bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Case Study of Construction Challenges and Solutions: Installation of Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS) to an Existing Residential Structure
Authors: Viness Terry L.
Published: April 2016

Demand for exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) as an option for retrofitting existing buildings is increasing. EIFS provide a practical, energy-efficient solution for achieving goals that are being driven by changes to building codes, increased energy costs, and environmental sustainability. This paper presents a case study of the construction challenges and solutions employed in the installation of EIFS as a retrofit cladding onto an existing single-story, wood-framed residence in Brunswick, ME. The residence was originally constructed in the 1960s and insulated with fiberglass batt in the stud cavity, wood plank sheathing, and lapped wood siding. A previous retrofit project completed in the 1980s encased the original siding with 1 in. of foil-faced polyisocyanurate insulation board and vinyl siding. The 2013 EIFS retrofit project described in this paper included removing the existing siding and exterior foil-faced insulation board while leaving the existing doors and windows in place. Construction of the new cladding included application of a fluid-applied air and moisture barrier to the original siding and installation of an exterior insulation system using 6-in.-thick (150 mm) extruded polystyrene insulation. Code compliance implications of adding combustible insulation to the exterior of the house were considered. In this case, the structure is a wood-frame combustible house, and the retrofit did not result in a change in code compliance with regard to fire performance. Every retrofit project presents unique challenges, but the resolutions of these challenges often share common concepts and design/construction approaches. This paper provides information regarding specific detail configurations and methods used to overcome as-built construction limitations when installing EIFS on this particular structure for the purpose of improving energy efficiency. Energy consumption data collected during the year previous to, and the year following, the retrofit will be presented in a separate paper. Photographic documentation and as-built drawings for key EIFS features are included.
Successful Strategies for EIFS Over-Cladding
Authors: Taylor A. Judson
Published: April 2016

A drainable exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS), which is lightweight and improves enclosure thermal performance at a relatively low cost, is a valid option for over-cladding existing underperforming façades. This article describes a process for evaluating the suitability of a drainable EIFS for over-cladding an existing façade and, if it is suitable, the steps for successful design and installation of drainable EIFS over-cladding. This article also describes steps for existing façade investigation, code validation, and the thermal improvement benefit of EIFS over-cladding; design, detailing, and specifying; and quality assurance/quality control (e.g., mock-ups and testing) before and during construction. The article will also touch on the important design considerations of fire resistivity, designing for drift and drainage, and missile impact resistance.
Energy Savings from an EIFS Retrofit of a Single-Family Residence
Authors: Harrison Peter B.
Published: April 2016

A single-family residence had its siding removed and replaced with an exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS) without changing any other feature of the house or its operation. Factoring out the variations in weather, energy records revealed an unexpectedly large reduction in space conditioning energy following the EIFS installation. Analysis revealed that energy efficiency improvement predictions based on thermal resistance values alone can substantially underestimate the actual improvement achieved by the addition of an EIFS. Quantitative examination of wall thermal characteristics based on energy usage is presented, and air infiltration effects on space conditioning energy are quantified from standard values. These are assessed to see if they account for the overall magnitude of the difference in the thermal performance of the walls before and after being retrofitted. The assessment shows that the customary emphasis on improving wall R-values should be supplemented by consideration of the air infiltration reduction that can accompany an EIFS retrofit.
A Review of Cladding Drainage Testing, Standards, and Codes
Authors: Weston Theresa A. , Boone Kimdolyn
Published: April 2016

In the mid to late 1990s, the exterior insulation and finishing systems (EIFS) industry introduced drainage into its wall systems, aimed at increasing the water management of those systems. Along with this introduction came the development of test methods for drainage efficiency and the inclusion of drainage criteria in code requirements. More specifically, ASTM E2273, Standard Test Method for Determining the Drainage Efficiency of Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) Clad Wall Assemblies, was developed and published initially in 2003. This test method was adopted into code for EIFS with drainage with a drainage efficiency requirement of 90 %. The EIFS industry became leaders in this area, and the drainage methods originally developed for EIFS were adapted to evaluate non-EIFS wall systems as well, which in some cases (such as in the Oregon Residential Specialty Code) had decreased required drainage efficiencies. In parallel to the development of ASTM E2273, researchers have proposed other drainage efficiency test methods, although none has been standardized at this point. This paper provides a review of ASTM E2273 and other drainage test methods that has been reported. The applicability to water management in EIFS wall systems and to wall systems with other claddings is discussed. This paper also reviews code requirements and code evaluation acceptance criteria that require drainage validation.
Design and Construction Considerations for EIFS and Exterior Wall Claddings That Incorporate Continuous Insulation
Authors: Auman Eric S. , Egan Bill
Published: April 2016

