bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The survival story of a diabetic ketoacidosis patient with blood sugar levels of 1985 mg/dL
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Manoj , Manappallil Robin George , Ramdas Dipu , Jayaraj Jishnu
Published: June 2017

No abstarctAsian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(4) 2017 60-61
Thyroid dysfunctions and renal status: implications in hyponatremia
Authors: Sahoo Sibasish , Patel Suprava , Ganguly Anirban , Nanda Rachita , Mohapatra Eli
Published: June 2017

Background: Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder which has been linked to the development of hyponatremia. However, the data supporting the development of hyponatremia is inadequate and confusing.Aims and Objectives: Therefore this study was conducted to investigate an association between hypothyroidism and hyponatremia and to correlate it with other related parameters like renal function status.Material and Methods: Retrospective analysis of laboratory records of one hundred fifty individuals with TSH level above the normal served as cases and one hundred fifty one individuals with normal TSH served as controls.Results: Hyponatremia(<135mEq/L) was observed in only twenty-one percent of cases of hypothyroidism. Although patients of hypothyroidism had a significantly lower sodium levels than controls, this was not evident with severity of disease. A high creatinine level evident in the overt cases did not affect the sodium level, although the chloride level was reduced.Conclusion: The present study showed that hyponatremia is not a commonly associated with hypothyroidism and screening for hyponatremia is not essential  in such patients.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(4) 2017 6-10
Wavelength-specific lighted suction instrument for 5-aminolevulinic acid fluorescence-guided resection of deep-seated malignant glioma: technical note
Authors: Morshed Ramin A. , Han Seunggu J. , Lau Darryl , Berger Mitchel S.
Published: June 2017

Surgery guided by 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) fluorescence has become a valuable adjunct in the resection of malignant intracranial gliomas. Furthermore, the fluorescence intensity of biopsied areas of a resection cavity correlates with histological identification of tumor cells. However, in the case of lesions deep within a resection cavity, light penetration may be suboptimal, resulting in less excitation of 5-ALA metabolites, leading to decreased fluorescence emission. To address this obstacle, the authors report on the use of a 400-nm wavelength fiber-optic lighted suction instrument that can be used both during resection of a tumor and to provide direct light to deeper areas of a resection cavity. In the presented case, this wavelength-specific lighted suction instrument improved the fluorescence intensity of patches of malignant tissue within the resection cavity. This technique may further improve the utility of 5-ALA in identifying tumor-infiltrated tissue for deep-seated lesions. Additionally, this tool may have implications for scoring systems that correlate 5-ALA fluorescence intensity with histological identification of malignant cells.
Intraosseous hemangioblastoma of the cervical spine: case report
Authors: Li Zhenteng , Curtis Brian , Layser Robert , Selvarajan Santosh Kumar , Harrop James , Kenyon Lawrence C. , Parsons Theodore , Rubin Asa
Published: June 2017

A 69-year-old woman presented with bilateral upper-extremity radiculopathy and neck pain after a mechanical fall. Admission CT and MRI of the cervical spine demonstrated a pathological C-4 fracture. Subsequent malignancy workup was negative. A CT-guided biopsy of the lesion showed intraosseous hemangioblastoma. Hemangioblastoma is a highly vascular, slow-growing tumor of the CNS; intraosseous location of this tumor is extremely rare. The authors review the diversity of its presentation and the treatment techniques of this rare tumor in an extremely rare location.
Framing a ‘Climate Change Frontier’: International News Media Coverage Surrounding Natural Resource Development in Greenland
Authors: Davies William , Wright Samuel , Van Alstine James
Published: June 2017

News media helps shape the discourse around natural resource issues, especially rapidly emerging developments such as those taking place in the Arctic. Whilst the relationship between media and audience is complex, news media contributes towards setting the tone and expectations for the burgeoning number of stakeholders engaging with the Arctic, especially in the case of Greenland. This study undertakes a thematic analysis of English-language news media coverage surrounding natural resource development in Greenland to explore how the issue is framed. Five media frames are identified: an emerging resource frontier; the warming Arctic; high-risk activity; geopolitical Greenland; and vulnerable traditional societies. An overarching frame is present within the coverage, one which depicts Greenland as ‘a climate change frontier’, facing ‘uncertainties in the face of rapid change’. Media portrayals of a close-knit relationship between a warming climate and a rush for natural resources in Greenland could be problematic for several reasons, namely the disparity between actual resource development taking place and an overemphasis on increased economic development following increased warming.
Subtitling for d/Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children: Current Practices and New Possibilities to Enhance Language Development
Authors: Tamayo Ana , Chaume Frederic
Published: June 2017

