bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revenue Reform and Statebuilding in Anglophone Africa1
Authors: Moore Mick
Published: September 2013

Within the development field, tax administration reform is an area of relative success. Over the past two decades, the national revenue systems of most countries in anglophone Africa have undergone major reforms. These comprise, in particular, the introduction of Value Added Tax (VAT), the adoption of ‘advanced’ tax administration practices, and the creation of semi‐autonomous revenue authorities. What do these reforms imply for emerging patterns of politics and governance in anglophone Africa?

The first conclusion is conceptual and theoretical. The impact of these reforms has been shaped by the broad context within which they were being implemented, especially the increasingly transnational character of many important policymaking relationships (Orenstein and Schmitz 2006; Stone 2008; Weiss 2005). Senior African revenue staff feature increasingly in transnational expert networks, and face a wider range of employment opportunities, public and private, both at home and abroad. The second conclusion is that these revenue reforms have contributed only modestly to statebuilding. While the new revenue agencies are in many respects impressive organisations, actual revenue collection has not increased much; improvements in organisational capacity have been concentrated at national and capital city level; potentially synergistic improvements in the capacity to formulate tax policy have not occurred; and some anticipated spillover benefits from improving the revenue collection apparatus have not been realised. The third conclusion is that, while these reforms have made it possible for governments to raise revenue from the organised private sector in a more ‘Weberian’ (institutionalised, rule‐bound) and a more consensual manner, they have also increased the possibility that the taxation system will be shaped by private sector interests, making it difficult for governments to raise the revenue that they claim they need.
Taxing the Informal Economy: Challenges, Possibilities and Remaining Questions*
Authors: Joshi Anuradha , Prichard Wilson , Heady Christopher
Published: September 2013

Recent years have witnessed significantly increased attention to the challenge of taxing small businesses in the informal sector. However, much of this recent attention has remained focused on comparatively technical issues of revenue maximisation and policy design. This paper argues that this debate should focus increasingly on the wider development implications of informal sector taxation, as well as the political and institutional barriers to improved performance.

When considering the merits of committing scarce resources to taxing small informal sector firms, debate has frequently focused on limited revenue potential, high costs of collection and potentially perverse impacts on small firms. By contrast, recent arguments have increasingly emphasised more indirect benefits of informal taxation in relation to economic growth, tax compliance and governance. These potentially broader benefits are increasingly finding support in recent research, but they are contingent on government support and consequently demand further attention.

When we turn our attention away from whether tax authorities should tax small informal businesses towards the challenge of how to do so more effectively, we again argue that a broader frame of analysis is needed. Most existing research has focused on developing less distortionary tax regimes and on tax simplification in order to reduce the costs of compliance. However, while important, there strategies remain too narrow. Encouraging tax compliance demands not only lowering costs but also strengthening the potential benefits of formalisation, from increased security to new economic opportunities. As importantly, successful reform needs political support from political leaders, tax administrators and taxpayers alike. This demands greater attention to strengthening political incentives for reform, through strategic policy, administrative and institutional reform. With this in mind, the paper highlights a number of recent experiences that have sought to address these challenges, but which need further study.
c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase regulates mGluR‐dependent expression of post‐synaptic FMRP target proteins
Authors: Schmit Travis L. , Dowell James A. , Maes Margaret E. , Wilhelm Michael
Published: September 2013

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is caused by the loss of functional fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). Loss of FMRP results in an elevated basal protein expression profile of FMRP targeted mRNAs, a loss of local metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR)‐regulated protein synthesis, exaggerated long‐term depression and corresponding learning and behavioral deficits. Evidence shows that blocking mGluR signaling in FXS models ameliorates these deficits. Therefore, understanding the signaling mechanisms downstream of mGluR stimulation may provide additional therapeutic targets for FXS. Kinase cascades are an integral mechanism regulating mGluR‐dependent protein translation. The c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) pathway has been shown to regulate mGluR‐dependent nuclear transcription; however, the involvement of JNK in local, synaptic signaling has not been explored. Here, we show that JNK is both necessary and sufficient for mGluR‐dependent expression of a subset of FMRP target proteins. In addition, JNK activity is basally elevated in fmr1 knockout mouse synapses, and blocking JNK activity reduces the over‐expression of post‐synaptic proteins in these mice. Together, these data suggest that JNK may be an important signaling mechanism downstream of mGluR stimulation, regulating FMRP‐dependent protein synthesis. Furthermore, local, post‐synaptic dysregulation of JNK activity may provide a viable target to ameliorate the deficits involved in FXS.

image

Expression of many FMRP target proteins is enhanced in FXS. Here, we evaluated the role of JNKs in FXS. We found that JNK signaling is activated upon mGluR stimulation in wild‐type neurons. Conversely, JNK activity is basally elevated in fmr1 knockout. Inhibiting JNK reduced the expression of FMRP target proteins and driving JNK activity increased the expression of these proteins.
Sensitivity Analysis of Fitness-for-Service Assessment Based on Reliability for Cylindrical Pressure Vessels With Local Metal Loss
Authors: Kaida Takuyo , Izumi Satoshi , Sakai Shinsuke
Published: September 2013

