bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differentiated heated lid driven cavity interacting with tube: A lattice Boltzmann study
Authors: Bennacer Rachid , Reggio Marcelo , Pellerin Nicolas , Ma Xiaoyan
Published: September 2016

The multiple-relaxation-time (MRT) lattice-Boltzmann method is implemented to
investigate combined natural and forced convection occurring in a
two-dimensional square cavity. The top wall slides to the right at constant
speed, while the other three remain stationary. The solution is performed for
a left vertical wall at a constant temperature, which is higher than of the
right wall. This yields a ?cooperating? case, in which dynamic and buoyancy
forces are added together. The enclosure is filled with air and contains a
heat conducting circular cylinder, which is placed at various positions. The
double distribution model used in lattice Boltzmann methods has been adopted
to simulate the hydrodynamic and thermal fields, with the D2Q9 and D2Q5
lattices selected to perform the corresponding computations. Simulations have
been conducted over a wide range of Rayleigh (Ra) and Reynolds (Re) numbers,
and the features of dynamic and thermal fields are presented for the spectra
of this mixed convection phenomenon. The flow and heat transfer
characteristics of the cylinder position are described and analyzed in terms
of the average Nusselt number (Nu). The computed results show the influence
of the cylinder on the corresponding heat transfer in the enclosure. It has
been found that the power (i.e. shear stress) needed to lid the upper surface
will depend on the governing parameters.
Devalakshmidevi in the Medieval History of Nepal
Authors: Das Basudevlal
Published: September 2016

Devalakshmidevi was a dauther of king Jayatungamalla of Kathmandu valley. She was married with king Harisinghadeva, the last king of Karnata Dynasty in Mithila. In those days, the capital of Mithila was Simaraungarh, which is at present in Bara district, Narayani Zone of Nepal. In 1326 A.D. Ghiyas-uddin Tughlaq, the Turk emperor of Delhi, invaded his kingdom of Mithila. After the downfall of the capital, king Harisinghadeva departed towards Kathmandu valley with his family but he died in the way. Then his wife and other members of his family entered into valley as an honourable guests. Queen Devalakshmidevi lived in Yuthunima palace where her brother Jayarudramalla was the king. After the death of Jayarudramalla the political situation of the palace became very critical and by her abilities and qualities, Devalakshmidevi became able to establish her control over the rule and administration of the valley during the long period of thirty years from 1336 A.D. to 1366 A.D. Thus, she appears as a very influential personality in the history of medieval Nepal.Academic Voices Vol.5 2015: 5-8
Electronic Banking: Its Use and Challenge in Nepal
Authors: Shah Krishna Kumar
Published: September 2016

Electronic banking, new strategies have become necessary in order to attract and retain existing customers, changing business environments, globalization and the advancement of information and communication technology. Despite enormous pressures for change and investment in information technology in the banking field; if these investments do not work in accordance with the principles of investment, they will fail. The available sources and studies conducted in the field, seek to find out the main factors and challenges posed in the development of electronic banking after a relatively long period of adoption in Nepal. This paper highlights the challenges for the development of e-banking, its impact of infrastructural barriers, legal and security barriers and management-banking barriers on the development of e-banking in Nepal.Academic Voices Vol.5 2015: 9-15
Spectrum of Domestic Violence against Madheshi Women in Nepal
Authors: Tiwari Sushma
Published: September 2016

Madheshi society. For this study 350 currently married women aged 15-49 years were selected from Parsa district by using systematic random sampling. The in Parsa district of Nepal as it is prevailing in other developing countries. Madheshi women face domestic violence from various sources. Violence against women is practiced in Nepali society on the basis of discriminatory social, cultural, economic, religious and political traditions and beliefs. The violence and inhuman treatment such as sexual assault, rape and naked parading serve as a social mechanism to maintain women’s subordinate position in society. They are targeted as a way of humiliating entire Madheshi communities in Nepal. Social exclusion of Madheshi women, poor education, unemployment, low exposure, less autonomy in decision making, weak implementation of legal system etc. largely influence women’s status.Academic Voices Vol.5 2015: 67-72
Editorial View Vol.14(1)
Authors: Bhattarai Sabina
Published: September 2016

Nepal Journal of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprology, Vol.14(1) 2016, pp.1
Newer Aspects in Phototherapy
Authors: Sekar C.S. , Srinivas C.R.
Published: September 2016

The concept of phototherapy has undergone a lot of changes in the past 30 years. It started with the emergence of psoralen ultraviolet A (PUVA) for the treatment of psoriasis. The subsequent evolution of Narrow band UVB therapy, Targeted phototherapy, UVA1 therapy, Home phototherapy and the use of LED lamps have revolutionized the treatment of various skin diseases. This article briefly summarizes the advances made in the last few years in the field of phototherapy.Nepal Journal of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprology, Vol.14(1) 2016, pp.5-8
Children of Men's Ambient Apocalyptic Visions
Authors: O'Donnell Marcus
Published: September 2016

Abstract:

