bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Triaxiality in excited states of lanthanide and actinide even–even nuclei
Authors: Nadirbekov M. S. , Yuldasheva G. A.
Published: May 2014

The energy levels of excited states of ground state, β- and γ-bands of the lanthanide and actinide even–even nuclei have been studied within the Davydov–Chaban model (for three different types of the potential energy of the β-deformations) and approximations for a small and free triaxiality. It is shown that the approximation with a free triaxiality better describes the spectrum of the excited collective states for considered nuclei.
Free Vibrations of Spinning Beams Under Nonclassical Boundary Conditions Using Adomian Modified Decomposition Method
Authors: Mao Qibo
Published: May 2014

This study employs the Adomian modified decomposition method (AMDM) for the dynamic analysis of Euler–Bernoulli beams spinning about their longitudinal axes under various boundary conditions. Based on the AMDM, the governing differential equations for the spinning beam become a recursive algebraic equation system. By using the boundary condition equations, the natural frequencies can be readily obtained. The computed results under different classical and nonclassical boundary conditions as well as spinning speeds are presented. The accuracy is assured from comparison with published results. It is shown that the AMDM offers an accurate and straightforward method of free vibration analysis of spinning beams with arbitrary boundary conditions.
INNOVATIVENESS IN THE FACE OF DECLINE: PERFORMANCE IMPLICATIONS
Authors: HANSEN ERIC
Published: May 2014

The recent global recession has focused efforts towards better understanding of both firm response and the outcome of that response to recession, or decline. Past research suggests that firms either respond by being conservative, reducing costs, etc., or, they proactively try to innovate out of the decline. This work examines the various responses to decline with respect to firm innovativeness. Using data from US manufacturing firms, it is shown that innovativeness has important performance implications even in dire economic times. However, increasing innovativeness levels during decline is not shown to be superior to maintaining innovativeness. Findings provide limited evidence that decreasing innovativeness is not a desirable downturn strategy. Potential, practical, and theoretical implications of the findings are presented.
Etiology of the membrane potential of rat white fat adipocytes
Authors: Bentley Donna C. , Pulbutr Pawitra , Chan Sue , Smith Paul A.
Published: May 2014

The plasma membrane potential ( Vm) is key to many physiological processes; however, its ionic etiology in white fat adipocytes is poorly characterized. To address this question, we employed the perforated patch current clamp and cell-attached patch clamp methods in isolated primary white fat adipocytes and their cellular model 3T3-L1. The resting Vm of primary and 3T3-L1 adipocytes were −32.1 ± 1.2 mV ( n = 95) and −28.8 ± 1.2 mV ( n = 87), respectively. Vm was independent of cell size and fat content. Elevation of extracellular K+to 50 mM by equimolar substitution of bath Na+did not affect Vm, whereas substitution of bath Na+with the membrane-impermeant cation N-methyl-d-glucamine+-hyperpolarized Vm by 16 mV, data indicative of a nonselective cation permeability. Substitution of 133 mM extracellular Cl−with gluconate-depolarized Vm by 25 mV, whereas Cl−substitution with I−caused a −9 mV hyperpolarization. Isoprenaline (10 μM), but not insulin (100 nM), significantly depolarized Vm. Single-channel ion activity was voltage independent; currents were indicative for Cl−with an inward slope conductance of 16 ± 1.3 pS ( n = 11) and a reversal potential close to the Cl−equilibrium potential, −29 ± 1.6 mV. Although the reduction of extracellular Cl−elevated the intracellular Ca2+of adipocytes, this was not as large as that produced by elevation of extracellular K+. In conclusion, the Vm of white fat adipocytes is well described by the Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz equation with a predominant permeability to Cl−, where its biophysical and single-channel properties suggest a volume-sensitive anion channel identity. Consequently, changes in serum Cl−homeostasis or the adipocyte's permeability to this anion via drugs will affect its Vm, intracellular Ca2+, and ultimately its function and its role in metabolic control.
Effect of Low-Level Laser on Bone Defects Treated with Bovine or Autogenous Bone Grafts:In VivoStudy in Rat Calvaria
Authors: Cunha Mércia J. S. , Esper Luis A. , Sbrana Michyele C. , de Oliveira Paula G. F. P. , do Valle Accácio L. , de Almeida Ana Lúcia P. F.
Published: May 2014

Objective.The purpose of this study was to histologically evaluate the effect of low-level laser (LLL) on the healing of critical size defects (CSD) in rat calvaria, filled with autogenous or inorganic bovine bone grafts.Methods.Sixty rats were divided into 6 groups(n=10): C (control—filled with blood clot), LLL (low-level laser—GaAlAs,λ780 nm, 100 mW, 210 J/cm2,Φ0.05 cm2; 6 J/point), AB (autogenous bone), ABL (autogenous bone + low-level laser), OB (inorganic bovine bone), and OBL (inorganic bovine bone + LLL).Material and Methods.The animals were killed after 30 days. Histological and histometric analyses were performed by light microscopy.Results.The groups irradiated with laser, LLL (47.67% ± 8.66%), ABL (39.15% ± 16.72%), and OBL (48.57% ± 28.22%), presented greater area of new bone formation than groups C (9.96% ± 4.50%), AB (30.98% ± 16.59%), and OB (11.36% ± 7.89%), which were not irradiated. Moreover, they were significantly better than group C (Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn test,P<0.05).Conclusion.The laser accelerated the healing of bone defects and the resorption of particles of the graft material.
Joint Design of Transmission Rate and Control for Wireless Sensor Networked Control Systems
Authors: Li Jinna , Zeng Peng , Zong Xuejun , Zheng Meng , Zhang Xiaoling
Published: May 2014

