bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Active ingredients from natural botanicals in the treatment of obesity
Authors: Zhang W.‐L. , Zhu L. , Jiang J.‐G.
Published: November 2014

Obesity is considered as a chronic disease that can induce a series of comorbidities and complications. Chinese medicine has long clinical experiences in the treatment of obesity. This review summarizes the natural products from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that are reported to have anti‐obesity effects in the past two decades. Botanic TCM comprises 90% of total Chinese crude drugs, and generally contains various active ingredients, in which the effective anti‐obesity ingredients identified can be divided into saponins, polysaccharides, alkaloids, polyphenols and others. Astragaloside IV, glycyrrhizin, macrostemonoside A, berberine, betaine, capsaicin, matrine, methyl piperate, piperine, rutaecarpine, asimilobine, epigallocatechingallate, magnolol, resveratrol, soybean‐isoflavone, α‐linolenic acid, emodin, geniposide, phillyrin, salidroside and ursolic acid are specified in this review, and their sources, models, efficacy are described. It is concluded that the mechanisms of these components for the treatment of obesity include: (i) suppression of appetite, increase of satiety, reduction of energy intake; (ii) reduction in the digestion and absorption of exogenous lipid; (iii) attenuation of the synthesis of endogenous lipid; (iv) promotion of the oxidation and expenditure of lipid and (v) improvement of lipid metabolism disorder. Authors believe that the effective compounds from TCM will provide an alternative and hopeful way for the treatment of obesity.
Phenotypic selection on nectar amino acid composition in the Lepidoptera pollinated orchid species Gymnadenia conopsea
Authors: Gijbels Pieter , Van den Ende Wim , Honnay Olivier
Published: November 2014

Plant–pollinator interactions are potential drivers of evolution in floral traits. Because nectar chemical composition is known to mediate both plant–pollinator interactions and plant reproductive success, it can be expected that chemical composition of nectar is subjected to strong pollinator‐mediated selective forces. However, the extent of natural selection on different nectar components has not been studied so far. Using the Lepidoptera pollinated fragrant orchid Gymnadenia conopsea as a model species, we used high‐performance anion‐exchange chromatography (HPAEC) to characterize the sugar and amino acid composition of floral nectar in three calcareous grassland populations of G. conopsea. We then measured phenotypic selection on nectar composition and on other plant and floral traits through applying both linear regression and structural equation modelling. We demonstrate phenotypic selection on plant height, inflorescence height and on specific nectar amino acids, whereas spur length, total sugar and amino acid concentration were not direct targets of selection. Chemical nectar composition is thus indeed under selective pressure but nectar amino acids are much more important to fitness of G. conopsea, as compared to nectar sugars. Furthermore, as we found no evidence of selection on the total amino acid concentration, it is unlikely that amino acids increase pollinator attraction because they are a pollinator nitrogen source. To further unravel the evolutionary ecology of floral nectar, behavioural experiments with pollinators exposed to different nectar components and studies experimentally identifying the selective agents are recommended.
Evaluation of the immune function assay in pediatric living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Fukuda Akinari , Imadome Ken‐Ichi , Sakamoto Seisuke , Shigeta Takanobu , Uchida Hajime , Matsunami Masatoshi , Sasaki Kengo , Kanazawa Hiroyuki , Kawano Fuyuko , Nakazawa Atsuko , Fujiwara Shigeyoshi , Kasahara Mureo
Published: November 2014

The immune function (ImmuKnow) assay is a measure of cell‐mediated immunity based on the peripheral CD4+ T cell ATP activity. The efficacy of ImmuKnow in pediatric LDLT is not well documented. The aim of this study was to assess the correlations between the ImmuKnow and the clinical status in pediatric LDLT recipients. A total of 716 blood samples were obtained from 60 pediatric LDLT recipients (one month to 16 yr of age). The recipient's status was classified as follows: stable, infection, or rejection. The ImmuKnow values in the pediatric LDLT recipients with a clinically stable status had a lower immune response (IQR 85–297 ATP ng/mL) than that previously reported in adults. Meanwhile, the ImmuKnow values of the stable patients were not correlated with age. Furthermore, a significant difference was found in the ImmuKnow values between the bacterial or fungal infection and stable groups, but not between the CMV or EBV infection and stable groups. The ImmuKnow levels in the pediatric LDLT were lower than those observed in the adult LDLT. The proposed reference value is between 85 and 297 ATP ng/mL in pediatric LDLT recipients. We conclude that the ImmuKnow assay could be helpful for monitoring pediatric LDLT recipients with bacterial or fungal infections.
Maternal Cigarette, Alcohol, and Coffee Consumption in Relation to Risk of Clubfoot
Authors: Werler Martha M. , Yazdy Mahsa M. , Kasser James R. , Mahan Susan T. , Meyer Robert E. , Anderka Marlene , Druschel Charlotte M. , Mitchell Allen A.
Published: November 2014

Background

Clubfoot is associated with maternal cigarette smoking in several studies, but it is not clear if this association is confined to women who smoke throughout the at‐risk period. Maternal alcohol and coffee drinking have not been well studied in relation to clubfoot.

