bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient inference of population size histories and locus-specific mutation rates from large-sample genomic variation data
Authors: Bhaskar Anand , Wang Y.X. Rachel , Song Yun S.
Published: June 2014

With the recent increase in study sample sizes in human genetics, there has been growing interest in inferring historical population demography from genomic variation data. Here, we present an efficient inference method that can scale up to very large samples, with tens or hundreds of thousands of individuals. Specifically, by utilizing analytic results on the expected frequency spectrum under the coalescent and by leveraging the technique of automatic differentiation, which allows us to compute gradients exactly, we develop a very efficient algorithm to infer piecewise-exponential models of the historical effective population size from the distribution of sample allele frequencies. Our method is orders of magnitude faster than previous demographic inference methods based on the frequency spectrum. In addition to inferring demography, our method can also accurately estimate locus-specific mutation rates. We perform extensive validation of our method on simulated data and show that it can accurately infer multiple recent epochs of rapid exponential growth, a signal which is difficult to pick up with small sample sizes. Lastly, we apply our method to analyze data from recent sequencing studies, including a large-sample exome-sequencing dataset of tens of thousands of individuals assayed at a few hundred genic regions.

Software

We have implemented the algorithms described in this paper in an open-source software package called fastNeutrino, which stands forfast Ne(effective population size) and mutationrateinference using analyticoptimization. It will be publicly available athttps://sourceforge.net/projects/fastneutrino.
Structure determination of human Fas apoptosis inhibitory molecule and identification of the critical residues linking the interdomain interaction to the anti-apoptotic activity
Authors: Li Guoming , Qu Linglong , Ma Shuaipeng , Wu Yujie , Jin Changwen , Zheng Xiaofeng
Published: June 2014

Fas apoptosis inhibitory molecule (FAIM) is a highly conserved anti-apoptotic protein which plays important roles in cells. There are two isoforms of FAIM, of which the short isoform FAIM-S is broadly expressed in all tissues, whereas the long isoform FAIM-L is exclusively expressed in the nervous system. No structure of human FAIM has been reported to date and the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-apoptotic function of FAIM remain unknown. Here, the crystal structure of the human FAIM-S N-terminal domain (NTD) and the NMR solution structure of the human FAIM-S C-terminal domain (CTD) were determined. The structures revealed that the NTD and CTD adopt a similar protein fold containing eight antiparallel β-strands which form two sheets. Both structural and biochemical analyses implied that the NTD exists as a dimer and the CTD as a monomer and that they can interact with each other. Several critical residues were identified to be involved in this interaction. Moreover, mutations of these critical residues also interfered in the anti-apoptotic activity of FAIM-S. Thus, the structural and functional data presented here will provide insight into the anti-apoptotic mechanism of FAIM-S.
Automated identification of crystallographic ligands using sparse-density representations
Authors: Carolan C. G. , Lamzin V. S.
Published: June 2014

A novel procedure for the automatic identification of ligands in macromolecular crystallographic electron-density maps is introduced. It is based on the sparse parameterization of density clusters and the matching of the pseudo-atomic grids thus created to conformationally variant ligands using mathematical descriptors of molecular shape, size and topology. In large-scale tests on experimental data derived from the Protein Data Bank, the procedure could quickly identify the deposited ligand within the top-ranked compounds from a database of candidates. This indicates the suitability of the method for the identification of binding entities in fragment-based drug screening and in model completion in macromolecular structure determination.
Exploiting subtle structural differences in heavy-atom derivatives for experimental phasing
Authors: Wang Jimin , Li Yue , Modis Yorgo
Published: June 2014

Structure determination using the single isomorphous replacement (SIR) or single-wavelength anomalous diffraction (SAD) methods with weak derivatives remains very challenging. In a recent structure determination of glycoprotein E2 from bovine viral diarrhea virus, three isomorphous uranium-derivative data sets were merged to obtain partially interpretable initial experimental maps. Small differences between them were then exploited by treating them as three independent SAD data sets plus three circular pairwise SIR data sets to improve the experimental maps. Here, how such subtle structural differences were exploited for experimental phasing is described in detail. The basis for why this approach works is also provided: the effective resolution of isomorphous signals between highly isomorphous derivatives is often much higher than the effective resolution of the anomalous signals of individual derivative data sets. Hence, the new phasing approaches outlined here will be generally applicable to structure determinations involving weak derivatives.
Structural and functional analysis of a novel haloalkane dehalogenase with two halide-binding sites
Authors: Chaloupkova Radka , Prudnikova Tatyana , Rezacova Pavlina , Prokop Zbynek , Koudelakova Tana , Daniel Lukas , Brezovsky Jan , Ikeda-Ohtsubo Wakako , Sato Yukari , Kuty Michal , Nagata Yuji , Kuta Smatanova Ivana , Damborsky Jiri
Published: June 2014

