bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Bearing Fault Using Fractional Brownian Motion and Minimum Entropy Deconvolution
Authors: Song Wanqing , Li Ming , Liang Jian-Kai
Published: November 2016

In this paper, we propose a novel framework for the diagnosis of incipient bearing faults and trend prediction of weak faults which result in gradual aggravation with the bearing vibration intensity as the characteristic parameter. For the weak fault diagnosis, the proposed framework adopts the improved minimum entropy deconvolution (MED) theory to identify the weak fault characteristics of mechanical equipment. From a large number of actual data analysis, once a bearing shows a weak fault, the bearing vibration intensity not only has random non-stationary, but also long-range dependent (LRD) characteristics. Therefore, the stochastic model with LRD−fractional Brown motion (FBM) is proposed to evaluate and predict the condition of slowly varying bearing faults which is a gradual process from weak fault occurrence to severity. For the FBM stochastic model, we mainly implement the derivation and the parameter identification of the FBM model. This is the first study to slowly fault prediction with stochastic model FBM. Experimental results show that the proposed methods can obtain the best performance in incipient fault diagnosis and bearing condition trend prediction.
Magnetofection Enhances Lentiviral-Mediated Transduction of Airway Epithelial Cells through Extracellular and Cellular Barriers
Authors: Castellani Stefano , Orlando Clara , Carbone Annalucia , Di Gioia Sante , Conese Massimo
Published: November 2016

Gene transfer to airway epithelial cells is hampered by extracellular (mainly mucus) and cellular (tight junctions) barriers. Magnetofection has been used to increase retention time of lentiviral vectors (LV) on the cellular surface. In this study, magnetofection was investigated in airway epithelial cell models mimicking extracellular and cellular barriers. Bronchiolar epithelial cells (H441 line) were evaluated for LV-mediated transduction after polarization onto filters and dexamethasone (dex) treatment, which induced hemicyst formation, with or without magnetofection. Sputum from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients was overlaid onto cells, and LV-mediated transduction was evaluated in the absence or presence of magnetofection. Magnetofection of unpolarized H441 cells increased the transduction with 50 MOI (multiplicity of infection, i.e., transducing units/cell) up to the transduction obtained with 500 MOI in the absence of magnetofection. Magnetofection well-enhanced LV-mediated transduction in mucus-layered cells by 20.3-fold. LV-mediated transduction efficiency decreased in dex-induced hemicysts in a time-dependent fashion. In dome-forming cells, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) localization at the cell borders was increased by dex treatment. Under these experimental conditions, magnetofection significantly increased LV transduction by 5.3-fold. In conclusion, these results show that magnetofection can enhance LV-mediated gene transfer into airway epithelial cells in the presence of extracellular (sputum) and cellular (tight junctions) barriers, representing CF-like conditions.
Views and Preferences for Nicotine Products as an Alternative to Smoking: A Focus Group Study of People Living with Mental Disorders
Authors: Meurk Carla , Ford Pauline , Sharma Ratika , Fitzgerald Lisa , Gartner Coral
Published: November 2016

Aims and Background: People living with mental disorders experience a disproportionately higher burden of tobacco-related disease than the general population. Long-term substitution with less harmful nicotine products could reduce the tobacco-related harm among this population. This study investigated the views and preferences of people with mental health disorders about different nicotine products and their use as long-term substitutes for cigarettes. Methods: Semi-structured focus group discussion followed by a brief questionnaire. The discussion transcripts were analysed for content and themes and quantitative data summarised with descriptive statistics. Results: Twenty-nine participants took part in four focus groups. Vaping devices were the most acceptable nicotine products discussed; however preferences for nicotine products were individual and varied along aesthetic, pragmatic, sensory and symbolic dimensions. The concept of tobacco harm reduction was unfamiliar to participants, however they generally agreed with the logic of replacing cigarettes with less harmful nicotine products. Barriers to activating tobacco harm reduction included the symbolism of smoking and quitting; the importance placed on health; the consumer appeal of alternatives; and cost implications. Discussion and Conclusions: Engaging this population in tobacco harm reduction options will require communication that challenges black and white thinking (a conceptual framework in which smoking cigarettes or quitting all nicotine are the only legitimate options) as in practice this serves to support the continuance of smoking. Consumers should be encouraged to trial a range of nicotine products to find the most acceptable alternative to smoking that reduces health harms. Providing incentives to switch to nicotine products could help overcome barriers to using less harmful nicotine products among mental health consumers.
An Investigation on the Effect of Extremely Low Frequency Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields on Human Electrocardiograms (ECGs)
Authors: Fang Qiang , Mahmoud Seedahmed , Yan Jiayong , Li Hui
Published: November 2016

