bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functionalized single-walled carbon nanotube (5, 0) as a carrier for isoniazid — A tuberculosis drug
Authors: Rajarajeswari M. , Iyakutti K. , Lakshmi I. , Rajeswarapalanichamy R. , Kawazoe Y.
Published: June 2015

Nanostructures functionalized with amino acid are able to penetrate the cell wall. In this first principle study, we have demonstrated that the amino acid alanine functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) (5, 0) can be a drug carrier for the tuberculosis drug isoniazid. Isoniazid is binding with both the non-covalently and covalently functionalized CNTs through the π–π stacking and NH⋯π interactions. The planar structure of isoniazid and hydrophobic nature of CNT promote the π–π stacking interactions. The amine group present in the isoniazid enables the NH⋯π interaction with the delocalized π electron cloud of CNT.
Lower Bounds on the Deterministic and Quantum Communication Complexity of Hamming-Distance Problems
Authors: Ambainis Andris , Gasarch William , Srinivasan Aravind , Utis Andrey
Published: June 2015

Alice and Bob want to know if two strings of length
n
are almost equal. That is, do the strings differ on
at most
a
bits? Let 0 ⩽
a
⩽
n
− 1. We show (1) any deterministic protocol—as well as any error-free quantum protocol (
C
* version)—for this problem requires at least
n
− 2 bits of communication, and (2) a lower bound of
n
/2 − 1 for error-free
Q
* quantum protocols. We also show the same results for determining if two strings differ in
exactly
a
bits. Our results are obtained by lower-bounding the ranks of the appropriate matrices.
Does Herzberg's Notion of Hygienes and Motivators Apply to User Experience?
Authors: Tuch Alexandre N. , Hornbæk Kasper
Published: June 2015

This article investigates Herzberg's [1959] notion of hygienes, factors contributing to dissatisfaction but not to satisfaction, and motivators, factors contributing to satisfaction but not to dissatisfaction, in the context of user experience (UX). Earlier work has theorized that the notion of hygienes and motivators applies to UX but has neither shown empirical evidence for this theory nor exemplified what such factors would look like in UX. We adapt Herzberg's methodology to analyze 303 events where users felt good or bad about their smartphone and derive factors that may work as hygienes or motivators. We identified technical quality and price as hygienes, and utility and convenience as motivators. These factors do not correspond to those mentioned as typical examples of hygienes and motivators in the UX literature (i.e., instrumental qualities such as usability for hygienes and non-instrumental qualities such as beauty for motivators). We discuss this discrepancy in the context of pragmatic and hedonic quality and psychological need fulfillment.
Teaching and Developing Social and Emotional Skills with Technology
Authors: Slovák Petr , Fitzpatrick Geraldine
Published: June 2015

Supporting social interactions is a long-term focus for Human Computer Interaction (HCI) and Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW). However, understanding how social and emotional skills are learned, and how this process can be supported by technology, is an important but underresearched area in HCI so far. To address this gap, we review existing approaches to social and emotions skills learning (SEL) in other fields, with a specific focus on SEL in education, in which a large number of evidence-based programs is widely deployed. In doing so, the primary aim of this article is to provide a foundation and set an agenda for future research on the design of technology that would support, and help teach, social and emotional skills. We identify the key challenges to successful learning shared by SEL programs in education—such as embedding skills learned in class also into everyday situations, promoting reflection, and providing additional opportunities for practice—and outline how these could be addressed by digital technology. Overall, our key argument is that much existing HCI work could be used in support of social and emotional skills learning in education, and possibly other domains, but that the topic has not been explored so far. We also highlight how the focus on supporting SEL would bring novel opportunities and challenges for HCI, as well as provide a basis for a strong HCI research agenda in this space.
The impact of information technology on energy consumption and carbon emissions
Authors: Gelenbe Erol , Caseau Yves
Published: June 2015

In this article the authors evaluate the impact of different sectors of information and communication technologies (ICT) on energy consumption and CO2 emissions. ICT is understood to cover computer and peripheral equipment including local area networks, telecommunication equipment and networks, and data centers.
The State of Public Infrastructure-as-a-Service Cloud Security
Authors: Huang Wei , Ganjali Afshar , Kim Beom Heyn , Oh Sukwon , Lie David
Published: June 2015

The public Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) cloud industry has reached a critical mass in the past few years, with many cloud service providers fielding competing services. Despite the competition, we find some of the security mechanisms offered by the services to be similar, indicating that the cloud industry has established a number of “best-practices,” while other security mechanisms vary widely, indicating that there is also still room for innovation and experimentation. We investigate these differences and possible underlying reasons for it. We also contrast the security mechanisms offered by public IaaS cloud offerings and with security mechanisms proposed by academia over the same period. Finally, we speculate on how industry and academia might work together to solve the pressing security problems in public IaaS clouds going forward.
Processing Social Media Messages in Mass Emergency
Authors: Imran Muhammad , Castillo Carlos , Diaz Fernando , Vieweg Sarah
Published: June 2015

