bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution and histopathological changes induced by cysts ofTaenia soliumin the brain of pigs from Tanzania
Authors: Mkupasi E.M. , Ngowi H.A. , Sikasunge C.S. , Leifsson P.S. , Johansen M.V.
Published: May 2014

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) caused byTaenia soliumcysts is a frequent but neglected parasitic disease of the central nervous system (CNS) worldwide. The aim of this study was to describe anatomical locations of cysts in the CNS and the corresponding inflammation. A total of 17 naturally infected pigs were used to evaluate the distribution of cysts and, of these, seven were used to evaluate the corresponding inflammation further, through histopathology. Clinical signs in the pigs included dullness, sluggishness, somnolence, apathy and loss of consciousness. Cysts were distributed in all cerebral lobes, i.e. 39.7% in the frontal lobe, 20.3% in the parietal lobe, 20.0% in the occipital lobe and 19.7% in the temporal lobe, and only 0.4% in the cerebellum. No cysts were found in the spinal cord. Cysts were localized as follows: 47.9% in the dorsal subarachnoid, 46.9% in the parenchyma, 4.4% in the subarachnoid base and 0.9% in the ventricles. The results of the histopathology revealed lesions in an early inflammatory stage, i.e. stage I, in all anatomical locations except for two, which showed more of an inflammatory reaction, stage III, in one pig. It was concluded that clinical signs in pigs were neither pathognomonic nor consistent. These signs, therefore, cannot be used as a reliable indicator of porcine NCC. Furthermore,T. soliumcysts were found to be in abundance in all cerebral lobes, and only a few were found in the cerebellum. Regarding the inflammatory response, no significant differences were found in the location and total number of cysts. Thus, further studies are needed to explain the determinants of cyst distribution in the CNS and assess in detail clinical signs associated with porcine NCC.
Three-dimensional temporal bone reconstruction from histological sections
Authors: Ahmad N , Wright A
Published: May 2014

Objective:

To produce a high-resolution, three-dimensional temporal bone model from serial sections, using a personal computer.

Method:

Digital images were acquired from histological sections of the temporal bone. Image registration, segmentation and three-dimensional volumetric reconstruction were performed using a personal computer. The model was assessed for anatomical accuracy and interactivity by otologists.

Results:

An accurate, high-resolution, three-dimensional model of the temporal bone was produced, containing structures relevant to otological surgery. The facial nerve, labyrinth, internal carotid artery, jugular bulb and all of the ossicles were seen (including the stapes footplate), together with the internal and external auditory meati. Some projections also showed the chorda tympani nerve.

Conclusion:

A high-resolution, three-dimensional computer model of the complete temporal bone was produced using a personal computer. Because of the increasing difficulty in procuring cadaveric bones, this model could be a useful adjunct for training.
LET THE MUSIC PLAY!
Authors: de Groot Annette M. B. , Smedinga Hilde E.
Published: May 2014

Participants learned foreign vocabulary by means of the paired-associates learning procedure in three conditions: (a) in silence, (b) with vocal music with lyrics in a familiar language playing in the background, or (c) with vocal music with lyrics in an unfamiliar language playing in the background. The vocabulary to learn varied in concreteness (concrete vs. abstract) and phonological typicality of the foreign words’ forms (typical vs. atypical). When tested during and immediately after training, learning outcomes were poorer in the familiar language music condition than in the unfamiliar language music and silence conditions, but this effect was short-lived, as shown in a delayed test 1 week after training, on which the effect was no longer found. Learning outcomes were better for concrete words than for abstract words and better for typical foreign forms than for atypical ones. Contrary to the adverse effects of familiar language music, the effects of concreteness and typicality were lasting. We explain the interference effect in the familiar language music condition in terms of the workings of the phonological loop, a component of working memory involved in vocabulary acquisition (e.g., Gathercole & Baddeley, 1990).
High incidence of norovirus GII.4 outbreaks in hospitals and nursing homes in Catalonia (Spain), 2010–2011
Authors: GODOY P. , FERRRUS G. , TORNER N. , CAMPS N. , SALA M.R. , GUIX S. , BARTOLOMÉ R. , MARTÍNEZ A. , SIMÓN M. DE , DOMÍNGUEZ A.
Published: May 2014

A descriptive study was performed between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2011 to estimate the incidence of norovirus outbreaks in hospitals and nursing homes in Catalonia (Spain). Epidemiological surveys were done for each outbreak. Norovirus was confirmed using RT–PCR. The incidence of outbreaks/106 person-years by centre, and the attack rate, were calculated. Statistically significant differences were calculated using odds ratio (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Person-to-person transmission was responsible for 81·5% (22/27) of outbreaks. The incidence in the population was 156·7 outbreaks/106 person-years. The incidence by centre was 1·3% per year and was greater in hospitals (2·6%) than in nursing homes (0·9%) (OR 3·2, 95% CI 1·5–6·9). The global attack rate in residents and staff was 34·7% (816/2348). The mortality rate was 0·25% (2/816). Genogroup GII.4 caused 66·7% of outbreaks. Norovirus GII.4 outbreaks cause significant morbidity affecting both patients and staff.
APOE Moderates the Association between Lifestyle Activities and Cognitive Performance: Evidence of Genetic Plasticity in Aging
Authors: Runge Shannon K. , Small Brent J. , McFall G. Peggy , Dixon Roger A.
Published: May 2014

