bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Passage kinetics of dry matter and neutral detergent fibre through the gastro-intestinal tract of growing beef heifers fed a high-concentrate diet measured with internal δ13C and external markers
Authors: Daniel J. B. , Van Laar H. , Warner D. , Dijkstra J. , Navarro-Villa A. , Pellikaan W. F.
Published: July 2014

Fractional rumen passage rates (K1) are fundamental in feed evaluation systems for ruminants to predict the extent of nutrient degradation. Data on passage kinetics of growing beef cattle fed high-concentrate diets are scarce and mainly rely on external passage markers which do not provide nutrient-specific K1 estimates. The present study describes the use of carbon stable isotopes (δ13C) as an internal marker to estimate K1 of dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) fractions of a compound feed in a high-concentrate diet, and compares them to the external markers ytterbium (Yb)-actetate and chromium mordanted fibre (Cr-NDF). Four rumen-fistulated Holstein heifers received four times per day a basal diet consisting of barley straw and pelleted compound feed offered separately (ratio 10 : 90, DM basis). Compound feed in the basal diet was mainly based on wheat of low natural 13C enrichment (−28.4 δ13C), which was exchanged with a single dose of a maize-based compound feed of higher natural 13C enrichment (−18.9 δ13C). This difference in natural 13C abundance was used to determine K1 values from faecal 13C excretion patterns. At the same time Yb-Acetate and Cr-NDF were introduced into the rumen to determine K1 values from faecal excretions. Faeces were collected over 90 h after pulse dosing. The K1 of δ13C-marked DM (0.062/h) did not differ (P = 0.745) from δ13C-marked NDF (0.060/h). The δ13C-based K1 values also did not differ from Cr-NDF (0.056/h; P = 0.315). These results indicate similar passage behaviour of these fractions in the rumen of beef heifers fed a high-concentrate diet.
Le Paragraphe dans le
Discours de la méthode
Authors: van de Velde Daan Johan
Published: July 2014

Le paragraphe est un niveau textuel qui n'est pas souvent analysé en stylistique. La présente étude aborde la question de savoir comment le paragraphe peut constituer une unité textuelle dans le
Discours de la méthode
de Descartes. Tout d'abord, une comparaison entre différentes éditions du
Discours
de l'époque, et de différentes autres publications de son imprimeur original, Joannes Maire à Leyde, montre que la mise en paragraphe a été voulue par l'auteur. Dans l'édition originale, le paragraphe est matériellement soutenu par le retrait. Une analyse en termes de cohérence de discours suggère que l'auteur organise le paragraphe selon un seul arc de raisonnement menant à une conclusion. Le début du paragraphe suivant se rapporte au paragraphe précédent dans sa totalité et non uniquement à sa dernière phrase. Ainsi, les phrases au milieu du paragraphe ne s'enchaînent pas de la même manière que les phrases autour du retrait. Présentes dans presque chaque phrase, les conjonctions sont utilisées de façon plus générale au début du paragraphe qu'au milieu, où elles ont plutôt une sémantique qui s'insère dans la chaîne de raisonnement. Nous concluons que le paragraphe dans le
Discours
est une unité textuelle utilisée par Descartes afin de soutenir son raisonnement.
The Source Counts from the 4C Survey
Authors: Gower J. F. R.
Published: July 2014

The source counts derived from the fourth Cambridge catalogue of radio sources (4C) are presented and are combined with previously published results to give the number/flux density (log N/log S) curve over the range of flux density 0.27 < S < 35 × 10−26(c/s)−1.

The correction necessary to take account of confusion is deterrnined by a Monte Carlo process and the corrections for angular diameters of sources and source clustering are also discussed.

On the assumption that the form of the source counts can be explained by density variation with epoch, forms of this density variation are derived which would be consistent with the latest derivation of the luminosity distribution function.
On the Possibility of Determining the Distances and Masses of Stars from the Gravitational Lens Effect
Authors: Refsdal S.
Published: July 2014

It is shown that the distance and the mass of a star which acts as a gravitational lens can be determined if the lens effect can be observed from the Earth and from at least one distant space observatory. The distance from the Earth to the space observatory will usually have to be of the order of 5% of one astronomical unit or more.
Maximum entropy image reconstruction: general algorithm
Authors: Skilling J. , Bryan R. K.
Published: July 2014

Maximum entropy is an optimal technique of image reconstruction, widely applicable in astronomy and elsewhere. We present a general-purpose algorithm, capable of generating maximum entropy images from a wide variety of types of data.
A search for inhomogeneities in the Lyman α forest
Authors: Webb J. K. , Barcons X.
Published: July 2014

We use a sample of intermediate resolution QSO spectra is used to search for inhomogeneities in the Lyman α forest distribution. Within the errors, it is found that neighboring absorption system rest equivalent widths are not correlated on scale lengths of 300 to 10000 km $\text s^{-1}$. This result is used to derive upper limits on pressure fluctuations in the IGM within the framework of pressure confined clouds. The redshift clustering properties of these objects are reexamined using two statistical tests, and no significant clustering on the same scales is found.

