bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphorus mining for ecological restoration on former agricultural land
Authors: Schelfhout Stephanie , De Schrijver An , De Bolle Sara , De Gelder Leen , Demey Andreas , Du Pré Tom , De Neve Stefaan , Haesaert Geert , Verheyen Kris , Mertens Jan
Published: August 2015

To restore species‐rich terrestrial ecosystems on ex‐agricultural land, establishing nutrient limitation for dominant plant growth is essential because in nutrient‐rich soils, fast‐growing species often exclude target species. However, N‐limitation is easier to achieve than P‐limitation (because of a difference in biogeochemical behavior), biodiversity is generally highest under P‐limitation. Commonly used restoration methods to achieve low soil P‐concentrations are either very expensive or take a very long time. A promising restoration technique is P‐mining, an adjusted agricultural technique that aims at depleting soil‐P. High biomass production and hence high P‐removal with biomass are obtained by fertilizing with nutrients other than P. A pot experiment was set up to study P‐mining withLolium perenneL. on sandy soils with varying P‐concentrations: from an intensively used agricultural soil to a soil near the soil P‐target for species‐richNardusgrassland. All pots received N‐ and K‐fertilization. The effects of biostimulants on P‐uptake were also assessed by the addition of arbuscular mycorrhiza (Glomusspp.), humic substances or phosphate‐solubilizing bacteria (Bacillussp. andPseudomonasspp.). In our P‐rich soil (111 µgPOlsen/g), P‐removal rate was high but bioavailable soil‐P did not decrease. At lower soil P‐concentrations (64 and 36 µgPOlsen/g), bioavailable soil‐P had decreased but the P‐removal rate had by then dropped 60% despite N‐ and K‐fertilization and despite that the target (<10 µgPOlsen/g) was still far away. None of the biostimulants altered this trajectory. Therefore, restoration will still take decades when starting with ex‐agricultural soils unless P‐fertilization history was much lower than average.
The wheat resistance gene Lr34 results in the constitutive induction of multiple defense pathways in transgenic barley
Authors: Chauhan Harsh , Boni Rainer , Bucher Rahel , Kuhn Benjamin , Buchmann Gabriele , Sucher Justine , Selter Liselotte L. , Hensel Goetz , Kumlehn Jochen , Bigler Laurent , Glauser Gaëtan , Wicker Thomas , Krattinger Simon G. , Keller Beat
Published: August 2015

The wheat gene Lr34 encodes an ABCG‐type transporter which provides durable resistance against multiple pathogens. Lr34 is functional as a transgene in barley, but its mode of action has remained largely unknown both in wheat and barley. Here we studied gene expression in uninfected barley lines transgenic for Lr34. Genes from multiple defense pathways contributing to basal and inducible disease resistance were constitutively active in seedlings and mature leaves. In addition, the hormones jasmonic acid and salicylic acid were induced to high levels, and increased levels of lignin as well as hordatines were observed. These results demonstrate a strong, constitutive re‐programming of metabolism by Lr34. The resistant Lr34 allele (Lr34res) encodes a protein that differs by two amino acid polymorphisms from the susceptible Lr34sus allele. The deletion of a single phenylalanine residue in Lr34sus was sufficient to induce the characteristic Lr34‐based responses. Combination of Lr34res and Lr34sus in the same plant resulted in a reduction of Lr34res expression by 8‐ to 20‐fold when the low‐expressing Lr34res line BG8 was used as a parent. Crosses with the high‐expressing Lr34res line BG9 resulted in an increase of Lr34sus expression by 13‐ to 16‐fold in progenies that inherited both alleles. These results indicate an interaction of the two Lr34 alleles on the transcriptional level. Reduction of Lr34res expression in BG8 crosses reduced the negative pleiotropic effects of Lr34res on barley growth and vigor without compromising disease resistance, suggesting that transgenic combination of Lr34res and Lr34sus can result in agronomically useful resistance.
Effects of Strategic Issue Diagnosis Process (SIDP) on Profitability of Private Universities in Kenya: Case of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA)
Authors: Ayako Aloys , Ayako Annette
Published: August 2015

The study analyzed the effects of strategic issue diagnosis process (SIDP) on the profitability of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). The study used a census survey design of the fifty members of the top management team (TMT) of the University. The survey data was analyzed using factor analysis and regression analysis. Factor analysis using principal components and varimax (orthogonal) rotation (to maximize variable loadings to each factor) was conducted to reduce the dimensionality and identify the factors (latent variables) and labels (constructs) of both the SIDP and profitability of CUEA. The regression analysis results showed that the joint effect of the six factors of the SIDP accounted for about 30 per cent of the total variance of the profitability of CUEA, implying that about 70 per cent of the variance could be attributed to excluded university specific, higher education industry and external factors. However, the joint effect of the factors of the SIDP on the institution’s profitability was statistically significant (p<0.05). Although all the factors of the SIDP had theoretically expected signs, not all had statistically significant individual (partial) effects on the profitability of CUEA. The results show that all but the null hypotheses on communication systems and personality profile of the members of the TMT were rejected at p<0.05. The study recommended conduct of additional studies with a larger sample of universities, inclusion of the excluded variables and use of structural modeling approaches.
Theoretical analysis of proton irradiation effects on AlGaN/GaN high-electron-mobility transistors
Authors: Lv Ling , Ma Xiaohua , Xi He , Liu Linyue , Cao Yanrong , Zhang Jincheng , Shan Hengsheng , Hao Yue
Published: August 2015

