bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is Another Unionism Possible?SolidarityUnionism in theIndustrialWorkers of theWorld in theU.S. andCanada
Authors: Keenan Derek
Published: June 2015

The article attempts to answer the question “Is another unionism possible?” by an examination of the theory and practice ofSolidarityUnionism developing in theIndustrialWorkers of theWorld (IWW) in theU.S. andCanada. In the study,SolidarityUnionism is considered as a variety of unionism with distinct and definable characteristics that set it apart from mainstream trade union models. Taking the model ofSolidarityUnionism in theIWWas a case study, the work outlines the historical‐theoretical development of the model through the work of, among others,StaughtonLynd. The distinct and definable characteristics are elaborated and discussed and put into historical context. The research findings, gathered through interviews withIWW SolidarityUnion organizers from theU.S. andCanada and a documentary/textual analysis of contemporaryIWWliterature, both official and unofficial, are organized under topic headings. These topics cover whatSolidarityUnionismlookslike andfeelslike; how it sustains participation and democratic involvement and the possibility of mainstreaming the model. The article concludes with a consideration of the prospects forSolidarityUnionism and the possibility of theSolidarityUnion model, or elements of it, being adopted by the broader trade union movement inNorthAmerica and beyond.
“An Open Letter to Eugene V. Debs”: Debs' Relationship to the U.S. Communists, Circa 1919–1924
Authors: Devinatz Victor G.
Published: June 2015

U.S. Communists have addressed why Eugene V. Debs remained a Socialist Party of America (SPA) member as opposed to joining the Communists when the SPA left‐wing split occurred in 1919. The literature on Debs, the SPA and U.S. Communism's history, however, fails to mention the Communist Party of America's Central Executive Committee writing a letter to Debs published in the April 25, 1920 issue of The Communist. This letter is significant because it is the first place where the Communists present their dualistic views on Debs after the SPA split. Becoming the standard interpretation in U.S. Communist historiography after his death, Debs is portrayed as a heroic militant, class‐conscious warrior who would have joined the Communists in 1919 had he received accurate information about the SPA. This claim, however, lacks support after examining the historical evidence. The article concludes with lessons that can be drawn from this discussion for the early twenty‐first century U.S. trade union movement.
Conjugate Heat Transfer Study of Turbulent Slot Impinging Jet
Authors: Madhusudana Achari A. , Kumar Das Manab
Published: June 2015

Conjugate heat transfer in a two-dimensional, steady, incompressible, confined, turbulent slot jet impinging normally on a flat plate of finite thickness is one of the important problems as it mimics closely with industrial applications. The standard high Reynolds number two-equation k–ε eddy viscosity model has been used as the turbulence model. The turbulence intensity and the Reynolds number considered at the inlet are 2% and 15,000, respectively. The bottom face of the impingement plate is maintained at a constant temperature higher than the jet exit temperature and subjected with constant heat flux for the two cases considered in the study. The confinement plate is considered to be adiabatic. A parametric study has been done by analyzing the effect of nozzle-to-plate distance (4–8), Prandtl number of the fluid (0.1–100), thermal conductivity ratio of solid to fluid (1–1000), and impingement plate thickness (1–10) on distribution of solid–fluid interface temperature, bottom surface temperature (for constant heat flux case), local Nusselt number, and local heat flux. Effort has been given to relate the heat transfer behavior with the flow field. The crossover of distribution of local Nusselt number and local heat flux in a specified region when plotted for different nozzle-to-plate distances has been discussed. It is found that the Nusselt number distribution for different thermal conductivity ratios of solid-to-fluid and impingement plate thicknesses superimposed with each other indicating that the Nusselt number as a fluid flow property remains independent of solid plate properties.
Characterization of spark-generated N-waves in air using an optical schlieren method
Authors: Karzova Maria M. , Yuldashev Petr V. , Khokhlova Vera A. , Ollivier Sébastien , Salze Edouard , Blanc-Benon Philippe
Published: June 2015

Accurate measurement of high-amplitude, broadband shock pulses in air is an important part of laboratory-scale experiments in atmospheric acoustics. Although various methods have been developed, specific drawbacks still exist and need to be addressed. Here, a schlieren optical method was used to reconstruct the pressure signatures of nonlinear spherically diverging short acoustic pulses generated using an electric spark source (2.5 kPa, 33 μs at 10 cm from the source) in homogeneous air. A high-speed camera was used to capture light rays deflected by refractive index inhomogeneities, caused by the acoustic wave. Pressure waveforms were reconstructed from the light intensity patterns in the recorded images using an Abel-type inversion method. Absolute pressure levels were determined by analyzing at different propagation distances the duration of the compression phase of pulses, which changed due to nonlinear propagation effects. Numerical modeling base on the generalized Burgers equation was used to evaluate the smearing of the waveform caused by finite exposure time of the high-speed camera and corresponding limitations in resolution of the schlieren technique. The proposed method allows the study of the evolution of spark-generated shock waves in air starting from the very short distances from the spark, 30 mm, up to 600 mm.
Elastic parabolic equation solutions for oceanic T-wave generation and propagation from deep seismic sources
Authors: Frank Scott D. , Collis Jon M. , Odom Robert I.
Published: June 2015