The crystal structure of the novel haloalkane dehalogenase DbeA fromBradyrhizobium elkaniiUSDA94 revealed the presence of two chloride ions buried in the protein interior. The first halide-binding site is involved in substrate binding and is present in all structurally characterized haloalkane dehalogenases. The second halide-binding site is unique to DbeA. To elucidate the role of the second halide-binding site in enzyme functionality, a two-point mutant lacking this site was constructed and characterized. These substitutions resulted in a shift in the substrate-specificity class and were accompanied by a decrease in enzyme activity, stability and the elimination of substrate inhibition. The changes in enzyme catalytic activity were attributed to deceleration of the rate-limiting hydrolytic step mediated by the lower basicity of the catalytic histidine.
Structure of liganded T-state haemoglobin from cat (Felis silvestris catus), a low oxygen-affinity species, in two different crystal forms
Authors: Balasubramanian Moovarkumudalvan , Sathya Moorthy Ponnuraj , Neelagandan Kamariah , Ramadoss Ramya , Kolatkar Prasanna R. , Ponnuswamy M. N.
Published: June 2014

Haemoglobin (Hb) is an iron-containing metalloprotein which plays a major role in the transportation of oxygen from the lungs to tissues and of carbon dioxide back to the lungs. Hb is in equilibrium between low-affinity tense (T) and high-affinity relaxed (R) states associated with its unliganded and liganded forms, respectively. Mammalian species can be classified into two groups on the basis of whether they express `high' or `low' oxygen-affinity Hbs. Although Hbs from the former group have been studied extensively, a more limited number of structural studies have been performed for low oxygen-affinity Hbs. Here, the crystal structure of low oxygen-affinity cat methaemoglobin (metHb) has been solved at 2.0 and 2.4 Å resolution in two different crystal forms. Even though both structures are fully liganded, they unusually adopt a T-state-like quaternary conformation but with several localized R-like tertiary-structural and quaternary-structural features. The study provides atomic-level insights into the ligand-binding properties of this Hb, including its low cooperativity, blunt response to allosteric effectors and low affinity for oxygen, as well as further contributing to the mechanism underlying Hb allostery.
Structural insights into interactions of C/EBP transcriptional activators with the Taz2 domain of p300
Authors: Bhaumik Prasenjit , Davis Jamaine , Tropea Joseph E. , Cherry Scott , Johnson Peter F. , Miller Maria
Published: June 2014

Members of the C/EBP family of transcription factors bind to the Taz2 domain of p300/CBP and mediate its phosphorylation through the recruitment of specific kinases. Short sequence motifs termed homology boxes A and B, which comprise their minimal transactivation domains (TADs), are conserved between C/EBP activators and are necessary for specific p300/CBP binding. A possible mode of interaction between C/EBP TADs and the p300 Taz2 domain was implied by the crystal structure of a chimeric protein composed of residues 1723–1818 of p300 Taz2 and residues 37–61 of C/EBP∊. The segment corresponding to the C/EBP∊ TAD forms two orthogonally disposed helices connected by a short linker and interacts with the core structure of Taz2 from a symmetry-related molecule. It is proposed that other members of the C/EBP family interact with the Taz2 domain in the same manner. The position of the C/EBP∊ peptide on the Taz2 protein interaction surface suggests that the N-termini of C/EBP proteins are unbound in the C/EBP–p300 Taz2 complex. This observation is in agreement with the known location of the docking site of protein kinase HIPK2 in the C/EBPβ N-terminus, which associates with the C/EBPβ–p300 complex.
The structure of the cysteine protease and lectin-like domains of Cwp84, a surface layer-associated protein fromClostridium difficile
Authors: Bradshaw William J. , Kirby Jonathan M. , Thiyagarajan Nethaji , Chambers Christopher J. , Davies Abigail H. , Roberts April K. , Shone Clifford C. , Acharya K. Ravi
Published: June 2014

Clostridium difficileis a major problem as an aetiological agent for antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. The mechanism by which the bacterium colonizes the gut during infection is poorly understood, but undoubtedly involves a myriad of components present on the bacterial surface. The mechanism ofC. difficilesurface-layer (S-layer) biogenesis is also largely unknown but involves the post-translational cleavage of a single polypeptide (surface-layer protein A; SlpA) into low- and high-molecular-weight subunits by Cwp84, a surface-located cysteine protease. Here, the first crystal structure of the surface protein Cwp84 is described at 1.4 Å resolution and the key structural components are identified. The truncated Cwp84 active-site mutant (amino-acid residues 33–497; C116A) exhibits three regions: a cleavable propeptide and a cysteine protease domain which exhibits a cathepsin L-like fold followed by a newly identified putative carbohydrate-binding domain with a bound calcium ion, which is referred to here as a lectin-like domain. This study thus provides the first structural insights into Cwp84 and a strong base to elucidate its role in theC. difficileS-layer maturation mechanism.
Structures of the NLRP14 pyrin domain reveal a conformational switch mechanism regulating its molecular interactions
Authors: Eibl Clarissa , Hessenberger Manuel , Wenger Julia , Brandstetter Hans
Published: June 2014