To study radiation damage, the authors irradiated AlGaN/GaN high-electron-mobility transistors with 3 MeV protons at various fluences. This irradiation caused displacement damage, which decreased the saturated drain current, maximum transconductance, cutoff frequency, and maximum frequency of oscillation. The authors extracted the damage factors of the threshold voltage, two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) surface density, and mobility, which are usually used to simulate and estimate device performance in radiation environments. Calculations based on the charge control model show that the acceptor defects induced in the GaN layer play a leading role, while defects induced in the AlGaN barrier layer rarely matter. The removal rate of carriers from the 2DEG is unrelated to the thickness of undoped AlGaN layer, the conduction band discontinuity, and the doping concentration of AlGaN barrier layer; it only depends on the concentration of acceptor defects induced.
Open Letters From the National Football League, Concussion Prevention, and Image-Repair Rhetoric
Authors: Compton Josh , Compton Jordan
Published: August 2015

Open letters offer a unique focus for rhetorical analysis in sport communication, forming a message that is both interpersonal (the attempt to reflect dialogue through a letter writer and its recipients) and public (the “open” part of the open letter). The National Football League (NFL) attempted image repair when it used open letters to respond to accusations that it was not doing enough to protect athletes against devastating effects of concussions. Through the use of Benoit’s theory of image repair, the authors found that Commissioner Goodell’s open letters relied on 2 main image-repair strategies: reducing offensiveness and corrective action. They consider the implications of these rhetorical choices for the complicated merging areas of sport, communication, and health in the NFL’s open letters.
Carbohydrate Intake in Form of Gel Is Associated With Increased Gastrointestinal Distress but Not With Performance Differences Compared With Liquid Carbohydrate Ingestion During Simulated Long-Distance Triathlon
Authors: Sareban Mahdi , Zügel David , Koehler Karsten , Hartveg Paul , Zügel Martina , Schumann Uwe , Steinacker Jürgen Michael , Treff Gunnar
Published: August 2015

The ingestion of exogenous carbohydrates (CHO) during prolonged endurance exercise, such as long-distance triathlon, is considered beneficial with regard to performance. However, little is known about whether this performance benefit differs among different forms of CHO administration. To this end, the purpose of our study was to determine the impact of CHO ingestion from a semisolid source (GEL) on measures of performance and gastrointestinal (GI) comfort compared with CHO ingestion from a liquid source (LIQ). Nine well-trained triathletes participated in this randomized crossover study. Each participant completed a 60-min swim, 180-min bike exercise, and a 60-min all-out run in a laboratory environment under 2 conditions, once while receiving 67.2 ± 7.2 g · h−1 (M ± SD) of CHO from GEL and once while receiving 67.8 ± 4.2 g · h−1 of CHO from LIQ. The amount of fluid provided was matched among conditions. Respiratory exchange ratio (RER), blood glucose, and lactate as well as GI discomfort were assessed at regular intervals during the experiment. The distance covered during the final all-out run was not significantly different among participants ingesting GEL (11.81 ± 1.38 km) and LIQ (11.91 ± 1.53 km; p = .89). RER, blood glucose, and lactate did not differ significantly at any time during the experiment. Seven participants reported GI discomfort with GEL, and no athlete reported GI discomfort with LIQ (p = .016). This study suggests that administration of GEL does not alter long-distance triathlon performance when compared with LIQ, but GEL seems to be associated with reduced GI tolerance. Athletes should consider this a potential disadvantage of GEL administration during long-distance triathlon.
Draft Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium heckeshornense Strain RLE
Authors: Greninger Alexander L. , Cunningham Gail , Chiu Charles Y. , Miller Steve
Published: August 2015

We report here the draft genome sequence of
Mycobacterium heckeshornense
strain RLE isolated from a sputum sample from a patient with shortness of breath. This is the first draft genome sequence of
M. heckeshornense
.
Dynamics of HIV-1 RNA Near the Plasma Membrane during Virus Assembly
Authors: Sardo Luca , Hatch Steven C. , Chen Jianbo , Nikolaitchik Olga , Burdick Ryan C. , Chen De , Westlake Christopher J. , Lockett Stephen , Pathak Vinay K. , Hu Wei-Shau
Published: August 2015

To increase our understanding of the events that lead to HIV-1 genome packaging, we examined the dynamics of viral RNA and Gag-RNA interactions near the plasma membrane by using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy. We labeled HIV-1 RNA with a photoconvertible Eos protein via an RNA-binding protein that recognizes stem-loop sequences engineered into the viral genome. Near-UV light exposure causes an irreversible structural change in Eos and alters its emitted fluorescence from green to red. We studied the dynamics of HIV-1 RNA by photoconverting Eos near the plasma membrane, and we monitored the population of photoconverted red-Eos-labeled RNA signals over time. We found that in the absence of Gag, most of the HIV-1 RNAs stayed near the plasma membrane transiently, for a few minutes. The presence of Gag significantly increased the time that RNAs stayed near the plasma membrane: most of the RNAs were still detected after 30 min. We then quantified the proportion of HIV-1 RNAs near the plasma membrane that were packaged into assembling viral complexes. By tagging Gag with blue fluorescent protein, we observed that only a portion, ∼13 to 34%, of the HIV-1 RNAs that reached the membrane were recruited into assembling particles in an hour, and the frequency of HIV-1 RNA packaging varied with the Gag expression level. Our studies reveal the HIV-1 RNA dynamics on the plasma membrane and the efficiency of RNA recruitment and provide insights into the events leading to the generation of infectious HIV-1 virions.

