bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Two general integral inequalities and their applications to stability analysis for systems with time‐varying delay
Authors: Chen Jun , Xu Shengyuan , Chen Weimin , Zhang Baoyong , Ma Qian , Zou Yun 
Published: April 2016

SummaryIntegral inequalities have been widely used in stability analysis for systems with time‐varying delay because they directly produce bounds for integral terms with respect to quadratic functions. This paper presents two general integral inequalities from which almost all of the existing integral inequalities can be obtained, such as Jensen inequality, the Wirtinger‐based inequality, the Bessel–Legendre inequality, the Wirtinger‐based double integral inequality, and the auxiliary function‐based integral inequalities. Based on orthogonal polynomials defined in different inner spaces, various concrete single/multiple integral inequalities are obtained. They can produce more accurate bounds with more orthogonal polynomials considered. To show the effectiveness of the new inequalities, their applications to stability analysis for systems with time‐varying delay are demonstrated with two numerical examples. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fluvial Corridor Changes Over Time in Regulated and Non‐Regulated Rivers (Upper Esla River, NW Spain)
Authors: Martínez‐Fernández V. , González del Tánago M. , Maroto J. , García de Jalón D. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractOver the last decades, rivers and fluvial corridors have been noticeably modified from their natural conditions. In general, damming and other in‐channel human interventions have been traditionally considered as the main drivers of change. However, recent studies highlight the influence of climate, hillslope and floodplain cover changes over fluvial corridor dynamics. The present study illustrates the channel morphology and riparian vegetation responses observed in three gravel bed rivers located in the Upper Esla River, north‐west of Spain. The entire study catchment was exposed to afforestation changes and farmland abandonment during the last decades, and two of the rivers are regulated by large dams. Analysis of historical orthophotos at different periods between 1956 and 2011 allowed quantifying channel narrowing, reduction of braiding index and vegetation encroachment along the three rivers. Field reconnaissance of landforms and vegetation structure along transects showed significant differences in species composition and age structure between the non‐regulated reach, where recruitment of Salicacea pioneer species existed, and the regulated reaches where mature and late‐seral species were much more abundant. These responses were consistent with reductions in mean annual discharge in all rivers and with flood disturbance decrease and summer minimum flow increase that were observed in the regulated rivers. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An empirical investigation of single‐objective and multiobjective evolutionary algorithms for developer's assignment to bugs
Authors: Karim Muhammad Rezaul , Ruhe Günther , Rahman Md. Mainur , Garousi Vahid , Zimmermann Thomas 
Published: April 2016

AbstractIn this paper, the modeling of developers’ assignment to bugs (DAB) is studied. The problem is modeled both as a single objective (minimize bug fix time) and as a bi‐objective (minimize bug fix time and cost) combinatorial optimization problem. Two models of developer assignment are considered where in the first model a single developer is assigned per bug (single developer model), while in the second model a single developer is assigned for each competency area of a bug (individual competency model). The latter model is proposed in this paper. For the single developer model, GA@DAB, an existing genetic algorithm‐based approach, is extended to support precedence among bugs. For the individual competency model of DAB, one genetic algorithm‐based approach (Competence@DAB) and one nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II‐based approach (CompetenceMulti2@DAB ) are proposed to generate solutions minimizing time and minimizing both time and cost, respectively. The performance of the proposed approaches was evaluated for 2040 bugs of 19 open‐source milestone projects from the Eclipse platform. Our results and analysis show that the proposed individual competency model is far better than the single developer model, with average bug fix time reduction of 39.7% across all projects. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Myocardial deformation in fetuses with coarctation of the aorta: a case–control study
