bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fixed point theorems in generalized metric spaces with applications to computer science
Authors: Alghamdi Maryam A , Shahzad Naseer , Valero Oscar 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
In 1994, Matthews introduced the notion of a partial metric space in order to obtain a suitable mathematical tool for program verification (Matthews in Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 728:183-197, 1994). He gave an application of this new structure to formulate a suitable test for lazy data flow deadlock in Kahn’s model of parallel computation by means of a partial metric version of the celebrated Banach fixed point theorem (Matthews in Theor. Comput. Sci. 151:195-205, 1995). In this paper, motivated by the utility of partial metrics in computer science, we discuss whether they are a suitable tool for asymptotic complexity analysis of algorithms. Concretely, we show that the Matthews fixed point theorem does not constitute, in principle, an appropriate implement for the aforementioned purpose. Inspired by the preceding fact, we prove two fixed point theorems which provide the mathematical basis for a new technique to carry out asymptotic complexity analysis of algorithms via partial metrics. Furthermore, in order to illustrate and to validate the developed theory, we apply our results to analyze the asymptotic complexity of two celebrated recursive algorithms.

MSC:47H10, 54E50, 54F05, 68Q25, 68W40.
Induction of immune tolerance and reduction of aggravated lung eosinophilia by co-exposure to Asian sand dust and ovalbumin for 14 weeks in mice
Authors: He Miao , Ichinose Takamichi , Yoshida Seiichi , Takano Hirohisa , Nishikawa Masataka , Sun Guifan , Shibamoto Takayuki 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Atmospheric contamination caused by Asian sand-dust (ASD) storms aggravates asthma in both human adults and children. This study aims to investigate a series of manifestations in allergic airway disease caused by co-exposure to allergens and ASD for 6 weeks and 14 weeks.

Methods
CD-1 Mice were instilled intratracheally with 0.1 mg of ASD/mouse four times (6 weeks) or eight times (14 weeks) at 2-week intervals (total dose of 0.4 mg or 0.8 mg/mouse) with or without ovalbumin (OVA). The pathologic changes in the airway, cytological alteration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and levels of inflammatory cytokines/chemokines in BALF, and OVA-specific IgE and IgG1 antibodies in serum were measured in the treated CD-1 mice.

Results
Four-time co-exposure to OVA and ASD aggravates allergic airway inflammation along with Th2-cytokine IL-13 and eosinophil-relevant cytokine/chemokines IL-5, Eotaxin and MCP-3 in BALF, and fibrous thickening of the subepithelial layer in the airway. On the other hand, eight-time co-exposure attenuates these changes along with a significant increase of TGF-β1 in BALF. Adjuvant effects of ASD toward IgG1 and IgE production in sera were, however, still seen in the eight-time co-exposure.

Conclusions
These results indicate that the immune responses in airways are exacerbated by four-time co-exposure to ASD with OVA, but that there is a shift to suppressive responses in eight-time co-exposure, suggesting that the responses are caused by TGF-β1-related immune tolerance.
A seroepidemiological survey of Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever among Cattle in North Kordufan State, Sudan
Authors: Adam Ibrahim A , Mahmoud Mubarak AM , Aradaib Imadeldin E 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), caused by CCHF virus (CCFV), may cause a fatal hemorrhagic illness in humans with mortality rate of approximately 30%. However, in animals the disease is typically asymptomatic and no clinical hemorrhagic infections appears to be associated with CCHFV. Recently, CCHF activity has been detected in western and southern Kordufan region, Sudan. Currently, no information is available in regard to previous exposure of livestock to CCHFV infection in the region.

Aims
In the present study, a seroepidemiological survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of CCHF and to identify the potential risk factors associated with the disease among cattle in North Kordufan State, Sudan.

Methods
In this survey, 299 blood samples were collected randomly from six localities in North Kordufan State and were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of CCHFV-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies.

Results
The result of the study indicated that the prevalence rate of CCHF was relatively high among cattle, where serological evidence of the infection was observed in 21 (7.0%) of 299 animals. Older cattle were eight times more likely to be infected with the virus (OR=8.0824, CI=1.174-66.317, p-value=0.034). Cross breeds were at 37 time higher at risk compared to endogenous breed (OR=37.06, CI=1.455-944, p-value=0.029). Highly tick-infested cattle are 6 times higher at risk for CCHF when compared to tick-free animals (OR=6.532, CI=1.042-10.852, p-value=0.030).

