bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
User acceptance of information technology innovations in the remote areas of China
Authors: Qi Dong John 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report an exploratory study based on the Chinese user technology acceptance model (CUTAM), by testing CUTAM and developing a model to predict user acceptance of information technology innovations in the remote areas of China.Design/methodology/approachBy collecting the data from a survey in Hainan province, the paper is able to empirically examine the explanative power of CUTAM in the remote context of China. The author further developed a new model for user acceptance in the remote areas of China, based on analysis discussion on the empirical results from a perspective of computer self‐efficacy across regions. The model fit was examined and it was found that the new model is better than CUTAM to fit the data from remote areas of China.FindingsPerceived usefulness, result demonstrability and facilitating condition were found to be salient behavioral beliefs determining behavior intention of Chinese users of information technology innovations in the remote areas. The effects of perceived usefulness and results demonstrability on behavioral intention were mediated by attitude toward behavior. Facilitating condition was found to be the most important determinant of user acceptance in remote areas of China, which directly affected behavioral intention.Originality/valueThe paper contributes an insight of individual‐level technology adoption and innovation diffusion in the remote areas of China, which has been paid little attention to in prior literature. Solid empirical evidence is provided to validate a model for Chinese user acceptance in the remote areas of China, based on the development of the theory of CUTAM.
A fuzzy version of default logic
Authors: Ray Kumar S. , Chakraborty Arpan 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe importance of fuzzy logic (FL) in approximate reasoning, and that of default logic (DL) in reasoning with incomplete information, is well established. Also, the need for a commonsense reasoning framework that handles both these aspects has been widely anticipated. The purpose of this paper is to show that fuzzyfied default logic (FDL) is an attempt at creating such a framework.Design/methodology/approachThe basic syntax, semantics, unique characteristics and examples of its complex reasoning abilities have been presented in this paper.FindingsInterestingly, FDL turns out to be a generalization of traditional DL, with even better support for non‐monotonic reasoning.Originality/valueThe paper presents a generalized tool for commonsense reasoning which can be used for inference under incomplete information.
Modified shuffled frog leaping algorithm for optimization of UAV flight controller
Authors: Pu Huangzhong , Zhen Ziyang , Wang Daobo 
Published: April 2011

