bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managing Longevity Risk by Implementing Sustainable Full Retirement Age Policies
Authors: Stevens Ralph
Published: June 2016

In this article, we investigate the effect of five policies to link the retirement age to (forecasted) survival probabilities. We investigate the effect of these policies on the distribution of the (future) full retirement age and on longevity risk in the discounted future payments. Our investigated policies effectively hedge longevity risk, but do lead to substantial uncertainty in the retirement age and the expected number of years in retirement. We find that policies based on present values lead to a higher annuity factor than policies based on expected remaining years in retirement. Our results can explain the differences between the proposed automatic rule to adjust the full retirement age in the United Kingdom (defined contribution pension schemes) and the Netherlands (defined benefit pension schemes).
Decomposing Asymmetric Information in China's Automobile Insurance Market
Authors: Gao Feng , Powers Michael R. , Wang Jun
Published: June 2016

Distinguishing between adverse selection and moral hazard is a difficult but important issue in insurance economics. In the present work, we model and evaluate the distinct roles of adverse selection, ex ante moral hazard, and ex post moral hazard in China's automobile insurance market. Our econometric analysis supports the following conclusions: (1) the effect of asymmetric information on the probability of claims is significant; (2) the effect of ex ante moral hazard on the probability of claims is not significant, establishing adverse selection as the underlying source of information asymmetry; (3) the effect of asymmetric information (including ex ante moral hazard) on the severity of claims is not significant; and (4) the impact of ex post moral hazard on claim severity is significant for a subset of lower‐coverage policyholders. Consequently, it may be advisable for Chinese automobile insurance companies to allocate greater resources to both underwriting (i.e., selecting policyholders) and auditing claims.
Going smoke‐free: attitudes of mental health professionals to policy change
Authors: Magor‐Blatch L. E. , Rugendyke A. R.
Published: June 2016

Accessible summary

What is known on the subject?

While smoking rates within the general population in Australia are dropping, 32% of Australians with a mental illness smoke, increasing to 73% among those with severe or chronic mental illness.

In Australia and elsewhere, smoking bans within mental health facilities have been implemented.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge?

We surveyed 98 mental health professionals in Australia to gather information on attitudes toward smoke‐free policies in mental health/psychiatric units within Australia.

While previous research has sought information on agreement or disagreement with smoking‐bans, very little research has been conducted focusing on attitudes held by mental health professionals towards smoke‐free policies.

This study utilized a mixed‐methods approach in which the qualitative data provides a rich source of information to assist in developing programmes or interventions to influence attitudes and therefore change behaviours of mental health professionals.

What are the implications for practice?

This paper can be useful in providing a better understanding of the theories linking smoking and mental illness, and the common ‘myths’ which influence attitudes to smoking cessation in clinical populations.

Results will influence the development of training and education resources for mental health practitioners, and particularly for nursing staff working within psychiatric facilities, in relation to smoking cessation.

Importantly, this issue has implications in the areas of policy planning and development, education relating to smoking behaviour and smoking cessation programmes, together with holistic health care.

Introduction

Mental health units in Australia and internationally are increasingly implementing smoke‐free policies. Due to the high prevalence of smoking among clinical populations, this has become an important research area.

Purpose of study

This study explored the attitudes of mental health professionals toward smoke‐free policies in mental health units within Australia.

Method

Using an online survey design, 98 Australian mental health professionals participated in the study.

Results

Results indicated that only 25.5% agreed with a total smoking ban. Although supporting smoke‐free initiatives within the wider community, participants commonly held attitudes that were unsupportive of smoking bans, and indicated beliefs inconsistent with a smoke‐free policy for clinical populations.

Discussion

Results suggest the need for appropriate staff education and training regarding smoking behaviours and risks, and smoking cessation treatments for clinical populations if smoke‐free policies are to be successfully implemented.

Implications for practice

Findings suggest important implications for holistic mental health care, staff education and training, as well as policy, planning and development, particularly in relation to this treatment group, who are likely to have entered a psychiatric unit in crisis.
In situ starch and crude protein degradation in the rumen and in vitro gas production kinetics of wheat genotypes
Authors: Seifried N. , Steingass H. , Hoffmann N. , Rodehutscord M.
Published: June 2016

The objective of this study was to determine the variation of in situ ruminal degradation characteristics of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and starch (ST), and to determine the effective degradation (ED) of wheat genotypes. Further, multivariate associations of these in situ values with their corresponding in vitro gas production (GP) kinetics and laboratory measurements were evaluated using correlation and multiple linear regression analyses. Grains of 20 genotypes of wheat were characterized by proximate constituents, amino acid (AA) composition and physical characteristics. Ruminal degradation kinetics were determined by in situ degradation of DM, CP and ST, and subsequent evaluation of in vitro GP relative to time courses. In situ and GP measurements were fitted to an exponential equation, and ED was calculated using passage rates in the rumen of 5%/h (ED5) and 8%/h (ED8). To predict ED8 of CP (EDCP8) and ST (EDST8), correlations were evaluated and stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were applied. Estimated degradation parameters varied considerably between wheat genotypes irrespective of the nutrient tested. Variance in a, b and c was not reflected in the variation of the ED, due to high degradation rates (c). The assumed passage rate also impacted estimation of the ED minimally. Estimated GP parameters varied only slightly among wheat genotypes. Nevertheless, regression models explained up to 80 and 99% of the variance in EDCP8 and EDST8, respectively, and associations between EDST8 and EDCP8 and chemical and physical characteristics of grains were detected. As ST is the primary nutrient in wheat grains and can comprise substantial portions of dairy rations, the total amount of ST as well as its ED in the rumen should be taken into account when wheat is incorporated into dairy rations. Conversely, variance in wheat grain CP degradation was very low and can largely be neglected in practical ration formulation for ruminants.
Influence of Breed Size, Age, Fecal Quality, and Enteropathogen Shedding on Fecal Calprotectin and Immunoglobulin A Concentrations in Puppies During the Weaning Period
Authors: Grellet A. , Heilmann R.M. , Polack B. , Feugier A. , Boucraut‐Baralon C. , Grandjean D. , Grützner N. , Suchodolski J. S. , Steiner J.M. , Chastant‐Maillard S.
Published: June 2016

