registry data, and measured through the whole study period.

Results

During the 37 years of follow-up, 153 women developed dementia (104 of those had Alzheimer's disease (AD)). Number of psychosocial stressors in 1968 was associated (HR, 95% CI) with higher incidence of dementia (1.15, 1.04 to 1.27) and AD (1.20, 1.07 to 1.35) between 1968 and 2005, in multivariate Cox regressions. Number of psychosocial stressors in 1968 was also associated (OR, 95% CI) with distress in 1968 (1.48, 1.32 to 1.67), 1974 (1.31, 1.17 to 1.46), 1980 (1.27, 1.11 to 1.45), 2000 (1.39, 1.14 to 1.70) and 2005 (1.35, 1.02 to 1.79), in multivariate logistic regressions. Number of psychosocial stressors (HR 1.17, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.33) and long-standing distress (1968–1974–1980) (HR 1.58, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.45) were independently associated with AD.

Conclusions

Our study shows that common psychosocial stressors may have severe and long-standing physiological and psychological consequences. However, more studies are needed to confirm these results and investigate whether more interventions such as stress management and behavioural therapy should be initiated in individuals who have experienced psychosocial stressors.
A study on modified holographic Ricci dark energy in modified f(R) Hořava–Lifshitz gravity
Authors: Chattopadhyay Surajit , Pasqua Antonio
Published: October 2013

This paper reports a study on modified holographic Ricci dark energy in modified f(R) Hořava–Lifshitz gravity with a power-law form of the scale factor a. The modified Ricci scalar in the said gravity model is denoted [Formula: see text] and, accordingly, the modified gravity has the functional form [Formula: see text]. The analytical solution for the reconstructed [Formula: see text] has been obtained and it satisfies a sufficient condition for a realistic model. The effective equation of state parameter, ωeff, has been observed to have a quintessence-like behavior. Statefinder trajectories have indicated the attainment of the ΛCDM phase of the universe for the reconstructed [Formula: see text].
Multisoliton solutions of a (2+1)-dimensional variable-coefficient Toda lattice equation via Hirota’s bilinear method
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Liu Dong
Published: October 2013

In this paper, Hirota’s bilinear method is extended to construct multisoliton solutions of a (2+1)-dimensional variable-coefficient Toda lattice equation. As a result, new and more general one-soliton, two-soliton, and three-soliton solutions are obtained, from which the uniform formula of the N-soliton solution is derived. It is shown that Hirota’s bilinear method can be used for constructing multisoliton solutions of some other nonlinear differential-difference equations with variable coefficients.
Excitation and ionization of the hydrogen atom by intense femtosecond chirped laser pulses
Authors: Laulan Stéphane , Ba Harouna S. , Barmaki Samira
Published: October 2013

The excitation and ionization processes of the hydrogen atom by intense femtosecond chirped laser pulses are investigated by solving numerically the three-dimensional time-dependent Schrödinger equation. We study, in three distinct cases, the interaction of the atomic system with chirped pulses of different central carrier frequencies that correspond to some harmonics of a Ti–sapphire laser. We analyze, in each case, the mechanism of the population transfer from the ground to the excited electronic states and show how it differs depending on the sign of the chirp parameter. We also show that the ionization yield is sensitive to the chirp parameter when resonant or near-resonant transitions are induced by the chirped pulses. The latter are efficient to control the excitation process by inducing selective population transfer when compared with unchirped pulses.
Hypersaline tidal flats (apicum ecosystems): the weak link in the tropical wetlands chain
Authors: Albuquerque Antonia Gislaine Brito Marques , Ferreira Tiago Osório , Cabral Raiana Lira , Nóbrega Gabriel Nuto , Romero Ricardo Espíndola , Meireles Antônio Jeovah de Andrade , Otero Xosé Lois
Published: October 2013

