bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Partitioning phylogenetic and functional diversity into alpha and beta components along an environmental gradient in aMediterranean rangeland
Authors: Bernard‐Verdier Maud , Flores Olivier , Navas Marie‐Laure , Garnier Eric
Published: February 2013

Questions

To what extent is the functional structure of plant communities captured by phylogenetic structure? Are some functional dimensions better represented by phylogenetic relationships? In an empirical study, we propose to test the congruence between phylogenetic and functional structure at the alpha and the beta scale along an environmental gradient.

Location

Causse duLarzac, southernFrance.

Methods

We measured species abundances and eight key functional traits in 12 plant communities distributed along a gradient of soil depth and resource availability in aMediterranean rangeland. A phylogenetic super‐tree of the species was assembled, and after quantifying the degree of phylogenetic signal present in each trait, we quantified taxonomic (TD), phylogenetic (PD) and functional (FD) diversity both within (alpha scale) and among (beta scale) communities, taking species abundances into account. We tested for trends in diversity along the environmental gradient, and looked for congruence among different facets of diversity, both at the alpha and the beta scale.

Results

We found a significant phylogenetic signal for seven out of eight traits. However, when accounting for trends in taxonomic diversity (i.e. richness and evenness),PDdid not capture the strong functional structure observed within and among the communities. At the alpha scale, we found an overall pattern of phylogenetic convergence of abundant species, which did not reflect the observed functional divergence. At the beta scale, despite some congruence between betaPDand betaFDfor three individual traits, phylogenetic dissimilarities did not capture the overall environmental and functional sorting of species according to habitats.

Conclusions

We show that even when traits display a significant phylogenetic signal,PDdoes not capture the complex functional structure of communities in response to environmental gradients. Nevertheless, results suggest that phylogenetic relationships may partially capture differences in the beta niche of species and provide additional insights on assembly processes not captured by the set of measured functional traits. Only by accounting for patterns in taxonomic diversity were we able to disentangle the functional and evolutionary determinants of species assembly along the gradient.
Impacts of inundation and drought on eukaryote biodiversity in semi‐arid floodplain soils
Authors: Baldwin Darren S. , Colloff Matthew J. , Rees Gavin N. , Chariton Anthony A. , Watson Garth O. , Court Leon N. , Hartley Diana M. , Morgan Matthew j. , King Andrew J. , Wilson Jessica S. , Hodda Michael , Hardy Christopher M.
Published: February 2013

Floodplain ecosystems are characterized by alternating wet and dry phases and periodic inundation defines their ecological character. Climate change, river regulation and the construction of levees have substantially altered natural flooding and drying regimes worldwide with uncertain effects on key biotic groups. In southern Australia, we hypothesized that soil eukaryotic communities in climate change affected areas of a semi‐arid floodplain would transition towards comprising mainly dry‐soil specialist species with increasing drought severity. Here, we used 18S rRNA amplicon pyrosequencing to measure the eukaryote community composition in soils that had been depleted of water to varying degrees to confirm that reproducible transitional changes occur in eukaryotic biodiversity on this floodplain. Interflood community structures (3 years post‐flood) were dominated by persistent rather than either aquatic or dry‐specialist organisms. Only 2% of taxa were unique to dry locations by 8 years post‐flood, and 10% were restricted to wet locations (inundated a year to 2 weeks post‐flood). Almost half (48%) of the total soil biota were detected in both these environments. The discovery of a large suite of organisms able to survive nearly a decade of drought, and up to a year submerged supports the concept of inherent resilience of Australian semi‐arid floodplain soil communities under increasing pressure from climatic induced changes in water availability.
Assessment of spatial discordance of primary and effective seed dispersal of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) by ecological and genetic methods
Authors: Millerón M. , López de Heredia U. , Lorenzo Z. , Alonso J. , Dounavi A. , Gil L. , Nanos N.
Published: February 2013

Spatial discordance between primary and effective dispersal in plant populations indicates that postdispersal processes erase the seed rain signal in recruitment patterns. Five different models were used to test the spatial concordance of the primary and effective dispersal patterns in a European beech (Fagus sylvatica) population from central Spain. An ecological method was based on classical inverse modelling (SSS), using the number of seed/seedlings as input data. Genetic models were based on direct kernel fitting of mother‐to‐offspring distances estimated by a parentage analysis or were spatially explicit models based on the genotype frequencies of offspring (competing sources model and Moran‐Clark's Model). A fully integrated mixed model was based on inverse modelling, but used the number of genotypes as input data (gene shadow model). The potential sources of error and limitations of each seed dispersal estimation method are discussed. The mean dispersal distances for seeds and saplings estimated with these five methods were higher than those obtained by previous estimations for European beech forests. All the methods show strong discordance between primary and effective dispersal kernel parameters, and for dispersal directionality. While seed rain was released mostly under the canopy, saplings were established far from mother trees. This discordant pattern may be the result of the action of secondary dispersal by animals or density‐dependent effects; that is, the Janzen‐Connell effect.
An approach to identify putative hybrids in the ‘coalescent stochasticity zone’, as exemplified in the African plant genus Streptocarpus (Gesneriaceae)
Authors: de Villiers Margaret J. , Pirie Michael D. , Hughes Mark , Möller Michael , Edwards Trevor J. , Bellstedt Dirk U.
Published: February 2013

The inference of phylogenetic relationships is often complicated by differing evolutionary histories of independently‐inherited markers. The causes of the resulting gene tree incongruence can be challenging to identify, often relying on coalescent simulations dependent on unverifiable assumptions. We investigated alternative techniques using the South African rosulate species of Streptocarpus as a study group.

