bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
¿Dónde te vas a esconder de ti mismo?: relación entre el sujeto y la emergencia de paisajes de horror en la literatura latinoamericana de la segunda década del siglo XXl
Authors:   , Arriaza Ahumada Elba
Published: September 2024

Esta tesis ofrece un estudio de la narrativa argentina contemporánea de horror, clasificada como "gótico andino", desde el estudio del paisaje. En ella se profundiza en las relaciones que surgen entre el paisaje y los escenarios latinoamericanos en los cuales transcurren las novelas Nuestra parte de noche, Distancia de rescate, y el libro de cuentos Las cosas que perdimos en el fuego.
Advancement in Balance Training among Individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Chawla Simran , Jangra Mandeep Kumar , Saxena Akanksha , Chauhan Sarvotam
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) face not only respiratory challenges, but also posture issues, leading to compromised balance, increased fall risk, and activities limitations. As traditional pulmonary rehabilitation lacks global accessibility, alternative approaches like Virtual Reality (VR) technologies and Sensamove with biofeedback have been explored offering benefits such as adjustable difficulty levels, performance monitoring, and movement guidance. Aim: To highlight the advancement in balance training among individuals with COPD. Materials and Methods: Authors conducted a recent literature review (2019 to 2024) utilising databases including Cochrane, PubMed, and Google Scholar, focusing on interventions for moderate to severe COPD based on GOLD criteria (FEV1/FVC <0.7) aged between 40-70 years. Results: A total of 24,300 articles were retrieved, out of which only eight articles were found relevant that met our inclusion criteria and directly related to our research objectives in which four RCT study’s using X-box 360 and Kinect adventures software and there were four systematic reviews. With VR and sensa move authors found that patients with COPD improve physical fitness, lungs function, quality of life, exercise capacity and dyspnea. Conclusion: The integration of innovative tools such as VR and sensamove alongside established interventions holds potential for more comprehensive and effective approach to COPD rehabilitation.
Unveiling the Impact and Innovations of Physiotherapy Intervention in Patients with Neuropathic Pain: A Narrative Review
Authors: Sharma Yashica , Sharma Sunita
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Neuropathic pain, as characterised by the International Association for the Study of Pain, results from abnormalities or injuries that affect the somatosensory system. Physiotherapy Interventions like heat and cold, manual therapy, electrotherapy with exercise therapy can help improve physical function, reduce pain intensity, and enhance overall quality of life. Aim: To assess the impact of physiotherapy interventions in patients with neuropathic pain. Materials and Methods: Searches in PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane and Google scholar (2015- 2023) included Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) featuring participants aged 40+ (both male and female), using Neuropathic pain Scale and Visual Analog Scale as an outcome measure, which assessed patients with Neuropathic pain and manual therapy, electrotherapy with exercises interventions were included. Results: Initially, a total of 5,740 studies were screened. After removing duplicate entries and applying the inclusion criteria, 5 studies meeting the eligibility requirements were chosen for review. These selected studies provide a valuable summary of the efficacy of physiotherapy intervention in managing neuropathic pain and highlight various interventions that hold clinical utility for treatment. Conclusion: Physiotherapy interventions hold promise as valuable components of neuropathic pain management, offering multifaceted approaches to symptom relief and functional improvement. However, further research is needed to elucidate optimal intervention strategies and address existing gaps in knowledge.
The Effectiveness and Adherence of Postural Hygiene on Chronic Neck Pain: A Narrative Review
Authors: Mittal Sneha , Sharma Sunita
Published: September 2024