This paper is concerned with transmission rate and control codesign of wireless sensor networked control systems (WSNCS) with time-varying delay. Jointly designing transmission rate and control is an attractive paradigm for WSNCS, since the control performance of WSNCS is highly sensitive to resource-constrained communication networks. The main idea of devised scheme is searching an optimal event-triggered transmission condition on the premise that wireless link capacity constraint is satisfied and stability of systems is guaranteed. The main aim of devised scheme is to greatly optimize control performance of WSNCS. First, two wireless network architectures characterized by multihop and star topology are put forward. Secondly, a model of WSNCS with event-triggered transmission mechanism is constructed. It is followed by stability analysis of WSNCS to obtain the asymptotical stability condition of systems. And then a search algorithm is presented for transmission rate and control codesign. Finally, numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Prostate Cancer and Bone: The Elective Affinities
Authors: Rucci Nadia , Angelucci Adriano
Published: May 2014

The onset of metastases dramatically changes the prognosis of prostate cancer patients, determining increased morbidity and a drastic fall in survival expectancy. Bone is a common site of metastases in few types of cancer, and it represents the most frequent metastatic site in prostate cancer. Of note, the prevalence of tumor relapse to the bone appears to be increasing over the years, likely due to a longer overall survival of prostate cancer patients. Bone tropism represents an intriguing challenge for researchers also because the preference of prostate cancer cells for the bone is the result of a sequential series of targetable molecular events. Many factors have been associated with the peculiar ability of prostate cancer cells to migrate in bone marrow and to determine mixed osteoblastic/osteolytic lesions. As anticipated by the success of current targeted therapy aimed to block bone resorption, a better understanding of molecular affinity between prostate cancer and bone microenvironment will permit us to cure bone metastasis and to improve prognosis of prostate cancer patients.
Preference Integration and Optimization of Multistage Weighted Voting System Based on Ordinal Preference
Authors: Chen Yu-ke , Zou Yan , Chen Zhe
Published: May 2014

Multistage voting is a common voting form through which the winners are selected. By virtue of weighted multistage voting rules, in this paper, we establish a weighted voting model by analyzing the correlation between individual preference and group preference. The weights of voters in each voting stage are adjusted through preference deviation degrees between individual preferences and group preference, and the ranking among candidates in each stage is determined according to weighted Borda function value. Examples are given to verify our model, which shows that weighted information aggregation model can mine more useful information from different individual preferences of voters to quicken the aggregation of group preference.
Zirconium-89 Labeled Antibodies: A New Tool for Molecular Imaging in Cancer Patients
Authors: van de Watering Floor C. J. , Rijpkema Mark , Perk Lars , Brinkmann Ulrich , Oyen Wim J. G. , Boerman Otto C.
Published: May 2014

Antibody based positron emission tomography (immuno-PET) imaging is of increasing importance to visualize and characterize tumor lesions. Additionally, it can be used to identify patients who may benefit from a particular therapy and monitor the therapy outcome. In recent years the field is focused on89Zr, a radiometal with near ideal physical and chemical properties for immuno-PET. In this review we will discuss the production of  89Zr, the bioconjugation strategies, and applications in (pre-)clinical studies of  89Zr-based immuno-PET in oncology. To date,89Zr-based PET imaging has been investigated in a wide variety of cancer-related targets. Moreover, clinical studies have shown the feasibility for89Zr-based immuno-PET to predict and monitor treatment, which could be used to tailor treatment for the individual patient. Further research should be directed towards the development of standardized and robust conjugation methods and improved chelators to minimize the amount of released Zr4+from the antibodies. Additionally, further validation of the imaging method is required. The ongoing development of new89Zr-labeled antibodies directed against novel tumor targets is expected to expand applications of  89Zr-labeled immuno-PET to a valuable method in the medical imaging.
Application of Fuzzy Optimization to Production‐Distribution Planning in Supply Chain Management
Authors: Ariafar S. , Ahmed S. , Choudhury I. A. , Bakar M. A.
Published: May 2014

A production‐distribution model has been developed that not only allocates the limited available resources and equipment to produce the products over the time periods, but also determines the economical distributors for dispatching the products to the distribution centers or retailers. The model minimizes production, inventory holding, backordering, and transportation cost while considering the time value of money. Since uncertainty is an inevitable issue of any real‐world production system, then to provide a realistic model, the concept of fuzzy sets has been applied in the proposed mathematical modeling. To illustrate and show the feasibility and validity of the model, a real case analysis, which is pertaining to a mineral water bottling production factory, has been used. The case has been solved using a three‐step solution approach developed in this study. The results show the feasibility and validity of the mathematical model, and also the solution procedure.
Development of a Cell‐Centered Godunov‐Type Finite Volume Model for Shallow Water Flow Based on Unstructured Mesh
Authors: Wu Gangfeng , He Zhiguo , Liu Guohua
Published: May 2014