Two independent gene trees – from the nuclear ITS region and from three concatenated plastid regions (trnL‐F, rpl20‐rps12 and trnC‐D) – displayed widespread, strongly supported incongruence. We investigated the causes by detecting genetic exchange across morphological borders using morphological optimizations and genetic exchange across species boundaries using the genealogical sorting index.

Incongruence between gene trees was associated with ancestral shifts in growth form (in four species) but not in pollination syndrome, suggesting introgression limited by reproductive barriers. Genealogical sorting index calculations showed polyphyly of two additional species, while individuals of all others were significantly associated. In one case the association was stronger according to the internal transcribed spacer data than according to the plastid data, which, given the smaller effective population size of the plastid, may also indicate introgression.

These approaches offer alternative ways to identify potential hybridization events where incomplete lineage sorting cannot be rejected using simulations.
Associations of postnatal growth with asthma and atopy: the PROBIT Study
Authors: Anderson Emma L. , Fraser Abigail , Martin Richard M. , Kramer Michael S. , Oken Emily , Patel Rita , Tilling Kate
Published: February 2013

Background

It has been hypothesised that postnatal weight and length/height gain are variously related to wheeze, asthma and atopy; however, supporting evidence is limited and inconsistent.

Methods

Weights and lengths/heights of 12,171 term infants were measured from birth to 12 months and at 6.5 yr and extracted from polyclinic records prospectively obtained between 12 and 60 months. Atopic phenotypes were ascertained at 6.5 yr with the International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood questionnaire and skin prick tests. Logistic regression models investigated whether rates of weight and length/height gain from infancy to mid‐childhood were associated with atopy phenotypes that have occurred ever or in the last 12 months.

Results

After controlling for confounders and prior weight and length/height gain, all weight gain variables except birth weight were positively associated with ever having wheezed (p < 0.1). A one s.d. increase in weight gain rate between 0 and 3 months was associated with a 12% increase (2–23%) in allergic rhinitis ever. No other consistent patterns of association were found for weight gain or length/height gain rate between 0 and 60 months with atopic outcomes at 6.5 yr. In contrast, all atopy outcomes except for ever having asthma were associated with current weight and height, even after controlling for prior growth.

Conclusion

Current height and weight are more strongly associated with the development of atopic phenotypes in childhood than patterns of infant and early childhood growth, which may well reflect reverse causality (atopy effects on growth) or residual confounding by an unknown common cause of growth and atopy.
The Social Construction of Race and Minorities in Japan
Authors: Yamashiro Jane H.
Published: February 2013

This article provides an overview of the state of the field of racial and other minorities in Japan – a field that has developed in English mostly since the 1990s. The construction of race in Japan conflates race, ethnicity, language, culture, class, and citizenship. As a result, the majority “Japanese” are constructed against “foreigners,” both categories implying the aforementioned characteristics. Minorities in Japan lack some or all of the aforementioned traits: most are seen as racially different from Japanese but some are marginalized in other ways that support hierarchical social organization. After reviewing scholarship that analyzes the meaning of race in Japan, I briefly describe the major minority groups: Ainu, Okinawans, Burakumin, ethnic Koreans, foreign workers, Japanese Brazilians and mixed race Japanese.
Conservation tillage systems: a review of its consequences for greenhouse gas emissions
Authors: Abdalla M. , Osborne B. , Lanigan G. , Forristal D. , Williams M. , Smith P. , Jones M. B.
Published: February 2013

Conservation tillage (CT) is an umbrella term encompassing many types of tillage and residue management systems that aim to achieve sustainable and profitable agriculture. Through a global review of CT research, the objective of this paper was to investigate the impacts of CT on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Based on the analysis presented, CT should be developed within the context of specific climates and soils. A number of potential disadvantages in adopting CT practices were identified, relating mainly to enhanced nitrous oxide emissions, together with a number of advantages that would justify its wider adoption. Almost all studies examined showed that the adoption of CT practices reduced carbon dioxide emissions, while also contributing to increases in soil organic carbon and improvements in soil structure.
Effects of critical source area on sediment yield and streamflow
Authors: Pradhanang Soni M. , Briggs Russell D.
Published: February 2013

