bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brain activity and perceived exertion during cycling exercise: an fMRI study
Authors: Fontes Eduardo B , Okano Alexandre H , De Guio François , Schabort Elske J , Min Li Li , Basset Fabien A , Stein Dan J , Noakes Timothy D
Published: June 2013

Background/aim

Currently, the equipment and techniques available to assess brain function during dynamic exercise are limited, which has restricted our knowledge of how the brain regulates exercise. This study assessed the brain areas activated during cycling by making use of a novel cycle ergometer, constructed to measure functional MRI (fMRI) brain images during dynamic exercise. Furthermore, we compared brain activation at different levels of ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) generated during the exercise.

Methods

Seven healthy adults performed cycling exercise in a novel MRI compatible cycle ergometer while undergoing brain  fMRI. Participants completed a cycling block protocol comprising six trials of 2 min cycling with 16-s intervals between trials. Participants reported their RPE every minute through an audio link. The MRI cycling ergometer transferred the torque generated on the ergometer through a cardan system to a cycling ergometer positioned outside the MRI room. For data analysis, the effects of cycling as opposed to rest periods were examined after motion correction.

Results

The multiparticipant analysis revealed in particular the activation of the cerebellar vermis and precentral and postcentral gyrus when periods of cycling versus rest were compared. Single participant analysis in four participants revealed that activation of the posterior cingulate gyrus and precuneus occurred in cycling blocks perceived as ‘hard’ compared with exercise blocks that were less demanding.

Conclusions

The present study offers a new approach to assess brain activation during dynamic cycling exercise, and suggests that specific brain areas could be involved in the sensations generating the rating of perceived exertion.
Predictors of survival in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease receiving long-term oxygen therapy
Authors: Law Sheonagh , Boyd Sara , MacDonald James , Raeside David , Anderson David
Published: June 2013

Aim

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects 2–4% of the UK's population and has significant mortality, however prognostication is difficult. Long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) has been identified by the Gold Standards Framework as a clinical indicator of advancing disease. We hypothesised the ADO index (for ‘Age, Dyspnoea and airflow Obstruction’), which predicts mortality, could be applied to our LTOT population to help identify patients with poor prognosis. We aimed to compare this to the Medical Research Council dyspnoea scale, body mass index, forced expiratory volume in 1 s and gas transfer.

Methods

This was a retrospective study on 136 patients with COPD started on LTOT, June 2003 to August 2010. Data were collected from LTOT databases and medical records. Patients’ length of survival was calculated from initiation of LTOT. Patients were grouped by individual parameters. Survival rates at 6 months, 1 year and 4 years were calculated. GraphPad Prism V.5.0 software was used to construct Kaplan–Meier curves and perform log-rank tests.

Results

The ADO index discriminated survival at 6 months, 1 year and 4 years, p=0.0027. Low body mass index (<20) was associated with poor prognosis after 1 and 4 years, p=0.0015. Medical Research Council grade predicted survival at 4 years. Diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO)% predicted and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)% predicted did not predict survival.

Conclusions

This study showed wide variation in survival in a patient population on LTOT. The ADO score could be used as an early trigger for referral to palliative services, thus enhancing end-of-life care, which improves quality of life in COPD. A prospective study of this application would be required to prove this hypothesis.
The Melbourne Family Support Program: evidence-based strategies that prepare family caregivers for supporting palliative care patients
Authors: Hudson Peter , Aranda Sanchia
Published: June 2013

Background

A key component of palliative care is support for family caregivers. Although some family caregivers identify positive aspects, the impact is typically burdensome; they are prone to physical and psychological morbidity, financial disadvantage and social isolation. Outcomes of systematic reviews have highlighted the importance of investment in family caregiver intervention research.

Purpose

To provide an overview of the development, evaluation and outcomes arising from of a programme of research (The Melbourne Family Support Program (FSP)), which focused on reducing the psychosocial burden of family caregivers.

Methods

Developmental work involved a systematic literature review; focus groups with family caregivers and health professionals; and identification of a conceptual framework. Following a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT), a programme of psychoeducational intervention studies was developed and tested; one via RCT, the others via prepost test.

Results

Four psychoeducational interventions, incorporating one-to-one and group format delivery, conducted in both the home and inpatient hospital/hospice were evaluated. Statistically significant outcomes included improvements in family caregivers’ preparedness, competence, positive emotions, more favourable levels of psychological wellbeing and a reduction in unmet needs. Internationally endorsed guidelines for the psychosocial support of family caregivers were produced and several resources were constructed. Fifteen publications in international peer-reviewed journals have arisen from this programme.

Conclusions

The interventions and resources from the Melbourne FSP provide several evidenced-based and clinically relevant approaches that focus on reducing the psychosocial burden of the caregiving role. In several instances, however, more rigorous methodological testing is advocated.
A comparison of actual versus predicted emergency ambulance journey times using generic Geographic Information System software
Authors: McMeekin Peter , Gray Jo , Ford Gary A , Duckett Jay , Price Christopher I
Published: June 2013

Study objective

The planning of regional emergency medical services is aided by accurate prediction of urgent ambulance journey times, but it is unclear whether it is appropriate to use Geographical Information System (GIS) products designed for general traffic. We examined the accuracy of a commercially available generic GIS package when predicting emergency ambulance journey times under different population and temporal conditions.

