bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of a stress management program to enhance perimenopausal women's ability to cope with stress
Authors: Iioka Yukiko , Komatsu Hiroko
Published: August 2014

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness of a stress management program to enhance the ability to cope with stress in perimenopausal women.

Methods

In this quasi‐experimental design, a stress management program was provided to an experimental group (n = 55), while a control group (n = 42) was given an informational pamphlet. The stress management program included a short lecture, group discussion, and hands‐on training in 2 h sessions once a week for 3 weeks. Participants were recruited through a public announcement. Data were collected before and after the intervention, and 1 month following the intervention. The ability to cope with stress was the primary outcome, while psychological well‐being and relief of symptoms were the secondary outcomes. The primary purpose of this program is to enhance the ability to cope with stress. Therefore, the aspects of knowledge, coping flexibility, and manageability were measured in the resultant ability to cope with stress.

Results

Compared to the control group, knowledge in the experimental group improved positively as the primary outcome (P < 0.01). Changes in coping flexibility were demonstrated within the experimental group (P < 0.05). A comparison between groups for the secondary outcome of psychological well‐being showed that personal growth (P < 0.05) and happiness (P < 0.01) significantly improved in the experimental group. In addition, the secondary outcome of relief of symptoms indicated not improved.

Conclusion

Results suggest that the stress management program has the potential to boost perimenopausal women's ability to cope with stress and improve their psychological well‐being.
Nursing educators' perceptions about disaster preparedness and response in Istanbul and Miyazaki
Authors: Öztekin Seher Deniz , Larson Eric Edwin , Altun Uğraş Gülay , Yüksel Serpil , Savaşer Sevim
Published: August 2014

Aim

As healthcare professionals, nursing educators need to be prepared to manage and deliver care in what are often dangerous conditions. This research aims to determine and compare nursing educators' perceptions of disaster preparedness and response (DP&R) in Istanbul and Miyazaki.

Methods

An 18 question descriptive questionnaire was used.

Results

One hundred and forty‐four nursing educators representing two state university nursing schools in Istanbul, Turkey, and one state and two private universities in Miyazaki, Japan were enrolled. Educators had an average age of 40 years and had been educators for 1–15 years. Just over half of the participants had basic knowledge regarding DP&R with most of them considering taking special courses in the future. The majority considered “caregiver” as a role they could undertake in a disaster situation. The existence of major concerns and conflicts in disaster responses were low. The top ranked item was in the area of conflict between family and job responsibilities. Age and academic levels showed significant differences in basic knowledge on DP&R. Regardless of knowledge in this subject area, no statistical significance on personal preparedness or being a volunteer to disaster events was found.

Conclusion

Nursing educators were not thinking about what kinds of disasters occur in the areas where they currently teach and were underprepared to deal with disaster situations. To improve the perceptions of the nursing educators on DP&R, mass casualty care and disaster management skills need to be incorporated into formal education and training on disaster preparedness and workplace preparedness.
An Unexpected Etiology of Priapism: Infection-Related Anti-Protein S Antibodies
Authors: Boissier Elodie , Durant Cécile , Vildy Sophie , Glemain Pascal , Lakhal Karim , Graveleau Julie , Masseau Agathe , Fouassier Marc
Published: August 2014

Introduction

In adolescents, the occurrence of priapism is commonly related to sickle cell disease and rarely to other causes. We hereby report a case of priapism due to an acquired protein S (PS) deficiency.

Aim

The aim of this study was to describe a young man who developed a priapism with a thrombosis of the corpora cavernosa associated with an anti-PS antibody (anti-PS Ab).

Methods

One week after the onset of an influenza-like illness, a young male developed multiple extensive venous thromboses including a thrombosis of the corpora cavernosa causing painful partial priapism. These thromboses along with purpuric lesions with necrotic vesicles of the feet skin were linked to an acquired PS deficiency due to an anti-PS Ab. The optimal treatment of anti-PS Ab-associated thrombosis is debated but we chose to initiate (i) heparin; (ii) corticosteroids; and (iii) plasmapheresis.

Results

Even if priapism lasted more than 4 days, a full recovery of erectile function was observed within 3 months. As compared with priapism due to sickle cell disease, which is commonly associated with definitive erectile dysfunction, this favorable outcome is noteworthy. The skin healing was complete only 6 months later.

Conclusion

Acquired PS deficiency complicating an infectious disease is a rare, life-threatening condition, associated with substantial morbidity related to amputations of limbs or digits. This is the first report of priapism due to acquired PS deficiency.
Markers of Angiogenesis Associated with Surgical Attenuation of Congenital Portosystemic Shunts in Dogs
Authors: Tivers M.S. , House A.K. , Smith K.C. , Wheeler‐Jones C.P.D. , Lipscomb V.J.
Published: August 2014

Background

Dogs with congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS) have hypoplasia of the intrahepatic portal veins. Surgical CPSS attenuation results in the development of the intrahepatic portal vasculature, the precise mechanism for which is unknown, although new vessel formation by angiogenesis is suspected.

Hypothesis

That the degree of portal vascular development and the increase in portal vascularization after CPSS attenuation is significantly associated with hepatic vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) gene expression and serum VEGF concentration.

Animals

Client‐owned dogs with CPSS undergoing surgical treatment. Forty‐nine dogs were included in the gene expression data and 35 in the serum VEGF data.

