bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Johnson Patricia
Published: January 2017

Studies in Media and Communication (SMC) would like to thank the following reviewers for reviewing manuscripts from October 9, 2012, to May 1, 2013. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Many authors, regardless of whether SMC publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Redfame Publishing appreciates the following reviewers’ rigorous and conscientious efforts for this journal. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review during this period.   Philemon Bantimaroudis Mark Stuhlfaut Antonio García Gómez Camelia Cmeciu Dorina Ticu Ann Grand Yi Guo Jenny-Ann Danell Millaray Salas Mireia Farrús Jo Verhoeven
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Johnson Patricia
Published: January 2017

Studies in Media and Communication (SMC) would like to thank the following reviewers for reviewing manuscripts from June 1, 2014, to November 30, 2014. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Many authors, regardless of whether SMC publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Redfame Publishing appreciates the following reviewers’ rigorous and conscientious efforts for this journal. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review during this period
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Johnson Patricia
Published: January 2017

Studies in Media and Communication (SMC) would like to thank the following reviewers for reviewing manuscripts from June 1, 2015, to November 30, 2015. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Many authors, regardless of whether SMC publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Redfame Publishing appreciates the following reviewers’ rigorous and conscientious efforts for this journal. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review during this period. Anastasia Stamou Begoña Montero-Fleta Bernard Naledzani Rasila Camelia Cmeciu Carmen Pérez-Sabater Christos Giannoulis Diego Santos Vieira de Jesus Jenny-Ann Danell Katerina Diamantaki Kunle Olufemi Aramide Millaray Salas Simone Tosoni Young Joon Lim     Patricia JohnsonEditorial Assistant On behalf of, The Editorial Board of Studies in Media and Communication Redfame Publishing 9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416 Beaverton, OR 97008, USA URL: http://smc.redfame.com
The Acinetobacter Outer Membrane Contains Multiple Specific Channels for Carbapenem β-Lactams as Revealed by Kinetic Characterization Analyses of Imipenem Permeation into Acinetobacter baylyi Cells
Authors: Morán-Barrio Jorgelina , Cameranesi María M. , Relling Verónica , Limansky Adriana S. , Brambilla Luciano , Viale Alejandro M.
Published: January 2017

The number and type of outer membrane (OM) channels responsible for carbapenem uptake in
Acinetobacter
are still not well defined. Here, we addressed these questions by using
Acinetobacter baylyi
as a model species and a combination of methodologies aimed to characterize OM channels in their original membrane environment. Kinetic and competition analyses of imipenem (IPM) uptake by
A. baylyi
whole cells allowed us to identify different carbapenem-specific OM uptake sites. Comparative analyses of IPM uptake by
A. baylyi
wild-type (WT) cells and Δ
carO
mutants lacking CarO indicated that this OM protein provided a carbapenem uptake site displaying saturable kinetics and common binding sites for basic amino acids compatible with a specific channel. The kinetic analysis uncovered another carbapenem-specific channel displaying a somewhat lower affinity for IPM than that of CarO and, in addition, common binding sites for basic amino acids as determined by competition studies. The use of
A. baylyi
gene deletion mutants lacking OM proteins proposed to function in carbapenem uptake in
Acinetobacter baumannii
indicated that CarO and OprD/OccAB1 mutants displayed low but consistent reductions in susceptibility to different carbapenems, including IPM, meropenem, and ertapenem. These two mutants also showed impaired growth on
l
-Arg but not on other carbon sources, further supporting a role of CarO and OprD/OccAB1 in basic amino acid and carbapenem uptake. A multiple-carbapenem-channel scenario may provide clues to our understanding of the contribution of OM channel loss or mutation to the carbapenem-resistant phenotype evolved by pathogenic members of the
Acinetobacter
genus.
Full-Genome Sequencing Identifies in the Genetic Background Several Determinants That Modulate the Resistance Phenotype in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strains Carrying the Novel
mecC
Gene
Authors: Milheiriço Catarina , de Lencastre Hermínia , Tomasz Alexander
Published: January 2017

Most methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) strains are resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics due to the presence of the
mecA
gene, encoding an extra penicillin-binding protein (PBP2A) that has low affinity for virtually all beta-lactam antibiotics. Recently, a new resistance determinant—the
mecC
gene—was identified in
S. aureus
isolates recovered from humans and dairy cattle. Although having typically low MICs to beta-lactam antibiotics, MRSA strains with the
mecC
determinant are also capable of expressing high levels of oxacillin resistance when in an optimal genetic background. In order to test the impact of extensive beta-lactam selection on the emergence of
mecC
-carrying strains with high levels of antibiotic resistance, we exposed the prototype
mecC
-carrying MRSA strain, LGA251, to increasing concentrations of oxacillin. LGA251 was able to rapidly adapt to high concentrations of oxacillin in growth medium. In such laboratory mutants with increased levels of oxacillin resistance, we identified mutations in genes with no relationship to the
mecC
regulatory system, indicating that the genetic background plays an important role in the establishment of the levels of oxacillin resistance. Our data also indicate that the stringent stress response plays a critical role in the beta-lactam antibiotic resistance phenotype of MRSA strains carrying the
mecC
determinant.
Identification and Characterization of MicroRNA Differentially Expressed in Macrophages Exposed to Porphyromonas gingivalis Infection
Authors: Huck Olivier , Al-Hashemi Jacob , Poidevin Laetitia , Poch Olivier , Davideau Jean-Luc , Tenenbaum Henri , Amar Salomon
Published: January 2017