In order to understand and fully comprehend a subtitle, two parameters within the linguistic code of audiovisual texts are key in the processing of the subtitle itself, namely, vocabulary and syntax. Through a descriptive and experimental study, the present article explores the transfer of the linguistic code of audiovisual texts in subtitling for deaf and hard-of-hearing children in three Spanish TV stations. In the first part of the study, we examine current practices in Spanish TV captioning to analyse whether syntax and vocabulary are adapted to satisfy deaf children’s needs and expectations regarding subtitle processing. In the second part, we propose some alternative captioning criteria for these two variables based on the needs of d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) children, suggesting a more appropriate way of displaying the written linguistic code for deaf children. Although no specific distinction will be made throughout this paper, it is important to refer to these terms as they have been widely used in the literature. Neves (2008) distinguishes between the “Deaf”, who belong to a linguistic minority, use sign language as their mother tongue, and usually identify with a Deaf community and culture; the “deaf”, who normally have an oral language as their mother tongue and feel part of the hearing community; and the “hard of hearing”, who have residual hearing and, therefore, share the world and the sound experience of hearers. In the experimental study, 75 Spanish DHH children aged between 8 and 13 were exposed to two options: the actual broadcast captions on TV, and the alternative captions created by the authors. The data gathered from this exposure were used to analyse the children’s comprehension of these two variables in order to draw conclusions about the suitability of the changes proposed in the alternative subtitles.
Activated Carbon Supported Mo-Ti-N Binary Transition Metal Nitride as Catalyst for Acetylene Hydrochlorination
Authors: Dai Hui , Zhu Mingyuan , Zhang Haiyang , Yu Feng , Wang Chao , Dai Bin
Published: June 2017

Recently, many scientists have focused on the development of green industrial technology. However, the process of synthesizing vinyl chloride faces the problem of Hg pollution. Via a novel approach, we used two elements Mo and Ti to prepare an inexpensive and green binary transition metal nitride (BTMN) as the active ingredient in a catalyst with nano-sized particles and an excellent degree of activation, which was supported on activated carbon. When the Mo/Ti mole ratio was 3:1, the conversion of acetylene reached 89% and the selectivity exceeded 98.5%. The doping of Ti in Mo-based catalysts reduced the capacity of adsorption for acetylene and also increased the adsorption of hydrogen chloride. Most importantly, the performance of the BTMN excelled those of the individual transition metal nitrides, due to the synergistic activity between Mo and Ti. This will expand the new epoch of the employment of transition metal nitrides as catalysts in the hydrochlorination of acetylene reaction.
Chemical Composition, Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities of Crude Dittrichia viscosa (L.) Greuter Leaf Extracts
Authors: Rhimi Wafa , Ben Salem Issam , Immediato Davide , Saidi Mouldi , Boulila Abdennacer , Cafarchia Claudia
Published: June 2017

The small amount of data regarding the antifungal activity of Dittrichia viscosa (L.) Greuter against dermatophytes, Malassezia spp. and Aspergillus spp., associated with the few comparative studies on the antimicrobial activity of methanolic, ethanolic, and butanolic extracts underpins the study herein presented. The total condensed tannin (TCT), phenol (TPC), flavonoid (TFC), and caffeoylquinic acid (CQC) content of methanol, butanol, and ethanol (80% and 100%) extracts of D. viscosa were assessed and their bactericidal and fungicidal activities were evaluated. The antibacterial, anti-Candida and anti-Malassezia activities were evaluated by using the disk diffusion method, whereas the anti-Microsporum canis and anti-Aspergillus fumigatus activities were assessed by studying the toxicity effect of the extracts on vegetative growth, sporulation and germination. The methanolic extract contained the highest TPC and CQC content. It contains several phytochemicals mainly caffeoylquinic acid derivatives as determined by liquid chromatography with photodiode array and electrospray ionisation mass spectrometric detection (LC/PDA/ESI-MS) analysis. All extracts showed an excellent inhibitory effect against bacteria and Candida spp., whereas methanolic extract exhibited the highest antifungal activities against Malassezia spp., M. canis and A. fumigatus strains. The results clearly showed that all extracts, in particular the methanolic extract, might be excellent antimicrobial drugs for treating infections that are life threatening (i.e., Malassezia) or infections that require mandatory treatments (i.e., M. canis or A. fumigatus).
Erratum: Ksiksi, T., et al. Antioxidant, Lipoxygenase and Histone Deacetylase Inhibitory Activities of Acridocarpus orientalis from Al Ain and Oman. Molecules 2012, 17, 12521–12532.
Authors:   Molecules Editorial Office
Published: June 2017

The Molecules Editorial Office wishes to make the following erratum to this paper [1]. [...]
In Vitro Effect of 8-Prenylnaringenin and Naringenin on Fibroblasts and Glioblastoma Cells-Cellular Accumulation and Cytotoxicity
Authors: Stompor Monika , Uram Łukasz , Podgórski Rafał
Published: June 2017

