bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Theoretical and Computational Models to Understand How Metals Function as Temperature Sensors
Authors: Lacy Fred
Published: September 2015

Electrical conductivity is a basic property of materials that determines how well the material conducts electricity. However, models are needed that help explain how conductors function as their size and temperature changes. This research demonstrates and explains how important atomic motion is in understanding electrical conductivity for conductors (and thus the ability of metals to function as temperature sensors). A derivation is performed (on an atomic level) that provides a theoretical relationship between electrical resistivity, temperature, and material thickness. Subsequently, computational models are used to determine the optimal parameters for the theoretical models as well as the conditions under which they are accurate. Comparisons are performed using experimental data showing that the models are valid and accurate.
Pricing and Inventory Strategy of Dual-channel Supply Chain under Random Demand and Retailer's Capital Constraint
Authors: Fan Hehua , Zhou Yongwei
Published: September 2015

A dual-channel supply chain system composed of one manufacturer and one retailer is considered in this paper, which existed uncertainty demands in both distribution channels and capital constraint on retailer. It set up the profit model of manufacturer dominated dual-channel supply chain system, studied to the optimal pricing and inventory strategies of decentralized and centralized supply chain, obtained the optimal pricing and inventory strategy of the two kinds of supply chain system. The analysis to the optimal solution indicated that the demand uncertainty of two distribution channels, deferred-payment rate etc, are all have certain influence relation on the pricing strategies of manufacturer and retailer. Numerical experiment has showed the effectiveness of the conclusions.
An Analysis of Teachers' Processes of Technology Appropriation in Classroom
Authors: Boéchat-Heer Stéphanie , Impedovo Maria Antonietta , Arcidiacono Francesco
Published: September 2015

This paper aims to investigate the “sense” of appropriation of the iPad use by teachers in a professional secondary school. As iPads are increasingly employed in the teaching process in classroom the authors intend to understand how the process of teachers' appropriation of iPad use is perceived as a learning tool. Through the analysis of focus groups with teachers, they intend to detect changes in the sense of appropriation of the iPad in classroom during a school year. The findings of their study allow to identify facilitating and hindering elements that support the process of teachers' appropriation of iPads and open further spaces to investigate the role of new technologies in teaching/learning contexts.
Detection of Social Interaction Using Mobile Phones via Device Free Passive Localisation
Authors: Dougan Timothy , Curran Kevin
Published: September 2015

Mobile devices which make use of 802.11 Wi-Fi are ubiquitous in modern society. At the same time, there is an unmet need in research and monitoring applications, and particularly in those relating to service and healthcare scenarios, to accurately detect the occurrence and hence frequency and duration of human interaction between subjects. Various sensor modalities exist that are able to perform localization of human subjects with useful degrees of accuracy, but in all cases they are either expensive, inflexible, or prone to influencing subject behaviour via the Hawthorne or observer effect. Given the ubiquity of mobile devices, it is the contention of this paper that a system which localizes human presence based on the human body's obstructive effects on RF transmissions through interpretation of perturbation of the Received Signal Strength values generated during transmission, may offer a system that is both inexpensive and flexible, while avoiding the need for direct subject participation, and thus reducing the impact of the Hawthorne effect.
Evaluations on the Applicability of Generic and Modular Image Processing Chains for Quantitative 3D Data Analysis in Clinical Research and Radiographer Training
Authors: Zwettler Gerald Adam , Backfrieder Werner
Published: September 2015

The introduction of digital imaging and diagnostics facilities has fundamentally changed radiology. Nevertheless, theory of digital image processing and analysis as well as their practical application are still only a subsidiary part in nowadays radiology technician curricula. This work focuses on the evaluation, to what extent the authors' simplified and standardized process model for applying image processing modules in generic domains is suited for radiographer students and medical staff, lacking deeper theoretical knowledge compared to physicians and imaging experts. The semi-automated image processing workflow thereby comprises region growing, live-wire segmentation and filtering steps, all available from MeVisLab prototyping framework. It is shown that the proposed imaging chain is highly applicable for analysis and facilitating medical diagnostics of arbitrary anatomical structures from tomographic data. After compact practical instruction, radiographer students are versed to achieve complex 3D analysis perfectly suited for quantitative analysis in clinical research typically only achievable by use of specialized software.
Dynamic Particle Swarm Optimization with Any Irregular Initial Small-World Topology
Authors: Wang Shuangxin , Tian Guibin , Yu Dingli , Lin Yijiang
Published: September 2015

It is realized that the topological structure of the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm has a great influence on its optimization ability. This paper presents a new dynamic small-world neighborhood PSO (D-SWPSO) algorithm whose neighbourhood structure can be constructed with any irregular initial networks. The choice of the learning exemplar is not only based upon the big clustering coefficient and the average shortest distance for a regular network, but also based upon the eigenvalues of Laplacian matrix for irregular networks. Therefore, the D-SWPSO is a PSO algorithm based on small-world topological neighbourhood with universal significance. The proposed algorithm is tested by some typical benchmark test functions, and the results confirm that there is a significant improvement over the basic PSO algorithm. Finally, the algorithm is applied to a real-world optimization problem, the economic dispatch on the IEEE30 system with wind farms. The results demonstrate that the proposed D-SWPSO is a practically feasible and effective algorithm.
A New Swarm Intelligence Technique of Artificial Haemostasis System for Suspicious Person Detection with Visual Result Mining
Authors: Bouarara Hadj Ahmed , Hamou Reda Mohamed , Amine Abdelmalek
Published: September 2015

