bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Angioedema hereditario por déficit de inhibidor C1: desafíos diagnósticos y terapéuticos. Reporte de caso
Authors: Mayorga Álvaro José , Ayestas-Moreno Gerardo José
Published: January 2018

Antecedentes: el angioedema hereditario es una enfermedad que se manifiesta con episodios de edema espontaneo, de piel, mucosas y vía aérea. Su tratamiento se centra en las crisis y en la profilaxis para minimizar el número y severidad de estas. En diversas partes del mundo, los derivados de andrógenos, antifibrinolíticos y plasma fresco congelado son los recursos disponibles para la profilaxis.Caso clínico: adolescente de 16 años sin antecedentes personales ni familiares, quien en el transcurso de 1 año presentó episodios recurrentes de angioedema indoloro, no pruriginoso; no respondió a antihistamínicos, corticosteroides o adrenalina, por lo que se aplicó plasma fresco congelado en una ocasión, que inmediatamente exacerbó la severidad del episodio. Se retrasó el diagnóstico porque no se disponía del estudio en el país, el cual fue enviado al extranjero donde se confirmó el déficit del inhibidor C1 (7.1 μg/mL). Se inició tratamiento profiláctico con danazol, con respuesta favorable y posterior disminución en el número de episodios.Conclusión: el retraso diagnóstico implica riesgo considerable en estos pacientes; la importancia del tratamiento profiláctico a largo plazo se ratifica en el uso de andrógenos, opción al alcance de los países en desarrollo.
The Effectiveness of Direct Instruction Curricula: A Meta-Analysis of a Half Century of Research
Authors: Stockard Jean , Wood Timothy W. , Coughlin Cristy , Rasplica Khoury Caitlin
Published: January 2018

Quantitative mixed models were used to examine literature published from 1966 through 2016 on the effectiveness of Direct Instruction. Analyses were based on 328 studies involving 413 study designs and almost 4,000 effects. Results are reported for the total set and subareas regarding reading, math, language, spelling, and multiple or other academic subjects; ability measures; affective outcomes; teacher and parent views; and single-subject designs. All of the estimated effects were positive and all were statistically significant except results from metaregressions involving affective outcomes. Characteristics of the publications, methodology, and sample were not systematically related to effect estimates. Effects showed little decline during maintenance, and effects for academic subjects were greater when students had more exposure to the programs. Estimated effects were educationally significant, moderate to large when using the traditional psychological benchmarks, and similar in magnitude to effect sizes that reflect performance gaps between more and less advantaged students.
Palmar dermatoglyphic traits in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients of Bengalee Hindu caste population of West Bengal, India: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ghosh Jyoti Ratan , Dastidar Piya Ghosh , Dey Biswarup , Das Piyali , Bandyopadhyay Arup Ratan
Published: January 2018

BackgroundDermatoglyphics is frequently used in understanding the proximity with non-communicable diseases including diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common non-communicable diseases all over the world. The present study is an attempt to understand the association of palmer dermatoglyphic traits [i.e. a-b ridge count (ABRC), c-d ridge count (CDRC), presence of multiple number of axial triradii (t, t' & t") in a single palm, td ridge count (TDRC), atd angle, btd angle and ctd angle] with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Material and methodsSubjects included 30 clinically diagnosed adult female T2DM patients and 60 healthy controls from the Bengalee Hindu Caste population of West Bengal, India. Bilateral palm prints were collected following standard ink and roller method. Results Present study revealed that T2DM patients have significantly (p<0.05) lower ABRC, CDRC and TDRC. On the other hand, significantly (p<0.05) higher presence of multiple number of axial triradii t, t' & t" was found in the palm of T2DM patients compared to the controls. T2DM patients also demonstrated significantly (p<0.05) higher values of atd and btd angle. However, T2DM patients demonstrated significantly (p<0.05) lower value of ctd angle than that of controls, only when both hand were considered. ConclusionThe results the present study indicated that dermatoglyphic traits may be used for early identification of at risk individuals for surveillance with a view to prevent the disease onset.Journal of Biomedical Sciences, Vol. 3, No. 2, 2016
Genetic basis of obesity: a review
Authors: Roy Bedanta , Ghosh Sumitabha , Sathain Brijesh , Banerjee Indrajit
Published: January 2018

Obesity is a state of “positive” energy balance when energy intake in is much greater than energy expenditure. The familial aggregation of body size was first published by Sir Francis Galton in 1889, which become a well-established risk factor for childhood obesity. Obesity is often allied with insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease. Monogenic obesity includes the involvements of Leptin (LEP) gene, leptin receptor(LEPR), Proopiomelanocortin (POMC), Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R), single-minded gene 1 (SIM 1), Proprotein convertase subtilisin/ kexin type 1 (PCSK1), Neuropeptide Y (NPY). Polygenic obesity is due to Adrenoceptor beta 1 (ADRB1), ADRB2, ADRB3, Uncoupling protein 1(UCP1), UCP2, UCP3. Monogenic and polygenic obesity; pleiotropic syndromes, chromosomal rearrangement are different types of obesity with genetic cause. Surprisingly all “obesity genes” carriers do not become overweight, and exercise, maintaining healthy routine is a significant contributing factor to nullify genetic prediposition.Journal of Biomedical Sciences, Vol. 3, No.2, 2016, Page: 24-28
Deep Truth and the Mythic Veil: Werner Herzog's New Mythology inLand of Silence and Darkness
Authors: Fischer André
Published: January 2018

