bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tripled fixed point theorem in fuzzy metric spaces and applications
Authors: Roldán A , Martínez-Moreno J , Roldán C 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
In this paper we prove an existence and uniqueness theorem for contractive type mappings in fuzzy metric spaces. In order to do that, we consider a slight modification of the concept of a tripled fixed point introduced by Berinde et al. (Nonlinear Anal. TMA 74:4889-4897, 2011) for nonlinear mappings. Additionally, we obtain some fixed point theorems for metric spaces. These results generalize, extend and unify several classical and very recent related results in literature. For instance, we obtain an extension of Theorem 4.1 in (Zhu and Xiao in Nonlinear Anal. TMA 74:5475-5479, 2011) and a version in non-partially ordered sets of Theorem 2.2 in (Bhaskar and Lakshmikantham in Nonlinear Anal. TMA 65:1379-1393, 2006). As application, we solve a kind of Lipschitzian systems in three variables and an integral system. Finally, examples to support our results are also given.
Existence on positive solutions for boundary value problems of nonlinear fractional differential equations with p-Laplacian
Authors: Lu Hongling , Han Zhenlai , Sun Shurong , Liu Jian 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
In this paper, we study the existence of positive solutions for the nonlinear fractional boundary value problem with a p-Laplacian operator

D

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=
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,

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<
t
<
1
,

u
(
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=

u
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(
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=

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)
=
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,

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+

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=

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=
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where

2
<
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⩽
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,

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<
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2

,

D

0
+

α

,

D

0
+

β

are the standard Riemann-Liouville fractional derivatives,

ϕ
p

(
s
)
=

|
s
|

p
−
2

s

,

p
>
1

,

ϕ
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−
1

=

ϕ
q

,

1
/
p
+
1
/
q
=
1

, and

f
(
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,
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)
∈
C
(
[
0
,
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×
[
0
,
+
∞
)
,
[
0
,
+
∞
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)

. By the properties of Green’s function, the Guo-Krasnosel’skii fixed-point theorem, the Leggett-Williams fixed-point theorem, and the upper and lower solutions method, some new results on the existence of positive solutions are obtained. As applications, examples are presented to illustrate the main results.

MSC:34A08, 34B18, 35J05.
Depth-image-based rendering with spatial and temporal texture synthesis for 3DTV
Authors: Xi Ming , Wang Liang-Hao , Yang Qing-Qing , Li Dong-Xiao , Zhang Ming 
Published: February 2013

AbstractA depth-image-based rendering (DIBR) method with spatial and temporal texture synthesis is presented in this article. Theoretically, the DIBR algorithm can be used to generate arbitrary virtual views of the same scene in a three-dimensional television system. But the disoccluded area, which is occluded in the original views and becomes visible in the virtual views, makes it very difficult to obtain high image quality in the extrapolated views. The proposed view synthesis method combines the temporally stationary scene information extracted from the input video and spatial texture in the current frame to fill the disoccluded areas in the virtual views. Firstly, the current texture image and a stationary scene image, which is extracted from the input video, are warped to the same virtual perspective position by the DIBR method. Then, the two virtual images are merged together to reduce the hole regions and maintain the temporal consistency of these areas. Finally, an oriented exemplar-based inpainting method is utilized to eliminate the remaining holes. Experimental results are shown to demonstrate the performance and advantage of the proposed method compared with other view synthesis methods.
Tautomerism of4,4′-dihydroxy-1,1′-naphthaldazine studied byexperimental and theoretical methods
Authors: Ahmedova Anife , Simeonov Svilen P , Kurteva Vanya B , Antonov Liudmil 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
The title compound belongs to the class of bis-azomethine pigments. On thebasis of comparative studies on similar structures, insight into the complexexcited state dynamics of such compounds has been gained. It has been shown,for example, that only compounds that possess hydroxyl groups arefluorescent, and that the possibility for cis-trans isomerisationand/or bending motions of the central bis-azomethine fragment allows fordifferent non-radiative decay pathways.

