bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COLD STANDBY REDUNDANCY ALLOCATION IN A MULTI-LEVEL SERIES SYSTEM BY MEMETIC ALGORITHM
Authors: POURDARVISH AHMAD , RAMEZANI ZAHRA
Published: May 2013

Reliability improvement problems have much importance in various engineering systems. Real-world engineering systems contain multiple levels. So, a redundancy allocation problem (RAP) is an efficient method to improve the reliability. Different from existing approaches that consider either hot or cold standby redundancy for a component, our approach considers a multi-level cold standby redundancy allocation problem (MLCSRAP). In other words, MLCSRAP is considered for the module and component levels, simultaneously. The units are duplicated by cold standby redundant units. An optimization solution methodology based on a customized memetic algorithm (MA) is presented for obtaining the optimal reliability of configuration multi-level series. The optimal multi-level redundancy allocation provides the improved reliability and lower life cycle cost. The proposed multi-level cold standby redundancy is compared with a multi-level active redundancy. Also, we allocate the cold standby redundancy at all levels using hierarchical genetic algorithm and compare two algorithms together. Finally, the numerical example illustrates how the theoretical results obtained in this paper can be applied.
CHARACTERIZATION OF A HETEROSTRUCTURE TiO2/SnO2:F/SUBSTRATE WITH TWO DIFFERENT GEOMETRIES, PREPARED BY SPRAY PYROLYSIS TO BE USED AS PHOTOCATALYST
Authors: VELÁZQUEZ-CRUZ E. I. , ANAYA-CASTILLEJOS K. M. , MARTÍNEZ-MARTÍNEZ R. , SOTO-GUZMÁN A. B. , FALCONY C.
Published: May 2013

Two TiO 2/ SnO 2: F /substrate hetero-structures (HS) with different geometry were deposited by spray pyrolysis. The thickness for the TiO 2 and SnO 2: F films was 3.8 μm and 2.3 μm, and the band gap energy 3.3 eV and 3.6 eV, respectively. Both films have a transmittance greater than 70% in most of the visible spectrum. The electrical resistivity of the SnO 2: F film was ρ = (1.7)×10-4Ω ⋅ cm. The surface morphology of the TiO 2 film shows hemispheric agglomerates formed by nano-metric needle/platy shaped particles that give them a porous texture much like a "ball of wool," the length of the needles is from 100 nm and its thickness close to 20 nm. The geometry of HS has an important influence on its efficiency as photocatalyst under low-powered UV radiation. One of the geometry for this HS, in which the TiO 2/ SnO 2: F interface is exposed, showed greater efficiency than the TiO 2 and SnO 2: F films separately, or than the common "sandwich" type HS geometry. Specifically, a decrease by 62% of the initial concentration of a watery solution of methylene blue (mb) of 20 ppm in approximately 5 h of UV radiation is observed for the exposed interface HS compared with less than 30% reduction observed for the common sandwich type HS.
PARABOLICITY OF SPACELIKE HYPERSURFACES IN GENERALIZED ROBERTSON–WALKER SPACETIMES: APPLICATIONS TO UNIQUENESS RESULTS
Authors: ROMERO A. , RUBIO R. M. , SALAMANCA J. J.
Published: May 2013

We study non-compact complete spacelike hypersurfaces in generalized Robertson–Walker spacetimes of arbitrary dimension whose fiber is parabolic. Under boundedness assumptions on the warping function restricted on a spacelike hypersurface and on the hyperbolic angle of the hypersurface, we prove that a complete spacelike hypersurface is parabolic if the Riemannian universal covering of the fiber is so. As an application of this new technique, several uniqueness results on complete maximal spacelike hypersurfaces are obtained. Also, the corresponding Calabi–Bernstein problems are solved.
Structural characterization of nitric oxide-bound soluble Guanylate Cyclase using resonance Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Pal Biswajit , Tanaka Katsuhiro , Takenaka Shigeo , Shaik Tajith B. , Kitagawa Teizo
Published: May 2013

Mammalian soluble Guanylate Cyclase (sGC), working as a physiological NO receptor, is investigated using resonance Raman spectroscopy for NO bound states with different saturation levels in the presence and absence of effectors. The Fe–NO (νFe–NO) and N–O (νN-O) stretching bands appeared at 521 and 1681 cm-1, respectively, without effectors, but νN-O was split into 1681 and 1699 cm-1 in the presence of GTP and shifted to 1687 cm-1 in the presence of YC-1 or BAY 41-2272, while νFe-NO remained unaltered. The split two νN-O bands were independent of NO saturation levels. GTP or YC-1/BAY 41-2272 altered the vinyl and propionate bending modes from 423 to 399 cm-1 and 376 to 367 cm-1, respectively. Based on these observations, allosteric effects on NO …protein interactions are discussed.
Nanoconfinement and the Strength of Biopolymers
Authors: Giesa Tristan , Buehler Markus J.
Published: May 2013