Materials and Methods

Dogs surgically treated by partial or complete CPSS attenuation were prospectively recruited. Relative gene expression of VEGF and VEGFR2 was measured in liver biopsy samples taken at initial and follow‐up surgery using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Serum VEGF concentration was measured before and after CPSS attenuation using a canine specific ELISA. Statistical significance was set at the 5% level (P ≤ .05).

Results

There was a significant increase in the mRNA expression of VEGFR2 after partial attenuation (P = .006). Dogs that could tolerate complete attenuation had significantly greater VEGFR2 mRNA expression than those that only tolerated partial attenuation (P = .037). Serum VEGF concentration was significantly increased at 24 (P < .001) and 48 (P = .003) hours after attenuation.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

These findings suggest that intrahepatic angiogenesis is likely to occur after the surgical attenuation of CPSS in dogs, and contributes to the development of the intrahepatic vasculature postoperatively.
Quantifying multimodal trait distributions improves trait‐based predictions of species abundances and functional diversity
Authors: Laughlin Daniel C. , Joshi Chaitanya , Richardson Sarah J. , Peltzer Duane A. , Mason Norman W.H. , Wardle David A.
Published: August 2014

Question

Niche differentiation results in functionally diverse communities that are often composed of dominant species with contrasting trait values. However, many predictive trait‐based models that emphasize environmental filtering have implicitly assumed that traits exhibit unimodal distributions among individuals within communities centred on an optimal trait value. Does accounting for more complex, multimodal trait distributions among individuals in a community improve predictions of species abundances and functional diversity along environmental gradients?

Location

Franz Josef soil chronosequence, central Westland, New Zealand.

Methods

Leaf nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations from 23 woody plant species were modelled as functions of soil total N and P from eight sites of declining soil P. We compared predictions to observations of species abundances and functional diversity along the soil chronosequence using two modelling approaches: (i) the standard application of the hierarchical Bayesian Traitspace model that assumes unimodally distributed traits at each point along the gradient, and (ii) a modified application of the model that accounts for multimodal trait distributions within each community.

Results

Soil P was the strongest predictor of traits and species abundances. The strength of the environmental filter of leaf traits changed along this gradient, as evidenced by highly constrained variances and low modality of the trait distribution at low soil P, and high variance and multimodality at high soil P. Both modelling approaches predicted species abundances that were significantly correlated with observations, but the multimodal approach significantly improved predictions of species abundances and functional diversity.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that predictive models that emphasize environmental filtering over niche differentiation by assuming unimodal trait distributions can be more parsimonious than more complex approaches, especially when predicting species abundances along strong environmental gradients. However, models need to account for trait multimodality if they are to accurately replicate spatial patterns in functional diversity. This is important since functional diversity may be a key predictor of ecosystem function and resilience to global change.
There's no place like home? An exploration of the mechanisms behind plant litter–decomposer affinity in terrestrial ecosystems
Authors: Austin Amy T. , Vivanco Lucía , González‐Arzac Adelia , Pérez Luis I.
Published: August 2014

Litter decomposition in terrestrial ecosystems is an important first step for carbon and nutrient cycling, as senescent plant material is degraded and consequently incorporated, along with microbial products, into soil organic matter. The identification of litter affinity effects, whereby decomposition is accelerated in its home environment (home‐field advantage,HFA), highlights the importance of plant–soil interactions that have consequences for biogeochemical cycling. While not universal, these affinity effects have been identified in a range of ecosystems, particularly in forests without disturbance. The optimization of the local decomposer community to degrade a particular combination of litter traits is the most oft‐cited explanation forHFAeffects, but the ways in which this specialized community can develop are only beginning to be understood. We explore ways in whichHFA, or more broadly litter affinity effects, could arise in terrestrial ecosystems. Plant–herbivore interactions, microbial symbiosis, legacies from phyllosphere communities and attractors of specific soil fauna could contribute to spatially defined affinity effects for litter decomposition. Pyrosequencing soil communities and functional linkages of soil fauna provide great promise in advancing our mechanistic understanding of these interactions, and could lead to a greater appreciation of the role of litter–decomposer affinity in the maintenance of soil functional diversity.
Differential inheritance of pepper (Capsicum annuum) fruit pigments results in black to violet fruit colour
Authors: Stommel John R. , Pushko Marija , Haynes Kathleen G. , Whitaker Bruce D.
Published: August 2014

Colour is a critical determinant of fruit and vegetable quality. We characterized the inheritance of black and violet immature pepper fruit colour and chlorophyll, carotenoid and anthocyanin pigments responsible for fruit colour. Segregation for black vs. violet fruit colour deviated from expectations for simple inheritance. The primary determinant of fruit colour was the concentration of chlorophyll and carotenoid pigments relative to anthocyanin concentration. Whereas anthocyanin concentration was 34% greater in violet fruit, chlorophyll and carotenoid concentrations were 20‐fold and fourfold greater, respectively, in black fruit relative to concentrations found in violet fruit. Measurement of Commission Internationale d'Eclairage (CIE) colour space scores revealed larger a* values and smaller b* values for violet fruit relative to corresponding parameters for black fruit. An additive–dominance model was sufficient to explain the variation in individual fruit pigments as well as the CIE parameter a*. Addition of additive × additive effects to the additive–dominance model resulted in the best‐fit model m[d][h][i] for L* and b* colour space parameters. For all pigment classes, significant additive effects contributed to the genetic variance for fruit colour.
Immune response of γδT cells in Schistosome japonicum–infected C57BL/6 mouse liver
Authors: Xie H. , Chen D. , Li L. , Yu X. , Wu C. , Gu H. , Tang X. , Peng A. , Huang J.
Published: August 2014

