bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Defining the Rural HIV Epidemic: Correlations of 3 Definitions—South Carolina, 2005‐2011
Authors: Weissman Sharon , Duffus Wayne A. , Vyavaharkar Medha , Samantapudi Ashok Varma , Shull Kirk A. , Stephens Teresa G. , Chakraborty Hrishikesh
Published: December 2013

Purpose

To gain a better understanding of the HIV epidemic in rural South Carolina (SC) by contrasting 3 definitions of rural and urban areas.

Methods

The sample included newly diagnosed HIV cases aged ≥18 years in SC between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2011. Each individual was assigned a rural or urban status as defined by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Census Bureau (CB), and Rural Urban Commuting Area (RUCA) classifications. Descriptive statistics were conducted to compare sociodemographic characteristics, CD4 counts, viral loads, and time to AIDS diagnosis between rural and urban populations. Kappa statistics measured the agreement between the 3 definitions of rurality.

Findings

Depending on the definition used, the proportion of newly diagnosed HIV cases in rural areas varied from 23.3% to 32.0%. Based on the OMB and RUCA definitions, rural residents with HIV were more likely to be older, women, black, and non‐Hispanic, report heterosexual contact, and have an AIDS diagnosis within 1 year of their HIV diagnosis. The OMB and RUCA definitions had a nearly perfect agreement (kappa = 0.8614; 95% CI = 0.8457, 0.8772), while poor agreements were noted between the OMB and CB or the RUCA and CB definitions.

Conclusion

When examining the rural HIV epidemic, how “rural” is defined matters. Using 3 definitions of rurality, statistically significant differences were found in demographic characteristics, timing of HIV diagnosis and the proportion of rural residents diagnosed with HIV in SC. The findings suggest possible misclassification biases that may adversely influence services and resource distribution.
The safety and effectiveness of a long‐acting transdermal fentanyl solution compared with oxymorphone for the control of postoperative pain in dogs: a randomized, multicentered clinical study
Authors: Martinez S. A. , Wilson M. G. , Linton D. D. , Newbound G. C. , Freise K. J. , Lin T.‐L. , Clark T. P.
Published: December 2013

A prospective, double‐blinded, positive‐controlled, multicenter, noninferiority study was conducted to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of transdermal fentanyl solution (TFS) compared with oxymorphone for the control of postoperative pain in dogs. Five hundred and two (502) client‐owned dogs were assigned to a single dose ofTFS(2.7 mg/kg) applied 2–4 h prior to surgery or oxymorphone hydrochloride (0.22 mg/kg) administered subcutaneously 2–4 h prior to surgery and q6h through 90 h. Pain was evaluated over 4 days by blinded observers using a modified Glasgow composite pain scale, and thea prioricriteria for treatment failure was a pain score ≥8 or adverse event necessitating withdrawal. FourTFS‐ and eight oxymorphone‐treated dogs were withdrawn due to lack of pain control. Eighteen oxymorphone‐treated, but noTFS‐treated dogs were withdrawn due to severe adverse events. The one‐sided upper 95% confidence interval of the difference betweenTFSand oxymorphone treatment failure rates was −5.3%. Adverse events associated with oxymorphone were greater in number and severity compared withTFS. It was concluded that a single administration ofTFSwas safe and noninferior to repeated injections of oxymorphone for the control of postoperative pain over 4 days at the dose rates of both formulations used in this study.
Activation of auxin signalling counteracts photorespiratory H2O2‐dependent cell death
Authors: KERCHEV PAVEL , MÜHLENBOCK PER , DENECKER JORDI , MORREEL KRIS , HOEBERICHTS FRANK A. , VAN DER KELEN KATRIEN , VANDORPE MICHAEL , NGUYEN LONG , AUDENAERT DOMINIQUE , VAN BREUSEGEM FRANK
Published: December 2013

The high metabolic flux through photorespiration constitutes a significant part of the carbon cycle. Although the major enzymatic steps of the photorespiratory pathway are well characterized, little information is available on the functional significance of photorespiration beyond carbon recycling. Particularly important in this respect is the peroxisomal catalase activity which removes photorespiratory H2O2 generated during the oxidation of glycolate to glyoxylate, thus maintaining the cellular redox homeostasis governing the perception, integration and execution of stress responses. By performing a chemical screen, we identified 34 small molecules that alleviate the negative effects of photorespiration in Arabidopsis thaliana mutants lacking photorespiratory catalase (cat2). The chlorophyll fluorescence parameter photosystem II maximum efficiency (Fv′/Fm′) was used as a high‐throughput readout. The most potent chemical that could rescue the photorespiratory phenotype of cat2 is a pro‐auxin that contains a synthetic auxin‐like substructure belonging to the phenoxy herbicide family, which can be released in planta. The naturally occurring indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) and other chemically distinct synthetic auxins also inhibited the photorespiratory‐dependent cell death in cat2 mutants, implying a role for auxin signalling in stress tolerance.
Improvement in mechanical and barrier properties of polyethylene blown films using atomic layer deposition
Authors: Lee Gyeong Beom , Hak Song Seung , Wook Moon Sung , Woo Kim Jun , Hyung Shim Joon , Choi Byoung-Ho , Moo Heo Young
Published: December 2013