Based on the Godunov‐type cell‐centered finite volume method, this paper presents a two‐dimensional well‐balanced shallow water model for simulating flows over arbitrary topography with wetting and drying. The central upwind scheme is used for the computation of mass and momentum fluxes on interface. The novel aspect of the present model is a robust and accurate nonnegative water depth reconstruction method which is implemented in the unstructured mesh to achieve second‐order accuracy in space and to track the moving wet/dry fronts of the flow over irregular terrain. By defining the bed elevation and primary flow variables at the cell center in the nonstaggered grid system, all computational cells are either fully wet or dry to avoid the problem of being partially wetted. The developed model is capable of being well balanced and preserving the computed water depth to be nonnegative under a certain CFL restriction, which makes it robust and stable. The present model is validated against three benchmark tests and two laboratory dam‐break cases. Finally, the good agreement between the numerical results by the established model and measured data of the Malpasset dam break event on a 1/400 scale physical model demonstrates the capability of the model for the real‐life applications.
The Analysis of Corporate Bond Valuation under an Infinite Dimensional Compound Poisson Framework
Authors: Fan Sheng
Published: May 2014

This paper analyzes the firm bond valuation and credit spread with an endogenous model for the pure default and callable default corporate bond. Regarding the stochastic instantaneous forward rates and the firm value as an infinite dimensional Poisson process, we provide some analytical results for the embedded American options and firm bond valuations.
Graphene Embedded Modulator with Extremely Small Footprint and High Modulation Efficiency
Authors: Hao Ran , Jin Jia-Min
Published: May 2014

By embedding graphene sheet in the silicon waveguide, the overall effective mode index displays unexpected symmetry and the electrorefraction effect has been significantly enhanced near the epsilon-near-zero point. An eight-layer graphene embedded Mach-Zehnder Modulator has been theoretically demonstrated with the advantage of ultracompact footprint (4 × 2 μm2), high modulation efficiency (1.316 V·μm), ultrafast modulation speed, and large extinction ratio. Our results may promote various on-chip active components, boosting the utilization of graphene in optical applications.
Distributed Consensus Tracking for Second‐Order Nonlinear Multiagent Systems with a Specified Reference State
Authors: Wen Guoguang , Yu Yongguang , Peng Zhaoxia , Rahmani Ahmed
Published: May 2014

This paper mainly addresses the distributed consensus tracking problem for second‐order nonlinear multiagent systems with a specified reference trajectory. The dynamics of each follower consists of two terms: nonlinear inherent dynamics and a simple communication protocol relying only on the position and velocity information of its neighbors. The consensus reference is taken as a virtual leader, whose output is only its position and velocity information that is available to only a subset of a group of followers. To achieve consensus tracking, a class of nonsmooth control protocols is proposed which reply on the relative information among the neighboring agents. Then some corresponding sufficient conditions are derived. It is shown that if the communication graph associated with the virtual leader and followers is connected at each time instant, the consensus can be achieved at least globally exponentially with the proposed protocol. Rigorous proofs are given by using graph theory, matrix theory, and Lyapunov theory. Finally, numerical examples are presented to illustrate the theoretical analysis.
Predictors of Poststroke Health-Related Quality of Life in Nigerian Stroke Survivors: A 1-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Hamza Ashiru Mohammad , Al-Sadat Nabilla , Loh Siew Yim , Jahan Nowrozy Kamar
Published: May 2014

This study aims to identify the predictors in the different aspects of the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and to measure the changes of functional status over time in a cohort of Nigerian stroke survivors. A prospective observational study was conducted in three hospitals of Kano state of Nigeria where stroke survivors receive rehabilitation. The linguistic-validated Hausa versions of the stroke impact scale 3.0, modified Rankin scale, Barthel index and Beck depression inventory scales were used. Paired samplest-test was used to calculate the amount of changes that occur over time and the forward stepwise linear regression model was used to identify the predictors. A total of 233 stroke survivors were surveyed at 6 months, and 93% (217/233) were followed at 1 year after stroke. Functional disabilities were significantly reduced during the recovery phase. Motor impairment, disability, and level of depression were independent predictors of HRQoL in the multivariate regression analysis. The involvement of family members as caregivers is the key factor for those survivors with improved functional status. Thus, to enhance the quality of poststroke life, it is proposed that a holistic stroke rehabilitation service and an active involvement of family members are established at every possible level.
A Fast Acquisition Algorithm Overcoming Fuzz Problems for TDDM Spread Spectrum Signal
Authors: Liu Fang , Feng Yongxin
Published: May 2014

TDDM (time division data modulation) technique will be used in the next generation GNSS (global navigation satellite system) to improve processing performance and to reduce inter‐GNSS interference; however, the emergence of TDDM signal causes the estimation frequency and message reversal fuzz problems in the acquisition process of a GNSS receiver. At present, the traditional acquisition methods have some limitations and shortcomings. Therefore, aiming at the unique characteristics of TDDM signal, a fast acquisition algorithm is proposed to overcome these fuzz problems in this paper. In the proposed algorithm, three stages are obtained by some key technologies, which are the I-Q frequency compensation, superposition processing, subsection processing, and reversion position estimation. Besides, the algorithm is simulated from carrier frequency error, code phase error, message inversion error, and processing speed. Theoretical and simulation results show that the new algorithm can quickly overcome the fuzz problems, and the new algorithm is better than the existing algorithm in the speed and accuracy, which demonstrates that this new algorithm is an effective search scheme for the next generation GNSS signals.
The Application of Baum-Welch Algorithm in Multistep Attack
Authors: Zhang Yanxue , Zhao Dongmei , Liu Jinxing
Published: May 2014