Results
The compound, 4,4'-dihydroxy-1,1'-naphthaldazine (1) was synthesized andcharacterized by means of spectroscopic and quantum chemical methods. Thetautomerism of 1 was studied in details by steady state UV-Vis spectroscopyand time resolved flash photolysis. The composite shape of the absorptionbands was computationally resolved into individual subbands. Thus, the molarfraction of each component and the corresponding tautomeric constants wereestimated from the temperature dependent spectra in ethanol.

Conclusions
According to the spectroscopic data the prevalent tautomer is the diol form,which is in agreement with the theoretical (HF and DFT) predictions. Theexperimental data show, however, that all three tautomers coexist insolution even at room temperature. Relevant theoretical results wereobtained after taking into account the solvent effect by the so-calledsupermolecule-PCM approach. The TD-DFT B3LYP/6-31 G** calculatedexcitation energies confirm the assignment of the individual bands obtainedfrom the derivative spectroscopy.
Genetic characterization of Theileria equi infecting horses in North America: evidence for a limited source of U.S. introductions
Authors: Hall Carina M , Busch Joseph D , Scoles Glen A , Palma-Cagle Kristina A , Ueti Massaro W , Kappmeyer Lowell S , Wagner David M 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background

Theileria equi is a tick-borne apicomplexan hemoparasite that causes equine piroplasmosis. This parasite has a worldwide distribution but the United States was considered to be free of this disease until recently.

Methods
We used samples from 37 horses to determine genetic relationships among North American T. equi using the 18S rRNA gene and microsatellites. We developed a DNA fingerprinting panel of 18 microsatellite markers using the first complete genome sequence of T. equi.

Results
A maximum parsimony analysis of 18S rRNA sequences grouped the samples into two major clades. The first clade (n = 36) revealed a high degree of nucleotide similarity in U.S. T. equi, with just 0–2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) among samples. The remaining sample fell into a second clade that was genetically divergent (48 SNPs) from the other U.S. samples. This sample was collected at the Texas border, but may have originated in Mexico. We genotyped T. equi from the U.S. using microsatellite markers and found a moderate amount of genetic diversity (2–8 alleles per locus). The field samples were mostly from a 2009 Texas outbreak (n = 22) although samples from five other states were also included in this study. Using Weir and Cockerham’s F
ST estimator (θ) we found strong population differentiation of the Texas and Georgia subpopulations (θ = 0.414), which was supported by a neighbor-joining tree created with predominant single haplotypes. Single-clone infections were found in 27 of the 37 samples (73%), allowing us to identify 15 unique genotypes.

Conclusions
The placement of most T. equi into one monophyletic clade by 18S is suggestive of a limited source of introduction into the U.S. When applied to a broader cross section of worldwide samples, these molecular tools should improve source tracking of T. equi outbreaks and may help prevent the spread of this tick-borne parasite.
A rare case of endogenous Aspergillus conicus endophthalmitis in an immunocompromised patient
Authors: Smith Wendy M , Fahle Gary , Nussenblatt Robert B , Sen Hatice Nida 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
The purpose of this study was to report the case of a patient with bilateral panuveitis who was found to have a rarely reported intraocular fungus, Aspergillus conicus. A 40-year-old man presented with gradual vision loss in both eyes. He had bilateral anterior uveitis, granulomatous vitritis with a preretinal granuloma in the right eye, and nongranulomatous vitritis with two quadrants of chorioretinal scarring in the left.

Findings
Serological testing revealed a new diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus as well as positive rapid plasma reagin and fluorescent treponemal antibody. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of the aqueous humor from the right eye identified A. conicus. Due to the indolent course of the endogenous fungal infection, the patient was treated with prednisolone acetate 1% eye drops, oral voriconazole, and highly active antiretroviral therapy. More than 1 year later, his vision remained 20/20 in both eyes without any episodes of recurrent inflammation.