Alfonso Cuarón's Children of Men (2006) is part of the long stream of films that respond vividly to social crisis and the hovering threat of human annihilation and that have sought to reimagine the Judeo-Christian apocalyptic myth. But I will argue that it represents a unique take on this popular genre that I call the ambient apocalyptic. The film's sense of pervasive crisis is not linked to a singular apocalyptic event and it redraws the tropes of many popular post-apocalyptic films. Cuarón intricately builds into nearly every scene referential signals to specific current political realities. He does this, however, without overburdening his film with either apocalyptic literalness or undisturbed certainty. He uses a layered referential style that seeks to create a kind of visionary realism.
Gabriel, Abortion, and Anti-Annunciation in The Prophecy, Constantine, and Legion
Authors: Tripp Jeffrey M.
Published: September 2016

Abstract:

Although the angel Gabriel is viewed positively in three world religions, he has appeared as the villain in three Hollywood films over just a decade and a half: The Prophecy (1995), Constantine (2005), and Legion (2010). While these films draw on apocalyptic themes from the book of Daniel, they also play ironically on Gabriel's other biblical appearance, the Annunciation of the virginal conception in Luke. All three films feature a Gabriel who attacks rather than protects women “impregnated” by a being of apocalyptic importance. The three movies can be shown to reflect various dimensions (and sides) of the contemporary American abortion debate, each casting Gabriel polemically in the image of misguided Christians (as they see it).
Zombies in America and at Qumran: AMC'sThe Walking Dead, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and Apocalyptic Redux
Authors: Davis Kipp
Published: September 2016

The surging popularity of zombies in modern American fiction, film, and television is rooted in a form of “a-religious” apocalypticism: a fatalistic view of the world and the future without any hope for deliverance. This worldview contains a handful of intriguing similarities with the ancient Jewish eschatological expectations that appear in the Dead Sea Scrolls. This study surveys four prominent themes that are shared between the scrolls and the American hit television series, The Walking Dead: (1) expectations for the “last days”; (2) a persecution complex that produces doctrines of a “remnant”; (3) need for social preservation through “ritual” purity; and (4) “insider / outsider” polemics. This comparative exercise attempts to show how zombies in popular culture are one reflection of our own existential, socio-economic angst that finds expression in a post-modern, post-Christian context.
When Jimmy Blew the Shofar: Midrash and Musical Invective inSuperman's Pal Jimmy Olsen
Authors: Friedmann Jonathan L.
Published: September 2016

Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen (1954–74) captured the imagination of younger readers drawn to colourful images and preposterously inventive stories. As the 1960s progressed and the first of the baby boomers entered their teens, the formula became out of date. DC Comic's middle-aged writers struggled to keep pace with the emerging youth culture and usually wound up insulting their tastes and predilections. A prime example is “The Red-Headed Beatle of 1,000 B.C.!” (1964), which simultaneously taps into, and disparages Beatles fandom. However, beneath the insult is a midrashic-like telling of Samson's backstory and intriguing speculations about the uses of the shofar in the world of the Bible.
A rare case of central nervous system amyloidoma treated with fractionated radiotherapy
Authors: Meier Teresa , Hazenfield J. Michael , Girnius Saulius , Hagen Matthew , Warnick Ronald E. , Kharofa Jordan
Published: September 2016

A 54-year-old female presented with multiple episodes of emesis, intractable headaches, worsening balance, and slowly progressive right facial weakness. Imaging demonstrated a 3-cm mass in the left internal capsule and corona radiata region with associated edema, mass effect, and midline shift concerning for high-grade glioma, lymphoma, or brain metastasis. Stereotactic biopsy of the mass was consistent with amyloid deposition. Systemic workup for amyloidosis was negative, and the mass was thought to represent a focal tumor-like deposit of amyloid, also referred to as “amyloidoma.” In the absence of systemic disease, therapy, which can include surgery or radiotherapy, can be directed at the local process. The location of the patient's lesion was not amenable to resection; therefore, she was treated with fractionated radiotherapy of 30.6 Gy at 1.8 Gy per fraction. Serial brain MRI demonstrated stability 18 months out from therapy. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first documented case of focal fractionated radiotherapy for CNS amyloidoma. The authors concluded that radiotherapy can prevent further progression of amyloidomas in anatomical locations that prohibit resection.
The effects of combined repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation on motor function in patients with stroke
Authors: Kwon Tae Gun , Park Eunhee , Kang Chung , Chang Won Hyuk , Kim Yun-Hee
Published: September 2016

Background: Both transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), when provided to stroke patients in combination with motor training, enhance therapeutic efficacy and motor function. However, the majority of previous studies have only examined a single treatment modality.

Objective: The authors investigated the modulating influence of combination dual-mode brain stimulation upon bihemispheric stimulation with motor training in stroke patients.

Methods: Twenty stroke patients with hemiparesis underwent five randomly arranged sessions of diverse combinations of rTMS and tDCS. We applied cathodal or anodal tDCS over the contralesional primary motor cortex (cM1) and 10 Hz rTMS over the ipsilesional primary motor cortex (iM1) in a simultaneous or preconditioning method including sham stimulation. Immediately after dual-mode stimulation, sequential hand motor training was performed for 5 minutes. The total pulses of rTMS and the duration of tDCS and motor training were the same for all sessions. Cortical excitability and sequential motor performance were evaluated before and after each session.

