bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanics-Based Approach for Detection and Measurement of Particle Contamination in Proximity Nanofabrication Processes
Authors: Singhal Shrawan , Grigas Michelle A. , Sreenivasan S. V.
Published: June 2016

In spite of the great progress made toward addressing the challenge of particle contamination in nanomanufacturing, its deleterious effect on yield is still not negligible. This is particularly true for nanofabrication processes that involve close proximity or contact between two or more surfaces. One such process is Jet-and-Flash Imprint Lithography (J-FIL™), which involves the formation of a nanoscale liquid film between a patterned template and a substrate. In this process, the presence of any frontside particle taller than the liquid film thickness, which is typically sub-25 nm, can not only disrupt the continuity of this liquid film but also damage the expensive template upon contact. The detection of these particles has typically relied on the use of subwavelength optical techniques such as scatterometry that can suffer from low throughput for nanoscale particles. In this paper, a novel mechanics-based method has been proposed as an alternative to these techniques. It can provide a nearly 1000 × amplification of the particle size, thereby allowing for optical microscopy based detection. This technique has been supported by an experimentally validated multiphysics model which also allows for estimation of the loss in yield and potential contact-related template damage because of the particle encounter. Also, finer inspection of template damage needs to be carried out over a much smaller area, thereby increasing throughput of the overall process. This technique also has the potential for inline integration, thereby circumventing the need for separate tooling for subwavelength optical inspection of substrates.
Structural and chemical analysis of annealed plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition aluminum nitride films
Authors: Broas Mikael , Sippola Perttu , Sajavaara Timo , Vuorinen Vesa , Pyymaki Perros Alexander , Lipsanen Harri , Paulasto-Kröckel Mervi
Published: June 2016

Plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition was utilized to grow aluminum nitride (AlN) films on Si from trimethylaluminum and N2:H2 plasma at 200 °C. Thermal treatments were then applied on the films which caused changes in their chemical composition and nanostructure. These changes were observed to manifest in the refractive indices and densities of the films. The AlN films were identified to contain light element impurities, namely, H, C, and excess N due to nonideal precursor reactions. Oxygen contamination was also identified in the films. Many of the embedded impurities became volatile in the elevated annealing temperatures. Most notably, high amounts of H were observed to desorb from the AlN films. Furthermore, dinitrogen triple bonds were identified with infrared spectroscopy in the films. The triple bonds broke after annealing at 1000 °C for 1 h which likely caused enhanced hydrolysis of the films. The nanostructure of the films was identified to be amorphous in the as-deposited state and to become nanocrystalline after 1 h of annealing at 1000 °C.
Formation of homologous In2O3(ZnO)m thin films and its thermoelectric properties
Authors: Jia Junjun , Ow-Yang Cleva , Inan Akmehmet Güliz , Nakamura Shin-ichi , Kato Kunihisa , Shigesato Yuzo
Published: June 2016

Homologous In2O3(ZnO)5 thin films were produced on a synthetic quartz glass substrate by thermal annealing of magnetron sputtered In2O3-ZnO compound films. When the annealing temperature was increased to 700 °C, the sputtered In2O3-ZnO film with In2O3 microcrystalline changed to a c-oriented homologous In2O3(ZnO)5 structure, for which the crystallization is suggested to begin from the surface and proceed along with the film thickness. The annealing temperature of 700 °C to form the In2O3(ZnO)5 structure was substantially lower than temperatures of conventional solid state synthesis from In2O3 and ZnO powders, which is attributed to the rapid diffusional transport of In and Zn due to the mixing of In2O3 and ZnO in the atomic level for sputtered In2O3-ZnO compound films. The homologous structure collapsed at temperatures above 900 °C, which is attributed to (1) zinc vaporization from the surface and (2) a gradual increase of zinc silicate phase at the interface. This c-oriented layer structure of homologous In2O3(ZnO)5 thin films along the film thickness allowed the thin film to reach a power factor of 1.3 × 10−4 W/m K2 at 670 °C, which is comparable with the reported maximum value for the textured In2O3(ZnO)5 powder (about 1.6 × 10−4 W/m K2 at 650 °C).
Biophysical Determinants of Front-Crawl Swimming at Moderate and Severe Intensities
Authors: Ribeiro João , Toubekis Argyris G. , Figueiredo Pedro , de Jesus Kelly , Toussaint Huub M. , Alves Francisco , Vilas-Boas João P. , Fernandes Ricardo J.
Published: June 2016

Purpose:

To conduct a biophysical analysis of the factors associated with front-crawl performance at moderate and severe swimming intensities, represented by anaerobic-threshold (vAnT) and maximal-oxygen-uptake (vV̇O2max) velocities.

Methods:

Ten high-level swimmers performed 2 intermittent incremental tests of 7 × 200 and 12 × 25 m (through a system of underwater push-off pads) to assess vAnT, and vV̇O2max, and power output. The 1st protocol was videotaped (3D reconstruction) for kinematic analysis to assess stroke frequency (SF), stroke length (SL), propelling efficiency (ηP), and index of coordination (IdC). V̇O2 was measured and capillary blood samples (lactate concentrations) were collected, enabling computation of metabolic power. The 2nd protocol allowed calculating mechanical power and performance efficiency from the ratio of mechanical to metabolic power.

