bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transparency of Mandatory Information Disclosure and Concerns of Health Services Providers and Consumers
Authors: Yan Yu-Hua , Kung Chih-Ming , Fang Shih-Chieh , Chen Yi
Published: January 2017

Background: This study analyzed differences between transparency of information disclosure and related demands from the health service consumer’s perspective. It also compared how health service providers and consumers are associated by different levels of mandatory information disclosure. Methods: We obtained our research data using a questionnaire survey (health services providers, n = 201; health service consumers, n = 384). Results: Health service consumers do not have major concerns regarding mandatory information disclosure. However, they are concerned about complaint channels and settlement results, results of patient satisfaction surveys, and disclosure of hospital financial statements (p < 0.001). We identified significant differences in health service providers’ and consumers’ awareness regarding the transparency of information disclosure (p < 0.001). Conclusions: It may not be possible for outsiders to properly interpret the information provided by hospitals. Thus, when a hospital discloses information, it is necessary for the government to consider the information’s applicability. Toward improving medical expertise and information asymmetry, the government has to reduce the burden among health service consumers in dealing with this information, and it has to use the information effectively.
Maternal and Child Health of Internally Displaced Persons in Ukraine: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Nidzvetska Svitlana , Rodriguez-Llanes Jose , Aujoulat Isabelle , Gil Cuesta Julita , Tappis Hannah , Van Loenhout Joris , Guha-Sapir Debarati
Published: January 2017

Due to the conflict that started in spring 2014 in Eastern Ukraine, a total of 1.75 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) fled the area and have been registered in government-controlled areas of the country. This paper explores perceived health, barriers to access to healthcare, caring practices, food security, and overall financial situation of mothers and young children displaced by the conflict in Ukraine. This is a qualitative study, which collected data through semi-structured in-depth interviews with nine IDP mothers via Skype and Viber with a convenience sample of participants selected through snowball technique. Contrary to the expectations, the perceived physical health of mothers and their children was found not to be affected by conflict and displacement, while psychological distress was often reported. A weak healthcare system, Ukraine’s proneness to informal payments, and heavy bureaucracy to register as an IDP were reported in our study. A precarious social safety net to IDP mothers in Ukraine, poor dietary diversity, and a generalized rupture of vaccine stocks, with halted or delayed vaccinations in children were identified. Increasing social allowances and their timely delivery to IDP mothers might be the most efficient policy measure to improve health and nutrition security. Reestablishment and sustainability of vaccine stocks in Ukraine is urgent to avoid the risks of a public health crisis. Offering psychological support for IDP mothers is recommended.
Critical Windows of Prenatal Exposure to Cadmium and Size at Birth
Authors: Cheng Lu , Zhang Bin , Zheng Tongzhang , Hu Jie , Zhou Aifen , Bassig Bryan , Xia Wei , Savitz David , Buka Stephen , Xiong Chao , Braun Joseph , Zhang Yaqi , Zhou Yanqiu , Pan Xinyun , Wu Chuansha , Wang Youjie , Qian Zhengmin , Yang Aimin , Romano Megan , Shi Kunchong , Xu Shunqing , Li Yuanyuan
Published: January 2017

Prenatal cadmium (Cd) exposure has been associated with adverse birth outcomes, but the findings of previous studies are inconsistent. We measured Cd concentrations in urine samples at or near 13, 24, and 35 gestational weeks from 282 women in Wuhan, China. We used generalized estimating equation models to assess the associations between maternal creatinine adjusted urinary Cd concentrations at each trimester and birth size. A significant inverse association was observed between higher maternal Cd levels measured during the 1st trimester and birth size in girls. For each log unit increase in Cd (µg/g creatinine) levels from the 1st trimester, there was a decrease in birth weight by 116.99 g (95% confidence interval (CI): −208.87, −25.11 g). The Cd levels from the 1st and 2nd trimesters were also borderline significantly associated with ponderal index in girls. Joint estimation of trimester-specific effects suggested that associations with Cd levels for ponderal index (pint = 0.02) were significantly different across trimesters, and differences for effects across trimesters for birth weight were marginally significant (pint = 0.08) in girls. No significant associations were observed between Cd levels from any trimester and birth size in boys. Maternal Cd exposure during earlier periods of pregnancy may have a larger impact on delayed fetal growth.
Transthyretin: A Transporter Protein Essential for Proliferation of Myoblast in the Myogenic Program
Authors: Lee Eun , Pokharel Smritee , Jan Arif , Huh Soyeon , Galope Richelle , Lim Jeong , Lee Dong-Mok , Choi Sung , Nahm Sang-Soep , Kim Yong-Woon , Park So-Young , Choi Inho
Published: January 2017

Irregularities in the cellular uptake of thyroid hormones significantly affect muscle development and regeneration. Herein, we report indispensable role of transthyretin (TTR) in maintaining cellular thyroxine level. TTR was found to enhance recruitment of muscle satellite cells to the site of injury, thereby regulating muscle regeneration. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and immunofluorescence analysis of TTRwt (TTR wild type) and TTRkd (TTR knock-down) cells revealed that TTR controlled cell cycle progression by affecting the expression of Cyclin A2. Deiodinase 2 (D2) mediated increases in triiodothyronine levels were found to regulate the expression of myogenic marker, myogenin (MYOG). Moreover, use of a coumarin derivative (CD) revealed a significant reduction in cellular thyroxine, thereby indicating that TTR play a role in the transport of thyroxine. Taken together, these findings suggest that TTR mediated transport of thyroxine represents a survival mechanism necessary for the myogenic program. The results of this study will be highly useful to the strategic development of novel therapeutics to combat muscular dystrophies.
Hydroxypyridinone Chelators: From Iron Scavenging to Radiopharmaceuticals for PET Imaging with Gallium-68
Authors: Cusnir Ruslan , Imberti Cinzia , Hider Robert , Blower Philip , Ma Michelle
Published: January 2017

