bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of care in systemic lupus erythematosus: the association between process and outcome measures in the Lupus Outcomes Study
Authors: Yazdany Jinoos , Trupin Laura , Schmajuk Gabriela , Katz Patricia P , Yelin Edward H
Published: March 2014

Objectives

Although process measures to assess quality of care in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are available, their relationship to long-term outcomes has not been studied. Using a prospective, longitudinal cohort study, we examined the associations between high-quality care and two important SLE outcomes, disease activity and damage.

Methods

Data were derived from the University of California, San Francisco Lupus Outcomes Study. Participants were followed from 2009 through 2013, responding to yearly surveys. Primary outcomes in this study were clinically meaningful increases in disease activity and damage, assessed by the Systemic Lupus Activity Questionnaire (SLAQ) and the Brief Index of Lupus Damage (BILD), respectively. Using multivariable regression, we examined the relationship between high performance on 13 validated quality measures (receipt of ≥85% of quality measures), and disease outcomes, adjusting for disease status, sociodemographic characteristics, healthcare services and follow-up time.

Results

The 737 participants were eligible for a mean of five quality measures (SD 2, range 2–12). There were 155 and 162 participants who had clinically meaningful increases in SLAQ and BILD, respectively.In our models, we found no statistically significant relationship between performance on quality measures and changes in SLAQ. However, receiving higher-quality SLE care was significantly protective against increased disease damage (adjusted OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.4 to 0.7), even after adjusting for covariates.

Discussion

In this community-based cohort, we illustrate for the first time a strong link between processes of care, defined by SLE quality measures, and the subsequent accumulation of disease damage, an important outcome.
Rehabilitation forestry and carbon market access onhigh-graded northern hardwood forests
Authors: Russell-Roy Emily T. , Keeton William S. , Pontius Jennifer A. , Kerchner Charles D.
Published: March 2014

Decades of heavy-cutting and high-grading in the northeastern United States provide an opportunity for rehabilitation and increased carbon stores, yet few studies have examined the feasibility of using carbon markets to restore high-graded forests. We evaluated the effectiveness of rehabilitation on 391 ha of high-graded forest in Vermont, USA. Thirteen silvicultural scenarios were modeled over 100 years using the Forest Vegetation Simulator. Carbon offsets were quantified with the Climate Action Reserve (CAR) and American Carbon Registry (ACR) protocols and evaluated under voluntary and regulatory carbon price assumptions. Results indicate that management scenarios involving no harvest or low-intensity harvest yield the greatest incentives, yet these scenarios include a range of short-term rehabilitation options that provide flexibility for landowners. The choice of protocol also significantly influences results. Although ACR consistently generated more offsets than CAR for the same scenarios (p < 0.05), the protocols yielded similar net present values of US$121–US$256·ha−1 under high offset price assumptions. These returns are comparable to those generated from timber harvest alone under more intensive management scenarios. While timber will continue to be a primary source of revenue for many landowners, carbon markets may increasingly appeal as a new incentive for restoring high-graded forests.
Predation on reptiles and birds by the common buzzard,Buteo buteo, in relation to changes in its main prey, voles
Authors: Selås Vidar
Published: March 2014

It has commonly been assumed that predators whose main prey are voles reduce their predation on other prey when voles are abundant. This assumption may, however, not be valid for slow-moving and ground-dwelling prey species with habitat demands similar to those of voles. In southern Norway, the field vole, Microtus agrestis, is an important prey for the common buzzard, Buteo buteo. Two other important groups of prey are birds and reptiles. In a forested study area with cyclic vole populations, prey remains and pellets were collected from buzzard nest sites in 2 peak vole years and 3 low vole years. Birds were most important as prey when vole populations were low. Reptiles, on the other hand, were most common as prey in peak vole years, possibly because the buzzards then concentrated on hunting ground-dwelling prey in habitats with high vole populations. In the study area, this was mainly clearcuts, which were commonly used also by basking reptiles. The vole-hunting adder, Vipera berus, may be especially vulnerable to buzzard predation in peak vole years because it is probably attracted to the vole-rich patches utilized by the buzzard.
A real open book not fillable by a real Lefschetz fibration
Authors: Öztürk Ferit , Salepci Nermin
Published: March 2014

A real 3- or 4-manifold has by definition an orientation preserving smooth involution acting on it. We consider Lefschetz fibrations of 4-dimensional manifolds-with-boundary and open book decompositions on their boundary in the existence of a real structure. We prove that there is a real open book which cannot be filled by a real Lefschetz fibration, although it is filled by non-real Lefschetz fibrations.
Nontrivial minimal surfaces in a class of Finsler 3-spheres
Authors: Cui Ningwei
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we study the rotationally invariant minimal surfaces in the Bao–Shen's spheres, which are a class of 3-spheres endowed with Randers metrics [Formula: see text] of constant flag curvature K = 1, where [Formula: see text] are Berger metrics, [Formula: see text] are one-forms and k > 1 is an arbitrary real number. We obtain a class of nontrivial minimal surfaces isometrically immersed in the Bao–Shen's spheres, which is the first class of nontrivial minimal surfaces with respect to the Busemann–Hausdorff measure in Finsler spheres. Moreover, we also obtain a new class of explicit minimal surfaces in the classical Berger spheres [Formula: see text], which was expected to get in [F. Torralbo, Rotationally invariant constant mean curvature surfaces in homogeneous 3-manifolds, Differential Geom. Appl.28(5) (2010) 593–607].
Approximations to the time evolution of an Izhikevich neuron
Authors: Romeo August , Supèr Hans
Published: March 2014

