bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the effectiveness of the ‘Incredible Years® parent training’ to parents of young children with ADHD symptoms – a preliminary report
Authors: Trillingsgaard Tea , Trillingsgaard Anegen , Webster‐Stratton Carolyn
Published: August 2014

This study examined the effectiveness of an evidence‐based parent training program in a real‐world Scandinavian setting. Parents of 36 young children with or at risk of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) self‐referred to participate in the Incredible Years® Parent Training Program (IYPT) through a Danish early intervention clinic. Using a benchmarking approach, we compared self‐report data with data from a recent efficacy study. Eight out of nine outcome measures showed comparable or higher magnitude of effect from pretest to posttest. Effects were maintained or improved across six months. The methodology of this study exemplifies a rigorous but feasible approach to assessing effectiveness when evidence‐based US protocols are transferred into the existing Scandinavian service delivery. Findings suggest that IYPT can be implemented successfully as an easy‐access early intervention to families of children with or at risk of ADHD.
Carbon status and structural stability of soils from differing land use systems in the Kingdom of Tonga
Authors: Manu V. , Whitbread A. , Blair N. , Blair G.
Published: August 2014

Maintenance of soil carbon stocks is vital for the environment at large and for maintenance of soil chemical, physical and biological fertility. Tonga represents a country in agricultural transition from subsistence to commercial production and whilst this is good for the national economy the impact on soil resources is less clear. The major cropped soils, fallow vegetation types and forest systems of Tonga were identified in each island group and samples of representative soils (0.15 m depth) from each land use unit were taken. Total carbon (CT) and δ13C were measured and labile carbon (CL) determined by oxidation with 333 mm KMnO4. These data were used to determine the carbon management index (CMI) and the proportion of carbon from C4 species in the CT pool. Relative to primary forest, the soil CT and CL generally declined with changes in vegetation and more intense mechanical tillage. The contribution of C4 plants to soil C increased with intensity of mechanical tillage and the prevalence of C4 guinea grass (Panicum maximum Jacquin) fallow. The changes in soil C were reflected in the CMI, and CL was a more sensitive indicator of change than CT. These data indicates that all land use systems have experienced a large net loss of soil C relative to the forest systems. Soil mean weight diameter (MWD) decreased significantly with increased intensity of mechanical tillage and to a lesser extent with the intensity and length of cropping. The relationship between soil MWD and soil C was similar with soil CT and CL. Grass fallow was as effective as permanent vegetation systems in improving soil MWD and lowering the micro‐aggregate (<125 μm) fraction.
Motivating Inquiry in Statistics and Probability in the Primary Classroom
Authors: Leavy Aisling , Hourigan Mairéad
Published: August 2014

We describe how the use of a games environment combined with technology supports upper primary children in engaging with a concept traditionally considered too advanced for the primary classes: The Law of Large Numbers.
How do we design, implement, and manage an ongoing program to provide iron supplements to women blood donors?
Authors: White Linda K. , Harris Vicki J. , Cruz Julie L. , Waxman Dan A.
Published: August 2014

Here we describe the design and management of Indiana Blood Center's 10‐year Iron For Women program, an ongoing community blood center–based program with continual program and donor management providing iron supplements to healthy women blood donors. Donor iron supplementation has typically been limited to research study protocols, for a defined period, with the associated resources and funding. The results of studies have supported the utility of iron supplementation: iron supplementation will enhance dietary iron for increased gastrointestinal absorption triggered as a normal homeostatic response to blood loss, thereby providing a suitable dietary iron source in the event the donor's usual diet lacks sufficient iron. Despite proven results, blood centers have been reluctant to adopt the practice due to barriers such as donor selection, ensuring the appropriateness of iron supplementation relative to the health of the donor, supplement costs, provision logistics, and program management costs. We present here how we designed our program and why it is in the Blood Center's interest to help willing women participate in volunteer blood donation by attempting to mitigate associated iron loss.
A pilot study to develop an objective clinical score for canine otitis externa
Authors: Nuttall Tim , Bensignor Emmanuel
Published: August 2014

Background

The lack of an accepted clinical scoring system in canine otitis externa makes it difficult to compare clinical trials.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To develop a score that is clinically relevant, reliable and sensitive to change.

Animals

Client‐owned healthy dogs (n = 55) and dogs with otitis externa (n = 60).

Methods

We compared 0–3 and 0–5 assessments of erythema, oedema/swelling, erosion/ulceration, exudate and pain of the ear canals with a reference 0–2 scale. Additional data included odour, pruritus scores, tympanic membrane condition, treatment outcome and neutrophil, bacterial and Malassezia counts.

Results

There were no significant differences between the vertical and horizontal canal scores (correlation coefficients >0.93). Correlation coefficients for the 0–3 and 0–5 scales were also >0.9 for all parameters, but the 0–2 scale was more variable. Pain and pruritus did not correlate well with the lesion scores and were associated with suppurative and erythroceruminous otitis, respectively. Neutrophil and microbial counts were variable and could not be used to generate cut‐off values to differentiate healthy and affected ears or determine the response to therapy. Total scores ≥4 differentiated affected from healthy ears with 91.1% sensitivity and 100% specificity; scores ≤3 were 100% sensitive and 91.9% specific for clinical success. The intra‐ and interobserver reliability was high (intraclass correlation coefficients >0.95 and Cohen's kappa coefficients >0.65).