Background

Fecal calprotectin and immunoglobulin A (IgA) are markers of intestinal inflammation and immunity in adult dogs.

Hypothesis

Fecal calprotectin and IgA concentrations in puppies are not influenced by fecal moisture in puppies but by enteropathogen shedding.

Animals

Three hundred and twenty‐four puppies.

Methods

Fecal consistency was assessed by gross examination. Fecal moisture was evaluated before and after lyophilization. Canine parvovirus and coronavirus were detected in feces by qPCR and qRT‐PCR respectively. Giardia intestinalis antigen was quantified by ELISA. The standard McMaster flotation technique was used to detect eggs and oocysts in feces. Fecal calprotectin and IgA concentrations were quantified by in‐house radioimmunoassays.

Results

For each marker (IgA and calprotectin), a strong positive correlation was observed between concentration in fresh feces and concentration in fecal dry matter. 75.6% of the puppies were found to be infected by at ≥1 of the enteropathogens evaluated. Fecal calprotectin concentration was significantly influenced by age (P = .001), with higher concentrations in younger puppies, but not by viral (P = .863) or parasitic infection (P = .791). Fecal IgA concentration was significantly influenced by enteropathogen shedding (P = .01), with a lower fecal IgA concentration in puppies shedding at ≥1 enteropathogen compared to puppies without any enteropathogen shedding, but not by age.

Conclusions

Fecal calprotectin and IgA are of no diagnostic value to detect presence of enteropathogens in clinically healthy puppies or puppies with abnormal feces, but could help to better understand the maturation of digestive tract.
Mutational analysis of the Aspergillus ambient pH receptor PalH underscores its potential as a target for antifungal compounds
Authors: Lucena‐Agell Daniel , Hervás‐Aguilar América , Múnera‐Huertas Tatiana , Pougovkina Olga , Rudnicka Joanna , Galindo Antonio , Tilburn Joan , Arst Herbert N. , Peñalva Miguel A.
Published: June 2016

The pal/RIM ambient pH signalling pathway is crucial for the ability of pathogenic fungi to infect hosts. The Aspergillus nidulans 7‐TMD receptor PalH senses alkaline pH, subsequently facilitating ubiquitination of the arrestin PalF. Ubiquitinated PalF triggers downstream signalling events. The mechanism(s) by which PalH transduces the alkaline pH signal to PalF is poorly understood. We show that PalH is phosphorylated in a signal dependent manner, resembling mammalian GPCRs, although PalH phosphorylation, in contrast to mammalian GPCRs, is arrestin dependent. A genetic screen revealed that an ambient‐exposed region comprising the extracellular loop connecting TM4‐TM5 and ambient‐proximal residues within TM5 is required for signalling. In contrast, substitution by alanines of four aromatic residues within TM6 and TM7 results in a weak ‘constitutive’ activation of the pathway. Our data support the hypothesis that PalH mechanistically resembles mammalian GPCRs that signal via arrestins, such that the relative positions of individual helices within the heptahelical bundle determines the Pro316‐dependent transition between inactive and active PalH conformations, governed by an ambient‐exposed region including critical Tyr259 that potentially represents an agonist binding site. These findings open the possibility of screening for agonist compounds stabilizing the inactive conformation of PalH, which might act as antifungal drugs against ascomycetes.
Characterization of ApB73, a virulence factor important for colonization ofZea maysby the smutUstilago maydis
Authors: Stirnberg Alexandra , Djamei Armin
Published: June 2016

The biotrophic fungusUstilago maydis, the causal agent of corn smut disease, uses numerous small secreted effector proteins to suppress plant defence responses and reshape the host metabolism. However, the role of specific effectors remains poorly understood. Here, we describe the identification of ApB73 (Apathogenic in B73), an as yet uncharacterized protein essential for the successful colonization of maize byU. maydis. We show thatapB73is transcriptionally induced during the biotrophic stages of the fungal life cycle. The deletion of theapB73gene results in cultivar‐specific loss of gall formation in the host. The ApB73 protein is conserved among closely related smut fungi. However, using virulence assays, we show that only the orthologue of the maize‐infecting head smutSporisorium reilianumcan complement the mutant phenotype ofU. maydis. Although microscopy shows that ApB73 is secreted into the biotrophic interface, it seems to remain associated with fungal cell wall components or the fungal plasma membrane. Taken together, the results show that ApB73 is a conserved and important virulence factor ofU. maydisthat localizes to the interface between the pathogen and its hostZea mays.
Communication with former romantic partners and current relationship outcomes among college students
Authors: RODRIGUEZ LINDSEY M. , ØVERUP CAMILLA S. , WICKHAM ROBERT E. , KNEE C. RAYMOND , AMSPOKER AMBER B.
Published: June 2016

