bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spoligotyping of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates at a tertiary care hospital in India
Authors: Suzana Shirly , Shanmugam Sivakumar , Uma Devi K. R. , Swarna Latha P. N. , Michael Joy S.
Published: April 2017

Objective

Spoligotyping is a valuable genotyping tool to study the genetic diversity and molecular epidemiology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb). The aim of this study was to analyse different spoligotype patterns of M. tb strains isolated from patients with tuberculosis from different parts of India.

Materials and Methods

A total of 163 M. tb isolates were spoligotyped between January 2014 and January 2015. About 47% (n = 77) were from patients with extrapulmonary tuberculosis; of these, 10 were MDR, and seven were Pre‐XDR. Of the 86 M. tb isolates from patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, 25 were MDR, and 25 were Pre‐XDR.

Results

We found 61 spoligo patterns, 128 clusters in the spoligotype data base (spoldb4 data base) with spoligo international type (SIT) number and 35 true unique isolates. The most pre‐dominant spoligotype was EAI lineage (56), followed by Beijing (28), CAS (20), T(9), U(7), X(3), H(3), BOVIS_1 BCG(1) and LAM(1).

Conclusion

Although our study identified EAI, CAS and Beijing strain lineages as pre‐dominant, we also found a large number of orphan strains (20%) in our study. Beijing strains were more significantly associated with MDR TB than CAS and EAI lineages. Further studies on large sample sizes would help to clearly describe the epidemiology of M. tb in India.
Chloroplastic ATP synthase builds up a proton motive force preventing production of reactive oxygen species in photosystem I
Authors: Takagi Daisuke , Amako Katsumi , Hashiguchi Masaki , Fukaki Hidehiro , Ishizaki Kimitsune , Goh Tatsuaki , Fukao Yoichiro , Sano Ryosuke , Kurata Tetsuya , Demura Taku , Sawa Shinichiro , Miyake Chikahiro
Published: April 2017

Over‐reduction of the photosynthetic electron transport (PET) chain should be avoided, because the accumulation of reducing electron carriers produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) within photosystem I (PSI) in thylakoid membranes and causes oxidative damage to chloroplasts. To prevent production of ROS in thylakoid membranes the H+ gradient (ΔpH) needs to be built up across the thylakoid membranes to suppress the over‐reduction state of the PET chain. In this study, we aimed to identify the critical component that stimulates ΔpH formation under illumination in higher plants. To do this, we screened ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS)‐treated Arabidopsis thaliana, in which the formation of ΔpH is impaired and the PET chain caused over‐reduction under illumination. Subsequently, we isolated an allelic mutant that carries a missense mutation in the γ‐subunit of chloroplastic CF0CF1‐ATP synthase, named hope2. We found that hope2 suppressed the formation of ΔpH during photosynthesis because of the high H+ efflux activity from the lumenal to stromal side of the thylakoid membranes via CF0CF1‐ATP synthase. Furthermore, PSI was in a more reduced state in hope2 than in wild‐type (WT) plants, and hope2 was more vulnerable to PSI photoinhibition than WT under illumination. These results suggested that chloroplastic CF0CF1‐ATP synthase adjusts the redox state of the PET chain, especially for PSI, by modulating H+ efflux activity across the thylakoid membranes. Our findings suggest the importance of the buildup of ΔpH depending on CF0CF1‐ATP synthase to adjust the redox state of the reaction center chlorophyll P700 in PSI and to suppress the production of ROS in PSI during photosynthesis.
How do i participate in T‐cell immunotherapy?
Authors: Suhoski Davis Megan M. , McKenna David H. , Norris Philip J.
Published: April 2017

T cells play a key role in the adaptive immune response, and the ability to manipulate T cells for therapeutic uses has advanced in the past decade. Infusion of expanded or engineered T cells can potentially be used to treat cancer, viral infections, graft‐versus‐host disease, and organ transplant rejection. The role that blood banks play in the manufacture and distribution of T‐cell therapeutics is still being defined. Given the regulatory framework of blood banks, they are well positioned to collect raw material for manufacture of T‐cell therapies and to distribute finished product to hospitals in support of clinical trials or eventually for licensed products.

A deeper level of involvement in manufacture of T‐cell therapeutics is also possible, although that requires more substantial investment in physical facilities and personnel with the regulatory and scientific expertise to prepare and produce cellular therapy products. Examples of physical infrastructure needed would be a laboratory with a clean room for culture of T cells, specialized equipment for expansion of the cells, and adequate administrative and storage support space. Processes that would need to be developed to produce T‐cell therapeutics would include development of standard operating procedures and an appropriate quality assurance program. As blood banks consider supporting this novel class of therapies, they will need to weigh capital and expertise requirements with the benefits of providing a novel therapy and the potential of growth for their operations.
Behavioral Emergency Response Team: Implementation Improves Patient Safety, Staff Safety, and Staff Collaboration
Authors: Zicko CDR Jennifer M. , Schroeder LCDR Rebecca A. , Byers CDR William S. , Taylor LT Adam M. , Spence CDR Dennis L.
Published: April 2017

Background

Staff members working on our nonmental health (non‐MH) units (i.e., medical‐surgical [MS] units) were not educated in recognizing or deescalating behavioral emergencies. Published evidence suggests a behavioral emergency response team (BERT) composed of MH experts who assist with deescalating behavioral emergencies may be beneficial in these situations. Therefore, we sought to implement a BERT on the inpatient non‐MH units at our military treatment facility.

