bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Order Processing in Children: From Reversing the Distance‐Effect to Predicting Arithmetic
Authors: Lyons Ian M. , Ansari Daniel
Published: October 2015

Recent work has demonstrated that how we process the relative order—ordinality—of numbers may be key to understanding how we represent numbers symbolically, and has proven to be a robust predictor of more sophisticated math skills in both children and adults. However, it remains unclear whether numerical ordinality is primarily a by‐product of other numerical processes, such as familiarity with overlearned count sequence, or is in fact a fundamental property of symbolic number processing. In a sample of nearly 1,500 children, we show that the reversed distance effect—a hallmark of symbolic ordinal processing—obtains in children as young as first grade, and is larger for less familiar sets of numbers. Furthermore, we show that the children's efficiency in evaluating the simplest ordered sequences (e.g., 2‐3‐4, 6‐7‐8) captures more unique variance in mental arithmetic than any other type of numerical sequence, and that this result cannot be accounted for by counting ability. Indeed, performance on just five such trials captured more unique mental arithmetic variance than any of several other numerical tasks assessed here. In sum, our results are consistent with the notion that ordinality is a fundamental property of how children process numerical symbols, that this property helps underpin more complex math processing, and that it shapes numerical processing even at the earliest stages of elementary education.
Genetic diversity loss in a biodiversity hotspot: ancient DNA quantifies genetic decline and former connectivity in a critically endangered marsupial
Authors: Pacioni Carlo , Hunt Helen , Allentoft Morten E. , Vaughan Timothy G. , Wayne Adrian F. , Baynes Alexander , Haouchar Dalal , Dortch Joe , Bunce Michael
Published: October 2015

The extent of genetic diversity loss and former connectivity between fragmented populations are often unknown factors when studying endangered species. While genetic techniques are commonly applied in extant populations to assess temporal and spatial demographic changes, it is no substitute for directly measuring past diversity using ancient DNA (aDNA). We analysed both mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and nuclear microsatellite loci from 64 historical fossil and skin samples of the critically endangered Western Australian woylie (Bettongia penicillata ogilbyi), and compared them with 231 (n = 152 for mtDNA) modern samples. In modern woylie populations 15 mitochondrial control region (CR) haplotypes were identified. Interestingly, mtDNA CR data from only 29 historical samples demonstrated 15 previously unknown haplotypes and detected an extinct divergent clade. Through modelling, we estimated the loss of CR mtDNA diversity to be between 46% and 91% and estimated this to have occurred in the past 2000–4000 years in association with a dramatic population decline. In addition, we obtained near‐complete 11‐loci microsatellite profiles from 21 historical samples. In agreement with the mtDNA data, a number of ‘new’ microsatellite alleles was only detected in the historical populations despite extensive modern sampling, indicating a nuclear genetic diversity loss >20%. Calculations of genetic diversity (heterozygosity and allelic rarefaction) showed that these were significantly higher in the past and that there was a high degree of gene flow across the woylie's historical range. These findings have an immediate impact on how the extant populations are managed and we recommend the implementation of an assisted migration programme to prevent further loss of genetic diversity. Our study demonstrates the value of integrating aDNA data into current‐day conservation strategies.
Speciation with gene flow in whiptail lizards from a Neotropical xeric biome
Authors: Oliveira Eliana F. , Gehara Marcelo , São‐Pedro Vinícius A. , Chen Xin , Myers Edward A. , Burbrink Frank T. , Mesquita Daniel O. , Garda Adrian A. , Colli Guarino R. , Rodrigues Miguel T. , Arias Federico J. , Zaher Hussam , Santos Rodrigo M. L. , Costa Gabriel C.
Published: October 2015

Two main hypotheses have been proposed to explain the diversification of the Caatinga biota. The riverine barrier hypothesis (RBH) claims that the São Francisco River (SFR) is a major biogeographic barrier to gene flow. The Pleistocene climatic fluctuation hypothesis (PCH) states that gene flow, geographic genetic structure and demographic signatures on endemic Caatinga taxa were influenced by Quaternary climate fluctuation cycles. Herein, we analyse genetic diversity and structure, phylogeographic history, and diversification of a widespread Caatinga lizard (Cnemidophorus ocellifer) based on large geographical sampling for multiple loci to test the predictions derived from the RBH and PCH. We inferred two well‐delimited lineages (Northeast and Southwest) that have diverged along the Cerrado–Caatinga border during the Mid‐Late Miocene (6–14 Ma) despite the presence of gene flow. We reject both major hypotheses proposed to explain diversification in the Caatinga. Surprisingly, our results revealed a striking complex diversification pattern where the Northeast lineage originated as a founder effect from a few individuals located along the edge of the Southwest lineage that eventually expanded throughout the Caatinga. The Southwest lineage is more diverse, older and associated with the Cerrado–Caatinga boundaries. Finally, we suggest that C. ocellifer from the Caatinga is composed of two distinct species. Our data support speciation in the presence of gene flow and highlight the role of environmental gradients in the diversification process.
Phylogeographic breaks within Asian butternuts indicate the existence of a phytogeographic divide in East Asia
Authors: Bai Wei‐Ning , Wang Wen‐Ting , Zhang Da‐Yong
Published: October 2015

East Asia has been hypothesized to be subdivided into two distinct northern and southern areas, separated by a band of dry climate that was far more severe in the early Tertiary but still exists today. However, this biogeographic hypothesis has rarely been tested using a molecular phylogeographic approach.

