bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
REACTION RATES OF 64Ge(p,γ)65As AND 65As(p,γ)66Se AND THE EXTENT OF NUCLEOSYNTHESIS IN TYPE I X-RAY BURSTS
Authors: Lam Y. H. , He J. J. , Parikh A. , Schatz H. , Brown B. A. , Wang M. , Guo B. , Zhang Y. H. , Zhou X. H. , Xu H. S.
Published: February 2016

The extent of nucleosynthesis in models of type I X-ray bursts (XRBs) and the associated impact on the energy released in these explosive events are sensitive to nuclear masses and reaction rates around the 64Ge waiting point. Using the well known mass of 64Ge, the recently measured 65As mass, and large-scale shell model calculations, we have determined new thermonuclear rates of the 64Ge(p,γ)65As and 65As(p,γ)66Se reactions with reliable uncertainties. The new reaction rates differ significantly from previously published rates. Using the new data, we analyze the impact of the new rates and the remaining nuclear physics uncertainties on the 64Ge waiting point in a number of representative one-zone XRB models. We find that in contrast to previous work, when all relevant uncertainties are considered, a strong 64Ge rp-process waiting point cannot be ruled out. The nuclear physics uncertainties strongly affect XRB model predictions of the synthesis of 64Zn, the synthesis of nuclei beyond A = 64, the energy generation, and the burst light curve. We also identify key nuclear uncertainties that need to be addressed to determine the role of the 64Ge waiting point in XRBs. These include the remaining uncertainty in the 65As mass, the uncertainty of the 66Se mass, and the remaining uncertainty in the 65As(p,γ)66Se reaction rate, which mainly originates from uncertain resonance energies.
HYDRODYNAMICAL NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF WIND PRODUCTION FROM BLACK HOLE HOT ACCRETION FLOWS AT VERY LARGE RADII
Authors: Bu De-Fu , Yuan Feng , Gan Zhao-Ming , Yang Xiao-Hong
Published: February 2016

Previous works show that strong winds exist in hot accretion flows around black holes. Those works focus only on the region close to the black hole, so it is unknown whether or where the wind production stops at large radii. In this paper, we investigate this problem with hydrodynamical simulations. We take into account the gravities of both the black hole and the nuclear star clusters. For the latter, we assume that the velocity dispersion of stars is a constant and its gravitational potential

, where σ is the velocity dispersion of stars, and r is the distance from the center of the galaxy. We focus on the region where the gravitational potential is dominated by the star cluster. We find that, just as for the accretion flow at small radii, the mass inflow rate decreases inward, and the flow is convectively unstable. However, a trajectory analysis shows that there is very little wind launched from the flow. Our result, combined with the results of Yuan et al.’s study from 2015, indicates that the mass flux of wind launched from hot accretion flow

, with

. Here,

is the accretion rate at the black hole horizon, and R

A
is similar to the Bondi radius. We argue that the inward decrease of inflow rate is not due to mass loss via wind, but to convective motion. The disappearance of wind outside R

A
must be due to the change of the gravitational potential, but the exact reason remains to be probed.
ON R − W1 AS A DIAGNOSTIC TO DISCOVER OBSCURED ACTIVE GALACTIC NUCLEI IN WIDE-AREA X-RAY SURVEYS
Authors: LaMassa Stephanie M. , Civano Francesca , Brusa Marcella , Stern Daniel , Glikman Eilat , Gallagher Sarah , Urry C. Meg , Cales Sabrina , Cappelluti Nico , Cardamone Carolin , Comastri Andrea , Farrah Duncan , Greene Jenny E. , Komossa S. , Merloni Andrea , Mroczkowski Tony , Natarajan Priyamvada , Richards Gordon , Salvato Mara , Schawinski Kevin , Treister Ezequiel
Published: February 2016

Capitalizing on the all-sky coverage of WISE and the 35% and 50% sky coverage from Sloan Digital Sky Survey and Pan-STARRS, respectively, we explore the efficacy of m

R
(optical) –

(mid-infrared), hereafter

, as a color diagnostic to identify obscured supermassive black hole accretion in wide-area X-ray surveys. We use the ∼16.5 deg2 Stripe 82 X-ray survey data as a test bed to compare

with R − K, an oft-used obscured active galactic nucleus (AGN) selection criterion, and examine where different classes of objects lie in this parameter space. Most stars follow a well-defined path in R − K versus

space. We demonstrate that optically normal galaxies hosting X-ray AGNs at redshifts

can be recovered with an

color cut, while they typically are not selected as AGNs based on their

colors. Additionally, different observed X-ray luminosity bins favor different regions in

parameter space: moderate-luminosity AGNs (1043 erg

erg s−1) tend to have red colors, while the highest-luminosity AGNs (

erg s−1) have bluer colors; higher spectroscopic completeness of the Stripe 82X sample is needed to determine whether this is a selection effect or an intrinsic property. Finally, we parameterize X-ray obscuration of Stripe 82X AGNs by calculating their hardness ratios (HRs) and find no clear trends between HR and optical reddening. Our results will help inform best-effort practices in following up obscured AGN candidates in current and future wide-area, shallow X-ray surveys, including the all-sky eROSITA mission.
LOCAL INTERSTELLAR MAGNETIC FIELD DETERMINED FROM THE INTERSTELLAR BOUNDARY EXPLORER RIBBON
Authors: Zirnstein E. J. , Heerikhuisen J. , Funsten H. O. , Livadiotis G. , McComas D. J. , Pogorelov N. V.
Published: February 2016

