bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two-Phase Equilibrium Properties in Charged Topological Dilaton AdS Black Holes
Authors: Zhao Hui-Hua , Zhang Li-Chun , Zhao Ren
Published: March 2016

We discuss phase transition of the charged topological dilaton AdS black holes by Maxwell equal area law. The two phases involved in the phase transition could coexist and we depict the coexistence region inP-vdiagrams. The two-phase equilibrium curves inP-Tdiagrams are plotted, the Clapeyron equation for the black hole is derived, and the latent heat of isothermal phase transition is investigated. We also analyze the parameters of the black hole that could have an effect on the two-phase coexistence. The results show that the black holes may go through a small-large phase transition similar to that of a usual nongravity thermodynamic system.
Serotyping and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern ofEscherichia coliIsolates from Urinary Tract Infections in Pediatric Population in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Sharma Shweta , Kaur Nirmaljit , Malhotra Shalini , Madan Preeti , Ahmad Wasim , Hans Charoo
Published: March 2016

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in pediatric population are associated with high morbidity and long term complications. In recent years, there is increased prevalence ofEscherichia coli(E. coli) strains producing extended spectrumβ-lactamase, Amp C, and Metalloβ-lactamase, making the clinical management even more difficult. This study was aimed to detect the serotypes and to determine antimicrobial susceptibility profile ofE. coliisolates from urine samples of children <10 yrs old. A total of 75 pureE. colistrains isolated from patients with symptoms of UTI and colony count ≥105organisms/mL were included in the study. Antibiotic sensitivity pattern showed maximum resistance to nalidixic acid (98.7%), followed by ampicillin (97.3%), amoxi-clavulanate (96%), and fluoroquinolones (92%) while most of the isolates were found sensitive to piperacillin-tazobactam (13.3%), nitrofurantoin (5.3%), and meropenem (1.3%). 48% of the strains were ESBL producer (extended spectrum beta lactamase). 44% strains were typable withantisera used in our study and the most common serogroup was O6 (33.3%) followed by O1 (15.1%) and O15 (15.1%). To conclude, judicious use of antibiotics according to hospital antibiotic policy and infection control measures should be implemented to prevent spread of multidrug resistant organisms.
Integration of Frequency Domain Wideband Antenna Nulling and Wavenumber Domain Image Formation for Multi-Channel SAR
Authors: Bucciarelli M. , Pastina D. , Cristallini D. , Sedehi M. , Lombardo P.
Published: March 2016

A Multichannel Synthetic Aperture Radar (M-SAR) exploiting an antenna nulling based Electronic Counter-Counter Measures (ECCM) technique shall be able to cancel the effects of noise-like interferences over the collected SAR data. Since SAR systems often work with wide bandwidths to provide high resolution images, ECCM technique must account for the presence of wideband interference signal. In this paper we consider a wideband antenna nulling technique based on space-frequency adaptive nulling and we propose an integration of the WB antenna nulling scheme within the focusing algorithm for M-SAR systems, thus allowing a fusion between ECCM and usual SAR processing steps. The computational cost of the integrated algorithm is compared with the cost of more traditional sequence of the wideband extension of the Side-Lobe Canceller and the focusing operation, to show the computational feasibility of the proposed integrated algorithm. The possibility to perform suboptimally the space-frequency adaptive nulling is also considered.
Anti-Interleukin-1 Beta/Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha IgY Antibodies Reduce Pathological Allergic Responses in Guinea Pigs with Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Wei-xu Hu , Wen-yun Zhou , Xi-ling Zhu , Zhu Wen , Li-hua Wu , Xiao-mu Wu , Hui-ping Wei , Wen-ding Wang , Dan He , Qin Xiang , Guo-zhu Hu
Published: March 2016

This study aims to determine whether the combined blockade of IL-1βand TNF-αcan alleviate the pathological allergic inflammatory reaction in the nasal mucosa and lung tissues in allergic rhinitis (AR) guinea pigs. Healthy guinea pigs treated with saline were used as the healthy controls. The AR guinea pigs were randomly divided into (1) the AR model group treated with intranasal saline; (2) the 0.1% nonspecific IgY treatment group; (3) the 0.1% anti-TNF-αIgY treatment group; (4) the 0.1% anti-IL-1βIgY treatment group; (5) the 0.1% combined anti-IL-1βand TNF-αIgY treatment group; and (6) the fluticasone propionate treatment group. The inflammatory cells were evaluated using Wright’s staining. Histopathology was examined using hematoxylin-eosin staining. The results showed that the number of eosinophils was significantly decreased in the peripheral blood, nasal lavage fluid, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (P<0.05), and eosinophil, neutrophil, and lymphocyte infiltration and edema were significantly reduced or absent in the nasal mucosa and lung tissues (P<0.05) in the combined 0.1% anti-IL-1β- and TNF-αIgY-treated guinea pigs. The data suggest that topical blockade of IL-1βand TNF-αcould reduce pathological allergic inflammation in the nasal mucosa and lung tissues in AR guinea pigs.
Manipulation of Dysfunctional Spinal Joints Affects Sensorimotor Integration in the Prefrontal Cortex: A Brain Source Localization Study
Authors: Lelic Dina , Niazi Imran Khan , Holt Kelly , Jochumsen Mads , Dremstrup Kim , Yielder Paul , Murphy Bernadette , Drewes Asbjørn Mohr , Haavik Heidi
Published: March 2016

