bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting spatial extent of invasive earthworms on an oceanic island
Authors: Paudel Shishir , Wilson Gail W. T. , MacDonald Beau , Longcore Travis , Loss Scott R.
Published: August 2016

Aim

Invasions of non‐native earthworms into previously earthworm‐free regions are a major conservation concern because they alter ecosystems and threaten biological diversity. Little information is available, however, about effects of earthworm invasions outside of temperate and boreal forests, particularly about invasions of islands. For San Clemente Island (SCI), California (USA) – an oceanic island with numerous endemic and endangered plant and vertebrate species – we assessed the spatial extent and drivers of earthworm invasion and examined relationships between earthworms and plant and soil microbial communities.

Location

San Clemente Island, southern California,USA.

Methods

Using a stratified random sampling approach, we sampled earthworms, vegetation, soils and microbial communities acrossSCI. We examined the relationship between the presence of invasive earthworms and soil and landscape variables using logistic regression models and implemented a spatial representation of the best model to represent potential site suitability for earthworms. We evaluated the relationship between invasive earthworms and vegetation and microbial variables usingANOVA.

Results

We found that the likelihood of encountering earthworms increased close to roads and streams and in high moisture conditions, which correspond to higher elevation and a north‐eastern aspect onSCI. The presence of earthworms was positively associated with total ground vegetation cover, grass cover and non‐native plant cover; however, there was no significant relationship between earthworms and microbial biomass. These results suggest that the earthworm invasion onSCIis at an early stage and closely tied to roads and high moisture conditions.

Main conclusions

Climatic variables and potential sources of earthworm introduction and dispersal (e.g. roads and streams) should be broadly useful for predicting current and future sites of earthworm invasions on both islands and continents. Furthermore, the significant positive relationship between non‐native plant cover and invasive earthworm presence raises the possibility of an emerging invasional ‘meltdown’ onSCI. Additional study of earthworm invasions on human‐inhabited oceanic islands is necessary to identify additional invasions and their potential for negative impacts on unique insular biota.
Brain bases of morphological processing in Chinese‐English bilingual children
Authors: Ip Ka I , Hsu Lucy Shih‐Ju , Arredondo Maria M. , Tardif Twila , Kovelman Ioulia
Published: August 2016

Can bilingual exposure impact children's neural circuitry for learning to read? To answer this question, we investigated the brain bases of morphological awareness, one of the key spoken language abilities for learning to read in English and Chinese. Bilingual Chinese‐English and monolingual English children (N = 22, ages 7–12) completed morphological tasks that best characterize each of their languages: compound morphology in Chinese (e.g. basket + ball = basketball) and derivational morphology in English (e.g. re + do = redo). In contrast to monolinguals, bilinguals showed greater activation in the left middle temporal region, suggesting that bilingual exposure to Chinese impacts the functionality of brain regions supporting semantic abilities. Similar to monolinguals, bilinguals showed greater activation in the left inferior frontal region [BA 45] in English than Chinese, suggesting that young bilinguals form language‐specific neural representations. The findings offer new insights to inform bilingual and cross‐linguistic models of language and literacy acquisition.
Na+ Retention in the Root is a Key Adaptive Mechanism to Low and High Salinity in the Glycophyte, Talinum paniculatum (Jacq.) Gaertn. (Portulacaceae)
Authors: Assaha D. V. M. , Mekawy A. M. M. , Liu L. , Noori M. S. , Kokulan K. S. , Ueda A. , Nagaoka T. , Saneoka H.
Published: August 2016

Talinum paniculatum is an important leafy vegetable and medicinal plant, used in many parts of South America, Africa and Asia. Its adaptation to abiotic stress has received little attention and therefore worthy of interest, especially as environmental conditions are rendering arable lands increasingly unfavourable for agriculture. Therefore, this study was undertaken to examine the influence of salt stress on the vegetative growth of the plant by subjecting seedlings to 0, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 300 mm NaCl stress for 10 days. The dry weight, ion concentrations, relative water content, oxidative damage, proline, osmotic potential and some antioxidants were determined. The plants were found to retain Na+ mainly in the root, with less affected leaf K+ concentration, and consequently very low shoot Na+/K+ ratios (<0.2) under all the stress treatments. The proline content significantly increased under the 100–300 mm treatments (18‐ to 244‐fold), with a corresponding significant reduction in osmotic potential and hence high osmotic adjustment. The antioxidant enzyme activities and non‐enzyme antioxidants showed significant increase only under the highest salinity. Taken together, these results suggest that shoot Na+ exclusion is characteristic of this plant and is mainly responsible for its adaptation to low salinity.
Biochemical changes and tissue distribution of Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) in naturally and experimentally EHP‐infected whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931), in India
Authors: Santhoshkumar S , Sivakumar S , Vimal S , Abdul Majeed S , Taju G , Haribabu P , Uma A , Sahul Hameed A S
Published: August 2016