Methods

The present study used data from a population‐based case–control study of clubfoot conducted in Massachusetts, New York, and North Carolina from 2007 to 2011. Mothers of 646 isolated clubfoot cases and 2037 controls were interviewed about pregnancy events and exposures, including the timing and frequency of cigarette smoking, alcohol intake, and coffee drinking.

Results

More mothers of cases than controls reported smoking during early pregnancy (28.9% vs. 19.1%). Of women who smoked when they became pregnant, those who quit in the month after a first missed period had a 40% increase in clubfoot risk and those who continued to smoke during the next 3 months had more than a doubling in risk, after controlling for demographic factors, parity, obesity, and specific medication exposures. Adjusted odds ratios for women who drank >3 servings of alcohol or coffee per day throughout early pregnancy were 2.38 and 1.77, respectively, but the numbers of exposed women were small and odds ratios were unstable.

Conclusions

Clubfoot risk appears to be increased for offspring of women who smoke cigarettes, particularly those who continue smoking after pregnancy is recognisable, regardless of amount. For alcohol and coffee drinkers, suggested increased risks were only observed in higher levels of intake.
Can ‘Early Programming’ Be Partly Explained by Smoking? Results from a Prospective, Population‐Based Cohort Study
Authors: Kvalvik Liv Grimstvedt , Skjærven Rolv , Klungsøyr Kari , Vollset Stein Emil , Haug Kjell
Published: November 2014

Background

Numerous studies have focused the association between low birthweight and later disease. Our objective was to study the association between birthweight and later adult smoking and thereby explore a possible mechanism for the association between low birthweight and later adult disease.

Methods

We studied associations between birthweight of women (n = 247 704) born in 1967–1995 and smoking habits at the end of their pregnancy 13–42 years later in a prospective, population‐based cohort study from The Medical Birth Registry of Norway. Similarly, the association between birthweight of men (n = 194 393) and smoking habits of their partners were assessed. Finally, we studied the relation between smoking habits of the participating women and the cause specific death of their mothers (n = 222 808).

Results

Twenty per cent of women with birthweight less than 2000 g were adult daily smokers compared with 11% with birthweight 4000–4499 g [relative risk = 1.8, 95% confidence interval 1.4, 2.2]. Similarly, we found an association between men's birthweight and their partners smoking habits. Mothers of smoking women had doubled risk of dying from lung cancer and from cardiovascular disease compared with mothers of non‐smoking women.

Conclusions

Being born with low birthweight is associated with smoking in adulthood. Associations of adult smoking with partners' birthweight and mothers' smoking‐related causes of death suggest a shared smoking environment, and may account for some of the established association between birthweight and later cardiovascular disease.
Alzheimer's disease patients institutionalized in group homes run by long‐term care insurance exhibit fewer symptoms of behavioural problems as evaluated by the Behavioural Pathology in Alzheimer's Disease Rating Scale
Authors: Kasai Mari , Meguro Kenichi , Akanuma Kyoko , Yamaguchi Satoshi
Published: November 2014

Background

The behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) caused by Alzheimer's disease (AD) can burden caregivers. Group homes (GH), small nursing homes, for the elderly with dementia are institutions commonly run by the public long‐term care insurance system in Japan. The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of BPSD of AD, as evaluated by the Behavioural Pathology in Alzheimer's Disease Rating Scale, between GH patients and community residents.

Methods

A total of 74 patients with AD were enrolled: 37 were patients institutionalized in GH (Hachinski score < 5) and 37 were demographic‐matched community residents undergoing treatment at the Osaki‐Tajiri SKIP Center. There were no significant differences in mean age (81.4 vs 81.1 years, P = 0.816), mean educational level (7.7 vs 8.0 years, P = 0.497), sex (women/men: 30/7 vs 30/7, P = 1.000) and mean Mini‐Mental State Examination scores (14.1 vs 14.1, P = 0.950) between the two groups. Care level (range: 0.5–5.0, slight to bedridden), activities of daily living care level (range: 1–7, almost normal to severe), and the presence or absence BPSD based on the domains of the Behavioural Pathology in Alzheimer's Disease Rating Scale were compared.

Results

GH patients had a significantly higher care level (P < 0.05) and activities of daily living care level (P < 0.05) but had fewer symptoms of BPSD (P < 0.05) than community residents. When the activities of daily living care level was controlled, GH patients had significantly fewer symptoms than community residents in Aggressiveness (21% vs 50%; χ2 = 4.5, P = 0.035), Affective disturbances (13% vs 42%; χ2 = 5.1, P = 0.023), and Anxieties and phobias (4% vs 46%; χ2 = 11.1, P = 0.001).

