bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Holding up the mirror: how to use quality assurance, peer review to improve sexual health
Authors: Womack Justine , Kell Philip , Scally Gabriel
Published: June 2013

The Office for Sexual Health was established in the southwest of England in January 2010 as a Department of Health pilot to bring together all elements of sexual health policy to address the fragmentation of effort created by having separate national programmes for different elements of sexual health. The Office for Sexual Health established a peer review process to quality assure the commissioning, delivery, evaluation and governance of sexual heath services across the southwest, based on a whole system, partnership approach to improvement that focused on all aspects of sexual health. This was carried out under the auspices of a sexual health services stakeholder Board, chaired by a Primary Care Trust Chief Executive, with a clear focus on providing leadership for continued improvement. The methodology involved local areas undertaking a self-assessment against national standards and providing evidence to underpin this, a review of data and a 1-day peer review visit. Each local area received feedback on the day and a follow-up report with recommendations. An evaluation of the peer review programme was carried out. The programme identified some common issues across local areas, which were addressed at an above local level by the Office for Sexual Health. Evaluation highlighted that the programme was valued by peer reviewers for sharing learning and that local areas had found the feedback constructive and helpful.
DNA damage induced by phenylalanine and its analogue p-chlorophenylalanine in blood and brain of rats subjected to a model of hyperphenylalaninemia
Authors: Simon Kellen R. , dos Santos Rosane M. , Scaini Giselli , Leffa Daniela D. , Damiani Adriani P. , Furlanetto Camila B. , Machado Jéssica L. , Cararo José H. , Macan Tamires P. , Streck Emilio L. , Ferreira Gustavo C. , Andrade Vanessa M. , Schuck Patrícia F.
Published: June 2013

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a disease caused by a deficiency of phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH), resulting in an accumulation of phenylalanine (Phe) in the brain tissue, cerebrospinal fluid, and other tissues of PKU patients. Considering that high levels of Phe are associated with neurological dysfunction and that the mechanisms underlying the neurotoxicity in PKU remain poorly understood, the main objective of this study was to investigate the in vivo and in vitro effects of Phe on DNA damage, as determined by the alkaline comet assay. The results showed that, compared to control group, the levels of DNA migration were significantly greater after acute administration of Phe, p-chlorophenylalanine (p-Cl-Phe, an inhibitor of PAH), or a combination thereof in cerebral cortex and blood, indicating DNA damage. These treatments also provoked increase of carbonyl content. Additionally, when Phe or p-Cl-Phe was present in the incubation medium, we observed an increase in the frequency and index of DNA damage in the cerebral cortex and blood, without affecting lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Our in vitro and in vivo findings indicate that DNA damage occurs in the cerebral cortex and blood of rats receiving Phe, suggesting that this mechanism could be, at least in part, responsible for the neurological dysfunction in PKU patients.
Theoretical study on the OH-initiated atmospheric reaction ofN-methyl perfluorobutane sulfonamidoethanol (C4F9SO2N(CH3)CH2CH2OH)
Authors: Dang Juan , Ding Lei , Sun Xiaoyan , Zhang Qingzhu , Wang Wenxing
Published: June 2013

N-methyl perfluorobutane sulfonamidoethanol (NMeFBSE), a new product of the 3M Company, is currently widely used in many countries and territories. It is prone to volatilize to the atmosphere where it can undergo long-range transport and chemical transformations. In this work, the reaction mechanism for the OH-initiated atmospheric oxidation of NMeFBSE was investigated. The geometrical parameters and vibrational frequencies of all of the stationary points were calculated at the MPWB1K level with the 6-31G+(d,p) basis set. Single-point energy calculations were carried out at the MPWB1K/6-311+G(3df,2p) level. The results indicate that the channel of the formation of C4F9and HSO3N(CH3)CH2CH2OH resulting from OH addition to NMeFBSE and hydrogen abstractions from the −CH3group in NMeFBSE are energetically favorable. The main degradation products include perfluorinated carboxylic acids (C3F7COOH, C2F5COOH, CF3COOH), HSO3N(CH3)CH2CH2OH, NMeFBSA (C4F9SO2NH(CH3)), C4F9SO2N(CH3)CH2CHO, and C4F9SO2N(CH3)CH2COOH. The reaction mechanism for the formation of NMeFBSA is reported for the first time. Using the atmospheric fate of NMeFBSE as a guide, it seems that N-methyl perfluorooctane sulfonamidoethanol (NMeFOSE) contributes to the ubiquity of perfluoroalkyl sulfonate and carboxylate compounds in the atmosphere.
A new high-resolution radiocarbon Bayesian age model of the Holocene and Late Pleistocene from core MD02-2494 and others, Effingham Inlet, British Columbia, Canada; with an application to the paleoseismic event chronology of the Cascadia Subduction Zone
Authors: Enkin Randolph J. , Dallimore Audrey , Baker Judith , Southon John R. , Ivanochko Tara
Published: June 2013

