bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tapered Twisted Tape Inserts for Enhanced Heat Transfer
Authors: Ramakumar B. V. N. , Arsha J. D. , Tayal Praveen
Published: August 2015

Insertion of twisted tapes in smooth channels is one of the passive methods used for enhancing heat transfer. Flow and associated heat transfer characteristics of these channels are very complex. Understanding this complex flow is helpful while designing new passive methods. Numerical methods like computational fluid dynamics (CFD) are gaining much popularity for analyzing and designing these heat transfer enhancement techniques. This paper focuses on such a numerical study. The preliminary study is focused on development of numerical methodology through validation. Successive studies are aimed at development of an innovative design for twisted tape. Twisted tapes with taper angle (tapered twisted tapes, i.e., tape width decreases along the flow direction) are developed and evaluated on the basis of the performance of these tapes with those of conventional tapes. A circular tube with tapered twisted tape with a twist ratio of 3 and taper angles of 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, and 0.7 is considered for this study along with a plain tube. Three Reynolds numbers (Re) of 8545, 11393, and 13333 are considered to examine the sensitivity of the performance. Simulations are performed with a commercially available CFD tool, ansys fluent (v14.0). Heat transfer and pressure drop results are presented in the form of Nusselt number (Nu), friction factor (f), and overall enhancement ratio (η). An increase of 17% in overall enhancement is predicted with taper angle of 0.5.
Solar Radiation Conversion With Mesoporous Silica Activated by Rare-Earth Ions
Authors: Nurakhmetov T. N. , Kuterbekov K. A. , Daurenbekov D. H. , Zhanbotin A. Zh. , Betekbaev A. A. , Kainarbay A. Z. , Schmedake T. A. , Kuterbekov M. K.
Published: August 2015

Intrinsic and extrinsic nature of the luminescence of pure and Eu3+ and Tb3+ rare-earth ions activated mesoporous silica has been investigated by spectroscopic methods. Increasing the Eu3+ impurity concentration from 0.01 mg to 7 mg, results in an increase of the impurity particles radiation in the luminescent mesoporous colloidal silica (LMCS) matrix by several times. With an increase in the concentration of Tb3+ from 0.01 mg to 3 mg, impurity luminescence intensity increases several times while the intrinsic luminescence intensity maximum at 400 and 460 nm is decreasing. Based on the experimental evidence, it is suggested that the energy of the own electronic matrix excitation is transferred by emitters, i.e., impurities of Eu3+ and Tb3+ ions. Also, it is assumed that the emission band at 610 nm in an LMCS—Eu3+ and emission band at 543 nm in the LMCS—Tb3+ is attributed to the intracenter transitions within the Eu3+ and Tb3+ ions.
Semaphorin 3D autocrine signaling mediates the metastatic role of annexin A2 in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Foley Kelly , Rucki Agnieszka A. , Xiao Qian , Zhou Donger , Leubner Ashley , Mo Guanglan , Kleponis Jennifer , Wu Annie A. , Sharma Rajni , Jiang Qingguang , Anders Robert A. , Iacobuzio-Donahue Christine A. , Hajjar Katherine A. , Maitra Anirban , Jaffee Elizabeth M. , Zheng Lei
Published: August 2015

Annexin A2–dependent secretion of semaphorin 3D induces metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells.
The ASK family kinases differentially mediate induction of type I interferon and apoptosis during the antiviral response
Authors: Okazaki Tomohiko , Higuchi Maiko , Takeda Kohsuke , Iwatsuki-Horimoto Kiyoko , Kiso Maki , Miyagishi Makoto , Yanai Hideyuki , Kato Atsushi , Yoneyama Mitsutoshi , Fujita Takashi , Taniguchi Tadatsugu , Kawaoka Yoshihiro , Ichijo Hidenori , Gotoh Yukiko
Published: August 2015

The relative abundance of two related kinases determines whether virus-infected cells die or trigger an antiviral response.
HIF1α slows muscle regeneration
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: August 2015

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α inhibits myogenesis following ischemic injury until an adequate oxygen supply has been restored.
Less resveratrol is more beneficial
Authors: LaMarco Kelly
Published: August 2015

Low-dose resveratrol prevents tumor growth in mice and alters metabolism in human tissues.
Tumor suppressor p53 linked to immune function
Authors: Ray L. Bryan
Published: August 2015

p53 promotes clearance of dead cells and proper immune function.
Antitrypanosomal Treatment with Benznidazole Is Superior to Posaconazole Regimens in Mouse Models of Chagas Disease
Authors: Khare Shilpi , Liu Xianzhong , Stinson Monique , Rivera Ianne , Groessl Todd , Tuntland Tove , Yeh Vince , Wen Ben , Molteni Valentina , Glynne Richard , Supek Frantisek
Published: August 2015