Although continuous insulation (CI) has always been an integral component of exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS), the systems may be most well-known for features such as aesthetics and design flexibility. At least equally important, however, is thermal performance—the ease with which EIFS incorporate continuous insulation into the overall wall assembly as well as their ability to meet key performance needs and requirements for exterior wall claddings. The use of continuously insulated exterior wall claddings and systems is on the increase largely as a result of industry trends and new energy codes as well as regulatory requirements. Regardless of the type, adding or incorporating continuous insulation as part of the exterior wall claddings can result in a number of additional or, in some cases, new considerations and challenges in terms of design and construction because of the impact on the overall wall assembly in terms of code compliance, fire performance, drainage, detailing, cladding weight and attachment, changes in wall geometry, and so forth. This paper will review many of the design and construction considerations facing the construction team as a result of incorporating continuous insulation into exterior walls as well as how EIFS can satisfy these considerations and challenges.
Exterior Insulation and Finish System Code Requirements and Fire Performance
Authors: Beitel Jesse J.
Published: April 2016

This paper addresses the current code requirements for the use of exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) specified in the 2015 editions of the International Building Code and the International Residential Building Code. A description of the code sections of interest and the fire performance requirements embedded in those sections is provided. These code requirements and their referenced standards have become significant because they now form the basis for the appropriate use of EIFS. In particular, the fire performance of EIFS is addressed and the various fire tests for the components and the EIFS assemblies are described. This includes information concerning EIFS' fire performance in NFPA 285, Standard Fire Test Method for Evaluation of Fire Propagation Characteristics of Exterior Non-Load-Bearing Wall Assemblies Containing Combustible Components. This is the primary fire test to allow the use of EIFS on exterior walls of Types I, II, III, or IV construction. A brief history and description of the test method is provided as well as EIFS' fire performance in this test method. Additionally, the fire performance of EIFS in several actual fire events such as the Monte Carlo fire, the Palace Station fire, and the Luxor fire is discussed. These fires have vividly demonstrated the issues surrounding the use of decorative features applied to or incorporated onto EIFS wall assemblies. Information concerning the appropriate construction and materials for these decorative features is provided. EIFS are among the most extensively fire-tested exterior wall assemblies used in the United States. As such, lessons with respect to EIFS' construction, fire performance, applicability, and use have been developed and addressed.
Compatibility and Integration Details: The Keys to Providing Durable EIFS-Clad Exterior Walls
Authors: Horst Michael
Published: April 2016

Exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) can provide a durable, water-resistant covering for a variety of building types. However, as with any cladding material, considerations during design and workmanship during construction are the primary factors in determining the success of an EIFS-clad building. Among the important factors to consider in the design of EIFS cladding is that the EIFS is only one component of the overall building enclosure system, which includes roofing, windows, sealants, possibly other cladding materials, and many other elements. During the design phase of a project, careful consideration must be given to the compatibility of other enclosure components with the EIFS. In addition, detailing of the interfaces between the EIFS and these components, typically referred to as integration details, is critical in achieving the expected building performance and durability of the exterior cladding assembly. During the construction phase, coordination of various trades, including the EIFS installer, is essential to ensuring successful installation of these integration details. Over the past 15 years, the author has had the opportunity to evaluate a variety of EIFS-clad buildings that exhibit successes and failures of these integration details. More recently, the author has performed peer reviews for design architects and has provided consulting services to assist contractors with potential compatibility issues and with developing integration details. In this paper, the author will discuss several common problematic interfaces between EIFS and adjacent construction. Design principles and other considerations for improving the function of the exterior building enclosure at these interfaces will be explored. Several case studies, including positive and negative examples of design and construction details, will be used to illustrate concerns with their integration. In addition, the paper will identify and discuss facets of several of the standards that have been developed by ASTM International (ASTM) to assist designers, consultants, and contractors in the development of integration details and the determination of their compatibility.
Effects of L-thyroxine treatment on early markers of atherosclerotic disease in children with subclinical hypothyroidism
Authors: Cerbone Manuela , Capalbo Donatella , Wasniewska Malgorzata , Alfano Sara , Mattace Raso Giuseppina , Oliviero Ugo , Cittadini Antonio , De Luca Filippo , Salerno Mariacarolina
Published: April 2016

Objective

To investigate the effect of levothyroxine (L-T4) treatment on early markers of atherosclerotic disease in children with mild idiopathic subclinical hypothyroidism (SH).

Design

Two-year, open, case–control prospective study.

Methods

A total of 39 children, aged 9.18±3.56 years, with SH and 39 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), blood pressure, triglycerides, total cholesterol (total-C), HDL-C, LDL-C, non-HDL-C, triglycerides/HDL-C, atherogenic index (AI), homocysteine (Hcy), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and intima–media thickness (IMT) were evaluated at baseline and after 2 years of L-T4 treatment in SH children and after 2 years of follow-up in controls.

