bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Velocity‐specific and time‐dependent adaptations following a standardized Nordic Hamstring Exercise training
Authors: Alt T. , Nodler Y. T. , Severin J. , Knicker A. J. , Strüder H. K.
Published: March 2017

The Nordic Hamstring Exercise (NHE) is effective for selective hamstring strengthening to improve muscle balance between knee flexors and extensors. The purpose of this study (within subject design of repeated measures) was to determine the effects of a standardized 4‐week NHE training on thigh strength and muscle balance with concomitant kinetic and kinematic monitoring. Sixteen male sprinters (22 years, 181 cm, 76 kg) performed a standardized 4‐week NHE training consisting of three sessions per week (each 3×3 repetitions). Six rope‐assisted and six unassisted sessions were performed targeting at a constant knee extension angular velocity of ~15°/s across a ~90‐100° knee joint range of motion. Kinetic (peak and mean moment, impulse) and kinematic parameters (eg, ROM to downward acceleration, ROMDWA) were recorded during selected sessions. Unilateral isokinetic tests of concentric and eccentric knee flexors and extensors quantified muscle group‐, contraction mode‐, and velocity‐specific training adaptations. Peak moments and contractional work demonstrated strong interactions of time with muscle group, contraction modes, and angular velocities (η²>.150). NHE training increased eccentric hamstring strength by 6%‐14% as well as thigh muscle balance with biggest adaptations at 150°/s 2 weeks after NHE training. Throughout the training period significant increases (P<.001) of peak (η²=.828) and mean moments (η²=.611) became apparent, whereas the impulse and the ROMDWA of unassisted NHE repetitions remained unchanged (P>.05). A 4‐week NHE training significantly strengthened the hamstrings and improved muscle balance between knee flexors and extensors. Despite the slow training velocity, biggest adaptations emerged at the highest velocity 2 weeks after training ended.
Colonial criminology: A survey of what it means and why it is important
Authors: King Sanna
Published: March 2017

As the United States is experiencing unprecedented high rates of incarceration, especially of minorities and marginalized communities, racialized punishment has been addressed by many scholars (Alexander 2010; Wacquant 2001; Cole 1999, Tonry 2011; Stevenson 2014). Studies have shown the connection between racialized structures of inequality, punishment, and colonization (Agozino 2000, 2003; Irwin and Umemoto 2016; Bosworth and Flavin 2007). However, scholars have recognized a void in the discussion of colonial theory in the field of criminology (Agozino 2003; Cunneen and Tauri 2016; Bosworth and Flavin 2007). In this paper, I identify several ways in which criminology is closely tied to colonialism. I argue that a colonial criminology perspective assists in identifying power distinctions that construct notions of difference, thus providing a more nuanced understanding of crime, violence, and criminalization as a response to oppression and alienation. I focus primarily on colonialism in Hawai'i because of its fairly recent colonization and continuing indigenous struggle for Hawaiian sovereignty. Furthermore, Hawai'i is representative of racial and ethnic inequality and disparity within the United States criminal justice system, as the majority of both the adult and juvenile incarcerated populations in Hawai'i are of Native Hawaiian and/or Pacific Islander decent.
Regulation of dynein‐dynactin‐driven vesicular transport
Authors: Liu Jia‐Jia
Published: March 2017

Most of the long‐range intracellular movements of vesicles, organelles and other cargoes are driven by microtubule (MT)‐based molecular motors. Cytoplasmic dynein, a multisubunit protein complex, with the aid of dynactin, drives transport of a wide variety of cargoes towards the minus end of MTs. In this article, I review our current understanding of the mechanisms underlying spatiotemporal regulation of dynein‐dynactin‐driven vesicular transport with a special emphasis on the many steps of directional movement along MT tracks. These include the recruitment of dynein to MT plus ends, the activation and processivity of dynein, and cargo recognition and release by the motor complex at the target membrane. Furthermore, I summarize the most recent findings about the fine control mechanisms for intracellular transport via the interaction between the dynein‐dynactin motor complex and its vesicular cargoes.
KAJIAN PRESTASI PENGGUNAAN BAHAN API ENVO-DIESEL DALAM SISTEM PEMBAKARAN
Authors: Mohd Jaafar Mohammad Nazri , Rahim Muhammad Roslan , Mohd Salleh Mohd Naqiuddin
Published: March 2017

This paper presents an investigation on the combustion performance of an oil burner system utilising various Envo-diesel blends. Fuel used in this study is the blend of diesel with palm oil called Envo-Diesel. The experiment was conducted using E5, E10, E15, E20 and E25 as fuel. All fuel blends were investigated using two different types of nozzle with different fuel mass flow rates. The combustion performance of burner system using Envo-Diesel was based on its wall temperature profiles and emissions generated such as nitric oxide (NOx) and carbon monoxide (CO). The result for NOx at equivalent ratio 0.9 indicates that when the volume of palm oil increases in the blend compared to diesel, the emission decreased around 13% for E5. For CO emission at equivalent ratio 1.4, the percentage increment of palm oil volume in the blends compared to diesel caused decrease in CO emission of around 3% for E5. Results also show that the high content of palm oil in the blends increase the viscosity, surface tension and density, hence lower concentrations of emission.
ADVANCEMENT IN THE PRODUCTION OF ACTIVATED CARBON FROM BIOMASS USING MICROWAVE HEATING
Authors: Moshood Abioye Adekunle , Ani Farid Nasir
Published: March 2017

