bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linearization: Geometric, Complex, and Conditional
Authors: Qadir Asghar
Published: December 2012

Lie symmetry analysis provides a systematic method of obtaining exact solutions of nonlinear (systems of) differential equations, whether partial or ordinary. Of special interest is the procedure that Lie developed to transform scalar nonlinear second‐order ordinary differential equations to linear form. Not much work was done in this direction to start with, but recently there have been various developments. Here, first the original work of Lie (and the early developments on it), and then more recent developments based on geometry and complex analysis, apart from Lie’s own method of algebra (namely, Lie group theory), are reviewed. It is relevant to mention that much of the work is not linearization but uses the base of linearization.
Fast Pedestrian Recognition Based on Multisensor Fusion
Authors: Hu Hongyu , Qu Zhaowei , Li Zhihui , Hu Jinhui , Wei Fulu
Published: December 2012

A fast pedestrian recognition algorithm based on multisensor fusion is presented in this paper. Firstly, potential pedestrian locations are estimated by laser radar scanning in the world coordinates, and then their corresponding candidate regions in the image are located by camera calibration and the perspective mapping model. For avoiding time consuming in the training and recognition process caused by large numbers of feature vector dimensions, region of interest‐based integral histograms of oriented gradients (ROI‐IHOG) feature extraction method is proposed later. A support vector machine (SVM) classifier is trained by a novel pedestrian sample dataset which adapt to the urban road environment for online recognition. Finally, we test the validity of the proposed approach with several video sequences from realistic urban road scenarios. Reliable and timewise performances are shown based on our multisensor fusing method.
Energy-Based Evaluations on Eucalyptus Biomass Production
Authors: Romanelli Thiago L. , Milan Marcos , Tieppo Rafael Cesar
Published: December 2012

Dependence on finite resources brings economic, social, and environmental concerns. Planted forests are a biomass alternative to the exploitation of natural forests. In the exploitation of the planted forests, planning and management are key to achieve success, so in forestry operations, both economic and noneconomic factors must be considered. This study aimed to compare eucalyptus biomass production through energy embodiment of anthropogenic inputs and resource embodiment including environmental contribution (emergy) for the commercial forest in the Sao Paulo, Brazil. Energy analyses and emergy synthesis were accomplished for the eucalyptus production cycles. It was determined that emergy synthesis of eucalyptus production and sensibility analysis for three scenarios to adjust soil acidity (lime, ash, and sludge). For both, energy analysis and emergy synthesis, harvesting presented the highest input demand. Results show the differences between energy analysis and emergy synthesis are in the conceptual underpinnings and accounting procedures. Both evaluations present similar trends and differ in the magnitude of the participation of an input due to its origin. For instance, inputs extracted from ores, which represent environmental contribution, are more relevant for emergy synthesis. On the other hand, inputs from industrial processes are more important for energy analysis.
Inverse Parametric Analysis of Seismic Permanent Deformation for Earth‐Rockfill Dams Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Wang Xu , Kang Fei , Li Junjie , Wang Xin
Published: December 2012

This paper investigates the potential application of artificial neural networks in permanent deformation parameter identification for rockfill dams. Two kinds of neural network models, multilayer feedforward network (BP) and radial basis function (RBF) networks, are adopted to identify the parameters of seismic permanent deformation for Zipingpu Dam in China. The dynamic analysis is carried out by three‐dimensional finite element method, and earthquake‐induced permanent deformation is calculated by an equivalent nodal force method. Based on the sensitivity analysis of permanent deformation parameters, an objective function for network training is established by considering parameter sensitivity, which can improve the accuracy of parameter identification. By comparison, it is found that RBF outperforms the BP network in this problem. The proposed inverse analysis model for earth‐rockfill dams can identify the seismic deformation parameters with just a small amount of sample designs, and much calculation time can be saved by this method.
Nontrivial Solutions for a Class of Fractional Differential Equations with Integral Boundary Conditions and a Parameter in a Banach Space with Lattice
Authors: Zhang Xingqiu , Wang Lin
Published: December 2012

Existence of nontrivial solutions for the following fractional differential equation with integral boundary conditions , 0 < t < 1, u(0) = u′(0) = u′′(0) = 0, is investigated by using results for the computation of topological degree under the lattice structure, where 3 < α ≤ 4, 0 < η ≤ 1, 0 ≤ ληα/α < 1, is the standard Riemann‐Liouville derivative. h(t) is allowed to be singular at t = 0 and t = 1.
Hepatic Angiomyolipoma: Diagnostic Findings and Management
Authors: Kamimura Kenya , Nomoto Minoru , Aoyagi Yutaka
Published: December 2012

Angiomyolipoma (AML) is a benign mesenchymal tumor that is frequently found in the kidney and, rarely, in the liver. The natural history of hepatic AML has not been clarified, and, because of the similar patterns in imaging studies, such as ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, some of these tumors have been overdiagnosed as hepatocellular carcinoma in the past. With an increase in the number of case reports showing detailed imaging studies and immunohistochemical staining of the tumor with human melanoma black-45, the diagnostic accuracy is also increasing. In this paper, we focused on the role of noninvasive imaging studies and histological diagnosis showing distinctive characteristics of this tumor. In addition, because several reports have described tumor progression in terms of size, recurrence after surgical resection, metastasis to other organs, and portal thrombosis, we summarized these cases for the management and discussed the indications for the surgical treatment of this tumor.
New Insight into the Treatment of Advanced Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Safavi Arash , Vijayasekaran Aparna , Guerrero Marlon A.
Published: December 2012