This research investigates individual and contextual differences underlying postdissolution friendships by considering communication with former romantic partners among individuals in new romantic relationships. Two studies demonstrate the prevalence, determinants, and implications of former partner communication for the current relationship. Study 1 showed that approximately 40% of individuals in relationships communicate with a former partner and highlighted differences between those who communicate and those who do not. Study 2 factor analyzed reasons why people communicate with former partners and examined how the reasons are differentially associated with current relationship functioning. In general, results support the notion that under certain circumstances and for certain individuals, communication with former partners can have deleterious influences on one's current relationship.
Identifying Optimal Approaches to Early Termination in Two-Stage Biomarker Validation Studies
Authors: Kaizer Alexander M. , Koopmeiners Joseph S.
Published: June 2016

Group sequential study designs have been proposed as an approach to conserve resources in biomarker validation studies. Typically, group sequential study designs allow both ‘early termination to reject the null hypothesis’ and ‘early termination for futility’ if there is evidence against the alternative hypothesis. In contrast, several researchers have advocated for using group sequential study designs that allow only early termination for futility in biomarker validation studies because of the desire to obtain a precise estimate of marker performance at study completion. This suggests a loss function that heavily weights the precision of the estimate that is obtained at study completion at the expense of an increased sample size when there is strong evidence against the null hypothesis. We propose a formal approach to comparing designs that allow early termination for futility, superiority or both by developing a loss function that incorporates the expected sample size under the null and alternative hypotheses, as well as the mean-squared error of the estimate that is obtained at study completion. We then use our loss function to compare several candidate designs and derive optimal two-stage designs for a recently reported validation study of a novel prostate cancer biomarker.
Variegated Hughes: Rereading Langston Hughes's Soviet Sojourn
Authors: BALDWIN KATE
Published: June 2016

This essay rereads Langston Hughes's essay on the Uzbek Harem in the context of its publication in Women's Home Companion (WHC). It pursues questions prompted by reading Hughes's essay alongside the images that accompanied it, Andre Durenceau's powerful full‐scale illustrations, and in the publishing context of the essay more generally. The essay focuses on the way a vanguard political mood and an accompanying aesthetics work in tandem or at odds with one another in the formation of a reading public. I argue that while Durenceau's spectacular image does one thing, evoking standard orientalist clichés about veiled women and the exotic near east, Hughes's essay purports to do quite another. Depicting both the voluptuous scene of Uzbek harem life, and unveiling it for the reader, Hughes's words constitute a mode of action, but they also contribute to what we might call, a particular mode of engagement. For Hughes it was the revolutionary promise of Soviet politics and a relatedly transformed aesthetic potentiality that inspired him to hop on what he called the “ark” heading to the USSR. But what happens to this mode of engagement when it is turned back home, repackaged in a woman's magazine directed at white, relatively affluent (for the 1930s) readers? My essay argues that although Hughes may have tried to captivate his reader with the wonders of a revolutionary, emancipated future for women, his words also enabled the woman reading WHC to imagine that her own captivity was surely superior to that of a bygone era.
Expression of VEGFR and PDGFR‐α/‐βin 187 canine nasal carcinomas
Authors: Gramer I. , Killick D. , Scase T. , Chandry D. , Marrington M. , Blackwood L.
Published: June 2016

Radiotherapy represents the standard of care for intranasal carcinomas. Responses to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been reported but data on expression of target receptor tyrosine kinases (rTKs) is limited. This study characterizes the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), platelet‐derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)‐α and PDGFR‐β in canine intranasal carcinomas. Histological samples from 187 dogs were retrieved. Immunohistochemistry was performed using commercially available antibodies. Expression of rTKs was classified into weak, moderate or intense and additionally recorded as cytoplasmic, membranous, cytoplasmic‐membranous, nuclear or stromal. VEGFR was expressed in 158 dogs with predominantly moderate expression (36.9%) and a cytoplasmic‐membranous expression pattern (70.9%). PDGFR‐α was detected in 133 with predominantly weak expression (57.9%) and cytoplasmic pattern (87.9%). PDGFR‐β was identified in 74 patients with a predominantly moderate expression (17.6%) and cytoplasmic expression pattern (63.5%). Co‐expression of rTKs was common. These results confirm expression of VEGFR, PDGFR‐α and PDGFR‐β in canine intranasal carcinomas and support the utility of TKIs.
A Novel Imaging System Distinguishes Neoplastic from Normal Tissue During Resection of Soft Tissue Sarcomas and Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs
Authors: Bartholf DeWitt Suzanne , Eward William C. , Eward Cindy A. , Lazarides Alexander L. , Whitley Melodi Javid , Ferrer Jorge M. , Brigman Brian E. , Kirsch David G. , Berg John
Published: June 2016

Objective

To assess the ability of a novel imaging system designed for intraoperative detection of residual cancer in tumor beds to distinguish neoplastic from normal tissue in dogs undergoing resection of soft tissue sarcoma (STS) and mast cell tumor (MCT).