The current study examined independent and interactive effects between Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype and two types of cognitively-stimulating lifestyle activities (CSLA)—integrated information processing (CSLA-II) and novel information processing (CSLA-NI)—on concurrent and longitudinal changes in cognition. Three-wave data across 6 years of follow-up from the Victoria Longitudinal Study (n=278; ages 55–94) and linear mixed model analyses were used to characterize the effects of APOE genotype and participation in CSLA-II and CSLA-NI in four cognitive domains. Significant CSLA effects on cognition were observed. More frequent participation in challenging activities (i.e., CSLA-NI) was associated with higher baseline scores on word recall, fact recall, vocabulary and verbal fluency. Conversely, higher participation in less cognitively-challenging activities (i.e., CSLA-II) was associated with lower scores on fact recall and verbal fluency. No longitudinal CSLA-cognition effects were found. Two significant genetic effects were observed. First, APOE moderated CSLA-II and CSLA-NI associations with baseline verbal fluency and fact recall scores. Second, APOE non-ɛ4 carriers’ baseline performance were more likely to be moderated by CSLA participation, compared to APOE-ɛ4 carriers. Our findings suggest APOE may be a “plasticity” gene that makes individuals more or less amenable to the influence of protective factors such as CSLA. (JINS, 2014,20, 1–9)
Literature research of the Nutrition Improvement Programme for Rural Compulsory Education Students in China
Authors: Zhang Fan , Hu Xiaoqi , Tian Zuyin , Zhang Qian , Ma Guansheng
Published: May 2014

Objective

To describe the Nutrition Improvement Programme for Rural Compulsory Education Students (NIPRCES) in China and to share the experiences of developing and implementing nationwide school meal programmes with other countries.

Design

The article is based on a literature review of technical documents and reports of NIPRCES and relevant national legislation, technical reports and studies on school nutrition, minutes of meetings and national conferences, and official documents of the National Office of Student Nutrition and the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Setting

People’s Republic of China.

Subjects

Published papers, national policies, legislation and unpublished official documents.

Results

A total of 23 million rural compulsory education students were covered by NIPRCES. In the development and implementation process of NIPRCES, fifteen ministries and national committees were involved and an efficient collaborative mechanism was established. All NIPRCES-covered schools were required to serve meals on a daily basis. By the end of June 2012, the proportions of students choosing ‘school feeding’, ‘food package’ and ‘family feeding’ modes were respectively 64·0 %, 32·0 % and 4·0 %. The central government subsidized school meals annually by more than $US 2·5 billion and invested $US 4·8 billion on school kitchens to support this programme.

Conclusions

The NIPRCES is a significant movement of governmental nutritional intervention in China. Food safety, financial security, decentralization and other potential concerns should be considered and lessons can be learned from other countries. Further relevant research and a nationwide monitoring and evaluation programme are needed.
A life-cycle approach to food and nutrition security in India
Authors: Rai Rajesh Kumar , Kumar Sandhya , Sekher Madhushree , Pritchard Bill , Rammohan Anu
Published: May 2014

India’s poor performance on critical food and nutrition security indicators despite substantial economic prosperity has been widely documented. These failings not only hamper national progress, but also contribute significantly to the global undernourished population, particularly children. While the recently passed National Food Security Act 2013 adopts a life-cycle approach to expand coverage of subsidized food grains to the most vulnerable households and address food security, there remains much to be desired in the legislation. Access to adequate food for 1·24 billion people is a multifaceted problem requiring an interconnected set of policy measures to tackle the various factors affecting food and nutrition security in India. In the present opinion paper, we discuss a fivefold strategy that incorporates a life-cycle approach, spanning reproductive health, bolstering citizen participation in existing national programmes, empowering women, advancing agriculture and better monitoring the Public Distribution System in order to fill the gaps in both access and adequacy of food and nutrition.
Dietary supplement use among participants of a databank and biorepository at a comprehensive cancer centre
Authors: Luc LeQuyen , Baumgart Charlotte , Weiss Edward , Georger Lesley , Ambrosone Christine B , Zirpoli Gary , McCann Susan E
Published: May 2014

Objective

We assessed the prevalence, patterns and predictors of dietary supplement use among participants of the databank and biorepository (DBBR) at a comprehensive cancer centre in western New York.

Design

Archived epidemiological questionnaire data were obtained from the DBBR at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression explored the prevalence, patterns and predictors of lifetime use of four common supplements (multivitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E and calcium) and use of multivitamins, sixteen single vitamins/minerals and eighteen herbal/specialty supplements within the previous 10 years.

Setting

Western New York, USA.

Subjects

DBBR participants (n 8096) enrolled between December 2003 and July 2012 were included in these analyses: 66·9 % (n 5418) with cancer, 65·6 % (n 5309) women, mean age for patients v. cancer-free controls 59·9 (sd 12·6) years and 50·7 (sd 15·4) years, respectively.

Results

Overall, 54·4 % of DBBR participants reported lifetime use of one or more supplements and 63·1 % reported use of one or more supplements within the previous 10 years (excluding multivitamins). Multivitamin use was high in this sample (lifetime: 64·1 %; 10 years: 71·3 %; current: 51·8 %). Supplementation was higher among cancer-free controls than cancer patients. Vitamin C, calcium and fish oil were the most common single vitamin, mineral and specialty product, respectively.