This review examines size effects observed in the mechanical strength of biopolymers that are organized in microstructures such as fibrils, layered composites, or particle nanocomposites. We review the most important aspects that connect nanoconfinement of basic material constituents at critical length scales to the mechanical performance of the entire material system: elastic modulus, strength, extensibility, and robustness. We outline theoretical and computational analysis as well as experimentation by emphasizing two strategies found in abundant natural materials: confined fibrils as part of fibers and confined mineral platelets that transfer load through a biopolymer interface in nanocomposites. We also discuss the application of confinement as a mechanism to tailor specific material properties in biological systems.
Enhanced insulin clearance in mice lacking TRPM8 channels
Authors: McCoy Daniel D. , Zhou Ligang , Nguyen Anh-Khoi , Watts Alan G. , Donovan Casey M. , McKemy David D.
Published: May 2013

Blood glucose concentration is tightly regulated by the rate of insulin secretion and clearance, a process partially controlled by sensory neurons serving as metabolic sensors in relevant tissues. The activity of these neurons is regulated by the products of metabolism which regulate transmitter release, and recent evidence suggests that neuronally expressed ion channels of the transient receptor potential (TRP) family function in this critical process. Here, we report the novel finding that the cold and menthol-gated channel TRPM8 is necessary for proper insulin homeostasis. Mice lacking TRPM8 respond normally to a glucose challenge while exhibiting prolonged hypoglycemia in response to insulin. Additionally, Trpm8 -/- mice have increased rates of insulin clearance compared with wild-type animals and increased expression of insulin-degrading enzyme in the liver. TRPM8 channels are not expressed in the liver, but TRPM8-expressing sensory afferents innervate the hepatic portal vein, suggesting a TRPM8-mediated neuronal control of liver insulin clearance. These results demonstrate that TRPM8 is a novel regulator of serum insulin and support the role of sensory innervation in metabolic homeostasis.
Primary motor cortical discharge during force field adaptation reflects muscle-like dynamics
Authors: Cherian Anil , Fernandes Hugo L. , Miller Lee E.
Published: May 2013

We often make reaching movements having similar trajectories within very different mechanical environments, for example, with and without an added load in the hand. Under these varying conditions, our kinematic intentions must be transformed into muscle commands that move the limbs. Primary motor cortex (M1) has been implicated in the neural mechanism that mediates this adaptation to new movement dynamics, but our recent experiments suggest otherwise. We have recorded from electrode arrays that were chronically implanted in M1 as monkeys made reaching movements under two different dynamic conditions: the movements were opposed by either a clockwise or counterclockwise velocity-dependent force field acting at the hand. Under these conditions, the preferred direction (PD) of neural discharge for nearly all neurons rotated in the direction of the applied field, as did those of proximal limb electromyograms (EMGs), although the median neural rotation was significantly smaller than that of muscles. For a given neuron, the rotation angle was very consistent, even across multiple sessions. Within the limits of measurement uncertainty, both the neural and EMG changes occurred nearly instantaneously, reaching a steady state despite ongoing behavioral adaptation. Our results suggest that M1 is not directly involved in the adaptive changes that occurred within an experimental session. Rather, most M1 neurons are directly related to the dynamics of muscle activation that themselves reflect the external load. It appears as though gain modulation, the differential recruitment of M1 neurons by higher motor areas, can account for the load and behavioral adaptation-related changes in M1 discharge.
Slow changes in Ca2+ cause prolonged release from GABAergic retinal amacrine cells
Authors: Eggers Erika D. , Klein Justin S. , Moore-Dotson Johnnie M.
Published: May 2013

The timing of neurotransmitter release from neurons can be modulated by many presynaptic mechanisms. The retina uses synaptic ribbons to mediate slow graded glutamate release from bipolar cells that carry photoreceptor inputs. However, many inhibitory amacrine cells, which modulate bipolar cell output, spike and do not have ribbons for graded release. Despite this, slow glutamate release from bipolar cells is modulated by slow GABAergic inputs that shorten the output of bipolar cells, changing the timing of visual signaling. The time course of light-evoked inhibition is slow due to a combination of receptor properties and prolonged neurotransmitter release. However, the light-evoked release of GABA requires activation of neurons upstream from the amacrine cells, so it is possible that prolonged release is due to slow amacrine cell activation, rather than slow inherent release properties of the amacrine cells. To test this idea, we directly activated primarily action potential-dependent amacrine cell inputs to bipolar cells with electrical stimulation. We found that the decay of GABAC receptor-mediated electrically evoked inhibitory currents was significantly longer than would be predicted by GABAC receptor kinetics, and GABA release, estimated by deconvolution analysis, was inherently slow. Release became more transient after increasing slow Ca2+ buffering or blocking prolonged L-type Ca2+ channels and Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. Our results suggest that GABAergic amacrine cells have a prolonged buildup of Ca2+ in their terminals that causes slow, asynchronous release. This could be a mechanism of matching the time course of amacrine cell inhibition to bipolar cell glutamate release.
An Impulsive Periodic Single-Species Logistic System with Diffusion
Authors: Yang Chenxue , Ye Mao , Liu Zijian
Published: May 2013

We study a single-species periodic logistic type dispersal system in a patchy environment with impulses. On the basis of inequality estimation technique, sufficient conditions of integrable form for the permanence and extinction of the system are obtained. By constructing an appropriate Lyapunov function, conditions for the existence of a unique globally attractively positive periodic solution are also established. Numerical examples are shown to verify the validity of our results and to further discuss the model.
Semistrict -Preinvexity and Optimality in Nonlinear Programming
Authors: Peng Z. Y. , Lin Z. , Li X. B.
Published: May 2013