We genotyped 70 populations throughout the distributional range of Asian butternuts (JuglanssectionCardiocaryon) using eight chloroplast DNA regions, one single‐copy nuclear gene, and 17 nuclear microsatellite loci, supplemented with paleodistribution modeling of the major genetic clades.

The genetic data consistently identified two clades, one northern, comprisingJuglans mandshuricaandJuglans ailantifolia, and one southern, comprisingJuglans cathayensis. The two clades diverged through climate‐induced vicariance of an ancestral northern range during the mid‐Miocene and remained mostly separate thereafter, with geographical isolation of the Japanese Islands and refugial isolation or secondary contacts in the late Pleistocene producing further subdivision within the northern clade. But beyond all that, we also discovered a role of environmental adaptation in maintaining and/or reinforcing the north–south divergence.

Asian butternuts offer a strong case for the existence of a biogeographic divide between the northern and southern parts of East Asia during the Neogene and into the Pleistocene.
Graded specialization within and between the anterior temporal lobes
Authors: Rice Grace E. , Hoffman Paul , Lambon Ralph Matthew A.
Published: October 2015

Considerable evidence from different methodologies has identified the anterior temporal lobes (ATLs) as key regions for the representation of semantic knowledge. Research interest is now shifting to investigate the roles of different ATL subregions in semantic representation, with particular emphasis on the functions of the left versus right ATLs. In this review, we provide evidence for graded specializations both between and within the ATLs. We argue (1) that multimodal, pan‐category semantic representations are supported jointly by both left and right ATLs, yet (2) that the ATLs are not homogeneous in their function. Instead, subtle functional gradations both between and within the ATLs emerge as a consequence of differential connectivity with primary sensory/motor/limbic regions. This graded specialization account of semantic representation provides a compromise between theories that posit no differences between the functions of the left and right ATLs and those that posit that the left and right ATLs are entirely segregated in function. Evidence for this graded account comes from converging sources, and its benefits have been exemplified in formal computational models. We propose that this graded principle is not only a defining feature of the ATLs but is also a more general neurocomputational principle found throughout the temporal lobes.
Have we been successful? Monitoring horizontal forest complexity for forest restoration projects
Authors: Dickinson Yvette , Pelz Kristen , Giles Emma , Howie Josh
Published: October 2015

Forest management today often seeks to restore ecological integrity and enhance human well‐being by increasing forest complexity, resilience, and functionality. However, effective and financially expedient monitoring of forest complexity is challenging. In this study, we developed a practical and inexpensive technique to measure horizontal forest complexity. This monitoring method uses intuitively understandable data (imagery) and facilitates stakeholder participation in the adaptive management process within collaborative projects. We used this technique to determine if current restoration projects are successfully achieving their spatial restoration goals. We focused on the Colorado Front Range Landscape Restoration Initiative (CFRLRI) as a representative of the typical collaborative restoration projects underway in formerly fire‐dependent dry conifer forests. The developed monitoring method is practical and cost‐effective by using free aerial imagery to map, quantify, and analyze the distribution of canopy cover pre‐ and post‐treatment. We found theCFRLRIhas successfully reduced canopy cover (from 44 to 26% on average) and increased some aspects of horizontal forest complexity. The application of these monitoring techniques has allowed theCFRLRIcollaborative group to objectively quantify changes to horizontal forest complexity, and has facilitated stakeholder communication about forest spatial patterns. These methods could be adapted for use by other similar forest restoration projects around the world by utilizing increasingly available satellite or aerial imagery.
Exploring Drivers of Innovative Technology Adoption Intention: The Case of Plug‐In Vehicles
Authors: Siddiki Saba , Dumortier Jerome , Curley Cali , Graham John D. , Carley Sanya , Krause Rachel M.
Published: October 2015

How individuals respond to innovative technologies depends on how motivated they are by an array of internal and external factors and the informational and cost barriers they face. To better understand technology adoption decision making we (i) assess changes in intent to purchase plug‐in vehicles in response to reductions in their price and (ii) identify motivators that incline new car buyers toward plug‐ins under status quo and reduced vehicle cost scenarios. We find that individuals already inclined toward alternative vehicles have a higher interest in plug‐ins under a reduced‐cost scenario than individuals who favor conventional vehicles. We also find that individuals who shift their vehicle preference from conventional gasoline to plug‐in vehicles are motivated by material factors and fears relating to the innovative technology, whereas those shifting preferences between less to more innovative technologies are likely to be motivated by a mix of material and nonmaterial factors.
Contextual Factors Influencing Collaboration Levels and Outcomes in National Forest Stewardship Contracting
Authors: Mattor Katherine M. , Cheng Antony S.
Published: October 2015

