bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parametrizations of degenerate density matrices
Authors: Brüning E. , Nagamachi S.
Published: July 2017

It turns out that a parametrization of degenerate density matrices requires a parametrization of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] denotes the set of all unitary [Formula: see text]-matrices with complex entries. Unfortunately, the parametrization of this quotient space is quite involved. Our solution does not rely on Lie algebra methods directly, but succeeds through the construction of suitable sections for natural projections, by using techniques from the theory of homogeneous spaces. We mention the relation to the Lie algebra background and conclude with two concrete examples.
Laplacians for the holomorphic tangent bundles with g-nature metrics on complex Finsler manifolds
Authors: Li Hongjun , Qiu Chunhui , Zhu Weixia
Published: July 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be a strongly pseudoconvex compact complex Finsler manifold. We first introduce a class of [Formula: see text]-nature metric [Formula: see text] for the slit holomorphic tangent bundle [Formula: see text] on [Formula: see text]. Then, we define the complex horizontal Laplacian [Formula: see text], and complex vertical Laplacian [Formula: see text], and obtain a precise relationship among [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and the Hodge–Laplace operator [Formula: see text] on [Formula: see text]. As an application, we discuss the holomorphic Killing vector fields associated to [Formula: see text].
Plasmon excitations in doped square-lattice atomic clusters
Authors: Wang Yaxin , Yu Ya-Bin
Published: July 2017

Employing the tight-binding model, we theoretically study the properties of the plasmon excitations in doped square-lattice atomic clusters. The results show that the dopant atoms would blur the absorption spectra, and give rise to extra plasmon resonant peaks as reported in the literature; however, our calculated external-field induced oscillating charge density shows that no obvious evidences indicate the so-called local mode of plasmon appearing in two-dimensional-doped atomic clusters, but the dopants may change the symmetry of the charge distribution. Furthermore, we show that the disorder of the energy level due to dopant makes the absorption spectrum has a red- or blue-shift, which depends on the position of impurities; disorder of hopping due to dopant makes a blue- or red-shift, a larger (smaller) hopping gives a blue-shift (red-shift); and a larger (smaller) host-dopant and dopant–dopant intersite coulomb repulsion induces a blue-shift (red-shift).
A study for bank effect on ship traffic in narrow water channels using cellular automata
Authors: Sun Zhuo , Cong Shuang , Pan Junnan , Zheng Jianfeng
Published: July 2017

In narrow water channels, bank might affect nearby ships due to hydrodynamic forces (bank effect). To avoid accidents, different sailing rules (i.e., lane-changing, speed control) are required. In this paper, a two-lane cellular automata model is proposed to evaluate such phenomena. Numerical experiments show that ships will form a “slow-moving chunk” in the bank area, which will significantly block the flux. As further study demonstrated to alleviate bank effect, ship speed and bank length should be controlled.
Effect of electron–electron interaction on polarization and dissociation of the charged oligomer after single-photon absorption
Authors: Li Xiao-Xue , Chen Gang
Published: July 2017

By using the extended Hubbard model under the Hartree–Fock approximation, we theoretically investigate the effect of electron–electron interaction on the polarization of the single-photon excited state of the charged [Formula: see text]-conjugated oligomer. In the framework of one-dimensional tight-binding model, a uniform weak electric field is applied for polarization. The results show that the polarization property will vary with the electron–electron interaction. For example, with the increase of on-site Coulomb interaction strength, the value of the induced dipole moment is decreased. Its physical origin is revealed by analyzing the wavefunction of the localized energy level. In addition, the relation between the critical electric field for the dissociation of the single-photon excited state of the charged oligomer and the electron–electron interaction strength is also discussed.
Wideband metasurface filter based on complementary split-ring resonators
Authors: Zhang Tong , Zhang Jiameng , Xu Jianchun , Wang Qingmin , Zhao Ruochen , Liu Hao , Dong Guoyan , Hao Yanan , Bi Ke
Published: July 2017

A wideband metasurface filter based on complementary split-ring resonators (CSRR) has been prepared. The frequency and transmission bandwidth of the metasurface filters with different split widths are discussed. After analyzing the mechanism of the metasurface, the proposed metasurface filters are fabricated. The electromagnetic properties of the metasurface are measured by a designed test system. The measured results are in good agreement with the simulated ones, which shows that the metasurface filter has a wideband property. As the split width of the CSRR increases, the frequency of the passband shifts to higher frequency regions and the transmission bandwidth decreases.
Dispersion relations for gravitational waves in different models of dark energy
Authors: Dzhunushaliev Vladimir , Folomeev Vladimir , Kleihaus Burkhard , Kunz Jutta
Published: July 2017

The propagation of weak gravitational waves on the background of dark energy is studied. The consideration is carried out within the framework of an approximate approach where the cosmological scale factor is expanded as a power series for relatively small values of the redshift corresponding to the epoch of the present accelerated expansion of the universe. For several different dark energy models, we obtain dispersion relations for gravitational waves which can be used to estimate the viability of every specific model by comparing with observational data.
COMPARISON OF THE IN VITRO CYTOTOXICITIES OF NITROGEN DOPED (p-TYPE) AND n-TYPE ZINC OXIDE NANOPARTICLES
Authors: FUJIHARA JUNKO , HASHIMOTO HIDEKI , NISHIMOTO NAOKI , TONGU MIKI , FUJITA YASUHISA
Published: July 2017