The vast majority of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) are treated successfully with surgery and radioactive iodine ablation, yet the treatment ofadvancedcases is frustrating and largely ineffective. Systemic treatment with conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy is basically ineffective in most patients with advanced DTC. However, a better understanding of the genetics and biologic basis of thyroid cancers has generated opportunities for innovative therapeutic modalities, resulting in several clinical trials. We aim to delineate the latest knowledge regarding the biologic characteristics of DTC and to describe the available data related to novel targeted therapies that have demonstrated clinical effectiveness.
An Expeditious and Safe Synthesis of Some Exocyclic α,β-Unsaturated Ketones by Microwave-Assisted Condensation of Cyclic Ketones with Aromatic Aldehydes over Anhydrous Potassium Carbonate
Authors: Mondal Rina , Mandal Tapas K. , Mallik Asok K.
Published: December 2012

A rapid, efficient, and solvent-free methodology for synthesis of exocyclic α,β-unsaturated ketones of the categories E-3-arylidene-4-chromanones, E-2-arylidene-1-tetralones, E-2-arylidene-1-indanones, E-3-cinnamylidene-4-chromanones, E-2-cinnamylidene-1-tetralones, E-2-cinnamylidene-1-indanones, α,α′-(E,E)-bis(arylidene)-cycloalkanones, and α,α′-(E,E)-bis(cinnamylidene)-cycloalkanones has been developed through cross-aldol condensation of the constituent cyclic ketones and aldehydes by microwave irradiation over anhydrous potassium carbonate. However, for condensation of 1-thio-4-chromanones with aromatic aldehydes by this method, the initially formed exocyclic α,β-unsaturated ketone has been found to undergo isomerization yielding 3-(arylmethyl)thiochromones.
The Advantages of Not Entangling Macroscopic Diamonds at Room Temperature
Authors: Brezinski Mark E.
Published: December 2012

The recent paper entitled by K. C. Lee et al. (2011) establishes nonlocal macroscopic quantum correlations, which they term “entanglement”, under ambient conditions. Photon(s)-phonon entanglements are established within each interferometer arm. However, our analysis demonstrates, the phonon fields between arms become correlated as a result of single-photon wavepacket path indistinguishability, not true nonlocal entanglement. We also note that a coherence expansion (as opposed to decoherence) resulted from local entanglement which was not recognized. It occurred from nearly identical Raman scattering in each arm (importantly not meeting the Born and Markovian approximations). The ability to establish nonlocal macroscopic quantum correlations through path indistinguishability rather than entanglement offers the opportunity to greatly expand quantum macroscopic theory and application, even though it was not true nonlocal entanglement.
Tracking Control Based on Recurrent Neural Networks for Nonlinear Systems with Multiple Inputs and Unknown Deadzone
Authors: Pérez-Cruz J. Humberto , Rubio José de Jesús , Ruiz-Velázquez E. , Solís-Perales G.
Published: December 2012

This paper deals with the problem of trajectory tracking for a broad class of uncertain nonlinear systems with multiple inputs each one subject to an unknown symmetric deadzone. On the basis of a model of the deadzone as a combination of a linear term and a disturbance‐like term, a continuous‐time recurrent neural network is directly employed in order to identify the uncertain dynamics. By using a Lyapunov analysis, the exponential convergence of the identification error to a bounded zone is demonstrated. Subsequently, by a proper control law, the state of the neural network is compelled to follow a bounded reference trajectory. This control law is designed in such a way that the singularity problem is conveniently avoided and the exponential convergence to a bounded zone of the difference between the state of the neural identifier and the reference trajectory can be proven. Thus, the exponential convergence of the tracking error to a bounded zone and the boundedness of all closed‐loop signals can be guaranteed. One of the main advantages of the proposed strategy is that the controller can work satisfactorily without any specific knowledge of an upper bound for the unmodeled dynamics and/or the disturbance term.
Dechlorination of Environmental Contaminants Using a Hybrid Nanocatalyst: Palladium Nanoparticles Supported on Hierarchical Carbon Nanostructures
Authors: Vijwani Hema , Agrawal Abinash , Mukhopadhyay Sharmila M.
Published: December 2012

This paper demonstrates the effectiveness of a new type of hybrid nanocatalyst material that combines the high surface area of nanoparticles and nanotubes with the structural robustness and ease of handling larger supports. The hybrid material is made by fabricating palladium nanoparticles on two types of carbon supports: as-received microcellular foam (Foam) and foam with carbon nanotubes anchored on the pore walls (CNT/Foam). Catalytic reductive dechlorination of carbon tetrachloride with these materials has been investigated using gas chromatography. It is seen that while both palladium-functionalized carbon supports are highly effective in the degradation of carbon tetrachloride, the rate of degradation is significantly increased with palladium on CNT/Foam. However, there is scope to increase this rate further if the wettability of these structures can be enhanced in the future. Microstructural and spectroscopic analyses of the fresh and used catalysts have been compared which indicates that there is no change in density or surface chemical states of the catalyst after prolonged use in dechlorination test. This implies that these materials can be used repeatedly and hence provide a simple, powerful, and cost-effective approach for dechlorination of water.
Oscillation Criteria of Certain Third‐Order Differential Equation with Piecewise Constant Argument
Authors: Liang Haihua , Wang Gen-qiang
Published: December 2012

