bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Ambient Pressure on the Initiation of the Freezing Process for a Water Droplet on a Cold Surface
Authors: Jin Zheyan , Zhao Yingpei , Sui Dongyu , Yang Zhigang
Published: April 2016

This study investigated the effect of air pressure on the freezing process of a water droplet on a cold surface. A common belief is that bulk liquid water is incompressible and air pressure does not affect the freezing point of the bulk liquid water over a wide range of pressure. However, our results demonstrated that, for a water droplet on a cold surface, its freezing process started early at lower ambient pressures. Such a phenomenon can be explained by the effects of the evaporative cooling.
A Linear Matrix Inequality Approach to Output Feedback Control of Fractional-Order Unified Chaotic Systems With One Control Input
Authors: Khamsuwan Pitcha , Kuntanapreeda Suwat
Published: April 2016

This paper focuses on stabilization of fractional-order unified chaotic systems. In contrast to existing methods in literature, the proposed method requires only the system output for feedback and uses only one control input. The controller consists of a state feedback control law and a dynamic estimator. Sufficient stability conditions are derived using a fractional-order extension of the Lyapunov direct method and a new lemma of the Caputo fractional derivative. The conditions are expressed in the form of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). All the parameters of the controller can be simultaneously obtained by solving the LMIs. Numerical simulations are provided to illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Adaptive Energy Optimization Toward Net-Zero Energy Building Clusters
Authors: Odonkor Philip , Lewis Kemper , Wen Jin , Wu Teresa
Published: April 2016

Traditionally viewed as mere energy consumers, buildings have adapted, capitalizing on smart grid technologies and distributed energy resources to efficiently use and trade energy, as evident in net-zero energy buildings (NZEBs). In this paper, we examine the opportunities presented by applying net-zero to building communities (clusters). This paper makes two main contributions: one, it presents a framework for generating Pareto optimal operational strategies for building clusters; two, it examines the energy tradeoffs resulting from adaptive decisions in response to dynamic operation conditions. Using a building cluster simulator, the proposed approach is shown to adaptively and significantly reduce total energy cost.
Flow Rate-Dependent Skin in Water Disposal Injection Well
Authors: Mohamed Ibrahim M. , Block Gareth I. , Abou-Sayed Omar A. , Elkatatny Salaheldin M. , Abou-Sayed Ahmed S.
Published: April 2016

Reinjection is one of the most important methods to dispose fluid associated with oil and natural gas production. Disposed fluids include produced water, hydraulic fracture flow back fluids, and drilling mud fluids. Several formation damage mechanisms are associated with the injection including damage due to filter cake formed at the formation face, bacteria activity, fluid incompatibility, free gas content, and clay activation. Fractured injection is typically preferred over matrix injection because a hydraulic fracture will enhance the well injectivity and extend the well life. In a given formation, the fracture dimensions change with different injection flow rates due to the change in injection pressures. Also, for a given flow rate, the skin factor varies with time due to the fracture propagation. In this study, well test and injection history data of a class II disposal well in south Texas were used to develop an equation that correlates the skin factor to the injection flow rate and injection time. The results show that the skin factor decreases with time logarithmically as the fracture propagates. At higher injection flow rates, the skin factor achieved is lower due to the larger fracture dimensions that are developed at higher injection flow rates. The equations developed in this study can be applied for any water injector after calibrating the required coefficients using injection step rate test (SRT) data.
Hybrid Microgrid Simulation
Authors: Dias João Batista , Bator Stefanie , Poggi Philippe , Ferrari Bruna
Published: April 2016

This article introduces an implementation of an insulated alternative energy system. The objective of the study is the analysis of energy generation in communities that are located in insulated areas. The study focuses on the development of a photovoltaic hybrid microgrid, with storage in stationary lead-acid batteries and energy from fuel cell. The photovoltaic hybrid microgrid must be sized to produce enough energy to supply to a community of houses. This study attempts to elaborate a standard computational simulation method using the Matlab® Platform, to size the system independent of region, but taking the impact of local global irradiance, air temperature, and the energetic demand into consideration. This simulation type allows an estimation of the photovoltaic power to be installed and the nominal battery capacity.
Laser irradiation effect on the damage of lubricant films
Authors: Ji Rong , Xing Zhenxiang , Ma Yansheng , Ying Ji Feng , Zheng Rongyan , Xie Huiqing , Wang Xiaobai , Tan Angeline Yan Xuan , Cho Ching Mui , Xu Jianwei
Published: April 2016

In contrast to conventional hard disk drives that work in an ambient condition, Heat-Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR) technology works by applying a highly focused laser beam to heat hard disk media up to around 400 °C. Under the HAMR condition, relevant hard disk components, including lubricant film, need to be extremely thermally stable. This paper studied the HAMR laser effect on the damage of our synthesized lubricant film together with a commercial lubricant Z-Tetraol for comparison by using an x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and a time of flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy. The results revealed that our lubricant showed better laser resistance and thermal stability than the commercial lubricant.
Work functions of hafnium nitride thin films as emitter material for field emitter arrays
Authors: Gotoh Yasuhito , Fujiwara Sho , Tsuji Hiroshi
Published: April 2016