This article begins with Werner Herzog's programmatic statements on new images and deep truth and connects it to ideas of Nietzschean aesthetics, mainly the Apollonian image and the Dionysian horror. My main argument is that Herzog contributes to the literary and aesthetic tradition of new mythology within the medium of film by developing a distinct visual language that tries to express non-rational truth claims. In a first step I explore how Nietzschean aesthetics influenced the debates about the mythic image and total cinema in classic film theory and visual studies. More importantly I show how the desire to create new mythic images not only influenced Herzog's discourse on film, but his actual aesthetic practice. In my analysis of his 1971 documentary Land of Silence and Darkness (Land des Schweigens und der Dunkelheit) I show how the dynamic between Apollonian veil and Dionysian Urbild (original image) is effective in the construction of what Herzog calls “deep truth”. This article attempts to shift the focus away from the fact-fiction debate surrounding most of Herzog's documentaries and to concentrate instead on framing Herzog's claims of non-rational truth theoretically and locating his work in the aesthetic tradition of new mythology.
On Application of the Ray-Shooting Method for LQR via Static-Output-Feedback
Authors: Peretz Yossi
Published: January 2018

In this article we suggest a randomized algorithm for the LQR (Linear Quadratic Regulator) optimal-control problem via static-output-feedback. The suggested algorithm is based on the recently introduced randomized optimization method called the Ray-Shooting Method that efficiently solves the global minimization problem of continuous functions over compact non-convex unconnected regions. The algorithm presented here is a randomized algorithm with a proof of convergence in probability. Its practical implementation has good performance in terms of the quality of controllers obtained and the percentage of success.
Application of a Hybrid Model Based on a Convolutional Auto-Encoder and Convolutional Neural Network in Object-Oriented Remote Sensing Classification
Authors: Cui Wei , Zhou Qi , Zheng Zhendong
Published: January 2018

Variation in the format and classification requirements for remote sensing data makes establishing a standard remote sensing sample dataset difficult. As a result, few remote sensing deep neural network models have been widely accepted. We propose a hybrid deep neural network model based on a convolutional auto-encoder and a complementary convolutional neural network to solve this problem. The convolutional auto-encoder supports feature extraction and data dimension reduction of remote sensing data. The extracted features are input into the convolutional neural network and subsequently classified. Experimental results show that in the proposed model, the classification accuracy increases from 0.916 to 0.944, compared to a traditional convolutional neural network model; furthermore, the number of training runs is reduced from 40,000 to 22,000, and the number of labelled samples can be reduced by more than half, all while ensuring a classification accuracy of no less than 0.9, which suggests the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed model.
Locomotion Efficiency Optimization of Biologically Inspired Snake Robots
Authors: Kelasidi Eleni , Jesmani Mansoureh , Pettersen Kristin , Gravdahl Jan
Published: January 2018

Snake robots constitute bio-inspired solutions that have been studied due to their ability to move in challenging environments where other types of robots, such as wheeled or legged robots, usually fail. In this paper, we consider both land-based and swimming snake robots. One of the principal concerns of the bio-inspired snake robots is to increase the motion efficiency in terms of the forward speed by improving the locomotion methods. Furthermore, energy efficiency becomes a crucial challenge for this type of robots due to the importance of long-term autonomy of these systems. In this paper, we take into account both the minimization of the power consumption and the maximization of the achieved forward velocity in order to investigate the optimal gait parameters for bio-inspired snake robots using lateral undulation and eel-like motion patterns. We furthermore consider possible negative work effects in the calculation of average power consumption of underwater snake robots. To solve the multi-objective optimization problem, we propose transforming the two objective functions into a single one using a weighted-sum method. For different set of weight factors, Particle Swarm Optimization is applied and a set of optimal points is consequently obtained. Pareto fronts or trade-off curves are illustrated for both land-based and swimming snake robots with different numbers of links. Pareto fronts represent trade-offs between the objective functions. For example, how increasing the forward velocity results in increasing power consumption. Therefore, these curves are a very useful tool for the control and design of snake robots. The trade-off curve thus constitutes a very useful tool for both the control and design of bio-inspired snake robots. In particular, the operators or designers of bio-inspired snake robots can choose a Pareto optimal point based on the trade-off curve, given the preferred number of links on the robot. The optimal gait parameters for the robot control system design are then directly given both for land-based and underwater snake robots. Moreover, we are able to obtain some observations about the optimal values of the gait parameters, which provide very important insights for future control design of bio-inspired snake robots.
Low-Dimensional Reconciliation for Continuous-Variable Quantum Key Distribution
Authors: Gyongyosi Laszlo , Imre Sandor
Published: January 2018