Conclusion
It is recommended that surveillance of CCHF should be extended to include other ruminant animals and to study the distribution of ticks in the region to better predict and respond to CCHF outbreak in the State of North Kordufan, Sudan.
Antidepressant drugs and sexual dysfunction
Authors: Baldwin David S. , Foong Thomas 
Published: June 2013

SummaryDepressive symptoms and depressive illness are associated with impairments in sexual function and satisfaction but the findings of randomised placebo-controlled trials demonstrate that antidepressant drugs can be associated with the development or worsening of sexual dysfunction. Sexual difficulties during antidepressant treatment often resolve as depression lifts but may persist over long periods, and can reduce self-esteem and affect mood and relationships adversely. Sexual dysfunction during antidepressant treatment is typically associated with many possible causes, but the risk of dysfunction varies with differing antidepressants, and should be considered when selecting an antidepressant.
Thermometer-free Detection and Control of Temperature for Microwave-assisted Flow Reactions
Authors: Nishioka Masateru , Miyakawa Masato , Sato Koichi , Miyazawa Akira , Suzuki Toshishige M 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Thermometer-free sensing of temperature in a microwave (MW)-assisted flow reactor was realized from the variation of resonance frequency associated with the dielectric property of the target material. This method enabled detection and control of water flow temperature with 1.5 °C precision without use of a thermometer probe.
Intraspecific variation in Gracilaria birdiae (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta): growth, and agar yield and quality of color strains under aquaculture
Authors: Ursi Suzana , Costa Viviane L. , Hayashi Leila , Pereira Ricardo T.L. , Paula Edison J. , Plastino Estela M. 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Based on their distinct physiological characteristics, we postulated that different strains of Gracilaria birdiae (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta) would have distinct performances when grown in the sea. Samples from a northeastern Brazil population, including red (RD-CE), greenish-brown (GB-CE), and green (GR-CE) strains, and one red strain (RD-ES) from a southeastern population were cultivated in Ubatuba Bay, southeastern Brazil. We analyzed the survival ability, growth rate, and the agar yield and quality of these strains. The growth rates (GRs) and seawater temperatures were measured for 16 months. The northeastern population strains were in good condition during all the cultivation periods, while the RD-ES strain had a lower GR and died during some time periods. Overall, the GR ranged from 0.4% to 4.4% day-1, depending on the strain and the period of cultivation. The GRs of the RD-CE, GR-CE, and GB-CE strains were similar during all the cultivation periods. The increased GR in all the strains of G. birdiae seemed to be related to a slight rise in the seawater temperature. However, the GRs decreased in all the strains when the temperatures remained high for the protracted periods. In addition to their similar GRs, the RD-CE and GR-CE strains had similar yields and qualities as the polysaccharides. We concluded that these three strains are suitable for testing as the candidates for future commercial cultivation.
Ring coproducts embedded in power-series rings
Authors: Ara Pere , Dicks Warren 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Let R be a ring (associative, with 1),
and let R〈〈a,b〉〉 denote the power-series R-ring in two
non-commuting, R-centralizing variables, a and b. Let A be an R-subring of R〈〈a〉〉 and B be an
R-subring of R〈〈b〉〉. Let α denote the natural
map A ⨿
R

B → R〈〈a,b〉〉.
This article describes some situations where α is injective and some where it is not.

We prove that if A is a right Ore localization of R[a] and B
is a right Ore localization of R[b], then α is injective. For example, the group ring over R of the free group on
{1+a,1+b} is
R[(1+a)±] ⨿
R

R[(1+b)±],
which then embeds in R〈〈a,b〉〉. We thus recover a celebrated result of R. H. Fox,
via a proof simpler than those previously known.

We show that α is injective if R is
Π-semihereditary, that is, every finitely generated,
torsionless, right R-module is projective. (This concept was first
studied by M. F. Jones, who showed that it is left-right
symmetric. It follows from a result of
I. I. Sahaev that
if w.gl.dim R ≤ 1 and R embeds in a skew field,
then R is Π-semihereditary. Also, it follows from a result of
V. C. Cateforis
that if R is right semihereditary and right self-injective,
then R is Π-semihereditary.)

