bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a Taxonomy of Keywords for Engineering Education Research
Authors: Finelli Cynthia J. , Borrego Maura , Rasoulifar Golnoosh
Published: October 2015

The diversity of engineering education research provides an opportunity for cross‐fertilization of ideas and creativity, but it also can result in fragmentation of the field and duplication of effort. One solution is to establish a standardized taxonomy of engineering education terms to map the field and communicate and connect research initiatives. This report describes the process for developing such a taxonomy, the EER Taxonomy. Although the taxonomy focuses on engineering education research in the United States, inclusive efforts have engaged 266 individuals from 149 cities in 30 countries during one multiday workshop, seven conference sessions, and several other virtual and in‐person activities. The resulting taxonomy comprises 455 terms arranged in 14 branches and six levels. This taxonomy was found to satisfy four criteria for validity and reliability: (1) keywords assigned to a set of abstracts were reproducible by multiple researchers, (2) the taxonomy comprised terms that could be selected as keywords to fully describe 243 articles in three journals, (3) the keywords for those 243 articles were evenly distributed across the branches of the taxonomy, and (4) the authors of 31 conference papers agreed with 90% of researcher‐assigned keywords. This report also describes guidelines developed to help authors consistently assign keywords for their articles by encouraging them to choose terms from three categories: (1) context/focus/topic, (2) purpose/target/motivation, and (3) research approach.
“I Am an Engineer AND”: A Mixed Methods Study of Socially Engaged Engineers
Authors: Litchfield Kaitlin , Javernick‐Will Amy
Published: October 2015

Background

Socially engaged engineering activities such as community development have grown rapidly in popularity. The engineers who participate in these activities seem more diverse and more broadly interested than the larger population of engineers in the United States.

Purpose/Hypothesis

This article compares the personal attributes, specifically personality traits and motivations to study engineering, of members of a prominent engineering service organization, Engineers Without Borders (EWB‐USA), with the attributes of engineers who were not members.

Design/Method

Using an exploratory, sequential mixed methods approach that combined variable‐oriented analysis of interviews and focus groups with multiple logistic regression models from responses to a national survey, we compared engineers' personality traits and motivations to study engineering.

Results

Results indicate that both EWB‐USA members and nonmembers exhibit strong personality traits for conscientiousness and emotional stability. Both members and nonmembers have similar intrinsic engineering interests and motivations. EWB‐USA members have significantly stronger personality traits for openness to experience and agreeableness, stronger motivations for social good, and broader interests than do nonmembers.

Conclusions

EWB‐USA members have personal attributes that match those of other engineers, but they have broader interests and motivations than do other engineers. These differences suggest including socially engaged engineering activities in engineering may increase the number and broaden the diversity of engineering students and practitioners.
Morphology of sealant/enamel interface after surface treatment with bioactive glass
Authors: de Carvalho Panzeri Pires‐de‐Souza Fernanda , Silveira Renata Espíndola , Abuna Gabriel , Chinelatti Michelle Alexandra , Alandia‐Román Carla Cecilia , Sinhoreti Mario Alexandre Coelho
Published: October 2015

The purpose of this study was to analyze, by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the morphology of sealant/enamel interface after surface treatment with Biosilicate. Before pits and fissures sealing, the occlusal surfaces of 10 sound human molars were sectioned perpendicularly at the fissures in order to obtain three slices for each tooth. Slices were randomly assigned into three groups (n = 10) according to sealing protocol: Group 1‐ Acid etching + Biosilicate + glass ionomer‐based sealant (Clinpro XT Varnish, 3M ESPE); Group 2‐ Acid etching + glass ionomer‐based sealant (Clinpro XT Varnish, 3M ESPE); Group 3‐ No sealing. All slices were subjected to thermal cycling (5,000 cycles; 5–55°C; dwell time: 30s). Half of the slices from each group (n = 5) were analyzed by CLSM and the other half by SEM. Groups 1 and 2 were also submitted to EDS analysis and their data were evaluated by Two‐Way ANOVA e Tukey's test (α=5%). EDS data analysis showed higher amounts of silicon (Si) ions than calcium (Ca) ions in Group 1 (P < 0.05); Group 2 presented higher amounts (P < 0.05) of Ca ions than Si ions. It may be concluded that the use of Biosilicate for surface treatment did not affect the morphology of glass ionomer‐based sealant/enamel interfaces. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:1062–1068, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetically‐defined ovarian cancer mouse models
Authors: Morin Patrice J , Weeraratna Ashani T
Published: October 2015

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), the deadliest of gynaecological cancers, is a disease that remains difficult to detect early and treat efficiently. A significant challenge for researchers in the field is that the aetiology of EOC and the molecular pathways important for its development are poorly understood. Moreover, precursor lesions have not been readily identifiable, making the mechanisms of EOC progression difficult to delineate. In order to address these issues, several genetically‐defined ovarian mouse models have been generated in the past 15 years. However, because of the recent suggestion that most EOCs may not originate from the ovarian surface ‘epithelium’, but from other tissues of the female genital tract, some models may need to be re‐evaluated within this new paradigm. In this review, we examine several genetically‐defined EOC models and discuss how the new paradigm may explain some of the features of these models. A better understanding of the strengths and limitations of the current EOC mouse models will undoubtedly allow us to utilize these tools to better understand the biology of the disease and develop new approaches for EOC prevention, detection, and treatment. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Over‐expression of prothymosin‐α antagonizes TGFβ signalling to promote the development of emphysema
Authors: Su Bing‐Hua , Tseng Yau‐Lin , Shieh Gia‐Shing , Chen Yi‐Cheng , Wu Pensee , Shiau Ai‐Li , Wu Chao‐Liang
Published: October 2015

