bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reverse proper splittings of rectangular matrices
Authors: Mishra Debasisha
Published: July 2015

In this article, we introduce a new splitting for rectangular matrices called
reverse proper splitting. We then propose several subclasses of this
splitting and also discuss convergence results for these splittings.
Generalization of Hermite-Hadamard inequalities involving Hadamard fractional integrals
Authors: Zhang Zhi , Wei Wei , Wang Jin
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we firstly give a general integral identity for once
differentiable mapping involving Hadamard fractional integrals. Secondly, we
use this integral identity to derive some new generalization of fractional
Hermite-Hadamard inequalities through GA-convex functions via power means and
integrals GG-convex functions via power means. Some applications to special
means of real numbers are given.
On strong limit theorems for negatively superadditive dependent random variables
Authors: Zhang Yongjun
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we obtain strong convergence property for Jamison weighted
sums of negatively superadditive dependent (NSD, in short) random variables,
which extends the famous Jamison theorem. In addition, some sufficient
conditions for complete convergence for weighed sums of NSD random variables
are presented. These results generalize the corresponding results for
independent identically distributed random variables to the case of NSD
random variables without assumption of identical distribution.
A generalization of Ciric fixed point theorems
Authors: Kumam Poom , van Dung , Sitthithakerngkiet Kanokwan
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we state and prove a generalization of Ciric fixed point
theorems in metric space by using a new generalized quasi-contractive map.
These theorems extend other well known fundamental metrical fixed point
theorems in the literature (Banach [1], Kannan [11], Nadler [13], Reich [15],
etc.) Moreover, a multi-valued version for generalized quasi-contraction is
also established.
On the fractional Hermite-Hadamard type inequalities for (α,m)-logarithmically convex functions
Authors: Wang Jinrong , Liao Yumei , Deng Jian
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this paper is to establish some refinements of
Riemann-Liouville fractional Hermite-Hadamard inequalities for
(?,m)-logarithmically convex functions. By using our fractional integrals
identities, we present some interesting and new left type fractional
Hermite-Hadamard inequalities for once and twice differentiable
(?,m)-logarithmically convex functions via powerful series.
On the univalence of two general integral operators
Authors: Deniz Erhan
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we define two new general integral operators in the unit disc
U. The main object of this paper is to give sufficient conditions for these
integral operators, which are defined here by means of the normalized form
of univalent functions and belongs to some special subclasses of its, to be
univalent in the open unit disk U.
Essential ideals in subrings of C(X) that contain C*(X)
Authors: Taherifar A.
Published: July 2015

Let A(X) be a subring of C(X) that contains C*(X). In Redlin and Watson (1987) and in Panman et al. (2012), correspondences ZA and ?A are defined between ideals in A(X) and z-filters on X, and it is shown that these extend the well-known correspondences studied separately for C*(X) and C(X), respectively, to any intermediate ring A(X). Moreover, the inverse map Z-1A sets up a one-one correspondence between the maximal ideals of A(X) and
the z-ultrafilters on X. In this paper, first, we characterize essential ideals in A(X). Afterwards, we show that Z-1A maps essential (resp., free) z-filters on X to essential (resp., free) ideals in A(X) and Z-1A maps essential ?A-filters to essential ideals. Similar to C(X) we observe that the intersection of all essential minimal prime ideals in A(X) is equal to the socle of A(X). Finally, we give a new characterization for the intersection of all essential maximal ideals of A(X).
Effects of salicylic acid elicitor against aphids on wheat and detection of infestation using infrared thermal imaging technique in Ismailia, Egypt
Authors: Mahmoud Farag , Mahfouz Hatem
Published: July 2015

Wheat (Triticum sativum L.) is one of the most important cereal crops in
Egypt. Insect pests, such as aphids, are major threats in terms of yield
reduction. Induced resistance in wheat using salicylic acid as a foliar
application was tested on the farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Suez Canal
University during 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 seasons. Three wheat cultivars,
Gemeza 9, Sakha 93 and Giza 168, were sprayed three times with two
concentrations of salicylic acid (SA), 200 mg/l and 100 mg/l, after early
detection of aphid infestation by infrared thermal imaging. The infrared
thermal imaging technique is based on significant differences in surface
temperature between infested and healthy leaves. Imaging data are digital,
and a computer program can be used to detect infestation rapidly. The results
showed that aphid infestation raised the temperature of infested leaves,
compared to healthy leaves. The range temperature difference between maximum
and minimum temperatures (At) was 1.1 ?C in healthy leaves and 3.9 ?C in
infected leaves. The results of SA application showed significant differences
in the mean number of aphids and in reduction of infestation among treatments
and cultivars. The higher of the two SA rates (200 mg/l) gave higher efficacy
in the three cultivars than the lower rate (100 mg/l) over the five weeks of
trial. The highest efficacy against aphids was reached one week after
application (86.28% for Giza, 85.89% for Gemesa and 70.54% for Sakha).
Moreover, SA treatment enhanced the wheat yield of all three cultivars,
compared with control plants. The three cultivars (Giza, Gemesa and Sakha)
produced higher yields than the control when sprayed with 200 mg/l SA. Their
grain yield was 2,491.5, 2,455.0, and 2,327.25 kg/feddan (1 fed = 0.42 ha),
respectively. In conclusion, infrared thermal imaging can be employed in
identification of infected leaves. Also, the application of SA on wheat
induced plant resistance to aphids.
Determination of linuron in chamomile by LC-MS/MS using the QuEChERS extraction method
Authors: Spirovic-Trifunovic Bojana , Vukovic Gorica , Jovanovic-Radovanov Katarina , Bursic Vojislava , Meseldzija Maja
Published: July 2015