The use of NPs in the health care field is increasing. Before their biological application, investigating the toxicities of both n-type ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) and nitrogen-doped (“p-type”) NPs is important. Using L929 cells, the cell viability, oxidative stress, apoptosis induction, inflammatory responses, and cellular uptake were assayed 24[Formula: see text]h after the addition of n-type ZnO NPs and nitrogen-doped NPs (which act as p-type) (25[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL). The ZnO NPs were fabricated using a gas evaporation method. Increased H2O2 generation and decreased levels of glutathione were more evident in with n-type than in those treated with nitrogen-doped (“p-type”) ZnO NPs. Caspase-3/-7 activity was higher in cells treated with n-type ZnO NPs than in those treated with nitrogen-doped (“p-type”) NPs. Elevated levels of TNF-[Formula: see text] and IL-1[Formula: see text] were observed in cell culture supernatants: IL-1[Formula: see text] levels were higher in n-type ZnO NPs than nitrogen-doped (“p-type”) NPs. The cellular Zn uptake of n-type ZnO NPs was higher than nitrogen-doped (“p-type”) NPs. These findings show that n-type ZnO NPs have higher cytotoxicity than nitrogen-doped (“p-type”) ZnO NPs. This may be due to a reductive effect of n-type ZnO NPs that induces higher free radical production, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and cellular uptake of this type of ZnO NPs.
A FACILE SYNTHESIS OF FULLY POROUS TAZO COMPOSITE AND ITS REMARKABLE GAS SENSITIVE PERFORMANCE
Authors: LIANG DONGDONG , LIU SHIMIN , WANG ZHINUO , GUO YU , JIANG WEIWEI , LIU CHAOQIAN , DING WANYU , WANG HUALIN , WANG NAN , ZHANG ZHIHUA
Published: July 2017

The composite of a nanocrystalline SnO2 thick film deposited on an Al-doped ZnO ceramic substrate was firstly proposed. This study also provided a simple, fast and cost effective method to prepare SnO2 thick film and Al-doped ZnO ceramic as well as the final composite. The crystal structure, morphology, composition, pore size distribution and gas sensitivity of the composite were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, Barrett–Joyner–Halenda analysis and gas sensitive measurement system. Results indicated that the composite was fully porous consisted of SnO2, ZnO and ZnAl2O4 crystal phases. The macrosized pores generated in the composite could enhance the gas infiltration into the sensing layers effectively. In this way, combining a high gas-transporting-capability and a nanocrystalline SnO2 thick film, the composite showed very impressive performance. The gas sensitivity of the composite was high enough for ethanol vapor with different concentrations, which was comparable to other kinds of reported SnO2 gas sensors, while showing two straight lines with a turning point at 1000[Formula: see text]ppm. Finally, the gas sensitive mechanism was proposed based on the microstructure and composition of the composite.
VIBRATION EFFECTS ON THE FABRICATION AND THE INTERFACE OF Al–SiC COMPOSITE PRODUCED BY THE PRESSURELESS INFILTRATION METHOD
Authors: ELAHINEJAD SETARE , SHARIFI HASSAN , NASRESFAHANI MOHAMAD REZA
Published: July 2017

In this study, an infiltrated Al/SiC composite was fabricated by the pressureless vibration method. Porous silicon carbide preforms with the pore size of 10, 20 and 30[Formula: see text]ppi were used as the reinforcement. The molten aluminum–magnesium alloy was infiltrated into the preforms at 650[Formula: see text]C and 850[Formula: see text]C. The investigation showed complete infiltration at 650[Formula: see text]C, but infiltration at 850[Formula: see text]C broke the oxidation layer and improved the composite quality. Scaning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs showed the creation of a good interface and connection between the matrix and the reinforcement. EDS analysis also showed spinel phase (MgAl2O[Formula: see text] had been formed in the interface. This phase was formed due to a reaction against Al2O3 in the reinforcements and MgO. The possibility of the formation of MgAl2O4 phase and the wettability between the metal matrix and ceramic reinforcement was enhanced with increasing the temperature.
IMPROVED PROPERTIES OF SnO2 THIN FILMS OBTAINED VIA SPIN COATING METHOD BY VARYING THE SOLUTION CONCENTRATION
Authors: BELHAMRI SOUMIA , HAMDADOU NASR-EDDINE
Published: July 2017

The aim of this work is to study the solution concentration effect on the SnO2 thin film properties, which were deposited on glass substrates by spin coating technique and annealed for one hour at 500[Formula: see text]C. X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra show that the films deposited at various solution concentrations (0.5[Formula: see text]mol/L, 0.7[Formula: see text]mol/L and 1[Formula: see text]mol/L) are polycrystalline with a tetragonal rutile type. Grains have two preferred orientations along the directions (110) and (101) corresponding to 2[Formula: see text] equal to 26.74[Formula: see text] and 34.11[Formula: see text], respectively. We have also noted that the grain size changes between 109[Formula: see text]nm and 178[Formula: see text]nm. However, the film coated at 10 deposition cycles and 0.7[Formula: see text]mol/L solution concentration has a minimum arithmetic average roughness of 0.376 nm. The optical transmittance of the films in the visible spectrum was in the range of 77–84% and the optical band gap gradually decreases with the decrease of the solution concentration from 4.11[Formula: see text]eV to 3.56[Formula: see text]eV.
Tight-Binding Model Study of Tunneling Spectra of Monolayer Graphene-on-Substrate
Authors: Gouda Himanshu Sekhar , Sahu Sivabrata , Rout G. C.
Published: July 2017

