bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EpCAM Expression in Lymph Node and Bone Metastases of Prostate Carcinoma: A Pilot Study
Authors: Campos Anna , Hoving Hilde , Rosati Stefano , Van Leenders Geert , De Jong Igle
Published: September 2016

There is an urgent need for new imaging modalities in prostate carcinoma staging. A non-invasive modality that can assess lymph node and bone metastases simultaneously is preferred. Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is a membranous protein of interest as an imaging target since it is overexpressed in prostatic carcinoma compared with benign prostate epithelium and compared with stroma. However, EpCAM expression in lymph node metastases is sparsely available in the literature and EpCAM expression in bone metastases is yet unknown. The current study evaluates the expression of EpCAM in prostate carcinoma lymph nodes, in matched normal lymph nodes, in prostate carcinoma bone metastases, and in normal bone by immunohistochemistry. EpCAM was expressed in 100% of lymph node metastases (21 out of 21), in 0% of normal lymph nodes (0 out of 21), in 95% of bone metastases (19 out of 20), and in 0% of normal bone (0 out of 14). Based on these results, EpCAM may be a feasible imaging target in prostate carcinoma lymph node and bone metastases. Prospective clinical trials are needed to confirm current results. Preoperative visualization of prostate carcinoma metastases will improve disease staging and will prevent unnecessary invasive surgery.
Extracellular Self-DNA (esDNA), but Not Heterologous Plant or Insect DNA (etDNA), Induces Plasma Membrane Depolarization and Calcium Signaling in Lima Bean (Phaseolus lunatus) and Maize (Zea mays)
Authors: Barbero Francesca , Guglielmotto Michela , Capuzzo Andrea , Maffei Massimo
Published: September 2016

Extracellular self-DNA (esDNA) is produced during cell and tissue damage or degradation and has been shown to induce significant responses in several organisms, including plants. While the inhibitory effects of esDNA have been shown in conspecific individuals, little is known on the early events involved upon plant esDNA perception. We used electrophysiology and confocal laser scanning microscopy calcium localization to evaluate the plasma membrane potential (Vm) variations and the intracellular calcium fluxes, respectively, in Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus) and maize (Zea mays) plants exposed to esDNA and extracellular heterologous DNA (etDNA) and to etDNA from Spodoptera littoralis larvae and oral secretions. In both species, esDNA induced a significant Vm depolarization and an increased flux of calcium, whereas etDNA was unable to exert any of these early signaling events. These findings confirm the specificity of esDNA to induce plant cell responses and to trigger early signaling events that eventually lead to plant response to damage.
Synthesis and Structure Determination of the Quaternary Zinc Nitride Halides Zn2NX1−yX′y (X, X′ = Cl, Br, I; 0 < y < 1)
Authors: Li Yanqing , Liu Xiaohui , Dronskowski Richard
Published: September 2016

The quaternary series Zn2NCl1−yBry and Zn2NBr1−yIy were synthesized from solid-liquid reactions between zinc nitride and the respective zinc halides in closed ampoules, and the evolution of their crystal structures was investigated by single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction. Zn2NX1−yX′y (X, X′ = Cl, Br, I) adopts the anti-β-NaFeO2 motif in which each nitride ion is tetrahedrally coordinated by four zinc cations, and the halide anions are located in the voids of the skeleton formed by corner-sharing [NZn4] tetrahedra. While Zn2NCl1−yBry crystallizes in the acentric orthorhombic space group Pna21 (No. 33), isotypic to Zn2NX (X = Cl, Br), the structure of Zn2NBr1−yIy is a function of the iodide concentration, namely, Zn2NBr (Pna21) for low iodine content and Zn2NI (Pnma) for higher (y ≥ 0.38).
Applications of Graphene-Modified Electrodes in Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Yu Fei , Wang Chengxian , Ma Jie
Published: September 2016

Graphene-modified materials have captured increasing attention for energy applications due to their superior physical and chemical properties, which can significantly enhance the electricity generation performance of microbial fuel cells (MFC). In this review, several typical synthesis methods of graphene-modified electrodes, such as graphite oxide reduction methods, self-assembly methods, and chemical vapor deposition, are summarized. According to the different functions of the graphene-modified materials in the MFC anode and cathode chambers, a series of design concepts for MFC electrodes are assembled, e.g., enhancing the biocompatibility and improving the extracellular electron transfer efficiency for anode electrodes and increasing the active sites and strengthening the reduction pathway for cathode electrodes. In spite of the challenges of MFC electrodes, graphene-modified electrodes are promising for MFC development to address the reduction in efficiency brought about by organic waste by converting it into electrical energy.
Zinc Oxide Nanorods-Decorated Graphene Nanoplatelets: A Promising Antimicrobial Agent against the Cariogenic Bacterium Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Zanni Elena , Chandraiahgari Chandrakanth , De Bellis Giovanni , Montereali Maria , Armiento Giovanna , Ballirano Paolo , Polimeni Antonella , Sarto Maria , Uccelletti Daniela
Published: September 2016