Introduction: One important condition that causes disability in people is chronic neck pain. Most people agree that this aberrant posture is linked to the onset and duration of numerous forms of neck pain as well as other biomechanically driven illnesses. Aim: The effectiveness of posture correction advice for persistent neck pain is highlighted in this review. Through the use of longer active postures and enhanced antagonist muscle activation, posture re-education seeks to lengthen and stretch these shortened muscles, promoting greater muscular balance and postural symmetry. Materials and Methods: The following researches were performed in PubMed, Cochrane and Scopus from year 2015-2024 with the keywords “Chronic neck pain and postural re-education”. The searches yielded 1,320 studies, out of which four randomised controlled trials met the inclusion criteria and were include in the narrative review. Results: This review includes four articles, summarises the literature of postural re-education used in the treatment of neck pain. Research indicates that postural advice is a clinically useful treatment for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions and limitations. Discussion: This review has outlined the potentially beneficial effects of preserving posture in cases of neck pain, including pain reduction and improved neck impairment. Postural education has shown to be effective than manual therapy interventions. Conclusion: The review will help clinicians to incorporate postural hygiene as a part of their treatment plan in patients with chronic neck pain.
Effectiveness of Concurrent Training in Improving Lipid Profiles among Hypertensive Individuals: A Review
Authors: Tah Priyanka , Jangra Mandeep K , Saxena Akanksha
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Hypertension is the elevated blood pressure and most common risk factor of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). Dyslipidaemia, is the imbalance of lipids such as liproprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and high-density lipoproteins that increases the CVD risk. Concurrent training proves to be efficacious in improving lipid profiles, it could serve as a valuable adjunctive therapy in the management of hypertension and associated metabolic abnormalities. Aim: This review aims to critically examine the existing literature to explain the effects of concurrent training on lipid profiles in hypertensive individuals. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar to identify relevant studies published from 2009 to February 2024. Keywords used for the search included “hypertension,” “concurrent training,” “lipid profile” employing Boolean query. Full text experimental studies using concurrent training as an intervention on individuals with controlled hypertension were included whereas congestive heart failure, recent myocardial infarction, musculoskeletal disorder were excluded. Results: The search revealed 1133 articles from which seven full text articles met the selection criteria. Concurrent training elicits favourable effects on lipid profiles in hypertensive individuals. Specifically, improvements in total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, an HDL-cholesterol levels have been observed following concurrent training interventions of varied intervals. These beneficial effects are attributed to the combined impact of aerobic and resistance exercises on lipid metabolism and cardiovascular health. Conclusion: Concurrent training (combining aerobic and resistance exercises) offers promising benefits for cardiovascular health in improving lipid profiles in hypertensive individuals.
A Compressive Review to Evaluate the Modifications while Translating Lower Extremity Functional Scale into Various Languages
Authors: Sandhu Yashleen Kaur , Kaur Simranjeet , Sharma Nidhi , Jaiswal Alisha
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Ability to locomote heavily relies on the effectiveness of one’s lower limbs. In contemporary society, due to sedentary lifestyles and inadequate nutritional habits, individuals as young as 40 years old often present to outpatient departments with complaints of lower extremity pain, which is most of the time miscellaneous in nature. Therefore, an outcome measure such as Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) that completely assesses functional status and thus help in planning perfect treatment protocol gets ideal for use. Aim: To gather information regarding the problems faced by authors while getting final translated version of LEFS in the desired language. This is done in order to understand the diversity present in different cultures. Materials and Methods: Multiple databases like PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane Library were searched to gather all available translations to date. Various terms were used so that no article gets skipped, like ‘LEFS’, ‘translations’, ‘adaptation’, ‘LEFS and validity’ and ‘Reliability’ with the help of Boolean operation like ‘AND’ and ‘OF’. Articles published between 1999 and 2023 were systematically gathered. Following extensive screening, a total of 20 translations were gathered out of which 17 were included. Results: It was observed that native individuals embraced the adaptation of LEFS; however, several modifications, including alterations to specific items, were necessary to enhance its level of acceptance among people. Conclusion: For better cultural adaptation, translated versions had slight modifications in them. But item no. 12 out of all the items was the one to undergo maximum modifications followed by item no. 11.
Effectiveness of Power Exercises vs Plyometric Training in Athletes: An Electromyographical Analysis
Authors: Upadhyay Hetashri , Das Jaganjyoti , Reyalch Neha
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Power training and Plyometric training exercises are recommended to improve the power of the upper and lower extremities. Research is necessary to provide coaches and practitioners with more information to plan their General power training and Plyometric training programs on various biomechanical and fitness measures. Aim: To compare the effect of General Power training vs Plyometric training on electromyographical parameter in athletes. Materials and Methods: A total of 15 subjects were divided into three groups: Power training group, Plyometric group, Control group. A total of 15 young athletes were randomly allocated to experimental and control group (N=15, n=5). Participants of three groups were asked to perform the dynamic activities during which amplitude of muscle activation with surface electrodes using four channel Electromyographic system were measured. Average of three trials were considered. Initially 16 muscles of both the sides were assessed. The intervention of Group A consisted of Power training exercises, Group B consisted of Plyometric drills and the control group performed regular training exercises. The intervention was given for 3 days a week for 6 weeks. All the outcome variables were recorded for baseline and after 6 weeks. Results: Within group analysis for both experimental groups were found to be statistically significant for Rectus femoris and Vastus Lateralis muscles whereas between group analysis revealed general power training group to offer statistically significant improvement with p-value <0.05. Conclusion: There was a significant improvement in in both the groups in terms of muscle activation; however, General Power training shows effective outcome than the Plyometric training.
A Review on the Finger-to-Nose Test for Assessing Coordination in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder
Authors: Negi Priyanka , Sharma Nidhi , Kaur Simranjeet
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) affects around 5-6% of school-aged children and is characterised by impairments in motor coordination that significantly interfere with daily activities. Various assessment tools have been explored to evaluate coordination difficulties in children with DCD. This review focuses on the Finger-to-Nose Test (FNT), examining its utility in diagnosing and monitoring coordination impairments in this population. Aim: To provide a comprehensive analysis and purposeful evaluation of the FNT in this specific population. Materials and Methods: A literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases for relevant studies published from inception to February 2024. The keywords including “Finger-to-Nose Test”, “Developmental Coordination Disorder,” “pediatric population,” using Boolean operators AND, OR were used. Based on inclusion criteria Developmental coordination disorder with pediatric population, Observational and RCTs studies included. Results: A total of 532 articles were found from different databases, out of which only five articles fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Findings from the reviewed studies demonstrate that finger-to-nose test alone is not very promising evidence to assess children with DCD from healthy controls. Conclusion: This review concluded that FTN test remains a valuable tool in assessing motor coordination disorders, its optimal use lies in conjunction with other assessment measures to enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning. Continuous research efforts aimed at refining its utility and exploring its implications in therapeutic interventions will contribute to better understanding and management of motor coordination disorders in children.
Rhythm and Response: Examining the Effects of Music on Reaction Time: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Kapri Preeti , Sharma Nidhi , Kaur Simranjeet
Published: September 2024