Linuron is a selective herbicide used for the control of broadleaf weeds. Its
mode of action is the inhibition of photosynthesis. The QuEChERS method for
extraction of linuron residues from chamomile was used. The LC-MS/MS method
was used for determination of linuron residues. Its linearity was studied in
a range of 0.025-0.50 ?g/ml using matrix-matched calibration, and the
determination coefficient (R2) was higher than 0.99. Blank chamomile samples
were spiked with linuron solution at three concentration levels yielding
recoveries of over 90%. The internal standard added in all samples was
isoproturon-d6. There were no linuron residues in chamomile flowers, while
the residues ranged from 0.010 to 0.040 mg/kg in the flower stalk samples.
Sintering characteristics of La/Nd doped Bi4Ti3O12 bismuth titanate ceramics
Authors: Islam Aminul , Gafur M.A. , Islam Saidul
Published: July 2015

A good understanding about the properties of La/Nd doped Bismuth Titanate
(BIT) ceramics at high temperature is very important as the new materials
being developed based on the BIT. Pure BIT, La doped (BLT), Nd doped (BNT)
and La and Nd co-doped BIT (BLNT) powders were synthesized by solid state
reaction method. Prepared powders were calcined at different temperatures and
structural properties measured by XRD. For pure BIT better crystal quality
was obtained at 750 0C and for both BLT and BNT better result obtained at 800
0C. Calcined powders were formed into pellets and sintered at different
temperatures and its dielectric properties were characterized. Optimum
sintering temperature for both BLT and BNT showed was 850 0C and La and Nd
co-doped bismuth titanate (BLNT) revealed optimum sintering temperature of
950 0C. Therefore, optimum sintering temperature of bismuth titanate was
increased due to La and Nd doping.
Selection of the most suitable non-conventional machining processes for ceramics machining by using MCDMs
Authors: Petkovic D. , Madic M. , Radenkovic G.
Published: July 2015

Selection of the most suitable non-conventional machining process (NCMP) for
a ceramics machining represents a multi-criteria decision making (MCDM)
problem. This paper describes the application of relatively novel MCDM
methods for selecting the most suitable NCMP for the ceramics machining. By
applying WASPAS and COPRAS methods, ten NCMPs (alternatives) were ranked
based on the ten criteria. Comparison of obtained ranking performances with
other MCDM methods used by previous researchers was carried out in order to
demonstrate WASPAS and COPRAS applicability and capability for
non-conventional machining process selection.
Profile of Ophthalmological Diseases in Out-Patients of Shree Birendra Hospital
Authors: Bist Ramesh Raj , Rajkarnikar Sagar , Gurung Anu , Chetry Pratik
Published: July 2015

Introduction: The causes of blindness and the pattern of eye diseases differ in developing and developedcountries and often in communities. A study of the pattern of ocular diseases is very important because whilesome eye conditions are just causes of ocular morbidity others invariably lead to blindness.Methods: This was a retrospective study including all the cases which attended the department of Ophthalmologyof Shree Birendra Hospital in April 2010 to April 2011.Results: A total of 17988 patients were seen during the study period with mean age 39.95 ± 18.94 years, maleto female ratio of 51.02: 48.92% in the department of Ophthalmology. Among them 4779 were regular servingarmy personnel and 13209 were ex-army and army families. The largest number of cases were seen in lensrelated disease (25.19%), followed by conjunctival and scleral disease (24.29%).Conclusions: The pattern of eye disease varies in different age groups. In younger age group conjunctival,scleral disease and refractive error were commonly seen whereas in elder age group lens disorder was frequentlyseen. The number of blind patients was more in females than in male patients.doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/mjsbh.v12i2.12917
The Prognostic Value of Initial Tumor Size in Patients with Ewing Family of Tumors
Authors: Deo Rajeeb Kumar , Chitalkar Prakash , Joshi Amit , Ranamagar Sushil
Published: July 2015

Introduction: Ewing Family of Tumors (EFT) is a high grade embryonic malignancy, common in children andyoung adults (CYAs). The prognostic factors include initial tumor volume, site, presence of metastasis, and theEWS/FLI 1 mutation. Low volume disease is known to result in higher response rates and longer survival times.Methods: Twelve patients with non-metastatic EFT were managed with the intensive Ewing Family Tumor(EFT 2001) protocol. The patient characteristics studied were - age, sex, site, number of sites involved,bone marrow involvement and size (volume). Tumor volume was measured in non-metastatic tumors by tridimensionalvolume in MRI scans.Results: Progression free survival (PFS) of patients with initial tumor volume ????100 cc ranged from 30 monthsto 74 months (mean 56.4 months) while that for > 100 cc ranged from 19 months to 79 months (mean 40months) (p value: 0.701). However there was trend towards better survival in patients with initial tumor volume????100 cc.Conclusions: There is a trend towards better PFS in patients with smaller tumor volume at presentation. Thusinitial tumor volume is a prognostic factor in Ewing family of tumors.doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/mjsbh.v12i2.12925
Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and its Component in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome.
Authors: Rajbhandari Ajay , Pandeya Dipendra Raj , Bhattarai Madur Dev , Malla Ravi , Sharma Arun , Shrestha Dina , Chettry Pratik
Published: July 2015