For this investigation, we studied the effects of extremely low frequency pulse electromagnetic fields (ELF-PEMF) on the human cardiac signal. Electrocardiograms (ECGs) of 22 healthy volunteers before and after a short duration of ELF-PEMF exposure were recorded. The experiment was conducted under single-blind conditions. The root mean square (RMS) value of the recorded data was considered as comparison criteria. We also measured and analysed four important ECG time intervals before and after ELF-PEMF exposure. Results revealed that the RMS value of the ECG recordings from 18 participants (81.8% of the total participants) increased with a mean value of 3.72%. The increase in ECG voltage levels was then verified by a second experimental protocol with a control exposure. In addition to this, we used hyperbolic T-distributions (HTD) in the analysis of ECG signals to verify the change in the RR interval. It was found that there were small shifts in the frequency-domain signal before and after EMF exposure. This shift has an influence on all frequency components of the ECG signals, as all spectrums were shifted. It is shown from this investigation that a short time exposure to ELF-PEMF can affect the properties of ECG signals. Further study is needed to consolidate this finding and discover more on the biological effects of ELF-PEMF on human physiological processes.
Effects of BMP-2 Delivery in Calcium Phosphate Bone Graft Materials with Different Compositions on Bone Regeneration
Authors: Park Jin-Chul , Bae Eun-Bin , Kim Se-Eun , Kim So-Yun , Choi Kyung-Hee , Choi Jae-Won , Bae Ji-Hyeon , Ryu Jae-Jun , Huh Jung-Bo
Published: November 2016

This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of loading rhBMP-2 onto biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) and calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) on bone regeneration, and to examine the efficacies of BCP and CPP as rhBMP-2 carriers. Specimens were divided into the BCP, CPP, BCP/BMP, and CPP/BMP groups; BCP and CPP were in granules and not coated with rhBMP-2. BCP/BMP and CPP/BMP were prepared as discs, which were treated with rhBMP-2 and collagen. Physical and biological features were investigated using in-vitro and in-vivo tests. New bone area percentages (%) in the BCP/BMP and CPP/BMP groups were significantly greater than in the BCP and CPP groups. At weeks 4 and 8 post-implantation, CPP/BMP showed the most new bone growth. Within the limitations of this study, treatment of BCP and CPP with rhBMP-2 significantly enhanced bone regeneration. CPP was found to be a suitable carrier for rhBMP-2.
Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of trans-β-Aryl-δ-hydroxy-γ-lactones and Enzymatic Kinetic Resolution of Their Racemic Mixtures
Authors: Skrobiszewski Andrzej , Gładkowski Witold , Maciejewska Gabriela , Wawrzeńczyk Czesław
Published: November 2016

Two novel and convenient routes to obtain enantiomerically enriched trans-β-aryl-δ-hydroxy-γ-lactones 5a–d with potential antifeedant and anticancer activity were developed. In the first method starting from corresponding enantiomers of γ,δ-unsaturated esters 4a–d derived from enzymatically resolved allyl alcohols 1a–d, both enantiomers of hydroxylactones 5a–d were synthesized with high enantiomeric excesses (73%–97%). Configurations of the stereogenic centers of the synthesized compounds were assigned based on the mechanism of acidic lactonization of esters 4a–d in the presence of m-chloroperbenzoic acid (m-CPBA). An alternative method for the production of optically active trans-β-aryl-δ-hydroxy-γ-lactones 5a–d was lipase-catalyzed kinetic resolution of their racemic mixtures by transesterification with vinyl propionate as the acyl donor. The most efficient enzyme in the screening procedure was lipase B from Candida antarctica. Its application on a preparative scale after 6 h afforded unreacted (+)-(4S,5R,6S)-hydroxylactones 5a–d and (+)-(4R,5S,6R)-propionates 6a–d, most of them with high enantiomeric excesses (92%–98%). Resolution of lactone 5d with bulky 1,3-benzodioxol ring provided products with significantly lower optical purity (ee = 89% and 84% for hydroxylactone 5d and propionate 6d, respectively). The elaborated methods give access to both enantiomers of trans-β-aryl-δ-hydroxy-γ-lactones 5a–d with the defined absolute configurations of stereogenic centers, which is crucial requirement for the investigations of relationship: spatial structure–biological activity.
Synthesis and Antifungal Screening of 2-{[1-(5-Alkyl/arylalkylpyrazin-2-yl)ethylidene]hydrazono}-1,3-thiazolidin-4-ones
Authors: Opletalova Veronika , Dolezel Jan , Kunes Jiri , Buchta Vladimir , Vejsova Marcela , Kucerova-Chlupacova Marta
Published: November 2016

Two novel thiosemicarbazones and eight novel 2-{[1-(5-alkyl/arylalkylpyrazin-2-yl)ethylidene]hydrazono}-1,3-thiazolidin-4-ones were prepared and tested against a panel of eight fungal strains–Candida albicans ATCC 44859, Candida tropicalis 156, Candida krusei E 28, Candida glabrata 20/I, Trichosporon asahii 1188, Aspergillus fumigatus 231, Lichtheimia corymbifera 272, and Trichophyton interdigitale 445. 1,3-Thiazolidin-4-ones exhibited activity against all strains, the most potent derivative was 2-{[1-(5-butylpyrazin-2-yl)ethylidene]hydrazono}e-1,3-thiazolidin-4-one. Susceptibility of C. glabrata to the studied 1,3-thiazolidin-4-ones (minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were in the range 0.57 to 2.78 mg/L) is of great interest as this opportunistic pathogen is poorly susceptible to azoles and becomes resistant to echinocandins. Antifungal potency of thiosemicarbazones was slightly lower than that of 1,3-thiazolidin-4-ones.
Surface Modification of a Nanoporous Carbon Photoanode upon Irradiation
Authors: Gomis-Berenguer Alicia , Velo-Gala Inmaculada , Rodríguez-Castellón Enrique , Ania Conchi
Published: November 2016

