bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluorescence polarization-based method with bisulfite conversion-specific one-label extension for quantification of single CpG dinucleotide methylation
Authors: Li Shufen , Wang Zhongju , Zhou Lin , Luo Fu , Zhao Cunyou
Published: July 2015

To quantify the methylation at individual CpG dinucleotide sites in large biological or clinical samples, we developed a bisulfite conversion-specific one-label extension (BS-OLE) method using visualization by fluorescence polarization (FP) measurement of methylation at single CpG sites in small amounts of genomic DNA. Genomic DNA was treated with sodium bisulfite to convert unmethylated cytosine to uracil leaving 5-methylcytosine unaltered, and BS-PCR was used to generate DNA template containing target CpG sites. BS-OLE uses a BS-primer hybridized immediately upstream of the target CpG site being examined and then fluorescent dCTP or dUTP is incorporated into the methylated (CpG) or unmethylated (TpG) form of the target site through single-nucleotide chain extension, yielding an FP ratio between the fluorescent dCTP- and dUTP-incorporated products as a measure of methylation. This provides stable estimates of the methylation level of human genomic DNA and of a 250-bp plasmid DNA segment containing a single TCGA TaqI cleavage site, in accordance with the results of a combined bisulfite restriction analysis method. We used BS-OLE to measure dose-dependent DNA hypomethylation in human embryonic kidney 293T cells treated with the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-aza-dC. BS-OLE is well suited to high-throughput multi-sample applications in biological and medical studies.
Spiranthes sinensis Suppresses Production of Pro-Inflammatory Mediators by Down-Regulating the NF-κB Signaling Pathway and Up-Regulating HO-1/Nrf2 Anti-Oxidant Protein
Authors: Shie Pei-Hsin , Huang Shyh-Shyun , Deng Jeng-Shyan , Huang Guan-Jhong
Published: July 2015

Spiranthes sinensis is an east Asian wild orchid used in Chinese folk medicine. In this study, an ethyl acetate fraction from S. sinensis(SSE) was found to suppress the production of LPS-stimulated inflammatory mediators in RAW264.7 cells and BALB/c mice. SSE inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumo necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-1β, and IL-6 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. SSE also significantly suppressed LPS-stimulated protein levels of iNOS and mPGES-1 by blocking IκB phosphorylation, NF-κB nuclear translocation, and MAPKs phosphorylation. In addition, SSE treatment also enhanced protein levels of HO-1 and anti-oxidant enzymes (SOD-1, CAT, and GPx-1) through the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. In vivo, we demonstrated that SSE attenuated the levels of pro-inflammatory mediators (NO, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), ALT, and AST in the serum of LPS-stimulated BALB/c mice. Western blotting revealed that SSE enhanced HO-1 expression in lung and liver tissue after LPS injection in mice. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory properties of SSE involve the suppression of iNOS, mPGES-1, and inflammatory mediators by inducing the HO-1 pathway in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and BALB/c mice.
Discriminating Majorana neutrino phases in the light of lepton flavor violation and leptogenesis in type I+II seesaw models
Authors: Kalita Rupam , Borah Debasish
Published: July 2015

We study the effects of Majorana neutrino phases in lepton flavor violation and the origin of matter–antimatter asymmetry through the mechanism of leptogenesis within the framework of a model where both type I and type II seesaw mechanisms can contribute to tiny neutrino masses. We parametrize the type I seesaw mass matrix by assuming it to give rise to a tri-bimaximal (TBM) type neutrino mixing which predicts [Formula: see text]. The type II seesaw mass matrix is then constructed in such a way that the necessary deviation from TBM mixing and the best fit values of neutrino parameters can be obtained when both type I and type II seesaw contributions are taken into account. Considering both subleading as well as equally dominating type II seesaw term, we first constrain the Majorana CP phases from the requirement of producing correct baryon asymmetry through leptogenesis and then incorporating the experimental bounds on lepton flavor violating decays [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
Realization of the noncommutative Seiberg–Witten gauge theory by fields in phase space
Authors: Amorim R. G. G. , Khanna F. C. , Malbouisson A. P. C. , Malbouisson J. M. C. , Santana A. E.
Published: July 2015

Representations of the Poincaré symmetry are studied by using a Hilbert space with a phase space content. The states are described by wave functions (quasi-amplitudes of probability) associated with Wigner functions (quasi-probability density). The gauge symmetry analysis provides a realization of the Seiberg–Witten gauge theory for noncommutative fields.
Hydromagnetic peristaltic transport of water-based nanofluids with slip effects through an asymmetric channel
Authors: Abbasi F. M. , Hayat T. , Alsaadi F.
Published: July 2015

