bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physiological and biochemical plasticity of Lepidium latifolium as ‘sleeper weed’ in Western Himalayas
Authors: Bhat Hilal A. , Kaur Tarandeep , Bhat Rohini , Vyas Dhiraj
Published: August 2015

To understand the spread of native populations of Lepidium latifolium growing in different altitudes in Ladakh region of Western Himalayas, photosynthetic and fluorescence characteristics were evaluated in relation to their micro‐environment. Three sites representing sparsely populated (SPS), moderately populated (MPS) and densely populated site (DPS) were selected. Results showed that the DPS had higher photosynthetic accumulation than MPS and SPS. The higher transpiration rate at DPS despite lower vapor pressure deficit and higher relative humidity suggest the regulation of its leaf temperature by evaporative cooling. Intrinsic soil parameters such as water holding capacity and nutrient availability also play crucial role in higher biomass here. The quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fm, non‐photochemical quenching (NPQ), ΦPSII) and light curve at various PPFDs suggests better light harvesting potential and light compensation point at DPS than the other two sites. Concomitantly, plants at SPS had significantly higher lipid peroxidation, suggesting a stressful environment, and higher induction of antioxidative enzymes. Metabolic content of reduced glutathione also suggests an efficient mechanism in DPS and MPS than SPS. High light intensities at MPS are managed by specialized contrive of carotenoid pigments and PsbS gene product. Large pool of violaxanthin and lutein plays an important role in this response. It is suggested that L. latifolium is present as ‘sleeper weed’ that has inherent biochemical plasticity involving multiple processes in Western Himalayas. Its potential spread is linked to site‐specific micro‐environment, whereby, it prefers flat valley bottoms with alluvial fills having high water availability, and has little or no altitudinal effect.
Does Tax Competition Reduce Corruption?
Authors: Lai Yu‐Bong
Published: August 2015

A vast literature asserts that competition among jurisdictions can mitigate corruption. However, empirical studies do not fully support such a conventional view. This paper points out a drawback of the conventional view, that is, it ignores the role played by the owners of immobile factors. Within a standard tax competition model, we amend the conventional view by incorporating the lobbying of the immobile factor owners, and show that fiscal decentralization can aggravate corruption. We also demonstrate that social welfare can be higher under decentralization than under centralization in some cases, whereas the immobile factor owners' lobbying will prevent such a superiority of decentralization from being the outcome. Moreover, we provide an example to show that a better policy outcome and a higher level of corruption can co‐exist, which contrasts with the general belief.
Activation of CYCD7;1 in the central cell and early endosperm overcomes cell‐cycle arrest in the Arabidopsis female gametophyte, and promotes early endosperm and embryo development
Authors: Sornay Emily , Forzani Céline , Forero‐Vargas Manuel , Dewitte Walter , Murray James A.H.
Published: August 2015

In angiosperms, double fertilization of the egg and central cell of the megagametophyte leads to the development of the embryo and endosperm, respectively. Control of cell cycle progression in the megagametophyte is essential for successful fertilization and development. Central cell‐targeted expression of the D‐type cyclin CYCD7;1 (endCYCD7;1) using the imprinted FWA promoter overcomes cycle arrest of the central cell in the Arabidopsis female gametophyte in the unfertilized ovule, leading to multinucleate central cells at high frequency. Unlike FERTILIZATION‐INDEPENDENT SEED (fis) mutants, but similar to lethal RETINOBLASTOMA‐RELATED (rbr) mutants, no seed coat development is triggered. Unlike the case with loss of rbr, post‐fertilization endCYCD7;1 in the endosperm enhances the number of nuclei during syncytial endosperm development and induces the partial abortion of developing seeds, associated with the enhanced size of the surviving seeds. The frequency of lethality was less than the frequency of multinucleate central cells, indicating that these aspects are not causally linked. These larger seeds contain larger embryos composed of more cells of wild‐type size, surrounded by a seed coat composed of more cells. Seedlings arising from these larger seeds displayed faster seedling establishment and early growth. Similarly, two different embryo‐lethal mutants also conferred enlarged seed size in surviving siblings, consistent with seed size increase being a general response to sibling lethality, although the cellular mechanisms were found to be distinct. Our data suggest that tight control of CYCD activity in the central cell and in the developing endosperm is required for optimal seed formation.
Development of anemia, phlebotomy practices, and blood transfusion requirements in 45 critically ill cats (2009–2011)
Authors: Balakrishnan Anusha , Drobatz Kenneth J. , Reineke Erica L.
Published: August 2015

Objective

To describe the incidence of the development of anemia, the number of phlebotomies performed daily, the approximate volume of blood withdrawn, the transfusion requirements and their association with duration of hospitalization and survival to discharge in critically ill cats.

Design

Retrospective study from January 2009 to January 2011.