Hypersaline tidal flats (HTFs) are transitional ecosystems commonly occurring in arid and (or) semiarid coastal regions. These ecosystems typically border mangrove forests. Hypersaline tidal flats perform important functions related to the maintenance of coastal biodiversity as well as support socioeconomic and cultural activities in local communities. Despite their importance, HTFs are rarely studied, especially with regard to the understanding of their formation and function. From the premise that the knowledge on the formation of HTF and soil contribute to the understanding of ecological relationships occurring in these ecosystems, a review is presented. Flat topography, coastal dynamics, pronounced hydric deficit, limited frequency, and duration of tidal flooding are the key factors for the formation of these coastal wetlands. The active pedogenetic processes (salinization, gleyzation, sulfidization, and bioturbation) are highly influenced by these factors and present important ecological roles, specifically in regards to carbon and nutrient dynamics. This review presents evidence for the necessity of further studies on the ecological relationships in HTFs, as well as determining the ecological connection between HTFs and other wetlands. Filling this knowledge gap is essential if we are to improve public policies and conservation laws on the protection of all coastal ecosystems.
MULTIPLICATIVE CONSISTENCY OF HESITANT FUZZY PREFERENCE RELATION AND ITS APPLICATION IN GROUP DECISION MAKING
Authors: LIAO HUCHANG , XU ZESHUI , XIA MEIMEI
Published: October 2013

As we may have a set of possible values when comparing alternatives (or criteria), the hesitant fuzzy preference relation becomes a suitable and powerful technique to deal with this case. This paper mainly focuses on the multiplicative consistency of the hesitant fuzzy preference relation. First of all, we explore some properties of the hesitant fuzzy preference relation and develop some new aggregation operators. Then we introduce the concepts of multiplicative consistency, perfect multiplicative consistency and acceptable multiplicative consistency for a hesitant fuzzy preference relation, based on which, two algorithms are given to improve the inconsistency level of a hesitant fuzzy preference relation. Furthermore, the consensus of group decision making is studied based on the hesitant fuzzy preference relations. Finally, several illustrative examples are given to demonstrate the practicality of our algorithms.
EFFECTS OF MULTIPLE CRITERIA ON PORTFOLIO OPTIMIZATION
Authors: CEREN TUNCER ŞAKAR , KÖKSALAN MURAT
Published: October 2013

We study the effects of considering different criteria simultaneously on portfolio optimization. Using a single-period optimization setting, we use various combinations of expected return, variance, liquidity and Conditional Value at Risk criteria. With stocks from Borsa Istanbul, we make computational studies to show the effects of these criteria on objective and decision spaces. We also consider cardinality and weight constraints and study their effects on the results. In general, we observe that considering alternative criteria results in enlarged regions in the efficient frontier that may be of interest to the decision maker. We discuss the results of our experiments and provide insights.
CREDIBILITY-BASED FUZZY MATHEMATICAL PROGRAMMING MODEL FOR PORTFOLIO SELECTION UNDER UNCERTAINTY
Authors: MEHLAWAT MUKESH KUMAR , GUPTA PANKAJ
Published: October 2013

In this paper, we develop a hybrid bi-objective credibility-based fuzzy mathematical programming model for portfolio selection under fuzzy environment. To deal with imprecise parameters, we use a hybrid credibility-based approach that combines the expected value and chance constrained programming techniques. The model simultaneously maximizes the portfolio return and minimizes the portfolio risk. We also consider an additional important criterion, namely, portfolio liquidity as a constraint in the model to make it better suited for practical applications. The proposed fuzzy optimization model is solved using a two-phase approach. An empirical study is included to demonstrate applicability of the proposed model and the solution approach in real-world applications of portfolio selection.
QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENT DYNAMICS — COMPLEMENTING TRUST METHODS FOR DECISION MAKING
Authors: TRČEK DENIS
Published: October 2013

Trust is not only one key ingredient of prosperous organizations and societies, but also an essential factor in decision-making processes. And when it comes to trust, the latest advances in computing sciences area are increasingly supporting the related processes by deployment of so-called trust management systems. These systems are slowly advancing from their early stages of evolution toward more sophisticated and already operationally deployable solutions. As there seems to be no "Swiss-army knife" like methodology for trust management, it is reasonable to assume that not only one, but a few of them will be deployed in the future, depending on their basic principles of functioning,purposes and contexts of use. Therefore there still exists a gap in this area with unaddressed issues where humans (or humans-like agents) would be in focus. Quality Assessment Dynamics, QAD, which is presented in this paper, is taking these issues into account. It is based on operands and operators that model human ways of reasoning as described in many natural languages. Further, it is a formal system and therefore enabled for deployment in computing environments. This way QAD complements existing trust management methods and provides additional means for decision making through deployment in simulations and in trust management engines, while being understandable to ordinary users without requiring sophisticated expert knowledge.
MONTE CARLO SIMULATION OF MULTIFOCAL STOCHASTIC SCANNING SYSTEM
Authors: LIU LIXIN , QIAN JIA , LI YAHUI , PENG XIAO , YIN JUN
Published: October 2013