Possible ways of obtaining information about the solutions of Izhikevich's "simple model" for a spiking neuron are considered. The method of power series in time is reviewed. From a different viewpoint, in the case of constant input and weak recovery scale effects, advantage is taken of a small-parameter expansion. The obtained approximations can be expressed in terms of elementary functions.
OPERA: Status and prospects
Authors: Di Crescenzo Antonia ,   On behalf of the OPERA Collaboration
Published: March 2014

The Oscillation Project with Emulsion-tRacking Apparatus (OPERA) neutrino experiment was designed to perform a unique appearance measurement in the CNGS beam to confirm the oscillation mechanism in the atmospheric sector. Runs were successfully carried out from 2008 to 2012. The status of the analysis is reported and the topology and the kinematics of the first three ντ candidate events are described. A first result of the νμ→νe oscillation search is also presented.
Tau-neutrino as a probe of nonstandard interactions via charged Higgs and W′ contribution
Authors: Rashed Ahmed
Published: March 2014

We discuss the impact of the presence of a charged Higgs boson and a W′ gauge boson on the tau-neutrino nucleon scattering ντ+N→τ-+X and [Formula: see text]. We show the effect of the new physics on the quasielastic, Δ-resonance and deep inelastic scattering. The measurements for the atmospheric and reactor mixing angles θ23 and θ13 in the appearance analyses νμ →ντ and [Formula: see text] are based on the Standard Model cross-section of the above processes. The measured mixing angles are changed when considering the new physics contributions to those reactions, assuming the Standard Model cross-sections. We include form factor effects in the new physics calculations and find the deviations of the mixing angles can be significant and can depend on the energy of the neutrino.
RIN transfer in second-order amplification with centrally-pumped random distributed feedback fiber lasers
Authors: Nuño Javier , Ania-Castañón Juan Diego
Published: March 2014

The predicted relative intensity noise (RIN) transfer function for distributed amplification based on centrally-pumped random distributed feedback ultralong Raman fiber lasers (RDFLs) is found and studied over a broad range of possible lengths and signal powers, showing that the values of the RIN transfer function and the RIN cut-off frequencies are dependent upon both parameters. RIN transfer is shown to be generally higher than in a typical ultralong cavity Raman fiber laser (URFL) pumped from the extremes.
Effect of pH on the holographic properties of Al2O3 nanoparticle dispersed acrylate photopolymer
Authors: Li Yun-Xi , Li Chun-Liu , Huang Ming-Ju
Published: March 2014

Several different pH of Al 2 O 3 nano-fluid were prepared using dispersant and doped into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/acrylamide (AA) based photopolymers where the photopolymers were exposed with 647 nm Ar + Kr + laser to study its holographic properties. The research shows that the incorporation of Al 2 O 3 nanoparticles (NPs) improves the holographic characteristics of sample, where the pH has an effect to the dispersion of Al 2 O 3 NPs in the photopolymer. When the pH of Al 2 O 3 nano-fluid is about 7, the diffraction efficiency of the sample can be raised to 93.8%, the maximum refractive index modulation can be increased to 2.28×10-3, the shrinkage can be depressed to 0.8%, the Bragg mismatch is 0.04°, and the concentration of 10 nm Al 2 O 3 nano-fluid modified by high definition (HD) dispersant must be 1.02×10-3mol⋅L-1.
Molecular state NΞ in the coupled-channel formalism
Authors: Gerasyuta S. M. , Matskevich E. E.
Published: March 2014

The relativistic six-quark equations for the molecule NΞ are found in the dispersion relation technique. The relativistic six-quark amplitudes of the hexaquark including the quarks of three flavors (u, d, s) are calculated. The pole of these amplitudes determines the mass of NΞ state M = 2252 MeV. The binding energy is equal to 3 MeV.
PERCEPTIONS OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN MALE-DOMINATED LEADERSHIP CULTURES: MORE POSITIVE SUPPORT FOR WOMEN THAN MANY THOUGHT
Authors: BULLOUGH AMANDA
Published: March 2014

Traditionally, women have had less access to education and have not been expected to run companies, positions typically reserved for men. However, this study demonstrates a trend toward tremendous support for women in business. The purpose of this paper was to gauge indigenous perceptions of the potential for women to own and lead businesses in three developing countries. Based on primary survey data from Thailand, China, and Vietnam, findings provide strong support for educating women, and indicate that women are perceived as being capable of owning and leading businesses and are believed to have the characteristics necessary to be business leaders.
Approximation based on elliptic splines
Authors: Yang Zhuyuan , Yang Zongwen
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we study the elliptic splines which include the well-known polyharmonic B-splines. We analyze their Fourier transforms, decay behaviors and polynomial reproducing properties. We also study the order of approximation in Sobolev spaces and consider their characterizations of Besov spaces by the scale projection operators, quasi-interpolation operators and wavelet operators.
Origin of large wehrlitic intrusions from the Wadi Barghah to Salahi area in the northern Oman Ophiolite
Authors: Kaneko Ryu , Adachi Yoshiko , Miyashita Sumio
Published: March 2014

