bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Non-linear Inverse Problem in Estimating the Reaction Rate Function for an Annular-Bed Reactor
Authors: Huang Cheng-Hung , Li Bo-Yi 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The conjugate gradient method, or iterative regularization method, based inverse algorithm is utilized in this work to predict the unknown concentration-dependent reaction rate function for an annular-bed reactor (ABR) using interior measurements of concentration distributions. Since no prior information on the functional form of unknown reaction rate is available, it can be classified as function estimation for the inverse calculation. The validity and accuracy of this inverse ABR problem are examined using the simulated exact and inexact concentration measurements in the numerical experiments. Results show that the estimation of the concentration-dependent reaction rate function can be obtained within a very short CPU time on an Intel Xeon Core 2 2.00 GHz personal computer, and reliable estimations can still be obtained when measurement errors are considered.
Planar infinite groups
Authors: Rajabian Mehdi , Farrokhi D. G. Mohammad , Erfanian Ahmad 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
We will determine all infinite 2-locally finite groups and all infinite 2-groups with planar subgroup graph, and show that infinite groups that satisfy the chain conditions and contain an involution do not have planar embeddings. We also determine all connected outer-planar groups and outer-planar groups satisfying the chain conditions. As a result, we obtain all planar groups that are direct products of connected groups.
Comparison of placental alpha microglobulin-1 in vaginal fluid with intra-amniotic injection of indigo carmine for the diagnosis of rupture of membranes
Authors: Sosa Claudio G. , Herrera Edward , Restrepo Juan C. , Strauss Alexander , Alonso Justo 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Aims: The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of an immunoassay for placental alpha microglobulin-1 (PAMG-1) in vaginal fluid with the intra-amniotic instillation of indigo carmine for the diagnosis of membrane rupture in patients with an equivocal status.

Methods: A prospective multi-site study was performed involving women reporting signs, symptoms, or complaints suggestive of rupture of membrane (ROM) between 21 and 42 weeks of gestation without obvious leakage of fluid from the cervical os during sterile speculum examination and without confirmation of ROM by traditional methods.

Results: A total of 140 patients were recruited with a prevalence of ROM of 19.3%. The PAMG-1 test had a sensitivity of 100.0% [confidence interval (CI) 0.87–1.0], specificity of 99.1% [(CI) 0.95–0.99], positive predictive value of 96.3% [(CI) 0.82–0.99], negative predictive value of 100.0% [(CI) 0.97–1.0], and ± likelihood ratios of 74.6 [(CI) 20.31–274.51] and 0.0 [(CI) 0.00–0.98].

Conclusions: The PAMG-1 immunoassay in vaginal fluid yielded results that were comparable to those of the instillation of indigo carmine into the amniotic cavity; therefore, we propose that PAMG-1 is a sensitive and specific test to assess ROM in patients with an equivocal diagnosis based on simple tests. This finding prompts consideration for the use of the noninvasive PAMG-1 test in situations where the use of the invasive dye test is not practical.
Ideology and Tradition: An Epistemological View of Neoconservatism
Authors: Mándi Tibor 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe paper aims to give an account of the emergence of American neoconservatism, approaching its subject from a theoretical point of view. Its main thesis is that the defining difference between neoconservatism and older, more traditional kinds of conservatism can be found in their relation to political knowledge. While traditional conservatism completely rejects a rationalist-ideological approach to political knowledge, accepting only tradition as a guide to political action, neoconservatism holds that among the circumstances of modern politics, especially in the US, relying on abstract ideas and general principles in the form of an ideology is a prerequisite of effective political performance. Neoconservatives use the classical liberal tradition of American political thought to forge a modern ideology that can be employed in contemporary political battles. The first part of the paper gives an outline of the theoretical framework regarding the roles of tradition and ideology as rival forms of political knowledge, using the works of Michael Oakeshott and Friedrich Hayek as representatives of two related, but opposing positions. The second part sketches the basic character of neoconservatism through the writings of primarily Irving Kristol, focusing on his drawing a distinction between a tradition-minded British conservatism and a more ideological American neoconservatism. In this part, we briefly mention the influence of Leo Strauss on the development of neoconservative political thought in the US Finally, the paper proceeds to show the duality of idealism and realism (loosely corresponding to ideology and tradition) in American neoconservative foreign policy thought in the 1970s and 1980s through the writings of Jeane Kirkpatrick.