Emphysema, a major consequence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by the permanent airflow restriction resulting from enlargement of alveolar airspace and loss of lung elasticity. Transforming growth factor‐β (TGFβ) signalling regulates the balance of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)/tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP) to control matrix homeostasis. Patients with COPD have dysregulated TGFβ signalling and reduced histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity through epigenetic up‐regulation of histone acetylation in the promoters of pro‐inflammatory genes. However, the potential link between decreased HDAC activity and dysregulated TGFβ signalling in emphysema pathogenesis remains to be determined. Prothymosin α (ProT), a highly conserved acidic nuclear protein, plays a role in the acetylation of histone and non‐histone proteins. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that ProT inhibits TGFβ–Smad signalling through Smad7, thereby contributing to emphysema pathogenesis. We show that ProT enhances Smad7 acetylation by decreasing its association with HDAC and thereby down‐regulates TGFβ–Smad signalling. ProT caused an imbalance between MMP and TIMP through acetylated Smad7 in favour of MMP expression. In addition to interfering with R‐Smad activation and targeting receptors for degradation in the cytoplasm, acetylated Smad7 potentiated by ProT competitively antagonized binding of the pSmad2/3–Smad4 complex to the TIMP‐3 promoter, resulting in reduced TIMP‐3 expression. These effects were detected in ProT‐over‐expressing cells, lungs of ProT transgenic mice displaying an emphysema phenotype and in emphysema patients. Importantly, increased Smad7 and reduced TIMP‐3 were found in the lungs of emphysema patients and mice with cigarette smoke extract (CSE)‐induced emphysema. Such effects could be abrogated by silencing endogenous ProT expression. Collectively, our results uncover acetylated Smad7 regulated by ProT as an important determinant in dysregulated TGFβ signalling that contributes to emphysema pathogenesis. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Endocrine Dysfunction in Diamond–Blackfan Anemia (DBA): A Report from the DBA Registry (DBAR)
Authors: Lahoti Amit , Harris Yael T , Speiser Phyllis W , Atsidaftos Evangelia , Lipton Jeffrey M , Vlachos Adrianna
Published: October 2015

Background

Diamond–Blackfan anemia (DBA) is a rare inherited bone marrow failure syndrome. The mainstays of treatment involve chronic red cell transfusions, long‐term glucocorticoid therapy, and stem cell transplantation. Systematic data concerning endocrine function in DBA are limited. We studied patients in the DBA Registry (DBAR) of North America to assess the prevalence of various endocrinopathies.

Procedure

In a pilot study, retrospective data were collected for 12 patients with DBA. Subsequently, patients with DBA aged 1–39 years were recruited prospectively. Combined, 57 patients were studied; 38 chronically transfused, 12 glucocorticoid‐dependent, and seven in remission. Data were collected on anthropometric measurements, systematic screening of pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pancreatic, and gonadal function, and ferritin levels. Descriptive statistics were tabulated and group differences were assessed.

Results

Fifty‐three percent of patients had ≥1 endocrine disorder, including adrenal insufficiency (32%), hypogonadism (29%), hypothyroidism (14%), growth hormone dysfunction (7%), diabetes mellitus (2%), and/or diabetes insipidus (2%). Ten of the 33 patients with available heights had height standard deviation less than −2. Low 25‐hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were present in 50%. A small proportion also had osteopenia, osteoporosis, or hypercalciuria. Most with adrenal insufficiency were glucocorticoid dependent; other endocrinopathies were more common in chronically transfused patients.

Conclusions

Endocrine dysfunction is common in DBA, as early as the teenage years. Although prevalence is highest in transfused patients, patients taking glucocorticoids or in remission also have endocrine dysfunction. Longitudinal studies are needed to better understand the etiology and true prevalence of these disorders.
Redundancy‐based iterative method to select multiple safe replication sites for risk‐aware data replication
Authors: Matsumoto Shinya , Nakamura Takaki , Muraoka Hiroaki
Published: October 2015

This paper presents a method to solve the ‘replication site decision problem’ (RSDP) in a short computation time in the case of multiple replicas. RSDP is a problem of finding which combination with pairs of primary‐replication sites is the safest when an assumed disaster such as an earthquake affects hundreds or thousands of sites. The existing representation of RSDP is solvable, but it frequently takes much computation time to seek an optimal solution because numerous replicas cause a rapid increase in the number of primary‐replication site combinations. The proposed heuristic method, derived from redundancy‐based problem partitioning and iterative parameter update techniques, reduces the number of combinations at the slight cost of data availability in the disaster‐affected area. Computation time evaluation shows that the proposed method with two or three replicas costs at most twice or thrice, respectively, as much time as that of the original RSDP with one replica, independently of the number of sites. However, the original RSDP with two replicas costs 5 times as much time as that of the original RSDP at 10 sites and 3036 times at 80 sites. Moreover, the data availability cost of the proposed method is only 0.1%. © 2015 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Syntheses, Structures, and Luminescent Properties of d10 Coordination Polymers with 2‐(4‐Carboxyphenyl)‐imidazo[4, 5‐f]‐1, 10‐phenanthroline and 1, 3‐Benzenedicarboxylate Derivatives
Authors: Fang Jie‐Fang , Cheng Jing‐Xiang , Huang Shu‐Ting , Zhang Jing , Ni Chang‐Qiong , Xiong Yan‐Ju , Cheng Qian , Zhu Fei‐Fei , Li Yun , Yue Shan‐Tang
Published: October 2015

