bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bed Prism Spectacles
Authors: Ribeiro Jair Lúcio Prados
Published: December 2017

We only became aware of the existence of bed prism spectacles when a student brought them to the classroom and asked us about how they work. The device proved to be a fertile source of curiosity among the students, and, to be properly understood, it required us to develop a comparison between reflection in a typical mirror and total internal reflection in a prism. In this article we explain the physics behind this unfamiliar device, supported by geometrical optics principles.
Using Psychology in the Physics Classroom: Five Steps to Improving Classroom Effectiveness
Authors: Brown Jo-Anne
Published: December 2017

Psychology has been an avocation of mine for almost 20 years, and over the past decade I have begun integrating this knowledge into my classroom. My first introduction to psychology was through the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®. MBTI looks at preferences in how people interact with the world around them. By recognizing how different students receive, process, and communicate information, and how my communication style likely interacts with theirs, I have been able to improve my competence in the classroom. For example, my student evaluations have gone from the low- to mid-5’s 13 years ago to mid-6’s (out of 7) consistently over the last five years, during which time I have also won four teaching awards and have been nominated for one more at my institution.
Do Active Learning Approaches in Recitation Sections Improve Student Performance? A Case Study from an Introductory Mechanics Course
Authors: Tobin R. G.
Published: December 2017

Abundant research leaves little question that pedagogical approaches involving active student engagement with the material, and opportunities for student-to-student discussions, lead to much better learning outcomes than traditional instructor-led, expository instructional formats, in physics and in many other fields. In introductory college physics classes, some departments have departed radically from conventional lecture-recitation-laboratory course structures, but many, including my own, retain the basic format of large-group classroom sessions (lectures) supplemented by smaller-group meetings focused on problem solving (recitations) and separate laboratory meetings. Active student engagement in the lectures is encouraged through approaches such as Peer Instruction and Interactive Lecture Demonstrations, and these approaches have been demonstrably successful.
Amazing Vibrations Within the Homopolar Motor
Authors: Bednarek Stanisław
Published: December 2017

The most common type of homopolar motor comprises a cylindrical neodymium magnet, a battery, and a non-ferromagnetic frame rotating around the battery. Here, the author substituted a coiled spring for the frame. Due to this change, a new and intriguing effect emerges, the axial buzzing of the spring during its rotation. This paper describes the construction of this motor and explains the reasons for the observed vibrations.
Studying cooling curves with a smartphone
Authors: Silva Manuela Ramos , Martín-Ramos Pablo , da Silva Pedro Pereira
Published: December 2017

This paper describes a simple procedure for the study of the cooling of a spherical body using a standard thermometer and a smartphone. Experiments making use of smartphone sensors have been described before, contributing to an improved teaching of classical mechanics, but rarely expand to thermodynamics. In this experiment, instead of using a smartphone camera to slow down a fast movement, we are using the device to speed up a slow process. For that we propose the use of the free app Framelapse to take periodic pictures (in the form of a time-lapse video) and then the free app VidAnalysis to track the position of the mercury inside the thermometer, thus effortlessly tracking the temperature of a cooling body (Fig. 1).
Radiative transfer formulation for forest acoustics
Authors: Ostashev Vladimir E. , Muhlestein Michael B. , Wilson D. Keith
Published: December 2017

The radiative transfer equation (RTE) is outlined and then applied to forest acoustics. The RTE is an integro-differential equation for the radiance, which is the angular Fourier transform of the spatial correlation function of the sound field. It correctly accounts for propagation phenomena such as multiple scattering, absorption, and the transformation of the coherent sound field into the incoherent field. In this formulation, acoustical properties of a forest are described by the total cross sections and differential scattering cross sections of different scatterers. In this paper, the four-layer forest model is used with the following distinct layers: ground, trunk layer, canopy layer, and open air. The trunk layer is modeled with finite vertical cylinders, while the canopy layer is modeled with diffuse scatterers. The total and differential scattering cross sections in these layers are calculated. The boundary condition for the radiance at the interface between the ground and trunk layers is formulated. Using a modified Born approximation, the RTE is solved for a plane sound wave normally incident on the edge of a forest. The mean intensities transmitted and backscattered from a stand of trees are calculated and analyzed.
Surgical removal of a giant iris stromal cyst: an intraoperative optical coherence tomography-guided approach
Authors: Sinha Rajesh , Chaniyara Manthan Hasmukhbhai , Urkude Jayanand , Pujari Amar
Published: December 2017

An 11-year-old girl was brought with the chief complaint of progressive diminution of vision in her right eye for the past 3 months. There was no history of ocular trauma or any ocular surgery. Systemic and family history was insignificant. Visual acuity was 20/20 in her left eye and counting finger close to face with projection of rays being accurate in her right eye. Slit lamp examination of her right eye showed large cystic lesion filling almost entire anterior chamber. With the help of various imaging modalities like anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) and ultrasound biomicroscopy diagnosis of iris stromal cyst was confirmed. Right eye surgical removal of the iris stromal cyst was done under real-time imaging of intraoperative OCT (iOCT). Best-corrected visual acuity at 6 months follow-up was 20/20 without any recurrence. iOCT-guided approach for complete removal of the iris cyst seems more promising.
Pregnancy exposure to air pollution and early childhood respiratory health in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa)
Authors: Madsen Christian , Haberg Siri Eldevik , Magnus Maria C , Aamodt Geir , Stigum Hein , London Stephanie J , Nystad Wenche , Nafstad Per
Published: December 2017

Objectives

It is unclear whether maternal air pollution exposure during pregnancy induces changes in the developing respiratory system of a child and whether it has consequences for respiratory health in early childhood. We investigated associations between exposure to moderate levels of air pollution during pregnancy and early childhood lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) and wheezing.