A class of semistrictly -preinvex functions and optimality in nonlinear programming are further discussed. Firstly, the relationships between semistrictly -preinvex functions and -preinvex functions are further discussed. Then, two interesting properties of semistrictly -preinvexity are given. Finally, two optimality results for nonlinear programming problems are obtained under the assumption of semistrict -preinvexity. The obtained results are new and different from the corresponding ones in the literature. Some examples are given to illustrate our results.
Acute Oxalate Nephropathy Associated with Orlistat: A Case Report with a Review of the Literature
Authors: Chaudhari Dhara , Crisostomo Conchitina , Ganote Charles , Youngberg George
Published: May 2013

Orlistat is a gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor used for weight reduction in obese individuals. Enteric hyperoxaluria caused by orlistat leads to oxalate absorption. Acute oxalate nephropathy is a rare complication of treatment with orlistat. Herein we report a patient presenting with acute renal failure which improved minimal with intravenous hydration. She was found to have oxalate crystals on renal biopsy. Patient admitted orlistat use over the counter for weight reduction on further questioning. The purpose of this case review is to increase awareness among patients since they are more focused on losing weight. This case also calls for the provider attention to educate patients regarding side effects of orlistat because of easy availability of orlistat over the counter.
On the Period-Two Cycles ofxn+1=(α+βxn+γxn-k)/(A+Bxn+Cxn-k)
Authors: Atawna S. , Abu-Saris R. , Hashim I. , Ismail E. S.
Published: May 2013

We consider the higher order nonlinear rational difference equationxn+1=(α+βxn+γxn-k)/(A+Bxn+Cxn-k),n=0,1,2,…, where the parametersα,β,γ,A,B,Care positive real numbers and the initial conditionsx-k,…,x-1,x0are nonnegative real numbers,k∈{1,2,…}. We give a necessary and sufficient condition for the equation to have a prime period-two solution. We show that the period-two solution of the equation is locally asymptotically stable.
Sliding Mode Control for a Class of Uncertain MIMO Nonlinear Systems with Application to Near-Space Vehicles
Authors: Chen Mou , Mei Rong , Jiang Bin
Published: May 2013

We propose a robust sliding mode control (SMC) scheme for a class of uncertain multi-input and multi-output (MIMO) nonlinear systems with the unknown external disturbance, the system uncertainty, and the backlash-like hysteresis. To tackle the continuous system uncertainty, the radial basis function (RBF) neural network is employed to approximate it. And then, combine the unknown external disturbance, and the unknown neural network approximation error with the affection caused by backlash-like hysteresis as a compounded disturbance which is estimated using the developed nonlinear disturbance observer. The robust sliding mode control based on the nonlinear disturbance observer and RBF neural network is presented to track the desired system output in the presence of the unknown system uncertainty, the external disturbance, and the backlash-like hysteresis. Finally, the designed robust sliding mode control strategy is applied to the near-space vehicle (NSV) attitude dynamics, and simulation results are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed sliding mode control approach.
The Effect of Exit Strategy on Optimal Portfolio Selection with Birandom Returns
Authors: Cao Guohua , Shan Dan
Published: May 2013

The aims of this paper are to use a birandom variable to denote the stock return selected by some recurring technical patterns and to study the effect of exit strategy on optimal portfolio selection with birandom returns. Firstly, we propose a new method to estimate the stock return and use birandom distribution to denote the final stock return which can reflect the features of technical patterns and investors' heterogeneity simultaneously; secondly, we build a birandom safety-first model and design a hybrid intelligent algorithm to help investors make decisions; finally, we innovatively study the effect of exit strategy on the given birandom safety-first model. The results indicate that (1) the exit strategy affects the proportion of portfolio, (2) the performance of taking the exit strategy is better than when the exit strategy is not taken, if the stop-loss point and the stop-profit point are appropriately set, and (3) the investor using the exit strategy become conservative.
Evaluation of DLC, WC/C, and TiN Coatings on Martensitic Stainless Steel and Yttria-Stabilized Tetragonal Zirconia Polycrystal Substrates for Reusable Surgical Scalpels
Authors: Pini Stefano , Groppetti Roberto , Mucchino Claudio , Geretto Valentina
Published: May 2013

DLC, WC/C, and TiN coated SF 100 martensitic stainless steel and Yttria-Stabilized Tetragonal Zirconia Polycrystal (Y-TZP) surgical scalpels were tested, characterized, and comparatively evaluated with regard to chemical leach, micromorphology, and mechanical properties in order to evaluate their suitability as reusable surgical scalpels. Vickers microhardness (HV), Scratch Hardness Number (), and sharpening by grinding and cutting capabilities of all the coated scalpels were deemed appropriate for reusable surgical scalpels. However, coated Y-TZP scalpels demonstrated higher Vickers microhardness than martensitic stainless steel scalpels coated with the same coatings, except DLC coating on Y-TZP substrate that presented less adhesion than the other coatings. Uncoated and coated martensitic stainless steel scalpels presented corrosion and chemical leach when soaked for a defined period of time in a simulant physiological saline solution, while uncoated and coated Y-TZP scalpels did not present these drawbacks. Therefore, DLC, WC/C, and TiN coated SF 100 martensitic stainless steel surgical scalpels are unsuitable as reusable surgical scalpels, limiting their application to disposable scalpels only, as the uncoated ones, despite their higher microhardness and expected longer cutting capability duration. Based on these experimental results, WC/C and TiN coated Y-TZP scalpels can be proposed as candidates for reusable surgical scalpel applications.
Significant Independent Predictors of Vitamin D Deficiency in Inpatients and Outpatients of a Nephrology Unit
Authors: Bentli Recep , Taskapan Hulya , Toktaş Halil , Ulutas Ozkan , Ozkahraman Adnan , Comert Melda
Published: May 2013