The arguments and results extend easily from two variables to any
set of variables.
The article concludes with some results contributed by
G. M. Bergman that describe situations
where α is not injective. He shows that if R is commutative and
w.gl.dim R ≥ 2,
then there exist examples where the map
α': A ⨿
R

B → R〈〈a〉〉 ⨿
R

R〈〈b〉〉
is not injective, and hence neither is α. It follows from a result of K. R. Goodearl that
when R is a commutative, countable, non-self-injective, von
Neumann regular ring, then the map
α'': R〈〈a〉〉 ⨿
R

R〈〈b〉〉
→ R〈〈a,b〉〉 is not injective. Bergman gives procedures for constructing
other examples where α'' is not injective.
Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV): Review, Potentials, Barriers and Myths
Authors: Heinstein Patrick , Ballif Christophe , Perret-Aebi Laure-Emmanuelle 
Published: June 2013

AbstractTo date, none of the predictions that have been made about the emerging BIPV industry have really hit the target. The anticipated boom has so far stalled and despite developing and promoting a number of excellent systems and products, many producers around the world have been forced to quit on purely economic grounds. The authors believe that after this painful cleansing of the market, a massive counter trend will follow, enlivened and carried forward by more advanced PV technologies and ever-stricter climate policies designed to achieve energy neutrality in a cost-effective way. As a result, the need for BIPV products for use in construction will undergo first a gradual and then a massive increase. The planning of buildings with multifunctional, integrated roof and façade elements capable of fulfilling the technical and legal demands will become an essential, accepted part of the architectonic mainstream and will also contribute to an aesthetic valorisation. Until then, various barriers need to be overcome in order to facilitate and accelerate BIPV. Besides issues related to mere cost-efficiency ratio, psychological and social factors also play an evident role. The goal of energy change linked to greater use of renewables can be successfully achieved only when all aspects are taken into account and when visual appeal and energy efficiency thus no longer appear to be an oxymoron.
Progress towards direct inhibitors of Stat5 protein
Authors: Cumaraswamy Abbarna A. , Gunning Patrick T. 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Molecular approaches to inhibit STAT5 signaling have been hailed as a viable targeted anticancer therapy. In particular, many drugs and drug candidates have been developed to successfully inhibit upstream effectors of STAT5 by indirectly targeting cell surface receptors and protein kinases (FLT-3, JAK2, and BCR-ABL). Indirect strategies have yielded potent agents, such as imatinib, AC2207, and EXEL823 which effectively silence STAT5 activity but which suffer from off-target effects and toxicity. This article will focus on reviewing the current literature pertaining to direct inhibitors of STAT5 protein and assess the prospects for a future STAT5-targeting therapeutic.
Unusual cause of urethral bleeding in an adolescent: a case in dilemma
Authors: Singh Dig Vijay , Mandal Arup Kumar 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Numerous cases of self-inflicted foreign bodies in the male urethra have been reported. A case of a self-inflicted urethral injury or hemangioma in an adolescent that presented a dilemma is described here. An adolescent male of 14 years presented with a complaint of intermittent urethral bleeding for a week. He attributed this to blunt trauma sustained while playing in school. On examination, there was no sign suggestive of any trauma or any abnormal lesion on the genitalia or surrounding area. On cystourethroscopy, there was a solitary hemorrhagic lesion of 0.5 cm with a bluish base on the ventral surface of the pendular urethra, 1 cm proximal to the fossa navicularis, which was ablated using Ho:YAG laser fiber (365 μm) through a working channel mounted in an OIU (optical internal urethrotomy) sheath. The absence of any sign of external trauma or presentation after 1 week of the incident suggests an element of falseness in the history. It may be due to embarrassment or fear, which contributes to self-insertion of foreign bodies into the urethra as the primary cause, especially in adolescent males. However, the trauma can be coincidental, with the bleeding of the urethra caused by a urethral lesion like a hemangioma and might present after a long gap of 1 week due to a lack of understanding or lack of severe symptoms. Most patients of self-inflicted injuries are too ashamed to admit that they inserted any object. A psychiatric evaluation is recommended for all these adolescents, with appropriate medical therapy when indicated.
Perception of transition readiness and preferences for use of technology in transition programs: teens’ ideas for the future