IMPORTANCE
Nascent HIV-1 particles assemble on plasma membranes. During the assembly process, HIV-1 RNA genomes must be encapsidated into viral complexes to generate infectious particles. To gain insights into the RNA packaging and virus assembly mechanisms, we labeled and monitored the HIV-1 RNA signals near the plasma membrane. Our results showed that most of the HIV-1 RNAs stayed near the plasma membrane for only a few minutes in the absence of Gag, whereas most HIV-1 RNAs stayed at the plasma membrane for 15 to 60 min in the presence of Gag. Our results also demonstrated that only a small proportion of the HIV-1 RNAs, approximately 1/10 to 1/3 of the RNAs that reached the plasma membrane, was incorporated into viral protein complexes. These studies determined the dynamics of HIV-1 RNA on the plasma membrane and obtained temporal information on RNA-Gag interactions that lead to RNA encapsidation.
Identification and Mechanism of Action of a Novel Small-Molecule Inhibitor of Arenavirus Multiplication
Authors: Ngo Nhi , Cubitt Beatrice , Iwasaki Masaharu , de la Torre Juan C.
Published: August 2015

Several arenaviruses cause hemorrhagic fever disease in humans and represent important public health problems in the regions where these viruses are endemic. In addition, evidence indicates that the worldwide-distributed prototypic arenavirus lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is an important neglected human pathogen. There are no licensed arenavirus vaccines and current antiarenavirus therapy is limited to the use of ribavirin that is only partially effective. Therefore, there is an unmet need for novel antiarenaviral therapeutics. Here, we report the generation of a novel recombinant LCM virus and its use to develop a cell-based high-throughput screen to rapidly identify inhibitors of LCMV multiplication. We used this novel assay to screen a library of 30,400 small molecules and identified compound F3406 (chemical name:
N
-[3,5-bis(fluoranyl)phenyl]-2-[5,7-bis(oxidanylidene)-6-propyl-2-pyrrolidin-1-yl-[1,3]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-4-yl]ethanamide), which exhibited strong anti-LCMV activity in the absence of cell toxicity. Mechanism-of-action studies revealed that F3406 inhibited LCMV cell entry by specifically interfering with the pH-dependent fusion in the endosome compartment that is mediated by LCMV glycoprotein GP2 and required to release the virus ribonucleoprotein into the cell cytoplasm to initiate transcription and replication of the virus genome. We identified residue M437 within the transmembrane domain of GP2 as critical for virus susceptibility to F3406.

IMPORTANCE
Hemorrhagic fever arenaviruses (HFA) are important human pathogens that cause high morbidity and mortality in areas where these viruses are endemic. In addition, evidence indicates that the worldwide-distributed prototypic arenavirus lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is a neglected human pathogen of clinical significance. Concerns posed by arenavirus infections are aggravated by the lack of U.S. Food and Drug Administration-licensed arenavirus vaccines and current antiarenaviral therapy being limited to the off-label use of ribavirin that is only partially effective. Here we describe a novel recombinant LCMV and its use to develop a cell-based assay suitable for HTS to rapidly identify inhibitors arenavirus multiplication. The concepts and experimental strategies we describe in this work provide the bases for the rapid identification and characterization of novel anti-HFA therapeutics.
Transition toward Human Cytomegalovirus Susceptibility in Early Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Neural Precursors
Authors: Berger Amnon A. , Gil Yaniv , Panet Amos , Weisblum Yiska , Oiknine-Djian Esther , Gropp Michal , Steiner Debora , Reubinoff Benjamin E. , Wolf Dana G.
Published: August 2015

Congenital human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is associated with neurodevelopmental disabilities. To dissect the earliest events of infection in the developing human brain, we studied HCMV infection during controlled differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESC) into neural precursors. We traced a transition from viral restriction in hESC, mediated by a block in viral binding, toward HCMV susceptibility in early hESC-derived neural precursors. We further revealed the role of platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα) as a determinant of the developmentally acquired HCMV susceptibility.
Clival osteomyelitis and hypoglossal nerve palsy—rare complications of Lemierre's syndrome
Authors: He Jingzhou , Lam Jonathan Chun Leuk , Adlan Tarig
Published: August 2015

An increasingly reported entity, Lemierre's syndrome classically presents with a recent oropharyngeal infection, internal jugular vein thrombosis and the presence of anaerobic organisms such asFusobacterium necrophorum. The authors report a normally fit and well 17-year-old boy who presented with severe sepsis following a 5-day history of a sore throat, myalgia and neck stiffness requiring intensive care admission. Blood cultures grewF. necrophorumand radiological investigations demonstrated left internal jugular vein, cavernous sinus and sigmoid sinus thrombus, left vertebral artery dissection and thrombus within the left internal carotid artery. Imaging also revealed two areas of acute ischaemia in the brain, consistent with septic emboli, skull base (clival) osteomyelitis and an extensive epidural abscess. The patient improved on meropenem and metronidazole and was warfarinised for his cavernous sinus thrombosis. He has an on-going left-sided hypoglossal (XIIth) nerve palsy.
Prevalence of group A streptococcal disease in North and Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Barth Dylan D , Mayosi Bongani M , Jabar Ardil , Engel Mark E
Published: August 2015

Introduction

The true burden of group A streptococcal (GAS) disease in Africa is not known. GAS is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity on the global scale and in developing countries. According to Carapetiset al, the prevalence of severe GAS disease is at least 18.1 million cases with an incidence of at least 1.78 million cases per year.