Multifocal multiphoton microscopy (MMM) has greatly improved the utilization of excitation light and imaging speed due to parallel multiphoton excitation of the samples and simultaneous detection of the signals, which allows it to perform three-dimensional fast fluorescence imaging. Stochastic scanning can provide continuous, uniform and high-speed excitation of the sample, which makes it a suitable scanning scheme for MMM. In this paper, the graphical programming language — LabVIEW is used to achieve stochastic scanning of the two-dimensional galvo scanners by using white noise signals to control the x and y mirrors independently. Moreover, the stochastic scanning process is simulated by using Monte Carlo method. Our results show that MMM can avoid oversampling or subsampling in the scanning area and meet the requirements of uniform sampling by stochastically scanning the individual units of the N × N foci array. Therefore, continuous and uniform scanning in the whole field of view is implemented.
Deformation partitioning in a transtension-dominated tectonic environment: the illustrative kinematic patterns of the Neogene–Quaternary Ptolemais Basin (northern Greece)
Authors: Diamantopoulos Anastasios , Krohe Alexander , Dimitrakopoulos Dimitrios
Published: October 2013

The structure of the Neogene–Quaternary Ptolemais sedimentary basin exemplifies the importance of deformation partitioning in the kinematic history of basin formation. Structural analyses were carried out at outcrop from the metre to kilometre scale on basin marginal faults, and on structures reflecting deformation of the interior of the basin. Deformation is partitioned into three spatially separated, but kinematically linked domains. Two transtensional-dominated domains in the northern and in the southern parts are separated by a transpressional-dominated domain in the central part of the basin. Intense synsedimentary deformation of Pliocene–Quaternary deposits occurred in all three domains. Dominant structures that affected pre-Neogene lithologies and the basin-fill include (E)NE–(W)SW- and NW–SE-trending basin kilometre-scale marginal faults. We propose that the structures of the three domains were active simultaneously during progressive deformation reflecting an overall transtensional-dominated regime. The deformation is imposed by boundary conditions and is consistent with the Pliocene–Quaternary large-scale deformation in northern Greece that includes clockwise (dextral) rotations of crustal blocks and gravity-driven NNW–SSE extension. Strong partitioning of deformation produced contrasting structures, which do not reflect a sequence of events related to a regional stress fields that changed with time.
Late Chadian–early Arundian high-resolution biostratigraphy in the Ogmore-by-Sea section (South Wales–Mendip shelf) and the mid-Avonian unconformity
Authors: Kalvoda J. , Nudds J. , Bábek O. , Howells C.
Published: October 2013

The study of the foraminiferal fauna in the Ogmore section in south Wales produced a detailed late Chadian–early Arundian biostratigraphy and sequence stratigraphy with a higher resolution than in the Arundian stratotype in Hobbyhorse Bay. The earliest Visean (late Chadian) pedogenic horizon close to the Gully Oolite and Caswell Bay Mudstone boundary (MFZ9) corresponds to the mid-Avonian unconformity. The entry of primitive archaediscids of MFZ10 within the Caswell Bay Mudstone is followed by more advanced archaediscids of MFZ11 at the base of the High Tor Limestone. The mid-Avonian unconformity at the Chadian–Arundian boundary is not confined to the London–Brabant Massif, but is also present in central Europe, the East European Platform, the Urals, west Siberia and probably also in Kuzbass and North America. The global extent of the the mid-Avonian unconformity suggests that it is a consequence of early to mid-Visean glacioeustacy.
Hot rocks in a cold place: high sub-glacial heat flow in East Antarctica
Authors: Carson Chris J. , McLaren Sandra , Roberts Jason L. , Boger Steven D. , Blankenship Donald D.
Published: October 2013

Numerical models are the primary predictive tools for understanding the dynamic behaviour of the Antarctic ice sheet. However, a key boundary parameter, sub-glacial heat flow, remains poorly constrained. We show that variations in abundance and distribution of heat-producing elements within the Antarctic continental crust result in greater and more variable regional sub-glacial heat flows than currently assumed in ice modelling studies. Such elevated heat flows would have a fundamental effect on ice sheet behaviour and highlight that geological controls on heat flow must be considered to obtain more accurate and refined predictions of ice mass balance and sea-level change.