Results

At study entry WHtR was higher in SH subjects compared with controls (0.56±0.08 vs 0.49±0.07, P=0.04) and significantly decreased after 2 years of treatment (0.50±0.06, P<0.0001). Mean HDL-C levels (50.47±11.43 vs 61.06±13.83mg/dL, P=0.002) were lower, while triglycerides/HDL-C (1.63±1.07 vs 1.19±0.69, P=0.05), AI (3.32±0.90 vs 2.78±0.68, P=0.005), and Hcy (9.35±2.61 vs 7.71±1.94μmol/L, P=0.01) were higher in SH subjects compared with controls and improved after 2 years of treatment (HDL-C 56.26±13.76mg/dL, P<0.0001; triglycerides/HDL-C 1.23±0.78, P=0.006; AI 2.82±0.68, P<0.0001; and Hcy 8.25±2.09μmol/L, P=0.06). ADMA concentrations at baseline were higher in SH subjects compared with controls (0.77±0.21 vs 0.60±0.16μmol/L, P=0.001) and decreased after therapy (0.58±0.13μmol/L, P<0.0001). FMD, IMT and other metabolic parameters were not different among SH subjects and controls at baseline and after 2 years.

Conclusions

Children with SH may have subtle pro-atherogenic abnormalities. Although L-T4 treatment exerts some beneficial effects, the long-term impact of therapy on metabolic outcomes in SH children still remains unclear.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress and the unfolded protein response in pancreatic islet inflammation
Authors: Meyerovich Kira , Ortis Fernanda , Allagnat Florent , Cardozo Alessandra K
Published: April 2016

Insulin-secreting pancreatic β-cells are extremely dependent on their endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to cope with the oscillatory requirement of secreted insulin to maintain normoglycemia. Insulin translation and folding rely greatly on the unfolded protein response (UPR), an array of three main signaling pathways designed to maintain ER homeostasis and limit ER stress. However, prolonged or excessive UPR activation triggers alternative molecular pathways that can lead to β-cell dysfunction and apoptosis. An increasing number of studies suggest a role of these pro-apoptotic UPR pathways in the downfall of β-cells observed in diabetic patients. Particularly, the past few years highlighted a cross talk between the UPR and inflammation in the context of both type 1 (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). In this article, we describe the recent advances in research regarding the interplay between ER stress, the UPR, and inflammation in the context of β-cell apoptosis leading to diabetes.
Regulation of androgen action during establishment of pregnancy
Authors: Gibson Douglas A , Simitsidellis Ioannis , Saunders Philippa T K
Published: April 2016

During the establishment of pregnancy, the ovarian-derived hormones progesterone and oestradiol regulate remodelling of the endometrium to promote an environment that is able to support and maintain a successful pregnancy. Decidualisation is characterised by differentiation of endometrial stromal cells that secrete growth factors and cytokines that regulate vascular remodelling and immune cell influx. This differentiation process is critical for reproduction, and inadequate decidualisation is implicated in the aetiology of pregnancy disorders such as foetal growth restriction and preeclampsia. In contrast to progesterone and oestradiol, the role of androgens in regulating endometrial function is poorly understood. Androgen receptors are expressed in the endometrium, and androgens are reported to regulate both the transcriptome and the secretome of endometrial stromal cells. In androgen-target tissues, circulating precursors are activated to mediate local effects, and recent studies report that steroid concentrations detected in endometrial tissue are distinct to those detected in the peripheral circulation. New evidence suggests that decidualisation results in dynamic changes in the expression of androgen biosynthetic enzymes, highlighting a role for pre-receptor regulation of androgen action during the establishment of pregnancy. These results suggest that such enzymes could be future therapeutic targets for the treatment of infertility associated with endometrial dysfunction. In conclusion, these data support the hypothesis that androgens play a beneficial role in regulating the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. Future studies should be focussed on investigating the safety and efficacy of androgen supplementation with the potential for utilisation of novel therapeutics, such as selective androgen receptor modulators, to improve reproductive outcomes in women.
Potential benefits of melatonin in organ transplantation: a review
Authors: Esteban-Zubero Eduardo , García-Gil Francisco Agustín , López-Pingarrón Laura , Alatorre-Jiménez Moisés Alejandro , Iñigo-Gil Pablo , Tan Dun-Xian , García José Joaquín , Reiter Russel J
Published: April 2016

Organ transplantation is a useful therapeutic tool for patients with end-stage organ failure; however, graft rejection is a major obstacle in terms of a successful treatment. Rejection is usually a consequence of a complex immunological and nonimmunological antigen-independent cascade of events, including free radical-mediated ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). To reduce the frequency of this outcome, continuing improvements in the efficacy of antirejection drugs are a top priority to enhance the long-term survival of transplant recipients. Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is a powerful antioxidant and ant-inflammatory agent synthesized from the essential amino acidl-tryptophan; it is produced by the pineal gland as well as by many other organs including ovary, testes, bone marrow, gut, placenta, and liver. Melatonin has proven to be a potentially useful therapeutic tool in the reduction of graft rejection. Its benefits are based on its direct actions as a free radical scavenger as well as its indirect antioxidative actions in the stimulation of the cellular antioxidant defense system. Moreover, it has significant anti-inflammatory activity. Melatonin has been found to improve the beneficial effects of preservation fluids when they are enriched with the indoleamine. This article reviews the experimental evidence that melatonin is useful in reducing graft failure, especially in cardiac, bone, otolaryngology, ovarian, testicular, lung, pancreas, kidney, and liver transplantation.
Establishment and applications of male germ cell and Sertoli cell lines
Authors: Wang Hong , Wen Liping , Yuan Qingqing , Sun Min , Niu Minghui , He Zuping
Published: April 2016