Objectives. Studies have shown decreases in N30 somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) peak amplitudes following spinal manipulation (SM) of dysfunctional segments in subclinical pain (SCP) populations. This study sought to verify these findings and to investigate underlying brain sources that may be responsible for such changes.Methods. Nineteen SCP volunteers attended two experimental sessions, SM and control in random order. SEPs from 62-channel EEG cap were recorded following median nerve stimulation (1000 stimuli at 2.3 Hz) before and after either intervention. Peak-to-peak amplitude and latency analysis was completed for different SEPs peak. Dipolar models of underlying brain sources were built by using the brain electrical source analysis. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to assessed differences in N30 amplitudes, dipole locations, and dipole strengths.Results. SM decreased the N30 amplitude by16.9±31.3% (P=0.02), while no differences were seen following the control intervention (P=0.4). Brain source modeling revealed a 4-source model but only the prefrontal source showed reduced activity by20.2±12.2% (P=0.03) following SM.Conclusion. A single session of spinal manipulation of dysfunctional segments in subclinical pain patients alters somatosensory processing at the cortical level, particularly within the prefrontal cortex.
Regenerative Therapy of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: From Pancreatic Islet Transplantation to Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Rekittke Nadine E. , Ang Meidjie , Rawat Divya , Khatri Rahul , Linn Thomas
Published: March 2016

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease resulting in the permanent destruction of pancreatic islets. Islet transplantation to portal vein provides an approach to compensate for loss of insulin producing cells. Clinical trials demonstrated that even partial islet graft function reduces severe hypoglycemic events in patients. However, therapeutic impact is restrained due to shortage of pancreas organ donors and instant inflammation occurring in the hepatic environment of the graft. We summarize on what is known about regenerative therapy in type 1 diabetes focusing on pancreatic islet transplantation and new avenues of cell substitution. Metabolic pathways and energy production of transplanted cells are required to be balanced and protection from inflammation in their intravascular bed is desired. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have anti‐inflammatory features, and so they are interesting as a therapy for type 1 diabetes. Recently, they were reported to reduce hyperglycemia in diabetic rodents, and they were even discussed as being turned into endodermal or pancreatic progenitor cells. MSCs are recognized to meet the demand of an individual therapy not raising the concerns of embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cells for therapy.
Multiperiodic Procurement Problem with Option Contracts under Inflation
Authors: Wan Nana , Chen Xu
Published: March 2016

This paper studies the problem of the multiperiod replenishment decisions for the retailer under inflation. In order to manage the risks of price and demand caused by inflation, the retailer has an opportunity to order products and purchase options from the supplier in each period. We formulate the multiperiod inventory model for the retailer with option contracts and then derive his myopic ordering policy in each period and his myopic expected total discounted profit over the entire time horizon. By taking the case without option contracts as a benchmark, we explore the effect of option contracts on the retailer’s decisions and performance under inflation. We find that the application of option contracts might induce the retailer to reduce the firm order and increase the total order in each period under inflation. We also find that the application of option contracts might benefit the retailer under inflation.
Analyzing the Effect of Machining Parameters Setting to the Surface Roughness during End Milling of CFRP-Aluminium Composite Laminates
Authors: Nurhaniza M. , Ariffin M. K. A. M. , Mustapha F. , Baharudin B. T. H. T.
Published: March 2016

The quality of the machining is measured from surface finished and it is considered as the most important aspect in composite machining. An appropriate and optimum machining parameters setting is crucial during machining operation in order to enhance the surface quality. The objective of this research is to analyze the effect of machining parameters on the surface quality of CFRP-Aluminium in CNC end milling operation with PCD tool. The milling parameters evaluated are spindle speed, feed rate, and depth of cut. The L9 Taguchi orthogonal arrays, signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) are employed to analyze the effect of these cutting parameters. The analysis of the results indicates that the optimal cutting parameters combination for good surface finish is high cutting speed, low feed rate, and low depth of cut.
Plasticity in the Neonatal Brain following Hypoxic-Ischaemic Injury
Authors: Rocha-Ferreira Eridan , Hristova Mariya
Published: March 2016

Hypoxic-ischaemic damage to the developing brain is a leading cause of child death, with high mortality and morbidity, including cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and cognitive disabilities. The developmental stage of the brain and the severity of the insult influence the selective regional vulnerability and the subsequent clinical manifestations. The increased susceptibility to hypoxia-ischaemia (HI) of periventricular white matter in preterm infants predisposes the immature brain to motor, cognitive, and sensory deficits, with cognitive impairment associated with earlier gestational age. In term infants HI causes selective damage to sensorimotor cortex, basal ganglia, thalamus, and brain stem. Even though the immature brain is more malleable to external stimuli compared to the adult one, a hypoxic-ischaemic event to the neonate interrupts the shaping of central motor pathways and can affect normal developmental plasticity through altering neurotransmission, changes in cellular signalling, neural connectivity and function, wrong targeted innervation, and interruption of developmental apoptosis. Models of neonatal HI demonstrate three morphologically different types of cell death, that is, apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy, which crosstalk and can exist as a continuum in the same cell. In the present review we discuss the mechanisms of HI injury to the immature brain and the way they affect plasticity.
General Practitioners’ Participation in a Large, Multicountry Combined General Practitioner-Patient Survey: Recruitment Procedures and Participation Rate
Authors: Groenewegen Peter P. , Greß Stefan , Schäfer Willemijn
Published: March 2016