Recently, thin films deposited on polymer substrates have been widely utilized as encapsulation barriers in electronic applications such as flexible displays, packaging films, and organic light-emitting diodes. The barrier and mechanical properties of these films are critical aspects when using them for protecting the inner modules of electronic devices from environmental factors such as moisture, oxygen, and sunlight. In particular, polymers can be degraded or decomposed more easily than other materials under such environmental conditions. Therefore, polymer films can be deposited using thin functional materials; however, suitable deposition methods for polymers are scarce owing to many limitations such as low melting/glass transition temperature, thermal degradation, and oxidation. In this study, a thin alumina oxide film was deposited on a high-density polyethylene blown film by using atomic layer deposition. The mechanical and barrier properties of the alumina oxide film deposited on the polyethylene film were characterized by a microtensile test and water vapor transmission rate test. Process conditions such as process temperature, plasma surface treatment, and number of cycles were varied to ascertain the reliability of the thin alumina oxide film deposited on the high-density polyethylene blown film. The results showed that the barrier property of the deposited film improved upon the application of plasma surface treatment, and that its mechanical properties varied under different process conditions.
Increased Load Computerized Dynamic Posturography in Prefrail and Nonfrail Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Biggan John R. , Melton Forest , Horvat Michael A. , Ricard Mark , Keller David , Ray Christopher T.
Published: December 2013

The understanding of prefrail and nonfrail older adults’ postural control with and without increased environmental and cognitive stress is imperative to the development of targeted interventions to decrease fall risk within these populations. Thirty-eight individuals participated in this study. Postural control testing included the Sensory Organization Test (SOT) on a NeuroCom EquiTest. Cognitive and environmental load testing was performed during Condition 6 of the SOT. Though there were no group differences on composite equilibrium score (p = .06), the cognitive task (Stroop task) impaired equilibrium scores more than the auditory or visual distracter tasks (p < .05 and p < .01) for both groups. These results suggest that both prefrail and nonfrail older adults’ postural control is reduced in demanding environments. Given these findings, the need for multimodal exercise interventions to target both physical and cognitive factors is apparent.
Sense of Coherence: Effect on Adherence and Response to Resistance Training in Older People With Hip Fracture History
Authors: Portegijs Erja , Read Sanna , Pakkala Inka , Kallinen Mauri , Heinonen Ari , Rantanen Taina , Alen Markku , Kiviranta Ilkka , Sihvonen Sanna , Sipilä Sarianna
Published: December 2013

Our aim was to study the effects of sense of coherence (SOC) on training adherence and interindividual changes in muscle strength, mobility, and balance after resistance training in older people with hip fracture history. These are secondary analyses of a 12-week randomized controlled trial of progressive resistance training in 60- to 85-year-old community-dwelling people 0.5–7 years after hip fracture (n = 45; ISRCTN34271567). Pre- and posttrial assessments included SOC, knee extension strength, walking speed, timed up-and-go (TUG), and Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Group-by-SOC interaction effects (repeated-measures ANOVA) were statistically significant for TUG (p = .005) and BBS (p = .040), but not for knee extension strength or walking speed. Weaker SOC was associated with poorer training adherence (mixed model; p = .009). Thus, more complicated physical tasks did not improve in those with weaker SOC, independently of training adherence. Older people with weaker SOC may need additional psychosocial support in physical rehabilitation programs to optimize training response.
Cancer Nanomedicine: From Drug Delivery to Imaging
Authors: Chow Edward Kai-Hua , Ho Dean
Published: December 2013

Nanomedicine has made progress in translating to cancer treatment and imaging, but challenges still remain.
ADEP Leaves No Survivors
Authors: Sheth Anandi N.
Published: December 2013

A new antibiotic, in conjunction with a conventional antibiotic, was able to eliminate dormant bacteria.
Role of Endothelial Cell Septin 7 in the Endocytosis of Candida albicans
Authors: Phan Quynh T. , Eng David K. , Mostowy Serge , Park Hyunsook , Cossart Pascale , Filler Scott G.
Published: December 2013

Candida albicans
invades endothelial cells by binding to N-cadherin and other cell surface receptors. This binding induces rearrangement of endothelial cell actin microfilaments, which results in the formation of pseudopods that surround the organism and pull it into the endothelial cell. Here, we investigated the role of endothelial cell septin 7 (SEPT7) in the endocytosis of
C. albicans
hyphae. Using confocal microscopy, we determined that SEPT7 accumulated with N-cadherin and actin microfilaments around
C. albicans
as it was endocytosed by endothelial cells. Affinity purification studies indicated that a complex containing N-cadherin and SEPT7 was recruited by
C. albicans
and that formation of this complex around
C. albicans
was mediated by the fungal Als3 and Ssa1 invasins. Knockdown of N-cadherin by small interfering RNA (siRNA) reduced recruitment of SEPT7 to
C. albicans
, suggesting that N-cadherin functions as a link between SEPT7 and the fungus. Also, depolymerization of actin microfilaments with cytochalasin D decreased the association between SEPT7 and N-cadherin and inhibited recruitment of both SEPT7 and N-cadherin to
C. albicans
, indicating the necessity of an intact cytoskeleton in the functional interaction between SEPT7 and N-cadherin. Importantly, knockdown of SEPT7 decreased accumulation of N-cadherin around
C. albicans
in intact endothelial cells and reduced binding of N-cadherin to this organism, as revealed by the affinity purification assay. Furthermore, SEPT7 knockdown significantly inhibited the endocytosis of
C. albicans
. Therefore, in response to
C. albicans
infection, SEPT7 forms a complex with endothelial cell N-cadherin, is required for normal accumulation of N-cadherin around
C. albicans
hyphae, and is necessary for maximal endocytosis of the organism
.