Nanomaterials are revolutionizing the field of medicine to improve the quality of life due to the myriad of applications stemming from their unique properties, including the antimicrobial activity against pathogens. In this study, the antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of a novel nanomaterial composed by zinc oxide nanorods-decorated graphene nanoplatelets (ZNGs) are investigated. ZNGs were produced by hydrothermal method and characterized through field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The antimicrobial activity of ZNGs was evaluated against Streptococcus mutans, the main bacteriological agent in the etiology of dental caries. Cell viability assay demonstrated that ZNGs exerted a strikingly high killing effect on S. mutans cells in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, FE-SEM analysis revealed relevant mechanical damages exerted by ZNGs at the cell surface of this dental pathogen rather than reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. In addition, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) measurements showed negligible zinc dissolution, demonstrating that zinc ion release in the suspension is not associated with the high cell mortality rate. Finally, our data indicated that also S. mutans biofilm formation was affected by the presence of graphene-zinc oxide (ZnO) based material, as witnessed by the safranin staining and growth curve analysis. Therefore, ZNGs can be a remarkable nanobactericide against one of the main dental pathogens. The potential applications in dental care and therapy are very promising.
A Note on the Impact of Parameter Uncertainty on Barrier Derivatives
Authors: Escobar Marcos , Panz Sven
Published: September 2016

This paper presents a comprehensive extension of pricing two-dimensional derivatives depending on two barrier constraints. We assume randomness on the covariance matrix as a way of generalizing. We analyse common barrier derivatives, enabling us to study parameter uncertainty and the risk related to the estimation procedure (estimation risk). In particular, we use the distribution of empirical parameters from IBM and EURO STOXX50. The evidence suggests that estimation risk should not be neglected in the context of multidimensional barrier derivatives, as it could cause price differences of up to 70%.
Incorporating Diversity into Self-Learning for Synergetic Classification of Hyperspectral and Panchromatic Images
Authors: Lu Xiaochen , Zhang Junping , Li Tong , Zhang Ye
Published: September 2016

Derived from semi-supervised learning and active learning approaches, self-learning (SL) was recently developed for the synergetic classification of hyperspectral (HS) and panchromatic (PAN) images. Combining the image segmentation and active learning techniques, SL aims at selecting and labeling the informative unlabeled samples automatically, thereby improving the classification accuracy under the condition of small samples. This paper presents an improved synergetic classification scheme based on the concept of self-learning for HS and PAN images. The investigated scheme considers three basic rules, namely the identity rule, the uncertainty rule, and the diversity rule. By integrating the diversity of samples into the SL scheme, a more stable classifier is trained by using fewer samples. Experiments on three synthetic and real HS and PAN images reveal that the diversity criterion can avoid the problem of bias sampling, and has a certain advantage over the primary self-learning approach.
Monitoring Heritage Buildings with Open Source Hardware Sensors: A Case Study of the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba
Authors: Mesas-Carrascosa Francisco , Verdú Santano Daniel , Meroño de Larriva Jose , Ortíz Cordero Rafael , Hidalgo Fernández Rafael , García-Ferrer Alfonso
Published: September 2016

A number of physical factors can adversely affect cultural heritage. Therefore, monitoring parameters involved in the deterioration process, principally temperature and relative humidity, is useful for preventive conservation. In this study, a total of 15 microclimate stations using open source hardware were developed and stationed at the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, which is registered with UNESCO for its outstanding universal value, to assess the behavior of interior temperature and relative humidity in relation to exterior weather conditions, public hours and interior design. Long-term monitoring of these parameters is of interest in terms of preservation and reducing the costs of future conservation strategies. Results from monitoring are presented to demonstrate the usefulness of this system.
Children’s Civic Engagement in the Scratch Online Community
Authors: Roque Ricarose , Dasgupta Sayamindu , Costanza-Chock Sasha
Published: September 2016

In public discourse, and in the governance of online communities, young people are often denied agency. Children are frequently considered objects to protect, safeguard, and manage. Yet as children go online from very early ages, they develop emergent forms of civic and political engagement. Children appropriate the affordances of digital platforms in order to discuss, connect, and act with their peers and in their communities. In this paper, we analyze civic engagement in Scratch Online, a creative community where children from around the world learn programming by designing and sharing interactive media projects. We explore the ways that young Scratch community members connect with issues of global importance, as well as with local topics and questions of community governance. We develop a typology of the strategies they use to express themselves, engage with their peers, and call for action. We then analyze the reaction of the community, including other Scratch members and adult moderators, and draw key lessons from these examples in order to describe guidelines for educators and designers who would like to support children’s rights to civic engagement in online learning environments.
GPU-Accelerated Foreground Segmentation and Labeling for Real-Time Video Surveillance
Authors: Song Wei , Tian Yifei , Fong Simon , Cho Kyungeun , Wang Wei , Zhang Weiqiang
Published: September 2016