The work functions of hafnium nitride thin films prepared by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering were investigated in vacuum, before and after surface cleaning processes, with a view of improving the properties of as-fabricated field emitter arrays comprising hafnium nitride emitters. The measurement of the work function was first performed for the as-deposited films and then for films subjected to surface cleaning process, either thermal treatment or ion bombardment. Thermal treatment at a maximum temperature of 300 °C reduced the work function by 0.7 eV. Once the film was heated, the work function maintained the reduced value, even after cooling to room temperature. A little change in the work function was observed for the second and third thermal treatments. The ion bombardment was conducted by exposing the sample to a thin plasma for different sample bias conditions and processing times. When the sample was biased at −10 V, the work function decreased by 0.6 eV. The work function reduction became saturated in the early stage of the ion bombardment. When the sample was biased at −50 V, the work function exhibited different behaviors, that is, first it decreased rapidly and then increased in response to the increase in processing time. The lowest attainable work function was found to be 4.00 eV. It should be noted that none of the work function values reported in this paper were obtained using surfaces that were demonstrated to be free from oxygen contamination. The present results suggest that the current–voltage characteristics of a field emitter array can be improved by a factor of 25–50 by the examined postprocesses.
Real-time implementation of the “orthodoxy test” for conformity of current–voltage characteristics with classical field electron emission theory
Authors: Kolosko Anatoly G. , Filippov Sergey V. , Romanov Pavel A. , Popov Eugeni O. , Forbes Richard G.
Published: April 2016

An experimental apparatus and a LabView-based software suite were developed to conduct real-time research on field electron emission. The authors observed and analyzed the current–voltage characteristics of emitters based on carbon nanotube/polystyrene nanocomposites. A simple quantitative test was used to compare such characteristics with the classical field electron emission theory.
Effect of Cold on Proprioception and Cognitive Function in Elite Alpine Skiers
Authors: Racinais Sebastien , Gaoua Nadia , Mtibaa Khouloud , Whiteley Rodney , Hautier Christophe , Alhammoud Marine
Published: April 2016

Purpose:

To determine the effect of cold ambient conditions on proprioception and cognitive function in elite alpine skiers.

Methods:

22 high-level alpine skiers and 14 control participants performed a proprioceptive-acuity (active movement-extent discrimination) and a cognitive (planning task) test in cold (8°C) and temperate (24°C) ambient conditions.

Results:

All participants displayed an increase in thermal discomfort and the amount of negative affects in the cold environment (all P < .05). Average proprioceptive acuity was significantly better in the elite skiers (0.46° ± 0.12°) than in the control group (0.55° ± 0.12°) (P < .05) and was not affected by cold ambient conditions, except for a shift in the pattern of error (over- vs underestimation, P < .05). Cognitive performance was similar between elite skiers and control participants in temperate environments but decreased in the cold in the control group only (P < .05) becoming lower than in elite skiers (P < .05).

Conclusion:

Elite alpine skiers showed a significantly better proprioceptive acuity than a control population and were able to maintain their performance during a cognitive task in a cold environment.
Sleep Quality but Not Quantity Altered With a Change in Training Environment in Elite Australian Rules Football Players
Authors: Pitchford Nathan W. , Robertson Sam J. , Sargent Charli , Cordy Justin , Bishop David J. , Bartlett Jonathan D.
Published: April 2016

Purpose:

To assess the effects of a change in training environment on the sleep characteristics of elite Australian Rules football (AF) players.

Methods:

In an observational crossover trial, 19 elite AF players had time in bed (TIB), total sleep time (TST), sleep efficiency (SE), and wake after sleep onset (WASO) assessed using wristwatch activity devices and subjective sleep diaries across 8-d home and camp periods. Repeated-measures ANOVA determined mean differences in sleep, training load (session rating of perceived exertion [RPE]), and environment. Pearson product–moment correlations, controlling for repeated observations on individuals, were used to assess the relationship between changes in sleep characteristics at home and camp. Cohen effect sizes (d) were calculated using individual means.

Results:

On camp TIB (+34 min) and WASO (+26 min) increased compared with home. However, TST was similar between home and camp, significantly reducing camp SE (–5.82%). Individually, there were strong negative correlations for TIB and WASO (r = -.75 and r = -.72, respectively) and a moderate negative correlation for SE (r = -.46) between home and relative changes on camp. Camp increased the relationship between individual s-RPE variation and TST variation compared with home (increased load r = -.367 vs .051, reduced load r = .319 vs –.033, camp vs home respectively).