Four ZnII/CdII coordination polymers (CPs) based on 2‐(4‐carboxy‐phenyl)imidazo[4, 5‐f]‐1, 10‐phenanthroline (HNCP) and different derivatives of 5‐R‐1, 3‐benzenedicarboxylate (5‐R‐1, 3‐BDC) (R = NO2, H, OH), [Zn(HNCP)(5‐NO2‐1, 3‐BDC)]n (1), [Cd(HNCP)(5‐NO2‐1, 3‐BDC)]n (2), [Zn(HNCP)(1, 3‐BDC)(H2O)2]n (3), and {[Zn(HNCP)(5‐OH‐1, 3‐BDC)(H2O)·H2O}n (4) were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Compounds 1–4 were determined by elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy, and single‐crystal and powder X‐ray diffraction. Compounds 1 and 2 are isomorphous, presenting a 4‐connected uninodal (4, 4)‐sql 2D framework with threefold interpenetration, which are further extended into the three‐dimensional (3D) supramolecular architecture through π···π stacking interactions between the aryl rings of 5‐NO2‐1, 3‐BDC. Compared to compound 1, 3 is obtained by using different reaction temperatures and metal‐ligand ratios, generating a 3D framework with –ABAB– fashion via π···π stacking interactions. Compound 4 is a 1D chain, which is further extended into a 3D supramolecular net by hydrogen bonds and π···π stacking interactions. The thermogravimetric and fluorescence properties of 1–4 were also explored.
Development, Experience, and Expression of Meaning in Genetic Counselors’ Lives: an Exploratory Analysis
Authors: Wells David M. , McCarthy Veach Patricia , Martyr Meredith A. , LeRoy Bonnie S.
Published: October 2015

Genetic counselors routinely engage with patients and families who grapple with questions of meaning while making decisions about genetic risk. Research and theory demonstrate genetic counselors gain important personal insights through their work and develop professionally from self‐reflective practice regarding their beliefs and values. Data are lacking, however, about the nature of the meaning genetic counselors bring to their profession and how they directly experience and/or navigate issues of meaning within clinical practice over time. Accordingly, a national sample (N = 298) of practicing genetic counselors completed a brief survey assessing their demographic characteristics and willingness to participate in a semi‐structured telephone interview exploring their views on meaning as they relate to their clinical work and professional development. Sixty‐eight individuals of varied experience levels were interviewed about: 1) how they define a meaningful life for themselves; 2) lifetime sources of influence on their sense of meaning; 3) how they experience meaning within both personal and professional contexts; 4) work‐related contexts that reaffirm and challenge their sense of meaning; and 5) how their sense of meaning has changed over time. Twenty‐five interviews were analyzed using Consensual Qualitative Research methods, at which point, data saturation was reached. Five themes, 32 domains, and 29 categories were extracted. Common findings include: importance of satisfying relationships; helping others; personal fulfillment; personal and patient experiences of illness and loss; religious and/or spiritual foundations; value conflicts; competing obligations; challenges to meaning; development of empathy; resiliency; and increased humility. Results suggest the importance of professional venues for discussions of meaning (e.g., genetic counseling program curricula, continuing education, and peer supervision/consultation). Additional findings, practice implications, and research recommendations are presented.
Towards a conceptual framework on the categorization of stereotypical perceptions in accounting
Authors: Richardson Peter , Dellaportas Steven , Perera Luckmika , Richardson Ben
Published: October 2015

The stereotypical image of the profession is poor with accountants appearing in the popular media as either the object of satire or the criminally inclined expert who deceives the public for self-gain. Extant research on the portrayal of the stereotypic accountant is limited in two ways: (1) existing research assumes a unitary concept by inferring a dominant image when the accountant stereotype is multifaceted; and (2) it is unclear from existing research whether the dominant image results from perceived character traits or the duties undertaken by accountants. This paper relies on qualitative methods of data analysis to unpack the elements that underpin stereotypical images in accounting to develop a framework of external perceptions that distinguishes one image from another. The framework is constructed on two broad criteria that comprise accountants (personality traits and physical characteristics) and accounting (task functionality). The interplay of these two criteria creates four subtypes representing positive (Scorekeeper and Guardian) and negative (Beancounter and Entrepreneur) interpretations of the two basic categorizations: bookkeeper and business professional. Further analysis revealed four primary dimensions (Ethics and Sociable, Skill and Service) that underlie the construction of the subtypes. In general, the ‘Scorekeeper’ rates more highly than the ‘Beancounter’ on ‘Ethics and Sociable’ and the ‘Guardian’ rates more highly than the ‘Entrepreneur’ on ‘Ethics’. Accounting researchers and the profession could benefit from understanding how stereotypical perceptions are constructed and managed.
The evolution of Class II Aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases and the first code
Authors: Smith Temple F. , Hartman Hyman
Published: October 2015