Real-time and accurate background modeling is an important researching topic in the fields of remote monitoring and video surveillance. Meanwhile, effective foreground detection is a preliminary requirement and decision-making basis for sustainable energy management, especially in smart meters. The environment monitoring results provide a decision-making basis for energy-saving strategies. For real-time moving object detection in video, this paper applies a parallel computing technology to develop a feedback foreground–background segmentation method and a parallel connected component labeling (PCCL) algorithm. In the background modeling method, pixel-wise color histograms in graphics processing unit (GPU) memory is generated from sequential images. If a pixel color in the current image does not locate around the peaks of its histogram, it is segmented as a foreground pixel. From the foreground segmentation results, a PCCL algorithm is proposed to cluster the foreground pixels into several groups in order to distinguish separate blobs. Because the noisy spot and sparkle in the foreground segmentation results always contain a small quantity of pixels, the small blobs are removed as noise in order to refine the segmentation results. The proposed GPU-based image processing algorithms are implemented using the compute unified device architecture (CUDA) toolkit. The testing results show a significant enhancement in both speed and accuracy.
Integration and Optimization of Renewables and Storages for Rural Electrification
Authors: Brenna Morris , Foiadelli Federica , Longo Michela , Abegaz Tamrat
Published: September 2016

The electricity access in Sub-Saharan African countries is below 10%; thus, introducing a microgrid for rural electrification can overcome the endemic lack of modern electricity access that hampers the provision of basic services such as education, healthcare, safety, economic and social growth for rural communities. This work studies different possible comparison methods considering variations such as land area required, location for the storage, efficiency, availability and reliability of energy resources, and technology cost variability (investment cost and levelized cost of electricity), which are among the major key parameters used to assess the best possible utilization of renewables and storage system, either using them in the form of integrated, hybrid or independent systems. The study is carried out largely with the help of the Micropower optimization modeling simulator called HOMER for Ethiopia. As a result, the study proposes the use of Photovoltaic (PV)–Wind–Hydro–Battery hybrid system model that concludes the optimal configuration of power systems at affordable price for underserved rural communities.
Technical Performance and Environmental Effects of the Treated Effluent of Wastewater Treatment Plants in the Shenzhen Bay Catchment, China
Authors: Li Bo , Wang Dan , Li Mingyuan , Wei Jie , Wu Guangxue
Published: September 2016

Technical performance and effluent environmental impact of seven wastewater treatment plant (WWTPs) in the Shenzhen Bay Catchment, China were examined. All WWTPs had good performance in the removal of chemical oxygen demand, biochemical oxygen demand, and suspended solids, while total nitrogen and total phosphorus removal should be enhanced to improve the comprehensive pollutants removal loading rate. The effluent eutrophication effect from WWTPs was in the range of 0.0028–0.0092 kg/m3, and nitrate was the major contributor. The effluent greenhouse gas emission of WWTP1–7 was in the range of 3.23 × 10−5–8.70 × 10−5 kg·CO2/m3. The effluent eutrophication effects and greenhouse gas emission of WWTPs could be reduced by decreasing the effluent total nitrogen concentration. The ecological risk and healthy risk of heavy metals were low. Among examined heavy metals, lead contributed the most to the ecological risk while arsenic contributed most to the human health risk. The human health risk of microbial pollutants of WWTPs1–7 was in the range of 0.0024–0.0042 DALY (Disability Adjusted Life Years). Finally, an ecosystem-based WWTP framework was proposed to systematically include all environmental effects so as to support the sustainable development of WWTPs.
Sustaining Innovative Success: A Case Study on Consumer-Centric Innovation in the ICT Industry
Authors: Choy Minkyung , Park Gunno
Published: September 2016

The phenomenon of innovation growing rapidly and having a shorter lifespan is a structural change due to the development of ICT (Information and Communications Technology), diverse investment methods, and reduced pattern of innovation adoption. For ICT companies to survive and maintain their success in this ever-changing environment, they need to succeed in fulfilling both productivity and accuracy of innovation. To sustain their innovative success, ICT companies should consistently maintain the direction of innovation towards consumers. The present study analyzes various cases of ICT companies which succeeded or failed to maintain their prior innovative success, and suggests consumer-centric innovation as a solution. To create consumer-centric innovations, companies have to (1) predict the dynamically evolving demand of consumers and continuously transform; (2) proactively employ observation method and big data analysis to discover hidden demands; and (3) identify hassles such as wastes, inconveniences, and anxieties, and put effort in solving these hassles.
A POCS Algorithm Based on Text Features for the Reconstruction of Document Images at Super-Resolution
Authors: Liang Fengmei , Xu Yajun , Zhang Mengxia , Zhang Liyuan
Published: September 2016

In order to address the problem of the uncertainty of existing noise models and of the complexity and changeability of the edges and textures of low-resolution document images, this paper presents a projection onto convex sets (POCS) algorithm based on text features. The current method preserves the edge details and smooths the noise in text images by adding text features as constraints to original POCS algorithms and converting the fixed threshold to an adaptive one. In this paper, the optimized scale invariant feature transform (SIFT) algorithm was used for the registration of continuous frames, and finally the image was reconstructed under the improved POCS theoretical framework. Experimental results showed that the algorithm can significantly smooth the noise and eliminate noise caused by the shadows of the lines. The lines of the reconstructed text are smoother and the stroke contours of the reconstructed text are clearer, and this largely eliminates the text edge vibration to enhance the resolution of the document image text.
Cloud-Based Parameter-Driven Statistical Services and Resource Allocation in a Heterogeneous Platform on Enterprise Environment
Authors: Lee Sungju , Jeong Taikyeong
Published: September 2016