In the last few years, the video surveillance system is ubiquitous and can be found in many sectors (banking, transport, industry) or living areas (cities, office building, and store). Unfortunately, this technology has several drawbacks such as the violation of individual freedom and the inability to prevent malicious acts (stealing, crime, and terrorist attack ... etc.). The authors' work deals on the development of a new video surveillance system to detect suspicious person based on their gestures instead of their faces, using a new artificial haemostasis system composed of four steps: pre-processing (pre-haemostasis) for digitalization of images using a novel technique of representation called n-gram pixel, and the weighting normalized term frequency; Each image vector passes through three filters: primary detection (primary haemostasis), secondary detection (secondary haemostasis) and the final detection (fibrinolysis), with an identification step (plasminogen activation) to evaluate the malicious degree of the person presents in this image; the results obtained by their system are promising compared to the performance of classical machine learning algorithms (C4.5 and KNN). The authors' system is composed of a visualization tool in order to see the results with more realism using the functionality of zooming and rotating. Their objectives are to help the justice in its investigations and ensure the safety of people and nation.
Two Diverse Swarm Intelligence Techniques for Supervised Learning
Authors: Gonsalves Tad
Published: September 2015

Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Enhanced Fireworks Algorithm (EFWA) are two diverse optimization techniques of the Swarm Intelligence paradigm. The inspiration of the former comes from animate swarms like those of birds and fish efficiently hunting for prey, while that of the latter comes from inanimate swarms like those of fireworks illuminating the night sky. This novel study, aimed at extending the application of these two Swarm Intelligence techniques to supervised learning, compares and contrasts their performance in training a neural network to perform the task of classification on datasets. Both the techniques are found to be speedy and successful in training the neural networks. Further, their prediction accuracy is also found to be high. Except in the case of two datasets, the training and prediction accuracies of the Enhanced Fireworks Algorithm driven neural net are found to be superior to those of the Particle Swarm Optimization driven neural net.
Event Pattern Discovery in Multi-Cloud Service-Based Applications
Authors: Zeginis Chrysostomos , Kritikos Kyriakos , Plexousakis Dimitris
Published: September 2015

The adoption of Cloud computing in the Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) world is continuously increasing. However, as developers try to optimize their application deployment cost and performance, they may also deploy application parts redundantly on different VMs. In such heterogeneous and distributed environments, it is important to have a clear view of the system's state and its components' interrelationships. This paper aims at proposing a novel monitoring and adaptation framework for Service-based Applications (SBAs) deployed on multiple Clouds. The main functionality of this framework is the discovery of critical event patterns within monitoring event streams, leading to specific Service Level Objective (SLO) violations. Furthermore, two main meta-models are proposed for describing the SBA's components and their dependencies, and the supported adaptation actions in a specific context respectively. The proposed approach is empirically evaluated based on a real-world traffic management application.
Model-Based Relationship Management for Service Networks
Authors: Kabzeva Aneta , Götze Joachim , Müller Paul
Published: September 2015

With the broad adoption of service-orientation for the realization of business applications and their provisioning and usage over cloud infrastructures, the topology of the resulting service networks is becoming extremely complex. Due to the composition of services for value-added business capabilities and the reusability of a service in multiple compositions, the execution of one service often depends on other services and changes in its provisioning can affect the health of large parts of the service network. The lack of insight on the relationships between the network components makes the management of the service network's health hard and error prone tasks. This article introduces a service network modeling approach for capturing the topology of a service network at design time. The approach considers the complete modeling process from representation, through collection, to analysis of the relationship information. The major contributions are a generic and adaptable modeling structure, a classification of service network entities and relationships, and a modular management framework automating the modeling process.
Axial and Bending Fatigue Testing of AISI 304 L Plumbing Tubes Used for Launch Vehicles Control System
Authors: Manikandan P. , Sudarsana Rao G. , Srinath J. , Sharma V.M.J. , Ramesh Narayanan P. , Sharma S.C. , George Koshy M.
Published: September 2015

Gimbaling the engine nozzle within a specified angle through hydraulic actuator modules is commonly used to control the trajectory path of satellite launch vehicles. During one of the hot test of a liquid engine stage, a drop in system pressure in actuator module was noticed due to cracking of case drain plumbing inside the ferrule. The tensile and fatigue (axial and bending) test of the tube material was carried out to understand the cause of failure, simulating the actual service conditions such as strength and bending moment in assembled tube. Findings of the metallurgical investigation along with the fatigue test results were presented in this paper.
Studies on Mechanical Properties of Ti-6Al-4V ELI at Liquid Hydrogen Temperature
Authors: Antony Prabhu T. , Murugesan N. , Thomas Tharian K. , Ingersol S.
Published: September 2015