Study Design

Non‐randomized prospective clinical trial.

Animals

12 dogs with STS and 7 dogs with MCT.

Methods

A fluorescent imaging agent that is activated by proteases in vivo was administered to the dogs 4–6 or 24–26 hours before tumor resection. During surgery, a handheld imaging device was used to measure fluorescence intensity within the cancerous portion of the resected specimen and determine an intensity threshold for subsequent identification of cancer. Selected areas within the resected specimen and tumor bed were then imaged, and biopsies (n=101) were obtained from areas that did or did not have a fluorescence intensity exceeding the threshold. Results of intraoperative fluorescence and histology were compared.

Results

The imaging system correctly distinguished cancer from normal tissue in 93/101 biopsies (92%). Using histology as the reference, the sensitivity and specificity of the imaging system for identification of cancer in biopsies were 92% and 92%, respectively. There were 10/19 (53%) dogs which exhibited transient facial erythema soon after injection of the imaging agent which responded to but was not consistently prevented by intravenous diphenhydramine.

Conclusion

A fluorescence‐based imaging system designed for intraoperative use can distinguish canine soft tissue sarcoma (STS) and mast cell tumor (MCT) tissue from normal tissue with a high degree of accuracy. The system has potential to assist surgeons in assessing the adequacy of tumor resections during surgery, potentially reducing the risk of local tumor recurrence. Although responsive to antihistamines, the risk of hypersensitivity needs to be considered in light of the potential benefits of this imaging system in dogs.
OPTIMAL OFF POINT DETERMINATION IN ELECTRICAL POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM USING RISK ASSESSMENT
Authors: Abdullah Ahmad Zaidi , Hanafi Noor Hasnizam , Azizan Nurhafiza , Amlus Mohammad Harith
Published: June 2016

In normal operation of distribution systems, protection systems are important for reliability and efficiency measures. For reliability enhancement of primary loop distribution systems, off points are normally located in midway between substations. Off point in networks allow the continued supply of electric to customer during faults as the feeder is separated into two sections, between two substations. Once a fault is cleared, then the faulted section can be reconfigured to accept supply from the unfaulted section. This is known as load restoration in network distribution system. Currently, off points are allocated using load flows and based on the engineer’s experience. However this method does not optimize the reliability to customers, as it does not take into account the risk allocation to customers. To overcome this, the research proposed a risk-based analysis, which can determine an optimal off point location. The analysis used a real network between PMU Kota Setar and PMU Kota Sarang Semut, Kedah, Malaysia. Actual field data from varying utilities were used for completion of this project. Six scenarios were developed to get a clear view of the total impact of risk with varying locations of off point. It is shown that the method proposed in this project gives a better indication for the optimal determination off point in electrical power distribution systems compared to the commonly used method.
IMPROVED INDIRECT FIELD-ORIENTED CONTROL OF INDUCTION MOTOR DRIVE BASED PSO ALGORITHM
Authors: Abd Ali Jamal , Hannan M A , Mohamed Azah
Published: June 2016

Optimization techniques are increasingly used in research to improve the control of three-phase induction motor (TIM). Indirect field-oriented control (IFOC) scheme is employed to improve the efficiency and enhance the performance of variable speed control of TIM drives. The space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) technique is used for switching signals in a three-phase bridge inverter to minimize harmonics in the output signals of the inverter. In this paper, a novel scheme based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is proposed to improve the variable speed control of IFOC in TIM. The PSO algorithm is used to search the best values of parameters of proportional-integral (PI) controller (proportional gain (kp) and integral gain (ki)) for each speed controller and voltage controller to improve the speed response for TIM. An optimal PI controller-based objective function is also used to tune and minimize the mean square error (MSE). Results of all tests verified the robustness of the PSO-PI controller for speed response in terms of damping capability, fast settling time, steady state error, and transient responses under different conditions of mechanical load and speed.
PREDICTION OF SHIELDING EFFECTIVENESS OF CEMENT-GRAPHITE POWDER USING ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK
Authors: Yee See Khee , Dahlan Samsul Haimi , Mohd Jenu Mohd Zarar , Kiong Sia Chee
Published: June 2016

This paper presents the method to predict the shielding effectiveness of cement powder mixed with different amount of graphite powder. Cement mixed with different percentage of graphite is prepared. Their dielectric constant and loss tangent are measured based on the transmission/reflection technique using APC7 connector. The measured data is fed into Artificial Neural Network (ANN) for training. When the training process is completed the neural network is used to predict the dielectric constant and loss tangent of cement-graphite mixture that contains different amount of graphite. The comparison shows that the trained neural network is very successful to predict the dielectric constant and loss tangent of cement-graphite mixture. The proposed graphical user interface has made the process of shielding effectiveness prediction becomes more user friendly especially for those designers who are not familiar with the analytical calculation of shielding effectiveness and dielectric measurement.
DEVELOPMENT OF A FLICKING SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING CALCIUM ALGINATE MICROBEADS
Authors: Wong Soon Chuan , Soon Chin Fhong , Leong Wai Yean , Tee Kian Sek
Published: June 2016

