bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinct ecological niches of marine symbiotic N2‐fixing cyanobacterium Candidatus Atelocyanobacterium thalassa sublineages
Authors: Turk‐Kubo Kendra A. , Farnelid Hanna M. , Shilova Irina N. , Henke Britt , Zehr Jonathan P.
Published: December 2016

A recently described symbiosis between the metabolically streamlined nitrogen‐fixing cyanobacterium UCYN‐A and a single‐celled eukaryote prymnesiophyte alga is widely distributed throughout tropical and subtropical marine waters, and is thought to contribute significantly to nitrogen fixation in these regions. Several UCYN‐A sublineages have been defined based on UCYN‐A nitrogenase (nifH) sequences. Due to the low abundances of UCYN‐A in the global oceans, currently existing molecular techniques are limited for detecting and quantifying these organisms. A targeted approach is needed to adequately characterize the diversity of this important marine cyanobacterium, and to advance understanding of its ecological importance. We present findings on the distribution of UCYN‐A sublineages based on high throughput sequencing of UCYN‐A nifH PCR amplicons from 78 samples distributed throughout many major oceanic provinces. These UCYN‐A nifH fragments were used to define oligotypes, alternative taxonomic units defined by nucleotide positions with high variability. The data set was dominated by a single oligotype associated with the UCYN‐A1 sublineage, consistent with previous observations of relatively high abundances in tropical and subtropical regions. However, this analysis also revealed for the first time the widespread distribution of the UCYN‐A3 sublineage in oligotrophic waters. Furthermore, distinct assemblages of UCYN‐A oligotypes were found in oligotrophic and coastally influenced waters. This unique data set provides a framework for determining the environmental controls on UCYN‐A distributions and the ecological importance of the different sublineages.
Impacts of temperature anomalies on mortality of benthic organisms in the Adriatic Sea
Authors: Kružić Petar , Rodić Petra , Popijač Aleksandar , Sertić Maya
Published: December 2016

Recurrent climate‐induced mass mortality episodes have been recorded in the Mediterranean Sea over the past 15 years, affecting rocky benthic communities. In this study, we provide for the first time a report on the annual mortality events of benthic sessile invertebrates occurring in the eastern part of the Adriatic Sea. Over the course of 14 consecutive years, we studied the sea temperature gradient to a depth of 40 m and found an abnormal summer warming trend and an increased frequency of above‐average temperatures. Mortality events were recorded in the summers of 10 observed years, in particular in 2009, when the highest mortality rates were recorded. Late in summer 2009, extensive mass mortality of sessile invertebrates was observed in the entire Eastern Adriatic Sea. We performed an analysis of selected target benthic species associated with mass mortality events with inter‐regional differences in hydrological and temperature conditions. We were able to characterize the mortality event by studying five areas covering the northern, central and southern regions of the Eastern Adriatic Sea. The degree of impact on each study area was quantified at 28 sites by estimating the proportion of affected target species. According to the obtained data, the northern sites (Cres area) were the least affected, whereas sites in the Central and Southern Adriatic [Telašćica and Lastovo Nature Parks, Mljet National Park (NP)] displayed the highest impact. In summer 2009, sea surface temperatures reached values of 28 °C in the Cres area and 30 °C in Mljet NP. These thermal conditions were concomitant with moderate to severe mass mortalities of benthic populations. Mass mortality events reached depths of 45 m in most parts of the affected areas. Amongst studied species, the scleractinian coral and gorgonian populations suffered the most extensive damage during the mass mortality events.
Taxonomic study of the Sobralia dorbignyana complex (Orchidaceae)
Authors: Baranow Przemyslaw , Szlachetko Dariusz L.
Published: December 2016

A close study of Sobralia dorbignyana Rchb. f. revealed that flowers of this species are red, not white as stated in the literature on the subject. We discovered that S. semperflorens Kraenzl., which is commonly treated as a synonym of S. dorbinyana, deserves the status of separate species. We also give a detailed description of S. sobralioides whose representatives are often misidentified as S. dorbignyana. The yellow‐flowered specimens occurring in Ecuador and Peru are described anew as S. flava s. nov. The new species differs from other taxa of this species complex by its larger and differently colored flowers, distinct labellum structure, narrower leaves, etc. Apart from detailed characteristics of all mentioned species, we present detailed drawings of their flowers and information concerning their distribution and ecology (Fig. 1–5). A determination key is also provided.
A systematic review of serious games in asthma education
Authors: Drummond David , Monnier Delphine , Tesnière Antoine , Hadchouel Alice
Published: December 2016

Background

Serious games may be useful tools for asthma education. The objectives of this systematic review were to identify the available articles on serious games designed to educate patients and the general public about asthma and to assess their impact on patient's knowledge, behavior, and clinical outcomes related to asthma.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PsychInfo, and Web of Science were systematically searched from January 1980 to December 2015 for studies investigating serious games in asthma education. Two investigators independently assessed studies against inclusion criteria and rated those included on indicators of quality. Investigators extracted data on serious games’ content and learning objectives, and on outcomes following Kirkpatrick classification.

Results

A total of 12 articles were found to be relevant, describing a total of 10 serious games. All serious games were directed toward children, with eight games for children with asthma and two for school‐based intervention. The average Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument score was 13.9 of 18, which is high. Most of the serious games were associated with high rates of satisfaction and improvement in children's knowledge. Seven studies evaluated the impact of serious games on clinical outcomes and found no significant difference relative to control groups.