Annually laminated sediments from the anoxic inner basin of Effingham Inlet, Pacific coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, yield a high-resolution 42 m paleoenvironmental record, from the present to about 14 ka 14C BP (17 ka cal BP). A new age model, based on 68 radiocarbon dates from twigs and small plant material, from the 40 m core MD02-2494 and 2 m freeze cores from the surface, is anchored by the Mazama Ash and varve counting. A Poisson-process sedimentation model is used, applying a new method to determine the Poisson k value, giving a realistic age model compatible with the multi-proxy core data. Twenty-one “seismites”, which are lithofacies in the Effingham cores that may be representative of seismically triggered mass-wasting events, are identified and dated precisely, then compared with the chronology of the deep-sea turbidite record farther south in the Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ), to determine if regional sediment disturbances can be identified. With 16 proposed correlations, Effingham seismite ages are 169 ± 206 years older than turbidite ages estimated largely by radiocarbon analysis of foraminifera in hemipelagic deposits.
MULTIPLE LOADING EFFECTS ON WIND-INDUCED STATIC PERFORMANCE OF SUPER-LARGE COOLING TOWERS
Authors: CHENG X. X. , ZHAO L. , GE Y. J.
Published: June 2013

Currently, four grouped 177 m super-large cooling towers, i.e. column-supported hyperboloidal shells, are to be constructed in a typical electric power plant in Southeast China. To this end, simultaneous pressure measurements on 1:200 rigid tower models are carried out in an atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) wind tunnel, aimed at accurately obtaining the external/internal cladding wind loads on these shells. The wind-induced static behavior of the cooling towers is analyzed by applying the wind loads acquired via the pressure model tests, using both linear elastic and nonlinear elastic finite element (FE) analyses. The corresponding responses (structural deformation, internal force and local buckling state) are compared with those obtained by the traditional design approach, focused on the effects of internal suction and external pressure distribution. Besides, the tower group interference effects are studied by comparing the results computed of a freestanding tower, with those of the tower groups during two different construction stages. The main findings about the loading effects on the static performance of the super-large cooling towers are helpful for improving the current Chinese Codes that govern the design of super-large cooling towers.
Entanglement Witnesses for a Class of Bipartite States of n × n Qubits
Authors: Benatti Fabio , Karbalaii Mahya
Published: June 2013

We characterize the positive maps detecting the entangled bipartite states of n × n qubits that are diagonal with respect to the orthonormal basis constructed by tensor products of Pauli matrices acting on the totally symmetric state. We then discuss the case n = 2 for a class of states completely determined by the geometric patterns of subsets of a 16-point lattice.
Decoherence-Free Communication over Multiaccess Quantum Channels
Authors: Demianowicz Maciej
Published: June 2013

In this paper we consider decoherence-free communication over multiple access and k-user quantum channels. First, we concentrate on a hermitian unitary noise model U for a two-access bi-unitary channel and show that in this case a decoherence-free code exists if the space of Schmidt matrices of an eigensubspace of U exhibits certain properties of decomposability. Then, we show that our technique is also applicable for generic random unitary two-access channels. Finally, we consider the applicability of the result to the case of a larger number of senders and general Kraus operators.
Weak+Vacuum and One Decoy States with Two Way Quantum Key Distribution Protocol
Authors: Abdul Khir M. F. , Bahari I. , Ali S. , Shaari S.
Published: June 2013

We present relevant bounds for the case of weak+vacuum decoy state and one decoy state for a two-way four states Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) protocol. The numerical simulation result is significant given that an improvement in maximum secure distance of nearly twice the original one is achieved.
Theoretical model for gene-gene, gene-environment, and gene-sex interactions based on congenic-strain analysis of blood pressure in Dahl salt-sensitive rats
Authors: Rapp John P.
Published: June 2013

There is a significant literature describing quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling blood pressure (BP) in the Dahl salt-sensitive (S) rat. In studies to identify the genes underlying BP QTL it has been common practice to place chromosomal segments from low BP strains on the genetic background of the S rat and then reduce the congenic segments by substitution mapping. The present work suggests a model to simulate genetic interactions found using such congenic strains. The QTL are considered to be switches that can be either in series or in parallel represented by the logic operators AND or OR, respectively. The QTL switches can be on/off switches but are also allowed specific leak properties. The QTL switches are represented by a “universal” switch consisting of two molecules binding to form a complex. Genetic inputs enter the model as allelic products of one of the binding molecules and environmental variation (including dietary salt- and sex-related differences) enters as an influence on the concentration of the other binding molecule. The pairwise interactions of QTL are very well simulated and fall into recognizable patterns. There is, however, often more than one assumed model to predict a given pattern so that all patterns do not necessarily have a unique solution. Nevertheless, the models obtained provide a framework for placing the QTL in pathways relative to one another. Moreover, based on their leak properties pairs of QTL could be identified in which one QTL may alter the properties of the other QTL.
A Weighted Average Finite Difference Method for the Fractional Convection-Diffusion Equation
Authors: Su Lijuan , Cheng Pei
Published: June 2013

A weighted average finite difference method for solving the two-sided space-fractional convection-diffusion equation is given, which is an extension of the weighted average method for ordinary convection-diffusion equations. Stability, consistency, and convergence of the new method are analyzed. A simple and accurate stability criterion valid for this method, arbitrary weighted factor, and arbitrary fractional derivative is given. Some numerical examples with known exact solutions are provided.
Attracting Child Psychiatrists to a Televideo Consultation Service: The TeleLink Experience
Authors: Volpe Tiziana , Boydell Katherine M. , Pignatiello Antonio
Published: June 2013