Social media platforms provide active communication channels during mass convergence and emergency events such as disasters caused by natural hazards. As a result, first responders, decision makers, and the public can use this information to gain insight into the situation as it unfolds. In particular, many social media messages communicated during emergencies convey timely, actionable information. Processing social media messages to obtain such information, however, involves solving multiple challenges including: parsing brief and informal messages, handling information overload, and prioritizing different types of information found in messages. These challenges can be mapped to classical information processing operations such as filtering, classifying, ranking, aggregating, extracting, and summarizing. We survey the state of the art regarding computational methods to process social media messages and highlight both their contributions and shortcomings. In addition, we examine their particularities, and methodically examine a series of key subproblems ranging from the detection of events to the creation of actionable and useful summaries. Research thus far has, to a large extent, produced methods to extract situational awareness information from social media. In this survey, we cover these various approaches, and highlight their benefits and shortcomings. We conclude with research challenges that go beyond situational awareness, and begin to look at supporting decision making and coordinating emergency-response actions.
Parallel Scheduling of Task Trees with Limited Memory
Authors: Eyraud-Dubois Lionel , Marchal Loris , Sinnen Oliver , Vivien Frédéric
Published: June 2015

This article investigates the execution of tree-shaped task graphs using multiple processors. Each edge of such a tree represents some large data. A task can only be executed if all input and output data fit into memory, and a data can only be removed from memory after the completion of the task that uses it as an input data. Such trees arise in the multifrontal method of sparse matrix factorization. The peak memory needed for the processing of the entire tree depends on the execution order of the tasks. With one processor, the objective of the tree traversal is to minimize the required memory. This problem was well studied, and optimal polynomial algorithms were proposed.

Here, we extend the problem by considering multiple processors, which is of obvious interest in the application area of matrix factorization. With multiple processors comes the additional objective to minimize the time needed to traverse the tree—that is, to minimize the makespan. Not surprisingly, this problem proves to be much harder than the sequential one. We study the computational complexity of this problem and provide inapproximability results even for unit weight trees. We design a series of practical heuristics achieving different trade-offs between the minimization of peak memory usage and makespan. Some of these heuristics are able to process a tree while keeping the memory usage under a given memory limit. The different heuristics are evaluated in an extensive experimental evaluation using realistic trees.
Microworld and mesoscale
Authors: Steenson Molly Wright
Published: June 2015

Interaction design is increasingly about embedding interactive technologies in our built environment; architecture is increasingly about the use of interactive technologies to reimagine and dynamically repurpose our built environment. This forum focuses on this intersection of interaction and architecture.
--- Mikael Wiberg, Editor
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Antimicrobial Properties of a Novel 1-D Cobalt Coordination Polymer with Dicyanamide and 2-Aminopyridine
Authors: Yuoh Amah Colette Benedicta , Agwara Moise Ondoh , Yufanyi Divine Mbom , Conde Mariam Aseng , Jagan Rajamony , Oben Eyong Kenneth
Published: June 2015

A novel one-dimensional coordination polymer bis(2-aminopyridine)-μ-bis(dicyanamido) cobaltate(II) has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses and infrared and ultraviolet visible spectroscopies and the structure has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Co(II) ion in the complex is coordinated to two axial 2-aminopyridine ligands through the pyridine N-atom and four equatorial dicyanamide ligands to give a CoN6 slightly distorted octahedral coordination environment around the metal ion. The amino N-atom forms intrachain hydrogen bonds. Antimicrobial screening of the complex against eight pathogenic microorganisms (four bacteria and four fungi) isolated from humans, indicates that the complex is moderately active.
Modified Fruit Fly Optimization Algorithm for Analysis of Large Antenna Array
Authors: Mhudtongon Nattaset , Phongcharoenpanich Chuwong , Kawdungta Supakit
Published: June 2015

This research paper deals with the optimization of a large antenna array for maximum directivity using a modified fruit fly optimization algorithm (MFOA) with random search of two groups of swarm and adaptive fruit fly swarm population size. The MFOA is utilized to determine three nonlinear mathematical test functions, analysis of the optimal number of elements and optimal element spacing of the large antenna array, and analysis of nonuniform amplitude of antenna array. The numerical results demonstrate that the MFOA is effective in solving all test function and electromagnetic problems. The advantages of the proposed algorithm are ease of implementation, large search range, less processing time, and reduced memory requirement.
Sumudu Transform Method for Analytical Solutions of Fractional Type Ordinary Differential Equations
Authors: Tuluce Demiray Seyma , Bulut Hasan , Belgacem Fethi Bin Muhammad
Published: June 2015

We make use of the so-called Sumudu transform method (STM), a type of ordinary differential equations with both integer and noninteger order derivative. Firstly, we give the properties of STM, and then we directly apply it to fractional type ordinary differential equations, both homogeneous and inhomogeneous ones. We obtain exact solutions of fractional type ordinary differential equations, both homogeneous and inhomogeneous, by using STM. We present some numerical simulations of the obtained solutions and exhibit two-dimensional graphics by means of Mathematica tools. The method used here is highly efficient, powerful, and confidential tool in terms of finding exact solutions.
Fast Query-by-Singing/Humming System That Combines Linear Scaling and Quantized Dynamic Time Warping Algorithm
Authors: Nam Gi Pyo , Park Kang Ryoung
Published: June 2015