We propose an efficient logical layer-based reconciliation method for continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CVQKD) to extract binary information from correlated Gaussian variables. We demonstrate that by operating on the raw-data level, the noise of the quantum channel can be corrected in the low-dimensional (scalar) space, and the reconciliation can be extended to arbitrary dimensions. The CVQKD systems allow an unconditionally secret communication over standard telecommunication networks. To exploit the real potential of CVQKD a robust reconciliation technique is needed. It is currently unavailable, which makes it impossible to reach the real performance of the CVQKD protocols. The reconciliation is a post-processing step separated from the transmission of quantum states, which is aimed to derive the secret key from the raw data. The reconciliation process of correlated Gaussian variables is a complex problem that requires either tomography in the physical layer that is intractable in a practical scenario, or high-cost calculations in the multidimensional spherical space with strict dimensional limitations. To avoid these issues, we define the low-dimensional reconciliation. We prove that the error probability of one-dimensional reconciliation is zero in any practical CVQKD scenario, and provides unconditional security. The results allow for significantly improving the currently available key rates and transmission distances of CVQKD.
Depression Symptom Patterns and Social Correlates among Chinese Americans
Authors: Zhu Lin
Published: January 2018

The aim of this study is to examine and compare the depression symptoms pattern and social correlates in three groups: foreign-born Chinese Americans, US-born Chinese Americans, and non-Hispanic whites. This study used data from the Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiology Surveys (CPES). The study sample consists of 599 Chinese Americans (468 for the foreign-born and 121 for the US-born) and 4032 non-Hispanic whites. Factor analysis was used to examine the depression symptom patterns by each subgroup. Four depression symptoms dimensions were examined: negative affect, somatic symptoms, cognitive symptoms, and suicidality. Logistic regression was used to investigate the effects of sociodemographic (age, gender, marital status, and education), physical health condition, and social relational factors (supports from and conflict with family and friends) on specific types of depression symptoms separately for the three subgroups. The findings showed little differences in depression symptom patterns but clear variation in the social correlates to the four depression dimensions across the three ethnocultural groups, foreign-born Chinese Americans, US-born Chinese Americans, and non-Hispanic whites. Clinicians should take into account the sociocultural factors of patients when making diagnosis and suggesting treatments. In addition, psychiatrists, psychologists, or other mental health service providers should offer treatment and coping suggestions based on the specific symptom dimensions of patients, and patients’ ethnocultural backgrounds.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Buildings in 2017
Authors:   Buildings Editorial Office
Published: January 2018

Peer review is an essential part in the publication process, ensuring that Buildings maintains high quality standards for its published papers.[...]
Catalyst Deactivation and Regeneration Processes in Biogas Tri-Reforming Process. The Effect of Hydrogen Sulfide Addition
Authors: Izquierdo Urko , García-García Iker , Gutierrez Ángel , Arraibi Juan , Barrio Victoria , Cambra José , Arias Pedro
Published: January 2018

This work studies Ni-based catalyst deactivation and regeneration processes in the presence of H2S under a biogas tri-reforming process for hydrogen production, which is an energy vector of great interest. 25 ppm of hydrogen sulfide were continuously added to the system in order to provoke an observable catalyst deactivation, and once fully deactivated two different regeneration processes were studied: a self-regeneration and a regeneration by low temperature oxidation. For that purpose, several Ni-based catalysts and a bimetallic Rh-Ni catalyst supported on alumina modified with CeO2 and ZrO2 were used as well as a commercial Katalco 57-5 for comparison purposes. Ni/Ce-Al2O3 and Ni/Ce-Zr-Al2O3 catalysts almost recovered their initial activity. For these catalysts, after the regeneration under oxidative conditions at low temperature, the CO2 conversions achieved—79.5% and 86.9%, respectively—were significantly higher than the ones obtained before sulfur poisoning—66.7% and 45.2%, respectively. This effect could be attributed to the support modification with CeO2 and the higher selectivity achieved for the Reverse Water-Gas-Shift (rWGS) reaction after catalysts deactivation. As expected, the bimetallic Rh-Ni/Ce-Al2O3 catalyst showed higher resistance to deactivation and its sulfur poisoning seems to be reversible. In the case of the commercial and Ni/Zr-Al2O3 catalysts, they did not recover their activity.
Infra-Red Plasmonic Sensors
Authors: Centeno Anthony , Aid Siti , Xie Fang
Published: January 2018