The cytosolic tripartite NLR receptors serve as important signalling platforms in innate immunity. While the C-terminal domains act as sensor and activation modules, the N-terminal death-like domain,e.g.the CARD or pyrin domain, is thought to recruit downstream effector molecules by homotypic interactions. Such homotypic complexes have been determined for all members of the death-domain superfamily except for pyrin domains. Here, crystal structures of human NLRP14 pyrin-domain variants are reported. The wild-type protein as well as the clinical D86V mutant reveal an unexpected rearrangement of the C-terminal helix α6, resulting in an extended α5/6 stem-helix. This reordering mediates a novel symmetric pyrin-domain dimerization mode. The conformational switching is controlled by a charge-relay system with a drastic impact on protein stability. How the identified charge relay allows classification of NLRP receptors with respect to distinct recruitment mechanisms is discussed.
New Product Development in Malaysia: Does Organizational Background Really Matter?
Authors: Kowang Tan Owee , Rasli Amran , Sang Long Choi
Published: July 2014

New Product Development (NPD) is vital in assisting Research and Development (R&D) based organizations to adapt to the changes in markets and technology for competitive advantage. Ensuring the success of new products and optimization of new product performance is critical and essential for Research and Development based organizations.  Hence, this study is carried out to explore does organizational background in term of company’s ownership (i.e. local or multinational companies) and operational scales (i.e. number of Research and Development staffs) affect NPD performance of Research and Development companies in Malaysia. In line with this, 8 New Product Development performance attributes were identified from literature review. These attributes were subsequently formulated into a survey questionnaire and responded by 186 respondents. Thereafter, the effect of organizational ownership and operational scale toward NPD performance are examined separately via Independent Sample t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Finding from the study revealed that the level of NPD performance in multinational R&D companies is higher than local R&D companies. Findings from this research also implied that NPD performance can be further improved by increasing number of R&D staffs.
Online Cooperative Learning for Communication and Team Working Skills Enhancement
Authors: Mohamad Ahmad Muhaimin , Mohd. Yusof Farahwahida , Aris Baharuddin
Published: July 2014

Finding of literature review found that most of the social science graduates who are unemployed have a poor proficiency of communications and collaborative skills. These students can be helped to increase their proficiency through the learning process when studying at university level. Constructive learning environment with the implementation of cooperative learning strategy provides active learning experience to students and at the same time learning the subject. The learning structure based on group investigation along with the support of learning management system (LMS) that aims to improve the effectiveness of learning and communications and collaborative skills enhancement. The implementations of online learning are enhanced with guidance from the principles of online learning. The interactive tools of learning management systems and other applications are provided to the needs of students in learning activities. This article also discusses some of the website print screen which supports the process of interaction and communication of the implementation the cooperative learning.
Exact determination of hysteresis and phase transition temperature of ferromagnetic materials using an N-soliton wave statistics
Authors: Mirza Babur M.
Published: July 2014

In this paper, a statistical theory of N-soliton systems with antisymmetric wave functions is presented. As such, the wave functions of the soliton waves have equal but opposite amplitudes. In the wave function representation, the governing energy and continuity conditions are found to be linear, admitting a linear superposition of the soliton waves functions. This property is used to form the combined wave function for the system hence to calculate its total (macroscopic) energy. The statistical theory is applied to model phase transitions in ferromagnetic materials, and used for the case of common ferromagnetic substances, such as iron (26 Fe ), cobalt (27 Co ) and nickel (28 Ni ). The estimated first phase transitions are found to correspond to the respective Curie temperatures of these substances. Based on the energy calculations, the general hysteresis behavior of ferromagnetic materials is derived as a consequence of the model. The statistical theory is useful in the study of ferromagnetic phase transitions, for estimating the Curie point temperature, and an exact determination of the heat capacity of magnetic materials.
New Bilateral Type Generating Function Associated withI-Function
Authors: Agarwal Praveen , Tariboon Jessada , Jain Shilpi
Published: June 2014

We aim at establishing a new bilateral type generating function associated with theI-function and a Mellin-Barnes type of contour integral. The results derived here are of general character and can yield a number of (known and new) results in the theory of generating functions.
Unusual Relapse of Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma at Site of Lumbar Puncture
Authors: Ahmed Zartaj , Ramanathan Ramesh K. , Ram Sunil , Newell James , Halepota Maqbool
Published: June 2014

Primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma confined to the CNS. Local relapse of this disease is common, but extracranial or subcutaneous metastasis is rare with only a few cases being reported in literature. We report a 63-year-old male patient, who responded well to treatment for PCNSL but relapsed two and half years later with a lumbosacral nodule at the site of a previous lumbar puncture due to microscopic tumor seeding. Clinicians treating patients with PCNSL must remain alert to the possibility of extracranial solitary relapse even after the resolution of initial disease because prompt treatment can result in a good outcome.
Circulating Endothelial-Derived Activated Microparticle: A Useful Biomarker for Predicting One-Year Mortality in Patients with Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Wang Chin-Chou , Tseng Chia-Cheng , Hsiao Chang-Chun , Chang Huang-Chih , Chang Li-Teh , Fang Wen-Feng , Leu Steve , Wang Yi-Hsi , Tsai Tzu-Hsien , Yang Cheng-Ta , Chen Chih-Hung , Yip Hon-Kan , Ho Chi-Kung , Lin Meng-Chih
Published: June 2014