The Deformation Measurement and Analysis on Meso-Structure of Aluminum Foams During SHPB Test
Authors: Yang Bao , Tang Liqun , Liu Yiping , Liu Zejia , Jiang Zhenyu , Fang Daining 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) is most widely used to measure the dynamic mechanical properties of materials. Such a testing methodology implies the assumption of uniform deformation during an impact test. However, the experimental verification of this assumption for aluminum foams has, as yet, been unreported. In this paper, a test system combining the SHPB with a high-speed digital camera was designed and constructed to study the problem. In the system, the synchronization between SHPB and the high-speed digital camera, the lighting, and the surface treatment of specimen are established. The deformation of meso-structure of aluminum foams during the SHPB impact was observed successfully; furthermore, the localized strains along the specimens were measured quantitatively. Experimental results show that the deformation is non-uniform; that means the assumption of uniform deformation for aluminum foam is not well satisfied. Therefore, a need exists for some modifications to characterize the dynamic mechanical properties of aluminum foams by SHPB.
The Effects of Ownership Structure and Board Characteristics: Evidence From Chinese SOEs
Authors: Lo Keng-Hsin , Lin Bao-Ren 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Existing studies have failed to reach the consistent conclusion about the differences in performance between state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and non-SOEs. A sample of Chinese-listed firms from the period 2003–2011 is used in this study for fixed-effects panel data regression, providing up-to-date evidence related to the accounting and market performance of Chinese SOEs. The results enhance our understanding of the Chinese corporate governance mechanism, and offer cross-sectional implications for other emerging countries. We find that, in China, non-SOEs perform significantly better than SOEs. In addition, the Chinese SOEs have more complex agency problems, and the entrenchment effect seems to dominate the alignment effect for these firms. The findings also suggest that board characteristics including independent directors and CEO duality, are detrimental to the performance of the Chinese SOEs.
Comparison of repaglinide and metformin monotherapy as an initial therapy in Chinese patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Fang Fu-Sheng , Gong Yan-Ping , Li Chun-Lin , Li Jian , Tian Hui , Huang Wei , Wang Liang-Chen , Li Lin 
Published: April 2014

BackgroundWe aimed to compare the effect of repaglinide and metformin monotherapy as an initial therapy in Chinese patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Patients and methodsIn this 15-week, open-labelled, parallel-controlled, randomised study, 60 Chinese drug-naive patients with newly diagnosed T2DM were randomised (2:1) to receive repaglinide or metformin monotherapy. Primary endpoint was change in HbA1c from baseline to the end of the trial. Secondary endpoints included changes in glycaemic variability, insulin sensitivity and β-cell function.ResultsPatients in both repaglinide and metformin groups achieved significant reductions in HbA1c (−1.8±1.5 vs −1.6±1.5%), FPG (fasting blood glucose) (−1.7±1.7 vs −2.1±1.7 mmol/l) and 2-h PPG (post-prandial glucose) (−3.8±3.1 vs −3.8±3.6 mmol/l), with no statistical differences between the groups. Glycaemic variability, glucose infusion rate and β-cell function were all significantly improved from baseline in the two groups (allP<0.05), without any statistical differences in the improvement between the groups.ConclusionsRepaglinide and metformin achieved comparable efficacy in improving glycaemic control, reducing glycaemic variability, enhancing insulin sensitivity and ameliorating β-cell function. Therefore, repaglinide is an optional agent for initial therapy in Chinese patients with newly diagnosed T2DM.