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, noncoding RNAs involved in the regulation of several processes associated with inflammatory diseases and infection. Bacterial infection modulates miRNA expression to subvert any innate immune response. In this study we analyzed, using microarray analysis, the bacterial modulation of miRNAs in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) in which activity was induced by infection withPorphyromonas gingivalis. The expression of several miRNAs was modulated 3 h postinfection (at a multiplicity of infection of 25). A bioinformatic analysis was performed to further identify pathways related to the innate immune host response under the influence of selected miRNAs. To assess the effects of the miRNAs identified on cytokine secretion (tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α] and interleukin-10 [IL-10]), BMMs were transfected with selected miRNA mimics and inhibitors. Transfection with mmu-miR-155 and mmu-miR-2137 did not modify TNF-α secretion, while their inhibitors increased it. Inhibitors of mmu-miR-2137 and mmu-miR-7674 increased the secretion of the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10. InP. gingivalis-infected BMMs, mmu-miR-155-5p significantly decreased TNF-α secretion while inhibitor of mmu-miR-2137 increased IL-10 secretion.In vivo, in a mouse model ofP. gingivalis-induced calvarial bone resorption, injection of mmu-miR-155-5p or anti-mmu-miR-2137 reduced the size of the lesion significantly. Furthermore, anti-mmu-miR-2137 significantly reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, osteoclast activity, and bone loss. Bioinformatic analysis demonstrated that pathways related to cytokine- and chemokine-related pathways but also osteoclast differentiation may be involved in the effects observed. This study contributes further to our understanding ofP. gingivalis-induced modulation of miRNAs and their physiological effects. It highlights the potential therapeutic merits of targeting mmu-miR-155-5p and mmu-miR-2137 to control inflammation induced byP. gingivalisinfection.
Comprehensive Spatial Analysis of the Borrelia burgdorferi Lipoproteome Reveals a Compartmentalization Bias toward the Bacterial Surface
Authors: Dowdell Alexander S. , Murphy Maxwell D. , Azodi Christina , Swanson Selene K. , Florens Laurence , Chen Shiyong , Zückert Wolfram R.
Published: January 2017

The Lyme disease spirochete
Borrelia burgdorferi
is unique among bacteria in its large number of lipoproteins that are encoded by a small, exceptionally fragmented, and predominantly linear genome. Peripherally anchored in either the inner or outer membrane and facing either the periplasm or the external environment, these lipoproteins assume varied roles. A prominent subset of lipoproteins functioning as the apparent linchpins of the enzootic tick-vertebrate infection cycle have been explored as vaccine targets. Yet, most of the
B. burgdorferi
lipoproteome has remained uncharacterized. Here, we comprehensively and conclusively localize the
B. burgdorferi
lipoproteome by applying established protein localization assays to a newly generated epitope-tagged lipoprotein expression library and by validating the obtained individual protein localization results using a sensitive global mass spectrometry approach. The derived consensus localization data indicate that 86 of the 125 analyzed lipoproteins encoded by
B. burgdorferi
are secreted to the bacterial surface. Thirty-one of the remaining 39 periplasmic lipoproteins are retained in the inner membrane, with only 8 lipoproteins being anchored in the periplasmic leaflet of the outer membrane. The localization of 10 lipoproteins was further defined or revised, and 52 surface and 23 periplasmic lipoproteins were newly localized. Cross-referencing prior studies revealed that the borrelial surface lipoproteome contributing to the host-pathogen interface is encoded predominantly by plasmids. Conversely, periplasmic lipoproteins are encoded mainly by chromosomal loci. These studies close a gap in our understanding of the functional lipoproteome of an important human pathogen and set the stage for more in-depth studies of thus-far-neglected spirochetal lipoproteins.

IMPORTANCE
The small and exceptionally fragmented genome of the Lyme disease spirochete
Borrelia burgdorferi
encodes over 120 lipoproteins. Studies in the field have predominantly focused on a relatively small number of surface lipoproteins that play important roles in the transmission and pathogenesis of this global human pathogen. Yet, a comprehensive spatial assessment of the entire borrelial lipoproteome has been missing. The current study newly identifies 52 surface and 23 periplasmic lipoproteins. Overall, two-thirds of the
B. burgdorferi
lipoproteins localize to the surface, while outer membrane lipoproteins facing the periplasm are rare. This analysis underscores the dominant contribution of lipoproteins to the spirochete's rather complex and adaptable host-pathogen interface, and it encourages further functional exploration of its lipoproteome.
Local glaciation in West Greenland linked to North Atlantic Ocean circulation during the Holocene
Authors: Schweinsberg Avriel D. , Briner Jason P. , Miller Gifford H. , Bennike Ole , Thomas Elizabeth K.
Published: January 2017

