bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonprofits and Cross‐Organizational Collaborations to Promote Local Labor Rights Policies
Authors: de Graauw Els
Published: March 2015

Proposals to re‐empower the U.S. labor movement emphasize the importance of unions to work in coalition with community nonprofits at the local level. An extensive literature analyzes how such cross‐organizational collaborations have benefitted unions, such as in their fights to prevent plant closures, to establish or renew union contracts, to organize the unorganized, and to pass living wage policies. This article instead emphasizes the experience of nonprofit organizations that work with unions in local policy coalitions that seek to promote the labor rights of immigrants and other low‐wage workers. Drawing on case study material of San Francisco's living and minimum wage campaigns, this article argues that differences in organizational resources, tax‐exempt status, and community connections affect nonprofits' role as public policy advocates relative to unions, but not uniformly in the same way across different stages of the policymaking process. While these differences in advocacy assets give unions the means to crowd nonprofits out of the policy enactment process, they enable nonprofits to hold their own in the initial agenda‐setting process and even to outshine unions in the final policy implementation process.
Cardiovascular response to exercise training in the systemic right ventricle of adults with transposition of the great arteries
Authors: Shafer K. M. , Janssen L. , Carrick‐Ranson G. , Rahmani S. , Palmer D. , Fujimoto N. , Livingston S. , Matulevicius S. A. , Forbess L. W. , Brickner B. , Levine B. D.
Published: March 2015

Key Points

Patients with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) and systemic right ventricles have premature congestive heart failure; there is also a growing concern that athletes who perform extraordinary endurance exercise may injure the right ventricle.

Therefore we felt it essential to determine whether exercise training might injure a systemic right ventricle which is loaded with every heartbeat.

Previous studies have shown that short term exercise training is feasible in TGA patients, but its effect on ventricular function is unclear.

We demonstrate that systemic right ventricular function is preserved (and may be improved) in TGA patients with exercise training programmes that are typical of recreational and sports participation, with no evidence of injury on biomarker assessment.

Stroke volume reserve during exercise correlates with exercise training response in our TGA patients, identifying this as a marker of a systemic right ventricle (SRV) that may most tolerate (and possibly even be improved by) exercise training.

We aimed to assess the haemodynamic effects of exercise training in transposition of the great arteries (TGA) patients with systemic right ventricles (SRVs). TGA patients have limited exercise tolerance and early mortality due to systemic (right) ventricular failure. Whether exercise training enhances or injures the SRV is unclear. Fourteen asymptomatic patients (34 ± 10 years) with TGA and SRV were enrolled in a 12 week exercise training programme (moderate and high‐intensity workouts). Controls were matched on age, gender, BMI and physical activity. Exercise testing pre‐ and post‐ training included: (a) submaximal and peak; (b) prolonged (60 min) submaximal endurance and (c) high‐intensity intervals. Oxygen uptake (; Douglas bag technique), cardiac output (, foreign‐gas rebreathing), ventricular function (echocardiography and cardiac MRI) and serum biomarkers were assessed. TGA patients had lower peak , , and stroke volume (SV), a blunted / slope, and diminished SV response to exercise (SV increase from rest: TGA = 15.2%, controls = 68.9%, P < 0.001) compared with controls. After training, TGA patients increased peak by 6 ± 8.5%, similar to controls (interaction P = 0.24). The magnitude of SV reserve on initial testing correlated with training response (r = 0.58, P = 0.047), though overall, no change in peak was observed. High‐sensitivity troponin T (hs‐TnT) and N‐terminal prohormone of brain naturetic peptide (NT pro‐BNP) were low and did not change with acute exercise or after training. Our data show that TGA patients with SRVs in this study safely participated in exercise training and improved peak . Neither prolonged submaximal exercise, nor high‐intensity intervals, nor short‐term exercise training seem to injure the systemic right ventricle.
Usefulness Simulation of Design Concepts
Authors: Bekhradi Alborz , Yannou Bernard , Farel Romain , Zimmer Benjamin , Chandra Jeya
Published: March 2015

Usefulness, from the utilitarianism perspective, is the ability of a product or service to improve the well-being of humans and to minimize their suffering in different situations. In the case of the widespread issue of falls among the elderly, designing an adapted solution to is not an obvious task. The latter requires quantifying various usage scenarios. The usage scenarios, or segments, associated with elderly falls must be investigated to ensure that newly designed products and services are likely to bring essential health, social, and economic values. Optimizing a design solution by considering the coverage of such usage segments extends the classical methods of design for market approaches. Starting from a disparate literature on elderly falls’ issue, we have first built a usage scenarios space. Next, the usefulness and the coverage ability of three design solutions are evaluated over a tessellation of usage segments. In addition, the developed usage simulator is used to assess the potential of non or poorly covered usage segments to deliver insightful information in order to truly be a need seeker in the front-end of innovation.
A Function Generation Synthesis Methodology for All Defect-Free Slider-Crank Solutions for Four Precision Points
Authors: Almandeel Ali , Murray Andrew P. , Myszka David H. , Stumph Herbert E.
Published: March 2015