Aims

The objectives of this evidence‐based practice process improvement project were to determine how implementation of a BERT affects staff and patient safety and to examine nursing staffs’ level of knowledge, confidence, and support in caring for psychiatric patients and patients exhibiting behavioral emergencies.

Methods

A BERT was piloted on one MS unit for 5 months and expanded to two additional units for 3 months. Pre‐ and postimplementation staff surveys were conducted, and the number of staff assaults and injuries, restraint usage, and security intervention were compared.

Results

The BERT responded to 17 behavioral emergencies. The number of assaults decreased from 10 (pre) to 1 (post); security intervention decreased from 14 to 1; and restraint use decreased from 8 to 1. MS staffs’ level of BERT knowledge and rating of support between MH staff and their staff significantly increased. Both MS and MH nurses rated the BERT as supportive and effective.

Linking Evidence to Action

A BERT can assist with deescalating behavioral emergencies, and improve staff collaboration and patient and staff safety.
An Investigation of the Factors Hindering Adults’ Participation in Physical Activity
Authors: Dinç Zeynep Filiz
Published: April 2017

This study focuses on the non-participation of adults in physical activity and the reasons that have been preventing them to participate. The study is carried out with 283 participants (116 men and 167 women) who live in Adana, Turkey. Their ages range from 18-66. The average age of the adult participants is 31.81 ±10.12. The demographical features, their conditions to be able to participate in physical activity and the conditions that restrain them from participation have been determined by the 35 question through a questionnaire prepared by the researcher. In analyzing the information the x² test has been used. According to the results of the analysis it is found out that 59.5% of the man and 53.7% of the woman who have participated in the study are involved in physical activities.. In the study it has been observed that participation in physical activity increases in direct proportion to better education and higher income. The marital status has also affected the participation. The participants have brought to the fore the most important reasons for not participating in physical activities as, not finding friends, that the places where physical activity is performed is crowded, not having enough time, not being supported by the family or not having enough information in their answers. As a result, participation in physical activity is made up by factors related to each other and at the same time independent of them.
mTOR folate sensing links folate availability to trophoblast cell function
Authors: Rosario Fredrick J. , Powell Theresa L. , Jansson Thomas
Published: April 2017

Key points

Folate deficiency during pregnancy is associated with restricted fetal growth, although the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood.

Here we show that mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) functions as a folate sensor in primary human trophoblast (PHT) cells.

Folate sensing by mTOR in PHT cells involves both mTOR Complex 1 and 2 and requires the proton‐coupled folate transporter.

We report a previously unknown molecular mechanism by which folate regulates trophoblast cell function. Because mTOR is a positive regulator of placental amino acid transport and mitochondrial function, placental mTOR folate sensing may constitute the mechanistic link between maternal folate status and fetal growth.

These findings provide new insight into how folate influences human cell physiology and may have implications for our understanding of how altered folate availability causes diseases such as fetal growth restriction, fetal malformations and cancer.

Folate is a water‐soluble B vitamin that is essential for cellular methylation reactions and DNA synthesis and repair. Low maternal folate levels in pregnancy are associated with fetal growth restriction, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) links nutrient availability to cell growth and function by regulating gene expression and protein translation. Here we show that mTOR functions as a folate sensor in primary human trophoblast (PHT) cells. Folate deficiency in PHT cells caused inhibition of mTOR signalling and decreased the activity of key amino acid transporters. Folate sensing by mTOR in PHT cells involves both mTOR Complex 1 and 2 and requires the proton‐coupled folate transporter (PCFT, SLC46A1). The involvement of PCFT in mTOR folate sensing is not dependent on its function as a plasma membrane folate transporter. Increasing levels of homocysteine had no effect on PHT mTOR signalling, suggesting that mTOR senses low folate rather than high homocysteine. In addition, we demonstrate that maternal serum folate is positively correlated to placental mTORC1 and mTORC2 signalling activity in human pregnancy. We have identified a previously unknown molecular link between folate availability and cell function involving PCFT and mTOR signalling. We propose that mTOR folate sensing in trophoblast cells matches placental nutrient transport, and therefore fetal growth, to folate availability. These findings may have implications for our understanding of how altered folate availability causes human diseases such as fetal growth restriction, fetal malformations and cancer.
Nanofacture: Senior Design Experience in Nanotechnology
Authors: Szabó Zoltán , Enikov Eniko T. , Kyselica Rudolf
Published: April 2017