Conclusions

A consistently high and increasing proportion of dietary supplement use over time remains clear. Supplementation is prevalent among cancer patients and may even be higher than predicted in cancer-free individuals. Further studies should assess the safety and efficacy of specific supplements in reducing disease risk.
UNIFORM INTERPOLATION IN SUBSTRUCTURAL LOGICS
Authors: ALIZADEH MAJID , DERAKHSHAN FARZANEH , ONO HIROAKIRA
Published: May 2014

Uniform interpolation property of a given logic is a stronger form of Craig’s interpolation property where both pre-interpolant and post-interpolant always exist uniformly for any provable implication in the logic. It is known that there exist logics, e.g., modal propositional logic S4, which have Craig’s interpolation property but do not have uniform interpolation property. The situation is even worse for predicate logics, as classical predicate logic does not have uniform interpolation property as pointed out by L. Henkin.

In this paper, uniform interpolation property of basic substructural logics is studied by applying the proof-theoretic method introduced by A. Pitts (Pitts, 1992). It is shown that uniform interpolation property holds even for their predicate extensions, as long as they can be formalized by sequent calculi without contraction rules. For instance, uniform interpolation property of full Lambek predicate calculus, i.e., the substructural logic without any structural rule, and of both linear and affine predicate logics without exponentials are proved.
A new optical boron detection method
Authors: Alves Sérgio P. C. , Baleizão Carlos , Farinha José Paulo S.
Published: May 2014

A new optical sensor detects aqueous boric acid and phenylboronic acid in the ppb range by a simple experimental procedure.
Detection of ochratoxin A based on the use of its diastereoisomer as an internal standard
Authors: Attya Mohamed , Di Donna Leonardo , Mazzotti Fabio , Fazio Alessia , Gabriele Bartolo , Sindona Giovanni
Published: May 2014

A new methodology for the determination of ochratoxin A (OTA) was developed using a diastereoisomeric internal standard approach and HPLC-FLD.
Simultaneous speciation analysis of As, Sb and Se redox couples by SF-ICP-MS coupled to HPLC
Authors: Wu Debo , Pichler Thomas
Published: May 2014

A new method for the simultaneous speciation analysis of inorganic arsenic (iii, v), antimony (iii, v) and selenium (iv, vi) using anion exchange column.
Organic azides: “energetic reagents” for the intermolecular amination of C–H bonds
Authors: Intrieri Daniela , Zardi Paolo , Caselli Alessandro , Gallo Emma
Published: May 2014

This feature article highlights the potentiality of organic azides (RN3) for the intermolecular amination of sp3 and sp2 C–H bonds. A compendium of employed catalytic systems, together with a discussion of involved mechanisms, is provided.
A novel azobenzene covalent organic framework
Authors: Zhang Jian , Wang Laibing , Li Na , Liu Jiangfei , Zhang Wei , Zhang Zhengbiao , Zhou Nianchen , Zhu Xiulin
Published: May 2014

The first example of a novel Azo-linked 2D COF with a hexagonal skeleton, high crystallinity and permanent porosity. The trans-to-cis photoisomerization can lead to the decline of Azo-COF crystallinity but cannot impact the pore size of Azo-COF. The current results will provide a strategy for designing smart COF materials.
Evaluation of the formation pathways of cocrystal polymorphs in liquid-assisted syntheses
Authors: Fischer Franziska , Scholz Gudrun , Benemann Sigrid , Rademann Klaus , Emmerling Franziska
Published: May 2014

Small but important: the kind of solvent added in liquid-assisted grinding syntheses of cocrystals influences the final product and the reaction rate.
Polymer-directed assembly of colloidal nanoparticle heterojunctions
Authors: Gao Bo , Alvi Yahya , Li Vincent , Tao Andrea R.
Published: May 2014

Co-assembly of differently sized and shaped nanoparticles within a polymer matrix can be controlled to form unique nanoparticle heterojunctions.
Enhancing upconversion luminescence of NaYF4:Yb/Er nanocrystals by Mo3+ doping and their application in bioimaging
Authors: Yin Dongguang , Wang Chengcheng , Ouyang Juan , Song Kailin , Liu Bing , Cao Xianzhang , Zhang Lu , Han Yanlin , Long Xie , Wu Minghong
Published: May 2014

In this work, we investigated the upconversion luminescence enhancement of NaYF4:Yb/Er by Mo3+ ion doping.
Cu(i) and Ag(i) complexes of 7,10-bis-N-heterocycle-diazafluoranthenes: programmed molecular grids?
Authors: Rahanyan Nelli , Duttwyler Simon , Linden Anthony , Baldridge Kim K. , Siegel Jay S.
Published: May 2014

Reactions of 7,10-disubstituted diazafluoranthene derivatives with three different silver(i) salts AgX (X = [PF6]−, [SbF6]−, [CB11HCl11]−) and [Cu(CH3CN)4]PF6 afforded complexes exhibiting five different motifs.
Hybrid organic semiconductor lasers for bio-molecular sensing
Authors: Haughey Anne-Marie , Foucher Caroline , Guilhabert Benoit , Kanibolotsky Alexander L. , Skabara Peter J. , Burley Glenn , Dawson Martin D. , Laurand Nicolas
Published: May 2014