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most frequently encountered problems owing tosigniÞ cant number of patients needing hospitalization during pregnancy. The incidence of UTI in pregnantwomen is reported to be high up to 7-8%.Methods: This is a prospective study conducted in Valley Maternity Hospital during a period of 6 months(Jan 2011 to June 2011). 520 MSU (Mid stream urine samples) from pregnant women clinically suspected ofurine infection were evaluated by urine dipstick analysis, microscopic and culture method. The isolates wereidentiÞ ed and antibiotic sensitivity pattern was determined by standard protocol.Results: The majority of the patients were in-between the age group of 20-30years- 338cases (65%) and thesepatients usually presented in the Þ rst trimester of pregnancy- 317cases (60.96%). Out of the 520 clinicallysuspected UTI cases, 232 (44.61%) was culture positive. Out of the culture positive cases; Escherichia coli(E.coli) was the most common accounting for a total of 144cases (80%). Nitrofurantoin was found to be the mosteffective drug against the gram negative (Gm-ve) bacteria. Similarly, Ampicillin, Amoxycillin and Cloxacillinwere found to be effective agent against gram positive (Gm+ve) bacteria.Conclusion: Screening for bacteriuria is recommended among all pregnant women at the Þ rst prenatal visit andin the subsequent trimesters of pregnancy.Key words: UTI, Pregnant women, Antibiotics, Culture method.Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and its Component inPatients with Acute Coronary Syndrome.Conclusions: Metabolic syndrome is most common and important risk factor in patients of coronary arterydisease. Other risk factors like smoking, obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension and diabetes were also frequentlyfound. Public awareness to control the risk factors can reduce the prevalence of coronary artery disease in ourcountry.doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/mjsbh.v12i2.12928
Prevalence of Amp C Beta-lactamase Producers Among Uropathogens at Shree Birendra Hospital.
Authors: Dhungel Laxmi , Manandhar Sarita , Bhatta Sabita , Chaudhary Raina
Published: July 2015

Introduction: Amp C β lactamases confer resistance to a wide variety of β-lactam antibiotics and are poorly inhibited by β-lactamase inhibitors such as clavulanic acid. Plasmid carrying Amp C enzyme also carry genes responsible of resistance to multiple other antibiotics, hence therapeutic options to infection caused by this type of organism is limited. Limited studies on prevalence of these organisms have been done in Nepal. The study is done to know the prevalence of Amp C β lactamase producers among the uropathogens. Methods: Amp C β lactamase producers were detected by double disc synergy test using the disc of cefoxitin (30μg) and cefoxitn (30μg) plus phenylboronic acid (20μl). An increase in zone diameter of ≥5mm to cefoxitin disc with phenylboronic acid versus cefoxitin alone was considered confirmed ABL producers. Result: The ABL production was found in 8.94% of the total isolates. It was observed in 9.87% of E. coli isolates and in 20% of Ps. aeruginosa. ABL producers were found to be resistant to many drugs when compared to Non-ABL producers. Conclusion: Amp C β lactamase producers were found among uropathogens. They were resistant to many antibiotics compared to Non- Amp C β lactamase producers.doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/mjsbh.v13i1.12991
Knowledge on Premarital Sex and its Consequences Among Adolescents at a Higher Secondary School.
Authors: Bhandari Sushila Devi
Published: July 2015

Introduction: The premarital sex knowledge and consequences among adolescents was the subject of the research presented. Premarital sex issues are bombarding and it is an emerging topic, though adolescents are not being serious about it, they will be in great trouble in near future if they did not get adequate knowledge about this topic as premarital sex consequences rates are increasing day by day in all over the world like STIs, adolescence pregnancy, guilt, depression, stress, loss of self-respects etc especially on young adolescents. Methods: It was descriptive, cross-sectional study. Simple random sampling lottery method was used for obtaining 141 samples from higher secondary school. Self-administered questionnaire was distributed among adolescent to obtain their responses regarding premarital sex.   Results: Out of 141 respondents, the study revealed that 87.2% responded premarital sex to be inappropriate. While 34% responded the cause of having premarital sex is due to lack of sex education. Regarding the consequences of premarital sex majority of the respondents were aware about different consequences that may occur due to premarital sex. Conclusions: Majority of the respondents had knowledge about premarital sex and its consequences.doi:  http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/mjsbh.v13i1.12999
Absent, Invisible, and Incoherent: Archiving Queer Women’s Performance Futurities
Authors: Newman Laine Zisman
Published: July 2015

Abstract:

Without a mandated space for her theatrical performance, the queer woman artist is othered and nomadic in her practice. The shifting borders that map her spaces offer both benefits and obstacles: she is free of the confines of a static venue but in a constant search for her next performance space. While there are significant achievements in queer women’s performance that are worthy of celebration, the transience of queer women’s spaces affects not only these works’ development and production in the present but also their prominence within the historical archive and the potentialities afforded to their works in the future, impacting both queer visibility in history and queer futurities.