The number of policies promoting collaborative processes in national forest management has increased considerably over the past decade but do mandates alone increase the levels of collaboration in national forest management? Collaborative governance literature identifies the importance of the situational context for the emergence and performance of collaboration but does not identify the role of specific attributes and processes. This article presents a comparative case‐study analysis of factors influencing levels of collaboration in USDA Forest Service stewardship contracting processes. Incorporating concepts from the collaborative governance literature and Institutional Analysis and Development framework we found policy and administrative guidance alone will not increase the use of collaborative processes associated with stewardship contracts. A combination of existing agency‐community planning efforts, leadership, and agency support were essential for collaboration to materialize. Top‐down policy direction meant to increase the use of collaboration to achieve natural resource management objectives must incorporate opportunities to establish these conditions.
When Whites' Attempts to Be Multicultural Backfire in Intergroup Interactions
Authors: Zou Linda , Cheryan Sapna
Published: October 2015

Whites' attempts to enact multicultural ideals in intergroup interactions can sometimes have negative interpersonal consequences. This paper reviews the instances when Whites' efforts to acknowledge, appreciate, and learn about racial and ethnic differences can make people of color's group identity uncomfortably salient (minority spotlight effect), make people of color feel that certain attributes are being imposed onto their group identity (positive stereotyping), or make people of color feel precluded from another group identity (identity denial). Each of these situations introduces a hurtful discrepancy between how people of color are seen by others and how they wish to be seen. Suggestions for how to “do” multiculturalism in ways that avoid creating this discrepancy are discussed.
Implicit Affect Primes Effort: Basic Processes, Moderators, and Boundary Conditions
Authors: Gendolla Guido H.E.
Published: October 2015

This article informs about the implicit‐affect‐primes‐effort (IAPE) model – a theory on the impact of implicit affect on resource mobilization – and research testing this account. Beside basic influences of implicitly processed affective stimuli on behavior, this article highlights moderators and boundary conditions of this process. The IAPE model posits that affect primes implicitly activate mental representations of affective states containing information about performance ease and difficulty. This influences subjective task demand during performance, which determines effort. A series of experiments assessing implicit affect's impact on effort‐related cardiovascular response in cognitive tasks revealed replicated support for the IAPE model. Moreover, objective task difficulty and incentive moderated the effect of implicit affect on effort, and especially controlled processing of affect primes and activated concepts turned out to be boundary conditions.
Substrate temperature control for the formation of metal nanohelices by glancing angle deposition
Authors: Sumigawa Takashi , Tanie Hisashi , Sakurai Atsushi , Iwata Kazuya , Chen Shaoguang , Kitamura Takayuki
Published: October 2015

The targets of this study are to develop a device to precisely control the temperature during glancing angle deposition, to make films consisting of low melting temperature metal nanoelements with a controlled shape (helix), and to explore the substrate temperature for controlling the nanoshapes. A vacuum evaporation system capable of both cooling a substrate and measurement of its temperature was used to form thin films consisting of arrays of Cu and Al nanohelices on silicon substrates by maintaining the substrate temperature at Ts/Tm < 0.22 (Ts is the substrate temperature and Tm is the melting temperature of target material). The critical Ts/Tm to produce Cu and Al nanohelices corresponds to the transitional homologous temperature between zones I and II in the structure zone model for the solid film, where surface diffusion becomes dominant. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that the Cu and Al nanohelix thin films were composed of coarse oriented grains with diameters of several tens of nanometers.
TiO2-Fe2O3 and Co3O4-Fe2O3 nanocomposites analyzed by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy
Authors: Warwick Michael E. A. , Carraro Giorgio , Barreca Davide , Gasparotto Alberto , Maccato Chiara
Published: October 2015

The present work is focused on the characterization of TiO2-Fe2O3 and Co3O4-Fe2O3 nanocomposites, of potential interest as photoanodes for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting triggered by solar light. In particular, Fe2O3 nanostructures were deposited onto fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO)-coated glass substrates by plasma enhanced-chemical vapor deposition (PE-CVD), and functionalized by either TiO2 or Co3O4, obtained via atomic layer deposition (ALD) or radio frequency (RF)-sputtering, respectively. The resulting systems were investigated by complementary techniques in order to obtain detailed information on their structure and morphological organization. In particular, their chemical composition was analyzed through the use of X-ray Photoelectron and X-ray Excited-Auger Electron Spectroscopies (XPS and XE-AES). To this regard, detailed spectra for C 1s, O 1s, Fe 2p and Ti 2p (or Co 2p and Co LMM) regions are reported and discussed.
Evidence that the Entamoeba histolytica Mitochondrial Carrier Family Links Mitosomal and Cytosolic Pathways through Exchange of 3′-Phosphoadenosine 5′-Phosphosulfate and ATP
Authors: Mi-ichi Fumika , Nozawa Akira , Yoshida Hiroki , Tozawa Yuzuru , Nozaki Tomoyoshi
Published: October 2015