Recent observations indicate that ice-ocean interaction drives much of the recent increase in mass loss from the Greenland Ice Sheet; however, the role of ocean forcing in driving past glacier change is poorly understood. To extend the observational record and our understanding of the ocean-cryosphere link, we used a multi-proxy approach that combines new data from proglacial lake sediments, 14C-dated in situ moss that recently emerged from beneath cold-based ice caps, and 10Be ages to reconstruct centennial-scale records of mountain glacier activity for the past ∼10 k.y. in West Greenland. Proglacial lake sediment records and 14C dating of moss indicate the onset of Neoglaciation in West Greenland at ca. 5 ka with substantial snowline lowering and glacier expansion at ca. 3.7 ka followed by additional ice expansion phases at ca. 2.9, ca. 1.7, and ca. 1.4 ka and during the Little Ice Age. We find that widespread glacier growth at ca. 3.7 ka in West Greenland coincides with marked cooling and reduced strength of the West Greenland Current in Disko Bugt. The transition to cooler ocean conditions at ca. 3.7 ka identified in Disko Bugt is registered by marine proxy data farther afield in East Greenland and on the northwestern Icelandic shelf, implying large-scale paleoceanographic changes across the North Atlantic during this interval. The similarity between glacier change on West Greenland and multiple marine and terrestrial records across the North Atlantic suggests that glaciers are strongly influenced by changes in ocean circulation and consequently implies that the ocean-cryosphere teleconnection is a persistent feature of the Arctic system.
Crustal sequestration of magmatic sulfur dioxide
Authors: Mavrogenes John , Blundy Jon
Published: January 2017

Volcanism is responsible for copious discharge of sulfur-bearing magmatic gases. A dominant sulfur-bearing species is SO2, yet sulfite (S4+) minerals are rare in geological settings, testifying to the reactivity of SO2. Disproportionation of SO2 to reduced (sulfide), neutral (elemental sulfur), and oxidized (sulfate) species is one expression of this reactivity. Previous studies of SO2 disproportionation reactions have focused on low-pressure, low-temperature conditions involving SO2 gas and liquid water, such as those close to volcanic vents or in water-free gas systems. However, release of magmatic volatiles in volcanic systems can occur at depth where hot magmatic gas meets crustal rocks ± pore fluids. We investigate the viability of such high-pressure reactions with experiments in which SO2 gas is reacted with a mixture of calcite and a metal-bearing saline fluid at 1.0–1.5 kbar pressure and 400–800 °C. At all temperatures, the calcite-bearing experiments produced anhydrite and sulfide. In the experiment where calcite was replaced by quartz, no sulfide was produced, establishing that Ca is a crucial component of this reaction. We show that extensive production of anhydrite and sulfide through calcite-mediated SO2 disproportionation takes place on time scales of just a few hours. This could occur where hot magmatic SO2 gas encounters magmatic brines in igneous rocks, basinal brines within sedimentary rocks, or calcium-bearing saline groundwaters.
Fossil forest reveals sunspot activity in the early Permian
Authors: Luthardt Ludwig , Rößler Ronny
Published: January 2017

Modern-day periodic climate pattern variations related to solar activity are well known. High-resolution records such as varves, ice cores, and tree-ring sequences are commonly used for reconstructing climatic variations in the younger geological history. For the first time we apply dendrochronological methods to Paleozoic trees in order to recognize annual variations. Large woody tree trunks from the early Permian Fossil Forest of Chemnitz, southeast Germany, show a regular cyclicity in tree-ring formation. The mean ring curve reveals a 10.62 yr cyclicity, the duration of which is almost identical to the modern 11 yr solar cycle. Therefore, we speculate and further discuss that, like today, sunspot activity caused fluctuations of cosmic radiation input to the atmosphere, affecting cloud formation and annual rates of precipitation, which are reflected in the tree-ring archive. This is the earliest record of sunspot cyclicity and simultaneously demonstrates its long-term stable periodicity for at least 300 m.y.
Pacemaker pocket infection due toMycobacterium goodii, a rapidly growing mycobacteria
Authors: Yoo David K , Hosseini-Moghaddam Seyed M
Published: January 2017

A woman aged 74 years with an implanted dual-chamber pacemaker presented with pacemaker site infection after failing empiric antimicrobial therapy. The pathogen was later identified asMycobacterium goodii, a rapidly growing mycobacteria species. The pacemaker was subsequently removed and the patient was treated with oral ciprofloxacin and doxycycline with clinical improvement. In this article, we describe a rare case of pacemaker site infection byM. goodii.
The costs of diabetes among Australians aged 45–64 years from 2015 to 2030: projections of lost productive life years (PLYs), lost personal income, lost taxation revenue, extra welfare payments and lost gross domestic product from Health&WealthMOD2030
Authors: Schofield Deborah , Shrestha Rupendra N , Cunich Michelle M , Passey Megan E , Veerman Lennert , Tanton Robert , Kelly Simon J
Published: January 2017

Objectives

To project the number of people aged 45–64 years with lost productive life years (PLYs) due to diabetes and related costs (lost income, extra welfare payments, lost taxation revenue); and lost gross domestic product (GDP) attributable to diabetes in Australia from 2015 to 2030.

Design

A simulation study of how the number of people aged 45–64 years with diabetes increases over time (based on population growth and disease trend data) and the economic losses incurred by individuals and the government. Cross-sectional outputs of a microsimulation model (Health&WealthMOD2030) which used the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers 2003 and 2009 as a base population and integrated outputs from two microsimulation models (Static Incomes Model and Australian Population and Policy Simulation Model), Treasury's population and labour force projections, and chronic disease trends data.