We report here the theoretical model study of antiferromagnetic ordering in graphene. We propose a tight-binding model Hamiltonian describing electron hopping up to third-nearest neighbors in graphene. The Hamiltonian describing inequivalence of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] sublattices in graphene-on-substrate is incorporated. The Hubbard-type repulsive Coulomb interaction is considered for both the sublattices with same Coulomb energy. The electron–electron interaction is considered within mean-field approximation with mean electron occupancies [Formula: see text] at [Formula: see text] sublattice and [Formula: see text] at [Formula: see text] site with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] being the antiferromagnetic magnetizations at [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] sublattices, respectively. The total Hamiltonian is solved by Zubarev’s techniques of double time single particle Green’s functions. The magnetizations are calculated from the correlation functions corresponding to the respective Green’s functions. The temperature-dependent magnetizations are solved self-consistently taking suitable grid points for the electron momentum. Finally, the electron density of states (DOS) which is proportional to imaginary part of the electron Green’s functions is calculated and computed numerically at a given temperature varying different model parameters for the system. The conductance spectra show a gap near the Dirac point due to substrate-induced gap and magnetic gap, while the van Hove singularities split into eight peaks due to two different sublattice magnetizations and two different spin orientations of the electron in graphene-on-substrate.
Investigation of Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of Al 5083-ZrSiO4-Gr Hybrid Composite
Authors: Hariprasad T. , Varatharajan K. , Ravi S.
Published: July 2017

In this present work, an attempt is made to compare the microstructural, mechanical and tribological properties of Al 5083-5% and 10% Gr, Al 5083-5% and 10% ZrSiO4 composite with Al 5083-5, 10% Gr-5 and 10% ZrSiO4 hybrid composite. The samples were prepared by using the stir casting technique, and the characterizations of composites and hybrid composite were observed by using SEM, EDAX and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The mechanical properties such as hardness, tensile, compressive strength of hybrid composite were found to be better than those of composites. The wear test was carried out by using a pin-on-disc wear tribometer by varying parameters like normal load (5, 10[Formula: see text]N), sliding speed (1, 1.5, 2[Formula: see text]m/s) with constant sliding distance (2000[Formula: see text]m). The worn surface of the samples is examined by using SEM, and the wear properties of the hybrid composite are found to exhibit superior wear resistance properties than composites.
Theoretical Tight-Binding Study of Electronic Band Dispersion in Ferromagnetically Ordered Graphene-on-Substrate
Authors: Swain Rashmirekha , Sahu Sivabrata , Rout G. C.
Published: July 2017

The graphene-on-substrate in the presence of impurity exhibits ferromagnetism. In the present paper, we propose a tight-binding Hamiltonian model which consists of electron hopping upto-third-nearest-neighbors. The graphene-on-substrate develops a gap of few meV. This Hamiltonian incorporates a gap of energy [Formula: see text] at A sub-lattice and a gap of energy [Formula: see text] at B sub-lattice. The Hamiltonian describes the impurity effect at A and B sub-lattices with the impurity potential describing hole and/or electron doping. The on-site Coulomb interaction at A and B sub-lattices is described by Hubbard type repulsive Coulomb interaction which is considered within the mean-field approximation having ferromagnetic magnetization of two different magnitudes at the sub-lattices. The total Hamiltonian is solved by Zubarev’s Green’s function technique. The temperature-dependent ferromagnetic magnetizations are solved self-consistently taking [Formula: see text] grid points of the electron momentum. The electron band dispersion splits into four for A site and four for B site and the combined band dispersion exhibits eight bands for up/down spin orientations. The evolution of the band dispersion is investigated by varying different model parameters of graphene.
3D Cross-Point Spin Transfer Torque Magnetic Random Access Memory
Authors: Yang Hongxin , Wang Xiaobin , Hao Xiaojie , Wang Zihui , Malmhall Roger , Gan Huadong , Satoh Kimihiro , Zhang Jing , Jung Dong Ha , Zhou Yuchen , Yen Bing K. , Huai Yiming
Published: July 2017

We explore a 3D cross-point spin transfer torque magnetic random access memory (STT-MRAM) array based on the integration of a perpendicular magnetic tunneling junction (pMTJ) with a matching two-terminal selector. The integrated two-terminal device provides a unique opportunity for a high density, low cost stackable storage class memory that can achieve a fast operation speed, long data retention, low bit error rate (BER) and high endurance. 55[Formula: see text]nm size pillar shaped pMTJ and selector devices have been fabricated and characterized. The selector is compatible with pMTJ whether it is in the high or low resistance state. The pMTJ can be RESET and SET after the selector turns on. We model the dynamic switching of the coupled pMTJ and selector devices. Our model shows the importance of the optimal matching of pMTJ magnetic properties with selector resistive properties to achieve high performance.
Approximate pricing of European and Barrier claims in a local-stochastic volatility setting
Authors: Barger Weston , Lorig Matthew
Published: July 2017