Within the seminiferous tubules there are two major cell types, namely male germ cells and Sertoli cells. Recent studies have demonstrated that male germ cells and Sertoli cells can have significant applications in treating male infertility and other diseases. However, primary male germ cells are hard to proliferatein vitroand the number of spermatogonial stem cells is scarce. Therefore, methods that promote the expansion of these cell populations are essential for their use from the bench to the bed side. Notably, a number of cell lines for rodent spermatogonia, spermatocytes and Sertoli cells have been developed, and significantly we have successfully established a human spermatogonial stem cell line with an unlimited proliferation potential and no tumor formation. This newly developed cell line could provide an abundant source of cells for uncovering molecular mechanisms underlying human spermatogenesis and for their utilization in the field of reproductive and regenerative medicine. In this review, we discuss the methods for establishing spermatogonial, spermatocyte and Sertoli cell lines using various kinds of approaches, including spontaneity, transgenic animals with oncogenes, simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen, the gene coding for a temperature-sensitive mutant ofp53, telomerase reverse gene (Tert), and the specific promoter-based selection strategy. We further highlight the essential applications of these cell lines in basic research and translation medicine.
Impact of psychosocial stress on gonadotrophins and sexual behaviour in females: role for cortisol?
Authors: Ralph C R , Lehman M N , Goodman R L , Tilbrook A J
Published: April 2016

This review focuses on the importance of cortisol in mediating the inhibitory effects of psychosocial stress on reproduction in females. In particular, we have summarized our research in sheep where we have systematically established whether cortisol is both sufficient and necessary to suppress reproductive hormone secretion and inhibit sexual behaviour. Our findings are put into context with previous work and are used to develop important concepts as well as to identify productive further lines of investigation. It is clear that cortisol is necessary to inhibit some, but not all, aspects of reproduction in female sheep. These actions vary with reproductive state, and there are important interactions with gonadal steroids. The impact of cortisol on the tonic secretion of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone and luteinizing hormone has been investigated extensively, but less is known about the surge secretion of these hormones and their effects on sexual behaviour. Furthermore, there are separate effects of cortisol in the brain (hypothalamus) and at the anterior pituitary, illustrating that there are different mechanisms of action. Thus, although cortisol is important in mediating some of the effects of stress on reproduction, we need to look beyond cortisol and investigate some of the other mechanisms and mediators that relay the effects of stress on reproduction. In this regard, we propose that a group of neurons in the hypothalamus that co-synthesize kisspeptin, neurokinin B and dynorphin, termed KNDy cells, play important roles in mediating the effects of cortisol on reproduction. This hypothesis needs to be rigorously tested.
Adalimumab como alternativa terapéutica en el síndrome de Vogt Koyanagi Harada refractario al infliximab: reporte de caso
Authors: Moya Ayre Eugenio Franklin , Bermúdez Maldonado Iván
Published: April 2016

El síndrome de Vogt Koyanagi Harada (VKH) consiste en una panuveitis bilateral que forma parte de los síndromes uveomeníngeos. El tratamiento en estadio crónico es difícil por presentar pobre respuesta a la inmunomodulación, por lo que se recurre a opciones terapéuticas como agentes biológicos tipo anti-TNF alfa. Se describe el caso de una paciente con VKH severo y resistencia al infliximab, quien mostró respuesta al adalimumab. El adalimumab es un anticuerpo monoclonal humanizado efectivo en casos de resistencia al infliximab en pacientes con síndrome de VKH crónico persistente. El caso es de interés por ser infrecuente la resistencia a este medicamento en la práctica clínica, y el uso del activador de plasminógeno tisular contribuyó significativamente en la mejoría visual.
Factor de impacto de revistas médicas indizadas en SciELO Perú, 2015
Authors: Contreras Sotomayor Shamir Johnny
Published: April 2016

Un punto crítico para todo autor antes de enviar un artículo es determinar en qué revista debería ir publicado (1). Para ello evalúa indicadores de la revista como prestigio, factor de impacto (FI) (2), coherencia de la temática del artículo, si se paga por publicar, periodicidad de publicación, idioma, indizaciones (3), visibilidad, alcance (1,4), entre otros.
Producción científica en una universidad pública peruana beneficiaria del canon
Authors: Purizaca Rosillo Nelson , Cardoza Jiménez Kennlly , Herrera Añazco Percy
Published: April 2016

Las universidades tienen entre sus principales objetivos a la investigación científica como medio para generar conocimientos útiles para el desarrollo de las naciones (1). Sin embargo, en Perú, la investigación en las universidades es poca o nula (2).
Labor Share Trends in Three Baltic Countries: Literature Review and Empirical Evidence
Authors: Razgūnė Aušra , Lazutka Romas
Published: April 2016

