bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast and Accurate Plane Segmentation of Airborne LiDAR Point Cloud Using Cross-Line Elements
Authors: Wu Teng , Hu Xiangyun , Ye Lizhi
Published: May 2016

Plane segmentation is an important step in feature extraction and 3D modeling from light detection and ranging (LiDAR) point cloud. The accuracy and speed of plane segmentation are two issues difficult to balance, particularly when dealing with a massive point cloud with millions of points. A fast and easy-to-implement algorithm of plane segmentation based on cross-line element growth (CLEG) is proposed in this study. The point cloud is converted into grid data. The points are segmented into line segments with the Douglas-Peucker algorithm. Each point is then assigned to a cross-line element (CLE) obtained by segmenting the points in the cross-directions. A CLE determines one plane, and this is the rationale of the algorithm. CLE growth and point growth are combined after selecting the seed CLE to obtain the segmented facets. The CLEG algorithm is validated by comparing it with popular methods, such as RANSAC, 3D Hough transformation, principal component analysis (PCA), iterative PCA, and a state-of-the-art global optimization-based algorithm. Experiments indicate that the CLEG algorithm runs much faster than the other algorithms. The method can produce accurate segmentation at a speed of 6 s per 3 million points. The proposed method also exhibits good accuracy.
Large Out-of-Plane Displacement Bistable Electromagnetic Microswitch on a Single Wafer
Authors: Miao Xiaodan , Dai Xuhan , Huang Yi , Ding Guifu , Zhao Xiaolin
Published: May 2016

This paper presents a bistable microswitch fully batch-fabricated on a single glass wafer, comprising of a microactuator, a signal transformer, a microspring and a permanent magnet. The bistable mechanism of the microswitch with large displacement of 160 μm depends on the balance of the magnetic force and elastic force. Both the magnetic force and elastic force were optimized by finite-element simulation to predict the reliable of the device. The prototype was fabricated and characterized. By utilizing thick laminated photoresist sacrificial layer, the large displacement was obtained to ensure the insulation of the microswitch. The testing results show that the microswitch realized the bistable mechanism at a 3–5 V input voltage and closed in 0.96 ms, which verified the simulation.
3D Visual Data-Driven Spatiotemporal Deformations for Non-Rigid Object Grasping Using Robot Hands
Authors: Mateo Carlos , Gil Pablo , Torres Fernando
Published: May 2016

Sensing techniques are important for solving problems of uncertainty inherent to intelligent grasping tasks. The main goal here is to present a visual sensing system based on range imaging technology for robot manipulation of non-rigid objects. Our proposal provides a suitable visual perception system of complex grasping tasks to support a robot controller when other sensor systems, such as tactile and force, are not able to obtain useful data relevant to the grasping manipulation task. In particular, a new visual approach based on RGBD data was implemented to help a robot controller carry out intelligent manipulation tasks with flexible objects. The proposed method supervises the interaction between the grasped object and the robot hand in order to avoid poor contact between the fingertips and an object when there is neither force nor pressure data. This new approach is also used to measure changes to the shape of an object’s surfaces and so allows us to find deformations caused by inappropriate pressure being applied by the hand’s fingers. Test was carried out for grasping tasks involving several flexible household objects with a multi-fingered robot hand working in real time. Our approach generates pulses from the deformation detection method and sends an event message to the robot controller when surface deformation is detected. In comparison with other methods, the obtained results reveal that our visual pipeline does not use deformations models of objects and materials, as well as the approach works well both planar and 3D household objects in real time. In addition, our method does not depend on the pose of the robot hand because the location of the reference system is computed from a recognition process of a pattern located place at the robot forearm. The presented experiments demonstrate that the proposed method accomplishes a good monitoring of grasping task with several objects and different grasping configurations in indoor environments.
Fano Resonance Based on Metal-Insulator-Metal Waveguide-Coupled Double Rectangular Cavities for Plasmonic Nanosensors
Authors: Zhang Zhidong , Luo Liang , Xue Chenyang , Zhang Wendong , Yan Shubin
Published: May 2016

A refractive index sensor based on metal-insulator-metal (MIM) waveguides coupled double rectangular cavities is proposed and investigated numerically using the finite element method (FEM). The transmission properties and refractive index sensitivity of various configurations of the sensor are systematically investigated. An asymmetric Fano resonance lineshape is observed in the transmission spectra of the sensor, which is induced by the interference between a broad resonance mode in one rectangular and a narrow one in the other. The effect of various structural parameters on the Fano resonance and the refractive index sensitivity of the system based on Fano resonance is investigated. The proposed plasmonic refractive index sensor shows a maximum sensitivity of 596 nm/RIU.
On the Feasibility of Wireless Multimedia Sensor Networks over IEEE 802.15.5 Mesh Topologies
Authors: Garcia-Sanchez Antonio-Javier , Losilla Fernando , Rodenas-Herraiz David , Cruz-Martinez Felipe , Garcia-Sanchez Felipe
Published: May 2016