We derive asymptotic expansions for the prices of a variety of European and barrier-style claims in a general local-stochastic volatility setting. Our method combines Taylor series expansions of the diffusion coefficients with an expansion in the correlation parameter between the underlying asset and volatility process. Rigorous accuracy results are provided for European-style claims. For barrier-style claims, we include several numerical examples to illustrate the accuracy and versatility of our approximations.
The occurrence of
Lycopodites hannahensis
Harris in the Yorkshire Jurassic together with details of its anatomy
Authors: Thomas Barry A.
Published: July 2017

The herbaceous
Lycopodites hannahensis
Harris has previously only been described from Lower Cretaceous Wealden Group sandstones of SE England. A new specimen gives the species a second occurrence, this time from Middle Jurassic sandstones of the Yorkshire coast near Long Bight, east of Whitby. It shows a simple dichotomizing stem, and partial pyritization of the axis reveals, for the first time, its stellar anatomy. It is an exarc protostele with several protoxylem points around the larger cells of the central metaxlem, being similar to the central steles of living lycophyte stems. Analysis of a cross section of the stem, using a Pananalytical X'pert Pro materials research Diffractometer, revealed the cell walls to be mainly Fe, probably limonite, and the centres of the cells to be mainly Si.
The Observatory Gravels and the Travellers’ Rest Pit, Cambridge, England
Authors: West R. G. , Gibbard P. L.
Published: July 2017

An examination of the past descriptions of the Pleistocene Observatory Gravels and the sediments of the Travellers’ Rest Pit of NW Cambridge has illustrated their relation to the local landscape in terms of sedimentation and age. The Travellers’ Rest Pit sediments, which include gravels and ‘loams’, represent aggradation and alluviation/colluviation in a former drainage way which resulted from diversion to the west of the Cam valley drainage by glaciation in the Fenland in the Late Wolstonian Substage. The drainage way may have carried both Cam valley catchment waters and proglacial waters. The Travellers’ Rest Pit gravels and ‘loams’ now lie on a ridge of Gault and Chalk Marl. The Observatory Gravels occur on the western slope of this ridge, at a lower level than the sediments of the Travellers’ Rest Pit, and are associated with the incision of the Washpit Brook valley, on Gault Formation bedrock to the west of the Observatory slope, at a later date. The periglacial ground-ice structures and palaeontology of the Travellers’ Rest Pit sediments are described. The Palaeolithic archaeology contained within the sequence, bears comparison with Palaeolithic finds elsewhere in Late Wolstonian proglacial gravels of the Fenland margins.
Deep Correlations for Texture Synthesis
Authors: Sendik Omry , Cohen-Or Daniel
Published: July 2017

Example-based texture synthesis has been an active research problem for over two decades. Still, synthesizing textures with nonlocal structures remains a challenge. In this article, we present a texture synthesis technique that builds upon convolutional neural networks and extracted statistics of pretrained deep features. We introduce a structural energy, based on correlations among deep features, which capture the self-similarities and regularities characterizing the texture. Specifically, we show that our technique can synthesize textures that have structures of various scales, local and nonlocal, and the combination of the two.
Efficient Solver for Spacetime Control of Smoke
Authors: Pan Zherong , Manocha Dinesh
Published: July 2017

We present a novel algorithm to control the physically-based animation of smoke. Given a set of keyframe smoke shapes, we compute a dense sequence of control force fields that can drive the smoke shape to match several keyframes at certain time instances. Our approach formulates this control problem as a spacetime optimization constrained by partial differential equations. In order to compute the locally optimal control forces, we alternatively optimize the velocity fields and density fields using an alternating direction method of multiplier (ADMM) optimizer. In order to reduce the high complexity of multiple passes of fluid resimulation during velocity field optimization, we utilize the coherence between consecutive fluid simulation passes. We demonstrate the benefits of our approach by computing accurate solutions on 2D and 3D benchmarks. In practice, we observe up to an order of magnitude improvement over prior optimal control methods.
Attribution of Weather and Climate Events
Authors: Otto Friederike E.L.
Published: July 2017

Within the past decade, the attribution of extreme weather and climate events has emerged from a theoretical possibility into a subfield of climate science in its own right, providing scientific evidence on the role of anthropogenic climate change in individual extreme weather events, on a regular basis and using a range of approaches. Different approaches and thus different framings of the attribution question lead to very different assessments of the role of human-induced climate change. Although there is no right or wrong approach, the community is currently debating about the appropriate methodologies for addressing various stakeholder needs and scientific limitations. Tackling these limitations with more thorough model evaluation and meaningful bias corrections as well as going beyond the meteorological hazard and attributing the full impacts of extreme weather are the main challenges to face in the coming years.
Can Facebook pages be a mode of blended learning to supplement in-class teaching in Saudi Arabia?
Authors: Anwar Khurshid , Sajid Muhammad Raihan , Cahusac Peter , Shaikh Abdul Ahad , Elgammal Ahmad , Alshedoukhy Ahlam , Kashir Junaid
Published: July 2017