PurposeAttitude control of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is the purposeful manipulation of controllable external forces to establish a desired attitude, which is inner‐loop of the autonomous flight control system. In the practical applications, classical control methods such as proportional‐integral‐derivative control are usually selected because of simple and high reliability. However, it is usually difficult to select or optimize the control parameters. The purpose of this paper is to investigate an intelligent algorithm based classical controller of UAV.Design/methodology/approachAmong the many intelligent algorithms, shuffled frog leaping algorithm (SFLA) combines the benefits of the genetic‐based memetic algorithm as well as social behavior based particle swarm optimization. SFLA is a population based meta‐heuristic intelligent optimization method inspired by natural memetics. In order to improve the performance of SFLA, a different dividing method of the memeplexes is presented to make their performance balance; moreover, an evolution mechanism of the best frog is introduced to make the algorithm jump out the local optimum. The modified SFLA is applied to the tuning of the proportional coefficients of pitching and rolling channels of UAV flight control system.FindingsSimulation of a UAV control system in which the nonlinear model is obtained by the wind tunnel experiment show the rapid dynamic response and high control precision by using the modified SFLA optimized attitude controller, which is better than that of the original SFLA and particle swarm optimization method.Originality/valueA modification scheme is presented to improve the global searching capability of SFLA. The modified SFLA based intelligent determination method of the UAV flight controller parameters is proposed, in order to improve the attitude control performance of UAV.
A novel auto‐adapted path‐planning method for a shape‐shifting robot
Authors: Liu Tonglin , Wu Chengdong , Li Bin , Ma Shugen , Liu Jinguo 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe a shape‐shifting robot with diverse configurations, named “AMOEBA‐I”, which has been developed for search and rescue operations. The accessibility of this robot to unstructured environment is efficiently enhanced by changing its configuration. So the shape and reconfiguration of the robot should be considered in AMOEBA‐I path planning to improve work ability of the robot in complex environment. The unique accessibility of AMOEBA‐I is thus fully displayed.Design/methodology/approachAn auto‐adapted path‐planning method is presented for AMOEBA‐I by introducing the reconfigurable ability of the robot into the modified potential field method. The modified potential field method solves the local minimum problem and goal‐unreachable with nearby obstacles (GUWNO) effectively. A method of the shape‐shifting robot's passing through the narrow space is studied by combining the corner detection with the modified potential field method.FindingsThe ability of the robot to automatically change configuration to pass through a narrow space is proven through the experiment. Simulation results show that the robot can change its own configurations to perform auto‐adapted path planning corresponding to the environmental variation. Therefore, the proposed method can improve the probability of completing the path planning. As a result, this method will shorten the path length and complete the rescue operation more effectively.Originality/valueThe paper presents an effective auto‐adapted path‐planning method that integrates the reconfigurable ability of the robot into the modified potential field method in order to realize the auto‐adapted path planning.
Flight control iron bird based on passive electric‐hydraulic servo loading system
Authors: Tian Yong , Li Tian 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a novel type of full‐size flight control iron bird based on a passive electronic hydraulic servo loading system.Design/methodology/approachOn the basis of mathematical modeling of passive loading system math model, the detailed design process of the flight control iron bird is presented. Subsequently, the system digital simulation and physical verification are also given.FindingsExperimental results show that the proposed approach can reduce the redundant forces and improve the system dynamic and force‐tracking accuracy.Practical implicationsThis newly‐developed flight control iron bird system has been successfully applied in the flight control system design of some fighters.Originality/valueThe proposed approach for flight control iron bird is new and significant for the design of fighter flight control systems.
Two Arabidopsis cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, CYP714A1 and CYP714A2, function redundantly in plant development through gibberellin deactivation
Authors: Zhang Yingying , Zhang Baichen , Yan Dawei , Dong Weixin , Yang Weibing , Li Qun , Zeng Longjun , Wang Jianjun , Wang Linyou , Hicks Leslie M. , He Zuhua 
Published: April 2011

SummaryThe rice gene ELONGATED UPPERMOST INTERNODE1 (EUI1) encodes a P450 monooxygenase that epoxidizes gibberellins (GAs) in a deactivation reaction. The Arabidopsis genome contains a tandemly duplicated gene pair ELA1 (CYP714A1) and ELA2 (CYP714A2) that encode EUI homologs. In this work, we dissected the functions of the two proteins. ELA1 and ELA2 exhibited overlapping yet distinct gene expression patterns. We showed that while single mutants of ELA1 or ELA2 exhibited no obvious morphological phenotype, simultaneous elimination of ELA1 and ELA2 expression in ELA1‐RNAi/ela2 resulted in increased biomass and enlarged organs. By contrast, transgenic plants constitutively expressing either ELA1 or ELA2 were dwarfed, similar to those overexpressing the rice EUI gene. We also discovered that overexpression of ELA1 resulted in a severe dwarf phenotype, while overexpression of ELA2 gave rise to a breeding‐favored semi‐dwarf phenotype in rice. Consistent with the phenotypes, we found that the ELA1‐RNAi/ela2 plants increased amounts of biologically active GAs that were decreased in the internodes of transgenic rice with ELA1 and ELA2 overexpression. In contrast, the precursor GA12 slightly accumulated in the transgenic rice, and GA19 highly accumulated in the ELA2 overexpression rice. Taken together, our study strongly suggests that the two Arabidopsis EUI homologs subtly regulate plant growth most likely through catalyzing deactivation of bioactive GAs similar to rice EUI. The two P450s may also function in early stages of the GA biosynthetic pathway. Our results also suggest that ELA2 could be an excellent tool for molecular breeding for high yield potential in cereal crops.
Blue‐light‐mediated shade avoidance requires combined auxin and brassinosteroid action in Arabidopsis seedlings
Authors: Keuskamp Diederik H. , Sasidharan Rashmi , Vos Irene , Peeters Anton J. M. , Voesenek Laurentius A. C. J. , Pierik Ronald 
Published: April 2011