Introduction: A reaction time test measures a person’s response time to stimuli. There has been a noticeable increase in exposure to loud music, which is generally believed to result in functional aberrations over time in healthy individuals. Loud music can improve alertness and arousal in certain situations, but it can also slow down cognitive processes and impede reaction time, especially when it serves as a stressor or distraction. Aim: To offer insights into investigating how music affects reaction time in adults. Materials and Methods: A literature search was conducted from PubMed, The Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar database from February 2000 to February 2024. The search utilised terms such as “music”, “high volume”, “adult”, “reaction time” and “noise” employing Boolean operators (AND, OR). Articles in which reaction time was measured included in this review, non-english articles were excluded. Results: A total of 2392 articles found from different database, out of which only seven met the inclusion criteria. These studies suggest that listening to loud music may have a negative impact on reaction time. Conclusion: The varying outcomes observed may suggest that the selection of music could have influenced alertness levels, while the presence of different distraction levels might have contributed to neurocognitive alterations, such as delayed responses and impaired bodily functions.
Current Trends in Physiotherapy Treatment Protocols in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Tashbeeba Syed , Verma Meenakshi
Published: September 2024

Objective: Physiotherapy is prescribed for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Conventional forms of physiotherapy have been studied extensively, however effectiveness of recent physiotherapy interventions for PD are being evaluated and assessed. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of conventional and recent physiotherapy interventions for people with Parkinson’s disease. Materials and Methods: A systematic search using CINAHL, Embase, and PubMed, that contrasted physiotherapy with no intervention or sham treatment. Resistance training, treadmill training, strategy training, dance, martial arts, aerobic exercises, hydrotherapy, balance, gait training, dual tasking, exergaming, and Nordic walking, were twelve categories into which trials were divided. Motor symptoms, balance, gait, and quality of life were among the outcomes. To evaluate methodological quality, GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) was used. A total of 191 trials, with 7998 participants were taken. Active therapy was included, irrespective of the severity or stage of the disease. Results: Physiotherapy enhanced gait, quality of life, and motor symptoms. Resistance and treadmill training improved gait. Training strategies enhanced gait and balance. Nordic walking, balance and gait training, and others improved gait, balance and motor symptoms. Exergaming and hydrotherapy enhanced life quality and balance. However, none of the outcomes significantly improved by dual task training. Conclusion: This review offers data supporting the efficacy of physiotherapy treatment in Parkinson’s disease, empowering medical professionals to choose treatment based on the best available research. PD affects balance, mobility, gait, fall susceptibility. Conventional and advanced physiotherapy improves these motor symptoms, and augment quality of life.
Correlation between Hamstrings-quadriceps Strength Ratio and Lumbar Flexibility of College-going Students: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kori Abhishek , Saha Joydip
Published: September 2024