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Animals

Cats hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) for >48 hours.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

Medical records of cats hospitalized for >48 hours in the ICU were examined. Of the 45 cats included, 60% (27/45) were not anemic upon admission to the ICU. Of these, 74.1% (20/27) developed anemia during their ICU stay. Development of anemia was associated with a longer duration of hospitalization (P = 0.002) but not with survival (P = 0.46). Fourteen cats (31.1%; 14/45) received one or more packed red blood cell transfusions and had significantly longer ICU stays (P < 0.001). Transfusion requirements were not associated with survival (P = 0.66). The median number of phlebotomies per day for all cats in the ICU was 3 (range 1–6). This was significantly associated with the development of anemia (P = 0.0011) and higher transfusion requirements (P = 0.16) in the 14 cats that received a transfusion. The estimated volume phlebotomized was significantly (P < 0.001) greater in cats that required a transfusion (median volume 3.32 mL/kg/ICU stay) compared to cats that did not require a transfusion (median volume 1.11 mL/kg/ICU stay) but was not associated with survival to discharge (P = 0.84).

Conclusions

Development of anemia necessitating blood transfusions is common in critically ill cats and leads to significantly longer duration of ICU hospitalization. Iatrogenic anemia from frequent phlebotomies is an important cause for increased transfusion requirement. Fewer phlebotomies and other blood conserving strategies in these patients may help reduce the incidence of anemia and decrease transfusion requirements, as well as result in shorter hospital stays.
Membrane potential governs calcium influx into microvascular endothelium: integral role for muscarinic receptor activation
Authors: Behringer Erik J. , Segal Steven S.
Published: August 2015

Key points

Endothelial function in resistance vessels entails Ca2+ and electrical signalling to promote vasodilatation and increase tissue blood flow. Whether membrane potential (Vm) governs intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) of the endothelium remains controversial.

[Ca2+]i and Vm were evaluated simultaneously during intracellular current injection using intact endothelial tubes freshly isolated from mouse skeletal muscle resistance arteries.

[Ca2+]i did not change during hyperpolarization or depolarization under resting conditions. However in the presence of 100 nM ACh (∼EC50), [Ca2+]i increased during hyperpolarization and decreased during depolarization. These responses required extracellular Ca2+ and were attenuated by half with genetic ablation of TRPV4 channels.

In native microvascular endothelium, half‐maximal stimulation of muscarinic receptors enables Vm to govern [Ca2+]i by activating Ca2+‐permeable channels in the plasma membrane. This effect of Vm is absent at rest and can be masked during maximal receptor stimulation.

In resistance arteries, coupling a rise of intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) to endothelial cell hyperpolarization underlies smooth muscle cell relaxation and vasodilatation, thereby increasing tissue blood flow and oxygen delivery. A controversy persists as to whether changes in membrane potential (Vm) alter endothelial cell [Ca2+]i. We tested the hypothesis that Vm governs [Ca2+]i in endothelium of resistance arteries by performing Fura‐2 photometry while recording and controlling Vm of intact endothelial tubes freshly isolated from superior epigastric arteries of C57BL/6 mice. Under resting conditions, [Ca2+]i did not change when Vm shifted from baseline (∼−40 mV) via exposure to 10 μM NS309 (hyperpolarization to ∼−80 mV), via equilibration with 145 mm [K+]o (depolarization to ∼−5 mV), or during intracellular current injection (±0.5 to 5 nA, 20 s pulses) while Vm changed linearly between ∼−80 mV and +10 mV. In contrast, during the plateau (i.e. Ca2+ influx) phase of the [Ca2+]i response to approximately half‐maximal stimulation with 100 nm ACh (∼EC50), [Ca2+]i increased as Vm hyperpolarized below −40 mV and decreased as Vm depolarized above −40 mV. The magnitude of [Ca2+]i reduction during depolarizing current injections correlated with the amplitude of the plateau [Ca2+]i response to ACh. The effect of hyperpolarization on [Ca2+]i was abolished following removal of extracellular Ca2+, was enhanced subtly by raising extracellular [Ca2+] from 2 mm to 10 mm and was reduced by half in endothelium of TRPV4−/− mice. Thus, during submaximal activation of muscarinic receptors, Vm can modulate Ca2+ entry through the plasma membrane in accord with the electrochemical driving force.
Examining Movement-Specific Reinvestment and Performance in Demanding Contexts
Authors: Malhotra Neha , Poolton Jamie M. , Wilson Mark R. , Uiga Liis , Masters Rich S.W.
Published: August 2015

Two experiments examined the roles of the dimensions of movement-specific reinvestment (movement selfconsciousness and conscious motor processing) on performance under demanding conditions. In Experiment 1, novice golfers practiced a golf putting task and were tested under low- and high-anxiety conditions. Conscious motor processing was not associated with putting proficiency or movement variability; however, movement self-consciousness was positively associated with putting proficiency and appeared to be negatively associated with variability of impact velocity in low-anxiety conditions, but not in high-anxiety conditions. Increased anxiety and effort possibly left few attention resources for movement self-consciousness under high anxiety. In Experiment 2, participants performed a quiet standing task in single- and dual-task conditions. Movement self-consciousness was positively associated with performance when attention demands were low (single task) but not when attention demands were high (dual task). The findings provide insight into the differential influence of the two dimensions of movement-specific reinvestment under demanding conditions.
Naegleria fowleri: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Authors: Grace Eddie , Asbill Scott , Virga Kris
Published: August 2015