Long-term stability of relative shares of production factors – labor and capital – was an implied fact for a long time. However, recently empirical data have become available, and several authors have presented a conclusive evidence showing a worldwide decline in labor share, which is especially manifested in Continental Europe.Despite the recent scientific interest in the stability of labor share, the trend analysis for small open economies such as the Baltic countries is very limited in the scientific literature. Therefore, this article aims at analyzing theoretical literature and empirical evidences on the changes in functional income distribution with the focus on the Baltic countries while also providing interpretations of the possible causes for this shift. Authors primarily focus on labor share trends in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, while stressing the importance of the correct measurement of this indicator.
Demographic Shifts and their Consequences for the Investment Funds in the EU
Authors: Kasnauskienė Gindra , Michnevič Karol
Published: April 2016

Solid theoretical reasons exist for the link between demographics and various economic, financial and social indicators. The aim of this article is to assess the influence of demographic shifts on investment fund flows in the EU from 1996 to 2013. In order to achieve this aim, a fixed effects model is constructed via panel regression and used to test the hypothesis as well as to derive conclusions. The authors hypothesise the presence of a statistically significant non-linear effect of demographic age shares on investment fund flows. The results are juxtaposed with a prior comparable research. This article is expected to benefit the financial sector and to provide guidance to market regulators.
Are the Well-known Economic Hypotheses about the Effects of Inflation and Devaluation Suitable for Ukraine?
Authors: Vasylenko Yuri V.
Published: April 2016

In Ukraine, the well-known position of the Keynesian theory of the utility of moderate inflation is not confirmed. There is no such a level of price increase which would cause the improvement of the economy. Any inflation reduces the real GDP.If inflation falls short of the devaluation, the real GDP index increases the more the more is the lag. If no lagging, the GDP decreases.Devaluation is not always beneficial for exporters and for the country on the whole as claimed by the traditional theory of foreign trade. If devaluation has been done, exporters must lobby curb domestic prices.Emission may give a positive result only if the government will manage to keep inflation.The most effective direction of emission is to invest in companies and to cover the budget deficit. Additional emissions as a support of banks destroys the economy at any inflation. The IMF, providing loans or help to Ukraine, should prohibit this action because it is one of the powerful ways of thefts.
Ukrainian E-commerce Attractiveness: Challenges and Perspectives
Authors: Zatonatska Tetiana , Kornieieva Tetiana
Published: April 2016

E-commerce is now more than just a trend or innovation. Eastern Europe is one of the most attractive e-commerce destinations. In this article we will talk about peculiarities, principles, main trends and attractiveness of e-commerce market in Ukraine. E-commerce is a relatively new business activity in Ukraine, which is experiencing rapid growth. E-commerce has reached virtually all business spheres today, with all possible types of goods and services being sold through the Internet, from cars and computers to consulting and legal services. Investment attractiveness of e-commerce should be particularly emphasized; considering the fact that in other European countries e-commerce accounts for 15-30% of all retail transactions, the Ukrainian e-commerce market has inexhaustible growth potential.
Efficient high-order finite difference methods for nonlinear Klein–Gordon equations. I: Variants of the phi-four model and the form-I of the nonlinear Klein–Gordon equation
Authors: Encinas Ascensión Hernández Hernández , Martín-Vaquero Jesus , Queiruga-Dios Araceli , Gayoso-Martínez Víctor
Published: April 2016

In this paper, the problem of solving some nonlinear Klein–Gordon equations (KGEs) is considered. Here, we derive different fourth- and sixth-order explicit and implicit algorithms to solve the phi-four equation and the form-I of the nonlinear Klein–Gordon equation. Stability and consistency of the proposed schemes are studied under certain conditions. Numerical results are presented and then compared with others obtained from some methods already existing in the scientific literature to explain the efficiency of the new algorithms. It is also shown that similar schemes can be proposed to solve many classes of nonlinear KGEs.
Global existence and asymptotic behavior of the solutions to the 3D bipolar non-isentropic Euler–Poisson equation
Authors: Li Yeping
Published: April 2016

In this paper, the global existence of smooth solutions for the three-dimensional (3D) non-isentropic bipolar hydrodynamic model is showed when the initial data are close to a constant state. This system takes the form of non-isentropic Euler–Poisson with electric field and frictional damping added to the momentum equations. Moreover, the L2-decay rate of the solutions is also obtained. Our approach is based on detailed analysis of the Green function of the linearized system and elaborate energy estimates. To our knowledge, it is the first result about the existence and L2-decay rate of global smooth solutions to the multi-dimensional non-isentropic bipolar hydrodynamic model.
Parameter identification based on finite-time synchronization for Cohen–Grossberg neural networks with time-varying delays
Authors: Abdurahman Abdujelil , Jiang Haijun , Hu Cheng , Teng Zhidong
Published: April 2016