The aim of this study was to examine the potential of a self-designed Facebook page on Neuroscience, to supplement in-class teaching as a mode of blended learning. Posts were split into multiple choice questions (MCQs), general interest articles, neuroscience-related external links and resources, and lecture notes and PowerPoint presentations. The study was divided into three distinct phases: before, during, and after the Neuroscience block. Student responses were evaluated via a self-developed questionnaire. Grades achieved by students undertaking the block in 2015 and 2014 were recorded, as were the grades achieved by the same cohort in concurrent blocks in the same year of study. Results showed that ~80% of students reported that use of the page enhanced their overall subject knowledge and exam preparation. Highest page activity occurred during the Neuroscience block. Peak activity occurred directly before summative assessments, with MCQ posts having the highest impact. The cohort of students with access to the Facebook page achieved better grades in the block compared with the previous cohort, despite similar average performance in other subjects. We demonstrate the utility of Facebook as a powerful tool for undergraduate education, supplementing in-class teaching, and assisting in exam preparation, potentially increasing average student performance.
Understanding factors affecting participation in online formative quizzes: an interview study
Authors: Abney Ancil J. , Amin Sarina , Kibble Jonathan D.
Published: July 2017

A positive correlation between performance and participation in formative quizzes and final summative examinations has been reported many times. The goal of the present interview study was to construct a model to explain why students may elect not to engage with formative assessment opportunities. Our medical school’s preclinical curriculum has an established policy of offering weekly online quizzes in all courses during the first 2 yr. Quizzes do not count for credit. Semistructured interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim, and a formal thematic analysis was applied. A total of 16 in-depth interviews were conducted, with 8 female and 8 male participants. Thematic analysis revealed four major interacting themes that we propose to converge to account for nonparticipation in quizzes: 1) inadequate feedback, 2) curriculum organization and student mistrust, 3) time constraints, and 4) fear of judgment. We propose seven practice points to improve the effectiveness of formative assessment quizzes of medical knowledge.
Educational leadership: benefits of stepping outside the classroom
Authors: Pressley Thomas A.
Published: July 2017

Although most educators have their greatest impact in the classroom, the increased need for diverse learning activities has created new opportunities for leadership. Moreover, many Tenure and Promotion Committees are finding that it is no longer sufficient to consider only lecture hours when evaluating a faculty member’s contributions to the teaching mission of an institution. Accordingly, the career path for an educator in a college or professional school is evolving. A newly recruited faculty member may start out with traditional classroom responsibilities, but activities other than lecture, such as flipped classrooms, online resources, and peer-to-peer teaching, may be quickly added to the mix. As faculty members gain experience, they often progress to positions of curriculum design or program review within an institution. Similarly, there is a need for administrators who have participated in a variety of learning activities, and schools frequently recruit for these positions from faculty with such exposure. Many senior faculty members leverage this expertise to regional or national levels by authoring textbooks and online materials or serving on advisory boards, review committees, and governance in professional societies and funding agencies. Excelling in these leadership opportunities can have a profound effect on the success of promotion and tenure applications, and they reward a skill set that extends beyond the teaching and organization needed in the classroom.
An inhibitor of histone deacetylase 6 activity, ACY-1215, reduces cAMP and cyst growth in polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Yanda Murali K. , Liu Qiangni , Cebotaru Liudmila
Published: July 2017

Adult-onset autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is caused by mutations in either the PKD1 or PKD2 gene, leading to malfunction of their gene products, polycystin 1 or 2. Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) expression and activity are increased in PKD1 mutant renal epithelial cells. Here we studied the effect of ACY-1215, a specific HDAC6 inhibitor, on cyst growth in ADPKD. Treatment with ACY-1215 slowed cyst growth in a mouse model of ADPKD that forms massive cysts within 3 wk after knockout of polycystin 1 function. It also prevented cyst formation in MDCK.2 cells, an in vitro model of cystogenesis, and in an ADPKD cell line derived from the proximal tubules from a pkd1−/−.mouse (PN cells). In PN cells ACY-1215 also reduced the size of already established cysts. We found that ACY-1215 lowered cAMP levels and protein expression of adenylyl cyclase 6. Our results suggest that HDAC6 could potentially serve as a therapeutic target in ADPKD.
The third-stimulus temporal discrimination threshold: focusing on the temporal processing of sensory input within primary somatosensory cortex
Authors: Leodori Giorgio , Formica Alessandra , Zhu Xiaoying , Conte Antonella , Belvisi Daniele , Cruccu Giorgio , Hallett Mark , Berardelli Alfredo
Published: July 2017

The somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold (STDT) has been used in recent years to investigate time processing of sensory information, but little is known about the physiological correlates of somatosensory temporal discrimination. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the time interval required to discriminate between two stimuli varies according to the number of stimuli in the task. We used the third-stimulus temporal discrimination threshold (ThirdDT), defined as the shortest time interval at which an individual distinguishes a third stimulus following a pair of stimuli delivered at the STDT. The STDT and ThirdDT were assessed in 31 healthy subjects. In a subgroup of 10 subjects, we evaluated the effects of the stimuli intensity on the ThirdDT. In a subgroup of 16 subjects, we evaluated the effects of S1 continuous theta-burst stimulation (S1-cTBS) on the STDT and ThirdDT. Results show that ThirdDT is shorter than STDT. We found a positive correlation between STDT and ThirdDT values. As long as the stimulus intensity was within the perceivable and painless range, it did not affect ThirdDT values. S1-cTBS significantly affected both STDT and ThirdDT, although the latter was affected to a greater extent and for a longer period of time. We conclude that the interval needed to discriminate between time-separated tactile stimuli is related to the number of stimuli used in the task. STDT and ThirdDT are encoded in S1, probably by a shared tactile temporal encoding mechanism whose performance rapidly changes during the perception process. ThirdDT is a new method to measure somatosensory temporal discrimination.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY To investigate whether the time interval required to discriminate between stimuli varies according to changes in the stimulation pattern, we used the third-stimulus temporal discrimination threshold (ThirdDT). We found that the somatosensory temporal discrimination acuity varies according to the number of stimuli in the task. The ThirdDT is a new method to measure somatosensory temporal discrimination and a possible index of inhibitory activity at the S1 level.
Ocular and Systemic Risk Factors of Different Morphologies of Scotoma in Patients with Normal-Tension Glaucoma
Authors: Kosior-Jarecka Ewa , Wróbel-Dudzińska Dominika , Łukasik Urszula , Żarnowski Tomasz
Published: July 2017

The Aim. The aim of this study was to assess general and ocular profiles of patients with single-localisation changes in visual field. Material and Methods. The study group consisted of 215 Caucasian patients with normal-tension glaucoma with scotoma on single localisation or with preperimetric glaucoma. During regular follow-up visits, ophthalmic examination was carried out and medical history was recorded. The results of the visual field were allocated as paracentral scotomas, arcuate scotomas, peripheral defects, or hemispheric defects. Statistical analysis was conducted with Statistica 12, and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. Risk factors such as notch, disc hemorrhage, general hypertension, migraine, and diabetes were strongly associated with specific visual field defects. Paracentral defect was significantly more frequent for women (p=0.05) and patients with disc hemorrhage (p<0.001). Arcuate scotoma occurred frequently in patients without disc hemorrhage (p=0.046) or migraines (p=0.048) but was observed in coexistence with general hypertension (p<0.001). The hemispheric defect corresponded with notch (p=0.0036) and migraine (p=0.081). Initial IOP was highest in patients with arcuate scotoma and lowest in patients with preperimetric glaucoma (p=0.0120). Conclusions. The specific morphology of scotoma in patients with normal-tension glaucoma is connected with definite general and ocular risk factors.
Effects of the Representation of Convection on the Modelling of Hurricane Tomas (2010)
Authors: Marras Irene , Fiori Elisabetta , Rossi Lauro , Parodi Antonio
Published: July 2017

The cumulus parameterization is widely recognised as a crucial factor in tropical meteorology: this paper intends to shed further light on the effects of convection parameterization on tropical cyclones’ numerical predictions in the “grey zone” (10–1 km grid spacing). Ten experiments are devised by combining five different convection treatments over the innermost, 5 km grid spacing, domain, and two different global circulation model datasets (IFS and ERA-Interim). All ten experiments are finally analysed and compared to observations provided by the National Hurricane Center’s best track record and multisatellite rainfall measurements. Results manifestly point to the superiority of employing no convective parameterization at the scale of 5 km versus the usage of any of those provided by WRF to reproduce the case study of Hurricane Tomas, which hit the Lesser Antilles and Greater Antilles in late October and early November 2010.
Pseudoamblyopia in Congenital Cyclotropia
Authors: Frattolillo Antonio , Tassi Filippo , Di Croce Valentina , Schiavi Costantino
Published: July 2017

Purpose. To study the effect of surgery on amblyopia and suppression associated with congenital cyclovertical strabismus. Methods. The fixation pattern was investigated with microperimetry before and soon after surgery in ten consecutive children operated for congenital superior oblique palsy at the S. Martino Hospital, Belluno, Italy, between September 2014 and December 2015. Changes in visual performance in terms of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and stereopsis between the day before and one week after surgery were also evaluated. No other amblyopia treatment has been administered during the time study. Results. Surgical correction of the excyclodeviation in congenital SO palsy determined monocular and binocular sensory consequences: monocularly, in the cyclodeviated amblyopic eye, BCVA (0.46–0.03 LogMAR; p<0.0001) and the fixation pattern improved, as demonstrated by microperimetry examination. Binocularly, stereopsis improved or emerged while suppression at the Worth four-dot test disappeared. Conclusions. In the absence of further amblyopic factors such as coexisting constant vertical and/or horizontal deviation and anisometropia, the amblyopia encountered in congenital SO palsy may resolve soon after the surgical alignment. Therefore, it may be considered and defined “pseudoamblyopia.”
Rapid Rapamycin-Only Induced Osteogenic Differentiation of Blood-Derived Stem Cells and Their Adhesion to Natural and Artificial Scaffolds
Authors: Arianna Carpentieri , Eliana Cozzoli , Flavio Acri , Marco Ranalli , Giacomo Diedenhofen , Manuel Scimeca , Elena Bonanno , Alessandra Gambacurta
Published: July 2017