The main result is that if Lyman α clouds are pressure confined, the confining IGM is extremely homogeneous, with 2σ upper limits on pressure fluctuations of $(\Delta P/P)\lesssim 0.14$ on any scales over the above range.
Aligning sequence from molecular inversion probes
Authors: Pedersen Brent S. , Murphy Elissa , Yang Ivana V. , Schwartz David A.
Published: July 2014

Molecular inversion probes (MIP’s) allow efficient enrichment of genomic regions of interest for the purpose of targeted sequencing. To date, there is a paucity of simple-to-use software to align sequences derived from this method. Here, we describe a single program that performs mapping, arm removal, and deduplication before outputting alignments in SAM format.

Availability

bwa-mipsis available athttps://github.com/brentp/bwa-mipsunder the MIT license.

Contact

bpederse@gmail.com
Welding Equipment under the Energy‐related Products Directive
Authors: Schischke Karsten , Nissen Nils F. , Lang Klaus‐Dieter
Published: July 2014

A broad range of energy‐using products have been analyzed to shape the eco‐design requirements for the European market under the Ecodesign Framework Directive 2009/125/EC in the last several years. Only recently, this approach also addressed production equipment, including ovens, furnaces, machine tools, and related machinery. Welding equipment has been subject to such an analysis as part of the study on machine tools. This article summarizes the individual steps of this technical, economic, and environmental analysis to facilitate the understanding of the policy intentions: The study followed a standardized methodology and identified, through this approach, a significant energy savings potential of 7.6 petajoules per year and suitable policy options. The article discusses these options, addressing in particular the challenges faced by industrial equipment. Some shortcomings of the methodology to be used have to be stated. These are time and resource constraints to develop policy measures with adequate resources, uncertain market evidence, and the challenge to forecast the effect of engineering options not yet implemented in a product. Under these conditions, the findings are a compromise between feasibility and scientific robustness.
Attack robustness of cascading load model in interdependent networks
Authors: Wang Jianwei , Wu Yuedan , Li Yun
Published: July 2014

Considering the weight of a node and the coupled strength of two interdependent nodes in the different networks, we propose a method to assign the initial load of a node and construct a new cascading load model in the interdependent networks. Assuming that a node in one network will fail if its degree is 0 or its dependent node in the other network is removed from the network or the load on it exceeds its capacity, we study the influences of the assortative link (AL) and the disassortative link (DL) patterns between two networks on the robustness of the interdependent networks against cascading failures. For better evaluating the network robustness, from the local perspective of a node we present a new measure to qualify the network resiliency after targeted attacks. We show that the AL patterns between two networks can improve the robust level of the entire interdependent networks. Moreover, we obtain how to efficiently allocate the initial load and select some nodes to be protected so as to maximize the network robustness against cascading failures. In addition, we find that some nodes with the lower load are more likely to trigger the cascading propagation when the distribution of the load is more even, and also give the reasonable explanation. Our findings can help to design the robust interdependent networks and give the reasonable suggestion to optimize the allocation of the protection resources.
Income Structure, Competitiveness, Profitability, and Risk: Evidence from Asian Banks
Authors: Chunhachinda Pornchai , Li Li
Published: July 2014

This paper investigates the impact of Asian banks' income structure on competitiveness, profitability, and risk over the period 2005–2011. Exchange-listed commercial banks of eight Asian countries are included in the study sample. The cross-sectional regression results reveal that higher exposure of net non-interest income in Asian banks increases market risk and asset risk but lowers insolvency risk, ROA and ROE. On the other hand, higher exposure of net fees and commissions reduces return volatility, market risk, and asset risk but increases insolvency risk, ROA, and ROE. Further, exposure to trading and derivatives, along with other securities, tends to decrease banks' competitiveness.
SELF-ORGANIZATION IN COMPLEX SYSTEMS AS DECISION MAKING
Authors: YUKALOV V. I. , SORNETTE D.
Published: July 2014

The idea is advanced that self-organization in complex systems can be treated as decision making (as it is performed by humans) and, vice versa, decision making is nothing but a kind of self-organization in the decision maker nervous systems. A mathematical formulation is suggested based on the definition of probabilities of system states, whose particular cases characterize the probabilities of structures, patterns, scenarios, or prospects. In this general framework, it is shown that the mathematical structures of self-organization and of decision making are identical. This makes it clear how self-organization can be seen as an endogenous decision making process and, reciprocally, decision making occurs via an endogenous self-organization. The approach is illustrated by phase transitions in large statistical systems, crossovers in small statistical systems, evolutions and revolutions in social and biological systems, structural self-organization in dynamical systems, and by the probabilistic formulation of classical and behavioral decision theories. In all these cases, self-organization is described as the process of evaluating the probabilities of macroscopic states or prospects in the search for a state with the largest probability. The general way of deriving the probability measure for classical systems is the principle of minimal information, that is, the conditional entropy maximization under given constraints. Behavioral biases of decision makers can be characterized in the same way as analogous to quantum fluctuations in natural systems.
Quantum chemical study of the equatorial/axial exchange of different substituents in nitrogen and phosphorous-containing 6-membered rings: Role of charge transfer interactions
Authors: Khodabandeh M. Hassan , Rezaeianpour Sedigheh , Davari Mehdi D. , Sakhaee Nader , Zare Karim , Anary Mohammad , Naderi Fereshteh
Published: July 2014