Stunted growth in pond‐reared Litopenaeus vannamei was observed in different farms located in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, India. No mortality was associated with stunted growth. PCR assay on these samples revealed the presence of Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) in stunted shrimp. Tissue distribution of EHP in naturally and experimentally infected shrimp was studied by PCR and histology. Histological examination revealed the presence of EHP in hepatopancreas and gut, but not in other organs. The PCR assay revealed the presence of EHP in all the organs tested in both naturally and experimentally infected shrimp. Healthy shrimp were challenged with E. hepatopenaei by intramuscular injection and oral route, and no mortality was observed in both routes after 30 days post‐challenge. Different developmental stages of the microsporidian parasite were observed in the hepatopancreatic epithelial cells. Biochemical parameters such as total protein, albumin, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase were measured in the haemolymph of naturally and experimentally EHP‐infected shrimp. All biochemical parameters mentioned were found to be significantly higher in EHP‐infected shrimp when compared to normal shrimp. This is the first report relating AST and ALT levels to EHP infection in naturally and experimentally infected shrimp.
Cloning and expression analysis of innate immune genes from red sea bream to assess different susceptibility to megalocytivirus infection
Authors: Jin J W , Kim Y C , Hong S , Kim M S , Jeong J B , Jeong H D
Published: August 2016

As suggested by the Office International des Epizooties (OIE), fishes belonging to the genus Oplegnathus are more sensitive to megalocytivirus infection than other fish species including red sea bream (Pagrus major). To assess the roles of the innate immune response to these different susceptibilities, we cloned the genes encoding inflammatory factors including IL‐8 and COX‐2, and the antiviral factor like Mx from red sea bream for the first time and performed phylogenetic and structural analysis. Analysed expression levels of IL‐1β, IL‐8 and COX‐2 and the antiviral factor like Mx genes performed with in vivo challenge experiment showed no difference in inflammatory gene expression or respiratory burst activity between red sea bream and rock bream (Oplegnathus fasciatus). However, the Mx gene expression levels in red sea bream were markedly higher than those in rock bream, suggesting the importance of type I interferon (IFN)‐induced proteins, particularly Mx, during megalocytivirus infection, rather than inflammation‐related genes. The in vitro challenge experiments using embryonic primary cultures derived from both fish species showed no difference in cytopathic effects (CPE), viral replication profiles, and inflammatory and Mx gene expression pattern between the two fish species.
A survey of the distribution of the PKD‐parasite Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae (Cnidaria: Myxozoa: Malacosporea) in salmonids in Norwegian rivers – additional information gleaned from formerly collected fish
Authors: Mo T A , Jørgensen A
Published: August 2016

The malacosporean Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae was detected in kidneys from Atlantic salmon parr in 64 of 91 sampled Norwegian rivers. Using real‐time PCR, this parasite was found to be present in Atlantic salmon parr in rivers along the whole coast, from the northernmost and southernmost areas of the country. In addition, T. bryosalmonae was found in kidneys from brown trout parr in 17 of 19 sampled rivers in south‐east Norway, and in Arctic charr sampled in the River Risfjordelva, located at the northernmost edge of the European mainland. In conclusion, T. bryosalmonae has a widespread distribution in salmonids in Norwegian watercourses. Proliferative kidney disease (PKD) caused by T. bryosalmonae and PKD‐induced mortality has been observed in salmonids in several Norwegian rivers and it can be speculated that more PKD outbreaks will occur as a result of climate change.
Communication networks of men facing a diagnosis of prostate cancer
Authors: Brown Dot , Oetzel John , Henderson Alison
Published: August 2016

Aims and objectives

This study seeks to identify the factors that shape the communication networks of men who face a potential diagnosis of prostate cancer, and how these factors relate to their disclosure about their changing health status.

Background

Men facing a potential diagnosis of prostate cancer are in a challenging situation; the support benefits of disclosing their changing health status to others in their communication networks is set against a backdrop of the potential stigma and uncertainty of the diagnosis.

Design

All men on a prostate biopsy waiting list were eligible for inclusion in an exploratory and interpretive study.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews with 40 men explored their network structures and disclosure of health information. Thematic analysis highlighted the factors which contributed to their network structures and their disclosure about their health status.

Results

Four network factors shaped men's perspectives about disclosing their health status: (1) tie strength, comprising both strong and weak ties; (2) knowledgeable others, with a focus on medical professionals in the family; (3) homophily, which included other individuals with a similar medical condition; and (4) geographical proximity, with a preference for face‐to‐face communication.

Conclusion

Communication networks influence men's disclosure of their health status and in particular weak ties with medical knowledge have an important role. Men who use the potential for support in their networks may experience improved psychosocial outcomes.