Systematic evaluation of the role of γδT cells during the Schistosoma japonicum infection has not been reported, despite the fact that γδT cells contribute to many infectious diseases in innate immunity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to observe the properties of γδT cells in the liver of C57BL/6 mice infected by S. japonicum. In this report, using immuno‐fluorescent histological analysis, γδT cells were found around hepatic granulomatous. Moreover, the flow cytometry results revealed that the percentage of hepatic γδT cells increased significantly after S. japonicum infection. More interestingly, a subset of CD3−γδTCR+ cells were found and markedly increased after infection. Furthermore, expression of activation markers (CD25 and CD69) and cytokine profiles were detected in these hepatic CD3+γδTCR+and CD3−γδTCR+ cells. The significantly higher level of CD69, IL‐4 and IL‐17 were observed in CD3+γδTCR+ cells after infection, suggesting that CD3+γδTCR+ cells instead of CD3−γδTCR+ cells might play a predominant role during the infection. Finally, our results indicated that the expression of NKG2D on CD3+γδTCR+ cells was higher than that on CD3−γδTCR+ cells. Collectively, γδT cells could play an important role in the liver of C57BL/6 mouse during japonicum infection.
Flow ofBotrytis cinereainoculum between lettuce crop and soil
Authors: Leyronas C. , Duffaud M. , Parès L. , Jeannequin B. , Nicot P. C.
Published: August 2014

Botrytis cinereacauses grey mould, a disease common on many economically important crops. Although much attention is paid to the airborne inoculum of this fungus, as it sporulates abundantly in favourable conditions, knowledge on the abundance and genetic characteristics of soilborne inoculum could help improve control strategies. In this study, the soilborne inoculum ofB. cinereawas quantified in two greenhouses at different times before and after the cultivation of four successive lettuce crops. Between 0 and 1177 colony‐forming units (CFU) ofB. cinereaper gram of soil were recorded. There was no significant correlation between abundance of soilborne inoculum and subsequent disease incidence on lettuce (P = 0·11). Sixty‐five isolates collected from diseased plants and 66 isolates collected from the soil were investigated for their genetic diversity. The soil strains showed lower genetic diversity than the lettuce strains when considering the unbiased gene diversity within the nine microsatellite loci, the mean number of alleles per locus and the haplotypic diversity. The genetic differentiation between lettuce and soil strains decreased over three successive lettuce crops. At the same time, the genetic structure of the two groups of strains tended to become similar. These results are consistent with the hypothesis of a flow of inoculum between the lettuce crop and the soil, and vice versa. The study shows that grey mould management should pay more attention to the inoculum ofB. cinereapresent in the soil.
Jasmonate‐induced biosynthesis of andrographolide in Andrographis paniculata
Authors: Sharma Shiv Narayan , Jha Zenu , Sinha Rakesh Kumar , Geda Arvind Kumar
Published: August 2014

Andrographolide is a prominent secondary metabolite found in Andrographis paniculata that exhibits enormous pharmacological effects. In spite of immense value, the normal biosynthesis of andrographolide results in low amount of the metabolite. To induce the biosynthesis of andrographolide, we attempted elicitor‐induced activation of andrographolide biosynthesis in cell cultures of A. paniculata. This was carried out by using methyl jasmonate (MeJA) as an elicitor. Among the various concentrations of MeJA tested at different time periods, 5 µM MeJA yielded 5.25 times more andrographolide content after 24 h of treatment. The accumulation of andrographolide was correlated with the expression level of known regulatory genes (hmgs, hmgr, dxs, dxr, isph and ggps) of mevalonic acid (MVA) and 2‐C‐methyl‐d‐erythritol‐4‐phosphate (MEP) pathways. These results established the involvement of MeJA in andrographolide biosynthesis by inducing the transcription of its biosynthetic pathways genes. The coordination of isph, ggps and hmgs expression highly influenced the andrographolide biosynthesis.
A Cox‐Aalen Model for Interval‐censored Data
Authors: Boruvka Audrey , Cook Richard J.
Published: August 2014

The Cox‐Aalen model, obtained by replacing the baseline hazard function in the well‐known Cox model with a covariate‐dependent Aalen model, allows for both fixed and dynamic covariate effects. In this paper, we examine maximum likelihood estimation for a Cox‐Aalen model based on interval‐censored failure times with fixed covariates. The resulting estimator globally converges to the truth slower than the parametric rate, but its finite‐dimensional component is asymptotically efficient. Numerical studies show that estimation via a constrained Newton method performs well in terms of both finite sample properties and processing time for moderate‐to‐large samples with few covariates. We conclude with an application of the proposed methods to assess risk factors for disease progression in psoriatic arthritis.
The Effect of an Eroded Leading Edge on the Aerodynamic Performance of a Transonic Fan Blade Cascade
Authors: Hergt Alexander , Klinner J. , Steinert W. , Grund S. , Beversdorff M. , Giebmanns A. , Schnell R.
Published: August 2014