A fundamental key for enterprise users is a cloud-based parameter-driven statistical service and it has become a substantial impact on companies worldwide. In this paper, we demonstrate the statistical analysis for some certain criteria that are related to data and applied to the cloud server for a comparison of results. In addition, we present a statistical analysis and cloud-based resource allocation method for a heterogeneous platform environment by performing a data and information analysis with consideration of the application workload and the server capacity, and subsequently propose a service prediction model using a polynomial regression model. In particular, our aim is to provide stable service in a given large-scale enterprise cloud computing environment. The virtual machines (VMs) for cloud-based services are assigned to each server with a special methodology to satisfy the uniform utilization distribution model. It is also implemented between users and the platform, which is a main idea of our cloud computing system. Based on the experimental results, we confirm that our prediction model can provide sufficient resources for statistical services to large-scale users while satisfying the uniform utilization distribution.
Multi-Omics Studies towards Novel Modulators of Influenza A Virus–Host Interaction
Authors: Söderholm Sandra , Fu Yu , Gaelings Lana , Belanov Sergey , Yetukuri Laxman , Berlinkov Mikhail , Cheltsov Anton , Anders Simon , Aittokallio Tero , Nyman Tuula , Matikainen Sampsa , Kainov Denis
Published: September 2016

Human influenza A viruses (IAVs) cause global pandemics and epidemics. These viruses evolve rapidly, making current treatment options ineffective. To identify novel modulators of IAV–host interactions, we re-analyzed our recent transcriptomics, metabolomics, proteomics, phosphoproteomics, and genomics/virtual ligand screening data. We identified 713 potential modulators targeting 199 cellular and two viral proteins. Anti-influenza activity for 48 of them has been reported previously, whereas the antiviral efficacy of the 665 remains unknown. Studying anti-influenza efficacy and immuno/neuro-modulating properties of these compounds and their combinations as well as potential viral and host resistance to them may lead to the discovery of novel modulators of IAV–host interactions, which might be more effective than the currently available anti-influenza therapeutics.
Long Noncoding RNA CPS1-IT1 Suppresses Cell Proliferation and Metastasis in Human Lung Cancer
Authors: Xiaoguang Zhao , Meirong Liu , Jingjing Zhang , Ruishen Zhang , Qing Zhang , Xiaofeng Tan
Published: September 2016

The long noncoding CPS1 intronic transcript 1 (lncRNA CPS1-IT1) is a recently identified tumor suppressor in the lncRNA family of proteins. Whether this lncRNA plays any functional role in solid tumors remains largely unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the role of lncRNA
CPS1-IT1 in human lung cancer. Expression of lncRNA CPS1-IT1 was initially assessed in human lung cancer and in a series of lung cancer cell lines. The effects of CPS1-IT1 overexpression on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were examined in lung cancer cell lines A549 and 95D. It
was found that lncRNA CPS1-IT1 was significantly lower in cancerous tissues than in noncancerous tissues. lncRNA CPS1-IT1 was differentially expressed in lung cancer cell lines and expressed the least in two highly invasive cell lines, A549 and 95D. Overexpression of CPS1-IT1 slowed down cell
proliferation by 35.7% in A549 cells and 30.8% in 95D cells on the fifth day. Cell migration was inhibited by 59% in A549 cells and 48% in 95D cells, and cell invasion was suppressed by 60% in both cell lines after overexpression of CPS1-IT1. While cell apoptosis was induced, CPS1-IT1 overexpression
promoted the activities of caspase 3 and caspase 9 without affecting that of caspase 8. These observations were suggestive of the tumor-suppressive role of lncRNA CPS1-IT1 in lung cancer. Our data suggest that CPS1-IT1 may be used as a biomarker for early diagnosis and therapeutic targets
against lncRNA and may be promising in the treatment of lung cancer.
Home Dialysis Utilization among Racial and Ethnic Minorities in the United States at the National, Regional, and State Level
Authors: Wallace Eric L. , Lea Janice , Chaudhary Ninad S. , Griffin Russell , Hammelman Eric , Cohen Joshua , Sloand James A.
Published: September 2016

Background

United States Renal Data System (USRDS) data from 2014 show that African Americans (AA) are underrepresented in the home dialysis population, with 6.4% versus 9.2% utilization in the general populace. This racial disparity may be inaccurately ascribed to the nation as a whole if regional and inter-state variability exists. This investigation sought to examine home dialysis utilization by minority Medicare beneficiary populations across the US nationally, regionally, and by individual state.

Methods

The 2012 Medicare 100% Outpatient Standard Analytic File was used to identify all Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) patients, with state of residence and race, receiving an outpatient dialysis facility bill type. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) and home hemodialysis (HHD) patients were identified using revenue and condition codes and were defined by having at least one claim during the year that met criteria for the category. Beneficiaries were counted once for each modality used that year. A home dialysis utilization ratio (UR) was calculated as the ratio of the proportion of a minority on PD or HHD within a geographic division to the proportion of Caucasians on PD or HHD within the same geographic division. A UR less than 1.00 indicated under-representation while a UR over 1.00 indicated over-representation. Utilization ratios were compared using a Poisson regression model.