Pattern and Process of Fig (Ficus carica) Invasion in a California Riparian Forest
Authors: Holmes Katherine A. , Greco Steven E. , Berry Alison M. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe common edible fig is a subcanopy tree that has invaded many of the remnant riparian forests of California's Central Valley. Fig is unusual in its ability to invade low-light, low-disturbance, native-plant–dominated environments. Dendrochronology combined with regression and spatial analyses allowed us to empirically quantify the expansion rate and spatial pattern of the fig invasion into the native plant community at Caswell Memorial State Park (Ripon, CA) over a 70-year invasion period. Fig uses a combination of short-distance dispersal, which results in constant, linear expansion at source population sites and long-distance dispersal, which eventually leads to high recruitment of satellite populations in ideal environments. Although fig initially experienced a long lag in its invasion rate, at the time of this study, it was expanding at an exponential rate at the landscape scale in Caswell. We identified a number of characteristics intrinsic to the fig population (shade suppression, pollinator presence, highly specialized reproduction, and propagule pressure) as well as extrinsic characteristics of the receiving environment (hydrologic alteration from the construction of a dam, safe sites for juvenile recruitment, and target effects from environmental heterogeneity) that may have influenced the rate and pattern of fig invasion. The Central Valley riparian forests have been reduced to less than 6% of their original area, and invasive fig is a significant threat to the remaining fragments of this important vegetation community. We include suggestions for fig eradication based on knowledge gained in this study.
The Relative Risk of Invasion: Evaluation ofMiscanthus×giganteusSeed Establishment
Authors: Smith Larissa L. , Barney Jacob N. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe sterile hybrid, giant miscanthus, has emerged as a promising cellulosic bioenergy crop because of its rapid growth rate, high biomass yields, and tolerance to poor growing conditions; these are traits that are desirable for cultivation, but also have caused concern for their contribution to invasiveness. New seed-bearing lines of giant miscanthus would decrease establishment costs for growers, yet this previously unresearched propagule source increases fears of escape from cultivation. To evaluate the consequences of seed escape, we compared seedling establishment among seven habitats: no-till agricultural field, agricultural field edge, forest understory, forest edge, riparian, pasture and roadside; these were replicated in Virginia (Blacksburg and Virginia Beach) and Georgia (Tifton), USA. We use a novel head-to-head comparison of giant miscanthus against five invasive and three noninvasive species, thus generating relative comparisons. Overall seed germination was low, with no single species achieving germination rates >37%, in all habitats and geographies. However, habitats with available bare ground and low resident plant competition, such as the agricultural field and forest understory, were more invasible by all species. Giant miscanthus seeds emerged in the roadside and forest edge habitats at all sites. Early in the growing season, we observed significantly more seedlings of giant miscanthus than the invasive and noninvasive species in the agricultural field. Interestingly, overall seedling mortality of giant miscanthus was 99.9%, with only a single 4 cm (1.58 in) tall giant miscanthus seedling surviving at the conclusion of the 6-mo study. The ability to make relative comparisons, by using multiple control species, was necessary for our conclusions in which both giant miscanthus and the noninvasive control species survival (≤1%) contrasted with that of our well-documented invasive species (≤10%). Considering the low overall emergence, increased propagule pressure may be necessary to increase the possibility of giant miscanthus escape. Knowledge gained from our results may help prepare for widespread commercialization, while helping to identify susceptible habitats to seedling establishment and aiding in the development of management protocols.
Novel Implant Design Improves Implant Survival in Multirooted Extraction Sites: A Preclinical Pilot Study
Authors: Sivan‐Gildor Adi , Machtei Eli E. , Gabay Eran , Frankenthal Shai , Levin Liran , Suzuki Marcelo , Coelho Paulo G. , Zigdon‐Giladi Hadar 
Published: April 2014

Background: The primary aim is to evaluate clinical, radiographic, and histologic parameters of novel implants with “three roots” design that were inserted into fresh multirooted extraction sockets. A secondary aim is to compare this new implant to standard root‐form dental implants.Methods: Immediate implantation of novel or standard design 6 × 6‐mm implants was performed bilaterally into multirooted sockets in mandibles of mini‐pigs. Twelve weeks later, clinical, radiographic, stability, histomorphometric, and microcomputed tomography (micro‐CT) analyses were performed.Results: Survival rates were significantly higher in the test implants compared with control (92.8% versus 33.3%, respectively; P <0.001). Bone loss was greater in the control compared with the test by sounding (mean 3.42 ± 0.68 versus 1.96 ± 0.34 mm) and radiography (mean 3.35 ± 0.62 versus 2.27 ± 0.33 mm). Histologic and micro‐CT analyses demonstrated bone fill in the inner part of the test implants. Moreover, bone‐to‐implant contact was higher in the test implants (55.50% ± 3.68% versus 42.47% ± 9.89%). Contrary to the clinical, radiographic, and histomorphometric results, resonance frequency analysis measurements were greater in the control group (77.74 ± 3.21 implant stability quotient [ISQ]) compared with the test group (31.09 ± 0.28 ISQ), P = 0.008.Conclusions: The novel design implants resulted in significantly greater survival rate in multirooted extraction sites. Further studies will be required to validate these findings.