Concern about fitness-for-service (FFS) assessments using stochastic analyses for aged pressure equipment with local metal loss has been growing. When a decision must be made regarding whether to run or repair equipment with local metal loss, a structural integrity assessment based on reliability helps. In analyses of failure probability, it is important to identify which variables strongly affect the structural integrity. The stochastic properties of influential parameters must be clarified, but few data have been published regarding the quantitative analysis of the sensitivity of the parameters in FFS assessments of components with local metal loss. Here, we investigated the effects of parameters on the plastic collapse of a damaged cylindrical pressure vessel with local metal loss, in an evaluation of parameter sensitivity. We also analyzed sensitivity indices for the component with several shapes of local metal loss. We found that the corrosion rate has a major influence on the probability of failure. We propose a practical stochastic analysis procedure for components with local metal loss. In this procedure, the parameter that has consistently low sensitivity to the limit state is used as a constant value.
Constitutive Law of Finite Deformation Elastoplasticity With Proportional Loadings
Authors: Darijani H. , Naghdabadi R.
Published: September 2013

In this paper, decomposition of the total strain into elastic and plastic parts is investigated for extension of elastic-type constitutive models to finite deformation elastoplasticity. In order to model the elastic behavior, a Hookean-type constitutive equation based on the logarithmic strain is considered. Based on this constitutive equation and assuming the deformation theory of Hencky as well as the yield criteria of von Mises, the elastic-plastic behavior of materials at finite deformation is modeled in the case of the proportional loading. Moreover, this elastoplastic model is applied in order to determine the stress distribution in thick-walled cylindrical pressure vessels at finite deformation elastoplasticity.
Novel Pressure-Resistant Oil-Immersed Proportional Actuator for Electrohydraulic Proportional Control Valve
Authors: Ding Chuan , Ding Fan , Zhou Xing , Liu Shuo , Yang Canjun
Published: September 2013

This paper presents a novel pressure-resistant oil-immersed proportional actuator with a magnetic grid magnetic-isolated ring (MGMR) on its single-piece sleeve. A two-dimensional finite element method is used to establish the model and analyze the static and dynamic performance. The experimental and simulation results agree well with each other and verify the static and dynamic performance characteristics of this proportional actuator. The results indicate that the actuator can produce 15 N force output when the ampere turns is 450AT in 2.2-mm wide working stroke; the rising step response time and the falling step response time are 24 and 17 ms, respectively, and the frequency response (−3dB) is 25 Hz. Consequently, its applications to electrohydraulic proportional/servo valve are acceptable.
Robust Optimization of Cylindrical Gear Tooth Surface Modifications Within Ranges of Torque and Misalignments
Authors: Artoni Alessio , Guiggiani Massimo , Kahraman Ahmet , Harianto Jonny
Published: September 2013

Tooth surface modifications are small, micron-level intentional deviations from perfect involute geometries of spur and helical gears. Such modifications are aimed at improving contact pressure distribution, while minimizing the motion transmission error to reduce noise excitations. In actual practice, optimal modification requirements vary with the operating torque level, misalignments, and manufacturing variance. However, most gear literature has been concerned with determining optimal flank form modifications at a single design point, represented by fixed, single load and misalignment values. A new approach to the design of tooth surface modifications is proposed to handle such conditions. The problem is formulated as a robust design optimization problem, and it is solved, in conjunction with an efficient gear contact solver (Load Distribution Program (LDP)), by a direct search, global optimization algorithm aimed at guaranteeing global optimality of the obtained microgeometry solutions. Several tooth surface modifications can be used as microgeometry design variables, including profile, lead, and bias modifications. Depending on the contact solver capabilities, multiple performance metrics can be considered. The proposed method includes the capability of simultaneously and robustly handling several conflicting design objectives. In the present paper, peak contact stress and loaded transmission error amplitude are used as objective functions (to be minimized). At the end, two example optimizations are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Artifact‐resistant motion estimation with a patient‐specific artifact model for motion‐compensated cone‐beam CT
Authors: Brehm Marcus , Paysan Pascal , Oelhafen Markus , Kachelrieß Marc
Published: September 2013

Purpose:

In image‐guided radiation therapy (IGRT) valuable information for patient positioning, dose verification, and adaptive treatment planning is provided by an additional kV imaging unit. However, due to the limited gantry rotation speed during treatment the typical acquisition time is quite long. Tomographic images of the thorax suffer from motion blurring or, if a gated 4D reconstruction is performed, from significant streak artifacts. Our purpose is to provide a method that reliably estimates respiratory motion in presence of severe artifacts. The estimated motion vector fields are then used for motion‐compensated image reconstruction to provide high quality respiratory‐correlated 4D volumes for on‐board cone‐beam CT (CBCT) scans.

Methods:

The proposed motion estimation method consists of a model that explicitly addresses image artifacts because in presence of severe artifacts state‐of‐the‐art registration methods tend to register artifacts rather than anatomy. Our artifact model, e.g., generates streak artifacts very similar to those included in the gated 4D CBCT images, but it does not include respiratory motion. In combination with a registration strategy, the model gives an error estimate that is used to compensate the corresponding errors of the motion vector fields that are estimated from the gated 4D CBCT images. The algorithm is tested in combination with a cyclic registration approach using temporal constraints and with a standard 3D–3D registration approach. A qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the motion‐compensated results was performed using simulated rawdata created on basis of clinical CT data. Further evaluation includes patient data which were scanned with an on‐board CBCT system.