The well-established methodology for slider-crank function generation states that five precision points can be achieved without structural error. The resulting designs, however, do not necessarily satisfy all of the kinematic requirements for designing a slider-crank linkage used in common machine applications such as driving the ram of a mechanical press. First, linkage solutions to the five precision point synthesis problem may need to change circuits to reach the precision points. Second, there is no guarantee that the input crank is fully rotatable. This paper presents a modification to the function generation synthesis methodology that reveals a continuum of defect-free, slider-crank solutions for four precision points. Additionally, the methodology allows the specification of velocity or acceleration at the precision points. Although smaller accelerations at a point of zero slide velocity are associated with longer dwell, a point having zero velocity and acceleration is shown not to be possible. Examples are included to illustrate this kinematic synthesis methodology.
Experimental and Numerical Aerodynamic Analysis of a Passenger Car: Influence of the Blockage Ratio on Drag Coefficient
Authors: Altinisik Armagan , Kutukceken Emre , Umur Habib
Published: March 2015

Experimental and numerical investigations were performed to determine the pressure distributions and the drag forces on a passenger car model. Experiments were carried out with 1/5th scale model FIAT Linea for 20% and ~ 1% blockage ratios in the Uludag University Wind Tunnel (UURT) and in the Ankara Wind Tunnel (ART), respectively. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis for 1/5th scale model with 0%, 5%, and 20% blockage ratios was performed to validate various blockage correction methods supplementary to the experimental results. Three-dimensional, incompressible, and steady governing equations were solved by STAR-CCM+ code with realizable k–ε two-layer turbulence model. The calculated drag coefficients were in good agreement with the experimental results within 6%. Pressure coefficients on the model surfaces have shown similar trends in the experimental and numerical studies. Some of the existing blockage correction methods were successfully compared in this study and predicted drag coefficients were within ± 5%. The authors propose the continuity and the Sykes blockage correction methods for passenger car models because they are very simple and practical and they can be used economically for engineering applications.
Analysis of Vibration of a Tank Caused by an Explosion
Authors: Utsumi M. , Tazuke H.
Published: March 2015

The vibration of a large tank caused by an explosion that occurs at a place apart from the tank is analyzed. Because the tank is double-walled and the liquid is contained in the inner shell, the vibration of the outer shell subjected to the explosion-induced pressure wave that travels outside the tank is analyzed without considering the liquid. A cylindrical tank with a spherical roof is considered as a realistic three-dimensional (3D) model, and a computationally efficient semi-analytical method that is applicable to the 3D geometry of the tank–fluid interface is investigated. First, cylindrical coordinates are introduced such that the longitudinal axis intersects the center of the tank base and is normal to the explosion source plane, thereby defining the inner and outer radii of the analysis domain of the fluid motion. Next, the solutions are expressed in terms of coordinate-dependent eigenvalues and a reduced order model is developed by applying the Galerkin method to the governing equations that take into account the compressibility and nonlinearity of the fluid motion. The method is verified by comparing with earlier results obtained by a numerical method. We also analyze the vibration of the tank shell by developing its finite element (FE) model and transforming the model into modal equations to develop a reduced order model for the fluid–tank system.
Improved fabrication of melt electrospun tissue engineering scaffolds using direct writing and advanced electric field control
Authors: Ristovski Nikola , Bock Nathalie , Liao Sam , Powell Sean K. , Ren Jiongyu , Kirby Giles T. S. , Blackwood Keith A. , Woodruff Maria A.
Published: March 2015

Direct writing melt electrospinning is an additive manufacturing technique capable of the layer-by-layer fabrication of highly ordered 3d tissue engineering scaffolds from micron-diameter fibers. The utility of these scaffolds, however, is limited by the maximum achievable height of controlled fiber deposition, beyond which the structure becomes increasingly disordered. A source of this disorder is charge build-up on the deposited polymer producing unwanted coulombic forces. In this study, the authors introduce a novel melt electrospinning platform with dual voltage power supplies to reduce undesirable charge effects and improve fiber deposition control. The authors produced and characterized several 90° cross-hatched fiber scaffolds using a range of needle/collector plate voltages. Fiber thickness was found to be sensitive only to overall potential and invariant to specific tip/collector voltage. The authors also produced ordered scaffolds up to 200 layers thick (fiber spacing 1 mm and diameter 40 μm) and characterized structure in terms of three distinct zones: ordered, semiordered, and disordered. Our in vitro analysis indicates successful cell attachment and distribution throughout the scaffolds, with little evidence of cell death after seven days. This study demonstrates the importance of electrostatic control for reducing destabilizing polymer charge effects and enabling the fabrication of morphologically suitable scaffolds for tissue engineering.
Measurements and modeling of the impact of weak magnetic fields on the plasma properties of a planar slot antenna driven plasma source
Authors: Yoshikawa Jun , Susa Yoshio , Ventzek Peter L. G.
Published: March 2015