Naegleria fowleri
has generated tremendous media attention over the last 5 years due to several high-profile cases. Several of these cases were followed very closely by the general public.
N. fowleri
is a eukaryotic, free-living amoeba belonging to the phylum Percolozoa.
Naegleria
amoebae are ubiquitous in the environment, being found in soil and bodies of freshwater, and feed on bacteria found in those locations. While
N. fowleri
infection appears to be quite rare compared to other diseases, the clinical manifestations of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis are devastating and nearly always fatal. Due to the rarity of
N. fowleri
infections in humans, there are no clinical trials to date that assess the efficacy of one treatment regimen over another. Most of the information regarding medication efficacy is based on either case reports or
in vitro
studies. This review will discuss the pathogenesis, diagnosis, pharmacotherapy, and prevention of
N. fowleri
infections in humans, including a brief review of all survivor cases in North America.
Obstructive eosinophilic gastroenteritis in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Al Maksoud Ahmed Mahmoud Abd El Aziz , Ahmed Ahmed Salah , O'Donnell Nessa
Published: August 2015

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EG) is a rare disease characterised by abnormal eosinophilic infiltration of the gastrointestinal tract. We describe a case of EG presenting as an intestinal obstruction in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A 54-year-old man with RA presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain and vomiting. On examination, his abdomen was distended and tender. Laboratory data showed leucocytosis with raised inflammatory markers and without eosinophilia. CT revealed dilated small bowel loops, with a couple of loops forming a mass and abscess formation. Emergency laparotomy was performed with segmental resection of the ileum and side-to-side anastomosis. Histology confirmed the diagnosis of EG. The patient recovered well and was asymptomatic at the time of writing this report.
Transient renal medullary hyperechogenicity in a term neonate
Authors: Hemachandar Radhakrishnan , Boopathy Vinoth
Published: August 2015

Although neonatal renal medullary hyperechogenicity can occur in a variety of pathological conditions, it has been reported to occur transiently with or without renal abnormalities in term as well as in preterm neonates. Variably described in the literature as Tamm-Horsfall nephropathy, or stasis nephropathy, the pathogenesis is unknown, but has an excellent prognosis. The authors describe a 3-day-old neonate with transient renal medullary hyperechogenicity, with no other abnormalities, which resolved within 2 weeks.
Identification and prevalence of adverse drug events caused by potentially inappropriate medication in homebound elderly patients: a retrospective study using a nationwide survey in Japan
Authors: Onda Mitsuko , Imai Hirohisa , Takada Yurina , Fujii Shingo , Shono Takako , Nanaumi Yoko
Published: August 2015

Objectives

A nationwide large-scale survey was conducted to identify the prevalence and causal medications of adverse drug events (ADEs) that are caused by potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) given to homebound elderly patients, factors associated with ADEs, and measures taken by pharmacists to manage ADEs and their effects on ADEs.

Settings

A questionnaire was mailed to 3321 pharmacies nationwide. It asked about the details of PIMs and ADEs of up to 5 patients for whom home visits were provided by a pharmacist. Questionnaire forms were filled in by pharmacists who visited the patients.

Design and participants

Between 23 January and 13 February 2013, comprehensive assessment forms were sent to 3321 pharmacies. Data collected from 1890 pharmacies including data of 4815 patients were analysed and 28 patients of unknown sex were excluded. Their average age was 82.7 years. PIMs were identified based on the 2003 Beers Criteria Japan.

Results

There were 600 patients who did not provide valid answers regarding the medications. In the remaining 4243 patients, one or more medications that were considered to be PIMs had been prescribed to 48.4% of patients. PIM-induced ADEs were found in 8% of these patients by pharmacists during home visits. The top ADE-inducing medications were strong anticholinergic antihistamines, benzodiazepines, sulpiride and digoxin. The most common ADEs associated with benzodiazepines were frequent lightheadedness, somnolence and sleepiness, which increase the risk of falls and subsequent fractures in elderly patients. The following factors associated with ADEs were identified: sex, pharmacist awareness of prescription issues, frequency of visits and time spent at patients’ homes, and the frequency of detailed checks for patient adverse reactions by pharmacists.

Conclusions

The PIM prevalence associated with home healthcare in Japan was relatively high, as reported in previous studies. The present study suggests that pharmacists could reduce the incidence of PIMs and consequent ADEs.
Nonlinear analysis of isotropic slab bridges under extreme traffic loading
Authors: Hajializadeh Donya , Al-Sabah A. Salam , OBrien Eugene J. , Laefer Debra F. , Enright Bernard
Published: August 2015

Probabilistic analysis of traffic loading on a bridge traditionally involves an extrapolation from measured or simulated load effects to a characteristic maximum value. In recent years, long run simulations, whereby thousands of years of traffic are simulated, have allowed researchers to gain new insights into the nature of the traffic scenarios that govern at the limit state. For example, mobile cranes and low-loaders, sometimes accompanied by a common articulated truck, have been shown to govern in most cases. In this paper, the extreme loading scenarios identified in the long-run simulation are applied to a non-linear, two-dimensional (2D) plate finite element model. For the first time, the loading scenarios that govern in 2D nonlinear analyses are found and compared to those that govern for 2D linear and one-dimensional (1D) linear and nonlinear analyses. Results show that, for an isotropic slab, the governing loading scenarios are similar to those that govern in simple 1D (beam) models. Furthermore, there are only slight differences in the critical positions of the vehicles. It is also evident that the load effects causing failure in the 2D linear elastic plate models are significantly lower, i.e., 2D linear elastic analysis is more conservative than both 2D nonlinear and 1D linear and nonlinear analyses.
An Efficient Approach for Tackling Large Real World Qualitative Spatial Networks
Authors: Sioutis Michael , Condotta Jean-François , Koubarakis Manolis
Published: August 2015