Methods

We undertook a retrospective cohort study of emergency ambulance admissions to three emergency departments (ED) serving differing population distributions in northeast England (urban/suburban/rural). The transport time from scene to ED for all the highest priority dispatches between 1 October 2009 and 30 September 2010 was compared with predictions made by generic GIS software.

Results

For 10 156 emergency ambulance journeys, the mean prediction discrepancy between actual and predicted journey times across all EDs was an underprediction of 1.6 min (SD 4.9). Underprediction was statistically significant at all population densities, but unlikely to be of clinical significance. Ambulances in urban areas were able to exceed general traffic speed, whereas, the opposite effect was seen in suburban and rural road networks. There were minor effects due to travel outside the busiest traffic times (mean overprediction 0.8 min) and during winter months (mean underprediction 0.4 min).

Conclusions

It is reasonable to estimate emergency ambulance journey times using generic GIS software, but in order to avoid insufficient regional ambulance provision it would be necessary to make small adjustments because of the tendency towards systematic underprediction.
A novel method for determining the difficulty of colonoscopic polypectomy
Authors: Gupta S , Miskovic D , Bhandari P , Dolwani S , McKaig B , Pullan R , Rembacken B , Riley S , Rutter M D , Suzuki N , Tsiamoulos Z , Valori R , Vance M E , Faiz O D , Saunders B P , Thomas-Gibson S
Published: June 2013

Introduction

Endoscopists are now expected to perform polypectomy routinely. Colonic polypectomy varies in difficulty, depending on polyp morphology, size, location and access. The measurement of the degree of difficulty of polypectomy, based on polyp characteristics, has not previously been described.

Objective

To define the level of difficulty of polypectomy.

Methods

Consensus by nine endoscopists regarding parameters that determine the complexity of a polyp was achieved through the Delphi method. The endoscopists then assigned a polyp complexity level to each possible combination of parameters. A scoring system to measure the difficulty level of a polyp was developed and validated by two different expert endoscopists.

Results

Through two Delphi rounds, four factors for determining the complexity of a polypectomy were identified: size (S), morphology (M), site (S) and access (A). A scoring system was established, based on size (1–9 points), morphology (1–3 points), site (1–2 points) and access (1–3 points). Four polyp levels (with increasing level of complexity) were identified based on the range of scores obtained: level I (4–5), level II (6–9), level III (10–12) and level IV (>12). There was a high degree of interrater reliability for the polyp scores (interclass correlation coefficient of 0.93) and levels (κ=0.888).

Conclusions

The scoring system is feasible and reliable. Defining polyp complexity levels may be useful for planning training, competency assessment and certification in colonoscopic polypectomy. This may allow for more efficient service delivery and referral pathways.
The efficacy of the self-paced V̇O2max test to measure maximal oxygen uptake in treadmill running
Authors: Mauger Alexis R. , Metcalfe Alan J. , Taylor Lee , Castle Paul C.
Published: June 2013

The novel self-paced, cycle-based maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) test (SPV) has been shown to produce higher V̇O2max values than standard graded exercise test (GXT) protocols. This study sought to ascertain whether these observations would also be apparent in a self-paced, treadmill-based test design. Fourteen trained male runners performed a standard GXT on a motorised treadmill and a self-paced V̇O2max test on a nonmotorised treadmill in a counter-balanced design. The GXT included a plateau verification and was designed to last between 8 and 12 min. The self-paced test included 5 × 2 min stages and allowed participants to set their own running speed based on fixed increments in rating of perceived exertion. Significantly higher V̇O2max values (t[13] = 3.71, p = 0.003) were achieved in the self-paced test (64.4 ± 7.3 mL·kg−1·min−1) compared with the GXT (61.3 ± 7.3 mL·kg−1·min−1), and 13 of the 14 participants achieved the same or higher V̇O2max values in the self-paced test. Higher (p = 0.01) maximum heart rates were observed in the GXT (191 ± 10 beats·min−1 vs. 187 ± 7 beats·min−1), but no differences were observed in any other recorded variables. The self-paced V̇O2max test may provide a more valid means of measuring V̇O2max than the GXT and suggests that a V̇O2 plateau during a GXT does not always signify achievement of a definitive V̇O2max. These results provide further support that self-paced V̇O2max testing produces higher values for maximal oxygen uptake.
AN EXTENDED MACROSCOPIC MODEL FOR TRAFFIC FLOW ON A HIGHWAY WITH SLOPES
Authors: CHEN JIANZHONG , SHI ZHONGKE , HU YANMEI , YU LEI , FANG YUAN
Published: June 2013

In this paper, we present an extended car-following model with consideration of the gravitational force. A new macroscopic model taking into account the slope effects is developed using the relationship between the microscopic and macroscopic variables. The proposed model is applied to reflect the effect of the slope on uniform flow, traffic waves and small perturbation. The simulation results demonstrate that both the angle and the length of the slope have important impacts on traffic flow. The effect of the slope becomes more significant with the increase of the slope angle.
IR-IMPROVED OPERATOR PRODUCT EXPANSIONS IN NON-ABELIAN GAUGE THEORY
Authors: WARD B. F. L.
Published: June 2013