Especially at transonic flow conditions the leading edge shape influences the performance of a fan profile. At the same time the leading edge of a fan profile is highly affected by erosion during operation. This erosion leads to a deformation of the leading edge shape and a reduction of the chord length. In the present experimental and numerical study, the aerodynamic performance of an original fan profile geometry is compared to an eroded fan profile with a blunt leading edge (BLE) and a chord length reduced by about 1%. The experiments are performed at a linear fan blade cascade in the Transonic Cascade Wind Tunnel of DLR in Cologne. The inflow Mach number during the tests is 1.25 and the Reynolds number 1.5 × 106. All tests are carried out at a low inflow turbulence level of 0.8%. The results of the investigation show that losses are increased over the whole operating range of the cascade. At the aerodynamic design point (ADP) the losses raise by 25%. This significant loss increase can be traced back to the increase of the shock losses at the leading edge. The change in shock structure is investigated and described in detail by means of particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements and Schlieren imaging. Additionally, the unsteady fluctuation of the shock position is measured by a high-speed shadowgraphy. Then the frequency range of the fluctuation is obtained by a Fourier analysis of the time resolved shock position. Furthermore, liquid crystal measurements are performed in order to analyze the influence of the leading edge shape on the development of the suction side boundary layer. The results show that for the original fan blade the transition occurs at the shock position on the blade suction side by a separation bubble whereas the transition onset is shifted upstream for the fan blade with the BLE.
Improved Draft Genome Sequence of Clostridium pasteurianum Strain ATCC 6013 (DSM 525) Using a Hybrid Next-Generation Sequencing Approach
Authors: Pyne Michael E. , Utturkar Sagar , Brown Steven D. , Moo-Young Murray , Chung Duane A. , Chou C. Perry
Published: August 2014

We present an improved draft genome sequence for
Clostridium pasteurianum
strain ATCC 6013 (DSM 525), the type strain of the species and an important solventogenic bacterium with industrial potential. Availability of a near-complete genome sequence will enable strain engineering of this promising bacterium.
Disciplined doctors: Does the sex of a doctor matter? A cross-sectional study examining the association between a doctor's sex and receiving sanctions against their medical registration
Authors: Unwin Emily , Woolf Katherine , Wadlow Clare , Dacre Jane
Published: August 2014

Objectives

To examine the association between doctors’ sex and receiving sanctions on their medical registration, while controlling for other potentially confounding variables.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

The General Medical Council (GMC)'s List of Registered Medical Practitioners (LRMP) database of doctors practising in the UK.

Population

All doctors on the GMC's LRMP on 29 May 2013. The database included all doctors who are or have been registered to practise medicine in the UK since October 2005. The exposure of interest was doctor's sex. Confounding variables included years since primary medical qualification, world region of primary medical qualification and specialty.

Outcome measures

Sanctions on a doctor's medical registration. Sanction types included warnings, undertakings, conditions, suspension or erasure from the register. Binary logistic regression modelling, controlling for confounders, described the association between the doctor's sex and sanctions on a doctor's medical registration.

Results

Of the 329 542 doctors on the LRMP, 2697 (0.8%) had sanctions against their registration, 516 (19.1%) of whom were female. In the fully adjusted model, female doctors had nearly a third of the odds (OR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.33 to 0.41) of having sanctions compared to male doctors. There was evidence that the association varies with specialty, with female doctors who had specialised as general practitioners being the least likely to receive sanctions compared with their male colleagues (OR: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.22 to 0.31).

Conclusions

Female doctors have reduced odds of receiving sanctions on their medical registration when compared with their male colleagues. This association remained after adjustment for the confounding factors. These results are representative of all doctors registered to practise in the UK. Further exploration of why doctors’ sex may impact their professional performance is underway.
The systems approach to medicine: controversy and misconceptions
Authors: Dekker Sidney W A , Leveson Nancy G
Published: August 2014

The ‘systems approach’ to patient safety in healthcare has recently led to questions about its ethics and practical utility. In this viewpoint, we clarify the systems approach by examining two popular misunderstandings of it: (1) the systematisation and standardisation of practice, which reduces actor autonomy; (2) an approach that seeks explanations for success and failure outside of individual people. We argue that both giving people a procedure to follow and blaming the system when things go wrong misconstrue the systems approach.
Efficacy of cilostazol on platelet reactivity and cardiovascular outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: insights from a meta-analysis of randomised trials
Authors: Bangalore Sripal , Singh Amita , Toklu Bora , DiNicolantonio James J , Croce Kevin , Feit Frederick , Bhatt Deepak L
Published: August 2014

Background

Cilostazol overcomes high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR) and reduces adverse cardiovascular (CV) outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, the role for triple antiplatelet therapy (TAPT) with cilostazol in addition to aspirin and clopidogrel after PCI is not well defined.

Methods

We conducted a MEDLINE/EMBASE/CENTRAL search for randomised trials, until May 2014, evaluating TAPT compared with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) of aspirin and clopidogrel alone in patients undergoing PCI and reporting platelet reactivity and/or CV outcomes. The primary platelet reactivity outcome was differences in platelet reactivity unit (PRU) with secondary outcomes of %platelet inhibition and rate of HTPR. The primary CV outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), with secondary outcomes of death, cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis (ST), target lesion revascularisation (TLR) and target vessel revascularisation (TVR) as well as safety outcomes of bleeding and drug discontinuations.