Methods

This study used a subgroup of 17 533 participants in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study. Air pollution levels at residential addresses were estimated using land use regression models, and back-extrapolated to the period of each pregnancy. Information on LRTI and wheezing and lifestyle factors was collected from questionnaires completed by mothers during pregnancy and when the child was 6 and 18 months of age.

Results

Moderate mean levels of NO2(13.6 µg/m3, range 0.01–60.4) exposure at residential address during pregnancy were not statistically associated with LRTI and wheezing. No association was found per 10 µg/m3change in NO2exposure and LRTI before the age of 6 months (adjusted risk ratio (RR) 0.99; 95% CI 0.84 to 1.17), or between 6 and 18 months of age (adjusted RR 1.05; 95% CI 0.94 to 1.16). Similarly, we found no association per 10 µg/m3change in NO2exposure and wheezing between 6 and 18 months of age (adjusted RR 1.02; 95% CI 0.97 to 1.07).

Conclusions

There were no statistically significant associations for moderate levels of pregnancy NO2exposure and respiratory health outcomes during early childhood in overall analyses.
Comprehensive assessment of health education and health promotion in five non-communicable disease demonstration districts in China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Xu Qiaohua , Huang Yuelong , Chen Biyun
Published: December 2017

Objectives

This study aims to develop assessment indicators of health education and promotion for non-communicable disease (NCD) demonstration districts in China and to identify significant factors associated with NCD health education and promotion work.

Methods

Three complementary techniques were used to conduct this study in Hunan Province, China, between late 2013 and 2015. The Delphi technique was used to develop weighted assessment indicators, followed by the rank sum ratio (RSR) to normalise the weights through rank conversion. Lastly, the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution was conducted to assess five randomly selected NCD demonstration districts representing five different orientations in the province.

Results

A total of 24 assessment indicators were constructed covering the following sections: organisational management, fund support, personnel supplies, health education and promotion, people’s awareness of NCDs, management and control of patients with NCD, satisfaction with health education and promotion and health literacy of residents. Five districts were selected as samples for evaluation (Furong District, Ziyang District, Shaodong County, Shuangfeng County and Luxi County). Performance varied among the sites, with Furong District greatly surpassing the other sites, especially in fund support, media promotion, technical support for publicity materials, community promotion and supportive environment supplies. The latter four factors were also much greater in the second-ranked Luxi County site than those in the other sites (except Furong District).

Conclusions

There were gaps in health education and promotion work in NCD demonstration districts in Hunan Province. The districts that performed better had obvious advantages in fund support, media promotion, technical support, community promotion and supportive environment supplies. Our study provided both a methodological reference and an assessment indicator framework for similar future studies.
Does the implementation of a novel intensive care discharge risk score and nurse-led inpatient review tool improve outcome? A prospective cohort study in two intensive care units in the UK
Authors: Fabes Jez , Seligman William , Barrett Carolyn , McKechnie Stuart , Griffiths John
Published: December 2017

Objective

To develop a clinical prediction model for poor outcome after intensive care unit (ICU) discharge in a large observational data set and couple this to an acute post-ICU ward-based review tool (PIRT) to identify high-risk patients at the time of ICU discharge and improve their acute ward-based review and outcome.

Design

Retrospective patient cohort of index ICU admissions between June 2006 and October 2011 receiving routine inpatient review. Prospective cohort between March 2012 and March 2013 underwent risk scoring (PIRT) which subsequently guided inpatient ward-based review.

Setting

Two UK adult ICUs.

Participants

4212 eligible discharges from ICU in the retrospective development cohort and 1028 patients included in the prospective intervention cohort.

Interventions

Multivariate analysis was performed to determine factors associated with poor outcome in the retrospective cohort and used to generate a discharge risk score. A discharge and daily ward-based review tool incorporating an adjusted risk score was introduced. The prospective cohort underwent risk scoring at ICU discharge and inpatient review using the PIRT.

Outcomes

The primary outcome was the composite of death or readmission to ICU within 14 days of ICU discharge following the index ICU admission.

Results

PIRT review was achieved for 67.3% of all eligible discharges and improved the targeting of acute post-ICU review to high-risk patients. The presence of ward-based PIRT review in the prospective cohort did not correlate with a reduction in poor outcome overall (P=0.876) or overall readmission but did reduce early readmission (within the first 48 hours) from 4.5% to 3.6% (P=0.039), while increasing the rate of late readmission (48 hours to 14 days) from 2.7% to 5.8% (P=0.046).