The photocorrosion of a nanoporous carbon photoanode, with low surface functionalization and high performance towards the photoelectrochemical oxidation of water using simulated solar light, was investigated. Two different light configurations were used to isolate the effect of the irradiation wavelength (UV and visible light) on the textural and chemical features of the carbon photoanode, and its long-term photocatalytic performance for the oxygen evolution reaction. A complete characterization of the carbon showed that the photocorrosion of carbon anodes of low functionalization follows a different pathway than highly functionalized carbons. The carbon matrix gets slightly oxidized, with the formation of carboxylic and carbonyl-like moieties in the surface of the carbon anode after light exposure. The oxidation of the carbon occurred due to the photogeneration of oxygen reactive species upon the decomposition of water during the irradiation of the photoanodes. Furthermore, the photoinduced surface reactions depend on the nature of the carbon anode and its ability to photogenerate reactive species in solution, rather than on the wavelength of the irradiation source. This surface modification is responsible for the decreased efficiency of the carbon photoanode throughout long illumination periods, due to the effect of the oxidation of the carbon matrix on the charge transfer. In this work, we have corroborated that, in the case of a low functionalization carbon material, the photocorrosion also occurs although it proceeds through a different pathway. The carbon anode gets gradually slightly oxidized due to the photogeneration of O-reactive species, being the incorporation of the O-groups responsible for the decreased performance of the anode upon long-term irradiation due to the effect of the oxidation of the carbon matrix on the electron transfer.
An Improved Mobility-Based Control Protocol for Tolerating Clone Failures in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Zhou Yuping , Xiong Naixue , Tan Mingxin , Huang Rufeng , Kleonbet Jon
Published: November 2016

Nowadays, with the ubiquitous presence of the Internet of Things industry, the application of emerging sensor networks has become a focus of public attention. Unattended sensor nodes can be comprised and cloned to destroy the network topology. This paper proposes a novel distributed protocol and management technique for the detection of mobile replicas to tolerate node failures. In our scheme, sensors’ location claims are forwarded to obtain samples only when the corresponding witnesses meet. Meanwhile, sequential tests of statistical hypotheses are applied to further detect the cloned node by witnesses. The combination of randomized detection based on encountering and sequential tests drastically reduces the routing overhead and false positive/negative rate for detection. Theoretical analysis and simulation results show the detection efficiency and reasonable overhead of the proposed method.
Accelerating Families of Fuzzy K-Means Algorithms for Vector Quantization Codebook Design
Authors: Mata Edson , Bandeira Silvio , De Mattos Neto Paulo , Lopes Waslon , Madeiro Francisco
Published: November 2016

The performance of signal processing systems based on vector quantization depends on codebook design. In the image compression scenario, the quality of the reconstructed images depends on the codebooks used. In this paper, alternatives are proposed for accelerating families of fuzzy K-means algorithms for codebook design. The acceleration is obtained by reducing the number of iterations of the algorithms and applying efficient nearest neighbor search techniques. Simulation results concerning image vector quantization have shown that the acceleration obtained so far does not decrease the quality of the reconstructed images. Codebook design time savings up to about 40% are obtained by the accelerated versions with respect to the original versions of the algorithms.
A Laminar Flow-Based Microfluidic Tesla Pump via Lithography Enabled 3D Printing
Authors: Habhab Mohammed-Baker , Ismail Tania , Lo Joe
Published: November 2016

Tesla turbine and its applications in power generation and fluid flow were demonstrated by Nicholas Tesla in 1913. However, its real-world implementations were limited by the difficulty to maintain laminar flow between rotor disks, transient efficiencies during rotor acceleration, and the lack of other applications that fully utilize the continuous flow outputs. All of the aforementioned limits of Tesla turbines can be addressed by scaling to the microfluidic flow regime. Demonstrated here is a microscale Tesla pump designed and fabricated using a Digital Light Processing (DLP) based 3D printer with 43 µm lateral and 30 µm thickness resolutions. The miniaturized pump is characterized by low Reynolds number of 1000 and a flow rate of up to 12.6 mL/min at 1200 rpm, unloaded. It is capable of driving a mixer network to generate microfluidic gradient. The continuous, laminar flow from Tesla turbines is well-suited to the needs of flow-sensitive microfluidics, where the integrated pump will enable numerous compact lab-on-a-chip applications.
Number Neutrality and Anaphoric Update of Pseudo-Incorporated Nominals in Persian (and Weak Definites in English)
Authors: Krifka Manfred , Modarresi Fereshteh
Published: November 2016

Persian shows differential object marking. We argue that objects withoutthe object marker rā are pseudo-incorporated in the verbal predicate. Specifically,we argue for an existential closure operator over the vP that binds the eventvariable of the verbal predicate, and that nominals within the vP are interpretedas dependent definites with respect to the event. We show that this results in anapparent number neutrality of such nominals, and a maximality interpretation ofanaphoric uptakes typical of E-type pronouns. The semantic contribution of nominalswithin and outside of the vP is modeled in DRT. We also argue that weakdefinites in English make use of the same strategy as pseudo-incorporated nominalsin Persian, and offer an explanation why they are restricted to readings referringto institutionalized activities.
THE IMPACT OF STANDARD VALUE ADDED TAX ON ECONOMIC GROWTH IN CEE-5 COUNTRIES: ECONOMETRIC ANALYSIS AND SIMULATIONS
Authors: SIMIONESCU Mihaela , ALBU Lucian-Liviu
Published: November 2016