The spatial discretization scale determines the degree to which the spatial heterogeneity of the surface condition and the stream network can be represented. Discretization scale can have a significant impact on watershed model results, with respect to both hydrology and water quality. The impact of critical source area (CSA) on simulated water yield for each cell can be assessed for streamflow and run‐off using the Annualized Agricultural Non‐Point Source (AnnAGNPS) model. The total number of cells simulated for the six watersheds ranged from 8 to 352 for various CSA combinations. Increasing the number of subwatersheds increased water and sediment yield in many watersheds. Increasing the number of cells influences the depiction of land use and soil type accordingly and therefore influences run‐off. The applied CSAs were also compared with topographic parameters such as average cell slope, average channel slope and length to width ratio of each watershed.
The water supply is fine: decision‐maker perceptions of water quantity and supply‐side management
Authors: Cockerill Kristan
Published: February 2013

Years of research have called for more science to be integrated into water management decisions and for a shift from supply‐side to demand‐side management; yet, there remains a strong emphasis on supply‐side approaches and in many areas limited attention to hydrological data. A survey and interviews with decision‐makers in western North Carolina reveal that there is only low‐level concern about water quantity, and this drives a continued emphasis on supply‐side management and no perceived need for hydrological data. The historical realities of low demand and abundant water have generated a perception of ‘water supply’ as disconnected from physical, hydrological systems and allowed for ad hoc decision‐making processes to prevail. The lack of well‐established processes may, ironically, provide significant opportunities for employing collaboration among researchers and decision‐makers to develop policies and processes that integrate data into making water management decisions and thus prompt increased attention to water demand.
Measurements of Piezoelectric Coefficient d33 of Lead Zirconate Titanate Thin Films Using a Mini Force Hammer
Authors: Guo Qing , Cao G. Z. , Shen I. Y.
Published: February 2013

Lead zirconate titanate (PbZrxTi1-xO3, or PZT) is a piezoelectric material widely used as sensors and actuators. For microactuators, PZT often appears in the form of thin films to maintain proper aspect ratios. One major challenge encountered is accurate measurement of piezoelectric coefficients of PZT thin films. In this paper, we present a simple, low-cost, and effective method to measure piezoelectric coefficient d33 of PZT thin films through use of basic principles in mechanics of vibration. A small impact hammer with a tiny tip acts perpendicularly to the PZT thin-film surface to generate an impulsive force. In the meantime, a load cell at the hammer tip measures the impulsive force and a charge amplifier measures the responding charge of the PZT thin film. Then the piezoelectric coefficient d33 is obtained from the measured force and charge based on piezoelectricity and a finite element modeling. We also conduct a thorough parametric study to understand the sensitivity of this method on various parameters, such as substrate material, boundary conditions, specimen size, specimen thickness, thickness ratio, and PZT thin-film material. Two rounds of experiments are conducted to demonstrate the feasibility and accuracy of this new method. The first experiment is to measure d33 of a PZT disk resonator whose d33 is known. Experimental results show that d33 measured via this method is as accurate as that from the manufacturer's specifications within its tolerance. The second experiment is to measure d33 of PZT thin films deposited on silicon substrates. With the measured d33, we predict the displacement of PZT thin-film membrane microactuators. In the meantime, the actuator displacement is measured via a laser Doppler vibrometer. The predicted and measured displacements agree very well validating the accuracy of this new method.
Three-to-One Resonant Responses of Inextensional Beams on the Elastic Foundation
Authors: Wang Lianhua , Ma Jianjun , Li Lifeng , Peng Jian
Published: February 2013

The large amplitude vibrations of the inextensional beam resting on the elastic foundation under three-to-one internal resonance are investigated. The inextensional condition and multimodal discretization are used to obtain the equation of in-plane motion and modulation equations. Due to the second-order moment of the subgrade reaction, the quadratic nonlinearity is included in the present model. Moreover, this moment destroys the conservative character of the system. The nonlinear response and the associated stability are examined by means of frequency (force)-response curves, and the shooting method is applied to investigate the dynamic solutions. Particular attention is placed on the effects of the cut-off frequency and boundary conditions. The results show that the cut-off frequency and boundary conditions do not significantly affect the contribution of nonresonant modes to the nonlinear coefficients. Moreover, the effects of foundation models on the three-to-one resonant dynamics of the beam are discussed.
Identification of Acoustic Characteristics of Honeycomb Sandwich Composite Panels Using Hybrid Analytical/Finite Element Method1
Authors: Kim Yong-Joe , Han Je-Heon
Published: February 2013