Introduction: The concept of myofascial chains or meridians emphasises the interconnectedness of the musculoskeletal system. There is a correlation between the counteracting forces applied by the knee and lower back regions. Fatigue in the quadriceps femoris muscle can lead to increased activation of the lumbar muscles. Accelerated exhaustion of the lumbar muscles during isometric trunk extension correlates with heightened suppression of the quadriceps muscles. The strength of the quadriceps muscles sets a limit on the ability to lift objects or sustain back injuries. Aim: To establish relationship between hamstring-quadriceps strength ratio and lumbar flexibility among college going individuals. Materials and Methods: A pilot study was conducted in the Department of Physiotherapy, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India, from October 2023 to November 2023. The study comprised 15 volunteers, aged 18 to 25, who were regular college-going students with a normal Body Mass Index (BMI) and have no active cardiovascular or musculoskeletal conditions. An evaluation was made that included isokinetic dynamometer strength ratio (duration for strength ratio evaluation was 10 minutes for each subject) and Schober test (duration for flexibility evaluation was 5 minutes for each subject). Participants followed test thrice at the same time. Results: Normality of data was determined by using Shapiro–Wilk test which showed not normal distribution. The peak hamstringquadriceps ratio was generated from bilateral limb, which showed fair correlation to performance of composite score of Schober test in individuals going college regularly (r=-0.594; p<0.05). Conclusion: Lumbar flexibility can be dependent on Hamstring and quadriceps strength ratio among healthy individuals. The clinical implication of the present study is improving strength ratio of Hamstring and quadriceps can be an effective measure to increase lumbar flexibility and reduce low back injuries.
Impact of Stationary Cycling on Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Tibiofemoral Osteoarthrosis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Chatterjee Akash , Goyal Manu
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Knee osteoarthrosis (tibiofemoral) is one of the most common forms of arthritis and a significant contributor to disability in the elderly. It has a notable impact on the muscle strength and lower limb biomechanics. The pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthrosis knee can significantly hinder daily activities and work potential in affected individuals. Aerobic exercises have demonstrated positive outcomes for these patients. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of forward and backward cycling with knee osteoarthrosis ranging from grade 1-3. Materials and Methods: A prospective, randomised clinical trial and single-blind pilot study was conducted in the Department of Physiotherapy, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India. The compared two groups: one adding static cycling to regular treatment, the other receiving only regular treatment. Both groups got treatment three times a week for four weeks. Quality of Life (QoL) and pain were assessed using the Comprehensive Knee Osteoarthritis Index (CKOAI) scale, while isokinetic strength was measured with an isokinetic dynamometer. Evaluation at both baseline and endpoint was conducted by the same assessor. Results: Significant improvements were shown at the 4-week follow up for QOL, pain and isokinetic strength (p<0.02) with stationary cycling. The CKOAI, an indicator of pain intensity and QOL showed significant improvement (p=0.02). Conclusion: The research affirms the findings from the earlier Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) and indicated that engaging in stationary cycling leads to significant enhancement in individuals with osteoarthrosis knee. Participants expressed their appreciation for the program and proved to be safe, effective and feasible in primary care.
Characterization and Optimization of Crustacean Shell-derived Activated Carbon for Wastewater Treatment Applications
Authors: Uchechi Akomah, , L. Nwaogazie, Ify , Onyewuchi Akaranta,
Published: September 2024

Comparative studies of the Surface Chemistry, morphology, and physicochemical properties of crustacean shells activated chemically using acid (H2SO4) and base (KOH) were investigated. Following the activation, samples of acid and base activated Periwinkle shells (PSAAC and PSBAC), Clam shells (CSAAC and CSBAC), whelk shells (WSAAC and WSBAC), and a 1:1 Clam/Whelk composite Shells (CWSAAC and CWSBAC) were obtained. The properties investigated were moisture content, specific gravity, surface area, porosity, ash content, carbon yield, fixed carbon, FTIR, and SEM-EDX. The findings demonstrate the good physicochemical qualities of activated carbons made from Periwinkle, Clams, Whelks, and a Clam/Whelk composite by acid and base activation for the treatment of wastewater. Among them, the Clam acid-activated carbon (CSAAC) demonstrated exceptional physicochemical qualities with a surface area of 1277 m2/g, moisture content of 1.4%, ash content of 8.3%, carbon yield of 87%, and fixed carbon of 63.7%. On the other hand, the Clam Shell Base-Activated Carbon (CSBAC) exhibited a greater porosity of 0.88, indicating that it could be a more efficient option for adsorption in wastewater treatment. Both base- and acid-activated carbons generally showed modest ash contents; however, at 12.3%, Whelk Shell Base-Activated Carbon (WSBAC) had the highest ash concentration.
The bulk densities of acid- and base-activated carbons were almost identical. The bulk densities, from highest to lowest, were CSBAC > CSAAC > CWSBAC > CWSAAC > PSBAC > PSAAC > WSBAC > WSAAC, with values ranging from 0.687 g/cm³ to 0.454 g/cm³. The porosity of the samples, ranked in descending order, was CSBAC > PSBAC > CSAAC > CWSAAC > PSAAC = CWSBAC > WSAAC > WSBAC, with values from 0.88 to 0.59.
FTIR and SEM-EDX indicated that all samples were successfully converted to activated carbon. The results of this study demonstrate that it is possible to chemically activate crustacean shells using either an acid or a base without sacrificing the effectiveness of the activated sample that is produced, which can be used to remove adsorbates from wastewater samples. As a result, the selection of activation is widened since the natural abundance of precursors exists.
Impact of Planting Time on the Performance of Different Wheat Varieties: A Review
Authors: Chaudhary Sanjana , Saini Ankit , Manuja Sandeep , Bindra A.D. , Suman Saurabh , Upadhyay R.G. , Singh Akashdeep , Kumari Shabnam , Rana Bharat Bhushan , Goswamy Yashasvini , Sahoo Chinmaya
Published: September 2024

