bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WEAK DISORDER IN PERIODIC POTENTIALS: ANOMALOUS TRANSPORT AND DIFFUSION
Authors: LINDENBERG KATJA , SANCHO J. M. , KHOURY M. , LACASTA A. M.
Published: April 2012

Particles driven through a periodic potential by an external constant force are known to exhibit a pronounced peak of the diffusion around the critical deterministic force that defines the transition between locked and running states. It has recently been shown both experimentally and numerically that this peak is greatly enhanced if some amount of spatial disorder is superimposed on the periodic potential. Here, we show that this enhancement is a fingerprint of a broad phenomenology that goes well beyond a simple augmentation. For some values of the model parameters, including the characteristic distances associated with the periodic and random components of the potential, the magnitude of the external force, and the temperature, the system can exhibit a rich variety of regimes from normal diffusion to superdiffusion, subdiffusion and even subtransport.
ITÔ VERSUS STRATONOVICH: 30 YEARS LATER
Authors: MANNELLA RICCARDO , McCLINTOCK PETER V. E.
Published: April 2012

The Itô versus Stratonovich controversy, about the "correct" calculus to use for integration of Langevin equations, was settled to general satisfaction some 30 years ago. Recently, however, it has started to re-emerge, following the advent of new experimental techniques. We briefly review the historical background and discuss critically some of the most recent contributions. We show that some of the new findings are not well based.
ROGUE WAVES IN SPATIALLY EXTENDED OPTICAL SYSTEMS
Authors: RESIDORI S. , BORTOLOZZO U. , MONTINA A. , LENZINI F. , ARECCHI F. T.
Published: April 2012

Giant anomalous events may occur in systems characterized by many waves, with extremely high amplitude waves appearing with a probability much higher than expected for a random dynamics. Such rare, and giant, events are known to occur on the ocean surface and have been named, in that context, "rogue waves". We present here some recent experimental results on the statistical properties of giant optical waves, or "optical rogue waves", observed in spatially extended optical systems. We will present the main statistical features of such extreme events, then, based on both a linear and a nonlinear experiment, we will outline a way enabling us to identify two key ingredients at the origin of optical rogue waves, namely, granularity, that is, a minimal size of the individual light spots, and inhomogeneity, that is, clustering of the light spots into separate domains with different average intensities. In the linear experiment we measure also the statistics of the waiting times between successive rogue waves and we show that it follows a log-Poisson distribution, which is characteristics of event separation observed in cooperative, complex systems and in such different fields as geophysics and biology.
STATISTICS OF EXTREME VARIATIONS OF RR HEARTBEAT INTERVALS
Authors: PENNETTA CECILIA , PALATELLA LUIGI
Published: April 2012

We performed an extreme value analysis of the heart beat fluctuations. We analyzed 24 h Holter ECG signals of 90 healthy individuals and 90 unhealthy individuals suffering of congestive heart failure (chf). Precisely, we studied separately the increment time series ΔRR corresponding to sleeping and daily activities. We found strong differences in the median return times of positive high threshold values of the increments for healthy and nonhealthy individuals, during both daily and sleeping activities. Our results suggest that healthy individuals have more often than chf patients the tendency to suddenly slow their heartbeat rate.
NONEQUILIBRIUM RATE THEORY FOR CONDUCTION IN OPEN ION CHANNELS
Authors: TINDJONG R. , KAUFMAN I. , McCLINTOCK P. V. E. , LUCHINSKY D. G. , EISENBERG R. S.
Published: April 2012

We present a nonequilibrium reaction rate model of the ionic transition through an open ion channel, taking account of the interaction between an ion at the entrance of the channel and an ion at the binding site in a self-consistent way. The electrostatic potential is calculated by solution of the Poisson equation for a channel modeled as a cylindrical tube. The transition rate, and the binding site occupancy as a function of the left bulk concentration are compared to 1D Brownian dynamics simulations. The analysis is performed for a single binding site of high-affinity, with the exit rate influenced by barrier fluctuations at the channel exit. The results are compared with experimental data for the permeation of the Na+ ion through the Gramicidin A channel, with which they are shown to be in good agreement.
Concurrent aerobic exercise interferes with the satellite cell response to acute resistance exercise
Authors: Babcock Lyle , Escano Matthew , D'Lugos Andrew , Todd Kent , Murach Kevin , Luden Nicholas
Published: April 2012