This paper addresses the effects of applied magnetic field and partial slip effects in peristalsis of water-based nanofluids in an asymmetric flow configuration. Analysis is carried out using silver and copper nanoparticles. Viscous dissipation, mixed convection, Ohmic heating and heat generation/absorption are considered. Mathematical modeling is done employing lubrication approximations. Resulting coupled system is solved numerically. Physical quantities like axial velocity, pressure gradient, temperature and heat transfer rate are graphically analyzed. Comparison between the silver–water and copper–water nanofluids is presented and analyzed. Results show that the maximum velocity, temperature and heat transfer rate at the wall in silver–water nanofluid are comparatively greater than that of copper–water nanofluid. It is also observed that addition of nanoparticles results in a decrease in the velocity and temperature of fluid. However, the heat transfer rate at the wall is enhanced through addition of nanoparticles.
EFFECT OF BATH pH ON ELECTROLESSNi–PCOATING DEPOSITED ON OPEN-CELL ALUMINUM FOAMS
Authors: LIU JIAAN , SI FUJIAN , LI DONG , LIU YAN , CAO ZHENG , WANG GUOYONG
Published: July 2015

Different electroless Ni – P coatings were deposited on open-cell aluminum foams at various bath pH. The effect of bath pH on the morphology, structure, components, phases and corrosion resistance of the Ni – P coating was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), immersion test and electrochemical polarization measurement, respectively. The experimental results show that the bath pH not only changed the reactivity of the bath, but also had a influence on the microstructure and anticorrosive property of electroless Ni – P coating. The high pH bath raises the thickness of Ni – P coating but decreases the content of phosphorus element in the Ni – P coating. The corrosion resistance of the coated aluminum foams increases when the bath pH rises.
Adaptive wavelet packets for minimization of error in computation of mental stress
Authors: Masood Khan Khalid
Published: July 2015

This paper describes a study on evaluation of mental stress using adaptive wavelet packets filtering techniques. For mental stress to become chronic or if it remains for longer periods of time, then it can cause or trigger diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, insomnia, depression etc. There is a need for objective assessment of stress and develop counter conditions to relieve the body from stress. We have designed a wireless wearable sensor platform that can be used to capture a vast range of biomedical signals including heart rate, skin conductance and respiration rates. As stress is a reactionary phenomenon and its response vary from person to person, so an adaptive wavelet filtering packet is proposed to minimize intra subjective variations. The filtering technique has two folded effects; it reduces the classification error and it provides tuning to adapt it to users requirements. The wearable sensor platform is based on ease of use and a subject can be monitored for days and changes in his/her physiological conditions are recorded. The main advantage in monitoring stress is that if required in needs than necessary actions can be taken to remove stressful conditions.
SECTORAL DIFFERENCES IN TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
Authors: THURNER THOMAS WOLFGANG , ZAICHENKO STANISLAV
Published: July 2015

This paper studies sectoral differences in technology transfer of 170 Russian Research and Technology Organisations engaged into technology transfer to agriculture, mining and quarrying, high-tech, medium-high-tech, medium-low-tech and low-tech industries. RTOs in these five groups do not overlap by customers’ economic activities and are representative for all Russian regions. Certain factors have in fact opposite effects in different sectors. A customer without a clear vision is perceived as a curse by one sector, but by another one perceived as a blessing. Another such factor is the high economic risk of the application of new technologies. Furthermore, we proved the presence of influence factors which show the same effects with different degrees of intensity depending on the sectors. Thereby, we also provide insights into Russia’s innovation system.
Achieving Software Reuse and Integration in a Large-scale Software Development Company: Practical Experience of the Lion Project
Authors: Franky Maria Consuelo , Pavlich-Mariscal Jaime A. , Giral Leonardo , Barraza-Urbina Andrea , Barrera Luisa , Zambrano Angee
Published: July 2015

This paper presents the practical experience and results of the Lion Project, which aimed to improve software development times at Heinsohn Business Technology (HBT), a large-scale Colombian software development company. The main result of this project is the LionWizard Framework, a set of libraries and tools with a focus on large-scale software reuse and integration. The Lion- Wizard Framework integrates all of the existing libraries at HBT using Maven and provides a Wizard. The latter uses code generation and program transformation to automatically integrate all of the required components into an initial codebase in Java EE. The Wizard provides sufficient exibility to seamlessly integrate future components into the development process. Before the Lion Project, software developers required several days of even weeks to integrate all of the required components into a code base for each project. This new framework reduces those times to a few hours.
Examining Interest and Grades in Computer Science 1
Authors: Zingaro Daniel
Published: July 2015

Computer Science 1 (CS1), the first course taken by college-level computer science (CS) majors, has traditionally suffered from high failure rates. Efforts to understand this phenomenon have considered a wide range of predictors of CS success, such as prior programming experience, math ability, learning style, and gender, with findings that are suggestive but inconclusive. The current quasiexperimental study extends this research by exploring how the pedagogical approach of the course (traditional lecture vs. Peer Instruction (PI) and clickers) in combination with student achievement goals (mastery goals vs. performance goals) relates to exam grades, interest in the subject matter, and course enjoyment. The research revealed that students with performance goals scored significantly lower on final exams in both the lecture and PI conditions. However, students with performance goals reported higher levels of subject matter interest when taught through PI. Students with mastery goals, in both conditions, scored significantly higher on the final exam, had higher levels of interest, and reported higher levels of course enjoyment than their performance-oriented counterparts. The results suggest that PI may improve the level of subject-matter interest for some students, thereby indicating the importance of studying pedagogical approach as we seek to understand student outcomes in CS1.
Developing a chairable computing platform to support power wheelchair users
Authors: Carrington Patrick
Published: July 2015