For the purpose of identifying the acoustic characteristics of honeycomb sandwich panels, finite element method (FEM), combined with boundary element method (BEM), has been widely used. However, the latter approach is not always applicable to high frequency analyses since it requires a large number of FEM/BEM meshes. In order to reduce computational resources and modeling times, a hybrid analytical/finite element method (HAFEM) is described that uses a finite element approximation in the thickness direction, while analytical solutions are assumed in the plane directions. Thus, it makes it possible to use a small number of finite elements, even for high frequency analyses. By using the HAFEM, the wave transmission, propagation, and radiation characteristics of the honeycomb sandwich panels are investigated. The proposed HAFEM procedure is validated by comparing the predicted transmission loss (TL) results to the measured ones. Through the use of the HAFEM model of a honeycomb sandwich panel, it is shown that the structural responses of the panel converge asymptotically to flexural waves in the low audible frequency region, core shear waves in the high audible to ultrasonic frequency region, and skin flexural waves in the high ultrasonic frequency region. Coincident frequencies occur at the transition region from the flexural to core shear wave behaviors. From the TL sensitivities of various panel design parameters, the most dominant design parameters contributing to the TL results are determined as a function of frequency. In order to improve the acoustic performance of the honeycomb sandwich panel while satisfying weight and strength requirements, a new double core honeycomb sandwich panel is designed to have the same mass per unit area as the baseline single core panel but have a larger equivalent flexural stiffness than that of the baseline panel.
An Impedance-Based Approach for Rods With Shear-Type Damping Layer Treatment
Authors: Wang P. W. , Zhuang D. Q.
Published: February 2013

An impedance-based approach for analyzing an axial rod with shear-type damping layer treatment is proposed. The rod and shear-type damping layer are regarded as two subsystems and both impedances are calculated analytically. The system impedance can be obtained through the impedance coupling between the host rod and the damping layer. The shear-type damping layer is regarded as a shear spring with complex shear modulus. Under the traditional model, the damping coefficient diminishes with the increasing frequency. The paper develops two shear-type damping layer models, including the single degree-of-freedom (SDOF) model and continuous model to predict the behavior of the damping layer. Both damping layer models are compared with the traditional model and the system responses from these models are validated by finite element method (FEM) code COMSOL Multiphysics. Results show that the damping coefficients of both the traditional shear-spring model and SDOF model diminish as the increasing frequency so that the system responses are discrepant with that from COMSOL in the high frequency range. On the other hand, the system response from the continuous model is consistent with that from COMSOL in the full frequency range. Hence, the continuous damping layer model can predict a correct damping coefficient in the high frequency range and this property can be also employed to improve the analysis of the constrained-layer damping treated structures. Finally, the modal loss factor and fundamental frequency of the system with respect to different damping layer thicknesses are presented using the developed approach.
Acoustic Radiation From Stiffened Cylindrical Shells With Constrained Layer Damping
Authors: Cao Xiongtao , Hua Hongxing , Zhang Zhenguo
Published: February 2013

Acoustic radiation from cylindrical shells stiffened by two sets of rings, with constrained layer damping (CLD), is investigated theoretically. The governing equations of motion for the cylindrical shell with CLD are described on the basis of Sanders thin shell theory. Two sets of rings interact with the host cylindrical shell only through the normal line forces. The solutions are derived in the wavenumber domain and the stationary phase method is used to find an analytical expression of the far-field sound pressure. The effects of the viscoelastic material core, constrained layer and multiple loadings on sound pressure are illustrated. The helical wave spectra of sound pressure and the radial displacement clearly show the vibrational and acoustic characteristics of the stiffened cylindrical shell with CLD. It is shown that CLD can effectively suppress the radial vibration and reduce acoustic radiation.
Accent-independent adaptation to foreign accented speech
Authors: Baese-Berk Melissa M. , Bradlow Ann R. , Wright Beverly A.
Published: February 2013

Foreign-accented speech can be difficult to understand but listeners can adapt to novel talkers and accents with appropriate experience. Previous studies have demonstrated talker-independent but accent-dependent learning after training on multiple talkers from a single language background. Here, listeners instead were exposed to talkers from five language backgrounds during training. After training, listeners generalized their learning to novel talkers from language backgrounds both included and not included in the training set. These findings suggest that generalization of foreign-accent adaptation is the result of exposure to systematic variability in accented speech that is similar across talkers from multiple language backgrounds.
HARD PROCESSES IN AdS/CFT
Authors: HATTA YOSHITAKA
Published: February 2013

We review three topics on the recent application of the AdS/CFT correspondence to hard processes: deep inelastic scattering, e+e- annihilation and jet quenching at finite temperature.
AUDIO CLASSIFICATION OF MUSIC/SPEECH MIXED SIGNALS USING SINUSOIDAL MODELING WITH SVM AND NEURAL NETWORK APPROACH
Authors: MOWLAEE PEJMAN , SAYADIYAN ABOLGHASEM
Published: February 2013