SummaryPlant growth in dense vegetation can be strongly affected by competition for light between neighbours. These neighbours can not only be detected through phytochrome‐mediated perception of a reduced red:far‐red ratio, but also through altered blue light fluence rates. A reduction in blue light (low blue) induces a set of phenotypic traits, such as shoot elongation, to consolidate light capture; these are called shade avoidance responses. Here we show that both auxin and brassinosteroids (BR) play an important role in the regulation of enhanced hypocotyl elongation of Arabidopsis seedlings in response to blue light depletion. Only when both hormones are experimentally blocked simultaneously, using mutants and chemical inhibitors, will the response be fully inhibited. Upon exposure to low blue several members of the cell wall modifying XYLOGLUCAN ENDOTRANSGLUCOSYLASE/HYDROLASE (XTH) protein family are regulated as well. Interestingly, auxin and BR each regulate a subset of these XTHs, by which they could regulate cell elongation. We hypothesize that auxin and BR regulate specific XTH genes in a non‐redundant and non‐synergistic manner during low‐blue‐induced shade avoidance responses of Arabidopsis seedlings, which explains why both hormones are required for an intact low‐blue response.
Involvement of Phytophthora citrophthora in Kiwifruit Decline in Turkey
Authors: Akilli Seçİl , Serçe Çİğdem Ulubaş , Zekaİ Katircioğlu Yakup , Karakaya Azİz , Maden Salİh 
Published: April 2011

AbstractVine decline of kiwifruit was found in an orchard in the Rize province in Turkey. About half of the vines showed poor growth, leaf discoloration and dieback symptoms. From the necrotic feeder roots of the diseased vines, a Phytophthora sp. was isolated. The causal agent of the disease was identified as Phytophthora citrophthora by morphological characteristics and comparing sequences of Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region. Phytophthora citrophthora caused bark necroses averaging 4.2 ± 1.4 cm in length when inoculated on the rooted canes.
Differential Expression of Connexin 43 in Adult Pig Testes During Normal Spermatogenic Cycle and After Flutamide Treatment
Authors: Kopera I , Durlej M , Hejmej A , Knapczyk‐Stwora K , Duda M , Slomczynska M , Bilinska B 
Published: April 2011

ContentsEvidence is mounting that the foetal and neonatal period of reproductive tract development is highly sensitive to hormonal disruption induced by various endocrine active compounds. Thus, we asked whether androgen withdrawal caused by prenatal (GD20, GD80) or neonatal (PD2) exposure to an anti‐androgen flutamide alters Cx43 gene expression and may induce delayed effects on morphology and function of adult pig testes. Flutamide was given in five doses (50 mg/kg bw). Our histological analysis and TUNEL staining revealed varying degrees of seminiferous tubules abnormalities in all experimental pigs. Testes of pigs exposed to flutamide in utero exhibited moderate alterations of the spermatogenic process, whereas those of exposed neonatally were severely impaired. The most striking effects were spermatogenic arrest, germ cell detachment and a statistically significant increase in the frequency of germ cell apoptosis (p < 0.01). Moreover, all pigs exposed to flutamide displayed Leydig cell hyperplasia. Because the network of cell–cell communication provided by gap junction channels plays an essential role in the regulation and maintenance of spermatogenesis, the physiological significance of Cx43‐based gap junctions with regards to the gonadal impairment was evaluated by analysis of its expression using immunohistochemical, Western blot and qRT‐PCR approaches. Significantly, lower Cx43 expression was found when flutamide was administered neonatally, which has coincided with severe disruption of spermatogenesis. Our data suggest that neonatal exposure to flutamide induces long‐term effects on the spermatogenic capacity of the pig testis through alterations of Cx43‐mediated intercellular communication and permanent alteration of both Sertoli and Leydig cell functions.
Synthesis of 4‐aminoquinoline‐1,2,3‐triazole and 4‐aminoquinoline‐1,2,3‐triazole‐1,3,5‐triazine Hybrids as Potential Antimalarial Agents
Authors: Manohar Sunny , Khan Shabana I. , Rawat Diwan S. 
Published: April 2011