Wireless Multimedia Sensor Networks (WMSNs) are a special type of Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) where large amounts of multimedia data are transmitted over networks composed of low power devices. Hierarchical routing protocols typically used in WSNs for multi-path communication tend to overload nodes located within radio communication range of the data collection unit or data sink. The battery life of these nodes is therefore reduced considerably, requiring frequent battery replacement work to extend the operational life of the WSN system. In a wireless sensor network with mesh topology, any node may act as a forwarder node, thereby enabling multiple routing paths toward any other node or collection unit. In addition, mesh topologies have proven advantages, such as data transmission reliability, network robustness against node failures, and potential reduction in energy consumption. This work studies the feasibility of implementing WMSNs in mesh topologies and their limitations by means of exhaustive computer simulation experiments. To this end, a module developed for the Synchronous Energy Saving (SES) mode of the IEEE 802.15.5 mesh standard has been integrated with multimedia tools to thoroughly test video sequences encoded using H.264 in mesh networks.
Reliability of Sleep Measures from Four Personal Health Monitoring Devices Compared to Research-Based Actigraphy and Polysomnography
Authors: Mantua Janna , Gravel Nickolas , Spencer Rebecca
Published: May 2016

Polysomnography (PSG) is the “gold standard” for monitoring sleep. Alternatives to PSG are of interest for clinical, research, and personal use. Wrist-worn actigraph devices have been utilized in research settings for measures of sleep for over two decades. Whether sleep measures from commercially available devices are similarly valid is unknown. We sought to determine the validity of five wearable devices: Basis Health Tracker, Misfit Shine, Fitbit Flex, Withings Pulse O2, and a research-based actigraph, Actiwatch Spectrum. We used Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests to assess differences between devices relative to PSG and correlational analysis to assess the strength of the relationship. Data loss was greatest for Fitbit and Misfit. For all devices, we found no difference and strong correlation of total sleep time with PSG. Sleep efficiency differed from PSG for Withings, Misfit, Fitbit, and Basis, while Actiwatch mean values did not differ from that of PSG. Only mean values of sleep efficiency (time asleep/time in bed) from Actiwatch correlated with PSG, yet this correlation was weak. Light sleep time differed from PSG (nREM1 + nREM2) for all devices. Measures of Deep sleep time did not differ from PSG (SWS + REM) for Basis. These results reveal the current strengths and limitations in sleep estimates produced by personal health monitoring devices and point to a need for future development.
Electrochemical Detection of Hydrazine Using Poly(dopamine)-Modified Electrodes
Authors: Lee Ji , Nguyen Truc , Park Jun , Kim Byung-Kwon
Published: May 2016

We have developed a simple and selective method for the electrochemical detection of hydrazine (HZ) using poly(dopamine) (pDA)-modified indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes. Modification with pDA was easily achieved by submerging the ITO electrode in a DA solution for 30 min. The electrocatalytic oxidation of HZ on the pDA-modified ITO electrode was measured by cyclic voltammetry. In buffer solution, the concentration range for linear HZ detection was 100 µM–10 mM, and the detection limit was 1 µM. The proposed method was finally used to determine HZ in tap water to simulate the analysis of real samples. This method showed good recovery (94%–115%) and was not affected by the other species present in the tap water samples.
Evaluating the Influence of Criteria to Attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to Develop Supporting Industries in Vietnam by Utilizing Fuzzy Preference Relations
Authors: Wang Tien-Chin , Wang Chia-Nan , Nguyen Xuan
Published: May 2016

In the early 2000s, Vietnam’s government concentrated on the promotion of supporting industries which can be seen as a “key” solution to sustaining economic growth, thereby improving the national welfare. However, Vietnam’s supporting industries still exhibit lower development and competitive weakness. The main reason for this condition is due to a lack of capital, technological innovation, and necessary management skills for development. Therefore, attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) for developing supporting industries offers the best strategy to realize this solution. However, attracting FDI to develop supporting industries represents a weakness which lies in both the quantity (total capital and projects) and quality of investment. So which factors are effective to attract FDI for developing supporting industries in Vietnam? This investigation establishes an analytical hierarchy framework available to the Vietnamese government and to policymakers in order to evaluate the influence of criteria needed to attract FDI for developing supporting industries based on eight main criteria. They include legal and institutional criteria, the market size of supporting industries, human resources, infrastructure facilities, technological development and innovation, domestic supply capacity, international cooperation and competition, and other criteria. This paper uses fuzzy preference relations (FPR) to evaluate the influence of criteria necessary to attract FDI for developing supporting industries, and these analytical results demonstrate that legal and institutional criteria, domestic supply capacity, human resources, technology development and innovation are all major considerations for attracting FDI.
Venom of the Coral Snake Micrurus clarki: Proteomic Profile, Toxicity, Immunological Cross-Neutralization, and Characterization of a Three-Finger Toxin
Authors: Lomonte Bruno , Sasa Mahmood , Rey-Suárez Paola , Bryan Wendy , Gutiérrez José
Published: May 2016