Objective.Identify aspects of psychiatry work that are rewarding, as well as those that are challenging, from the perspective of psychiatrists and residents participating in televideo consultation services.Method. A web-based survey was distributed to psychiatrists within the Division of Child Psychiatry at the University of Toronto. Also, semistructured interviews were conducted with six child psychiatrists providing services to a telepsychiatry program. Finally, a focus group interview was held with four psychiatry residents.Results. Child psychiatrists are very comfortable conducting assessments via televideo. Factors identified as being important in the decision to participate in telepsychiatry include assisting underserved communities, supportive administrative staff, enhanced rural provider capacity, financial incentives, and convenience. The study’s qualitative phase identified four themes in the decision to participate in telepsychiatry: (1) organizational, (2) shared values, (3) innovation, and (4) the consultation model.Conclusion. The success of televideo consultation programs in attracting child psychiatrists to provide consultation services to underresourced communities makes an important contribution to psychiatric workforce shortages. Understanding what aspects of telepsychiatry are most appreciated by consulting psychiatrists and residents offers useful strategies to telepsychiatry administrators and medical school educators seeking to attract, train, and retain psychiatry practitioners.
Soluble ST2 Does Not Regulate TNF-α and IL-6 Production in Dengue Virus-Infected Human Monocytes
Authors: Pérez-Acosta Marisol , Delgado Félix Giovanni , Castellanos Jaime E.
Published: June 2013

Dengue virus (DENV) produces an acute infection that results in the overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines. Although increased levels of the immunoregulator soluble ST2 (sST2) protein have been reported in the serum of patients with dengue, its importance during DENV infection remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a recombinant human sST2 protein on the production of TNF-α and IL-6 in an in vitro model of DENV infection. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were permissive to in vitro DENV infection since viral antigen was detected in CD14+ monocytes by flow cytometry (median, 1%; range, 0–2.2), and in their supernatants TNF-α and IL-6 were detected. However, sST2 protein was not detected. Using multiple staining on infected PBMC we found that only CD14+ cells produced TNF-α and IL-6. Treatment with human recombinant sST2 protein decreased lipopolysaccharide-induced monocyte TNF-α and IL-6 production. However, this effect was not observed when the monocytes were pretreated with sST2 and later infected with DENV-2. These results suggest that sST2 has different roles in the regulation of TNF-α and IL-6 expression in human monocytes stimulated with LPS and DENV-2.
Practical Speech Emotion Recognition Based on Online Learning: From Acted Data to Elicited Data
Authors: Huang Chengwei , Liang Ruiyu , Wang Qingyun , Xi Ji , Zha Cheng , Zhao Li
Published: June 2013

We study the cross-database speech emotion recognition based on online learning. How to apply a classifier trained on acted data to naturalistic data, such as elicited data, remains a major challenge in today’s speech emotion recognition system. We introduce three types of different data sources: first, a basic speech emotion dataset which is collected from acted speech by professional actors and actresses; second, a speaker-independent data set which contains a large number of speakers; third, an elicited speech data set collected from a cognitive task. Acoustic features are extracted from emotional utterances and evaluated by using maximal information coefficient (MIC). A baseline valence and arousal classifier is designed based on Gaussian mixture models. Online training module is implemented by using AdaBoost. While the offline recognizer is trained on the acted data, the online testing data includes the speaker-independent data and the elicited data. Experimental results show that by introducing the online learning module our speech emotion recognition system can be better adapted to new data, which is an important character in real world applications.
The Role of Simvastatin in the Therapeutic Approach of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Cojocaru Lucia , Rusali Andrei Constantin , Şuţa Cristina , Rădulescu Anca Mihaela , Şuţa Maria , Craiu Elvira
Published: June 2013

The pleiotropic effects of statins, especially the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory ones, indicate that their therapeutic potential might extend beyond cholesterol lowering and cardiovascular disease to other inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, we undertook a prospective cohort study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of simvastatin used for inflammation control in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. One hundred patients with active rheumatoid arthritis divided into two equal groups (the study one who received 20 mg/day of simvastatin in addition to prior DMARDs and the control one) were followed up over six months during three study visits. The results of the study support the fact that simvastatin at a dose of 20 mg/day has a low anti-inflammatory effect in patients with rheumatoid arthritis with a good safety profile.
Effect of Polymers (PEG and PVP) on Sol‐Gel Synthesis of Microsized Zinc Oxide
Authors: Thirugnanam Thilagavathi
Published: June 2013

Fibers irregular and seed‐like microcrystalline ZnO were synthesized by using a cost‐effective and low temperature aqueous sol‐gel method. Various polymers, namely, polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), were used as structure directing agents. The samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The X‐ray diffraction pattern revealed the formation of phase‐pure ZnO micropowders. It is observed that the polymers play an important role in modifying the surface morphology and the size of the crystallites. A compact granular morphology is observed for the ZnO samples without polymer. The samples exhibit microparticles of size 100 nm for PVP and for PEG‐mediated growth, whereas microporous corrugated morphology is observed for added PEG‐mediated micropowder. FTIR study is used to confirm the structural modifications occurring in the polymers.
Periodic Solutions for Gause-Type Ratio-Dependent Predator-Prey Systems with Delays on Time Scales
Authors: Ding Xiaoquan , Liu Hongyuan , Wang Fengye
Published: June 2013