Bio-functionalised luminescent organic semiconductors are attractive for biophotonics because they can act as efficient laser materials while simultaneously interacting with molecules. In this paper, we present and discuss a laser biosensor platform that utilises a gain layer made of such an organic semiconductor material. The simple structure of the sensor and its operation principle are described. Nanolayer detection is shown experimentally and analysed theoretically in order to assess the potential and the limits of the biosensor. The advantage conferred by the organic semiconductor is explained, and comparisons to laser sensors using alternative dye-doped materials are made. Specific biomolecular sensing is demonstrated, and routes to functionalisation with nucleic acid probes, and future developments opened up by this achievement, are highlighted. Finally, attractive formats for sensing applications are mentioned, as well as colloidal quantum dots, which in the future could be used in conjunction with organic semiconductors.
Brønsted acid ionic liquid catalyzed facile synthesis of 3-vinylindoles through direct C3 alkenylation of indoles with simple ketones
Authors: Taheri Amir , Liu Changhui , Lai Bingbing , Cheng Cheng , Pan Xiaojuan , Gu Yanlong
Published: May 2014

A direct dehydrative coupling protocol for the synthesis of 3-vinylindoles using easily available indoles and simple ketones as substrates was developed with the aid of a sulfonyl-containing Brønsted acid ionic liquid.
A microtensiometer capable of measuring water potentials below −10 MPa
Authors: Pagay Vinay , Santiago Michael , Sessoms David A. , Huber Erik J. , Vincent Olivier , Pharkya Amit , Corso Thomas N. , Lakso Alan N. , Stroock Abraham D.
Published: May 2014

Fabrication and operation of a microtensiometer to sense environmental water status and measure equation of state data under tension.
Hydrothermal approach and luminescent properties for the synthesis of orthoniobates GdNbO4:Ln3+(Ln = Dy, Eu) single crystals under high-temperature high-pressure conditions
Authors: Yang Min , Zhao Xudong , Ji Ying , Liu Fuyang , Liu Wei , Sun Jiayin , Liu Xiaoyang
Published: May 2014

GdNbO4:Ln3+(Ln = Dy, Eu) single crystal phosphors are very important for potential applications in optoelectronics and solid-state lighting for general illumination.
Highly ordered mesoporous CdxZn1−xSe ternary compound semiconductors with controlled band gap energies
Authors: Lee Yoon Yun , Shon Jeong Kuk , Bae Suyeon , Jin Xing , Choi Yeong Jin , Kwon Sun Sang , Han Tae Hee , Kim Ji Man
Published: May 2014

Chemically and physically tuned band-gap energies of ordered mesoporous semiconductors with high surface area and developed crystallinity are presented.
Microscopic mechanisms of vertical graphene and carbon nanotube cap nucleation from hydrocarbon growth precursors
Authors: Khalilov Umedjon , Bogaerts Annemie , Neyts Erik C.
Published: May 2014

Carbon nanotube cap formation is simulated for the first time from hydrocarbon growth species. The formation of vertical graphene walls, which may or may not curve over the surface, is observed and explained.
Synthesis and properties of pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole-1,3-dione based polymer semiconductors and their performance in organic thin film transistors
Authors: Guo Chang , Sun Bin , Li Yuning
Published: May 2014

Pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole-1,3(2H,5H)-dione (1,3-DPP) is used as a building block to construct copolymers for organic thin film transistors.
Construction of a versatile and functional nanoparticle platform derived from a helical diblock copolypeptide-based biomimetic polymer
Authors: Fan Jingwei , Li Richen , He Xun , Seetho Kellie , Zhang Fuwu , Zou Jiong , Wooley Karen L.
Published: May 2014

A helical diblock polypeptide-based versatile and functional nanoparticle platform is developed from sequential polymerizations of N-carboxyanhydrides, subsequent modifications via thiol–yne click-type chemistry, and supramolecular assembly in water.
Reactive emulsion mixing as a novel pathway toward water-borne reduced graphene oxide/polymer composites
Authors: Spasevska D. , Daniloska V. , Leal G. P. , Gilev J. Blazevska , Tomovska R.
Published: May 2014

Conductive crosslinked polymer/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composites with highly improved mechanical properties were synthesized by a novel reactive emulsion mixing technique.
The photodimerization characteristics of anthracene pendants within amphiphilic polymer micelles in aqueous solution
Authors: Liu Yan , Chang Huan , Jiang Jinqiang , Yan Xiangyang , Liu Zhaotie , Liu Zhongwen
Published: May 2014

The photodimerization characteristics of anthracene pendants were comprehensively investigated by various selected narrow bands of light in the UV-vis-NIR region.
PKG and NHR-49 signalling co-ordinately regulate short-term fasting-induced lysosomal lipid accumulation in C. elegans
Authors: Huang Wen-ming , Li Zhao-yu , Xu Yan-jun , Wang Wei , Zhou Mao-ge , Zhang Peng , Liu Ping-sheng , Xu Tao , Wu Zheng-xing
Published: May 2014