Wehrlitic intrusions constitute an important element of oceanic lower crust of the Oman Ophiolite, and numerous such dunite and plagioclase wehrlitic intrusions cut gabbro units in the northern Salahi Block of this ophiolite. For the first time, we describe a large wehrlitic intrusion (the Barghah complex) that has disturbed and folded surrounding gabbro units around this complex. The Barghah complex contains many gabbro blocks that record evidence of magma mingling. The crystallization sequence of the wehrlitic intrusions is olivine followed by co-crystallization of plagioclase and clinopyroxene. The forsterite content of olivine and the Mg# of clinopyroxene are more evolved than in rocks from the Moho Transition Zone (MTZ). TiO
2
and Na
2
O contents of clinopyroxene are similar to those of the MTZ and are characterized by wide compositional variability over a narrow range of Mg#, which is indicative of melt–mantle interaction. Compositional co-variation of plagioclase and olivine in the wehrlitic intrusions has a similar signature to that of V1 magmatism (ocean ridge stage). In light of these observations, we conclude that the wehrlitic intrusions are the product of off-axis magmatism. Inversion tectonics that led to a transition from spreading to compression may have accelerated the emplacement of the wehrlitic intrusions.
Stratigraphic evolution and depositional system of Lower Cretaceous Qishn Formation, Dhofar, Oman
Authors: Salad Hersi O. , Abbasi I. A. , Al-Harthy A. , Cherchi A. , Schroeder R.
Published: March 2014

The Barremian(?)–Aptian Qishn Formation of Dhofar (Oman) is represented by eastward (landward) thinning strata that onlap Marbat palaeohigh basin margin. The formation includes Shabon, Hinna and Hasheer members, in ascending order. The Shabon Member consists of massive and cross-bedded, locally conglomeratic arkose and quartzarenite. The Hinna Member has a lower part of rhythmically arranged bioclastic wackestones/mudstones that grade to fine crystalline dolomudstone and an upper part of cyclic units of nodular, marly, rudistic floatstone/rudstone lithofacies capped by normally grading, intraclastic, bioclastic packstone/grainstone lithofacies. Mudcracks, teepee structures and microbial laminations occur in the lower part. The member terminates with 10-m-thick discoidal orbitolinid- and rudist-bearing marls envisaged as the deepest facies of the formation. The Hasheer Member consists of partly dolomitized strata of bioclastic packstones, grainstones and rudstones. Cross-bedding and erosional surfaces are present. The overall depositional system of the formation evolved from high-energy clastic-dominated, marginal marine environment through tidal carbonate mudflat and lagoonal setting to high-energy carbonate sand shoals. The overall stratigraphic arrangement of the formation suggests a third-order transgressive-regressive system with superimposed fourth- and fifth-order cycles. Shabon and Hinna members represent lowstand to transgressive systems tracts whereas Hasheer Member represents highstand to falling stage systems tracts. Terminal platform-wide exposure resulted in an unconformity at the Qishn–Kharfot contact.
Preserving Oman's geological heritage: proposal for establishment of World Heritage Sites, National GeoParks and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
Authors: Searle Michael P.
Published: March 2014

The Oman Mountains contain a number of unique and very special geological sites of World Heritage importance. Large-scale developments in Oman and UAE have already affected some of these sites and it is now crucial to preserve these sites for posterity in law before urban development destroys them forever. This paper outlines the geological importance of 50 sites as National GeoParks and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Three geological sites in Oman are so unique and so special that they warrant World Heritage status: the Semail Ophiolite, the world's largest, best exposed and most complete ophiolite; Jebel al-Akhdar; and the Musandam peninsula. Other world-class sites include the Sifah eclogites, the Oman Exotics, Majlis al-Jinn, sites of ‘Snowball Earth’ significance and many others. All these sites are of World Heritage quality and fundamental geological importance, not only for Oman but also for the world. The total acreage of all these GeoPark sites is <10% of Oman and the areas designated have little or no commercial value. The GeoParks will have long-lasting economic benefits as the post-oil and gas economy of Oman will have to rely on tourism and geo-tourism.
Performance Envelope for Fuel Cell Heat Engine Hybrids and Heat Engine Combustors
Authors: Winkler Wolfgang , Suzuki Ai , Miyamoto Akira , Williams Mark C.
Published: March 2014