Results

A total of 369,164 Medicare FFS dialysis patients were identified. Within the total cohort, AA were the most underrepresented minority on PD (UR 0.586; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.585 – 0.586; p < 0.0001), followed by Hispanics (UR 0.744; 95% CI 0.743 – 0.744; p < 0.0001). The underutilization of PD by AA and Hispanics could not be ascribed to any region of the US, as all regions of the US had UR < 1.00. Only Massachusetts had a UR > 1.00 for AA on PD. Peritoneal dialysis UR values for Asians and those self-identified as Other were 0.954; 95% CI 0.953 – 0.954 and 0.932; 95% CI 0.931 – 0.932, respectively. Nationally, all minorities utilized HHD less than Caucasians. However, more variability existed, with Asians utilizing more HHD than Caucasians in the Midwest.

Conclusions

Although regional and interstate variability exists, there is near universal under-representation of AA and Hispanics in the home dialysis population, while Asians and Other demonstrate more interregional and interstate variability.
Epidemiology and Clinical Characteristics of Acinetobacter Peritoneal Dialysis-Related Peritonitis in Hong Kong—with a Perspective on Multi-Drug and Carbapenem Resistance
Authors: Li Philip Hei , Cheng Vincent C.C. , Yip Terence , Yap Desmond Y.H. , Lui Sing-Leung , Lo Wai-Kei
Published: September 2016

Background

Acinetobacter spp. is an important cause of peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related peritonitis, but studies on Acinetobacter peritonitis have been scarce. In view of the rising concern of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter (CRA) and multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter (MDRA) infections, we conducted this study on the incidence of Acinetobacter peritonitis and the impact of CRA and MDRA on its outcome.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated the clinical characteristics, prevalence, antibiotic sensitivity patterns, outcomes, and factors associated with treatment failure over the past 16 years in our patients with Acinetobacter PD-related peritonitis.

Results

Out of 2,389 episodes of peritonitis, there were 66 episodes (3%) of Acinetobacter peritonitis occurring in 59 patients. Twelve episodes were caused by MDRA (18%), of which 5 were CRA (8%). There was a progressive increase in the incidence of MDRA and CRA infections over the study period. Most isolates were sensitive to sulbactam combinations (ampicillin-sulbactam [95.4%] and cefoperazone-sulbactam [93.9%]), aminoglycosides (amikacin [92.4%], tobramycin [90.9%], and gentamicin [89.4%]), and carbapenems (imipenem [92.2%]). There was 1 case of relapse. Fifteen episodes resulted in catheter removal (23%), and 7 patients died (11%). Hypoalbuminemia (odds ratio [OR] = 0.85, p = 0.006) and carbapenem resistance (OR = 18.2, p = 0.049) were significantly associated with higher rates of treatment failure.

Conclusion

Both carbapenem resistance and hypoalbuminemia were significantly associated with treatment failure. Up to 80% of peritonitis episodes by CRA resulted in catheter loss or mortality. Sulbactam combinations and/or aminoglycosides remained effective for the majority of Acinetobacter isolates. There seemed to be an increasing relative incidence of MDRA and CRA infections over the past 16 years.
Hearing Loss and Age-Induced Changes in the Central Auditory System Measured by the P3 Response to Small Changes in Frequency
Authors: Vander Werff Kathy R. , Nesbitt Kerrie L.
Published: September 2016

Background:Recent behavioral studies have suggested that individuals with sloping audiograms exhibit localized improvements in frequency discrimination in the frequency region near the drop in hearing. Auditory-evoked potentials may provide evidence of such cortical plasticity
and reorganization of frequency maps.Purpose:The objective of this study was to evaluate electrophysiological evidence of cortical plasticity related to cortical frequency representation and discrimination abilities in older individuals with high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss
(SNHL). It was hypothesized that the P3 response in this group would show evidence of physiological reorganization of frequency maps and enhanced neural representation at the edge of their high-frequency loss due to their restricted SNHL.Research Design:The P3 auditory event-related
potential in response to small frequency changes was recorded in a repeated measures design using an oddball paradigm that presented upward and downward frequency changes of 2%, 5%, and 20% to three groups of listeners.Study Sample:P3 recordings from a group of seven older individuals
with a restricted sloping hearing loss >1000 or 2000 Hz was compared to two control groups of younger (n = 7) and older (n = 7) individuals with normal hearing/borderline normal hearing through 4000 Hz.Data Collection and Analysis:The auditory P3 was recorded using an oddball paradigm
(80%/20%) with the standard tone at the highest frequency of normal hearing in the hearing-impaired participants, also known as the edge frequency (EF). EFs were either 1000 or 2000 Hz for all participants. The target tones represented upward and downward frequency changes of 2%, 5%, and 20%
from the standard tones of either 1000 or 2000 Hz. Waveforms were recorded using a two-channel clinical-evoked potential system. Latency and amplitude of the P300 peak were analyzed across groups for the three frequency conditions using repeated measures analysis of variance.Results:The
results of this study suggest that the P3 response can be elicited by frequency changes as small as 2‐5%. P3 responses at the EF of hearing loss were present and larger in amplitude for more participants with a sloping hearing loss compared to age-matched normal-hearing peers tested
at the same frequencies. As a result, the older participants with sloping hearing losses had P3 responses more similar to the younger normal-hearing participants than their age-matched peers with normal hearing.Conclusions:These preliminary results partially support the idea of enhanced
cortical representation of frequency at the EF of localized SNHL in older adults that is not purely due to age.
OGLE-2015-BLG-0051/KMT-2015-BLG-0048LB: A GIANT PLANET ORBITING A LOW-MASS BULGE STAR DISCOVERED BY HIGH-CADENCE MICROLENSING SURVEYS
Authors: Han C. , Udalski A. , Gould A. , Bozza V. , Jung Y. K. , Albrow M. D. , Kim S.-L. , Lee C.-U. , Cha S.-M. , Kim D.-J. , Lee Y. , Park B.-G. , Shin I.-G. ,   (The KMTNet Collaboration), Szymański M. K. , Soszyński I. , Skowron J. , Mróz P. , Poleski R. , Pietrukowicz P. , Kozłowski S. , Ulaczyk K. , Wyrzykowski Ł. , Pawlak M. ,   (The OGLE Collaboration)
Published: September 2016