Two CYP51 inhibitors, posaconazole and the ravuconazole prodrug E1224, were recently tested in clinical trials for efficacy in indeterminate Chagas disease. The results from these studies show that both drugs cleared parasites from the blood of infected patients at the end of the treatment but that parasitemia rebounded over the following months. In the current study, we sought to identify a dosing regimen of posaconazole that could permanently clear
Trypanosoma cruzi
from mice with experimental Chagas disease. Infected mice were treated with posaconazole or benznidazole, an established Chagas disease drug, and parasitological cure was defined as an absence of parasitemia recrudescence after immunosuppression. Twenty-day therapy with benznidazole (10 to 100 mg/kg of body weight/day) resulted in a dose-dependent increase in antiparasitic activity, and the 100-mg/kg regimen effected parasitological cure in all treated mice. In contrast, all mice remained infected after a 25-day treatment with posaconazole at all tested doses (10 to 100 mg/kg/day). Further extension of posaconazole therapy to 40 days resulted in only a marginal improvement of treatment outcome. We also observed similar differences in antiparasitic activity between benznidazole and posaconazole in acute
T. cruzi
heart infections. While benznidazole induced rapid, dose-dependent reductions in heart parasite burdens, the antiparasitic activity of posaconazole plateaued at low doses (3 to 10 mg/kg/day) despite increasing drug exposure in plasma. These observations are in good agreement with the outcomes of recent phase 2 trials with posaconazole and suggest that the efficacy models combined with the pharmacokinetic analysis employed here will be useful in predicting clinical outcomes of new drug candidates.
U.S.-Based National Sentinel Surveillance Study for the Epidemiology of Clostridium difficile-Associated Diarrheal Isolates and Their Susceptibility to Fidaxomicin
Authors: Snydman D. R. , McDermott L. A. , Jacobus N. V. , Thorpe C. , Stone S. , Jenkins S. G. , Goldstein E. J. C. , Patel R. , Forbes B. A. , Mirrett S. , Johnson S. , Gerding D. N.
Published: August 2015

In 2011 a surveillance study for the susceptibility to fidaxomicin and epidemiology of
Clostridium difficile
isolates in the United States was undertaken in seven geographically dispersed medical centers. This report encompasses baseline surveillance in 2011 and 2012 on 925 isolates. A convenience sample of
C. difficile
isolates or toxin positive stools from patients were referred to a central laboratory. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by agar dilution (CLSI M11-A8). Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI), Food and Drug Administration, or European Union of Clinical Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) breakpoints were applied where applicable. Toxin gene profiles were characterized by multiplex PCR on each isolate. A random sample of 322 strains, stratified by institution, underwent restriction endonuclease analysis (REA). The fidaxomicin MIC
90
was 0.5 μg/ml for all isolates regardless of REA type or toxin gene profile, and all isolates were inhibited at ≤1.0 μg/ml. By REA typing, BI strains represented 25.5% of the isolates. The toxin gene profile of
tcdA
,
tcdB
, and
cdtA/B
positive with a
tcdC
18-bp deletion correlated with BI REA group. Moxifloxacin and clindamycin resistance was increased among either BI or binary toxin-positive isolates. Metronidazole and vancomycin showed reduced susceptibility (EUCAST criteria) in these isolates. Geographic variations in susceptibility, REA group and binary toxin gene presence were observed. Fidaxomicin activity against
C. difficile
isolated in a national surveillance study did not change more than 1 year after licensure. This analysis provides baseline results for future comparisons.
Antileishmanial Activity of Disulfiram and Thiuram Disulfide Analogs in anEx VivoModel System Is Selectively Enhanced by the Addition of Divalent Metal Ions
Authors: Peniche Alex G. , Renslo Adam R. , Melby Peter C. , Travi Bruno L.
Published: August 2015

Current treatments for cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis are toxic, expensive, difficult to administer, and limited in efficacy and availability. Disulfiram has primarily been used to treat alcoholism. More recently, it has shown some efficacy as therapy against protozoan pathogens and certain cancers, suggesting a wide range of biological activities. We used anex vivosystem to screen several thiuram disulfide compounds for antileishmanial activity. We found five compounds (compound identifier [CID] 7188, 5455, 95876, 12892, and 3117 [disulfiram]) with anti-Leishmaniaactivity at nanomolar concentrations. We further evaluated these compounds with the addition of divalent metal salts based on studies that indicated these salts could potentiate the action of disulfiram. In addition, clinical studies suggested that zinc has some efficacy in treating cutaneous leishmaniasis. Several divalent metal salts were evaluated at 1 μM, which is lower than the normal levels of copper and zinc in plasma of healthy individuals. The leishmanicidal activity of disulfiram and CID 7188 were enhanced by several divalent metal salts at 1 μM. Thein vitrotherapeutic index (IVTI) of disulfiram and CID 7188 increased 12- and 2.3-fold, respectively, againstL. majorwhen combined with ZnCl2. The combination of disulfiram with ZnSO4resulted in a 1.8-fold increase in IVTI againstL. donovani. This novel combination of thiuram disulfides and divalent metal ions salts could have application as topical and/or oral therapies for treatment of cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis.
Permeable Reactive Barriers Designed To Mitigate Eutrophication Alter Bacterial Community Composition and Aquifer Redox Conditions
Authors: Hiller Kenly A. , Foreman Kenneth H. , Weisman David , Bowen Jennifer L.
Published: August 2015

Permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) consist of a labile carbon source that is positioned to intercept nitrate-laden groundwater to prevent eutrophication. Decomposition of carbon in the PRB drives groundwater anoxic, fostering microbial denitrification. Such PRBs are an ideal habitat to examine microbial community structure under high-nitrate, carbon-replete conditions in coastal aquifers. We examined a PRB installed at the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Falmouth, MA. Groundwater within and below the PRB was depleted in oxygen compared to groundwater at sites upgradient and at adjacent reference sites. Nitrate concentrations declined from a high of 25 μM upgradient and adjacent to the barrier to <0.1 μM within the PRB. We analyzed the total and active bacterial communities filtered from groundwater flowing through the PRB using amplicons of 16S rRNA and of the 16S rRNA genes. Analysis of the 16S rRNA genes collected from the PRB showed that the total bacterial community had high relative abundances of bacteria thought to have alternative metabolisms, such as fermentation, including candidate phyla OD1, OP3, TM7, and GN02. In contrast, the active bacteria had lower abundances of many of these bacteria, suggesting that the bacterial taxa that differentiate the PRB groundwater community were not actively growing. Among the environmental variables analyzed, dissolved oxygen concentration explained the largest proportion of total community structure. There was, however, no significant correlation between measured environmental parameters and the active microbial community, suggesting that controls on the active portion may differ from the community as a whole.
Meat Processing Plant Microbiome and Contamination Patterns of Cold-Tolerant Bacteria Causing Food Safety and Spoilage Risks in the Manufacture of Vacuum-Packaged Cooked Sausages
Authors: Hultman Jenni , Rahkila Riitta , Ali Javeria , Rousu Juho , Björkroth K. Johanna
Published: August 2015

Refrigerated food processing facilities are specific man-made niches likely to harbor cold-tolerant bacteria. To characterize this type of microbiota and study the link between processing plant and product microbiomes, we followed and compared microbiota associated with the raw materials and processing stages of a vacuum-packaged, cooked sausage product affected by a prolonged quality fluctuation with occasional spoilage manifestations during shelf life. A total of 195 samples were subjected to culturing and amplicon sequence analyses. Abundant mesophilic psychrotrophs were detected within the microbiomes throughout the different compartments of the production plant environment. However, each of the main genera of food safety and quality interest, e.g.,
Leuconostoc
,
Brochothrix
, and
Yersinia
, had their own characteristic patterns of contamination. Bacteria from the genus
Leuconostoc
, commonly causing spoilage of cold-stored, modified-atmosphere-packaged foods, were detected in high abundance (up to >98%) in the sausages studied. The same operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were, however, detected in lower abundances in raw meat and emulsion (average relative abundance of 2% ± 5%), as well as on the processing plant surfaces (<4%). A completely different abundance profile was found for OTUs phylogenetically close to the species
Yersinia pseudotuberculosis
. These OTUs were detected in high abundance (up to 28%) on the processing plant surfaces but to a lesser extent (<1%) in raw meat, sausage emulsion, and sausages. The fact that
Yersinia
-like OTUs were found on the surfaces of a high-hygiene packaging compartment raises food safety concerns related to their resilient existence on surfaces.
Management of persistent postconcussion symptoms in youth: a randomised control trial protocol
Authors: Reed Nick , Greenspoon Dayna , Iverson Grant L , DeMatteo Carol , Fait Philippe , Gauvin-Lepage Jérôme , Hunt Anne , Gagnon Isabelle J
Published: August 2015

Introduction

Current management of concussion consists of early education, rest until symptom free, with gradual return to school and physical activity protocols. Although this management strategy is effective for most youth who sustain a concussion, it is not an appropriate strategy for youth with persistent postconcussion symptoms. Prolonged rest and periods of restricted activity may place youth at risk for secondary issues and contribute to the chronicity of postconcussion symptoms. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of an active rehabilitation protocol for youth who are slow to recover from concussion. It is hypothesised that an active rehabilitation intervention can reduce persistent postconcussion symptoms, improve function and facilitate return to activity. This article describes the research protocol.

Methods and analysis

This is a randomised clinical trial with blinded outcome measurement. Participants will be recruited and randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatment groups, an active rehabilitation intervention or a standard care education group. Both groups will receive standard care education. However, the active rehabilitation group will participate in an additional low-intensity exercise programme consisting of aerobic, coordination and visualisation exercises. Both the active rehabilitation and the standard care education interventions will be 6 weeks in duration. The primary outcome measure is postconcussion symptoms. Secondary outcome measures include functional recovery (cognitive, motor, psychosocial and emotional functioning) and return to activity. Outcome measures will be administered preintervention and postintervention. The primary outcome measure will also be repeated 2 weeks into the intervention period.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital research ethics board (REB # 13-459). The findings from this study will be shared with the general public, sport associations, relevant brain injury organisations and healthcare professionals.

Trial registration number

NCT02257749.
Eating As Treatment (EAT) study protocol: a stepped-wedge, randomised controlled trial of a health behaviour change intervention provided by dietitians to improve nutrition in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy
Authors: Britton Ben , McCarter Kristen , Baker Amanda , Wolfenden Luke , Wratten Chris , Bauer Judith , Beck Alison , McElduff Patrick , Halpin Sean , Carter Gregory
Published: August 2015

Introduction

Maintaining adequate nutrition for Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) patients is challenging due to both the malignancy and the rigours of radiation treatment. As yet, health behaviour interventions designed to maintain or improve nutrition in patients with HNC have not been evaluated. The proposed trial builds on promising pilot data, and evaluates the effectiveness of a dietitian-delivered health behaviour intervention to reduce malnutrition in patients with HNC undergoing radiotherapy: Eating As Treatment (EAT).