Authors: Miranda J. O. , Hunter L. , Tibby S. , Sharland G. , Miller O. , Simpson J. M. 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo study myocardial deformation by speckle tracking echocardiography in fetuses with coarctation of the aorta (CoA) compared with gestational age‐matched normal controls.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of 12 fetuses with postnatally confirmed CoA and 12 gestational age‐matched controls seen at a tertiary fetal cardiology unit between January 2013 and July 2014. Two‐dimensional speckle tracking in standard grayscale four‐chamber view of the fetal heart was performed to assess left and right myocardial deformation. Global longitudinal strain, strain rate and velocities, and regional longitudinal strain were analyzed and compared with controls.ResultsMedian gestational age at echocardiography was 25 + 4 weeks. Fetuses with CoA presented with a narrower, but not shorter, left ventricle when compared with controls (mitral valve diastolic diameter, 5.90 vs 8.50 mm; P = 0.002; left ventricular diastolic length, 16.50 vs 18.50 mm; P = 0.05). Global longitudinal systolic strain (P = 0.004), systolic strain rate (P = 0.01) and diastolic strain rate (P = 0.004) of the left ventricle were significantly lower in fetuses with CoA compared with controls. Similar findings were observed for longitudinal systolic (P = 0.03) and diastolic (P = 0.01) velocities of the left ventricle. Right ventricular parameters were not different between groups.ConclusionsFetuses with CoA have lower left ventricular longitudinal systolic strain, systolic strain rate and diastolic strain rate when compared with gestational age‐matched control fetuses. These differences in deformation might explain, at least in part, the cardiac asymmetry observed in fetuses with CoA. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Assessment of a comprehensive aeroelastic tool for horizontal‐axis wind turbine rotor analysis
Authors: Calabretta Angelo , Molica Colella Marco , Greco Luca , Gennaretti Massimo 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThis paper presents the development of a computational aeroelastic tool for the analysis of performance, response and stability of horizontal‐axis wind turbines. A nonlinear beam model for blades structural dynamics is coupled with a state‐space model for unsteady sectional aerodynamic loads, including dynamic stall effects. Several computational fluid dynamics structural dynamics coupling approaches are investigated to take into account rotor wake inflow influence on downwash, all based on a Boundary Element Method for the solution of incompressible, potential, attached flows. Sectional steady aerodynamic coefficients are extended to high angles of attack in order to characterize wind turbine operations in deep stall regimes. The Galerkin method is applied to the resulting aeroelastic differential system. In this context, a novel approach for the spatial integration of additional aerodynamic states, related to wake vorticity and dynamic stall, is introduced and assessed. Steady‐periodic blade responses are evaluated by a harmonic balance approach, whilst a standard eigenproblem is solved for aeroelastic stability analyses. Drawbacks and potentialities of the proposed model are investigated through numerical and experimental comparisons, with particular attention to rotor blades unsteady aerodynamic modelling issues. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Qualitative Assessment of a Novel Efficacy-Focused Training Intervention for Public Health Workers in Disaster Recovery
Authors: Tower Craig , Altman Brian A. , Strauss-Riggs Kandra , Iversen Annelise , Garrity Stephanie , Thompson Carol B. , Walsh Lauren , Rutkow Lainie , Schor Kenneth , Barnett Daniel J. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractObjectiveWe trained local public health workers on disaster recovery roles and responsibilities by using a novel curriculum based on a threat and efficacy framework and a training-of-trainers approach. This study used qualitative data to assess changes in perceptions of efficacy toward Hurricane Sandy recovery and willingness to participate in future disaster recoveries.MethodsPurposive and snowball sampling were used to select trainers and trainees from participating local public health departments in jurisdictions impacted by Hurricane Sandy in October 2012. Two focus groups totaling 29 local public health workers were held in April and May of 2015. Focus group participants discussed the content and quality of the curriculum, training logistics, and their willingness to engage in future disaster recovery efforts.ResultsThe training curriculum improved participants’ understanding of and confidence in their disaster recovery work and related roles within their agencies (self-efficacy); increased their individual- and agency-level sense of role-importance in disaster recovery (response-efficacy); and enhanced their sense of their agencies’ effective functioning in disaster recovery. Participants suggested further training customization and inclusion of other recovery agencies.ConclusionThreat- and efficacy-based disaster recovery trainings show potential to increase public health workers’ sense of efficacy and willingness to participate in recovery efforts. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:615–622)
Packing a rectangle with m x (m + 1) rectangles
Authors: Ellard Richard , MacHale Des 
Published: April 2016

We consider the packing of rectangles of dimension m x (m + 1) — where m is a natural number — into a larger rectangle. More specifically, we consider the following problem: What is the smallest area of a rectangle into which rectangles of dimensions 1 x 2, 2 x 3, 3 x 4,…, n x (n + 1) will fit without overlap?