Conclusions:

Camp compromised sleep quality due to significantly increased TIB without increased TST. Individually, AF players with higher home SE experienced greater reductions in SE on camp. Together, this emphasizes the importance of individualized interventions for elite team-sport athletes when traveling and/or changing environments.
An Exploratory Study of Ethnic Minority Students' Constraints to and Facilitators of Engaging in Campus Recreation
Authors: Hoang Tram V. , Cardinal Bradley J. , Newhart Daniel W.
Published: April 2016

A positive relationship exists between student engagement, student success, and institutional retention rates. Ethnic minority student retention rates are lower than those of the dominant culture. Campus recreation programs play a role in improving upon this situation. This study's purpose was to explore constraints to and facilitators of ethnic minority students' participation in campus recreation. Three focus groups were conducted with 22 ethnic minority students (female n = 14, male n = 8; freshman through senior year). Results revealed four constraints (i.e., organizational, lack of time, gender, cultural) to and six facilitators (i.e., social dynamics of campus recreation facilities, health maintenance, personal growth, maintaining cultural connections, facility and services, accountability) of participation. Strategies for creating more inclusive campus recreation environments and programming to increase student engagement and retention are proposed (e.g., ensuring equitable use of shared spaces, facilitating women's weight training, providing online resources, creating more structured programming, requiring cultural competence staff training, designating spaces for cultural recreational activities).
Part-Time Student Employees' Commitment: The Role of Culture Types
Authors: Wells Janelle E. , Lower Leeann M.
Published: April 2016

Part-time student employees fulfill vital roles for the university, while also gaining valuable work experience that direct perceptions and opportunities for future employment. This study examined the direct effect of organizational culture types on affective commitment of part-time student employees of college recreation departments. Specifically, using the Competing Values Framework (CVF), four major forms of organizational culture types (i.e., hierarchy, market, clan and adhocracy) were examined. Multiple regression was used to analyze the relationships. The findings from 442 part-time student employees revealed clan and adhocracy cultures were significant positive predictor variables of affective commitment in recreational sport organizations. These findings are practically relevant given the flexible state of life students experience while working in college.
Control of eukaryotic phosphate homeostasis by inositol polyphosphate sensor domains
Authors: Wild Rebekka , Gerasimaite Ruta , Jung Ji-Yul , Truffault Vincent , Pavlovic Igor , Schmidt Andrea , Saiardi Adolfo , Jessen Henning Jacob , Poirier Yves , Hothorn Michael , Mayer Andreas
Published: April 2016

Peptide domain links phosphate need to uptake

Cellular phosphate (Pi) levels are tightly controlled, but it is not clear how eukaryotic cells actually “measure” the concentration of Pi. Wild
et al.
now show that inositol polyphosphate (InsP) signaling molecules regulate Pi homeostasis in fungi, plants, and humans by interacting with SPX-domain-containing proteins. SPX domains are found in many eukaryotic Pi transporters, Pi-regulated enzymes, and signaling proteins. InsP binding allowed SPX domains to interact with different target proteins. In plants, one such target protein is a transcription factor. During normal growth, high levels of InsP promoted formation of a SPX protein-transcription factor complex. Under Pi starvation, InsP levels dropped, releasing the transcription factor to promote Pi starvation-response gene transcription.

Science
, this issue p.
986
Network of epistatic interactions within a yeast snoRNA
Authors: Puchta Olga , Cseke Botond , Czaja Hubert , Tollervey David , Sanguinetti Guido , Kudla Grzegorz
Published: April 2016

Epistasis and mutational fitness landscape

A fitness landscape of a gene defines the molecular potential of evolution. This can help us understand the current state of evolution as well as predict unrealized potential. Using deep sequencing to examine mutations in nonessential genes that affect the growth of yeast strains, two studies have generated fitness landscapes and measured the effect of epistatic interactions (see the Perspective by He and Liu). Liet al.generated a library of mutants in a transfer RNA gene, including all single and many double and multiple mutants. The RNA secondary structure was generally predictive of bases under selection. Similarly, Puchtaet al.assessed a small nucleolar RNA gene for the fitness effects of individual mutations, which correlated with evolutionary conservation and structural stability. Both studies suggest that epistasis—the combined functional effect—for double substitutions is more often negative than positive.

Science, this issue pp.837and840; see also p.769
Complete Genome Sequence of Rift Valley Fever Virus Strain Lunyo
Authors: Lumley Sarah , Horton Daniel L. , Marston Denise A. , Johnson Nicholas , Ellis Richard J. , Fooks Anthony R. , Hewson Roger
Published: April 2016

Using next-generation sequencing technologies, the first complete genome sequence of Rift Valley fever virus strain Lunyo is reported here. Originally reported as an attenuated antigenic variant strain from Uganda, genomic sequence analysis shows that Lunyo clusters together with other Ugandan isolates.
Genome Sequence of
Bacillus subtilis
Strain HUK15, Isolated from Hexachlorocyclohexane-Contaminated Soil
Authors: Gasc Cyrielle , Richard Jean-Yves , Peyret Pierre
Published: April 2016

Bacillus subtilis
strain HUK15 has been isolated from hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH)-long-term-contaminated soil. The genome of strain HUK15 was sequenced to investigate its adaptation toward HCH and its potential capability to degrade the pesticide. Here, we report the annotated draft genome sequence (~4.3 Mbp) of this strain.
Draft Genome Sequence of Aldehyde-Degrading Strain
Halomonas axialensis
ACH-L-8
Authors: Ye Jun , Ren Chong , Shan Xiexie , Zeng Runying
Published: April 2016