The addition of aerobic exercise (AE) to a resistance exercise (RE) program (concurrent exercise, CE) can interfere with maximum muscle fiber growth achieved with RE. Further, CE appears to markedly affect the growth of myosin heavy chain (MHC) I, but not MHC IIa fibers. The mechanism responsible for this “interference” is unclear. Satellite cell (SC) responsiveness to exercise appears to influence muscle adaptation but has not yet been examined following acute concurrent exercise. Thus, we assessed the fiber-type-specific SC response to RE, AE, and CE exercise. Eight college-aged males completed the following two exercise trials: the RE trial, which consisted of unilateral leg extensions and presses (4 sets ≥ 10 repetitions: 75% 1 repetition maximum, RM); and the AE/CE trial, which included an identical RE protocol with the opposite leg, immediately followed by subjects cycling for 90 min (60% Wmax). Muscle biopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis before and 4 days after each session. Samples were cross-sectioned, stained with antibodies against NCAM, Ki-67, and MHC I, counterstained with DAPI, and analyzed for SC density (SC per fiber), SC activation, and fiber type. SC density increased to a greater extent following RE (38 ± 10%), compared with CE (−6 ± 8%). Similarly, MHC I muscle fiber SC density displayed a greater increase following RE (46 ± 14%), compared with AE (−7 ± 17%) and CE (−8 ± 8%). Our data indicate that the SC response to RE is blunted when immediately followed by AE, at least in MHC I muscle fibers, and possibly MHC II fibers. This suggests that the physiological environment evoked by AE might attenuate the eventual addition of myonuclei important for maximum muscle fiber growth and consequent force-producing capacity.
Nitrite is a positive modulator of the Frank-Starling response in the vertebrate heart
Authors: Angelone Tommaso , Gattuso Alfonsina , Imbrogno Sandra , Mazza Rosa , Tota Bruno
Published: April 2012

Evidence from both mammalian and nonmammalian vertebrates indicates that intracardiac nitric oxide (NO) facilitates myocardial relaxation, ventricular diastolic distensibility, and, consequently, the Frank-Starling response, i.e., the preload-induced increase of cardiac output. Since nitrite ion (NO2−), the major storage pool of bioactive NO, recently emerged as a cardioprotective endogenous modulator, we explored its influence on the Frank-Starling response in eel, frog, and rat hearts, used as paradigms of fish, amphibians, and mammals, respectively. We demonstrated that, like NO, exogenous nitrite improves the Frank-Starling response in all species, as indicated by an increase of stroke volume and stroke work (eel and frog) and of left ventricular (LV) pressure and LVdP/d t max (rat), used as indexes of inotropism. Unlike in frog and rat, in eel, the positive influence of nitrite appeared to be dependent on NO synthase inhibition. In all species, the effect was sensitive to NO scavengers, independent on nitroxyl anion, and mediated by a cGMP/PKG-dependent pathway. Moreover, the nitrite treatment increased S-nitrosylation of lower-molecular-weight proteins in cytosolic and membrane fractions. These results suggest that nitrite acts as a physiological source of NO, modulating through different species-specific mechanisms, the stretch-induced intrinsic regulation of the vertebrate heart.
Time-of-day modulation of homeostatic and allostatic sleep responses to chronic sleep restriction in rats
Authors: Deurveilher S. , Rusak B. , Semba K.
Published: April 2012

To study sleep responses to chronic sleep restriction (CSR) and time-of-day influences on these responses, we developed a rat model of CSR that takes into account the polyphasic sleep patterns in rats. Adult male rats underwent cycles of 3 h of sleep deprivation (SD) and 1 h of sleep opportunity (SO) continuously for 4 days, beginning at the onset of the 12-h light phase (“3/1” protocol). Electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyogram (EMG) recordings were made before, during, and after CSR. During CSR, total sleep time was reduced by ∼60% from baseline levels. Both rapid eye movement sleep (REMS) and non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREMS) during SO periods increased initially relative to baseline and remained elevated for the rest of the CSR period. In contrast, NREMS EEG delta power (a measure of sleep intensity) increased initially, but then declined gradually, in parallel with increases in high-frequency power in the NREMS EEG. The amplitude of daily rhythms in NREMS and REMS amounts was maintained during SO periods, whereas that of NREMS delta power was reduced. Compensatory responses during the 2-day post-CSR recovery period were either modest or negative and gated by time of day. NREMS, REMS, and EEG delta power lost during CSR were not recovered by the end of the second recovery day. Thus the “3/1” CSR protocol triggered both homeostatic responses (increased sleep amounts and intensity during SOs) and allostatic responses (gradual decline in sleep intensity during SOs and muted or negative post-CSR sleep recovery), and both responses were modulated by time of day.
Role of mitochondria in paricalcitol-mediated cytoprotection during obstructive nephropathy
Authors: García Isabel Mercedes , Altamirano Liliana , Mazzei Luciana , Fornés Miguel , Molina Marisa Nile , Ferder León , Manucha Walter
Published: April 2012