We improve the state-of-the-art method for checking the consistency of large qualitative spatial networks that appear in the Web of Data by exploiting the scale-free-like structure observed in their constraint graphs. We propose an implementation scheme that triangulates the constraint graphs of the input networks and uses a hash table based adjacency list to efficiently represent and reason with them. We generate random scale-free-like qualitative spatial networks using the Barabási-Albert (BA) model with a preferential attachment mechanism. We test our approach on the already existing random datasets that have been extensively used in the literature for evaluating the performance of qualitative spatial reasoners, our own generated random scale-free-like spatial networks, and real spatial datasets that have been made available as Linked Data. The analysis and experimental evaluation of our method presents significant improvements over the state-of-the-art approach, and establishes our implementation as the only possible solution to date to reason with large scale-free-like qualitative spatial networks efficiently.
An Efficient Hybrid Clustering Method Using an Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm and Mantegna Lévy Distribution
Authors: Ghafarzadeh Habib , Bouyer Asgarali
Published: August 2015

Data clustering is a common data mining techniques used in many applications such as data analysis and pattern recognition. K-means algorithm is the common clustering method which has fallen into the trap of local optimization and does not always create the optimized response to the problem, although having more advantages such as high speed. Artificial bee colony (ABC) is a novel biological-inspired optimization algorithm, having the advantage of less control parameters, strong global optimization ability and easy to implement. However, there are still some problems in ABC algorithm, like inability to find the best solution from all possible solutions. Due to the large step of searching equation in ABC, the chance of skipping the true solution is high. Therefore, in this paper, to balance the diversity and convergence ability of the ABC, Mantegna Lévy distribution random walk is proposed and incorporated with ABC. The new algorithm, ABCL, brings the power of the Artificial Bee Colony algorithm to the K-means algorithm. The proposed algorithm benefits from Mantegna Lévy distribution to promote the ABC algorithm in solving the number of functional evaluation and also obtaining better convergence speed and high accuracy in a short time. We empirically evaluate the performance of our proposed method on nine standard datasets taken from the UCI Machine Learning Repository. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm has ability to obtain better results in terms of convergence speed, accuracy, and reducing the number of functional evaluation.
BIOFLUID FLOW THROUGH A THROTTLE VALVE: A COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS STUDY OF CAVITATION
Authors: LIU XIUMEI , HE JIE , ZHAO JIYUN , LONG ZHENG , LI WENHUA , LI BEIBEI
Published: August 2015

Biofluid flow through a throttle valve is investigated numerically and experimentally in our paper. Numerical studies are performed in order to obtain the mass flow rate through the valve under different operating conditions. Pressure drop behind the throttle valve and formation of the vortex flow downstream has been evaluated. The vortices were mainly distributed on top of the valve rod, the corner of the channel and the corner of the valve seat. When valve opening increases, the vortices grow and cause higher pressure drop. In other words, more energy is lost due to these growing vortices and high viscosity of biofluid. Furthermore, experimental flow visualization is conducted to capture cavitation images near the orifice using high-speed camera. The initial position of cavitation occurred near throttle orifice while cavitation zone downstream is caused by circulating bubbles clusters. As the opening of the valve is decreased, the area and strength of vortices in the corner of the channel grow and cause higher pressure drop firstly, then decrease. In addition, there are a lot of bubble clusters on top of the valve rod and the corner of the valve seat, which flowed downstream and collapsed, then filled the entire channel. In general, the valve opening plays very important role in the performance of a throttle valve. The results would help to observe, understand and manage the cavitation phenomenon in a throttle valve, and improve the performance of throttle valves.
UNSTEADY MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC BLOOD FLOW IN A POROUS-SATURATED OVERLAPPING STENOTIC ARTERY — NUMERICAL MODELING
Authors: ZAMAN AKBAR , ALI NASIR , BÉG O. ANWAR
Published: August 2015

Unsteady pulsatile flow of blood through a porous-saturated, tapered and overlapping stenotic artery in the presence of magnetic field is examined theoretically and computationally. The power law constitutive model is employed to simulate hameo-rheological characteristics. The governing equation is derived assuming the flow to be unsteady, laminar, uni-directional and one-dimensional (1D). A robust, finite difference method is employed for the solution of the governing equation, subject to appropriate boundary conditions. Based on this solution, an extensive quantitative analysis is performed to analyze the effects of blood rheology, body acceleration, magnetohydrodynamic parameter, permeability parameter and arterial geometrical parameters of stenosis on various quantities of interest such as axial velocity, flow rate, resistance impedance and wall shear stress. The computations demonstrate that velocity, flow rate and shear stress increase while resistance to flow decreases with greater permeability parameter. Additionally, the effects of magnetic field are observed to be converse to those of permeability i.e., flow is decelerated and resistance is increased, demonstrating the powerful utility of exploiting magnetic fields in hemodynamic flow control (e.g., intra-corporeal surgical procedures). Furthermore, the size of trapped bolus of fluid is also found to be reduced for large values of the permeability parameter indicating that progressively more porous media circumvent bolus growth.
An Evolutionary Clustering-Based Optimization to Minimize Total Weighted Completion Time Variance in a Multiple Machine Manufacturing System
Authors: Mokhtari Hadi , Salmasnia Ali
Published: August 2015