The need to struggle repeatedly to secure venues for rehearsals and productions leaves queer women artists unable to focus needed attention on how their work is documented. Thus, a lack of stable space also contributes to perpetuating cycles of invisibility. This article does not seek to essentialize experiences of space as any one thing but, in contrast, seeks to examine how the transience of queer women’s performance presents ongoing challenges in the documentation and historicization of queer women’s performance, practice, and community.
Dear Michael: A Letter from the Margins
Authors: St. Bernard Donna-Michelle
Published: July 2015

Abstract:

Corresponding with a literary agent in the year 2030, Donna-Michelle St. Bernard addresses the difficulty of maintaining a radicalized identity in an environment of heightened equity, offering aspirational projections for Indigenous artists, people of colour, artists with disabilities, senior artists, independent producers, women, and toasters.
The Position of the Biblical Canon in Brazil: From Catholic Rediscovery to Neo-Pentecostal Marginalisation
Authors: Jakob Løland Ole
Published: July 2015

This study analyses the historically significant shifts in the diffusion and reception of the bible in Brazilian Christianity. It questions whether Brazil is turning Protestant, given the marginalisation in Brazilian neo-Pentecostalism of scripture, which is the fundamental pillar of Protestant faith. While scripture has traditionally been marginal to Brazil's popular Catholicism, it was regarded as the primary medium for access to the sacred in classical Pentecostalism. Whilst Brazilian Catholicism rediscovered the bible through the liberation theology movement, a contrary trend of marginalisation of scripture is evident in the Brazilian neo-Pentecostal church Igreja Universal do Reino de Deus (IURD). Although there is a performative use of the bible in IURD, the original meaning of the biblical texts is given little weight within this performance. Based on this evaluation of the bible's position, the article suggests that neo-Pentecostalism stands in continuity with popular Catholicism and discontinuity with classical Pentecostalism in relation to the biblical canon.
Some Improvements to a Third Order Variant of Newton’s Method from Simpson’s Rule
Authors: Babajee Diyashvir
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we present three improvements to a three-point third order variant of Newton’s method derived from the Simpson rule. The first one is a fifth order method using the same number of functional evaluations as the third order method, the second one is a four-point 10th order method and the last one is a five-point 20th order method. In terms of computational point of view, our methods require four evaluations (one function and three first derivatives) to get fifth order, five evaluations (two functions and three derivatives) to get 10th order and six evaluations (three functions and three derivatives) to get 20th order. Hence, these methods have efficiency indexes of 1.495, 1.585 and 1.648, respectively which are better than the efficiency index of 1.316 of the third order method. We test the methods through some numerical experiments which show that the 20th order method is very efficient.
Ab Initio Predicted Alloying Effects on the Elastic Properties of AlxHf1−xNbTaTiZr High Entropy Alloys
Authors: Li Shaohui , Ni Xiaodong , Tian Fuyang
Published: July 2015

Using ab initio alloy theory, we investigate the equilibrium bulk properties and elastic mechanics of the single bcc solid-solution AlxHf1−xNbTaTiZr (x = 0–0.7, 1.0) high entropy alloys. Ab initio predicted equilibrium volume is consistent with the available experiment. We make a detailed investigation of the alloying effect of Al and Hf on the equilibrium volume, elastic constants and polycrystalline elastic moduli. Results imply that the partial replacement Hf with Al increases the stability of the bcc phase and decreases the ductility of the AlxHf1−xNbTaTiZr HEAs. The inner ductility of Al0.4Hf0.6NbTaTiZr is predicted by the calculations of ideal tensile strength.
Fractional State Space Analysis of Economic Systems
Authors: Machado J. , Mata Maria , Lopes António
Published: July 2015

This paper examines modern economic growth according to the multidimensional scaling (MDS) method and state space portrait (SSP) analysis. Electing GDP per capita as the main indicator for economic growth and prosperity, the long-run perspective from 1870 to 2010 identifies the main similarities among 34 world partners’ modern economic growth and exemplifies the historical waving mechanics of the largest world economy, the USA. MDS reveals two main clusters among the European countries and their old offshore territories, and SSP identifies the Great Depression as a mild challenge to the American global performance, when compared to the Second World War and the 2008 crisis.
A Spectral Model of Turnover Reduction
Authors: Kakushadze Zura
Published: July 2015

We give a simple explicit formula for turnover reduction when a large number of alphas are traded on the same execution platform and trades are crossed internally. We model turnover reduction via alpha correlations. Then, for a large number of alphas, turnover reduction is related to the largest eigenvalue and the corresponding eigenvector of the alpha correlation matrix.
Using the Nursing Culture Assessment Tool (NCAT) in Long-Term Care: An Update on Psychometrics and Scoring Standardization
Authors: Kennerly Susan , Heggestad Eric , Myers Haley , Yap Tracey
Published: July 2015

An effective workforce performing within the context of a positive cultural environment is central to a healthcare organization’s ability to achieve quality outcomes. The Nursing Culture Assessment Tool (NCAT) provides nurses with a valid and reliable tool that captures the general aspects of nursing culture. This study extends earlier work confirming the tool’s construct validity and dimensionality by standardizing the scoring approach and establishing norm-referenced scoring. Scoring standardization provides a reliable point of comparison for NCAT users. NCAT assessments support nursing’s ability to evaluate nursing culture, use results to shape the culture into one that supports change, and advance nursing’s best practices and care outcomes. Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants from 54 long-term care facilities in Kentucky, Nevada, North Carolina, and Oregon were surveyed. Confirmatory factor analysis yielded six first order factors forming the NCAT’s subscales (Expectations, Behaviors, Teamwork, Communication, Satisfaction, Commitment) (Comparative Fit Index 0.93) and a second order factor—The Total Culture Score. Aggregated facility level comparisons of observed group variance with expected random variance using rwg(J) statistics is presented. Normative scores and cumulative rank percentages and how the NCAT can be used in implementing planned change are provided.
DeepCNF-D: Predicting Protein Order/Disorder Regions by Weighted Deep Convolutional Neural Fields
Authors: Wang Sheng , Weng Shunyan , Ma Jianzhu , Tang Qingming
Published: July 2015