An overview of recent advancement in the production of activated carbon (AC) from biomass using microwave heating is presented. The use of microwave heating method for the thermal conversion of biomass to useful products has been on the increase in the last decade because it offers fast and uniform heating, and a higher level of automation. The effects of process parameters (microwave power and radiation time, agent flow rate in physical activation and impregnation ratio in chemical activation) on the properties and adsorption capacity of the AC are reviewed. From the results reported in the literature, it can be seen that the influence of the preparation parameters on the adsorption capacity of the prepared AC followed the same pattern. In the physical activation process, microwave power and radiation time have more pronounce effects on the properties of the AC than the activation agent flow rate. Furthermore, the properties of the AC were found to be at their best when the process parameters are at the optimum values wether individually or collectively, and further increase in the process value beyond optimum value resulted in decrease in their adsorption capacity.
KELULUT HONEY SUPPLEMENTATION PREVENTS SPERM AND TESTICULAR OXIDATIVE DAMAGE IN STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS
Authors: Budin Siti Balkis , Jubaidi Fatin Farhana , Mohd Noor Azam Siti Nur Farahana , Mohamed Yusof Nur Liyana , Taib Izatus Shima , Mohamed Jamaludin
Published: March 2017

Previous studies found that Kelulut Honey produced by Trigona spp. bees is able to prevent oxidative damage in various pathological conditions.  Thus, the present study aimed to determine whether Kelulut Honey could prevent the sperm and testicular damage in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Male Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: Non-Diabetic (NDM), Non-Diabetic with Kelulut Honey supplementation (NDMKH), Diabetic without supplementation (DM) and Diabetic with Kelulut Honey supplementation (DMKH).  Kelulut honey was given at the dose of 2.0 g/kg weight daily via gavage for 28 consecutive days. Results showed that sperm quality produced by diabetic rats supplemented with Kelulut honey significantly improved compared to the diabetic control groups (p<0.05). SOD activity and GSH level increased significantly (p<0.05) whereas PC and MDA levels significantly decreased in sperm and testis of DMKH rats when compared to DM rats (p<0.05). Histological observation showed obvious increase in spermatozoa in the lumen of epididymis and increased spermatogenic cells density in the testis of DMKH group.  In conclusion, Kelulut Honey has a potential in preventing the damage of sperm and testis in diabetic rats.
EFFECT OF UV RADIATION DURATION AND MOLECULAR WEIGHT TO HYDROPHOBICITY AND SURFACE ROUGHNESS OF POLYSTYRENE COATING ON QCM SENSOR
Authors: Sakti Setyawan P. , Amaliya Layli , Khusnah Nike F. , Masruroh Masruroh
Published: March 2017

Hydrophobicity is one of important solid surface properties for the development of Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) biosensor. Hydrophobicity plays a role in the biomolecule immobilisation. Polystyrene is one of the coating materials used in the QCM biosensor, where the sensitive biomolecule material is immobilised. Hydrophobicity and surface roughness can be controlled by many methods. In this work, we investigated the effect of the polymer molecular weight and UV radiation on the surface roughness and hydrophobicity. The polystyrene with a molecular weight of 35,000 g/mol, 192,000 g/mol, and 280.000 g/mol were solved in toluene with a concentration of 3%, 5%, and 7% and coated using spin coating method on top of the QCM sensor. The coated polystyrene on QCM sensor was irradiated using UV lamp with a wavelength of 254 nm. The contact angle of water before and after UV irradiated was measured using contact angle instrument and the surface roughness is measured using non-contact optical profilometer. The result shows that the higher molecular weight of polystyrene led to more hydrophobic surface. Radiation under UV light increases the hydrophobicity of polystyrene surface. The surface roughness of the polystyrene on top of the sensor is not affected by UV irradiation.
The Link between Transformational Leadership Traits and Corporate Culture Types: The Prerequisites for Sustainable Performance in Public and Private Sectors Organizations
Authors: Flemming Paul L. , Flemming Barbara E.
Published: March 2017