Conclusions

GH run by the long‐term care insurance system appear to be effective in improving environmental factors for moderate AD patients and reducing Aggressiveness, Affective disturbances, and Anxieties and phobias.
The Morbid Nexus: Reciprocity and Sorcery in Rural East Java
Authors: Herriman Nicholas
Published: November 2014

For the past few decades, the idea that witchcraft and sorcery are closely linked with the experience of capitalism has proven captivating. Leading international anthropologists, such as the Comaroffs, Geschiere, Ong and Taussig have argued for the modernity of the supernatural. They have demonstrated that, instead of declining in the modern period, beliefs and practices associated with evil spirits and magic are regularly invoked to explain the experience of capitalism. As useful as this approach is, focusing on capitalism's connection with evil spirits and magic does not necessarily imply a break from the classical anthropological accounts of reciprocity. In Banyuwangi, a district of Java, Indonesia, harmful magic is deeply embedded in reciprocity and local relationships as much as in relationships of capitalism. In other words, these classical accounts of intimate ties between harmful magic and reciprocity can be usefully married with the ideas of the modernity of the supernatural.
rs10263935 and rs6045676 identified by genome‐wide association study were associated with aortic dissection in a Chinese population
Authors: Qin Chuan , Chen Lin , Xiao Ying‐Bin
Published: November 2014

Aortic dissection (AD) is a disease characterized by a tear in the aortic intimal layer and separation of the arterial wall. Some risk factors, such as hypertension and Marfan syndrome, are well known in AD, but the role of genetic factor is largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the relation between two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified by genome‐wide association study and AD. Approximately 177 patients diagnosed with AD through clinical evaluation and imaging techniques and 183 age‐ and sex‐matched control subjects who were suffering from chest pain but without AD were included in the study. Genotyping of rs10263935 and rs6045676 was performed in both patients and control subjects using the TaqMan® method [Life Technologies (AB & Invitrogen), Carlsbad, CA]. The frequency of the AA and AG genotype in rs10263935 was significantly higher in the AD patients (0.085 and 0.435, respectively) than in the control subjects (0.033 and 0.355, respectively). The rs10263935 A allele frequency in the AD patients was higher than that in the control subjects [0.302 vs 0.210, odds ratio (OR) = 1.62, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.26–2.28, P = 0.005]. Similarly, the frequency of the GG genotype in rs6045676 was significantly higher in the AD patients than in the control subjects (0.107 vs 0.038, P = 0.015). The rs6045676 G allele frequency in the AD patients was higher than that in the control subjects (0.282 vs 0.191, OR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.18–2.50, P = 0.004). After adjustment of the confounding factors, such as smoking, sex, and age, the differences remain significant in several models (rs10263935: GG vs AA: OR = 3.13, 95% CI: 1.15–8.33, P = 0.025; GG vs AG: OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.01–2.44, P = 0.045; rs6045676: GG vs CC: OR = 3.30, 95% CI: 1.32–8.25, P = 0.011). rs10263935 on chromosome 7 and rs6045676 on chromosome 20 are associated with AD. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the functional role of these two variants.
Identification of a novel HLA‐B*40 allele, HLA‐B*40:210, in a Chinese individual
Authors: Tang Q. J. , Guo Z. H. , Jiang Y. Q. , Yang J. H. , Zheng J. W. , Sun Y. , Xie J. H. , Xiang D.
Published: November 2014

The newly detected HLA‐B*40:210 allele has two nucleotide changes in exon 2 compared to B*40:49 allele.
Negative Societal Reactions to Women Professional Football Athletes in the United States
Authors: Munk Dana , Cox Ramona , Ewing Martha E. , McCann Peggy
Published: November 2014

There has been quite a surge of women’s professional football teams in the United States; however, football is rarely offered for girls at the youth sport, middle school, high school, or intercollegiate levels. While this lack of participation can be easily attributed to the contact sport exemption clause in Title IX, researchers have shown that litigation has changed the course for women by legally opening doors for opportunities in tackle football. Today, it is more likely the lack of opportunities for females in traditional male sports is because of stereotypical beliefs linked to their gender. Using qualitative methodology, researchers in this study explored stereotypical, discrepant, societal messages encountered by current professional female football players. Findings suggested societal reactions were linked to stereotypical beliefs about women in sports and included a lack of social support, discriminatory messages, and skepticism over girl’s ability to play contact sports. Implications for further study also emerged.
Perception vs Reality: Is Perceived or Objective Proximity to Physical Activity Opportunities in the Environment More Associated With Recent Use Among Adolescent Girls?
Authors: Barr-Anderson Daheia J. , Bauer Katherine W. , Hannan Peter J. , Story Mary , Neumark-Sztainer Dianne
Published: November 2014

Little is known about adolescent girls’ accuracy of perception of physical activity (PA) opportunities in their neighborhood. Furthermore, few studies have explored whether proximity to PA opportunities is associated with girls’ recent use. Participants included 356 high school girls enrolled in New Moves, a school-based physical activity intervention. Objective proximity to neighborhood PA opportunities was assessed using Geographic Information System (GIS) software. Girls self-reported their perceived proximity to resources and recent use of these opportunities. Girls’ perceived proximity of distance to a park, walking/biking trail, and recreational center was associated with recent use of these resources (P = .02, P < .001, P < .001, respectively), whereas associations were not found with objective measures of distance. Both perceived and objective proximity were associated with recent use of a private fitness facility (P = .006 and P = .002, respectively). Perceived proximity to neighborhood PA opportunities is associated with use of those resources among adolescent girls. Increasing awareness of neighborhood opportunities could be a viable method to increasing PA.
The (Gendered) Experiences of Female Faculty Members in Two Health and Kinesiology Departments
Authors: Sartore Melanie , Cunningham George B.
Published: November 2014