Results: Motor function and corticomotor excitability following simultaneous stimulation via cathodal tDCS over the cM1 combined with 10 Hz rTMS over the iM1 were significantly increased after the intervention, with significantly greater motor improvement than seen with other treatment conditions ( P < 0.05).

Conclusion: For the combination of bihemispheric rTMS and tDCS, simultaneous stimulation of cathodal tDCS and 10 Hz rTMS results in better motor performance in stroke patients than other combination methods. This result seemed to be related to effective modulation of interhemispheric imbalance of cortical excitability by dual-mode stimulation.
Molecular detection of goat and sheep meat origin using mitochondrial cytochrome b gene
Authors: Jahura FT , Munira S , Bhuiyan AKFH , Hoque MR , Bhuiyan MSA
Published: September 2016

The present study was conducted to discriminate between sheep and goat species meat origin utilizing mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cyt b) gene fragment. A total of 46 ear tissue and meat samples were collected from different slaughterhouses and farms of Mymensingh and Rangpur districts. Genomic DNA was extracted using GeNet Bio DNA isolation kit and DNA concentration and purity was quantified by NanoDrop spectrophotometer. Two pairs species specific primer were used to amplify Cyt b gene fragments. Selected primers were highly conserved across the breed within a species and worked well with the species of indigenous goat and sheep resulting similar size of the amplicons 330 and 585 bp respectively. The duplex PCR condition would enable to detect adulteration from goat and sheep mixed samples which revealed by two precise bands (330 and 585 bp) in a single reaction. This study suggests an accurate molecular technique for identification of sheep and goat meat species origin and differentiates species present in adulterate meat samples. In conclusion, this DNA based marker could be used for prevention of fraudulent practice in slaughterhouse and chain shops in Bangladesh.Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2016. 45 (2): 41-45
Feasibility of using sodium alginate for improving structural quality of sweet dahi
Authors: Islam MN , Arefin S , Sarker MAH , Akhter S , Habib R
Published: September 2016

Dahi is a popular fermented milk product with higher nutritional value and significant therapeutic properties. The objective of the present study was to use sodium alginate as stabilizer to monitor the feasibility of using for improving structural quality of sweet dahi. Dahi were prepared using 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8% and 1% sodium alginate. One control sample was made with no stabilizer to judge the other treated samples. All the samples were analyzed for organoleptic and chemical qualities .Significant difference was found in case of smell & taste score (p<0.05), body & consistency (p<0.01), color (p<0.01). Highest (p<0.05) smell and taste score was found at 0.6% sodium alginate treated dahi. In case of body & consistency 0.6% sodium alginate showed better results.  In case of color, 0.6% level of sodium alginate (p<0.01) showed nearly similar result as dahi with no sodium alginate. Significant (p<0.01) differences were found among the treatments in case of composition of dahi samples, except for the fat content, which showed insignificant (p>0.05) difference. Total solids, ash and protein content of dahi samples were increased after addition of sodium alginate. From the above analysis 0.6% sodium alginate was found to be better and it can be concluded that sodium alginate can be used as stabilizer to improve the structural quality of dahi.Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2016. 45 (2): 66-72
What Enhancement Techniques Suggest about the Good Death
Authors: Lassen Aske Juul , Andersen Michael Christian
Published: September 2016

The contemporary increase in life expectancy in Western countries has led to an intensified focus on good ageing processes as a way to manage ageing populations. We argue that while qualifications of the ageing process such as active and healthy ageing endeavour to compress morbidity through enhancement techniques, the idea of the good old age also implicitly tells a tale about the ‘good’ death. We explore how current discourses depict old age as an active, engaged and independent life phase and construct a specific idea of the good death as one that is quick and painless. By engaging with literature on ageing, death and enhancement technologies as well as current Danish healthcare initiatives, we examine the paradoxical, contemporary notion of death as natural, quick, painless and controllable. Danish rehabilitation programmes are provided as an example of specific enhancement techniques that through motivation and physical activity orchestrate the good death in a body that has been as healthy as possible for as long as possible. However, when such techniques become a moral injunction rather than a choice, questions arise concerning the relationship between autonomy and death. We argue that the discursive construction of the good death happens in tandem with enhancement techniques that postpone death, and that this postponement of death has increasingly become more of an imperative than an autonomous decision.
Comparison of Power Requirements: Flapping vs. Fixed Wing Vehicles
Authors: Sachs Gottfried
Published: September 2016

The power required by flapping and fixed wing vehicles in level flight is determined and compared. Based on a new modelling approach, the effects of flapping on the induced drag in flapping wing vehicles are mathematically described. It is shown that flapping causes a significant increase in the induced drag when compared with a non-flapping, fixed wing vehicle. There are two effects for that induced drag increase; one is due to tilting of the lift vector caused by flapping the wings and the other results from changes in the amount of the lift vector during flapping. The induced drag increase yields a significant contribution to the power required by flapping wing vehicles. Furthermore, the power characteristics of fixed wing vehicles are dealt with. It is shown that, for this vehicle type, the propeller efficiency plays a major role. This is because there are considerable differences in the propeller efficiency when taking the size of vehicles into account. Comparing flapping and fixed wing vehicles, the conditions are shown where flapping wing vehicles have a lower power demand and where fixed wing vehicles are superior regarding the required power. There is a tendency such that fixed wing vehicles have an advantage in the case of larger size vehicles and flapping wing vehicles have an advantage in the case of smaller size ones.
Land Cover Data for the Mississippi–Alabama Barrier Islands, 2010–2011
Authors: Carter Gregory , Anderson Carlton , Lucas Kelly , Hopper Nathan
Published: September 2016