Micrurus clarki is an uncommon coral snake distributed from the Southeastern Pacific of Costa Rica to Western Colombia, for which no information on its venom could be found in the literature. Using a ‘venomics’ approach, proteins of at least nine families were identified, with a moderate predominance of three-finger toxins (3FTx; 48.2%) over phospholipase A2 (PLA2; 36.5%). Comparison of this venom profile with those of other Micrurus species suggests that it may represent a more balanced, ‘intermediate’ type within the dichotomy between 3FTx- and PLA2-predominant venoms. M. clarki venom was strongly cross-recognized and, accordingly, efficiently neutralized by an equine therapeutic antivenom against M. nigrocinctus, revealing their high antigenic similarity. Lethal activity for mice could be reproduced by a PLA2 venom fraction, but, unexpectedly, not by fractions corresponding to 3FTxs. The most abundant venom component, hereby named clarkitoxin-I, was identified as a short-chain (type I) 3FTx, devoid of lethal effect in mice, whose target remains to be defined. Its amino acid sequence of 66 residues shows high similarity with predicted sequences of venom gland transcripts described for M. fulvius, M. browni, and M. diastema.
Toxin-Antitoxin Systems of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Schuster Christopher , Bertram Ralph
Published: May 2016

Toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems are small genetic elements found in the majority of prokaryotes. They encode toxin proteins that interfere with vital cellular functions and are counteracted by antitoxins. Dependent on the chemical nature of the antitoxins (protein or RNA) and how they control the activity of the toxin, TA systems are currently divided into six different types. Genes comprising the TA types I, II and III have been identified in Staphylococcus aureus. MazF, the toxin of the mazEF locus is a sequence-specific RNase that cleaves a number of transcripts, including those encoding pathogenicity factors. Two yefM-yoeB paralogs represent two independent, but auto-regulated TA systems that give rise to ribosome-dependent RNases. In addition, omega/epsilon/zeta constitutes a tripartite TA system that supposedly plays a role in the stabilization of resistance factors. The SprA1/SprA1AS and SprF1/SprG1 systems are post-transcriptionally regulated by RNA antitoxins and encode small membrane damaging proteins. TA systems controlled by interaction between toxin protein and antitoxin RNA have been identified in S. aureus in silico, but not yet experimentally proven. A closer inspection of possible links between TA systems and S. aureus pathophysiology will reveal, if these genetic loci may represent druggable targets. The modification of a staphylococcal TA toxin to a cyclopeptide antibiotic highlights the potential of TA systems as rather untapped sources of drug discovery.
Response of Hydrological Processes to Input Data in High Alpine Catchment: An Assessment of the Yarkant River basin in China
Authors: Liu Jiao , Liu Tie , Bao Anming , De Maeyer Philippe , Kurban Alishir , Chen Xi
Published: May 2016

Most studies of input data used in hydrological models have focused on flow; however, point discharge data negligibly reflect deviations in spatial input data. To study the effects of different input data sources on hydrological processes at the catchment scale, eight MIKE SHE models driven by station-based data (SBD) and remote sensing data (RSD) were implemented. The significant influences of input variables on water components were examined using an analysis of the variance model (ANOVA) with the hydrologic catchment response quantified based on different water components. The results suggest that compared with SBD, RSD precipitation resulted in greater differences in snow storage in the different elevation bands and RSD temperatures led to more snowpack areas with thinner depths. These changes in snowpack provided an appropriate interpretation of precipitation and temperature distinctions between RSD and SBD. For potential evapotranspiration (PET), the larger RSD value caused less plant transpiration because parameters were adjusted to satisfy the outflow. At the catchment scale, the spatiotemporal distributions of sensitive water components, which can be defined by the ANOVA model, indicate that this approach is rational for assessing the impacts of input data on hydrological processes.
Identification of Outlier Loci Responding to Anthropogenic and Natural Selection Pressure in Stream Insects Based on a Self-Organizing Map
Authors: Li Bin , Watanabe Kozo , Kim Dong-Hwan , Lee Sang-Bin , Heo Muyoung , Kim Heui-Soo , Chon Tae-Soo
Published: May 2016

Water quality maintenance should be considered from an ecological perspective since water is a substrate ingredient in the biogeochemical cycle and is closely linked with ecosystem functioning and services. Addressing the status of live organisms in aquatic ecosystems is a critical issue for appropriate prediction and water quality management. Recently, genetic changes in biological organisms have garnered more attention due to their in-depth expression of environmental stress on aquatic ecosystems in an integrative manner. We demonstrate that genetic diversity would adaptively respond to environmental constraints in this study. We applied a self-organizing map (SOM) to characterize complex Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms (AFLP) of aquatic insects in six streams in Japan with natural and anthropogenic variability. After SOM training, the loci compositions of aquatic insects effectively responded to environmental selection pressure. To measure how important the role of loci compositions was in the population division, we altered the AFLP data by flipping the existence of given loci individual by individual. Subsequently we recognized the cluster change of the individuals with altered data using the trained SOM. Based on SOM recognition of these altered data, we determined the outlier loci (over 90th percentile) that showed drastic changes in their belonging clusters (D). Subsequently environmental responsiveness (Ek’) was also calculated to address relationships with outliers in different species. Outlier loci were sensitive to slightly polluted conditions including Chl-a, NH4-N, NOX-N, PO4-P, and SS, and the food material, epilithon. Natural environmental factors such as altitude and sediment additionally showed relationships with outliers in somewhat lower levels. Poly-loci like responsiveness was detected in adapting to environmental constraints. SOM training followed by recognition shed light on developing algorithms de novo to characterize loci information without a priori knowledge of population genetics.
Homogeneity, Trust, and Reciprocity: Three Keys to the Sustainable Hospitality Exchange of Couchsurfing
Authors: Liu Yaping , Nie Linlin , Li Li
Published: May 2016