The purpose of the current study was to explore how a relatively overlooked population of sport-related professionals, female faculty members in health and kinesiology departments in the United States, have interpreted and navigated the cultural fields of gender, sport, and education. Employing qualitative methodology and coupling Connell’s concept of hegemonic masculinity with Bourdieu’s concepts of practice, habitus, field, capital, and agency, ten female faculty members from two health and kinesiology departments discussed sport, in relation to gender, as being both empowering and limiting during their respective lifetimes. Despite these two very different effects, gender, sport and sport participation were significant in shaping these women, both personally and professionally. The implications of the findings and suggestions for future works are provided.
Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease presenting after consumption of ‘Miracle Mineral Solution’ (sodium chlorite)
Authors: Loh John Ming Ren , Shafi Humaira
Published: November 2014

We present a case report of a 41-year-old woman of Malay ethnicity who presented with an 11-day history of fever and left-sided lymphadenopathy after consuming ‘Miracle Mineral Solution’ (sodium chlorite solution) for the first time. A diagnosis of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease was established via lymph node biopsy after other differentials were excluded. The aetiology of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease remains controversial, but viral, autoimmune and physicochemical causes have been suggested as possibilities. In this case, we hypothesise that oxidative injury from sodium chlorite initiated an inflammatory response, which triggered the onset of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease.
Septic pulmonary and systemic embolism in tricuspid endocarditis
Authors: Nii Takuro , Yoshikawa Hideto , Okabe Taichi , Tachibana Isao
Published: November 2014

A 28-year-old woman presenting with fever was referred to our hospital and diagnosed as septic pulmonary embolism secondary to tricuspid valve endocarditis. Although antibiotic therapy was initiated, she further showed multiple complications including Janeway lesions and cerebral infarctions, suggestive of septic systemic embolism. Transoesophageal echocardiography detected a right-to-left shunt through a patent foramen ovale (PFO). The patient was successfully treated with surgical tricuspid valvuloplasty and PFO closure. Paradoxical systemic embolism may occur in patients with septic pulmonary embolism through the PFO.
Demography and reproductive performance ofCalystegia soldanellaon a sandy seashore in Tuscany, Italy
Authors: Di Sacco Alice , Bedini Gianni
Published: November 2014

Calystegia soldanella (L.) R.Br. is a psammophyte growing in the coastal foredunes of temperate areas. We investigated its demography and reproductive performance, to improve the in situ and ex situ management of the species as an essential element in planning the stabilization of the shoreline. The studied population is located in northwestern Tuscany, Italy. Demographic data were recorded in 20 quadrats from May to October 2009. Self-pollination ability has been tested by wrapping flower buds in cotton lint. Seeds traits (length, width, depth, shape index, mass, and water content), flotation ability, and germination percentage have been determined on seeds collected from the study site. The presence of C. soldanella seeds in the soil seed bank has been investigated by sifting the sand of 30 soil core samples. Our results showed that ramet density decreases during summer, mainly owing to drought. Predation reduces ramet size especially in spring and autumn, but rarely fatally, having the greatest impact on flower removal and, therefore, in decreasing the population’s genetic variability. Self-pollination does not occur and the percentage of reproductive ramets increases with their size. Tested seeds were able to float on water and germinated to 100%. No C. soldanella seeds were observed in the soil core samples. While suggesting useful indications for the management of the investigated population, our results provide a guideline for a more comprehensive study about the management of C. soldanella.
A comparative evaluation of the application of somatic embryogenesis, rooting of cuttings, and organogenesis of conifers
Authors: Bonga J.M.
Published: November 2014

Vegetative propagation of conifers has found large-scale industrial application via somatic embryogenesis (SE), rooting of cuttings, and organogenesis. Genetic gain is achieved with all of these methods but is the highest with SE, primarily because SE cultures can be cryopreserved. This allows for plants derived from part of each cell line to be field tested over a long period while the rest of each cell line is kept in a juvenile state by cryopreservation for later use. This makes it possible to select the best performers within the best families. For rooting of cuttings and organogenesis, genetic gain is generally based on family average, which is less powerful. However, SE has its limitations, primarily because its initiation, maturation, or germination rates are too low to be effective for many species. Consequently, for many species, the preferred clonal propagation option is still rooting of cuttings or organogenesis. If better methods can be developed to keep ortets used for rooting of cuttings and organogenesis in a prolonged juvenile state, or if future developments in marker technology reach a point where within-family selection becomes possible without the aid of cryopreservation, rooting of cuttings and organogenesis will achieve the same genetic gain as SE.
Dynamics of an optomechanical resonator containing a quantum well induced by periodic modulation of cavity field and external laser beam
Authors: Mahajan Sonam , Aggarwal Neha , Kumar Tarun , Bhattacherjee Aranya B. , Mohan Man
Published: November 2014