This paper describes the outcomes of an NSF-funded undergraduate engineering training project launched at the University of Arizona - College of Engineering. The program aims to engage senior-year students in a capstone design project focused on biomedical applications of nanotechnology. The senior design team has previously attended a micro- and nanofabrication and a mechatronics technical elective courses. Both courses have been adjusted to better suit the goals of the program. Modifications include a self-guided research component, requirement to utilize a nanotechnology based sensors or actuators in a biomedical application. Formative evaluation data has been gathered through personal interviews to assess changes of students attitudes towards nanotechnology. Data includes reports from junior-year members of the technical elective classes, along with graduate assistants serving as mentors of the undergraduate participants. Results indicate that students who enrolled in Fabrication Techniques for Micro- and Nano-devices gained formal knowledge about nanotechnology through lectures and hands-on activities, while those who joined a senior design team learned about nanotechnology by interfacing regularly with the faculty advisor who imparted his knowledge and enthusiasm about nanotechnology applications during design team meetings. Students who took the first course in the sequence, Guided Self-Studies in Mechatronics prior to the capstone design experience benefited most.
Rigid Body Dynamics: A New Philosophy, Math and Pedagogy
Authors: Impelluso Thomas J.
Published: April 2017

Bergen University College reconstructed its undergraduate Rigid Body Dynamics course. This was more than a typical course redesign. It was a philosophical reconstruction of both content and delivery based on modern mathematics and emerging visualization technologies. Assessment suggests that the reconstructed course articulates the underlying mathematics, motivates students by providing solutions to realistic problems in engineering, increases students’ conceptual understanding of dynamics and reduces student attrition in engineering.
Steady Heat Conduction With Generalized Boundary Conditions
Authors: Cole Kevin D. , de Monte Filippo , McMasters Robert L. , Woodbury Keith A. , Haji-Sheikh A. , Beck James V.
Published: April 2017

Heat transfer in solids provides an opportunity for students to learn of several boundary conditions: the first kind for specified temperature, the second kind for specified heat flux, and the third kind for specified convection. In this paper we explore the relationship among these types of boundary conditions in steady heat transfer. Specifically, the normalized third kind of boundary condition (convection) produces the first kind condition (specified temperature) for large Biot number, and it produces the second kind condition (specified flux) for small Biot number. By employing a generalized boundary condition, one expression provides the temperature for several combinations of boundary conditions. This combined expression is presented for several simple geometries (slabs, cylinders, spheres) with and without internal heat generation. The bioheat equation is also treated. Further, a number system is discussed for each combination to identify the type of boundary conditions present, which side is heated, and whether internal generation is present. Computer code for obtaining numerical values from the several expressions is available, along with plots and tables of numerical values, at a web site called the Exact Analytical Conduction Toolbox. Classroom strategies are discussed regarding student learning of these issues: the relationship among boundary conditions; a number system to identify the several components of a boundary value problem; and, the utility of a web-based resource for analytical heat-transfer solutions.
Proposal of Future-Applied Conventional Technology
Authors: Kuroda Koji , Hamada Hiroyuki
Published: April 2017

Japan is geopolitically blessed with natural grace such as beautiful four seasons, abundant forest, fruitful earth and fresh water. And it seems that it has induced the deep trust between nature and human and has cultivated the Japanese unique culture which harmonizes nature with human sensibility.

The origin of handmade technology in Japan dates back to the Jomon period more than 10,000 years ago. The Jomon potteries excavated were made by utilizing the technologies of kneading clay with water and sintering by fire, and some of them were discovered to have the lacquer coatings on their surfaces extracted from plants.

The conventional technology would be created by our predecessors who had the sophisticated sensitivity and the excellent imagination cultivated with the careful observation of nature behavior. The technology was handed down to today through various historical changes in response to the diverse values of the individual era. It can be considered that the Japanese conventional technology is the nature friendly cultural asset co-created by nature and human through the long-term environmental changes more than 10000 years.

Future-applied conventional technology is the most reliable technology study to develop the future and to hand over the advanced value to the next generation.In this study, we scrutinized the related theme studied by Future-Applied Conventional Technology Center in Kyoto Institute of Technology, in order to extract the engineering element inherent in the conventional technologies and classify into common elements and specific elements for each technology. From the view point of nature and human relation, engineering elements were extracted comprehensively about the main materials, the auxiliary materials, the human sensibility, the hand tools and the human skills. The main materials and the auxiliary materials were classified into “wood, fire, earth, metal, water” according to the old Eastern thought “the five elements theory” which constitute nature, and animal-derived materials in addition. The human sensibility elements were extracted about the material evaluation, the dynamic process observation and the finished degree evaluation and classified into five senses “visual, auditory, tactile, taste, smell”, and the other sense such as fitness feeling with clothes or accessories. The hand tools were listed such as brush, trowel, spatula, scissors and hammer with the features of usage. The human skills were extracted about each material manipulating process comprehensively and classified into common elements and specific elements, by considering the features respectively.