Relevance to clinical practice

Using these four network factors‐tie strength, knowledgeable others, homophily or geographical proximity‐to forecast men's willingness to disclose helps identify men who lack potential support and so are at risk of poor psychosocial health. Those with few strong ties or knowledgeable others in their networks may be in the at‐risk cohort. The support provided in communication networks complements formal medical care from nurses and other health professionals, and encouraging patients to use their communication networks improves the psychosocial health of the men themselves, their partners and their families.
Trust‐Preferred Securities and Insurer Financing Decisions
Authors: Hilliard James I. , Pottier Steven W. , Xu Jianren
Published: August 2016

We analyze insurance holding company (IHC) issuance of trust‐preferred securities (TPS) from 1994 to 2013. We find that larger and more financially levered IHCs issued TPS in 1996 and 1997, as well as those that obtained financial strength ratings from A.M. Best. Abnormal stock price returns are positively related to financial distress costs, growth opportunities, and tax burden, but negatively related to size. Consistent with the pecking order theory, intent to use TPS proceeds to retire debt is positively related to abnormal stock returns, whereas intent to use proceeds to retire preferred equity is negatively related to abnormal stock returns.
Evidence of acceptability of oral paediatric medicines: a review
Authors: Mistry Punam , Batchelor Hannah
Published: August 2016

Objectives

The aim of this review was to map the currently available evidence on acceptability of oral paediatric medicines to aid in the selection of suitable platform formulations for the development of new acceptable paediatric products.

Methods

This process used a defined search strategy of indexed publications and included methods to assess the quality of the evidence retrieved.

Key findings

Taste/palatability was the most extensively studied area of paediatric medicine acceptability yet standard methods or criteria that define what is classed as acceptable to children is still to be defined. There have been many reports on the acceptability of medicines to paediatric populations yet major gaps in the acceptability knowledge base exist including the shape and dimensions of tablets, minitablets and capsules swallowed whole in infants and children; size and overall volume of multiparticulates; volume of liquids completely swallowed in infants and children; duration of retention within the oral cavity, size and taste of orodispersible tablets, lozenges and chewable tablets and the number of solid units dosed at each time point.

Conclusions

The review highlights where further information is required to support knowledge around acceptability of age-appropriate medicines. An algorithm to aid in selection of a formulation that is likely to be acceptable based on the age range to be treated by the medicine is presented as a result of this review.
Role of Aspergillus fumigatus‐specific IgG in diagnosis and monitoring treatment response in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: Agarwal Ritesh , Dua Devika , Choudhary Hansraj , Aggarwal Ashutosh N. , Sehgal Inderpaul S. , Dhooria Sahajal , Garg Mandeep , Behera Digambar , Chakrabarti Arunaloke
Published: August 2016

Few studies have evaluated the utility of Aspergillus fumigatus‐specific IgG in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). Herein, we evaluate the role of specific IgG in diagnosis and monitoring treatment response in ABPA. Forty‐eight control subjects with A. fumigatus‐associated asthma underwent A. fumigatus‐specific IgG measurements at baseline, while specific IgG was assayed in 102 treatment‐naïve subjects of ABPA at baseline, after eight weeks of glucocorticoid therapy, and during exacerbations. For determining the cut‐off of A. fumigatus‐specific IgG, we randomly classified two‐thirds of the study subjects (cases and controls) as the derivation cohort, while the remaining one‐thirds were labelled as the validation cohort. The best cut‐off value of A. fumigatus‐specific IgG in the derivation cohort was 26.9 mgA/L (sensitivity: 88%; specificity: 100%). Using this limit, the sensitivity and specificity of A. fumigatus‐specific IgG in diagnosis of ABPA was 89% and 100%, respectively, in the validation cohort. In contrast, the sensitivity of Aspergillus precipitins was only 27.4%. Following treatment, the A. fumigatus‐specific IgG increased in 38 (37.2%) subjects, while it decreased in three (23.1%) of the 13 subjects experiencing an exacerbation. The A. fumigatus‐specific IgG was found to be an extremely useful test in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of ABPA but is unreliable in monitoring treatment response in this disorder.
Prolonged measurement improves the assessment of the barrier function of the esophago‐gastric junction by high‐resolution manometry
Authors: Jasper D. , Freitas‐Queiroz N. , Hollenstein M. , Misselwitz B. , Layer P. , Navarro‐Rodriguez T. , Fox M. , Keller J.
Published: August 2016

Background

Etiology of gastro‐esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is multifactorial, but incompetence of the esophago‐gastric junction (EGJ) appears to be of crucial importance. Established manometric parameters for assessment of EGJ barrier function are sub‐optimal, potentially because they reflect only a very brief (up to 30 seconds), not necessarily representative period. This prospective, case–control study tested the performance of novel, high‐resolution manometry (HRM) parameters of EGJ function in the assessment of GERD.

Methods

Patients with reflux symptoms and healthy controls (HC) underwent standard HRM and 24‐hour pH±impedance measurements. EGJ morphology, lower esophageal sphincter pressure integral (LES‐PI), EGJ contractile integral (EGJ‐CI) were compared with total‐EGJ‐CI, a novel parameter summarizing EGJ barrier function during the entire HRM protocol. Esophageal acid exposure ≥4.2%/24 h (A‐Reflux‐pos) or ≥73 reflux episodes in 24 hours (V‐Reflux‐pos) were considered pathological.