Class II Aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases are a set of very ancient multi domain proteins. The evolution of the catalytic domain of Class II synthetases can be reconstructed from three peptidyl‐hairpins. Further evolution from this primordial catalytic core leads to a split of the Class II synthetases into two divisions potentially associated with the operational code. The earliest form of this code likely coded predominantly Glycine (Gly), Proline (Pro), Alanine (Ala) and “Lysine”/Aspartic acid (Lys/Asp). There is a paradox in these synthetases beginning with a hairpin structure before the Genetic Code existed. A resolution is found in the suggestion that the primordial Aminoacyl synthetases formed in a transition from a Thioester world to a Phosphate ester world.
An inverting β‐1,2‐mannosidase belonging to glycoside hydrolase family 130 from Dyadobacter fermentans
Authors: Nihira Takanori , Chiku Kazuhiro , Suzuki Erika , Nishimoto Mamoru , Fushinobu Shinya , Kitaoka Motomitsu , Ohtsubo Ken'ichi , Nakai Hiroyuki
Published: October 2015

The glycoside hydrolase family (GH) 130 is composed of inverting phosphorylases that catalyze reversible phosphorolysis of β‐d‐mannosides. Here we report a glycoside hydrolase as a new member of GH130. Dfer_3176 from Dyadobacter fermentans showed no synthetic activity using α‐d‐mannose 1‐phosphate but it released α‐d‐mannose from β‐1,2‐mannooligosaccharides with an inversion of the anomeric configuration, indicating that Dfer_3176 is a β‐1,2‐mannosidase. Mutational analysis indicated that two glutamic acid residues are critical for the hydrolysis of β‐1,2‐mannotriose. The two residues are not conserved among GH130 phosphorylases and are predicted to assist the nucleophilic attack of a water molecule in the hydrolysis of the β‐d‐mannosidic bond.
Profiling metabolic remodeling in PP2Acα deficiency and chronic pressure overload mouse hearts
Authors: Dong Dachuan , Li Liangyuan , Gu Pengyu , Jin Tao , Wen Mingda , Yuan Caihua , Gao Xiang , Liu Chang , Zhang Zhao
Published: October 2015

Our understanding of how metabolic switches occur in the failing heart is still limited. Here, we report the emblematic pattern of metabolic alternations in two different mouse models. PP2Acα deficient hearts exhibited a dramatic decrease in the levels of mRNA encoding for transporters and enzymes involved in glucose utilization, which compensated by higher expression levels of genes controlling fatty acid utilization. These features were partly reproduced in cultured PP2Acα KD cardiomyocytes. Equivalently, a decrease in the expression of most of the transporters and enzymes controlling both glucose and fatty acid metabolism were observed in TAC model.
Prospective observational study of near‐miss obstetric events at two tertiary hospitals in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Authors: Kulkarni Ragini , Chauhan Sanjay , Daver Rekha , Nandanwar Yogeshwar , Patil Anushree , Bhosale Archana
Published: October 2015

Objective

To review the incidence and patterns of near‐miss obstetric events (defined as “A woman who nearly died but survived a complication that occurred during pregnancy, childbirth or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy”), as well as studying the classification criteria for near‐miss events.

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted in two tertiary hospitals in Mumbai. Women with near‐miss obstetric events were interviewed during the period September 2012–August 2013.

Results

There were 884 near‐miss events among 877 women, with seven patients readmitted. Clinical‐criteria for near‐miss events, accounting for 701 (79.3%) cases, were the commonest among the three classifications of near‐miss events. Among the cases observed, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (472 [53.4%]), severe anemia (185 [20.9%]), and postpartum hemorrhage 68 [7.7%]) were the most common causes of near‐miss events. The most common problem encountered by patients prior to hospital admission for the near‐miss cases was the unavailability of treatment at lower‐level health facilities, affecting 598 (68.2%) of the 877 study participants.

Conclusion

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, postpartum hemorrhage, and severe anemia remain important determinants in maternal morbidity. Facilities and training at first‐referral units should be improved so that they can respond better to basic obstetric emergencies such as sepsis, hemorrhage, and shock.
Slovenia in crisis: A tale of unfinished democratization in East-Central Europe
Authors: Bugaric Bojan , Kuhelj Alenka
Published: October 2015

Slovenia, until recently a “success story” of the transition from communism to democracy and the rule of law, is experiencing its biggest constitutional and political crisis since its independence in 1991. The Slovenian constitutional model is currently facing a simultaneous economic and political crisis. The article argues that there are two principle reasons for this apparent decline of the Slovenian model. First, because of its relatively privileged position vis-a-vis other East Central European countries, Slovenia has been a reluctant reformer, doing very little to actually change its institutional setup from the communist past. Second, when Slovenia implemented reforms, it did it in a very particular way: as an uncritical model-taker of policy models from the West. This mimicry was done in a fairly top down, bureaucratic way, creating institutions without deep enough roots in society, and without necessary trial and error style usually needed for successful evaluation of proposed reforms.
Epidemiology of Search and Rescue in Baxter State Park: Dangers of Descent and Fatigue
Authors: Welter Chris R. , Sholl J. Matthew , Strout Tania D. , Woodard Ben
Published: October 2015

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the epidemiology of injury in Baxter State Park, Maine, and to better tailor search and rescue (SAR) resources, personnel, and training to acute needs in the park.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of all SAR incident reports in Baxter State Park from July 1992 through June 2014. For each event, demographics, location, time, activity before the incident, incident details, and evacuation means were recorded and analyzed.