Results

In 17 trials that evaluated platelet reactivity outcomes, the mean PRU value was 47.73 units lower with TAPT versus DAPT (95% CI −61.41 to −34.04, p<0.0001; mean PRU 182.90 vs 232.65). TAPT also increased platelet inhibition by 12.71% (95% CI 10.76 to 14.67, p<0.0001), and led to a 60% reduction in the risk of HTPR (relative risk=0.40; 95% CI 0.30 to 0.53) compared with DAPT. Moreover, among the 34 trials that evaluated CV outcomes, TAPT reduced the risk of MACE (incident rate ratio (IRR)=0.68; 95% CI 0.60 to 0.78), TLR (IRR=0.57; 95% CI 0.44 to 0.73), TVR (IRR=0.69; 95% CI 0.59 to 0.81) and ST (IRR=0.63; 95% CI 0.40 to 0.98) with no difference for other outcomes including bleeding, even in trials using drug-eluting stents. Drug discontinuation due to adverse effects was, however, higher with TAPT vs DAPT (IRR=1.59; 95% CI 1.32 to 1.91).

Conclusions

In patients undergoing PCI, addition of cilostazol to DAPT results in decreased platelet reactivity and a significant reduction in CV outcomes including ST, even in the drug-eluting stent era.
YAO'S MILLIONAIRES' PROBLEM AND DECOY-BASED PUBLIC KEY ENCRYPTION BY CLASSICAL PHYSICS
Authors: GRIGORIEV DIMA , SHPILRAIN VLADIMIR
Published: August 2014

We use various laws of classical physics to offer several solutions of Yao's millionaires' problem without using any one-way functions. We also describe several informationally secure public key encryption protocols, i.e., protocols secure against passive computationally unbounded adversary. This introduces a new paradigm of decoy-based cryptography, as opposed to “traditional” complexity-based cryptography. In particular, our protocols do not employ any one-way functions.
Statistic properties and cascading failures in a coupled transit network consisting of bus and subway systems
Authors: Yang Yang , Huang Ailing , Guan Wei
Published: August 2014

A coupled network model consisting of bus and subway systems is proposed, and the statistic properties of the three networks: bus, subway and coupled networks of Beijing are studied with the theory of complex network. The result shows that the three networks have typical properties of small-world. We propose three parameters to depict the coupled network, they are: the coupled parameter β the influence parameter S and the node tolerance parameter γ. We use the binary influence model to simulate a feedback process and cascading failure in the coupled network and we obtain the conclusions: (1) The cascading size grows with β; (2) The cascading size grows with S, but it has a critical point; (3) The cascading size grows with the decrease of γ, when γ≤0.3, the cascading failure will extent to the whole network.
SECURITY OF COLOR IMAGE DATA DESIGNED BY PUBLIC-KEY CRYPTOSYSTEM ASSOCIATED WITH 2D-DWT
Authors: MISHRA D. C. , SHARMA R. K. , KUMAR MANISH , KUMAR KULDEEP
Published: August 2014

In present times the security of image data is a major issue. So, we have proposed a novel technique for security of color image data by public-key cryptosystem or asymmetric cryptosystem. In this technique, we have developed security of color image data using RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman) cryptosystem with two-dimensional discrete wavelet transform (2D-DWT). Earlier proposed schemes for security of color images designed on the basis of keys, but this approach provides security of color images with the help of keys and correct arrangement of RSA parameters. If the attacker knows about exact keys, but has no information of exact arrangement of RSA parameters, then the original information cannot be recovered from the encrypted data. Computer simulation based on standard example is critically examining the behavior of the proposed technique. Security analysis and a detailed comparison between earlier developed schemes for security of color images and proposed technique are also mentioned for the robustness of the cryptosystem.
MICRO AND MACRO FRACTALS GENERATED BY MULTI-VALUED DYNAMICAL SYSTEMS
Authors: BANAKH T. , NOVOSAD N.
Published: August 2014

Given a multi-valued function Φ : X ⊸ X on a topological space X we study the properties of its fixed fractal[Formula: see text], which is defined as the closure of the orbit Φω(*Φ) = ⋃n∈ωΦn(*Φ) of the set *Φ = {x ∈ X : x ∈ Φ(x)} of fixed points of Φ. A special attention is paid to the duality between micro-fractals and macro-fractals, which are fixed fractals [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for a contracting compact-valued function Φ : X ⊸ X on a complete metric space X. With help of algorithms (described in this paper) we generate various images of macro-fractals which are dual to some well-known micro-fractals like the fractal cross, the Sierpiński triangle, Sierpiński carpet, the Koch curve, or the fractal snowflakes. The obtained images show that macro-fractals have a large-scale fractal structure, which becomes clearly visible after a suitable zooming.
Comparison of Fundamental Frequency and Sweep Resistance of Different Wire Loops Using Finite Element Model
Authors: Chen Yun , Wang Fuliang
Published: August 2014