Methods and analysis

A stepped-wedge cluster randomised design will be used. All recruitment hospitals begin in the control condition providing treatment as usual. In a randomly generated order, oncology staff at each hospital will receive 2 days of training in EAT before switching to the intervention condition. Training will be supplemented by ongoing supervision, coaching and a 2-month booster training provided by the research team. EAT is based on established behaviour change counselling methods, including motivational interviewing, cognitive–behavioural therapy, and incorporates clinical practice change theory. It is designed to improve motivation to eat despite a range of barriers (pain, mucositis, nausea, reduced or no saliva, taste changes and appetite loss), and to provide patients with practical behaviour change strategies. EAT will be delivered by dietitians during their usual consultations. 400 patients with HNC (nasopharynx, hypopharynx, oropharynx, oral cavity or larynx), aged 18+, undergoing radiotherapy (>60 Gy) with curative intent, will be recruited from radiotherapy departments at 5 Australian sites. Assessments will be conducted at 4 time points (first and final week of radiotherapy, 4 and 12 weeks postradiotherapy). The primary outcome will be a nutritional status assessment.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval from all relevant bodies has been granted. Study findings will be disseminated widely through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12613000320752.
Electromyographic, mechanomyographic, and metabolic responses during cycle ergometry at a constant rating of perceived exertion
Authors: Cochrane Kristen C. , Housh Terry J. , Jenkins Nathaniel D.M. , Bergstrom Haley C. , Smith Cory M. , Hill Ethan C. , Johnson Glen O. , Schmidt Richard J. , Cramer Joel T.
Published: August 2015

Ten subjects performed four 8-min rides (65%–80% peak oxygen consumption) to determine the physical working capacity at the OMNI rating of perceived exertion (RPE) threshold (PWCOMNI). Polynomial regression analyses were used to examine the patterns of responses for surface electromyographic (EMG) amplitude (EMG AMP), EMG mean power frequency (EMG MPF), mechanomyographic (MMG) AMP, and MMG MPF of the vastus lateralis as well as oxygen consumption rate, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and power output (PO) were examined during a 1-h ride on a cycle ergometer at a constant RPE that corresponded to the PWCOMNI. EMG AMP and MMG MPF tracked the decreases in oxygen consumption rate, RER, and PO, while EMG MPF and MMG AMP tracked RPE. The decreases in EMG AMP and MMG MPF were likely attributable to decreases in motor unit (MU) recruitment and firing rate, while the lack of change in MMG AMP may have resulted from a balance between MU de-recruitment as PO decreased, and an increase in the ability of activated fibers to oscillate. The current findings suggested that during submaximal cycle ergometry at a constant RPE, MU de-recruitment and mechanical changes within the muscle may influence the perception of effort via feedback from group III and IV afferents.
Use of normal-density high-absorption limestone aggregate as internal curing agent in concrete
Authors: Solís-Carcaño Rómel , Terán-Marín Laura V. , Moreno Eric I.
Published: August 2015

A common practice to provide additional water for the hydration process of cement is to use special aggregates that act as agents incorporating water to the concrete (lightweight natural aggregates or polymers). Previous studies have suggested that normal-density high-absorption limestone aggregates may produce a similar effect. The aim was to determine if they can function as an internal curing agent. The methodology consisted of concrete specimens employing two types of aggregates and subjected to three different curing treatments. Results showed similar values of compressive strength and porosity among the concrete cured under wet and dry treatments for the high-absorption limestone aggregate but not for the river rock aggregate. Thus, this effect was attributed to the internal curing properties of the high-absorption limestone aggregate.
CACTA-superfamily transposable element is inserted in MYB transcription factor gene of soybean line producing variegated seeds
Authors: Yan Fan , Di Shaokang , Takahashi Ryoji
Published: August 2015

The R gene of soybean, presumably encoding a MYB transcription factor, controls seed coat color. The gene consists of multiple alleles, R (black), r-m (black spots and (or) concentric streaks on brown seed), and r (brown seed). This study was conducted to determine the structure of the MYB transcription factor gene in a near-isogenic line (NIL) having r-m allele. PCR amplification of a fragment of the candidate gene Glyma.09G235100 generated a fragment of about 1 kb in the soybean cultivar Clark, whereas a fragment of about 14 kb in addition to fragments of 1 and 1.4 kb were produced in L72-2040, a Clark 63 NIL with the r-m allele. Clark 63 is a NIL of Clark with the rxp and Rps1 alleles. A DNA fragment of 13 060 bp was inserted in the intron of Glyma.09G235100 in L72-2040. The fragment had the CACTA motif at both ends, imperfect terminal inverted repeats (TIR), inverse repetition of short sequence motifs close to the 5′ and 3′ ends, and a duplication of three nucleotides at the site of integration, indicating that it belongs to a CACTA-superfamily transposable element. We designated the element as Tgm11. Overall nucleotide sequence, motifs of TIR, and subterminal repeats were similar to those of Tgm1 and Tgs1, suggesting that these elements comprise a family.
CASH HOLDINGS WITH THE PRECAUTIONARY MOTIVE AMONG KOREAN CHAEBOL AND NON-CHAEBOL FIRMS: A QUANTILE REGRESSION APPROACH
Authors: CHOI YONG-SEOK , MIN INSIK
Published: August 2015