IMPORTANCE
During hematogenously disseminated infection,
Candida albicans
invades the endothelial cell lining of the blood vessels to invade the deep tissues.
C. albicans
can invade endothelial cells by inducing its own endocytosis, which is triggered when the
C. albicans
Als3 and Ssa1 invasins bind to N-cadherin on the endothelial cell surface. How this binding induces endocytosis is incompletely understood. Septins are intracellular GTP-binding proteins that influence the function and localization of cell surface proteins. We found that
C. albicans
Als3 and Ssa1 bind to a complex containing N-cadherin and septin 7, which in turn interacts with endothelial cell microfilaments, thereby inducing endocytosis of the organism. The key role of septin 7 in governing receptor-mediated endocytosis is likely relevant to host cell invasion by other microbial pathogens, in addition to
C. albicans
.
How the Double Spherules of Infectious Bronchitis Virus Impact Our Understanding of RNA Virus Replicative Organelles
Authors: Neuman Benjamin W.
Published: December 2013

Powered by advances in electron tomography, recent studies have extended our understanding of how viruses construct “replication factories” inside infected cells. Their function, however, remains an area of speculation with important implications for human health. It is clear from these studies that whatever their purpose, organelle structure is dynamic (M. Ulasli, M. H. Verheije, C. A. de Haan, and F. Reggiori, Cell. Microbiol. 12:844-861, 2010) and intricate (K. Knoops, M. Kikkert, S. H. Worm, J. C. Zevenhoven-Dobbe, Y. van der Meer, et al., PLOS Biol. 6:e226, 2008). But by concentrating on medically important viruses, these studies have failed to take advantage of the genetic variation inherent in a family of viruses that is as diverse as the archaea, bacteria, and eukaryotes combined (C. Lauber, J. J. Goeman, M. del Carmen Parquet, P. T. Nga, E. J. Snijder, et al., PLOS Pathog. 9:e1003500, 2013). In this climate, Maier et al. (H. J. Maier, P. C. Hawes, E. M. Cottam, J. Mantell, P. Verkade, et al., mBio 4:e00801-13, 2013) explored the replicative structures formed by an avian coronavirus that appears to have diverged at an early point in coronavirus evolution and shed light on controversial aspects of viral biology.
Caring for critically ill children in the community: a needs assessment
Authors: Gilleland Jonathan , McGugan Jennifer , Brooks Sandy , Dobbins Maureen , Ploeg Jenny
Published: December 2013

Objective

The goal of this study was to identify barriers and facilitators to the optimal management of critically ill children who present initially to community hospitals and how best to support the needs of front-line healthcare providers in these settings prior to transfer to the regional academic paediatric health sciences centre.

Methods

A qualitative needs assessment was performed in five community hospitals targeting healthcare providers in leadership and front-line roles who could discuss their experiences of managing critically ill children that had presented to their institutions. Focused individual and focus group interviews of physicians, nurses and respiratory therapists from the participating hospitals were conducted and analysed to identify common themes.

Results

Five community hospitals participated in the study with a total of 57 participants and included 36 registered nurses, 4 respiratory therapists, 13 community hospital physicians and 4 paediatric intensive care specialists. Most participants did not report seeing more than one critically ill child per month. The management of very young paediatric patients was reported as a greater source of anxiety than patients presenting in cardiac arrest and despite being more frequently reported, respiratory conditions were identified as the most anxiety provoking and having the greatest educational need. The care required for a single critically ill child was often reported to render the emergency department staff incapable of meeting other patient care needs and was influenced by staffing resources, physical layout and access to proper equipment. Increased comfort and management ability was attributed to previous real-world experience and support from content experts in dealing with acutely ill children. Participants did not use web-based best practice guidelines.

Conclusions

This study identifies the need to fully understand the management realities of front-line caregivers of critically ill children in community hospital settings. We demonstrate the need to focus on the management of younger paediatric patients, technical skills development, practice of acute situations with less than optimal staffing resources, and access to facilitated real-world experiences with appropriate supervision and mentoring. Passive interventions such as web-based guidelines should not be used in isolation but as a support to ongoing exposure and engagement by content experts.
The development of a nurse-led iron deficiency anaemia service in a district general hospital
Authors: Surgenor Susan L , Kirkham Silvia , Parry Sally D , Williams Elizabeth J , Snook Jonathon A
Published: December 2013

Objective

To improve the quality of care provided to patients with iron deficiency anaemia (IDA).

Design

Service development.

Setting

District General Hospital.

Patients

Adults with IDA.

Main outcome measures

Descriptive report of the practicalities and benefits of establishing an IDA clinic.