Conclusions and clinical importance

This pilot study showed that the 0–3 Otitis Index Score (OTIS3) for erythema, oedema/swelling, erosion/ulceration and exudate is suitable for further validation by a larger group of clinicians.
Enhancing the focal-resolution of aeroacoustic time-reversal using a point sponge-layer damping technique
Authors: Mimani A. , Doolan C. J. , Medwell P. R.
Published: August 2014

This letter presents the Point-Time-Reversal-Sponge-Layer (PTRSL) technique to enhance the focal-resolution of aeroacoustic Time-Reversal (TR). A PTRSL is implemented on a square domain centered at the predicted source location and is based on damping the radial components of the incoming and outgoing fluxes propagating toward and away from the source, respectively. A PTRSL is shown to overcome the conventional half-wavelength diffraction-limit; its implementation significantly reduces the focal spot size to one-fifth of a wavelength for a monopole source. Furthermore, PTRSL reduces the focal spots of a dipole source to three-tenths of a wavelength, as compared to three-fifths without its implementation.
Parasites Make It Hard to Fight Viruses
Authors: Mueller Kristen L.
Published: August 2014

Coinfection with intestinal parasites leads to altered antiviral immunity in mice.
Defining Gene-Phenotype Relationships in Acinetobacter baumannii through One-Step Chromosomal Gene Inactivation
Authors: Tucker Ashley T. , Nowicki Emily M. , Boll Joseph M. , Knauf Gregory A. , Burdis Nora C. , Trent M. Stephen , Davies Bryan W.
Published: August 2014

Rates of infection with hospital-acquired
Acinetobacter baumannii
have exploded over the past decade due to our inability to limit persistence and effectively treat disease.
A. baumannii
quickly acquires antibiotic resistance, and its genome encodes mechanisms to tolerate biocides and desiccation, which enhance its persistence in hospital settings. With depleted antibiotic options, new methods to treat
A. baumannii
infections are desperately needed. A comprehensive understanding detailing
A. baumannii
cellular factors that contribute to its resiliency at genetic and mechanistic levels is vital to the development of new treatment options. Tools to rapidly dissect the
A. baumannii
genome will facilitate this goal by quickly advancing our understanding of
A. baumannii
gene-phenotype relationships. We describe here a recombination-mediated genetic engineering (recombineering) system for targeted genome editing of
A. baumannii
. We have demonstrated that this system can perform directed mutagenesis on wide-ranging genes and operons and is functional in various strains of
A. baumannii
, indicating its broad application. We utilized this system to investigate key gene-phenotype relationships in
A. baumannii
biology important to infection and persistence in hospitals, including oxidative stress protection, biocide resistance mechanisms, and biofilm formation. In addition, we have demonstrated that both the formation and movement of type IV pili play an important role in
A. baumannii
biofilm.

IMPORTANCE
Acinetobacter baumannii
is the causative agent of hospital-acquired infections, including pneumonia and serious blood and wound infections.
A. baumannii
is an emerging pathogen and has become a threat to public health because it quickly develops antibiotic resistance, making treatment difficult or impossible. While the threat of
A. baumannii
is well recognized, our understanding of even its most basic biology lags behind. Analysis of
A. baumannii
cellular functions to identify potential targets for drug development has stalled due in part to laborious genetic techniques. Here we have pioneered a novel recombineering system that facilitates efficient genome editing in
A. baumannii
by single PCR products. This technology allows for rapid genome editing to quickly ascertain gene-phenotype relationships. To demonstrate the power of recombineering in dissecting
A. baumannii
biology, we use this system to establish key gene-phenotype relationships important to infection and persistence in hospitals, including oxidative stress protection, biocide resistance, and biofilm formation.
The impact of hospital accreditation on clinical documentation compliance: a life cycle explanation using interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Devkaran Subashnie , O'Farrell Patrick N
Published: August 2014

Objective

To evaluate whether accredited hospitals maintain quality and patient safety standards over the accreditation cycle by testing a life cycle explanation of accreditation on quality measures. Four distinct phases of the accreditation life cycle were defined based on the Joint Commission International process. Predictions concerning the time series trend of compliance during each phase were specified and tested.

Design

Interrupted time series (ITS) regression analysis of 23 quality and accreditation compliance measures.

Setting

A 150-bed multispecialty hospital in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Participants

Each month (over 48 months) a simple random sample of 24% of patient records was audited, resulting in 276 000 observations collected from 12 000 patient records, drawn from a population of 50 000.

Intervention(s)

The impact of hospital accreditation on the 23 quality measures was observed for 48 months, 1 year preaccreditation (2009) and 3-year postaccreditation (2010–2012).

Main outcome measure(s)

The Life Cycle Model was evaluated by aggregating the data for 23 quality measures to produce a composite score (YC) and fitting an ITS regression equation to the unweighted monthly mean of the series.