Key Results

Sixty five HC and 452 patients completed HRM, 380 (84%) patients underwent ambulatory reflux‐monitoring. LES‐PI, EGJ‐CI and total‐EGJ‐CI correlated with EGJ morphology subtypes (all P<.00001). Only total‐EGJ‐CI was consistently lower in A‐Reflux‐pos and V‐Reflux‐pos subjects compared with HC and patients without GERD. Total‐EGJ‐CI was also the single best parameter for prediction of pathological reflux (optimal cut‐off 47 mmHg cm, AUC 0.746, P<.0001). This cut‐off value, approximately 1 SD below the mean normal value, showed modest sensitivity 54% and positive predictive value 46%, but good specificity 85% and negative predictive value 89% for GERD diagnosis.

Conclusion & Inferences

Total EGJ‐CI, a new metric that summarizes EGJ contractility over time, allows an improved assessment of EGJ barrier function. Pathological reflux is unlikely if this metric is within the upper two‐thirds of the normal range.
Regulatory function of homeodomain‐leucine zipper (HD‐ZIP) family proteins during embryogenesis
Authors: Roodbarkelari Farshad , Groot Edwin P.
Published: August 2016

Homeodomain‐leucine zipper proteins (HD‐ZIPs) form a plant‐specific family of transcription factors functioning as homo‐ or heterodimers. Certain members of all four classes of this family are involved in embryogenesis, the focus of this review. They support auxin biosynthesis, transport and response, which are in turn essential for the apical–basal patterning of the embryo, radicle formation and outgrowth of the cotyledons. They transcriptionally regulate meristem regulators to maintain the shoot apical meristem once it is initiated. Some members are specific to the protoderm, the outermost layer of the embryo, and play a role in shoot apical meristem function. Within classes, homeodomain‐leucine zippers tend to act redundantly during embryo development, and there are many examples of regulation within and between classes of homeodomain‐leucine zippers. This indicates a complex network of regulation that awaits future experiments to uncover.
Large‐scale fortification of condiments and seasonings as a public health strategy: equity considerations for implementation
Authors: Zamora Gerardo , Flores‐Urrutia Mónica Crissel , Mayén Ana‐Lucia
Published: August 2016

Fortification of staple foods with vitamins and minerals is an effective approach to increase micronutrient intake and improve nutritional status. The specific use of condiments and seasonings as vehicles in large‐scale fortification programs is a relatively new public health strategy. This paper underscores equity considerations for the implementation of large‐scale fortification of condiments and seasonings as a public health strategy by examining nonexhaustive examples of programmatic experiences and pilot projects in various settings. An overview of conceptual elements in implementation research and equity is presented, followed by an examination of equity considerations for five implementation strategies: (1) enhancing the capabilities of the public sector, (2) improving the performance of implementing agencies, (3) strengthening the capabilities and performance of frontline workers, (3) empowering communities and individuals, and (4) supporting multiple stakeholders engaged in improving health. Finally, specific considerations related to intersectoral action are considered. Large‐scale fortification of condiments and seasonings cannot be a standalone strategy and needs to be implemented with concurrent and coordinated public health strategies, which should be informed by a health equity lens.
Runx2 and microRNA regulation in bone and cartilage diseases
Authors: Zhao Weiwei , Zhang Shanxing , Wang Baoli , Huang Jian , Lu William W. , Chen Di
Published: August 2016

The homeostasis of skeletal tissues requires tight regulation of a variety of signaling pathways, and the onset and progression of skeletal diseases are often caused by signaling abnormalities. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short noncoding RNA molecules that have emerged as a new dimension of gene regulation. MiRNAs have been shown to play an important role in the regulation of the differentiation of embryonic and hematopoietic stem cells. However, the role of specific miRNAs and their target genes has not been fully defined in the regulation of mesenchymal stem cells. Runx2 is a key transcription factor controlling MSC differentiation and bone and cartilage function. This article reviews work on Runx2 and miRNA regulation in bone and cartilage diseases.
Albumin Turnover in Peritoneal and Hemodialysis
Authors: Rippe Bengt , Öberg Carl M.
Published: August 2016

The turnover of albumin is increased in both peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD) due to increased external losses, normally leading to compensatory increases in the hepatic albumin synthesis. The normal rate of albumin synthesis is on the order of 12 g/day corresponding to an equally large albumin fractional catabolic rate of ~4% daily. Most albumin catabolism is assumed to occur in the endothelium, but there is also renal and hepatic catabolism and leakage into the gastrointestinal tract. In PD the daily losses are on the order of 5 g/day. There are also external albumin losses in HD, particularly when high‐performance membranes are used, the losses per session ranging between 1 and 8 g (or more). The dialytic albumin losses cannot be detected by assessing the transcapillary escape rate of albumin from the plasma compartment to the interstitium. In PD, tracer albumin that has been injected into the peritoneal fluid is absorbed to the tissues surrounding the peritoneal cavity without much edema formation, due to the process of “volume recirculation”. A small fraction of the dialysate albumin tracer (0.2–0.3 ml/minute) is directly reabsorbed to the plasma via the lymphatics. A significant portion of dialysis patients are affected by chronic inflammation, such as in the malnutrition inflammation and atherosclerosis syndrome, which is also associated with cardiovascular mortality and fluid overload. These patients usually have a reduced ability to compensate for external losses of albumin, which may result in hypoalbuminemia. Reduced plasma albumin levels in dialysis patients may thus be regarded as a sign of chronic inflammation rather than reflecting malnutrition.
HLA genotyping in the clinical laboratory: comparison of next‐generation sequencing methods
Authors: Profaizer T. , Lázár‐Molnár E. , Close D.W. , Delgado J. C. , Kumánovics A.
Published: August 2016