Methods and analyses

We aim to provide a systematic review of studies measuring the prevalence of GAS infection among people in North and Sub-Saharan African countries. A comprehensive literature search of a number of databases will be undertaken, using an African search filter, to identify GAS prevalence studies that have been published. Full copies of articles will be identified by a defined search strategy and will be considered for inclusion against predefined criteria. Statistical analysis will include two steps: (1) identification of data sources and documenting of estimates, and (2) the application of the random-effects and fixed-effects meta-analysis model to aggregate prevalence estimates, and to account for between study variability in calculating the overall pooled estimates and 95% CI for GAS prevalence. Heterogeneity will be evaluated using the I2statistic to determine the extent of variation in effect estimates that is due to heterogeneity rather than chance. This systematic review protocol was prepared according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 Statement. This review will provide updated evidence of a review published in 2009. Our data will have implications for the development of a GAS vaccine.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required for this study given that this is a protocol for a systematic review of published studies. The results of this study will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication and conference presentation.

Systematic review registration number

PROSPERO CRD4201401290 0. (http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.asp?ID=CRD42014012900).
An unusually simple HP1 gene set in Hymenopteran insects
Authors: Fang C. , Schmitz L. , Ferree P.M.
Published: August 2015

The heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) gene family includes a set of paralogs in higher eukaryotes that serve fundamental roles in heterochromatin structure and maintenance, and other chromatin-related functions. At least 10 full and 16 partial HP1 genes exist among Drosophila species, with multiple gene gains, losses, and sub-functionalizations within this insect group. An important question is whether this diverse set of HP1 genes and their dynamic evolution represent the standard rule in eukaryotic groups. Here we have begun to address this question by bio-informatically identifying the HP1 family genes in representative species of the insect order Hymenoptera, which includes all ants, bees, wasps, and sawflies. Compared to Drosophila species, Hymenopterans have a much simpler set of HP1 genes, including one full and two partial HP1s. All 3 genes appear to have been present in the common ancestor of the Hymenopterans and they derive from a Drosophila HP1B-like gene. In ants, a partial HP1 gene containing only a chromoshadow domain harbors amino acid changes at highly conserved sites within the PxVxL recognition region, suggesting that this gene has undergone sub-functionalization. In the jewel wasp Nasonia vitripennis, the full HP1 and partial chromoshadow-only HP1 are expressed in both germ line and somatic tissues. However, the partial chromodomain-only HP1 is expressed exclusively in the ovary and testis, suggesting that it may have a specialized chromatin role during gametogenesis. Our findings demonstrate that the HP1 gene family is much simpler and evolutionarily less dynamic within the Hymenopterans compared to the much younger Drosophila group, a pattern that may reflect major differences in the range of chromatin-related functions present in these and perhaps other insect groups.
Psycho-physiological responses of drivers to road section types and elapsed driving time on a freeway
Authors: Kim Ju-Young , Kim Jin-Tae , Kim Wonchul
Published: August 2015

This paper addresses drivers’ psycho-physiological condition under the influence of various freeway section types and elapsed driving times. The authors analyzed the electroencephalogram (EEG) signals (α, β, and θ) of 51 drivers on a freeway in Korea. The findings show that the driver’s workload increases in tunnels and on left-curved sections, and that his or her concentration and response ability decrease after 60 min of elapsed driving time. The β/α ratios of EEG signals were found to be most effective in detecting differences in psycho-physiological responses. The results can help to promote safety on freeways by encouraging drivers to take rests every hour.
Sufficient Conditions for Maximally k-Isoperimetric Edge Connectivity of Graphs
Authors: Wang Shiying , Feng Kai , Guo Yubao
Published: August 2015

The k-isoperimetric edge connectivity is a more refined network reliability index than edge connectivity. The k-isoperimetric edge connectivity of a connected graph G is defined as γk(G) = min{|[X, [Formula: see text]]| : X ⊆ V (G), |X| ≥ k, |[Formula: see text]| ≥ k}. Let βk(G) = min{|[X,[Formula: see text]]| : X ⊆ V (G), |X| = k}. A graph G is called a γk-optimal graph if γk(G) = βk(G). An edge cut S = [X,[Formula: see text]] is called a γk-cut if |S| = γk(G), X ⊆ V (G), |X| ≥ k and |[Formula: see text]| ≥ k. Moreover, G is called a super-γk graph if every γk-cut [X,[Formula: see text]] of G has the property that either |X| = k or |[Formula: see text]| = k. Let G be a graph of order at least 2k with k ≥ 2. In this paper, we prove that for any pair u, υ of nonadjacent vertices in G, if |N(u)∩N(υ)| ≥ k+1 when neither u nor υ lies on a triangle, or |N(u)∩N(υ)| ≥ 2k -1 when u or υ lies on a triangle, then G is γk-optimal. Moreover, if G is a triangle-free graph, and |N(u)∩υ(υ)| ≥ k +1 for all pairs u, υ of nonadjacent vertices in G, then G is either super-γk or isomorphic to Kk+1,k+1.
Constructing New Piecewise Differentially 4-Uniform Permutations from Known APN Functions
Authors: Xu Guangkui , Cao Xiwang
Published: August 2015