Microencapsulation of cells for various applications is attracting increasing interest. A variety of microencapsulation technology has been developed to produce cells encapsulation. However, previous microencapsulation systems were associated with complex design, high voltage supply, requirements of post cleaning process and large volume of reagents. In this paper, we proposed the development of a flicking device for generating a 3D cell model in calcium alginate microbeads that has potential for pharmacological test and tissue implants. A flicking system based on a flicking device and a syringe pump has been developed for generation of calcium alginate microbeads.  The size of the microbeads produced using this system can be controlled by changing the flow rate (5 to 15 µl/min) of the syringe pump and fixing the motor rotation speed of the flicking device at 90 rpm. The calcium alginate microbeads produced using the flicking device were shown to be size controllable (270 to 430 µm) and suitable for microencapsulation.
COMPRESSED SYNTHETIC APERTURE RADAR IMAGING BASED ON MAXWELL EQUATION
Authors: Arief Rahmat , Sudiana Dodi , Ramli Kalamullah
Published: June 2016

Within few years backward, researches had presented the ability of compressive sensing to handle the large data problem on high resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging. The main issue on CS framework that should be dealt with the SAR imaging is on the requirement of linearization on the measurement system. This paper proposes a new approach on formulating the compressed SAR echo imaging system which is derived from the Maxwell’s equations with continuous signal along the SAR antenna movement. Born approximation is applied to approximate the linear form of the SAR echo imaging system. In addition, the compressed sampling is formed by reducing the sampling rate of received radar signals randomly simultaneously on both of low sampling of fast time and slow time signals and by reducing the pulse period interval of transmitted signals. The simulation’s result shows that a better focused reconstructed sparse target can be achieved compared with the conventional match filter based Range Doppler (RD) method.
ACCESSING PSTN INTELLIGENT NETWORK FUNCTIONS FOR A DATA CALL
Authors: Heshani Baptist Kalya , Amila U Kottage , Tilani Gunawardena
Published: June 2016

As Telecommunication has become a basic requirement of the today’s society there had been a vast increase of competition between the telecommunication service providers. Every service provider tries to cater the customers the best services for the lowest charges. Customers have the expectation of receiving the most recent technologies for the cheapest cost. Triple play (voice, data, content) is becoming everyone’s requirement today in communication. Voice over IP (VoIP) comes handy in considering Triple play. The design presents in the paper is an approach developed for a company that holds an Internet Service Provider (ISP) license from the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) for island-wide coverage. The said company is a subsidiary of the leading Telecommunication provider of the nation. The problem faced here by the subsidiary is finding the capital cost to provide this highly exclusive IN (Intelligent Network) services to the customers in their initiation phase to cope with the existing competition. As an optimum solution, came up with the idea of accessing existing legacy PSTN core network of the leading telecommunication service provider which enhances most of the highly exclusive services. The system presented in the paper is a small model of an existing network that allows online billing facility for data calls as an IN facility.
ENHANCED BUILDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM USING X-10 PLC WITH GAS SENSOR ANOMALY DETECTION
Authors: E. Dulay Ann , Vincent Ang Lyndon , Justin Cruz Darren , Neilsen P. Sy Ralph , We Tan Chong
Published: June 2016

This paper demonstrates a Building Management System that uses X-10 PLC, sensors, actuators, and microcontroller to control the lighting, the electrical outlets and switches depending on several conditions inherent to BMS. The unique feature of this BMS is the anticipation of an anomaly in the gas sensor like disconnection during renovation or malfunction which makes it inoperable thus exposing the tenants or occupants of the premises to unbeknown hazards. If an anomaly exists, the switches and the outlets are disabled so as not to cause arcing which is the common source of ignition for the leaked LPG gas. Another unique feature of this system is that it does not need to install new wiring since X-10 PLC uses the electrical wires as the communications medium.
VEHICLE COUNTING AND CLASSIFICATION FOR TRAFFIC DATA ACQUISITION
Authors: Pratama Yohanssen , Nugraha IGB Baskara , Samosir Eka Trisno
Published: June 2016

With current traffic condition in Indonesia where congestion and overloaded road capacity become a serious issue, we need more advanced traffic monitoring system to manage and monitor the traffic condition. In this paper, we propose a method and technique to collect the traffic data automatically by using charge-coupled device (CCD) camera as a sensor. The traffic data were collected by using the counting method that proposed and existing image processing methods in computer vision (background subtraction and tracking). Background subtraction is being used here for background modeling and detect object. After the vehicle can be detected as an object we used the two line counting method to get the traffic data (volume and velocity) that will be needed to analyze the traffic condition.
MINKOWSKI ISLAND FRACTAL PATCH ANTENNA WITH DIFFERENT SIZE OF COMPLIMENTARY QUADRUPLE P-SPIRAL SRR (QPS-SRR) STRUCTURES FOR BROADBAND APPLICATIONS
Authors: Hassan Nornikman , Noor Azizi Muhammad Syafiq , Ramli Mohamad Hafize , Mazlan Mohammad Hanif , Mutalib Mohamad Ariffin , Ngelayang Thailis Bounya , Sulaiman Mohd Hafiz , Edris Muhammad Zuhair Bolqiah
Published: June 2016