Entamoeba histolytica
, a microaerophilic protozoan parasite, possesses mitosomes. Mitosomes are mitochondrion-related organelles that have largely lost typical mitochondrial functions, such as those involved in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. The biological roles of
Entamoeba
mitosomes have been a long-standing enigma. We previously demonstrated that sulfate activation, which is not generally compartmentalized to mitochondria, is a major function of
E. histolytica
mitosomes. Sulfate activation cooperates with cytosolic enzymes, i.e., sulfotransferases (SULTs), for the synthesis of sulfolipids, one of which is cholesteryl sulfate. Notably, cholesteryl sulfate plays an important role in encystation, an essential process in the
Entamoeba
life cycle. These findings identified a biological role for
Entamoeba
mitosomes; however, they simultaneously raised a new issue concerning how the reactions of the pathway, separated by the mitosomal membranes, cooperate. Here, we demonstrated that the
E. histolytica
mitochondrial carrier family (EhMCF) has the capacity to exchange 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate (PAPS) with ATP. We also confirmed the cytosolic localization of all the
E. histolytica
SULTs, suggesting that in
Entamoeba
, PAPS, which is produced through mitosomal sulfate activation, is translocated to the cytosol and becomes a substrate for SULTs. In contrast, ATP, which is produced through cytosolic pathways, is translocated into the mitosomes and is a necessary substrate for sulfate activation. Taking our findings collectively, we suggest that EhMCF functions as a PAPS/ATP antiporter and plays a crucial role in linking the mitosomal sulfate activation pathway to cytosolic SULTs for the production of sulfolipids.
Collapsibility, composition, and microstructure of loess in China
Authors: Liu Zhen , Liu Fengyin , Ma Fuli , Wang Mei , Bai Xiaohong , Zheng Yonglai , Yin Hang , Zhang Guoping
Published: October 2015

The collapse potential, mineralogy, microstructure, and particle morphology of a loess from the Loess Plateau, China, were characterized by double oedometer testing, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and image analysis to elucidate the origin of its collapse behavior. Results show that the loess is highly collapsible with a maximum collapse index of 6.7% at a vertical stress of ∼200 kPa. The deposit contains both nonclay (i.e., quartz, albite, muscovite, and calcite) and clay (i.e., two chlorites) minerals. Microstructural, chemical, and image analyses indicate that interparticle calcite and clay cementation and silt particle morphology render the intact soil a metastable structure. Wetting-induced collapse is attributed to both primary and secondary microstructure features. The former is the abundance of weakly cemented, unsaturated, porous pure clay and clay–silt mixture aggregates whose slaking upon wetting initiates the overall structural collapse, while the latter consists of high porosity, unstable particle contacts, and clay coating on silt particles that act synergistically to augment the collapse. A conceptual microstructural model of a four-tiered hierarchy (i.e., primary clay and silt particles, clay aggregates and clay-coated silt particles, clay–silt mixture aggregates, and cemented aggregate matrix) is proposed to represent its structural characteristics and to account for its high collapsibility.
An efficient temporary immersion system for micropropagation of hybrid hazelnut
Authors: Latawa Jyoti , Shukla Mukund R. , Saxena Praveen K.
Published: October 2015

An efficient protocol for the micropropagation of hybrid hazelnut (Corylus L.) was developed using a temporary immersion system (TIS) for the proliferation of shoots in a liquid medium. Growth and proliferation of shoots as well as the length and number of nodes in developing shoots were significantly improved by combining two forms of chelated iron: ethylenediamine-N,N′-di-(ortho-hydroxyphenyl) acetic acid (FeEDDHA), and FeSO4/EDTA (FeEDTA). The use of TIS with optimized concentrations of FeEDTA and FeEDDHA significantly increased the number of shoots, shoot height, leaf area, and chlorophyll content in all of the four cultivars tested, compared with a semi-solid medium. Proliferated shoots developed roots on a semi-solid medium containing 2.5 μmol/L indole-3-butyric acid and rooted plantlets acclimatized in greenhouse conditions with 80% survival.
A Mobility Model for Connected Vehicles Induced by the Fish School
Authors: Tian Daxin , Zhu Keyi , Zhou Jianshan , Wang Jian , Zhang Guohui , Liu He
Published: October 2015

We proposed a mobility model of connected vehicles with wireless communications. The proposed mobility model is inspired by the fish school, which takes into account several significant attractive/repulsive potential fields induced by the expected mobility, the tendency to avoid collisions, and the road constraints. With this model, we present a comprehensive approach for designing and analyzing the potential fields acting on connected vehicles. Based on the Lyapunov stability theorem, a theoretical analysis is also provided to show that the cooperative collision avoidance and stable constrained flocking of connected vehicles can be performed by using this model. The numerical experiments prove the effectiveness of the wireless communication on the safety and efficiency of connected vehicles.
MicroRNAs’ Involvement in Osteoarthritis and the Prospects for Treatments
Authors: Yu Xiao-Ming , Meng Hao-Ye , Yuan Xue-Ling , Wang Yu , Guo Quan-Yi , Peng Jiang , Wang Ai-Yuan , Lu Shi-Bi
Published: October 2015