Power wheelchair users often use and carry multiple mobile computing devices. Many wheelchair users experience motor impairments that affect their hands, arms, neck, and head. Additionally, a power wheelchair user's ability to interact with computing technology may be physically restricted by the wheelchair's frame, which can obstruct movement or limit reach. We believe these accessibility issues can be overcome by designing new systems to take advantage of the physical abilities of the user while leveraging the wheelchair's frame to create assistive systems. We also hope to make progress toward limiting social barriers that hinder technology adoption. This could potentially improve the overall benefit of emerging technologies for people with varying abilities. With this research I aim to develop an interactive wheelchair-based computing platform designed to support the unique and dynamic needs of power wheelchair users while also creating new interaction possibilities.
Technological dependency
Authors: Rogerson Simon
Published: July 2015

The Japanese Haiku is a way of looking at the world and seeing something deeper. In English a haiku poem consists of three lines, with the first and last line having 5 syllables, and the middle line has 7 syllables. The use of punctuation such as a dash divides the poem and prompts the reader to reflect on the relationship between the two parts. Technological Dependency comprises three haiku verses. Readers are encouraged to reflect on the deeper meaning of each verse with regard to the ethical and social issues surrounding ICT and how we might address such issues.
Learning how to learn with Prof. Barbara Oakley
Authors: Garg Vaibhav
Published: July 2015

Massive Online Open Courses or MOOCs are increasingly becoming visible with the advent of platforms like Coursera, which offer verified certificates. One of the more popular courses on Coursera is 'Learning How to Learn', which specifically targets students and provides them with a scientific basis for effective pedagogical techniques. The course is the brainchild of Prof. Barbara Oakley and her co-instructor, Terrence Sejnowski, the Francis Crick Professor at the Salk Institute. I recently had the opportunity to interview Prof. Barbara Oakley. This article is a summary of her responses.
Power and perception in the scandal in academia
Authors: Heron Michael James , Belford Pauline
Published: July 2015

The Scandal in Academia is a large-scale fictional ethical case study of around 17,000 words and fourteen separate revelations. They are delivered as newspaper extracts from a newspaper reporting on an ongoing crisis at a Scottish educational institution. The scandal case study as presented in its original form comes with only limited commentary on the ethical issues raised, concentrating instead on providing the scenario in isolation. This paper is a companion piece to that case study, discussing the third and fourth revelations with reference to the issues raised, the mainstream media, and the formal academic literature. The discussion presented here is not intended to be exhaustive or definitive. It is instead indicative of an approach that could be taken within a formal educational context, and illustrative of the kind of discussions that ideally emerge from the effective use of the material.
Computing history & ethics
Authors: Huggins James K.
Published: July 2015

We discuss the use of real-world scenarios in a computing history and ethics course to promote social change.

CS-300, "The Computing Professional", is a course offered by Kettering University's Department of Computer Science. The course has an equal focus on computing history and computing ethics. Besides completing assigned readings and participating in classroom discussions, students are required to research an important figure or artifact from the history of computing, as well as a contemporary issue in computing ethics. Historical research is informed by considerations of the significance of the idea's value proposition. Ethics research is informed by a required analysis using the technique of paramedic ethics. Both research projects culminate in an oral presentation and a written research paper.

Teaching computing history and ethics in a single course has been an effective combination. Anecdotally, students appreciate the variety of topics covered each week, as "too much" history or ethics in one sitting can drain interest. Together, students find themselves looking both backwards and forwards in time, seeing how decisions in the past led to the computing world we know today.

Historical discussions are informed by consideration of the "value equation" (essentially, an "elevator pitch") that a new computational artifact provides. Often, advocates for a new technology focus on the attributes of the technology itself, rather than the need of the customer that the new technology might fulfill. An effective value equation focuses instead on the customer's need. Similarly, advocates for social change ought to focus on how the change they want to see addresses the needs of those making the change (for example, recent research showing how diverse research teams produce more valuable patents).

Ethical discussions often begin with classic imaginary case studies (e.g. the trolley problem). In our experience, students tend to react to imaginary case studies as if the case studies were games, seeking to change the parameters of each game, in order to avoid dealing with the ethical dilemma being presented, or to create an obvious "winning" condition for the game. In contrast, students react much more appropriately to real-world ethical scenarios. Students are much less likely to seek to change the conditions of the case study, since the events already occurred. Real scenarios contain a wealth of details that must be evaluated, with irrelevant details discarded. And students have an easier time visualizing themselves in the scenario (especially if the conclusion of the story is omitted).
Preparation of Pt/Buckypaper by Surface Modified Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Oxygen Reduction Reaction in PEMFCs
Authors: Ye Licheng , Gao Yuan , Zheng Junsheng , Li Ping
Published: July 2015

The multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were treated by different methods with mixed acid to introduce defects. Then the Pt/MWNTs catalyst was synthesized by polyol method. After that, a two layer buckypaper was prepared using a filtration method. The electrochemical characteristics were studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and liner sweep voltammetry (LSV) techniques. The results showed that the ultrasonic treatment is the best way to treat the MWNTs and increases the Pt loading in the catalyst compared with other treatments. The CV performance of the Pt/MWNTs-Ultrasonic catalyst is equivalent with the Pt/C JM catalyst and the LSV result of Pt/MWNTs-Ultrasonic catalyst is better than the Pt/C JM catalyst. The Pt/Buckypaper catalyst layer also showed good ORR performance. With the advantage of easy preparation, the Pt/Buckypaper catalyst layer has a potential to be widely used in PEMFCs.
N-H Hydrogen Bonding in Porphyrins - from Conformational Design to Supramolecular Chemistry
Authors: Senge Mathias O.
Published: July 2015

Typically porphyrin N-H units are not involved in intermolecular hydrogen bonds as they are ‘shielded’ by the macrocycle system. However, two possibilities exist to utilize the pyrrole nitrogen atoms in such bonds: a) Porpho(di)methenes and phlorins (calixphyrin-type systems) contain sp3-hybridized meso positions and the interruption of the aromatic system gives rise to specific cavities and often roof- or bowl-shaped conformations making the core nitrogen and N–H units more accessible for coordination. b) Likewise, saddle-distorted nonplanar porphyrins are very basic and can bind anions and neutral molecules via N-H hydrogen bonds in the core. Similarly, specific conformations and binding motifs can be accessed in porphyrin dications depending on the type, number, regiochemistry and steric bulk of substituents in the respective free base porphyrin. Here we give a brief overview of the different approaches and illustrate their use with regard to the design of ion-pair receptors for small molecules and anions and the formation of potentially functional supramolecular complexes.
Kinetic Studies of Reactions of Hydroxyporphyrins on Silicate Surface
Authors: Mizutani Tadashi
Published: July 2015

The condensation reaction of hydroxyporphyrin with the surface silanol groups on silicate glass proceeded in the solid state. Kinetics of the reaction was analyzed by two parallel first order reactions, i.e., a double exponential equation. Introduction of long alkyl chains to hydroxyporphyrin accelerated the condensation, where the slower phase of the reaction was accelerated. If we assume that the rate limiting step in the slower phase is the reorientation of the molecule, long alkyl groups accelerated the molecular motion. Tertiary alcohol reacted slower than primary alcohol, and the much less fraction of faster phase can account for the slower reaction. The result implies that the tertiary alcohol structure inhibit the formation of preorganized structure for the condensation reaction.
The Time and Temperature Dependence of AISI 316L Corrosion in Chlorosilane Environments
Authors: Aller Joshua L , Ellingwood Kevin , Clark B , Gannon Paul E.
Published: July 2015

Chlorosilanes are used abundantly at high temperatures in the production of ultra-pure silicon and silicon containing materials. The presence of both chlorine and silicon presents a unique corrosion environment for the metallic materials that must handle these compounds. It is known that in chlorosilane environments, 316L can form either a protective metal silicide layer or a volatile metal chloride layer on the substrate. However, it is not known what dependence this surface reaction has on temperature, time, or gas composition. In this study, AISI 316L stainless steel was exposed to vaporized silicon tetrachloride (STC, SiCl4), pure hydrogen (H2), and anhydrous hydrogen chloride (HCl) at temperatures (>350°C), times (1-200 hours), and compositions relevant to industrial processes. Metal silicide and metal chloride formation was evaluated using surface and gravimetric analysis, with metal silicide formation causing a gain in sample mass and metal chloride formation causing a loss in sample mass. It was revealed that the transition between chloride and silicide formation depends on time of exposure, temperature, and mole fraction of HCl present in the gas stream. Lastly, some discussion is provided on the underlying mechanisms of silicide and chloride formation, and how to prevent excessive corrosion in industrial applications.
Multiscale Modeling of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell: Atomistic Oxygen Reduction Reaction Model
Authors: Pérez Mendoza Alejandro Esteban , Castañeda Ramírez Sergio , Ribadeneira Paz Rafael Esteban
Published: July 2015

In this work is presented a kinetic model for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), which is studied considering a dissociative mechanism and using electronic structure calculations. This model was developed to include it in a multiscale model for a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC). As result of this work the energetic properties and electronic structure properties of the system made up by the principal intermediates (O, O2, OH, H2O) and the Pt surface are calculated, also it is obtained the energy barriers for each step and the energy difference between products and reactants, allowing to construct the potential energy surface diagram for the complete oxygen dissociation mechanism. These results point out that the dissociation of adsorbed O2 is the reaction limiting step, it is associated whit the high adsorption energy of this molecule which is explained using electronic structure features as the local density of states. Also the calculated activation energies for the ORR cause an improvement of the phenomenological description of a PEMFC when they are used in a multiscale model.
Electrochromic Behavior of Ni1-xO Thin Films in Various Electrolytes
Authors: Da Rocha Mathias , Rougier Aline
Published: July 2015