With applying this study as a guideline for the innovation of the future technology harmonized with nature and human, it would be expected to promote variety of researches of the conventional technology and to develop the future technology for the modern cutting-edge field, by feeling the importance of the engineering elements and their relationship study inherent in the conventional technology.
Nymphal instars of two Pergalumna species, with remarks on morphological ontogeny of Galumnidae (Acari, Oribatida)
Authors: Bayartogtokh Badamdorj , Ermilov Sergey G.
Published: April 2017

The nymphal instars of two species, Pergalumna myrmophila (Berlese, 1914) and P. striatiprodorsum Ermilov, Alvarado-Rodríguez & Retana-Salazar, 2014, based on materials from Russia and the Antilles, respectively, are described and illustrated. The nymphs of these species are generally similar in their habitus. Basic characteristics of nymphs are the well-developed transverse furrow on the gastronotic shield as well as circumgenital and adanal macrosclerites; the gastronotic setae d-, l-, h- and p-series, which are represented by their alveoli, and the position of famulus ɛ on tarsus I. Additionally, comparative analyses of juvenile instars of species belonging to Galumnidae are given based on our own data and available literature sources.
Chemokine interactome mapping enables tailored intervention in acute and chronic inflammation
Authors: von Hundelshausen Philipp , Agten Stijn M. , Eckardt Veit , Blanchet Xavier , Schmitt Martin M. , Ippel Hans , Neideck Carlos , Bidzhekov Kiril , Leberzammer Julian , Wichapong Kanin , Faussner Alexander , Drechsler Maik , Grommes Jochen , van Geffen Johanna P. , Li He , Ortega-Gomez Almudena , Megens Remco T. A. , Naumann Ronald , Dijkgraaf Ingrid , Nicolaes Gerry A. F. , Döring Yvonne , Soehnlein Oliver , Lutgens Esther , Heemskerk Johan W. M. , Koenen Rory R. , Mayo Kevin H. , Hackeng Tilman M. , Weber Christian
Published: April 2017

Functional synergism and inhibitory effects of chemokine heterodimers can be selectively targeted by specific peptides in models of inflammation.
Worth its salt
Authors: Shoemaker Ashley H.
Published: April 2017

Angiotensin type 1 receptors are required for leptin-mediated control of resting metabolic rate but not blood pressure.
Phage Inhibit Pathogen Dissemination by Targeting Bacterial Migrants in a Chronic Infection Model
Authors: Darch Sophie E. , Kragh Kasper N. , Abbott Evelyn A. , Bjarnsholt Thomas , Bull James J. , Whiteley Marvin
Published: April 2017

The microbial communities inhabiting chronic infections are often composed of spatially organized micrometer-sized, highly dense aggregates. It has recently been hypothesized that aggregates are responsible for the high tolerance of chronic infections to host immune functions and antimicrobial therapies. Little is currently known regarding the mechanisms controlling aggregate formation and antimicrobial tolerance primarily because of the lack of robust, biologically relevant experimental systems that promote natural aggregate formation. Here, we developed an
in vitro
model based on chronic
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
infection of the cystic fibrosis (CF) lung. This model utilizes a synthetic sputum medium that readily promotes the formation of
P. aeruginosa
aggregates with sizes similar to those observed in human CF lung tissue. Using high-resolution imaging, we exploited this model to elucidate the life history of
P. aeruginosa
and the mechanisms that this bacterium utilizes to tolerate antimicrobials, specifically, bacteriophage. In the early stages of growth in synthetic sputum, planktonic cells form aggregates that increase in size over time by expansion. In later growth, migrant cells disperse from aggregates and colonize new areas, seeding new aggregates. When added simultaneously with phage,
P. aeruginosa
was readily killed and aggregates were unable to form. When added after initial aggregate formation, phage were unable to eliminate all of the aggregates because of exopolysaccharide production; however, seeding of new aggregates by dispersed migrants was inhibited. We propose a model in which aggregates provide a mechanism that allows
P. aeruginosa
to tolerate phage therapy during chronic infection without the need for genetic mutation.

IMPORTANCE
Bacteria in chronic infections often reside in communities composed of micrometer-sized, highly dense aggregates. A primary challenge for studying aggregates has been the lack of laboratory systems that promote natural aggregate formation in relevant environments. Here, we developed a growth medium that mimics chronic lung infection and promotes natural aggregate formation by the bacterium
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. High-resolution, single-cell microscopy allowed us to characterize
P. aeruginosa
’s life history—seeding, aggregate formation, and dispersal—in this medium. Our results reveal that this bacterium readily forms aggregates that release migrants to colonize new areas. We also show that aggregates allow
P. aeruginosa
to tolerate therapeutic bacteriophage addition, although this treatment limits
P. aeruginosa
dissemination by targeting migrants.
GNG11 (G-protein subunit γ 11) suppresses cell growth with induction of reactive oxygen species and abnormal nuclear morphology in human SUSM-1 cells
Authors: Takauji Yuki , Kudo Ikuru , En Atsuki , Matsuo Ryo , Hossain Mohammad Nazir , Nakabayashi Kazuhiko , Miki Kensuke , Fujii Michihiko , Ayusawa Dai
Published: April 2017