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is among the most widely cultivated cereal crops globally. Wheat belongs to family Poaceae and genus Triticum and its center of origin is South Western Asia. Following China, India is the second-largest wheat producer in the world. Among different species of wheat crop, Triticum aestivum is the most prime because of its higher calorific values as well as a good addition for nutritional requirement of human body due to appearance of 9-10 % protein and 60-80 % carbohydrates. Choosing the appropriate sowing time and selecting suitable cultivars are crucial for achieving higher wheat yields. Early sowing with the optimal plant population promotes better growth and nutrient uptake, leading to increased crop production. Delayed sowing reduces the growth, yield, and quality of wheat grain, while early sowing leads to greater yields thanks to a longer grain development phase. Additionally, cultivar selection played a crucial role in determining wheat performance. Some cultivars exhibited greater adaptability to varying sowing dates, maintaining higher yields and better stress tolerance. Proper selection of cultivars is obtained to maximum yield due to variation among the weather conditions and genetic diversity. Optimum sowing dates give suitable temperature to obtain maximum productivity and cultivars selection also play prime role in obtaining maximum wheat production. Improper selection of cultivars produces lower grain yield.
Multiregion ultra‐deep sequencing reveals early intermixing and variable levels of intratumoral heterogeneity in colorectal cancer
Authors: Suzuki Yuka , Ng Sarah Boonhsi , Chua Clarinda , Leow Wei Qiang , Chng Jermain , Liu Shi Yang , Ramnarayanan Kalpana , Gan Anna , Ho Dan Liang , Ten Rachel , Su Yan , Lezhava Alexandar , Lai Jiunn Herng , Koh Dennis , Lim Kiat Hon , Tan Patrick , Rozen Steven G. , Tan Iain Beehuat
Published: February 2017

Intratumor heterogeneity (ITH) contributes to cancer progression and chemoresistance. We sought to comprehensively describe ITH of somatic mutations, copy number, and transcriptomic alterations involving clinically and biologically relevant gene pathways in colorectal cancer (CRC). We performed multiregion, high‐depth (384× on average) sequencing of 799 cancer‐associated genes in 24 spatially separated primary tumor and nonmalignant tissues from four treatment‐naïve CRC patients. We then used ultra‐deep sequencing (17 075× on average) to accurately verify the presence or absence of identified somatic mutations in each sector. We also digitally measured gene expression and copy number alterations using NanoString assays. We identified the subclonal point mutations and determined the mutational timing and phylogenetic relationships among spatially separated sectors of each tumor. Truncal mutations, those shared by all sectors in the tumor, affected the well‐described driver genes such as APC, TP53, and KRAS. With sequencing at 17 075×, we found that mutations first detected at a sequencing depth of 384× were in fact more widely shared among sectors than originally assessed. Interestingly, ultra‐deep sequencing also revealed some mutations that were present in all spatially dispersed sectors, but at subclonal levels. Ultra‐high‐depth validation sequencing, copy number analysis, and gene expression profiling provided a comprehensive and accurate genomic landscape of spatial heterogeneity in CRC. Ultra‐deep sequencing allowed more sensitive detection of somatic mutations and a more accurate assessment of ITH. By detecting the subclonal mutations with ultra‐deep sequencing, we traced the genomic histories of each tumor and the relative timing of mutational events. We found evidence of early mixing, in which the subclonal ancestral mutations intermixed across the sectors before the acquisition of subsequent nontruncal mutations. Our findings also indicate that different CRC patients display markedly variable ITH, suggesting that each patient's tumor possesses a unique genomic history and spatial organization.
The high‐pressure viscosity of refrigerant/oil systems
Authors: Bair Scott , Baker Mark , Pallister David M.
Published: February 2017

Application of the new quantitative elastohydrodynamics to the concentrated contacts operating within refrigerant compressors will require the accurate description of the viscosity of the lubricant that is diluted by the refrigerant. This article presents extensive viscosity measurements on polyolester and polyvinylether oils and their mixtures with low mass fractions (2–23%) of refrigerants R134a and R410a. Pressures up to 400 MPa and temperatures to 100°C were reached. Correlations are presented to predict the viscosity and pressure–viscosity coefficients at arbitrary temperatures and pressures and concentrations. Pressure–viscosity coefficients are compared with those derived from film thickness measurements using one of the popular definitions for the coefficient. Where comparisons can be made, the film‐derived pressure–viscosity coefficients were mostly inaccurate. Part of the problem has been the lack of a single well‐accepted and rigorous definition of the pressure–viscosity coefficient and the lack of an accurate film thickness formula that employs that definition. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How the Relativistic Motion Affect Quantum Fisher Information and Bell Non-locality for Multipartite state
Authors: Huang Chun Yu , Ma Wenchao , Wang Dong , Ye Liu
Published: February 2017