Background. The participation of general practitioners (GPs) is essential in research on the performance of primary care. This paper describes the implementation of a large, multicountry study in primary care that combines a survey among GPs and a linked survey among patients that visited their practice (the QUALICOPC study). The aim is to describe the recruitment procedure and explore differences between countries in the participation rate of the GPs. Methods. Descriptive analyses were used to document recruitment procedures and to assess hypotheses potentially explaining variation in participation rates between countries. Results. The survey was implemented in 31 European countries. GPs were mainly selected through random sampling. The actual implementation of the study differed between countries. The median participation rate was 30%. Both material (such as the payment system of GPs in a country) and immaterial influences (such as estimated survey pressure) are related to differences between countries. Conclusion. This study shows that the participation of GPs may indeed be influenced by the context of the country. The implementation of complex data collection is difficult to realize in a completely uniform way. Procedures have to be tuned to the context of the country.
Robust Fault Estimation for a Class of T-S Fuzzy Singular Systems with Time-Varying Delay via Improved Delay Partitioning Approach
Authors: Sun Chao , Wang FuLi , He XiQin
Published: March 2016

The problem of delay-dependent robust fault estimation for a class of Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy singular systems is investigated. By decomposing the delay interval into two unequal subintervals and with a new and tighter integral inequality transformation, an improved delay-dependent stability criterion is given in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) to guarantee that the fuzzy singular system with time-varying delay is regular, impulse-free, and stable firstly. Then, based on this criterion, by considering the system fault as an auxiliary disturbance vector and constructing an appropriate fuzzy augmented system, a fault estimation observer is designed to ensure that the error dynamic system is regular, impulse-free, and robustly stable with a prescribedH∞performance satisfied for all actuator and sensor faults simultaneously, and the obtained fault estimates can practically better depict the size and shape of the faults. Finally, numerical examples are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Effect of Extracellular Matrix Membrane on Bone Formation in a Rabbit Tibial Defect Model
Authors: Hwang Jin Wook , Kim Sungtae , Kim Se Won , Lee Jong Ho
Published: March 2016

Absorbable extracellular matrix (ECM) membrane has recently been used as a barrier membrane (BM) in guided tissue regeneration (GTR) and guided bone regeneration (GBR). Absorbable BMs are mostly based on collagen, which is more biocompatible than synthetic materials. However, implanted absorbable BMs can be rapidly degraded by enzymesin vivo. In a previous study, to delay degradation time, collagen fibers were treated with cross-linking agents. These compounds prevented the enzymatic degradation of BMs. However, cross-linked BMs can exhibit delayed tissue integration. In addition, the remaining cross-linker could induce inflammation. Here, we attempted to overcome these problems using a natural ECM membrane. The membrane consisted of freshly harvested porcine pericardium that was stripped from cells and immunoreagents by a cleaning process. Acellular porcine pericardium (APP) showed a bilayer structure with a smooth upper surface and a significantly coarser bottom layer. APP is an ECM with a thin layer (0.18–0.35 mm) but with excellent mechanical properties. Tensile strength of APP was14.15±2.24 MPa. Inin vivoexperiments, APP was transplanted into rabbit tibia. The biocompatible material was retained for up to 3 months without the need for cross-linking. Therefore, we conclude that APP could support osteogenesis as a BM for up to 3 months.
Bone Strength and Arterial Stiffness Impact on Cardiovascular Mortality in a General Population
Authors: Avramovski Petar , Avramovska Maja , Sikole Aleksandar
Published: March 2016

Osteoporosis and increased arterial stiffness independently have been found to be associated with higher cardiovascular events rates in the general population (GP). We examined 558 patients from GP by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurements at baseline, with 36-month follow-up period. DXA assessed bone mineral density of femoral neck (BMD FN) and lumbar spine (BMD LS). Carotid-femoral PWV was assessed by pulsed-Doppler. The aim of our study is to find correlation between bone strength and arterial stiffness and their impact on cardiovascular mortality in GP. The mean ± SD of BMD FN, BMD LS, and PWV was0.852±0.1432 g/cm2,0.934±0.1546 g/cm2, and9.209±1.9815 m/s. In multiple regression analysis we found BMD FN (βst=-6.0094,p<0.0001), hypertension (βst = 1.7340,p<0.0091), and diabetes (βst=0.4595,p<0.0046). With Cox-regression analysis, after 17 cardiovascular events, the significant covariates retained by the backward model were BMD FN (b=-2.4129,p=0.015) and PWV (b=0.2606,p=0.0318). The cut-off values were PWV = 9.4 m/s, BMD FN = 0.783 g/cm2, and BMD LS = 0.992 g/cm2. The results for BMD FN and PWV hazard ratio risk were 1.116 and 1.297, respectively. BMD FN as a measure of bone strength and PWV as a measure of arterial stiffness are strong independent predictors of cardiovascular mortality in GP.
Efficacy and Toxicity Assessment of Different Antibody Based Antiangiogenic Drugs by Computational Docking Method
Authors: Mukherjee Sayan , Chatterjee Gopa , Ghosh Moumita , Das Bishwajit , Majumder Durjoy
Published: March 2016