This paper is devoted to periodic Gause-type ratio-dependent predator-prey systems with monotonic or nonmonotonic numerical responses on time scales. By using a continuation theorem based on coincidence degree theory, we establish easily verifiable criteria for the existence of periodic solutions. In particular, our results improve and generalize some known ones.
Elevated Preoperative Serum CA19‐9 Levels in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Is Associated with Poor Prognosis after Resection
Authors: Chen Yu-Ling , Chen Chien-Hung , Hu Rey-Heng , Ho Ming-Chih , Jeng Yung-Ming
Published: June 2013

Serum levels of the tumor marker CA19‐9 have been reported to be elevated in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but its clinicopathologic significance is still unknown. A cohort of 304 patients undergoing surgical resection for HCC and having preoperative CA19‐9 data was enrolled in this study. Serum CA19‐9 levels were correlated with clinicopathologic factors. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the predictors of patient survival. On receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the cut off value of CA19‐9 was determined to be 27 U/mL. One hundred and six patients had preoperative CA19‐9 values >27 U/mL. High serum CA19‐9 levels did not correlate with patient age, sex, viral status, α‐fetoprotein level, tumor size, tumor grade, tumor stage, multiplicity, and vascular invasion. Patients with elevated preoperative CA19‐9 levels had lower 10‐year survival than those without CA19‐9 elevation. Multivariate analysis revealed that CA19‐9 level, tumor grade, and tumor size are independent prognostic factors for long‐term survival. In conclusion, a preoperative CA19‐9 value >27 U/mL is associated with poor prognosis after resection for HCC.
Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture for Breast Cancer Palliative Care and Adjuvant Therapy
Authors: Liao Guo-Shiou , Apaya Maria Karmella , Shyur Lie-Fen
Published: June 2013

Breast cancer is a life-threatening disease among women worldwide with annual rates of reported incidence and death increasing alarmingly. Chemotherapy is a recommended and effective treatment option for breast cancer; however, the narrow therapeutic indices and varied side effects of currently approved drugs present major hurdles in increasing its effectiveness. An increasing number of literature evidence indicate that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) used in treatment-related symptom control and alleviation of side effects plays an important role in increasing survival rate and quality of life in breast cancer patients. This review focuses on the use of herbal medicines and acupuncture in palliative care and as adjuvants in the treatment of breast cancer. Herbal medicinal treatments, the correlation of clinical use with demonstratedin vitroandin vivomechanisms of action, and the use of certain acupoints in acupuncture are summarized. The aim of this review is to facilitate an understanding of the current practice and usefulness of herbal medicine and acupuncture as adjuvants in breast cancer therapy.
Advantages of N-Type Hydrogenated Microcrystalline Silicon Oxide Films for Micromorph Silicon Solar Cells
Authors: Limmanee Amornrat , Kittisontirak Songkiate , Inthisang Sorapong , Krajangsang Taweewat , Sritharathikhun Jaran , Sriprapha Kobsak
Published: June 2013

We report on the development and application of n-type hydrogenated microcrystalline silicon oxide films (nμc-SiO:H) in hydrogenated amorphous silicon oxide/hydrogenated microcrystalline silicon (a-SiO:H/μc-Si:H) micromorph solar cells. The nμc-SiO:H films with high optical bandgap and low refractive index could be obtained when a ratio of carbon dioxide (CO2) to silane (SiH4) flow rate was raised; however, a trade-off against electrical property was observed. We applied the nμc-SiO:H films in the top a-SiO:H cell and investigated the changes in cell performance with respect to the electrical and optical properties of the films. It was found that all photovoltaic parameters of the micromorph silicon solar cells using the n topμc-SiO:H layer enhanced with increasing the CO2/SiH4ratio up to 0.23, where the highest initial cell efficiency of 10.7% was achieved. The enhancement of the open circuit voltage (Voc) was likely to be due to a reduction of reverse bias at subcell connection—n top/p bottom interface—and a better tunnel recombination junction contributed to the improvement in the fill factor (FF). Furthermore, the quantum efficiency (QE) results also have demonstrated intermediate-reflector function of the nμc-SiO:H films.
A Method for the Observation of the Primo Vascular System in the Thoracic Duct of a Rat
Authors: Kim Sungha , Jung Sharon Jiyoon , Cho Sang Yeon , Song Yoon Kyu , Soh Kwang-Sup , Kim Sungchul
Published: June 2013

Even though the primo vascular system (PVS) has been observed in large caliber lymph vessels by several independent teams, the presence of the PVS in the thoracic duct has been reported by only one team, probably because reproducing the experiment is technically difficult. This brief report presents a new, relatively straightforward method, which is a simple modification of the previous method of dye injection into the lumbar node, to observe the PVS in a thoracic duct of a rat by injecting Alcian blue into the renal node. When this new method was applied to a rat, the branching of the primo vessel in the thoracic duct was clearly displayed. Thus, this new method is expected to extend the network of the PVS from abdominal lymph ducts to thoracic ones.
Hydromagnetic Stagnation-Point Flow towards a Radially Stretching Convectively Heated Disk
Authors: Shateyi S. , Makinde O. D.
Published: June 2013