Oceanic T-waves are earthquake signals that originate when elastic waves interact with the fluid–elastic interface at the ocean bottom and are converted to acoustic waves in the ocean. These waves propagate long distances in the Sound Fixing and Ranging (SOFAR) channel and tend to be the largest observed arrivals from seismic events. Thus, an understanding of their generation is important for event detection, localization, and source-type discrimination. Recently benchmarked seismic self-starting fields are used to generate elastic parabolic equation solutions that demonstrate generation and propagation of oceanic T-waves in range-dependent underwater acoustic environments. Both downward sloping and abyssal ocean range-dependent environments are considered, and results demonstrate conversion of elastic waves into water-borne oceanic T-waves. Examples demonstrating long-range broadband T-wave propagation in range-dependent environments are shown. These results confirm that elastic parabolic equation solutions are valuable for characterization of the relationships between T-wave propagation and variations in range-dependent bathymetry or elastic material parameters, as well as for modeling T-wave receptions at hydrophone arrays or coastal receiving stations.
The influence of a pressure wavepacket's characteristics on its acoustic radiation
Authors: Serré R. , Robinet J.-C. , Margnat F.
Published: June 2015

Noise generation by flows is modeled using a pressure wavepacket to excite the acoustic medium via a boundary condition of the homogeneous wave equation. The pressure wavepacket is a generic representation of the flow unsteadiness, and is characterized by a space envelope of pseudo-Gaussian shape and by a subsonic phase velocity. The space modulation yields energy in the supersonic range of the wavenumber spectrum, which is directly responsible for sound radiation and directivity. The influence of the envelope's shape on the noise emission is studied analytically and numerically, using an acoustic efficiency defined as the ratio of the acoustic power generated by the wavepacket to that involved in the modeled flow. The methodology is also extended to the case of acoustic propagation in a uniformly moving medium, broadening possibilities toward practical flows where organized structures play a major role, such as co-flow around cruising jet, cavity, and turbulent boundary layer flows. The results of the acoustic efficiency show significant sound pressure levels, especially for asymmetric wavepackets radiating in a moving medium.
Urban noise functional stratification for estimating average annual sound level
Authors: Rey Gozalo Guillermo , Barrigón Morillas Juan Miguel , Prieto Gajardo Carlos
Published: June 2015

Road traffic noise causes many health problems and the deterioration of the quality of urban life; thus, adequate spatial noise and temporal assessment methods are required. Different methods have been proposed for the spatial evaluation of noise in cities, including the categorization method. Until now, this method has only been applied for the study of spatial variability with measurements taken over a week. In this work, continuous measurements of 1 year carried out in 21 different locations in Madrid (Spain), which has more than three million inhabitants, were analyzed. The annual average sound levels and the temporal variability were studied in the proposed categories. The results show that the three proposed categories highlight the spatial noise stratification of the studied city in each period of the day (day, evening, and night) and in the overall indicators (LAdn, LAden, and LA24). Also, significant differences between the diurnal and nocturnal sound levels show functional stratification in these categories. Therefore, this functional stratification offers advantages from both spatial and temporal perspectives by reducing the sampling points and the measurement time.
Predicting contrast effects following reliable spectral properties in speech perception
Authors: Stilp Christian E. , Anderson Paul W. , Winn Matthew B.
Published: June 2015

Vowel perception is influenced by precursor sounds that are resynthesized to shift frequency regions [Ladefoged and Broadbent (1957). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 29(1), 98–104] or filtered to emphasize narrow [Kiefte and Kluender (2008). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 123(1), 366–376] or broad frequency regions [Watkins (1991). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 90(6), 2942–2955]. Spectral differences between filtered precursors and vowel targets are perceptually enhanced, producing spectral contrast effects (e.g., emphasizing spectral properties of /ɪ/ in the precursor elicited more /ɛ/ responses to an /ɪ/-/ɛ/ vowel continuum, and vice versa). Historically, precursors have been processed by high-gain filters, resulting in prominent stable long-term spectral properties. Perceptual sensitivity to subtler but equally reliable spectral properties is unknown. Here, precursor sentences were processed by filters of variable bandwidths and different gains, then followed by vowel sounds varying from /ɪ/-/ɛ/. Contrast effects were widely observed, including when filters had only 100-Hz bandwidth or +5 dB gain. Average filter power was a good predictor of the magnitudes of contrast effects, revealing a close linear correspondence between the prominence of a reliable spectral property and the size of shifts in perceptual responses. High sensitivity to subtle spectral regularities suggests contrast effects are not limited to high-power filters, and thus may be more pervasive in speech perception than previously thought.
Working memory training to improve speech perception in noise across languages
Authors: Ingvalson Erin M. , Dhar Sumitrajit , Wong Patrick C. M. , Liu Hanjun
Published: June 2015

Working memory capacity has been linked to performance on many higher cognitive tasks, including the ability to perceive speech in noise. Current efforts to train working memory have demonstrated that working memory performance can be improved, suggesting that working memory training may lead to improved speech perception in noise. A further advantage of working memory training to improve speech perception in noise is that working memory training materials are often simple, such as letters or digits, making them easily translatable across languages. The current effort tested the hypothesis that working memory training would be associated with improved speech perception in noise and that materials would easily translate across languages. Native Mandarin Chinese and native English speakers completed ten days of reversed digit span training. Reading span and speech perception in noise both significantly improved following training, whereas untrained controls showed no gains. These data suggest that working memory training may be used to improve listeners' speech perception in noise and that the materials may be quickly adapted to a wide variety of listeners.
Ultrafast active cavitation imaging with enhanced cavitation to tissue ratio based on wavelet transform and pulse inversion
Authors: Liu Runna , Hu Hong , Xu Shanshan , Huo Rui , Wang Supin , Wan Mingxi
Published: June 2015