We report the discovery of an extrasolar planet detected from the combined data of a microlensing event OGLE-2015-BLG-0051/KMT-2015-BLG-0048 acquired by two microlensing surveys. Despite the fact that the short planetary signal occurred in the very early Bulge season during which the lensing event could be seen for just about an hour, the signal was continuously and densely covered. From the Bayesian analysis using models of the mass function, and matter and velocity distributions, combined with information on the angular Einstein radius, it is found that the host of the planet is located in the Galactic bulge. The planet has a mass

and it is orbiting a low-mass M-dwarf host with a projected separation

. The discovery of the planet demonstrates the capability of the current high-cadence microlensing lensing surveys in detecting and characterizing planets.
PROBING FOR EVIDENCE OF PLUMES ON EUROPA WITH HST/STIS
Authors: Sparks W. B. , Hand K. P. , McGrath M. A. , Bergeron E. , Cracraft M. , Deustua S. E.
Published: September 2016

Roth et al. (2014a) reported evidence for plumes of water venting from a southern high latitude region on Europa: spectroscopic detection of off-limb line emission from the dissociation products of water. Here, we present Hubble Space Telescope direct images of Europa in the far-ultraviolet (FUV) as it transited the smooth face of Jupiter to measure absorption from gas or aerosols beyond the Europa limb. Out of 10 observations, we found 3 in which plume activity could be implicated. Two observations showed statistically significant features at latitudes similar to Roth et al., and the third at a more equatorial location. We consider potential systematic effects that might influence the statistical analysis and create artifacts, and are unable to find any that can definitively explain the features, although there are reasons to be cautious. If the apparent absorption features are real, the magnitude of implied outgassing is similar to that of the Roth et al. feature; however, the apparent activity appears more frequently in our data.
NEW HALO STARS OF THE GALACTIC GLOBULAR CLUSTERS M3 AND M13 IN THE LAMOST DR1 CATALOG
Authors: Navin Colin A. , Martell Sarah L. , Zucker Daniel B.
Published: September 2016

M3 and M13 are Galactic globular clusters with previous reports of surrounding stellar halos. We present the results of a search for members and extratidal cluster halo stars within and outside of the tidal radius of these clusters in the LAMOST Data Release 1. We find seven candidate cluster members (inside the tidal radius) of both M3 and M13, respectively. In M3 we also identify eight candidate extratidal cluster halo stars at distances up to ∼9.8 times the tidal radius, and in M13 we identify 12 candidate extratidal cluster halo stars at distances up to ∼13.8 times the tidal radius. These results support previous indications that both M3 and M13 are surrounded by extended stellar halos, and we find that the GC destruction rates corresponding to the observed mass loss are generally significantly higher than theoretical studies predict.
THE XMM-NEWTON AND INTEGRAL OBSERVATIONS OF THE SUPERGIANT FAST X-RAY TRANSIENT IGR J16328-4726∗

†
Authors: Fiocchi M. , Bazzano A. , Natalucci L. , Ubertini P. , Sguera V. , Bird A. J. , Boon C. M. , Persi P. , Piro L.
Published: September 2016

The accretion mechanism producing the short flares observed from the Supergiant Fast X-ray Transients (SFXT) is still highly debated and forms a major part in our attempts to place these X-ray binaries in the wider context of the High Mass X-ray Binaries. We report on a 216 ks INTEGRAL observation of the SFXT IGR J16328-4726 (2014 August 24–27) simultaneous with two fixed-time observations with XMM-Newton (33 and 20 ks) performed around the putative periastron passage, in order to investigate the accretion regime and the wind properties during this orbital phase. During these observations, the source has shown luminosity variations, from

∼
4
×

10

34

to

∼

10

36

erg

s

−
1

, linked to spectral properties changes. The soft X-ray continuum is well modeled by a power law with a photon index varying from ∼1.2 up to ∼1.7 and with high values of the column density in the range of 

∼
2
–
4
×

10

23

cm

−
2

. We report on the presence of iron lines at ∼6.8–7.1 keV, suggesting that the X-ray flux is produced by the accretion of matter from the companion wind characterized by density and temperature inhomogeneities.
INTERSTELLAR GAS AND A DARK DISK
Authors: Kramer Eric David , Randall Lisa
Published: September 2016