Aims. Kidney disease was found to be a major risk factor for vitamin D deficiency in a population study of patients hospitalized. The aims of the study were to describe the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency inpatients and outpatients in a nephrology department during fall and to evaluate effect of assessing serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and previous supplementation of cholecalciferol on vitamin D status.Methods. We studied 280 subjects in total, between October and January. The subjects were recruited from the following two groups: (a) inpatients and (b) outpatients in nephrology unit. We examined previous documentary evidence of vitamin D supplementation of the patients.Results. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among these 280 patients was 62,1% (174 patients). Fifty-three patients (18.9%) had severe vitamin D deficiency, 121 patients (43.2%) moderate vitamin D deficiency, and 66 patients (23.6%) vitamin D insufficiency. In logistic regression analysis female gender, not having vitamin D supplementation history, low serum albumin, and low blood urea nitrogen levels were significant independent predictors of vitamin D deficiency while no association of vitamin D deficiency with diabetes mellitus, serum creatinine, eGFR, and being hospitalized was found.Conclusion. Vitamin D deficiency, seems to be an important problem in both inpatients and outpatients of nephrology. Monitoring serum 25(OH)D concentrations regularly and replacement of vitamin D are important. Women in Turkey are at more risk of deficiency and may therefore need to consume higher doses of vitamin D.
A Trust Value-Based Spectrum Allocation Algorithm in CWSNs
Authors: Pei Qing-Qi , Li Zi , Ma Li-Chuan
Published: May 2013

With the increase of congestible frequency spectrums and the rapid development of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) applications, the new technology—combing cogitative radio technology with WSNs—called CWSNs will bring broad prospects to the field of radio and sensor networks. CWSN devotes itself to the solution of spectrum sharing in forms of networks, such as IEEE 802.11 and Bluetooth. A new algorithm is proposed for allocating the idle spectrum to secondary users (SUs). This algorithm uses “the last diminisher” algorithm, which appears in fair division models. It can help solve complicated problems in a simple fashion. This article combines the trust value and the method of spectrum allocation. The concept of trust value in reputation management is introduced. All the factors are applied to solve the realistic problems of spectrum allocation. With the growing number of sensor nodes, the stable throughput is of vital importance.
Reconstruction of Initial Wave Field of a Nonsteady-State Wave Propagation from Limited Measurements at a Specific Spatial Point Based on Stochastic Inversion
Authors: Han S. L. , Kinoshita Takeshi
Published: May 2013

This paper studies an inverse problem that can be used for reconstructing initial wave field of a nonsteady-state wave propagation. The inverse problem is ill posed in the sense that small changes in the input data can greatly affect the solution of the problem. To address the difficulty, the problem is formulated in the form of an inference problem in an appropriately constructed stochastic model. It is shown that the stochastic inverse model enables the initial surface disturbance to be reconstructed, including its confidence intervals given the noisy measurements. The reconstruction procedure is illustrated through applications to some simulated data for two- and three-dimensional problem.
Neuropathic Pain in Animal Models of Nervous System Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Tian David H. , Perera Chamini J. , Moalem-Taylor Gila
Published: May 2013

Neuropathic pain is a frequent chronic presentation in autoimmune diseases of the nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), causing significant individual disablement and suffering. Animal models of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and experimental autoimmune neuritis (EAN) mimic many aspects of MS and GBS, respectively, and are well suited to study the pathophysiology of these autoimmune diseases. However, while much attention has been devoted to curative options, research into neuropathic pain mechanisms and relief has been somewhat lacking. Recent studies have demonstrated a variety of sensory abnormalities in different EAE and EAN models, which enable investigations of behavioural changes, underlying mechanisms, and potential pharmacotherapies for neuropathic pain associated with these diseases. This review examines the symptoms, mechanisms, and clinical therapeutic options in these conditions and highlights the value of EAE and EAN animal models for the study of neuropathic pain in MS and GBS.
A New Construction of Multisender Authentication Codes from Polynomials over Finite Fields
Authors: Wang Xiuli
Published: May 2013

Multisender authentication codes allow a group of senders to construct an authenticated message for a receiver such that the receiver can verify the authenticity of the received message. In this paper, we construct one multisender authentication code from polynomials over finite fields. Some parameters and the probabilities of deceptions of this code are also computed.
Adaptive Neural Sliding Mode Control of Active Power Filter
Authors: Fei Juntao , Wang Zhe
Published: May 2013