Conclusion

PIRT facilitates the appropriate targeting of nurse-led inpatient review acutely after ICU discharge but does not reduce hospital mortality or overall readmission rates to ICU.
Effect of second child intent on delivery mode after Chinese two child policy implementation: a cross sectional and prospective observational study of nulliparous women in Chongqing
Authors: Zhao Jianlin , Shan Nan , Yang Xiaochang , Li Qin , Xia Yinyin , Zhang Hua , Qi Hongbo
Published: December 2017

Objectives

To assess the influence of second child intent on the delivery preferences and final delivery modes of nulliparous women, particularly caesarean delivery on maternal request (CDMR), after implementation of China’s two child policy.

Design

Cross sectional and prospective observational study.

Setting

A tertiary teaching hospital in Chongqing, China.

Participants

1000 low risk nulliparous women were initially involved, and were divided into two groups based on their intent on having a second child. 814 women who completed all interviews were analysed.

Main outcome measures

Preferred mode of delivery in second trimester and at admission; final delivery mode, CDMR.

Results

814 women who completed all interviews were analysed, in whom 51.2% intended to have a second child. The preference for caesarean delivery (CD) at the second trimester between the intent and no intent group was 6.2% versus 17.9% (adjusted RR 0.35, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.63) and increased to 24.2% versus 37.3% (adjusted RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.94) at admission, respectively. The overall CD rates between the two groups were 41.0% versus 50.4% (adjusted RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.60 to 1.18), and the CDMR rates were 16.7% versus 29.0% (adjusted RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.86), respectively.

Conclusions

Women who intend to have a second child are less likely to request a CD, and high rates of CD and CDMR in nulliparous women may have decreased after implementation of China’s two child policy.
Frailty measurement and outcomes in interventional studies: protocol for a systematic review of randomised control trials
Authors: Shears Melissa , McGolrick Danielle , Waters Braden , Jakab Marnie , Boyd J. Gordon , Muscedere John
Published: December 2017

Introduction

Frailty is associated with reduced functional capacity, decreased resistance to stressors and is predictive of a range of adverse health outcomes, including dependency, hospitalisation and mortality. Early identification of frailty may prevent, reduce and postpone adverse health outcomes. However, there is a need for additional evidence to guide decision-making for the care of frail patients since frail persons are frequently excluded from studies, the differential impact of frailty is often not examined in clinical trials and few large-scale clinical trials examining frail cohorts have been conducted. Randomised control trials (RCTs) published to date have used a diverse range of definitions of frailty, as well as a variety of outcome measures. The objective of this systematic review is to comprehensively characterise the frail populations enrolled and the end points reported in frailty RCTs.

Methods and analysis

We will identify all RCTs reporting on the outcome of interventions in adult (age ≥18 years) frail populations as defined by authors, in all settings of care. Databases will include MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycInfo, Global Health, the Joanna Briggs database and Cochrane Library. Two reviewers will independently determine trial eligibility. For each included trial, we will conduct duplicate independent data extraction, inter-rater reliability, risk of bias assessment and evaluation of the quality of the evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations approach.

Ethics and dissemination

This systematic review will comprehensively identify RCTs including frail patients to identify how frailty is measured and which outcomes are reported. The results of this systematic review may inform clinicians caring for persons with frailty, facilitate conduct of future RCTs and inform future efforts to develop common data elements and core outcomes for frailty studies. Our findings will be disseminated through conference presentation and publication in peer-reviewed journals.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017065233.
Circulating tumour cells as a potential screening tool for lung cancer (the AIR study): protocol of a prospective multicentre cohort study in France
Authors: Leroy Sylvie , Benzaquen Jonathan , Mazzetta Andrea , Marchand-Adam Sylvain , Padovani Bernard , Israel-Biet Dominique , Pison Christophe , Chanez Pascal , Cadranel Jacques , Mazières Julien , Jounieaux Vincent , Cohen Charlotte , Hofman Véronique , Ilie Marius , Hofman Paul , Marquette Charles Hugo
Published: December 2017

Introduction

Lung cancer (LC) is the leading cause of death from cancer. Early diagnosis of LC is of paramount importance in terms of prognosis. The health authorities of most countries do not accept screening programmes based on low-dose chest CT (LDCT), especially in Europe, because they are flawed by a high rate of false-positive results, leading to a large number of invasive diagnostic procedures. These authorities advocated further research, including companion biological tests that could enhance the effectiveness of LC screening. The present project aims to validate early diagnosis of LC by detection and characterisation of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) in a peripheral blood sample taken from a prospective cohort of persons at high-risk of LC.

Methods and analysis

The AIR Project is a prospective, multicentre, double-blinded, cohort study conducted by a consortium of 21 French university centres. The primary objective is to determine the operational values of CTCs for the early detection of LC in a cohort of asymptomatic participants at high risk for LC, that is, smokers and ex-smokers (≥30 pack-years, quitted ≤15 years), aged ≥55 years, with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study participants will undergo yearly screening rounds for 3 years plus a 1-year follow-up. Each round will include LDCT plus peripheral blood sampling for CTC detection. Assuming 5% prevalence of LC in the studied population and a 10% dropout rate, a total of at least 600 volunteers will be enrolled.