Bevacizumab and trastuzumab are two antibody based antiangiogenic drugs that are in clinical practice for the treatment of different cancers. Presently applications of these drugs are based on the empirical choice of clinical experts that follow towards population based clinical trials and, hence, their molecular efficacies in terms of quantitative estimates are not being explored. Moreover, different clinical trials with these drugs showed different toxicity symptoms in patients. Here, using molecular docking study, we made an attempt to reveal the molecular rationale regarding their efficacy and off-target toxicity. Though our study reinforces their antiangiogenic potentiality and, among the two, trastuzumab has much higher efficacy; however, this study also reveals that compared to bevacizumab, trastuzumab has higher toxicity effect, specially on the cardiovascular system. This study also reveals the molecular rationale of ocular dysfunction by antiangiogenic drugs. The molecular rationale of toxicity as revealed in this study may help in the judicious choice as well as therapeutic scheduling of these drugs in different cancers.
Simultaneous Adsorption of Cr(VI) and Phenol from Binary Mixture Using Iron Incorporated Rice Husk: Insight to Multicomponent Equilibrium Isotherm
Authors: Gupta Ankur , Balomajumder Chandrajit
Published: March 2016

Fe modified rice husk was prepared as a low cost biosorbent for the removal of Cr(VI) and phenol both singly and in combination from single and binary simulated synthetic waste water. Rice husk was modified by treating with FeSO4·7H2O. The results showed that impregnation of iron onto the surface of rice husk improved the adsorption capability of both Cr(VI) and phenol. The effects of process parameters for multicomponent system such as pH, adsorbent dose, and contact time onto the percentage removal of both Cr(VI) and phenol were investigated. The experimental data for the adsorption of both Cr(VI) and phenol onto the surface of Fe modified rice husk applied to various kinetic and adsorption isotherm models. Multicomponent isotherm models such as Nonmodified Langmuir, Modified Langmuir, Extended Langmuir, Extended Freundlich, Competitive Nonmodified Redlich Peterson, Competitive Modified Redlich Peterson were applied. The results show that Extended Freundlich model best described the experimental data for both Cr(VI) and phenol from binary solution. Pseudo second-order model agreed well with Cr(VI) while pseudo first-order model agreed well with phenol. Maximum adsorption capacity in synthetic binary solution of Cr(VI) and phenol was found to be 36.3817 mg g−1for Cr(VI) and 6.569 mg g−1for phenol, respectively.
Analysis of Shear Bond Strength and Morphology of Er:YAG Laser-Recycled Ceramic Orthodontic Brackets
Authors: Han Ruo-qiao , Yang Kai , Ji Ling-fei , Ling Chen
Published: March 2016

Objective. The aim of this study was to compare the recycling of deboned ceramic brackets via an Er:YAG laser or via the traditional chairside processing methods of flaming and sandblasting; shear bond strength and morphological changes were evaluated in recycled brackets versus new brackets.Materials and Methods. 3M Clarity Self-Ligating Ceramic Brackets with a microcrystalline base were divided into groups subjected to flaming, sandblasting, or exposure to an Er:YAG laser. New ceramic brackets served as a control group. Shear bond strengths were determined with an Electroforce test machine and tested for statistical significance through analysis of variance. Morphological examinations of the recycled ceramic bracket bases were conducted with scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Residue on the bracket base was analyzed with Raman spectroscopy.Results. Faded, dark adhesive was left on recycled bracket bases processed via flaming. Adhesive was thoroughly removed by both sandblasting and exposure to an Er:YAG laser. Compared with new brackets, shear bond strength was lower after sandblasting (p<0.05), but not after exposure to an Er:YAG laser. The Er:YAG laser caused no damage to the bracket.Conclusion. Er:YAG lasers effectively remove adhesive from the bases of ceramic brackets without damaging them; thus, this method may be preferred over other recycling methods.
In VivoLaser Scanning Confocal Microscopy of Human Meibomian Glands in Aging and Ocular Surface Diseases
Authors: Fasanella Vincenzo , Agnifili Luca , Mastropasqua Rodolfo , Brescia Lorenza , Di Staso Federico , Ciancaglini Marco , Mastropasqua Leonardo
Published: March 2016

Meibomian glands (MGs) play a crucial role in the ocular surface homeostasis by providing lipids to the superficial tear film. Their dysfunction destabilizes the tear film leading to a progressive loss of the ocular surface equilibrium and increasing the risk for dry eye. In fact, nowadays, the meibomian gland dysfunction is one of the leading causes of dry eye. Over the past decades, MGs have been mainly studied by using meibography, which, however, cannot image the glandular structure at a cellular level. The diffusion of thein vivolaser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) provided a new approach for the structural assessment of MGs permitting a major step in the noninvasive evaluation of these structures. LSCM is capable of showing MGs modifications during aging and in the most diffuse ocular surface diseases such as dry eye, allergy, and autoimmune conditions and in the drug-induced ocular surface disease. On the other hand, LSCM may help clinicians in monitoring the tissue response to therapy. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge about the role ofin vivoLSCM in the assessment of MGs during aging and in the most diffuse ocular surface diseases.
Efficient MAC Protocol for Hybrid Wireless Network with Heterogeneous Sensor Nodes
Authors: Alam Md. Nasre , Kim Young-Chon
Published: March 2016

Although several Directional Medium Access Control (DMAC) protocols have been designed for use with homogeneous networks, it can take a substantial amount of time to change sensor nodes that are equipped with an omnidirectional antenna for sensor nodes with a directional antenna. Thus, we require a novel MAC protocol for use with an intermediate wireless network that consists of heterogeneous sensor nodes equipped with either an omnidirectional antenna or a directional antenna. The MAC protocols that have been designed for use in homogeneous networks are not suitable for use in a hybrid network due to deaf, hidden, and exposed nodes. Therefore, we propose a MAC protocol that exploits the characteristics of a directional antenna and can also work efficiently with omnidirectional nodes in a hybrid network. In order to address the deaf, hidden, and exposed node problems, we define RTS/CTS for the neighbor (RTSN/CTSN) and Neighbor Information (NIP) packets. The performance of the proposed MAC protocol is evaluated through a numerical analysis using a Markov model. In addition, the analytical results of the MAC protocol are verified through an OPNET simulation.
An Improved Electrical Switching and Phase-Transition Model for Scanning Probe Phase-Change Memory
Authors: Wang Lei , Gong Si-Di , Wen Jing , Yang Ci Hui
Published: March 2016