Ti-6Al-4V alloy is widely used in Aerospace applications owing to its high specific strength, low coefficient of thermal expansion and good corrosion resistance. Presence of interstitial elements in the alloy has some significant effects on its properties. However the poor notch toughness and cryogenic ductility restricts the usage of Ti-6Al-4V for temperatures lower than 77 K (-196 °C). The Extra Lower Interstitial grade alloy was developed in order to improve the notch toughness and cryogenic ductility of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy. In this refined grade, the interstitials, Oxygen and Carbon are controlled to a maximum limit of 0.12% and 0.08% respectively as compared to a maximum of 0.2% and 0.1% of standard Ti-6Al-4V alloy. In this study, the ELI grade of Ti-6Al-4V rods from three different manufacturing sources were subjected to tensile test at liquid hydrogen temperature at 20 K (-253 oC). The tensile properties obtained are compared and analyzed. The obtained ductility at 20 K is observed to have close relation with the chemical composition and interstitial content and compared with the Ti5Al2.5Sn-ELI which is ideally suitable for low temperatures upto 20 K, owing to its single phase HCP structure. A correlation has been made between the ductile properties and microstructure. By close control of chemical composition and mechanical working, Ti6Al4V-ELI can be used for temperatures lower than 77 K (-196 oC), which is otherwise is forbidden. This paper details the test data obtained from three different compositions of Ti6Al4V-ELI at 20 K, which enables the usage of this material for temperatures lower than 77 K (-196 °C) upto 20 K.
Study on Orange Peel Phenomena in Cu-Cr-Zr-Ti Alloy Thrust Chamber
Authors: Kumar Ravi Ranjan , Singh Alok , Pande Ashish Kumar , Tripathy Debasis , Amruth M. , Tharian Thomas , Venkitakrishnan P.V.
Published: September 2015

Cu-Cr-Zr-Ti alloys are widely used for fabrication of thrust chamber in liquid rocket engines, because of their high thermal conductivity and adequate strength. The alloy should be used in peak aged condition to achieve the best combination of strength and conductivity. However, realization of final component involves different stages of forming, intermediate heat treatment and brazing operations, which limit the usage of the alloy in peak aged condition. The formability of material depends on grain size to a large extent. Larger grained metals have better formability, but the roughened surface that results from stretching metal with coarse grain structure results in surface defects like orange peel. Copper alloys on cold working sometimes exhibit a surface pebbling effect termed as ‘orange peel’ or alligator skin’.The plates of this copper alloy, finish hot rolled at 925 to 975°C and annealed at 980±10°C for 10 ±2 min followed by air cooling are subjected to different stages of forming to get the final profile of thrust chamber. During the course of forming of plate for divergent thrust chamber, orange peel defect is observed in areas of higher deformation. Detailed characterization of these formed shells in terms of microstructure, grain size and mechanical property has been carried out to find out the exact cause of this defect. Study revealed that the plate has coarse grain structure, which has resulted in orange peel defect during forming. To overcome this effect, the plates were realized with modifications in finish hot rolling and annealing temperatures, which has shown improvement in grain refinement and mechanical properties. It has suppressed the orange peel defect during forming.
Magnetic Nanowires for Sensor Applications
Authors: Aiswarya R. , Dijith K.S. , Surendran K.P.
Published: September 2015

Nickel nanowires were synthesised using a template free chemical method. The phase purity and crystallinity of the synthesized nanowires were studied. Nickel nanowires with diameters of approximately 100-120 nm have exhibited a saturation magnetisation value of 51 emu/g and coercivity of 300 Oe which makes them potential candidates for magnetic sensor applications.
Fatigue Failure of Hydroformed AISI 316L Stainless Steel Bellows
Authors: Manwatkar Sushant , Narayana Murty S.V.S. , Ramesh Narayanan P.
Published: September 2015

Austenitic stainless steel AISI 316L is used for components of cryogenic engine in satellite launch vehicles due to its better mechanical properties at low temperatures. In one such application, AISI 316L stainless steel bellows are used in electro-pneumatic command valve of a cryogenic engine. This valve employs a hydro-formed bellow of 0.14mm thickness as an actuator element. When one of the electro-pneumatic command valve was vibrated without pressure, crack was noticed at the inner diameter of the bellow. Detailed metallurgical analysis indicated that the cracking to be due to fatigue.
The pH of Feeding Tube Aspirates From Critically Ill Infants
Authors: Meert Kathleen L. , Caverly Mary , Kelm Lauren M. , Metheny Norma A.
Published: September 2015

Background

The extent to which gastric acid inhibitors and feedings affect gastric pH in infants is unclear.

Objectives

To compare pH values of gastric aspirates from infants according to use or no use of gastric acid inhibitors and feedings.

Methods

Colorimetric pH tests were used to measure the pH of aspirates from feeding tubes in 54 critically ill infants; 29 of the gastric aspirates were from infants who did not receive acid inhibitors or feedings, 13 were from infants who received acid inhibitors but no feedings, 3 were from infants who received feedings but no acid inhibitors, and 5 were from infants who received both acid inhibitors and feedings. The remaining 4 feeding tubes were in nongastric sites.

Results

Individual pH readings of 5.5 or less were found in 97% of the gastric aspirates from infants with no recent feedings or acid inhibitors, 77% of the gastric aspirates from infants who received acid inhibitors, and 67% of the gastric aspirates from infants with recent feedings. Among 2 esophageal aspirates and 2 duodenal aspirates, 1 of each type had a pH less than 5.5. A pH cut point of 5.5 or less did not rule out esophageal or duodenal placement.