Results:

Neither vAnT nor vV̇O2max was explained by SF (0.56 ± 0.06 vs 0.68 ± 0.06 Hz), SL (2.29 ± 0.21 vs 2.06 ± 0.20 m), ηP (0.38 ± 0.02 vs 0.36± 0.03), IdC (–12.14 ± 5.24 vs –9.61 ± 5.49), or metabolic-power (1063.00 ± 122.90 vs 1338.18 ± 127.40 W) variability. vV̇O2max was explained by power to overcome drag (r = .77, P ≤ .05) and ηP (r = .72, P ≤ .05), in contrast with the nonassociation between these parameters and vAnT; both velocities were well related (r = .62, P ≤ .05).

Conclusions:

The biomechanical parameters, coordination, and metabolic power seemed not to be performance discriminative at either intensity. However, the increase in power to overcome drag, for the less metabolic input, should be the focus of any intervention that aims to improve performance at severe swimming intensity. This is also true for moderate intensities, as vAnT and vV˙O2max are proportional to each other.
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Characterization of the Novel Oxabicyclooctane-Linked Bacterial Topoisomerase Inhibitor AM-8722, a Selective, Potent Inhibitor of Bacterial DNA Gyrase
Authors: Tan Christopher M. , Gill Charles J. , Wu Jin , Toussaint Nathalie , Yin Jingjun , Tsuchiya Takayuki , Garlisi Charles G. , Kaelin David , Meinke Peter T. , Miesel Lynn , Olsen David B. , Lagrutta Armando , Fukuda Hideyuki , Kishii Ryuta , Takei Masaya , Oohata Kouhei , Takeuchi Tomoko , Shibue Taku , Takano Hisashi , Nishimura Akinori , Fukuda Yasumichi , Singh Sheo B.
Published: June 2016

Oxabicyclooctane-linked novel bacterial topoisomerase inhibitors (NBTIs) represent a new class of recently described antibacterial agents with broad-spectrum activity. NBTIs dually inhibit the clinically validated bacterial targets DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV and have been shown to bind distinctly from known classes of antibacterial agents directed against these targets. Herein we report the molecular, cellular, and
in vivo
characterization of AM-8722 as a representative N-alkylated-1,5-naphthyridone left-hand-side-substituted NBTI. Consistent with its mode of action, macromolecular labeling studies revealed a specific effect of AM-8722 to dose dependently inhibit bacterial DNA synthesis. AM-8722 displayed greater intrinsic enzymatic potency than levofloxacin versus both DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV from
Staphylococcus aureus
and
Escherichia coli
and displayed selectivity against human topoisomerase II. AM-8722 was rapidly bactericidal and exhibited whole-cell activity versus a range of Gram-negative and Gram-positive organisms, with no whole-cell potency shift due to the presence of DNA or human serum. Frequency-of-resistance studies demonstrated an acceptable rate of resistance emergence
in vitro
at concentrations 16- to 32-fold the MIC. AM-8722 displayed acceptable pharmacokinetic properties and was shown to be efficacious in mouse models of bacterial septicemia. Overall, AM-8722 is a selective and potent NBTI that displays broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity
in vitro
and
in vivo
.
Complete Genome Sequences of Lytic Bacteriophages of Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis
Authors: Retamales Julio , Vasquez Ignacio , Santos Leonardo , Segovia Cristopher , Ayala Manuel , Alvarado Romina , Nuñez Pablo , Santander Javier
Published: June 2016

Three bacteriophages,f20-Xaj, f29-Xaj, andf30-Xaj, with lytic activity againstXanthomonas arboricolapv. juglandis were isolated from walnut trees (VIII Bío Bío Region, Chile). These lytic bacteriophages have double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) genomes of 43,851 bp, 41,865 bp, and 44,262 bp, respectively. These are the first described bacteriophages with lytic activity againstX. arboricolapv. juglandis that can be utilized as biocontrol agents.
Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus subtilis ALBA01, a Strain with Antagonistic Activity against the Soilborne Fungal Pathogen of Onion
Setophoma terrestris
Authors: Albarracín Orio Andrea G. , Tobares Romina A. , Ducasse Daniel A. , Smania Andrea M.
Published: June 2016

Bacillus subtilis
is a nonpathogenic bacterium that lives in soil and has long been used as biological control agent in agriculture. Here, we report the genome sequence of a
B. subtilis
strain isolated from rhizosphere of onion that shows strong biological activity against the soilborne fungal pathogen
Setophoma terrestris
.
Draft Genome Sequences of Mycobacterium kansasii Strains 1010001454, 1010001458, 1010001468, 1010001493, 1010001495, and 1010001469, Isolated from Environmental Sources
Authors: Strapagiel Dominik , Borówka Paulina , Marciniak Błażej , Bakuła Zofia , van Ingen Jakko , Safianowska Aleksandra , Brzostek Anna , Dziadek Jarosław , Jagielski Tomasz
Published: June 2016

Mycobacterium kansasii
belongs to the nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) and causes opportunistic infections with both pulmonary and extrapulmonary manifestations. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of six environmental
M. kansasii
strains, designated 1010001495 (type I), 1010001469 (type II), 1010001468 (type III), 1010001458 (type IV), 1010001454 (type V), and 1010001493 (type V), originally isolated in five different European countries.
Draft Genome Sequences of Listeria monocytogenes Serotype 4b Strains 944 and 2993 and Serotype 1/2c Strains 198 and 2932
Authors: Casey Aidan , McAuliffe Olivia , Fox Edward M. , Leong Dara , Gahan Cormac G. M. , Jordan Kieran
Published: June 2016