This study has investigated the link between transformational leadership styles, corporate organizational culture types and performance in four public sector organizations. The objective of this research was to examine the effect of individual leadership traits, and culture types on performance in public organizations there by validating the arguments made by scholars and practitioners that organizational performance is more evident in private sector corporations. The behavior elements examined in this study were idealized influence behavior, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, individualized consideration, idealized influence and effectiveness. The cultural variables used were clan culture, adhocracy culture, market culture, and hierarchal culture. This study utilized a survey designed and implemented a quantitative methodology. The analysis used primary data produced by the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) to administer on 200 respondents from four of the largest public sector organizations in the United State Virgin Islands to examine the relationship of transformational leadership, organizational performance and corporate organizational culture. The responses were scaled and coded to enable the segmentation of the data into dependent and independent variables based on the leadership, performance and culture variables. The study utilized the multiple regression models and correlation statistical analyses to determine the degree of commonality among the components. The study concluded that transformational leadership and corporate organizational culture have positive effects on facilitating performance and is best suited in managing change and innovation in mature public and private sector organizations.
A New Structured Multimodel Control of Nonlinear Systems by Integrating Stability Margin and Performance
Authors: Ahmadi Mahdi , Haeri Mohammad
Published: March 2017

This paper deals with a new systematic multimodel controller design for nonlinear systems. The design of local controllers based on performance requirements is incorporated with the concept of local models selection as an optimization problem. Gap metric and stability margin are used as measuring tool and operation space dividing criterion, respectively. The developed method provides support to design a simple structured multiple proportional-integral (PI) controller which guarantees both robust stability and time-domain performance specifications. The main advantages of the proposed method are avoiding model redundancy, not needing a priori knowledge about system, having simple structure, and easing the implementation. To evaluate the presented multimodel controller design procedure, three benchmark nonlinear systems are studied. Both simulations and experimental results prove the effectiveness of the proposed method in set point tracking and disturbance rejection.
A New Objective Evaluation Method for Vehicle Steering Comfort
Authors: Liu Yahui , Liu Qi , Ji Xuewu , Hayama Ryouhei , Mizuno Takahiro , Nakano Shirou
Published: March 2017

Vehicle steering comfort is an important issue for steering control of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), especially the shared steering control systems. However, it is difficult to be evaluated objectively, that is, usually evaluated subjectively by the driver. This paper aims to develop an objective evaluation method of vehicle steering comfort, which is mainly based on the steering efficiency of the driver estimated by electromyography (EMG). First, the driver steering efficiency, as a key factor reflecting driver's maneuver energetics and some neurological control behaviors, is calculated in two steering conditions based on the EMG. In this process, the subjective evaluation of the vehicle steering comfort is obtained simultaneously else by a test driver. Unlike the traditional steering efficiency calculated from steering gear, the driver steering efficiency does not only partly present the energy consumption of driver itself but also the driver–vehicle interaction. And then, the relation between the steering efficiency and subjective evaluation is analyzed based on both linear regression and spearman correlation analyses. This challenging work investigates the interaction between the quantitative energy consumption and driver's subjective feeling and builds bridge between them. At last, an objective evaluation method of vehicle steering comfort using the steering efficiency is proposed, which provides a selection with quantitative evaluation. The proposed method is helpful to improve the steering control by giving a quantitative index.
A Finite Element Method With Full Bit-Force Modeling to Analyze Drillstring Vibration
Authors: Feng Tianheng , Vadali Madhu , Ma Zheren , Chen Dongmei , Dykstra Jason
Published: March 2017

Drillstring vibration is detrimental to drilling operations. It is crucial to understand the underlying mechanisms to circumvent these vibrations and to help improve drilling performance. This paper presents a six degrees-of-freedom (DOF) finite element method (FEM) model to characterize the drillstring dynamics. In addition, a comprehensive bit-force model is developed and included as a boundary condition to the model, corresponding to the vibrations in axial, lateral, and torsional directions. This bit-force model considers the bottom hole assembly (BHA) eccentricity, mud damping, bit–rock interaction, and their coupling mechanisms. Simulation results have shown good agreement with field observations and experimental data in the literature. The utility of this modeling framework is demonstrated in the paper through case studies for normal operation, stick–slip vibration, and whirl vibration.
Investigation of the location effect of external markers in respiratory‐gated radiotherapy
Authors: Yan Hui , Zhu Guopei , Yang James , Lu Mei , Ajlouni Munther , Kim Jae Ho , Yin Fang‐Fang
Published: March 2017

In 7 lung and breast cancer patients, we investigated the location effect of external markers on the correlation between the motions of external markers and of an internal target under various breathing patterns.

Our department developed a tumor tracking system consisting of two infrared cameras and a medical simulator. Using the system, we monitored the simultaneous motions of tumor and external markers placed at various locations on a patient's skin and saved the results for offline analysis. We then used a cross‐covariance approach to analyze the correlation between the motions of individual markers and of the tumor. Based on the additive model, we evaluated the predictability of tumor motion from the motions of the external markers.

The effect of marker location on the correlation between the motions of the tumor and of the external markers varied widely from patient to patient. At no specific marker location did the surrogate signal consistently present superior correlation with tumor motion in 3 breathing sessions with 7 patients. When the composite external signal generated from multiple external motion signals was correlated with tumor motion, the quality of the correlation improved significantly. In most cases, the composite signal provided the best surrogate signal for correlating with tumor motion.