The performance envelope for fuel cell heat engine hybrid cycles is developed and explored. The benefit of fuel cell heat engine hybrids in conversion of chemical energy was thermodynamically established. Fuel cell hybrids are combination of energy conversion sub-systems – fuel cells and heat engines. Fuel cell hybrids are important for the future for they are the most efficient devices when converting chemical energy of methane from renewable fuels to electricity. The power produced from an ideal fuel cell hybrid is a function of the current and the standard Gibbs free energy at unit activities. On the other side the operation of heat engines heated by a chemical reaction is based on the same principles, however the technical potential of direct electron transport is principally not used. The fuel cell allows an almost reversible operation at ambient temperature while the Carnot type engine operates principally reversible at a reversible Carnot temperature where the free enthalpy of the reaction is zero. Hybrid systems unify the benefits of both technologies and expand the possible range of operation to all temperatures between ambient and the above mentioned reversible Carnot temperature. The fuel cell hybrid performance is always higher than or equal to the heat engine combustor performance. It is higher until the Carnot temperature of 4,300K in the case of hydrogen combustion. By the same token, the fuel cell hybrid performance occurs over a limited temperature range due to the narrow operating temperatures of fuel cells. The practical operating temperature of a fuel cell, and hence the fuel cell heat engine hybrid, is less than 1,400K. At temperatures from 298K to 1,400K, the fuel cell hybrid performance exceeds all other performances, of course. The cooled fuel cell power case exceeds heat combustion performance until around 1,200K. This paper builds from and is an extension of several papers recently published in the Journal of The Electrochemical Society (ECS), ECS Transactions, and the Journal of Fuel Cell Science and Technology, and the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy.
Development of Portable SOFC System Using Microtubular Cells
Authors: Sumi Hirofumi , Yamaguchi Toshiaki , Hamamoto Koichi , Suzuki Toshio , Fujishiro Yoshinobu
Published: March 2014

The effect of operating temperature on durability was investigated for direct butane utilization in anode-supported microtubular solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). At 710 oC, the performance of the Ni-Gd-doped ceria (Ni-GDC) anode deteriorated rapidly for less than 2 h at a relatively low steam/carbon (S/C) ratio of 0.044 in butane, because a large amount of carbon was deposited on the anode by butane cracking. On the other hand, the electric power could be generated continuously for more than 24 h at 610 oC and S/C = 0.044 in butane for the cell using the Ni-GDC anode. Lowering the operating temperature realized high durability against carbon deposition on the Ni-GDC anode under the direct butane utilization. We manufactured and demonstrated a prototype portable SOFC system using a microtubular cell-stack. It can be heated up to 400 oC within 2 minutes by burning an LPG burner, and drive a USB device for 24 h continuously using a LPG cartridge (250 g; 3.2 kWh). This development has shown the potential of the microtubular SOFC system as portable power sources in disaster and emergency situations, for outdoor use, and for small-scale electric vehicles.
The Syndromic versus Laboratory Diagnosis of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Resource-Limited Settings
Authors: Ghebremichael Musie
Published: March 2014

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are highly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, where there is a severe HIV epidemic. Thus, accurate recognition and diagnosis of STIs are essential for successful HIV prevention programs in the region. Due to lack of trained personnel and adequate laboratory infrastructure in the region, information regarding the profile of STIs relies essentially on self-reported or physician-diagnosed symptoms. The main objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of the syndromic diagnosis of STIs, which is often used as a proxy for laboratory diagnosis of STIs in sub-Saharan Africa and other resource-limited settings. The study builds on previously collected data from a community-based survey in Northern Tanzania. We found no significant agreements between patient-reported STIs symptoms and laboratory-confirmed STIs tests. The reported STIs symptoms had high specificity (range = 85–99%) and poor sensitivity (range = 2–17%). Knowledge gained from our study will have significant public health implications, and can help improve the syndromic diagnosis of STIs.
Prognostic Utility of Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography: A 5-Year Follow-Up in Type 2 Diabetes Patients with Suspected Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Liu Daliang , Jia Huijuan , Fu Yucun , He Wen , Ma Daqing
Published: March 2014

Objectives.To analyze the predictive value of coronary computed tomography angiography on acute coronary artery events in patients with type 2 diabetes.Methods.Coronary computed tomography angiography was performed in 250 type 2 diabetic patients. After a follow-up for 5 years, 145 patients were excluded as they did not have any coronary events. The remaining 95 patients were divided into study group and control group. According to their density and shape, the coronary artery plaques were classified into 3 types and 4 types, respectively.Results.There is no statistically significant difference in the degree of stenosis between two groups. The proportion of calcified plaques in the study group was lower than in the control group. The proportion of mixed-calcified plaques in the study group was higher than in the other. Type III plaques have a 76.2% sensitivity and negative predictive value was 64.5% for acute coronary events; type IV plaques have a sensitivity of 52.6% and positive predictive value of 63% for chronic coronary events.Conclusions.CCTA may be used as a non-invasive modality for evaluating and predicting vulnerable coronary atherosclerosis plaques in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Superoxide Dismutase: A Predicting Factor for Boar Semen Characteristics for Short-Term Preservation
Authors: Zakošek Pipan Maja , Mrkun Janko , Kosec Marjan , Nemec Svete Alenka , Zrimšek Petra
Published: March 2014

Superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in seminal plasma were evaluated on the basis of receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis as predictors for distinguishing satisfactory from unsatisfactory boar semen samples after storage. SOD on day 0 correlated significantly with progressive motility (r=-0.686;P<0.05) and viability (r=-0.513;P<0.05) after storage; TBARS correlated only with motility (r=-0.480;P<0.05). Semen samples that, after 3 days of storage, fulfilled all criteria for semen characteristics (viability > 85%, motility > 70%, progressive motility > 25%, and normal morphology > 50%) had significantly lower SOD levels on the day 0 than those with at least one criterion not fulfilled (P<0.05) following storage. SOD levels of less than 1.05 U/mL predicted with 87.5% accuracy that fresh semen will suit the requirements for satisfactory semen characteristics after storage, while semen with SOD levels higher than 1.05 U/mL will not fulfill with 100% accuracy at least one semen characteristic after storage. These results support the proposal that SOD in fresh boar semen can be used as a predictor of semen quality after storage.
The Beta-2-Adrenoreceptor Agonists, Formoterol and Indacaterol, but Not Salbutamol, Effectively Suppress the Reactivity of Human NeutrophilsIn Vitro
Authors: Anderson Ronald , Theron Annette J. , Steel Helen C. , Durandt Chrisna , Tintinger Gregory R. , Feldman Charles
Published: March 2014