The quality of ultrafast active cavitation imaging (UACI) using plane wave transmission is hindered by low transmission pressure, which is necessary to prevent bubble destruction. In this study, a UACI method that combined wavelet transform with pulse inversion (PI) was proposed to enhance the contrast between the cavitation bubbles and surrounding tissues. The main challenge in using wavelet transform is the selection of the optimum mother wavelet. A mother wavelet named “cavitation bubble wavelet” and constructed according to Rayleigh-Plesset-Noltingk-Neppiras-Poritsky model was expected to obtain a high correlation between the bubbles and beamformed echoes. The method was validated by in vitro experiments. Results showed that the image quality was associated with the initial radius of bubble and the scale. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the best optimum cavitation bubble wavelet transform (CBWT) mode image was improved by 3.2 dB compared with that of the B-mode image in free-field experiments. The cavitation-to-tissue ratio of the best optimum PI-based CBWT mode image was improved by 2.3 dB compared with that of the PI-based B-mode image in tissue experiments. Furthermore, the SNR versus initial radius curve had the potential to estimate the size distribution of cavitation bubbles.
An Exopolysaccharide-Deficient Mutant of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Efficiently Displays a Protective Llama Antibody Fragment against Rotavirus on Its Surface
Authors: Álvarez Beatriz , Krogh-Andersen Kasper , Tellgren-Roth Christian , Martínez Noelia , Günaydın Gökçe , Lin Yin , Martín M. Cruz , Álvarez Miguel A. , Hammarström Lennart , Marcotte Harold
Published: June 2015

Rotavirus is the leading cause of infantile diarrhea in developing countries, where it causes a high number of deaths among infants. Two vaccines are available, being highly effective in developed countries although markedly less efficient in developing countries. As a complementary treatment to the vaccines, a
Lactobacillus
strain producing an anti-rotavirus antibody fragment in the gastrointestinal tract could potentially be used. In order to develop such an alternative therapy, the effectiveness of
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
GG to produce and display a VHH antibody fragment (referred to as anti-rotavirus protein 1 [ARP1]) on the surface was investigated.
L. rhamnosus
GG is one of the best-characterized probiotic bacteria and has intrinsic antirotavirus activity. Among four
L. rhamnosus
GG strains [GG (CMC), GG (ATCC 53103), GG (NCC 3003), and GG (UT)] originating from different sources, only GG (UT) was able to display ARP1 on the bacterial surface. The genomic analysis of strain GG (UT) showed that the genes
welE
and
welF
of the EPS cluster are inactivated, which causes a defect in exopolysaccharide (EPS) production, allowing efficient display of ARP1 on its surface. Finally, GG (UT) seemed to confer a level of protection against rotavirus-induced diarrhea similar to that of wild-type GG (NCC 3003) in a mouse pup model, indicating that the EPS may not be involved in the intrinsic antirotavirus activity. Most important, GG (EM233), a derivative of GG (UT) producing ARP1, was significantly more protective than the control strain
L. casei
BL23.
A Transmissible Plasmid-Borne Pathogenicity Island Confers Piscibactin Biosynthesis in the Fish Pathogen Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida
Authors: Osorio Carlos R. , Rivas Amable J. , Balado Miguel , Fuentes-Monteverde Juan Carlos , Rodríguez Jaime , Jiménez Carlos , Lemos Manuel L. , Waldor Matthew K.
Published: June 2015

The fish pathogen
Photobacterium damselae
subsp.
piscicida
produces the siderophore piscibactin. A gene cluster that resembles the
Yersinia
high-pathogenicity island (HPI) encodes piscibactin biosynthesis. Here, we report that this HPI-like cluster is part of a hitherto-uncharacterized 68-kb plasmid dubbed pPHDP70. This plasmid lacks homologs of genes that mediate conjugation, but we found that it could be transferred at low frequencies from
P. damselae
subsp.
piscicida
to a mollusk pathogenic
Vibrio alginolyticus
strain and to other Gram-negative bacteria, likely dependent on the conjugative functions of the coresident plasmid pPHDP60. Following its conjugative transfer, pPHDP70 restored the capacity of a vibrioferrin mutant of
V. alginolyticus
to grow under low-iron conditions, and piscibactin became detectable in its supernatant. Thus, pPHDP70 appears to harbor all the genes required for piscibactin biosynthesis and transport.
P. damselae
subsp.
piscicida
strains cured of pPHDP70 no longer produced piscibactin, had impaired growth under iron-limited conditions, and exhibited markedly decreased virulence in fish. Collectively, our findings highlight the importance of pPHDP70, with its capacity for piscibactin-mediated iron acquisition, in the virulence of
P. damselae
subsp.
piscicida.
Horizontal transmission of this plasmid-borne piscibactin synthesis gene cluster in the marine environment may facilitate the emergence of new pathogens.
Effects of Xylo-Oligosaccharides on Broiler Chicken Performance and Microbiota
Authors: De Maesschalck C. , Eeckhaut V. , Maertens L. , De Lange L. , Marchal L. , Nezer C. , De Baere S. , Croubels S. , Daube G. , Dewulf J. , Haesebrouck F. , Ducatelle R. , Taminau B. , Van Immerseel F.
Published: June 2015