Intrinsically disordered proteins or protein regions are involved in key biological processes including regulation of transcription, signal transduction, and alternative splicing. Accurately predicting order/disorder regions ab initio from the protein sequence is a prerequisite step for further analysis of functions and mechanisms for these disordered regions. This work presents a learning method, weighted DeepCNF (Deep Convolutional Neural Fields), to improve the accuracy of order/disorder prediction by exploiting the long-range sequential information and the interdependency between adjacent order/disorder labels and by assigning different weights for each label during training and prediction to solve the label imbalance issue. Evaluated by the CASP9 and CASP10 targets, our method obtains 0.855 and 0.898 AUC values, which are higher than the state-of-the-art single ab initio predictors.
Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase Activating Polypeptide (PACAP) Pathway Is Induced by Mechanical Load and Reduces the Activity of Hedgehog Signaling in Chondrogenic Micromass Cell Cultures
Authors: Juhász Tamás , Szentléleky Eszter , Somogyi Csilla , Takács Roland , Dobrosi Nóra , Engler Máté , Tamás Andrea , Reglődi Dóra , Zákány Róza
Published: July 2015

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a neurohormone exerting protective function during various stress conditions either in mature or developing tissues. Previously we proved the presence of PACAP signaling elements in chicken limb bud-derived chondrogenic cells in micromass cell cultures. Since no data can be found if PACAP signaling is playing any role during mechanical stress in any tissues, we aimed to investigate its contribution in mechanotransduction during chondrogenesis. Expressions of the mRNAs of PACAP and its major receptor, PAC1 increased, while that of other receptors, VPAC1, VPAC2 decreased upon mechanical stimulus. Mechanical load enhanced the expression of collagen type X, a marker of hypertrophic differentiation of chondrocytes and PACAP addition attenuated this elevation. Moreover, exogenous PACAP also prevented the mechanical load evoked activation of hedgehog signaling: protein levels of Sonic and Indian Hedgehogs and Gli1 transcription factor were lowered while expressions of Gli2 and Gli3 were elevated by PACAP application during mechanical load. Our results suggest that mechanical load activates PACAP signaling and exogenous PACAP acts against the hypertrophy inducing effect of mechanical load.
Is Cryptococcus gattii a Primary Pathogen?
Authors: Kwon-Chung Kyung , Saijo Tomomi
Published: July 2015

The two etiologic agents of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis, Cryptococcus neoformans and C. gattii, have been commonly designated as either an opportunistic pathogen for the first species or as a primary pathogen for the second species. Such a distinction has been based on epidemiological findings that the majority of patients presenting meningoencephalitis caused by C. neoformans are immunocompromised while C. gattii infection has been reported more often in immunocompetent patients. A recent report, however, showed that GM-CSF (granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor) neutralizing antibodies were prevalent in the plasma of “apparently immunocompetent” C. gattii patients with meningoencephalitis. Because GM-CSF is essential for differentiation of monocytes to macrophages and modulating the immune response, it is not surprising that the lack of GM-CSF function predisposes otherwise healthy individuals to infection via inhalation of environmental pathogens such as C. gattii. Since the test for anti-GM-CSF autoantibodies is not included in routine immunological profiling at most hospitals, healthy patients with GM-CSF neutralizing antibodies are usually categorized as immunocompetent. It is likely that a comprehensive immunological evaluation of patients with C. gattii meningoencephalitis, who had been diagnosed as immunocompetent, would reveal a majority of them had hidden immune dysfunction. This paper reviews the relationship between GM-CSF neutralizing antibodies and the risk for C. gattii infection with CNS involvement.
Hysteresis in Lanthanide Zirconium Oxides Observed Using a Pulse CV Technique and including the Effect of High Temperature Annealing
Authors: Lu Qifeng , Zhao Chun , Mu Yifei , Zhao Ce , Taylor Stephen , Chalker Paul
Published: July 2015

A powerful characterization technique, pulse capacitance-voltage (CV) technique, was used to investigate oxide traps before and after annealing for lanthanide zirconium oxide thin films deposited on n-type Si (111) substrates at 300 °C by liquid injection Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD). The results indicated that: (1) more traps were observed compared to the conventional capacitance-voltage characterization method in LaZrOx; (2) the time-dependent trapping/de-trapping was influenced by the edge time, width and peak-to-peak voltage of a gate voltage pulse. Post deposition annealing was performed at 700 °C, 800 °C and 900 °C in N2 ambient for 15 s to the samples with 200 ALD cycles. The effect of the high temperature annealing on oxide traps and leakage current were subsequently explored. It showed that more traps were generated after annealing with the trap density increasing from 1.41 × 1012 cm−2 for as-deposited sample to 4.55 × 1012 cm−2 for the 800 °C annealed one. In addition, the leakage current density increase from about 10−6 A/cm2 at Vg = +0.5 V for the as-deposited sample to 10−3 A/cm2 at Vg = +0.5 V for the 900 °C annealed one.
Synthesis of Chiral 1,4,2-Oxazaphosphepines
Authors: Salgado-Escobar Oscar , Chavelas-Hernández Leticia , Domínguez-Mendoza Blanca , Linzaga-Elizalde Irma , Ordoñez Mario
Published: July 2015