Enforced expression of GNG11, G-protein subunit γ 11, induces cellular senescence in normal human diploid fibroblasts. We here examined the effect of the expression of GNG11 on the growth of immortalized human cell lines, and found that it suppressed the growth of SUSM-1 cells, but not of HeLa cells. We then compared these two cell lines to understand the molecular basis for the action of GNG11. We found that expression of GNG11 induced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and abnormal nuclear morphology in SUSM-1 cells but not in HeLa cells. Increased ROS generation by GNG11 would likely be caused by the down-regulation of the antioxidant enzymes in SUSM-1 cells. We also found that SUSM-1 cells, even under normal culture conditions, showed higher levels of ROS and higher incidence of abnormal nuclear morphology than HeLa cells, and that abnormal nuclear morphology was relevant to the increased ROS generation in SUSM-1 cells. Thus, SUSM-1 and HeLa cells showed differences in the regulation of ROS and nuclear morphology, which might account for their different responses to the expression of GNG11. Thus, SUSM-1 cells may provide a unique system to study the regulatory relationship between ROS generation, nuclear morphology, and G-protein signaling.
Seismic assessment of sheet pile reinforcement effect on river embankments constructed on a soft foundation ground including soft estuarine clay
Authors: Nakai Kentaro , Noda Toshihiro , Kato Kenta
Published: April 2017

Conventional seismic assessments of river embankments have focused on liquefaction damage of sandy ground. However, following the 2011 earthquake centered off the Pacific Coast of Tohoku, extensive damage of river embankments built on a clayey foundation has garnered greater attention. This paper presents seismic response analyses of river embankments constructed on soft and sensitive estuarine clay, as well as analyses of countermeasures implemented with sheet piles with a succession of penetration depth and placement. River embankments have kept stable if the clayey ground was assumed to be a nonsensitive condition. However, if a strong shake impacts actual sensitive clay, there is a risk of slippage generated from the clayey layer. If the penetration depth of piles is shallow in the clayey layer, the clay is strongly disturbed by the tip of the pile, generating extensive damage; if the penetration depth is sufficiently deep in the supporting layer, significant deformation control may be obtained at the reinforced side, although there is a risk of promoting deformation at the opposite side. These results indicate the importance of the specific inspection of pile penetration depth; otherwise, not only is it not possible to obtain a sufficient countermeasure effect, but also an adverse effect may be generated.
Xylobolus subpileatus, a specialized basidiomycete functionally linked to old canopy gaps
Authors: Taudiere A. , Bellanger J.-M. , Moreau P.-A. , Carcaillet C. , Christophe A. , Læssøe T. , Panaïotis C. , Richard F.
Published: April 2017

Documenting succession in forest canopy gaps provides insights into the ecological processes governing the temporal dynamics of species within communities. We analyzed the fruiting patterns of a rare but widely distributed saproxylic macromycete, Xylobolus subpileatus, during the ageing of natural canopy gaps in oak forests. In one of the last remaining Quercus ilex L. old-growth forests (on the island of Corsica, western Mediterranean basin), we systematically recorded and conducted molecular analyses of X. subpileatus basidiomes in 80 dated natural canopy gaps representing a 45-year long sequence of residence time of tree logs on the forest floor. Xylobolus subpileatus fruited exclusively on Q. ilex logs. The probability of fruiting of X. subpileatus significantly increases during the process of wood decomposition to reach its maximum in the oldest gaps, approximately 40 years after treefall. In contrast, the abundance and the richness of saprobic and ectomycorrhizal fruitbodies decrease as canopy gaps age. Our results emphasize the high ecological specialization of X. subpileatus. They also highlight the imperative need to conserve the last patches of old-growth Mediterranean forests to secure the persistence of this endangered and functionally unique macromycete whose presence is highly dependent on old wood in advanced stages of decomposition.
Mapping the QCD phase diagram with susceptibilities of conserved charges within Nambu–Jona-Lasinio model
Authors: Fan Wenkai , Luo Xiaofeng , Zong Hong-Shi
Published: April 2017

We evaluate the second to fourth-order baryon, charge and strangeness susceptibilities near a chiral critical point using the Nambu–Jona-Lasinio model under different temperatures and baryon chemical potential. Baryon number susceptibilities are found to be of the greatest magnitude, offering the strongest signal. Whereas the strangeness susceptibilities have the smallest divergence dominating area, owing to the large strange quark mass. We also make an attempt to compare our results with experiment data. The trend at high collision energy is found to be consistent between theory and experiment. The model calculation predicts more complex behavior at low collision energies, near the postulated critical end point.
Imaging properties of a nonlinear multilayered superlens
Authors: Naseri Maryam , Keshavarz Alireza , Honarasa Gholamreza
Published: April 2017