Plasmonic sensors exploiting the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of noble metal nanoparticles are common in the visual spectrum. However, bio-sensors near the infra-red (NIR) windows (600–900 nm and 1000–1400 nm) are of interest, as in these regions the absorption coefficients of water, melanin deoxyglobin, and hemoglobin are all low. The first part of this paper reviews the work that has been undertaken using gold (Au) and silver (Ag) particles in metal enhanced fluorescence (MEF) in the NIR. Despite this success, there are limitations, as there is only a narrow band in the visual and NIR where losses are low for traditional plasmonic materials. Further, noble metals are not compatible with standard silicon manufacturing processes, making it challenging to produce on-chip integrated plasmonic sensors with Au or Ag. Therefore, it is desirable to use different materials for plasmonic chemical and biological sensing, that are foundry-compatible with silicon (Si) and germanium (Ge). One material that has received significant attention is highly-doped Ge, which starts to exhibit metallic properties at a wavelength as short as 6 μm. This is discussed in the second part of the paper and the results of recent analysis are included.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of a Zn(II)-Based MOF Bearing Neutral N-Donor Linker and SiF62− Anion
Authors: Manna Biplab , Sharma Shivani , Ghosh Sujit
Published: January 2018

A novel three-dimensional two-fold interpenetrated bi-porous metal-organic framework IPM-325 (IPM: IISER Pune Materials) having pcu topology was synthesized at room temperature. Single crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) study revealed that the compound crystallizes in monoclinic lattice with molecular formula {[Zn(L)2 (SiF6)] (CH2Cl2) xG}n where G = Guests). All metal centers were found to have octahedral geometry. From single crystal analysis it can be inferred that SiF62− anion play a vital role in extending the dimensionality of the framework by bridging between two metal centers. Interestingly, IPM-325 exhibited two-step structural transformation maintaining the crystallinity of the framework as characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD).
Effect of MnO2 Concentration on the Conductivity of Ce0.9Gd0.1MnxO2−δ
Authors: Neuhaus Kerstin , Baumann Stefan , Dolle Raimund , Wiemhöfer Hans-Dieter
Published: January 2018

Samples with the composition Ce0.9Gd0.1MnxO2−δ with x = 0.01, 0.02, and 0.05 Mn-addition were prepared by mixed oxide route from Ce0.9Gd0.1O2−δ and MnO2 and sintered at 1300 °C. The electronic conductivity was measured using a modified Hebb-Wagner technique, the electrical conductivity was investigated by impedance spectroscopy, and oxygen permeation was measured for the sample with x = 0.05. An increase of the electronic partial conductivity with increasing Mn addition was observed, which can be attributed to an additional Mn 3d-related state between the top of the valence band and the bottom of the Ce 4f band. The grain boundary conductivity was found to be suppressed for low Mn contents, but enhanced for the sample with x = 0.05.
Reporting and Handling of Indeterminate Bone Scan Results in the Staging of Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Petersen Lars , Strandberg Jesper , Stenholt Louise , Johansen Martin , Zacho Helle
Published: January 2018

Bone scintigraphy is key in imaging skeletal metastases in newly diagnosed prostate cancer. Unfortunately, a notable proportion of scans are not readily classified as positive or negative but deemed indeterminate. The extent of reporting of indeterminate bone scans and how such scans are handled in clinical trials are not known. A systematic review was conducted using electronic databases up to October 2016. The main outcome of interest was the reporting of indeterminate bone scans, analyses of how such scans were managed, and exploratory analyses of the association of study characteristics and the reporting of indeterminate bone scan results. Seventy-four eligible clinical trials were identified. The trials were mostly retrospective (85%), observational (95%), large trials (median 195 patients) from five continents published over four decades. The majority of studies had university affiliation (72%), and an author with imaging background (685). Forty-five studies (61%) reported an indeterminate option for the bone scan and 23 studies reported the proportion of indeterminate scans (median 11.4%). Most trials (44/45, 98%) reported how to handle indeterminate scans. Most trials (n = 39) used add-on supplementary imaging, follow-up bone scans, or both. Exploratory analyses showed a significant association of reporting of indeterminate results and number of patients in the study (p = 0.024) but failed to reach statistical significance with other variables tested. Indeterminate bone scan for staging of prostate cancer was insufficiently reported in clinical trials. In the case of indeterminate scans, most studies provided adequate measures to obtain the final status of the patients.
Robust Macroscopic Quantum Measurements in the Presence of Limited Control and Knowledge
Authors: Renou Marc-Olivier , Gisin Nicolas , Fröwis Florian
Published: January 2018

Quantum measurements have intrinsic properties that seem incompatible with our everyday-life macroscopic measurements. Macroscopic Quantum Measurement (MQM) is a concept that aims at bridging the gap between well-understood microscopic quantum measurements and macroscopic classical measurements. In this paper, we focus on the task of the polarization direction estimation of a system of N spins 1/2 particles and investigate the model some of us proposed in Barnea et al., 2017. This model is based on a von Neumann pointer measurement, where each spin component of the system is coupled to one of the three spatial component directions of a pointer. It shows traits of a classical measurement for an intermediate coupling strength. We investigate relaxations of the assumptions on the initial knowledge about the state and on the control over the MQM. We show that the model is robust with regard to these relaxations. It performs well for thermal states and a lack of knowledge about the size of the system. Furthermore, a lack of control on the MQM can be compensated by repeated “ultra-weak” measurements.
Analytical Solutions for Multi-Time Scale Fractional Stochastic Differential Equations Driven by Fractional Brownian Motion and Their Applications
Authors: Ding Xiao-Li , Nieto Juan
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we investigate analytical solutions of multi-time scale fractional stochastic differential equations driven by fractional Brownian motions. We firstly decompose homogeneous multi-time scale fractional stochastic differential equations driven by fractional Brownian motions into independent differential subequations, and give their analytical solutions. Then, we use the variation of constant parameters to obtain the solutions of nonhomogeneous multi-time scale fractional stochastic differential equations driven by fractional Brownian motions. Finally, we give three examples to demonstrate the applicability of our obtained results.
An Entropic Model for the Assessment of Streamwise Velocity Dip in Wide Open Channels
Authors: Mirauda Domenica , Pannone Marilena , De Vincenzo Annamaria
Published: January 2018