Using a quantile regression approach with a sample of Korean firms, this paper empirically investigates whether cash holding behaviors with the precautionary motive are different between Chaebol and non-Chaebol firms and they have changed before and after the financial crisis. We obtain the following empirical results. First, for non-Chaebol firms, the precautionary motive plays an important role in determining cash holdings throughout the sample period. In contrast, there is no empirical evidence supporting that Chaebol firms hold cash with the precautionary motive in the pre-crisis period: This motive becomes important only in the post-crisis period. Second Chaebol firms’ cash holdings with the precautionary motive are different from those of non-Chaebol firms in the pre-crisis period, but not in the post-crisis period. These imply that after experiencing financial crisis, Chaebol firms’ cash holding strategy has been changed substantially in a way to become more cautious in dealing with cash flow (CF) volatility.
Calculation of critical index η of the φ3-theory in four-loop approximation by the conformal bootstrap technique
Authors: Pismensky A. L.
Published: August 2015

The method of calculation of [Formula: see text]-expansion in model of scalar field with [Formula: see text]-interaction based on conformal bootstrap equations is proposed. This technique is based on self-consistent skeleton equations involving full propagator and full triple vertex. Analytical computations of the Fisher’s index [Formula: see text] are performed in four-loop approximation. The three-loop result coincides with one obtained previously by the renormalization group equations technique based on calculation of a larger number of Feynman diagrams. The four-loop result agrees with its numerical value obtained by other authors.
Strong gauging or decoupling ghost matter
Authors: Nakayama Yu
Published: August 2015

Gauging extra matter is a common way to couple two CFTs discontinuously. We may consider gauging matter by strongly coupled gauge theories at criticality rather than by weakly coupled (asymptotic free) gauge theories. It often triggers relevant deformations and possibly leads to a nontrivial fixed point. In many examples such as the IR limit of SQCDs (and their variants), the relevant RG flow induced by this strong gauging makes the total central charge [Formula: see text] increase rather than decrease compared with the sum of the original decoupled CFTs. The dilaton effective field theory argument given by Komargodski and Schwimmer does not apply because strong gauging is not a simple deformation by operators in the original two decoupled CFTs and it may not be UV complete. When the added matter is vector-like, one may emulate strong gauging in a UV completed manner by decoupling of ghost matter. While the UV completed description makes the dilaton effective field theory argument possible, due to the nonunitarity, we cannot conclude the positivity of the central charge difference in accordance with the observations in various examples that show the contrary.
Minimizers with Bounded Action for the High-Dimensional Frenkel–Kontorova Model
Authors: Miao Xue-Qing , Wang Ya-Nan , Qin Wen-Xin
Published: August 2015

In Aubry–Mather theory for monotone twist maps or for one-dimensional Frenkel–Kontorova (FK) model with nearest neighbor interactions, each global minimizer (minimal energy configuration) is naturally Birkhoff. However, this is not true for the one-dimensional FK model with non-nearest neighbor interactions or for the high-dimensional FK model. In this paper, we study the Birkhoff property of minimizers with bounded action for the high-dimensional FK model.
Duality in Phase Space and Complex Dynamics of an Integrated Pest Management Network Model
Authors: Yuan Baoyin , Tang Sanyi , Cheke Robert A.
Published: August 2015

Fragmented habitat patches between which plants and animals can disperse can be modeled as networks with varying degrees of connectivity. A predator–prey model with network structures is proposed for integrated pest management (IPM) with impulsive control actions. The model was analyzed using numerical methods to investigate how factors such as the impulsive period, the releasing constant of natural enemies and the mode of connections between the patches affect pest outbreak patterns and the success or failure of pest control. The concept of the cluster as defined by Holland and Hastings is used to describe variations in results ranging from global synchrony when all patches have identical fluctuations to n-cluster solutions with all patches having different dynamics. Heterogeneity in the initial densities of either pest or natural enemy generally resulted in a variety of cluster oscillations. Surprisingly, if n > 1, the clusters fall into two groups one with low amplitude fluctuations and the other with high amplitude fluctuations (i.e. duality in phase space), implying that control actions radically alter the system's characteristics by inducing duality and more complex dynamics. When the impulsive period is small enough, i.e. the control strategy is undertaken frequently, the pest can be eradicated. As the period increases, the pest's dynamics shift from a steady state to become chaotic with periodic windows and more multicluster oscillations arise for heterogenous initial density distributions. Period-doubling bifurcation and periodic halving cascades occur as the releasing constant of the natural enemy increases. For the same ecological system with five differently connected networks, as the randomness of the connectedness increases, the transient duration becomes smaller and the probability of multicluster oscillations appearing becomes higher.
Breather Solutions of a Generalized Nonlinear Schrödinger System
Authors: Li Jibin , Chen Fengjuan
Published: August 2015

In this paper, we consider a model which is a generalization of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation where the dispersive term was substituted by a nonlocal integral term with given kernel. The study on this model derives a planar dynamical system with two singular straight lines. On the basis of the investigation of the dynamical behavior and bifurcations of solutions of the planar dynamical system, we obtain all possible explicit exact parametric representations of solutions (including kink wave solutions, unbounded wave solutions, compactons, etc.) under different parameter conditions. The existence of bounded solutions of the planar dynamical system implies that there exist infinitely many breather solutions of this generalized nonlinear Schrödinger system.
Transient Behaviors in Noise-Induced Bifurcations Captured by Generalized Cell Mapping Method with an Evolving Probabilistic Vector
Authors: Li Zigang , Jiang Jun , Hong Ling
Published: August 2015