The radial line slot antenna plasma source is a type of surface wave plasma source driven by a planar slot antenna. Microwave power is transmitted through a slot antenna structure and dielectric window to a plasma characterized by a generation zone adjacent to the window and a diffusion zone that contacts a substrate. The diffusion zone is characterized by a very low electron temperature. This renders the source useful for soft etch applications and thin film deposition processes requiring low ion energy. Another property of the diffusion zone is that the plasma density tends to decrease from the axis to the walls under the action of ambipolar diffusion at distances far from where the plasma is generated. A previous simulation study [Yoshikawa and. Ventzek, J. Vac. Sci. Technol. A 31, 031306 (2013)] predicted that the anisotropy in transport parameters due to weak static magnetic fields less than 50 G could be leveraged to manipulate the plasma profile in the radial direction. These simulations motivated experimental tests in which weak magnetic fields were applied to a radial line slot antenna source. Plasma absorption probe measurements of electron density and etch rate showed that the magnetic fields remote from the wafer were able to manipulate both parameters. A summary of these results is presented in this paper. Argon plasma simulation trends are compared with experimental plasma and etch rate measurements. A test of the impact of magnetic fields on charge up damage showed no perceptible negative effect.
Effects of an Intervention With a University Recreation Center Staff to Foster a Caring, Task-Involving Climate
Authors: Brown Theresa C. , Fry Mary D.
Published: March 2015

This study examined the effects of a university recreation center intervention aimed at increasing members’ perceptions of a caring, task-involving climate. In addition, members’ perceptions of staff behaviors and their own behaviors were measured. College students (N = 282) completed questionnaires before and after an intervention designed to increase perceptions of a caring, task-involving climate. Results revealed the intervention did increase members’ perceptions of the caring, task-involving climate while reducing perceptions of the ego-involving climate. Members’ perceptions of the staff and their own positive behaviors also increased. The staff’s behaviors predicted members’ perceptions of the three types of climates; moreover, members’ perceptions of the ego-involving climate negatively predicted their caring, task-involving behaviors. The study suggests that members’ perceptions of the climate can be positively influenced through minimal training with recreation center staff and that the behaviors in which the staff engage are an antecedent to members’ perceptions of the motivational climate.
Drinking Outcome Expectancies and Normative Perceptions of Students Engaged in University Sport in England
Authors: Longstaff Fran , Heather Nick , Allsop Susan , Partington Elizabeth , Jankowski Mark , Wareham Helen , Gibson A. St Clair , Partington Sarah
Published: March 2015

This study examined whether students engaged in university sport have different drinking outcome expectancies and normative beliefs than students who are not engaged in university sport. A cross-sectional survey of university students in England in 2008–2009 was undertaken. A questionnaire battery, including the Drinking Expectancies Questionnaire (DEQ) and a measure of normative beliefs, was completed by 770 students from seven universities across England. Responses from 638 students who were not abstaining from alcohol were analyzed. Students engaged in university sport have significantly higher drinking expectancies of assertion compared with students not engaged in university sport. Moreover, students engaged in university sport consistently report higher personal alcohol consumption and higher perceptions of consumption in those around them than students not engaged in university sport. Both assertion and the perception that students around them drink heavily provide only a partial explanation for why students engaged in university sport drink more than those not engaged in university sport. Further research is required to identify the reasons for heavy drinking among students involved in university sport in England.
HIF-1α at the center of the sepsis Yin and Yang
Authors: Dela Cruz Charles S.
Published: March 2015

Human monocytes up-regulate hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and acquire an immunosuppressive phenotype in sepsis.
Preventing an unholy alliance
Authors: Musiek Erik S.
Published: March 2015

A repurposed cancer drug blocks a critical interaction between amyloid-β and tau, preventing neuronal damage in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease.
Type IV Pilus Secretins Have Extracellular C Termini
Authors: Lieberman Joshua A. , Petro Courtney D. , Thomas Stefani , Yang Austin , Donnenberg Michael S.
Published: March 2015

Type IV pili (T4Ps) are surface appendages used by Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogens for motility and attachment to epithelial surfaces. In Gram-negative bacteria, such as the important pediatric pathogen enteropathogenicEscherichia coli(EPEC), during extension and retraction, the pilus passes through an outer membrane (OM) pore formed by the multimeric secretin complex. The secretin is common to Gram-negative assemblies, including the related type 2 secretion (T2S) system and the type 3 secretion (T3S) system. The N termini of the secretin monomers are periplasmic and in some systems have been shown to mediate substrate specificity. In this study, we mapped the topology of BfpB, the T4P secretin from EPEC, using a combination of biochemical and biophysical techniques that allowed selective identification of periplasmic and extracellular residues. We applied rules based on solved atomic structures of outer membrane proteins (OMPs) to generate our topology model, combining the experimental results with secondary structure prediction algorithms and direct inspection of the primary sequence. Surprisingly, the C terminus of BfpB is extracellular, a result confirmed by flow cytometry for BfpB and a distantly related T4P secretin, PilQ, fromPseudomonas aeruginosa. Keeping with prior evidence, the C termini of two T2S secretins and one T3S secretin were not detected on the extracellular surface. On the basis of our data and structural constraints, we propose that BfpB forms a beta barrel with 16 transmembrane beta strands. We propose that the T4P secretins have a C-terminal segment that passes through the center of each monomer.