Supplementary materials:

Heat flow and heat production definitions, heat production data, and details of the 2D model of the gross geometry of the continental lithosphere for a section through Prydz Bay are available at
www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18690
.
A high-precision
40
Ar/
39
Ar age for hydrated impact glass from the Dellen impact, Sweden
Authors: Mark D. F. , Lindgren P. , Fallick A. E.
Published: October 2013

The dating of terrestrial impact craters and impact glasses that exhibit high degrees of mineralogical complexity can be problematic. However, if the maximum potential of the terrestrial impact crater record is to be realized, accurate and precise ages for crater-forming events are critical. Here we report a high-precision
40
Ar/
39
Ar age for the Dellen impact structure, Sweden. Previous radio-isotopic constraints show a wide variation in age as a result of poor sample characterization and analytical approach. A detailed petrographical and mineralogical study provides a solid foundation for interpretation of step-heating
40
Ar/
39
Ar data, culminating in a statistically robust age of 140.82±0.51 Ma (2σ; full external precision) for the Dellen impact event, for which data disfavour an inherited argon component. Primary hydration of the impact melt during cooling–quenching and entrapment of molecular water promoted rapid loss of inherited
40
Ar from the impact melt of rhyolitic composition. Duplicate analyses of the water content and ∂D of the glass give similar values for the former (1.9±0.1 μmol mg
−1
) but unexpectedly low values for the latter (−159±8‰), with scatter beyond the expected analytical reproducibility due to isotopic heterogeneity. This study highlights that the
40
Ar/
39
Ar technique is unrivalled in its ability to precisely and accurately date the products of hypervelocity collisional events.

Supplementary material:

Raw
40
Ar/
39
Ar data are available at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18633
.
Memory performance estimation of CUDA programs
Authors: Kim Yooseong , Shrivastava Aviral
Published: October 2013

CUDA has successfully popularized GPU computing, and GPGPU applications are now used in various embedded systems. The CUDA programming model provides a simple interface to program on GPUs, but tuning GPGPU applications for high performance is still quite challenging. Programmers need to consider numerous architectural details, and small changes in source code, especially on the memory access pattern, can affect performance significantly. This makes it very difficult to optimize CUDA programs. This article presents CuMAPz, which is a tool to analyze and compare the memory performance of CUDA programs. CuMAPz can help programmers explore different ways of using shared and global memories, and optimize their program for efficient memory behavior. CuMAPz models several memory-performance-related factors: data reuse, global memory access coalescing, global memory latency hiding, shared memory bank conflict, channel skew, and branch divergence. Experimental results show that CuMAPz can accurately estimate performance with correlation coefficient of 0.96. By using CuMAPz to explore the memory access design space, we could improve the performance of our benchmarks by 30% more than the previous approach [Hong and Kim 2010].
Efficient compilation of CUDA kernels for high-performance computing on FPGAs
Authors: Papakonstantinou Alexandros , Gururaj Karthik , Stratton John A. , Chen Deming , Cong Jason , Hwu Wen-Mei W.
Published: October 2013

The rise of multicore architectures across all computing domains has opened the door to heterogeneous multiprocessors, where processors of different compute characteristics can be combined to effectively boost the performance per watt of different application kernels. GPUs, in particular, are becoming very popular for speeding up compute-intensive kernels of scientific, imaging, and simulation applications. New programming models that facilitate parallel processing on heterogeneous systems containing GPUs are spreading rapidly in the computing community. By leveraging these investments, the developers of other accelerators have an opportunity to significantly reduce the programming effort by supporting those accelerator models already gaining popularity. In this work, we adapt one such language, the CUDA programming model, into a new FPGA design flow called FCUDA, which efficiently maps the coarse- and fine-grained parallelism exposed in CUDA onto the reconfigurable fabric. Our CUDA-to-FPGA flow employs AutoPilot, an advanced high-level synthesis tool (available from Xilinx) which enables high-abstraction FPGA programming. FCUDA is based on a source-to-source compilation that transforms the SIMT (Single Instruction, Multiple Thread) CUDA code into task-level parallel C code for AutoPilot. We describe the details of our CUDA-to-FPGA flow and demonstrate the highly competitive performance of the resulting customized FPGA multicore accelerators. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first CUDA-to-FPGA flow to demonstrate the applicability and potential advantage of using the CUDA programming model for high-performance computing in FPGAs.
Particle Transport in Therapeutic Magnetic Fields
Authors: Puri Ishwar K. , Ganguly Ranjan
Published: October 2013

Iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles, in ferrofluids or as magnetic microspheres, offer magnetic maneuverability, biochemical surface functionalization, and magnetic relaxation under the influence of an alternating field. The use of these properties for clinical applications requires an understanding of particles, forces, and scalar transport at various length scales. This review explains the behavior of magnetic nano- and microparticles during magnetic drug targeting and magnetic fluid hyperthermia, and the microfluidic transport of these particles in bioMEMS (biomedical microelectromechanical systems) devices for ex vivo therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Magnetic particle transport, the momentum interaction of these particles with a host fluid in a flow, and thermal transport in a particle-infused tissue are characterized through the governing electrodynamic, hydrodynamic, and scalar transport equations.
Social Class Culture Cycles: How Three Gateway Contexts Shape Selves and Fuel Inequality
Authors: Stephens Nicole M. , Markus Hazel Rose , Phillips L. Taylor
Published: October 2013

America's unprecedented levels of inequality have far-reaching negative consequences for society as a whole. Although differential access to resources contributes to inequality, the current review illuminates how ongoing participation in different social class contexts also gives rise to culture-specific selves and patterns of thinking, feeling, and acting. We integrate a growing body of interdisciplinary research to reveal how social class culture cycles operate over the course of the lifespan and through critical gateway contexts, including homes, schools, and workplaces. We first document how each of these contexts socializes social class cultural differences. Then, we demonstrate how these gateway institutions, which could provide access to upward social mobility, are structured according to middle-class ways of being a self and thus can fuel and perpetuate inequality. We conclude with a discussion of intervention opportunities that can reduce inequality by taking into account the contextual responsiveness of the self.
Inclusions in a Single Variable in Ultrametric Spaces and Hyers‐Ulam Stability
Authors: Piszczek Magdalena
Published: October 2013

We present some properties of set‐valued inclusions in a single variable
in ultrametric spaces. As a consequence, we obtain stability results
for the corresponding functional equations.
Eosinophilic Cystitis with Eosinophilic Cholecystitis: A Rare Association
Authors: Mallat F. , Hmida W. , Mestiri S. , Ziadi S. , Sriha B. , Mokni M. , Mosbah F.
Published: October 2013

We describe a rare case of eosinophilic cystitis associated with eosinophilic cholecystitis in a 30-year-old patient who underwent bladder biopsy for irritative voiding symptoms and routine elective cholecystectomy for gallstones. Diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination. The rarity of this condition prompted us to report this entity in which no specific cause could be found.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Evaluation of a New Series of N‐1,3‐Benzothiazol‐2‐ylbenzamides
Authors: Armenise Domenico , Carocci Alessia , Catalano Alessia , Muraglia Marilena , Defrenza Ivana , De Laurentis Nicolino , Rosato Antonio , Corbo Filomena , Franchini Carlo
Published: October 2013

Enterococcus faecalis is a Gram‐positive commensal inhabitant of the intestinal tract of humans, animals, and insects. However, it is also an opportunistic pathogen and has emerged as a leading cause of hospital‐acquired extraintestinal infections. Fluoroquinolones have been frequently used to treat E. faecalis infections, and the emergence of fluoroquinolone‐resistant E. faecalis strains has recently been reported in several countries. Thus, the identifications of new antibiotics specifically directed to E. faecalis may be envisaged. In this paper, a new series of N‐1,3‐benzothiazol‐2‐ylbenzamides have been designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their in vitro antimicrobial activities. Among the tested compounds, 3i was active against E. faecalis.
Optical Limiting Using the Two‐Photon Absorption Electrical Modulation Effect in HgCdTe Photodiode
Authors: Cui Haoyang , Yang Junjie , Zeng Jundong , Tang Zhong
Published: October 2013