The present study is focused on alternative electrolytes for electrochromic devices using ionic liquids made of different types of cations as well as free of small cations. In particular, we report the electrochromic behavior of non-stoichiometric nickel oxide thin films grown by reactive RF magnetron sputtering at room temperature in various oxygen partial pressures, namely 2% and 10% P(O2/Ar+O2). Whatever the electrolyte composition, upon oxidation, the reversible optical properties from transparent to brownish remains, associated however with different electrochemical responses. In addition, the influence of the conditions of deposition (i.e oxygen partial pressure) on the room temperature deposited thin films morphology, stoichiometry and crystallinity is discussed in relationship with their electrochromic behavior. Higher oxygen partial pressure leads to Ni1-xO thin films showing higher density as well as larger Ni3+ content. Cycling in a wide range of ionic liquids electrolytes demonstrates similar optical transmittance modulation of 25% while various mechanisms from insertion to surface phenomena take place.
Nanostructured Sensors for Determination of 3-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-1,1-Dimethylurea Based in Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs) Deposited in Screen Printed Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Fernández-Cori Rey , Morales Gomero Juan Carlos , Huayhuas-Chipana Bryan Carlos , Taboada Sotomayor María del Pilar , Ruiz Montoya José Gabriel
Published: July 2015

A sensor based on molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) was developed for determination of 3-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (diuron). The MIP were synthesized by free radical polymerization in wich diuron acted as template, methacrylic acid (MAA) acted as functional monomer and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) acted as crosslinker. For construction of the sensor, glassy carbon electrode was modified with Nafion® and MIP/NIP (non imprinted polymer) to see the contribution of MIP, as a film, in the diuron recognition. Differential Pulse Voltammetry was used to the quantification of diuron in a range of response 0.4 - 1.2 V in a PBS (pH=8). All parameters affecting the sensor were optimized. The sensor showed a linear response from 1.00x10-5 to 9.616x10-5 M in PBS 0.1 M (pH=8). The limit of detection was 0.58x10-5 mol L-1. The nanostructured sensor was prepared using carbon nanotubes and showed a 4 times greater response than the glassy carbon, showing promising results.
(Invited) Refractory Ceramic Sensors for Process and Health Monitoring of Slagging Gasifiers
Authors: Sabolsky Edward M , Chockalingam Pillai Rajalekshmi , Sabolsky Katarzyna , Yakaboylu Gunes A. , Armour Brian , Teter Aaron , Palmisiano Marc , Close Timothy
Published: July 2015

Refractory oxide-silicide based composite ceramic thermocouples have been successfully deposited on alumina substrates by a screen printing technique and subsequently thermal processed without any delamination or micro-cracks for the application of health monitoring of slagging gasifier refractory. The phase formation and microstructure are studied by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) technique and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The thermoelectric response of the thermocouples was measured by typical hot-cold junction temperature measurements using secondary thermocouples. The thermocouple with a configuration of 90 vol % MoSi2-10 vol% Al2O3 versus 90 vol % WSi2-10 vol% Al2O3
showed a near linear thermoelectric response and a peak thermoelectric voltage of 12.5 mV and Seebeck voltage of 40 µV/°C at 800 °C. The better performance of the thermocouple is correlated to dense microstructure, good adhesion of the temperature sensor with alumina substrate and the optimum electron-phonon interactions at higher temperature.
Understanding the Effect of MgO Interfacial Layer on ZnO/High-K/FTO Transparent Thin Film Transistors for Large-Area Transparent Electronics Applications
Authors: Thapaliya Prem , Jha Rashmi
Published: July 2015

We have fabricated transparent ZnO thin film transistors (TFTs) with fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) as a gate electrode and HfO2 as a gate dielectric. To suppress the high interface state density (Dit), a series of thickness of MgO interfacial layer between ZnO and HfO2 has been investigated. ZnO TFTs with 10 nm MgO interfacial layer displayed improved performance with field effect mobility of 0.3 cm2V-1s-1, threshold voltage of 3.7 V and on/off ratio of 106 compared to 5 nm, 15 nm and 20 nm MgO interfacial layer. Dit and its energy level distribution below 0.25-0.32 eV below the conduction band edge of ZnO were quantified using the conductance method.
Neuroligin-2 and the tightrope of excitation/inhibition balance in the prefrontal cortex
Authors: Durieux Alice M. S. , Horder Jamie , Petrinovic Marija M.
Published: July 2015

Excitation/inhibition imbalance is implicated in symptoms of neuropsychiatric disorders. We discuss a study by Liang et al. ( Mol Psychiatry 20: 850–859, 2015) demonstrating that the conditional knockout of neuroligin-2, a postsynaptic adhesion protein, in the prefrontal cortex of adult mice results in alterations in inhibitory synaptic properties. However, behavioral impairments emerged prior to the development of detectable changes in excitation/inhibition ratio. This suggests there may be network-specific excitation/inhibition ratios, some of which are more vulnerable to disruption than others.
Mushroom body extrinsic neurons in the honeybee (Apis mellifera) brain integrate context and cue values upon attentional stimulus selection
Authors: Filla Ina , Menzel Randolf
Published: July 2015