The value added tax (VAT), as an instrument of fiscal policy, might have an important role on economic growth. This study analyzes the impact of standard VAT rate on economic growth in five Central and Eastern European countries (CEE-5) (Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Romania). Different types of panel data models (random effect model, dynamic panel and panel vector-autoregression) over 1995–2015 indicated a positive influence of VAT rate on economic growth. There is a bilateral Granger causality between economic growth and VAT rate. The Bayesian linear models indicate a positive effect of VAT rate on GDP rate only for Hungary. On short-run, the other countries register lower GDP rates when VAT rates increase. Some simulations of economic growth for 2016 and 2018 were made for each CEE-5 country under different assumptions regarding VAT rate values.
K2-97b: A (RE-?)INFLATED PLANET ORBITING A RED GIANT STAR
Authors: Grunblatt Samuel K. , Huber Daniel , Gaidos Eric J. , Lopez Eric D. , Fulton Benjamin J. , Vanderburg Andrew , Barclay Thomas , Fortney Jonathan J. , Howard Andrew W. , Isaacson Howard T. , Mann Andrew W. , Petigura Erik , Aguirre Victor Silva , Sinukoff Evan J.
Published: November 2016

Strongly irradiated giant planets are observed to have radii larger than thermal evolution models predict. Although these inflated planets have been known for over 15 years, it is unclear whether their inflation is caused by the deposition of energy from the host star or the inhibited cooling of the planet. These processes can be distinguished if the planet becomes highly irradiated only when the host star evolves onto the red giant branch. We report the discovery of K2-97b, a 1.31 ± 0.11 R
J, 1.10 ± 0.11 M
J planet orbiting a 4.20 ± 0.14 R
⊙, 1.16 ± 0.12 M
⊙ red giant star with an orbital period of 8.4 days. We precisely constrained stellar and planetary parameters by combining asteroseismology, spectroscopy, and granulation noise modeling along with transit and radial velocity measurements. The uncertainty in planet radius is dominated by systematic differences in transit depth, which we measure to be up to 30% between different light-curve reduction methods. Our calculations indicate the incident flux on this planet was

times the incident flux on Earth, while the star was on the main sequence. Previous studies suggest that this incident flux is insufficient to delay planetary cooling enough to explain the present planet radius. This system thus provides the first evidence that planets may be inflated directly by incident stellar radiation rather than by delayed loss of heat from formation. Further studies of planets around red giant branch stars will confirm or contradict this hypothesis and may reveal a new class of re-inflated planets.
THE TIME-EVOLUTION OF HH 2 FROM FOUR EPOCHS OF HST IMAGES
Authors: Raga A. C. , Reipurth B. , Velázquez P. F. , Esquivel A. , Bally J.
Published: November 2016

We have analyzed four epochs of Hα and [S ii] Hubble Space Telescope images of the HH 1/2 outflow (covering a time interval from 1994 to 2014) to determine proper motions and emission line fluxes of the knots of HH 2. We find that our new proper motions agree surprisingly well with the motions measured by Herbig & Jones, although there is partial evidence for a slight deceleration of the motion of the HH 2 knots from 1945 to 2014. We also measure the time-variability of the Hα intensities and the [S ii]/Hα line ratios and find that knots H and A have the largest intensity variabilities (in

). Knot H, which now dominates the HH 2 emission, has strengthened substantially, while keeping an approximately constant [S ii]/Hα ratio. Knot A has dramatically faded and at the same time has had a substantial increase in its [S ii]/Hα ratio. Possible interpretations of these results are discussed.
A SUPER-SOLAR METALLICITY FOR STARS WITH HOT ROCKY EXOPLANETS
Authors: Mulders Gijs D. , Pascucci Ilaria , Apai Dániel , Frasca Antonio , Molenda-Żakowicz Joanna
Published: November 2016

Host star metallicity provides a measure of the conditions in protoplanetary disks at the time of planet formation. Using a sample of over 20,000 Kepler stars with spectroscopic metallicities from the LAMOST survey, we explore how the exoplanet population depends on host star metallicity as a function of orbital period and planet size. We find that exoplanets with orbital periods less than 10 days are preferentially found around metal-rich stars ([Fe/H] ≃ 0.15 ± 0.05 dex). The occurrence rates of these hot exoplanets increases to ∼30% for super-solar metallicity stars from ∼10% for stars with a sub-solar metallicity. Cooler exoplanets, which reside at longer orbital periods and constitute the bulk of the exoplanet population with an occurrence rate of ≳90%, have host star metallicities consistent with solar. At short orbital periods,

days, the difference in host star metallicity is largest for hot rocky planets (

), where the metallicity difference is [Fe/H] ≃ 0.25 ± 0.07 dex. The excess of hot rocky planets around metal-rich stars implies they either share a formation mechanism with hot Jupiters, or trace a planet trap at the protoplanetary disk inner edge, which is metallicity dependent. We do not find statistically significant evidence for a previously identified trend that small planets toward the habitable zone are preferentially found around low-metallicity stars. Refuting or confirming this trend requires a larger sample of spectroscopic metallicities.
PRE-FLARE CORONAL JET AND EVOLUTIONARY PHASES OF A SOLAR ERUPTIVE PROMINENCE ASSOCIATED WITH THE M1.8 FLARE: SDO AND RHESSI OBSERVATIONS
Authors: Joshi Bhuwan , Kushwaha Upendra , Veronig Astrid M. , Cho K.-S.
Published: November 2016