Vitamin D slows the progression of chronic kidney disease. Furthermore, activators of vitamin D receptors (VDR) have suppressant effects on the renin-angiotensin system, as well as anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic actions. This study aimed to evaluate the cytoprotective effects of paricalcitol, a VDR activator, at the mitochondrial level using an obstructive nephropathy model [unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)]. Rats subjected to UUO and controls were treated daily with vehicle or paricalcitol. The control group underwent a sham surgery. The treatment was done for 15 days (30 ng/kg). The following were determined: biochemical parameters; fibrosis; apoptosis; mitochondrial morphology; VDR, AT1receptor, and NADPH oxidase 4 expression; and NADPH oxidase activity (in total and in mitochondrial fractions from the renal cortex). VDR activation prevented fibrosis (20 ± 5 vs. 60 ± 10%) and the number of TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells (10 ± 3 vs. 25 ± 4) in UUO. Biochemical, histological, and molecular studies suggest mitochondrial injury. Electron microscopy revealed in UUO electronically luminous material in the nucleus. Some mitochondria were increased in size and contained dilated crests and larger than normal spaces in their interiors. These changes were not present with paricalcitol treatment. Additionally, high AT1-receptor mRNA and NADPH activity was reverted in mitochondrial fractions from obstructed paricalcitol-treated animals (0.58 ± 0.06 vs. 0.95 ± 0.05 relative densitometry units and 9,000 ± 800 vs. 15,000 ± 1,000 relative fluorescence units·μg protein−1·min−1, respectively). These changes were consistent with an improvement in VDR expression (0.75 ± 0.05 vs. 0.35 ± 0.04 relative densitometry units). These results suggest that paricalcitol confers a protective effect and reveal, as well, a possible AT1receptor-dependent protective effect that occurs at the mitochondrial level.
Genetic Rat Models of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Welchko Ryan M. , Lévêque Xavier T. , Dunbar Gary L.
Published: April 2012

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by a specific loss of dopaminergic neurons. Although the vast majority of PD cases are idiopathic in nature, there is a subset that contains genetic links. Of the genes that have been linked to PD, α-synuclein and leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 have been used to develop transgenic rat models of the disease. In this paper we focused on the various transgenic rat models of PD in terms of their ability to mimic key symptoms of PD in a progressive manner. In general, we found that most of these models provided useful tools for the early stages of PD, but the development of new transgenic rats that present significant neuropathologic and motoric deficits in a progressive manner that more accurately mimics PD is needed.
Atherosclerosis: An Integrative East-West Medicine Perspective
Authors: Xu Hao , Shi Dazhuo , Chen Keji
Published: April 2012

Recent understanding of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease has shifted the focus from lumen stenosis to vulnerable plaque, from lipid deposit to inflammatory reaction, and from vulnerable plaque to vulnerable patient. This has led to a new direction of treatment consisting of intervening the inflammatory reaction, stabilizing the vulnerable plaque, inhibiting thrombosis after plaque rupture, and treating the vulnerable patient instead of treating lumen stenosis. This seems to mirror the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) focus on prevention and on the vulnerable patient with treatment matched to the pattern dysfunction and dysregulation using the Chinese herbal medicine multitargeted approach. Given the convergence of both the East and the West conceptualization of atherosclerosis, it is hopeful that the integrative East-West approach will facilitate early detection and more effective treatment of the vulnerable patients with coronary heart disease.
Properties of Carry Value Transformation
Authors: Pal Suryakanta , Sahoo Sudhakar , Nayak Birendra Kumar
Published: April 2012

Carry Value Transformation (CVT) is a model of discrete deterministic dynamical system. In the present study, it has been proved that (1) the sum of any two nonnegative integers is the same as the sum of their CVT and XOR values. (2) the number of iterations leading to eitherCVT=0orXOR=0does not exceed the maximum of the lengths of the two addenda expressed as binary strings. A similar process of addition of modified Carry Value Transformation (MCVT) and XOR requires a maximum of two iterations for MCVT to be zero. (3) an equivalence relation is shown to exist onZ×Zwhich divides the CV table into disjoint equivalence classes.
Optical Properties of Polyvinyl Alcohol Films Modified with Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Agabekov Vladimir , Ivanova Nadezhda , Dlugunovich Viacheslav , Vostchula Igor
Published: April 2012

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films modified with Ag nanoparticles and orientated by single‐axial tension do not possess dichroism at light passing as well as the film that is cross‐linked under the action of bichromates and UV light. These films are double‐ray refracting and behave themselves as phase plates that transform linearly polarized incident radiation to elliptically polarized one. The film of latter type has optical properties of reflective diffuse polarizer with polarizing ability ~0.8 in the range of observation angles from 20° to 80°.
Statistical Comparison of Classifiers Applied to the Interferential Tear Film Lipid Layer Automatic Classification
Authors: Remeseiro B. , Penas M. , Mosquera A. , Novo J. , Penedo M. G. , Yebra-Pimentel E.
Published: April 2012

The tear film lipid layer is heterogeneous among the population. Its classification depends on its thickness and can be done using the interference pattern categories proposed by Guillon. The interference phenomena can be characterised as a colour texture pattern, which can be automatically classified into one of these categories. From a photography of the eye, a region of interest is detected and its low-level features are extracted, generating a feature vector that describes it, to be finally classified in one of the target categories. This paper presents an exhaustive study about the problem at hand using different texture analysis methods in three colour spaces and different machine learning algorithms. All these methods and classifiers have been tested on a dataset composed of 105 images from healthy subjects and the results have been statistically analysed. As a result, the manual process done by experts can be automated with the benefits of being faster and unaffected by subjective factors, with maximum accuracy over 95%.
An Alternative HSS Preconditioner for the Unsteady Incompressible Navier‐Stokes Equations in Rotation Form
Authors: Liu Jia
Published: April 2012