In broiler chickens, feed additives, including prebiotics, are widely used to improve gut health and to stimulate performance. Xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) are hydrolytic degradation products of arabinoxylans that can be fermented by the gut microbiota. In the current study, we aimed to analyze the prebiotic properties of XOS when added to the broiler diet. Administration of XOS to chickens, in addition to a wheat-rye-based diet, significantly improved the feed conversion ratio. XOS significantly increased villus length in the ileum. It also significantly increased numbers of lactobacilli in the colon and
Clostridium
cluster XIVa in the ceca. Moreover, the number of gene copies encoding the key bacterial enzyme for butyrate production, butyryl-coenzyme A (butyryl-CoA):acetate CoA transferase, was significantly increased in the ceca of chickens administered XOS. In this group of chickens, at the species level,
Lactobacillus crispatus
and
Anaerostipes butyraticus
were significantly increased in abundance in the colon and cecum, respectively.
In vitro
fermentation of XOS revealed cross-feeding between
L. crispatus
and
A. butyraticus
. Lactate, produced by
L. crispatus
during XOS fermentation, was utilized by the butyrate-producing
Anaerostipes
species. These data show the beneficial effects of XOS on broiler performance when added to the feed, which potentially can be explained by stimulation of butyrate-producing bacteria through cross-feeding of lactate and subsequent effects of butyrate on gastrointestinal function.
Squamous cell carcinoma of unknown origin metastasising to the right atrium causing acute heart failure
Authors: Sladden David , Yamagata Kentaro , Pllaha Elton , Busuttil Walter
Published: June 2015

We describe a case of metastasis to the heart, which was initially suspected to be a myxoma, causing acute right heart failure. Emergency surgery was carried out by opening the right atrium and superior vena cava, and debulking the tumour in a piecemeal fashion, providing temporary relief of symptoms. The histology showed this to be metastatic squamous cell carcinoma possibly of head and neck origin. This is extremely rare, with few published cases. Full endoscopic and CT, including positron emission tomography CT, investigation of the head and neck was performed with no primary findings. Only two such cases of squamous cell carcinoma of unknown origin metastasising to the heart have been described, and, in both cases, the patients died within several weeks of diagnosis. This patient remains alive 2 months postoperatively and is receiving radiotherapy to the chest, but his prognosis remains poor.
Measuring the effect of Choosing Wisely: an integrated framework to assess campaign impact on low-value care
Authors: Bhatia R Sacha , Levinson Wendy , Shortt Samuel , Pendrith Ciara , Fric-Shamji Elana , Kallewaard Marjon , Peul Wilco , Veillard Jeremy , Elshaug Adam , Forde Ian , Kerr Eve A
Published: June 2015

The Choosing Wisely campaign began in the USA in 2012 to encourage physicians and patients to discuss inappropriate and potentially harmful tests, treatments and procedures. Since its inception, the campaign has grown substantially and has been adopted by 12 countries around the world. Of great interest to countries implementing the campaign, is the effectiveness of Choosing Wisely to reduce overutilisation. This article presents an integrated measurement framework that may be used to assess the impact of a Choosing Wisely campaign on physician and provider awareness and attitudes on low-value care, provider practice behaviour and overuse of low-value services.
Dog bites: a complex public health issue
Authors: Orritt Rachel
Published: June 2015

The first ‘UK Dog Bite Prevention Week’ was introduced on June 6 and 7 with a two‐day conference hosted by television presenter and dog trainer Victoria Stilwell in association with the University of Lincoln. The event attracted a mix of academic and professional speakers as well as delegates from a wide range of backgrounds. Rachel Orritt, who is researching the perceptions, assessment and management of human‐directed aggressive behaviour in dogs at the University of Lincoln, reports on the proceedings
Diary of a poultry intern
Authors: Garton William
Published: June 2015

As the gamebird rearing season has begun, poultry intern William Garton is busy with clinical work and health issues involving a variety of avian species.
Production of massless charm jets in pp collisions at next-to-leading order of QCD
Authors: Bierenbaum Isabella , Kramer Gustav
Published: June 2015

We present predictions for the inclusive production of charm jets in proton–proton collisions at 7 TeV. Several CTEQ parton distribution functions (PDFs) of the CTEQ6.6M type are employed, where two of the CTEQ6.6 PDFs have intrinsic charm. At large enough jet transverse momentum and large jet rapidity, the intrinsic charm content can be tested.
The performance study of OLED based on Cs2O doped Ag2O thin layer structure as the electronic injection layer
Authors: Zhang Gang , Gao Hong Yan , Tian Xiao Cui , Zhao Li Na , Wang Jin , Jiang Wen Long , Zhang Xi Yan
Published: June 2015