Conclusions

The IDA clinic is a novel service development which enhances the management of patients with this common condition, by facilitating prompt confirmation of the diagnosis, replacement therapy and investigation for serious underlying pathology, in particular gastrointestinal malignancy.
Counting injury deaths: a comparison of two definitions and two countries
Authors: Lu Tsung-Hsueh , Hsiao Annjhih , Chang Pei-Ching , Chao Yao-Cheng , Hsu Chuan-Chiang , Peng Hua-Chun , Chen Lea-Hua , Kawachi Ichiro
Published: December 2013

Objectives

This study sought to examine the discrepancy in counting injury deaths according to two definitions, that is, (a) external cause of injury as the underlying cause of death (UCOD), and (b) with mention of external cause of injury, and differences in certification practices between Taiwan and the USA.

Methods

We calculated the percentage (U/M%) in which external cause of injury was selected as the UCOD (U) among deaths with mention (M) of external cause of injury anywhere on the death certificate to assess the discrepancy between the two definitions in counting injury deaths.

Results

The discrepancy was small in Taiwan and in the USA for transport injuries (with U/M% 99% and 98%) and intentional self-harm (100% and 100%) and large for accidental suffocation (64% and 29%) as well as complications of medical and surgical care (61% and 10%). The magnitude of discrepancy was not consistent between countries in accidental falls (96% vs 81%) and accidental drowning (80% vs 97%). Certifiers in Taiwan were more likely to report an accidental fall in Part I of the death certificate and less likely to report medical conditions (such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease, etc) with accidental suffocation than their counterpart US certifiers.

Conclusions

The counting of injury deaths according to two definitions varied by external cause of injury as well as between countries. For some external causes of injury with high discrepancies, we suggest presenting the number of injury deaths according to two definitions.
Examining the folate status of Canadians: An analysis of the Canadian Health Measures Survey to assess and guide folate policies
Authors: Colapinto Cynthia K.
Published: December 2013

Canada fortifies certain products with folic acid and has periconceptional supplementation guidelines [Formula: see text] policies designed to improve folate status and reduce the incidence of poor birth outcomes. Though optimal folate concentrations have been linked to health benefits, concerns have been raised regarding potential associations with adverse health outcomes. Direct biochemical assessment of the folate status of Canadians based on a nationally representative sample has not been done in more than 40 years. The overall purpose of this research was to investigate the folate status of the Canadian population. All analyses used the nationally representative 2007–2009 Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS). Red blood cell (RBC) folate was measured by Immulite 2000 immunoassay. Key findings indicate that folate deficiency (<305 nmol/L) was virtually nonexistent in the Canadian population (6–79 years old). Still, one-fifth of women of childbearing age (WCBA; 15–45 years old) had suboptimal concentrations for the prevention of neural tube defects (<906 nmol/L). Folic acid supplement intake was a primary determinant of WCBA, achieving a RBC folate concentration of ≥906 nmol/L. A distinct shift towards elevated RBC folate concentrations emerged. Three hypothetical cut-offs (1450 nmol/L, 1800 nmol/L and 2150 nmol/L) were examined to create a dialogue since a universal definition of high RBC folate concentration does not exist. Females, participants aged 60–79 years, and those who were overweight or obese had the greatest prevalence of having high RBC folate at each cut-off. We conducted the first national-level comparison of RBC folate concentrations between the United States and Canada. Two different folate assay methods [Formula: see text] microbiologic assay (NHANES) and Immulite 2000 immunoassay (CHMS) [Formula: see text] necessitated the application of a conversion equation. Median Canadian RBC folate concentrations (adjusted to microbiologic assay) were lower than those of Americans but unadjusted Canadian median RBC folate values were higher. Canadian WCBA were less likely than American WCBA to have RBC folate ≥906 nmol/L, though Canadian WCBA with unadjusted RBC folate values were more likely to achieve this cut-off. These results indicate a need for strategies targeting WCBA to improve compliance with folic acid supplement recommendations. The strength and necessity of supplements for the general population should be re-assessed. Further, harmonization of folate measurement procedures in future surveillance efforts would support comparisons and inform policy directions.
THE ELECTRONIC AND OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF X-DOPED SrTiO3 (X = Rh, Pd, Ag): A FIRST-PRINCIPLES CALCULATIONS
Authors: QIU BO , YAN XIN-GUO , HUANG WEI-QING , HUANG GUI-FANG , JIAO CHAO , ZHAN SI-QI , LONG JIN-PING , YANG ZHENG-MEI , WAN ZHUO , PENG P.
Published: December 2013

The electronic and optical properties of X-doped (X = Rh, Pd, Ag) cubic SrTiO 3 in perovskite structure are investigated using first-principles calculations. The strength of the Ti–O bonds near the substitutional X impurity is found to be weakened by the shorter X–O bonds. Three types of electronic characteristics due to X-doping are demonstrated. X-doping decreases the band gap of SrTiO 3, extending the optical absorption edge to visible light. Although Pd-doped SrTiO 3 has the greatest absorption in the visible light region, its photocatalytic activity is lower than that of Rh-doped SrTiO 3, because the intermediate bands from the 4d orbitals of the Pd dopant act as recombination centers. The theoretical results coincide with the available experimental results.
A SOLVABLE MODEL OF INTERACTING MANY BODY SYSTEMS EXHIBITING A BREAKDOWN OF THE BOLTZMANN EQUATION
Authors: McKELLAR B. H. J.
Published: December 2013