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disease and its etiology is complex. With increasing OA incidence, more and more people are facing heavy financial and social burdens from the disease. Genetics-related aspects of OA pathogenesis are not well understood. Recent reports have examined the molecular mechanisms and genes related to OA. It has been realized that genetic changes in articular cartilage and bone may contribute to OA’s development. Osteoclasts, osteoblasts, osteocytes, and chondrocytes in joints must express appropriate genes to achieve tissue homeostasis, and errors in this can cause OA. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that have been discovered to be overarching regulators of gene expression. Their ability to repress many target genes and their target-binding specificity indicate a complex network of interactions, which is still being defined. Many studies have focused on the role of miRNAs in bone and cartilage and have identified numbers of miRNAs that play important roles in regulating bone and cartilage homeostasis. Those miRNAs may also be involved in the pathology of OA, which is the focus of this review. Future studies on the role of miRNAs in OA will provide important clues leading to a better understanding of the mechanism(s) of OA and, more particularly, to the development of therapeutic targets for OA.
Hybrid Organic‐Inorganic Perovskites Open a New Era for Low‐Cost, High Efficiency Solar Cells
Authors: Peng Guiming , Xu Xueqing , Xu Gang
Published: October 2015

The ramping solar energy to electricity conversion efficiencies of hybrid organic‐inorganic perovskite solar cells during the last five years have opened new doors to low‐cost solar energy. The record power conversion efficiency has climbed to 19.3% in August 2014 and then jumped to 20.1% in November. In this review, the main achievements for perovskite solar cells categorized from a viewpoint of device structure are overviewed. The challenges and prospects for future development of this field are also briefly presented.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors and the Heart: Lessons from the Past and Future Directions
Authors: Lee Wang-Soo , Kim Jaetaek
Published: October 2015

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) belong to the nuclear family of ligand activated transcriptional factors and comprise three different isoforms, PPAR-α, PPAR-β/δ, and PPAR-γ. The main role of PPARs is to regulate the expression of genes involved in lipid and glucose metabolism. Several studies have demonstrated that PPAR agonists improve dyslipidemia and glucose control in animals, supporting their potential as a promising therapeutic option to treat diabetes and dyslipidemia. However, substantial differences exist in the therapeutic or adverse effects of specific drug candidates, and clinical studies have yielded inconsistent data on their cardioprotective effects. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding the molecular function of PPARs and the mechanisms of the PPAR regulation by posttranslational modification in the heart. We also describe the results and lessons learned from important clinical trials on PPAR agonists and discuss the potential future directions for this class of drugs.
Analysis of Dynamical Characteristic of Piecewise-Nonlinear Asymmetric Hysteretic System Based on Incremental Harmonic Balance Method
Authors: Liu H. R. , Li J. Z. , Hou D. X. , Yin R. R. , Jiang J. S.
Published: October 2015

Considering a sort of elastic mass with asymmetric hysteresis characteristic which widespread existing in engineering field, a piecewise-nonlinear dynamical equation, which contains asymmetric hysteretic loop, is established. By using the method of Incremental Harmonic Balance (IHB), the analytic linearized algebraic equation of the system is obtained. On the basis of this algebraic equation, the coefficients of the algebraic expression are figured out by the incremental procedure and the iterative process of the regulated variable. Through the emulation, the amplitude frequency response curve and the relation between the value of the harmonic component and the external excitation are researched; the bistable regions of the bifurcation diagram of the system under the variation of the excitation amplitude are studied. The above results can be used to guide the research of the asymmetric hysteretic system with polynomial expression.
A New Conjugate Gradient Algorithm with Sufficient Descent Property for Unconstrained Optimization
Authors: Wu XiaoPing , Liu LiYing , Xie FengJie , Li YongFei
Published: October 2015

A new nonlinear conjugate gradient formula, which satisfies the sufficient descent condition, for solving unconstrained optimization problem is proposed. The global convergence of the algorithm is established under weak Wolfe line search. Some numerical experiments show that this new WWPNPRP+algorithm is competitive to the SWPPRP+algorithm, the SWPHS+algorithm, and the WWPDYHS+algorithm.
Biological Evidence Management for DNA Analysis in Cases of Sexual Assault
Authors: Magalhães Teresa , Dinis-Oliveira Ricardo Jorge , Silva Benedita , Corte-Real Francisco , Nuno Vieira Duarte
Published: October 2015

Biological evidence with forensic interest may be found in several cases of assault, being particularly relevant if sexually related. Sexual assault cases are characterized by low rates of disclosure, reporting, prosecution, and conviction. Biological evidence is sometimes the only way to prove the occurrence of sexual contact and to identify the perpetrator. The major focus of this review is to propose practical approaches and guidelines to help health, forensic, and law enforcement professionals to deal with biological evidence for DNA analysis. Attention should be devoted to avoiding contamination, degradation, and loss of biological evidence, as well as respecting specific measures to properly handle evidence (i.e., selection, collection, packing, sealing, labeling, storage, preservation, transport, and guarantee of the chain custody). Biological evidence must be carefully managed since the relevance of any finding in Forensic Genetics is determined, in the first instance, by the integrity and quantity of the samples submitted for analysis.
Elevated Intracranial Pressure Diagnosis with Emergency Department Bedside Ocular Ultrasound
Authors: Amin D. , McCormick T. , Mailhot T.
Published: October 2015