We investigate the triggering, activation, and ejection of a solar eruptive prominence that occurred in a multi-polar flux system of active region NOAA 11548 on 2012 August 18 by analyzing data from the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory, the Reuven Ramaty High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager, and the Extreme Ultraviolet Imager/Sun Earth Connection Coronal and Heliospheric Investigation on board the Solar Terrestrial Relation Observatory. Prior to the prominence activation, we observed striking coronal activities in the form of a blowout jet, which is associated with the rapid eruption of a cool flux rope. Furthermore, the jet-associated flux rope eruption underwent splitting and rotation during its outward expansion. These coronal activities are followed by the prominence activation during which it slowly rises with a speed of ∼12 km s−1 while the region below the prominence emits gradually varying EUV and thermal X-ray emissions. From these observations, we propose that the prominence eruption is a complex, multi-step phenomenon in which a combination of internal (tether-cutting reconnection) and external (i.e., pre-eruption coronal activities) processes are involved. The prominence underwent catastrophic loss of equilibrium with the onset of the impulsive phase of an M1.8 flare, suggesting large-scale energy release by coronal magnetic reconnection. We obtained signatures of particle acceleration in the form of power-law spectra with hard electron spectral index (δ ∼ 3) and strong HXR footpoint sources. During the impulsive phase, a hot EUV plasmoid was observed below the apex of the erupting prominence that ejected in the direction of the prominence with a speed of ∼177 km s−1. The temporal, spatial, and kinematic correlations between the erupting prominence and the plasmoid imply that the magnetic reconnection supported the fast ejection of prominence in the lower corona.
KINEMATICS IN THE GALACTIC BULGE WITH APOGEE. II. HIGH-ORDER KINEMATIC MOMENTS AND COMPARISON TO EXTRAGALACTIC BAR DIAGNOSTICS
Authors: Zasowski G. , Ness M. K. , García Pérez A. E. , Martinez-Valpuesta I. , Johnson J. A. , Majewski S. R.
Published: November 2016

Much of the inner Milky Way’s (MW) global rotation and velocity dispersion patterns can be reproduced by models of secularly evolved, bar-dominated bulges. More sophisticated constraints, including the higher moments of the line-of-sight velocity distributions (LOSVDs) and limits on the chemodynamical substructure, are critical for interpreting observations of the unresolved inner regions of extragalactic systems and for placing the MW in context with other galaxies. Here, we use SDSS-APOGEE data to develop these constraints, by presenting the first maps of the skewness and kurtosis of the LOSVDs of metal-rich and metal-poor inner MW stars (divided at [Fe/H] = −0.4), and comparing the observed patterns to those that are seen both in N-body models and in extragalactic bars. Despite closely matching the mean velocity and dispersion, the models do not reproduce the observed skewness patterns of the LOSVDs in different ways, which demonstrates that our understanding of the detailed orbital structure of the inner MW remains an important regime for improvement. We find evidence in the MW of the skewness–velocity correlation that is used as a diagnostic of extragalactic bars/bulges. This correlation appears in metal-rich stars only, providing further evidence for different evolutionary histories of chemically differentiated populations. We connect these skewness measurements to previous work on high-velocity “peaks” in the inner Galaxy, confirming the presence of that phenomenon, and we quantify the cylindrical rotation of the inner Galaxy, finding that the latitude-independent rotation vanishes outside l ∼ 7°. Finally, we evaluate the MW data in the light of selected extragalactic bar diagnostics and discuss the progress and challenges in using the MW as a resolved analog of unresolved stellar populations.
ESTIMATING DISTANCES FROM PARALLAXES. II. PERFORMANCE OF BAYESIAN DISTANCE ESTIMATORS ON A GAIA-LIKE CATALOGUE
Authors: Astraatmadja Tri L. , Bailer-Jones Coryn A. L.
Published: November 2016

Estimating a distance by inverting a parallax is only valid in the absence of noise. As most stars in the Gaia catalog will have non-negligible fractional parallax errors, we must treat distance estimation as a constrained inference problem. Here we investigate the performance of various priors for estimating distances, using a simulated Gaia catalog of one billion stars. We use three minimalist, isotropic priors, as well an anisotropic prior derived from the observability of stars in a Milky Way model. The two priors that assume a uniform distribution of stars—either in distance or in space density—give poor results: The root mean square fractional distance error,