Couchsurfing is an increasingly popular hospitality exchange community that is building bridges between travelers and locals. This article is an attempt to explore its critical success factors. On the basis of questionnaires and online statistics, Couchsurfers' demographics, preferences,
and relations are discussed by applying statistical, linear regression and text model methods. Results show that (a) Couchsurfers are a group of people with strong homogeneous features, (b) the effective evaluation system builds mutual trust, and (c) the hospitality is passed on in a circular
manner rather than point-to-point. In conclusion, the homogeneity of Couchsurfers, the trust evaluation system, and the generalized reciprocity principle prove to be main contributors to Couchsurfing's development.
PHOSPHORUS-BEARING MOLECULES IN MASSIVE DENSE CORES*
Authors: Fontani F. , Rivilla V. M. , Caselli P. , Vasyunin A. , Palau A.
Published: May 2016

Phosphorus is a crucial element for the development of life, but so far P-bearing molecules have been detected only in a few astrophysical objects; hence, its interstellar chemistry is almost totally unknown. Here, we show new detections of phosphorus nitride (PN) in a sample of dense cores in different evolutionary stages of the intermediate- and high-mass star formation process: starless, with protostellar objects, and with ultracompact H ii regions. All detected PN line widths are smaller than ≃5 km s−1, and they arise from regions associated with kinetic temperatures smaller than 100 K. Because the few previous detections reported in the literature are associated with warmer and more turbulent sources, the results of this work show that PN can arise from relatively quiescent and cold gas. This information is challenging for theoretical models that invoke either high desorption temperatures or grain sputtering from shocks to release phosphorus into the gas phase. Derived column densities are of the order of 1011–12 cm−2, marginally lower than the values derived in the few high-mass star-forming regions detected so far. New constraints on the abundance of phosphorus monoxide, the fundamental unit of biologically relevant molecules, are also given.
KIC 8462852 FADED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 0.164 ± 0.013 MAGNITUDES PER CENTURY FROM 1890 TO 1989
Authors: Schaefer Bradley E.
Published: May 2016

KIC 8462852 is a completely ordinary F3 main-sequence star, except that the light curve from Kepler shows episodes of unique and inexplicable day-long dips with up to 20% dimming. Here, I provide a light curve of 1338 Johnson B-band magnitudes from 1890 to 1989 taken from archival photographic plates at Harvard. KIC 8462852 displays a secular dimming at an average rate of 0.164 ± 0.013 mag per century. From the early-1890s to the late-1980s, KIC 8462852 faded by 0.193 ± 0.030 mag. The decline is not an artifact because nearby check stars have closely flat light curves. This century-long dimming is unprecedented for any F-type main-sequence star. Thus, the Harvard light curve provides the first confirmation (past the several dips seen in the Kepler light curve alone) that KIC 8462852 has anything unusual. The century-long dimming and the day-long dips are both just extreme ends of a spectrum of timescales for unique dimming events. By Ockham’s Razor, two such unique and similar effects are very likely produced by one physical mechanism. This one mechanism does not appear as any isolated catastrophic event in the last century, but rather must be some ongoing process with continuous effects. Within the context of dust-occultation models, the century-long dimming trend requires 104–107 times as much dust as for the deepest Kepler dip. Within the context of the comet-family idea, the century-long dimming trend requires an estimated 648,000 giant comets (each with 200 km diameter) all orchestrated to pass in front of the star within the last century.
Total Hip Arthroplasty in 6690 Patients with Inflammatory Arthritis: Effect of Medical Comorbidities and Age on Early Mortality
Authors: Weiss Rüdiger J. , Garellick Göran , Kärrholm Johan , Hailer Nils P.
Published: May 2016

Objective.

We analyzed early mortality after total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA), adjusting for medical comorbidities and socioeconomic background.

Methods.

Data on 6690 patients with IA who underwent THA during 1992–2012 were extracted from the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register. Data on comorbidity, measured using the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and socioeconomic data were gathered from the Swedish National Inpatient Register and Statistics Sweden. The CCI was divided into low (0), moderate (1–2), and high (> 2). Cox proportional hazards models were fitted to calculate adjusted HR of early mortality, with 95% CI.

Results.

Twenty-five patients (0.4%) died within 0–90 days, giving a 90-day unadjusted survival rate of 99.6% (CI 99.5–99.8). Comorbidity was associated with an increased risk of death within 90 days postoperatively [high vs low CCI: adjusted HR 9.0 (CI 1.6–49.9)]. There was a trend toward lower risk of death during the period 1999–2005, although patients operated on during this period had more comorbidities than those operated on from 1992 to 1998. A large proportion of patients was re-admitted to hospital within 90 days after the index procedure (30.2%), but rarely for cardiovascular reasons.

Conclusion.