A radial basis function (RBF) neural network adaptive sliding mode control system is developed for the current compensation control of three-phase active power filter (APF). The advantages of the adaptive control, neural network control, and sliding mode control are combined together to achieve the control task; that is, the harmonic current of nonlinear load can be eliminated and the quality of power system can be well improved. Sliding surface coordinate function and sliding mode controller are used as input and output of the RBF neural network, respectively. The neural network control parameters are online adjusted through gradient method and Lyapunov theory. Simulation results demonstrate that the adaptive RBF sliding mode control can compensate harmonic current effectively and has strong robustness to disturbance signals.
A 0.6-V to 1-V Audio ΔΣ Modulator in 65 nm CMOS with 90.2 dB SNDR at 0.6-V
Authors: Liu Liyuan , Li Dongmei , Wang Zhihua
Published: May 2013

This paper presents a discrete time, single loop, third order ΔΣ modulator. The input feed forward technique combined with 5-bit quantizer is adopted to suppress swings of integrators. Harmonic distortions as well as the noise mixture due to the nonlinear amplifier gain are prevented. The design of amplifiers is hence relaxed. To reduce the area and power cost of the 5-bit quantizer, the successive approximation quantizer with only a single comparator instead of traditional flash quantizer is employed. Fabricated in 65 nm CMOS, the modulator achieves 95 dB peak SNDR at 1-V supply with 24 kHz. Thanks to low swing circuit techniques and low threshold voltages of devices, the peak SNDR maintains 90.2 dB under 0.6-V low supply. The total power dissipation is 371 μW at 1-V and drops to only 133 μW at 0.6-V.
SILC for SILC: Single Institution Learning Curve for Single-Incision Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Tay Chee Wei , Shen Liang , Hartman Mikael , Iyer Shridhar Ganpathi , Madhavan Krishnakumar , Chang Stephen Kin Yong
Published: May 2013

Objectives. We report the single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) learning experience of 2 hepatobiliary surgeons and the factors that could influence the learning curve of SILC.Methods. Patients who underwent SILC by Surgeons A and B were studied retrospectively. Operating time, conversion rate, reason for conversion, identity of first assistants, and their experience with previous laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) were analysed. CUSUM analysis is used to identify learning curve.Results. Hundred and nineteen SILC cases were performed by Surgeons A and B, respectively. Eight cases required additional port. In CUSUM analysis, most conversion occurred during the first 19 cases. Operating time was significantly lower (62.5 versus 90.6 min,P= 0.04) after the learning curve has been overcome. Operating time decreases as the experience increases, especially Surgeon B. Most conversions are due to adhesion at Calot’s triangle. Acute cholecystitis, patients’ BMI, and previous surgery do not seem to influence conversion rate. Mean operating times of cases assisted by first assistant with and without LC experience were 48 and 74 minutes, respectively (P= 0.004).Conclusion. Nineteen cases are needed to overcome the learning curve of SILC. Team work, assistant with CLC experience, and appropriate equipment and technique are the important factors in performing SILC.
A Unique “Composite” PTLD with Diffuse Large B-Cell and T/Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Components Occurring 17 Years after Transplant
Authors: La Fortune Kristin , Zhang Dahua , Raca Gordana , Ranheim Erik A.
Published: May 2013

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) comprises a spectrum ranging from polyclonal hyperplasia to aggressive monoclonal lymphomas. The majority of PTLDs are of B-cell origin while T-cell PTLDs and Hodgkin lymphoma-like PTLDs are uncommon. Here, we report a unique case of a 56-year-old man in whom a lymphoma with two distinct components developed as a duodenal mass seventeen years following a combined kidney-pancreas transplant. This PTLD, which has features not previously reported in the literature, consisted of one component of CD20 positive and EBV negative monomorphic diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The other component showed anaplastic morphology, expressed some but not all T-cell markers, failed to express most B-cell markers except for PAX5, and was diffusely EBV positive. Possible etiologies for this peculiar constellation of findings are discussed and the literature reviewed for “composite-like” lymphomas late in the posttransplant setting.
Indigenous Aeta Magbukún Self-Identity, Sociopolitical Structures, and Self-Determination at the Local Level in the Philippines
Authors: Balilla Vincent S. , Anwar McHenry Julia , McHenry Mark P. , Parkinson Riva Marris , Banal Danilo T.
Published: May 2013

The Indigenous Aeta Magbukún maintain a primarily nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyle in their forested ancestral lands. Through the continued encroachment of non-Indigenous populations, the Aeta Magbukún persist at a critical level. Finding it increasingly difficult to sustain their traditional livelihoods, they must engage in informal commerce to procure sufficient food throughout the year. This work explores the basis of self-identity, traditional kinship ties, evolution of sociopolitical organisation, and the developing political options that sustain the small and vulnerable Indigenous population. Despite recent tentative sociopolitical developments, securing cultural protection requires greater effort in developing political communication and representation at a local and national level. In doing so, the Aeta Magbukún can meet their basic needs, secure traditional cultural knowledge, and are able to influence their own development during a time of relatively rapid acculturation within the mainstream Philippine societal complex.
Fabrication and Photocatalytic Property of One-Dimensional SrTiO3/TiO2-xNxNanostructures
Authors: Zhang Huarong , Guashuai Miao , Xingping Ma , Bei Wang
Published: May 2013