The solar wind emanating from the Sun interacts with the local interstellar medium (LISM), forming the heliosphere. Hydrogen energetic neutral atoms (ENAs) produced by the solar-interstellar interaction carry important information about plasma properties from the boundaries of the heliosphere, and are currently being measured by NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX). IBEX observations show the existence of a “ribbon” of intense ENA emission projecting a circle on the celestial sphere that is centered near the local interstellar magnetic field (ISMF) vector. Here we show that the source of the IBEX ribbon as a function of ENA energy outside the heliosphere, uniquely coupled to the draping of the ISMF around the heliopause, can be used to precisely determine the magnitude (2.93 ± 0.08 μG) and direction (227.°28 ± 0.°69, 34.°62 ± 0.°45 in ecliptic longitude and latitude) of the pristine ISMF far (∼1000 AU) from the Sun. We find that the ISMF vector is offset from the ribbon center by ∼8.°3 toward the direction of motion of the heliosphere through the LISM, and their vectors form a plane that is consistent with the direction of deflected interstellar neutral hydrogen, thought to be controlled by the ISMF. Our results yield draped ISMF properties close to that observed by Voyager 1, the only spacecraft to directly measure the ISMF close to the heliosphere, and give predictions of the pristine ISMF that Voyager 1 has yet to sample.
ON THE DEPENDENCE OF TYPE Ia SNe LUMINOSITIES ON THE METALLICITY OF THEIR HOST GALAXIES
Authors: Moreno-Raya Manuel E. , Mollá Mercedes , López-Sánchez Ángel R. , Galbany Lluís , Vílchez José Manuel , Rosell Aurelio Carnero , Domínguez Inmaculada
Published: February 2016

The metallicity of the progenitor system producing a type Ia supernova (SN Ia) could play a role in its maximum luminosity, as suggested by theoretical predictions. We present an observational study to investigate if such a relationship exists. Using the 4.2 m William Herschel Telescope (WHT) we have obtained intermediate-resolution spectroscopy data of a sample of 28 local galaxies hosting SNe Ia, for which distances have been derived using methods independent of those based on SN Ia parameters. From the emission lines observed in their optical spectra, we derived the gas-phase oxygen abundance in the region where each SN Ia exploded. Our data show a trend, with an 80% of chance not being due to random fluctuation, between SNe Ia absolute magnitudes and the oxygen abundances of the host galaxies, in the sense that luminosities tend to be higher for galaxies with lower metallicities. This result seems likely to be in agreement with both the theoretically expected behavior and with other observational results. This dependence M

B
–Z might induce systematic errors when it is not considered when deriving SNe Ia luminosities and then using them to derive cosmological distances.
TIDAL DISRUPTION EVENTS PREFER UNUSUAL HOST GALAXIES
Authors: French K. Decker , Arcavi Iair , Zabludoff Ann
Published: February 2016

Tidal Disruption Events (TDEs) are transient events observed when a star passes close enough to a supermassive black hole to be tidally destroyed. Many TDE candidates have been discovered in host galaxies whose spectra have weak or no line emission yet strong Balmer line absorption, indicating a period of intense star formation that has recently ended. As such, TDE host galaxies fall into the rare class of quiescent Balmer-strong galaxies. Here, we quantify the fraction of galaxies in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) with spectral properties like those of TDE hosts, determining the extent to which TDEs are over-represented in such galaxies. Galaxies whose spectra have Balmer absorption

− σ(H

) > 4 Å (where σ(H

) is the error in the Lick

index) and Hα emission equivalent width (EW) < 3 Å have had a strong starburst in the last ∼Gyr. They represent 0.2% of the local galaxy population, yet host 3 of 8 (37.5%) optical/UV-selected TDE candidates. A broader cut,

1.31 Å and Hα EW < 3 Å, nets only 2.3% of SDSS galaxies, but 6 of 8 (75%) optical/UV TDE hosts. Thus, quiescent Balmer-strong galaxies are over-represented among the TDE hosts by a factor of 33–190. The high-energy-selected TDE Swift J1644 also lies in a galaxy with strong Balmer lines and weak Hα emission, implying a

enhancement in such hosts and providing an observational link between the γ/X-ray-bright and optical/UV-bright TDE classes.
The Impact of Treatment with Beta-Blockers upon Mortality in Chronic Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Taneva Borjanka , Caparoska Daniela
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND: Besides the conventional therapy for heart failure, the diuretics, cardiac glycosides and ACE-inhibitors, current pharmacotherapy includes beta-blockers, mainly because of their pathophysiological mechanisms upon heart remodeling.AIM: The study objective was to assess the cardiovascular mortality in the beta-blocker therapy group and to correlate it with the mortality in the control group as well as to correlate the combined outcome of death and/or hospitalization for cardiovascular reason between the two groups.Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 113 chronic heart failure patients followed up for a period of 18 months. The therapy group received conventional therapy plus the target dose of beta blockers, and the control group received the conventional therapy only. The therapy group was divided in three separate subgroups in terms of the type of beta-blocker (Metoprolol subgroup, Bisoprolol and Carvedilol subgroup). To compare the mortality and the combined outcome, the RRR (relative risk reduction) and NNT (number needed to treat) were used, as well as the survival analysis by Kaplan-Meier.RESULTS: The results showed the following: in regards of the cardiovascular mortality, the relative risk for death in the therapy group was 34%, which, though statistically not significant, is of great clinical significance. In regards of the combined outcome (death and/or number of hospitalizations) the results showed a RRR of 40% in the therapy group compared to the control group, which is statistically highly significant.CONCLUSION: The study confirmed that patients with stable chronic heart failure, treated with optimal doses of beta-blockers, show a significant reduction of the risk from death as well as combined outcome (death and/or number of hospitalizations).
Evaluation of Anesthesia Profile in Pediatric Patients after Inguinal Hernia Repair with Caudal Block or Local Wound Infiltration
Authors: Gavrilovska-Brzanov Aleksandra , Kuzmanovska Biljana , Kartalov Andrijan , Donev Ljupco , Lleshi Albert , Jovanovski-Srceva Marija , Spirovska Tatjana , Brzanov Nikola , Simeonov Risto
Published: February 2016

AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate anesthesia and recovery profile in pediatric patients after inguinal hernia repair with caudal block or local wound infiltration.MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this prospective interventional clinical study, the anesthesia and recovery profile was assessed in sixty pediatric patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair. Enrolled children were randomly assigned to either Group Caudal or Group Local infiltration. For caudal blocks, Caudal Group received 1 ml/kg of 0.25% bupivacaine; Local Infiltration Group received 0.2 ml/kg 0.25% bupivacaine. Investigator who was blinded to group allocation provided postoperative care and assessments. Postoperative pain was assessed. Motor functions and sedation were assessed as well.RESULTS: The two groups did not differ in terms of patient characteristic data and surgical profiles and there werenâ€™t any hemodynamic changes between groups. Regarding the difference between groups for analgesic requirement there were two major points - on one hand it was statistically significant p < 0.05 whereas on the other hand time to first analgesic administration was not statistically significant p = 0.40. There were significant differences in the incidence of adverse effects in caudal and local group including: vomiting, delirium and urinary retention.CONCLUSIONS: Between children undergoing inguinal hernia repair, local wound infiltration insures safety and satisfactory analgesia for surgery. Compared to caudal block it is not overwhelming. Caudal block provides longer analgesia, however complications are rather common.
3D Finite Element Study on: Bar Splinted Implants Supporting Partial Denture in the Reconstructed Mandible
Authors: El-Anwar Mohamed , Ghali Rami , Aboelnagga Mona
Published: February 2016

AIM: This study aimed to estimate the stress patterns induced by the masticatory loads on a removable prosthesis supported and retained by bar splinted implants placed in the reconstructed mandible with two different clip materials and without clip, in the fibula-jaw bone and prosthesis using finite element analysis.METHODS: Two 3D finite element models were constructed, that models components were modeled on commercial CAD/CAM software then assembled into finite element package. Vertical loads were applied simulating the masticatory forces unilaterally in the resected site and bilaterally in the central fossa of the lower first molar as 100N (tension and compression). Analysis was based on the assumption full osseointegration between different types of bones, and between implants and fibula while fixing the top surface of the TMJ in place.RESULTS: The metallic bar connecting the three implants is insensitive to the clips material. Its supporting implants showed typical behavior with maximum stress values at the neck region. Fibula and jaw bone showed stresses within physiologic, while clips material effect seems to be very small due to its relatively small size.CONCLUSION: Switching loading force direction from tensile to compression did-not change the stresses and deformations distribution, but reversed their sign from positive to negative.
Genomic Imprinting
Authors: Bajrami Emirjeta , Spiroski Mirko
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND: Genomic imprinting is the inheritance out of Mendelian borders. Many of inherited diseases and human development violates Mendelian law of inheritance, this way of inheriting is studied by epigenetics.AIM: The aim of this review is to analyze current opinions and options regarding to this way of inheriting.RESULTS: Epigenetics shows that gene expression undergoes changes more complex than modifications in the DNA sequence; it includes the environmental influence on the gametes before conception. Humans inherit two alleles from mother and father, both are functional for the majority of the genes, but sometimes one is turned off or â€œstampedâ€ and doesnâ€™t show in offspring, that gene is imprinted. Imprinting means that that gene is silenced, and gene from other parent is expressed. The mechanisms for imprinting are still incompletely defined, but they involve epigenetic modifications that are erased and then reset during the creation of eggs and sperm. Genomic imprinting is a process of silencing genes through DNA methylation. The repressed allele is methylated, while the active allele is unmethylated. The most well-known conditions include Prader-Willi syndrome, and Angelman syndrome. Both of these syndromes can be caused by imprinting or other errors involving genes on the long arm of chromosome 15.CONCLUSIONS: Genomic imprinting and other epigenetic mechanisms such as environment is shown that plays role in offspring neurodevelopment and autism spectrum disorder.
Efecto del porcentaje de refuerzo frente al desgaste en compuestos de matriz metálica sinterizados con descarga luminiscente anormal
Authors: Pérez-Velásquez Sandra , Pineda-Triana Yaneth , Aguilar-Castro Yesid , Vera-López Enrique
Published: February 2016