Fusion Kalman filtration for distributed multisensor systems
Authors: Duda Zdzisław 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
In the paper, fusion state hierarchical filtration for a multisensor system is considered. An optimal global Kalman filter is realized by a central node in the information form. The state estimate depends on local information that should be sent by local nodes. Two information structures are considered in the paper.
In the first case local estimates are based on the local measurement information. It leads to distributed Kalman filter fusion that is well known in a literature. In the second case local node has additionally global information of the system with one step delay. A synthesis of local filters is presented. An advantage of this structure is discussed.
Walsh-Marcinkiewicz means and Hardy spaces
Authors: Nagy Károly , Tephnadze George 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The main aim of this paper is to investigate the Walsh-Marcinkiewicz means on the Hardy space H
p, when 0 < p < 2/3. We define a weighted maximal operator of Walsh-Marcinkiewicz means and establish some of its properties. With its aid we provide a necessary and sufficient condition for convergence of the Walsh-Marcinkiewicz means in terms of modulus of continuity on the Hardy space H
p, and prove a strong convergence theorem for the Walsh-Marcinkiewicz means.
Thermal self-action effects for acoustic beams containing fronts in a Maxwell relaxing fluid
Authors: Perelomova Anna 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThis paper examines the thermal self-action of acoustic beams in a Maxwell relaxing fluid. This type of thermal self-action differs from that in a Newtonian fluid and behaves differently depending on a ratio of sound period and time of thermodynamic relaxation. The self-action which relates to sound beams containing shock fronts is also discussed. In addition, stationary and non-stationary types of self-action are considered.
Endoparasites of exotic snakes (Ophidia)
Authors: Okulewicz A. , Kaźmierczak M. , Zdrzalik K. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Exotic reptiles, among them snakes, are a novelty in the world of pets. A total of 28 snakes housed in the City Zoological Garden in Wrocław and 23 snakes from zoological wholesale were examined for the presence of endoparasites. Both parasitological sections of dead reptiles and coprological examination were done. Endoparasites were detected in a total of 13.7 % of snakes, including 21.7 % of those coming from the zoological wholesale and 7.1 % of the zoo-kept snakes. Two groups of protozoa were detected: Choleoeimeria sp. and Ciliata, as well as nematodes: Kalicephalus sp., Dioctowittidae and a pinworm (Oxyurida). The zoo snakes were also found to carry pseudoparasites.
Effects of the root-knot nematodes Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica on olive plants growth in glasshouse conditions
Authors: Jahanshahi Afshar F. , Sasanelli N. , Hosseininejad S. , Tanha Maafi Z. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The influence of ten initial population levels (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1.6, 3.2, 6.4, 12.8 and 25.6 second stage juveniles/cm3 soil) of Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica on olive cultivar Zard growth was studied in two pot trials. Ten month old self-rooted olive cuttings were individually transplanted into 2 000 cm3 pot and inoculated with the defined initial populations, of both nematode species. Plants were grown in glasshouse for 13 months, then they were uprooted and plant growth (percent growth increase of main shoot length, number of nodes on main shoot, top and root fresh and dry weights and root length) and nematode parameters (root gall index, J2/g root, final nematode population density and reproduction rate Pf/Pi) were recorded. Results showed that cv. Zard was more susceptible to M. javanica than to M. incognita. A significant reduction of main shoot length growth 37.6 % and 10.7 % was observed at 0.1 and 12.8 juveniles/cm3 soil of M. javanica and M. incognita, respectively, in comparison to uninfested plants. Root systems of olive plants grown in M. incognita or M. javanica infested soils were galled within the gall index range 1.4–6. No significant differences were observed in the number of nodes on main shoot, top and root fresh weights and root dry weight at high levels of M. incognita Pi. A tolerance limit (T) of 0.4 juveniles/cm3 soil was estimated for olive plants cv. Zard to M. javania. The use of resistant olive rootstock or selected cultivars is recommended to minimize or to limit damage of nematode infections in nurseries and to prevent secondary attacks of soil borne plant pathogens especially Verticillium dahliae.