The effect on the properties of organic electroluminescent devices was studied using various electronic injection layers. As a result, the electron injection layer by [Formula: see text] doped [Formula: see text], when the mass fraction was 17% and the thickness was 1 nm, the performance of the device was significantly higher than the single [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] as electronic injection layer. The maximum power efficiency reached 0.91 lm/W, which was higher than that of [Formula: see text] 0.64 lm/W and [Formula: see text] 0.32 cd/A raised 1.42 times and 2.84 times, respectively. In addition, the light voltage of the doping device was 8 V, and that of the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] device was 9 V. So the turn-on voltage was reduced.
Locality Structured Sparsity Preserving Embedding
Authors: Feng Lin , Wang Huibing , Liu Shenglan , Zhang Hongwei
Published: June 2015

In recent years, the theory of sparse representation (SR) has been widely exploited in sparse subspace learning (SSL). Among all these methods, SR is a parameter-free global algorithm in nature which is mostly utilized to construct the correlations between samples to avoid some negative effects incurred by k-nearest neighbor (KNN) or some other methods. However, these SSL algorithms always lack obvious discrimination because of the ignorance of samples distribution. Meanwhile, some incorrect correlations are taken into consideration owing to the global feature of SR. To solve these two problems, a new SSL algorithm called locality structured sparsity preserving embedding (LSPE) is proposed in this paper. We add the local structured information to SR and construct correlations between samples. However, LSPE is an unsupervised method which wastes all label information. Therefore, LSPE is extended to semi-supervised LSPE (SLSPE) in this paper. SLSPE not only makes good use of the label information but also enhances the discriminative power of LSPE. Extensive experiments have been performed on three image datasets (CMU, COIL20, ORL) and two UCI datasets (Glass, Segment) to prove the efficiency of the LSPE and SLSPE.
IGA-Based Interactive Framework Using Conjoint Analysis and SOM for Designing Room Layout
Authors: Akase Ryuya , Okada Yoshihiro
Published: June 2015

In this paper, the authors propose the user evaluation support methods for IGA (Interactive Genetic Algorithm)-based 3D room layout generation. Although IGA is useful for applying the user preferences to the solution, IGA-based systems force users to evaluate a lot of individuals, causing the fatigue of operators. Therefore, we adopted the following methods in order to cope with the problem:

(a) Prediction of user preferences with a conjoint analysis.

(b) Individuals clustering with a self-organizing map.

To make a 3D scene such as a furniture layout, the IGA-based 3D room layout system is very helpful because it requires easy 3D graphics and manipulation only. The authors have been developing a web-based system that optimizes 3D room layouts based on user preferences. Finally, we tested the usefulness of our system with the demonstration, and had positive outcomes.
Future Research Directions of Software Engineering and Knowledge Engineering
Authors: Xu Haiping
Published: June 2015

Software Engineering (SE) and Knowledge Engineering (KE) are closely related disciplines with goals of turning the development process of software systems and knowledge-based systems, respectively, into engineering disciplines. In particular, they together can provide systematic approaches for engineering intelligent software systems more efficiently and cost-effectively. As there is a large overlap between the two disciplines, the interplay is vital for both to be successful. In this paper, we divide the intersection of SE and KE into three subareas, namely Knowledge-Supported Software Engineering (KSSE), Engineering Knowledge as a Software (EKaaS), and Intelligent Software System Engineering (ISSE). For each subarea, we describe the challenges along with the current trends, and predict the future research directions that may have the most potential for success.
Hamiltonian decompositions of prisms over complete 3-uniform hypergraphs
Authors: Boonklurb Ratinan , Singhun Sirirat , Termtanasombat Sansanee
Published: June 2015

We consider prisms over complete 3-uniform hypergraphs and decompose them into Hamiltonian cycles of Katona–Kierstead type. We show that prisms over complete 3-uniform hypergraphs of order 4, 5 and 8 can be decomposed into Hamiltonian cycles and we suggest that prisms over complete 3-uniform hypergraphs of order in the form 6t + 2 may have Hamiltonian decompositions.
Particle Formation and Product Formulation Using Supercritical Fluids
Authors: Knez Željko , Knez Hrnčič Maša , Škerget Mojca
Published: June 2015

Traditional methods for solids processing involve either high temperatures, necessary for melting or viscosity reduction, or hazardous organic solvents. Owing to the negative impact of the solvents on the environment, especially on living organisms, intensive research has focused on new, sustainable methods for the processing of these substances. Applying supercritical fluids for particle formation may produce powders and composites with special characteristics. Several processes for formation and design of solid particles using dense gases have been studied intensively. The unique thermodynamic and fluid-dynamic properties of supercritical fluids can be used also for impregnation of solid particles or for the formation of solid powderous emulsions and particle coating, e.g., for formation of solids with unique properties for use in different applications. We give an overview of the application of sub- and supercritical fluids as green processing media for particle formation processes and present recent advances and trends in development.
Mechanoregulation of cardiac myofibroblast differentiation: implications for cardiac fibrosis and therapy
Authors: Yong Kar Wey , Li YuHui , Huang GuoYou , Lu Tian Jian , Safwani Wan Kamarul Zaman Wan , Pingguan-Murphy Belinda , Xu Feng
Published: June 2015