Listeria monocytogenes
is a foodborne pathogen and the causative agent of listeriosis among humans and animals. The draft genome sequences of
L. monocytogenes
serotype 4b strains 944 and 2993 and serotype 1/2c strains 198 and 2932 are reported here.
Complete Genome Sequence of Enterobacter cloacae B2-DHA, a Chromium-Resistant Bacterium
Authors: Rahman Aminur , Nahar Noor , Olsson Björn , Mandal Abul
Published: June 2016

Previously, we reported a chromium-resistant bacterium,
Enterobacter cloacae
B2-DHA, isolated from the landfills of tannery industries in Bangladesh. Here, we investigated its genetic composition using massively parallel sequencing and comparative analysis with other known
Enterobacter
genomes. Assembly of the sequencing reads revealed a genome of ~4.21 Mb in size.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Mycobacterium africanum Clinical Isolate from Antioquia, Colombia
Authors: Hurtado U. A. , Solano J. S. , Rodriguez A. , Robledo J. , Rouzaud F.
Published: June 2016

Mycobacterium africanum
is a member of the
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex. Most commonly found in West African countries, it has scarcely been described in South America. Here, we report the first genome sequence of a Colombian
M. africanum
clinical isolate. It is composed of 4,493,502 bp, with 4,069 genes.
Modelling estimates of the burden of respiratory syncytial virus infection in children in the UK
Authors: Taylor Sylvia , Taylor Robert J , Lustig Roger L , Schuck-Paim Cynthia , Haguinet François , Webb David J , Logie John , Matias Gonçalo , Fleming Douglas M
Published: June 2016

Objective

The burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) illness is not well characterised in primary care. We estimated the burden of disease attributable to RSV in children in the UK between 1995 and 2009.

Design

Time-series regression modelling.

Setting

A multiple linear regression model based on weekly viral surveillance (RSV and influenza, Public Health England), and controlled for non-specific seasonal drivers of disease, estimated the proportion of general practitioner (GP) episodes of care (counted as first visit in a series within 28 days; Clinical Practice Research Datalink, CPRD), hospitalisations (Hospital Episode Statistics, HES) and deaths (Office of National Statistics, ONS) attributable to RSV each season.

Participants

Children 0–17 years registered with a GP in CPRD, or with a respiratory disease outcome in the HES or ONS databases.

Primary outcome measures

RSV-attributable burden of GP episodes, hospitalisations and deaths due to respiratory disease by age. RSV-attributable burden associated with selected antibiotic prescriptions.

Results

RSV-attributable respiratory disease in the UK resulted in an estimated 450 158 GP episodes, 29 160 hospitalisations and 83 deaths per average season in children and adolescents, with the highest proportions in children <6 months of age (14 441/100 000 population, 4184/100 000 and 6/100 000, respectively). In an average season, there were an estimated 125 478 GP episodes for otitis media and 416 133 prescriptions for antibiotics attributable to RSV. More GP episodes, hospitalisations and deaths from respiratory disease were attributable to RSV than to influenza in children under 5 years.

Conclusions

The burden of RSV in children in the UK exceeds that of influenza. RSV in children and adolescents contributes substantially to GP office visits for a diverse range of illnesses, and was associated with an average 416 133 prescribed antibiotic courses per season. Effective antiviral treatments and preventive vaccines are urgently needed for the management of RSV infection in children.

Trial registration number

NCT01706302.
Effect of sex and age on the association between suicidal behaviour and obesity in Korean adults: a cross-sectional nationwide study
Authors: Kim Dae-Kwon , Song Hyun Jin , Lee Eui-Kyung , Kwon Jin-Won
Published: June 2016

Objectives

To examine the hypothesis that the relationship between obesity and the risk of suicidal behaviour would differ according to sex and age.

Setting

Data from the 2007–2012 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) were used.

Participants

36 211 adults with body mass index (BMI) data were included and the mean age was 49.6 years.

Independent variable

BMI.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Suicide ideation and attempts.

Design and analysis

A cross-sectional study was performed. Multiple logistic regressions after controlling for socioeconomic variables and concomitant diseases were applied to see the relationship between obesity level and suicidal ideation or attempt.

Results

Women with severe obesity had the highest prevalence of suicide attempts and ideation, whereas among males, underweight men had the highest prevalence. After adjustment, obese men had a lower OR for suicide ideation (OR=0.87, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.00). Among women, the ORs of severely obese and underweight women were 1.27 (95% CI 1.06 to 1.52) and 1.24 (95% CI 1.06 to 1.45), respectively. When grouped by age category, the ORs for suicide ideation in severely obese women aged 18 to <30 years or attempts in severely obese women aged 30 to <50 years were 2.30 (95% CI 1.36 to 3.89) and 3.07 (95% CI 1.50 to 6.31), respectively. However, overweight and obese women aged more than 50 years exhibited significantly less ORs of suicide ideation, when compared with counterparts of normal weight.