Unlike the corresponding problem for squares of areas 12, 22, 32, …, n2(see [1]), where there is no known non-trivial example of an exact fit into a rectangle, in many cases we can achieve an exact fit for our set of m x (m + 1) rectangles. Intuitively, this is because each m x (m + 1) rectangle has two possible orientations, which considerably increases the chances of an exact fit. As in [1], we make the (possibly unnecessary) assumption that the sides of each m x (m + 1) rectangle are parallel to the sides of the bounding rectangle, whose dimensions are integral. For any given n, we consider two solutions to our problem to be distinct only if the bounding rectangles have different dimensions (but equal area).
Fracture porosity creation and persistence in a basement-involved Laramide fold, Upper Cretaceous Frontier Formation, Green River Basin, USA
Authors: LAUBACH STEPHEN E. , FALL ANDRÁS , COPLEY LAUREN K. , MARRETT RANDALL , WILKINS SCOTT J. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractFracture-hosted porosity and quartz distribution along with crack-seal texture and fluid inclusion assemblage sequences in isolated, bridging quartz deposits show that open fractures can persist through protracted burial and uplift in foreland basins. Fractures oriented at a high angle to current maximum compressive stress remain open and were weak mechanical discontinuities for millions of years even at great depth. Upper Cretaceous Frontier Formation sandstones in the basement-involved (Laramide) Table Rock anticline, eastern Greater Green River Basin, Wyoming sampled by two horizontal wells (cut parallel or nearly parallel to bedding and at a high angle to steeply dipping fractures) have 41.5 m of rock in four cores at depths of 4538–4547 m. Cores intersect older E-striking Set 1 fractures are abutted by or locally cross-cut by N-striking Set 2 fractures. Both sets contain quartz and porosity. Sequenced using quartz crack-seal cement texture maps, Set 1 fluid inclusion assemblage (FIA) trapping temperatures increase progressively from 140 to 165°C then decrease toc. 150°C, compatible with fracture opening overc. 15 Ma during rapid burial followed by uplift in Eocene–Oligocene time. Set 2 opened atc. 160°C, probably near maximum burial. After a period of quiescence, Set 2 reopened atc. 5 Ma atc. 140°C, on a cooling trajectory. Intermittent Set 2 movement could reflect local basement-involved fault movement, followed after a pause by further Set 2 reactivation in the modern stress field during uplift. Interpretations are sensitive to available burial/thermal histories, which have considerable uncertainty.
A new stabilizing solution for motion planning and control of multiple robots
Authors: Prasad Avinesh , Sharma Bibhya , Vanualailai Jito 
Published: April 2016

SUMMARYThis paper formulates a new scalable algorithm for motion planning and control of multiple point-mass robots. These autonomous robots are designated to move safely to their goals ina prioriknown workspace cluttered with fixed and moving obstacles of arbitrary positions and sizes. The control laws proposed for obstacle and collision avoidance and target convergence ensure that the equilibrium point of the given system is asymptotically stable. Computer simulations with the proposed technique and applications to a team of two planar (RP) manipulators working together in a common workspace are presented. Also, the robustness of the system in the presence of noise is verified through simulations.