Ethics and dissemination

The study sponsor is the University Hospital of Nice. The study was approved for France by the ethical committee CPP Sud-Méditerranée V and the ANSM (Ministry of Health) in July 2015. The findings of the trial will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and national and international conference presentations.

Trial registration number

NCT02500693.
Our Health Counts Toronto: using respondent-driven sampling to unmask census undercounts of an urban indigenous population in Toronto, Canada
Authors: Rotondi Michael A , O’Campo Patricia , O’Brien Kristen , Firestone Michelle , Wolfe Sara H , Bourgeois Cheryllee , Smylie Janet K
Published: December 2017

Objectives

To provide evidence of the magnitude of census undercounts of ‘hard-to-reach’ subpopulations and to improve estimation of the size of the urban indigenous population in Toronto, Canada, using respondent-driven sampling (RDS).

Design

Respondent-driven sampling.

Setting

The study took place in the urban indigenous community in Toronto, Canada. Three locations within the city were used to recruit study participants.

Participants

908 adult participants (15+) who self-identified as indigenous (First Nation, Inuit or Métis) and lived in the city of Toronto. Study participants were generally young with over 60% of indigenous adults under the age of 45 years. Household income was low with approximately two-thirds of the sample living in households which earned less than $C20 000 last year.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

We collected baseline data on demographic characteristics, including indigenous identity, age, gender, income, household type and household size. Our primary outcome asked: ‘Did you complete the 2011 Census Canada questionnaire?’

Results

Using RDS and our large-scale survey of the urban indigenous population in Toronto, Canada, we have shown that the most recent Canadian census underestimated the size of the indigenous population in Toronto by a factor of 2 to 4. Specifically, under conservative assumptions, there are approximately 55 000 (95% CI 45 000 to 73 000) indigenous people living in Toronto, at least double the current estimate of 19 270.

Conclusions

Our indigenous enumeration methods, including RDS and census completion information will have broad impacts across governmental and health policy, potentially improving healthcare access for this community. These novel applications of RDS may be relevant for the enumeration of other ‘hard-to-reach’ populations, such as illegal immigrants or homeless individuals in Canada and beyond.
Association of socioeconomic status with outcomes in older adult community-dwelling patients after visiting the emergency department: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wachelder Joyce J H , van Drunen Isabelle , Stassen Patricia M , Brouns Steffie H A , Lambooij Suze L E , Aarts Mieke J , Haak Harm R
Published: December 2017

Objectives

Older adults frequently visit the emergency department (ED). Socioeconomic status (SES) has an important impact on health and ED utilisation; however, the association between SES and ED utilisation in elderly remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between SES in older adult patients visiting the ED on outcomes.

Design

A retrospective study.

Participants

Older adults (≥65 years) visiting the ED, in the Netherlands. SES was stratified into tertiles based on average household income at zip code level: low (<€1800/month), intermediate (€1800–€2300/month) and high (>€2300/month).

Primary outcomes

Hospitalisation, inhospital mortality and 30-day ED return visits. Effect of SES on outcomes for all groups were assessed by logistic regression and adjusted for confounders.

Results

In total, 4828 older adults visited the ED during the study period. Low SES was associated with a higher risk of hospitalisation among community-dwelling patients compared with high SES (adjusted OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.7). This association was not present for intermediate SES (adjusted OR 1.1, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.4). Inhospital mortality was comparable between the low and high SES group, even after adjustment for age, comorbidity and triage level (low OR 1.4, 95% CI 0.8 to 2.6, intermediate OR 1.3, 95% CI 0.8 to 2.2). Thirty-day ED revisits among community-dwelling patients were also equal between the SES groups (low: adjusted OR 1.0, 95% CI 0.7 to 1.4, and intermediate: adjusted OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.6 to 1.1).

Conclusion

In older adult ED patients, low SES was associated with a higher risk of hospitalisation than high SES. However, SES had no impact on inhospital mortality and 30-day ED revisits after adjustment for confounders.
Analysis of Double Marginalization Effect on the Wholesale Price Contract Coordination
Authors: Fang Xin
Published: December 2017

Due to double marginalization effect, the wholesale price contract has been proved that it cannot coordinate a decentralized supply chain (DSC) based on the framework of Stackelberg game, in which the upstream firm acts as a leader and the downstream firm acts as a follower. Nevertheless, it has shown that the partnership between the enterprises tends to be equality. Motivated by this factor, this paper studies the coordination of wholesale price contract under the perspective of equality between enterprises. First, an innovative wholesale price contract is constructed and to prove that the constructed contract can flexibly coordinate the DSC. Second, the adaptability of the constructed contract is analyzed and compared with the revenue sharing contract, which is designed under the framework of Stackelberg game. Third, numerical analysis is calculated to verify the effectiveness and operation of the model.
Magnetic monopole versus vortex as gauge-invariant topological objects for quark confinement
Authors: Kondo Kei-Ichi , Sasago Takaaki , Shinohara Toru , Shibata Akihiro , Kato Seikou
Published: December 2017