Understanding the nature of equatorial/axial conversion in six-membered rings is important because of involvement of these motifs in some biological systems. In this work we have studied the equatorial/axial exchange of nitrogen and phosphorous bearing six-membered rings with different representative substituents by using quantum chemistry methods. Three possible routes, i.e. heteroatom inversion and two ring flipping modes were considered. The feasibility of equatorial/axial conversion (based on ΔE#) for the substituted piperidine rings with substituents was in the following order; H > CH 3> Cl ~ OH ~ F , whereas for the phosphorous bearing six-membered rings it was H ~ F > OH > Cl ~ CH 3. In the piperidine system hydrogen and methyl substituents preferred the atom inversion route while the other substituents ( Cl , F , OH ) favored C4 site ring flipping in equatorial/axial conversion. For the phosphorous bearing rings, however, phosphorous retards the atom inversion mechanism and heteroatom site ring flipping is the preferred route for all substituents. We demonstrate that charge transfer effect is one of the key factors that determines the favored route in the presence of various substituents. We show how wave function analysis by natural bond orbital (NBO) method can be used as a straightforward technique to explain the most favored route in the equatorial/axial conversion of substituted 6-membered rings.
Understanding sodium versus lithium intercalation potentials of electrode materials for alkali-ion batteries
Authors: Arroyo-De Dompablo M. Elena
Published: July 2014

Differences in average voltages for the alkali ion intercalation ( Li , Na ) in a variety of electrode materials are investigated. The average Li and Na insertion potentials in the cavities of ◻ ReO 3-perovskite, ramsdellite-◻ Ti 2 O 4, layered-◻2 A 2 Ti 3 O 7 ( A = Li , Na ) and NASICON-◻ Na 3 Ti 2( PO 4)3 have been calculated by first principles calculations at the density functional theory level. The results identify the type of site occupied by the inserted ion as the relevant structural parameter. Occupation of large sites (c.n. = 12, 8) might yield Na insertion voltages higher than Li ones. On the other extreme, occupation of tetrahedral sites raises the Li insertion voltage as much as 0.8 V above the Na one. For octahedral sites the higher polarizing character of Li ions vs. Na ions acts as a key-factor to bring the Li intercalation voltage above that of Na intercalation.
Liver Metastases of Unknown Primary: Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Bostanci Ozgur , Kartal Kinyas , Battal Muharrem
Published: July 2014

According to the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) data, the increase in the number of patients diagnosed with malignant melanoma was found to be at a higher rate than the current increase in all other types of cancer (Jemal et al., 2008). Early diagnosis, appropriate surgical treatment, and chemotherapy have positive impacts on the course of the disease but despite these developments on the treatment, current prognosis of metastatic malignant melanoma prognosis is still extremely poor. Life expectancy in patients with metastatic disease is between 2 and 8 months. The 5-year disease-free survival rate is identified in only 5% of the patients (Leong, 2003) (Kirkwood et al., 1996). In this study, we try to report a patient with metastatic malignant melanoma and give recent informations about the liver metastases of malignant melanoma.
Asymptotic Stability of Caputo Type Fractional Neutral Dynamical Systems with Multiple Discrete Delays
Authors: Zhang Hai , Wu Daiyong , Cao Jinde
Published: July 2014

We discuss the delay-independent asymptotic stability of Caputo type fractional-order neutral differential systems with multiple discrete delays. Based on the algebraic approach and matrix theory, the sufficient conditions are derived to ensure the asymptotic stability for all time-delay parameters. By applying the stability criteria, one can avoid solving the roots of transcendental equations. The results obtained are computationally flexible and convenient. Moreover, an example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed theoretical results.
Blind Channel Estimation Based on Multilevel Lloyd-Max Iteration for Nonconstant Modulus Constellations
Authors: Li Xiaotian , Lei Jing , Liu Wei , Li Erbao , Li Yanbin
Published: July 2014

In wireless communications, knowledge of channel coefficients is required for coherent demodulation. Lloyd-Max iteration is an innovative blind channel estimation method for narrowband fading channels. In this paper, it is proved that blind channel estimation based on single-level Lloyd-Max (SL-LM) iteration is not reliable for nonconstant modulus constellations (NMC). Then, we introduce multilevel Lloyd-Max (ML-LM) iteration to solve this problem. Firstly, by dividing NMC into subsets, Lloyd-Max iteration is used in multilevel. Then, the estimation information is transmitted from one level to another. By doing this, accurate blind channel estimation for NMC is achieved. Moreover, when the number of received symbols is small, we propose the lacking constellations equalization algorithm to reduce the influence of lacking constellations. Finally, phase ambiguity of ML-LM iteration is also investigated in the paper. ML-LM iteration can be more robust to the phase of fading coefficient by dividing NMC into subsets properly. As the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) increases, numerical results show that the proposed method’s mean-square error curve converges remarkably to the least squares (LS) bound with a small number of iterations.
The Genetic Structure of WildOrobanche cumanaWallr. (Orobanchaceae) Populations in Eastern Bulgaria Reflects Introgressions from Weedy Populations
Authors: Pineda-Martos Rocío , Pujadas-Salvà Antonio J. , Fernández-Martínez José M. , Stoyanov Kiril , Velasco Leonardo , Pérez-Vich Begoña
Published: July 2014