The clinical relevance of the anti-inflammatory properties of beta-2 agonists remains contentious possibly due to differences in their molecular structures and agonist activities. The current study has compared the effects of 3 different categories ofβ2-agonists, namely, salbutamol (short-acting), formoterol (long-acting) and indacaterol (ultra-long-acting), at concentrations of 1–1000 nM, with human blood neutrophilsin vitro. Neutrophils were activated with either N-formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-L-phenylalanine (fMLP, 1 µM) or platelet-activating factor (PAF, 200 nM) in the absence and presence of theβ2-agonists followed by measurement of the generation of reactive oxygen species and leukotriene B4, release of elastase, and expression of theβ2-integrin, CR3, using a combination of chemiluminescence, ELISA, colorimetric, and flow cytometric procedures respectively. These were correlated with alterations in the concentrations of intracellular cyclic-AMP and cytosolic Ca2+. At the concentrations tested, formoterol and indacaterol caused equivalent, significant (P<0.05at 1–10 nM) dose-related inhibition of all of the pro-inflammatory activities tested, while salbutamol was much less effective (P<0.05at 100 nM and higher). Suppression of neutrophil reactivity was accompanied by elevations in intracellular cAMP and accelerated clearance of Ca2+from the cytosol of activated neutrophils. These findings demonstrate thatβ2-agonists vary with respect to their suppressive effects on activated neutrophils.
A Hybrid Combination Scheme for Cooperative Spectrum Sensing in Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Yao Changhua , Wu Qihui
Published: March 2014

We propose a novel hybrid combination scheme in cooperative spectrum sensing (CSS), which utilizes the diversity of reporting channels to achieve better throughput performance. Secondary users (SUs) with good reporting channel quality transmit quantized local observation statistics to fusion center (FC), while others report their local decisions. FC makes the final decision by carrying out hybrid combination. We derive the closed‐form expressions of throughput and detection performance as a function of the number of SUs which report local observation statistics. The simulation and numerical results show that the hybrid combination scheme can achieve better throughput performance than hard combination scheme and soft combination scheme.
Enhanced Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells with Nanostructure Graphene Electron Transfer Layer
Authors: Hsu Chih-Hung , Wu Jia-Ren , Chen Lung-Chien , Chan Po-Shun , Chen Cheng-Chiang
Published: March 2014

The utilization of nanostructure graphene thin films as electron transfer layer in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) was demonstrated. The effect of a nanostructure graphene thin film in DSSC structure was examined. The nanostructure graphene thin films provides a great electron transfer channel for the photogenerated electrons from TiO2to indium tin oxide (ITO) glass. Obvious improvements in short-circuit current density of the DSSCs were observed by using the graphene electron transport layer modified photoelectrode. The graphene electron transport layer reduces effectively the back reaction in the interface between the ITO transparent conductive film and the electrolyte in the DSSC.
Dynamic Reliability Analysis Method of Degraded Mechanical Components Based on Process Probability Density Function of Stress
Authors: Gao Peng , Xie Liyang
Published: March 2014

It is necessary to develop dynamic reliability models when considering strength degradation of mechanical components. Instant probability density function (IPDF) of stress and process probability density function (PPDF) of stress, which are obtained via different statistical methods, are defined, respectively. In practical engineering, the probability density function (PDF) for the usage of mechanical components is mostly PPDF, such as the PDF acquired via the rain flow counting method. For the convenience of application, IPDF is always approximated by PPDF when using the existing dynamic reliability models. However, it may cause errors in the reliability calculation due to the approximation of IPDF by PPDF. Therefore, dynamic reliability models directly based on PPDF of stress are developed in this paper. Furthermore, the proposed models can be used for reliability assessment in the case of small amount of stress process samples by employing the fuzzy set theory. In addition, the mechanical components in solar array of satellites are chosen as representative examples to illustrate the proposed models. The results show that errors are caused because of the approximation of IPDF by PPDF and the proposed models are accurate in the reliability computation.
Prolonged Laccase Production by a Cold and pH Tolerant Strain ofPenicillium pinophilum(MCC 1049) Isolated from a Low Temperature Environment
Authors: Dhakar Kusum , Jain Rahul , Tamta Sushma , Pandey Anita
Published: March 2014