We study in detail the dynamics of a nonstationary system composed of a quantum well confined in an optomechanical cavity. The cavity frequency is rapidly modulated in time. The resultant periodically modulated spectra are presented. In particular, we study the effect of a two-photon process on the number of intracavity photons. The intensity of fluorescent light emitted by excitons in the quantum well is also examined for this nonstationary system. It is observed that the initial stage of fluorescence spectrum helps in detecting the two-photon process. It is also noticed that under strong modulation, the two-photon process dominates, while under weak modulation, fluorescence dominates. We also analyzed the dynamics of the system induced by a periodic modulation of the external pump laser with constant cavity frequency. This modulation of external laser pump helps in phonon amplification.
Rarefied gas flow behavior in micro/nanochannels under specified wall heat flux
Authors: Balaj Mojtaba , Akhlaghi Hassan , Roohi Ehsan
Published: November 2014

In this paper, we investigate the effects of convective heat transfer on the argon gas flow through micro/nanochannels subject to uniform wall heat flux (UWH) boundary condition using the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method. Both the hot wall (qwall> 0) and the cold wall (qwall< 0) cases are considered. We consider the effect of wall heat flux on the centerline pressure, velocity profile and mass flow rate through the channel in the slip regime. The effects of rarefaction, property variations and compressibility are considered. We show that UWH boundary condition leads to the thermal transpiration. Our investigations showed that this thermal transpiration enhances the heat transfer rate at the walls in the case of hot walls and decreases it where the walls are being cooled. We also show that the deviation of the centerline pressure distribution from the linear distribution depends on the direction of the wall heat flux.
Selected Key External Factors Influencing the Success of Rural Small and Medium Enterprises in South Africa
Authors: Lekhanya Lawrence M. , Mason Roger B.
Published: November 2014

Small businesses are critical to improving economic development in rural areas of South Africa. However, rural entrepreneurs are still faced with challenges and problems which make the success of small businesses, especially in rural areas, uncertain. This paper investigates business environmental, financial and infrastructural factors that influence the success or otherwise of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in rural areas. Primary data was collected in five rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) from a sample of 374 business owners/managers, with respondents completing a questionnaire. Access to finance and skills shortages were the factors that most significantly differentiated between more successful and less successful rural businesses in KZN. The majority of respondents indicated that poor roads/transport and access to electricity were major problems.
Zimbabwean Migrant Entrepreneurs in Kempton Park and Tembisa, Johannesburg: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Hungwe Chipo
Published: November 2014

The study explores the lives of seventeen Zimbabwean entrepreneurs studied in Tembisa and Kempton Park, Johannesburg in 2012. It analyses the structure of opportunity available to these entrepreneurs and argues that although migrants can create employment, they do not necessarily benefit the local populations because their businesses are too small and also because of their reluctance to employ locals whom they consider lazy and troublesome. Zimbabweans originally migrated to South Africa in search of good salaried jobs rather than self-employment. Self-employment is largely a result of dissatisfaction with the conditions of employment, inability to get desired jobs and having a better command of human and social capital. These migrants have a short history in self-employment and are the first to establish such economic ventures in their families. Their businesses thrive because of hardwork, engaging in activities that they are familiar with (thus they do not venture into complicated, unfamiliar territory) and relying on the neighbourhood which serves as a market. All the entrepreneurs studied view South Africa as a land of opportunities where one can establish himself/herself and survive, although the environment is riddled with xenophobia. However, most can be classified as survival entrepreneurs.
Computing coset leaders and leader codewords of binary codes
Authors: Borges-Quintana M. , Borges-Trenard M. A. , Márquez-Corbella I. , Martínez-Moro E.
Published: November 2014

In this paper we use the Gröbner representation of a binary linear code [Formula: see text] to give efficient algorithms for computing the whole set of coset leaders, denoted by [Formula: see text] and the set of leader codewords, denoted by [Formula: see text]. The first algorithm could be adapted to provide not only the Newton and the covering radius of [Formula: see text] but also to determine the coset leader weight distribution. Moreover, providing the set of leader codewords we have a test-set for decoding by a gradient-like decoding algorithm. Another contribution of this article is the relation established between zero neighbors and leader codewords.
Game option models of convertible bonds: Determinants of call policies
Authors: Kwok Yue Kuen
Published: November 2014

The interaction of bondholder's conversion and issuer's call in a convertible bond leads to a game option model between the two counterparties. Like typical pricing models for corporate debts, the fair value of a convertible bond is highly dependent on issuer's credit risk, tax benefits of coupons and other structural features. The convertible bond pricing models in the literature can be categorized into two approaches: (i) structural firm value models that incorporate dilution effect in the issuer firm's corporate structure upon conversion; and (ii) reduced form models that price convertible bonds based on calibration with market liquid instruments. We review and comment on various pricing formulations of convertible bonds and effectiveness of different numerical schemes for solving the associated optimal stopping problems. Empirical studies on issuers' optimal call policies have revealed discrepancies between the optimal decision rule derived from pricing models and actual market practices. The more refined model formulation of a convertible bond should include corporate finance considerations in the determination of the optimal call policies.
SpartanRPC
Authors: Chapin Peter , Skalka Christian
Published: November 2014