En este estudio se muestra un análisis del comportamiento del coeficiente de desgaste en seco de compuestos de matriz metálica (MMC), base acero inoxidable 316 reforzado con partículas de carburo de titanio (TiC) de acuerdo con la norma ASTM G 99–05 en un tribómetro para la realización de ensayos de desgaste mediante el contacto y rozamiento de dos materiales entre sí, uno en forma de disco y otro en forma de varilla o bola (pin-on-disk). En el estudio se evalúa el efecto que tiene el porcentaje de refuerzo en los MMC fabricados con 3, 6 y 9% (vol.) de TiC, en muestras compactadas a 800 MPa, dando lugar a diferentes valores de tamaño de grano, dureza y densidad, los cuales son sinterizados por medio de descarga luminiscente anormal, a una temperatura de 1200 °C ±5 °C, con atmósfera de protección de H2 – N2 y tiempo de permanencia de 30 minutos. De acuerdo a los resultados obtenidos se concluye que la mejor condición de fabricación de los MMC, se consigue cuando la mezcla contiene 6% de TiC, alcanzando el menor tamaño de grano, la mayor dureza y el más bajo coeficiente de fricción. En este sentido, se observó que la incorporación de partículas de cerámica (TiC) en matriz de acero austenítico (316) presentan mejoras significativas en la resistencia al desgaste.
Bancos de tiempo en España. Una exploración de su estructura, gestión y perfil de usuarios
Authors: Valor Carmen , Papaoikonomou Eleni
Published: February 2016

Los bancos de tiempo han ido ganando importancia en los últimos años, han sido incorporados en programas políticos, y están siendo objeto de atención por la prensa nacional e internacional como una solución a la crisis que atraviesa el país. Sin embargo, poco se sabe de este fenómeno en España. Este trabajo, tras identificar el papel que los bancos de tiempo han jugado en otros países, analiza tanto la estructura y gestión de los bancos, ofreciendo una taxonomía de los mismos, además de examinar los fines para los que se crean y por los que se participa en ellos. Para ello, se recurre a un método mixto: entrevistas en profundidad con 28 gestores de bancos de tiempo y una encuesta online a usuarios (n=270). Se concluye que el fenómeno de los bancos de tiempo en España tiene más de proyecto social-político que económico-utilitario y que mantiene algunas particularidades que lo diferencian de otros países.
THE INFLUENCE OF THERMAL RESISTANCE AND THERMAL MASS ON THE SEASONAL PERFORMANCE OF WALLING SYSTEMS IN AUSTRALIA
Authors: Alterman Dariusz , Page Adrian W. , Moghtaderi Behdad , Zhang Congcong , Moffiet Trevor
Published: February 2016

This paper describes an experimental investigation of the thermal performance of four Australian domestic walling systems (cavity brick, insulated cavity brick, insulated brick veneer and insulated reverse brick veneer) having various combinations of thermal insulation and of thermal mass location within the wall. This experimental analysis extends further the previous studies of the benefits of thermal mass on the overall thermal performance of building enclosures (Gregory et al. 2008, Luo at al. 2008, Alashaary et al. 2009). The comparison is based on the time required to maintain thermal comfort for free-floating internal conditions. The results clearly show that internal comfort levels are influenced by both the thermal resistance of the walls as well as the extent and location of the thermal mass, with neither parameter being the sole predictor. The best thermal performance is therefore obtained by an appropriate combination of thermal mass and resistance, rather than focussing on the overall wall thermal resistance (R-value) alone. A new approach of density temperature plots for comparison of temperature variation is also used in the assessment of module thermal performance.
L’attaque sur l’hôpital MSF à Kunduz : Quelles voies réalistes pour une justice effective ?
Authors: Aparac Jelena
Published: February 2016

L’attaque de l’hôpital des Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) à Kunduz, en Afghanistan, le 3 octobre 2015 a suscité de vives réactions dans l’opinion publique mondiale. Mais elle pose aussi des questions juridiques importantes, en particulier concernant l’applicabilité du droit des conflits armés même aux nouvelles formes de guerre. En effet, la nature du conflit – et donc le droit applicable – en Afghanistan, qui dure depuis 30 ans, a changé à plusieurs reprises, entre les différentes invasions, les guerres civiles inter-ethniques et la « lutte contre le terrorisme ». En outre, ce drame interroge quant à l’action en justice la mieux appropriée pour faire cesser les attaques et garantir leur non répétition. Or, à cet égard, le choix de MSF de recourir à une Commission d’établissement des faits est risqué, car elle ne permettra de répondre que partiellement au besoin de justice effective.
Perception of Communication in Virtual Learning Environments
Authors: Ayscue Latonia M.
Published: February 2016

Perception research helps to understand how stimuli (gist) interacts with learners' sensory systems (visual, auditory, tactile). Communication in virtual learning environments is significant because when the laws of perception are manifested, the strategy should include discovering how the relationships between the instructional design process (analyze, design, develop, implement and evaluate) synthesizes learning theories and learners' experience to create effective communication in virtual instructional events, learning objectives and goals.
Virtual Ties, Perceptible Reciprocity, and Real-Life Gratifications in Online Community Networks
Authors: Tai Zixue , Liu Xiaolong
Published: February 2016