Conclusions

Although serious games designed for asthma education have evolved with advances in technology, results of their evaluation remained similar across studies, with clear improvements in knowledge but little or no change in behaviors and clinical outcomes.
Geometric Formulation and Multi‐dark Soliton Solution to the Defocusing Complex Short Pulse Equation
Authors: Feng Bao‐Feng , Maruno Ken‐Ichi , Ohta Yasuhiro
Published: December 2016

In the present paper, we study the defocusing complex short pulse (CSP) equations both geometrically and algebraically. From the geometric point of view, we establish a link of the complex coupled dispersionless (CCD) system with the motion of space curves in Minkowski space, then with the defocusing CSP equation via a hodograph (reciprocal) transformation, the Lax pair is constructed naturally for the defocusing CSP equation. We also show that the CCD system of both the focusing and defocusing types can be derived from the fundamental forms of surfaces such that their curve flows are formulated. In the second part of the paper, we derive the defocusing CSP equation from the single‐component extended Kadomtsev‐Petviashvili (KP) hierarchy by the reduction method. As a by‐product, theN‐dark soliton solution for the defocusing CSP equation in the form of determinants for these equations is provided.
Quantification of surgical margin length changes after excision of feline injection site sarcomas—A pilot study
Authors: Terry Jesse L. , Milovancev Milan , Nemanic Sarah , Löhr Christiane V.
Published: December 2016

Objective

To evaluate degree length change of lateral surgical margins at various stages of processing for histological examination and quantify the length change between grossly normal surgical margins (GNSM) and pathologist‐reported histologic tumor‐free margin (HTFM) in widely resected feline injection site sarcoma (FISS) specimens.

Study Design

Prospective clinical study.

Animals

Five client‐owned cats with injection site sarcomas.

Methods

All cats underwent wide surgical excision (35‐55 mm gross lateral margins, 2 fascial planes deep). Gross normal lateral margin measurements from tumor edge were recorded in 4 directions (cranial, caudal, dorsal, ventral) at 5 time points: intra‐op (in vivo GNSM); immediately following excision (ex vivo GNSM); following formalin fixation (post‐fixation GNSM); after trimming and mounting on glass slides (on‐slide GNSM); and HTFM at the narrowest point from the HTFM from the same slides used for on‐slide GNSM. Percent change in lateral margin length from in vivo measurements was quantified at each time point and compared using 1‐way repeated measures ANOVA.

Results

The largest mean decrease in percent GNSM length occurred immediately after excision (in vivo to ex vivo GNSM = 29%;P = .016). Formalin fixation, trimming, and mounting on slides did not result in additional significant changes in length. Mean HTFM length was significantly decreased compared to both in vivo GNSM (33%;P = .014) and on‐slide GNSM (7%;P = .024).

Conclusion

Significant decreases in surgical margin length in FISS specimens occur immediately following excision (prior to formalin fixation). Subgross evaluation of tumor‐free margins from on‐slide GNSM to HTFM overestimates the actual (histologic) tumor‐free margins.
PEMANFAATAN FUNDAMENTAL SYARIAT DALAM NOVEL KETIKA CINTA BERTASBIH KARYA HABIBURRAHMAN EL-SHIRAZY
Authors: Muhammad Nawawi Mohd Amdi Amzar
Published: December 2016

Novel Ketika Cinta Bertasbih karya Habiburrahman El-Shirazy dianggap sebagai novel pop Islami yang terkemuka di Indonesia dan juga mendapat sambutan yang amat menggalakkan daripada peminat-peminat di Malaysia. Ini disebabkan oleh pengamalan moraliti dan nilai-nilai ketanggung jawaban yang diaplikasikan oleh pengkarya ketika menghasilkan novel ini dengan menitik beratkan fundamental Islami antaranya fundamental syariat yang merupakan asas penting kepada pembentukan tasawur Islami yang syumul. Justeru, makalah ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji dan menganalisis pemanfaatan fundamental syariat yang dilakukan oleh pengarang dalam novel Ketika Cinta Bertasbih. Kajian ini menggunakan reka bentuk analisis kandungan dengan mengaplikasikan pendekatan analisis dokumen sebagai kaedah pengumpulan data yang utama. Hasil kajian ini telah memperlihatkan Habiburrahman selaku pengarang novel ini telah memanfaatkan fundamental syariat melalui pemanfaatan rangka fiksyen yang menepati kerangka hukum hakam yang telah digariskan oleh Islam.
DIALEKTIKA TOKOH-TOKOH FALSAFAH BARAT ZAMAN REVOLUSI SAINS MENGENAI SAINS DAN NILAI
Authors: Alias Mohd Syahmir
Published: December 2016