We describe SpartanRPC, a secure middleware technology that supports cooperation between distinct security domains in wireless sensor networks. SpartanRPC extends nesC to provide a link-layer remote procedure call (RPC) mechanism, along with an enhancement of configuration wirings that allow specification of remote, dynamic endpoints. RPC invocation is secured via an authorization logic that enables servers to specify access policies and requires clients to prove authorization. This mechanism is implemented using a combination of symmetric and public key cryptography. We report on benchmark testing of a prototype implementation and on an application of the framework that supports secure collaborative use and administration of an existing WSN data-gathering system.
An Assisted Photography Framework to Help Visually Impaired Users Properly Aim a Camera
Authors: Vázquez Marynel , Steinfeld Aaron
Published: November 2014

We propose an assisted photography framework to help visually impaired users properly aim a camera and evaluate our implementation in the context of documenting public transportation accessibility. Our framework integrates user interaction during the image capturing process to help users take better pictures in real time. We use an image composition model to evaluate picture quality and suggest providing audiovisual feedback to improve users’ aiming position. With our particular framework implementation, blind participants were able to take pictures of similar quality to those taken by low vision participants without assistance. Likewise, our system helped low vision participants take pictures as good as those taken by fully sighted users. Our results also show a positive trend in favor of spoken directions to assist visually impaired users in comparison to tone and silent feedback. Positive usefulness ratings provided by full vision users further suggest that assisted photography has universal appeal.
Hybrid Cache Designs for Reliable Hybrid High and Ultra-Low Voltage Operation
Authors: Maric Bojan , Abella Jaume , Cazorla Francisco J. , Valero Mateo
Published: November 2014

Geometry scaling of semiconductor devices enables the design of ultra-low-cost (e.g., below 1 USD) battery-powered resource-constrained ubiquitous devices for environment, urban life, and body monitoring. These sensor-based devices require high performance to react in front of infrequent particular events as well as extreme energy efficiency in order to extend battery lifetime during most of the time when low performance is required. In addition, they require real-time guarantees. The most suitable technological solution for these devices consists of using hybrid processors able to operate at: (i) high voltage to provide high performance and (ii) near-/subthreshold voltage to provide ultra-low energy consumption. However, the most efficient SRAM memories for each voltage level differ and trading off different SRAM designs is mandatory. This is particularly true for cache memories, which occupy most of the processor's area.

In this article, we propose new, simple, single-Vcc-domain hybrid L1 cache architectures suitable for reliable hybrid high and ultra-low voltage operation. In particular, the cache is designed by combining heterogeneous SRAM cell types: some of the cache ways are optimized to satisfy high-performance requirements during high voltage operation, whereas the rest of the ways provide ultra-low energy consumption and reliability during near-/subthreshold voltage operation. We analyze the performance, energy, and power impact of the proposed cache designs when using them to implement L1 caches in a processor. Experimental results show that our hybrid caches can efficiently and reliably operate across a wide range of voltages, consuming little energy at near-/subthreshold voltage as well as providing high performance at high voltage without decreasing reliability levels to provide strong performance guarantees, as required for our target market.
Designing Hybrid DRAM/PCM Main Memory Systems Utilizing Dual-Phase Compression
Authors: Baek Seungcheol , Lee Hyung Gyu , Nicopoulos Chrysostomos , Kim Jongman
Published: November 2014

The last few years have witnessed the emergence of a promising new memory technology, namely Phase-Change Memory (PCM). Due to its inherent ability to scale deeply into the nanoscale regime and its low power consumption, PCM is increasingly viewed as an attractive alternative for the memory subsystem of future microprocessor architectures. However, PCM is marred by a duo of potentially show-stopping deficiencies, that is, poor write performance (especially when compared to the prevalent and ubiquitous DRAM technology) and limited durability. These weaknesses have urged designers to develop various supporting architectural techniques to aid and complement the operation of the PCM while mitigating its innate flaws. One promising such solution is the deployment of hybridized memory architectures that fuse DRAM and PCM, in order to combine the best attributes of each technology. In this article, we introduce a novel Dual-Phase Compression (DPC) scheme and its architectural design aimed at DRAM/PCM hybrids, which caters to the limitations of PCM technology while optimizing memory performance. The DPC technique is specifically optimized for PCM-based environments and is
transparent
to the operation of the remaining components of the memory subsystem. Furthermore, the proposed architecture is imbued with a multifaceted wear-leveling technique to enhance the durability and prolong the lifetime of the PCM. Extensive simulations with traces from real applications running on a full-system simulator demonstrate 20.4% performance improvement and 46.9% energy reduction, on average, as compared to a baseline DRAM/PCM hybrid implementation. Additionally, the multifaceted wear-leveling technique is shown to significantly prolong the lifetime of the PCM.
Know Your Enemy
Authors: Basin David , Cremers Cas
Published: November 2014

We present a symbolic framework, based on a modular operational semantics, for formalizing different notions of compromise relevant for the design and analysis of cryptographic protocols. The framework’s rules can be combined to specify different adversary capabilities, capturing different practically-relevant notions of key and state compromise. The resulting adversary models generalize the models currently used in different domains, such as security models for authenticated key exchange. We extend an existing security-protocol analysis tool, Scyther, with our adversary models. This extension systematically supports notions such as weak perfect forward secrecy, key compromise impersonation, and adversaries capable of state-reveal queries. Furthermore, we introduce the concept of a protocol-security hierarchy, which classifies the relative strength of protocols against different adversaries.