, grows far in excess of 100% once the fractional parallax error,

, is larger than 0.1. A prior assuming an exponentially decreasing space density with increasing distance performs well once its single parameter—the scale length— has been set to an appropriate value:

is roughly equal to

for

, yet does not increase further as

increases up to to 1.0. The Milky Way prior performs well except toward the Galactic center, due to a mismatch with the (simulated) data. Such mismatches will be inevitable (and remain unknown) in real applications, and can produce large errors. We therefore suggest adopting the simpler exponentially decreasing space density prior, which is also less time-consuming to compute. Including Gaia photometry improves the distance estimation significantly for both the Milky Way and exponentially decreasing space density prior, yet doing so requires additional assumptions about the physical nature of stars.
OPTICAL AND ULTRAVIOLET OBSERVATIONS OF THE VERY YOUNG TYPE IIP SN 2014cx IN NGC 337
Authors: Huang Fang , Wang Xiaofeng , Zampieri Luca , Pumo Maria Letizia , Arcavi Iair , Brown Peter J. , Graham Melissa L. , Filippenko Alexei V. , Zheng WeiKang , Hosseinzadeh Griffin , Howell D. Andrew , McCully Curtis , Rui Liming , Valenti Stefano , Zhang Tianmeng , Zhang Jujia , Zhang Kaicheng , Wang Lifan
Published: November 2016

Extensive photometric and spectroscopic observations are presented for SN 2014cx, a Type IIP supernova (SN) exploding in the nearby galaxy NGC 337. The observations are performed in optical and ultraviolet bands, covering from −20 to +400 days from the peak light. The stringent detection limit from prediscovery images suggests that this supernova was actually detected within about one day after explosion. Evolution of the very early time light curve of SN 2014cx is similar to that predicted from a shock breakout and post-shock cooling decline before reaching the optical peak. Our photometric observations show that SN 2014cx has a plateau duration of ∼100 days, an absolute V-band magnitude of

mag at

days, and a nickel mass of 0.056 ± 0.008

. The spectral evolution of SN 2014cx resembles that of normal SNe IIP like SN 1999em and SN 2004et, except that it has a slightly higher expansion velocity (∼4200

at 50 days). From the cooling curve of photospheric temperature, we derive that the progenitor has a pre-explosion radius of ∼640 R

, consistent with those obtained from SuperNova Explosion Code modeling (∼620 R

) and hydrodynamical modeling of the observables (∼570 R

). Moreover, the hydrodynamical simulations yield a total explosion energy of

erg, and an ejected mass of ∼8

. These results indicate that the immediate progenitor of SN 2014cx is likely a red supergiant star with a mass of ∼10

.
Le cadavre est-il encore chaud ?
Authors: Roulley Simon Le
Published: November 2016

Cette contribution interroge le punk non comme registre musical mais comme pratique de résistance à l’industrie culturelle. En effet le punk Do It Yourself porte dès le départ un ensemble de valeurs morales et de pratiques de l’autonomie qui révèlent une conflictualité politique dont la musique serait le média. Néanmoins, en France, on a pu au cours de l’histoire observer que le discours politique s’est émietté. Cette enquête empirique basée sur des entretiens auprès d’acteurs et actrices passés et actuels revient sur les évolutions de la scène punk DIY française afin de voir comment le politique travaille et est travaillé par les acteurs. Punk is dead ou Punk is not dead ? Nous verrons que si le versant « rupturiste » du DIY a perdu en vivacité par la marchandisation, la standardisation et la diffusion facilité de la musique punk, mais aussi par l’aspect « puriste » de la scène à la fin des années 1990, son cadavre est encore bien chaud et que des acteurs semblent décidés à réveiller les morts.
La première scène punk en Normandie (1976-1980)
Authors: Pécout Christophe
Published: November 2016

Alors que l’explosion punk se propage dans la capitale, la Normandie, à l’instar d’autres provinces, s’engouffre dans l’aventure punk. Terre de rock depuis les sixties, toute proche de Londres et fort de disquaires indépendants, la région s’ouvre au punk. Dès 1976, plusieurs groupes se forment et tentent l’expérience punk. Provocatrice, révoltée, énergique, violente, cette première scène punk normande (1976-1980) détonne dans un paysage régional musical dominé par les concerts de folk et les bals. Malgré les difficultés récurrentes, pas de salle de concerts, manque de moyens financiers, peu de visibilité médiatique, violence des concerts, ces groupes tracent leur (court) chemin. Ils posent alors les bases d’un mouvement musical qui perdurera avec l’arrivée d’une seconde génération de groupes punks à l’entrée des années 1980.
La scène punk en France et la « défonce » (1976-1984)
Authors: Marchant Alexandre
Published: November 2016

Dans la seconde moitié des années 1970, le courant punk s’est inséré dans le paysage musical français grâce à quelques groupes ou artistes phares. Mais ces artistes recherchaient et promouvaient la « défonce », si caractéristique du nihilisme punk, dans la surconsommation d’alcool et d’amphétamines (speed), voire d’héroïne, ce qui invite à réfléchir aux modalités par lesquelles la scène punk a pu transmettre son rapport particulier aux drogues à d’autres catégories de population et être à la base d’une nouvelle sous-culture appropriée par de nombreux toxicomanes dans les années 1980.
Role of ICT in Socio-Economic Development in Kenya
Authors: Macharia Juliet W.
Published: November 2016

The growth of Information Communication Technology (ICT) has empowered communities in diverse ways. Both males and females use ICTs to transact businesses and carry on relationships. Access and use of mobile phones have changed people's lives. This chapter discusses the magical revolution of mobile telephony in Africa and specifically in Kenya. Innovations such as MPESA have transformed people's lives in Kenya and in other emerging economies. Both males and females have used the innovations to bring about development that has enriched their lives. Secondly, the role of gender socialization is discussed in relation to how the ICTs have eliminated the long-held belief that females are not participants in societal development. Thirdly, the role of the media in development is examined because they socialize people into the gender roles. Through mobile telephones, females perform diverse roles. Positive portrayal of men and women in development acknowledges that men and women must be active members of the process.
Social Media Effect on International Business Venturing in Nigeria
Authors: Ogbari Mercy Ejovwokeoghene I. , Ejimofor Ugonna Kelly , Ayokunle Akanbi Moses , Suleiman Barnabas M.
Published: November 2016