Orobanche cumanais a holoparasitic plant naturally distributed from central Asia to south-eastern Europe, where it parasitizes wild Asteraceae species. It is also an important parasitic weed of sunflower crops. The objective of this research was to investigate genetic diversity, population structure, and virulence on sunflower ofO. cumanapopulations parasitizing wild plants in eastern Bulgaria. Fresh tissue of eightO. cumanapopulations and mature seeds of four of them were collectedin situon wild hosts. Genetic diversity and population structure were studied with SSR markers and compared to weedy populations. Two main gene pools were identified in Bulgarian populations, with most of the populations having intermediate characteristics. Cross-inoculation experiments revealed thatO. cumanapopulations collected on wild species possessed similar ability to parasitize sunflower to those collected on sunflower. The results were explained on the basis of an effective genetic exchange between populations parasitizing sunflower crops and those parasitizing wild species. The occurrence of bidirectional gene flow may have an impact on wild populations, as new physiological races continuously emerge in weedy populations. Also, genetic variability of wild populations may favour the ability of weedy populations to overcome sunflower resistance mechanisms.
On a New Kinetic Modelling Approach of the Irreversible Quasi-Surface Metallurgical Phase Transformations
Authors: Antoni Grégory
Published: July 2014

Irreversible quasi-surface metallurgical phase transformations are the specific response of some metallic materials—such as metals and alloys—subjected to high thermomechanical loads applied very near their surface during the manufacturing processes or after being put into operation. These solid/solid phase transformations can be observed, for example, on the tread of many rails in railroad networks frequented by freight trains. The severe thermal and mechanical loads imposed on the surface of the rails and in the immediate vicinity of the surface by the wheel/rail contact often result in highly localized irreversible metallurgical transformations. A new kinetic model based on a previous study is presented here, which accounts more realistically for the nucleation and growth of these irreversible solid/solid phase transformations resulting from high thermomechanical loads. This metallurgical behavioral model was developed in the framework of continuum thermodynamics with gradients of temperature and internal variables.
Low-Cost Dielectric Substrate for Designing Low Profile Multiband Monopole Microstrip Antenna
Authors: Ahsan M. R. , Islam M. T. , Habib Ullah M. , Arshad H. , Mansor M. F.
Published: July 2014

This paper proposes a small sized, low-cost multiband monopole antenna which can cover the WiMAX bands and C-band. The proposed antenna of 20 × 20 mm2radiating patch is printed on cost effective 1.6 mm thick fiberglass polymer resin dielectric material substrate and fed by 4 mm long microstrip line. The finite element method based, full wave electromagnetic simulator HFSS is efficiently utilized for designing and analyzing the proposed antenna and the antenna parameters are measured in a standard far-field anechoic chamber. The experimental results show that the prototype of the antenna has achieved operating bandwidths (voltage stand wave ratio (VSWR) less than 2) 360 MHz (2.53–2.89 GHz) and 440 MHz (3.47–3.91 GHz) for WiMAX and 1550 MHz (6.28–7.83 GHz) for C-band. The simulated and measured results for VSWR, radiation patterns, and gain are well matched. Nearly omnidirectional radiation patterns are achieved and the peak gains are of 3.62 dBi, 3.67 dBi, and 5.7 dBi at 2.66 GHz, 3.65 GHz, and 6.58 GHz, respectively.
Molecular Phylogeny and Predicted 3D Structure of Plantbeta-D-N-Acetylhexosaminidase
Authors: Hossain Md. Anowar , Roslan Hairul Azman
Published: July 2014

beta-D-N-Acetylhexosaminidase, a family 20 glycosyl hydrolase, catalyzes the removal ofβ-1,4-linkedN-acetylhexosamine residues from oligosaccharides and their conjugates. We constructed phylogenetic tree ofβ-hexosaminidases to analyze the evolutionary history and predicted functions of plant hexosaminidases. Phylogenetic analysis reveals the complex history of evolution of plantβ-hexosaminidase that can be described by gene duplication events. The 3D structure of tomatoβ-hexosaminidase (β-Hex-Sl) was predicted by homology modeling using 1now as a template. Structural conformity studies of the best fit model showed that more than 98% of the residues lie inside the favoured and allowed regions where only 0.9% lie in the unfavourable region. Predicted 3D structure contains 531 amino acids residues with glycosyl hydrolase20b domain-I and glycosyl hydrolase20 superfamily domain-II including the (β/α)8barrel in the central part. Theαandβcontents of the modeled structure were found to be 33.3% and 12.2%, respectively. Eleven amino acids were found to be involved in ligand-binding site; Asp(330) and Glu(331) could play important roles in enzyme-catalyzed reactions. The predicted model provides a structural framework that can act as a guide to develop a hypothesis forβ-Hex-Sl mutagenesis experiments for exploring the functions of this class of enzymes in plant kingdom.
Modeling and Optimization of Multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles System Architecture Alternatives
Authors: Qin Dongliang , Li Zhifei , Yang Feng , Wang Weiping , He Lei
Published: July 2014