We study the oscillation and asymptotic behavior of third‐order nonlinear delay differential equation with piecewise constant argument of the form (r2(t)(r1(t)x′(t))′)′ + p(t)x′(t) + f(t, x([t])) = 0. We establish several sufficient conditions which insure that any solution of this equation oscillates or converges to zero. Some examples are given to illustrate the importance of our results.
Transition Temperatures of Thermotropic Liquid Crystals from the Local Binary Gray Level Cooccurrence Matrix
Authors: Sastry S. Sreehari , Kumari T. Vindhya , Rao C. Nageswara , Mallika K. , Lakshminarayana S. , Tiong Ha Sie
Published: December 2012

This paper presents a method which combines the statistical analysis with texture structural analysis called Local Binary Gray Level Cooccurrence Matrix (LBGLCM) to investigate the phase transition temperatures of thermotropicp,n-alkyloxy benzoic acid (nOBA,n=4,6,8,10and 12) liquid crystals. Textures of the homeotropically aligned liquid crystal compounds are recorded as a function of temperature using polarizing optical microscope attached to the hot stage and high resolution camera. In this method, second-order statistical parameters (contrast, energy, homogeneity, and correlation) are extracted from the LBGLCM of the textures. The changes associatedwiththe values of extracted parameters as a function of temperature are a helpful process to identify the phases and phase transition temperatures of the samples. Results obtained from this method have validity and are in good agreement with the literature.
A Generalized Nonuniform Contraction and Lyapunov Function
Authors: Liao Fang-fang , Jiang Yongxin , Xie Zhiting
Published: December 2012

For nonautonomous linear equations x′ = A(t)x, we give a complete
characterization of general nonuniform contractions in terms of Lyapunov
functions. We consider the general case of nonuniform contractions, which
corresponds to the existence of what we call nonuniform (D, μ)‐contractions.
As an application, we establish the robustness of the nonuniform contraction under sufficiently small linear perturbations. Moreover, we show that the stability of a nonuniform contraction persists under sufficiently small nonlinear perturbations.
Screen for Footprints of Selection during Domestication/Captive Breeding of Atlantic Salmon
Authors: Vasemägi Anti , Nilsson Jan , McGinnity Philip , Cross Tom , O’Reilly Patrick , Glebe Brian , Peng Bo , Berg Paul Ragnar , Primmer Craig Robert
Published: December 2012

Domesticated animals provide a unique opportunity to identify genomic targets of artificial selection to the captive environment. Here, we screened three independent domesticated/captive Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) strains and their wild progenitor populations in an effort to detect potential signals of domestication selection by typing of 261 SNPs and 70 microsatellite loci. By combining information from four different neutrality tests, in total ten genomic regions showed signs of directional selection based on multiple sources of evidence. Most of the identified candidate regions were rather small ranging from zero to a few centimorgans (cM) in the female Atlantic salmon linkage map. We also evaluated how adaptation from standing variation affects adjacent SNP and microsatellite variation along the chromosomes and, by using forward simulations with strong selection, we were able to generate genetic differentiation patterns comparable to the observed data. This study highlights the significance of standing genetic variation during the early stages of adaptation and represents a useful step towards identifying functional variants involved in domestication of Atlantic salmon.
A First Look at Chorioamnionitis Management Practice Variation among US Obstetricians
Authors: Greenberg Mara B. , Anderson Britta L. , Schulkin Jay , Norton Mary E. , Aziz Natali
Published: December 2012

Objective. To examine practice patterns for diagnosis and treatment of chorioamnionitis among US obstetricians.Study Design. We distributed a mail-based survey to members of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, querying demographics, practice setting, and chorioamnionitis management strategies. We performed univariable and multivariable analyses.Results. Of 500 surveys distributed, 53.8% were returned, and 212 met study criteria and were analyzed. Most respondents work in group practice (66.0%), perform >100 deliveries per year (60.0%), have been in practice >10 years (77.3%), and work in a nonuniversity setting (85.1%). Temperature plus one additional criterion (61.3%) was the most common diagnostic strategy. Over 25 different primary antibiotic regimens were reported, including use of a single agent by 30.0% of respondents. A wide range of postpartum antibiotic duration was reported from no postpartum treatment (34.5% after vaginal delivery, 11.3% after cesarean delivery) to 48 hours of postpartum treatment (24.7% after vaginal delivery, 32.1% after cesarean delivery). No practitioner characteristic was independently associated with diagnostic or therapeutic strategies in multivariable analysis.Conclusion. There is a wide variation in contemporary clinical practices for the management of chorioamnionitis. This may represent a dearth of level I evidence. Future prospective clinical trials may provide more evidence-based practice recommendations for diagnosis and treatment of chorioamnionitis.
Extrapontine Myelinolysis of Osmotic Demyelination Syndrome in a Case of Postoperative Suprasellar Arachnoid Cyst
Authors: Zhao Peng , Zong Xuyi , Wang Xinsheng , Zhang Yazhuo
Published: December 2012