We newly propose a query-by-singing/humming (QbSH) system considering both the preclassification and multiple classifier-based method by combining linear scaling (LS) and quantized dynamic time warping (QDTW) algorithm in order to enhance both the matching accuracy and processing speed. This is appropriate for the QbSH of high speed in the huge distributed server environment. This research is novel in the following three ways. First, the processing speed of the QDTW is generally much slower than the LS method. So, we perform the QDTW matching only in case that the matching distance by LS algorithm is smaller than predetermined threshold, by which the entire processing time is reduced while the matching accuracy is maintained. Second, we use the different measurement method of matching distance in LS algorithm by considering the characteristics of reference database. Third, we combine the calculated distances of LS and QDTW algorithms based on score level fusion in order to enhance the matching accuracy. The experimental results with the 2009 MIR-QbSH corpus and the AFA MIDI 100 databases showed that the proposed method reduced the total searching time of reference data while obtaining the higher accuracy compared to the QDTW.
Angiogenic Potential of Human Neonatal Foreskin Stromal Cells in the Chick Embryo Chorioallantoic Membrane Model
Authors: Vishnubalaji Radhakrishnan , Atteya Muhammad , Al-Nbaheen May , Oreffo Richard O. C. , Aldahmash Abdullah , Alajez Nehad M.
Published: June 2015

Several studies have demonstrated the multipotentiality of human neonatal foreskin stromal cells (hNSSCs) as being able to differentiate into adipocytes and osteoblasts and potentially other cell types. Recently, we demonstrated that hNSSCs play a role duringin vitroangiogenesis and appear to possess a capacity to differentiate into endothelial-like cells; however, their angiogenic potential within anex vivoenvironment remains unclear. Current study shows hNSSCs to display significant migration potential in the undifferentiated state and high responsiveness in thein vitrowound healing scratch assay. When hNSSCs were seeded onto the top of the CAM, human von Willebrand factor (hVWF), CD31, smooth muscle actin (SMA), and factor XIIIa positive cells were observed in the chick endothelium. CAMs transplanted with endothelial-differentiated hNSSCs displayed a higher number of blood vessels containing hNSSCs compared to CAMs transplanted with undifferentiated hNSSCs. Interestingly, undifferentiated hNSSCs showed a propensity to differentiate towards ectoderm with indication of epidermal formation with cells positive for CD1a, CK5/6, CK19, FXIIIa, and S-100 cells, which warrant further investigation. Our findings imply a potential angiogenic role for hNSSCsex vivoin the differentiated and undifferentiated state, with potential contribution to blood vessel formation and potential application in tissue regeneration and vascularization.
Equal Channel Angular Extrusion Simulation of High-Nb Containingβ-γTiAl Alloys
Authors: Zhang Lai-qi , Ma Xiang-ling , Ge Geng-wu , Hou Yong-ming , Zheng Jun-zi , Lin Jun-pin
Published: June 2015

TiAl alloys containing high Nb are significantly promising for high-temperature structural applications in aerospace and automotive industries. Unfortunately the low plasticity at room temperature limits their extensive applications. To improve the plasticity, not only optimizing the opposition, but also refining grain size through equal channel angular extrusion (ECAE) is necessary. The equal channel angular extrusion simulation of Ti-44Al-8Nb-(Cr,Mn,B,Y)(at%) alloy was investigated by using the Deform-3D software. The influences of friction coefficient, extrusion velocity, and different channel angles on effective strain, damage factor, and the load on the die were analyzed. The results indicate that, with the increasing of friction coefficient, effective strain is enhanced. The extrusion velocity has little effect on the uniformity of effective strain; in contrast it has large influence on the damage factor. Thus smaller extrusion rate is more appropriate. Under the condition of different channel angles, the larger one results in the lower effective strain magnitude and better strain distribution uniformity.
Efficacy of Subantimicrobial Dose Doxycycline for Moderate-to-Severe and Active Graves’ Orbitopathy
Authors: Lin Miaoli , Mao Yuxiang , Ai Siming , Liu Guangming , Zhang Jian , Yan Jianhua , Yang Huasheng , Li Aimin , Zou Yusha , Liang Dan
Published: June 2015

Aim.To study the efficacy and safety of subantimicrobial dose (SD) doxycycline(50 mg/d) in patients with active and moderate-to-severe Graves’ orbitopathy (GO).Methods.Thirteen patients with active and moderate-to-severe GO received once daily oral doxycycline (50 mg/d) for 12 wk. Treatment response at 24 wk was used as the primary outcome, measured by a composite of improvement in Clinical Activity Score (CAS), diplopia, motility, soft tissue swelling, proptosis, and eyelid aperture. Secondary outcome was the change of quality of life score (QoL, including visual functioning subscale and appearance subscale). Adverse events were also recorded.Results.Overall improvement was noted in eight out of 13 patients (61.5%, 95% CI 31.6%–86.1%). Both CAS and soft tissue swelling significantly ameliorated in eight patients at 24 wk. Five patients (38.5%) had improvement in ocular motility of ≥8 degrees. Eyelid aperture (46.2%) also decreased remarkably. For QoL, a significant improvement in appearance subscale (P=0.008) was noted during the study, whereas no difference was observed in visual functioning subscale (P=0.21). Two patients reported mild stomachache at 12 wk.Conclusions.SD doxycycline appears to be effective and safe for the treatment of active and moderate-to-severe GO. It might serve as a new promising therapeutic strategy for GO. This trial is registered withNCT01727973.
The Microstructure and Thermal Conductivity of Pressureless InfiltratedSiCp/AlComposites Containing Electroless Nickel Platings
Authors: Zou Aihua , Zhou Xianliang , Hua Xiaozhen , Li Duosheng , Wu Kaiyang
Published: June 2015