Multimodal GABA-immunoreactive feedback neurons in the honeybee brain connecting the output region of the mushroom body with its input are expected to tune the input to the mushroom body in an experience-dependent way. These neurons are known to change their rate responses to learned olfactory stimuli. In this work we ask whether these neurons also transmit learned attentional effects during multisensory integration. We find that a visual context and an olfactory cue change the rate responses of these neurons after learning according to the associated values of both context and cue. The learned visual context promotes attentional response selection by enhancing olfactory stimulus valuation at both the behavioral and the neural level. During a rewarded visual context, bees reacted faster and more reliably to a rewarded odor. We interpreted this as the result of the observed enhanced neural discharge toward the odor. An unrewarded context reduced already low rate responses to the unrewarded odor. In addition to stimulus valuation, these feedback neurons generate a neural error signal after an incorrect behavioral response. This might act as a learning signal in feedback neurons. All of these effects were exclusively found in trials in which the animal prepares for a motor response that happens during attentional stimulus selection. We discuss possible implications of the results for the feedback connections of the mushroom body.
A Generalized Stability Theorem for Discrete-Time Nonautonomous Chaos System with Applications
Authors: Zhang Mei , Wang Danling , Min Lequan , Wang Xue
Published: July 2015

Firstly, this study introduces a definition of generalized stability (GST) in discrete-time nonautonomous chaos system (DNCS), which is an extension for chaos generalized synchronization. Secondly, a constructive theorem of DNCS has been proposed. As an example, a GST DNCS is constructed based on a novel 4-dimensional discrete chaotic map. Numerical simulations show that the dynamic behaviors of this map have chaotic attractor characteristics. As one application, we design a chaotic pseudorandom number generator (CPRNG) based on the GST DNCS. We use the SP800-22 test suite to test the randomness of four 100-key streams consisting of 1,000,000 bits generated by the CPRNG, the RC4 algorithm, the ZUC algorithm, and a 6-dimensional CGS-based CPRNG, respectively. The numerical results show that the randomness performances of the two CPRNGs are promising. In addition, theoretically the key space of the CPRNG is larger than 21116. As another application, this study designs a stream avalanche encryption scheme (SAES) in RGB image encryption. The results show that the GST DNCS is able to generate the avalanche effects which are similar to those generated via ideal CPRNGs.
Metastatic Prostate Cancer to the Left Temporal Bone: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Faucett Erynne A. , Richins Hal , Khan Rihan , Jacob Abraham
Published: July 2015

Breast, lung, and prostate cancers are the three most common malignancies to metastasize to the temporal bone. Still, metastatic prostate cancer of the temporal bone is a rare finding, with approximately 21 cases reported in the literature and only 2 cases discovered more than 10 years after initial treatment of the primary. This disease may be asymptomatic and discovered incidentally; however, hearing loss, otalgia, cranial nerve palsies, and visual changes can all be presenting symptoms. We present the case of a 95-year-old man with history of primary prostate cancer treated 12 years earlier that was seen for new-onset asymmetric hearing loss and otalgia. The tympanic membranes and middle ears were normal; however, based on radiologic findings and eventual biopsy, the patient was diagnosed with extensive metastatic prostate cancer to the left temporal bone. This case (1) demonstrates that a high index of suspicion for unusual etiologies of seemingly benign symptoms must be maintained in elderly patients having prior history of cancer and (2) substantiates the value of temporal bone imaging when diagnosis may be unclear from history and physical exam.
Histopathologic Finding of Both Gastric and Respiratory Epithelia in a Lingual Foregut Cyst
Authors: Luo Yangfan , Shillingford Nick , Koempel Jeffrey A.
Published: July 2015

Foregut cysts are uncommon, mucosa-lined congenital lesions that may occur anywhere along the gastrointestinal or respiratory tract and typically present within the first year of life. Although infrequent, these cysts may generate feeding or respiratory difficulties depending on the size and location of the lesion. Foregut cysts of the oral cavity are rarely seen and of those cases localized to the tongue are even more uncommon. We describe a 4-month-old girl with a foregut cyst involving the floor of mouth and anterior tongue. Subsequent histologic analysis demonstrated a cyst lined with both gastric and respiratory epithelia. This case represents an extremely rare finding of both gastric and respiratory epithelia lined within a single cystic structure in the tongue. Although a very rare finding, a foregut cyst should be on the differential diagnosis of any lesion involving the floor of mouth or tongue in an infant or child.
Prevalence and Predictors of Metabolic Syndrome in Young Asymptomatic Gujarati Population
Authors: Jain Sharad R. , Shah Komal H. , Acharya Himanshu N. , Barot Kaushik , Sharma Kamal H.
Published: July 2015

Background. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors leading to the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and its predictors in young and apparently healthy Gujarati individuals.Methods. This population based cross-sectional study involved a total of 1500 healthy adults of 20–40 years of age. Demographic details and clinical data such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and blood pressure were measured along with the estimations of lipoprotein (a), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), total lipid, LDL/HDL ratio, TC/HDL ratio, and fasting blood glucose (FBS).Results. Overall in young Gujarati population (20–40 years) prevalence rates of MS were 16.0% (male: 21.5%; female: 10.8%) where the metabolic abnormalities increased with advanced age as 9.56% of the young population (20–30 years) had MS, in contrast to the 24.57% in the old (31–40 years). Odds ratio analysis had indicated BMI (1.120; 95% CI: 1.077–1.163;P<0.0001) as the strongest risk factor for MS closely followed by advancing age (1.100; 95% CI: 1.061–1.139;P<0.0001) levels.Conclusion. Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in young Gujarati population reinforces the need for early life style intervention and awareness programs in this ethnic group.
Effects of Nano-TiO2on the Toughness and Durability of Cement-Based Material
Authors: Ma Baoguo , Li Hainan , Mei Junpeng , Li Xiangguo , Chen Fangjie
Published: July 2015