In this work, the quantum fisher information (QFI) and Bell non-locality of a multipartite fermionic system are investigated. Unlike the currently existing research of QFI, we focus our attention on the differences between quantum fisher information and Bell non-locality under the relativistic framework. The results show that although the relativistic motion affects the strength of the non-locality, it does not change the physical structure of non-locality. However, unlike the case of non-locality, the relativistic motion not only influence the precision of the QFI Fϕ but also broke the symmetry of the function Fϕ. The results also show that for a special multipartite system, "Equation missing", the number of particles of a initial state do not affect the Fθ. Furthermore, we also find that Fθ is completely unaffected in non-inertial frame if there are inertial observers. Finally, in view of the decay behavior of QFI and non-locality under the non-inertial frame, we proposed a effective scheme to battle against Unruh effect.
Cargo delivery on demand from photodegradable MOF nano-cages
Authors: Epley Charity C. , Roth Kristina L. , Lin Shaoyang , Ahrenholtz Spencer R. , Grove Tijana Z. , Morris Amanda J.
Published: February 2017

The photo-induced degradation of and cargo release from a nanoscale metal–organic framework (nMOF) incorporating photo-isomerizable 4,4′-azobenzenedicarboxylate (AZB) linkers.
Discovering cis-Regulatory Motifs
Authors: Hung Jui-Hung , Weng Zhiping
Published: February 2017

This protocol describes a suite of tools for motif finding, using cis-regulatory motifs as an example. The first part of this protocol demonstrates the use of MEME (ab initio motif discovery), JASPAR (a motif database), Clover (searching for enriched known motifs), and MAST (scanning a sequence for motif sites) on a set of computationally predicted CREB-binding sequences downloaded from the UCSC Table Browser. The second part of the protocol shows how to use MEME-ChIP, an integrated suite of tools for analyzing ChIP-seq data, to discover motifs in STAT1 ChIP-seq peaks and compare them with known motifs in the JASPAR database.
Single-Cell Electroporation of Neurons
Authors: Wiegert J. Simon , Gee Christine E. , Oertner Thomas G.
Published: February 2017

Single-cell electroporation allows the transfection of a small number of neurons in an organotypic culture with a single plasmid or a defined mixture of plasmids. Desired protein expression levels can vary depending on the experimental goals (e.g., high expression levels are needed for optogenetic experiments); however, when too much protein is expressed, cellular toxicity and cell death may arise. To a large degree, protein expression can be controlled by adjusting the concentration of plasmid DNA in the electroporation pipette. Here, we present a protocol for transfecting individual neurons in hippocampal slice cultures by electroporation. Essentially, a patch-clamp setup is required that includes an upright microscope with infrared differential interference contrast or Dodt contrast with a camera and a specialized amplifier that is able to deliver large-voltage pulses to the electroporation pipette.
Prions
Authors: Kryndushkin Dmitry , Edskes Herman K. , Shewmaker Frank P. , Wickner Reed B.
Published: February 2017

Infectious proteins (prions) are usually self-templating filamentous protein polymers (amyloids). Yeast prions are genes composed of protein and, like the multiple alleles of DNA-based genes, can have an array of “variants,” each a distinct self-propagating amyloid conformation. Like the lethal mammalian prions and amyloid diseases, yeast prions may be lethal, or only mildly detrimental, and show an array of phenotypes depending on the protein involved and the prion variant. Yeast prions are models for both rare mammalian prion diseases and for several very common amyloidoses such as Alzheimer’s disease, type 2 diabetes, and Parkinson’s disease. Here, we describe their detection and characterization using genetic, cell biological, biochemical, and physical methods.
Stimulating Neurons with Heterologously Expressed Light-Gated Ion Channels
Authors: Wiegert J. Simon , Gee Christine E. , Oertner Thomas G.
Published: February 2017

Heterologous expression of ion channels that can be directly gated by light has made it possible to stimulate almost any excitable cell with light. Optogenetic stimulation has been particularly powerful in the neurosciences, as it allows the activation of specific, genetically defined neurons with precise timing. Organotypic hippocampal slice cultures are a favored preparation for optogenetic experiments. They can be cultured for many weeks and, after transfection with optogenetic actuators and sensors, allow the study of individual synapses or small networks. The absence of any electrodes allows multiple imaging sessions over the course of several days and even chronic stimulation inside the incubator. These timescales are not accessible in electrophysiological experiments. Here, we introduce the production of organotypic hippocampal slice cultures and their transduction or transfection with optogenetic tools. We then discuss the options for light stimulation.
Workshop report: Immunoassay standardisation for “universal” influenza vaccines
Authors: Pavlova Sophia , D'Alessio Flavia , Houard Sophie , Remarque Edmond J. , Stockhofe Norbert , Engelhardt Othmar G.
Published: February 2017