We report herein synthesis of a series of 4‐aminoquinoline‐1,2,3‐triazole and 4‐aminoquinoline‐1,2,3‐triazole‐1,3,5‐triazine hybrids and evaluate their antimalarial activity against D6 and W2 strains of Plasmodium falciparum. To study the structure–activity relationship of substituted 4‐aminoquinoline–based hybrids, 34 structurally diverse compounds were synthesized and tested against D6 and W2 strains of P. falciparum. Some of the compounds have shown promising antimalarial activity without toxicity against Vero cells.
Changes in eccrine sweating on the glabrous skin of the palm and finger during isometric exercise
Authors: Amano T. , Kato Y. , Machado‐Moreira C. A. , Taylor N. A. , Inoue Y. , Nishiyasu T. , Kondo N. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractAim:  The goals of this study were to investigate changes in the sweating and cutaneous vascular responses on the palm and the volar aspect of the index finger during sustained static exercise of increasing intensity and to determine whether the former can be attributed to altered sweat gland activity.Methods:  Five male and five female subjects performed maximal voluntary handgrip contractions (MVC: right hand) for 60 s at 20, 35 and 50% MVC (ambient temperature 25 °C, relative humidity 50%).Results:  The sweat rate and the number of activated sweat glands on the non‐exercised hand showed intensity‐dependent increases (P < 0.05). At 35 and 50% MVC, finger sweat secretion was significantly higher than on the palm, which was primarily associated with the number of activated sweat glands (P < 0.05). In addition, there was a marked simultaneous decrease in the cutaneous vascular conductance for the finger at 35 and 50% MVC (P < 0.05), but not for the palm.Conclusion:  Our results suggest that a difference exists between intensity‐dependent increases of sudomotor responses within more than one glabrous skin site. Specifically, markedly greater sweating occurs on the volar finger than on the palmar surface during sustained static exercise. These differences in sweat rate mainly resulted from changes in the number of activated sweat glands. In addition, intra‐segment variations in cutaneous blood flow on the glabrous hand are shown.
Genetic correlations between adults and larvae in a marine fish: potential effects of fishery selection on population replenishment
Authors: Johnson Darren W. , Christie Mark R. , Moye Jessica , Hixon Mark A. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractCorrelated genetic responses have been hypothesized as important components of fishery‐induced evolution, although predictive data from wild populations have been difficult to obtain. Here, we demonstrate substantial genetic correlations between a trait often subjected to fishery selection (adult body length) and traits that affect survival of larvae (length and swimming performance) in a wild population of a marine fish (bicolor damselfish,Stegastes partitus). Through both genetic covariance and size‐dependent maternal effects, selection on adult size may cause a considerable, correlated response in larval traits. To quantify how variation in larval traits may affect survival, we introduce a flexible method that uses information from selection measurements to account for frequency dependence and estimate the relationship between phenotype and relative survival across a broad range of phenotypic values. Using this method, we synthesize studies of selective mortality on larval size for eight species of fish and show that variation in larval size may result in considerable variation in larval survival. We predict that observed rates of fishery selection on adult marine fishes may substantially reduce larval size and survival. The evolution of smaller larvae in response to fishery selection may therefore have substantial consequences for the viability of fished populations.
The stepwise two‐photon excited melanin fluorescence is a unique diagnostic tool for the detection of malignant transformation in melanocytes
Authors: Leupold Dieter , Scholz Matthias , Stankovic Goran , Reda Julian , Buder Susanne , Eichhorn Reinhold , Wessler Gert , Stücker Markus , Hoffmann Klaus , Bauer Jürgen , Garbe Claus 
Published: April 2011