Results

The four phases of the life cycle are as follows: the initiation phase, the presurvey phase, the postaccreditation slump phase and the stagnation phase. The Life Cycle Model explains 87% of the variation in quality compliance measures (R2=0.87). The ITS model not only contains three significant variables (β1, β2and β3) (p≤0.001), but also the size of the coefficients indicates that the effects of these variables are substantial (β1=2.19, β2=−3.95 (95% CI −6.39 to −1.51) and β3=−2.16 (95% CI −2.52 to −1.80).

Conclusions

Although there was a reduction in compliance immediately after the accreditation survey, the lack of subsequent fading in quality performance should be a reassurance to researchers, managers, clinicians and accreditors.
Adolescent drinking onset and its adult consequences among men: a population based study from India
Authors: Pillai Aravind , Nayak Madhabika B , Greenfield Thomas K , Bond Jason C , Hasin Deborah S , Patel Vikram
Published: August 2014

Background

Few population-based studies from low-income and middle-income countries have addressed adolescent drinking onset and its association with adult alcohol-related adverse outcomes. The aims of this study were to: (1) estimate the rate of adolescent drinking onset and its trend over time among men (2) describe demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with adolescent drinking onset; and (3) examine the association between adolescent drinking onset and adverse outcomes in later life, including hazardous or harmful alcohol use, heavy episodic drinking, alcohol dependence, injuries and psychological distress.

Methods

Population-based survey of men (n=1899) from rural and urban communities in northern Goa, India. Analysis addressed age of drinking onset among those who reported ever drinking in their lifetime, and drinking patterns and consequences among current drinkers.

Results

Adolescent drinking onset showed an increasing trend over time (p<0.001), from 19.5% for those born between 1956 and 1960 to 74.3% for those born between 1981 and 1985. Urban residence, Christian religion and low standard of living were associated with adolescent drinking onset. Adolescent drinking onset was associated with psychological distress (OR2.82; 95% CI 1.41 to 5.63), alcohol dependence (OR2.56; 95% CI 1.79 to 3.68), lifetime history of alcohol related injuries (OR3.07; 95% CI 1.16 to 8.14),alcohol related injuries during the past year (OR3.04; 95% CI 1.35 to 6.81),and a Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test score ≥8 indicating hazardous or harmful alcohol use (OR1.9; 95% CI 1.17 to 3.08)in adulthood.

Conclusions

This study among men in Goa, India suggests a substantial increase in adolescent drinking onset in more recent birth cohorts. Consistent with other countries, adolescent drinking onset increased the likelihood of lifetime alcohol dependence, hazardous or harmful alcohol use, alcohol related injuries and psychological distress. These findings highlight the need for policies and programmes to delay drinking onset in India.
B-type natriuretic peptide-guided therapy for perioperative medicine?
Authors: Shang Charles
Published: August 2014

The recent guideline from the European Society of Cardiology and European Society of Anesthesiology recommended the use of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) as preoperative testing for high-risk cardiac patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. In this article, the potential benefits, risks and details for implementing BNP testing in perioperative medicine are discussed. Review of four related lines of research including the use of BNP test for preoperative prognosis, BNP test for screening asymptomatic heart failure, BNP as prognostic test in asymptomatic, non-heart failure patients and using BNP for detecting silent myocardial ischaemia showed converging cut-off levels of BNP for risk stratification. BNP has better OR and relative risk in comparison with Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI) in predicting perioperative cardiac risk. BNP-guided therapy can be low risk based on current evidence on non-surgical patients, including treating asymptomatic patients without heart failure to prevent cardiovascular complications. At present, there is lack of direct evidence supporting perioperative BNP testing. Further research with randomised controlled trials is needed to confirm the benefit of BNP-guided management. Preoperative BNP testing may be considered in patients with RCRI above 0 undergoing intermediate or high-risk surgery. BNP-guided therapy is likely a beneficial addition to perioperative medicine. Its combination with β-blocker titration, RCRI and perioperative cardiovascular monitoring can be a major advance in reducing cardiac risk resulting in a dynamic, individualised optimisation process.
Profibrogenic phenotype in caveolin-1 deficiency via differential regulation of STAT-1/3 proteins
Authors: Ryter Stefan W. , Choi Augustine M.K. , Kim Hong Pyo
Published: August 2014