Results

In all, 754 incidents of SAR or medical need were identified. Mean age was 38.9 years; mean age for subjects with fatigue as the primary complaint was 48.7 years. A majority (60.5%) of victims were male. Nineteen fatalities occurred during the study. Traumatic injuries precipitated 51% of SAR incidents, and an additional 30% were initiated for late or lost parties. Slips or falls while hiking were the most common causes of injury (67%), with the lower extremity being the most common injury site (31%). When applicable, 84.4% of acute need occurred while descending, as opposed to ascending, a mountain. Fatigue was the most commonly reported medical emergency, causative in 66% of medical SAR events.

Conclusions

Fatigue is a major factor in SAR events, both as a discreet cause and as a contributor to other injuries. Search and rescue need is more likely to occur during mountain descent, and lower extremity injuries are the most common etiology. Efforts should be focused on training rescuers in lower extremity and fatigue treatment, and more rescuers should be available when many are descending.
Control of Pim2 kinase stability and expression in transformed human haematopoietic cells
Authors: Adam Kévin , Lambert Mireille , Lestang Elsa , Champenois Gabriel , Dusanter-Fourt Isabelle , Tamburini Jérôme , Bouscary Didier , Lacombe Catherine , Zermati Yael , Mayeux Patrick
Published: October 2015

The oncogenic Pim2 kinase is overexpressed in several haematological malignancies, such as multiple myeloma and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), and constitutes a strong therapeutic target candidate. Like other Pim kinases, Pim2 is constitutively active and is believed to be essentially regulated through its accumulation. We show that in leukaemic cells, the three Pim2 isoforms have dramatically short half-lives although the longer isoform is significantly more stable than the shorter isoforms. All isoforms present a cytoplasmic localization and their degradation was neither modified by broad-spectrum kinase or phosphatase inhibitors such as staurosporine or okadaic acid nor by specific inhibition of several intracellular signalling pathways including Erk, Akt and mTORC1. Pim2 degradation was inhibited by proteasome inhibitors but Pim2 ubiquitination was not detected even by blocking both proteasome activity and protein de-ubiquitinases (DUBs). Moreover, Pyr41, an ubiquitin-activating enzyme (E1) inhibitor, did not stabilize Pim2, strongly suggesting that Pim2 was degraded by the proteasome without ubiquitination. In agreement, we observed that purified 20S proteasome particles could degrade Pim2 molecule in vitro. Pim2 mRNA accumulation in UT7 cells was controlled by erythropoietin (Epo) through STAT5 transcription factors. In contrast, the translation of Pim2 mRNA was not regulated by mTORC1. Overall, our results suggest that Pim2 is only controlled by its mRNA accumulation level. Catalytically active Pim2 accumulated in proteasome inhibitor-treated myeloma cells. We show that Pim2 inhibitors and proteasome inhibitors, such as bortezomib, have additive effects to inhibit the growth of myeloma cells, suggesting that Pim2 could be an interesting target for the treatment of multiple myeloma.
Optimizing Vowel Formant Measurements in Four Acoustic Analysis Systems for Diverse Speaker Groups
Authors: Derdemezis Ekaterini , Vorperian Houri K. , Kent Ray D. , Fourakis Marios , Reinicke Emily L. , Bolt Daniel M.
Published: October 2015

Purpose

This study systematically assessed the effects of select linear predictive coding (LPC) analysis parameter manipulations on vowel formant measurements for diverse speaker groups using 4 trademarked Speech Acoustic Analysis Software Packages (SAASPs): CSL, Praat, TF32, and WaveSurfer.

Method

Productions of 4 words containing the corner vowels were recorded from 4 speaker groups with typical development (male and female adults and male and female children) and 4 speaker groups with Down syndrome (male and female adults and male and female children). Formant frequencies were determined from manual measurements using a consensus analysis procedure to establish formant reference values, and from the 4 SAASPs (using both the default analysis parameters and with adjustments or manipulations to select parameters). Smaller differences between values obtained from the SAASPs and the consensus analysis implied more optimal analysis parameter settings.

Results

Manipulations of default analysis parameters in CSL, Praat, and TF32 yielded more accurate formant measurements, though the benefit was not uniform across speaker groups and formants. In WaveSurfer, manipulations did not improve formant measurements.