First, we give a gauge-independent definition of chromomagnetic monopoles in [Formula: see text] Yang–Mills theory which is derived through a non-Abelian Stokes theorem for the Wilson loop operator. Then we discuss how such magnetic monopoles can give a nontrivial contribution to the Wilson loop operator for understanding the area law of the Wilson loop average. Next, we discuss how the magnetic monopole condensation picture are compatible with the vortex condensation picture as another promising scenario for quark confinement. We analyze the profile function of the magnetic flux tube as the non-Abelian vortex solution of [Formula: see text] gauge-Higgs model, which is to be compared with numerical simulations of the [Formula: see text] Yang–Mills theory on a lattice. This analysis gives an estimate of the string tension based on the vortex condensation picture, and possible interactions between two non-Abelian vortices.
BEYOND THE LOCAL MARKET: MEXICAN CROSS-BORDER ENTREPRENEURS IN THE UNITED STATES
Authors: ORRACA PEDRO , RAMIREZ-URQUIDY MARTIN , RAMIREZ NATANAEL
Published: December 2017

This study examines the characteristics of self-employed workers who reside in Mexico but work in the United States and the factors behind their decision to become cross-border entrepreneurs. This group is compared to entrepreneurs who live and operate in Mexico. Based on census data from Mexico, it is observed that cross-border entrepreneurs are older and more educated, and have stronger ties to the United States, shorter workweeks and higher hourly and monthly earnings than self-employed workers who live and work in Mexico. A series of probit models show that years of schooling, having previously resided in the United States and having an adult in the household who was born in the United States increase the likelihood of becoming a cross-border entrepreneur. Ordinary least squares earnings regressions show that years of schooling and years of work experience are positively associated with the earnings of entrepreneurs operating in Mexico, but not with those of cross-border entrepreneurs.
Synthesis, characterization and photophysical properties of ferrocenyl and mixed sandwich cobaltocenyl ester linked meso-triaryl corrole dyads
Authors: Achary B. Shivaprasad , Ramya A. R. , Trivedi Rajiv , Bangal P. R. , Giribabu L.
Published: December 2017

We report here the design and synthesis of corrole-metallocene dyads consisting of a metallocene (either ferrocene (Dyad 1) or mixed sandwich [Formula: see text]-[C[Formula: see text]H[Formula: see text](COOH)]Co([Formula: see text]-C[Formula: see text]Ph[Formula: see text] (Dyad 2)) connected via an ester linkage at meso phenyl position. Both the dyads were characterized by [Formula: see text]H NMR, MALDI-TOF, UV-visible, fluorescence spectroscopies (steady-state, picosecond time-resolved), femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy (fs-TA) and electrochemical methods. The absorption spectra of these dyads showed slight broadening and splitting of the Soret band that indicates a weak ground state interaction between the corrole macrocycle and metallocene part of the present donor–acceptor (D–A) system. However, in both the dyad systems, fluorescence emission of the corrole was quenched in polar solvents as compared to its parent compound 10-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-5,15-bis-(pentafluorophenyl ) corrole (Ph-Corr). The quenching was more pronounced in ferrocene derivatives than in cobaltocenyl derivatives. Transient absorption studies confirm the absence of photoinduced electron transfer from metallocene to correl for these dyad systems and the quenching of singlet state of corrole is found to enhance intersystem crossing due to heavy atom effect.
Spectroscopic characterization of free-base hydroxy(arylethynyl)porphyrins in acidic and basic media
Authors: Evens Kaarin K. , Splan Kathryn E.
Published: December 2017

The addition of arylethynyl groups to the porphyrin macrocycle represents an effective strategy with which to enhance the light-harvesting properties of porphyrins. We now extend this modification to arylethynyl porphyrins with two or four [Formula: see text]-hydroxyphenyl substituents. Arylethynyl porphyrins bearing four, but not two, [Formula: see text]-hydroxyphenyl substituents show evidence of aggregation under acidic conditions. Under basic conditions, deprotonation of the peripheral hydroxyphenyl substituents results in substantially red-shifted spectral features and enhanced absorption in the Q-band region. When the hydroxyphenyl groups are appended to the porphyrin macrocylce via the ethynyl spacers, the spectral shifts observed upon deprotonation are significantly enhanced relative to those observed for hydroxyphenylporphyrins, highlighting the role of expanded conjugation in altering porphyrin photophysics.
Network applications are interactive
Authors: Alappatt Antony
Published: December 2017

The network era requires new models, with interactions instead of algorithms.
Abstracting the geniuses away from failure testing
Authors: Alvaro Peter , Tymon Severine
Published: December 2017

Ordinary users need tools that automate the selection of custom-tailored faults to inject.
Decentralized blockchain-based electronic marketplaces
Authors: Subramanian Hemang
Published: December 2017

In a decentralized marketplace, buyers and sellers transact directly, without manipulation by intermediary platforms.
The sharing economy meets reality
Authors: Cusumano Michael A.
Published: December 2017

Assessing the uncertainties of the business models driving the sharing economy.
Defining American greatness
Authors: Haigh Thomas
Published: December 2017

Reflections on a firm that encapsulated the American Century.
Technology and the failure of the university
Authors: Lucas Henry C.
Published: December 2017

Considering the double-edged sword of learning technologies in various academic settings.
Ask not what your postdoc can do for you ...
Authors: Baral Chitta , Chang Shih-Fu , Curless Brian , Dasgupta Partha , Hirschberg Julia , Jones Anita
Published: December 2017