Authors: Applebaum Mark A. , Lawson Erica F. , von Scheven Emily 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Background: Efforts to facilitate transition of care to adult providers for adolescents with chronic disease are not uniformly successful and many patients encounter challenges. The goal of this study was to assess transition readiness and preferences for tools to aid in the transition process with an emphasis on technology and social media.
Methods: We surveyed and performed focus groups on patients aged 13–21 years from a pediatric university-based rheumatology and general pediatric practice. Demographics and transition readiness were assessed using a questionnaire. Transition readiness was assessed by examining patient knowledge and independence with care. Focus groups were conducted to elicit perspectives about desirable features of a transition program and useful tools.
Results: Thirty-five patients completed surveys; and 20 patients and 13 of their parents participated in a focus group. The median patient age was 17 years and 74.3% were female. A Likert scale (0–10, 10=most) was used to evaluate concern over changing to an adult medical provider, (mean=6.4, SD=2.6), preparedness for disease self-management (mean=6.0, SD=2.8), and perceived importance of self-managing their condition (mean=7.1, SD=3.1). Themes that emerged from focus groups included a desire for support groups with other teens, a preference for using text messaging for communication and a desire for an online health management program.
Conclusions: Teens with chronic disease are able to identify health maintenance tasks and strategies that will aid in developing independence with healthcare management. These findings support the idea that developing engaging applications and support groups will assist teens in the transitioning.
Reflections of Chinese students on a university subject on leadership and intrapersonal development
Authors: Shek Daniel T.L. 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Students were invited to write personal reflections about the subject, called “Tomorrow’s Leaders,” to examine its effectiveness in promoting holistic development in students. Based on the reflections of 104 students, data were separately rated by two independent raters using a standardized rating form. Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability analyses revealed that the coding of reflections was reliable. Results showed that the informants generally had positive feedbacks about the subject and lecturers. Furthermore, they perceived that the subject promoted their overall development in different domains. Exemplar cases were highlighted in this paper.
Understanding Challenges to Food Security in Dry Arab Micro-States: Evidence from Qatari Micro-Data
Authors: Abul Basher Syed , Raboy David , Kaitibie Simeon , Hossain Ishrat 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Using Qatar as a case study, we exploit a novel micro-data set for 102 raw agricultural imported commodities on a shipment-by-shipment basis over the period January 1, 2005 to June 30, 2010. The data comprise over half a million individual observations, with a very rich set of characteristic specifications. Several interesting initial results emerge from the analysis. First, we find evidence of import-price volatility far in excess of world price volatility across a wide spectrum of commodities. Second, supply origins for virtually all commodities are highly concentrated. In many cases, commodities are sole sourced. Third, although less so, concentration is evidenced among Qatari importing companies for certain commodities. Fourth, we notice anomalies that lead to inefficient shipping methodologies and associated increased costs. The paper concludes by providing an empirical illustration of hedonic price modeling for barley followed by guidance for future empirical research.
Inhibition of key enzymes linked to type 2 diabetes and sodium nitroprusside-induced lipid peroxidation in rat pancreas by water-extractable phytochemicals from unripe pawpaw fruit (Carica papaya)
Authors: Oboh Ganiyu , Olabiyi Ayodeji A. , Akinyemi Ayodele J. , Ademiluyi Adedayo O. 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background: Various parts of unripe pawpaw (Carica papaya Linn) fruit have been reportedly used for the management or treatment of diabetes mellitus in folklore medicine. Therefore, the present study sought to investigate the inhibitory effects of the aqueous extract of different parts of unripe pawpaw fruit on key enzymes linked to type 2 diabetes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-induced lipid peroxidation in rat pancreas in vitro.

Methods: The aqueous extracts of the unripe pawpaw (C. papaya) fruit parts were prepared (1:20 w/v) and the ability of the extracts to inhibit α-amylase, α-glucosidase and SNP-induced lipid peroxidation in rat pancreas in vitro was investigated.