We present a formulation of the operator product expansion that is infrared finite to all orders in the attendant massless non-Abelian gauge theory coupling constant which we will oftentimes associate with the QCD theory. We actually have the QCD theory as our primary objective in view of the operation of the LHC at CERN. We make contact in this way with the recently introduced IR-improved DGLAP-CS theory and point-out phenomenological implications accordingly, with an eye toward the precision QCD theory for LHC physics.
ENERGY-DEPENDENT POTENTIAL AND NORMALIZATION OF WAVE FUNCTION
Authors: BENCHIKHA A. , CHETOUANI L.
Published: June 2013

The problem of normalization related to energy-dependent potentials is examined in the context of the path integral approach, and a justification is given. As examples, the harmonic oscillator and the hydrogen atom (radial) where, respectively the frequency and the Coulomb's constant depend on energy, are considered and their propagators determined. From their spectral decomposition, we have found that the wave functions extracted are correctly normalized.
ELECTRICAL NETWORKS WITH INTERSTITIAL SINGLE CAPACITOR
Authors: OWAIDAT M. Q. , HIJJAWI R. S. , ASAD J. H. , KHALIFEH J. M.
Published: June 2013

We investigate the equivalent capacitance between two arbitrary nodes in a perturbed network (i.e. an interstitial capacitor is introduced between two arbitrary points in the perfect lattice) based on the lattice Green's function approach. An explicit formula for the capacitance of the perturbed lattice is derived in terms of the capacitances of the perfect lattice by solving Dyson's equation exactly. Numerical results are presented for the infinite perturbed square network. Finally, the asymptotic behavior of the effective capacitance has been studied.
A REVIEW OF FACE RECOGNITION METHODS
Authors: BEHAM M. PARISA , ROOMI S. MOHAMED MANSOOR
Published: June 2013

Face recognition has become more significant and relevant in recent years owing to it potential applications. Since the faces are highly dynamic and pose more issues and challenges to solve, researchers in the domain of pattern recognition, computer vision and artificial intelligence have proposed many solutions to reduce such difficulties so as to improve the robustness and recognition accuracy. As many approaches have been proposed, efforts are also put in to provide an extensive survey of the methods developed over the years. The objective of this paper is to provide a survey of face recognition papers that appeared in the literature over the past decade under all severe conditions that were not discussed in the previous survey and to categorize them into meaningful approaches, viz. appearance based, feature based and soft computing based. A comparative study of merits and demerits of these approaches have been presented.
EXISTENCE OF REISSNER–NORDSTRÖM-TYPE BLACK HOLES IN f(R) GRAVITY
Authors: MAZHARIMOUSAVI S. HABIB , KERACHIAN M. , HALILSOY M.
Published: June 2013

We investigate the existence of Reissner–Nordström-type black holes in f(R) gravity. Our emphasis is to derive, in the presence of electrostatic source, the necessary conditions which provide such static, spherically symmetric black holes available in f(R) gravity. We also study the thermodynamics of the black hole solution.
ON $\mathcal A_1$- AND $\mathcal A_2$-SUBGROUPS OF FINITE p-GROUPS
Authors: BERKOVICH YAKOV , ZHANG QINHAI
Published: June 2013

The isomorphism types of all minimal nonabelian subgroups ([Formula: see text]-subgroups) of [Formula: see text]-groups are described. This allows us to classify the nonabelian p-groups, p > 2, that have no p isomorphic [Formula: see text]-subgroups of minimal order. In particular, if a p-group G is neither abelian nor [Formula: see text]-group and all its [Formula: see text]-subgroups are pairwise non-isomorphic, then either G ≅ SD 16, the semidihedral group of order 16, or G is a metacyclic 2-group of order ≥ 25. We also show that if a p-group G is neither abelian nor minimal nonabelian, then G is metacyclic if and only if all its [Formula: see text]-subgroups are metacyclic.
A Framework for Knowledge Management and New Product Development
Authors: Lin I-Ching , Seidel Rainer , Howell David
Published: June 2013

Knowledge management is one element that determines success of new product development. This study explores how knowledge management is interrelated with new product development so that resource-limited organisations can break down knowledge management processes and focus on those most critical. With insights gained from existing literature, a framework is proposed focusing on integration of knowledge management processes and various perspectives (long and short term) of new product development. In order to verify and demonstrate this framework, application within a medium-sized manufacturing company in New Zealand is discussed. This study aims to improve current poor performance of knowledge management among companies, allowing these companies to better understand their knowledge management practices.
NONLINEAR CONSTITUTIVE EQUATIONS FOR GRAVITOELECTROMAGNETISM
Authors: DUPLIJ STEVEN , DI GREZIA ELISABETTA , ESPOSITO GIAMPIERO , KOTVYTSKIY ALBERT
Published: June 2013

This paper studies nonlinear constitutive equations for gravitoelectromagnetism. Eventually, the problem is solved of finding, for a given particular solution of the gravity-Maxwell equations, the exact form of the corresponding nonlinear constitutive equations.
ARCHITECTURE OF FLOWER-LIKE rGO/CNTs-LOADED CuxO NANOPARTICLES AND ITS PHOTOCATALYTIC PROPERTIES
Authors: ZENG BIN , CHEN XIAOHUA , NING XUTAO , CHEN CHUANSHENG , LONG HUI
Published: June 2013