Seeking more effective strategies for training and nurturing CS postdocs to ensure their success.
Source of dietary sucrose influences development of leptin resistance in male and female rats
Authors: Harris Ruth B. S.
Published: December 2017

Male rats offered 30% sucrose solution in addition to chow develop leptin resistance without an increase in energy intake or body fat. This study tested whether the leptin resistance was dependent on the physical form of the sucrose. Sprague-Dawley rats were offered a sucrose-free (NS) diet, a 66.6% of energy as sucrose (HS) diet, or the NS diet + 30% sucrose solution (LS). Sucrose intake of LS rats equaled that of HS rats, but total carbohydrate intake exceeded that of HS rats. After 33 days, male and female LS rats were resistant to the inhibitory effect of peripherally administered leptin on food intake. LS rats drank small, frequent meals of sucrose during light and dark periods, whereas HS rats consumed more meals during the dark than the light period and remained responsive to leptin. Diet did not affect daily energy intake or insulin sensitivity. There was a small increase in body fat in the female rats. Leptin sensitivity was restored within 5 days of withdrawal from sucrose in male LS rats. This rapid reversal suggested that leptin resistance was associated with the metabolic impact of drinking sucrose. An experiment was carried out to test whether activity of the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway and glycation of leptin signaling proteins were increased in LS rats, but the results were equivocal. A final experiment determined that female LS rats were leptin-resistant within 18 days of access to sucrose solution and that the small, but significant, increase in body fat was associated with increased adipocyte glucose utilization and insulin responsiveness, which may have been secondary to adipocyte leptin resistance.
Neck movement but not neck position modulates skin sympathetic nerve activity supplying the lower limbs of humans
Authors: Bolton Philip S. , Hammam Elie , Macefield Vaughan G.
Published: December 2017

We previously showed that dynamic, but not static, neck displacement modulates muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) to lower limbs of humans. However, it is not known whether dynamic neck displacement modulates skin sympathetic nerve activity (SSNA). Tungsten microelectrodes inserted into the common peroneal nerve were used to record SSNA in 5 female and 4 male subjects lying supine on a table that fixed their head in space but allowed trapezoidal ramp (8.1 ± 1.2°/s) and hold (17.5° for 53 s) or sinusoidal (35° peak to peak at 0.33–0.46 Hz) horizontal displacement of the body about the head. SSNA recordings were made before, during, and after trapezoidal and sinusoidal displacements of the body. Spike frequency analysis of trapezoidal displacements and cross-correlation analysis during sinusoidal displacements revealed that SSNA was not changed by trapezoid body-only displacement but was cyclically modulated during sinusoidal angular displacements (median, 95% CI: 27.9%, 19.6–48.0%). The magnitude of this modulation was not statistically ( P > 0.05) different from that of cardiac and respiratory modulation at rest (47.1%, 18.7–56.3% and 48.6%, 28.4–59.3%, respectively) or during sinusoidal displacement (10.3%, 6.2–32.1% and 26.9%, 13.6–43.3%, respectively). Respiratory frequency was entrained above its resting rate (0.26 Hz, 0.2–0.29 Hz) during sinusoidal neck displacement; there was no significant difference ( P > 0.05) between respiratory frequency (0.38 Hz, 0.25–0.49 Hz) and sinusoidal displacement frequency (0.39 Hz, 0.35–0.42 Hz). This study provides evidence that SSNA is modulated during neck movement, raising the possibility that neck mechanoreceptors may contribute to the cutaneous vasoconstriction and sweat release associated with motion sickness.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study demonstrates that dynamic, but not static, stretching of the neck modulates skin sympathetic nerve activity in the lower limbs.
Response adaptation in the barn owl’s auditory space map
Authors: Ferger Roland , Pawlowsky Kerstin , Singheiser Martin , Wagner Hermann
Published: December 2017

Response adaptation is the change of the firing rate of neurons induced by a preceding stimulus. It can be found in many sensory systems and throughout the auditory pathway. We investigated response adaptation in the external nucleus of the inferior colliculus (ICX) of barn owls ( Tyto furcata), a nocturnal bird of prey and specialist in sound localization. Individual neurons in the ICX represent locations in auditory space by maximally responding to combinations of interaural time and level differences (ITD and ILD). Neuronal responses were recorded extracellularly under ketamine-diazepam anesthesia. Response adaptation was observed in three double stimulation paradigms. In two paradigms, the same binaural parameters for both stimuli were chosen. A variation of the level of the second stimulus yielded a level increase sufficient to compensate for adaptation around 5 dB. Introducing a silent interstimulus interval (ISI) resulted in recovery from adaptation. The time course of recovery was followed by varying the ISI, and full recovery was found after an ISI of 50 ms. In a third paradigm, the ITD of the second stimulus was varied to investigate the representation of ITD under adaptive conditions. We found that adaptation led to an increased precision and improved selectivity while the best ITD was stable. These changes of representation remained for longer ISIs than were needed to recover from response adaptation at the best ITD. Stimuli with non-best ITDs could also induce similar adaptive effects if the neurons responded to these ITDs.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We demonstrate and characterize response adaptation in neurons of the auditory space map in the barn owl’s midbrain with acoustic double-stimulation paradigms. An increase of the second level by 5 dB compensated for the observed adaptive effect. Recovery from adaptation was faster than in upstream nuclei of the auditory pathway. Our results also show that response adaptation might improve precision and selectivity in the representation of interaural time difference.
Neural correlate of auditory spatial attention allocation in the superior colliculus
Authors: Rajala Abigail Z. , Jenison Rick L. , Populin Luis C.
Published: December 2017