Correlation between the motions of external markers and of a tumor may be affected by several factors, including patient characteristics, marker locations, and breathing pattern. A single external marker cannot provide sufficient and reliable tracking information for tumor motion. A composite signal generated from the motions of multiple external makers provides an excellent surrogate signal, which in this study demonstrated superior correlation with tumor motion as compared with the signal provided by an individual marker. A composite signal would be a more reliable way to track tumor motion during respiratory‐gated radiotherapy.

PACS numbers: 87.53.Jw
Retrograde signaling from autophagy modulates stress responses
Authors: Simon Hans-Uwe , Friis Robert , Tait Stephen W. G. , Ryan Kevin M.
Published: March 2017

Autophagy-related proteins regulate the activity of transcription factors that mediate stress-induced changes in gene expression.
The Proximity of Ribosomal Protein Genes to
oriC
Enhances
Vibrio cholerae
Fitness in the Absence of Multifork Replication
Authors: Soler-Bistué Alfonso , Timmermans Michaël , Mazel Didier
Published: March 2017

Recent works suggest that bacterial gene order links chromosome structure to cell homeostasis. Comparative genomics showed that, in fast-growing bacteria, ribosomal protein genes (RP) locate near the replication origin (
oriC
). We recently showed that
Vibrio cholerae
employs this positional bias as a growth optimization strategy: under fast-growth conditions, multifork replication increases RP dosage and expression. However, RP location may provide advantages in a dosage-independent manner: for example, the physical proximity of the many ribosomal components, in the context of a crowded cytoplasm, may favor ribosome biogenesis. To uncover putative dosage-independent effects, we studied isogenic
V. cholerae
derivatives in which the major RP locus,
S10-spc-α
(S10), was relocated to alternative genomic positions. When bacteria grew fast, bacterial fitness was reduced according to the S10 relative distance to
oriC
. The growth of wild-type
V. cholerae
could not be improved by additional copies of the locus, suggesting a physiologically optimized genomic location. Slow growth is expected to uncouple RP position from dosage, since multifork replication does not occur. Under these conditions, we detected a fitness impairment when S10 was far from
oriC
. Deep sequencing followed by marker frequency analysis in the absence of multifork replication revealed an up to 30% S10 dosage reduction associated with its relocation that closely correlated with fitness alterations. Hence, the impact of S10 location goes beyond a growth optimization strategy during feast periods. RP location may be important during the whole life cycle of this pathogen.

IMPORTANCE
The role of gene order within the bacterial chromosome is poorly understood. In fast growers, the location of genes linked with the expression of genetic information (i.e., transcription and translation) is biased toward
oriC
. It was proposed that the location of these genes helps to maximize their expression by recruiting multifork replication during fast growth. Our results show that such genomic positioning impacts cell fitness beyond fast-growth conditions, probably across the whole life cycle of fast growers. Thus, the genomic position of key highly expressed genes, such as RP, was finely tuned during the evolution of fast-growing bacteria and may also be important in slow growers. In the near future, many more genes whose genomic position impacts bacterial phenotype will be described. These studies will contribute to discovery the rules of genome organization and application of them for the design of synthetic chromosomes and the creation of artificial life forms.
Role of Eosinophils and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha in Interleukin-25-Mediated Protection from Amebic Colitis
Authors: Noor Zannatun , Watanabe Koji , Abhyankar Mayuresh M. , Burgess Stacey L. , Buonomo Erica L. , Cowardin Carrie A. , Petri William A.
Published: March 2017

The parasite
Entamoeba histolytica
is a cause of diarrhea in infants in low-income countries. Previously, it was shown that tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) production was associated with increased risk of
E. histolytica
diarrhea in children. Interleukin-25 (IL-25) is a cytokine that is produced by intestinal epithelial cells that has a role in maintenance of gut barrier function and inhibition of TNF-α production. IL-25 expression was decreased in humans and in the mouse model of amebic colitis. Repletion of IL-25 blocked
E. histolytica
infection and barrier disruption in mice, increased gut eosinophils, and suppressed colonic TNF-α. Depletion of eosinophils with anti-Siglec-F antibody prevented IL-25-mediated protection. In contrast, depletion of TNF-α resulted in resistance to amebic infection. We concluded that IL-25 provides protection from amebiasis, which is dependent upon intestinal eosinophils and suppression of TNF-α.