Stem cells are a centerpiece of regenerative medicine research, and the recent development of adult stem cell-based therapy systems has vigorously expanded the scope and depth of this scientific field. The regeneration of damaged and/or degraded bone tissue in orthopedic, dental, or maxillofacial surgery is one of the main areas where stem cells and their regenerative potential could be used successfully, requiring tissue engineering solutions incorporating an ideal stem cell type paired with the correct mechanical support. Our contribution to this ongoing research provides a new model of in vitro osteogenic differentiation using blood-derived stem cells (BDSCs) and rapamycin, visibly expressing typical osteogenic markers within ten days of treatment. In depth imaging studies allowed us to observe the adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of BDSCs to both titanium and bone scaffolds. We demonstrate that BDSCs can differentiate towards the osteogenic lineage rapidly, while readily adhering to the scaffolds we exposed them to. Our results show that our model can be a valid tool to study the molecular mechanisms of osteogenesis while tailoring tissue engineering solutions to these new insights.
The Influence of Slip Boundary Condition on Casson Nanofluid Flow over a Stretching Sheet in the Presence of Viscous Dissipation and Chemical Reaction
Authors: Afify Ahmed A.
Published: July 2017

The impacts of multiple slips with viscous dissipation on the boundary layer flow and heat transfer of a non‐Newtonian nanofluid over a stretching surface have been investigated numerically. The Casson fluid model is applied to characterize the non‐Newtonian fluid behavior. Physical mechanisms responsible for Brownian motion and thermophoresis with chemical reaction are accounted for in the model. The governing nonlinear boundary layer equations through appropriate transformations are reduced into a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations, which are solved numerically using a shooting method with fourth‐order Runge‐Kutta integration scheme. Comparisons of the numerical method with the existing results in the literature are made and an excellent agreement is obtained. The heat transfer rate is enhanced with generative chemical reaction and concentration slip parameter, whereas the reverse trend is observed with destructive chemical reaction and thermal slip parameter. It is also noticed that the mass transfer rate is boosted with destructive chemical reaction and thermal slip parameter. Further, the opposite influence is found with generative chemical reaction and concentration slip parameter.
Concrete Pavement Service Condition Assessment Using Infrared Thermography
Authors: Lu Yang , Golrokh Aidin J. , Islam MD Aminul
Published: July 2017

Infrared thermography (IRT), an effective nondestructive testing method, is used to obtain an initial evaluation of the concrete pavement surface and near surface in a time effective manner. In this paper, the effect of the depth of delamination inside concrete pavement on infrared thermography technique is studied for bridge decks inspection. To be able to mimic the delamination in subsurface, two Styrofoam cubes have been inserted in different depth near the surface of the concrete cylinder. After heating up the specimen, thermal images were taken from the surface using an infrared thermal camera to evaluate the effect of subsurface defects on detection sensitivity and accuracy. We also investigated the precision to which the shape and the size of the subsurface anomalies can be perceived using an uncooled thermal camera. To achieve this goal, we used image processing technique to accurately compute the size of delamination in order to compare it with the actual size. In addition, distance/thermal graph is used to detect the presence of the defect underneath the concrete surface. Furthermore, thermal transfer modeling was adopted in this paper to assist the setup of this experiment and the results are compared with laboratory findings.
Binary Large Object-Based Approach for QR Code Detection in Uncontrolled Environments
Authors: Lopez-Rincon Omar , Starostenko Oleg , Alarcon-Aquino Vicente , Galan-Hernandez Juan C.
Published: July 2017

Quick Response QR barcode detection in nonarbitrary environment is still a challenging task despite many existing applications for finding 2D symbols. The main disadvantage of recent applications for QR code detection is a low performance for rotated and distorted single or multiple symbols in images with variable illumination and presence of noise. In this paper, a particular solution for QR code detection in uncontrolled environments is presented. The proposal consists in recognizing geometrical features of QR code using a binary large object- (BLOB-) based algorithm with subsequent iterative filtering QR symbol position detection patterns that do not require complex processing and training of classifiers frequently used for these purposes. The high precision and speed are achieved by adaptive threshold binarization of integral images. In contrast to well-known scanners, which fail to detect QR code with medium to strong blurring, significant nonuniform illumination, considerable symbol deformations, and noising, the proposed technique provides high recognition rate of 80%–100% with a speed compatible to real-time applications. In particular, speed varies from 200 ms to 800 ms per single or multiple QR code detected simultaneously in images with resolution from 640 × 480 to 4080 × 2720, respectively.
Acinetobacter lwoffii Peritonitis in a Patient on Automated Peritoneal Dialysis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Tas Murat Yasar , Oguz Meral Merve , Ceri Mevlut
Published: July 2017

Acinetobacter lwoffii, a nonfermentative gram-negative aerobic bacillus, which presents in the normal flora of the oropharynx and skin, has recently been reported as a cause of human infection. Herein, the authors present a case report of peritonitis related to automated peritoneal dialysis caused by A. lwoffii.
Minimal-Learning-Parameter Technique Based Adaptive Neural Sliding Mode Control of MEMS Gyroscope
Authors: Xu Bin , Zhang Pengchao
Published: July 2017