In case studies, we use Scyther to analyse protocols and automatically construct protocol-security hierarchies in the context of our adversary models. Our analysis confirms known results and uncovers new attacks. Additionally, our hierarchies refine and correct relationships between protocols previously reported in the cryptographic literature.
A Formal Approach to Incremental Converter Synthesis for System-on-Chip Design
Authors: Sinha Roopak , Girault Alain , Goessler Gregor , Roop Partha S.
Published: November 2014

A system-on-chip (SoC) contains numerous intellectual property blocks, or IPs. Protocol mismatches between IPs may affect the system-level functionality of the SoC. Mismatches are addressed by introducing converters to control inter-IP interactions. Current approaches towards converter generation find limited practical application as they use restrictive models, lack formal rigour, handle a small subset of commonly encountered mismatches, and/or are not scalable. We propose a formal technique for SoC design using
incremental converter synthesis
. The proposed formulation provides precise models for protocols and requirements, and provides a scalable algorithm that allows adding multiple components and requirements to an SoC incrementally. We prove that the technique is sound and complete. Experimental results obtained using real-life AMBA benchmarks show the scalability and wide range of mismatches handled by our approach.
Compiler Optimization for Reducing Leakage Power in Multithread BSP Programs
Authors: Shih Wen-Li , You Yi-Ping , Huang Chung-Wen , Lee Jenq Kuen
Published: November 2014

Multithread programming is widely adopted in novel embedded system applications due to its high performance and flexibility. This article addresses compiler optimization for reducing the power consumption of multithread programs. A traditional compiler employs energy management techniques that analyze component usage in control-flow graphs with a focus on single-thread programs. In this environment the leakage power can be controlled by inserting on and off instructions based on component usage information generated by flow equations. However, these methods cannot be directly extended to a multithread environment due to concurrent execution issues.

This article presents a multithread power-gating framework composed of
multithread power-gating analysis
(MTPGA) and
predicated power-gating
(PPG) energy management mechanisms for reducing the leakage power when executing multithread programs on
simultaneous multithreading
(SMT) machines. Our multithread programming model is based on hierarchical bulk-synchronous parallel (BSP) models. Based on a multithread component analysis with dataflow equations, our MTPGA framework estimates the energy usage of multithread programs and inserts PPG operations as power controls for energy management. We performed experiments by incorporating our power optimization framework into SUIF compiler tools and by simulating the energy consumption with a post-estimated SMT simulator based on Wattch toolkits. The experimental results show that the total energy consumption of a system with PPG support and our power optimization method is reduced by an average of 10.09% for BSP programs relative to a system without a power-gating mechanism on leakage contribution set to 30%; and the total energy consumption is reduced by an average of 4.27% on leakage contribution set to 10%. The results demonstrate our mechanisms are effective in reducing the leakage energy of BSP multithread programs.
Does Distance Still Matter? Revisiting the CSCW Fundamentals on Distributed Collaboration
Authors: Bjørn Pernille , Esbensen Morten , Jensen Rasmus Eskild , Matthiesen Stina
Published: November 2014

Does distance still matter? Reporting on a comparative analysis of four ethnographic studies of global software development, this article analyzes the fundamental aspects of distance as depicted in the famous paper “Distance Matters.” The results suggest that, although while common ground, collaboration readiness, and organizational management are still important aspects for distributed collaboration, the arguments concerning coupling of work and collaboration technology readiness need to be refined. We argue that in working remotely, closely coupled work tasks encourage remote workers to spend the extra effort required in articulation of work to make the collaboration function. Also we find that people in distributed software development have already made collaborative technologies part of their work, and individuals are comfortable with them; thus, collaboration technology readiness takes a different shape in this setting.
Exploring and Understanding Unintended Touch during Direct Pen Interaction
Authors: Annett Michelle , Gupta Anoop , Bischof Walter F.
Published: November 2014

The user experience on tablets that support both touch and styli is less than ideal, due in large part to the problem of
unintended touch
or
palm rejection
. Devices are often unable to distinguish between
intended touch
(i.e., interaction on the screen intended for action) and
unintended touch
(i.e., incidental interaction from the palm, forearm, or fingers). This often results in stray ink strokes and accidental navigation, frustrating users. We present a data collection experiment where participants performed inking tasks, and where natural tablet and stylus behaviors were observed and analyzed from both digitizer and behavioral perspectives. An analysis and comparison of novel and existing unintended touch algorithms revealed that the use of stylus information can greatly reduce unintended touch. Our analysis also revealed many natural stylus behaviors that influence unintended touch, underscoring the importance of application and ecosystem demands, and providing many avenues for future research and technological advancement.
Design of Hardened Embedded Systems on Multi-FPGA Platforms
Authors: Bolchini Cristiana , Sandionigi Chiara
Published: November 2014