A nickel (Ni) coating was deposited on the surface of silicon carbide particles (SiCp) through electroless plating and we characterized the morphology and phase structure of the coating and the pressureless infiltratedSiCp/Alcomposites. The effect of Ni coatings on the thermal conductivity of the composites was examined and analyzed with three-dimensional video microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction microscope (XRD), and finite-element. The results show that a continuous and uniform coating with a certain thickness (around 3.5 μm) can be formed on the surface ofSiCp. With the addition of the Ni layer, there are some intermetallics Ni3Al but no interfacial carbide Al4C3, which improves the wettability and the thermal conductivity of the composites. The experiments and simulations both show that Ni coatings do not substantially decrease the overall thermal conductivity of the composite, although the thermal conductivity of Ni itself is lower than Al and SiC by a factor of 1.
Designing Artificial Neural Networks Using Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithms
Authors: Garro Beatriz A. , Vázquez Roberto A.
Published: June 2015

Artificial Neural Network (ANN) design is a complex task because its performance depends on the architecture, the selected transfer function, and the learning algorithm used to train the set of synaptic weights. In this paper we present a methodology that automatically designs an ANN using particle swarm optimization algorithms such as Basic Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Second Generation of Particle Swarm Optimization (SGPSO), and a New Model of PSO called NMPSO. The aim of these algorithms is to evolve, at the same time, the three principal components of an ANN: the set of synaptic weights, the connections or architecture, and the transfer functions for each neuron. Eight different fitness functions were proposed to evaluate the fitness of each solution and find the best design. These functions are based on the mean square error (MSE) and the classification error (CER) and implement a strategy to avoid overtraining and to reduce the number of connections in the ANN. In addition, the ANN designed with the proposed methodology is compared with those designed manually using the well-known Back-Propagation and Levenberg-Marquardt Learning Algorithms. Finally, the accuracy of the method is tested with different nonlinear pattern classification problems.
The Genetic Deletion of 6q21 andPRDM1and Clinical Implications in Extranodal NK/T Cell Lymphoma, Nasal Type
Authors: Liang Li , Zhang Zhang , Wang Ying , Nong Lin , Zheng Yalin , Qu Linlin , Zhang Bo , Li Ting
Published: June 2015

6q21 genetic deletion has been frequently detected in extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, nasal type (EN-NK/T-NT), andPRDM1is considered as candidate gene. However, direct detection ofPRDM1deletion has not been well documented. We investigated genetic alterations of 6q21 andPRDM1in 43 cases of EN-NK/T-NT and cell lines by FISH. PRDM1 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. The correlation between genetic alteration and PRDM1 expression and the significance in clinic-pathologic were analyzed. Heterozygous deletion of 6q21 and/orPRDM1was observed in 24 of 43 cases (55.81%) of EN-NK/T-NT including 16 cases (37.21%) for 6q21 deletion and 19 cases (44.19%) forPRDM1deletion. Similarly, heterozygous codeletion of 6q21 andPRDM1was identified in NK92 and NKL cells. The heterozygous deletion of 6q21 and/orPRDM1was correlated with PRDM1 expression. However, genetic deletion of 6q21 and/orPRDM1was not correlated with clinicopathological features of EN-NK/T-NT, while PRDM1 expression showed positive effect on the outcome of patients as those as disease site, B symptom, and clinical stage. Thus, heterozygous deletion of 6q21 and/orPRDM1was frequently detected in EN-NK/T-NT and correlated with downregulation of PRDM1. But the prognostic role of genetic deletion needs to be further evaluated in larger cohort.
Time-Frequency Feature Extraction of HRRP Using AGR and NMF for SAR ATR
Authors: Zhang Xinzheng , Liu Zhouyong , Liu Shujun , Li Guojun
Published: June 2015

A new approach to classify synthetic aperture radar (SAR) targets based on high range resolution profiles (HRRPs) is presented. Features from each of the target HRRPs are extracted via the nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) algorithm in time-frequency domain represented by adaptive Gaussian representation (AGR). Firstly, SAR target images have been converted into HRRPs. And the time-frequency matrix for each of HRRPs is obtained by using AGR. Secondly, the time-frequency feature vectors are extracted from the time-frequency matrix utilizing NMF. Finally, hidden Markov models (HMMs) are employed to characterize the time-frequency feature vectors corresponding to one target and are used to being the recognizer. To demonstrate the performance of the proposed approach, experiments are performed in the 10-target MSTAR public dataset. The results support the effectiveness of the proposed technique for SAR automatic target recognition (ATR).
Mitochondrial Dysfunction Contributes to the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Cabezas-Opazo Fabian A. , Vergara-Pulgar Katiana , Pérez María José , Jara Claudia , Osorio-Fuentealba Cesar , Quintanilla Rodrigo A.
Published: June 2015