The electrical modulation properties of the output intensity of two‐photon absorption (TPA) pumping were analyzed in this paper. The frequency dispersion dependence of TPA and the electric field dependence of TPA were calculated using Wherrett theory model and Garcia theory model, respectively. Both predicted a dramatic variation of TPA coefficient which was attributed into the increasing of the transition rate. The output intensity of the laser pulse propagation in the pn junction device was calculated by using function‐transfer method. It shows that the output intensity increases nonlinearly with increasing intensity of incident light and eventually reaches saturation. The output saturation intensity depends on the electric field strength; the greater the electric field, the smaller the output intensity. Consequently, the clamped saturation intensity can be controlled by the electric field. The prior advantage of electrical modulation is that the TPA can be varied extremely continuously, thus adjusting the output intensity in a wide range. This large change provides a manipulate method to control steady output intensity of TPA by adjusting electric field.
Periodic Solutions and Nontrivial Periodic Solutions for a Class of Rayleigh-Type Equation with Two Deviating Arguments
Authors: Feng Meiqiang
Published: October 2013

The Rayleigh equation with two deviating argumentsx′′(t)+f(x'(t))+g1(t,x(t-τ1(t)))+g2(t,x(t-τ2(t)))=e(t)is studied. By using Leray-Schauder index theorem and Leray-Schauder fixed point theorem, we obtain some new results on the existence of periodic solutions, especially for the existence of nontrivial periodic solutions to this equation. The results are illustrated with two examples, which cannot be handled using the existing results.
Hopf Bifurcation Analysis for a Semiratio-Dependent Predator-Prey System with Two Delays
Authors: Zhao Ming
Published: October 2013

This paper is concerned with a semiratio-dependent predator-prey system with nonmonotonic functional response and two delays. It is shown that the positive equilibrium of the system is locally asymptotically stable when the time delay is small enough. Change of stability of the positive equilibrium will cause bifurcating periodic solutions as the time delay passes through a sequence of critical values. The properties of Hopf bifurcation such as direction and stability are determined by using the normal form method and center manifold theorem. Numerical simulations confirm our theoretical findings.
Nonlinear Kato Class and Unique Continuation of Eigenfunctions forp-Laplacian Operator
Authors: Castillo René Erlín , Ramos Fernández Julio C.
Published: October 2013

We study some basic properties of nonlinear Kato classMp(ℝn)andM~p(ℝn),respectively, for1<p<n.Also, we study the problem-div(|∇u|p-2∇u)+V|u|p-2u=0inΩ,whereΩis a bounded domain inℝnand the weight functionVis assumed to be not equivalent to zero and lies inM~p(Ω), in the case wherep<n. Finally, we establish the strong unique continuation property of the eigenfunction for thep-Laplacian operator in the case whereV∈M~p(Ω).
New Classes of Charged Spheroidal Models
Authors: Thirukkanesh S.
Published: October 2013

New classes of exact solutions to the Einstein-Maxwell system is found in closed form by assuming that the hypersurface is spheroidal. This is achieved by choosing a particular form for the electric field intensity. A class of solution is found for all positive spheroidal parameter for a specific form of electric field intensity. In general, the condition of pressure isotropy reduces to a difference equation with variable, rational coefficients that can be solved. Consequently, an explicit solution in series form is found. By placing restrictions on the parameters, it is shown that the series terminates and there exist two classes of solutions in terms of elementary functions. These solutions contain the models found previously in the limit of vanishing charge. Solutions found are directly relating the spheroidal parameter and electric field intensity. Masses obtained are consistent with the previously reported experimental and theoretical studies describing strange stars. A physical analysis indicates that these models may be used to describe a charged sphere.
A Hybrid OFDM‐TDM Architecture with Decentralized Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation for PONs
Authors: Cevik Taner
Published: October 2013