QQ has been a leading force of China's social media revolution both in terms of its user reach and its socio-cultural impact. This chapter offers an analysis of QQ groups based on semi-structured in-depth interviews of 33 users with a particular emphasis on participants' rationales, motivations, and communicative behaviors as displayed in different types of groups. This is accomplished through interrogating a multiple set of individual, collective, social, and contextual factors that shape group dynamics and individual participation. It also discusses the implications of the findings for the scholarship on online communities in general, and the understanding of Chinese online groups in particular.
Analyzing Multi-Modal Digital Discourses during MMORPG Gameplay through an Experiential Rhetorical Approach
Authors: Kang Yowei , Yang Kenneth C. C.
Published: February 2016

The digital game industry has contributed disproportionally to the overall U.S. economy and GDP in spite of recent economic recession. The rapid ascent of MMORPGs as an increasingly popular digital game genre has affected the manners that gamers interact with each other to generate a new type of digital discourses and human experiences that are multimodal, synchronous, interactive, and engaging. Despite the existence of ample digital game research in user experience (UX) in the human-computer interaction (HCI) literature, there is a lack of programmatic exploration from a rhetorical perspective to examine the process and outcome of these digital interactions and co-generated discourses. Derived from the concept of “the rhetoric of experience,” this book chapter analyzed a representative gaming session captured in real time to study digital discourses that represent various aspects of gameplay experiences in World of Warcraft. The chapter discusses the methodological and theoretical implications of this approach to analyze and study MMORPGs and other digital game genres.
A Systematic Approach towards the Typology of Functions of National Health System
Authors: Zamanian Mostafa , Karimmian Zohreh
Published: February 2016

As one of the main national systems in any country, the health system has always been considered by governments. What distinguishes health system from other systems is that its purpose is directly related to the public health. Different countries adopt different structural patterns in this field but one can consider relatively common functions for a national health system which includes all functional aspects for this system. In recent years, attempts have been made for offering a comprehensive model in describing the functions. The OECD determined principles needed to offer an appropriate typology that should be independent of the names of health programs in different countries. In this chapter, it's tried to provide an overview of the proposed models for structures and functions of the health system and to propose a comprehensive model for it with an emphasis on theoretical aspects of public policy-making and binding functions in any national development system. This comprehensive model, provides the possibility to evaluate the success of a health system.
Metastatic lung adenocarcinoma in appearance of diminutive colonic polyp
Authors: Aktaş Bora , Sapmaz Ferdane , Başyiğit Sebahat , Uzman Metin
Published: February 2016

Although about 50% of lung cancers have distant metastasis at the time of initial diagnosis, colonic metastases are extremely rare. This report presents a rare clinical case of colonic metastasis from primary adenocarcinoma of the lung.
Characterizing the Dynamical Accumulation of Nuclear DNA in the Sperm Cells of Lycium barbarum L.
Authors: Deng Hua , Nouvellet Pierre , Waxman David
Published: February 2016

When sperm cells of the plant Lycium barbarum L. (L. barbarum) form in a style they begin to synthesize nuclear DNA (nDNA), which monotonically increases over time. To characterize the dynamics of nDNA accumulation, we present two new dynamical/statistical models. We applied these models to the accumulation of the nDNA content of sperm cells in L. barbarum between 16 to 32 h after pollination in a style. A statistical analysis of experimental data, involving Markov chain Monte Carlo methods, allowed estimation of parameters of the models. We conclude that the model with no variation in the rate of nDNA accumulation adequately summarizes the data. This is the first work where the dynamics of nDNA accumulation has been quantitatively modeled and analyzed.
Intrinsically Disordered Proteins: Controlled Chaos or Random Walk
Authors: Howton T. C. , Zhan Yingqian Ada , Sun Yali , Shahid Mukhtar M.
Published: February 2016

Traditional conventions that a protein’s sequence dictates its definitive, tertiary structure, and that this fixed structure provides the protein with the ability to carry out its designated role(s) are still correct but not for all proteins. Research over the past decade discovered that several key proteins possess intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) that are crucial to their ability to perform specific functions and are observed clustered together within important classes of proteins. In this review, we aim to demonstrate how free energy landscapes, molecular dynamics simulations, and homology modeling are helpful in understanding key conformational dynamics of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). Additionally, we use a list of predicted IDPs found in Arabidopsis to identify chromatin organizers and transcriptional regulators as being highly enriched in IDPs. Furthermore, we focus our attention to specific proteins within these families such as HAC5, EFS, ANAC019, ANAC013, and ANAC046. Future studies are needed to experimentally identify additional IDPs and their binding mechanisms.
Influence of TNF-α inhibition on oxidative stress of rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Cacciapaglia F. , Anelli M.G. , Rizzo D. , Morelli E. , Scioscia C. , Mazzotta D. , Iannone F. , Lapadula G.
Published: February 2016

The aim of this study was to assess circulating levels of reactive oxygen metabolites (ROMs) as a marker of oxidative stress in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients during an anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) treatment. We enrolled 40 patients with RA (36 females; age 53±13 yrs) treated with different subcutaneously administered TNF-α inhibitors. The oxidative status was determined on the basis of plasma samples taken before, at 24 and 52 weeks of the anti-TNF-α treatment. Hydroperoxide levels were measured using the d-ROMs test, a useful clinically proven oxidative stress marker. During the anti-TNF-α therapy, we observed a significant reduction in serum ROMs levels in RA patients from 33.2±10 mg H2O2/L at baseline to 29.5±7 and 29.3±9 mg H2O2/L, at 24 and 52 weeks, respectively (p<0.05). We also identified a significant correlation between the oxidative stress status and the disease activity score on 28 joints/C-reactive protein and health assessment questionnaire disability index. The results of our study demonstrate that a good control of the disease with anti-TNF-α agents can reduce oxidative stress in RA patients. However, further studies of larger patient cohorts are needed to confirm these preliminary data.
Color Doppler analysis of female reproductive vasculature in Behçet’s disease
Authors: Tezcan M.E. , Temizkan O. , Ozderya A. , Melikoglu M. , Aydin K. , Sargin M. , Temizkan S.
Published: February 2016