Cardiac myofibroblast differentiation, as one of the most important cellular responses to heart injury, plays a critical role in cardiac remodeling and failure. While biochemical cues for this have been extensively investigated, the role of mechanical cues, e.g., extracellular matrix stiffness and mechanical strain, has also been found to mediate cardiac myofibroblast differentiation. Cardiac fibroblasts in vivo are typically subjected to a specific spatiotemporally changed mechanical microenvironment. When exposed to abnormal mechanical conditions (e.g., increased extracellular matrix stiffness or strain), cardiac fibroblasts can undergo myofibroblast differentiation. To date, the impact of mechanical cues on cardiac myofibroblast differentiation has been studied both in vitro and in vivo. Most of the related in vitro research into this has been mainly undertaken in two-dimensional cell culture systems, although a few three-dimensional studies that exist revealed an important role of dimensionality. However, despite remarkable advances, the comprehensive mechanisms for mechanoregulation of cardiac myofibroblast differentiation remain elusive. In this review, we introduce important parameters for evaluating cardiac myofibroblast differentiation and then discuss the development of both in vitro (two and three dimensional) and in vivo studies on mechanoregulation of cardiac myofibroblast differentiation. An understanding of the development of cardiac myofibroblast differentiation in response to changing mechanical microenvironment will underlie potential targets for future therapy of cardiac fibrosis and failure.
Maternal high-fat diet is associated with impaired fetal lung development
Authors: Mayor Reina S. , Finch Katelyn E. , Zehr Jordan , Morselli Eugenia , Neinast Michael D. , Frank Aaron P. , Hahner Lisa D. , Wang Jason , Rakheja Dinesh , Palmer Biff F. , Rosenfeld Charles R. , Savani Rashmin C. , Clegg Deborah J.
Published: June 2015

Maternal nutrition has a profound long-term impact on infant health. Poor maternal nutrition influences placental development and fetal growth, resulting in low birth weight, which is strongly associated with the risk of developing chronic diseases, including heart disease, hypertension, asthma, and type 2 diabetes, later in life. Few studies have delineated the mechanisms by which maternal nutrition affects fetal lung development. Here, we report that maternal exposure to a diet high in fat (HFD) causes placental inflammation, resulting in placental insufficiency, fetal growth restriction (FGR), and inhibition of fetal lung development. Notably, pre- and postnatal exposure to maternal HFD also results in persistent alveolar simplification in the postnatal period. Our novel findings provide a strong association between maternal diet and fetal lung development.
Mouse lung development and NOX1 induction during hyperoxia are developmentally regulated and mitochondrial ROS dependent
Authors: Datta Ankur , Kim Gina A. , Taylor Joann M. , Gugino Sylvia F. , Farrow Kathryn N. , Schumacker Paul T. , Berkelhamer Sara K.
Published: June 2015

Animal models demonstrate that exposure to supraphysiological oxygen during the neonatal period compromises both lung and pulmonary vascular development, resulting in a phenotype comparable to bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Our prior work in murine models identified postnatal maturation of antioxidant enzyme capacities as well as developmental regulation of mitochondrial oxidative stress in hyperoxia. We hypothesize that consequences of hyperoxia may also be developmentally regulated and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) dependent. To determine whether age of exposure impacts the effect of hyperoxia, neonatal mice were placed in 75% oxygen for 72 h at either postnatal day 0 (early postnatal) or day 4 (late postnatal). Mice exposed to early, but not late, postnatal hyperoxia demonstrated decreased alveolarization and septation, increased muscularization of resistance pulmonary arteries, and right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) compared with normoxic controls. Treatment with a mitochondria-specific antioxidant, (2-(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-oxyl-4-ylamino)-2-oxoethyl)triphenylphosphonium chloride (mitoTEMPO), during early postnatal hyperoxia protected against compromised alveolarization and RVH. In addition, early, but not late, postnatal hyperoxia resulted in induction of NOX1 expression that was mitochondrial ROS dependent. Because early, but not late, exposure resulted in compromised lung and cardiovascular development, we conclude that the consequences of hyperoxia are developmentally regulated and decrease with age. Attenuated disease in mitoTEMPO-treated mice implicates mitochondrial ROS in the pathophysiology of neonatal hyperoxic lung injury, with potential for amplification of ROS signaling through NOX1 induction. Furthermore, it suggests a potential role for targeted antioxidant therapy in the prevention or treatment of BPD.
Pulmonary Mucormycosis in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Diagnostic and Treatment Challenge
Authors: Hung Hung-Chang , Shen Gang-Yu , Chen Shiuan-Chih , Yeo Kai-Jieh , Tsao Shih-Ming , Lee Meng-Chih , Lee Yuan-Ti
Published: June 2015

Pulmonary mucormycosis is commonly encountered in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis, hematologic malignancies, neutropenia, organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and malignancy, but it rarely occurs in high-risk patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We present the case of a 40-year-old SLE female with fulminant pneumonia after remission of nephritis treated with rituximab, who developed severe pulmonary mucormycosis that led to her rapid death from acute respiratory failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Pulmonary mucormycosis has a high mortality rate. However, with early diagnosis and antifungal therapy with lipid formulation-liposomal amphotericin B and surgical removal of the infected area, the outcome can be improved.
A One-Step Real-Time RT-PCR Assay for the Detection and Quantitation ofSugarcane Streak Mosaic Virus
Authors: Fu Wei-Lin , Sun Sheng-Ren , Fu Hua-Ying , Chen Ru-Kai , Su Jin-Wei , Gao San-Ji
Published: June 2015