Derivatives of 3,4-hydroxypyridinones have been extensively studied for in vivo Fe3+ sequestration. Deferiprone, a 1,2-dimethyl-3,4-hydroxypyridinone, is now routinely used for clinical treatment of iron overload disease. Hexadentate tris(3,4-hydroxypyridinone) ligands (THP) complex Fe3+ at very low iron concentrations, and their high affinities for oxophilic trivalent metal ions have led to their development for new applications as bifunctional chelators for the positron emitting radiometal, 68Ga3+, which is clinically used for molecular imaging in positron emission tomography (PET). THP-peptide bioconjugates rapidly and quantitatively complex 68Ga3+ at ambient temperature, neutral pH and micromolar concentrations of ligand, making them amenable to kit-based radiosynthesis of 68Ga PET radiopharmaceuticals. 68Ga-labelled THP-peptides accumulate at target tissue in vivo, and are excreted largely via a renal pathway, providing high quality PET images.
Biochemical and Structural Insights into a Novel Thermostable β-1,3-Galactosidase from Marinomonas sp. BSi20414
Authors: Ding Haitao , Zeng Qian , Zhou Lili , Yu Yong , Chen Bo
Published: January 2017

A novel β-1,3-galactosidase, designated as MaBGA (β-galactosidase from Marinomonas sp. BSi20414), was successfully purified to homogeneity from Marinomonas sp. BSi20414 isolated from Arctic sea ice by ammonium sulfate precipitation and anion exchange chromatography, resulting in an 8.12-fold increase in specific activity and 9.9% recovery in total activity. MaBGA displayed its maximum activity at pH 6.0 and 60 °C, and maintained at least 90% of its initial activity over the pH range of 5.0–8.0 after incubating for 1 h. It also exhibited considerable thermal stability, which retained 76% of its initial activity after incubating at 50 °C for 6 h. In contrast to other β-galactosidases, MaBGA displayed strict substrate specificity, not only for the glycosyl group, but also for the linkage type. To better understand the structure–function relationship, the encoding gene of MaBGA was obtained and subject to bioinformatics analysis. Multiple alignments and phylogenetic analysis revealed that MaBGA belonged to the glycoside hydrolase family 42 and had closer genetic relationships with thermophilic β-galactosidases of extremophiles. With the aid of homology modeling and molecular docking, we proposed a reasonable explanation for the linkage selectivity of MaBGA from a structural perspective. On account of the robust stability and 1,3-linkage selectivity, MaBGA would be a promising candidate in the biosynthesis of galacto-oligosaccharide with β1–3 linkage.
3D Visual Tracking of an Articulated Robot in Precision Automated Tasks
Authors: Alzarok Hamza , Fletcher Simon , Longstaff Andrew
Published: January 2017

The most compelling requirements for visual tracking systems are a high detection accuracy and an adequate processing speed. However, the combination between the two requirements in real world applications is very challenging due to the fact that more accurate tracking tasks often require longer processing times, while quicker responses for the tracking system are more prone to errors, therefore a trade-off between accuracy and speed, and vice versa is required. This paper aims to achieve the two requirements together by implementing an accurate and time efficient tracking system. In this paper, an eye-to-hand visual system that has the ability to automatically track a moving target is introduced. An enhanced Circular Hough Transform (CHT) is employed for estimating the trajectory of a spherical target in three dimensions, the colour feature of the target was carefully selected by using a new colour selection process, the process relies on the use of a colour segmentation method (Delta E) with the CHT algorithm for finding the proper colour of the tracked target, the target was attached to the six degree of freedom (DOF) robot end-effector that performs a pick-and-place task. A cooperation of two Eye-to Hand cameras with their image Averaging filters are used for obtaining clear and steady images. This paper also examines a new technique for generating and controlling the observation search window in order to increase the computational speed of the tracking system, the techniques is named Controllable Region of interest based on Circular Hough Transform (CRCHT). Moreover, a new mathematical formula is introduced for updating the depth information of the vision system during the object tracking process. For more reliable and accurate tracking, a simplex optimization technique was employed for the calculation of the parameters for camera to robotic transformation matrix. The results obtained show the applicability of the proposed approach to track the moving robot with an overall tracking error of 0.25 mm. Also, the effectiveness of CRCHT technique in saving up to 60% of the overall time required for image processing.
A Wirelessly Powered Smart Contact Lens with Reconfigurable Wide Range and Tunable Sensitivity Sensor Readout Circuitry
Authors: Chiou Jin-Chern , Hsu Shun-Hsi , Huang Yu-Chieh , Yeh Guan-Ting , Liou Wei-Ting , Kuei Cheng-Kai
Published: January 2017