Conclusions
PCR testing helped identify a rare intraocular infection in an immunocompromised patient. In this case, A. conicus behaved less aggressively than other species of Aspergillus implicated in intraocular infection.
Screening and brief intervention for alcohol and other drug use in primary care: associations between organizational climate and practice
Authors: Cruvinel Erica , Richter Kimber P , Bastos Ronaldo Rocha , Ronzani Telmo Mota 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Numerous studies have demonstrated that positive organizational climates contribute to better work performance. Screening and brief intervention (SBI) for alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use has the potential to reach a broad population of hazardous drug users but has not yet been widely adopted in Brazil’s health care system. We surveyed 149 primary health care professionals in 30 clinics in Brazil who were trained to conduct SBI among their patients. We prospectively measured how often they delivered SBI to evaluate the association between organizational climate and adoption/performance of SBI.

Methods
Organizational climate was measured by the 2009 Organizational Climate Scale for Health Organizations, a scale validated in Brazil that assesses leadership, professional development, team spirit, relationship with the community, safety, strategy, and remuneration. Performance of SBI was measured prospectively by weekly assessments during the three months following training. We also assessed self-reported SBI and self-efficacy for performing SBI at three months post-training. We used inferential statistics to depict and test for the significance of associations.

Results
Teams with better organizational climates implemented SBI more frequently. Organizational climate factors most closely associated with SBI implementation included professional development and relationship with the community. The dimensions of leadership and remuneration were also significantly associated with SBI.

Conclusions
Organizational climate may influence implementation of SBI and ultimately may affect the ability of organizations to identify and address drug use.
3-D DNA methylation phenotypes correlate with cytotoxicity levels in prostate and liver cancer cell models
Authors: Gertych Arkadiusz , Oh Jin Ho , Wawrowsky Kolja A , Weisenberger Daniel J , Tajbakhsh Jian 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe spatial organization of the genome is being evaluated as a novel indicator of toxicity in conjunction with drug-induced global DNA hypomethylation and concurrent chromatin reorganization. 3D quantitative DNA methylation imaging (3D-qDMI) was applied as a cell-by-cell high-throughput approach to investigate this matter by assessing genome topology through represented immunofluorescent nuclear distribution patterns of 5-methylcytosine (MeC) and global DNA (4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole = DAPI) in labeled nuclei.MethodsDifferential progression of global DNA hypomethylation was studied by comparatively dosing zebularine (ZEB) and 5-azacytidine (AZA). Treated and untreated (control) human prostate and liver cancer cells were subjected to confocal scanning microscopy and dedicated 3D image analysis for the following features: differential nuclear MeC/DAPI load and codistribution patterns, cell similarity based on these patterns, and corresponding differences in the topology of low-intensity MeC (LIM) and low in intensity DAPI (LID) sites.ResultsBoth agents generated a high fraction of similar MeC phenotypes across applied concentrations. ZEB exerted similar effects at 10–100-fold higher drug concentrations than its AZA analogue: concentration-dependent progression of global cytosine demethylation, validated by measuring differential MeC levels in repeat sequences using MethyLight, and the concurrent increase in nuclear LIM densities correlated with cellular growth reduction and cytotoxicity.Conclusions3D-qDMI demonstrated the capability of quantitating dose-dependent drug-induced spatial progression of DNA demethylation in cell nuclei, independent from interphase cell-cycle stages and in conjunction with cytotoxicity. The results support the notion of DNA methylation topology being considered as a potential indicator of causal impacts on chromatin distribution with a conceivable application in epigenetic drug toxicology.
Survey of cadmium, lead, and arsenic in sesame from Iran
Authors: Fahim Niloofar Khoshbakht , Beheshti Hamed Reza , Janati Somayeh Sadat Fakoor , Feizy Javad 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Sesame is one of the most consumed oilseeds in human food in the whole world. In various forms, it is used for the preparation of foods, cookies, cakes, and so on. This study was applied for the determination of lead, cadmium, and arsenic in 80 samples of sesame purchased from supermarkets in Khorasan province, Iran.

Results
The results showed that arsenic is one of the trace elements in crops (edible plants) with an average concentration of 54 ng g−1, and three (3.75%) samples were above the maximum tolerated level of Pb in Iran (100 ng g−1) regulations.