In this paper, the finite-time synchronization problem for chaotic Cohen–Grossberg neural networks with unknown parameters and time-varying delays is investigated by using finite-time stability theory. Firstly, based on the parameter identification of uncertain delayed neural networks, a simple and effective feedback control scheme is proposed to tackle the unknown parameters of the addressed network. Secondly, by modifying the error dynamical system and using some inequality techniques, some novel and useful criteria for the finite-time synchronization of such a system are obtained. Finally, an example with numerical simulations is given to show the feasibility and effectiveness of the developed methods.
On fixed points for for alpha–eta–psi-contractive multi-valued mappings in partial metric spaces
Authors: La Rosa Vincenzo , Vetro Pasquale
Published: April 2016

Recently, Samet et al. introduced the notion of α–ψ-contractive type mappings and established some fixed point theorems in complete metric spaces. Successively, Asl et al. introduced the notion of α*–ψ-contractive multi-valued mappings and gave a fixed point result for these multi-valued mappings. In this paper, we establish results of fixed point for α*-admissible mixed multi-valued mappings with respect to a function η and common fixed point for a pair (S,T) of mixed multi-valued mappings, that is, α*-admissible with respect to a function η in partial metric spaces. An example is given to illustrate our result.
Random convolution of O-exponential distributions
Authors: Danilenko Svetlana , Šiaulys Jonas
Published: April 2016

Assume that ξ1, ξ2, ... are independent and identically distributed non-negative random variables having the O-exponential distribution. Suppose that η is a nonnegative non-degenerate at zero integer-valued random variable independent of ξ1, ξ2, ... . In this paper, we consider the conditions for η under which the distribution of random sum ξ1 + ξ2 + ... + ξη remains in the class of O-exponential distributions.
Be careful with variable separation solutions via the extended tanh-function method and periodic wave structures
Authors: Dai Chaoqing , Liu Qin
Published: April 2016

We analyze the extended tanh-function method to realize variable separation, however, we find that various "different" solutions obtained by this method are seriously equivalent to the general solution derived by the multilinear variable separation approach. In order to illustrate this point, we take a general (2 + 1)-dimensional Korteweg–de Vries system in water for example. Eight kind of variable separation solutions for a general (2 + 1)-dimensional Korteweg–de Vries system are derived by means of the extended tanh-function method and the improved tanh-function method. By detailed investigation, we find that these seemly independent variable separation solutions actually depend on each other. It is verified that many of so-called "new" solutions are equivalent to one another. Based on the uniform variable separation solution, abundant localized coherent structures can be constructed. However, we must pay our attention to the solution expression of all components to avoid the appearance of some un-physical related and divergent structures: seemly abundant structures for a special component are obtained while the divergence of the corresponding other component for the same equation appears.
Existence of spatial patterns in reaction–diffusion systems incorporating a prey refuge
Authors: Guin Lakshmi Narayan Narayan , Chakravarty Santabrata , Mandal Prashanta Kumar Kumar
Published: April 2016

In real-world ecosystem, studies on the mechanisms of spatiotemporal pattern formation in a system of interacting populations deserve special attention for its own importance in contemporary theoretical ecology. The present investigation deals with the spatial dynamical system of a two-dimensional continuous diffusive predator–prey model involving the influence of intra-species competition among predators with the incorporation of a constant proportion of prey refuge. The linear stability analysis has been carried out and the appropriate condition of Turing instability around the unique positive interior equilibrium point of the present model system has been determined. Furthermore, the existence of the various spatial patterns through diffusion-driven instability and the Turing space in the spatial domain have been explored thoroughly. The results of numerical simulations reveal the dynamics of population density variation in the formation of isolated groups, following spotted or stripe-like patterns or coexistence of both the patterns. The results of the present investigation also point out that the prey refuge does have significant influence on the pattern formation of the interacting populations of the model under consideration.
Multivariate goodness-of-fit tests based on kernel density estimators
Authors: Bakshaev Aleksej , Rudzkis Rimantas
Published: April 2016

The paper is devoted to multivariate goodness-of-fit ests based on kernel density estimators. Both simple and composite null hypotheses are investigated. The test statistic is considered in the form of maximum of the normalized deviation of the estimate from its expected value. The produced comparative Monte Carlo power study shows that the proposed test is a powerful competitor to the existing classical criteria for testing goodness of fit against a specific type of an alternative hypothesis. An analytical way to establish the asymptotic distribution of the test statistic is discussed, using the approximation results for the probabilities of high excursions of differentiable Gaussian random fields.
Positive solutions for a class of fractional boundary value problems
Authors: Xu Jiafa , Wei Zhongli
Published: April 2016

In this work, by virtue of the Krasnoselskii–Zabreiko fixed point theorem, we investigate the existence of positive solutions for a class of fractional boundary value problems under some appropriate conditions concerning the first eigenvalue of the relevant linear operator. Moreover, we utilize the method of lower and upper solutions to discuss the unique positive solution when the nonlinear term grows sublinearly.
On fixed point results for alpha-implicit contractions in quasi-metric spaces and consequences
Authors: Aydi Hassen , Jellali Manel , Karapınar Erdal
Published: April 2016