Scanning probe phase-change memory (SPPCM) has been widely considered as one of the most promising candidates for next-generation data storage devices due to its fast switching time, low power consumption, and potential for ultra-high density. Development of a comprehensive model able to accurately describe all the physical processes involved in SPPCM operations is therefore vital to provide researchers with an effective route for device optimization. In this paper, we introduce a pseudo-three-dimensional model to simulate the electrothermal and phase-transition phenomena observed during the SPPCM writing process by simultaneously solving Laplace’s equation to model the electrical process, the classical heat transfer equation, and a rate equation to model phase transitions. The crystalline bit region of a typical probe system and the resulting current-voltage curve obtained from simulations of the writing process showed good agreement with experimental results obtained under an equivalent configuration, demonstrating the validity of the proposed model.
vacAGenotype Status ofHelicobacter pyloriIsolated from Foods with Animal Origin
Authors: Saeidi Elnaz , Sheikhshahrokh Amirhossein
Published: March 2016

According to controversial theories and results of studies, foods with animal origins play an important role in the transmission ofH. pylorito human. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution ofvacAgenotypes ofH. pylori,isolated from milk and meat samples of cow, sheep, goat, camel, and buffalo. Eight hundred and twenty raw milk and meat samples were collected from various parts of Iran. Samples were cultured and those found positive forH. pyloriwere analyzed for the presence of various genotypes ofvacAgene. Out of 420 milk and 400 meat samples, 92 (21.90%) and 105 (26.25%) were positive forH. pylori, respectively. The most commonly detected genotypes in thevacAgene weres1a(86.80%),m1a(79.18%),s1b(69.54%), andm1b(63.45%) and detected combined genotypes were mostlym1as1a(68.52%),m1as1b(60.40%),m1bs1b(55.83%), andm1bs1a(53.29%). High presence of bacteria in the milk and meat samples of sheep represents that sheep may be the natural host ofH. pylori. High presence ofH. pyloristrains in milk and meat samples similar tovacAgenotypes in human being suggests that milk and meat samples could be the sources of bacteria for human.
An Efficient Evolutionary Task Scheduling/Binding Framework for Reconfigurable Systems
Authors: Al-Wattar A. , Areibi S. , Grewal G.
Published: March 2016

Several embedded application domains for reconfigurable systems tend to combine frequent changes with high performance demands of their workloads such as image processing, wearable computing, and network processors. Time multiplexing of reconfigurable hardware resources raises a number of new issues, ranging from run-time systems to complex programming models that usually form a reconfigurable operating system (ROS). In this paper, an efficient ROS framework that aids the designer from the early design stages all the way to the actual hardware implementation is proposed and implemented. An efficient reconfigurable platform is implemented along with novel placement/scheduling algorithms. The proposed algorithms tend to reuse hardware tasks to reduce reconfiguration overhead, migrate tasks between software and hardware to efficiently utilize resources, and reduce computation time. A supporting framework for efficient mapping of execution units to task graphs in a run-time reconfigurable system is also designed. The framework utilizes an Island Based Genetic Algorithm flow that optimizes several objectives including performance, area, and power consumption. The proposed Island Based GA framework achieves on average 55.2% improvement over a single-GA implementation and an 80.7% improvement over a baseline random allocation and binding approach.
Comprehensive Review of the Literature on Existing Punctal Plugs for the Management of Dry Eye Disease
Authors: Jehangir Naz , Bever Greg , Mahmood S. M. Jafar , Moshirfar Majid
Published: March 2016

Numerous designs of punctal and canalicular plugs are available on the market. This variety presents challenges to ophthalmologists when choosing punctal plugs for the management of various ocular conditions. The aim of this literature review is to provide a classification system for lacrimal occlusive devices based on their location and duration of action as well as to identify different characteristics of each one of them. We want to give a comprehensive overview on punctal and canalicular plugs including their manufacturing companies, indications, and complications that have been reported in various articles. PubMed and Google Scholar were used to identify articles written in English as well as few articles written in Japanese, Chinese, Slovak, and Spanish that had abstracts in English. Nine different companies that manufacture punctal and canalicular plugs were identified and their plugs were included in this review. Punctal and canalicular plugs are used in the management of various ocular conditions including dry eye disease and punctal stenosis as well as in ocular drug delivery. Although they are a relatively safe option, associated complications have been reported in the literature such as infection, allergic reaction, extrusion, and migration.
Electrochemical Detection of Phenanthrene Using Nickel Oxide Doped PANI Nanofiber Based Modified Electrodes
Authors: Fayemi Omolola E. , Adekunle Abolanle S. , Ebenso Eno E.
Published: March 2016