A wideband Minkowski fractal antenna with complimentary quadruple P-spiral split ring resonator (QPS-SRR) is proposed in this paper. Four minis complimentary QPS-SRR structure had been connected to the corner of the main Minkowski Island fractal to investigate the effect to the resonant frequency, return loss, bandwidth and gain of the antenna. Firstly a basic Minkowski Island of Design A is simulating. Then 2-N of complimentary QPS-SRR (Design B1 and Design B2) is added to the antenna. Lastly, five different sizes of complimentary 4-N QPS-SRR (Design C1, Design C2, Design C3, Design C4 and Design C5) is added in the antenna to compared its effect. Design C is effect to resonate at two different frequencies of 2.28 GHz and 3.336 GHz with return loss of – 13.252 dB and – 19.296 dB. This antenna also can be applies at 2.4 GHz of WLAN application and 3.5 GHz WiMAX application with return loss performance of – 13.252 dB and -12.26 dB, respectively. It shows the single bandwidth of the 4.8 mm width x 4.8 mm length QPS-SRR (Design C3) is 1.218 GHz.
Control of a Linear Time-Varying System With a Forward Riccati Formulation in Wavelet Domain
Authors: Basu Biswajit , Staino Andrea
Published: June 2016

A wavelet domain forward differential Ricatti formulation is proposed in this paper for control of linear time-varying (LTV) systems. The control feedback gains derived are time-frequency dependent, and they can be appropriately tuned for each wavelet scale or frequency band. The gains in the proposed forward formulation are functions of the present and past states and hence lead to a nonlinear controller. This nonlinear controller does not require information or approximation about future system matrices. The proposed controller is suitable for systems with time-varying (TV) system matrices and also for controlling transient dynamics. The performance of the proposed controller is compared with two other control strategies, namely, a TV linear quadratic regulator (LQR) based on a backward formulation of the differential Ricatti equation (DRE) and a multiscale wavelet-LQR controller based on asymptotic assumptions. Two numerical examples demonstrate promising results on the performance of the controller.
Consequences of air around an ionization chamber: Are existing solid phantoms suitable for reference dosimetry on an MR‐linac?
Authors: Hackett S. L. , van Asselen B. , Wolthaus J. W. H. , Kok J. G. M. , Woodings S. J. , Lagendijk J. J. W. , Raaymakers B. W.
Published: June 2016

Purpose:

A protocol for reference dosimetry for the MR‐linac is under development. The 1.5 T magnetic field changes the mean path length of electrons in an air‐filled ionization chamber but has little effect on the electron trajectories in a surrounding phantom. It is therefore necessary to correct the response of an ionization chamber for the influence of the magnetic field. Solid phantoms are used for dosimetry measurements on the MR‐linac, but air is present between the chamber wall and phantom insert. This study aimed to determine if this air influences the ion chamber measurements on the MR‐linac. The absolute response of the chamber and reproducibility of dosimetry measurements were assessed on an MR‐linac in solid and water phantoms. The sensitivity of the chamber response to the distribution of air around the chamber was also investigated.

Methods:

Measurements were performed on an MR‐linac and replicated on a conventional linac for five chambers. The response of three waterproof chambers was measured with air and with water between the chamber and the insert to measure the influence of the air volume on absolute chamber response. The distribution of air around the chamber was varied indirectly by rotating each chamber about the longitudinal chamber axis in a solid phantom and a water phantom (waterproof chambers only) and measuring the angular dependence of the chamber response, and varied directly by displacing the chamber in the phantom insert using a paper shim positioned at different orientations between the chamber casing and the insert.

Results:

The responses of the three waterproof chambers measured on the MR‐linac were 0.7%–1.2% higher with water than air in the chamber insert. The responses of the chambers on the conventional linac changed by less than 0.3% when air in the insert was replaced with water. The angular dependence of the chambers ranged from 0.6% to 1.9% in the solid phantom on the MR‐linac but was less than 0.5% in water on the MR‐linac and less than 0.3% in the solid phantom on the conventional linac. Inserting a shim around the chamber induced changes of the chamber response in a magnetic field of up to 2.2%, but the change in chamber response on the conventional linac was less than 0.3%.

Conclusions:

The interaction between the magnetic field and secondary electrons in the air around the chamber reduces the charge collected from 0.7% to 1.2%. The large angular dependence of ion chambers measured in the plastic phantom in a magnetic field appears to arise from a change of air distribution as the chamber is moved within the insert, rather than an intrinsic isotropy of the chamber sensitivity to radiation. It is recommended that reference dosimetry measurements on the MR‐linac can be performed only in water, rather than in existing plastic phantoms.
A race to vaccinate rare seals
Authors: Malakoff David
Published: June 2016

In a first, researchers immunize wild marine mammals.
Red squirrels rising
Authors: Stokstad Erik
Published: June 2016

Scientists are striving to save a beloved native species from its disease-bearing North American cousin.
Quantum spin dynamics and entanglement generation with hundreds of trapped ions
Authors: Bohnet Justin G. , Sawyer Brian C. , Britton Joseph W. , Wall Michael L. , Rey Ana Maria , Foss-Feig Michael , Bollinger John J.
Published: June 2016

Hundreds of ions simulate magnetism

Strongly interacting quantum systems present a challenge to computational methods even at a relatively low particle number of a few dozen. Researchers are looking to tackle such problems by simulating them in a well-understood and controllable system. A linear array of ions is one such system; however, assembling a large enough number of ions is tricky. Bohnet
et al.
show that a two-dimensional “crystal” of around 200
9
Be
+
ions held together by magnetic and electric fields in a so-called Penning trap can simulate quantum magnetism. The work sets the stage for simulations with more complicated forms of interaction that classical computers would find intractable.