The three-dimensional structure of river flow and the presence of secondary currents, mainly near walls, often cause the maximum cross-sectional velocity to occur below the free surface, which is known as the “dip” phenomenon. The present study proposes a theoretical model derived from the entropy theory to predict the velocity dip position along with the corresponding velocity value. Field data, collected at three ungauged sections located along the Alzette river in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and at three gauged sections located along three large rivers in Basilicata (southern Italy), were used to test its validity. The results show that the model is in good agreement with the experimental measurements and, when compared with other models documented in the literature, yields the least percentage error.
First-Year Mathematics and Its Application to Science: Evidence of Transfer of Learning to Physics and Engineering
Authors: Nakakoji Yoshitaka , Wilson Rachel
Published: January 2018

Transfer of mathematical learning to science is seen as critical to the development of education and industrial societies, yet it is rarely interrogated in applied research. We present here research looking for evidence of transfer from university mathematics learning in semester one to second semester sciences/engineering courses (n = 1125). A transfer index measure was derived from extant university assessments, calculated on content-matched questions requiring mathematical concepts and skills in students’ completed mathematics and science/engineering exams. We found that transfer could be measured in this way, and present path models of how transfer is associated with educational attainment and other factors. However, transfer was observed only in physics (n = 258) and engineering (n = 426); biology and molecular bioscience assessments did not provide opportunities for students to demonstrate their mathematical learning. In physics and engineering courses, mathematical attainment had a strong, direct, positive effect, with transfer of learning providing an additional direct and mediating effect upon students’ performance in these subjects. In physics and engineering, transfer was also associated with higher levels of educational attainment in general. This new, applied approach to examining transfer trialed here may provide opportunities for analysing, evaluating, and improving cross-disciplinary transfer of learning within universities.
Energy Saving in Data Centers
Authors: Bein Wolfgang
Published: January 2018

Globally CO2 emissions attributable to Information Technology are on par with those resulting from aviation. Recent growth in cloud service demand has elevated energy efficiency of data centers to a critical area within green computing. Cloud computing represents a backbone of IT services and recently there has been an increase in high-definition multimedia delivery, which has placed new burdens on energy resources. Hardware innovations together with energy-efficient techniques and algorithms are key to controlling power usage in an ever-expanding IT landscape. This special issue contains a number of contributions that show that data center energy efficiency should be addressed from diverse vantage points.
Cyclic Experimental Studies on Damage Evolution Behaviors of Shale Dependent on Structural Orientations and Confining Pressures
Authors: Cheng Cheng , Li Xiao
Published: January 2018

Damage process of shale is of great importance when considering the wellbore stability and reservoir stimulation during the work of shale gas recovery. As shale has typical transversely isotropic structures and may be under different stress states in the reservoir, the damage process should be studied while considering both loading directions and confining pressures. A series of cyclic uniaxial and tri-axial compressive tests have been carried out on the shale samples with different oriented weak planes and confining pressures. The dissipated strain energy and its ratio to the releasable elastic strain energy have been studied comparing with the fracturing patterns of the samples. Based on the strain energy dissipation, damage variable is defined and the damage evolution equation is built to describe the damage process of shale samples dependent on loading directions and confining pressures. The damage equation shows that the damage of the shale samples increases as a power function of the axial stress. Under higher confining pressures, the damage is limited in the early loading stage, while it increases significantly with the formation of macro shear fractures when the peak strength is approaching. The change of increasing rate is weak for the shale samples (β = 60°) as the main failure pattern is slip along the weak planes. This study is helpful for understanding the damage process and failure of wellbore, as well as the stimulation effect of the shale gas reservoir.
Multi-Step Loading Creep Behavior of Red Sandstone after Thermal Treatments and a Creep Damage Model
Authors: Yang Sheng-Qi , Hu Bo , Ranjith Pathegama , Xu Peng
Published: January 2018