Entrepreneurs all over seek ways of introducing their products to international markets, but international business environments pose a lot of opportunities and threats to foreign entrants. The cultural, political and technological environment has a lot to do in entrepreneurial success in global markets. The study examined the effect of social media on international business venturing. The general objective of the study is to critically determine the extent to which social media have contributed to the international venturing of entrepreneurs in Nigeria. The study concludes that since technological products provide ample benefits for international entrepreneurs, organizations should endeavour to provide indispensable technologies that support international transactions.
La figura del biostatistico nei Comitati Etici (CE). Linee guida per il ruolo del biostatistico e per l’attività del biostatistico nella revisione dei protocolli degli studi proposti al parere dei CE
Authors: Cesana Bruno Mario , Briganzoli Elio Mario
Published: November 2016

Gli autori considerano il ruolo del Biostatistico (BS) dei Comitati Etici (CE) per i farmaci in Italia e delineano le competenze che tale figura di professionista dovrebbe possedere unitamente alle problematiche che l’emissione del parere da parte del CE comporta dal punto di vista statistico. Oltre gli aspetti di natura generale, sono considerati gli specifici campi in cui la metodologia statistica deve applicarsi al fine di valutare la scientificità e la eticità degli studi sottoposti a parere al CE. In particolare, è considerato il riconoscimento professionale del BS del CE, il ruolo che il BS del CE ha nel considerare gli aspetti di sua precipua competenza dei protocolli sottoposti a parere sia per quanto riguarda gli studi sperimentali e, quindi, la randomizzazione, la definizione della popolazione obiettivo dell’analisi, l’individuazione degli endpoint, la rilevazione delle variabili, la formalizzazione delle ipotesi statistiche che portano al calcolo della dimensione campionaria. Inoltre, sono considerati gli aspetti relativi alla formulazione del piano dell’analisi statistica. Infine, una serie di tipologie di studi sperimentali ed osservazionali con i peculiari aspetti metodologici di natura statistica sono considerati unitamente agli avvertimenti da dare al BS del CE per portare il suo fattivo contributo alla valutazione ed alla loro discussione nel contesto del CE.The authors consider the role of the Biostatistician of the Ethics Committees (EC) for Drugs in Italy and outlines the skills that this professional figure should possess together with the problems that the issuance of a judgment by the EC acts from the point of view statistical. Besides the aspects of a general nature, the authors regarded the specific fields in which the statistical methodology must be applied in order to approve the scientific and ethical nature of the studies submitted to the EC opinion. Particularly, it is considered the professional recognition of the Biostatistician of the EC, and his/her role in the context of the EC in considering the aspects of his/her primary field of knowledge regarding the protocols submitted to the CE. The different aspects regard the experimental studies and, therefore, the randomization, the definition of the target population, the identification of the endpoints, the detection of the variables, the formalization of the statistical assumptions that lead to the calculation of sample size. Finally, the aspects relating to the development of the statistical analysis plan are taken into account. Finally, several experimental and observational studies with their specific methodological statistical aspects are considered together with the warnings to be given to the Biostatistician of the EC to bring his/her active contribution to the evaluation and the discussion in the context of the EC section.
Il dibattito in Bioetica - Riflessioni sulla sedazione palliativa profonda con riferimento anche al recente documento del CNB
Authors: Battimelli Giuseppe
Published: November 2016

Non disponibile / Not available
Divine love in the letter to the Romans
Authors: De Villiers Pieter G.R.
Published: November 2016

This article investigates divine love in the letter to the Romans from the perspective of love as a key motif in spirituality and in light of spiritual hermeneutics. After a short introduction about the significance of love as a spiritual motif, the article motivates why the notion of divine love is important for understanding the letter to Romans. It challenges existing interpretations of love in contemporary research on Romans that associates it mostly with the relationship between people, neglecting the significant passages in Romans in which love is first and foremost associated with the character and actions of God. In the rest of the article four essential characteristics of divine love is investigated, with attention to its originary, intimate, powerful and self-giving nature.1
An audiological profile of patients infected with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis at a district hospital in KwaZulu-Natal
Authors: Appana Delicia , Joseph Lavanithum , Paken Jessica
Published: November 2016