The steady stagnation-point flow and heat transfer of an electrically conducted incompressible viscous fluid are extended to the case where the disk surface is convectively heated and radially stretching. The fluid is subjected to an external uniform magnetic field perpendicular to the plane of the disk. The governing momentum and energy balance equations give rise to nonlinear boundary value problem. Using a spectral relaxation method with a Chebyshev spectral collocation method, the numerical solutions are obtained over the entire range of the physical parameters. Emphasis has been laid to study the effects of viscous dissipation and Joule heating on the thermal boundary layer. Pertinent results on the effects of various thermophysical parameters on the velocity and temperature fields as well as local skin friction and local Nusselt number are discussed in detail and shown graphically and/or in tabular form.
Osteoconductivity and Biodegradability of Collagen Scaffold Coated with Nano‐β‐TCP and Fibroblast Growth Factor 2
Authors: Ibara Asako , Miyaji Hirofumi , Fugetsu Bunshi , Nishida Erika , Takita Hiroko , Tanaka Saori , Sugaya Tsutomu , Kawanami Masamitsu
Published: June 2013

Nanoparticle bioceramics have become anticipated for biomedical applications. Highly bioactive and biodegradable scaffolds would be developed using nanoparticles of β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP). We prepared collagen scaffolds coated by nano‐β‐TCP and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and evaluated the effects on new bone augmentation and biodegradation. The collagen sponge was coated with the nano‐TCP dispersion and freeze‐dried. Scaffold was characterized by SEM, TEM, XRD, compressive testing and cell seeding. Subsequently, the nano‐β‐TCP/collagen scaffold, collagen sponge, and each material loaded with FGF2 were implanted on rat cranial bone. As a control, no implantation was performed. Nano‐TCP particles were found to be attached to the fibers of the collagen sponge by SEM and TEM observations. Scaffold coated with nano‐TCP showed higher compressive strength and cytocompatibility. In histological evaluations at 10 days, inflammatory cells were rarely seen around the residual scaffold, suggesting that the nano‐TCP material possesses good tissue compatibility. At 35 days, bone augmentation and scaffold degradation in histological samples receiving nano‐β‐TCP scaffold were significantly greater than those in the control. By loading of FGF2, advanced bone formation is facilitated, indicating that a combination with FGF2 would be effective for bone tissue engineering.
Structural Health Monitoring of Transport Aircraft with Fuzzy Logic Modeling
Authors: Chang Ray C. , Lan C. Edward
Published: June 2013

A structural health monitoring method based on the concept of static aeroelasticity is presented in this paper. This paper focuses on the estimation of these aeroelastic effects on older transport aircraft, in particular the structural components that are most affected, in severe atmospheric turbulence. Because the structural flexibility properties are mostly unknown to aircraft operators, only the trend, not the magnitude, of these effects is estimated. For this purpose, one useful concept in static aeroelastic effects for conventional aircraft structures is that under aeroelastic deformation the aerodynamic center should move aft. This concept is applied in the present paper by using the fuzzy-logic aerodynamic models. A twin-jet transport aircraft in severe atmospheric turbulence involving plunging motion is examined. It is found that the pitching moment derivatives in cruise with moderate to severe turbulence in transonic flight indicate some degree of abnormality in the stabilizer (i.e., the horizontal tail). Therefore, the horizontal tail is the most severely affected structural component of the aircraft probably caused by vibration under the dynamic loads induced by turbulence.
Modeling and Robust Trajectory Tracking Control for a Novel Six-Rotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Authors: Yang Chengshun , Yang Zhong , Huang Xiaoning , Li Shaobin , Zhang Qiang
Published: June 2013

Modeling and trajectory tracking control of a novel six-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is concerned to solve problems such as smaller payload capacity and lack of both hardware redundancy and anticrosswind capability for quad-rotor. The mathematical modeling for the six-rotor UAV is developed on the basis of the Newton-Euler formalism, and a second-order sliding-mode disturbance observer (SOSMDO) is proposed to reconstruct the disturbances of the rotational dynamics. In consideration of the under-actuated and strong coupling properties of the six-rotor UAV, a nested double loops trajectory tracking control strategy is adopted. In the outer loop, a position error PID controller is designed, of which the task is to compare the desired trajectory with real position of the six-rotor UAV and export the desired attitude angles to the inner loop. In the inner loop, a rapid-convergent nonlinear differentiator (RCND) is proposed to calculate the derivatives of the virtual control signal, instead of using the analytical differentiation, to avoid “differential expansion” in the procedure of the attitude controller design. Finally, the validity and effectiveness of the proposed technique are demonstrated by the simulation results.
Plasma Wind Tunnel Investigation of European Ablators in Nitrogen/Methane Using Emission Spectroscopy
Authors: Wernitz Ricarda , Eichhorn Christoph , Marynowski Thomas , Herdrich Georg
Published: June 2013