Results:

The model‐based motion estimation method is nearly insensitive to image artifacts of gated 4D reconstructions as they are caused by angular undersampling. The motion is accurately estimated and our motion‐compensated image reconstruction algorithm can correct for it. Motion artifacts of 3D standard reconstruction are significantly reduced, while almost no new artifacts are introduced.

Conclusions:

Using the artifact model allows to accurately estimate and compensate for patient motion, even if the initial reconstructions are of very low image quality. Using our approach together with a cyclic registration algorithm yields a combination which shows almost no sensitivity to sparse‐view artifacts and thus ensures both high spatial and high temporal resolution.
Forging New Approaches to Stem Cell Tracking
Authors: Chow Edward Kai-Hua
Published: September 2013

Neural stem cells were tracked in the mouse brain using nanoparticles and magnetic resonance imaging.
A New Achilles Heel for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Narla Goutham
Published: September 2013

A gain-of-function mutation promotes dihydrotestosterone synthesis in castration-resistant prostate cancer.
Finnish Bottlenecks Enrich Risk-Conferring Deletion of
TOP3β
Authors: Neale Benjamin M.
Published: September 2013

Mapping of copy number variation in Finnish isolates identifies deletions of
TOP3β
,

a putative component of neuronal mRNA translation, as a risk factor for schizophrenia and cognitive difficulties.
The IL-33/ST2 Axis Is Associated with Human Visceral Leishmaniasis and Suppresses Th1 Responses in the Livers of BALB/c Mice Infected with Leishmania donovani
Authors: Rostan Octavie , Gangneux Jean-Pierre , Piquet-Pellorce Claire , Manuel Christelle , McKenzie Andrew N. J. , Guiguen Claude , Samson Michel , Robert-Gangneux Florence
Published: September 2013

During visceral leishmaniasis, the control of hepatic parasite burden is mainly due to granuloma assembly in a microenvironment consisting of both Th1 and Th2 components. Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) dosages, quantitative PCR (qPCR), immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry, we studied the role of interleukin-33 (IL-33), a recently described cytokine signaling through the ST2 receptor, during visceral leishmaniasis. We showed that a higher level of IL-33 was detected in the serum of patients with visceral leishmaniasis than in that from healthy donors and demonstrated the presence of IL-33+cells in a liver biopsy specimen from a patient. Similarly, in BALB/c mice experimentally infected withL. donovani, a higher level of IL-33 was detected in the serum, as well as the presence of IL-33+cells and ST2+cells in the mouse liver. In ST2−/−BALB/c mice, better control of the hepatic parasite burden and reduced hepatomegaly were observed. This was associated with strong induction of Th1 cytokines (gamma interferon [IFN-γ] and IL-12) compared to the level in wild-type (WT) mice and better recruitment of myeloid cells associated with strongly induced chemokines (CCL2 and CXCL2) and receptors (CCR2 and CXCR2). Conversely, BALB/c mice treated twice weekly with recombinant IL-33 showed a dramatically reduced induction of Th1 cytokines and delayed inhibition of monocyte and neutrophil recruitment in the liver, which was associated with reduced KC/CXCL1 and CXCR2 expression. Taken together, our results suggest that IL-33 could be a new deleterious regulator of the hepatic immune response againstLeishmania donovani, via the repression of the Th1 response and myeloid cell recruitment.

IMPORTANCEVisceral leishmaniasis is a life-threatening systemic disease due to theLeishmaniaprotozoaL. infantumandL. donovaniand is ranked by the World Health Organization as the second most important protozoan parasitic disease after malaria for its grave morbidity, high mortality, and global distribution.Leishmaniaparasites subvert the host’s immune response to propagate to target organs, including the spleen, the bone marrow, and the liver. Control of hepatic parasite burdens depends on a delicate and poorly understood Th1/Th2 immune balance. To better understand this complex immune response, new cytokines are interesting targets for research studies. IL-33 is a newly described cytokine usually associated with Th2 response and involved in different diseases, including infectious diseases and hepatitis. Our results suggest that IL-33 could be a new factor of susceptibility and a potential prognostic marker during visceral leishmaniasis.
Disseminated solitary fibrous tumour of the lung and pleura
Authors: Singh Ranjit Kumar , Thangakunam Balamugesh , Isaac Barney Thomas Jesudason , Gupta Ashumi
Published: September 2013

Solitary fibrous tumours (SFTs) are a heterogeneous group of rare spindle-cell tumours. Classically they presented as a solitary pleural-based mass. Pulmonary parenchymal SFT is rare and multiple bilateral lesions are extremely rare. We present the clinical, imaging and histological features of SFT which are presented as multiple nodular lesions of the lung and pleura with probable distant metastasis.
An unexpected positive hypersensitive reaction to eugenol
Authors: Tammannavar Praveen , C Pushpalatha , Jain Shrenik , SV Sowmya
Published: September 2013