Synthesis and structural characterization of 1,4,2-oxazaphosphepines is described. The 1,4,2-oxazaphosphepines were obtained from reaction of chiral 1,3-benzoxazines with dichlorophenylphosphine or triethyl phosphite. The configuration of some of these compounds was stablished by X-ray analysis.
Transparent Heat-Resistant PMMA Copolymers for Packing Light-Emitting Diode Materials
Authors: Yeh Shu-Ling , Zhu Chao-Yuan , Kuo Shiao-Wei
Published: July 2015

Transparent and heat-resistant poly(methyl methacrylate) copolymers were synthesized by bulk polymerizing methyl methacrylate (MMA), isobornyl methacrylate (IBMA), and methacrylamide (MAA) monomers. Copolymerization was performed using a chain transfer agent to investigate the molecular weight changes of these copolymers, which exhibited advantages including a low molecular weight distribution, excellent optical properties, high transparency, high glass transition temperature, low moisture absorption, and pellets that can be readily mass produced by using extrusion or jet injection for packing light-emitting diode materials.
Research on Parameter Estimation Methods for Alpha Stable Noise in a Laser Gyroscope’s Random Error
Authors: Wang Xueyun , Li Kui , Gao Pengyu , Meng Suxia
Published: July 2015

Alpha stable noise, determined by four parameters, has been found in the random error of a laser gyroscope. Accurate estimation of the four parameters is the key process for analyzing the properties of alpha stable noise. Three widely used estimation methods—quantile, empirical characteristic function (ECF) and logarithmic moment method—are analyzed in contrast with Monte Carlo simulation in this paper. The estimation accuracy and the application conditions of all methods, as well as the causes of poor estimation accuracy, are illustrated. Finally, the highest precision method, ECF, is applied to 27 groups of experimental data to estimate the parameters of alpha stable noise in a laser gyroscope’s random error. The cumulative probability density curve of the experimental data fitted by an alpha stable distribution is better than that by a Gaussian distribution, which verifies the existence of alpha stable noise in a laser gyroscope’s random error.
Multi-Stress Monitoring System with Fiber-Optic Mandrels and Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors in a Sagnac Loop
Authors: Kim Hyunjin , Sampath Umesh , Song Minho
Published: July 2015

Fiber Bragg grating sensors are placed in a fiber-optic Sagnac loop to combine the grating temperature sensors and the fiber-optic mandrel acoustic emission sensors in single optical circuit. A wavelength-scanning fiber-optic laser is used as a common light source for both sensors. A fiber-optic attenuator is placed at a specific position in the Sagnac loop in order to separate buried Bragg wavelengths from the Sagnac interferometer output. The Bragg wavelength shifts are measured with scanning band-pass filter demodulation and the mandrel output is analyzed by applying a fast Fourier transform to the interference signal. This hybrid-scheme could greatly reduce the size and the complexity of optical circuitry and signal processing unit, making it suitable for low cost multi-stress monitoring of large scale power systems.
Biomechanical comparison of two locking plate constructs under cyclic torsional loading in a fracture gap model
Authors: Bilmont A. , Palierne S. , Verset M. , Swider P. , Autefage A.
Published: July 2015

Objectives: The number of locking screws required per fragment during bridging osteo-synthesis in the dog has not been determined. The purpose of this study was to assess the survival of two constructs, with either two or three screws per fragment, under cyclic torsion.

Methods: Ten-hole 3.5 mm stainless steel locking compression plates (LCP) were fixed 1 mm away from bone surrogates with a fracture gap of 47 mm using two bicortical locking screws (10 constructs) or three bicortical locking screws (10 constructs) per fragment, placed at the extremities of each LCP. Constructs were tested in cyclic torsion (range: 0 to +0.218 rad) until failure.

Results: The 3-screws constructs (29.65 ± 1.89 N.m/rad) were stiffer than the 2-screws constructs (23.73 ± 0.87 N.m/rad), and therefore, were subjected to a greater torque during cycling (6.05 ± 1.33 N.m and 4.88 ± 1.14 N.m respectively). The 3-screws constructs sustained a significantly greater number of cycles (20,700 ± 5,735 cycles) than the 2-screws constructs (15,600 ± 5,272 cycles). In most constructs, failure was due to screw damage at the junction of the shaft and head. The remaining constructs failed because of screw head unlocking, sometimes due to incomplete seating of the screw head prior to testing.

Clinical significance: Omitting the third innermost locking screw during bridging osteosynthesis led to a reduction in fatigue life of 25% and construct stiffness by 20%. Fracture of the screws is believed to occur sequentially, starting with the innermost screw that initially shields the other screws.
De la Cristalografía a la biología estructural, un siglo de descubrimientos
Authors: Montoya Guillermo
Published: July 2015

La cristalografía, la técnica más ampliamente usada para estudiar la estructura de la materia, ha evolucionado en las ciencias de la vida hacia la biología estructural, una exitosa área de investigación encaminada a comprender el funcionamiento de los procesos celulares. La aplicación de aproximaciones físicas a sistemas biológicos es clave para entender la estructura y funcionamiento de los componentes de los organismos. En este artículo el autor ofrece al lector un paseo por la evolución de esta área de conocimiento durante el siglo XX, desde su nacimiento hasta el análisis de grandes complejos macromoleculares, protagonistas importantes en diversos procesos biológicos. La influencia de investigaciones en física, bioquímica y biología molecular ha sido clave para los numerosos éxitos alcanzados por biólogos estructurales. El autor sostiene que el futuro de esta disciplina pasa por la integración de sus resultados a un nivel celular además de emplear metodologías más cuantitativas para la descripción de procesos biológicos.
Generación rayos X – mayoría de edad
Authors: Connor Fox Gavin
Published: July 2015