In this paper, we prove some fixed point results involving α-implicit contractions in quasi-metric spaces. Moreover, we provide some known results on G-metric spaces. An example and an application on a solution of a nonlinear integral equation are also presented.
Spatiotemporal superposed rogue-wave-like breathers in a (3+1)-dimensional variable-coefficient nonlinear Schrödinger equation
Authors: Zhu Hai-Ping , Chen Ya-Jiang
Published: April 2016

A one-to-one relation between a variable-coefficient (3+1)-dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger equation with linear and parabolic potentials and the standard nonlinear Schrödinger equation is presented, and then superposed rogue-wave-like breather solution is obtained. These explicit expressions, describing the evolution of the amplitude, width, center and phase, imply that the diffraction, nonlinearity and gain/loss parameters interplay together to influence evolutional characteristics above. Moreover, the controllable mechanism for fast excitation, maintenance, restraint and recurrence of breather is studied. We also provide an experimental scheme to observe these phenomena in future experiments.
Fixed points for Kannan type contractions in uniform spaces endowed with a graph
Authors: Aghanians Aris , Nourouzi Kourosh
Published: April 2016

In this paper, we give two sufficient conditions for the existence of a fixed point for a Kannan type contraction in a p-complete separated uniform space endowed with a graph and equipped with an A- or an E-distance p. We also discuss the uniqueness of the fixed point and show that Banach and Kannan type contractions are independent.
Tarp filosofijos ir fotosofijos: Arvydo Šliogerio filosofijos fenomenas
Authors: Valinskaitė Vijolė
Published: April 2016

...
Motivational Interviewing to Prevent Childhood Obesity: A Cluster RCT
Authors: Döring Nora , Ghaderi Ata , Bohman Benjamin , Heitmann Berit L. , Larsson Christel , Berglind Daniel , Hansson Lena , Sundblom Elinor , Magnusson Margaretha , Blennow Margareta , Tynelius Per , Forsberg Lars , Rasmussen Finn
Published: April 2016

OBJECTIVE:

The objective was to evaluate a manualized theory-driven primary preventive intervention aimed at early childhood obesity. The intervention was embedded in Swedish child health services, starting when eligible children were 9 to 10 months of age and continuing until the children reached age 4.

METHODS:

Child health care centers in 8 Swedish counties were randomized into intervention and control units and included 1355 families with 1369 infants. Over ∼39 months, families in the intervention group participated in 1 group session and 8 individual sessions with a nurse trained in motivational interviewing, focusing on healthy food habits and physical activity. Families in the control group received care as usual. Primary outcomes were children’s BMI, overweight prevalence, and waist circumference at age 4. Secondary outcomes were children’s and mothers’ food and physical activity habits and mothers’ anthropometrics. Effects were assessed in linear and log-binominal regression models using generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS:

There were no statistically significant differences in children’s BMI (β = –0.11, 95% confidence interval [CI]: –0.31 to 0.08), waist circumference (β = –0.48, 95% CI: –0.99 to 0.04), and prevalence of overweight (relative risk = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.69 to 1.32). No significant intervention effects were observed in mothers’ anthropometric data or regarding mothers’ and children’s physical activity habits. There was a small intervention effect in terms of healthier food habits among children and mothers.

CONCLUSIONS:

There were no significant group differences in children’s and mothers’ anthropometric data and physical activity habits. There was, however, some evidence suggesting healthier food habits, but this should be interpreted with caution.
A Recursive Formula for the Evaluation of Earth Return Impedance on Buried Cables
Authors: Iracheta Reynaldo
Published: April 2016

This paper presents an alternative solution based on infinite series for the accurate and efficient evaluation of cable earth return impedances. This method uses Wedepohl and Wilcox’s transformation to decompose Pollaczek’s integral in a set of Bessel functions and a definite integral. The main feature of Bessel functions is that they are easy to compute in modern mathematical software tools such as Matlab. The main contributions of this paper are the approximation of the definite integral by an infinite series, since it does not have analytical solution; and its numerical solution by means of a recursive formula. The accuracy and efficiency of this recursive formula is compared against the numerical integration method for a broad range of frequencies and cable  configurations. Finally, the proposed method is used as a subroutine for cable parameter calculation in the inverse Numerical Laplace Transform (NLT) to obtain accurate transient responses in the time domain.
Influence of moist air in copper heat sinks: Analysis through the entropy generation minimization criterion
Authors: Cruz Jorge Mario , Amaya Iván Mauricio , Correa Carlos Rodrigo
Published: April 2016