Conclusions

The association between obesity and suicidal behaviour exhibited a different pattern by sex and age in South Korea. In particular, severely obese young women had a substantial risk of suicidal behaviour. Our study results highlighted the importance of obesity management in the prevention of suicide among young women, and may be helpful for the drafting of the health agenda in Asian countries with an obesity prevalence and culture similar to those in Korea.
Methamphetamine use in Central Germany: protocol for a qualitative study exploring requirements and challenges in healthcare from the professionals' perspective
Authors: Hoffmann Laura , Schumann Nadine , Fankhaenel Thomas , Thiel Carolin , Klement Andreas , Richter Matthias
Published: June 2016

Introduction

The synthetic drug methamphetamine with its high addiction potential is associated with substantial adverse health effects. In Germany, especially Central Germany, the increase in the consumption of methamphetamine has exceeded that of other illegal drugs. The treatment system and service providers are facing new challenges due to this rise in consumption. This qualitative study will explore the demand created by the increasing healthcare needs of methamphetamine-addicted persons in Central Germany, and the difficulty of rehabilitating addicted people.

Methods and analysis

The collection of empirical data will take place in a consecutive, two-stage process. In the first part of data collection, the experiences and perspectives of 40 professionals from numerous healthcare sectors for methamphetamine-addicted persons will be explored with the help of semistructured face-to-face interviews and probed by the research team. These findings will be discussed in 2 focus groups consisting of the participants of the face-to-face interviews; these group discussions comprise the second part of the data collection process. The interviews will be audio recorded, transcribed, and then subjected to qualitative content analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

All interviewees will receive comprehensive written information about the study, and sign a declaration of consent prior to the interview. The study will comply rigorously with data protection legislation. The research team has obtained the approval of the Ethical Review Committee at the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany. The results of the study will be published in high-quality, peer-reviewed international journals, presented at several congresses and used to design follow-up research projects.

Trial registration number

VfD_METH_MD_15_003600.
Community-based physical activity and nutrition programme for adults with metabolic syndrome in Vietnam: study protocol for a cluster-randomised controlled trial
Authors: Tran Van Dinh , Lee Andy H , Jancey Jonine , James Anthony P , Howat Peter , Thi Phuong Mai Le
Published: June 2016

Introduction

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and type II diabetes. In Vietnam, more than one-quarter of its population aged 50–65 have MetS. This cluster-randomised controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to increase levels of physical activity and improve dietary behaviours among Vietnamese adults aged 50–65 years with MetS.

Method and analysis

This 6-month community-based intervention includes a range of strategies to improve physical activity and nutrition for adults with MetS in Hanam, a province located in northern Vietnam. 600 participants will be recruited from 6 communes with 100 participants per commune. The 6 selected communes will be randomly allocated to either an intervention group (m=3; n=300) or a control group (m=3; n=300). The intervention comprises booklets, education sessions, resistance bands and attending local walking groups that provide information and encourage participants to improve their physical activity and healthy eating behaviours during the 6-month period. The control group participants will receive standard and 1-time advice. Social cognitive theory is the theoretical concept underpinning this study. Measurements will be taken at baseline and postintervention to evaluate programme effectiveness.

Ethics and dissemination

The research protocol was approved by the Curtin University Human Research Ethics Committee (approval number: HR139/2014). The results of the study will be disseminated through publications, reports and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12614000811606.
Systemic risk, maximum entropy and interbank contagion
Authors: Andrecut M.
Published: June 2016

We discuss the systemic risk implied by the interbank exposures reconstructed with the maximum entropy (ME) method. The ME method severely underestimates the risk of interbank contagion by assuming a fully connected network, while in reality the structure of the interbank network is sparsely connected. Here, we formulate an algorithm for sparse network reconstruction, and we show numerically that it provides a more reliable estimation of the systemic risk.
Local free-fall temperature of modified Schwarzschild black hole in rainbow spacetime
Authors: Kim Yong-Wan , Park Young-Jai
Published: June 2016

We obtain a (5+1)-dimensional global flat embedding of modified Schwarzschild black hole in rainbow gravity. We show that local free-fall temperature in rainbow gravity, which depends on different energy [Formula: see text] of a test particle, is finite at the event horizon for a freely falling observer, while local temperature is divergent at the event horizon for a fiducial observer. Moreover, these temperatures in rainbow gravity satisfy similar relations to those of the Schwarzschild black hole except the overall factor [Formula: see text], which plays a key role of rainbow functions in this embedding approach.
The effect of the thickness of tunneling layer on the memory properties of (Cu2O)0.5(Al2O3)0.5 high-k composite charge-trapping memory devices
Authors: Liu Jinqiu , Lu Jianxin , Yin Jiang , Xu Bo , Xia Yidong , Liu Zhiguo
Published: June 2016

The charge-trapping memory devices namely Pt/Al2O3/(Al2O[Formula: see text](Cu2O)[Formula: see text]/SiO2/[Formula: see text]-Si with 2, 3 and 4 nm SiO2 tunneling layers were fabricated by using RF magnetron sputtering and atomic layer deposition techniques. At an applied voltage of ±11 V, the memory windows in the C–V curves of the memory devices with 2, 3 and 4 nm SiO2 tunneling layers were about 4.18, 9.91 and 11.33 V, respectively. The anomaly in memory properties among the three memory devices was ascribed to the different back tunneling probabilities of trapped electrons in the charge-trapping dielectric (Al2O[Formula: see text](Cu2O)[Formula: see text] due to the different thicknesses of SiO2 tunneling layer.
Imaging cosmic polarization rotation
Authors: Contaldi Carlo R.
Published: June 2016