La comunidad científica celebró en 2014 el impacto que la cristalografía ha tenido sobre la ciencia fundamental y aplicada, así como los de descubrimientos relevantes que nos han proporcionado una visión del mundo a escala molecular y nanométrica. La UNESCO ha declarado 2015 como el Año Internacional de la Luz por lo que quizás es un buen momento para reflexionar sobre el papel que han jugado y juegan los sincrotrones en esta ciencia. El acceso a la radiación sincrotrón ha revolucionado nuestra capacidad para explorar las propiedades, interacciones y estructura de materiales, así como ampliado nuestro conocimiento en distintos contextos científicos, desde el patrimonio cultural a la nanotecnología y nuevos materiales, hasta la exploración de sistemas celulares y búsqueda de fármacos. El rango de potenciales aplicaciones de los sincrotrones y sus campos de interés es vasto y queda fuera del alcance de un único artículo por lo que la intención del autor es la de proporcionar una imagen de los sincrotrones obtenida a través del filtro de la cristalografía macromolecular. Echaremos la vista atrás para ver cómo los sincrotrones han ido evolucionado hasta llegar a las actuales instalaciones en donde las líneas de trabajo asociadas a los mismos se están adaptado rápidamente a la introducción de las técnicas de alto rendimiento en el cambio del milenio; pero también miraremos hacia el futuro, hacia las nuevas tendencias y tecnologías que ya están transformando las actuales instalaciones y la misma cristalografía.
Argumentación y metáfora en el discurso político en torno a la inmigración
Authors: Piñero Piñero Gracia , Díaz Peralta Marina , García Domínguez María J.
Published: July 2015

La metáfora conceptual, desarrollada en el marco de la lingu..stica cognitiva, constituye una herramienta más al servicio de las operaciones de apoyo y refutación propias de la secuencia argumentativa y, por ello, permite reconocer un juego de voces polifónicas a través del cual se reflejan ideologías opuestas que representan su particular visión sobre los acontecimientos debatidos. A partir de un corpus de textos pertenecientes al hipergénero del debate social en torno a la inmigración, se analizan las metáforas conceptuales y lingüisticas que categorizan el país receptor de inmigrantes y la imagen que de estos se tiene. Mediante el estudio de esta imaginería se comprueba cómo la selección de los dominios fuente y de las estructuras conceptuales que generan propician el diálogo virtual entre ideologías opuestas, defensora y detractora del fenómeno de la inmigración, y se pone de manifiesto que, efectivamente, la metáfora desempeña una función relevante en la argumentación
Crisis económica y deterioro de los pactos sociales en el sur de Europa: Los casos de España y Portugal
Authors: González Begega Sergio , Luque Balbona David
Published: July 2015

Los pactos sociales han sustentado la agenda de reformas socioeconómicas en la mayor parte de países de Europa occidental a lo largo de las últimas décadas. Sin embargo, la irrupción de la crisis económica ha erosionado la orientación general hacia el acuerdo. Desde 2008 se ha producido una deriva desde la «negociación hacia la imposición», que ha resultado particularmente intensa en el Sur de Europa. En España y Portugal, la puesta en marcha de reformas unilaterales por parte de los gobiernos bajo la vigilancia de las instituciones comunitarias ha provocado el debilitamiento de los pactos sociales. El artículo evalúa la reconfiguración de los equilibrios entre gobiernos y agentes sociales en estos dos países en el contexto de la crisis económica. Para ello, se analiza la emergencia de una nueva dinámica de intercambio político corporatista que combina el diálogo discontinuo y de corto alcance con la confrontación.
Impact of destruction – Introduction to the Josephus Seminar, Theological University Kampen
Authors: Van Bekkum Koert
Published: July 2015

This is an introduction to the contributions of Jan Willem van Henten and William den Hollander to the Josephus Seminar ‘Impact of destruction. Methodological questions in the study of Jewish and Christian reactions to the demolition of the Temple’ held at the Theological University in Kampen, the Netherlands. The introduction sketches the status quaestionis and the methodological issues in comparing the works of Josephus and the Gospels in reconstructing the impact of the destruction of the Temple in AD 70 on Judaism and Early Christianity.
Radiosynovectomy of Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Synovitis in Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated with Rhenium-188 Labeled Tin-colloid and Imaging with Single-photon Emission Computerized Tomography/Computed Tomography: A First Case Report
Authors: Kamaleshwaran Koramadai , Rajamani Venkataraman , Krishnan Boopathi , Mallia Madhav , Kalarikal Radhakrishnan , Mohanan Vyshakh , Shinto Ajit
Published: July 2015

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that is mainly characterized by the asymmetric erosive synovitis, particularly affecting peripheral joints. Radiation synovectomy or radiosynovectomy (RSV), also known as radiosynoviorthesis was first described in 1950′s as an adjuvant treatment for RA. RSV is based on the irradiation of the joint synovium by the intra-articular administration of various β-emitting radiopharmaceuticals. As a generator-produced β-emitting radionuclide, the importance of rhenium-188 (Re-188) for radionuclide therapy is increasing rapidly. There are previous reports which used Re-188 tin colloid in knee joint synovitis, but use of Re-188 tin colloid in small joint is not yet reported. We describe the use of Re-188 tin colloid in a 45-year-old female who presented with right 4 th proximal interphalangeal joint synovitis due to rheumatoid arthritis.
Accidental Rivaroxaban Overdose in a Patient with Pulmonary Embolism: Some Lessons for Managing New Oral Anticoagulants
Authors: Sajkov Dimitar , Gallus Alexander
Published: July 2015