Production of laccase by a cold and pH tolerant strain ofPenicillium pinophilumhas been investigated under different cultural conditions for up to 35 days of incubation. The fungus was originally isolated from a low temperature environment under mountain ecosystem of Indian Himalaya. The estimations were conducted at 3 temperatures (15, 25, and 35°C), a range of pH (3.5–11.5), and in presence of supplements including carbon and nitrogen sources, vitamins, and antibiotics. Optimum production of laccase was recorded at 25°C (optimum temperature for fungal growth) and 7.5 pH. The production of enzyme was recorded maximum on day 28 (11.6±0.52 U/L) following a slow decline at day 35 of incubation (10.6±0.80 U/L). Fructose and potassium nitrate (0.2%) among nutritional supplements, chloramphenicol (0.1%) among antibiotics, and folic acid (0.1%) among vitamins were found to be the best enhancers for production of laccase. Relatively lower but consistent production of laccase for a longer period is likely to be an ecologically important phenomenon under low temperature environment. Further, enhancement in production of enzyme using various supplements will be useful for its use in specific biotechnological applications.
Research on Cooperative Combat for Integrated Reconnaissance‐Attack‐BDA of Group LAVs
Authors: Bing Li , Jie Li , Guanglin He , Dalin Li
Published: March 2014

LAVs (loitering air vehicles) are advanced weapon systems that can loiter autonomously over a target area, detect and acquire the targets, and then attack them. In this paper, by the theory of Itô stochastic differential, a group system was analyzed. The uniqueness and continuity of the solution of the system was discussed. Afterwards the model of the system based on the state transition was established with the finite state machine automatically. At last, a search algorithm was proposed for obtaining good feasible solutions for problems. And simulation results show that model and method are effective for dealing with cooperative combat of group LAVs.
Endodontic Treatment and Esthetic Management of a Geminated Central Incisor Bearing a Talon Cusp
Authors: Tarım Ertaş Elif , Yırcalı Atıcı Meral , Arslan Hakan , Yaşa Bilal , Ertaş Hüseyin
Published: March 2014

Gemination with talon cusps is an uncommon morphologic dental anomaly, characterized by the formation of clinically wide tooth that can cause significant aesthetic and clinical problems including esthetic impairment, pain, caries susceptibility, and tooth crowding. These morphological dental anomalies have specific treatment needs due to the abnormal morphology and need virtuous radiologic diagnosis. Multidisciplinary approach can supply success of the treatment plan that can provide esthetic and occlusal requirements. In this case report, the multidisciplinary approach for the treatment of geminated tooth with talon cusp is presented with the clinical and radiographic findings.
Development of a Fatigue Model for Low Alloy Steels Using a Cycle-Dependent Cohesive Zone Law
Authors: Kim Kyungmok , Lee Jaewook , Choi Joo-Ho
Published: March 2014

A fatigue model for SAE 4130 steels is developed using a cycle-dependent cohesive zone law. Reduction of fracture energy and degradation of stiffness are considered to describe failure resistance after certain number of cycles. The reduction rate of fracture energy is determined with experimental stress ( S)- number of cycles to failure ( N) scatter found in the literature. Three-dimensional finite element models containing a cohesive zone are generated with commercial software (ABAQUS). Calculated fatigue lives at different stress ratios are in good agreement with experimental ones. In addition, fatigue behavior of hardened SAE 4130 steels is predicted with that of normalized material.
Uterine Carcinosarcoma Confined to the Pelvis: A Retrospective Review and Outcome Analysis
Authors: Li Hualei , TenNapel Mindi J. , Ahmed Amina , Lin Lilie , Bhatia Sudershan K. , Jacobson Geraldine
Published: March 2014

Objective. We compared the treatments of uterine carcinosarcoma at our institution and evaluated their impact on survival. Methods. A retrospective analysis was performed on 60 eligible patients with carcinosarcoma limited to the pelvis. Subjects were divided into four categories: surgery, surgery plus chemotherapy, surgery plus radiation therapy, and a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and RT. The most commonly used chemotherapy was cisplatin and/or carboplatin and taxol. Radiotherapy included external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) alone or with high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy or HDR brachytherapy alone. Survival probability data were computed using the Kaplan-Meier method. The differences between groups were compared using the log-rank test. Results. The combination of surgery and radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy is seen to improve overall survival (OS) compared to surgery alone (P=0.044 and P=0.028, resp.). Brachytherapy involving three HDR vaginal cylinder fractions shows an equally effective reduction in local recurrence compared to EBRT. Conclusion. Our study of a relatively large number of carcinosarcoma patients suggests that adjuvant radiation therapy improves OS compared to surgery alone. Brachytherapy with 3 HDR vaginal cylinder fractions is preferred because of its time-saving, better tolerance, low toxicity and equivalent OS, and local control compared to EBRT.
The Truncatedq-Bernstein Polynomials in the Caseq>1
Authors: Turan Mehmet
Published: March 2014

The truncatedq-Bernstein polynomialsBn,m,qf;x,n∈ℕ, and  m∈ℕ0emerge naturally when theq-Bernstein polynomials of functions vanishing in some neighbourhood of 0 are considered. In this paper, the convergence of the truncatedq-polynomials on0,1is studied. To support the theoretical results, some numerical examples are provided.
Base Axioms of Modular Supermatroids
Authors: Li Xiaonan , Liu Sanyang
Published: March 2014

This paper studies axiom systems of supermatroids. Barnabei et al.'s base axioms concerning poset matroids (i.e., distributive supermatroids) are generalized to modular supermatroids, and a mistake in the proof of base axioms of poset matroids is pointed out.
Research on Adjoint Kernelled Quasidifferential
Authors: Lin Si-Da , Xiao Fu-Min , Xia Zun-Quan , Pang Li-Ping
Published: March 2014