Sugarcane mosaic disease is caused by theSugarcane streak mosaic virus(SCSMV; genusPoacevirus, familyPotyviridae) which is common in some Asian countries. Here, we established a protocol of a one-step real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (real-time qRT-PCR) using the TaqMan probe for the detection of SCSMV in sugarcane. Primers and probes were designed within the conserved region of the SCSMV coat protein (CP) gene sequences. Standard single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) generated by PCR-based gene transcripts of recombinant pGEM-CP plasmidin vitroand total RNA extracted from SCSMV-infected sugarcane were used as templates of qRT-PCR. We further performed a sensitivity assay to show that the detection limit of the assay was 100 copies of ssRNA and 2 pg of total RNA with good reproducibility. The values obtained were approximately 100-fold more sensitive than those of the conventional RT-PCR. A higher incidence (68.6%) of SCSMV infection was detected by qRT-PCR than that (48.6%) with conventional RT-PCR in samples showing mosaic symptoms. SCSMV-free samples were verified by infection withSugarcane mosaic virus(SCMV) orSorghum mosaic virus(SrMV) or a combination of both. The developed qRT-PCR assay may become an alternative molecular tool for an economical, rapid, and efficient detection and quantification of SCSMV.
Treatment of Wastewater by Ozone Produced in Dielectric Barrier Discharge
Authors: Bhatta Rita , Kayastha Rachhya , Subedi Deepak P. , Joshi Rajendra
Published: June 2015

There is rapid diminishing of water resources in many countries due to, for example, population growth and constant reduction in fresh water supply. The sewage wastewater, industrial effluents, and municipal wastewater are directly and indiscriminately discharged into rivers and lakes and thus primarily cause water pollution in Nepal. This has increased the water crisis and also causes environmental deterioration. Therefore, the need for the development of an effective, cheap, and environmentally friendly process for the treatment of wastewater before discharging into aquatic environment has emerged. Treatment by ozone produced from dielectric barrier discharge is one of the emerging technologies for such application. The ozonation process is more effective for disinfection and degradation of organic pollutants from water. The current study describes the treatment of wastewater of selected site within Kathmandu. Results on various physicochemical and microbial parameters of the inlet and outlet samples are discussed. Our results showed slight increase in pH, decrease in chemical oxygen demand, and significant increase in dissolved oxygen after ozonation. Importantly, ozonation caused total reduction of fecal coliform.
An Unusual Case of Bony Styloid Processes That Extend to the Hyoid Bone
Authors: Gadkaree Shekhar K. , Hyppolite Christopher G. , Harun Aisha , Sobel Ryan H. , Kim Young
Published: June 2015

The embryological origin of the hyoid bone is a point of uncertainty, with controversy surrounding the relative contribution of the second pharyngeal arch to hyoid development. We encountered a 52-year-old male with bilateral bony styloid extension to the lesser cornu of the hyoid bone during the workup of a patient with laryngeal cancer. This embryological malformation clearly supports the hypothesis that the second pharyngeal arch gives rise to the lesser cornu and demonstrates an unusual clinical finding that may be encountered by otolaryngologists. We demonstrate the imaging findings and surgical management of this unusual anatomical variant and review the embryological basis for this rare malformation.
Ovarian and Renal Vein Thrombosis: A Rare Cause of Fever Outer the Postpartum Period
Authors: Togan Turhan , Turan Hale , Cifci Egemen , Çiftci Ceylan
Published: June 2015

Although there is no other underlying disease, women can sometimes experience rare and serious diseases such as ovarian vein thrombosis (OVT) and renal vein thrombosis (RVT) after giving birth. The widespread development of thrombosis is treated for the first time in this study. Stasis, coagulation factor abnormalities, and intimal damage to the venous thrombosis risk can increase during pregnancy. It was mentioned that it diagnoses an abnormality in the hypercoagulability half of women with OVT. Despite the hypercoagulant abnormality observed in pregnant women, it was very unusual that the renal vein thrombosis led to this complication. It can lead to severe complication of OVT which can even cause death. It was the first time that the renal vein and ovarian vein thrombosis were observed in the postpartum period, and there was no coagulation abnormality. It is known that the thrombus in the postpartum period can be observed with the fever of unknown origin. The problematic, but rarely observed, postpartum disease such as ovarian venous thrombosis (OVT) is generally observed in the right ovarian vein. In this disease, avoiding the resulting laparotomy heparin and intravenous antibiotics is best solution for the patient. If it is to be noted a fever for unknown reasons, that it be thrombosis.
Thyroid Hemiagenesis Associated with Hyperthyroidism
Authors: Gurleyik Gunay , Gurleyik Emin
Published: June 2015