A nickel oxide doped polyaniline nanofibers (PANI-NiO) based electrochemical sensor was constructed for detection of phenanthrene. Successful synthesis of PANI-NiO nanocomposite was confirmed with techniques such as SEM, XRD, EDX, FTIR, and UV-visible spectroscopy. The electrocatalytic oxidation of phenanthrene on PANI-NiO on modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE-PANI-NiO) was studied using cyclic voltammetry, square wave voltammetry, and impedance spectroscopy and discussed. Results showed that detection of phenanthrene was enhanced by the nanostructure of PANI-NiO film. The square wave voltammetry analysis shows a very low detection limit of 0.732 pM for phenanthrene with the linear range of 7.6 pM–1.4 × 10−11 M. The Tafel value of 227 mVdec−1suggests adsorption of phenanthrene oxidation intermediates on the GCE-PANI-NiO electrode. The GCE-PANI-NiO modified electrodes gave better performance towards phenanthrene in terms of current response, oxidation potential, current recovery, stability, and resistance to electrode fouling effects.
Social Determinants of Immigrant Women’s Mental Health
Authors: Delara Mahin
Published: March 2016

Migration is a population movement with enormous challenges for immigrant women that influence their mental health. Mental health is a social issue and its determinants need to be recognized for health policy making. This paper reviews and consolidates findings from the existing literature on social determinants of immigrant women’s mental health within a socioecological framework. Findings of this review revealed that mental health of immigrant women is an outcome of several interacting determinants at social, cultural, and health care system levels and hence calls for many different ways to promote it. Recommendations for mental health promotion of immigrant women with respect to research, education, practice, and policy are explored.
SDN Controlled mmWave Massive MIMO Hybrid Precoding for 5G Heterogeneous Mobile Systems
Authors: Chen Na , Sun Songlin , Kadoch Michel , Rong Bo
Published: March 2016

In 5G mobile network, millimeter wave (mmWave) and heterogeneous networks (Hetnets) are significant techniques to sustain coverage and spectral efficiency. In this paper, we utilize the hybrid precoding to overcome hardware constraints on the analog-only beamforming in mmWave systems. Particularly, we identify the complicated antenna coordination and vast spatial domain information as the outstanding challenges in mmWave Hetnets. In our work, we employ software defined network (SDN) to accomplish radio resource management (RRM) and achieve flexible spacial coordination in mmWave Hetnets. In our proposed scheme, SDN controller is responsible for collecting the user channel state information (CSI) and applying hybrid precoding based on the calculated null-space of victim users. Simulation results show that our design can effectively reduce the interference to victim users and support high quality of service.
Changes in Markers of Mineral and Bone Disorders and Mortality in Incident Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Soohoo Melissa , Feng Mingliang , Obi Yoshitsugu , Streja Elani , Rhee Connie M. , Lau Wei Ling , Wang Jialin , Ravel Vanessa A. , Brunelli Steven , Kovesdy Csaba P. , Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar
Published: March 2016

Background: Abnormalities in mineral and bone disorder (MBD) markers are common in patients with chronic kidney disease. However, previous studies have not accounted for their changes over time, and it is unclear whether these changes are associated with survival. Methods: We examined the association of change in MBD markers (serum phosphorus (Phos), albumin-corrected calcium (CaAlb), intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)) during the first 6 months of hemodialysis (HD) with all-cause mortality across baseline MBD strata using survival models adjusted for clinical characteristics and laboratory measurements in 102,754 incident HD patients treated in a large dialysis organization between 2007 and 2011. Results: Across all MBD markers (Phos, CaAlb, iPTH and ALP), among patients whose baseline MBD levels were higher than the reference range, increase in MBD levels was associated with higher mortality (reference group: MBD level within reference range at baseline and no change at 6 months follow-up). Conversely, decrease in Phos and iPTH, among baseline Phos and iPTH levels lower than the reference range, respectively, were associated with higher mortality. An increase in ALP was associated with higher mortality across baseline strata of ALP ≥80 U/l. However, patients with baseline ALP <80 U/l trended towards a lower risk of mortality irrespective of the direction of change at 6 months follow-up. Conclusions: There is a differential association between changes in MBD markers with mortality across varying baseline levels in HD patients. Further study is needed to determine if consideration of both baseline and longitudinal changes in the management of MBD derangements improves outcomes in this population.
Uma reprodução simbólica do universo social: o sepultamento de escravos no cemitério dos Pretos Novos, no Rio de Janeiro dos séculos XVII a XIX
Authors: Pereira Júlio César Medeiros da S.
Published: March 2016

Este artigo pretende examinar os sepultamentos realizados no cemitério dos Pretos Novos, à luz da abordagem da história cultural. Buscando analisar os aparelhos simbólicos partilhados por ambas as culturas, a fim de resgatar a especificidade do referido campo santo e o seu lugar na sociedade brasileira dos séculos XVII a XIX.
Roger Bastide e a Identidade Nagocêntrica
Authors: Oliveira Arilson S. de
Published: March 2016

O artigo debate a produção de Roger Bastide sobre o Candomblé no Brasil tendo em vista as críticas feitas ao longo do tempo à obra deste sociólogo e antropólogo. Procura, assim, pontuar os avanços nos estudos sobre as religiões afro-brasileiras a partir do levantamento de discussão bibliográfica e seus desdobramentos na obra de Bastide.
Feitiçaria: Terminologia e Apropriações
Authors: Pêpe Suzane Pinho
Published: March 2016