Many factors affect heat transfer during the cooling of modern electronic devices. Today, knowledge accrues from modeling, simu-lation, and experimentation. This allows predicting and calculating features of heat transfer phenomena, to some extent. Examples include the amount of heat generated and removed, the required physical properties of the working fluid, and the required material properties of the heat sink, among other parameters. This article describes some simulation results of using air with a given relative humidity (10 %, 50 % and 90 %). Its influence on the heat transfer process was also analyzed. Results show a measurable effect of using humidified air instead of dry air and copper as a bulk material. The heat transfer rate increased about 20 % when using air with 90 % relative humidity passing through a rectangular microchannel heat sink made of copper.
High-dynamic range compressive spectral imaging by grayscale coded aperture adaptive filtering
Authors: Diaz Nelson Eduardo , Rueda Chacon Hoover Fabian , Arguello Fuentes Henry
Published: April 2016

The coded aperture snapshot spectral imaging system (CASSI) is an imaging architecture which senses the three dimensional informa-tion of a scene with two dimensional (2D) focal plane array (FPA) coded projection measurements. A reconstruction algorithm takes advantage of the compressive measurements sparsity to recover the underlying 3D data cube. Traditionally, CASSI uses block-un-block coded apertures (BCA) to spatially modulate the light. In CASSI the quality of the reconstructed images depends on the design of these coded apertures and the FPA dynamic range. This work presents a new CASSI architecture based on grayscaled coded apertu-res (GCA) which reduce the FPA saturation and increase the dynamic range of the reconstructed images. The set of GCA is calculated in a real-time adaptive manner exploiting the information from the FPA compressive measurements. Extensive simulations show the attained improvement in the quality of the reconstructed images when GCA are employed.  In addition, a comparison between traditional coded apertures and GCA is realized with respect to noise tolerance.
The Role of TNF Superfamily Member 13 in the Progression of IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Han Seung Seok , Yang Seung Hee , Choi Murim , Kim Hang-Rae , Kim Kwangsoo , Lee Sangmoon , Moon Kyung Chul , Kim Joo Young , Lee Hajeong , Lee Jung Pyo , Jung Ji Yong , Kim Sejoong , Joo Kwon Wook , Lim Chun Soo , Kang Shin-Wook , Kim Yon Su , Kim Dong Ki
Published: April 2016

TNF superfamily member 13 (TNFSF13) has been identified as a susceptibility gene for IgA nephropathy in recent genetic studies. However, the role of TNFSF13 in the progression of IgA nephropathy remains unresolved. We evaluated two genetic polymorphisms (rs11552708 and rs3803800) and plasma levels of TNFSF13 in 637 patients with IgA nephropathy, and determined the risk of ESRD according to theses variable. Neither of the examined genetic polymorphisms associated with a clinical outcome of IgA nephropathy. However, high plasma levels of TNFSF13 increased the risk of ESRD. To explore the causal relationship and underlying mechanism, we treated B cells from patients (n=21) with or without recombinant human TNFSF13 (rhTNFSF13) and measured the expression of IgA and galactose-deficient IgA (GdIgA) using ELISA and flow cytometry. Treatment with rhTNFSF13 significantly increased the total IgA level among B cells, and TNFSF13 receptor blockade abrogated this increase. Furthermore, the absolute levels of GdIgA increased with rhTNFSF13 treatment, but the total IgA-normalized levels did not change. Both RNA sequencing and quantitative PCR results showed that rhTNFSF13 did not alter the expression of glycosyltransferase enzymes. These results suggest that high plasma TNFSF13 levels associate with a worse prognosis of IgA nephropathy through the relative increase in GdIgA levels.
Disclosure no serviço público: análise da aplicabilidade da lei de transparência em municípios mineiros
Authors: Miranda Silva Derley Júnior , Segatto Juliane Andrade Costa , Silva Marli Auxiliadora da
Published: April 2016

Buscou-se, neste estudo descritivo, desenvolvido por meio de análise documental, verificar, mediante o acesso e consulta aos portais eletrônicos,  se os atos da Administração Pública de 30 (trinta) municípios do estado de Minas Gerais, com população acima de 100 (cem) mil habitantes, relativamente à execução financeira e orçamentária, atendem ao disposto na Lei Complementar nº 131/2009, Lei de Transparência, verificando também o disclosure desses municípios. Em todos os 30 (trinta) municípios mineiros investigados constatou-se a implantação da Lei de Transparência. A totalidade de municípios possui  portais eletrônicos. Todavia essa implantação não evidencia o disclosure e não atende totalmente aos requisitos legais obrigatórios e recomendados para a evidenciação da execução orçamentária. Em alguns websites as informações são de difícil visualização. É necessária a abertura de vários links até o acesso à informação desejada. Confirmou-se, ainda, no período de consulta aos portais, que municípios com expressiva densidade populacional, como Uberlândia, Contagem, Juiz de Fora e Montes Claros, lideram a lista dos que atenderam a um número menor de critérios definidos legalmente. O município de Ribeirão das Neves é o que mais atende aos requisitos legais de transparência, seguido pelos municípios de Ipatinga e Teófilo Otoni. Observou-se, ainda, que alguns sítios eletrônicos apresentam períodos constantes de manutenção permanecendo indisponíveis ou desativados por longos espaços de tempo prejudicando o acesso dos cidadãos e dificultando o acompanhamento de informações disponibilizadas em tempo real pelos agentes públicos.