A preprocessing stage in every speech/music applications including audio/speech separation, speech/speaker recognition and audio/genre transcription task is inevitable. The importance of such pre-processing stage is originated from the requisite of determining each frame of the given signal is belonged to which classes, namely: speech only, music only or speech/music mixture. Such classification can significantly decrease the computational burden due to exhaustive search commonly introduced as a problem in model-based speech recognition or separation as well as music transcription scenarios. In this paper, we present a new method to separate mixed type audio frames based on support vector machine (SVM) and neural network. We present a feature type selection algorithm which seeks for the most appropriate features to discriminate possible classes (hypotheses) on the mixed signal. We also propose features based on eigen-decomposition on the mixed frame. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed features together with the selected audio classifiers achieve acceptable classification results. From the experimental results, it is observed that the proposed system outperforms other classification systems including k-nearest neighbor (k-NN) and multi-layer perceptron (MLP).
QUANTIZATION OF ENTROPY SPECTRA OF BLACK HOLES
Authors: KWON YONGJOON , NAM SOONKEON
Published: February 2013

From the quasinormal modes (QNM) of black holes, we obtain the quantizations of the entropy and horizon area of black holes via Bohr–Sommerfeld quantization, based on Bohr's correspondence principle. For this, we identify the appropriate action variable of the classical system corresponding to a black hole. By considering the BTZ black holes in topologically massive gravity as well as Einstein gravity, it is found that the spectra of not the horizon areas but the entropies of black holes are equally spaced. We also propose that other characteristic modes of black holes, which are non-QNM or holographic QNM, can be used in quantization of entropy spectra just like QNM. From these modes, it is found that only the entropy spectrum of the warped AdS3 black hole is equally spaced as well. Furthermore, by considering a scattering problem in a black hole, we propose that the total transmission modes and total reflection modes of black holes can be regarded as characteristic modes of black holes and result in the equally spaced entropy of the Kerr and Reissner–Nordström black holes. Finally, we conclude that there is a universal behavior that the entropy spectra of various black holes are equally spaced.
SCIENTIFIC POTENTIAL OF DECIGO PATHFINDER AND TESTING GR WITH SPACE-BORNE GRAVITATIONAL WAVE INTERFEROMETERS
Authors: YAGI KENT
Published: February 2013

Deci-Hertz Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (DECIGO) Pathfinder (DPF) has an ability to detect gravitational waves (GWs) from galactic intermediate mass black hole binaries. If the signal is detected, it would be possible to determine parameters of the binary components. Furthermore, by using future space-borne GW interferometers, it would be possible to test alternative theories of gravity in the strong field regime. In this review paper, we first explain how the detectors like DPF and DECIGO/BBO work and discuss the expected event rates. Then, we review how the observed gravitational waveforms from precessing compact binaries with slightly eccentric orbits can be calculated both in general relativity and in alternative theories of gravity. For the latter, we focus on Brans–Dicke (BD) and massive gravity (MG) theories. After reviewing these theories, we show the results of the parameter estimation with DPF using the Fisher analysis. We also discuss a possible joint search of DPF and ground-based interferometers. Then, we show the results of testing alternative theories of gravity using future space-borne interferometers. DECIGO/BBO would be able to place 4–5 orders of magnitude stronger constraint on BD theory than the solar system experiment. This is still 1–2 orders of magnitude stronger than the future solar system mission such as ASTROD I. On the other hand, LISA should be able to put four orders of magnitude more stringent constraint on the mass of the graviton than the current solar system bound. DPF may be able to place comparable constraint on the MG theories as the solar system bound. We also discuss the prospects of using eLISA and ASTROD-GW in testing alternative theories of gravity. The bounds using eLISA are similar to the LISA ones, but ASTROD-GW performs the best in constraining MG theories among all the GW detectors considered in this paper.
ELECTRODEPOSITION OF POLYPYRROLE/MnO2NANOCOMPOSITE ON GRAPHITE FELT AS FREE-STANDING ELECTRODE FOR SUPERCAPACITORS
Authors: HE MINGPING , ZHENG YUYING , DU QIFENG
Published: February 2013

Polypyrrole/manganese dioxide nanocomposite was deposited on graphite felt (GF) via electrodeposition to fabricate polypyrrole/manganese dioxide/graphite felt (PYMG), which can be used as novel free-standing electrode for supercapacitors. The microstructure and morphology of the as-prepared samples were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Cyclic voltammogram (CV), chronopotentiometry (CP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques were employed to investigate the electrochemical performance of the composites. The PYMG electrode displayed specific capacitance as high as 596.3 Fg-1at the current density of 0.5 Ag-1, which is much higher than that of polypyrrole/manganese dioxide (PPy/ MnO2) composite reported previously. The high specific capacitance of PYMG may be attributed to the fact that the porous GF is a good conductive matrix for the dispersion of PPy/ MnO2composite and it can facilitate easy access of electrolytes to the electrode, which results in enhancement of the electrochemical performance of the composite. Furthermore, the PYMG composite exhibited enhanced specific capacitance compared to MnO2/GF (MGF) and PPy/GF, which may be ascribed to the synergistic effect of PPy and MnO2.
STUDYING THE IDENTIFIABILITY OF EPIDEMIOLOGICAL MODELS USING MCMC
Authors: SOLONEN ANTTI , HAARIO HEIKKI , TCHUENCHE JEAN MICHEL , RWEZAURA HERIETH
Published: February 2013