Conclusions

The effects of analysis parameter manipulations on accuracy of formant-frequency measurements varied by SAASP, speaker group, and formant. The information from this study helps to guide clinical and research applications of SAASPs.
Prototyping of beam position monitor for medium energy beam transport section of RAON heavy ion accelerator
Authors: Jang Hyojae , Jin Hyunchang , Jang Ji-Ho , Hong In-Seok
Published: October 2015

A heavy ion accelerator, RAON is going to be built by Rare Isotope Science Project in Korea. Its target is to accelerate various stable ions such as uranium, proton, and xenon from electron cyclotron resonance ion source and some rare isotopes from isotope separation on-line. The beam shaping, charge selection, and modulation should be applied to the ions from these ion sources because RAON adopts a superconducting linear accelerator structure for beam acceleration. For such treatment, low energy beam transport, radio frequency quadrupole, and medium energy beam transport (MEBT) will be installed in injector part of RAON accelerator. Recently, development of a prototype of stripline beam position monitor (BPM) to measure the position of ion beams in MEBT section is under way. In this presentation, design of stripline, electromagnetic (EM) simulation results, and RF measurement test results obtained from the prototyped BPM will be described.
On the motion of two point vortex pairs with glide-reflective symmetry in a periodic strip
Authors: Basu Saikat , Stremler Mark A.
Published: October 2015

The motion of four point vortices with zero net circulation in a potential flow contained within a two-dimensional, singly periodic domain (i.e., a periodic strip) is determined under the assumption of a spatial symmetry that is preserved by the dynamics. This symmetry is inspired by the patterns observed in two-pair (2P) vortex wakes, in which four neighboring vortices appear as two pairs with a glide-reflective symmetry: the arrangement of each pair is related to the other by a reflection about the wake centerline and a half-period translation along the wake centerline. Under the assumed constraints, the problem can be reduced to an integrable Hamiltonian system. Vortex motions are classified using a bifurcation analysis of the phase space topology as determined by level curves of the Hamiltonian. Unlike the well-known von Kármán point vortex model, in which a singly periodic system of two point vortices with glide-reflective symmetry is always in relative equilibrium, this four-point-vortex system exhibits a rich variety of relative motions for almost all possible initial conditions. Five distinct classes of relative vortex motion are identified, encompassing a total of 12 different types of motion, suggesting that experimental wakes with four vortices formed per shedding cycle may exhibit behaviors not yet explored in the literature. A finite number of initial conditions do correspond to relative equilibria, in which case the vortex configuration propagates downstream with invariant size and shape. Some of these relative equilibria are neutrally stable to perturbations that preserve the system constraints, while others are unstable, leading to large deviations from the equilibrium configuration.
Experimental determination of some equilibrium parameter of Damavand tokamak by magnetic probe measurements for representing a physical model for plasma vertical movement
Authors: Darestani Farahani N. , Abbasi Davani F.
Published: October 2015

This investigation is about plasma modeling for the control of vertical instabilities in Damavand tokamak. This model is based on online magnetic measurement. The algebraic equation defining the vertical position in this model is based on instantaneous force-balance. Two parameters in this equation, including decay index, n, and lambda, Λ, have been considered as functions of time-varying poloidal field coil currents and plasma current. Then these functions have been used in a code generated for modeling the open loop response of plasma. The main restriction of the suitability analysis of the model is that the experiments always have to be performed in the presence of a control loop for stabilizing vertical position. As a result, open loop response of the system has been identified from closed loop experimental data by nonlinear neural network identification method. The results of comparison of physical model with identified open loop response from closed loop experiments show root mean square error percentage less than 10%. The results are satisfying that the physical model is useful as a Damavand tokamak vertical movement simulator.
Simulation of diatomic gas-wall interaction and accommodation coefficients for negative ion sources and accelerators
Authors: Sartori E. , Brescaccin L. , Serianni G.
Published: October 2015

Particle-wall interactions determine in different ways the operating conditions of plasma sources, ion accelerators, and beams operating in vacuum. For instance, a contribution to gas heating is given by ion neutralization at walls; beam losses and stray particle production—detrimental for high current negative ion systems such as beam sources for fusion—are caused by collisional processes with residual gas, with the gas density profile that is determined by the scattering of neutral particles at the walls. This paper shows that Molecular Dynamics (MD) studies at the nano-scale can provide accommodation parameters for gas-wall interactions, such as the momentum accommodation coefficient and energy accommodation coefficient: in non-isothermal flows (such as the neutral gas in the accelerator, coming from the plasma source), these affect the gas density gradients and influence efficiency and losses in particular of negative ion accelerators. For ideal surfaces, the computation also provides the angular distribution of scattered particles. Classical MD method has been applied to the case of diatomic hydrogen molecules. Single collision events, against a frozen wall or a fully thermal lattice, have been simulated by using probe molecules. Different modelling approximations are compared.
Neutral resonant ionization in a H− plasma source: Potential of doubly excited **H−
Authors: Vogel J. S.
Published: October 2015

Hydrogen plasmas are optically dense to Lyman-α radiation, maintaining *H(n = 2) neutral atoms that may undergo neutral resonant ionization to **H−. One state, **H−(2p2 3Pe), is thought bound at 9.7 meV with a several nanosecond lifetime while all others are unbound resonances. Collision dynamics of two *H(2s) shows that an ionic pair of (p, **H−) resolves at least three long-standing collision experiments. The doubly excited anion also has a path to the unexcited ion pair whose only physical distinction is that both (p, H−) have energy of 3.7 eV.
Self-organization in suspensions of end-functionalized semiflexible polymers under shear flow
Authors: Myung Jin Suk , Winkler Roland G. , Gompper Gerhard
Published: October 2015