Bedside sonographic measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter can aid in the diagnosis of elevated intracranial pressure in the emergency department. This case report describes a 21-year-old female presenting with 4 months of mild headache and 2 weeks of recurrent, transient binocular vision loss. Though limited by patient discomfort, fundoscopic examination suggested the presence of blurred optic disc margins. Bedside ocular ultrasound (BOUS) revealed wide optic nerve sheath diameters and bulging optic discs bilaterally. Lumbar puncture demonstrated a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) opening pressure of 54 cm H2O supporting the suspected diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Accurate fundoscopy can be vital to the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of patients with suspected elevated intracranial pressure, but it is often technically difficult or poorly tolerated by the photophobic patient. BOUS is a quick and easily learned tool to supplement the emergency physician’s fundoscopic examination and help identify patients with elevated intracranial pressure.
Theoretical Simulation and Optimization on Material Parameters of Thin Film Bulk Acoustic Resonator
Authors: Zhang Tao , Liang Fujun , Li Min , Li Shaorong , Pang Huafeng , Wang Sufang , Zhu Huaze , Yan Zhengxin , Zhao Shenggui
Published: October 2015

The resonance frequency, fs, and the effective electromechanical coupling factor, , of thin film bulk acoustic resonators (FBARs) are derived by transfer matrix method. The effects of thickness and density of electrode on fs and with different piezoelectric layers are investigated by numerical calculation method. The results show that thickness and density of electrode affect fs obviously, especially in large thickness and density area. Moreover, the effects of thickness, density, and acoustic velocity of electrode on of FBAR were also studied. The results show that there is a maximum corresponding to the composition of thickness and density of electrode which is about 20% over the original electromechanical factor of piezoelectric film. is in the direct proportion to the density ρe and ve of electrode, respectively. The electrode thickness affects small with high ve; moreover, when ve is high enough, then has almost nothing to do with de. always rises with electrode thickness first and then descends with its rising, and the thickness corresponding to the maximum is different with different electrode, but it always locates in the special area. All above results indicate that the thickness, density, and acoustic velocity of electrode are so important that these results can be applied to design FBAR.
A Chinese-Naxi Tree-to-Tree Machine Translation Method Based on Subtree Alignment
Authors: Gao Shengxiang , Yu Zhengtao , Liu Chao , Chen Lin , Hong Xudong
Published: October 2015

In allusion to the syntactic differences between Chinese and Naxi language, the thesis presents a tree-to-tree method of Chinese-Naxi machine translation based on subtree alignment. In this method, we define a subtree alignment model, providing its inference probability, and solve the alignment missing problem of Chinese-Naxi alignment by updating nodes (insert or delete). And then we train the subtree alignment model by EM algorithm, merging subtree alignment to the translation model. Finally we extract the template of Chinese-Naxi translation, adopting the extraction algorithm based on matrix, and implement the Chinese-Naxi machine translation. Result of the contrast experiment shows that, compared to the Chinese-Naxi machine translation method based on tree-to-tree translation, the translation accuracy increased after importing subtree alignment.
Memory Profiles after Unilateral Paramedian Thalamic Stroke Infarction: A Comparative Study
Authors: Carota Antonio , Neufeld Herbert , Calabrese Pasquale
Published: October 2015

We performed extensive neuropsychological assessment of two male patients (matched for age and educational level) with similar (localization and size) unilateral paramedian ischemic thalamic lesions (AB on the left and SD on the right). Both patients showed severe memory impairments as well as other cognitive deficits. In comparison to SD, AB showed severe impairment of executive functions and a more severe deficit of episodic/anterograde memory, especially in the verbal modality. The findings of this single case study suggest the possibility that the profile and severity of the executive dysfunction are determinant for the memory deficits and depend on from the side of the lesion. In addition to a material-side-specific (verbal versus visual) deficit hypothesis, the differential diencephalo-prefrontal contributions in mnestic-processing, in case of paramedian thalamic stroke, might also be explained in terms of their stage-specificity (encoding versus retrieval).
Manganese Dioxide Nanowires of Tunable Dimensions Synthesized via a Facile Hydrothermal Route
Authors: Kong Ying Ying , Pang Suh Cem , Chin Suk Fun
Published: October 2015

Manganese dioxide (MnO2) nanowires of tunable dimensions were successfully synthesized via the facile water‐bathing hydrothermal route. Homogeneous solution mixtures of KMnO4 and MnSO4 of varying compositions were being aged in a thermostated water bath under controlled conditions. The dimensional aspect ratios of MnO2 nanowires formed were readily modulated by varying synthesis parameters such as the initial concentration of chemical precursors, reaction temperature, and aging duration. At fixed initial precursor concentrations, the mean diameter of MnO2 nanowires decreased slightly from 57 nm to 53 nm with increased reaction temperature from 60°C to 90°C. The mean diameter of MnO2 nanowires decreased linearly within the range of 104 nm and 35 nm as the initial concentration of both precursors was increased in turn within the range of 10 mmol and 40 mmol at fixed aging temperature and duration. Upon aging for 2 to 24 hours at 80°C, the mean diameter and length of MnO2 nanowires were observed to vary within the range of 33–55 nm and 0.69–2.68 μm, respectively, which corresponded to the dimensional aspect ratio range of 21 to 49. Henceforth, MnO2 nanowires of tunable dimensions could be synthesized through optimally controlled synthesis parameters.
Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Pilot Study of D-Cycloserine in Chronic Stroke
Authors: Butler Andrew J. , Kallos Justiss , Housley Stephen N. , LaPlaca Michelle C. , Traynelis Stephen F. , Wolf Steven L.
Published: October 2015