The biggest difficulty of hidden Markov model applied to multistep attack is the determination of observations. Now the research of the determination of observations is still lacking, and it shows a certain degree of subjectivity. In this regard, we integrate the attack intentions and hidden Markov model (HMM) and support a method to forecasting multistep attack based on hidden Markov model. Firstly, we train the existing hidden Markov model(s) by the Baum-Welch algorithm of HMM. Then we recognize the alert belonging to attack scenarios with the Forward algorithm of HMM. Finally, we forecast the next possible attack sequence with the Viterbi algorithm of HMM. The results of simulation experiments show that the hidden Markov models which have been trained are better than the untrained in recognition and prediction.
Some Results on Characterizations of Matrix Partial Orderings
Authors: Wang Hongxing , Xu Jin
Published: May 2014

Some characterizations of the left-star, right-star, and star partial orderings between matrices of the same size are obtained. Based on those results, several characterizations of the star partial ordering between EP matrices are given. At last, one characterization of the sharp partial ordering between group matrices is obtained.
Reducing the Inconsistency between Doppler and Invasive Measurements of the Severity of Aortic Stenosis Using Aortic Valve Coefficient: A Retrospective Study on Humans
Authors: Paul Anup K. , Banerjee Rupak K. , Narayanan Arumugam , Effat Mohamed A. , Paquin Jason J.
Published: May 2014

Background. It is not uncommon to observe inconsistencies in the diagnostic parameters derived from Doppler and catheterization measurements for assessing the severity of aortic stenosis (AS) which can result in suboptimal clinical decisions. In this pilot study, we investigate the possibility of improving the concordance between Doppler and catheter assessment of AS severity using the functional diagnostic parameter called aortic valve coefficient (AVC), defined as the ratio of the transvalvular pressure drop to the proximal dynamic pressure. Method and Results. AVC was calculated using diagnostic parameters obtained from retrospective chart reviews. AVC values were calculated independently from cardiac catheterization (AVCcatheter) and Doppler measurements (AVCdoppler). An improved significant correlation was observed between Doppler and catheter derived AVC (r=0.92, P<0.05) when compared to the correlation between Doppler and catheter measurements of mean pressure gradient (r=0.72, P<0.05) and aortic valve area (r=0.64, P<0.05). The correlation between Doppler and catheter derived AVC exhibited a marginal improvement over the correlation between Doppler and catheter derived aortic valve resistance (r=0.89, P<0.05). Conclusion. AVC is a refined clinical parameter that can improve the concordance between the noninvasive and invasive measures of the severity of aortic stenosis.
First Trimester Aneuploidy Screening Program for Preeclampsia Prediction in a Portuguese Obstetric Population
Authors: Teixeira Cláudia , Tejera Eduardo , Martins Helena , Pereira António Tomé , Costa-Pereira Altamiro , Rebelo Irene
Published: May 2014

Objective. To evaluate the performance of a first trimester aneuploidy screening program for preeclampsia (PE) prediction in a Portuguese obstetric population, when performed under routine clinical conditions.Materials and Methods. Retrospective cohort study of 5672 pregnant women who underwent routine first trimester aneuploidy screening in a Portuguese university hospital from January 2009 to June 2013. Logistic regression-based predictive models were developed for prediction of PE based on maternal characteristics, crown-rump length (CRL), nuchal translucency thickness (NT), and maternal serum levels of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and free beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (freeβ-hCG).Results. At a false-positive rate of 5/10%, the detection rate for early-onset (EO-PE) and late-onset (LO-PE) PE was 31.4/45.7% and 29.5/35.2%, respectively. Although both forms of PE were associated with decreased PAPP-A, logistic regression analysis revealed significant contributions from maternal factors, freeβ-hCG, CRL, and NT, but not PAPP-A, for prediction of PE.Conclusion. Our findings support that both clinical forms of EO-PE and LO-PE can be predicted using a combination of maternal history and biomarkers assessed at first trimester aneuploidy screening. However, detection rates were modest, suggesting that models need to be improved with additional markers not included in the current aneuploidy screening programs.
A Meta-Analysis of the Bacterial and Archaeal Diversity Observed in Wetland Soils
Authors: Lv Xiaofei , Yu Junbao , Fu Yuqin , Ma Bin , Qu Fanzhu , Ning Kai , Wu Huifeng
Published: May 2014

This study examined the bacterial and archaeal diversity from a worldwide range of wetlands soils and sediments using a meta-analysis approach. All available 16S rRNA gene sequences recovered from wetlands in public databases were retrieved. In November 2012, a total of 12677 bacterial and 1747 archaeal sequences were collected in GenBank. All the bacterial sequences were assigned into 6383 operational taxonomic units (OTUs 0.03), representing 31 known bacterial phyla, predominant with Proteobacteria (2791 OTUs), Bacteroidetes (868 OTUs), Acidobacteria (731 OTUs), Firmicutes (540 OTUs), and Actinobacteria (418 OTUs). The genusFlavobacterium(11.6% of bacterial sequences) was the dominate bacteria in wetlands, followed by Gp1,Nitrosospira, andNitrosomonas. Archaeal sequences were assigned to 521 OTUs from phyla Euryarchaeota and Crenarchaeota. The dominating archaeal genera wereFervidicoccusandMethanosaeta. Rarefaction analysis indicated that approximately 40% of bacterial and 83% of archaeal diversity in wetland soils and sediments have been presented. Our results should be significant for well-understanding the microbial diversity involved in worldwide wetlands.
Leaf Rolling and Stem Fasciation in Grass Pea (Lathyrus sativusL.) Mutant Are Mediated through Glutathione-Dependent Cellular and Metabolic Changes and Associated with a Metabolic Diversion through Cysteine during Phenotypic Reversal
Authors: Talukdar Dibyendu , Talukdar Tulika
Published: May 2014