Triaxial compressive creep tests were conducted on red sandstones after different thermal treatments. Subsequently, the thermal influence on the axial, lateral and volumetric creep curves under various stress levels was analyzed. The results show that both the instantaneous and time-based deformation behaviors depended largely on the stress and temperature conditions. The instant axial strain increases linearly with increasing deviator stress and the instant deformation modulus decreases non-linearly with temperature. An interesting phenomenon was observed whereby the lateral creep strain had an apparent linear correlation with the axial creep strain. Furthermore, the fitting lines’ slopes of lateral and axial creep strain increase gradually with the increasing deviator stress at identical temperature and first decreases and then increases as temperature is elevated. Then, on the basis of the Burgers creep model and the concept of strain energy, a creep damage model implemented in FLAC3D (Fast Lagrangian Analysis of Continua 3D) is presented, and this model was able to describe the entire creep process completely including primary creep stage, secondary creep stage, and tertiary creep stage comparing with the experimental and theoretical results based on test data and numerical calculations. The influence of two damage parameters on creep curves and the thermal influence on creep parameters are subsequently discussed. Under the same stress level, the parameters K, GM and GK and ηK of creep model decrease with temperature, while the parameter ηM first augments as temperature rise to 300 °C and then decreases as temperature at above 300 °C. The higher is the temperature, the smaller the critical stress ratio (CSR).
Topology-Based Estimation of Missing Smart Meter Readings
Authors: Kodaira Daisuke , Han Sekyung
Published: January 2018

Smart meters often fail to measure or transmit the data they record when measuring energy consumption, known as meter readings, owing to faulty measuring equipment or unreliable communication modules. Existing studies do not address successive and non-periodical missing meter readings. This paper proposes a method whereby missing readings observed at a node are estimated by using circuit theory principles that leverage the voltage and current data from adjacent nodes. A case study is used to demonstrate the ability of the proposed method to successfully estimate the missing readings over an entire day during which outages and unpredictable perturbations occurred.
Pervious Concrete as an Environmental Solution for Pavements: Focus on Key Properties
Authors: Kováč Marek , Sičáková Alena
Published: January 2018

Pervious concrete is considered to be an advanced pavement material in terms of the environmental benefits arising from its basic feature—high water-permeability. This paper presents the results of experimental work that is aimed at testing technically important properties of pervious concrete prepared with three different water-to-cement ratios. The following properties of pervious concrete were tested—compressive and splitting tensile strength, unit weight at dry conditions, void content, and permeability. The mix proportions were expected to have the same volume of cement paste, and, to obtain the same 20% void content for all of the samples. The results show that changes of water-to-cement ratio from 0.35 to 0.25 caused only slight differences in strength characteristics. Arising tendency was found in the case of compressive strength and a decreasing tendency in the case of splitting tensile strength. The hydraulic conductivity ranged from 10.2 mm/s to 7.5 mm/s. The values of both the unit weight and void content were also analysed to compare the theoretical (calculated) values and real experiment results. A fairly good agreement was reached in the case of mixtures with 0.35 and 0.30 water-to-cement ratios, while minor differences were found in the case of 0.25 ratio. Finally, a very tight correlation was found between void content, hydraulic conductivity, and compressive strength.
Fine Root Biomass and Its Relationship with Aboveground Traits of Larix gmelinii Trees in Northeastern China
Authors: Meng Shengwang , Jia Quanquan , Zhou Guang , Zhou Hua , Liu Qijing , Yu Jian
Published: January 2018

Fine roots play a prominent role in forest carbon flux, nutrient and water acquisition; however, information on fine roots remains scarce due to the limitation of measuring methods. In this study, a nested regression method was used to estimate the biomass and surface area of fine roots of individual Larix gmelinii trees that dominate northernmost China. Aboveground traits including leaf biomass, leaf area, stem volume and aboveground biomass were also investigated. In particular, the relationships between leaves and fine roots, in terms of biomass and area, were examined. The results revealed that allometric models of fine roots, total roots, and leaves consistently fit well with Adj. R2 = 0.92–0.97. The root-shoot ratio at the individual tree level was approximately 0.28. There were robust positive linear correlations between absorption (fine root biomass, fine root surface area) and production (leaf biomass, leaf area) (Adj. R2 = 0.95, p < 0.001). In conclusion, the close coupling between fine roots and leaves presented in this study provides support for the theory of functional equilibrium.
Gels as Templates for the Syntheses of Shape-Controlled Nanostructured Materials
Authors: Di Chenna Pablo
Published: January 2018

The preparation of inorganic, organic and/or hybrid nanostructured materials with controlled shape and size is crucial for the development of nanotechnology, and it is nowadays the focus of intense research.[...]
Transcriptional-Readthrough RNAs Reflect the Phenomenon of “A Gene Contains Gene(s)” or “Gene(s) within a Gene” in the Human Genome, and Thus Are Not Chimeric RNAs
Authors: He Yan , Yuan Chengfu , Chen Lichan , Lei Mingjuan , Zellmer Lucas , Huang Hai , Liao Dezhong
Published: January 2018