Conclusions

The pH of gastric aspirates from critically ill infants is often 5.5 or less, regardless of the use of acid inhibitors, feedings, or both. Most likely a cut point of 5.5 or less would rule out respiratory placement because tracheal pH is typically 6.0 or higher.
Inhibition of FOXP3/NFAT Interaction Enhances T Cell Function after TCR Stimulation
Authors: Lozano Teresa , Villanueva Lorea , Durántez Maika , Gorraiz Marta , Ruiz Marta , Belsúe Virginia , Riezu-Boj José I. , Hervás-Stubbs Sandra , Oyarzábal Julen , Bandukwala Hozefa , Lourenço Ana R. , Coffer Paul J. , Sarobe Pablo , Prieto Jesús , Casares Noelia , Lasarte Juan J.
Published: September 2015

Regulatory T cell (Treg) activity is modulated by a cooperative complex between the transcription factor NFAT and FOXP3, a lineage specification factor for Tregs. FOXP3/NFAT interaction is required to repress expression of IL-2, upregulate expression of the Treg markers CTLA4 and CD25, and confer suppressor function to Tregs. However, FOXP3 is expressed transiently in conventional CD4+ T cells upon TCR stimulation and may lead to T cell hyporesponsiveness. We found that a short synthetic peptide able to inhibit FOXP3/NFAT interaction impaired suppressor activity of conventional Tregs in vitro. Specific inhibition of FOXP3/NFAT interaction with this inhibitory peptide revealed that FOXP3 downregulates NFAT-driven promoter activity of CD40L and IL-17. Inhibition of FOXP3/NFAT interaction upregulated CD40L expression on effector T cells and enhanced T cell proliferation and IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-6, or IL-17 production in response to TCR stimulation. The inhibitory peptide impaired effector T cell conversion into induced Tregs in the presence of TGF-β. Moreover, in vivo peptide administration showed antitumor efficacy in mice bearing Hepa129 or TC1 tumor cells when combined with sorafenib or with an antitumor vaccine, respectively. Our results suggest that inhibition of NFAT/FOXP3 interaction might improve antitumor immunotherapies.
Rise and Fall of Kir2.2 Current by TLR4 Signaling in Human Monocytes: PKC-Dependent Trafficking and PI3K-Mediated PIP2 Decrease
Authors: Kim Kyung Soo , Jang Ji Hyun , Lin Haiyue , Choi Seong Woo , Kim Hang Rae , Shin Dong Hoon , Nam Joo Hyun , Zhang Yin Hua , Kim Sung Joon
Published: September 2015

LPSs are widely used to stimulate TLR4, but their effects on ion channels in immune cells are poorly known. In THP-1 cells and human blood monocytes treated with LPS, inwardly rectifying K+ channel current (IKir,LPS) newly emerged at 1 h, peaked at 4 h (−119 ± 8.6 pA/pF), and decayed afterward (−32 ± 6.7 pA/pF at 24 h). Whereas both the Kir2.1 and Kir2.2 mRNAs and proteins were observed, single-channel conductance (38 pS) of IKir,LPS and small interfering RNA–induced knockdown commonly indicated Kir2.2 than Kir2.1. LPS-induced cytokine release and store-operated Ca2+ entry were commonly decreased by ML-133, a Kir2 inhibitor. Immunoblot, confocal microscopy, and the effects of vesicular trafficking inhibitors commonly suggested plasma membrane translocation of Kir2.2 by LPS. Both IKir,LPS and membrane translocation of Kir2.2 were inhibited by GF109203X (protein kinase C [PKC] inhibitor) or by transfection with small interfering RNA–specific PKCε. Interestingly, pharmacological activation of PKC by PMA induced both Kir2.1 and Kir2.2 currents. The spontaneously decayed IKir,LPS at 24 h was recovered by PI3K inhibitors but further suppressed by an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol(3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PIP3) phosphatase (phosphatase and tensin homolog). However, IKir,LPS at 24 h was not affected by Akt inhibitors, suggesting that the decreased phosphatidylinositol(4,5)-bisphosphate availability, that is, conversion into PIP3 by PI3K, per se accounts for the decay of IKir,LPS. Taken together, to our knowledge these data are the first demonstrations that IKir is newly induced by TLR4 stimulation via PKC-dependent membrane trafficking of Kir2.2, and that conversion of phosphatidylinositol(4,5)-bisphosphate to PIP3 modulates Kir2.2. The augmentation of Ca2+ influx and cytokine release suggests a physiological role for Kir2.2 in TLR4-stimulated monocytes.
Ten Weeks of Infection with a Tissue-Invasive Helminth Protects against Local Immune Complex–Mediated Inflammation, but Not Cutaneous Type I Hypersensitivity, in Previously Sensitized Mice
Authors: Evans Holly , Killoran Kristin E. , Mitre Blima K. , Morris C. Paul , Kim So-Young , Mitre Edward
Published: September 2015