Science
, this issue p.
1297
Environmental governance for all
Authors: Brondizio Eduardo S. , Tourneau Francois-Michel Le
Published: June 2016

Involving local and indigenous populations is key to effective environmental governance
Candid camera
William Henry Fox Talbot Dawn of the Photograph
Russell Roberts and Greg Hobson
Scala Arts & Heritage Publishers, 2016. 176 pp.
Fox Talbot: Dawn of the Photograph
Science Museum, London
Through 11 September 2016
Authors: Robinson Andrew
Published: June 2016

A new exhibition provides an intimate look at a pioneer of modern photography
Evaluation of an Optimal Epidemiological Typing Scheme for Legionella pneumophila with Whole-Genome Sequence Data Using Validation Guidelines
Authors: David Sophia , Mentasti Massimo , Tewolde Rediat , Aslett Martin , Harris Simon R. , Afshar Baharak , Underwood Anthony , Fry Norman K. , Parkhill Julian , Harrison Timothy G.
Published: June 2016

Sequence-based typing (SBT), analogous to multilocus sequence typing (MLST), is the current “gold standard” typing method for investigation of legionellosis outbreaks caused by
Legionella pneumophila
. However, as common sequence types (STs) cause many infections, some investigations remain unresolved. In this study, various whole-genome sequencing (WGS)-based methods were evaluated according to published guidelines, including (i) a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based method, (ii) extended MLST using different numbers of genes, (iii) determination of gene presence or absence, and (iv) a kmer-based method.
L. pneumophila
serogroup 1 isolates (
n
= 106) from the standard “typing panel,” previously used by the European Society for Clinical Microbiology Study Group on Legionella Infections (ESGLI), were tested together with another 229 isolates. Over 98% of isolates were considered typeable using the SNP- and kmer-based methods. Percentages of isolates with complete extended MLST profiles ranged from 99.1% (50 genes) to 86.8% (1,455 genes), while only 41.5% produced a full profile with the gene presence/absence scheme. Replicates demonstrated that all methods offer 100% reproducibility. Indices of discrimination range from 0.972 (ribosomal MLST) to 0.999 (SNP based), and all values were higher than that achieved with SBT (0.940). Epidemiological concordance is generally inversely related to discriminatory power. We propose that an extended MLST scheme with ∼50 genes provides optimal epidemiological concordance while substantially improving the discrimination offered by SBT and can be used as part of a hierarchical typing scheme that should maintain backwards compatibility and increase discrimination where necessary. This analysis will be useful for the ESGLI to design a scheme that has the potential to become the new gold standard typing method for
L. pneumophila
.
Homology-Based Identification of a Mutation in the Coronavirus RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase That Confers Resistance to Multiple Mutagens
Authors: Sexton Nicole R. , Smith Everett Clinton , Blanc Hervé , Vignuzzi Marco , Peersen Olve B. , Denison Mark R.
Published: June 2016

Positive-sense RNA viruses encode RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRps) essential for genomic replication. With the exception of the large nidoviruses, such as coronaviruses (CoVs), RNA viruses lack proofreading and thus are dependent on RdRps to control nucleotide selectivity and fidelity. CoVs encode a proofreading exonuclease in nonstructural protein 14 (nsp14-ExoN), which confers a greater-than-10-fold increase in fidelity compared to other RNA viruses. It is unknown to what extent the CoV polymerase (nsp12-RdRp) participates in replication fidelity. We sought to determine whether homology modeling could identify putative determinants of nucleotide selectivity and fidelity in CoV RdRps. We modeled the CoV murine hepatitis virus (MHV) nsp12-RdRp structure and superimposed it on solved picornaviral RdRp structures. Fidelity-altering mutations previously identified in coxsackie virus B3 (CVB3) were mapped onto the nsp12-RdRp model structure and then engineered into the MHV genome with [nsp14-ExoN(+)] or without [nsp14-ExoN(−)] ExoN activity. Using this method, we identified two mutations conferring resistance to the mutagen 5-fluorouracil (5-FU): nsp12-M611F and nsp12-V553I. For nsp12-V553I, we also demonstrate resistance to the mutagen 5-azacytidine (5-AZC) and decreased accumulation of mutations. Resistance to 5-FU, and a decreased number of genomic mutations, was effectively masked by nsp14-ExoN proofreading activity. These results indicate that nsp12-RdRp likely functions in fidelity regulation and that, despite low sequence conservation, some determinants of RdRp nucleotide selectivity are conserved across RNA viruses. The results also indicate that, with regard to nucleotide selectivity, nsp14-ExoN is epistatic to nsp12-RdRp, consistent with its proposed role in a multiprotein replicase-proofreading complex.