Eugenol is an active, principal aromatic liquid responsible for several pharmacological activities. It is widely used in dental practice to relieve pain arising from various sources, such as pulpitis and dentinal hypersensitivity. As a primary irritant and sensitiser, it is known to cause contact urticaria as well as chronic urticaria. However, eugenol causes allergic contact dermatitis, possibly because it can react directly with proteins to form conjugate and reactive haptens. It is found that eugenol in various dental preparations-especially in the case of some zinc oxide–contains preparations such as periodontal dressings and root canal cements. This can cause hypersensitivity when it comes in contact with gingiva or teeth. This article presents a case of immediate allergic contact urticaria to eugenol during dental treatment.
Pramipexole induced psychosis in a patient with restless legs syndrome
Authors: Signorelli Maria S , Battaglia Eliana , Costanzo Maria C , Cannavò Dario
Published: September 2013

In the last few years, dopamine agonists (DA) have been used as first-line treatment for restless legs syndrome (RLS), a disabling sensorimotor disorder. Only recently have they reported some possible iatrogenic side effects, as shown below. The following case presents a RLS patient who developed hallucinatory and delusional symptoms with paranoid ideation after pramipexole assumption; these symptoms gradually decreased after pramipexole suspension and treatment by an oral antipsychotic therapy (quetiapine XR). Correlation between DAs assumption and psychotic symptoms is still not clear. The development of these side effects might be related to many risk factors such as genetic susceptibility, premorbid personality and psychosocial stressor; in order to minimise the risk of iatrogenic psychosis it could be useful to assess patients’ vulnerability factors selecting an alternative medication regime.
How do emergency physicians make discharge decisions?
Authors: Calder Lisa A , Arnason Trevor , Vaillancourt Christian , Perry Jeffrey J , Stiell Ian G , Forster Alan J
Published: September 2013

Background

One of the most important decisions that emergency department (ED) physicians make is patient disposition (admission vs discharge).

Objectives

To determine how ED physicians perceive their discharge decisions for high-acuity patients and the impact on adverse events (adverse outcomes associated with healthcare management).

Methods

We conducted a real-time survey of staff ED physicians discharging consecutive patients from high-acuity areas of a tertiary care ED. We asked open-ended questions about rationale for discharge decisions and use of clinical judgement versus evidence. We searched for 30-day flagged outcomes (deaths, unscheduled admissions, ED or clinic visits). Three trained blinded ED physicians independently reviewed these for adverse events and preventability. We resolved disagreements by consensus. We used descriptive statistics and 95% CIs.

Results

We interviewed 88.9% (32/36) of possible ED physicians for 366 discharge decisions. Respondents were mostly male (71.9%) and experienced (53.1% >10 years). ED physicians stated they used clinical judgement in 87.6% of decisions and evidence in 12.4%. There were 69 flagged outcomes (18.8%) and 10 adverse events (2.7%, 95% CI 1.1 to 4.5%). All adverse events were preventable (1 death, 4 admissions, 5 return ED visits). No significant associations occurred between decision-making rationale and adverse events.

Conclusions

Experienced ED physicians most often relied on clinical acumen rather than evidence-based guidelines when discharging patients from ED high-acuity areas. Neither approach was associated with adverse events. In order to improve the safety of discharge decisions, further research should focus on decision support solutions and feedback interventions.
STOCHASTIC AND COHERENCE RESONANCES IN A MODIFIED CHUA'S CIRCUIT SYSTEM WITH MULTI-SCROLL ORBITS
Authors: ARATHI S. , RAJASEKAR S. , KURTHS J.
Published: September 2013

We numerically investigate the role of the number of equilibrium points (N) on characteristic features of stochastic and coherence resonances in a modified Chua's circuit model equation capable of generating multi-scroll orbits. Both types of resonances are found for 1 < N ≤ 20. Almost periodic switching between the scroll orbits is observed at resonance. The values of the signal-to-noise ratio (used to quantify stochastic resonance), the autocorrelation function and the ratio of the dominant peak and its relative width in the power spectrum of the output signal (used to characterize coherence resonance) at resonance increase with N, reaching a maximum at N = 6 and then decrease. The mean residence time of a scroll orbit at resonance decreases rapidly with N. We show that both resonances in the multi-scroll orbits can be useful for weak signal detection.
CHAOS IN THE WEIGHTED BIEBUTOV SYSTEMS
Authors: WU XINXING , ZHU PEIYONG
Published: September 2013

In this paper, various notions of chaos in the Biebutov system are studied. First, the Biebutov system is generalized to the weighted Biebutov system. Meanwhile, we introduce the concept of continuous distributional chaos for the weighted Biebutov system and prove that it exhibits continuous distributional chaos and Li–Yorke sensitivity. Finally, we prove that the weighted Biebutov system is mixing and Devaney chaotic.
GLOBAL PHASE PORTRAITS OF QUADRATIC POLYNOMIAL DIFFERENTIAL SYSTEMS WITH A SEMI-ELEMENTAL TRIPLE NODE
Authors: ARTÉS JOAN C. , REZENDE ALEX C. , OLIVEIRA REGILENE D. S.
Published: September 2013