Wire loop resistance is critical for microelectronic packaging because it directly influences the reliability of the product. Proposed herein is an effective method for predicting the resistance of a wire loop. A finite element (FE) model is developed for verifying the method. The wire geometry is modeled based on actual wire profiles captured with a high-speed camera. Based on this model, the effects of wire properties, residual stresses, loop shape and loop type on the wire loop resistance are studied. Simulations demonstrated that the shape of the loop could dramatically alter the wire loop resistance. On the other hand, the wire properties, residual stresses and loop type mildly affect the wire loop resistance. The standard loop is the more resistant loop than the N and M loops. By using a large and hard wire, moderately tensioning the wire loop and reducing the loop span, height and number of kinks, one can improve the wire loop resistance. This study should provide useful insights into loop design for modern microelectronic packaging.
An Investigation on Multi-Buoy Inversion Method for Tsunami Warning System in South China Sea
Authors: Ren Zhi-Yuan , Liu Hua , Wang Ben-Long , Zhao Xi
Published: August 2014

The key technologies for the development of tsunami warning system include the establishment of tsunami database and inversion method for evaluating source parameters of earthquake by monitored wave data. A tsunami model based on the shallow water equations is adopted to simulate the 2011 Tohoku tsunami to validate the numerical model of generation and propagation of tsunami. The numerical results match well with measured data by DART buoys in terms of the wave height and the arrival time of the tsunami. For the potential earthquake source in the Manila Trench, the numerical model is used to compute the elementary wave fields triggered by unit sources of potential tsunami source with unit slip. Using the tsunami database derived by the elementary wave fields, an inversion method for plate slip based on multi-buoy measurements is applied to compute the time series of surface elevation at the given locations around the coasts in the South China Sea region. Through numerical simulations and multi-buoy inversion computation, the inversed time series of wave profile induced by earthquakes with the magnitudes Mw= 8.0, 8.5, 8.8, 9.35 are obtained. The comparisons of the inversion results and direct simulation data show good agreement. It turns out that, the multi-buoy inversion method works well and, according to the numerical results, deploying one or two buoys along the west side of the Manila Trench is necessary to provide tsunami warning information for the west coasts in the South China Sea. It is suggested that we should deploy one buoy between the south part of Taiwan and the north end of the Manila Trench subduction zone so that we could obtain a good predicted wave height at the south part of Taiwan by the multi-buoy inversion method.
近代潮汕侨批的历史记忆与乡村社会
Authors: 陈海忠
Published: August 2014

本文通过对陈四合批局的批脚陈顺荣老人进行两次深入访谈，结合档案、族谱等相关背景资料，厘清陈四合批局运作的基本脉络，凸显批局在侨乡与海外华人社会之间的媒介作用。我们认为批脚的经历及其所见，呈现了与侨批档案相互补充的另一种集体记忆形式，本身就是一部侨批的历史，是地方乡村社会的历史印记，是观察中西交汇下中国基层乡村社会生态的窗口.
海外华侨华人专业社团的新特点与新作用
Authors: 王辉耀  , 苗绿
Published: August 2014

随着中国人才流动加速，海外华侨华人专业社团进入蓬勃发展时期，出现了行业多元化、人才储备库等新特点。专业社团充当了中外政治、商业、科技、文化等交流合作的平台，还凝聚了大批掌握一定技术、财富或取得一定社会地位的华裔专业人士，从而对于中国企业的“走出去”与“国际化”、经济转型、产业结构优化升级，具有特别重要的意义。
THERMODYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF SINGLE- AND DOUBLE-EFFECT ABSORPTION REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS FOR COOLING ETHANOL FERMENTATION PROCESS
Authors: DE ARAÚJO HUGO VALENÇA , D'ANGELO JOSÉ VICENTE HALLAK
Published: August 2014

Alcoholic fermentation is one of the most important stages in industrial ethanol production process, involving a biochemical and exothermic reaction. Sometimes cooling towers are not capable of supplying a cold utility with a temperature low enough to maintain the fermentative medium temperature in a desirable range. Absorption Refrigeration Systems (ARS) appears to be a good alternative to obtain the necessary refrigeration for the fermentation process. The aim of the present paper was to carry out a thermodynamic analysis of ARS, evaluating their performance through the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics. ARS with different configurations were studied (single-effect and double-effect with series, parallel and reverse parallel flows), all of them operating with water/lithium bromide mixture as working pair, under different operating conditions in order to satisfy the cooling load required by an industrial alcoholic fermentation process. Another objective of this paper was to investigate the risk of LiBr crystallization, which can result in scaling formation, with the aid of the solid–liquid phase equilibrium curve of H 2 O / LiBr mixture. Among the double-effect configurations studied, it was observed that series flow presents the more significant crystallization risk, which represents a limit to improve its First and Second Law performances. It was verified that the Second Law performance for the single-and double-effect ARS analyzed are similar, but their First Law performance are considerably different. This is due to the amount and quality of the heat consumed in the first effect generators of these systems. For a base case studied, First Law performance measured by coefficient of performance (COP) of double-effect ARS is 72% greater than the one for single-effect, while for Second Law performance, measured by exergetic efficiency, an increase of 5% was observed.
Ultralow frequency dielectric dispersion in PZT + PFS ferroelectric ceramic
Authors: Osak Andrzej
Published: August 2014