We introduce a potentially powerful method for constraining or discovering a thin dark matter disk in the Milky Way. The method relies on the relationship between the midplane densities and scale heights of interstellar gas being determined by the gravitational potential, which is sensitive to the presence of a dark disk. We show how to use the interstellar gas parameters to set a bound on a dark disk and discuss the constraints suggested by the current data. However, current measurements for these parameters are discordant, with the uncertainty in the constraint being dominated by the molecular hydrogen midplane density measurement, as well as by the atomic hydrogen velocity dispersion measurement. Magnetic fields and cosmic ray pressure, which are expected to play a role, are uncertain as well. The current models and data are inadequate to determine the disk's existence, but taken at face value, may favor its existence depending on the gas parameters used.
KEPLER FLARES. IV. A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF THE ACTIVITY OF THE dM4e STAR GJ 1243
Authors: Silverberg Steven M. , Kowalski Adam F. , Davenport James R. A. , Wisniewski John P. , Hawley Suzanne L. , Hilton Eric J.
Published: September 2016

We present a comprehensive study of the active dM4e star GJ 1243. We use previous observations and ground-based echelle spectroscopy to determine that GJ 1243 is a member of the Argus association of field stars, suggesting it is

old. We analyze 11 months of 1 minute cadence data from Kepler, presenting Kepler flare frequency distributions, as well as determining correlations between flare energy, amplitude, duration, and decay time. We find that the exponent α of the power-law flare energy distribution varies in time, primarily due to completeness of sample and the low frequency of high-energy flares. We also find a deviation from a single power law at high energy. We use ground-based spectroscopic observations that were simultaneous with the Kepler data to provide simultaneous photometric and spectroscopic analysis of three low-energy flares, the lowest-energy dMe flares with detailed spectral analysis to date on any star. The spectroscopic data from these flares extend constraints for radiative hydrodynamic flare models to a lower energy regime than has previously been studied. We use this simultaneous spectroscopy and Kepler photometry to develop approximate conversions from the Kepler bandpass to the traditional U and B bands. This conversion will be a critical factor in comparing any Kepler flare analyses to the canon of previous ground-based flare studies.
FARADAY ROTATION MEASURE SYNTHESIS OF INTERMEDIATE REDSHIFT QUASARS AS A PROBE OF INTERVENING MATTER
Authors: Kim Kwang Seong , Lilly Simon J. , Miniati Francesco , Bernet Martin L. , Beck Rainer , O’Sullivan Shane P. , Gaensler Bryan M.
Published: September 2016

There is evidence that magnetized material along the line of sight to distant quasars is detectable in the polarization properties of the background sources. The polarization properties appear to be correlated with the presence of intervening Mg ii absorption, which is thought to arise in outflowing material from star forming galaxies. In order to investigate this further, we have obtained high spectral resolution polarization measurements, with the Very Large Array and the Australia Telescope Compact Array, of a set of 49 unresolved quasars for which we have high quality optical spectra. These enable us to produce a Faraday Depth spectrum for each source, using Rotation Measure (RM) Synthesis. Our new independent radio data confirms that interveners are strongly associated with depolarization. We characterize the complexity of the Faraday Depth spectrum using a number of parameters and show how these are related, or not, to the depolarization and to the presence of Mg ii absorption along the line of sight. We argue that complexity and structure in the Faraday Depth distribution likely arise from both intervening material and intrinsically to the background source and attempt to separate these. We find that the strong radio depolarization effects associated with intervening material at redshifts out to

arise from inhomogeneous Faraday screens producing a dispersion in RM across individual sources of around 10 rad m−2. This is likely produced by disordered fields with strengths of at least 3 μG.
MOST OBSERVATIONS OF OUR NEAREST NEIGHBOR: FLARES ON PROXIMA CENTAURI
Authors: Davenport James R. A. , Kipping David M. , Sasselov Dimitar , Matthews Jaymie M. , Cameron Chris
Published: September 2016

We present a study of white-light flares from the active M5.5 dwarf Proxima Centauri using the Canadian microsatellite Microvariability and Oscillations of STars. Using 37.6 days of monitoring data from 2014 to 2015, we have detected 66 individual flare events, the largest number of white-light flares observed to date on Proxima Cen. Flare energies in our sample range from 1029 to 1031.5 erg. The flare rate is lower than that of other classic flare stars of a similar spectral type, such as UV Ceti, which may indicate Proxima Cen had a higher flare rate in its youth. Proxima Cen does have an unusually high flare rate given its slow rotation period, however. Extending the observed power-law occurrence distribution down to 1028 erg, we show that flares with flux amplitudes of 0.5% occur 63 times per day, while superflares with energies of 1033 erg occur ∼8 times per year. Small flares may therefore pose a great difficulty in searches for transits from the recently announced 1.27 M
⊕ Proxima b, while frequent large flares could have significant impact on the planetary atmosphere.
CLOUD ATLAS: DISCOVERY OF PATCHY CLOUDS AND HIGH-AMPLITUDE ROTATIONAL MODULATIONS IN A YOUNG, EXTREMELY RED L-TYPE BROWN DWARF
Authors: Lew Ben W. P. , Apai Daniel , Zhou Yifan , Schneider Glenn , Burgasser Adam J. , Karalidi Theodora , Yang Hao , Marley Mark S. , Cowan Nicolas B. , Bedin Luigi R. , Metchev Stanimir A. , Radigan Jacqueline , Lowrance Patrick J.
Published: September 2016