This study presented a wireless smart contact lens system that was composed of a reconfigurable capacitive sensor interface circuitry and wirelessly powered radio-frequency identification (RFID) addressable system for sensor control and data communication. In order to improve compliance and reduce user discomfort, a capacitive sensor was embedded on a soft contact lens of 200 μm thickness using commercially available bio-compatible lens material and a standard manufacturing process. The results indicated that the reconfigurable sensor interface achieved sensitivity and baseline tuning up to 120 pF while consuming only 110 μW power. The range and sensitivity tuning of the readout circuitry ensured a reliable operation with respect to sensor fabrication variations and independent calibration of the sensor baseline for individuals. The on-chip voltage scaling allowed the further extension of the detection range and prevented the implementation of large on-chip elements. The on-lens system enabled the detection of capacitive variation caused by pressure changes in the range of 2.25 to 30 mmHg and hydration level variation from a distance of 1 cm using incident power from an RFID reader at 26.5 dBm.
Automated Surveillance of Fruit Flies
Authors: Potamitis Ilyas , Rigakis Iraklis , Tatlas Nicolaos-Alexandros
Published: January 2017

Insects of the Diptera order of the Tephritidae family cause costly, annual crop losses worldwide. Monitoring traps are important components of integrated pest management programs used against fruit flies. Here we report the modification of typical, low-cost plastic traps for fruit flies by adding the necessary optoelectronic sensors to monitor the entrance of the trap in order to detect, time-stamp, GPS tag, and identify the species of incoming insects from the optoacoustic spectrum analysis of their wingbeat. We propose that the incorporation of automated streaming of insect counts, environmental parameters and GPS coordinates into informative visualization of collective behavior will finally enable better decision making across spatial and temporal scales, as well as administrative levels. The device presented is at product level of maturity as it has solved many pending issues presented in a previously reported study.
Trunk Motion System (TMS) Using Printed Body Worn Sensor (BWS) via Data Fusion Approach
Authors: Mokhlespour Esfahani Mohammad , Zobeiri Omid , Moshiri Behzad , Narimani Roya , Mehravar Mohammad , Rashedi Ehsan , Parnianpour Mohamad
Published: January 2017

Human movement analysis is an important part of biomechanics and rehabilitation, for which many measurement systems are introduced. Among these, wearable devices have substantial biomedical applications, primarily since they can be implemented both in indoor and outdoor applications. In this study, a Trunk Motion System (TMS) using printed Body-Worn Sensors (BWS) is designed and developed. TMS can measure three-dimensional (3D) trunk motions, is lightweight, and is a portable and non-invasive system. After the recognition of sensor locations, twelve BWSs were printed on stretchable clothing with the purpose of measuring the 3D trunk movements. To integrate BWSs data, a neural network data fusion algorithm was used. The outcome of this algorithm along with the actual 3D anatomical movements (obtained by Qualisys system) were used to calibrate the TMS. Three healthy participants with different physical characteristics participated in the calibration tests. Seven different tasks (each repeated three times) were performed, involving five planar, and two multiplanar movements. Results showed that the accuracy of TMS system was less than 1.0°, 0.8°, 0.6°, 0.8°, 0.9°, and 1.3° for flexion/extension, left/right lateral bending, left/right axial rotation, and multi-planar motions, respectively. In addition, the accuracy of TMS for the identified movement was less than 2.7°. TMS, developed to monitor and measure the trunk orientations, can have diverse applications in clinical, biomechanical, and ergonomic studies to prevent musculoskeletal injuries, and to determine the impact of interventions.
A Fast Synthetic Aperture Radar Raw Data Simulation Using Cloud Computing
Authors: Li Zhixin , Su Dandan , Zhu Haijiang , Li Wei , Zhang Fan , Li Ruirui
Published: January 2017

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) raw data simulation is a fundamental problem in radar system design and imaging algorithm research. The growth of surveying swath and resolution results in a significant increase in data volume and simulation period, which can be considered to be a comprehensive data intensive and computing intensive issue. Although several high performance computing (HPC) methods have demonstrated their potential for accelerating simulation, the input/output (I/O) bottleneck of huge raw data has not been eased. In this paper, we propose a cloud computing based SAR raw data simulation algorithm, which employs the MapReduce model to accelerate the raw data computing and the Hadoop distributed file system (HDFS) for fast I/O access. The MapReduce model is designed for the irregular parallel accumulation of raw data simulation, which greatly reduces the parallel efficiency of graphics processing unit (GPU) based simulation methods. In addition, three kinds of optimization strategies are put forward from the aspects of programming model, HDFS configuration and scheduling. The experimental results show that the cloud computing based algorithm achieves 4_ speedup over the baseline serial approach in an 8-node cloud environment, and each optimization strategy can improve about 20%. This work proves that the proposed cloud algorithm is capable of solving the computing intensive and data intensive issues in SAR raw data simulation, and is easily extended to large scale computing to achieve higher acceleration.
Pull-In Effect of Suspended Microchannel Resonator Sensor Subjected to Electrostatic Actuation
Authors: Yan Han , Zhang Wen-Ming , Jiang Hui-Ming , Hu Kai-Ming
Published: January 2017

In this article, the pull-in instability and dynamic characteristics of electrostatically actuated suspended microchannel resonators are studied. A theoretical model is presented to describe the pull-in effect of suspended microchannel resonators by considering the electrostatic field and the internal fluid. The results indicate that the system is subjected to both the pull-in instability and the flutter. The former is induced by the applied voltage which exceeds the pull-in value while the latter occurs as the velocity of steady flow get closer to the critical velocity. The statically and dynamically stable regions are presented by thoroughly studying the two forms of instability. It is demonstrated that the steady flow can remarkably extend the dynamic stable range of pull-in while the applied voltage slightly decreases the critical velocity. It is also shown that the dc voltage and the steady flow can adjust the resonant frequency while the ac voltage can modulate the vibrational amplitude of the resonator.
A Two-Phase Coverage-Enhancing Algorithm for Hybrid Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Zhang Qingguo , Fok Mable
Published: January 2017