In this study, we evaluated the effect chronic helminth infection has on allergic disease in mice previously sensitized to OVA. Ten weeks of infection with Litomosoides sigmodontis reduced immunological markers of type I hypersensitivity, including OVA-specific IgE, basophil activation, and mast cell degranulation. Despite these reductions, there was no protection against immediate clinical hypersensitivity following intradermal OVA challenge. However, late-phase ear swelling, due to type III hypersensitivity, was significantly reduced in chronically infected animals. Levels of total IgG2a, OVA-specific IgG2a, and OVA-specific IgG1 were reduced in the setting of infection. These reductions were most likely due to increased Ab catabolism as ELISPOT assays demonstrated that infected animals do not have suppressed Ab production. Ear histology 24 h after challenge showed infected animals have reduced cellular infiltration in the ear, with significant decreases in numbers of neutrophils and macrophages. Consistent with this, infected animals had less neutrophil-specific chemokines CXCL-1 and CXCL-2 in the ear following challenge. Additionally, in vitro stimulation with immune complexes resulted in significantly less CXCL-1 and CXCL-2 production by eosinophils from chronically infected mice. Expression of FcγRI was also significantly reduced on eosinophils from infected animals. These data indicate that chronic filarial infection suppresses eosinophilic responses to Ab-mediated activation and has the potential to be used as a therapeutic for pre-existing hypersensitivity diseases.
Transcription Factor 7 Limits Regulatory T Cell Generation in the Thymus
Authors: Barra Melanie M. , Richards David M. , Hansson Jenny , Hofer Ann-Cathrin , Delacher Michael , Hettinger Jan , Krijgsveld Jeroen , Feuerer Markus
Published: September 2015

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) differentiate in the thymus, but the mechanisms that control this process are not fully understood. We generated a comprehensive quantitative and differential proteome of murine Tregs and conventional T cells. We identified 5225 proteins, 164 of which were differentially expressed in Tregs. Together with the comparative analysis of proteome and gene expression data, we identified TCF7 as a promising candidate. Genetic elimination of transcription factor 7 (TCF7) led to increased fractions of Tregs in the thymus. Reduced levels of TCF7, found in the heterozygote, resulted in a greater potential for Treg precursors to differentiate into the Treg lineage. In contrast, activation of TCF7 through β-catenin had the opposite effect. TCF7 levels influenced the required TCR signaling strength of Treg precursors, and TCF7 deficiency broadened the repertoire and allowed lower TCR affinities to be recruited into the Treg lineage. FOXP3 was able to repress TCF7 protein expression. In summary, we propose a regulatory role for TCF7 in limiting access to the Treg lineage.
Use of Functional Polymorphisms To Elucidate the Peptide Binding Site of TAP Complexes
Authors: Geng Jie , Pogozheva Irina D. , Mosberg Henry I. , Raghavan Malini
Published: September 2015

TAP1/TAP2 complexes translocate peptides from the cytosol to the endoplasmic reticulum lumen to enable immune surveillance by CD8+ T cells. Peptide transport is preceded by peptide binding to a cytosol-accessible surface of TAP1/TAP2 complexes, but the location of the TAP peptide-binding pocket remains unknown. Guided by the known contributions of polymorphic TAP variants to peptide selection, we combined homology modeling of TAP with experimental measurements to identify several TAP residues that interact with peptides. Models for peptide–TAP complexes were generated, which indicate bent conformation for peptides. The peptide binding site of TAP is located at the hydrophobic boundary of the cytosolic membrane leaflet, with striking parallels to the glutathione binding site of NaAtm1, a transporter that functions in bacterial heavy metal detoxification. These studies illustrate the conservation of the ligand recognition modes of bacterial and mammalians transporters involved in peptide-guided cellular surveillance.
CYTOMEGALOVIRUS REACTIVATION IN ADULT RECIPIENTS OF AUTOLOGOUS STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION: A SINGLE CENTER EXPERIENCE
Authors: Alrawi Omar Ziad , Abdel-rahman Fawzi Abdel-latif , Alnajjar Rula , Abujazar Husam , Salam Mourad , Saad Mustafa
Published: September 2015

Introduction: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation and infection is a well-recognized complication after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT). Yet only few studies have addressed CMV reactivation after autologous SCT (ASCT).Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 210 adult patients who underwent ASCT for lymphoma or multiple myeloma (MM) at a single center from January 1, 2007 until December 31, 2012. All patients were monitored weekly with CMV antigenemia test till day 42 after transplantation, and for 2 months after last positive test in those who had any positive CMV antigenemia test before day 42.Results: thirty seven (17.6%) patients had CMV reactivation; 23 patients had lymphoma while 14 had MM as the underlying disease. There was no difference in the rate of CMV reactivation between lymphoma and MM patients (20% versus 14.7%, P = 0.32). The majority of the patients were treated with ganciclovir/valganciclovir, all patients had their reactivation resolved with therapy, and none developed symptomatic CMV infection. None of the patients who died within 100 days of transplantation had CMV reactivation. Log rank test showed that CMV reactivation had no effect on the overall survival or the disease-free survival of patients (P values, 0.29 and 0.79, respectively).Conclusion: In our cohort, CMV reactivation rate after ASCT was 17.6%. There was no difference in reactivation rates between lymphoma and MM patients. With the use of preemptive therapy, symptomatic CMV infection was not documented in any patient in our cohort. CMV reactivation had no impact on patients’ survival post ASCT.
Secondary Sclerosing Cholangitis and Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Authors: Abedi Seyed Hassan , Ghassami Maryam , Molaei Mahsa , Mohsenifar Zhaleh , Alizadeh Amir Houshang Mohammad
Published: September 2015

Context

Liver damage is relatively common in patients affected by HL, but paraneoplastic cholestasis is an uncommon presenting symptom in HL.