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems have already been used in civilian activities, although very limitedly. Confronted different types of tasks, multi UAVs usually need to be coordinated. This can be extracted as a multi UAVs system architecture problem. Based on the general system architecture problem, a specific description of the multi UAVs system architecture problem is presented. Then the corresponding optimization problem and an efficient genetic algorithm with a refined crossover operator (GA-RX) is proposed to accomplish the architecting process iteratively in the rest of this paper. The availability and effectiveness of overall method is validated using 2 simulations based on 2 different scenarios.
iAMCTD: Improved Adaptive Mobility of Courier Nodes in Threshold-Optimized DBR Protocol for Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Javaid N. , Jafri M. R. , Khan Z. A. , Qasim U. , Alghamdi T. A. , Ali M.
Published: July 2014

We propose forwarding-function ([Formula: see text]) based routing protocol for underwater sensor networks (UWSNs): improved adaptive mobility of courier nodes in threshold-optimized depth-based-routing (iAMCTD). Unlike existing depth-based acoustic protocols, the proposed protocol exploits network density for time-critical applications. In order to tackle flooding, path loss, and propagation latency, we calculate optimal holding time ([Formula: see text]) and use routing metrics: localization-free signal-to-noise ratio (LSNR), signal quality index (SQI), energy cost function (ECF), and depth-dependent function (DDF). Our proposal provides on-demand routing by formulating hard threshold ([Formula: see text]), soft threshold ([Formula: see text]), and prime energy limit ([Formula: see text]). Simulation results verify effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed iAMCTD.
Analyzing Big Data with the Hybrid Interval Regression Methods
Authors: Huang Chia-Hui , Yang Keng-Chieh , Kao Han-Ying
Published: July 2014

Big data is a new trend at present, forcing the significant impacts on information technologies. In big data applications, one of the most concerned issues is dealing with large-scale data sets that often require computation resources provided by public cloud services. How to analyze big data efficiently becomes a big challenge. In this paper, we collaborate interval regression with the smooth support vector machine (SSVM) to analyze big data. Recently, the smooth support vector machine (SSVM) was proposed as an alternative of the standard SVM that has been proved more efficient than the traditional SVM in processing large-scale data. In addition the soft margin method is proposed to modify the excursion of separation margin and to be effective in the gray zone that the distribution of data becomes hard to be described and the separation margin between classes.
The Effect of Variation of Molarity of Alkali Activator and Fine Aggregate Content on the Compressive Strength of the Fly Ash: Palm Oil Fuel Ash Based Geopolymer Mortar
Authors: Bashar Iftekhair Ibnul , Alengaram U. Johnson , Jumaat Mohd Zamin , Islam Azizul
Published: July 2014

The effect of molarity of alkali activator, manufactured sand (M-sand), and quarry dust (QD) on the compressive strength of palm oil fuel ash (POFA) and fly ash (FA) based geopolymer mortar was investigated and reported. The variable investigated includes the quantities of replacement levels of M-sand, QD, and conventional mining sand (N-sand) in two concentrated alkaline solutions; the contents of alkaline solution, water, POFA/FA ratio, and curing condition remained constant. The results show that an average of 76% of the 28-day compressive strength was found at the age of 3 days. The rate of strength development from 3 to 7 days was found between 12 and 16% and it was found much less beyond this period. The addition of 100% M-sand and QD shows insignificant strength reduction compared to mixtures with 100% N-sand. The particle angularity and texture of fine aggregates played a significant role in the strength development due to the filling and packing ability. The rough texture and surface of QD enables stronger bond between the paste and the fine aggregate. The concentration of alkaline solution increased the reaction rate and thus enhanced the development of early age strength. The use of M-sand and QD in the development of geopolymer concrete is recommended as the strength variation between these waste materials and conventional sand is not high.
Mathematical Analysis of a General Two-Patch Model of Tuberculosis Disease with Lost Sight Individuals
Authors: Laohombé Abdias , Ngningone Eya Isabelle , Tewa Jean Jules , Bah Alassane , Bowong Samuel , Oukouomi Noutchie Suares Clovis
Published: July 2014

A two-patch model,SEi1,…,EinIiLi,  i=1,2, is used to analyze the spread of tuberculosis, with an arbitrary numbernof latently infected compartments in each patch. A fraction of infectious individuals that begun their treatment will not return to the hospital for the examination of sputum. This fact usually occurs in sub-Saharan Africa, due to many reasons. The model incorporates migrations from one patch to another. The existence and uniqueness of the associated equilibria are discussed. A Lyapunov function is used to show that when the basic reproduction ratio is less than one, the disease-free equilibrium is globally and asymptotically stable. When it is greater than one, there exists at least one endemic equilibrium. The local stability of endemic equilibria can be illustrated using numerical simulations. Numerical simulation results are provided to illustrate the theoretical results and analyze the influence of lost sight individuals.
Software Authority Transition through Multiple Distributors
Authors: Han Kyusunk , Shon Taeshik
Published: July 2014