Studying different theoretical properties of epidemiological models has been widely addressed, while numerical studies and especially the calibration of models, which are often complicated and loaded with a high number of unknown parameters, against measured data have received less attention. In this paper, we describe how a combination of simulated data and Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods can be used to study the identifiability of model parameters with different type of measurements. Three known models are used as case studies to illustrate the importance of parameter identifiability: a basic SIR model, an influenza model with vaccination and treatment and a HIV–Malaria co-infection model. The analysis reveals that calibration of complex models commonly studied in mathematical epidemiology, such as the HIV–Malaria co-dynamics model, can be difficult or impossible, even if the system would be fully observed. The presented approach provides a tool for design and optimization of real-life field campaigns of collecting data, as well as for model selection.
A GEOMETRIC STUDY OF WASSERSTEIN SPACES: HADAMARD SPACES
Authors: BERTRAND JÉRÔME , KLOECKNER BENOÎT
Published: February 2013

Optimal transport enables one to construct a metric on the set of (sufficiently small at infinity) probability measures on any (not too wild) metric space X, called its Wasserstein space [Formula: see text].

In this paper we investigate the geometry of [Formula: see text] when X is a Hadamard space, by which we mean that X has globally non-positive sectional curvature and is locally compact. Although it is known that, except in the case of the line, [Formula: see text] is not non-positively curved, our results show that [Formula: see text] have large-scale properties reminiscent of that of X. In particular we define a geodesic boundary for [Formula: see text] that enables us to prove a non-embeddablity result: if X has the visibility property, then the Euclidean plane does not admit any isometric embedding in [Formula: see text].
An Improved Nonmonotone Filter Trust Region Method for Equality Constrained Optimization
Authors: Jin Zhong
Published: February 2013

Motivated by the method of Su and Pu (2009), we present an improved nonmonotone filter trust region algorithm for solving nonlinear equality constrained optimization. In our algorithm a modified nonmonotone filter technique is proposed and the restoration phase is not needed. At every iteration, in common with the composite-step SQP methods, the step is viewed as the sum of two distinct components, a quasinormal step and a tangential step. A more relaxed accepted condition for trial step is given and a crucial criterion is weakened. Under some suitable conditions, the global convergence is established. In the end, numerical results show our method is effective.
Exercise‐Induced Muscle Damage and Running Economy in Humans
Authors: Assumpção Cláudio de Oliveira , Lima Leonardo Coelho Rabello , Oliveira Felipe Bruno Dias , Greco Camila Coelho , Denadai Benedito Sérgio
Published: February 2013

Running economy (RE), defined as the energy demand for a given velocity of submaximal running, has been identified as a critical factor of overall distance running performance. Plyometric and resistance trainings, performed during a relatively short period of time (~15–30 days), have been successfully used to improve RE in trained athletes. However, these exercise types, particularly when they are unaccustomed activities for the individuals, may cause delayed onset muscle soreness, swelling, and reduced muscle strength. Some studies have demonstrated that exercise‐induced muscle damage has a negative impact on endurance running performance. Specifically, the muscular damage induced by an acute bout of downhill running has been shown to reduce RE during subsequent moderate and high‐intensity exercise (>65% VO2max). However, strength exercise (i.e., jumps, isoinertial and isokinetic eccentric exercises) seems to impair RE only for subsequent high‐intensity exercise (~90% VO2max). Finally, a single session of resistance exercise or downhill running (i.e., repeated bout effect) attenuates changes in indirect markers of muscle damage and blunts changes in RE.
Amyloidosis of the Breast with Multicentric DCIS and Pleomorphic Invasive Lobular Carcinoma in a Patient with Underlying Extranodal Castleman’s Disease
Authors: Chiang David , Lee Michael , Germaine Pauline , Liao Lydia
Published: February 2013

We present an interesting case of focal amyloidosis of the left breast which was intermixed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). On subsequent staging bilateral breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the patient was found to have an additional suspicious enhancing mass with spiculated borders within the left breast. This mass was biopsy proven to represent pleomorphic invasive lobular carcinoma. A pulmonary nodule within the lingula was also noted on the staging bilateral breast MRI and was biopsy proven to represent extranodal Castleman’s disease. Therefore, it is believed that our patient had secondary amyloidosis due to Castleman’s disease.
Stages of Change Model for Participation in Physical Activity during Pregnancy
Authors: Haakstad Lene Annette Hagen , Voldner Nanna , Bø Kari
Published: February 2013