Implementation of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotyping by next‐generation sequencing (NGS) in the clinical lab brings new challenges to the laboratories performing this testing. With the advent of commercially available HLA‐NGS typing kits, labs must make numerous decisions concerning capital equipment and address labor considerations. Therefore, careful and unbiased evaluation of available methods is imperative. In this report, we compared our in‐house developed HLA NGS typing with two commercially available kits from Illumina and Omixon using 10 International Histocompatibility Working Group (IHWG) and 36 clinical samples. Although all three methods employ long range polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and have been developed on the Illumina MiSeq platform, the methodologies for library preparation show significant variations. There was 100% typing concordance between all three methods at the first field when a HLA type could be assigned. Overall, HLA typing by NGS using in‐house or commercially available methods is now feasible in clinical laboratories. However, technical variables such as hands‐on time and indexing strategies are sufficiently different among these approaches to impact the workflow of the clinical laboratory.
Leaf chlorophyll fluorescence discriminates herbicide resistance in Echinochloa species
Authors: Zhang C J , Lim S H , Kim J W , Nah G , Fischer A , Kim D S
Published: August 2016

Timely detection of herbicide resistance at an early stage of crop cultivation is essential to help farmers find alternative solutions to manage herbicide resistance in their fields. In this study, maximum quantum yield of PS II [Fv/Fm = (Fm – Fo)/Fm] was measured at the 4–5 leaf stage to discriminate between herbicide‐resistant and susceptible biotypes of Echinochloa species. The differences in Fv/Fm between herbicide‐resistant and susceptible Echinochloa spp. were consistent with the whole‐plant assay based on I50 (herbicide doses causing a 50% inhibition of Fv/Fm) and GR50 (herbicide doses causing a 50% reduction in plant fresh weight) values and R/S ratios (herbicide resistance index), regardless of the mode of action of the tested herbicides. A PS II inhibitor caused the fastest inhibition of Fv/Fm, compared with ACCase and ALS inhibitors, after herbicide treatment. The required time for discrimination between herbicide‐resistant and susceptible Echinochloa spp. was 64 h after PS II inhibitor treatment, much shorter than those of ACCase and ALS inhibitor‐treated plants, which required 168 and 192 h respectively. The leaf chlorophyll fluorescence assay provided reliable diagnostics of herbicide resistance in Echinochloa spp. with significant time savings and convenient measurement in field conditions compared with the conventional whole‐plant assay.
Fault-tolerant symmetrically-private information retrieval
Authors: Wang Tian-Yin , Cai Xiao-Qiu , Zhang Rui-Ling
Published: August 2016

We propose two symmetrically-private information retrieval protocols based on quantum key distribution, which provide a good degree of database and user privacy while being flexible, loss-resistant and easily generalized to a large database similar to the precedent works. Furthermore, one protocol is robust to a collective-dephasing noise, and the other is robust to a collective-rotation noise.
Pseudo-cycles of surface-knots
Authors: Yashiro Tsukasa
Published: August 2016

In this paper, we describe a two-dimensional rectangular-cell-complex derived from a surface-knot diagram of a surface-knot. We define a pseudo-cycle for a quandle colored surface-knot diagram. We show that the maximal number of pseudo-cycles is a surface-knot invariant.
B-Spline Wavelet-Based Finite Element Vibration Analysis of Composite Pipes with Internal Surface Defects of Different Geometries
Authors: Oke Wasiu A. , Khulief Yehia A.
Published: August 2016

The vibration analysis of composite pipes with internal wall defects due to erosion-induced surface degradation is investigated. The surface defects are treated as discontinuities. The geometry of the discontinuity is permitted to vary within the cross-section both in the angular and radial directions, and to occupy any length of the pipe span. A B-spline wavelet-based finite element method (BWFEM) that takes advantage of the localization properties of wavelets is invoked; thus utilizing its effectiveness in modeling of crack problems and local damages. The composite pipe was treated as beam elements that obey the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory. Unlike the conventional finite element method (FEM), the developed BWFEM uses fewer elements without compromising the accuracy. Numerical simulations are performed to demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the developed element through comparison with available results in the literature, as well as results obtained using ANSYS. Some benchmark solutions are obtained for the composite pipe with internal surface defects of different geometries.
Analysis of Vibration in L- and H-Shaped Planar Frame Structures Using Transfer Function
Authors: Chung Chunhui
Published: August 2016