Novel flower-like composite architecture was successfully synthesized by spray drying and post-calcinating method for the first time. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy observations confirmed that reduced graphene oxides/carbon nanotubes hybrid (rGO/CNTs) formed a flower-like micrometer structure and Cu2O , CuO ( Cu x O , x = 1 or 2) nanoparticles were decorated inside them. The photocatalytic properties were further investigated by evaluating the photodegradation of a pollutant methyl orange (MO). The experimental results indicated that this novel architecture enhanced photocatalytic performance with 96.2% decomposition of MO after 25 min in the presence of H 2 O 2 under visible light irradiation, which was much higher than that of Cu x O powders (33.2%). This could be attributed to the more efficient adsorption of MO molecules on flower-like rGO/CNTs and provide a high concentration of MO near to the Cu x O nanoparticles, thus promoting the photocatalytic degradation process.
GREEN ROUTE TO PREPARE BIOCOMPATIBLE AND NEAR INFRARED THIOLATE-PROTECTED COPPER NANOCLUSTERS FOR CELLULAR IMAGING
Authors: WANG CHAN , HUANG YAN
Published: June 2013

Ultra-small and functional copper nanoclusters (Cu NCs) have been extensively used in consumer technologies due to their superior properties. A simple and green way to prepare stable, water-soluble and near-infrared (NIR) Cu NCs by using a reducing agent was reported in this work. Reduced glutathione (GSH) worked as an important scaffold to prevent NCs from aggregating. Since GSH has functional groups such as carboxyl and amino, it can also be used in reducing Cu 2+ ions. The resulting GSH– Cu NCs with a particle size of 2.5 nm have good dispersibility in aqueous solution, and show NIR emission with a wavelength of 700 nm (quantum yield 0.6%). MC3T3-E1 cells are used as an example in the fluorescence imaging of GSH– Cu NCs. Several promising features including NIR fluorescence, good water-solubility and biocompatibility, bioactive surface and ultra-small size make the GSH– Cu NCs a good probe for cells.
IDEMPOTENT AND REGULAR COHYPERSUBSTITUTIONS OF TYPE τ = (3)
Authors: Boonchari D. , Saengsura K.
Published: June 2013

A mapping σ which assigns to every n-ary cooperation symbol fian ni-ary coterm of type τ = (ni)i∈Iis said to be a cohypersubstitution of type τ. The concepts of cohypersubstitutions were introduced in [Cohyperidentities and M-solid classes of coalgebras, Discrete Math.309(4) (2009) 772–783]. Every cohypersubstitution σ of type τ induces a mapping [Formula: see text] on the set of all coterms of type τ. The set of all cohypersubstitutions of type τ under the binary operation [Formula: see text] which is defined by [Formula: see text] for all σ1, σ2∈ Cohyp(τ) forms a monoid which is called the monoid of cohypersubstitution of type τ. In this research, we characterize all idempotent and regular elements of Cohyp(τ) where τ = (3).
Seawater acclimation and inositol monophosphatase isoform expression in the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) and Nile tilapia (Orechromis niloticus)
Authors: Kalujnaia Svetlana , Gellatly Steven A. , Hazon Neil , Villasenor Alfredo , Yancey Paul H. , Cramb Gordon
Published: June 2013

Inositol monophosphatase (IMPA) is responsible for the synthesis of inositol, a polyol that can function as an intracellular osmolyte helping re-establish cell volume when exposed to hypertonic environments. Some epithelial tissues in euryhaline teleosts such as the eel and tilapia encounter considerable hyperosmotic challenge when fish move from freshwater (FW) to seawater (SW) environments; however, the roles played by organic osmolytes, such as inositol, have yet to be determined. Syntenic analysis has indicated that, as a result of whole genome- and tandem-duplication events, up to six IMPA isoforms can exist within teleost genomes. Four isoforms are homologs of the mammalian IMPA1 gene, and two isoforms are homologs of the mammalian IMPA2 gene. Although the tissue-dependent isoform expression profiles of the teleost isoforms appear to be species-specific, it was primarily mRNA for the IMPA1.1 isoform that was upregulated in epithelial tissues after fish were transferred to SW (up to 16-fold in eel and 90-fold in tilapia). Although up-regulation of IMPA1.1 expression was evident in many tissues in the eel, more substantial increases in IMPA1.1 expression were found in tilapia tissues, where SW acclimation resulted in up to 2,000-fold increases in protein expression, 16-fold increases in enzyme activity and 15-fold increases in tissue inositol contents. Immunohistochemical studies indicated that the tissue and cellular distribution of IMPA1.1 protein differed slightly between eels and tilapia; however, in both species the basal epithelial cell layers within the skin and fin, and the branchial epithelium and interstitial cells within the kidney, exhibited high levels of IMPA1.1 protein expression.
Vasoactive intestinal peptide produces long-lasting changes in neural activity in the suprachiasmatic nucleus
Authors: Kudo Takashi , Tahara Yu , Gamble Karen L. , McMahon Douglas G. , Block Gene D. , Colwell Christopher S.
Published: June 2013