Tens of thousands of chimeric RNAs, i.e., RNAs with sequences of two genes, have been identified in human cells. Most of them are formed by two neighboring genes on the same chromosome and are considered to be derived via transcriptional readthrough, but a true readthrough event still awaits more evidence and trans-splicing that joins two transcripts together remains as a possible mechanism. We regard those genomic loci that are transcriptionally read through as unannotated genes, because their transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulations are the same as those of already-annotated genes, including fusion genes formed due to genetic alterations. Therefore, readthrough RNAs and fusion-gene-derived RNAs are not chimeras. Only those two-gene RNAs formed at the RNA level, likely via trans-splicing, without corresponding genes as genomic parents, should be regarded as authentic chimeric RNAs. However, since in human cells, procedural and mechanistic details of trans-splicing have never been disclosed, we doubt the existence of trans-splicing. Therefore, there are probably no authentic chimeras in humans, after readthrough and fusion-gene derived RNAs are all put back into the group of ordinary RNAs. Therefore, it should be further determined whether in human cells all two-neighboring-gene RNAs are derived from transcriptional readthrough and whether trans-splicing truly exists.
Applying the Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard (CMECS) to Nearshore Habitats in the Northeastern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Kingon Kelly
Published: January 2018

Many countries have classification standards for their environmental resources including criteria for classifying coastal and marine ecosystems. Until 2012, the United States just had a nationwide protocol for classifying terrestrial and aquatic habitats with no national standard for marine and most coastal habitats. In 2012 the Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard (CMECS) was implemented to address this need. In the past, coastal and marine classifications were developed at the regional or local level. Since its inception, the CMECS has not been applied in many geographic areas. My study was one of the first to apply the CMECS to the benthic habitats in the nearshore Northeastern Gulf of Mexico. Sidescan sonar mapping and dive surveys were completed at 33 sites at depths 10–23 m. Hardbottom and sand habitats characterized the study area, and the underwater surveys revealed hard corals, sponges, and macroalgae as the dominant taxa on the hardbottom. The CMECS was applied to the overall study area rather than each individual site or groups of similar sites because habitat and environmental characteristics, primarily outside the context of the CMECS, appeared to influence the distribution of taxa across sites more than the CMECS geoform, substrate, and water column components. The CMECS worked well for classifying the entire study area, but was not adequate for classifying the complex fine-scale habitats and temporal variations observed; modifications to the CMECS could help resolve these issues.
Evaluation and Implementation of a Proactive Telephone Smoking Cessation Counseling for Parents: A Study Protocol of an Effectiveness Implementation Hybrid Design
Authors: Scheffers-van Schayck Tessa , Otten Roy , Engels Rutger , Kleinjan Marloes
Published: January 2018

Detrimental health consequences of smoking for both parents and children stress the importance for parents to quit. A Dutch efficacy trial supported the efficacy of proactive telephone counseling on parents. Still, how this program would function in “real world” conditions and how parents could be optimally reached is unclear. Therefore, this study will use an innovative method to examine the recruitment success of two implementation approaches (i.e., via a healthcare approach and a mass media approach) to test the (cost)effectiveness of the program. A two-arm randomized controlled trial and an implementation study (i.e., process evaluation) are conducted. Parents (N = 158) will be randomly assigned to the intervention (i.e., telephone counseling) or control conditions (i.e., self-help brochure). Primary outcome measure is 7-day point prevalence abstinence at three months post-intervention. Qualitative and quantitative research methods are used for the process evaluation. We expect that parents in the intervention condition have higher cessation rates than parents in the control condition. We also expect that the recruitment of parents via (youth) health care services is a more promising implementation approach compared to mass media. Results will have implications for the effectiveness of a proactive telephone counseling and provide directions for its successful implementation.
Adsorption Behavior and Mechanism for the Uptake of Fluoride Ions by Reed Residues
Authors: Song Rong , Yang Shengke , Xu Haiyang , Wang Zongzhou , Chen Yangyang , Wang Yanhua
Published: January 2018

The adsorption behavior and mechanism for the uptake of fluoride ions by untreated and desugared reed residues (roots, stems and leaves) were studied through adsorption experiments, elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy and surface area analysis. The results showed that the adsorption capacity of untreated and desugared reeds followed the order: desugared roots 2136 mg/kg > desugared leaves 1825 mg/kg > desugared stems 1551 mg/kg > untreated roots 191 mg/kg > untreated stems 175 mg/kg > untreated leaves 150 mg/kg, so adsorption capacity of desugared reeds was larger than that of the untreated reeds. The adsorption kinetic of fluoride ions followed a pseudo-first-order model. A Langmuir model could be used to fit the isothermal adsorption process which was a spontaneous endothermic reaction involving mainly physical adsorption. The ΔG for the uptake of fluoride by the desugared reeds was more negative, so the degree of spontaneity was higher than for the use of the untreated reeds. After samples were desugared, the specific surface area and aromaticity of the reed increased, while the polarity and hydrophilicity decreased, which explained the adsorption amount of desugared reed was higher than that of the untreated. This study enriches techniques and methods of removing fluoride ions from water.
Problematic Smartphone Use: Investigating Contemporary Experiences Using a Convergent Design
Authors: Kuss Daria , Harkin Lydia , Kanjo Eiman , Billieux Joel
Published: January 2018