Setting

Australian population aged 45–64 years in 2015, 2020, 2025 and 2030.

Outcome measures

Lost PLYs, lost income, extra welfare payments, lost taxation revenue, lost GDP.

Results

18 100 people are out of the labour force due to diabetes in 2015, increasing to 21 400 in 2030 (18% increase). National costs consisted of a loss of $A467 million in annual income in 2015, increasing to $A807 million in 2030 (73% increase). For the government, extra annual welfare payments increased from $A311 million in 2015 to $A350 million in 2030 (13% increase); and lost annual taxation revenue increased from $A102 million in 2015 to $A166 million in 2030 (63% increase). A loss of $A2.1 billion in GDP was projected for 2015, increasing to $A2.9 billion in 2030 attributable to diabetes through its impact on PLYs.

Conclusions

Individuals incur significant costs of diabetes through lost PLYs and lost income in addition to disease burden through human suffering and healthcare costs. The government incurs extra welfare payments, lost taxation revenue and lost GDP, along with direct healthcare costs.
Cushing's syndrome: a practical approach to diagnosis and differential diagnoses
Authors: Pappachan Joseph M , Hariman Christian , Edavalath Mahamood , Waldron Julian , Hanna Fahmy W
Published: January 2017

Diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome (CS) and identification of the aetiology of hypercortisolism can be challenging. The Endocrine Society clinical practice guidelines recommends one of the four tests for initial screening of CS, namely, urinary-free cortisol, late night salivary cortisol, overnight dexamethasone suppression test or a longer low-dose dexamethasone suppression test, for 48 hours. Confirmation and localisation of CS requires additional biochemical and radiological tests. Radiological evaluation involves different imaging modalities including MRI with or without different radio-nuclear imaging techniques. Invasive testing such as bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling may be necessary in some patients for accurate localisation of the cause for hypercortisolism. This best practice review discusses a practical approach for the diagnostic evaluation of CS with a brief discussion on differential diagnoses, and cyclical CS, to enhance the skills of clinicians and laboratory personnel.
Associations between circulating IL-17 levels and rheumatoid arthritis and between IL-17 gene polymorphisms and disease susceptibility: a meta-analysis
Authors: Lee Young Ho , Bae Sang-Cheol
Published: January 2017

Objectives

To systematically review evidence regarding the relationship between circulating interleukin-17 (IL-17) levels and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and associations between polymorphisms in IL-17 genes and RA susceptibility.

Method

We performed a meta-analysis of serum/plasma IL-17 levels in patients with RA and controls, and evaluated evidence of associations between the rs2275913, rs3819024, rs4711998 and rs8193036 polymorphisms in IL-17A and the rs763780 and rs2397084 polymorphisms in IL-17F and risk for RA.

Results

Fourteen studies including 3118 patients with RA and 2725 controls were included. Our meta-analysis revealed that IL-17 levels were significantly higher in the RA group than in the control group (p=3.1×10−6). Subgroup analysis using sample size showed increased IL-17 levels in samples from both small (n≤100) and large (n>100) RA groups (p=1.1×10−4 and p=0.008, respectively). We found evidence of associations between RA and alleles from the IL-17A rs2275913 and IL-17F rs763780 polymorphisms in Caucasians (p=0.003 and p=0.037, respectively). In addition, we found an association between RA and alleles of the IL-17A rs3819024 polymorphism in the pooled RA cohort compared with matched controls (p=0.033). However, no evidence of association was found between the IL-17F rs2397084, IL-17A rs4711998 and IL-17A rs8193036 polymorphisms and RA susceptibility.

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis revealed significantly higher circulating IL-17 levels in patients with RA, and found evidence of associations between the IL-17A rs2275913, IL-17F rs763780 and IL-17A rs3819024 polymorphisms and pathogenesis of RA.
Classification of otoliths of fishes common in the Santa Barbara Basin based on morphology and chemical composition
Authors: Jones William A. , Checkley David M.
Published: January 2017

Morphological and chemical features of fish otoliths are used to distinguish between populations and stocks. We hypothesized that these features can also be used to distinguish between fishes of different taxonomic groups common in and near the Santa Barbara Basin, including mesopelagic, pelagic, and demersal fish. Sagittal otoliths obtained from 905 fish representing six taxonomic groups were imaged, and 12 geometric and 59 elliptic Fourier morphometric features were extracted. A subset of 143 otoliths was also analyzed for Li, Na, Mg, K, Mn, Sr, and Ba. We used chemical composition in addition to morphology because the latter may be altered between otolith formation and analysis. Two sets of classifiers were made: one using only morphometric features and one using both morphometric and element features. Random forest analysis was generally superior to discriminant function analysis. Highest classification success, evaluated using cross-validation and otoliths of masked identity, was achieved with multiple feature types. The ten strongest discriminatory features of all available feature types were used in the final classification models. Our method is applicable to the classification of otoliths recovered from guts, feces, middens, and sediments as well to classify other biological objects.
Habitat-specific production of aquatic and terrestrial invertebrate drift in small forest streams: implications for drift-feeding fish
Authors: Naman Sean M. , Rosenfeld Jordan S. , Third Laura C. , Richardson John S.
Published: January 2017