Land cover on the Mississippi–Alabama barrier islands was surveyed in 2010–2011 as part of continuing research on island geomorphic and vegetation dynamics following the 2005 impact of Hurricane Katrina. Results of the survey include sub-meter GPS location, a listing of dominant vegetation species and field photographs recorded at 375 sampling locations distributed among Cat, West Ship, East Ship, Horn, Sand, Petit Bois and Dauphin Islands. The survey was conducted in a period of intensive remote sensing data acquisition over the northern Gulf of Mexico by federal, state and commercial organizations in response to the 2010 Macondo Well (Deepwater Horizon) oil spill. The data are useful in providing ground reference information for thematic classification of remotely-sensed imagery, and a record of land cover which may be used in future research.
Energy Aware Pricing in a Three-Tiered Cloud Service Market
Authors: Paul Debdeep , Zhong Wen-De , Bose Sanjay
Published: September 2016

We consider a three-tiered cloud service market and propose an energy efficient pricing strategy in this market. Here, the end customers are served by the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) providers, who implement customized services for their customers. To host these services, these SaaS providers, in turn, lease the infrastructure related resources from the Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) or Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) providers. In this paper, we propose and evaluate a mechanism for pricing between SaaS providers and Iaas/PaaS providers and between SaaS providers and the end customers. The pricing scheme is designed in a way such that the integration of renewable energy is promoted, which is a very crucial aspect of energy efficiency. Thereafter, we propose a technique to strategically provide an improved Quality of Service (QoS) by deploying more resources than what is computed by the optimization procedure. This technique is based on the square root staffing law in queueing theory. We carry out numerical evaluations with real data traces on electricity price, renewable energy generation, workload, etc., in order to emulate the real dynamics of the cloud service market. We demonstrate that, under practical assumptions, the proposed technique can generate more profit for the service providers operating in the cloud service market.
Study on the Wake of a Miniature Wind Turbine Using the Reynolds Stress Model
Authors: Hu Jianxiao , Yang Qingshan , Zhang Jian
Published: September 2016

The Reynolds Stress Model (RSM) is adopted to simulate the wind turbine wake and the simulation results are compared with the wind tunnel test data, simulation results from the standard k-ε model and a modified k-ε model. RSM shows good performance in predicting the turbine wakes velocity, turbulence intensity and the kinetic shear stress, while the k-ε based models fail to predict either wakes velocity or turbulence intensity. Simulation results show that the wake velocity will be recovered up to 90% at around 10 D downstream of the turbine (D denotes turbine rotor diameter) and it stops at 91% at around 16 D downstream. The wake turbulence intensity reaches a maximum at around 5 D downstream of turbine. Further investigation shows that the horizontal profile of the wakes velocity can be approximated by a Gaussian distribution, and the turbulence intensity can be approximated by a bimodal distribution. The influence of the wakes effect is limited to within ±D in the across-wind direction. The turbine wakes show clear anisotropy, which could explain the incorrect estimation on the turbulence intensity with the extended k-ε model.
Combined Modelling of Coastal Barrier Breaching and Induced Flood Propagation Using XBeach
Authors: Elsayed Saber , Oumeraci Hocine
Published: September 2016

Breaching of coastal barriers is a three-dimensional process induced by complex interactions between hydrodynamics, sediment transport and soil avalanching processes. Although numerous coastal barriers are breached every year in many coastal countries, causing dramatic inundations of the nearshore areas, the understanding of the processes and interactions associated with both breaching and subsequent flood propagation is still poor. This might explain why their combined modelling and prediction has not yet been sufficiently addressed. Consequently, barrier breaching and subsequent inundation are still often modelled separately, thus ignoring the strong interaction between breaching and flooding. However, the combined modelling of such strongly coupled processes is crucial. Since the open-source model system “XBeach” consists, among others, of a nonlinear shallow water solver coupled with a morphodynamic model, also including a soil avalanching module, it has the potential to simulate both breaching and subsequent flood propagation together. Indeed, the mutual interactions between hydrodynamics and morphodynamics (including soil avalanching) are properly accounted for. This paper, therefore, aims to examine the applicability of XBeach for modelling coastal barrier breaching and inundation modelling in combination, instead of the current approaches, which address the modelling of each of these two processes separately. The performance of XBeach, in terms of inundation modelling, is assessed through comparisons of the results from this model system (i) with the results from common 1D and 2D flood propagation models and (ii) with observations for barrier breaching and subsequent inundation from a real case study. Besides providing an improved understanding of the breaching process, the results of this study demonstrate a new promising application of XBeach and its potential for calculating time-varying inland discharges, as well as for combined modelling of both dune breaching and subsequent flood propagation in coastal zones.
Is Multidirectional UV Exposure Responsible for Increasing Melanoma Prevalence with Altitude? A Hypothesis Based on Calculations with a 3D-Human Exposure Model
Authors: Schrempf Michael , Haluza Daniela , Simic Stana , Riechelmann Stefan , Graw Kathrin , Seckmeyer Gunther
Published: September 2016