Providing field coverage is a key task in many sensor network applications. In certain scenarios, the sensor field may have coverage holes due to random initial deployment of sensors; thus, the desired level of coverage cannot be achieved. A hybrid wireless sensor network is a cost-effective solution to this problem, which is achieved by repositioning a portion of the mobile sensors in the network to meet the network coverage requirement. This paper investigates how to redeploy mobile sensor nodes to improve network coverage in hybrid wireless sensor networks. We propose a two-phase coverage-enhancing algorithm for hybrid wireless sensor networks. In phase one, we use a differential evolution algorithm to compute the candidate’s target positions in the mobile sensor nodes that could potentially improve coverage. In the second phase, we use an optimization scheme on the candidate’s target positions calculated from phase one to reduce the accumulated potential moving distance of mobile sensors, such that the exact mobile sensor nodes that need to be moved as well as their final target positions can be determined. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm provided significant improvement in terms of area coverage rate, average moving distance, area coverage–distance rate and the number of moved mobile sensors, when compare with other approaches.
A Social Potential Fields Approach for Self-Deployment and Self-Healing in Hierarchical Mobile Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: González-Parada Eva , Cano-García Jose , Aguilera Francisco , Sandoval Francisco , Urdiales Cristina
Published: January 2017

Autonomous mobile nodes in mobile wireless sensor networks (MWSN) allow self-deployment and self-healing. In both cases, the goals are: (i) to achieve adequate coverage; and (ii) to extend network life. In dynamic environments, nodes may use reactive algorithms so that each node locally decides when and where to move. This paper presents a behavior-based deployment and self-healing algorithm based on the social potential fields algorithm. In the proposed algorithm, nodes are attached to low cost robots to autonomously navigate in the coverage area. The proposed algorithm has been tested in environments with and without obstacles. Our study also analyzes the differences between non-hierarchical and hierarchical routing configurations in terms of network life and coverage.
High-Performance Anti-Retransmission Deception Jamming Utilizing Range Direction Multiple Input and Multiple Output (MIMO) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)
Authors: Wang Ruijia , Chen Jie , Wang Xing , Sun Bing
Published: January 2017

Retransmission deception jamming seriously degrades the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) detection efficiency and can mislead SAR image interpretation by forming false targets. In order to suppress retransmission deception jamming, this paper proposes a novel multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) SAR structure range direction MIMO SAR, whose multiple channel antennas are vertical to the azimuth. First, based on the multiple channels of range direction MIMO SAR, the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) linear frequency modulation (LFM) signal was adopted as the transmission signal of each channel, which is defined as a sub-band signal. This sub-band signal corresponds to the transmission channel. Then, all of the sub-band signals are modulated with random initial phases and concurrently transmitted. The signal form is more complex and difficult to intercept. Next, the echoes of the sub-band signal are utilized to synthesize a wide band signal after preprocessing. The proposed method will increase the signal to interference ratio and peak amplitude ratio of the signal to resist retransmission deception jamming. Finally, well-focused SAR imagery is obtained using a conventional imaging method where the retransmission deception jamming strength is degraded and defocused. Simulations demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Where Land Use Changes Occur: Using Soil Features to Understand the Economic Trends in Agricultural Lands
Authors: Rivieccio Rosa , Sallustio Lorenzo , Paolanti Massimo , Vizzarri Matteo , Marchetti Marco
Published: January 2017

This study investigates the major land use change processes over the 1990–2008 period in Abruzzo region (Central Italy) in relation to the characteristics of the soils and with particular regard to their capability for agricultural purposes, in order to highlight their implications on agricultural productivity. The relative changes in the agricultural incomes and land values were also estimated. To this end, we proposed an inventory approach as a flexible and feasible way for monitoring land use changes at multiple scales. As main outcomes, the shrinkage of agricultural lands and their internal changes (intensification vs. extensification processes) were highlighted. The shrinkage of agricultural lands was strictly related to: (a) reforestation process in mountain areas and less productive lands after land abandonment; and (b) urbanization on plains and more productive lands. Although the intensification process was demonstrated to have a positive effect on the overall regional agricultural incomes, especially on high quality soils, this was not adequate to compensate the economic loss due to the other land use changes, especially in marginal areas and low-to-medium quality soils. Finally, the paper discusses the geographical pattern of land use change processes across the region, including their interrelations and combined effects, and ultimately offers recommendations to decision-makers addressing future sustainable development objectives from local to global scale.
Analysis of MicroRNA Expression Profiling Involved in MC-LR-Induced Cytotoxicity by High-Throughput Sequencing
Authors: Ma Junguo , Li Yuanyuan , Yao Lan , Li Xiaoyu
Published: January 2017