In a particular exactly solvable model of an interacting system, the Boltzmann equation predicts a constant single particle density operator, whereas the exact solution gives a single particle density operator with a nontrivial time dependence. All of the time dependence of the single particle density operator is generated by the correlations.
COMPARISON OF EMPIRICAL RULES DESCRIBING CELL PLATE FORMATION IN 2D COMPUTER SIMULATIONS OF APICAL MERISTEM IN PLANTS
Authors: LIPOWCZAN MARCIN , PIEKARSKA-STACHOWIAK ANNA
Published: December 2013

There are two families of lines describing the cell wall pattern in root and shoot apices; periclines and anticlines. The lines of these two families are mutually orthogonal and steady during apex growth. They approximate orientation of cell walls in the apices. These lines are preserved in the growing organ. The direction of periclines and anticlines is regulated at the organ level. This paper focuses on the question: how is the pattern of periclines and anticlines maintained? There are a number of rules, which deal with the problem of the orientation of a new cell wall. We test three of them: Errera rule (the smallest possible area of a new cell wall that divides the mother cell into equal portions is chosen), Sachs rule (the new wall is perpendicular to the nearest wall from the geometric center where it is inserted) and Hejnowicz postulate (the new cell wall is perpendicular to one of the principal directions of growth rate). We tested these rules in the computer simulation of the organ growth and cell divisions.
MULTIFRACTAL SURFACES: LUCENA AND STANLEY APPROACHES
Authors: CORSO G. , MOREIRA D. A.
Published: December 2013

We review multifractal surfaces focusing on a comparison between Lucena and Stanley approaches. The multifractal model as presented by Stanley is basically a multinomial measure over a standard partition of a square. The Lucena approach is geometric oriented, the multifractality is not imposed over a regular lattice, but the lattice itself follows a partition where area tiles obey a multifractal distribution. The non-trivial tilling has a distribution of neighbors of lattice elements that shows a fat tail. Despite the strong differences in the two bidimensional models, both Liacir and Stanley multifractals can be reduced to the same object in one dimension. The message of this article is that there is no unique multifractal object in two dimensions and, as a consequence, we should caution about algorithms that estimate multifractal spectrum in two dimensions because it is not clear what kind of multifractality is being measured. Finally we propose a mixed Lucena-Stanley bimultifractal, an object that combines a multifractal measure over a geometric multifractal tilling.
PARAMETERIZED 2-TUPLE LINGUISTIC MOST PREFERRED OWA OPERATORS AND THEIR APPLICATION IN DECISION MAKING
Authors: SANG XIUZHI , LIU XINWANG
Published: December 2013

The most preferred OWA (MP-OWA) operator is a new method to aggregate preference information with crisp numbers, whose weights are related with the frequency of the most preferred assessment to each criteria. However, people are usually not able to estimate their preference degrees with crisp number, since they have a vague knowledge about the preference assessment. In this paper, we propose a 2-tuple linguistic MP-OWA (LMP-OWA) operator. It is useful because it can be used to make decision with linguistic preference relations, and the weighting vector is not only connected to the maximum frequency of the assessment to the criteria, but also to the assessment values. Meanwhile, we introduce the parameterized 2-tuple LMP-OWA operator and the parameterized 2-tuple LMP-OWA operator with power function, which provide multiple aggregation results for decision makers to select. The paper ends up with an example of decision making with linguistic preference relations in movie recommender system.
BOUNDED-PARAMETER PARTIALLY OBSERVABLE MARKOV DECISION PROCESSES: FRAMEWORK AND ALGORITHM
Authors: NI YAODONG , LIU ZHI-QIANG
Published: December 2013

Partially observable Markov decision processes (POMDPs) are powerful for planning under uncertainty. However, it is usually impractical to employ a POMDP with exact parameters to model the real-life situation precisely, due to various reasons such as limited data for learning the model, inability of exact POMDPs to model dynamic situations, etc. In this paper, assuming that the parameters of POMDPs are imprecise but bounded, we formulate the framework of bounded-parameter partially observable Markov decision processes (BPOMDPs). A modified value iteration is proposed as a basic strategy for tackling parameter imprecision in BPOMDPs. In addition, we design the UL-based value iteration algorithm, in which each value backup is based on two sets of vectors called U-set and L-set. We propose four strategies for computing U-set and L-set. We analyze theoretically the computational complexity and the reward loss of the algorithm. The effectiveness and robustness of the algorithm are shown empirically.
PREDICTING THE JITTER OF PLL–DLL BASED FREQUENCY SYNTHESIZERS
Authors: PATEL GOVIND S. , SHARMA S.
Published: December 2013

Phase Lock Loop (PLL) and Delay Locked Loops (DLLs) are major analog circuits used for many different communication applications such as frequency synthesizer, radio, computer, clock generation and recovery, global positioning system etc. This paper developed a methodical approach to calculate jitter of the PLL and DLL. The methodological nature of our approach would manifest itself in the development of a clear step-by-step procedure for the design of the constituent components of the same. Finally, jitter of DLL has been reduced by proposed technique.
An error estimate for counting S3-sextic number fields
Authors: Taniguchi Takashi , Thorne Frank
Published: December 2013

In this paper, we prove a power-saving remainder term for the function counting S3-sextic number fields. We also give a prediction on the second main term. In addition, we present numerical data on counting functions for S3-sextic number fields. The data indicates that our prediction is likely to be correct, and it also suggests the existence of additional lower-order terms which we have not yet been able to explain.
On a generalization of the Erdős–Fuchs theorem
Authors: Tang Min
Published: December 2013