In this paper, an idea of evolving probabilistic vector (EPV) is introduced into the Generalized Cell Mapping (GCM) method to replace the classical fix-sized probabilistic vector in order to efficiently capture the transient behaviors in noise-induced bifurcations, by which an initial localized probability distribution around a deterministic attracting set of a nonlinear dynamical system may expand abruptly or escape with a jump as the noise intensity increases and exceeds some critical values. A Mathieu–Duffing oscillator under excitation of both additive and multiplicative noise is studied as an example of application to show the validity of the proposed method and the interesting phenomena in noise-induced explosive and dangerous bifurcations of the oscillator that are characterized respectively by an abrupt enlargement and a sudden fast jump of the response probability distribution. The insight into the roles of deterministic global structure and noise as well as their interplay is gained.
Hydroxylation of the C132 and C18 carbons of chlorophylls by heme and molecular oxygen
Authors: Loughlin Patrick C. , Willows Robert D. , Chen Min
Published: August 2015

Following extraction from photosynthetic organisms, chlorophylls are prone to reactions including demetalation, dephytylation and specific oxidations of the exocyclic ring E, termed allomerizations. Allomerization of chlorophylls has been well-characterized in methanol and to a lesser extent in aqueous solution. Here we detail novel allomerization-like reactions of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b. In the presence of heme, detergent-solubilized chlorophyll a is hydroxylated at its C 132 position in ring E and, surprisingly, the C 18 position in ring D. Two major oxidation products are synthesized — a C 132- OH and a C 132- OH , C 18- OH derivative of chlorophyll a. We track the origin of the oxygen atoms added in these hydroxylated chlorophylls using 18 O 2 labeling and demonstrate that the additional oxygen atoms are derived from molecular oxygen. A similar heme-catalyzed reaction is also observed using chlorophyll b as a substrate. These results highlight the need for care when dealing with extracted chlorophylls and demonstrate an unusual hydroxylation of the C 18 position of chlorophylls in the presence of heme.
Half-factorial domains and quadratic orders
Authors: Alan Murat
Published: August 2015

In this study, we investigate the half-factorial property in non-maximal real quadratic orders and investigate some necessary and sufficient conditions for these orders to be half-factorial domains in terms of their conductor.
Evidence of Late Cretaceous oroclinal bending in north-central Anatolia: palaeomagnetic results from Mesozoic and Cenozoic rocks along the İzmir–Ankara–Erzincan Suture Zone
Authors: Cinku Mualla Cengiz , Hisarli Mumtaz , Hirt Ann M. , Heller Friedrich , Ustaömer Timur , Kaya Nurcan , Öksüm Erdinç , Orbay Naci
Published: August 2015

The Sakarya Zone and the Kırşehir Block of northern Turkey are separated by the İzmir–Ankara–Erzincan Suture (IAES) Zone which is the remnant of the northern branch of the Neotethys Ocean. During the closure of the IAES in the Late Cretaceous, northwards drift of the Kırşehir Block and its eventual indentation into the Sakarya Zone produced crustal deformation defined by thrusts and reverse faults, mainly between the indenting Kırşehir Block and the Sakarya Zone. Previous palaeomagnetic studies in the eastern part of the Pontides and the Sakarya Zone showed that palaeomagnetic declinations could record the deformation that resulted in the curvature of the IAES. In order to define the tectonic deformation of the northern part of the Kırşehir Block, we present new palaeomagnetic data from 57 different sites that include Mesozoic–Cenozoic sedimentary and volcanic rocks. The results from Late Cretaceous rocks (40 sites) indicate that large clockwise rotations of
c.
140–165° occurred in the eastern limb of the bend, while anticlockwise rotations progressively decreased from
c.
80° to 55° from SW to NW in the western limb of the bend. In contrast, small clockwise and anticlockwise rotations are observed in the flat-lying segment of the suture zone. These rotation patterns are consistent with the geometrical trends of the IAES in northern Turkey. Declinations of seven different Middle Eocene sites within the Kırşehir Block are rotated anticlockwise by
c.
30–10°. This indicates that the deformation in the Sakarya Zone and the Kırşehir Block continued in the Middle Eocene.
Structural setting and evolution of the Afghan orogenic segment – a review
Authors: Siehl Agemar
Published: August 2015

The actual state of knowledge concerning the tectonic evolution of the Afghan orogenic segment is summarized in the context of the neighbouring regions. The segment can be divided into: (1) the Late Palaeozoic North Afghan Variscan domain, which forms the southern margin of the Turan Plate; (2) the Early Cimmerian (Late Triassic–Early Jurassic) Palaeotethys suture zone of Middle Afghanistan, with the associated magmatic arc and back-arc rift extending from the Parapamisos and western Hindu Kush to the northern Pamir Mountains; (3) the Late Cimmerian (Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous) domain of the Central Afghan Block mosaic with Gondwana-derived terranes; and (4) the Cenozoic-age Himalayan domain, which fringes the Cimmerian domain along the transpressive boundary of the Indian Plate in the east and the accretionary complex of the Makran subduction zone in the south. This current review of the scattered literature of a country where geological fieldwork effectively ceased 35 years ago is intended to bridge the gap between the better-known regions to the west in eastern Iran, and to the east in the Pamir–Punjab syntaxis.
Q
uick
R
ecall
Authors: Jayakumar Hrishikesh , Raha Arnab , Lee Woo Suk , Raghunathan Vijay
Published: August 2015