One-dimensional SrTiO3/TiO2−xNxnanostructures were prepared by the hydrothermal method and investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS) measurements. The photocatalytic activities of the prepared samples were evaluated by photodegrading the methylene blue (MB) solution. According to the characterizations, the intermediate product of SrTiO3/titanate nanotubes was presented after hydrothermal processing of the TiO2−xNxnanoparticles with the mixed solution of NaOH and Sr(NO3)2. The final product of SrTiO3/TiO2−xNxnanorods was obtained after calcining the intermediate. As compared to the TiO2−xNxnanoparticles, the absorption performance of SrTiO3/titanate nanotubes or SrTiO3/TiO2−xNxnanorods was depressed, instead of improving it. The mechanisms of the absorption property changes were discussed. The SrTiO3/TiO2−xNxnanorods presented better photocatalytic activity than the TiO2−xNxnanoparticles or nanorods. However, due to overmuch adsorption, the SrTiO3/titanate nanotubes gave ordinary photocatalytic performances.
Waist Circumference as Measure of Abdominal Fat Compartments
Authors: Grundy Scott M. , Neeland Ian J. , Turer Aslan T. , Vega Gloria Lena
Published: May 2013

This study examines intercorrelations among waist circumference (WC), intraperitoneal fat (IPF), and subcutaneous abdominal fat (SAF) in ethnically diverse Dallas Heart Study consisting of 1538 women and 1212 men (50% Black). Correlations between fat depots and triglyceride or HOMA2-IR, biomarkers of metabolic syndrome, are also reported. Total abdominal fat (TAF), ASF, and IPF masses were measured by magnetic resonance imaging. The highest correlations with WC according to ethnicity and gender were noted for TAF(R2=0.81-0.88)with progressively lower correlations with ASF (0.65–0.82) and IPF (0.29–0.85). The percentage of IPF relative to TAF was not significantly correlated with WC. For all WC categories, higher IPF/ASF ratios were associated with higher triglyceride levels. In contrast, differences in ratios had little or no association with HOMA2-IR. However, when all data were pooled, IPF was positively correlated with both triglyceride (r=0.358(men) and 0.363 (women)) and HOMA2-IR (r=0.480(men) and 0.517 (women)); after adjustment for ASF, IPF was still correlated with triglyceride (r=0.353(men) and 0.348 (women)) and HOMA2-IR (r=0.290(men) and 0.221 (women)). WC measures TAF reliably, but its association with IPF depends on IPF/ASF ratios that vary by gender and ethnicity.
Dominant Occurrence of Cleistogamous Flowers of Lamium amplexicaule in relation to the Nearby Presence of an Alien Congener L. purpureum (Lamiaceae)
Authors: Sato Yasuhiro , Takakura Koh-Ichi , Nishida Sachiko , Nishida Takayoshi
Published: May 2013

Here we document a novel phenomenon that, based on field observations in central Japan, cleistogamous flowers (or closed flowers) of an annual herb Lamium amplexicaule were dominantly expressed near an alien congener L. purpureum. The proportion of cleistogamous flowers in an individual L. amplexicaule increased with the frequency of L. purpureum occurring in the same patches but did not increase with the total density of Lamium plants and their own size. To confirm the consistency of the effect of the coexisting alien species, we assessed the cleistogamous frequency at the patch level for three other populations. In these populations as well, the proportion of L. amplexicaule producing cleistogamous flowers increased with the frequency of L. purpureum. Our transplant experiment at one site found no effect of the nearby presence of L. purpureum on the seed set of L. amplexicaule and therefore did not support the hypothesis that the adverse effect on the reproduction via interspecific pollination favored cleistogamous flowers that accepted no external pollen. Further studies must be conducted to examine the negative interactions between the related species before and after seed development.
Discrete Pseudo-SINR-Balancing Nonlinear Recurrent System
Authors: Uykan Zekeriya
Published: May 2013

Being inspired by the Hopfield neural networks (Hopfield (1982) and Hopfield and Tank (1985)) and the nonlinear sigmoid power control algorithm for cellular radio systems in Uykan and Koivo (2004), in this paper, we present a novel discrete recurrent nonlinear system and extend the results in Uykan (2009), which are for autonomous linear systems, to nonlinear case. The proposed system can be viewed as a discrete-time realization of a recently proposed continuous-time network in Uykan (2013). In this paper, we focus on discrete-time analysis and provide various novel key results concerning the discrete-time dynamics of the proposed system, some of which are as follows: (i) the proposed system is shown to be stable in synchronous and asynchronous work mode in discrete time; (ii) a novel concept called Pseudo-SINR (pseudo-signal-to-interference-noise ratio) is introduced for discrete-time nonlinear systems; (iii) it is shown that when the system states approach an equilibrium point, the instantaneous Pseudo-SINRs are balanced; that is, they are equal to a target value. The simulation results confirm the novel results presented and show the effectiveness of the proposed discrete-time network as applied to various associative memory systems and clustering problems.
Increased Expression of VEGF and CD31 in Postradiation Rectal Tissue: Implications for Radiation Proctitis
Authors: Karamanolis G. , Delladetsima I. , Kouloulias V. , Papaxoinis K. , Panayiotides I. , Haldeopoulos D. , Triantafyllou K. , Kelekis N. , Ladas S. D.
Published: May 2013