The neuropeptide vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is expressed at high levels in the neurons of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). While VIP is known to be important to the input and output pathways from the SCN, the physiological effects of VIP on electrical activity of SCN neurons are not well known. Here the impact of VIP on firing rate of SCN neurons was investigated in mouse slice cultures recorded during the night. The application of VIP produced an increase in electrical activity in SCN slices that lasted several hours after treatment. This is a novel mechanism by which this peptide can produce long-term changes in central nervous system physiology. The increase in action potential frequency was blocked by a VIP receptor antagonist and lost in a VIP receptor knockout mouse. In addition, inhibitors of both the Epac family of cAMP binding proteins and cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) blocked the induction by VIP. The persistent increase in spike rate following VIP application was not seen in SCN neurons from mice deficient in Kv3 channel proteins and was dependent on the clock protein PER1. These findings suggest that VIP regulates the long-term firing rate of SCN neurons through a VIPR2-mediated increase in the cAMP pathway and implicate the fast delayed rectifier (FDR) potassium currents as one of the targets of this regulation.
Physiological and anatomical properties of intramedullary projection neurons in rat rostral nucleus of the solitary tract
Authors: Corson James A. , Bradley Robert M.
Published: June 2013

The rostral nucleus of the solitary tract (rNTS), the first-order relay of gustatory information, not only transmits sensory information to more rostral brain areas but also connects to various brain stem sites responsible for orofacial reflex activities. While much is known regarding ascending projections to the parabrachial nucleus, intramedullary projections to the reticular formation (which regulate oromotor reflexive behaviors) remain relatively unstudied. The present study examined the intrinsic firing properties of these neurons as well as their morphological properties and synaptic connectivity with primary sensory afferents. Using in vitro whole cell patch-clamp recording, we found that intramedullary projection neurons respond to depolarizing current injection with either tonic or bursting action potential trains and subsets of these groups of neurons express A-type potassium, H-like, and postinhibitory rebound currents. Approximately half of the intramedullary projection neurons tested received monosynaptic innervation from primary afferents, while the rest received polysynaptic innervation, indicating that at least a subpopulation of these neurons can be directly activated by incoming sensory information. Neuron morphological reconstructions revealed that many of these neurons possessed numerous dendritic spines and that neurons receiving monosynaptic primary afferent input have a greater spine density than those receiving polysynaptic primary afferent input. These results reveal that intramedullary projection neurons represent a heterogeneous class of rNTS neurons and, through both intrinsic voltage-gated ion channels and local circuit interactions, transform incoming gustatory information into signals governing oromotor reflexive behaviors.
Effective intracortical microstimulation parameters applied to primary motor cortex for evoking forelimb movements to stable spatial end points
Authors: Van Acker Gustaf M. , Amundsen Sommer L. , Messamore William G. , Zhang Hongyu Y. , Luchies Carl W. , Kovac Anthony , Cheney Paul D.
Published: June 2013

High-frequency, long-duration intracortical microstimulation (HFLD-ICMS) applied to motor cortex is recognized as a useful and informative method for corticomotor mapping by evoking natural-appearing movements of the limb to consistent stable end-point positions. An important feature of these movements is that stimulation of a specific site in motor cortex evokes movement to the same spatial end point regardless of the starting position of the limb. The goal of this study was to delineate effective stimulus parameters for evoking forelimb movements to stable spatial end points from HFLD-ICMS applied to primary motor cortex (M1) in awake monkeys. We investigated stimulation of M1 as combinations of frequency (30–400 Hz), amplitude (30–200 μA), and duration (0.5–2 s) while concurrently recording electromyographic (EMG) activity from 24 forelimb muscles and movement kinematics with a motion capture system. Our results suggest a range of parameters (80–140 Hz, 80–140 μA, and 1,000-ms train duration) that are effective and safe for evoking forelimb translocation with subsequent stabilization at a spatial end point. The mean time for stimulation to elicit successful movement of the forelimb to a stable spatial end point was 475.8 ± 170.9 ms. Median successful frequency and amplitude were 110 Hz and 110 μA, respectively. Attenuated parameters resulted in inconsistent, truncated, or undetectable movements, while intensified parameters yielded no change to movement end points and increased potential for large-scale physiological spread and adverse focal motor effects. Establishing cortical stimulation parameters yielding consistent forelimb movements to stable spatial end points forms the basis for a systematic and comprehensive mapping of M1 in terms of evoked movements and associated muscle synergies. Additionally, the results increase our understanding of how the central nervous system may encode movement.
Existence and Convergence Theorems of Best Proximity Points
Authors: Gabeleh Moosa , Shahzad Naseer
Published: June 2013

The aim of this paper is to prove some best proximity point theorems for new classes of cyclic mappings, called pointwise cyclic orbital contractions and asymptotic pointwise cyclic orbital contractions. We also prove a convergence theorem of best proximity point for relatively nonexpansive mappings in uniformly convex Banach spaces.
TheNitrosopumilus maritimusCdvB, but Not FtsZ, Assembles into Polymers
Authors: Ng Kian-Hong , Srinivas Vinayaka , Srinivasan Ramanujam , Balasubramanian Mohan
Published: June 2013

Euryarchaeota and Crenarchaeota are two major phyla of archaea which use distinct molecular apparatuses for cell division. Euryarchaea make use of the tubulin-related protein FtsZ, while Crenarchaea, which appear to lack functional FtsZ, employ the Cdv (cell division) components to divide. Ammonia oxidizing archaeon (AOA)Nitrosopumilus maritimusbelongs to another archaeal phylum, the Thaumarchaeota, which has both FtsZ and Cdv genes in the genome. Here, we used a heterologous expression system to characterize FtsZ and Cdv proteins fromN. maritimusby investigating the ability of these proteins to form polymers. We show that one of the Cdv proteins inN. maritimus, the CdvB (Nmar_0816), is capable of forming stable polymers when expressed in fission yeast. TheN. maritimusCdvB is also capable of assembling into filaments in mammalian cells. However,N. maritimusFtsZ does not assemble into polymers in our system. The ability of CdvB, but not FtsZ, to polymerize is consistent with a recent finding showing that several Cdv proteins, but not FtsZ, localize to the mid-cell site in the dividingN. maritimus. Thus, we propose that it is Cdv proteins, rather than FtsZ, that function as the cell division apparatus inN. maritimus.
Robust Switching Rule Design for Boost Converters with Uncertain Parameters and Disturbances
Authors: Yang Yang , Karimi Hamid Reza , Xiang Zhengrong
Published: June 2013