Conclusions
The results were obtained after complete digestion of these samples and determination using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry and hydride generation atomic absorption spectrophotometry and indicate that 96.25% of the sesame samples could be suitable for human food.
Book Reviews
Authors: Rand Graham K. 
Published: February 2013

In Book Reviews, we review an extensive and diverse range of books. They cover theory and applications in operations research, statistics, management science, econometrics, mathematics, computers, and information systems. In addition, we include books in other fields that emphasize technical applications. The editor will be pleased to receive an e-mail from those willing to review a book, with an indication of specific areas of interest. If you are aware of a specific book that you would like to review, or that you think should be reviewed, please contact the editor. The following books are reviewed in this issue of Interfaces, 43(1), January–February 2013: Supply Chain Simulation: A System Dynamics Approach for Improving Performance, Francisco Campuzano and Josefa Mula; Models Behaving Badly, Emanuel Derman; Design of Modern Heuristics, Franz Rothlauf; Deterministic Global Optimization: Geometric Branch-and-Bound Methods and Their Applications, Daniel Scholz; Project Management with Dynamic Scheduling—Baseline Scheduling, Risk Analysis and Project Control, Mario Vanhoucke; Optimal Control Theory with Applications in Economics, Thomas A. Weber.
Effectiveness of a Brief Curriculum to Promote Condom and Health Care Use Among Out‐of‐School Young Adult Males
Authors: Marcell Arik V. , Allan Elizabeth , Clay Eric A. , Watson Catherine , Sonenstein Freya L. 
Published: February 2013