For atmospheric reentries at high enthalpies ablative heat shield materials are used, such as those for probes entering the atmosphere of Saturn’s moon Titan, such as Cassini-Huygens in December, 2004. The characterization of such materials in a nitrogen/methane atmosphere is of interest. A European ablative material, AQ60, has been investigated in plasma wind tunnel tests at the IRS plasma wind tunnel PWK1 using the magnetoplasma dynamic generator RD5 as plasma source in a nitrogen/methane atmosphere. The dimensions of the samples are 45 mm in length with a diameter of 39 mm. The actual ablator has a thickness of 40 mm. The ablator is mounted on an aluminium substructure. The experiments were conducted at two different heat flux regimes, 1.4 MW/m2 and 0.3 MW/m2. In this paper, results of emission spectroscopy at these plasma conditions in terms of plasma species’ temperatures will be presented, including the investigation of the free-stream species, N2 and N2+, and the major erosion product C2, at a wavelength range around 500 nm–600 nm.
Authenticated Blind Issuing of Symmetric Keys for Mobile Access Control System without Trusted Parties
Authors: Chiou Shin-Yan
Published: June 2013

Mobile authentication can be used to verify a mobile user’s identity. Normally this is accomplished through the use of logon passwords, but this can raise the secret-key agreement problem between entities. This issue can be resolved by using a public-key cryptosystem, but mobile devices have limited computation ability and battery capacity and a PKI is needed. In this paper, we propose an efficient, non-PKI, authenticated, and blind issued symmetric key protocol for mobile access control systems. An easy-to-deploy authentication and authenticated key agreement system is designed such that empowered mobile devices can directly authorize other mobile devices to exchange keys with the server upon authentication using a non-PKI system without trusted parties. Empowered mobile users do not know the key value of the other mobile devices, preventing users from impersonating other individuals. Also, for security considerations, this system can revoke specific keys or keys issued by a specific user. The scheme is secure, efficient, and feasible and can be implemented in existing environments.
The Principal Aspects of Application of Detonation in Propulsion Systems
Authors: Vasil'ev A. A.
Published: June 2013

The basic problems of application of detonation process in propulsion systems with impulse and continuous burning of combustible mixture are discussed. The results on propagation of detonation waves in supersonic flow are analyzed relatively to air-breathing engine. The experimental results are presented showing the basic possibility of creation of an engine with exterior detonation burning. The base results on optimization of initiation in impulse detonation engine are explained at the expense of spatial and temporal redistribution of an energy, entered into a mixture. The method and technique for construction of highly effective accelerators for deflagration to detonation transition are discussed also.
Canine Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: Dissemination and Tissue Tropism of Genetically DistinctLeishmania (Viannia) braziliensisPopulations
Authors: de Oliveira Guilherme Marx , Madeira Maria de Fátima , Oliveira Fernanda Santos , Pires Marize Quinhones , Pacheco Raquel da Silva
Published: June 2013

Little is known regarding the internal dissemination of initial cutaneous lesions and tissue tropism ofLeishmania (Viannia) braziliensispopulations in naturally infected dogs. The aim of this study was to investigate genetic polymorphisms ofL. (V.) braziliensispopulations in different anatomic sites of naturally infected dogs by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and low-stringency single specific primer-PCR (LSSP-PCR) techniques. The amplified products were analyzed by LSSP-PCR to investigate the genetic variability of the parasite populations present in different anatomical sites. Twenty-three out of the 52 samples gave PCR-positive results. The existence ofL. (V.) braziliensisstrains that remained restricted to cutaneous lesions and others showing characteristics of dissemination to internal organs and healthy skin was observed. LSSP-PCR and numerical analyses revealed that parasite populations that do not disseminate were genetically similar and belonged to a separate phenetic cluster. In contrast, populations that showed spreading to internal organs displayed a more polymorphic genetic profile. Despite the heterogeneity,L. (V.) braziliensispopulations with identical genetic profiles were observed in popliteal and cervical lymph nodes of the same animal. Our results indicate that infection in dogs can be manifested by dissemination and tissue tropism of genetically distinct populations ofL. (V.) braziliensis.
C3orf58
, a Novel Paracrine Protein, Stimulates Cardiomyocyte Cell-Cycle Progression Through the PI3K–AKT–CDK7 Pathway
Authors: Beigi Farideh , Schmeckpeper Jeffrey , Pow-anpongkul Pete , Payne James Alan , Zhang Lunan , Zhang Zhiping , Huang Jing , Mirotsou Maria , Dzau Victor J.
Published: June 2013

Rationale:

The regenerative capacity of the heart is markedly diminished shortly after birth, coinciding with overall withdrawal of cardiomyocytes from cell cycle. Consequently, the adult mammalian heart has limited capacity to regenerate after injury. The discovery of factors that can induce cardiomyocyte proliferation is, therefore, of high interest and has been the focus of extensive investigation throughout the past years.

Objective:

We have recently identified C3orf58 as a novel hypoxia and Akt induced stem cell factor (HASF) secreted from mesenchymal stem cells, which can promote cardiac repair through cytoprotective mechanisms. Here, we tested the hypothesis that HASF can also contribute to cardiac regeneration by stimulating cardiomyocyte division and proliferation.