The rapid growth in the use of smartphones and tablets has changed the software distribution ecosystem. The trend today is to purchase software through application stores rather than from traditional offline markets. Smartphone and tablet users can install applications easily by purchasing from the online store deployed in their device. Several systems, such as Android or PC-based OS units, allow users to install software from multiple sources. Such openness, however, can promote serious threats, including malware and illegal usage. In order to prevent such threats, several stores use online authentication techniques. These methods can, however, also present a problem whereby even licensed users cannot use their purchased application. In this paper, we discuss these issues and provide an authentication method that will make purchased applications available to the registered user at all times.
Automatic Foreground Extraction Based on Difference of Gaussian
Authors: Yuan Yubo , Liu Yun , Dai Guanghui , Zhang Jing , Chen Zhihua
Published: July 2014

A novel algorithm for automatic foreground extraction based on difference of Gaussian (DoG) is presented. In our algorithm, DoG is employed to find the candidate keypoints of an input image in different color layers. Then, a keypoints filter algorithm is proposed to get the keypoints by removing the pseudo-keypoints and rebuilding the important keypoints. Finally, Normalized cut (Ncut) is used to segment an image into several regions and locate the foreground with the number of keypoints in each region. Experiments on the given image data set demonstrate the effectiveness of our algorithm.
An Improved Multidimensional MPA Procedure for Bidirectional Earthquake Excitations
Authors: Wang Feng , Sun Jian-Gang , Zhang Ning
Published: July 2014

Presently, the modal pushover analysis procedure is extended to multidimensional analysis of structures subjected to multidimensional earthquake excitations. an improved multidimensional modal pushover analysis (IMMPA) method is presented in the paper in order to estimate the response demands of structures subjected to bidirectional earthquake excitations, in which the unidirectional earthquake excitation applied on equivalent SDOF system is replaced by the direct superposition of two components earthquake excitations, and independent analysis in each direction is not required and the application of simplified superposition formulas is avoided. The strength reduction factor spectra based on superposition of earthquake excitations are discussed and compared with the traditional strength reduction factor spectra. The step-by-step procedure is proposed to estimate seismic demands of structures. Two examples are implemented to verify the accuracy of the method, and the results of the examples show that (1) the IMMPA method can be used to estimate the responses of structure subjected to bidirectional earthquake excitations. (2) Along with increase of peak of earthquake acceleration, structural response deviation estimated with the IMMPA method may also increase. (3) Along with increase of the number of total floors of structures, structural response deviation estimated with the IMMPA method may also increase.
Potassium Channel Ether à go-go1 Is Aberrantly Expressed in Human Liposarcoma and Promotes Tumorigenesis
Authors: Wu Jin , Zhong Daixing , Wei Yujian , Wu Xinyu , Kang Liangqi , Ding Zhenqi
Published: July 2014

The ether à go-go1 (Eag1) channel is overexpressed in a variety of cancers. However, the expression and function of Eag1 in liposarcoma are poorly understood. In the present study, the mRNA expression of Eag1 in different adipose tissue samples was examined by real-time PCR. Then, the protein expression of Eag1 in 131 different adipose tissues from 109 patients was detected by immunohistochemistry. Next, the associations between Eag1 expression and clinicopathological features of liposarcoma were analyzed. In addition, the effects of Eag1 on liposarcoma cell proliferation and cycle were evaluated by CCK-8, colony formation, xenograft mouse model, and flow cytometry, respectively. Finally, the activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) was detected by Western blot analysis to explain the detailed mechanisms of oncogenic potential of Eag1 in liposarcoma. It was found that Eag1 was aberrantly expressed in over 67% liposarcomas, with a higher frequency than in lipoma, hyperplasia, inflammation, and normal adipose tissues. However, Eag1 expression was not correlated with clinicopathological features of liposarcoma. Eag1 inhibitor imipramine or Eag1-shRNA significantly suppressed the proliferation of liposarcoma cellsin vitroandin vivo, accompanying with accumulation of cells in the G1 phase. These results suggest that Eag1 plays an important role in regulating the proliferation and cell cycle of liposarcoma cells and might be a potential therapeutic target for liposarcoma.
Sensitivity Analysis of Unsteady Flow Fields and Impact of Measurement Strategy
Authors: Misaka Takashi , Obayashi Shigeru
Published: July 2014

Difficulty of data assimilation arises from a large difference between the sizes of a state vector to be determined, that is, the number of spatiotemporal mesh points of a discretized numerical model and a measurement vector, that is, the amount of measurement data. Flow variables on a large number of mesh points are hardly defined by spatiotemporally limited measurements, which poses an underdetermined problem. In this study we conduct the sensitivity analysis of two‐ and three‐dimensional vortical flow fields within a framework of data assimilation. The impact of measurement strategy, which is evaluated by the sensitivity of the 4D‐Var cost function with respect to measurements, is investigated to effectively determine a flow field by limited measurements. The assimilation experiment shows that the error defined by the difference between the reference and assimilated flow fields is reduced by using the sensitivity information to locate the limited number of measurement points. To conduct data assimilation for a long time period, the 4D‐Var data assimilation and the sensitivity analysis are repeated with a short assimilation window.
A Metabonomics Profiling Study on Phlegm Syndrome and Blood‐Stasis Syndrome in Coronary Heart Disease Patients Using Liquid Chromatography/Quadrupole Time‐of‐Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Zhao Linlin , Wan Ling , Qiu Xinjian , Li Ruomeng , Liu Shimi , Wang Dongsheng
Published: July 2014