IMPORTANCE
RNA viruses have evolutionarily fine-tuned replication fidelity to balance requirements for genetic stability and diversity. Responsibility for replication fidelity in RNA viruses has been attributed to the RNA-dependent RNA polymerases, with mutations in RdRps for multiple RNA viruses shown to alter fidelity and attenuate virus replication and virulence. Coronaviruses (CoVs) are the only known RNA viruses to encode a proofreading exonuclease (nsp14-ExoN), as well as other replicase proteins involved in regulation of fidelity. This report shows that the CoV RdRp (nsp12) likely functions in replication fidelity; that residue determinants of CoV RdRp nucleotide selectivity map to similar structural regions of other, unrelated RNA viral polymerases; and that for CoVs, the proofreading activity of the nsp14-ExoN is epistatic to the function of the RdRp in fidelity.
Arabidopsis RNA Polymerases IV and V Are Required To Establish H3K9 Methylation, but Not Cytosine Methylation, on Geminivirus Chromatin
Authors: Jackel Jamie N. , Storer Jessica M. , Coursey Tami , Bisaro David M.
Published: June 2016

In plants, RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) employs small RNAs to target enzymes that methylate cytosine residues. Cytosine methylation and dimethylation of histone 3 lysine 9 (H3K9me2) are often linked. Together they condition an epigenetic defense that results in chromatin compaction and transcriptional silencing of transposons and viral chromatin. Canonical RdDM (Pol IV-RdDM), involving RNA polymerases IV and V (Pol IV and Pol V), was believed to be necessary to establish cytosine methylation, which in turn could recruit H3K9 methyltransferases. However, recent studies have revealed that a pathway involving Pol II and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase 6 (RDR6) (RDR6-RdDM) is likely responsible for establishing cytosine methylation at naive loci, while Pol IV-RdDM acts to reinforce and maintain it. We used the geminivirus
Beet curly top virus
(BCTV) as a model to examine the roles of Pol IV and Pol V in establishing repressive viral chromatin methylation. As geminivirus chromatin is formed
de novo
in infected cells, these viruses are unique models for processes involved in the establishment of epigenetic marks. We confirm that Pol IV and Pol V are not needed to establish viral DNA methylation but are essential for its amplification. Remarkably, however, both Pol IV and Pol V are required for deposition of H3K9me2 on viral chromatin. Our findings suggest that cytosine methylation alone is not sufficient to trigger
de novo
deposition of H3K9me2 and further that Pol IV-RdDM is responsible for recruiting H3K9 methyltransferases to viral chromatin.

IMPORTANCE
In plants, RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) uses small RNAs to target cytosine methylation, which is often linked to H3K9me2. These epigenetic marks silence transposable elements and DNA virus genomes, but how they are established is not well understood. Canonical RdDM, involving Pol IV and Pol V, was thought to establish cytosine methylation that in turn could recruit H3K9 methyltransferases, but recent studies compel a reevaluation of this view. We used BCTV to investigate the roles of Pol IV and Pol V in chromatin methylation. We found that both are needed to amplify, but not to establish, DNA methylation. However, both are required for deposition of H3K9me2. Our findings suggest that cytosine methylation is not sufficient to recruit H3K9 methyltransferases to naive viral chromatin and further that Pol IV-RdDM is responsible.
Retrospective study of imported falciparum malaria in French paediatric intensive care units
Authors: Lanneaux Justine , Dauger Stéphane , Pham Luu-Ly , Naudin Jérôme , Faye Albert , Gillet Yves , Bosdure Emmanuelle , Carbajal Ricardo , Dubos François , Vialet Renaud , Chéron Gérard , Angoulvant François
Published: June 2016

Objective

The World Health Organization (WHO) severity criteria for paediatric Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) malaria are based on studies in countries of endemic malaria. The relevance of these criteria for other countries remains unclear. We assessed the relevance of these criteria in an industrialised country.

Design

Retrospective case-control study.

Setting

Eight French university hospitals, from 2006 to 2012.

Patients

Children with Pf malaria admitted to paediatric intensive care units (cases: n=55) or paediatric emergency departments (controls: n=110).

Main outcome measures

Descriptive analysis of WHO severity criteria and major interventions (mechanical ventilation, blood transfusion, fluid challenge, treatment of cerebral oedema, renal replacement therapy). Thresholds were set by receiver operating characteristics curve analysis.

Results

Altered consciousness (71% vs 5%), shock (24% vs 1%), renal failure (20% vs 1%), anaemia <50 g/L (7% vs 2%), acidosis (38% vs 0%), bilirubin level >50 µmol/L (25% vs 8%) and parasitaemia >10% (30% vs 8%) were more frequent in cases (p<0.01). All these criteria were associated with major interventions (p<0.001). Respiratory distress (six cases), and hypoglycaemia (two cases) were infrequent. Thrombocytopenia <50 000/mm3 (46% vs 7%) and anaemia (haemoglobin concentration <70 g/L (41% vs 13%)) were more frequent in cases (p<0.0001).

Conclusions

The WHO severity criteria for paediatric Pf malaria are relevant for countries without endemic malaria. The infrequent but severe complications also provide a timely reminder of the morbidity and mortality associated with this condition worldwide. In non-endemic countries haemoglobin <70 g/L and platelet count <50 000/mm3 could be used as additional criteria to identify children needing high level of care.