In recent years, microRNAs (miRNAs) in toxicology have attracted great attention. However, the underlying mechanism of miRNAs in the cytotoxicity of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is lacking. The objective of this study is to analyze miRNA profiling in HepG2 cells after 24 h of MC-LR-exposure to affirm whether and how miRNAs were involved in the cytotoxicity of MC-LR. The results showed that totally 21 and 37 miRNAs were found to be significantly altered in the MC-LR treated cells at concentrations of 10 and 50 μM, respectively, when compared to the control cells. In these two groups, 37,566 and 39,174 target genes were predicted, respectively. The further analysis showed that MC-LR-exposure promoted the expressions of has-miR-149-3p, has-miR-449c-5p, and has-miR-454-3p while suppressed the expressions of has-miR-4286, has-miR-500a-3p, has-miR-500a-5p, and has-miR-500b-5p in MC-LR-treated groups when compared to the control group. Moreover, the result of qPCR confirmed the above result, suggesting that these miRNAs may be involved in MC-LR-hepatotoxicity and they may play an important role in the hepatitis and liver cancer caused by MC-LR. The target genes for differentially expressed miRNAs in MC-LR treatment groups were significantly enriched to totally 23 classes of GO, in which three were significantly enriched in both 10 and 50 μM MC-LR groups. Moreover, the results of KEGG pathway analysis showed that MC-LR-exposure altered some important signaling pathways such as MAPK, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, and pyrimidine and purine metabolism, which were possibly negatively regulated by the corresponding miRNAs and might play important role in MC-LR-mediated cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells.
Detection of Naja atra Cardiotoxin Using Adenosine-Based Molecular Beacon
Authors: Shi Yi-Jun , Chen Ying-Jung , Hu Wan-Ping , Chang Long-Sen
Published: January 2017

This study presents an adenosine (A)-based molecular beacon (MB) for selective detection of Naja atra cardiotoxin (CTX) that functions by utilizing the competitive binding between CTX and the poly(A) stem of MB to coralyne. The 5′- and 3′-end of MB were labeled with a reporter fluorophore and a non-fluorescent quencher, respectively. Coralyne induced formation of the stem-loop MB structure through A2-coralyne-A2 coordination, causing fluorescence signal turn-off due to fluorescence resonance energy transfer between the fluorophore and quencher. CTX3 could bind to coralyne. Moreover, CTX3 alone induced the folding of MB structure and quenching of MB fluorescence. Unlike that of snake venom α-neurotoxins, the fluorescence signal of coralyne-MB complexes produced a bell-shaped concentration-dependent curve in the presence of CTX3 and CTX isotoxins; a turn-on fluorescence signal was noted when CTX concentration was ≤80 nM, while a turn-off fluorescence signal was noted with a further increase in toxin concentrations. The fluorescence signal of coralyne-MB complexes yielded a bell-shaped curve in response to varying concentrations of N. atra crude venom but not those of Bungarus multicinctus and Protobothrops mucrosquamatus venoms. Moreover, N. nigricollis venom also functioned as N. atra venom to yield a bell-shaped concentration-dependent curve of MB fluorescence signal, again supporting that the hairpin-shaped MB could detect crude venoms containing CTXs. Taken together, our data validate that a platform composed of coralyne-induced stem-loop MB structure selectively detects CTXs.
BULGE-FORMING GALAXIES WITH AN EXTENDED ROTATING DISK AT z ∼ 2
Authors: Tadaki Ken-ichi , Genzel Reinhard , Kodama Tadayuki , Wuyts Stijn , Wisnioski Emily , Schreiber Natascha M. Förster , Burkert Andreas , Lang Philipp , Tacconi Linda J. , Lutz Dieter , Belli Sirio , Davies Richard I. , Hatsukade Bunyo , Hayashi Masao , Herrera-Camus Rodrigo , Ikarashi Soh , Inoue Shigeki , Kohno Kotaro , Koyama Yusei , Mendel J. Trevor , Nakanishi Kouichiro , Shimakawa Rhythm , Suzuki Tomoko L. , Tamura Yoichi , Tanaka Ichi , Übler Hannah , Wilman Dave J.
Published: January 2017

We present 0.″2-resolution Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array observations at 870 μm for 25 Hα-seleced star-forming galaxies around the main sequence at z = 2.2–2.5. We detect significant 870 μm continuum emission in 16 (64%) of these galaxies. The high-resolution maps reveal that the dust emission is mostly radiated from a single region close to the galaxy center. Exploiting the visibility data taken over a wide uv distance range, we measure the half-light radii of the rest-frame far-infrared emission for the best sample of 12 massive galaxies with log(M
*/M
⊙) > 11. We find nine galaxies to be associated with extremely compact dust emission with R
1/2,870 μm < 1.5 kpc, which is more than a factor of 2 smaller than their rest-optical sizes,

, and is comparable with optical sizes of massive quiescent galaxies at similar redshifts. As they have an exponential disk with Sérsic index of

in the rest-optical, they are likely to be in the transition phase from extended disks to compact spheroids. Given their high star formation rate surface densities within the central 1 kpc of

M
⊙ yr−1 kpc−2, the intense circumnuclear starbursts can rapidly build up a central bulge with ΣM
*,1 kpc > 1010
M
⊙ kpc−2 in several hundred megayears, i.e., by z ∼ 2. Moreover, ionized gas kinematics reveal that they are rotation supported with an angular momentum as large as that of typical star-forming galaxies at z = 1–3. Our results suggest that bulges are commonly formed in extended rotating disks by internal processes, not involving major mergers.
3.3 CM JVLA OBSERVATIONS OF TRANSITIONAL DISKS: SEARCHING FOR CENTIMETER PEBBLES
Authors: Zapata Luis A. , Rodríguez Luis F. , Palau Aina
Published: January 2017