Background. This study tested the hypothesis that circulating microparticles (MPs) are useful biomarkers for predicting one-year mortality in patients with end-stage non-small cell lung cancer (ES-NSCLC).Methods and Results. One hundred seven patients were prospectively enrolled into the study between April 2011 and February 2012, and each patient received regular follow-up after enrollment. Levels of four MPs in circulation, (1) platelet-derived activated MPs (PDAc-MPs), (2) platelet-derived apoptotic MPs (PDAp-MPs), (3) endothelial-derived activated MPs (EDAc-MPs), and (4) endothelial-derived apoptotic MPs (EDAp-MPs), were measured just after the patient was enrolled into the study using flow cytometry. Patients who survived for more than one year were categorized into group 1(n=56)(one-year survivors) and patients who survived less than one year were categorized into group 2(n=51)(one-year nonsurvivors). Male gender, incidence of liver metastasis, progression of disease after first-line treatment, poor performance status, and the Charlson comorbidity index were significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1 (allP<0.05). Additionally, as measured by flow cytometry, only the circulating level of EDAc-MPs was found to be significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1(P=0.006). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that circulating level of EDAc-MPs along with brain metastasis and male gender significantly and independently predictive of one-year mortality (allP<0.035).Conclusion. Circulating EDAc-MPs may be a useful biomarker predictive of one-year morality in ES-NSCLC patients.
An Accurate Upper Bound Solution for Plane Strain Extrusion through a Wedge-Shaped Die
Authors: Alexandrov Sergei , Mustafa Yusof , Hwang Yeong-Maw , Lyamina Elena
Published: June 2014

An upper bound method for the process of plane strain extrusion through a wedge-shaped die is derived. A technique for constructing a kinematically admissible velocity field satisfying the exact asymptotic singular behavior of real velocity fields in the vicinity of maximum friction surfaces (the friction stress at sliding is equal to the shear yield stress on such surfaces) is described. Two specific upper bound solutions are found using the method derived. The solutions are compared to an accurate slip-line solution and it is shown that the accuracy of the new method is very high.
Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma in an Adolescent Male Presenting as Ureteral Stricture
Authors: Jaeger Christopher D. , McAlvany Kelly L. , Zingula Shannon N. , Kramer Stephen A. , Granberg Candace F.
Published: June 2014

Lymphoma may affect the ureter in cases of retroperitoneal involvement. We present a case of an adolescent male found to have non-Hodgkin lymphoma initially presenting as ureteral stricture evident on imaging. He was treated and responded to multiagent chemotherapy with resolution of both the lymphoma and the ureteral stricture. Although rare, non-Hodgkin lymphoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of pediatric patients with noncalculous, idiopathic ureteral strictures.
Some New Fixed Point Theorems in Complex ValuedG-Metric Spaces
Authors: Lin Ing-Jer , Du Wei-Shih , Zheng Qiao-Feng
Published: June 2014

Some new fixed point theorems are established in the setting of complex valuedG-metric spaces. These new results improve and generalize Kang et al.’s results, the Banach contraction principle, and some well-known results in the literature.
Analysis of Antigens ofMycobacterium lepraeby Interaction to Sera IgG, IgM, and IgA Response to Improve Diagnosis of Leprosy
Authors: Kumar Avnish , Parkash Om , Girdhar Bhawneshwar K.
Published: June 2014

Till 2010, several countries have declared less than one leprosy patient among population of 10,000 and themselves feeling as eliminated from leprosy cases. However, new leprosy cases are still appearing from all these countries. In this situation one has to be confident to diagnose leprosy. This review paper highlighted already explored antigens for diagnosis purposes and finally suggested better combinations of protein antigens ofM. lepraeversus immunoglobulin as detector antibody to be useful for leprosy diagnosis.
Synthesis, Growth, and Characterization of Bisglycine Hydrobromide Single Crystal
Authors: Pandurangan Koteeswari , Suresh Sagadevan
Published: June 2014

Single crystals of BGHB were grown by slow evaporation technique. The unit cell dimensions and space group of the grown crystals were confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The modes of vibration of the molecules and the presence of functional groups were identified using FTIR technique. The microhardness study shows that the Vickers hardness number of the crystal increases with the increase in applied load. The optical properties of the crystals were determined using UV-Visible spectroscopy. The thermal properties of the grown crystal were also determined. The refractive index was determined as 1.396 using Brewster’s angle method. The emission of green light on passing the Nd: YAG laser light confirmed the second harmonic generation property of the crystals and the SHG efficiency of the crystals was found to be higher than that of KDP. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss measurements were carried out for different temperatures and frequencies. The ac conductivity study of the crystals was also discussed. The photoconductivity studies confirm that the grown crystal has negative photoconductivity nature. The etching studies were carried out to study the formation of etch pits.
The Local LinearM-Estimation with Missing Response Data
Authors: Luo Shuanghua , Zhang Cheng-Yi , Xu Fengmin
Published: June 2014