We introduce a method to isolate the contribution of parity-violating modes to the peak constrained correlation function. This method can be used as a local estimate of polarization rotation. We test this method using simulations and by applying it to Planck maps [P. A. R. Ade et al., arXiv:1502.01589 astro.ph.co]. We obtain a constraint on the monopole of the polarization rotation angle [Formula: see text].
Stochastic elastic equation driven by multiplicative multi-parameter fractional noise
Authors: Zhang Yinghan , Yang Xiaoyuan
Published: June 2016

In this paper, we consider the stochastic elastic equation driven by multiplicative multiparameter fractional noise. By using the Wiener chaos expansion and undetermined coefficient methods, we obtain the existence and uniqueness of the solution in a distribution space. The asymptotic behavior and the Hölder index of the solution are also estimated.
A Microsurgical Robotic System that Induces a Multisensory Illusion
Authors: Arata Jumpei , Kiguchi Kazuo , Hattori Masashi , Sakaguchi Masamichi , Nakadate Ryu , Oguri Susumu , Hashizume Makoto
Published: June 2016

Intuitiveness in robotic surgery is highly desirable when performing highly elaborate surgical tasks using surgical master–slave systems (MSSs), such as suturing. To increase the operability of such systems, the time delay of the system response, haptic feedback, and eye–hand coordination are the issues that have received the most attention. In addition to these approaches, we propose a surgical robotic system that induces a multisensory illusion. In our previous study, we reported that a robotic instrument we devised enhances the multisensory illusion. In this paper, we determine the requirements for inducing this multisensory illusion in a multi-degree-of-freedom (DOF) MSS, and the first stage of prototype implementation based on the given requirements is described.
Implementation of the Multiscale Stochastic Finite Element Method on Elliptic PDE Problems
Authors: Wu Yuching , Xiao Jianzhuang
Published: June 2016

In this study, a multi-scale finite element method was proposed to solve two linear scale-coupling stochastic elliptic PDE problems, a tightly stretched wire and flow through porous media. At microscopic level, the main idea was to form coarse-scale equations with a prescribed analytic form that may differ from the underlying fine-scale equations. The relevant stochastic homogenization theory was proposed to model the effective global material coefficient matrix. At the macroscopic level, the Karhunen–Loeve decomposition was coupled with a Polynomial Chaos expansion in conjunction with a Galerkin projection to achieve an efficient implementation of the randomness into the solution procedure. Various stochastic methods were used to plug the microscopic cell to the global system. Strategy and relevant algorithms were developed to boost computational efficiency and to break the curse of dimension. The results of numerical examples were shown consistent with ones from literature. It indicates that the proposed numerical method can act as a paradigm for general stochastic partial differential equations involving multi-scale stochastic data. After some modification, the proposed numerical method could be extended to diverse scientific disciplines such as geophysics, material science, biological systems, chemical physics, oceanography, and astrophysics, etc.
Computational modeling and relevance of numerical convergence for the investigation of thermal expansion behavior for aluminium hybrid composites
Authors: Krishna S. A. Mohan , Shridhar T. N. , Krishnamurthy L.
Published: June 2016

The thermal characterization and analysis of composite materials has been increasingly important in a wide range of applications. The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) is one of the most important properties of metal matrix composites (MMCs). Since nearly all MMCs are used in various temperature ranges, measurement of CTE as a function of temperature is necessary in order to know the behavior of the material. In this research paper, the evaluation of CTE or thermal expansivity has been accomplished for Al 6061, silicon carbide and graphite hybrid MMCs from room temperature to [Formula: see text]C. Aluminium-based composites reinforced with silicon carbide and graphite particles have been prepared by stir casting technique. The thermal expansivity behavior of hybrid composites with different percentage compositions of reinforcements has been investigated. The results have indicated that the thermal expansivity of different compositions of hybrid MMCs decrease by the addition of graphite with silicon carbide and Al 6061. Empirical models have been validated for the evaluation of thermal expansivity of composites. Numerical convergence test has been accomplished to investigate the thermal expansion behavior of composites.
k-Shape
Authors: Paparrizos John , Gravano Luis
Published: June 2016

The proliferation and ubiquity of temporal data across many disciplines has generated substantial interest in the analysis and mining of time series. Clustering is one of the most popular data mining methods, not only due to its exploratory power, but also as a preprocessing step or subroutine for other techniques. In this paper, we describe k-Shape, a novel algorithm for time-series clustering. k-Shape relies on a scalable iterative refinement procedure, which creates homogeneous and well-separated clusters. As its distance measure, k-Shape uses a normalized version of the cross-correlation measure in order to consider the shapes of time series while comparing them. Based on the properties of that distance measure, we develop a method to compute cluster centroids, which are used in every iteration to update the assignment of time series to clusters. An extensive experimental evaluation against partitional, hierarchical, and spectral clustering methods, with the most competitive distance measures, showed the robustness of k-Shape. Overall, k-Shape emerges as a domain-independent, highly accurate, and efficient clustering approach for time series with broad applications.
Effect of peripheral circadian dysfunction on metabolic disease in response to a diabetogenic diet
Authors: Pijut Sonja S. , Corbett Danielle E. , Wang Yuhuan , Li Jianing , Charnigo Richard J. , Graf Gregory A.
Published: June 2016