In a recent study, melanoma incidence rates for Austrian inhabitants living at higher altitudes were found to increase by as much as 30% per 100 m altitude. This strong increase cannot simply be explained by the known increase of erythemally-weighted irradiance with altitude, which ranges between 0.5% and 4% per 100 m. We assume that the discrepancy is partially explainable by upwelling UV radiation; e.g., reflected by snow-covered surfaces. Therefore, we present an approach where the human UV exposure is derived by integrating incident radiation over the 3D geometry of a human body, which enables us to take upwelling radiation into account. Calculating upwelling and downwelling radiance with a radiative transfer model for a snow-free valley and for snow-covered mountain terrain (with albedo of 0.6) yields an increase in UV exposure by 10% per 100 m altitude. The results imply that upwelling radiation plays a significant role in the increase of melanoma incidence with altitude.
A Brief Cognitive-Behavioral Psycho-Education (B-CBE) Program for Managing Stress and Anxiety of Main Family Caregivers of Patients in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Chiang Vico , Chien Wai , Wong Ho , Lee Rainbow , Ha Juana , Leung Sharron , Wong Daniel
Published: September 2016

Having a loved one in the intensive care unit (ICU) is a stressful event, which may cause a high level of anxiety to the family members. This could threaten their wellbeing and ability to support the patients in, or after discharge from, the ICU. To investigate the outcomes of a brief cognitive-behavioral psycho-education program (B-CBE) to manage stress and anxiety of the main family caregivers (MFCs), a pragmatic quasi-experimental study involving 45 participants (treatment group: 24; control group: 21) was conducted in an ICU. The Depression and Anxiety Stress Scale and the Critical Care Family Need Inventory were used to evaluate the primary outcomes on stress and anxiety, and satisfaction with family needs. The treatment group reported significantly better improvement in the information satisfaction score compared to the control group (p < 0.05; η2 = 0.09). Overall main effects were observed on the stress (p < 0.01; η2 = 0.20), anxiety (p < 0.01; η2 = 0.18), depression (p < 0.05; η2 = 0.13), support satisfaction (p < 0.05; η2 = 0.13), and comfort satisfaction (p < 0.05; η2 = 0.11) scores. The experience of this study suggest that MFCs are in great need of additional support like B-CBE to manage their stress and anxiety. Given the brevity of B-CBE, it is practical for critical care nurses to deliver and MFCs to take within the industrious context of an ICU. More studies are needed to investigate these types of brief psychological interventions.
Temporal Trends in Geographical Variation in Breast Cancer Mortality in China, 1973–2005: An Analysis of Nationwide Surveys on Cause of Death
Authors: Xia Changfa , Kahn Clare , Wang Jinfeng , Liao Yilan , Chen Wanqing , Yu Xue
Published: September 2016

To describe geographical variation in breast cancer mortality over time, we analysed breast cancer mortality data from three retrospective national surveys on causes of death in recent decades in China. We first calculated the age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) for each of the 31 provinces in mainland China stratified by survey period (1973–1975, 1990–1992 and 2004–2005). To test whether the geographical variation in breast cancer mortality changed over time, we then estimated the rate ratio (RR) for the aggregated data for seven regions and three economic zones using generalized linear models. Finally, we examined the correlation between mortality rate and several macro-economic measures at the provincial level. We found that the overall ASMR increased from 2.98 per 100,000 in 1973–1975 to 3.08 per 100,000 in 1990–1992, and to 3.85 per 100,000 in 2004–2005. Geographical variation in breast cancer mortality also increased significantly over time at the regional level (p = 0.002) but not at the economic zone (p = 0.089) level, with RR being generally lower for Western China (Northwest and Southwest) and higher in Northeast China over the three survey periods. These temporal and spatial trends in breast cancer mortality were found to be correlated with per capita gross domestic product, number of hospitals and health centres’ beds per 10,000 population and number of practicing doctors per 10,000 population, and average number of live births for women aged 15–64. It may be necessary to target public health policies in China to address the widening geographic variation in breast cancer mortality, and to take steps to ensure that the ease of access and the quality of cancer care across the country is improved for all residents.
Has Child Restraint System Use Increased among Parents of Children in Shantou, China?
Authors: Lei Huiqian , Yang Jingzhen , Liu Xiangxiang , Chen Xiaojun , Li Liping
Published: September 2016