ALathyrus sativusL. mutant isolated in ethylmethane sulfonate-treated M2progeny of mother variety BioL-212 and designated asrlfL-1was characterized by inwardly rolled-leaf and stem and bud fasciations. The mutant exhibited karyomorphological peculiarities in both mitosis and meiosis with origin of aneuploidy. The mitosis was vigorous with high frequency of divisional cells and their quick turnover presumably steered cell proliferations. Significant transcriptional upregulations of cysteine and glutathione synthesis and concomitant stimulations of glutathione-mediated antioxidant defense helpedrlfL-1mutant to maintain balanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolisms, as deduced by ROS-imaging study. Glutathione synthesis was shut down in buthionine sulfoximine- (BSO-) treated mother plant and mutant, and leaf-rolling and stems/buds fasciations in the mutant were reversed, accompanied by normalization of mitotic cell division process. Antioxidant defense was downregulated under low glutathione-redox but cysteine-desulfurations and photorespiratory glycolate oxidase transcripts were markedly overexpressed, preventing cysteine overaccumulation but resulted in excess H2O2in BSO-treated mutant. This led to oxidative damage in proliferating cells, manifested by severe necrosis in rolled-leaf and fasciated stems. Results indicated vital role of glutathione in maintaining abnormal proliferations in plant organs, and its deficiency triggered phenotypic reversal through metabolic diversions of cysteine and concomitant cellular and metabolic modulations.
Development and Maturation of the Immune System in Preterm Neonates: Results from a Whole Genome Expression Study
Authors: Zasada Magdalena , Kwinta Przemko , Durlak Wojciech , Bik-Multanowski Mirosław , Madetko-Talowska Anna , Pietrzyk Jacek Józef
Published: May 2014

To expand the knowledge about the consecutive expression of genes involved in the immune system development in preterm neonates and to verify if the environment changes the gene expression after birth we conducted a prospective study that included three cohorts: (A) extremely (gestational age (GA): 23–26 weeks;n=41), (B) very (GA: 27–29 weeks;n=39), and (C) moderately preterm infants (GA: 30–32 weeks;n=33). Blood samples were drawn from the study participants on the 5th and 28th day of life (DOL). The mRNA samples were evaluated for gene expression with the use of GeneChip Human Gene 1.0ST microarrays. Differential expression analysis revealed small subsets of genes that presented positive or negative monotone trends in both the 5th (138 genes) and 28th DOL (308 genes) in the three subgroups of patients. Based on pathway enrichment analysis, we found that most of the pathways that revealed a positive monotone trend were involved in host immunity. The most significantly GA dependent pathways were T-cell receptor signaling pathway and intestinal immune network for IgA production. Overall 4431 genes were differentially expressed between the 5th and 28th DOL. Despite differences in gestational age, patients with the same postconceptional age have a very similar expression of genes.
Low-Complexity Spatial-Temporal Filtering Method via Compressive Sensing for Interference Mitigation in a GNSS Receiver
Authors: Chang Chung-Liang , Huang Guo-Shing
Published: May 2014

A compressive sensing based array processing method is proposed to lower the complexity, and computation load of array system and to maintain the robust antijam performance in global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver. Firstly, the spatial and temporal compressed matrices are multiplied with array signal, which results in a small size array system. Secondly, the 2-dimensional (2D) minimum variance distortionless response (MVDR) beamformer is employed in proposed system to mitigate the narrowband and wideband interference simultaneously. The iterative process is performed to find optimal spatial and temporal gain vector by MVDR approach, which enhances the steering gain of direction of arrival (DOA) of interest. Meanwhile, the null gain is set at DOA of interference. Finally, the simulated navigation signal is generated offline by the graphic user interface tool and employed in the proposed algorithm. The theoretical analysis results using the proposed algorithm are verified based on simulated results.
Dynamic Complexity of a Switched Host-Parasitoid Model with Beverton-Holt Growth Concerning Integrated Pest Management
Authors: Xiang Changcheng , Xiang Zhongyi , Yang Yi
Published: May 2014

The switched discrete host-parasitoid model with Beverton-Holt growth concerning integrated pest management has been proposed, and the switches are guided by the economic threshold (ET). The integrated pest management (IPM) tactics are applied to prevent the economic injury if the density of host population exceeds the ET, and the IPM tactics are called off once the density of host population descends below ET. To begin with, the regular and virtual equilibria of switched system has been discussed by two or three parameter-bifurcation diagrams, which reveal the regions of different types of equilibria. Besides, numerical bifurcation analyses about inherent growth rates show that the switched discrete system may have complicated dynamics behavior including chaos and the coexistence of multiple attractors. Finally, numerical bifurcation analyses about killing rates indicate that the system comply with the Volterra principle, and initial values of both host and parasitoid populations affect the host outbreaks times.
Heating Quality and Stability of Aqueous Enzymatic Extraction of Fatty Acid-Balanced Oil in Comparison with Other Blended Oils
Authors: Li Yang , Li Dan , Qi Baokun , Rokayya Sami , Ma Wenjun , Liang Jing , Sui Xiaonan , Zhang Yan , Jiang Lianzhou
Published: May 2014