Lysosomes act as terminal degradation organelles to hydrolyse macromolecules derived from both the extracellular space and the cytoplasm. In Caenorhabditis elegans fasting induces the lysosomal compartment to expand. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms for this stress response remain largely unclear. In the present study, we find that short-term fasting leads to increased accumulation of polar lipids in lysosomes. The fasting response is co-ordinately regulated by EGL-4, the C. elegans PKG (protein kinase G) orthologue, and nuclear hormone receptor NHR-49. Further results demonstrate that EGL-4 acts in sensory neurons to enhance lysosomal lipid accumulation through inhibiting the DAF-3/SMAD pathway, whereas NHR-49 acts in intestine to inhibit lipids accumulation via activation of IPLA-2 (intracellular membrane-associated calcium-independent phospholipase A2) in cytoplasm and other hydrolases in lysosomes. Remarkably, the lysosomal lipid accumulation is independent of autophagy and RAB-7-mediated endocytosis. Taken together, our results reveal a new mechanism for lysosomal lipid metabolism during the stress response, which may provide new clues for investigations of lysosome function in energy homoeostasis.
The Glu216/Ser218 pocket is a major determinant of spermine oxidase substrate specificity
Authors: Cervelli Manuela , Angelucci Emanuela , Stano Pasquale , Leboffe Loris , Federico Rodolfo , Antonini Giovanni , Mariottini Paolo , Polticelli Fabio
Published: May 2014

SMO (spermine oxidase) and APAO (acetylpolyamine oxidase) are flavoenzymes that play a critical role in the catabolism of polyamines. Polyamines are basic regulators of cell growth and proliferation and their homoeostasis is crucial for cell life since dysregulation of polyamine metabolism has been linked with cancer. In vertebrates SMO specifically catalyses the oxidation of spermine, whereas APAO displays a wider specificity, being able to oxidize both N1-acetylspermine and N1-acetylspermidine, but not spermine. The molecular bases of the different substrate specificity of these two enzymes have remained so far elusive. However, previous molecular modelling, site-directed mutagenesis and biochemical characterization studies of the SMO enzyme–substrate complex have identified Glu216–Ser218 as a putative active site hot spot responsible for SMO substrate specificity. On the basis of these analyses, the SMO double mutants E216L/S218A and E216T/S218A have been produced and characterized by CD spectroscopy and steady-state and rapid kinetics experiments. The results obtained demonstrate that mutation E216L/S218A endows SMO with N1-acetylspermine oxidase activity, uncovering one of the structural determinants that confer the exquisite and exclusive substrate specificity of SMO for spermine. These results provide the theoretical bases for the design of specific inhibitors either for SMO or APAO.
Multi‐band VCO PLL with continuously maintained optimum VCO control voltage
Authors: Park Young‐Seok , Kwon Dae‐hyun , Choi K.‐C. , Choi Woo‐Young
Published: May 2014

A new architecture for a multi‐band voltage‐controlled oscillator (VCO) phase‐locked loop (PLL) is presented, which can continuously maintain the optimum VCO sub‐band and the VCO control voltage even with severe supply voltage variation. A prototype 2 GHz PLL with the new architecture is successfully demonstrated in 0.13 µm CMOS technology.
Robust static output‐feedback controller design against sensor failure for vehicle dynamics
Authors: Aouaouda Sabrina , Chadli Mohammed , Karimi Hamid‐Reza
Published: May 2014

This study deals with the design of a robust fault estimation and fault‐tolerant control for vehicle lateral dynamics subject to external disturbance and unknown sensor faults. Firstly, a descriptor state and fault observer is designed to achieve the system state and sensor fault estimates simultaneously. Secondly, based on the information of on‐line fault estimates, a robust fault‐tolerant controller based on static output‐feedback controller (SOFC) design approach is developed. To provide linear matrix inequalities of less conservatism, the results are conducted in the non‐quadratic framework dealing with unmeasurable premise variables case. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed control approach when the vehicle road adhesion conditions change and the sideslip angle is unavailable for measurement.
Lossless chaos‐based crypto‐compression scheme for image protection
Authors: Masmoudi Atef , Puech William
Published: May 2014

In this study, the authors proposed a new scheme which performs both lossless compression and encryption of images. Lossless compression is done by arithmetic coding (AC) while encryption is based on a chaos‐based pseudorandom bit generator. Hence, they proposed to incorporate recent results of chaos theory into AC in order to shuffle the cumulative frequency vector of input symbols chaotically to make AC secure and the decoding process completely key‐dependent. Many other techniques based on varying the statistical model used by AC have been proposed in literature, however, these techniques suffer from losses in compression efficiency that result from changes in entropy model statistics and are weak against known attacks. The proposed compression–encryption techniques were developed and discussed. The numerical simulation analysis indicates that the proposed scheme is highly satisfactory for image encryption without any AC compression efficiency loss. In addition, it can be incorporated into any image compression standard or algorithm employing AC as entropy coding stage, including static, adaptive and context‐based adaptive models, and at any level, including bit, pixel and predictive error pixel levels.
Dual‐band multiple input multiple output antenna with slitted ground
Authors: Wu Yu‐Ting , Chu Qing‐Xin
Published: May 2014