O presente artigo discute definições e conceitos de termos relativos ao tema feitiçaria e o contexto em que surgiram, assim como a relação entre as noções de feitiçaria e bruxaria. Parte da análise da série de ensaios de William Pietz, intitulada The Problem of the Fetish, publicados entre 1985 e 1988, Além de abordar a dificuldade de entendimento, por parte dos europeus, das práticas rituais africanas, analisa a apropriação do termo fetiche por autores ocidentais a partir do Iluminismo. O objetivo deste artigo é oferecer subsídios para a compreensão do tema com base em dados históricos, na análise de enfoques etnográficos, sociológicos e psicanalíticos, assim como evidenciar a lógica que norteia o pensamento da África Central e Ocidental, no que concerne às suas práticas religiosas, e a relação entre a lógica dessas práticas e as apropriações dos termos ora focalizados no contexto ocidental.
Autos de Rei Congo em Fortaleza: Uma prática cultural negra na dinâmica socioespacial da cidade (1873-1900)
Authors: Marques Janote Pires
Published: March 2016

Nas últimas décadas do século XIX, Fortaleza passou por grandes transformações urbanas, sociais e políticas. Nesse contexto, as manifestações culturais festivas negras que ocorriam na cidade sofreram perseguições e tentativas de controle. Para resistir, essa cultura negra recriava-se a partir das vivências de seus sujeitos. Esse artigo analisa o deslocamento dos reis negros coroados na Irmandade do Rosário de Fortaleza para outras manifestações culturais, como os autos de rei congo. Ressaltam-se diversas dimensões presentes nessas festas, ampliando, portanto, a visão de que eram apenas diversões e buscando percebê-las também como espaços de sociabilidades e de reelaborações culturais, bem como instrumentos dos negros para a conquista de territórios físicos e simbólicos na cidade.
“De olhos bem abertos”: Hubert Harrison, visão e voz do Radicalismo do Harlem
Authors: Peres Elena Pajaro
Published: March 2016

Jeffrey B. Perry. Hubert Harrison. The Voice of Harlem Radicalism, 1883-1918, New York: Columbia University Press, 2009.
A Inserção dos Africanos na Zona da Mata – Minas Gerais, Século XIX
Authors: Freire Jonis
Published: March 2016

O artigo aborda a inserção dos africanos em duas propriedades da Zona da Mata Mineira antes e após o fim do tráfico transatlântico de cativos em 1850. Percebe-se a importância deste mecanismo de reprodução da mão-de-obra para a manutenção/ampliação do contingente escravo. Detectamos que os escravos adquiridos por esses senhores eram, em sua maioria, advindos de uma determinada região do continente africano, e que estes africanos eram, majoritariamente, homens em idade produtiva (típicos de regiões de plantation), tendência que transparece mesmo após o fim do tráfico e em outras regiões da província mineira. A nosso ver são as tradições e memórias desses cativos que influenciaram a formação das comunidades escravas daquela região durante o século XIX.
Liberdade, Liberdades: Dilemas da Escravidão na Sabinada (Bahia, 1837-1838)
Authors: Lopes Juliana Serzedello Crespim
Published: March 2016

Este trabalho propõe a investigação das relações escravistas desenvolvidas ao longo da revolta liberal conhecida como Sabinada (Bahia, 1837-1838). A análise basear-se-á na documentação produzida pelos próprios envolvidos no movimento separatista baiano, bem como nas fontes referentes à repressão do movimento, de modo que se ofereça um panorama comparativo. A intenção é compreender as relações escravistas em um meio político predominantemente liberal, assim como a importância das marcas sociais de cor entre os envolvidos no episódio.
Conceição das Crioulas: Terra, Mulher e Política
Authors: Leite Maria Jorge Dos Santos
Published: March 2016

O referido trabalho tem como objetivo analisar o movimento organizado pela comunidade de Conceição das Crioulas refletindo sobre as ações das mulheres negras, enquanto sujeitos políticos e coletivos, na construção da história, da identidade étnica e da luta pela terra numa perspectiva da relação de gênero considerando que não basta estudar somente as mulheres, mas que é preciso estudar as relações estabelecidas entre homens e mulheres na construção do espaço social.
Zezito de Araújo: “O Movimento Negro em Alagoas: Militância e História”
Authors: Franco Irinéia M.
Published: March 2016

Professor aposentado da Universidade Federal de Alagoas. Professor-coordenador do Curso de História do CESMAC-AL. Pesquisador do NEAB-AL - Núcleo de Estudos Afro-Brasileiros. Membro do Comitê Gestor do Parque Memorial Quilombo dos Palmares – 2008. Coordenador Pedagógico do Projeto Socialcultural do Parque Memorial Zumbi dos Palmares - Caminhos para o Intercâmbio Afro-latino -2008/2009. Parte de Entrevista realizada em 18/01/2011, NEAB, Maceió, Alagoas.
Pensar em Deus em Àfrica: um Problema de Conceitos e Mudanças
Authors: Dias João Ferreira
Published: March 2016

O presente artigo propõe-se analisar o problema de ‘Deus’ nas religiões africanas, procurando inscrever o debate no longo discurso acerca do ser-supremo como realidade incontornável e como conceito operatório de análise do religioso. O debate em torno da originalidade do conceito fez escola e, mesmo reconhecendo-se a presença de ‘Deus’ na contemporaneidade africana, não se poderá negar o processo histórico adjacente à sua afirmação.
Metrópole, Colônia e Suas Relações Explosivas: da Revolução dos Cravos em Portugal à Imdependência de Angola em Zero Hora e Correio do Povo
Authors: Marques Mauro Luiz Barbosa
Published: March 2016