A method for constructing piecewise differentially 4-uniform permutations has been recently introduced by Zha, Hu and Sun. By using this method, we provide two new infinite families of differentially 4-uniform permutations from the known APN functions. The CCZ inequivalence between these constructed functions and the known differentially 4-uniform permutations are also investigated by computation.
Simple-Yet-Efficient Construction and Revocation of Group Signatures
Authors: Ho Tzu-Hsin , Yen Li-Hsing , Tseng Chien-Chao
Published: August 2015

Group signatures are typically used to authenticate the signer of message while preserving the privacy of the signer. Group signature should be minimized to reduce potential communication overhead. We propose a novel short group signature scheme that generates constant-size group public key and constant-size group signature. The scheme, using pairing-friendly elliptic curves, is efficient in construction. We give the security proof under XDH and ECDL hardness assumptions in the BMW model. Furthermore, we propose two group membership revocation methods which provide revocation information only to verifiers. One revocation method exposes partial private key of revoked users, which requires less revocation information. The other revocation method includes mixed private key information without revealing the real private keys of revoked users. This method is simple in revocation check.
On the matter–antimatter asymmetry
Authors: Perkins W. A.
Published: August 2015

Although the big bang should have produced equal amounts of matter and antimatter, there is evidence that the universe does not contain significant amounts of antimatter. The usual explanations for this matter–antimatter asymmetry involve finding causes for Sakharov’s three conditions to be satisfied. However, if the composite photon theory is correct, antimatter galaxies should appear to us as dark matter, neither emitting light (that we can detect) or reflecting ordinary light. Thus the presence of antimatter galaxies may be harder to detect than previously thought. The large clumps of dark matter that have been observed by weak gravitation lensing could be clusters of antimatter galaxies. “Dark photons,” that are hypothesized to cause self-interactions between dark matter particles, are identified as antiphotons in the composite photon theory. The possibility of a patchwork universe, that had been previously excluded, is also re-examined.
EFFECT OF VARIATIONS IN MICROPHONE COVER SHAPE AND WEARING POSITION ON THE PERFORMANCE OF A HEARING-SUPPORT DEVICE MOUNTED ON EAR — SIMULATION STUDY
Authors: KIM HEEPYUNG , NAM KYOUNG WON , KIM JINRYOUL , YOOK SUNHYUN , JANG DONG PYO , KIM IN YOUNG
Published: August 2015

Morphological and positional factors that can affect the actual performance of the hearing-support (HS) devices are utilized to support the damaged hearing ability of the sensorineural hearing-impaired persons. However, there have been few studies that demonstrated the effects of variations in such design factors on the frequency response of the device experimentally. In this study, the effect of design variations in the shape of the microphone cover on the housing and the wearing position of the device mounted on the ear on the input frequency response of the device and on the performance of an embedded beamforming algorithm were investigated using a human upper body model, a hearing aid housing model, and an acoustic environment model using computer simulation. Experimental results showed that the implemented simulator could simulate the actual acoustic situations (differences less than 5 dB in audible frequency range) and that both of the response patterns of the device and beamforming algorithm were varied in accordance with the variations in the shape of the microphone cover and the mounting position of the device on the ear. These results demonstrate the necessity of additional design and algorithm fine-tuning of each (HS) device to improve its actual speech enhancement performance.
INTERVENTIONS IN SOCIAL NETWORKS: IMPACT ON MOOD AND NETWORK DYNAMICS
Authors: GREETHAM DANICA VUKADINOVIĆ , SENGUPTA ABHIJIT , HURLING ROBERT , WILKINSON JOY
Published: August 2015

Results from two studies on longitudinal friendship networks are presented, exploring the impact of a gratitude intervention on positive and negative affect dynamics in a social network. The gratitude intervention had been previously shown to increase positive affect and decrease negative affect in an individual but dynamic group effects have not been considered. In the first study, the intervention was administered to the whole network. In the second study, two social networks are considered and in each only a subset of individuals, initially low/high in negative affect respectively received the intervention as "agents of change". Data was analyzed using stochastic actor-based modeling techniques to identify resulting network changes, impact on positive and negative affect and potential contagion of mood within the group. The first study found a group level increase in positive and a decrease in negative affect. Homophily was detected with regard to positive and negative affect but no evidence of contagion was found. The network itself became more volatile along with a fall in rate of change of negative affect. Centrality measures indicated that the best broadcasters were the individuals with the least negative affect levels at the beginning of the study. In the second study, the positive and negative affect levels for the whole group depended on the initial levels of negative affect of the intervention recipients. There was evidence of positive affect contagion in the group where intervention recipients had low initial level of negative affect and contagion in negative affect for the group where recipients had initially high level of negative affect.
XFEM with Smoothing Technique for Static Fracture Mechanics in Three-Dimension
Authors: Jiang Yong , Li Eric
Published: August 2015