AbstractScientific Revolution which happened in Europe beginning from 17th to 18th century show the philosophers of science such as Francis Bacon and Immanuel Kant appeared with their ideas to strengthen the scientific methodology. Among the issues being debated is relevance of values towards science. However, different perspectives from these philosophers lead to the dialectic between science and values. This raises a question mark about their arguments and conclusions regarding the issue between science and values. Therefore, this paper aims to identify the outstanding philosophers of science whose involved in such debate from 17th to 18th century AD with their arguments. Next, the paper aims to analyze the relationship among these philosophers and their conception of science and values. Based on the content analysis method used, there are three important findings. First, Francis Bacon, the founder of Western scientific methods reject the practice of confounding superstitions and human biasness in scientific research. Second, there is a clear continuity between the thought of René Descartes, David Hume and Immanuel Kant’s dualism of science, but with different perspectives, i.e. mind-body dualism, fact-value dualism, phenomena-noumena dualism respectively. Third, the arguments of these philosophers of science, especially Kant implied in the concept of value-free scientific research for the following centuries. AbstrakRevolusi Sains yang berlaku di Eropah pada abad ke-17 hingga abad ke-18 Masihi menyaksikan tokoh-tokoh falsafah sains seperti Francis Bacon dan Immanuel Kant tampil bersama idea-idea mereka untuk memantapkan metodologi saintifik. Antara perkara yang dibahaskan ialah perkaitan sains dengan nilai. Walau bagaimanapun, perbezaan pandangan tokoh-tokoh ini membawa kepada dialektika tentang sains dan nilai. Hal ini menimbulkan tanda tanya mengenai hujah-hujah mereka dan kesimpulan yang dibuat berkenaan sains dengan nilai. Justeru, makalah ini ditulis dengan dua tujuan utama. Pertama, mengenal pasti konteks perbahasan sains dan nilai oleh tokoh-tokoh falsafah sains abad ke-17 hingga abad ke-18 yang terlibat. Kedua, menganalisis perkaitan antara pemikiran tokoh-tokoh tersebut berkenaan konsepsi mereka tentang hubungan sains dan nilai. Berdasarkan kaedah analisis kandungan yang digunakan, makalah ini mendapati tiga dapatan penting. Pertama, Francis Bacon selaku pengasas kaedah saintifik Barat menolak amalan campur aduk perkara khurafat dan berat sebelah dalam penyelidikan sains. Kedua, terdapat kesinambungan yang jelas di antara pemikiran René Descartes, David Hume dan Immanuel Kant mengenai dualisme ilmu, namun dari perspektif yang berbeza. Ketiga, hujah-hujah kesemua tokoh falsafah sains tersebut, khususnya Kant memberi implikasi kepada konsep bebas nilai dalam penyelidikan saintifik bagi abad-abad berikutnya.
Model-Based Blind System Identification Approach to Estimation of Central Aortic Blood Pressure Waveform From Noninvasive Diametric Circulatory Signals
Authors: Ghasemi Zahra , Kim Chang-Sei , Ginsberg Eric , Gupta Anuj , Hahn Jin-Oh
Published: December 2016

This paper presents a model-based blind system identification approach to estimation of central aortic blood pressure (BP) waveform from noninvasive diametric circulatory signals. First, we developed a mathematical model to reproduce the relationship between central aortic BP waveform and a class of noninvasive circulatory signals at diametric locations by combining models to represent wave propagation in the artery, arterial pressure–volume relationship, and mechanics of the measurement instrument. Second, we formulated the problem of estimating central aortic BP waveform from noninvasive diametric circulatory signals into a blind system identification problem. Third, we performed identifiability analysis to show that the mathematical model could be identified and its parameters determined up to an unknown scale. Finally, we illustrated the feasibility of the approach by applying it to estimate central aortic BP waveform from two diametric pulse volume recording (PVR) signals. Experimental results from ten human subjects showed that the proposed approach could estimate central aortic BP waveform accurately: the average root-mean-squared error (RMSE) associated with the central aortic BP waveform was 4.1 mm Hg (amounting to 4.5% of the underlying mean BP) while the average errors associated with central aortic systolic pressure (SP) and pulse pressure (PP) were 2.4 mm Hg and 2.0 mm Hg (amounting to 2.5% and 2.1% of the underlying mean BP). The proposed approach may contribute to the improved monitoring of cardiovascular (CV) health by enabling estimation of central aortic BP waveform from conveniently measurable diametric circulatory signals.
Prospective evaluation of Quasistatic Ultrasound Elastography (USE) compared with Baseline US for parotid gland lesions: preliminary results of elasticity contrast index (ECI) evaluation
Authors: Cantisani Vito , David Emanuele , De Virgilio Armando , Sidhu Paul S. , Grazhdani Hektor , Greco Antonio , De Vincentiis Marco , Corsi Alessandro , De Cristofaro Flaminia , Brunese Luca , Calliada Fabrizio , Blandino Alfredo , Tombolini Mario , Ascenti Giorgio , Stramare Roberto , Caratozzolo Marcello , D’Ambrosio Ferdinando
Published: December 2016

Aims: To assess the diagnostic value of elasticity contrast index (ECI) elastography, in comparison with conventional ultrasound for the differentiation of benign and malignant parotid lesions. Material and methods: Sixty-three consecutive patients with parotid gland tumors, treated surgically at a single tertiary center were enrolled. Ultrasound evaluation consisted of B-mode, color-Doppler and quasistatic ultrasound elastography (USE), conducted with the ECI technique. For each lesion the echogenicity, margins, vascularization, and capsulation were considered to determine benign or malignant lesions. Histology was considered the gold standard. Results: Using conventional parameters, the observer suggested malignant lesions in 20 cases and benign lesions in 43 cases (accuracy: 61.8%). ECI>3.5 alone was the most accurate parameter (accuracy: 90.5%), with sensitivity of 93.7% and specificity of 89.4%. However, when combined with the other US criteria, no statistically significant diagnostic accuracy improvement was achieved. Conclusions: Our results show that USE with ECI index measurement can help to discriminate preoperatively benign from malignant lesions, with the exception of pleomorphic adenoma which is stiff. We suggest that USE can be used as an additional tool to conventional US evaluation of salivary gland lesions.
Probed adhesion force of living lung cells with a tip-modified atomic force microscope
Authors: Fu Wei-En , Sivashanmugan Kundan , Liao Jiunn-Der , Lin Ying-Yi , Cheng Kai-Hung , Liu Bernard Haochih , Yan Jun-Jer , Yeh Ming-Hong
Published: December 2016

The mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix play an important role in bio-microenvironment activities. Herein, atomic force microscope (AFM) was used to measure the interaction between Au and Ag nanoparticle (NP) clusters on the surface of human fetal lung cells. Using (3-mercapto-propyl) triethoxysilane (MPTMS), NP clusters were grafted onto the apex of AFM tip, and then, the adhesion force between the tip and the cell was analyzed. The measured adhesion force increased from 92 pN for AFM tip to 332 pN for that modified with MPTMS. The increase is most probably contributed by the nonspecific interactions between the apex of the modified AFM tip and the surface of the cells. The adhesion forces between the surface of NPs clusters grafted AFM tip and that of lung cells were dramatically reduced as NPs clusters were replaced by MPTMS. For the former, as the Au NPs cluster was applied, the adhesion force reached to 122 pN, whereas it significantly augmented with the addition of the cluster's size and dimension on the AFM tip. For the case of Ag cluster grafted on AFM tip, its adhesion force with the surface of the cells significantly lowered and reduced to 56 pN. Presumably, the electrostatic or van der Waals force between the two surfaces results in the variation of measurements. It is also very likely that the cell–surface interactions are probably varied by the nature of the contact surfaces, like the force–distance of attraction. The result is significant for understanding the the nature of the interactions between the surface of NPs and the membrane of lung cells.
A Community-Based Exergaming Physical Activity Program Improves Readiness-to-Change and Self-Efficacy Among Rural-Residing Older Adults
Authors: Sowle Ashleigh J. , Francis Sarah L. , Margrett Jennifer A. , Shelley Mack C. , Franke Warren D.
Published: December 2016

Rural-residing older adults (OA) are not meeting physical activity (PA) recommendations, such that identifying methods of increasing PA among OA remains an ongoing challenge. This study evaluated the effect of a community-based exergaming program on PA readiness-to-change and self-efficacy among rural-residing OA (n = 265). There was a significant (p = .008) increase in readiness-to-change classification from PRE to POST. Significant increases in self-efficacy, or confidence in their ability to be physically active for a prescribed period of time, were detected for 35 (p = .011) and 40 min (p = .035) of continuous PA. PA self-efficacy change for 35 min of continuous PA (F [3,137] = 3.973, p = .010) and 40 min of continuous PA (F [3,137) = 2.893, p = .038) were influenced by the interaction between PRE self-reported health and PRE PA readiness-to-change levels. Results suggest that an exergaming-themed PA intervention is effective at increasing PA participation and self-efficacy for PA among rural-residing OA.
Exploring the Objective and Perceived Environmental Attributes of Older Adults’ Neighborhood Walking Routes: A Mixed Methods Analysis
Authors: Moran Mika R. , Werner Perla , Doron Israel , HaGani Neta , Benvenisti Yael , King Abby C. , Winter Sandra J. , Sheats Jylana L. , Garber Randi , Motro Hadas , Ergon Shlomit
Published: December 2016

Walking is a central form of physical activity among older adults that is associated with the physical environment at various scales. This mixed-methods study employs a concurrent nested design to explore objective and perceived environmental characteristics of older adults’ local walking routes. This was achieved by integrating quantitative Geographic Information System (GIS) data with qualitative data obtained using the Stanford Discovery Tool (DT). Fifty-nine community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults (14 men and 45 women aged 50+) were recruited in a snowball approach through community centers in the city of Haifa (Israel). Four neighborhood environment themes were identified: pedestrian infrastructure, access to destinations, aesthetics, and environmental quality. Both geometrical traits (i.e., distance, slope) and urban features (i.e., land-uses, greenery) of the route may impact the experience of walking. The findings thus highlight the importance of micro-scale environmental elements in shaping environmental perceptions, which may consequently influence the choice of being active.
Toe-in Landing Increases the Ankle Inversion Angle and Moment During Single-Leg Landing: Implications in the Prevention of Lateral Ankle Sprains
Authors: Koshino Yuta , Ishida Tomoya , Yamanaka Masanori , Samukawa Mina , Kobayashi Takumi , Tohyama Harukazu
Published: December 2016

Context:

Identifying the foot positions that are vulnerable to lateral ankle sprains is important for injury prevention. The effects of foot position in the transverse plane on ankle biomechanics during landing are unknown.

Objective:

To examine the effects of toe-in or toe-out positioning on ankle inversion motion and moment during single-leg landing.

Design:

Repeated measures.

Setting:

Motion analysis laboratory.

Participants:

18 healthy participants (9 men and 9 women).

Interventions:

Participants performed single-leg landing trials from a 30-cm high box under 3 conditions: natural landing, foot internally rotated (toe-in), and foot externally rotated (toe-out).

Main Outcome Measures:

4 toe-in or toe-out angles were calculated against 4 reference coordinates (laboratory, pelvis, thigh, and shank) in the transverse plane. Ankle inversion angle, angular velocity, and external moment in the 200 ms after initial foot-to-ground contact were compared between the 3 landing conditions.