The quasidifferential of a quasidifferentiable function in the sense of Demyanov and Rubinov is not uniquely defined. Xia proposed the notion of the kernelled quasidifferential, which is expected to be a representative for the equivalence class of quasidifferentials. Although the kernelled quasidifferential is known to have good algebraic properties and geometric structure, it is still not very convenient for calculating the kernelled quasidifferentials of−fandminfi∣i∈a finite index set I, wherefandfiare kernelled quasidifferentiable functions. In this paper, the notion of adjoint kernelled quasidifferential, which is well-defined for−fandminfi∣i∈I, is employed as a representative of the equivalence class of quasidifferentials. Some algebraic properties of the adjoint kernelled quasidifferential are given and the existence of the adjoint kernelled quasidifferential is explored by means of the minimal quasidifferential and the Demyanov difference of convex sets. Under some condition, a formula of the adjoint kernelled quasidifferential is presented.
Factors Influencing Early Health Facility Contact and Low Default Rate among New Sputum Smear Positive Tuberculosis Patients, India
Authors: Bhardwaj Ashok Kumar , Kashyap Surender , Bansal Pradeep , Kumar Dinesh , Raina Sunil Kumar , Chander Vishav , Sharma Sushant
Published: March 2014

Early case identification and prompt treatment of new sputum smear positive case are important to reduce the spread of tuberculosis (TB). Present study was planned to study the associated factors for duration to contact the health facility since appearance of symptoms and treatment default.Methodology. It was prospective cohort study of TB patients already registered for treatment in randomly selected TB units (TUs) in Himachal Pradesh, India. Relative risk (RR) was calculated as risk estimate to find out the explanatory variables for early contact and default.Results. Total 1607 patients were recruited and 25 (1.5%) defaulted treatment. Patients from nuclear family (aRR: 1.37; 1.09–1.73), ashamed of TB (aRR: 1.32; 1.03–1.70), wishing to disclose disease status (aRR: 1.79; 1.43–2.24), but aware of curable nature (aRR: 1.67; 1.17–2.39) and preventable (aRR: 1.35; 1.07–1.70) nature of disease, contacted health facility early since appearance of symptoms.Conclusion.Better awareness and less misconceptions about disease influences the early contact of health facility and low default rate in North India.
Incidence of Retinopathy of Prematurity in Extremely Premature Infants
Authors: Şahin Alparslan , Şahin Muhammed , Türkcü Fatih Mehmet , Cingü Abdullah Kürşat , Yüksel Harun , Çınar Yasin , Arı Şeyhmus , Çaça İhsan
Published: March 2014

Purpose. To investigate the incidence and the severity of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in extremely preterm infants born before 28 weeks of gestation in southeastern Turkey. Methods. A retrospective chart review was performed for infants born before 28 weeks of gestation. The following data were reviewed: gender, gestational age (GA), birth weight (BW), zone and stage of ROP, presence of plus disease, and treatment for ROP if needed. Infants were divided into 2 groups according to GA as follows: group 1 included infants of GAs 25 weeks and under; group 2 included infants of GAs less than 28 weeks and over 25 weeks. Results. The incidence of any ROP in the whole cohort, in group 1, and in group 2, was 66.0%, 95.5%, and 58.6%, respectively. Incidence of any ROP was significantly associated with BW and GA (P=0.014 and P=0.002, resp.). The overall incidence of type 1 ROP was 35.8% (59.1% in group 1 and 29.9% in group 2). Development of type 1 ROP was independently associated with GA. Conclusion. Any ROP was significantly associated with BW and GA. Extremely premature infants with lower GA were found to be more likely to develop type 1 ROP. BW cannot predict the development of type 1 ROP.
Recurrent Skin and Lung Infections in Autosomal Dominant Hyper IgE Syndrome with Transactivation Domain STAT3 Mutation
Authors: Cooper Chad J. , Said Sarmad , Hernandez German T.
Published: March 2014

Background. Hyper IgE is a rare systemic disease characterized by the clinical triad of high serum levels of IgE (>2000 IU/mL), eczema, and recurrent staphylococcal skin and lung infections. The presentation of hyper IgE syndrome is highly variable, which makes it easy to confuse the diagnosis with that of severe atopy or other rare immunodeficiency disorders.Case Report. A 23-year-old Hispanic presented with history of frequent respiratory and gastrointestinal infections as a child and multiple episodes of skin and lung infections (abscess) withStaphylococcus aureusthroughout his adult life. He had multiple eczematous lesions and folliculitis over his entire body, oral/esophageal candidiasis, and retention of his primary teeth. The IgE was elevated (>5000 IU/mL). Genetic mutation analysis revealed a mutation affecting the transactivation domain of the STAT3 gene.Conclusion. The hallmark of hyper IgE syndrome is serum IgE of >2000 IU/mL. Hyper IgE syndrome is a genetic disorder that is either autosomal dominant or recessive. A definite diagnosis can be made with genetic mutation analysis, and in this case, it revealed a very rare finding of the transactivation domain STAT3 mutation. Hyper IgE syndrome is a challenge for clinicians in establishing a diagnosis in suspected cases.
Hyers-Ulam-Rassias Stability of Some Additive Fuzzy Set-Valued Functional Equations with the Fixed Point Alternative
Authors: Shen Yonghong , Lan Yaoyao , Chen Wei
Published: March 2014