Medical comorbidity and an age above 75 years are associated with a substantial increase in the risk of early death after THA in patients with IA. Awareness of potential risk factors may alert clinicians and thus improve perioperative care.
Lectotypifications and new synonyms of Aristolochia (Aristolochiaceae) described by the Brazilian botanist João Barbosa Rodrigues
Authors: Freitas Joelcio , Alves-Araújo Anderson , González Favio
Published: May 2016

Taxonomic, nomenclatural and typification issues regarding Aristolochia chrysochlora Barb. Rodr., A. echinata Barb. Rodr. and A. silvatica Barb. Rodr. (Aristolochiaceae) are discussed. The lectotypes are designated based on the illustrations made by J. Barbosa Rodrigues, and published next to the corresponding protologues. Additionally, A. chrysochlora and A. echinata are subordinated to A. arcuata Mast., and A. tamnifolia (Klotzsch) Duch., respectively. We also designated the lectotypes for the latter two species.
Critical Care Nurses’ Knowledge of Confidentiality Legislation
Authors: Newman Angela B. , Kjervik Diane K.
Published: May 2016

Background

Health care legislation can be difficult to understand and apply in critical situations where patients may not be physically capable of autonomous control of confidential health information. Nurses are often the first to encounter confidential information about patients.

Objectives

To explore critical care nurses’ knowledge of federal and North Carolina state legislation regarding confidentiality.

Methods

This descriptive, qualitative study included 12 critical care nurses who were asked to describe their knowledge of federal confidentiality legislation and specific knowledge of North Carolina’s confidentiality legislation.

Results

Critical care nurses were knowledgeable about federal confidentiality laws but demonstrated a need for further education about state-specific legislation.

Conclusion

Nurses’ application of confidentiality legislation demonstrates their knowledge of confidentiality legislation. To continue the trusting relationship that nurses have traditionally held with patients and patients’ families, it is imperative for nurses to remain current about confidentiality legislation. Through education both before and after licensure, correct application of legislation can be achieved. Further research can aid in exploring the intersection between health care legislation and ethics.
Underestimation of Pupil Size by Critical Care and Neurosurgical Nurses
Authors: Kerr Robert G. , Bacon Andrea M. , Baker Laura L. , Gehrke Janelle S. , Hahn K. Danielle , Lillegraven Cheryl L. , Renner Catherine Hackett , Spilman Sarah K.
Published: May 2016

Background

Early detection of pupillary changes in patients with head injuries can alert the care team to increasing intracranial pressure. Previous research has shown inconsistencies in pupil measurement that are most likely due to the subjective nature of measuring pupils without the assistance of technology.

Objectives

To evaluate nurses’ abilities to assess pupil diameter accurately and detect unequal pupils.

Methods

In a 3-part study, the accuracy of critical care and neurosurgical nurses’ assessments of pupils was determined. The study included assessment of drawings of eyes with an iris and pupil, examination of photographs of human eyes, and bedside examination of patients with a head injury.

Results

Subjective assessments of pupil diameter and symmetry were not accurate. Across all phases of the study, pupil diameters were underestimated and the rate of error increased as pupil size increased. Nurses also failed to detect anisocoria and misidentified pupil reactivity. In addition, nearly all nurses relied on subjective estimation, even when tools were available.

Conclusions

Critical care and neurosurgical nurses underestimated pupil size, were unable to detect anisocoria, and incorrectly assessed pupil reactivity. Standardized use of pupil assessment tools such as a pupillometer is necessary to increase accuracy and consistency in pupil measurement and to potentially contribute to earlier detection of subtle changes in pupils. If pupillary changes are identified early, diagnostic and treatment intervention can be delivered in a more timely and effective manner.
Comparison between Gutta-Percha and Resin-Coated Gutta-Percha using Different Obturation Techniques
Authors: Al-Afifi Nashwan A. , Abdullah Mariam , Al-Amery Samah M. , Abdulmunem Mohamed
Published: May 2016

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the obturation quality between canals obturated with gutta-percha/AH Plus sealer (GP group) and resin-coated GP/EndoREZ® sealer (ER group).

Methods

A total sample of 90 mandibular premolar teeth was divided into 2 groups (2 × 45 canals): the GP group and ER group. Each group was further divided into 3 subgroups (n = 15): cold lateral compaction (CLC), warm lateral compaction (WLC) and single cone (SC). The teeth were subsequently embedded in resin and sectioned horizontally at 1, 3, 6 and 9 mm. All sections were then viewed with a stereomicroscope at ×40 magnification. The area occupied by core filling materials was determined using Cell^D software.

Results

With CLC, the percentage of core filling materials in the ER group was significantly higher than in the GP group at the 1- and 3-mm levels. Similarly, with WLC, the percentage of core filling material in the ER group was significantly higher than in the GP group at the 1-, 3- and 9-mm levels. With SC, the percentage of core filling materials in the ER group was significantly higher than in the GP group at all levels.