The effects of nano-TiO2(NT) on microstructures and mechanical properties of cement mortars were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). Results show that 3% NT can remarkably increase the tensile/flexural strengths (i.e., the toughness is improved) and promote the precipitation of AFt crystal. The flexural and tensile strengths have significant positive correlation to the formation amount of AFt. The pores of mortars can be significantly refined and shift to harmless pores by controlling the growth of CH crystal and increasing the hydration reaction rate. The durability of cement-based materials is discussed by testing their water absorption and water-vapour permeability. Results show that the addition of 3% NT can decrease the water absorption ratio by 40–65%, water absorption coefficients by more than 40%, and water-vapour permeability coefficients by 43.9%, indicating that 3% NT can effectively improve the compactness and durability of cement-based materials.
Design and Simulation of InGaNp-nJunction Solar Cell
Authors: Mesrane A. , Rahmoune F. , Mahrane A. , Oulebsir A.
Published: July 2015

The tunability of the InGaN band gap energy over a wide range provides a good spectral match to sunlight, making it a suitable material for photovoltaic solar cells. The main objective of this work is to design and simulate the optimal InGaN single-junction solar cell. For more accurate results and best configuration, the optical properties and the physical models such as the Fermi-Dirac statistics, Auger and Shockley-Read-Hall recombination, and the doping and temperature-dependent mobility model were taken into account in simulations. The single-junction In0.622Ga0.378N (Eg = 1.39 eV) solar cell is the optimal structure found. It exhibits, under normalized conditions (AM1.5G, 0.1 W/cm2, and 300 K), the following electrical parameters:Jsc=32.6791 mA/cm2,Voc=0.94091volts, FF = 86.2343%, andη=26.5056%. It was noticed that the minority carrier lifetime and the surface recombination velocity have an important effect on the solar cell performance. Furthermore, the investigation results show that the In0.622Ga0.378N solar cell efficiency was inversely proportional with the temperature.
The Influence of Codopant Aluminum Ions (Al3+) on the Optical Characteristics of YBO3:Sm3+ Phosphors
Authors: Lu Hao-Ying , Chen Yi-Shao
Published: July 2015

The yttrium borate (YBO3) phosphors with codopants Al3+ and Sm3+ ions were prepared via the chemical coprecipitation method with one‐hour thermal treatment at 1200°C. From the XRD patterns, the codopant Al3+ does not change the crystal structures of YBO3:Sm3+ and these patterns indicate that the phosphors crystallize as the hexagonal structure. Besides, the codopant Al3+ does not affect the wavelengths of emission bands but enhances the PL intensities of emission bands. Under the wavelength 406 nm excitation source, the emission peaks locating at wavelengths 571 nm, 611 nm, and 657 nm are assigned to the electronic transitions 4G5/2→6H5/2, 4G5/2→6H7/2, and 4G5/2→6H9/2, respectively. The PL intensities of phosphors Sm0.01AlxY0.99−xBO3 increase with the Al3+ ion concentration. As the concentration of Al3+ ions increases to 3%, the PL intensity of Sm0.01AlxY0.99−xBO3 phosphor reaches its maximum intensity. When the concentration of Al3+ ions is above 3%, the PL intensity of phosphor Sm0.01AlxY0.99−xBO3 decreases. Comparing with the Sm0.01Y0.99BO3 phosphor, the PL intensity locating at wavelength 571 nm of Sm0.01Al0.03Y0.96BO3 phosphor is about 1.8 times stronger than the Sm0.01Y0.99BO3 phosphor. It is believed that the codopant Al3+ can improve the luminescent characteristics of YBO3:Sm3+ phosphors.
Optimization of Vacuum-Microwave Radiation Pretreatment on Extraction ofGanodermaPolysaccharides
Authors: Song C. F. , Wang S. G. , Yang J. , Cui Z. W. , Gu Y. H.
Published: July 2015

A new process of vacuum-microwave (VM) radiation pretreatment for extracting polysaccharides from theGanoderma lucidumwas proposed, and the parameters were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). The orthogonal-central composite design scheme was used and the responsive surfaces methodology of three factors and five levels was adopted, and the factors influencing the technological parameters and its interaction terms were analyzed and regressed. The optimal parameters were obtained as follows: the infiltration time of 70 min, microwave power density of 11.2 W/g, and VM irradiation time of 180 s. In consequence, the extraction yield was up to 1.775% when VM radiation was conducted in advance. Compared to the traditional hot-water extraction method, VM pretreatment can shorten the extraction time by more than a half, and the polysaccharide extraction yield was increased by 48.1%. It holds significant potential for further investigation, development, and application.
Deep Brain Stimulation Can Preserve Working Status in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Deli Gabriella , Balás István , Dóczi Tamás , Janszky József , Karádi Kázmér , Aschermann Zsuzsanna , Nagy Ferenc , Makkos Attila , Kovács Márton , Bosnyák Edit , Kovács Norbert , Komoly Sámuel
Published: July 2015