Objective: to examine parents’ use of child restraint systems (CRS), and determine if parents’ knowledge of, attitude toward, and use behavior of child restraint systems have improved following enactment of child restraint use laws in other cities. Design: Observations and a cross-sectional survey of drivers transporting children 17 years and under were conducted at the gate of the schools and parking lots of hospitals in Shantou. Observers recorded the seating location of child passengers, the type of restraint, and appropriate use of CRS and safety belts based on the observation. Knowledge of and attitudes towards use of CRS were reported by the driver following observation. Results: Approximately 6.6% of passengers aged 0–12 were in CRS; rate of forward-facing CRS in children aged 3–5 (9.9%) was higher than rear-facing CRS for children aged 0–2 (1.1%) and booster seat use among children aged 6–12 (0.1%). Children younger than four years old (OR = 3.395, 95% CI = 2.125–5.424), drivers having a college or higher lever education (OR = 2.908, 95% CI = 1.878–4.500) and drivers wearing seatbelt (OR = 3.194, 95% CI = 1.605–6.356) had greater odds of CRS use. Over half (56.6%) of parents might or would use CRS if they could rent CRSs with fees. Conclusions: The rate of CRS is still low in Shantou. Comprehensive public education programs supported by legislation might be an effective way to improve child passenger safety. Renting CRSs to parents could be a new approach to encourage use.
Spatial Distribution Balance Analysis of Hospitals in Wuhan
Authors: Yang Nai , Chen Shiyi , Hu Weilu , Wu Zhongheng , Chao Yi
Published: September 2016

The spatial distribution pattern of hospitals in Wuhan indicates a core in the central urban areas and a sparse distribution in the suburbs, particularly at the center of suburbs. This study aims to improve the gravity and Huff models to analyze healthcare accessibility and resources. Results indicate that healthcare accessibility in central urban areas is better than in the suburbs, where it increasingly worsens for the suburbs. A shortage of healthcare resources is observed in large-scale and high-class hospitals in central urban areas, whereas the resources of some hospitals in the suburbs are redundant. This study proposes the multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) analysis model for the location assessment in constructing new hospitals, which can effectively ameliorate healthcare accessibility in suburban areas. This study presents implications for the planning of urban healthcare facilities.
Decreased Expression of SRSF2 Splicing Factor Inhibits Apoptotic Pathways in Renal Cancer
Authors: Kędzierska Hanna , Popławski Piotr , Hoser Grażyna , Rybicka Beata , Rodzik Katarzyna , Sokół Elżbieta , Bogusławska Joanna , Tański Zbigniew , Fogtman Anna , Koblowska Marta , Piekiełko-Witkowska Agnieszka
Published: September 2016

Serine and arginine rich splicing factor 2(SRSF2) belongs to the serine/arginine (SR)-rich family of proteins that regulate alternative splicing. Previous studies suggested that SRSF2 can contribute to carcinogenic processes. Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common subtype of kidney cancer, highly aggressive and difficult to treat, mainly due to resistance to apoptosis. In this study we hypothesized that SRSF2 contributes to the regulation of apoptosis in ccRCC. Using tissue samples obtained from ccRCC patients, as well as independent validation on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data, we demonstrate for the first time that expression of SRSF2 is decreased in ccRCC tumours when compared to non-tumorous control tissues. Furthermore, by employing a panel of ccRCC-derived cell lines with silenced SRSF2 expression and qPCR arrays we show that SRSF2 contributes not only to splicing patterns but also to expression of multiple apoptotic genes, including new SRSF2 targets: DIABLO, BIRC5/survivin, TRAIL, BIM, MCL1, TNFRSF9, TNFRSF1B, CRADD, BCL2L2, BCL2A1, and TP53. We also identified a new splice variant of CFLAR, an inhibitor of caspase activity. These changes culminate in diminished caspase-9 activity and inhibition of apoptosis. In summary, we show for the first time that decreased expression of SRSF2 in ccRCC contributes to protection of cancer cells viability.
Proteomic Analysis of Hylocereus polyrhizus Reveals Metabolic Pathway Changes
Authors: Hua Qingzhu , Zhou Qianjun , Gan Susheng , Wu Jingyu , Chen Canbin , Li Jiaqiang , Ye Yaoxiong , Zhao Jietang , Hu Guibing , Qin Yonghua
Published: September 2016

Red dragon fruit or red pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus) is the only edible fruit that contains betalains. The color of betalains ranges from red and violet to yellow in plants. Betalains may also serve as an important component of health-promoting and disease-preventing functional food. Currently, the biosynthetic and regulatory pathways for betalain production remain to be fully deciphered. In this study, isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)-based proteomic analyses were used to reveal the molecular mechanism of betalain biosynthesis in H. polyrhizus fruits at white and red pulp stages, respectively. A total of 1946 proteins were identified as the differentially expressed between the two samples, and 936 of them were significantly highly expressed at the red pulp stage of H. polyrhizus. RNA-seq and iTRAQ analyses showed that some transcripts and proteins were positively correlated; they belonged to “phenylpropanoid biosynthesis”, “tyrosine metabolism”, “flavonoid biosynthesis”, “ascorbate and aldarate metabolism”, “betalains biosynthesis” and “anthocyanin biosynthesis”. In betalains biosynthesis pathway, several proteins/enzymes such as polyphenol oxidase, CYP76AD3 and 4,5-dihydroxy-phenylalanine (DOPA) dioxygenase extradiol-like protein were identified. The present study provides a new insight into the molecular mechanism of the betalain biosynthesis at the posttranscriptional level.
η1:η2-P-Pyrazolylphosphaalkene Complexes of Ruthenium(0)
Authors: Greenacre Victoria , Crossley Ian
Published: September 2016