Este artigo analisa a conjuntura do pós Segunda Guerra e todo contexto que relacionou a Revolução Portuguesa de 1974 com a independência de Angola no ano seguinte. Este cenário tornou os acontecimentos metropolitanos intrinsecamente vinculados à conjuntura colonial e à guerra ali desenvolvida. Para isso, ao lado da bibliografia sobre o tema, serão utilizados e comparados os conteúdos de Zero Hora e Correio do Povo, principais jornais do Rio Grande do Sul (Brasil) na época, os quais cobriram com intensidade estes eventos.
Malcolm X: Uma Vida de Reinvenções
Authors: Macedo Márcio
Published: March 2016

MARABLE, Manning. Malcolm X: A Life of Reinventions. New York: Vinking/Penguim, 2011, 594 p.
Liberdade cidadã e a Questão do Negro na I República: caso do Vale do Paraíba Fluminense
Authors: Siqueira José Jorge
Published: March 2016

Trata-se das reflexões iniciais de um projeto de pesquisa desenvolvidas no âmbito do Programa de Mestrado em História Social da Universidade Severino Sombra, na busca de esclarecer aspectos da transformação estrutural da sociedade regional quando ela da passagem da escravidão para o capitalismo e a República. Mais precisamente, estamos interessados em contrapor o estudo dessa transformação estrutural concernente à tipologia das relações sociais de trabalho à forma peculiar de concentração do capital e à formulação de práticas e representações sociais, frente ao que viria se denominar a Questão do Negro. Partimos do princípio que esta última somente poderá ser minimamente entendida com radicalidade se atrelada àquelas transformações gerais, explicando-as e sendo por elas explicada – retirando-a de um caráter meramente pontual.
A representação social da escravidão nos museus brasileiros: interfaces entre a Museologia e a História
Authors: Mello Janaina Cardoso de
Published: March 2016

O artigo apresenta um estudo das representações da escravidão nos museus brasileiros em seus aspectos simbólicos, políticos e culturais na perspectiva de uma interface entre a Museologia e a História, refletindo sobre o papel político-cultural dos museus na sociedade brasileira. Assim, o estabelecimento de um diálogo com a produção historiográfica sobre a escravidão na sociedade brasileira permite discutir as representações sociais da escravidão nos museus brasileiros, com ênfase na realidade sergipana, para então se pensar novas possibilidades para uma expografia que contemple a pluralidade cultural afro-brasileira nos museus.
Um Alufá, o tráfico, a escravidão e a liberdade no Atlântico Negro
Authors: Melo Sabrina Fernandes
Published: March 2016

REIS, João José; GOMES, Flavio dos Santos; CARVALHO, Marcus J. M. de. O alufá Rufino: tráfico, escravidão e liberdade no Atlântico Negro (c. 1822-c. 1853). São Paulo (SP): Companhia das Letras, 2010.
A pequena Bridges e seu grande feito.
Authors: Peres Elena Pajaro
Published: March 2016

Determinação e persistência na luta dos afro-americanos pelos direitos civis nos Estados Unidos na década de 1960Resenha do livro infanto-juvenil de Madeline Donaldson. Ruby Bridges, New York: Barnes & Noble, 2009. (History Maker Bios Series)
Periodização e Práticas Antiescravistas na Cidade de São Paulo (1850-1871)
Authors: Franscisco Renata Ribeiro
Published: March 2016

Este artigo argumenta que a periodização prevalecente na historiografia da abolição, em certo sentido, limitou os estudos a respeito das primeiras experiências emancipacionistas praticadas pelas sociedades antiescravistas. Ao privilegiar os instantes finais da abolição, a produção historiográfica deixou para trás a trajetória inicial do movimento abolicionista perpetrada entre as décadas de 1850, 1860 e 1870.
Padre Daniel Pedro Marques de Oliveira: racialização e conflito na Província do Amazonas – 1850 -1889
Authors: Abreu Tenner Inauhiny de
Published: March 2016

O presente artigo pretende abordar questões referentes ao processo de racialização em torno do personagem do padre “pardo” Daniel Pedro Marques de Oliveira, que durante a década de 1870 foi deputado Provincial no Amazonas. Fato este que não o livrou do preconceito arraigado contra os ex-escravos e libertos, em uma sociedade marcada por hierarquias sociais.
Reformas Políticas E O Regime Da Prefeitura Em Cabo Verde Da Primeira Metade Do Séc. XIX (1832-1834)
Authors: Pereira Eduardo Adilson Camilo
Published: March 2016

Este artigo procura compreender as reformas políticas e a nova reconfiguração administrativa, com a introdução do regime da prefeitura em Cabo Verde, na primeira metade do séc. XIX (1832-1834). Além disso, procura analisar essas reformas em decorrência das novas exigências da elite política local, como forma de manutenção do seu poderio tanto político quanto econômico.
Racismo e Intolerância Religiosa: Representações do Xangô nos jornais de Maceió entre 1905 e 1940
Authors: Pacheco Lwdmila Constant
Published: March 2016

Esse trabalho busca explicitar as expressões linguísticas com que o Xangô em Maceió foi representado nos jornais de grande circulação, principalmente no Jornal de Alagoas, entre os anos de 1905 e 1940. O objetivo é destacar o discurso racista com que se referiam às religiões de matriz africana e de como esse se expressava em práticas racistas que incitaram a violência ocorrida no ano de 1912 e o seu prolongamento no tempo, com maior intensidade nos anos de 1930. Tal constatação tem o intuito não só de demarcar o racismo na linguagem escrita da mídia da época, como provocar a discussão sobre as consequências em relação à incitação da violência. Isto é, compreender a função que a linguagem exerce na formação de concepções enraizadamente racistas e eurocêntricas na população alagoana das primeiras décadas do século XX.