IMPORTANCE
The intestinal epithelial barrier is important for protection from intestinal amebiasis. We discovered that the intestinal epithelial cytokine IL-25 was suppressed during amebic colitis in humans and that protection could be restored in the mouse model by IL-25 administration. IL-25 acted via eosinophils and suppressed TNF-α. This work illustrates a previously unrecognized pathway of innate mucosal immune response.
Analysis of spatial correlation in predictive models of forest variables that use LiDAR auxiliary information
Authors: Mauro F. , Monleon V.J. , Temesgen H. , Ruiz L.A.
Published: March 2017

Accounting for spatial correlation of LiDAR model errors can improve the precision of model-based estimators. To estimate spatial correlation, sample designs that provide close observations are needed, but their implementation might be prohibitively expensive. To quantify the gains obtained by accounting for the spatial correlation of model errors, we examined (i) the spatial correlation patterns of residuals from LiDAR linear models developed to predict volume, total and stem biomass per hectare, quadratic mean diameter (QMD), basal area, mean and dominant height, and stand density and (ii) the impact of field plot size on the spatial correlation patterns in a standwise managed Mediterranean forest in central Spain. For all variables, the correlation range of model residuals consistently increased with plot radius and was always below 60 m except for stand density, where it reached 85 m. Except for QMD, correlation ranges of model residuals were between 1.06 and 8.16 times shorter than those observed for the raw variables. Based on the relatively short correlation ranges observed when the LiDAR metrics were used as predictors, the assumption of independent errors in many forest management inventories seems to be reasonable and appropriate in practice.
Electronic structure of SrO molecules with dipole moments and ro-vibrational calculations
Authors: Khatib Mohamed , Korek Mahmoud
Published: March 2017

Ab initio calculations have been applied to investigate the electronic structure of the SrO molecule. The potential energy curves have been computed in the Born–Oppenheimer approximation for the ground, and the 29 low-lying singlet and triplet excited electronic states. Complete active space self-consistent field, multi-reference configuration interaction have been utilized to investigate these states. The harmonic frequency ωe, the internuclear distance Re, the rotational constant Be, and the electronic energy with respect to the ground state Te have been calculated by using two different techniques of calculation with different bases. The transition dipole moment between some doublet states is used to determine the Einstein spontaneous A21 and induced emission [Formula: see text] coefficients as well as the spontaneous radiative lifetime τspon, emission wavelength λ21 and oscillator strength f21. The eigenvalues Ev, the rotational constant Bv, the centrifugal distortion constant Dv, and the abscissas of the turning points Rmin and Rmax have been calculated by using the canonical functions approach. The comparison between the values of the present work and those available in the literature for several electronic states shows a very good agreement. Twenty-four new electronic states have been studied here for the first time.
Wormholes in fractional action cosmology
Authors: El-Nabulsi Rami Ahmad
Published: March 2017

In this work we study wormholes solutions based on fractional action cosmology. We discuss cosmic dynamics of the universe in the presence of wormhole and wormhole wave function in closed Friedmann–Robertson–Walker (FRW) universe. We have observed that cosmic acceleration with traversable wormhole may be realized without the need of exotic matter like dark and phantom energy unless the scale factor of the universe obeys a power law dominated by a negative fractional parameter, which is constrained from type Ia supernovae data. Besides, we have derived wormholes wave function in a closed FRW universe and we have found that a wormhole can survive in the presence of quantum effects only if the expansion of the universe is accelerated with time.
Anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activity of boswellic acids in rotenone parkinsonian rats
Authors: Ameen Angie M. , Elkazaz Amany Y. , Mohammad Hala M.F. , Barakat Bassant M.
Published: March 2017

There is evidence that inflammation and oxidative stress contribute to the neurodegenerative changes observed in Parkinson’s disease. Unfortunately, there is a lack of curative treatment for this debilitating movement disorder. Boswellic acids (BAs) are pentacyclic triterpene molecules of plant origin that have been utilized for treating many inflammatory conditions. The current study was conducted to explore the protective role of BAs against rotenone-induced experimental parkinsonism. Twenty-four rats were assigned to one of four treatment groups. The first two groups were a vehicle group (no rotenone) and a rotenone control group in which rats received rotenone (1 mg/kg) every 48 h. The next 2 groups received rotenone (1 mg/kg every 48 h) plus protective oral doses of BAs (125 or 250 mg/kg daily). Rats in the rotenone group showed motor dysfunction when tested in the open-field arena and cylinder and rotarod tests. Moreover, inflammatory markers increased, whereas the dopamine level was lower in the striata of rats in the rotenone group versus those in the vehicle group. BAs taken by rats with rotenone-induced parkinsonism showed enhanced general motor performance, reduced inflammatory markers, and increased striatal dopamine level and nigral tyrosine hydroxylase immunostaining. In conclusion, BAs are promising agents in slowing the progression of Parkinson’s disease if appropriate data become available about their safety and efficacy in humans.
Current algebra formulation of M-theory based on E11 Kac–Moody algebra
Authors: Sugawara Hirotaka
Published: March 2017