IMPORTANCESecretins are multimeric proteins that allow the passage of secreted toxins and surface structures through the outer membranes (OMs) of Gram-negative bacteria. To date, there have been no atomic structures of the C-terminal region of a secretin, although electron microscopy (EM) structures of the complex are available. This work provides a detailed topology prediction of the membrane-spanning domain of a type IV pilus (T4P) secretin. Our study used innovative techniques to provide new and comprehensive information on secretin topology, highlighting similarities and differences among secretin subfamilies. Additionally, the techniques used in this study may prove useful for the study of other OM proteins.
Bilateral traumatic hip dislocation with sciatic nerve palsy
Authors: Fan Ka Yuk , Lui Tun Hing
Published: March 2015

Bilateral hip dislocation is a rare condition. We report a case of traumatic bilateral hip dislocation and unilateral sciatic nerve palsy in a young woman with known idiopathic scoliosis. With prompt reduction of the dislocated hips, there was reasonable neurological recovery. There was no avascular necrosis of the femoral head or post-traumatic arthritis up to 3-year follow-up. The gender difference in incidence, as well as the predisposition of hip dislocation in scoliosis is discussed. In our case, the decreased femoral anteversion was the culprit.
Sarcoidosis presented as retroperitoneal and lung mass
Authors: Iqbal Nousheen , Mahmood Aamer , Irfan Muhammad , Minhas Khurram
Published: March 2015

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disorder of unknown aetiology characterised pathologically by the presence of non-caseating granulomas in involved organs. Sarcoidosis most frequently involves the lungs followed by eye and skin. Presentation as retroperitoneal and lung mass is rare in sarcoidosis. We describe an unusual case of sarcoidosis where the patient presented with large retroperitoneal and lung masses, and was treated as tuberculosis.
Weekly variations of stroke occurrence: an observational cohort study based on the Kyoto Stroke Registry, Japan
Authors: Shigematsu Kazuo , Watanabe Yoshiyuki , Nakano Hiromi
Published: March 2015

Objectives

Understanding the temporal pattern of stroke onset and exploring the possible triggers are important strategies to reducing the incidence of stroke. If stroke occurs frequently on a specific day of the week, it is assumed that other factors, that is, ‘triggering factors’, induce stroke. The aim of the study is to investigate differences in the incidences of stroke among days of the week.

Design

Hospital-based registry stroke over an 11-year period.

Setting

Kyoto Prefecture, Japan.

Participants

A total of 13 788 patients with stroke identified from January 1999 to December 2009 inclusive in the entire Kyoto Prefecture and registered in the Kyoto Stroke Registry (KSR).

Main outcome measures

Patients with stroke were classified into seven groups based on the day of the week on which stroke developed. We confirmed the differences in the incidence among days using the χ2test and then performed multinomial logistic analysis referring to the stroke incidence on Sunday to calculate the OR and 95% CI of the stroke occurrence on each day of the week.

Results

The OR (95% CI) for stroke occurring on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday was 1.157 (1.030 to 1.293), 1.101 (0.981 to 1.236), 1.059 (0.943 to 1.188), 1.091 (0.972 to 1.225), 1.053 (0.938 to 1.205) and 1.074 (0.956 to 1.205), respectively. After stratification by stroke subtypes, cerebral infarction occurred more frequently on Monday than on Sunday (OR and 95% CI were 1.189 and 1.034 to 1.366, p=0.014) independent of age and gender. There was no significant day of the week variation in cerebral haemorrhage or subarachnoid haemorrhage.

Conclusions

Some factors that arise periodically appear to affect the incidence of cerebral infarction, which gradually develops over years, and this suggests an aetiological mechanism different from the conventional cumulative effect of risk factors due to long-term exposure. We propose a hypothesis that there is a ‘triggering factor’ for the development of cerebral infarction.
The CORE study protocol: a stepped wedge cluster randomised controlled trial to test a co-design technique to optimise psychosocial recovery outcomes for people affected by mental illness in the community mental health setting
Authors: Palmer Victoria J , Chondros Patty , Piper Donella , Callander Rosemary , Weavell Wayne , Godbee Kali , Potiriadis Maria , Richard Lauralie , Densely Konstancja , Herrman Helen , Furler John , Pierce David , Schuster Tibor , Iedema Rick , Gunn Jane
Published: March 2015

Introduction

User engagement in mental health service design is heralded as integral to health systems quality and performance, but does engagement improve health outcomes? This article describes the CORE study protocol, a novel stepped wedge cluster randomised controlled trial (SWCRCT) to improve psychosocial recovery outcomes for people with severe mental illness.