Rivaroxaban is an orally active direct factor Xa inhibitor used to treat venous thromboembolism with approved starting dose of 15 mg twice-daily. We present a case of an accidental overdose in a patient with pulmonary thromboembolism, when the patient received two 150 mg doses of rivaroxaban, instead of 15 mg as prescribed, given 12 hours apart. This error was recognised ten minutes after the second dose, when 50 gm oral activated charcoal was given. Rivaroxaban was stopped and rivaroxaban concentrations, INR, and APTT were monitored. The overdose was uncomplicated and 15 mg twice-daily rivaroxaban was restarted on day two. Apparently unlikely and potentially hazardous dispensing errors do happen. Each oral anticoagulant has a different dosing schedule. In our patient, the prescription for 15 mg twice-daily rivaroxaban was misread as 150 mg twice-daily (a correct dose for dabigatran in atrial fibrillation). Such errors are preventable. Prompt administration of activated charcoal under monitoring of a specific rivaroxaban assay can greatly help management of unusual situations like this one.
Kalman filter physical retrieval of surface emissivity and temperature from SEVIRI infrared channels: a validation and intercomparison study
Authors: Masiello G. , Serio C. , Venafra S. , Liuzzi G. , Göttsche F. , F. Trigo I. , Watts P.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. A Kalman filter-based approach for the physical retrieval of surface temperature and emissivity from SEVIRI (Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager) infrared observations has been developed and validated against in situ and satellite observations. Validation for land has been provided based on in situ observations from the two permanent stations at Evora and Gobabeb operated by Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) within the framework of EUMETSAT's Satellite Application Facility on Land Surface Analysis (LSA SAF). Sea surface retrievals have been intercompared on a broad spatial scale with equivalent satellite products (MODIS, Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer, and AVHRR, Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer) and ECMWF (European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts) analyses. For surface temperature, the Kalman filter yields a root mean square accuracy of ≈ ±1.5 °C for the two land sites considered and ≈ ±1.0 °C for the sea. Comparisons with polar satellite instruments over the sea surface show nearly zero temperature bias. Over the land surface the retrieved emissivity follows the seasonal vegetation cycle and permits identification of desert sand regions using the SEVIRI channel at 8.7 μm due to the strong quartz reststrahlen bands around 8–9 μm. Considering the two validation stations, we have found that emissivity retrieved in SEVIRI channel 10.8 μm over the gravel plains of the Namibian desert is in excellent agreement with in situ observations. Over Evora, the seasonal variation of emissivity with vegetation is successfully retrieved and yields emissivity values for green and dry vegetation that are in good agreement with spectral library data. The algorithm has been applied to the SEVIRI full disk, and emissivity maps on that global scale have been physically retrieved for the first time.
Scaling laws for perturbations in the ocean–atmosphere system following large CO2 emissions
Authors: Towles N. , Olson P. , Gnanadesikan A.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. Scaling relationships are found for perturbations to atmosphere and ocean variables from large transient CO2 emissions. Using the Long-term Ocean-atmosphere-Sediment CArbon cycle Reservoir (LOSCAR) model (Zeebe et al., 2009; Zeebe, 2012b), we calculate perturbations to atmosphere temperature, total carbon, ocean temperature, total ocean carbon, pH, alkalinity, marine-sediment carbon, and carbon-13 isotope anomalies in the ocean and atmosphere resulting from idealized CO2 emission events. The peak perturbations in the atmosphere and ocean variables are then fit to power law functions of the form of γ DαEβ, where D is the event duration, E is its total carbon emission, and γ is a coefficient. Good power law fits are obtained for most system variables for E up to 50 000 PgC and D up to 100 kyr. Although all of the peak perturbations increase with emission rate E/D, we find no evidence of emission-rate-only scaling, α + β = 0. Instead, our scaling yields α + β ≃ 1 for total ocean and atmosphere carbon and 0 < α + β < 1 for most of the other system variables.
NETRC Regional Conference: “Integrating Telehealth”
Authors: Solomon Andrew
Published: July 2015

The Northeast Telehealth Resource Center (NETRC) invites participation in the second annual NETRC conference, "Integrating Telehealth in an Evolving Landscape" to be held September 23-24, 2015 in Burlington, Vermont. This fall, stakeholders from across an eight-state region will gather to learn about telehealth best practice and innovation, network with colleagues, and identify opportunities to advance their telehealth programs.
Contaminating the Transcendental: Toward a Phenomenological Naturalism
Authors: Fernandez Anthony Vincent
Published: July 2015

The proper relationship between phenomenology and naturalism has reemerged as a pressing issue following interdisciplinary developments in the cognitive sciences. Most solutions opt for a naturalized phenomenology, rather than a phenomenological naturalism. This article takes up the latter approach, confronting the implications of Merleau-Ponty's reformulation of Husserl's paradox of subjectivity. I argue that Merleau-Ponty's formulation—which I term “the paradox of madness”—reveals a deep, ontological contingency in what Husserl took to be necessary transcendental structures of consciousness and world, revealing that these transcendental structures are in fact embedded in and contaminated by the very world they constitute and disclose.