Imaging properties of a metal/nonlinear dielectric structure with nonequal thickness layers as a superlens have been investigated by using the optical transfer function (OTF) and the lateral intensity distributions at the imaging plane for a given object. It has been shown that even when permittivity of the metal and nonlinear dielectric are mismatched, both modulation transfer function (MTF) and phase transfer function (PTF) show high cutoff frequency at optical wavelength. This is the case of a superlens and also shows a good improvement rather than a metal/linear dielectric superlens.
Comparative study of mobility extraction methods in p-type polycrystalline silicon thin film transistors
Authors: Liu Kai , Liu Yuan , Liu Yu-Rong , En Yun-Fei , Li Bin
Published: April 2017

Channel mobility in the p-type polycrystalline silicon thin film transistors (poly-Si TFTs) is extracted using Hoffman method, linear region transconductance method and multi-frequency C-V method. Due to the non-negligible errors when neglecting the dependence of gate-source voltage on the effective mobility, the extracted mobility results are overestimated using linear region transconductance method and Hoffman method, especially in the lower gate-source voltage region. By considering of the distribution of localized states in the band-gap, the frequency independent capacitance due to localized charges in the sub-gap states and due to channel free electron charges in the conduction band were extracted using multi-frequency C-V method. Therefore, channel mobility was extracted accurately based on the charge transport theory. In addition, the effect of electrical field dependent mobility degradation was also considered in the higher gate-source voltage region. In the end, the extracted mobility results in the poly-Si TFTs using these three methods are compared and analyzed.
Dynamic responses of the rotor supported by a new type zero-clearance catcher bearing
Authors: Zhu Yi-Li , Zheng Zhong-Qiao
Published: April 2017

Catcher bearings (CB) are required to support the rotor rotating for some time when a failure event of active magnetic bearing (AMB) system occurs. For this purpose, a new type zero-clearance catcher bearing (NTZCB) is proposed. The influences of different parameters of NTZCB on the rotor dynamic responses are theoretically and experimentally analyzed. The results indicate that choosing relatively soft spring and heavy moveable supporting pedestal can effectively buffer the rotor vibrations, which makes it possible for the rotor to keep rotating with the support of the CB system for a long time.
INTERMETALLIC COMPOUND FORMATION IN Ni/Sn DIFFUSION COUPLE AT ATMOSPHERIC AND AT 10−8 ATMOSPHERE PRESSURE
Authors: ADIOUI N. , HANNECH E. B. , GUERGUEB W. , BOUOUDINA M.
Published: April 2017

The microstructure resulting from diffusion reactions, at solid-state temperatures, in Ni/Sn couples has been studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The Ni3Sn4 phase was the only reaction product which formed in the couples at temperatures from 150[Formula: see text]C to 220[Formula: see text]C. The growth kinetics of Ni3Sn4 layer followed the parabolic law with an apparent activation energy of 104[Formula: see text]kJ[Formula: see text]mol[Formula: see text]. The effect of the atmosphere on the microstructure of the interfacial layer was investigated at 220[Formula: see text]C for a pressure of 10[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]atm. A decrease in the growth rate of the phase layer was observed.
Improving Smartphone Security and Reliability
Authors: NEAMTIU IULIAN , WEI XUETAO , FALOUTSOS MICHALIS , GOMEZ LORENZO , AZIM TANZIRUL , HU YONGJIAN , SHAN ZHIYONG
Published: April 2017

Users are increasingly relying on smartphones, hence concerns such as mobile app security, privacy, and correctness have become increasingly pressing. Software analysis has been successful in tackling many such concerns, albeit on other platforms, such as desktop and server. To fill this gap, he have developed infrastructural tools that permit a wide range of software analyses for the Android smartphone platform. Developing these tools has required surmounting many challenges unique to the smartphone platform: dealing with input non-determinism in sensor-oriented apps, non-standard control ow, low-overhead yet high-fidelity record-and-replay. Our tools can analyze substantial, widely-popular apps running directly on smartphones, and do not require access to the app’s source code. We will first present two tools (automated exploration, record-and-replay) that increase Android app reliability by allowing apps to be explored automatically, and bugs replayed or isolated. Next, we present several security applications of our infrastructure: a permission evolution study on the Android ecosystem; understanding and quantifying the risk posed by URL accesses in benign and malicious apps; app profiling to summarize app behavior; and Moving Target Defense for thwarting attacks.
On the Diophantine equation (x − d)4 + x4 + (x + d)4 = yn
Authors: Zhang Zhongfeng
Published: April 2017

In this paper, we study the Diophantine equation [Formula: see text], and based on Frey–Hellegouarch curves and their corresponding Galois representations, we solve the equation for various choices of [Formula: see text].
Permittivity-Frequency Dependencies Study of Neutron-Irradiated Nanocrystalline Silicon Carbide (3C-SiC)
Authors: Huseynov Elchin M.
Published: April 2017