This paper studies the nonparametric regressive function with missing response data. Three local linearM-estimators with the robustness of local linear regression smoothers are presented such that they have the same asymptotic normality and consistency. Then finite-sample performance is examined via simulation studies. Simulations demonstrate that the complete-case dataM-estimator is not superior to the other two local linearM-estimators.
Identifying a Framework for Hope in Order to Establish the Importance of Generalised Hopes for Individuals Who Have Suffered a Stroke
Authors: Soundy Andy , Liles Clive , Stubbs Brendon , Roskell Carolyn
Published: June 2014

Hope and hopelessness are important psychological constructs that physiotherapists should consider when working with patients who have experienced a stroke. The view of hope in rehabilitation is often focused around the concept of goals and how hope works within this framework. However, the current paper proposes a broader framework for hope and the importance of a more generalised view of understanding why a certain hope exists or is identified by a patient. A narrative review using an a priori thematic analysis was undertaken to consider how more generalised hopes are expressed by individuals who have suffered a stroke. An electronic search of 4 databases from inception until April 2014 was undertaken. Qualitative articles were included if they considered the concept of hope for patients who had suffered a stroke. The results identified three themes which included (1) consideration of the patient’s identity/identities, (2) meaningful activities, experiences, and interactions, and (3) the experience of suffering and need for relief. An awareness of patients’ generalised hopes should be a priority for HCPs. Detailed implications for HCPs are identified within the discussion.
Nehari-Type Ground State Positive Solutions for Superlinear Asymptotically Periodic Schrödinger Equations
Authors: Lin Xiaoyan , Tang X. H.
Published: June 2014

We deal with the existence of Nehari-type ground state positive solutions for the nonlinear Schrödinger equation-Δu+Vxu=fx, u, x ∈ RN, u ∈ H1 RN. Under a weaker Nehari condition, we establish some existence criteria to guarantee that the above problem has Nehari-type ground state solutions by using a more direct method in two cases: the periodic case and the asymptotically periodic case.
Optimization of Tungsten Carbide Opposite Anvils Used in the In Situ High‐Pressure Loading Apparatus
Authors: Ying Zhang , Xiping Chen , Guangai Sun , Yuping Lu , Jian Gong , Duanwei He
Published: June 2014

In order to optimize the structure of anvils, finite element method is used to simulate two kinds of structures, one of which has a support ring but the other one does not. According to the simulated results, it is found that the maximum value of pressure appears at the center of culet when the bevelled angle is about 20°. Comparing the results of these two kinds of structures, we find that the efficiency of pressure transformation for the structure without support ring is larger than that for the structure with support ring. Considering the effect of von Mises stress, two kinds of tungsten carbide opposite anvils have been manufactured with bevelled angle of 10°. The experimental results for these two anvils are in good agreement with the simulation.
RSSI-Based Smooth Localization for Indoor Environment
Authors: Wang Yujian , Zhao Bin , Jiang Zhaohui
Published: June 2014

Radio frequency (RF) technique, for its better penetrability over traditional techniques such as infrared or ultrasound, is widely used for indoor localization and tracking. In this paper, three novel measurements, point decision accuracy, path matching error and wrong jumping ratio, are firstly defined to express the localization efficiency. Then, a novel RSSI-based smooth localization (RSL) algorithm is designed, implemented, and evaluated on the WiFi networks. The tree-based mechanism determines the current position and track of the entity by assigning the weights and accumulative weights for all collected RSSI information of reference points so as to make the localization smooth. The evaluation results indicate that the proposed algorithm brings better localization smoothness of reducing 10% path matching error and 30% wrong jumping ratio over the RADAR system.
Microbiologic Spectrum and Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern among Patients with Urinary and Respiratory Tract Infection
Authors: Anvari Maryam Sotoudeh , Naderan Mohammad , Boroumand Mohammad Ali , Shoar Saeed , Bakhshi Robab , Naderan Morteza
Published: June 2014

Aim. To demonstrate the prevalence of isolated organisms in urinary/respiratory tract infections and their antibiotic susceptibilities in a tertiary care center.Methods and Material. Between January 2008 and January 2010, patients referring to the clinic of cardiology or those admitted to the cardiac wards were enrolled in this cross-sectional descriptive study. Urine and sputum sampling was done for all the patients and the specimens underwent microbiologic examination and, in case of isolation of microorganism, antibiotic disk diffusion test was performed.Results. Escherichia coli (E. coli)was the most prevalent isolated organism in-hospital and community-acquired UTIs and was highly resistant to cephalothin in all the samples followed by cotrimoxazole, and ceftriaxone. It revealed high sensitivity to imipenem, amikacin, and nitrofurantoin.Acinetobacterconstituted the most prevalent organism isolated from respiratory secretions and represented the highest resistance to ceftriaxone and the greatest sensitivity to imipenem.Conclusions. E. coliandAcinetobacterremain the most common uropathogenic and respiratory organisms, respectively. However, their increasing resistance to wide-spectrum imipenem, meropenem, and vancomycin is a major concern.
Experimental Parametric Identification of a Flexible Beam Using Piezoelectric Sensors and Actuators
Authors: Saraygord Afshari Sajad , Nobahari Hadi , Kordkheili Seyed Ali Hosseini
Published: June 2014