This paper discusses clustering as a new paradigm of optimization and devises an integration of clustering and an evolutionary algorithm, neighborhood search algorithm (NSA), for a multiple machine system with the case of reducible processing times (RPT). After the problem is formulated mathematically, evolutionary clustering search (ECS) is devised to reach the near-optimal solutions. It is a way of detecting interesting search areas based on clustering. In this approach, an iterative clustering is carried out which is integrated to evolutionary mechanism NSA to identify which subspace is promising, and then the search strategy becomes more aggressive in detected areas. It is interesting to find out such subspaces as soon as possible to increase the algorithm's efficiency by changing the search strategy over possible promising regions. Once relevant search regions are discovered by clustering they can be treated with special intensification by the NSA algorithm. Furthermore, different neighborhood mechanisms are designed to be embedded within the main NSA algorithm so as to enhance its performance. The applicability of the proposed model and the performance of the NSA approach are demonstrated via computational experiments.
Odd behavior in the coefficients of reciprocals of binary power series
Authors: Anders Katie
Published: August 2015

Let [Formula: see text] be a finite subset of [Formula: see text] including 0 and [Formula: see text] be the number of ways to write [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text]. The sequence [Formula: see text] mod 2 is always periodic. Small examples suggest that the number of odd [Formula: see text]’s in a period is at most 1 plus the number of even [Formula: see text]’s in a period. We find strong larger counterexamples and give four families of sets [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] such that the proportion of odd [Formula: see text]’s goes to 1 as [Formula: see text].
Two-stage nested optimization-based uncertainty propagation method for model calibration
Authors: Qian Xiaochao , Li Wei , Yang Ming
Published: August 2015

Model calibration is the procedure that adjusts the unknown parameters in order to fit the model to experimental data and improve predictive capability. However, it is difficult to implement the procedure because of the aleatory uncertainty. In this paper, a new method of model calibration based on uncertainty propagation is investigated. The calibration process is described as an optimization problem. A two-stage nested uncertainty propagation method is proposed to resolve this problem. Monte Carlo Simulation method is applied for the inner loop to propagate the aleatory uncertainty. Optimization method is applied for the outer loop to propagate the epistemic uncertainty. The optimization objective function is the consistency between the result of the inner loop and the experimental data. Thus, different consistency measurement methods for unary output and multivariate outputs are proposed as the optimization objective function. Finally, the thermal challenge problem is given to validate the reasonableness and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Logic-Based Modeling Approaches for Qualitative and Hybrid Reasoning in Dynamic Spatial Systems
Authors: Mitsch Stefan , Platzer André , Retschitzegger Werner , Schwinger Wieland
Published: August 2015

Autonomous agents that operate as components of dynamic spatial systems are becoming increasingly popular and mainstream. Applications can be found in consumer robotics, in road, rail, and air transportation, manufacturing, and military operations. Unfortunately, the approaches to modeling and analyzing the behavior of dynamic spatial systems are just as diverse as these application domains. In this article, we discuss reasoning approaches for the medium-term control of autonomous agents in dynamic spatial systems, which requires a sufficiently detailed description of the agent’s behavior and environment but may still be conducted in a qualitative manner. We survey logic-based qualitative and hybrid modeling and commonsense reasoning approaches with respect to their features for describing and analyzing dynamic spatial systems in general, and the actions of autonomous agents operating therein in particular. We introduce a conceptual reference model, which summarizes the current understanding of the characteristics of dynamic spatial systems based on a catalog of evaluation criteria derived from the model. We assess the modeling features provided by logic-based qualitative commonsense and hybrid approaches for projection, planning, simulation, and verification of dynamic spatial systems. We provide a comparative summary of the modeling features, discuss lessons learned, and introduce a research roadmap for integrating different approaches of dynamic spatial system analysis to achieve coverage of all required features.
Mid-Air Pointing on Ultra-Walls
Authors: Nancel Mathieu , Pietriga Emmanuel , Chapuis Olivier , Beaudouin-Lafon Michel
Published: August 2015