Thyroid hemiagenesis (TH), very rare congenital anomaly, is generally asymptomatic. We report two cases of TH with hyperthyroidism.Case One. The patient presented with signs and symptoms of thyrotoxicosis. Physical examination revealed asymmetric nodular goitre at right lobe. Biochemical analysis revealed the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. Ultrasound showed multinodular hypertrophy in the right lobe and absence of the left lobe. Nuclear scan, confirming absence of the left lobe, showed hot nodules in the right one. The diagnosis was toxic multinodular goitre.Case Two. The thyroid was not palpable in this patient presented with signs and symptoms of thyrotoxicosis. Biochemical analysis revealed the diagnosis of autoimmune thyrotoxicosis. Ultrasound showed mild diffuse hyperplasia of the right lobe and agenesis of the left lobe. Nuclear scan, confirming absence of the left lobe, showed increasing diffuse uptake of radiotracer in the right one. The diagnosis was Graves’ disease in this patient. After antithyroid medication, the patients were surgically treated with total excision of the thyroid tissue. TH is sometimes associated with disorders of the thyroid. Hyperthyroidism makes TH cases symptomatic. During evaluation of patients, ultrasound and nuclear scan usually report agenesis of one lobe and establish the diagnosis of TH. The surgical treatment is total removal of hyperactive tissue and total excision of the remaining lobe.
A Photoplethysmography Melanin Evaluation System by Modified Boltzmann Transport Equation (BTE)
Authors: Huang Sheng-Chieh , Wang Hui-Min , Luo Shi-Han
Published: June 2015

With the advance in cosmetic medical technology in recent years, more and more people get cosmetic medical treatments, especially skin whitening treatments. Nevertheless, people usually assess the effect of skin whitening products by vision, which is subjective and will be different from each person. To acquire the value of melanin concentration objectively, people need to go to cosmetic medical clinics. This will cause inconvenience to people. This paper develops a novel evaluation platform based on optical assessment methods, which employ different absorption and scattering properties to different wavelengths of light in human tissue to obtain melanin concentration. Moreover, this paper proposes a new method that compensates the interaction between epidermis and dermis to acquire the melanin concentration more accurately. The novel platform designed in this paper is smaller and consumes lower-power and smaller when comparing to other conventional devices in market.
A Computational Approach towards Visual Object Recognition at Taxonomic Levels of Concepts
Authors: Sadeghi Zahra , Nadjar Araabi Babak , Nili Ahmadabadi Majid
Published: June 2015

It has been argued that concepts can be perceived at three main levels of abstraction. Generally, in a recognition system, object categories can be viewed at three levels of taxonomic hierarchy which are known as superordinate, basic, and subordinate levels. For instance, “horse” is a member of subordinate level which belongs to basic level of “animal” and superordinate level of “natural objects.” Our purpose in this study is to take an investigation into visual features at each taxonomic level. We first present a recognition tree which is more general in terms of inclusiveness with respect to visual representation of objects. Then we focus on visual feature definition, that is, how objects from the same conceptual category can be visually represented at each taxonomic level. For the first level we define global features based on frequency patterns to illustrate visual distinctions among artificial and natural. In contrast, our approach for the second level is based on shape descriptors which are defined by recruiting moment based representation. Finally, we show how conceptual knowledge can be utilized for visual feature definition in order to enhance recognition of subordinate categories.
Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cell Levels Predict Cardiovascular Events in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis
Authors: Lee Hong Joo , Kim Weon , Kim Woo Shik , Woo Jong Shin , Kim Yang Gyoon , Moon Ju Young , Lee Sang Ho , Ihm Chun Gyoo , Lee Tae Won , Jeong Kyung Hwan
Published: June 2015

Background: The number of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) has been identified as a surrogate biologic marker for vascular function and cumulative cardiovascular (CV) risk in the general population. Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis (HD) have markedly decreased EPC counts and function. We hypothesized that the number of circulating EPCs predicts death from all causes and CV events in patients with ESRD on HD. Methods: We quantified the EPCs in blood samples from 70 patients with ESRD on HD. Circulating EPCs were counted by flow cytometry as the number of CD45lowCD34+VEGFR2+ cells. Death from all causes and CV events served as outcome variables over a median follow-up period of 20 months. Results: It has been postulated that the number of circulating EPCs at baseline ranged from 1 to 350 cells/200 μl, with a mean of ± standard deviation (SD) of 26.0 ± 48.2 cells/200 μl. The median, lowest and highest tertiles of EPC counts were 11.0, 9.0, and 17.0 cells/200 μl, respectively. Patients with the lowest tertile EPC counts had significantly higher rates of CV events, but mortality was similar between the two groups. After adjusting for these risk factors, HbA1c and the lowest tertile EPC count remained as independent predictors of CV events. A cutoff value of 9.5 cells/200 μl maximized the power of the EPC count to predict future CV events as determined by ROC curve analysis. Conclusions: Reduced circulating EPC counts independently predicted CV events in 70 patients with ESRD on maintenance HD. Circulating EPCs may play a role in vascular repair, thereby affecting the clinical course of CV events.
Can Any Biomarker Predict the Temporal Behavior of Aging?
Authors: Carnes Bruce A.
Published: June 2015

Journals are filled with articles describing the creation of physiological biomarkers whose temporal behavior is attributed to aging. This paper explores whether it is even possible to create a biomarker capable of describing the temporal mortality dynamics of aging. Just as Medawar referred to aging as an unsolved problem in biology in his classic 1951 lecture, this article suggests that aging remains an unresolved problem in gerontology. The argument is also made that biomarkers of any biological phenomenon must be derived from the logic of an evidence-based conceptual framework or paradigm. As such, the variables used to construct a dataset for quantitative analysis must be related to the subject of interest. It is, therefore, unclear whether a database designed to study disease contains the variables needed to study the mortality dynamics of aging and its biomedical consequences.