Behçet’s disease (BD) may affect female reproductive vasculature. We aimed to evaluate Doppler sonographic characteristics of female reproductive vasculature and also ovarian volume, endometrial thickness (EMT) and antral follicle count of BD patients in comparison with a healthy control group. Seventeen premenopausal women aged between 18-45 years with BD, and a control group of 31 age- and body mass index-matched healthy women was included in the study. Uterine, spiral and intraovarian artery blood flow were examined by Doppler sonography in the late follicular phase. Resistance index, pulsatility index and systolic/diastolic ratio were recorded together with ovarian volume, EMT and antral follicle count. In particular this is a pilot study including the evaluation of the spiral and uterine arteries in BD. Doppler sonographic parameters, ovarian volume, EMT and antral follicle count of BD patients and healthy controls were not found to be statistically different. As a result of our analysis, we found similar Doppler sonographic features of both BD patients and the control group. Further studies conducted on a larger sample population with more aggressive BD symptoms may reveal the actual effect of BD on the female reproductive system.
Myasthenia gravis due to hydroxychloroquine
Authors: Varan O. , Kucuk H. , Tufan A.
Published: February 2016

No abstract available
Information for collectors
Authors: Sabina A P
Published: February 2016

Foreword
Ann Sabina passed away on September 29, 2015 in her 86th year and will be remembered for her dedication to mineralogy and gemmology. Ann started at the GSC in 1952 in mineralogy working in the new field of X-ray diffraction, at the Victoria Memorial Museum (now Canadian Museum of Nature). Ann was
the author of the very popular series "Rocks and Minerals for the Collectors" now available on-line. Ann was co-founder of the Canadian Gemmological Association and was a long serving Treasurer for the Mineralogical Association of Canada. Ann continued to work daily since her retirement in the late
nineties up until early August, 2015. Ann was the discoverer of the mineral Weloganite (Na2Sr3Zr(CO3)6·3H2O) and was the first to collect the mineral Sabinaite (Na4TiZr2O4(CO3)4), named in her honour by John Jambor.
Influence of sample distribution and prior probability adjustment on land cover classification
Authors: Pouliot D , Latifovic R , Parkinson W
Published: February 2016

Machine learning algorithms are widely used for remote sensing land surface characterization. Successful implementation requires a representative training sample for the domain it will applied in (i.e. area of interest or validation domain). However,
accessibility and cost strongly limit the acquisition of suitable training samples for large regional applications. Further, it is often desirable to use previously developed datasets where significant resources have been invested, such as data developed from extensive field survey or high
resolution remotely sensed imagery. These data often only partially represent the domain of interest and can lead to various forms of sample bias (land cover distribution or class properties). Classifier spatial extension is an extreme case, where a sample is trained from one region (i.e. sample
domain) and applied in another (i.e. application domain). This approach is desirable from a cost perspective, but achieving acceptable accuracy is often difficult. In this research we investigate two approaches to account for possible differences between the sample and application domain land cover
distributions. The first is an iterative resampling approach to predict the application distribution and adjust the sample distribution to match. The second is the use of prior probabilities to adjust class memberships. Results reinforce the importance of the land cover distribution on accuracy for
algorithms that are designed to minimize the classification error with training data. Of the adjustments methods tested resampling was superior if the application domain distribution was well known. However, if it is not then the use of prior probabilities performed similarly overall. A generic
model was developed to predict if resampling or prior adjustment should be applied to enhance accuracy.
On the space of left-orderings of virtually solvable groups
Authors: Rivas Cristóbal , Tessera Romain
Published: February 2016

We show that the space of left-orderings of a countable virtually solvable group is either finite or homeomorphic to a Cantor set. We also provide an explicit description of the space of left-orderings of

\operatorname{SOL}=\mathbb Z^2 \rtimes_T \mathbb Z

.
Quadratic equations in the Grigorchuk group
Authors: Lysenok Igor , Miasnikov Alexei , Ushakov Alexander
Published: February 2016

We prove that the Diophantine problem for quadratic equations in the Grigorchuk group is algorithmically solvable. As a corollary to our approach, we prove that the group has a finite commutator width.
Some properties of median metric spaces
Authors: Bowditch Brian H.
Published: February 2016

We describe a number of properties of a median metric space. In particular, we show that a complete connected median metric space of finite rank admits a canonical bi-lipschitz equivalent CAT(0) metric. Metric spaces of this sort arise, up to bi-lipschitz equivalence, as asymptotic cones of certain classes of finitely generated groups, and the existence of such a structure has various consequences for the large scale geometry of the group.
Modeling Key Malaria Drugs' Impact on Global Health: A Reason to Invest in the Global Health Impact Index
Authors: Hassoun Nicole
Published: February 2016