The aim of this article is the definition of a reliability-aware methodology for the design of embedded systems on multi-FPGA platforms. The designed system must be able to detect the occurrence of faults globally and autonomously, in order to recover or to mitigate their effects. Two categories of faults are identified, based on their impact on the device elements; (i)
recoverable
faults, transient problems that can be fixed without causing a lasting effect namely and (ii)
nonrecoverable
faults, those that cause a permanent problem, making the portion of the fabric unusable. While some aspects can be taken from previous solutions available in literature, several open issues exist. In fact, no complete design methodology handling all the peculiar issues of the considered scenario has been proposed yet, a gap we aim at filling with our work. The final system exposes reliability properties and increases its overall lifetime and availability.
Is the IS Crisis Real?
Authors: Love James , Hirschheim Rudy , George Beena
Published: November 2014

This article surveys business school deans and IS academics regarding their level of agreement with concerns attributed to the Information Systems discipline as summarized in Ives and Adams (2012). The responses of the two constituent groups are evaluated independently, then the responses are juxtaposed for between-group analysis. Additional concerns are elicited from the respective groups, and the social representations generated are reported per stakeholder group. Analysis is illustrated through network topic maps and discussed based on the authors' interpretations of the findings. The findings show some marked differences between the groups suggesting that IS academics are more critical of the IS discipline than business school deans.
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal and Dark Septate Endophyte Fungal Associations in South Indian Aquatic and Wetland Macrophytes
Authors: Seerangan Kumar , Thangavelu Muthukumar
Published: November 2014

Investigations on the prevalence of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and dark septate endophyte (DSE) fungal symbioses are limited for plants growing in tropical aquatic and wetland habitats compared to those growing on terrestrial moist or dry habitats. Therefore, we assessed the incidence of AM and DSE symbiosis in 8 hydrophytes and 50 wetland plants from four sites in south India. Of the 58 plant species examined, we found AM and DSE fungal symbiosis in 21 and five species, respectively. We reported for the first time AM and DSE fungal symbiosis in seven and five species, respectively. Intermediate-type AM morphology was common, and AM morphology is reported for the first time in 16 plant species. Both AM and DSE fungal colonization varied significantly across plant species and sites. Intact and identifiable AM fungal spores occurred in root zones of nine plant species, but AM fungal species richness was low. Though no clear relationship between AM and DSE fungal colonization was recognized, a significant negative correlation between AM colonization and spore numbers was established. Our study suggests that the occurrence of AM and DSE fungal symbiosis in plants growing in hydrophytic and wetland habitats is not as common as in terrestrial habitats.
Performance Analysis for Wireless Networks: An Analytical Approach by Multifarious Sym Teredo
Authors: Punithavathani D. Shalini , Radley Sheryl
Published: November 2014

IPv4-IPv6 transition rolls out numerous challenges to the world of Internet as the Internet is drifting from IPv4 to IPv6. IETF recommends few transition techniques which includes dual stack and translation and tunneling. By means of tunneling the IPv6 packets over IPv4 UDP, Teredo maintains IPv4/IPv6 dual stack node in isolated IPv4 networks behindhand network address translation (NAT). However, the proposed tunneling protocol works with the symmetric and asymmetric NATs. In order to make a Teredo support several symmetric NATs along with several asymmetric NATs, we propose multifarious Sym Teredo (MTS), which is an extension of Teredo with a capability of navigating through several symmetric NATs. The work preserves the Teredo architecture and also offers a backward compatibility with the original Teredo protocol.
Blow-Up Solutions and Global Solutions to Discretep-Laplacian Parabolic Equations
Authors: Chung Soon-Yeong , Choi Min-Jun
Published: November 2014

We discuss the conditions under which blow-up occurs for the solutions of discretep-Laplacian parabolic equations on networksSwith boundary∂Sas follows:ut(x,t)=Δp,ωu(x,t)+λ|u(x,t)|q-1u(x,t),(x,t)∈S×(0,+∞);u(x,t)=0,(x,t)∈∂S×(0,+∞);u(x,0)=u0≥0,x∈S¯, wherep>1,q>0,λ>0, and the initial datau0is nontrivial onS. The main theorem states that the solutionuto the above equation satisfies the following: (i) if0
1, then the solution blows up in a finite time, providedu¯0>ω0/λ1/q-p+1, whereω0:=maxx∈S⁡∑y∈S¯‍ω(x,y)andu¯0:=maxx∈S u0(x); (ii) if0<q≤1, then the nonnegative solution is global; (iii) if1<q<p-1, then the solution is global. In order to prove the main theorem, we first derive the comparison principles for the solution of the equation above, which play an important role throughout this paper. Moreover, when the solution blows up, we give an estimate for the blow-up time and also provide the blow-up rate. Finally, we give some numerical illustrations which exploit the main results.