Methods

An SWCRCT with a nested process evaluation will be conducted over nearly 4 years in Victoria, Australia. 11 teams from four mental health service providers will be randomly allocated to one of three dates 9 months apart to start the intervention. The intervention, a modified version of Mental Health Experience Co-Design (MH ECO), will be delivered to 30 service users, 30 carers and 10 staff in each cluster. Outcome data will be collected at baseline (6 months) and at completion of each intervention wave. The primary outcome is improvement in recovery score using the 24-item Revised Recovery Assessment Scale for service users. Secondary outcomes are improvements to user and carer mental health and well-being using the shortened 8-item version of the WHOQOL Quality of Life scale (EUROHIS), changes to staff attitudes using the 19-item Staff Attitudes to Recovery Scale and recovery orientation of services using the 36-item Recovery Self Assessment Scale (provider version). Intervention and usual care periods will be compared using a linear mixed effects model for continuous outcomes and a generalised linear mixed effects model for binary outcomes. Participants will be analysed in the group that the cluster was assigned to at each time point.

Ethics and dissemination

The University of Melbourne, Human Research Ethics Committee (1340299.3) and the Federal and State Departments of Health Committees (Project 20/2014) granted ethics approval. Baseline data results will be reported in 2015 and outcomes data in 2017.

Trial registration number

Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12614000457640.
A case of isolated diffuse splenic haemangiomatosis in a dog
Authors: Murgia Daniela , Mori Moira , Rondena Marco , Tacchini Damiana
Published: March 2015

This report describes a case of isolated diffuse haemangiomatosis in the spleen of a nine‐month‐old dog that presented with weakness, abdominal discomfort and severe splenomegaly. Histopathological examination following splenectomy showed the splenic parenchyma had almost been replaced by multiple dilated vascular lacunae, varying is size, and lined by a single layer of flattened, well differentiated, endothelial cells sustained by fine fibrocystic bundles. The cytoplasmic expression of CD34 and von Willebrand factor found in the endothelial cells confirmed the vascular nature of the lesion; the lack of expression of podoplanin, a specific marker for the lymphatic vessels, excluded the diagnosis of lymphangiomatosis. Diffuse splenic haemangiomatosis carries a benign prognosis and complete cure following splenectomy has been described in humans and was achieved in this case. However, the differential diagnosis must take into account the possibility of vascular malignant or tumour‐like lesions occurring in the spleen.
Hydrogen-sulfide-mediated vasodilatory effect of nucleoside 5′-monophosphorothioates in perivascular adipose tissue
Authors: Bełtowski Jerzy , Guranowski Andrzej , Jamroz-Wiśniewska Anna , Wolski Andrzej , Hałas Krzysztof
Published: March 2015

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is synthesized in perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) and induces vasorelaxation. We examined whether the sulfur-containing AMP and GMP analogs AMPS and GMPS can serve as the H2S donors in PVAT. H2S production by isolated rat periaortic adipose tissue (PAT) was measured with a polarographic sensor. In addition, phenylephrine-induced contractility of aortic rings with (+) or without (−) PAT was examined. Isolated PAT produced H2S from AMPS or GMPS in the presence of the P2X7 receptor agonist BzATP. Phenylephrine-induced contractility of PAT(+) rings was lower than of PAT(−) rings. AMPS or GMPS had no effect on the contractility of PAT(−) rings, but used together with BzATP reduced the contractility of PAT(+) rings when endogenous H2S production was inhibited with propargylglycine. A high-fat diet reduced endogenous H2S production by PAT. Interestingly, AMPS and GMPS were converted to H2S by PAT of obese rats, and reduced contractility of PAT(+) aortic rings isolated from these animals even in the absence of BzATP. We conclude that (i) AMPS and GMPS can be hydrolyzed to H2S by PAT when P2X7 receptors are activated, (ii) a high-fat diet impairs endogenous H2S production by PAT, (iii) AMPS and GMPS restore the anticontractile effects of PAT in obese animals without P2X7 stimulation.
A Lehto–Virtanen-type theorem and a rescaling principle for an isolated essential singularity of a holomorphic curve in a complex space
Authors: Okuyama Yûsuke
Published: March 2015

We establish a Lehto–Virtanen-type theorem and a rescaling principle for an isolated essential singularity of a holomorphic curve in a complex space, which are useful for establishing a big Picard-type theorem and a big Brody-type one for holomorphic curves.
Mass spectra of Ds meson from Nf = 2 twisted mass lattice QCD
Authors: Li Ning , Wu Ya-Jie
Published: March 2015

In this paper, we study the mass spectra of Ds mesons, such as Ds, [Formula: see text] and Ds1. In the simulation, we use Nf = 2 twisted mass lattice QCD gauge configurations generated by the European Twisted Mass Collaboration (ETMC). The simulation is performed on lattices with lattice spacings a = 0.067 fm and lattice size 323×64, and a = 0.085 fm and lattice size 243×48, respectively. Our numerical results for the mass spectra of Ds mesons reached impressive agreement with the experimental data.
Radiation of inertial scalar particles in the de Sitter universe
Authors: Blaga Robert
Published: March 2015