Transiently Powered Computers (TPCs) are a new class of batteryless embedded systems that depend solely on energy harvested from external sources for performing computations. Enabling long-running computations on TPCs is a major challenge due to the highly intermittent nature of the power supply (often bursts of < 100ms), resulting in frequent system reboots. Prior work seeks to address this issue by frequently checkpointing system state in flash memory, preserving it across power cycles. However, this involves a substantial overhead due to the high erase/write times of flash memory. This article proposes the use of Ferroelectric RAM (FRAM), an emerging nonvolatile memory technology that combines the benefits of SRAM and flash, to seamlessly enable long-running computations in TPCs. We propose a lightweight,
in-situ
checkpointing technique for TPCs using FRAM that consumes only 30
nJ
while decreasing the time taken for saving and restoring a checkpoint to only 21.06μ
s
, which is over two orders of magnitude lower than the corresponding overhead using flash. We have implemented and evaluated our technique, Q
uick
R
ecall
, using the TI MSP430FR5739 FRAM-enabled microcontroller. Experimental results show that our highly-efficient checkpointing translate to significant speedup (1.25x - 8.4x) in program execution time and reduction (∼3x) in application-level energy consumption.
Subsidized Prediction Mechanisms for Risk-Averse Agents
Authors: Dimitrov Stanko , Sami Rahul , Epelman Marina A.
Published: August 2015

In this article, we study the design and characterization of sequential prediction mechanisms in the presence of agents with unknown risk aversion. We formulate a collection of desirable properties for any sequential forecasting mechanism. We present a randomized mechanism that satisfies all of these properties, including a guarantee that it is myopically optimal for each agent to report honestly, regardless of her degree of risk aversion. We observe, however, that the mechanism has an undesirable side effect: each agent's expected reward, normalized against the inherent value of her private information, decreases exponentially with the number of agents. We prove a negative result showing that this is unavoidable: any mechanism that is myopically strategyproof for agents of all risk types, while also satisfying other natural properties of sequential forecasting mechanisms, must sometimes result in a player getting an exponentially small expected normalized reward.
Energy-Efficient All-Spin Cache Hierarchy Using Shift-Based Writes and Multilevel Storage
Authors: Venkatesan Rangharajan , Sharad Mrigank , Roy Kaushik , Raghunathan Anand
Published: August 2015

Spintronic memories are considered to be promising candidates for future on-chip memories due to their high density, nonvolatility, and near-zero leakage. However, they also face challenges such as high write energy and latency and limited read speed due to single-ended sensing. Further, the conflicting requirements of read and write operations lead to stringent design constraints that severely compromises their benefits.

Recently, domain wall memory was proposed as a spintronic memory that has a potential for very high density by storing multiple bits in the domains of a ferromagnetic nanowire. While reliable operation of DWM memory with multiple domains faces many challenges, single-bit cells that utilize domain wall motion for writes have been experimentally demonstrated [Fukami et al. 2009]. This bit-cell, which we refer to as Domain Wall Memory with Shift-based Write (DWM-SW), achieves improved write efficiency and features decoupled read-write paths, enabling independent optimizations of read and write operations. However, these benefits are achieved at the cost of sacrificing the original goal of improved density. In this work, we explore multilevel storage as a new direction to enhance the density benefits of DWM-SW. At the device level, we propose a new device--multilevel DWM with shift-based write (ML-DWM-SW)--that is capable of storing 2 bits in a single device. At the circuit level, we propose a ML-DWM-SW based bit-cell design and layout. The ML-DWM-SW bit-cell incurs no additional area overhead compared to the DWM-SW bit-cell despite storing an additional bit, thereby achieving roughly twice the density. However, it requires a two-step write operation and has data-dependent read and write energies, which pose unique challenges. To address these issues, we propose suitable architectural optimizations: (i) intra-word interleaving and (ii) bit encoding. We design “all-spin” cache architectures using the proposed ML-DWM-SW bit-cell for both general purpose processors as well as general purpose graphics processing units (GPGPUs). We perform an iso-capacity replacement of SRAM with spintronic memories and study the energy and area benefits at iso-performance conditions. For general purpose processors, the ML-DWM-SW cache achieves 10X reduction in energy and 4.4X reduction in cache area compared to an SRAM cache and 2X and 1.7X reduction in energy and area, respectively, compared to an STT-MRAM cache. For GPGPUs, the ML-DWM-SW cache achieves 5.3X reduction in energy and 3.6X area reduction compared to SRAM and 3.5X energy reduction and 1.9X area reduction compared to STT-MRAM.
ACE2 deficiency reduces β-cell mass and impairs β-cell proliferation in obese C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Shoemaker Robin , Yiannikouris Frederique , Thatcher Sean , Cassis Lisa
Published: August 2015