Experimental system identification of a flexible beam based on sweep square excitation is studied. For the purpose of nonparametric identification, an excitation signal is conducted to evaluate the frequency response of the system. The experiment is designed to excite the beam using a piezo actuator, in a way to raise the chance of exciting first three natural modes. In order to find the best linear representation of the real system, two different identification methods are applied. First, autoregressive moving average eXogenous method is employed to identify the transfer function of the beam. Then, the identification is carried out using the subspace identification method to obtain the state space model. A comparison is made between different orders of prediction and the best chosen models of the two identification methods are compared with each other to select the most accurate linear system. Furthermore, as the identified model has to fulfill the controllability and observability conditions, the amenable system is achieved after some order reductions. Two reduction methods called minimum truncation and maximum DC gains matching are utilized to find the most effective reduced order. The outcome of this study will bring in the best linear representation of the beam coupled with piezoelectric sensors/actuators.
Calculation of Differential Propagation Constant Determined by Plant Morphology Using Polarimetric Measurement
Authors: Hu Chufeng , Li Nanjing
Published: June 2014

The morphology of vegetation greatly impacts propagation of polarized electromagnetic wave. In order to validate this phenomenon, the mathematical relation between the differential propagation constant of forest vegetation and of its polarized echo is quantitatively derived by using backscattering power profile. The fluctuation of differential propagation constant with frequency is analyzed by combining the morphological characteristics of vegetation. The accurate copolarized data of 3–10 GHz frequency-domain of small trees are obtained by indoor wideband polarimetric measurement system. The results show that morphological characteristics of vegetation at different frequencies can be obtained by the differential propagation constant of polarized electromagnetic wave. At low frequencies, the plants with structural features presented oriented distribution. However, the plants show random distribution of the echoes at higher frequencies, which is mainly from the canopy. The research provides important information to choose the coherence models employed in the parameters retrieval of vegetations.
Damage Localization and Quantification of Truss Structure Based on Electromechanical Impedance Technique and Neural Network
Authors: He Cunfu , Yang Shen , Liu Zenghua , Wu Bin
Published: June 2014

Truss structure is widely used in civil engineering. However, it is difficult to quantitatively monitor the state of truss structures because of the connection diversity and complexity of truss structures. In this paper, electromechanical impedance (EMI) technique was proposed to measure impedance spectra by using PZT elements and backpropagation (BP) neural network was used as an effective nonlinear conversion tool to quantify the health state of truss structures. Firstly, frequency band of the spectrum was experimentally determined by the trial-and-error approach. Then four connection rods of this truss structure were selected for experimental research. These connection rods were loosened gradually with a small angle increment and the impedance spectra were recorded. Then, the measured data were compressed through dividing the frequency range into multiple subbands. And RMSD values of these bands showed that data points were reduced while damage features remained. Finally, one four-layered BP neural network model was constructed based on these compressed data. The research results showed that compressed impedance data could retain their damage features. After the training, the developed neural network model could not only determine the location of loosened rod, but also quantify the loosening levels.
Effects of GA3Pregerminative Treatment onGentiana luteaL. var.aurantiacaGermination and Seedlings Morphology
Authors: González-López Óscar , Casquero Pedro A.
Published: June 2014

Gentiana luteaL. is widely used in bitter beverages and in medicine;Gentianae Radixis the pharmaceutical name of the root ofG. lutea. These uses have generated a high demand. The wild populations ofGentiana luteavar.aurantiaca(M. Laínz) M. Laínz have been decimated; it is necessary to establish guidelines for its cultivation. Gentian as most alpine species has dormant seeds. Dormancy can be removed by cold and by means of a gibberellic acid (GA3) treatment. However, cold treatments produce low germination percentages and GA3treatments may produce off-type seedlings. So, the objective was to determine, for the first time, the presowing treatments that allow high germination rate and good seedling morphology. The best pregerminative doses of GA3to break seed dormancy were 100, 500, and 1000 ppm, while the best doses to optimize the seedling habit were 50 and 100 ppm. This study provides, for the first time, a 100 ppm GA3dose that led to a high germination rate and good seedling morphology, as the starting point for gentian regular cultivation.
Concurrent Esophageal Dysplasia and Leiomyoma
Authors: Shuja Asim , Alkimawi Khalid A.
Published: June 2014

Esophageal leiomyomas (ELMs) are rare but described in the literature. They are usually benign and do not require resection unless they are large and symptomatic. Most of such masses arise from the muscularis mucosa. It is very uncommon to find epithelial dysplasia overlying a subepithelial leiomyoma. A review of the literature reveals only one prior case of ELM with an overlying epithelia dysplasia and here we report a second case.
New Exact Solutions for a Higher-Order Wave Equation of KdV Type Using the Multiple Simplest Equation Method
Authors: Zhao Yun-Mei
Published: June 2014