Ultra-high resolution wall-sized displays (“ultra-walls”) are effective for presenting large datasets, but their size and resolution make traditional pointing techniques inadequate for precision pointing. We study mid-air pointing techniques that can be combined with other, domain-specific interactions. We first explore the limits of existing single-mode remote pointing techniques and demonstrate theoretically that they do not support high-precision pointing on ultra-walls. We then explore solutions to improve mid-air pointing efficiency: a tunable acceleration function and a framework for dual-precision (DP) techniques, both with precise tuning guidelines. We designed novel pointing techniques following these guidelines, several of which outperform existing techniques in controlled experiments that involve pointing difficulties never tested prior to this work. We discuss the strengths and weaknesses of our techniques to help interaction designers choose the best technique according to the task and equipment at hand. Finally, we discuss the cognitive mechanisms that affect pointing performance with these techniques.
An Inclusive, Value Sensitive Design Perspective on Future Identity Technologies
Authors: Briggs Pam , Thomas Lisa
Published: August 2015

Identity technologies constitute one of the fastest growing areas for research and development, driven by both commercial and administrative imperatives. Crucially, they constitute the means by which we include or exclude individuals and groups in terms of access to goods, services or information -- yet few developments in this space embrace an inclusive or value sensitive design philosophy. We describe a rigorous exercise in which we source scenarios that capture new research in the identity space and use these as probes in an inclusive design process. Workshops were held with six marginalized community groups: young people, older adults, refugees, black minority ethnic (BME) women, people with disabilities, and mental health service users. Our findings echo Herzberg's two-factor theory in which we are able to identify a set of relatively common values around sources of potential dissatisfaction (hygiene factors) as well as a set of motivators that are differentially valued across communities.
Advanced Treatment of Pesticide-Containing Wastewater Using Fenton Reagent Enhanced by Microwave Electrodeless Ultraviolet
Authors: Cheng Gong , Lin Jing , Lu Jian , Zhao Xi , Cai Zhengqing , Fu Jie
Published: August 2015

The photo-Fenton reaction is a promising method to treat organic contaminants in water. In this paper, a Fenton reagent enhanced by microwave electrodeless ultraviolet (MWEUV/Fenton) method was proposed for advanced treatment of nonbiodegradable organic substance in pesticide-containing biotreated wastewater. MWEUV lamp was found to be more effective for chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal than commercial mercury lamps in the Fenton process. The pseudo-first order kinetic model can well describe COD removal from pesticide-containing wastewater by MWEUV/Fenton, and the apparent rate constant (k) was 0.0125 min−1. The optimal conditions for MWEUV/Fenton process were determined as initial pH of 5, Fe2+dosage of 0.8 mmol/L, and H2O2dosage of 100 mmol/L. Under the optimal conditions, the reaction exhibited high mineralization degrees of organics, where COD and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration decreased from 183.2 mg/L to 36.9 mg/L and 43.5 mg/L to 27.8 mg/L, respectively. Three main pesticides in the wastewater, as Dimethoate, Triazophos, and Malathion, were completely removed by the MWEUV/Fenton process within 120 min. The high degree of pesticides decomposition and mineralization was proved by the detected inorganic anions.
Psychometric Properties and Validation of the Arabic Social Media Addiction Scale
Authors: Al-Menayes Jamal
Published: August 2015

This study investigated the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the SMAS. SMAS is a variant of IAT customized to measure addiction to social media instead of the Internet as a whole. Using a self-report instrument on a cross-sectional sample of undergraduate students, the results revealed the following. First, the exploratory factor analysis showed that a three-factor model fits the data well. Second, concurrent validity analysis showed the SMAS to be a valid measure of social media addiction. However, further studies and data should verify the hypothesized model. Finally, this study showed that the Arabic version of the SMAS is a valid and reliable instrument for use in measuring social media addiction in the Arab world.
Total Antioxidant Capacity of Serum Determined Using the Potassium Permanganate Agar Method Based on Serum Diffusion in Agar
Authors: Zhou Ying , Zhang Meijuan , Liu Hui
Published: August 2015

Objectives. To develop a new method for determining total antioxidants in serum and to evaluate the total antioxidant capacity of organisms.Design and Methods. Sodium hyposulfite (Na2S2O3) and serum were used to evaluate the linearity and precision of the potassium permanganate agar method. The area of serum diffusion in samples from 30 intensive care unit (ICU) patients compared with 44 healthy subjects was determined by the potassium permanganate agar method.Results. The linearity (R2in the linear experiment of Na2S2O3was 0.994;R2in the linear experiment of serum was 0.987) and precision (coefficient of variation of area of high level serum diffusion within-run, between-run, and between-day and coefficient of variation of area of low serum diffusion within-run, between-run, and between-day were all less than 10%) were acceptable using the potassium permanganate agar method. Total antioxidants of serum between the ICU group and the healthy group were different (p=0.002, two tailed).Conclusions. Total antioxidants in serum can be determined by the potassium permanganate agar method. The total antioxidant capacity of an organism can be evaluated by the amount of total antioxidants in serum.
Calculation of Some Integrals Arising in the Samara-Valencia Solution for Dry Flat Grinding
Authors: González-Santander J. L.
Published: August 2015

In the framework of the Samara-Valencia solution for heat transfer in grinding, two nontabulated integrals involving Macdonald’s function of zeroth order are calculated.
The Prognostic Value of Pyrosequencing-Detected MGMT Promoter Hypermethylation in Newly Diagnosed Patients with Glioblastoma
Authors: Villani Veronica , Casini Beatrice , Pace Andrea , Prosperini Luca , Carapella Carmine M. , Vidiri Antonello , Fabi Alessandra , Carosi Mariantonia
Published: August 2015