Halomonas axialensis
ACH-L-8, a deep-sea strain isolated from the South China Sea, has the ability to degrade aldehydes. Here, we present an annotated draft genome sequence of this species, which could provide fundamental molecular information on the aldehydes-degrading mechanism.
Draft Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus plantarum SF2A35B
Authors: Bron Peter A. , Lee I-Chiao , Backus Lennart , van Hijum Sacha A. F. T. , Wels Michiel , Kleerebezem Michiel
Published: April 2016

The lactic acid bacterium
Lactobacillus plantarum
is intensively studied as a model probiotic species. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of the exopolysaccharide-producing strain SF2A35B.
Evisceration of the small bowel through a perforated and prolapsed sigmoid colon: an unusual presentation of rectal prolapse
Authors: Ahmad Arshad , Kumar Suresh , Sonkar Abhinav Arun , Kumar Sanjeev
Published: April 2016

Spontaneous prolapse of the sigmoid colon and evisceration of the small bowel through a rupture in the rectosigmoid is a rare presentation. We report a case of a 60-year-old man presenting with massive small bowel evisceration through a perforation in a prolapsed sigmoid colon. The patient had a 2-year history of rectal prolapse. He was also incontinent for flatus and liquid stool. There was no other significant medical history. After reduction of the small intestine, a large perforation was seen in the prolapsed sigmoid colon. The sigmoid colon was identified by presence of appendices epiploicae and taeniae coli. After initial resuscitation, an emergency laparotomy was performed. The perforated sigmoid colon was resected and a Hartmann's colostomy was created. This resulted in complete recovery. Reversal of the Hartmann's colostomy was performed after 6 weeks.
Time for a change?
Authors: Walsh Sophie
Published: April 2016

It can take a lot of courage to leave a stable job and take a break from practice, but, as Sophie Walsh has found, doing so can open up a whole range of new interests and passions
Feminisation: threat or opportunity?
Authors: Allen L. Clare V.
Published: April 2016

Feminisation is a term used in the social sciences to describe a profound shift in the gender balance from male to female within a population. The veterinary profession has experienced such a shift over the past 30 years. Research has shown that feminisation can have paradoxical effects on gender equality and status for a profession. However, Clare Allen suggests that, by understanding the processes behind feminisation, and responding appropriately, there is reason to be optimistic for the future of the veterinary profession.
Analysis and strengthening of caisson foundations for uplift loads
Authors: Guner Serhan , Carrière Jean
Published: April 2016

Many existing self-supporting towers are built with constant-width caisson foundations. Due to the increased demand to add more antennas to the towers, and more stringent strength requirements in recently revised design standards, many existing caisson foundations require significant strengthening for additional uplift resistance. Although a number of retrofit design solutions are frequently used in practice, there is a lack of literature providing guidelines for the proper analysis of retrofitted foundations. This study proposes a detailed analysis and design methodology to significantly increase the uplift capacity of existing caissons through the use of helical micro piles and reinforced concrete cap beams. Strut-and-tie models are developed and nonlinear finite element analyses are undertaken to verify the behaviour of the proposed design. The overall design methodology is presented in a case study involving an existing tower. The proposed design has a general applicability and is suitable for applications where there is limited space around the existing foundations.
Determination of irrigation set points for cranberries from soil- and plant-based measurements
Authors: Caron Jean , Bonin Simon , Pepin Steeve , Kummer Leroy , Vanderleest Clay , Bland William L.
Published: April 2016

Cranberry production requires accurate irrigation management to optimize crop yield and reduce water use. However, irrigation guidelines for that crop are scarce and empirical. The objective of this study was to identify appropriate soil matric potential (ψ) irrigation set points for cranberry production. A three-step process was used to evaluate the set points. Crop water requirements were first evaluated in the field and, second, combined to soil physical properties with a hydrological model to estimate irrigation set points. Third, experimental measurements were carried out in a growth cabinet and in the field to validate the set point estimates from independent observations. Irrigation set point estimates obtained from yield response curves, photosynthesis and transpiration measurements, and soil physical properties were all consistent and suggest that soil matric potential be maintained between −4.0 and −7.0 kPa to ensure an adequate water supply to the crop and optimal fruit yield. Yield responses suggest that cranberries are highly sensitive to small changes in soil matric potential, showing differences of about 20 000 kg ha−1 when outside of the −4.0 to −7.0 range, with a maximum yield between 35 000 and 40 000 kg ha−1, depending on the site.
DNA barcodes and citizen science provoke a diversity reappraisal for the “ring” butterflies of Peninsular Malaysia (Ypthima: Satyrinae: Nymphalidae: Lepidoptera)
Authors: Jisming-See Shi-Wei , Sing Kong-Wah , Wilson John-James
Published: April 2016