In our work, a generalized KdV type equation of neglecting the highest-order infinitesimal term, which is an important water wave model, is discussed by using the simplest equation method and its variants. The solutions obtained are general solutions which are in the form of hyperbolic, trigonometric, and rational functions. These methods are more effective and simple than other methods and a number of solutions can be obtained at the same time.
Chemical Constituents and Insecticidal Activities of the Essential Oil ofCinnamomum camphoraLeaves againstLasioderma serricorne
Authors: Chen Hai Ping , Yang Kai , You Chun Xue , Lei Ning , Sun Rui Qi , Geng Zhu Feng , Ma Ping , Cai Qian , Du Shu Shan , Deng Zhi Wei
Published: June 2014

During our screening program for agrochemicals from Chinese medicinal herbs and wild plants, the essential oil ofCinnamomum camphoraleaves was found to possess strong fumigant and contact toxicity againstLasioderma serricorneadults with LC50/LD50values of 2.5 mg/L air and 21.25 μg/adult, respectively. The essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation was investigated by GC and GC-MS. The main components of the essential oil were identified to beD-camphor (40.54%), linalool (22.92%), cineole (11.26%), and 3,7,11-trimethyl-3-hydroxy-6,10-dodecadien-1-yl acetate (4.50%). Bioactivity-directed chromatographic separation on repeated silica gel columns led to the isolation ofD-camphor and linalool.D-camphor and linalool showed strong fumigant toxicity (LC50= 2.36 and 18.04 mg/L air, resp.) and contact toxicity (LD50= 13.44 and 12.74 μg/adult, resp.) againstL. serricorne. The results indicate that the essential oil ofC. camphoraand its active compounds had the potential to be developed as natural fumigants and insecticides for control ofL. serricorne.
Multilayer Perceptron for Robust Nonlinear Interval Regression Analysis Using Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Hu Yi-Chung
Published: June 2014

On the basis of fuzzy regression, computational models in intelligence such as neural networks have the capability to be applied to nonlinear interval regression analysis for dealing with uncertain and imprecise data. When training data are not contaminated by outliers, computational models perform well by including almost all given training data in the data interval. Nevertheless, since training data are often corrupted by outliers, robust learning algorithms employed to resist outliers for interval regression analysis have been an interesting area of research. Several approaches involving computational intelligence are effective for resisting outliers, but the required parameters for these approaches are related to whether the collected data contain outliers or not. Since it seems difficult to prespecify the degree of contamination beforehand, this paper uses multilayer perceptron to construct the robust nonlinear interval regression model using the genetic algorithm. Outliers beyond or beneath the data interval will impose slight effect on the determination of data interval. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method performs well for contaminated datasets.
Removal of Cr(VI) from Aqueous Solutions Using Powder of Potato Peelings as a Low Cost Sorbent
Authors: Mutongo Farai , Kuipa Olga , Kuipa Pardon K.
Published: June 2014

Potato peels which are a low cost, renewable agroindustry by-product were used for the removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous effluents. Batch experiments were carried out with an artificial effluent comprising of potassium dichromate in deionised water. The effects of the initial hexavalent chromium concentration, dose of biosorbent, and removal kinetics were explored. An adsorbent dosage of 4 g/L was effective in complete removal of the metal ion, at pH 2.5, in 48 minutes. The kinetic process of Cr(VI) adsorption onto potato peel powder was tested by applying pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models as well as the Elovich kinetic equation to correlate the experimental data and to determine the kinetic parameters. The adsorption data were correlated by the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. A maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of 3.28 mg/g was calculated using the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, suggesting a functional group limited adsorption process. The results confirmed that potato peels are an effective biosorbent for the removal of hexavalent chromium from effluent.
Surface Contaminant Control Technologies to Improve Laser Damage Resistance of Optics
Authors: Cheng Xiaofeng , Miao Xinxiang , Wang Hongbin , Qin Lang , Ye Yayun , He Qun , Ma Zhiqiang , Zhao Longbiao , He Shaobo
Published: June 2014

The large high-power solid lasers, such as the National Ignition Facility (NIF) of America and the Shenguang-III (SG-III) laser facility of China, can output over 2.1 MJ laser pulse for the inertial confinement fusion (ICF) experiments. Because of the enhancement of operating flux and the expansion of laser driver scale, the problem of contamination seriously influences their construction period and operation life. During irradiation by intense laser beams, the contaminants on the metallic surface of beam tubes can be transmitted to the optical surfaces and lead to damage of optical components. For the high-power solid-state laser facilities, contamination control focuses on the slab amplifiers, spatial filters, and final-optical assemblies. In this paper, an effective solution to control contaminations including the whole process of the laser driver is put forward to provide the safe operation of laser facilities, and the detailed technical methods of contamination control such as washing, cleanliness metrology, and cleanliness protecting are also introduced to reduce the probability of laser-induced damage of optics. The experimental results show that the cleanliness level of SG-III laser facility is much better to ensure that the laser facility can safely operate at high energy flux.
The Food-Energy-Climate Change Trilemma: Toward a Socio-Economic Analysis
Authors: Harvey Mark
Published: June 2014