Case Report

We report the case of a 38-year-old man who came to our hospital with jaundice, pruritis, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and recurrent episodes of fever without any hepatosplenomegaly or lymphadenopathy. Laboratory findings showed abnormal liver functioning with mixed hepatocellular and cholestatic patterns. Sonographic evaluation of the biliary tract was normal. We ruled out viral infections, autoimmune process, and hemochromatosis. The patient was put on ursobile and NAC ( N-acetyl-systeine) and prednisolone treatment. In magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography examination, there were multiple strictures in the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts with mild dilatation. Histologic finding of liver biopsy was compatible with sclerosing cholangitis or drug-induced cholestasis. General condition and laboratory examination results of the patient became better, but we found lymphadenopathy on monthly follow-up examination. Histological finding of the lymph node was compatible with HL.

Conclusion

This report emphasizes that HL can be presented with different paraneoplastic symptoms and that one of them is secondary sclerosing cholangitis. It has better prognosis than vanishing bile duct syndrome, and perhaps steroid treatment can be suggested.
In Silico Characterization of Functional Divergence of Two Cathelicidin Variants in Indian Sheep
Authors: Dhaliwal Kamaljeet K. , Arora Jaspreet S. , Mukhopadhyay Chandra S. , Dubey Prem P.
Published: September 2015

The present work focuses on the in silico characterization of functional divergence of two ovine cathelicidin coding sequence (cds) variants (ie, Cath1 and Cath2) of Indian sheep. Overlapping partial cds of both the cathelicidin variants were cloned in pJet1.2/blunt vector and sequenced. Evolutionary analysis of the Cath2 and Cath1 indicated that the mammalian cathelicidins clustered separately from avian fowlicidins. The avian fowlicidins, which are very different from mammalian cathelicidins (Caths), clearly displayed signatures of purifying selection. The pairwise sequence alignments of translated amino acid sequences of these two sheep cathelicidins showed gaps in the antimicrobial domain of Cath1 variant; however, the amino terminal cathelin regions of both the Caths were conserved. Amino acid sequence analysis of full-length cathelicidins available at public database revealed that Cath1, Cath2, and Cath7 of different ruminant species (including our Cath1 and Cath2 variants) formed individual clads, suggesting that these types have evolved to target specific types of microbes. In silico analysis of Cath1 and Cath2 peptide sequences indicated that the C-terminal antimicrobial peptide domain of Cath2 is more immunogenic than that of the ovine Cath1 due to its higher positive antigenic index, making Cath1 a promising antigen for production of monoclonal antibodies.
Factors Associated with Sustained Use of Long-Lasting Insecticide-Treated Nets Following a Reduction in Malaria Transmission in Southern Zambia
Authors: Pinchoff Jessie , Hamapumbu Harry , Kobayashi Tamaki , Simubali Limonty , Stevenson Jennifer C. , Norris Douglas E. , Colantuoni Elizabeth , Thuma Philip E. , Moss William J.
Published: September 2015

Understanding factors influencing sustained use of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLIN) in areas of declining malaria transmission is critical to sustaining control and may facilitate elimination. From 2008 to 2013, 655 households in Choma District, Zambia, were randomly selected and residents were administered a questionnaire and malaria rapid diagnostic test. Mosquitoes were collected concurrently by light trap. In a multilevel model, children and adolescents of 5–17 years of age were 55% less likely to sleep under LLIN than adults (odds ratio [OR] = 0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.35, 0.58). LLIN use was 80% higher during the rainy season (OR = 1.8; CI = 1.5, 2.2) and residents of households with three or more nets were over twice as likely to use a LLIN (OR = 2.1; CI = 1.4, 3.1). For every increase in 0.5 km from the nearest health center, the odds of LLIN use decreased 9% (OR = 0.9; CI = 0.88, 0.98). In a second multilevel model, the odds of LLIN use were more than twice high if more than five mosquitoes (anopheline and culicine) were captured in the house compared with households with no mosquitoes captured (OR = 2.1; CI = 1.1, 3.9). LLIN use can be sustained in low-transmission settings with continued education and distributions, and may be partially driven by the presence of nuisance mosquitoes.
Morphological Alteration and Survival of Burkholderia pseudomallei in Soil Microcosms
Authors: Kamjumphol Watcharaporn , Chareonsudjai Pisit , Taweechaisupapong Suwimol , Chareonsudjai Sorujsiri
Published: September 2015