The extrapontine myelinolysis of osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS) is a well-known but uncommon disorder of the central nervous system. Although the mechanism is not fully understood and the treatment is controversial, hyponatremia is probably considered to be the main pathophysiological basis. There are few reports of ODS caused by a sellar lesion. Here we present a case of suprasellar arachnoid cyst that developed extrapontine myelinolysis of ODS after a neuroendoscopic treatment procedure. It is suggested that patients with suprasellar lesions are at risk of developing extrapontine myelinolysis of ODS and correction of hyponatremia in these cases should be closely monitored.
The Dynamics of a Ringing Church Bell
Authors: Woodhouse J. , Rene J. C. , Hall C. S. , Smith L. T. W. , King F. H. , McClenahan J. W.
Published: December 2012

Church bell ringing as practised in the UK involves large-amplitude motions of both bell and clapper. A simulation model is developed and validated against experimental measurements. It is shown that the clapper does not hit the bell with a single impact but a long series of bounces, and this has important consequences for the decay profile of the bell vibration. Information relevant to bell-ringers and bell-hangers is collected in a series of design charts derived from the simulation model. These charts can assist in the diagnosis and correction of faults. Arising from the analysis of the bouncing clapper, a more general result is also presented relating to the frequency bandwidth when any structure is excited by a small bouncing impactor, for example an impulse hammer used in vibration testing.
Polypoidal Intestinal Metaplasia and Dysplasia of the External Urethral Meatus
Authors: Mathew Mary , Nayal Bhavna , Rao Lakshmi , Narayanan Unni Raghunath , Thomas Joseph
Published: December 2012

Urethral mucosa with intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia is a rare occurrence. To date only a single case has been reported in a male with long-standing urethral stricture. We present a 33-year-old female with polypoid intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia of the external urethral meatus in the absence of an inciting factor. Intestinal metaplasia of the urethral mucosa may undergo dysplasia, emphasizing the necessity of a high degree of clinical suspicion and vigilant pathological examination of these lesions.
Preference Comparison of AI Power Tracing Techniques for Deregulated Power Markets
Authors: Shareef Hussain , Khalid Saifunizam Abd. , Mustafa Mohd Wazir , Khairuddin Azhar
Published: December 2012

This paper compares the two preference artificial intelligent (AI) techniques, namely, artificial neural network (ANN) and genetic algorithm optimized least square support vector machine (GA-LSSVM) approach, to allocate the real power output of individual generators to system loads. Based on solved load flow results, it first uses modified nodal equation method (MNE) to determine real power contribution from each generator to loads. Then the results of MNE method and load flow information are utilized to estimate the power transfer using AI techniques. The 25-bus equivalent system of south Malaysia is utilized as a test system to illustrate the effectiveness of the AI techniques compared to those of the MNE method. The AI methods provide the results in a faster and convenient manner with very good accuracy.
Pulmonary Sarcoidosis following Etanercept Treatment
Authors: Bhamra Kuljeet , Stevens Richard
Published: December 2012

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) is an important cytokine involved in the pathology of a number of inflammatory conditions, and thus blockade with anti-TNF therapies is becoming the cornerstone in managing such diseases. With increasing use, evidence is collected for the association of sarcoid-like granulomatous disease developing after the initiation of anti-TNF-αtherapy, with disease reversal after discontinuation.
Solving Optimal Control Problem of Monodomain Model Using Hybrid Conjugate Gradient Methods
Authors: Ng Kin Wei , Rohanin Ahmad
Published: December 2012

We present the numerical solutions for the PDE‐constrained optimization problem arising in cardiac electrophysiology, that is, the optimal control problem of monodomain model. The optimal control problem of monodomain model is a nonlinear optimization problem that is constrained by the monodomain model. The monodomain model consists of a parabolic partial differential equation coupled to a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations, which has been widely used for simulating cardiac electrical activity. Our control objective is to dampen the excitation wavefront using optimal applied extracellular current. Two hybrid conjugate gradient methods are employed for computing the optimal applied extracellular current, namely, the Hestenes‐Stiefel‐Dai‐Yuan (HS‐DY) method and the Liu‐Storey‐Conjugate‐Descent (LS‐CD) method. Our experiment results show that the excitation wavefronts are successfully dampened out when these methods are used. Our experiment results also show that the hybrid conjugate gradient methods are superior to the classical conjugate gradient methods when Armijo line search is used.
Admissibility for Nonuniform (μ, ν) Contraction and Dichotomy
Authors: Jiang Yongxin , Liao Fang-fang
Published: December 2012

The relation between the notions of nonuniform asymptotic stability and admissibility is considered. Using appropriate Lyapunov norms, it is showed that if any of their associated ℒp spaces, with p ∈ (1, ∞], is admissible for a given evolution process, then this process is a nonuniform (μ, ν) contraction and dichotomy. A collection of admissible Banach spaces for any given nonuniform (μ, ν) contraction
and dichotomy is provided.
A Discontinuous Finite Volume Method for the Darcy‐Stokes Equations
Authors: Yin Zhe , Jiang Ziwen , Xu Qiang
Published: December 2012