The “rings” belonging to the genus Ypthima are amongst the most common butterflies in Peninsular Malaysia. However, the species can be difficult to tell apart, with keys relying on minor and often non-discrete ring characters found on the hindwing. Seven species have been reported from Peninsular Malaysia, but this is thought to be an underestimate of diversity. DNA barcodes of 165 individuals, and wing and genital morphology, were examined to reappraise species diversity of this genus in Peninsular Malaysia. DNA barcodes collected during citizen science projects—School Butterfly Project and Peninsular Malaysia Butterfly Count—recently conducted in Peninsular Malaysia were included. The new DNA barcodes formed six groups with different Barcode Index Numbers (BINs) representing four species reported in Peninsular Malaysia. When combined with public DNA barcodes from the Barcode Of Life Datasystems, several taxonomic issues arose. We consider the taxon Y. newboldi, formerly treated as a subspecies of Y. baldus, as a distinct species. DNA barcodes also supported an earlier suggestion that Y. nebulosa is a synonym under Y. horsfieldii humei. Two BINs of the genus Ypthima comprising DNA barcodes collected during citizen science projects did not correspond to any species previously reported in Peninsular Malaysia.
Alisma orientale: Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of an Important Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Shu Zhiheng , Pu Jiang , Chen Ling , Zhang Yuanbin , Rahman Khalid , Qin Luping , Zheng Chengjian
Published: April 2016

Alisma orientale (Sam.) Juzep. (Alismataceae) is a traditional and famous Chinese medicinal herb. Its rhizomes, which possess versatile bioactivities, are commonly used to treat oliguria, edema, gonorrhea with turbid urine, leukorrhea, diarrhea and dizziness. Approximately 120 compounds have been isolated from A. orientale. Terpenoids have been identified as A. orientale’s characteristic constituents, which include protostane triterpenoids and guaiane sesquiterpenoids. The traditional medical uses of A. orientale in TCM have been evaluated in modern pharmacological studies, which have shown that A. orientale and its active constituents exhibit a wide range of bioactivities, such as diuretic, anti-urolithiatic, antinephritic, anti-atherosclerotic, immunomodulatory, and hepatoprotective activities. The medicinal potential of A. orientale makes it an ideal candidate for new drug development. Further studies are still required to identify its bioactive constituents, and elucidate the structure–activity relationship and detailed mechanisms of action. Additionally, the use of the other medicinal parts of A. orientale may reduce resource waste and afford novel secondary metabolites.
The Chemical and Biological Properties of Euphorbia kansui
Authors: Shen Juan , Kai Jun , Tang Yuping , Zhang Li , Su Shulan , Duan Jin-Ao
Published: April 2016

Kansui, the root of Euphorbia kansui T.N. Liou ex T.P. Wang, is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine. This paper reviews advances in investigations of the botany, the phytochemistry, the analytical method, the pharmacology and the toxicology of kansui. Nearly 100 compounds have been isolated from kansui and identified, and diterpenes and triterpenes are considered to be the characteristic and bio-active constituents of kansui. They possess multiple pharmacological activities, including diuretic, purgation, and antitumor effects. However, they also have a degree of toxicity, and can cause skin, oral, and gastrointestinal irritation. In this paper, the toxicity-efficacy relationship, attenuation and incompatibility of kansui are further discussed. Several future investigations of kansui are also proposed, all of which would improve the identification of kansui and other toxic herbs, as well as further their utilization.
Litsea Species as Potential Antiviral Plant Sources
Authors: Guan Yifu , Wang Dongying , Tan Ghee T. , Van Hung Nguyen , Cuong Nguyen Manh , Pezzuto John M. , Fong Harry H.S. , Soejarto Djaja Doel , Zhang Hongjie
Published: April 2016

Litsea verticillata Hance (Lauraceae), a Chinese medicine used to treat swelling caused by injury or by snake bites, was the first plant identified by our National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded International Cooperative Biodiversity Group (ICBG) project to exhibit anti-HIV activities. From this plant, we discovered a class of 8 novel litseane compounds, prototypic sesquiterpenes, all of which demonstrated anti-HIV activities. In subsequent studies, 26 additional compounds of different structural types were identified. During our continuing investigation of this plant species, we identified two new litseanes, litseaverticillols L and M, and a new sesquiterpene butenolide, litseasesquibutenolide. Litseaverticillols L and M were found to inhibit HIV-1 replication, with an IC[Formula: see text] value of 49.6[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M. To further determine the antiviral properties of this plant, several relatively abundant isolates, including a litseane compound, two eudesmane sesquiterpenes and three lignans, were evaluated against an additional 21 viral targets. Lignans 8 and 9 were shown to be active against the Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV), with EC[Formula: see text] values of 22.0[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M ([Formula: see text]) and 16.2[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M ([Formula: see text]), respectively. Since many antiviral compounds have been discovered in L. verticillata, we further prepared 38 plant extracts made from the different plant parts of 9 additional Litsea species. These extracts were evaluated for their anti-HIV and cytotoxic activities, and four of the extracts, which ranged across three different species, displayed 97–100% inhibitory effects against HIV replication without showing cytotoxicity to a panel of human cell lines at a concentration of 20[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL.
PotentIn VitroProtection Against PM2.5-Caused ROS Generation and Vascular Permeability by Long-Term Pretreatment withGanoderma tsugae
Authors: Tseng Chia-Yi , Chung Meng-Chi , Wang Jhih-Syuan , Chang Yu-Jung , Chang Jing-Fen , Lin Chin-Hung , Hseu Ruey-Shyang , Chao Ming-Wei
Published: April 2016