A dual‐band multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antenna with slitted ground is presented. The MIMO antenna consists of two symmetric C‐shaped slots and T‐shaped slots and six pairs of slits. The C‐shaped slots are fed by two 50 Ω microstrip lines, respectively. The antenna can provide two operating bands centred at 2.70 and 3.95 GHz, covering WLAN and WiMAX band, respectively. The isolation of the antenna elements is better than 18 dB across 2.70 GHz‐band and 21 dB across 3.95 GHz‐band, whereas the six pairs of slits play an important role in reducing mutual coupling. Good performances of the proposed antenna over the operating bands are also obtained. The discussion shows that the antenna can be considered as a good candidate for MIMO systems.
Optimal invariant detection of a monochromatic plane wave with unknown amplitude, frequency, phase, direction of arrival and noise variance
Authors: Yu Zi‐bin , Cheng Lei , Zhao Hang‐fang , Gong Xian‐yi
Published: May 2014

This study deals with the problem of detecting a monochromatic plane wave with unknown amplitude, phase, temporal frequency and direction of arrival in complex white Gaussian noise with unknown variance. Depending on the natural invariance in scale, temporal modulation and spatial modulation of the problem, the uniformly most powerful invariant (UMPI) test is derived by using the statistical invariance principles. However, the UMPI test does not apply unless the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) is known. However, it provides us with performance bound to evaluate any invariant test's performance when the SNR is unknown. Typically, the generalised likelihood ratio test (GLRT) and locally most powerful invariant (LMPI) test are derived as realisable suboptimal invariant tests with their performance comparison in different SNR through theoretical analysis. Computer simulation examples corroborate the authors analysis and indicate that the GLRT is close to the UMPI bound especially in the low probability‐of‐false‐alarm (PFA) region of the receiver operating characteristic curve while the performance of the LMPI test is close to that of the UMPI test in the low SNR region.
Preliminary set of analysis for the assessment of wind turbines which are in the line‐of‐sight of radar, navigation and communications systems
Authors: Saynak Ug˘ur , Karahan S¸amil , Coşkun Ahmet Faruk , Yücedağ Senem Makal , Aldırmaz Sultan , Karabayır Osman , Yücedağ Okan Mert , Çolak Mustafa Alper , Ünal Mustafa , Batı Baki , Batı Özge , Tayyar İsmail Hakkı , Serim Hüseyin Avni , Hocaog˘lu Ali Köksal , Bölükbaş Deniz
Published: May 2014

Accelerated investments on wind power projects because of the great demand for renewable energy are increasing the concerns about deteriorating effects of wind turbines on the performance of civil and military radar, navigation and communications systems. In this study, the authors introduce a preliminary set of analysis for assessing the performance of electronic systems such as radar, communications and navigation systems and the degrading/deteriorating effects of wind turbines. The analysis quantifies the performance degradation in the electronic systems. The proposed study can be used as a tool by decision makers in the planning and designing phases of both electronic systems and wind turbines to reduce the adverse effects of the wind farms on the mentioned systems.
Study of the influence between magnesium ions and calcium ions on the morphology and size of coprecipitation in microemulsion
Authors: Wang Nong , Yang Lijuan , Chen Lixuan , Xiao Rong
Published: May 2014

A series of inverse‐microemulsion quasi‐ternary system phase diagrams of CTAB + n ‐butanol + n ‐hexane + brine (MgCl2/CaCl2) is systematically drawn by adjusting the ratio of MgCl2 and CaCl2. On this basis, a microemulsion has been prepared with five different molar ratios of magnesium ions to calcium ions, and a calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate coprecipitation product is obtained by reaction with an equimolar amount of sodium carbonate. The samples were characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The SEM photographs indicated that when the content of Ca2+ was higher, some large fusiform aggregates of coprecipitation particles were formed in solution, but with the content of Mg2+ increased gradually, they eventually formed small and uniform sphere particles. The measurement results of XRD and FTIR indicated that the crystal structures of calcium carbonate in coprecipitation changed gradually from vaterite into aragonite and finally turned into being amorphous with the increasing of the proportion of magnesium ions.
Preparation of silica supported nanoscale zero valence iron and its feasibility in viscosity reduction of heavy oil
Authors: Yang Zhancun , Liu Xueliang , Li Xiaohong , Zhao Mengyun , Zhang Zhijun , Su Changming
Published: May 2014

Conventional solvent and thermal enhanced oil recovery techniques are less competitive, because of the presence of resin and asphaltene components which are difficult to remove; therefore it is imperative to develop new types of catalysts for the efficient recovery of heavy oil. In this reported research, silica‐supported nanoscale zero valence iron (denoted as SiO2/nanoFe) is adopted as a catalyst to break the C–S bonds of resin and asphaltenes so as to reduce the viscosity of heavy oils and acquire enhanced oil recovery. A target SiO2/nanoFe catalyst was prepared via liquid‐phase reduction of ferric chloride hexahydrate by sodium borohydride in the presence of surface‐modified silica as a support. The as‐prepared SiO2/nanoFe catalyst was characterised by transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. The dispersibility of as‐prepared SiO2/nanoFe catalyst in various organic solvents was evaluated, and its specific surface area was determined using classic Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller isotherm method. Moreover, the catalytic performance of the SiO2/nanoFe catalyst for the aquathermolysis process of a heavy oil sample collected from Shengli Oilfield (Dongying, China) was evaluated. It was found that as‐prepared SiO2/nanoFe, composed of silica with an average size of about 10 nm and zero valence iron nanoparticles with an average size of several nanometers, exhibits good anti‐oxidation stability. The SiO2/nanoFe catalyst also exhibits good catalytic performance for the aquathermolysis process of heavy oils; in particular, at a mass fraction of 1.0%, it can significantly reduce the viscosity of a tested heavy oil from 184 to 42 Pa·s, showing promising potential in the industrial production of heavy oils.
Investigation of tip current and normal force measured simultaneously during local oxidation of titanium using dual‐mode scanning probe microscopy
Authors: Ozcan Onur , Hu Weihua , Sitti Metin , Bain James , Ricketts David S.
Published: May 2014