We present sensitive (rms-noises ∼4–25 μJy) and high angular resolution (∼1″–2″) 8.9 GHz (3.3 cm) Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array radio continuum observations of 10 presumed transitional disks associated with young low-mass stars. We report the detection of radio continuum emission in 5 out of the 10 objects (RXJ1615, UX Tau A, LkCa15, RXJ1633, and SR 24s). In the case of LkCa15, the centimeter emission is extended, and has a similar morphology to that of the transitional disk observed at millimeter wavelengths with an inner depression. For these five detections, we construct the spectral energy distributions from the centimeter to submillimeter wavelengths, and find that they can be well fitted with a single (RXJ1633 and UX Tau A) or a two-component power law (LkCa15, RXJ1615, and SR 24s). For the cases where a single power law fits the data well, the centimeter emission is likely produced by optically thin dust with large grains (i.e., centimeter-size pebbles) present in the transitional disks. For the cases where a double power law fits the data, the centimeter emission might be produced by the combination of photoevaporation and a free–free jet. We conclude that RXJ1633 and UX Tau A are excellent examples of transitional disks where the structure of the emission from centimeter/millimeter pebbles can be studied. In the other cases, some other physical emitting mechanisms are also important in the centimeter regime.
Convection Destroys the Core/Mantle Structure in Hybrid C/O/Ne White Dwarfs
Authors: Brooks Jared , Schwab Josiah , Bildsten Lars , Quataert Eliot , Paxton Bill
Published: January 2017

A hybrid C/O/Ne white dwarf (WD)—an unburned C/O core surrounded by an O/Ne/Na mantle—can be formed if the carbon flame is quenched in a super-AGB star or white dwarf merger remnant. We show that this segregated hybrid structure becomes unstable to rapid mixing within 2000 years of the onset of WD cooling. Carbon burning includes a weak reaction that removes electrons, resulting in a lower electron-to-baryon ratio (

) in the regions processed by carbon burning compared to the unburned C/O core, making the O/Ne mantle denser than the C/O core as the WD cools. This is unstable to efficient mixing. We use the results of

models with different size C/O cores to quantify the rate at which the cores mix with the mantle as they cool. In all cases, we find that the WDs undergo significant core/mantle mixing on timescales shorter than the time available to grow the WD to the Chandrasekhar mass (M
Ch) by accretion. As a result, hybrid WDs that reach M
Ch due to later accretion will have lower central carbon fractions than assumed thus far. We briefly discuss the implications of these results for the possibility of SNe Ia from hybrid WDs.
Possible Risk Factors and Clinical Effects of Opaque Bubble Layer in Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE)
Authors: Son Gisung , Lee Junghyun , Jang Cheolwon , Choi Ki Yong , Cho Beom Jin , Lim Tae Hyung
Published: January 2017

PURPOSE:

To report the development of an opaque bubble layer (OBL) during small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and analyze its potential risk factors and the clinical outcome.

METHODS:

A retrospective review of medical records was performed. The patients were divided into two groups in terms of OBL area following a posterior lenticule cut: OBL less than 5% of cornea and OBL greater than 5% of cornea. Preoperative parameters and clinical outcomes were compared. The association between amount of OBL and the various parameters was determined using a correlation analysis.

RESULTS:

The study included 208 myopic eyes (106 patients). The incidence of OBL was 51.82% (108 eyes) and mean OBL area was 3.06% ± 4.62%. The OBL greater than 5% group (48 eyes, 23.08%) had a thicker cornea, a thinner lenticule, and a longer operation time than the OBL less than 5% group (160 eyes, 72.92%). Visual acuity, efficacy, and safety were similar between groups except for a slightly lower predictability value for the OBL greater than 5% group. The amount of OBL area presented a quantitative association with corneal thickness, lenticule thickness, and the relative vertical position of the posterior lenticular surface. Flap tear was observed in 8 eyes (3.84%), at which an extensive amount of OBL (9.76% ± 7.02%) developed.

CONCLUSIONS:

Eyes with a thicker cornea or a thinner lenticule are more likely to develop OBL during SMILE. The OBL does not affect the overall clinical outcome. In eyes with extensive OBL, there is a higher incidence of flap tear and a lower predictability value.

[
J Refract Surg.
2017;33(1):24–29.]
OCT Study of the Femtosecond Laser Opaque Bubble Layer
Authors: Marino Gustavo K. , Santhiago Marcony R. , Wilson Steven E.
Published: January 2017

PURPOSE:

To characterize the location and regularity of the opaque bubble layer (OBL) in the corneal stroma after femtosecond laser-assisted LASIK (FS-LASIK) flap generation.

METHODS:

In this prospective study, 30 eyes of 15 patients who had FS-LASIK surgery for myopia, astigmatism, and/or hyperopia were included. Screen captures were obtained at the end of the flap creation and the eyes with hard type OBL were immediately imaged with anterior segment optical coherence tomography.

RESULTS:

The mean age of the 9 men and 6 women was 40 ± 11.3 years (range: 22 to 60 years). Seven eyes (23.3%) developed hard type OBL that was typically localized in the central cornea beneath the LASIK flap and, in the majority of cases, located close to the hinge of the flap. Three of the seven eyes had OBL only within the laser cut, whereas the four other eyes had OBL in a spotty distribution within the stromal bed beneath the flap. None of the eyes had an accumulation of OBL within the flap itself.