Let k ≥ 2 be a fixed integer and let [Formula: see text] be k infinite sequences of nonnegative integers. Let rk(n) be the number of solutions of [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we generalize Horváth's result by showing that if for any 1 ≤ u, v ≤ k and any [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text], there exists an [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text], then rk(n) = cn + o(n1/4( log n)-βk) cannot hold for any constant c > 0, where νk = 1, βk = 1/2 if 2 | k and [Formula: see text] if 2 ∤ k.
Twisting of paramodular vectors
Authors: Johnson-Leung Jennifer , Roberts Brooks
Published: December 2013

Let F be a non-Archimedean local field of characteristic zero, let (π, V) be an irreducible, admissible representation of GSp (4, F) with trivial central character, and let χ be a quadratic character of F× with conductor c(χ) > 1. We define a twisting operator Tχ from paramodular vectors for π of level n to paramodular vectors for χ ⊗ π of level max (n + 2c(χ), 4c(χ)), and prove that this operator has properties analogous to the well-known GL(2) twisting operator.
GRAPHYNE-BASED SINGLE ELECTRON TRANSISTOR: AB INITIO ANALYSIS
Authors: SARMA J. V. N. , CHOWDHURY RAJIB , JAYAGANTHAN R.
Published: December 2013

The application of graphyne for a single-electron transistor (SET) that is operating in the Coulomb blockade regime is investigated in the first principles framework. Density functional theory modeling for graphyne has been used and the device environment has been described by a continuum model. The interaction between graphyne and the SET environment is treated with self-consistent Poisson equations. The charging energy as a function of gate voltage thus calculated has been used to obtain the charge stability diagram for the present system. The effect of electrode separation and the position of the molecule with respect to the dielectric on the gate coupling have been studied further. As compared with the previously studied systems on this line, graphyne has been observed to provide the gate coupling that is nearly close to that of benzene and graphene, but significantly greater than fullerene-based systems.
AICAR-induced activation of AMPK negatively regulates myotube hypertrophy through the HSP72-mediated pathway in C2C12skeletal muscle cells
Authors: Egawa Tatsuro , Ohno Yoshitaka , Goto Ayumi , Ikuta Akihiro , Suzuki Miho , Ohira Tomotaka , Yokoyama Shingo , Sugiura Takao , Ohira Yoshinobu , Yoshioka Toshitada , Goto Katsumasa
Published: December 2013

5′-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays an important role as a negative regulator of skeletal muscle mass. However, the precise mechanism of AMPK-mediated regulation of muscle mass is not fully clarified. Heat shock proteins (HSPs), stress-induced molecular chaperones, are related with skeletal muscle adaptation, but the association between AMPK and HSPs in skeletal muscle hypertrophy is unknown. Thus, we investigated whether AMPK regulates hypertrophy by mediating HSPs in C2C12cells. The treatment with AICAR, a potent stimulator of AMPK, decreased 72-kDa HSP (HSP72) expression, whereas there were no changes in the expressions of 25-kDa HSP, 70-kDa heat shock cognate, and heat shock transcription factor 1 in myotubes. Protein content and diameter were less in the AICAR-treated myotubes in those without treatment. AICAR-induced suppression of myotube hypertrophy and HSP72 expression was attenuated in the siRNA-mediated AMPKα knockdown myotubes. AICAR increased microRNA (miR)-1, a modulator of HSP72, and the increase of miR-1 was not induced in AMPKα knockdown condition. Furthermore, siRNA-mediated HSP72 knockdown blocked AICAR-induced inhibition of myotube hypertrophy. AICAR upregulated the gene expression of muscle Ring-finger 1, and this alteration was suppressed in either AMPKα or HSP72 knockdown myotubes. The phosphorylation of p70 S6 kinase Thr389was downregulated by AICAR, whereas this was attenuated in AMPKα, but not in HSP72, knockdown myotubes. These results suggest that AMPK inhibits hypertrophy through, in part, an HSP72-associated mechanism via miR-1 and protein degradation pathways in skeletal muscle cells.
Blockade of the cerebral aqueduct in rats provides evidence of antagonistic leptin responses in the forebrain and hindbrain
Authors: Vaill Michael I. , Desai Bhavna N. , Harris Ruth B. S.
Published: December 2013

Previously, we reported that low-dose leptin infusions into the fourth ventricle produced a small but significant increase in body fat. These data contrast with reports that injections of higher doses of leptin into the fourth ventricle inhibit food intake and weight gain. In this study, we tested whether exogenous leptin in the fourth ventricle opposed or contributed to weight loss caused by third ventricle leptin infusion by blocking diffusion of CSF from the third to the fourth ventricle. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received third ventricle infusions of PBS or 0.3 μg leptin/24 h from miniosmotic pumps. After 4 days, rats received a 3-μl cerebral aqueduct injection of saline or of thermogelling nanoparticles (hydrogel) that solidified at body temperature. Third ventricle leptin infusion inhibited food intake and caused weight loss. Blocking the aqueduct exaggerated the effect of leptin on food intake and weight loss but had no effect on the weight of PBS-infused rats. Leptin reduced both body fat and lean body mass but did not change energy expenditure. Blocking the aqueduct decreased expenditure of rats infused with PBS or leptin. Infusion of leptin into the third ventricle increased phosphorylated STAT3 in the VMHDM of the hypothalamus and the medial NTS in the hindbrain. Blocking the aqueduct did not change hypothalamic p-STAT3 but decreased p-STAT3 in the medial NTS. These results support previous observations that low-level activation of hindbrain leptin receptors has the potential to blunt the catabolic effects of leptin in the third ventricle.
Asymptotic Behavior of Solutions to Abstract Stochastic Fractional Partial Integrodifferential Equations
Authors: Zhao Zhi-Han , Chang Yong-Kui , Nieto Juan J.
Published: December 2013