This paper proposes a discontinuous finite volume method for the Darcy‐Stokes equations. An optimal error estimate for the approximation of velocity is obtained in a mesh‐dependent norm. First‐order L2‐error estimates are derived for the approximations of both velocity and pressure. Some numerical examples verifying the theoretical predictions are presented.
A Review of Translational Animal Models for Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Gregory Martin H. , Capito Nicholas , Kuroki Keiichi , Stoker Aaron M. , Cook James L. , Sherman Seth L.
Published: December 2012

Knee osteoarthritis remains a tremendous public health concern, both in terms of health-related quality of life and financial burden of disease. Translational research is a critical step towards understanding and mitigating the long-term effects of this disease process. Animal models provide practical and clinically relevant ways to study both the natural history and response to treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Many factors including size, cost, and method of inducing osteoarthritis are important considerations for choosing an appropriate animal model. Smaller animals are useful because of their ease of use and cost, while larger animals are advantageous because of their anatomical similarity to humans. This evidence-based review will compare and contrast several different animal models for knee osteoarthritis. Our goal is to inform the clinician about current research models, in order to facilitate the transfer of knowledge from the “bench” to the “bedside.”
Acute Myocardial Infarction Caused by Filgrastim: A Case Report
Authors: Bilir Cemil , Engin Hüseyin , Temi Yasemin Bakkal , Toka Bilal , Karabağ Turgut
Published: December 2012

Common uses of the granulocyte-colony stimulating factors in the clinical practice raise the concern about side effects of these agents. We presented a case report about an acute myocardial infarction with non-ST segment elevation during filgrastim administration. A 73-year-old man had squamous cell carcinoma of larynx with lung metastasis treated with the chemotherapy. Second day after the filgrastim, patient had a chest discomfort. An ECG was performed and showed an ST segment depression and negative T waves on inferior derivations. A coronary angiography had showed a critical lesion in right coronary arteria. This is the first study thats revealed that G-CSF can cause acute myocardial infarction in cancer patients without history of cardiac disease. Patients with chest discomfort and pain who are on treatment with G-CSF or GM-CSF must alert the physicians for acute coronary events.
Bi‐Objective Optimization Method and Application of Mechanism Design Based on Pigs′ Payoff Game Behavior
Authors: Wang Lu , Wang Jian-gang , Meng Rui , Xie Neng-gang
Published: December 2012

It takes two design goals as different game players and design variables are divided into strategy spaces owned by corresponding game player by calculating the impact factor and fuzzy clustering. By the analysis of behavior characteristics of two kinds of intelligent pigs, the big pig′s behavior is cooperative and collective, but the small pig′s behavior is noncooperative, which are endowed with corresponding game player. Two game players establish the mapping relationship between game players payoff functions and objective functions. In their own strategy space, each game player takes their payoff function as monoobjective for optimization. It gives the best strategy upon other players. All the best strategies are combined to be a game strategy set. With convergence and multiround game, the final game solution is obtained. Taking bi‐objective optimization of luffing mechanism of compensative shave block, for example, the results show that the method can effectively solve bi‐objective optimization problems with preferred target and the efficiency and accuracy are also well.
Alternatively Activated Macrophages in Types 1 and 2 Diabetes
Authors: Espinoza-Jiménez Arlett , Peón Alberto N. , Terrazas Luis I.
Published: December 2012

Macrophages are innate immune cells derived from monocytes, which, in turn, arise from myeloid precursor cells in the bone marrow. Macrophages have many important roles in the innate and adaptive immune response, as well as in tissue homeostasis. Two major populations have been defined: The classically activated macrophages that respond to intracellular pathogens by secreting proinflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species and alternatively activated macrophages which are induced during Th2 responses displaying anti-inflammatory activities. Both macrophage populations are central players in diabetes, the first one triggering inflammatory responses which initiates insulitis and pancreaticβcell death during type 1 diabetes, whereas the second population decreases hyperglycemia, insulitis, and inflammation in the pancreas, thereby negatively regulate type 1 diabetes. Obesity is an important factor in the development of type 2 diabetes; classically activated macrophages are a dominant cell population involved in the establishment of the inflammatory profile, insulin resistance, and activation of inflammatory signals during the development and progression of this disease. In contrast, alternatively activated macrophages regulate the release of proinflammatory cytokines, attenuating adipose tissue inflammation. Here, we review the advantages and disadvantages of these two macrophage populations with regard to their roles in types 1 and 2 diabetes.
Robust Local Regularity and Controllability of Uncertain TS Fuzzy Descriptor Systems
Authors: Chen Shinn-Horng , Ho Wen-Hsien , Chou Jyh-Horng
Published: December 2012

The robust local regularity and controllability problem for the Takagi‐Sugeno (TS) fuzzy descriptor systems is studied in this paper. Under the assumptions that the nominal TS fuzzy descriptor systems are locally regular and controllable, a sufficient criterion is proposed to preserve the assumed properties when the structured parameter uncertainties are added into the nominal TS fuzzy descriptor systems. The proposed sufficient criterion can provide the explicit relationship of the bounds on parameter uncertainties for preserving the assumed properties. An example is given to illustrate the application of the proposed sufficient condition.
Active Targeting to Osteosarcoma Cells and Apoptotic Cell Death Induction by the Novel Lectin Eucheuma serra Agglutinin Isolated from a Marine Red Alga
Authors: Hayashi Keita , Walde Peter , Miyazaki Tatsuhiko , Sakayama Kenshi , Nakamura Atsushi , Kameda Kenji , Masuda Seizo , Umakoshi Hiroshi , Kato Keiichi
Published: December 2012