BMAL1 is a core component of the transcription/translation machinery that regulates central and peripheral circadian rhythms that coordinate behavior and metabolism, respectively. Our objective was to determine the impact of BMAL1 in adipose alone or in combination with liver on metabolic phenotypes. Control, adipose- Bmal1 knockout (ABKO), and liver- and adipose- Bmal1 knockout (LABKO) female mice were placed in TSE System metabolic chambers for metabolic phenotyping. A second cohort of male mice was fed a control or diabetogenic diet, and body weight and composition, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and serum and hepatic lipids were measured. Both female ABKO and LABKO mice exhibited increased food consumption compared with control mice. ABKO mice also exhibited increased overall activity predominantly during the light phase compared with both control and LABKO mice and were protected from increased weight gain. When the male cohort was challenged with a diabetogenic diet, LABKO mice had increased body weight due to increased fat mass compared with control and ABKO mice. However, these mice did not present further impairments in glycemic control, adipose inflammation, or liver injury. LABKO mice had increased hepatic cholesterol and elevated expression of cholesterol synthesis and uptake genes. Our data indicate that deletion of this allele in adipose or in combination with liver alters feeding behavior and locomotor activity. However, obesity is exacerbated only with the combination of liver and adipose deletion.
Lichen Sclerosus: Incidence and Risk of Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Bleeker Maaike C.G. , Visser Pascal J. , Overbeek Lucy I.H. , van Beurden Marc , Berkhof Johannes
Published: June 2016

Background: The association between lichen sclerosus and vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) has long been recognized, but large epidemiologic studies are lacking.

Methods: Data of women diagnosed with vulvar pathology in the Netherlands were retrieved from the Dutch Pathology Registry. All vulvar pathology reports of this historical cohort were reviewed to construct a research database, including 3,038 women with lichen sclerosus diagnosed between 1991 and 2011. The incidence rate of lichen sclerosus and the cumulative incidence of VSCC among women with lichen sclerosus were estimated.

Results: Between 1991 and 2011, the incidence rate of lichen sclerosus increased from 7.4 to 14.6 per 100,000 woman-years. The median age at time of lichen sclerosus diagnosis was 59.8 years and the cumulative VSCC incidence was 6.7%. The 10-year VSCC incidence in women with lichen sclerosus was associated with concurrent vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN; 18.8% in women with VIN and 2.8% in women without VIN) and age at time of lichen sclerosus diagnosis (5.9% in women of ≥70 years, 3% in women between 50 and 70 years, and 1.8% in women <50 years). The effects of presence of VIN and age remained significant in adjusted Cox regression analysis.

Conclusion: This historical cohort showed a nearly 100% increase in incidence of lichen sclerosus between 1991 and 2011. Concurrent VIN and age ≥70 years at time of lichen sclerosus diagnosis are important risk factors for vulvar cancer development.

Impact: The incidence of lichen sclerosus is rising and special attention is needed in particular in women with concurrent VIN because of their high risk of cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(8); 1224–30. ©2016 AACR.
In Silico Analysis Guides Selection of BET Inhibitors for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Pérez-Peña Javier , Serrano-Heras Gemma , Montero Juan Carlos , Corrales-Sánchez Verónica , Pandiella Atanasio , Ocaña Alberto
Published: June 2016

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an incurable disease with poor prognosis. At this moment, therapeutic options are limited to chemotherapy, and no targeted agent has reached the clinical setting. Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) inhibitors are a new family of compounds that inhibit bromodomain-containing proteins affecting the expression of transcription factors, therefore modifying the expression of relevant oncogenic genes. In the present article, by using an in silico approach, we have identified the expression of upregulated transcription factors in TNBC compared with normal breast. Treatment with JQ1, a well-characterized BET inhibitor, modified some transcription factors, including DEP domain containing 1 (DEPDC), Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1), and Lim domain only 4 (LM04). In cell line models, administration of JQ1 or OTX015, another BET inhibitor, produced a significant antiproliferative effect and synergized with chemotherapies. Biochemical evaluation demonstrated an arrest at G1 as the main mechanism of action with a clear increase of p27. Addition of these compounds to chemotherapy induced apoptosis compared to each agent given alone. Evaluation of JQ1 in xenografted tumors in nude mice showed a profound antitumoral effect with a reduction of DEPDC, FOXM1, and LM04, in addition to an increase of p27. Globally, our data demonstrate the antitumor effect of this new family of compounds in TNBC, paving the way for its future clinical development. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(8); 1823–33. ©2016 AACR.
Senescence Can Be BETter without the SASP?
Authors: Vizioli Maria Grazia , Adams Peter D.
Published: June 2016

Summary: Global remodeling of the chromatin landscape occurs during senescence, although its functional consequence is still unclear. In this issue, Tasdemir and colleagues show that the epigenetic regulator BRD4 is required for expression of the proinflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotype and immune clearance of senescent cells in vitro and in vivo. Their results could be useful in the design of novel therapies to treat aging-related diseases, including cancer.Cancer Discov; 6(6); 576–8. ©2016 AACR.