This paper analyzed the vibration of planar frame structures using the transfer function, which is obtained as the Laplace transform of Green’s function. The transfer function was used to represent the relationship between the excitation (including the initial and boundary conditions) and the response of the system; that is, it can determine the vibration response and stability of the system. The frame was divided into several joint blocks with substructures (beams). A state-space matrix form was used to represent the equation of motion in the beams. The compatibility between the joint blocks and beams allows us to establish the characteristic matrix of the frame, of which the determinant is the characteristic equation. With the eigenvalues obtained as the roots of the characteristic equation, one can establish the eigenfunction of the frame. The receptance of the structure with a single point excitation was also studied. The application of the transfer function to analysis of the L- and H-shaped planar frame structures was conducted in this paper. The results agree well with those published in the literature.
PARAMETER ANALYSIS OF 2D COCHLEAR MODEL AND QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH ON THE TRAVELING WAVE PROPAGATION
Authors: REN LIUJIE , HUA CHENG , DING GUANGHONG , YANG LIN , DAI PEIDONG , ZHANG TIANYU
Published: August 2016

The traveling wave is the most important phenomenon in cochlear macromechanics. The behaviors of the traveling wave that greatly alter the auditory discrimination, are tightly related with the mechanical properties of the basilar membrane (BM) and its surrounding lymph. As an addition to the blanks of related researches, this paper focuses on some of the key parameters that affect the cochlear response most: the BM stiffness, damping parameters and the fluid viscosity. The influence of these parameters on the traveling wave is discussed, based on our former developed 2D finite element hydrodynamic cochlear model. Moreover, the traveling wave velocity and its transmitting time are calculated based on the simulating results. Although generally a rapid fall of the velocity from the cochlear base to the characteristic frequency (CF) location is confirmed, our quantitative analysis also indicates the traveling wave velocity may be both location and frequency dependent.
The continuous fractional wavelet transform on a generalized Sobolev space
Authors: Prasad Akhilesh , Kumar Praveen
Published: August 2016

The main goal of this paper is to study continuous fractional wavelet transform (CFrWT) on generalized Sobolev space [Formula: see text] and its approximation properties. Convergence of convolution for [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] is also discussed.
Distinguishing quantum operations: LOCC versus separable operators
Authors: Chattopadhyay Indrani , Sarkar Debasis
Published: August 2016

In this paper, we discuss the issue of distinguishing a pair of quantum operation in general. We use Krause theorem for representing the operations in unitary form. This supports the existence of pair of quantum operations that are not locally distinguishable, but distinguishable in asymptotic sense in some higher dimensional system. The process can even be successful without any use of the entangled initial state.
Hamiltonian dynamics on matched pairs
Authors: Esen Oğul , Sütlü Serkan
Published: August 2016

The cotangent bundle of a matched pair Lie group, and its trivialization, are shown to be a matched pair Lie group. The explicit matched pair decomposition on the trivialized bundle is presented. On the trivialized space, the canonical symplectic two-form and the canonical Poisson bracket are explicitly written. Various symplectic and Poisson reductions are perfomed. The Lie–Poisson bracket is derived. As an example, Lie–Poisson equations on [Formula: see text] are obtained.
WHEN IS THE NEXT BUS?: INFLUENCE OF MOBILITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE ON ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN RURAL INDIA
Authors: UPARNA JAYARAM , WEBER KLAUS
Published: August 2016

We propose that, at a fundamental level, social isolation in its many forms (geographical, cultural and information-based) is a key barrier to entrepreneurial opportunity and success, not only by preventing access to material resources and markets, but also to ideas and information about products and services. Multi-modal data (survey and archival) from more than 150 entrepreneurs in contemporary rural India suggest an entrepreneur’s travel footprint is associated with the profitability of micro enterprises, even after accounting for village-level differences, and that the communication facilities and information sources available in the village interact with travel effects. The positive effect of travel on profit endures even after accounting for other known correlates of profit: infrastructure, information and communication.
Hybrid Finite Element Modeling for Seismic Structural Response Analysis of a Reinforced Concrete Structure
Authors: Tanaka Seizo , Hori Muneo , Ichimura Tsuyoshi
Published: August 2016

For rational seismic structural response analysis of a Reinforced Concrete (RC) structure, this paper presents a solid element in which a sophisticated concrete constitutive relation and cracking functionality are implemented. Hybrid finite element modeling that uses solid and beam elements for concrete and steel rebar is proposed, made tougher with a method of constructing the hybrid finite element. Well-balanced modeling is possible by first generating beam elements for the steel rebars and then generating solid elements for the concrete with nodes of the beam elements being shared by the solid element. A numerical experiment was carried out for a RC column subjected to unilateral loading, in order to examine the potential applicability of the hybrid finite element modeling. The computed results are compared with the experimental data, and the nonlinear relation between the displacement and reaction force is reproduced to some extent.
Zero-divisor graphs of matrices over lattices
Authors: Khiste Anagha , Joshi Vinayak
Published: August 2016

In this paper, we study basic properties such as connectivity, diameter and girth of the zero-divisor graph [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] matrices over a lattice [Formula: see text] with 0. Further, we consider the zero-divisor graph [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] matrices over an [Formula: see text]-element chain [Formula: see text]. We determine the number of vertices, degree of each vertex, domination number and edge chromatic number of [Formula: see text]. Also, we show that Beck’s Conjecture is true for [Formula: see text]. Further, we prove that [Formula: see text] is hyper-triangulated graph.
On BLAS Level-3 Implementations of Common Solvers for (Quasi-) Triangular Generalized Lyapunov Equations
Authors: Köhler Martin , Saak Jens
Published: August 2016