We investigate the radiation of an inertial scalar particle evolving in a de Sitter (dS) expanding Universe. In the context of scalar QED, the process is generated by the first-order term in the perturbation theory expansion of the S-matrix. The partial transition probability is obtained and analyzed, and soft-photon emission is found to dominate overall. It has been argued that an inertial particle evolving in dS spacetime loses physical momentum just as a decelerated particle in Minkowski space does. It is thus expected that an inertial charge will radiate in a similar way. We investigate the radiated energy and make a qualitative comparison of the angular distribution of the energy with the radiation pattern in the latter case.
Left–right model from gauge-Higgs unification with dark matter
Authors: de Anda Francisco J.
Published: March 2015

We propose a five-dimensional model based on the idea of Gauge-Higgs Unification (GHU) with the gauge group SO(5) × U(1) in Randall–Sundrum (RS) spacetime. We obtain a left–right (LR) symmetric model with a stable scalar identified as a dark matter candidate. This stable scalar obtains a vacuum expectation value (VEV) that gives mass to fermions in the bulk through the Hosotani Mechanism. There is a scalar localized on a brane and gives contributions to fermion masses. This scalar fits the observed Higgs boson data. We are able to fit all the Standard Model (SM) observables while evading constraints.
Towards an alternative gravitational theory
Authors: Nieto J. A. , Beltrán L. A.
Published: March 2015

In 1680, Cassini proposed oval curves as alternative trajectories for the visible planets around the sun. The Cassini ovals were of course overshadowed by the Kepler's first law (1609), namely the planets move around the sun describing conic orbits. Here, we describe the possibility that the Cassini's idea works at larger or smaller scales. Indeed, we consider the Spiric curves (which are a generalization of the Cassini oval) and present the first steps towards a Spiric gravitational theory. We show that from our formalism an ellipse associated with a planet can be obtained as a particular case.
An easy-to-decompose binder for Ti metal injection molding: Preparation and characterization of feedstock
Authors: Hayat Muhammad Dilawer , Wen Guian , Cao Peng
Published: March 2015

Impurity control is crucial to Ti metal powder injection molding (Ti-MIM) since titanium is a universal solvent to interstitial elements such as oxygen, carbon and nitrogen. In this study, a low decomposition temperature binder system was developed; the rheological and solvent debinding assessments of the feedstock formulated from this binder were performed. Solvent mixing was employed to prepare homogeneous feedstocks. Effects of powder shape and solid loading on rheological properties were evaluated. After injection molding, a debinding profile was constructed. The debound parts were then characterized by microstructural observation.
Effect of hot-forging on beta phase transformation of a high niobium containing titanium aluminide alloy
Authors: Cheng Liang , Xue Xiangyi , Tang Bin , Kou Hongchao , Li Jinshan
Published: March 2015

In this paper, ingot breakdown process of a high Nb containing TiAl alloy with a chemical composition of Ti –42.63 Al –8.11 Nb –0.21 W –0.09 Y (at.%) has been investigated under conventional forging conditions. It was found that the present alloy possesses superior hot-workability that can be successfully forged by conventional upsetting route due to the appearance of large amount of β/B2 phase, though shear band was observed in the forged-pancake. Further studies revealed that hot-working performed in (α + β) phase region which can effectively impede the β → α transformation and thus significantly increase the volume fraction of β/B2 phase. In contrast, the amount of β/B2 phase was notably reduced by heat treatment at the same conditions. This stress-induced effect is considered to be responsible to the superior hot-workability of the present alloy and the mechanism has been discussed and reasonably clarified. It was also suggested that the stress-induced effect has practical significance that it allows the implementation of conventional multi-step forging process which can develop fine and uniform microstructures suitable for secondary processing.
Microstructure and wear property of spray formed high leaded bronze
Authors: Yan Pengfei , Wang Deping , Yan Biao
Published: March 2015

In this research, Cu-9Pb high leaded bronze were prepared by spray forming. The microstructure and wear properties of this bronze alloy were systematically investigated. The results show that although the hardness of spray formed alloy was not increased comparing with the cast alloy, it still presented a lower wear rate and a lower friction coefficient in dry sliding wear tests as shallower grooves and more lubricating films were observed in the spray formed bronze (BSF14). Spray forming also refined the lead phase microstructure of Cu-9Pb bronze and improved its wear properties.
Genus Ranges of Chord Diagrams
Authors: Burns Jonathan , Jonoska Nataša , Saito Masahico
Published: March 2015

A chord diagram consists of a circle, called the backbone, with line segments, called chords, whose endpoints are attached to distinct points on the circle. The genus of a chord diagram is the genus of the orientable surface obtained by thickening the backbone to an annulus and attaching bands to the inner boundary circle at the ends of each chord. Variations of this construction are considered here, where bands are possibly attached to the outer boundary circle of the annulus. The genus range of a chord diagram is the genus values over all such variations of surfaces thus obtained from a given chord diagram. Genus ranges of chord diagrams for a fixed number of chords are studied. Integer intervals that can be, and those that cannot be, realized as genus ranges are investigated. Computer calculations are presented, and play a key role in discovering and proving the properties of genus ranges.
ARL1 of the Attribute c Control Chart with Estimated Parameter
Authors: Tiplica Teodor
Published: March 2015