Results:

All toe-in or toe-out angles other than those calculated against the shank were significantly different between each of the 3 landing conditions (P < .001). Ankle inversion angle, angular velocity, and moment were highest during toe-in landings (P < .01), while eversion angle and moment were highest during toe-out landings (P < .001). The effect sizes of these differences were large. Vertical ground reaction forces were not different between the 3 landing conditions (P = .290).

Conclusions:

Toe-in or toe-out positioning during single-leg landings impacts on ankle inversion and eversion motion and moment. Athletes could train not to land with the toe-in positioning to prevent lateral ankle sprains.
Effects of a Novel Neurodynamic Tension Technique on Muscle Extensibility and Stretch Tolerance: A Counterbalanced Crossover Study
Authors: Pietrzak Max , Vollaard Niels B.J.
Published: December 2016

Context: Neurodynamic tension affects hamstring extensibility and stretch tolerance and is considered important in hamstring injury management. Neurodynamic tension was postulated to affect segmental muscle extensibility and stretch tolerance and potentially also to demonstrate extrasegmental and contralateral effects. Objectives: To assess the effects of a novel sciatic-tibial neurodynamic tension technique, the modified long sit slump (MLSS), on segmental, extrasegmental, and contralateral muscle extensibility and stretch tolerance. Study Design: Counterbalanced crossover study. Setting: University research laboratory. Participants: 13 healthy and active subjects (mean ± SD age 24 ± 8 y; BMI, 23.1 ± 2.8 kg/m2). Intervention: MLSS application (5 s, 5 repetitions, 3 sets) on 2 occasions with a 3-wk washout period, and either stance- or skill-leg treated in a counterbalanced manner. Main Outcome Measures: Segmental and extrasegmental muscle extensibility was measured using passive straight-leg raise (PSLR) and prone knee bend (PKB) at pre-, immediately post-, and 1 h postintervention. Stretch-intensity ratings were measured using a simple numerical rating scale (SNRS). Results: MLSS significantly increased PSLR and PKB bilaterally (P < .001). The effect for PSLR was greater in the ipsilateral leg compared to the contralateral leg (baseline to 1 h post: +9° ± 6° and +5° ± 5°, respectively, P < .001) but not for PKB (baseline to 1 h post: ipsilateral leg +5° ± 5°, contralateral leg +5° ±  4°). For both PSLR and PKB the effect of the first session was retained at the start of the second session 3 wk later. SNRS data were consistent with increased stretch tolerance. Conclusions: Application of a novel sciatic-tibial neurodynamic tension technique, the MLSS, increases muscle extensibility and stretch tolerance segmentally, extrasegmentally and contralaterally. Level of Evidence: 2C outcomes research.
Bagger–Witten line bundles on moduli spaces of elliptic curves
Authors: Gu Wei , Sharpe Eric
Published: December 2016

In this paper, we discuss Bagger–Witten line bundles over moduli spaces of SCFTs. We review how in general they are “fractional” line bundles, not honest line bundles, twisted on triple overlaps. We discuss the special case of moduli spaces of elliptic curves in detail. There, the Bagger–Witten line bundle does not exist as an ordinary line bundle, but rather is necessarily fractional. As a fractional line bundle, it is nontrivial (though torsion) over the uncompactified moduli stack, and its restriction to the interior, excising corners with enhanced stabilizers, is also fractional. It becomes an honest line bundle on a moduli stack defined by a quotient of the upper half plane by a metaplectic group, rather than [Formula: see text]. We review and compare to results of recent work arguing that well-definedness of the worldsheet metric implies that the Bagger–Witten line bundle admits a flat connection (which includes torsion bundles as special cases), and gives general arguments on the existence of universal structures on moduli spaces of SCFTs, in which superconformal deformation parameters are promoted to nondynamical fields ranging over the SCFT moduli space.
A hydrodynamic approach to the study of anisotropic instabilities in dissipative relativistic plasmas
Authors: Calzetta Esteban , Kandus Alejandra
Published: December 2016

We develop a purely hydrodynamic formalism to describe collisional, anisotropic instabilities in a relativistic plasma, that are usually described with kinetic theory tools. Our main motivation is the fact that coarse-grained models of high particle number systems give more clear and comprehensive physical descriptions of those systems than purely kinetic approaches, and can be more easily tested experimentally as well as numerically. Also they make it easier to follow perturbations from linear to nonlinear regimes. In particular, we aim at developing a theory that describes both a background nonequilibrium fluid configurations and its perturbations, to be able to account for the backreaction of the latter on the former. Our system of equations includes the usual conservation laws for the energy–momentum tensor and for the electric current, and the equations for two new tensors that encode the information about dissipation. To make contact with kinetic theory, we write the different tensors as the moments of a nonequilibrium one-particle distribution function (1pdf) which, for illustrative purposes, we take in the form of a Grad-like ansatz. Although this choice limits the applicability of the formalism to states not far from equilibrium, it retains the main features of the underlying kinetic theory. We assume the validity of the Vlasov–Boltzmann equation, with a collision integral given by the Anderson–Witting prescription, which is more suitable for highly relativistic systems than Marle’s (or Bhatnagar, Gross and Krook) form, and derive the conservation laws by taking its corresponding moments. We apply our developments to study the emergence of instabilities in an anisotropic, but axially symmetric background. For small departures of isotropy we find the dispersion relation for normal modes, which admit unstable solutions for a wide range of values of the parameter space.
Minimizing Cost of Scheduling Tasks on Heterogeneous Multicore Embedded Systems
Authors: Liu Jing , Li Kenli , Zhu Dakai , Han Jianjun , Li Keqin
Published: December 2016