We study the preconditioned iterative method for the unsteady Navier‐Stokes equations. The rotation form of the Oseen system is considered. We apply an efficient preconditioner
which is derived from the Hermitian/Skew‐Hermitian preconditioner to the Krylov subspace‐iterative method. Numerical experiments show the robustness of the preconditioned iterative methods with respect to the mesh size, Reynolds numbers, time step, and algorithm parameters. The
preconditioner is efficient and easy to apply for the unsteady Oseen problems in rotation form.
The Effect of Freezing Temperatures onMicrodochium majusandM. nivaleSeedling Blight of Winter Wheat
Authors: Haigh Ian M. , Hare Martin C.
Published: April 2012

Exposure to pre-emergent freezing temperatures significantly delayed the rate of seedling emergence (P<0.05) from an infected and a non-infected winter wheat cv. Equinox seed lot, but significant effects for timing of freezing and duration of freezing on final emergence were only seen for theMicrodochium-infested seed lot. Freezing temperatures of−5∘C at post-emergence caused most disease on emerged seedlings. Duration of freezing (12 hours or 24 hours) had little effect on disease index but exposure to pre-emergent freezing for 24 hours significantly delayed rate of seedling emergence and reduced final emergence from the infected seed lot. In plate experiments, the calculated base temperature for growth ofM. nivaleandM. majuswas−6.3∘C and−2.2∘C, respectively. These are the first set of experiments to demonstrate the effects of pre-emergent and post-emergent freezing on the severity ofMicrodochiumseedling blight.
Dental Aspect of Distal Tubular Renal Acidosis with Genu Valgum Secondary to Rickets: A Case Report
Authors: Bahadure Rakesh N. , Thosar Nilima , Kriplani Ritika , Baliga Sudhindra , Fulzele Punit
Published: April 2012

Distal renal tubular acidosis is a disease that occurs when the kidneys do not remove acid properly into the urine, leaving the blood too acidic (called acidosis). Distal renal tubular acidosis (type I RTA) is caused by a defect in the kidney tubes that causes acid to build up in the bloodstream. It ultimately results rickets which include chronic skeletal pain, in skeletal deformities, skeletal fractures. Rickets is among the most frequent childhood diseases in many developing countries. Dental problems in rickets include delayed eruption of permanent teeth, premature fall of deciduous teeth, defects in structure of teeth, enamel defects in permanent teeth (hypoplastic), pulp defects, intraglobular dentine, and caries tooth. Herewith, reported a case of distal tubular renal acidosis with genu valgum secondary to rickets, with pain and extraoral swelling associated with right and left mandibular 1st permanent molars. Teeth were infected with pulp without being involved with caries. Radiographically cracks in enamel and dentin were observed. Pulp revascularization with 46 and root canal treatment was done for 36 with followup of 1 year.
Synthesis and Characterization of Nickel-Alumina Composites from Recycled Nickel Powder
Authors: Karayannis V. G. , Moutsatsou A. K.
Published: April 2012

The recycling of metallic waste to create more valuable materials and their valorization into upgraded metal-based composites constitutes an important field of study. The composite industry nowadays considers environmental improvements as important as other properties of the materials. In the present paper, nickel powder was recycled from ferrous scrap, a low-cost and largely available material, by an effective hydrometallurgical recovery process. Then, this recycled powder was successfully used along with particulateα-alumina to prepare oblong nickel-based composite specimens with ceramic reinforcement loadings ranging from 0 to 30 wt.% by applying powder processing manufacturing techniques including cold isostatic pressing (CIP) and sintering. The microstructures obtained were characterized, the specimens were subjected to three-point bend tests, and their fracture behaviour was evaluated. By increasing the % ceramic reinforcement content, density clearly decreases while strengthening is achieved, thus leading to development of lightweight and enhanced oblong nickel-alumina composites. The composite microstructure, and particularly the metal-ceramic interface bonding, has a strong impact on fracture behaviour upon external loading.
Existence of Positive Periodic Solutions for a Nonautonomous Generalized Predator‐Prey System with Time Delay in Two‐Patch Environment
Authors: Wang Huilan , Zhang Zhengqiu , Zhou Weiping
Published: April 2012

By using continuation theorem of coincidence degree theory, sufficient conditions of the existence of positive periodic solutions are obtained for a generalized predator‐prey system with diffusion and delays. In this paper, we construct a V‐function to make the prior estimation for periodic solutions, which makes the discussion more concise. Moreover, to compute the mapping′s topological degree, a polynomial function matrix is constructed straightforwardly as a homotopic mapping for the generalized one, which improves the methods of computation on topological degree for a generalized mapping.
Full-Field and Single-Shot Full-Field Optical Coherence Tomography: A Novel Technique for Biomedical Imaging Applications
Authors: Subhash Hrebesh Molly
Published: April 2012

Since its introduction, optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology has advanced dramatically in various field of both clinical and fundamental research. Full-field and Single-shot full-field OCT (FF-OCT and SS-FF-OCT) are alternative OCT concepts, which aims to improve the image acquisition speed and to simplify the optical setup of conventional point-scan OCT by realizing direct line field or full-field sample imaging onto an array or line detector such as CCD or CMOS camera. FF-OCT and SS-FF-OCT are based on bulk optics Linnik-type Michelson interferometer with relatively high numerical aperture (NA) microscopic objectives. This paper will give you an overview of the principle of various types of FF-OCT and SS-FF-OCT techniques and its associated system design concept and image reconstruction algorithms.
Werner State Structure and Entanglement Classification
Authors: Lyons David W. , Skelton Abigail M. , Walck Scott N.
Published: April 2012