Gliomas are one of the most aggressive and treatment-resistant types of human brain cancer. Identification and evaluation of anticancer properties of compounds found in plants, such as naringenin (N) and 8-prenylnaringenin (8PN), are among the most promising applications in glioma therapy. The prenyl group seems to be crucial to the anticancer activity of flavones, since it may lead to enhanced cell membrane targeting and thus increased intracellular activity. It should be noted that 8PN content in hop cones is 10 to 100 times lower compared to other flavonoids, such as xanthohumol. In the study presented, we used a simple method for the synthesis of 8PN from isoxanthohumol—O-demethylation, with a high yield of 97%. Cellular accumulation and cytotoxicity of naringenin and 8-prenylnaringenin in normal (BJ) and cancer cells (U-118 MG) was also examined. Obtained data indicated that 8-prenylnaringenin exhibited higher cytotoxicity against used cell lines than naringenin, and the effect of both flavones was stronger in U-118 MG cells than in normal fibroblasts. The anticancer properties of 8PN correlated with its significantly greater (37%) accumulation in glioblastoma cells than in normal fibroblasts. Additionally, naringenin demonstrated higher selectivity for glioblastoma cells, as it was over six times more toxic for cancer than normal cells. Our results provide evidence that examined prenylated and non-prenylated flavanones have different biological activities against normal and cancer cell lines, and this property may be useful in designing new anticancer drugs for glioblastoma therapy.
Molecular Docking and Anticonvulsant Activity of Newly Synthesized Quinazoline Derivatives
Authors: Abuelizz Hatem A. , Dib Rabab El , Marzouk Mohamed , Anouar El-Hassane , A. Maklad Yousreya , N. Attia Hanan , Al-Salahi Rashad
Published: June 2017

A new series of quinazoline-4(3H)-ones are evaluated for anticonvulsant activity. After intraperitoneal (ip) injection to albino mice at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight, synthesized quinazolin-4(3H)-ones (1–24) were examined in the maximal electroshock (MES) induced seizures and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) induced seizure models in mice. The Rotarod method was applied to determine the neurotoxicity. Most of the compounds displayed anticonvulsant activity in the scPTZ screen at a dose range of 0.204–0.376 mmol/mL. Out of twenty-four, compounds 8, 13 and 19 proved to be the most active with a remarkable protection (100%) against PTZ induced convulsions and four times more potent activity than ethosuximide. The structure-activity relationship concluded valuable pharmacophoric information, which was confirmed by the molecular docking studies using the target enzyme human carbon anhydrase II (HCA II). The studied quinazoline analogues suggested that the butyl substitution at position 3 has a significant effect on preventing the spread of seizure discharge and on raising the seizure threshold. However, benzyl substitution at position 3 has shown a strong anticonvulsant activity but with less seizure prevention compared to the butyl substitution.
Enantioselective Michael Addition of Cyclic β-Diones to α,β-Unsaturated Enones Catalyzed by Quinine-Based Organocatalysts
Authors: Wang Qingqing , Wang Wei , Ye Ling , Yang Xuejun , Li Xinying , Zhao Zhigang , Li Xuefeng
Published: June 2017

An enantioselective (52–98% ee) Michael addition between cyclic β-diones and α,β-unsaturated enones was established in the presence of quinine-based primary amine or squaramide. A variety of cinnamones were smoothly converted into the desired 3,4-dihydropyrans in moderate to high yields (63–99%). Chalcones were also suitable acceptors and gave rise to the expected adducts in satisfactory yields (31–99%). The resulting adducts readily underwent further modification to form fused 4H-pyran or 2,3-dihydrofuran.
Effects of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate on Autophagic Lipolysis in Adipocytes
Authors: Kim Sang-Nam , Kwon Hyun-Jung , Akindehin Seun , Jeong Hyun , Lee Yun-Hee
Published: June 2017

Previous studies demonstrated effects of green tea on weight loss; however, green tea-induced modulation of adipocyte function is not fully understood. Here, we investigated effects of the major green tea phytochemical, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on triglyceride contents, lipolysis, mitochondrial function, and autophagy, in adipocytes differentiated from C3H10T1/2 cells and immortalized pre-adipocytes in vitro. EGCG reduced the triglycerol content significantly in adipocytes by 25%, comparable to the nutrient starvation state. EGCG did not affect protein kinase A signaling or brown adipocyte marker expression in adipocytes; however, EGCG increased autophagy, as measured by autophagy flux analysis and immunoblot analysis of LC3B, ATG7, and Beclin1. EGCG treatment reduced mitochondrial membrane potential by 56.8% and intracellular ATP levels by 49.1% compared to controls. Although mammalian target of rapamycin signaling was not upregulated by EGCG treatment, EGCG treatment induced AMP-activated protein kinase phosphorylation, indicating an energy-depleted state. In addition, EGCG increased the association between RAB7 and lipid droplets, suggesting that lipophagy was activated. Finally, knockdown of Rab7 attenuated the EGCG-dependent reduction in lipid contents. Collectively, these results indicated that EGCG upregulated autophagic lipolysis in adipocytes, supporting the therapeutic potential of EGCG as a caloric restriction mimetic to prevent obesity and obesity-related metabolic diseases.
Natural Docosahexaenoic Acid in the Triglyceride Form Attenuates In Vitro Microglial Activation and Ameliorates Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis in Mice
Authors: Mancera Pilar , Wappenhans Blanca , Cordobilla Begoña , Virgili Noemí , Pugliese Marco , Rueda Fèlix , Espinosa-Parrilla Juan , Domingo Joan
Published: June 2017