The solutions of Lyapunov and generalized Lyapunov equations are a key player in many applications in systems and control theory. Their stable numerical computation, when the full solution is sought, is considered solved since the seminal work of Bartels and Stewart [1972] and its generalization by Penzl [1997]. Those variants do not go completely beyond BLAS level-2 style implementation. On modern computers, however, the formulation of level-3 BLAS type implementations is crucial to enable optimal usage of cache hierarchies and modern block scheduling methods based on directed acyclic graphs describing the interdependence of single block computations. Although there exists a recursive blocked solution scheme for (quasi-) triangular generalized Lyapunov equations [Jonsson and Kågström 2002b], we focus on standard blocking techniques. Using the standard blocking approach our contribution lifts the aforementioned level-2 algorithm by Penzl to BLAS level-3 for (quasi-) triangular equations. Especially, we consider the solution of the appearing Sylvester equations and provide a hybrid algorithm merging our strategy with the recursive blocking method above.
Approximation Resistance from Pairwise-Independent Subgroups
Authors: Chan Siu On
Published: August 2016

We show optimal (up to a constant factor) NP-hardness for a maximum constraint satisfaction problem with
k
variables per constraint (Max-
k
CSP) whenever
k
is larger than the domain size. This follows from our main result concerning CSPs given by a predicate: A CSP is approximation resistant if its predicate contains a subgroup that is balanced pairwise independent. Our main result is analogous to Austrin and Mossel’s, bypassing their Unique-Games Conjecture assumption whenever the predicate is an abelian subgroup.

Our main ingredient is a new gap-amplification technique inspired by XOR lemmas. Using this technique, we also improve the NP-hardness of approximating Independent-Set on bounded-degree graphs, Almost-Coloring, Label-Cover, and various other problems.
A Survey of Predictive Modeling on Imbalanced Domains
Authors: Branco Paula , Torgo Luís , Ribeiro Rita P.
Published: August 2016

Many real-world data-mining applications involve obtaining predictive models using datasets with strongly imbalanced distributions of the target variable. Frequently, the least-common values of this target variable are associated with events that are highly relevant for end users (e.g., fraud detection, unusual returns on stock markets, anticipation of catastrophes, etc.). Moreover, the events may have different costs and benefits, which, when associated with the rarity of some of them on the available training data, creates serious problems to predictive modeling techniques. This article presents a survey of existing techniques for handling these important applications of predictive analytics. Although most of the existing work addresses classification tasks (nominal target variables), we also describe methods designed to handle similar problems within regression tasks (numeric target variables). In this survey, we discuss the main challenges raised by imbalanced domains, propose a definition of the problem, describe the main approaches to these tasks, propose a taxonomy of the methods, summarize the conclusions of existing comparative studies as well as some theoretical analyses of some methods, and refer to some related problems within predictive modeling.
Connectivity-Based Space Filling Curve Construction Algorithms in High Genus 3D Surface WSNs
Authors: Wang Chen , Jiang Hongbo , Dong Yan
Published: August 2016

Many applications in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) require that sensor observations in a given monitoring area are aggregated in a serial fashion. This demands a routing path to be constructed traversing all sensors in that area, which is also needed to linearize the network. In this article, we present SURF, a Space filling cURve construction scheme for high genus three-dimensional (3D) surFace WSNs, yielding a traversal path provably aperiodic (that is, any node is covered at most a constant number of times). SURF first utilizes the hop-count distance function to construct the iso-contour in discrete settings, and then it uses the concept of the Reeb graph and the maximum cut set to divide the network into different regions. Finally, it conducts a novel serial traversal scheme, enabling the traversal within and between regions. To the best of our knowledge, SURF is the first high genus 3D surface WSN targeted and pure connectivity-based solution for linearizing the networks. It is fully distributed and highly scalable, requiring a nearly constant storage and communication cost per node in the network. To incorporate adaptive density of the constructed space filling curve, we also design a second algorithm, called SURF
+
, which makes use of parameterized spiral-like curves to cover the 3D surface and thus can yield a multiresolution SFC adapting to different requirements on travel budget or fusion delay. The application combining both algorithms for in-network data storage and retrieval in high genus 3D surface WSNs is also presented. Extensive simulations on several representative networks demonstrate that both algorithms work well on high genus 3D surface WSNs.
rSYBL
Authors: Copil Georgiana , Moldovan Daniel , Truong Hong-Linh , Dustdar Schahram
Published: August 2016

Cloud applications can benefit from the on-demand capacity of cloud infrastructures, which offer computing and data resources with diverse capabilities, pricing, and quality models. However, state-of-the-art tools mainly enable the user to specify “if-then-else” policies concerning resource usage and size, resulting in a cumbersome specification process that lacks expressiveness for enabling the control of complex multilevel elasticity requirements.