We present applications of the representation theory of Lie groups to the analysis of structure and local unitary classification of Werner states, sometimes called thedecoherence-freestates, which are states ofnquantum bits left unchanged by local transformations that are the same on each particle. We introduce a multiqubit generalization of the singlet state and a construction that assembles these qubits into Werner states.
Pharmacokinetics of Hyperthermic Intrathoracic Chemotherapy following Pleurectomy and Decortication
Authors: Sugarbaker Paul H. , Stuart O. Anthony , Eger Christopher
Published: April 2012

In patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei or peritoneal mesothelioma, direct extension of disease through the hemidiaphragm may result in an isolated progression of tumor within the pleural space. We monitored the intrapleural and plasma levels of mitomycin C and doxorubicin by HPLC assay in order to determine the pharmacokinetic behavior of this intracavitary use of chemotherapy. Our results showed a persistent high concentration of intrapleural drug as compared to plasma concentrations. The increased exposure for mitomycin C was 96, and the increased exposure for doxorubicin was 241. When the clearance of chemotherapy from the thoracic cavity was compared to clearance from the abdomen and pelvis, there was a considerably more rapid clearance from the abdomen as compared to the thorax. The pharmacologic study of intrapleural chemotherapy in these patients provides a strong pharmacologic rationale for regional chemotherapy in this group of patients.
Energy Efficient MAC Protocol for Low-Energy Critical Infrastructure Monitoring Networks Using Wakeup Radio
Authors: Ullah Niamat , Chowdhury M. Sanaullah , Al Ameen Mosaddique , Kwak Kyung Sup
Published: April 2012

Critical infrastructure monitoring applications are rapidly increasing. Application requirements include reliable data transfer, energy efficiency, and long deployment lifetime. These applications must also be able to operate in an extremely low-cost communication environment in order to be attractive to potential users. A low rate wireless personal area network can help control and manage the operations of such applications. In this paper, we present a medium access control (MAC) protocol for low-energy critical infrastructure monitoring (LECIM) applications. The proposed MAC protocol is based on a framed slotted aloha multiple access schemes. For downlink communication, we use a wakeup radio approach to avoid complex bookkeeping associated with the traditional MAC protocols. Analytical expressions for power consumption and delay are derived to analyze and compare the performance of our proposed protocol with the existing well-known T-MAC, B-MAC, X-MAC, ZigBee, and WiseMAC protocols. It is shown that our proposed protocol outperforms all the other protocols in terms of power consumption and delay.
Analyses of the OSU-MASLWR Experimental Test Facility
Authors: Mascari F. , Vella G. , Woods B. G. , D'Auria F.
Published: April 2012

Today, considering the sustainability of the nuclear technology in the energy mix policy of developing and developed countries, the international community starts the development of new advanced reactor designs. In this framework, Oregon State University (OSU) has constructed, a system level test facility to examine natural circulation phenomena of importance to multi-application small light water reactor (MASLWR) design, a small modular pressurized water reactor (PWR), relying on natural circulation during both steady-state and transient operation. The target of this paper is to give a review of the main characteristics of the experimental facility, to analyse the main phenomena characterizing the tests already performed, the potential transients that could be investigated in the facility, and to describe the current IAEA International Collaborative Standard Problem that is being hosted at OSU and the experimental data will be collected at the OSU-MASLWR test facility. A summary of the best estimate thermal hydraulic system code analyses, already performed, to analyze the codes capability in predicting the phenomena typical of the MASLWR prototype, thermal hydraulically characterized in the OSU-MASLWR facility, is presented as well.
Health Implications of High Dietary Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
Authors: Patterson E. , Wall R. , Fitzgerald G. F. , Ross R. P. , Stanton C.
Published: April 2012

Omega-6 (n-6) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (e.g., arachidonic acid (AA)) and omega-3 (n-3) PUFA (e.g., eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)) are precursors to potent lipid mediator signalling molecules, termed “eicosanoids,” which have important roles in the regulation of inflammation. In general, eicosanoids derived from n-6 PUFA are proinflammatory while eicosanoids derived from n-3 PUFA are anti-inflammatory. Dietary changes over the past few decades in the intake of n-6 and n-3 PUFA show striking increases in the (n-6) to (n-3) ratio (~15 : 1), which are associated with greater metabolism of the n-6 PUFA compared with n-3 PUFA. Coinciding with this increase in the ratio of (n-6) : (n-3) PUFA are increases in chronic inflammatory diseases such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cardiovascular disease, obesity, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rheumatoid arthritis, and Alzheimer's disease (AD). By increasing the ratio of (n-3) : (n-6) PUFA in the Western diet, reductions may be achieved in the incidence of these chronic inflammatory diseases.
Nonlinear Damping Identification in Nonlinear Dynamic System Based on Stochastic Inverse Approach
Authors: Han S. L. , Kinoshita Takeshi
Published: April 2012