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in the USA. Up to 60% of patients do not fully recover despite intensive physical therapy treatment. N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDA-R) have been shown to play a role in synaptic plasticity when activated. D-Cycloserine promotes NMDA receptor function by binding to receptors with unoccupied glycine sites. These receptors are involved in learning and memory. We hypothesized that D-cycloserine, when combined with robotic-assisted physiotherapy (RAP), would result in greater gains compared with placebo + RAP in stroke survivors. Participants (n=14) were randomized to D-cycloserine plus RAP or placebo plus RAP. Functional, cognitive, and quality-of-life measures were used to assess recovery. There was significant improvement in grip strength of the affected hand within both groups from baseline to 3 weeks (95% confidence interval for mean change, 3.95 ± 2.96 to 4.90 ± 3.56 N for D-cycloserine and 5.72 ± 3.98 to 8.44 ± 4.90 N for control). SIS mood domain showed improvement for both groups (95% confidence interval for mean change, 72.6 ± 16.3 to 82.9 ± 10.9 for D-cycloserine and 82.9 ± 13.5 to 90.3 ± 9.9 for control). This preliminary study does not provide evidence that D-cycloserine can provide greater gains in learning compared with placebo for stroke survivors.
Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome with Extensive Lymphangiomas
Authors: Mneimneh Sirin , Tabaja Ali , Rajab Mariam
Published: October 2015

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is a rare disorder characterized by the triad of vascular malformations, venous varicosities, and bone and soft-tissue hypertrophy. We present a case of Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome with limb hypertrophy, port-wine stains, lymphangiomas, and venous varicosities in the limbs.
Density Functional Theory Study on Defect Feature of AsGaGaAs in Gallium Arsenide
Authors: Ma Deming , Chen Xi , Qiao Hongbo , Wang Wei , Shi Wei , Li Enling
Published: October 2015

We investigate the defect feature of AsGaGaAs defect in gallium arsenide clusters in detail by using first‐principles calculations based on the density functional theory (DFT). Our calculations reveal that the lowest donor level of AsGaGaAs defect on the gallium arsenide crystal surface is 0.85 eV below the conduction band minimum, while the lowest donor level of the AsGaGaAs defect inside the gallium arsenide bulk is 0.83 eV below the bottom of the conduction band, consistent with gallium arsenide EL2 defect level of experimental value (Ec‐0.82 eV). This suggests that AsGaGaAs defect is one of the possible gallium arsenide EL2 deep‐level defects. Moreover, our results also indicate that the formation energies of internal AsGaGaAs and surface AsGaGaAs defects are predicted to be around 2.36 eV and 5.54 eV, respectively. This implies that formation of AsGaGaAs defect within the crystal is easier than that of surface. Our results offer assistance in discussing the structure of gallium arsenide deep‐level defect and its effect on the material.
Method of Recognition and Assistance Combining Passive RFID and Electrical Load Analysis That Handles Cognitive Errors
Authors: Fortin-Simard Dany , Bilodeau Jean-Sébastien , Gaboury Sébastien , Bouchard Bruno , Bouzouane Abdenour
Published: October 2015

The integration of wireless sensor technologies has increased awareness of many laboratories on the field of embedded network system. Many researchers seek exploiting these advances to develop technological assistance for frail people in smart homes. However, to reach the full potential of applications using network embedded systems such as assistive smart home, the first challenge to overcome is the recognition of the ongoing inhabitant activity of daily living (ADL). Moreover, to provide adequate assistance, it is essential to be able to detect every perceptive error. Such an approach proposes the use of ubiquitous sensors hidden in the environment for monitoring and detecting behavioral abnormalities associated with cognitive deficits and then does a proper guidance by providing advice using different kinds of effectors (screen, light, sound, etc.). In this paper, we present an affordable system that exploits a combination of passive RFID and the load signatures of appliances to assist elders and to detect errors related to cognitive impairment. The entire multi-sensor system has been implemented and deployed in a real prototype smart home. We present the promising results of our experiment on real daily routines.
Some Ostrowski Type Inequalities for Harmonically s, m-Convex Functions in Second Sense
Authors: Baloch Imran Abbas , İşcan İmdat
Published: October 2015

The authors introduce the concept of harmonically s, m-convex functions in second sense and establish some Ostrowski type inequalities of these classes of functions.
Hydrolysis of Straw in Ionic Liquids with Acid as Catalyst under Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Zhang Yuanjing , Wei Gang , Yu Guangyi , Qiao Ning
Published: October 2015

With ionic liquids as solvents and corn straw as raw material, different processes of lignocellulose pretreatment with acid as catalyst were studied under conventional heating/microwave irradiation and the reducing sugar was measured. The results indicated that acid can accelerate hydrolysis reaction of corn straw into reducing sugar with ionic liquids as solvent, and microwave irradiation was more efficient in pretreatment of corn straw than conventional heating. The influences of different acid catalysts, the concentration of acid, temperature, mass ratio of straw/[Bmim]Cl, and the amount of refill water were mainly tested, and the optimum experimental conditions are thus determined.
Explore Awareness of Information Security: Insights from Cognitive Neuromechanism
Authors: Han Dongmei , Dai Yonghui , Han Tianlin , Dai Xingyun
Published: October 2015