This paper is concerned with the design problem of robust switching rule for Boost converters with uncertain parameters and disturbances. Firstly, the Boost converter is modeled as a switched affine linear system with uncertain parameters and disturbances. Then, using common Lyapunov function approach and linear matrix inequality (LMI) technique, a novel switching rule is proposed such that the model reference tracking performance is satisfied. Finally, a simulation result is provided to show the validity of the proposed method.
The Importance of the Solids Loading on Confirming the Dielectric Nanosize Dependence of BaTiO3 Powders by Slurry Method
Authors: Zhou Wei , Nie Yi Mei , Li Shu Jing , Liang Hai Yan
Published: June 2013

The dielectric nanosize dependence of BaTiO3 powders was investigated by the slurry method, where two series of BaTiO3 slurries with 10 vol% and 30 vol% solids loadings were prepared as model samples. Applying the Bruggeman‐Hanai equation, the high‐frequency limiting permittivity (εh) of the slurries was extracted from the dielectric spectra. The εh of the 10 vol% slurry showed abnormal size independence in the range from 100 nm to 700 nm, and the εh of the 30 vol% slurry exhibited good agreement with the previous prediction. Through analysing quantitatively the response of εh to the changing permittivity of the powders under different solids loading, it was found that the εh of the slurry with lower solids loading is more inclined to be interfered by the systematic and random errors. Furthermore, a high permittivity value was found in the BaTiO3 powders with 50 nm particle size.
Boundedness ofn-Multiple Discrete Hardy Operators with Weights for1<q<p<∞
Authors: Kalybay Aigerim , Oinarov Ryskul , Temirkhanova Ainur
Published: June 2013

We find necessary and sufficient conditions on weighted sequencesωi,i=1,2,…,n-1,u, andv, for which the operator(Sn-1f)i=∑k1=1i‍ω1,k1⋯∑kn-1=1kn-2‍ωn-1,kn-1∑j=1kn-1‍fj,i≥1,is bounded fromlp,vtolq,ufor1<q<p<∞.
Cobalt Xanthate Thin Film with Chemical Bath Deposition
Authors: Kariper İ. A. , Özpozan T.
Published: June 2013

Cobalt xanthate thin films (CXTFs) were successfully deposited by chemical bath deposition, onto amorphous glass substrates, as well as on p‐ and n‐silicon, indium tin oxide, and poly(methyl methacrylate). The structure of the films was analyzed by far‐infrared spectrum (FIR), mid‐infrared (MIR) spectrum, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). These films were investigated from their structural, optical, and electrical properties point of view. Electrical properties were measured using four‐point method, whereas optical properties were investigated via UV‐VIS spectroscopic technique. Uniform distribution of grains was clearly observed from the photographs taken by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The transmittance was about 70–80% (4 hours, 50°C). The optical band gap of the CXTF was graphically estimated to be 3.99–4.02 eV. The resistivity of the films was calculated as 22.47–75.91 Ω ·cm on commercial glass depending on film thickness and 44.90–73.10 Ω  ·cm on the other substrates. It has been observed that the relative resistivity changed with film thickness. The MIR and FIR spectra of the films were in agreement with the literature analogues. The expected peaks of cobalt xanthate were observed in NMR analysis on glass. The films were dipped in chloroform as organic solvent and were analyzed by NMR.
New Exponential Stability Conditions of Switched BAM Neural Networks with Delays
Authors: Yang Yi
Published: June 2013

The exponential stability problem is considered in this paper for discrete-time switched BAM neural networks with time delay. The average dwell time method is introduced to deal with the exponential stability analysis of the systems for the first time. By constructing a new switching-dependent Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional, some new delay-dependent criteria are developed, which guarantee the exponential stability. A numerical example is provided to demonstrate the potential and effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.
Study the Migration Process of Chemical Substances through the Packaging/Food Interface during Microwave Treatment
Authors: Duan Fang , Chen Ming-qing , Zhu Yong , Zhang Hui , Zhang Jing
Published: June 2013

The diffusion of chemical substances from packaging into food endangers people’s health. The migration amount of the chemical substances increases with the time and temperature, but the diffusion process for different kinds of packaging materials differs much. Most recently, the research community showed a renewed interest on the diffusion process of chemical substances through packaging/food interface during microwave treatment. In this study, the diffusion coefficient model is suggested and then the migration process is studied based on Fick’s diffusion law. The results are finally compared with the experimental data, showing good agreement.
Biosorption of Pb(II) from Aqueous Solution Using Cow Hooves: Kinetics and Thermodynamics
Authors: Osasona I. , Adebayo A. O. , Ajayi O. O.
Published: June 2013