Planar quadratic differential systems occur in many areas of applied mathematics. Although more than one thousand papers have been written on these systems, a complete understanding of this family is still missing. Classical problems, and in particular, Hilbert's 16th problem [Hilbert, 1900, 1902], are still open for this family. In this article, we make a global study of the family [Formula: see text] of all real quadratic polynomial differential systems which have a semi-elemental triple node (triple node with exactly one zero eigenvalue). This family modulo the action of the affine group and time homotheties is three-dimensional and we give its bifurcation diagram with respect to a normal form, in the three-dimensional real space of the parameters of this form. This bifurcation diagram yields 28 phase portraits for systems in [Formula: see text] counting phase portraits with and without limit cycles. Algebraic invariants are used to construct the bifurcation set. The phase portraits are represented on the Poincaré disk. The bifurcation set is not only algebraic due to the presence of a surface found numerically. All points in this surface correspond to connections of separatrices.
COMPUTING ALL SPARSE KINETIC STRUCTURES FOR A LORENZ SYSTEM USING OPTIMIZATION
Authors: TUZA ZOLTÁN ANDRÁS , SZEDERKÉNYI GÁBOR , HANGOS KATALIN M. , ALONSO ANTONIO A. , BANGA JULIO R.
Published: September 2013

In this paper, all possible sparse chemical reaction network structures of a classical three-dimensional Lorenz system are computed assuming a given chemical complex set. The original nonkinetic equations are transformed into kinetic form using two different approaches: firstly, using a state-dependent time-rescaling and secondly, by applying the theory of X-factorable systems. Using the notions of core reactions and core complexes, an effective optimization-based computation approach is proposed for the calculation of all structurally different sparse reaction graphs. The resulting structures are briefly analyzed and compared from a structural point of view.
BIFURCATION OF LIMIT CYCLES BY PERTURBING A PERIODIC ANNULUS WITH MULTIPLE CRITICAL POINTS
Authors: CHANG GUIFENG , HAN MAOAN
Published: September 2013

In this paper, we consider the planar system ẋ = -yF(x, y) + εP(x, y), ẏ = xF(x, y) + εQ(x, y), where the set {F(x, y) = 0} consists of m nonzero points (ai, bi)(i = 1, …, m) with multiple multiplicities, P(x, y) and Q(x, y) are arbitrary real polynomials. We study the number of limit cycles bifurcating from the periodic annulus surrounding the origin by using Abelian integrals and residue integration.
AN EXACT EXPRESSION FOR A FLAT CONNECTION ON THE COMPLEMENT OF A TORUS KNOT
Authors: SREEDHAR V. V.
Published: September 2013

Simple physics ideas are used to derive an exact expression for a flat connection on the complement of a torus knot. The result is of some importance in the context of constructing representations of the knot group — a topological invariant of the knot. It is also a step forward in the direction of obtaining a generalization of the Aharonov–Bohm effect in which charged particles moving through force-free regions are scattered by impenetrable, knotted solenoids.
DUTY CYCLE DEFINITION AND APPLICATION IN RELIABILITY ENGINEERING — A UNIFIED REVIEW, CLASSIFICATION, AND CLARIFICATION
Authors: SUN FENG-BIN , LOCK STEVE , WANG WENDAI
Published: September 2013

The term "Duty Cycle" has been used widely on the daily basis in many industries for various purposes in both technical and marketing/sales communities. People also use this term to design reliability testing, quantify stress acceleration factor (AF), predict product reliability, and conduct field warranty projection. However, there have been tremendous confusion and misunderstanding about this term over the years. The purpose of this paper is to provide clarification and standardize the quantified definitions for various intended product duty cycles. The impact of various duty cycle definitions on product reliability, and their correlation with reliability calculations are also investigated.
Demonstration of Net Laser Cooling in a Semiconductor
Authors: Li Dehui , Zhang Jun , Xiong Qihua
Published: September 2013

Laser cooling of solids was first proposed by Pringsheim in 1929, more than 30 years before the invention of laser. With the advantages of being compact and free of vibration and cryogen, the laser cooling of solids shows very promising applications such as all solid-state cryocoolers and atheraml lasers. The basic principle of laser cooling in solids is based on the anti-Stokes luminescence, during which the emitted photons carry more energy than the incident photons. The thermal energy contained in lattice vibrations in solids is carried away by the emitted photons during the anti-Stokes luminescence processes resulting in the cooling of solids. To achieve net laser cooling, there are very strict requirements for materials: high external quantum efficiency, high crystalline quality and properly spaced energy levels. So far, the materials suitable for laser cooling are confined to rare-earth doped glasses or direct band gap semiconductors due to those special requirements.
Enhanced UAS Surveillance Using a Video Utility Metric
Authors: Niedfeldt Peter C. , Carroll Brandon T. , Howard Joel A. , Beard Randal W. , Morse Bryan S. , Pledgie Stephen
Published: September 2013