The nonlinear model is crucial to prepare, supervise, and analyze mechanical system. In this paper, a new nonparametric and output‐only identification procedure for nonlinear damping is studied. By introducing the concept of the stochastic state space, we formulate a stochastic inverse problem for a nonlinear damping. The solution of the stochastic inverse problem is designed as probabilistic expression via the hierarchical Bayesian formulation by considering various uncertainties such as the information insufficiency in parameter of interests or errors in measurement. The probability space is estimated using Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC). The applicability of the proposed method is demonstrated through numerical experiment and particular application to a realistic problem related to ship roll motion.
Nonlinear Electrical Circuit Oscillator Control Based on Backstepping Method: A Genetic Algorithm Approach
Authors: Khoeiniha Mahsa , Zarabadipour Hasan , Fakharian Ahmad
Published: April 2012

This paper investigated study of dynamics of nonlinear electrical circuit by means of modern nonlinear techniques and the control of a class of chaotic system by using backstepping method based on Lyapunov function. The behavior of such nonlinear system when they are under the influence of external sinusoidal disturbances with unknown amplitudes has been considered. The objective is to analyze the performance of this system at different amplitudes of disturbances. We illustrate the proposed approach for controlling duffing oscillator problem to stabilize this system at the equilibrium point. Also Genetic Algorithm method (GA) for computing the parameters of controller has been used. GA can be successfully applied to achieve a better controller. Simulation results have shown the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Reproductive Biology, Mating Behavior, and Vibratory Communication of the Brown-Winged Stink Bug,Edessa meditabunda(Fabr.) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: Silva Cleonor Cavalcante A. , Laumann Raul Alberto , Ferreira Jonatas Barbosa Cavalcante , Moraes Maria Carolina Blassioli , Borges Miguel , Čokl Andrej
Published: April 2012

We describe different aspects of the reproductive biology, mating behavior, and vibratory communication of the pentatomidEdessa meditabunda(Fabr.). This species shows lower copulation frequency and reproductive potential with longer sexual maturation period compared to other species of pentatomids. Females with multiple mating show increased fecundity when compared with single-mated females and both increased fecundity and reduced longevity when compared with virgin females. Courtship and mating behavior and vibratory signals are typical and similar to what was observed in other species of pentatomids, except that males started the courtship. These results constitute the first paper on biology, behavior, and vibratory communication among species of the subfamily Edessinae.
Taxonomic Studies on the GenusAthesapeuta(Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Baridinae) from India with Description of Three New Species
Authors: Ramesha B. , Ramamurthy V. V.
Published: April 2012

Six species of genusAthesapeutaFaust (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Baridinae) from India and the adjacent countries are included, of which three new species, namleymeghalayensissp. nov.,richardisp. nov., andspinulatussp. nov., are described. An annotated checklist of known species along with their synonymy and distribution is given. Descriptions are supplemented with details of genitalia and elytral vestiture; a key to the species studied is provided.
Maternal Predictors of Newborn Somatometrics
Authors: Kapoor Satwanti , Bhasin Prerna , Dhall Meenal , Verma Deepali , Gupta Shilpi , Tungdim Mary Grace
Published: April 2012

The objective of the study was to ascertain the influence of various maternal factors like age, BMI, anthropometry, parity, and so forth on body dimensions of newborn and to discover determinants of neonatal subcutaneous fat distribution pattern. 94 Khatri and Arora new borns along with their biological mothers hailing from upper/middle socioeconomic status families were selected against several criteria: only liveborn, healthy full term babies (37–41 gestational weeks), singletons, born through vaginal delivery and for whom all data were available, for the study. Numerous biometric variables were chosen for this study: weight, stature (for mothers), birth length (for neonates), circumferences (head, chest, abdomen, hip, upper arm, and wrist), and skinfolds at different sites (biceps, triceps, subscapular, suprailiac, chest, thigh anterior, and calf posterior) along with newborn’s birth weight. All LBW infants were found to be significantly associated with maternal nutritional status and age, when controlled for other factors. Chances of having an LBW infant varies with mother’s nutritional status as determined by BMI and MUAC. Fat profiling has genetic implications because fat tracking patterns have shown that, irrespective of maternal nutritional status and age, most neonate skinfolds are guided by mother’s skinfold thicknesses. We conclude that early teenage pregnancies should be discouraged so as to reduce the incidence of LBW and larger ethnic-specific studies should be taken to find determinants of subcutaneous fat pattern in neonates.
Different Stability-Indicating Chromatographic Techniques for the Determination of Netobimin
Authors: Ramadan Nesrin K. , Mohamed Afaf O. , Shawky Sara E. , Salem Maissa Y.
Published: April 2012