Critical appraisal of questionnaires to assess functional impairment in individuals with mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Kaur Navaldeep , Belchior Patricia , Gelinas Isabelle , Bier Nathalie 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTBackground:Mild deficits in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) have consistently been reported in the individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). A variety of functional assessment tools, including self-and informant report questionnaires and performance-based measures, have been employed in MCI. Previously, a limited focus has been directed at appraising the quality of questionnaires. The goal of this study was to identify the questionnaires that have been validated in the MCI population. Additionally, the quality of validation studies and psychometric attributes of these questionnaires were appraised.Methods:Relevant articles were systematically searched in PsychINFO, Ovid MEDLINE, and CINAHL against specific eligibility criteria. To evaluate the methodology of the psychometric studies, the COSMIN checklist was employed. Also, the psychometric properties of the assessment tools were evaluated based upon Terwee's criteria.Results:A total of five psychometric studies and questionnaires were critically evaluated. Varying psychometric properties were available for the chosen tools. None of the studies received the best possible rating for their methodological quality. It was found that questionnaires with high discriminative ability to distinguish MCI from other diagnostic groups were: Disability Assessment in Dementia-6 (DAD-6), Functional Activity Questionnaire (FAQ), and Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study/Activities of Daily Living scale adapted for MCI patients (ADCS-MCI-ADL-24).Conclusion:Psychometric studies with strong methodological rigor are required in the future. Considering the fact that IADL decline has been associated with dementia, early detection of functional difficulties in MCI needs to be encouraged as it will allow suitable and timely interventions to prolong functional independence of affected individuals.
Frequency of unsafe storage, use, and disposal practices of opioids among cancer patients presenting to the emergency department
Authors: Silvestre Julio , Reddy Akhila , de la Cruz Maxine , Wu Jimin , Liu Diane , Bruera Eduardo , Todd Knox H. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractObjective:Approximately 75% of prescription opioid abusers obtain the drug from an acquaintance, which may be a consequence of improper opioid storage, use, disposal, and lack of patient education. We aimed to determine the opioid storage, use, and disposal patterns in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) of a comprehensive cancer center.Method:We surveyed 113 patients receiving opioids for at least 2 months upon presenting to the ED and collected information regarding opioid use, storage, and disposal. Unsafe storage was defined as storing opioids in plain sight, and unsafe use was defined as sharing or losing opioids.Results:The median age was 53 years, 55% were female, 64% were white, and 86% had advanced cancer. Of those surveyed, 36% stored opioids in plain sight, 53% kept them hidden but unlocked, and only 15% locked their opioids. However, 73% agreed that they would use a lockbox if given one. Patients who reported that others had asked them for their pain medications (p= 0.004) and those who would use a lockbox if given one (p= 0.019) were more likely to keep them locked. Some 13 patients (12%) used opioids unsafely by either sharing (5%) or losing (8%) them. Patients who reported being prescribed more pain pills than required (p= 0.032) were more likely to practice unsafe use. Most (78%) were unaware of proper opioid disposal methods, 6% believed they were prescribed more medication than required, and 67% had unused opioids at home. Only 13% previously received education about safe disposal of opioids. Overall, 77% (87) of patients reported unsafe storage, unsafe use, or possessed unused opioids at home.Significance of Results:Many cancer patients presenting to the ED improperly and unsafely store, use, or dispose of opioids, thus highlighting a need to investigate the impact of patient education on such practices.
The dynamic organization of fungal acetyl-CoA carboxylase
Authors: Hunkeler Moritz , Stuttfeld Edward , Hagmann Anna , Imseng Stefan , Maier Timm 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAcetyl-CoA carboxylases (ACCs) catalyse the committed step in fatty-acid biosynthesis: the ATP-dependent carboxylation of acetyl-CoA to malonyl-CoA. They are important regulatory hubs for metabolic control and relevant drug targets for the treatment of the metabolic syndrome and cancer. Eukaryotic ACCs are single-chain multienzymes characterized by a large, non-catalytic central domain (CD), whose role in ACC regulation remains poorly characterized. Here we report the crystal structure of the yeast ACC CD, revealing a unique four-domain organization. A regulatory loop, which is phosphorylated at the key functional phosphorylation site of fungal ACC, wedges into a crevice between two domains of CD. Combining the yeast CD structure with intermediate and low-resolution data of larger fragments up to intact ACCs provides a comprehensive characterization of the dynamic fungal ACC architecture. In contrast to related carboxylases, large-scale conformational changes are required for substrate turnover, and are mediated by the CD under phosphorylation control.