Fibrosis underlies the pathogenesis of several human diseases, which can lead to severe injury of vital organs. We previously demonstrated that caveolin-1 expression is reduced in experimental fibrosis and that caveolin-1 exerts antiproliferative and antifibrotic effects in lung fibrosis models. The signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) proteins, STAT1 and STAT3, can be activated simultaneously. STAT1 can inhibit cell growth and promote apoptosis while STAT3 inhibits apoptosis. Here, we show that caveolin-1-deficient (cav-1−/−) lung fibroblasts display dramatically upregulated STAT3 activation in response to platelet-derived growth factor-BB and transforming growth factor-β stimuli, whereas STAT1 activation is undetectable. Downregulation of protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B played a role in the preferential activation of STAT3 in cav-1−/− fibroblasts. Genetic deletion of STAT3 by siRNA modulated the expression of genes involved in cell proliferation and fibrogenesis. Basal expression of α-smooth muscle actin was prominent in cav-1−/− liver and kidney, consistent with deposition of collagen in these organs. Collectively, we demonstrate that the antiproliferative and antifibrogenic properties of caveolin-1 in vitro are mediated by the balance between STAT1 and STAT3 activation. Deregulated STAT signaling associated with caveolin-1 deficiency may be relevant to proliferative disorders such as tissue fibrosis.
Debris-flow velocities and superelevation in a curved laboratory channel
Authors: Scheidl Christian , McArdell Brian W. , Rickenmann Dieter
Published: August 2014

The vortex equation is often used to estimate the front velocity of debris flows using the lateral slope of the flow surface through a channel bend of a given radius. Here we report on laboratory experiments evaluating the application of the vortex equation to channelized debris flows. Systematic laboratory experiments were conducted in a 8 m long laboratory flume with a roughened bed, semi-circular cross section (top width 17 cm), and two different bend radii (1.0 and 1.5 m) with a common bend angle of 60°, and two channel inclinations (15° and 20°). Four sediment mixtures were used with systematic variations in the amount of fine sediment. In the experiments, 12 kg of water-saturated debris were released in a dam-break fashion, and multiple experiments were conducted to verify the repeatability for a given sediment mixture. Data are available for 69 experimental releases at a channel inclination of 20° and 16 releases at an inclination of 15°. Flow velocity was determined with high-speed video, and flow depth and the lateral inclination of the flow surface (superelevation) were measured using laser sensors. In general, the results from an individual sediment mixture are repeatable. We found that the channel slope as well as centerline radius have a significant influence on the correction factor k used in the vortex equation. Relatively coarse-grained sediment mixtures have larger superelevation angles than finer-grained mixtures. We found a statistically significant relation between the correction factor and Froude number. Correction factors of 1 < k < 5 were found for supercritical flow conditions. However, for subcritical flow conditions the correction factor shows a larger value as a function of the Froude number, which leads to an adaption of the forced vortex formula considering active and passive earth pressures. Finally, based on our experimental results, we present a forced vortex equation for debris-flow velocity estimation without a correction factor.
Exploring a Type of Central Pattern Generator Based on Hindmarsh–Rose Model: From Theory to Application
Authors: Zhang Dingguo , Zhang Qing , Zhu Xiangyang
Published: August 2014

This paper proposes the idea that Hindmarsh–Rose (HR) neuronal model can be used to develop a new type of central pattern generator (CPG). Some key properties of HR model are studied and proved to meet the requirements of CPG. Pros and cons of HR model are provided. A CPG network based on HR model is developed and the related properties are investigated. We explore the bipedal primary gaits generated by the CPG network. The preliminary applications of HR model are tested on humanoid locomotion model and functional electrical stimulation (FES) walking system. The positive results of stimulation and experiment show the feasibility of HR model as a valid CPG.
Electronic structure and magnetic properties of PbMO3 (M = Fe, Co, Ni) magnetic perovskites: An ab initio study
Authors: Erkişi Aytaç , Yıldırım Erdem Kamil , Gökoğlu Gökhan
Published: August 2014

We present the electronic, magnetic and structural properties of the magnetic transition metal oxides PbMO 3 (M = Fe , Co , Ni ) in cubic perovskite structure. The calculations are based on the density functional theory (DFT) within plane-wave pseudopotential method and local spin density approximation (LSDA) of the exchange-correlation functional. On-site Coulomb interaction is also included in calculations (LSDA+ U ). The systems are considered in ferromagnetic (FM) and G-type antiferromagnetic (G-AFM) order. FM structures are energetically more favored than G-AFM and than non-magnetic states for all the systems studied. The spin-polarized electronic band structures show that all the structures have metallic property in FM order without Hubbard-U interaction (U eff = 0). However, the inclusion of on-site Coulomb interaction (U eff = 7 eV ) opens a semiconducting gap for majority spin channel of PbFeO 3 and of PbNiO 3 resulting in a half-metallic character. PbCoO 3 system remains as metallic with LSDA+ U scheme. Bonding features of all structures are largely determined by the hybridizations between O–p and d-states of transition metal atoms. The partial magnetic moment of Fe atom in PbFeO 3 is enhanced by inclusion of Hubbard-U interaction (2.55 μB ⇒ 3.78 μB). Total magnetic moments of half-metallic PbFeO 3 and of PbNiO 3 compounds are very close to integer values.
Semi-supervised community detection using label propagation
Authors: Liu Dong , Bai Hong-Yu , Li Hui-Jia , Wang Wen-Jun
Published: August 2014

Almost all existing approaches for community detection only make use of the network topology information, which completely ignore the background information of the network. However, in many real world applications, we may know some prior information that could be useful in detecting the community structures. Specifically, the true community assignments of certain nodes are known in advance. In this paper, a novel semi-supervised community detection approach is proposed based on label propagation, which can utilize prior information to guide the discovery process of community structure. Our algorithm can propagate the labels from the labeled nodes to the whole network nodes. The algorithm is evaluated on several artificial and real-world networks and shows that it is highly effective in recovering communities.
When does a right-angled Artin group split over ℤ?
Authors: Clay Matt
Published: August 2014