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Currently, there is no effective treatment for AD, which indicates the necessity to understand the pathogenic mechanism of this disorder. Extracellular aggregates of amyloid precursor protein (APP), called Aβpeptide and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), formed by tau protein in the hyperphosphorylated form are considered the hallmarks of AD. Accumulative evidence suggests that tau pathology and Aβaffect neuronal cells compromising energy supply, antioxidant response, and synaptic activity. In this context, it has been showed that mitochondrial function could be affected by the presence of tau pathology and Aβin AD. Mitochondria are essential for brain cells function and the improvement of mitochondrial activity contributes to preventing neurodegeneration. Several reports have suggested that mitochondria could be affected in terms of morphology, bioenergetics, and transport in AD. These defects affect mitochondrial health, which later will contribute to the pathogenesis of AD. In this review, we will discuss evidence that supports the importance of mitochondrial injury in the pathogenesis of AD and how studying these mechanisms could lead us to suggest new targets for diagnostic and therapeutic intervention against neurodegeneration.
Analytical Solution of Space-Time Fractional Fokker-Planck Equation by Homotopy Perturbation Sumudu Transform Method
Authors: Dubey Ravi Shanker , Alkahtani Badr Saad T. , Atangana Abdon
Published: June 2015

An efficient approach based on homotopy perturbation method by using Sumudu transform is proposed to solve some linear and nonlinear space-time fractional Fokker-Planck equations (FPEs) in closed form. The space and time fractional derivatives are considered in Caputo sense. The homotopy perturbation Sumudu transform method (HPSTM) is a combined form of Sumudu transform, homotopy perturbation method, and He’s polynomials. The nonlinear terms can be easily handled by the use of He’s polynomials. Some examples show that the HPSTM is an effective tool for solving many space time fractional partial differential equations.
Mathematical Model of MDR-TB and XDR-TB with Isolation and Lost to Follow-Up
Authors: Agusto F. B. , Cook J. , Shelton P. D. , Wickers M. G.
Published: June 2015

We present a deterministic model with isolation and lost to follow-up for the transmission dynamics of three strains ofMycobacterium tuberculosis(TB), namely, the drug sensitive, multi-drug-resistant (MDR), and extensively-drug-resistant (XDR) TB strains. The model is analyzed to gain insights into the qualitative features of its associated equilibria. Some of the theoretical and epidemiological findings indicate that the model has locally asymptotically stable (LAS) disease-free equilibrium when the associated reproduction number is less than unity. Furthermore, the model undergoes in the presence of disease reinfection the phenomenon of backward bifurcation, where the stable disease-free equilibrium of the model coexists with a stable endemic equilibrium when the associated reproduction number is less than unity. Further analysis of the model indicates that the disease-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable (GAS) in the absence of disease reinfection. The result of the global sensitivity analysis indicates that the dominant parameters are the disease progression rate, the recovery rate, the infectivity parameter, the isolation rate, the rate of lost to follow-up, and fraction of fast progression rates. Our results also show that increase in isolation rate leads to a decrease in the total number of individuals who are lost to follow-up.
A Stable Carbon Nanotube Nanofluid for Latent Heat‐Driven Volumetric Absorption Solar Heating Applications
Authors: Hordy Nathan , Rabilloud Delphine , Meunier Jean-Luc , Coulombe Sylvain
Published: June 2015

Recently, direct solar collection through the use of broadly absorbing nanoparticle suspensions (known as nanofluids) has been shown as a promising method to improve efficiencies in solar thermal devices. By utilizing a volatile base fluid, this concept could also be applied to the development of a direct absorption heat pipe for an evacuated tube solar collector. However, for this to happen or for any other light‐induced vapor production applications, the nanofluid must remain stable over extended periods of time at high temperatures and throughout repetitive evaporation/condensation cycles. In this work, we report for the first time a nanofluid consisting of plasma‐functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) suspended in denatured alcohol, which achieves this required stability. In addition, optical characterization of the nanofluid demonstrates that close to 100% of solar irradiation can be absorbed over a relatively small nanofluid thickness.
Electroacupuncture Ameliorates the Coronary Occlusion Related Tachycardia and Hypotension in Acute Rat Myocardial Ischemia Model: Potential Role of Hippocampus
Authors: Wu Shengbing , Cao Jian , Zhang Tianning , Zhou Yiping , Wang Keming , Zhu Guoqi , Zhou Meiqi
Published: June 2015

Mechanisms for electroacupuncture (EA) in disease treatments are still enigmatic. Here, we studied whether hippocampus was involved in the protection of EA stimulation on myocardial ischemia injury. Acute myocardial ischemia (AMI) model was produced. EA stimulation at heart meridian from Shenmen (HT7) to Tongli (HT5) was applied to rats 3 times a day for continuous three days. Coronary occlusion related tachycardia and hypotension, indicated by heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and rate pressure product, were apparently impaired after AMI injury. By contrast, EA stimulating could ameliorate the impairments of heart function (P<0.05). Interestingly, lesion of CA1 region of hippocampus abolished the protection of EA. Neuronal activity in CA1 area was affected by AMI. As evidenced, cell counts, cell types, and frequency of the discharged neurons were facilitated after AMI, while EA stimulation attenuated the abnormalities. Furthermore, c-Fos expression was significantly facilitated in CA1 area after AMI, which was reduced by EA stimulation. Correlations were established between c-Fos expression and cell counts of discharged neurons, as well as between heart function and cell counts of discharged neurons. Taken together, EA stimulation at heart meridian protects against heart dysfunction induced by AMI possibly through suppressing the neuronal activity in CA1 region.
A Novel Mutation ofSMAD3Identified in a Chinese Family with Aneurysms-Osteoarthritis Syndrome
Authors: Zhang Wenwen , Zhou Min , Liu Cheng , Liu Chen , Qiao Tong , Huang Dian , Ran Feng , Wang Wei , Liu Changjian , Liu Zhao
Published: June 2015