The existence of asymptotically almost automorphic mild solutions to an abstract stochastic fractional partial integrodifferential equation is considered. The main tools are some suitable composition results for asymptotically almost automorphic processes, the theory of sectorial linear operators, and classical fixed point theorems. An example is also given to illustrate the main theorems.
Analysis on Factors Affecting the Self-Repair Capability of SMA Wire Concrete Beam
Authors: Sun Li , Liang Dezhi , Gao Qianqian , Zhou Jianhong
Published: December 2013

Crack expansion of concrete is the initial damage stage of structures, which may cause greater damage to structures subject to long-term loads or under extreme conditions. In recent years, the application of intelligent materials to crack self-repair has become a hotspot among researchers. In order to study the influence of factors on the self-repair capability of shape memory alloy (SMA) wire concrete beam, both theoretical and experimental methods were employed for analysis. For the convenience of experiment, composite materials (epoxy cement mortar and silicone polymer clay) instead of concrete were used. The SMA wires were externally installed on and internally embedded in epoxy resin cement mortar beams and silicone polymer clay beams. Comparison of crack repair situation between two installation methods turns out that both methods possess their own advantages and disadvantages and should be employed according to the actual situation. The influence of unbonded length on the self-repair capability of embedded type SMA wire beams and the necessary minimum unbonded length to achieve self-repair function were studied. The results state clearly that the longer the unbonded length is, the better the crack repair situation is.
Sequential Spectrophotometric Method for the Simultaneous Determination of Amlodipine, Valsartan, and Hydrochlorothiazide in Coformulated Tablets
Authors: Darwish Hany W. , Hassan Said A. , Salem Maissa Y. , El-Zeany Badr A.
Published: December 2013

A new, simple and specific spectrophotometric method was developed and validated in accordance with ICH guidelines for the simultaneous estimation of Amlodipine (AML), Valsartan (VAL), and Hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) in their ternary mixture. In this method three techniques were used, namely, direct spectrophotometry, ratio subtraction, and isoabsorptive point. Amlodipine (AML) was first determined by direct spectrophotometry and then ratio subtraction was applied to remove the AML spectrum from the mixture spectrum. Hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) could then be determined directly without interference from Valsartan (VAL) which could be determined using the isoabsorptive point theory. The calibration curve is linear over the concentration ranges of 4–32, 4–44 and 6–20 μg/mL for AML, VAL, and HCT, respectively. This method was tested by analyzing synthetic mixtures of the above drugs and was successfully applied to commercial pharmaceutical preparation of the drugs, where the standard deviation is <2 in the assay of raw materials and tablets. The method was validated according to the ICH guidelines and accuracy, precision, repeatability, and robustness were found to be within the acceptable limits.
The Damage Capacity of Mahanarva spectabilis (Distant, 1909) (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) Adults on Brachiaria ruziziensis Pasture
Authors: Resende Tiago Teixeira , Auad Alexander Machado , Fonseca Marcy das Graças , Souza Sobrinho Fausto , Ribeiro dos Santos Dayane , da Silva Sandra Elisa Barbosa
Published: December 2013

The aim of this study was to determine the damage caused by adult Mahanarva spectabilis (Distant, 1909) (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) on Brachiaria ruziziensis (Germain & Evard) under field conditions. A total of 0, 4, 8, 12, or 16 M. spectabilis adults per plot were maintained for 6 days. Thereafter, the insects were removed from the plant, and the following parameters were evaluated: chlorophyll content, damage score, dry as well as fresh weights, percentage of shoots’ dry matter, and the forage’s ability to regrow. The chlorophyll content was significantly reduced; the damage score and percentage of dry matter in plants increased depending on the increased insect infestation density after 6 days of exposure. In contrast, no change was observed on the B. ruziziensis fresh and dry weights as well as the regrowth capacity depending on the M. spectabilis infestation densities. Attacks by 8 adult M. spectabilis per clump of B. ruziziensis with an average of 80 tillers for 6 days were sufficient to reduce the chlorophyll content and the functional plant loss index. This density can be a reference for spittlebug integrated management in Brachiaria.
Numerical Solution of Fuzzy Fractional Pharmacokinetics Model Arising from Drug Assimilation into the Bloodstream
Authors: Ahmadian Ali , Senu Norazak , Larki Farhad , Salahshour Soheil , Suleiman Mohamed , Islam Md. Shabiul
Published: December 2013

We propose a Jacobi tau method for solving a fuzzy fractional pharmacokinetics. This problem can model the concentration of the drug in the blood as time increases. The proposed approach is based on the Jacobi tau (JT) method. To illustrate the reliability of the method, some special cases of the equations are solved as test examples. The method reduces the solution of the problem to the solution of a system of algebraic equations. Error analysis included the fractional derivative error estimation, and the upper bound of the absolute errors is introduced for this method.
Global Existence and Convergence Rates for the Strong Solutions inH2to the 3D Chemotaxis Model
Authors: Xie Weijun , Zhang Yinghui , Xiao Yuandong , Wei Wei
Published: December 2013