We show that a right-angled Artin group, defined by a graph Γ that has at least three vertices, does not split over an infinite cyclic subgroup if and only if Γ is biconnected. Further, we compute JSJ-decompositions of 1-ended right-angled Artin groups over infinite cyclic subgroups.
Main physics results of the ARGO-YBJ experiment
Authors: Di Sciascio Giuseppe
Published: August 2014

The ARGO-YBJ experiment has been in stable data taking for more than 5 years at the YangBaJing Cosmic Ray Observatory (Tibet, P. R. China, 4300 m a.s.l., 606 g/cm2). With a duty-cycle greater than 86%, the detector collected about 5 × 1011 events in a wide energy range, from few hundred GeV up to about 10 PeV. High altitude location and detector features make ARGO-YBJ capable of investigating a wide range of important issues in Cosmic Ray and Astroparticle Physics by imaging the front of atmospheric showers with unprecedented resolution and detail. In this paper, the main physics results in gamma-ray astronomy and in cosmic ray physics are summarized.
Prospects of detecting spacetime torsion
Authors: Puetzfeld Dirk , Obukhov Yuri N.
Published: August 2014

How to detect spacetime torsion? In this paper, we provide the theoretical basis for an answer to this question. Multipolar equations of motion for a very general class of gravitational theories with nonminimal coupling in spacetimes admitting torsion are given. Our findings provide a framework for the systematic testing of whole classes of theories with the help of extended test bodies. One surprising feature of nonminimal theories turns out to be their potential sensitivity to torsion of spacetime even in experiments with ordinary (not microstructured) test matter.
Application of algebra and discrete wavelet transform in two-dimensional data (RGB-images) security
Authors: Mishra D. C. , Sharma R. K.
Published: August 2014

In this cryptosystem, we have considered RGB images for two-dimensional (2D) data security. Security of RGB images during transmission is a major concern, discussed globally. This paper proposes a novel technique for color image security by random hill cipher (RHC) over SLn(𝔽) domain associated with 2D discrete wavelet transform. Existing techniques have discussed the security of image data on the basis of the keys only (which provide only one layer of security for image data), but in the proposed cryptosystem, the keys and the arrangement of RHC parameters are imperative for correct decryption of color image data. Additionally, key multiplication side (pre or post) with the RGB image data should inevitably be known, to correctly decrypt the encrypted image data. So, the proposed cryptosystem provides three layers of security for RGB image data. In this approach, we have considered keys from the special linear group over a field 𝔽, which provides enormous key-space for the proposed cryptosystem. A computer simulation on standard examples and results is given to support the fixture of the scheme. Security analysis, and detailed comparison between formerly developed techniques and proposed cryptosystem are also discussed for the robustness of the technique. This method will have large potential usage in the digital RGB image processing and the security of image data.
The Evaluation on Scientific Development of China's Cities
Authors: SHAN Jingjing , WU Zhanyun , GENG Yanan
Published: August 2014

In 2012, China's urbanization rate reached 52.57% and cities entered into the crucial period of overall transformation, meanwhile, new changes and patterns emerged in urban scientific development. First, even though the pace of economic development in eastern cities slowed down, the livelihood security, ecological environment and city supporting capacity improved significantly, which means the strategy of transformation and restructuring got some achievements. Second, gradient features of city development still remained obviously among provinces. Third, small and medium-sized cities had outstanding performance, which contributed to improvement in urban scientific development. However, the imbalance among different kinds of cities was still serious. Faced with the complex domestic and international development environment, how to keep the main line with development mode transformation and further promote the economic, social and ecological transformation will be a great challenge to China.
Analysis and Calculation of Tourist Carbon Footprints — A Case Study of Hebei Yesanpo Scenic Area
Authors: ZHANG Ruiying
Published: August 2014

The National Tourism Conference in 2010 strongly promoted the concept of energy conservation and emission reduction in the tourism industry. Since then, low carbon travel has been the new direction in tourism industry. Great concern has been put on energy conservation and emission reduction of tourism related elements, such as hotels, transportations, tourist attractions, and most importantly, the tourists themselves. The quantitative assessment of tourist carbon footprint is the key topic. This research uses Yesanpo scenic area as the example and conducts the comparison and calculation of tourist carbon footprint from different places, attempts to organize different ideas on ways to analyze tourist carbon footprints, constructs a calculation and assessment model, analyzes and measures the levels of tourist carbon footprints from diverse modes of travel, origins, and purchasing power. This research has developed a system for quantitative assessment of tourist carbon footprints, with the hope of strengthening the theories and methods on low-carbon travel.
Sino-Indian Cooperation at the Climate Change Negotiations: The Past, the Present and the Future
Authors: JAYARAM Dhanasree
Published: August 2014