One of the major challenges of passive optical networks is to achieve a fair arbitration mechanism that will prevent possible collisions from occurring at the upstream channel when multiple users attempt to access the common fiber at the same time. Therefore, in this study we mainly focus on fair bandwidth allocation among users, and present a hybrid Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexed/Time Division Multiplexed architecture with a dynamic bandwidth allocation scheme that provides satisfying service qualities to the users depending on their varying bandwidth requirements. Unnecessary delays in centralized schemes occurring during bandwidth assignment stage are eliminated by utilizing a decentralized approach. Instead of sending bandwidth demands to the optical line terminal (OLT) which is the only competent authority, each optical network unit (ONU) runs the same bandwidth demand determination algorithm. ONUs inform each other via signaling channel about the status of their queues. This information is fed to the bandwidth determination algorithm which is run by each ONU in a distributed manner. Furthermore, Light Load Penalty, which is a phenomenon in optical communications, is mitigated by limiting the amount of bandwidth that an ONU can demand.
Building Sustainability Assessment throughout Multicriteria Decision Making
Authors: VillarinhoRosa Lúcio , Haddad Assed Naked
Published: October 2013

Opinion and choice strongly influence sustainability concepts. The building construction industry, in particular property developers, has been charged with promoting excess environmental impacts ranging from overuse of resources to pollution generation. This paper presents an application of sustainability concepts to building projects, as well as to the development of practices, methodology, and tools for evaluating existing buildings. This study will detail how current systems to evaluate building performance operate and how to improve them. This approach utilizes the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). AHP is a multicriteria method that evaluates the relative importance of criteria, subcriteria, and families of indicators, used in the proposed system of technical characteristics applied to the local culture. At the same time, AHP makes visible the critical factors involved in evaluation of sustainability of these buildings. A result of the application of this type of modeling is a system for sustainability assessment and evaluation of environmental aspects and socioeconomic perspectives of existing buildings in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Metastatic Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma of the Breast to the Colon: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Samo Salih , Sherid Muhammed , Husein Husein , Sulaiman Samian , Brower Jeffrey V. , Alper Seth , Yungbluth Margaret , Vainder John A.
Published: October 2013

True metastatic involvement of the colon is rare. Colonic metastases occur most commonly secondary to peritoneal metastases from intra-abdominal malignancies. Breast cancer is the most common malignancy that metastasizes hematogenously to the colon. Colonic metastatic disease mimics primary colonic tumors in its presentation. Colonic metastatic involvement is a poor prognostic sign, and the pathologist should be informed about the history of the primary breast cancer when examining the pathologic specimens. In this paper, we report a case of an ileocecal mass found to be histologically consistent with metastatic ductal breast cancer, and then we review the literature about breast cancer metastases to the gastrointestinal tract in general and colon in particular.
A Functional Representation Model Facilitating Design Space Expansion
Authors: Xu Wei , Zhao Ke , Li Yatao , Cheng Peitao
Published: October 2013

This paper addresses the functional representation based on the event model. In the event model, the ontology is defined based on the theory of propositional logic to describe the connotation of the event, and the variant is defined based on the theories of domain relational calculus and set theory to express the variation range of the event, which is alterable part of the event under the constraints of the ontology. Function is an important concept in conceptual design and has its connotation and extension. The functional representation is proposed based on the event model. The ontology of event is used to describe the connotation of function and to reflect the stability of function. The variant of the event is used to represent the extension and to incarnate the variety of function. The extension of function is the change range of function under the constraints of the connotation. The proposed functional representation divides the function into the immutable part and the alterable part, facilitating the expansion of design space. A functional reasoning model is also put forward based on the event model to support the function reasoning on the computers. Finally, a simple case validates the feasibility of the model.
Sargachromenol from Sargassum micracanthum Inhibits the Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Production of Inflammatory Mediators in RAW 264.7 Macrophages
Authors: Yang Eun-Jin , Ham Young Min , Yang Kyong-Wol , Lee Nam Ho , Hyun Chang-Gu
Published: October 2013