The heating performance of enzyme-assisted aqueous processing-extracted blended oil (EAEPO), hexane-extracted blended oil (HEBO), and three kinds of blended oils was investigated by varying the heating times. Oil degradation was monitored by analysis of the acid value (AV), peroxide value (PV),p-anisidine value (p-AV), color, and trans-fatty acid composition. The fatty acid ratios of EAEPO, HEBO, and the three kinds of blended oils were very similar (0.27 : 1.03 : 0.96, 0.27 : 1.08 : 1.16, 0.27 : 0.65 : 0.8, 0.27 : 0.6 : 0.84, and 0.27 : 0.61 : 0.79, resp.). The AV and color increased in proportion to the heating time for all the oils. There was a rapid increase in the PV andp-AV of EAEPO and HEBO after heating for only 1 h, whereas the other three blended oils showed a rapid increase after heating for 2 h or 6 h. Despite the highest trans-fatty acid content found for HEBO, this content was relatively low and remained low up to a heating time of 8 h. It was found that after heating, a fatty acid ratio relatively close to its ideal value (0.27 : 0.48 : 0.49) was maintained by EAEPO, which indicates that EAEPO is tolerant to heat treatment and is suitable for maintaining a healthy diet.
Preeclampsia and Future Cardiovascular Risk: Are Women and General Practitioners Aware of This Relationship? The Experience from a Portuguese Centre
Authors: Viana Pinto Pedro , Rei Mariana , Machado Ana Paula , Montenegro Nuno
Published: May 2014

Objective. To evaluate the impact of preeclampsia in the modification of lifestyle habits and decreasing cardiovascular risk factors in a population of women at least 6 months after having the diagnosis of preeclampsia.Methods. Cross-sectional observational study. Data included 141 cases of preeclampsia and chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia on singleton births diagnosed in our institution between January 2010 and December 2013. From the cases diagnosed over 6 months a standardized questionnaire evaluating lifestyle changes was applied.Results. We reviewed 141 cases, of which 120 were diagnosed for more than 6 months. An overall participation rate in the questionnaire of 65% was yielded. A slight increase from the mean BMI before pregnancy was found. No statistical significant association was established between postpregnancy mean BMI, weight variation, and the frequency of aerobic exercise with the severity of preeclampsia. Only 28% of our cases were practising aerobic exercise at least weekly. The majority of women assessed blood pressure at least monthly (45/78), but only 25 assessed glycaemia at least once/year.Conclusion. This study shows that the majority of our patients and general practitioners do not take into consideration a previous pregnancy affected by preeclampsia as a risk factor for future cardiovascular disease.
A Continuing Medical Education Campaign to Improve Use of Antibiotics in Primary Care
Authors: Gibbs Ronald S. , Wieber Carolyn , Myers Leslie , Jenkins Timothy
Published: May 2014

Because inappropriate use of antibiotics is common, it is an important area for continuing medical education. At an annual review, we conducted a two-year campaign to achieve appropriate use. Our methods included two surveys, directed course content, programmatic evaluation, and a sample practice audit. Ninety percent of learners perceived inappropriate antibiotic use as a “very big” or “big” problem in the United States, but only 44% perceived this about their practice (P<0.001). Top perceived barriers to appropriate antibiotic use were patient expectations, breaking old habits, and fear that patients would go elsewhere. Top strategies to overcome these barriers were patient educational materials, having guidelines accessible, and developing practice policies. In a hypothetical patient with acute bronchitis, 98% would likely prescribe an antibiotic in certain clinical scenarios even though The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend empiric antibiotic treatment. The most common scenarios leading to likely antibiotic prescription were symptoms over 15 days (84%), age over 80 years (70%), and fever (48%). Practitioners are under multiple pressures to prescribe antibiotics even in situations where antibiotics are not recommended (such as acute bronchitis). To achieve complex practice changes such as avoiding inappropriate antibiotic use, no one strategy predominated.
Computing the Electric and Magnetic Matrix Green’s Functions in a Rectangular Parallelepiped with a Perfect Conducting Boundary
Authors: Yakhno V. G. , Ersoy Ş.
Published: May 2014

A method for the approximate computation of frequency-dependent magnetic and electric matrix Green’s functions in a rectangular parallelepiped with a perfect conducting boundary is suggested in the paper. This method is based on approximation (regularization) of the Dirac delta function and its derivatives, which appear in the differential equations for magnetic and electric Green’s functions, and the Fourier series expansion meta-approach for solving the elliptic boundary value problems. The elements of approximate Green’s functions are found explicitly in the form of the Fourier series with a finite number of terms. The convergence analysis for finding the number of the terms is given. The computational experiments have confirmed the robustness of the method.
Supplementation of T3Recovers Hypothyroid Rat Liver Cells from Oxidatively Damaged Inner Mitochondrial Membrane Leading to Apoptosis
Authors: Mukherjee Sutapa , Samanta Luna , Roy Anita , Bhanja Shravani , Chainy Gagan B. N.
Published: May 2014