Aneurysms-osteoarthritis syndrome (AOS) is a recently delineated autosomal dominant disorder characterized by aneurysms, dissections, and tortuosity throughout the arterial tree in association with early onset osteoarthritis, mild craniofacial features, and skeletal and cutaneous anomalies. Previous studies have demonstrated that mutations inSMAD3, a key regulator of TGF-βsignal transduction, contribute to AOS. Here, we investigated a family of three generations affected by AOS. A novelSMAD3mutation, c.266G>A (p.C89Y), was identified and cosegregated with the affected individuals in this family. Our finding expands the mutation spectrum ofSMAD3gene and further strengthens the connection between the presence of aneurysms-osteoarthritis phenotype andSMAD3mutations, which facilitates the understanding of the genotype-phenotype correlation of AOS.
A Randomized Trial on Health-Related Patient Satisfaction Level with High-Efficiency Online Hemodiafiltration versus High-Flux Dialysis
Authors: Karkar Ayman , Abdelrahman Mohammed , Locatelli Francesco
Published: June 2015

Background/Aim: Our aim was to investigate the effect of on-line HDF versus high-flux (HF) hemodialysis (HD) on a patient's health-related satisfaction level. Methods: Overall, 72 patients, on regular low-flux HD for 51 ± 26 month mean age of 54 ± 12 years, were randomized to HF (group 1, n = 36) and to HDF (group 2, n = 36) and followed up for 24 months. Assessment was based on the patient's satisfaction level using modified questionnaires of the validated Kidney Disease Quality of Life-Short Form (KDQOL-SF) version 1.3. Results: The HDF group achieved a higher satisfaction level than the HF group (p < 0.0001) with less cramps (3 ± 5 vs. 55 ± 8), itching (9 ± 10 vs. 48 ± 10), joint pain and stiffness (24 ± 10 vs. 83 ± 8), and improvement in general mood (94 ± 9 vs. 28 ± 16), sexual performance (57 ± 10 vs. 5 ± 5), and social activity (82 ± 9 vs. 15 ± 8). Conclusion: High-efficiency postdilution on-line HDF versus high-flux HD significantly improved patients' satisfaction and quality of life, including social, physical, and professional activities.
Gene Expression of Lytic Endopeptidases AlpA and AlpB from Lysobacter sp. XL1 in Pseudomonads
Authors: Tsfasman Irina M. , Lapteva Yulia S. , Krasovskaya Ludmila A. , Kudryakova Irina V. , Vasilyeva Natalia V. , Granovsky Igor E. , Stepnaya Olga A.
Published: June 2015

Development of an efficient expression system for (especially secreted) bacterial lytic enzymes is a complicated task due to the specificity of their action. The substrate for such enzymes is peptidoglycan, the main structural component of bacterial cell walls. For this reason, expression of recombinant lytic proteins is often accompanied with lysis of the producing bacterium. This paper presents data on the construction of an inducible system for expression of the lytic peptidases AlpA and AlpB from Lysobacter sp. XL1 in Pseudomonas fluorescens Q2-87, which provides for the successful secretion of these proteins into the culture liquid. In this system, the endopeptidase gene under control of the T7lac promoter was integrated into the bacterial chromosome, as well as the Escherichia coli lactose operon repressor protein gene. The T7 pol gene under lac promoter control, which encodes the phage T7 RNA polymerase, is maintained in Pseudomonas cells on the plasmids. Media and cultivation conditions for the recombinant strains were selected to enable the production of AlpA and AlpB by a simple purification protocol. Production of recombinant lytic enzymes should contribute to the development of new-generation antimicrobial drugs whose application will not be accompanied by selection of resistant microorganisms.
Beyond the Hypothesis of Serum Anticholinergic Activity in Alzheimer's Disease: Acetylcholine Neuronal Activity Modulates Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Production and Inflammation in the Brain
Authors: Hachisu Mitsugu , Konishi Kimiko , Hosoi Misa , Tani Masayuki , Tomioka Hiroi , Inamoto Atsuko , Minami Sousuke , Izuno Takuji , Umezawa Kaori , Horiuchi Kentaro , Hori Koji
Published: June 2015

The brain of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients is characterized by neurodegeneration, especially an acetylcholine (ACh) neuronal deficit with accumulation of β-amyloid protein, which leads to oxygen stress and inflammation. The active oxygen directly damages the neuron by increasing intracellular Ca2+. The inflammation is due to activation of the microglia, thereby producing cytokines which inhibit the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). As the BDNF acts by neuronal protection, synaptogenesis and neurogenesis, the reduction of BDNF in the brain of AD patients worsens the symptoms of AD. On the other hand, treatment of AD patients with a cholinesterase inhibitor enhances ACh activity and inhibits inflammation. Then the expression of BDNF is restored and neuroprotection reestablished. However, there are several reports which showed controversial results concerning the relationship between BDNF and AD. We speculate that BDNF is related to some neurocognitive process and reflects neuronal activity in other neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders and that in the mild cognitive impairment stage, BDNF and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activities are hyperactivated because of a compensatory mechanism of AD pathology. In contrast, in the mild stage of AD, BDNF and ChAT activity are downregulated.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa/Acne Inversa: Criteria for Diagnosis, Severity Assessment, Classification and Disease Evaluation
Authors: Zouboulis Christos C. , del Marmol Veronique , Mrowietz Ulrich , Prens Errol P. , Tzellos Thrasivoulos , Jemec Gregor B.E.
Published: June 2015