In this paper, the out of control average run length (ARL1) of the c control chart with estimated parameter is computed for various shifts in the average number of nonconformities. In spite of the discrete nature of this chart, it is proved that a target in-control average run length (ARL0) can be obtained when the average number of nonconformities is estimated. This is a good starting point for comparing the performances of the c control chart with those of other attribute control charts with estimated parameters. Based on the computational results obtained, it is showed that the ARL1 of the c control chart with estimated parameter can be approximated by using a polynomial expression.
Assessments of Feature Selection Techniques with Respect to Data Sampling for Highly Imbalanced Software Measurement Data
Authors: Gao Kehan , Khoshgoftaar Taghi M.
Published: March 2015

In the process of software defect prediction, a classification model is first built using software metrics and fault data gathered from a past software development project, then that model is applied to data in a similar project or a new release of the same project to predict new program modules as either fault-prone (fp) or not-fault-prone (nfp). The benefit of such a model is to facilitate the optimal use of limited financial and human resources for software testing and inspection. The predictive power of a classification model constructed from a given data set is affected by many factors. In this paper, we are more interested in two problems that often arise in software measurement data: high dimensionality and unequal example set size of the two types of modules (e.g., many more nfp modules than fp modules found in a data set). These directly result in learning time extension and a decline in predictive performance of classification models. We consider using data sampling followed by feature selection (FS) to deal with these problems. Six data sampling strategies (which are made up of three sampling techniques, each consisting of two post-sampling proportion ratios) and six commonly used feature ranking approaches are employed in this study. We evaluate the FS techniques by means of: (1) a general method, i.e., assessing the classification performance after the training data is modified, and (2) studying the stability of a FS method, specifically with the goal of understanding the effect of data sampling techniques on the stability of FS when using the sampled data. The experiments were performed on nine data sets from a real-world software project. The results demonstrate that the FS techniques that most enhance the models' classification performance do not also show the best stability, and vice versa. In addition, the classification performance is more affected by the sampling techniques themselves rather than by the post-sampling proportions, whereas this is opposite for the stability.
Vibration Analysis of a Cracked Beam on an Elastic Foundation
Authors: Batihan Ali Çağri , Kadioğlu Fevzi Suat
Published: March 2015

The transverse vibrations of cracked beams with rectangular cross sections resting on Pasternak and generalized elastic foundations are considered. Both the Euler–Bernoulli (EB) and Timoshenko beam (TB) theories are used. The open edge crack is represented as a rotational spring whose compliance is obtained by the fracture mechanics. By applying the compatibility conditions between the beam segments at the crack location and the boundary conditions, the characteristic equations are derived, from which the nondimensional natural frequencies are solved as the roots. Sample numerical results showing the effects of crack depth, crack location, foundation type and foundation parameters on the natural frequencies of the beam are presented. It is observed that the existence of crack reduces the natural frequencies, whereas the elasticity of the foundation increases the stiffness of the system and thus the natural frequencies. It is also observed that the type of elastic foundation has a significant effect on the natural frequencies of the cracked beam.
On topological lattices and their applications to module theory
Authors: Abuhlail Jawad , Lomp Christian
Published: March 2015

Yassemi’s “second submodules” are dualized and properties of its spectrum are studied. This is done by moving the ring theoretical setting to a lattice theoretical one and by introducing the notion of a (strongly) topological lattice [Formula: see text] with respect to a proper subset [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] We investigate and characterize (strongly) topological lattices in general in order to apply it to modules over associative unital rings. Given a non-zero left [Formula: see text]-module [Formula: see text] we introduce and investigate the spectrum [Formula: see text] of first submodules of [Formula: see text] as a dual notion of Yassemi’s second submodules. We topologize [Formula: see text] and investigate the algebraic properties of [Formula: see text] by passing to the topological properties of the associated space.
On finite-dimensional representations of two-parameter quantum affine algebras
Authors: Jing Naihuan , Zhang Honglian
Published: March 2015

We introduce the notion of Drinfeld polynomials of two-parameter quantum affine algebras and establish a one-to-one correspondence between finite-dimensional irreducible representations and sets of [Formula: see text]-tuples of pairs of polynomials with certain conditions.
Equality of certain automorphism groups of finite p-groups
Authors: Gumber Deepak , Kalra Hemant
Published: March 2015

Let [Formula: see text] be a finite [Formula: see text]-group and let Aut([Formula: see text]) denote the full automorphism group of [Formula: see text]. In the recent past, there has been interest in finding necessary and sufficient conditions on [Formula: see text] such that certain subgroups of Aut([Formula: see text]) are equal. We prove a technical lemma and, as a consequence, obtain some new results and short and alternate proofs of some known results of this type.
Identification of biomarker genes for resistance to a pathogen by a novel method for meta-analysis of single-channel microarray datasets
Authors: Wójcik Piotr Iwo , Ouellet Thérèse , Balcerzak Margaret , Dzwinel Witold
Published: March 2015