CONCLUSIONS:

The excimer laser ablation of a stroma with OBL may be different from that of a stroma without OBL. Management of OBL when it occurs due to flap production, including allowing the bubble to dissipate when they overlie the pupil, is important to obtain the best outcomes with femtosecond laser-assisted LASIK.

[
J Refract Surg.
2017;33(1):18–22.]
Evolution and Change of Folk Musicianship in the 20th Century
Authors: Domjo Klemen
Published: January 2017

Z ljudskimi godci se je do zdaj raziskovalno največ ukvarjala etnomuzikologinja Zmaga Kumer; po njenih zapisih bi dejavnost ljudskih godcev lahko kronološko postavili v obdobje do druge svetovne vojne. Od takrat pa vse do danes se je dojemanje in izvajanje ljudske glasbe tako spremenilo, da izraz ljudski godec ne more več zajeti različnih dojemanj tega pojava. Ljudski godci so v takšni ali drugačni obliki navzoči tudi danes. Pri tem se opiram na delitev Mojce Kovačič, ki opredeljuje tri vrste ljudskih godcev danes, na terenu pa sem s pogovori preveril njene ugotovitve. Obstajajo godci, ki se strogo držijo starega izročila, so tudi takšni, ki staro izročilo priredijo na nov način in dodajajo element sodobnejših glasbenih usmeritev, in so naposled godci, ki igrajo to, kar ljudje danes želijo poslušati, tako kakor so počeli ljudski godci nekoč. V prispevku želim raziskati, kako se je spremenilo ljudsko godčevstvo na Slovenskem, skratka – kdo so ljudski godci danes.
***
Ethnomusicologist Zmaga Kumer, one of the main researchers of folk musicians in the past, argued that, folk musicians existed up to the Second World War. However, the understanding and performance of folk music has changed so much since then that the expression “ folk musician” cannot cover all the ramifications of existing practices. Folk musicians are still present and active today in different forms. Referring to Mojca’s Kovačič distinction among three types of present-day folk musicians, I have studied her assertion through my fieldwork and gained interviews with scholars and musicians. There are musicians that strictly follow the old, traditional way of performing; musicians that transform traditional folk music by adding modern arrangements; and musicians that simply play what people like to hear. In this paper, I explore the transformation of folk music performance in Slovenia – in other words, who folk musicians are today.
Youngia japonica (L.) DC. (Compositae), recently detected in Barcelona
Authors: Pyke S.
Published: January 2017

Youngia japonica, introduced accidentally in urban garden areas, is recorded for the first time from the Iberian Peninsula. It has maintained its presence in the place where it was first observed without expanding, and has reappeared over the following years. A possible means of introduction is along with Zoysia, species of grass used for forming lawns as an alternative to Bermuda grass.
Microbiome-Modulated Metabolites at the Interface of Host Immunity
Authors: Blacher Eran , Levy Maayan , Tatirovsky Evgeny , Elinav Eran
Published: January 2017

The mammalian gastrointestinal tract and associated mucosal immune system harbor a large repertoire of metabolites of prokaryotic and eukaryotic origin that play important roles in eukaryotic development and physiology. These often bioactive small molecules originate from nutrition- and environmental-related sources, or are endogenously produced and modulated by the host and its microbiota. A complex network of interactions exists between the intestinal mucosal immune system and the microbiota. This intimate cross-talk may be driven by metabolite secretion and signaling, and features profound influences on host immunity and physiology, including the endocrine, metabolic, and nervous system function in health and disease. Alterations in microbiome-associated metabolite levels and activity are implicated in the pathogenesis of a growing number of illnesses. In this review we discuss the origin and influence of microbiome-modulated metabolites, with an emphasis on immune cell development and function. We further highlight the emerging data potentially implicating metabolite misbalance with host-microbiome–associated disease.
Inside Out: HIV, the Gut Microbiome, and the Mucosal Immune System
Authors: Liu Jay , Williams Brett , Frank Daniel , Dillon Stephanie M. , Wilson Cara C. , Landay Alan L.
Published: January 2017

The components of the human gut microbiome have been found to influence a broad array of pathologic conditions ranging from heart disease to diabetes and even to cancer. HIV infection upsets the delicate balance in the normal host-microbe interaction both through alterations in the taxonomic composition of gut microbial communities as well as through disruption of the normal host response mechanisms. In this article we review the current methods of gut microbiome analysis and the resulting data regarding how HIV infection might change the balance of commensal bacteria in the gut. Additionally, we cover the various effects gut microbes have on host immune homeostasis and the preliminary but intriguing data on how HIV disrupts those mechanisms. Finally, we briefly describe some of the important biomolecules produced by gut microbiota and the role that they may play in maintaining host immune homeostasis with and without HIV infection.
On the possibility of fostering critical management studies in South Africa
Authors: Goldman Geoff A.
Published: January 2017

No abstract available.
Critical theory and contemporary paradigm differentiation
Authors: Callaghan Chris W.
Published: January 2017

No abstract available.
What is critical in critical management studies?
Authors: Van der Linde Tjaart N.
Published: January 2017

No abstract available.
Derivatives in noncommutative calculus and deformation property of quantum algebras
Authors: Gurevich Dimitri , Saponov Pavel A.
Published: January 2017