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa/acne inversa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory, recurrent, debilitating disease, which inflicts a significant burden on patients and is associated with comorbid disorders, such as significantly reduced quality of life, depression, stigmatization, inactivity, working disability, impairment of sexual health and several cardiovascular risk factors. Aims/Methods: To implement an expert consensus on the diagnostic criteria, severity and classification assessment, and an assessment of anti-inflammatory treatment effectiveness based on current evidence. Results: This article provides criteria for diagnosis, severity assessment, classification and evaluation of HS patients. Conclusion: The provided criteria can be used as tools for the promotion of uniformity in HS evaluation and facilitation of early and timely identification and referral in the primary care setting and thorough and efficient evaluation in daily clinical practice.
Trade-offs, Transitivity, and Temkin
Authors: Dorsey Dale
Published: June 2015

In this essay I critically assess Larry S. Temkin’s new book, Rethinking the Good: Moral Ideals and the Nature of Practical Reasoning. While I find that there is much to praise about this work, I focus on two points of critique. Generally, Temkin’s aims in this book are to expose a radical tension in our beliefs about value, and to show that one potentially palatable (if not ultimately acceptable) option is to reject the transitivity of the predicate “better than”. However, I argue that in both his motivation for claiming that such a tension exists, and one of his arguments that transitivity is a palatable option, his discussion is missing a crucial step: a first-order discussion of the relationship between intrinsic values; both personal welfare goods and impersonal goods (such as equality, overall utility, etc.).
Why Old Things Matter
Authors: James Simon P.
Published: June 2015

It is, I suggest, unclear whether any old inanimate objects deserve to be treated with respect simply because they are old. Yet this does not entail that an object’s age has no bearing at all on the question of how it may permissibly be treated. I defend the claim that those who fail to take seriously the histories of old inanimate objects typically deserve to be criticized on aretaic grounds. Such people, I argue, tend to lack the virtue of humility.
Stauroneis kingstonii sp. nov. (Bacillariophyta: Naviculales), a new diatom species from the Black Swamp, Arkansas, USA
Authors: BURGE DAVID R. L. , MARSICO TRAVIS D. , EDLUND MARK B.
Published: June 2015

A freshwater diatom species, Stauroneis kingstonii sp. nov., is described from cypress-tupelo wetlands of the Cache River, Arkansas, USA. Stauroneis kingstonii can be distinguished from other Stauroneis species by its narrow lanceolate shape, high length:breadth ratio, coarse areolae and striae, and lateral raphe bounded by a broad axial area and straight proximal raphe ends. The diatom is currently known only from the Cache River Watershed and found living benthic or epiphytic on submerged bald cypress and water tupelo tree bark, in slightly acidic, and fresh to slightly brackish waters.
Taxonomy of European Damaeidae VIII. Contribution to classification of genus Damaeus C. L. Koch, 1835, with a review of Adamaeus Norton, 1978 and Paradamaeus Bulanova-Zachvatkina, 1957 and redescription of three species
Authors: MIKO LADISLAV
Published: June 2015

Adamaeus Norton, 1978 and Paradamaeus Bulanova-Zachvatkina, 1957, two subgenera of genus Damaeus C. L. Koch, 1835, are reviewed on the basis of the redescription of their type species. Subgenus Eudamaeus Pérez-Iñigo, 1987 and genus Tectodamaeus Aoki, 1984 are reviewed and their relation to Damaeus is discussed. Damaeus firmus Kunst, 1957 is redescribed and placed into the nominate subgenus. Damaeus helveticus (Schweizer, 1956) n.comb. is redescribed and placed into the nominate subgenus, its synonymy with Damaeus (Adamaeus) onustus C.L.Koch, 1844 is rejected. Damaeus alpinus (Schweizer, 1956) n.comb. is redescribed and placed into the nominate subgenus. Lectotypes and paralectotypes of Damaeus firmus Kunst, 1957; Damaeus helveticus (Schweizer, 1956) and Damaeus alpinus (Schweizer, 1956) are indicated. Based on published reviews and redescriptions, new diagnoses for Tectodamaeus Aoki, 1984, Damaeus C. L. Koch, 1835 and its subgenera are proposed, and a list of all known European species of Damaeus C. L. Koch, 1835 is provided. Tectodamaeus longus Xie & Yang, 2009 is newly combined to Damaeus as D. longus (Xie & Yang, 2009) n.comb.
Phylogeny of the genus Willemia (Collembola: Hypogastruridae) and biogeography of the W. buddenbrocki-group with description of a new species from Ivory Coast (western Africa)
Authors: Zon Serge Déméango , Bedos Anne , D'Haese Cyrille A.
Published: June 2015