Quantum M-theory is formulated using the current algebra technique. The current algebra is based on a Kac–Moody algebra rather than usual finite dimensional Lie algebra. Specifically, I study the [Formula: see text] Kac–Moody algebra that was shown recently[Formula: see text] to contain all the ingredients of M-theory. Both the internal symmetry and the external Lorentz symmetry can be realized inside [Formula: see text], so that, by constructing the current algebra of [Formula: see text], I obtain both internal gauge theory and gravity theory. The energy–momentum tensor is constructed as the bilinear form of the currents, yielding a system of quantum equations of motion of the currents/fields. Supersymmetry is incorporated in a natural way. The so-called “field-current identity” is built in and, for example, the gravitino field is itself a conserved supercurrent. One unanticipated outcome is that the quantum gravity equation is not identical to the one obtained from the Einstein–Hilbert action.
Behavioral transitions induced by speed and noise in animal aggregates
Authors: Cambui Dorílson S. , Iliass Tarras
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we used a self-propelled particle model to study the transition between phases of collective behavior observed in animal aggregates. In these systems, transitions occur when individuals shift from one collective state to another. We investigated transitions induced by both the speed and the noise. Statistical quantities that characterize the phase transition driven by noise, such as order parameter, the Binder cumulant and the susceptibility were analyzed, and we used the finite-size scaling theory to estimate the critical exponent ratios [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
First-principles study on structural, elastic and thermal properties of γ-TiAl and α2-Ti3Al phases in TiAl-based alloy under high pressure
Authors: Zhang Chaoyan , Hou Hua , Zhao Yuhong , Yang Xiaomin , Guo Yaqiong
Published: March 2017

The structural, elastic and thermal properties of [Formula: see text]-TiAl and [Formula: see text]-Ti3Al phases in the TiAl-based alloy under pressure were reported using CASTEP program based on the density functional theory. The calculated equilibrium parameters and elastic constants are in good agreement with experimental and the available theoretical data. The results indicate that under the same pressure, the [Formula: see text] phase in the direction along [Formula: see text]-axis is easier to be compressed than the [Formula: see text] phase, while the compression along [Formula: see text]-axis of [Formula: see text] phase is larger than that of [Formula: see text] phase; when the pressure is below 20 GPa, both the two phases are elastically stable, but the [Formula: see text] phase have higher shear modulus and Young’s modulus, and the [Formula: see text] phase has better ductility and plasticity. Debye temperature, bulk modulus, thermal expansion coefficient and heat capacity of the [Formula: see text] phase and [Formula: see text] phase under high pressure and high temperature were also successfully calculated and compared using the quasi-harmonic Debye model in the present work.
Thermodynamic properties of underdoped YBa2Cu3O6+x cuprates for several doping values
Authors: Salas P. , Solís M. A. , Fortes M. , Sevilla F. J.
Published: March 2017

We report the thermodynamic properties of cuprate superconductors YBa2Cu3O[Formula: see text], with [Formula: see text] ranging from underdoped ([Formula: see text]) to optimally doped ([Formula: see text]) regions. We model cuprates as a boson–fermion gas mixture immersed in a layered structure, which is generated via a Dirac-comb potential applied in the perpendicular direction to the CuO2 planes, while the particles move freely in the other two directions. The optimal system parameters, namely, the planes’ impenetrability and the paired-fermion fraction, are obtained by minimizing the Helmholtz free energy in addition to fixing the critical temperature [Formula: see text] to its experimental value. Using this optimized scheme, we calculate the entropy, the Helmholtz free energy and the specific heat as functions of temperature. Additionally, some fundamental properties of the electronic specific heat are obtained, such as the normal linear coefficient [Formula: see text], the quadratic [Formula: see text] term and the jump height at [Formula: see text]. We reproduce the cubic [Formula: see text] term of the total specific heat for low temperatures. Also our multilayer model inherently brings with it the mass anisotropy observed in cuprate superconductors. Furthermore, we establish the doping value beyond which superconductivity is suppressed.
Spectral function method for Hall conductivity of incoherent metals
Authors: Narikiyo Osamu
Published: March 2017

Using a model spectral function of the electron, the Hall conductivity in the normal metallic state of the Pr[Formula: see text]CexCuO4 (PCCO) superconductor is calculated neglecting the current vertex-correction. The result is qualitatively consistent with the experiment. Consequently, the reason becomes clear why the Fermi-liquid theory fails to explain the anomaly of the Hall conductivity. The inconsistency of the fluctuation-exchange approximation also becomes clear.
A pressure-deformation analytical model for rectangular diaphragm of MEMS pressure sensors
Authors: Zhou Wu , Wang Dong , Yu Huijun , Peng Bei
Published: March 2017