O6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase (MGMT) has emerged as a relevant predictor of therapeutic response and good prognosis in patients with glioblastoma (GBM). Transcriptionally active MGMT rapidly removes the alkyl adducts, preventing the formation of cross-links and thereby causing resistance to alkylating drugs. Studies with pyrosequencing (PSQ) showed that this technique has a higher reproducibility and sensitivity than other techniques. However, the definition of a prognostically relevant threshold for the percentage of MGMT methylation remains one of the most critical issues in the use of PSQ analysis. The aim of this study was to define the cut-off value correlated with good favourable prognostic outcomes. We retrospectively analyzed 51 patients (33 males, 18 females) with GBM who underwent surgery or biopsy. The Receiver Operating Characteristics analysis showed that the best possible criteria for PSQ-detected percentage of MGMT methylation that predicted progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 19% and 13%, respectively. Patients with ≤19% of PSQ-detected MGMT had a shorter PFS (HR: 0.24,p<0.01); those ones with ≤13% had a shorter OS (HR: 0.33,p<0.05). Our study reinforces the importance of MGMT in the management of GBM patients, but future studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to confirm our findings.
Research Advances in Tissue Engineering Materials for Sustained Release of Growth Factors
Authors: Zhao Hai-yang , Wu Jiang , Zhu Jing-jing , Xiao Ze-cong , He Chao-chao , Shi Hong-xue , Li Xiao-kun , Yang Shu-lin , Xiao Jian
Published: August 2015

Growth factors are a class of cytokines that stimulate cell growth and are widely used in clinical practice, such as wound healing, revascularization, bone repair, and nervous system disease. However, free growth factors have a short half-life and are instablein vivo. Therefore, the search of excellent carriers to enhance sustained release of growth factorsin vivohas become an area of intense research interest. The development of controlled-release systems that protect the recombinant growth factors from enzymatic degradation and provide sustained delivery at the injury site during healing should enhance the growth factor’s application in tissue regeneration. Thus, this study reviews current research on commonly used carriers for sustained release of growth factors and their sustained release effects for preservation of their bioactivity and their accomplishment in tissue engineering approaches.
Free Migration of Intraocular Glass in Aphakia after Glaucoma Surgery
Authors: Zhou Dan-dan , Gao Ling , Guo Kai-min , Hao Ji-long , Lu Cheng-wei
Published: August 2015

Purpose: To describe a case of free migration of intraocular glass in aphakia after glaucoma surgery. Methods: We report the case of a 27-year-old man with a history of perforating injury to the right eye 10 years previously and glaucoma surgery 1 year previously presenting with 1 month of pain and frequent floaters in front of the right eye. On examination, the glass fragment was seen to lie free in the anterior chamber or migrate backwards through the pupil, remaining mobile on the inferior retinal surface when the patient was prone or supine, respectively. Results: The fragment was surgically removed. Conclusion: Late migration of glass intraocular foreign bodies is a rare clinical entity, and the exact mechanism causing the migration of intraocular glass remains controversial. Early intervention must be weighed against the hazards of removal and the necessity of close follow-up.
Two new species of Fissidens (Fissidentaceae, Musci) from Africa, Fissidens harringtonii and Fissidens artsii

Authors: Bruggeman-Nannenga M. A.
Published: August 2015

Fissidens harringtonii from Sierra Leone and F. artsii from Réunion are newly described and illustrated. The taxonomic position of F. harringtonii and F. integerrimus Mitten in Hook.f & Wilson, with which it is compared, is discussed. Fissidens artsii is compared to F. ovatifolius R.Ruthe and F. sublimbatus Grout.
Frullania tamarisci var. azorica (Jubulaceae, Marchantiopsida), a new taxon from the Azores

Authors: Frahm Jan-Peter
Published: August 2015

Frullania tamarisci (L.) Dumort. var. azorica J.-P.Frahm (subg. Frullania) is described as new from the islands of Terceira and Pico (Azores, Portugal). It resembles var. tamarisci, but differs in longly apiculate, incurved leaf apex ending in an unicellular tip and not decurrent underleaves.
A revision of the genus Radulina W.R.Buck & B.C.Tan (Sematophyllaceae: Bryopsida)