Hypothyroidism is a growing medical concern. There are conflicting reports regarding the mechanism of oxidative stress in hypothyroidism. Mitochondrial oxidative stress is pivotal to thyroid dysfunction. The present study aimed to delineate the effects of hepatic inner mitochondrial membrane dysfunction as a consequence of 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil-induced hypothyroidism in rats. Increased oxidative stress predominance in the submitochondrial particles (SMP) and altered antioxidant defenses in the mitochondrial matrix fraction correlated with hepatocyte apoptosis. In order to check whether the effects caused by hypothyroidism are reversed by T3, the above parameters were evaluated in a subset of T3-treated hypothyroid rats. Complex I activity was inhibited in hypothyroid SMP, whereas T3supplementation upregulated electron transport chain complexes. Higher mitochondrial H2O2levels in hypothyroidism due to reduced matrix GPx activity culminated in severe oxidative damage to membrane lipids. SMP and matrix proteins were stabilised in hypothyroidism but exhibited increased carbonylation after T3administration. Glutathione content was higher in both. Hepatocyte apoptosis was evident in hypothyroid liver sections; T3administration, on the other hand, exerted antiapoptotic and proproliferative effects. Hence, thyroid hormone level critically regulates functional integrity of hepatic mitochondria; hypothyroidism injures mitochondrial membrane lipids leading to hepatocyte apoptosis, which is substantially recovered upon T3supplementation.
Body Mass Index and Comorbidities in Adult Severe Asthmatics
Authors: Bruno Andreina , Pace Elisabetta , Cibella Fabio , Chanez Pascal
Published: May 2014

Both severe asthma and obesity are growing health problems. Severe asthma leads to a poor quality of life. The relationship among BMI, comorbidities, and severe asthma control in adults is still unclear. The aim of the study is to better understand the effect of the comorbidities as atopy, type II diabetes, OSAS, gastroesophageal reflux, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, infections, and psychological factors with BMI on asthma control in a cohort of adult severe asthmatics. One hundred and two patients were enrolled in a cross-sectional study assessing asthma control, treatments, pulmonary function, inflammatory markers, and comorbidities. Patients were divided into 3 classes according to BMI: normal weight, overweight, and obese. We found that the optimal state of asthma control is lower. whereas the score of Asthma Control Questionnaire, the number of asthma exacerbations during last year, the oral corticosteroids requirement during the previous year, and the LABA treatments are higher in obese than in overweight and normal weight severe asthmatics. The number of subjects with type II diabetes and OSAS are higher among obese and overweight patients than in normal weight asthmatics. In conclusion, BMI representsper sea factor for the deterioration in disease control in severe asthma.
Positive Solutions of a Nonlinear Parabolic Partial Differential Equation
Authors: Zhai Chengbo , Li Shunyong
Published: May 2014

We deal with the existence and uniqueness of positive solutions to a class of nonlinear parabolic partial differential equations, by using some fixed point theorems for mixed monotone operators with perturbation.
Crustal Evolution of a Paleozoic Intra-oceanic Island-Arc-Back-Arc Basin System Constrained by the Geochemistry and Geochronology of the Yakuno Ophiolite, Southwest Japan
Authors: Suda Yoshimitsu , Hayasaka Yasutaka , Kimura Kosuke
Published: May 2014

The Yakuno ophiolite in southwest Japan is considered to have been obducted by the collision between an intra-oceanic island-arc-back-arc basin (intra-OIA-BAB) system and the East Asian continent during the late Paleozoic. New SIMS (SHRIMP) zircon U-Pb determinations for amphibolite and metagabbro of BAB origin within the Yakuno ophiolite yield ages of 293.4 ± 9.5 Ma and 288 ± 13 Ma, respectively. These ages are slightly older (however, overlapping within analytical errors) than the magmatic age of arc granitoids (ca. 285–282 Ma) that intruded into the mafic rocks of BAB origin. Results from geochronological and geochemical data of the Yakuno ophiolite give rise to the following tentative geotectonic model for the Paleozoic intra-OIA-BAB system: the initial stage of BAB rifting (ca. 293–288 Ma) formed the BAB crust with island-arc basalt (IAB) signatures, which was brought to the OIA setting, and generated the arc granitoids (ca. 285–282 Ma) by anatexis of the BAB crust. A later stage of BAB rifting (<ca. 285 Ma) formed the BAB crust with IAB to MORB signatures, on which the Permian sediments were conformably deposited. These components collided with the eastern margin of the East Asian continent during the early Mesozoic.
The Influence of Education on Chinese Version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment in Detecting Amnesic Mild Cognitive Impairment among Older People in a Beijing Rural Community
Authors: Zhou Shu'aijun , Zhu Jianzhong , Zhang Na , Wang Bailing , Li Tao , Lv Xiaozhen , Ng Tze Pin , Yu Xin , Wang Huali
Published: May 2014

To assess the influence of education on the performance of Chinese version of Montreal cognitive assessment (C-MoCA) in relation to the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) in detecting amnesic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) among rural-dwelling older people C-MoCA and MMSE was administered and diagnostic interviews were conducted among community-dwelling elderly in two villages in Beijing. The performance of C-MoCA and MMSE in detecting aMCI was evaluated by the area under the ROC curve (AUC). Effect size of education on variations in C-MoCA scores was estimated with general linear model. Among 172 study participants (24 cases of aMCI and 148 normal controls), the AUC of C-MoCA was 0.72 (95% CI = 0.62–0.81, cutoff = 20/21), compared to AUC of MMSE of 0.74 (95% CI = 0.64–0.84, cutoff = 26/27). The performance of both C-MoCA and MMSE was especially poorer among those with low (0–6 years) education. After controlling for gender and age, education (η2= 0.204) had a surpassing effect over aMCI diagnosis (η2= 0.052) on variations in C-MoCA scores. Among rural older people, the MoCA showed modest accuracy and was no better than MMSE in detecting aMCI, especially in those with low education, due to the overwhelming effect of education relative to aMCI diagnosis on variations in C-MoCA performance.
Fuzzy Upper Bounds in Groupoids
Authors: Ahn Sun Shin , Kim Young Hee , Neggers J.
Published: May 2014