Many neurodegenerative diseases are associated, at least in part, to an inflammatory process in which microglia plays a major role. The effect of the triglyceride form of the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (TG-DHA) was assayed in vitro and in vivo to assess the protective and anti-inflammatory activity of this compound. In the in vitro study, BV-2 microglia cells were previously treated with TG-DHA and then activated with Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). TG-DHA treatment protected BV-2 microglia cells from oxidative stress toxicity attenuating NO production and suppressing the induction of inflammatory cytokines. When compared with DHA in the ethyl-ester form, a significant difference in the ability to inhibit NO production in favor of TG-DHA was observed. TG-DHA inhibited significantly splenocyte proliferation but isolated CD4+ lymphocyte proliferation was unaffected. In a mice model of autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), 250 mg/kg/day oral TG-DHA treatment was associated with a significant amelioration of the course and severity of the disease as compared to untreated animals. TG-DHA-treated EAE mice showed a better weight profile, which is a symptom related to a better course of encephalomyelitis. TG-DHA may be a promising therapeutic agent in neuroinflammatory processes and merit to be more extensively studied in human neurodegenerative disorders.
A Validation Study of an Interviewer-Administered Short Food Frequency Questionnaire in Assessing Dietary Vitamin D and Calcium Intake in Swedish Children
Authors: Söderberg Lotta , Lind Torbjörn , Karlsland Åkeson Pia , Sandström Ann-Kristin , Hernell Olle , Öhlund Inger
Published: June 2017

Vitamin D and calcium are essential nutrients with a range of biological effects of public health relevance. This study aimed to validate a short food frequency questionnaire (SFFQ) against a three-day food record (3D record), assessing the intake of vitamin D and calcium in Swedish children during wintertime. In a double-blinded, randomized food-based intervention study on the effect of feeding different daily doses of vitamin D supplement to 5–7-year-old children (n = 85), 79 (93%) participants completed SFFQ1 at baseline and SFFQ2 after the intervention, and 72 were informed to fill in a 3D record. The 28 (39%) children who completed the 3D record were included in this validation study. The baseline level of serum-25 hydroxy vitamin D [S-25(OH)D] was used as a biomarker. The correlation between all three instruments were moderate to strong. SFFQ2 and the 3D record correlated moderately to S-25(OH)D. Bland-Altman analysis showed that SFFQ2 overestimated vitamin D intake by on average 0.6 μg/day, (limits of agreement (LOA) 5.7 and −4.6 μg/day), whereas the intake of calcium was underestimated by on average 29 mg/day, (LOA 808 and −865 mg/day). Finally, the validity coefficient calculated for vitamin D using the method of triad was high (0.75). In conclusion, this SFFQ, assessed by a dietician, is a valid tool to assess dietary vitamin D and calcium intake in groups of young children.
Meat and Seafood Consumption in Relation to Plasma Metabolic Profiles in a Chinese Population: A Combined Untargeted and Targeted Metabolomics Study
Authors: Lu Yonghai , Zou Li , Su Jin , Tai E. , Whitton Clare , Van Dam Rob , Ong Choon
Published: June 2017

We examined the relationship between different patterns of meat and seafood consumption and plasma metabolic profiles in an Asian population. We selected 270 ethnic Chinese men and women from the Singapore Prospective Study Program based on their dietary habits assessed with a validated food frequency questionnaire. Participants were divided into four subgroups: high meat and high seafood (n = 60), high meat and low seafood (n = 64), low meat and high seafood (n = 60), and low meat and low seafood (n = 86) consumers. Plasma metabolites were measured using both targeted and untargeted mass spectroscopy-based analyses. A total of 42 metabolites differed significantly by dietary group. Higher concentrations of essential amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and d-glucose were found in high meat and/or seafood consumers as compared with the group with a low consumption of these animal foods. Red meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, soy products, and dairy were each correlated with at least one differential metabolite (r = −0.308 to 0.448). Some observations, such as the correlation between fish and 3-carboxy-4-methyl-5-propyl-2-furanpropanoic acid (CMPF), confirmed previous studies. Other observations, such as the correlation between shellfish and phosphatidylethanolamine (p36:4), were novel. We also observed significant correlations between plasma metabolites and clinical characteristics, such as CMPF with fasting blood glucose (r = 0.401). These findings demonstrate a significant influence of meat and seafood consumption on metabolic profiles in the Asian population.
Out and Asian: How Undocu/DACAmented Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Youth Navigate Dual Liminality in the Immigrant Rights Movement
Authors: Dao Loan
Published: June 2017

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) represent the fastest-growing racial category in the U.S., largely due to its increasing immigration from the Asia-Pacific region (AAJC 2015). Of the 10.9 million undocumented immigrants residing in the U.S., 14% (1.5 million) are from Asia (Migration Policy Institute 2014). In response to immigrant youth organizing, President Barack Obama initiated the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in 2012, which offers temporary relief from deportation to approximately 2 million undocumented childhood arrivals (Ibid). Yet, the unique perspectives of AAPI youth have gone unheard, and their political activities have been rendered invisible in public discourse on undocu/DACAmented youth in the immigrant rights movement. This study aims to capture political identity formation through what I coin “dual liminality” that leads to political participation for undocu/DACAmented AAPI youth. It considers how their status as undocumented or DACA, as being marginalized from both mainstream and co-ethnic claims to belonging, helped them form a collective political identity and engage in political activities. The use of strategic storytelling (Polletta 2006) throughout the process of their political development also led to their return to organize co-ethnic communities against internalized stereotypes of both “Model Minority” and “Yellow Peril”. This study involves 12 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with politically active AAPI, ages 20–26, from four major cities on the East Coast, conducted between 2014 and 2015. The interviews demonstrate how these youths’ choices to reveal their status shape their collective identity formation that leads to their political engagement. Through strategic storytelling, they use their dual liminality to shape their narrative framing in both the immigrant rights and in AAPI communities, enhancing their political participation across inter-racial boundaries.
Threats of Password Pattern Leakage Using Smartwatch Motion Recognition Sensors
Authors: Kim Jihun , Youn Jonghee
Published: June 2017