Drugs that inhibit the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) decrease the onset of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Pancreatic islets express RAS components, including angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which cleaves angiotensin II (Ang II) to angiotensin-(1–7) [Ang-(1–7)]. Overexpression of ACE2 in pancreas of diabetic mice improved glucose homeostasis. The purpose of this study was to determine if deficiency of endogenous ACE2 contributes to islet dysfunction and T2D. We hypothesized that ACE2 deficiency potentiates the decline in β-cell function and augments the development of diet-induced T2D. Male Ace2 +/y or Ace2 −/y mice were fed a low-fat (LF) or high-fat (HF) diet for 1 or 4 mo. A subset of 1-mo HF-fed mice were infused with Sal (Sal), losartan (Los), or Ang-(1–7). At 4 mo, while both genotypes of HF-fed mice developed a similar level of insulin resistance, adaptive hyperinsulinemia was reduced in Ace2 −/y vs. Ace2 +/y mice. Similarly, in vivo glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) was reduced in 1-mo HF-fed Ace2 −/y compared with Ace2 +/y mice, resulting in augmented hyperglycemia. The average islet area was significantly smaller in both LF- and HF-fed Ace2 −/y vs. Ace2 +/y mice. Additionally, β-cell mass and proliferation were reduced significantly in HF-fed Ace2 −/y vs. Ace2 +/y mice. Neither infusion of Los nor Ang-(1–7) was able to correct impaired in vivo GSIS of HF-fed ACE2-deficient mice. These results demonstrate a critical role for endogenous ACE2 in the adaptive β-cell hyperinsulinemic response to HF feeding through regulation of β-cell proliferation and growth.
The role of sirtuins in cardiac disease
Authors: Matsushima Shouji , Sadoshima Junichi
Published: August 2015

Modification of histones is one of the important mechanisms of epigenetics, in which genetic control is determined by factors other than an individual's DNA sequence. Sirtuin family proteins, which are class III histone deacetylases, were originally identified as gene silencers that affect the mating type of yeast, leading to the name “silent mating-type information regulation 2” (SIR2). They are characterized by their requirement of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide for their enzyme activity, unlike other classes of histone deacetylases. Sirtuins have been traditionally linked to longevity and the beneficial effects of calorie restriction and DNA damage repair. Recently, sirtuins have been shown to be involved in a wide range of physiological and pathological processes, including aging, energy responses to low calorie availability, and stress resistance, as well as apoptosis and inflammation. Sirtuins can also regulate mitochondrial biogenesis and circadian clocks. Seven sirtuin family proteins (Sirt1-7) have been identified as mammalian SIR2 orthologs, localized in different subcellular compartments, namely, the cytoplasm (Sirt1, 2), the mitochondria (Sirt3, 4, 5), and the nucleus (Sirt1, 2, 6, 7). Sirt1 is evolutionarily close to yeast SIR2 and has been the most intensively investigated in the cardiovascular system. Endogenous Sirt1 plays a pivotal role in mediating the cell death/survival process and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. Downregulation of Sirt2 is protective against ischemic-reperfusion injury. Increased Sirt3 expression has been shown to correlate with longevity in humans. In addition, Sirt3 protects cardiomyocytes from aging and oxidative stress and suppresses cardiac hypertrophy. Sirt6 has also recently been demonstrated to attenuate cardiac hypertrophy, and Sirt7 is known to regulate apoptosis and stress responses in the heart. On the other hand, the roles of Sirt4 and Sirt5 in the heart remain largely uncharacterized.
CT Imaging of Craniofacial Fibrous Dysplasia
Authors: Unal Erzurumlu Zerrin , Celenk Peruze , Bulut Emel , Barıs Yakup Sancar
Published: August 2015

Fibrous dysplasia is a benign fibroosseous bone dysplasia that can involve single (monostotic) or multiple (polyostotic) bones. Monostotic form is more frequent in the jaws. It is termed as craniofacial fibrous dysplasia, when it involves, though rarely, adjacent craniofacial bones. A 16-year-old girl consulted for a painless swelling in the right posterior mandible for two years. Panoramic radiography revealed ground-glass ill-defined lesions in the three different regions of the maxilla and mandible. Axial CT scan (bone window) showed multiple lesions involving skull base and facial bones. Despite lesions in the skull base, the patient had no abnormal neurological findings. The lesion was diagnosed as fibrous dysplasia based on radiological and histopathological examination. In this paper, CT findings and differential diagnosis of CFD are discussed. CT is a useful imaging technique for CFD cases.
The Influence of Interleukin 17A and IL17F Polymorphisms on Chronic Periodontitis Disease in Brazilian Patients
Authors: Zacarias Joana Maira Valentini , Sippert Emília Ângela , Tsuneto Patrícia Yumeko , Visentainer Jeane Eliete Laguila , Silva Cléverson de Oliveira e , Sell Ana Maria
Published: August 2015

A case‐control study was conducted on patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) and healthy controls with the aim of evaluating possible association between interleukin 17A (IL17A) G197A (rs2275913) and IL17F T7488C (rs763780) polymorphisms and periodontitis. Genotypes were determined by PCR‐RFLP method. Statistical analyses were conducted using the OpenEpi and SNPStas software to calculate Chi‐square with Yates correction or Fisher’s exact tests, odds ratios (OR), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). SNPStas software was used to calculate Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium. IL17A AA genotype was more frequent in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) in the codominant and recessive models (P = 0.09; OR = 2.53 and P = 0.03; OR = 2.46, resp.), the females with CP (P = 0.01, OR = 4.34), Caucasoid patients with CP (P = 0.01, OR = 3.45), and nonsmoking Caucasian patients with CP (P = 0.04, OR = 3.51). The IL17A A allele was also more frequent in Caucasians with CP (P = 0.04, OR = 1.59). IL17F T7488C polymorphism was not associated with chronic periodontitis. In these patients from Southern Brazil, the IL17A rs2275913 polymorphisms, IL17A AA genotype, and the A allele were associated with a susceptibility to chronic periodontitis.