In this reported work, scanning probe microscopy is used to perform localised oxidation of Ti as a bottom‐up nanofabrication method. The effects of normal force setpoint and oxidation voltage on oxide nanofeatures during atomic force microscopy (AFM) mode and scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) mode oxidation are investigated. The normal force between the probe and sample and electrochemical current in the anodic oxidation process are measured using a custom control system, and the effects of these variables on the size and resistivity of oxidised nanopatterns are investigated. It is shown that a direct relation exists between oxidation voltage and written oxide resistivity as well as written feature width in the STM mode oxidation. In AFM mode oxidation, the normal force setpoint is shown to have a positive correlation with feature size, but an inverse relation with oxide resistivity. By leveraging the presented system's ability to operate in both AFM and STM mode, the dynamics and feature fabrication dependencies are shown to be a continuum of writing voltage and normal force. This reported work suggests that STM and AFM mode oxidation can be thought of as similar processes but working at different operating points in terms of normal force and tip‐surface spacing.
The Effects of Social Misdirection on Magic Tricks: How Deceived and Undeceived Groups Differ
Authors: Tachibana Ryo , Kawabata Hideaki
Published: May 2014

Characteristics of perception and cognition in our daily lives can be elucidated through studying misdirection, a technique used by magicians to manipulate attention. Recent findings on the effects of social misdirection induced by joint attention have been disputed, and differences between deceived (failed to detect the magic trick) and undeceived (detected the magic trick) groups remain unclear. To examine how social misdirection affects deceived and undeceived groups, we showed participants movie clips of the “cups & balls,” a classic magic trick, and measured participants' eye positions (i.e. where participants looked while viewing the clips) using an eye tracker. We found that the undeceived group looked less at the magician's face than the deceived group. These results indicate that deceived individuals have difficulty trying not to allocate attention to the face. We conclude that social misdirection captures attention, influencing the emergence of deception.
Examining the impact of task demands on morphological variability in native and non-native Spanish*
Authors: Prego Beatriz López , Gabriele Alison
Published: May 2014

The study tests representational and computational accounts of morphological variability in English-speaking learners of Spanish by examining performance on gender and number agreement under different task demands. Second language (L2) learners took either a Speeded grammaticality judgment task (GJT) or an Untimed GJT. The tasks targeted agreement violations of two types: errors in the use of ‘default’ morphology and errors involving ‘feature clashes’ (McCarthy, 2008). In addition, three groups of native speakers took the Speeded GJT at three different presentation rates to examine whether native speakers under a processing burden perform similarly to learners. Natives in the fastest speed performed better with feature clash errors for both gender and number. Learners showed the same pattern for number, but performed better with default errors in gender, suggesting different effects of processing demands for properties unique to the L2. On the Untimed GJT, a subset of advanced learners showed perfect performance with both gender and number.
A processing investigation of the accessibility of the uninterpretable gender feature in L2 French and L2 Spanish adjective agreement
Authors: Renaud Claire
Published: May 2014

Lardiere (2009) hypothesizes that second-language (L2) grammar development involves the reassembly of features in the constraints of Universal Grammar. Feature reassembly assumes the domain-specific Agree operation, in which an (interpretable) feature on a probing node values an uninterpretable counterpart feature on a goal node, and spell-out computations, providing morphological expression to these nodes. Because features express class membership (e.g., feminine expressions), Hawkins and Casillas (2008) proposed that agreement in non-advanced L2 acquisition may involve co-occurrence between expressions, computed presumably according to feature compatibility (e.g., Shieber, 1986). These two types of agreement computations predict distinct processing profiles and grammar-processing relations. Results from a self-paced moving-window experiment targeting overt adjective agreement in superlative constructions revealed that L1-English L2-French/Spanish learners’ profiles appear more consistent with feature valuation. Form sensitivity lagged behind computational ability in low-proficiency learners, suggesting that L2 grammar acquisition is subserved by a universal parsing mechanism (e.g., Dekydtspotter, 2001; Schwartz, 1999).
Cuestiones de género y autoría
Authors: Cattan Marguerite
Published: May 2014

The written mediation we encounter in Titu Cusi Yupanqui’sInstruccióngoes much further than simply influencing the form of the text. This study focuses on the various classical rhetorical elements found in the document which strongly influence its content. The evidence of such rhetorical devices questions the Inca’s authorship and points towards a possible co-author of the document.
Size‐ and Sex‐Specific Capture and Harvest Selectivity of Walleyes from Tagging Studies
Authors: Myers Ransom A. , Smith Matthew W. , Hoenig John M. , Kmiecik Neil , Luehring Mark A. , Drake Melissa T. , Schmalz Patrick J. , Sass Greg G.
Published: May 2014