Conclusions

It can be concluded that the resin-coated GP/EndoREZ® sealer is superior to the gutta-percha/AH Plus in the percentage of core filling material.
“What then is Right Action?”:Somerset Maugham's Ethical Parables
Authors: Adams Don
Published: May 2016

This article elucidates an argument running throughout Somerset Maugham's major fiction that distinguishes individualist ethics from social morality in a manner inspired by and consistent with the philosophy of Baruch Spinoza. This argument becomes apparent when Maugham's work is read figuratively as ethical parables that exhort readers to fulfill their unique individual natures and that condemn social moral intolerance that prohibits the free expression of our natural and best selves. Maugham's commitment in his fiction to ethical exhortation and moral critique distinguishes his work from that of the Modernist authors who were his contemporaries, prompting its critical neglect.
Statistical Study of Solar Forcing of Total Column Ozone Variation Over Three Cities in Kenya
Authors: M. M. Songa Carolyne , H. O. Ndeda Jared , Ouma Gilbert
Published: May 2016

In this study, a statistical analysis between three solar activity indices (SAI) namely; sunspot number (ssn), F10.7 index (sf) and Mg II index (mg) and total column ozone (TCO) time series over three cities in Kenya namely; Nairobi (1.17º S; 36.46º E), Kisumu (0.03º S; 34.45º E) and Mombasa (4.02º S; 39.43º E) for the period 1985 - 2011 are considered. Pearson and cross correlations, linear and multiple regression analyses are performed. All the statistical analyses are based on 95% confidence level. SAI show decreasing trend at significant levels with highest decrease in international sunspot number and least in Mg II index. TCO are highly correlated with each other at (0.936< r < 0.955, p < 0.001). SAI are also highly correlated with each other at (0.941< r < 0.976, p < 0.001) and are significantly positively correlated with TCO over the study period except Mg II index at Kisumu. TCO and SAI have correlations at both long and short lags. At all the cities, F10.7 index has an immediate impact and Mg II index has a delayed impact on TCO. A linear relationship exists between the two variables in all the cities. An increase in TCO of about 2 – 3 % (Nairobi), 1 – 2% (Kisumu) and 3 – 4 % (Mombasa) is attributed to solar activity indices. The multiple correlation coefficients and significant levels obtained show that 3 – 5% of the TCO at Nairobi, Kisumu and Mombasa can be predicted by the SAI.
Evolving Null Horizons Near an Isolated Black Hole
Authors: Duggal K. L.
Published: May 2016

Totally geodesic null hypersurfaces have been widely used as models of time-independent event and isolated black hole horizons. However, in reality black hole being surrounded by a local mass distribution there is significant difference in the structure of the surrounding region of isolated black holes. In this paper, we use metric conformal symmetry which provides a class of a family of totally umbilical null hypersurfaces (Theorem 4), supported by a physical model and an example of time-dependent evolving null horizons (see Definition 6) conformally related to
an isolated black hole. We establish an interrelation between the spacelike dynamical horizons (see Definition 7), isolated and evolving null horizons. Finally we propose further study on null geometry and physics of the surface closer to an isolated horizon.
Prospective Elementary Teachers Making Sense of Multidigit Multiplication: Leveraging Resources
Authors: Whitacre Ian , Nickerson Susan D.
Published: May 2016

This study examines how collective activity related to multiplication evolved over several class sessions in an elementary mathematics content course that was designed to foster prospective elementary teachers' number-sense development. We document how the class drew on as-if-shared ideas to make sense of multidigit multiplication in terms of partial products and to reason flexibly about products. We document how the class overcame the challenge of accounting for partial products in multidigit multiplication, including particular activities and ways of reasoning that facilitated progress. The results provide insights into how prospective elementary teachers' understanding of multidigit multiplication can develop during a content course and how a sequence of instructional activities and practices can productively leverage the resources that they bring in support of that development.
Personalized Stem Cell Therapy to Correct Corneal Defects Due to a Unique Homozygous-Heterozygous Mosaicism of Ectrodactyly-Ectodermal Dysplasia-Clefting Syndrome
Authors: Barbaro Vanessa , Nasti Annamaria Assunta , Raffa Paolo , Migliorati Angelo , Nespeca Patrizia , Ferrari Stefano , Palumbo Elisa , Bertolin Marina , Breda Claudia , Miceli Francesco , Russo Antonella , Caenazzo Luciana , Ponzin Diego , Palù Giorgio , Parolin Cristina , Di Iorio Enzo
Published: May 2016

Ectrodactyly-ectodermal dysplasia-clefting (EEC) syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disease caused by mutations in the p63 gene. To date, approximately 40 different p63 mutations have been identified, all heterozygous. No definitive treatments are available to counteract and resolve the progressive corneal degeneration due to a premature aging of limbal epithelial stem cells. Here, we describe a unique case of a young female patient, aged 18 years, with EEC and corneal dysfunction, who was, surprisingly, homozygous for a novel and de novo R311K missense mutation in the p63 gene. A detailed analysis of the degree of somatic mosaicism in leukocytes from peripheral blood and oral mucosal epithelial stem cells (OMESCs) from biopsies of buccal mucosa showed that approximately 80% were homozygous mutant cells and 20% were heterozygous. Cytogenetic and molecular analyses excluded genomic alterations, thus suggesting a de novo mutation followed by an allelic gene conversion of the wild-type allele by de novo mutant allele as a possible mechanism to explain the homozygous condition. R311K-p63 OMESCs were expanded in vitro and heterozygous holoclones selected following clonal analysis. These R311K-p63 OMESCs were able to generate well-organized and stratified epithelia in vitro, resembling the features of healthy tissues. This study supports the rationale for the development of cultured autologous oral mucosal epithelial stem cell sheets obtained by selected heterozygous R311K-p63 stem cells, as an effective and personalized therapy for reconstructing the ocular surface of this unique case of EEC syndrome, thus bypassing gene therapy approaches.