Cost savings are very critical in modern heterogeneous computing systems, especially in embedded systems. Task scheduling plays an important role in cost savings. In this article, we tackle the problem of scheduling tasks on heterogeneous multicore embedded systems with the constraints of time and resources for minimizing the total cost, while considering the communication overhead. This problem is NP-hard and we propose several heuristic techniques—
ISGG
,
RLD
, and
RLDG
—to address the problem. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithms significantly outperform the existing approaches in terms of cost savings.
Automated Real-Time Analysis of Streaming Big and Dense Data on Reconfigurable Platforms
Authors: Rouhani Bita Darvish , Mirhoseini Azalia , Songhori Ebrahim M. , Koushanfar Farinaz
Published: December 2016

We propose SSketch, a novel automated framework for efficient analysis of dynamic big data with dense (non-sparse) correlation matrices on reconfigurable platforms. SSketch targets
streaming
applications where each data sample can be processed only once and storage is severely limited. Our framework adaptively learns from the stream of input data and updates a corresponding ensemble of lower-dimensional data structures, a.k.a., a
sketch matrix
. A new sketching methodology is introduced that tailors the problem of transforming the big data with dense correlations to an ensemble of lower-dimensional subspaces such that it is suitable for hardware-based acceleration performed by reconfigurable hardware. The new method is scalable, while it significantly reduces costly memory interactions and enhances matrix computation performance by leveraging coarse-grained parallelism existing in the dataset. SSketch provides an automated optimization methodology for creating the most accurate data sketch for a given set of user-defined constraints, including runtime and power as well as platform constraints such as memory. To facilitate automation, SSketch takes advantage of a Hardware/Software (HW/SW) co-design approach: It provides an Application Programming Interface that can be customized for rapid prototyping of an arbitrary matrix-based data analysis algorithm. Proof-of-concept evaluations on a variety of visual datasets with more than 11 million non-zeros demonstrate up to a 200-fold speedup on our hardware-accelerated realization of SSketch compared to a software-based deployment on a general-purpose processor.
Selecting Heterogeneous Cores for Diversity
Authors: Tomusk Erik , Dubach Christophe , O'boyle Michael
Published: December 2016

Mobile devices with heterogeneous processors are becoming mainstream. With a heterogeneous processor, the runtime scheduler can pick the best CPU core for a given task based on program characteristics, performance requirements, and power limitations. For a heterogeneous processor to be effective, it must contain a diverse set of cores to match a range of runtime requirements and program behaviors. Selecting a diverse set of cores is, however, a non-trivial problem. Power and performance are dependent on both program features and the microarchitectural features of cores, and a selection of cores must satisfy the competing demands of different types of programs. We present a method of core selection that chooses cores at a range of power-performance points. Our algorithm is based on the observation that it is not necessary for a core to consistently have high performance or low power; one type of core can fulfill different roles for different types of programs. Given a power budget, cores selected with our method provide an average speedup of 6% on EEMBC mobile benchmarks and a 24% speedup on SPEC 2006 integer benchmarks over the state-of-the-art core selection method.
The Memories of NK Cells: Innate-Adaptive Immune Intrinsic Crosstalk
Authors: Gabrielli Sara , Ortolani Claudio , del Zotto Genny , Luchetti Francesca , Canonico Barbara , Buccella Flavia , Artico Marco , Papa Stefano , Zamai Loris
Published: December 2016

Although NK cells are considered part of the innate immune system, a series of evidences has demonstrated that they possess characteristics typical of the adaptive immune system. These NK adaptive features, in particular their memory-like functions, are discussed from an ontogenetic and evolutionary point of view.
Stability of Slopes Reinforced with Truncated Piles
Authors: Sun Shu-Wei , Zhao Fu , Zhang Kui
Published: December 2016

Piles are extensively used as a means of slope stabilization. A novel engineering technique of truncated piles that are unlike traditional piles is introduced in this paper. A simplified numerical method is proposed to analyze the stability of slopes stabilized with truncated piles based on the shear strength reduction method. The influential factors, which include pile diameter, pile spacing, depth of truncation, and existence of a weak layer, are systematically investigated from a practical point of view. The results show that an optimum ratio exists between the depth of truncation and the pile length above a slip surface, below which truncating behavior has no influence on the piled slope stability. This optimum ratio is bigger for slopes stabilized with more flexible piles and piles with larger spacing. Besides, truncated piles are more suitable for slopes with a thin weak layer than homogenous slopes. In practical engineering, the piles could be truncated reasonably while ensuring the reinforcement effect. The truncated part of piles can be filled with the surrounding soil and compacted to reduce costs by using fewer materials.
In Situ Carbon Coated LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 Cathode Material Prepared by Prepolymer of Melamine Formaldehyde Resin Assisted Method
Authors: Yang Wei , Dang Haifeng , Chen Shengzhou , Zou Hanbo , Liu Zili , Lin Jing , Lin Weiming
Published: December 2016