Rectangular diaphragm is commonly used as a pressure sensitive component in MEMS pressure sensors. Its deformation under applied pressure directly determines the performance of micro-devices, accurately acquiring the pressure–deflection relationship, therefore, plays a significant role in pressure sensor design. This paper analyzes the deflection of an isotropic rectangular diaphragm under combined effects of loads. The model is regarded as a clamped plate with full surface uniform load and partially uniform load applied on its opposite sides. The full surface uniform load stands for the external measured pressure. The partial load is used to approximate the opposite reaction of the silicon island which is planted on the diaphragm to amplify the deformation displacement, thus to improve the sensitivity of the pressure sensor. Superposition method is proposed to calculate the diaphragm deflections. This method considers separately the actions of loads applied on the simple supported plate and moments distributed on edges. Considering the boundary condition of all edges clamped, the moments are constructed to eliminate the boundary rotations caused by lateral load. The diaphragm’s deflection is computed by superposing deflections which produced by loads applied on the simple supported plate and moments distributed on edges. This method provides higher calculation accuracy than Galerkin variational method, and it is used to analyze the influence factors of the diaphragm’s deflection, includes aspect ratio, thickness and the applied force area of the diaphragm.
THICKNESS AND STIFFNESS ADAPTATIONS OF THE TRANSVERSE CARPAL LIGAMENT ASSOCIATED WITH CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
Authors: Marquardt Tamara L. , Gabra Joseph N. , Evans Peter J. , Seitz William H. , Li Zong-Ming
Published: March 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate the morphological and mechanical properties of the transverse carpal ligament (TCL) in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Thickness and stiffness of the TCL in eight female CTS patients and eight female control subjects were examined using ultrasound imaging modalities. CTS patients had a 30.9% thicker TCL than control subjects. There was no overall difference in TCL stiffness between the two groups, but the radial TCL region was significantly stiffer than the ulnar region within the CTS group and such a regional difference was not found for the controls. The increased thickness and localized stiffness of the TCL for CTS patients may contribute to CTS symptoms due to reduction in carpal tunnel space and compliance. Advancements in ultrasound technology provide a means of understanding CTS mechanisms and quantifying the morphological and mechanical properties of the TCL in vivo.
A PENILE SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA WITH SYSTEMIC METASTASIS IN A THOROUGHBRED HORSE
Authors: Li Wen-Ta , Chang Chun-Hao , Jeng Chian-Ren , Pang Victor Fei , Wang Fun-In
Published: March 2017

A 22-year-old gelding Thoroughbred horse had been in poor physical condition with a prolapsed penis. On necropsy, numerous white nodules/plaques were found on the lungs, omentum, and multiple lymph nodes, as well as several ulcerations and cauliflower-like growths throughout the glans penis to the internal fold. Histologically, the white nodules/plaques were composed of similar neoplastic squamous cells, which were immunostained positive for cytokeratin (CK), CK 5/6, and P63. The cauliflower-like growths were diagnosed as squamous papilloma, inverted papilloma, and penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC). It is speculated that the lung metastasis and peritoneal carcinomatosis in this case are derived from the PSCC. The lesion tissues from the penis and omentum were characterized negative, by polymerase chain reaction, for Equus caballus papillomavirus 2 (EcPV2). This finding suggests that the penile lesions may have been irrelevant to the EcPV2, further implying that multiple pathogeneses exist for the development of an equine PSCC.
Mixed magmatic–phreatomagmatic explosions during the formation of the Joya Honda maar, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
Authors: Saucedo R. , Macías J. L. , Ocampo-Díaz Y. Z. E. , Gómez-Villa W. , Rivera-Olguín E. , Castro-Govea R. , Sánchez-Núñez J. M. , Layer P. W. , Torres Hernández J. R. , Carrasco-Núñez G.
Published: March 2017

The Joya Honda maar (JHm) is located in central Mexico, 35 km NNE of the city of San Luis Potosí. It lies in the Plio-Quaternary alkaline Ventura-Espíritu Santo Volcanic Field located in the eastern part of Mesa Central province. The JHm eruption occurred at 311±19 ka (
40
Ar/
39
Ar) along a fissure that formed an elliptical crater (
c.
1.3×0.9 km wide and
c.
270 m deep) with a major axis oriented to the ENE–WSW. The eruption generated pyroclastic surge deposits that preferentially extended up to a distance of 7 km to the NW–NE of the crater, with a very limited distribution to the south. At the crater rim, the sequence is 60–80 m thick on the NE–NW wall and 1–15 m thick on the south–SW rim. The JHm sequence is divided into five units with different structures, textures, granulometry and components. The juvenile basanite clasts of these units display differences in vesicularity, density and morphology under scanning electron microscopy. These units correspond to the same number of eruptive phases as follows: Phase 1 occurred as a series of alternating strombolian and phreatomagmatic explosions that dispersed fall deposits and base surges; Phase 2 began with strombolian activity that emplaced basanite scoria with low contents of mantle xenoliths; Phase 3 continued with phreatomagmatic explosions that emplaced wet and dry pyroclastic surges; Phase 4 generated strombolian explosions rich in mantle xenoliths; and Phase 5 produced a violent strombolian phase that dispersed fallouts rich in mantle xenoliths and intermixed with discrete phreatomagmatic explosions that emplaced pyroclastic surges. These eruptive fluctuations during the genesis of JHm are a response to the relative proportions of magma–water interaction through time and complex faulting of the calcareous rocks underneath the volcano. The distribution and textural characteristics of the deposits suggest that simultaneous or alternating vents were active during the eruption, possibly following a fissure. These variations may have been subordinated to factors such as the availability of groundwater, the velocity of magma ascent, the discharge rate and degassing.
Acquisition and corpus description of a constrained lip database captured from handheld devices
Authors: Raman Rahul , Sa Pankaj K , Majhi Banshidhar , Bakshi Sambit
Published: March 2017