In this work, the advantages of face-based smoothing technique and extended finite element method (XFEM) are combined to develop a face-based smoothed extended finite element method (FS-XFEM). By this new method, arbitrary crack geometry can be modeled and crack advance can be simulated without remeshing. At the same time, the integration of singular term over the volume around the crack front can be eliminated induced by the transformation of volume integration into area integration. Numerical examples are presented to test the accuracy and convergence rate of the FS-XFEM. From the results, it is clear that smoothing technique can improve the performance of XFEM for three-dimensional fracture problems.
Coupled Analysis of Structural–Acoustic Problems Using the Cell-Based Smoothed Three-Node Mindlin Plate Element
Authors: Gong Z. X. , Chai Y. B. , Li W.
Published: August 2015

The cell-based smoothed finite element method (CS-FEM) using the original three-node Mindlin plate element (MIN3) has recently established competitive advantages for analysis of solid mechanics problems. The three-node configuration of the MIN3 is achieved from the initial, complete quadratic deflection via ‘continuous’ shear edge constraints. In this paper, the proposed CS-FEM-MIN3 is firstly combined with the face-based smoothed finite element method (FS-FEM) to extend the range of application to analyze acoustic fluid–structure interaction problems. As both the CS-FEM and FS-FEM are based on the linear equations, the coupled method is only effective for linear problems. The cell-based smoothed operations are implemented over the two-dimensional (2D) structure domain discretized by triangular elements, while the face-based operations are implemented over the three-dimensional (3D) fluid domain discretized by tetrahedral elements. The gradient smoothing technique can properly soften the stiffness which is overly stiff in the standard FEM model. As a result, the solution accuracy of the coupled system can be significantly improved. Several superior properties of the coupled CS-FEM-MIN3/FS-FEM model are illustrated through a number of numerical examples.
A Mesh Adaptive Procedure for Large Increment Method
Authors: Guo Zaoyang , Zhao Yujie , Chen Zhaohui , Liao Minmao , Li Zhengliang , Liu Bo
Published: August 2015

A posteriorih-version mesh adaptive procedure is presented in the framework of large increment method (LIM) for elastic problems. In this mesh adaptive strategy, the classical Zienkiewicz–Zhu (ZZ) error estimator is adopted and a first class h-adaptive mesh refinement procedure is implemented. A major advantage of the proposed mesh adaptive procedure is that the numerical results from the previous mesh can be utilized to obtain the initial solution for the new mesh. Two-dimensional (2D) examples show that this initial solution is much closer to the real solution than the minimum norm solution used in the original LIM and the revised method can converge faster than the original method.
APPLICATION OF MAXIMUM LIKELIHOOD ESTIMATION TO STOCHASTIC SHORT RATE MODELS
Authors: FERGUSSON K. , PLATEN E.
Published: August 2015

The application of maximum likelihood estimation is not well studied for stochastic short rate models because of the cumbersome detail of this approach. We investigate the applicability of maximum likelihood estimation to stochastic short rate models. We restrict our consideration to three important short rate models, namely the Vasicek, Cox–Ingersoll–Ross (CIR) and 3/2 short rate models, each having a closed-form formula for the transition density function. The parameters of the three interest rate models are fitted to US cash rates and are found to be consistent with market assessments.
PREDICTING STOCK RETURNS — THE INFORMATION CONTENT OF PREDICTORS ACROSS HORIZONS
Authors: DENG KAIHUA , KIM CHANG-JIN
Published: August 2015

We evaluate and compare the information contents of dividend-price ratio and consumption-wealth ratio ([Formula: see text] for predicting stock returns at different horizons. To do this, we conduct a canonical correlation analysis of wavelet-decomposed stock returns and a selected group of predictors. We show that predictive information is often wasted due to a weak signal problem: The highly predictive component is met with very low variation. Nevertheless, we find that cay contains valuable information about the long run and that, after allowing for structural breaks, dividend-price ratio becomes very informative about short-to-medium-horizon returns and outperforms [Formula: see text] in terms of in-sample [Formula: see text].
Enterococcus hiraeBacteremia Associated with Acute Pancreatitis and Septic Shock
Authors: Dicpinigaitis Peter V. , De Aguirre Manuel , Divito Joseph
Published: August 2015

Infection withEnterococcus hiraehas rarely been reported in humans but is not uncommon in mammals and birds. We describe a case ofEnterococcus hiraebacteremia associated with acute pancreatitis, acute cholecystitis, and septic shock responsive to antibiotic therapy and supportive critical care management. Unique aspects of this case ofEnterococcus hiraebacteremia are its association with acute pancreatitis and its geographical origin. To our knowledge, this is the first report ofEnterococcus hiraebacteremia occurring in a patient in the United States. Although human infection with this organism appears to be rare, all cases reported to date describe bacteremia associated with severe and life-threatening illness. Thus, physicians need to be cognizant of the clinical significance of this heretofore little recognized pathogen.
Prediction Method of Bottom Water Coning Profile and Water Breakthrough Time in Bottom Water Reservoir without Barrier
Authors: Li Yahui , Li Haitao , Li Ying
Published: August 2015