Authors: O’Shea Brian J.
Published: August 2015

The palaeotropic moss genus Radulina W.R.Buck & B.C.Tan is revised, resulting in the genus being reduced to four species and one variety. The following 14 names become synonyms of the oldest name in the genus, Radulina borbonica (Bél.) W.R.Buck: Hypnum hamatum Dozy & Molk., Sematophyllum subinstratum Besch., Hypnum trachyamphorum Müll.Hal., Sigmatella hamicuspis Müll.Hal. in Paris, nom. nud., Trichosteleum borbonicum var. brachycarpum Renauld & Cardot, Trichosteleum subtile Broth. & Watts, Trichosteleum aequoreum M.Fleisch. ex Dixon, Trichosteleum elegantissimum M.Fleisch., Trichosteleum elegantissima var. scabriseta M.Fleisch., Trichosteleum hamatum var. glabriseta M.Fleisch., Trichosteleum hamatum var. tuberculisetum M.Fleisch., Trichosteleum carolinarum Dixon, Trichosteleum neocaledonicum Thér, Trichosteleum flexuosa-hamatum Dixon. In addition, three of these taxa are lectotypified: Trichosteleum subtile Broth. & Watts, Trichosteleum aequoreum M.Fleisch. ex Dixon and Trichosteleum hamatum var. tuberculisetum M.Fleisch. The following are new combinations: Radulina borbonica var. ferriei (Cardot & Thér. in Thér.) O’Shea (= Radulina hamata var. ferriei (Cardot & Thér. in Thér.) B.C.Tan & Y.Jia), Radulina sematophylloides (Dixon) O’Shea (= Trichosteleum sematophylloides Dixon) and Trichosteleum koghiense (Thér.) O’Shea (= Trichosteleum neocaledonicum var. koghiense Thér.).
Science and Struggle
Authors: Bliss Catherine
Published: August 2015

Analysis of the activism of experts has ignored the way that scientists form their own overt field-based political struggles to effect change on issues such as race. This article analyzes genomic activism around race, drawing on in-depth interviews with thirty-six leading genomic scientists and discourse analysis of 732 scientific articles. I demonstrate how science activists can fashion themselves as social advocates, by using tactics common to popular politics. These tactics can diverge and detract from popular activism and reify deterministic notions of race. I discuss important theoretical and practical implications for science, social movements, and professions.
The Emperor’s New Genes
Authors: Benjamin Ruha
Published: August 2015

This article addresses the politics of genomics through three diagnoses: The first, diagnosing objectivity, discusses how researchers involved in a large-scale population mapping initiative distinguish genomics as relatively objective, compared to other forms of knowledge production. The second case, diagnosing nationality, examines an attempt by the UK Border Agency to use genetic ancestry testing to vet asylum claims. The third case, diagnosing indigeneity, considers how indigenous councils in southern Africa engage genomic science in their struggle for state recognition and rights. I argue that genomics’ allure of objectivity lends itself to such diagnostic attempts among both powerful and subaltern social actors and suggest that developing “technologies of humility” may provide one safeguard against the increasing uptake of genomics as the authority on human difference.
Testimonianze di una precoce toscanizzazione nelle lettere commerciali del mercante milanese Francesco Tanso (?–1398), Archivio Datini, Prato
Authors: Brown Josh
Published: August 2015

La conoscenza del toscano durante il Trecento e il Quattrocento avveniva non solo attraverso la lettura delle Tre Corone e tramite la circolazione di poeti, notai, podestà, giudici e ambasciatori, ma anche a causa della mobilità geografica dei mercanti, i quali, nelle loro frequenti comunicazioni, mettevano in contatto volgari diversi. Questo articolo vuole dimostrare che un simile processo di toscanizzazione avveniva, già un mezzo secolo prima, in un corpus di lettere scritte durante il Trecento. A prima vista, infatti, le lettere commerciali mandate da Milano dal mercante Francesco Tanso (?–1398) agli impiegati del “mercante di Prato”, Francesco Datini, sembrano mostrare un notevole grado di toscanizzazione ben prima della celebre teorizzazione del Bembo e al di fuori dell’ambito letterario.
‘Mindless Markers of the Nation’: The Routine Flagging of Nationhood Across the Visual Environment
Authors: Skey Michael
Published: August 2015

The visual environment has increasingly been used as a lens with which to understand wider processes of social and economic change, with studies employing in-depth qualitative approaches to focus on, for example, gentrification or trans-national networks. This exploratory article offers an alternative perspective by using a novel method, quantitative photo mapping, to examine the extent to which a particular socio-cultural marker, the nation, is ‘flagged’ across three contrasting sites in Britain. As a multi-national state with an increasingly diverse population, Britain offers a particularly fruitful case study, drawing in debates around devolution, European integration and Commonwealth migration. In contributing to wider debates around banal nationalism, the article notes the extent to which nations are increasingly articulated through commerce, consumption and market exchange, and the overall significance of everyday markers (signs, objects, infrastructure) in naturalising a national view of the world.
The influence of learning value on learning management system use
Authors: Ain NoorUl , Kaur Kiran , Waheed Mehwish
Published: August 2015

In this study the perceived value construct of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) is investigated in the context of a learning management system (LMS), in which the construct is redefined from its original price value conceptualization. It was found that many researchers simply ignore the price value construct when applying the UTAUT2 model in technology use studies in the educational context. This study extends the UTAUT2 framework by integrating the learning value construct and provides fresh insight about predictors of students’ intentions towards LMS and its use. A quantitative research approach was employed by utilizing a closed-ended questionnaire to collect data from Malaysian university students who were users of LMS. Probability proportional stratified sampling was employed to select an appropriate sample. The results indicated a good measurement and structural model fit and suggested the significant influence of performance expectancy, social influence and learning value on students’ intention towards LMS and also confirmed the influence of facilitating conditions and behavioral intention on LMS use. The extended UTAUT2 framework helps in understanding students’ perceived value in the LMS context. Furthermore, this study will help institutions to consider the factors for successful implementation of an LMS in an academic setting.