The nonequilibrium dynamical behavior and structure formation of end-functionalized semiflexible polymer suspensions under flow are investigated by mesoscale hydrodynamic simulations. The hybrid simulation approach combines the multiparticle collision dynamics method for the fluid, which accounts for hydrodynamic interactions, with molecular dynamics simulations for the semiflexible polymers. In equilibrium, various kinds of scaffold-like network structures are observed, depending on polymer flexibility and end-attraction strength. We investigate the flow behavior of the polymer networks under shear and analyze their nonequilibrium structural and rheological properties. The scaffold structure breaks up and densified aggregates are formed at low shear rates, while the structural integrity is completely lost at high shear rates. We provide a detailed analysis of the shear- rate-dependent flow-induced structures. The studies provide a deeper understanding of the formation and deformation of network structures in complex materials.
Rupture of DNA aptamer: New insights from simulations
Authors: Mishra Rakesh Kumar , Nath Shesh , Kumar Sanjay
Published: October 2015

Base-pockets (non-complementary base-pairs) in a double-stranded DNA play a crucial role in biological processes. Because of thermal fluctuations, it can lower the stability of DNA, whereas, in case of DNA aptamer, small molecules, e.g., adenosinemonophosphate and adenosinetriphosphate, form additional hydrogen bonds with base-pockets termed as “binding-pockets,” which enhance the stability. Using the Langevin dynamics simulations of coarse grained model of DNA followed by atomistic simulations, we investigated the influence of base-pocket and binding-pocket on the stability of DNA aptamer. Striking differences have been reported here for the separation induced by temperature and force, which require further investigation by single molecule experiments.
Investigation of different magnetic field configurations using an electrical, modular Zeeman slower
Authors: Ohayon Ben , Ron Guy
Published: October 2015

We present a method of constructing an automatically reconfigurable, modular, electronic Zeeman slower, which is remotely controlled. This setup is used to investigate the ability of different magnetic field profiles to slow thermal atoms to the capture velocity of a magneto-optical-trap. We show that a simple numerical optimization process yields better results than the commonly used approach for deciding on the appropriate field and comes close to the optimum field, found by utilizing a fast feedback loop which uses a genetic algorithm. Our new numerical method is easily adaptable to a variety of existing slower designs and may be beneficial where feedback is unavailable.
Nonlinear radiative heat transfer and Hall effects on a viscous fluid in a semi-porous curved channel
Authors: Abbas Z. , Naveed M. , Sajid M.
Published: October 2015

In this paper, effects of Hall currents and nonlinear radiative heat transfer in a viscous fluid passing through a semi-porous curved channel coiled in a circle of radius R are analyzed. A curvilinear coordinate system is used to develop the mathematical model of the considered problem in the form partial differential equations. Similarity solutions of the governing boundary value problems are obtained numerically using shooting method. The results are also validated with the well-known finite difference technique known as the Keller-Box method. The analysis of the involved pertinent parameters on the velocity and temperature distributions is presented through graphs and tables.
Resonance Raman mapping as a tool to monitor and manipulate Si nanocrystals in Si-SiO2 nanocomposite
Authors: Rani Ekta , Ingale Alka A. , Chaturvedi A. , Joshi M. P. , Kukreja L. M.
Published: October 2015

Specially designed laser heating experiment along with Raman mapping on Si-SiO2 nanocomposites elucidates the contribution of core and surface/interface in the intermediate frequency range (511–514 cm−1) Si phonons. The contribution of core to surface/interface increases with the size of Si nanocrystal, which itself increases on laser irradiation. Further, it is found that resonance Raman is crucial to the observance of surface/interface phonons and wavelength dependent Raman mapping can be corroborated with band edges observed in absorption spectra. This understanding can be gainfully used to manipulate and characterize Si-SiO2 nanocomposite, simultaneously for photovoltaic device applications.
Renewable energy technologies and practices: Prospective for building integration in cold climates (Kazakhstan)
Authors: Tokbolat Serik , Calay Rajnish Kaur , Al-Zubaidy Sarim
Published: October 2015

Renewable energy generation and its integration with the built environment are becoming one of the main concerns of the global construction industry. It is believed that this solution is essential in addressing the growing challenges of global energy scarcity and the consequences of greenhouse gas effect. Buildings are the major end-users of energy worldwide; therefore, any measures implemented by the industry to generate and apply renewable energy should lead to the target cuts in CO2 emissions. Kazakhstan, as a member of the international community, is not an exception. Rapid economic growth and associated booms in the construction industry have caused a sharp increase in energy usage, simultaneously causing a significant negative impact on the environment. The government is seeking ways of learning and transferring international knowledge and experience in this field to cope with the above mentioned challenges. Thus, this work outlines and discusses modern building design strategies and measures and the use of renewable technologies, with specific focus on countries with cold climates. It also attempts to develop up-to-date expertise on renewable energy integration into contemporary buildings. Among others, these include the use of alternative and low impact, renewable energy forms such as solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass energy. A case study was conducted in order to test the hypothesis that renewable energy technologies, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in particular, can be a sensible and practical solution to reduce the building sector's energy use from the grid and subsequently diminish carbon dioxide emissions. Thus, the paper has attempted to estimate energy usage of a building model with and without installation of a PV system and makes a basic economic calculation based on approximate market prices for installation and maintenance. This has allowed an estimation of estimating the approximate payback periods and make conclusions on the rational of integration of this solar energy technology in Kazakhstan (for cold, as well as, warm temperatures). Findings have shown that with present underdeveloped PV market and prohibitively expensive initial cost, the payback period is far more than it is in developed countries. A number of recommendations have been made to the government of Kazakhstan to make this technology more applicable and financially viable.
A microwave detection way by electromagnetic and elastic resonance: Breaking the bottleneck of spatial resolution in microwave imaging
Authors: Ji Zhong , Lou Cunguang , Shi Yujiao , Ding Wenzheng , Yang Sihua , Xing Da
Published: October 2015