The aim of the paper is twofold. First, we introduce analogs of (partial) derivatives on certain noncommutative algebras, including some enveloping algebras and their “braided counterparts” – the so-called modified Reflection Equation algebras. With the use of the mentioned derivatives we construct an analog of the de Rham complex on these algebras. Second, we discuss deformation property of some quantum algebras and show that contrary to a commonly held view, in the so-called q-Witt algebra there is no analog of the PBW property. In this connection, we discuss different forms of the Jacobi condition related to quadratic-linear algebras.
About the obstacle to proving the Baum–Connes conjecture without coefficient for a non-cocompact lattice in $Sp_4$ in a local field
Authors: Liao Benben
Published: January 2017

We introduce property

(T_\mathrm {Schur},G,K)

and prove it for some non-cocompact lattice in

Sp_4

in a local field of finite characteristic. We show that property

(T_\mathrm {Schur},G,K)

for a non-cocompact lattice

\Gamma

in a higher rank almost simple algebraic group in a local field is an obstacle to proving the Baum Connes conjecture without coefficient for

\Gamma

with known methods, and this is stronger than the well-known fact that

\Gamma

does not have the property of rapid decay (property (RD)). It is the first example (as announced in [7]) for which all known methods for proving the Baum–Connes conjecture without coefficient fail.
Symmetric monoidal noncommutative spectra, strongly self-absorbing $C^*$-algebras, and bivariant homology
Authors: Mahanta Snigdhayan
Published: January 2017

Continuing our project on noncommutative (stable) homotopy we construct symmetric monoidal

\infty

-categorical models for separable

C^*

-algebras

\mathtt{SC_\infty^*}

and noncommutative spectra

\mathtt{NSp}

using the framework of Higher Algebra due to Lurie. We study smashing (co)localizations of

\mathtt{SC_\infty^*}

and

\mathtt{NSp}

with respect to strongly self-absorbing

C^*

-algebras. We analyse the homotopy categories of the localizations of

\mathtt{SC_\infty^*}

and give universal characterizations thereof. We construct a stable

\infty

-categorical model for bivariant connective

\mathtt E

-theory and compute the connective

\mathtt E

-theory groups of

\mathcal{O}_\infty

-stable

C^*

-algebras. We also introduce and study the nonconnective version of Quillen's nonunital

\mathtt K'

-theory in the framework of stable

\infty

-categories. This is done in order to promote our earlier result relating topological

\mathbb T

-duality to noncommutative motives to the

\infty

-categorical setup. Finally, we carry out some computations in the case of stable and

\mathcal{O}_\infty

-stable

C^*

-algebras.
Un analogue non archimédien d'un résultat de Haagerup et lien avec la propriété (T) renforcée
Authors: Lafforgue Vincent
Published: January 2017

Inspired by a preprint of Haagerup and failed attempts to prove the Baum–Connes conjecture, we study the approximation of the trivial function on

SL_3

or

Sp_4

on a local non-archimedian field, by spherical functions with good Schur multiplier properties when restricted to the Borel subgroup, or its unipotent radical.
$K$-theory for the crossed products by certain actions of $\mathbb Z^2$
Authors: Barlak Selçuk
Published: January 2017

We investigate the

K

-theory of crossed product

C^*

-algebras by actions of

\mathbb Z^2

. Given a

\mathbb Z^2

-action, we associate to it a homomorphism between certain subquotients of the

K

-theory of the underlying

C^*

-algebra, which we call the obstruction homomorphism. This homomorphism together with the

K

-theory of the underlying algebra and the induced action in

K

-theory determine the

K

-theory of the associated crossed product

C^*

-algebra up to group extension problems. A concrete description of this obstruction homomorphism is provided as well. We give examples of

\mathbb Z^2

-actions, where the associated obstruction homomorphisms are non-trivial. One class of examples comprises certain outer

\mathbb Z^2

-actions on Kirchberg algebras, which act trivially on

KK

-theory. This relies on a classification result by Izumi and Matui. A second class of examples consists of certain pointwise inner

\mathbb Z^2

-actions. One instance is given as a natural action on the group

C^*

-algebra of the discrete Heisenberg group. We also compute the

K

-theory of the corresponding crossed product. A general and concrete construction yields various examples of pointwise inner

\mathbb Z^2

-actions on amalgamated free product

C^*

-algebras with non-trivial obstruction homomorphisms. Among these, there are actions that are universal, in a suitable sense, for pointwise inner

\mathbb Z^2

-actions with non-trivial obstruction homomorphisms. We also compute the

K

-theory of the crossed products associated with these universal

C^*

-dynamical systems.
Spectral theory of von Neumann algebra valued differential operators over non-compact manifolds
Authors: Braverman Maxim , Cecchini Simone
Published: January 2017

We provide criteria for self-adjointness and

\tau

-Fredholmness of first and second order differential operators acting on sections of infinite dimensional bundles, whose fibers are modules of finite type over a von Neumann algebra

A

endowed with a trace

\tau

. We extend the Callias-type index to operators acting on sections of such bundles and show that this index is stable under compact perturbations.
Analysis of Solving Galerkin Finite Element Methods with Symmetric Pressure Stabilization for the Unsteady Navier-Stokes Equations Using Conforming Equal Order Interpolation
Authors: Chen Gang , Feng Minfu
Published: January 2017

This paper gives analysis of a semi-discrete scheme using equal order interpolation to solve unsteady Navier-Stokes equations. A unified pressure stabilized term is added to our scheme. We proved the uniform error estimates with respect to the Reynolds number, provided the exact solution is smooth.