Background. Inflammation mediators related to radiation proctitis are partially elucidated, and neovascularization is thought to play a key role.Objectives. To investigate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and CD31 as angiogenetic markers in postradiation rectal tissue.Methods. Rectal mucosa biopsies from 11 patients who underwent irradiation for prostate cancer were examined immunohistochemically for the expression of VEGF and CD31 at three time settings—before, at the completion of, and 6 months after radiotherapy. VEGF expressing vascular endothelial cells and CD31 expressing microvessels were counted separately in 10 high-power fields (HPFs). VEGF vascular index (VEGF-VI) and microvascular density (MVD) were calculated as the mean number of VEGF positive cells per vessel or the mean number of vessels per HPF, respectively. Histological features were also evaluated.Results. VEGF-VI was significantly higher at the completion of radiotherapy (0.17±0.15versus0.41±0.24,P=0.001) declining 6 months after. MVD increased significantly only 6 months after radiotherapy (7.3±3.2versus10.5±3.1,P<0.005). The histopathological examination revealed inflammatory changes at the completion of radiotherapy regressing in the majority of cases 6 months after.Conclusions. Our results showed that in postradiation rectal biopsy specimens neoangiogenesis seems to be inflammation-related and constitutes a significant postradiation component of the tissue injury.
Homotopy Perturbation Method for Fractional Black-Scholes European Option Pricing Equations Using Sumudu Transform
Authors: Elbeleze Asma Ali , Kılıçman Adem , Taib Bachok M.
Published: May 2013

The homotopy perturbation method, Sumudu transform, and He’s polynomials are combined to obtain the solution of fractional Black-Scholes equation. The fractional derivative is considered in Caputo sense. Further, the same equation is solved by homotopy Laplace transform perturbation method. The results obtained by the two methods are in agreement. The approximate analytical solution of Black-Scholes is calculated in the form of a convergence power series with easily computable components. Some illustrative examples are presented to explain the efficiency and simplicity of the proposed method.
Detection of Nitroaromatic and Peroxide Explosives in Air Using Infrared Spectroscopy: QCL and FTIR
Authors: Pacheco-Londoño Leonardo C. , Castro-Suarez John R. , Hernández-Rivera Samuel P.
Published: May 2013

A methodology for processing spectroscopic information using a chemometrics-based analysis was designed and implemented in the detection of highly energetic materials (HEMs) in the gas phase at trace levels. The presence of the nitroaromatic HEM 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT) and the cyclic organic peroxide triacetone triperoxide (TATP) in air was detected by chemometrics-enhanced vibrational spectroscopy. Several infrared experimental setups were tested using traditional heated sources (globar), modulated and nonmodulated FT-IR, and quantum cascade laser- (QCL-) based dispersive IR spectroscopy. The data obtained from the gas phase absorption experiments in the midinfrared (MIR) region were used for building the chemometrics models. Partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was used to generate pattern recognition schemes for trace amounts of explosives in air. The QCL-based methodology exhibited a better capacity of discrimination for the detected presence of HEM in air compared to other methodologies.
Shock Wave Solution for a Nonlinear Partial Differential Equation Arising in the Study of a Non-Newtonian Fourth Grade Fluid Model
Authors: Aziz Taha , Fatima A. , Mahomed F. M.
Published: May 2013

This study focuses on obtaining a new class of closed-form shock wave solution also known as soliton solution for a nonlinear partial differential equation which governs the unsteady magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) flow of an incompressible fourth grade fluid model. The travelling wave symmetry formulation of the model leads to a shock wave solution of the problem. The restriction on the physical parameters of the flow problem also falls out naturally in the course of derivation of the solution.
Stage IAE Follicular Lymphoma of the Breast: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Patron Raymon , Miles Edward F.
Published: May 2013

Primary lymphoma of the breast is a rare entity in the field of oncological medicine and represents <0.5% of all breast malignancies. A definitive diagnosis is obtained by excisional biopsy as the clinical and radiographical presentation is similar to the more common primary breast carcinoma. Unlike primary breast carcinoma, localized radiation therapy is the mainstay of treatment. We report on a case of primary follicular lymphoma of the breast in a 67-year-old Caucasian woman treated with localized radiation as well as coinciding literature review regarding outcomes of different treatment modalities.
Fault Tolerant Ancillary Function of Power Converters in Distributed Generation Power System within a Microgrid Structure
Authors: Di Tommaso Antonino O. , Genduso Fabio , Miceli Rosario , Galluzzo Giuseppe Ricco
Published: May 2013

Distributed generation (DG) is deeply changing the existing distribution networks which become very sophisticated and complex incorporating both active and passive equipment. The simplification of their management can be obtained assuming a structure with small networks, namely, microgrids, reproducing, in a smaller scale, the structure of large networks including production, transmission, and distribution of the electrical energy. Power converters in distributed generation systems carry on some different ancillary functions as, for example, grid synchronization, islanding detection, fault ride through, and so on. In view of an optimal utilization of the generated electrical power, fault tolerant operation is to be considered as a suitable ancillary function for the next future. This paper presents a complete modeling of fault tolerant inverters able to simulate the main fault type occurrence and a control algorithm for fault tolerant converters suitable for microgrids. After the model description, formulated in terms of healthy device and leg binary variables, and the illustration of the fault tolerant control strategy, the paper shows how the control preserves power quality when the converter works in the linear range. The effectiveness of the proposed approach and control is shown through computer simulations and experimental results.
The Sustainable Island Development Evaluation Model and Its Application Based on the Nonstructural Decision Fuzzy Set
Authors: Wang Quanming , Li Peiying , Sun Qinbang
Published: May 2013