Estimates of size‐ and sex‐specific gear selectivity are important for making informed management decisions. Sex‐specific selectivity curves may be needed for two‐sex statistical catch‐at‐age models when information about sex ratios in the catch is unavailable. We used data from three tagging programs in Minnesota and Wisconsin to estimate the size‐ and sex‐specific selectivity of angling and spearing for Walleyes Sander vitreus. We estimated capture selectivity (the relative catchability of each component of the population) and harvest selectivity (the combined effect of capture selectivity and the decision to retain or release a fish from a given component). These components are of interest because (1) the hooking mortality of released fish contributes substantially to total mortality, so that it is important to know how harvest and release vary by size; and (2) capture selectivity is likely similar across lakes, such that data from other lakes may provide information on capture selectivity for the lake of interest, while harvest selectivity is lake specific. Estimates were obtained using generalized linear models to determine the significance of the individual and interactive effects of length and sex on selectivity. Angling capture and harvest selectivity were both greater for females than males of every length. In contrast, spearing harvest selectivity was greater for males. For both sexes, harvest selectivity for angling and spearing peaked at around 400–450 mm. The capture selectivity of anglers peaked at 350–375 mm. The interaction between sex and size was significant for capture selectivity for angling, with the sex effect for small fish being less than that for large fish. Above 400 mm, spearing selectivity did not appear to vary with length for either sex, but at lengths below that it was lower for males.
Using Cure Models for Analyzing the Influence of Pathogens on Salmon Survival
Authors: Ray R. Adam , Perry Russell W. , Som Nicholas A. , Bartholomew Jerri L.
Published: May 2014

Parasites and pathogens influence the size and stability of wildlife populations, yet many population models ignore the population‐level effects of pathogens. Standard survival analysis methods (e.g., accelerated failure time models) are used to assess how survival rates are influenced by disease. However, they assume that each individual is equally susceptible and will eventually experience the event of interest; this assumption is not typically satisfied with regard to pathogens of wildlife populations. In contrast, mixture cure models, which comprise logistic regression and survival analysis components, allow for different covariates to be entered into each part of the model and provide better predictions of survival when a fraction of the population is expected to survive a disease outbreak. We fitted mixture cure models to the host–pathogen dynamics of Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha and Coho Salmon O. kisutch and the myxozoan parasite Ceratomyxa shasta. Total parasite concentration, water temperature, and discharge were used as covariates to predict the observed parasite‐induced mortality in juvenile salmonids collected as part of a long‐term monitoring program in the Klamath River, California. The mixture cure models predicted the observed total mortality well, but some of the variability in observed mortality rates was not captured by the models. Parasite concentration and water temperature were positively associated with total mortality and the mortality rate of both Chinook Salmon and Coho Salmon. Discharge was positively associated with total mortality for both species but only affected the mortality rate for Coho Salmon. The mixture cure models provide insights into how daily survival rates change over time in Chinook Salmon and Coho Salmon after they become infected with C. shasta.
Hegemonic, regional, minority and language policy in Subcarpathia: a historical overview and the present-day situation
Authors: Csernicskó István , Ferenc Viktória
Published: May 2014

During the twentieth century the region of Subcarpathia belonged to several different states: the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, Czechoslovakia, the independent Carpatho-Ukraine, the Hungarian Kingdom, the Soviet Union and finally to Ukraine. Today it borders four member states of the European Union (Poland, the Slovak Republic, Hungary and Romania), and due to its history several ethnicities and languages, religions and cultures live side by side in this region. However, as a consequence of the different language and minority policies in Subcarpathia, we cannot find a common language that everybody knows regardless of age, gender, education, religion or place of residence. The lack of a lingua franca makes dialogue between ethnicities difficult, sometimes even impossible. In this article we outline the main features of the regional, minority and language policies of the different states that existed at the various historical stages. We believe that the in-depth analysis of the history of this region can help find a model that could be useful not only in the region but also in the wider context of similarly multinational, linguistically diverse, culturally colorful territories in the Carpathian Basin and states in East-Central Europe.
Regulation of mammalian siderophore 2,5-DHBA in the innate immune response to infection
Authors: Liu Zhuoming , Reba Scott , Chen Wei-Dong , Porwal Suheel Kumar , Boom W. Henry , Petersen Robert B. , Rojas Roxana , Viswanathan Rajesh , Devireddy L.
Published: May 2014

Competition for iron influences host–pathogen interactions. Pathogens secrete small iron-binding moieties, siderophores, to acquire host iron. In response, the host secretes siderophore-binding proteins, such as lipocalin 24p3, which limit siderophore-mediated iron import into bacteria. Mammals produce 2,5-dihydroxy benzoic acid, a compound that resembles a bacterial siderophore. Our data suggest that bacteria use both mammalian and bacterial siderophores. In support of this idea, supplementation with mammalian siderophore enhances bacterial growth in vitro. In addition, mice lacking the mammalian siderophore resist E. coli infection. Finally, we show that the host responds to infection by suppressing siderophore synthesis while up-regulating lipocalin 24p3 expression via TLR signaling. Thus, reciprocal regulation of 24p3 and mammalian siderophore is a protective mechanism limiting microbial access to iron.