Two simple, accurate, and sensitive methods were developed for the determination of netobimin in the presence of its degradation product. Method (A) was an HPLC method, performed on C18 column using acetonitrile/methanol/0.01 M potassium dihydrogen phosphate (56 : 14 : 30 by volume) as a mobile phase with a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min. Detection was performed at 254 nm. Method (B) was a TLC method, using silica gel 60 F254plates; the optimized mobile phase was toluene/methanol/chloroform/ammonium hydroxide (5 : 4 : 6 : 0.1 by volume). The spots were scanned densitometrically at 346 nm. Linearity ranges were 1–10 μg/mL for method (A) and 0.5–5 μg/band for method (B), and the mean percentage recoveries were99.3±0.7% and99.7±0.7% for methods (A) and (B), respectively. The proposed methods were found to be specific for netobimin in the presence of up to 90% of its degradation product. Statistical comparison between the results obtained by these methods and the manufacturer method was done, and no significance difference was obtained.
Inability to Ventilate after Tube Exchange Postoperative to Pneumonectomy
Authors: Verstraeten S. E. , van Straten A. H. M. , Korsten H. H. M. , Weber E. W. G. , Wielders P. L. M. L. , Berreklouw E.
Published: April 2012

We report a case of inability to ventilate a patient after completion of pneumonectomy, due to migrated tumor tissue to the contralateral side. This represents an unusual complication with a high mortality rate. We have managed to find the cause in time and were able to remove the obstructive tissue using bronchoscopy.
Lack of Correlation of WAIS Digit Span with Clox 1 and the Dementia Rating Scale in MCI
Authors: Lortie Jevin Jay , Remington Ruth , Hoffmann Heather , Shea Thomas B.
Published: April 2012

Individuals with MCI declined in performance over 6 months in the Clock-drawing (Clox 1) and the WAIS Digit Span tests, but not in the Dementia Rating Scale (DRS). Individual performance on Clox 1 and Digit Span did not correlate after 6 months. Performance on the Digit Span Test also did not correlate with the DRS, but performance on Clox 1 correlated with the DRS. Performance in Clox 1 was, therefore, not a predictor of performance in the Digit Span Test. These findings support the use of a test battery containing the Digit Span test to detect and track cognitive decline in MCI.
Nearly Derivations on Banach Algebras
Authors: Gordji M. Eshaghi , Khodaei H. , Kim G. H.
Published: April 2012

Let n be a fixed integer greater than 3 and let λ be a real number with λ ≠ (n2 − n + 4)/2. We investigate the Hyers‐Ulam stability of derivations on Banach algebras related to the following generalized Cauchy functional inequality .
Complex Wavenumber Rossby Wave Ray Tracing
Authors: Shaman Jeffrey , Samelson R. M. , Tziperman Eli
Published: April 2012

This paper presents a methodology for performing complex wavenumber ray tracing in which both wave trajectory and amplitude are calculated. This ray-tracing framework is first derived using a scaling in which the imaginary wavenumber component is assumed to be much smaller than the real wavenumber component. The approach, based on perturbation methods, is strictly valid when this scaling condition is met. The framework is then used to trace stationary barotropic Rossby waves in a number of settings. First, ray-traced Rossby wave amplitude is validated in a simple, idealized system for which exact solutions can be calculated. Complex wavenumber ray tracing is then applied to both solid-body rotation on a sphere and observed climatological upper-tropospheric fields. These ray-tracing solutions are compared with similarly forced solutions of the linearized barotropic vorticity equation (LBVE). Both real and complex wavenumber ray tracings follow trajectories matched by LBVE solutions. Complex wavenumber ray tracings on observed two-dimensional zonally asymmetric atmospheric fields are found to follow trajectories distinct from real wavenumber Rossby waves. For example, complex wavenumber ray tracings initiated over the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean during boreal summer propagate northward and northeastward into the subtropics over the Atlantic Ocean, as well as southeastward into the Southern Hemisphere. Similarly initiated real wavenumber ray tracings remain within the deep tropics and propagate westward. These complex wavenumber Rossby wave trajectories and ray amplitudes are generally consistent with LBVE solutions, which indicates this methodology can identify Rossby wave effects distinct from traditional real wavenumber tracings.
Bulk Convergence of Cloud-Resolving Simulations of Moist Convection over Complex Terrain
Authors: Langhans Wolfgang , Schmidli Juerg , Schär Christoph
Published: April 2012

The explicit treatment of moist convection in cloud-resolving models with kilometer-scale horizontal resolution is increasingly used for atmospheric research and numerical weather prediction purposes. However, several previous studies have implicitly questioned the physical validity of this approach, as the accurate representation of the structure and evolution of moist convective phenomena requires considerably higher resolution. Unlike these studies, which focused on single convective systems, here the convergence of bulk properties of an ensemble of moist convective cells in kilometer-scale simulations is considered.

To address the convergence, the authors focus on the bulk net heating and moistening in a large control volume, the associated vertical fluxes, and the diurnal evolution of regionally averaged precipitation. Besides numerical convergence, “physical” convergence (Reynolds number increases with resolution) is addressed for two conceptually different subgrid-mixing approaches (1D mesoscale and 3D LES). Simulations are conducted for a 9-day period of diurnal summer convection over the Alps, using a large computational domain with grid spacings of 4.4, 2.2, 1.1, and 0.55 km and grid-independent topography.