Background: The increased incidence of multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and the consequent use of aminoglycosides with their ototoxic potential necessitate a better understanding of the audiological pattern of infected patients.Objective: To describe the occurrence and nature of hearing loss in patients with MDR-TB receiving aminoglycosides over a period of 6 months.Methods: Baseline and five consecutive monthly audiological assessments were conducted on 52 adults at a hospital in KwaZulu-Natal. A longitudinal descriptive study was implemented. A conventional audiological test battery, extended high frequency audiometry and otoacoustic emission testing were conducted. Data were analysed using SPSS version 19 statistical software package.Results: Decreased hearing was the most common audiological symptom experienced. Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss was predominant. Ototoxic hearing loss was noted in 27 participants (52%) in 1 month post-treatment. Hearing loss progressed from mild to moderate at post-treatment one, to moderate to severe at post-treatment three and severe to profound at post-treatment five. Changes in hearing function were noted in 52 participants (100%) by post-treatment five. High and ultra-high frequencies were most affected. Speech discrimination scores deteriorated over time. The number of patients with absent distortion product otoacoustic emissions increased over treatment duration.Conclusion: The greatest effects were observed in the high frequencies before manifesting in the lower frequencies. This highlights the importance of inclusion of high frequency audiometry in the early detection of ototoxicity which can go undiagnosed with traditional audiometry. The high prevalence of hearing loss has implications for the provision of audiological service to this patient population.
Early childhood exposure to media violence: What parents and policymakers ought to know
Authors: Fitzpatrick Caroline , Oghia Michael J , Melki Jad , Pagani Linda S
Published: November 2016

We review the state of evidence supporting a link between violent media exposure in preschool- aged children and subsequent well-being outcomes. We searched through four decades (1971–2011) of literature for enlightening details on the relationship between early exposure to media violence and health outcomes in later childhood and adolescence. Evidence suggests that preschool exposure may be linked to increased aggression and self-regulation problems. Results are discussed in the context of displacement, social cognitive and overstimulation theories. We recommend increasing efforts towards developing guidelines for families and professionals concerned with the well-being of children.
Novel Treatments in Breast Cancer
Authors: Kingston Belinda , Johnston Stephen
Published: November 2016

New therapies are changing the outlook for breast cancer worldwide. Breast cancer is traditionally divided into hormone receptor-positive, HER2-positive, and triple-negative disease. We have seen the development of new drugs targeting each of these breast cancer groups with promising results. In this article, the novel treatments are discussed with reference to recent clinical trial data. In each group, treatments are emerging that have had positive results in clinical trials. We discuss the new therapies aimed at evading hormone resistance in hormone receptor-positive disease, which have substantially increased the disease-free survival of patients with metastatic breast cancer in clinical trials. We have also seen multiple new therapies targeting HER2 receptors, working synergistically with Herceptin leading to dramatic and durable disease responses. Finally, in triple-negative disease, we are starting to see the results of trials using immunotherapy. Across all the treatment groups, we have seen the emergence of new therapies that are specifically designed to target the molecular drivers of an individual's cancer, regardless of hormone or HER2 positivity. This is paving the way for a more personalized approach to breast cancer treatment.
The Changing Epidemiology of Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 Infection in Peruvian Female Sex Workers, 1993–2010
Authors: Stewart Jenell , Heitzinger Kristen , Pollett Simon , Calderón Martha , Alarcón Jorge , Ton Thanh G. N. , Zunt Joseph R.
Published: November 2016

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) was the first human retrovirus to be reported and is associated with neoplastic, neurological, autoimmune, and infectious complications. HTLV-1 is endemic in Peru, with the highest prevalence reported among commercial sex workers. Seroprevalence data collected from Peruvian female sex workers (FSWs) working in Callao over three study periods between 1993 and 2010 were used to examine the secular trend in HTLV-1 prevalence. Between 1993 and 2010, the prevalence of HTLV-1 decreased significantly from 14.5% to 3.1% (P < 0.01). The prevalence of HTLV-1 seropositivity differed significantly by birth cohort (1922–1959, 1960–1969, 1970–1979, and 1980–1992), and for each of the four birth cohorts, the prevalence did not significantly decrease by screening year (P > 0.07). There were no cases of HTLV-1 detected among FSW born after 1979 (N = 224). Participant characteristics associated with HTLV-1 seropositivity were birth in the Andes Mountains region, age, increased time in sex work, younger age of starting sex work, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositivity. The secular trend in declining prevalence persisted after adjustment for age, time in sex work, place of birth, and HIV serostatus, with the odds of HTLV-1 infection decreasing approximately 16% per year (adjusted odds ratio = 0.84, 95% confidence interval = 0.78, 0.90). The increasing use of condoms by later birth cohorts noted in our analysis, as well as the increasing availability of free condoms provided by the Peruvian government—which started in the late 1980s before this study—may have been responsible for declining HTLV seroprevalence.
Severe Pleuropulmonary Paragonimiasis Caused by Paragonimus mexicanus Treated as Tuberculosis in Ecuador
Authors: Calvopina Manuel , Romero-Alvarez Daniel , Macias Rubén , Sugiyama Hiromu
Published: November 2016

A 30-year-old male, from a subtropical region of Ecuador, was hospitalized with a 5-year history of persistent cough with rusty brown sputum, chest pain, and progressive dyspnea. The patient underwent thoracic surgery 3 years ago for pleural effusion and subsequently received a 9-month regimen treatment of tuberculosis. However, there was no clinical resolution and symptoms became progressively worse. A chest radiograph and computerized tomography scan showed several small nodules in both lungs. Eggs of Paragonimus spp. were observed in sputum smears, but the smears were negative for acid-fast bacilli. Molecular characterization of eggs by the internal transcribed spacer-2 regions identified them as Paragonimus mexicanus. The patient was treated with praziquantel and tested negative parasitologically for 12 months. There was clinical resolution of the cough and expectoration, but dyspnea and chest pain persisted.