The notion of a fuzzy upper bound over a groupoid is introduced and some properties of it are investigated. We also define the notions of an either-or subset of a groupoid and a strong either-or subset of a groupoid and study some of their related properties. In particular, we consider fuzzy upper bounds inBin(X), whereBin(X)is the collection of all groupoids. Finally, we define a fuzzy-d-subset of a groupoid and investigate some of its properties.
Associations of Subjective Social Status with Physical Activity and Body Mass Index across Four Asian Countries
Authors: Frerichs Leah , Huang Terry T.-K. , Chen Duan-Rung
Published: May 2014

Objective. The aims of this study were to (1) assess physical activity and weight status differences and (2) explore the direction and shape of subjective social status (SSS) association with physical activity and weight status within four Asian countries.Methods. Cross section data of adult respondents from the nationally representative East Asian Social Survey were used for analyses. Logistic regression stratified by gender was conducted for the first aim, and simple and quadratic logistic regression models were used for the second.Results. SSS was significantly associated with odds of weekly or daily physical activity across all countries and genders, except for South Korean and Japanese females. Quadratic models provided significantly better fit for Chinese males (LR (d.f. = 1) = 6.51,Pvalue<.05) and females (LR (d.f. = 1) = 7.36,Pvalue<.01), South Korean males (LR (d.f. = 1) = 4.40,Pvalue<.05), and Taiwanese females (LR (d.f. = 1) = 4.87,Pvalue<.05).Conclusions. This study provides a comparable cross Asian country measure of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and new findings that a connection exists between SSS and physical activity. Differences of class distinction help explain the different shaped SSS relationships.
The Antibacterial Assay of Tectorigenin with Detergents or ATPase Inhibitors against Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Joung Dae-Ki , Mun Su-Hyun , Lee Kuang-Shim , Kang Ok-Hwa , Choi Jang-Gi , Kim Sung-Bae , Gong Ryong , Chong Myong-Soo , Kim Youn-Chul , Lee Dong-Sung , Shin Dong-Won , Kwon Dong-Yeul
Published: May 2014

Tectorigenin (TTR) is an O‐methylated isoflavone derived from the rhizome of Belamacanda chinensis (L.) DC. It is known to perform a wide spectrum of biological activities such as antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐tumor. The aim of this study is to examine the mechanism of antibacterial activity of TTR against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The anti‐MRSA activity of TTR was analyzed in combination assays with detergent, ATPase inhibitors, and peptidoglycan (PGN) derived from S. aureus. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to monitor survival characteristics and changes in S. aureus morphology. The MIC values of TTR against all the tested strains were 125 μg/mL. The OD(600) of each suspension treated with a combination of Triton X‐100, DCCD, and NaN3 with TTR (1/10 × MIC) had been reduced from 68% to 80%, compared to the TTR alone. At a concentration of 125 μg/mL, PGN blocked antibacterial activity of TTR. This study indicates that anti‐MRSA action of TTR is closely related to cytoplasmic membrane permeability and ABC transporter, and PGN at 125 μg/mL directly bind to and inhibit TTR at 62.5 μg/mL. These results can be important indication in study on antimicrobial activity mechanism against multidrug resistant strains.
Golimumab as Rescue Therapy for Refractory Immune-Mediated Uveitis: A Three-Center Experience
Authors: Cordero-Coma Miguel , Calvo-Río Vanesa , Adán Alfredo , Blanco Ricardo , Álvarez-Castro Carolina , Mesquida Marina , Calleja Sara , González-Gay Miguel A. , Ruíz de Morales José G.
Published: May 2014

Objective. To evaluate, in three Spanish tertiary referral centres, the short-term safety and efficacy of golimumab (GLM) for treatment of immune-mediated uveitis resistant to previous immunosuppressive therapy.Methods. Nonrandomized retrospective interventional case series. Thirteen patients with different types of uveitis that were resistant to treatment with at least 2 previous immunosuppressors were included in this study. All included patients were treated with GLM (50 mg every four weeks) during at least 6 months. Clinical evaluation and treatment-related side effects were assessed at least four times in all included patients.Results. Eight men and 5 women (22 affected eyes) with a median age of 30 years (range 20–38) and active immune-mediated uveitides were studied. GLM was used in combination with conventional immunosuppressors in 7 patients (53.8%). GLM therapy achieved complete control of inflammation in 12/13 patients (92.3%) after six months of treatment. There was a statistically significant improvement in mean BCVA (0.60 versus 0.68,P=0.009) and mean 1 mm central retinal thickness (317 versus 261.2 μ,P=0.05) at the six-month endpoint when compared to basal values. No major systemic adverse effects associated with GLM therapy were observed.Conclusions. GLM is a new and promising therapeutic option for patients with severe and refractory uveitis.