Results show that for the model and episode considered, the simulated bulk properties and vertical fluxes converge numerically toward the 0.55-km solution. In terms of bulk effects, differences between the simulations are surprisingly small, even within the physical convergence framework that exhibits a sensitivity of the small-scale dynamics and ensuing convective structures to the horizontal resolution. Despite some sensitivities related to the applied turbulence closure, the results support the feasibility of kilometer-scale models to appropriately represent the bulk feedbacks between moist convection and the larger-scale flow.
An Object-Based Approach to Assessing the Organization of Tropical Convection
Authors: Dias Juliana , Tulich Stefan N. , Kiladis George N.
Published: April 2012

The organization of tropical convection is assessed through an object-based analysis of satellite brightness temperature data Tb, a proxy for convective activity. The analysis involves the detection of contiguous cloud regions (CCRs) in the three-dimensional space of latitude, longitude, and time where Tb falls below a given threshold. A range of thresholds is considered and only CCRs that satisfy a minimum size constraint are retained in the analysis. Various statistical properties of CCRs are documented including their zonal speed of propagation, which is estimated using a Radon transformation technique. Consistent with previous studies, a majority of CCRs are found to propagate westward, typically at speeds of around 15 m s−1, regardless of underlying Tb threshold. Most of these zonally propagating CCRs have lifetimes less than 2 days and zonal widths less than 800 km, implying aggregation of just a few individual mesoscale convective systems. This object-based perspective is somewhat different than that obtained in previous Fourier-based analyses, which primarily emphasize the organization of convection on synoptic and planetary scales via wave–convection coupling. To reconcile these contrasting views, an object-based data reconstruction is developed that objectively demonstrates how the spectral peaks of synoptic- to planetary-scale waves can be attributed to the organization of CCRs into larger-scale wave envelopes. A novel method based on the randomization of CCRs in physical space leads to an empirical background spectrum for organized tropical convection that does not rely on any smoothing in spectral space. Normalization by this background reveals spectral peaks associated with synoptic- and planetary-scale waves that are consistent with previous studies.
Things Change
Authors: Pollock Wendi
Published: April 2012

From demographics, to technology, to attitudes, the U.S. population has changes since the 1970s. Over the past 40 years, policing has also changed to include more individuals who are female and non-White. Despite all of the changes, no study has yet been conducted to determine whether predictors of police contact, including factors such as race and gender, are consistent over time. The current study used multilevel Bernoulli models and logistic regression to examine two generations of respondents from the National Youth Survey Family Study. Results indicate some consistency in predictors of police contact between the two generations, with two notable exceptions: gender and socioeconomic status. Implications for police policy and practice are discussed.
Parental choice of infant feeding behaviours in South West Sydney: A preliminary investigation
Authors: Arora A , Gay M , Thirukumar D
Published: April 2012

Objective: The purpose of this study was to test a research instrument that could possibly be used for longitudinal research on infant feeding and to report on the preliminary results from the data collected.

Design: Mixed methods approach – cross-sectional survey and qualitative research.

Setting: Mother–infant dyads in South West Sydney, Australia.

Methods: Mother–infant dyads ( n=211) were recruited (response rate – 88%) within six weeks post-partum by Child and Family Health Nurses in Sydney South West. The parents were subsequently followed up by telephone interview when the child was four months or older. Cross-sectional data on infant feeding practices such as breast-feeding, formula feeding and introduction of solids and other fluids, bio-medical factors and socio-demographic data were recorded.

Results: Of the 211 who agreed to participate, 187 were able to be followed up post-partum. The telephone questionnaire was not found to be intrusive and interviewers had no problems collecting data. Only 33% of mothers ( n=62) were found to be exclusively breastfeeding at four months post-partum. Higher maternal education was significantly associated with exclusive breastfeeding at four months. Maternal education, maternal country of birth, maternal age, gestational age and maternal antibiotic use post-partum were independent predictors of introduction of fluids. Female infants and residing in a rural/remote area were noted to be independent predictors of introduction of solid food at four months.

Conclusions: The questionnaire was acceptable to parents and useful data was collected for future longitudinal studies in childhood nutrition and dental health. Given the substantial evidence on the benefits of breastfeeding and later introduction of complementary feeds, health promotion interventions should be targeted at the specific ‘at-risk’ families.
Studies at the interface of child language and models of language acquisition
Authors: Thornton Rosalind
Published: April 2012

This commentary on this special issue underscores the importance of experimental design, suggesting that less than optimal methodology can lead to errors on the part of children (and adults) that are sometimes interpreted as stemming from other sources, including processing limitations or problems with an ‘interface.’ Methodological remarks aside, the syntax–discourse interface stands out as problematic and the source of much debate about transfer between languages, yet to be resolved. Many of the articles in this issue make clear, however, that children’s hypotheses about language frequently fail to reflect the input and can be seen as reflecting options made available by Universal Grammar.
Women’s union activism and trade union revitalization: The Polish experience
Authors: Mrozowicki Adam , Trawińska Marta
Published: April 2012

This article discusses the role of grassroots women’s activism for trade union revitalization in the new capitalist economies in Eastern Europe by examining the case of Poland. The analysis of 23 expert interviews with trade union leaders and 48 biographical interviews with company-level women unionists in private manufacturing and in the public sector suggests that women’s efforts to reclaim control over their occupational lives create a grassroots potential to revitalize trade unions. However, these positive developments are constrained by cultural and organizational factors which limit women’s full access to decision-making bodies in the largest Polish trade union confederations.