Thanks to the development of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, wearable markets have been growing rapidly. Smartwatches can be said to be the most representative product in wearable markets, and involve various hardware technologies in order to overcome the limitations of small hardware. Motion recognition sensors are a representative example of those hardware technologies. However, smartwatches and motion recognition sensors that can be worn by users may pose security threats of password pattern leakage. In the present paper, passwords are inferred through experiments to obtain password patterns inputted by users using motion recognition sensors, and verification of the results and the accuracy of the results is shown.
Prenylflavonoid Isoxanthohumol Sensitizes MCF-7/ADR Cells to Doxorubicin Cytotoxicity via Acting as a Substrate of ABCB1
Authors: Liu Ming , Zhang Weiyi , Zhang Wei , Zhou Xin , Li Ming , Miao Jinlai
Published: June 2017

Isoxanthohumol is a unique prenylflavonoid with the highest content in beer. Isoxanthohumol has multiple bioactivities and has recently received considerable attention in the scientific community. Nonetheless; its effect on drug resistant cancer cells has rarely been studied. In this paper; we investigated the synergistic effect of isoxanthohumol and doxorubicin on doxorubicin resistant MCF-7/ADR cells. Our results showed that isoxanthohumol sensitized the cytotoxic effect of doxorubicin on MCF-7/ADR cells via increased proliferation inhibition and apoptosis stimulation. Molecular mechanism studies further demonstrated that isoxanthohumol inhibited ABCB1-mediated doxorubicin efflux; stimulated the ATPase activity of ABCB1 (ATP-binding cassette sub-family B member 1); and acted as an ABCB1 substrate. Molecular docking results suggested that isoxanthohumol bound to the central transmembrane domain of ABCB1 and its binding site overlapped with the doxorubicin binding site. The present studies demonstrated that isoxanthohumol was a competitive ABCB1 inhibitor which reversed ABCB1-mediated doxorubicin resistance in MCF-7/ADR cells; and therefore could be further developed to help with overcoming ABCB1-mediated drug resistance.
Evaluating Annual Maximum and Partial Duration Series for Estimating Frequency of Small Magnitude Floods
Authors: Karim Fazlul , Hasan Masud , Marvanek Steve
Published: June 2017

Understanding the nature of frequent floods is important for characterising channel morphology, riparian and aquatic habitat, and informing river restoration efforts. This paper presents results from an analysis on frequency estimates of low magnitude floods using the annual maximum and partial series data compared to actual flood series. Five frequency distribution models were fitted to data from 24 gauging stations in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) lagoon catchments in north-eastern Australia. Based on the goodness of fit test, Generalised Extreme Value, Generalised Pareto and Log Pearson Type 3 models were used to estimate flood frequencies across the study region. Results suggest frequency estimates based on a partial series are better, compared to an annual series, for small to medium floods, while both methods produce similar results for large floods. Although both methods converge at a higher recurrence interval, the convergence recurrence interval varies between catchments. Results also suggest frequency estimates vary slightly between two or more partial series, depending on flood threshold, and the differences are large for the catchments that experience less frequent floods. While a partial series produces better frequency estimates, it can underestimate or overestimate the frequency if the flood threshold differs largely compared to bankfull discharge. These results have significant implications in calculating the dependency of floodplain ecosystems on the frequency of flooding and their subsequent management.
Exploring Dust around HD 142527 down to 0.″025 (4 au) Using SPHERE/ZIMPOL
Authors: Avenhaus H. , Quanz S. P. , Schmid H. M. , Dominik C. , Stolker T. , Ginski C. , de Boer J. , Szulágyi J. , Garufi A. , Zurlo A. , Hagelberg J. , Benisty M. , Henning T. , Ménard F. , Meyer M. R. , Baruffolo A. , Bazzon A. , Beuzit J. L. , Costille A. , Dohlen K. , Girard J. H. , Gisler D. , Kasper M. , Mouillet D. , Pragt J. , Roelfsema R. , Salasnich B. , Sauvage J.-F.
Published: June 2017