Methods and Results:

Neonatal ventricular cardiomyocytes were stimulated in culture for 7 days with purified recombinant HASF protein. Compared with control untreated cells, HASF-treated neonatal cardiomyocytes exhibited 60% increase in DNA synthesis as measured by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation. These results were confirmed by immunofluorescence confocal microscopy showing a 50% to 100% increase in the number of cardiomyocytes in the mitotic and cytokinesis phases. Importantly, in vivo cardiac overexpression of HASF in a transgenic mouse model resulted in enhanced level of DNA synthesis and cytokinesis in neonatal and adult cardiomyocytes. These proliferative effects were modulated by a phosphoinositide 3-kinase–protein kinase B–cycle-dependent kinase 7 pathway as revealed by the use of phosphoinositide 3-kinase -pathway–specific inhibitors and silencing of the
Cdk7
gene.

Conclusions:

Our studies support the hypothesis that HASF induces cardiomyocyte proliferation via a phosphoinositide 3-kinase–protein kinase B–cycle-dependent kinase 7 pathway. The implications of this finding may be significant for cardiac regeneration biology and therapeutics.
If-Plots in Deuteronomy
Authors: Sonnet Jean-Pierre
Published: June 2013

Abstract

In its overall literary construction, Deuteronomy has turned a syntactic form—the “if/when . . .” form of casuistic laws and vassal treaties—into its main narrative dynamics. It has combined the mini-plots of the case-laws (“if a man . . .” / “when you . . .”) with the overarching plot of the people’s loyalty (“if you listen to the commandments . . .”) and with the macro-plot of the divine promise (“when Yhwh your God brings you into the land . . .”) in order to create a general suspenseful momentum that leads to the memorable dénouement of Deut 34:9: “The sons of Israel listened . . . and did just as Yhwh had commanded Moses”.
The Church on the Move: Mission in an Age of Migration
Authors: Groody Daniel G.
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Migration is not only a contemporary challenge but something that humanity has undergone since earliest times. Interwoven into our genetic, biological, and spiritual DNA, it is fundamental to our identity as human beings, and it is also at the core of Christian mission. This article examines (1) the external journey of migrants, (2) the internal journey or spirituality of migrants, and (3) the human journey before God or a theology of migration. The author presents not only what the Church teaches about migration but also the underlying reasons why it does so. It looks at the contemporary challenges of global migration in light of God’s migration to us in the incarnation and our return migration to God through discipleship, mission, and the journey to redemption. It argues that our fundamental identity rests in the end not on the creed of a nation but on who we are as a pilgrim people and our movement outward in mission to strangers in need.
Relating Kenosis to Soteriology: Implications for Christian Ministry amongst Homeless People
Authors: Purves David R.
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Christian ministry amongst homeless people is often characterised by division between the ministry itself as social action by independent voluntary organisations, and congregational life. This is arguably the result of sociological forces, but is also compounded by the prevalence in mainline churches of ethically lacking popular versions of penal substitution that privatise spirituality. We argue that in addition to strengthening the ethical content of such teaching, it is important to offer alternative theological tools that challenge Christian self-understanding. Kenosis is just such a tool. In a brief historical sketch of biblical and theological approaches, we suggest that it is the ethical, narrative understanding of kenosis, rather than preoccupation with philosophically-orientated Christological debates about the locus of the apparent ‘emptying’ of divine attributes, that is central to understanding kenosis. What we label the necessary ethically kenotic dimension to salvation is then explored, an area in which we are influenced by current biblical scholarship on ‘justification’ in Paul by participationist-inclined scholars, particularly the work of Michael Gorman based on the Philippian hymn and his emphasis on justification by co-crucifixion. Kenosis as a ‘selfishness emptying’ that leads to co-resurrection is an integral and ongoing part of the soteriological process of theosis. Relating kenosis to soteriology in this way has implications for church work amongst homeless people, and we suggest that when also taking into account current social work research, churches receive an imperative to offer ministry that is community orientated, relational, self-giving and absorptive.
First Report of Sabella spallanzanii (Gmelin, 1791) (Annelida: Polychaeta) from Botany Bay, New South Wales, a northern range extension for the invasive species within Australia
Authors: MURRAY ANNA , KEABLE STEPHEN J.
Published: June 2013

The European Fanworm, Sabella spallanzanii (Gmelin, 1791), is a known invasive species in Australian coastal waters (Global Invasive Species Database 2013) and has been listed as:
The tadpole of the Melville Range Treefrog Litoria andiirrmalin (Anura: Hylidae)
Authors: MEYER EDWARD A. , HINES HARRY B. , HOSKIN CONRAD J. , McDONALD KEITH R.
Published: June 2013

The Melville Range Treefrog (Litoria andiirrmalin McDonald) is a large saxicolous hylid frog restricted to boulder-field streams of Cape Melville, northeast Australia (McDonald 1997). Due to difficulties accessing its remote habitat, the breeding biology of this highly distinctive species remains poorly known. Information on the morphology and habitat of larval L. andiirrmalin is provided below.
A new subtidal species of the genus Petrolisthes Stimpson, 1858 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Porcellanidae) from Okinawa, with an account of species of the genus known from the Ryukyu Islands, southwestern Japan
Authors: OSAWA MASAYUKI , UYENO DAISUKE
Published: June 2013