The development of broadly reactive influenza vaccines raises the need to identify the most appropriate immunoassays that can be used for the evaluation of so‐called universal influenza vaccines and to explore a path towards the standardisation of such assays. More than fifty experts from the global influenza vaccine research and development field met to initiate such discussion at a workshop co‐organised by the EDUFLUVAC consortium, a European Union funded project coordinated by the European Vaccine Initiative, and the National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, USA. The workshop audience agreed that it was not possible to establish a single immunoassay for “universal” influenza vaccines because the current approaches differ in the vaccines' nature and immunogenicity properties. Therefore, different scientific rationales for the immunoassay selection are required. To avoid dilution of efforts, the choice of the primary evaluation criteria (eg serological assays or T‐cell assays) should drive the effort of harmonisation. However, at an early phase of clinical development, more efforts on exploratory assessments should be undertaken to better define the immune profile in response to immunisation with new vaccines. The workshop concluded that each laboratory should aim towards validation of the appropriate immunoassays used during the entire process of vaccine development from antigen discovery up to establishment of correlates of protection, including the different steps of quality control (eg potency assays), animal studies and human clinical development. Standardisation of the immunoassays is the ultimate goal, and there is a long way to go.
ICE-Based Custom Full-Mesh Network for the CHIME High Bandwidth Radio Astronomy Correlator
Authors: Bandura K. , Cliche J. F. , Dobbs M. A. , Gilbert A. J. , Ittah D. , Mena Parra J. , Smecher G.
Published: February 2017

New generation radio interferometers encode signals from thousands of antenna feeds across large bandwidth. Channelizing and correlating this data requires networking capabilities that can handle unprecedented data rates with reasonable cost. The Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME) correlator processes 8-bits from [Formula: see text] digitizer inputs across 400[Formula: see text]MHz of bandwidth. Measured in [Formula: see text] bandwidth, it is the largest radio correlator that is currently commissioning. Its digital back-end must exchange and reorganize the 6.6[Formula: see text]terabit/s produced by its 128 digitizing and channelizing nodes, and feed it to the 256 graphics processing unit (GPU) node spatial correlator in a way that each node obtains data from all digitizer inputs but across a small fraction of the bandwidth (i.e. ‘corner-turn’). In order to maximize performance and reliability of the corner-turn system while minimizing cost, a custom networking solution has been implemented. The system makes use of Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) transceivers to implement direct, passive copper, full-mesh, high speed serial connections between sixteen circuit boards in a crate, to exchange data between crates, and to offload the data to a cluster of 256 GPU nodes using standard 10[Formula: see text]Gbit/s Ethernet links. The GPU nodes complete the corner-turn by combining data from all crates and then computing visibilities. Eye diagrams and frame error counters confirm error-free operation of the corner-turn network in both the currently operating CHIME Pathfinder telescope (a prototype for the full CHIME telescope) and a representative fraction of the full CHIME hardware providing an end-to-end system validation. An analysis of an equivalent corner-turn system built with Ethernet switches instead of custom passive data links is provided.
Oncolytic Adenoviral Delivery of an EGFR-Targeting T-cell Engager Improves Antitumor Efficacy
Authors: Fajardo Carlos Alberto , Guedan Sonia , Rojas Luis Alfonso , Moreno Rafael , Arias-Badia Marcel , de Sostoa Jana , June Carl H. , Alemany Ramon
Published: February 2017

Antiviral immune responses present a major hurdle to the efficacious use of oncolytic adenoviruses as cancer treatments. Despite the existence of a highly immunosuppressive tumor environment, adenovirus-infected cells can nonetheless be efficiently cleared by infiltrating cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) without compromising tumor burden. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that tumor-infiltrating T cells could be more effectively activated and redirected by oncolytic adenoviruses that were armed with bispecific T-cell–engager (BiTE) antibodies. The oncolytic adenovirus ICOVIR-15K was engineered to express an EGFR-targeting BiTE (cBiTE) antibody under the control of the major late promoter, leading to generation of ICOVIR-15K-cBiTE, which retained its oncolytic properties in vitro. cBiTE expression and secretion was detected in supernatants from ICOVIR-15K-cBiTE–infected cells, and the secreted BiTEs bound specifically to both CD3+ and EGFR+ cells. In cell coculture assays, ICOVIR-15K-cBiTE–mediated oncolysis resulted in robust T-cell activation, proliferation, and bystander cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Notably, intratumoral injection of this cBiTE-expressing adenovirus increased the persistence and accumulation of tumor-infiltrating T cells in vivo, compared with the parental virus lacking such effects. Moreover, in two distinct tumor xenograft models, combined delivery of ICOVIR-15K-cBiTE with peripheral blood mononuclear cells or T cells enhanced the antitumor efficacy achieved by the parental counterpart. Overall, our results show how arming oncolytic adenoviruses with BiTE can overcome key limitations in oncolytic virotherapy. Cancer Res; 77(8); 2052–63. ©2017 AACR.
Random Sampling and Signal Bregman Reconstruction Based on Compressed Sensing
Authors: Qin Guojun , Wang Jingfang
Published: February 2017