Carbon coated spinel LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 were prepared by spray-drying using prepolymer of melamine formaldehyde resin (PMF) as carbon source of carbon coating layer. The PMF carbon coated LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 was characterized by XRD, SEM, and other electrochemical measurements. The as-prepared lithium nickel manganese oxide has the cubic face-centered spinel structure with a space group of Fd3m. It showed good electrochemical performance as a cathode material for lithium ion battery. After 100 discharge and charge cycles at 0.5 C rate, the specific discharge capacity of carbon coated LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 was 130 mAh·g−1, and the corresponding capacity retention was 98.8%. The 100th cycle specific discharge capacity at 10 C rate of carbon coated LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 was 105.4 mAh·g−1, and even the corresponding capacity retention was 95.2%.
Application of HF Radar in Hazard Management
Authors: Heron Mal , Gomez Roberto , Weber Bernd , Dzvonkovskaya Anna , Helzel Thomas , Thomas Nicolas , Wyatt Lucy
Published: December 2016

A review is given of the impact that HF radars are having on the management of coastal hazards. Maps of surface currents can be produced every 10–20 minutes which, in real time, improve navigation safety in restricted areas commonly found near ports and harbours. The time sequence of surface current maps enables Lagrangian tracking of small parcels of surface water, which enables hazard mitigation in managing suspended sediments in dredging, in emergency situations where flotsam and other drifting items need to be found, and in pollution control. The surface current measurement capability is used to assist tsunami warnings as shown by the phased-array data from Chile following the Great Tohoku Earthquake in 2011. The newly launched Tsunami Warning Center in Oman includes a network of phased-array HF radars to provide real-time tsunami monitoring. Wind direction maps can be used to locate the position of cold fronts in the open ocean and to monitor the timing and strength of sea-breeze fronts in key locations.
Making Image More Energy Efficient for OLED Smart Devices
Authors: Li Deguang , Guo Bing , Shen Yan , Li Junke , Huang Yanhui
Published: December 2016

Now, more and more mobile smart devices are emerging massively; energy consumption of these devices has become an important consideration due to the limitation of battery capacity. Displays are the dominant energy consuming component of battery-operated devices, giving rise to organic light-emitting diode (OLED) as a new promising display technology, which consumes different power when displaying different content due to their emissive nature. Based on this property, we propose an approach to improve image energy efficiency on OLED displays by perceiving image content. The key idea of our approach is to eliminate undesired details while preserving the region of interest of the image by leveraging the color and spatial information. First, we use edge detection algorithm to extract region of interest (ROI) of an image. Next, we gradually change luminance and saturation of region of noninterest (NON-ROI) of the image. Then we perform detailed experiment and case study to validate our approach; experiment results show that our approach can save 22.5% energy on average while preserving high quality of the image.
ANA-Negative Presentation of SLE in Man with Severe Autoimmune Neutropenia
Authors: Zhao Melissa
Published: December 2016

Background. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, inflammatory, connective tissue disease that commonly affects the joints and a variety of organs due to an overactivation of the body’s immune system. There is wide heterogeneity in presentation of SLE patients, including lung, central nervous system, skin, kidney, and hematologic manifestations.Case Presentation. We report a case of atypical manifestation of SLE in a 53-year-old man who presented with neutropenic fever. Physical findings of interest included oral ulcers on the lower lip, a malar-like rash across the bridge of the nose, and a discoid-like rash on extensor surfaces of the elbows and knees. Labs include ANC <100, weakly positive anti-dsDNA, negative ANA, ferritin 1237 ng/mL, low C3/C4, and positive direct Coombs’ test. A thorough workup for infection and hematologic malignancy was negative. Two days after initiation of therapy with 25 mg IV solumedrol twice a day, the patient’s daily fevers resolved. ANC drastically improved to 2000 after two weeks of steroid treatment. He was later found to have a high titer of anti-neutrophil antibodies.Discussion. Autoimmune leukopenia is a common presentation in SLE, occurring in 50–60% of patients. Severe autoimmune neutropenia is uncommon and may correlate with high anti-neutrophil antibody activity despite a negative ANA. As neutropenia is usually mild, there are currently no guidelines for therapy. For our patient, we started him on low dose IV solumedrol and found that he responded drastically to treatment. Given strongly positive nonspecific anti-neutrophil antibodies in the setting of a negative ANA noted in our patient, it is likely that there are other currently unknown antibodies associated with SLE which may correlate strongly with autoimmune neutropenia.
Exploratory Factor Analysis for Validating Traditional Chinese Syndrome Patterns of Chronic Atrophic Gastritis
Authors: Zhang Yin , Zhou Ajian , Liu Yue , Zhao Ying , Zhang Li , Sun Leilei , Du Shiyu , Yang Qiang , Song Xin , Liang Chaoyang , Ding Xia
Published: December 2016