The influence of stream channel structure on the production of prey for drift-feeding fish is not well understood. We quantified drift production, the entry rate per streambed area, and drift flux, the total export rate per channel unit, in three second-order, forested streams in southwest British Columbia, Canada. We tested whether (1) drift production was higher in riffles than in pools, (2) drift flux increased with riffle length, and (3) prey body size was larger from riffles relative to pools and from terrestrial drop relative to aquatic drift. Total and aquatic-derived drift production (mg·m−2·h−1) was ∼3.5 times higher in riffles relative to pools; however, terrestrial drift did not differ between channel types. Total drift flux (mg·h−1) was positively related to riffle length. Terrestrial invertebrates were approximately three times larger than aquatics, and invertebrates from riffles were approximately three times larger on average than those from pools. These results suggest that channel structure directly affects prey availability and prey quality for drift-feeding fish and that long riffles may be key areas of prey generation.
Anisotropic magnetized holographic Ricci dark energy cosmological models
Authors: Santhi M. Vijaya , Rao V.U.M. , Aditya Y.
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we have considered spatially homogeneous and anisotropic Bianchi type-III space–time filled with matter and anisotropic modified holographic Ricci dark energy in general relativity. We have solved Einstein’s field equations using the following possibilities: (i) hybrid expansion law proposed by Akarsu et al. (JCAP, 01, 022 (2014)); (ii) a varying deceleration parameter considered by Mishra et al. (Int. J. Theor. Phys. 52, 2546 (2013)); and (iii) a linearly varying deceleration parameter given by Akarsu and Dereli (Int. J. Theor. Phys. 51, 612 (2012)). We have presented the cosmological models in each of the preceding cases and studied their evolutions. We have also discussed physical and kinematical properties of the models.
Minimizing the Lp norm of the curl of vector fields in a multi-connected domain
Authors: Aramaki Junichi
Published: January 2017

We study the problem of minimizing the [Formula: see text] norm of the curl of vector fields in a three-dimensional, bounded multi-connected domain with a prescribed tangential component on the boundary. We then prove the existence of minimizers and estimate them.
A kinetic theory based thermal lattice Boltzmann equation model
Authors: Zhai Qinglan , Zheng Song , Zheng Lin
Published: January 2017

A thermal lattice Boltzmann equation (LBE) model within the framework of double distribution function (DDF) method is proposed from the continuous DDF Boltzmann equation, which has a clear physical significance. Since the discrete velocity set in present LBE model is not space filled, a Lax–Wendroff scheme is applied to solve the evolution equations by which the spatial interpolation of two distribution functions is overcome. To validate the model, some classical numerical tests include thermal Couette flow and natural convection flow are simulated, and the results agree well with the analytic solutions and other numerical results, which showed that the present model had the ability to describe the thermal fluid flow phenomena.
Ginseng on Cancer: Potential Role in Modulating Inflammation-Mediated Angiogenesis
Authors: Dai Daisy , Zhang Chun-Feng , Williams Stephanie , Yuan Chun-Su , Wang Chong-Zhi
Published: January 2017

Angiogenesis is a regulated process integral to many physiological and pathological situations, including carcinogenesis and tumor growth. The majority of the angiogenic processes are related to inflammation. The interplay is not only important in the case of pathogen entry but also influential in chronic inflammatory diseases, tumor growth and tissue regeneration. Modulating the interaction between inflammation and angiogenesis could be an important target for cancer treatment and wound healing alike. Ginseng has a wide range of pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory and angiogenesis-modulating activities. This paper presents the recent research progresses on the inhibition of angiogenesis by ginseng and its active constituents, with a particular focus on processes mediated by inflammation. The modulatory role of ginseng compounds in inflammation-mediated angiogenesis involving hypoxia and microRNAs are also discussed. With the potential to modulate the angiogenesis at the transcriptional, translational and protein signaling level via various different mechanisms, ginseng could prove to be effective in cancer therapeutics.
Recollections of Stanley Mandelstam
Authors: Chew Geoffrey
Published: January 2017

This article is based upon the audio recording taken on September 9th 2016 by my children. I thank Chee Hok Lim for writing the first transcript in the World Scientific format and Ling-Lie Chau for comments and footnotes.
Stanley Mandelstam and me and life on the light-cone
Authors: Brink Lars
Published: January 2017

Stanley Mandelstam has always been one of my heroes in physics. Here I will describe my meetings with Stanley over the years and how our respective work sometimes coincided.
Electronic and optical properties of Cr-, B-doped, and (Cr, B)-codoped SrTiO3
Authors: Wu Jiao , Huang Wei-Qing , Yang Ke , Wei Zeng-Xi , Peng P. , Huang Gui-Fang
Published: January 2017