Background. The transtheoretical model (TTM) has been successful in promoting health behavioral change in the general population. However, there is a scant knowledge about physical activity in relation to the TTM during pregnancy. Hence, the aims of the present study were (1) to assess readiness to become or stay physically active according to the TTM and (2) to compare background and health variables across the TTM.Methods. Healthy pregnant women (n=467) were allocated to the study from Oslo University Hospital, Norway. The participants filled in a validated self-administered questionnaire, physical activity pregnancy questionnaire (PAPQ) in gestation, weeks 32–36. The questionnaire contained 53 questions with one particular question addressing the TTM and the five stages: (1) precontemplation stage, (2) contemplation stage, (3) preparation stage, (4) action stage, and (5) maintenance stage.Results. More than half of the participants (53%) were involved in regular exercise (stages 4-5); however, only six specified that they had recently started an exercise program (stage 4). About 33% reported engaging in some physical activity, but not regularly (stage 3). The results showed that receiving advice from health professionals to exercise during pregnancy increased the likeliness of being in stages 4-5, while higher age, multiparity, pregravid overweight, unhealthy eating habits, pelvic girdle pain, and urinary incontinence were more prevalent with low readiness to change exercise habits (stages 1–3).Conclusion. According to the TTM, more than half of the participants reported to be physically active. Moreover, most of the participants classified as inactive showed a high motivational readiness or intention to increase their physical activity level. Hence, pregnancy may be a window of opportunity for the establishment of long-term physical activity habits.
Polymorphism of μ-Opioid Receptor Gene (OPRM1:c.118A>G) Might Not Protect against or Enhance Morphine-Induced Nausea or Vomiting
Authors: Chen Li-Kuei , Chen Shiou-Sheng , Huang Chi-Hsiang , Yang Hong-Jyh , Lin Chen-Jung , Chien Kuo-Liong , Fan Shou-Zen
Published: February 2013

A cohort, double blind, and randomized study was conducted to investigate the effect of a single nucleotide polymorphism of the μ-opioid receptor at nucleotide position 118 (OPRM1:c.118A>G) on the association with the most common side effects (nausea or vomiting) induced by intravenous patient control analgesia (IVPCA) with morphine, including incidence and severity analysis. A total of 129 Taiwanese women undergoing gynecology surgery received IVPCA with pure morphine for postoperative pain relief. Blood samples were collected and sequenced with high resolution melting analysis to detect three different genotypes of OPRM1 (AA, AG, and GG). All candidates 24 h postoperatively will be interviewed to record the clinical phenotype with subjective complaints and objective observations. The genotyping after laboratory analysis showed that 56 women (43.4%) were AA, 57 (44.2%) were AG, and 16 (12.4%) were GG. The distribution of genotype did not violate Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium test. There was no significant difference neither between the severity and incidence of IVPCA morphine-induced side effects and genotype nor between the association between morphine consumption versus genotype. However, there was significant difference of the relation between morphine consumption and the severity and incidence of IVPCA morphine-induced nausea and vomiting. The genetic analysis for the severity and incidence of IVPCA morphine-induced nausea or vomiting showed no association between phenotype and genotype. It might imply that OPRM1:c.118A>G does not protect against IVPCA morphine-induced nausea or vomiting.
Driving-Related Neuropsychological Performance in Stable COPD Patients
Authors: Karakontaki Foteini , Gennimata Sofia-Antiopi , Palamidas Anastasios F. , Anagnostakos Theocharis , Kosmas Epaminondas N. , Stalikas Anastasios , Papageorgiou Charalambos , Koulouris Nikolaos G.
Published: February 2013

Background. Cognitive deterioration may impair COPD patient’s ability to perform tasks like driving vehicles. We investigated: (a) whether subclinical neuropsychological deficits occur in stable COPD patients with mild hypoxemia (PaO2> 55 mmHg), and (b) whether these deficits affect their driving performance.Methods. We recruited 35 stable COPD patients and 10 normal subjects matched for age, IQ, and level of education. All subjects underwent an attention/alertness battery of tests for assessing driving performance based on the Vienna Test System. Pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gases, and dyspnea severity were also recorded.Results. COPD patients performed significantly worse than normal subjects on tests suitable for evaluating driving ability. Therefore, many (22/35) COPD patients were classified as having inadequate driving ability (failure at least in one of the tests), whereas most (8/10) healthy individuals were classified as safe drivers (P=0.029). PaO2and FEV1 were correlated with almost all neuropsychological tests.Conclusions. COPD patients should be warned of the potential danger and risk they face when they drive any kind of vehicle, even when they do not exhibit overt symptoms related to driving inability. This is due to the fact that stable COPD patients may manifest impaired information processing operations.
Positive Periodic Solution for Second-Order Singular Semipositone Differential Equations
Authors: Xing Xiumei
Published: February 2013

We study the existence of a positive periodic solution for second-order singular semipositone differential equation by a nonlinear alternative principle of Leray-Schauder. Truncation plays an important role in the analysis of the uniform positive lower bound for all the solutions of the equation. Recent results in the literature (Chu et al., 2010) are generalized.
Insulin Resistance and Muscle Metabolism in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Bailey James L.
Published: February 2013