A successful mission for an Unmanned Air System (UAS) often depends on the ability of human operators to utilize data collected from onboard imaging sensors. Many hours are spent preparing and executing flight objectives, putting a tremendous burden on human operators both before and during the flight. We seek to automate the planning process to reduce the workload for UAS operators while also optimizing the quality of the collected video stream. We first propose a metric based on an existing image utility metric to estimate the utility of video captured by onboard cameras. We then use this metric to not only plan the UAS flight path, but also the path of the camera's optical axis projected along the terrain and the zoom level. Since computing an optimal solution is NP-hard and therefore infeasible, we subsequently describe a staged sub-optimal path planning approach to autonomously plan the UAS flight path and sensor schedule. We apply these algorithms to precompute UAS and sensor paths for a surveillance mission over a specified region. Simulated and actual flight test results are included.
Along-strike variations in the composition of sandstones derived from the uplifting western Greater Caucasus: causes and implications for reservoir quality prediction in the Eastern Black Sea
Authors: Vincent Stephen J. , Hyden Fiona , Braham William
Published: September 2013

Oligo-Miocene outcrops along the southern margin of the western Greater Caucasus preserve a record of sediments shed from the range into the northern and central parts of the Eastern Black Sea. Sandstones in the Russian western Caucasus are significantly more quartz-rich than those located farther SE in western Georgia. The latter contain appreciably more mudstone and volcanic rock fragments. Oligo-Miocene turbidite systems derived from the Russian western Caucasus in the Tuapse Trough and central Eastern Black Sea may therefore form better-quality reservoirs at shallow to moderate depths than sediments derived from west Georgian volcaniclastic sources in the easternmost part of the basin. Palynomorph analysis indicates sediment derivation predominantly from Jurassic and Cretaceous strata in the Russian western Caucasus and from Eocene strata, and an increasing proportion of Cretaceous strata upsection, in western Georgia. An Eocene volcaniclastic source is proposed for the increased rock fragment component in west Georgian sandstones. Eocene volcaniclastic rocks are no longer exposed in the Greater Caucasus, but similar rocks form the inverted fill of the Adjara–Trialet Basin farther south in the Lesser Caucasus. The former presence of a northern strand of this basin in the west Georgian Caucasus is supported by earlier thermochronological work.

Supplementary material:

A sample data table, petrographic data table, petrographic key, QFL sandstone compositional plot and palynomorph reworking Stratabugs™ charts are available at
www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18662
.
Nutritional manipulations in the perinatal period program adipose tissue in offspring
Authors: Lukaszewski Marie-Amélie , Eberlé Delphine , Vieau Didier , Breton Christophe
Published: September 2013

Epidemiological studies demonstrated initially that maternal undernutrition results in low birth weight with increased risk for long-lasting energy balance disorders. Maternal obesity and diabetes associated with high birth weight, excessive nutrition in neonates, and rapid catchup growth also increase the risk of adult-onset obesity. As stated by the Developmental Origin of Health and Disease concept, nutrient supply perturbations in the fetus or neonate result in long-term programming of individual body weight set point. Adipose tissue is a key fuel storage unit involved mainly in the maintenance of energy homeostasis. Studies in numerous animal models have demonstrated that the adipose tissue is the focus of developmental programming events in a sex- and depot-specific manner. In rodents, adipose tissue development is particularly active during the perinatal period, especially during the last week of gestation and during early postnatal life. In contrast to rodents, this process essentially takes place before birth in bigger mammals. Despite these different developmental time windows, altricial and precocial species share several mechanisms of adipose tissue programming. Offspring from malnourished dams present adipose tissue with a series of alterations: impaired glucose uptake, insulin and leptin resistance, low-grade inflammation, modified sympathetic activity with reduced noradrenergic innervations, and thermogenesis. These modifications reprogram adipose tissue metabolism by changing fat distribution and composition and by enhancing adipogenesis, predisposing the offspring to fat accumulation. Subtle adipose tissue circadian rhythm changes are also observed. Inappropriate hormone levels, modified tissue sensitivity (especially glucocorticoid system), and epigenetic mechanisms are key factors for adipose tissue programming during the perinatal period.
Quantity of glucose transporter and appetite-associated factor mRNA in various tissues after insulin injection in chickens selected for low or high body weight
Authors: Zhang Wei , Sumners Lindsay H. , Siegel Paul B. , Cline Mark A. , Gilbert Elizabeth R.
Published: September 2013