Energy band engineering of semiconductors plays a crucial role in exploring high-efficiency visible-light response photocatalysts. Herein, we systematically study the electronic properties and optical response of Cr-, B-doped SrTiO3, and (Cr, B)-codoped SrTiO3 by using first-principles calculations to explore the mechanism for its superior photocatalytic activities in the visible light region. Special emphasis is placed on uncovering the synergy effects of nonmetal B dopant with metal Cr dopant at different cation sites. It is found that the electronic properties and optical absorption of SrTiO3 can be dramatically engineered by mono- or co-doping. In particular, the intermediate levels lying in the bandgap of the codoped SrTiO3 relay on the Cr impurity doped at Sr or Ti cation sites. Moreover, the (Cr@Sr, B@O)-SrTiO3 retains the charge balancing without the generation of unexpected oxygen vacancies, and is more desirable for solar light harvesting due to its higher absorption than others in the entire visible light. The findings can rationalize the available experimental results and are helpful in designing SrTiO3-based photocatalysts with high-efficiency performance.
Exponential Stability of Periodic Solution for Impulsive Memristor-Based Cohen–Grossberg Neural Networks with Mixed Delays
Authors: Feng Jiqiang , Ma Qiang , Qin Sitian
Published: January 2017

Memristor, as the future of artificial intelligence, has been widely used in pattern recognition or signal processing from sensor arrays. Memristor-based recurrent neural network (MRNN) is an ideal model to mimic the functionalities of the human brain due to the physical properties of memristor. In this paper, the periodicity for memristor-based Cohen–Grossberg neural networks (MCGNNs) is studied. The neural network (NN) considered in this paper is based on the memristor and involves time-varying delays, distributed delays and impulsive effects. The boundedness and monotonicity of the activation function are not assumed. By some inequality technique and contraction mapping principle, we prove the existence, uniqueness and exponential stability of periodic solution for MCGNNs. Finally, some numeral examples and comparisons are provided to illustrate the validation of our results.
Artifact Effect Reduction Using Power and Entropy Algorithms
Authors: Wu Ming-Te
Published: January 2017

In this paper, a method is proposed to reduce artifact effect for images. The proposed approach first decomposes an original image into four subband images. The powers of the four sub-images are calculated and compared with a power threshold accompanying entropy measure to decide that whether the sub-images are reserved or not. The pixels of the reserved sub-images are then compared with a pixel threshold accompanying different entropy measure in order to determine that the pixel is discarded or not. The experimental results of this approach in comparison with other methods are performed both subjectively and qualitatively and shown that the proposed algorithms could reconstruct the desired recovered performance subjectively and objectively.
A Novel Active Contour Model for Image Segmentation and Bias Correction Using Guided Image Filtering Regularization Term
Authors: Wang Haijun , Liu Ming
Published: January 2017

This paper presents a novel active contour model for image segmentation and bias correction in terms of robustness to initialization and intensity inhomogeneity. In our model, the local image intensities are described by Gaussian distributions with different means and variances. The local Gaussian distribution fitting energy with a new guided image filtering (GIF) regularization is proposed. The new guided image regularization not only considers the spatial information, but also utilizes the local image content. So compared with the traditional algorithms, the proposed model is less sensitive to initialization and converges faster. Comparative experiments show the advantage of the proposed method.
Optimized Parallel Implementation of Face Detection Based on Embedded Heterogeneous Many-Core Architecture
Authors: Gao Fang , Huang Zhangqin , Wang Shulong , Ji Xinrong
Published: January 2017

Computing performance is one of the key problems in embedded systems for high-resolution face detection applications. To improve the computing performance of embedded high-resolution face detection systems, a novel parallel implementation of embedded face detection system was established based on a low power CPU-Accelerator heterogeneous many-core architecture. First, a basic CPU version of face detection prototype was implemented based on the cascade classifier and Local Binary Patterns operator. Second, the prototype was extended to a specified embedded parallel computing platform that is called Parallella and consists of Xilinx Zynq and Adapteva Epiphany. Third, the face detection algorithm was optimized to adapt to the Parallella architecture to improve the detection speed and the utilization of computing resources. Finally, a face detection experiment was conducted to evaluate the computing performance of the proposal in this paper. The experimental results show that the proposed implementation obtained a very consistent accuracy as that of the dual-core ARM, and achieved 7.8 times speedup than that of the dual-core ARM. Experiment results prove that the proposed implementation has significant advantages on computing performance.
Research on Visual Cognition About Sharp Turn Sign Based on Driver’s Eye Movement Characteristic
Authors: Li Lidong , Zhang Qingnian
Published: January 2017

As a traffic language, sharp turn sign is a kind of important road infrastructure that indicates a sharp turning will show up at the coming road, warning drivers to slow down to ensure the driving safety. In this paper, real vehicle test was carried out on mountain road with an eye tracker equipment. At different driving speeds, parameters of eye movement characteristics in the visual cognition process of sharp turn signs were collected, including distribution of gaze points, fixation and saccade. Simultaneously, driver’s scan paths of recognizing sharp turn signs with different supporting forms were gathered. The results of the analysis of testing data showed that the dispersion of distribution of gaze points would increase with driving velocity. Saccade was the main method for driver to capture information of sharp turn signs. While driving speed was lower than 60[Formula: see text]km/h, fixation was also one of the methods. For the visual cognition process of sharp turn sign with cantilever, compared to post, the searching scope was wider both in horizontal and vertical directions. This study is beneficial to evaluate the rationality of sharp turn signs, promoting the using efficiency of signs and improving the driving safety on mountain road.
On κ-reducibility of pseudovarieties of the form V ∗D
Authors: Costa J. C. , Teixeira M. L. , Nogueira C.
Published: January 2017