Due to the complexity and diversity of the issue of sustainable island development, no widely accepted and applicable evaluation system model regarding the issue currently exists. In this paper, we discuss and establish the sustainable development indicator system and the model approach from the perspective of resources, the island environment, the island development status, the island social development, and the island intelligence development. We reference the sustainable development theory and the sustainable development indicator system method concerning land region, combine the character of the sustainable island development, analyze and evaluate the extent of the sustainable island development, orient development, and identify the key and limited factors of sustainable island development capability. This research adopts the entropy method and the nonstructural decision fuzzy set theory model to determine the weight of the evaluating indicators. Changhai County was selected as the subject of the research, which consisted of a quantitative study of its sustainable development status from 2001 to 2008 to identify the key factors influencing its sustainability development, existing problems, and limited factors and to provide basic technical support for ocean development planning and economic development planning.
Adjusting White OLEDs with Yellow Light Emission Phosphor Dye and Ultrathin NPB Layer Structure
Authors: Wang Jun , Li Weizhi
Published: May 2013

High efficiency white organic light emission devices were demonstrated with phosphor material dye bis[2-(4-tertbutylphenyl)benzothiazolato-N,C2′]iridium (acetylacetonate) and ultrathin layer structure. The ultra thin layer be composed of 4,4′-bis[N-1-naphthyl-N-phenyl-amino]biphenyl (NPB) or 4,4′-N,N′-dicarbazole-biphenyl : NPB mixed layer with blue light emission. The emission spectra of devices could be adjusted by different phosphor doping concentrations and ultra thin layer structure. Warm white light emitting device could be obtained with 5 wt% doping concentration and power efficiency of 9.93 lm/W at 5 V. Pure white light with Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.33, 0.30) and external quantum efficiency of 4.49% could be achieved with ultra thin layer device structure and 3 wt% phosphor doped device.
Optimal Tolerance Design and Optimization for a Pharmaceutical Quality Characteristic
Authors: Jeong Seong Hoon , Kongsuwan Pauline , Truong Nguyen Khoa Viet , Shin Sangmun
Published: May 2013

A number of pharmaceutical quality characteristics are destructive or too costly to inspect. However, most quality improvement tools developed in the pharmaceutical research community typically assume that quality characteristics are nondestructive. This paper proposes a new design system for quality improvement by incorporating the concept of surrogate variables with the concepts of robust design (RD) and tolerance design (TD). The proposed robust-tolerance design paradigm determines the optimal factor setting and specification limits simultaneously, thereby improving quality of pharmaceutical products. In addition, the proposed methodology can provide the optimal tolerance as a mathematical closed-form solution. Finally, a numerical example and its associated sensitivity analysis for a pharmaceutical case are conducted for verification purposes. Based on the numerical example results, the proposed approach could provide robust factor settings with significant tradeoffs between quality and cost.
NGFICA Based Digitization of Historic Inscription Images
Authors: Sreedevi Indu , Pandey Rishi , Jayanthi N. , Bhola Geetanjali , Chaudhury Santanu
Published: May 2013

This paper addresses the problems encountered during digitization and preservation of inscriptions such as perspective distortion and minimal distinction between foreground and background. In general inscriptions possess neither standard size and shape nor colour difference between the foreground and background. Hence the existing methods like variance based extraction and Fast ICA based analysis fail to extract text from these inscription images. Natural gradient flexible ICA (NGFICA) is a suitable method for separating signals from a mixture of highly correlated signals, as it minimizes the dependency among the signals by considering the
slope of the signal at each point. We propose an NGFICA based enhancement of inscription images. The proposed method improves word and character recognition accuracies of the OCR system by 65.3% (from 10.1% to 75.4%) and 54.3% (from 32.4% to 86.7%), respectively.
Glucocorticoid-Induced Bone Loss Is Associated with Abnormal Intravertebral Areal Bone Mineral Density Distribution
Authors: Manning Louise I. , Briggs Andrew M. , Van Doornum Sharon , Kale Ashwini , Kantor Susan , Wark John D.
Published: May 2013

Individuals with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis experience vertebral fractures at an increased rate and at higher vertebral areal bone mineral density (aBMD) than individuals with primary osteoporosis. Standard posteroanterior- (PA-) projection dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) lacks the diagnostic sensitivity required for reliable estimation of vertebral fracture risk in individuals. Assessment of subregional vertebral aBMD using lateral-projection DXA may improve the predictive value of DXA parameters for fracture. One hundred and four individuals were recruited and grouped for this study: primary osteoporosis with no history of vertebral fracture (n=43), glucocorticoid-induced bone loss (n=13), and healthy controls (n=48). Standard PA-projection and supine-lateral scans were performed, and lateral scans were analysed according to an established protocol to measure aBMD within 6 subregions. Main effects for subregion and group were assessed and observed, by ANCOVA. Ratios were calculated between subregions and compared between groups, to overcome the potentially confounding influence of variability in subregional geometry. Significantly lower values were observed in the glucocorticoid group for the ratios of (i) anterior subregion: whole vertebral body and (ii) posterior: whole vertebral body when compared to the primary osteoporosis and control groups (P<0.05). Lower anterior subregional aBMD in individuals on glucocorticoid therapy may help to explain the increased vertebral fracture risk in this patient group.