Millions of people cannot access good quality essential medicines they need for some of the world's worst diseases like malaria. The World Health Organization estimates that, in 2013, 198 million people became sick with malaria and 584,000 people died of the disease, while the Institute for Health Metrics Evaluation estimates that there were 164,929,872 cases of malaria in 2013 and 854,568 deaths in 2013. There are many attempts to model different aspects of the global burden of tropical diseases like malaria, but it is also important to measure success in averting malaria-related death and disability. This perspective proposes investing in a systematic effort to measure the benefits of health interventions for malaria along the lines of a model embodied in the Global Health Impact Index (global-health-impact.org).
Differential Diagnosis of Japanese Encephalitis Virus Infections with the Inbios JE Detect™ and DEN Detect™ MAC-ELISA Kits
Authors: Johnson Barbara W. , Goodman Christin H. , Jee Youngmee , Featherstone David A.
Published: February 2016

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is the leading cause of pediatric viral neurological disease in Asia. The JEV-specific IgM antibody-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (MAC-ELISA) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum is the recommended method of laboratory diagnosis, but specificity of JEV MAC-ELISA can be low due to cross-reactivity. To increase the specificity of the commercially available JE Detect™ MAC-ELISA (JE Detect), a differential testing algorithm was developed in which samples tested by JE Detect with positive results were subsequently tested by the DEN Detect™ MAC-ELISA (DEN Detect) kit, and results of both tests were used to make the final interpretation. The testing algorithm was evaluated with a reference panel of serum and CSF samples submitted for confirmatory testing. In serum, the false Japanese encephalitis (JE) positive rate was reduced, but sequential testing in CSF resulted in reduced JE specificity, as true JEV+ CSF samples had positive results by both JE Detect and DEN Detect and were classified as JE− (dengue virus [DENV]+). Differential diagnosis of JE by sequential testing with JE Detect and DEN Detect increased specificity for JE in serum, but more data with CSF is needed to make a final determination on the usefulness of this testing algorithm for CSF.
A Randomized Comparison of Chloroquine Versus Dihydroartemisinin–Piperaquine for the Treatment of Plasmodium vivax Infection in Vietnam
Authors: Thuan Phung Duc , Ca Nguyen Thuy Nha , Van Toi Pham , Nhien Nguyen Thanh Thuy , Thanh Ngo Viet , Anh Nguyen Duc , Phu Nguyen Hoan , Thai Cao Quang , Thai Le Hong , Hoa Nhu Thi , Dong Le Thanh , Loi Mai Anh , Son Do Hung , Khanh Tran Tinh Ngoc , Dolecek Christiane , Nhan Ho Thi , Wolbers Marcel , Thwaites Guy , Farrar Jeremy , White Nicholas J. , Hien Tran Tinh
Published: February 2016

A total of 128 Vietnamese patients with symptomatic Plasmodium vivax mono-infections were enrolled in a prospective, open-label, randomized trial to receive either chloroquine or dihydroartemisinin–piperaquine (DHA-PPQ). The proportions of patients with adequate clinical and parasitological responses were 47% in the chloroquine arm (31 of 65 patients) and 66% in the DHA-PPQ arm (42 of 63 patients) in the Kaplan–Meier intention-to-treat analysis (absolute difference 19%, 95% confidence interval = 0–37%), thus establishing non-inferiority of DHA-PPQ. Fever clearance time (median 24 versus 12 hours, P = 0.02), parasite clearance time (median 36 versus 18 hours, P < 0.001), and parasite clearance half-life (mean 3.98 versus 1.80 hours, P < 0.001) were all significantly shorter in the DHA-PPQ arm. All cases of recurrent parasitemia in the chloroquine arm occurred from day 33 onward, with corresponding whole blood chloroquine concentration lower than 100 ng/mL in all patients. Chloroquine thus remains efficacious for the treatment of P. vivax malaria in southern Vietnam, but DHA-PPQ provides more rapid symptomatic and parasitological recovery.
A Critique of the Meta-theoretical Explanations and Analyses of the Pre-conditions for the Stimulation and Attraction of Foreign Direct Investments
Authors: Salami Adebayo T.
Published: February 2016

Is it correct to assert that Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) stimulation and attraction are based on certain preconditions? To what extent should the preconditions be allowed to determine the content, character and method of studying and analysing FDI? Should research efforts be focused on these preconditions? Are the preconditions the necessary determinants of FDI stimulation and attraction? What are these preconditions, and to what extent are they fundamental and critical to the stimulation and attraction of FDI? Do the preconditions only exist in an economy? Do they exist in the polity as well? How can their existence and totality be explained, analysed and interpreted? To what extent have existing efforts been able to accurately explain, analyse and interpret these preconditions? What conclusions that can be drawn from these existing efforts and initiatives? Finally, what are the implications for theory construction and formulation? Approached from the angle of critique as a method of social inquiry, the article interrogates these efforts and initiatives to reveal their bogus intellectual claims and logical inconsistencies. The methodology of research is rooted in the very eclectic sources in which these explanations and analyses are contained. The overall objective is to determine the extent to which these explanations and analyses are able to sufficiently account for, and capture the critical forces, processes and factors that tend to shape the movement of capital globally. The article concludes that the existing initiatives and efforts still remain inadequate in helping to concretely address how well the assumed preconditions are indeed the needed prerequisites for FDI attraction and stimulation.Keywords: Meta-theoretical explanations and analyses, Foreign Direct Investments, Foreign Direct Investments Preconditions
Tax Reforms in Nigeria: Case against Tax Incentives
Authors: Omesi Israel , Nzor Nuka Peter
Published: February 2016