Nanocrystalline 3C-SiC was irradiated by neutron flux ([Formula: see text] n[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text]s[Formula: see text] up to 20[Formula: see text]h in the TRIGA Mark II type research reactor. The experiments have been conducted in the 0.1[Formula: see text]Hz–2.5[Formula: see text]MHz frequency and 100–400[Formula: see text]K temperature ranges. The frequency dependencies of real and imaginary parts of the permittivity of nanomaterial were analyzed comparatively before and after neutron irradiation. After neutron irradiation, there was increase in dopant element concentration in the nanocrystalline 3C-SiC particles. Concentration of new dopant elements in the 3C-SiC nanomaterial directly affects dielectric polarization and leads to increased permittivity. Simultaneously, after neutron irradiation, agglomeration and amorphous transformation influence on the polarization of nanocrystalline 3C-SiC. Moreover, 3C-SiC nanoparticle interface polarization gives rise to dispersion. It was found that ionic polarization was dominant in the nanocrystalline 3C-SiC particles.
Mathematical and computational analysis of CRISPR Cas9 sgRNA off-target homologies
Authors: Zhou Michael , Li Daisy , Huan Xiaoli , Manthey Joseph , Lioutikova Ekaterina , Zhou Hong
Published: April 2017

Revolutionary in scope and application, the CRISPR Cas9 endonuclease system can be guided by 20-nt single guide RNA (sgRNA) to any complementary loci on the double-stranded DNA. Once the target site is located, Cas9 can then cleave the DNA and introduce mutations. Despite the power of this system, sgRNA is highly susceptible to off-target homologous attachment and can consequently cause Cas9 to cleave DNA at off-target sites. In order to better understand this flaw in the system, the human genome and Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpCas9) were used in a mathematical and computational study to analyze the probabilities of potential sgRNA off-target homologies. It has been concluded that off-target sites are nearly unavoidable for large-size genomes, such as the human genome. Backed by mathematical analysis, a viable solution is the double-nicking method which has the promise for genome editing specificity. Also applied in this study was a computational algorithm for off-target homology search that was implemented in Java to confirm the mathematical analysis.
Comparison between chikungunya and dengue viruses transmission based on a mathematical model
Authors: Yang Hyun Mo
Published: April 2017

Chikungunya and dengue viruses are transmitted by mosquitoes of genus Aedes. Based on a mathematical model dealing with arboviruses transmission that encompasses human and mosquito populations, the risks of dengue and chikungunya infections are compared. By the fact that chikungunya virus attains high viral load earlier than dengue virus in both humans and mosquitoes, the potential risk of chikungunya could be higher than the dengue infection. The risk of arboviruses infections is assessed by the reproduction number [Formula: see text], which is obtained by the next generation matrix method and Routh–Hurwitz criteria.
Twisting L2-invariants with finite-dimensional representations
Authors: Lück Wolfgang
Published: April 2017

We investigate how one can twist [Formula: see text]-invariants such as [Formula: see text]-Betti numbers and [Formula: see text]-torsion with finite-dimensional representations. As a special case we assign to the universal covering [Formula: see text] of a finite connected [Formula: see text]-complex [Formula: see text] together with an element [Formula: see text] a [Formula: see text]-twisted [Formula: see text]-torsion function [Formula: see text], provided that the fundamental group of [Formula: see text] is residually finite and [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-acyclic.
Analysis of parallel multigrid methods in real-time fluid simulation
Authors: Wan Feifei , Yin Yong , Zhang Qin , Peng Xiuquan
Published: April 2017

The multigrid method has been widely used in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical calculations because of its strong convergence. To achieve real-time simulation of a fluid in computer graphics (CG), the operation efficiency is also a significant factor to consider except for operational accuracy. For this problem, we introduced two multigrid cycling schemes, V-Cycle and full multigrid (FMG). Moreover, we have proposed a simple geometric multigrid method (GMG), and compared with the existing wide application of algebraic multigrid (AMG). All the calculations are the solution of parallel computing of GPU in this paper. The results showed that our approaches have improved the algorithm’s computational speed and convergence time, which prominently enhanced the efficiency of the fluid simulation.
Simulation of the effect of quantum dot location on a quantum dot p-i-n junction solar cell
Authors: Kant C. J. , Mayya K. B. K.
Published: April 2017

The investigation of the new generation of a photovoltaic cell for the optimized parameters is mainly carried out using modeling and simulation, because the fabrication of quantum structures is still a challenge. Hence, new models to simulate realistic devices are developed. In the past, the Drift Diffusion equation has been exploited to simulate quantum well solar cells by introducing various assumptions and new parameters. Non Equilibrium Green Function’s Formalism has been widely used to study the transport in the nanostructures of the photovoltaic devices. We have developed a model of simulating quantum dot (QD) [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] junction solar cell by hybridizing the Drift Diffusion Equation and the Transfer Hamiltonian Approach. The developed model is applied to a QD [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] junction solar cell to determine the optimized position of the QD within the intrinsic region. Our results show that when the QD is placed closer to the edges of the [Formula: see text]-region, the highest possible efficiency is observed.
A Comparison of Text-Annotated vs. Purely Visio-Spatial Instructions for Video Game Input Sequences
Authors: Whittinghill David , Herring Donald Grant
Published: April 2017