The search for fast and reliable methods allowing for extraction of biomarker genes, e.g. responsible for a plant resistance to a certain pathogen, is one of the most important and highly exploited data mining problem in bioinformatics. Here we describe a simple and efficient method suitable for combining results from multiple single-channel microarray experiments for meta-analysis. A new technique presented here makes use of the fuzzy set logic for the initial gene selection and of the machine learning algorithm AdaBoost to retrieve a set of genes where expression profiles are the most different between the resistant and susceptible classes. As a proof of concept, our method has been applied to the analysis of a gene expression dataset composed of many independent microarray experiments on wheat head tissue, to identify genes that are biomarkers of resistance to the fungus Fusarium graminearum. We used microarray data from many experiments performed on wheat lines of various resistance level. The resulting set of genes was validated by qPCR experiments.
AN OVERVIEW OF SWEDISH RESEARCH ON IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Authors: FAITH-ELL CHARLOTTA
Published: March 2015

This statement aims at giving an overview of the research on impact assessment in Sweden. It takes a point of departure at the introduction of impact assessment in 1991 describing the Swedish research until today. Since the introduction of EIA in the Swedish legislation in the 1990s, a large number of PhD dissertations have been dealing with various aspects of impact assessment. An estimation based on the literature search is that about 20 PhD theses, in which the core of the research is related to EIA or SEA, have been produced since 1990. The research follows four main themes: (i) EIA and SEA as a tool for integration of environmental and sustainability aspects in planning and development, (ii) EIA and SEA as a tool for integration of ecological aspects in planning, (iii) research on the basic concepts of EIA and SEA, and (iv) the relationship with other assessment tools for sustainable development.
FACES AND FUNCTIONS OF THEORY IN IMPACT ASSESSMENT RESEARCH
Authors: KØRNØV LONE
Published: March 2015

There is a growing interest in the use of theory in order to move the field of impact assessment forward, hereunder to advance our understanding of effectiveness and make impact assessment influence decision-making. However, the extent of use of theory is uncertain. This article examines the use of explicit theory from other fields in impact assessment literature and analyse how research uses theory along a continuum from use of non-attached theory to theory building. A sample of research articles (n = 177) published in the Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management from 1999–2014 was reviewed to determine whether, how and which theories was used. Of the articles 32% incorporated theory, of which 28% only mention theories in the introduction or literature review, but without explicit evidence that the theory is used to any other purposes than to establish legitimacy or support the author's ideas of "non-attached theory" and 40% in which theories are used to inform and focus the design of the study. The results show no significant changes in the use of theory in the period 1999–2014. The most often used theories were political and learning theory. The article concludes that there is a broad scope for future use of theories from other fields to mature research and practice of impact assessment. There is no lack of relevant theories, so the underlying reasons for the found results shall be found elsewhere.
IMPACT ASSESSMENT RESEARCH IN BRAZIL: ACHIEVEMENTS, GAPS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS
Authors: MONTAÑO MARCELO , DE SOUZA MARCELO PEREIRA
Published: March 2015

This paper provides an overview of current IA research in Brazil, considering its extension, lessons learned and the quality of its practice, as well as barriers to research, current gaps and future research endeavours. Despite the big effort devoted to IA research in the country, there is a small number of groups dedicated to the systematic research of IA instruments, its procedures and methods, the assessment of its effectiveness and the evidence to support good practice, the study of the organization of IA systems and their influence on decision-making. In our opinion, the lack of a well structured and distinct field of training and research is one of the major barriers to IA research. Similar to other countries, IA research is not recognised by scientific agencies/committees as a proper field of research, which means the majority of IA research grants is being evaluated/approved by committees with a small or no background in IA. There is, however, a significant contribution to be offered by research to foster IA development in Brazil. Besides the systematic assessment of IA effectiveness and the definition of procedures, methods and approaches to fill the currently well-described gaps, future research efforts should include the study of learning processes through IA practice and their influence in decision-making, the connections between IA and planning, and the benchmarks to environmental governance coming from IA practice.
Multiple Radii DisC Diversity
Authors: Drosou Marina , Pitoura Evaggelia
Published: March 2015

Recently, result diversification has attracted a lot of attention as a means to improve the quality of results retrieved by user queries. In this article, we introduce a novel definition of diversity called DisC diversity. Given a tuning parameter
r
, which we call radius, we consider two items to be similar if their distance is smaller than or equal to
r
. A DisC diverse subset of a result contains items such that each item in the result is represented by a similar item in the diverse subset and the items in the diverse subset are dissimilar to each other. We show that locating a minimum DisC diverse subset is an NP-hard problem and provide algorithms for its approximation. We extend our definition to the multiple radii case, where each item is associated with a different radius based on its importance, relevance, or other factors. We also propose adapting DisC diverse subsets to a different degree of diversification by adjusting
r
, that is, increasing the radius (or zooming-out) and decreasing the radius (or zooming-in). We present efficient implementations of our algorithms based on the M-tree, a spatial index structure, and experimentally evaluate their performance.