We have observed the protoplanetary disk of the well-known young Herbig star HD 142527 using ZIMPOL polarimetric differential imaging with the very broad band (∼600–900 nm) filter. We obtained two data sets in 2015 May and 2016 March. Our data allow us to explore dust scattering around the star down to a radius of ∼0.″025 (∼4 au). The well-known outer disk is clearly detected at higher resolution than before and shows previously unknown substructures, including spirals going inward into the cavity. Close to the star, dust scattering is detected at high signal-to-noise ratio, but it is unclear whether the signal represents the inner disk, which has been linked to the two prominent local minima in the scattering of the outer disk that are interpreted as shadows. An interpretation of an inclined inner disk combined with a dust halo is compatible with both our and previous observations, but other arrangements of the dust cannot be ruled out. Dust scattering is also present within the large gap between ∼30 and ∼140 au. The comparison of the two data sets suggests rapid evolution of the inner regions of the disk, potentially driven by the interaction with the close-in M-dwarf companion, around which no polarimetric signal is detected.
The Dynamical Origin of the Local Arm and the Sun's Trapped Orbit
Authors: Lépine Jacques R. D. , Michtchenko Tatiana A. , Barros Douglas A. , Vieira Ronaldo S. S.
Published: June 2017

The Local Arm of the Milky Way, a short spiral feature near the Sun whose existence has been known for decades, was recently observed in detail with different tracers. Many efforts have been dedicated to elaborate plausible hypotheses concerning the origin of the main spiral arms of the Galaxy; however, up to now, no specific mechanism for the origin of the Local Arm has been proposed. Here we explain, for the first time, the Local Arm as an outcome of the spiral corotation resonance, which traps arm tracers and the Sun inside it. We show that the majority of maser sources belonging to the Local Arm, together with the Sun, evolve inside the corotation resonance, never crossing the main spiral arms but instead oscillating in the region between them. This peculiar behavior of the Sun could have numerous consequences for our understanding of the local kinematics of stars, the Galactic Habitable Zone, and the solar system evolution.
Analytic Expressions for the Inner-rim Structure of Passively Heated Protoplanetary Disks
Authors: Ueda Takahiro , Okuzumi Satoshi , Flock Mario
Published: June 2017

We analytically derive the expressions for the structure of the inner region of protoplanetary disks based on the results from the recent hydrodynamical simulations. The inner part of a disk can be divided into four regions: a dust-free region with a gas temperature in the optically thin limit, an optically thin dust halo, an optically thick condensation front, and the classical, optically thick region, in order from the innermost to the outermost. We derive the dust-to-gas mass ratio profile in the dust halo using the fact that partial dust condensation regulates the temperature relative to the dust evaporation temperature. Beyond the dust halo, there is an optically thick condensation front where all the available silicate gas condenses out. The curvature of the condensation surface is determined by the condition that the surface temperature must be nearly equal to the characteristic temperature ∼1200 K. We derive the midplane temperature in the outer two regions using the two-layer approximation, with the additional heating by the condensation front for the outermost region. As a result, the overall temperature profile is step-like, with steep gradients at the borders between the outer three regions. The borders might act as planet traps where the inward migration of planets due to gravitational interaction with the gas disk stops. The temperature at the border between the two outermost regions coincides with the temperature needed to activate magnetorotational instability, suggesting that the inner edge of the dead zone must lie at this border. The radius of the dead zone inner edge predicted from our solution is ∼2–3 times larger than that expected from the classical optically thick temperature.
Development of Accreditation Approach of Elderly Care Service Providers
Authors: Ng Artie W. , Leung Tiffany C. H. , Ho Jacky C. K.
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this book chapter is to explore the similarities and differences in the development of performance measures and accreditation systems for the quality assurance of elderly care service providers of Asian and Western origins, focusing on Hong Kong, Macau, Australia and Canada. Building on a proposed theoretical framework, this study utilizes a multiple-case study method to examine the influencing factors for the accreditation approach adopted by a jurisdiction. The findings suggest that the quality assurance of the elderly care service operators of the Asian origins as selected appears to lag behind those of the Western countries and undergo their own peculiar paths of development. Thus, Hong Kong and Macau could learn from the practical experience of Australia and Canada in terms of their concerted approaches for funding, accreditation and assessments under an increasingly market-driven service sector in which the well-being of the end-users needs to be adequately protected.
Analysis of Risk Factors for Breast Cancer Decision Support System in Egypt
Authors: El-Fatah Basma Emad Abd , Owis Mohamed I. , Abdel Wahed Manal
Published: June 2017

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women. A risk factor is anything that influences the possibility of obtaining a disease as cancer. The goal of this study is creating economic method for the early detection of breast cancer using risk factors. Two approaches were followed by applying classification techniques. In the first approach, benign, malignant and normal were classified. The second approach comprised two phases. In the first phase, normal and tumor cases were detected, then in the second phase benign and malignant cases were detected. Risk factors were ranked by two different feature selection methods. The best result accuracy of the first phase of the second approach was 96.7%. This could help in the detection of normal and tumor cases without mammography giving a fast diagnosing result, training of non-expert doctors and reducing mammography harms and false diagnosis of inexperienced doctors.
Formulating the Building Blocks for National Cyberpower
Authors: Jansen van Vuuren JC , Leenen Louise , Plint Graeme , Zaaiman Jannie , Phahlamohlaka Jackie
Published: June 2017