With the rapid development of the internet and information technology, the increasingly diversified portable mobile terminals, online shopping, and social media have facilitated information exchange, social communication, and financial payment for people more and more than ever before. In the meantime, information security and privacy protection have been meeting with new severe challenges. Although we have taken a variety of information security measures in both management and technology, the actual effectiveness depends firstly on people’s awareness of information security and the cognition of potential risks. In order to explore the new technology for the objective assessment of people’s awareness and cognition on information security, this paper takes the online financial payment as example and conducts an experimental study based on the analysis of electrophysiological signals. Results indicate that left hemisphere and beta rhythms of electroencephalogram (EEG) signal are sensitive to the cognitive degree of risks in the awareness of information security, which may be probably considered as the sign to assess people’s cognition of potential risks in online financial payment.
Reestablishment of Occlusal Vertical Dimension in Complete Denture Wearing in Two Stages
Authors: Marin Danny Omar Mendoza , Leite Andressa Rosa Perin , de Oliveira Junior Norberto Martins , Compagnoni Marco Antonio , Pero Ana Carolina , Arioli Filho João Neudenir
Published: October 2015

The assessment and reestablishment of the occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) are considered important factors in the treatment of complete denture wearers. The long-time use of a complete denture can result in jaw displacement due to abrasion of the artificial teeth and residual ridge resorption, causing esthetic complications. Most patients with old dentures and incorrect OVD accept reestablishment of the OVD with new complete dentures, even if they were used to their old dentures. The present clinical report describes a method of gradual reestablishment of OVD using a diagnostic acrylic splint on artificial teeth in old complete dentures before the manufacture of new complete dentures.Clinical Significance. The use of a reversible treatment for reestablishment of the OVD in old complete dentures with a diagnostic occlusal acrylic splint allows for the reestablishment of the intermaxillary relationship, providing physiological conditions of masticatory performance associated with the recovery of facial esthetics in edentulous patients.
Measles Virus: Identification in the M Protein Primary Sequence of a Potential Molecular Marker for Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis
Authors: Kweder Hasan , Ainouze Michelle , Brunel Joanna , Gerlier Denis , Manet Evelyne , Buckland Robin
Published: October 2015

Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE), a rare lethal disease of children and young adults due to persistence of measles virus (MeV) in the brain, is caused by wild type (wt) MeV. Why MeV vaccine strains never cause SSPE is completely unknown. Hypothesizing that this phenotypic difference could potentially be represented by a molecular marker, we compared glycoprotein and matrix (M) genes from SSPE cases with those from the Moraten vaccine strain, searching for differential structural motifs. We observed that all known SSPE viruses have residues P64, E89, and A209 (PEA) in their M proteins whereas the equivalent residues for vaccine strains are either S64, K89, and T209 (SKT) as in Moraten or PKT. Through the construction of MeV recombinants, we have obtained evidence that the wt MeV-M protein PEA motif, in particular A209, is linked to increased viral spread. Importantly, for the 10 wt genotypes (of 23) that have had their M proteins sequenced, 9 have the PEA motif, the exception being B3, which has PET. Interestingly, cases of SSPE caused by genotype B3 have yet to be reported. In conclusion, our results strongly suggest that the PEA motif is a molecular marker for wt MeV at risk to cause SSPE.
Gastrodin Reduces Blood Pressure by Intervening with RAAS and PPARγin SHRs
Authors: Liu Wei , Wang Lingyan , Yu Jiahui , Asare Patrick Fordjour , Zhao Ying-Qiang
Published: October 2015

Gastrodin is a bioactive compound extracted from traditional Chinese medicine,Gastrodia elata  Bl. It has a definite effect on reducing blood pressure in hypertensive patients. However, the mechanisms of gastrodin in lowering blood pressure still remain unclear. In this study, 4 weeks of administration of gastrodin (100 mg/kg/d intraperitoneally injected) decreased the systolic blood pressure (SBP) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) (190.2±8.9versus169.8±6.4,P<0.01). Among SHRs receiving gastrodin treatment, angiotensin II (Ang II) and aldosterone (ALD) in serum were significantly decreased (2022.1±53.0versus1528.7±93.9,213.33±35.17versus179.65±20.31, andP<0.01,P<0.05, resp.) and dramatically downregulated expression of angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) (4.9±0.9versus2.6±0.9,P<0.05) in myocardium in both mRNA and protein levels compared with their corresponding groups without gastrodin treatment. Additionally, gastrodin increased the mRNA expression (0.18±0.07versus0.82±0.10,P<0.01) and protein synthesis (0.40±0.10versus0.34±0.10,P<0.01) of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγ(PPARγ) in myocardium tissues. Overall, our data demonstrated that gastrodin was able to decrease the SBP in SHR. Furthermore, this study showed that gastrodin intervened with the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and PPARγeffectively, which indicates its antihypertensive mechanism.