The resilience of Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis, was evaluated in control soil microcosms and in soil microcosms containing NaCl or FeSO4 at 30°C. Iron (Fe(II)) promoted the growth of B. pseudomallei during the 30-day observation, contrary to the presence of 1.5% and 3% NaCl. Scanning electron micrographs of B. pseudomallei in soil revealed their morphological alteration from rod to coccoid and the formation of microcolonies. The smallest B. pseudomallei cells were found in soil with 100 μM FeSO4 compared with in the control soil or soil with 0.6% NaCl (P < 0.05). The colony count on Ashdown's agar and bacterial viability assay using the LIVE/DEAD® BacLight™ stain combined with flow cytometry showed that B. pseudomallei remained culturable and viable in the control soil microcosms for at least 120 days. In contrast, soil with 1.5% NaCl affected their culturability at day 90 and their viability at day 120. Our results suggested that a low salinity and iron may influence the survival of B. pseudomallei and its ability to change from a rod-like to coccoid form. The morphological changes of B. pseudomallei cells may be advantageous for their persistence in the environment and may increase the risk of their transmission to humans.
The Impact of Social and Economic Factors on the Academic Performance of Youth in Slovenia
Authors: Setnikar Cankar Stanka , Cankar Franc , Deutsch Tomi , Petkovšek Veronika
Published: September 2015

In this research, we assessed the impact of the socio-economic status (average net wages, the registered unemployment rate), education structure and demographic risk (the age dependency ratio) of residents of different Slovenian municipalities on scores on the nationwide, external assessment of knowledge given to pupils in grade 9 of primary school. The analysis was conducted using data for 201 Slovenian municipalities where the National Assessment of Knowledge (NAK) was given to 9th-grade primary school pupils in the years 2012, 2013 and 2014. This test assesses learners’ knowledge of the Slovene language and mathematics. The data were used to calculate basic descriptive statistics, as well as coefficients, correlations and validated regression models. The findings show that registered unemployment rate, average educational attainment and the age dependency ratio influence achievements in mathematics. The findings for the Slovene portion of the National Assessment of Knowledge are not as expressive, but do indicate that the registered unemployment rate and age dependency ratio have an impact.
Beyond the Dichotomous Evaluation of the Public Value-PPP Relation: From PPP to PPX
Authors: Chien Herlin
Published: September 2015

Scholars have called for a greater attentiveness to and venturing beyond the dichotomy of public value created or lost in public-private partnering activity. To accomplish this, I first propose a shift from the term “public-private partnership” (PPP) to “public-private mix”(PPX). I then utilize a unique form of logical inference, abduction, at this initial stage of theory building to glean details about the two emerging concepts of public value and PPX. To illustrate their varying dimensions, a case study of ten PPXs in Taiwan are conducted and analysed. In the process, the study demonstrates three analyses of the blurring of boundaries.
Considerations on the Effectiveness of Cross-Border Cooperation in Public Order and Civil Protection Services. The Case of the Romanian – Hungarian Border Area
Authors: Badulescu Daniel , Badulescu Alina , Bucur Catalin-Adrian
Published: September 2015