Insulin resistance is a common finding in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is manifested by mild fasting hyperglycemia and abnormal glucose tolerance testing. Circulating levels of glucocorticoids are high. In muscle, changes in the insulin signaling pathway occur. An increase in the regulatory p85 subunit of Class I phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase enzyme leads to decreased activation of the downstream effector protein kinase B (Akt). Mechanisms promoting muscle proteolysis and atrophy are unleashed. The link of Akt to the ubiquitin proteasome pathway, a major degradation pathway in muscle, is discussed. Another factor associated with insulin resistance in CKD is angiotensin II (Ang II) which appears to induce its intracellular effects through inflammatory cytokines or reactive oxygen species. Skeletal muscle ATP is depleted and the ability of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) to replenish energy stores is blocked. How this can be reversed is discussed. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels are elevated in CKD and impair insulin signaling at the level of IRS-1. With exercise, IL-6 levels are reduced; glucose uptake and utilization are increased. For patients with CKD, exercise may improve insulin signaling and build up muscle. Treatment strategies for preventing muscle atrophy are discussed.
On Certain Classes of Harmonic -Valent Functions Defined by an Integral Operator
Authors: Seoudy T. M.
Published: February 2013

We obtain coefficient characterization, extreme points, and distortion bounds of certain classes of harmonic -valent functions defined by an integral operator.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Genetic Polymorphisms and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Any Role in Disease Susceptibility?
Authors: Dongiovanni Paola , Valenti Luca
Published: February 2013

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) defines a wide spectrum of liver diseases that extend from simple steatosis, that is, increased hepatic lipid content, to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a condition that may progress to cirrhosis with its associated complications. Nuclear hormone receptors act as intracellular lipid sensors that coordinate genetic networks regulating lipid metabolism and energy utilization. This family of transcription factors, in particular peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), represents attractive drug targets for the management of NAFLD and NASH, as well as related conditions such as type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. The impact on the regulation of lipid metabolism observed for PPARs has led to the hypothesis that genetic variants within the human PPARs genes may be associated with human disease such as NAFLD, the metabolic syndrome, and/or coronary heart disease. Here we review the available evidence on the association between PPARs genetic polymorphism and the susceptibility to NAFLD and NASH, and we provide a meta-analysis of the available evidence. The impact of PPAR variants on the susceptibility to NASH in specific subgroup of patients, and in particular on the response to therapies, especially those targeting PPARs, represents promising new areas of investigation.
Analysis of Safety from a Human Clinical Trial with Pterostilbene
Authors: Riche Daniel M. , McEwen Corey L. , Riche Krista D. , Sherman Justin J. , Wofford Marion R. , Deschamp David , Griswold Michael
Published: February 2013

Objectives. The purpose of this trial was to evaluate the safety of long-term pterostilbene administration in humans.Methodology. The trial was a prospective, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled intervention trial enrolling patients with hypercholesterolemia (defined as a baseline total cholesterol ≥200 mg/dL and/or baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ≥100 mg/dL). Eighty subjects were divided equally into one of four groups: (1) pterostilbene 125 mg twice daily, (2) pterostilbene 50 mg twice daily, (3) pterostilbene 50 mg + grape extract (GE) 100 mg twice daily, and (4) matching placebo twice daily for 6–8 weeks. Safety markers included biochemical and subjective measures. Linear mixed models were used to estimate primary safety measure treatment effects.Results. The majority of patients completed the trial (91.3%). The average age was 54 years. The majority of patients were females (71%) and Caucasians (70%). There were no adverse drug reactions (ADRs) on hepatic, renal, or glucose markers based on biochemical analysis. There were no statistically significant self-reported or major ADRs.Conclusion. Pterostilbene is generally safe for use in humans up to 250 mg/day.
Refinements of Generalized Aczél's Inequality and Bellman's Inequality and Their Applications
Authors: Tian Jing-Feng , Wang Shu-Yan
Published: February 2013

We give some refinements of generalized Aczél's inequality and Bellman's inequality proposed by Tian. As applications, some refinements of integral type of generalized Aczél's inequality and Bellman's inequality are given.
Interference Mitigation Framework for Cellular Mobile Radio Networks
Authors: Mennerich Wolfgang , Grieger Michael , Zirwas Wolfgang , Fettweis Gerhard
Published: February 2013

For today's cellular mobile communication networks, the needed capacity is hard to realize without much more of (expensive) bandwidth. Thus new standards like LTE were developed. LTE advanced is in discussion as the successor of LTE and cooperative multipoint transmission (CoMP) is one of the hot topics to increase the system's capacity. System simulations often show only weak gains of the signal-to-interference ratio due to high interference from noncooperating cells in the downlink. This paper presents an interference mitigation framework to overcome the hardest issue, that is, the low penetration rate of mobile stations that can be served from a cluster composed of their strongest cells in the network. The results obtained from simulation tools are discussed with values resulting from testbed on the TU Dresden. They show that the theoretical ideas can be transferred into gains on real systems.