Epidemiological studies show increased particulate matter (PM[Formula: see text]) particles in ambient air are correlated with increased myocardial infarctions. Given the close association of capillaries and alveoli, the dysfunction is caused when inhaled PM[Formula: see text] particles come in close proximity to capillary endothelial cells. We previously suggested that the inhalation of PM[Formula: see text] diesel exhaust particles (DEP) induces oxidative stress and upregulates the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, inducing vascular permeability factor VEGFA secretion, which results in cell-cell adherens junction disruption and PM[Formula: see text] transmigratation into circulation. Here, we minimized the level that PM[Formula: see text] traveled in the bloodstream by pre-supplementing with a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Ganoderma tsugae DMSO extract (GTDE) prior to PM[Formula: see text] exposure. Our results show that PM[Formula: see text] caused alterations in enzyme activities and cellular anti-oxidant balance. We found decreased glutathione levels, a reduced cellular redox ratio, increased ROS generation and cytotoxicity in the cellular fractions. The oxidative stress caused DNA damage and apoptosis, likely causing downstream molecular events that trigger vasculature permeabilization and, eventually, cardiovascular disorders. Our results show long-term GTDE treatment increased endogenous glutathione level, while PM[Formula: see text]-reduced glutathione levels and the cellular redox ratio. GTDE was protective against the genotoxic and apoptotic effects initiated by PM[Formula: see text] oxidative stress. Vascular permeability revealed that PM[Formula: see text] only accumulated on the surface of cells after GTDE treatment; no penetration was detected. After two weeks of GTDE treatment, VEGFA secretion was significantly reduced in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and endothelial cell migration was blocked. Our results suggest GTDE prevents PM[Formula: see text] transmigration into the bloodstream, and the resultant dysfunction, by inhibiting oxidative stress production and endothelial permeability.
Ginsenoside Re Attenuates Neuroinflammation in a Symptomatic ALS Animal Model
Authors: Cai Mudan , Yang Eun Jin
Published: April 2016

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of upper and lower motor neurons, which cause paralysis and respiratory dysfunction. There is currently no permanently effective drug for patients with ALS. Ginsenoside Re (G-Re), one of the most active ingredients of ginseng, has pharmacological activities that affect a number of targets. To investigate the effects of G-Re on neuroinflammation, we used G-Re (2.5[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/g) at the Joksamni acupressure point (ST36) once every other day for one week. To evaluate G-Re function in symptomatic human-superoxide dismutase 1 (hSOD1[Formula: see text] transgenic mice, immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis were performed with the spinal cord of symptomatic hSOD1G93A transgenic mice. Here, we report that G-Re exhibits potent neuroprotective effects against neuroinflammation in a murine model of ALS. G-Re treatment reduced the loss of motor neurons and active-microglia-related expression of Iba-1 in the spinal cord of symptomatic hSOD1G93A transgenic mice. In addition, compared with age-matched hSOD1G93A mice, G-Re-treated hSOD1G93A mice showed a significant reduction in expression of pro-inflammatory proteins such as CD14 and TNF-[Formula: see text] protein related to TLR4 signaling pathway. G-Re administration also led to a decrease in cell death-related phospho-p38 protein levels, and had an antioxidative effect by reducing HO1 expression. Together, our data suggest that G-Re could have potent anti-neuroinflammatory effects on ALS by inhibiting the TLR4 pathway.
Evolution of non-interacting entropic dark energy and its phantom nature
Authors: Mathew Titus K. , Murali Chinthak , Shejeelammal J.
Published: April 2016

Assuming the form of the entropic dark energy (EDE) as it arises from the surface term in the Einstein–Hilbert’s action, its evolution was analyzed in an expanding flat universe. The model parameters were evaluated by constraining the model using the Union data on Type Ia supernovae. We found that in the non-interacting case, the model predicts an early decelerated phase and a later accelerated phase at the background level. The evolutions of the Hubble parameter, dark energy (DE) density, equation of state parameter and deceleration parameter were obtained. The model hardly seems to be supporting the linear perturbation growth for the structure formation. We also found that the EDE shows phantom nature for redshifts z [Formula: see text] 0.257. During the phantom epoch, the model predicts big rip effect at which both the scale factor of expansion and the DE density become infinitely large and the big rip time is found to be around 36 Giga years from now.
GGA + U and mBJ + U study of the optoelectronic, magnetic and thermoelectric properties of the SmAlO3 compound with spin–orbit coupling
Authors: Chettri Sandeep , Rai D. P. , Shankar A. , Khenata R. , Ghimire M. P. , Thapa R. K. , Bin Omran S.
Published: April 2016