Results: The results revealed that all the extracts inhibited α-amylase (IC50=0.87–1.11 mg/mL), α-glucosidase (IC50=1.76–2.64 mg/mL) and SNP-induced lipid peroxidation (IC50=1.99–2.42 mg/mL) in a dose-dependent manner. However, combination of the flesh, seed and peel in equal amounts had the highest inhibitory effect on α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities.

Conclusions: Strong inhibitory activities of the unripe pawpaw fruit against key enzymes linked to type 2 diabetes and SNP-induced lipid peroxidation in rat pancreas could be part of the mechanism by which unripe pawpaw is used in the management/prevention of diabetes mellitus in folk medicine. However, combining the unripe pawpaw fruit parts in equal amounts exhibited synergistic properties on α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities.
Two-parameter discrepancy principle for combined projection and Tikhonov regularization of ill-posed problems
Authors: Regińska Teresa 
Published: June 2013

Abstract.
For solving a linear ill-posed problem, a combination of Tikhonov regularization and a finite dimensional projection method is considered. In the present paper we treat the dimension of the projection as the second parameter of regularization. The method using the discrepancy set of all regularization parameter pairs which satisfy a certain discrepancy principle is investigated. For the case of truncated SVD and LSQ projection methods, under the standard source conditions, an order of convergence is derived. This order of convergence is optimal under the same conditions as those for Tikhonov regularization with the discrepancy principle and without additional discretization.
An Intelligent Fused Approach for Face Recognition
Authors: Meethongjan Khitikun , Dzulkifli Mohamad , Rehman Amjad , Altameem Ayman , Saba Tanzila 
Published: June 2013

AbstractFace detection plays important roles in many applications such as human–computer interaction, security and surveillance, face recognition, etc. This article presents an intelligent enhanced fused approach for face recognition based on the Voronoi diagram (VD) and wavelet moment invariants. Discrete wavelet transform and moment invariants are used for feature extraction of the facial face. Finally, VD and the dual tessellation (Delaunay triangulation, DT) are used to locate and detect original face images. Face recognition results based on this new fusion are promising in the state of the art.
First synthesis of asperopterin A, an isoxanthopterin glycoside from Aspergillus oryzae
Authors: Hanaya Tadashi , Yamamoto Hiroshi 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
The key precursor, N
2-(N,N-dimethylaminomethylene)-6-hydroxymethyl-8-methyl-3-[2-(4-nitrophenyl)ethyl]-7-xanthopterin (16) was efficiently prepared from 2,5-diamino-6-methylamino-3H-pyrimidin-4-one (5) and ethyl 3-(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)-2-oxopropionate (12), followed by the protection of the pteridine ring. Glycosylation of 16 with 1-O-acetyl-2,3,5-tri-O-benzoyl-β-D-ribofuranose (18) in the presence of tin(IV) chloride yielded the corresponding β-D-ribofuranoside. Successive removal of the protecting groups of the resulting D-ribofuranoside provided asperopterin A (4b).
Modification and adsorption performance of ultrafine iron matrix composite powder
Authors: Zhang Li , Ding Yao , Liu Yu-Juan , Zheng Xi , Liu Sheng-Li 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Ultrafine matrix composite powder was prepared from brown corundum slag, grinding balls, anhydrous ethanol, and modifier using a planetary ball mill. The adsorption material was used for dyeing wastewater treatment. A pH instrument, spectrophotometer, and digital water bath oscillator were used to study the amount of modifier, milling speed, milling time, ball-to-powder weight ratio, and slurry concentration to investigate the effects of preparation conditions on the adsorption performance of adsorbent material. The prepared adsorbents and activated carbon were used to adsorb methylene blue in solution under the same conditions to compare adsorbent dosage, adsorption time, temperature, pH of solution, and initial concentration of methylene blue and to study their effects on methylene blue decolorization rate. The experiment results show that dosage of R of 7.5%, ball-to-powder weight ratio of 14:1, rotational speed of 500 rpm, slurry concentration of 20%, and ball milling time of 2.5 h were the optimum parameters. The composite powder (4 g/l) was added to methylene blue wastewater (35 mg/l), pH was adjusted to 6, and adsorption was carried out for 0.5 h at 30°C. The removal rate reached 99.4%.