Chickens from lines selected for low (LWS) or high (HWS) body weight differ by 10-fold in body weight at 56 days old with differences in food intake, glucose regulation, and body composition. To evaluate if there are differences in appetite-regulatory factor and glucose transporter ( GLUT) mRNA that are accentuated by hypoglycemia, blood glucose was measured, and hypothalamus, liver, pectoralis major, and abdominal fat collected at 90 days of age from female HWS and LWS chickens, and reciprocal crosses, HL and LH, at 60 min after intraperitoneal injection of insulin. Neuropeptide Y ( NPY) and receptor ( NPYR) subtypes 1 and 5 mRNA were greater in LWS compared with HWS hypothalamus ( P < 0.05), but greater in HWS than LWS in fat ( P < 0.05). Expression of NPYR2 was greater in LWS than HWS in pectoralis major ( P < 0.05). There was greater expression in HWS than LWS for GLUT1 in hypothalamus and liver ( P < 0.05), GLUT2 in fat and liver ( P < 0.05), and GLUT9 in liver ( P < 0.05). Insulin was associated with reduced blood glucose in all populations ( P < 0.05) and reduced mRNA of insulin receptor ( IR) and GLUT 2 and 3 in liver ( P < 0.05). There was heterosis for mRNA, most notably NPYR1 (−78%) and NPYR5 (−81%) in fat and GLUT2 (−70%) in liver. Results suggest that NPY and GLUTs are associated with differences in energy homeostasis in LWS and HWS. Reduced GLUT and IR mRNA after insulin injection suggest a compensatory mechanism to prevent further hypoglycemia.
LGMS-FOA: An Improved Fruit Fly Optimization Algorithm for Solving Optimization Problems
Authors: Shan Dan , Cao GuoHua , Dong HongJiang
Published: September 2013

Recently, a new fruit fly optimization algorithm (FOA) is proposed to solve optimization problems. In this paper, we empirically study the performance of FOA. Six different nonlinear functions are selected as testing functions. The experimental results illustrate that FOA cannot solve complex optimization problems effectively. In order to enhance the performance of FOA, an improved FOA (named LGMS-FOA) is proposed. Simulation results and comparisons of LGMS-FOA with FOA and other metaheuristics show that LGMS-FOA can greatly enhance the searching efficiency and greatly improve the searching quality.
TNF-Alpha Inhibitors for Chronic Urticaria: Experience in 20 Patients
Authors: Sand Freja Lærke , Thomsen Simon Francis
Published: September 2013

Patients with severe chronic urticaria may not respond to antihistamines, and other systemic treatment options may either be ineffective or associated with unacceptable side effects.
We present data on efficacy and safety of adalimumab and etanercept in 20 adult patients with chronic urticaria. Twelve (60%) patients obtained complete or almost complete resolution of urticaria after onset of therapy with either adalimumab or etanercept. Further three patients (15%) experienced partial response. Duration of treatment ranged between 2 and 39 months. Those responding completely or almost completely had a durable response with a mean of 11 months. Six patients (30%) experienced side effects and five patients had mild recurrent upper respiratory infections, whereas one patient experienced severe CNS toxicity that could be related to treatment with TNF-alpha inhibitor. Adalimumab and etanercept may be effective and relatively safe treatment options in a significant proportion of patients with chronic urticaria who do not respond sufficiently to high-dose antihistamines or in whom standard immunosuppressive drugs are ineffective or associated with unacceptable side effects.
Investigating the Effects of Three Needling Parameters (Manipulation, Retention Time, and Insertion Site) on Needling Sensation and Pain Profiles: A Study of Eight Deep Needling Interventions
Authors: Loyeung Bertrand Y. K. , Cobbin Deirdre M.
Published: September 2013

Introduction. In traditional Chinese acupuncture, needle sensation (deqi) is purported to contribute to a therapeutic outcome. While researchers have attempted to definedeqiqualitatively, few have examined the effects of needling parameters on its intensity.Methods. 24 healthy subjects completed eight interventions scheduled at least one week apart, which involved manual acupuncture to LI4 or a designated nonacupoint (NAP) on the hand, with real or simulated manipulation each three minutes and needle retentions of one or 21 minutes. Intensities of needling sensation and pain were reported every three minutes and sensation qualities were reported post-intervention.Results. Immediately after needle insertion, similar levels of mean needle sensation and of pain were reported independent of intervention. At subsequent measurement times, only two interventions (one at LI4 and one at NAP) maintained statistically significantly elevated needle sensation and pain scores and reported higher numbers of needle sensation descriptors. For both, the needle was retained for 21 minutes and manipulated every three minutes. Neither intervention differed significantly in terms of levels of pain, and needle sensation or numbers and qualities of needle sensation described.Conclusion. In this group of healthy subjects, the initial needling for all eight interventions elicited similar levels of needle sensation and pain. These levels were only maintained if there was ongoing of needle manipulation and retention of the needle. By contrast, the strength of needle sensation or pain experienced was independent of insertion site.
Existence Results for a Class of Fractional Differential Equations with Periodic Boundary Value Conditions and with Delay
Authors: Karami Hadi , Babakhani Azizollah , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: September 2013

We discuss the existence and uniqueness of solution for two types of fractional order ordinary and delay differential equations. Fixed point theorems are the main tool used here to establish the existence and uniqueness results. First we use Banach contraction principle to prove the uniqueness of solution and then Krasnoselskii's fixed point theorem to show the existence of the solution under certain conditions in a Banach space.
Intra-Abdominal Localisation of a Buschke-Lowenstein Tumour: Case Presentation and Review of the Literature
Authors: Wester N. E. , Hutten E. M. , Krikke C. , Pol Robert A.
Published: September 2013