This paper deals with the reducibility property of semidirect products of the form [Formula: see text] relatively to graph equation systems, where D denotes the pseudovariety of definite semigroups. We show that if the pseudovariety [Formula: see text] is reducible with respect to the canonical signature [Formula: see text] consisting of the multiplication and the [Formula: see text]-power, then [Formula: see text] is also reducible with respect to [Formula: see text].
Some Baumslag–Solitar groups are two-bridge virtual knot groups
Authors: Mira-Albanés Jhon Jader , Rodríguez-Nieto José Gregorio , Salazar-Díaz Olga Patricia
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we give sufficient conditions on group presentations, with two generators and one relator, in order to be the group of a virtual knot diagram. Although those conditions are not enough, we use them to determine, completely, whether or not a Baumslag–Solitar group is the group of a two-bridge virtual knot. Moreover, we present a combinatorial proof of the fact that these groups are not two-bridge classical knot groups.
SUPERHYDROPHOBIC COPPER SURFACES BY SHOT PEENING AND CHEMICAL TREATMENT
Authors: FOROOSHANI H. MOJIRI , ALIOFKHAZRAEI M. , ROUHAGHDAM A. SABOUR
Published: January 2017

In this paper, superhydrophobic surfaces are developed on polycrystalline copper using a combination of mechanical and chemical treatments by shot peening, dislocation etching and stearic acid treatment. The key point in this combined approach is the fabrication of a dislocation forest by shot peening. These sites were dissolved by etching, and hierarchical structures were fabricated. When these etched surfaces are treated by stearic acid, which has low surface energy, they become superhydrophobic with contact angle more than 150[Formula: see text]. Because of the superior properties and low costs involved with this method, it is expected to be widely used in the industry to fabricate superhydrophobic surfaces.
Distributed Parameter Control Strategies for the Wave Equation with Fractional Order Derivative
Authors: Jiang Jingfei , Cao Dengqing , Chen Huatao
Published: January 2017

In this paper, the control strategies are studied for the fractional order uncertain wave equation subject to persistent external disturbances in Hilbert spaces. The twisting and super-twisting fractional order sliding mode controllers (SMCs) are designed for the infinite dimensional setting and they are applied for addressing the asymptotic state tracking of the fractional order perturbed wave equation. Furthermore, by introducing the adaptive control law to the twisting controller, the bound of the external disturbances which is unknown is dealt with, and for the design of the super-twisting SMC, a fractional order sliding mode manifold is utilized which results in a continuous input control and a chattering free signal. Both of the controllers are associated with the fractional order parameter, which influences the convergence rate of the proposed control algorithms. In addition, the relative theorem involved in the paper for the proof of the stability is proved. Then, the control algorithms are extended to globally asymptotically stabilize the fractional order uncertain wave equation by choosing the appropriate Lyapunov functional. Finally, numerical simulations are presented to verify the viability and efficiency of the proposed fractional order controllers.
Influence of Impulse Force Loading on Vibrations of the Collecting Electrodes
Authors: Nowak Andrzej , Nowak Paweł , Awrejcewicz Jan
Published: January 2017

Results of the simulations of vibrations of collecting electrode system of dry electrostatic precipitator (ESP) are reported. The system of nine electrodes 16[Formula: see text]m long, suspension beam (upper beam) and anvil beam (bottom beam) is analyzed. First, the variants regarding differ position of the anvil beam are analyzed. Second, the differ position of a point of the impulse force as well as direction of the impulse force are investigated (in this case the anvil beam is in a “classic” position). Discretization of both beams and electrodes is carried out employing the modified rigid finite element method (RFEM). It allows to study an influence of the mass distribution and geometric properties of the analyzed system. Moreover, the method is convenient for the introduction of additional lumped mass parameters modeling the joints that fasten the electrodes to the suspension beam, distance-marking bushes, riveted and screw joints, etc. Position of the anvil beam and position/direction of the point of impulse force application can have essential influence on tangent and normal accelerations at different points of the plates, and thus on the effectiveness of the dust removal process. We aim to find optimal position of an anvil beam, which guaranties the maximum amplitudes of vibrations and their proper distribution in the plates.
On some polycyclic groups with small Hirsch length
Authors: Liu Heguo , Zhou Fang , Xu Tao
Published: January 2017

A polycyclic group [Formula: see text] is called an [Formula: see text]-group if every normal abelian subgroup of any finite quotient of [Formula: see text] is generated by [Formula: see text], or fewer, elements and [Formula: see text] is the least integer with this property. In this paper, the structure of [Formula: see text]-groups and [Formula: see text]-groups is determined.
Examples of uniform exponential growth in algebras
Authors: Briggs Christopher A.
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we discuss the concept and examples of algebras of uniform exponential growth. We prove that Golod–Shafarevich algebras and group algebras of Golod–Shafarevich groups are of uniform exponential growth. We prove that uniform exponential growth of the universal enveloping algebra of a Lie algebra [Formula: see text] implies uniform exponential growth of [Formula: see text], and conversely should [Formula: see text] be graded by the natural numbers. We prove that a restricted Lie algebra is of uniform exponential growth if and only if its universal enveloping algebra is. We proceed to give several conditions equivalent to the uniform exponential growth of the graded algebra associated to a group algebra filtered by powers of its fundamental ideal.
Urchin-Like Ni Microspherical Structure with Enhanced Magnetic Loss for Thin Microwave Absorber at Gigahertz
Authors: Sun Yuping , Pan Zhengwu , Long Hongming , Or Siu Wing , Ho S. L. , Feng Chao , Liu Xianguo
Published: January 2017