During the exploitation of bottom water oil reservoir, bottom water coning influences the breakthrough of bottom water significantly. Because water cut rises quickly after the breakthrough of bottom water, measures should be taken before the breakthrough to postpone production period without water, thus improving oil recovery. So accurate prediction of water coning profile and breakthrough time is very essential. Through mathematical derivation, this paper proposed a prediction method of bottom water coning profile and bottom water breakthrough time in bottom water reservoir without barrier. Based on theory of fluids flow in porous media, this paper assumes that the flow models are plane radial flow in opened intervals and spherical radial flow in unopened intervals. Further, factors of fluid viscosity, irreducible water saturation, residual oil saturation, and oil-water contact (OWC) movement are also taken into account. Compared with other prediction equations, this method achieves more precise bottom water breakthrough time, and the relative deviation is only 1.14 percent.
Bone Mineral Density and Fracture Risk Assessment to Optimize Prosthesis Selection in Total Hip Replacement
Authors: Pétursson Þröstur , Edmunds Kyle Joseph , Gíslason Magnús Kjartan , Magnússon Benedikt , Magnúsdóttir Gígja , Halldórsson Grétar , Jónsson Halldór , Gargiulo Paolo
Published: August 2015

The variability in patient outcome and propensity for surgical complications in total hip replacement (THR) necessitates the development of a comprehensive, quantitative methodology for prescribing the optimal type of prosthetic stem: cemented or cementless. The objective of the research presented herein was to describe a novel approach to this problem as a first step towards creating a patient-specific, presurgical application for determining the optimal prosthesis procedure. Finite element analysis (FEA) and bone mineral density (BMD) calculations were performed with ten voluntary primary THR patients to estimate the status of their operative femurs before surgery. A compilation model of the press-fitting procedure was generated to define a fracture risk index (FRI) from incurred forces on the periprosthetic femoral head. Comparing these values to patient age, sex, and gender elicited a high degree of variability between patients grouped by implant procedure, reinforcing the notion that age and gender alone are poor indicators for prescribing prosthesis type. Additionally, correlating FRI and BMD measurements indicated that at least two of the ten patients may have received nonideal implants. This investigation highlights the utility of our model as a foundation for presurgical software applications to assist orthopedic surgeons with selecting THR prostheses.
Device-to-Device Users Clustering Based on Physical and Social Characteristics
Authors: Wang Li , Araniti Giuseppe , Cao Chunyan , Wang Wei , Liu Yang
Published: August 2015

This paper proposes a novel method for device-to-device (D2D) user clustering that allows wireless users in proximity to share common resources to save both system bandwidth and energy resources. The idea at the basis of our proposed cluster formation is to incorporate both social interactions and physical relationships among D2D terminals. Towards this goal, we propose two clustering approaches. The first one is based on the Chinese restaurant process (CRP), whereas the second one enhances the traditional CRP by defining a “distance-dependent Chinese restaurant process” (namely, DCRP). Numerical simulation results demonstrate superiority of our proposed clustering schemes in terms of system throughput, energy consumption, and energy efficiency over the existing schemes that rely only on physical distance.
Simulations Based on Experimental Data of the Behaviour of a Monocrystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Module
Authors: Dandoussou Abraham , Kamta Martin , Bitjoka Laurent , Wira Patrice , Kuitché Alexis
Published: August 2015

The performance of monocrystalline silicon cells depends widely on the parameters like the series and shunt resistances, the diode reverse saturation current, and the ideality factor. Many authors consider these parameters as constant while others determine their values based on the I-V characteristic when the module is under illumination or in the dark. This paper presents a new method for extracting the series resistance, the diode reverse saturation current, and the ideality factor. The proposed extraction method using the least square method is based on the fitting of experimental data recorded in 2014 in Ngaoundere, Cameroon. The results show that the ideality factor can be considered as constant and equal to 1.2 for the monocrystalline silicon module. The diode reverse saturation current depends only on the temperature. And the series resistance decreases when the irradiance increases. The extracted values of these parameters contribute to the best modeling of a photovoltaic module which can help in the accurate extraction of the maximum power.
Endothelial Cell Loss after Phacoemulsification according to Different Anterior Chamber Depths
Authors: Hwang Hyung Bin , Lyu Byul , Yim Hye Bin , Lee Na Young
Published: August 2015

Purpose. To compare the loss of corneal endothelial cells after phacoemulsification according to different anterior chamber depths (ACDs).Methods. We conducted a prospective study on 135 eyes with senile cataracts. Eyes with nuclear density grades of 2 to 4 were divided into three groups according to ACD: ACD I, 1.5 < ACD ≤ 2.5 mm; ACD II, 2.5 < ACD ≤ 3.5 mm; or ACD III, 3.5 < ACD ≤ 4.5 mm. Intraoperative mean cumulative dissipated energy (CDE) was measured. Clinical examinations included central corneal thickness (CCT) and endothelial cell count (ECC) preoperatively and 2 months postoperatively.Results. There were no significant differences in CDE among the ACD groups (P>0.05). Endothelial cell loss was significantly higher in ACD I than in ACD III in grades 3 and 4 cataract density groups 2 months after phacoemulsification (P<0.05). There were also more changes in CCT in all of the cataract density groups in the ACD I group compared to the ACD II and III groups 2 months postoperatively, but the difference was not statistically significant.Conclusions. Eyes with shallow ACDs, especially those with relatively hard cataract densities, can be vulnerable to more corneal endothelial cell loss in phacoemulsification surgery.
Novel Technology for Phenol Wastewater Treatment Using Electrochemical Reactor
Authors: Xie Yuncheng , Jiang Ning , Guan Wei , Ji Fangying , Xie Zhigang , Zhang Jing
Published: August 2015