See related article by Tasdemir et al., p. 612.
The Pathologic Point of View of Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy in the Era of Radiologic Imaging: A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Tonyali Senol , Atac Fatih , Eroglu Unsal , Yazici Sertac , Ozden Ender , Sozen Sinan , Bilen Cenk Yücel
Published: June 2016

Introduction/Aim: This study aimed to determine if laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) is feasible for the treatment of adrenal malignancies and metastasis, and to review the final pathology findings in order to clarify the indications for surgery. Materials and Method: The medical records of all patients that underwent LA at 3 university hospitals between January 1, 2008, and May 1, 2015, were retrospectively reviewed. Results: In total, 189 laparoscopic adrenalectomies were completed successfully. Mean duration of surgery was 79.3 ± 38.6 min and mean estimated intraoperative blood loss was 39.9 ml. Intraoperatively, 4 patients had major complications: spleen injury (n = 1), renal vein injury (n = 2) and diaphragm injury (n = 2). Histopathological examination showed that there were 20 different types of lesions. Surgical margins (SMs) were tumor free in 95.2% of the patients. Moreover, SMs were tumor free in all patients with adrenocortical carcinomas; however, positive margins were noted in 7 of 23 patients (30.4%) with malignant adrenal tumors. Conclusions: The present findings support the use of laparoscopy for metastatic adrenal masses, despite a high positive margin rate. LA is a safe, feasible and cost-effective procedure for the management of benign and malignant adrenal masses.
Up-Regulation of SIRT1 Reduces Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Renal Fibrosis
Authors: Chang Jai Won , Kim Hyosang , Baek Chung Hee , Lee Raymond Bok , Yang Won Seok , Lee Sang Koo
Published: June 2016

Background: Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is emerging as an important factor in the development of organ fibrosis. Therefore, modulation of ER stress may serve as one of the possible therapeutic approaches to renal fibrosis. SIRT1, a class III histone deacetylase, has been found to exert beneficial effects in kidney diseases. However, it is largely unknown whether and how SIRT1 suppresses the ER stress. We postulated that upregulation of SIRT1 would suppress the ER stress through induction of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and thioredoxin. Methods: HK-2 tubular cells, experimental mouse models of tunicamycin (TM)-induced ER stress and unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) were used. Expression of ER stress-induced protein was measured by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemical staining. ER stress was induced by chemical ER stress inducers [TM [,]thapsigargin (TG)] and non-chemical inducers such as angiotensin II, aldosterone, high glucose and albumin. Results: SIRT1 activator (SRT1720) induced SIRT1 expression in a time- and dose-dependent manner in HK-2 cells. SRT1720 suppressed the TM- or TG-induced ER stress, as shown by inhibition of TM- or TG-induced upregulation of glucose-related protein 78 (GRP78), phosphor-specific eukaryotic translation initiation factor-2α and C/EBP homologous protein through HO-1 and thioredoxin, which were abolished by pretreatment with SIRT1 inhibitor (sirtinol). SRT1720 also suppressed the ER stress induced by angiotensin II, aldosterone, high glucose and albumin. In animal studies, treatment with SRT1720 reduced the tubular expression of GRP78 and increased the expression of HO-1 and thioredoxin. SRT1720 also reduced the UUO-induced renal fibrosis. Conclusion: SIRT1 may serve as a promising therapeutic target by reducing ER stress and fibrosis.
Disenchanted Modern, Re-enchanted Postmodern Society?
Authors: Hirschle Jochen
Published: June 2016

According to secularization theory, religiosity of individuals decreases as societies embark on the road to economic modernization. A number of alternative approaches predict that the shift from modernity to postmodernity results in a more complex, hybrid outcome. We translate these arguments in a testable hypothesis using gdp as a proxy to operationalize for the degree of modernization/postmodernization. We predict a reversed U-shaped relation between gdp development and religious vitality: religiosity fades as societies move from traditional to modern conditions but regains strength as they reach the postmodern state. Using data from six waves of the European Social Survey (2002–2012), our results demonstrate stable decreases in religious belief and practice accompanied by economic growth from a low level to medium level. As gdp increases further, we find religious decay to be decelerated; some religious measures even increase with gdp rising over 35,000 Euro per capita.
The Point of Origin before Destination
Authors: Zafirovski Milan
Published: June 2016

The paper seeks to help correct a certain imbalance in the sociological literature on Calvinism and its derivations like Puritanism, neo-Calvinism, etc. This is the literature’s centering on Calvinism’s various social consequences and decentering on its own origins and conditions in society. As a corrective to this asymmetry in the literature, the paper assumes and explores the societal roots and factors of the emergence and early development and expansion of Calvinism. This is done on the grounds that the analysis of the societal determination, i.e., the point of origin of Calvinism, like other religion and ideology, is equally and even more important than that of its social effects or destination. In formal terms, the paper considers Calvinism to be a dependent variable, function of certain societal determinants and settings as the explanatory factor, thus correcting the prevalent treatment of it as the independent variable in the sociological literature. In so doing it adopts and applies the main premises and findings of the sociology of religion and knowledge to Calvinism. Its aim is to contribute to a more complete sociology of the Calvinist religion that explores both its social conditions and its social consequences.
Derrida’s 1962–63 Sorbonne Courses on Metaphysics and Phenomenology
Authors: Dastur Françoise
Published: June 2016