Giant condyloma acuminatum or Buschke-Lowenstein tumour is a very rare disease which usually is located in the genital, anorectal, and perianal regions. It is regarded as a type of verrucous carcinoma occurring on anogenital mucosal surfaces where it is locally invasive but displays a benign cytology. We describe a case of a 24-year-old woman with persisting condyloma acuminata progressing to a large intra-abdominal Buschke-Lowenstein tumour. To our knowledge such an advanced stage has only been reported once before. The severity and extent of the tumour both determine the treatment and patient outcome. Treatment was impeded by cachexia, an immunosuppressive state after kidney transplantation and difficulties in establishing a reliable diagnose. Interferon treatment was started which initially led to tumour reduction but was complicated by an interferon-induced pancreatitis, pneumonia, and fasciitis necroticans resulting in death. We present a literature overview on the treatment options for a Buschke-Lowenstein tumour, with emphasis on interferon therapy, with all the advantages and disadvantages.
New Optical Methods for Liveness Detection on Fingers
Authors: Drahansky Martin , Dolezel Michal , Vana Jan , Brezinova Eva , Yim Jaegeol , Shim Kyubark
Published: September 2013

This paper is devoted to new optical methods, which are supposed to be used for liveness detection on fingers. First we describe the basics about fake finger use in fingerprint recognition process and the possibilities of liveness detection. Then we continue with introducing three new liveness detection methods, which we developed and tested in the scope of our research activities—the first one is based on measurement of the pulse, the second one on variations of optical characteristics caused by pressure change, and the last one is based on reaction of skin to illumination with different wavelengths. The last part deals with the influence of skin diseases on fingerprint recognition, especially on liveness detection.
Effect of Various Ring Yarns on Fabric Comfort
Authors: Singh Mukesh Kumar , Nigam Akansha
Published: September 2013

Comfort performance of woven structures made of various types of ring spun yarns like carded, combed, and compact spun yarns has been reported in the present study. Carded, combed, and compact spun yarns are entirely different in structure in terms of fibre migration inside the yarn body, level of free space inside the yarn, number of hairs, and length of hairs on yarn surfaces. In this study, 197 dtex and 144 dtex (30s Ne and 40s Ne) ring spun combed yarns are used as a warp. The same cotton mixing was used to manufacture 30s Ne and 40s Ne carded, combed, and compact yarns. Both 30s and 40s Ne linear density yarns were prepared by all three carded, combed, and compact yarn manufacturing routes. The structure of fibre strand in filling yarn has a great impact on comfort related properties, that is, thermal conductivity, , air permeability, wicking, and moisture vapour permeability.
Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae in Chickens in Sudan
Authors: Khalifa Khalda A. , Sidahmed Abdelrahim Egbal , Badwi Magdi , Mohamed Amal M.
Published: September 2013

The current study described the isolation and molecular detection of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (Mg) and Mycoplasma synoviae from tracheal swabs of diseased birds showing signs of respiratory distress in selected commercial (layer and broiler) farms and from yolk and an open air of pens of vaccinated breeder flocks in Sudan. A number of 45 Mycoplasma isolates were recovered from chickens in Khartoum, Gezira, and Equatoria states in Sudan. Of these, eight Mg and three Ms isolates were identified using growth inhibition and rapid serum agglutination (RSA) tests. The conventional PCR technique was applied to amplify 140 bp and 720 bp DNA fragments for the Mg and Ms, respectively. This research confirmed vertical and horizontal transmission of Mg from breeder farms through detection of Mg in yolk of fertile eggs and an air of pens despite previous vaccination. PCR is considered a rapid, sensitive, and cheap method and it will improve the diagnosis of Mycoplasma in chickens.
Modelling and Design of HF RFID Passive Transponders with Additional Energy Harvester
Authors: Jankowski-Mihułowicz Piotr , Kalita Włodzimierz , Skoczylas Mariusz , Węglarski Mariusz
Published: September 2013

The huge progress in electronics technology and RFID technique gives the opportunity to implement additional features in transponders. It should be noted that either passive or semipassive transponders are supplied with energy that is derived from the electromagnetic field generated by the read/write device and its antenna. This power source is used to conduct radio-communication process and excess energy could be used to power the extra electronic circuits, but the problem is to determine the additional power load impact on the RFID system proper operation and size of interrogation zone. The ability to power the supplementary electronic blocks applied in the HF passive transponders is discussed in detail this paper. The simulation model and test samples with a harvester that recovers energy from the electromagnetic field of read/write device and its antenna have been developed in order to conduct investigations. The harvested energy has been utilized to supply a microprocessor acquisition block for LTCC pressure sensor developed in research previously described by authors.
Multifunctional Chitosan-Copper Oxide Hybrid Material: Photocatalytic and Antibacterial Activities
Authors: Haldorai Yuvaraj , Shim Jae-Jin
Published: September 2013

Chitosan (CS) anchored copper oxide (CuO) hybrid material was prepared by chemical precipitation method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the formation of CS-CuO hybrid. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis showed the immobilization of CuO nanoparticles on the surface of CS. The hybrid was also characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and zeta potential. The hybrid exhibited high photocatalytic activity as evident from the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye. The result revealed substantial degradation of the MB dye (84%) under UV-light illumination. The antibacterial activity of hybrid againstEscherichia coliwas examined by colony forming units. It was proved that the CS encapsulated CuO hybrid exhibited excellent antibacterial activity.