LetYbe a real separable Banach space and let𝒦CY,d∞be the subspace of all normal fuzzy convex and upper semicontinuous fuzzy sets ofYequipped with the supremum metricd∞. In this paper, we introduce several types of additive fuzzy set-valued functional equations in𝒦CY,d∞. Using the fixed point technique, we discuss the Hyers-Ulam-Rassias stability of three types additive fuzzy set-valued functional equations, that is, the generalized Cauchy type, the Jensen type, and the Cauchy-Jensen type additive fuzzy set-valued functional equations. Our results can be regarded as important extensions of stability results corresponding to single-valued functional equations and set-valued functional equations, respectively.
A New Mixed Element Method for a Class of Time-Fractional Partial Differential Equations
Authors: Liu Yang , Li Hong , Gao Wei , He Siriguleng , Fang Zhichao
Published: March 2014

A kind of new mixed element method for time-fractional partial differential equations is studied. The Caputo-fractional derivative of time direction is approximated by two-step difference method and the spatial direction is discretized by a new mixed element method, whose gradient belongs to the simpleL2Ω2space replacing the complexH(div;Ω)space. Some a priori error estimates inL2-norm for the scalar unknownuand inL22-norm for its gradientσ. Moreover, we also discuss a priori error estimates inH1-norm for the scalar unknownu.
Cognitive Space-Time Transmit Pattern Design
Authors: Sun Ying , He Zishu , Li Jun
Published: March 2014

This paper provides a cognitive space-time (angle-Doppler) transmit pattern design method for mitigating clutter effect. This pattern takes full advantage of degrees-of-freedom (DOF) on transmit, which can preserve the maximum response for the target of interest while prenulling the mainlobe clutter on transmit, potentially simplifying processing on receiver and reducing the requirement for receiver dynamic range. The output signal-to-clutter-and-noise ratio (SCNR) can be improved significantly after applying the cognitive space-time transmit pattern to airborne-phased array radar. In addition, the traditional transmit antenna pattern and the proposed cognitive scheme are compared in terms of the probability of target detection. Simulations are conducted to demonstrate proof-of-concept.
Vehicle Type Recognition in Sensor Networks Using Improved Time Encoded Signal Processing Algorithm
Authors: Wang Yan , Wu Xi , Li Xiaohua , Zhou Jiliu
Published: March 2014

Vehicle type recognition is a demanding application of wireless sensor networks (WSN). In many cases, sensor nodes detect and recognize vehicles from their acoustic or seismic signals using wavelet based or spectral feature extraction methods. Such methods, while providing convincing results, are quite demanding in computational power and energy and are difficult to implement on low‐cost sensor nodes with limitation resources. In this paper, we investigate the use of time encoded signal processing (TESP) algorithm for vehicle type recognition. The conventional TESP algorithm, which is effective for the speech signal feature extraction, however, is not suitable for the vehicle sound signal which is more complex. To solve this problem, an improved time encoded signal processing (ITESP) is proposed as the feature extraction method according to the characteristics of the vehicle sound signal. Recognition procedure is accomplished using the support vector machine (SVM) and the k‐nearest neighbor (KNN) classifier. The experimental results indicate that the vehicle type recognition system with ITESP features give much better performance compared with the conventional TESP based features.
Cooperative Search and Rescue with Artificial Fishes Based on Fish-Swarm Algorithm for Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Zhao Wei , Tang Zhenmin , Yang Yuwang , Wang Lei , Lan Shaohua
Published: March 2014

This paper presents a searching control approach for cooperating mobile sensor networks. We use a density function to represent the frequency of distress signals issued by victims. The mobile nodes’ moving in mission space is similar to the behaviors of fish-swarm in water. So, we take the mobile node as artificial fish node and define its operations by a probabilistic model over a limited range. A fish-swarm based algorithm is designed requiring local information at each fish node and maximizing the joint detection probabilities of distress signals. Optimization of formation is also considered for the searching control approach and is optimized by fish-swarm algorithm. Simulation results include two schemes: preset route and random walks, and it is showed that the control scheme has adaptive and effective properties.
Predictive Models of Current, Voltage, and Power Losses on Electric Transmission Lines
Authors: Bamigbola O. M. , Ali M. M. , Awodele K. O.
Published: March 2014

A modern and civilized society is so much dependent on the use of electrical energy because it has been the most powerful vehicle for facilitating economic, industrial, and social developments. Electrical energy produced at power stations is transmitted to load centres from where it is distributed to its consumers through the use of transmission lines run from one place to another. As a result of the physical properties of the transmission medium, some of the transmitted power is lost to the surroundings. The overall effect of power losses on the system is a reduction in the quantity of power available to the consumers. An accurate knowledge of transmission losses is hinged on the ability to correctly predict the available current and voltage along transmission lines. Therefore, mathematical physics expressions depicting the evolution of current and voltage on a typical transmission line were formulated, and derived therefrom were models to predict available current and voltage, respectively, at any point on the transmission line. The predictive models evolved as explicit expressions of the space variable and they are in close agreement with empirical data and reality.