Significance

This case demonstrates that in a somatic mosaicism context, a novel homozygous mutation in the p63 gene can arise as a consequence of an allelic gene conversion event, subsequent to a de novo mutation. The heterozygous mutant R311K-p63 stem cells can be isolated by means of clonal analysis and given their good regenerative capacity, they may be used to successfully correct the corneal defects present in this unique case of ectrodactyly-ectodermal dysplasia-clefting syndrome.
Electron traps as major recombination centers in n-GaN films grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Lee In-Hwan , Polyakov Alexander Y. , Smirnov Nikolai B. , Yakimov Eugene B. , Tarelkin Sergey A. , Turutin Andery V. , Shemerov Ivan V. , Pearton Stephen J.
Published: May 2016

For a group of n-GaN films grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) using both straight MOCVD and epitaxial lateral overgrowth techniques (ELOG proper or pendeo overgrowth), the spectra of deep traps were measured by deep-level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) with electrical or optical injection (ODLTS). The results were compared with diffusion length measurement results obtained from electron-beam-induced current experiments. The results strongly indicate that deep electron traps near E
c − 0.56 eV could be the major recombination centers determining the diffusion length values in pendeo samples.
Prediction of Spontaneous Preterm Birth Among Nulliparous Women With a Short Cervix
Authors: Grobman William A. , Lai Yinglei , Iams Jay D. , Reddy Uma M. , Mercer Brian M. , Saade George , Tita Alan T. , Rouse Dwight J. , Sorokin Yoram , Wapner Ronald J. , Leveno Kenneth J. , Blackwell Sean C. , Esplin M. Sean , Tolosa Jorge E. , Thorp John M. , Caritis Steve N.
Published: May 2016

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether demographic and sonographic factors associated with spontaneous preterm birth among nulliparous women with a cervical length of less than 30 mm could be combined into an accurate prediction model for spontaneous preterm birth.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of a trial of nulliparous women with a singleton gestation and a cervical length of less than 30 mm on transvaginal sonography between 16 and 22 weeks who lacked other risk factors for spontaneous (eg, prior cervical excisional procedure) or medically indicated (eg, chronic hypertension) preterm birth, who were randomized to either 17α‐hydroxyprogesterone caproate treatment or a placebo. Risk factors associated with spontaneous preterm birth within the entire cohort were identified by univariable analysis. Factors significantly associated (P < .05) with spontaneous preterm birth were included in a multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine whether an accurate prediction model could be developed.

Results

Of the 657 randomized patients, 109 (16.6%) had spontaneous preterm birth before 37 weeks' gestation. Logistic regression analysis revealed only cervical length (odds ratio, 1.06 per 1‐mm decrease; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.10) to be associated with spontaneous preterm birth. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve based on this regression was low (0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.58–0.69). Results were similar for the outcome of spontaneous preterm birth before 34 weeks.

Conclusions

An accurate prediction model for spontaneous preterm birth among nulliparous women with a short cervix could not be developed.
The RacGAP protein FilGAP is a negative regulator of chemokine‐promoted lymphocyte migration
Authors: Iida Toru , Saito Koji , Katagiri Koko , Kinashi Tatsuo , Ohta Yasutaka
Published: May 2016

Rho family small GTPases regulate lymphocyte migration induced by chemokines. However, how lymphocyte migration is regulated by Rho GTPases remains to be elucidated. Here, we identified FilGAP, a Rac‐specific GAP, as a negative regulator of lymphocyte polarization and migration. Depletion of FilGAP in mouse pro‐B BAF cells increased cellular elongation and membrane protrusion after stimulation of the cells with SDF‐1α, which caused increased migration speed. Although FilGAP is detectable both at the front and rear of polarized cells, FilGAP appears to be concentrated at the tip of retracting lamellae of moving lymphocytes. Moreover, depletion of FilGAP increased activation of Rac at the front of polarized cells. Thus, FilGAP may inhibit lamellae extension at the front of moving lymphocytes.
LYR3, a high‐affinity LCO‐binding protein of Medicago truncatula, interacts with LYK3, a key symbiotic receptor
Authors: Fliegmann Judith , Jauneau Alain , Pichereaux Carole , Rosenberg Charles , Gasciolli Virginie , Timmers Antonius C.J. , Burlet‐Schiltz Odile , Cullimore Julie , Bono Jean‐Jacques
Published: May 2016