Objectives. Our investigation aimed at evaluating if bilateral subthalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) could preserve working capability in Parkinson’s disease (PD).Materials. We reviewed the data of 40 young (<60 year-old) PD patients who underwent DBS implantation and had at least 2 years of follow-up. Patients were categorized based on their working capability at time of surgery: “active job” group (n=20) and “no job” group (n=20). Baseline characteristics were comparable. Quality of life (EQ-5D) and presence of active job were evaluated preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively.Results. Although similar (approximately 50%) improvement was achieved in the severity of motor and major nonmotor symptoms in both groups, the postoperative quality of life was significantly better in the “active job” group (0.687 versus 0.587, medians,p<0.05). Majority (80%) of “active job” group members were able to preserve their job 2 years after the operation. However, only a minimal portion (5%) of the “no job” group members was able to return to the world of active employees (p<0.01).Conclusions. Although our study has several limitations, our results suggest that in patients with active job the appropriately “early” usage of DBS might help preserve working capability and gain higher improvement in quality of life.
Menopausal Symptoms and Its Correlates: A Study on Tribe and Caste Population of East India
Authors: Dasgupta Doyel , Karar Priyanka , Ray Subha , Ganguly Nandini
Published: July 2015

Present study aimed to compare the incidence of menopausal problems and concomitants between tribe and caste population. This cross section study was conducted in five villages of West Bengal, a state in the eastern part of India. This study was conducted between two different ethnic groups—one of the “Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PTG)” of India named as “Lodha” and the other was a Bengali speaking caste population. A total number of 313 participants were finally recruited for this study. Study participants were married, had at least one child, had no major gynaecological problems, and had stopped menstrual bleeding spontaneously for at least 1 year. Additionally, data on sociodemographic status and menstrual and reproductive history were collected using a pretested questionnaire/schedule. Bivariate analyses (chi square test) revealed that significantly more number of caste participants suffered from urinary problems than their tribe counterpart. The reverse trend has been noticed for the frequency of vaginal problems. Multivariate analyses (binary logistic regression) show that sociodemographic variables and menstrual and reproductive history of the present study participants seem to be the concomitants of menopausal symptoms. Tribe and caste study population significantly differed with respect to the estrogen deficient menopausal problems and the concomitants to these problems.
No Association Between Vitamin D Intake,VDRPolymorphisms, and Colorectal Cancer in a Population-Based Case–Control Study
Authors: Ashmore Joseph H. , Gallagher Carla J. , Lesko Samuel M. , Muscat Joshua E. , Hartman Terryl J. , Lazarus Philip
Published: July 2015

Background: Epidemiologic evidence indicates that greater intakes of vitamin D may decrease the risk of colorectal cancer. Variants in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene have the potential to modify associations between vitamin D intake and colorectal cancer.

Methods: Associations between intakes of vitamin D and colorectal cancer were studied in a large case–control study conducted in central and northeastern Pennsylvania including 1,012 cases with histologically confirmed colorectal cancer and 1,080 population-based controls. Associations between 35 tagSNPs encompassing the VDR gene and risk for colorectal cancer as well as gene–diet associations were also assessed among a subset of the population (770 controls, 710 cases).

Results: No significant trends were observed between vitamin D intake and colorectal cancer risk. After adjustment for multiple comparisons, none of the SNPs or haplotypes within the VDR gene were associated with colorectal cancer. There were also no interactions between dietary factors and variants in the entire VDR gene.

Conclusions: Overall, results from this study suggest that vitamin D intake and variants in the VDR gene have little effect on risk for colorectal cancer.

Impact: Increasing vitamin D intake from the diet may not result in decreasing the incidence of colorectal cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(10); 1635–7. ©2015 AACR.
Clinical Utility of Combinatorial Pharmacogenomics-Guided Antidepressant Therapy: Evidence from Three Clinical Studies
Authors: Altar C. Anthony , Carhart Joseph , Allen Josiah D. , Hall-Flavin Daniel , Winner Joel , Dechairo Bryan
Published: July 2015

DNA of 258 patients with treatment-resistant depression was collected in three 8-10 week, two-arm, prospective clinical trials. Forty-four allelic variations were measured in genes for the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes CYP2D6, CYPC19, and CYP1A2, the serotonin transporter (SLC6A4), and the 5-HT2A receptor (HTR2A). The combinatorial pharmacogenomic (CPGx™) GeneSight test results were provided to clinicians to support medication changes from baseline (guided arm), or they were provided at the end of each study to clinicians of unguided patients who were treated as usual (TAU). TAU subjects who at baseline were prescribed medications genetically discordant for them showed only a 12% symptom improvement, far less than the 32.5% or 28.5% improvements of the TAU subjects on yellow-category (‘use with caution'; p = 0.002) or green-category medications (‘use as recommended'; p = 0.02), respectively. The odds of a clinical response were increased 2.3-fold among all GeneSight-guided compared to all TAU subjects (p = 0.004), and overall, the guided group had a 53% greater improvement in depressive symptoms (p = 0.0002), a 1.7-fold relative improvement in response (p = 0.01), and a number needed to treat for one clinical response above that seen in the TAU group of 6.07.