A new porcellanid crab, Petrolisthes uruma sp. nov., is described based on a single specimen collected from Okinawa-jima Island in the Ryukyus, southwestern Japan. The unique holotype was collected from a subtidal depth of 10 m, though vast majority of the genus occur in intertidal to shallow subtidal zone. The new species is morphologically closest to P. moluccensis (De Man, 1888), but is distinguished by the weaker striation on the carapace, the proportionally longer carpus of the cheliped, the number of the anterior marginal teeth of the carpus of the cheliped, and the meri of the second and third pereopods each with a much stronger spine at the lateroventral distal angle. A brief note on species of Petrolisthes presently known from the Ryukyu Islands is given.
Taxonomic notes and description of the male of Xenochlora nigrofemorata (Smith, 1879) (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Halictinae)
Authors: SANTOS LEANDRO M. , MELO GABRIEL A.R.
Published: June 2013

The present work describes for the first time the male of the bee genus Xenochlora Engel, Brooks & Yanega, 1997. The male of X. nigrofemorata (Smith, 1879) is described and illustrated. Additionally, Megalopta opacicollis Friese, 1926 is placed as a junior synonym of X. nigrofemorata (Smith, 1879).
Two new quill mite species (Prostigmata: Syringophilidae) parasitizing Australian birds
Authors: GLOWSKA ELIZA , LANIECKA IZABELLA
Published: June 2013

Two new quill mite species (Prostigmata: Cheyletoidea: Syringophilidae), Syringophilopsis philemonis sp. nov. from Phi-lemon citreogularis (Gould) (Passeriformes: Meliphagidae) and Megasyringophilus cacatua sp. nov. from Cacatua gal-erita (Latham) (Psittaciformes: Psittacidae) are described from Australia.
A new species of the hoplichthyid genus Hoplichthys (Teleostei: Hoplichthyidae) from northern Western Australia
Authors: NAGANO YUKI , McGROUTHER MARK A. , YABE MAMORU
Published: June 2013

A new species of hoplichthyid, Hoplichthys imamurai, is described on basis of three specimens (128.9–143.6 mm SL) collected from northern Western Australia. It is clearly distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: short preoptic snout (31.2–32.7% HL); vomer without teeth; long, thin, gill rakers; low first dorsal fin, its ad-pressed tips not reaching origin of second dorsal fin in males; some filament-like elongated second dorsal-fin rays in males; emarginate caudal fin, upper edge elongated and filament-like in males. Toothless vomer and form of caudal fin are characters unique to H. imamurai in this genus.
Oral Literature in Africa
Authors: Finnegan Ruth
Published: June 2013

Ruth Finnegan’s Oral Literature in Africa was first published in 1970, and since then has been widely praised as one of the most important books in its field. Based on years of fieldwork, the study traces the history of storytelling across the continent of Africa. This revised edition makes Finnegan’s ground-breaking research available to the next generation of scholars. It includes a new introduction, additional images and an updated bibliography, as well as its original chapters on poetry, prose, "drum language" and drama, and an overview of the social, linguistic and historical background of oral literature in Africa. Oral Literature in Africa has been accessed by hundreds of readers in over 60 different countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda and numerous other African countries. The digital editions of this book are free to download thanks to the generous support of interested readers and organisations, who made donations using the crowd-funding website Unglue.it. Oral Literature in Africa is part of our World Oral Literature Series in conjunction with the World Oral Literature Project.
Seasonal Predictability of the Southern Annular Mode due to Its Association with ENSO
Authors: Lim Eun-Pa , Hendon Harry H. , Rashid Harun
Published: June 2013

Predictability of the southern annular mode (SAM) for lead times beyond 1–2 weeks has traditionally been considered to be low because the SAM is regarded as an internal mode of variability with a typical decorrelation time of about 10 days. However, the association of the SAM with El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) suggests the potential for making seasonal predictions of the SAM. In this study the authors explore seasonal predictability and the predictive skill of SAM using observations and retrospective forecasts (hindcasts) from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology dynamical seasonal forecast system [the Predictive Ocean and Atmosphere Model for Australia, version 2 (POAMA2)].

Based on the observed seasonal relationships of the SAM with tropical sea surface temperatures, two distinctive periods of high seasonal predictability are suggested: austral late autumn to winter and late spring to early summer. Predictability of the SAM in the austral cold seasons stems from the association of the SAM with warm-pool (or Modoki/central Pacific) ENSO, whereas predictability in the austral warm seasons stems from the association of the SAM with cold-tongue (or eastern Pacific) ENSO.

Using seasonal hindcasts for 1980–2010 from POAMA2, it is shown that the observed relationship between SAM and ENSO is faithfully depicted and SST variations associated with ENSO are skillfully predicted. Consequently, POAMA2 can skillfully predict the phase and amplitude of seasonal anomalies of the SAM in early summer and early winter for at least one season in advance. Zero-lead monthly forecasts of the SAM are furthermore shown to be highly skillful in almost all months, which is ascribed to predictability stemming from observed atmospheric initial conditions.