The electronic, thermoelectric, optical, and magnetic properties of the samarium aluminate (SmAlO3) compound is studied using the spin-polarized full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method based on the density functional theory (DFT). The exchange and correlation potential is treated with the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and the Coulomb repulsion ([Formula: see text] Ry) has been calculated theoretically and was used for the GGA[Formula: see text] based approximated electronic structures. Additionally, the modified Becke–Johnson (mBJ) potential was also utilized along with the GGA[Formula: see text] approach for the calculation of the band gap. On the other hand, the optical properties were analyzed with the mBJ[Formula: see text] results and the thermoelectric properties were explained on the basis of the electronic structures and density of states (DOS) with a thermoelectric efficiency of 0.66 at 300 K. The minimum reflectivity at 1.13 eV (which was equal to 1.097 [Formula: see text]m) was found to be in agreement with the experimental results. Further refinements in the electronic structures were obtained by adding the spin–orbit coupling (SOC) interactions to the GGA[Formula: see text] approach, which was then combined with the mBJ approximations. Hence, a conclusion using the combined mBJ[Formula: see text]SOC study indicates that the SmAlO3 compound is a potential candidate for both thermoelectric as well as magnetic devices.
Secure On-Chip Communication Architecture for Reconfigurable Multi-Core Systems
Authors: Saeed Ahmed , Ahmadinia Ali , Just Mike
Published: April 2016

Security is becoming the primary concern in today’s embedded systems. Network-on-chip (NoC)-based communication architectures have emerged as an alternative to shared bus mechanism in multi-core system-on-chip (SoC) devices and the increasing number and functionality of processing cores have made such systems vulnerable to security attacks. In this paper, a secure communication architecture has been presented by designing an identity and address verification (IAV) security module, which is embedded in each router at the communication level. IAV module verifies the identity and address range to be accessed by incoming and outgoing data packets in an NoC-based multi-core shared memory architecture. Our IAV module is implemented on an FPGA device for functional verification and evaluated in terms of its area and power consumption overhead. For FPGA-based systems, the IAV module can be reconfigured at run-time through partial reconfiguration. In addition, a cycle-accurate simulation is carried out to analyze the performance and total network energy consumption overhead for different network configurations. The proposed IAV module has presented reduced area and power consumption overhead when compared with similar existing solutions.
An Ultra-Low Power Subthreshold CMOS RSSI for Wake-Up Receiver
Authors: Wang Yunzhen , Diao Shengxi , Lin Fujiang , Yuan Haiquan
Published: April 2016

This paper reports an ultra-low power received signal strength indicator (RSSI) for low frequency (LF) wake-up receiver. Topology theory analysis and subthreshold operation are performed to lower power consumption. Each gain stage of the subthreshold limiting amplifier (LA) employs cascade diode-connected loads to obtain high output impedance while maintaining low power. An offset cancelation circuit with different tail currents, which also operates in the subthreshold region, is employed to reduce the DC offset voltage. Unbalanced source-coupled pairs of subthreshold devices adopted in the full-wave rectification are optimized. A 45[Formula: see text]dB input dynamic range and [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]dB indicating error are achieved at 125[Formula: see text]KHz frequency. The prototype occupies an active area of 0.39[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]0.28[Formula: see text]mm using CSMC 0.153-[Formula: see text]m complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology. With a 1.8[Formula: see text]V supply voltage, the overall current consumption is only 6[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]A.
Evacuee Generation Model of the 2011 Tohoku Tsunami in Ishinomaki
Authors: Dohi Yuji , Okumura Yoshihiro , Koyama Maki , Kiyono Junji
Published: April 2016

Many people could/did not evacuate from the tsunami, despite having sufficient evacuation time and warning in the 2011 Tohoku tsunami. The authors focused on evacuee generation and developed the numerical model associated with it. We simulated tsunami evacuation in Ishinomaki during the 2011 Tohoku tsunami. The results revealed that people located along the seaside had more difficulty to start evacuation than those on the hillside because of lack of information sources including people’s behaviors, and the start of tsunami evacuation became more difficult as time passed.
Vertical morphotropic phase boundary in lead-free piezoelectric ceramics (K,Na,Li)NbO3–BaZrO3–(La,Na)TiO3 system
Authors: Baba Ryosuke , Karaki Tomoaki , Fujii Tadashi
Published: April 2016

A morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) with temperature-independent behavior, the so-called vertical MPB was investigated in lead-free (K,Na,Li)NbO3–BaZrO3–(La,Na)TiO3 ternary ceramic system. The specimens were synthesized by a conventional solid-state reaction method, and their crystal structures as well as their MPB were determined from X-ray diffraction patterns measured from room temperature to 300[Formula: see text]C. The vertical MPB composition was determined to be 0.9025(K0.45Na0.5Li0.05)NbO3–0.09BaZrO3–0.0075(La,Na)TiO3 and the Curie temperature was found to be about 195[Formula: see text]C. It was successfully confirmed that ceramic samples of this system could be sintered in a reducing atmosphere. For lead-free piezoceramic applications of multilayer actuators using Ni inner electrodes, the results obtained in this work have important practical implications.
SoIoT
Authors: Ko In-Young , Ko Han-Gyu , Molina Angel Jimenez , Kwon Jung-Hyun
Published: April 2016