A metabonomics approach based on liquid chromatography/quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (LC‐Q‐TOF/MS) was utilized to obtain potential biomarkers of coronary heart disease (CHD) patients and investigate the ZHENG types differentiation in CHD patients. The plasma samples of 20 CHD patients with phlegm syndrome, 20 CHD patients with blood‐stasis syndrome, and 16 healthy volunteers were collected in the study. 26 potential biomarkers were identified in the plasma of CHD patients and 19 differential metabolites contributed to the discrimination of phlegm syndrome and blood‐stasis syndrome in CHD patients (VIP > 1.5;  P < 0.05) which mainly involved purine metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, amino acid metabolism, steroid biosynthesis, and arachidonic acid metabolism. This study demonstrated that metabonomics approach based on LC‐MS was useful for studying pathologic changes of CHD patients and interpreting the differentiation of ZHENG types (phlegm and blood‐stasis syndrome) in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
Anatomic Variation of Subclavian Artery Visualized on Ultrasound-Guided Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block
Authors: Kohli Santvana , Yadav Naveen , Prasad Arunima , Banerjee Sumantra Sarathi
Published: July 2014

Use of ultrasonography for performance of nerve and plexus blocks has made the process simpler and safer. However, at times, variant anatomy of the visualized structures can lead to failure of blocks or complications such as intravascular injections. This is especially true in case of novice operators. We report a case of a variant branch of subclavian artery, possibly the dorsal scapular artery passing through the brachial plexus nerve bundles in the supraclavicular area. Since this variation in anatomy was visualized in the scout scan prior to the performance of the block, it was possible to avoid any accidental puncture. Hence, a thorough knowledge of the ultrasound anatomy is important in order to identify various aberrations and variations. It is also prudent to perform a preliminary scan, prior to performance of the block to localize the target area and avoid any inadvertent complications.
An Optimized Classification Algorithm by Neural Network Ensemble Based on PLS and OLS
Authors: Jia Weikuan , Zhao Dean , Tang Yuyang , Hu Chanli , Zhao Yuyan
Published: July 2014

Using the neural network to classify the data which has higher dimension and fewer samples means overmuch feature inputs influence the structure design of neural network and fewer samples will generate incomplete or overfitting phenomenon during the neural network training. All of the above will restrict the recognition precision obviously. It is even better to use neural network to classify and, therefore, propose a neural network ensemble optimized classification algorithm based on PLS and OLS in this paper. The new algorithm takes some advantages of partial least squares (PLS) algorithm to reduce the feature dimension of small sample data, which obtains the low‐dimensional and stronger illustrative data; using ordinary least squares (OLS) theory determines the weights of each neural network in ensemble learning system. Feature dimension reduction is applied to simplify the neural network’s structure and improve the operation efficiency; ensemble learning can compensate for the information loss caused by the dimension reduction; on the other hand, it improves the recognition precision of classification system. Finally, through the case analysis, the experiment results suggest that the operating efficiency and recognition precision of new algorithm are greatly improved, which is worthy of further promotion.
Turbulence Model Sensitivity and Scour Gap Effect of Unsteady Flow around Pipe: A CFD Study
Authors: Ali Abbod , Sharma R. K. , Ganesan P. , Akib Shatirah
Published: July 2014

A numerical investigation of incompressible and transient flow around circular pipe has been carried out at different five gap phases. Flow equations such as Navier-Stokes and continuity equations have been solved using finite volume method. Unsteady horizontal velocity and kinetic energy square root profiles are plotted using different turbulence models and their sensitivity is checked against published experimental results. Flow parameters such as horizontal velocity under pipe, pressure coefficient, wall shear stress, drag coefficient, and lift coefficient are studied and presented graphically to investigate the flow behavior around an immovable pipe and scoured bed.
Comprehensive Review on Divisible Load Theory: Concepts, Strategies, and Approaches
Authors: Ghanbari Shamsollah , Othman Mohamed
Published: July 2014

There is extensive literature concerning the divisible load theory. The divisible load theory is mainly applied for scheduling in the area of distributed computing. It is based on the fact that the load can be divided into some arbitrarily independent parts, in which each part can be processed independently by a processor. This paper reviews the literature concerning the divisible load theory, while focusing on the details of the basic concepts, approaches, strategies, typologies, and open problems.
Glycolipids as Potential Energy Molecules during Starvation in Climbing Perch,Anabas testudineus(Bloch)
Authors: Godavarthy Padmavathi , Sunila Kumari Y.
Published: July 2014