The cell adhesion molecule Fasciclin2 regulates brush border length and organization in Drosophila renal tubules
Authors: Halberg Kenneth A. , Rainey Stephanie M. , Veland Iben R. , Neuert Helen , Dornan Anthony J. , Klämbt Christian , Davies Shireen-Anne , Dow Julian A. T. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractMulticellular organisms rely on cell adhesion molecules to coordinate cell–cell interactions, and to provide navigational cues during tissue formation. In Drosophila, Fasciclin 2 (Fas2) has been intensively studied due to its role in nervous system development and maintenance; yet, Fas2 is most abundantly expressed in the adult renal (Malpighian) tubule rather than in neuronal tissues. The role Fas2 serves in this epithelium is unknown. Here we show that Fas2 is essential to brush border maintenance in renal tubules of Drosophila. Fas2 is dynamically expressed during tubule morphogenesis, localizing to the brush border whenever the tissue is transport competent. Genetic manipulations of Fas2 expression levels impact on both microvilli length and organization, which in turn dramatically affect stimulated rates of fluid secretion by the tissue. Consequently, we demonstrate a radically different role for this well-known cell adhesion molecule, and propose that Fas2-mediated intermicrovillar homophilic adhesion complexes help stabilize the brush border.
Computational Approach Towards Exploring Potential Anti-Chikungunya Activity of Selected Flavonoids
Authors: Seyedi Seyedeh Somayeh , Shukri Munirah , Hassandarvish Pouya , Oo Adrian , Shankar Esaki Muthu , Abubakar Sazaly , Zandi Keivan 
Published: April 2016

AbstractChikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne alphavirus that causes chikungunya infection in humans. Despite the widespread distribution of CHIKV, no antiviral medication or vaccine is available against this virus. Therefore, it is crucial to find an effective compound to combat CHIKV. We aimed to predict the possible interactions between non-structural protein 3 (nsP) of CHIKV as one of the most important viral elements in CHIKV intracellular replication and 3 potential flavonoids using a computational approach. The 3-dimensional structure of nsP3 was retrieved from the Protein Data Bank, prepared and, using AutoDock Vina, docked with baicalin, naringenin and quercetagetin as ligands. The first-rated ligand with the strongest binding affinity towards the targeted protein was determined based on the minimum binding energy. Further analysis was conducted to identify both the active site of the protein that reacts with the tested ligands and all of the existing intermolecular bonds. Compared to the other ligands, baicalin was identified as the most potential inhibitor of viral activity by showing the best binding affinity (−9.8 kcal/mol). Baicalin can be considered a good candidate for further evaluation as a potentially efficient antiviral against CHIKV.
Differential and transferable modulatory effects of mesenchymal stromal cell-derived extracellular vesicles on T, B and NK cell functions
Authors: Di Trapani Mariano , Bassi Giulio , Midolo Martina , Gatti Alessandro , Takam Kamga Paul , Cassaro Adriana , Carusone Roberta , Adamo Annalisa , Krampera Mauro 
Published: April 2016

AbstractMesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells, immunomodulatory stem cells that are currently used for regenerative medicine and treatment of a number of inflammatory diseases, thanks to their ability to significantly influence tissue microenvironments through the secretion of large variety of soluble factors. Recently, several groups have reported the presence of extracellular vesicles (EVs) within MSC secretoma, showing their beneficial effect in different animal models of disease. Here, we used a standardized methodological approach to dissect the immunomodulatory effects exerted by MSC-derived EVs on unfractionated peripheral blood mononuclear cells and purified T, B and NK cells. We describe here for the first time: i. direct correlation between the degree of EV-mediated immunosuppression and EV uptake by immune effector cells, a phenomenon further amplified following MSC priming with inflammatory cytokines; ii. induction in resting MSCs of immunosuppressive properties towards T cell proliferation through EVs obtained from primed MSCs, without any direct inhibitory effect towards T cell division. Our conclusion is that the use of reproducible and validated assays is not only useful to characterize the mechanisms of action of MSC-derived EVs, but is also capable of justifying EV potential use as alternative cell-free therapy for the treatment of human inflammatory diseases.