In 1962–62, Derrida presented two series of lectures at the Sorbonne, the first of which was entitled “Method and Metaphysics,” and the second “Phenomenology, Theology and Teleology in Husserl.” The author was present as a student at these lectures, and presents below a summary of their contents.
A New Perspective on the Linguistic Profile of the Curaçaoan Sephardim, 1650–1750
Authors: Jacobs Bart
Published: June 2016

This article looks at the language(s) spoken in the homes of the Sephardic Jews of Curaçao in the period between ca. 1650 and 1750, i.e., the period preceding the diffusion of Papiamentu as the native language of the Curaçaoan society at large, including the Sephardim. While the linguistic profile of the Curaçaoan Sephardim in that period is an important issue in itself, it gains further relevance in the context of the disputed origins of Papiamentu, a creole language with a mixed Spanish-Portuguese lexicon. The Portuguese elements in Papiamentu are often assumed to be a linguistic contribution of the Curaçaoan Sephardim. That assumption, in turn, is based on the widespread consensus that the first generations of Curaçaoan Sephardim spoke mainly Portuguese. This article takes issue with that consensus and argues that their vernacular was in fact chiefly Spanish. This implies that the Portuguese elements in Papiamentu must have a non-Sephardic origin.
Taxonomic notes on the genus Echinops (Compositae, Cardueae–Echinopsinae) in Iran
Authors: MONTAZEROLGHAEM SOMAYEH , RAHIMINEJAD MOHAMMAD REZA , MOZAFFARIAN VALIOLLAH , SUSANNA ALFONSO
Published: June 2016

A new species, Echinops barezicus is described and compared with its closely related taxa. This species is endemic to the southeast of Iran. Morphological evidence confirms its position in E. sect. Oligolepis. Some new synonymizations are proposed: at sectional level, E. sect. Pleiacme is synonymised into E. sect. Oligolepis, and at species and subspecies level, E. ilicifolius var. glanduliger into E. ilicifolius; and E. lalesarensis var. glanduliger into E. lalesarensis. Echinops erioceras is a synonym of E. elymaiticus, E. cervicornis is a synonym of E. lasiolepis, E. farsicus is a synonym of E. ceratophorus. Echinops ghoranus is excluded from the flora of Iran.
Three new species of Besleria (Gesneriaceae) from the southeastern Brazilian Atlantic rainforest
Authors: FERREIRA GABRIEL E. , COSTA IDIMÁ G. , ARAUJO ANDRÉA O. , HOPKINS MICHAEL G. , CHAUTEMS ALAIN
Published: June 2016

Besleria is a Neotropical genus of terrestrial herbs, shrubs and small trees growing in the understory of rainforests, with more than 160 recognized species, and is one of the larger and more diverse genera of Gesneriaceae. It belongs to the monophyletic tribe Beslerieae, and recent phylogenetic studies indicate that the genus is monophyletic. During field expeditions in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest, we collected specimens that could not be identified as any described species. After morphological analysis and comparison with related species, we assigned these specimens to three new species of Besleria. In this paper, we describe and illustrate Besleria aurea, B. brevicalyx and B. diabolica and provide data on their ecology, distribution and conservation status.
Freziera dasycarpa (Pentaphylacaceae), a new species from the montane forest of Antioquia, Colombia
Authors: SANTAMARIA-AGUILAR DANIEL , ORTIZ ROSA DEL C.
Published: June 2016

Freziera dasycarpa, a new species from the montane forest of Antioquia, Colombia, is described. The new species is compared with morphologically similar species and distinguished from them by a unique combination of characters, among them, notably the villous abaxial surface of the petals, ovary, and immature fruits, a feature otherwise, at present, unknown in the other species of the genus Freziera.
The Hannover Patient University: Advanced Mini-Med School concept and evaluation results
Authors: Seidel Gabriele , Kaiser Birgit , Lander Jonas , Dierks Marie-Luise
Published: June 2016

Objective:

To determine whether Hannover Medical School’s Patient University, which was developed as the first university-based health education institution in Germany, offers a valuable means of conveying health-related knowledge, competencies and the ability to reflect on health information to its participants.

Design:

Participatory health education formats included interactive lectures, learning stations and practical training with tutors.

Setting:

The Patient University was conducted at the facilities of Hannover Medical School, a major German maximum-care hospital and research institution.

Methods:

To evaluate the programme, data were prospectively collected from participants from 2007 to 2009 using standardised and anonymous questionnaires. One questionnaire included information on sociodemographic data, such as health status, age, gender and post code. A second questionnaire evaluated levels of participant satisfaction, new knowledge and skills gained and understanding of the information provided.

Results:

Approximately 1,935 participants enrolled in at least one of 60 events from 2007 to 2009. The response rate from the questionnaire collecting sociodemographic data was 61.4%. A total of 35.2% of participants responded to the event evaluation. After matching both questionnaires, 1,188 person-specific data sets were available for analysis. Most respondents were women (74.7%), and the median age was 62 years (range: 16–88 years). Satisfaction with the events was rated very positive (average 1.7 on a scale of 1 =  excellent to 6 =  poor). Nearly two-thirds of the participants acquired new health-related knowledge and were highly satisfied with the quality of the information received. Participants who self-rated their health status as ‘poor’ tended to be more critical of what they had received than those in good health.

Conclusion:

We consider the approach a viable health education advance, and future Mini-Med School programmes may benefit from its methodological and evaluative insights. The development of target group-specific information should be the focus of prospective initiatives and related research.