Biosorption of Pb(II) ions from aqueous solution by cow hooves (CHs) was investigated as a function of initial pH, contact time, and biosorbent dosage through batch studies. Equilibrium experiments were performed at three different temperatures (298, 308, and 318 K) using initial Pb2+ concentration ranging from 15 to 100 mgg−1. This study revealed that maximum uptake (96.2% removal) of Pb2+ took place within 30 minutes of agitation, and the process was brought to equilibrium within 60 minutes of equilibration. The equilibrium data were modelled using Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) isotherm models. The Langmuir isotherm model fitted the data best at all temperatures considered. The Lagergren second-order kinetic model fitted the biosorption process better than the first-order model. The negative values obtained for both Gibb’s free energy change and enthalpy change are an indication of the spontaneous and exothermic nature of the sorption of Pb2+ onto CH. A study of the FTIR spectral obtained before and after Pb2+ sorption showed that carbonyl, hydroxyl, amino, and carboxyl groups were involved in the sorption process.
New Models of Emergency Prehospital Care That Avoid Unnecessary Conveyance to Emergency Department: Translation of Research Evidence into Practice?
Authors: Snooks Helen Anne , Kingston Mark Rhys , Anthony Rebecca Elizabeth , Russell Ian Trevor
Published: June 2013

Background. Achieving knowledge translation in healthcare is growing in importance but methods to capture impact of research are not well developed. We present an attempt to capture impact of a programme of research in prehospital emergency care, aiming to inform the development of EMS models of care that avoid, when appropriate, conveyance of patients to hospital for immediate care. Methods. We describe the programme and its dissemination, present examples of its influence on policy and practice, internationally, and analyse routine UK statistics to determine whether conveyance practice has changed. Results. The programme comprises eight research studies, to a value of >£4 m. Findings have been disseminated through 18 published papers, cited 274 times in academic journals. We describe examples of how evidence has been put into practice, including new models of care in Canada and Australia. Routine statistics in England show that, alongside rising demand, conveyance rates have fallen from 90% to 58% over a 12‐year period, 2,721 million fewer journeys, with publication of key studies 2003–2008. Comment. We have set out the rationale, key features, and impact on practice of a programme of publicly funded research. We describe evidence of knowledge translation, whilst recognising limitations in methods for capturing impact.
The Experience of Patients with Schizophrenia Treated with Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Auditory Hallucinations
Authors: Subramanian Priya , Burhan Amer , Pallaveshi Luljeta , Rudnick Abraham
Published: June 2013

Introduction. Auditory hallucinations are a common symptom experience of individuals with psychotic disorders and are often experienced as persistent, distressing, and disruptive. This case series examined the lived experiences of four individuals treated (successfully or unsuccessfully) with low-frequency (1 Hz) rTMS for auditory hallucinations.Methods. A phenomenological approach was used and modified to involve some predetermined data structuring to accommodate for expected cognitive impairments of participants and the impact of rTMS on auditory hallucinations. Data on thoughts and feelings in relation to the helpful, unhelpful, and other effects of rTMS on auditory hallucinations, on well-being, functioning, and the immediate environment were collected using semistructured interviews.Results. All four participants noted some improvements in their well-being following treatment and none reported a worsening of their symptoms. Only two participants noted an improvement in the auditory hallucinations and only one of them reported an improvement that was sustained after treatment completion.Conclusion. We suggest that there are useful findings in the study worth further exploration, specifically in relation to the role of an individual’s acceptance and ownership of the illness process in relation to this biomedical intervention. More mixed methods research is required to examine rTMS for auditory hallucinations.
Acupuncture De Qi in Stable Somatosensory Stroke Patients: Relations with Effective Brain Network for Motor Recovery
Authors: Bai Lijun , Cui Fangyuan , Zou Yihuai , Lao Lixing
Published: June 2013

Acupuncture has been widely used for treating stroke and De Qi may play an important role. In spite of its acceptance, the neural mechanism underlying acupuncture for motor recovery is still elusive. Particularly, by what extent De Qi sensations can reliably predict the therapeutical acupuncture effect on the mediating recovery from stroke is urgent to investigate. Nine stroke patients were assessed by De Qi, neurological examination, and scanned with acupuncture stimuli across two time points at an interval of two weeks. And we adopted multivariate Granger causality analysis to explore the interregional influences within motor executive brain network during post-acupuncture resting state. Our findings indicated that acupuncture at GB34 can enhance the recovery of stroke mainly by strengthening causal influences between the ipsilesional and contralesional motor cortex. Moreover, centrality of some motor-related regions correlated with clinical variables and thus served as a predictor of stroke recovery. Along the same line, the centrality of these motor-related regions has also high relations with the De Qi sensation. Our findings suggest that De Qi having relatively stable reliability may be essential and used as a predictor to the therapeutic effectiveness of acupuncture for stroke recovery.
New Records of Lake Baikal Leech Fauna: Species Diversity and Spatial Distribution in Chivyrkuy Gulf
Authors: Kaygorodova Irina A. , Pronin Nikolay M.
Published: June 2013