This paper examined tax reforms with respect to tax incentives. Theoretical framework and conceptual framework of the subject matter were discussed. The paper also empirically reviewed the subject matter. The paper revealed that huge sums of tax revenue are being lost annually by the Nigerian Customs service due to under assessment of payable duties, unauthorized transfer of funds, abuse of waivers, concessions, exemptions and non-remittance of government revenue. Based on these revelations, the paper suggests that tax incentive packages such as concessionary duty  rate. Concessions to manufactures in bond schemes and export processing/exercise factory levy should be discontinued.Keywords: Tax Reforms, Tax incentives, concessionary duty rate, waivers
On the Origin of Administrative and Management Sciences: A Further Study of Jethro
Authors: Osai Jason O. , Eleanya LUM , Ariaga Regina C. , Ukposi Patrice O.
Published: February 2016

In 2006, we published an article titled “Jethro as the Patriarch of Administration and Management: An Analysis of his Works;” subsequently, we received numerous reactions some of which were laudatory and informative while others challenged our scholarship by demanding further inquiry. However, what had the most profound impact on us was its being utilized as a recommended text in a tertiary institution in the United States of America (US). Following this welcome development, we received an avalanche of feedbacks asking: “where is Midian?” “What society produced the learning and experience that informed such knowledgeable, concise and timeless counsel?” “Jethro was not Jewish and the interface with Moses predates Christianity; so, of what religion was he priest?” Thereafter, the publication of another article that also reviewed the works of Jethro from another perspective and the reactions it also generated gave us the desired impetus to search further. This paper is therefore a response to the intellectual challenge posed by the questions; it searches the pages of the Bible and extra-biblical literatures, scans the history of civilizations in antiquity, burrows into the background of Jethro and concludes that he is the most revered prophet of Druze religion and that the taproot of administrative and management sciences is imbedded in Babylon, which, at a point in history, was ruled by Medians and Persians.Keywords: Satrap, Hisher, Hidden Prophet, Revealed Prophet, Book of Jasher
Nollywood Mothering: A Socio-Cultural Analysis of the Concept of Motherhood in Select Nigerian Films
Authors: Odi Christine
Published: February 2016

In the two decades of Nollywood’s existence, the industry has x-rayed the gamut of human happenings in Nigeria and non-Nigerian societies and films based on themes within the realms of the emotional, psychological, political, social, religious, ritual, cultural, economic and more have been produced. The various genres of filmic arts have been employed and the products of this filmic media have been produced for local and international circulation. No sphere of the Nigerian society has remained sacrosanct from Nigerian Movie Makers. The theme of Motherhood has, like other themes, been variously explored severally in Nollywood films. Motherhood in the Nigerian society is greatly esteemed and held sacred. It is at the same time an institution in which the mothers most times are treated with less than the dignity, respect and humanity they deserve from the society. The portrayal of Motherhood in Nollywood movies, have also spanned the spectrum of conceivable and inconceivable mothering abilities in the Nigerian society. This essay intends to critically analyse the concept of motherhood as portrayed by the Nollywood Movie industry, using select relevant films to advance our purpose. Findings are expected to determine the level of accuracy in the portrayals vis-a-vis the levels of poetic liberty appropriated in the presentations of motherhood and its impact on the society in the contemporary Nigerian reality.
La Traduction Française des Noms Igbo pour la Préservation de la Nation Igbo
Authors: Asadu Oluchukwu Felicia
Published: February 2016

La traduction de quelques noms propres de l’igbo en français est un domaine d’étude auquel on n’a pas consacré beaucoup d’efforts. Si on ne fait pas très attention à ces noms propres Igbo les Igbo préférons les noms anglais sans prévoir un danger dans le futur. Ces noms indigènes sont porteurs de nos identités sur le plan national et international. La préférence pour les noms anglais, français ou allemand détruira notre identité car les Igbo ne donnent pas de noms à leurs enfants par hasard, il y a quelques facteurs qui favorisent le type de noms qu’on donne aux enfants à savoir, les événements autour de la naissance et l’expérience vécue par une famille. Dans ce travail on va traduire quelques noms propres de l’Igbo en français pour nos voisins francophones et pour tous les pays qui parlent français dans le souci de sauvegarder l’identité. Une analyse des méthodes de la traduction utilisées sera aussi faite. Ce travail encouragera l’apprentissage et l’appréciation de l’une des langues nationales du Nigeria (Igbo).Mots clés: La traduction en français, noms Igbo et identité nationaleEnglish AbstractTranslation of some personal names from Igbo to French is an area of language study that has not been properly dealt with; such that if care is not taken, Igbo people will prefer to bear English names only, without envisaging any future danger. These names mark our identity both at national and international levels. Opting for English, French or German names will destroy our identity because Igbo names have their meanings and the circumstances that surround one’s birth or family experience determine the name given to a child. This paper will translate some of these personal names from Igbo to French for the interest of our francophone neighbours and French speaking countries in general so that our identity will not be marred .Also the method of translation used will be analyzed. This work will encourage the French speakers to learn or appreciate one of Nigeria’s national languages (Igbo).