Willemia tondoh sp. nov. from the Ivory Coast (western Africa) is described and illustrated. The new species is the 14th in the buddenbrocki-group and is defined with two large globular sensilla placed in a cavity and covered in part by tegumental fold on antennal segment IV, 7 chaetae on antennal segment I, postantennal organ with 9 vesicles, s-chaetae subcylindrical and acuminate on abdominal terga and chaetae a1 absent on abdominal sternum IV. A phylogeny for all the 46 species of the genus Willemia is proposed. Based on the phylogentic framework, the biogeography of the buddenbrocki-group is discussed. An identification key for all 46 known species of the genus is provided.
Description of a new genus, Auritibicen gen. nov., of Cryptotympanini Hemiptera: Cicadidae) with redescriptions of Auritibicen pekinensis (Haupt, 1924) comb. nov. and Auritibicen slocumi (Chen, 1943) comb. nov. from China and a key to the species of Auritibicen
Authors: LEE YOUNG JUNE
Published: June 2015

A new genus, Auritibicen gen. nov., is erected for the former members of Lyristes Horváth, 1926 (= Tibicen Latreille, 1825) from eastern Asia, designating Tibicen intermedia Mori, 1931 as the type species. Morphological comparisons are made among Auritibicen, Lyristes, and the American Tibicen species. Auritibicen pekinensis (Haupt, 1924) comb. nov. and Auritibicen slocumi (Chen, 1943) comb. nov. from China are redescribed. Morphological comparisons are made among closely related species, A. pekinensis, A. slocumi, Auritibicen intermedius (Mori, 1931) comb. nov., and Auritibicen kyushyuensis (Kato, 1926) comb. nov. A key to the species of the genus Auritibicen gen. nov. is provided.
Simplified analog CMOS mid-band small-signal analysis utilizing short-circuits and incremental perturbations
Authors: Hasan SM Rezaul
Published: June 2015

This article simplifies several small-signal CMOS circuit analysis techniques from their existing forms in textbook approaches. Several CMOS loads and circuit topologies are analyzed through a simplified “incremental perturbation” approach, and solutions can sometimes be found almost by “common-sense” inspection with some use of Norton’s and Thevenin’s transformations. In many cases there is no need to write and solve multiple equations, but just the utilization of “incremental KVL or incremental KCL.” Elimination, reduction, merger or conversion of dependent current sources through “opportunistic short circuits” is a central idea behind this methodology.
“It Didn’t Seem Like Race Mattered”
Authors: Becker Sarah , Paul Crystal
Published: June 2015

Prior research measuring service-learning program successes reveals the approach can positively affect students’ attitudes toward community service, can increase students’ motivation to learn and ability to internalize class material, and can change their view of social issues. Studies also suggest that college students sometimes enter and leave a field site in ways that contribute to the reproduction of inequality. In this paper, we draw on three years of data from a service-learning project that involves sending college-age students (most of whom are white and materially privileged) into local, predominantly black, high-poverty neighborhoods to participate in community gardening. Using data generated by student assignments, we draw on service-learning research and critical race/whiteness scholarship to explore whether altering service-learning pedagogical tactics influences how students conceptualize and talk about race or if status factors, such as a student’s own race, gender, and/or class, intersect to have greater impact on the racial logics they employ.
Investigators’ and Prosecutors’ Perceptions of Collaborating With Victim Advocates on Sexual Assault Casework
Authors: Gaines D. Cody , Wells William
Published: June 2015

Despite the importance of strong partnerships between victim advocates and criminal justice officials, few studies have examined criminal justice officials’ perspectives on collaborating with victim advocates. Officials’ perspectives on advocates’ roles in the investigation and prosecution of sexual assaults are measured to understand the barriers to collaboration and strengths that can be capitalized upon. A sample of sexual assault investigators from a large police department were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. A sample of prosecutors from the jurisdiction, experienced in processing sexual assault cases, responded to paper-and-pencil surveys. Findings reveal that officials believe advocates make positive contributions to the justice system process through effective communication and by supporting victims and their families. Barriers to strong partnerships include concerns about role conflicts and advocate involvement in criminal investigations. Reform efforts can use these findings through explicit work to capitalize on perceived strengths and overcome barriers.
Finite element modelling of off-road tyres for radial tyre model parameterization
Authors: Conradie Johannes Martinus , Els Pieter Schalk , Heyns Philippus Stephanus
Published: June 2015

This paper investigates the possibility of using a coarse finite element model with bulk material properties, to model the vertical force–displacement characteristics of a tyre, for the purpose of tyre model parameterization. The paper proves the approach on an off-road tyre of a light truck. The practical application is intended, however, for very large tyres where physical testing is not feasible.

The paper indicates that it is feasible to obtain bulk material properties from tensile tests on specimens cut from different positions on a tyre and to use these test results to parameterize suitable non-linear anisotropic material models. The non-linear elements defined in the neo-Hookean model and the Ogden model, as well as the elements with different linear orthogonal stiffnesses, are combined with each other to simulate the global material properties of the tread and the sidewall of the tyre.

The global behaviour of the finite element model is analysed by comparing experimental results and simulation data on a flat surface as well as various lateral and longitudinal cleats. The results confirm that the finite element model can predict with acceptable accuracy the vertical force–displacement characteristics, as well as the sidewall deformation of the tyre under static loading conditions on a flat surface and also on various different cleats, by using equivalent (global) material properties.

The approach is sufficiently accurate to be used in the parameterization of various tyre models.