India and China have been cooperating with each other at the climate change negotiations since the inception of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1992. The paper makes a case that although the road has not been very smooth and has not been free of differences, the two powers have been at the forefront of decision-making in global climate governance and in this exercise, and cooperation has been more prominent than competition or rivalry. The paper analyzes the goals and positions of India at the negotiations within the larger framework of the North–South conflict and South–South cooperation. Whether it is the Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) or the bottom-up approach toward climate change mitigation, concerns expressed by both countries have largely been similar, especially since they have championed the cause of equity and climate justice for safeguarding the developing countries' right to develop. The paper explains the manner in which India and China have played an influential role in shaping the technicalities and modalities of various climate mechanisms in the context of their relations with the other developing and least developed countries (LDCs). The paper argues that by building more South–South cooperation mechanisms related to climate change issues, India and China can bring about a just and equitable global climate order that assists developing and LDCs in tackling climate change that affects them most.
Can MOOCs Help Reduce College Tuition?
Authors: Ruth Stephen
Published: August 2014

This article will briefly describe some of the cost issues associated with MOOCs and suggest a perspective through which drastic tuition savings might someday be achieved, possibly through the assistance of MOOCs.
Advanced Principal Component-Based Compression Schemes for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Anagnostopoulos Christos , Hadjiefthymiades Stathes
Published: August 2014

This article proposes two models that improve the Principal Component-based Context Compression (PC3) model for contextual information forwarding among sensor nodes in a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN). The proposed models (referred to as iPC3 and oPC3) address issues associated with the control of multivariate contextual information transmission in a stationary WSN. Because WSN nodes are typically battery equipped, the primary design goal of the models is to optimize the amount of energy used for data transmission while retaining data accuracy at high levels. The proposed energy conservation techniques and algorithms are based on incremental principal component analysis and optimal stopping theory. iPC3 and oPC3 models are presented and compared with PC3 and other models found in the literature through simulations. The proposed models manage to extend the lifetime of a WSN application by improving energy efficiency within WSN.
Acoustics in 3D Printing
Authors: Chopra Kusha , Jain Ajay
Published: August 2014

3D-printed models do look good but lack realism due to lack of sound. This paper provides a print initiator an easy workflow interface for adding relevant acoustics (sound) to a model whose 3D printing is being triggered. Adding acoustics (sound) adds value to a 3D model by adding a life-like experience into a raw model.

The following work presents an interactive workflow through which a print requestor can add a logical and desired acoustic (sound) in one of the following ways:

select a sound from her own database

record or create a new sound on the spot

select a relevant or matching sound from a sound library offered by the system

.

The selected sound is subsequently inserted into a micro controller chip; the chip is insulated and positioned and placed in a 3D model. Additionally, the interfaces through which the inserted sound is triggered through any of external factors (like touch or push button) are discussed. Sound is then produced from the 3D Model.
A data-agnostic dashboard visualization framework with customizable layout for e-commerce data analytics
Authors: K Arun Sai , Venkatapathy Sriram
Published: August 2014

Different e-commerce vendors have different data-visualization requirements for their analytics dashboards. For instance, the format of data-input, the chart to be rendered and the layout of the dashboard vary widely and depend on the vendor's requirements. This framework was developed to automate the process of visualizing data on a dashboard with a customizable layout. The framework is independent of the type of input data and it renders charts based on the configuration set by the user. It also provides the flexibility to render charts using multiple charting libraries and third party APIs. Another key feature in this framework is the customizable layout of the charts rendered on the dashboard.

In this framework, data-agnostic visualization in customizable layouts is achieved by the use of an XML file, which stores all the configuration settings of the dashboard.

Data to be visualized is fed into the framework in one of the supported data-input formats. This input also contains the type of chart to be rendered and other meta-data. Charts and graphs can be rendered from multiple sources, which include charting libraries and third party APIs like Google Charts. The meta-data stored in the XML file contains information regarding the charts to be rendered and their sources. The layout of the dashboard is specified using various parameters such as position and size of the charts to be rendered and customized using appropriate tags and values in the XML file. This framework was developed and deployed at Teritree Technologies Pvt Ltd and has received a very good customer feedback.
Empirical investigation of agile software development
Authors: Tuli Anupriya , Hasteer Nitasha , Sharma Megha , Bansal Abhay
Published: August 2014

Technological advancements have contributed to more complex software demands. The Agile approach to software development is widely practiced by the software development industry as it offers faster production with a promise of better software quality. It also provides a flexible process to accommodate changes during the software development life cycle, as per dynamic user requirements. In this paper we characterize the significance of software development models and the role of Agile methodologies in today's dynamic world of technologies. The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the choice between two of the Agile methodologies, Scrum and Extreme Programming. The outcome of the investigation based on secondary sources and limited primary sources, reveals that current software industry practices tend to opt for Scrum-based development. This work highlights the benefits of bringing the cloud and Agile methods of software development together, to fully realize the potential of the distributed paradigm.
Metabolic and hormonal responses to isoenergetic high-intensity interval exercise and continuous moderate-intensity exercise
Authors: Peake Jonathan M. , Tan Sok Joo , Markworth James F. , Broadbent James A. , Skinner Tina L. , Cameron-Smith David
Published: August 2014