Cross-border cooperation is an important mean to facilitate good neighborhood relations between communities divided by political frontiers. The institutional cross-border cooperation in the field of public services creates various opportunities and advantages for local communities on both sides of the border, helps to protect the safety of people and properties, and acts as an innovative model in providing high quality public services. Within this context, our paper presents, starting from a theoretical approach, the results of a survey-based research conducted among representatives and experts involved in public order and civil protection institutions, across the Hungarian-Romanian border. The paper focuses on revealing aspects such as objectives and results, effects and limits, reciprocity and long-run sustainability of the cross-border cooperation actions. The paper also draws conclusions and provides further recommendations.
Aerosol optical depth retrievals at the Izaña Atmospheric Observatory from 1941 to 2013 by using artificial neural networks
Authors: García R. D. , García O. E. , Cuevas E. , Cachorro V. E. , Barreto A. , Guirado-Fuentes C. , Kouremeti N. , Bustos J. J. , Romero-Campos P. M. , de Frutos A. M.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. This paper presents the reconstruction of the 73 year time series of the aerosol optical depth (AOD) at 500 nm at the subtropical high-mountain Izaña Atmospheric Observatory (IZO) located in Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain). For this purpose, we have combined AOD estimates from artificial neural networks (ANNs) from 1941 to 2001 and AOD measurements directly obtained with a Precision Filter Radiometer (PFR) between 2003 and 2013. The analysis is limited to summer months (July–August–September), when the largest aerosol load is observed at IZO (Saharan mineral dust particles). The ANN AOD time series has been comprehensively validated against coincident AOD measurements performed with a solar spectrometer Mark-I (1984–2009) and AERONET (AErosol RObotic NETwork) CIMEL photometers (2004–2009) at IZO, obtaining a rather good agreement on a daily basis: Pearson coefficient, R, of 0.97 between AERONET and ANN AOD, and 0.93 between Mark-I and ANN AOD estimates. In addition, we have analyzed the long-term consistency between ANN AOD time series and long-term meteorological records identifying Saharan mineral dust events at IZO (synoptical observations and local wind records). Both analyses provide consistent results, with correlations larger than 85 %. Therefore, we can conclude the reconstructed AOD time series captures well the AOD variations and dust-laden Saharan air mass outbreaks at short-term and long-term time scales and, thus, it is suitable to be used in climate analysis.
Cloud radar with hybrid mode towards estimation of shape and orientation of ice crystals
Authors: Myagkov A. , Seifert P. , Bauer-Pfundstein M. , Wandinger U.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. This paper is devoted to the experimental quantitative characterization of the shape and orientation distribution of ice particles in clouds. The characterization is based on measured and modeled elevation dependencies of the polarimetric parameters differential reflectivity and correlation coefficient. The polarimetric data is obtained using a newly developed 35 GHz cloud radar MIRA-35 with hybrid polarimetric configuration and scanning capabilities. The full procedure chain of the technical implementation and the realization of the setup of the hybrid-mode cloud radar for the shape determination are presented. This includes the description of phase adjustments in the transmitting paths, the introduction of the general data processing scheme, correction of the data for the differences of amplifications and electrical path lengths in the transmitting and receiving channels, the rotation of the polarization basis by 45°, the correction of antenna effects on polarimetric measurements, the determination of spectral polarimetric variables, and the formulation of a scheme to increase the signal-to-noise ratio. Modeling of the polarimetric variables is based on existing back-scattering models assuming the spheroidal representation of cloud scatterers. The parameters retrieved from the model are polarizability ratio and degree of orientation, which can be assigned to certain particle orientations and shapes. The developed algorithm is applied to a measurement of the hybrid-mode cloud radar taken on 20 October 2014 in Cabauw, the Netherlands, in the frame of the ACCEPT (Analysis of the Composition of Clouds with Extended Polarization Techniques) campaign. The case study shows the retrieved polarizability ratio and degree of orientation of ice particles for a cloud system of three cloud layers at different heights. Retrieved polarizability ratios are 0.43, 0.85, and 1.5 which correspond to oblate, quasi-spherical, and columnar ice particles, respectively. It is shown that the polarizability ratio is useful for the detection of aggregation/riming processes. The orientation of oblate and prolate particles is estimated to be close to horizontal while quasi-spherical particles were found to be more randomly oriented.
Using field observations to inform thermal hydrology models of permafrost dynamics with ATS (v0.83)
Authors: Atchley A. L. , Painter S. L. , Harp D. R. , Coon E. T. , Wilson C. J. , Liljedahl A. K. , Romanovsky V. E.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. Climate change is profoundly transforming the carbon-rich Arctic tundra landscape, potentially moving it from a carbon sink to a carbon source by increasing the thickness of soil that thaws on a seasonal basis. However, the modeling capability and precise parameterizations of the physical characteristics needed to estimate projected active layer thickness (ALT) are limited in Earth system models (ESMs). In particular, discrepancies in spatial scale between field measurements and Earth system models challenge validation and parameterization of hydrothermal models. A recently developed surface–subsurface model for permafrost thermal hydrology, the Advanced Terrestrial Simulator (ATS), is used in combination with field measurements to achieve the goals of constructing a process-rich model based on plausible parameters and to identify fine-scale controls of ALT in ice-wedge polygon tundra in Barrow, Alaska. An iterative model refinement procedure that cycles between borehole temperature and snow cover measurements and simulations functions to evaluate and parameterize different model processes necessary to simulate freeze–thaw processes and ALT formation. After model refinement and calibration, reasonable matches between simulated and measured soil temperatures are obtained, with the largest errors occurring during early summer above ice wedges (e.g., troughs). The results suggest that properly constructed and calibrated one-dimensional thermal hydrology models have the potential to provide reasonable representation of the subsurface thermal response and can be used to infer model input parameters and process representations. The models for soil thermal conductivity and snow distribution were found to be the most sensitive process representations. However, information on lateral flow and snowpack evolution might be needed to constrain model representations of surface hydrology and snow depth.
ESMValTool (v1.0) – a community diagnostic and performance metrics tool for routine evaluation of Earth System Models in CMIP
Authors: Eyring V. , Righi M. , Evaldsson M. , Lauer A. , Wenzel S. , Jones C. , Anav A. , Andrews O. , Cionni I. , Davin E. L. , Deser C. , Ehbrecht C. , Friedlingstein P. , Gleckler P. , Gottschaldt K.-D. , Hagemann S. , Juckes M. , Kindermann S. , Krasting J. , Kunert D. , Levine R. , Loew A. , Mäkelä J. , Martin G. , Mason E. , Phillips A. , Read S. , Rio C. , Roehrig R. , Senftleben D. , Sterl A. , van Ulft L. H. , Walton J. , Wang S. , Williams K. D.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. A community diagnostics and performance metrics tool for the evaluation of Earth System Models (ESMs) has been developed that allows for routine comparison of single or multiple models, either against predecessor versions or against observations. The priority of the effort so far has been to target specific scientific themes focusing on selected Essential Climate Variables (ECVs), a range of known systematic biases common to ESMs, such as coupled tropical climate variability, monsoons, Southern Ocean processes, continental dry biases and soil hydrology-climate interactions, as well as atmospheric CO2 budgets, tropospheric and stratospheric ozone, and tropospheric aerosols. The tool is being developed in such a way that additional analyses can easily be added. A set of standard namelists for each scientific topic reproduces specific sets of diagnostics or performance metrics that have demonstrated their importance in ESM evaluation in the peer-reviewed literature. The Earth System Model Evaluation Tool (ESMValTool) is a community effort open to both users and developers encouraging open exchange of diagnostic source code and evaluation results from the CMIP ensemble. This will facilitate and improve ESM evaluation beyond the state-of-the-art and aims at supporting such activities within the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP) and at individual modelling centres. Ultimately, we envisage running the ESMValTool alongside the Earth System Grid Federation (ESGF) as part of a more routine evaluation of CMIP model simulations while utilizing observations available in standard formats (obs4MIPs) or provided by the user.