This report describes the dataset NITRLipV2 which is a constrained lip database captured in visible spectrum from handheld device. The database provides images of lips of different subjects. The images can be used by researchers to investigate in the domain of lip-image based user identification when images are captured from front camera of handheld devices like mobile phone.
Carbohydrates as Fat Replacers
Authors: Peng Xingyun , Yao Yuan
Published: March 2017

The overconsumption of dietary fat contributes to various chronic diseases, which encourages attempts to develop and consume low-fat foods. Simple fat reduction causes quality losses that impede the acceptance of foods. Fat replacers are utilized to minimize the quality deterioration after fat reduction or removal to achieve low-calorie, low-fat claims. In this review, the forms of fats and their functions in contributing to food textural and sensory qualities are discussed in various food systems. The connections between fat reduction and quality loss are described in order to clarify the rationales of fat replacement. Carbohydrate fat replacers usually have low calorie density and provide gelling, thickening, stabilizing, and other texture-modifying properties. In this review, carbohydrates, including starches, maltodextrins, polydextrose, gums, and fibers, are discussed with regard to their interactions with other components in foods as well as their performances as fat replacers in various systems.
Cyanobacterial Toxins in Freshwater and Food: Important Sources of Exposure to Humans
Authors: Lee Jiyoung , Lee Seungjun , Jiang Xuewen
Published: March 2017

A recent ecological study demonstrated a significant association between an increased risk of nonalcoholic liver disease mortality and freshwater cyanobacterial blooms. Moreover, previous epidemiology studies highlighted a relationship between cyanotoxins in drinking water with liver cancer and damage and colorectal cancer. These associations identified cyanobacterial blooms as a global public health and environmental problem, affecting freshwater bodies that are important sources for drinking water, agriculture, and aquafarms. Furthermore, as a result of climate change, it is expected that our freshwater environments will become more favorable for producing harmful blooms that produce various cyanotoxins. Food is an important source of cyanotoxin exposure to humans, but it has been less addressed. This paper synthesizes information from the studies that have investigated cyanotoxins in freshwater and food on a global scale. We also review and summarize the health effects and exposure routes of cyanotoxins and candidates for cyanotoxin treatment methods that can be applied to food.
CRISPR-Cas Technologies and Applications in Food Bacteria
Authors: Stout Emily , Klaenhammer Todd , Barrangou Rodolphe
Published: March 2017

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs) and CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins form adaptive immune systems that occur in many bacteria and most archaea. In addition to protecting bacteria from phages and other invasive mobile genetic elements, CRISPR-Cas molecular machines can be repurposed as tool kits for applications relevant to the food industry. A primary concern of the food industry has long been the proper management of food-related bacteria, with a focus on both enhancing the outcomes of beneficial microorganisms such as starter cultures and probiotics and limiting the presence of detrimental organisms such as pathogens and spoilage microorganisms. This review introduces CRISPR-Cas as a novel set of technologies to manage food bacteria and offers insights into CRISPR-Cas biology. It primarily focuses on the applications of CRISPR-Cas systems and tools in starter cultures and probiotics, encompassing strain-typing, phage resistance, plasmid vaccination, genome editing, and antimicrobial activity.
Decisions in motion: passive body acceleration modulates hand choice
Authors: Bakker Romy S. , Weijer Roel H. A. , van Beers Robert J. , Selen Luc P. J. , Medendorp W. Pieter
Published: March 2017

In everyday life, we frequently have to decide which hand to use for a certain action. It has been suggested that for this decision the brain calculates expected costs based on action values, such as expected biomechanical costs, expected success rate, handedness, and skillfulness. Although these conclusions were based on experiments in stationary subjects, we often act while the body is in motion. We investigated how hand choice is affected by passive body motion, which directly affects the biomechanical costs of the arm movement due to its inertia. With the use of a linear motion platform, 12 right-handed subjects were sinusoidally translated (0.625 and 0.5 Hz). At 8 possible motion phases, they had to reach, using either their left or right hand, to a target presented at 1 of 11 possible locations. We predicted hand choice by calculating the expected biomechanical costs under different assumptions about the future acceleration involved in these computations, being the forthcoming acceleration during the reach, the instantaneous acceleration at target onset, or zero acceleration as if the body were stationary. Although hand choice was generally biased to use of the dominant hand, it also modulated sinusoidally with the motion, with the amplitude of the bias depending on the motion’s peak acceleration. The phase of hand choice modulation was consistent with the cost model that took the instantaneous acceleration signal at target onset. This suggests that the brain relies on the bottom-up acceleration signals, and not on predictions about future accelerations, when deciding on hand choice during passive whole body motion.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Decisions of hand choice are a fundamental aspect of human behavior. Whereas these decisions are typically studied in stationary subjects, this study examines hand choice while subjects are in motion. We show that accelerations of the body, which differentially modulate the biomechanical costs of left and right hand movements, are also taken into account when deciding which hand to use for a reach, possibly based on bottom-up processing of the otolith signal.