We describe in this report a wet chemical reduction synthetic strategy for synthesizing urchin-like Ni microspherical structures, in which the nanowires self-assembled by Ni nanoparticles with the size of 5–20[Formula: see text]nm are assembled in a radial form from the center to the surface of the spherical oriented arrays. Urchin-like Ni microspherical structures exhibit the strong magnetic natural resonance peak at 7.0[Formula: see text]GHz and superior magnetic loss at 2–18[Formula: see text]GHz, originated from relatively high anisotropy energy of urchin-like shape. Electromagnetic absorption measurements show that the urchin-like Ni microspherical structures possess outstanding microwave absorption performance at 2–18[Formula: see text]GHz. An optimal reflection loss of [Formula: see text]21.98[Formula: see text]dB can be observed at 17.4[Formula: see text]GHz with a matching thickness of 1.4[Formula: see text]mm and the effective absorption (below −10 dB, 90% absorption) bandwidth is 5 GHz (12–17 GHz) with a thickness of 1.7[Formula: see text]mm. The excellent microwave absorption performance may be attributed to the good impedance, large attenuation constant and novel magnetic loss ability.
Two-dimensional finite element model to study the effect of water flux on the nitrate dynamics in the rhizosphere of a maize root
Authors: Badge Ratnamala , Adlakha Neeru
Published: January 2017

The growth of plants and the quality and quantity of crop production depend on the uptake dynamics of water and mineral salts by the roots from the rhizosphere. This water and nutrient dynamics in the rhizosphere is still not well understood. In view of above a mathematical model is proposed to study the effect of water flux on the nitrate dynamics in the rhizosphere of a single maize root. The model incorporates the important mechanisms like diffusion and mass flow of solutes in the rhizosphere. The parameters like soil porosity, soil buffer power, radius of the root have incorporated in the model. Appropriate boundary and initial conditions have been framed based on the physical conditions of the problem. Coaxial circular sector elements have been employed to discretize the circular cross-section of the root. Galerkin finite element method has been employed to obtain the solution. The numerical results have been computed and used to study the effect of water flux on nitrate dynamics at the surface of the root and in the rhizosphere. The change percentage in nitrate concentration at the surface of the root in the rhizosphere of maize root due to change in water flux [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text]s[Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text][Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text][Formula: see text] is observed to be 0.28–1.21%, 2.91–13.73% and 3.20–15.11% in [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mol[Formula: see text][Formula: see text] respectively which is quite significant.
Multispectral imaging of acute wound tissue oxygenation
Authors: Huong Audrey , Philimon Sheena , Ngu Xavier
Published: January 2017

This paper investigates the appropriate range of values for the transcutaneous blood oxygen saturation (StO2) of granulating tissues and the surrounding tissue that can ensure timely wound recovery. This work has used a multispectral imaging system to collect wound images at wavelengths ranging between 520[Formula: see text]nm and 600[Formula: see text]nm with a resolution of 10[Formula: see text]nm. As part of this research, a pilot study was conducted on three injured individuals with superficial wounds of different wound ages at different skin locations. The StO2 value predicted for the examined wounds using the Extended Modified Lambert–Beer model revealed a mean StO2 of [Formula: see text]% compared to [Formula: see text]% at the surrounding tissues, and [Formula: see text]% for control sites. These preliminary results contribute to the existing knowledge on the possible range and variation of wound bed StO2 that are to be used as indicators of the functioning of the vasomotion system and wound health. This study has concluded that a high StO2 of approximately 60% and a large fluctuation in this value should precede a good progression in wound healing.
Large and reversible elastocaloric effect near room temperature in a Ga-doped Ni–Mn–In metamagnetic shape-memory alloy
Authors: Camarillo Juan-Pablo , Aguilar-Ortiz Christian-Omar , Flores-Zúñiga Horacio , Ríos-Jara David , Soto-Parra Daniel-Enrique , Stern-Taulats Enric , Mañosa Lluís , Planes Antoni
Published: January 2017

We report a giant elastocaloric effect near room temperature in a polycrystalline Ga-doped Ni–Mn–In ferromagnetic shape-memory alloy. The elastocaloric effect has been quantified by measuring both isothermal stress-induced entropy changes and adiabatic stress-induced temperature changes. A reproducible maximum entropy change, [Formula: see text] 25 [Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text], upon cycling across the martensitic transition was obtained by application of a compressive stress of 100[Formula: see text]MPa. The corresponding maximum amount of cooling, [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]K, was measured when this stress was rapidly removed. These values are comparable with those reported for giant magnetocaloric materials, which are induced by application and release of a high magnetic field. Therefore, the studied material is a good candidate to be used in solid-state refrigeration devices based on the elastocaloric effect.