In this article, first we propose SYBL, a novel language for specifying elasticity requirements at multiple levels of abstraction. Second, we design and develop the rSYBL framework for controlling cloud services at multiple levels of abstractions. To enforce user-specified requirements, we develop a multilevel elasticity control mechanism enhanced with conflict resolution. rSYBL supports different cloud providers and is highly extensible, allowing service providers or developers to define their own connectors to the desired infrastructures or tools. We validate it through experiments with two distinct services, evaluating rSYBL over two distinct cloud infrastructures, and showing the importance of multilevel elasticity control.
Technology-Mediated Memory
Authors: Konrad Artie , Isaacs Ellen , Whittaker Steve
Published: August 2016

Technology increasingly allows us to capture and revisit rich digital records of our lives, processes which we call Technology-Mediated Memory (TMM). We explore whether TMM alters unmediated remembering and also whether such changes affect psychological well-being. Human memory biases promote well-being by adaptively editing our memories, making them more positive. In contrast, TMM often provides rich records of what peopleactually did and felt,which could disrupt adaptive edits. To explore this, we developed a smartphone-based personal TMM application, Echo, that allows participants to record and later reflect on everyday events. In a month-long deployment, 64 users made over 3200 recordings and reflections. We found that although Echo TMM alters how we remember, these changes remain adaptive. Instead of compromising adaptive biases, Echo TMM helps well-being and benefits are sustained long-term. Logfile analysis shows that participants use Echo strategically toprospectively editby initially reporting events positively to anticipate future viewing. Participants also distance themselves from past negative events by reflecting more positively than at recording. We discuss design and theoretical implications.
First Impressions in Human--Agent Virtual Encounters
Authors: Cafaro Angelo , Vilhjálmsson Hannes Högni , Bickmore Timothy
Published: August 2016

In greeting encounters, first impressions of personality and attitude are quickly formed and might determine important relational decisions, such as the likelihood and frequency of subsequent encounters. An anthropomorphic user interface is not immune to these judgments, specifically when exhibiting social interaction skills in public spaces. A favorable impression may help engaging users in interaction and attaining acceptance for long-term interactions. We present three studies implementing a model of first impressions for initiating user interactions with an anthropomorphic museum guide agent with socio-relational skills. We focus on nonverbal behavior exhibiting personality and interpersonal attitude. In two laboratory studies, we demonstrate that impressions of an agent's personality are quickly formed based on proximity, whereas interpersonal attitude is conveyed through smile and gaze. We also found that interpersonal attitude has greater impact than personality on the user's decision to spend time with the agent. These findings are then applied to a museum guide agent exhibited at the Boston Museum of Science. In this field study, we show that employing our model increases the number of visitors engaging in interaction.
Toward Engineering a Secure Android Ecosystem
Authors: Xu Meng , Song Chengyu , Ji Yang , Shih Ming-Wei , Lu Kangjie , Zheng Cong , Duan Ruian , Jang Yeongjin , Lee Byoungyoung , Qian Chenxiong , Lee Sangho , Kim Taesoo
Published: August 2016

The openness and extensibility of Android have made it a popular platform for mobile devices and a strong candidate to drive the Internet-of-Things. Unfortunately, these properties also leave Android vulnerable, attracting attacks for profit or fun. To mitigate these threats, numerous issue-specific solutions have been proposed. With the increasing number and complexity of security problems and solutions, we believe this is the right moment to step back and systematically re-evaluate the Android security architecture and security practices in the ecosystem. We organize the most recent security research on the Android platform into two categories: the software stack and the ecosystem. For each category, we provide a comprehensive narrative of the problem space, highlight the limitations of the proposed solutions, and identify open problems for future research. Based on our collection of knowledge, we envision a blueprint for engineering a secure, next-generation Android ecosystem.
For and against Organ Donation and Transplantation: Intricate Facilitators and Barriers in Organ Donation Perceived by German Nurses and Doctors
Authors: Hvidt Niels Christian , Mayr Beate , Paal Piret , Frick Eckhard , Forsberg Anna , Büssing Arndt
Published: August 2016

Background.Significant facilitators and barriers to organ donation and transplantation remain in the general public and even in health professionals. Negative attitudes of HPs have been identified as the most significant barrier to actual ODT. The purpose of this paper was hence to investigate to what extent HPs (physicians and nurses) experience such facilitators and barriers in ODT and to what extent they are intercorrelated. We thus combined single causes to circumscribed factors of respective barriers and facilitators and analyzed them for differences regarding profession, gender, spiritual/religious self-categorization, and self-estimated knowledge of ODT and their mutual interaction.Methods.By the use of questionnaires we investigated intricate facilitators and barriers to organ donation experienced by HPs (n=175; 73% nurses, 27% physicians) in around ten wards at the University Hospital of Munich.Results.Our study confirms a general high agreement with the importance of ODT. Nevertheless, we identified both facilitators and barriers in the following fields: (1) knowledge of ODT and willingness to donate own organs, (2) ethical delicacies in ODT, (3) stressors to handle ODT in the hospital, and (4) individual beliefs and self-estimated religion/spirituality.Conclusion.Attention to the intricacy of stressors and barriers in HPs continues to be a high priority focus for the availability of donor organs.