An extended range of novel ruthenium phosphaalkene complexes of the type [Ru{η1-N:η2-P,C-P(pz′)=CH(SiMe2R)}(CO)(PPh3)2] (R = Tol, C6H4CF3-p; pz′ = pzMe2, pzCF3, pzMe,CF3; R = Me, C6H4CF3-p; pz′ = pzPh) have been prepared from the respective ruthenaphosphaalkenyls [Ru{P=CH(SiMe2R)}Cl(CO)(PPh3)2] upon treatment with Lipz′. Where R = C6H4CF3-p and pz′ = pzMe2 the complex is characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, only the second example of such species being structurally characterized. This indicates enhanced pyramidalisation of the alkenic carbon center when compared with precedent data (R = Me, pz′ = pz) implying an enhanced Ru→π*PC contribution, which can be correlated with the greater donor power of pzMe2. This is similarly reflected in spectroscopic data that reveal significant influence of the pyrazolyl substituents upon the phosphaalkene, stronger donors imparting significantly enhanced shielding to phosphorus; in contrast, a much lesser influence if noted for the silyl substituents.
A Numerical Investigation of the Thermal Stresses of a Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell
Authors: Pianko-Oprych Paulina , Zinko Tomasz , Jaworski Zdzisław
Published: September 2016

A typical operating temperature of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is quite high above 750 °C and affects the thermomechanical behavior of the cell. Thermal stresses may cause microstructural instability and sub-critical cracking. Therefore, a joint analysis by the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and computational structural mechanics based on the finite element method (FEM) was carried out to analyze thermal stresses in a planar SOFC and to predict potential failure locations in the cell. A full numerical model was based on the coupling of thermo-fluid model with the thermo-mechanical model. Based on a temperature distribution from the thermo-fluid model, stress distribution including the von Mises stress, shear stress as well as the operating principal stress were derived in the thermo-mechanical model. The FEM calculations were performed under different working conditions of the planar SOFC. The highest total stress was noticed at the lower operating voltage of 0.3 V, while the lowest total stress was determined at the voltage of 0.7 V. The obtained stress distributions allowed a better understanding of details of internal processes occurring within the SOFC and provided helpful guidance in the optimization of a new SOFC design.
Nucleophilic Substitution on 2-Monosubstituted Quinoxalines Giving 2,3-Disubstituted Quinoxalines: Investigating the Effect of the 2-Substituent
Authors: Ndlovu Ndumiso , Nxumalo Winston
Published: September 2016

An investigation on the effect of substituent at the 2-position of mono-substituted quinoxalines in the synthesis of di-substituted quinoxaline derivatives via nucleophilic substitution reactions, is reported. Di-substituted quinoxalines bearing aryl-alky, aryl-aryl, aryl-heteroaryl, aryl-alkynyl, and amino-alkyl substituents were prepared in moderate to good yields. 2-Monosubstituted quinoxalines bearing a phenyl and butyl substituent reacted readily with alkyl-, aryl-, heteroaryl- and alkynyl- nucluephiles, giving di-substituted quinoxalines. 2-Monosubstituted quinoxalines bearing an amine and alkynyl substituent only reacted with alkyl nucleophiles. Oxidative rearomatization to give 2,3-disubstituted quinoxaline products occurred in atmospheric O2.
Antidermatophytic Action of Resorcinol Derivatives: Ultrastructural Evidence of the Activity of Phenylethyl Resorcinol against Microsporum gypseum
Authors: Romagnoli Carlo , Baldisserotto Anna , Vicentini Chiara , Mares Donatella , Andreotti Elisa , Vertuani Silvia , Manfredini Stefano
Published: September 2016

In this work, we evaluated the antidermatophytic activities of three resorcinol derivatives that have a history of use in dermo-cosmetic applications to discover molecules with multiple dermatological activities (i.e., multi-target drugs), thereby reducing the cost and time necessary for new drug development. The antidermatophytic activities of the three skin lighteners were evaluated relative to the known antifungal drug fluconazole on nine dermatophytes responsible for the most common dermatomycoses: Microsporum gypseum, Microsporum canis, Trichophyton violaceum, Arthroderma cajetani, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Epidermophyton floccosum, Nannizzia gypsea, Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton tonsurans. Among the three tested resorcinols, only two showed promising properties, with the ability to inhibit the growth of all tested dermatophytes; additionally, the IC50 values of these two resorcinols against the nine dermatophytes confirmed their good antifungal activity, particularly for phenylethyl resorcinol against M. gypseum. Ultrastructural alterations exhibited by the fungus were observed using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy and reflected a dose-dependent response to treatment with the activation of defence and self-preservation strategies.
Real-Time Detection of a Self-Replicating RNA Enzyme
Authors: Olea Charles , Joyce Gerald
Published: September 2016