SummaryMalignant transformation of melanocytes is associated with changes in melanogenesis. Therefore, fluorescence of melanin may be an informative indicator of this process. But the conventionally excited autofluorescence of melanin in skin tissue is ultra‐weak and its main part in the visible spectral region is hidden by the much stronger fluorescence from other endogenous fluorophores. Here, using a new mode of stepwise two‐photon excitation, melanin‐dominated fluorescence spectra of pigmented skin lesions are reported. From these, pure melanin fluorescence spectra of normal pigmented skin, melanocytic nevi and malignant pigmented melanoma were analyzed. They show distinctly different spectral shapes: melanoma gave a characteristic fingerprint with a fluorescence band peaking at 640 nm, independent of the melanoma subtype. The melanin fluorescence spectra peaked at 590 nm for all types of common melanocytic nevi. These differences in the fluorescence spectra are probably based on different contents of eumelanin and pheomelanin. In a series of 167 cases with melanocytic nevi and melanomas, the sensitivity of this new method to diagnose melanoma was 93.5%, the specificity 80.0% and the diagnostic accuracy 82.6%. The two‐photon excitation fluorescence method is a new diagnostic tool which may in future supplement conventional dermatohistopathology.
Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy for Nonremitted Patients with Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Deckersbach Thilo , Hölzel Britta K. , Eisner Lori R. , Stange Jonathan P. , Peckham Andrew D. , Dougherty Darin D. , Rauch Scott L. , Lazar Sara , Nierenberg Andrew A. 
Published: April 2011

SUMMARYIntroduction: Bipolar disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of depression and/or mania along with interepisodic mood symptoms that interfere with psychosocial functioning. Despite periods of symptomatic recovery, many individuals with bipolar disorder continue to experience substantial residual mood symptoms that often lead to the recurrence of mood episodes.Aims: This study explored whether a new mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for bipolar disorder would increase mindfulness, reduce residual mood symptoms, and increase emotion‐regulation abilities, psychological well‐being, positive affect, and psychosocial functioning. Following a baseline clinical assessment, 12 individuals with DSM‐IV bipolar disorder were treated with 12 group sessions of MBCT.Results: At the end of treatment, as well as at the 3 months follow‐up, participants showed increased mindfulness, lower residual depressive mood symptoms, less attentional difficulties, and increased emotion‐regulation abilities, psychological well‐being, positive affect, and psychosocial functioning.Conclusions: These findings suggest that treating residual mood symptoms with MBCT may be another avenue to improving mood, emotion regulation, well‐being, and functioning in individuals with bipolar disorder.
Reservoir Competence of Various Rodents for the Lyme Disease Spirochete Borrelia spielmanii
Authors: Richter Dania , Schlee Daniela B. , Matuschka Franz-Rainer 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT

To determine whether the pathogenic Lyme disease spirochete
Borrelia spielmanii
is adapted exclusively to garden dormice, we compared the reservoir competence of various rodent species for this spirochete, including sympatric and peridomestic rodents. The different kinds of rodents varied in their attractiveness to nymphal ticks and their level of susceptibility to tick-borne
B. spielmanii
infection, but only the edible dormouse appeared to be refractory. Although hazel dormice and Norway rats became infectious to ticks somewhat later than did garden dormice, they remained infectious for a longer period of time. During the course of a tick season, garden and hazel dormice contributed theoretically more than twice as many
B. spielmanii
-infected ticks than the somewhat less susceptible Norway rats and wood or yellow-necked mice. Hazel dormice appeared to be extraordinarily competent as reservoir hosts for
B. spielmanii
. Because peridomestic rodents proved to be reservoir competent, urban foci of transmission of
B. spielmanii
may affect the health of townspeople.