Condensate clouds fundamentally impact the atmospheric structure and spectra of exoplanets and brown dwarfs, but the connections between surface gravity, cloud structure, dust in the upper atmosphere, and the red colors of some brown dwarfs remain poorly understood. Rotational modulations enable the study of different clouds in the same atmosphere, thereby providing a method to isolate the effects of clouds. Here, we present the discovery of high peak-to-peak amplitude (8%) rotational modulations in a low-gravity, extremely red (

s
 = 2.55) L6 dwarf WISEP J004701.06+680352.1 (W0047). Using the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) time-resolved grism spectroscopy, we find a best-fit rotational period (13.20 ± 0.14 hr) with a larger amplitude at 1.1 μm than at 1.7 μm. This is the third-largest near-infrared variability amplitude measured in a brown dwarf, demonstrating that large-amplitude variations are not limited to the L/T transition but are present in some extremely red L-type dwarfs. We report a tentative trend between the wavelength dependence of relative amplitude, possibly proxy for small dust grains lofted in the upper atmosphere, and the likelihood of large-amplitude variability. By assuming forsterite as a haze particle, we successfully explain the wavelength-dependent amplitude with submicron-sized haze particle sizes of around 0.4 μm. W0047 links the earlier spectral and later spectral type brown dwarfs in which rotational modulations have been observed; the large amplitude variations in this object make this a benchmark brown dwarf for the study of cloud properties close to the L/T transition.
OSCILLATION OF CURRENT SHEETS IN THE WAKE OF A FLUX ROPE ERUPTION OBSERVED BY THE SOLAR DYNAMICS OBSERVATORY
Authors: Li L. P. , Zhang J. , Su J. T. , Liu Y.
Published: September 2016

An erupting flux rope (FR) draws its overlying coronal loops upward, causing a coronal mass ejection. The legs of the overlying loops with opposite polarities are driven together. Current sheets (CSs) form, and magnetic reconnection, producing underneath flare arcades, occurs in the CSs. Employing Solar Dynamic Observatory/Atmospheric Imaging Assembly images, we study a FR eruption on 2015 April 23, and for the first time report the oscillation of CSs underneath the erupting FR. The FR is observed in all AIA extreme-ultraviolet passbands, indicating that it has both hot and warm components. Several bright CSs, connecting the erupting FR and the underneath flare arcades, are observed only in hotter AIA channels, e.g., 131 and 94 Å. Using the differential emission measure (EM) analysis, we find that both the temperature and the EM of CSs temporally increase rapidly, reach the peaks, and then decrease slowly. A significant delay between the increases of the temperature and the EM is detected. The temperature, EM, and density spatially decrease along the CSs with increasing heights. For a well-developed CS, the temperature (EM) decreases from 9.6 MK (8 × 1028 cm−5) to 6.2 MK (5 × 1027 cm−5) in 52 Mm. Along the CSs, dark supra-arcade downflows (SADs) are observed, and one of them separates a CS into two. While flowing sunward, the speeds of the SADs decrease. The CSs oscillate with a period of 11 minutes, an amplitude of 1.5 Mm, and a phase speed of 200 ± 30 km s−1. One of the oscillations lasts for more than 2 hr. These oscillations represent fast-propagating magnetoacoustic kink waves.
Minimizing waste (off-cuts) using cutting stock model: The case of one dimensional cutting stock problem in wood working industry
Authors: Ogunranti Gbemileke A. , Oluleye Ayodeji E.
Published: September 2016

Purpose: The main objective of this study is to develop a model for solving the one dimensional cutting stock problem in the wood working industry, and develop a program for its implementation.Design/methodology/approach: This study adopts the pattern oriented approach in the formulation of the cutting stock model. A pattern generation algorithm was developed and coded using Visual basic.NET language. The cutting stock model developed is a Linear Programming (LP) Model constrained by numerous feasible patterns. A LP solver was integrated with the pattern generation algorithm program to develop a one - dimensional cutting stock model application named GB Cutting Stock Program.Findings and Originality/value: Applying the model to a real life optimization problem significantly reduces material waste (off-cuts) and minimizes the total stock used. The result yielded about 30.7% cost savings for company-I when the total stock materials used is compared with the former cutting plan. Also, to evaluate the efficiency of the application, Case I problem was solved using two top commercial 1D-cutting stock software.  The results show that the GB program performs better when related results were compared.Research limitations/implications: This study round up the linear programming solution for the number of pattern to cut.Practical implications: From Managerial perspective, implementing optimized cutting plans increases productivity by eliminating calculating errors and drastically reducing operator mistakes. Also, financial benefits that can annually amount to millions in cost savings can be achieved through significant material waste reduction.Originality/value: This paper developed a linear programming one dimensional cutting stock model based on a pattern generation algorithm to minimize waste in the wood working industry. To implement the model, the algorithm was coded using VisualBasic.net and linear programming solver called lpsolvedll (dynamic link library) was integrated to develop a one dimensional cutting stock Program.