Compressed sensing (CS) sampling is a sampling method which is based on the signal sparse. Much information can be extracted from as little as possible of the data by applying CS and this method is the idea of great theoretical and applied prospects. In the framework of compressed sensing theory, the sampling rate is no longer decided in the bandwidth of the signal, but it depends on the structure and content of the information in the signal. In this paper, the signal is the sparse in the Fourier transform and random sparse sampling is advanced by programing random observation matrix for peak random base. The signal is successfully restored by the use of Bregman algorithm. The signal is described in the transform space, and a theoretical framework is established with a new signal descriptions and processing. By making the case to ensure that the information loss, signal is sampled at much lower than the Nyquist sampling theorem requiring rate,but also the signal is completely restored in high probability. The random sampling has following advantages: alias-free sampling frequency need not obey the Nyquist limit and higher frequency resolution.
Prediction Of College Student Achievement Based on Educational Background Using Decision Tree Methods
Authors: Niswatin Ratih Kumalasari , Wulanningrum Resty
Published: February 2017

College student as a product can be used as a reference to show the success of education. This research will build a system prediction of college student achievement based on educational background using decision tree method.The research will be conducted on students of Informatics Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nusantara PGRI Kediri. The objective of this system is to help the new admissions process in the selection of students is based on the predicted results of student achievement and help the department to classify new students based on educational background. The method used to predict student achievement is the algorithm C4.5 decision tree method using several criteria based on the educational background of students before, they arethe uan mathematical value, the uan Indonesianvalue, theuan English value, the majors in the school, and the average report cards in the school of origin. This system will be made based on the web to be more effective, fast and easy to use. This system will produce predictions of student achievement information on Informatics Engineering
Reliability and sensitivity analysis for a banking company transmission system
Authors: Lin Yi-Kuei , Chou Hsien-Chang , Chang Ping-Chen
Published: February 2017

This article studies a case of the banking company in Taiwan to measure the service performance by adopting reliability analysis. The service performance focuses on sending transaction data from one source (headquarters) to multiple sinks (bank branches) for a banking company transmission system. A stochastic flow network consisting of edges (transmission lines) and nodes (Internet data center or bank branches) is constructed to model such a computer system. The service-level agreement is a contract that requirements should be promised by the Internet service provider. Also, the bank needs to satisfy the customers’ requirements through the banking company transmission system. System reliability, which is defined as the probability of demand satisfaction, is studied as a key performance indicator for measuring service level of the banking company transmission system. Subsequently, sensitivity analysis is adopted to investigate the key transmission line that affects the system reliability most significantly. The system supervisor can make a decision for banking company transmission system to enhance the important edges for improving system reliability.
Linear and non-linear vibration analysis of moderately thick isosceles triangular FGPs using a triangular finite p-element
Authors: Belalia SA.
Published: February 2017

Background

The geometrically non-linear formulation based on Von-Karman’s hypothesis is used to study the free vibration isosceles triangular plates by using four types of mixtures of functionally graded materials (FGMs - AL/AL2O3, SUS304/Si3N4, Ti- AL-4V/Aluminum oxide, AL/ZrO2). Material properties are assumed to be temperature dependent and graded in the thickness direction according to power law distribution.

Methods

A hierarchical finite element based on triangular p-element is employed to define the model, taking into account the hypotheses of first-order shear deformation theory. The equations of non-linear free motion are derived from Lagrange's equation in combination with the harmonic balance method and solved iteratively using the linearized updated mode method.

Results

Results for the linear and nonlinear frequencies parameters of clamped isosceles triangular plates are obtained. The accuracy of the present results are established through convergence studies and comparison with results of literature for metallic plates. The results of the linear vibration of clamped FGMs isosceles triangular plates are also presented in this study.

Conclusion

The effects of apex angle, thickness ratio, volume fraction exponent and mixtures of FGMs on the backbone curves and mode shape of clamped isosceles triangular plates are studied. The results obtained in this work reveal that the physical and geometrical parameters have a important effect on the non-linear vibration of FGMs triangular plates.
Παλαιοπεριβαλλοντική εξέλιξη της λιμνοθάλασσας του Κίτρους Πιερίας, ΒΔ Θερμαϊκός Κόλπος
Authors: Δημητράκος Α.Σ. , Βουβαλίδης Κ. , Συρίδης Γ. , Αλμπανάκης Κ.
Published: February 2017

This paper deals with the palaeoenvironmental evolution of the Kitros Pierias Lagoon, located at the west coastline of the Thermaikos Gulf, during the upper Holocene. In addition, the palaeoenvi-ronmental units distinguished in the study area were correlated with the Holocene sea level rise in Thermaikos Gulf. The study is based on the sedimentological and stratigraphical analysis of a core 9.5 m long. Sedimentological and palaeontological analysis was carried out in all selected core sam-ples. The determination of the lithophases and biophases allowed the estimation of the stratigraphy-cal units, the interpretation of the geomorphological evolution and the characterization of the palaeo-environmental conditions. According to the results, we can conclude that the area under investigation was a transitional lagoonal environment, semi-enclosed at its initial stage progressively transformed to an isolated sallow basin. The formation of the semi-enclosed lagoon has been commenced after the conclusion of the rapid phase of sea level rise i.e. 6,000 BP years. Finally, the gradual isolation of the lagoon is attributed to low rate of the sea level rise e.g. over the past 4,000 years..