Cyber threats pose a growing risk to national security for all nations; cyberpower is consequently becoming an increasingly prominent driver in the attainment of national security for any state. This paper investigates the national cyberpower environment by analysing the elements of cyberspace as part of national security. David Jablonsky (1997) distinguishes between natural and social determinants of power in his discussion of national power. Also, Jablonsky refers to Ray Cline's formula (Cline, 1993) to determine a rough estimate of “perceived” national power by focusing primarily on a state's capacity to wage war. In this paper, the formula for Perceived Power (PP) will be adapted for use in cyberspace to create a similar formula for Perceived Cyberpower (PCP) that focuses primarily on a state's capacity for cyberwarfare. Military cyberpower is one of the critical elements of cyberpower. The paper also discusses how to operationalise military cyberpower.
An Empirical Study on Temporal Evolution Rule of Network Clustering Behavior
Authors: Zhi-Wei Tang , Fei Du , Ping Jiang
Published: June 2017

Using questionnaire survey, this paper studied the temporal evolution rule of network clustering behavior through descriptive statistical analysis and paired samples T Test, which analyzes network clustering behavior's expression in different phases during the developing of network group event. The result shows that: For the network clustering behavior, there is no significant difference between pro-phase and meta- phase of the network group events, the top three for behavior intensity are “network public opinion” behavior, “human flesh search” behavior and “network consensus” behavior; the last three for behavior intensity are “network fatwa” behavior, “network kuso” behavior and “network consensus violence” behavior; For the network clustering behavior, there are significant differences between meta- phase and anaphase of the network group events, compared to meta- phase, the “internet gossip” behavior, “network consensus” behavior, “network fatwa” behavior and ” network rally” behavior will be strengthened, ” network trial” behavior will diminish. Practical application: These network group events bring so many harmful effects for the comprehensive management of cyberspace for government. To find the evolution of network clustering behavior is highly necessary for the government to take immediate and effective measures when the network group event happens.
Integrating Software Defined Radio with USRP
Authors: Sheybani Ehsan , Javidi Giti
Published: June 2017

The USRP1 is the original Universal Software Radio Peripheral hardware (USRP) that provides entry-level RF processing capability. Its primary purpose is to provide flexible software defined radio development capability at a low price. You can control the frequency you receive and transmit by installing different daughter-boards. The authors' USRP model had been configured to receive a signal from local radio stations in the DC, Maryland metropolitan area with the BasicRX model daughterboard. The programmable USRP was running python block code implemented in the GNU Radio Companion (GRC) on Ubuntu OS. With proper parameters and sinks the authors were able to tune into the radio signal, record the signal and extract the in-phase (I) and quadrature phase (Q) data and plot the phase and magnitude of the signal. Using the terminal along with proper MATLAB and Octave code, they were able to read the I/Q data and look at the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) plot along with the I/Q data. With the proper equations, you could determine not only the direction of arrival, but one would also be able to calculate the distance from the receiver to the exact location where the signal is being transmitted. The purpose of doing this experiment was to gain experience in signal processing and receive hands on experience with the USRP and potentially add a tracking system to the authors' model for further experiments.
Routing Protocol for Cognitive Radio Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Alotaibi Ahemd M. , AlQahtani Salman A.
Published: June 2017

Routing is an important issue in cognitive radio ad hoc networks (CRAHNs) owing to the stochastic activity of primary users (PUs). In particular, route stability remains an important issue in the CRAHN protocols. In this paper, the authors propose a stability-weighted cumulative expected transmission time (SWCETT) routing protocol. The SWCETT routing protocol aims towards providing the most optimal route based on both quality of service (QoS) metrics, such as delay and throughput, and stability of the route in the CRAHN. The performance of the SWCETT routing protocol is determined through simulations and compared with other routing protocols. The proposed routing protocol is capable of providing better delay and throughput than other routing protocols. The results prove the importance of the route stability metric in raising the performance of CRAHNs.
Our Cyber-Systemic Future
Authors: Espejo Raul
Published: June 2017

How can systems and cybernetics address the issues arising from an increasingly complex world, that often is beyond our traditional response capabilities? The author argues that to address such complexity we require imaginative propositions and innovative behaviours to see and address the inherently systemic nature of our world, which too often is fragmented by policies driven by non-systemic models. Socially, we live in a world experiencing systemic deficit; our policy responses are often fragmented, but even if they are not, socially designed responses fail to recognise environmental constraints and produce innovative allocations of requisite resources to make them happen. The author argues that conversational spaces, such as those offered by the World Organisation of Systems and Cybernetics [WOSC], and other cybersystemic associations, should help dealing with fragmentation and resources allocation; he sees these conversations as necessary contributions to redress our systemic deficit. Systemic thinking should help in visualising social situations as wholes, thus reducing the chances of dysfunctional fragmentation and cybernetics should help us understanding processes of dynamic stability in the interactions among and between people, institutions, and organizations. Systemic thinking should give us methodological tools; cybernetics should give us communication tools to manage the complexity of situations from the local to the global. The paper discusses complexity management strategies, emphasising the need to deal operationally with this complexity rather than cognitively; operational complexity is orders of magnitude larger than cognitive complexity. The paper ends up with an illustration of these complexity management strategies in higher education.
Trogoderma variabile Ballion, 1878: a possible new pest of Italian entomological collections (Coleoptera: Dermestidae)
Authors: Nardi Gianluca , Vomero Vincenzo
Published: June 2017