An emerging issue in urban computing environments is the seamless selection, composition, and delivery of user-centric services that run over what is known as the Internet of Things (IoT). This challenge is about enabling services actuated by IoT devices to be delivered spontaneously from the perspective of users. To accomplish this goal, we propose the Service-Oriented Internet of Things (SoIoT), a user-centric IoT-based service framework, which integrates services that utilize IoT resources in an urban computing environment. This framework provides a task-oriented computing approach that enables the composition of IoT-based services in a spontaneous manner to accomplish a user task. Tasks can also be recommended to users based on the available IoT resources in an environment and on the contextual knowledge that is represented and managed in social, spatial, and temporal aspects. These tasks are then bound to a set of service instances and performed in a distributed manner. This final composition ensures the Quality of Service (QoS) requirements of the tasks and is assigned to multiple client devices for the efficient utilization of IoT resources. We prove the practicality of our approach by showing a real-case service scenario implemented in our IoT-based test-bed as well as experimental results.
Energy-Efficient Time Synchronization in Wireless Sensor Networks via Temperature-Aware Compensation
Authors: Xu Miao , Xu Wenyuan , Han Tingrui , Lin Zhiyun
Published: April 2016

Time synchronization is critical for wireless sensor networks (WSNs) because data fusion and duty cycling schemes all rely on synchronized schedules. Traditional synchronization protocols assume that wireless channels are available around the clock. However, this assumption is not true for WSNs deployed in intertidal zones. In this article, we present TACO, a synchronization scheme for WSNs with intermittent wireless channels and volatile environmental temperatures. TACO estimates the correlation of clock skews and temperatures by solving a constrained least squares problem and continuously adjusts the local time with the predicted clock skews according to temperatures. Our experiment conducted in an intertidal zone shows that TACO can greatly reduce the clock drift and prolong the resynchronization intervals.
IdealVolting
Authors: Kulau Ulf , Büsching Felix , Wolf Lars
Published: April 2016

The energy consumption of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) correlates with the voltage level at which the nodes are powered—a lowered voltage leads to a prolonged lifetime of nodes and networks. Operating nodes at voltage levels below the recommendation—so-called undervolting—saves energy but is accompanied by an increased risk of failures.

In this article, we show that a WSN can still work reliably, even if the voltage recommendations are violated. We show that there is a correlation between temperature and error-proneness at the same voltage level and that ideal voltage levels depend on environmental conditions. Especially in outdoor deployments, temperatures fluctuate often and heavily. Additionally, we show that these ideal voltage levels are different for each individual node. To deal with these individual variations and varying temperatures, we present a supervised learning strategy that is able to keep the nodes in uncritical states even if environmental conditions are constantly and heavily changing while saving as much energy as possible by constantly adapting the voltage level of these nodes to an individually ideal level. All measurements were performed on sensor node prototypes that are also presented in this article. In detailed evaluations, it is shown (i) that a single node will never run in the same unsafe state twice, (ii) that only five known bias points are needed to predict nearly all temperature dependencies for an individual node, and, thus, (iii) that a system of undervolted nodes can be as reliable as a conventionally powered network while prolonging the lifetime by more than 40%.
An Efficient User Verification System Using Angle-Based Mouse Movement Biometrics
Authors: Zheng Nan , Paloski Aaron , Wang Haining
Published: April 2016

Biometric authentication verifies a user based on its inherent, unique characteristics—who you are. In addition to physiological biometrics, behavioral biometrics has proven very useful in authenticating a user. Mouse dynamics, with their unique patterns of mouse movements, is one such behavioral biometric. In this article, we present a user verification system using mouse dynamics, which is transparent to users and can be naturally applied for continuous reauthentication. The key feature of our system lies in using much more fine-grained (point-by-point) angle-based metrics of mouse movements for user verification. These new metrics are relatively unique from person to person and independent of a computing platform. Moreover, we utilize support vector machines (SVMs) for quick and accurate classification. Our technique is robust across different operating platforms, and no specialized hardware is required. The efficacy of our approach is validated through a series of experiments, which are based on three sets of user mouse movement data collected in controllable environments and in the field. Our experimental results show that the proposed system can verify a user in an accurate and timely manner, with minor induced system overhead.
Upcoming SIGWEB supported conferences
Authors: Samuel Hamman
Published: April 2016

The Special Interest Group on Hypertext and the Web, SIGWEB was created in 1989 to support the community participating in the annual ACM Hypertext Conference. Now in its third decade, SIGWEB has grown considerably and now sponsors six annual conferences of different sizes and covering a wide range of topics. SIGWEB supports several specialized conferences, short courses, and workshops, as well as the Annual Hypertext Conference. SIGWEB sponsored conferences focus on timely topics in applied and computational hypertext and Web disciplines and provide a place for members and the entire applied Hypermedia and Web community to exchange ideas and to meet with and expand their network of colleagues. In this article, we provide a brief overview of SIGWEB sponsored conferences, in addition to events that are in cooperation with SIGWEB.
NITRLipV1
Authors: Bakshi Sambit , Raman Rahul , Sa Pankaj K.
Published: April 2016

This report describes the dataset NITRLipV1 which is a constrained lip database captured in visible spectrum. The database provides images of lips of different users. The images can be used by researchers to investigate in the domain of lip segmentation or lip-image based user identification.