Background. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has long been used to treat chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the TCM syndrome characteristics of CAG and its core pathogenesis so as to promote optimization of treatment strategies. Methods. This study was based on a participant survey conducted in 4 hospitals in China. Patients diagnosed with CAG were recruited by simple random sampling. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted on syndrome extraction. Results. Common factors extracted were assigned to six syndrome patterns: qi deficiency, qi stagnation, blood stasis, phlegm turbidity, heat, and yang deficiency. Distribution frequency of all syndrome patterns showed that qi deficiency, qi stagnation, blood stasis, phlegm turbidity, and heat excess were higher (76.7%–84.2%) compared with yang deficiency (42.5%). Distribution of main syndrome patterns showed that frequencies of qi deficiency, qi stagnation, phlegm turbidity, heat, and yang deficiency were higher (15.8%–20.8%) compared with blood stasis (8.3%). Conclusions. The core pathogenesis of CAG is combination of qi deficiency, qi stagnation, blood stasis, phlegm turbidity, heat, and yang deficiency. Therefore, treatment strategy of herbal prescriptions for CAG should include herbs that regulate qi, activate blood, resolve turbidity, clear heat, remove toxin, and warm yang.
The Role of Liuwei Dihuang Pills and Ginkgo Leaf Tablets in Treating Diabetic Complications
Authors: Zhao Yue , Yu Jiangyi , Liu Jingshun , An Xiaofei
Published: December 2016

Objective. To observe the clinical prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy of Liuwei Dihuang Pills and Ginkgo Leaf Tablets for type 2 diabetic vascular complications. Methods. It was a randomized, double‐blind and placebo‐controlled clinical trial. 140 outpatients with type 2 diabetes were recruited and randomly divided into the treatment group and control group. The two groups were given basic therapy (management of blood sugar, blood pressure, etc.). Additionally, the treatment group was given Liuwei Dihuang Pills and Ginkgo Leaf Tablets, while the control group was given Liuwei Dihuang Pills and Ginkgo Leaf Tablets placebos. All subjects were followed up for consecutive 36 months and observed monthly. The clinical data as urinary microalbumin to urinary creatinine ratio (Umalb/cr), carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT), diabetic nephropathy (DN) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) prevalence, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, blood glucose, and blood pressure were collected and analyzed statistically. Results. After 36‐month treatment, the Umalb/cr level and DN and DR prevalence in treatment group were all significantly lower than control group (P < 0.05). However, the IMT level and the incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions. Liuwei Dihuang Pills and Ginkgo Leaf Tablets are beneficial to diabetic microvascular complications, while the efficacy to diabetic macrovascular complications needs more observations.
Lower Expression of SPRY4 Predicts a Poor Prognosis and Regulates Cell Proliferation in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Zhou Xiaoling , Xie Sheng , Yuan Chunluan , Jiang Li , Huang Xiaoyan , Li Liumei , Chen Yan , Luo Lichuan , Zhang Jianxuan , Wang Daogang , Liu Lijian , Shi Wei , Han Liang , Tang Nong , Ji Yunxi
Published: December 2016

Background/Aims: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common type of cancer worldwide. Sprouty proteins are modulators of mitogeninduced signal transduction processes and therefore can influence the process of cancerogenesis. The encoded protein of Sprouty homolog 4 (SPRY4) is associated with various human cancers. However, its biological role and clinical significance in CRC development and progression are unknown. Methods: The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression and biological role of SPRY4 in colorectal cancer. qRT-PCR was performed to investigate the expression of SPRY4 in tumor tissues and corresponding non tumor colorectal tissues from 70 patients. The effect of SPRY4 on proliferation was evaluated by MTT and colony formation assays. CRC cells transfected with SPRY4 were injected into nude mice to study the effect of SPRY4 on tumorigenesis in vivo. Results: The lower expression of SPRY4 was remarkably correlated with deep tumor invasion and advanced TNM stage. Multivariate analyses revealed that SPRY4 expression served as an independent predictor for overall survival. Using 5-aza treatment, we also observed that SPRY4 expression can be affected by DNA methylation. Further experiments revealed that overexpressed SPRY4 significantly inhibited CRC cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that SPRY4 is involved in the development and progression of colorectal cancer by regulating cell proliferation and shows that SPRY4 may be a potential diagnostic and prognostic target in patients with colorectal cancer.
The Clinicopathological Significance of Epigenetic Silencing of VHL Promoter and Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yang Lei , Zhao Ziyi , Zhao Shasha , Chen Chen , Cong Xiaofeng , Li Zhi , Ren Meng
Published: December 2016

Background/Aims: Von Hippel-Lindau gene (VHL) has been reported as a tumor-suppressor gene in some cancers. However, the association between VHL promoter hypermethylation and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains to be clarified. We are the first to systematically integrate published papers to assess the role of hypermethylated VHL in RCC. Methods: The potential relevant papers were searched via PubMed, Embase, EBSCO, CNKI, and Wanfang databases. The overall odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated to evaluate the relationship between VHL promoter hypermethylation and RCC. Results: Finally, a total of 1,998 RCC patients and 294 controls from 13 eligible articles were included in this meta-analysis. Under the fixed-effects model, the pooled OR from seven studies including 596 RCC and 294 nonmalignant samples showed that VHL promoter hypermethylation was significantly higher in cancer than in controls (OR = 7.93, 95% CI = 2.84- 22.15, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis based on ethnic population and testing method revealed that hypermethylated VHL had a significantly similar OR value in different races and detection methodologies. No significant association was found between hypermethylated VHL and tumor grade, tumor stage, tumor size, histological types, and lymph node status in cancer (all P > 0.05). In the current study, there was no evidence of publication bias as determined by Egger's test (all P > 0.05). Conclusions: In the investigated patients, VHL promoter hypermethylation, which may play an important role in carcinogenesis of RCC, is significantly associated with an increased risk of RCC. However, VHL promoter hypermethylation is not correlated with specific clinicopathological characteristics. Additional future studies are needed to confirm our results.