The first infestation of an entomological collection in Italy by Trogoderma variabile Ballion, 1878 is recorded; it was detected in Rome in 2014. This record and another one from the Molise Region, are herein discussed. Distributional, biological and nomenclatural data on this polyphagous alien pest are summarized, and its possible local establishment is discussed.
Investigation of Kerr effect in a blue phase liquid crystal using wedge-cell technique
Authors: Orzechowski Kamil , Sierakowski Marek Wojciech , Sala-Tefelska Marzena , Woliński Tomasz Ryszard , Strzeżysz Olga , Kula Przemysław
Published: June 2017

In this work an alternative method for refractive index measurement of blue phase liquid crystal in the Kerr effect has been described. The proposed wedge method uses simple goniometric setup, allowing for direct index measurements for any wavelengths and index values. This is significant advantage comparing to other methods, usually having limitations of the measurement range as well as necessity complicated calculation to obtain refractive indices values. The results are reliable and agree well with the subject literature. Full Text: PDF ReferencesW. Cao et al., "Lasing in a three-dimensional photonic crystal of the liquid crystal blue phase II", Nat. Mater. 1, 111-113 (2002). CrossRef S. Meiboom, M. Sammon, W.F. Brinkman, "Lattice of disclinations: The structure of the blue phases of cholesteric liquid crystals", Phys. Rev. A. 27, 438 (1983). CrossRef S. Tanaka et al., "Double-twist cylinders in liquid crystalline cholesteric blue phases observed by transmission electron microscopy", Sci. Rep. 5, 16180 (2015). CrossRef Y. Li and S.-T. Wu, "Polarization independent adaptive microlens with a blue-phase liquid crystal", Opt. Express 19(9), 8045-8050 (2011). CrossRef N. Rong et al., "Polymer-Stabilized Blue-Phase Liquid Crystal Fresnel Lens Cured With Patterned Light Using a Spatial Light Modulator", J. of Disp. Technol. 12(10), 1008-1012 (2016). CrossRef J.-D. Lin et al., "Spatially tunable photonic bandgap of wide spectral range and lasing emission based on a blue phase wedge cell", Opt. Express 22(24), 29479-29492 (2014). CrossRef P. Joshi et al., "Tunable light beam steering device using polymer stabilized blue phase liquid crystals", Photon. Lett. Poland 9(1), 11-13 (2017). CrossRef Ch.-W. Chen et al., "Temperature dependence of refractive index in blue phase liquid crystals", Opt. Mater. Express 3(5), 527-532 (2013). CrossRef Y.-H. Lin et al., "Measuring electric-field-induced birefringence in polymer stabilized blue-phase liquid crystals based on phase shift measurements", J. Appl. Phys. 109, 104503 (2011). CrossRef J. Yan et al., "Direct measurement of electric-field-induced birefringence in a polymer-stabilized blue-phase liquid crystal composite", Opt. Express 18(11), 11450-11455 (2010). CrossRef K.A. Rutkowska, K. Orzechowski, M. Sierakowski, "Wedge-cell technique as a simple and effective method for chromatic dispersion determination of liquid crystals", Photon. Lett. Poland 8(2), 51-53 (2016). CrossRef O. Chojnowska et al., "Electro-optical properties of photochemically stable polymer-stabilized blue-phase material", J. Appl. Phys. 116, 213505 (2014). CrossRef J. Yan et al., "Extended Kerr effect of polymer-stabilized blue-phase liquid crystals", Appl. Phys. Lett. 96, 071105 (2010). CrossRef M. Chen et al., "Electrically assisting crystal growth of blue phase liquid crystals", Opt. Mater. Express 4(5), 953-959 (2014). CrossRef J. Kerr, Philos. Mag. 50, 337 (1875).
Impacto de un sistema autómata audiovisual en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje del Diseño Gráfico
Authors: Salas Rueda R. A.
Published: June 2017

Actualmente, las universidades en México están ofreciendo diversas opciones educativas para satisfacer las necesidades del segmento de mercado conformado por personas que combinan las actividades laborales con las académicas. Regularmente, estos estudiantes no pueden asistir a todas las sesiones del curso, lo cual ha originado dificultades para la asimilación y reutilización del conocimiento. Por esta razón, el docente de la asignatura “Diseño asistido por computadora” construyó el Sistema Autómata Audiovisual (SAA) para ofrecer al estudiante una herramienta tecnológica que facilite el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje por medio de la personalización de los contenidos audiovisuales. Esta investigación se realizó en una universidad ubicada en el Distrito Federal, México y se apoya en el Enfoque Cuantitativo por medio del método ANOVA con los niveles de significancia de 0.05 y 0.01 para analizar el comportamiento de 21 estudiantes antes y después de utilizar el SAA como apoyo didáctico en el curso presencial 2014-3. La arquitectura del SAA utiliza los siguientes elementos para facilitar el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje: el autómata para la selección y adaptación de los contenidos audiovisuales, la interfaz Web usable construida considerando el lenguaje HTML5 y  los cuestionarios sobre el estilo de aprendizaje (visual o auditivo) y el nivel de conocimiento. Finalmente, este estudio ofrece una alternativa tecnológica para mejorar el contexto educativo por medio de la arquitectura del SAA la cual considera las características y necesidades de los estudiantes.