The spatial resolution of microwave imaging depends on the geometrical size of the detector. The existing techniques mainly focus on optimizing the antenna design to achieve high detection sensitivity. However, since the optimal antenna size is closely related to the wavelength to be measured, and the miniaturization of the geometrical size is challenging, this limits the spatial resolution of microwave imaging. In this letter, a microwave detection technique based on the electromagnetic-elastic resonance effect is proposed. The piezoelectric materials can produce mechanical responses under microwave excitation, and the amplitude of the microwave can be detected by measuring these responses. In contrast to conventional microwave detection method, the proposed method has distinct advantages in terms of high sensitivity and wide spectral response. Most importantly, it overcomes the limitation of detector size, thus, significantly improving the detection resolution. Therefore, the proposed method has potential for microwave imaging in biomedical applications.
Synthesis and magnetic characterization of Sr-based Ni2X-type hexaferrite
Authors: Kamishima K. , Mashiko T. , Kakizaki K. , Sakai M. , Watanabe K. , Abe H.
Published: October 2015

We have investigated the synthesis conditions, and the magnetic properties of the Sr2Ni2X-type hexagonal ferrite, Sr2Ni2Fe28O46. The Sr2Ni2X-type hexaferrite was synthesized at 1240∘C. The spontaneous magnetization at 5 K was 44.2 μB/f.u., suggesting that most of the Ni2+ ions are at the up-spin octahedral sites in the spinel-structure blocks within the model of a Néel-type collinear ferrimagnetic structure. The Curie temperature of the Sr2Ni2X-type hexaferrite was estimated to be TC[Sr2Ni2X] = 472∘C. This is consistent with the difference of the block stacking structures of SrM-type, Sr2Ni2X-type, SrNi2W-type, and nickel spinel ferrites.
Characterisation of dynamic behaviour of alumina ceramics: evaluation of stress uniformity
Authors: Wang Zhiyong , Li Peifeng
Published: October 2015

Accurate characterisation of dynamic behaviour of ceramics requires the reliable split-Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) technique and the condition of uniaxial homogeneous specimen deformation. In this study, an experimentally validated 3D finite element model of the full scale SHPB experiment was developed to quantitatively evaluate the wave propagation in the bars and the stress distribution/evolution in the alumina specimen. Wave signals in both the SHPB experiments and the finite element model were analysed to characterise the dynamic behaviour of alumina. It was found that the equilibrium of both stresses within the specimen and forces at the specimen ends can be established in the intermediate stage of deformation. The validity of stress uniformity in the alumina specimen supports the assumption of uniaxial homogeneous specimen deformation in the SHPB and validates the characterisation of dynamic behaviour of alumina ceramics.
Fractional boundary layer flow and radiation heat transfer of MHD viscoelastic fluid over an unsteady stretching surface
Authors: Shen Bingyu , Zheng Liancun , Chen Shengting
Published: October 2015

This paper presents an investigation for magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) viscoelastic fluid boundary layer flow and radiation heat transfer over an unsteady stretching sheet in presence of heat source. Time dependent fractional derivative is first introduced in formulating the boundary layer equations. Numerical solutions are obtained by using the finite difference scheme and L1-algorithm approximation. Results indicate that the proposed model describes a basic delaying times framework for viscoelastic flow and radiation heat transfer. The effects of involved parameters on velocity and temperature fields are shown graphically and analyzed in detail.
Sequential divergence and the multiplicative origin of community diversity
Authors: Hood Glen R. , Forbes Andrew A. , Powell Thomas H. Q. , Egan Scott P. , Hamerlinck Gabriela , Smith James J. , Feder Jeffrey L.
Published: October 2015

Significance

Understanding how new life forms originate is a central question in biology. Population divergence is usually studied with respect to how single lineages diverge into daughter taxa. However, populations may not always differentiate in isolation; divergence of one taxon could create new niche opportunities in higher trophic levels, leading to the sequential origin of many new taxa. Here, we show that this may be occurring for three species of parasitoid wasps attacking
Rhagoletis
fruit flies. As flies shift and adapt to new host plants, wasps follow suit and diverge in kind, resulting in a multiplicative increase of diversity as the effects of ecologically based divergent selection cascade through the ecosystem. Biodiversity therefore may potentially beget increasing levels of biodiversity.