This study investigated the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) vs. work-matched moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MOD) on metabolism and counterregulatory stress hormones. In a randomized and counterbalanced order, 10 well-trained male cyclists and triathletes completed a HIIT session [81.6 ± 3.7% maximum oxygen consumption (V̇o2 max); 72.0 ± 3.2% peak power output; 792 ± 95 kJ] and a MOD session (66.7 ± 3.5% V̇o2 max; 48.5 ± 3.1% peak power output; 797 ± 95 kJ). Blood samples were collected before, immediately after, and 1 and 2 h postexercise. Carbohydrate oxidation was higher ( P = 0.037; 20%), whereas fat oxidation was lower ( P = 0.037; −47%) during HIIT vs. MOD. Immediately after exercise, plasma glucose ( P = 0.024; 20%) and lactate ( P < 0.01; 5.4×) were higher in HIIT vs. MOD, whereas total serum free fatty acid concentration was not significantly different ( P = 0.33). Targeted gas chromatography-mass spectromtery metabolomics analysis identified and quantified 49 metabolites in plasma, among which 11 changed after both HIIT and MOD, 13 changed only after HIIT, and 5 changed only after MOD. Notable changes included substantial increases in tricarboxylic acid intermediates and monounsaturated fatty acids after HIIT and marked decreases in amino acids during recovery from both trials. Plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone ( P = 0.019), cortisol ( P < 0.01), and growth hormone ( P < 0.01) were all higher immediately after HIIT. Plasma norepinephrine ( P = 0.11) and interleukin-6 ( P = 0.20) immediately after exercise were not significantly different between trials. Plasma insulin decreased during recovery from both HIIT and MOD ( P < 0.01). These data indicate distinct differences in specific metabolites and counterregulatory hormones following HIIT vs. MOD and highlight the value of targeted metabolomic analysis to provide more detailed insights into the metabolic demands of exercise.
Basolateral P2X4 channels stimulate ENaC activity in Xenopus cortical collecting duct A6 cells
Authors: Thai Tiffany L. , Yu Ling , Eaton Douglas C. , Duke Billie Jean , Al-Khalili Otor , Lam Ho Yin Colin , Ma Heping , Bao Hui-Fang
Published: August 2014

The polarized nature of epithelial cells allows for different responses to luminal or serosal stimuli. In kidney tubules, ATP is produced luminally in response to changes in luminal flow. Luminal increases in ATP have been previously shown to inhibit the renal epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC). On the other hand, ATP is increased basolaterally in renal epithelia in response to aldosterone. We tested the hypothesis that basolateral ATP can stimulate ENaC function through activation of the P2X4 receptor/channel. Using single channel cell-attached patch-clamp techniques, we demonstrated the existence of a basolaterally expressed channel stimulated by the P2X4 agonist 2-methylthio-ATP (meSATP) in Xenopus A6 cells, a renal collecting duct principal cell line. This channel had a similar reversal potential and conductance to that of P2X4 channels. Cell surface biotinylation of the basolateral side of these cells confirmed the basolateral presence of the P2X4 receptor. Basolateral addition of meSATP enhanced the activity of ENaC in single channel patch-clamp experiments, an effect that was absent in cells transfected with a dominant negative P2X4 receptor construct, indicating that activation of P2X4 channels stimulates ENaC activity in these cells. The effect of meSATP on ENaC activity was reduced after chelation of basolateral Ca2+ with EGTA or inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase with LY-294002. Overall, our results show that ENaC is stimulated by P2X4 receptor activation and that the stimulation is dependent on increases in intracellular Ca2+ and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activation.
Multiplex Degenerate Primer Design for Targeted Whole Genome Amplification of Many Viral Genomes
Authors: Gardner Shea N. , Jaing Crystal J. , Elsheikh Maher M. , Peña José , Hysom David A. , Borucki Monica K.
Published: August 2014

Background. Targeted enrichment improves coverage of highly mutable viruses at low concentration in complex samples. Degenerate primers that anneal to conserved regions can facilitate amplification of divergent, low concentration variants, even when the strain present is unknown. Results. A tool for designing multiplex sets of degenerate sequencing primers to tile overlapping amplicons across multiple whole genomes is described. The new script, run_tiled_primers, is part of the PriMux software. Primers were designed for each segment of South American hemorrhagic fever viruses, tick-borne encephalitis, Henipaviruses, Arenaviruses, Filoviruses, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, Rift Valley fever virus, and Japanese encephalitis virus. Each group is highly diverse with as little as 5% genome consensus. Primer sets were computationally checked for nontarget cross reactions against the NCBI nucleotide sequence database. Primers for murine hepatitis virus were demonstrated in the lab to specifically amplify selected genes from a laboratory cultured strain that had undergone extensive passage in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions. This software should help researchers design multiplex sets of primers for targeted whole genome enrichment prior to sequencing to obtain better coverage of low titer, divergent viruses. Applications include viral discovery from a complex background and improved sensitivity and coverage of rapidly evolving strains or variants in a gene family.
Numerical Simulation of Soil Water Movement under Subsurface Irrigation
Authors: Qin Xinqiang , Duan Xianbao , Su Lijun , Shen Xiaoqin , Hu Gang
Published: August 2014