The food-energy-climate change trilemma refers to the stark alternatives presented by the need to feed a world population growing to nine billion, the attendant risks of land conversion and use for global climate change, and the way these are interconnected with the energy crisis arising from the depletion of oil. Theorizing the interactions between political economies and their related natural environments, in terms of both finitudes of resources and generation of greenhouse gases, presents a major challenge to social sciences. Approaches from classical political economy, transition theory, economic geography, and political ecology, are reviewed before elaborating the neo-Polanyian approach adopted here. The case of Brazil, analysed with an `instituted economic process’ framework, demonstrates how the trilemma is a spatial and historical socio-economic phenomenon, varying significantly in its dynamics in different environmental and resource contexts. The paper concludes by highlighting challenges to developing a social scientific theory in this field.
Dynamic mechanical properties of epoxy/flax fibre composites
Authors: Duc Fabien , Bourban Pierre-Etienne , Månson Jan-Anders E
Published: June 2014

The mechanical and damping properties were measured for unidirectional, 0/90 and twill 2/2 flax fibre (FF) composites containing 40 vol% of fibres in an epoxy matrix. All composites were processed by resin transfer moulding. The influence of the impregnation quality, the fibre/matrix adhesion, the quality of the fibres, the twist angle of the FF yarns and the crimp in the FF fabrics on these properties were quantified. Twisted yarns in an unidirectional FF fabric impacted negatively on the stiffness while increasing the damping of about 57% through enhancement of the intra-yarn friction. In twill 2/2 fabrics, twisted yarns decreased Young's modulus owing to the induced crimp but increased the damping through enhanced inter-yarn friction. With improved fibre/matrix adhesion, a damping increase up to 109% was obtained through better activation of the intrinsic damping mechanisms of an elementary FF. The best compromise between damping and stiffness was obtained with FF having less dislocations.
Sir George Frederic Still (1868–1941): A ‘father’ to many children
Authors: Sanghera Ranveer S
Published: June 2014

This paper explores the life and works of a man who defied the limitations of his humble beginnings to become recognised as one of the most notable physicians in the UK to date. Sir George Frederic Still was a pioneer in the field of paediatrics and has earned a reputation as a man who loved both his work and his patients. It is the intention of this paper to cast light on the contribution this man made to the medical profession.
A Dream Mother: Maternal Function and Mentalization in Little Bear
Authors: Chaplan Rebecca L.
Published: June 2014

This essay explores how the childred’s book Little Bear , written by Else Homelund Minarik and illustrated by Maurice Sendak, depicts the emotional and cognitive experience of developing a sense of self. In its portrayal of an idealized mother-child interaction the book illustrates the growth of the capacity for mentalization, mediated through fantasy, in the context of a secure attachment. Necessary in childhood for the consolidation of a coherent identity, this process is similar to the situation in psychoanalysis, where the transference offers a transitional space between psychic reality and “real life” and where the safety of the relationship is a playground for practicing a new skill.
What Remains: Returns, Representation, and Traumatic Memory in S-21: The Khmer Rouge Killing Machine and Refugee
Authors: Lê Việt
Published: June 2014

This essay examines two documentaries— S-21: The Khmer Rouge Killing Machine (dir. Rithy Panh, 2003) and Refugee (dir. Spencer Nakasako and Mike Siv, 2003)—featuring Cambodian and Cambodian American subjects whose subjectivity is centered squarely within the frame. Scenes of return and confrontation—between victims and perpetrators ( S-21 ), between a son and his long-lost father ( Refugee )—are unique to these films and are the essay’s main focus. I claim that these films perform both a testimonial and a pedagogical role, yet it is the silence in the works that is key. By returning to “what remains” time and again, the filmmakers, their subjects, and audiences are met by deep silences and ambivalence. I explore the unspoken moments and repeated gestures that are central to understanding these films. I argue that both the filmmakers and subjects of S-21 and Refugee are eternal melancholics; only the neoliberal, first-world audience is exempt from endless mourning. Challenging David Eng and David Kazanjian’s notions of loss as a productive space, I assert that these filmic subjects are melancholics unable to “successfully” mourn, whereas the spectators of these “trauma dramas’” are exempt.
The Foundations of Autism: The Law Concerning Psychotic, Schizophrenic, and Autistic Children in 1950s and 1960s Britain
Authors: Evans Bonnie
Published: June 2014

While the origins of child psychiatry in Britain can be traced to the interwar period, contemporary concepts and methodological approaches to pathological mental development in children were not created until the 1950s and 1960s. It was at this time that one of the most salient and lasting diagnoses in child psychiatry, autism, was established through a network of intellectual, institutional, and legal changes in Britain. This article argues that the work of child psychiatrists at the Maudsley Hospital was central in driving these changes and uses archival sources from this hospital, along with other legal and intellectual sources, to explore attempts to conceptualize pathological thought in infants in the 1950s and 1960s. When the first epidemiological study of autism was published in 1966, this finally established the autistic child as a scientific, demographic, and social reality in Britain.