LYR3, LYK3, and NFP are lysin motif‐containing receptor‐like kinases (LysM‐RLKs) from Medicago truncatula, involved in perception of symbiotic lipo‐chitooligosaccharide (LCO) signals. Here, we show that LYR3, a high‐affinity LCO‐binding protein, physically interacts with LYK3, a key player regulating symbiotic interactions. In vitro, LYR3 is phosphorylated by the active kinase domain of LYK3. Fluorescence lifetime imaging/Förster resonance energy transfer (FLIM/FRET) experiments in tobacco protoplasts show that the interaction between LYR3 and LYK3 at the plasma membrane is disrupted or inhibited by addition of LCOs. Moreover, LYR3 attenuates the cell death response, provoked by coexpression of NFP and LYK3 in tobacco leaves.
Identification and functional analysis of essential, conserved, housekeeping and duplicated genes
Authors: Arun P. V. Parvati Sai , Miryala Sravan Kumar , Chattopadhyay Subhayan , Thiyyagura Kranthi , Bawa Payal , Bhattacharjee Madhuchhanda , Yellaboina Sailu
Published: May 2016

Gene conservation, duplication and constitutive expression are intricately linked and strong predictors of essentiality. Here, we introduce metrics based on diversity indices to measure gene conservation, duplication and constitutive expression and validate them by measuring their performance in prediction of essential genes. Conservation and duplication were measured using the diversity indices on the bit score profile of Escherichia coli K12 orthologues, across the genomes, and paralogues, within the genome respectively. Constitutive expression was measured using expression diversity of E. coli K12 genes across different conditions. In addition, we developed a systematic method for enrichment analysis of gene‐sets in a given ranked list of genes. The method was used to identify genome‐wide functions of essential, conserved, constitutively expressed and duplicated genes. Furthermore, we also ranked various operons, complexes and pathways according to their essentiality, conservation, constitutive expression and duplication.
Surface dynamics of crude and weathered oil in the presence of dispersants: Laboratory experiment and numerical simulation
Authors: Soloviev Alexander V. , Haus Brian. K. , McGauley Michael G. , Dean Cayla W. , Ortiz‐Suslow David G. , Laxague Nathan J. M. , Özgökmen Tamay M.
Published: May 2016

Marine oil spills can have dire consequences for the environment. Research on their dynamics is important for the well‐being of coastal communities and their economies. Propagation of oil spills is a very complex physical‐chemical process. As seen during the Deepwater Horizon event in the Gulf of Mexico during 2010, one of the critical problems remaining for prediction of oil transport and dispersion in the marine environment is the small‐scale structure and dynamics of surface oil spills. The laboratory experiments conducted in this work were focused on understanding the differences between the dynamics of crude and weathered oil spills and the effect of dispersants. After deposition on the still water surface, a drop of crude oil quickly spread into a thin slick; while at the same time, a drop of machine (proxy for weathered) oil did not show significant evolution. Subsequent application of dispersant to the crude oil slick resulted in a quick contraction or fragmentation of the slick into narrow wedges and tiny drops. Notably, the slick of machine oil did not show significant change in size or topology after spraying dispersant. An advanced multi‐phase, volume of fluid computational fluid dynamics model, incorporating capillary forces, was able to explain some of the features observed in the laboratory experiment. As a result of the laboratory and modeling experiments, the new interpretation of the effect of dispersant on the oil dispersion process including capillary effects has been proposed, which is expected to lead to improved oil spill models and response strategies.
An optical system for detecting and describing major algal blooms in coastal and oceanic waters around India
Authors: Gokul Elamurugu Alias , Shanmugam Palanisamy
Published: May 2016

An optical system is developed with the aim to detect and monitor three major algal blooms (including harmful algal blooms “HABs”) over ecologically relevant scales around India and to strengthen algal forecasting system. This system is designed to be capable of utilizing remote sensing, in situ, and radiative transfer techniques to provide species‐specific data necessary for increasing capabilities of an algal forecasting system. With the ability to measure in‐water optical properties by means of remote sensing and in situ observations, the optical system developed infers the desired phytoplankton signal from spectral distributions and utilize these data in a numerical classification technique to generate species‐specific maps at given spatial and temporal scales. A simple radiative transfer model is adopted for this system to provide a means to optimally interpolate to regions with sparse in situ observation data and to provide a central component to generate in‐water optical properties from remotely sensed data. For a given set of inherent optical properties along with surface and bottom boundary conditions, the optical system potentially provides researchers and managers coverage at different locations and depths for tracking algal blooms in the water column. Three major algal blooms focused here include Noctiluca scintillans/miliaris, Trichodesmium erythraeum, and Cochlodinium polykrikoides, which are recurring events in coastal and oceanic waters around India. Because satellite sensors provide a synoptic view of the ocean, both spatially and temporally, our initial efforts tested this optical system using several MODIS‐Aqua images and ancillary data. Validation of the results with coincident in situ data obtained from either surface samples or depth samples demonstrated the robustness and potential utility of this approach, with an accuracy of 80–90% for delineating the presence of all three blooms in a heterogeneous phytoplankton community. Despite its limitation in detecting specific species during their prebloom phases and indicating whether a particular bloom is toxic or harmful, the proposed optical system will provide managers with the specific phytoplankton bloom maps to structure monitoring efforts and a powerful tool for studying the dynamics of algal blooms at various temporal and spatial scales.