Internet-enabled smartphones are increasingly ubiquitous in the Western world. Research suggests a number of problems can result from mobile phone overuse, including dependence, dangerous and prohibited use. For over a decade, this has been measured by the Problematic Mobile Phone Use Questionnaire (PMPU-Q). Given the rapid developments in mobile technologies, changes of use patterns and possible problematic and addictive use, the aim of the present study was to investigate and validate an updated contemporary version of the PMPU-Q (PMPU-Q-R). A mixed methods convergent design was employed, including a psychometric survey (N = 512) alongside qualitative focus groups (N = 21), to elicit experiences and perceptions of problematic smartphone use. The results suggest the PMPU-Q-R factor structure can be updated to include smartphone dependence, dangerous driving, and antisocial smartphone use factors. Theories of problematic mobile phone use require consideration of the ubiquity and indispensability of smartphones in the present day and age, particularly regarding use whilst driving and in social interactions.
Use of a New International Classification of Health Interventions for Capturing Information on Health Interventions Relevant to People with Disabilities
Authors: Fortune Nicola , Madden Richard , Almborg Ann-Helene
Published: January 2018

Development of the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI) is currently underway. Once finalised, ICHI will provide a standard basis for collecting, aggregating, analysing, and comparing data on health interventions across all sectors of the health system. In this paper, we introduce the classification, describing its underlying tri-axial structure, organisation and content. We then discuss the potential value of ICHI for capturing information on met and unmet need for health interventions relevant to people with a disability, with a particular focus on interventions to support functioning and health promotion interventions. Early experiences of use of the Swedish National Classification of Social Care Interventions and Activities, which is based closely on ICHI, illustrate the value of a standard classification to support practice and collect statistical data. Testing of the ICHI beta version in a wide range of countries and contexts is now needed so that improvements can be made before it is finalised. Input from those with an interest in the health of people with disabilities and health promotion more broadly is welcomed.
Revisiting M&M with Taxes: An Alternative Equilibrating Process
Authors: Kopecky Kenneth , Li Zhichuan , Sugrue Timothy , Tucker Alan
Published: January 2018

Modigliani and Miller present an equity-quantity shifting equilibrating process to achieve an optimal firm value in the presence of corporate taxes. However, in the era in which they derived their various propositions regarding the relation between a firm’s value and its capital structure, well-capitalized takeover specialists including private equity firms and sovereign funds did not exist, at least by today’s standards. In this paper we develop a simple arbitrage strategy, made viable by the presence of takeover firms, which presents an alternative equilibrating process to achieve the same optimal firm value. This alternative process is markedly different from that of the Modigliani and Miller theorem in terms of its predictions for debt use and restores the prospect of capital structure irrelevancy despite the existence of corporate taxes.
Surface Functionalization and Targeting Strategies of Liposomes in Solid Tumor Therapy: A Review
Authors: Riaz Muhammad , Riaz Muhammad , Zhang Xue , Lin Congcong , Wong Ka , Chen Xiaoyu , Zhang Ge , Lu Aiping , Yang Zhijun
Published: January 2018

Surface functionalization of liposomes can play a key role in overcoming the current limitations of nanocarriers to treat solid tumors, i.e., biological barriers and physiological factors. The phospholipid vesicles (liposomes) containing anticancer agents produce fewer side effects than non-liposomal anticancer formulations, and can effectively target the solid tumors. This article reviews information about the strategies for targeting of liposomes to solid tumors along with the possible targets in cancer cells, i.e., extracellular and intracellular targets and targets in tumor microenvironment or vasculature. Targeting ligands for functionalization of liposomes with relevant surface engineering techniques have been described. Stimuli strategies for enhanced delivery of anticancer agents at requisite location using stimuli-responsive functionalized liposomes have been discussed. Recent approaches for enhanced delivery of anticancer agents at tumor site with relevant surface functionalization techniques have been reviewed. Finally, current challenges of functionalized liposomes and future perspective of smart functionalized liposomes have been discussed.
Proteomic Analysis and Identification of Possible Allergenic Proteins in Mature Pollen of Populus tomentosa
Authors: Wang Liuqiang , Zhang Xiaoling , Zhang Jin , Fan Wei , Lu Mengzhu , Hu Jianjun
Published: January 2018

Pollen grains from Populus tomentosa, a widely cultivated tree in northern area of China, are considered to be an important aeroallergen causing severe allergic diseases. To gain insight into their allergenic components, mature Populus tomentosa pollen proteins were analyzed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF MS). A total of 412 spots from mature pollen were resolved on pH 4–7 immobilized pH gradient (IPG) strips and 159 distinct proteins were identified from 242 spots analyzed. The identified proteins were categorized based on their functional role in the pollen, which included proteins involved in energy regulation, protein fate, protein synthesis and processing, metabolism, defense/stress responses, development and other functional categories. Moreover, among the identified proteins, 27 proteins were identified as putative allergens using the Structural Database of Allergenic Proteins (SDAP) tool and Allergen Online. The expression patterns of these putative allergen genes indicate that several of these genes are highly expressed in pollen. The identified putative allergens have the potential to improve specific diagnosis and can be used to develop vaccines for immunotherapy against poplar pollen allergy.