ContextOut‐of‐school black males aged 15–24 have higher levels of sexual risk‐taking than in‐school black males of the same age. However, few sexual risk reduction curricula are focused on out‐of‐school male youth.MethodsA sexual and reproductive health intervention conducted at a Baltimore youth employment and training program in 2008–2010 was evaluated in a study involving 197 youth aged 16–24 from a predominantly black population. Ninety‐eight participants received three one‐hour curriculum sessions on consecutive days; 99 served as controls. At baseline and three months later, participants completed a survey assessing demographic characteristics and various knowledge, attitude and behavior measures. Regression analysis with random effects was used to assess differences between intervention participants and controls in changes in outcomes over time.ResultsIn analyses adjusting for baseline characteristics, intervention participants showed greater improvements in outcomes between baseline and follow‐up than did controls. Specifically, a male who received the intervention was more likely than a control male to report increases in knowledge of STDs and health care use (odds ratio, 1.6 for each), frequency of condom use (1.8), use of lubricant with condoms (23.6), communication with a provider about STDs (12.3) and STD testing (16.6).ConclusionThese findings suggest the potential benefits of integrating safer‐sex and health care information into a sexual and reproductive health curriculum for out‐of‐school male youth.
On a reverse Petty projection inequality for projections of convex bodies
Authors: Alonso-Gutiérrez D. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
We prove a reverse Petty projection inequality which is satisfied by every convex body K. We also study given a convex body K estimates for the dimension k such that there exists a k-dimensional orthogonal projection of K satisfying a reverse Petty projection inequality in an approximative sense
The Src family kinases: distinct functions of c-Src, Yes, and Fyn in the liver
Authors: Reinehr Roland , Sommerfeld Annika , Häussinger Dieter 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe Src family kinases Yes, Fyn, and c-Src play a pivotal role in regulating diverse liver functions such as bile flow, proteolysis, apoptosis, and proliferation and are regulated by anisoosmotic cell volume changes, death receptor ligands, and bile acids. For example, cell swelling leads to an integrin-sensed and focal adhesion kinase-mediated activation of c-Src-triggering choleresis, proteolysis inhibition, regulatory volume decrease via p38MAPK and proliferation via the activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor and extracellular regulated kinases 1 and 2. In contrast, hepatocyte shrinkage generates an almost instantaneous oxidative stress response that triggers the activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase and the Src family kinases Fyn and Yes. Whereas Fyn activation mediates cholestasis, Yes triggers CD95 activation and apoptosis. This review will discuss the role of Src family kinases in the regulation of liver function with emphasis on their role in osmo-signaling and bile acid signaling.
TCP transcription factors: architectures of plant form
Authors: Manassero Nora G. Uberti , Viola Ivana L. , Welchen Elina , Gonzalez Daniel H. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAfter its initial definition in 1999, the TCP family of transcription factors has become the focus of a multiplicity of studies related with plant development at the cellular, organ, and tissue levels. Evidence has accumulated indicating that TCP transcription factors are the main regulators of plant form and architecture and constitute a tool through which evolution shapes plant diversity. The TCP transcription factors act in a multiplicity of pathways related with cell proliferation and hormone responses. In recent years, the molecular pathways of TCP protein action and biochemical studies on their mode of interaction with DNA have begun to shed light on their mechanism of action. However, the available information is fragmented and a unifying view of TCP protein action is lacking, as well as detailed structural studies of the TCP-DNA complex. Also important, the possible role of TCP proteins as integrators of plant developmental responses to the environment has deserved little attention. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about the structure and functions of TCP transcription factors and analyze future perspectives for the study of the role of these proteins and their use to modify plant development.
Morphology, ontogeny, and phylogenetic position of Gayralia brasiliensis sp. nov. (Ulotrichales, Chlorophyta) from the southern coast of Brazil
Authors: Pellizzari Franciane , Oliveira Mariana C. , da Silva Medeiros Amanda , Yokoya Nair S. , Oliveira Eurico C. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
A new species, Gayralia brasiliensis (Ulotrichales, Chlorophyta), is described from Brazil on the basis of ontogenetic, morphological, and molecular phylogenetic data. Liberation of zooids from the monostromatically bladed thalli occurred by disintegration of the zooidangium wall, releasing four biflagellate cells with prominent eyespots. Fusion of zooids was not observed. After zooid attachment, cell divisions gave rise to uniseriate filaments that developed into fan-shaped blades. Only asexual reproduction was observed; this took place through recycling of blades by germination of zooids. Phylogenetic analysis based on rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences showed that G. brasiliensis specimens formed a monophyletic group closely related to Monostroma nitidum and two unidentified monostromatic species from Japan and Tanzania. The genus Monostroma was polyphyletic in our analysis. ITS sequences also confirmed the presence of a second monostromatic species of Ulotrichales in the Brazilian coast, Gayralia oxysperma. There were overlapping morphological and life history traits between G. brasiliensis and G. oxysperma. However, these two species were clearly divergent based on ITS sequences and ontogeny.
Low cost biosensor-based molecular differential diagnosis of α-thalassemia (Southeast Asia deletion)
Authors: Wangmaung Nantawan , Promptmas Chamras , Chomean Sirinart , Sanchomphu Chularat , Ittarat Wanida 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background: Thalassemias are genetic hematologic diseases which the homozygous form of α-thalassemia can cause either death in utero or shortly after birth. It is necessary to accurately identify high-risk heterozygous couples. We developed a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) to identify the abnormal gene causing the commonly found α-thalassemia1, [Southeast Asia (SEA) deletion]. This work is an improved method of our previous study by reducing both production cost and analysis time.

Methods: A silver electrode on the QCM surface was immobilized with a biotinylated probe. The α-globin gene fragment was amplified and hybridized with the probe. Hybridization was indicated by changes of quartz oscillation. Each drying step was improved by using an air pump for 30 min instead of the overnight air dry. The diagnostic potency of the silver QCM was evaluated using 70 suspected samples with microcytic hypochromic erythrocytes.

Results: The silver QCM could clearly identify samples with abnormal α-globin genes, either homozygous or heterozygous, from normal samples. Thirteen out of 70 blood samples were identified as carrier of α-thalassemia1 (SEA deletion). Results were consistent with the standard agarose gel electrophoresis. Using silver instead of gold QCM could reduce the production expense 10-fold. An air pump drying the QCM surface could reduce the analysis time from 3 days to 4 h.

Conclusions: The silver thalassemic QCM was specific, sensitive, rapid, cheap and field applicable. It could be used as a one-step definite diagnosis of α-thalassemia1 (SEA deletion) with no need for the preliminary screening test.