The study of several Lake Baikal leech collections offered us the possibility to determine species diversity in the Chivyrkuy Gulf, the biggest one in the lake. As a result, the first information on the Chivyrkuy Hirudinea fauna (Annelida, Clitellata) has been revealed. There are two orders and four families of leeches in the Chivyrkuy Gulf: order Rhynchobdellida (families Glossiphoniidae and Piscicolidae) and order Arhynchobdellida (families Erpobdellidae and Haemopidae). In total, 22 leech species and 2 subspecies belonging to 11 genera were identified. Of these, 4 taxa belong to the family Glossiphoniidae (G. concolor, A. hyalina, A. heteroclita f. papillosa, and A. heteroclita f. striata) recorded in Baikal for the first time. Representatives of 8 unidentified species (Glossophinia sp., Baicaloclepsis sp., Baicalobdella sp., Piscicola sp. 1, Piscicola sp. 2, Erpobdella sp. 1, Erpobdella sp. 2, and Erpobdella sp. 3) have been also recorded. The checklist gives a contemporary overview of the species composition of leech parasites, their hosts, and distribution within the Chivyrkuy Gulf. The analysis of spatial distribution has shown that the leech species diversity is correlated with the biological productivity of the bay. The most diverse community of leech species is detected in the eutrophic zone of the lake.
Higher Order Commutators of Fractional Integral Operator on the Homogeneous Herz Spaces with Variable Exponent
Authors: Wang Liwei , Qu Meng , Shu Lisheng
Published: June 2013

By decomposing functions, we establish estimates for higher order commutators generated by fractional integral with BMO functions or the Lipschitz functions on the homogeneous Herz spaces with variable exponent. These estimates extend some known results in the literatures.
Synthesis and Antifungal Studies of (2E)‐N‐Benzyl‐N′‐phenylbut‐2‐enediamide and (2E)‐N,N′‐Dibenzylbut‐2‐enediamide Analogues
Authors: Dama Habila J. , Reddy Kandappa H. , Govender Patrick , Koorbanally Neil A.
Published: June 2013

A series of eleven butanediamine analogues, of which nine were new, were synthesized by the nucleophilic substitution of aromatic amines and benzylamines with maleic anhydride and tested on four yeast strains of Candida species using the broth microdilution method. Compounds 3a and 3c with an unsubstituted phenyl ring and a 3‐methoxyphenyl ring, respectively, are the most active against the fungal species with MIC values ranging from 20.2 to 80.6 μM for C. albicans and C. parapsilosis and 178.5 and 161.2 μM for C. krusei, respectively.
Rhodiola crenulataand Its Bioactive Components, Salidroside and Tyrosol, Reverse the Hypoxia-Induced Reduction of Plasma-Membrane-Associated Na,K-ATPase Expression via Inhibition of ROS-AMPK-PKCξPathway
Authors: Lee Shih-Yu , Shi Li-Shian , Chu Hsin , Li Min-Hui , Ho Cheng-Wen , Lai Feng-Yi , Huang Chih-Yang , Chang Tsu-Chung
Published: June 2013

Exposure to hypoxia leads to impaired pulmonary sodium transport, which is associated with Na,K-ATPase dysfunction in the alveolar epithelium. The present study is designed to examine the effect and mechanism ofRhodiola crenulataextract (RCE) and its bioactive components on hypoxia-mediated Na,K-ATPase endocytosis. A549 cells were exposed to hypoxia in the presence or absence of RCE, salidroside, or tyrosol. The generation of intracellular ROS was measured by using the fluorescent probe DCFH-DA, and the endocytosis was determined by measuring the expression level of Na,K-ATPase in the PM fraction. Rats exposed to a hypobaric hypoxia chamber were used to investigate the efficacy and underlying mechanism of RCEin vivo. Our results showed that RCE and its bioactive compounds significantly prevented the hypoxia-mediated endocytosis of Na,K-ATPase via the inhibition of the ROS-AMPK-PKCζpathway in A549 cells. Furthermore, RCE also showed a comparable preventive effect on the reduction of Na,K-ATPase endocytosis and inhibition of AMPK-PKCξpathway in the rodent model. Our study is the first to offer substantial evidence to support the efficacy ofRhodiolaproducts against hypoxia-associated Na,K-ATPase endocytosis and clarify the ethnopharmacological relevance ofRhodiola crenulataas a popular folk medicine for high-altitude illness.
Factors Affecting Bilirubin Levels during First 48 Hours of Life in Healthy Infants
Authors: Siyah Bilgin Betul , Altun Koroglu Ozge , Yalaz Mehmet , Karaman Semra , Kultursay Nilgun
Published: June 2013

Objective. To investigate the relationship of delivery type, maternal anesthesia, feeding modalities, and first feeding and meconium passage times with early bilirubin levels of healthy infants.Methods. Cord, 24 hours’ and 48 hours’ total bilirubin levels were measured in 388 study infants.Results. Infants born with cesarean section were fed later and more often had mixed feeding. First meconium passage was delayed with general anesthesia. Cord, 24 and 48 hours’ bilirubin levels were not correlated with first feeding time, meconium passage time, mode of delivery, existence and type of anesthesia, and feeding modalities. Being in high intermediate risk zone at 72 hours of Bhutani’s nomogram was only related to first feeding time and high cord bilirubin level. Late preterm infants were more frequently born with cesarean section and offered supplementary formula. Therefore, first meconium passage times and bilirubin levels were similar in the late preterm and term infants.Conclusions. Type of delivery or anesthesia, late prematurity, feeding modalities, and first meconium passage time were not related to early bilirubin levels in healthy neonates, but delayed first feeding and high cord bilirubin levels were related to be in higher risk zone for later hyperbilirubinemia.