Helminth burden in stray cats from Thessaloniki, Greece
Authors: Lefkaditis M. , Paştiu A. , Rodi-Buriel A. , Sossidou A. , Panorias A. , Eleftheriadis T. , Cozma V. , Mihalca A. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
To get an overview on the prevalence of intestinal helminths, between 2010 and 2012, fecal samples from 215 stray cats from area of Thessaloniki, Greece, were tested by coprological methods. From the total number of fecal samples examined, 55.8 % were infected with at least one intestinal parasite and 16.3 % had co-infection. Five different parasite species were found. The most prevalent helminth was Dipylidium caninum (39.53 %), followed by Toxocara cati (18.14 %), Ancylostoma spp. (11.63 %), Taenia taeniaeformis (8.37 %) and Toxascaris leonina (0.93 %). The results showed that A. tubaeforme and T. taeniaeformis were more prevalent in males, while D. caninum, T. cati and T. leonina in female cats, without statistical significance. The prevalence of Ancylostoma spp. and T. cati were significantly higher in young cats (< 1 year old) than in adults (> 1 year old). The most common association was between D. caninum and T. cati.
MetaJC++: A flexible and automatic program transformation technique using meta framework
Authors: Beevi Nadera , Reghu M. , Chitraprasad D. , Vinodchandra S. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractCompiler is a tool to translate abstract code containing natural language terms to machine code. Meta compilers are available to compile more than one languages. We have developed a meta framework intends to combine two dissimilar programming languages, namely C++ and Java to provide a flexible object oriented programming platform for the user. Suitable constructs from both the languages have been combined, thereby forming a new and stronger Meta-Language. The framework is developed using the compiler writing tools, Flex and Yacc to design the front end of the compiler. The lexer and parser have been developed to accommodate the complete keyword set and syntax set of both the languages. Two intermediate representations have been used in between the translation of the source program to machine code. Abstract Syntax Tree has been used as a high level intermediate representation that preserves the hierarchical properties of the source program. A new machine-independent stack-based byte-code has also been devised to act as a low level intermediate representation. The byte-code is essentially organised into an output class file that can be used to produce an interpreted output. The results especially in the spheres of providing C++ concepts in Java have given an insight regarding the potential strong features of the resultant meta-language.
Recent accumulation variability in northwest Greenland from ground-penetrating radar and shallow cores along the Greenland Inland Traverse
Authors: Hawley Robert L. , Courville Zoe R. , Kehrl Laura M. , Lutz Eric R. , Osterberg Erich C. , Overly Thomas B. , Wong Gifford J. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAccumulation is a key parameter governing the mass balance of the Greenland ice sheet. Several studies have documented the spatial variability of accumulation over wide spatial scales, primarily using point data, remote sensing or modeling. Direct measurements of spatially extensive, detailed profiles of accumulation in Greenland, however, are rare. We used 400 MHz ground-penetrating radar along the 1009 km route of the Greenland Inland Traverse from Thule to Summit during April and May of 2011, to image continuous internal reflecting horizons. We dated these horizons using ice-core chemistry at each end of the traverse. Using density profiles measured along the traverse, we determined the depth to the horizons and the corresponding water-equivalent accumulation rates. The measured accumulation rates vary from ~0.1 m w.e. a–1 in the interior to ~0.7 m w.e. a–1 near the coast, and correspond broadly with existing published model results, though there are some excursions. Comparison of our recent accumulation rates with those collected along a similar route in the 1950s shows a ~10% increase in accumulation rates over the past 52 years along most of the traverse route. This implies that the increased water vapor capacity of warmer air is increasing accumulation in the interior of Greenland.