This study is the physiological complement to previous behavioral work that demonstrated that rhesus monkeys are able to allocate attention about the surrounding space based on brief, broadband auditory cues. Single-unit recordings were taken from the intermediate layers of the superior colliculus (iSC) while the subjects oriented to visual and auditory targets in the context of a cuing task with their heads unrestrained. The results show a correlation between behavioral manifestations of attention allocation, attention capture and inhibition of return, and modulation of target-evoked responses in single iSC neurons.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY These results show for the first time a neural correlate of attention capture and inhibition of return in response to auditory stimuli in the superior colliculus of the head-unrestrained monkey.
Research on Multiple‐Split Load Sharing Characteristics of 2‐Stage External Meshing Star Gear System in Consideration of Displacement Compatibility
Authors: Mo Shuai , Ma Shuai , Jin Guoguang , Zhang Yidu , Lv Chao , Houjoh Haruo
Published: December 2017

This paper studies the multiple‐split load sharing mechanism of gears in two‐stage external meshing planetary transmission system of aeroengine. According to the eccentric error, gear tooth thickness error, pitch error, installation error, and bearing manufacturing error, we performed the meshing error analysis of equivalent angles, respectively, and we also considered the floating meshing error caused by the variation of the meshing backlash, which is from the floating of all gears at the same time. Finally, we obtained the comprehensive angle meshing error of the two‐stage meshing line, established a refined mathematical computational model of 2‐stage external 3‐split loading sharing coefficient in consideration of displacement compatibility, got the regular curves of the load sharing coefficient and load sharing characteristic curve of full floating multiple‐split and multiple‐stage system, and took the variation law of the floating track and the floating quantity of the center wheel. These provide a scientific theory to determine the load sharing coefficient, reasonable load distribution, and control tolerances in aviation design and manufacturing.
Relative Attitude Estimation for a Uniform Motion and Slowly Rotating Noncooperative Spacecraft
Authors: Zhang Liu , Liu Zongming , Ye Dong , Zhang Guanyu
Published: December 2017

This paper presents a novel relative attitude estimation approach for a uniform motion and slowly rotating noncooperative spacecraft. It is assumed that the uniform motion and slowly rotating noncooperative chief spacecraft is in failure or out of control and there is no a priori rotation rate information. We utilize a very fast binary descriptor based on binary robust independent elementary features (BRIEF) to obtain the features of the target, which are rotational invariance and resistance to noise. And then, we propose a novel combination of single candidate random sample consensus (RANSAC) with extended Kalman filter (EKF) that makes use of the available prior probabilistic information from the EKF in the RANSAC model hypothesis stage. The advantage of this combination obviously reduces the sample size to only one, which results in large computational savings without the loss of accuracy. Experimental results from real image sequence of a real model target show that the relative angular error is about 3.5% and the mean angular velocity error is about 0.1 deg/s.
Circulating Angiogenic Growth Factors in Diabetes Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease and Exertional Leg Pain in Ghana
Authors: Yeboah Kwame , Agyekum Jennifer A. , Baafour Eric Kyei , Antwi Daniel A. , Adjei Afua B. , Boima Vincent , Gyan Ben
Published: December 2017

Objective. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common complication of diabetes, associated with impairment in angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is regulated by angiogenic growth factors such as angiopoietin 1 (Ang-1), Ang-2, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). We studied the association between angiogenic growth factors versus PAD and exertional leg symptoms in diabetes patients in Ghana. Method. In this cross-sectional study, ankle-brachial index was measured with oscillometrically and exertional leg symptoms were screened with Edinburgh claudication questionnaire in 140 diabetes patients and 110 nondiabetes individuals. Circulating levels of Ang-1, Ang-2, and VEGF were measured with immunosorbent assay. Results. The prevalence of PAD and exertional leg pain was 16.8% and 24.8%, respectively. Compared to non-PAD participants, PAD patients had higher VEGF levels [85.8 (37.5–154.5) versus 57.7 (16.6–161.1) p=0.032] and lower Ang-1 levels [31.3 (24.8–42.6) versus 40.9 (28.2–62.1), p=0.017]. In multivariable logistic regression, patients with exertional leg pain had increased the odds of plasma Ang-2 levels [OR (95% CI): 2.08 (1.08–6.41), p=0.036]. Conclusion. Diabetes patients with PAD and exertional leg pain have imbalance in angiogenic growth factors, indicating impaired angiogenesis. In patients with exertional leg pains, Ang-2 may be an important biomarker.
Comparative Analysis of the Dalat Nuclear Research Reactor with HEU Fuel Using SRAC and MCNP5
Authors: Phan Giang , Tran Hoai-Nam , Nguyen Kien-Cuong , Tran Viet-Phu , Hoang Van-Khanh , Ha Pham Nhu Viet , Kiet Hoang Anh Tuan
Published: December 2017