During our ongoing screening program designed to determine the anti‐inflammatory potential of natural compounds, we isolated sargachromenol from Sargassum micracanthum. In the present study, we investigated the anti‐inflammatory effects of sargachromenol on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced inflammation in murine RAW 264.7 macrophage cells and the underlying mechanisms. Sargachromenol significantly inhibited the LPS‐induced production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in a dose‐dependent manner. It also significantly inhibited the protein expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) in a dose‐dependent manner in LPS‐stimulated macrophage cells. Further analyses showed that sargachromenol decreased the cytoplasmic loss of inhibitor κBα (IκBα) protein. These results suggest that sargachromenol may exert its anti‐inflammatory effects on LPS‐stimulated macrophage cells by inhibiting the activation of the NF‐κB signaling pathway. In conclusion, to our knowledge, this is the first study to show that sargachromenol isolated from S. micracanthum has an effective anti‐inflammatory activity. Therefore, sargachromenol might be useful for cosmetic, food, or medical applications requiring anti‐inflammatory properties.
Catalytic Oxidation of Propylene, Toluene, Carbon Monoxide, and Carbon Black over Au/CeO2 Solids: Comparing the Impregnation and the Deposition‐Precipitation Methods
Authors: Aboukaïs Antoine , Aouad Samer , El-Ayadi Houda , Skaf Mira , Labaki Madona , Cousin Renaud , Abi-Aad Edmond
Published: October 2013

Au/CeO2 solids were prepared by two methods: deposition‐precipitation (DP) and impregnation (Imp). The prepared solids were calcined under air at 400°C. Both types of catalysts have been tested in the total oxidation of propylene, toluene, carbon monoxide, and carbon black. Au/CeO2‐DP solids were the most reactive owing to the high number of gold nanoparticles and Au+ species and the low concentration of Cl- ions present on its surface compared to those observed in Au/CeO2‐Imp solids.
A Case of Pelvic Schwannoma Presenting Prominent Eggshell-Like Calcification
Authors: Nakashima Takaaki , Tsurumaru Daisuke , Nishimuta Yusuke , Miyasaka Mitsutoshi , Nishie Akihiro , Honda Hiroshi
Published: October 2013

Pelvic schwannoma typically forms a large, well-circumscribed mass in the retroperitoneum or presacral area and frequently undergoes cystic degeneration. It appears as a well-demarcated round or oval mass, often showing prominent cystic degeneration and calcification. Characteristics of these calcifications are punctate, mottled, or curvilinear and are seen along the walls of the mass. Herein, we describe a case of schwannoma presenting a huge pelvic mass with unique eggshell-like calcification.
The Mechanisms of Movement Control and Time Estimation in Cervical Dystonia Patients
Authors: Filip Pavel , Lungu Ovidiu V. , Shaw Daniel J. , Kasparek Tomas , Bareš Martin
Published: October 2013

Traditionally, the pathophysiology of cervical dystonia has been regarded mainly in relation to neurochemical abnormities in the basal ganglia. Recently, however, substantial evidence has emerged for cerebellar involvement. While the absence of neurological “cerebellar signs” in most dystonia patients may be considered at least provoking, there are more subtle indications of cerebellar dysfunction in complex, demanding tasks. Specifically, given the role of the cerebellum in the neural representation of time, in the millisecond range, dysfunction to this structure is considered to be of greater importance than dysfunction of the basal ganglia. In the current study, we investigated the performance of cervical dystonia patients on a computer task known to engage the cerebellum, namely, the interception of a moving target with changing parameters (speed, acceleration, and angle) with a simple response (pushing a button). The cervical dystonia patients achieved significantly worse results than a sample of healthy controls. Our results suggest that the cervical dystonia patients are impaired at integrating incoming visual information with motor responses during the prediction of upcoming actions, an impairment we interpret as evidence of cerebellar dysfunction.
Homotopy Characterization of ANR Function Spaces
Authors: Smrekar Jaka
Published: October 2013

LetYbe an absolute neighbourhood retract (ANR) for the class of metric spaces and letXbe a topological space. LetYXdenote the space of continuous maps fromXtoYequipped with the compact open topology. We show that ifXis a compactly generated Tychonoff space andYis not discrete, thenYXis an ANR for metric spaces if and only ifXis hemicompact andYXhas the homotopy type of a CW complex.
A Note on the Fixed Point of Generalized Eventual Cyclic Gross Contractive Mappings
Authors: Liang Jin , Yan Sheng-Hua
Published: October 2013

Based on the work of Agarwal et al., in press, we introduce a concept of generalized eventual cyclic gross contractive mapping in metric spaces, which is a generalization of the eventual cyclic gross contractions. Furthermore, we analyze the existence of a fixed point for this type of contractive mapping, and present a new and general fixed point theorem.