The depolarization decaying currents were measured for the PZT compound with morphotropic composition modified by the Fe 1/3 Sb 2/3 cations, i.e., Pb [( Fe 1/3 Sb 2/3)x Ti y Zr z] O 3 with x + y + z = 1, x = 0.1, y = 0.44 (morphotropic boundary) and y = 0.47. The measurements were performed at room temperature and a few temperatures above (up to 473 K), as well as at a few lower temperatures (down to 77 K). The samples were poling at fields 0.02 kV/cm and 0.2 kV/cm at higher and lower temperatures, respectively. In the high temperature range, the time dependence depolarization current follows the fractional power law with two different exponents (n < 1 and m > 1), while in the low temperature range with a single exponent (n). The appropriate procedure has been used to transform the results obtained in the time domain into the frequency domain in order to calculate real and imaginary parts of the dielectric permittivity in the frequency range 5 × 10-5-0.1 Hz. The possible dielectric relaxation mechanisms have been discussed.
Systematics of water isotopic composition and chlorine content in arc-volcanic gases
Authors: Taran Yuri , Zelenski Mikhail
Published: August 2014

In this review paper a set of chemical (H
2
O, CO
2
, S, HCl, HF) and water isotopic (δD, δ
18
O) data is compiled for 26 subduction zone volcanoes and 3 volcanoes of other tectonic settings. To the arc-volcano dataset we added new data on high-temperature gas vents from three Kamchatkan volcanoes (Gorely, Bezymianny and Tolbachik) and also published data on the chemical composition of volcanic plumes obtained by remote instrumental techniques (Open-Path Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (OP-FTIR), Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) MultiGas) for volcanoes of different tectonic settings. Three typical cases of the persistent volcanic degassing in terms of δD, δ
18
O of the volcanic vapour and its HCl content are discussed in detail: (1) Kudryavy type with a clear two-end-member mixing behaviour; (2) degassing of active or cooling lava domes with fractionation of both water isotopes and Cl content; and (3) degassing of small volcanic islands with a complex admixing of meteorics and seawater. We show that independently of the complexity of the shallow processes which affect volcano degassing, the highest temperature volcanic gases are characterized by δD values and HCl concentrations close to −25‰ V-SMOW and 0.5–1.0 mol%, respectively. These values are the same for any volcanic arc (except maybe Mediterranean volcanoes) and are the result of seawater recycling at subduction zones on the global scale. In contrast to volcanic fluids of non-arc settings, the arc-magmatic fluid has uniformity not only in water isotopic composition and Cl content but also in the total composition (H–C–O–S–Cl–F).
Corporate Pension Plans
Authors: Cocco João F.
Published: August 2014

This article reviews the rich and vast literature on defined-benefit (DB) corporate pension plans. The analysis of how firms react to the taxation and regulation of pension plans and to the guarantees provided by the government has allowed researchers to test alternative corporate finance theories, including risk-shifting and risk management. The difficulty in measuring the value of pension liabilities has motivated the study of whether such liabilities are reflected in the cost of capital and in the value of sponsoring firms. The study of the sponsoring firms’ reaction to mandatory pension contribution has provided evidence on financing constraints and on the free-cash-flow hypothesis. Pension plan terminations and freezes have shed light on the nature of the employment contract between the firm and workers.
Regional Ocean Data Assimilation
Authors: Edwards Christopher A. , Moore Andrew M. , Hoteit Ibrahim , Cornuelle Bruce D.
Published: August 2014

This article reviews the past 15 years of developments in regional ocean data assimilation. A variety of scientific, management, and safety-related objectives motivate marine scientists to characterize many ocean environments, including coastal regions. As in weather prediction, the accurate representation of physical, chemical, and/or biological properties in the ocean is challenging. Models and observations alone provide imperfect representations of the ocean state, but together they can offer improved estimates. Variational and sequential methods are among the most widely used in regional ocean systems, and there have been exciting recent advances in ensemble and four-dimensional variational approaches. These techniques are increasingly being tested and adapted for biogeochemical applications.
Effects of acute glucocorticoid blockade on metabolic dysfunction in patients with Type 2 diabetes with and without fatty liver
Authors: Macfarlane D. P. , Raubenheimer P. J. , Preston T. , Gray C. D. , Bastin M. E. , Marshall I. , Iredale J. P. , Andrew R. , Walker B. R.
Published: August 2014

To investigate the potential of therapies which reduce glucocorticoid action in patients with Type 2 diabetes we performed a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover study of acute glucocorticoid blockade, using the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU38486 (mifepristone) and cortisol biosynthesis inhibitor (metyrapone), in 14 men with Type 2 diabetes. Stable isotope dilution methodologies were used to measure the rates of appearance of glucose, glycerol, and free fatty acids (FFAs), including during a low-dose (10 mU·m −2·min−1) hyperinsulinemic clamp, and subgroup analysis was conducted in patients with high or low liver fat content measured by magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( n = 7/group). Glucocorticoid blockade lowered fasting glucose and insulin levels and improved insulin sensitivity of FFA and glycerol turnover and hepatic glucose production. Among this population with Type 2 diabetes high liver fat was associated with hyperinsulinemia, higher fasting glucose levels, peripheral and hepatic insulin resistance, and impaired suppression of FFA oxidation and FFA and glycerol turnover during hyperinsulinemia. Glucocorticoid blockade had similar effects in those with and without high liver fat. Longer term treatments targeting glucocorticoid action may be useful in Type 2 diabetes with and without fatty liver.
Tendon protein synthesis rate in classic Ehlers-Danlos patients can be stimulated with insulin-like growth factor-I
Authors: Nielsen Rie Harboe , Holm Lars , Jensen Jacob Kildevang , Heinemeier Katja Maria , Remvig Lars , Kjaer Michael
Published: August 2014