A system was developed to detect the self-replication of an RNA enzyme in real time. The enzyme is an RNA ligase that undergoes exponential amplification at a constant temperature and can be made to operate in a ligand-dependent manner. The real-time system is based on a fluorimetric readout that directly couples the ligation event to an increase in florescence signal that can be monitored using standard instrumentation. The real-time system can also operate entirely with l-RNA, which is not susceptible to degradation by ribonucleases that are present in biological samples. The system is analogous to real-time PCR, but with the potential to detect small molecules, proteins, and other targets that can be recognized by a suitable aptamer. The ligand-dependent self-replication of RNA has potential applications in molecular diagnostics and biosensing that benefit from the rapid, precise, and real-time detection of various target molecules.
A Potential Mechanism for the Anti-Apoptotic Property of Koumine Involving Mitochondrial Pathway in LPS-Mediated RAW 264.7 Macrophages
Authors: Yuan Zhi-Hang , Liang Zeng-Enni , Wu Jing , Yi Jin-E , Chen Xiao-Jun , Sun Zhi-Liang
Published: September 2016

Koumine is a kind of alkaloid extracted from Gelsemium elegans (G. elegans). Benth, which has shown promise as an anti-tumor, anxiolytic, and analgesic agent. In our present study, the effect of koumine on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated RAW 264.7 cell apoptosis was evaluated. MTT assays showed that koumine obviously increased cell viability in LPS-mediated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Preincubation with koumine ameliorated LPS-medicated apoptosis by decreasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which resulted in a significant decrease in the levels of nitric oxide (NO) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). In addition, koumine-pretreated RAW 264.7 macrophages exhibited reduction of LPS-induced levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 mRNA. Furthermore, pretreatment with koumine suppressed LPS-mediated p53 activation, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, caspase-3 activation, decrease of Bcl-2 expression, and elevation of Bax and caspase-3 expressions, suggesting that koumine might act directly on RAW 264.7 cells to inhibit LPS-induced apoptosis. It seems as though the mechanism that koumine possesses is the anti-apoptotic effect mediated by suppressing production of ROS, activation of p53, and mitochondrial apoptotic pathways in RAW 264 cells. Koumine could potentially serve as a protective effect against LPS-induced apoptosis.
A General-Purpose Spatial Survey Design for Collaborative Science and Monitoring of Global Environmental Change: The Global Grid
Authors: Theobald David
Published: September 2016

Recent guidance on environmental modeling and global land-cover validation stresses the need for a probability-based design. Additionally, spatial balance has also been recommended as it ensures more efficient sampling, which is particularly relevant for understanding land use change. In this paper I describe a global sample design and database called the Global Grid (GG) that has both of these statistical characteristics, as well as being flexible, multi-scale, and globally comprehensive. The GG is intended to facilitate collaborative science and monitoring of land changes among local, regional, and national groups of scientists and citizens, and it is provided in a variety of open source formats to promote collaborative and citizen science. Since the GG sample grid is provided at multiple scales and is globally comprehensive, it provides a universal, readily-available sample. It also supports uneven probability sample designs through filtering sample locations by user-defined strata. The GG is not appropriate for use at locations above ±85° because the shape and topological distortion of quadrants becomes extreme near the poles. Additionally, the file sizes of the GG datasets are very large at fine scale (resolution ~600 m × 600 m) and require a 64-bit integer representation.
Design of a Sub-Picosecond Jitter with Adjustable-Range CMOS Delay-Locked Loop for High-Speed and Low-Power Applications
Authors: Abdulrazzaq Bilal , Ibrahim Omar , Kawahito Shoji , Sidek Roslina , Shafie Suhaidi , Yunus Nurul , Lee Lini , Halin Izhal
Published: September 2016

A Delay-Locked Loop (DLL) with a modified charge pump circuit is proposed for generating high-resolution linear delay steps with sub-picosecond jitter performance and adjustable delay range. The small-signal model of the modified charge pump circuit is analyzed to bring forth the relationship between the DLL’s internal control voltage and output time delay. Circuit post-layout simulation shows that a 0.97 ps delay step within a 69 ps delay range with 0.26 ps Root-Mean Square (RMS) jitter performance is achievable using a standard 0.13 µm Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) process. The post-layout simulation results show that the power consumption of the proposed DLL architecture’s circuit is 0.1 mW when the DLL is operated at 2 GHz.
Fast Industrial Inspection of Optical Thin Film Using Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Shirazi Muhammad , Park Kibeom , Wijesinghe Ruchire , Jeong Hyosang , Han Sangyeob , Kim Pilun , Jeon Mansik , Kim Jeehyun
Published: September 2016

An application of spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was demonstrated for a fast industrial inspection of an optical thin film panel. An optical thin film sample similar to a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel was examined. Two identical SD-OCT systems were utilized for parallel scanning of a complete sample in half time. Dual OCT inspection heads were utilized for transverse (fast) scanning, while a stable linear motorized translational stage was used for lateral (slow) scanning. The cross-sectional and volumetric images of an optical thin film sample were acquired to detect the defects in glass and other layers that are difficult to observe using visual inspection methods. The rapid inspection enabled by this setup led to the early detection of product defects on the manufacturing line, resulting in a significant improvement in the quality assurance of industrial products.