Previously, we demonstrated that the novel lectin Eucheuma serra agglutinin from a marine red alga (ESA) induces apoptotic cell death in carcinoma. We now find that ESA induces apoptosis also in the case of sarcoma cells. First, propidium iodide assays with OST cells and LM8 cells showed a decrease in cell viability after addition of ESA. With 50 μg/ml ESA, the viabilities after 24 hours decreased to 54.7 ± 11.4% in the case of OST cells and to 41.7 ± 12.3% for LM8 cells. Second, using fluorescently labeled ESA and flow cytometric and fluorescence microscopic measurements, it could be shown that ESA does not bind to cells that were treated with glycosidases, indicating importance of the carbohydrate chains on the surface of the cells for efficient ESA-cell interactions. Third, Span 80 vesicles with surface-bound ESA as active targeting ligand were shown to display sarcoma cell binding activity, leading to apoptosis and complete OST cell death after 48 hours at 2 μg/ml ESA. The findings indicate that Span 80 vesicles with surface-bound ESA are a potentially useful drug delivery system not only for the treatment of carcinoma but also for the treatment of osteosarcoma.
On Interval‐Valued Supra‐Fuzzy Syntopogenous Structure
Authors: Sleim F. M. , Mustafa Heba I.
Published: December 2012

A new definition of interval‐valued supra‐fuzzy syntopogenous (resp., supra‐fuzzy proximity) space is given. We show that for any interval‐valued fuzzy syntopogenous structure S, there is another interval‐valued fuzzy syntopogenous structure Sc called the conjugate of S. This leads to introducing the concept of interval‐valued bifuzzy syntopogenous space. Finally, we show every interval‐valued bifuzzy syntopogenous space induces an interval‐valued fuzzy supra‐syntopogenous space. Throughout this paper, the family of all fuzzy sets on nonempty set X will be denoted by IX and the family of all interval‐valued fuzzy sets on a nonempty set X will be denoted by πX.
Hölder Scales of Sea Level
Authors: Li Ming , Chen YangQuan , Li Jia-Yue , Zhao Wei
Published: December 2012

The statistics of sea level is essential in the field of geosciences, ranging from ocean dynamics to climates. The fractal properties of sea level, such as long‐range dependence (LRD) or long memory, 1/f noise behavior, and self‐similarity (SS), are known. However, the description of its multiscale behavior as well as local roughness with the Hölder exponent h(t) from a view of multifractional Brownian motion (mBm) is rarely reported, to the best of our knowledge. In this research, we will exhibit that there is the multiscale property of sea level based on h(t)s of sea level data recorded by the National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) at six stations in the Florida and Eastern Gulf of Mexico. The contributions of this paper are twofold as follows. (i) Hölder exponent of sea level may not change with time considerably at small time scale, for example, daily time scale, but it varies significantly at large time scale, such as at monthly time scale. (ii) The dispersion of the Hölder exponents of sea level may be different at different stations. This implies that the Hölder roughness of sea level may be spatial dependent.
Knot Universes in Bianchi Type I Cosmology
Authors: Myrzakulov Ratbay
Published: December 2012

We investigate the trefoil and figure eight knot universes from Bianchi type I cosmology. In particular, we construct several concrete models describing the knot universes related to the cyclic universe and examine those cosmological features and properties in detail. Finally some examples of unknotted closed curves solutions (spiky and Mobius strip universes) are presented.
Divergence in Defence against Herbivores between Males and Females of Dioecious Plant Species
Authors: Avila-Sakar Germán , Romanow Cora Anne
Published: December 2012

Defensive traits may evolve differently between sexes in dioecious plant species. Our current understanding of this process hinges on a partial view of the evolution of resistance traits that may result in male-biased herbivory in dioecious populations. Here, we present a critical summary of the current state of the knowledge of herbivory in dioecious species and propose alternative evolutionary scenarios that have been neglected. These scenarios consider the potential evolutionary and functional determinants of sexual dimorphism in patterns of resource allocation to reproduction, growth, and defence. We review the evidence upon which two previous reviews of sex-biased herbivory have concluded that male-biased herbivory is a rule for dioecious species, and we caution readers about a series of shortcomings of many of these studies. Lastly, we propose a minimal standard protocol that should be followed in any studies that intend to elucidate the (co)evolution of interactions between dioecious plants and their herbivores.
A Note on Unbounded Hyponormal Composition Operators inL2-Spaces
Authors: Budzyński Piotr
Published: December 2012

We construct an unbounded hyponormal composition operatorCϕinL2-space such that the domains ofCϕ2andCϕ2are trivial.
Research Progress on Ni-Based Antiperovskite Compounds
Authors: Tong P. , Sun Y. P.
Published: December 2012