This paper investigates an adaptive neural sliding mode controller for MEMS gyroscopes with minimal-learning-parameter technique. Considering the system uncertainty in dynamics, neural network is employed for approximation. Minimal-learning-parameter technique is constructed to decrease the number of update parameters, and in this way the computation burden is greatly reduced. Sliding mode control is designed to cancel the effect of time-varying disturbance. The closed-loop stability analysis is established via Lyapunov approach. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method.
Does Survival Vary for Breast Cancer Patients in the United States? A Study from Six Randomly Selected States
Authors: Khan Hafiz M. R. , Gittner Lisaann S. , Perisetti Abhilash , Saxena Anshul , Rafiq Aamrin , Gabbidon Kemesha , Mende Sarah , Lyuksyutova Maria
Published: July 2017

Background. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Disparities in some characteristics of breast cancer patients and their survival data for six randomly selected states in the US were examined. Materials and Methods. A probability random sampling method was used to select the records of 2,000 patients from each of six randomly selected states. Demographic and disease characteristics were extracted from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. To evaluate relationships between variables, we employed a Cox Proportional Regression to compare survival times in the different states. Results. Iowa had the highest mean age of diagnosis at 64.14 years (SE=0.324) and Georgia had the lowest at 57.97 years (SE=0.313). New Mexico had the longest mean survival time of 189.09 months (SE=20.414) and Hawaii the shortest at 119.01 (SE=5.394) months, a 70.08-month difference (5.84 years). Analysis of stage of diagnosis showed that the highest survival times for Whites and American Indians/Alaska Natives were for stage I cancers. The highest survival times for Blacks varied. Stage IV cancer consistently showed the lowest survival times. Conclusions. Differences in breast cancer characteristics across states highlight the need to understand differences between the states that result in variances in breast cancer survival.
Osteoblastic Metastases Mimickers on Contrast Enhanced CT
Authors: Al-Lhedan Fahad , Samaan Sam , Zeng Wanzhen
Published: July 2017

Secondary osseous involvement in lymphoma is more common compared to primary bone lymphoma. The finding of osseous lesion can be incidentally discovered during the course of the disease. However, osseous metastases are infrequently silent. Detection of osseous metastases is crucial for accurate staging and optimal treatment planning of lymphoma. The aim of imaging is to identify the presence and extent of osseous disease and to assess for possible complications such as pathological fracture of the load-bearing bones and cord compression if the lesion is spinal. We are presenting two patients with treated lymphoma who were in complete remission. On routine follow-up contrast enhanced CT, there were new osteoblastic lesions in the spine worrisome for metastases. Additional studies were performed for further evaluation of both of them which did not demonstrate any corresponding suspicious osseous lesion. The patients have a prior history of chronic venous occlusive thrombosis that resulted in collaterals formation. Contrast enhancement of the vertebral body marrow secondary to collaterals formation and venous flow through the vertebral venous plexus can mimic the appearance of spinal osteoblastic metastases.
Compound Schisandra-Ginseng-Notoginseng-Lycium Extract Ameliorates Scopolamine‐Induced Learning and Memory Disorders in Mice
Authors: Li Ning , Liu Cong , Jing Shu , Wang Mengyang , Wang Han , Sun Jinghui , Wang Chunmei , Chen Jianguang , Li He
Published: July 2017

Schisandra, Ginseng, Notoginseng, and Lycium barbarum are traditional Chinese medicinal plants sharing cognitive‐enhancing properties. To design a functional food to improve memory, we prepared a compound Schisandra-Ginseng-Notoginseng-Lycium (CSGNL) extract and investigated its effect on scopolamine‐induced learning and memory loss in mice. To optimize the dose ratios of the four herbal extracts in CSGNL, orthogonal experiments were performed. Mice were administered CSGNL by gavage once a day for 30 days and then mouse learning and memory were evaluated by Morris water maze and step‐through tests. The mechanisms of CSGNL improving learning and memory were investigated by assaying acetylcholine (ACh) levels and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities in the brain tissues of treated mice. The results showed that CSGNL significantly ameliorated scopolamine‐induced learning and memory impairment, at least in part, by modulating ACh levels and ChAT and AChE activities in the mouse brain. Our data support the use of CSGNL as a functional food for learning and memory enhancement.
Effects of the Rho-Kinase Inhibitor Y-27632 on Extraocular Muscle Surgery in Rabbits
Authors: Moon Ji‐Sun , Kim Hyun Kyung , Shin Sun Young
Published: July 2017

Purpose. To evaluate the effect of the Rho-kinase inhibitor Y-27632 on postoperative inflammation and adhesion following extraocular muscle surgery in rabbits.Methods. The superior rectus muscle reinsertion was performed on both eyes of 8 New Zealand white rabbits. After reinsertion, the rabbits received subconjunctival injections of the Rho-kinase inhibitor and saline on each eye. To assess acute and late inflammatory changes, Ki-67, CD11β+, and F4/80 were evaluated and the sites of muscle reattachment were evaluated for a postoperative adhesion score and histopathologically for collagen formation.Results. F4/80 antibody expression was significantly different in the Rho-kinase inhibitor-injected group at both postoperative day 3 and week 4 (p=0.038, 0.031). However, Ki-67 and CD11β+ were not different the between two groups. The difference in the SRM/conjunctiva adhesion score between the two groups was also significant (p=0.034). Conclusion. Intraoperative subconjunctival injection of the Rho-kinase inhibitor may be effective for adjunctive management of inflammation and fibrosis in rabbit eyes following extraocular muscle surgery.