Animated tutorials for controller input sequences in video games will be easier for developers to localize, and therefore more universally accessible across multiple nationalities, if they are designed to rely on purely visio-spatial, text-free communication. However, it has hitherto been unclear whether a lack of text in such tutorials may be associated with lower effectiveness in overall teaching outcomes, given that text may augment the available information. With this in mind, we conducted a between-subjects study in which 42 subjects each played one of two versions of a custom, stand-alone game control tutorial designed to teach character moves for an action/fighting game; both versions contained animated visuals, but one also included onscreen text instructions. We recorded players’ performances in each version by measuring elapsed times, failure counts, demonstration replay counts, and skip counts using software-based logging and combined each player’s data in these categories to create an overall effectiveness index to measure and compare teaching efficacy associated with each version. We compared the means of our data between the version groups using
t
-tests with results suggesting that people playing the non-text-annotated version performed at least as well, all around, as those playing the text-annotated version and even better in the areas of elapsed time, failure count, and overall score. Though a significant co-factor—player skill/experience—is likely an influence that should be further delineated in future studies, our findings clearly demonstrated that text-free game control tutorials are as good as, if not better than, text-annotated ones.
Azimuthal Scattering from Elliptical Hair Fibers
Authors: Khungurn Pramook , Marschner Steve
Published: April 2017

The appearance of hair follows from the small-scale geometry of hair fibers, with the cross-sectional shape determining the azimuthal distribution of scattered light. Although previous research has described some of the effects of non-circular cross sections, no accurate scattering models for non-circular fibers exist. This article presents a scattering model for elliptical fibers, which predicts that even small deviations from circularity produce important changes in the scattering distribution and which disagrees with previous approximations for the effects of eccentricity.

To confirm the model’s predictions, new scattering measurements of fibers from a wide range of hair types were made, using a new measurement device that provides a more complete and detailed picture of the light scattered by fibers than was previously possible. The measurements show features that conclusively match the model’s predictions, but they also contain an ideal-specular forward-scattering behavior that is not predicted and has not been fully described before.

The results of this article indicate that an accurate and efficient method for computing scattering in elliptical cylinders—something not provided in this article—is the correct model to use for realistic hair in the future and that the new specular behavior should be included as well.
Design and Real-World Evaluation of Eyes-Free Yoga
Authors: Rector Kyle , Vilardaga Roger , Lansky Leo , Lu Kellie , Bennett Cynthia L. , Ladner Richard E. , Kientz Julie A.
Published: April 2017

People who are blind or low vision may have a harder time participating in exercise due to inaccessibility or lack of encouragement. To address this, we developed Eyes-Free Yoga using the Microsoft Kinect that acts as a yoga instructor and has personalized auditory feedback based on skeletal tracking. We conducted two different studies on two different versions of Eyes-Free Yoga: (1) a controlled study with 16 people who are blind or low vision to evaluate the feasibility of a proof-of-concept and (2) an 8-week in-home deployment study with 4 people who are blind or low vision, with a fully functioning exergame containing four full workouts and motivational techniques. We found that participants preferred the personalized feedback for yoga postures during the laboratory study. Therefore, the personalized feedback was used as a means to build the core components of the system used in the deployment study and was included in both study conditions. From the deployment study, we found that the participants practiced Yoga consistently throughout the 8-week period (Average hours = 17; Average days of practice = 24), almost reaching the American Heart Association recommended exercise guidelines. On average, motivational techniques increased participant's user experience and their frequency and exercise time. The findings of this work have implications for eyes-free exergame design, including engaging domain experts, piloting with inexperienced users, using musical metaphors, and designing for in-home use cases.
GameFlow in Different Game Genres and Platforms
Authors: Sweetser Penelope , Johnson Daniel , Wyeth Peta , Anwar Aiman , Meng Yan , Ozdowska Anne
Published: April 2017

The GameFlow model strives to be a general model of player enjoyment, applicable to all game genres and platforms. Derived from a general set of heuristics for creating enjoyable player experiences, the GameFlow model has been widely used in evaluating many types of games, as well as non-game applications. Initial applications of the GameFlow model were limited to real-time strategy games. However, in order to be considered a general model of player enjoyment in games, the GameFlow model needs to be applied to a more varied set of play experiences. In this article, we revisit the design of the GameFlow model, review the various applications and derivative models, and discuss on-going analysis of the model. Subsequently, we describe a study that aims to extend the initial validation of the GameFlow model to incorporate additional game types. We report the results of expert reviews conducted using the GameFlow criteria to evaluate first person shooter games on Sony PlayStation 3 and adventure games on Apple iPhone. Our findings provide insight into the manifestation of the GameFlow elements in these types of games and also highlight some of the genre-specific considerations in the application of the GameFlow model. Key issues are raised and discussed in relation to immersion, social interaction, and multiplayer games.