The superconductivity in antiperovskite compound MgCNi3was discovered in 2001 following the discovery of the superconducting MgB2. In spite of its lower superconducting transition temperature (8 K) than MgB2(39 K), MgCNi3has attracted considerable attention due to its high content of magnetic element Ni and the cubic structure analogous to the perovskite cuprates. After years of extensive investigations both theoretically and experimentally, however, it is still not clear whether the mechanism for superconductivity is conventional or not. The central issue is if and how the ferromagnetic spin fluctuations contribute to the cooper paring. Recently, the experimental results on the single crystals firstly reported in 2007 trend to indicate a conventionals-wave mechanism. Meanwhile many compounds neighboring to MgCNi3were synthesized and the physical properties were investigated, which enriches the physics of the Ni-based antiperovskite compounds and help understand the superconductivity in MgCNi3. In this paper, we summarize the research progress in these two aspects. Moreover, a universal phase diagram of these compounds is presented, which suggests a phonon-mediated mechanism for the superconductivity, as well as a clue for searching new superconductors with the antiperovskite structure. Finally, a few possible scopes for future research are proposed.
Parameter Selection Guidelines for a Parabolic Sliding Mode Filter Based on Frequency and Time Domain Characteristics
Authors: Jin Shanhai , Kikuuwe Ryo , Yamamoto Motoji
Published: December 2012

This paper presents the results of quantitative performance evaluation of an authors’ new parabolic sliding mode filter, which is for removing noise from signals in robotics and mechatronics applications, based on the frequency and time domain characteristics. Based on the evaluation results, the paper presents selection guidelines of two parameters of the filter. The evaluation results show that, in the frequency domain, the noise removing capability of the filter is almost the same as that of the second-order Butterworth low-pass filter (2-LPF), but its phase lag is smaller (maximum 150 degree) than that of 2-LPF (maximum 180 degree). Moreover, the filter produces smaller phase lag than a conventional parabolic sliding mode filter with appropriate selection of the parameters. In the time domain, the filter produces smaller overshoot than 2-LPF and the conventional one, while maintaining short transient time, by using an appropriately selected parameter. The presented parameter selection guidelines state that the values of the parameters should be chosen according to some estimated characteristics of the input and some desired characteristics of the output. The effectiveness of the filter and the presented guidelines is validated through numerical examples and their application to a closed-loop, force control of a robot manipulator.
Lane‐Level Vehicle Trajectory Reckoning for Cooperative Vehicle‐Infrastructure System
Authors: Wang Yinsong , Yang Xiaoguang , Huang Luoyi , Wang Jiawen
Published: December 2012

This paper presents a lane‐level positioning method by trajectory reckoning without Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment in the environment of Cooperative Vehicle‐Infrastructure System (CVIS). Firstly, the accuracy requirements of vehicle position in CVIS applications and the applicability of GPS positioning methods were analyzed. Then, a trajectory reckoning method based on speed and steering data from vehicle’s Control Area Network (CAN) and roadside calibration facilities was proposed, which consists of three critical models, including real‐time estimation of steering angle and vehicle direction, vehicle movement reckoning, and wireless calibration. Finally, the proposed method was validated through simulation and field tests under a variety of traffic conditions. Results show that the accuracy of the reckoned vehicle position can reach the lane level and match the requirements of common CVIS applications.
Chronic Kidney Disease, Obesity, and Hypertension: The Role of Leptin and Adiponectin
Authors: Tesauro M. , Mascali A. , Franzese O. , Cipriani S. , Cardillo C. , Di Daniele N.
Published: December 2012

Chronic kidney disease is a major public health problem and characterized by a progressive loss in renal function over a period of months or years as defined by structural or functional abnormalities of the kidney. Several elements contribute to determine a progression of the kidney injury, inducing a worsening of renal damage and accelerating the decline of renal function: obesity and hypertension are two known factors of kidney progression. Remarkable improvements have been recently achieved in the study of the endocrine features of the adipose tissue and have been able to produce hormone-like peptides named adipokines or adipocytokines. Among these adipocytokines, which represent a link between obesity, hypertension, and chronic nephropathy, leptins and adiponectin appear to play an important role. Leptin not only is a prohypertension element (renal progression factor) through the activation sympathetic nervous, but also is able to induce prosclerotic effects directly on the kidney. In contrast, a decline of adiponectin levels has been shown to be related to a picture of hypertension: an endothelial dysfunction has been described as the main pathogenic mechanism responsible for this phenomenon.
Molecular Breeding to Improve Salt Tolerance of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) in the Red River Delta of Vietnam
Authors: Linh Le Hung , Linh Ta Hong , Xuan Tran Dang , Ham Le Huy , Ismail Abdelbagi M. , Khanh Tran Dang
Published: December 2012

Rice is a stable food in Vietnam and plays a key role in the economy of the country. However, the production and the cultivating areas are adversely affected from the threats of devastation caused by the rise of sea level. Using marker-assisted backcrossing (MABC) to develop a new salt tolerance rice cultivar is one of the feasible methods to cope with these devastating changes. To improve rice salt tolerance in BT7 cultivar, FL478 was used as a donor parent to introgress the Saltol QTL conferring salt tolerance into BT7. Three backcrosses were conducted and successfully transferred positive alleles of Saltol from FL478 into BT7. The plants numbers IL-30 and IL-32 in BC3F1 population expected recurrent genome recovery of up to 99.2% and 100%, respectively. These selected lines that carried the Saltol alleles were screened in field for their agronomic traits. All improved lines had Saltol allele similar to the donor parent FL478, whereas their agronomic performances were the same as the original BT7. We show here the success of improving rice salt tolerance by MABC and the high efficiency of selection in early generations. In the present study, MABC has accelerated the development of superior qualities in the genetic background of BT7.
Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicines for Treating HIV Infections and AIDS
Authors: Zou Wen , Liu Ying , Wang Jian , Li Hongjuan , Liao Xing
Published: December 2012