We are concerned with a 3D chemotaxis model arising from biology, which is a coupled hyperbolic-parabolic system. We prove the global existence of a strong solution whenH2-norm of the initial perturbation around a constant state is sufficiently small. Moreover, if additionally,L1-norm of the initial perturbation is bounded; the optimal convergence rates are also obtained for such a solution. The proofs are obtained by combining spectral analysis with energy methods.
Molecular Docking Assessment of Efficacy of Different Clinically Used Arsenic Chelator Drugs
Authors: Majumder Durjoy , Mukherjee Sayan
Published: December 2013

Arsenic contamination of ground water has become a global problem affecting specially, south-east Asian countries like Bangladesh and eastern parts of India. It also affects South America and some parts of the US. Different organs of the physiological system are affected due to contamination of inorganic arsenic in water. Animal studies with different chelators are not very conclusive as far as the multi/differential organ effect(s) of arsenic is concerned. Our docking study establishes the molecular rationale of blood test for early detection of arsenic toxicity; as arsenic has a high affinity to albumin, a plasma protein and actin, a structural protein of all cells including Red Blood Cells. This study also shows that there is a little possibility of male reproductive organs toxicity by different forms of inorganic arsenic; however, female reproductive system is very much susceptible to sodium-arsenite. Through comparative analysis regarding the chelating effectiveness among the available arsenic chelator drugs, meso-2,3 dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) and in some cases lipoic acid is the most preferred choice of drug for removing of arsenic deposits. This computational method actually reinforces the clinical finding regarding DMSA as the most preferred drug in removal of arsenic deposits from majority of the human tissues.
Determination of Important Topographic Factors for Landslide Mapping Analysis Using MLP Network
Authors: Alkhasawneh Mutasem Sh. , Ngah Umi Kalthum , Tay Lea Tien , Mat Isa Nor Ashidi , Al-batah Mohammad Subhi
Published: December 2013

Landslide is one of the natural disasters that occur in Malaysia. Topographic factors such as elevation, slope angle, slope aspect, general curvature, plan curvature, and profile curvature are considered as the main causes of landslides. In order to determine the dominant topographic factors in landslide mapping analysis, a study was conducted and presented in this paper. There are three main stages involved in this study. The first stage is the extraction of extra topographic factors. Previous landslide studies had identified mainly six topographic factors. Seven new additional factors have been proposed in this study. They are longitude curvature, tangential curvature, cross section curvature, surface area, diagonal line length, surface roughness, and rugosity. The second stage is the specification of the weight of each factor using two methods. The methods are multilayer perceptron (MLP) network classification accuracy and Zhou′s algorithm. At the third stage, the factors with higher weights were used to improve the MLP performance. Out of the thirteen factors, eight factors were considered as important factors, which are surface area, longitude curvature, diagonal length, slope angle, elevation, slope aspect, rugosity, and profile curvature. The classification accuracy of multilayer perceptron neural network has increased by 3% after the elimination of five less important factors.
Children’s Quality of Life in Europe: National Wealth and Familial Socioeconomic Position Explain Variations in Mental Health and Wellbeing—A Multilevel Analysis in 27 EU Countries
Authors: Ravens-Sieberer Ulrike , Horka Hana , Illyes Agnes , Rajmil Luis , Ottova-Jordan Veronika , Erhart Michael
Published: December 2013

Sizeable variations in quality of life (QoL) and wellbeing according to socioeconomic status and national wealth have been observed. The assessment of children’s wellbeing may vary, depending on whether a parental or a child perspective is taken. Still, both perspectives provide important and valid information on children’s wellbeing. The Flash Eurobarometer no. 246 which was conducted for the European Commission assesses parents’ reports on their children’s health and wellbeing in 27 EU member states. Overall, 12,783 parents of 6–17-year-old children in the 27 EU states participated in telephone interviews. Parents reported children’s QoL and wellbeing using the KIDSCREEN-10 measure, as well as their occupational status and education level. Within a multilevel analysis, the KIDSCREEN-10 was regressed on parental occupation and education level. Random intercepts and slopes were regressed on gross domestic product per capita and income inequality. Low QoL was reported in 11.6% of cases, whereby cross-national variation accounted for 13% of the total variance in QoL. Children from countries with higher national wealth and lower income inequality were at lower risk for low QoL and wellbeing. Higher age of the child, a medium or low parental occupational status, and low parental educational status were associated with a higher risk for low QoL and wellbeing.
A New Accident Analysis Method Based on Complex Network and Cascading Failure
Authors: Luo Ziyan , Li Keping , Ma Xin , Zhou Jin
Published: December 2013

A new accident causation model is proposed for accident analysis based on the complex network theory. By employing the cascading failure scheme, a new accident investigation method is performed on the associated new model, by which we can reveal key causation factors and key causation factor chains that lead to the final accident. The efficiency of a network is introduced for evaluating the severity of the damage of the whole network and hence the severity of the accident if it happens. All these can provide the government or associations with recommendations for accident prediction and prevention.