Glycolipids are membrane lipids which act as cellular markers and also provide energy for the cells. The present study is an attempt to understand whether glycolipids can act as energy sources during fasting. To achieve this, we selected and subjectedAnabas testudineusto short-term (15 days) and long-term (60 days) laboratory starvation. We estimated glycolipids biochemically using a standard protocol in six different tissues. Results showed a selective decline in glycolipid concentration in certain tissues, and also an increase was observed in some tissues. Short-term fasting led to a decline in glycolipids in tissues such as brain (P<0.05), accessory respiratory organ (P<0.001), pectoral and lateral line muscle. Liver and kidney (P<0.002) reported an increase. Long term starvation also resulted in a decline in tissues such as liver (P<0.001), kidney (P<0.001), brain, and accessory respiratory organ. Muscle tissue,that is, both the pectoral (P<0.002) and lateral line muscle (P<0.05), showed an increase in the glycolipid fraction. This selective decline in glycolipid content of certain tissues suggests a possible utilization of these lipids during starvation and the significant upsurge observed in certain tissues suggests a simultaneous synthesis occurring along the degradation, probably reducing the oxidative stress created by ROS (reactive oxygen species).
3D Acoustic Modelling of Dissipative Silencers with Nonhomogeneous Properties and Mean Flow
Authors: Sánchez-Orgaz E. M. , Denia F. D. , Martínez-Casas J. , Baeza L.
Published: July 2014

A finite element approach is proposed for the acoustic analysis of automotive silencers including a perforated duct with uniform axial mean flow and an outer chamber with heterogeneous absorbent material. This material can be characterized by means of its equivalent acoustic properties, considered coordinate-dependent via the introduction of a heterogeneous bulk density, and the corresponding material airflow resistivity variations. An approach has been implemented to solve the pressure wave equation for a nonmoving heterogeneous medium, associated with the problem of sound propagation in the outer chamber. On the other hand, the governing equation in the central duct has been solved in terms of the acoustic velocity potential considering the presence of a moving medium. The coupling between both regions and the corresponding acoustic fields has been carried out by means of a perforated duct and its acoustic impedance, adapted here to include absorbent material heterogeneities and mean flow effects simultaneously. It has been found that bulk density heterogeneities have a considerable influence on the silencer transmission loss.
Synergistic Effects of Toxic Elements on Heat Shock Proteins
Authors: Mahmood Khalid , Jadoon Saima , Mahmood Qaisar , Irshad Muhammad , Hussain Jamshaid
Published: July 2014

Heat shock proteins show remarkable variations in their expression levels under a variety of toxic conditions. A research span expanded over five decades has revealed their molecular characterization, gene regulation, expression patterns, vast similarity in diverse groups, and broad range of functional capabilities. Their functions include protection and tolerance against cytotoxic conditions through their molecular chaperoning activity, maintaining cytoskeleton stability, and assisting in cell signaling. However, their role as biomarkers for monitoring the environmental risk assessment is controversial due to a number of conflicting, validating, and nonvalidating reports. The current knowledge regarding the interpretation of HSPs expression levels has been discussed in the present review. The candidature of heat shock proteins as biomarkers of toxicity is thus far unreliable due to synergistic effects of toxicants and other environmental factors. The adoption of heat shock proteins as “suit of biomarkers in a set of organisms” requires further investigation.
Management of the Bleeding Patient Receiving New Oral Anticoagulants: A Role for Prothrombin Complex Concentrates
Authors: Baumann Kreuziger Lisa M. , Keenan Joseph C. , Morton Colleen T. , Dries David J.
Published: July 2014

Ease of dosing and simplicity of monitoring make new oral anticoagulants an attractive therapy in a growing range of clinical conditions. However, newer oral anticoagulants interact with the coagulation cascade in different ways than traditional warfarin therapy. Replacement of clotting factors will not reverse the effects of dabigatran, rivaroxaban, or apixaban. Currently, antidotes for these drugs are not widely available. Fortunately, withholding the anticoagulant and dialysis are freqnently effective treatments, particularly with rivaroxaban and dabigatran. Emergent bleeding, however, requires utilization of Prothrombin Complex Concentrates (PCCs). PCCs, in addition to recombinant factor VIIa, are used to activate the clotting system to reverse the effects of the new oral anticoagulants. In cases of refractory or emergent bleeding, the recommended factor concentrate in our protocols differs between the new oral anticoagulants. In patients taking dabigatran, we administer an activated PCC (aPCC) [FELBA] due to reported benefit in human in vitro studies. Based on human clinical trial evidence, the 4-factor PCC (Kcentra) is suggested for patients with refractory rivaroxaban- or apixaban-associated hemorrhage. If bleeding continues, recombinant factor VIIa may be employed. With all of these new procoagulant agents, the risk of thrombosis associated with administration of factor concentrates must be weighed against the relative risk of hemorrhage.
Parallel Jacobi EVD Methods on Integrated Circuits
Authors: Sun Chi-Chia , Götze Jürgen , Jan Gene Eu
Published: July 2014

Design strategies for parallel iterative algorithms are presented. In order to further study different tradeoff strategies in design criteria for integrated circuits, A 10 × 10 Jacobi Brent-Luk-EVD array with the simplified μ-CORDIC processor is used as an example. The experimental results show that using the μ-CORDIC processor is beneficial for the design criteria as it yields a smaller area, faster overall computation time, and less energy consumption than the regular CORDIC processor. It is worth to notice that the proposed parallel EVD method can be applied to real-time and low-power array signal processing algorithms performing beamforming or DOA estimation.