To assess the effects of TCHM on patients with HIV infection and AIDS, we reviewed eleven randomized placebo-controlled trials involving 998 patients. Due to the limited number of RCTs for included trials and the small sample size of each study, we are not able to draw firm conclusions concerning TCHM therapy in treating patients with HIV infection and AIDS. However, some high-quality clinical studies do exist. Studies of diarrhea and oral candidiasis, which are challenging symptoms of AIDS, were demonstrated to have positive effects. Study of peripheral leukocytes, which are a side effect of antiretroviral drugs, suggested that an integrated treatment approach may be of benefit. The overall methodological quality of the trials was adequate; however, randomization methods should be clearly described and fully reported in these trials according to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT).
A Geo-Aware and VRP-Based Public Bicycle Redistribution System
Authors: Lin J. H. , Chou T. C.
Published: December 2012

Public Bicycle System (PBS) has been developed for short-distance transportation as a part of the mass transportation system. The supply and demand of bikes in PBS is usually unbalanced at different stations and needs to be continuously and widely monitored and redistributed. The bicycle redistribution is a part of the vehicle routing problem (VRP). We can apply solutions to the VRP to redistribute bicycle efficiently. However, most solutions to the VRP use the Euclidean distance as the condition factor, which does not take road conditions, traffic regulations, and geographical factors into account, resulting in unnecessary waste of delivery time and human resources. In this work, we propose an actual path distance optimization method for the VRP to adapt the several additional constraints of road problems. We also implement a system that integrates real-time station information, Web GIS, the urban road network, and heuristics algorithms for PBS. The system includes a simulator inside that can assist PBS managers to do the route planning efficiently and find the best scheduling strategy to achieve hotspot analysis and the adjustment of station deployment strategies to reduce PBS operation cost.
Clinical and Microbiological Profile of HIV/AIDS Cases with Diarrhea in North India
Authors: Jha Arun Kumar , Uppal Beena , Chadha Sanjim , Bhalla Preena , Ghosh Roumi , Aggarwal Prabhav , Dewan Richa
Published: December 2012

Intestinal infections are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) especially in developing countries. The present study was conducted to assess the clinical and microbiological spectrum in HIV/AIDS cases with diarrhea and to correlate the occurrence of such pathogens with stool characters, HIV seropositivity status, and CD4 counts. Stools from 154 HIV seropositive subjects and 50 HIV negative controls were examined by direct microscopy, fecal cultures, and serological tests (Clostridium difficileToxin A,Cryptosporidiumantigen, andEntamoeba histolyticaantigen ELISA). CD4 T cell enumeration was done using FACS count (Becton Dickinson). The study showed a male preponderance (112 males and 42 females). Weakness, abdominal pain, and anorexia were the most common symptoms. Coccidian parasites were the most common cause of diarrhea in HIV seropositive cases.C. parvumwas seen in 60.42% whileIsospora belliin 9.03%. Amongst the bacterial pathogensC. difficilewas detected in 18.06%, diarrheagenicEscherichia coliin 11.11%, andShigellaspp. in 2.78%. Pathogen isolation rates were more in HIV seropositive cases and subjects with low CD4 T lymphocyte counts. Regular monitoring of CD4 T lymphocyte counts and screening for enteric pathogens will help improve the quality of life for PLWHA.
Soluble Polyimides Bearing Long-Chain Alkyl Groups on Their Side ChainviaPolymer Reaction
Authors: Tsuda Yusuke , Matsuda Yuki , Matsuda Takaaki
Published: December 2012

Novel soluble polyimides having long-chain alkyl groups on their side chain were synthesizedviapolymer reaction with the polyimides having phenolic OH groups and 3,4,5-tris(dodecyloxy)benzoic acid (12GA) using N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) as a dehydration reagent. The polyimides having phenolic OH groups were synthesized from the tetracarboxylic dianhydrides such as 5-(2,5-dioxotetrahydrofuryl)-3-methyl-3-cyclohexene-1,2-dicarboxylic anhydride (cyclohexene-DA), 4,4′-hexafluoroisopropylidendi(phthalic anhydride) (6FDA), and 3,3′,4,4′-diphenylsulfone tetracarboxylic dianhydride (DSDA) and aromatic diamines such as 4,4′-diamino-3,3′-dihydroxybiphenyl (HAB). The polymer reactions were carried out in NMP and the progresses of polymer reactions were quantitatively monitored by1H NMR measurements (conversion; 12.2–98.7%). The obtained polyimides bearing long-chain alkyl groups have enough molecular weights, good film-forming ability, good solubility for various organic solvents, and enough thermal stability. The water contact angles of the polyimide films were investigated, and it is noted that the introduction of long-chain alkyl groups increases the hydrophobicity of polyimide surface. These polyimides are expected to be applicable as the functional materials for microelectronics such as the alignment layers of LCDs.