Neutronics analysis has been performed for the 500 kW Dalat Nuclear Research Reactor loaded with highly enriched uranium fuel using the SRAC code system. The effective multiplication factors, keff, were analyzed for the core at criticality conditions and in two cases corresponding to the complete withdrawal and the full insertion of control rods. MCNP5 calculations were also conducted and compared to that obtained with the SRAC code. The results show that the difference of the keff values between the codes is within 55 pcm. Compared to the criticality conditions established in the experiments, the maximum differences of the keff values obtained from the SRAC and MCNP5 calculations are 119 pcm and 64 pcm, respectively. The radial and axial power peaking factors are 1.334 and 1.710, respectively, in the case of no control rod insertion. At the criticality condition these values become 1.445 and 1.832 when the control rods are partially inserted. Compared to MCNP5 calculations, the deviation of the relative power densities is less than 4% at the fuel bundles in the middle of the core, while the maximum deviation is about 7% appearing at some peripheral bundles. This agreement indicates the verification of the analysis models.
Failure of the PTEN/aPKC/Lgl Axis Primes Formation of Adult Brain Tumours inDrosophila
Authors: Paglia Simona , Sollazzo Manuela , Di Giacomo Simone , de Biase Dario , Pession Annalisa , Grifoni Daniela
Published: December 2017

Different regions in the mammalian adult brain contain immature precursors, reinforcing the concept that brain cancers, such as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), may originate from cells endowed with stem-like properties. Alterations of the tumour suppressor genePTENare very common in primary GBMs. Very recently,PTENloss was shown to undermine a specific molecular axis, whose failure is associated with the maintenance of the GBM stem cells in mammals. This axis is composed of PTEN, aPKC, and the polarity determinant Lethal giant larvae (Lgl):PTENloss promotes aPKC activation through the PI3K pathway, which in turn leads to Lgl inhibition, ultimately preventing stem cell differentiation. To find the neural precursors responding to perturbations of this molecular axis, we targeted different neurogenic regions of theDrosophilabrain. Here we show thatPTENmutation impacts aPKC and Lgl protein levels also inDrosophila. Moreover, we demonstrate that PI3K activation is not sufficient to trigger tumourigenesis, while aPKC promotes hyperplastic growth of the neuroepithelium and a noticeable expansion of the type II neuroblasts. Finally, we show that these neuroblasts form invasive tumours that persist and keep growing in the adult, leading the affected animals to untimely death, thus displaying frankly malignant behaviours.
Software-Defined Congestion Control Algorithm for IP Networks
Authors: Hu Yao , Peng Ting , Zhang Lianming
Published: December 2017

The rapid evolution of computer networks, increase in the number of Internet users, and popularity of multimedia applications have exacerbated the congestion control problem. Congestion control is a key factor in ensuring network stability and robustness. When the underlying network and flow information are unknown, the transmission control protocol (TCP) must increase or reduce the size of the congestion window to adjust to the changes of traffic in the Internet Protocol (IP) network. However, it is possible that a software-defined approach can relieve the network congestion problem more efficiently. This approach has the characteristic of centralized control and can obtain a global topology for unified network management. In this paper, we propose a software-defined congestion control (SDCC) algorithm for an IP network. We consider the difference between TCP and the user datagram protocol (UDP) and propose a new method to judge node congestion. We initially apply the congestion control mechanism in the congested nodes and then optimize the link utilization to control network congestion.
Memory Improvement Effect of Ethanol Garlic (A. sativum) Extract in Streptozotocin‐Nicotinamide Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats Is Mediated through Increasing of Hippocampal Sodium‐Potassium ATPase, Glutamine Synthetase, and Calcium ATPase Activities
Authors: Semuyaba Ibrahim , Safiriyu Abass Alao , Tiyo Emmanuel Ayikobua , Niurka Remón Figueredo
Published: December 2017

Studies suggest that garlic (A. sativum) improves memory dependent on the hippocampus. However, the effect of ethanol garlic extract on hippocampus Na+/K+ ATPase, Ca2+ ATPase, and glutamine synthetase (GS) activities as possible mechanisms in memory improvement in diabetic Wistar rats has not been reported. Twenty‐four male Wistar rats weighing 200–250 g were divided into three groups with 8 rats each. Group (A), normal control rats, and Group (B), diabetic rats, received 1 ml of normal saline; diabetic rats in Group (C) received 1000 mg/kg of garlic extract orally for 21 days. Hyperglycemia was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin 60 mg/kg followed by 120 mg/kg nicotinamide while extraction of garlic was done by cold maceration method. Memory was tested in all groups. After that, the rats were sacrificed, the brain was removed, and the hippocampi were carefully excised and then homogenized. Activities of Na+/K+ ATPase, calcium ATPase, and GS were analyzed from the homogenate. Results showed improvement in memory and a significant increase (P < 0.05) in hippocampus Na+/K+ ATPase, Ca2+ ATPase, and GS activities in diabetic rats treated with garlic extract. In conclusion, the increased activity of hippocampus Na+/K+ ATPase, calcium ATPase, and glutamine synthetase may account for the memory improvement.