By constructing a radial basis function collocation method combined with a difference method, a two‐dimensional mathematical model with boundary conditions of soil water movement under irrigation is proposed. The nonlinear term is dealt with a difference method and the equation is solved using an implicit scheme. In addition, the existence and uniqueness of the solution to the soil water movement equation are proven. Numerical results show that the proposed method has high precision and is easier to use than traditional methods. Moreover, the selection of parameter c plays an important role in guaranteeing calculation precision. It lays the foundation for the numerical solutions to high‐dimensional soil water movement equations.
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles: Structural Features andIn VivoandIn VitroTherapeutic Effects againstHelicobacter pyloriInduced Gastritis
Authors: Amin Muhammad , Hameed Sadaf , Ali Asghar , Anwar Farooq , Shahid Shaukat Ali , Shakir Imran , Yaqoob Aqdas , Hasan Sara , Khan Safyan Akram , Sajjad-ur-Rahman
Published: August 2014

This study evaluatesin vivoandin vitroanti-Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)efficacy of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) prepared via a cost-effective green chemistry route whereinPeganum harmalaL. seeds extract was used as a reducing and capping agent. The structural features, as elucidated by surface plasmon resonance spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, revealed the Ag-NPs synthesized to be polydispersed in nature and spherical in shape with 5–40 nm size. A typical Ag-NPs suspension (S5), with size being 15 nm, when testedin vitroagainst forty-two local isolates and two reference strains, showed a considerable anti-H. pyloriactivity. In case ofin vivotrial againstH. pyloriinduced gastritis, after oral administration of 16 mg/kg body weight of S5for seven days, a complete clearance was recorded in male albino rates. In comparative time-killing kinetics, S5exhibited dose- and time-dependent anti-H. pyloriactivity that was almost similar to tetracycline and clarithromycin, less than amoxicillin, but higher than metronidazole. Furthermore, S5was found to be an equally effective anti-H. pyloriagent at low (≤4) and high pH with no drug resistance observed even up to 10 repeated exposures while a significant drug resistance was recorded for most of the standard drugs employed. The present results revealed the potential of the synthesized Ag-NPs as safer bactericidal agents for the treatment ofH. pyloriinduced gastritis.
Deletion of Metallothionein Exacerbates Intermittent Hypoxia-Induced Oxidative and Inflammatory Injury in Aorta
Authors: Zhou Shanshan , Wang Yonggang , Tan Yi , Cai Xiaohong , Cai Lu , Cai Jun , Zheng Yang
Published: August 2014

The present study was to explore the effect of metallothionein (MT) on intermittent hypoxia (IH) induced aortic pathogenic changes. Markers of oxidative damages, inflammation, and vascular remodeling were observed by immunohistochemical staining after 3 days and 1, 3, and 8 weeks after IH exposures. Endogenous MT was induced after 3 days of IH but was significantly decreased after 8 weeks of IH. Compared with the wild-type mice, MT knock-out mice exhibited earlier and more severe pathogenic changes of oxidative damages, inflammatory responses, and cellular apoptosis, as indicated by the significant accumulation of collagen, increased levels of connective tissue growth factor, transforming growth factorβ1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1,3-nitrotyrosine, and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal in the aorta. These findings suggested that chronic IH may lead to aortic damages characterized by oxidative stress and inflammation, and MT may play a pivotal role in the above pathogenesis process.
Design and Motion Modeling of an Electromagnetic Hydraulic Power Hump Harvester
Authors: Obeid Hatem Hadi , Jaleel Abdul Kareem , Hassan Nazar Aubays
Published: August 2014

This paper emphasises the idea that the kinetic energy getting wasted while vehicles move can be utilized to generate power by using a special arrangement called “hydraulic power hump.” Hydraulic technology is used to convert linear transient motion into rotational. Dynamic model for the new design has been derived and analyzed based on Lagrange differential equation. Governing differential equations are solved by numerical “Duhamel integral.” Theoretical simulations are carried out to study the features and estimation power. Guidelines are given for the design of this type of power speed humps.
Rateless Space Time Block Code for Massive MIMO Systems
Authors: Alqahtani Ali H. , Sulyman Ahmed Iyanda , Alsanie Abdulhameed
Published: August 2014

This paper presents a rateless space time block code (RSTBC) for massive MIMO systems. The paper illustrates the basis of rateless space time codes deployments in massive MIMO transmissions over wireless erasure channels. In such channels, data may be lost or is not decodable at the receiver due to a variety of factors such as channel fading, interference, or antenna element failure. We show that RSTBC guarantees the reliability of the system in such cases, even when the data loss rate is 25% or more. In such a highly lossy channel, the conventional fixed-rate codes fail to perform well, particularly when channel state information is not available at the transmitter. Simulation results are provided to demonstrate the BER performance and the spectral efficiency of the proposed scheme.