There are various electrochemical approaches to save energy, mostly by means of equipment improvement coupled with other water treatment technologies. Replacement of DC power with pulse power, modified reactor coupled with photocatalysis can decrease cost. But more or less additional input is developed, or infrastructure has to be replaced. In this paper, an N-Step electrochemical reactor, based on stage reaction modeling, is put forward. On the basis of not changing equipment investment and by adjustment of the operating current density at different levels, power consumption decreases. This model develops a foundation of electrochemical water treatment technology for the engineering application.
Epitope Fingerprinting for Recognition of the Polyclonal Serum Autoantibodies of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: de Oliveira-Júnior Luiz Carlos , Araújo Santos Fabiana de Almeida , Goulart Luiz Ricardo , Ueira-Vieira Carlos
Published: August 2015

Autoantibodies (aAb) associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have not been sufficiently characterized and their exact involvement is undefined. The use of information technology and computerized analysis with phage display technology was used, in the present research, to map the epitope of putative self-antigens in AD patients. A 12-mer random peptide library, displayed on M13 phages, was screened using IgG from AD patients with two repetitions. Seventy-one peptides were isolated; however, only 10 were positive using the Elisa assay technique (Elisa Index > 1). The results showed that the epitope regions of the immunoreactive peptides, identified by phage display analysis, were on the exposed surfaces of the proteins. The putative antigens MAST1, Enah, MAO-A, X11/MINT1, HGF, SNX14, ARHGAP 11A, APC, and CENTG3, which have been associated with AD or have functions in neural tissue, may indicate possible therapeutic targets.
Preparation and Characterization of Activated Carbon from Iraqi Khestawy Date Palm
Authors: Hussein Falah H. , Halbus Ahmed F. , Lafta Abbas J. , Athab Zahraa H.
Published: August 2015

This work includes a synthesis of three types of the activated carbon (AC) from three different positions from the same Iraqi Khestawy date palm. These three positions are the palm fronds (AC1), the date palm seeds (AC2), and the palm fiber (AC3). These three types of AC were synthesized by a physiochemical activation method using the same activator which was H3PO4. These materials were investigated using different techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The adsorption activity of the synthesized AC samples was investigated by following the removal of both Bismarck brown G (BBG) and reactive yellow dye 145 (RY145). Both the kinetics of adsorption and the removal percentage of these dyes were investigated from the batch tests in this study. Different reaction parameters and conditions for adsorption processes were investigated. Also an investigation of both Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms was considered. The different physical properties of these materials were undertaken such as the point zero charges of the synthesized samples (PZCs), the percentage of humidity, and the adsorption capacity also being investigated. The activity of these materials in the removal of BBG from the aqueous solution was as follows:AC1>AC2>AC3.
Influence of Slip Condition on Unsteady Free Convection Flow of Viscous Fluid with Ramped Wall Temperature
Authors: Haq Sami Ul , Khan Ilyas , Ali Farhad , Khan Arshad , Abdelhameed Tarek Nabil Ahmed
Published: August 2015

The objective of this study is to explore the influence of wall slip condition on a free convection flow of an incompressible viscous fluid with heat transfer and ramped wall temperature. Exact solution of the problem is obtained by using Laplace transform technique. Graphical results to see the effects of Prandtl number Pr, timet, and slip parameterηon velocity and skin friction for the case of ramped and constant temperature of the plate are provided and discussed.
Rare Earth-Doped BiFeO3Thin Films: Relationship between Structural and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Thu Huong Ngo , Lee Seunghun , Atabaev Timur Sh. , Kurisu Makio , Hong Nguyen Hoa
Published: August 2015

Rare Earth- (RE-) doped BiFeO3(BFO) thin films were grown on LaAlO3substrates by using pulsed laser deposition technique. All of BFO films doped with 10% of RE show a single phase of rhombohedral structure. The saturated magnetization in the Ho- and Sm-doped films is much larger than those reported in literature and was observed at a quite low field as of 0.2 T. As for Pr- and Nd-doped BFO films, Fe2+amount is not dominant; thus, ferromagnetism is not favored. As the RE concentration goes up to 20%, all compounds have drastically gone through a structural transition. The RE-doped BFO films have changed from rhombohedral to either pure orthorhombic phase (for Ho, Sm), or a mixed phase of orthorhombic and tetragonal (for Pr, Nd), or pure tetragonal (for Eu). We observed magnetic properties of RE-doped BFO films have significantly changed. While 20% Ho/Sm-doped BFO films have ferromagnetism degraded in comparison with the 10% doping case, the 20% Pr/Nd-doped BFO thin films, whose structure is a mixed phase, have magnetic ordering improved due to the fact that the Fe2+amount has become greater. It seems that one can control the magnetic properties of BFO films by using appropriate RE dopants and concentrations.