The classic form of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (cEDS) is an inherited connective tissue disorder, where mutations in type V collagen-encoding genes result in abnormal collagen fibrils. Thus the cEDS patients have pathological connective tissue morphology and low stiffness, but the rate of connective tissue protein turnover is unknown. We investigated whether cEDS affected the protein synthesis rate in skin and tendon, and whether this could be stimulated in tendon tissue with insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). Five patients with cEDS and 10 healthy, matched controls (CTRL) were included. One patellar tendon of each participant was injected with 0.1 ml IGF-I (Increlex, Ipsen, 10 mg/ml) and the contralateral tendon with 0.1 ml isotonic saline as control. The injections were performed at both 24 and 6 h prior to tissue sampling. The fractional synthesis rate (FSR) of proteins in skin and tendon was measured with the stable isotope technique using a flood-primed continuous infusion over 6 h. After the infusion one skin biopsy and two tendon biopsies (one from each patellar tendon) were obtained. We found similar baseline FSR values in skin and tendon in the cEDS patients and controls [skin: 0.005 ± 0.002 (cEDS) and 0.007 ± 0.002 (CTRL); tendon: 0.008 ± 0.001 (cEDS) and 0.009 ± 0.002 (CTRL) %/h, mean ± SE]. IGF-I injections significantly increased FSR values in cEDS patients but not in controls (delta values: cEDS 0.007 ± 0.002, CTRL 0.001 ± 0.001%/h). In conclusion, baseline protein synthesis rates in connective tissue appeared normal in cEDS patients, and the patients responded with an increased tendon protein synthesis rate to IGF-I injections.
Intermittent hypoxia and diet-induced obesity: effects on oxidative status, sympathetic tone, plasma glucose and insulin levels, and arterial pressure
Authors: Olea Elena , Agapito Maria Teresa , Gallego-Martin Teresa , Rocher Asuncion , Gomez-Niño Angela , Obeso Ana , Gonzalez Constancio , Yubero Sara
Published: August 2014

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) consists of sleep-related repetitive obstructions of upper airways that generate episodes of recurrent or intermittent hypoxia (IH). OSA commonly generates cardiovascular and metabolic pathologies defining the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Literature usually links OSA-associated pathologies to IH episodes that would cause an oxidative status and a carotid body-mediated sympathetic hyperactivity. Because cardiovascular and metabolic pathologies in obese patients and those with OSAS are analogous, we used models (24-wk-old Wistar rats) of IH (applied from weeks 22 to 24) and diet-induced obesity (O; animals fed a high-fat diet from weeks 12 to 24) to define the effect of each individual maneuver and their combination on the oxidative status and sympathetic tone of animals, and to quantify cardiovascular and metabolic parameters and their deviation from normality. We found that IH and O cause an oxidative status (increased lipid peroxides and diminished activities of superoxide dismutases), an inflammatory status (augmented C-reactive protein and nuclear factor kappa-B activation), and sympathetic hyperactivity (augmented plasma and renal artery catecholamine levels and synthesis rate); combined treatments worsened those alterations. IH and O augmented liver lipid content and plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, leptin, glycemia, insulin levels, and HOMA index, and caused hypertension; most of these parameters were aggravated when IH and O were combined. IH diminished ventilatory response to hypoxia, and hypercapnia and O created a restrictive ventilatory pattern; a combination of treatments led to restrictive hypoventilation. Data demonstrate that IH and O cause comparable metabolic and cardiovascular pathologies via misregulation of the redox status and sympathetic hyperactivity.
Technical and physiological determinants of airway smooth muscle mass in endobronchial biopsy samples of asthmatic horses
Authors: Bullone Michela , Chevigny Mylène , Allano Marion , Martin James G. , Lavoie Jean-Pierre
Published: August 2014

Morphometric analyses of endobronchial biopsies are commonly performed in asthma research but little is known about the technical and physiological parameters contributing to measurement variability. We investigated factors potentially affecting biopsy size, quality, and airway smooth muscle (ASM) content in heaves, an asthma-like disease of horses. Horses with heaves in clinical exacerbation ( n = 6) or remission ( n = 6) from the disease and six controls were studied using a crossover design. The effect of disease status, age, bronchodilation, biopsy forceps type, and carina size on total biopsy area (Atot), ASM area (AASM), ASM% (AASM/Atot), and histologic quality were assessed. Concordance among different measuring techniques was also assessed. Compared with other groups, horses with heaves in exacerbation yielded larger biopsies ( P < 0.05). Better quality biopsies were obtained from carinae of small size compared with large ones ( P = 0.02), and carina size and forceps type significantly affected the ASM content of the biopsy (interaction, P < 0.05). AASM increased with age only in heaves-affected horses ( r = 0.9, P < 0.05), and ASM% was negatively correlated with pulmonary resistance at 5 Hz in heaves-affected horses ( r = −0.74, P = 0.01), likely because of the increased thickness of the extracellular matrix layer in this group ( P = 0.01). In conclusion, disease status, carina thickness, and the forceps used may significantly affect biopsy size, quality, and ASM content. Endobronchial biopsies are not appropriate samples for ASM quantification in heaves, and studies measuring ASM mass should not be compared when measuring techniques differ.